[254.] Elliston. Robert Elliston Gent. Comptrolr. of his Majesties Customs of New York in America.
Armorial. Jacobean. A very handsome plate indeed, engraved in an excellent manner. The shield is set against a diapered background, and the ornamental moulding of the side is lined with shell-work; the shield rests upon an upturned shell, and two eagles have alighted upon the upper arms. The motto, Bono vince malum, is given upon a ribbon under the frame, and there is no curtain or scroll to receive the inscription, which is engraved plainly in three lines beneath all.
[255.] Elliston. Robert Elliston Gent. Comptrolr. of his Majestie’s Customs of New York in America.
This is very similar to the preceding, but is a trifle larger, and in some respects superior. As before, the shield is placed within the enfolding arms of a Jacobean frame, but the diapered pattern is succeeded by an all-over shell pattern, and a grinning canephoros head supports the shield. On a ribbon above the crest the date is given, M.DCC.XXV. The motto, Bono vince malum, as before, is on its ribbon under the frame. Again the usual curtain is omitted and the inscription is engraved in three lines below all, with a little more attention to grammatical marks, and in bolder type. The eagles have disappeared. The copy before me has the following in handwriting:—His gift to the library of St. Georges’ Ch: in ... Queens County province of New York. 1730. Illustrated in “Curio,” page 65.
[256.] Emerson. William Emerson.
Armorial. Ribbon and Wreath. The work looks very much like Callender’s. Motto, Fidem servabo. Father of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
[257.] Erasmus Hall. Erasmus Hall Library.
Allegorical. Signed, Maverick Sculpt New York. The plate is divided into two sections: the upper one is enclosed within a circular frame, and contains the allegorical picture. Diana is seen in the foreground directing the attention of a youth to the glories revealed upon the heights above them. Two temples are seen which bear dedications to Fame and to Virtue. Surrounded by clouds the angel of Fame is even now appearing above her sacred fane. The implements of study are at the foot of the youth, and under this scene are the words, FORTITER! ASCENDE. The lower part of the design is simply a wreath enclosing the name. The Erasmus Hall Library belonged to an Academy which was founded at Flatbush, L.I., in 1786.
[258.] Erving. William Erving. Esqr.
Plain armorial. Mottoes, Quo fata vocant, and Flourish in all weathers. Signed, Callender Sct. Undoubtedly of the Boston family of Loyalists.