Some, if not the whole of the lots alluded to by your Correspondent, came into the possession of the late John Meyrick, Esq., through an ancestor of his wife, whose name was "Rush," and the only sacrilege committed by the late Mr. Meyrick seems to have been the preservation of these things from destruction.
I have frequently heard the late Sir S. R. Meyrick mention these Brasses, and regret they were not in his possession.
MR. GEO. WILLIS,--I have never met with the fact in print, that some few of the first editions of Tristram Shandy have the autograph of the author at the head of the first chapter in some or one of the volumes, a facsimile of which, in the 7th volume of the copy in my possession, I send you.
Whether this was done for the gratification of Sterne's particular friends, or for what other purpose, I am ignorant; perhaps some of your correspondents can throw some light upon the subject.
I was rejoiced at the first glance at F. C. B.'s communication (p. 88 "Current Notes" for November), but doubts very soon arose, whether some oversight had not occurred in taking the portrait of _Robert_ Bertie, for that enquired after, which is _Montague_ Bertie. On turning to Granger I found this to be the case, for the portrait which F. C. B. has, is there given as _Robert_, so that I fear the right one remains yet _non est inventus_, for I do not consider "A Dealer," as speaking from any distinct recollection of such a portrait, which must be an 8vo. one, whereas Faithorne's is in 4to.
SIR,--I find, on referring to a biographical sketch added to an autograph of the late Thos. Hood, at the time of his death, that that event took place, as surmised by your correspondent C. ("Current Notes," p. 90), on 3rd May, 1845.
Mrs. Fenwick observing in Willis's "Current Notes" that some one enquires when Hood died, she writes to say, he expired on the 3rd May, 1845. The above information Mr. Willis may depend upon being correct, as it is from the late Mr. Hood's daughter, who is married to the Rev. S. Broderip, Rector of Cossington, Somersetshire.
BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE.--I. P. (Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1851), writes to G. W.:
"Can you tell me who contributed to Blackwood's Magazine, May, 1838, the pleasant paper, 'Father Tom and the Pope; or a Night at the Vatican?' The impression prevails here that it was written by Maginn."