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86 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH.
tongue desired his presence, which he obeyed by entering the Church. After sermon, a
more lively representation was prepared for him ; Bacchus appeared on the Cross distributing
his wine freely to all; the streets through which he passed were strewed with flowers,
and hung with tapestry and painted histories ; and the whole fanciful pageant wound up
with a very characteristic astrological display, exhibiting the conjunction of the planets, in
their degrees and places, as at his Majesty’s happy nativity, vividly represented by the
assistance of King Ptolomd ! ”
The King then passed on to his Palace of Holyrood, attended by two hundred horsemen,
and the Parliament assembled immediately after in the Tolbooth, and contiuued its
delibemtions there for some weeks. The influence of Morton had been rapidly lessening
with the King, while the number and power of his enemies increased. Towards the close
of 1580, he was arraigned to stand his trial for the murder of Darnley ; and he was executed
the following year by an instrument called
the Naiden, a species of guillotine which he
had himself introduced into Scotland. His
head was placed on the Tolbooth, and his
body ignominiously buried at the Borough
Muir-the usual place of sepulture for the
vilest criminals.
Considering the high hand with which
the civic rulers of the capital contrived to
carry nearly every point during the reign of
Queen Mary, it is astonishing how speedily
James VI. brought them into subjection. ,He
interfered constantly in their elections,
though only with partial success, and used
their purse with a condescending freedom
that must often have proved very irritating.
They were required to maintain a bodyguard
for’ him at their own expense ; and whenever
it suited his Majesty’s convenience, were commanded to furnish costly entertainments to
foreign nobles and ambassadors.2
In October 1589, the King suddenly sailed from Leith to bring home his Queen, Anne
of Denmark, leaving orders of a sufficiently minute and exacting nature for their honourable
reception on his return. One of the first articles requires, that the town of Edinburgh,
the Canongate, and Leith, shall be in arms, ranked on both sides of the way between
Leith and Holyrood House, to hold off the press; and the Council are directed to deal
earnestly with the town of Edinburgh for providing ships and all other necessaries.
Various acts of the Town Council show the straits they were put to in the accomplishment
of this. “ The Baillies were ordained to pass through their quarters, and borrow
fra the honest nychtbouris thairof, ane quantitie of the best sort of thair naiperie,
to serve the strayngeris that sal1 arryve with the Quene.” Orders were given for
Hist. of James the Sext., p. 178-180. &itland, p. 37, * Haitland, p. 44, 5.
YIONETTE-The Maiden.

... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. tongue desired his presence, which he obeyed by entering the Church. After sermon, ...

Book 10 p. 94
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140 13 I 0 GR AP HI CA L S ICE T C HE S.
But hardly had I time to ken
What lives are led by Aldermen,
E’er thy joy-chasing, fearfu’ din
Made me disrobe,
An’ left me, baith in kith and kin,
As poor as Job.
But here it were ower lang to tell,
0’ a’ the ills ye heap pell-mell,
Baith on my neighbours an’ mysel’,
Frae day to day ;
Nor do remonstrances avail,
Ae single, strae.
But lad, ye yet the day may rue,
That now sae high ye crook yer mou’ ;
Our B-lie sure can ne’er allow
Things sae to gang ;
Ye’ll wind yoursel’ a bonny clue
Eer it be lang.
0 T-t I’ the witty, wise an’ just,
Wee1 worthy 0’ B-eh’s great trust
To thee we turn, wha ne’er nonplust
0 humble him into the dust-
A righteous pray’r !
To rowte nae mair.
Kent young B.-ch 0’ our distress,
Frae Lunin he’d send down express,
To strip him 0’ his gaudy dress,
Frae tap to tae,
He’d ne’er permit him to harass
His lieges 8ae.
Swith ! send him aff by Dunstaffnage,
Wi’ winds an’ waves a war to wage ;
There let him spend his pipin’ rage,
That ceaseless scream h e age to age
’Mid gulls and whaups,
Round Jura’s Paps.
No. CCXIX.
SIR JOHN LESLIE,
PROFESSOR OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH.
, THIS distinguished philosopher, born in 1766, was a native of Largo, in Fife.
His father, who came originally from the neighbourhood of St. Andrew, was
a joiner and cabinet-maker. His elementary education was of a desultory and
imperfect nature; but he read with avidity such books as came within his
reach ; and having received some lessons in mathematics, from his elder brother
Alexander, displayed surprising aptitude for that science. At the age of
thirteen, he ent,ered the University of St. Andrews, as a student of mathematics,
where, at the first distribution of prizes, his proficiency gained him the favour
of the Earl of Kinnoul, then Chancellor of the University. His views being at
this time directed towards the Church, he studied in the usual manner during
six sessions ; after which, in company with another youth, subsequently distinguished
like himself, James (afterwards Sir James) Ivory, he proceeded to
Edinburgh, where he attended the University for three years. During that
period he enjoyed the friendship of Dr. Adam Smith, who employed him in
assisting the studies of his nephew, David Douglas, who afterwards became a
judge under the title of Lord Reston.
Buccleuch, and who died about 1831.
(Mr. Tait), predecessor of Mr, Scott Moncrieff aa Chamberlain to Hie Grace the Duks of

... 13 I 0 GR AP HI CA L S ICE T C HE S. But hardly had I time to ken What lives are led by Aldermen, E’er thy ...

Book 9 p. 187
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 27
they succeeded in obtaining from him no less a sum, it is said, than one hundred
pounds sterling.
The Doctor was a regular attendant at church, and always contributed to the
plate. That his charity on such occasions might be duly appreciated by those
who were in attendance, instead of throwing in his halfpence in the usual careless
way, he piled them up into one solid massive column of copper, and gently
placing the pillar down, left it, a conspicuous monument of his benevolence.
One act of public spirit, however, does mark the Doctor’s-life, and if his motive
in performing it, as was uncharitably reported at the time, was vanity, one cannot
help being struck with the ingenuity which directed him on the occasion.
He presented the governors of the Orphan Hospital with a bell! His fame
was thus literally sounded throughout the city ; yet, lest any should have been
ignorant of the gift, he took care when in company, on hearing it ring, to advert
to its fine tone, and thus lead the way to a narrative of his generosity.
The other figure in the Print represents Laird Robertson holding up one of
his sticks ; the nndermost figure represents Principal Robertson ; the one on
tlie top the eccentric Dr. James Graham, no great favourite of Dr. Glen’s.
Eeing once troubled with sore eyes, after in vain trying the prescriptions of
several physicians, he applied to Dr. Graham, who cured him in a very short
time, for which he expressed great gratitude. Wishing to make him some
remuneration, he consulted some of the young members of the Faculty ; and,
as the most genteel way of doing what he wished, they recommended him to
invite the Doctor and a few of his own friends to dinner in Fortune’s (the most
fashionable tavern at that time), and provide himself with a hltndsome purse,
containing thirty guineas or so, and offer it to the Doctor, which they assured
him he would not accept. They accordingly met, and after a few bottles of
wine had been drunk, the old Doctor called Dr, Graham to the window, and
offered him the purse, which he at once accepted, and, with a very low bow,
thanked him kindly for it. The Doctor was so chagrined that he soon left the
company, who continued till a pretty early hour enjoying themselves at his
expense.
The father of Dr. Glen was a native of the west of Scotland, and had three
sons, all of whom were prosperous in the world. One of these gentlemen was
appointed governor of one of the 7Qest India Islands, where he amassed
a large fortune, of which he left $30,000 to his niece, the daughter of the
third brother, who ultimately succeeded to the reversion of the Doctor’s
property. This amiable lady was subsequently married to the late Earl of
Dalhousie, father to the present noble Earl.
Dr. Glen enjoyed, by purchase, an annuity from the city of Edinburgh, of
which he lived so long to reap the benefit, that the magistrates gave up all hopes
of his ever dying at all, and began to consider him as one of the perpetual
burdens of the city. He, however, died in 1786.

... SKETCHES. 27 they succeeded in obtaining from him no less a sum, it is said, than one hundred pounds ...

