The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-05-06 00:00:00

PASIIION.4BLE IVTELLIGENCE.

Harness de Willoughby entertained a distinguished party at
dinner on Tuesday. at her house, Whitehall; suiting whom were,
Hail Clare, }tail tiocksavage, Lord A. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Ar.,
butlinot, Mr. sneyd, Mr. Campbell, Ate.
The Karl of Forutseue entertained the Directors of the Ancient
Music. the Alarcuis of lamsdown, and a large party, at dinner
yesterday, at his 1 (.11%. in limo-emir-square.
Earl :whim had a dimmer party yesterday, at his house in At-
. lingion.streat.
Mr. and Mrs. Arbuthnot had a large party at dinner yesterday,
at thur house, 11.11iteliniLitince.
The nuke of Gloucester liati a I.7ard dinner party yesterday at
('muster I louse, Perk-lane.
The Earl of llednor has arrived at his brine in Lawer Grosvenor-
street, 1141111 his seat, Longford Castle, Wilts.
Sir Welkin and Lady 'fanjet Wm. Wynn, and family, ar-
. rived 011 Tuesday at their house in St. James's-square, from their
Peat in Wales. - _ _

A GENERAL
INQUIRY I. ANCIENT ARMOUR:
As IT EXISTED IN EUROPE, NUT PARTII ULMALT sw Edo.
LAND, FROM THE NORMAN CONMUEST TO THE UNION OF
KING I:HAILER II.; WITH A GLOSSAVY OF MILITANT
Tsar's or THE 31IDDLI; Auks. IN Toss:, VOLUMES.

By SAMUEL RUSII MEVRICK, LLD. and F.S.A.
(Jcnuingi.)

