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... sailors who fell by land and sex in the long war with France ; and, with a splendour of design corresponding ...

Book 3 p. 108
(Score 0.8)

52 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. XXII.
DR. JOSEPH BLACK.
DR. BLACK was born in France, on the banks of the Garonne, in 1728. His
father, Mr. John Black, was a native of Belfast, in Ireland, but his ancestors
were originally from Scotland. Mr. Black had settled in Bordeaux as a winemerchant,
where he married a daughter of Mr. Robert Gordon of Hillhead, in
Aberdeenshire, who also resided at Bordeaux, and was engaged in the same
trade. At the age of twelve, young Black was sent to his relations in Belfast
for his education, and he accordingly attended the schools of that town. In
1746 he entered the University of Glasgow, where he was very early patronised
by Mr. Robert Dick, Professor of Natural Philosophy, and speedily became the
intimate companion of his son, who, as well as his youthful friend, had already
given a decided preference to physical knowledge. During the course of the
same year in which he went to college, Dr. Cullen commenced his illustrious
career as lecturer on chemistry in the University of Glasgow, and his fame
quickly spread through the city of Glasgow. His class, besides being filled
with regular students, was attended by many gentlemen who had no idea of
prosecuting professionally the study of medicine. Dr. Cullen, whoin every situation
which he held either in Glasgow or in Edinburgh, made it a point to cultivate
an acquaintance with those who attended his lectures-uniformly treating them
with respect, but from the natural openness and generosity of his temper, never
keeping them at a distance-was accessible at all times, and took cognisance of
the progress of their studies. He became early acquainted with young Black,
and, perceiving the bent of his genius, strongly impressed upon him the propriety
of prosecuting with ardour the cultivation of that field of science upon
which he had just entered. In a short time he was advanced to be Dr. Cullen’s
assistant in the performance of experiments ; and by the extraordinary neatness
and address which he displayed in this department, he essentially contributed
to increase the eclbt of the Professor’s lectures,
He repaired to Edinburgh to finish his medical studies, and in 1751 was
enrolled as a student of medicine, Whilst there, he resided with his cousingerman,
Mr. Russell, Professor of Natural Philosophy in that University. The
usefulness of this seminary as a medical school was then only beginning to
be known, but the reputation of its teachers had already spread through
various parts of the world. During three sessions he attended all the necessary
classes, and took the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1754. On this
occasion it is customary in Edinburgh to print a thesis, in the Latin language,
on some subject connected with medical science. Dr. Black chose for his theme
“ The Acid arising from Food, and Magnesia Alba,” in which was contained

... XXII. DR. JOSEPH BLACK. DR. BLACK was born in France , on the banks of the Garonne, in 1728. ...

Book 8 p. 72
(Score 0.8)

Edinburgh Castle. 44
old one with France. So their young queen was
betrothed to the Dauphin, and 6,000 French
auxiliaries came to strengthen the power of Mary
of Guise, widow of James V., who was appointed
Regent during the minority of her infant daughter.
During the year 1545-6, the Castle was for a brief
period the scene of George Wishart?s captivity.
Mary of Guise was imprudent, and disgusted the
haughty nobles by bestowing all places of trust
upon Frenchmen, and their military insolence soon
roused the rage of the people, who were at all
sword in hand, and the ports closed upon them.
and well guarded.
On March 28, 1559, Mary of Guise, with a
sorely dinhished court, took up her residence in
the fortress ; she was received with every respect
by Lord Erskine, who, as the holder of the Queen?s
garrison, was strictly neutral between the contending
parties. The Reformers were now in arms with
the English auxiliaries, so the French, who had
waged war through all Fife and the Lothians, were
compelled to keep within the ramparts of Leith,
times impatient of restraint. Thus fierce brawls
ensued, and one of these occurred in the city in
1554, between an armourer and a French soldier ;
a quarrel having arisen concerning some repairs on
the wheel-lock of an arquebuse, the latter, by one
blow of his dagger, struck the former dead in his
own shop. The craftsmen flew to arms; the
soldier was joined and rescued by his countrymen ;
and a desperate conflict ensued with swords, pikes,
and Jedwood axes. Sir James Hamilton of Sbnehouse,
who was now Provost of the city as well as
governor of the Castle, marched at once to aid the
citizens. He was slain in the m2Z8e1 and left lyinz
on the causeway, together with his son James and
the operations against which the fair Regent, though
labouring under a mortal illness, which the cares of
state had aggravated, watched daily from the summit
of David?s Tower. Her illness, a virulent dropsical
affection, increased. She did not live to see the
fall of Leith, but died on the 10th of June, 1560.
Her death-bed was peaceful and affecting, and by
her own desire she was attended by Knox?s particular
friend, John Willox, an active preacher of
the Reformation. Around her bed she called the
* Pinkerton is of opinion that this painting was a species of satire
directed at the intrigues of the persons depicted. The figurt behind
the Queen is believed to be that of a Scots Guard ; and the butterfly,
inkstand, dice, and other minute accessories, are all rupposed to have a
significance that would be re3dily understood at the time when the

... Castle. 44 old one with France . So their young queen was betrothed to the Dauphin, and 6,000 ...

Book 1 p. 44
(Score 0.8)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 3 i i
no doubt that the intervention of the Directory of the great Republic will
obtain my liberty. Remember me most affectionately to all my friends, who
are the friends of liberty and of mankind.”
Muir was not disappointed in the sincerity of the French Directory, at whose
request he was delivered up by the Spanish authorities. On entering France
he was warmly hailed by the people ; and in Paris he received every mark of
respect from the government. He did not, however, live long to enjoy the
liberty which it had cost him such peril to obtain. The seeds of a decline had
been sown in his constitution before his departure from Scotland ; and the many
fatigues which he had subsequently undergone, together with the wounds he
had received in the action, proved too complicated and powerful to be resisted.
He died at Chantilly, near Paris, on the 27th September 1798, where he was
interred, with every mark of respect, by the public authorities.
No. CXXVI.
SIR ARCHIBALD HOPE OF PINKIE, BART.
THIS gentleman, who has been dubbed by the artist a “ Knight of the Turf,”
was the ninth baronet of Craighall-the original designation of the family.’
He was grandson to Sir Thomas, a distinguished member of the College of
Justice, and one of the early promoters of agricultural improvements in Scotland.
By his skill in this latter department, the Meadows, now one of the pleasantest
and most frequented walks about Edinburgh, was converted from its original
marshy and waste condition into a state of high cultivation. In commemoration
of this circumstance, it obtained the name of “ Hope Park ;” but it is still
generally known as “ The Meadows.”
SIR ARCHEALDw,h o succeeded to the title on the death of his grandfather
in 1771, does not appear to have been ambitious of obtaining distinction either
at the bar or in the senate j and the only public situation which he ever held
was that of Secretary to the Board of Police, to which he had been appointed
for life ; and, on its abolition, received a compensation in lieu of the office.
On his own estate, and throughout the neighbourhood, he supported the
character of a country gentleman, more intent on improving his lands than
desirous of engaging in those political and party animosities which so much
distract the harmony of society, and retard the progress of substantial national
improvement. On his property he established extensive salt and coal works,
from which he derived very considerable emolument, and which still continue
1 The Hopes of Craighall are the stem from which has sprnng the noble family of Hopetonu,
noticed in a precediug part of this work. The designation of Craighall wra laid aside by Lord
Rankeillor, son of the second baronet, who had been knighted by the title of-Sir Archibald Hope of
that Ilk.

