[2] See _Private Memoirs of John Potenger, Esquire_, edited by his Descendant, C. W. Bingham, M.A. 12mo. 1841. The editor confines himself very much to the one member of the family to whom the memoirs relate; and we have no notice of any connection with the name of Pope, or of any collateral branches of the Potengers. The Mr. Potenger, the friend of the Dean of Carlisle, is reasonably supposed to be Mr. Richard Potenger, who was elected three times member for Reading--1727, 1734, and again in 1735, when he was re-elected, having accepted a Welsh judgeship. Beatson informs us that on November 28, 1739, a new writ was ordered on his death. [3] See, for the Rockleys and Burdets, the _History of the Deanery of Doncaster_, vol. ii. pp. 285 and 376. [4] I infer this from the following letter of Pope's, possibly the only letter of dry business written by him which has been preserved, printed in the book entitled _Additions to the Works of Alexander Pope, Esq._, 2 vols. 8vo, 1776, vol. ii. p. 30:--"To John Vanden Bempden, Esq., present. Thursday. Sir,--Upon what you told me when I was last to wait on you, I deferred treating further for the rent-charge till you could be more certain what sum you could conveniently raise in present towards the purchase. If there were only three of [_q._ or] four hundred pounds wanting, we would take your bond; for, as to a mortgage on the rent-charge, my father is not qualified to take it, for by an act of parliament he cannot buy land, though he may sell. However, if you desire to make the purchase soon, I believe I have a friend who will lend you the £1000, on the same security you offer us. If you have any scruple, you'll please to tell it me fairly; but, if this purchase be convenient to you, we shall think of treating with no other, and be ready upon your answer; since I think what I here propose, entirely accommodates all the difficulty you seem to be at. I am, Sir, your very humble servant, A. POPE." I conclude this relates to Ruston, the Vanden Bempd's being then accumulating the estate now enjoyed by their descendant, Sir John Vanden Bempd Johnstone, Baronet, whose beautiful seat is at Hackness, near to Ruston. [5] The collection of these pieces is usually attributed to Steevens. But I am in possession of a copy which belonged to a person who claims to be the editor. It is handsomely bound, and has this note in his own handwriting on a fly-leaf of the first volume:--"These collections were made by me from the London Museum, &c., and the Preface written by me, W. C." Lowndes gives this account of the book, "culled, says Mr. Park, by Baldwin, from the communications by Mr. Steevens in the _St. James's Chronicle_, and put forth with a Preface by William Cooke, Esq." There is an account of Cooke in the _Biographia Dramatica_, 8vo. 1812. p. 147.