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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 309
scaffold-but never can I be deprived or be ashamed of the records of my past
life."
A verdict of guilty was returned by the jury, and sentence followed, transporting
the prisoner beyond seas for the period of fourteen years.
Ab. Muir was detained in prison till the 15th of October, when he was
conveyed on board the EoyaE Geoyge excise yacht, Captain Ogilvie, lying
in Leith Roads for London. In the same vessel were sent the following
convicts :-John Grant, convicted of forgery at Inverness ; John Stirling,
concerned in robbing Nellfield House; - Bauchope, for stealing watches ; and
James Illackay, who had been condemned to death for street robbery. The
feeling of degradation which Muir must have experienced in being thus classed
with thieves and robbers was in some degree alleviated by the presence of the
Rev. Thomas Fyshe Palmer, who had been tried on the 12th September
previous, for publishing a political address written by George Mealmaker.
Immediately on the arrival of the prisoners in the Thames they were put on
board the hulks, where they were detained so long that Skirving and Margarot
were in time t o be shipped in the same transport for New South Wales.'
1 The following lines, written by the author on board the tranaport that was about to carry him
into exile, independent of their poetical merit, are rendered interesting from the circumstances under
which they were penned :- '' Surprise Tramport, Portsmouth,
" Ha&. 12, 1794.
" TO MR. MOFFAT, WITH A GOLD WATCH AND CHAIN FROM MR. MUIR.
" This gift, this little gift, with heart sincere,
An exile, wafted from his native land,
To friendship tried, bequeaths with many a tear,
Whilst the dire bark still lingers on the strand
" These sorrows stream from no ignoble cause ;
I weep not o'er my own peculiar wrong,-
Say, when approving conscience yields applause,
Should private sorrow claim the votive song ?
'' But, ah I I mark the rolling cloud from far,
Collect the dark'ning horrors of the storm ;
With civil blood, the civil field deform.
" Roll on, ye years of grief, your fated course I
Roll on, ye years of agony and blood !
But, ah I of civil rage, when dried the source,
From partial evil spring up general good.
And, 10 ! I see the frantic fiend of war,
" Alas ! my Moffat, from the dismal shore
Of cheerless exile, when I slow return,
What solemn ruins must I then deplore 1
What awful desolation shall I mourn ?
" Paternal mansion I mouldering in decay,
Thy close-barred gate may give no welcome kind ;
May harshly cry-another mansion find.
Another lord, sa lingering in delay, ... SKETCHES. 309 scaffold-but never can I be deprived or be ashamed of the records of my ...

Book 8  p. 433
(Score 0.91)

BI 0 GRAPH I GAL SKETCH E S. 317
cxxx.
CAPTAIN JAMES JUSTICE OF JUSTICE HALL,
AND
A LADY IN THE COSTUME OF 1790.
SIR JAMESJ USTICdeEsc,e nded from a family of that name in England, came
to Scotland about the end of the seventeenth century, and held the office of
Clerk to the Scottish Parliament. He acquired the estate of Crichton, with the
celebrated castle, in the county of Edinburgh, which he left to his son, James
Justice, Esq., who was one of the principal Clerks of the Court of Session. This
gentleman was very fond of horticulture ; and was the author of a book entitled
“Justice’s Scots Gardener ”-a work which, as the result of practical experience
with reference to the soil and climate of Scotland, was formerly in great repute,
and is still worthy of consultation. The author was so great an enthusiast in
this favourite pursuit, that he spent large sums in importing foreign seeds,
roots, and trees. The collecting of tulips being one of the fancies of his day,
Nr. Justice was so deeply affected with the mania, that he has been known not
to hesitate giving 350, or sometimes more,’ for a single rare tulip root. The
extravagance of this propensity, with other causes, rendered it necessary for
him to part with his estate of Crichton; and about the year 1735 it became
the property of Mark Pringle, Esq.’ With the residue of the price of this large
property Mr. Justice purchased some lands in the vicinity of the village of
Ugston, or Oxton, in the parish of Channelkirk and county of Berwick, where
he built a mansion-house, which he called Justice Hall-a name which it still
retains.
By his second marriage Mr. Justice left an only son (the subject of the
Print), who was born about the year 1755 ; but at what period he succeeded
his father is not exactly known. He entered the army as an officer in the
marine service ; served abroad during the American war, and attained the rank
of Captain. He was above six feet in height and well proportioned. His
“he rage for tulips was, for a long series of years, peculiar to the Dutch, who used to give very
large prices for single roots of a rare description. For a short period it was very prevalent in Britain,
where a gentleman is reported to have given a thousand pounds for a black tulip-he being at the
time the owner of another root of the same description. Upon making the purchase he put the
root below hi heel and destroyed it, observing that nuw he was the possessor of the only black tulip
in the world I ! !
a This gentleman killed William Scott of Raehurn, great grand-uncle of Sir Walter, in a duel.
They fought with swords, aa was the fashion of the time, in a field near Selkirk, called, from the
catastrophe, the Rseburn Meadow. Mr. Pringle fled to Spain, and was long a captive and slave in
Barbary.-l;ockhart’s f i f e of Scott, p. 4, vol. i ... 0 GRAPH I GAL SKETCH E S. 317 cxxx. CAPTAIN JAMES JUSTICE OF JUSTICE HALL, AND A LADY IN THE COSTUME OF ...

Book 8  p. 446
(Score 0.9)

JAMES V. TO ABDICATION OF QUEEN MARK 73
June 1562, tAe idol was ordered to be cut out of the town’s standard, &nd a thistle
to be substituted in its place, though the
saint‘s fawn has been since allowed to
appear in his stead.
During this year the Council made
application to the Queen to grant them the
grounds belonging to the Black Friars,
lying to the south, between the Cowgate
and the town wall, to build an hospital
thereon -for the poor; and also the Kirkof-
Field, with all the adjoining buildings
and ground, to erect there a public school,
together with their revenues for endowing
the same. They also, at the same time,
besought her to grant them the yards and
site of the Greyfriars’ monastery, ‘‘ being
somewhat distant from the town,” for the
purpose of a public burial-place. The Queen, in reply, granted the last request, appointing
the Greyfriars’ Yard to be devoted to the use of the town for the specified purpose ;
and for the rest, she engaged, so soon as sufficient funds were secured for building the
hospital and school, that she would provide a convenient site for them. The whole,
however, were at length made over to the magistrates, in the year 1566, for the purposes
specified.
Great excitement was occasioned in Edinburgh at this time, by an act of violence
perpetrated by the Earl of Bothwell, with the aid of the Marquis D’Elboeuf aud Lord
John Coldingham. They broke open the doors of Cuthbert Ramsay’s house, in $t Mary’s
Wynd, during the night, and made violent entry iu search for his daughter-in-law, Alison
Craig, with whom the Earl of Arran was believed to be enamoured. A strong remonstrance
was presented to the Queen on this occasion, beseeching her to bring the .
perpetrators to punishment ; but the matter was hushed up, with promises of amendment.
Emboldened by their impunity, Bothwell and his accomplices proceeded to further violence.
They assembled in the public streets during the night, with many of their friends. Gavin
Hamilton, abbot of Kilwinning, who had joined the reforming party, resolved to check
them in their violent proceedings. He accordingly armed his servants and retainem and
sallied out to oppose them, and a serious affray took place between the Cross and. the
Trone ; shot and bolts flew in every direction ; the burghers were mustered by the‘ringing
of the town bells, and rival leaders were sallying out to the assistance of their friends,
when the Earls of Murray and Huntly, who were then residing in the Abbey, mustered
their adherents at the Queen’s request, and put a stop to the tumult. Bothwell afterwards
successfully employed the mediation of Knox, to procure a reconciliation with Gavin
Hamilton, the Earl of Arran, and others of his antagonists.’
The Parliament met at Edinburgh bn the 26th of May 1563. It was the first time that
Knox’s Hist., pp. 279, 280. Keitb, vol. ii. p. 130.
VIaamThSt &lee-from the Common seal of the City of Edinburgh, 1565.
K ... V. TO ABDICATION OF QUEEN MARK 73 June 1562, tAe idol was ordered to be cut out of the town’s standard, ...