The style in which these magnificent volumes are got
up, entitles this " (knrral Inquiry into Aneiroti Armeur"
to be considered as a national work, and,—which i' renally
creditable to the spirit of the publisher and to the liberal j
patronage of literature and the arts in this country,—it is i
such a work as, on the same subject, no nation but our I
own can show. England has contributed more towards
this branch of knowledge than all Europe Insider', and the
name of the present writer is a sufficient pleeige for the ac-
curacy of the information it conveys. The Itugiiry here
pursued, branches out into a great variety of collateral
topics, which well deserve the attention of the philosopher,
and will amply repay the research of the man of letters. It
embraces some of the most curious incidents in the history
of human nature, and furnishes the best materials tawardit
illustrating that infinite and endless contrast which exhibits
itself in the character of our species. Man seems to be, for
the most part, like other animals, variously constituted, and
impressed from his origin with a difit'reut temperament both
of mind and body. Reason and the passions, when left to
themselves, seem, under different latitudes, to take a different
direction. In the nations where nature has been left to
grow wild, the natives, like the large species of ants, which
Huber denominates Amazons, appear to have been maraud-
ers from the beginning ; they plague and plunder each
'other without remorse, and, like those restless and unruly
insects, they catty on a species of shire trade, and recog-
nise no right but the right of the stronge:.t. Others, like
the nations of the lately-discove re it island of Loo-enno, en-
Ijoy their natural state of freedom in peace and quietness,
and observe the rules of hospitality and the maxima of
justice so religiously, that it might puzzle a missionary to
account for the contrast ; and this too, witkotit any visit-
iase inspectors from oar A+ lend, and without any niel
from those pious preceptors who have hitherto kept " our
church universal in the right way."
Amongst the most disorderly of our species, the strongest
have, in all ages, been made sensible of their trealatess ;
' and in the rudest states of society, tone means or other of
defence have been invented, which might " make inners:ice
'double sure." The war-mat of the South-sea Inlanders, and
the wicker shields of the Japanese, are but prototypes of
the helmet and breast-plate which defended our hardly lees
barbarous ancestors from
" The iron sleet and Jeremy shower,"
which mowed them clown in reptedrons, and consigned
them to their winding-sheet in spite of their twisted mail.
The origin of defensive armour is as ancient as the earliest
, era of the arts ; it, in fact, is so ancient, that its origin is
1 mythological. 'l' ice indefatigable researches of our author
e has left us nothing to desire on the score of information, as
I to its introduction and progress, in every age and in every
1 elation to which it can faithfully be traced. It is, as con-
-1 meted with our own country, that the majority of readers
I will deem it most interesting, and on this bend our curio-
sity is amply gratified. Our warlike forefathers have left
' their memorials in our churches and abbeys, wherever they
could put them on record. They have made their very
tombs their armour-beaten. We find them stretched in
" grim repose," with their swords in quiet by their sides,
but braced and buckled up, as if they were one day to give
an account of their " feats in arena," and expected they
should only rise again to answer the question of
" Beard y,e the din of battle bray,
Lance to lance, and horse to horse ?"
But to the philosopher all this will elucidate the character
of the human mind ; and to the historian it will mark the
trimmers of the age, and the condition of the times.
" Some of the customs," says the author, " which had
their origin in those military achievements, of which the
following pages treat, ettabilsli the varying fashions and
modes of the world, in attempting the acme general object
of personal defence from age to age; others the permaneary
of some national habits and manners; others again arc
curiously connected with the etymology of modern lane
Piarle In the significant, but sometimes bumble wrap-
ping 0. craite round the left arm of the military,, pr metern-
I ing, who would recognise the kerclaf of idrattumer, pre-
sented anciently by his • sovereige 'tally' to her chosen
knight, which booted him to heeesereiee, end with which
he must not part but with his life? 'Yet such is its origin.
On the other hand, the scull-cap and shield of the Turks
and Saracens, in the first crusade (11 Hi), an expedition
which diverted the eldest son of the Conqueror from assert-
ing his right to the throne of England, arc precisely those
of the military among the Georgian and t'ireessian tribes
at this day. or, it is hoped, will the etymologist despise
one aid when we instance dug as signifying a pistol, while
pis/obese implies a dagger, and semi-Mtge a corruption of 1
arymitar, as showing that conclusions should not ba too
readily formed from sounds; when we exhibit our Dilli
... ----..-- ---- ---- -- - _____
GOON/ as ' being in all languages called so, because a mus-
We have received the Paris Journals of Monday evening. keteer on horseback, with his burning match, riding a gal-
-lln the morning of that day, the offices of Ardouin, Hubard, lop, as many times he (loth, may something resemble that
and Co. were visited by a great number of persons bekr- beast which naturalists cull a fiery dragon ; and when we
ing the bonds of the Loan of the Cortee, who came to de- shew that the tides of knights eucountering,fiery dropsa
mend the payment of their half-year's interest. This in the Holy Land, took their origin front the dread in-
payment not hieing made, they won to the Exchseege, spired by the (heck fire ejected from tubes, with rumfes
' where they vented their discontent, ascribing their tuts- made to resemble those of that fabulous animal. To thaw
fortune to M. Guebliard, and said—" Down with the who are interested in more modern warfare, it will probe-
Loan of M. Cuebliard." This cry, which was several bly excite sonic interest that our researches have enabled
times repeated, caused a momentary inteiruption on us to fix the first use of small fire-arms to the year 1430,
'Change; one or two persons having been induced to go and that ualiefe we find them in the county of Durham.
away, tranquillity was restored ; wiwn three genel'armes if Bin a main object of this work is to establish that
