Fielding's residence in Barnes is no less illusive. The following passage occurs in the edition of 1795 of _Lyson's Environs of London_: "Henry Fielding, the celebrated Novelist, resided at Barnes, in the house which is now the property of Mr Partington." [2] In the edition of 1811 the house is described as "now the property of Mrs Stanton, widow of the late Admiral Stanton." [3] In Manning and Bray's _Surrey_ the name of the house is given: "On Barnes Green is a very old house called Milbourne House.... It was once the residence of Henry Fielding the celebrated novel writer. The widow of Admiral Stanton is the present owner of this house." [4] The Barnes Rate-books appear to throw no light on the date of Fielding's residence at Milbourne House. It is noteworthy that both the Barnes and Salisbury statements indicate a man of some means, living as befitted a Fielding. [1] _History of Wiltshire_. Sir R. C. Hoare; volume entitled "Old and New Sarum or Salisbury," by R. Benson and H. Hatcher, 1843. p 602. [2] Lysons. _Environs of London_, edition of 1795. Vol. i. part iii. p. 544. [3] _Ibid_. Edition 1811. Vol. i. p. 10. [4] Manning and Bray. _History of Surrey_, 1814, vol. iii. p. 316. APPENDIX I _An undated letter of Fieldings to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu_ The following undated letter is printed in _The Letters and Works of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu_ edited by Lord Wharncliffe and W. M. Thomas. Lord Wharncliffe includes it with the letters from originals among the Wortley papers. [1] Wednesday evening Madam,--I have presumed to send your ladyship a copy of the play which you did me the honour of reading three acts of last spring, and hope it may meet as light a censure from your ladyship's judgment as then; for while your goodness permits me (what I esteem the greatest, and indeed only happiness of my life) to offer my unworthy performances to your perusal, it will be entirely from your sentence that they will be regarded, or disesteemed by me. I shall do myself the honour of calling at your ladyship's door to-morrow at eleven, which, if it be an improper hour, I beg to know from your servant what other time will be more convenient. I am with the greatest respect and gratitude, madam, Your ladyship's most obedient, most devoted humble servant. [1] Letters and Works of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, edited by Lord Wharncliffe and W. M. Thomas. Vol. ii. p. 3, note I, and p. 22. APPENDIX J FIELDING'S _Tom Thumb_ This play appears to have carried some political significance in Fielding's day; if it was not, indeed, written with a political intention. This may be gathered from an article in the _Daily Post_ of March 29, 1742, apropos of a performance of the _Tragedy of Tragedies_, that night, at Drury Lane. The article attributes, in detail, political intentions to the _Tragedy_--"a Piece at first calculated to ridicule some particular Persons and Affairs in Europe (at the Time it was writ) but more especially in this Island."