PUBLICATIONS
OF THE
SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY
THIRD SERIES
VOLUME
II
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
1755-1761
DIARY OF
GEORGE RIDPATH
MINISTER OF STITCHEL
1755-1761
Edited with Notes and Introduction by
SIR JAMES BALFOUR PAUL, C.V.O., LL.D.
EDINBURGH
Printed at the University Press by T. 6° A. Constable Ltd.
for the Scottish History Society
1922
CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . vii
DIARY— Vol. I. . . . . 1
DIARY— Vol. II. . . . . . .177
INDEX . . . . . , .395
INTRODUCTION
Of the two MS. volumes containing the Diary, of which
the following pages are an abstract, it was the second
which first came into my hands. It had found its way
by some unknown means into the archives in the Offices
of the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh ; it had been lent
about 1899 to Colonel Milne Home of Wedderburn, who
was interested in the district where Ridpath lived, but he
died shortly after receiving it. The volume remained in
possession of his widow, wiio transcribed a large portion
with the ultimate view of publication, but this was never
carried out, and Mrs. Milne Home kindly handed over the
volume to me. It was suggested that the Scottish History
Society might publish the work as throwing light on the
manners and customs of the period, supplementing and
where necessary correcting the Autobiography of Alexander
Carlyle, the Life and Times of Thomas Somerville, and the
brilliant, if prejudiced, sketch of the ecclesiastical and
religious life in Scotland in the eighteenth century by
Henry Gray Graham in his well-known work. When
this proposal was considered it was found that the
Treasurer of the Society, Mr. C. S. Romanes, had another
volume of the Diary dealing with the years immediately
preceding these contained in the volume first discovered :
this Mr. Romanes with characteristic generosity has put
at my disposal. But however interesting the two MSS.
might be, it was found impossible to publish them in extenso
in one volume, regard being had to the much increased
cost of printing and the limited resources of the Society.
They had therefore to be shortened in some way, and on
vii
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
consideration it was decided to omit all or almost all
passages dealing with events outside the subject of Scottish
life and character. The sacrifice was made unwillingly,
as the period treated of includes part of the Seven Years
War and the war with the French in Canada. But such
information can always be got in the ordinary history
books, and Ridpath generally confines himself to a bare
statement of the news of the day taken from the journals ;
he does not indulge in many commentaries on them. If
it is objected that with these omissions we are left with a
chronicle of very small beer, it may be replied that it is
just this small beer that we need and that is so refreshing.
Reports of the big things in life are easily found, but it is
less easy to get information as to the daily life of the
people, their reading, their dinners and drinkings, their
quarrels and reconciliations, their loves and hates, their
little jaunts, painfully accomplished for the most part on
horseback over very inferior roads, and, generally, the
home life of the period. All this is chronicled for us in
the pages of the Diary, written without the slightest idea
of ultimate publication by one who, though he might be
described as an obscure country minister, was nevertheless
a man of rare culture, a friend of the most celebrated
Scots literati of the time, and an earnest student in many
branches of science. But we must consider him somewhat
more in detail.
George Ridpath was the eldest son of another George
Ridpath who was minister of Ladykirk from 1712 till
1740. His mother, living with him during the time of the
Diary in a more or less invalid state, was Ann Watson, but
of her parentage I am ignorant. The name Ridpath, or
its variant Redpath, is not uncommon on the Borders.
There was still a third George Ridpath, who was minister
at Abbey St. Bathans from 1624 to 1628, but whether or
not he was an ancestor does not appear. The family at
INTRODUCTION
ix
Ladykirk manse consisted of the diarist, two brothers
Philip and William, and two sisters of whom the eldest,
Elizabeth, married a Mr. Waite, a merchant in Berwick,
and the youngest, Nancy, who ultimately lived with her
brother George and their mother at the manse of Stitchel.
Ridpath was born about 1717, educated at the University
of Edinburgh, and must have been a scholar of some
distinction, as may be readily seen from his acquaintance
with and appreciation of the classic authors, as shown by
many passages in his Diary, and by the rather contemptuous
way in which he writes of the linguistic attainments of
his brothers who had the same educational advantages as
himself. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Chirnside
in 1740, three months before his father died, and two
years afterwards he was presented to the parish of
Stitchel, where he remained till his death in 1772. He
married, 6th September 1764, Wilhelmina Dawson, the
daughter of a merchant in Kelso, and had three children,
a son and two daughters.
When he first began his Diary it is impossible to say ;
the first of the volumes now extant begins on 13th April
1755 and ends on 25th January 1758 ; the second records
his doings from 21st March 1758 to 15th July 1761. They
form a delightful record of the time, and it is interesting to
note how curiously modern is their style. Ridpath was a
calm, unemotional, level-headed man ; in Church affairs
he approached perhaps more nearly to an old ' moderate '
than anything else. Certainly his Diary is entirely free
from those spiritual rhapsodies and morbid self-intro-
spection which are so characteristic of diaries in the
century before his. He writes down his information in
an eminently matter-of-fact way. The style is rather
slipshod, as might be expected in a work which was not
intended for any eye but his own, though no person could
be more critical of others on the question of style in
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
composition than he was. Plain and unvarnished though
his story may be, he is capable of rising to heights to which
many a more skilful writer might despair of attaining.
Readers of his account of the death of his little niece
Nancy Waite, and his attendance through a dangerous
illness on her small brother, cannot fail to be touched by
the pathetic narrative, poignant as it is, yet without a
trace of sentimentality. We can see the dim, unventilated
room, the suffering child on the bed, wrestling with the
dread and little -understood diphtheria, the worn-out
watchers fast asleep, and the weary but alert uncle fighting
for the child's life and at last successfully snatching him
from the very jaws of death : then his profound thanks-
giving from an overflowing heart.
Ridpath was not what we would now call an eminently
spiritually-minded man ; indeed, in the wide range of his
reading, theology is conspicuously absent, the only reference
to it being an observation that some magazine he had been
reading contained nothing ' except some silly articles on
theology.' But, on the other hand, he was an excellent
parish minister, and no one can have * visited his people
with more exemplary regularity and assiduity. And he
not only rendered himself responsible for their souls, but
also to some extent for their bodies. His tastes were
largely scientific, and he had more than a mere smattering
of medical lore ; he did not hesitate to prescribe for his
parishioners in illness, if he thought he could do them any
good, and he knew the virtues of the many 8 simples '
that could be gathered in the fields.
As to his preaching, I am afraid that much cannot be
said to bis credit ; he never omits in his Saturday entries
to say 4 prepared for to-morrow ' or ' looked out something
for to-morrow,' but his preparation must have been rather
perfunctory. He would have been a terror to modern
congregations, as his sermons extended to an hour and a
INTRODUCTION
xi
half or even two hours in duration. It is only fair to state
that when this does happen he has a certain measure of
compunction, and confesses that he preached ' far too
long,' ' beyond all bounds,' or merely ' long.' But in
those days people expected long sermons, and would
certainly have resented a mere twenty minutes' discourse.
As was the custom in his time, or at all events in the
time of his father, he preached many Sundays on the
same text ; all his texts are duly given in the Diary,
but for reasons explained above, these have had to be
omitted in the printed pages. There is no mention of a
gown, and it is probable that in this little rural parish
Ridpath preached clad in his one 4 black coat,' only worn
on special occasions, his garments in ordinary life, being
grey, though some of the clergy favoured blue.
His parish work kept him busy, though the population
of the parish in 1755 was under 1000. But there were
always a lot of sick to be visited. Hygiene, as we know it,
was non-existent ; box beds and unaired rooms took toll
of the people in phthisis, while the unenclosed and un-
drained lands led to a great prevalence of fever and ague.
Cancer, our more modern scourge, is not mentioned, but
smallpox seems to have been taken for granted, and lucky
were the patients who came through it 'unspoilt.' Ridpath
was much interested both in the theory and practice of
medicine, and, when he was interested in a case, loves to
give full particulars of it ; the consequence is that we are
frequently faced with a mass of sick-room detail which is
quite unprintable. I have therefore had no hesitation in
omitting such passages, though indeed I may be blamed
for what I have left in.
Ridpath was an omnivorous reader : his favourite
subject (though perhaps second to the Classics) is
history, and fired no doubt by the example of his friend
William Robertson, he has a secret though modest ambition
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
to enter the lists as an author. After one or two abortive
attempts he at last settles to write a History of the town of
Berwick, but this expanded into a more ambitious project,
viz. a History of the Borders. During the remainder of
his life he worked at this task assiduously, but died before
he had quite finished it. It was completed and published
by his brother Philip in 1776. It appeared as a very
substantial quarto volume ; it is a carefully compiled
record, and though its style does not attain to the excel-
lence of his friends Hume and Robertson, the book is a
thoroughly good and sound piece of work. It was very
well received and has gone through three editions, the
last being published in 1848. It is the only published
work of Ridpath, if we except a sermon, probably preached
before the Synod, entitled Christian Liberty opposed to
Popish Superstition and Slavery, sl most extraordinary
subject for Ridpath to choose, as Church polemics did not
interest him. Indeed he was, I should say, one of the
most tolerant of men. In his own parish, in which there
has always been a large proportion of dissenters, he lived
in terms of cordial friendship with the Associate minister
Coventry. He distrusted mere emotional religion and had
a quiet contempt for all ' zealots ' and Methodists.
He read everything that came to hand, except, as
mentioned above, theology. During the period covered
by the Diary he notes some hundred and fifty books which
he read, not to mention the magazines and newspapers of
the day. And it was not ordinary reading ; he did not
merely skim the contents of a book, but went through it
critically both as regards its subject and the style in which
it was written. And reading once was not enough ; the
volume was revised again and again, notes were taken
of its contents, and when necessary its information was
compared with what other authors had said on the same
subject. It is wonderful in how short a time the newest
INTRODUCTION
xiii
publications came into his hands. This was no doubt to
a large extent owing to the Kelso Subscription Library,
of which he was an enthusiastic and active member.
Somerville, in his Life and Times, states that in his day
there was not a library in the south of Scotland. But
here, even before his day, we find one flourishing and
largely patronised ; it is astonishing to note the number
of solid books which this enterprising institution bought
for the use of its members. 1
In his reading, however, there was almost no fiction ;
Sir Walter Scott was not yet born, and Ridpath did not
know that Sandyknowe, to which he frequently refers,
was within comparatively few years to shelter and preserve
the life of a child who was to make the Border Country
famous for all time. Fielding had published Tom Jones,
and Smollett had practically written all his novels, but
their names are not mentioned, though the latter may
have earned the diarist's approval as the editor of the
Critical Review. Gulliver's Travels, Don Quixote, and
Tristram Shandy represent almost all the fiction mentioned
by our author, but of solid tomes there is no lack. In
History, George Buchanan is a great delight to him,
principally on account of his excellent Latinity, and partly,
I think, because Ridpath shared to some extent his views
on Queen Mary. He read, too, with pleasure, and on the
whole with approval, old John Knox's chronicles of his
time. Writers on the other side he did not neglect, though
they sometimes come in for adverse criticism. He was
of course a great admirer of his friend and contemporary
William Robertson, of whose History he speaks in terms of
high commendation ; and though he disapproved of his
other friend David Hume's atheistical bias, he had little
1 As it is still in existence, it must be one of the oldest libraries in
Scotland.
xiv
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH
but praise for his famous History. Gibbon was not yet
on the horizon, but we can imagine with what pleasure,
mingled with disapproval, Ridpath would have read
his Decline and Fall.
Ridpath's mind had a strong scientific bent, and he was
specially attracted towards medical science. It is astonish-
ing to note the number of medical works he read, from the
twelfth-century Regimen Sanitatis Salernitano of Arnaldus
de Villa Nova down to his friend Francis Home's Medical
Prelections. He was, too, a more than moderately good
mathematician, and was able to do a certain amount of
astronomical calculation. Both in this branch of learning
and in languages he was always ready to put his knowledge
at the disposal of any of the promising sons of his neigh-
bours who were reading for examinations. Indeed he
did not scruple to rewrite their theses if he thought it
necessary, and on one occasion, when he found his brother
Will had got the same subject set him as he himself had
when at college, he handed over his own work to his
brother, thus rendering his passage through the Divinity
Hall so much the easier. Besides Latin and Greek he
knew Hebrew, French, and a certain amount of Italian,
but it was in the Classics that he found his greatest delight.
They were his bedside books ; ' slept on Tully ' or on
Horace are constant remarks in the Diary ; and 6 the divine
Epictetus,' as he calls him, was one of his most cherished
favourites, and when he had finished reading him for the
time he lays him down with infinite regret. But the
range of his reading must be gathered from the pages of
the Diary itself. It must be kept in view that it represents
the study of long winter evenings in the manse, by the
light of tallow 4 dips,' and often after a strenuous day's
walking, riding, visiting in the parish, or working in the
glebe or garden. Indeed he complains that he is often
not in a condition, through weariness, to give proper
INTRODUCTION-
xv
attention to his books, and that he had to change his
subject in order to stimulate his interest.
A dull enough life, some will say ; but was it ? The
manse was a centre of hospitality, and more often than
not people dropped in to dinner with or without an
invitation. The dinners no doubt were simple enough
affairs ; on extra occasions a chicken might be caught and
killed (though Ridpath never mentions either poultry or
pigs), but generally a tureen full of broth and a slice
off the winter's 4 mart ' would constitute the repast,
though in summer a dish of curds and cream might
appropriately finish the meal. Like all ministers of the
time he brewed his own ale, and thus would have a
sufficient quantity of very harmless stuff with which to
regale his guests. Wine was not unknown, as his servant
Charles is chronicled as having brought some from Berwick.
It would probably be claret, as this was the staple drink
in Scotland at the time and did not cost much. Whisky
was not the common drink it afterwards became, but we
read of many a brew of punch which Ridpath consumed.
He was indeed no gloomy recluse, and loved the pleasures
of the table ; 4 very merry ' is the frequent comment on
many evenings he spent in company of his friends. On
one occasion he admits to having had 'a great drink,'
more in fact than he had drunk for a twelvemonth ; and
on other occasions he confesses to having ' drunk far too
much.' I do not believe, however, that Ridpath ever
exceeded the bounds of a somewhat liberal moderation.
On the contrary, we find him riding home after a convivial
evening with his sister Nancy en croupe as he calls it, which
shows that his seat on horseback must have been steady
enough. Indeed through all the Diary there is only one
record of anybody in his company having been drunk,
and that was the successor to his father at Ladykirk, who
was, he says, quite inebriated at an ordination dinner.
b
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
But he was not a favourite with Ridpath, which may
account for his putting this black mark against him.
Ridpath was too much of a student to shine in parlour
games and tricks. We read of his playing both chess and
whist, though he confesses himself a novice in both pas-
times. Cutting shadow profiles out of paper with the help
of a pair of scissors and a candle was a favourite amuse-
ment. How we should like to see some of these old
silhouettes now, particularly that of the winsome Betty
Pollock. Sometimes he plays at cross questions and
crambo ; at other times he composes a rebus to while away
a wakeful. hour, or makes up a song or glee to be sung at
the next meeting of the Culloden Club, of which he was
a member ; and what a charming picture is called up
when we see him looking with interest and admiration
on two pretty manse lassies as they endeavour to interpret
the sonorous lines of John Home's Douglas.
As to outdoor amusements, they are not even mentioned ;
there were, of course, no facilities for playing golf at that
period in Roxburghshire, but we should have thought that
on one of the fine frosty days which he so often chronicles
he might have been found on the curling rink. We .know
that there was a Curling Club at Earlston in 1756, and the
game was quite well known in the country. In summer,
too, we should have expected to have found some mention
of bowling, for houses like those of Stitchel and Newton
can hardly have been without facilities for this popular
game. But such pursuits do not seem to have appealed
to Ridpath, perhaps he thought he had plenty exercise
without them. There was the often undertaken walk to
Home, where after a tramp of three miles he would visit
his parishioners there and have tea with the Stevensons
at Home Byres before setting out on his road home again.
There were many rides too, some of them of long distances,
on the young horse he bought from the 4 Haddon couper p
INTRODUCTION ,
xvii
for six pounds, and which seems to have turned out very
well. His longest ride was perhaps to Edinburgh, where
he occasionally went, sometimes to the Assembly, and
sometimes to make investigations in the Advocates'
Library in connection with the great and long-drawn-out
Hutton Patronage case or to hear the plea itself debated
before the Lords of Session. Guided by his friend
David Hume, who was then Librarian, he sees some of the
curiosities of the Library, including 4 the mummy ' which
still, I believe, inhabits those learned precincts, though
it is not so publicly exposed as it used to be, All this was
strenuous enough exercise ; the roads were on the whole
bad and we hear occasionally of falls from his horse,
fortunately without injury to himself, though such an
accident was the primary cause of the death of Mr. Dawson,
the father of his beloved Minna. But while the roads
were generally far from good, they were not quite so
bad as has been sometimes made out. The Turnpike Act
of 1751 had done much for their improvement, and far
from there being no wheeled vehicles to be had in the
countryside, we see the Halls, of Dunglas driving about
in a chaise, and Mr. Waite, Ridpath's brother-in-law,
more than once brings or takes back his family in a
carriage. Matthew Dysart, the minister of Eccles, was
the possessor of a chaise, and we read of its having made
the journey to and from Edinburgh.
I have said that there is little or no mention of games
or pastimes in the Diary. There is also no reference to
holidays or feasts, with the exception of the local fairs
Neither Christmas nor New Year's Day is ever specifically
chronicled ; Handsel Monday, an old Scots holiday, is
conspicuous by its absence, and of course we do not expect
Easter or any such feast to be mentioned. Holidays no
doubt the diarist had, but they were spent in little jaunts
about the country, calling on his friends and always
xviii DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
receiving the warmest of welcomes. Of his friends and
cronies few must be mentioned, and these by little more
than their names, but they live as real characters in the
artless pages of the Diary. James Allan of Eyemouth
was Ridpath's devoted henchman, and is found putting
himself to no end of trouble about his affairs, especially
in the great case of the disputed patronage of the parish
of Hutton, which pervades so many of these pages but
which it is impossible to do more than mention. 1
If Ridpath's friendship with Allan was ever temporarily
strained, it was when the latter fell a victim to the charms
of a certain Mrs. Keith (nee Macleod), who seems to have
been more or less of an adventuress, though how she came
to be in that part of the country I cannot tell. Poor
James Allan was much infatuated with her, and Ridpath
did not hesitate to send him a letter of warning. Fortun-
ately he was looked after by a sister (another sister was
Mrs. Crow, and a third the wife of Andrew Edgar, both
mentioned in the Diary), and the match was ultimately
abandoned, much to Ridpath's satisfaction, who saw nothing
but evil in it. Mrs. Keith later on threw her toils over
another of Ridpath's friends, Mr. Temple, the Collector
of Taxes in Berwick, much to the consternatipn of all his
relatives and friends. What the issue of this flirtation was
we are not told.
The robust, genial, and humorous John Hume, the
minister of Greenlaw and laird of Abbey St. Bathans, was
another of Ridpath's chief companions. He always gave
him a hearty welcome to Greenlaw manse and a great deal
of amusement from his conversation. He had married a
granddaughter of the first Earl of Marchmont, and was
1 Readers desirous of full details of this case will find it reported as
Lord Home v. Officers of State in Morrison's Dictionary, 10777, anc * Faculty
Collections, 28th July 1758, and the House of Lords' decision in the same
volume, p. 504.
INTRODUCTION
xix
therefore eminently of 4 the County.' His son Sandy,
minister of Polwarth, a somewhat degenerate son of an
aristocratic father, appears to less advantage, as he made
two rather unfortunate marriages, the first of which gave
his father much chagrin.
Matthew Dysart of Eccles was another valued friend.
He seems to have lived perhaps in a better style than any
of the other members of Presbytery, as he had a chaise at
a time when few persons in the country, and certainly very
few ministers, were the possessors of a wheeled vehicle.
His mother was a granddaughter of the fourth Earl of
Torphichen, and he took the name of Sandilands on
succeeding to the estate of Couston of which she was in
right. His wife was a relative of David Hume, and
Ridpath was nothing loth to fall under the charm of that
distinguished if heterodox philosopher. Dysart was one
of the clergy who, greatly daring, had attended the
performance of John Home's tragedy of Douglas in the
Edinburgh theatre, and had been rebuked theretor by the
Presbytery and compelled to express more or less sincere
regret. I am sure that Ridpath, had he been in Edinburgh
at the time, would have accompanied his friend, as he had a
genuine liking for John Home, as indeed everybody had.
It is curious to note that while the Church censured its
ministers for going to see what was undoubtedly a fine
performance of an experiment in literature by one of them-
selves, it left them free to indulge in other pursuits which
we would now say were much more blameworthy than going
to see a play. Thus poor Ridpath, 4 passing rich on
eighty pounds a year,' ventured one of his few guineas in
the State Lottery, but this form of gambling was so
common then that nothing was thought of it, and even
the clergy might risk their means to any extent they
thought fit without ecclesiastical censure. Ridpath's
excuse (if indeed any excuse were needed) was that if he
XX
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH
won a prize it would be the greatest possible help and
advantage to him, while if he lost he would not be very
much poorer, and would have the satisfaction of knowing
that he had patriotically contributed towards the needs
of the State. ■
A few of Ridpath's other friends and neighbours can
only be briefly mentioned. Robert Turnbull of Sprouston
was a close ally. He was a son of the minister of Tynning-
hame, whose Diary has already been edited for the Scottish
History Society, a very different document from the
present. Robert was the youngest son, being born in
1714, three years before Ridpath himself, and had three
brothers also in the Church, one of whom, Thomas of
Borthwick, became the grandfather of Sir Robert Dundas
of Dunira, Baronet. He had a sister who was married to
Dr. Wallace, the minister of New Greyfriars, Edinburgh,
and a leading man in the councils of the Church. We hear
much of Robert and his brother in the Diary. But all
the local clergy are admirably portrayed by Ridpath's
observant and critical pen, and there is seldom a word of
disapproval. Even Mr. Lundy, the minister of Kelso,
who seems to have devoted the time he spent in the
neglect of his parochial duties to the boring of his friends,
is let down very lightly. His laziness, procrastination, and
habit of sticking to people too long are said to be his worst,
if not his only faults ; for the rest, he was a simple-minded,
pious soul, rather a butt of his friends and a subject of
Lhat rather rough raillery which was the fashion of the
day. Ridpath, indeed, laments teasing the honest creature,
but says the temptations always proved irresistible.
With all these and many more our diarist was on the
most friendly terms ; they are always James, Robert,
Andrew and the like to him. It is curious that among
the few friends whom he does not call by their Christian
names are Mr. Dawson, the father of the girl he ultimately
INTRODUCTION
xxi
married, and Mr. Waite, his own brother-in-law. While
respecting and liking them both, he never seems to have
been quite on such intimate terms with them as with others.
Not only were the ministers but their families dear to
Ridpath, especially if there were any pretty girls among
them or engaging children, for he was a true child lover.
Mr. Pollock of Ednam, a rather colourless person perhaps
in himself, was the father of a large flock whom he brought
up on a very slender income. Betty, 1 the Naiad ' as she
was affectionately called, must have been a charming,
sprightly, and very lovely little maid. Everybody seems
to have lost their hearts to her, and Ridpath was one of
her staunchest admirers. By this time, however, his
affections had been set elsewhere, and we read of his
proposing 4 on the mossy turf, under a sweet grove,' to
Minna Dawson, the daughter of a merchant in Kelso
and an old friend of the family. It is remarkable that
Minna's answer is not recorded ; perhaps she took time
to think over the matter, as a few days after they had
some 4 explicatory chat ' on the subject. But Minna duly
married him, though not till September 1764. Probably
the delay was owing to the state of health of old Mrs.
Ridpath. who lived with her son George and who was
evidently rather a difficult patient. It is most likely
that after the marriage she went to live with either Philip
or William ; she died in February 1765, only a few
months after George's marriage. Minna bore to her
husband a son and two daughters, and we can imagine
what a joy they must have been to one who was so fond
of children as Ridpath was. Unfortunately he was not
spared long to them, as he died when the eldest was only
six years old. He was only fifty-five, and I doubt if he
was ever a very strong man ; once at least in the course of
the Diary he had a sharp attack of illness which prevented
him writing anything for a week, and he admits having
xxii
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATII
suffered from several minor complaints. His brothers, too,
do not seem to have been at all strong when young, though
they both outlived him, each dying at the age of sixty-
seven. Philip published his brother's History of the
Borders after the death of the latter, and he issued
on his own account in 1785 a Translation of Boethius's
Consolations of Philosophy, the inception of which is
alluded to in the Diary. He married Alison Hume, who
survived him, and of whom an extraordinary local I radition
asserts that she died at Eyemouth of spontaneous
combustion !
Enough perhaps has now been said to show the interest
of this Diary, though much more could be written about
it. Persons interested in meteorology will be sorry not
to have Ridpath's daily nobs about the weather, but as
t he omission saved several hundred lines it was unavoidable.
I am indebted to several persons for generous help.
Mr. Angus of the Historical Department, ELM. Register
House, has been good enough to revise all the proofs
and has made many valuable suggestions. Dr. Gunn
of Peebles had transcribed a large portion of the first
volume of the Diary, and freely put his transcripl at my
disposal. Mrs. Milne Home had copied a considerable
part of the second volume, and she also gave me the
free use of her transcription. The Rev. Dr. Kennedy of
the New College library has put at my service his greal
knowledge of out-of-the-way Scottish books. 1 am also
Indebted to the Rev. Mr. Burleigh of Kdnam, the clerk of
the Presbytery of Kelso, Professor Alexander Mair of
Edinburgh University, and others. Mr. Mill of the Signet
Library has compiled the index with his usual skill in
such matters,
.1. Balfour Paul.
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
VOLUME I
April 1755
Sunday, Aprile 13th. — Wind westerly, pretty high. Lec-
tured on Psalm 68, v. 22. Preached on 1 Cor. 15, vv. 56
and 57.
Munday, Aprile l±th. — Wind still higher, with small
showers. Wrote to Edinburgh and to Baby, whom my
own straits, after mature reflection, hinder me from assist-
ing in the way she desires. At Home, p.m., baptising
and seeing sick. Read also some parts of an old Presby-
tery Book extending from 1649 to 60, which I have got
to look over with a view to discover whether any division
has ever been made of Kelso Kirk. A good deal enter-
tained with some things in it.
Tuesday, Aprile loth. — Weather the same. Read almost
all the day the Account of Augustus's Reign in Universal
History. It is wrote but poorly, and I believe also in-
exactly. Read also some things in the Kelso Register,
and wrought a little in the garden. At night marked the
dates of Odes and Epodes in Francis's 2nd volume 1 into
my Glasgow edition, also at the end of it, Sanadon's 2
Form of the Carmen Seculare.
Wednesday, Aprile 16th. — Less wind ; some drippings
through the day and rain in the evening, and at night.
Read to the end of Augustus's Life a.m. Afternoon at
1 Philip Francis, died 1773 ; rector of Barrow, Suffolk, 1762-73 : his
version of Horace has been often republished.
1 NoSl Etienne Sanadon, a voluminous eighteenth-century commen-
tator on Horace.
A
2
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[i755
Sir Robert's, 1 where William 2 had just arrived. Evening
and night, read Presbytery Register, and Horace.
Thursday, Aprile 17th. — Rained gently from west great
part of the day. Read the Character of Augustus at the
end of his Life in the Universal History ; and part of
the History of Cleopatra, her Father, etc., in the History
of the Ptolemies. Read also more of the Presbytery
Register, and slept soon on Horace.
Friday, Aprile 18th. — Clouds and sun. Winds westerly
and gentle. Read to the end of the Life of Cleopatra
and also the History of Antony ? s expedition against the
Parthians. Sandy Home here, seeking Bythner's Lyra 3
to help him to prepare for his Hebrew tryals. Will having
the book at Edinburgh, wrote an analysis to him of two
or three verses in the beginning of a psalm. He dined
and drank tea. Read some more Presbytery Register
and slept on Horace whom I shall leave with great
reluctance.
