Notes and Queries 187

NOTES AND QUEEIES Doted THE AUTHOR OF THE POEM, "IF I SHOULD DIE TO-NIGHT." By Joseph Jackson. Quite recently there has been a revival of the periodic discussion as to the authorship of the poem, entitled, "If I Should Die To-night", and as I knew the author of that classic intimately, and long ago had placed with me fragments of its history, it occurred to me that these should be made public, as well as the other relating facts I have col- lected. Why there ever should have arisen any dispute about the au- thorship is not easy to explain, for there is no room for doubt that Robert C. V. Meyers, a writer, was responsible for the appearance of the poem. Robert Cornelius Vivian Meyers, a son of Henry and Caroline Meyers, was born in Philadelphia, May 1, 1848; although, for some reason, he preferred to have "Who's Who" give the year of his birth at ten years later. His father, a manufacturer here, had the distinction of having been one of the first human beings in this country to be photographed by Daguerre's process, having acted as model while Robert Cornelius made the experimental plate. This daguerreotype, which was given me, I presented to the Franklin Institute a few years ago. Meyers early displayed a talent for writing light stories and poems, in which field of culture, however, he did not shine so brilliantly as he did in music, although he preferred the literary life, regarding music as the recreation of an amateur. He wrote a great deal for various religious and other publications, especially for a popular series in- tended for recitationists and elocutionists, which carried the name "One "Hundred Choice Selections"; and subsequently for magazines. Many of these efforts were short stories, poems and playlets, some of which, I believe, were translated into German, French, Swedish and Russian; yet apart from the one poem, they now are little known. In 1895, Mr. Meyers published a novel, "Mistress Margery's Roses", which was favorably received; and in 1900, a volume of short stories, which took the name of the first in the garland, "The Colonel's Christ- mas Morning". A life of Queen Victoria, in 1901; "Battles and Heroes of the American Navy", in 1902; a life of Theodore Roosevelt, 1904; and "A Hero", 1909. During this period, and later, he also wrote innumerable short plays for amateur acting, some of which are occasionally performed. Mr. Meyers died, after a lingering illness, on his birthday, in 1917- The one work of his which has survived and bids fair to continue to enjoy vitality is the poem, entitled, "If I Should Die To-night," which has occasioned controversies at frequent intervals during the last forty years. Many years ago, I think it was in 1904, in the course of conversation about his work, Mr. Meyers casually mentioned to me that he was the author of this poem, and added that it had first appeared in a religious paper. If he mentioned the name of the paper I do not now recall it; but my recollection is that it was merely an ephemeral sheet issued by a Lutheran church, in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, I do not know the name of the church. I had no reason to doubt his word, because I knew him capable, and I knew enough of his mystic and somewhat melancholy character to easily understand that it expressed sentiments he entertained. There was something of a mixture of the weird, poetical and spiritual in his 188 Notes and Queries

make up. He always spoke cheerfully, even when, during the latter part of his life he was in physical distress. But even then, he displayed a brave optimism that seemed to be assumed to hide the sadness and disap- pointment he must have felt. He was a clever conversationalist, and this gift was reflected in the bright dialogue in his little plays. From all the evidence I have been able to gather, the poem "If I Should Die To-night", was written in the late seventies, and did not attract attention of disputants until the year 1887, when a somewhat mangled version of it appeared in H. Rider Haggard's novel of South African life, "Jess". In the novel no suggestion of the poem's origin was given, but a Philadelphian, in the spring of that year, wrote a letter to the Philadelphia Press (which was published March 27, 1887), ac- cusing the English novelist of plagiarism, in these words: To the Editor of The Press. Sir: The London Pall Mall Gazette recently declared that Mr. H. Rider Haggard, the now famous author of "King Solomon's Mines", and "She" was guilty of wholesale plagiarism from Tom Moore's tale, "The Epicurean". Now, I regret to say that I know of a charge of a similar nature against him, which is abundantly supported by proof. I make it with no desire of thinning the laurels of Mr. Hag- gard, whose "Jess" is a beautiful story. Very near the end of the tale (poor Jess) the reader has found some charming verses, beginning: "If I should die to-night". Beautiful they are, even as Mr. Haggard mangles and distorts them, a fact which, if such a thing were needed, would incontestably prove their splendid superiority. * Those verses were written many years ago by Mr. R. C. Vivian Meyers, a Philadelphian, who still resides in this city. Mr. Meyers has written much that is excellent, but never has done anything entitled to approach these famous verses (for they are famous), which are universally regarded as classic. They are as well known in England as here. For many years, indeed, this little gem was one of the pieces de resistance of Mr. S. K. Murdoch in his delightful public readings. On both sides of the Atlantic they have been printed again and again in periodicals and newspapers, but it is some years since they have appeared in this, their native city, and ac- cordingly I take great pleasure in submitting them to you for publication in the Sunday Press. This communication, to which was appended a copy of the poem, was signed: "Tho. Douglas J. Gallagher." When this letter reached England, the Pall Mall Gazette made it its business to investigate, and in a day or two the following paragraph was printed in that London daily: In reply to the charge brought against Mr. Rider Haggard by a correspondent of the Philadelphia Press, of having cribbed and distorted the verses, "If I Should Die To-night", which are put into the mouth of the heroine in "Jess", Mrs. Haggard writes as follows: "The poem in 'Jess,' was sent to Mr. Hag- gard from South Africa in manuscript, in a private letter, about seven years ago, by a lady now dead. He has always sup- posed it to be her own composition and never to have been pub- lished/' It is probable that this paragraph, which was copied in American newspapers, started the discussion about the authorship of the poem. Not having seen the communication in the Philadelphia Press, which drew it forth, a hunt was made for the author. One journal ascribed it to Henry Ward Beecher, but his son, Col. William C. Beecher, said that he had never heard of the poem before it was ascribed to his father, who, he added, "Never, I believe, wrote two lines of verse in his life." ROBERT C. V. MEYERS From the painting by Thomas Eakins