Book 10  p. 80
(Score 0.89)

B I 0 GRAPH I C AL SI< E T C HE S. 165
he continued regularly to visit his friends in Scotland ; and, among others, the
Hon. William Maule (afterwards Lord Panmure), of whom he always spoke in
terms of high respect and esteem. After the Doctor became unable to travel,
Lord Panmure, in his journeys to or from London, was in the practice of calling
for him at Alnwick-a mark of attention of which he felt proud.
For many years Dr. Turnbull was senior freeholder in the counties of Fife
and Kincardine. About the beginning of the century, upon occasion of a
general election, a venerable Baronet, at the head of one of the courts of law,
stood as candidate to represent the latter county in Parliament ; and an application
was made to the Doctor for his vote. He promised to vote for the
candidate, provided he would answer certain questions. This having been
assented to, the Doctor proceeded to put his interrogatories-one of which was,
Why the candidate challenged Mr. Fox to fight a duel? The answer to the
question did not give entire satisfaction ; but the Doctor agreed to support the
candidate, on the condition that, “ if returned member for the county, he would,
in his place in Parliament, vote against war and oppression of every kind, both
at home and abroad, and against iniquity and injustice, whenever such might
be attempted.” He required a guarantee for these conditions, which was
immediately offered by the candidate.
On Mr. Kay’s first publication of this Print, in place of taking offence, as
others had done, at the freedom used, the Doctor purchased a large number for
distribution among his friends. He merely remarked that the artist had in one
respect not done him justice, as the picture represented him wearing unblackened
shoes, whereas his shoes were daily cleaned and blackened.
As a landlord, Dr. Turnbull was liberal and indulgent in no ordinary degree;
and although in many things he required strictness and punctuality, his principle
was, never to exact from his tenants more than they were easily able to pay for
their lands. Besides, he took great pleasure in administering to their comfort
and happiness, and nothing afforded him more satisfaction than to hear of their
prosperity.
From his early introduction into society, about the middle of the last century,
Dr. Turnbull, in dress, habits, and manners, naturally belonged to the “ olden
time ; ” and having been acquainted with many of the most eminent men of his
day, he possessed a fund of amusing anecdote and interesting information
rega.rding the past. He was a man of rather eccentric habits ; yet his sterling
integrity of principle, and his never-ceasing charity and good will to his fellowcreatures-
qualities which might have covered a multitude of sins-nobly
redeemed a few innocent and harmless peculiarities. Withal, he possessed in a
high degree the air and manner of a well-bred gentleman and man of the
world-and had received from society all its polish and refinement, without
contracting any of its heartlessness and insincerity. To the last his affections
were warm, his benevolence active, and his sympathy with the cause of liberty
unchilled even by the frost of age. He died at Alnwick in 1831, in the eightyfourth
year of his age. ... I 0 GRAPH I C AL SI< E T C HE S. 165 he continued regularly to visit his friends in Scotland ; and, among ...

Book 9  p. 222
(Score 0.88)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 183
he answered surlily, ‘‘ Tell Madame the Marchioness, that I do not run about
the town to paint.” Some friends representing to him the impropriety of such
a message, he promised to go to Versailles on a certain day, provided no one
were permitted to interrupt him. On his arrival he repeated the condition,
requesting leave to consider himself at home, that he might paint at his ease.
This being granted, he took off his buckles, garters, and neckcloth ; hung his
wig upon a girandole, and put on a silk cap which he had in his pocket. In
this dishabille he began his work, when prese%tly the King entered. “Did
you not promise me, Madam,” said the painter, rising and taking off his cap,
‘‘ that we should not be interrupted 1” The King, laughing at his appearance
and rebuke, pressed him to go on. “It is impossible for me to obey your
Majesty,” answered he ; “ I will return when the Marchioness is alone.” WitL
this he took up his buckles, garters, neckcloth, and periwig, and went into the
next room to dress himself, muttering as he went, that he did not like to be
interrupted. The favourite of the king yielded to the painter’s caprice, and
the portrait was finished. It was a full-length, as large as life, afterwards
exhibited at the Louvre, and perhaps the greatest work of the kind ever
executed.
M. de Latour painted all the Royal Family, and both Court and city crowded
to his closet. With an agreeable talent for conversation, just ta.ste, a memory
stored with extensive knowledge, and an excellent heart, he could not be
destitute- of friends. His house was resorted to by the most distinguished
artists, philosophers, and literati of the capital. Favoured by the sovereign,
and by the heir-apparent, he was devoid of pride, and had the modesty twice
to refuse the order of St. Michael.
In private, M. de Latour was a useful member of society, generous, and
humane. The desire of making others happy was his predominant, or rather
sole passion. Gratitude published, in spite of him, his numerous acts of
benevolence, and his door was continually surrounded by the needy.
Amongst the useful establishments to which M. de Latour turned his
thoughts, painting-the source of his fame, and in great measure of his fortune
-particularly claimed his attention. He gave a sum (equal to four hundred
guineas) to found an annual prize for the best piece of linear and aerial perspective
alternately, to be adjudged by the Academy of Painting at Paris.
Persuaded too of the benefits of good morals and useful arts, he founded an
annual prize of twenty guineas, to be distributed by the Academy of Amiens to
the most worthy action, or most useful discovery in the arts. He also founded
and endowed two establishments : one for the support of indigent childrenthe
other, an asylum for distressed age; and, at St. Quentin, a free school for
drawing.
Having enjoyed all the pleasures attached to celebrity in the capital, AT. de
Latour at length retired to the place of his nativity, His entrance into St.
Quentin resembled a triumph--a mark of respect to which, as the benefactor
of mankind, as well as for his talent,s, he was justly entitled. ... SKETCHES. 183 he answered surlily, ‘‘ Tell Madame the Marchioness, that I do not run about the ...

Book 9  p. 245
(Score 0.87)

310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
At Sydney they were treated by Governor Hunter (a Scotsman) with all the
humanity in his power. Here Muir purchased a piece of land, and busied himself
in its improvement; while in the society of his exiled companions, he
enjoyed as much happiness as the peculiarity of his situation would permit.
After remaining in the " distant land of exile " nearly two years, he found means
to escape in an American vessel (the Otter) which had been fitted out at New
York by some individuals, for the purpose of aiding him in his escape, and
which had anchored at Sydney for the ostensible purpose of taking in wood
and water, With the Otter he sailed for the United States; but, unfortunately,
having occasion to touch at Nootka Sound, he found that a British sloopof-
war had unexpectedly arrived a short time before ; and as this vessel had only
left Sydney a day or two previous to the Otter, Muir deemed it prudent to go
on shore-preferring to travel over the whole American continent to the risk
of detection.
After many hardships he at length found a passage on board a Spanish
frigate bound for Cadiz; but Spain being then leagued with the Republic
of France, on arriving off the port of Cadiz, the frigate was ittacked by a
British man-of-war, A desperate engagement ensued, in which Muir is said to
have fought with great bravery, and was severely wounded. On the surrender
of the frigate he was concealed on board for six days, and then sent on
shore with the other wounded prisoners. In a letter from Cadiz, dated 14th
August 1797, he thus describes his situation :-" Contrary to my expectation,
I am at last nearly cured of my numerous wounds. The Directory have shown
me great kindness. Their solicitude for an unfortunate being, who has been
so cruelly oppressed, is a balm of consolation which revives my drooping spirits.
The Spaniards detain me as a prisoner, because I am a Scotsman ; but I have
" And oh, my Moffat ! whither shall I roam ?
Flow, flow, ye tears ! perhaps the funeral bier ;
No-flourish Hope-from thee I ask a home,-
Thy gentle hand shall wipe an exile's tear.
" Yes, we shall weep o'er each lamented grave
Of those who joined us in stern Freedom's cause ;
These tears shall Freedom honour with applause.
And, as the moisten'd turf our tears shall lave,
" I soon shall join the dim aerial band,-
This stream of life has little time to flow.
Should close-enough-'tis all I ask below.
Oh ! if my dying eyes thy soothing hand
" This little relic, Moffat, I bequeath
While life remains, of friendship, just and pnre,-
This little pledge of love, surviving death,
Friendship immortal, and re-union aure.
" THOMASM UIR"
Mr. William Moffat, to whom this flattering mark of esteem is addressed, resided in Edinburgh.
He w89 admitted a Solicitor in 1791, and wa5 the legal agent of Mr. Muir. His son, Mr. Thomas
Muir Moffat, is named after the Reformer. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. At Sydney they were treated by Governor Hunter (a Scotsman) with all the humanity in ...

