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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 363 north-east corner, through Charles’ Street, and proceeded through the Square in slow time, passing Lord Duncan’s house, before which his lordship stood uncovered, saluting them as they passed. Here the procession was joined by a naval car, on which was placed the British and his lordship’s flag, flying above that of Admiral de Winter, attended by a body of seamen; then followed, in carriages, Lord Adam Gordon and his Staff-Lord Viscount Duncan-Captain Inglis of Redhall-the Lord Provost. and the eldest Bailie. The troops marched round the Square, filing off by Windmill Street, Chapel Street, Nicolson Street, across the South and North Bridges-the infantry leading, and the cavalry closing the procession. At the end of the North Bridge the populace took the homes from Lord Dimcan’s carriage, and drew it during the remainder of the procession, which proceeded through the principal streets of the New Town. The arrangement of the niilitary procession, which in beauty and grandeur ww far beyond any eFer seen in this country, did honour to those who planned it. It was one of those happy, but rare instances, in which expectation is exceeded by reality. An elegant entertainment was given to his lordship, in Fortune’s tavern, bg’ the Lord Provost and Magistrates, at which he was presented with the freedom of the city in a gold box of elegant workmanship. ” Lord Duncan retired from the command of the North Sea Squadron in 1800, being desirous of spending the remainder of his days in private life; but he did not long enjoy his retirement. He died of apoplexy at Cornhill, on his way from London, in 1804. In a brief sketch such as the present, it would be out of place to dilate on the character of one so generally known as Admiral Duncan, or to advert to the importance of those services which his superior genius enabled him to perform. As a naval officer he is entitled to every credit, both for the soundness of his tactics, and the novel daring and decisive nature of his movements ; while in domestic life he was remarkable for those amiable qualities which ever accom; pany true greatness. , ’ His Lordship married, in 1777, Henrietta, daughter of Lord President Dundas, by whom he had four Sons and five daughters. Robert, the second son, in consequence of the demise of his elder brother, Alexander, succeeded to the titles and estates, and was created Earl of Camperdown in 1831. He married, in January 1805, Janet, daughter of the late Sir Hugh Hamilton Dalrymple of Bargeny and North Berwick, Bart., by whom he has issue. The third son) Henry, afterwards Sir Henry, entered the navy, and rose to the rank of Post- Captain. He was considered a bright ornament to the navy, and one of the most promising officers. A magtg. nificent monument to his memory has recently been erected in the neighbourhood of London by those who served with him during the war. The widow of Admiral Duncan survived him many years, and died in her house in George Square: November 1832, lamented by all who knew her. She was a lady of the most bland and attractive manners, and of eminent piety. ’ He died suddenly on 1st November 1835. 1 This house, which is now occupied as the Southern Academy, still remains the property of the Earl. The celehrated painting of the Battle of Camperdown, by Copely-which cost L1000, and to which the inhabitants of Edinhurgh had access annually for niany years on the anniversary of the victory-hw, since the death of the Dowager, been removed to Camperdown House, Forfarshire. ... SKETCHES. 363 north-east corner, through Charles’ Street, and proceeded through the Square in slow ...

Book 8  p. 508
(Score 0.62)

2 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. fails to adorn his pages with the ‘‘ mute inglorious ” history of his native village. All that tradition could have preserved of its early history, may still be traced by the intelligent eye in the natural features of its romantic site. In the midst of a fertile and beautiful country, and within easy distance of a navigable estuary of the sea, rises a bold and precipitous cliff, towering upon three of its sides, an inaccessible natural fortress, to the height of 300 feet above the plain. In immediate connection with this, the sloping hill forms at once the natural approach to the Castle, and a site protected already on one side by R marsh and lake, and on all but one by steep approaches, admitting of ready defence and security from surprise. Here at once ’is discovered a situation, planned, as it were, by the hand of Nature, to offer to the wandering tribes of early Caledonia the site for their Capital ; when every one’# hand was against his brother, and war was deemed the only fitting occupation of men. Nor was it until the union with our once natural foes, had made the rival sisters, “ like kindred drops to mingle into one,” that Edina ventured forth from her hilly stronghold, and spread abroad her noble skirts over the valley of the Forth. But in addition to the natural obscurity of an infant city, the history of Edinburgh, as of Scotland, is involved in more than usual uncertainty, even down to a period when both should fill an important page in the annals of the British Isles, owing to the double destruction of the national records, first under Edward I., and again under Cromwell; leaving ita historian dependent for much of his material on vague and uncertain tradition, or on information obtained by patient labour, or fortunate chance in the pursuit of other investigations. The earliest notices refer almost exclusively to the CastIe, which has been occupied as a fortified station as far back as our traditions extend. The remotest date we have been able to discover, assigned for its origin, is in Stow’s Summarie of EngZyshe Chronicles, where it is placed as far back as 989 years before Christ ; sufficiently remote, we should presume, for the most zealous chronologist. Ebranke,” says he, “the some of Mempricius, was made ruler of Britayne ; he had, as testifieth Policronica, Ganfride, and other twenty-one wyves, of whom he receyved twenty sonnes and thirty daughters ; whyche he sente into Italye, there to be maryed to the blood of the Troyans. In Albanye (now called Scotlande) he edified the castell of Alclude, which is Dumbritayn ; he made the castell of Maydens, now called Edenbrough; he made also the castell of Banburgh in the 23d yere of his reign. He buylded Yorke citie, wherein he made a temple to Diana, and set there an Arch-flame ; and there was buried, when he had reigned 49 peares.” From more trustworthy sources, we learn of its occupation as far back as the fifth century by the Picts, from whom it was wrested by the Northumbrian Saxons in the pear 452. And from that time, down to the reign of Malcolm IL, its history exhibits a constant struggle, maintained between them and the Picts, and each alternately victorious. From Edwin, one of these Northumbrian invaders, it may be remarked, who rebuilt the fortress about the year 626, the name of Edwinesburg, as it is termed in the oldest charters we have any notice of, is derived with more plausibility, than from any other of the contradictory sources from which learned antiquaries have sought to deduce it. Passing intermediate incidents of uncertain significance, the next important epoch is that of 1093, when Donald Bane laid siege to the Castle, in an unsuccessful endeavour to pos- 1 Dumbarton. ... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. fails to adorn his pages with the ‘‘ mute inglorious ” history of his native ...

Book 10  p. 2
(Score 0.62)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 3 29 the British court. Accordingly he and his family arrived in London, by the way of France, in 1782. Amongst his recommendatory letters, those to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire procured him their kind and powerful patronage. He was subsequently introduced to the Royal family, from whom he received several distinguished favours. Presents and benefactions being, however, no certain provision for his permanent and comfortable maintenance, the Count naturally became anxious, and at last reluctantly yielded to the representation of his friends, by adopting the resolution of exhibiting himself. This he did, first at one guinea-then at five shillings-and afterwards at half-a-crown.’ The acute and sensitive mind of Boruwlaski felt extremely mortified at this humiliating mode of life, although the curiosity of the public proved for several years a source of ample revenue. At the time he published his Memoirs, the novelty had considerably abated ; and the fears he entertained of the future were feelingly alluded to in the concluding part of his narrative. Amongst other evils of which he complained, his servant had eloped with trinkets and valuables to a large amount ; and the small pension which he enjoyed from the King of Poland had been stopped, in consequence of a report having reached that monarch‘s ears that he was accumulating a fortune in this country. When Boruwlaski came to Edinburgh in 1788,’ he was considered an object of great curiosity, and the peculiar circumstances of his case having excited general sympathy, he was taken notice of by several respectable gentlemen, and among others by Mr. Fergusson, who generously endeavoured by their attentions to sweeten the bitter cup of life to the unfortunate gentleman. It was soon discovered that the Count was a person of cultivated mind, and possessed of high conversational powers. The opportunities of seeing men and manners which his mode of life afforded, and the acuteness which he displayed in the perception of character, rendered the little foreigner an object of peculiar estimation. After undergoing the annoyance of “ receiving company,” he used The Count did not, at least in Edinburgh, exhibit himself as a dwarf-indeed his feelings would not have allowed of such a thing-he merely received company. He gave a public breakfast, to participate at which the small charge of 3s. 6d. was demanded. The following is a copy of one of his advertisements :-‘I Dun’s Hotel, St. Andrew’s Square. On Saturday next, the 1st of August (17SS), at twelve o’clock, there will be a public breakfast, for the benefit of Count Bornwlaski; in the course of which the Count will perform some select pieces on the guitar,-Tickets (at 3s. 6d. each) may be had at the hotel, or at the Count’s lodgings, No. 4 St. Andrew’s Street, where he continues to receive company every day from ten in the morning till three, and from five till nine. Admittance One Shilling-*,’ The Count will positively quit this place on Friday the 7th of August.” In 1784 the Scottish metropolis was honoured by the presence of a lady, who, from the description of her in the subjoined advertisement, would have been an admirable companion for Boruwlaski : -“ The Author of Natim is wonderful, even in the least of his works. Just arrived, and to be seen by any number of persons, in a commodious room within the head of Forrester’s Wynd, first door and right hand, from eleven o’clock in the morning till eight at night, THEA YAZINWU OMANIN MII?IATUF~, from Magor in Monmouthshire ; who is, beyond contradiction, the most astonishing curiosity sportive nature ever held out to be the admiration of mankind. She is now in the 26th year of her age, and not eighteen pounds weight. A child of two years of age has larger hands and feet ; and in fact she is the most extraordinary cnriosity ever known, or even heard of in history. We shall say no mow of this wonder of nature-let those who may honour her with their visita judge for themselves.-May 26, 1784.” 2 u ... SKETCHES. 3 29 the British court. Accordingly he and his family arrived in London, by the way of ...