:reelectl at the gate of the street Notre Dame des Victoires. rhronolvy "I' costume, with respect to ancient arms and
'flee Constiorlienne/ represents the affray as rather more 1 armour, which has hitherto been so imperfectly regarded
serious. and the appearance of the gend'annes as having alike by writers, painters, and dramatists of modern times.
been followed by several arrests. Lieutenant-General Zeal for the truth of history requires us to remind modern
Count de Bourmont arrived in Paris on satunlsy morning, writers anti artists, that the barons of King John were tun
and immediately called on the Duke of Angoulenre• liabited, as they are commonly painted, in the knightly
The t'rien. Con. action, in which a celebrated tragedian accoutrements of Edward the hint:, and that a sepulchral
will figure as the defendant, is expected to be tried this effigy, clothed in armour of Itichanl the Second's time.
Term, or shoring the sittings after Term. The plaintiff i cannot represent Ithys Prince of Wales, a cotemporary of
(it has before been mentioned) is a persen whose civic henry the Second, although it is confidently made to weer
rank entitles him by rotation to the highest city honours. his name in the frontispiece of a respectable historical
'flee defendant is shortly to embark for America, where he work. The full feeling and effect of historical aneolotes
will again exercise his splendid talents. and incidents sometimes depend essentially on our acquaint-
On the return of a fashionable frail one the other day ante with ancient armour. An example or two will suffice.
frem the Continent, the lady was met at Rochester by William the conguer„, to crush the rebellion of his roe,
her injured husband, who pathetically explained to her besieged the castle of Gerberoy, on the borders of Nor-
that his house could no longer he an asylum for imputed 1 manly. During the siege, Robert, in a vigorous sally.
irregularity, and that they must part fur ever. The fair !engaged a knight envel in armour, wounded hit
ore is reported to have received this intelligence with the ! the ante, and unhorsetlhim tit
ore At the moment of his fall
same philosophical indifference which site exhibited during' his helmet "wee,' back, and be discovered that his ants-
her voyage across the Channel, in a moment of imminent '
1 gonist was—his father ! With a true chivalrous feeling he
danger, and directed the poetiilions to thrive to Tunbridge dinnounted with precipitation, respectfully assisted Wile
Wells. The wealthy husband is reported to have given up Ham to regain his hone, and mantled him to depart.
to the lady the whole of' her own fortune, amounting to The armour of that day covered the threat and head,
nearly one hundred thousand pounds, and her jewels, leaving the face exposed: the helmet was a mere skull-
which are stated to be of immense value. There is to be cap. How, then, are we to understand this interesting
no Crim. Con. aetion.-21forning l'aper. Scene? A circumstance apparently trifling is all that is
It is proposed to establish a permament Refuge far Pea- wanting. This skull-cap was furnished with a broad piece
titute and Houseless Persons in the city of London ; and of steel which covered the nose, and was termed a aural,
else premises now occupied as the London 11'orkleouse so that the instant it was put on the features were ton par-
have been suggested as suited to the purposes of such an tially seen to be recognised. In the fall it might be thrown',,
institution. back, and thus discover the wearer."
Ti.v. Petere enen.—The Duke of Orleans, when Re-
It is obvious that every requisite which personal incluse
gent, had ocerneion to be very angry with Lord Stair, be-
tr and external assistance could procure, towards the. per-
I cause he believed that he hail done hint an ill-office with
feetion of this work, has been soughßwith success.
the King of England• seed prevented the latter from en-
v ring into thee alliance with France and Holland. If that " The materials," the author himself tells us, " for the
alliance had taken place. the Regent could have pre- undertaking have bees espies (accurate as far as poweble to
vented the Pretender from beginning his journey ; but as obtain them) of ancient seals, illurninatione, painted glass,
England refused and monuments, which, when chronologically arranged,
to do so, the 'hike was Obliged to do
nothing but what was stipulated fur by the treaty of peace ; have been compared with extracts from historians end poets,
front wills, inventories of armour, anti royal ordinances;
that is to say, not to succour the Pretender with money
nor arms. lie ordered, in Lord Stair's presence, towels, and here the author would acknowledge the kindness (dm,
friend Major Smith, his coadjutor in the cosenne ut the
' Major of the Guard, to arrest the Pretetider on his passage
thiough Chateau-Thierry ; but it is said that Commies original inhabitants of the British isles, in the loan of his
was well acquainted with the Regent's secret intentions, memoranda and drawings. The usefal hints of his much
' nd set out, reselved not to find what he went in search of.. esteetned friend, that most able and critical antiquary,
Tits Geet.x Revemeriox.—A most admirable Work Fte•re cis Douce, Esq., and the valuable communications
his jest appeared, on the origin and progress of the ti: eel Revolt'. on all that relates to Scotch armour, from one ne Lee to he
tine,
tine, &r. lay E. Illaryuiere, Esq. Among the extrnaratinary events admired for his private virtues than hit boundless talents,
' of modern times. none have occurred of more po.erfail interest than' his good friend, Ste WALTER SCOTT, Bart.
those which continue to agitate the clank shores of Greece; and 1 „,, i
,
' yet, bow imperfectly arc they known b us! It is trite we neva- ! lne numerous illustrative plates with which theme vo-
skarn, bear of battles, massecre s, and bumming.; hut no analysis limes are enriched, the splendid and costly style in which '
of the Week character, no accurate or connected account of their they are illuminated, and the elaborate pains bestowed upon
notes smuggle for independence, new any rational hypothesis re-. their execution throughout, render this work highly worthy 1111
: gardleg its result, could possibly he formed. until Mr. Blaquiers's. „a.
s petronage it faineance' iron his Ala..
' Sabi Ilbe the cause led him to visit .. the Isle,' of ttrsece, where "
kudos Sappho loved and sung"—the only plan,
indeag, by jesty, to whom it is dedicated, and whose competency to
iiiidt redwing materials ter such a Work ceuel be collected. the munificeni -- • e- •-. t e ., • e
appreciate the value of its contents is well known.