Book 8  p. 434
(Score 0.87)

272 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
The regiment remained in Ireland till 1775, when, after an absence of thirtytwo
years, it embarked at Donaghadee for Scotland, where it did not long
remain. The War of Independence having broken out, the corps was again
destined for America. Previous to leaving Glasgow, in 1776, the soldiers
were supplied with new arms and accoutrements, including broadswords and
pistols, which latter were provided by the Colonel. They sailed from Greenock
on the 14th of May, and were constantly engaged in the arduous struggle
which ensued in the New World, until peace was concluded in 1783. Here we
may mention that during this war the broadsword was laid aside, from a belief
that it retarded the progress of the men while marching through the woods ;
and it has never since been resumed. At the termination of the war, the
regiment was removed to Nova Scotia, and did not return to Scotland till the
year 1790.
On the breaking out of the war with France, in 1794, it was again actively
engaged in Flanders-fought at the battle of Nimeguen, and suffered in the
harassing retreat to Bremen ; and when that short and unsuccessful campaign
had been finished, was embarked for the West Indies, where, under the gallant
Abercromby, it assisted in reconquering these islands from the French.
The
conduct of the Royal Highlanders at Alexandria, where the Invincibles of
France were broken and defeated, became the theme of general commendation.
It is worthy of remark, that the only man in all England who attempted to
depreciate their fame was the late William Cobbett, who attempted, in his
Register, to show that the standard surrendered to Major Stirling of the 42d,
had been taken by one Lutz of another regiment. This petty hostility, on
the part of the “Lion of Bottley,” proceeded from the vulgar and narrowminded
prejudice which his splenetic disposition entertained towards everything
appertaining to Scotland or Scotsmen; an antipathy, however, which he
had the candour to renounce, after he had actually visited the country, and
seen Scotland as she is. So great was the enthusiasm of the public at the
success of the British arms, that the Highland Society of London resolved to
present their soldier-countrymen of the 42d Regiment with a handsome mark
of their approbation; but the affair of the standard led to a communication
with some of the officers, which, from a mistaken notion of honour on the part of
the latter, had the effect of retarding for a time the intentions of the Society.’
“At a fete given at the
Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, on the 13th of January 1802,” says a journal
of that date, “ Major Stirling, of the 42d regiment, appeared in the full uniform
of that gallant corps, He was received with loud and most enthusiastic
applause, the music striking up the favourite air of ‘ The Garb of Old Gaul.’ ’’
The next ‘‘ field of glory” was the well-known campaign in Egypt.
Much national feeling prevailed at this period.
AS we have already noticed in the memoir of the Marquis of Huntly, the late Duke of York,
being President of the Society in 1817, presented the Marquis, on behalf of the 42d Regiment, with
a superb piece of plate. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. The regiment remained in Ireland till 1775, when, after an absence of thirtytwo years, ...

Book 9  p. 362
(Score 0.87)

UISTORICAL INCIDENTS AFTER THE RESTORA TION. 115
ancient building had been preserved ; the heads, in basso relievo, which surmounted seven
of. the arches, have been referred, by eminent antiquaries, to the remote era of the lower
empire. Four of these were placed by Mr Walter Ross, in his tower at Deanhaugh,
and on its demolition in 1814, they were secured by Sir Walter Scott, along with a large
shallow stone basin, which served as the fountain from whence wine was distributed at the
Crosa on occasions of festivity. All of these objects are now among the antiquities at
Abbotsford.
The ancient pillar which surmounted the octagonal
building, has been described by Arnot,’ and most of his
mccessors, as a “column consisting of one stone upwards
of twenty feet high, spangled with thistles, and
adorned with a Corinthian capital.” It is still preserved
on the Drum estate, near Edinburgh, whither it was
removed by Lord Somerville in 1756, but it in no way
* corresponds with this description.’ It is an octagonal
gothic pillar, built of separate stones, held together by
iron clamps, with a remarkably beautiful gothic capital,
consisting of dragons. with their heads and tails intertwined,
and surmounted by a battlemented top, on
which the unicorn was formerly seated, holding an iron
cross.
From this ancient edifice, rogd proclamations, and
the more solemn denunciations of the law, were announced;
and here also the chief pageants were displayed
on occasions of public rejoicings. Before the art
of printing was invented, all Acts of Parliament and other
matters of public interest were published from it to the
people, and from thence also the mimic heralds of the
unseen world, cited the gallant James and the nation’s
chivalry to the domains of Pluto, immediately before the Battle of Flodden.
No incident in history appears to us more strongly to mark the perversion of taste, and
the total absence of the wholesome spirit of veneration, that prevailed during the eighteenth
century, than the demolition of this most interesting national monument. The love of
destructiveness could alone instigate the act, for its site was in the widest part of the High
Street, at a time when the Luckenbooths narrowed the upper part of that thoroughfare to
half its breadth, and immediately below it stood the guard-house, “ a long, low, ugly building,
which, to a fanciful imagination, might have suggested the idea of a long black snail
crawling up the middle of the High Street; and deforming its beautiful esplanade.”’ No
such haste, however, was shown in removing this unsightly building. Its deformity gave no
offence to civic taste, and it continued to encumber the street till near the close of the century.
Propositions have been. made at various times for the restoration of the City Cross.
\$
1 Arnot, p. 303. * Restored in front of St Giles’s Cathedral, 1869.
Heart of Mid-Lotbian, vol. i. p. 247.
VmNErrE-The c a p i d of the City Croua. ... INCIDENTS AFTER THE RESTORA TION. 115 ancient building had been preserved ; the heads, in basso ...

Book 10  p. 126
(Score 0.87)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 303
During his travels he had been an attentive observer, and kept a journal to
which, on his return, he gave the title of the “Wonderful Book ;” wherein were
recorded his opinions on whatever he imagined might be curious or instructive
to his countrymen.
Thus recommended by his talents, and especially for his knowledge of Indian
affairs, seconded by the influence of an uncle, who then held the office of Minister
of Finance, Aboul Hassan was chosen for the important mission to Britain
already mentioned. After a stay of nearly seven months his Excellency quitted
England, accompanied by Sir G. Ouseley, as minister at the Court of Persia.
On the passage the vessel touched at Rio Janeiro, and his Excellency had thus,
for the first time, an opportunity of seeing the New World, On his arrival in
<Persia he was honoured with the title of Khan, and every mark of confidence
was shown him by the King. In 1813 he was employed to conclude a peace
with Russia ; and immediately proceeding to St. Petersburgh, remained there
upwards of three years.
The
embassy bn this occasion appeared to be more for the purpose of cultivating
friendly relations generally, than for the attainment of any specific object.
Besides innumerable other presents from the King, the Ambassador had with
him sixteen of the finest horses in the Persian dominions as a compliment to
the Prince Regent. These, under the charge of the King’s head groom, arrived
in London some time prior to the Ambassador, who, coming by France, remained
in Paris much longer than he intended, being greatly captivated with the gaiety
of the French capital.’
On this side the channel public curiosity was excited by the frequent and
sometimes extravagant announcements in the Parisian journals. mie beauty
of the “ Fair Circassian,” by whom he was accompanied, was so much extolled
that, “ like another Ellen,” she had almost “ fired another Troy.” ‘‘ The beautiful
Circassian,” says one of the journals, “has been so closely confined that not a
single person has been able to obtain a sight of her, though thousands crowd
daily round her hotel, in the vain hope of a glimpse.” The Gazette de Fraw
was more minute in its details :-“ Exiled to her chamber, inaccessible to all
the world, she dares not even appear at her window without being covered
with a large veil j and she is not relieved from this restraint except when her
master is out with his people. She then walks about in her apartment without
meeting any one save the females of the hotel, or the two persons charged to
watch her. If she chance to meet the females she becomes quite joyous with
spirits-she plays with them-romps with them ; but on the least noise she
disappears and shuts herself up in her cabinet. Some ladies, among them Lady
Somerset, solicited the Ambassador to permit the interesting stranger to pass
an evening at their houses j but their entreaties were all to no purpose.”
The fair prisoner thus became an object of intense interest, and her arrival
in London was looked for with impatience. At length it was announced that
At one of the balls given in honour of him, be was heard to say, in an under tonu, “This
world is the prison of the true believer, but the paradise of the infidel ! ”
The next visit of Aboul Hassan to Great Britain occurred in 1819. ... SKETCHES. 303 During his travels he had been an attentive observer, and kept a journal to which, on ...

Book 9  p. 404
(Score 0.86)