Saturday, Aprile 19th. — Blowing hard from the west ; sun
and clouds. Prepared for to-morrow. James Richardson
from Curry dined, and was here a great part of the day.
He had come out to see his father who seemed in the end
of last week to be in a dangerous way, but is better.
Sunday, Aprile 20th. — Breath north-east where it has
not been for these several weeks, a thing very uncommon
at this season. Lowring, and some drippings in the
evening. Lectured on Psalm 68 : 22 to the end. Preached
on 1 Corinth. 15. 56, 57.
Munday, Aprile 21st. — A.m. at Home, 4 baptising and
seeing sick. Wrought in the garden and also in the glebe,
1 Sir Robert Pringle, third Baronet of Stitchel, Ridpath's principal
heritor: born 1690: married, 1723, Katherine, eldest daughter of James
Pringle of Torwoodlee : died 1779.
2 The diarist's youngest brother.
3 Victorinus Bythner, Hebrew scholar, published Lyra Prophetica
Davidis Regis t sive Analysis critico-practica Psalmorum, London,
1650.
4 A small thatched village, nestling under the walls of Hume Castle. It
was at one time a separate parish, but no trace of the old twelfth-century
church remains. It was united to Stitchel in 1640.
i 7 55] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 3
raking potatoes. Repaired my hats, and read some of
Horace.
Tuesday, Aprile 22nd. — Went to attend the Synod.
Rogers 1 preached a pretty good sermon. Thomas Scot
of Cavers elected Moderator. P.m. went through last
year's Minutes. Business of no consequence. Supped,
and also dined in Mrs. Wood's. Staid in Mrs. Dawson's
with James Allan. 2
Wednesday, Aprile 23rd. — There was a petition from
some people in Whitsum in opposition to John Waugh. 3
But the opposers,. who are inconsiderable people, having
brought up no extracts, were prevailed upon to drop
the prosecution of their cause. Petition was ordered to
the Assembly also, for their direction about exacting the
penalties for irregular marriages, which the Justices of
Peace qualify so much, as to make the law of no signifi-
cancy. A Cause was also heard from the Presbytery of
Jedburgh, occasioned by a dispute betwixt Lord Cranstoun
and the Marquis of Lothian, where the Minister of Craline
should preach till a new kirk be finished. The contro-
versy was found so frivolous that the Synod approved of
the conduct of the Presbytery of Jedburgh, as it was
really of little or. no moment whether they had done right
or wrong. On this Lord Cranstoun appealed to the
General Assembly. After these things, went through the
ordinary forms and got up. Dined in Mrs. Dawson's ;
drank tea in Dr. Gibson's ; revised the Minutes in Mrs.
Wood's ; James Allan and I came home after ten.
Thursday, Aprile 2Uh. — James Allan and I rode to
Ednam a.m. Thomas Pollock, 4 his wife, and daughter
1 John Rogers, minister of Hownam 1749-74.
2 James Allan, one of Ridpath's greatest friends, succeeded his father
as minister of Eyemouth in 1737 : died unmarried 1767.
3 John Waugh, nephew of Robert Waugh, minister of Hutton : after
being minister of a Presbyterian church at Alnwick he was presented to
Whitsome in 1754, and admitted 16th May 1755 : he married, 1744, Mary
Mason, and had with other children a daughter who married, in 1766, George
Cupples, minister of Swinton, of whom we shall hear more.
4 Thomas Pollock, minister of Ednam 1723-64 : married, 1724, Alison
Mason, and had a family of five sons and six daughters, some of whom we
shall hear a good deal of in the course of the Diary,
4 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1755
came up with us to dine ; staid all till the evening. Wrote
for Mas Thomas an attestation for his son in order to an
application to the Barons of Exchequer for a Bursary to
him. Slept on Horace.
Friday, Aprile 25th. — At Fallsidehill and Home baptising
and seeing sick. Robert Turnbull, 1 Mr. Lundy, 2 and
Robert's nephew, Hay, 3 who came a day or two ago from
Edinburgh to see his uncle, drank tea. Looked at night
to some things in Mead's Monita et Praecepta Medical
Munday, Aprile 28th. — Saw sick in town a.m. and then
went to Kelso to attend the Culloden Club ; thirteen of
us only there, a variety of accidents hindering the attend-
ance of members. Had a song, the making of which
amused me part of last week, but could scarce get it sung
for want of performers. Rode home with Sir Robert
betwixt 7 and 8.
Tuesday, Aprile 29th. — Revised what I had not re-
vised before of the second volume of Francis's Horace
in order to my returning it to-morrow. Have been much
entertained with this work, which is undoubtedly one of
the best of the kind in our language. The notes in par-
ticular are a well-chosen and valuable collection. Those
from Sanadon particularly good.
Wednesday, Aprile 30th. — Read part of some reviews
that came from Kelso in the morning, also about a
half of Voltaire's General History and State of Europe,
which has the facility, sprightliness and grace that char-
1 Robert Turnbull, minister of Sprouston, a parish not far from Stitchel
on the opposite side of the Tweed, son of George Turnbull, minister of
Tynninghame.
2 Cornelius Lundy, minister of Kelso 1 750-1800 : third son of Archibald
Lundy, minister of Saltoun : born 1716 : married, 1762, Mary, daughter
of William Ronald of Williamscraig, Provost of Linlithgow : died 1800, and
was succeeded in the parish by his son Robert.
5 I have been unable to identify this nephew of Robert Turnbull :
neither of his two sisters married any one of the name of Hay, so it is
probably used as a Christian name.
4 Richard Mead, M.D. (1673-1754), celebrated fashionable physician.
His last work, Monita et Praecepta Medica, was published in 1751, a
summary of his practical experience, but it is said that the total of
information contained in the book is small.
1755] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
5
acterise that author, and I believe also his incorrectness
as to facts. Will 1 came from Edinburgh in the evening.
My horse went in for him yesterday with Robert Turnbull's
nephew Hay. Have had more of the toothach these
two or three days than for some years past, the conse-
quence of cold catched in the end of last week and begin-
ning of this. Am opposing it by keeping within doors,
abstinence, water and moderate exercise.
Thursday, May 1. — Part of the forenoon in the glebe,
also shaving myself. Neither of them agreed with my
toothache, which however is better. Rest of day and at
night read Voltaire.
Friday, May 2nd. — Read Voltaire to an end and more
than a third of him over again.
Sunday, May Uh. — Bailie Pow, poor wandering mortal,
in the Kirk p.m. and dined with us.
Munday, May 5th. — At Home a.m. seeing sick. Most
of the afternoon wrought in the garden, which refreshed
me greatly and did not hurt my tooth-ach, at least for
the time. Should, I believe, have been quit of it by this
time had it not been yesterday's preaching. Had a letter
from Mr. Waite 2 in the morning by his Prentice, informing
me that his little daughter had fallen ill of the small pox,
and desiring Nancy down. Immediately sent her away
by Charles. By a letter again from Philip 3 in the evening
learn that the child has been worse than Mr. Waite men-
tioned. She has had a high fever, two convulsions, and
what is worst of all a violent looseness since Saturday
night. The pox begin to appear this morning, but they
cannot yet judge of their number.
Tuesday, May 6th. — Went at two to the burial of G.
Mason's wife at Hassendean. The old man is a little
recruited. Attended the funeral to Kelso, where were the
1 Ridpath's youngest brother, afterwards minister of Edrom.
2 Mr. Waite, as he is always called in the Diary, his Christian name
never being given, was Ridpath's brother-in-law, having married his sister
Elizabeth. He was in business in Berwick.
3 The Diarist's immediate younger brother. He seems to have been a
schoolmaster at Berwick at this period.
6 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1755
remains of the Presbytery. Had a Library meeting, in
which we commissioned a few books.
Wednesday, May 7th. — Wrought in the garden a.m. and
chatted with William Winter. P.m. was going to see
Sir Robert who has not been well these 2 or 3 days, but
met with James Mason 1 and his wife, as I was going through
the town, seeing some sick. They drank tea here. Heard
from Berwick in the evening that the child seems to be in
no manner of danger. Also that Dr. Balderstone 2 was
married yesterday morning.
Thursday, May 8th. — Spent the forenoon in new cocking
my hat, shaving, etc. Robert Turnbull came and dined.
Set out along with him for Greenlaw, when Mr. Dysart 3
also came. Staid there all night. D. Hume's History,
which John Hume 4 has been reading, the principal sub-
ject of discourse.
Friday, May 9th. — Set out in the morning with John
and his two sons 5 for Abbey (St. Bathans). Had a
pleasant ride and got there about ten. A considerable
congregation, and the sermon without, which agreed ill
with my toothache. Sate till near 6, drank rather too
long and were too noisy. Some girls there that were
1 Perhaps James Mason, minister of Yarrow 1753-64.
2 Dr. Balderston, Berwick, was a cousin of Ridpath, and son of ' Aunt
Balderston ' frequently mentioned in the Diary.
3 Matthew Dysart, minister of Eccles 1731-73: son of John Dysart,
minister of Coldingham : assumed the name of Sandilands on succeeding
to the entailed estate of Couston, in right of his mother who was daughter
and heiress of the Hon. William Sandilands, third son of John, fourth Lord
Torphichen. He married Jean, daughter of David Hume, Depute Clerk of
Session, and a relative of David Hume the historian. He was one of the
ministers who attended the theatre on the first production of John Home's
tragedy of Douglas, for which he was rebuked after having expressed regret.
4 John Hume, minister of Greenlaw 1734-77, was the eldest son of
George Hume of Abbey St. Bathans, and minister of that parish. He
succeeded his father in the estate 1700 : ordained minister of Polwarth
1727 : translated to Greenlaw 1734 : married Charlotte, daughter of
Charles Bellingham and Lady Julian Home, daughter of Patrick, first
Earl of Marchmont. We shall hear further of his son Alexander, minister
of Polwarth.
6 The ordination at Abbey St. Bathans was that of Alexander Hume,
eldest son of John Hume, minister of Greenlaw. His brother George
afterwards became a lieutenant R.N.
1755] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
7
animating; especially Walter Hart's daughter. Angelraw's
youngest daughter 1 was also there, and a daughter of
William Home of Fogo's. 2 Of ministers besides the
Presbytery, there were only Landreth, 3 Cupples, 4 Robert
Turnbull, and myself. Smith of Quickswood was there ;
also his mother and Miss Ker. Had good plain dinner.
Rode to Polwarth in the evening along with Robert
Turnbull, Matt. Dysart, and Cupples. Mrs. Home has
been very low and much distrest. John Home 5 on his
way from London was there in the beginning of the week.
Garrick has at last agreed to take his last made Play, but
cannot have it acted till the winter after next.
Saturday, May 10th. — Set out from Polwarth about
eleven along with Mr. Dysart. Robert and I dined and
drank tea at Eccles. Came home about six. Saw Edward
Dodds's wife who has seemed a-dying these ten days ;
and did something for to-morrow. Heard from Berwick
that Nancy Waite is still in a very good way.
Munday, May 12th. — A.m. at Home seeing sick. P.m.
went to Sir Robert's, who has been ailing and is looking
but indifferently. Came home about 9, and slept on
Voltaire.
Wednesday, May lUh. — Set out for Berwick by Blakader.
Found Mr. Renton just ready to go to Allan-Bank to
dine with a new-married pair, young Coutts and his wife, 6
who are on their way from London to Edinburgh. Dr.
1 Daughter of James Ridpath of Angelraw.
2 Grizel, daughter of William Home, minister of Fogo 1722-56 (not to
be confounded with his successor in the parish, another William Home of
whom we shall hear much). Grizel ultimately married Andrew Jollie,
a tailor in Edinburgh.
3 James Landreth, minister of Simprin 1 725-56 : Clerk of the Synod :
established the first Sunday School in Scotland. Carlyle, who calls him
' Honest James,' gives an amusing account of how he lent John Home a
valise to carry the MS. of Douglas in, when he took it to London.
4 George Cupples, minister of Swinton 1754-98, son of William Cupples,
minister of Kirkoswald. Alex. Carlyle gives an amusing and graphic
account of the convoy which Cupples gave to him and John Home on his
setting out for London with the tragedy of Douglas.
5 John Home, see p. 10, n. 6.
6 James Coutts of Hampton and Whitsome Hill, third son of John
Coutts, Lord Provost of Edinburgh : born 1737 : partner in Coutts
8
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[1755
Doubleday 1 there. He and I staid and dined with the
children, three very fine girls. Rode to town with the
Doctor in the evening, which I spent at Mr. Waite's. Nancy
is doing bravely and will not be spoilt.
Thursday, May loth. — Called at Mr. Chisholm's a.m. ;
dined in Mr. Waite's. P.m. drank tea with my aunt
Balderstone, who removed on the day her son was married
to the house lately possest by John Somervail, which is
fitted up very neatly. She is looking well, and they are
all in very good spirits. Supped with the Doctor, where
was also my aunt and two or three of my cousins. A
great display of pretty expensive things. Was not greatly
captivated with the Bride, though she is, upon the whole,
a very well-looking woman.
Friday, May 16th. — Breakfast with Mr. Hall and set
out with Philip for the Ordination at Whitsum. John
Renton there, and Hilton, 2 who sat till sunset and made
very good company. James Allan and I went home with
Mr. Renton. Had drank rather too much.
Saturday, May 17th. — Breakfast at Blakader. Then set
out for Eccles, whither Philip had come with Mr. Dysart
last night. Dined and drank tea there. Came home
between 6 and 7, and did something for to-morrow.
Still harassed with the toothache, but keep it within
tolerable bounds chiefly by wrapping at night.
Sunday, May 18th. — Richard Brown 3 came here in the
Brothers and Co., Bankers, London : married, shortly before the date in
the Diary, Mary, daughter of John Peagrim, Colchester. The family of
Coutts and the Stewarts of Allanbank were intimately connected. John
Coutts, the Lord Provost, had married Jean, daughter of Sir John Stewart,
the second Bart., and the fourth Bart, (the son of Ridpath's host) married
Frances Coutts, the only surviving child of this marriage of James
Coutts and Mary Peagrim. Cf. The Life of Thomas Coutts, by E. H.
Coleridge, i. 38.
1 The Doubledays were a very old family in the north of England, and
still exist. Mr. H. A. Doubleday, the editor of the current edition of the
Complete Peerage, informs me that they were largely Quakers.
2 Wynne Johnston of Hilton, who was served heir to his father, Robert
Johnston of Hilton, 1748.
3 Richard Brown, then a youth of twenty -five, son of John Brown, tenant of
Home Castle, was ordained minister of the parish of Kingarth, Gth May 1756
I755J DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 9
morning about ten. He lectured and preached for me
p.m. Performed not contemptibly, but in his sermon
unpopularly, chiefly by a wrong choice of his subject.
Philip at Ednam preaching for Mr. Pollock who is at
Whitsum with John Waugh. Brown went away after
tea. A fortunate boy chiefly owing to a good stock of
forwardness, added to parts and knowledge not con-
temptible, but no way extraordinary. Peter Cuming 1
has procured to him a Presentation to a kirk in the Isle
of Bute in my Lord Bute's own parish, a very lucky thing
for him ; and an obedient servant secured to Peter.
Munday, May 19th. — Saw sick in the town. Mr. Lundy
came to dine, and staid till between 4 and 5. Then Mr.
Dawson came and drank tea. Evening slept on magazines
I brought from Berwick.
Tuesday, May 20th. — At Home a.m. seeing sick. Th.
Pollock came before dinner, and sate till the evening.
Slept on magazines.
Thursday, May 22nd. — Went to Kelso with Philip,
where we dined in Mr. Lundy's, and drank tea at Thomas
Dawson's. Saw Mr. Lundy's tulips. He has some very
good ones. Had a walk on the riverside in the evening
with Minna Dawson. 2 Nancy Thompson, and Aly Steven-
son. 3 Got from the Library the third part of Voltaire's
General History and State of Europe.
Friday, May 23rd. — Wrought much in the garden and
some in the glebe. Read a little of Voltaire's third part.
The former two parts are from a surreptitious copy, and
he seems to promise an improved edition of them. This
part he owns, and proposes to continue the Work till he
translated to Lochmaben 1765 : in 1779 he succeeded his cousin, Sir Alex-
ander Brown of Coalstoun, Bart., but did not assume the title : died 1781.
1 Patrick Cuming, minister of the Old Kirk, Edinburgh, 1732-76 : eldest
son of Robert Cuming of Reiugas : Professor of Church History, Edinburgh,
1737-62 : D.D., Edinburgh, 1752 : was three times Moderator of the General
Assembly, 1749, 1752, and 1756: leader of the Moderate party in the
Church in his day : married Jean, daughter of David Lauder of Huntly-
wood, a son of Lord Fountainhall.
2 Minna Dawson, daughter of Mr. Dawson, Kelso, and the future wife
of Ridpath.
3 See post, p. 291, n. 2.
10 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1755
connect it with his Louis XIV. He is always lively and
entertaining.
On Munday morning set out along with Mr. Lundy
mounted on a horse I got from W. Stevenson, 1 which he
intended should go from Edinburgh to Ninian Jeffery's
Colony. But as he was being worne out with hard work
and lame to the boot, it was with difficulty that I got to
Edinburgh on him after six o'clock at night though we
set out betwixt 5 and 6 *in the morning. Mr. Lundy' s
horse also -distressed with a sore throat which made us
equally slow-paced and our journey very uncomfortable.
Overtook not far from Bassendean Mr. Home of Pol-
warth 2 and a daughter of Willy Home of Fogo 3 with Mr.
Home's little boy Luke, whom they were carrying to
Musselburgh to Jeffery. Dined with them at Channel-
kirk. Mr. Lundy struck off at Fala to Saltoun, and I
rode in to town with Abraham Ker 4 whom we met at
Channelkirk. Lodged in the Solicitor's 5 along with John
Home of Athelstaneford 6 who left the town on Saturday
morning before the Assembly. The only Settlements
were those of Leith and Carsphairn. The case of Leith
1 The tenant of Home Byres, and an intimate friend of Ridpath.
2 William Home, minister of Pohvarth 1735-58 : third son of Walter
Home of Bassendean : translated to Fogo in succession to another William
Home in 1758 : married, 1737, Mary, daughter of Robert Roddam of
Ewart, Northumberland, and an aunt of Mrs. Alexander Carlyle. The
little boy Luke was afterwards a Captain, 16th Foot.
3 Grizel Home, see ante, p. 7, n. 2.
4 Abraham Ker, minister of Nenthorn 1755-93 : son of James Ker of
Crookedshaws, a former minister of the parish.
5 Andrew Pringle, eldest son of John Pringle, Lord Haining : Advocate
1740 : Solicitor-General 1755 : raised to the Bench as Lord Alemoor 1759 :
died 1776. Carlyle calls him the most eloquent of all the Scottish Bar.
6 John Home, minister of Athelstaneford 1746-57 : son of Alexander
Home, Town Clerk of Leith. He is best known as the author of the
tragedy of Douglas which was produced in Edinburgh in 1756, and which
created a great commotion in the circles of the Church. He resigned his
living in 1757 and became private secretary to John, Earl of Bute, the
famous Minister. In this position he was able to do a great deal for his
friends and sought nothing for himself, but had a pension of £300 a year
granted him from the Privy Purse. He was a universal favourite and was
the intimate friend of Principal Robertson, David Hume, and Carlyle ;
Ridpath also knew him well and had a high esteem for him.
1755] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 11
was considerably doubtful. Carlisle, 1 John Home, and
W. Robertson, 2 who had carried it on the side of Thomas
Scot 3 before the Synod, appeared in the defence of their
sentence and made very good speeches in their several
manners, of which Robertson's is by far the most suited
to the clerical character. The good speaking was almost
all on Scot's side, and would have had its effect had it
not been the brigue very industriously and extensively
circulated on the other. In the settlement of Carsphairn
the Commissioner was interested, and the decision was
given for his friend by a much greater stretch than was
made in the case of Leith. The other affairs were scandals
against two north country ministers Grant and Mackenzie
and a country Elder, in all which the accused were assoilzied
unanimously. There was a project of attacking Lord
Karnes 4 and David Hume, to promote which a pamphlet
had been published containing an analysis of the wicked
principles contained in their works. But instead of a
personal attack, a general Overture was agreed to con-
taining a Declaration against such pernicious principles,
and a recommendation to all ministers to oppose to the
utmost of their power the spreading of them amongst
their flocks. This, though not satisfying to the more
zealous, appeared more eligible to the prudent, than the
1 Alexander Carlyle, minister of Inveresk 1 748-1 805 : well known as
' Jupiter Carlyle,' one of the leading members of the moderate party
in the Church. His Autobiography, though unfinished, has become a
classic on the subject of the Church life of the period : he had a high
opinion of our diarist, whom he styles ' the judicious and learned Ridpath.'
2 Dr. William Robertson, the historian, and Principal of the University
of Edinburgh, at this time minister of Gladsmuir.
3 There is no mention of this case in the Fasti Eccl. Scot., but there was
a vacancy in the second charge of South Leith in 1754, by the translation
of Robert Walker to St. Giles's, Edinburgh. There appears to have been
two competing candidates, Thomas Scott, minister of Cavers, and Alexander
Stuart. The Assembly gave its decision in favour of the latter, but he was
removed to St. Cuthbert's, Edinburgh, in 1762, and Mr. Scott was then
admitted to the charge.
4 Henry Home, son of George Home of Karnes, Berwickshire : Advocate
1723 : raised to the Bench as Lord Karnes 1752 : in 175 1 he had published
his Essays on the Principles of Morality and Natural Religion, a meta-
physical work which provoked the ire of some members of the Church.
12
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[1755
erection of a committee for purity of doctrine. On the
Saturday evening went out to the farm-house of my old
friend Mr. Wilkie, minister of Ratho, 1 who has been dis-
trest for some time past with an ill-formed ague [from]
which he has not yet entirely recovered. Staid with him
on the Saturday and Sunday nights, and preached for him
at Ratho on the Sunday. The Assembly rose on Monday,
and the last thing they did was to repone Moncrieff, 2 now
at Etall, to the office of ministry in Shetland, in deposing
him from which some irregular steps had been taken.
So soon as he was reponed, he gave in a demission of his
Charge in that island. The Commissioner 3 concluded the
Assembly with a very handsome speech which he repeated
and gave some touches at the present situation of the
public affairs and the perfidy of the French with a truly
British spirit. His behaviour all along was very popular.
Red, his minister (of St. Quivock's), 4 was Moderator, and
acquitted himself very tolerably. Tuesday and Wednes-
day the Commission met and had some small affairs, but
I attended it very little. Wednesday evening left the
town, and came to Athelstaneford, about ten at night
along with James Allan. Read John's tragedy of Douglas
on the Thursday forenoon, which so far as I could judge
from a cursory reading appears to be a good work. The
composition much simpler and chaster than that of Agis.
Called at Haddington and was an hour at Clerkington
with Baby, who was removing her furniture. Found her
1 William Wilkie, minister of Ratho 1753-9, when he resigned on his
appointment as Professor of Natural History in St. Andrews. He was an
expert in agriculture, and his success as a farmer earned him the name of
' Potato Wilkie.' He wrote an epic poem called the Epigoniad in nine
books, published in 1757, for which he was called ' the Scottish Homer.'
Graham (Social Life in Scotland) calls him an ' uncouth genius,' and
Carlyle in his Autobiography mentions him. Many stories are told of his
eccentricities. He was a great smoker when the consumption of tobacco
rather took the form of snuff : he had a great antipathy to clean sheets
on his bed, and it is said slept under the weight of twenty-four blankets.
2 Matthew Moncrieff, minister of Bressay, Burra, and Ouarff : he had
been deposed for deserting his charge.
3 The Commissioner to the General Assembly in 1755 was Charles, ninth
Lord Cathcart.
4 George Reid, minister of St. Qui vox 1722-63.
>
i 7 55] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 13
in pretty good spirits and not without hopes of doing
well. Rode over after four with John Home to Polwarth,
where I staid till Saturday forenoon. On the Friday
stept over to Redbraes and saw Nancy Burnet. Came "
home on Saturday to dinner and did something for
to-morrow. At Edinburgh not unhappy on the whole ;
yet not so happy as I might have been. Could not use
perfect freedom in my quarters, the Solicitor's, where I
was under some sort of necessity of lodging, he having
been here himself to ask me. Yet this was wholly owing
to my shyness, for by him I was treated with great civility.
John Home's flow of wit and spirits, much encouraged by
the company of the Great, to which he has had more
familiar access than almost any of his profession, threw
a sort of damp on me. Clothes and equipments were not
so good as the taste of the age and a town life requires.
The room where I lodged was gloomy and extremely ill
aired, and sometimes my living was too high, though this
I bore very well. To live agreeably at Edinburgh I find
it would be necessary for me to live in a Lodging, where
I would be at perfect liberty ; to be well equipped in
point of dress ; and to associate more with people of
speculation and learning than those of a gayer turn ; yet
not altogether to avoid the latter. But the greatest dis-
advantage of all for that sort of life is my want of facility
in making up to strangers and conversing with them. A
disadvantage partly from complexion, but chiefly from
education, and my ordinary train of life, that I believe I
shall never wholly get over. The new things I saw at
Edinburgh were chiefly a sort of imitation of Vaux Hall
or Ranelagh erected by one Cockayne in the gardens
formerly Butcher's, a very rude embryo. A copy of Le
Bruyn's Alexander's Battles belonging to Lord Morton,
and which he has hung up in the Abbey, wanting room
for them in his own house. The best almost, indeed the
only thing of the kind, I ever saw, a Grotto with a collec-
tion of very curious shells. I was also at a Concert, which
was a very high entertainment ; I was particularly de-
lighted at the part ir^ which the voice of a singing girl
14
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[1755
was accompanied with a German flute plaid by Macpherson.
Another circumstance besides those already mentioned
helped also to depress me, and that was my failing in a
• little speech I attempted to make in the cause of Leith ;
though I found it was much more noticed by myself than
by anybody else. My situation was disadvantageous and
spirits fatigued by long attendance, and I was quite over-
powered with the universal stare on a new man.
Thursday, June 12th. — Forenoon wrought in the garden
and putting closet in order. P.m. went to Sir Robert's,
where I staid supper. Dr. Wilson came in the evening
with whom I had some disputation about gravity, etc.,
matters that he understands very imperfectly.
Friday, June 13th.- — Wrought a good deal in the garden
a.m. P.m. read part of Cadwallader Colden's History of
the Five Indian Nations, 1 which I got from the Library.
Also some of the January Review.
Saturday, June lUh. — Prepared for to-morrow. At-
tended a man who came up from Kelso to put up a second-
hand clock which came from Berwick last Saturday. He
got it put up, but it soon stopt ; he set it agoing again on
the Monday. P.m. went to Eccles and drank tea. Mrs.
Dysart somewhat aguish.
Munday, June 16th. — Went to Morbattle, where I
preached. Colleagued with Wilson of Coldstream 2 on
Psalm 16. 8. Rogers there and Leek. 3 Staid all night.
Tuesday, June 17th. — Was prevailed on to stay till
after dinner, and Andrew 4 rode over with me here. Lighted
at Kelso in passing and saw Lundy's garden and glebe,
where there is a fine crop of everything.
Wednesday, June }8th. — Rode to Eccles along with
Andrew, where we preached : colleagued with John Hume.
1 Cadwallader Colden (1688-1778), American botanist and loyalist:
Lieut. -Governor of New York 1761 : his History of th* Five Indian Nations
of Canada was published in 1727.
2 William Wilson, minister of Coldstream 1735-77.
3 Joseph Leek, minister of Yetholm 1731-85.
4 Andrew Chatto, minister of Morebattle 1740-70 : married Agnes
Tennent of Handaxwood. She was a niece of William Walker, minister
of Mackerstoun, who left her ^500. ^
i 7 55] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 15
All three stayed all night. Diverted as usual with John.
Coventry 1 ordained here.
Thursday, June 19th. — Staid at Eccles till after tea.
