My gifted and lamented countryman "The Roscoe of Cork"[[1]] deserves more notice in these pages, which he has enriched by his contributions, than the handsome obituary of our Editor (Vol. vii., p. 394.); so a few words is with reference to him may be acceptable.

Mr. James Roche was born in Limerick some eighty-three years ago, of an ancient and wealthy family. At an early period of his life he was sent to France, and educated in the Catholic College of Saintes. After completing his studies, and paying a short visit to Ireland, he settled in Bordeaux, where he became acquainted with the most distinguished leaders of the Girondists.

Mr. Roche was in Paris during the horrors of the first Revolution, and in 1793 was arrested there as a British subject, but was released on the death of Robespierre. For some years after his liberation, he passed his time between Paris and Bordeaux. At the close of the last century, he returned to Ireland; and commenced business in Cork as a banker, in partnership with his brother. He resided in a handsome country seat near the river Lee, and there amassed a splendid library.

About the year 1816, a relative of mine, a wealthy banker in the same city, got into difficulties, and met with the kindest assistance from Mr. Roche. In 1819 his own troubles came on, and a monetary crisis ruined him as well as many others. All his property was sold, and his books were brought to the hammer, excepting a few with which his creditors presented him. I have often tried, but without success, to get a copy of the auction catalogue, which contained many curious lots,—amongst others, I am informed, Swift's own annotated copy of Gulliver's Travels, which Mr. Roche purchased in Cork for a few pence, but which produced pounds at the sale. Mr. Roche, after this, resided for some time in London as parliamentary agent. He also spent several years in Paris, and witnessed the revolution of 1830. Eventually he returned to Cork, where he performed the duties of a magistrate and director of the National Bank, until his death in the early part of 1853.

Mr. Roche was intimately acquainted with many of the great men and events of his time, especially with everything concerning modern French history and literature.

Mr. Roche was remarkable for accurate scholarship and extensive learning: the affability of his manners, and the earnestly-religious tone of his mind, enhanced his varied accomplishments.

For a number of years he contributed largely to various periodicals, such as the Gentleman's Magazine, the Dublin Review, and the Literary Gazette; and the signature of "J. R. of Cork" was welcome to all, while it puzzled many.

In 1851 he printed for private circulation, Essays Critical and Miscellaneous, by an Octogenarian, 2 vols.; printed by G. Nash, Cork. Some of these Essays are reprints, others are printed for the first time. The work was reviewed in the Dublin Review for October, 1851.

A "Sketch of J. R. of Cork" was published in July, 1848, in Duffy's Irish Catholic Magazine, which I have made use of in this Note. My object in the present Note is to suggest that Mr. Roche's Reminiscences and Essays should be given to the public, from whom I am well assured they would receive a hearty welcome.

Eirionnach.