Book 8 p. 35
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41+ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
various charitable institutions of this city; but he latterly began to concentrate
his exertions upon a single object of this kind. In 1818, a Parliamentary
Commission having been appointed to inquire into the state of education
throughout the United Kingdom, the chairman (Lord Brougham) requested the
countenance and aid of the General Assembly in obtaining returns from the
parochial clergy of Scotland. This was readily acceded to ; and, as convener
of the committee nominated by the Assembly, Dr. Baird took an active part
in furthering the object of the Commission. Deeply impressed with the statements
set forth in the returns, which were in the first instance forwarded to the
Principal, and by him transmitted to Lord Brougham, he was led to that enterprise
for the education of the Highlanders with which his name will ever be
most honourably associated. In 1824 he proposed to the General Assembly
a scheme for establishing schools in the Highlands, to be maintained on such
funds as the Church might raise by means of parochial collections and otherwise,
and to be superintended by a Committee of the General Assembly. The
project was well received, and a great and flourishing institution has been the
consequence. The General Assembly’s Education Committee has at present
an income of about 23000 per annum, with about 210,000 of capital, and an
establishment of more than one hundred schools, giving education to upwards
of, eight thousand children. Much of the success of this scheme depended on
the co-operation of heritors, in furnishing certain requisites of accommodation
to the schoolmasters ; and Dr. Baird zealously exerted himself to secure that
co-operation by means of frequent personal intercourse. It was with this view
he undertook several laborious journeys to the remotest parts of the Highlands
and Islands, at a very advanced period of life ; and the appearance of the venerable
Principal among their native hills and vales, on such a mission of benevolence,
will ever be remembered by the present generation of Highlanders,
and will not pass unrecorded to the next.
The Principal latterly retired in a great measure from the more active cares
and engagements of life ; and valued, as a good man naturally does, the privilege
of spending his later days among the remembered scenes of his boyhood:
connecting the present with the past in that manner of pleasing retrospect which
always argues a well-spent interval.
“ The child is father of the man ;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.”
His clerical career was on the whole eminently prosperous ; and he repaid
the favours of his fortune by a character of high respectability, and by some
distinguished contributions to the public good-his chief exertions taking their
direction from the benevolence of his disposition. Among the class of practical
philanthropists, he occupied a place scarcely inferior to that of any other
individual of his time.
This was at Manuel, in the neighbourhood of Linlithgow, whem‘he chiefly resided

... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. various charitable institutions of this city; but he latterly began to concentrate his ...

Book 9 p. 553
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 313
prayers, to lead them to the balm that is in Gilead, and the Physician who is
there. The widow and the fatherless were his peculiar care: he sought out
their cause ; and many had occasion to bless him for the seasonable soothing
and relief, both temporal and spiritual, which they received through his
instrumentality,
He was a member, and from time to time in the direction, of almost every
charitable institution in Edinburgh, but took a more especial and active interest
in those of them connected with the religious instruction of the rising generation
and the more extensive diffusion of the knowledge and influence of Gospel truth,
whether at home or abroad. It need scarcely now be added that Mr. Dickson
was conscientiously and firmly attached to the principles, and approved, in
general, of the measures adopted by what is called tho popular party in the
Church. But it may be right to mention, that besides, in earlier life, taking
no small share in the discussions connected with the questions about patronage
and Popery, his first sentiments and convictions respecting both of which he
retained till the close of life, he was one of the small majority in the General
Assembly who voted against receiving the explanation of Dr. M‘Gill of Ayr, as
a satisfactory recantation of the heresy with which he had been charged.’ On
two several occasions, also, viz. the settlements of Biggar and Larbert, he actually
braved the highest censure of the ecclesiastical courts, rather than surrender
the dictates of his conscience to what he had thought their time-serving policy
and unconstitutional decisions.
In domestic and private life, Mr. Dickson was all that a Christian husband,
and father, and friend and companion, could be wished to be. Tender, affectionate,
kind, habitually cheerful, yet always dignified, there was a charm in his
manner, arising from the natural warmth of his heart, hallowed by genuine
religious feeling, which not only endeared him to those with whom he was more
intimate, but irresistibly commanded the respect and esteem of all with whom
he became but partially acquainted in the intercourse of social life.
After a
very painful, though not very lengthened illness-during which not a murmur
of impatience was heard from him, but, on the contrary, the constant language
of submissive resignation, and peaceful waiting for his departing to be with
Christhe calmly entered into his rest about midnight on the 3d of August
1820, in the sixty-seventh year of his age, and forty-fourth of his ministry.
His surviving family were his eldest son, the Rev. Dr. Dickson, one of the
ministers of St. Cuthbert’s ; one married, and two unmarried daughters ; and
James Wardrobe Dickson, Esq., Sheriff-Substitute of the Falkirk district of
Stirlingshire.
And, as he lived, so he died in the faith and hope of the Gospel.
-
The heresy of Dr. M‘Gill occasioned great excitement at the time ; and the satirical poem of
“The Kirk’s Alarm,” by Burns, has given the affair a celebrity likely to last as long as the fame of
the bard himself.
VOL. 11. 2 s

... SKETCHES. 313 prayers, to lead them to the balm that is in Gilead, and the Physician who is there. ...

Book 9 p. 416
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8 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH.
supply of water. From thence they sallied out from time to time, as occasions offered,
and not only harassed the enemy in the neighbouring capital, but extended their inroads
even as far as into Northumberland.’
In 1341, the Castle was recovered from the English by an ingenious stratagem, planned
by William Bullock, who had previously held the castle of Coupar for Baliol. Under his
directions, one Walter Curry of Dundee received into his ship two hundred Scots, under
the command of William de Douglas, Frazer, and Joachim of Kinbak, and casting anchor
in Leith Roads, he presented himself to the governor of the Castle, as master of an English
vessel, just arrived with a valuable cargo of wines and provisions on board, which he offered
to dispose of for the use of the garrison. “he bait took; and the pretended trader appeared
at the Castle, according to appointment, early on the following morning, attended by a dozen
armed followers, disguised as sailors. Upon entering the Castle, they contrived to overturn
their casks and hampers, so as to obstruct the closing of the gates, and instantly slew
the porter and guard. At an appointed signal, Douglas and his men sprung from their
concealment in the immediate neighbourhood, and, after a fierce conflict, overpowered the
garrison, and took possession of the Castle, in the name of David 11. In the following
month the young King, with his consort, Johanna, landed from France, and, within a short
time, the English were expelled from Scotland. When, a few years afterwards, the disastrous
raid of Durham terminat,ed in the defeat of the Scottish army, and the captivity
of the King, we find, in the treaty for his ransom, the merchants and burgesses of Edinburgh,
along with those of Aberdeen, Perth, and Dundee, are held bound for themselves,
and all the other merchants of Scotland, for its fulfilment. And, ultimately, a Parliament
was held at Edinburgh, in 1357, for final adjustment of the terms of the royal ransom, where
the Regent Robert, the steward of Scotland (afterwards King Robert II.), presided ; at
which, in addition to the clergy and nobles, there were delegates present from seventeen
burghs, among which Edinburgh appears for the first time placed at the head.
After David 11. returned from
England, he resided during his
latter days in the Castle, to
which he made extensive additions,
enlarging the fortifications
so recently rebuilt; and
adding in particular an extensive
building, afterwards known
by the name of David’s
Tower,” which stood for 200
years, till battered to pieces in
the regency of James VI. ; and
here he died on the 22d February
.
1370, in the forty-second year of his age, and was buried in the church of the Abbey of Holyrood,
before the high altar. He was a brave and gifted prince, who in happier times might
1 Caledonia, vol. ii. p. 290.
VIQNETTdThe Castle, from a map engraved in 1575, showing King David’s Tower.

... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. supply of water. From thence they sallied out from time to time, as occasions ...

