The Sparrowhawk Companion Read online

  First, about some place names. To my knowledge, no such place as Onyxcombe exists in England. The name of Crispin Hillier’s constituency in Dorset is a combination of a precious stone, “onyx,” and “combe,” Old English for a kind of coastal valley. Too late did I realize, by the time I had finished writing Book Two, that I had intruded upon Thomas Hardy country by inventing a town, a river, and an aristocracy to alter the makeup of the shire of Dorset; they are as fictive as Hardy’s “Wessex.” See young Hugh Kenrick’s description of his ancestral part of Dorset in Chapter 11 of Book Two. While researching the towns and topography of Cornwall, I chanced upon a town called “Morvel.” I changed it to Marvel; my subconscious kept translating Morvel to “morbid village” and the connotation did not agree with me. Gwynnford is an adaptation of the name of the hero in Victor Hugo’s The Man Who Laughs.

  The rotten borough of Swansditch in London across old London Bridge adjacent to Southwark is also nonexistent. Dogmael Jones neatly presents its history and etymology near the end of Book Three. The fictive rotten borough of Canovan, once Augustus Skelly’s and appropriated by Henoch Pannell, is a borrowing from an earlier (unpublished) suspense novel of mine. Lion Key, first mentioned in Book Two, sits in an evidentiary purgatory. Maps of mid-eighteenth-century London show a number of keys or wharves in the Pool of London, and all but one could be accounted for in terms of their past owners. Records for Lion Key were not extant, however; its ownership proved untraceable. Lion Key came into the possession of Benjamin Worley and Sons, commercial agents of the Kenrick family.

  Personal names. Etáin means “shining one”; what better name for the future romantic interest of my heroes? Reverdy was initially a problem. I encountered the name only once, on a passenger roster. Usually such rosters featured an emigrant’s name, followed by a trade or profession. Reverdy appeared by itself, with no trade or profession appended to it. At first sight, it struck me as an eminently feminine name, rich in connotation, and so it became one. Dogmael is a distinctive name, as well, Welsh meaning “bringer of light to children.” What more appropriate name for a barrister who attempts to introduce reason and justice into his court cases and speaks eloquently for them in the chamber of the House of Commons, packed as it was with a few hundred dimly lit members?

  Redmagne? I encountered this name only once, as well, in my voluminous reading of eighteenth–century pamphlets, newspapers, and screeds. Glorious Swain explains his name to young Hugh Kenrick in Book Two, and the origin of John Proudlocks occurs in Book Three. Effney is my personal variation on Ethne, the name of the romantic interest in A.E.W. Mason’s The Four Feathers.

  The villains. In selecting these names I relied more on euphony, rhythm, and connotation than on etymology. Their names had to be memorably distasteful. Thus, for example, Jared Turley, the Earl’s bastard son and long arm of malice, and Alden Curle, the fawning, secretly sneering butler and major domo of Windridge Court. As for Claybourne, the Earl’s suffering but obsequious personal valet, I trust his name needs no explication. Pannell’s root meaning is “pain”; what tax collector and supporter of oppressive legislation isn’t one?

  Across the ocean in Caxton, Virginia, there is Albert Acland, an Anglican cleric acridly hostile to all things revolutionary. The reader never meets Amos Swart, the slovenly, careless former owner of Brougham Hall, bought and salvaged by Hugh Kenrick and renamed Meum Hall. There was a wealth of slave names to choose from, many of them of obvious or probable African origin, such as Bilico, Dilch, and Benabe.

