The author well knew Mr. Thistlethwaite, the friend of our bard, and who, in his letter to Dean Milles, was the first to deny to Chatterton, (and that most strenuously,) the ability of producing Rowley. In an interview, however, with him, in the year 1798, Mr. Thistlethwaite had evidently modified his views on the subject, and, at that time, testified even zeal in exalting the capacity of Chatterton.

The late Mr. George Catcott also appeared to be shaken in his reliance on Rowley, and, in one of his last conversations, emphatically declared, that " Chatterton's talents were equal to any thing."

The writer may also further state, in these slight reminiscences, that when he once named to Mrs. Newton, Chatterton's sister, that he had satisfactorily ascertained that her brother was the writer of the whole of Rowley, her countenance suddenly brightened, and, with a singularly arch smile, she replied, "Aye, to be sure any body might have seen that with half an eye."

But the more conclusive remarks now follow.

ESSAY VI.

ON

CHATTERTON's ARMORIAL BEARINGS.

THERE are preserved, in the British Museum, nine distinct escutcheons, drawn by Chatterton, as being his family arms.

No. 1. Has the following description attached to it, by

Chatterton: "Descended from Sire De Chasteautonne, of the House of Rollo, the First Duke of Normandy, and Eviligina, of Ghent.