Book 10 p. 9
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284 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
one of the ministers of the Tolbooth Church, Edinburgh, and Secretary to
the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge $-and on
the 23d, “At Edinburgh, Sir James Colquhoun of Luss, Bart., Sheriffdepute
of Dumbartonshire.”
He subsequently
occupied a house connected with the hall of the Society to which he
was secretary (formerly Baron Maule’s residence), at the Netherbow, and afterwards
used by the Messrs. Craig as a hat manufactory.
Dr. Kemp resided for several years in Ramsay Garden, Castle Hill.
No. CXVI.
THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS OF GRAHAM,
AND
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF BUCHAN.
THIS Print refers to the close of the war in 1782, when the fear of invasion
from the menacing attitude of the French nation created so much unnecessary
alarm. At this period the above-mentioned noblemen zealously came forward
to rouse the spirit of their countrymen. They are represented as they appeared
in the “ garb of old Gaul,” beating up for a volunteer body called the Caledonian
Band.’ Several meetings had been held, and a vast number of citizens’
names enrolled ; the Marquis had also been elected colonel, and the Earl lieutenant-
colonel, besides the appointment of a number of inferior officers ; but
before the commissions arrived from his Majesty, the preliminaries of peace had
been signed. The Caledonian Band, like its prototype, the Edinburgh Defensive
Band, was thereafter converted into a body of freemasons-of which the
Earl of Buchan was made master, and afterwards the Hon. Archibald Fraser of
Lovat, whose father was beheaded in 1746.
Perhaps few local matters ever excited greater interest in Edinburgh than the probable issue of
this unhappy law-suit. Dr. Kemp was characterised as a second Dr. Cantwell by one party, and as
the most injured man breathing by the other. Even the reality of his death became matter of dispute
; for it was affirmed1and believed by not a few of his adversaries, that his demise was a fiction,
got up for the purpose of stifling investigation ; and it was positively asserted, that, more than a
year afterwards, he had been seen in Holland in the very best health and spirits. That this rumour,
however, was unfounded, may be presumed from the fact, which wm well known, of his having been
struck with palsy some time prior to his death. Therefore, admitting the fiction of his demise, and
that he was seen in Holland in the best heaZth and sphits, it falls to be shown by what means such
a miraculous recovery had been effected. But the point is, we think, set at rest by direct testimony ;
for we are informed by a friend that the late Mr. Charles Watson, undertaker, father of Dr. Watson
of Burntisland, who was one of Dr. Kemp’s elders, and a person whose word may be relied on,
declared to him that he assisted in putting Dr. Kemp’s body into the coffin, and in screwing down
the top of it.
This corps was drilled by Mr. John Lamond, as adjutant, brother of the Dean of Guild of
Edinburgh.

... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. one of the ministers of the Tolbooth Church, Edinburgh, and Secretary to the Society ...

Book 8 p. 398
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 483
the Almighty Being to infuse into their mind a spirit of wisdom to enable
them to come to a just conclusion upon this cause, Chief Justice Eyre having
summed up the evidence, the jury then retired. After an absence of two
hours, they returned with a verdict of-not guilty.
On the acquittal of Mr. Hardy, he got into a hackney coach at the Old
Bailey, amidst most violent shouts of acclamation from a numerous multitude
which had been in waiting for several hours to know the issue of his trial.
They requested permission to take the horses from the coach, that they might
draw it themselves ; but he refused the proffered compliment, and ordered the
coachman to drive with the utmost speed, which he so effectually obeyed, that
the mob were not able to overtake him till he had reached the New Church in
the Strand, when they insisted on the horses being unyoked, and all dissuasion
to the contrary was in vain. Having thus obtained their desire, they drew him
along the Strand, Charing-Cross, Pall Mall, St. James’s Street, and, by a circuitous
route, brought him back to Lancaster-Court, in the Strand, to the
house of his brother. On alighting from the coach, he thanked them for the
honour they had done him, and entreated them peaceably to disperse, as the
best token of respect they could show to the laws of their country, to the wise
provisions of which he stood indebted for the power of being enabled then to
address them, They instantly obeyed. Mr. Hardy had been a shoemaker, but
latterly became unfortunate in business. For twelve years previons to his demise,
he had been in the receipt of a gratuity of S50 a year from Sir Francis Burdett,
which sum, on the death of Mr, Hardy, that gentleman generously continued to
allow his sister. The following notice of her death appeared in the Scotsman of
December 3, 1842 :--<A‘ t Falkirk, Mrs. Leishman, aged eighty-four, the sister
of the celebrated Thomas Hardy, who was tried at the Old Bailey forty-eight
years ago for high treason, and was acquitted, Upon the death of her brother,
Sir F. Burdett generously continued to allow her 550 a year, which sum he previously
paid for twelve years to Mr. Hardy’s use.” Mr. Hardy died in 1833,
and his remains were interred in Bunhill Fields, City Road, London, where a
monument, containing a suitable inscription, has been erected to his memory.
His funeral was attended by nearly five hundred friends, one of whom, Mr.
John Thelwall, delivered the funeral oration, which was printed in the London
papers at the time. This gentleman had likewise stood trial for the same
crime aa that of Hardy, but, being also found innocent] was acquitted.
361. FIELD-MARSHABL LUCHERt,h e illustrious Prussian general who, as
one of their suite, accompanied the Emperor Alexander of Russia and the
King of Prussia on their united visit to England in June 1814, when it is
understood this portrait was executed.

... SKETCHES. 483 the Almighty Being to infuse into their mind a spirit of wisdom to enable them to come ...

Book 9 p. 641
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264 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. CCLIX.
COLONEL MONRO,
A WELL KNOWN BLUE-GOWN BEGGAR.
THE name of “COLONELM ONRO,”a s applied to a half-crazed old man who
used to frequent the streets of Edinburgh, is familiar to many of the older
inhabitants, but almost nothing is known of his history. He obtained the
soubriquet of “ Colonel ” from having fought under the banners of Prince Charles
Edward ; and to the last he continued to profess his devotion to the house of
Stuart. In token of his sympathy for the fallen race, he always wore a white
cockade in his bonnet or hat. His Jacobitical predilections, however, did not
prevent him from participating in the bounty of the reigning dynasty ; hence
the lines of the artist-
(‘ Behold courageous Colonel Monro,
A Highland hero, turned a Blue-Gown beau.”
Of the Blue-Gowns, or Bedesmen, whose dress and appearance are represented
in the Print, Sir Walter Scott has given the following account in his notes
to the Antiquary :-
“ These Bedesmen are an order of paupers, to whom the Kings of Scotland were in the
custom of distributing a certain alms, in conformity with the ordinances of the Catholic Church,
and who were expected in return to pray for the royal welfare and that of the State. This order
is still kept up. Their number is equal to the number of years which his Majesty has lived ;
and one Blue-Gown is put on the roll for every returning royal birthday. On the same auapicious
era, each Bedesnian receives a new cloak, or gown, of coarse cloth, the colour light-blue,
with a pewter badge, which confers on them the general privilege of seeking alms through all
Scotland, all laws against sorning, masterful begging, and every other species of mendicity
being suspended in favour of this privileged class. With his cloak each receives a leathern purse,
containing as many shillings Scots (videlicet, pennies sterling) as the Sovereign is years old-the
zeal of their intercession for the King’s long life receiving, it is to be supposed, a great stimulus
from their own present and increasing interest in the object of their prayers. On the same occasion,
one of the Royal Chaplains preaches a sermon to the Bedesmen, who (as one of the Rev.
gentlemen expressed himself) are the most impatient and inattentive audience in the world.
Something of this may arise from a feeling, on the part of the Bedesmen, that they are paid for
their own devotions, not for listening to those of others. Or more probably it arises from impatience,
natural, though indecorous in men bearing so venerable a character, to arrive at the conclusion
of the ceremonial of the royal birthday, which as far as they are concerned, ends in &
lusty breakfast of bread and ale ;I the whole moral and religious exhibition terminating in the
advice of Johnson’s ‘ Hermit hoar ’ to his proselyte,-
‘ Come, my lad, and drink some beer.’ ”
The “ lusty breakfast ” latterly conaiated of a single halfpenny hup, and a very small modicum
of beer.

... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. No. CCLIX. COLONEL MONRO, A WELL KNOWN BLUE-GOWN BEGGAR. THE name of “COLONELM ...