Notes and Queries 189

Phineas Garrett, the editor and publisher of a series that even yet is popular—"One Hundred Choice Selections," who knew Mr. Meyers, intimately, as a contributor, inserted, "If I Should Die To-night", in the next issue of his publication. This was No. 27, and was published in 1887. On page 172 of the book, the poem will be found, and with it this footnote: The origin of this poem recently elicited much controversy. We herewith give the correct version as furnished by the author, who is a well-known contributor to the One Hundred Choice Se- lections Series. The name of the author attached to the poem is that of Mr. Meyers. If I should die to-night, My friends would look upon my quiet face, Before they laid it in its resting place, And deem that death had left it almost fair, And laying snow-white flowers against my hair, Would smooth it down with tearful tenderness, And fold my hands with lingering caress,— Poor hands, so empty and so cold to-night! If I should die to-night, My friends would call to mind "" with loving thought Some kindly deed the icy hand had wrought; Some gentle word the frozen lips had said; Errands on which the willing feet had sped. The memory of my selfishness and pride, My hasty words, would all be put aside, And so I should be loved and mourned to-night. If I should die to-night, Even hearts estranged would turn once more to me, Recalling other days remorsefully. The eyes that chill me with averted glance Would look upon me as of yore, perchance Would soften in the old familiar way; For who would war with dumb, unconscious clay? So I might rest, forgiven of all to-night. O friends, I pray to-night Keep not your kisses for my dead, cold brow; The way is lonely, let me feel them now. Think gently of me: I am travel-worn; My faltering feet are pierced with many a thorn. Forgive, 0 hearts estranged, forgive, I plead! When dreamless rest is mine, I shall not need The tenderness for which I long to-night.

About four years ago the poem was the subject of newspaper discus- sion again. This time two correspondents asserted that they had made investigations and that a Mrs. Isabel Bostwick James, was the author. A year or so later, a compilation of "The World's One Thousand Best Poems", edited by Berton Braley, printed the poem, ascribing it to Arabella Eugenia Smith. However, "Golden Gleams of Thought", edited by S. P. Linn, and "Prize Poetical Speaker", both reprint the poem and ascribe it to its real author, Mr. Meyers. "If I should Die To-night" was first published separately as Tract No. 55, by the American Tract Society, of New York, and appeared with Mr. Meyer's name given as its author. An inquiry to the society asking for the date of this publication brought the following letter from the Rev. Edwin Noah Hardy, Ph.D., executive secretary of the organization: 190 Notes and Queries