Mrs. and Peggy Pringle 2 and Mr. Dawson here when I
came home. A very sweet evening. Slept on the Review.
Friday, June 20th. — Saw sick in the town a.m., and
at Home p.m. Mr. Waite and Nancy with the little boy
and his maid came before dinner ; and Mr. Waite and
Will set out again in the chaise for Berwick betwixt 4 and
5. Read in the evening some of the March Review, where
there is an article on David Hume's History, where he is
treated severely enough, yet not more than he deserves.
Munday, June 23rd. — Read much of Colden's History
of the Five Indian Xations, which presents a very simple
scene of manners. Charles 3 went to Eyemouth for wine, etc.
Tuesday, June 2Uh. — Wrought in the garden, spoke to
catechumens, and read a little more of Colden's History.
Wednesday, June 25th. — Wrought a good deal in the
garden ; weeding and planting brocoli. Read Colden's
Book to an end. It concludes with Penn's Establishments
in the Pensylvania Government, which approach nearer
to Harrington's plan than anything that has been exe-
cuted. Read also the accounts in the magazines of Nova
Scotia and the Settlements of the Colony there. In the
morning read last week's news-papers, where a grand plan
is spoken of for attacking the French in Canada.
Saturday, June 28th. — Wrote on my sermon a.m.
Abraham Ker and James Allan preached. Nobody staid
all night but James Allan. Mrs. Dawson at Sir Robert's.
Sunday, June 29th. — Preached on Psalm 118. 22, 23.
Five double Tables and about a half of a sixth. John
Hume preached p.m. Other assistants — Messrs. Pollock,
1 G. Coventry, minister of the Secession Church at Stitchel. See p. 79, n. 2.
2 The youngest daughter of Sir Robert : Mrs. Pringle may have been her
sister-in-law, Capt. Gilbert's wife, but the identification is not certain.
3 Charles was the minister's ' man ' and factotum. These servants
were a race of beings by themselves, and could turn their hands to anything
from ploughing the glebe to gardening and any joiner work that might be
required.
16
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
1*755
Allan, and Abraham Ker. Somewhat fewer hearers than
ordinary by reason of a seceding sermon at Home, and a
Cameronian one at Tweedside. But full as many, if not
more, communicants.
Munday, June 30th.— Warm. Messrs. Chatto and Pol-
lock preached. Andrew and J.ohn Hume staid all night.
Entertained John with the Account of David Hume's
History in the Review, etc.
Tuesday, July 1st. — Went to the Presbytery with
Andrew Chatto. Entered to the clerkship. 1 Had a
scandal before us from the Kelso session and a supplica-
tion from the Heritors of Ednam to agree to a removal of
the Kirk ; also from Mr. Pollock for a Visitation of the
manse. Appointed to meet at Ednam on this day 3 weeks.
Came home in the evening and read part of a pamphlet
containing Observations on the Analysis of Sopho and
D. Hume's Principles, 2 which is said to be young Wedder-
burn's. (This is denied ; it is said to be Karnes's own.) 3
Wednesday, July 2nd. — At Home a.m. baptising and
seeing sick. P.m. wrought some in the garden ; read
news-papers and some of the Aprile Review which I got
at Kelso yesterday.
Thursday, July 3rd. — Looked over the magazines for
accounts of North American affairs. Read also what I
had not read before of February and Aprile Reviews. In
1 The Presbytery Records show that he had been appointed Clerk on
6th May. It seems to have been the custom for members to hold this
office in turn for about a year.
2 David Hume's Inquiry into the Principles of Morals, published 1751.
3 The correct title of the book criticised was Analysis of the moral and
religious sentiments contained in the writings of Sopho and David Hume.
It appeared anonymously, but the author was the Rev. John Bonar,
minister of Perth. ' Sopho ' was undoubtedly Lord Karnes who had been
previously assailed under that name by the Rev. George Anderson,
Chaplain in Watson's Hospital. The ' Observations ' on this pamphlet
appeared in 1755, and were the work of several of Karnes's friends, the
Rev. Hugh Blair, the Rev. Robert Wallace of the New North Parish,
perhaps Alexander Wedderburn, and others. Karnes himself appeared
in self-defence in a pamphlet entitled Objections against the Essays on
Morality and Religion examined ; it was published anonymously and he is
believed to have been again assisted by Hugh Blair. I am indebted for
the information to the Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Librarian of U.F. College.
1755] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 17
the latter there is an account and specimens of Johnson's
English Dictionary, which appears to be a valuable work.
Friday, July Mh. — Read account of Cape Breton in
magazines. Revised part of Colden's History of the Five
Nations. Also looked over sermon for to-morrow at
Smailholm.
Saturday, July 5th. — Preached at Smailholm on Psalm
133. 13, 14. Colleagued with Mr. James Innes, 1 who
retains a good deal of vigour with his old manners.
Sunday, July 6th. — Lectured on Psalm 72. 10-fin.
Preached on Matthew 16. 24. Professor Stevenson 2
in the kirk, and here with his brother betwixt sermons.
John Murray of Kinaldy came in the afternoon, and staid
all night. He had been for some time at Berwick with his
brother.
Munday, July 7th. — Was at Home attending a meeting
for the poor, and seeing sick. P.m. revised some more of
Colden's History of the Five Nations, which I intend to
return to-morrow. It is a useful work for understanding
the affairs of our Colonies with the Indians, and also for
knowing the manners of these people. The author is a
man of sense, and a friend to his country, but his talents
as a writer are not considerable. Read in T. 37 of Bibl.
Rais[onne] 3 an account of Charlevoix's History of New
France* also some of the beginning of Lahontan's Voyages
to North America*
Wednesday, July 9th. — Read most of the day last March
and May magazines, the latter of which I got from Berwick
1 James Innes, son of Robert Innes, wine merchant, Leith : minister of
Mertoun 1718-67.
2 John Stevenson, LL.D., Professor of Logic in the University of Edin-
burgh. He had a brother who was tenant of Home Byres and an intimate
friend of the diarist.
3 Bibliotheca Raisonee des ouvrages des savans des I'Europe. 51 vols.
12 mo. Amsterdam 1728-53.
4 Pierre Francois Xavier de Charlevoix. His Histoire et Description
generale de la Nouvelle France avec le Journal Historique a un Voyage, etc.,
was published at Paris in 1744.
5 Voyages to North America, by Baron Jean de Lahontan, went through
several editions and was translated into English in 1735.
B
18
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1755
this morning. John Miller 1 drank tea with us p.m.,
having been setting a man's arm which was broke by a
loaded cart of coals running over it.
Thursday, July 10th. — Finished the May Magazine, and
almost finished Lahontan, who adds to his North America
voyages others to Portugal, Denmark, and Spain. His
accounts of things are abundantly superficial and often
injudicious. Yet there is a vivacity and variety in him
that afford some degree of entertainment. What is best
worth reading is his account of the manners of the savages
and of the beaver.
Friday, July 11th. — Was beginning to read Lahontan
when James Turnbull 2 and his neighbour, the Laird of
Middleton, called in their way to Home Byres. Followed
them and dined there, and staid till the evening. The
Professor still there.
Saturday, July 12th. — Preached at Sprouston on Psalm
132. 13, 14. Colleagued with Joseph Leek. Came home in
the evening and did something for to-morrow.
Sunday, July 13th. — John Stevenson, William and his
wife dined with us and sate till the evening.
Munday, July 14
th. — Rode to Eccles to dine after
having wrote to Will. Staid at Eccles all night. A
daughter of Sir William Purves's there who was a little
weight on our society.
Tuesday, November 25th. — Came home from Eccles before
dinner. Read afternoon and evening Stanley, where I dis-
covered two very considerable mistakes — one in a trans-
lation from Cicero and another in a point of chronology,
which, with other circumstances, prove the execution of
the work to be hasty and incorrect ; though it is full of
excellent things.
Wednesday, November 26th. — Read Stanley's Life of
Aristotle. In the evening Letters to Atticus, and at night
Nepos's Life of Atticus, which is very elegant and wrote
very much like a friend, as Nepos was, of Atticus.
Thursday, November 27th. — Walked to Home to baptise
and see sick. Dined at William Stevenson's, and came
home in the evening. Evening and night wrote to James
Allan and transcribed for him my inscriptions on Francis
Pringle, 1 Crow, 2 and his father, the two latter of which I
made in summer last. Read also most part of the October
1 Perhaps Sir Robert's uncle, a younger son of the first Baronet, and
called by Ridpath old Frankie. Cf. p. 103, n. 1.
2 Crow and his father were probably the ether Byres family.
1755] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 43
Magazine, which came from Berwick to-day with a letter
from Philip.
Friday, November 28th. — Read Stanley all the day
and evening. Read his Account of Aristotle's Logick
and Physics, where are many characters of great
genius. But its efforts in a great measure useless, in
the last of these Sciences, by its consulting itself rather
than the nature of things. At night read the History of
Alexander in Justin, who affects an elegance he is far from
attaining. At night I often find myself so much ex-
hausted as to be unable without some violence to follow
a plan of reading. Hence am often led to vary it, which
in some respects may be as useful as following out a
plan.
Saturday, November 29th. — Read some of the Scots
Magazine for September which W. Stevenson sent me.
It belongs to the Library. There is a long, ill-natured
paper in it against Lord Karnes. Thomas Dawson dined
with us. Evening read Letters to Atticus. Finished the
first Book. The impression of these first Letters, which
are the best in the collection, I find more effaced than I
could have thought, but persist in the purpose of making
them familiar. At night looked for something for to-
morrow at Kelso.
Munday, December 1st. — Read the rest of the account of
Aristotle's Philosophy in Stanley. His account of the
Morals is very paltry, being taken from Hobaeus. What
he extracts from the originals himself is far better done.
Evening read some of Cicero's Familiar Epistles. Am
now going to read them and the Letters to Atticus by turns.
Slept on Horace, whom I have scarce opened since I read
his Odes with Francis's Translation in the spring. Also
wrote to Will and looked over an old Exegesis De Necess.
Div. Rev. which I am to send him, he having got the same
subject assigned him by the Professor for one.
Tuesday, December 2nd. — Read the Newcastle Paper
which some people in the town get. There is in the last
Post of it a dismal account of an earthquake at Lisbon
which happened on the 1st of November. Read some of
44
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[i755
the Chaldaick Philosophy in Stanley, comparing it with,
and correcting it by, Le Clere's Translation. Evening
read Letters to Atticus and at night some of Lucretius.
Wednesday, December 3rd. — Read Stanley's Chaldaick
Philosophy, great part of which is little better than a
kind of learned nonsense ; in the evening some of the
Familiar Epistles ; and at night looked over Le Clere's
volumes of Philosophy, which I believe deserve a reading,
as the man is both learned and acute, and without dis-
sembling it, collects from the best authors on his several
subjects.
Thursday, December Uh. — Looked to several things in
Morhofs Polyhistor 1 for the illustration of what I am
reading in Stanley. Read more of the Chaldaick Philo-
sophy, where the doctrine concerning Daemons has a great
analogy to what we meet with concerning these things
in the Gospels. At night looked to some more of Le
Clere's Systems.
Sunday, December 7th. — Saw Sir Robert's London
paper p.m., where there are still dismal accounts from
Lisbon. All agree in the utter destruction, but some
represent the loss of lives as less. No account of any
ship arrived anywhere from that miserable place since the
disaster happened. The accounts we have even in private
letters are all by the way of France, and they all bear the
marks of the most terrible consternation. None of them
are of later date than two days after the calamity hap-
pened. The King of Spain is ordering every office of
humanity to his afflicted neighbours. And His Majesty,
having sent a message to the Parliament about this ter-
rible calamity, is empowered by them to contribute also
his part to the relief of the unhappy sufferers.
Munday, December Sth. — Wrote to Will a.m. ; p.m. was
at Home and drank tea at W. Stevenson's. Found Messrs.
Turnbull and Lundy here, when I came home, who staid
all night.
1 Daniel Georg Morhof's Polyhistor, first published at Lubeck 1688-92 :
fourth ed. 1747.
1755] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 45
Tuesday, December 9th. — Guests staid till after dinner.
Then set out with Robert Turnbull for Greenlaw, where we
staid all night. John has recovered himself tolerably
from the distress of Sandy's marriage. 1 Saw Palairet's 2
Map of North America, which cost him 2 sh. It is a very
neat one, but too little.
Wednesday, December 10th. — Rode over with Robert
Turnbull from Greenlaw to Makerstoun to see W. Walker, 3
who has been badly of a sort of aguish distemper ; also of
a kind of pleurisy ; but is tolerably recruited. James
Landreth came also there, and Andrew Chatto in the
evening. We staid all night.
Thursday, December 11th. — Found the Elders here, who
were counting the Box. Afterwards went over the year's
Accounts, which do not quadrate as they ought to do
with the money in the Box. So that they have either told
1 Sandy Hume, minister of Abbey St. Bathans 1755-58, and of Polwarth
1758-68, had married, on 4th October previous, the daughter of a baker
in Edinburgh. The Humes being of a very good family and Sandy himself
being a great grandson of the first Earl of Marchmont, his father considered
his marriage a sad mesalliance. Poor Sandy was not very fortunate in his
choice of a second wife after the death of his first in 1764. She was the
daughter of a tenant in Easter Gamalshiel, and on the death of Sandy
Home she married, in 1779, Thomas Jeffrey in Whitsum Parish. But
up to Whitsunday 1 782 she succeeded in imposing on the Ministers' Widows'
Fund by continuing to draw her pension as a widow. She and her husband
were prosecuted by the coUector and were found liable in reparation. In
1783 she raised an action of declarator of nullity of marriage against her
husband, but was unsuccessful.
2 Jean Palairet wrote A concise description of the English and French
possessions in North America. London 1755.
3 William Walker, minister of Mackerstoun 1726-59. For some reason
or other he was suspended by the Synod in 1741, and remained under that
sentence three or four years. Elsewhere in the Diary we are told that he
succeeded to a fortune, ' was a man of good heart and very innoxious life,'
but that his wife, Catherine Fiddes, was a termagant. It was to their
manse that Sir John Clerk of Penicuik and his eldest daughter fled in
fear of Prince Charles's army in 1743. Sir John says in his Diary, ' came
in a coach to the minister's house of Mackerstone, near Kelso, for it
hapned that both the master and mistress of the house had been long in
my family.' Walker may perhaps have been his chaplain from 1720
when he was licensed, till 1726 when he was presented to Mackerstoun.
His wife may have been an upper servant at Penicuik.
46
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1755
the money wrong or Willy Winter keeps his Account very
incorrectly. Read what I had not read before of the
Scottish and London Magazines, and slept on Plautus.
Saw last night's papers from Sir Robert's.
Friday, December 12th. — Read a good deal of Stanley
in different places, being to return him to-morrow. Have
not read quite half of him, yet do not care for dwelling
longer on him *at present. Read at night Moschus's
Epitaph on Bion, 1 which is a very beautiful piece of
Dorick poetry.
Saturday, December 13th. — Prepared for to-morrow.
Read some of the History of the British Empire in America,
vol. 1, which I got to-day from the library. Read Letters
to Atticus in the ■ evening. And slept on Epictetus, a
divine little work which I had grown pretty much un-
acquainted with.
Munday, December loth. — Wrought all the day and the
evening on the exegesis for Will. Mr. Dawson eat a
short dinner here after we were done. At night read
Epictetus with vast relish.
Tuesday, December 16th. — Read History of British
Empire, Cicero's Familiar Letters. Finished Epictetus.
Saw London paper of last Post. The ship from our Am-
bassador at Lisbon is at last arrived ; and the accounts by
it are rather worse than before, particularly of the destruc-
tion of the people, which is very great ; some say two-
thirds, others one-third, of the inhabitants — either of them
a prodigious number.
Wednesday, December 17th. — Read History of the British
Empire in America, where the spirit of Oldmixon 2 discovers
itself sometimes very divertingly. I had heard it was his,
but did not imagine he had lived so long as to the '41,
which is the date of this second edition. He died in the
1 Moschus was a Greek bucolic poet who flourished circa 150 B.C. His
highly polished epitaph on Bion, another poet of the same school, is
celebrated. Andrew Lang translated the works of both these poets along
with Theocritus (1889).
2 John Oldmixon (1673-1742), Wing historian, pamphleteer, and
dramatist.
1755] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 47
'42. In the evening read Letters to Atticus. Finished
again the first volume. At night began to transcribe my
exegesis for Will, and slept on Epictetus. Looked over
also in the forenoon the first volume of Burnet's History
of the Reformation, 1 which Nancy has from Sir Robert's
people.
Thursday, December ISth. — Did some more to the exe-
gesis a.m. Told over again the Box with two Elders.
Found a little mistake in their counting it before, but still
it is too much different from what it should be by our
Book, which is taken from notes kept by W. Winter, who
is a blundering creature. P.m. saw a sick child of Wm.
Aitchison's at Mainrigg. Robert Turnbull came in the
evening and staid all night. He expected to have found
Philip here, who does not come till next week. Got the
last papers, where there is at last a very distinct account
of the Lisbon calamity from one of our people there.
More loss seems to have been sustained by the fire than
even by the earthquake. For it kindled in the Saturday,
and burnt till the Tuesday, so that the bulk of the city,
and especially the best part of it, is reduced to a heap of
ruins. Only 8 or 9 of the English are lost.
Friday, December 19th. — Robert Turnbull staid till after
dinner. Then I went to Sir Robert's. He and Miss Pringle
went to Edinburgh on Wednesday, and I staid there till
between 8 and 9. They have heard that Gibraltar is safe
by a letter that has come from Captain Douglas. Tran-
scribed at night more of my exegesis.
Saturday, December 20th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
read the History of the British Empire. Oldmixon is such
a captious, wrangling fool th at in many things he is certainly
not to be depended on. He is often very lame in his
accounts, frequently no doubt from want of materials,
but often also from the subjects not suiting his humour,
which is extremely freakish and very narrow.
Sunday, December 21st. — Saw the News-papers of last
1 Bishop Gilbert Burnet's History of the Reformation was published in
three volumes between 1679 and 171 4.
48
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1755
post in the evening. There is a letter in them from our
Portuguese Ambassador, Castres, dated on the 6th, and
wrote in a very affecting strain ; besides several more from
merchants. All agree in representing the desolation of the
poor unhappy city as total ; and much more so by the
fire that burnt many days together than by the shake.
Monday, December 22nd. — Went to Fallsidehill to bap-
tise a child to W. Ker. Detained to dine in John Wood's,
where there happened to be a general assembly of relatives,
a set of very decent countrymen. Called at Park-End in
coming home to see W. Anderson's child. Read in the
evening more of the History of the British Empire. What
an inexcusable conceit in Oldmixon not to give Penn's
Constitution of Pennsylvania ! Yet the factious wretch
is at great pains particularly to record a dispute of the
Governor of New York, Cosby, with Tenger the printer,
though a matter of infinitely less moment. In the History,
too, of New York he talks dishonourably of Burnet, whom
Dr. Douglas very much commends, and says not a word of
the vast service he did that Colony by erecting the Fort
and trading-house at Oswego, and by procuring prohibi-
tion of the New York trade in woollen goods with the
French at Montreal, which is said to have increased the
Indian trade of the Province to five times what it was
before. Of all which our Historian says not a word,
perhaps knew nothing.
Tuesday, December 23rd. — Wrought a little in the garden,
and read Oldmixon' s History of Maryland and a good deal
of that of Virginia. This latter is much better wrote than
any of the former parts. I suppose he has had better
originals in it, or has followed them more closely.
Wednesday, December 24-th. — Read in the Atlas the
account of Portugal. Read also the Reviews almost to
an end, and more of the History of the British Empire,
where there are good things, though the whole is certainly
a very inaccurate, injudicious compilation. Slept on
Epictetus.
Thursday, December 25th. — Shaved a.m. and saw sick
in town. Read a little of British Empire, p.m. Philip
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 49
came in the evening. He has been at Learmouth, Crook-
ham and the environs since Saturday. Chatted with him
the evening and night.
Saturday, December 27th. — Mr. Lundy came here to dine,
in his road homewards from Edinburgh. W. Stevenson
called in the morning. Both the one and other told us of
H. Campbell 1 being made Lord Register for Scotland.
He is to be in person at Greenlaw next Thursday in order
to be re-elected. Mr. Lundy says it is reported at Edin-
burgh that the Marquis of Lothian has got a pension of
£2000 per annum in lieu of the Place of Register. 2
Tuesday, December 30th. — Read the News-papers, where
all the changes [in the Ministry] are not confirmed, par-
ticularly Mr. H. Campbell's promotion ; nor is there a Writ
out, nor any day appointed for the election, 3 as we learned
from Sir Robert, who was here with Miss Peggy in the
afternoon.
1756
Thursday. January 1st — At Eccles all day. Measured
by pacing Matthew's glebe, which amounts to 10 Scots
acres and a fifth, besides the garden. The enclosure
adjacent to the west, of which they have lately taken a
lease, contains nine and a half acres. They pay £8 for
it, which is not too much considering the natural goodness
of the ground, and that it is managed with no additional
expense to that of the glebe.
Saturday, January 3rd. — John Cleghorn left us in the
morning. Robert Turnbull and Lundy staid to dine.
1 Alexander Hume Campbell, twin brother of Hugh, third Earl of
Marchmont. He assumed the name of his mother, Margaret Campbell
of Cessnock : advocate 1729 ; Solicitor to Prince of Wales 1741 ; Lord
Clerk Register 1756 : died 1760.
2 William, third Marquess of Lothian, had been Lord Clerk Register
from 1739. He resigned or was forced to resign in 1755, and the pension
he is here said to have got was of the nature of a retiring allowance. He
must have been about sixty-nine when be retired, and he lived eleven years
after.
3 That is for Berwickshire, for which county Mr. Campbell sat in Parlia-
ment.
D
50 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
Philip and I rode to Sprouston in the evening with Robert.
Saw some books which he had got from Mr. Hamilton's
auction, chiefly ancient ; among the rest, Ficinus's Plotinus.
Sunday, January Hh. — Set out for Linton about ten,
to preach for J. Turnbull, who had gone to Wooler to
preach for me in the Congregation, late Wallace's, which
each of the Presbytery had agreed to supply one day for
the benefit of his widow. My reluctance to go there
myself, especially in the winter, made me agree with Mr.
Turnbull that he should go there for me, on my supply-
ing his kirk, and also promising to preach for him some
other time when he wants supply. Philip preached at
Sprouston, and Robert Turnbull at Stitchel. Philip came
over to Morebattle in the evening, where I had agreed to
be with Andrew on my birthday.
Munday, January 5th. — At Morebattle all day. James
Turnbull came to us in the evening, and staid supper.
Andrew has a parcel of fine children who are very amusing,
and his wife, a mighty good woman, is just about lying
down with a seventh.
Tuesday, January 6th. — Breakfasted at Linton and came
to the Presbytery, where we had several little affairs. Lee 1
delivered a Homily and Lecture; both very good juvenile
performances, and delivered with greater exactness of
pronunciation than I have met with in almost any Scots
lad. Drank tea in Mrs. Park's, and spent the evening in
Mrs. Wood's, where T. Turner and W. Ramsay were with us.
Wednesday, January 7th. — Messrs. Lundy, Chatto,
Robert and James Turnbull, Philip, and I went to Makers-
toun to dine. Thither also came James Home of Bowden, 2
in the evening, who served by his petulant lepidity 3 to
heighten our mirth.
Friday, January 9th. — Journalised the days I have been
absent. Read a.m. August Review to an end. Read in the
evening cursorily two Books of Apuleius's Metamorphoses,
1 I cannot trace this lad Lee in the Annals of the Church.
2 James Home-, minister of Bowden 1742-92 : he married, in 1742,
Marion Ormiston, and had ten children.
3 Wit, humour.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
51
which are strange compositions both in the matter and
style.
Sunday, January 11th. — Philip left us in the morning to
preach at Kelso, whence he goes for Berwick to-morrow.
Had a letter from him in the evening, enclosing one from
Mr. Waite, who informs him that he had heard that Waugh
of Hutton 1 was just dying. Wrote him in answer what I
thought proper to be done, and enclosed a letter to John
Home of Atheist aneford, desiring him to apply to Colonel
Johnson to use his interest with his sister Lady Hilton.
Munday, January 12th. — Wrote to Will and to James
Allan chiefly about the affair of Hutton. Will wrote us
James had come to Edinburgh last week, where I suppose
he continues also this, to attend his Plea. Rest of day,
etc., read 2nd vol. of the British Empire in America. Went
through the History of Barbadoes, St. Lucia, St. Vincent,
Dominica.
Wednesday, January lMh. — Examined in the Kirk, and
afterwards rode to Kelso to dine with Mr. Lundy, as I had
engaged last week when at Makerstoun. Messrs. Walker
and James Turnbull there ; also the lad Lee, who is on trials
before us, and John Miller. Drank tea and supped in
Mr. Lundy's, and made a call at Mr. Dawson's, where nobody
was in the house but Minna. Dobby was also with us at
Mr. Lundy's. Robert Turnbull and I staid in his house all
night. Got letters late at night from Philip, in which he
informs me that Mr. Selby has already wrote to Hilton and
that Mrs. Johnson had wrote an answer in her husband's
name desiring to be excused from engaging so soon. Philip
desires me to wait on Mr. Renton without delay. Partly
a cold I have upon me, and partly the old maxim Epistola
non erubescit, determined me rather to write to him.
1 Robert Waugh, minister of Hutton, where he was ordained 1730.
The settlement had been disputed by the Presbytery and parishioners
for two and a half years, and it was only under the protection of a military
force in obedience to the orders of the General Assembly that he was at
last admitted. He died 23rd February 1756. Philip Ridpath was anxious
to get the parish, but, as will be seen from the Diary, there was great delay,
troublesome legal proceedings, and much anxiety before he was ordained in
1759-
52
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[1756
Thursday, January loth. — Could not go to Linton as I
had promised ; having resolved to send Charles to Black-
adder with a letter to-morrow. Came home by the way of
Ednam, expecting to hear what had become of Waugh,
but got no intelligence there. Evening wrote a letter
to Mr. Rent on, 1 with as much care as I could. Slept on
British Empire.
Friday, January 16th. — Read History of British Empire
to an end, which has required patience, though there is
something to be learned from it. Between two and three
Charles returned from Blackadder. He saw Mr. Renton,
who promised to answer me soon. If he had been engaged
otherwise, he probably would have told me so at once, so
that I do not look on this return as a very bad one.
Saturday, January 17th. — Dobby dined here and sate
till after tea. Slept on Epictetus. Got a letter from Will
with his exegesis, as he has prepared it himself in English
and Latin. The latter of these mortified me a good deal,
being a sad proof how much labour he has bestowed very
much in vain on that language. But alas ! the faculties
of even the greatest of men have their limits ; and these
narrow enough, God knows !
Sunday, January 18th. — -Got a letter from Philip in the
morning, in which he informs me that James Allan writes
him he had been with Mr. Renton on Friday, who told him
that Lord Home had been engaged for G. Bell 2 for Hutton
four months ago. This, I think, destroys at once all our
hopes and makes any further pains about that affair un-
necessary, though James advises Philip still to ply Hilton
by Mr. Selby. But care must be taken to retreat in time,
lest, without any advantage to ourselves, we should irritate
Lord Home, etc. Philip had heard that Bell's wife had
prevailed with him to give up the clerical profession — a
1 Renton of Blackadder, one of the heritors of the parish of Hutton.
2 George Bell, a relative of Thomas Ker of Broadmeadows, was actually
presented to Hutton by Lord Home, who considered he had the right of
presentation. This, as we shall see, was the beginning of a long plea in
the Law Courts, which ended in the patronage being found to belong to the
Crown, and Philip Ridpath was appointed minister.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 53
resolution certainly the wisest he could have taken, but it
seems the report has been without foundation ; and he
was the antagonist whose interest with Mr. Renton we
always chiefly dreaded.
Munday, January 19th. — Wrought all day on Will's
exegesis. In a day or two more I shall finish it,
and it is best to put it out of the way. Slept on
Epictetus.
