Letter to James Clark: 28 May 1808
Mr James Clark,
Musician, Argyle-Shire Militia Band Aberdeen1 Paisley
28th May 1808 My Dear Friend, I hope you have been
blest with your usual share of good health since I heard from you. I am now
going to beg of you, as a very particular
favour, that, you would send me, as soon
as you can, any fine Irish Airs of the singing kind which you may chance to know; I dont mean those
already very common, such as The Lakes of Killarney, Shannon’s flow’ry banks
&c. What makes me so importunate with you is,
that, if I can accomplish songs worthy being attached to them, I shall have the
pleasure of seeing them printed into, perhaps, the most respectable work of the
kind that ever has been published in Britain. Now, Dear Jamie, as
this is placing me on my very soul’s Hobby, do try to oblige me; however,
should you favour me with any, they must be real Natives of the Dear
Country, for I believe there are many imitations composed on this side the
water. I am sure I have heard some pretty Irish Airs played as Retreats — try
to recollect some of them. What shall I tell you! Mr Stephen
Kemble is just now erecting a temporary Theatre here, at the end of Brock’s [#] but I cannot yet say what
sufficiency of Company he has, I will send you word as they get on. In the mean
time excuse my hurry and favour me with you answer as soon as you can —— Give my compliments to Tom
& Mrs Buchanan,
and to John King when you see him —— I was highly pleased
with your account of the celebration of our dearest Bard’s Birth-day among you,
and thank you for the honour you did me in bringing forward my Ode I remain, Dear James, Yours most sincerely Robt
Tannahill. P.S. Mr Smith and
family are well. [Verso is blank] Previous Publication: Notes: 1 On Address
Page: Tannahill appears to have been practicing his handwriting; the name A
Campble is scrawled multiple times in the margins, in various states of completion. |