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Content summary: (31 May 1802) : JB to WmC – he is very busy.'Indeed I scarcely know what diversion is – at least rarely feel it, though every day brings with it repeated amusements – such as reading, my pursuits and conversations'. Has not been able to make drawings – of 'your British relicts during your stay'. 'I hope you will indulge me – lend me your Memorandum drawings of them'. Plans to visit the north of the county including Abury so that he can finish Volume 3 and have it printed by Xmas. 'I hope to concentrate a good deal of fact and probable information concerning the Druids, Bards and Britons. I shall be much obliged to you for any probable conclusions concerning their Manners, Customs &c. I know you will startle at this information and think me (a …..... antiquary) extremely arrogant in daring to enter that wilderness where so many learned writers have already entangled themselves and confused their readers. Believe me I am neither arrogant, nor vain, but I see so many palpable errors and absurdities in Rowland, Borlase, Stukeley, King etc each and all of whom have misrepresented and falsified existing objects and having done that we cannot but hesitate in admitting the creations of ther own fancies, yet think not that I unequivocally condemn, or desire theses ingenious antiquaries, no far from it – I hope my judgement will never be so far influenced by Prejudice as by praise, or to censure without discrimination and I am fully sensible of the favours of all those writers have conferred on their posterity.'\nJB is now planning to go from Wilts into Devonshire and Somersetshire and my visit Salisbury & Stonehenge on his return. 'It would be interesting to explore the Plain in various directions particularly between Stone henge & Abury.'\n

Summary: 31.5.1802: John Britton to William Cunnington- stresses he is very busy trying to finish the third volume of Beauties of Wilts. Planning to visit Devonshire and Somersetshire before returning back via Stonehenge.


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