to the preservation of some
few old rolls and public grants and charters, a few extracts of escheats,
and original letters of some eminent persons and pedigrees of others, but
not the hundredth part of much better things that were destroyed.'

One or two extracts from the 'diary and choice notes' will show the
minute attention given by Oldys to everything concerned with books.
Under the date of June 29th, 1737, we read: 'Saw Mr. Ames' old MSS. on
vellum, entitled _Le Romant de la Rose_, which cost forty crowns at Paris
when first written, as appears by the inscription at the end: it had been
Bishop Burnet's book, his arms being pasted in it, and Mr. Rawlinson's,
being mentioned in one of his catalogues; in the same catalogue also is
mentioned Sir William Monson's collection, which Mr. West bought and lent
me before the fatal fire happened at his chambers in the Temple.' Mr.
Thorns adds that Sir William Monson, an Admiral of note in the reign of
James I., formed considerable collections, principally about naval
affairs. Under the date of August 8th, we read of a visit to Strype the
historian. 'Invited by Dr. Harris to his brother's at Homerton, where old
Mr. Strype is still alive, and has the remainder of his once rich
collection of MSS., tracts, etc.' Dr. Knight's letter of a few months'
earlier date was printed by Nichols in his _Literary Anecdotes_. 'I made
a visit to old Father Strype when in town last: he is turned ninety, yet
very brisk, and with only a decay of sight and memory.... He told me that
he had great materials towards the life of the old Lord Burleigh and Mr.
Foxe the martyrologist, which he wished he could have finished, but most
of his papers are in "characters"; his grandson is learning to decipher
them.' Under the dates of September 1st and 7th Oldys records that 'the
Yelverton library is in the possession of the Earl of Sussex, wherein
are many volumes of Sir Francis Walsingham's papers'; and a few days
later, 'Dr. Pepusch offered me any intelligence or assistance from his
ancient collections of music, for a history of that art and its
professors in England; and as to dramatic affairs, he notes that the
Queen's set of Plays had at first been thought too dear; but after Mrs.
Oldfield the actress died, and they were reported to be his collection,
then the Queen would have them at any rate.' When Oldys died his curious
library was purchased by Thomas Davies, and was put up to auction in
1762. The list