Book 8  p. 461
(Score 0.62)

ECCLESIA S TICA L ANTIQUITIES. 419 rials of the olden time. An unpicturesque fragment of the ruins of the Convent of St Katherine de Sienna still remains, and serves as a sheep-fold for the flocks that pasture in the neighbouring meadow ; and the name of the Sciennes, by which the ancient Mure-burgh is now known, preserves some slight remembrance of the abode of I‘ the Sisters of the Schenis,” where Chastitie found hospitable welcome, at a time when the bold Scottish satirist represents her as spurned from every other door. A few notes, in reference to more recent ecclesiastical erections, are reserved for the Appendix ; but there is something in the flimsy and superficial character of our modern religious edifices, which, altogether apart from the sacred or historical associations attached to them, deprives them of that interest with which we view the architectural remains of the Middle Ages. Instead of stuccoed ceilings and plaster walls, we h d , in the old fabrics, solid ribs of stone, and the arched vaulting adorned with intricate mouldings and richly sculptured bosses. The clustered piers below, that range along the solemn aisles, are like the huge oaks of the forest, and their fan-like groinings like the spreading boughs, from whence their old builders have been supposed to have drawn the first idea of these massive columns and the o’erarching roof. After all, the olden time with which we have dealt is a comparatively modern one. ‘She relics even of St Margaret’s Chapel, and St David‘a Monastery, and the Maiden Castle, which Chalmera ranks only as “ first of modern antiques,” mould possess but poor claims to our interest, as mere antiquities, beside the temples of Egypt or the marble columns of the Acropolis. The Castle, indeed, is found to have been occupied as a stronghold as far back as any trustworthy record extends ; and beyond this our older British chroniclers relate, as authentic, traditions which assip to it an origin nearly coeval with the Temple of Solomon, and centuries before the founding of Rome I Wyntoun records of the renowned Kyng Ebrawce,” who flourished 989 years before the Christian era :- “ He byggsd EDYNBWBwGyEth t-alle, And gert thaim Allynclowd it calle, The Maydyn castell, in Bum place The sorowful Hil it callyd waa.” Coming down a little nearer our own day, we arrive at the era of Fergus the First, the famed progenitor of one hundred and eighteen sovereigns, ‘( of the same unspotted blood and royal line,” who began his reign 330 years before Christ. Fergus, however, was no plebeian upstart. He again traced his descent from Mileaius, who reigned in Ireland 1300 years before. the Christian era, and “ who makes the twenty-sixth degree inclusively from Noe ; the twenty-first from Niul, a son of Fenius-farsa, king of Scythia, a prince very knowing in all the languages then spoken ; the twentieth from Gaedhal-Glass, a contemporary with Moses and Pharaoh ; the seventeenth inclusively from Heber-Scot, an excellent bow-man I ” a Upon the whole, we are put in the fair way of tracing King Fergus’s genealogy back to Adam,-a very satisfactory and credible beginning, in case anyeof its more recent steps should be thought to stand in need of additional proof. Leaving such famous worthies of the olden time, we come thereafter to Edwin, king of Northumbria, of whom we possess trustworthy historic account, and who, there seems no reason to doubt, gave his Caledonia, vol. ii. p. 669. ’ Dr Matthew Remedy, Ahercromby’a Martial Achievements, voL i p. 4. ... S TICA L ANTIQUITIES. 419 rials of the olden time. An unpicturesque fragment of the ruins of the Convent ...

Book 10  p. 459
(Score 0.61)

274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. The peace, however, which had brought them this happy relaxation was not of long duration. The regiment marched to England next year5 and in 1805 ‘embarked for Gibraltar. From thence removed to Portugal, it served in the memorable campaign under Sir John Moore in 1808 ; next in the fatal expedition to Walcheren ; and returned for a short time to Scotland in 1810. From England, in 1812, the 42d Regiment again embarked for Portugal; and, joining the army of the Duke of Wellington immediately after the capt,ure of Badajoz, was consolidated with the second battalion of the corps, which had been two years previously in the Peninsula. The share of the united corps in the engagements which followed from that period till the short peace in 1814 is too well known to require repetition. The gallant band then returned to Ireland, but speedily re-embarked for Flanders, where, as every one knows, it was present at the decisive fields of Quatre Bras and .Waterloo. The glory there acquired by the various Scots regiments is matter of history, and interwoven with many a (‘tale of Waterloo.” The warm reception with which the Royal Highlanders were greeted on their return to England, after the peace of Paris; at once demonstrated how their conduct was appreciated by our neighbours of the south ; and in Edinburgh, where they arrived in the spring of 1816, their welcome was most enthusiastic. The following account of their reception is interesting :- “Arrival of the 42d Beyi~neati n Edidury?b.-h the 19th and 20th March the 42d Rcgiment marched in two divisions into Edinburgh Castle from Haddington. Colonel Dick rode at the head of the first division, accompanied by I\lajor General Hope, of the North British Staff, and Colonel David Stewart of Garth,’ who formerly belonged to the regiment, and who was wounded under their colours in Egypt. Nothing could exceed the enthusiasm with which these gallant veterans were welcomed in every town and village through which their route lay. Early on the 19th vast crowds were collected on the streets of this city, in expectation of their arrival. The road as far as Musselburgh was crowded with people ; and as they approached the city, so much was their progress impeded by the multitude, that their march from Piershill to the Castle (less than two miles) occupied nearly two hours. House-tops and windows were also crowded with spectaiors ; and as they passed along the streets, amidst the ringing of bells, waying of flags, and the acclamations of thousands, their red and white plumes, tattered colours (emblems of their well-earned fame in fight), and glittering bayonets, were all that could be seen of these heroes, except by the few who were fortunate in obtaining elevated situations. The scene, viewed from the windows and house-tops, was the most extraordinary ever witnessed in this city. The crowds were wedged together across the whole breadth of the street, and extended in length as far as the eye could reach ; and this motley throng appeared to move like a solid body, slowly along, till the gallant Highlanders were safely lodged in the Castle.” The non-commissioned officers and privates were sumptuously entertained at dinner in the evening in the Assembly Rooms. Sir Walter Scott was amongst the gentlemen who superintended the entertainment. Each soldier was also presented with a free ticket to the Theatre. The 78th, ‘( another of our gallant Scots regiments,” having arrived in Edinburgh a few days after, a splendid fkte, in “honour of the heroes,” was given in.Corri’s Rooms, on the Author of the “Sketches of the Character, Manners, and present state of the Highlanders of Scotland ; with details of the Military Service of the Highland Regiments.” Afterwards Governor of St. Lucie, where he died. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. The peace, however, which had brought them this happy relaxation was not of long ...

Book 9  p. 364
(Score 0.61)

138 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. bounded on the east by Brown’s Close, and forms a detached block of houses of various dates and styles, all exhibiting considerable remains of former magnificence. The house that now forms the kouth-west angle towards the Castle Hill bears, on the pediment of a dormer window facing the Castle, the date 1630, with the initials A. M., M. N. ; and there still remains, sticking in the wall, a cannon ball, said to have been shot from the Castle during the cannonade of 1745, though we are assured that it was placed there by order of government, to indicate that no building would be permitted on that side nearer the Castle. Through this land‘ there is an alley called Blair’s Close, leading by several curious windings into an open court behind. At the first angle in the close, a handsome gothic doorway, of very elegaut workmanship, meets the view, forming the entry to a turnpike stair. The doorway is surmounted with an ogee arch, in the tympanum of which is somewhat rudely sculptured a coronet with supporters,--‘( two deerhounds,” says Chambers, ‘‘ the well-known supporters of the Duke of Goidon’s arms.” ’ This accords with the local tradition, which states it to have been the town mansion of that noble family ; but the style of this doorway, and the substantial character of the whole building, leave no room to doubt that it is an erection of a much earlier date than the Dukedom, which was only created in 1684. Tradition, however, which is never to be despised in questions of local antiquity, proves to be nearly correct in this case, as we find, in one of the earliest titles to the property now in the possession of the City Improvements Commission, endorsed, I-‘ Disposition of House be Sir Robert Baird to William Baird, his second son, 1694,” it is thus defined,-“All and hail that my lodging in the Caste1 Hill of Edinburgh, formerly possessed by the Duchess of Gordon.” This appears, from the date of the disposition, to have been the first Duchess, Lady Elizabeth Howard, daughter of the Duke of Norfolk. She retired to a Convent in Flanders during the lifetime of the Duke, but afterwards returned to Edinburgh, where she principally resided till her death, which took place at the Abbey Bill in 1732, sixteen years after that of her huaband. In 1711, her Grace excited no small stir in Edinburgh, by sending to the Dean and Faculty of Advocates, -‘aI silver medal, with a head of the Pretender on one side, and on the other the British Isles, with the word Reddite.” On the Dean presenting the medal, the propriety of accepting it was keenly discussed, when twelve only, out of seventyfive members present, testxed their favour for the House of Hanover by voting its rejection.s The most recent of the interior fittings of this mansion appear old enough to have remained from the time of its occupation by the Duchess. It is finished throughout with wooden panelling, and one large room in particular, overlooking the Castle Esplanade, is elegantly decorated with rich ‘carvings, and with a painting (one of old Norie’s pictorial idornments) filling a panel over the chimney-piece, and surrounded by an elaborate piece . 1 The term ImuZ, in this and similar instances throughout the Work, is used according to its Scottish acceptation, * Traditionq vol. i p. 153. * Norie, a house-decorator and painter of the last century, whom works are very common, painted on the panels of Pinkerton remarks, in his introduction to the ‘‘ Scottish Gallery,” 1799,-“Norie’a and signifies a building of several stories of separate dwellings, communicating by a common stair. Douglas’s Peerage, vol. i. p. 654. the older houaea in Edinburgh. genius for landacapea entitles him to o place in the list of Scotch paintera” ... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. bounded on the east by Brown’s Close, and forms a detached block of houses of ...

