J. H. M.
Bath.
Minor Queries.
The Vellum-bound Junius.—Mr. Cramp, in his late publication, Junius and his Works, conjectures that the printer having bound a copy of Junius for and under the direction of the writer of the letters, followed the pattern in the binding of other copies; and this, he says, "will account for similar copies having been found in the libraries of so many persons, which from time to time has occasioned so much speculation." With Mr. Cramp's conjecture I do not concern myself; but I should be much obliged if he would inform me, through your Journal, in what libraries, and where, these many vellum-bound copies have been found, and where I can find the speculations to which they have given rise.
V. B.
The Vellum-bound Junius.—Some years ago, on reading the private letters of Junius, addressed to H. S. Woodfall, and printed by G. Woodfall, 1812, I was particularly struck by those of No. 58. and 59., wherein he states a desire to have one set of his letters (which were published 3d March, 1772, by Woodfall) bound in vellum.
Constantly bearing in mind the fact of the vellum copy, I invariably examined all the book
catalogues that came in my way for it. At last the long-wished-for object appeared in the Stowe sale, and I immediately gave my agent instruction to purchase the book for me, and he might offer as much as 10l.: he bid 8l., and then it was intimated that it was no use to go on; that fifty guineas would not purchase it, or any other sum.
Query, Has this volume been in any other sale? if not, it certainly connects the Buckingham family with Junius, though it does not prove the author.