BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 419
himself in the hands of Lord Lauderdale, who was then considered the leader
of the Whig party in Scotland, and in whose judgment he had the most
implicit confidence. The noble Earl at once concurred with his friend in the
propriety of accepting an offer so very handsomely made by their political
opponents. How well the abilities of Lord Gillies entitled him to the distinction
is amply acknowledged by the high consideration uniformly attached to
the opinions he delivers from the bench.
Lord Gillies had a singular facility in catching the leading features of a cause.
It was in vain for the most ingenious lawyer to attempt to perplex or confuse
him. Nothing diverted his attention from what he considered to be the real
point at issue. His comments, though brief, were lucid and to the purpose ; and
every syllable he uttered bore directly upon the case. In enforcing his views
he never used a word more than was necessary. His memory was excellent.
He rarely took notes, and yet never forgot, in the course of his speech, any
fact adduced, or argument brought forward, that might illustrate or support
his opinions. Frequently caustic and severe, he would demolish in a few minutes
an oration that had taken some unfortunate pleader hours to deliver. In a word,
as a close and convincing reasoner, his lordship had scarcely any rival, either at
the bar or on the bench.
His lordship married, in 1801, Elizabeth, second daughter of Thomas
Carnegy, Esq., of Craigo. Mr. Malcolm Laing, the able Scottish historian, and
friend and contemporary of Lord Gillies at the bar, married Margaret, another
daughter of Mr. Carnegy.1
The figures in the rear are those of two well-known macers to the Court-
GRAHAMan d MrrNRo-the former of whom is in the centre.
No. CCCXIII.
JEROME WILLIAM KNAPP, LL.D.,
DEPUTY-CLERK OF ARRAIGNS.
ME KNAPP was an English barrister of the Middle Temple, and succeeded
his father as Deputy-Clerk of Arraigns on the home circuit, which o5ce he
filled with much ability for a period of nearly thirty years He came to Edinburgh
in 17 9 4, as Clerk of Arraigns to the Commission of Oyer and Terminer
for the trial of Watt and Downie, accused of high treason-the former of whom
suffered capital punishment.
Another daughter married Sir George M. Grant of Ballindalloch, Bart.