438 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. CLXIX.
TWO TURKS.
OF these two disciples of Mahomet very little is known. They came to Edinburgh
in 1784, and brought with them recommendations from gentlemen of
rank in different parts of the world. The old man with the long beard was
reputed to be the father of the younger person. He was known by the name
of MAHOMETan, d the son by that of AERAHAM. They were shoe or slippermakers
by profession ; had been great travellers, and at one period, it is said,
had aided in some way or other the interests of Great Britain,
In consequence of ,their letters of recommendation, they received very great
attention from the inhabitants of Edinburgh, and, being freemasons, were admitted
as brethren into all the different lodges of the city. They were considered
to have a very competent knowledge of masonry. To assist them on their
way to their native country, they were supplied with money from the funds of
most of the lodges, They received sums from several gentlemen, and a present
of ten guineas from the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
all concur in stating that the ‘( likenesses are admirable.”
Many inhabitants of Edinburgh distinctly recollect the “Two Turks,” and.
“As a pitched fight was at that time quite a novelty in Edinburgh, and as I happened to be
present at this famous battle, I shall here describe it more minutely. Rosa was the first who came
into the room ; and, after showing his science to the assembled multitude, in came Blackie stripped
to the skin. Ross, in an impertinent tone, asked Rogerson if he had remembered to bring his cofin
along with him ! Rogerson made no reply, but planted a most tremendous blow on his antagonist’s
head, which was returned by a heavy hit on Rogerson’s body, which, however, made no impression.
Every succeeding blow which Rogerson received just appeared as if it had been struck on a block of
iron. The windows of the room
having heen all nailed down, it was found necessary to break one of the panes, out of which Ross’s
head was more than once projected to give him breath. After this was found necessary, it was
evident that it was all up with him. This waa a terrible disappointment to him, aa the two teachers,
it was understood, had staked their professional success on the issue of the battle.
I have seen many little pieces of
his very prettily conceived.
He had got a boy into his service aa footman ;
and, on being asked how the lad waa coming on, said, ‘He ia a d-d clever boy-he and I sometimes
drink a bottle of whisky together.’ Some time after he got married ; and he said to some
of his acquaintances, ‘My wife, thank God, L a great favourite. A gentlemaa, t’other day, gave
her a present of a couple of guineas.’ After the birth of a son, he never left his house in the
morning without giving the following caution to his wife :-‘ Now, remember if anything happen
to de leetle infant when I’m away, I will assuredly mm you thmugh de body.”’
’ Ross was by much the stoutest-looking man, but wanted wind.
“ I may add, that George Rass had a decided taste for poetry.
‘‘ Rogerson, the black, waa a sort of an original
