Travel diary, 1787-1788.T. W. (Thomas Watkins)1787-1788Holograph of a tour through France, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy, in which the author, traveling with Mr. Pocock, records primarily historical anecdotes about the cities and landmarks he visits; his interactions with the inhabitants; and descriptions of attractive landscapes and scenic views. In traveling from Lyons to Avignon, he pretends to be a German-Swiss officer in the Regiment of Sonneberg and, in disguise, argues with a dockyard commissary about the superiority of British laws. In Rome, he describes the Pope's election process, and declares that "the Police of Rome is but ill regulated," commenting on "their corruption and depravity." He praises the hills of the Apennines, which he pronounces "varied and beautiful & particularly so at this season of the year owing to the different colord foliage," though he and his companion are required to hire a yoke of oxen, "for the purpose of assisting the horses," in order to ascend them. The volume concludes with a description of Italy's national character and a list of "remarkable Paintings Sculputre & Architecture seen in Italy."Binding: contemporary vellum, without title.For information on the source of acquisition, consult the appropriate curator.Signature and inscription on flyleaf: Elizabeth Carstine Mohun Harris C[?]p House 1880. This book belonged to her grandfather & came to her in the division of her mothers Books.Signature on flyleaf: Elizabeth Bertha Vaughan - nee Mohun-Harris niece of E. C. Mohun-Harris.Watkins' letters to his father during this journey were published in 1792.Written in pencil on flyleaf: The Travels of the late Rev Tho Watkins of Pennoyre which he published in 2 vols. JJ.Written inside front cover: Conrad Ebner aubergiste au Cerf a Dogguern.Written inside front cover: The journal Book of Th. Watkins. Written when cast on the bleak and inhospitable shore of Scalea in Calabria on his voyage to Sicily. Feb 20th 1788 Wed. Evening.text