Book 10  p. 149
(Score 0.61)

LEITH, AND THE NEW TOWN. 375 resting his fore paw on the sword, and the other placing his paw in one of the scales. On the other sculptured pediment a man is seen armed with a thick pole, with a hook at the end, by which he grasps it; a goat, as it seems, is running towards him, as if butting at him, while a bear seizes it by the waist with his teeth, and another is lying dead beyond. The Hope’s arms are sculptured on the former pediment, underneath the fiingular piece of . sculpture we have described-which occupies the upper part of a pointed arch-so that it is not improbable that the curious scene of the judge determining the plea between the lions and ‘the lamb, may refer to a family alliance with the great Lord Advocate ; though the key to the ingenious allegory has perished with the last of their race. On the south side of the ancient Burgh of Broughton, and nearly on the sight of the present broad street called Picardy Place, there existed till near the close of last century a small village or hamlet called Picardy, which was occupied exclusively by a body of weavers who are said to have been brought over from the French province of that name by the British Linen Company, and settled there for the improvement of their manufactures.’ We have found, however, in a copy of Lord Hailed Annals, a manuscript note, apparently written while this little community of foreign artisans were still industriously plying their looms, in which they are described as a body of French refugees, who 0ed to this country after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in 1685, and settling on the open common that then lay between Broughton and the old capital, they attempted to establish a silk manufactory. A large plantation of mulberry trees is said to have been laid out by them on the slope of Moutrie’s Hill, and other provision made for carrying on the whole operations of the silk manufacture there. It is well known, that about 50,000 French refugees fled to England at that period, the majority of them settled at Spitalfield, while the remainder scattered themselves over the kingdom. To a body of these unfortunate wanderers the hamlet of Picardy most probably owed its origin. The failure of their mulberry plantations here, as in other parts of the kingdom, no doubt compelled them to abandon their project ; and their experience was probably afterwards made use of in the weaving of linen, on the institution of a company for the encouragement of its manufacture in 1i46. Since then this chartered body has devoted its large capital exclusively to the purposes of banking ; and it is now one of the most wealthy and influential banking companies of Scotland. One other locality of considerable interest in the same neighbourhood is the low valley of Greenside, which skirts the northern base of the Calton HilL Though now exclusively occupied by workshops and manufactories, or by modern dwellings of a very humble character, it formed in ancient times a place of considerable importance. It was bestowed on the citizens by James 11.) as an arena for holding tournaments and the like martial sports of the age; and, according to Pennant, it continued to be used for such feats of arms even in the reign of Queen Mary. Here, he relates, during a public tournament, ‘‘ the Earl of Eothwell made the fwst impression on the susceptible heart of Mary Stuart, having galloped into the ring down the dangerous steeps of the adjacent hilL”O The rude Earl, however, trusted as little to feats of gallantry as to love for the achievement of his unscrupulous aims ; and this may rank among the many spurious traditions which the popular interest in the Scottish Queen has given rise to. A chapel dedicated to the Holy Rood stood in the valley of Greenside at a remote period, and served, in the year 1518, as the Walka in Edi11burg4 p. 217. ’ Pennant’s Tour, voL i p. 70. ... AND THE NEW TOWN. 375 resting his fore paw on the sword, and the other placing his paw in one of the ...

Book 10  p. 412
(Score 0.61)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 69 one of the French eagles was much spoken about. .Through his interest the gallant soldier was promoted to an ensigncy in a veteran corps. In 18 17 Sir John disposed of his villa near London, and returned to Edinburgh, where he afterwards continued permanently to reside, The only other political topic of paramount importance in which he took part was the renewal of the “bullion question.” He opposed Sir Robert Peel’s bill to the utmost ; and in 1526, aided by the pen of Sir Walter Scott, under the signature of Mu- Zuchi i&lagrmtheT, eucceeded in rousing an effectual resistance, in so far as his own country was concerned, to the threatened extinction of the small note circulation. In 1830, the “Scottish Patriot,” then far advanced in years, paid a last visit to his native county. He was received with the most affectionate attention ; and, on his return, his parting with old friends, many of whom accompanied him considerable distances, was in the highest degree affecting. He died at his house in George Street, in December 1835, and was interred on the 30th, in the Royal Chapel of Holyrood. From this rapid sketch of the life of Sir John Sinclair, a very imperfect idea can be formed of the multifarious labours in which he was incessantly engaged, Besides the works already mentioned, he was the author of several other extensive productions, among which may be mentioned the ‘‘ Code of Health and Longevity,” the “ Code of Agriculture,” etc., while his miscellaneous pamplets and papers, on political and other subjects, amount to nearly four hundred? In politics he was decidedly independent. His opinions were invariably the result of accurate information and of deep reflection. As a financier, his knowledge was comprehensive and sound; and his “History of the Revenue of the British Empire ” may be still looked upon as the best ‘authority that can be having killed three of his opponents before he succeeded in carrying off the trophy, he escaped without a wound. He is understood to have attributed much of his success to the superior training of the horse which he rode. This animal, in consequence of his own having taken ill, he procnred only the day before the engagement, and from its small stature, and being entirely unacquainted with its disposition, he felt a corresponding want of confidence on entering the field, The conflict had not long commenced, however, before he became sensible of the superior mettle of hi charger. Of its aptitude in attack and defence he had several striking instances. In the deadly combat maintained in capturing the standard, and at the moment the sabre of one of his opponents was poised with deadly aim, the little animal suddenly reared ; and he not only escaped the blow, but, from the advantage of position, was enabled to cut down his antagonist. For example, ‘‘ Address on the Corn Laws ”--“91an for Rewarding Discoveries for the Benefit of Society”-“On the Means of enabling a Cottager to keep a Cow ’I-“ Culture of Potatoes ’I-“ Sketch of a system of Education ”-“ On the Political State of Europe”-“On pmerving the Dress, the Language, the Music, etc., of the Ancient Inhabitants of Scotland ’I-“ Address to the Mercantile Interest ”-‘‘ On the Distresses of the Times ” (1816)--l‘ Plan for promoting Domestic Colonisation, by Agricultural Improvements (1819) “Address to the Reformers of Great Britain” (1819)--“0n the Causes of our National Diatresses” -“Letter on Mountain Dew”-“Hmts 89 to a Metallic Currency and a Free Trade”-“On the Cure and Prevention of Cholera, Fever,” etc. (1826)-“ Gretna Green Marriages ”-“Thonghts on Catholic Emancipation ”-‘‘ On infant Schools ”-“Plan for enabling Government to reduce Four Millions of Taxes ” (1830)--“ Fingal, a Tragedy, in Five Acta ”-“Hints on the Tithe Question,” etc. etc. Almost no question of any importance escaped his notice. These embrace subjects the most varied. ... SKETCHES, 69 one of the French eagles was much spoken about. .Through his interest the gallant ...

Book 9  p. 91
(Score 0.6)

286 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. “ His celebrated ancestor, the Marquis of Montrose, scarcely exhibited more devotion to the cause of Charles I. in the field, than his descendant displayed for George the Third in the House of Commons. Nor did he want great energy, as well as activity of mind and body. During the progress of the French Revolution, when the fabric of our constitution was threatened by internal and external attacks, Lord Graham, then become Duke of Montrose, enrolled himself as a private soldier in the City Light Horse. During several successive years he did duty in that capacity, night and day, sacrificing to it his ease and his time ; thus holding out an example worthy of imitation to the British nobility.” His Grace died on December 30, 1836, being, strange to say, the third individual who had held the family honours since the accession of his grandfather to them in 1684, in the reign of Charles 11.-a period of a hundred and fifty-three years. He was twice married, and left two sons and three daughters. He was succmded by James (4th Duke), eldest son of the second marriage. THE EARL OF BUCHAN was born in 1742, and succeeded to the title and estates of the family in 1767. His course of education being completed at the University of Glasgow, he soon after entered the army, in which he rose to the rank of lieutenant ; but, disliking the profession of arms, he did not continue long in the service. In 1’766, he was appointed Secretary to the Eritish Embassy in Spain; but, on the death of his father the year following, he returned to his native land, resolved to prosecute pursuits more congenial to his strong literary bias. The first instance of the Earl’s activity was the formation of the Society of Scottish Antiquaries in 1780.’ The want of such a Society had long been felt j yet it is strange his lordship experienced illiberal oppositim from parties, who In 1792, the first volume of their transactions was published ; and the following discourses by the Earl appear in it :--“Memoirs of the Life of Sir James Stiiart Denham”-“ Account of the Parish of Uphall”-“Account of the Island of 1colmkiln”-and “A Life of Mr. James Short, optician.” Besides various fugitive pieces, in prose and verse, he printed, in conjunction with Dr. Walter Minto, “An Account of the Life, Writings, and Inventions of Napier of Merchiston.” In addition to the other objects of this Society, it was resolved to establish a mwem of natural history, for the better cultivation of that science, and of which museum Mr. Smellie wm appointed curator. He was likewise permitted to deliver the projected course of lectures on the philosophy of natural history in the hall of the museum. The Society at the time having applied for a RoyaLCharter of incorporation, an unexpected opposition arose (already alluded to in our notice of Mr. Smellie) from Dr. Walker, Professor of Natural History in the University, and also from the Senatus Academicus a8 a body, who memorialised the Lord Advocate (Mr. Henry Dundas, afterwards Lord Viscount Melville) against the proposed grant of a charter, alleging that the Society would intercept the communication of many specimens and objects of natural history which would otherwise h d their way to the College Museum, as well as documents tending to illustrate the history, antiquities, and laws of Scotland, which ought to be deposited in the Advocates’ Library. They likewise noticed that the possession of a museum of natural history might induce the Society to institute a lectureship on that science, in opposition to the professorship in the University, The Faculty of Advocates and other public bodies also joined in thia opposition ; but, after an elaborate reply on the part of the Antiquaries, the Lord Advocate signified his approval of their request ; and, on the very next day, the royal warrant passed the privy seal, in which his Majesty voluntarily declared himself Patron of the Society. 1787, 4to. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. “ His celebrated ancestor, the Marquis of Montrose, scarcely exhibited more devotion ...

Book 8  p. 401
(Score 0.6)

