SAMUEL WILSON.
I should be glad of any information respecting Samuel Wilson, Esq., of Hatton Garden, in the parish of St. Andrew, Holborn, whose will was proved October 24, 1769, and which I have read. He was the donor of the bequest, known as "Wilson's Charity," to the Corporation of the City of London, for loans to poor tradesmen. I wish to ask,—
1. What is known of his origin, family, personal history, &c.?
2. What was his precise degree of relationship to the Halseys, whom he calls "cousins" in his will? Were they related to the family of that name at Great Gaddesden, Herts?
3. Did he publish any, and what, letters or books? for he leaves his MSS. of every kind to his friend Richard Glover, Esq. (the poet I presume), with full power to collect any letters or papers he may have already published, and also to arrange and publish any more which he may think intended or suitable for publication.
4. Is there any published sketch of his life? The only notice I have seen is the one of a few lines in the Gentleman's Magazine, just after his death.
In compliance with your excellent suggestion (Vol. vii., p. 2.), I send my address in a stamped envelope for any private communication which may not interest the general reader.
E. A. D.