The Karl and !'monies of Darlington and family arrived yea-
tet 'lay. at their house in St. James's-Noire, from Cheltenham.
m Avahi at lemon's lintel, St. Jantes'autreet --John Lesion.
Esq., from his seat in Haute ; Captain 311oulevy and Captain
Tigh, from Paris.
Arrival+ at Jordan's lintel, St. James's-street:—Mr. and Mrs.
Bolton and family, from their seat, near Liverpool , John Taylor,
El: from his seat, Spring-grove, ll'omestershire. Mr. and Mrs.
Hall have left ditto, fur Paris.
The are. Mr. Duncan and the Rev. Mr. Lee hare arrived at
the Itriti.h Ilcxel, Jermyn-street, from Oxford.
Mr. and Mrs. Itigip and family attired yesterday at the Water-
loo Ilutcl, Jennyn-aircet, from their mat, Antrim, Ireland.
Lord and Lady Caatlecoote are at the St. l'etcrsburgh
Dover-street.

-----
Arrivals at Kirkhani's Hotel, Lower Brook-street:—The
Bishop of Litchfield and Mrs. Ruder, from Litridield ; Mr. and
31rit. Tempest, from divir seat in Vorkiihire: Ind Thomas Cecil,
from Lincolnshire; Sir Henry and Lady rllathiss, from Bath.
Captain and kits. Masco and family, and Mrs. Factor, have
arrived at Blake's Hotel, Jemirn.street, from Dover.
Arrivals at MivArt's Hotel, Lower Brook-street Bryan.
Esq. arid Mrs. Bryan and family from the Continent; &igen
Wyatt Edgell Esq. and Mrs. and the Minn Erigell. from I.:Khan,
Surrey ; William !Amnon, Esq. and Mrs. Laininon and family
Lady and 311 its Allen, from !laming;; Thornton, Esq. and
Mrs. and the Misses 'Thornton, front a tour; Sir Si. Vincent Cat-
ion, from a tour; Lord Dorchester. from a tour. Departures:—
William Hutton, Esq. and Mr.. flldten and fkorily, for 4=l
*eat., Lancashire; William Mount, Eaq. and Mrs.
family, for Waxing-Ow, Newham!,
_Barka ; Thomas Staples, Eat
' and Mts. Staples famq, fee MIL