Salmagundi; or, The whim-whams and opinions of Launcelot Langstaff, esq. [pseud.] and others. By William Irving, James Kirke Paulding and Washington Irving. Printed from the original ed., with a preface and notes by Evert A. Duyckinck.

116 SALMAGUNDI.
NO. VI.-FRIDAY, MARCIH 20, 1807.
FROM MY ELBOW-CHAIR.
THE Cockloft family, of which I have made such frequent
mention, is of great antiquity, if there be any truth in the
genealogical tree which hangs up in my cousin's library. They
trace their descent from a celebrated Roman knight, cousin to
the progenitor of his majesty of Britain, who left his native
country on occasion of some disgust, and coming into Wales
became a great favorite of Prince Madoc, and accompanied that
famous Argonaut in the voyage which ended in the discovery of
this continent. Though a member of the family, I have sometimes ventured to doubt the authenticity of this portion of their
annals, to the great vexation of Cousin Christopher, who is
looked up to as the head of our house, and who, though as
orthodox as a bishop, would sooner give up the whole decalogue
than lop off a single limb of the family tree. From time immemorial, it has been the rule for the Cocklofts to marry one of
their own name; and, as they always bred like rabbits, the
family has increased and multiplied like that of Adam and Eve.
In truth, their number is almost incredible; and you can hardly
go into any part of the country without starting a warren of
genuine Cocklofts. Every person of the least observation or
experience, must have observed that where this practice of mar