Letter from E.H. Cradock, Oxford, to William Angus Knight, 1882 November 30 : autograph manuscript signed.

Expressing frustration with his carelessness in not enclosing the letter from Mr. Pigon (see MA 9909.28); saying "The letter was not wholly devoid of interest - I have had no further reply - I think that you might write in your official capacity as Editor to Rev'd H.C. Pigon / Rectory / Wyke Regis / Weymouth and ask for a reference to the burial Register of 1805. P.S. As I write, a reply has come from Mr. Pigon! (see MA 9909.30) which I enclose. We have now got the fact of the burial on March 21 1805. Mr. Pigon's delay is explained satisfactorily. In his former letter he wrote that the parish clerk who had held the office for 35 years spoke of a tradition that 'the Capt (seemingly no one in the place had any idea of the name of the Captain) of the Abergavenny was buried in a certain pointed out spot, but without a stone and was laid North & South instead of East & West. The traditional spot is still known as the East side of the Church Porch." I copied these words from the letter. It is quite possible that my memory failed as to a gravestone but not as to the grave - I rather think that the Poet preferred graves to a stone. Is there any trace in the Journal of a visit to Wyke? Between ourselves how many of the present family do you suppose know or care where John Wordsworth lies?? As the meeting point of the two high ways, we have done something for the reader in identifying it certainly with the outgate. Beyond that point there is a hopeless uncertainty and people must decide for themselves between 2 or perhaps 3 possibilities."