16 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH.
‘of the Chancellor, in the Castle of Edinburgh. His increasing years, however, seem to
have led to his enjoying greater liberty of person, as well as deference to his opinion.
Under the guidance of the Bishops of Aberdeen and Moray, then residing in Edinburgh,
a conference was held in the church of St Giles, between him and his rival guardians,
which, from their mutual hatred to the Earl of Douglas, again led to an amicable arrangement,
the King making choice of Edinburgh Castle as the place where he should continue
to reside.
No sooner were the rival statesmen reconciled, than they consulted together to aecure
the overthrow of the Douglas, whose exorbitant power was employed for the most oppressive
and tyrannical objects. To have openly proceeded against him as a criminal, while at
the head of his numerous forces, would only have proved the sequel for a civil war. He
was accordingly invited to Edinburgh, with the most flattering assurances of friendship.
On the way, the Chancellor met him at Crichton Castle, about twelve miles &E. of
Edinburgh, where he was entertained with every mark of hospitality, insomuch so as to
have excited the jealous fears of his friends. He rode thereafter to the Castle of Edinburgh,
accompanied by his brother and Sir Malcolm Fleming of Cumbernauld : they were received
with every show of welcome, and admitted to the same table with the King ; but, towards
t.he close of the entertainment, a bull’s head, the well-known symbol of destruction, was
set before them. They recognised the fatal signal, and sprang from the board, but being
immediately surrounded by armed men, they were led forth, in defiance of the tears and
entreaties of the young King, and immediately beheaded 66 in the back court of the Castle
that lyeth to the west ; ” or, according to Balfour, in the great hall of the Castle.’ In the
year 1753, some workmen digging for a foundation to a new storehouse within the Castle,
found the golden handles and plates of a coffin, which are supposed to have belonged to
that in which the Earl of Douglas was interred8
From a protest afterwards taken by the son of Sir Malcolm Fleming, against the
sentence of his father, as being unwarrantable and illegal, as well as from the fact of no
attempt being made to bring the Chancellor to trial for the deed when the Douglas faction
prevailed, there would seem to have been some form of trial, and a sentence of condemnation
pronounced, with the assumed authority of the King.+ The popular estimation of the
deed may be inferred from the rude rhymes quoted by Hume of Godscroft :-
“ Edinburgh Castle, towne and tower,
God grant thou sinke for sinne ;
An’ that even for the black dinner
Earle Douglm gat therein.”
The Chancellor continued to maintain possession of the Castle, even when the Douglas
party succeeded in obtaining the guardianship of the young King, and used the royal
authority for demanding its surrender. Here he held out during a siege of nine months,
till he succeeded in securing satisfactory terms for himself; while of his less fortunate
coadjutors some only redeemed their lives with their estates, and the others, including
three members of the Livingstone family, were all tried and beheaded within its walls.
History of the Douglasses, 1643, p. 165.
Arnot, p. 11.
* Balfour’s Aunals, vol. i. p. 169. ‘ Nartial Achievements, vol. ii. p. 330. ... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. ‘of the Chancellor, in the Castle of Edinburgh. His increasing years, however, seem ...

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254 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
The Society of Writers to the Signet requested his lordship to allow his
portrait to be painted for the Society; and the picture, as painted by Mr.
Watson Gordon, in the robes of Justice General, is now hung in the staircase
of the library.
No. CCLIV.
RIGHT HON. CHARLES HOPE,
LIEUT.-COLONEL, COMMANDING THE EDINBURGH VOLUNTEERS.
WHEN the warlike spirit of the country was roused by the menacing attitude
of “haughty Gaul,” no one stepped forward in her defence with greater alacrity
than Lord President Hope, who was then Sheriff of Orkney. He enrolled himself
as one of the First Regiment of Royal Edinburgh Volunteers, and served in
it as a private and Captain of the Left Grenadiers till 1801, when, by the unanimous
recommendation of the corps, he was appointed Lieut.-Colonel. From
that period, with the exception of one year, when the corps was disbanded at
the peace of Amiens in 1802, he continued in command until the regiment was
again disembodied in 18 14. His lordship did much to improve the discipline,
and animate the zeal of. the Volunteers. While he personally set an example
of unweaiied exertion, his speeches on particular occasions, and his correspondence
with the Commander-in-Chief, breathed a patriotism not less pure than
hearty in the common cause. ‘(We did not take up arms to please any minister
or set of ministers,” is his declaration on one occasion, “but to defend our
native land from foreign and domestic enemies.”
On the King’s birthday, 1807, the Volunteers paid a handsome compliment
to their commander, Previous to the grand military parade in honour of his
Majesty, the regiment having been formed into a hollow square, Thomas Martin
Esq., sergeant of grenadiers, in name of the non-commissioned officers and
privates, presented him with a valuable sword, of superb and exquisite workmanship,
as a testimony of their regard for him as an officer and a gentleman ;
and for his great attention in promoting the discipline and welfare of the regiment.
Mr, Martin addressed the Lieut.-Colonel in the following words :-
“ I am deputed to deliver you a sword, as a small mark of the sincere regard and high esteem
entertained for you by your fellow-soldiers of the regiment.
“ It is now upwards of thirteen years since an alarming and eventful crisis gave birth to the
volunteer system. On that occasion this regiment was among the first to step forward in
defence of our King and country. We recollect with pleasure your serving in the ranks ; and,
by your exemplary attention, affording an instructive and impressive lesson of the first duties of
a soldier. When afterwards called, by the unanimous voice of your associates, to command us,
we found your abilities as an officer not less conspicuous than yonr conduct as a private. In
both capacities you have earned the meed dearest to a mind such as yours, the gratitude and
affection of your fellow-citizens.
‘‘ I consider it a happy coincidence, that the first opportunity which has occurred for
presenting this sword should be the birthday of our beloved Sovereign. In putting it into your
hands, we add an additional safeguard to his sacred person and throne, while we feel assured ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. The Society of Writers to the Signet requested his lordship to allow his portrait to ...

Book 9  p. 336
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156 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
of ropes and a ball, completed their equipment. Besides enjoying a species of
monopoly within the city, they formed themselves into a Society, the entry money
to which was jive pounds, and the quarterly dues 3s. 6d. This high rate was
no doubt suggested from exclusive motives. As the city increased, many new
sweepers had commenced on their own account in the suburbs, and not a few
had been admitted to participate in the privileges of the Don-men ; although
the annual allowance of a guinea continued to be limited to the original number ;
and, as a distinguishing mark, none but the twelve were permitted to wear the
broad bonnet.
The Society of Tron-men, like most other exclusive bodies, were not without
entertaining a due estimate of their own importance and respectability. As an
instance, one of the members-Robert Hunter-was expelled the Society, and
virtually banished to Leith for the space of five years, for having brought
dishonour on the fraternity, by assisting the authorities at the execution of
Captain Ogilvie-the paramour of the celebrated Catharine Nairne-on the 13th
November 1765.
After his condemnation, every exertion was made by the friends of the
Captain to procure a reversal of the sentence, by an appeal to the House of
Lords. The competency of such a proceeding had not then been finally settled ;
and, with the view of giving time for considering the question, four successive
reprieves were obtained for the prisoner-the first three for fourteen days, and
the last for seven. He was then warned to prepare for death, an appeal from
the High Court of Justiciary having been deemed irregular by the officers of
the Crown. Finding all other means of escape impossible, the Captain’s friends
contrived to bribe the finisher of the law ; in the fallacious belief that if the
rope failed he could not legally be thrown off a second time. Accordingly, on
the day of execution, no sooner had the culprit been turned off than “ the noose
of the rope slipped, and he fell to the ground.” The Captain was immediately
laid hold of; but he resisted with great vigour. By the “ assistance of the city
servants,” he was again dragged up the ladder and despatched.’ As one of the
“ city servants,” Hunter had rendered essential aid, for which, as affirmed, he
received a reward of five pounds ; and his conduct having been greatly censured
by his brethren of the Tron, he was expelled the Society in the manner already
described. Hunter died about 1812.
When the City Guard-House was demolished in 1785, the Tron-men, along
with the Guard, were accommodated in the Old Assembly Rooms-a part of
the premises being appropriated for their use, to which they entered from Bell’s
Wynd. Owing to the great increase of the city, and sundry other causes, the
chimney-sweepers began to feel the attendance exacted from them extremely
This is not the only instance in which the non-men were associated with the common executioner
in the performance of his duty. In 1746, when the standards belonging to the army of Prince
Charles were publicly burned at the Cross, by order of the Duke of Cumberland, they were carried
in procession from the Castle by the hangman and thirteen chimney-sweepers. The standards were
destroyed one by one, a herald proclaiming to whom they respectively belonged. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. of ropes and a ball, completed their equipment. Besides enjoying a species of monopoly ...

Book 9  p. 209
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358 B I0 GR AP H I C AL S KET C HE S.
of the murder, and collected many facts which tended to throw suspicion upon
him.
Mackcoull arrived in Dublin towards the end of November, or beginning of
December, following the death of Begbie.
Captain Moffat, frequented the gaming-tables, and was looked upon as a person
of respectability, till detected in the act of picking a gentleman’s pocket in the
pit of the theatre, for which he was committed to Newgate, but liberated before
the sessions commenced, in consequence of the death of his prosecutor.
About the end of October 1807 he returned to Edinburgh, took genteel lodgings
in Mid Rose Street, dressed well, and went out much in public. He associated
with many of the higher order of gamblers, and was frequently a guest at the
table of young men of fortune. He seldom went to Leith, and when met by
any of his former acquaintances, accounted for his absence by saying he had made
a voyage to the West Indies. He pretended at this period to make his living
by a new system of staining lamb and sheep skins; and he had a vat or two
erected at his lodgings, the better to deceive his acquaintances. Not long after
his return, the large notes of which Begbie had been robbed were found carelessly
laid in the hole of an old wall in Bellevue grounds on the north side of
the town then being taken down to make way for building. Mackcoull had
been often seen walking in this direction, and it was conceived that, afraid to
put the notes in circulation, he had adopted this mode of restoring them.’
Immediately after this, he changed his lodgings, taking up his abode at a gardener’s
house, about a mile distant, on the opposite or south side of the city.
This movement he accounted for on the score of ill health. Here he likewise
carried his vats, and kept up the show of shining leather ; but it was observed
that he always had plenty of money and wrokght very little. He was a great
favourite in the neighbourhood-smoked, and drank, and joked with every one j
and all his new acquaintances were fond of the “English gentleman.” Here
his wife paid him a visit, and being a well-bred woman, and dressed in the first
style of fashion, her appearance tended greatly to strengthen her husband‘s
credit.
At length, however, his good character waa blasted. The well-known vocalist,
Incledon, having played a few nights at the Edinburgh Theatre, immense
numbers flocked to see him, and it was !observed that Moffat was so fond
of theatricals, “that although then very corpulent, he did not care how much
he was jostled in the crowd.” On one of these occasions he was discovered in
an attempt to pick a gentleman’s pocket. n e got off with the money, and
Here he represented himself as ’
country.
agreed to put a particular mark on their notes, in order to ensure detection.
immediately intimated to the pmviucial banks and acted upon.
the grounda of Bellevue.
discovery.
plaoe where the murder waa committed.
not in Edinburgh at the time.
A meeting of all the bankers in Edinburgh w a ~ held next forenoon, at which they
This resolution waa
1 For more than three wekap&w, it was rumoured everywhere that they had been found in
This report must have been circulated for the purpose of leading to their
It is rather curious that the person who found them-a won-resided at the very
He had no ditficulty in proving, however, that he was ... B I0 GR AP H I C AL S KET C HE S. of the murder, and collected many facts which tended to throw suspicion ...

