XXV. Three Letters from Mr. Samuel Carte to Dr. Ducarel, and one to Sir Thomas Cave, Bart. concerning Fonts

Extract

I send herewith an abstract of what I take to be the most material passages in my collections heretofore concerning fonts. Indeed I am almost ashamed to lay them before you; but either the subject is very barren, or I have been very unfortunate in my searches, particularly I have not met with any authentic account of the pedestal or foundation of the font, and very little concerning the cover or superstructure, Mr. Newcourt, in his account of Allhallows, Barking, (I. 249.) mentions a cross over the font, and some images or pictures over the canopy thereof, a petition to the bishop, and hearing concerning them before his chancellor Dr. Duck, and an order for taking them down, and setting up other ornaments in their stead. Perhaps the records in this proceeding may afford you greater light than the tedious narrative in the inclosed. I shall be glad to hear the result of your maturer thoughts on this subject; shall hope to see you in a short time.