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26 4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. years, yet I hope, by industry and attention, to gain a livelihood. He was anxious to know what became of Brown, Smith, and Ainslie. And, in allusion to them, says--“ I shall ever repent keeping such company ; and whatever they may allege, I had no direct concern in any of their depredations, except the last fatal one, by which I lost ten pounds in cash ; but I doubt not all will be laid to my charge, and some I never heard of.” No. CVI. GEORGE SMITH AND DEACON ’CVILLIAM BRODIE. THIS Print is illustrative of the supposed first meeting of Deacon Brodie and his accomplice George Smith. In this sketch the pencil of Kay is displayed with great felicity, both as regards the attitude and expression of the characters ; and, in the introduction to Creech‘s edition of the trial, we are assured that the likenesses were reckoned most exact.” GEORGES MITHw as a native of Berkshire, in England. He and his wife were hawkers, and travelled the country with a horse and cart. He came to Scotland about the middle of the year 1786 ; and, on arriving in Edinburgh, put up at Michael Henderson’s, a house at that period much frequented by the lower order of travellers. In consequence of bad health, he was under the necessity of parting with all his goods, and, latterly, with his horse, in order to support himself and his wife. While thus confined in Henderson’s, the “first interview ” took place, on which occasion Brodie suggested the possibility of “ something being done to advantage, provided a due degree of caution were exercised.” There is every reason to suppose that the doing of something was nothing new to Smith, who appears to have embraced very cordially and readily the propositions of Brodie. He soon became a visitor of the gambling-house of Clark, at the head of the Fleshmarket Close, where he formed acquaintance with Ainslie and Brown. In his declarations Smith confessed to the robbery of the College-of Tapp’s dwelling-house-of a shop in Leith-and also of the shop of Inglis and Homer.’ He also disclosed the extensive robbery committed on the shop of John and Andrew Bruce. In describing this affair we will quote in part the language of the declaration, which is graphically illustrative of the career of Brodie, who had actually been a participator in almost all the forementioned depredations :- “ That Brodie told the declarant that the shop at the head of Bridge Street, belonging to Messrs. Bruce, would be a very proper shop for breaking into, as it contained valuable goods ; and he knew the lock would be easily opened, as The latter individual wm father of Francis Homer, Esq., M.P., and Mr, Leonard Homer, sometime Warden of London University. ... 4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. years, yet I hope, by industry and attention, to gain a livelihood. He was anxious to ...

Book 8  p. 368
(Score 4.87)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 137 the Life and various vicissitudes of Fortune of the said Peter Williamson, who was carried off from Aberdeen in his infancy, and sold as a Slave in Pennsylvania. Containing the History of the Author’s Adventures in North America; his Captivity among the Indians, etc. To which is added, an Account of the Proceedings of ,the Magistrates of Aberdeen against him, on his return to Scotland : a brief History of the Process against them before the Court of Session ; and a short Dissertation on Kidnapping. Sold by the Author, at his shop in the Parliament House, and the other Booksellers in town and country, price Is. 6d. sewed, and 2s. bound. This book is illustrated with a new and correct whole sheet Map of America ; likewise adorned with a fine copperplate frontispiece, representing the Author in the habit of a Delaware Indian.’ Commissions from the country will be punctually answered for this and all other sorts of books ; as also stationery ware of all sorts. Where is likewise to be had, a ‘General View of the whole World; containing the names of the principal Countries, Kingdoms, States, and Islands ; their Length, Breadth, and Capital Cities, with the Longitude and Latitude ; also, the Produce, Revenue, Strength, and Religion of each Country, price 6d.”’ An engraving of this “ machine ” is given in one of the magazines of the day. It is now in use under the name of a basket scythe. The following advertisement by Peter (April 9, 1772), is amusing enough : “ This day was published, price one shilling the pack, and sold by Peter Williamson, printer, in the head of Forrester‘s Wynd, Edinburgh, the IMPENETRABLE SECRETwS,h ich is called the PROVERCBA RDS; containing excellent Sentiment, and are so composed that they discover the thoughts of one’s mind in a very curious and extraordinary manner. The explanation of the secret is given gratis with the pack : each set consists of twenty cards, and ten lines upon each card.” He at same time announces his “new invented portable printing-presses,” by which two folio pages may be printed with the greatest expedition and exactness. Next follow his stamps, and liquid for marking linen, books, etc.; “ which stands washing, boiling, and bleaching, and is more regular and beautiful than any needle.” He concludes by intimating that he has a large and commodious tavern to let. In the year 1776 Williamson engaged in a periodical work, after the manner of the Tatler and Spectator, called The Scots Spy, M Critical Observer, published every Friday. Complete copies of this curious production, which forms a volume of upwards of three hundred pages, are now very rare. It is chiefly valuable for local information, although some of the papers are by no means deficient in merit. It commences on the 8th of March 1776 and terminates on the 30th August following. In 1777 (August 29), he began The New Scots Spy, or Critical Observer, which, having met with less patronage than its predecessor, was abandoned on the 14th November following. This latter volume is also very scarce.’ which he valued at five guineas ! The late Mr. Archibald Constable, who thought all “his geese were swans,” had both works, T ... SKETCHES. 137 the Life and various vicissitudes of Fortune of the said Peter Williamson, who was ...

Book 8  p. 195
(Score 4.56)

tion, such as David Laing, Robert Chambers, and Cosmo Innes. In his ? Diary? Scott writes of him as ?a very remarkable man. He has infinite wit and a great turn for antiquarian lore. His drawings are the most fanciful and droll imaginable -a mixture between Hogarth and some of those foreign masters who painted ?Temptations of St. Anthony ? and such grotesque subjects, My idea is that Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, with his oddities, tastes, satire, and high aristocratic feelings, resembles Horace Walpole.? THE EXCISE OFFICE, DRUMMOND PLACE portraits, some on the walls, but many more on the floor. A small room leading out of this one was the place where Mr. Sharpe gave audiences. Its diminutive space was stuffed full of old curiosities, cases with family bijouterie, &c. One petty object was strongly indicative of character, a calling card of Lady Charlotte Campbell, the once adored beauty, stuck into the frame of a picture. He must have kept it, at that time, about thirty years.? This lady, one of the celebrated Edinburgh beauties, was the second daughter of John, Duke of The resemblance in their abodes was more strictly true. The house of Sharpe, No. 28 Drummond Place, was one of the sights of Edinburgh to the select few who found admittance there, with its antique furniture, tapestries, paintings, and carvings -its exquisite enamels, weapons, armour, bronzes, bijouterie, ivories, old china, old books, and cabinets- the mighty collection of a long life, and the sale of which, at his death, occupied six long days at the auction rooms in South Hanever Street. Robert Chambers deseribes a visit he paid him in Princes Street. ?? His servant conducted me to the first floor, and showed me into what is called amongst us the back drawing-room, which I found carpeted with green cloth and full of old family (From a Drawing Sy She&%?, #&shed in 1829.) Argyle, who died in 1806, and the visit referred to took place about 1824. To Mr. Sharpe Sir Walter owed many of the most graphic incidents which gave such inimitable life to the productions of his pen ; and a writer in the Gentleman?s Magazine justly remarked that ?his collection of antiquities is among the richest which any private gentleman has ever accumulated in the north. In Scottish literature he will be always remembered as the editor of ?Law?s Memorials? and of ? Kkkton?s History of the Kirk of Scotland.? His taste in music was no less cultivated than peculiar, and the ~ curious variety of singular and obsolete musical instruments which enriched his collection, showed how well t b ~ ... such as David Laing, Robert Chambers, and Cosmo Innes. In his ? Diary? Scott writes of him as ?a very ...