Tuesday, January 20th. — Looked a little into Boyse's
Pantheon sent to me by mistake from the Library. There
are a parcel of pretty sculptures in it said to be copied from
Antiques, but the work itself seems to be but poorly and
blunderingly executed. Rest of day and night spent on
Will's exegesis and almost finished it. Slept on my
divine old man Epictetus.
Thursday, January 22nd. — Finished Will's exegesis in
the evening, all to the transcribing. Read at night the
Accounts of Kent and Cornwall in a volume of the
London Magazine.
Friday, January 2Srd. — Wrote to Philip a.m. and
wrought about an hour and a half in the glebe spreading
better some dung and ashes on the grass. Looked into
first volume of Douglas's Summary of the American Colonies, 1
which I got from the Library. Evening and night tran-
scribed Will's exegesis.
Saturday January 2Mh. — Revised Will's exegesis and
corrected also a Latin prayer he had composed, and wrote
to him. Received money for my oats from J. Watson and
kept him to dinner with us. About 3 set out for Linton
to preach for James Turnbull, from whom I had a line on
Wednesday, informing me he had been seized with a
remitting fever, and desiring me to supply him on Sunday.
Found him a good deal distressed, yet no symptoms very
violent. Chatted a good deal with him, and in the inter-
1 A Summary, historical and political . . . of the British Settlements in
Nortn America, by William Douglas, M.D. 2 vols., Boston, New
England, 1749-50. Other editions were published in London 1755 and
1760.
54
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH
vals amused myself with Salmon's Universal Traveller, 1
which I see is a thing calculated for the popular taste, but
is far from being full or satisfying.
Sunday, January 25th. — At Linton all day and night.
Intimated the Public Fast as James Turnbull does not
know of supply for next Sabbath. Made him drink a
good deal more than he used to do, which contributed, I
believe, to make the two last nights easier to him.
Munday, January 26th. — Andrew Chatto came to Linton
to breakfast. His wife still keeps afoot, but has the
midwife with her. Set out from Linton about 11 ; dined
and drank tea at Kelso, in passing, with Mr. Lundy.
Learned from him that Bonner's 2 presentation to the
kirk of Jedburgh with the Presentee's acceptance is
delivered with an Instrument to the Moderator of the
Presbytery. This is likely to produce great broils, for the
crowd are all madly for Boston. 3 Wrote to Philip in the
evening in answer to one from him which I found here at
coming home, containing some more information not very
material about the affair of Hutton. Slept on Douglas's
Summary.
Tuesday , January 27th. — Read Douglas all day and night.
He is, without comparison, the most instructive writer I
have met with on the subjects he treats. He begins with
a general account of colonies, chiefly of those in America.
Besides his knowledge in his own trade as a physician,
1 Thomas Salmon (1679-1767), historical and geographical writer, pub-
lished his Universal Traveller ; or, a Compleat Description of the several
nations of the World in London, 1752-3, folio.
2 John Bonar, minister of Cockpen 1746-56. He withdrew his
acceptance of the presentation to Jedburgh and accepted a call to Perth.
3 Thomas Boston, the younger son of Thomas Boston the author of the
Fourfold State : he was ordained minister of Ettrick in succession to his
father in 1733 at the age of twenty : translated to Oxnam 1749 : he was
the popular candidate for Jedburgh in 1755, but as the Crown refused
to appoint him, a meeting-house was erected in 1757, of which he was
inducted minister : the following year the General Assembly, if it did
not actually depose him, at least declared him incapable of receiving or
accepting a presentation. In 1761 he, along with two others, founded
the ' Presbytery of Relief ' : six years afterwards he died and was buried in
Jedburgh Abbey.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 55
he appears to be a good Natural Historian, and to know
also what is necessary of Natural Philosophy and mixt
Mathematicks, for treating of geographical subjects. The
greatest faults are in his method, style, and composition,
in all which he is quite careless, in his style somewhat
pedantick. But the whole has a very natural appearance,
and by its great variety is very entertaining. His notions
also in religion and civil polity are free and generally very
just. He plainly discovers himself to be a thinking
inquisitive man, and much more intent on matter than
form.
Wednesday, January 28th. — Went to William Stevenson's
to examine. Dined and drank tea there. Evening and
night read more of Douglas with a great deal of entertain-
ment and not a little instruction. He has a very curious
digression on the variations of the magnetic needle.
Thursday, January 29th. — Got a letter from Philip in
the morning, with one enclosed to W. Ramsay soliciting
him for his interest for employing Colvill in the division
of the lands of Coldingham, which is soon, it seems, to
take place ; also informing him that Hilton has made
Lord Marchmont a compliment of the choice of his man
for the settlement of Hutton. Enclosed this letter of Mr.
Allan's in one to Ramsay, and wrote him on both the
subjects of it. Sent Charles with it in the afternoon,
who saw James Turnbull's man in Kelso and learned
from him that his master is rather worse than better.
Went myself p.m. to Fallsidehill and Home to see sick.
Read Douglas evening and night. He is at great pains
to expose the New England expedition to C. Breton as a
rash undertaking.
[Several pages torn out here. The Diary resumes on
February 27th.]
Friday, February 21th. — Heard that the Presbytery of
Jedburgh who had met last Wednesday, to moderate a
Call for Bonner, had delayed proceeding for a month.
The populace were very noisy and turbulent, and it 's
pretended there are hopes of gaining some more concur-
56
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH
rence by a delay, though this has seldom or never happened
in like cases. Came from Kelso in the evening. Philip a
good deal the better of the exercise and amusement of
these jaunts.
Saturday, February 28th. — Prepared for to-morrow.
Read some of Douglas's Summary, second volume, where
he still discovers a rooted aversion to Shirley, and hints
that the Governor had employed what methods he could
to hinder the continuation of his work. Read also some of
Francis Home's 1 Treatise on Bleaching, which consists
chiefly of a great number of experiments which could not
be made without considerable labour.
Sunday, February 29th. — Got letters from Mr. Waite
and Mr. Allan in the morning informing me that Hilton
had at last declared for Philip and wrote to Marchmont
in his favour. Mr. Selby of Paston, Ker of Roxburgh, and
the Collector went to wait on him upon the day of inter-
ment, which was Thursday, and procured his letter, which
was sent on Friday.
Tuesday, March 2nd. — Attended the Presbytery, where
Lee delivered his popular sermon and went through the
remainder of his tryals, and was licensed. Breakfasted
in W. Ramsay's, and drank tea in Dr. Gibson's ; John
Aitchison of Morpeth with us, Andrew Chatto also, and
Robert Turnbull staid, and we spent the night in Mr.
Lundy's gaily enough.
Wednesday, March 3rd. — Breakfasted in Dobby's, and
from that rode to Home, and examined. Dined in Sked's.
Came home and read a good deal of Douglas. He has a
good account of the principal American trees used in the
Navy, with their productions — pitch, tar, and turpentine.
Philip went to Morebattle with Mr. Chatto.
Thursday, March 4>th. — Examined again in the east end
of Home. Dined in Alex. Wilson's. Saw sick. Found
when I came home the News-papers, in which there is
little appearance of peace, though it has been much talked
of for some time past. Found also a letter from Mr. Temple
1 Francis Home, see post, p. 1S2, n. 3.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 57
to Philip acquainting him with Hilton granting him his
interest with Lord Marchmont as a favour to Mr. Selby.
Friday, March 5th. — Rode over to Linton, where I
found Philip together with Robert Turnbull and Lundy,
Andrew Chatto, Joseph Leek, and his son, 1 who is in the
country for his health. Went to Morebattle in the evening
with Philip, where the youngest child, a very fine one, is
in very great danger from a violent inflammation following
a blister, which torments the poor creature exceedingly, and
is likely to mortify. Thomas Dawson came also there
and staid all night.
Saturday, March 6th. — Detained at Morebattle long by
the distress of the child, who seems to be in a very danger-
ous way. Called at Linton and took up Robert Turnbull
and Mr. Lundy. Got home between 2 and 3. Prepared
for to-morrow, and read more of Douglas. Dozed much,
having slept but little last night, disturbed by the crying
of the poor child.
Munday, March 8th. — Examined in the east end of Home
and got from John Hunter £16 in part of stipend. Read
in the evening more of Douglas. The most insufferable
thing in him is his frequent repetitions.
Wednesday, March 10th. — Philip and I rode to Mr.
Stevenson's to dine. In the evening rode thence to Pol-
warth, where I found Mr. Home 2 and his wife alone, and
spent the night very comfortably. Got some particulars
of what was said at Redbraes about Philip's Hutton
affair, which, so far as Lord Marchmont and H. Campbell
were concerned, was all in Philip's favour.
Thursday, March 11th. — Walked over with Mr. Home to
Redbraes and saw the house. The saloon is a grand
room, and finished in high and good taste. The fine
furniture of Lady Marchmont' s room was covered with
paper and the library locked up, which were great wants.
In the afternoon Lord Marchmont's mason staked out the
1 Joseph Leek's eldest son Henry : born 1736, died 1767.
2 It is as well to remind the reader that this was William Home who
went to Fogo two years after this, and his wife Mary Roddam, both
previously mentioned.
58 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
ground for a new house to Mr. Home, which is to be a
very good one. Prevailed with to stay another night at
Polwarth.
Friday, March 12th. — Mr. Laurie and his wife came into
Mr. Home's before we came away. Laurie and W. Home
came over with us to Greenlaw, where we dined with John
Hume and sate till the evening. John Hume came over
here with Philip and me and staid all night. Douglas's
second volume afforded him some more entertainment.
A very serene night, which gave us an opportunity of
looking at Jupiter through the telescope. Saw his four
moons very distinctly all on the upper side of the planet.
Saturday, March ISth. — John Hume staid till after
dinner. Then did something for to-morrow. Mr. Dawson
called in the evening. He had been seeing Captain Pringle,
who arrived yesterday.
Munday, March 15th. — Dined at Sir Robert's with Philip
and Nancy. Had the pleasure of seeing the Captain 1
there, who came home last Friday. He Avas long in his
voyage from Gibraltar, having staid a good while at Cadiz
and Lisbon. The published accounts of the desolation of
the" latter are not, according to him, at all exaggerated.
He was on board [sic] Captain Douglas, who has made a
profitable voyage chiefly by a great sum of money he
brought over from Cadiz for the merchants. Came home
in the evening and almost finished Douglas's Summary, who
concludes with some very judicious observations on the
small- pox and an account of the success of inoculation in
New England, which falls short of what it has been in other
places, owing, it would seem, chiefly to some mistakes
in the practice of it.
Tuesday, March 16th. — Attended a meeting about the
poor in Home. Then went to Eccles, whither Philip had
gone before me. George Trotter and one of his daughters,
together with my old friend Mrs. Nealson, there p.m.
Mr. T. staid all night, as did also Philip and I. Found
J. Hunter holding a Court, and John Kerr with him as
1 Gilbert Pringle of Torsonce, an officer of dragoons, brother of Sir Robert.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 59
Bailie at Home. Hunter told me that Ker, 1 G. Bell's
brother-in-law, had told him that Lord Home had wrote
to J. Winram that he had secured a King's presentation
for Bell. Did not care for speaking of this to Philip, as it
might happen to disturb him in his progress towards a
recovery in which he is now making good steps.
Wednesday, March 17th. — We came from Eccles before
dinner. Assisted Philip a little in the Bridgewaters' accounts
which he is preparing to send over. Mr. Waite came about
six o'clock, with whom and Nancy Philip proposes to ride
down to-morrow.
Thursday, March ISth. — Philip and Nancy set out with
Mr. Waite about 11. Mr. Waite told me he had the same
intelligence about Philip's affair at Berwick that I got from
John Hunter. Lord Marchmont, however, has not yet
wrote to Hilton ; and he will certainly make a hard struggle.
Read December Scots Magazine and some of the London
January which Mr. Waite brought from Berwick. Also
read the Preface and looked into some parts of the Transla-
tion of Dr. Grieve's Celsus, which Mr. Waite also brought
from Berwick. It is handsomely printed in a large 8vo
volume.
Friday, March 19th. — Wrought some in the garden,
planting beans. Read the January London Magazine to
an end. Revised some of Douglas, and wrote some things
out of him in order to returning him to-morrow.
Saturday, March 20th. — A.m. shaved and looked out for
a sermon for Crookham, whither I set out after dinner, and
got there between 5 and 6. A very agreeable ride. Went
by the way of Learmouth, from which to Crookham is a
very well cultivated country, though little of it is enclosed.
Found Isaac with his arm in a very good way, and in spirits
rather higher, I think, than ordinary.
Sunday, March 21st. — Congregation thinly assembled.
Lectured on Psalm 76. Preached on Matthew 5. 6.
Heard first from some of Isaac's people who had been in
Berwick, and then by a letter from Philip which one of
1 Probably Robert Ker of Broadmeadows.
60
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1756
them brought that Lord Marchmont writes by yesterday's
post that he has secured the King's presentation to the
Kirk of Hutton for Philip. Staid all night again with
Isaac, and was much entertained with many of his bold
sallies.
Munday, March 22nd. — Left Isaac about 11 a.m. and
came home to dinner, pretty much wet. P.m. and evening
and night wrote to G. Laurie and to Philip. Read through
Walter Anderson's Croesus, 1 which, upon the whole, exceeds
much what I expected. Also read to an end Huxham's
Treatise of Antimony. 2 and slept on some parts of John
Grieve's Celsus, which pleased me very well.
Tuesday, March 23rd. — Read in my old Adversaria
some chemical things that helped me the better to under-
stand Dr. Huxham's Treatise of Antimony, which I read
over again. It is a judicious little work, but wrote care-
lessly, abounding a good deal in repetitions. It is a pity
that all other preparations of Antimony should not give
place to that which he proposes, and whose safety and
efficacy from a very long experience he so amply attests.
For there has certainly great mischief been done by the
ignorant and incautious use of this mineral.
Wednesday, March 2Uh. — Returned Mr. Turnbull's horse
in the morning which Philip had a loan of, and had a line
from Robert desiring me to dine with him. Matthew
Dysert and Mr. Lundy being to be with him. Accordingly
rode over and staid all night. The three had agreed to
make a visit to the Parson of Carham in the afternoon, but
as I happened not to be in dress to go along with them, they
delayed it, and we appointed Monday se'enight to go
together. Saw in Robert's the third volume of Sully's
Memoirs from the library, which have given him great
entertainment.
Thursday, March 25th. — John Cleghorn had been with
us all night and we went with him to dine ; a visit I have
1 See ante, p. 31, n. 3.
2 John Huxham (1692-1768), physician : Copley medallist for Observa-
tions on Antimony, 1755 : his medical works were published in Latin at
Leipzig, 1764, 1773, and 1829.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 61
been owing very long. His wife and her sister are two neat
creatures, daughters of the late Professor Scot 1 by his
French wife. Came home in the evening and read at night
almost all the first Book of J. Grieve's Celsus, with which
I was very well pleased.
Friday, March 26th.— Read about half of Francis Home's
Work on Bleaching ; also read some articles in the first
volume of the General Dictionary. There is a good account
of Alfred in it, with some entertaining extracts from Spel-
man's 2 Life of that great Prince. Got a letter from Philip.
He had been at Eyemouth from Saturday to Wednesday
and continues pretty well. He writes me some particulars
about Hutton which he learned from James Allan and which
are all rather favourable to him.
Munday, March 29th. — Read General Dictionary, also
at night Fr. Home's W T ork on Bleaching to an end. In
which there appears a good genius for experimental
philosophy joined to great industry, with little of the non-
sensical affectation of a show of learning and fine taste
which so much disfigures his book on Dunse water. His
invention of the method of discovering and curing hard
water is really valuable.
Tuesday. March 30th. — Read some articles in the General
Dictionary, and revised some of Fr. Home's book. Employed
some part of the day on a work which I have been for some
time past meditating. That is an Essay on Taste, for the
prize. The motive that above all others engages me to it
is the prospect of making some little gain, that might help
me in the project of clearing my debts, for I know I would
consult my tranquillity and real happiness more by enjoying
the works of others than by composing myself ; as in the
latter the labour and anxiety is certain, and the success
from various causes uncertain, and almost always short of
1 Perhaps William Scott, Professor of Greek in the University of Edin-
burgh, 1708-29 : he was then appointed Professor of Moral Philosophy or
' Pneumatics,' and in 1734 John, afterwards Sir John, Pringle was appointed
his assistant and successor.
2 Sir John Spelman (1594-1643), royalist and author. A translation of
his Life of King Alfred, originally written in Latin, was published in 1678.
62
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
the hopes the Author forms. However, a work on this
subject is what I think it is not altogether improbable that
I should succeed in, considering what has been the long and
chief tentfr of my reading and speculations in the literary
way.
Wednesday, March 31st. — Wrought in the garden, where
I sowed half pound of pease, Nonpareils. Mr. Pollock
came and staid till after tea ; then Mr. Lundy, who staid
all night.
Thursday, Aprile 1st. — Was a good deal in the garden and
had a call in the forenoon from the Captain and young
ladies. Recruiting goes on but very indifferently. Read
the last papers, in which are various reports about warlike
preparations. Revised some of Dr. Home, and read some
articles of the General Dictionary. Mr. Lundy went away
in the morning for Gordon.
Friday, Aprile 2nd. — As Philip had wrote me often about
going to Blackader, I set out for it a little after ten, and was
there betwixt 1 and 2. Found Mr. Renton and nobody with
him but his family. Spoke to me about the Hutton affair,
and seemed really uneasy that he is obliged to support Lord
Home's presentation (which Bell has actually got) if my
Lord insists. He thinks he should not, and that he has no
probability of succeeding and has wrote him so. But to
this letter has had no return. He declares he will do noth-
ing for the support of the Presentation but by his own vote
and those of his immediate dependents in the Parish.
Staid with him till after tea, and came to Waugh's where I
staid all night. Learned from him that the Kers having
persuaded several of the Hutton Heritors that they would
obtain the Crown's Presentation as well as my Lord Home's,
have got them to concur with Bell. But all this will not
signify if the King's Presentation be good.
Munday, Aprile 5th. — Rode to Sprouston, where were
also Mr. Dysart, and Mr. Lundy according to agreement
when we were last here. We rode to Carham after dinner,
but the Parson was not at home. Came home in the
evening and wrote at night a long letter to James Allan
giving the history of my Blackader expedition.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 63
Tuesday, Aprile 6th. — Went to the Presbytery. Elected
our Members to the Assembly. Had little else to do.
Were a while in Mrs. Wood's, and drank tea in Mr.
Lundy's. Called also at Slatehouse's who had been
applied to by T. Ker for his brother-in-law but was
engaged for Philip. Read, evening, some of the reviews.
Thursday, Aprile Sth. — Read most part of the First Book
of Celsus with the translation, in which there are several
faults though generally of no great importance. John
Miller was here all night, having come to a boy who has
been in much distress for several days by a strangulated
rupture accompanied with a great swelling of his belly
and a total want of the alvine discharge. He put him into
a semicapium and gave him 2 or 3 suppositories which
brought away what had been left of some clysters. But
his case seems almost desperate.
Friday, Aprile 9th. — John Miller left us after breakfast.
Then wrote to Berwick, and happening to take up the
third volume of Bishop Burnet, read his account of King
W T illiam and his expedition to England in the '88. P.m.
and evening, read January Review which I got from Kelso
and most part of February London Magazine which came
t'other day from Berwick.
Saturday, Aprile 10th. — Prepared for to-morrow and read
most of what I had not read before of the February
Magazine. Read also Number 2 of the Edinburgh Review
which came in the evening. It is still very well executed,
and concludes with a learned letter giving some account
of foreign books, and a great eloge of the French Encyclo-
pedia which, though it has met with interruptions, is not
yet dropt.
Munday, Aprile 12th. — Rode to Home a.m. to see sick.
Thomas Dawson called here p.m., also Walker, who gave
me in his account. Wrote to John Hunter about my
stipend. Am to send Black to Hirsel to see if he can get
it to-morrow. Also looked over Walker's account and
computed the annual amount of several articles.
Tuesday, Aprile ISth. — Most of the day employed in
reading Celsus in the translation and original. I wish it
64 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
had past all through my hands before it had been published,
for there are several mistakes in it with regard to the sense
of the Author, and also several faults in the language,
though indeed for the most part they are of small import-
ance, and the bulk of the translation is very just and
natural. Dr. Gibson and his grandson called after dinner,
and I went with them to Baptie's, where the poor creature
still lives, though there seems not to be the least hope of
his recovering. He seems now to be preserved by fre-
quent vomitings, by which he has thrown up at different
times more than a dozen of worms. What he throws up
has been for some' time past fetid. His belly is mon-
strously swelled, and the rest of his body miserably
emaciated. Slept on Horace. Wrote a paragraph into
my thing on Taste, which is like to go heavily on. Such
undertakings agree very ill with avocations ; and these I
cannot avoid.
Wednesday, Aprile 14-th. — Waters flooded, Eden more
than for many months before. Wrought most of the day
on Celsus and the translation. Read at night a little of
Sharp's Surgery 1 and the introduction to it, which it is a
long time since I looked into before.
Thursday, Aprile 15th. — Wrought a good deal in the
garden a.m. Afternoon went to Sir Robert's, Miss Pringle
and Miss and Lady Hall arrived from Edinburgh after
tea. Lady Hall 2 died last Friday, and Sir Robert went to
Edinburgh on Saturday, whence he attended her funeral
to Dunglass, from which he has not yet returned. Read
a very little of Celsus, and slept on the prefaces to some
other parts of Lucretius, in whom there is a very high
spirit of poetry. It is not a little droll that the Hutchin-
sonians have taken it into their head to press this author
into their service, which I learn from an Article in last
Edinburgh Review, giving an account of a work of some of
1 Samuel Sharp (1700-78), surgeon. See ante, p. 41, n. 3. The book
was probably A Critical Inquiry into the Present State of Surgery, published
by Sharp in 1754.
- Widow of Sir James Hall of Dunglass, second Baronet, and sister
of Sir Robert Pringle.
1756] DIAKY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 65
these people published not long ago, at Edinburgh. But
what extravagance may not be expected from such
visionaries.
Friday, Aprile 16th. — Was at the boy Baptie's burial,
who died on Wednesday evening. Scot, the Kelso surgeon,
was there and came here to breakfast. A forward Norland
of little and low education, though I believe not very
ignorant in his business. Read more of Celsus, also most
of the Edinburgh (February) Magazine which Charles
brought from Kelso.
Saturday, Aprile 17 th. — Prepared for to-morrow and read
variously. Slept on the last Satire of Horace in Francis's
Edition, of which I got the third volume from the Library
yesterday.
Munday, Aprile 19th. — Saw sick in the town a.m., and
was at Home p.m. Married also there Alexander Richard-
son. Got a letter from Philip in the morning, informing
me that Lord Marchmont had wrote to Lady Hilton in-
forming her that Philip's Presentation had been stopt at
the Secretary's office, by the Duke of Argyle, Lord Home
having informed him that my Lord Marchmont had pro-
cured it in opposition to the inclinations of the principal
gentlemen of the parish, particularly Mr. Renton. On
this Lord Marchmont desires Lady Hilton to try to procure
Mr. Renton's concurrence, a thing I suppose she would
never attempt as the attempt would be altogether vain.
James Allan had been sent for to Hutton-hall to consult
with on this occasion, and Hilton wrote to Marchmont on
Friday evening, insisting I suppose on Marchmont's making
a point of obtaining the Presentation for Philip ; the suc-
cess of which, however, looks a little uncertain when there
is so formidable an opposition.
Tuesday, Aprile 20th. — Read the newspapers and was
some time in glebe and garden. ; p.m. rode to Ednam to
see Mrs. Pollock, who has been ill of an ague 1 but is
better.
1 Ague was a very common complaint among country folks at this time
largely owing to still undrained condition of the soil.
E
66
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
Wednesday, Aprile 21st. — Read some of Horace's Satires
in bed in the morning. Went to the burial of Robert
White's wife at Runningburn. Met with Sir Robert
there, who carried W. Stevenson and me to dine with him.
Sate there till the evening. The Captain has been much
distrest with an aguish pain of his head ; but is a good deal
better. Got £20 sent me from John Hunter from Hirsel.
Had sent Black for it in the morning, but Hunter's mes-
senger mist him.
Friday, Aprile 23rd. — Set out for Berwick between 10
and 11, and got there betwixt 2 and 3. Dined and drank
tea in Mr. Waite's. Spent the evening in the Mayor's,
where I met with Jo. Watson and his Madam, whom I
have scarce been in company with since the commence-
ment of Monteith's wars.
Tuesday, Aprile 27th. — James Turnbull, Allan, Philip,
and I rode up to the Synod at Kelso, where we arrived
before the choice of the Moderator. Chose Mr. Lundy.
Then attended the Culloden Club, which was very full, by
falling in Synod-time. Made Captain Pringle our Preses.
In the evening attended the Synod, where we went through
last year's Minutes and recommended a collection for
Kelso Bridge. At night stumbled into Purves's, where
the Marquis of Lothian's people, managers of the Jedburgh
cause, were. Did not stay long.
Wednesday, Aprile 28th. — Employed forenoon and after-
noon in the Jedburgh cause, the papers on which were
very long, and those of Bonar's opposers shamefully
scurrilous. Agreed at last to refer it to the Assembly,
not from any difficulty about ordering the Presbytery to
moderate a call for Bonar, as to which they have been long-
delaying and bogling ; but from being informed that Bonar
having got a call to Perth, is to give up Jedburgh ; so
that the taking any further steps to his settlement there,
further than what are requisite to save the Crown's right
of presenting, is quite needless. After finishing this
cause, went through the ordinary forms, and broke up.
Supped in Wood's, and was afterwards in Purves's till
daylight, with Laurie, Chatto, etc.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 67
Thursday, Aprile 29th. — Had such claims on Moderator,
etc., as determined us to stay and dine in Mrs. Wood's.
Employed most of the forenoon in revising the Minutes.
James Allan and Philip came here with me, in the evening.
Philip is pretty well again, though not quite free at times,
from some disagreeable nervous symptoms.
Friday, Aprile SOth. — James Allan and Philip staid till
3 p.m. and then set out in company for Berwick. John
Ker came at night on his way to Nenthorn, where he has
a surveying job.
Munday, May 3rd. — Got our lint sowed in the morning.
Wrought a great part of the day on it, breaking clods,
raking and gathering off stones and quicken-roots. Read
some of Horace at night.
Tuesday, May Uh. — P.m. began to snow from northeast
betwixt 2 and 3 and continued till late at night. Snow
before my door took me above the ankles at 10. Was at
the Presbytery where we still had before us the affair of
T. Turner's seat which is not like to be adjusted. Attended
a library meeting in the evening when we commissioned
a few books. Came home about 9, and have seldom been
out in a worse night.
Wednesday, May 5th. — Read Cleghorn's Account of the
Diseases of Minorca 1 which I borrowed from Davidson the
Kelso surgeon. The introduction gives some account, very
short and imperfect, of the Natural History of the island.
The treatise itself is chiefly taken up with the description
and cure of the Tertian Fever, which is a very frequent and
very dangerous distemper in Minorca, and in which our
author found no remedy comparable to the bark which he
gave in the worst cases along with gentle purgatives in
the beginning according to Dr. Mead's prescription.
This work of Cleghorn's is upon the whole a very good one,
discovering good judgment, considerable erudition, and a
laudable candour in confessing his own mistakes. Read
1 George Cleghorn (1716-89), army surgeon at Minorca, 1736-49 :
published Observations on Diseases Epidemic in Minorca, 1741 : lecturer
and Professor of Anatomy in Dublin, 1751-89.
68
DIARY OF GEORGE R1DPATH [1756
the last two books of Armstrong's poem on Health 1 to
which I was led by the accident of the poem being bound
up in the same volume with Cleghorn's work. Read also
some part of the March London Magazine which had come
from Berwick yesterday.
