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194 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Shortly after the termination of hostilities, Mr. Jefferson was despatched as envoy to France, where he remained for a considerable time ; and in his negotiations displayed much ability as a diplomatist. Having visited England, he returned to America in 1789, and was speedily thereafter appointed Secretary of State. This office he resigned in 1794, retiring to his seat at Monticello; and from that period was regarded as the chief of the Opposition. In a few years he was called from his obscurity to fill, under Mr. Adams, the chair of the Vice-President ; and in 1801 was elected the successor of that gentleman. Being re-chosen, he held the Presidency until 1809. When solicited to accept the office a third time, he peremptorily declined ; and, retiring into private life, the evening of his days was devoted to the calm pursuits of agriculture and the enjoyments of literature. In his public character President Jefferson displayed uncommon activity and zeal for the public service, though probably too much of the philosopher and speculatist to be practically wise in his deliberations.’ The extensive improvements introduced into almost every department of Government, while he held the reins of power, were effected too summarily; and though in themselves well calculated to work beneficially, the country was injured by being kept in a state of continual transition. Mr. Jefferson first appeared as an author in 1774, when he published “A Summary View of the Rights of British America.” In 1781 his “Notes on Virginia ” were given to the public ; and among the scientific he is known as the writer of a work entitled “ Memoirs on the Fossil Bones found in America.” It may not be out of place here briefly to notice a circumstance connected with the history of Washington, by which it has been attempted to fasten on that illustrious man a charge of selfishness, totally at variance with his character. We allude to the site of the federal city. At the period when it was fixed upon, in the district of Columbia, at the junction of the Potomac and the eastern branch of that river, this territory was situated on the great post road, exactly equidistant from the northern and southern extremities of the Union, and nearly so from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ohio, upon the best navigation, and in the midst of the (then) richest commercial compass in the States, commanding the most extensive internal resources, and was by far the most eligible situation for a capital and the meetings of Congress. Part of Columbia lies in Virginia, and was the property of General Washington’s family. That its value would naturally become enhanced by the proposed bounds of the dwamt-of city, there is no doubt ; and that Washington gave his powerful influence in seconding the plan is true; but that the President either conceived the idea, or did more than sanction the palpable propriety of the site, is contrary to fact. A young man had left Scotland for America before the breaking out of the war, in which he bore ultimately a commission. After his return, and when the freedom of the During the short misunderstanding with Great Britain in 1807, his plan for preserving the shipping and commerce of the States from the cruisers of France and England, by an embargo on all the porta of the Republic, was not less extraordinary than effectual. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Shortly after the termination of hostilities, Mr. Jefferson was despatched as envoy to ...

Book 9  p. 262
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BI 0 GR AP HI C AL S KET C HE S. 365 In the “ Court of Session Garland,” by Boswell, the biographer of Johnson, the hypercritical accuracy of his lordship is thus alluded to :- “ This cause,” cries Hailes, “to judge I can’t pretend, Forjustice, I perceive, wants an e at the end.”’ t In 1776 he became one of the Lords of Justiciary; and his conduct as a judge in the criminal court elicited universal approbation. It had been too much the practice of judges to throw their weight into the scale of the crown,” acting more as public prosecutors than as impartial arbiters. Not so with Lord Hailes : his conduct was regulated by a different sense of duty. While he held the scales of Justice, his conduct towards the accused was distinguished for impartiality ; and wherever a doubt arose in the course of a criminal prosecution, he never failed to give the culprit the benefit of it. No judge, perhaps, ever presided in a court of justiciary, who supported the dignity of his station with greater propriety, or invested the forms of procedure with greater solemnity. The manner in which he administered the oaths of court was deeply impressive. “ Rising slowly from his seat,” says his biographer, “with a gravity peculiarly his own, he pronounced the words in a manner so serious, as to impress the most profligate mind with the conviction that he was himself awed with the immediate presence of that awful Majesty to whom the appeal was made. It is perhaps impossible for human vigilance cir sagacity altogether to prevent perjury in courts of justice ; but he was a villain of no common order that could perjure himself in the presence of Lord Hailes.” High as his lordship stands in the memory of his country as a judge of the land, he is still better known to the world as a scholar and an author. . Those hours of relaxation from official duties, which others usually spend in amusement, were sedulously devoted to the service of literature. His historical researches are peculiarly valuable ; and he was the first writer who threw aside those fictions by which Scottish history had previously been disfigured. The literary labours of Lord Hailes extend over a period of thirty-nine years-from the date of the first publication, in 1751, till the date of his last, in 1790 ; and the works issued under his own superintendence amount to almost an equal number. Although eminently qualified by his acquirements to become one of the brightest ornaments of social life, his lordship’s intercourse with society was very limited. Among his many eminent contemporaries, there were only a few persons with whom he lived on terms of familiar intercourse ; and these were “ selected as much on account of their moral and religious worth as for their genius and learning.” In theology Lord Hailes entertained very different views from those held by This couplet is said to refer to an actual occurrence, Lord Hailes havil;g seriously objected to a law-paper wherein the word justice had been inadvertently spelt without the final e. As a farther ilwtauce of the hical nicety and minute accuracy of his lordship, it may be stated, that, wherever he detected the smallest literal error or typographical inaccuracy in any of the printed papen laid before him, he never failed to send for the agent in order to reprimand him ; aud even when it waa explained to his lordship that the paper had been printed in the utmost hurry, and that the workmen had been employed all night upon it, he could not be induced to overlook the fault. ... 0 GR AP HI C AL S KET C HE S. 365 In the “ Court of Session Garland,” by Boswell, the biographer of ...

Book 8  p. 511
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 209 The following entries, from the note-book of Sir John Foulis, Bart. of Ravelston, prove the game to have been a fashionable one prior to the Duke of York‘s visit to Scotland :- 1672, Jan. 13. Lost at golfe with Pittarro and Commissar Munro, EO 13 0 Lost atgolfe with Lyon and Hary Hay, . . . 1 4 0 Feb. 14. Spent at Leithe at golfe, . . . . . . 2 0 0 Feb. 26. Spent at Leithe at golfe, . . . . . . 1 9 0 March 2. For three golfe balls, . . . . . . 0 15 0 Lost at golfe, at Musselburgh, with Gosford, Lyon, etc., 3 5 0 April 13. To the boy who carried my clubs, when my Lord Register andNewbyth wm at the Links, . . . . 0 4 0 Nov. 19. Lost at golfe with the Chancellour, Lyon, Master of Saltoun, etc., . . . . . . . 5 10 0 For golfe balls, . . . . . . . 0 12 0 Nov. 30. Lost at golfe with the Chancellour, Duke Hamilton, etc., .4 15 0 Dec. 7. For a golfe club to Archie (his son), . . . 0 6 0 ’ From these exhacts it is evident the game was in high repute with the first men in the kingdom. It is hardly, perhaps, necessary to mention that the payments are in Scots, not sterling money. At this time Bruntsfield Links-now a much frequented field-does not seem to have been used for golfing. It formed part of the Burrowmuir, and perhaps had not been cleared. The usual places of recreation were Leith and Musselburgh Links-the former more especially of the Edinburgh golfers, In a poem, entitled “ The Goff ” (by Thomas Mathison, at one period a writer in Edinburgh, but subsequently minister of Brechin) first published in 1743, and again, by Mr. Peter Hill, in 1793, the locality is thus alluded to :- ‘I North from Edina, eight furlongs and more, Lies that famed field on Fortha’s sounding shore ; Here Caledonian chiefs for health resort- Confirm their sinews by the manly sport. the top of the building, and consists of three pelicans vulned, on a chief three mullets-crest, a dexter hand grasping a golf club-motto, “Far and sure.” On the front wall of the second flat is a tablet, on which the following epigram, by Dr. Pitcairne, commemorative of the event, is engraved :- “Cum victor ludo, Scotis qui proprius, esset, Ter tres victor- post rediinitos avos, Patenonus, humo tunc educebat in altum Hanc, quae victores tot tulit una, domum.” Underneath this distich is placed the singular motto of-“I hate no penon,” which is found to be an anagrammatical transposition of the letters contained in the words “Iohn Patersone.” The Patersons of Dalkeith, of old, carried three pelicans feeding their young, or in nests, vert, with a chief, azure, charged with mullets argent. A commentator on the Latin poems of Dr. Pitcairne (said to be Lord Hailes), in the Edinburgh Magazine, remarks that the above epigram seems the least spirited one “in the whole collection. I t had the fortune to be recorded in gold letten on the how itself, near the foot of the Canongate, almost opposite Queensberry House.” Nugas Scotim ; Miscellaneous Papers relative to Scottish Maim, 1535-1781 :” Edinburgh, 1829, 8v0, privately printed. VOL 11. 2E ... SKETCHES. 209 The following entries, from the note-book of Sir John Foulis, Bart. of ...