Book 9 p. 351
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174 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and friendship of that distinguished prelate. His detached sermons, published
while a country clergyman, were remarkable for a propriety and correctness of
taste ; while his Theological Dissertations, which appeared so early as 1765,’
were full of masterly disquisition on some of the most interesting points of
divinity; and, in short, his whole works are distinguished for “precision of
thought and originality of sentiment.”
Dr. Erskine’s opinions in matters of Church polity are at once known from
the prominent position which he maintained for many years as leader of the
popular party in the General Assembly, in opposition to his old schoolfellow,
Dr. Robertson. In state politics he was equally bold and independent in his
views. In 1769,‘ on the breach with America, he published a discourse entitled
‘‘ Shall I go to war with my American brethren ?” which is said to have given
great offence to some of those in high quarters at the time, and was considered
as treasonable by many. It is even said the Doctor could get no bookseller
to run the risk of publication, which seems to be corroborated by the fact
that the sermon was actually published in London without any publisher’s
imprint being attached to it. The discourse, however, was reprinted at Edinburgh
in 1776, with the author’s name, and the addition of a preface and
appendix, even more in opposition to the views of government than the discourse
itself. On the subject of the American war he was strongly opposed to the
sentiments of Rlr. Wesley, who was a warm defender of the somewhat questionable
policy pursued by the ministers of that ruinous period. He was opposed
also to the constitution afterwards given to Canada, conceiving that the Roman
Catholic religion had been too much favoured; and, in 1778, he was equally
opposed to the attempt then made to repeal certain enactments against the
Catholics of Great Eritain, on which subject he entered into a correspondence
with Mr. Burke, which was published. Without reference to their merits, the
political sentiments of Dr. Erskine were at least entitled to respect, from the
conscientiousness with which they were entertained, and the independence with
which they were asserted.
As a man, Dr. Erskine was remarkable for the simplicity of his manner, and
in his conduct exhibited a genuine example of that humility and charitableness
so prominent in the character of Christianity. He was ardent and benevolent
in his disposition, and his affections were lasting and sincere. In proof of
this, his continued friendship for his opponent, Dr. Robertson, is instanced as a
noble example, The moderate, and perhaps somewhat liberal, views of the latter
gentleman respecting the repeal of the penal statutes against the Catholics in
Scotland, had so highly incensed the mob of Edinburgh in 17 7 8, that a furious
party had actually assembled in the College-yard for the purpose of demolishing
the house of the Principal, which they would in all probability have done, in
These were-“ Mr. Wesley’s Principles Detected ; or a Defence of the Preface to the Edinburgh
edition of ‘ Aspaaio Vindicated,’ in answer to Mr. Kershaw’s Appeal.”-“ Theological Dissertations,
(1.) On the Nature of the Sinai Covenant. (2.) On the Character and Privileges of the Apostolic
Churches. (3.) On the Nature of Saving FaitL”

... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. and friendship of that distinguished prelate. His detached sermons, published while a ...

Book 8 p. 246
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 111
enthusiasm with which he entered into the spirit of such amusements, it is
reported that, in leading a dance, when upwards of seventy-six years of age, he
broke the tendo Achi1lis.l
Dr. Grant was a patron of the fine arts ; and a fondness for the drama was
another distinguishing feature in his character. While Mrs. Siddons remained
in Edinburgh, she was frequently a guest at his table ; and to all professors of
the histrionic art he manifested his particular favour, by professionally attending
them and their families, when called upon, without fee or reward.
The figure and characteristic appearance of Dr. Gregory Grant are well
delineated in the Print. He dressed with minute attention to neatness, but without
regard to prevailing fashions, strictly adhered to that of his younger years.
His coat was sometimes of a drab or black colour, but most frequently of a
dark purple, with corresponding under garments. In reference to his peculiar
style of dress, a ludicrous anecdote is told. A party of equestrians having
broken up their establishment, the pony, which had been in the habit of performing
in the farce of the “ Tailor’s Journey to Brentford,” was purchased by
a baker in Leith Walk for the purpose of carrying bread. One day in Princes
Street, as Dr. Grant was passing, the pony happened to be standing loose, and
no doubt fancying to recognise, in the dress and appearance of the Doctor, his
old friend the “ Tailor,” he immediately pricked up his ears, started off in pursuit,
and began throwing up his heels at him in the way he had been accustomed
in the circus, Confounded at such an alarming salutation, and it is
believed considerably injured, Dr. Grant was glad to seek safety in flight, by
darting into an entry until the offender was secured.
The Doctor seldom made use of his carriage. When he went to the country
he usually rode a cream-coloured horse, his servant following behind in the
Grant livery. He was a most active man, regular in all his habits, and punctual
to a moment in keeping his hours.
Although he might in some degree participate in the chivalrous feeling of his
brother for the unfortunate house of Stuart, Dr. Grant was a decided Presbyterian,
and regularly attended the Tolbooth Church, The love of country was
with him a predominant feeling. He was often heard to remark that there
was no dress in Europe to compare with the Highland garb, when worn by a
graceful native Highlander ; and that there was no language which could convey
the meaning with greater distinctness than the Gaelic. He was one of the
first promoters of the Highland Society, and an enthusiastic supporter of the
competitions of ancient music. He died at an advanced age, in 1803, leaving
considerable wealth.
There is probahly some mistake in this assertion. The dancing practised hy the Doctor Fas
not of a violent description, being the ancient minuet, which he performed with great elegance.

... SKETCHES. 111 enthusiasm with which he entered into the spirit of such amusements, it is reported ...

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298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in becoming the leader of a new denomination. But while he laboured for the
purity of the Church, and exhibited the fervency of his zeal by engaging with a
liberal hand in the scheme of purchasing advowsons, in order to secure the
presentation of efficient clergymen, yet his philanthropy extended. to all classes
of Christians.
Possessing considerable wealth and extensive influence, Mr. Simeon, as may
be augured from his character, was an active and generous promoter of all societies
which had for their object the propagation of the gospel, and the welfare of
mankind. For the conversion of the Jews he seemed particularly solicitous,
and took a prominent interest in the Society established for that purpose. Towards
erecting a Chapel at Bethnal Green he subscribed two hundred guineas,
and engaged in many extensive tours throughout England and Scotland in their
behalf. In 1818, on the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, he preached at
Amsterdam for the benefit of the Society ; and again at Paris in 1825.
The life of Mr. Simeon was one of continued activity, mental and corporeal.
His printed works, besides occasional publications, extend to twenty-one large
octavo volumes, and contain a series of two thousand five hundred and thirtysix
discourses, from Genesis to Revelation. Many of these are of great merit ;
and immense as the labour expended in their production must have been, it
appears doubly augmented when we are told by his biographer, that in the
manuscripts before him " several of the outlines are written over four, five, and
even six times, till he could bring them to that point of precision and force in
which he so much delighted. Many preachers labour for quantity, and some for
splendour ; Mr, Simeon laboured for brevity and effect. He rarely preached
more than thirty or thirty-five minutes; and his problem seemed to be, Iww
much useful truth he could condense into the shortest possible time, with the greatest
possible efect upon the heart and conscience. On the Monday, as he told the
writer of these lines, he employed perhaps as much as eight hours more in
writing them fairly out for the press, with the enlargements that had occurred
to him in preaching, and his latest improvements. So careful was he in his
preparation for preaching, that he sometimes read his sermon jive times over in
private, and twice as nearly as possible with the tone, attitude, and manner he
purposed employing in the pulpit."
It would be surprising if the private life of such a man as Mr. Simeon did
not at least equal his public character. While ample testimony is borne to
his many virtues, it must be admitted that he possessed a warm and somewhat
irritable temper, and was not without a due share of the imperfections of
human nature ; but these were checked and held in abeyance by the constant
action of more noble qualities of the mind. The besetting, and probably
the most unconquerable of all the human passions with which genuine piety
has to contend, is the love of approbation. However much mere human praise
may be condemned, few indeed are superior to its influence. In this assailable
point Mr. Simeon does not appear to have been more impregnable than
others. By way of illustrating his personal piety, it is related that " besides

... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. in becoming the leader of a new denomination. But while he laboured for the purity of ...

