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Kay's Originals Vol. 2

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78 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. sale, or pay the juror’s fine, were the alternatives. He resolved that he should do neither. Shortly after the roll had been called over, he went forward to the bench, and, w-ith a wo-begone countenance, begged that he might be allowed ta retire, having been suddenly seized with an urgent illness. ‘‘ 0, most certainlygo away 1 go away !” said the presiding Judge. Mr. Grinly left the Court amid the sympathy of his friends-was at Leith in due time for the sale-and, it is said, displayed more than usual vigour in the discharge of his duty. He was hear4 frequently afterwards to boast how he had once proved a match for the law. Like many other citizens who were smitten with the military mania. Mr. Grinly was fond of exhibiting himself in his warlike apparel, and it is said that hc used to repair to Edinburgh regularly every Wednesday, dressed in his volunteer uniform, “ showing off ” among the merchants and country people, who usually assembled at the Cross, opposite the Royal Exchange, on that day. Having rendered himself somewhat notorious by this pratice, Kay embraced the advantage of his weekly exhibitions to produce the excellent representation of the “ Spread Eagle.” Mr. Grinly was twice married ; and, by his first wife, had a large family. For several years before his death he became entirely blind, and had to be led when he went out. He died in 1827, in the eightieth year of his age, and was buried in the South Leith Parish Churchyard. No. CXCVII. THE HON. ALEXANDER LESLIE, LIEUT.-GENERAL AND COLONEL OF THE NINTH REGIMENT OF FOOT, GENERALL ESLIEb, rother to the sixth Earl of Leven and Melville, was born in 1731, and commenced his military life as an ensign in the third Foot Guards in 1753. He subsequently held appointments in various regiments, and was promoted to the rank of Major-General in 1779. In America he eqerienced much hard service during the War of Independence. He was second in command ‘at the battle of Guildford, fought on the 15th March 2781, in which the Americans, under General Green, were defeated. The action was commenced by the division led on by General Leslie, and proved successful on every point. His intrepidity and skill were warmly acknowledged by Lord Cornwallis, whb, in one of his despatches, says-“ I have been particularly indebted to Major-General Leslie for his gallantry and exertion, as well as his assistance in every other part of the service.” He was appointed to the command of the 9th Foot in 1782 ; and from that period held the rank of Lieut.-General in the army.
Volume 9 Page 103
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