that James Bentham was not the Author of the work attributed to him, could not come with a better grace from any other than the Editor, who is the Author's only Son, and whose duty it should be to endeavour to remove any unfavourable impressions these Notes may have made on the minds of such persons as have seen, or are in possession of, copies of them; and it has not been from any wish to disseminate scandal or untruth that they are now published, but from a knowledge of the unworthy use that has frequently been made of documents of a similar description, after the demise of those persons in whose powers it might have been, whilst living, to have refuted them; and a wish that the Author of a Book which has received praise from so many quarters, should not with impunity be robbed of the reputation his labours have so well merited." Mr. Bentham says, he would have given me credit for the preceding seutiments, had I communicated them to him in writing; and that by mentioning these Notes on the title-page, and consequently in the advertisements of my Book, I appear to consider them as of greater importance than other articles in the same Collection. The Rev. Gentleman cannot but know that, in miscellaneous Publications like the one in question, it is no uncommon practice to mention any one article which may happen to occupy the greatest number of pages; and in a small duodecimo, containing 54 distinct Anecdotes and Memoranda of Books or their Authors, comprised in 132 pages, to have inserted on the title-page the only one occupying eighteen of the number, might, I should have thought, have met with a more liberal construction from the Reverend Gentleman, who, by admitting that he has documents and letters in his possession to disprove the assertions of Mr. Cole, and which he intends publishing in a Supplement, for the vindication of his Father, tacitly acknowledges his acquaintance with these Notes previous to my publication of them. If this presumption be correct, I think no blame can attach to me for their publication. If I have given a wrong interpretation to Mr. Bentham's letter, and the event proves him to have been unacquainted with Cole's Notes in 1812, and that he had no knowledge of them until the appearance of the Olie in 1814, I humbly beg his pardon for any the least severity of remark I may have been incautiously led into; and can assure him I had sufficient materials to have filled the pages these Notes occupy, with much greater satisfaction to myself, as well, perhaps, as that of the Purchasers who have done me the honour of perusing the Work. Yours, &c. WILLIAM DAVIS. In vindicating myself, and explaining my intentions and opinions, I shall avoid all personal remark, or censure of my rivals; yet I fancy they will not have much cause to congratulate themselves for the public are always impartial and critical jurors, and will justly appreciate the real and relative merits of two opponents. Had not Mr. Storer's and Mr. Wild's friends instituted this enquiry, I should not have been the first to court a comparison of publications; but should have continued to purchase their works; profited by their merits; and endeavoured to avoid their defects. Competition in literature, as well as in trade, is beneficial to the publick: hence they are better accommodated, though the competitors suffer. the course of your career, Mr. Urban, you have encountered some rivals; but, after a short-lived struggle, each has fallen, and very few of them are now recognized. Since I commenced my "Architectural Antiquities in 1805, several Artists, Authors, Engravers, and Publishers, have commenced works of a similar nature; and it may be safely said, that every one 1814] Mr. Britton's Vindication of his "Cathedral Antiquities." 415 one of these has either sunk after a very short career, or after continuing for some time, has been seen at the retail shops, much reduced in price, and depreciated in estimation. This has not arisen from a want of public encouragement, but from want of integrity, perseverance, and judgment in their Editors and Authors. These : people, however, are the first to complain, and the most boisterous in animadverting on their successful rivals. It would be easy to point out many of these, and develope their cause of failure; but this Exposé will be more apposite to an " Historical Review of Periodical Literature." If Mr. Storer wishes to see the original Prospectus for the Architectural Antiquities, he may be easily gratified: for I am not ashamed of displaying that, or of any other pledge I have individually made to the publick. I am fully aware, however, that in many instances the execution of some works may not have been precisely commensurate with my promises and wishes: but the liberal critick will make allowances, and not condemn me for the errors or negligence of Draftsmen, Engravers, or Printers. Some failures of this kind have given me much pain; for I need not hesitate to declare, that a desire to produce excellence is my first and greatest ambition, and is a source of continued solicitude: every one who cooperates with me in this object is esteemed as a valued friend; but the negligent, or dishonourable, has my determined and unequivocal enmity. This feeling has often involved me in unpleasant animosity; and provoked public and private hostility: for I haveunfortunately met with two or three of the latter description. It gives me much pleasure, however, to bear testimony to the integrity, good sense, and good taste, that prevail among the majority of Artists with whom I have associated. These constitute the character of the class; those the exceptions. These attach respectability and honour to themselves, to the Arts, and to their Country; whilst those are shunned and despised, become miserable and degraded in their own opinion, and then endeavour to traduce others to their own unhappy standard. Mr. S. lays his chief stress on a detached and incomplete passage, which be has also thought proper to misrepresent. Let us shew how he has given it: how it is, and how it was, intended by the Writer: and thus shew that Mr. S., "A Friend at Home," and "Mr. T. Green," have been either deceived in their own estimation of my opinions and motives; or have thought proper to misinterpret them, for the purpose of