BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 371
The Highland Society was originated by him and some other patriotic gentlemen;
and till the day of his death he used every exertion to promote the
laudable objects it had in view. He was an original member of the Bannatyne
Club, which, at its institution, was limited to thirty-one; though, in consequence
of its success, it soon extended to one hundred associates. At the sale
of his valuable library-which was especially rich in historical, genealogical, and
antiquarian works-a set of the Bannatyne Publications was purchased for
Sir John Hay,Bart. of Smithfield and Hayston (25th April 1834) for one
hundred and sixty-eight pounds sterling. It wanted, however, one or two of
the “ Garlands.”
Those who remember the ci-devunt judge-though there cannot be many-will
concur in our statement, that he retained to the last hour of his earthly existence
the bearing and manners of the old Scottish gentleman-a race, we reget to say,
almost extinct. To a cultivated mind was united that simplicity and ease of
address which rendered his society peculiarly attractive. He was learned
without pedantry, dignified without pride, beneficent without ostentation, and
joyous without frivolity. In his youth he must have been handsome, as even
the infirmities of age were unable entirely to efface the remains of manly
beauty.
Sir William resided during his latter years in Whitefoord House, Canongate,
where he died on the 30th of October 1833, in the ninety-first year of his age.
When an advocate, he lived for many years in Craig’s Close, fourth storey, first
stair, left hand. The house was his own property ; and it continued in his
possession until his death. It was afterwards long occupied by the printing
establishment of Messrs. Thomas Allan and Co., proprietors of the Culedonian
Mercury Newspaper.
No. CCXCV.
TRAINING A COUNCILLOR.
IN 3817 a Reform in the Burghs was keenly agitated throughout the country,
and nowhere more warmly than in Edinburgh. At the annual return of Councillors
in October of that year, much excitement prevailed, and an attempt was
made to disfranchise the city. For this purpose meetings were held by the
various Corporations-committees were formed-and money voted to carry on
the process. The subject was accordingly brought before the Court of Session ;
and, after some litigation, a decision was recorded against the Council. The
latter, however, resolved to appeal ; and, from certain favourable circumstances
not duly weighed by the Court, confident hopes were entertained of a reversal.
Under these circumstances, a compromise was entered into, by which, on the