  I did not intend writing a roman à clef, but Sparrowhawk abounds with subtle tributes to favorite individuals and things. I leave most of them to a literary scholar to discover and reveal, if such a project is ever undertaken. These names represent not only characters, but also places and even ships. They might refer to a personal friend, a favorite play, novel, or author, to a character in a novel or movie. This was a practice I began with my very first (unpublished) novel and have continued without guilt or regret ever since. A few of these “namesakes” are fairly obvious, and the individuals they salute know who they are. Most, however, are more or less disguised. Morland, for example, was once James Bond’s preferred brand of cigarette, while Meservy also has its origins in the Fleming novels. Winslow LeGrand’s name reveals my appreciation for Terence Rattigan’s plays, and Nathan Rickerby can thank Mickey Spillane for his place in Book Two. Hillier and Kemp are taken from H.G. Wells’s The Time Machine, the first novel I ever read (after seeing director George Pal’s 1960 version of it), and which ignited my intellectual curiosity about the world I lived in.

  Ship names were also a pleasure to create. Many that appear in the series were of actual warships of the period, such as the Rainbow, Fowey, and Diligence, stationed in Hampton Roads. The merchantmen Roilance and Galvin, though, are purely fictive, and are the namesakes of two modern British composers. There was a Sparrow-Hawk warship in the seventeenth century—it ran aground off Cape Cod—but my Sparrowhawk owes its name to the Curtis Sparrowhawk fighter-reconnaissance biplanes of the Navy and Army Air Corp in the first half of the twentieth century. It is noteworthy that in the Age of Enlightenment merchant and naval vessels were given names either from Greek or Roman mythology and history, or names indigenous to the eighteenth century. Thus Skelly’s original merchant ship, the Pegasus, before his outlaw career, and his smuggling ship, The Hasty Hart, adapted from the title of a play by John Patrick.

  There are “cameo” appearances by actual historical persons in the series, e.g., the Duke of Cumberland, George Grenville, William Pitt, and Lord Chesterfield, as well as by Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Peyton Randolph. They are not in the story merely to lend it color or authenticity; if they speak and act in it, they contribute to the plot. Are their characterizations true and accurate? I discuss this subject in the Foreword to this volume.

  Readers might note that the one person who does not appear in the series is George the Third. Historically, the monarch did not become an object of general colonial enmity until just after the battle of Bunker or Breed’s Hill in June 1775. Up to the beginning of armed conflict, patriots, including many signers of the Declaration of Independence, were toasting his health and wishing him and his family well. The toasts ceased, once blood had been spilled. But, all along, from 1763 onward, he merely reacted to Parliament’s designs and legislation. He was not so much a mover or cause of the events as he was a filigreed rubber stamp; hardly a speaking role, and, try as I might, I could not find a more active role for him in the story, except in narrative.

  The lists that follow became necessary when, after finishing Book Two, I began to lose track of or misplace characters and even ships. The population of Sparrowhawk’s universe swelled when the series’ setting first moved from England to the York River in Virginia in Book Three, and then in subsequent Books when I filled the benches of the House of Commons and the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg with friends and enemies of liberty. Most of the names in the first list are of characters who actually appear in the series; a handful are of characters who appear “off stage,” such as Amos Swart in Book Three and Captain Musto of the ill-fated Charon near the end of Book Two.

  So, like Jack Frake, I heeded Parson Parmley’s advice to think earnestly on the names I chose for my characters, places, and ships. It is the only advice from a cleric I have ever taken seriously.