... was delivered up by the Spanish authorities. On entering France he was warmly hailed by the people ; and in Paris ...

Book 8 p. 436
(Score 0.79)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 219
was executed upon Patrick Ogilvie,’ in the Gmsmarket of Edinburgh; but
Catherine Nairne, whose sentence had been delayed in consequence of pregnancy,
made her escape from the tolbooth soon after her accouchement. She
effected this by assuming the garb and demeanour of the midwife, Mrs. Shiells,
who had for several days previously attended on her patient with her head
muffled up, under pretence of a violent attack of toothache.
There is every reason to believe that the stratagem was matured under the
connivance of her uncle Sir William, then Mr. Nairne; and at least some of
the prison guards were not ignorant of what was to take place. There have
been various conjectures as to the precise time Catherine Nairne quitted the
city-some asserting that she remained concealed in Edinburgh for some days
prior to her fight to the Continent. It, appears almost certain, however, that
she left the city the same night (Saturday the 15th March 1766) on which she
escaped from the jail;-a carriage was in waiting at the foot of the Horse
Wynd; in which was Mr. Nairne’s clerk-the late Mr. James Bremner, afterwards
Solicitor of Stamps-who accompanied Mrs. Ogdvie as far as Dover, on
her way to France.
Notwithstanding her very criticalIsituation, Mr. Bremner was in momentary
dread all the way of a discovery, in consequence of her extreme frivolity of
behaviour, as she was continually putting her head out of the window and
laughing immoderately. She was, as previously noticed, very young, and had
only been married in January 1765 j and the crime for which she was tried was
completed, by the death of’ her husband, in the month of June following. She
was described, in the proclamation issued for her apprehension by the magistrates
of Edinburgh, as attired in ‘‘ an officer’s habit, with a hat slouched in the
cocks, and a cockade in it j ” and “ about twenty-two years of age, middle-sized
and strong made; has a high nose, black eyebrows, and a pale complexion.”
Two rewards were offered for her apprehension,-one by Government, and another
by the city of Edinburgh, of one hundred pounds each. It is said she
was afterwards very fortunate, having been married to a Dutch gentleman, by
whom she had a numerous family. Rumour also represents her as having ultimately
retired to a convent and taken the veil ; and adds, that she survived the
French Revolution, and died in England in the present century.
* He was 8 great player on the violin ; and the interval between his condemnation and execution
wa almost exclusively devoted to his performance on that instrument. Great influence waa used to
save him ; but the feeling waa 80 strong against him, that the efforts of his friends were wholly
ineffectual.
It is now
enclosed, and used &B a furniture waiwroom.
9 The principal entrance, at that period, to Minto House, waa from the Horse Wynd.

... accompanied Mrs. Ogdvie as far as Dover, on her way to France . Notwithstanding her very criticalIsituation, Mr. ...

Book 8 p. 309
(Score 0.79)

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTES. 57
crowd, the eye rests on the Tron gial, and the words of Hugh Miller on the
approach of the New Year occur to the mind-‘After marking the red glare
of Ztna reflected in the waves that slumber round the moles of Syracuseafter
glancing on the towers of the seven-hilled city, and the hoary snows of
the Alps-after speeding over France, over Flanders, over the waves of the
German Sea, it will be with ourselves, and the tall ghostly tenements of Dun-
Edin will re-echo the shouts of the High Street.’ James Smith, in his
sketches of Edinburgh life five-and-twenty years ago, graphically describes
the scene :-‘ I sallied forth for a stroll along the busy streets. Every
shop-window was looking gayer than another, particularly those of the
bakers and confectioners, that presented a sight that was enough to gladden
the eye of Epicurus. Currant loaves in thousands were there, buns of every
hue and colour, cakes of shortbread containing proverbial expressions and
happy wishes on their outside, done up tastefully with lemon-peel--“A
happy New Year when it comes, an’ mony returns”--“ Mind twelve o’clock”
-“Ye ken wha frae J J - ~ ~ Dinna forget ”-“ Hoo’s a’ wi’ ye ?”-cc The simple
man’s the beggar’s brither ”-‘<A merry Christmas, and a happy New Year”-
May the mouse never leave yer meal-pock wi’ a tear in its e’e ”-“ Happy
W? muckle, and canty wi’ mair ”-“ Absent freen’s ”-“ May the last year be
the warst year, an’ the next ane be the best ane.” Loud rang the cheery
cries on every side--“ Almanacks 1 Almanacks ! Belfast Almanacks 1 ” I
wandered up and down the streets until it was within a few minutes of the
last hour of the dying year, and then joyfully formed one of the happy band
of daredevils that encircled the Tron Church ; and when the momentous
hour began to chime-the hour of tweZw-I joined lustily in &e cheery cry,
“A happy New Year I ” that rolled on the wintry air like thunder. Friend met
friend, and stranger met stranger, with the right hand extended and the everwelcome
salutation--l‘A happy New Year-hurrah ! a happy New Year 1”
Here’s to the Year that’s awa’ 1 ”
‘‘ Happy we’ve been a’ thegither,
Canty we’ve been ane an’ a’.”
“A gude New*Year to ane an’ a’,
An’ mony may we see,”-
GC
‘ Now and then,
ora
song of brilliant but unfortunate poor Sandy Hume, who now lies mouldering
in the dust-a thorough musician and a true poet as well-fell on the ear
like sweet music.‘ The custom is very similar at the present day.
There is a tradition that the Articles of Union between England and
H

... and the hoary snows of the Alps-after speeding over France , over Flanders, over the waves of the German Sea, ...