294 MEMURIALS OF EDINBURGH. Moray House, which is one of the most remarkable objects of interest in the Canongate, formed until 1835 part of the entailed estate of the noble house of Moray, in whose possession it remained exactly two hundred years, having become the property of Margaret, Countess of Moray, in 1645, by an arrangement with her younger sister, h u e , then Countess of Lauderdale, and co-heiress with her of their mother, the Countess of Home, by whom Moray House was built.’ This noble mansion presents more striking architectural features than any other private building in Edinburgh, and is associated with some of the most interesting events in Scottish history. It was erected in the early part of the reign of Charles I. by Mary, Countess of Home, the eldest daughter of Edward, Lord Dudley, and then a widow. Her initials, M. H., are sculptured over the large centre window of the south gable, surmouuted by a ducal coronet; and over the corresponding window to the north are the lions of Home and Dudley, impaled on a lozenge, in accordance with the ancient laws of heraldry. The house was erected some years before the visit of Charles I. to Scotland, and his coronation at Holyrood in 1633. It can scarcely, therefore, admit of doubt that its halls ’have been graced by the presence of that unfortunate monarch, though the Countess soon after contributed largely towards the success of his opponents, as appears by the repayment by the English Parliament, in 1644, of seventy thousand pounds which had been advanced by her to the Scottish Covenanting Government-an unusually large sum to be found at the disposal of the dowager of a Scottish earl. On the first visit of Oliver Cromwell to Edinburgh, in the summer of 1648, he took up his residence at “ the Lady Home’s lodging, in the Canongate,” as it then continued to be called; and entered into friendly negotiations with the nobles and leaders of the extreme party of the Covenanters. According to Guthrie, ‘‘ he did communicate to them his design in reference to the King, and had their assent thereto ; ” in consequence of which (‘ the Lady Home’s house, in the Canongate, became an object of mysterious curiosity, from the general report at the time that the design to execute Charles I. was there first discussed and approved.”a This, however, which, if it could be relied on, would add so peculiar an interest to the mansion, must be regarded as the mere cavalier gossip of the period. Even if we could believe that Cromwell’s designs were matured at that time, he was too wary a politician to hazard them by such premature and profitless confidence j but there can be no doubt of the future measures of resistance to the King having formed a prominent subject in their discussions. In the year 1650, only two years after the Parliamentary General’s residence in the Canongate, the fine old mansion was the scene of joyous banquetings and revelry on the occasion of the marriage of Lord Lorn-afterwards better known as the unfortunate Earl of Argyle-with Lady Mary Stuart, the eldest daughter of the Earl of Moray. The weddingfeast took place on the 13th of May, and the friends were still celebrating the auspicious the cmce of this bruche, thair to remane the space of ane houre.” On the 6th October 1572, the treasurer is ordered “to vpput and big sufficiently the corce,” which had probably suffered in some of the reforming mobs, and may have been then, for the first time, elevated on a platform.-Canongate Burgh Register, Mait. Wit. vol. ii. pp. 303, 326. l The entail was broke by a clause in one of the Acts of the North British Railway Company, who had purchased the ancient Trinity Hospital for their terminus, and proposed to fit up Moray House in ita stead; an arrangement which it is to be regretted has not been carried into effect. The name of Regent blul.ray’a House, latterly applied to the old mansion, is a spurious tradition of very recent origin. - ’ (tuthrie’s Memoira, p. 298. 3 Napier’s Life of Montrose, p, 441. ... MEMURIALS OF EDINBURGH. Moray House, which is one of the most remarkable objects of interest in the ...

Book 10  p. 320
(Score 0.6)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 303 of Feeling,” was the only individual whose name was made public at the time.’ The origin and progress of the club is related in the concluding number of the Mirror. The object at first contemplated by the contributors was simply that of relaxation from severer studies; and, by committing their thoughts to writing, to improve and extend their tastes on various subjects connected with the belles lettres. Their essays were read at weekly meetings held for the purpose ; and for some time no farther extent of publicity was given to the transactions of this club, which generally met in a tavern.’ Lord Craig (then an advocate) was one of the most zealous members ; and with him originated the idea of publishing the essays. Next to those of Mackenzie, the contributions of his lordship were the most numerous; and are distinguished for a chaste and elegant style of composition. The Mirror commenced in January 1779 and terminated in May 1780. It was published weekly ; and each number formed a small folio sheet, which was sold at three half-pence. The thirty-sixth number of this work, written by Lord Craig, “ contributed,” says Dr. Anderson (Lives of the Poets, vol. ii., p. 273), ‘‘ in no inconsiderable degree to rescue from oblivion the name and writings of the ingenious and amiable young poet, Michael Bruce.” The Lounger,’ to which Lord Craig also contributed largely, was commenced several years afterwards by the same club of gentlemen ; and both periodical works have passed through numerous editions, and become standard British classics. In private life Lord Craig was much esteemed for his gentle and courteous manners, and the benevolence and hospitality of his disposition. In person he might be reckoned handsome, and was rather above the middle size. A fine portrait of him, in his later years, by Sir Henry Raeburn, long graced the walls of the house occupied by the late Robert Sym, Esq., in George Square. Besides Mackenzie and Lord Craig, the gentlemen connected with the Club were, Mr. Alexander Abercromby, afterwards Lord Abercromby (uncle of the Speaker) ; Mr. Robed Cullen, afterwards Lord Cullen ; Mr. Macleod Bannatyne, afterwards Lord Bannatyne ; Mr. George Home (by a strange mistake, in the new edition of Scotl’s Works this gentleman has been seated on the bench aa Lord Wedderburn), afterwards a Principal Clerk of Session ; Mr. William Gordon of Newhall ; and Mr. George Ogilvie. The association wm at first termed the Tabernacle; but when the resolution of publishing was adopted, it assumed the name of the Mirror CZub. To the ninth edition of the Mirror, publiihed in 1792, and the sixth of the Lounger, in 1794, are prefixed the names of the authors. Among the correspondents were-Lord Hailes, Mr. Baron Hume, Mr. Tytler and his Son (Lord Woodhouselee), Professor Richardson, Dr. Beattie, Dr. Henry, and other eminent literary persons. a The club met sometimes in CZmihugh’s, Writers’ Court ; sometimes in Somers’, opposite the Guard-House in the High Street ; sometimes in Stewart’s oyster house, Old Fishmarket Close ; and fully as often, perhaps, in Lucky Dunbar’s-a moderate and obscure house, situated in an alley leading betwixt Forrester’s and Libberton’s Wynd. * In one of the numbers of this periodical work appeared a short review of the first (or Kilmarnock) edition of the poems of Burns. The notice was written by Henry Mackenzie ; and it may be said, with some truth, that this production of the “ Man of Feeling” proved the means of deciding the fate, and probably the fame of the bard. He was an unknown wight, and on the eve of bidding farewell to hia native country, when the Lmmgw, and the kind exertions of Dr. Blacklock the poet, happily brought him into notice, and procured for him the patronage of the learned and fashionable circles of Ediiburgh. ... SKETCHES, 303 of Feeling,” was the only individual whose name was made public at the time.’ The ...

Book 8  p. 424
(Score 0.59)

B I 0 GRAPH I C -4 L S K E T C H E S. 119 as well as his r i s e in civic dignity, being almost totally uneducated-so much so, that on many occasions he displayed the most gross ignorance of his own language, by the ludicrous misapplication of words even in common conversation. He was nevertheless a very active and upright magistrate, “ although,” says Mr. Kay, ‘‘ there was always something in his manner that acted against his popularity;’’ and when city politics ran high, as they frequently did during his long connection with the civic government, the circumstance of his having been horsewhipped by some of the “Edinburgh bucks”-for having, while a constable, committed some females of equivocal repute to the Guard-house, under the protection of the famed Shon Dhu-was frequently commented upon by his opponents. For this assault they were apprehended, and, with great justice, severely fined. Mr. Grieve deserved some credit for his political or rather party consistency, a virtue, according to Mr. Kay, as rare in those days as it is now. His active support of Sir Laurence Dundas in 1780,’ seems to have been the means of facilitating his future rise. He was elected Lord Provost in 1782 ; and in 1788 he attained the acme of his ambition, by being appointed one of his Majesty’s Commissioners of Excise. Mr. Grieve resided for many years in Strichen’s Close, High Street, the house having an entrance also from Blackfriars’ Wynd. The premises were at a former period occupied by the Earl of Morton. He afterwards removed to a Sir Laurence Dundas had represented the city of Edinburgh from 1767 till 1780; but he had offended many of his constituents by voting in opposition to Lord North’s Administration, on Mr. Dunning’s motion (April 6) respecting the increasing influence of the Crown, which he did, it was stated, in revenge for having been refused a British Peerage. The candidate who was proposed in his stead was the present Sir William Miller, afterwards Lord Glenlee, a gentleman at that time young, but possessed of great abilities, and universally respected. The writs were issued in September, a short time prior to the annua! election of the Town Council ; and the friends of Sir Laurence, aware that they were in a minority, resorted to every expedient to postpone the election of the city member until the meeting of the new Council. The friends of Mr. Miller, on the other hand, were m determined not to delay the return of their representative. The Lord Provost (Walter Hamilton, Esq.) was at the time in bad health, and confined to his house-by Sir Lanrence’s friends he was represented as capable of doing his duty, while their opponents affirmed the contrary. Be that as it may, however, Sir Laurence’s party succeeded in withholding the Sheriffs precept. Mr. Miller’s friends contended that the circumstances of the Provost’s indisposition were such as to warraut the senior Bailie in assuming his functions. They accordingly, under authority of old Bailie Leslie, and furnished with a notarial copy of the precept, convened a meeting of the Council, and on the 16th September elected Mr. Miller member for the city. Mr. Grieve protested against the proceedings in name of his fellow-councillors, while Hugo h o t did the same thing for the Lord Provost. By the time, however, that the new leets of magistrata were made up, and five new councillors admitted, it waa found that Sir Laurence’s friends were in the majority. A new election wm the conuequence, under the sanction of the Lord Provost, which took place on the 9th September, and Sir Laurence of course returned amid the counter-protests of Mr. Miller’s friends. Thus there were two members elected for the city of Edinburgh. The circumstance, &s was to be expected, gave rise to various law proceedings, which were brought before the Court of Session ; while Sir Laurence petitioned Parliament against the return of Mr. Miller. A committee was accordingly appointed by the House of Commons, who set aside the then sitting member, by declaring the petitioner duly elected. The famous Deacon Brodie made a conspicuous figure in this election, by keeping back his promise to vote for either party. In consequence of this he made himself a man of great moment to both of the candidates, because on his vote the election rested. ... I 0 GRAPH I C -4 L S K E T C H E S. 119 as well as his r i s e in civic dignity, being almost totally ...