Friday, May 7th. — Read to the end of the second book
of Celsus in the original and translation. Read also some
parts of the beginning of the 6th and 7th Books where the
translation underwent the revisal of Sharp. Can easily
observe that it is much more correct and the expression
more masterly than where it has not had that advantage.
I am now to lay aside Celsus for the season, having read
so much of the original and translation as prepares me for
writing to Dr. Grieve. Wrought in the garden some time
in the evening with the paddle. 2
Saturday) May 8th.— Prepared for to-morrow and revised
some of Cleghorn's Minorquin Diseases. Also read some
pieces of Ovid's Metamorphoses. Was at the mill seeing
John Watson, who got a fall two days ago and is still much
distrest with it though free of anything feverish.
Munday, May 10th. — Saw sick a.m. and wrought some
in the glebe ; p.m. went to Sir Robert's, all the family at
home, also Walter and Dr. Wilson. Sate till after supper.
Had some musick. Sir Robert, the Captain, Miss and
Walter in concerto.
Tuesday, May 11th. — Wrought in the garden a good deal,
planting anew beans that had failed.
Wednesday, May 12th. — Walked to Home a.m. to see sick
and baptise a child. P.m. dozed, read some of Horace and
worked a little in the garden. Had been called early out
of my bed to see Robert Aymer's daughter who after being
much exhausted with an ague, unhappily catched a cold
which obstructed her breast and was accompanied with a
looseness. Found her almost in the last agonies. She
died about ten.
1 John Armstrong (1709-79), poet, physician, and essayist, was a
Roxburghshire man. Published his Art of Preserving Health, by which
his name is now remembered, in 1744.
2 A kind of hoe.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 69
Thursday, May 13th. — -Wrought a good deal in the garden
a.m. sowing pease. Read last night's newspapers, in
which there is nothing of moment. Went to the burial of
Katherine Goaterson. P.m. walked to Harper-town where
I have long owed a visit. Came back by Caldron Brae and
baptised a child. Slept on Horace. The long Satire in the
Second Book where he introduces the Stoick proving that
all men are mad is none of the brightest of his works. Have
been long reading it.
Friday, May 14>th. — At the poor girl Aymer's burial in
the morning. Wrought in garden and glebe, and read
some of Horace. Francis is rather too sparing of his
Notes on the Satires.
Saturday. May loth. — Wrought much in the garden.
Read the March Review, where there is a good article on
Black well's second volume of the Court of Augustus 1
containing several strokes of satirical humour very justly
placed. There is also an anecdote letter from Dr. Bently
to Dr. Davies, containing some criticisms on Barnes's
Homer 2 which bears the clearest characters of its being
genuine, both in the uncommon learning and hypercritical
spirit it discovers. Looked also into some parts of the first
volume of The Compleat System of Geography 3 which I got
yesterday from the Library.
Munday, May 17th. — At Home a.m. seeing sick, of which
there are several in fevers of the pleuritick and rheumatick
kind. P.m. Mrs. Watson with Mrs. Gordon, Peggy Watson
and Bessy Dysart here. Mrs. Watson still a very fine
looking woman. Set them part of the way home in the
evening and called in passing at Robert Aymer's. Slept
on The Compleat System of Geography.
Tuesday May 18th. — Wrought some in the garden and
much in the glebe cleaning the west hedge. Read the first
part of Whytt's 4 Physiological Essays, and part of the
1 Thomas Blackwell, the younger (1701-57), Principal of Aberdeen
University.
2 Joshua Barnes (1654-1712). His Homer was published in 1710.
3 By Emanuel Bo wen, map engraver, 1747, folio.
4 Robert Whytt of Bennochy, Professor of the Institutes of Medicine in
Edinburgh University, 1747-66.
70
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
second. Got the book from John Miller. Mr. Lundy and
Robert Turnbull with his niece here at breakfast ; Mr.
Lundy being in the way to the Assembly, and Robert
Turnbull to Borthwick, where his sister, Mrs. Stevenson,
is thought to be dangerously ill.
Wednesday, May 19th. — Employed former part of the
day in making a draught of a Petition to be presented
to the General Assembly for a collection for Kelso Bridge.
Waldie 1 had sent me up a draught of his making, which
was not fit to be sent. P.m. read Dr. Whytt's Essays to
an end. There are curious things in both, and what he
says against Haller seems effectually to overthrow his
hypothesis of the irritability of the Animal Gluten, as also
his conclusions against the sensibility of several parts
which all physicians before him have looked upon as
endowed with that power.
Thursday, May 20th. — Went to Oxmuir to marry a couple
and saw several sick at Home. Read a second time the
Medical Part of Cleghorn's book on the Diseases of Minorca,
where there is a good deal of very judicious practice.
Friday, May 21st. — Wrought some in garden and glebe
and read a great part of the account of Ireland in the
System of Geography. A considerable part of the after-
noon employed in buying a horse from Lilly the Hadden
cowpar. He is only three years old and cost me £8. If
he thrives his value must rise considerably in a year or
two.
Sunday, May 23rd. — Preached at Kelso for Mr. Lundy ;
baptised two children, and rebuked two fornicators. Dined
in Dr. Gibson's, and drank tea in Mr. Dobby's. Heard
at Kelso that war against France was proclaimed at
London last Tuesday and saw particulars of it in the News-
paper when I came home.
Munday, May 2\th. — Was at Home seeing sick. Pleur-
isies still spreading ; hitherto, however, pretty tractable.
P.m wrote to Dr Grieve which I should have done some
1 John Waldie of Berryhill and Hayhope : married Jean, eldest daughter
and heiress of Charles Ormiston of Hendersyde. Progenitor of the Waldie-
Grifhths.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 71
time ago. Was also a little while in the glebe attending
the sowing of my barley.
Tuesday, May 25th. — Read over again greatest part of
Dr. Whytt's Essays and was a good deal in the glebe
attending the sowing of my barley for which we got much
better weather than we expected ; it having threatened
rain much these two days.
Wednesday, May 26th. — Read Whytt's Essays to an end.
Also more than a third of Fr. Home's Book on Bleaching,
also to the end of the account of Ireland, in the System of
Geography. Charles at Kelso in the evening for money
from Alex. Ramsay which I want to pay for my horse on
Friday.
Thursday, May 27th. — Forenoon employed in clearing
my closet of useless letters and other papers. P.m. at
Eccles where I had been a very great stranger. Mrs. Dysart
and her daughters at home. Matthew came not home till
I was just coming away. Heard the first Assembly news
there I had met with, the chief of which were that Pat.
Cuming is Moderator, and that Munday last was employed
as a dyet of prayer for success to His Majesty's arms, the
war having been proclaimed at Edinburgh on Saturday
last. This dyet was appointed upon a motion by Carlisle
seconded by John Home.
Friday, May 28th. — Employed still in clearing out my
closet and in doing some things about books with batter.
Put together three maps of North America that are in last
year's Magazines. They make a pretty good one. Got
Philos. Trans, for '54, from Kelso Library, and read a
few things in them ; also some part of last April
Magazine.
Saturday, May 29th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and went
to Home to baptise twins there to a poor man, two fine
boys. Tis a pity that the publick should not take one of
them, for what would be a matter of boast and joy to
most rich men is a sore visitation to a poor one. Dobbie,
schoolmaster of Kelso, and his son, a boy of ten years old,
here. P.m. heard the boy explain a piece of Ovid for which
the English he gave was very good ; though from several
72 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
circumstances, I have no great opinion either of Dobbie's
learning or taste. But I believe he is very industrious.
Tuesday, J une 1st — At the Presbytery, where we had no
business, and four of our members were absent, three of
whom at Edinburgh. Looked to Lundy's and T. Robert-
son's flowers ; nothing extraordinary in either ; sore nipped
with the bad weather. Brought home with me the
February Review, and Scots (April) Magazine, and read at
night some part of both.
Wednesday. June 2nd. — Richard Brown who was settled
at Kingarth in the Isle of Bute on the 6th of last month
and was sent member to the Assembly, came betwixt 10
and 11, and dined with us. After going to Ednam with
Will he came back and staid all night. Got the Assembly
news from him. Read the Review to an end, also some of
War tori's Virgil ; 1 the first volume of which I brought
from the Library on Tuesday night. It is a good transla-
tion and has cost pains.
Thursday, June 3rd. — Richard Brown left us in the
morning. The Misses Pringle, Maddy and Peggy here
p.m. also Thomas Pollock, jr. and afterwards Sandy
Herriot. The two younkers staid all night. Read most
of April Scots Magazine and what I had not read before
of the March Review. Also saw some sick. Had Thomas
Underwood taking down and putting up hangings in low
room.
Friday, June Uh. — Our guests left us about 10 a.m.
Read out the Scots Magazine, wrote letter about my
Sacrament, etc. Robert Turnbull and his niece arrived in
their way from Edinburgh in the middle of a great shower.
Miss Pringle was driven in also by a shower a.m. and told
us that my Lord Marchmont, who arrived at Redbraes
yesterday, had told her brother Frank that he had obtained
the presentation for Philip. William Dickson of Oxmuir
called at the door in the forenoon and told us he had heard
1 Joseph Warton (1 722-1 800), elder son of Thomas Warton the poet,
was at this time rector of Winslade, but got much Church preferment
and was ultimately a Prebendary of Westminster : edited and partly
translated Virgil, 1753.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 73
this at Berwick. But on his account, though probable,
we could not altogether depend. Robert and his niece
staid all night. Did not get much news from him. He
confirmed what Brown had before been telling me, that
David Hume had got printed at London a Collection of
Atheism which his bookseller Andrew Millar dares not sell.
Saturday, June 5th. — Robert Turnbull and his niece left
us about 11. Afterwards prepared for to-morrow. Took a
turn in the glebe and wrought some in the garden. Every-
thing fresh and verdant from the fine rain of yesterday.
Got a letter from Philip in the morning in which he writes
me a confirmation of the news about Hutton. Lord
Marchmont had told G. Douglas of it in passing through
Berwick, and spoke of great difficulties he had met with
in it. My Lord had also wrote Hilton of it in a letter which
Hilton received only last Wednesday.
Munday, June 7th. — Revised some of Philos. Trans.
and of Scots Magazine : also read some of Virgil's Eclogues
with Wart on' s translation and notes, and most of his
Essay on Didactic Poetry. His translation generally is
not contemptible, but seldom very good. His Notes,
Essays, Life of Virgil, etc., discover both erudition and
good taste, but are often defective in gravity, elegance,
correctness ; his manner of writing being loose, osten-
tatious, and too frequently bordering on the pedantick.
About 9, when we had given over all thoughts of them,
my sister and Nancy arrived in a chaise with Philip and
Cupples, w hom they had picked up at Whitsum.
Tuesday, June 8th. — Mr. Cupples and Philip went to
Kelso after dinner ; rest of p.m. chatted and took a little
walk with my sister. Read at night to the end of Warton's
Essay on Didactic Poetry, where he gives just enough char-
acters of some of our most celebrated writers in that way.
Wednesday, June 9th.- — Spoke to some catechumens.
W T rote a very little on sermon for Sabbath. Mrs. Pollock
and her son Thomas here p.m. Was with the Elders about
an hour p.m., Philip and Robert Turnbull came in the
evening. Cupples and he had gone with Mr. Lundy to
Sprouston.
74 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
Thursday, June 10th. — Fast day before the Sacrament.
Messrs. Kerr, Lundy, Turnbull preached. The two last
named staid all night.
Friday, June 11th. — Were alarmed about ten a.m. with
the arrival of Mr. Waite who came up for my sister, their
little daughter being seized with the meazles in which she
has been pretty severely handled, but seems now to be in a
tolerable way. However the Dr. thought it proper that
her mother should be at home to take care of her. They
set out a little after 12. Philip went along with them,
and intended to convey them as far as Swinton. Messrs.
Turnbull and Lundy set out a little before. In the after-
noon wrote a good deal of sermon for Sunday. After ten,
arrived James Allan and Betty.
Sunday, June 13th.— Preached on John 6. 51, last cl.
Had five tables, the 5th wanting 15 or 20. Messrs. Pollock,
Ker, and James Allan, and John Hume assistants. John
preached at home before he came over and staid all night.
Mr. Lundy and James Richardson the preacher came up
to afternoon sermon. Preached long, and a good deal
fatigued by it.
Tuesday, June 15th. — Mr. Allan and his sister dined and
set out about 2. P.m. dozed and read miscellaneously.
Looked into Du Halde's History of China, 1 the first volume
of which Charles brought from Kelso where I had him
getting some money from Alex. Ramsay. Also brought
a line from Mr. Waite which informs us that Nancy is in
a very good way.
Wednesday, June 16th. — Preached on 1 Cor. 15. 54, 55. 2
Colleagued with Messrs. Lundy and Chatto. Mr. Lundy
began with preaching in the tent, but the rain drove us
into the kirk, when I preached at the kirk door, with
1 Jean Baptiste Du Halde (1674-1743), a Jesuit missionary in China:
wrote many works on that country. The book read by Ridpath was
probably a translation by E. Brookes of his General History of China,
including Chinese Tartary, Corea, and Thibet. London, 1736, 4 vols.
2 This was on the Fast Day at Eccles where Ridpath must have gone
either the day before or that morning. He has omitted to mention this in
the Diary.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
75
more than ordinary ease for so much loudness as was
requisite. Philip came down in the afternoon, and he
and I, with Andrew Chatto and Lundy staid all night,
Thursday, June 17th. — Detained at Eccles all day and
spent it very agreeably. Looked into some part of volume
2 of Fordyce's Book on Education, 1 which is not so con-
temptible a work as I imagined.
Friday, June 18th. — Came home from Eccles in the
morning. Looked into some of Du Halde. Read part of
Virgil's first Georgic. Wrought also some in the garden
and dozed a little, being somewhat behind in the article
of sleep.
Munday, June 21st. — Rode with Philip to Eccles, where
Wilson and Willy Home preached : the former with his
usual deliberation and distinctness. Robert Turnbull and
Mr. Lundy also there, and with Philip and me staid at
Eccles all night, having projected an expedition further
east to-morrow.
Tuesday, June 22nd. — Messrs. Turnbull, Philip, Lundy,
and I set out from Eccles in the forenoon and dined at
Swinton according to agreement yesterday with Cupples,
who had been assisting at Eccles. Staid till after tea, and
in the evening rode over to Landreth's, where we nighted.
Very hearty with our honest landlord.
Wednesday, June 23rd. — Breakfasted at Whitsum,
whither Landreth accompanied, and he, Cupples, and
Waugh attended us to Polwarth, where we had pro-
mised at Eccles to dine with Willy Home. Willy was
not quite assured of our coming, and we were late in
arriving, the consequence of which was that we did
not dine till near four. In the evening we four came
over to Greenlaw, and staid with Mr. Hume. Intended
to have gone home, but we were very late in setting
out from Polwarth. Saw the beginning of Willy Home's
new manse, which has been long a-coming, but will
1 David Fordyce (171 1-89), a brother of the London banker, Alexander
Fordyce, whose failure in 1772 caused a great sensation : published
(anonymously) Dialogues Concerning Education, j 745-48.
76 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
be the best built minister's house in the Merse, both
materials and workmanship being excellent, and the con-
trivance also very good. Monteith and Walter Anderson
had been dining at Marchmont's, and came to the Manse
in the evening. They spoke of His Lordship being much
distrest at the present state of public affairs. Willy Home
saw His Lordship yesterday, and spoke to him about
Philip's Presentation. He had given out very positively
that with the concurrence of the Duke of Argyle, he had
secured the Presentation to Jedburgh for Mr. Boston ;
but in this he has happened to be mistaken ; the Presenta-
tion having actually come for Douglas. This alarmed us
a little about the Hutton business, but Willy Home in-
forms us that His Lordship discovers great keenness in
that affair, having informed Willy' that he had wrote to
Edinburgh to enquire if Philip's Presentation was come,
and if it was not, he was to write to London without delay
in order to hasten it.
Thursday, June 2Uh. — Set out from Greenlaw after
breakfast. Our fellow travellers dined and drank tea with
us, and then set out for their homes. Find my health and
spirits much improved by this jaunt, in which we have had
good weather, variety, and a good deal of amusement.
Saturday, June 26th. — Prepared for to-morrow and
wrought in the garden. Read most of the second Georgic.
There are some good things in the Notes from Holdsworth 1
and Spence, 2 but there are not many ; and the edition
might have been rendered much more useful by the
addition of a few more notes from other interpreters.
Munday, June 28th. — Philip set out in the morning, and
Will along with him to bathe in the sea. Matthew Dysart
and his nephew P. Brydon 3 came before dinner, the latter
1 Edward Holdsworth (1684-1748), poet and classical scholar: wrote
much on Virgil, and many of his notes appeared in Warton's edition.
2 Joseph Spence (1699-1768) : friend of Pope : Professor of Poetry at
Oxford 1728 : Regius Professor of Modern History there 1742 : published
Polymetis, a treatise on classical mythology, 1747 : famous for his anecdotes
which were published in 1820.
3 Patrick Brydone, a son of the minister of Coldingham : he was about
twenty-three at this time. He was the author of A Tour through Sicily and
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
77
to see Will. They dined, and betwixt 3 and 4 went down
to Ednara. Rest of the day wrought some in the garden,
and read most of the third Book of Virgil's Georgics, sl
poem that well deserves all the praises that have been
bestowed on it. This book in particular abounds with
charming animated descriptions.
Tuesday, June 29th. — Read out the third Book of
Virgil's Georgics and a great part of the fourth, also the
eighth Eclogue. Mr. Dawson dined with us. Married
two pair in the kirk. 1
Wednesday, June 30. — Read out the Georgics with War-
ton's translation, which upon the whole is a tolerable work ;
more can scarce be justly said for it. He has a strange
pleasure in Alexandrines, by which he intends no doubt
to raise his verse nearer to the grandeur of the Latin : but
the inequality or asperity they produce in the composition
is so great that I confess I can scarce be reconciled to them ;
though I believe they sometimes answer the purpose
intended. Returned the book to the Library, my moneth
being out. Charles went to Kelso and brought up the
horse which was returned from Berwick by the postman.
Philip writes me that it is certain that Byng is at Gib-
raltar ; also that Dr. Balderstone has a daughter a fort-
night ago, which it is odd we have been so long a hearing of.
Read some in the afternoon of an abridged Life of Peter
the Great, which Nancy brought with her from Berwick,
and which seems to be tolerably executed.
Friday, July 2nd. — Read to an end the Life of Peter,
than whom no man ever better deserved the name of Great.
This little life of him (by the Author of the Critical
Review of the Life of Cromwell 2 ) is wrote with sense and
spirit, and is even tolerable, in point of style and
composition. Wrought some in the garden, and got a
Malta : married Mary, eldest daughter of Principal Robertson, and had
three daughters who all made rather distinguished marriages.
1 It is interesting to note the celebration of marriages in the church,
a practice which not long after this date was entirely discontinued in
Scotland, until very properly revived within recent years.
2 Critical Review of the Life of Cromwell, London, 1739, by a gentleman
of the Middle Temple (J. Banks). :
78 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
letter in the evening from Philip in which he informs me
that Hilton who was with Lord Marchmont last Saturday
reports that there have been new difficulties about the
Presentation to Hutton, but that H. Campbell writes My
Lord they are now wholly got over, and that My Lord has
wrote both to his brother and to the Duke of Newcastle's
Secretary to have it sent without delay. Meantime My
Lord Home's Presentation to Bell with his acceptance was
delivered to the Presbytery last Tuesday, so that it seems
there must be a struggle the event of which, however, if
a King's Presentation comes to Philip, appears no way
dangerous.
Saturday, July 3rd. — Prepared for to-morrow, and read
about a third part of a small Life of Prince Eugene that
has been long lying by me. It is said to have been wrote
by an English officer who served some campaigns under
him. It is much contracted, but not ill wrote. Wrought
some in the garden.
Sunday, July Uh. — First Seceding Sacrament here. A
great multitude.
Munday, July 5th. — Read in the forenoon more of
Prince Eugene's life. P.m. went to Home to a meeting
about the poor, and drank tea at W. Stevenson's. Nancy
along with me. Slept on Telemachus, a charming work,
dictated by Virtue herself, and adorned with every beauty
of poetry except its numbers. Nancy brought an English
translation of it from Berwick of which I have read several
books by snatches, within these few days. It is wholly
new to me, as I have scarce looked into it, either in French
or English for these many years.
Tuesday, July 6th. — Went to the Presbytery, where we
had no business. Alexander Duncan 1 who had been
attending a funeral came in to us. We had also Walker
the bridge-builder with us, whom the Kelso people have
1 Alexander Duncan, minister of Smailholm 1743-95. He was Sir
Walter Scott's minister during his boyhood at Smailholm and is thought to
be the prototype of Josiah Cargill in St. Ronan's Well: married, 1774,
Helen, daughter of William Home of Greenlaw Castle and granddaughter
of Sir William Purves, Bart.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 79
sent for anew ; being in hopes of getting so much money
by the collections to be made at church doors as will
enable them to set the work agoing again. Mr. Lundy had
desired him to make an estimate of the expenses of what
was yet to be done, which Walker accordingly produced
to us and which amounted to £1455. They had, two or
three weeks ago, Brown who built the bridge at Melrose
surveying all that was done and yet to be done, and he
gave them an estimate of much the same amount, which is
so high, and so much beyond expectation that I doubt it
will throw an almost insuperable bar in the progress of the
work. And it is unlucky that these estimates should have
been procured and publicly spoken of before the collections
had been made. For it may very probably prove a great
discouragement to people's giving that they will appre-
hend after all that there will be no bridge. Drank tea at
Mr. Lundy 's, and came home in the evening.
Wednesday, July 7th. — Read most part of the first
volume of Pope, with Warburton's Notes, 1 which I brought
from Kelso with me last night. Read also almost to the
end of Prince Eugene's life, which is often disagreeable
by being too minute in the relation of battles and
sieges.
Thursday, July Sth. — Read much of Telemachus, also
the newspapers, where there is nothing considerable. In
the afternoon went to see Coventree the Seceder, 2 who
seems to be a good-natured lad.
Friday, July 9th. — Read out Telemachus, which truly is
a divine work. The greatest fault of it seems to be the
combining of the Heathen Mythology with so pure and
exalted a morale as that which runs uniformly through it.
Thomas Turnbull, Robert and William Stevenson here at
dinner, and sate till four. Tom had some cracks to us
1 William Warburton (1698- 1779), Bishop of Gloucester. He was
Pope's literary executor and brought out an edition of that poet's works
in I75i-
2 George Coventry, ' a man of apostolic dignity and meekness of
character ' and who was described by an enthusiastic admirer as ' one
upon whom it seemed as if the effect of Adam's fall had not lighted.'
80
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
about S. Chandler, 1 the dissenting minister, with whom
he dined at the Lord Advocate's, and who had been in
Scotland for some time past. He has preached several
times at Edinburgh to crowded audiences. Prompted
by a charitable enterprising spirit of his own, and en-
couraged by the Chancellor, he is setting on foot the
project of a Foundling Hospital at Edinburgh, which it
is thought will succeed. He is said to have been the
principal promoter of a similar erection at London, to
which last Session of Parliament gave £10,000. After
they were gone, looked out a sermon for to-morrow and
read the Chevalier Ramsay's Discourse on Epick Poetry, 2
which is prefixed to Telemachus. .
Munday, July 12th. — Rode to Lintoun and preached on
Galatians 6. 14. Colleagued with Gowdie of Berwick,
who came over with me here and staid all night. A very
sweet-tempered, agreeable sort of man. He tells me that
he heard from Philip that Lord Marchmont expected the
Hutton Presentation the end of this week.
Tuesday, July ISth. — Rode to Eccles according to pro-
mise to Matthew on Saturday, where were Thomas Turn-
bull, Robert and Lundy. Staid all night. Collector
John Home with us at supper.
Wednesday, July 14>th. — Rode up from Eccles a.m., and
having shaved here, walked down with Nancy to Kelso
to Mr. Lundy's Strawberry Feast, which was but infre-
quent, none of Mr. Dysart's ladies being there, nor other
women, except Nancy and Aly Stevenson. Drank tea
in Dobby's, and read the News-papers in the tap-room.
Came home betwixt 10 and 11, Charles having brought
down the horse for us.
Thursday, July loth.— Mr. Dawson here part of forenoon
1 Samuel Chandler (1693- 1766), minister of a Presbyterian congregation
at Peckham, 1716: nonconformist minister at the Old Jewry, 1726-66:
published pamphlets against deism, Roman Catholicism, etc.
2 Andrew Michael Ramsay (1686-1743), son of a baker in Ayr : became
a Roman Catholic in 17 10 : tutor to Prince Charles Edward : published
in 1727 Voyages de Cyrus in imitation of Telemaque ; a translation by
Nathaniel Hooke, the younger, appeared in 1739.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
81
♦ and at dinner. Read a considerable part of Voltaire's Life
of Charles XII. Read also Edinburgh Papers of last week,
in which there is nothing very considerable.
Friday, July 16th. — Read to an end Voltaire's Life of
Charles XII., also some of the Scots Magazine, and of the
first volume of Hanway's Travels, 1 both of which I got
from the Library.
Saturday, July 11th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and read
chiefly Hanway's Travels, which promise a good deal of
entertainment, the subject being in great measure new,
curious, and of late date. Got a letter in the evening from
Berwick, in which Philip writes me that Lord Marchmont
has had a letter from the Duke of Newcastle, and another
from his secretary, in both which the Presentation is still
promised. But there is not yet any intelligence of its
arrival. Philip has heard nothing this Summer from
Nevis, which is very distressing.
Munday, July 19th. — Some thunder in the morning,
hazy and a good deal of rain through the day. (This
week was the destruction of the crop.) Read Hanway
and looked over my sermons for one at Greenlaw on Sab-
bath next. Charles was at St. Bosel's Fair, and bought
a little cow for 43 sh.
Tuesday, July 20th. — Went through the parish of Stitchel
collecting for Kelso Bridge ; Robert Aymers along with me.
Had tolerable success. Received about 54 shillings in cash,
a guinea of which from Sir Robert. Several of the people
at Mellerstain Fair, from whom we hope to get some
thing afterwards.
Thursday, July 22nd. — Fast day appointed by His
Majesty in consequence of an application from last
Assembly. Lectured on Psalm 130. Preached on
Jeremiah 2. 13.
Friday, July 23rd. — Read a good deal of Hanway's
Travels, where there are several valuable observations
1 Jonas Hanway (1712-83), traveller and philanthropist: published an
account of his travels in Russia, 1753 : one of the founders of the Marine
Society (1756), of the Magdalen Charity (1758) : reformer of the Foundling
Hospital and the pioneer of the umbrella.
F
82 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
with regard to trade. Read also the Preface and first ♦
Book of Ramsay's Cyrus.
Saturday, July 2Uh. — Rode over to Greenlaw and staid,
being the Saturday before the* Sacrament. Laurie and
Dickson preached. Had a letter from Philip in the morn-
ing, in which he informs me that he had seen Hilton about
8 days before, who told him that Marchmont had sent him
a letter from Jones, Secretary to the Duke of Newcastle,
in which he informs Marchmont that the Duke had in
strongest terms recommended that the Presentation for
Philip should be made out and dispatched without delay ;
and Marchmont writes Hilton that if after this, the Presen-
tation should not come, it was none of his fault, and he
could do no more. This letter of Jones, Hilton desired
the Duke to enclose to Mr. Watson, that Mr. Watson
might attend the Secretary's Office and if possible see the
thing done. From both John Hume and Willy, I learned
other circumstances that were not promising ; from whence
I am apt to conclude the affair to be in a bad way.
Sunday, July 25th. — Served three Tables, and preached
p.m. from the window to a great multitude from 1 John 3. 3 ;
Cupples, M. Dysart, and Willy Home co-assistants. The
two former staid all night.
Munday, July 26th. — Cupples and Matthew Dysart
preached. Willy Home also with us. Lady Anne 1 and
her son, and Coulter, his Governor, dined with us. Came
home in the evening and slept on Hanway.
