_Miserrimus_ (Vol. iv., p. 37.).--It may be interesting to your
correspondent F. R. A. to learn that there is a notice of the demise of
the Rev. Thomas _Maurice_, not _Morris_, in the _Gentleman's Magazine_
for 1748; but whether this is a typographical error of our old friend
Sylvanus Urban or not I am unable to discover, although I have made
every research in my power. The celebrated Wordsworth, with other minor
poets, have drawn fanciful pictures of the old divine; but, from what
little may be learned of his history in the paragraph of his decease
above referred to, it is quite evident that all are very far from
depicting the real character of the individual who chose such an
eccentric epitaph as the sole word
"MISERRIMUS;"
for he is there said to have been "a gentleman very charitable to the
poor, and much esteemed."
The original stone which covered his remains, having the word
"Miserrimus" spelt with a single _r_, being nearly obliterated, was
renewed many years since by, I believe, one of the gentlemen connected
with the cathedral. Your correspondent is correct in stating the work
alluded to as being written by the late F. M. Reynolds. I should feel
obliged if any one could furnish further particulars of this individual.