Book 8  p. 174
(Score 0.59)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 275 3d of April following. We shall quote the description of this animating scene :- ‘‘ Upon entering the lobby of C o d s Rooms, the soldiery were so placed as to be seen forming a string of sentries leading to the principctl portico, which, upon entrance, struck the eye with that magical illusion we read of in fairy tales. It was impossible to say which might be considered the head of the room, as much attention as possible being paid to avoid any point of precedence ; each end blazed with hundreds of lamps. The band of the 42d occupied the large orchestra, being more numerous than the 78th. The front bore a very neat transparency of a thistle, surrounded by a motto, Prenez Garde. Festoons of the 42d tartan reached from side to side, on the front of which hung the shields of the Duke of Wellington and the Marquis of Huntly, supported by appropriate trophies. On the top were three cuirasses, taken at the late memorable battle ; over the band, figures 42 surrounded by a wreath of laurel ; the whole formed of lamps, had a most brilliant effect. This was surmounted by an illuminated crown. Along the cornice of the room the word WATERLOaOls,o in lamps, supported by wreathed pillars of the bame brilliaut materials, completed the device in compliment to the Xoyal Highlanders. We ought to add that other trophies, formed of musketry, flags, and cuirasses, against the walls, supported the words EGYPT and CORUNNA. “At the other end the band of the 78th Regiment occupied the smaller orchesba, the device in front of which was composed of lamps similar to that of the other regiment, with the shields of Sir Samuel Auchmuty and General Picton ; instead of a crown, a brilliant star topped the number 78. On each side were the words ASSATE and MAIDA. Under this orchestra was a beautiful transparency, representing an old man, with his bonnet, giving a hearty welconie to two soldiers of the 42d and 78th regiments, while a bonnie lassie is peeping out from a cottage door, smiling upon the newly arrived heroes. The background formed a landscape, with Edinburgh Castle in the distance. “ The bands in succession played some most beautiful military airs, while the centre of tlie room, filled with all the beauty and fmhion of Edinburgh, enlivened by the uniforms of the officers of the several regiments, seemed to move in a solid mass to the clash of the cymbals and beat of the hollow drum. About eleven o’clock Gow was called for ; and his corps succeeded that of the 42d. The light fantastic toe ,was soon upon the trip ; and twelve sets were soon made up, which continued the memy dance until after two o’clock. In fact the tout ensern7~Ze was a scene quite enchanting.” Such was the genuine enthusiasm with which the return of the heroes of Waterloo was hailed. The Print prefixed to this sketch was executed at this joyous period. SERGEADNUTF Fw as a gallant soldier-loved his country with all the affection of a true Scot-was humane in disposition-of a free affable manner-and much esteemed by his fellow-soldiers. He had seen a good deal of warfare, and was one of the few instances of individuals rising from the ranks to hold a commission in the British army. His father was a soldier of the Royal Highlanders ; and he may be said to have been born in the corps. He is, however, set down in the books of the regiment as a native of Banffshire, and his enlistment is dated on the 16th of August 1806, he then being only fourteen years of age. Four years afterwards he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and in 1812 to that of Sergeant. In his capacity of a non-commissioned officer, Sergeant Duff fought on the Pyrenees, at Pampeluna, Neville, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse, and was wounded at the storming of Burgos. At Waterloo, the last of the hostile fields, and ... SKETCHES. 275 3d of April following. We shall quote the description of this animating scene ...

Book 9  p. 365
(Score 0.59)

THE CAiVONGA TE ANB ABBE Y SANCTUAR Y. Earl, who took an active share in promoting the Union. He was soon after elevated to a dukedom in the British Peerage, and successively filled the offices of Keeper of the Privy Seal and Secretary of State for Scotland. At the head of Reid’s Close stands the ancient and picturesque stone tenement, designated in the accompanying engraving Nisbet of Dirleton’s House, which appears by the date on it to have been erected in the year 1624. Its basement story is substantially arched with stone, in accordance with the fashion of that age, when a citizen’s mansion had occasionally to be made his castle, in a very different sense from that which is now maintained as the theory of Britis& law. This edifice, which was probably reared by eome courtier of note and influence at that period, afterwards became the residence of Sir John Nisbet, who waa promoted to the Bench in 1664, under the title of Lord Dirleton, and was the last who held the office of Lord Advocate conjointly with that of a Judge. He was the predecessor of Sir George Mackenzie as Lord Advocate, and is accused, both by Kirkton and Wodrow, of making himself the tool of the Bishops. The latter relates a curious instance of his zeal in persecuting the unfortunate Covenanters. Robert Gray having been brought before the Council, and examined a8 to his knowledge of the hiding places of some of the leaders of that party, withvut their succeeding in obtaining from him the desired information, Sir John took a ring from the man’s finger and sent it to Mrs Gray by a trusty messenger, who informed her that her husband had told all he knew of the Whigs, and that he sent this ring to her in token that she might do the same. Deceived by this ingenious fraud, the poor woman revealed their places of concealment; but her husband was so affected that he sickened and died a few days after. The south front of the house &ppears in the engraving of Reid’s Close, and is singularly A little further to the eastward, on the same side, is the huge mansion erected by William, first Duke of Qneensberry, the builder of Drumlanrig Castle, who exercised almost absolute power in Scotland during the latter years of the reign of Charles II., and presided as High Commissioner in the first Parliament of James VII. He afterwards took an active share in the revolution that placed the Prince of Orange on the throne ; a step which did not prove sufficient to redeem him from the hatred of the Presbyterian party, against whom his power had been used in a very cruel and arbitrary manner. Ee died in the Canongate in 1695. His character was made up of the strangest contradictions ; a great miser, yet magnificent in buildings and pleasure grounds ; illiterate, yet a collector of books, and commanding in his letters-which he dictated to a secretarya style that is admirable.‘ Hia son, the active promoter of the union, and the Lord High Commissioner under whose auspices it was accomplished, kept court here during that stormy period, and frequently found his huge mansion surrounded by the infuriated mob who so pertinaciously pursued every abettor of that hated measure.’ But the most - picturesque, and somewhat unique in its character. - , A collection of his lettem now in the possassion of C. E. Sharpe, Esq., would form a curious and valuable acquisition to the liter.ary world if published. ’ A myaterioua and horrible story is related in the “ Traditions of Edinburgh,” comerning the Duke’s eldest son, Lord Drumlanrig, an idiot, who, being deaerted by his keeper on the day the union was passed-the whole household having gone off, with the exception ol a little kitehen boy-escaped from his confinement, murdered the boy, and was found roasting him at the fire when the domestics returned in triumph b o r n the Parliament Close. The dreadful tale soon became known, and it waa universally regarded as a judgment on the Duke for hia ahare in the union. ... CAiVONGA TE ANB ABBE Y SANCTUAR Y. Earl, who took an active share in promoting the Union. He was soon after ...

Book 10  p. 326
(Score 0.59)

Leith.1 THE CUSTOM-HOUSE 259 EASTWARD of Leith lie those open downs called the Links, once of much greater extent than we find them, and doubtless at one time connected ground to the westward of the pier, when it was blowing fresh, with a heavy sea, and before any assistance could be given she was driven upon the beach, near the citadel, having beaten off her rudder and otherwise considerably damaged herself [sic]. They are employed in taking out the cargo, and if the weather continues moderate, it is expected she will be got off.? The waves of the sea are now distant nearly two thousand feet north from the spot where the wreck took place. Three of the bastions, and two of the gates of the citadel, were standing when the old ?Statistical Account ? was published, in 1793. Before quitting this quarter of North Leith we may quote the following rather melancholy account given of the latter in 1779, in a work entitled ?The Modem British Traveller,? folio, and now probably out of print. About a mile from the city is Leith, which may be called the warehouse of Edinburgh. It is divided into two parts by a small rivulet, over which is a neat bridge of three arches. That part called South Leith is both large and populous ; it has an exceeding handsome church, a jail, a custom-house [the old one in the Tolbooth Wynd], but the streets are irregular, nor do any of the buildings merit particular attention. It was formerly fortified, but the works were destroyed by the English in 1559 [?I, and not any remains are now to be seen. That part called North Leith is a very poor place, without any publick building, except an old Gothic church ; there is a small dock, but it is only capable of admitting ships of a hundred and fifty tons. The harbour is generally crowded with vessels from different parts; and from here to Kinghorn, in Fifeshire, the passage-boat crosses every tide, except on Sundays. . . . Great numbers of the citizens of Edin- ?burgh resort to Leith on parties of pleasure, and to regale themselves with the sea air and oysters, which are caught here in great abundance. . . . with the wide, open, and sandy waste that extended beyond the Figgate Burn to Magdalene Bridge, The town is under the jurisdiction of a bailiff CT], but it may be called a part of, and is subject to the jurisdiction of, Edinburgh, in virtue of a charter granted by King Robert the Eruce.? The Manners? Church, a rather handsome building, with two smail spires facing the east, is built upon a portion of the site of the citadel, and schools are attached to it. The church was designed by John Henderson of Edinburgh, and was erected in 1840. In this quarter Sand Port Street, which led to the then beach, with a few old houses neax the citadel, and the old church of St. Ninian, comprised the. whole of North Leith at the time of the Union. There the oldest graving-dock was constructed in 1720, and it yet remains, behind a house not far from the bridge, dated-according to Parker Lawson-162 2. The present custom-house of Leith was built in 1812, on the site where H.M. ship Fu~y was built in I 780 ; and an old native of Leith, who saw her launched, had the circumstance impressed upon his memory, as he related to Robertson (whose ?Antiquities ? were published in 185 I), ?by a carpenter having been killed by the falling of the shores.? The edifice cost A12,617, is handsome, and in the Grecian style, adorned in front with pillars and pediment It stands at the North Leith end of the lower drawbridge. The officials here consist of a collector, twb chief clerks, three first and seven second-class clerks, with one extra ; eight writers, two surveyors, eighteen examining officers, and a principal coast officer for Fisherrow. The long room is handsome, and very different from its predecessor in the Tolbooth Wynd, which was simply divided by long poles, through which entries were passed. In May, 1882, the building at Dock Place (in this quarter) known as the Sailors? Home, was converted into the Mercantile Marine Department and Government Navigation School. C H A P T E R XXIX. LEITH -THE LINKS. ... THE CUSTOM-HOUSE 259 EASTWARD of Leith lie those open downs called the Links, once of much greater extent ...

