BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 97
been either lost or slighted.”
which we learn that
Some verses, signed ‘‘ T. C.,” are prefixed, from
‘‘ The sword has always flonrish’d, and the bow,
So long neglected, claims ita birthright now,
And our cockmatches owe their rise to you.”
From which it may be inferred that this species of amuselhent had been introduced
into Scotland by Machrie, who terms it “ a very Innocent, Noble, and
highly Heroiclc Game ! ! ”
The style of this curious publication is highly inflated, and the attempt to
confer dignity upon this wretched and cruel sport is ludicrous enough. After
very minute researches into the antiquity of the ‘‘ royal recreation,” the history
of the cock and its habits, the proper mode of treatment, etc., the author concludes--“
I am not ashamed to declare to the *odd that 1 have a special veneration
and esteem for those gentlemen within and about this city who have
entered on society for propagating and establishing the royal recreation of
cocking (in order to which, they have already erected a Cockpit in the links
of Leith), and I earnestly wish that their generous and laudable example may
be imitated to that degree, that (in cock-war) village may be engaged against
village, city againet city, kingdom against kingdom-nay, the father against the
son, until all the wars in &rope, wherein so much Christian blood is spilt, be
turned into that of the innocent pastime of Cocking.”
From the date of Tdachrie’s work until recently, the practice of cockfighting
seems to have been pretty general, especially in gdinburgh, where
a regular cock-pit was erected, and liberally supported for many years. On
turning over the files of the Edinburgh journals, the names of gentlemen still
alive are to be found, who now, it is to be presumed, would not be disposed
to consider their former ‘( cocking ’’ propensities with much complacency. An
attempt was made two or three years since to revive the “royal recreation” in
a certain city in the west, but it was very properly put down by the magistracy.
No. XLV.
JADIES DONALDSON,
THIS Print represents a half-witted journeyman baker, whom Kay has thought
worthy of immortality, on account of his enormous strength.
Many instances of this simpleton’s extraordinary physical powers are remembered
: Amongst these is the fact of his having frequently, for the amusement
of himself and the butchers, knocked down a strong bull-calf with one blow of
his prodigious fist. His good nature, however, was often imposed upon by
fools as great as himself, who used to load him with burdens sufficient for any
three ordinary men.
The Print has been entitled I‘ 0 Dronth ! ” by the limner, being a far-fetched
allusion to Jamie’s thirsty employment.
0
98 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. XLVI.
MR. ALEXANDER THOMSON
AND
MISS CRAWFORD.
THOSE who recollect MR. THOMSON, affirm this representation of him to be
extremely faithful. He was very remarkable for the length of his arms, which,
while walking, he kept dangling by his side, as represented in the Print. He
carried on business as a grocer in a shop nearly opposite the Tron Church,
where, by persevering industry and fair dealing, he is said to have amassed a
considerable fortune ; from which circumstance, together with his long and
honourable career, he obtained the title of the “ Prince of Grocers.” Not much
in accordance, however, with this high-sounding title he was known also by the
less dignified appellation of “Farthing Sandy,” owing to his having at one
period issued a great number of brass farthings, for the better adjustment of
accounts with his numerous customers.
Thomson was a widower of long standing; but having grown in riches as
well as in years, it appears strange fantasies of greatness began to flit before his
imagination. He used to compare himself with the other grocers as a large mastiff
dog, placed in the centre of a number of little terriers. With a view to his
aggrandizement, he sought to connect himself by marriage with some family of
aristocratic blood j and with this “ intention full resolved,” he is represented
in the Print as “ casting an eye” at Miss Crawford-a lady somewhat whimsical,
if not altogether fantastical, in her dress and manners. The scene is lirnned
by Mr. Kay as witnessed on the Calton-Hill, the day on which Mr Tytler’s
“ fire-balloon” ascended from the Abbey grounds. The “ Prince of Grocers,”
however, was not successful in his pursuit, and ultimately became, among the
ladies, an object of ridicule, being known by the feminine sobriquet of “Ruffles,”
from a practice he had of hiding his long fingers in his sleeve appendages.
Had the widower aimed at less lofty game, there would have been no doubt
of success ; his ‘‘ old brass would have bought a new pan.”
Notwithstanding his reputed riches, it is said that Thomson left a mere trifle
at his death, having been nearly ruined by a son, who afterwards went to
Jamaica, where it is believed he died a mendicant.
His house was at the Abbey-Hill.
MISS CRAWFORD, the object of the grocer’s ambition, was the daughter
of Sir Hew Crawford of Jordanhill, and resided at the time at a place called
Redbraes, Bonnington Road. She continued “deaf as Ailsa Craig” to the
wooing of old Ruffles, preferring a life of single blessedness, although it
