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(ADVERTISEMENT.)
HODGSON'S MAP OF WESTMORLAND.
To the Editor of the Kendal Gazette.
SIR, - If any thing were wanting to prove the inconsistency
and the weakness of C Greenwood's statements, his last
letter has fairly placed it beyond a doubt. His own words
convict him. He says that I could have no knowledge of their
proposing a series of County Maps, so long ago as nine
years; for, he asserts, it was not till "four years
afterwards," that we determined upon it: - yet his
Prospectus, published a few weeks since, itself stated that
their Series of Maps had been proceeded in for nearly NINE
YEARS!! Such, again, is C. Greenwood's veracity! He seems
very anxious to falsify my assertions; I will, therefore,
lay before the public, such a statement as will, at once,
convince them of my correctness.
About nine years ago, (when, I believe, C. Greenwood was an
inhabitant of Wakefield,) he, or some of his
"establishment," applied to the persons with whom I was
resident at Sheffield, for the use of their extensive Plans,
to assist him in his Survey of Yorkshire. He was, at that
time, just entering upon the province he would now grasp to
monopolize and, was then comparatively modest in his
pretensions. The favour he solicited was granted, and with
copies of those Plans we furnished him at the lodgings of
his "unequalled establishment," (as he now style
themselves,) the Elephant and Castle, a little Inn, in
Sheffield. This was the source of my knowledge respecting
his proposed undertaking, and I remember it the more
forcibly, that Two Maps of Yorkshire were promised for the
kindness conferred upon them, and during the six years I
afterwards remained there, these tributes of gratitude never
came to hand!
C. Greenwood has now designated my manner of obtaining
Subscribers, as "the most unfair, illiberal, and
unhandsome." The Gentlemen of Westmorland know that such
assertions are unfounded, and will appreciate them
accordingly. My Prospectus, like those of these proprietors,
was laid before the public, at the very time I concluded to
commence, and I cannot but feel truly gratified with the
distinction made in my favour.
In his replies to a "Subscriber" to my Map, who has evinced
such public interest concerning it, C. Greenwood has
intimated, that it is "not reasonable to suppose," I could
produce a Plan equally accurate with theirs" But what has he
himself said of their former productions? His words are,
(speaking of their forthcoming work,)
"Will it be more correct than those we have already
published? CERTAINLY IT WILL!!!" This is quite enough for me
to conclude, that I shall be enabled to execute a Map of
Westmorland, (to say the least of it,) equally accurate with
that of C. Greenwood.
That mine must admit of increased information and
minuteness, from its scale being one third larger is very
evident; and by my personally prosecuting the Survey, its
price is rendered much lower, whilst the Engraving I expect
will be equal if not superior.
C. Greenwood, however, seems wishful to represent, that,
"mensuration with the Chain" is the only operation in my
Survey; but it is well known to many, that I conduct it upon
the scientific basis of Trigonometrical observation. For
this purpose I make use of appropriate Mathematical
Instruments, and apply the Chain, as an indispensable and
vital requisite of admeasurement, for the minutiae of County
Surveying. My labour herein, will appear to the public, when
I state that the whole length I have traced the Chain in
this small County, is not less than 500 miles.
I hope the statements thus made, are such, as will prevent
any further altercation; and I trust the case is now made
clear to every unprejudiced mind.
C. Greenwood concludes by saying, "I have abandoned
nothing," "I am correct in what I have asserted," "I am
perfectly open to conviction," &c. &c. These general
observations amount to nothing, and merely exemplify the
maxim,
Convince a man against his will And he's the same opinion
still!
The public will judge of his merits for themselves, and I
shall only further observe that such unsupported assertions,
together with his personal invectives, evince, in this, as
in many other cases, the last resource of defeated argument.
I am very respectfully,
T. HODGSON.
King's Arms, Shap, 7 Month 31st, 1823.
Also in the Kendal Chronicle 2 August 1823.
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