Book 3  p. 192
(Score 4.51)

284 \ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. No. CCLXV. MR. EDWARD INNES, AND HIS SECOND, MR. JAMES COOPER, FOLLOWING AFTER MR. BELL. IN this, the sequel of the preceding Etching, MR. INNES is represented in the rear of his victorious opponent ; and, from the expression of his countenance, it may be augured that every hope of success has expired. The progenitors of Mr. Innes were farmers in the neighbourhood of Glencorse, but his father was a baker, and had his shop at one time at the head of the Fleshmarket Close. Latterly, the shop having been let without his knowledge; to a higher bidder, he removed to his son’s property, situated betwixt Marlin’s and Niddry’s Wynds.’ In his younger years, the old man was usually styled the “ handsome baker,” from his exquisite symmetry ; and he was not less fortunate in his choice of a pretty woman for his wife. Isabella, or Bell Gordon, had been married to a sea-captain who was drowned only a few weeks after. The young widow, then only in her eighteenth year, happening to be on a visit at the house of her brother-in-law, Mr. Syme, ship-builder, Leith, the “ handsome baker ” was introduced to her acquaintance, and the result was a speedy union.’ Besides a daughter by her first husband, Mrs. lnnes had eight children, of whom the subject of our notice was the second eldest. Mr. Edward Innes, after serving his apprenticeship with his father, commenced as a baker on his own account, in the High Street. In addition to his good fortune in business, he acquired considerable property by his wife, a Miss Wright of Edinburgh, by whom he had several children. Mr. Innes kept a horse and gig-an equipage rather unusual for a tradesman in his day ; and what was considered remarkable at that time, he drove to London on one occasion, accompanied by his wife, in eight days, a distance averaging fifty miles a day, The circumstance was much talked of, and taking into account the state of the roads at that period, the performance was really one of no ordinary magnitude. It was a timber land, and taken down to make way for the South Bridge. In compliment to his pretty wife, the bakers of Edinburgh used to bake a description of sweetcake (shaped, in millinery phrase, like a s t m c h e ~ )c,a lled “ Bell Cordon,” which at one time was much in repute, not only in the capital, but in the provinces. ... SKETCHES. No. CCLXV. MR. EDWARD INNES, AND HIS SECOND, MR. JAMES COOPER, FOLLOWING AFTER ...

Book 9  p. 377
(Score 4.28)

218 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. No. CCXLIV. JAMES GILLESPIE, ESQ., OF SPYLAW, AND HIS BROTHER, MR. JOHN GILLESPIE. AS the founder of “ Gillespie’s Hospital,” JAMEthSe, elder of the two brothers, is well known ; yet it is rather surprising that no record of their history has been preserved. It is believed they were born at Rosslyn, about seven miles from Edinburgh; but, with respect to their family connections, no accurate information is to be obtained. They had a sister, mother of the late Mr. Richard Dick, tobacconist, who succeeded to his uncle’s shop ; but whether they had any other near relatives is uncertain. If they had, no communication was maintained with them. The early years of the MESSRS. GILLESPIE are understood to have been the reverse of affluent j their steady and industrious conduct, however, overcame all difficulties, and by a fortunate speculation, during the American war-when the price of tobacco experienced an unexampled rise-their good fortune was effectually augmented. The retail shop, a short way east of the Cross, on the north side of the High Street,’ was attended by JOHNth,e younger brother, while James (L‘ the Laird,” as he was styled), constantly resided at Spylaw: a property which he purchased at Colinton, and where he erected a mill for grinding snuff. Although frugal and industrious, they were by no means miserly.a On the contrary, James, in particular, is described as one of the best and kindest of men ; living amongst his domestics in the most homely and patriarchal manner. He invariably sat at the same table with his servants, indulging in familiar conversation, and entering with much spirit into their amusements. Newspapers were not so widely circulated . Neither of the brothers was ever married. season to put on the cocked hat used on such occasions, by pis lordship holding up his first gigantic digit. He, in consequence, was good-naturedly termed by the bar, with the members of which he was a great favourite, the “Judicial Fugleman.” Their first shop, on the same site, was taken down and rebuilt. It is situated on the banks of the Water of Leith, at the he% of the hollow or strath occupied by the village of Colintou. The house is of a somewhat antiquated form, but in excellent repair ; and the courtyard and walks around are tastefully kept in order. After Mr. Gillespie’s death the snuff-mill, immediately in the re.= of the house, was purchased, and long busily employed by Messrs. Ralph Richardson and Brothers, tobacconistg 105 West Bow. a Many of the last century charwtera of Edinburgh were eupplied with snuff gratia by the Messra. Gdlespie. The shop is No. 231, and is at present occupied by George Cotton, tobacconist. * This pleasant residence is distant about four miles welit of Edinburgh. Among others, Laird Robertson and Jean Cameron had their ‘‘mulla” regularly filled. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. No. CCXLIV. JAMES GILLESPIE, ESQ., OF SPYLAW, AND HIS BROTHER, MR. JOHN ...

Book 9  p. 290
(Score 4.19)

154 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Chapel, built a few years after he came to Edinburgh ; and indeed may justly be said to have been its founder. He was an active promoter, and a liberal contributor to all institutions of a religious or charitable nature. He was one of the Secretaries of the Edinburgh (now the Scottish) Missionary Society, and for many years took a decided interest in its management. Although much indisposed during his latter years, and incapable of active exertion, his zeal continued unabated ; and to the last his generosity was liberally extended. Dr. Buchanan died on the 6th December 1832, and was interred in the Canongate Churchyard, where a monumental stone contains, in addition to the usual statements, the following lines expressive of his hope of immortality :- " Jesus, thy blood aid righteousness, My beauty are-my glorious dress ; 'Mid flaming worlds in these array'd, With joy shall I lift up my head. When from the dust of earth I rise, To take my mansion in the skies ; Even there shall this be all my plea- Jesus hath lived-hath died for me." No. CCXXIII. OLD WIDOW ELLIS. THIS Print was taken from a painting by Mr. William Donaldson of this city, by whom it was exhibited and sold to the late Earl of Buchan. From a card, in the hand-writing of his lordship, we observe in addition to the information conveyed by the inscription on the Engraving, that WIDOWE LLISw as married in 1745 to Francis Ellis, shoemaker in Keltie, Kinross-shire, who died next year of an iliac passion. At the time the portrait was executed (December lS16), Widow Ellis lived in Rose Street, where she had resided for many years. The particulars of her life are few and uninteresting. She was a sensible, shrewd person j had been active in her youth, and retained even in old age an unusual degree of freshness and vigour. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Chapel, built a few years after he came to Edinburgh ; and indeed may justly be said ...