Dear Mr. Jackson: Your letter received, and it gives me pleasure to look up the records in relation to tract No. 55, entitled, "If I Should Die To-night". This tract was first published by the American Tract So- ciety in the year 1891. I have no facts concerning the origin of the tract, or anything about it, but assume that it doubtless appeared in some published form, and was recommended to the Tract Society as worthy of their publication. This would tally with your impression as you say you have clippings of this poem dated 1887. I am confident that the authorship is correct for the Society has always been very careful to maintain the greatest accuracy in respect to its publications. I regret that I cannot give you further information. Sincerely yours, Edwin Noah Hardy, Executive Secretary. New York, February 13, 1930. From the evidence thus adduced there does not appear to be any provo- cation for introducing as author the name of any other than Mr. Meyers. There have been favorite, or well-known poems which, like "If I Should Die To-night," after being knocked about like orphans in various newspapers, had finally been taken in by some aspirant, whose friends supply them with a father's name. The authors of "Beautiful Snow", "All's Quiet Along the Potomac", "Laugh and the World Laughs With You", and "Opportunity", to say nothing of that other classic, "The Lay of the Lone Fish Ball", have seen their brain children taken to nurse by the poetically childless, and there has been no Solomon near at hand to award the babe to its rightful parent. The portrait of Robert C. V. Meyers, reproduced here, is from the study made by Thomas Eakins, in 1875, and used by the artist as a figure in the background of his great painting portraying Professor Samuel G. Gross in the operating room. In the large painting the figure of Mr. Meyers is on the top tier in the amphitheatre, the third from the right. Like the greater number of portraits which are in the large composition, this one is subdued, and acts merely as an accessory, for the design is virtually a background for the wonderful portrait of the great surgeon. On the back of the study is a label, in the handwriting of Mr. Meyers, which briefly gives its history thus: Study of It. C. V. Meyers for picture for Centennial Exhibition by Thomas R. Eakins and presented by him Dec. 25, 1875 Sitting of Oct. 10, 1875. From the last line of this inscription it might be inferred that there were other sittings, and possibly other sketches. However, comparison with the large composition shows the pose of this sketch was adopted. The study is singularly appropriate, not only as presenting the author of "If I Should Die To-night" in a thoughtful mood, but as represent- ing him at about the time his classic poem was written.

THE HOMES OF JOSEPH HOPKINSON, AUTHOR OF HAIL COLUMBIA, MARKED BY TABLETS. One hundred and thirty-two years after Joseph Hopkinson composed our first national song, Hail Columbia, the Historical Society marked with a bronze tablet the house in which the notable event occurred. On Tuesday afternoon, April 22, 1930, at 4 o'clock, the preliminary program began at St. Peter's Church, Third and Pine Streets, with an Invocation by the Rector, Rev. Edward Miller Jefferys, S.T.D., after which, with President John Frederick Lewis of the Historical Society presiding, Burton Alva Konkle made an address, describing the pic- turesque events that led an actor-singer, Gilbert Fox, of The New Theater

