The Author of Peter Wilkins

An advertisement prefixed to the edition of this remarkable work in Smith's *Standard Library*, 1839, gives the following information respecting the author:— "In the year 1835, Mr. Nicol the printer sold by auction a number of books and manuscripts in his possession, which had formerly belonged to the well-known publisher Dodsley; and in arranging them for sale, the original agreement for the sale of the manuscript of 'Peter Wilkins,' by the author, 'Robert Pultock of Clement's Inn' to Dodsley, was discovered. From this document it appears that Mr. Pultock received twenty pounds, twelve copies…