Book 9  p. 477
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 287
afterwards, with much inconsistency, established another, having similar objects
in view, called the Royal Society of Edinburgh,
Although engaged in literary and antiquarian research, the Earl of Buchan
was far from being an indifferent spectator of passing events. He did not enter
the political arena ; but when invasion threatened common r&, he not only
with his pen endeavoured to create union among his countrymen, but, buckling
on his sword, essayed to rouse them by example.
The Earl, however, was no adherent of the powers that were ; and when the
interference of the Court had completely set aside all semblance of freedom in
the election of the Scottish peers, he stood forward in defence of his order;
and, although he long fought singly, he at last succeeded in asserting its
independence.
The residence of Lord Buchan had for many years been in Edinburgh : but,
in 1787, he retired on account of his health to Dryburgh Abbey-a property
he acquired by purchase. Here he instituted an annual festive commemoration
of the author of “ The Seasons,” the first meeting of which was held at Ednam
Hill, on the 22d September 1791-on which occasion he crowned a copy of the
j k s t collected edition of the Seasons with a wreath of bays. The following may
be taken as a sample of the eulogium of the noble Lord on the occasion :-
“And the immortal Prussian, standing like a herald in the procession of ages,
to mark the beginning of that order of men who are to banish from the earth
the delusions of priestcraft, and the monstrous prerogatives of despotic authority ! ”
His lordship also took that opportunity of attacking the great English lexicographer,
“ by whose rude hands the memory of Thomson has been profanely
touched.” Burns wrote his beautiful lines to the shade of the bard of Ednam
for the occasion ; and only five years afterwards, at the usual anniversary in
1796, Lord Buchan had the melancholy pleasure of placing an urn of Parian
marble beside the bust of Thomson, in memory of the bard of Ayrshire. The
copy of the Seasons alluded to, enclosed in a beautifully ornamented case, and
enriched with some original autographs of the Poet, was subsequently presented
by his lordship to the University of Edinburgh.
The political sentiments of the Earl of Buchan were generally known ; but,
in a work published in 1792, entitled “Essays on the Lives and Writings of
Fletcher of Saltoun, and the Poet Thomson, Biographical and Political,” he
embraced the opportunity of enforcing his favourite doctrines.
In the same year his lordship presented the President of the United States
with an elegantly mounted snuff-box, made from the tree which sheltered Wallace.
This magnificent and truly characteristic present,” says a Philadelphia Journal,
of January 2, “is from the Earl of Buchan, by the hands of Mr. Archibald
Robertson, a Scots gentleman, and portrait painter, who arrived in America
some months ago.’’ The box had been presented to Lord Buchan by the goldsmiths
of Edinburgh in 1782, from whom he obtained leave to transfer it to
the only man in the world to whom he thought it justly due.” The box was
made by Robert Hay, might, afterwards in the Edinburgh Vendue. ... SKETCHES. 287 afterwards, with much inconsistency, established another, having similar objects in ...

Book 8  p. 402
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I3 I0 GR AP HI C AL SKETCHES. 35 1
should be sorry to see his learned friend prevented from following this healthful
sport. Other property he understood was at the proprietor’s will, and exclusively
his own ; and he could not see why land was not alike sacred. If a
gentleman had no power to prevent another from following his sport on his
grounds, it might be carried to every species of sport. With regard to the law
allowing and encouraging hunting to preserve our nobility and gentry from
becoming effeminate, he saw little danger of this ; but, if they had no game to
pursue on their own grounds, let them ?runt upon th highway-perhaps this would
brace their nerves! As for the common people, they might attend to their
necessary avocations ; or, if that would not do, and if not allowed to hunt, they
might roll cannon bulls,’ which he saw was a new diversion likely to be introduced,
and which he believed they would find to be exercise enough to make them
hardy, without trespassing on their neighbour’s property, by hunting where they
had no right.
Lord Eskgove was one of the judges before whom Marerot, Skirving, and
Gerrald, the Reformers of 1793, were tried; and, making due allowance for
the difference of sentiment held on the principles involved in these trials, it
must be admitted that, in delivering his opinions on the various points brought
under the review of the bench, his arguments were acutely logical, and in strict
accordance with existing laws.’
On the death of Lord Eraxfield in 1799, Lord Eskgrove was promoted to be
Lord Justice-clerk, which office he filled with ability and integrity of character.
In 1804, the honour of a baronetage was conferred upon him as a mark of
Royal approbation ; but, being then far advanced in years, he did not long enjoy
his title.
Sir David Rae married in 1762 Margaret, daughter of Dougald Stewart,
Esq. of Blairhall, a near relative of the Earl of Bute and of Lady Ann Stewart,
daughter of Francis, Ear1 of Moray, by whom he had two sons and a daughter.
David, his successor, entered early into the army, and was at one time
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Middlesex Militia On his death he was succeeded
by his brother, Sir William Rae, who for many years was Sheriff of Edinburgh,
the arduous duties of which office he discharged with universal approbation. He
was appointed Lord Advocate upon the promotion of Lord Meadowbank in
1819, and held this high office down to the end of the year 1830. He was
again appointed Lord Advocate during Sir Robert Peel’s administration in
1835, and afterwards was elected member of Parliament for the county of Bute,
and a Privy Councillor.
Lord Eskgrove lived for many years in a house at the head of the Old
There used to be an old game, for which, in the Kirk-Session records, various transgressors of
the Sabbath-day used to be punished, called “ playing at the bulletzl ”-perhaps his lordship alluded
to this ; but it was not a new diversion, being very common during the seventeenth century. ’ It ought perhaps to be remembered, aa due to the characters of the judges who filled the bench
in 1793, that similar opinions were held by their suwesso~s, and the legality of their proceedings
confirmed twenty-seven years afterwards, in the case of Macleod, who was transported in 1821, for
his connection with an unstamped periodical, published in Glasgow, called the “Spirit of the Unio~”
He died on the 4th October of the same year. ... I0 GR AP HI C AL SKETCHES. 35 1 should be sorry to see his learned friend prevented from following this ...

