S88 



.aj;rnok{on 



Remarks on the History and Authenticity of the Autograph original 

 of the Annals of the Four Masters, now deposited in the Library 

 of the Royal Irish Academy. By GEORGE PETRIE, Esq., 

 R.H.A. M.R.I.A. &c. .; ; , 



Read March 16th, 1831. 



"if J iij!?. 



"to the president and members of the royal IRISH , ' 



?./■, ;in 



ACADEMY. 



.ncrJ -^aii'ioiil 



My Lord and Gentlemen, 



••> - I • If r . 



Having recently had the good fortune to obtain 

 for the Royal Irish Academy, the most important historical remain 

 of our ancient literature, the original autograph of a portion of the 

 first part or volume, and the whole of the second volume of the 

 work usually designated the Annals of the Four Masters, —I feel it in- 

 cumbent on me to lay before you a statement of the proofs of its 

 authenticity, together with such circumstances connected with its 

 history, as have hitherto come within my knowledge. '4 ^'"'" - ""^^'•' 

 "' With regard, in the first place, to our acquisition, being the un- 

 doubted autograph original of this most invaluable work, it is to be 

 observed that the manuscript itself furnishes the most satisfactory 

 internal evidences, for such a conclusion, evidences even more decisive 

 than those which have been brought forward in support of the auto- 

 o-raph originality of the first part, now the chief treasure of the mag- 

 nificent library of his Grace the Duke of Buckinghain, and whi^;h 

 VOL. XVI. '^ (tV.S'^lo! 3 D -1 '>i'<j ■^^''' f-UilioUmi ^cui'jol 