Book 11 p. 90
(Score 0.79)

294 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. CCLXIX.
SIR JOHN MARJORIBANKS, BART.,
LORD PROVOST OF EDINBURGH, IN HIS ROBES.
THEl ate SIRJ OHXN~A RJORIBANKS was the eldest son of Edward Marjoribanks,
Esq., of Lees, near Coldstream. This gentleman was a native of Linlithgowshire,
and owner of the small estate of Hallyards. He married a daughter of
Archibald Stewart, Esq., Lord Provost of Edinburgh at the commencement
of the Rebellion in 1745, and who was afterwards tried on suspicion of
favouring the Pretender.’ For many years a wine merchant in France, Mr.
Marjoribanks resided at Bordeaux till 1770, when, on succeeding to the estate
of Lees: as heir of entail, he returned with his family to Scotland.
Sir John, who was born at Bordeaux, entered the army in early life, and was
afterwards a Captain in the Coldstream Guards. He married, about the year
1790, Miss Ramsay of Barnton. Shortly afterwards, he sold his commission,
and bought the estate of Eccles: in Berwickshire, to which he retired. Here
he remained for a number of years ; and by his judicious management in farming
a’great portion of his own lands, nearly doubled the value of the property
in the course of a few seasons.
The father of a numerous family, Sir John at length removed to Edinburgh,
a town residence affording greater facilities for the education of his children.
He now became a partner in the banking-house of Mansfield, Ramsay, and Co. ;
and, entering the Town Council in 1811, was chosen to fill the office of Chief
Magistrate in 1814-15. In the latter year he was created a Baronet; and
succeeding, by t,he death of his father, to the estate of Lees, was elected M.P.
for the county of Berwick.
While Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Sir John displayed much zeal in carrying
forward the improvements of the city; and he may be considered as the
chief promoter of the New Jail and the Regent Bridge, This elegant approach
(opened when Prince Leopold entered the Scottish metropolis in 1819)
had been projected so early as 1784,’ under the Provostship of Sir James
Provost Stewart went to London, where, meeting with the support of the Jacobite party, he
* This beautifully situated property belonged to a family of the name of Pringle, and fell to Mr.
became a banker, and realised a considerable fortune.
Marjoribanks as their heir-female.
This estate waa sold by Sir John, and purchased by Jamas Greig, Esq., W.S.
A plan of the improvement was drawn out bp a person of the name of Kyles, on whose death
the late Dr. Duncan had it engraved by subscription for the benefit of the widow and children.
Kyles wa8 suppwed to have been the original projector.

... the Pretender.’ For many years a wine merchant in France , Mr. Marjoribanks resided at Bordeaux till 1770, ...

Book 9 p. 391
(Score 0.76)

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

... the young King, with his consort, Johanna, landed from France , and, within a short time, the English were ...

Book 10 p. 9
(Score 0.75)

manor, and the founder?s own mother and wife, and
of all the faithful dead, was specially directed, at
the commencement of each season of Lent, to exhort
the people to say one Pater Noster and the
salutation of the angel to the blessed Virgin Mary
for the souls of the same persons.? (? New Stat.
Account.?)
The provostry of Corstorphine was considered
a rather lucrative office, and has been held by
several important personages. In the beginning of
the sixteenth century it was held by Robert Cairn-
CORSTORPHINE CHURCH, 1817. (After a# Efcking 6 /a?nes SRnv of Rdishw.)
present state of affairs.? Cairncross was Treasurer
of Scotland in 1529 and 1537.
In 1546, John Sandilands, son and heir of Sir
Janies Sandilands, knight of Calder (afterwards
Preceptor of Torphichen and Lord $t. John of
Jerusalem), found surety, under the pain of ten
thousand pounds, that he would remain ?in warde,
in the place of Corstorphine, colege, toun, and
yards yairof, until he passed to France.? His
grandmother was Mariotte, a daughter of Archibald
Forrester of Corstorphine.
cross, whose name does not shine in the pages of
Buchanan, by the manner in which he obtained the
Abbacy of Holyroed without. subjecting himself to
the law against simony.
one meanly
descended, but a wealthy man, bought that preferment
of the king who then wanted money, eluding
the law by a new sort of fraud. The law wasthat
ecclesiastical preferments should not be sold j
but he laid a great wager with the king that he
would not bestow upon him the next preferment
of that kind which fell vacant, and by that means
lost his wager but got the abbacy.? This was in
September, 1528, and he was aware that the Abbot
William Douglas was, as Buchanan states, ? dying
of sickness, trouble of mind, and grief for the
Robert Cairncross,? he states,
In March, 1552, the Provost of Edinburgh, his
bailies, and council, ordered their treasurer, Alexander
Park, topay the prebendaries of Corstorphine
the sum of ten pounds, as the half of twenty owing
them yearly (? furth of the commoun gude.?
In 1554, James Scott, Provost of the Church of
Corqtorphine, was appointed a Imd of Session,
and in that year he witnessed the marriage contract
of Hugh Earl of Eglinton and Lady Jane Hamilton
daughter of James Duke of Chatelherault.
Conspicuous in the old church are the tombs of
the Forrester family. TEe portion which modem
utility has debased to a porch contains two altar
tombs, one of them being the monument of Sir
John Forrester, the founder, and his second lady,
probably, to judge by her coat-of-arms, Jean Sinclair

... colege, toun, and yards yairof, until he passed to France .? His grandmother was Mariotte, a daughter of ...

Book 5 p. 116
(Score 0.75)

People don't play riddle games with Giants, or get tricked by Faerie Queens. They don't follow Blind Maniacs into Futures, or have their Lives saved by Death.

