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History of the Roman
Wall
Book review
The History of the Roman Wall, which crosses the
Island of Britain, from the German Ocean to
the Irish Sea. Describing its Antient State, and its
Appearance in the Year 1801. By W. Hutton,
F.A.S.S The Second Edition; with Corrections. 8vo.
pp. 404. Nichols, Son and Bentley.
WE heartily rejoice to meet again with our old friend Mr.
Hutton, 'who at full twenty years beyond the age of man,
still enjoys his strong mental faculties,' - in a new dress
indeed; but in a garb that much becomes him; and are much
pleased to see his honest physiognomy in the front.
In an Advertisement to this Second Edition, Mr. Nicholson
observes,
'The kind intentions of my highly-respected Friend Mr.
Hutton, in presenting me with this Work, were frustrated by
an unfortunate accident, which consumed all the Copies of it
that were then unsold. - Enough, however, were in the hands
of the publick, to establish its character, and considerably
increase the reputation of its ingenious Author. - The good
opinion I originally entertained of the Work, is so strongly
confirmed by the unanimous approbation of the various
Periodical Criticks; that I cannot resist selecting some
passages from the principal ones.'
Copious extracts are then given from the Monthly Review,
British Critic, Critical Review, Aikin's Annual Review, and
Gentleman's Magazine, &c. all highly commendatory of the
Work; which is, indeed,as Mr. Aikin justly describes it, a
very 'amusing and interesting portion of Topographical
History. The lively and cheerful manners of the Author
captivate the fancy, and we follow him through the progress
of his journey with sympathy and curiosity.'
The Advertisement also contains a very interesting Letter
from Miss Hutton, written some years ago to S. S. Pratt,
esq. (who had requested her to furnish him with some
particulars of her Father's Journey,) which our Readers, we
are confident, will peruse with pleasure:
'Dear Sir, - Our summer's excursion in 1801 was ardently
wished for by us both. My Father's object was, to see the
Roman Wall; mine, the Lakes of Cumberland and Westmoreland.
We talked it over, by our fire-side, every evening of the
preceding winter. He always insisted upon setting out on
foot, and performing as much of the journey as he should be
able in the same manner. I made little objection to his
plan: reserving myself for a grand attack at last. - When
the time drew near, I represented to my Father that it as
impossible he should walk the whole way; though I agreed
with him that he could walk a considerable part: the only
difference between us was, whether he should ride to prevent
mischief, or after mischief was done. I besought him, with
tears, to go as far as Liverpool in a carriage, and walk
afterwards as he might find expedient; but he was
inflexible. All I could obtain was, a promise that he would
take care of himself. - I rode on a pillion behind a
servant; and our mode of travelling was this. My Father
informed himself at a night how he might get out of the
house next morning, before the servants were stirring. He
rose at four o'clock, walked to the end of the next stage,
breakfasted, and waited for me. I set out at seven; and,
when I arrived at the same inn, breakfasted also. When my
Father had rested two hours, he set off again. When my horse
had fed properly, I followed; passed my Father on
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