Wednesday, July 28th. — Spent the day collecting for
Kelso Bridge, in Home, Fallside-Hill, Oxmuir, Home
Byres. Got betwixt 50 shillings and £3, and expect some
more. Slept on Hanway's Account of Berlin, Dresden, etc.
Thursday, July 29th. — Read Hanway to an end, who is a
man of good natural understanding, a great goodness of
heart, and seemingly an able merchant, but is not learned
enough to be a traveller of the most entertaining kind ;
though he is nearer the highest rate of such writers than
1 Daughter of the second Earl of Marchmont and wife of Sir William
Purves, Bart. Her son Alexander was now seventeen.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 83
the lowest. This narrative is often abundantly interesting,
and there are a good many useful and curious things to be
learned from him. In the afternoon rode to Smailholm on
a long projected visit to Alexander Duncan, who has lately
been very ill of a violent attack of his old distress, the
colick, but is so much better as to have set out to-day for
Stow, where the Sacrament is next Sunday. Read some
of May London Magazine in the Evening.
Friday, July 30th. — Extracted some things from Hanway
and read a good deal of P. Du Halde's History of China,
with which I was very well pleased, though the length of
the work had hitherto in a great measure deterred me from
entering on it. But now I think I shall go through all
or most of it, if my avocations be not very great.
Saturday, July 31st. — Prepared for to-morrow and spent
the afternoon teaching T. Pollock some practical things
in Geometry. His brother Allan has taken a fancy to
have him up to London to assist him in the Academy 1 ;
and if he leaves it, to succeed him in his place. I know not
but he may be capable of it ; for that [he] has contracted
a mischievous habit of trifling and being idle, he seems to
have a good enough capacity for these things.
Tuesday, August 3rd. — At the Presbytery where we had
no business. In the evening attended a Library meeting
where we gave two or three commissions for books. Paid
in to Charles Ormiston what I had collected for the
Bridge, amounting to £7, Is. lOd. Also the last moiety of
Subscription money, which wants of the whole betwixt
8 and 9 shillings. Robert Turnbull came home with me
at night.
Thursday, August 5th. — Read Du Halde and took up
my tulips in the garden. About 6 W. Stevenson told
me that W. Hill had told him that they had learned at
Berwick yesterday that the Presentation to Philip had
arrived at Edinburgh. Nancy came by the way of Ednam
and John Waugh walking along with her. She had heard
1 Allan, Mr. Pollock's eldest son, had become a schoolmaster in London,
with important consequences to his brother Tom and his sister Alison,
as we shall see.
84 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
the same from Mr. Hall. Have nothing in writing from
Philip, which is odd. However, can scarce entertain any
doubt of the fact.
Friday, August 6th. — Had a letter from John Home in
the morning, informing me that Philip's Presentation had
come to Redbraes yesterday or Wednesday, and was sent
forward by Lord Marchmont to Hutton-hall. The intelli-
gence of its arrival at Edinburgh must have come to Ber-
wick only by the Wednesday's Scots Post, for I had a
letter from Philip of the date of Wednesday morning, in
which he knew nothing of it. Mr. Dawson, Miss Angely,
and Walter Pringle called here in the forenoon and sate
a while. Afternoon Mary Herriot, Aly and Thomas
Pollock came to tea. The two lassies staid all night,
Mary having long promised us a visit, which she never
accomplished till now.
Saturday, August 7th. — Rode to Makerstoun to break-
fast, where were Peggy Hall with the two dear little
girlies Grace and Bella. They had told Nancy at St.
James' Fair that they intended to dine here to-day,
and as I was obliged to be at Nenthorn I thought it best
to go see them at Makerstoun. Came up thence with Mr.
Walker and his wife to Nenthorn, where I preached.
Munday, August 9th. — At Nenthorn, where Fr. Scot and
Mas James Innes preached. Betwixt 4 and 5 rode down to
Kelso with Richardson the preacher 1 who had come from
Gordon. Hoped to find there Nancy, Aly Pollock, and
Mary Herriot, but found after I came home that Mary had
been sent for home last night from Ednam. Settled
accounts with Alex. Ramsay and received the balance due,
which was £2, 19s. Returned him one shilling.
Tuesday, August 10th. — Read most of the May Review,
where there is nothing very material. Also Mason's Odes, 2
1 There were, as before mentioned, two persons of this name who were
licensed about the same time, the one by the Presbytery of Edinburgh
and the other by that of Kelso. It is the latter who is probably meant
here. He became, after being in some previous charges, minister of More-
battle in 1786.
? William Mason (1724-97), poet : friend of Gray and his literary
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
85
of which the chief beauty is the versification. Was at
Hairy-Heugh a.m. seeing a sick girl.
Wednesday, August 11th. — Read Du Halde. Took up
my anemones and ranunculuses. Wrought some in the
glebe, when the last of my hay was put into a rick. Had a
walk in the evening with Peggy Pringle, Minna Dawson,
and Nancy.
Friday, August ISth. — Read for amusement some Articles
in Bibl. Rais., and about 4 set out in my way to Eyemouth.
Reached Whitsum about 7 and staid all night. Learned
from J. Waugh that the Royal Presentation to Philip
was given in to the Presbytery last Tuesday. The Presby-
tery passed no judgment on the Presentations, but ap-
pointed Philip to preach at Hutton on Sunday se'ennight,
which seems rather to have been too hasty and looks too
much like taking a side.
Saturday, August lMh. — Landreth came in the morning
and breakfasted, and then John Waugh and he and I set
out for Eyemouth. Hepburn and Waugh preached there.
Found Philip there in pretty good health. He has been
bathing in the sea and seems to be the better of it.
Sunday, August 15th. — Preached in the Church-yard on
Hebrews 10. 38, and served a Table. Landreth, Breyden,
and Philip colleagues. Breyden 1 as usual preached
without.
Monday, August 16th. — Landreth and Gowdie of Berwick
preached. Insisted on Landreth preaching my dyet,
which was to-day, there being no particular dyet for him.
Mr. Allan having got him to supply Hepburn's place on
Sunday, Hepburn 2 being at Mordington. Was at New
Byres in the evening.
Tuesday, August 17th. — Called in the forenoon at the
Robsons and James Turnbull's as we had done yesterday
executor : corresponded with Horace Walpole : his Odes had just been
published this year.
1 Robert Bryden, minister of Coldingham 1725-61 : married Elizabeth
Dysart, only daughter of his predecessor in the parish, and half-sister of
the diarist's friend, Matthew Dysart.
2 Patrick Hepburn, minister of Ayton 1753-72 : son of William
Hepburn, minister of Fowlis- Wester.
86 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
afternoon at Wm. Nisbet's. After dinner Philip and I
rode in to Berwick and got much rain for the last two miles.
Found all well at my sister's, she herself in particular
looking better than she has done for years past. Murray,
W. Anderson, and Mary Neilson were drinking tea there.
Mary has been sore distrest with an inflammation in her
eyes, which has thinned her greatly, and her eyes still
continue very weak, and not free of the inflammation.
[A page missing here.]
Wednesday, August 25th. — Read variously. Took a
walk in the afternoon towards the place where our people
were laying in lint and read some Epistles of Horace with
great gout. Nancy Thompson here at tea p.m., and also
John Millar a call.
Thursday, August 26th. — Read some of P. du Halde's
second volume. Also looked over the last Proposition of
Plain (sic) Trigonometry and the Use of Sherwin's Tables
of the Logs of Numbers for the sake of helping Thomas
Pollock in these things. Wrought a little in the garden.
Had a letter from Philip, in which he informs me had good
enough spirits at Hutton last Sunday, and that he preached
to a large congregation. He dined at Hilton's, and was
well used there.
Friday, August 21th. — Read with much gout some of
the beginning of V Esprit des Loiw. Read also about forty
pages of the beginning of Drummond's History of the Five
King Jameses, 1 which I got from the Library. Was
working with Thomas Pollock, who came up with his
mother p.m., at some Trigonometry, when Mr. Dysart, his
wife Nan, and the clerk arrived to tea.
Tuesday, August Slst. — Read mostly Drummond, some
also of Don Quixote. T. Pollock here in the afternoon,
with whom I read Trigonometry. Exhausted too many
spirits with him. Sent Charles to Chyrnside with a letter
1 Sir William Drummond of Hawthornden, the poet, wrote a History
of Scotland during the reigns of the five Jameses, which it has been said
' for purity of style and elegance of expression ' was not surpassed by
the work of any other author of the age.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
87
of concurrence with Philip's Presentation from Slatehouse,
which I got from Kelso late last night. Had nothing in
return but an account that the Presbytery after a good
deal of reasoning had delayed the affair till next Meeting.
Philip, it seems, was preaching there, of which I did not
know.
Wednesday, September 1st — Read Drummond to an
end, who deserves the character of a judicious, candid,
and not ineloquent historian. He has had the ancient
models in his view and has not succeeded ill in his imita-
tion of them. Looked over in the evening some things
in Musschenbroek's Elements of Natural Philosophy, 1 which
I got from T. Pollock, who borrows it from somebody.
P.m. was so far in my way to Sir Robert's, but turned
back on hearing that Sir Robert and Miss Peggy were
not at home.
Thursday, September 2nd. — Revised some parts of
Drummond. Mrs. Stevenson of Home Byres and her
sister here p.m., also a nephew of theirs of their own name,
Baron, a young writer.
Friday. September 3rd. — Went to Kelso to the examina-
tion of Dobby's school. Andrew Chatto, Robert Turnbull,
and Lundy there besides. Boys behaved tolerably and
not much more. Dined in Dobby's with a large company.
Drank tea in Mr. Dawson's, Nancy along with me, and
came home about 8.
Saturday, September Uh. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
read some of Musschenbroek, who is a distinct enough writer
and comprehensive in his plan. John Aitchison of Mor-
peth and his wife, 2 also a boy of his at Kelso school here at
dinner. His wife has long been ill and is now riding about
for her. health.
1 Pierre van Musschenbroek (1692-1764), a Dutch physician of Leyden :
his Epitome elementovum physico-mathematicorum in usus academicos was
published at Leyden, 1725, and went through many editions.
2 John Aitchison, minister of a Presbyterian congregation at Morpeth :
afterwards minister of Falkirk 1758-87 (not 1759 as stated in the Fasti
Eccl. Scot.). He married in 1741 Jean Hardie, and had three sons, born
respectively in 1744, 1745, and 1747 : it is impossible to say which of them
is here referred to ; probably the eldest, Samuel.
88 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
Munday, September 6th. — Forenoon saw sick. Matthew
Dysart came to dinner, and soon after Wallace, the parson
of Carham, a good enough natured man to appearance,
but contracted in principles and in knowledge of the world.
He and Matthew staid till the evening.
Tuesday, September 7th. — Saw in the morning John
Watson's wife, who had been seized with a violent colick,
but was grown better. Found W. 1 Jeffery of Musselburgh
here when I returned, who went with me to the Presbytery,
where we had no business.. He came back with me at
night. An industrious, honest man, and of very good
capacity.
Wednesday, September Sth. — Set out with Jeffery after
10. Called at Greenlaw, Polwarth, and Langtown suc-
cessively, but found nobody at home. Rode forward to
Duns, and got something to dinner in Watson's. Went
afterwards and saw Alison Bell, and drank tea in Dickson's.
Came out with Jeffery to Langtown, where Mr. Laurie and
his wife, together with William Home, his wife, and daughter,
arrived somewhat late. They had been at a kettle of
salmon 2 at Scyth's with John Home of Atheist aneford,
Carlisle, etc.
Thursday, September 9th. — Came over to Polwarth with
Mr. Home's people, and went with W. to Marchmont House,
on a long projected visit to his Lordship. Was well enough
received. [The] Lord Register has been there for some
weeks, but is to go away soon. The lady a very sweet
looking woman, and has a good face, but by no means
deserves the praises given her as a beauty. 3 Drank tea
1 Sic in MS. : perhaps a brother of the Ninian Jeffrey pieviously
mentioned.
* It was the custom for a party to be made up which went to the
banks of the Tweed, and when salmon were landed the fish were at once
cooked and formed the principal part of an al fresco repast.
3 Lady Marchmont was the Earl's second wife : she was Elizabeth,
daughter of Windmill Crompton, a linen-draper in Cheapside. At the
time of her marriage in 1748 she was only about seventeen, and the Earl
was so infatuated with her that he proposed to her the day after seeing
her for the first time in a box at the theatre : died 1797. She was painted
by Reynolds, and an old retainer described her as ' just the fairest creature
that ever stept this earth.' ' .
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
89
with Nancy Burnet. Staid at Polwarth all night, where
was also John of Atheist aneford. 1
Friday, September 10th. — Rode with William Home, his
wife, and John, to Dunse Well, where they have been at
great pains within this week or two to discover the mineral
spring purer and at a safer distance from the brook which
sometimes overflows the old well, in which they seem to
have succeeded. They will have a less quantity of water
indeed than before, but by the experiments they have
made, two or three times as strong. Lord Marchmont's
people have been attending this Well for a good while past,
and this new discovery was a project of my Lord's, of
which he seems to be very fond. The company were all
gone or going before we arrived. Returned to Polwarth
to breakfast, and came home by the way of Greenlaw,
where I dined and drank tea with John Hume. He has
got a very neat plan and prospect of Marchmont House,
a compliment from his Lordship.
Munday, September ISth. — Nancy and I rode to Eccles
to dine, and staid till the evening. Asked at Mr. Home
how far the Crown lawyers might be depended on for
taking on of the King's Right in the affair of Hutton. He
seemed to say that they are scarce to be trusted without
being paid and retained, yet advised to be cautious of
embarking, as the expense may be considerable. Wrote
this, with all that I knew besides concerning that affair in
a long letter to James Allan enclosed in one to Philip.
Slept on Black's work on the Magnesia Alba 2 in the
Edinburgh Essays.
Tuesday, September I4>th. — Read more of Black's treatise,
which, though containing something new and curious,
is wrote obscurely and disagreeably. Read also some of
Melville's essay on Light, 3 where there is a great discovery
1 i.e. John Home, the author of Douglas.
2 Robert Black (1726-99), afterwards the celebrated Professor of
Chemistry in the University of Edinburgh. The paper was probably his
graduation thesis, De humore acido a cribis orto et magnesia alba, which
laid the foundations of quantitative analysis and pneumatic chemistry.
3 Thomas Melville (1726-53), at first a divinity student in Edinburgh,
but became an experimental philosopher in 1752 : he read before the
90
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
of genius. P.m. drank tea at Sir Robert's, where there was
nobody but Mrs. Pringle and Miss Peggy.
Wednesday, September 15th. — Rode to Kelso, chiefly
to see the progress of the bridge. They have been too
quick with the last built arch, in which there is a visible
bulge near the top, and a crack in the middle. Yet I
believe there is no hazard. They are now at work on one
of the largest arches, and are going on more deliberately.
Dined in Doctor Gibson's. Drank tea in Mr. Dawson's,
and supped and slept in Mr. Lundy's, where John Cleg-
horn was with us till bed-time.
Thursday, September 16th. — Breakfasted with Mrs. Park,
who has nobody with her now but Slatehouse. Came home
between 11 and 12. Wrote a long letter to Professor John
Stevenson, giving him a character of John Aitchison of
Morpeth, who expects to be recommended to the Advocate
for a Kirk, by the Chief Baron Ord. Also giving him some
account of the Hutton affair, and desiring his advice
about it. In the afternoon, walked with Nancy to Home
Byres, and gave this letter to G. Stevenson's wife, who
sets out in her return to Edinburgh to-mororw. At night
read a good deal of the beginning of Huxham on Fevers, 1
which I brought from Mr. Lundy's.
Friday, September 17th. — Read more of Huxham — a very
judicious author. John Ker of Coldstream came before
12, and staid till 4.
Munday, September 20th. — Thomas Wilkinson of London
and young Thomas Rutherford came here to dine from
Learmouth and went away after tea. Wilkinson has been
a long tour to the North, and has taken, he informs me,
the whole fishing of the Ness for 15 years. Mr. Pollock
and his son also here. Mas Thomas dined at Sir Robert's.
Finished Huxham, who is an excellent author ; a faithful
follower of Nature, without regard to sect or hypothesis.
Tuesday, September 21st. — Set out in the morning for
Edinburgh Medical Society his Observations on Light and Colour, and in
the following year a paper on Refrahgibility of the Rays of Light. •
1 John Huxham (1692-1768), physician : his medical works were
published at Leipzig 1764, 1773, and 1829,
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
91
Dunse Well, expecting to find James Allan there, or in the
neighbourhood. Breakfasted at Polwarth, where were
Landreth and Walter Anderson, and dined at Langtown
along with William and Sandy Home of Abbey. James
Allan not casting up, was obliged to ride forward to Eye-
mouth, where I found he had gone to Dunglass the day
before, and did not return that night.
Wednesday, September 22nd. — James Allan cast up
before dinner. Had a walk in the forenoon with Andrew
Edgar, his wife, and Mr. Colvill. Drank tea at Mrs.
Crow's and supped in Mr. Edgar's. Philip, at my desire,
by a note sent him, came out in the evening. He had got
in the morning a letter from his old scholar, Thomas
Bridgewater. where, along with apologies and promises, he
is informed that Mrs. Bridgewater had wrote to M'Doual
of Castle-Semple. who, it seems, is of West Indian extrac-
tion, and is a relation of hers, desiring him to advance
Philip £300. M'Doual' s lady is a niece of Mrs. Lumisden's
of Blanerne. It was therefore judged proper to procure
a letter from one of the young men there to M'Doual,
attesting Philip's character, etc., and along with which
letter he is to write himself ; though I am afraid with little
probability of succeeding.
Thursday, September 23rd. — Set out in the morning,
James Allan and I, for Allanbank, where we found all the
family gone away to Nisbet to dine. Philip went to
Blanerne to see Lumisden. James and I rode down to
Waugh's, where we staid all night. After much consulta-
tion, it was thought most expedient for the Presbytery
to keep the Hutton affair in their own hands, and to pro-
ceed after the Synod, in favour of Philip, if it should be
judged proper for the service of his cause. Allan and I
also found it necessary to resolve to wait on [the] Lord
Advocate, which we have appointed to do the week after
next.
Friday, September 2±ih. — James Allan left us after break-
fast, and I staid till after dinner. John Waugh's house
is just going to be blue-slated. 1 Came home after 6.
1 Slated houses were then the exceptions, thatch being the usual cover-
92
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
Found my barley all cut and part of the oats. Dozed
over some of the Edinburgh Essays.
Saturday, September 25th. — John Miller came here about
10, and supped. He was attending a poor woman in labour
in the town, and proposed to sleep here, but was obliged
to be up all night.
Sunday, September 26th. — Wrote to James Allan about
Philip's affair, and sent down the horse to go by postman
to Will.
Munday, September 27th. — Wrote in the forenoon to
Wallace, desiring his recommendation to [the] Lord Advo-
cate in Philip's affair. P.m. went to Ednam to see Aly
Pollock, who is ailing of low spirits, etc. Revised some of
Huxham.
Tuesday, September 28th. — Revised Huxham. Weeded
winter spinnage in the garden, and was sometimes in the
glebe with the shearers. Will and Billy Temple arrived
in the evening.
Wednesday, September 29th. — Chatted with B. Temple,
a fine, sensible, modest boy. Revised some of Huxham.
Philip came in the evening from Polwarth, where he has
been since Saturday night.
Thursday, September 30th. — Mr. Dawson here at dinner.
George Trotter of Belchester's eldest son here at tea to see
Billy Temple, who, with Will, had gone to Kelso. In the
evening, looked to the Moon and Saturn through the tele-
scope. Saw Saturn's ansated shape distinctly enough,
but none of his satellites, or, at most, an indistinct glimmer
of one of them.
Friday, October 1st. — Nancy, Will, and Billy Temple set
out for Melrose in the morning. Philip and I went on
foot to Kelso, where I proposed to find Robert Turnbull
to tell him of my project of going to Lothian next week,
also to look at something in the Library. Monteith, his
wife and son, William Home, his wife, and two other boys
were all in the town, having been at Sprouston yesterday.
ing. See Somerville's Life and Times, p. 340, where he says that the
tower in Hawick was the only slated house there in 1757.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 93
Dined in Mr. Dawson's, and drank tea with these people in
the Doctor's p.m. Robert Turnbull, Philip, and I stayed
in Mr. Lundy's all night, where Monteith, also John Miller
and the young lad Tod, 1 supped with us.
Saturday, October 2nd. — Breakfasted with Mr. Lundy
and walked up before dinner. Mr. Monteith, his wife and
son, gave us a call. Billy Temple and Will went to Bel-
chester, and came back in the evening. Prepared for
to-morrow, and read part of the August Scots Magazine,
which I brought from Kelso.
Sunday, October 3rd. — Philip and Billy Temple, a very
fine promising lad, left us in the morning. Philip preaches
at Swinton for Cupples, who is making a visit in Ireland
to a sister he has married there. Got a very obliging letter
from Professor John Stevenson in the morning about the
Hutton affair, concerning which he spoke to the Lord
Advocate, and gives me his own best advice.
Munday, October Uh. — Rode to Home to see a child. Re-
vised some parts of Scots (August) Magazine, and read the
greatest part of Russel's Natural History of Aleppo. 2
Tuesday, October 5th. — Had Charles at Kelso in the morn-
ing to enquire for letters, James Allan not having, accord-
ing to expectation, cast up last night. Had no letters,
but heard by Charles that poor Landreth died on Sunday
night. Soon after, I got a burial letter and learned by the
bearer that the good man, after having preached, ate his
dinner heartily and walked half a mile from the town with
a young man who dined with him, came back and went to
bed after discovering some tendency to vomit, and com-
plaining of a pain at his breast, when he fell asleep, and
soon after, was found dead. An enviable euthanasia,
after a life very remarkable for the very highest nobility
and humanity. Thought, as I was riding to Kelso, of
asking the votes of my co-presbyters for James Allan, who,
1 This may perhaps have been John Tod, the eldest son of John Tod
the successor of George Ridpath's father at Ladykirk : he was only
thirteen at this time : afterwards minister of Fogo.
2 Alexander Russell, physician to English factory at Aleppo 1740-53:
his Natural History of Aleppo had just been published in this year.
94 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
a great while ago, spoke to me of having this in his view.
Thought also of securing the thing for Philip, in case the
Hutton business should go wrong, but found on arriving
at Kelso that Laurie had been beforehand with me, having
got the votes of the greatest part of our Presbytery, and
wrote many letters to the members of other Presbyteries.
James Allan came to Kelso in the evening with his
head full of the project of the Clerkship, but he was too
late. Laurie, Mr. Walker, and he came up here and staid
all night.
Wednesday, October 6th. — Laurie left us very early in the
morning. James Allan, after further revolving the busi-
ness of the Clerkship, gave it up, partly from the advantage
Laurie had got in starting so early, partly from an unwilling-
ness to oppose a man, his friend, and in his circumstances.
W. Walker, James, and I, after dining early, set out for
the funeral, where there were a great many people and
great demonstrations of a well-founded grief from the
inhabitants of the place. Lundy, Philip, and I rode
forward to John Herriot's, and staid all night.
Thursday, October 7th. — James Allan came to us from
Kersfield in the morning, and we called at Tod's. Philip
went away before dinner. Allan, Lundy, and I staid till
after tea^ Got home a little before 8. Dozed and read
some of Russel's History of Aleppo. James Allan told us
that John Renton had been spoke to by Sir John Stewart
about a project of getting Bell to succeed Landreth at
Simprim, if he would drop Hutton ; but Renton, who has
of late been far from acting a right or moderate part in
this affair, rejected the proposal with- indignation.
Friday, October 8th. — Read Russel to an end. His
account of the Plague is good, and his practise in
it seems to be judicious, and, according to him,
was often successful. In general, however, this work
of his is neither remarkable for genius nor erudition.
But his account of things seems to be very faithful and
exact, and many of them in their own nature are en-
tertaining. Cleghorn's account of Minorca is the original
he seems to have in his eye, but he falls a good deal
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 95
short of it. Read also most of Scots (July) Magazine,
and revised part of Russel.
Saturday, October 9th. — At night wrote out a sort of
epitome of what we know with regard to His Majesty's
claim to the patronage of Hutton.
Sunday, October 10th. — In the afternoon rode down to
the burial of Mrs. Wood, who died on Friday, and leaves
behind her a family that seems to be in hazard of great
indigence. Drank tea in Mr. Dawson's, and came home
about 7.
Munday, October 11th. — Prepared a.m. for my journey,
and set out after dinner for Longformacus, where I had
appointed Mr. Allan to meet me. Raining most of the
way. Got there about sunset. James Allan arrived about
two hours after. Spent the night very heartily with
Monteith,
Tuesday, October 12th. — Rode from Longformacus to
Fala to dine. Got there about 3, and found Peter 1 at
home. His sister 2 is now with him since her father's death.
A cousin of his also there from Inverara, a fine girlie, and
abundantly pretty. After a repast at Peter's set out for
Borthwick, where we arrived about daylight's going away.
Wednesday, October ISth. — Thomas Turnbull 3 having
informed us that [the] Lord Advocate was to set out this
morning on a course of visits to his wife's relations and
not to return till Saturday night, we, after a good deal of
pause, and a good deal contrary to my inclination, resolved
1 Peter or Patrick Simson, minister of Fala 1743-59: son of Matthew
Simson, minister of Pencaitland : took part in the battle of Prestonpans,
but is said to have fled from the field : was afterwards taken prisoner by
the Prince's troops, but was liberated after a detention of three weeks :
he was a great angler.
2 Probably his youngest, Janet, who in a year of great scarcity re-
ceived the thanks of the Kirk Session of Pencaitland for superintending
the spinning industry set on foot in the parish for the employment of
the poor.
3 Thomas Turnbull, son of George Turnbull, minister of Tynninghame,
and brother of Robert Turnbull of Sprouston. He had been minister of.
Greenlaw 1725-34, and was now minister of Borthwick. He married in
1726 Margaret, daughter of Hugh Stevenson of Montgrenan, and had
two sons and two daughters.
96 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
to stay in the country till Sunday was over, and to preach
for Thomas Turnbull at Borthwick. Set out for Edin-
burgh about mid-day, where we saw G. Wallace 1 in the
evening ; desired his assistance, and got his opinion, which
was rather favourable than otherwise.
Thursday, October \4>ih. — Saw John Davidson, 2 who is
Agent for the Crown, and talked to him both yesterday
afternoon and this morning. He was abundantly dry
about the affair, but will follow the orders of the Advocate.
Breakfasted in Mr. Wallace's and dined with Mrs. Laurie.
Gilbert is Town Treasurer, and happened to be so taken up
with Town's affairs, that we did not see him, which I
regretted much. Chiefly to save expense, we left the town
p.m., and came to Fala, where we past the night.
Friday, October 15th. — Went with Patrick's family to
Leeston, where we dined and past the night. Hamilton
of Fala 3 there, which occasioned a great drink. Have
not drank so much at a time this twelvemonth, Aly Home
staying there for some time, and looking very well on't.
An agreeable, rough place, and the people very hospitable
and sensible.
Saturday, October 16th. — Came over with Patrick's
people, and dined at Fala. Set out betwixt 4 and 5, and
Patrick along with us, for Borthwick, he being to preach
at a place in the Presbytery to which Borthwick was so
far in his way. Spent the night agreeably. Much enter-
tained out of Thomas's unexhausted store.
Sunday, October 17th. — I lectured on 16th Psalm fluently
enough. James Allan preached. [The] Lord Advocate
1 George Wallace, advocate, was a son of Dr. Wallace of the New
North Parish, Edinburgh, by his wife Helen, a sister of Ridpath's friend
Robert Turnbull, minister of Sprouston. Wallace was the author of
several legal treatises : he died unmarried 1805.
2 John Davidson of Stewartfield and Haltree, son of James Davidson
of Haltree : W.S. 1749 : Crown Agent at this time : Deputy Keeper of
the Signet, 1778 till his death in 1797. He lived in the uppermost house
cn the Castle Hill next the Castle, on the north side of the street.
