Transforming Robert TannahillLetter to James King: 16 July 1809[Page 1] Mr James King Soldier Capt. Smith’s Compy Renfrew Shire Militia Portsmouth [Page 2] Paisley ⟨Sunday⟩ 16th July 1809 My Dear Friend When I received yours with the melancholly tidings of poor Robinson’s Death, words cannot communicate how I felt on the occassion. In my first moments of concern I could not help telling it to two or three of his acquaintances whom I know were equally his well-wishers with myself – I began to suspect my imprudency, well knowing how any thing new flies in the public, and forebore mentioning it further to any one – however, within the two days it had reachd his poor old father’s ears – he called on me, hearing that his son was dead – I saw he had not heard the story in full, and did not let him know any more than that from your letter there was no doubt of it being true – Next day a cousin of his called on me who had heard all that I knew – seeing this was the case – I thought proper to call on his father, and show him your letter, which at once let him know the extant of my information – it was a most disagreeable task – but as I thought it might be told him with exaggeration – I reckoned it right (partly on my own account) to act as I did —— He thanked me kindly for do⟨ing⟩ so, wishing me not to spread it any way, and said he would write immediately to his Captain to know the circumstances – from which time I have heard no more about it. His latter end ought to be a warning to us all not to indulge ⟨in⟩ despondency when any thing ails us – I am sure from your situation you have had your share of crosses and bitter vexations – but I am equally sure that you have often seen found happiness [Page 2] Happiness near when you immi⟨a⟩gined her to be far distant – how happy is it for man that he cannot for any long period suffer ⟨bear⟩ excessive grief – had some circumstance intervened with poor R. to to divert his attention but for one hour at the time he committed the rash deed – I believe he had still been in life — Do let me know how he made off with himself – whether by poison, powder, hemp, or steel – and you may depend none here shall know from me of it —— I believe the poetical character ⟨mind⟩ to be more subject to these aweful depressions than any other – the justice of a line of Burns has often occurred to me “They soar in heaven, or turn in vaulted hell.” ——-- Tuesday 18th July – I have been twice in Glasgow within a forthnight past but did not see Borland – he is a Sergeant of the Local Militia, and was off both times on their business – I had an hours conversation with The Author of The Poor Man’s Sabbath – he is a sterling good fellow. as can be — poor Cherry got a dreadful beating one night about two months since ⟨ago⟩ and has been ill since – 'tis supposed to have been done by some persons who owed him a grudge for some of his satirical pieces – Apropos to the case of our departed friend – Mr McDowal, late of Walkinshaw drowned himself in Lochwinoch Loch on last Sunday – He had purchased the estate of Castle-Semple, and has been there residing for some time past. Happiness, you must be sensible, is not the exclusive attendant on any rank or condition — Keep your mind as easy as posible under your servitude – some philosopher observes, "Chain my body as they will, they cannot hurt the soul". We have had sad commotion in the town these some days past. Our county Militia is devided into three Batalions Col. Muir commands one, [Page 3] that of the Greenock district, I forgot by whom, ⟨by Southbar⟩ but McKerrel is the Hero of our Paisley lads – they ⟨The latter⟩ have been on duty ⟨here⟩ these fourteen days, and have been so severely discipled that last Thursday night on dismissal they demanded some money which they said was due ⟨to⟩ them the officers drew their swords – a number of men fix’d bayonets, and a fine caper took place – a Captain Hart had his sword broken Willy clove one of the mens hats with his sword – they succeeded in sending a number of the men to the guardhouse – all was quiet till Sunday night when the light Compy after parade – marchd in order to the guard – demanded the prisoners – with fix’d bayonets — the officers pacified them and got them dismiss'd by assuring them that the men would be released to-morrow ⟨on Monday⟩ – instead of which the Colonel went to Glasgow yesterday – and on this morning 700 of the Stirling Militia has arrived – We dont know what what will turn out of it but the public thinks Willy will not dare to flogg any of them — They have been scandalously ill used – One Tassie from your Regt is their sergeant Major – a wickeder, little-soul’d wretch is not out of the pit – McKerrel’s best heroics are nothing to him -- Dont spread these matters as from me, you will soon hear how it goes from letters to others in the Regt —— Your Mother and Relations are all in their usual way – She has got the letter you wrote her from Portsmouth — If you can procure me another good Irish Air or two I shall esteem it a particular kindness – at any rate let me hear soon from you – Copy Text: MS Robertson 1/27 Previous Publications: Notes:
|