_Monody on the Death of Sir John Moore_ (Vol. i., p. 445.).--If any
person entertains a doubt that the Rev. Charles Wolfe was the author, I
trust that the following statement will have the effect of removing it.
In the October number of the _Dublin University Magazine_, 1851, there
is a short biographical notice of the late much lamented Rev. Samuel
O'Sullivan, which contains the following passage:
"One of his intimate acquaintances was Charles Wolfe. The
exquisite lines on the burial of Sir John Moore were suggested by
O'Sullivan reading to him the description in the _Annual Register_
of the retreat from Corunna. Immediately after, the two friends
went out to wander in the fields. During their ramble Wolfe was
silent and moody. On their return to their College chambers he
repeated the first and last stanzas of the ode that has made his
name immortal."
Knowing the source from which this assertion emanates, I have no reason
to suspect the veracity of the writer.
There is an additional proof, which is well worthy of being recorded in
your pages, and of which I have had ocular demonstration. In the _Royal
Irish Academy_ there is an original letter, framed, in the handwriting
of Wolfe, of which I send you an exact _fac-simile_. You will perceive
that it contains a copy of the poem, and that his signature is attached
to it, I need not add any more.