Book 9  p. 280
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CONTENTS. B CHAPTER XV. . THE CHURCH OF ST. GILES. PAGE SL Giles?s Church-The Patron Saint-Its Wgh and early Norman style-The Renovation of xEzg-History of the StrucsPmcession of the Saint?s Relics-The Preston Relic-The Chapel of the Duke of Albany-Funeral of the Regent Morray-The ?Gude Regent?s Aisle?-The Assembly Aisle-Dispute between James VI. and the Church Part-Departure of James VI.-Haddo?s Hole-The Napier Tomb-The Spire and Iantun--Clak and Bells-The Krames-Restoration of 1878 . . . . . . . 1.38 . . CHAPTEK XVI. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF ST. GILES?S. St Giles?s Churchyard-The Maison Dieu-The Clam-shell Turnpike-The Grave of Knox-The City C-The Summons of Pint- Executions : Kirkaldy, Gilderoy, and othe-The Caddies-The Dyvours Stane-The LnckenboobThe Auld Kirk Style-Byre?s Lodging--Lord Coaktoun?s Wig-Allan Ramsay?s Library and ?? Creech?s Land?-The Edinburgh Halfpenny . . . . . 1 4 f . CHAPTEK XVII. ? THE PARLIAMEXT HOUSE. Site of the Parliament Iiouse-The Parliament Hall-Its fine Roof-Proportions-Its External Aspect of Old-Pictures and Statues-The Great South Window-The Side Windows-Scots Prisoners of War-General Monk Feasted-A Scene with Gen. DalyeU-The Fire of 17-Riding of the Parliament-The Union-Its due Effects and ultimate good Results-Trial of Covenanters . . . . . 157 CHAPTER XVIII. THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE (continued). The Faculty of Advocates-The Wr:ters to the Signet-Solicitors before the Supreme Court-The First Lords of Session-The Law Courts- The Court of Session: the Outer and Inner HousesXollege of Justice-Supreme Judicature Court-Its Corrupt Nature-How Justice used to be defatec-Abduction of Lord Dune-Some Notable Senators?of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries: Lord0 Fountainhall, Covington, Monboddo, Kames, Hailes, Gardenstone. Amiston, Balmuto, and Hermand . . . . . , I66 CHAPTER XIX. THE PARLIAMENT CLOSE. Probable Extinction of the Court of Scion-Memorabiliaof the Parliament Close?and Square-Goldsmiths of the OldenTime-Gearge Heriot- HIS Workshop-His Interview with James VI.-Peter Williamson?s Tavern-Royal Exchange-Statueof Charles 11.-Bank of Satha- The Fire of 17-The Work of Restoration-John Row?s Coffee-house-John?s Coffee-house-SylvesterOtwaFSir W. Forbes?s Bank- 6ir Walter Scott?s Eulogy on Sir Willkm Forks-John Kay?s Print-shopThe Parliament ShirsiJames Sibbald-A Libel Gsc-Fire in Junz IllatDr. Archibald Pitcairn-lhe ?Greping Office?-Painting of King Charles?s Statue White-Seal of Arnauld Lzmmiua 174 CHAPTER XX. THE ROYAL EXCHAGGE-THE TRON CHURCH-THE GREAT FIRE OF NOVEMBER, 18% The Royal Exchange-Laying the Foundation Stone-Description of the Exchanee-The Mysterious Statue-The Council Chamber- Convention of Rayal Burghs : Constitution thereof, and Powers-Writers? Court-The s? Star and Garter ? Tavern-Sir Walter Scotth Account of the Scene at Clenheugh?s-Lawyers? High Jinks-The Tron Church-History of the Old Church-The Great Fire of 18z4-1nddents of the ConAagration-The Ruin9 Undermined-Blown up by Captain Head of the Engioew . . . . 183 CHAPTER XXI. T H E H I G H S T R E E T . A Place for Blawling-First Paved and Lighted-The Meal and Flesh Market-State of the Streets-Municipal Regnlations 16th Ccntury- Tulzies-The Lairds of Airth and Wemyss-The Tweedies of Drumrnelzier-A Montrose Quarrel-The Slaughter of Lord T o r t h d d -A Brawl in 1705-Attacking a Sedan Chair-Habits in the Seventeenth Century-Abduction of Women and Girls-Sumptuary Laws against Women . , . . - . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . , . 191 CHAPTER XXII. THE HIGH STREET (continucd). Thc City in 1598-Fynes Morison on the Manners of the Inhabitants-Tle ?Lord? Provost of Edinburgh-Police of the City-Taylor the Water Poet-Banquets at the Cross-The hard Case of the Earl of Traquair-A Visit of H-The Quack and his Acrobats-A Procession of Covenanters-Early Stages and Street Caaches--Salc of a Dancing-girl-Constables appointed in Ip-First Numher of the Courrmt-The Cnledomian Mercwy-Carting away of the strata of Street Filth-Candition of old Houses . . . . . 198 ... B CHAPTER XV. . THE CHURCH OF ST. GILES. PAGE SL Giles?s Church-The Patron Saint-Its Wgh and early ...

Book 2  p. 387
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380 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. eloquence;” while others beheld in it an extent and latitude of principle inconsistent with the letter of the law. “ The precipitate and indiscriminate severity of the sentences passed in his judicial capacity, by this magistrate, upon .the rioters,’’ says one writer, “far exceeded anything known in this country since the days of Judge Jefferies; such, indeed; as left the memory of these transactions impressed upon the public mind in indelible characters of blood.” This to a certain extent may be true; but while we consider the amount of punishment, the magnitude of the crime ought not to be overlooked. If the conduct of the Chief Justice is liable to any degree of censure in this instance, it must be admitted, even by the most inveterate of his political adversaries, that, on the bench, his decisions were characterised by an uprigh,tness and independence sufficiently illustrative of his integrity, and the deep veneration in which he held the liberty of the subject. We may instance a case of false imprisonment-Burgess w. Addington (the former, an obscure publican ; the latter, one of the Justices of Bow Street.) In palliation of the conduct of Justice Addington, it was contended that it was the usual practice to commit for further examination, owing to the extent of business which the Justice had to transact. Lord Loughborough expressed himself with great energy and warmth :- ‘‘ The law,” said his lordship, “would not endure such practices. It was an abominable practice, when men were taken up only on swpcion, to commit them to gaol and load them with irons, and this before any evidence was given against them. Here the commitment stated no offence, but a suspicion of an offence ; and a man was thrown into gaol, for five days, for the purpose of further examination, because the magistrate had not lime to do justice. It was a mode of proceeding pregnant with all the evils of an ezpost facto law ; the constitution abhorred it ; and from him it should ever meet with reprobation. He knew the abominable purposes to which such proceedings might be perverted. No man was nafe if justices were permitted to keep back evidence on the part of the accused. It was not in his power to punish the Justice, that authority lay with another court ; but he would not allow such a defence to be set up before him as a legal one. The commitment stated a lie ; for, though there had been an accusation upon suspicion, there had been no information taken upon oath. Men who had not time to do justice should not dare to act BS magistrates. This man should not be permitted to act It was a practice from which more evil must result than could be cured even by the suppression of offences. The purpose of committing for further examination, was clearly to increase the business of the office at the expense of men’s characters, and every valuable privilege and consideration.”’ The liberty of the subject was in question. In 1783 Lord Loughborough formed one of the short-lived Coalition Ministry, by being appointed First Commissioner of the Great Seal. The fate of this administration is well known ; and, from the period of its disruption, which speedily followed that of its formation, his lordship remained out of office till 1793. In the course of the ten years which intervened, the important question of the Regency had been agitated with all the zeal of contending factions, Lord Loughborough at once espoused the cause of the Prince of Wales ; and from his knowledge of law and the constitution, gave a weight and authority to that side of the question which all the eloquence of Pitt, and sound sterling The jury gave the plaintiff thee hundred pou%ds damgm. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. eloquence;” while others beheld in it an extent and latitude of ...

Book 8  p. 530
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241 CoWgab.1 THE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL. to preach openly, by taking the oaths to Govemment, had been founded in Edinburgh by Baron Smith, and two smaller ones were founded about 1746, in Skinner?s and Carrubber?s Closes; but as these places were only mean and inconvenient apartments, a plan was formed for the erection of a large and handsome church. The Episcopalians of the city chose a committee of twelve gentlemen to see the scheme executed. They purchased from the Royal College of Physicians the area of what had formerly been the Tweeddale gardens, and opened a subscription, which was the only resource they had for completing the building, the trifling funds belonging to the former obscure chapels bearing no proportion to the cost of so expensive a work. But this impediment was removed by the gentlemen of the committee, who generously gave their personal credit to a considerable amount. The foundation stone was laid on the 3rd of April, 1771, by the Grand Master Mason, Lieutenant- General Sir Adolphus Oughton, K.B., Colonel of the 31st Foot, and Commander of the Forces in Scotland. The usual coins were deposited in the stone, under a plate, inscribed thus :- EDIFICII SAC. ECCLESIW EPISC. ANGLIB, PRIMIlM POSUIT LAPIDEY, I. ADOLPHUS OUGHTON, CURIO MAXIMUS, MILITUM PRWFECTUS, REONANTE GEORGIO 111. TERTIO APR. DIE, A.D. MDCCLXXI. IN ARCHITECTONICA storm RFPUB. Towards this church the Writers to the Signet subscribed zoo guineas, and the Incorporation of Surgeons gave 40 guineas, and on Sunday, the 9th of October, 1774, divine service was performed in it for the first time. ?This is a plain, handsome building,? says Arnot, ? neatly fitted up in the inside somewhat in the form of the church of St. Martin?s-in-the-Fields, London. It is 90 feet long by 75 broad pver the walls, and is omamented with a neat spire of a tolerable height. In the spire hangs an excellent bell, formerly belonging to the Chapel Royal at Holyrood, which is permitted to be rung for assembling the congregation, an indulgence that is not allowed to the Presbyterians in England. This displays a commendable liberality of sentiment in the magistrates of Edinburgh ; but breathes no jealousy for the dignity of their national Church. In the chapel there is a fine organ, made by Snetzler.of London. In the east side is a niche of 30 feet, with a Venetian window, where stands the altar, which is adorned with paintings by Runciman, a native of Edinburgh. In the volta is the Ascefision; over the small window on the right is Christ talking with the Samaritan woman ; on the left the Prodigal returned. In these two the figures are halflength. On one side of the table is the figure of Moses ; on the other that of Elias.? At the time Arnot wrote L6,Soo had been spent on the building, which was then incomplete. ? The ground,? he adds, ?? is low ; the chapel is concealed by adjacent buildinis ; the access for carriages inconvenient, and there is this singularityattending it, that it is the only Christian church standing north and south we ever saw or heard of. . . . . . . . . There are about I,ooo persons in this congregation. Divine service is celebrated before them according to all the rites of the Church of England. This deserves to be considered as a mark of increasing moderation and liberality among the generality of the people. Not many years ago that form of worship in all its ceremonies would not have been tolerated The organ and paintings would have been downright idolatry, and the chapel would have fallen a sacrifice to the fury of the mob.? Upon the death of Mr. Can; the first senior clergyman of this chapel, he was interred under its portico, and the funeral service was sung, the voices of the congregation being accompanied by the organ. In Arnot?s time the senior clergyman was Dr. Myles Cooper, Principal of New York College, an exile from America in consequence of the revolt of the colonies. In the middle?of February, 1788, accounts reached Scotland of the death and funeral of Prince Charles Edward, the eldest grandson of James VII., at Rome, and created a profound sensation among people of all creeds, and the papers teemed with descriptions of the burial service at Frascati ; how his brother, the Cardinal, wept, and his voice broke when singing the office for the dead prince, on whose coffin lay the diamond George and collar of the Garter, now in Edinburgh Castle, while the militia of Frascati stood around as a guard, with the Master of Nairn, in whose arms the prince expired. In the subsequent April the Episcopal College met ?at Aberdeen, and unanimously resolved that they should submit ? to the present Government of this kingdom as invested in his present Majesty George III.,? death having broken the tie which bound them to the House of Stuart. Thenceforward the royal family was prayed for in all their churches, and the penal statutes, after various modifications, were repezled in 1792. Eight years afterwards the Rev. Archibald Alison (father of ... CoWgab.1 THE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL. to preach openly, by taking the oaths to Govemment, had been founded in ...