3 Thomas Hamilton of Fala, great-grandson of James Makgill, first
Viscount of Oxfuird : succeeded his kinswoman Henrietta, Viscountess of
Oxfuird in her estates, and took the name of Makgill.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 97
and family in the Kirk. We went over to Arniston to
dine with him, and before dinner, talked over our affair.
• He told us, agreeably to what G. Wallace had told us
before, that nothing certain could be pronounced con-
cerning Lord Home's claim, till his rights were produced,
which the King's lawyers would call for so soon as the
Process was enrolled ; that if Lord Home's people affected
delays, the Presbytery might demand a sight of His Lord-
ship's titles, and if these were refused and the process of
declarator not carried on, the Presbytery might go for-
ward even to the last step with safety. He seem'd also
to think, as G. Wallace also hinted before, that if My
Lord's claim had been good, more of it would have ap-
peared in the summonds. Civilly entertained by his
Lordship, and saw his new Lady, 1 a girl of twenty-two,
with the freshest bloom in her countenance that I have
seen for a long time past. Arniston is a very beautiful
place, but we had no time to see much of it. Came back
to Borthwick in the evening, whither also Thomas had
come before us from Lass wade.
Munday, October 18th. — Set out from Borthwick betwixt
9 and 10. Dined at Channelkirk Braefoot, and got home
betwixt 6 and 7. Our horses performed but heavily, which,
with the badness of the day, made the journey disagreeable.
Tuesday, October 19th. — James Allan left us about 11.
Read some of Russel's account of Aleppo, and p.m. went
up to Sir Robert's. Miss Hall and Sandy Purves there,
besides Sir Robert and the girls. Had not seen Miss and
Miss Mary before, since the return of the former from
Holy Island and of the other from Moffat. They seem
both to be a good deal better.
Wednesday, October 20th. — Revised some more of Russel.
Aly Stevenson and the lad Dickson, a young student in
Sprouston, came before dinner and staid all night. Walter
1 Robert Dundas of Arniston, at this time Lord Advocate, had married
on 7th September of this year, as his second wife, Jane, daughter of
William Grant of Prestongrange. It was to her relatives that they were
now paying a visit.
G
98 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
Scot (Sandy Know) 1 called here in the evening with a
letter from James Allan, dated from Allanbank, where
they have persuaded him to resume Ins project of obtain- *
ing the clerkship to the Synod, though most probably to
no purpose, after delaying so long, and after so much dili-
gence used on the part of Laurie. And I am afraid, after
what is past, there may be a hazard of quarrelling with
Laurie about this affair.
Thursday, October 21st. — Guests left us in the forenoon.
Afterwards read miscellaneously, and was a while in the
glebe. P.m. went to Ednam, and spoke to Mr. Pollock
about James Allan's affair. He is ready to do anything.
Mused most of the night about that affair, and made a
calculation, on as favourable suppositions as I could, of the
number of votes that might be made for Mr. Allan in the
Synod ; but cannot see probability of success.
Friday, October 22nd. — Wrote a letter to James Allan
about the Synod clerkship. Wrote also to Hog 2 and
John Bell to ask them to keep their votes for Allan, if not
already engaged. Afternoon and evening, read some of
the Memoirs of the Due de Sully, the first volume of which
I at last got from the library.
The fall of Kelso bridge* — This evening, a little before 5,
the dismal accident happened of the fall of the last-built
and one of the greatest arches of Kelso bridge, from which
they had almost finished the work of removing the coomb
when it fell and destroyed 6 men, who have all of them
left families, Pringle and Hogarth, two of the principal
wrights, large ones. It was visibly giving way before it
came down, but Walker, the principal workman, a stupid,
brutal fellow, insisted that the men should continue their
work. I heard the noise of the fall, which I thought a
discharge of musquetry, or a distant, clap of thunder,
1 Walter Scott, uncle of Sir Walter Scott, eldest son of Robert Scott in
Sandyknowe. He was a W.S. : married Anne Rutherford, and had thir-
teen children.
2 Robert Hogg, minister of Roxburgh 1735-81, married 1743 Mary
Home, and had one son and six daughters.
3 Marginal note.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 99
standing at the corner of my house. Sir Robert heard it
about his own doors, and afterwards learned that Mrs.
Stevenson's son and a servant heard it at Home Byres.
Munday, October 25th. — Baptized a child at Home a.m.
Read some more of Sully's Memoirs. In the evening
arrived first Monteith and Walter Anderson, and then
James Allan. Had a good deal of talk about the clerkship
and other things.
Tuesday, October 26th. — James Allan set out in the
morning for Sandy Know, to see what W. Scot had done.
Monteith, Walter Anderson, and I rode down to the Synod,
where Laurie was chosen clerk at the first dyet by a
majority of 11 or 12 ; whence it is easy to conclude that if
James Allan had employed due pains, he must certainly
have succeeded. Monteith had a considerable number of
votes ; being set up and having interest made for him
by his friends, after he had himself engaged for Laurie.
But as he had not strength enough to carry his point, he
declined standing, and most of his votes went over to
Laurie. Laurie complained a good deal of Allan's be-
haviour and mine, which certainly had not a very favour-
able appearance. James was overpowered by the solici-
tation of his friends at Allanbank, so far as not to decline
being a candidate, and the interest was made for him by
them and not by himself : and that after Laurie had had
time to make all the interest in his power. As for myself,
my engagement to Laurie proceeded always on the sup-
position of James Allan's not being a candidate, so that
when he became one, which he did too without my advice,
I thought myself obliged to vote for him, yet the behaviour
of both himself and me, is abundantly liable to miscon-
struction, and few things of the kind have given me more
uneasiness. In the afternoon sederunt, went through the
minutes, and heard the papers in the Jedburgh Cause,
which were insufferably tedious, and nothing could be
more absurd and improper than Riccalton's long answers
to the reasons of appeal drawn by T. Potts, consisting
chiefly of low, personal altercation with that pettifogger,
who is, however, much the better writer of the two.
100 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
Supped at Waldie's with Sir John Stewart and a mixt
company of ministers, and some Jedburgh people, his
clients.
Wednesday, October 27th. — In the forenoon dyet heard
parties in the Jedburgh cause, in which M'Queen 1 was
advocate for the Crown, and Sir John Stewart for the
opponents of Douglas the presentee, 2 and after a very
short reasoning, referred it simpliciter to the Commission,
who were empowered by the late Assembly, to judge in
any question relating to this affair. Din'd at Wood's
with M'Quean and a large company, entertained at the
expense of Lord Braidelbine, whose minister Douglas is,
and by whose interest he procured this presentation.
One Watt, Breidelbine's agent, was attending the cause
at the Synod. In the evening went through the ordinary
form, appointed a collector for the poor sufferers by the
fall of the bridge and rose. Spent the evening again with
M'Quean and his company. Gave this attendance on
M'Quean on account of his commission with the Advocate.
Sate too long, and drank a good deal too much.
Thursday, October 28ih. — Came home from the Synod to
dine. Trotter and Lundy, with whom James Allan and I
had appointed to go to Selkirk to see the Solicitor (after^
wards Lord Aylmer) 3 did not come up from Kelso till
near 4. We thought it too late to set out then, and
therefore prevailed with them to stay all night. Monteith
came up about 8. He had disclosed himself last night a
candidate for the clerkship, Laurie having only been
chosen durante bene placito, and a bruit being raised without
any just ground that Mr. Allan was to be a candidate.
But after various conversations and dealings of him and
1 Robert Macqueen, afterwards the famous Lord Braxfield, of whom
so many stories are told. No wonder that Ridpath afterwards complains
of the late hours and of having drank too much in his company.
2 John Douglas, minister of Jedburgh 1758-68. He had been appointed
to the parish on the resignation of his presentation by Bonar (see ante, p. 66)
and his settlement had been strongly opposed, and gave rise to the Relief
Church under Boston, as formerly mentioned.
3 Marginal note.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 101
his friends with Laurie, he resolved to drop it. Got a
good deal of sport from him on various subjects.
Friday, October 29th. — Set out for Selkirk about 8, and
got to it betwixt 12 and 1. Learned that the Solicitor
was gone to the burial of Davidson of Galashiels, 1 who
dyed last Sunday. Staid and dined with Trotter ; and
Mr. Pringle 2 having returned in the evening, James Allan,
Lundy, and I went to see him, and were kept by him to
sup. Very civilly received and entertain'd. Talked to
him some generals about the Hutton affair, in which I
hope he will be friendly. A man of much dignity and
sense, and very entertaining conversation.
Saturday, October 30th. — This week has been good
weather, and has served to bring in the corn in most
places of this country. Left Selkirk betwixt 9 and 10.
Lundy struck off from us at Melrose, and James Allan and
I got here before 2. After dinner he set out homewards.
Did something for to-morrow, and read August Magazine,
Avhich had come from Berwick while I was away.
Munday, November 1st. — Rode to M'Kerston, where I
preached on 1 John 3. 3. Colleagued with James Richard-
son. Robert Turnbull there, and Andrew Chatto came
- in the evening, having gone to Dryburgh in the morning.
We staid all night. Mrs. Chatto was there at dinner, but
set out immediately after it, her eldest boy having been
taken ill yesterday, from which they fear the small-pox.
A servant was sent to inform them of this.
Tuesday, November 2nd. — Robert Turnbull came up
with me from M'Kerston to dine. Borrowed £5 from
Wm. Walker. He lent me it with a very good grace, for
which am much obliged to him. Robert went away about
4. Read afterwards a good deal of Sully's Memoirs.
. Wednesday, November 3rd. — At the Presbytery, where
1 Henry Davidson, minister of Galashiels 1714-56 : he was the last
survivor of the twelve who petitioned the Assembly in 1721 against the
Act condemning the Marrow of Divinity : though much in sympathy with
the Glassites, both his people and the Presbytery prevailed on him to
continue in his charge till his death.
• 2 Lord Alemoor, then Solicitor-General.
102 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
we had no business. Staid in town all night, and attended
a library meeting, where we gave commissions for a good
many books. Agreed also to return the General Dictionary,
which I did not much oppose as I saw it would be in
vain, and as it is certain that the other parts of that work
are greatly inferior to Bayle's.
Thursday, November Mh. — Came from Kelso before
dinner. Read Scots Magazine for September, in which
is the distinctest account of the present Swedish Consti-
tution I have anywhere met with. Read also a good
deal of Sully.
Friday, November 5th. — Read Memoirs of the Due de
Sully, and finished first volume. Many pages of it are
very interesting. It gives a very perfect view of the
character of Henry iv., but an incompleat one of his
history and actions. Wrote to Philip and James
Allan in the morning, and revised some of Scots
Magazine.
Saturday, November 6th. — Prepared for to-morrow.
Read out the Scots Magazine, and revised some of Sully.
Tom Pollock here great part of the day, to whom I ex-
plained some things.
Munday, November Sth. — Revised in the forenoon two
chapters of Job, which I had read last night. Also read
some things in the Present State of Great Britain, which
I had got from the library. Afternoon, went to see
sick at Home, and drank tea at Home Byres. Soon slept
on second volume of Sully's Memoirs, which I got from
the library to-day.
Tuesday, November 9th. — Delved the ground for tulips,
etc., and read much of second volume of Sully's Memoirs.
Young Sked here some part of the day. Nancy went to
Berwick. Ventured her on my young horse with Charles,
not being easily able to get another.
Wednesday, November 10th. — Wm. Stevenson here at
dinner, and most of the day. Examined him in
Euclid.
Friday, November 12th. — Read Sully's second volume to
an end, and was at Sir Robert's in the evening, where was
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
103
Mr. Pringle of Lochtown, 1 who has been staying there
for some time. An oldish man, resembling old Frankie
a good deal in his looks and manner.
Munday, November 15th. — Rode to Kelso, where Robert
Turnbull and John Hume of Greenlaw preached. John
Hume came home with me in the evening, and staid all
night. He told us that Marchmont and his lady set out
for London last Friday ; also, which is yet a sort of
anecdote, that the Lord Register and his lady have parted. 2
The two brothers will be a little disconcerted with the
change of the Ministry, which is now, it is said, certain
to take place.
Wednesday, November 17th. — Went to Home a.m. to
baptize a child. Afterwards read as yesterday in Present
State of Great Britain, and Sully. Andrew Johnson
over in the evening with shoes to Will.
Thursday, November 18th. — Read a good deal of the
third volume of Sully, which I got from the library in the
morning. Read also the greatest part of the September
London Magazine, which I got from Berwick. Looked
to some things in Buchanan.
Friday, November 19th. — Read much of Sully, and
walked a little in the garden and glebe. Also in the town
p.m., seeing the boy Baptie, who is much the better of
having been 6 or 7 weeks at Moffat.
Saturday, November 20th. — Thomas Pollock came up
in the forenoon to desire me down to dine on a piece of their
mart. 3 Will and I went down with him, and I came up
1 Mr. Pringle of Lochtown was probably a son of Sir Walter Pringle
of Lochtown, advocate, who sat on the Bench as Lord Newhall. Sir
Walter was the second son of Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchel, first Baronet,
and married a daughter of Johnston of Hilton. Old Frankie may refer
to his younger brother Francis, who was a doctor of medicine.
2 The Lord Clerk Register had married in 1737 Elizabeth Pettie, of
London.
3 Families in the country were in the habit of killing and salting an
ox at Martinmas, when it was still fat from the summer feeding. They
then ate down one side and up the other during the winter. This dinner
may have consisted of a fresh piece of the meat before the remainder was
salted.
104
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
again in the evening. Prepared something for to-morrow
at Kelso, and read some of Sully.
Sunday, November 21st. — At Kelso for Mr. Lundy, who
went to attend the Commission. Lectured on Psalm 92.
Preached on Colossians 3. 1. Dined in Mr. Dawson's.
Saw Dr. Gibson in the evening, who has been distrest for
some time past with some hydropic and asthmatic symp-
toms, which, however, seem at present to be somewhat
alleviated.
Munday, November 22nd. — Read to the end of Sully's
Memoirs, which, upon the whole, are a very great enter-
tainment ; yet not without a mixture of less interesting
details from which scarce any writings of that sort are
free. Such is the importance of every man to himself.
Read also a good deal of Present State of Great
Britain.
Wednesday, November 2Uh. — Read some of Present
State of Great Britain. A good deal diverted with
different people coming in. P.m. at Queen's Cairn seeing
the Bailie's mother. Read at night some of Buchanan,
who writes the Latin delightfully.
Thursday, November 25th. — Read also again in Sully,
the account of Henry's grand project, the forming of
which and the wise preparations for its execution give
him a better title to the name of Great than all the great
things he ever actually accomplished. Wrought at night
on Will's discourse.
Friday, November 26th. — Read chiefly in Present State
of Great Britain a.m. P.m. shaved and rode to Eccles
to see Mr. and Mrs. Dysart before they set out for Edin-
burgh, which they intend on Wednesday next. The
children have been all there for a fortnight past. Spent
evening and night very agreeably. Nobody with them
but Mrs. Gordon.
Munday, November 29th. — At Home seeing sick and
baptizing children. Had a message in the morning from
Robert Turnbull desiring me over to Sprouston. Rode
over in the evening. His niece is unwell of a scorbutick
disorder, complicated with a sort of remitting fever. Saw
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
105
Spence's Polymetis 1 which he has from the library, in
which there is a great collection of the sculptures.
Tuesday, November 30th. — Detained at Sprouston all
day and night. Doctor Shaw called a.m. and dined.
John Millar there p.m. seeing Aly.
Wednesday, December 1st. — Came from Sprouston by
the way of Ednam, Robert Turnbull along with me.
Mr. Pollock also and his daughter came up to dinner.
They returned in the evening. Robert staid all night.
W. Stevenson here at tea. Got a letter when I came home,
desiring me to the burial of Alison Bell, who died yesterday.
Thursday, December 2nd. — Set out at 7 in the morning
for Dunse, the hour mentioned in the burial letter being 9.
Got there not long after 9 ; road somewhat deep, but not
so bad as I expected. Burial did not move till past 11,
and it was near 1 before we got to Bunkle, the place of
interment. Laurie, who was at the burial, carried me over
to Longformacus, where we staid all night. Would have
done better to have gone back to Dunse, as I was desired
by Haig, but was not fond of the company there, and was
loth to part with Laurie. Alison made her testament
about a twelvemonth ago, and appointed Haig her exe-
cutor, and his children her principal heirs. To the other
brothers and sisters she has left £5 each. By her death
I am freed of the tax of 10 shillings a year, which I paid
as the interest of the £10 I got from her some years ago,
and for which she refused to take an obligation. For this
I was much obliged to her, especially as it was at the time
a very seasonable supply, and I have been in the use ever
since, and some time I think also before, to send her a
fow of malt 2 annually. It had not been sent at the
usual time this year for want of proper opportunity.
She also, some time after my father's death, gave me up a
1 Joseph Spence (1699-1768), Professor of Poetry at Oxford 1746, and
Regius Professor of Modern History 1742 : published Polymetis, a treatise
on classical mythology, 1747: chiefly known by his Literary Anecdotes,
dealing with Pope and his circle.
2 A fow is a specially south country word, and from the primary
meaning of a full measure came to signify a firlot or bushel.
10G DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATII [1756
bill of his for £6, and did not even take interest for this :
so that I have been more obliged to her in this way than
I have ever been to anybody else.
Friday, December 3rd. — Came over from Longformacus
to Langtown with Laurie. Din'd with him, and drank
tea and supped in B.. Cockburn's, where Peggy is looking
very well. An agreeable girl really.
Saturday, December 4>th. — Laurie came over with me to
John Hume's, with whom we dined. Home of Fogo's
eldest son 1 there, who is fixed on John for a pupil in
Divinity, in consequence of a grimace of a promise which
John made to his father when dying, the fulfilment of
which the widow and daughters insist upon, in the view
of accomplishing a project which is not likely to succeed,
of getting the son into the father's kirk. John has been
giving the youth some lessons, and made him give Laurie
and me a specimen of his proficiency, which showed that
he is not incapable, tho' a foolish, affected coxcomb. He
is determined, however, to shake him off, tho' I suspect
that the disappointment of his own views in succeeding
to Fogo might make it very disagreeable to him to defeat
the schemes of others, particularly W. Home of Polwarth,
who is most likely to be the man. Came home in the
evening, and read some of Pitscottie's 2 Scots History,
which had come from the library on Tuesday last, along
with the Irish Compendium.
Sunday, December 5th. — Rode to Eccles, and preached
for Mr. Dysart. He and his wife set out for Edinburgh
last Wednesday, and got in on the Thursday. Came by
Mains, and baptized a child. Would have staid to dine
1 This was Andrew, the eldest son of William Home, who was minister
of Fogo 1722 to 1756, when he died. He was no relation of his successor
in the parish, another William Home of the Bassendean family and who
was the minister of Polwarth 1735 to 1758, and was predecessor in that
parish 'of Sandy Hume, the son of John Hume of Abbey St. Bathans,
minister of Greenlaw.
2 This would likely be Freebairn's edition of the well-known History of
Scotland, by Robert Lindsay of Pitscottie, published in 1728, though it
may perhaps have been a reprint of that edition published by Urie, Glasgow,
in 1749.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 107
with Mr. Watson, but had promised to come back to dine
with Mr. Walker, whom Matthew had procured to preach
for me here. Got home about 3. Mr. Walker staid all
night.
Munday, December 6th. — Mr. Walker staid till 12. Had
the news, in which there is nothing remarkable. After-
wards looked to some things in the Irish Compendium,
and read Pitscottie, who is often diverting with his simple,
antique manner and stile.
Thursday, December 9th. — Thomas Pollock, junior, here,
also three of the elders, counting the box, and giving out
their share of last year's collections to the Home people.
Evening and night read more of the reviews.
Friday, December 10th. — Read the reviews near to an
end. These works are improved a good deal of late.
The account of the work on Pope's genius and writings is
full of most learned and candid criticism. Attended a
while, and directed the leading of the muck. Went to
Sir Robert's p.m., and staid till after supper.
Saturday, December llth. — Slept on the Irish Com-
pendium, There is at the end of it a sort of abrege
of the principles of Heraldry, from which a good deal of
that art might be learned with a little pains.
Wednesday, December 15th. — Read Pitscottie to an end,
the whole of which is a very simple narrative, but in some
places discovering much more silliness and credulity than
in others. The stile abounds with old vernacular idioms,
which are often diverting. Read also the prefaces to
Melville's Memoirs, 1 and looked to some things in Sir John
Stewart's index to the Scots Acts.
Thursday, December 16th. — Read some of the Principles
of Heraldry at the end of the Irish Compendium, from
which I see, by a little perseverance, some knowledge may
be obtained of this Art, of which I have been hitherto
wholly ignorant. Rest of the day read some of Melville,
also the fifteenth book of Buchannan, and the short account
of Ireland in the beginning of the Irish Compendium.
1 Sir James Melville of Hallhill (1535-1617). His Memoirs were first
published by his grandson, George Scott of Pitlochie, in 1683.
108
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1756
Friday, December 17th. — Mr. Dawson here at dinner.
Got Drummond of Hawthornden's works from Sir Robert's,
in which I read several things. At night read a good
deal of the history of King James 1. in Buchannan. J find
a piece of him will be very refreshing to intermix with the
other Scots Historians, some of which I intend to go
through.
Munday, December 20th. — James Turnbull staid till
after dinner. Read afterwards James i.'s life to an end
in Hawthornden, who generally agrees with Buchannan,
and often almost copies him. Read also in Pitscottie
and Hawthornden part of the reign of James 11.
Tuesday, December 21st. — At Home attending a meeting
about the poor. Baptized also a child, and saw some
sick. Philip came before dinner by the way of Whitsum.
He preached at Swinton for Cupples on Sunday. Chatted
evening and night with him.
Wednesday, December 22nd. — Prepared, in the garden,
ground for planting tulips, which the frequent frosts have
hindered my planting hitherto. Read, evening and night,
more of the Principles of Heraldry in the Irish Com-
pendium, and also a good deal of the Reign of James 11. in
Buchannan.
Thursday, December 23rd. — A.m. planted my tulips.
Would also have planted my ranunculuses, but W. Steven-
son came to dinner before I had done. He sate till the
evening. Afterwards read in the Irish Compendium and
Buchannan.
Friday, December 2Uh. — Walked to John Watson's at
Mains to baptize a child to one of his servants. Philip
went along with me, and we dined there. Mr. Lundy
came in the evening in his way from Lothian, where he
has been almost a month. He staid all night. Heard
from him further accounts of the great success of John
Home's play. 1
Saturday, December 25th. — Went to the burial of the
1 Douglas had been brought out at the theatre in Edinburgh on 14th
December.
1756] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 109
Bailie's mother, who had been long ill. A good many
people there. Mr. Lundy staid, and Mr. Dobbie came
to dinner. Both went away in the evening. Did some-
thing for to-morrow.
Munday, December 27th. — Walked to Hermiston-heads
a.m. to baptize a child to the tenant there. Evening
read all the Elements of Heraldry at the end of the Irish
Compendium, except the examples ; a few also of them.
A revisal and a little practise would render me pretty much
master of these things.
Tuesday, December 28th. — Walked with Philip to Kelso.
Din'd with Mr. Lundy according to agreement, when we
saw him here. Drank tea in Mr. Dawson's, and supped
in Dobbie's, whose wife is an agreeable, sensible woman.
Robert Turnbull came up to dinner, and staid all night.
Wednesday, December 29th. — Messrs. Turnbull, Lundy,
Philip, and myself walked to Lintoun, where we arrived
about 1. Preferred walking to riding on account of the
frost. Staid at Lintoun all night. Diverted with Lundy' s
simple zeal for all that he thinks right, and against all
heresy and vice. This has such a root in him, that it
makes it difficult for him either to know the world, or to
render himself agreeable to the bulk of it, especially to
that called the Beau Monde. Notwithstanding of which,
he is a man of extraordinary probity and virtue.
Thursday, December 30th. — Went over in a body to
Morbattle, and dined ; Andrew breakfasted with us at
Lintoun. Staid at Morbattle all night. Rather perse-
cuted our brother Mr. Lundy too much, so as to give him
some uneasiness. I often repent of this, yet it is hard to
resist the temptation that the uncommon simplicity and
innocent foibles of the man afford.
Friday, December 31st. — Prevailed with to stay at Mor-
battle to dine. Scot of Belford dined with us. After 3
set out with a design to go to Kelso, but Mr. Lundy wet
his foot in a hole in the way to Lintoun, which, with its
being too late, determined us to stay there all night.
110 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
1757
Saturday, January 1st. — Set out from Lintoun after break-
fast, and got to Kelso before 1. Din'd with Mr. Lundy,
and came home about 4. Left Philip at Kelso to preach
for Mr. Lundy to-morrow. Somewhat fatigued. Did
something for to-morrow.
Sunday, January 2nd. — Had a letter from Mr. Dysart
with the Magazine for 1757, which I had desired him to
procure for me, also the June and October Magazine for
the 1741, which I wanted to compleat the set for that
year. He has also secured for me, in Mr. Hamilton's sale,
a Latin translation of Plutarch's Lives. He writes me,
what Rogers of Howman, whom we met yesterday cross-
ing the boat, had told us before, that there has been a
great stir in the Presbytery of Edinburgh about John
Home's play, and that orders have been given to write
to the Presbytery of Haddington and also to the other
Presbyteries, some of whose members went to the Play
House to see it acted. These were Carlisle, Wm. Home,
Mr. Dysart, Francis Scot, 1 and Cupples. Also Steel 2 in
Air Presbytery, and White 3 in Edinburgh Presbytery.
Matthew also writes that Anderson's 4 prosecution of Lord
Kaims does not fall with the prosecutor, who died a fort-
night ago, but that Alexander Webster, 5 etc., appear in
support of the libel. These affairs are likely to be trouble-
some.
1 Francis Scott, minister of Westruther 1738-81. Succeeded his father,
Walter, in the parish.
2 John Steel, minister of Stair, died ' Father of the Church ' in 1804,
aged ninety-three. He, like the others who attended the performance of
Douglas, had to express regret before the Presbytery.
3 John White, minister of Liberton 1752-89, was suspended for three
weeks for having attended the performance of Douglas.
4 Rev. George Anderson, chaplain in Watson's Hospital, who though
nearly eighty years of age had vehemently attacked Karnes in a pamphlet
entitled Estimate of the Profit and Loss of Religion . . .
5 Alexander Webster, minister of Tolbooth Parish, Edinburgh, 1737-84.
A leader of the evangelical party in the Church, but more famous for his
convivial and social habits, which made him very popular and beloved.
Carlyle gives a pungent estimate of him in his Autobiography.
i 7 57] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 111
Monday, January 3rd. — Went to Home to baptize and
see sick. Philip staid at Kelso, dining at Dobby's. Even-
ing and night read scheme of the last year's Militia Bill
in the Magazines, and also Fletcher's discourse on Militias,
where there is a much nobler scheme, tho' less practicable.
Tuesday, January 4>th. — Walked to the Presbytery,
where we had some trifling business about a fornicator.
Mr. Chatto and his wife, Messrs. Robert and James
Turnbull, and Mr. Lundy came up with Philip and me,
and staid all night. Abundantly cheerful.
Wednesday, January 5th. — Company staid to dine.
Only Mr. Lundy was obliged to go to a poor's meeting.
Mr. Walker came up from M'Kerston, with whom Mr.
Chatto and his wife rode down in the afternoon. Robert
and James Turnbull staid all night.
Thursday, January 6th. — We went down to M'Kerston
to dine, whither Mr. Lundy came in the evening, and T.
Hall from Berwick, which filled Mr. Walker's house.
Friday, January 7th. — Came up with Philip from
Mr. Walker's before dinner. Saw before I came away a
great curiosity : stones taken out of John Hall. T. Hall
had in a box the stones which were taken out of the
bladder of his father, who died about 3 months ago. They
were in number 28, nearly of the same size and shape.
They were tetraedra, the angles rounded, and sides for
most part a little hollowed ; of a light brown colour, and
not weighty for their size, and of a pretty firm consistency.
