282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. CCLXIV.
MR. HAMILTON BELL, W.S.,
CARRYING A VINTNER’S BOY FROM EDINBURGH TO MUSSELBURGH,
AND
MR. JOHN RAE, SURGEON-DENTIST,
ACCOMPANYING HIM IN THE CHARACTER OF BOTTLE-HOLDER.
THE scene described in this Etching records a somewhat ludicrous but highly
characteristic instance of the social spirit of former times. At a convivial
meeting overnight, a pedestrian match was entered into betwixt Mr. Innes, confectioner,
and Mr. Bell, to walk from Edinburgh to Musselburgh ; the latter, a
man of uncommon strength, agreeing to carry the waiting-’boy of the tavern, in
which they were then regaling themselves,’ on his back. In order to avoid
the gaze of spectators, as well as to anticipate the scorching heat of a summer
day, the bet was decided early next morning, almost unknown to any one, save
a few fish-women, some of whom are represented as on their way to the
Edinburgh market, to which they then repaired at a irery early hour.
AIR. HAMILTON BELL was a Writer to the Signet of considerable
respectability and extent of employment. He was originally from Forfarshire,
but had been brought up and educated in Edinburgh. His mother for many
years kept a well-frequented tavern in the Canongate. He served his apprenticeship
with Mr. Walter ROSSW, .S., whose friendship he enjoyed long afterwards
; and from him he probably imbibed, in addition to a knowledge of law,
a taste for antiquarian research and a keen passion for music. To a powerful
frame and vigorous constitution, he added a spirit somewhat impatient of control,
which occasionally led to ebullitions of temper not of the most polite or
pleasant description. Like other professional men of his day, he conducted his
business chiefly in taverns. Fortune’s was hig favourite haunt ; and there, in
the enjoyment of high-jinks, and other pleasantries of the olden time, the tedious
dulness of law was often enlivened or forgotten. He was also a member of the
Cape Club, which met every night. From his deep potations with the knights
of the Cape, a dropsy ensued, a.nd a vast quantity of water having been taken
from his body, his life was despaired of by his acquaintances. He rallied, howl
The “Star and Garter Tavern,” Writers’ Court, then kept by Mr. James Hunter, and afterwards
possessed by Mr. Paxton of the Royal Exchange Coffee-house. .