Book 9  p. 205
(Score 4.16)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 265 it was a plain lock, his men having lately altered that shop door, at the lowering of the street : that the plan of breaking into the shop was accordingly concerted betwixt them; and they agreed to meet on the evening of the 24th of December 1786, being a Saturday, at the house of James Clark, vintner, where they generally met with company to gamble: that, having met there, they played at the game of hazard till the declarant lost all his money ; but at this time Brodie was in luck, and gaining money: that the declarant often asked Brodie to go with him on their own business ; but Brodie, as he was gaining money, declined going, and desired the declarant to stay a little and he would go with him.” Smith, however, becoming impatient, as it8 was near four in the morning, went himself to the Messrs. Bruce’s shop, from which he took a number of watches, and a variety of jewellery articles, amounting in all to the value of 3350. Brodie called upon Smith next day, when the latter told him that he could not expect a full share, “but that there were the goods, and he might choose for himself.” Brodie accordingly took a gold seal, a gold watch-key set with garnet stones, and two gold rings. As the safest method, it was agreed that Smith should go to England and dispose of the goods-Brodie giving him five guineas and a half to defray his expenses. The goods were accordingly sold in Chesterfield to one John Tasker, alias Murray, who had been previously banished from Scotland. Smith repaid the money advanced by Brodie, besides giving him three ten-pound notes more to keep for him, in case of suspicion, which he afterwards got in sums as he wanted it. While in prison, a desperate attempt to escape was made by Smith and Ainslie-the latter of whom occupied a room on the highest floor. It occurred in the night between the 4th and 5th of May, by converting the iron handle of the jack (or bucket) into a pick-lock, and one of the iron hoops into a saw. Smith took one door off the hinges, and opened the other which led to Ainslie’s apartment. Both prisoners setting then to work, they cut a hole in the ceiling, together with another in the roof of the prison, and had prepared about sixteen fathoms of rope, manufactured out of the sheets of their beds. The falling of the slates on the street, however, attracted the notice of the sentinel, who, giving the alarm, they were immediately secured. After this failure, Smith seems to have given up all hope. He at one time intended to plead guilty, and prepared a speech in writing for the purpose ; but was afterwards prevailed upon to take his chance of a trial. He also, with his own hand, drew up a list of robberies-some of them of great magnitude-intended for future commission. During Smith‘s stay in Edinburgh, he kept a kind of grocery shop in the Cowgate ; and he affirmed that his wife knew nothing of his criminal mode of life. Of the history of the other accomplices nothing seems to have been known, even by their companions. In the list of witnesses the designation of the one is John Brown, alias Humphry Moore, sometime residing in Edinburgh; of the other, Andrew Ainslie, sometime shoemaker in Edinburgh. Her evidence was not taken in Court. ... SKETCHES. 265 it was a plain lock, his men having lately altered that shop door, at the lowering of ...

Book 8  p. 370
(Score 3.94)

ALLAN RAMSAY?S SHOP. ?5 5 The Luckenbcoths.] years after, a second plan was concerted in England, by a cozenage trial, which might be adduced as a precedent. The court thought proper to take the opinion of the twelve judges in England, who permitted the matter to drop without giving any j but a third attempt was made to restrain a certain Scdtsman from trading as a bookseller ih London, For twelve years this man was harassed by successive injunctions in Chancery, for printing books which were not protected by the 8th of Queen Anne, cap. 19, and the Court of Queen?s Bench decided against the Scotsman (Miller v. Taylor), and then the London trade applied once more to the Court of Session to have it made law in Scotland. This prosecution was brought by Hinton, a bookseller, against the well-known Alexander Donaldson, then in London, to restrain him from publishing ?Stackhouse?s History of the Bible.? He was subjected to great annoyance, yet he supported himself against nearly the entire trade in London, and obtained a decree which was of the greatest importance to the booksellers in Scotland. Ramsay?s shop became the rendezvous of. all the wits of the day. Gay, the poet, who was quite installed in the household of the Duchess of Queensberry-the witty daughter of the Earl of Clarendon and Rochester-accompanied his fair patroness to Edinburgh,. and resided for some time in Queensberry House in the Canongate. He was a frequent lounger at the shop of Ramsay, and is said to have derived great amusement from the anecdotes the latter gave of the leading citizens, as they assembled at the cross, where from his windows they could be seen daily with powdered wigs, ruffles, and rapiers. The late William Tytler, of Woodhouselee, who had frequently seen Gay there, described him as ? a pleasant little man in a tye-wig ;? and, according to the Scofs? Magazine for 1802, he recollected overhearing him request Ramsay to explain many Scottish words and national customs, that he might relate them to Pope, who was already a great admirer of ? The Gentle Shepherd.? How picturesque is the grouping in the following paragraph, by one who has passed away, of the crowd then visible from the shop of Allan Ramsay ;-? Gentlemen and ladies paraded along in the stately attire of the period; tradesmen chatted in groups, often bareheaded, at their shop doors ; caddies whisked about bearing messages or attending to the affairs of strangers ; children filled the kennel with their noisy sports. Add to this the corduroyed men from Gilmerton bawling coals or yellow sand, and spending as much breath in a minute as would have served poor asthmatic Hugo Arnot for a month ; fishwomen crying their caller haddies from Newhaven ; whimsicals and idiots, each with his or her crowd of tormentors ; sootymen with their bags ; Town Guardsmen with their antique Lochaber axes ; barbers with their hairdressing materials, and so forth.? Added to these might be the blue-bonneted shepherd in his grey plaid; the wandering piper; the kilted drover, armed to the teeth, as was then the fashion ; and the passing sedan, with liveried bearers. Johnson, in his ? Lives,? makes no reference to the Scottish visit of Gay, who died in 1732, but merely says that for his monetary hardships he received a recompense ? in the affectionate attention of the Duke and Duchess of Queensbeny, into whose house he was taken, and with whom he passed the remaining part of his life.? Ramsay gave up his shop and library in 1752, transferring them to his successor, who opened an establishment below with an entrance direct from the street. This was Mr. James MacEwan, from whom the business passed into the hands of Mr. Alexander Kincaid, an eminent publisher in his. time, who took a great lead in civic affairs, and died in office as Lord Provost of Edinburgh on the zIst of January, 1777. Escorted by the trained bands, and every community in the city, and preceded by ? the City Guard in funeral order, the officers? scarfs covered with crape, the drums with black cloth, beating a dead march,? his funeral, as it issued into the High Street, was one of the finest pageants witnessed in Edinburgh since the Union. During his time the old bookseller?s shop acquired an additional interest from being the daily lounge of Smollett, who was residing with his sister in the Canongate in 1776. Thus it is that he tells us, in ? Humphry Clinker,? that the people of business in Edinburgh, and even the genteel company, may be seen standing in crowds every day, from one to two in the afternoon, in the open street, at a place where formerly stood a market cross, a curious piece of Gothic architecture, still to be seen in Lord Somerville?s garden in this neighbourhood.? The attractions of the old shop increased when it passed with the business into the hands of the celebrated William Creech, son of the minister of Newbattle. Educated at the grammar school of Dalkeith and the University of Edinburgh, he had many mental endowments, an inexhaustible fund of amusing anecdote, and great conversational powers, which through life caused him to be courted by the most eminent men of the time; and his smiling face, his well-powdered head, accurate black suit, with satin breeches, were long ... RAMSAY?S SHOP. ?5 5 The Luckenbcoths.] years after, a second plan was concerted in England, by a cozenage ...