Book 4  p. 247
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BI 0 GRAPH I C AL SKETCH E S. 43 Walter Hamilton, Esq., was elected Lord Provost. This office he filled, as usual, for two years. The copartnery with Mr. Allan’ having been dissolved, Provost Steuart commenced business on his own account in Leith, as a general merchant. At a later date he became a wine-merchant in Edinburgh, but was far from successful in his commercial speculations. In his early years, with the view of following a mercantile profession, he resided for some time on the Continent, where he acquired an intimate knowledge of modern languages. He was a man of excellent taste, and passionately fond of literature. He was a great book-collector, and his library, for its size, was one of the finest in Scotland. His residence abroad had given him great facilities for collecting rare and curious works. In May 1801, when he exposed a part of his library to sale by auction, it was described as “ a small, but select collection of books, in which is to be found some of the finest specimens of typography extant, from the first attempt on wooden blocks until the present time.” But the prices offered not coming up to Mr. Steuart’s expectations, the greater part were bought in, either by himself or his friends. Two of the finest specimens of early printing which now enrich the Library of the Faculty of Advocates were formerly in his possession, viz.-lst, The first edition of the Latin Bible, and one of the earliest books executed with movable types, in two large volumes folio, supposed to have been printed by Gutternbeg and Faust in the year 1450. The other is the Breviary of the .Roman Church, beautifully printed on the finest vellum at Venice by Nicholas Jenson in 1478, and finely illuminated. Provost Steuart married Miss Ann Fordyce, an Aberdeenshire lady, by whom he had sixteen children, five of whom, two sons and three daughters, are presently alive. In’ the latter part of life he suffered much as a martyr to the gout; and finally left Edinburgh about the year 1815. From that time he continued to reside with his son-in-law, Mr. Mair,” at Gretna Hall, near Annan, where he died on the 17th May 1824. MR. JOHN LOTHIAN was a cloth-merchant in that shop, No. 313 High Street., in the west wing of the front of the Royal Exchange. He was elected one of the Merchants’ Councillors, in 1762 ; and in 1768, upon the death of Bailie William Callender, was appointed third bailie in his stead ; in 1769, he was one of the old bailies; in 1774, second bailie; in 1775, old bailie. He died unmarried, at Edinburgh, suddenly, on the 12th August 1790. He was second son of Richard Lothian, writer in Edinburgh, the eldest son of George Lothian, Esq., of Belsis, near Ormiston, in East Lothian, and cousin- 1 Robert Allan was father of the late Thorn= Allan, Esq., who bought the estate of Lauriston, in the county of Edinburgh, which had for nearly a century and a half been the property of the representatives of the celebrated John Law of Lauriston, who was born there. a hLrs. Mair was remarkable for the beauty of her face and the graceful elegance of her figure, but the sweetness of her manner was stii more remarkable than either. ... 0 GRAPH I C AL SKETCH E S. 43 Walter Hamilton, Esq., was elected Lord Provost. This office he filled, ...

Book 8  p. 58
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242 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Mr. Gilchrist died upon the 10th September 1804, at the premature age of thirtyeight. He was succeeded in the business by his brother William, who also attained to the magistracy, and died in 1826. Of the two surviving brothers of the family, John and Edward, the former had a respectable appointment in the Custom-House ; and the latter, who was in bad health for several years, also held a situation in connection with the Port of Leith. John, who attained the age of seventy years, was yet “hale and hearty,” and an excellent representative of the old school. No one who ever met him at the social board, or experienced the kindness of his welcome, and the exhilarating effects of a glass and a song at his “ain fireside,” could fail to recognise in his robust person, and free and hospitable manners, a characteristic specimen of the last century inhabitants of Edinburgh.‘ He held his appointment in the Custom-House nearly twenty-seven years, and faithfully discharged the duties of the office during that long period. He was so universally esteemed, that, on retiring from office in 1827, he had the honour of being presented with a massive box from the “ Merchants and Officers of the Customs at the Port of Leith.” In the language of Mr. Cassels, who addressed Mr. Gilchrist on the occasion, it might well be said that, having during the long period of his official service “uniformly enjoyed, not only the approbation of his superiors and the friendship of his associates, but the unqualified opinion of the merchants and traders of the port, it must be allowed that he has conducted himself in every way becoming an officer and a gentleman.” Mr. Archibald Gilchrist married a Miss M‘Callum, daughter of a Glasgow merchant, and by her had seven children, most of whom died when young. Eliza, the eldest daughter, was married to a Dr. Carrick of London, and died there. Mr. Gilchrist is well known in Edinburgh as an amateur vocalist of no common excellence. He was one of the original members of the “ Harmonists’ Society,” instituted in 1826 by Mr. John Mather of Sheffield. To the last he attended their meetings, and took part in the perforniances with all the enthusiasm of his younger yearn. His range of songs embraced many of the most popular productions known to the musical world-whether of the grave or gay, the lively or severe. Indeed, it was astonishing to hear such songs as “The Sea”-“Black-Eyed Susan”-or “The Wolf,” sung by a septuagenarian with all the spirit and pathos of youth, and with a voice neither deficient in harmony nor power. The musical talents of Mr. Gilchrist have been repeatedly noticed in the public journals of this city. In reporting the annual dinner of the “ Harmonists’ Society,” in 1834, a writer in the Caledonian Mercury observes-“ Among other distinguished amateurs, we were happy to notice Mr. Gilchrist, the celebrated sexagenarian vocalist, flourishing in all the freshness of a green old age, and with a voice that appears to gather strength with his advancing years. We trust we shall not excite the jealousy of the professional gentlemen present, if WB state that Mr. Gilchrist’s singing of “ The Sea” w83 the most striking performance of the evening. To a voice of great natural power and compass, Mr. Gilchrist adds a highly finished execution, which he can only have attained by the most assiduous culture.” * * * The other newspapers alluded to Mr. Gilchrist in similar terms of approbation. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Mr. Gilchrist died upon the 10th September 1804, at the premature age of thirtyeight. ...

Book 8  p. 339
(Score 0.66)

382 OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [Gregfriars Church. encroaching on one not fit to be touched ! The whole presents a scene equally nauseous and unwholesome. How soon this spot will be so surcharged with animal juices and oils, that, becoming one mass of corruption, its noxious steams will burst forth with the prey of a pestilence, we shall not pretend to determine ; but we will venture to say, the effects of this burying-ground would ere now have been severely felt, were it not that, besides the coldness of the climate, they have been checked by the acidity of the coal smoke and the height of the winds, which in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh blow with extraordinary violence.? h o t wrote fully a hundred years ago, but since his time the interments in the Greyfriars went on till within a recent period. George Buchanan was buried here in 1582, under a through-stone, which gradually sank into the earth and disappeared. The site, distinctly known in 1701, is now barely remembered by tradition as being on the north slope of the churchyard; but a monument in the ground, to the great Latin scholar and Scottish historian, was erected by the late great bibliopole, David Laing, so many years Librarian of the Signet Library, at his own expense. An essential feature in the memorial is a head of Buchanan in bronze, from the best likeness of him extant. The design was furnished by D. W. Stevenson, A.R.S.A. Taking some of the interments at, random, here is the grave of George Heriot (father of the founder of the adjacent hospital), who died in 1610; of George Jameson, the Scottish Vandyke, who died in 1644; and of Alexander Henderson, 1646, the great covenanting divine, and leading delegate from Scotland to the Westminster Assembly, and the principal author of the Assembly?s Catechism. His ashes lie under a square pedestal tomb, erected by his nephew, and surmounted by a carved urn. There are long inscriptions on the four sides. John Milne?s tomb, 1667, Royal Master Mason @y sixth descent), erected by his nephew, .Robert Milne, also Royal Master Mason, and builder of the modem portions of Holyrood House, records in rhyme how- ? John Milne, who maketh the fourth John, And, by descent from father unto son, Sixth Master Mason to a royal race Of seven successive kings, sleeps in this place.? It is a handsome tomb, with columns and a pediment, and immediately adjoins the eastern or Candlemaker Row entrance, in the formation of which some old mural tombs were removed; among them that of Alexander Millar, Master Tailor to James VI., dated 1616--Xiit Pnkcz$s et Civium Zucfu decotafus, as it bore. A flat stone which, by 1816, was much sunk in the earth, dated 1613, covered the grave of Dr. John Nasmyth, of the family of Posso, surgeon of the king of France?s troop of Scottish Guards, who died in London, but whose remains had been sent to the Greyfriars by order of James VI. The tomb of Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh- the celebrated lawyer, and founder of the Advocates? Library, and who, as a persecutor, was so ahhorred by the people that his spirit was supposed to haunt the place where he lies-is a handsome and ornqte octagon temple, with eight pillars, a cornice, and a dome, on the southern side of the ground, and its traditional terrors we have already referred to. But other interments than his have taken place here. One notably in 1814, when the widow of Lieutenant Roderick Mackenzie of Linessie was, at her own desire, laid there, ?in the tomb of the celebrated Sir George Mackenzie, who was at the head of the Lochslin family, and to whom, by the mother?s side, she was nearly related.? (GenfZeman?s Mng., 1814.) Near it is the somewhat remarkable tomb of William Little, whilom Provost of Edinburgh in 1591. He was Laird of Over Liberton, and the tomb was erected by his great-grandchild in 1683. His kinsman, Clement Little, Advocate and Commissary of Edinburgh, whose meagre library formed the nucleus of that of the university, is also buried here. It is a mausoleum, composed of a recumbent female figure, with a pillar-supported canopy above her, on which stand four female figures at the several corners. The popular story is that the lady was poisoned by her four daughters, whose statues were placed over her in eternal remembrance of their wickedness; but the effigies are in reality those of Justice, Charity, Faith, &c., favourite emblematical characters in that age when the monument was erected; and the object in placing them there was merely ornamental. Here are interred Archibald Pitcairn, the poet, 1713, under a rectangular slab on four pillars, with an inscription by his friend Ruddiman, near the north entry of the ground; Colin MacLaurin, the mathematician, 1746; and William Ged, the inventor of stereotype printing. Here was worthy and gentle Allan Ramsay committed to the grave in 1758, and the just and u p right Lord President Duncan Forbes of Culloden, elevenyears before that time. Another famous Lord President, Robert Blair of Avontoun, was laid here in 1811. Here, too, lie the two famous Monros, father and ... OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [Gregfriars Church. encroaching on one not fit to be touched ! The whole presents a ...

