12 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
‘ These wonderful Irish giants are but twenty-three yeark of age, and measure
very near eight feet high. These extraordinary young men have had the honour
to be seen by their Majesties and Royal Family at Windsor, in November
1783, with great applause; and likewise by Gentlemen of the Faculty, Royal
Society, and other admirers of natural curiosity, who allow them to surpass any
thing of the same kind ever offered to the public, Their address is singular
and pleasing : their persons truly shaped and proportioned to their height, and
affords an agreeable surprise. They excel the famous Maximilian Miller,
born in 1674, shown in London in 17333 ;’ and the late Swedish Giant will
scarce admit of comparison. To enumerate every particular would be too
tedious ; let it suffice to say, that they are beyond what is set forth in ancient
or modern history. The ingenious and judicious who have honoured them
with their company have bestowed the most lavish encomiums ; and, on their
departure, have expressed their approbation and satisfaction. In short, the
sight of them is more than the mind can conoeive, the tongue express, or pencil
delineate, and stands without a parallel in this or in any other country.
‘ Take them for all in all, we shall scarce
Look on their like again.’
Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully informed, that their hours of admittance
are from ten in the morning to three in the afternoon, and from four to
nine in the evening, every day (Sundays excepted).
“Price of admittance, One Shilling-July 27th, 1784.”
These “ interesting ” youths left Edinburgh for Aberdeen in the month of
August following, proposing “ to stop in a few towns on their way,” to astonish
the natives. Whether they ever again visited Edinburgh has not been
ascertained.
BAILIE JOHNKY D, a bachelor, who once made no small noise in the
city, especially at the time the Print of the U Kid and the Goat ” was done, was
a wine-merchant in that large land at the head of the Cowgate, opposite the
Candlemaker Row, first door up stairs, in the flat immediately below Mrs. Sym,
grandmother to Lord Brougham-he was third bailie in 1769, first bailie in
1772, and Dean of Guild in 1774 and 1775. He died, it is understood, early
in the year 1810.
WILLIAM RICHARDSOsNo,l icitor-at-l&w, the gentleman in the background
on the left, was in his time eminent in his profession; and much respected as
Preses of the Society of Solicitors, which office he held. He died, the oldest
member of that society, at Edinburgh, on the 6th of July 1801, being seventyeight
years of age.
“Dec. 12, 1734.-This day died the tall Saxon, being about seven feet ten inches high.”
