1 sa E I OG RAP H I GAL SI< ET C H ES.
family resided during summer. Being a keen amateur horticulturist, he kept
a gardener at Liberton ; and his garden, long known for the superior collection
which it contained, was much frequented.
Mr. Williamson died at Edinburgh on the 15th February 1823, in the
seventy-fourth year of his age, and was buried at Newbattle. He was twice
married, and by his first wife had two sons and a daughter. His second wife
was a sister of the late Mr. Peacock of Stenhouse, from whom he held the
house and ground at Liberton on very advantageous terms.’ His eldest son,
David, was a writer to the Signet ; and James, a writer and messenger.
No. CCXIII.
AIR. FRANCIS BRAIDWOOD,
CABINET-MAKER.
THIS caricature of a respectable citizen was meant to satirise his somewhat
extravagant and fastidious taste in matters of dress and fashion. According to
Kay’s notes, he ‘‘ was among the first of the bucks who appeared with shoestrings
instead of buckles.”’ In the Print it will be observed that these appendages
are prominently displayed, especially on the “ cloots ” of one of the ‘‘ fellow
bucks,” with whom the artist has thought proper to confront him, The
engraving originally bore the inscription-“ I say, don’t laugh, for we are
brothers.” Although by no means a fop, in the common meaning of the term,
Mr. Braidwood was not insensible to the advantages he possessed in a tall,
athletic frame, and commanding appearance ; but, much as the caricature was
calculated to wound his feelings, he displayed his good sense by taking no
other notice of it than to join heartily in the laugh which it produced.
The father of Mr. Braidwood (7vVilliam) was a candlemaker at the head of
the West Bow ; and so strictly Presbyterian and religious, that he obtained the
soubripwt of the Bowhead Saint. In burlesque of his uncommon zeal, it is told
that he once caused a bird, with its cage, to be placed in the City Guard for
profaning the Sabbath by whistling “O’er the water to Charlie.” The real
Williamson held the ground for about 20s. an acre ; and his brother-in-law became bound to
reimburse him for any ameliorations or improvements he might make on the property. On the
strength of this agreement, Williamson made out a claim for .€900, which Nr. Peacock refused to
pay. On the demise of Mr. Williamson, his heirs carried the matter before the Sheriff, when a
remit was made, and professional men appointed to inspect and report upon the extent and benefit
of the improvements.
His adoption of shoestrings, we believe, did not altogether arise from a desire to be at the top
of the ton. Eaving for some time been much annoyed by an injury on the rise of his foot-upon
which the buckle immediately pressed-he found great relief on abandoning the old fashion.
The claim waa subsequently reduced to B O O .