Letter from E.H. Cradock, Oxford, to William Angus Knight, 1883 October 15 : autograph manuscript signed.

Providing information on John Gough related to Knight's footnote; saying "Some further particulars however I have found chiefly in Nicholsons Annals of Kendal - Whitaker & Co, 1861. He was born in 1757 died 1825. Before completing his third year he was attacked with small pox, which deprived him of his sight - one eye was wholly destroyed - There remained on the cornea of the other one small pellucid speck which enabled him to distinguish day from night : but he had no perception of the form or colour of objects - so that for all useful purposes vision was completely lost - But his marvelous sense of touch, as described by Wordsworth, was in no degree exaggerated. After carefully feeling a plant he was able to describe and classify it. Some communication passed between him and Wordsworth on the subject of 'silene acaulis' when found by the latter near Grisedale Tarn in 1805. Gough however was not buried in Grasmere Churchyard but in that of Kendal - In fact he was not buried anywhere until at last 10 years after the publication of the 'Excursion' - When you are in Kendal you can see Nicholsons book which contains a much more detailed account, full of interest. I do not know anything about Murfitt. I heard of Mr. Goodwin from Miss Richardson. Emma's dell will be an excellent subject - but you should guide him in selecting the spot which takes in most particulars of the description. I do not think it possible to get all into a drawing - He must not introduce [illegible] of unpleasant furze which are not seen there or any where else so far as I know in Easedale. They are not a feature of that district. I am very sorry to miss you in the North. I had business which called me to College earlier than usual. I never met Rawnsley - but I heard of him at the Sports."