BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 135
No. CCXVIT.
LORD MONBODDO,
IN THE COURT OF SESSION.
THIS Etching-done in 1799-represents the venerable Judge at a more
advanced age than any of the former Prints ; and, by those who remembered
his lordship, it was pronounced a most correct likeness.
We have already noticed the eccentric, yet amiable character of LORD
MONBODDO. As a strong instance of his genuine kindness of disposition, it may
be here stated that, notwithstanding the repeated censures and sarcastic remarks
on his lordship’s works, which issued from the press of the late Mr. Smellie, in
the ‘‘ Edinburgh Magazine and Review,” his friendship and good offices towards
that gentleman, whom he always called his learned Printer, continued without
interruption.
The house occupied for a great many years by Lord Monboddo, and where
his “learned supper parties ” were given, was in St. John Street. In his
domestic economy Monboddo was extremely hospitable ; but frugal in matters
of fashionable ornament. When silver casters were introduced at table, his
daughter and housekeeper became anxious to be even with the times ; but well
knowing his lordship’s contempt of everything modern, she took the liberty of
ordering a set without obtaining his permission. The article came home, and
when shown to his lordship, Miss Burnett was delighted to find him inquire
whether the dealer had any gold casters P In answer, and anticipating a farther
stretch of liberality, she eagerly replied, that although the goldsmith might not
have one on hand, she was certain one could soon be made to order. “Well,”
said Monboddo, “ I am averse to silver ; and shall prefer one of gold-when I
require it. ”
About the year 1760, Lord Monboddo married Miss Farquharson, a relation
of Marischal Keith, and a lady of great beauty and accomplishments, by whom
he had one son and two daughters. Mrs. Eurnett died at an early period ; and
his son, to whom he was tenderly attached, survived his mother only six years.
His eldest daughter was married to Kirkpatrick Williamson, Esq., late keeper
of the Outer-House Rolls. The youngesta lady of an amiable disposition
and surpassing beauty-was much attached to her father ; and continued with
him until her death.
The mind of this estimable young lady, as remarked in an interesting sketch
of her character, “was endowed with all her father’s benevolence of temper, and
with all his taste for elegant literature, without any portion of his whim or
caprice. It was her chief delight to be the nurse and companion of his declining
The good-natured reproof was sufficient.