Miscellanies, 1802-1829.

ArchivalResource

Oakley, Benjamin. Miscellanies, 1802-1829.

Miscellanies, 1802-1829.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/702177035

Manuscript, in a single hand, of over a hundred primarily lighthearted songs, poems, and verse epistles, primarily composed by Benjamin Oakley for his friends and family, and documenting such events as routine social activities, his children's weddings, and the deaths of family members and pets. The manuscript begins with a series of military and patriotic songs written at Tooting Lodge; one is addressed to "ye Tooting youth" and exhorts them to defend King and country; another condemns Napoleon; and another laments the death of Nelson. Many of the entries concern the theater, including two letters to the editor on Kemble; several verse epilogues spoken by Miss Booth; and a poem titled On seeing Kean (accompanied by my friend Mr Carne) in the Merchant of Brudges. Other poems are addressed to or concern friends and family members, including poems addressed to his daughters on their wedding days; and an acrostic on his daughter Jane. Also included are poems on the deaths of Oakley's brother r and father. The volume also contains numerous verse letters. Finally, the manuscript also contains poems about Oakley himself, such as one on the Old Drury Club, which praises its members by name, including himself, the Treasurer. Sewn in at the beginning of the volume, with marbled covers, is a printed pamphlet entitled Rules and regulations to be observed by the loyal Tooting volunteers. Sewn in with the pamphlet is a printed letter to "Captain Oakley, late Tooting Volunteer Infantry," informing him that his accounts as Commandant of the Tooting Volunteers have been examined and settled.

1 v. (145 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library