The last only of the eleven lives existed when he embarked, and that life expired within twelve months after Richard Babbage sailed. The estates remained in possession of the representatives of the eleventh in the entail. {6}
If it could have been proved that Richard Babbage had survived twelve months after his voyage to America, these estates would have remained in my own branch of the family.
I possess a letter from Richard Babbage, dated on board the ship in which he sailed for America.
〈ACT OF PARLIAMENT.〉
In the year 1773 it became necessary to sell a portion of this property, for the purpose of building a church at Ashbrenton. A private Act of Parliament was passed for that purpose, in which the rights of the true heir were reserved.
CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD.
“The Prince of Darkness is a gentleman.”—Hamlet.
Early Passion for inquiry and inquisition into Toys — Lost on London Bridge — Supposed value of the young Philosopher — Found again — Strange Coincidence in after-years — Poisoned — Frightened a Schoolfellow by a Ghost — Frightened himself by trying to raise the Devil — Effect of Want of Occupation for the Mind — Treasure-trove — Death and Non-appearance of a Schoolfellow.