Book 9 p. 397
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62 EDINBURGH PAST AND PRESENT.
The great east window has been allocated to the Right Hon. the Lord Provost,
Sir James Falshaw, Bart. The design, which is expected to be placed in the
Church within a year from the present time, will be the gift of his Lordship
to the city, We give an Engraving of the upper hall of the Signet Library,
and also of the great hall in the Parliament House.
Proceeding southward, by George IV. Bridge and Forrest Road, to the
northern approach to the Meadows, we notice on the right the New Royal
Infirmary-of which there is an Engraving at page 48-a noble building
still in course of erection; the foundation-stone was laid by His Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales on 13th October 1870. The ground to the
left, now occupied by Park Place and Teviot Row, is that on which the New
University Buildings are to be erected. Park Place, of which an engraving is
given, has an interesting history. Just a hundred years ago, Islay Campbell
of Succoth, Lord Advocate of Scotland, and his friend John Tait of Harviestoun
and Cumloden, W.S., being desirous to emerge from their more primitive
dwellings, resolved to feu and build in a beautiful park, situated immediately
to the east of h e north end of the middle walk of the Meadows, of which
the more southern part was formed on a causeway through the partially
drained waters of the South bch, afterwards forming the Meadows.
On the most northern portion, the Lord Advocate erected No. I Park
Place, a large mansion, having an extensive garden behind. Immediately
to the south, and adjoining that of his friend, Mr. Tait built No. 2, another
large house with garden attached ; a few years later, Mr. Honyman, Advocate;
established himself in No. 3, and not long afterwatds, Mr. Hope Vere of
Craigie Hall took possession of what was to be No. 4, thus completing the
joint erection. ‘Park Flace’ was fixed on as the name of this private street,
which with its gardens and pertinents covered a surface of several acres.
‘ Ross House,’ which became the residence of the Commander-inchief in
Scotland, stood in its park directly to the emf of the Park Place houses j and
the large houses on the north and east sides of GEORGES QUARE,be ing then
in course of erection, the locality became the most coveted and aristocratic of
that day. Visitors, levees, dinners, evening parties, balls, were unceasing ;
and every one of the four houses possessing large families of children, the
small private street then teemed with life. The intimacy among the inhabitants
being so great, those-of Park Place, from their stable lane, allowed a
passage for pedestrians towards the north-west corner of George Spare. Islay
Campbell soon afterwards became Lord President of the Court of Session,
which he continued to be for twenty years, and on his resignation he was

... EDINBURGH PAST AND PRESENT. The great east window has been allocated to the Right Hon. the Lord Provost, Sir ...

Book 11 p. 99
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180 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
impossible he could properly attend to his pastoral duties. Several meetings of
Presbytery were held on the subject, but the Doctor found ways and means to
smooth down the opposition; and he continued for some time to hold both
appointments. Owing to the discontent of the people, however, he found his
situation extremely irksome and disagreeable. A few years subsequently he
was happily rescued from his difficulties by the Earl of Lauderdale, who gave
him the church of Colinton, about four miles from Edinburgh; where, from
its proximity to the town, he could more easily fulfil the relative duties of his
appointments,
Dr. Walker may almost be said to have been the founder of Natural History
in the University. His predecessor only occasionally delivered lectures ; and
these were never well encouraged, owing no doubt to the little intereat generally
excited at that time on a subject so important. The want of a proper museum
was a radical defect, which the exertions of Dr. Walker were at length in some
measure able to rectify. His lectures also proved very attractive, not so much
from the eloquence with which they were delivered, as from the vast fund of
facts and general information they comprised. Eoth in the pulpit and in lecturing
to his classes, the oratory of Dr. Walker was characterised by a degree of
stiffness and formality.
In 1783, when the Royal Society of Edinburgh was formed, the Professor
was one of its earliest and most interested members. The opposition offered to
the incorporation of the Antiquarian Society, which principally originated in
the objections made to the delivery of a course of lectures on the Philosophy of
Natural history by the late Mr. Smellie, has already been alluded to in our
sketch of that gentleman.
In 1788 Dr. Walker delivered a very excellent course of lectures in the
University on agriculture, which is generally supposed to have suggested to Sir
William Pulteney the ides of founding a professorship for that important branch
of science. In 1792 he published for the use of his students, “Institutes of
Natural History ; containing Heads of the Lectures on Natural History delivered
in the University of Edinburgh ”
Although his talents for literary composition were considerable, it is not
known that the Professor ever appeared before the public as the author of any
separate work of any extent. With the exception of one or two occasional
sermons, and a very curious Treatise on Mineralogy, his contributions were chiefly
limited to the various learned societies of which he was a member. For the
Statistical Account of Scotland he drew up an account of the parish of Colinton,
in a style, and with a degree of accuracy, which fully proved the peculiar talent
he possessed for topographical and statistical subjects. He intended at one
period to have published a Flora of Scotland, but was anticipated by the Scottish
Flora of Lightfoot, Chaplain to the Duchess of Portland, who composed his
Flora during his travels in Scotland with Pennant,
Dr. Walker’s knowledge of plants was not altogether of a theoretical nature.
He made some good experiments on the motion of the sap in trees, which are

... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. impossible he could properly attend to his pastoral duties. Several meetings ...

Book 9 p. 241
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KING’S STABLES, CASTLE IYARNS, AND CASTLE HILL. 155
the dilapidated window.
sketch, from which the accompanying vignette i s given.
In the highest floor,
various indications of the
same elaborate style of decoration
were visible as we
have described in the ceilings
of the Palace. A curious
fragment of painting,
flling an arch on one of the
walls, was divided into two
compartments by very elegant
ornamental borders.
The picture on the left
represented a young man
kneeling before an altar, on
which stood an open vessel amid flames, while, from a dark cloud overhead, a hand issued,
holding a ladle, and just about to dip it into the vessel. A castellated mansion, with
turrets and gables ii the style of the sixteenth century, appeared in the distance ; and at
the top there was inscribed on a scroll the words Bemum purgabitw. In the other compartment,
a man of aged and venerable aspect was seen, who held in his hands a heart,
which he appeared to be offering to a figure like a bird, with huge black wings. Above
this were the words . . Impossi6iZe est. The whole apartment had been decorated in
the same style, but only very slight remains of. thia were traceable on the walls. On the
removal of the lath and plast.er from the ceilings of the lower roomt3, the beams,-which
were of solid oak,-and the under sides of the flooring above, were all covered with ornamental
devices, those on the main beams being Painted on three sides, and divided at
short distances by fillets or bands of various patterns running round them.‘
The somewhat minute description which we have given of these ancient buildings will,
we think, amply bear us out in characterising them as among the most interesting that old
Edinburgh possessed. Here we have good reason for believing the widow of James V.
took up her residence during the first years of her regency;-here, in all probability,
the leading churchmen and Scottish nobles who adhered to her party have met in grave
deliberation, to resist the earlier movements that led to the Reformation ;-in this mean
and obscure alley the ambassadors and statesmen of England and France, and the
niessengers of the Scottish Queen, have assembled, and have been received with fitting
dignity in its once splendid halls ; while within the long desecrated fane royal and noble
worshippers have knelt around its altar, gorgeous with the imposing ceremonial8 of the
Catholic Church. It is a dream of times long gone by, of which G w d d gladly have
retained some such remembrance as the dilapidated mansion afforded; but time and modern
changes have swept over its old walls with ruthless hand, and this feeble description of its
decrepitude is probably the best memorial of it that survives.
There still remains to be described the fine old stone land at the head-of Blyth’s Close,
The same difficulties had to be surmounted in obtaining the
J The Vignette at the end of the Chapter is from one of the oak beams belonging to the late bfr Hugh Paton.

... STABLES, CASTLE IYARNS, AND CASTLE HILL. 155 the dilapidated window. sketch, from which the accompanying ...

