Letter to James King: 28 August 1808
Mr
James King Corpl Capt. McDowal’s comy Renfrew Shire Militia Pevensey
Barracks England Paisley
28th Aug. 1808 Dear Sir I
received yours of the 6th instant, and must thank you for the
song you sent me. you will be satisfied, perhaps surprised,
to know that I had a copy of it before you sent it to me. It appeared first
here in the Western Star a Glasgow Paper, said to be “written by a
non-commissioned Officer, Renfrew shire Militia” – well, this is my friend King
thought I – the receipt ˄of˄ your letter confirmed it — It must be
gratifying for you to know that it was likewise copied from the St.
James’s Chronicle into the Glasgow Courier, and I assure you that I not only
think it by far the best song on the subject which has yet appeared in our
Norther˄n Papers, but I am happy that all are of the same mind in this
part —You wish me to tell you its faults – it has none. D--- Leslie, there is
yet no word of these pieces being done – my patience is worn out with him – I
wrote him last Tuesday peremptorily to send me a proof sheet next day, or
return the M.S. – I have received no word of either – I’ll not say another word
to him about it (you are not personally acquainted with him) he’s a slack, slow
dowless kin’ o’ a cheil. You may write to him on the business if you
think proper – yes I think you should write. On receipt of yours I went up to
your Mother – she shewed me a Letter newly from you likewise, She wish’d me to
write an answer for her, but we agreed it was needless to be making two writings
of it. So this will stand for both our replies.
They are all in health at present save little Pauley who you know has
been long delicate. [#] You mention of
having some thoughts of coming to see us in winter. We would all be very happy
to see you, but I must not deceive you as to what you may expect when you come
home. You can have webs of different kinds from any Warehouse, but I assure
you, if not better than at present, that although you should get a web ready
mounted to your hand, it would take you hard work to earn as much as get you a
hearty Saterday Nights Gill, after cleaning the bare article of
victuals. Wages for all kinds of work are extremely low save Imitation
Ha[r]nesses which take about ten Guineas to put up – As a specimen, – for a 1200
Lappet 7d ½ or 8d and for 800
Gauze Spotts 8d now every kind of work is equally
low with the above, and ’tis to be feared will remain so all winter – all that
I can say for your encouragement is that should you come – you shall not want a
frequent toothfu’ if I should hang [#] Poor
Tom ad Air
– – The smugler’s grave. _______________ ’Mongst
life’s many cares there are none so provoking As when a poor fellow disabl’d and old Must
crouch to the worthless and s[t]and the crude mocking Of those who have nought they can boast but
their gold Poor
Tom once so high on the list of deserving By Captain and crew none so dearly was
priz’d At
home now laid up, worn with many year’s’ serving Poor Tom takes his sup, and poor Tom is
despis’d. Yet,
care thrown a-lee, see old Tom in his glory Plac’d snug with a shipmate whose life he
once sav’d Recounting
the feats of some bold naval story The battles they fought and the storms they
have brav’d In
his country’s defence he has dar’d ev’ry danger His valorous deeds he might boast
undisguis’d Yet
cold-hearted Prudence holds Tom as a stranger For Tom loves his sup and poor Tom is
despis’d. Myself too am old, rather rusted for
duty Yet still I’ll prefer the wide ocean to
roam I’d
join some bold corsair and live upon booty Before I’d be jib’d by these sucklings at
home Poor
Tom, fare thee Well! for, by
heaven ’tis provoking To think a brave seaman when crippl’d and
old Must
crouch to the worthless, and stand the rude mocking Of those who have nought they can boast but
their gold. This is the first of the kind
ever I tried let me know if ’tis worth any thing above a farthing ballad – Dont
neglect both to write to your Mother and me very soon, James Scadlock send you
his compliments —— all success to the Spanish Patriots – I am yours &c
– Robt
Tannahill Emendations: stand • sland Copy Text: MS Robertson 1/20 Previous
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