Book 6  p. 259
(Score 0.59)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 83 The reputation of Mr. Baine as a preacher soon spread far beyond the retired scene to which his pulpit ministrations were confined. Being somewhat remarkable for the musical sweetness of his voice, he was honoured by his people with the characteristic epithet of the “Swan of the West.” In 1756 he was presented to the High Church of Paisley, then a new erection. Upon the arduous duties of his important charge he entered in the month of April, with a high degree of popularity ; and throughout the period of his ministration in that town, continued to be greatly esteemed by a large and affectionate congregation, as an eloquent preacher, and an able and sound divine. His personal appearance in the vigour of life was prepossessing-his manner in the pulpit, and his powers of elocution, were peculiarly attractive ; and, though he had the celebrated Dr. Witherspoon for his colleague, who was considered one of the most able clergymen of his day, his church was commonly crowded t,o excess.l When minister of the parish of Killearn, Mr. Baine was intimate with many of the most distinguished clergymen in the Church, and was regarded, particularly by his co-presbyters, as a young man possessed of much personal piety and ministerial zeal and fidelity. 80 early as 1745,‘his name is mentioned with particular honour, as having been warmly engaged amongst his parishioners in From the perusal of a volume of his sermons, which he published in 1777, during the period of his ministry in Edinburgh, we have heen led to consider him, in point of arrangement and composition, superior to many of his contemporaries. In this volume is to be found a judicious discourse on the subject of the Pastoral Care, which he delivered in the Low Church of Paisley at the admission of his colleague, in June 1757. Dr. Witherspoon, the colleague of Mr. Baine, was a man greatly distinguished in his day for his litemry acquirements, and as a preacher and theological writer. He was the son of a clergyman, minister of the parish of Yester, in the Presbytery of Haddmgton ; born in 1721, and educated in the University of Edinburgh. In early life he became a licentiate of the Scottish Establishment, and was soou afterwards presented to the parish of Beith, in Ayrshire. Being a young man of an ardent, enterprising, and patriotic mind, on January 17, 1746, he appeared at the battle of Falkirk with a party of volunteer militia belonging to his parish ; and, on that unfortunate occasion, when the royal army suffered great loss, he was taken prisoner by the rebels. Along with Mr. Home, author of the “Tragedy of Douglas,” and othen, he was confined in the Castle of Doune, near Stirling, from which he and his fellow-prisoners, after having suffered some severe privations, made an adventurous and hairbreadth escape. In June 1757 he was translated from the parish of Beith to the Low Church of Paisley, in which charge he continued eleven years. From an early period of his ministry, Dr. Witherspoon was known to his contemporaries as a clergyman particularly versant in the knowledge of the constitutional polity of the Church of Scotland. Like his colleague Mr. Baine, he was keenly opposed to what he considered the tyrannical measures of the moderate, and at that time the dominant, party of the Church, and became one of their ablest opponents by the publication of his “ Eccldastical Characteristics, or the Arcana of Church Polity,” and the grave “Apology ” he afterwards published for that ingenious performance. Having published in London three volumes of his sermons and essays in 1764, the fame of his talents 89 a theological writer not only spread over Britain, but extended across the Atlantic to the British Colonies. In consequence of the reputation he had acquired, he was repeatedly solicited by the Trustees of Nassau Hall College, Princetown, New Jersey, the Presidency of which had become vacant, to accept of that office. Upon the arrival of Dr. Withenpoon in America he was cordially received by the Trustees, and for a number of years afterwards directed the attention of his sagacious and reflecting mind in originating and maturing various educational improvements in that seminary, over which so many eminent men He waa at last induced to consent, and left his charge in Paisley, May 1768. ... SKETCHES. 83 The reputation of Mr. Baine as a preacher soon spread far beyond the retired scene to ...

Book 9  p. 112
(Score 0.58)

372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. enthusiasm, and prosecuted it with untiring energy. Perhaps there was no one of whom it could more truly be said, that ‘‘ he went about continually doing good.”l With the establishment of that benevolent institution-the Blind Asylum of Edinburgh-the memory of Dr. Johnston is affectionately associated ; and so deeply and actively did he interest himself in originating and promoting funds for the undertaking, that he might with justice be designated its founder. So much were his feelings bound up in t8he success of the institution, that he regularly devoted a portion of his time to give it his personal superintendence, and watched over its progress with all the fondness of a parent.’ This surveillance he continued every day in the week, except Saturday and Sabbath, walking to and from Edinburgh ; and, at the extreme age of ninety, gave proof of the wonderful degree of muscular activity for which he had always been remarkable, by performing the journey as usual. He disdained the modern effeminacy of the stage-coach ; and, in going up Leith Walk, generally got ahead of it. Both in person and in features Dr. Johnston was exceedingly handsome j and in dress and manners he was a thorough gentleman of the last century. He The only dilemma in which the good old Doctor is known to have been placed with a portion of his parishioners, occurred when the old church of North Leith-abandoned to secular purposeswas, in 1817, supplanted by the present building, with its handsome spire, surniounted by a cvoss. Some of the out-and-out Presbyterians saw in this emblem an alarming approach to Popish darkness ; and, not unfrequently, when in the course of his visitations, he found himself in the place of the catechised. On this subject the Doctor held only one opinion; but in reference to the zealous declamation of two old women whom he one day encountered, and who had fairly borne him down by strength of lungs, if not by strength of argument, he at last exclaimed-“Well, well, what would you have me to do in the matter ?” Do I” replied one of them ; “what wad ye do-but just put up the auld cock again I ” a The Abbe Hauy pnblished a very curious work on the Education of the Blind, written in French, and printed and bound by the blind pupils at the Quinae-vingts in Paris-a benevolent institution which owed its establishment to the late unfortunate Louis XVI. The types of this work, as published at Paris ninety years ago, were made to impress the paper so strongly as to produce palpable letters, in such high relief, that blind people, properly inutructed, might read them by means of their fingers. The late eminent Dr. Blacklock, who was blind froin his infancy, proposed to have translated and published this curious wor We have seen one of the chapters of the translation. I k v e an accurate account of the part which described the typographical labours of the blind pupils, and the ingenious contrivance for enabling themselves and others in the aame unhappy predicament to enjoy the benefit and delight of solitary reading. About forty works in different languages have been published in Pans ; and all the inmates of the Institution there have been taught to read, many of them with great fluency. Within the last ten years, the art of printing for the blind has been completely revolutionised by Mr. Gall of Edinburgh. By modifying the alphabet SO as to make each letter differ in shape aa decidedly as possible from every other, and more especially by the invention of fretted types, he has reduced the books for the blind to one-tenth of their former prices. The remarkable simplicity of Mr. Gall’s alphabet may be imagined from the circumstance, that the blind. are able to read the books throngh four, six, and gometimes eight plies of a handkerchief laid upon them. The size of the types may be so much reduced as to have the whole New Testament printed for 8s. 6d. per copy ; and it is expected that an edition may yet be obtained as low as 5s. A great number of the blind are now able to read in England, Ireland, and Scotland ; and, as the object has been warmly taken up by the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the Religious Tract Society of London, who are publishing books for their use ; and by the Sunday School Union of England, who are teaching them to read in the Schools; it is hoped that all the blind will very SOOR enjoy the benefit of Mr. Gall’s valuable labours. but he died before it was completed. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. enthusiasm, and prosecuted it with untiring energy. Perhaps there was no one of whom ...

Book 8  p. 519
(Score 0.58)

B I 0 G RAP €I I CA L S K ET C H E S. 175 the Crown. This consoling information Was received by Lord Clare in 1769, with a passport from the British Government for me to meet my family in Denmark, and a farther promiseo f procuring me a pardon when there should be a peace with France. 6‘ Lord Clare died between the time of the signature of the preliminaries and that of the definite peace of 1803, and I was left without a Patron. &fr. Thomas Stet&, whose schoo~-fe,ow and fellow-collegian 1 had been, having heard these declarations, was induced by a mutnal friend to adopt my cause, and he followed it UP with a zeal I can nerer forget. When tile French armies were approaching Hamburgh, where I then resided with my family, he procured for me a promise of a pardon, if I would accept of it on the condition of never setting my foot in land without the permission of the Irish Government, which was to be expressed in the body of the pardon, niider a large penalty. I accepted of the terms with thankfulness, and embarked for England. Mr. Steele procured the instrument, to be immediately drawn up alld laid before the Chancellor to receive the great soal. The Chancellor refused to put the seal to such an instrument ; and it was above a year after-during which time it was found that the pardon must be under the great seal of Ireland, where the treason was committed-that he gave as i( reason for his refusal, that it would have put it in my power, on the payment of the pardon sum, to have gone to Ireland whenever I pleased. “ I then petitioned the Irish Government, stating the circumstances of the case, and I received an unconditional pardon. But the same condition of not residing or going to Ireland, without the permission of the Irish Government, was implied. In the summer 1805 I appeared in the Court of King’s Bench here, and pleaded my pardon.’ I returned immediately after to England, according to promise. Shortly after, my father died ; and I applied to Lord Castlereagh to procure me a permission to pass a fern months on my family estate, to regulate my affairs. He was so good as to make the application ; but before Lord Hardwicke’s answer arnved a change of ministry took place ; and I then applied for a permission to reside in Ireland, which was granted; and I have lived here ever since, most sincerely anxious to promote peace, harmony, and submission to the laws and constitution of Britain.” From this period fib. Rowan continued to reside in domestic quiet-enjoying the respect of his fellow-citizens, and the entire confidence of Government. He sat for many years on the bench as a magistrate ; and he and his family were frequently to be met, “in dresses singularly splendid,” at the Castle drawingrooms, “where they were well received by the viceroy, and many of the nobility and gentry.” Mr. Rowan died at his house in Holles Street, Dublin, on the 6th November 1834, in the eighty-fourth year of his age-having outlived his eldest son, Captain Gawin William Hamilton, C.B., so much distinguished as a naval officer, and who expired ‘‘ at Rathcoffey, County Kildare, the seat of his aged father,” on the 17th August previous, in the fiftieth year of his age. hfr. Frederick Hamilton Rowan, a younger son-a midshipman in the navy-was killed at the battle of Palamos in 18 10. The following account of hfr. Hamilton Rowan in his old age, by a gentleman of this city, appeared in the Edinburgh Literary Journal for November 1831 :- I “In the Court of King% Bench, Dublin, on the 1st of July, the outlam against Mr. Hamilton Rowan wa8 reversed ; and, $eading his Majesty’s pardon, he was discharged ; previous to which he made a very handsome speech, in which he expressed his gratitude to his Majesty for his clemency, by which he was enabled Once more to meet his wife and children, who had not only been unmolested, but had been protected and cherished when he was in a foreign He regretted with much sensibility, the of his former life, and the violent meaureS he had pursued, and promised to atone for them to his country and his family, W his future loyal conduet.” -Scots Mugw’n8, 1805. ... I 0 G RAP €I I CA L S K ET C H E S. 175 the Crown. This consoling information Was received by Lord Clare in ...