Book 4  p. 382
(Score 0.66)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 407 members of Council, including Mr. Hutton, were accordingly hurried away to Inverkeithing, and there committed to durance in the common jail.’ The rest of the councillors having assembled at the hour of meeting, it was proposed by Mr. John Wilson, that before proceeding to business Mr. James Gibson, W.S. (afterwards Sir James Gibson-Craig, Bart. of Riccarton), should be “brought in to assist the Council with his advice at this election, in order that it may be conducted in a regular manner, and all the necessary forms be observed.” This motion was seconded by Bailie James Hunt, and carried by a majority of nine to six. Mr. Andrew Adie then moved “ that no election of a delegate for the burgh can take place, on account of Provost Moodie and other five of the Council having been carried off by an illegal and improper warrant; and therefore insisted that Mr. James Horne, W.S., be brought into Council to take a protest on that head ; and that no procedure w-hatever can take place until these councillors are returned to Council.” This was seconded by Mr. James Cowper, but negatived by nine votes to six. Mr. Adie and five other members’ now left the Council-Room, and the remaining nine unanimously elected Mr. Wemyss of Cuttlehill as their commissioner, to vote at the ensuing election. A desperate effort, however, was made by his opponents to regain the fortunes of the day. Proceeding on foot (for want of a conveyance) to Cramond Bridge, Mr. Williamson, advocate (afterwards Lord Balgray), drove from thence to Edinburgh, where he obtained an order, on lodging the requisite security, for the release of the imprisoned electors ; and, on the return of the party from Inverkeithing, late at night, the Provost immediately summoned a second meeting of the Council, which of course was attended only by those in the interest of Colonel Johnstone. The following are the minutes ; and we quote them nearly verbatim, as highly curious, as well as illustrative of the events we have been recording :- Thus Sir John Henderson’s party were triumphant. “The Magistrates and Council of the burgh of Dunfermline having assembled betwixt the hours of ten and eleven o’clock at night, of the 16th June 1796, in respect they were prevented from proceeding to the election of their delegate at the hour fixed by their minute of sederunt of 30th May last, being twelve o’clock of this forenoon. “ Mr. John Black, clerk of the burgh, having declined, though required, to officiate &s clerk to this meeting, the Council did thereby unanimously appoint Mr. John Black, junior, Writer in Dmnfermline, to be their clerk. ‘‘ The Council consider it necessary to state on their record why this meeting comes to be held at so late an hour, viz.- “ The whole twelve members now present observing yery strong symptoms of tumult and disorder to have been excited in this burgh for some days put, and that some of themselves Sir John Hendemon’s party prevailed on Dr. Davidson (Professor of Civil and Natural History in Marischal College, Aberdeen), then residing in Dunfermline, to go to Kinghorn and examine M ‘Millan’s hurt ; and it was in consequence of his certiieate, stating the man’s life to be in danger, that a warrant was obtained from the Crown Agent. An action was afterwards raised by the parties imprisoned, before the Court of Session, against Sir John Henderson, in which they were successful. The Pmvost obtained 6200, and the other councillors X100 each, of damages. 9 Measrs. James CowperlJaniea Lowson, David Beveridge, John Smith, and George Swan. ... SKETCHES. 407 members of Council, including Mr. Hutton, were accordingly hurried away ...

Book 9  p. 543
(Score 0.65)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 251 thus remind you of your duty, and of your responsibility, without at the eame time being reminded of my own; and I am not vain enough to think that such responsibility is less necessary for me than for you. Perhaps the higher the office, and the greater the power, it is the more useful that frequent opportunities should recur of reminding Magistrates that their power is conferred on them for the benefit of others ; and that, in the exercise of it, they are accountable to their superiors.” Next addressing “ the gentlemen Sheriffs, the Lord Provost and Magistrates,” his lordship adverted to the assize in which they had just been engaged ; and, from a list of commitments and prosecutions officially transmitted to him, enlarged at considerable length on the vast disproportion of crime in England and Scotland. He said it had been stated by a political writer, that one Quarter Sessions at Manchester sends more criminals for transportation than all Scotland in a year.’ This enviable inferiority of his native country he attributed to its laws and institutions-the education of youth-a resident clergy-and the maintenance of religion. ‘‘ Let us then, gentlemen, be thankful for the blessings we enjoy. While we venerate the general constitution of England, by our union with which our liberties have been secured on a surer basis than by the old constitution of Scotland, let us not undervalue our local laws and institutions, by which essential advantages are given to us, and which we ought not rashly to endanger by attempting violent innovations, the full bearing of which it is impossible to foresee.” Alluding to the Revolution in France, and the war then waging with Napoleon- a war in which, his lordship observed, “ our very existence as a nation is at stake,” he concluded his energetic appeal as follows :- “ Let us, than, maintain our Constitution as it stands, satisfied with the liberty we have, and dreading, from the example of France, that an attempt at perfect freedom may land us in the extremity of slavery and debasement. Above all, let us maintain our Constitution from foreign invasion. If subjection to a foreign foe be, and it is, the most dreadful calamity which can befall a people, even when its own Government is bad, think what wonld be the misery of conquest to us. Language never uttered-imagination never conceived-humanity never endured the horrors which await us, if subdued by the arms of France. To be utterly extirpated would be mercy, compared with the outrages we must suffer ! Let, then, the resolution of us all be fixed as yours-to bring this contest to a happy termination, m perish in the attempt. Hardships and privations we may expect ; but, when we compare them with those we shall avoidwhen we consider them as the price, and the cheap price, of liberty such as ours-for ourselves and our children, I trust that we shall bear them with cheerfulness, and receive our reward iu the gratitude of posterity.” The address of the Lord Justice-clerk was listened to with profound attention. The peculiar interest which it excited is of course referable to the then state of the country-agitated as it was by the fear of an immedirtte invasion from the armies of France. It is at all events highly creditable to the spirit and eloquence of the Judge. On the death of Lord President Blair, in 1811, the Right Hon. Charles Hope was promoted to his place. On taking his seat, 12th November of that year, he entered into a warm and feeling panegyric of his gifted predecessor. It is a remarkable fact, that the whole criminal trials in Scotland, at the autumn circuit in 1808, amounted only to eighteen ; and throughout the year they were no more than eighty ! Now, however, they are seldom less than‘seventy at a single circuit in Glasgow alone ; and the yearly average for the whole of Scotland may be stated 89 not under six hundred, ... SKETCHES. 251 thus remind you of your duty, and of your responsibility, without at the eame time ...

Book 9  p. 333
(Score 0.65)

270 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. of the‘antiquities of Edinburgh. It consists of two fine profile heads, in high relief and life size, which the earliest writers on the subject pronounce to be undoubted specimens of Roman art. It was first noticed in 1727, in Gordon’s valuable work on Roman Antiquities,. the Itinerarium Septentrionale, accompanied by an engraving, where he remarks :-“ A very learned and illustrious antiquary here, by the . ideas of the heads, judges them to be representations of the Emperor SEPTIMIUSES VERUaSn, d his wife JULIA. This is highly probable and consistent with the Roman history ; for that the Emperor, and most of his august family, were in Scotland, appears plain in Xephiline, from Dio.” This idea, thus first suggested, of the heads being those of Severus and Julia, is fully warranted by their general resemblance to those on the Roman coins of. that reign, and has been confirmed by the obgervation of every antiquary who has treated of the subject. A tablet is inserted between the heads, containing the following inscription, in antique characters :- gn Buboce butts’, tui botecis’, pane tu& a Q * 3.’ This quotation from the Latin Bible, of’ the curse pronounced on our first parents after the fall, is no doubt the work of a very different period, and was the source of the vulgar tradition gravely combated by Maitland, our earliest local historian, that the heads were intended as representations of Adam and Eve. These pieces of ancient sculpture, which were said in his time to have been removed from a house on the north side of the street, have probably been discovered in digging the foundations of the building, and along with them the Gothic inscription-to all appearance a fragment from the ruins of the neighbouring convent of St Mary, or some other of the old monastic establishments of Edinburgh. The words of the inscription exactly correspond with the reading of Gutenberg’s Bible, the first edition, printed at Menta in 1455, and would appear an object worthy of special interest to the antiquary, were it not brought into invidious association with these valuable relics of a remoter era. The characters of the inscription leave little reason to doubt that it is the work of the same period, probably only a few years later than the printing of the Mentz Bible. The old‘ tenement, which is rendered interesting as the conservator of these valuable monuments of the Roman invasion, and is thus also associated in some degree with the introduction of the first printed Bible into Scotland, appears to be the same, or at least occupies the same site, with that from whence Thomas Bassendyne, our famed old Scottish typographer, issued his beautiful folio Bible in 1574. The front land, which contains the pieces of Roman sculpture, is proved from the titles to have been rebuilt about the beginning of the eighteenth century, in the room of an ancient timber-fronted land, which was (‘ lately, of need, taken down,” having no doubt fallen into ruinous decay. The back part of the tenement, however, retains unequivocal evidence of being the original building. It is approached by the same turnpike stair from the Fountain Close as gives access to l Itiner. Septent, p. 186. * Maitland and others have mistaken the concluding letters of the inscription, as a contraction for the date, which the former states aa 1621, and a subsequent writer as 1603. Mr D. Laing was the firat to point out its true meaning as a contracted form of reference to Genesia, chapter 3.--P& Archaeologia Scotica, vol. iii. p. 287, where a very accurate and spirited engraving of the Sculpture, by David Allau, is introduced. ... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. of the‘antiquities of Edinburgh. It consists of two fine profile heads, in high ...