Timothy Hunter in The Books of Faerie

54 OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [Holymd
under his great seal, granted to David, Abbot of
Holyrood, a piece of land within the Castle of
Edinburgh whereon to erect a house, to which the
monks, their servants and families, might repair in
time of peace and war. This piece of ground
was eighty feet in length and eighty in breadth,
wherever the abbot might choose, ?beyond the
site of our manor? (the royal lodging?); ?the
said abbot and his successors paying therefor to
us and to our heirs a silver penny at the said
castle on Whitsunday yearly, if asked only, so
that the foresaid abbot and his successors and
their servants shall be bound to take the oath
of fidelity for the due security of the said castle
to the keeper thereof, who may be for the time,
have free ish and entry to the said castle at accustomed
and proper hours.?
On the 5th April, 1391, King Robert III., undei
his great seal, granted a charter to the Abbey of
Holyrood, confirming the charter of David 11. to
the abbey, dated 30th December, 1343. It is dated
at Edinburgh. When the abbey became a species
of palace has never been distinctly ascertained,
but Robert 111. appears sometimes to have made
Holyrood his residence. James I. occasionally
kept his court there; and in the abbey his queen
was delivered of twin princes, on the 16th October,
14 I 6-Alexandeq who died, and James, afterwards
second of that name.
In 1428 a remarkable episode occurred in the
abbey church. Alexander, Lord of the Isles, who
had been in rebellion against James I., but had
been utterly defeated by the royal troops in
Lochaber, sent messengers to the king to sue for
mercy. But the latter, justly incensed, refused to
enter into .my negotiations with an outlawed
fugitive. Alexander, driven to despair, and compelled
to fly from place to place, was compelled at
last to trust to the royal clemency. Travelling
secretly to Edinburgh, he suddenly presented himself,
upon a solemn festival, before the high altar 01
Holyrood, and holding his?drawn sword by the
point, he presented the hilt to the astonished king,
in token of his unconditional submission, and
falling on his knees, in presence of Queen Jane
and the whole court, implored the royal mercy.
The ill-fated James granted him his life, at the
tender intercession of his royal consort, but sent
him a prisoner to the sequestered castle of
Tantallon, on its sea-beat Tock, under the charge
of his nephew, the Earl of Angus. The island
chief eventually received a free pardon, was restored
to all his honours, castles, and estates, and stood
as sponsor for the twin princes, Alexander and
James, at the font
.
In 1437 the Parliament met at Edinburgh, on
the 25th March, after the murder of James I., and
adopted immediate measures for the government of
the country. Their first act was the coronation of
the young prince, in his sixth year, on whose head
at Holyrood, as James II., the crown was solemnly
placed by James Kennedy, Bishop of St. Andrews,
in presence of a great concourse of the nobles,
clergy, and representatives of towns, amid the usual
testimonies of devotion and loyalty.
On March 27th, 1439, Patrick Abbot of Holyrood
and his convent granted a charter to Sir Robert
Logan of Restalrig, and his heirs, of the ofice of
bailie over their lands of St. Leonard?s, in the town
of Leith, ?from the end of the great volut of
William Logane, on the east part of the common
gate that passes to the ford over the water of Leith,
beside the waste land near the house of John of
Turyng on the west part, and common Venale
called St. Leonard?s Wynd, as it extended of old
on the south part, and the water of the port OF
Leith on the north, and . . . . in the ninth year of
the pontificate of our most holy father and lord,
Eugenius IV., by Divine Providence Pope.?
Chronologically, the next event connected with
the abbey was the arrival of Mary of Gueldres in
1449. In company with John Railston, Bishop
of Dunkeld, and Nicholas Otterburn, official of
Lothian, the Lord Chancellor Crichton went to
France to seek among the princesses of that
friendly court a suitable bride for young James
11.; but no match being suitable, by the advice
of Charles VII. these ambassadors proceeded to
Burgundy, and, with the cordial concurrence of
Duke Philip the Good, made proposals to his
kinswoman, hlary, the only daughter and heiress
of Arnold, Duke of Gueldres, and in 1449 the
engagement was formally concluded. Philip promised
to pay _f60,boo in gold as a dowry, while
James, on the other hand, settled IO,OOO crowns
upon her, secured on land in Strathearn, Athole,
Methven, and East Lothian, while relinquishing all;
claim to the Duchy of Gueldres, in the event of
an heir male being born to Duke Arnold ; and the
Parliament met at Stirling, resolved that the royal
nuptials should be conducted on a scale of splendour
suited to the occasion.
The fleet containing the bride anchored in June
in the Forth. She was ?young, beautiful, and of a
masculine constitution,? says Hawthornden, and
came attended by a splendid train of knights and
nobles from France and Burgundy, including tlie
Archduke Sigisniund of Austria, the Duke of
Brittany, and the Lord of Campvere (the three
brothers-in-law of the King of Scotland), togetho

... official of Lothian, the Lord Chancellor Crichton went to France to seek among the princesses of ...

Book 3 p. 54
(Score 0.75)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 251
Dr. Home retained to his advanced age a taste for classical literature ; and
several of his poems, known principally to his friends, have very considerable
merit. The print represents Dr. Home in his ordinary and contemplative
mode of walking the streets of Edinburgh.
No. CII.
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF HADDINGTON,
SIR WILLIAM FORBES OF PITSLIGO, BART.,
AND SIR JAMES HUNTER BLAIR, BART.
THOMAS, SEVENTH EARL OF HADDINGTON, who is here represented
as walking with his favourite little dog behind him, was born in 1720, and
succeeded his grandfather to the titles and estates in 1735. His father was the
amiable and accomplished Lord Binning, whose premature death was universally
regretted. The specimens of Lord Binning’s poetical talents which remain,
warrant the inference that, had he not been prematurely cut off, he would have
taken a high station among the poets of his native land. His son set out on
his travels, accompanied by his brother George, in 1740 ; and the same year
they became members of the “Common Room,” just then established at
Geneva.
His lordship was twice married ; first, in 1750, to Mary, daughter of Rowland
Holt, Esq., of Redgrave, county of Suffolk, by whom he had two sons, viz.
Charles, afterwards Eighth Earl of Haddington, and the Hon. Thomas Hamilton,
who died in 1774. On the death of the Countess at Edinburgh in 1785, the
Earl again married, in 1786, the eldest daughter of Sir Charles Gascoigne,
Knight, by whom he had one daughter, who died in infancy.
His lordship died at Ham, in Surrey, on the 19th May 1794, in his seventyfourth
year.
SIR W1I;LTkM FORBES’ will be easily recognised in the centre figure
of the group. We have, in No. LXXII., already given a sketch of the life and
In OUT former notice of Sir William, we stated that he was maternally descended from the Lords
of Pitsligo. His grandson, Sir John Stuart Forbes, became next heir of the family-the Master of
Pitsligo having died without issue. He
had been out with Mar in 1715, and for several years afterwards took refuge in France. Although
an old man (being sixty-seven years of age) when Prince Charles raised his standard in 1745,
Lord pitsligo again took the field, at the head of a party of Aberdeenshire gentlemen, forming a body
of well-equipped cavalry, about one hundred strong, with whom he joined the Pretender in Edinburgh
’after the battle of Preston. He shared in all the subsequent movements of the Jacobite army j and,
after the final overthrow at Culloden, instead of flying abroad, he found shelter in hia native country,
and among his own peasantry. His preservation was very extraordinary, and can only be attributed
to the excellence of his character, and the esteem in which he waa held by all who knew him. The
Alexander, the last Lord Pitsligo, was attainted h 1745.

... in 1715, and for several years afterwards took refuge in France . Although an old man (being sixty-seven years of ...

Book 8 p. 352
(Score 0.74)

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

... alley the ambassadors and statesmen of England and France , and the niessengers of the Scottish Queen, have ...