Book 1  p. 155
(Score 3.82)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 47 well known to the citizens of Edinburgh? He was an enthusiastic agriculturist, and brought his lands to a high state of perfection. Hence the artist has made him the champion of that branch of industry which is still held by many political ecbnomists to “ maintain all.” The dignified attidude in which the agriculturist is portrayed refers to the extreme hauteur of thid gentleman, who had no small idea of his own consequence. . Proceeding between Musselburgh and Dalkeith one morning after a heavy fall of rain, he thought proper to ride on the footpath. Meeting a plainly dressed old gentleman walking, in his usual haughty manner to supposed inferiors, he ordered him out of his way. The unknown person remonstrated, observing, that a gentleman of his appearance ought to know that the footpath was set apart for pedestrians. “Fellow !” said Rocheid, “do you know who I am! ” “ No, sir,” was the reply; “ I have not that honour.” “ Why, sir, I am James Rocheid, Esq. of Inverleith, Justice of the Peace, and one of the Trustees of this road; and who are you, sir, that presumes to question my conduct 9” ‘‘ Sir,” replied the old gentleman, “ you may be a Justice of the Peace, although you seem more likely to break the peace than keep i t y o u may be a Road Trustee, although a worse one can hardly be figured-and as to who I amwhy, I happen to be George Duke of Montague.”’ The confusion of Rocheid may easily be imagined, He attempted an apology; but the Duke coolly turned upon his heel and walked on. Mr. Rocheid seems to have had a predilection for obstructing pedestrians. He was in the custom of driving his carriage dongst a private foot-road from Broughton Toll towards Leith, to the great annoyance of those who had been at the expense of making it. After ineffectually remonstrating against this most unwarrantable proceeding, the following notice was inserted in one of the Magazines for January 1773 :- “ A CARD. “ The ladies and gentlemen, who by subscription raised a foot-way, leading from Broughton Toll towards Leith, present their compliments to the young Nr. R-h-d and his companions, and beg they will order their footmen to keep the carriage road, and not follow their lead in a direct line; for, what is spirit in the one character, is insolence in the other.-Broughlon, Tuesday even. Jan. 28.” During the political trials of 1793-4, Mr. Rocheid obtained a good deal of local notoriety. He was one of the jury on the trial of Muir of Huntershill, and was on very intimate terms with the Senators of the College of Justice, several of whom were in the habit of dining frequently at Inverleith. While at dinner there on one occasion, prior to the trials of Margarot and Gerrald, the Lord Justice-Clerk (Macqueen of Braxfield) is said to have made use of those unbecoming expressions with which these individuals openly charged him in court. Mr. Rocheid died in October 1824. His residence waa Inverleith House on the north side of the city, close to the Botanic Garden. The villas of Inverleith Row are built upon this property. fl His Grace was the Duchess of Buccleuch’s father, and then on a visit at Dalkeith Palace. ... SKETCHES. 47 well known to the citizens of Edinburgh? He was an enthusiastic agriculturist, and ...

Book 9  p. 63
(Score 3.8)

OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [High Street. 2x2 hand; but we are told that ?? one sees in a moment that this is not a great publishing shop ; such weighty and laborious business would put to flight all the loves and graces that hover in the atmosphere of the place.? Millar was the successor of William Creech ; but how little could Alexander Arbuthnot, or worthy old Bassandyne, when struggling with iron types to print their famous Bible, and the works of David Lindesay, in the edifice which was not a bow-shot distant, have dreamed of such places or such bibliopoles ? KNOX?S STUDY. of the old city itself, is the ancient manse of John nature existing there, for it was inhabited long be ... AND NEW EDINBURGH. [High Street. 2x2 hand; but we are told that ?? one sees in a moment that this is not a ...

Book 2  p. 212
(Score 3.64)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 5 how much was “ to pay,”-“ Whe, gentlemen, let me see,” he would say, casting an eye towards the shelf; “nine bottles (or whatever the number might be) ; ye’ve dune no amiss the nicht.” John was frequently puzzled, however, by the company placing some of the bottles under the thble, or otherwise concealing them ; yet he never expressed any displeasure at such jokes. Mr. Dowie ultimately scraped together a fortune of about six thousand pounds. He lived’till 1817 ; and to the last continued to wear a cocked hat -the honoured badge of former times-although he latterly dispensed with the use of knee and shoe buckles. He was twice married, and had several children by his first wife. His son entered the army, and attained the rank of Captain. The successor of Johnnie Dowie continued to keep the house open, under the designation of “Burns’s Tavern,” until the demolition of the Wynd in 1834. The premises had been considerably repaired and improved, and were lighted with gas. The little room called the c@m, in which Burns used to sit, was covered with green cloth, and fitted up with a new table. No. CLXXII. COLIN CAMPBELL, ESQ. OB’ KILBERRY, ARGYLESHIRE. IN his earlier years this antiquated beau had been in the army, where he acquired an unenviable notoriety in consequence of a fatal assault committed by him on a brother officer, Captain John Macharg (eldest son of James Macharg of Keirs), while stationed at the Island of Martinico, in the year 1763. Campbell was then Major-Commandant of the 100th Regiment of Foot. The cause of difference is said to have originated at Jersey, where the corps lay prior to their embarkation for Martinico, and to have been owing to pecuniary dificulties, in which Captain Macharg had involved himself, and which were so formidable that Major Campbell, by the advice of his superior officer, was compelled to take the payment of his company entirely out of his hands-a proceeding which gave great offence to Macharg. Upon the arrival of the regiment in Martinico, Captain Macharg is reported to have taken every opportunity of vilifying the Major, which procedure having reached the ears of the latter, he was naturally very much provoked, and immediately despatched the following card to his defamer :- “SIB,-~ am this moment informed that, on some occasions since our arrival here, you have taken liberties with my character, unbecoming a gentleman. I desire an immediate and explicit answer, per bearer ; and am, t i i then, your humble servant, c. CAMPBELL.” ... SKETCHES. 5 how much was “ to pay,”-“ Whe, gentlemen, let me see,” he would say, casting an ...

Book 9  p. 6
(Score 3.58)