Book 10 p. 168
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2s 4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
his mode of treatment was much approved by Dr. David Clark, who had been
brought from Edinburgh. This accidental circumstance added much to his
medical reputation in that quarter.
During his residence at Hamilton, Dr. Cullen became acquainted with Mr.
William Hunter. These two celebrated characters, who were destined to do
so much, each in his own line, for the advancement of medical science, had very
early entered into habits of the strictest intimacy. Dr. Hunter had been
originally intended for the Church j and with that view had attended some of
the classes at the University of Glasgow. Cullen’s conversation, however, gave
a different direction to his studies, and he resolved to study medicine.
In consequence of the extension of his practice, Cullen resolved to apply
to the University of Glasgow for a medical degree, and this he accordingly
obtained upon the 14th September 1740. On the 13th November 1741,
he married Ann Johnston, the daughter of a neighbouring clergyman, by whom
he had a numerous family. His eldest son, Robert, was a Lord of Session and
Justiciary,
During the residence of Dr. Cullen in Hamilton, Archibald Earl of Islay,
afterwards Duke of Argyle, being in that part of the country, required some
chemical apparatus. It was suggested to him that Dr. Cullen was more likely
to have what his lordship wanted than any other person. He was accordingly
invited to dinner by his lordship, and fortunately made himself very agreeable.
This interview was one of the chief causes of his future rise in life. He had
secured the patronage of t,he Prime Minister of Scotland, the future Duke of
Argyle, besides the countenance of the Duke of Hamilton. In 1746 the
Lectureship on Chemistry in the University of Glasgow, which is in the gift of
the College, became vacant. Cullen offered himself as a candidate, and was
accordingly elected. He commenced his lectures in the month of October of the
same year. In 1751 the Professorship of Medicine (in the gift of the Crown)
becoming vacant, the interest of Argyle procured it for him. He appears to
have taught both classes. In 1755 he transmitted a paper to the Physical and
Literary Society of Edinburgh, ‘‘ On the cold produced by evaporating fluids,
and of some other means of producing cold,”-the only chemical essay he ever
published.
In 1756 he was unanimously elected Professor of Chemistry in the University
of Edinburgh, where the medical school was already formed ; and he had
much greater incitements to exertion than he had in Glasgow. Dr. Whytt, who
taught the Institutes of Medicine, died in 1766, and Dr. Cullen obtained the
vacant chair. Dr. John Gregory, a short time before, had succeeded to the
chair of the Practice of Physic; and these two Professors continued each to
teach his own class for three sessions. At the conclusion of the session, 12th
April 1769, Dr. Callen proposed to the patrons that Dr. Gregory and he should
alternately teach the Institutes and the Practice. This was complied with ; and
it was declared that the survivor should have in his option which professorship
he preferred. Upon the lamented death of Dr. Gregory, 10th February 1773,

... 4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. his mode of treatment was much approved by Dr. David Clark, who had been brought from ...

Book 8 p. 356
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 335
and presents a very lively picture of the remarkable individual whom it
describes.
The REV. ROWLANHDI LLwa s the sixth son of Sir Rowland Hill of Hawkstone,
in Shropshire, and uncle of the famous Lord Hill, who distinguished himself
so much in the Peninsular war ; for his services in which he was ennobled.’
Rowland possessed from infancy an open, lively disposition; and gave early
indication of that playful humour which clung to him so pertinaciously throughout
his future years. On one occasion, being brought into the apartment where
his father and mother were sitting with some company, the question was put to
him-“ Well, Rowley, and what should you like to be 1” Looking archly at
his father, who was sitting in an arm chair, he replied-“ I should like to be a
baronet and sit in a great chair !” Rowley was sent to Eton; and, having
early imbibed strong religious notions, which were ardently fanned by his elder
brother and sister, he was subsequently placed at Cambridge, to study with a
view to the Church. Here he soon became conspicuous for his religious zeal,
by visiting the prisons and preaching to the poor in the neighbourhood. In
this course, which gave much offence to the heads of the College ‘of St John’s,
he was greatly encouraged by Mr. Whitfield, to whom he had been introduced,
and who continued to correspond with his young protege for several years.
His father and mother were also nearly as much offended at his illethodistical
conduct as the heads of the College ; and did everything to counteract his propensities.
Nothing, however, could relax the devotion of the young enthusiast,
In 1769 he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts ; and being then twenty-three
years of age, he immediately exerted himself to obtain orders, but was refused
by no fewer than six bishops. Thus rejected, he retired to his father’s seat at
Hawkstone, where, for several years, he continued to reside during the winter
season; and, with the “voice of spring,” went forth to preach throughout
the country. In consequence of his father’s displeasure, the allowance he
received for several years was extremely limited, so much so that he was frequently
reduced to considerable embarrassments ; and sometimes he and the
little pony which he kept to carry him over the country were at a loss where
to find provender for the night. During his peregrinations he was in frequent
danger from the tumults of the mob ; but he was of a fearless disposition, and
regardless of personal danger. In his journal of 1771 this entry occurs-‘‘ 10th
May, at Stowey, to the most outrageous congregation I ever saw. There was
such a noise with beating of pans, shovels, etc., blowing of horns and ringing of
bells, that I could scarce hear myself speak. Though we were pelted with mud,
dirt, eggs, etc., I was enabled to preach out my sermon.” The excursions of
the ‘‘ Baronet’s Son,’’ as he was called, were extended, in this manner, over a
great portion of the country, and even to Wales, where he was well received.
Rowland Hill first visited London in 1772, where he preached to immense
congregations at the Tabernacle and at Tottenham Court Chapel. The same
There were five brothers of this family at Waterloo, all of whom survived the action.

... SKETCHES. 335 and presents a very lively picture of the remarkable individual whom ...

Book 8 p. 469
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372 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH.
‘approach to our cc Modern Athens” from the neighbouring coast. When, some two or
three centuries hence, the New Town shall have ripened into fruit for some twenty-second
century Improvements Commission, their first scheme will probably lead to the restoration
of Gabriel’s Road, and its counterpart from Charlotte Square to Pitt Street, marking the
saltier of Scotland’s patron saint on the antiquated parallelograms of James Craig I
The village of Silvermills, the remains of which lie concealed behind St Stephen’s
Church and the modern streets that surround it, may not improbably owe its origin to
some of the alchemical projects of James IT. or V., both of whom were greatly addicted
to the royal sport of hunting for the precious metals, with which the soil of Scotland was
then believed to abound. Sir Archibald Napier, the father of the philosopher, was
appointed Master of the Mint and superintendent of the mines and minerals within the
kingdom; and we are assured, on the authority of an ancient manuscript in the Cotton
Library, that The Laird of Merchiston got gold in Pentland Hills.”‘ The village of
Silvermills consists almost entirely of a colony of tanners, but one or two of its houses
present the crow-stepped gables of the aeventeenth century; and though now enclosed
within the extended town, we. can remember many a Saturday’s ramble through green
fields that ended at this rural Aamlet.
Another and more important village, which has experienced the same fate as that of
Silvermills, is the ancient baronial burgh of Broughton. Its name occurs in the charter
of foundation of Holyrood Abbey, granted by David I. in 1128, and implies, according to
Marnitlandt,h e Castle town. If it ever possessed B fortalice or keep, from whence its name
was derived, all vestiges of it had disappeared centuries before its fields were invaded by
the extending capital. The Tolbooth, however, wherein the baron’s courts were held, and
offenders secured to abide his judgment,
or to endure its penalties,
stood within these few years near
the centre of the old village, bearing
over its north door the date 1582.
Its broad flight of steps was appropriately
flanked with a venerable
pair of stocks; a symbol of justice
of rare occurrence in Scotland,
where the joug3 were the usual and
more national mode of pillory. The
annexed vignette will srdice to
convey some idea of this antique
structure, which stood nearly in the
centre of the New Town, on the ground now occupied by the east end of Barony Street,
from whence it was only removed with all its paraphernalia of obsolete minners and
laws in the year 1829. The curious rambler may still stumble on one or two of the
humble tenements of the old village, lying concealed among the back lanes of the modern
town. A few years since, its rows of tiled and thatched cottages, with their rude fore-
Niaoellane Scotioa, Napier of Herohiaton, p, 228.
VIOXETTE--The Tolbooth, Broughton.

... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. ‘approach to our cc Modern Athens” from the neighbouring coast. When, some two ...