Book 8  p. 490
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44 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
what abrupt, and his language not remarkable for its refinement ; but, after two
or three lessons, the first unfavourable impressions subsided, and the Sergeant
gradually became a favourite. Indeed there was a something so peculiar in his
countenance, and more especially in the most prominent feature of it, where
I‘ One rich carbuncle shone before,
With many a glowing ruby round,”
that it was impossible to be long in bad humour with him.
Among others whose patronage the good conduct and military talents of the
SergeanbMajor secured, was that of the Lord President Hope, then Iieutenant-
Colonel of the regiment. The high opinion entertained of him by his lordship
was manifested in various acts of kindness ; and he promised, on the disembodying
of the regiment in 1814, to lay his head in the grave. This mark of
respect his lordship faithfully performed, on the death of the Sergeant-Major,
which occurred on the 22d September 1815. His remains were interred-all
the officers of the late corps attending the funeral-in the Greyfriars’ Churchyard,
where a stone is erected to his memory.’
From “ Lines Elegiac,” composed on the death of the veteran by a local
poet, we give the following stanzas :-
“ ’Tis but the dross of Gould lies here j
His sterling part claims not a tear ;
Wing’d, 89 we’d hope, where glory gleams
More splendid than the warrior’s dreams I
And soothe the widow’s drooping woe-
Who has no cherub Gould to smile,
Her heavy moments to beguile.”
‘I Hope stay us who are left below,
The figure of an Edinburgh Volunteer, of such ample breadth of back, to
whom the Sergeant-Major is imparting instruction, is a burlesque on the Bellygerents,
as the corps was waggishly denominated by Gould. A gentleman once
put the question-“Pray, Gould, who is that you are drilling in the Print
done by Kay P” The answer was highly characteristic-“ I can’t say, sir, unless
you turn him to the right about face!’la
Our worthy friend Bailie Smellie informs us that on one occasion when he
resided at the Castle Hill, he was astonished to hear Gould calling loudly from a
green behind the house-“ The battalion will advance ! ” The Bailie, unable
to‘comprehend what had brought, as he thought, the Volunteers there, hastened
1 A full-length portrait of Sergeant-Major Gould, with a view of the First Regiment of Volunteers
in the background, by Mr. George Watson, is preserved in the Council Room of the City Chambers.
This painting waa for some time suspended in the lobby leading into the Council Chambers, where it
was subject to the ill usage of every idle lounger. In 1818, when Mr. Smellie, printer, waa in the
magistracy, he made various attempts to have it brought into the Council-Room ; and, among others
to whom he applied was the then Lord Provost (Sir John Marjoribanks), who remarked that it was
utterly absurd to permit the portrait of a Sergeant to he placed in the Council-Room. Mr, Smellie
at last found an argument which proved successful. This was, that the picture was not to be estimated
simply ns affording a Portrait of Sergeant Gould, but ns preserving the recollection of a corps
of loyal citizens, to whom the country was greatly indebted.
a The Egure is intended to represent Mr. James Laing, a saddler in South Bridge Street. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. what abrupt, and his language not remarkable for its refinement ; but, after two or ...

Book 9  p. 58
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BIOGRAPHICAL ‘SKETCHES, 179
worship-were thrown open to him to lecture in, and every rank and condition
rivalled each other who should show him the greatest hospitality and kindness.
He was much more popular in that country than he had been even in England.
The attempt at delivering lectures on any branch of philosophy was a very
great novelty, but especially from a person who had not the use of eyes.
The following paragraph respecting him sppeaked in an American newspaper
of that day :-‘‘ The celebrated Dr. Moyes, though blind, delivered a lecture
upon optics, delineating the properties of light and shade,” etc. It therefore
seems that he did not confine his lectures strictly to chemistry when abroad.
His American tour is understood to have been a very profitable speculation. ’
On his return to his native country he took a house in Edinburgh, where
he resided for some time. Before he went to America he had projected to
make a tour through Ireland, but was prevented. In 1790, he crossed the
channel and arrived in Belfast. He visited all the principal towns in the island,
and remained a few months in Dublin, and was highly gratified with the reception
he met. He now determined to take up his residence at Manchester, and
there spend the remainder of his life.’
This remarkable character was rather tall in his person, and of a swarthy
complexion, His temper was cheerful, and his conversation interesting. He was
remarkably abstemious. He had a natural dislike to animal food of every
description, and tasted no ardent spirits nor fermented liquors. He bequeathed
his fortune, which was considerable, to his brother: and died on the 10th of
August 1807, in the fifty-seventh year of his age.
After his return from Duhliq, Dr. Moyes delivered a lecture in Edinburgh, on the 14th of April
1795, for the benefit of the “ Industrious Blind” employed at the Asylum. His audience consisted
principally of the higher classes, and it was calculated that there could be no less than eleven hundred
individuals present. The exact amount of the sum collected is not stated, but it is understood to have
been very large. “ It is scarcely necessary to add,” says a notice of this lecture, “that the Doctor’s
observations on the best means of preserving the blessings of health were received with every mark
of that unfeigned satisfaction which sound philosophy, expressed with all the elegance and energy of
language, never fails to produce in enlightened minds, especially when directed to the purposes of
utility and benevolence.” * He was one of the Episcopal clergymen of St. Paul’s Chapel, then in the Cowgate. He is alluded
to in that wicked poem, the “Town Eclogue”-Edinburgh, 1804-written by the Rev. Williani
Aureol Hay Drummond. The Cowgate Chapel, from the eloquent discourses of that amiable clergyman,
the Rev. Mr. Alison, was usually crowded whenever he preached. In allusion ta this, Hay says,
“ But things are better, where each Sabbath dny
Gay fashion’s coaches crowd the Chapel’s way,
Save when Old Moses’ dreary, drowsy drone,
Makes maidens titter, and Sir William [Forbes] groan.”
The poet says, with what truth we know not, that “Moses” (Mr. Moyes), in treating of the
happiness of the life to come, observed that one great benefitpras, “An easy introduction to the
acquaintance of those very respectable persons the angels.” ... ‘SKETCHES, 179 worship-were thrown open to him to lecture in, and every rank and ...

Book 8  p. 253
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THE STUARTS TO THE DEATH OF YAMES 111 17
The increasing importance which the royal capital was now assuming, speedily drew
attention to its exposed situation. In the reign of Robert IL the singular privilege had
been conceded to the principal inhabitants, of building dwellings within the Castle, so as
to secure their families and wealth from the constant inroads of the English; but now, in
the year 1450, immediately after the battle of Sark, the ancient city was enclosed within
fortified walls, traces of which still exist. They extended along the south declivity of the
ridge on which the older parts of the town are built; after crossing the West Bow, then
the principal entrance to the city, from the west; and running between the High Street,
and the hollow where the Cowgate was afterwards built, they crossed the ridge at the
Nether Bow, and terminated at the east end of the North Loch. Within these ancient
limits the Scottish capital must have possessed peculiar means of defence ; a city set on a
hill, and guarded by the rocky fortress-“ There watching ‘high the least alarms,”-it only
wanted such ramparts, manned by its burgher watch, to enable it to give protection to its
princes, and repel t.he inroads of the southern invader. The important position which it
now held, may be inferred from the investment in the following year of Patrick Cockburn
of Newbigging, the Provost of Edinburgh, in the chancellor’s oEce as governor of the
Castle ; as well as his appointment along with other commissioners, after the-defeat of the
English in the battle of Sark, to treat for the renewal of a truce. To this the young
King, now about twenty years of age, was the more induced, from his anxiety to see his
bride, Mary of Gueldera,--“ a lady,” says Drummond, “ young, beautiful, and of a masculine
constitution,”-whose passage from the Netherlands was only delayed till secure
of hindrance from the English fleet,
She accordingly arrived in Scotland, accompanied by a
numerous retinue of princes, prelates, and noblemen, who
were entertained with every mark of royal hospitality, and
witnessed the solemnisation of the marriage, as well as the
coronation, of the young Queen thereafter, both of which
took place in the Abbey of Holyrood, with the utmost pomp
and solemnity.
The first fruit of this marriage seems to have been the
rebellion of the Earl of Douglas, who, jealous of the influence
that the Lord Chancellor Crichtou had acquired with the
Queen, almost immediately thereafter proceeded to revenge
his private quarrel with fire and sword ; so that in the beginning
of the following year, a- Parliament was assembled at
Edinburgh, whose first enactmenta were directed against. such
encroachments on the royal prerogative. His further deeds of blood and rapine, at length
closed by a hasty blow of the King’s dagger in Stirling Castle, belong rather to Scottish
history ; as well as the death of the Monarch himself shortly after, by the bursting of the
Lyon, a famous cannon, at the siege of Roxburgh Castle, in the year 1460.
At this time, Henry VI., the exiled King of England, with his heroic Queen and son,
sought shelter at the Scottish Court, where they were fitly lodged in the monastery of the
Greyfriars, in the Grassmarket ; and so hospitably entertained by the court and citizens of
VIQNETTE-M~V of Gueldera’ Armefrom her -1.
C ... STUARTS TO THE DEATH OF YAMES 111 17 The increasing importance which the royal capital was now assuming, ...