Book 9  p. 234
(Score 0.58)

438 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. with some additional proceedings characteristic of the temper of the Government, and the consequent reaction produced on the popular *d. Fountainhall remarks :-((We see a great s t i r made for thecolleginem burning the Pope at Christmas 1680 ; this year the boyes and prentices forboor ther solemnity on Zuille day, because it happened to be a Sunday, but they had it on the 26th of December at night. Ther preparations were BO quiet that none suspected it this year ; they brought him to the Croce, and fixed his chair in that place wher the gallows stands, he was trucked up in a red goune and a mitar with 2 keyea over his arme, a crucifix in on hand and the oath of the Test in the other, then they put fyre to him, and it brunt lenthy till it came to the pouder at which he blew up in the air, While they ware at this employment ther ware lightnings and claps of thunder, which is very unusuall at that season of the year. At this tyme many things were done in mockerie .of the Test : on I shall tell. The children of Heriots Hospital1 finding that the dog which keiped the yairds of that Hospitd had a public charge and office, they ordained him to take the Test, and offered him the paper, but he, loving a bone rather than it, absolutely refused it ; then they rubbed it over with butter (which they called ane Explication of the Teat in imitation of Argile), and he licked of the butter but did spite out the paper, for which they held a jurie on him, and in derision of the sentence against Argile, they found the dog guilty of treason, and actually hanged him,” X, WEST BOW. MAJOR WEIR IN our account of Major weir (Part ii. chap. ixi), his sister is styled Gnzel Weir, in accordance with Master Jam Frazw’s Providential Passages, a MS. from which Mr George Sinclair has evidently borrowed the greater portion of his account of the Major, without acknowledging the source of his information. In Law’s Memorials, however, as well as h Shclair’s BaSatan’8 Ittvisible WorZd Discovered, she bears the name of Jean Weir, by which she is most frequently alluded to. One of the witnesses examined on the trial of this noted wizard, as appears from the Crimiltal Record in the Register EIouse of Edinburgh, wag “ Maister John Sinclare, minister at Ormistoune,” who deponed, among other strange items of evidence, that (‘having asked him if he had seen the deivell, he answered, that any fealling he ever hade of him was in the dark I”-Law‘a Memorials, note, p. 26. Projecta for improving the Old Town of Edinburgh, and for extending it beyond its ancient limits, appear to have engaged gened attention even so early a3 the reign of Charles II., when the court and levees of the Duke of York at Holyrood, revived somewhat of the old life and splendour of the Scottish capital, which her citizens had so long been strangers to. On account of the narrow limits of the Old Town, its inhabitanta were on nearly the same familiar footing a8 those of a country village ; and schemes of improvement that might now lie unheeded for years in the hands of some civic committee, were then discussed at every club and changehouse, until they became incorporated among the $xed idem of the population, affording at any time a ready theme for the display of wisdom by that industrious class of idlers, usually composed of retired traders, country lairda, and half-pay officers, to whom a subject for grumbling over, and improving in theory, is aa necessary as daily food. In Cough’s British Topography (vol. ii p. 674), the following account appears of an ingenious model of Edinburgh, constructed about the middle of last century. It was, no doubt, furnished to the author by George Paton, and shows how early some of the improvement schemes, which have since cost the citizens so much both in antipuitier and taxes, were made the subject of reforming speculations, and favourably entertained as desirable alterations on the mug and closely-packed little Scottish capital of the eighteenth century:- ... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. with some additional proceedings characteristic of the temper of the Government, and ...

Book 10  p. 477
(Score 0.58)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 305 sador was deferred till the 20th of May, when a Court was held at Carlton House, and the greatest preparations made to receive the distinguished foreigner in a style suited to his rank, and worthy of the British Court. The civil and military force assembled in as great display as in 1814, when the Allied Sovereigns were in England. On the right side of the grand hall was placed a large painting of the King of Persia on horseback. ‘‘ The procession of his Excellency was preceded by a numerous detachment from the corps of Lancers, followed by six of the Prince Regent’s carriages, with servants in their state liveries, five of them drawn by six bays, and the sixth by six black horses, surrounded by a numerous detachment of Royal Horse Guards. The Arabian horses brought by his Excellency to England, as a present to the Prince Regent, were drawn up in front of Carlton House, in the courtyard, ut the time of the arrival of his Excellency. In five of the carriages were four of his Excellency’s attendants, dressed in the costume of their country, Mr. Morier, the highmander, and Captain Willock. Two of the caniages contained presents brought for the Prince Regent, among which was a magnificent, costly sword ; the sheath was ornamented with emeralds, rubies, and diamonds ; also two large silver salvers, on one of which was a splendid cabinet, and on the other a numerous collection of large pearls, and other valuable articles. ‘( His Excellency was attended in his carriage by the Marquis of Headford, who was specially appointed, with Sir Robert Chester, to conduct the ambassador into the presence of the Regent. His Excellency was dressed in a richly embroidered robe, his turban ornamented with jewels, and in his hand a silver stick or staff. His Excellencyleaned on the arm of Sir Robert Chester, being a little lame from a kick he received on Tuesday from one of his horses. The Prince Regent being seated on his throne, Viscount Castlcreagh, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Sir Robert Chester, the Master of the Ceremonies, introduced and conducted his Excellency into the presence of the Regent to deliver his credentials. His Excellency had the honour of an audience, and was graciously received. After the Ambassador had retired from the Royal presence, he viewed several of the State apartments previous to his departure.” At a ball subsequently given at Carlton House, the Prince Regent presented the Ambassador with a portrait of himself. The miniature, suspended by a blue ribbon, was placed by his Royal Highness round the neck of the Persiana condescension of which he seemed exceedingly proud. After residing in London nearly six months, and having visited and inspected every place of note, besides making several excursions into the country, to Epsom races, and elsewhere, Mirza Aboul began to prepare for his departure. Designing to return himself overland, he hired a vessel to convey his fair companion to Constantinople, from whence she would proceed to Persia. This much-talked-of female accordingly left London on the 30th of September. From an account of her departure, written apparently by one well acquainted with the circumstances, we gather the following interesting particulars respecting the “ Fair Circassian : ”- “That she is a native of Circassia is an undoubted fact ; and it is equally true that the inhabitants of that country are neither a polished nor a well-civilised people, but still they have the reputation of possessing many excellent qualities, and are proverbial for bravery and romantic hospitality. Constantly engaged in warfare or the chase, the males are a hardy Face of beings ; and it is a lamentable fact, that excites horror in the mind of a European, that their daughters, even in infancy, are made an article of traffic with the Turkish slave merchants, though they as frequently become subject to a state of vassalage from the chance of war. It is, however, believed that the female in question became so by the voluntary act of unfeeling parents for the sake of lucre j although, from every inquiry I have made, it cannot be reduced to a certainty. Be this as it may, she was undoubtedly a vassal of one of the Pashas of Constantinople, and waa ransomed VOL IL 2 R ... SKETCHES. 305 sador was deferred till the 20th of May, when a Court was held at Carlton House, and ...

Book 9  p. 406
(Score 0.57)

328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. is near three inches taller than I am ; he has constantly enjoyed a robust constitution, and has still strength and vigour much above his size and age ; he has lived a long time with the Castelane Inowloska, who honours him with her esteem and bounty; and finding in him ability and sense enough, has entrusted him with the stewardship and nianagement of her affairs. “ My second brother was of a weak and delicate frame ; he died at twenty-six, being at that time five feet ten inches high. Those who came into the world after me were alternately tall and short : among them was a female, who died of the small-pox at the age of twenty-two. She was at that time only two f?et two inches high, and to a lovely figure united an admirably well-proportioned shape. “ It was easy to jndge, from the very instant of my birth, that I should be extremely short, being at that time only eight inches high ; yet, notwithstanding this diminutive proportion, I was neither weak nor puny : on the contrary, my mother, who suckled me, has often declared that none of her children gave her less trouble. I walked and was able to speak at about the age common to other infants, and my growth was progressively as follows :-At one year, I was 11 inches high, English measure-at three, 1 foot 2 inches-at six, 1 foot 5 inches-at ten, 1 foot 9 inches-at fifteen, 2 feet I inch-at twenty, 2 feet 4 inches-at twenty-five, 2 feet 11 inches-at thirty, 3 feet 3 inches. This is the size’ at which I remained fixed, without having afterwards increased half-a-quarter of an inch ; by which the assertion of some naturalists proves false, viz., that dwarfs grow during all their lifetime. If this instance were insufficient, I could cite that of my brother, who, like me, grew till thirty ; and, like me, at that age, ceased to grow taller.” The adventures of Boruwlaski, according to his own account, are romantic and interesting. His family having been ruined, he was taken under the protection of some persons of rank in his own country; but he lost their favour, when about twenty years of age, by falling in love with, and marrying a young lady of beauty and merit, by whom he had several children, and who accompanied him to Eritain. For some years after his marriage, the Count was chiefly supported by presents from his illustrious friends and patrons, together with an annuity given him by the King of Poland. He also received considerable emolument from the concerts which were set on foot for his benefit at several courts in Germany and elsewhere ; but these resources proving rather precarious, he listened to the joint advice of Sir R. Murray Keith (then British ambassador at Vienna), the Prince de Kaunitz, and the Baron de Breteuil, to pay a visit to England, where they assured him he was likely to meet with the most generous reception; and he was promised letters of recommendation to the greatest personages at The Count was taller than many of the dwarfs that had preceded him ; for instance, a very diminutive person thus announces, or causes to be announced, his arrival in Edinburgh in 1735 :- “We are assured, that last week one David Fearn came to town, and has taken up his residence in Kennedy’s Close. €le was born in the shire of Ross ; aged twenty-six ; is but thirty inches high, yet thirty-five inches round ; has all the human members, only his hands resemble the feet of a seal, and his feet those of a bear ; and can dance a hornpipe to admiration.”-But Fearn and Boruwlaski are giants compared to “the remarkable dwarf Baby, who lived and died in the Palace of Stanislauu, at Lunenville.” He “was born in France, in 1741, of poor parents, and weighed when born only a pound and a quarter ; he was brought on a plate to be christened; and his cradle was his father’s slipper ; his mouth being too little for the nipple, he was suckled by a she-goat : at eighteen months old he began to articulate a few words, and at two years old he could walk alone ; at six years old he was fifteen inches high, and he weighed just thirteen pounds ; he was handsome, however, and well-proportioned, but his faculties were rather smaller than his frame-he could be taught nothing. He was not, however, without anger, and even love influenced him. At sixteen Baby was twenty inches high, and here his growth stopped. Soon after this period old age made terrible havoc on his person ; his strength, his beauty, and his spirits forsook him, and he became as much an object of pity for his deformity as for his diminutiveness. At the age of twenty-two he could scarce walk fifty yards, and soon after died of a fever in extreme old age. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. is near three inches taller than I am ; he has constantly enjoyed a robust ...