L UCKENB0OT.S AND PARLIAMENT CLOSE. I99 Gay, the poet,-who, during the latter years of his life, seems to have been as regularly installed into the household of the Duchess of Queensberry as ever any court-minstrel was in a palace of old,-accompanied his patroness to Edinburgh, and resided for some time in the Canongate, at Queensberry House. He became, as was to be anticipated, a frequent visitor of the Scottish poet, and is said to have derived great amusement from Ramsay’s humorous descriptions of the leading citizens as they daily assembled at the Cross, within sigh€ of his windows. That central spot “where merchants most do congregate,” was then a.dorned with the ancient structure demolished in 1756, and formed the daily promenade for the ruffled and powdered exquisite to display his finery, no less than for the trader bent only on business. The wits of Edinburgh used to meet there, at the poet’s shop, to amuse themselves with the intelligence of the day, and the most recent news in the world of letters. The late William Tytler, Esq., of Woodhouselee, had frequently seen Gay among these literary gossips, and described him as 8 pleasant-looking little man with a tye-wig. He recollected overhearing him desire Ramsay>o explain many of the Scottish words and allusions to national customs that occur in the Gentle Shepherd, and which he engaged on his return to England to communicate to Pope, who was already an admirer of the beauties of that admirable pastoral.’ The prospect, however, from Allan Ramsay’s window, possessed other attractions for the poet besides the grave and humorous glimpses of human nature it afforded; for, owing to the singular site of the Scottish capital, it commanded, although in the very heart of the town, a view for many miles into the country, looking across Preston Bay to the fertile landscape of East Lothian, and the heights that skirt the German Ocean. Allan Ramsay’s library and business were transferred by his successor, Mr James Macewan, to the shop below ; and from him they passed into the hands of Mr Alexander Kincaid, an eminent bookseller and publisher, and a man of highly cultivated mind, who took an active share in the management of civic affairs, and died while filling the ofice of Lord Provost, January 2184 1777. He was interred with all the honours due to his rank, and his funeral appears to have excited an universal sensation at the period.’ During his time the old land acquired an additional interest as a favourite lounge of Smollett, who visited Edinburgh in 1776, and resided for some time at his sister’s house in the Canongate. He appears to have derived the same amusement as Gay from watching the curious groups that daily assembled in front of this ancient tenement. In the lively account of his visit given in Humphrey Clinker, he remarks--“ All the people of business at Edinburgh, and even the genteel company, may be seen standing in crowds every day, from one to two in the afternoon, in the open street, at a place where formerly stood a marketcross, a curious piece of Gothic architecture, still to be seen in Lord Somerville’s garden in this neighbourhood” Kincaid was succeeded in the shop and business by Mr William Creech, in whose hands this haunt of the Muses suffered no diminution of its attractions. Ee received a liberal education in early life; added to which, an inexhaustible fund of amusing anecdote, and great conversational powers, served through life to make his society be courted by the most eminent men of hk time, notwithstanding the acquirement latterly of penurious habits, and such a miserly keenness for money, as precluded not benevolence 1 Scot. Mag., July 1802. 1 A particular account of the funeral is given by h o t , Appendix, No. XI. ... UCKENB0OT.S AND PARLIAMENT CLOSE. I99 Gay, the poet,-who, during the latter years of his life, seems to have ...

Book 10  p. 218
(Score 3.55)

William Chambers of Glenormiston (April 16, 1800 - May 20, 1883) was a Scottish publisher and politician, the brother of Robert Chambers. He was born in Peebles and came to Edinburgh in 1814 to work in the bookselling trade. He opened his own shop in 1819 and branched out into printing. With his younger brother, Robert, he produced books of Scottish interest, such as Gazetteer of Scotland. Their publishing business prospered, and in 1859 - the year in which Chambers's Encyclopaedia saw the light - he founded a museum and art gallery in Peebles. As Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1865 to 1869, he was responsible for the restoration of St Giles Cathedral. chambers dictionary ... Chambers of Glenormiston (April 16, 1800 - May 20, 1883) was a Scottish publisher and politician, the ...

Book 1  p. viii
(Score 3.46)

EIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 111 assiduous in paying them, and never failed, when the judges were sitting, to exert his stentorian lungs under the windows of the Court-house. This he did with such success, that at length both judges and practitioners, having lost all patience, collected amongst themselves a sum of money, which they deemed sufficient to purchase an exemption in future from these provoking visitations. Lauchlan pocketed the fee, and promised faithfully not to let his voice come within hearing of the Court in future. He no doubt intended to keep religiously by the letter of his agreement, but at the same time mentally calculated upon the eclat, if not the profit, of outwitting a whole court of lawyers. Accordingly, next day he was seen at the usual spot with a huge bell, to which he gave full effect by a scientific movement of &he a m that would have done credit to the most experienced city bellman. Many wondered at the sudden change in Lauchlan’s mode of announcing hie presence; but he explained this by facetiously remarking, that “having sold his mun tongue to the judges, he was under the necessity of using another.”-The ingenuity of Lauchlan was rewarded by an additional douceur, coupled with the condition, which he scrupulously kept, that in future there was to be an absolute cessation of his visits in that quarter. In the course of his peregrinations, Lauchlan offended a well-known civic dignitary, Bailie Creech, one of the chief booksellers in Edinburgh, whose shop was in the centre of the Luckenbooths. The Bailie felt his dignity lessened by the contemptuous manner in which the Veteran of Culloden treated his instructions not to bawl so unharmoniously in front of his shop. At last resolving to compel obedience, he summoned Lauchlan to compear before the magistrates. On the day of trial the defender fearlessly entered the Council Chamber, where Creech sat in judgment. After the complaint had been preferred, and a volley of abuse discharged by the an,- bailie, old Lauchlan, with an air of wellassumed independence, produced his discharge, and asserted the right which it gave him to pursue his calling in any town or city in Great Britain, save Oxford or Cambridge. The northern Dogberry was dreadfully vexed that in this way his mighty preparation had come to nothing; and, after advising with the ordinary assessor in the Bailie Court, the well-known Jams Laing, he found himself compelled to dismiss the complaint. No fiooner had Lauchlan regained the “crown 0’ the causey,” than a universal shout from the “callants” announced the defeat of the Bailie ; while the victor, taking his station on the debateable ground in front of the shop, commenced with renewed vigour, the obnoxious cry of “R-r-r-roasting toasting jacks.” This was repeated so often that even the penurious Mr. Creech was compelled to purchase a cessation of hostilities. Notwithstanding all his popularity, however, poor Lauchlan found himself, at the long age of ninety-six, possessor of more fame than fortune. It is possible that his own tippling propensities, and consequent want of economy, may have had some share in producing this disastrous result. On one occasion the late Mr. Smith, lamp-contractor for the city of Edinburgh, was the means of saving ’ ... SKETCHES. 111 assiduous in paying them, and never failed, when the judges were sitting, to exert his ...

Book 8  p. 163
(Score 3.41)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 25 happened in the morning, which they attributed to their ignorance of his quality, and requesting it, as a particular favour, that he would horwur them with his company do dinner. To this polite card his lordship returned a verbal answer, that “he kept no company with people whose pride would not permit them to use their fellow-travellers with civility.” The latter years of this amiable man’s life were spent in the discharge of the duties of his office of a judge ; and the very last act of his public beneficence was the erection of the ornamental building t,hat incloses St. Bernard’s Mineral Well, in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh.’ His lordship died at Morningside, near Edinburgh, on the 22d of July 1793, in the seventy-second year of his age. No. VIII. HUG0 ARNOT, ESQ., ADVOCATE, AND GINGERBREAD J -0CK. THE strange figure of Mr. Arnot appears to have been a favourite with Kay, who has here ironically represented him in the act of relieving a beggar, the fact being that he had a nervous antipathy to mendicants, and was at all times more disposed to cane them than to give them an alms. John Duncan, the beggar here represented, was a poor creature, who, after having long endeavoured to support himself by the sale of gingerbread, sunk into mendicancy, which he usually practised at a corner of the Parliament Square. Jock‘s mode of conducting business while in active life, and before he had retired to enjoy the otium cum dignitate, expressed in so lively a manner in his countenance and general appearance in the Print, was to place four or five cakes of the commodity in which he dealt on their edges, at equal distances on the ground, he himself standing by with a short pole, which, on paying Jock a halfpenny, you were at liberty to discharge at the cakes, with the distinct understanding that all those you knocked down became yours. Jock’s traducers, however-for what public personage is without them +allege that the cakes were so ingeniously placed, that it was next to impossible to knock any of them over at all, and that therefore your halfpenny, was, a piwi, lost money. This ingenious mode of gaming is still well known under the appellation of “ Roley- Poley.” As to John Duncan, little more is known of him than what is recorded of the antediluvian patriarchs, that he lived and died ; although, indeed, after living the life of a beggar, he may be said to have died like a king, for his death resembled that of Herod, King of Judea 1 “ I stii continue,” says Mr. W. Smellie in a letter to Lord Gardenstone, 1790, “ to worship your lordship’s Saint. Upon .me he has performed the miracle of regeneration. From gratitude, therefore, I shall always pay my devotion to St Bernard, and my penny to George Murdoch.” E ... SKETCHES. 25 happened in the morning, which they attributed to their ignorance of his quality, and ...

