means by which they attained their object are detailed.
J.M.
Oxford, Nov. 8.
Kilt (Vol. ii., p. 62.).—Your correspondent Σ. will find some information regarding the introduction of the kilt into Scotland in a volume entitled Notes to assist the Memory in various Sciences, 2d edition, London, Murray, 1827. I quote the passage, p. 297.:
"The Pheliebeg. Thomas Rawlinson, an iron-smelter and an Englishman, was the person who, about or prior to A. D. 1728, introduced the pheliebeg, or short kilt, worn in the Highlands. This fact, very little known, is established in a letter from Ewan Baillie, of Oberiachan, inserted in the Edinburgh Magazine for 1785, and also by the Culloden Papers."
The writer of that work, and of that daring statement, was, I have been informed, a Scottish military gentleman of the name of Hamilton. This origin of the kilt is also mentioned by Mr. Robert Chambers in his Life of Duncan Forbes, of Culloden. See his Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen.
Scotus Secundus.
Edinburgh, Nov. 22.
Bacon Family (Vol. ii., p. 247.).—The origin, of this surname is to be found, I conceive, in the word Beacon. The man who had the care of the Beacon would be called John or Roger of the Beacon. Beacon Hill, near Newark, is pronounced in that locality as if spelt Bacon Hill.
W. G. S.