Sir James Long (1613-1658/9).
[132]Sir James Long, baronet:—I should now be both orator and soldier to give this honoured friend of mine, 'a gentleman absolute[133] in all numbers,' his due character.
Only son of Sir W. L.; borne at South Wraxhall in Wilts. Westminster scholar; of Magd. coll. Oxon; Fisher there. Went to France. Maried anno ... D.[134] Leech, a most elegant beautie and witt, daughter of Sir E. L., 25 aetat. In the civill warres, colonel of horse in Sir Fr. Dodington's brigade. Good sword-man; horseman; admirable extempore orator pro harangue; great memorie; great historian and romanceer; great falkoner and for horsemanship; for insects; exceeding curious and searching long since, in naturall things.
Oliver, Protector, hawking at Hownselowe heath, discoursing with him, fell in love with his company, and commanded him to weare his sword, and to meete him a hawkeing, which made the strict cavaliers look on him with an evill eye.
Scripsit 'History and Causes of the Civill Warre,' or 'Reflections' (quaere); 'Examination of witches at Malmesburie.'
Note.
MS. Aubr. 3, fol. 187, is a coloured sketch by Aubrey of Sir James Long of Draycot and himself hawking; fol. 189 is Aubrey's pencil drawing for it.