Book 8  p. 32
(Score 3.41)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 11 officiate, which he frequently did, in the capacity of chaplain to the Club. He was a worthy, social,. well-intentioned person ; and, although by no means distinguished for his conversational talents, usually acquitted himself to good purpose. “Really and truly, gentlemen,” was a phrase with which he invariably prefaced the delivery of his opinions ; and it became so habitual to him, that, even in common conversation, it formed nearly a third part of every sentence. Mr. Lauder took an active hand in superintending the Poor-House ; and it was mainly owing to his exertions that many abuses in its management were corrected. He almost daily visited the establishment, and saw that wholesome fare was provided for the inmates. He died in 1794, leaving two daughters, one of whom married Mr. George Carphin, senior, solicitor-at-law. MR. JAMES LAWSON, the postillion, mounted on Mr. Lauder’s shoulders, was a wholesale and retail leather merchant, in company with his brother William. Their shop was in the Lawnmarket, the first above Bank Street, on the same side. As indicated in the Print, Mr. Lawson was short in stature and humpbacked. He was a clever, active sort of person, and a keen politician, but quite a cynic. He lived a bachelor, and died in his house at the foot of the West Bow, about the year 1815.’ The other leader, MR. ALEXANDER RITCHIE, kept what used to be His One of his sons carried on the His eldest called a Scotch cloth shop ; he dealt in all kinds of woollens and tartans. shop was at the head of Wardrop’s Court. business many years after his death, and died about the year 1827. son, Alexander, was a Writer to the Signet. The first of the centre pair represents MR. ANDREW HARDIE, baker, Badgon (Bajan) Hole, Lawnmarket, famed for the excellence of his mutton pies.‘ For this celebrity he was mainly indebted to the assistance of his wife, an active, managing women. Besides the common order of pies, Mrs. Hardie was in the habit of baking others of a peculiar description, formed in the shape of a smoothing- iron ; which, in addition to the usual allowance of minced mutton, contained a well-dressed pigeon, neatly planted in the centre ; and all for the small charge of threepence ! By the excellent management of his better half, Mr. Hardie wi~s in a great measure relieved from the drudgery of attending closely to business. During a considerable portion of the day, he was “free to rove” wherever he wist among his friends and neighbours; and, in consequence, no one was better versed in His brother William married a sister of Yr. Braidwood, hard- merchant. * Many of the Clubs of that social era were supplied with pies from the bakehouse of Badgon Hole. Mutton waa then cheap ; and a leg of lamb might be had for fivepence-if at any time it ro88 to sixpence it waa considered amazingly clear. The Badgon Hole, which waa simply a ZuQh dmp, got ita name fmm Wig frequented by College youngatera, the first class of whom were formerly called Bajans. ... SKETCHES. 11 officiate, which he frequently did, in the capacity of chaplain to the Club. He was a ...

Book 9  p. 13
(Score 3.39)

34 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. devil out of his heart.” Here he continued until he removed to the shop in Nicolson Street, afterwards occupied by his successor Mr. Tait, with whom he entered into partnership. The business was afterwards carried on under the firm of Guthrie and Tait. Few men were more universally benevolent. Never forgetting the hardships and struggles of early life, his hand was open to the truly necessitous ; and, as far as his circumstances mould permit, he promoted, both by advice and assistance, the endeavours of the industrious poor to earn an honest livelihood. He was also a constant, and frequently a liberal, contributor to the religious and philanthropic institutions of the city. Mr. Guthrie was an Episcopalian when that form of worship was at a low ebb, but lived long enough to witness its gradual revival and increase. His primitive mode of transacting business was the effect of early habit, and could not easily be laid aside by change of circumstances. He died on the 10th May 1824. He next opened a shop at the Nether Bow. Mr. Guthrie was a very inoffensive, worthy person. He was married, but had no children. No. CLXXXIII. WILLIAN BUTTER, ESQ., AND SIR JOHN MORRISON. THE figure to the left represents MR. BUTTER in the attitude of applying a ‘‘ social pinch,” and engaged in an ‘‘ accidental crack ” with his friend Sir John Morrison. The father of Mr. Butter originally belonged to Peterhead, but came in early life to Edinburgh, where he successfully carried on the business of a might and cabinetmaker ; and at his death left his son, the subject of the Print, in possession of considerable property.’ His workshop was at the foot of Carrubber’s Close, where he also resided ; and it is yet told, as illustrative of the old man’s mechahical genius, and as a matter of wonder in those days, that he built an additional story to his dwelling-house without taking down the roof. This he accomplished-as has been frequently done more recently-by means of screws. After the death of his father, Mr. William Butter continued to carry on business in:the same premises, but on a more extensive scale. He was Carpenter to his Majesty j and, among other extensive buildings in which he was engaged, Mr. Butter senior ww a member of the Town Council in 1749 and 1750. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. devil out of his heart.” Here he continued until he removed to the shop in Nicolson ...

Book 9  p. 43
(Score 3.37)

3?6 OLD AKD NEW EDINBURGH. me West Bow. sorely. Keeping on the defensive, Westerhall gave way step by step, seeking to gain the advantage of the ascent, and thus supply the defect ?of his stature, which Writes perceiving, he bore in close upon him hand to hand. Thus they continued in close and mortal combat for about a quarter of an hour, ?clearing the causeway,? so that none could venture near them, or leave the conveyed to their lodgings. Their wounds were slight, save that which Writes had just received on his head, from which several pieces of bone came away. After he was cured, and after the death of Hugh Lord Somerville, Privy Councillor to James VI. (an event which occurred in 1597), these combatants were reconciled, and their feud committed to oblivion. ASSEMBLY ROOMS, WEST BOW, LOOKING TOWARDS THE LAWNYARKET. (F~om a Drawing ay Yawzes Skcnr of RztbicZaw). shop doors; neither dared any man attempt to part them, for every thrust and stroke of their swords threatened all who came near. . . Westerhall eventually was driven down, fighting every inch of the way to the foot of the Bow; and, having on-for riding, probably-a pair of long black boots drawn close up, was becoming quite weary, and stepping within a shop door, stood there on his defence; and then the last stroke given by Hugh Somerville nearly broke his good sword, as it struck the stone lintel of the door, where the mark remained for years after. ?The tome being by this tyme all in an uproar,? they were separated by a party of halberdiers, and Eleven years after this, in the month of June, 1605, William Thomson, a dagger-maker in the Bow, was slain by a neighbour of his own, named John Waterstone, who, being taken red hand, was next day beheaded on the Castle Hill. The Earl of Dunfermline was at that time Provost. The arched gate at the foot of the first bend in the Bow is distinctly shown in Rothiemay?s map (see j. I I 2). Within this and the old city wall, on the west side, was an ancient timber-fionted tenement, known as ?Lord Ruthven?s Land,? being the residence of the gloomy and daring Patrick third Lord Ruthven, whose son was the first Earl of Gowrie-the same dark and terrible lord who rose ... OLD AKD NEW EDINBURGH. me West Bow. sorely. Keeping on the defensive, Westerhall gave way step by step, ...

