A Hundred Years Ago
" THE SPECTATOR," FEBRUARY 4TH, 1837.
A story, headed " Romance in Real Life," has been going the rounds of the newspapers. As the facts of the case have come to my knowledge they may be found worthy a place in your columns. The hero of the tale, Thomas Smith, was loft considerable property it is said, by his reputed father, William Smith, of Carmoyle, county Limerick, the father of Lady O'Brien, of Dromoland. His mister Jane (now Mrs. TOMICRIB Brew) was joint heir. The guardians appointed over the two children were Sir Edward and Lady O'Brien. The boy was sent to England to school, with a Protestant clergyman named Price, in the year 1810. He was not there quite two years when he died ; all his clothes, &c. being returned to Sir Edward. Mrs. Arthur, sister to Lady O'Brien, being next in remainder, became possessed of the lands devised to Thomas ; and her son now holds p..session of them. All his personal property was handed over to his sister Jane, now Mrs. Brow. All so far remained quiet as the grave, in which the remains of Thomas were deposited, until about eight or nine years since, when a reward of 1001. was offered to any person who would discover whore he was. Some years after, 2000/. reward was offered in the West Indies to any one discovering Thomas Smith ; and at last home walks a person from Jamaica, to claim the property left by the will of Mr. Smith of Carmoyle. When a doubt first arose as to the death of Thomas Smith, every satisfactory inquiry was made, and certificates obtained as to the illness, death, and burial of our hero. The only interest Sir Edward O'Brien has in the affair is, that the landed property, now in posses- sion of Mr. Arthur, is left in remainder to his two sons, after the failure of issue in tail male. Sir Edward, of course, must see that his trust as guardian of Thomas Smith is faithfully executed. Many corroboratory evidences go to prove that the nouveau arrive is labouring under a species of monomania, not frequently to be met with.
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