1759
In a letter from her house at Delvinne, Glasnevin (outside Dublin), dated 6 October 1759 Mrs Delaney writes: 'Yesterday morning D[ean] D[elaney] and I went to see an organ made by a very ingenious man and musicians, Mr. Smith; it is just the size to fit the nitch in the chapel [of Delville]. It has nine stopes; two or three of them harsh and disagreeable, but the flute and stop diapason, and half an open diapason are very agreeable, and I believe are all I shall ever use. Its being ready to put up immediately will tempt us I believe to purchase it, though it is not very perfect of its kind ....'
This 'Mr Smith' may be the John Smith who was organist of St Werburgh's church in Dublin from 1733 to 1750 and who may also be the John Smith for whom benefits were given at the Stationers' Hall in November 1734 and at Crow Street Theatre in December 1735, on which occasion the programme included 'several compositions on the harpsichord by Mr Smith'. At a further benefit in November 1737 Mr Smith playing the organ and harpsichord. Not to be confused with John Eusebius Smith, vicar choral at Christ Church Cathedral.
Last Update: 17-09-2013