LETTER FROM COLONEL CHESTER.

London, 11 May, 1880. DEAR MR. HALLIWELL-PHILLIPPS,

Here is a crucial illustration of the axiom that there was no standard of orthography for surnames down to so late as the latter part of the seventeenth century. I have before me the old parish register of St. Albans Abbey, and it appears that in February, 1680, a Mr. John Wiltshire, according to modern orthography, had three children baptized. The entries were made by the same scribe at the same instant, and yet, in three consecutive lines, he wrote the surname respectively,

Wilcksheir.

Wilcheir.

Wiltcher.

I do not think that I have ever come across a more flagrant instance, and so I communicate

it to you.

Sincerely yours,

Jos. L. CHESTer.

J. O. HALLIWELL-PHILLIPPS, Esq.

THE SEPARATE EDITIONS OF, WITH THE ALTERATIONS DONE BY VARIOUS HANDS;

BY

H. T. HALL,

Author of "Shaksperean Fly Leaves," The May Queen,"

"The Dramatic Album," &c., &c.

SECOND EDITION.

CAMBRIDGE:

H. W. WALLIS, BOOKSELLER, SIDNEY STREET.

PRICE ONE SHILLING AND SIXPENCE.

O

4

SHAKSPERE'S PLAYS:

THE SEPARATE EDITIONS OF, WITH THE ALTERATIONS DONE BY VARIOUS HANDS;

BY

H. T. HALL,

Author of "Shaksperean Fly Leaves," "The May Queen," "The Dramatic Album," &c., &c.

SECOND EDITION.

CAMBRIDGE:

H. W. WALLIS, BOOKSELLER, SIDNEY STREET.