Book 10 p. 168
(Score 0.74)

50 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
published. One of these, entitled (‘ The progress of ’the Christian Religion,”
was delivered before the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, at the
anniversary in 1793 ; and a discodrse on ‘(The Resurrection of Christ” appeared
in The Scotch Preachr.
The genius and exertions of Dr. Hardie were not, however, confined to
spiritual matters. Temporal affairs occasionally engaged his attention. In 1793,
he produced his (( Plan for the Augmentation of Stipends”-one of the works
to which the artist has made special reference in the Print; and, much about
the same period, he undertook another essay, entirely of a political nature. This
was no less than a refutation of the republican dopas of Thomas Paine. The
late Mr. Smellie had been applied to by the leading men of this city, in the
interest of Government, to write an answer to the revolutionary works of P h e ;
but his hands being full of important literary engagements at the time, he
declined doing so. Dr. Hardie having been next applied to, he produced a
well-written pamphlet, entitled, The Patriot,’ for which he obtained a pension
from Government. It is in allusion to this publication that he has been called
‘( The Reverend Patriot” by the artist.
In the Church Courts, notwithstanding occasional party heats, Dr. Hardie
was very generally esteemed by his professional brethren, and was elected
Moderator of the General Assembly in 1793. In private, and especially in the
domestic circle, his conduct was such as to endear him to his friends and family.
He died at a premature age in 1798, leaving a wife and several children ’ to
regret the close of a career which had been so full of promise. He was
married to Agnes Young in June 1780. His residence was at one time at
Lauriston, but the house he latterly occupied for many years, and in which
he died, was that which still stands at the corner of Richmond Place and
Hill Place.
“Addressed to the People on the present state of affain in Britain and in France, with
Observations on Republican Government, and Discussions of the Principles advanced in the
Writings of T. Paine,” pp. 78. In this essay the author does not condescend on the
discussion of abstract principles. To the theories of Paine he opposes the pages of history. In the
Cromwellian era of Britain, and the sanguinary proceedings of the French Revolution, he found
ample materials.
a His third son, Charles Wilkie, studied for the Church, and was presented to the parish of
’ Dnnning, but died in the course of the year following. His death is thus noticd in the Scots
Magazine for 1814 :--“At Edinbur&, on the 7th February, the Rev. Charles Wilkie Hardie, in the
twenty-rrixth year of his age, and first of his ministry. Mr. Hardie wm the third son of the late
Dr. Thomaa Hardie of this city, and a young man, who, in the estimation of his friends, gave the
fairest promise of repairing the loss which the Church of Scotland sustained by the death of his
excellent father, ”
E h , 1793,

... People on the present state of affain in Britain and in France , with Observations on Republican Government, and ...

Book 9 p. 67
(Score 0.74)

Hogg was born on a farm near Ettrick Forest in Selkirk and baptized there on December 9. He had little education, and became a shepherd, living in grinding poverty hence his nickname, The Ettrick Shepherd. His employer, James Laidlaw of Blackhouse, seeing how hard he was working to improve himself, offered to help by making books available. Hogg used these to essentially teach himself to read and write (something he had achieved by the age of 14). In 1796 Robert Burns died, and Hogg, who had only just come to hear of him, was devastated by the loss. He struggled to produce poetry of his own, and Laidlaw introduced him to Sir Walter Scott, who asked him to help with a publication entitled The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. In 1801, Hogg visited Edinburgh for the first time. His own collection, The Mountain Bard, was published in 1807 and became a best-seller, allowing him to buy a farm of his own. Having made his name, he started a literary magazine, The Spy, and his epic story-poem, The Queen's Wake (the setting being the return to Scotland of Queen Mary (1561) after her exile in France), was published in 1813 and was another big success. William Blackwood recruited him for the Edinburgh Magazine, and he was introduced to William Wordsworth and several other well-known literary figures. He was given a farm by the Duke of Buccleuch, and settled down there for the rest of his life.

Hogg had already made his reputation as a prose writer with a practical treatise on sheep's diseases; and in 1824 his novel, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, was another major success. He became better known than his hero, Burns, had ever been.

Today, Hogg's poetry and essays are not as widely read as in his contemporary era. However "Justified Sinner" remains important and is now seen as one of the major Scottish novels of its time, and absolutely crucial in terms of exploring one of the key themes of Scottish culture and identity: Calvinism. In a 2006 interview with Melvyn Bragg for ITV1, Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh cited Hogg, especially "Justified Sinner" as a major influence on his writing.

[edit] Other works
The Forest Minstrel (1810) (poetry)
The Pilgrims of the Sun (1815) (poetry)
Brownie of Bodsbeck (1817) (novel)
Jacobite Reliques (1819) (collection of Jacobite protest songs)
The Three Perils of Man (1822) (novel)
The Three Perils of Woman (1923) (novel)
Queen Hynde (1925)) (poetry)
Songs by the Ettrick Shephard (1831) (songs/poetry)
The Brownie of the Black Haggs (1828) (short story/tale)
The Domestic Manner and Private Life of Sir Walter Scott (1834) ("unauthorised" biography)
Tales and Sketches of the Ettrick Shepherd (1837)[1]

[edit] Footnotes
^ Bibliographic information from:Bleiler

... return to Scotland of Queen Mary (1561) after her exile in France ), was published in 1813 and was another big ...

Book 1 p. ix
(Score 0.74)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
countries of Europe. The “Theory of Moral Sentiments” appeared in 1’759,
and the same volume contained a dissertation on the origin of languages, and
on the different genius 6f those which are original and compounded. Towards
the end of 1763, he received an invitation from the Right Hon. Charles Townshend,
to accompany Henry Duke of Buccleuch on his travels, and the
liberal terms of the proposal made, added to the strong desire he had felt of
visiting the Continent of Europe, induced him to resign his Professorship at
Glasgow. Before he left that city, he requested all his pupils to attend him,
and as each name was called over he returned the several sums he had received
as fees, saying, that as he had not completely fulfilled his enga,ment, he was
resolved his class should be instructed that year gratis, and the remainder of
his lectures should be read by one of the senior students.
After leaving Glasgow, be joined the Duke at London early in 1764, and
set out for Paris in the month of March. In this first visit to Paris they only
spent ten or twelve days, and then proceeded to Toulouse, where they k e d
their residence : they next undertook a pretty extensive tour through the south
of France, to Geneva, and about Christmas 1765, revisited Paris, where they
resided till October 1766, when the Duke returned to London.
For the next ten years Dr. Smith lived chiefly with his mother in Kirkcaldy,
and his time was entirely occupied by his studies. In the beginning of 1’1’16,
he gave to the world the result of his labour, by the publication of his “ Inquiry
into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.” About two years
after the appearance of this work, he was appointed one of the Commissioners
of his Majesty’s Customs in Scotland, a preferment bestowed upon him
through the interest of the Duke of Buccleuch. When he obtained this appointment
he‘offered to resign the annuity of $300 per annum, which had beeli
granted him for superintending the Duke’s education and travels, an offer which
was immediately declined. The greater part of the two years preceding his
appointment he lived in London in a society too extensive and varied to afford
him any opportunity of indulging his taste for study, although much of it was
spent with some of the most distinguished literary characters, as may be seen by
the following verses by Dr. k n a r d , addressed to Sir Joshua Reynolds and his
friends :- ‘‘ If I have thoughts and can’t express ’em,
Gibbon shall teach me how to dress ’em,
In words select and terse ;
Jones teach me modesty and Greek,
Smith how to think, Burke how to speak,
And Eendire to converse.”
In 1778, Dr. Smith removed to Edinburgh, with the view of attending to
the duties of his new office, where he passed the last twelve years of his life, enjoying
an affluence more than equal to all his wants. He now and then revisited
London, The last time he was there, he had engaged to dine with Lord Melville,
then Mr. Dundas, at Wimbledon ; Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Addington,
afterwards Lord Sidmouth, and some other of his lordship’s friends were there.