Book 10  p. 293
(Score 0.65)

366 OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [Moultray?s Hill. - dedicated to him,?) but by whom founded or when, is quite unknown ; and from this edifice an adjacent street was for ages named St. Ninian?s Row. ?The under part of the building still remains,? to quote Arnot; (?it is the nearest house to the RegisteI Office on the south-east, except the row of houses on the east side of the theatre. The lower storey was vaulted, and the vaults still remain. On these a mean house has been superstructed, and the whole converted into a dwelling-house. The baptismal font, which was in danger of being destroyec was this year (1787) removed to the curious towel built at Dean Haugh, by Mr. Falter ROSS, Write to the Signet.? The ?? lower part ? of the building was evidently the crypt, and the font referred to, neatly-sculptured basin with a beautiful Gothi canopy, is now among the many fragments built b: Sir Walter Scott into the walls of Abbotsford. Thi extinct chapel appears to have been a dependenc: of Holyrood abbey, from the numerous notice that appear in licences granted by the abbots o that house to the Corporations of the Canongate for founding and maintaining altars in the church and in one of these, dated 1554, by Robert Stewart abbot of Holyrood, with reference to St. Crispin?, altar therein, he states, ?? it is our will yat ye Cor dinars dwelland within our regalitie. . . besyde our chapel1 of Sanct Ninian, out with Sanc Andrews Port besyde Edinburcht, be in brether heid and fellowschipe with ye said dekin anc masters of ye cordinar craft.? In 1775 one or two houses of St. James?s Squart were built on the very crest of Moultray?s Hill The first stone of the house at the south-eas corner of the square was laid on the day that news reached Edinburgh of the battle of Bunker?s Hill which was fought on the 17th of June in that year. ? The news being of coul?se very interesting, wa: the subject of popular discussion for the day, and nothing but Bunker?s Hill was in everybody?s mouth. It so happened that the two buildeE founding this first tenement fell out between themselves, and before the ceremony was concluded, most indecorously fell to and fought out the quarrel on the spot, in presence of an immense assemblage of spectators, who forthwith conferred the name of Bunker?s Hill upon the place, in commemoration of the combat, which it retains to this day. The tenement founded under these curious circumstances was permitted to stand by itself for some years upon the eminence of Bunker?s Hill; and being remarkably tall and narrow, as well as a solitary Zana?, it got the popular appellation of ?Hugo Arnot? from the celebrated historian, who lived in the neighbourhood, and whose slim, skeleton-looking figure was well known to the public eye at the period.? So lately as 1804 the ground occupied by the lower end of Katharine Street, at the north-eastem side of Moultray?s Hill, was a green slope, where people were wont to assemble, to watch the crowds returning from the races on Leith sands. In this new tenement on Bunker?s Hill dwelt Margaret Watson of Muirhouse, widow of Robert? Dundas, merchant, and mother of Sir David Dun- ? das, the celebrated military tactician. ?We used to go to her house on Bunker?s Hill,? says? Lord Cockbum, when boys, on Sundays between the morning and the afternoon sermons, when we were cherished with Scottish broth and cakes, and many a joke from the old lady. Age had made her incapable of walking even across the room; so, clad in a plain silk gown, and a pure muslin cap, she sat half encircled by a high-backed blackleather chair, reading, with silver spectacles stuck on her thin nose, and interspersing her studies and her days with much laughter and not a little sarcasm. What a spirit! There was more fun and sense round that chair than in the theatre or the church.? In 1809 No. 7 St. James?s Square was the residence of Alexander Geddes, A.R.Y.A., a well-known Scottish artist. He was born at 7 St. Patrick Street, near the Cross-causeway, in 1783. In 1812 he removed to 55 York Place, and finally to London, where he died, in Berners Street, on the 5th of May, 1844. His etchings in folio were edited by David Laing, in 1875, but only IOO copies were printed. A flat on the west side of the square was long the residence of Charles Mackay, whose unrivalled impersonation of Eailie Nicol Jarvie was once the most cherished recollection of the old theatre-going public, and who died on the 2nd November, 1857. In 1787 Robert Bums lived for several months in No. z (a common stair now numbered as 30) whither he had removed from Baxter?s Close in the Lawnmarket, and from this place many 3f the letters printed in his correspondence are dated. In one or two he adds, ?Direct to me xt Mr, FV. Cruikshank?s, St. James?s Square, New Town, Edinburgh.? This gentleman was one of ;he masters of the High School, with whom he passed many a happy hour, and to whose daughter ie inscribed the verses beginning- This square was not completed till 1790, ? Beauteous rosebud, young and gay, Blooming in thy early May,? &c. It was while here that he joined most in that irilliant circle in which the accomplished Duchess ? ... OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [Moultray?s Hill. - dedicated to him,?) but by whom founded or when, is quite unknown ...

Book 2  p. 366
(Score 0.64)

81 BIOGRAPHICAL ‘SKETCHES. promoting what has been considered a remarkable revival of religion in the west of Scotland at that period ; and about ten years afterwards, in 1756, in a letter to the Rev. Dr, Gillies of Glasgow, he alludes, with a glow of satisfaction, to its remaining salutary effects in the parish of Killearn. During the whole period of his ministerial labours in connection with the Established Church, he displayed great public spirit ; and, even while a country clergyman, confined to his retired sphere of exertion, he was, as he had opportunity in the Church courts, a zealous defender of her liberty, independence, and legal rights, and a determined opponent of what he considered ecclesiastical tyranny, or an encroachment on her privileges. His feelings on these matters were distinctly and strongly expressed, connected with the procedure in his case at the bar of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1766. The conduct of that Court, in 1752, in deposing the Rev. Mr. Thomas Gillespie, of Carnock, from the office of the ministry, as well as some more recent proceedings, were understood to have made a strong impression on his mind. Considering them as infringing on the cause of religious liberty, they had undoubtedly a powerful influence in inducing him to resign his pastoral charge in Paisley. In the opinion of some of his friends, however, an occurrence, toward the close of his ministry in that town, was not without its effect. A vacancy in the office of session-clerk of the parish having taken place, a keen dispute arose as to who had the right of appointing a successor-whether the Kirk Session or Town Council. Each of these public bodies maintained their claim with obstinate tenacity. After much angry dispute, in which the whole community took an interest, the case came to be litigated in the Court of Session, and was finally.decided in favour of the Town Council. This decision produced much disagreeable feeling among the members of Session, and some of them resigned. With the discontented party Mr. Baine accorded, and keenly pleaded their cause ; but his reverend colleague having taken part with the members of Town Council, a painful misunderstanding was produced between these two distinguished clergymen, and followed with consequences probably affecting the’future destinies of both: To this disagreeable event Mr, Baine particularly refers, in his letter to the Moderator of Paisley Presbytery, had presided. It is, however, well known to those acquainted with the history of that eventful period, that, in 1775, on the breaking out of the American revolutionary war, his laudable and useful labours were interrupted by the confusion and disasters which ensued. The buildings of the College were made a barracks for the royal army ; the library, with other parts of the premises, were entirely destroyed ; and the President himself, upon the approach of the hostile legions, was obliged to fly to a place of safety. Having espoused the cause of the revolted colonies, he was at an early period of the contest appointed a member of Congress ; and, in that station, he became in a high degree beneficial to the cause by his talents as a writer and political economist. Many of the most important papers connected with the business of that Assembly were known to be the production of his pen. After a life of great activity and usefulness, Dr. Witherspoon died at Princetown, New Jersey, in 1794, in the seventy-second year of his age. Kay, in his notes, alluding to the variances of the two clergymen, somewhat wittily remarks that the call of Mr. Baine to the Relief Congregation in Edinburgh “may be supposed to have afforded relief to both.’’ ... BIOGRAPHICAL ‘SKETCHES. promoting what has been considered a remarkable revival of religion in the west of ...

Book 9  p. 113
(Score 0.64)

I74 OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [Charlotte Square. Bank, near Edinburgh; Arnsheen, in Ayrshire ; Redcastle, Inverness-shire ; Denbrae, Fifeshire; and Gogar Bank in Midlothian. He died on the 27th of May, 1836, Lady Fettes having pre-deceased him on the 7th of the same month. By his trust disposition and settlement, dated 5th July 1830, and several codicils thereto, the last being dated the 9th of March, 1836, he disponed his whole estates to and in favour of Lady Fettes, his sister Mrs. Bruce, Mr. Corrie, Manager of the British Linen Company, A. Wood, Esq. (afterwards Lord Wood), and A. Rutherford, Esq. (afterwards Lord Rutherford), as trustees ; the purposes of the trust, which made ample provision for Lady Fettes in case of her survival, being :-(I) The payment of legacies to various poor relations ; ( 2 ) Bequests to charitable institutions ; and (3) The application of the residue to ?? form an endowment for the maintenance, education, and outfit of young people whose parents have either died without leaving syfficient funds for that purpose, or who from innocent misfortune during their own lives are unable to give suitable education to their children.? The trust funds, which at the time of the amiable Sir William?s death amounted to about &166,000, were accumulated for a number of years, and reached such an amount as enabled the trustees to carry out his benevolent intentions in a becoming manner ; and, accordingly, in 1864 contracts were entered into for the erection of the superb college which now very properly bears his name. Lord Cockburn, that type of the true old Scottish gentleman, ?? whose dignified yet homely manner and solemn beautygave his aspect a peculiar grace,? and who is so well known for his pleasant and gossiping volume of ?? Memorials,? and for the deep interest he took in all pertaining to Edinburgh, occupied No. 14 ; and the next house was the residence of Lord Pitmilly. James Wolfe Murray, afterwards Lord Cringletie, held No. 17 in 1811; and the Right Hon. David Boyle, Lord Justice Clerk, and afterwards Lord Justice General, occupied the same house in 1830. Lieutenant-General Alexander Dirom, of Mount Annan, and formerly of the 44th regiment, when Quartermaster-General in Scotland, rented No. I 8 in I 8 I I. He was an officer of great experience, and had seen much service in the old wars of India, and, when major, published an interesting narrative of the campiign against Tippoo Sultan. Latterly his house was occupied by the late James Crawfurd, Lord Ardmillan, who was called to the bar in 1829, and was raised to the bench in Jacuary, 1855. At the same time No. 31 was the abode of the Right Hon. Wlliam Adam, &ord Chief Commissioner of the Jury Court, the kinsman of the architect of the Square, and a man of great eminence in his time. He was the son of Adam Blair of Blair Adam, and was born in July, 1751. Educated at Edinburgh, he became a member of the bar, but did not practise then ; and in 1774 and 1794 he sat for several places in Parliament. In the latter year he began to devote himself to his profession, and in 1802 was appointed Counsel for the East India Company, and four years afterwards Chancellor for the Duchy of Cornwall. After being M.P. for Kinross, in 18 I I he resumed his professional duties, and was deemed so sound a lawyer that he was frequently consulted by the Prince of .Wales and the Duke of York. In the course of a parliamentary dispute with Mr. Fox, about the first American war, they fought a duel, which happily ended without bloodshed, after which the latter remarked jocularly that had his antagonist not loaded his pistols with Government powder he would have been shot. In 1814 he submitted to Government a plan for trying civil causes by jury in Scotland, and in the following year was made a Privy Councillor and Baron of the Scottish Exchequer. In I 8 I 6 an Act of Parliament was obtained instituting a separate Jury Court in Scotland, and he was appointed Lord Chief Commissioner, with two of the judges as colleagues, and to this court he applied all his energies, overcoming by his patience, zeal, and urbanity, the many obstacles opposed to the success of such an institution. In 1830, when sufficiently organised, the Jury Court was, by another Act, transferred to the Court of Session, and when taking his seat on the bench of the latter for the first time, complimentary addresses were presented to him from the Faculty of Advocates, the Society of Writers to the Signet, and that of the solicitors before the Supreme Courts, thanking him for the important benefits . which the introduction of trial by jury in civil cases had conferred on Scotland. In 1833 he +red from the bench, and died at his house in Charlotte Square, on the 17thFebruary, 1839, in his 87th year. ? In 1777 he had married Eleanora, daughter of Charles tenth Lord Elphinstone. She died in 1808, but had a family of several sons-viz., John, long at the head of the Council in India, who died some years before his father; Admiral Sir Charles, M.P., one of the Lords of the Admiralty ; William George, an eminent King?s Counsel, afterwards Accountant-General in the Court of Chancery; and Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick, who held a command at the battle of Waterloo, and was afterwards successively Lord High Commissioner to the Ionian Isles and Governor of Madras. ... OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [Charlotte Square. Bank, near Edinburgh; Arnsheen, in Ayrshire ; Redcastle, ...

