EIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 231
ing a floor, he would exclaim-‘‘ Dear sirs, she’ll wear all the boards rubbing
them so.” There was one friend on whom he called, sufficiently particular in
matters of this kind, who insisted that he must wipe his feet well before he
came in. “You remind me,” said Andrew, “of my nephew’s servant-maid
who would not allow me to enter the house until I had put off my shoes. Indeed
I used to tell her she was abominably cleanly.”
Many still living must
remember having heard of a Mr. Low in Dunfermline, much famed for his
success in setting broken bones, and adjusting dislocations. His cures were
performed gratis ; and his aid was only to be obtained through the mediation
of a friend, or for mercy’s sake. A gentleman in the medical profession, hearing
Andrew speak in approbation of some of Mr, Low’s cases, expressed his distrust
in such a practitioner, since he had not studied anatomy. “Ay, that’s true,”
replied Andrew, “ but Low acquired his anatomy at the grave’s m.outh “-referring
to his inspection of the bones as cast up by the grave-digger.
Of the simplicity and anchorite-like demeanour of Andrew Donaldson, there
are several curious reminiscences. The late Dr. Charles Stuart-father of James
Stuart, Esq., of Dunearn-had for some time meditated withdrawing from the
Established Church before he actually did so. Hearing of his intention, although
entirely unacquainted with him, Andrew resolved on paying a visit to the manse
of Cramond, of which parish the Doctor was then minister. Taking his long
staff in his hand, and “ girding up his loins,” as he would himself have expressed
it, he set out on his journey early one forenoon. When near to Cramond, and
not exactly certain whereabout the manse stood, he observed two well-dressed
men walking in a field near to where he supposed it should be. Towards them
he bent his course ; and, as he approached with his bald head, flowing beard,
and pilgrim’s staff, the gentlemen were at first so struck with his singular
appearance, that they were irresolute whether to retreat or await his advance.
On nearing them, he inquired if they could inform him where Charles Stuart,
minister of Cramond, lived 1 To this one of the party replied, “ I an1 C’harles
Stuart, the person you refer to.” “Then,” said Andrew, extending his arm to
grasp the hand of the Doctor, “ I have heard that thou dost intend separating
thyself from the Church, and hast set thy face heavenward-I wish thee God
speed ! ” So saying, he wheeled about and proceeded on his return to Edinburgh,
leaving the worthy Doctor and his friend not less astonished at the nature
of the brief interview, than curious as to the character of their visitor. The
result of the Doctor’s inquiry as to this singular enthusiast having been favourable,
he became ever after his steady and warm friend.
Andrew remained all his days a bachelor; but that he was not altogether a
misogamist, is testified by the fact, that he at one time entertained the idea of
venturing upon the cares of wedlock. In the habit .of visiting at the house of
Bailie Horn, in Dunfermline, he had observed and been pleased with the
deportment of the servant-maid, with whom he occasionally entered into
conversation. At length he addressed her in his usual laconic style, stating his
Andrew could occasionally say a good thing.
,