Notes and Queries 191 at Sixth and Chestnut Streets, to seek a song that would take the place of the emotional conflict between the Marseillaise and our first national tune, The President's March, threatening the success of his benefit per- formance on the 25th of April, 1798. He told of how Fox sought the help of his old school-mate, the young Philadelphia lawyer, Joseph Hop- kinson, to write words to The President's March; how Mr. Hopkinson succeeded; how it was announced as "The New Federal Song"; and how, when the comedian sang it, it was received. At this point in the St. Peter's program, Mr. Gilbert, the choir-master, at the organ, began the well-known song, with Wharton Weir rendering the solo most effectively and the remarkable boys' choir the chorus. At the close those present, headed by President Lewis and the Mayor's representative, Charles W. Neeld, of the Bureau of City Property, formed a procession, under escort of Marines, The Old Guard, State Fencibles, and Philadelphia Firemen's Band, and marched to the corner of Fourth and Spruce Streets, to the house in which Joseph Hopkinson and his family lived when he composed Hail Columbia. This house is now No. 338 Spruce Street. Here a platform had been built in front of the house and decorated for the ceremonies. After selections by the Band, President Lewis gave a brief address in explanation of the occasion, after which he introduced Mayor Harry A. Mackey's represen- tative, who read the Mayor's most interesting address, Mr. Mackey having been unexpectedly called away. At the close of this address, a bronze tablet reciting that "Hail Co- lumbia was composed here by Joseph Hopkinson, April 22, 1798. Marked by The Historical Society of , April 22, 1930," was un- veiled by Martha Hopkinson, great-great-granddaughter of Hon. Joseph Hopkinson, upon which the Band played Hail Columbia. This was followed by an address of appreciation by Edward Hopkinson, Jr., great- grandson of the author of the song. Among those present were William Hopkinson, now eighty-four years old and oldest living descendant, and Edward Hopkinson, Sr., grandson of Joseph Hopkinson. The committee in charge of the arrangements were President John Frederick Lewis, ex officio, Harrold E. Gillingham, Chairman, John Cadwalader, Jr., Edward Carey Gardiner, Edward Hop- kinson, Sr., Edward Hopkinson, Jr., Burton Alva Konkle, William W. Matos, Arthur V. Morton, Richard Peters, Jr., Edward Robins, Clement B. Wood, and Ernest Spofford, Secretary. It has been proposed that this house be bought of the present owner, Mr. David Rambler, and become known as "Hail Columbia House", or "Hopkinson House", and be made a museum of national songs in charge of an appropriate organization. The above occasion inspired the Chapter of the Daughters of The American Revolution of , which some years ago marked the Hopkinson House in Bordentown as the home of Francis Hopkinson, to place on it another tablet reciting that it was also the home of Joseph Hopkinson, the author of Hail Columbia. Also, as Joseph Hopkinson's grave is one of a small group of those of members of that family in a small cemetery near the edge of the bluffs and known as the Hopkinson Cemetery, the inspiration led to the Chapter unveiling a bronze tablet at the head of his tomb, reciting similar facts about him. Led by the Regent, Mrs. Mary Augusta MacDonald, the Chapter con- ducted appropriate ceremonies on October 18, 1930, at 2 o'clock, first at the "Hopkinson House," now the residence of Judge Harold B. Wells of the New Jersey High Court of Errors and Appeals, at the corner of Park Street and Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, New Jersey. After an invocation by Reverend Everitt, Regent MacDonald led the Chapter in singing Hail Columbia and also in appropriate remarks. Then fol- lowed an "Appreciation of Joseph Hopkinson," by his biographer, Bur- ton Alva Konkle, of Swarthmore, a member of The Historical Society of Pennsylvania; after which the new bronze tablet was unveiled on the 192 Notes and Queries front of the residence just below the one devoted to Francis Hopkinson, by Miss Margaret Hopkinson, great-granddaughter of Joseph Hopkin- son. Judge Wells gave an excellent address of acceptance in behalf of the people of Bordentown. The company then adjourned to the Hop- kinson Cemetery, where, after an invocation, and remarks by Regent MacDonald, a short address by Reverend Everitt was made at the grave and the bronze tablet at its head was likewise unveiled by Miss Hopkinson, after which a trumpeter rendered taps, whose impressive tones floated over the hills and dales of the old home of the author of Hail Columbia, A Contributor. LETTER ADDRESSED TO "MR. JOHN PAINTER, CARE M. COWDEN, ESQ1"., NORTHUMBERLAND, PENNA." Contributed by Mrs. Harry Rogers, who transcribed it from the original in the State Library, Harrisburg, Penn- sylvania. Williamsport, January 8th., 1819. Dear Sir; When I saw you in this place last week you informed me that you were about to apply to the Legislature of this State for Compensation for your services on the frontier during the Revolutionary War, and re- quested me to State what recollection I had of your being employed in the Service of the United States or this State at that time. I have been reflecting on the transactions of that time since I saw you and will now State to you as far as my recollections will serve when I saw you and in what situations during the Revolutionary War. The first time I recollect seeing you was in the Spring of 1778, you then came to what is now Lycoming County and went as far as Pine Creek a Lieutenant in Captn. McMahons Company of Militia and served out your time on this frontier. I was then Stationed at the mouth of Lycoming Creek & had the Command of a Company there. After the great runaway (as it is called) in July 1778 I saw you in Northumberland Town, but in what capacity I cannot recollect. 'There was however a Stockade built at the Town of North*, at that time. Afterwards in the fall of 1778 ColB. Hartley came to Muncy and erected a fort which was occupied by a Company of his regiment and a Company of Militia under my command, untill the summer of 1779, when the Company left by Coln. Hartley under the Command of Captn. Walker was called off to join Gen1. Sullivan on his expedition against the Indians in the Genesee country, and left me with 15 or 16 men and upwards of 30 Women & Children at Fort Muncy—that shortly after Capt". Walkers Company left me at Fort Muncy you arrived there in Company with Robert King on your way up the West branch, in a Canoe, that after staying one night at the Fort, you proceeded up the River and the night following Rob*. King and you returned to the fort, and gave me notice of the party of Indians & British commanded by McDonald, that you had discovered an advance party of McDonalds troops, near the mouth of Lycoming Creek, that in consequence of your information, I sent my Brother, James Hepburn the same night express to Coln. Hunter at Fort Agusta, who immediately sent a Boat to take down the Women, Children & Military Stores, believing my party too weak to defend the fort, that Rob*. King and you remained with me at Fort Muncy untill the Boat arrived and assisted in driving the cattle and such other things as we could take by land to Northd. and that I am fully persuaded that the information given by Rob*. King and yourself was the only thing which prevented the garrison of Fort Muncy from falling into the hands of McDonalds party. The above is all I can recollect at present touching your services. Yours respectfully, Wm. Hepburn.