Book 3  p. 174
(Score 0.64)

where he spent many a jovial hour with Willie Xcol and Allan Masterton. ?? Three blyther lads? never gladdened the old place; and so associated did it become with Burns, that, according to a writer in the ?Year Book,? ?his name was assumed as its distinguishing and alluring cognomen. Until it was finally closed, it was visited nightly by many a party of jolly fellows. . . . . Few strangers omitted to call in to gaze upon the ? coftin ? of the bard-this was a small, dark room, which would barely accommodate, even by squeezing, half a dozen, but in which Burns used to sit. ROBERT GQURLAY?S HOUSE. Here he composed one or two of his best songs, and here were preserved to the last the identical seats and table which had accommodated him.? In his edition of Scottish songs published in 1829, five years before the demolition of the tavern, Chambers notes that in the ale-house was sung that sweetest of all Bums?s love songs :- ?I 0, poortith cauld, and restless love, Ye wreck my peace between ye ; Yet poortith a? I could forgie, An ?twere M for my Jeanie. ?I Oh, why should fate sic pleasure have, Life?s dearest bonds untwining ? Or why sae sweet a flower as love Depend on fortune?s shining? ? The moment the clock of St. Giles?s struck midnight not another cork would Johnnie Dowie draw. His unvarying reply to a fresh order was, ?Gentlemen, it is past twelve, and time to go home.? In the same corner where Burns sat Christopher North has alluded to his own pleasant meetings with Tom Campbell. A string of eleven verses in honour of his tavern were circulated among his customers by Dowie, who openly ascribed them to Bums. Two of these will suffice, as what was at least a good imitation of the poet?s style :- I( 0 Dowie?s ale ! thoa art the thing That gars us crack and gars us sing, Cast by our cares, our wants a? fling Thou e?en mak?st passion tak the wing, Frae us wi? anger ; Or thou wilt hang her. I? How blest is he wha has a groat, To spare upon the cheering pot ; He may look blythe as ony Scot Gie?s a? the like, but wi? a coat, ?Now these men are all gone,? wrote one, who, alas ! has followed them; ?their very habits are becoming matters of history, while, as for their evening haunt, the place which knew it once knows it no more, the new access to the Lawnmarket, by George IV. bridge, passing over the area where it stood.? Liberton?s Wynd is mentioned io far back as in a charter by James III., in 1477, and in a more subsequent time it was the last permanent place of execution, after the demolition of the old Tolbooth. Here at its head have scores of unhappy wretches looked their last upon the morning sun-the infamous Burke, whom we shall meet again, among them. The socket of the gallows-tree was removed, like many other objects of greater interest, in 1834. Before quitting this ancient alley we must not omit to note that therein, in the house of his father Dr. Josiah Mackenzie (who died in 1800) was born in August, 1745, Henry Mackenzie, author of the ?? Man of Feeling,? one of the most illustrious names connected with polite literature in Scotland. He was one of the most active members of the Mirror Club, which met sometimes at Clenheugh?s in Writers? Court; sometimes in Sonier?s, opposite the Guard-house in the High Street; sometimes in Stewart?s oyster-house, in the old ... he spent many a jovial hour with Willie Xcol and Allan Masterton. ?? Three blyther lads? never gladdened ...

Book 1  p. 120
(Score 0.64)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 207 Golf was a farourite amusement of the citizens of Perth during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; so much so, that the younger portion of the community could not withstand its fascination even on the Sabbath day. In the kirk-session records is an entry-2d January 1604-in which the “visitors report, that good order was keeped the last Sabbath, except that .they found some young boys playing at the gowf, in the North Inch, in the time of preaching, afternoon, who were warned then by the officiars to compear before the session this day.” They accordingly appeared ; and the ringleader, Robert Robertson, was sentenced (‘to pay ane merk to the poor;” and ordained, with his companions, ‘( to compear the next Sabbath, into the place of public repentance, in presence of the whole congregation.” ‘ Early in the reign of James VI, the business of club-making had becpme one of some importance. By “ane letter” of his Majesty, dated Holyrood House, 4th April 1603, “William Mayne, bower, burgess of Edinburgh,” is made and constituted, (( during all the days of his lyf-time, master fledger, bower, ebbmaker, and speir-maker to his Hieness, alsweill for game as weir ;” and in 1618 the game of golf appears to have been so generally in practice, that the manufacturing of balls was deemed worthy of special protection. In “ane” other letter of James VI., dated Salisburyl 5th August of the above year, it is stated that there being (( no small quantity of gold and silver transported zeirly out of his Hieness’ kingdom of Scotland for bying of gof balls,” James Melvill and others are granted the sole right of supplying that article within the kingdom, prohibiting all others from making or selling them for the ‘( space of twenty-one zeirs.” The price of a ball was fixed at (‘ four schillings money of this realm ;” and for the better tryell heiroff, his Majestie ordanes the said James Melville to have ane particular stamp of his awin, and to cause mark and stamp all suche ballis maid be him and his foirsaidis thairwith;’ and that all ballis maid within the kingdome found to be otherwayis stamped sal1 be escheated.” From this period the game of golf took firm hold as one of the national pastimes-practised by all ranks of the people, and occasionally countenanced by royalty itself. (‘ Even kings themselves,” says a writer in the Scots Magazinc tfohre 1S7o9c2ie,t y“ doifd Endoitn dbeucrlginhe Gthoel fperrsin tcoel yb es pionfrot;r maendd tith awt iltlh neo tt wboe dlaisspt lecarsoiwngn e1 heads that ever visited this country used to practise thb golf in the Links of Leith, now occupied by the Society for the same purpose. King Charles I. waa extremely fond of this exercise ; and it is said that, when he was engaged in a party at golf on the Links of Leith, a letter was delivered into his hands, which gave him the first account of the insurrection and rebellion in Ireland. On reading which he suddenly called for his coach ; Chronicle of Perth, privately printed for the Maitland Club, 1831, Ito, p. 69. From the lame curions record we learn that foot-ball was also a favourita amusement of the Perth Citieens ’ This practice is still continued. ... SKETCHES. 207 Golf was a farourite amusement of the citizens of Perth during the sixteenth and ...

Book 9  p. 278
(Score 0.64)

I 66 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. the plough, to his friend Richmond, a writer’s apprentice, and accepted the offer of a share of his room and bed, in the house of Mrs Carfrae, Baxter’s Close, Lawnmarket.’ In the first stair to the left, on entering the close, and on the first floor of the house, is the poet’s lodging. The tradition of his residence there has passed through very few hands ; the predecessor of the present tenant (a respectable widow, who has occupied the house for many years) learned it from Mrs Carfrae, and the poet’# room is pointed out, with its window looking into Lady Stair’s Close. The land is an ancient and very substantial building, with large and neatly moulded windows, retaining the marks of having been finished with stone mullions; in one tier in particular the windows are placed one above another, only separated at each story by a narrow lintel, so as to present the singular appearance of one long and narrow window from top to bottom of the lofty land. From this ancient dwelling, Burns issued to dine or sup with the magnates of the land, and, “when the company arose in the gilded and illuminated rooms, some of the fair guests-perhaps Her Grace, Whose flambeaux flash against the morning skies, And gild our chamber ceilings as they pass, took the hesitating arm of the bard, went smiling to her coach, waved a graceful good-night with her jewelled hand, and, departing to her mansion, left him in the middle of the street, to grope his way through the dingy alleys .of the gude town,’ to his obscure lodging, with his share of a deal table, a sanded floor, and a chaff bed, at eighteenpence a week.” a The poet’s lodging, however, is no such dingy apartment as this description implies ; it is a large and well-proportioned room, neatly panelled with wood, according to a fashion by no means very antiquated then ; and if he was as well boarded as lodged, the hardy ploughman would find. hia independence exposed to no insurmountable temptation, for all the grandeur of the old Scottish Duchesses, most of whose carriages were only sedan chairs, unless when they preferred the more economical conveyance of a gude pair of pattens I ” Over the doorway of the old house immediately opposite to that of Burns’, in Baxter’s Close, there is a curious and evidently a very ancient lintel,-a relic of some more stately mansion of the olden time, It bears a shield, now much defaced, surmounted by a crown, and above this a cross, with the figure of a man leaning over it, wearing a mitre. The initials, A. S. and E. I., are placed on either side; and above the whole, in antique Gothic letters, is the inscription, BLISSIT BE * THE * LORD IN - HIS * GIFTIS FOR * NOV AND EVIR. We are inclined, from the appearance of this stone, to assign to it an earlier date than that of any other inscription in Edinburgh. The house into which it is built is evidently a much later erection, and no clue is furnished from its titles as to any previous building having occupied the site. It passed by inheritance, in the year 1746, into the possession of Martha White, only child of a wealthy burgess, whose gold won for her, some years later, the honours of Countess of Elgin and Kincardine, Governess to her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Wales, and the parentage of sundry honourable Lady Marthas, Lord Thomases, and the like. Allan Cunningham’s Burns, vol. i. p. 115. Ibid, vol. i p. 131. ... 66 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. the plough, to his friend Richmond, a writer’s apprentice, and accepted the offer ...

