Minor Notes.
The late Judge Talfourd.—Some years since I ventured to request information as to the proper way of pronouncing the Elia, from the talented and kind-hearted Judge Talfourd, whose days have just been brought to a close under such truly awful circumstances. The ready reply which he gave to an unknown inquirer, whilst it illustrates the courtesy and cordiality of his character, may prove interesting to your readers.
Temple, June 15, 1838.
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th, and to express my pleasure at finding that you sympathise with me in genial admiration of the delightful person to whom it refers. All I know respecting the signature of Elia will be found at p. 65 of the second volume of Lamb's Letters. It was the real name of a coxcombical clerk thirty years dead, whom Lamb remembered at the South Sea House, and prefixed to his first essay (which was on the "Old South Sea House") in the London Magazine. The editor afterwards used it to distinguish Lamb's articles, and he finally adopted it. The i is short (Elĭa). It is an Italian name.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient and faithful servant,
T. N. Talfourd.
C. W. B.