BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 475
degree owing to the liberal views, the professional talents, activity, and address of Mr.
Constable-coqvinced, moreover, that the opinion of the public of this place is, in this respect,
in unison with our own, we feel assured, that in offering to his memory this mournful tribute
of our private regard and respect, we at the same time give utterance to feelings strongly felt
by the community at large. . . . The author of Waverley has himself borne honourable testimony,
in the introduction to one of his novels, to Mr. Constable’s merits ; and we are satisfied,
that what he thus proclaimed in the prolegomena of a work of fiction, he would repeat, if the
opportunity shall occur, with perfect sincerity, and perhaps greater force, in a work of truth.
How it happened, that with all the splendid success, so beneficial and honourable to our literature,
which attended Mr. Constable’s undertakings, his publishing career should have closed so
disastrorisly, we ape not very able, nor much disposed at present, to inquire. We firmly
believe that he proceeded onwards to that close, void of any apprehension of such an issue,
and wholly unconscious of its near approach. He had just completed the plan of the Miscellany
which bears his name, and waa busied seemingly, with well-founded hopes, in sanguine calculations
of the returns which it would bring to his house. Its publication did not take place till
after the failure of that establishment ; and we are happy to think that its subsequent succesa
furnished some solace for his misfortunes, as well as some alleviation of his bodily sufferings ;
his final undertaking thus proving to be his last and only means of support. We are not writing
a full or elaborate character, and do not therefore feel ourselves called upon to point out all the
features of Mr. Constable’s mind and conduct. We have only detailed a few particulars, calculated
to justify the sentiments of grateful respect which we entertain for his memory, aij by far
the most eminent publisher that Scotland ever produced. In that line we certainly do not
expect soon again to see a man joining such professional abilities to such liberal and extensive
views; so capable of appreciating literary merit, and so anxious to find for it employment
and reward ; so largely endowed with the discernment, tact, and manners necessary to maintain
a useful, honourable, and harmonious intercourse with literary men.”-CaZedonian. Ne~cury,
July 23, 1827.
In 1804 Mr. Constable assumed Mr. Hunter of Blackness as a partner,
and from that time the business was carried on under the title of Archibald
Constable and Co. In 1808 he established a London branch, which, however, was
soon discontinued. In 181 1 Mr. Hunter retired from the partnership, and Mr.
Cathcart of Drum, W.S., and Mr. Robert Cadell were assumed. The former of
these dying, the year after Mr. Cadell was left sole partner.
Mr. Constable was twice married, first, in 1795, to Mary, daughter of Mr.
David Willison, a highly respected printer, whose office was situated in Craig’s
Close, and where the Edinburgh Review was first printed (she died in lS14), and
secondly, in 1818, to Charlotte, daughter of John Neale, Esq., who survived him.
His family consisted of three sons and three daughters. Of the former, Thomas,
the second son, still survives, and is not only the representative but the
biographer of his illustrious father.’ The eldest daughter, Elizabeth, was married
in 1817 to his partner, Mr. Robert Cadell. On leaving his ancient domicile in
the High Street, Mr. Constable resided for several years at Craigcrook
(afterwards the residence of Lord Jeffrey), and latterly in Park Place, where
he died.
“Archibald Constable and his Literary Correspondents : a Memorial by his Son, Thomas
Constable,” 3 vols., 1873.