Book 10 p. 409
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 77
hearty pinch of snuff, exclaimed, ‘‘ Vir sapit pi paum lopuitur 1” and then
descended from the rostrum with the greatest composure.
He used to boast that when a student he once forced a smile from Professor
Leslie, while engaged in the act of public prayer with the students. Skene had
a fever, and was obliged for some time to wear a huge horse-hair wig. One
morning, during prayers, he doffed his wig, and threw it into the middle of the
floor, at the same time affecting to look round, that he might discover the wag
who had treated him with such indignity. He then went quickly forward,
took up the wig, and studiously placed it with the back part in front of his
bald POW. The whole affair was conducted, on his part, with such comic gravity,
as to force a smile from the saturnine Professor.
In the latter part of his life, Dr. Ogilvy had an attack of apoplexy, which
tended to weaken his mental faculties. He ultimately repaired to London,
where he died, He was a very plainlooking
man; and hence his sobripuet of “The Beauty of Holiness.” It was
the fashion of his younger days to powder deeply : a friend as ugly as himself,
chancing to meet him one day, compared him to the foul fiend looking out from
under a wreath of snow-“Gude e’en to you, brither Hornie!” was the
Doctor’s ready reply.
The Print strongly resembles him.
No. 11.-DR. ALEXANDER GERARD. This eminent Professor first
held the chair of Moral Philosophy, and afterwards that of Divinity, in Marischal
College, from which chair he was translated in 1771 to the Professorship
of Divinity in King’s College. His works on Taste and Genius are well
known. He died in March 1795. He is represented as addressing his colleagues,
and saying-“ Had you not sold your patronages, first minister might
have been annexed to my divine chair of verity and taste.” This alluded to
what had taken place a considerable number of years before. As the reveuue
of the College was but very slender, the members were reduced to the necessity
of having recourse, for the improvement of it, to such means as were within their
reach. With this view, several schemes were proposed about the year 1751,
and at last the sale of the “Superiorities and Church Patronages” was adopted,
by which it is said that three thousand pounds sterling were added to the funds
of the society. The purchase was made by the Earl of Fife, who thus acquired
the right of patronage to about fifteen parishes. The quill in the Doctor’s cap
probably refers to his diligence and success as an author.
No. 111.-MR. RODERICR M‘LEOD, Sub-Principal of King’s College.
This gentleman was for many years a Professor in the University, and in 1764
was chosen Sub-Principal. Whilst holding this appointment, he became
remarkable for his extraordinary exertions in procuring studenh to enter
King’s College. His general acquaintance throughout the Highlands afforded
him excellent opportunities of doing so; and he was not sparing of his
endeavours. His tours through the north of Scotland were long proverbial in

... SKETCHES. 77 hearty pinch of snuff, exclaimed, ‘‘ Vir sapit pi paum lopuitur 1” and ...

Book 8 p. 111
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312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
speak with a warmth of feeling which proved how closely their hearts were knit
together, and which remained unabated till the last pulse of life beat within
their breasts.
On Mr. Dickson's ministerial and personal character it were easy to dilatk at
no inconsiderable length. This, however, seems scarcely the place for doing so.
Suffice it, therefore, to give a transient glance at the more prominent traits of
both.
Devotedly pious from early life, furnished with a competent store of useful
learning, acquired by a diligent and persevering study, and deeply versant especially
in biblical knowledge and theological lore, his very first pulpit discourses
were distinguished by almost the same maturity of Christian experience, correctness
of statement, lucidness of arrangement, copiousness of Scriptural illustration,
dignified simplicity of style, and solemn impressiveness and unction, both of
manner and matter, for which, during the more than forty years of his service
in the work of the ministry they were so highly estimated by all, whether old
or young, who enjoyed the privilege and benefit of statedly or even occasionally
listening to them. Experiencing himself much of that peace and joy in believing
which the world can neither give nor take away, he was to others most
peculiarly a Barnabas, or son of consolation ; well knowing how to enter into
the true state and feelings of those who needed to be comforted, whether under
temporal or spiritual distress, and how to speak a word in season to them, suited
to all the variety and exigence of their circumstances. Of this the general strain
of many of his sermons, more particularly the addresses at their conclusion, of
which the volume that he published in 1817 furnishes a number of interesting
and valuable specimens, afforded the most unequivocal proofs. But perhaps
his correspondence by letter with a multitude of private individuals in every
rank of society-with youthful inquirers and. aged believers, with doubting, and
afflicted, and sorrowful, as well as confirmed, and prosperous, and rejoicing
Christians-attests the fact still more powerfully. Very few ministers indeed,'
we believe, were ever more zealous and faithful than he : and to not many has
the high honour and unspeakable satisfaction been given of being more successful
in either the conversion of sinners or the edification of saints.
Nor were his ministrations confined to those of the pulpit or Sabbath. In
the various charges which he successively occupied, he regularly visited from
year to year, till the decline of his health most reluctantly compelled him to discontinue
such exertion, not merely the families and individuals connected with
his several congregations, but all the parishioners placed under his pastoral care,
whether belonging to the Established Church or not, unless they refused or
declined, which scarcely any of them ever did, to receive him under their roof.
The young were the objects of his most affectionate solicitude ; and wherever
sickness and sorrow, personal or domestic, were to be found, thither he hastened,
to administer to the afflicted sufferers those comforts which the precious truths
of the Gospel alone can impart; renewing his visits with unwearied assiduity, and
labouring, by his appropriate instructions, and his fervent and importunate

... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. speak with a warmth of feeling which proved how closely their hearts were ...

Book 9 p. 415
(Score 0.28)

West Bow.1 THE TEMPLE LANDS. 321
and diversion from other patients, and his lucrum
assans, he has lost more than &so sterling, and
craves that sum as his fee and the recompense of
his damage.?
But as it was represented for the Laird of Netherplace,
that he had done his work unskilfully, and
In the city the order possessed several flat-roofed
tenements, known as the Temple Lands, and one
archway, numbered as 145, on the south side of the
Grassmarket, led to what was called the Temple
Close, but they have all been removed. It was
a lofty pile, and is mentioned in a charter of
that the sum of seyenteen
guineas was sufficient
payment.
At the foot of the
Bow, and on the west
side chiefly, were a few
old tenements, that,
in consequence of
being built upon
ground which had
originally belonged to
the Knights of the
Temple, were styled
Templar Lands, and
were distinguished by
having iron crosses on
their fronts and gables.
In the ?Heart of
Midlothian,? Scott
describes them as being
of uncommon
height and antique
appearance ; but of
late years they have
all disappeared.
It was during the
Grand Mastership of
Everhard de Bar, and
while that brave warrior,
with only 130
knights of the order,
, was fighting under the
banner of Louis VII.
at Damascus, that the
Grand Priory of Scotland
was instituted,
~~
KOMIEU?S HOUSE.
( F Y o ~ a Measured Dnrwing by T. Hamilton, pzr6Zislud in 1830.)
and the knight who presided over it was then
styled Magziter Domus T?YZi in Sotid, when
lands were bestowed on the order,first by King
David I., and then by many others. To all the
property belonging to the Temple a great value
was attached, from the circumstance that it
afforded, until the extinction of heritable jurisdictions
in 1747, the benefit of sanctuary; thus
the Temple tenements in Fifeshire are still termed
houses of refuge.
Tempillands, lyand
next ye Gray Friers?
Yard;? and in 1598,
?a temple tenement
lyand near the Gray
Friars ? Yett ? was confirmed
to James Kent
(Torphichen Charters).
On these the
iron cross was visible
in 1824.
On the dissolution
of the order all this
property in Scotland
was bestowed upon
their rivals, the
Knights of St. John of
Jerusalem ; and the
houses referred to became
eventually a part
of the barony of Drem
(of old a Temple
Priory) in Haddingtonshire,
the baron of
which used to hold
courts in them occasionally,
and here, till
I 747, were harboured
persons not free of
the city corporations, I
to the great annoyance
of the adherents of
local monopoly ; but
so lately as 1731, on
the 24th of August,
the Temple vassals
were ordered by the Bailie of Lord Torphichen,
to erect the cross of St. John ?on the Templelands
within Burgh, amerciating [fining] such as
did not affix the said cross.?? This was a strange
enactment in a country where it is still doubtful
whether such an emblem can figure as an ornament
upon a tomb or church. CIearly there must have
been some disinclination to affix the crosses,
otherwise the regulation would scarcely have been
passed.
buildings
shops
templar
knights

... Bow.1 THE TEMPLE LANDS. 321 and diversion from other patients, and his lucrum assans, he has lost more than ...

