[Mr. Drummond then read a similar document, which he translated from the French as he went on, and added:]—You will find in these old family histories a complete history of the times, as well as of the manner and customs of our ancestors. There is in the possession of the Bruce family a very interesting letter, written by the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine to his son, explaining the reasons inducing him to join the arms of Prince Charles of Scotland, in 1715. The letter apologizes to his son for the course he was about to take. The writer knew that if he failed, he should lose his title, and his estates would be forfeited; still he felt it was due to his lawful sovereign. The letter is highly creditable to the writer, and gives us an insight into the strength of his sense of duty. (Cheers.) You are exceedingly rich in this county of Surrey in objects of archæological research. I believe no county in England contains so many old palaces: there is Guildford, the oldest in the kingdom, I think—not excepting Winchester; and then you have Kingston (from the stone on which the kings used to be crowned), Richmond, and Kew. You have the abbeys of Bermondsey, of Lambeth, and of Newark. I believe you could not do a greater service to history than to obtain and publish the cartularies of Bermondsey Abbey. The publication of such documents in Scotland has thrown more light on history than anything else, and I know of no one possessing a greater knowledge of them than Mr. Stapleton. I have had occasion to write to him, asking a question, and he forwarded me, next day or so, two cartularies all copied out; and wherever he got them I have no idea. Then there is the examination of buildings, as at Esher, the palace of Cardinal Wolsey, Wimbledon, Sutton Place, and Losely—fine specimens of architecture. You are to consider what sort of a Society you will be, and having decided upon it, take care to carry out your object. Don't be deluded by pomp, and the desire to make a show, which entails great trouble and expense. (A laugh.) I can't see the utility of a grand array of names,—patron and vice-patron, president and vice-president. (A laugh.) The secretary's is the most important office, and you can do much better than merely meeting once a year and giving a flaming account of your proceedings. I have now pointed out what, in my opinion, is the way in which your industry can be properly directed, and it is now in your hands to do as you may please. (Loud cheers.)
The following Papers were read—:
1. On the Religious and Moral Bearings of Archæology upon Architecture and Art. By the Rev. John Jessopp, M. A.
2. Descriptive Notes attached to a Map of the Roman Road from Silchester to Staines, from a survey made by the Gentlemen Cadets of Sandhurst. Exhibited by permission of Colonel Prosser, Lieutenant-Governor. Memorandum on the Same, by Mr. E. J. Lance.
3. Description of the Stock of a Cross-bow found on Bosworth Field, and exhibited to the Meeting. By William Tayler, Esq.
[This interesting relic is of yew, elaborately carved, and in length 3 feet 5 inches. In the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. liv., is an account of this