Book 10  p. 180
(Score 0.64)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 205 ter of Martia, in Crisp's tragedy of Virginia ;l and, before the end of the season, she performed, with applause, the difficult part of Jane Shore, with Mr. Garrick, Mrs. Cibber, and Mr. Mossop in the other principal characters. From this period Mrs. Yates continued to rise in public estimation, taking her place in the " shining constellation " which then " illuminated the dramatic hemisphere ;" and one of the highest gratifications arising from her success was the means which it afforded her of effectually administering to the wants of her unfortunate father, for whom she made ample provision, and kindly cherished him in his declining years. Her talents were not less versatile than they were uncommon. Limited to no particular line of acting, she appeared with approbation in above ninety characters, many of them the very opposite af each other. In the sublime of tragedy, in elegant or simple comedy, she was equally meritorious and true to nature. '' Great in all," is the words of a contemporaneous notice, " we have seen her, with the same unerring pencil, delineate the haughty, injured, vindictive Margaret of Anjou ; and the patient, uncomplaining, penitent, suffering Shore : the cruel, ambitious, murderous Lady Macbeth, exciting her husband to crimes at which humanity shudders; and the generous, exalted, patriotic Louisa, mildly persuasive-the wife, the mother, and the queen-urging her irresolute Eraganza to mount, by the paths of rectitude and honour, the hereditary throne, of which his ancestors had been unjustly deprived, and defying, in the hour of danger, the swora of the assassin, with that steady heroism which is the companion of conscious virtue ; the tenderly maternal Andromache, Mandone, Zapphira, Thanyris, Lady Randolph : the raving Constance, in the delirium of affliction, lamenting her pretty A~thu;r a nd the despairing Horatia, uttering pretended execrations of her country ; and provoking, with dissembled fury, the dagger of her triumphant brother ; have seen her paint, in the same vivid colours, the lofty Medea-the sublime, wildly-impassioned, commanding daughter of the Sun-and the gentle, artless, bashful Viola, Eut let concealment, like a worm i' the bud, Feed on her damask cheek.' " ' Who never told her love, In comedy she played a variety of characters. Her Lady Townly was peculiarly admirable, having no equal in this character save Mrs. Woffington-an actress of similar beauty, figure, and accomplishments. The private character of Mrs. Yates is said to have been virtuous and exemplary. Mr. Yates, to whom she was married, was an actor of some eminence in Drury Lane when they became acquainted. Their summer residence was for many years at Mortlake, on the Thames. Here the poor experienced the generosity of her disposition to an extent which long endeared her memory. Though accustomed to the highest circles, possessed of a fortune realised by her own 1 This Tragedy, from the pen of Fbbert Jephson, Esq., M.P. f d the borough of Old Leighlin in the Irish Parliament, a dramatic author of the last century, was, on its original appearance, very successful, but fell into neglect after the first season. Jephsoo waa a vigorous and spirited writer, and his dramas are in general well constructed. He died May 31, 1803. It was printed in 8vo. 1775. ... SKETCHES. 205 ter of Martia, in Crisp's tragedy of Virginia ;l and, before the end of the ...

Book 9  p. 275
(Score 0.64)

292 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. says the writer, “is not the sole boast of Mr. H-y C-be; his name as apugilist stands prominent; he is reported to put in a straight blow, in a neater manner than either H-y A-n or Sir T-s A-ce. ‘ My evenings I will with bruisers spend, And FIG the prize-fighter shall be my friend,’ ” The charges brought against the members of the Whig Club, and the scandal retailed by the author of the sketches, were in many instances so extravagant as to carry with them their own antidote ; and it is more than likely that his assertions in the case of Alderman Combe are as little entitled to credit. He is described as having been a “ kind husband, and an indulgent father ; firm and warmly sincere in his friendships.’’ Mirza Abu Taleb Khan, the Persian traveller, describing the entertainment at which he was present, on a Lord Mayor’s-day, speaks of Miss Combe, in the gallery of beauty, as “ the bright moon surrounded with brilliant stars.” The occasion alluded to by the Persian was the annual dinner in 1800, when Lord Nelson One of his daughters was much celebrated for her beauty. % was presented with the sword voted him by the city of London :- “ Some months after my arrival in England, Alderman C[ompe was elected Lord Mayor,‘ and did me the honour of inviting me to his dinner. As soon as I alighted at the door, fifty of his lordship’s attendants, with spears and maces in their hands, came to meet me, and a band of music at the same time commenced playing. I was then conducted with great ceremony to the room where his lordship was sitting with several of the King’s Ministers and other noblemen. “On my entering the apartment, the Lord Mayor took me by the hand, and, having inquired respecting my health, introduced me to the Lady Mayoress, who was dressed as fine as a Queen, and seated with great pomp on a superb sofa. Although it is not customary on these occasions for the Lady Mayoress to return the salutation of any person, yet, in compliment to me as a foreigner, her ladyship rose from her seat. “The dinner having been announced, the Lord Mayor again took my hand,‘and led me to a table which was raised a step or two above the others. He then placed me opposite himself, that he might have an opportunity of attending to me. His lordship sat on the right of the Lady Mayoress; and on his right hand were seated Lord C[oventr]y, Lord S[pense]r, Lord N[elso]n, and several other noblemen. On the left of her ladyship Kere placed the late Mayor and his family. The remainder of the company at this table consisted of the Judges, Aldermen, etc. All the dishes and plates were of embossed silver ; and the greater number of the goblets and cups and the candlesticks, were of burnished gold. In the course of my life, I have never seen such a display of wealth and grandeur. The other tables also appeared to be plentifully and elegantly served ; and, if I could judge from the apparent happiness of the people at thew, they were equally pleased with their entertainment as myself. “After dinner, the healths of the Lord and Lady Mayoress were drunk, with great acclamations ; then the health of the King, and of the Queen ; after which, ‘The prosperity of Lord Nelson ; and may the victory of the Nile be ever remembered !’ was drunk with loud applause. * * As many of the persons who were seated at the lower end of the room could not see who were at the upper table, a short time previous to the ladies quitting the company a petition was sent to the Lord Mayor, to request they might be allowed to pass round the table in small “The table was covered with a profusion of delicious viands, fruits, wines, etc. l There appears to be some mistake in this statement, as Sir William Shines was the newly elected Lord Mayor on this occasion. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. says the writer, “is not the sole boast of Mr. H-y C-be; his name as apugilist ...

Book 9  p. 389
(Score 0.64)

ECCLESIASTICAL ANTIQUITIES. 415 cularly by the gift from Macbeth of Liberton, of the tithes and oblations of Legbernard -a church of which all traces are now lost-onferred on it in the reign of David I., previous to the foundation of Holyrood Abbey. The Chapels of Corstorphine and Liberton pertained to it. The Crown lands surrounding the Castle were bestowed on it by David I., and it claimed tithes of the fishing on the neighbouring coast ; so that it was then the wealthiest church in Scotland, except that of Dunbar ; but from the date of the foundation of St David‘s Abbey of Holyrood it became a vicarage, while the Abbey drew the greater tithes. Besides the high altar, there were in St Cuthbert’s Church several altars, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, to St Anne, and other saints, of most of which no very accurate account is preserved. The ancient church was subjected to many viciseitudes, and greatly modified by successive alterations and repairs, so that comparatively little of the original fabric remained when the whole was demolished about the middle of last century, and the present huge, unsightly barn erected in its stead. In Gordon’s bird‘s-eye view it appears as a large cross church, with a belfry at the west gable, and a large square tower, probably of great antiquity, standing unroofed at the south-west corner of the nave. The ancient church was nearly reduced to a heap of ruins by the Duke of Cordon, during the siege of the Castle in 1689; and little attempt was likely to be made at that period to preserve any of its early features in the necessary repairs preparatory to its again being used as the parish church. Among the dependencies of the ancient Church of St Cuthbert there were the Virgin Mary’s Chapel, Portsburgh, of which nothing more is known than its name and site; and St Roque’s and St John’s Chapels on the Borough Muir. About half a mile to the west of Grange House there stood, till the commencement of the present century, the ruins-of the ancient Chapel of St Roque, dedicated to the celebrated saint of that name. A later writer derives its title from the unconsecrated surname of its supposed founder, Simon La Roque, French ambassador,’ but without assigning any authority. In the treasurer’s accounts for March 20th, 1501-2, the following entry occurs :-“Item, to the wrichtis of Sanct Rokis Chapell xiiij a.” This, it is exceedingly probable, indicates the erection of the chapel, as it corresponds with the apparent date suggested by its style of architecture. It cannot, however, be certainly referred to the chapel on the Borough Muir, as a subsequent entry in 1505, of an offering (‘ to Sanct Rowkis Chapell,” describes the latter as at the end of Stirling Bridge. Of the following, however, there can be no doubt:- ‘( 1507, Augt 15. The Sanct Rowkis day to the kingis offerand in Sanct Rowkis Chapell xiiij s.” That this refers to the chapel on the Borough Muir of Edinburgh is proved by the evidence of two charters signed by the king at Edinburgh on the same day. The shrine of St Roque was the special resort of aflicted outcasts for the cure of certain loathsome diseases. Lindsay, in The Monarchie, describes the saint as himself bearing a boil or ulcer as the symbol of his peculiar powers :- Sanct Roche, weill seisit, men may see, Ane byill new broki on his knee. 1 HiSt. of Weat Kirk, p. 11. Possibly Monsieur Lacrak, ambaeaador in 1567, here meant. It is, at any rate, without doubt, an error, originating probably in the similarity of the namea ... ANTIQUITIES. 415 cularly by the gift from Macbeth of Liberton, of the tithes and oblations of ...