Book 10  p. 18
(Score 0.82)

I12 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH.
The church was crowded with an unusually numerous auditory, among whom he recognised
many Jacobites, as well as a number of the Highland soldiers, attracted by the report
of his intentions, and the knowledge of his intrepid character. He prayed, as usual, for
King George, by name, and then added,--“And as for this young man who has come
among us seeking an earthly crown, we beseech thee that he may obtain what is far better,
a heavenly one ! ” When this was reported to Prince Charles he is said to have laughed,
and expressed himself highly pleased at the courage and charity of the worthy
minister.’
For some days after the Battle of Prestonpans, the communication between the town
and the Castle remained uninterrupted. But the Highlanders, who kept guard at the
Weigh-house, having received orders to prevent all further intercourse with the fortress, the
governor, retaliated by threatening to cannonade the town. Messengers were immediately
despatched by the Lord Provost to the Palace, informing the Prince of the danger the city
was exposed to ; but the governor having waited in vain for a favourable answer, a severe
cannonading at last took place, killing and wounding several of the inhabitants, besides
damaging many of the houses nearest the Castle, and spreading such consternation through
the town, that a great portion of the citizens were prepared for immediate flight. The
consequences that were apprehended from such proceedings were, however, happily averted
by a proclamation of the Prince, declaring the infinite regret he felt at the many murders
committed on the inhabitants by the commander of the garrison, and that he had ordered
the blockade of the Castle to be taken off, and the threatened punishment of his enemies to
be suspended, when he found that thereby innocent lives could be saved. Shortly after
this the Prince left Edinburgh, on his route to England, at the head of an army of about
five thousand men ; from thence he was followed, on his return northward, by the Duke
of Cumberland, who, on his arrival in Edinburgh, occupied the same apartments in the
Palace which had so recently been appropriated to the use of the Prince ; and during his
stay there, the paintings of the Scottish monarchs, in the great gallery, were slashed and
otherwise greatly defaced by the English soldiers.
After the final overthrow of the Highland army at Culloden, a species of triumph was
exhibited in Edinburgh, in full accordance with the magnanimity of the Duke, who claimed
the entire credit of a victory, achieved rather by the policy of Duncan Forbes of Culloden.
Fourteen of the standards that had been taken from the insurgents were burnt at the Market
Cross with every mark of contempt. They were ignominiously carried thither by chimney
sweepers,-the Prince’s own standard being particularly distinguished by being borne by
the common hangman ; and as each wa8 thrown into the fire, the heralds proclaimed the
names of the commanders to whom they had belonged!
. The usual election of magistrates having been prevented by the presence of the Highland
army in Edinburgh, they were chosen in the following year by virtue of a royal mandate,
and the newly-elected Council testified their loyalty to the Hanoverian dynasty by
voting the freedom of the city to the Duke of Cumberland, and presenting to him the charter
of citizenship in a massive gold box, embossed with the city arms outside, and having the
Duke’s own arms, with a suitable inscription, engraved within.
The overthrow of the adherents of Prince Charles was followed up by fines, imprisonl
Hist. of the West Kirk, p. 119. ... MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH. The church was crowded with an unusually numerous auditory, among whom he ...

Book 10  p. 123
(Score 0.82)

YAMES V. TO ABDICATION OF QUEEN MARK 77
blood that had been left on its blade. This the discoverers, not unreasonably, believed to
have remained there from the flight of the murderers of Rizzio.
A flat stone, with some nearly obliterated carving upon it, is pointed out in the passage
leading from the present quadrangle to the Chapel of Holyrood Palace, as covering the
remains of Rizzio.’ It forms a portion of the flooring of the ancient Abbey Cloisters,
included in the modern portion of the Palace, when it was rebuilt by Charles 11.
As Sir James Melvil was passing out by the outer gate of the Palace on the following
morning, the Queen observed him, and throwing open the window of her apartment, she
implored him to warn the citizens, and rescue her from the traitors’ hands. On the news
being spread, the common bell was rung, and the Provost, with some hnndred armed
citizens, rushed into the outer court of the Palace and demanded the Queen’s release.
Darnley appeared at the window in her stead, and desired them to return home, assuring
them that he and the Queen were well and merry. The Provost sought to see the Queen
herself, but Darnley commanded their immediate departure on his authority as King.’
She was deterred by the most violent threats from holding any communication with the
chief magistrate and citizens ; and they finding all efforts vain, speedily retired.3
The Queen succeeded, soon after, in detaching her imbecile husband from the conspirators,
and escaping from the Palace in his company at midnight. They fled together to
Seaton, and thence to Dunbar. They returned again to the capital within five days, but the
Queen feared again to trust herself within the bloody precincts of the Palace. She took
up her residence in the house of a private citizen in the High Street, and from thence she
removed, a few days afterwards, to one still nearer the Castle ; in all probability the house
in Blyth’s Close, Castle Hill, traditionally pointed out as the Palace of her mother, Mary
of Guise, the portion of which fronting the street still remaius, with the inscription upon
it, in antique iron letters, LAVS DE0.4
Lord Ruthven had risen from his sick-bed to perpetrate the infamous deed of Rizzio’s
murder ; he fled thereafter to Newcastle, and died there. Only two of the humbler actors
in it suffered at this period for the crime, Thomas Scott, the sheriff-depute of Perth, for
Ruthven, and Henry Yair, one of his retainers. The head of the former was set on the
tower of the Palace, and that of the other on the Nether Bow Port.
The period of the Queen’s accouchement now
drew near, and she gladly adopted the advice of
her Council to take up her residence within the
Castle of Edinburgh. There, in a small apartment
still pointed out to visitors,. James VI.
first saw the light on the morning of the 19th
of June 1566. The room in which the infant
was born, in whom the rival crowns of Elizabeth
and Marp were afterwards united, has
undergone little alteration since that time ; it is
of irregular shape, and very limited dimensions, though forming part of the more ancient
1 Chalmem’s Queen Mary, vol. ii. p. 163.
4 Letters of Randulph to Cecil, Wright’s “Queen Elizabeth and her Times,” vol. i p. 232.
’ Knox. p. 341. The Queen’s Letter, Keith, vol. 5. p. 418,
VIoNmr~carvedS tone over the entrance b the royal apartments, Edinburgh Castle. ... V. TO ABDICATION OF QUEEN MARK 77 blood that had been left on its blade. This the discoverers, not ...

Book 10  p. 84
(Score 0.82)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 237
works of the day, but it was not till 1794 that Mr. Sommers, impelled by the
political excitement of the times, committed himself to the public, by the production
of a pamphlet on the “Meaning and Extent of the Burgess Oath.”‘
This essay, inscribed to Provost Elder, is written in a clear and forcible style.
The aim of the author was to exhibit to his fellow-burgesses the nature and
duties by which they were bound, and the evil effects consequent on disunion,
disaffection, and civil war. As the pamphlet is now scarce, we may quote the
following passage as a specimen :-“ How valuable, how important then, the
blessings of internal peace-national peace ! Consequently, how criminal the
conduct of those who would endeavour to deprive us of them ! Peace, at her
leisure, plans and leads out industry to execute all those noble improvements
in agriculture, commerce, architecture, and science, which we behold on every
side. Peace sets the mark of property on our possessions, and bids justice
guarantee them to our enjoyment. Peace spreads over us the banner of the
laws, while, free from outrage, and secure from injury, we taste the milk and
honey of our honest toil.“
The author was prompted to
this performance by a desire to vindicate the character of the poet, and rescue
his memory from the misrepresentations of ‘‘ those biographers who knew him
not, and who have taken their materials from others little better informed than
themselves.” The story of the poet’s accidental meeting with the Rev. John
Brown, in the churchyard of Haddington, and the extraordinary effect resulting
from the conversation, is strongly doubted by Mr. Sommers. “This rural
excursion, and singular dialogue,” says he, “ with all its supposed direful effects,
has even found its way into the first volume of the Supplement to the Eneyelop@
dia Britanniea, and is held forth in that part of their biographical history as
a sterling circumstance in the life of the unfortunate Robert Fergusson! I
know, however, that account to be ill-founded in most particulars, although the
visit alluded to was in the year 1772. The day before Robert Fergusson set
out upon it, I saw and conversed with him; and the evening on which he
returned to town was in his company ; and not one word dropped from him of
any such thing having happened, though he was thn in every respect possessed
of all his mental faculties.
With regard to the accusation preferred against the poet, “that he was an
utter stranger to temperance and sobriety, and that his dissipated manner of
life had in a great measure eradicated all sense of delicacy and propriety,” Mr.
Sommers observes, that ‘‘ those who were personally acquainted with him, will
His Life of Fergusson appeared in 1803.’
“Observations on the Meaning and Extent of the Burgess Oath, taken at the admission of every
Burgess in the City of Edinburgh, as comprehending the duties of Religion, Allegiance to the King,
Respect and Submission to the authority of the Civil Magistrate, and the relative duties which the Bur
gesses owe to each other. By Thomas Sommera, Burgess and Freeman Glazier of Edinburgh.” 8vo.
* “Life of Robert Fergusson, the Scottish Poet, by Thomas Sommers, Burgess and Freeman of
Edinburgh, and his Majesty’s Glazier for Scotland.” This biographical sketch
was intended to accompany an edition of Fergusson’s Poems, printed in 12mo, by Chapman and Lang,
1500, and which Sommers characterises “as the best yet published.”
Edin. 1803, 12mo. ... SKETCHES. 237 works of the day, but it was not till 1794 that Mr. Sommers, impelled by the political ...