  NAME ROLE AND BOOK NUMBER

  Abingdon, Earl (4th) Willoughby Montagu Bertie, pro-American—Book 5

  Acland, Albert Pastor, Stepney Parish, Caxton—Books 3-6

  Albertoli, Sig. Hugh’s fencing master—Book 2

  Ambrose, Charles Skelly Gang—Book 1

  Anderson, Clough Clerk, General Assembly—Book 4

  Ashton, Mr. Justice, Falmouth trial—Book 1

  Autt, Francis Scullion, Sea Siren—Book 1

  Ayre, William Skelly Gang—Book 1

  Bailey, Idonea Housekeeper, Morland Hall—Books 3-4

  Barré, I
saac MP for Chipping Wycombe, later for Calne—Books 4-5

  Barret, Travis Wendel Barret’s nephew—Books 5-6

  Barret, Wendel Publisher, Caxton Courier—Books 3-5

  Beck, Israel Husband of Mary, Morland Hall—Books 4-6

  Beck, Mary Cook, Morland Hall—Books 3-6

  Beckford, William MP for London—Books 4-5

  Beckwith, Col. 71st Foot, Hulton’s original regiment—Books 2-3

  Beecroft, Rupert Business Agent, Meum Hall, Caxton—Books 3-6

  Benabe Slave, Meum Hall—Book 3

  Berkeley, Norbonne Baron Botetourt, Lt.-Governor—Book 6

  Biddle, John Worley Partner, Lion Key—Book 2

  Bigelow, Timothy Tenant, Morland Hall—Book 3

  Bilico Slave, Meum Hall—Book 3

  Binns, Mr. Falmouth gaoler—Book 1

  Blackstone, William MP for Hindon, legal scholar—Book 5

  Blair, John President of Gov. Council—Books 4-5

  Blair, Matthew A.K.A. Redmagne—Book 1

  Bland, Richard Burgess, Prince George, General Assembly—Books 4-6

  Blassard, Mr. Revenue Man, crony of Hunt—Book 6

  Blevins Family of Londontown, Maryland—Book 2

  Blissom, Brice Marquis of Bilbury, son of Guthlac—Book 2

  Blissom, Guthlac Marquis of Bilbury—Book 2

  Brashears, Beverly Pippin: Elspeth/Electra—Book 2

  Bridgette, Miss Governess, maid—Books 2-3

  Bristol Apprentice, slave, Meum Hall—Book 3

  Brompton, Peter Pippin: Steven/Sterope—Book 2

  Brougham, Covington Past owner of Brougham/Meum Hall—Book 3

  Brown, William Ferrymaster, Londontown, Maryland—Book 3

  Brune, James Brother of Reverdy—Books 2-6

  Brune, Mrs. Wife of Robert—Book 2

  Brune, Reverdy Daughter of Robert—Books 2-6

  Brune, Robert Squire, neighbor of the Kenricks in Dorset—Book 2

  Buckle, Henry Reisdale’s cooper, Caxton—Book 5

  Burke, Edmund MP for Wendover, Bristol, Rockinghamite—Books 5-6

  Camden, Baron Charles Pratt, Chief Justice, Common Pleas—Book 5

  Carrington, Paul Burgess, Charlotte, General Assembly—Book 4

  Carter, Landon Burgess, Richmond County, General Assembly—Book

  Cary, Mr. Gwynnford merchant—Book 1

  Cavie, Mr. Instructor, Dr. Comyn’s School—Book 2

  Chance, Fiona Cook, Meum Hall—Book 3

  Chandler, Brice A.K.A. Redmagne—Book 1

  Cheney, Mr. Captain, Ariadne—Book 1

  Chiswell, John Burgess, Williamsburg, General Assembly—Books 4-5

  Claxon, Richard Skelly Gang—Book 1

  Claybourne Basil Kenrick’s valet—Books 2-6

  Cletus Wendel Barret’s apprentice slave—Books 5-6

  Cole, Adeline Actress—Book 1

  Cole, Mr. Hugh’s tutor—Book 2

  Colewort Marquis of, Guest at Pumphrett House—Book 2

  Comyn, Dr. James Headmaster, Comyn’s School, London—Book 2