... undertook a pretty extensive tour through the south of France , to Geneva, and about Christmas 1765, revisited ...

Book 8 p. 106
(Score 0.73)

148 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH.
occupied, the outer framework on one side being nearly cut away ; but its original position
was doubtless one of importance, suited to its highly decorated character. The
armorial bearings, though suggesting no relation to those of the Queen Regent, serve to
prove that it had been executed for the mansion in which it was found, as the game arms,
impaled on one shield, was sculptured over the uorth doorway of the building on the
east side of the close, with the date 1557, already alluded to, as the oldest then existing
on any house in Edinburgh,’ and the initials A. A., as represented below. The lintel
had been removed from its original position to heighten the doorway, for the purpose of
converting this part of the old Palace into a stable, and was built into a wall immediately
adjacent ; but its mouldings completely corresponded with the sides of the doorway from
which it had been taken, and the high land was rent up through the whole of its north
front, owiug to its abstraction.e This portion of the Palace formed a sort of gallery,
extending across the north end of the whole buildings, and internally affording communication
from those in Todd’s and Nairn’s Closes, and that on the west side of Blyth‘s
Cloae, with the oratory or chapel on the east side of the latter. The demolition of these
buildings brought to light many interesting features of their original character. The whole
had been fitted up at their erection in a remarkably elegant and highly ornate style ; the
fieplaces especially were all of large dimensions, and several of very graceful and elegant
proportions. One of these we have already alluded to, with its fine Gothic niche at the
side; another in Todd’s Close was of a still more beautiful design, the clustered pillars
were further adorned with roses filling the interstices, and this also had a very rich Gothic
niche at its side, entirely differing in form from the last, and indeed from all the others
that we have examined, in the apparent remains of a stoup or hollowed basin, the front of
1 It is not necessarily inferred from this that no older house exists. The walla of Holyrood admitted of being
roofed again after the burning in 1544, and it is not unlikely that some of the oldest houses still remaining passed
through the same fiery ordeaL
This stone, which is in good preservation, is now in the interesting collection of antiquities of A. 0. Ellis, Esq.
W e have failed to trace from the shield any clue to the original owner or builder of this part of the Palace ; but the
data now furnished may perhaps enable others to be more successful. Sir Robert Carnegie of Kinnaird, who WBB
appointed one of the Senatora of the College of Justice in 1547, and as Ambassador to France in 1551, had a great
share in persuading the Duke of Chatelherault to resign the regency to Mary of Guise,-bore for arms an eagle displayed,
aeure ; but his wife’s arms,-a daughter of Outhrie of Lunan,-do not correspond with those impaled with
them, and the initials are also irreconcilable, The same objediom hold good in the cue of his son, a faithful adherent
of Queen Mary.

... of the College of Justice in 1547, and as Ambassador to France in 1551, had a great share in persuading the Duke ...

Book 10 p. 160
(Score 0.73)

E1 0 GR AP HI C AL S K ET C 11 ES. 197
from the chaise, and, in the twinkling of an eye, prostrated the nearest assailant.
The other fellow took to his heels ; but Aytoun, who was as swift of foot as he
was strong of arm, gave chase, and captured the unlucky footpad, whom, along
with his companion, he bundled into the chaise, and conveyed to Manchester,
where they were handed over to the civic authorities.
In a very short time the regiment of Royal Manchester Volunteers (afterwards
the 72d of the line) was raised and sent out to Gibraltar, under Lieut.-
Colonel Gladstone. Mr. Aytoun was appointed to the Command of the Grenadier
Company, and remained in the fortress during the whole of the memorable
siege. On the return of the regiment to Britain he was promoted to the rank
of Major, and shortly afterwards married his second wife, Miss Sinclair of Ealgregie.
After this he retired on half-pay, and was never again actively engaged,
although he subsequently rose to the rank of Major-General.
On the formation of the First Regiment of Edinburgh Volunteers-somewhat
emphatically denominated “ the True Blues”-General Aytoun, as one of
the military men residing in Edinburgh, was invited to superintend the drilling
of the corps. This, it may be imagined, was no easy task, considering the
material of which the regiment was composed ; however, the volunteers themselves
were abundantly satisfied with the appearance they made, and were
undeniably as good “ food for powder” as if they had handled the musket from
their youth upwards. Their nominal Colonel was Provost Elder, who, it is
allowed on all hands, cut a most martial figure in his bandeliers of a Saturday,
but was not quite the fittest person for a drill, being somewhat unused to the
complicated evolutions which it was his duty to direct.
In 1797, when General Aytoun was drilling the Blues, Count d‘htois and
the Duc d’Angouleme were residing at Holyrood. The Duke, as we have said
before, was a constant attendant at the drills ; but Count d’Artois never could
get over his horror at the uniform of the Volunteers, which reminded him too
sadly of his own domestic tragedy in France. Kay’s contrast of the Duke and
General Aytoun is very happy. The Portrait of the General, in particular, is
acknowledged by all who knew him as an excellent likeness. The title of the
‘‘ Great and the Small” is further applicable to the figures of the other volunteers.
Mr. Osborne, the right-hand man of the company was a perfect.giant, being two
inches taller than the General ; and his burly form is well set off against the
diminutive figure of Mr. Rae the dentist, who acted as fugleman to the corps,
and was very expert at the manual exercise.
General Aytoun died at his family estate of Inchdairney, we believe, about
the year 18 10, leaving behind him a large family of sons and daughters. He
was succeeded by his grandson, Roger Aytoun of Inchdairney, eldest son of John
Aytoun (served Aytoun of Aytoun in 1829), and who was long a prisoner at
Verdun.‘
Jam- Aytoun, Esq., advocate, who for several years waa an efficient member of the Town
Council of Edinburgh, and who stood candidate for the representation of the city in Parliament, waa
a son of the General.

... reminded him too sadly of his own domestic tragedy in France . Kay’s contrast of the Duke and General Aytoun ...

