following fragment of a letter to Mrs. Charlesworth
and the letters which follow.

But as Carlyle is like to make good use of what we can find him, and
make a good English Hero of Oliver--something of a Johnsonian figure--I
hope you will try and pester these Lincoln ladies and gentlemen. I
wrote to Livesey: who once, he says, had a butler named Oliver
Cromwell. That is the nearest approach to history I make through him.

My brother John, after being expected every day this week, wrote
positively to say he could not come to day: and accordingly was seen
to drive up to the Hall two hours ago. *

Believe me, dear Mrs. Charlesworth, yours thankfully,

E. FITZGERALD.

* N.B. I am not at the Hall: but in the Cottage. Pray give my
compliments to all your party

_March_ /44.

BOULGE [1844].

DEAR MRS. CHARLESWORTH,

Contributions from the fens or anywhere else will be good. We must get
out all from the Allenbys. I think I remember in Carlyle's notes that
the _hill_ in Winsby (where the farm house is) was the scene of a daring
attack of Cromwell's: but my memory is bad. Your correspondent says that
bones, spurs, and _urns_ have been found there: the latter look rather as
if the hill were of _Roman note_. I should like it to be clearly told,
_exactly where_ the relics were dug up: whether on the hill or on the
level said to extend from the hill to the west. Mrs. Allenby's first
letter says _that_ was probably the field of battle: her son says the
hill itself was. Also, _exactly what the relics were_. These two points
are the chief I can see to need thorough sifting. I sent Carlyle the
letter: he is now I dare say groaning over it. I have threatened to turn
the correspondence entirely into his hands: so Miss Charlesworth may
expect that. I go to town (I hope for a very short time) next week. John
is yet here: we all like his wife much. Farewell. Yours ever
thankfully,

E. FITZGERALD.

Poor old Mrs. Chaplin {155} is dead! I have found an old lady here to
replace her.

BOULGE, Friday [1844].

DEAR MRS. CHARLESWORTH,

I am sorry for the trouble you have. But I must hope that all that is to
be got from such good authority as the Allenbys will be got, as to
Winsby. _Slash Lane_ promises very well. From the Allenbys let us be
content to reap Winsby field _only_: as it seems they once farmed it, and
let us get as good an account as possible of the look of the fie