Book 2 p. 321
(Score 0.28)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 103
Melville Castle, and by her had one son (the succeeding Viscount) and three
daughters. This marriage baving been dissolved in 17 93, he married, secondly,
Jane, sister to Janies Hope, third Earl of Hopetoun, but by her (who remarried,
in 18 14, Thomas Lord Wallace) he had no issue.
The second figure represents the Right Hon. ROBERT DUNDAS of
Arniston, Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, in conversation with
his uncle, who was also his father-in-law.
I&. Dundas was eldest son of the second Lord President Dundas, and was
born on the 6th of June 17558. He was educated for the legal profession, and
became a member of the Faculty of Advocates in the year 1779 ; immediately
after which he was appointed Procurator for the Church of Scotland.
On the promotion of Sir Islay Campbell to the office of Lord Advocate, Mr.
Dundas, then a very young man, succeeded him as Solicitor-General ; and on
the elevation of the former to the Presidency, the latter was appointed to
supply his place as Lord Advocate, being then only in the 31st year of his age.
This office he held for twelve years, dnring which time he sat in Parliament
as member for the county of Edinburgh. On the resignation of Chief Baron
Montgomery, in the year 1801, he was appointed his successor. His lordship
held this office till within a short time of his death, which happened at Arniston
on the 17th June 1819, in the sixty-second year of his age.’
The excellences which marked the character of his lordship were many, and
all of the most amiable and endearing kind. In manner, he was mild and
affable ; in disposition humane and generous ; and in principle, singularly
tolerant and liberal--cjualities which gained him universal esteem.
As presiding judge of the Court of Exchequer, he on every occasion evinced
a desire to soften the rigour of the law when a legitimate opportunity presented
itself for doing so. If it appeared to his lordship that an offender had erred
unknowingly, or from inadvertency, he invariably interposed his good offices to
mitigate the sentence. By the constitution of this court it was assumed that
the king could not be subjected in expenses : thus when a party was acquitted
-no unfrequent occurrence-he had to bear his own costs, which were always
very considerable-but the Lord Chief Baron, whenever he thought that the party
had been unjustly accused, invariably recommended to Government that he
should be repaid what he had expended, and his recommendations were
uniformly attended to.
“ It was in private life, however,” says his biographer, “ and within the
circle of his own family and friends, that the virtues of this excellent man were
chiefly conspicuous, and that his loss was most severely felt. Of him it may be
said, as was most emphatically remarked of one of his brethren on the bench,
he died leaving no good man his enemy, and attended with that sincere regret
which only those can hope for who have occupied the like important stations,
and acquitted themselves as well.”
1 At this period his lordship resided in St. John’s Street, Canongate.

... SKETCHES. 103 Melville Castle, and by her had one son (the succeeding Viscount) and three daughters. ...

Book 8 p. 150
(Score 0.28)

THE CANONGA TE AND ABBEY SANCTUAR Y. 293
style that prevailed at the date of its erection. Between the windows of the first and
second floor of the tower an ornamental sun-dial appears, and underneath the lower window
a carved tablet bears the following inscription :-
@S. Li. fB .
PATRLEET POSTER1IS59, 1.
There are two bells in the tower, the oldest of which has this favoltrite motto, with the
date, cast on it:-so~I DEO HONOR ET GLORIA, 1608. The larger bell, as appears from
its inscription, was cast in 1796. Over the inner doorway, which leads both to the courthouse
and the prison, are these appropriate words-EsTo b u s ; and on the most conspicuous
part of the edifice, between the large windows of the council hall, tl highly
ornamental panel, surmounted by a pediment adorned with a large thistle, bears the
following legend:--J. R 6, JUSTITETI API ETAS VALKDE BUNT PRINCIPIS ARCES. Within
the panel the burgh arms are emblazoned, viz.-a stag’s head with R cross between the
tynes, in commemoration of the monastic legend to which the origin of Saint David’s
Abbey and its burgh is referred; and underneath the motto, SIC ITURAD ASTRA; an
unfailing subject of mirth to the profane wits of the capital, as an avowal by the old vassals
of the Church that they now seek the way to heaven through the burgh jail.
The independence of the burgh of Canongate was of
brief duration, the magistrates of Edinburgh ha-i-ing
purchased the superiority of it from the Earl of Roxburgh,
and procured a charter of confirmation from
Charles I. in 1636. It was till lately governed by it,s own
magistrates, and a baron bailie elected by the Edinburgh
Town Council, who thus came in the place of
the Abbot of Holyrood as over-lords of the burgh.
These held weekly courts for the punishment of petty
offenders, and the settlement of disputed questions on
small debts ; and in general exercised full control over the
public affairs of the burgh.
The ancient market cross formerly stood nearly opposite
to the Tolbooth. It is represented in Gordon’s
map, as mounted on a stone gallery somewhat similar
to that of the neighbouring capital, though on a smaller
scale. This has long since disappeared, but the elegant
cross, represented in the accompanying vignette, still
exists attached to the south-east corner of the Tolbooth.
Ita chief use in latter times was as the pillory ; and the iron staple remains to which the
culprit used to be secured by an iron collar round the neck, styled the Jougs, a species
of punishment which continued in use within the recollection of some of our older
citizens.‘
“31th October, 1567. The quhilk daye Bessie Tailzefeir being accusit be the bailleis and eounaall of the
sclandring of Thoa Huntar, baiiie, . . . thakfoir ordanit the said Bessie to be bmnkit the mome and set upone

... CANONGA TE AND ABBEY SANCTUAR Y. 293 style that prevailed at the date of its erection. Between the windows of ...

Book 10 p. 319
(Score 0.28)

230 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
The carriage, however, the plainest imaginable, contained no other inscription
than the initials ‘( J. G.” Until within a year or two of his death, when no
longer able to walk any distance, he almost never made use of it-not even on
Sabbath, for the church of Colinton is not above five or ten minutes’ walk from
Spylaw. He, notwithstanding, held Cameronian principles, and regularly
attended the annual tent-meetings of that body at Rullion Green.
Mr. James Gillespie survived his brother John about two years, and carried
on the business till his death, which occurred at Spylaw on the 8th of April
1797, in the seventy-first year of his age. He was buried in the churchyard of
Colinton, in the same vault with his brother John.
By his will, executed in 1796, Mr. Gillespie bequeathed his estate, together
with %12,000 sterling (exclusive of 52700, for the purpose of building and
endowing a School), ‘‘ for the special intent and purpose of founding and endowing
an Hospital, or charitable institution, within the city of Edinburgh, or
suburbs, for the aliment and maintenance of old men and women.” In 1801,
the Governors, on application to his Majesty, obtained a charter, erecting them
into a body politic and corporate, by the name and style of “ The Governors
of James Gillespie’s Hospital and Free School.”
‘The persons entitled to be admitted into, and maintained in the Hospital,
are-“ lst, Mr. Gillespie’s old servants, of whatever rank they may be. 2d,
Persons of the name of Gillespie, fifty-five years of age and upwards, whatever
part of Scotland they may come from. 3d, Persons belonging to Edinburgh,
and its suburbs, aged fifty-five years and upwards. 4th, Failing applications
from persons belonging to Edinburgh and its suburbs, persons belonging to
Leith, Newhaven, and other parts in the county of Mid-Lothian. 5th, Failing
applications from all these places, persons fifty-five years, of age, coming from
all parts of Scotland.” It is further provided, “That none shall be admitted
who are pensioners, or have an allowance from any other charity. And seeing
the intention of Mr. Gillespie, in founding the Hospital, was to relieve the poor,
none are to be admitted until they shall produce satisfactory evidence to the
Governors of their indigent circumstances ; and the Governors are required to
admit none but such as are truly objects of this charity; and it is hereby
ordained and appointed, that none but decent, godly, and well-behaved men and
women (whatever in other respects may be their claims) shall be admitted into
the Hospital ; and the number of persons to be constantly entertained shall be
so many as the revenue of the Hospital can conveniently maintain, after deducting
the charge of management, and of maintaining the fabric, and keeping up
the clothing and furniture of the house.”
The Board of Management consists of the Master, Treasurer, and twelve
assistants of the Merchant Company ; five members of the Town Council, who
are elected by that body ; and the ministers of the Tolbooth and St. Stephen’s
Churches,
The Hospital, a commodious and not inelegant structure, designed by the
late Mr. Burn, is built on the site of a property called Wrytes House, an ancient

... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. The carriage, however, the plainest imaginable, contained no other inscription than ...

Book 9 p. 293
(Score 0.27)

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