Book 8  p. 460
(Score 0.57)

246 OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [High Street. OF the house of Provost Nicol Edward (or Udward, to which we have referred) a very elaborate description is given in the work entitled ? Minor Alexander Clark?s house, at the same wynd head.? In after years the lintel of this house was built in to Ross?s Tower, at the Dean. It bore this legend :- ?THE LORD IS MY PROTECTOR, ALEXANDRUS CLARK.? Nicol Edward was Provost of Edinburgh in 1591, and his house was a large and substantial building of quadrangular form and elegant proportions. The Chancellor at this time was Sir John Maitland of Lethington, Lord Thirlestane. Moyses next tells us that on the 7th of February, George Earl of Huntly (the same fiery peer who fought the battle of Glenlivat), ? with his friends, to the number of five or six score horse, passed from his Majesty?s said house in Edinburgh, as intending to pass to a horse-race in Leith ; but after they came, they passed forward to the Queensferry, where they caused to stop the passing of all boats over the water,? and &ossing to Fife, attacked the Castle of Donnibristle, and slew ?? the bonnie Earl of Murray.? From this passage it would seem that if Huntly?s six score horse were not lodged in Nicol Edward?s house, they were probably billeted over all the adjacent wynd, which six years after was the scene of a homicide, that affords a remarkable illustration of the exclusive rule of master over man which then prevailed. On the first day of the sitting of Parliament, the 7th December, 1597, Archibald Jardine, niasterstabler and servitor to the Earl of Angus, was slain, through some negligence, by Andrew Stalker, a ,goldsmith at Niddry?s Wynd head, for which he was put in prison. Then the cry of ??Armour !? went through the streets, and all the young men of Edinburgh rose in arms, under James Williamson, their captain, ?? and desirit grace,? as Birrel records, ?for the young man who had done ane reckless deed. The King?s majesty desirit them to go to my Lord of Angus, the man?s master, and satisfy and carved his arms, with an anagram upon his name thus :- ?* VA @UN VOL h CHRIST ?- pacify his wrath, and he should be contentit to save his life.? James Williamson thereupon went to the Earl of Angus, and offered, in the name of the young men of the city, ? their manreid,? or bond of man-rent, to be ready to serve him in war and feud, upon which he pardoned the said Andrew Stalker, who was immediately released from prison. In December, 1665, Nicoll mentions that a doctor of physic named Joanna Baptista, acting under a warrant from his Majesty Charles II., erected a stage between the head of Niddry?s Wynd and Blackfriars? Wynd, whereon ?he vended his drugs, powder, and medicaments, for the whilk he received a great abundance of money.? In May, 1692, we read that William Livingstone, brother of the Viscount Kilsyth, a cavalier, and husband of the widow of Viscount Dundee, had been a prisoner in the Tolbooth from June, 1689, to November, 1690-seventeen months ; thereafter, that he had lived in a chamber in the city under a guard for a year, and that he was permitted to go forth for a walk daily, but still under the eye of a guard. In consequence of his being thus treated, and his rents being sequestrated by the Revolutionary Government, his fortune was entirely ruined. On his petition, the Privy Council now permitted him ? to go abroad under a sentinel each day.from morning to evening furth of the house of Andrew Smith, periwig-maker, at the head of Niddry?s Wynd,? he finding caution under A;1,500 sterling to remain a prisoner. Under an escort of dragoons he was permitted to leave the periwig-maker?s, and visit Kilsyth, after which he was confined in two royal castles and the Tolbooth till 1693, ?so that, as a writer remarks, ?in the course of the first five years of British liberty, Mr. Livingstone must have acquired a tolerably extensive acquaintance with the various forms and modes of imprisonment, so far as these existed in the northern section of the island.? ... OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [High Street. OF the house of Provost Nicol Edward (or Udward, to which we have ...

Book 2  p. 246
(Score 0.57)

354 BIOGRAPHICAf, SKETCHES. stated that Downie accompanied Watt to his place at the W-ater-of-Leith, when the order was given for the pikes. William Brown said he made fifteen pikes by Watt’s order, to whom he delivered them ; and that, on a line from Watt, Downie paid him twenty-two shillings and sixpence for the fifteen. Margaret Whitecross, who had been at one time a servant of Mr. Downie, on being shown one of the pikes, “declared that she saw a similar one in Mr. Downie’s house one morning when she was dressing the dining-room : that Mr. Downie had come home late the previous night : that Mr. Downie’s son, Charles, came out of an adjoining closet, where he slept, as soon as he heard her in the room, and took it away ; and at this time he had only part of his clothes on, and did not seem to have any other business in that room: that she remembers hearing Mrs. Downie ask her husband what he had done with the large dividingknije which was found in the dining-room?-to which he answered, that he had locked it by : that she never heard her master speak of having such weapons to defend himself; and when she saw it, she thought she never saw such a dividing- knife before.” A verdict of guilty was returned on both occasions ; and sentence of death passed upon the prisoners. Watt suffered the extreme punishment of the law according to the form usual in treasonable cases.‘ Previous to his execution, he made a confession of the extent and purport of the measures contemplated by the Committees. Downie was pardoned, on condition of banishing himself from the British strength. The play--“ Which is the Man ”-was allowed to go on to the end without interruption. A few minutes of ominous silence followed, when a voice at last called out for I‘ God save the King,” and “ off hats.” A general melee ensued, which put an entire stop to the husiness of the stage, and created the utmost alarm. “ It is difficult to say,” observe3 the Couraiit of that period, “ which party made the first attack ; it was furious beyond exaniple ; each party had prepared for the contest by arming themselves with bludgeons ; and while the affray lasted, the most serious consequences were apprehended, as both parties fought with determined resolution, Many dreadful blows were given, which brought several individuals to the ground; and the wounded were in danger of being trampled to death in the general confnsion. The party, however, who insisted on keeping on their lists, being at length overcome, left the house, and the wounded were carried out. A considerable mob was congregated ont of doors anxiously waiting the result. The execntion of Watt, which took place at the west end of the Luckenbooths, was conducted with much solemnity. He was conveyed from the Castle on a black-painted hurdle, drawn by a white horse, amid a procession of the magistracy, guarded by a strong military force, The prisoner, who wag assisted in his devotions by the Rev. Principal Baird, exhibited a picture of the most abject dejection. He was wrapped in a great-coat, a red nightcap, (which, on the platform, he exchanged for a white one), with a round hat, his stockings hanging loose, and hi3 whole appearance wretched in the extreme. He wax about the age of thirty-six, and was the natural aon of 8 gentleman of fortune and respectability, in the county of ‘Angus, but, as is usiial, took the name of his mother. At about ten years of age he was sent to Perth, where he received a good education ; and at sixteen he engaged himself with a lawyer ; but, from Home religious scrnples, took a disgust at his employment ; and, removing to Edinburgh, was engaged as a clerk to Mr. E. Balfour, bookseller (whose shop was afterwards occupied hy the Journal Office), with whom he lived for mome pears, without any other complaint than the smallness of his salary. Being desirous of becoming a partner of the business, he, by the inflnence of some friends, prevailed on his father to advance money for that purpose ; and then made proposals to his employer ; but his oEer was rejected. Having money in posaession, he entered into the wine and spirit trade, and for some time had tolerable success ; but waa ruined, it was said, on the commencement of the war with France. This seemed to be the signal for attack. The pit was the principal scene of action.” ... BIOGRAPHICAf, SKETCHES. stated that Downie accompanied Watt to his place at the W-ater-of-Leith, when the ...

Book 8  p. 494
(Score 0.57)

ECCLESIASTICAL ANTIQUITIES. 399 charter of James IV., dated a few months before the Battle of modden, the Abbots of Holyrood and Newbottle are empowered to erect into a new prebendary the chapelry of St Triduan’s aisle, founded in the Collegiate Church of Restalrig by James Bishop of Ross. The existence both of the church and parish at the death of Alexander III. is proved by various charters. In 1291, Adam of St Edmunds, parson of Lestalric, obtained a writ to the Sheriff of Edinburgh to put him in possession of his lands and rights ; and the same ecclesiastic swore fealty to Edward in 1296.l The portion of the choir now remaining cannot date earlier than the fourteenth century, and is much plainer jhan might be expected in a church enriched by the contributions of three successive monarchs, and the resort of so many devout pilgrims, as to excite the special indignation of one of the earliest assemblies of the Kirk as a monument of idolatry. An ancient crypt or mausoleum of an octangular form and of large dimensions, stands on the south side of the church. It is constructed internally with c1 groined roof springing from a single pillar in the centre ; and is still more beautifully adorned externally with some venerable yews that have taken root in the soil accumulated on its roof. This ancient mausoleum is believed to have been erected by Sir Robert Logan of Restalrig, knight, in the earlier part of the sixteenth century: and has evidently been constructed on the model of St Margaret’s Well, which still stands in its neighbourhood. It afterwards became the property of the Lords Balmerinoch, and on their forfeiture in 17’46 it passed to the Earls of Bute, whose property it now remains. In the year 1560 the Assembly, by a decree dated December 21, ‘‘ finds that the ministrie of the word and sacraments of God, and assemblie of the peiple of the whole parochin of Restalrig, be within the Kirk of Leith ; and that the Eirk of Restalrig, as a monument of idolatrie, be raysit and utterly castin doun and destroyed ; ” and eleven years thereafter we find ita materials taken to build a new port at the Nether Bow. Not far from the ancient Collegiate Church of Restalrig, on the old road to Holyrood Abbey, is the beautiful Gothic Well dedicated to St Margaret, the Patron Saint of Scotland. An octagonal building rises internally to the height of about four and a half feet, of plain ashlar work, with a stone ledge or seat running round seven of the sides, while the eighth is occupied by a pointed arch which forms the entrance to the well. From the centre of the water which fills the whole area of the building, pure aa in the days of the pious Queen, a decorated pillar rises to the same height as the walls, with grotesque gurgoils, from which the water has originally been made to flow. Above this springs a beautiful groined roof, presenting, with the ribs that rise from corresponding corbels at each of the eight angles of the building, a singularly rich effect when illuminated by the reflected light from the water below. A few years since this curious fountain stood by the side of the ancient and little frequented cross-road leading from the Abbey Hill to the . village of Restalrig. A fine old elder tree, with its knotted and furrowed branches, spread a luxuriant covering over its grass-grown top, and a rustic little thatched cottage stood in front oT it, forming altogether a most attractive object of antiquarian pilgrimage. Unhappily, however, the inexorable march of modern improvement has visited the spot. A station of the North British Railway now occupies the site of the old elder tree and the rustic cottage ; a Caledonia, voL ii p. 785. * “Obitus domini Roberti Logam, militia, donatoris fundi preceptoris Sancti Anthonii pmpe Leith, anno Domini 14%9.”-Obituarg of the Preceptmy of St Anthony. a The Booke of the U n i v e d Kirk, p. 5. ... ANTIQUITIES. 399 charter of James IV., dated a few months before the Battle of modden, the Abbots ...

Book 10  p. 438
(Score 0.57)

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