Book 2  p. 316
(Score 3.35)

140 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. No. LXI. MR. WILLIAM MARTIN, BOOKSELLER AND AUCTIONEER IN EDINBURGH. MR. MARTIN, who was well known and extensively patronised in his profession, is here represented in the attitude of disposing of a picture, surrounded by an audience of literary gentlemen, connoisseurs in the fine arts. The heads are all likenesses of characters elsewhere sketched by Kay, and will be easily distinguished by the reader as the succeeding numbers of the Portraits appear, Martin, or " Bibles," as he was commonly called, is supposed to have been born at or near Airdrie, about the year 1744;' and like his contemporary, Lackington of London, was originally bred a shoemaker. For several years after he came to Edinburgh, Martin occupied a small shop in the High Street, near the head of the West Bow, where he combined the two very opposite professions of bookseller and cobbler. He also frequented the country towns around Edinburgh on fairs and other market-days, exposing his small stock of books for sale; and, by dint of great perseverance and industry, was soon able to 'withdraw his allegiance from Crispin altogether, and to devote the whole of his attention to the sale of books. His burgewticket is dated 1786-but he must have been well established in business many years previously. From a letter of condolence written by him to the widow of his brother, who died in America, he appears to have been in thriving circumstances so early as 1782. He says, " The awfully sudden and unfortunate death of my brother-the helpless situation in which you were left, and so many fatherless children-situate in a country surrounded with war and devastation, my thoughts thereupon may be more easily conceived than described. * * * My uneasiness has been much increased by the thoughts of the boy coming to me, that I might receive him safely, and that he might escape the dangers of so long a voyage. Indeed it has been the will of Providence to take all my children from me, and my intention is to adopt him (his nephew) as my own son. My situation in business I have no cause to complain of. I have a shop in the bookselling way in the Lawnmarket of Edinburgh, to which occupation I mean to put William, my namesake, and in which I hope he will do very well. I will give him the best education, and he shall be as well clothed as myself. * * * My wife has been very much indisposed for some time bypast, and is not yet much better. She is most anxious about William, and wishes much to see him, from which you may conclude his arrival would make us both very happy.'' It is uncertain at what period Martin came to Edinburgh. He used to boast that he was in arm during the Rebellion 1745. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. No. LXI. MR. WILLIAM MARTIN, BOOKSELLER AND AUCTIONEER IN EDINBURGH. MR. MARTIN, who ...

Book 8  p. 199
(Score 3.34)

354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. No. CCXC. J A E S ACK C OULL, ALIAS CAPTAIN MOFFAT, AT THE BAR OF THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY. THIS notorious individual was the son of a pocket-book maker, who for some time had a small shop near the Church of St. Sepulchre, London, in which city the subject of the Print was born in 1763. His father is said to have been an industrious, well-meaning man, but his mother was a female of abandoned habits, and long known as a shop-lifter and thief of the lowest grade. She had three sons and three daughters, all of whom, under her maternal instruction, became adepts in the art of pilfering. The career of Ben, the youngest son, was short, as he was executed for robbery in 1786. John Mackcoull, the eldest, was a well-known character at Bow Street. He was a person of good education and the author of a volume entitled ii Abuses of Justice,” which he published in 1819, on his acquittal from a charge of forgery.’ JAMEMS ACKCOULtLh,e hero of our narrative, who seems to have inherited through life the propensities of his mother, although on a somewhat more extended scale, made little progress in his education, farther than to acquire a knowledge of reading and writing. He absented himself from school-displayed great dexterity in pilfering from his playmates-and was a most accomplished liar. Athletic, active, and swift of foot, he acquired much renown as a pugilist in several encounters with his compeers. With these accomplishments his path to distinction was easy. The first recorded instance of his public depredations was robbing an unfortunate dealer in cats’ meat. Watching an opportunity, the young hero threw a quantity of snuff in the poor man’s eyes, then cut the bag of coppers from the barrow and decamped. From this period his depredations were numerous, and generally successful, His father had apprenticed him to a leather-stainer, with whom he remained for some time ; but his irregularities were so great, that his master at last discharged him. He now became a thief by profession, and in company with two associates-Bill Drake and Sam Williams-did business on a large scale. The most remarkable of his feats at this time was the robbery of a retired This work, which, however, is rather scarce, is exceedingly amusing. If the author is to be believed, he was a very ill-used man. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. No. CCXC. J A E S ACK C OULL, ALIAS CAPTAIN MOFFAT, AT THE BAR OF THE HIGH COURT OF ...

Book 9  p. 472
(Score 3.26)

270 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. it would be disgraceful to our character as Scotsmen were such an act of exclusion recorded in the books of this society. Were he the son of a beggardid his talents entitle him-he has a right to the highest distinction in the land.”’ No. CIX. JOHN WRIGHT, ESQ., ADVOCATE. THIS Print represents the subject of our sketch at a later period of life than the former etching ; and, to judge from his attitude, he may be supposed in the act of addressing the bench. He spoke so very slow that his pleadings were far from being effective. On one occasion he was engaged in conducting a case before Lord Hailes. Mr. -, the opposing council, who first addressed the bench, spoke so thick, fast, and indistinct, that his lordship was under the necessity of requesting him to speak slower, that he might understand him; but the judge found himself in the adverse predicament with Mr. Wright. “Get on a little faster,” said his lordship, addressing the advocate, “ for I am tired following you.” “ If it were possible,” observed Erskine, solta voce, “ to card the two together, something good might be made of them both,” Mr. Wright was unquestionably more fitted for a lecturer than an advocate, and to his success in the former avocation he was chiefly indebted for a livelihood. He also derived no inconsiderable income from his literaT labours. For many years he wrote all the Latin theses. One work on mathematics’ MR. WRIGHTn ever attained to great eminence as a pleader. That the political principles of Mr. Wright were liberal may be inferred from his intimacy with, and the friendship shown him by, Mr. Erskine ; but it may not be generally known that he ever published his sentiments on the subject of Reform. We have, however, accidentally fallen in with a pamphlet which seems to have been published by Mr. Witght in 1784, entitled “ An Essay on Parliamentary Representation and the Magistracies of our Royal Boroughs ; showing tht the abuses at present complained of, respecting both, are late deviations from our constitution, as well as from common sense ; and the necessity of a speedy Reform.” This pamphlet is anonymous ; but from the following words, in the handwriting of Mr. Wright, being written on the title-page, there can be no doubt that the production was his own :-“This Essay ccnatuins the mbstaace of the Author’s idem on Parle’anwntary Representation. Mr. Alison’a opinion of it would oblige his hwn&le servant -JOHN WRIQHT.” The Essay is well written, and affords a luminous review of the rise and progress of feudal government, and the various lawa and enactments which have led to the formation of what is called the British constitution. His observationa extend to almost every branch of national economy. [The MT. Alism alluded to waa probably an accountant of that name who lived in St. James’ Square.] 2 Elements of Trigonometry, Plane and Spherical ; with the Principles of Perspective and Projection of the Sphere.” In 8v0, Edinblwh, 1772. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. it would be disgraceful to our character as Scotsmen were such an act of ...

