§ Mr. W. Williamsbegged to put a question to the right hon. the home secretary, with respect to a manuscript lately discovered, and said to be the undoubted work of the immortal Milton. He understood that there was no question whatever as to the genuineness of the work; that it was partly in the hand-writing of Philips, Milton's nephew, and bore otherwise sufficient marks of authenticity. He was desirous, therefore, of knowing how it had been disposed of, and whether it was to be given to the public.
§ Mr. Peelsaid, it was true that the manuscript in question had been found among: some state papers. It was a theological work entitled, "de Dei Cultu," treating of the truths of the christian religion, and no doubt, as far as evidence could go, it was authentic. How the manuscript had come into the situation where it had been discovered, it was impossible to guess; but it had been submitted to the king, who at once had said, that it was fit it should be given to the public. Accordingly, it had been placed in competent hands, and would shortly be printed, under the auspices of his majesty.