Chapter C: Hindley, Esq.,

(of Brighton,)
8, Booksellers' Row,
Strand, W.C.

The proposed interview took place at the Rectory-house, on the 10th of November, and was of a very delightful and intellectual character. The reverend gentleman found me an apt scholar in all matters with respect to his favourite "Hobby-horse," viz:--the Brothers Bewick and their Works. All the rich and rare Bewickian gems were placed before me for inspection, and all the desired assistance I needed at his hands was freely offered and ultimately carried out. During our conversation the learned Rector said:--

"I look upon it as a curious fact that you should have been of late
occupying your leisure in working out your own ideas of Catnach and
his Times, because, while I was in the office at Monmouth-court, where
I went several times to look out all the examples of Bewick I could
find, and which I afterwards purchased of Mr. Fortey--the person who
has succeeded to the business of the late James Catnach, I one day
caught nearly the same notion, but it was more in reference to OLD
LONDON CRIES: as I possess a fairly large collection of nicely
engraved wood-blocks on the subject, that I met with in 'Canny
Newcassel,'--in some of which it is asserted, and can hardly be
denied, that Thomas Bewick had a hand. I have since used the set in my
'BEWICK'S WOODCUTS.' But, alas!--_Tempus fugit_, and all thoughts on
the subject got--by reason of my having so much to do and think
of--crowded out of my memory. Now, sir, as you seem to have much more
leisure time than myself, I shall be happy to turn the subject-matter
over to you and to assist in every way in my power."

I thanked the rev. gentleman, at the same time promising to bear the suggestion in mind for a future day.

WEST HACKNEY RECTORY, AMHURST ROAD, WEST,
STOKE NEWINGTON, N., _14th Nov., 1876_.

DEAR SIR,

Accept my best thanks for your letter, books, and promises of future
gifts, all of which I cordially accept.

To-morrow, if all be well, I shall have time to look out the Blocks,
and they shall be with you soon afterwards.

Very truly yours,
Thomas Hugo.

C. HINDLEY, ESQ., Rose Hill Terrace,
Brighton.

W. H. R. _29th Nov._ [1876.]

DEAR SIR,

Herewith the Block. I have made a few corrections (of fact) in your
proof.

Yours sincerely,
T. H.