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. [Illustration: L. Sterne] 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. A. C. K. WARD'S "GRAND REBELLION." 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. A. _Oak House._ DATE OF THOMAS HOOD'S DEATH. Dec. 26th, 1851. 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. Yours obediently, S. S. Mr. Willis. 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. Three Rock Houses, Tenby, Jan. 15, 1852. 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." _It was understood at the time to be a Mr. Ferguson, a writer in some Dublin paper,--a Wexford man._ F. M. FRASER'S MAGAZINE. SIR,--Your correspondent, A. K., ("Current Notes" for December, p. 90), will find in Fraser's Magazine, No. 121, Vol. 21, a list of the portraits published in that periodical. A. Mr. Willis. CAUSSIN'S HOLY COURT. Landscape Terrace, Cork, Dec. 29. 1851.