II. An Inquiry concerning the Death of Richard the Second. By Thomas Amyot, Esq. F.S.A. in two Letters addressed to Henry Ellis, Esq. F.R.S. Secretary

There is perhaps no important event in English history which is involved in greater obscurity than the death of Richard the Second. It is much to be regretted, therefore, that so little light has been thrown upon it by the very curious contemporary narrative which you lately communicated to the Society through the medium of Mr. Webb's spirited translation. Had the writer remained in England till after the King's decease, it cannot be doubted that he would have enriched his work with such details of it as his honest diligence could not have failed to collect. As it is, we have merely his testimony that suspicions were entertained of foul play, and that he himself believed the body which was exposed to public view was not Richard's, but was that of Maudelen his chaplain; not knowing (by reason, probably, of his absence from England) that Maudelen, who is said to have counterfeited his Master in the revolt of Richard's adherents, had already paid the penalty of his fraud, by suffering public execution in a way which rendered further deception impracticable. Availing myself of the strong interest which this chronicle has attracted towards the fate of Richard, I shall not hesitate to submit to the Society a brief notice of such early authorities as have presented themselves to me on this doubtful question.