Book 8  p. 377
(Score 3.25)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 20 1 in his pleading, and addressing the other lords on the bench, said-“My lords it is unnecessary that I should go on, as Lord Newton is fast asleep.” “Ay, ay,” cried Newton, whose faculties were not in the least affected by the leaden god, “ you will have proof of that by and by,” when, to the astonishment of the young advocate, after a most luminous review of the case, he gave a very decided and elaborate jud,ment against him. Lord Newton participated deeply in the bacchanalian propensities so prevalent among lawyers of every degree during the last and beginning of the present century. He has been described as one of the “ profoundest drinkers ” of his day, A friend informs us that, when dining alone, his lordship was very abstemious ; but, when in the company of his friends, he has frequently been known to put three “ lang-craigs ” under his belt, with scarcely the appearance of being affected by it. On one of these occasions, he dictated to his clerk a law-paper of sixty pages which has been considered one of the ablest his lordship had ever been known to produce. The manuscript was sent to press without being read, and the proof sheets were corrected at the bar of the Inner House in the morning. It has been stated that Lord Newton often spent the night in all manner of convivial indulgences-drove home about seven o’clock in the morning-slept two hours, and mounting the bench at the usual time, showed himself perfectly well qualified to perform his duty. Simond, the French traveller, relates that “ he was quite surprised, on stepping one morning into the Parliament House, to find in the dignified capacity, and exhibiting all the dignified bearing of a judge, the very gentleman with whom he had just spent a night of debauch, and parted only an hour before, when both were excessively intoxicated.” His lordship was also exceedingly fond of card-playing; so much so that it was humorously remarked, ‘‘Cards were his profession, and the law only his amusement.” During the sitting of the Session, Lord Newton, when an advocate constantly attended a club once a week, called “The Crochullan Fencibles,” which met in Daniel Douglas’s Tavern, Anchor Close, and consisted of a considerable number of literary men and wits of the v e r y j d water. The club assumed the name of Crochallan from the burthen of a Gaelic song which the landlord used sometimes to entertain the members with; and they chose to name their association Fencibles, because several military volunteer corps in Edinburgh then bore that appellation. military rank or title. On the introduction of new members it was the custom to treat them at first with much apparent rudeness, as a species of initiation, or trial of their tempers and humours ; and when this was done with prudence, Lord Newton was much delighted with the joke, and he was frequently engaged in drilling the recruits in this way. His lordship held the appoint- In this club all the members held some pretended . Long-necks-a name given by his lordship to bottles of claret, his favourite beverage. 2D ... SKETCHES. 20 1 in his pleading, and addressing the other lords on the bench, said-“My lords it is ...

Book 8  p. 283
(Score 3.19)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 397 No. CLVII. MR. JOHN SHIELLS, SURGEON. MR. SHIELLSw as a native of Peeblesshire ; and, prior to commencing business as a surgeon and apothecary, held a situation in connection with the Royal Infirmary. His first shop was in a land immediately above the Tron Kirkdemolished when Hunter Square was formed ; and from thence he moved to Nicolson Street. In his day few professional men possessed a carriage of any description ; and, finding himself incapable of making his visits on foot, I&. Shiells bethought himself that a horse might answer his purpose. To this the only objection was that he was no equestrian. It consequently became an object of primary importance to procure an animal sufficiently docile and sure-footed ; which qualities he at last found in the sagacious-looking grey pony,’ of mature years so correctly delineated by the artist in the etching. Mr. Shiells and the pony are proceeding leisurely on their rounds, apparently on the best understanding, and seemingly pleased with each other. The surgeon, with his broad half-cocked hat, and his lightly elevated whip, evidently has not attained the free attitude of an experienced rider ; yet the complacency of his jolly countenance is expressive of the great degree of confidence he reposes in the wisdom and fidelity of the animal. The figure behind represents the boy, Willie, who actedas groom. He always accompanied his master, for the purpose of carrying his walking-staff-to take care of the horse while he was detained in the house of a patient-and to aid him in again mounting his charger. This was a task which generally occupied nearly three minutes in accomplishing ; and it was truly amusing to witness the exertions of the boy to get his master’s leg over the saddle, while the struggle made by Mr. Shiells himself for that purpose was exceedingly grotesque. Among his patients at one period was a Mr. Ramage, who kept a shop in the Lawnmarket. This person was well known as a keen sportsman, and much famed for his excellence in breaking dogs. Having fallen into bad health, he was for some time daily visited by Mr. Shiells j but what was rather surprising for an invalid, the patient, with his head enveloped in a red nightcap, used regularly to accompany the doctor to the door, and, setting his shoulder to the seat of honour of the worthy son of Galen, assisted in reinstating him in hia saddle. He was short in stature, and latterly became very corpulent. # The scene represented in the Print is to the life. His fint charger waa a h z a pony. ... SKETCHES. 397 No. CLVII. MR. JOHN SHIELLS, SURGEON. MR. SHIELLSw as a native of Peeblesshire ; ...

Book 8  p. 553
(Score 3.16)

21 6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. be imagined. The contemplated journey was postponed sine die; and M’Kellar internally resolved to make sure, before giving a second invitation, that his spouse had actually crossed the ferry f Happening to be at Leith one day, where his fame as a golfer was not unknown, MKellar got into conversation in the club-maker’s shop with a number of glass-blowers, who were blowing very much about their science in the game of golf. After bantering him for some time to engage in a trial of skill, a young man from Bruntsfield Links opportunely made his appearance. “By gracious, gentlemen ! ” exclaimed M‘Kellar, whose. spirit was roused ; “ here’s a boy and I will play you for a guinea ! ” No sooner said than a match of three games was begun, in all of which the glass-blowers were defeated. The I‘ Cock 0’ the Green ” was triumphant ; and, not waiting till the bet had been forthcoming, he ran to the shop of the club-maker, announcing the joyful intelligence -“ By gracious, gentlemen, the old man and the boy have beat them off the green ! ” By way of occupying his time profitably on the seveiatk-the only day in the week he could think of employing otherwise than in his favourite amusement- M‘Kellar was in the habit of acting as door-keeper to an Episcopalian Chapel. On entering one day, old Mr. Douglas Gourlay, club and ball maker at Bruntsfield, jocularly placed a golf ball in the plate, in lieu of his usual donation of coppers. As anticipated, the prize was instantaneously secured by M‘IZellar, who was not more astonished than gratified by the novelty of the deposit. It was at the suggestion of the late Mr. M‘Ewan and Mr. Gourlay that Kay produced the Etching of the “Cock 0’ the Green.” Going out purposely to the Links, the artist found him engaged at his usual pastime, and succeeded in taking an accurate and characteristic likeness. When informed what Kay had been doing, M‘Kellar seemed highly pleased. I‘ What a pity,” said he ; I‘ by gracious, had I known, I would have shown him some of my capers ! ” Although then pretty far advanced in life, M’Kellar continued to maintain his title of the ‘ I Cock 0’ the Green ” for a considerable time, The Print was executed in 1803. He died about the year 18 12. No. CCXLIII. LORD POLKEMMET. WILLIAMB AILLIEof Polkemmet,’ descended from an ancient family of Linlithgowshire, was the eldest son of Thomas Baillie, W.S. He was educated for the bar, and passed advocate in 1758. He acted as Sheriff-Depute of the before-men- According to Sibbald, in his “History of Linlithgowshire,” the seat of the Baillies w a originally termed U Paukommot.” ... 6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. be imagined. The contemplated journey was postponed sine die; and ...

Book 9  p. 287
(Score 3.08)

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