C 13 ] 



a curious and valuable work on the origin and progrefs of writing, 

 and of Edmond Malone, Efq; the former of whom from his 

 general knowledge of antiquities and his peculiar means of in- 

 formation, and the latter from his having paid fuch particular at- 

 tention to all writings and manufcripts near that period with a 

 view to elucidate his favourite author, feemed evidently qualified 

 to give a decifive opinion (d). Both thefe gentlemen were fo oblig- 

 ing as to take the trouble of infpeding them, and declared that 

 no doubt could be entertained of their being genuine and authen- 

 tic papers. Mr. Aflle, alfo very politely caufed a fearch to 

 be made in the paper-ofiice, which enabled him to inform the 

 writer that none of Sir P. Hoby's letters to the council nor 

 more than one copy of a letter to him are to be found there, 

 a circumftance which muft render thefe volumes of more impor- 

 tance than they would otherwife be. 



Having thus ftated the reafons for believing the authenticity 

 of thefe papers, a concife account of the contents will be added 

 as the beft means of enabling the reader to judge of their im- 

 portance. 



[B 2] Volume 



(d) The writer was indebted to the Right Honourable the Earl of Charlemont, 

 Prefident of the Royal Irifli Academy, for an introduftion to Mr. Malone, and 

 to the Right Reverend the Bifhop of Limerick for one to Mr. Aftle ; favours 

 much enhanced by the very obliging manner in which they were conferred. 



To fome other members of the Academy as well as to other gentlemen he 

 owes fimilar obligations. 



