190 BI 0 GRAPH1 C AL SKETCHES.
From such reminiscences it may be guessed that the philosophy of Mr. Burnet
was not of that morose description which converts the sweets of life into sour.
He saw much in life worth living for j but yet, while he possessed a (( feeling
for all mankind,” there existed within him enough of the devil to render applicable
in his case the well known-motto of the thistle. He was not to be insulted
with impunity. Having gone into a tavern with a few friends one excessively
warm day, the Captain, in order to cool himself, laid aside his sword and belt.
in the meantime, another party entering the room, one of them, in approaching
the table, took the liberty of removing Mr. Burnet’s sword ; and, by way of
ridicule, placed it in a position which few men of spirit would have submitted:
to in silence. Springing to his feet .in a
paroxysm of rage, he unsheathed the weapon, and running on the offender,
would have transfixed him to the wall, but for the interference of a third party,
who fortunately parried the thrust.
The death of this veteran of the Guard, which occurred on the 24th August
1814, is thus recorded in the Scots Magazine :-“ At Seton, Mr. James Burnet,
many years Captain of the Town Guard of this city. Mr. Burnet is much
regretted by a numerous acquaintance, who greatly respected him as a cheerful
companion and an honest man.”
Neither did our excellent friend.
No. CCXXXVI.
SAMUEL M‘DONALD,
IN THE UNIFORM OF THE SUTHERLAND FENCIBLES.
THIS is another Print of the Scottish Hercules. Annexed to the former Portrait
a short sketch of his life has already been given ; but a few additional anecdotes,
illustrative of his amazing strength, may not be improper here.
One night Sam happened to be placed as sentry over a piece of ordnance
which would have taken two or three ordinaxy men to remove. He had not
been long at his post, however, when his comrades, who were enjoying themselves
at the guard-room fire, were astonished at his entrance with the huge mass
of cast-iron over his shoulder. On being asked what he meant by deserting his
post-“ Why, what’s the use,” said he, U of standing out there in a cold night,
watching that bit of iron, when I could as well watch it in here !”
On another occasion, in the barrack-room, one of the men requested M‘Donald
to hand down a loaf from a shelf, which he could not easily get at himself.
Sam good-naturedly turned round, a.ud catching the individual behind the neck
held him up at arm’s length, saying, “There-take it down for yourself!”
While the Sutherland Fencibles were stationed at Dublin, Sam was gene