Book 9 p. 266
(Score 0.73)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 15
At what other engagements our hero of the “Lawnmarket” was present,
during the continuance of hostilities prior to the peace of 1801, is uncertain;
but that he was actively employed may be inferred from the various sums of
prize-money which he remitted to his family.
?Vhen the treaty of Amiens was concluded, Yetts returned to Edinburgh ;
and with the money he had accumulated during his sea-adventures, made another
effort to settle down in respectable citizenship. With this view he opened a
small spirit shop at the head of Turk’s Close; but the speculation proved
unsuccessful. The narration of “ hk hair-breadth ’scapes ” no doubt brought
many loungers about his shop ; and it is possible that, with prudence, he might
have done pretty well. The reverse was the case; and the cLdevant barber
once more put to sea. In 1806 he was on board the Blanche frigate, which,
in company with other two-the Phabe and the Thames-were sent to the North
Seas, for the protection of the Greenland fisheries. On the 30th of July the
Blanche fell in with the Guewiere French frigate off Faro, when, after a smart
action of forty-five minutes, the latter surrendered. The Guerriere being one of
the largest class of frigates, was much superior to the Blanche. Yetts escaped
without a wound ; and a letter written by him to a friend-the substance of
which appeared in the Edinburgh Advertiser at the time-gave the first intelligence
of the capture.
We come now to the last scene in the chequered life of the hapless tonsor.
The following year, 180’7, the Blanche frigate having been despatched to the
coast of France with sealed instructions, she struck upon a rock on the night
of the 5th of March, within about thirty miles of Brest, and went to pieces in the
course of a few hours. Forty-five persons were lost,, among whom waa poor
Yetts. According to the information of one of his shipmates, who communicated
the intelligence of his death, he might easily have escaped from the
wreck; His companions repeatedly urged him to follow in their boat, but he
would not leave the ship, and doggedly sat down upon a stone in the galley to
await his fate, and went down with her. This strange indifference to life was
attributed to an attachment which he had formed for a Welsh lad on board,
whom he had taught to read, and who had been washed overboard when the
vessel struck.
The survivors were taken to Brest, where they were well treated ; and were
subsequently marched off to Verdun as prisoners of war.
The principal figures in the Coach are those of MRS. DTJNN, of the “ Hotel;”
MISS SIBBYH ~TON(f ormerly described); and MRS. PENNYwh, ose husband,
Mr. John Penny, was a writer in Forrester’s Wynd, and clerk to “ Johnnie
Bnchan,” Writer to the Signet. Mrs. Dunn occupies the centre position-Mra
Penny is seated above-and, to the left, will easily be distinguished the portly
figure of Sibby Hutton. The other ladies are intended for MRS. GRIEVE ( d e
of the Lord Provost), fih.9. WRIGm, etc.

... Blanche frigate having been despatched to the coast of France with sealed instructions, she struck upon a rock ...

Book 9 p. 17
(Score 0.73)

104 OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH. [Cahoa Hill.
on their return from the Army of Occupation in
France, under Colonel Wallace.
One of the last feasts of St. Crispin was held in
the Calton Convening Rooms, in 1820, when six
hundred of the ancient Corporation of Cordiners,
bearing St. Crispin with regal pomp, marched from
Holyrood. ?On reaching the Cross,?says the Week0
Journal for that year, ? it was found impossible to
proceed farther, from the mass of people collected ;
the procession therefore filed off into the Royal
Exchange, until a guard of the 13th Foot arrived
from the Castle ; then it proceeded along the
mound to the New Town.? It is added that fortyfour
years had elapsed since the last procession of
the kind.
The same paper, in 1828, records :hat a mighty
ing of the Regent Bridge, the foundation stone of
which was laid in 1815, forming a magnificent
entrance to the New Town from the east. The arch
is fifty feet wide, and about the same in height,
having on the top of the side ledges, arches, and
ornamental pillars, connected with the houses in
Waterloo Place. The whole was finished in 1819,
and formally opened on the visit of Prince Leopold,
afterwards King of Belgium j but the bridge must
have been open for traffic two years before, as it was
crossed by the 88th Connaught Rangers, in 1817,
15,000 men, and about the date above mentioned,
Earl Grey entered the city amid a vast concourse
of admirers. He was presented with the freedom
of the city in a gold box, and was afterwards entertained
at a public banquet, in a pavilion erected
for the occasion, 113 feet long by IDI broad. in
the eastern compartment of the High School on
the south side of the Calton Hill. Archibald,
Earl of Rosebery, K.T., in absence of the Duke
of Hamilton, occupied the chair.
On the north-west shoulder of the hill is the
old observatory, a rough, round-buttressed tower,
three storeys in height. The scheme for the
erection of a building of this kind was first projected
in 1736, but the local commotions occasioned
by the Porteous mob caused it to be relinquished
mass of rock, fully fifty tons in weight, fell from
under Nelson?s monument with a great crash from
a height of twentyfive feet, and carrying all before
it, rolled on the roadway below.
On the 15th September, 1834, there occurred the
only local event of interest since the visit of
George 1V.-the Grey banquet. A great portion
of the citizens had signalised themselves in their
zeal for the Reform Bill, the passing of which, in
August, 1832, they celebrated by a grand procession
of the trades, amounting to more than
NELSON?S MONUMENT, CALTON HILL, FROM PRINCES STREET. (Fwm a Dmwiwby A. Kaswytfi, pnbliskd in 18a6.)

... Hill. on their return from the Army of Occupation in France , under Colonel Wallace. One of the last feasts of ...

Book 3 p. 104
(Score 0.73)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 67
more ancient than the beltid plaid (or kilt) worn by the other Highland regiments.
His opinions on this subject he embodied in a pamphlet; and in a
song, written by him for the Caithness Fencibles, the idea was not forgotten-
“ Let others brag of philibeg,
Of kilt, and belted plaid,
Whilst we the ancient trews will wear
In which our fathers bled.”
A few years after the Fencibles were embodied, Sir John raised another corps
for more extended service. This regiment, at first six hundred, and afterwards
one thousand strong, was called the ‘‘ Caithness Highlanders,” and served in
Ireland in suppressing the Rebellion.‘ During the volunteer period, he commanded
the Camp at Aberdeen, and as usual on every subject that engrossed
his attention, he published several pamphlets on military matters. One of his
essays was entitled “ Cursory Observations on the Military System of Great
Britain,” in which the tactics of Napoleon were investigated, and improvements
in the British system suggested.
Sir John had no seat in Parliament from 1794 till 1797, when he was returned
through the interest of the Prince of Wales, for Petersfield, in Hampi
shire. The treasury was then exhausted, while its demands were increasing,
and barriers almost insurmountable appeared in the way of negotiating a new
loan. In this dilemma Pitt had recourse to his advice, and the result was the
scheme known by the name of the “ Loyalty Loan ” the germ of several subsequent
financial measures. So long as war seemed unavoidable, the Baronet
gave his support unhesitatingly to the ministry; but at length, conceiving that
peace was practicable, from the disposition of the French Directory, he readily
entered into the scheme of a new administration, attempted in 1798 under
the Earl of Moira. This, however, came to nothing; and, throughout the
remaining years of Pitt’s retention of power, he took a lively interest in all the
financial measures of Government, and stood forward almost alone as the
champion of economy and retrenchment. When the Union with Ireland was in
progress, he made a bold but unsuccessful effort to have the number of Scottish
representatives au,pented to the amount since accomplished by the Reform
Bill.
When party changes had settled down after the reign of “AI1 the Talents,”
convinced from the conduct of the First Consul-who had abolished all aemblance
of deliberative government in France-that safety only consisted in the
vigorous prosecution of the war, Sir John entered warmly into the measures
of Government ; and, during the Premiership of Perceval, had the honour of
being sworn a member of his Majesty’s Privy Council, Much, however, as he
admired the general capacity of that minister, he sincerely regretted the coun-
When the expedition to Egypt waa undertaken, s considerable body of the Caithness Fenciblles
One of them, named Siclair, was the soIdier of the 42d
For this service Si
volunteered into regimeni of the line.
regiment who took an eagle from the Invincibles at the battle of AIexandria.
John procured him promotion.

