Edinburgh Bookshelf

Kay's Originals Vol. 2

Search

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 427 thing very striking. In 1789 he purchased a cornetcy in the 11th Dragoons, and shortly afterwards raised an independent company of Foot, which, however, was disbanded in 1791. He was first elected member of Parliament for the county of Forfar in 1796, which he continued to represent for many years. In Parliament he adopted, and consistently maintained, the principles of Fox. In 1831, a short time after the accession of the Whigs to power, the title of Panmure was revived in his person, as the reward of long and stedfast adherence to his principles. The chief residence of the family is the ancient Castle of Brechin, in Forfarshire, celebrated for its noble defence of twenty days, under the gallant Sir Thomas Maule, against the army of Edward I. It is situated in a “romantic manner on a high and abrupt bank, or rather precipice, overhanging the river, South Esk, which forms a deep pool beneath.” Part of the old walls are still standing, but the Castle was rebuilt about the beginning of the seventeenth century by Patrick, first Earl of Panmure. The title and estates were forfeited by James, the fourth Earl, who took part in the rebellion of 1715.’ The representation of the family devolved on his nephew, William, who was created an Irish Peer by the title of Earl Panmure, with remainder to his brother John. By him the forfeited family estates were re-acquired and strictly entailed. Earl William died without issue in 1782, when the estate devolved, as heir of entail, upon his grand-nephew, the subject of the present notice. Another estate in Forfarshire, that of Kellp and its ancient Castle, also belongs to the family of Maule. About the beginning of last century it was possessed by Henry Maule-a gentleman of considerable literary accomplishments. Here the Hon. Captain Ramsay (sometime a General in India), brother to his lordship, built a neat modern house in 1804, A jovial splore, termed in Scotland the “heating 0’ the house,” was held on its completion. The following verses, written for the occasion by the Duke of Gordon, were sung with the greatest applause by his noble representative, the Marquis of Huntly (the late Duke) :- “ What pleasure I feel to this house to repair, With good friends and old claret to drown every care ; Grant me strength, give me power, kind Bacchus, I pray, To swig down four bottles to honour this day, “ May the go& on this fabric each blessing bestow, Derry, down, down, etc. And happiness reign here, above and below ; May heaven on our host and hia family smile, And each comfort enjoy with his charming De Lisle.* But still have a bottle to give to a friend ; From this hall ne’er let Bacchua his thyrsis mmove, And may Venus preside in the chambers above. “ May the stock in his cellar ne’er run to an end, He died without issue. The Honourable Mrs. Ramsay.
Volume 9 Page 572
  Shrink Shrink   Print Print