But as Carlyle is like to make good use of what we can find him, and make a good English Hero of Oliver--something of a Johnsonian figure--I hope you will try and pester these Lincoln ladies and gentlemen. I wrote to Livesey: who once, he says, had a butler named Oliver Cromwell. That is the nearest approach to history I make through him. My brother John, after being expected every day this week, wrote positively to say he could not come to day: and accordingly was seen to drive up to the Hall two hours ago. * Believe me, dear Mrs. Charlesworth, yours thankfully, E. FITZGERALD. * N.B. I am not at the Hall: but in the Cottage. Pray give my compliments to all your party _March_ /44. BOULGE [1844]. DEAR MRS. CHARLESWORTH, Contributions from the fens or anywhere else will be good. We must get out all from the Allenbys. I think I remember in Carlyle's notes that the _hill_ in Winsby (where the farm house is) was the scene of a daring attack of Cromwell's: but my memory is bad. Your correspondent says that bones, spurs, and _urns_ have been found there: the latter look rather as if the hill were of _Roman note_. I should like it to be clearly told, _exactly where_ the relics were dug up: whether on the hill or on the level said to extend from the hill to the west. Mrs. Allenby's first letter says _that_ was probably the field of battle: her son says the hill itself was. Also, _exactly what the relics were_. These two points are the chief I can see to need thorough sifting. I sent Carlyle the letter: he is now I dare say groaning over it. I have threatened to turn the correspondence entirely into his hands: so Miss Charlesworth may expect that. I go to town (I hope for a very short time) next week. John is yet here: we all like his wife much. Farewell. Yours ever thankfully, E. FITZGERALD. Poor old Mrs. Chaplin {155} is dead! I have found an old lady here to replace her. BOULGE, Friday [1844]. DEAR MRS. CHARLESWORTH, I am sorry for the trouble you have. But I must hope that all that is to be got from such good authority as the Allenbys will be got, as to Winsby. _Slash Lane_ promises very well. From the Allenbys let us be content to reap Winsby field _only_: as it seems they once farmed it, and let us get as good an account as possible of the look of the field, Slash Lane, the records and traditions of the place, and what remains were dug up, and _exactly where_; for that generally shows where the stress of the battle was. It is best to keep people to one point: else they wander off into generalities: as for instance what the Lady tells of War Scythes hung up in Horncastle Church: which, cruel as Oliver was, we must refer back to an earlier warfare than his, I doubt. Pray thank Miss Charlesworth: and believe me yours ever, E. FITZGERALD. BOULGE, _March_ 5/44. DEAR MRS. CHARLESWORTH,