... abolished all aemblance of deliberative government in France -that safety only consisted in the vigorous ...

Book 9 p. 89
(Score 0.73)

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.

... for Cadiz; but Spain being then leagued with the Republic of France , on arriving off the port of Cadiz, the ...

Book 8 p. 434
(Score 0.72)

118 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No, LVI.
CAPTAIN GEORGE GORDON,
CAPTAIN GEORGE ROBERTSON, AND
JOHN GRIEVE, ESQ.,
LORD PROVOST OF EDINBURGH.
CAPTAIN GORDOK, the first figure in the Print, is repre nted as in ttendance
on the Lord Provost. He was formerly an officer of the Scottish
Brigade’ in the service of Holland, and was appointed to his situation as
Captain in the Town Guard, on the death of Captain Robertson in 1787. He
lived in Bell’s Wynd, High Street, and was somewhat remarkable for his
forenoon or meridian potations, an indulgence by no means uncommon in his
day. He died on the 25th September 1803.
CAPTAIN ROBERTSON, who is in the attitude of receiving instructions
from the Lord Provost, has already been noticed as one of “ the Three Captains
of Pilate’s Guard,” No. XV.
JOHN GRIEVE, ESQ., the centre figure of this triumvirate, was a
merchant in the Royal Exchange, and held the office of Lord Provost in the
years 1782-3 and again in 1786-7. He entered the Town Council so early as
1765, was treasurer in 1’769, and Dean of Guild in 1778-9. Mr. Grieve possessed
a great deal of natural sagacity, to which he entirely owed his success in business,
The Scottish Brigade in Holland were a body of about six battalions, originally sent for the
purpose of assisting the Republic. They continued to be supplied with recruits from Scotland, and
kept in an effective state ; but under one pretence or other they were detained so long in the service
of the Dutch that it almost came to be a matter of dispute whether there existed a right to recall
them. In 1763 the chiefs or officers of the regiment addressed a strong remonstrance to the British
Secretary at War, expressing a desire to be removed from the provinces on account of indifferent
usage ; but, either from inability or neglect, their remonstrance was not sufficiently attended to. In
1779, they again made offer of their services to the British Government, being unwilling to loiter
away their time in garrison towns, “while the enemies of their country were uniting against her ; ”
but the States of the United Provinces resolved that the Scotch Brigade should, on and after the
1st of January 1783, be incorporated with the Dutch troops, and in every way similarly situated.
At that time the Scotch Brigade had been above 200 years in the service of the States, and in the
numeiwus battles and sieges in which they had been engaged they never lost a single colour, having
on all occasions defended them with the utmost bravery. “At Bergen-op-Zoom, in 1747, in particular,
General Marjoribank‘s regiment consisted of 850 rank and file, of which only 220 survived the fatal
storm of the place ; but these brave handful of men, although many of them were wounded, cut their
way through the grenadiers of France, and carried off their colours in triumph into the lines of the
Allied army of Steebergen.” On this conjunction of the Scotch Brigade with the Dutch regiments,
mauy of the officers refusing to subscribe the new oaths of allegiance, returned to their native country.

... were wounded, cut their way through the grenadiers of France , and carried off their colours in triumph into the ...

Book 8 p. 172
(Score 0.72)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 239
“ Our fathers’ bluid the kettle bought,
And wha wad dare to spoil it 4
By heaven ! the sacrilegious dog
Shall fuel be to boil it.”
In consequence of the alliance of Spain with’ France, a meeting of the
Lieutenants of the city, and the officers of the Edinburgh Volunteers, was held
on the 14th September 1796, when they resolved,--“ that as this apparent
increase of strength on the part of our enemies must give them additional
confidence, it is highly necessary to show them that this country ‘is capable of
increasing its exertions in proportion to the force brought against it.” Accordingly,
an augmentation of their corps being deemed necessary, another battaliod
was speedily organised, called the Second Regiment of Edinburgh Volunteers.
In 1797, when the French were every day expected to attempt a landing in
Ireland, the First Regiment tendered their services to perform the duty of the
Castle, in order to allow the withdrawal of the regular troops ; and, in 1801,
when the danger seemed more immediately to menace our own shores, the former
offer of service was followed up with characteristic spirit.
The Lieutenant-Colonel commanding, the Right Honourable Charles Hope
(Lord President and Privy Councillor), in his letter to General Vyse, at
this alarming crisis, says-“ In the event of an enemy appearing on our coast,
we trust that you will be able to provide for the temporary security of Edinburgh
Castle by means of its own invalids, and the recruits and convalescents of the
numerous corps and detachments in and about Edinburgh ; and that, as we have
more to lose than the brave fellows of the other volunteer regiments who have
$xtended their services, we trust you will allow us to be the first to share
in the danger, as well as in the glory, which we are confident his Majesty’s troops
will acquire under your command, if opposed to an invading army.”
On the cessation of hostilities in 1802 the Volunteers were disbanded, after
eight years of military parade, during which period “they had many a time
and oft ” marched to and from the camp at Musselburgh, and, on the sands of
Leith, maintained the well-contested bloodless fight. They closed their first
period of service on the 6th of May 1802. Early in the forenoon of that day
they assembled in Heriot’s Green, where they first obtained their colours ; and,
having formed a hollow square, the Lieutenant-Colonel read Lord Hobart’s
circular letter, conveying his Majesty’s thanks, and also the thanks of the two
Houses of Parliament. He likewise read a resolution of the Town Council of
Edinburgh, conveying, in the strongest and most handsome terms, the thanks of
the Community to the whole Volunteers of the city ; and a very flattering letter
from his excellency Lieut.-General Vyse. The regiment was afterwards marched
to the Parliament Square, where, being formed, the colours were delivered to
the Magistrates, who lodged them in the Council Chamber, and the corps was
dismissed’
Not the least important practical ’benefit reaultiog from the patriotic feeling of the Volunteers,
consisted in the frequent collections made among them in aid of the poor of the city. “ On the 3d of
January 1797 they assembled in their uniforms at St. Andrew’a Church, where an excellent diecourse

... it.” In consequence of the alliance of Spain with’ France , a meeting of the Lieutenants of the city, and ...

Book 8 p. 336
(Score 0.71)

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.

... London some time prior to the Ambassador, who, coming by France , remained in Paris much longer than he ...

Book 9 p. 404
(Score 0.71)

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