Book 10  p. 455
(Score 0.63)

4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. treat to see his formality in drawing the cork, his precision in filling the glasses, his regularity in drinking the healths of a!1 present in the first glass (which he always did, and at every successive bottle), and then his douce civility in withdrawing.” The peculiar suavity of welcome which he invariably extended to his friends was no less effective. “Walk in, gentlemen,” he would say ; “there’s plenty 0’ corn in Egypt.” The ale for which John obtained so much celebrity was the production of Mr. Archibald Younger, whose brewery was situated in Croft-an-reigh. “ That brewer,” say the Truditim, “ together with John Gray, City-Clerk of Edinburgh ; Mr. John Buchan, W.S. ; Martin, the celebrated portrait-painter,l (the master of Sir Henry Raeburn); and some others, instituted a club here, which, by way of a pun upon the name of the landlord, they called the College of Dowie. Younger’s ale alone was always sold in the house, as it also was at Muut Ha‘- a snug old tavern, kept by one Pringle, in the Playhouse Close, Canongate ; and it was owing to the celebrity which it acquired in these two establishments that ‘ Edinburgh Ale ’ attained its present high character.”, “ Dowie’s Tavern ” was a house of much respectability. He was himself a conscientious, worthy man ; and the majority of his customers were social, but neither intemperate nor debauched in their enjoyments. The moment twelve o’clock struck in St. Giles’s, not another cork would the landlord draw. In answer to the demand for-“ another bottle, John !” his reply invariable was- “Gentlemen, ’tis past twelve: and time to go home.” The following anecdote of ‘‘ Honest John ” is also recorded in the Traditions :-“ David Herd was one night prevented by illness from joining in the malt potations of his friends. He called for first one and then another glass of spirits, which he diluted, more Scotico, in warm water and sugar. When the reckoning came to be paid, the antiquary was suryrised to find the second glass charged a fraction higher than the first, as if John had been resolved to impose a tax upon excess. On inquiring the reason, however, honest John explained it thus :-‘ Whe, sir, ye see the first glass was out 0’ the auld barrel, and the second one was out 0’ the new ; and as the whisky in the new barrel cost me mair than the ither, whe, sir, I’ve just charged a wee mair for’t.’ ” In each of Johnnie’s rooms was a small shelf, whereon he placed the bottles as he emptied them, to enable him to make up the reckoning. When asked This, we suspect, is a mistake. The penon meant is more likely to have been Martin, a writer, already alluded to. At this period it would not have been very safe to have left the tavern between the hours of ten and eleven ; for the moment the clock struck ten the passage of the citizens was impeded, and their garmenta endangered, by certain domestic proceedings, the nature of which has been minutely and graphically described in one of the epistles of Mrs. Winifred Jenkins. As the tenements in the High Street, Lawnmarket, and Parliament Square were of considerable height, and as two or perhaps three families lived in each story, the fire from the windows was exceedingly brisk. The night “ flowers of Edinburgh,” when wafted by the breeze, were somewhat different in their perfume from the Sabaean odours recorded by Milton ; and the worthy inhabitants endeavoured, by burning pieces of brown paper-for smoking waa not then in very general use-to counteract the overpowering exhalations from the streets. It is said that many of the denlen in brown paper realised very considerable sums by the sale only of this useful article. . Martin the painter was a claret drinker. L ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. treat to see his formality in drawing the cork, his precision in filling the glasses, ...

Book 9  p. 4
(Score 0.63)

ECCLESIASTICAL ANTIQUITIES. 407 from the deceased King of Scots’ Palace all or most of his princely library, many books of which are now at Speke, particularly four large folios, said to contain the Records and Laws of Scotland at that time. He also brought from the said Palace the Wainscot of the King’s Hall, and put it up in his own hall at Speke, wherein are seen all the orders of architecture, as Tuscan, Dorick, Ionick, Corinthian, and Composite ; and round the top of it this inscription, ‘ SLEEPE . NOT . TILL . YE . HATHE . CONSEDERD . HOW THOW . WAYS . REPENT . YE.’ ” Speke .Hall still exists as one of the fine old manor-houses of Lancashire, and could this tradition be relied on would form an object of peculiar attraction, as the antique wainscot with its quaint moral still adorns the great hall. It proves, however, to be the work of a later age, corresponding to similar specimens in the neighbouring halls, erected in the reign of Elizabeth. It might, indeed, be confidently affirmed, that the Roman orders were not introduced into Scotland till a considerably later period ; but the above description answers very partially to the original. The tradition, however, is probably not altogether without foundation. Two figures of angels, richly gilt, “in form such as are introduced dnder consoles in Gothic architecture,” formerly surmounted the wainscot, evidently no part of the original design, and these, it is conjectured, may have been among the spoils which were carried off from the Palace in 1547.8 The Abbey of Holyrood frequently afforded accomniodation to the Scottish Court, before the addition of a distinct royal dwelling to the ancient monastic buildings, This, it is probable, was not effected till the reign of Janies IV, It is certain, at any rate, that large sums were spent by him in building and decorating the Palace during the interval of four years between his betrothment and marriage to Margaret of England. In the map to which we have so frequently referred, the present north-west tower, which forms the only ancient portion of the Palace as it now stands, is shown standing almost apart, and only joined to the south-west tower of the Abbey Church by a low cloister. To the south of this appears an irregular group of buildings, of considerable extent, and apparently covered with tiles, while the whole houses in the Canongate seem, from the colouring of the drawing, to be only thatched. It is not necessary, however, further to investigate the early history of the Palace here, as most of the remarkable historicd incidents associated with it have already been referred to. The latest writer who has left any account of the old Palace is John Taylor, the Water poet, in the amusing narrative of his Pennylesse Pilgrimage to Scotland in 1618. The following is his description :-‘‘ I was at his Majestie’s Palace, a stately and princely seate, wherein I saw a sumptuous Chappell, most richly adorned with all appurtenances belonging to so sacred 8 pJace, or so royal1 an owner. In the inner court I saw the King’s Armes cunningly carved in stone, and fixed over a doore aloft on the wall, the Red Lyon being the Crest, over which was written this inscription in Latin :-No6is h c invicta miserunt 106 Proavi. I inquired what the English of it was? it was told me as followeth, which I thought worthy to be recorded-106 Fore-fatAers have left this to us unconquered;”-an interpretation which leads the Water poet into a series of very loyal EL4ST. SPENT. YE. DAY. PAST . IF . THOW. HAVE. WELL . DON. THANK. GOD . LF . OTHEB . Fide Archadogia Scotica, vol. iv. ; from whence the inscription ia correctly given. ’ Ibid, p. 14, ... ANTIQUITIES. 407 from the deceased King of Scots’ Palace all or most of his princely library, ...

Book 10  p. 446
(Score 0.63)

EIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 189 the ghost; but hlr. Smellie, still keeping ahead with a timepiece in his hand, so coaxed and encouraged his portly friend, that he continued his exertions, and actually gained the top of the hill within half-a-minute of the prescribed period. The moment he achieved the victory, he threw himself, or rather fell down, and lay for some time like an expiring porpoise-neither able to stir nor speak a single word. While thus extended at full length, a young cockney student, who had been amusing himself on the hill, came forward, and holding up his hands, exclaimed, as he gazed in amazement at the Captain-“ Good heavens ! what an immense fellow to climb such a hill ! ” When Mr. Burnet had sufficiently recovered, Mr. Smellie and he returned victorious to their friends ; and it need not be doubted, potations deep were drunk in honour of the feat. Few men of his time enjoyed their bottle with greater zest than Captain Burnet ; and at the civic feasts, with which these palmy times abounded, no one did greater execution with the knife and fork. He seldom retired with less than two bottles under his belt, and that too without at all deranging the order of his “ upper story.” “ Two-and-a-half here,” was a frequent exclamation, as he clapped his hand on his portly paunch, if he chanced to meet a quondam ban vivant, on his way home from the festive board. The Captain was altogether a jolly, free sort of fellow, and much fonder of a stroll to the country on a summer Sunday, than of being pent up in a crowded church. In a clever retrospective article in Chai,ibers’ Journal, he is alluded to as one of the “ Turners,” so called from their habit of taking a turn (a walk) on the Sabbath afternoon. “ About one o’clock,’’ says the paper alluded to, “ Mr. J[ohn] L[ittle] might be seen cooling it through Straiton,’ in the midst of a slow procession of bellied men-his hat and wig perhaps borne aloft on the end of his stick, and a myriad of flies buzzing and humming in the shape of a pennon from behind his shining POW. Perhaps Captain B[urnet], of the City Guard, is of the set. He has a brother a farmer about Woodhouselee,’ and they intend to call there and be treated to a check of lamb, or something of that kind, with a glass of spirits and water ; for really the day is very warm. The talk is of Sir Ralph Abercromby, and General Brune, and the Duke of York, and the Texal : or a more interesting subject still, the last week’s proceedings of the Edinburgh Volunteers in the Links.” Captai6 Burnet was also one of the well-known Lawnmarket Club, described in the Traditions as a dram-drinking, newsmongering, facetious set of citizens, who met every morning about seven o’clock ; and after proceeding to the Post Office to ascertain the news, generally adjourned to a public-house, and refreshed themselves with a libation of brandy.” In the parish of Liberton, about four miles south of Edinburgh, on the road to Penicuik, Straiton, possessed by Mr. Jamieson, waa the property of James Johnstone, Esq., M.P. for the Stirling district of burghs. The writer of this haa been under a mistake. Although this may have been the practice of the Club, it is proper to atate that Mr. Burnet He was, however, a keen Mr. Burnet’s brother waa a farmer at Seton. was au exception. politician, and much interested in’ the news of the day. He waa not known to indulge in morning drama. ... SKETCHES. 189 the ghost; but hlr. Smellie, still keeping ahead with a timepiece in his hand, so ...

Book 9  p. 253
(Score 0.63)

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