  Cooke, George MP for Middlesex—Book 5

  Corbin, Jewel Wife of Moses—Book 3

  Corbin, Moses Mayor of Caxton—Books 3-6

  Corsin, Enolls Business Agent, Sachem Hall—Book 6

  Cottle, Mr. Bookshop owner—Book 2

  Craun, Mr. Revenue man—Book 1

  Crisp, Vivian A.K.A. Redmagne—Book 1

  Crofts, Charles Captain, 6th Marine Battalion—Book 6

  Croisset, Alphonse French commercial agent—Books 3-4

  Crompton, Aymer Brickmaker, Morland Hall—Books 3-6

  Cruger, Henry MP for Bristol—Book 6

  Cullis, Edgar Son of Ralph, Burgess for Queen Anne—Books 3-6

  Cullis, Eleanor Daughter of Ralph—Book 3

  Cullis, Hetty Wife of Ralph—Books 3-6

  Cullis, Ralph Planter, Caxton—Books 3-6

  Cumberland William Augustus, Duke of, son of George II—Books 1-2

  Cupid Jefferson’s slave—Book 4

  Curle, Alden Basil Kenrick’s butler, major domo—Books 2-6

  Cust, John MP for Grantham, Speaker of Commons—Books 4-5

  Dakin, Henry Tenant, Morland Hall—Books 3-6

  Dakin, Ruth Servant, wife of Henry, Morland Hall—Books 3-6

  Darling, Jack A.K.A. Redmagne—Book 1

  Dawson, A. Printer/bookseller—Book 1

  Delia Slave, Meum Hall—Book 3

  Dent, Jasper Leith’s cousin—Book 1

  Deverix, James Peruker/Barber—Book 3

  Dilch Slave, Meum Hall—Books 3-6

  Doherty, Tom Powder monkey, Sparrowhawk—Book 6

  Dolman, Horace Steward, Windridge Court—Book 2

  Doody, Tim Serving boy, Fruit Wench—Book 2

  Dorn, Arthur Student, Inns of Court—Book 5

  Driscoll, Sawny Pen name of Brashears—Book 2

  Eales, Bernard Captain, Ariadne—Books 3-4

  Easley, Israel Brother of Novus—Book 3

  Easley, Novus Philadelphia Quaker/Merchant—Books 3-5

  Edgecombe, Armiger King’s Proctor—Book 1

  Effingham, Earl (3rd) Thomas Howard, pro-American—Book 5

  Embry, Mr. Merchant—Book 1

  Farbrace, Timothy Naval officer, Rover, Zeus—Books 1-2

  Fauquier, Francis Lt.-Governor of Virginia, 1758-68—Books 3-5

  Faure, Bamber Vicar of St. Thraille’s—Book 2

  Fawkner, Everard Duke of Cumberland’s aide—Book 2

  Ferguson, William Clerk, General Assembly—Book 4

  Fern, Joshua Fern’s Tavern—Books 3, 5, 6

  Fineux, John Skelly Gang—Book 1

  Fix, Mr. Revenue man—Book 1

  Fleming, John Burgess, Cumberland, General Assembly—Book 4

  Fletcher, John William’s son—Book 5

  Fletcher, William Ironmonger, Barret’s in-law—Book 5

  Formby, George Kenrick banking partner—Book 2

  Frake, Cephas Father of Jack—Book 1

  Frake, Huldah Mother of Jack—Book 1

  Frake, Jack All Books

  Franklin, Benjamin Colonial agent (London)—Books 4-5

  Frazer, Jock Planter—Books 5-6

  Frew, Oswald Leith’s attorney (Falmouth)—Book 1

  Fuller, Rose MP for Maidstone—Book 5

  Gage, Gen. Thomas Cmdr-in-Chief, British. Army, No. America—Book 6

  Galpin, Mr. Hugh’s tutor—Book 2

  Gammage, Peter A.K.A. Redmagne—Book 1

  Gandy, Mary Edgar Cullis’s cousin—Book 4

  Garth, Charles MP for Devizes—Book 4

  Gascoyne, Bamber MP for Midhurst, barrister—Book 5

  Geary, Elyot Captain, Sparrowhawk—Books 5-6

