166 B I0 G RA P H I C A L SI< ETCH E S.
might be found in the houses of the Doctor’s patients. The raven was domesticated
at an ale and porter shop in North Castle Street, which is still, or very
lately was, marked by a tree growing from the area against the wall. It also
kept upon the watch for Mr. Wood, and would recognise him even as he passed
at some distance along George Street, and taking a low flight towards him was
frequently his companion during some part of his forenoon walks-for Mr. Wood
never entered his carriage when he could possibly avoid it, declaring that
unless a vehicle could be found that would carry him down the closes and up the
turnpike stairs, they produced nothing but trouble and inconvenience.
It may be superfluous to state that the subject of these brief sketches was
rarely spoken of as Mr. Wood, but as Sandy Wood, This general use of the
Christian name, instead of the ordinary title, proceeded from a feeling the very
opposite of disrespect. It was the result of that affection for his person with
which his universal and inexhaustible benevolence and amiable character inspired
all who knew him.
Mr. Wood continued to maintain that professional eminence which had been
so early conceded to him, and was considered the unrivalled head of the surgical
practice in his native city, till within a few years of his death, when increasing
infirmities obliged him to retire. He died on the 12th of May 1807, at the
advanced age of eighty-two.
No. LXX.
CAPTAIN HIND.
THIS person was an officer of the 55th Regiment of Foot, and his peculiar
appearance seems to have attracted the notice of the artist. The half-running
walk, open mouth, and military hat, gently o’er-topping a few hairs, are unequivocal
indications of something eccentric, and at once vouch for the accuracy
of the likeness. The 55th Eegiment was stationed at Edinburgh Castle in
1790, and had the complement of men filled up by drafts from the 35th.
They then proceeded to Newcastle, where they were embarked for foreign service.
During his residence in Edinburgh Captain Hind was a devoted admirer
of a celebrated beauty, whose portrait will be forthcoming in a subsequent
part of the work. But. the attachment, it is said, was not reciprocal; on
the contrary, the ‘‘ ladie fair” actually detested her admirer. This dislike,
however, had only the effect of increasing, instead of abating, his passion.