advocating their own, or their friend's cause. Mr. S. makes me say, that my work "is intended to supersede the necessity of all other publications on the same subject," and then infers that I assume "exclusive excellence." On the publication of the 40th and concluding Part of my Architectural Antiquities, and the 2d of the Cathedral Antiquities, I asserted that my literary studies and pursuits would, for the future, be almost wholly confined to the latter work, "from a partiality to the subject from the high interest and amusement it affords to the Antiquary and Historian-from an ambition to produce a work honourable to all the Artists concerned in its execution: a beautiful specimen of the embellished Literature of the Country; and THUS CALCULATED to supersede the necessity of other publications on the same subject. Many may contend for public favour and patronage: but that work alone will be permanently successful which is the best, and approaches nearest to excellence." On re-considering this passage (which certainly was penned with the utmost rapidity) I do not perceive any thing to retract, or a sentiment that tends to reproach my liberality. I may, however, explain one part more directly and clearly to the apprehension of some persons. Among the most fastidious Artists, and whose opinions are therefore most valuable,it has been often remarked that there was a fundamental defect in all works hitherto published on Antiquities in being either wholly architectural, picturesque, slight, or superficial: and thus, although there were often several publications on the same subject or building, another, or other works were still required. This general remark was illustrated by referring to various publications, which it will not be expedient for me to specify here. Suffice it to observe, that, feeling the propriety and justuess of this opinion, and having devoted fifteen years almost wholly to this branch 416 Mr. Britton's Vindication of his "Cathedral Antiquities." [Nov. branch of study, I have been induced to form the plan of the "Cathedral Antiquities" on a scale sufficiently comprehensive to obviate these objections; and thus, if executed according to the plan proposed, and by the Artists specified, it is calculated to supersede the necessity of any other, or future publication on the same subject. This is my wish; and this will influence my exertions: but still it may fall, from various causes, and the further the work may be removed from excellence, the greater certainty will there be of success for other Artists and Authors. But if, as I hope, the Architectural plans, elevations, and details, the picturesque views, with the history and description, be correct and ample; and each Cathedral be fully and accurately elucidated; I presume there cannot be much necessity for other similar works. Still there are numerous Antiquarian and Picturesque objects various ways of treating these variety of tastes and dispositions in purchasers as well as in the "makers of books;" and therefore the "racecourse of fame" is open to all: many may start for the plate, but some will be distanced; and I still contend that his work only "will be permanently successful, that is the best, and approaches nearest to excellence."The discomfited may be vexed and complain; but they will act more honourably and wisely by striving to surpass the best, than by sinister acts endeavouring to level them to their own standard. a Mr. S. again sadly mistakes my meaning, and misrepresents my longestablished opinion, in saying that I intimate or apprehend "a decline in the Arts," and therefore infer that I am vain enough, or foolish enough, to fancy that the Cathedral Antiqui'ties cannot be surpassed. Such a remark might have escaped me twenty years ago but one great object of study is, to teach humility, and to shew how comparatively little and unimportant are all our past productions; and how necessary it is to persevere with zeal to study with avidity to analyze and criticise our own works, and those of our successful rivals; not with a disposition to traduce theirs, but to obtain profitable, knowledge. Although I am peculiarly fortunate in my coadjutors, and expect to see much excellence in the productions of Mackenzie, Blore, the two Le Keux's, Baxter, and two or three other Artists now employed on the Cathedral Antiquities; yet I hope to live to see several other Artists of equal or of superior talents, and am also confident that each of these will continue to improve in his respective branch of art. It gratifies me to learn that Mr. Dodsworth, the Verger of Salisbury Cathedral, furnished Mr. Storer with "much valuable information " respecting that Cathedral; for the publick is thereby benefited. I wish it were in my power to thank that Gentleman for similar favours; or was enabled to see his "History, &c. of the See of Salisbury," which Mr. S. refers to, and pronounces to be "by far the most accurate, complete, and even elegant, which has hitherto appeared, or can appear for some time to come on the subject." Bravo! Mr. Storer, this is puffing with a vengeance: not collateral or collusive; but direct, positive, and unqualified. Alas! alas! my poor efforts will be nugatory; Mr. Mackenzie and the Le Keux's will strive in vain; and Mr. Whittingham's typography must be equally subordinate. The volume, however, referred to by Mr. Storer, with so much evident sarcasm at my insignificant work, has not yet made its appearance; and when I was at Salisbury, Mr. Dodsworth even objected to shew me one page of it. Mr. Urban, pray excuse me for taking up so much of your time and room: if I have said more about self than appears to you expedient or proper, be so good as remember that I have been forced into this course of self-defence: that my rivals have chal lenged a comparison of works, and thatI must either accept the challenge, or be deemed a coward: that they have chosen your arena for the contest; and I feel confident you will see that nothing but what is just, fair, and honourable, be admitted. Let there be no hired Knights, or 'Squires; but let every one come forward in his own proper person, lawfully armed, and properly accoutred: let us have no secret daggers, or poison, but contend like Englishmen, and then I shall cheerfully sign myself J. BRITTON. Mr. |