Amble and Hauxley. By J. C. Hodgson. 289 



The last John Widdrington was born about 1731. In 1754 he made 

 a tour in Holland, Belgium, and France. His letters disclose his 

 cultivated taste for music, painting, and sculpture. The following, 

 addressed to Mrs Oarr of Dnnstan Hill, is dated from Amsterdam 

 30th April 1754. 



" Had my vanity whispered that anything from my pen would 

 be acceptable to dear Mrs Carr, I should not now have to make an 



apology for deferring it so long Music and painting have 



each many friends in this watery land, but I know not whether it 

 proceeds so much from true taste as from being deprived of all the 

 active amusements from their situation. Certain it is, however, that 

 some of them excel greatly in both, and had I Mrs Carr's judgment, 

 I should undoubtedly find a very high entertainment, both in one 

 and in the other, since without this advantage I am capable of being 

 greatly pleased. I was particularly so last week at Eotterdam on 

 seeing the private collection of Messieurs Biscops and Brothers, 

 who have laid out upwards of £30,000 in pictures, china, medals, 

 Japan and filligree work, shells, etc., each sort so excellent in its 

 kind, and at once excited both surprise and pleasure. But as I 

 can't give you any idea of them by description, to say more would 

 rather tantalize than divert you. I have taken the opinion of common 

 fame in the purchase of three compositions for the harpsichord, which 

 you'll receive by Captain Ramsay, and shall be glad if the Dutch 

 have been able to hit the taste of so complete a performer. Lord 

 Widdrington desired Leclaire's solos and some music for French horns, 

 which are not to be had, but I have sent a set of concertos in the 

 same box. They cost exactly one guinea, which is the price he limits 

 — you'll be so good as order them to be sent him. Captain Ramsay 

 has also a Dresden apron for you. It is flower'd all over, which is 

 the present fashion on this side of the water, and wish it may come 

 safe to your hands and without meeting the eyes of the Custom 

 House Argusses. We have still winter here, which adds to the 

 natural unhealthiuess of this climate, but I am well even in Amsterdam 

 where the air is the worst in the Seven Provinces. My best respects 

 to my uncle, and beg leave to subscribe myself your very affectionate 

 nephew, 



J. WIDDRINGTON. 

 Please tell my father I am well. 



Captain Samuel Edward Cook, R.N., who assumed the name of Widdring- 

 ton, (see table, page 99, Gen. vii.) hung in Chatton Church French colours 

 taken by him when serving on board the Swallow. (See Club's Proc, Vol. 

 VII., p. 67.) Dr. Hardy reminds the writer that to him were dedicated some 

 of the verses of James Service, the Chatton poet ; and enumerates the 



WiDDRiNGTONiA Endlicher — the Widdringtonia genus of Coniferae — 

 named by Professor Endlicher in honour of Captain Widdrington. The 

 species are well adapted for conservatories or winter gardens, but too 

 tender to plant in the open air in Britain, save in the warmest parts. 

 LL 