  George I Lewis, or Ludwig, grandfather of George III

  Giddens, Dorsey Tenant farmer, Meum Hall—Book 3-6

  Goostrey, Sir Miles Under-secretary of state—Book 2

  Gould, Mr. Friend of William Horlick—Book 2

  Grainger, Sir Bevil Master of the Rolls, King’s Bench, Pippin Trial, later

  Viscount of Wooten & Clarence—Books 2-5

  Gramatan, Carver Gramatan Inn, Caxton—Books 3-6

  Granby, Damaris Wife of Ira, Caxton—Books 3-4

  Granby, Ira Planter, Caxton—Book 3-4

  Granby, Selina Daughter of Ira, marries James Vishonn—Books 3-4

  Granby, William Son of Ira, Burgess, Caxton, marries Eleanor Cullis—

  Book 4

  Greene, Richard Skelly Gang—Book 1

  Grenville, George MP for Buckingham, Prime Minister—Books 4-5

  Griffin, Mary Serving wench, Gramatan Inn—Book 6

  Grimby, Mr. Grimby, Holtby & Brizard Bank—Book 2

  Grynsmith, Humphrey Sheriff, Falmouth—Book 1

  Hamlyn, John Bully, Green Park, London—Book 2

  Hanway, Mr. Danvers warden—Book 2

  Harke, James Lieutenant, British Navy, Rainbow—Book 5

  Harle, Sir Francis E
. Rear Admiral—Books 1-2

  Harris, James MP for Christchurch—Book 5

  Harris, Maud Duke of Cumberland’s mistress—Book 2

  Haslam, Simon Prosecutor, Skelly trial—Book 1

  Haynie, Mr. Sparrowhawk’s bursar—Book 2

  Heathcoate, Lydia Seamstress, Caxton—Books 3-6

  Henry Cooper, slave, Morland Hall—Book 3

  Henry, Patrick Burgess, Louisa, General Assembly—Book 4

  Herbert, Mr. MP for Ruxton—Book 2

  Hewitt, James MP for Coventry—Book 5

  Hillier, Crispin MP for Onyxcombe—Books 2-6

  Hockaday, Geoffrey Son of Nicholas—Book 1

  Hockaday, Nicholas Marquis of Epping—Book 1

  Hogue, Richard Theater producer—Book 5

  Holets, Capt. James MP for Oakhead Abbas—Book 5

  Horlick, William Pippin: Mathius/Merope—Book 2

  Hosphus, Mr. Cornwall fisherman—Book 1

  Howard, George MP for Lostwithiel, Major General (pro-American)—Book 4

  Huggens, Oswald Magistrate, Common Pleas—Book 2

  Hulton, Thomas Hugh’s valet—Books 2, 3, 6

  Hunt, Jared Turley’s alias, bastard son of Earl of Danvers—

  Books 4-6

  Hunter, Thomas MP for Winchelsea—Book 4

  Hurry, William Overlooker—Morland Hall—Book 3

  Huske, John MP for Malden—Book 5

  Ingoldsby, Robert Late MP for Swansditch—Book 3

  Innes, James Captain, Williamsburg Volunteers—Book 5

  Iverson, Mr. Sparrowhawk’s surgeon—Book 2

  Ivy, Richard Tobacco inspector, Caxton—Book 3

  Jeamer, Jeremy Jack Frake’s “London” alias—Book 1

  Jefferson, Thomas Burgess, Albemarle, law student—Books 4-6

  Jenyns, Soame MP for Cambridge Borough—Book 4

  Johnson, Samuel Writer, lexicographer—Books 2-6

  Johnston, George Burgess, Fairfax, General Assembly—Book 4

  Jones, Sir Dogmael Serjeant-at-law, barrister, King’s Bench, later MP for Swansditch—Books 2-5

  Kemp, Mr. MP for Harbin—Book 2

  Kennaway, Ian Captain, merchant sloop Morag—Book 5

  Kenny, Jude Brother of Will —Books 3-6

  Kenny, Will Brother of Jude —Books 3-6

  Kenrick, Alice Sister of Hugh—Books 2-6

  Kenrick, Basil 15th Earl of Danvers—Books 2-6