Book 9  p. 316
(Score 0.82)

308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Signet Hall. He then drove to the’palace of Holyrood House; and after
being conducted through the public apartments, returned to the hotel. Next
day (Sabbath) during the interval of public service, escorted by the Lord
Provost, several of the Magistrates, and Sir Thomas Bradford, K.B., and his
Staff, his Excellency visited the Castle, went into the Crown-Room, and saw
the Regalia of Scotland. He inspected, different parts of the garrison, and
appeared to be much pleased with the martial appearance of a small body of
Highlanders then stationed in the Castle. In the course of the afternoon he
repaired to Leith, viewed the new docks, pier, etc.
Being slightly indisposed on Monday, his Excellency remained in the hotel ;
but, on the following day, he visited the Register House, Heriot’s Hospital,
and rode through several of the streets on horseback, attended by an officer of
the Staff, and another gentleman. The same evening, after dining with the
Lord Provost and a select party, he went to the Pantheon, accompanied by the
then Lord Advocate (Sir William Rae, Bart.), the late Sir John Sinclair, and
other gentlemen. The house was filled to overflowing with the rank and fashion
of the city, and he was received with every mark of respect.
On Wednesday the Ambassador was waited upon by the Earl of Glasgow,
Sir William Elliot, and various persons of distinction, His Excellency afterwards
proceeded to the Calton Hill, the hazy weather the day previous having
induced him to postpone his visit. With the promenade round the hill, and
the wide expanse of prospect afforded at every point, the Ambassador was
highly gratified, and frequently stopping short to admire the scene before him,
gave vent to his feelings of admiration by repeatedly exclaiming-“ grand,”
“ very grand,” “the finest city in Europe,” etc. No prominent object escaped
him ; and his minute inquiries sufficiently indicated the deep interest taken in
what he witnessed. Requesting to be informed the meaning of the round tower
erected on the grave of Hume, he expressed peculiar satisfaction on learning
that the memorial marked where the ashes of the Historian of England were
deposited. From the Calton Hill his Excellency rode down to Leith; and
proceeding westward, by the Fort, returned to the hotel.
On Thursday morning his Excellency departed for Hamilton Palace, on a
visit to the Duke. On his way he breakfasted with the Earl of Morton at
Dalmahoy. During his short stay in Edinburgh the attention he experienced
from the public authorities, and others who attended him in his perambulations,
called forth the most lively expressions of satisfaction. In the Print by Kay,
the Mirza is represented in his riding-dress. When here, he might be in his
forty-fourth or forty-fifth year. His manners were dignified, and courteous in
his intercourse with the authorities and other gentlemen ; but his demeanour in
the hotel did not accord so well with the refinement and amiableness of feeling
attributed to him in the reminiscences of Lord Radstock and the other writer.
Several females of respectability were insulted by him ;’ and it was necessary
His Excellency entertained the idea that, on meeting, it was the custom here for gentlemen to
One
He
salute the fair sex.
moruing, when coming clown stairs, the youngest of them was encountered by the Amhassador.
Two ladieu on a visit from London resided in the same hotel with him. ... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Signet Hall. He then drove to the’palace of Holyrood House; and after being ...

Book 9  p. 409
(Score 0.81)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 109
but they were received with steady coolness by the British troops. The field
was contested with various success, until General Menou, finding that all his
endeavours proved fruitless, ordered a retreat, which, from the want of cavalry
on the part of the Eritish, he was enabled to accomplish in good order. This
battle, which proved decisive of the fate of Egypt, and left an impression not
easily to be effaced of British courage and prowess, was dearly gained by the
death of Sir Ralph himself. Early in the morning he had taken his station in
the front line, from the exposed nature of which, and at a moment when he had
dispersed all his staff on various duties, the enemy attempted to take him
prisoner.’ From this perilous situation the General was relieved by the valour
of his troops, when it was discovered that he had been wounded in the thigh.
He was repeatedly pressed by the soldiers to have the wound attended to ; but
he treated it as a matter of no moment, and continued to give directions on the
field until victory became certain by the retreat of the enemy. The intense
excitement of action being thus over, Sir Ralph at last fainted from loss of blood;
and although the wound was immediately examined, every attempt to extract
the ball proved unsuccessful. He was carried on a litter aboard the Foudroyant
where he died on the 28th of March.
The death of General Abercromby was looked upon as a national calamity.
A ‘monument was ordered to be erected to his memory by the House of
Commons ; and his Majesty, as a mark of further respect, conferred the title of
Baroness on his lady, and the dignity of Baron to the heirs-male of his body.
On the recommendation of his Majesty, a pension of two thousand pounds per
annum was voted to the Baroness, and to the two next succeeding heirs.
The capital of his native country was not backward in acknowledging the
honour reflected by so worthy a son. At a meeting of the Magistrates and
Town Council of Edinburgh, it was resolved that a monument to the memory
of Sir Ralph Abercromby should be erected on the wall of the High Church;
and a very liberal collection was made in all the churches and chapels for the
relief of the families of “ the brave men who had fallen in Egypt.” In honour
of his memory, also, the Edinburgh Volunteer Brigade, on the 2d of June,
performed a grand military spectacle at the Meadows. They were dressed in
“ deep funeral uniform,” while the bands performed (‘ plaintive pieces of music,
some of which were composed for the occasion.”, The crowd of spectators, as
may be supposed, was immense, and the scene is said to have been “ solemn
and impressive.”
Sir Ralph married Anne, daughter of John Menzies of Fernton (Ferntower),
in the county of Perth, by whom he had four sons and two daughters. His
eldest son, George, on the death of his mother, 17th February 1821, became
1 Two of the enemy’s cavalry dashing forward, and “ drawing up on each side, attempted to lead
him away prisoner. In this unequal contest he received a blow on the breast ; but with the vigour
and strength of arm for which he was distinguished, he seized on the sabre of one of those who
struggled with him, and forced it out of his hand. At this moment a corporal of the 42d Highlanders,
seeing his situation, ran up to his assistance, and shot one of the assailants, on which the other retired.” ... SKETCHES. 109 but they were received with steady coolness by the British troops. The field was ...

Book 8  p. 160
(Score 0.81)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 201
stood to have been imperative, namely, either to discontinue all political
intercourse, or leave the British dominions. The ex-king felt inclined to submit
to these hard conditions rather than seek an asylum elsewhere; but the
Duchesse d’Angoul.eme, and other members of the family, were indignant at a
proceeding which they deemed equally inhospitable and insulting ; whilst the
cold and almost repulsive reception given to the Duc de Blacas in London, led
them to regard this as the forerunner of some measure of a still harsher
kind. In these circumstances, they decided to accept the kind invitation of the
Emperor of Austria to take up their abode in one of the imperial palaces near
Ratisbon.
When it became known that the royal exiles were on the eve of their
departure from Edinburgh, a general feeling of regret was manifested by the
inhabitants. Charles had intended embarking early in September 1832 ; but,
in daily expectation of a Government yacht, which had been promised to carry
him to Haniburgh, a delay of several weeks occurred ; and at length, despairing
of the fulfilment of a promise which had evidently been reluctantly given, he
engaged the United Kingdom steam-ship for the voyage.’
Tuesday, the eighteenth of September, having been fixed for his Majesty’s
departure, various methods were adopted by the citizens to show their respect
for the fallen Sovereign, whose private virtues had dignified and even ennobled
his misfortunes. On the Saturday previous, the tradesmen who had been
employed by the ex-royal family entertained the members of the household at
dinner in Millar’s tavern, Abbey. In reply to the expressions of regret for their
departure, the Frenchmen said “they regretted the separation, the more especially
as they had just been long enough here to form friendships, which were now to
be torn asunder. If they did not return to France, there was no place on the
face of the earth where they would be more anxious to remain than at Edinburgh.”
On Monday an address from a considerable portion of the inhabitants was
presented to Charles X. by Eailie Small and the Rev. Mr. Badenoch? expressive
of the sentiments they entertained of the “ urbanity, beneficence, and virtuous
conduct manifested by his Majesty and the distinguished personages attached
to his suite during their residence in Edinburgh.” Charles was much affected,
and in a few sentences expressed the gratification he felt in receiving such a
mark of respect from the citizens of Edinburgh.
Early on Tuesday morning a deputation, consisting of the Lord Provost,
Colonel George Macdonell, John Rlenzies, Esq., of Pitfodels, 51r. (afterwards Sir
Charles) Gordon, William Forbes, Esq., advocate, John Robison, Esq., Secretary
There had been strange mismanagement in this matter. Charles sailed, as above stated, early
on the Tuesday; and, at five o’clock on the evening of the Thursday following, the Light&q
steam-packet arrived at Leith for the purpose of conveying his Majesty and suite. It was too late,
and was probably lpeant to be so. The Duchess d’Angouleme had been previously treated in the
same manner. After being for some time detained in London, in expectation of a Government
steamer, which had also been promised, to convey her to Rotterdam, she was at last obliged to
hire a vessel for the pnrpose at her own expense. ’ The Bailie and Mr. Badenoch were deputed with the address, chiefly becanse through their
hands the donations of his Majesty to the Poor’s House, the Board of Health, etc., had been conveyed.
VOL. It. 21, ... SKETCHES. 201 stood to have been imperative, namely, either to discontinue all ...

Book 9  p. 270
(Score 0.8)

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