Parts of some of the strata had been broken off from
several of them, and a good many of such scaly pieces
were found in the bladder amongst them, and kept in a
piece of paper by themselves. What was the immediate
cause of the patient's death was a piece of this kind,
which for a long time stopt the urethra, and was of a darker
colour and much harder than any of the large stones.
The weight of all the stones and pieces was about 8 ounces.
I have scarce seen anything that could give the idea of
greater misery than what the unhappy patient must have
endured. In the evening Philip and I went up to Sir
Robert's, and staid till after supper.
112 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1757
Saturday, January 8th. — Walked to Wm. Stevenson's
with Philip, and dined. Saw there a burlesque epilogue
to John Home's tragedy. Both it and the prologue seem
to be from one hand, which is now said to be Hugh
Dalrymple, 1 the advocate. They are not void of satirical
wit, though their principal character is malignity. Had
a line from Matthew Dysart, along with a Latin Transla-
tion of Plutarch's Lives, which he has bought for me,, in
which he tells me that the Presbytery of Haddington
have shown great contempt of the letter from the Presby-
tery of Edinburgh informing against John Home, and
have delayed the consideration of it till March.
Munday, January 10th. — Walked to Home to see sick,
and to marry M. Brown to James Landreth's son. 2 Even-
ing read part of the younger Cato's life in Plutarch, and
compared it with the Latin translation, which I found in
many places very helpful, though often both licentious
and erroneous. It is the work of various hands, mostly
Italians, and the chief hand is Lapus, a Florentine, who
translates this Life of Cato. I suppose Rylander's trans-
lation is better.
Wednesday. January 12th. — Examined again in the kirk.
Mr. Dawson here a while in the forenoon. Got Ruddi-
man's edition of Buchannan 3 belonging to Mr. Lundy
from Mr. Dobby, also his Answer to Man,* in both which
I read miscellaneously. At night wrought on Will's
exercise and addition.
Thursday, January ISth. — Thomas Pollock here to bid
us farewell. He sets out for London 2 or 3 days hence.
Read Buchannan, and Drummond on the life of James 1.
Friday, January 11th. — Read [the] Scots Compendium,
1 Hugh Dalrymple was the son of Robert Dalrymple of Waterside and
Dreghorn.
2 This was not a son of James Landreth, the minister of Simprin, who
is said in the Fasti Eccl. Scot, to have died unmarried.
3 Thomas Ruddiman, the grammarian, published an edition of
Buchanan's works in two volumes, 1715. In his Jacobitical preface and
notes he adversely criticised Buchanan's character and political views.
4 James Man, an Aberdonian philologist, who exposed errors in Ruddi-
man's edition of Buchanan.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 113
Buchannan, and Sage's Preface to Drummond, in which I
think it is established beyond a possibility almost of
doubting that Buchannan's account of Robert n.'s
marriages is wrong, and that Elisabeth Mure was his first
wife and was dead before he came to the throne. Wrought
at night on Will's discourse.
Munday, January 11th. — Read [the] Scots Compendium,
Drummond, and Buchannan, who is certainly scarce
inferior to the very best classicks. I read him with vast
pleasure. Had a letter from Philip, where he tells me
that a ship from Nevis in which Samuel Stanton had some
goods remitted for a debt long due to him at Nevis and
into which he was led by Bridgewater, has been lost on
the South of England. (This was a misinformation. 1 )
Philip probably had at least letters for him in the same
ship. There seems to be no end of his misfortunes and
disappointments from that quarter.
Thursday, January 20th. — Examined at Home Byres,
and rode over from that to Greenlaw according to appoint-
ment with Mr. Dysart last Saturday. Very cold, and
several bad steps in the riding ; yet most places still
bear. Found Matthew at Greenlaw, whose errand was
to talk with John Hume about the letter from the Presby-
tery of Edinburgh informing against him and Willy Home
for going to see Douglas. Found John as moderate as
could be wished.
Friday, January 21st. — Staid with John Hume till after
dinner. He and Mr. Dysart were seeing in the forenoon
H. Brunfield, who was seized and brought to prison on
Saturday, after long hunting him in vain. It 's perfectly
in his power to satisfy his creditors and be at liberty when
he pleases. But he is an incorrigibly obstinate fool, not
without a great dash of the rogue. Found it extremely
bad riding, but my horse being pretty well shod kept up
better than I could have expected. Found a letter from
Philip, enclosing one to him and another to me from
Ephraim, who seems to have resumed his work on Pytha-
goras's Life and Philosophy.
1 Marginal note.
H
114 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Saturday, January 22nd. — Minna Dawson here till the
evening. John Miller dined with us, having been at
Home Byres with a lying-in woman. Andrew Johnson
here most of the evening. Did something for to-morrow,
and wrote to Philip at night.
Munday, January 2Uh. — Walked to Fallside Hill to
examine, and baptized a child at Home Byres and another
at Home. Evening looked to some things relating to
Pythagoras in Stanley, which I had got from Kelso in the
morning, with a view of writing to Ephraim Neilson.
Slept on Buchannan, end of James 11. 's life.
Tuesday, January 25th. — A.m. chiefly employed in
mending some things about my clothes. Rest of the day
read Drummond and Buchannan.
Wednesday, January 26th. — Examined at Oxmuir.
Read in the evening part of the life of Pythagoras in
Stanley, and wrought at night on Will's exercise and
addition.
Thursday, January 21th. — Walked to Todrig and ex-
amined. Much ice on the ground, and a very thin covering
of snow. Evening read the London (December) Magazine
which came from Philip. Had also a letter from him, in
which he writes me, he heard from Allan last week at
Edinburgh, who wrote him that Lord Home's papers
relating to Hutton have at last been seen by our lawyers,
and that the issue of the affair is doubtful, tho' there
are good hopes. Andrew Pringle, on whose judgment we
could most depend, is, it seems, unwell.
Friday, January 28th. — Look'd into and read some of
the beginning of Cicero de Oratore, of which John Hume
of Greenlaw sent me Pearce's edition a.m. 1 P.m. shaved
and went to Sir Robert's, where Miss Pringle has been
distrest a good deal with cholick pains and a looseness
for some time past. Got my stipend. Came home
before 9, and wrought at night on Will's discourse.
Munday, January Slst — Read a pamphlet which I got
from the library by Wm. Stevenson entitled Remarks on
1 Zachary Pearce (1690- 17 74), Bishop of Rochester 1756.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 115
the French Memorials about the Limits of Acadia. The
pamphlet is heavily wrote, but exposes sufficiently the
chicanery and effrontery of the French with regard to this
affair. Paid John Smeaton for carriers etc. Andrew
Johnson a while here in the evening.
Tuesday, February 1st. — Paid James Hay in the fore-
noon. Afterwards, having shaved, went to Ednam, where
I found Andrew Chatto and James Turnbull. Mr. Pollock
had trysted us to speak about the repairs of his kirk, but
had settled, at least thinks he has, the affair with his
heritors beforehand. Andrew and James Turnbull came
up with me and staid all night.
Wednesday. February 2nd. — Weather the same, ex-
tremely cold. Trees and shrubs, etc., hanging with much
rime, which fell both last night and this in uncommon
quantities. My guests after breakfast walked down with
me to the Presbytery leaving their horses here. At the
Presbytery, chiefly employed in a wrangle betwixt Mr.
Lundy and his heritors about the funds in the Session's
hands, which they would have dispersed, and Mr. Lundy
inclines to keep entire. Advised him to give them £10
to answer the present loud demands of the poor, but to
endeavour, if he can, to replace it. Had a library meeting
at night, where we sate till 12. Commissioned several
books, amongst the rest, Postlethwayt's Dictionary of
Commerce. 1
Thursday, February 3rd. — Breakfasted in Dobbie's,
and din'd in Mr. Lundy 's. Came home in the evening.
Dozed and read a little miscellaneously. To-day and
yesterday, had letters from Philip enclosing others from
James Allan and G. Wallace, all relating to the affair of
Hutton, which has at last been called, and is at best in a
doubtful way ; as our lawyers have nothing it seems to
object to Lord Home's claim to the patronage of Hutton,
so that all depends now on making out the King's right
to Fishwick and that this is his vice.
1 Malachy Postlethwaite (1707-67) published in 1751 his Dictionary
0/ Trade and Commerce. It was a translation, with additions, from the
trench of J. Savary des Brulons.
116
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[1757
Friday. February \th. — Wrote a long letter to Philip,
chiefly about the Hutton affair. Afterwards read some
of Stanley. Also drew the form of a discharge for James
Hay, etc. Should have gone to Eccles, but it was very
cold and disagreeable, and I had something of a cold on
me from the Kelso expedition.
Munday. February 7th. — Examined at Home. Having
had an invitation from Sir Robert to dine, went up there
p.m., where found Dr. Wilson, Coventree, and Hunter
(son of the famous Hunter), who is sometimes preaching
at Home. Sate there till 8. Reverence of a common
superior, and what they call good breeding, are most useful
things in Society. We made very good company. Read
after I came home most part of Dr. F. Home's new work
on agriculture and vegetation, 1 which Mr. Dysart had
sent me.
Tuesday. February 8th. — Dismal weather. No plowing
for these 6 weeks past. Examined again in W. end of
Home, and dined with W. Stevenson. Came home in
the evening, and read out Dr. Home's work, and most
part of it over again. There are many good things in it,
but the stile is often faulty.
Wednesday, February 9th. — Read Dr. Home's work a
second time to an end. There are many useful hints and
a few curious enough experiments in it. But his work on
bleaching is in every respect a much better one. Did
something for to-morrow. Took a walk about mid-day
into my glebe where I have not been before these 6 weeks 1 .
There is much water on the lower parts of it which I must
be at some pains to carry off.
Friday. February llth. — Wrote to Philip to enclose
Ephraim's, and gave him a commission to desire Mr. Waite
to make Mr. Rutter to procure for W. Stevenson and my-
self each of us three tickets in the guinea lottery. Had
never opportunity of trying my fortune, as they call it, at
1 Francis Home (1719-1813), son of James Home of Eccles, published
his Principles of Agriculture and Vegetation, 1757 : it went through three
editions and was translated into French and German. The previous
year he had issued his Experiments on Bleaching (see p. 56).
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 117
so small a risque, and if by the Providence that orders all
things I should succeed .so far as to be enabled to dis-
charge any considerable part or the whole of my debts,
it would be a great blessing. And if I should get anything
more, I hope that I shall be always ready to share it with
my friends, or to employ it to some good purposes. And
tho' I should get nothing, it is contributing my mite to
serve my country in its present straits, and will not add
much to my poverty. Wrought about mid-day a while
in the garden, where the thaw has not penetrated above
an inch or two into the ground, below which it is still
as hard as iron. Rest of the day read Logan's tedious
first work on Government. 1 Got a collection of these
treatises and Ruddiman's answer from Mr. Dysart, being
willing to see what could be said against Robert n.'s
legitimacy, after the strong evidences adduced to support
it by Sage in his preface to Drummond of Hawthornden.
Most of what Logan advances on the subject is peevish
nibbling, tho' he shows plainly enough that the Hereditary
Right men have used Buchannan ill in attacking him
chiefly on the account of a mistake into which all the pre-
ceding historians conspired to lead him.
Saturday, February 12th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
read two-thirds of Logan's second Treatise, in which he
chiefly attacks the Charters published by Hay of Drum-
boot for proof of Robert n.'s legitimacy. Still, he says
strong things in vindication of Buchannan, but the
Charters plague him sore. Mr. Dawson here at dinner.
He brought me his account, running for about 5 years,
which I must see to have paid.
Munday, February 14>th. — Read all day Ruddiman's
1 George Logan (1678-1755), minister successively of Lauder, Sprouston,
Dunbar, and Trinity, Edinburgh : he was a voluminous author and con-
'troversialist : published his first Treatise on Government in 1746, and his
second the following year. They were really attacks on Thomas Ruddi-
man for his Jacobitical opinions expressed in his edition of Buchanan, and
were intended to prove that the right to the crown of Scotland was not
hereditary in the Jacobite sense. Ruddiman issued an answer to which
Logan replied in 1749, and supplemented it by five other letters which,
however, Ruddiman did not notice.
118 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
answer to Logan, with which I was upon the whole very
well entertained. Ruddiman writes with a good deal of
spirit, and there is always something to be learned from
him. His adversary, too, gives him all manner of advan-
tage. Read to within 50 or 60 pages of the end of this
work consisting of 400.
Tuesday, February 15th. — Walked to Home and exa-
mined, my horse having gone to Berwick for Nancy
yesterday. She came home in the evening ; all well there.
Read out Ruddiman' s work at night ; read also the news.
In the Edinburgh paper there is a long remonstrance from
the Bishop of Glasgow against John Home's tragedy, and
the Clergy who were seeing it acted, from which it appears
that these people continue the same fools they have been
for a long, long period.
Wednesday, February 16th. — Examined at Home, and
dined at W. Stevenson's with R. Turnbull. He came
home with me in the evening, and staid all night. He
tells me that D. Hume has inscribed his new Treatise to
John Home of Athelstaneford, which is a very strange
phenomenon, and, if there be any sense in it, it is so much
in the sublime as to be much above the reach of ordinary
capacities.
Thursday, February 17th. — Robert Turnbull staid till
after dinner. We rode down together to Kelso to the
burial of Mrs. Purves, who has been long in a poor shat-
tered way. Drank tea at Mr. Dawson's, and came home
in the evening. Rode part of the way with Sir Robert,
and talked to him of a project of buying a parcel of meal
for retailing at a lower rate to the Home people. He was
very well pleased with it, and disposed to join in it. Read
some part of Camden's account of Ireland in his Britannia,
2nd vol., which I got from the library last Friday. Read
also the papers, in which there is nothing new.
Friday, February ISth. — Planted anemones in the
garden. Read Love's 1 pamphlet in defence of Buchannan
1 John Love (1695-1750), grammarian and controversialist : rector of
Dalkeith grammar school 1739 : published in 1737 an edition of Buchanan's
version of the Psalms.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 119
wherein he seems to establish his points, though he is a
poor writer. Got from Kelso Hoadley and Wilson's
pamphlet on electricity, and read it almost to an end.
It is an ingenious work, and goes far to ascertain the
existence as well as some of the principal properties and
effects of Sir Isaac Newton's aether.
Saturday, February 19th. — Dobbie here dining and sate
till after tea. Had a letter from John Watson of Mains
in the morning desiring me to the burial of one of his
boys. Set out half an hour past 1, and reached it at 4.
Andrew Chatto came and staid all night. Brought some
new pieces of wit relating to the tragedy of Douglas,
which I had not seen before. Did something for to-
morrow, and wrought a little in the garden preparing a
bed for ranunculuses. Had a letter from Philip at night,
in which he tells me that James Allan has somewhere got
a sight of the decreet for the stipend of Hutton, but that
little is to be learned from it.
Munday, February 21st.— Examined at Home. Din'd in
Alexander Wilson's, and baptized a child to him. After-
wards baptized a child at Fallside Hill and rode W. to
Hardy's Mill Place to see the old man Fairbairn who is
probably dying. Came home after 6, and read about
40 pages of the beginning of Abercromby, 1 who forgets
the gravity of an historian, while he is almost every page
either wrangling against the English historians or in
defence of his idol of Hereditary Right. Otherwise he
seems to be a laborious and exact compiler.
Tuesday, February 22nd. — Set out after 10 on an expedi-
tion to Twisel concerted some time ago with Philip.
Found him according to appointment at Learmouth,
where I called in passing. Got to Twisel to dine, and
staid all night. Isaac Wood there, and Lamb of Norham.
Had a great variety of entertaining conversation. Lamb
sate till late, and Isaac a good while after the darkening.
Wednesday, February 23rd. — Staid at Twisel again all
1 Probably Martial Achievements of the Scots Nation, by Patrick
Abercromby, M.D. (1656-1720).
120 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1757
day and night, being a good deal prest by the Esquire, 1
who is indeed a very knowing and a very entertaining
man. He seems to be particularly a good mathematician
and natural philosopher ; has lived much at London and
had familiar access to the most distinguished men in
those branches of Science, of whom he entertained us with
several amusing anecdotes. He seems also to be a pretty
good classical store, and indeed talks with much judgment
on most subjects either of life or learning.
Thursday, February 2Mh. — Having appointed to examine
to-day at Home, set out betwixt 7 and 8 in the morning,
without seeing my landlord. Found the river much
swelled and was obliged to bribe the Cornhill boat people
with a good deal of drink to carry me over, which they
accomplished not altogether without danger, a great wave
breaking once into the side of the boat. Rode up straight
to Home, where I examined. Drank tea with John Mack
as I had often intended. Came home between 6 and 7.
Read the newspapers and some of Abercromby, but
mostly dozed.
Friday, February 25th. — Amused variously. Set the
clock a-going, which dust and smoke, I suppose, had
stopt. Mr. Stevenson here at tea. He paid me for my
barley, also gave me three guineas for Lottery tickets for
which I have given a commission to Mr. Waite. Cleared
with Sked in the forenoon ; and evening read some of
Abercromby.
Saturday, February 26th. — Some rain in the morning,
froze at night. At Home seeing a girl ill of the small-pox,
and with all the worst signs. P.m. Went to Sir Robert's
and drank tea and talked with him about some affairs of
the poor of Home. Miss Pringle a good deal better within
these few days.
Munday, February 2Sth. — Called at Sir Robert's be-
twixt 10 and 11 as I had appointed last Saturday. He
went with me to Home, where we settled some difficulties
1 Sir Francis Blake of Twizel Castle, an eminent mathematician : born
1709 : supported the Government in Durham during the rising of 1745 :
F.R.S. 1746 : created a baronet 1774 : died 1780.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 121
about Captain Home's Mortification, and began a sub-
scription for raising a fund for buying meal for the poor of
Home. Came back by Sir Robert's and dined. Miss
continues better, but they don't seem to understand the
necessity of a strict attention to her dyet, by which means
she seems to be in great danger. Evening and night read
some of Camden on Scotland, also some of the January
Magazine and Appendix, which came from Berwick to-day ;
and wrought a while on the Epitaph on Purdey which I
got from Blake in order to correct, but did not content
myself about it.
Tuesday, March 1st. — Attended a meeting of the Presby-
tery at Ednam appointed for the visitation of Mr. Pollock's
kirk, which has been lying in ruins almost these three
years. Laid on, in consequence of estimates of the proper
workmen given in upon oath, about £147. Andrew Potts
appeared for Sir Alexander Don, insisting on the removal
of the Kirk according to an agreement of the heritors of
the parish amongst themselves. But, as the tendency of
this opposition seem'd only to delay the thing longer
which has been too long delayed already, we did not
regard it. Mr. Lundy, who left Edinburgh last week,
tells me that G. Wallace seems to think that the King will
be found patron of Fishwick, and that they will have
sufficient proof of their being distinct parishes, but thinks
the affair cannot be finished this session. Wrote letters
at night to go by Will, who rides in to-morrow with the
horses for Mrs. Stevenson, to G. Wallace, Davidson, and
Gilbert Laurie to try to forward this affair in order to have
it ended if possible this Session, but I suppose in vain.
Wednesday, March 2nd. — Wrought in the garden clean-
ing the ground about the auriculas and crocuses. Read
the Appendix and January Magazine almost to an end,
and at night read half through again the pamphlet on
Electricity.
Thursday, March Srd. — Read the pamphlet on Elec-
tricity again to an end. Besides an ingenious explication
of the phenomena in former experiments, there are several
new and very curious ones, and all of them are well con-
122 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
trived, well illustrated, and the reasonings from them at
the same time very ingenious and very convincing.
Wrought a good deal in the garden, sowing first pease and
beans for which the ground is in pretty good condition.
Read what I had not read before of the Magazines, and
some parts of them over again. Slept soon on
Horace.
Friday, March Uh. — Had a letter in the morning by
the return of Mr. Stevenson's servant from John Davidson,
wherein he informs me that the Hutton cause is delayed
till June. He complains of a delay in James Allan about
examining and returning the Diligence for recovery of
papers. Wrote to Philip, and enclosed one to Mr. Blake
of Twisel with Purdey's epitaph. W. Stevenson here p.m.
Evening read some of Ruddiman's answer to Mann, and
slept on Horace.
Saturday, March 5th. — Employed all day in reading
Ruddiman's answer to Mann, and consulted the original
of Buchannan with Ruddiman's notes where it seemed
most necessary. Ruddiman proves this antagonist of his
almost everywhere equally malevolent and absurd. Both
of which he indeed is to a most provoking pitch so that
he has very good cause to complain of the reviewers for
showing any degree of mercy to such a wretch. This
pamphlet against them, which was only published last
summer, and is the last of his works, is bound up along
with the answer to Mann. At night did something for
to-morrow.
Tuesday, March 8th. — An abstract in the Review, from
Norden's Travels to Egypt and Nubia, 1 led me to read
part of Greaves' Pyramidographia, 2 which is a learned and
accurate work, tho' Norden points out some mistakes in
it. Read also some things about Poland and Prussia in
1 Frederick Lewis Norden (1708-92), Danish traveller and artist : pub-
lished accounts of Egypt and Nubia.
2 John Greaves (1602-1652), mathematician and traveller : Gresham
Professor of Geometry, London, 1630 : measured the pyramids of Egypt
and made collections of coins, gems and Oriental MSS., 1637-40 : Savilian
Professor of Astronomy, Oxford, 1643.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 123
the Atlas. At night read part of Buchannan's History of
David Bruce s Reign.
Thursday, March 10th. — Read a.m. betwixt 40 and 50
pages of the beginning of Cicero de Oratore. Pearce's
edition, whose notes are very judicious, and emendations
well founded. P.m. and evening read the January Review,
where there is a pretty long account of Bower's defence,
and the history of his escape published by himself ; also
of a pamphlet levelled particularly at his History of the
Popes, 1 in which this is compared with Tillemont's History
of the Emperors, from whom he appears to have copied
the greatest part, also of an answer to this by Mr. Bower.
From the whole, Bower's character appears still to be
very suspicious, tho' he seems to have said more in his
defence than I believe most people expected. Read at
night Abercromby's account of the Battle of Flodden,
and end of James iv.'s reign. ,
Friday, March 11th. — Read over again in the Review the
account of Bower's defence, etc. He seems, even by his
own confession, to be convicted of putting a great cheat
on the publick by his History of the Popes. He also
acknowledges a love-affair that is little to his honour.
Read some more of Cicero de Oratore, and slept on
Abercromby.
Munday, March 11th. — Wind N.W., high and cold, sun
and clouds. A.m. at Hardy's Mill Place and Home, seeing
sick. Afternoon went to Sir Robert's, and drank tea.
Frank there and sweet little Madi, who had come from
Edinburgh last night. Miss has been so very ill that Sir
Robert thought fit to send for her sister. Had a good
deal of talk about Douglas. Wrote to Will and also to
Philip. Slept on Buchannan.
Wednesday, March 16th. — Read more of Tully de Oratore.
Aly Pollock and the girl Cairns who is staying with her
1 Archibald Bower (1686- 1766), originally a Jesuit, but conformed to
Church of England 1726 : contributed History of Rome to Universal
History 1735-44 : readmitted Jesuit 1745, but again left the Society the
next year : published History of the Popes, seven vols., 1748-56. He seems
to have died a member of the Roman Church.
124 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
some days, came up about 4 p.m. and staid all night.
Charles came from Berwick p.m. whither he had gone
yesterday with a cargo of oat-meal. Got a letter from
Philip, in which he informs me that James Allan is at
Edinburgh this week, by whom we may expect to hear
something more about the Hutton affair.
Saturday, March 19th. — Did something for to-morrow,
and read a little of Tully de Oratore, and of Abercromby.
Robert Turnbull came here a.m. in his way from Edin-
burgh where he has been attempting the relief of a man
in his parishes impressed by the Justices, I believe un-
justly. Robert has entered too violently into that matter
and, I believe, to no purpose. He tells me that Garrick
is to act John Home's Douglas. 1 W. Stevenson here p.m.,
also Sir Robert Pringle and Torwoodlee a call in the
evening. '
Munday, March 21st. — Rode over to Linton in conse-
quence of a letter from Mr. Turnbull, desiring a meeting
to consider what we should do in regard to the window
tax for which we are threatened to have a decreet issued
against us on Tuesday next. All there but Messrs. Pollock
and Walker. Resolved to send up our money that it
might be paid if absolutely necessary, but at the same
time got Joseph Leek to write to his brother-in-law, the
Collector, desiring a delay of Diligence till we should have
leisure to inquire what ministers have done in other places.
We gave Mr. Hog our money, who is to be at Jedburgh
to-morrow. Robert Turnbull, Mr. Lundy, and I staid at
Lintoun all night.
Tuesday, March 22nd. — Breakfasted and dined at Mor-
battle. Set out with Robert Turnbull and Mr. Lundy
about 4. Robert rode home. I came to Kelso and drank
tea in passing with Mr. Lundy ; also talked to M'llwraith
about some debts he has a commission to call in for Mr.
Edmiston. Came home about 8. Got the news, where
there is a very favourable account of John Home's play.
1 Garrick had previously refused the play, and it was produced in
London by Rich at Covent Garden.
i 7 57] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
125
I slept on Rollins' Quintilian, which I borrowed from Mr.
Lundy.
Thursday, March 2Uh. — Read Tully de Oratore, of which
I finished the second book. Was spreading dung on the
grass in the glebe, when Robert Turnbull came. Went up
with him to Sir Robert whither he went to sollicit for his
Sprowston prisoners. Walter Pringle 1 there. Miss no
worse, but still in a poor way. Got the papers, in which
there is an account of much damage, chiefly in the W. of
England, by a tempestuous wind on the 15th. Our Fleet
in the Atlantick I am afraid will have a sore time of it.
Robert Turnbull staid all night.
Saturday, March 26th. — Set out at the same time with
Matthew [Dysart] on my expedition to Bunkel, 2 where I
had engaged to preach to-morrow, when I was there at
Alison Bell's burial. Dined at Greenlaw, and got a note
of the Fiars. Thence went over to Polwarth, where I
staid all night. Cupples there. They had just got a
printed copy of the new tragedy of Douglas sent from
London, whence also they hear that John had made £250
of his first Benefit night and got 20 guineas sent him by-
the Duke of Cumberland. Willy [Home] read Douglas,
but so badly that I could form no right judgment of it.
Sunday, March 27th. — Set out from Polwarth betwixt
7 and 8, and got to Bunkel betwixt 9 and 10. A decent
enough country audience. Sally Hart 3 a very well-
looking girl. Came to Langtown, and staid all night.
Munday, March 28th. — Set out from Langtown a.m.
and came home to dinner. Read at Langtown Ferguson's 4
1 Walter Pringle, advocate, Sheriff of Roxburghshire, brother of Sir
Robert, succeeded to the estate of Torsonce on the death of his brother
Gilbert, and died unmarried.
2 Bunkle is now included in the united parishes of Bunkle and Preston.
It is about fifteen miles from Stitchel.
3 Sally Hart was a daughter of Walter Hart, minister of Bunkle 1706-61,
•by his second wife Sarah, daughter of John Ker, surgeon. She is prob-
ably the Sarah Hart who married Ridpath's brother Will, the minister
of Edrom, in 1766.
4 Adam Ferguson (172^-1816). At this time Librarian to the Faculty
of Advocates : Professor of Natural Philosophy, Edinburgh, 1759 : of
126 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
serious work in defence of Douglas and the stage, which
is well enough intended and has some reasoning and
instruction in it, but the stile and manner of it is very
poor and dull, so that I am positive the author cannot be
a man of genius. Came home about 3. Afterwards dozed,
and read some pieces of Quintilian. Slept on Buchannan.
Tuesday, March 29th. — Read Cicero de Oratore, and
slept on Buchannan. Read also Newcastle, Edinburgh,
and last London papers. From the last-named I see that
Douglas was acted, I suppose for the fifth time, on Satur-
day the 19th, by the command of the Prince of Wales.
But on the Monday after, there was an interruption,
King Lear being acted that night for the benefit of Barry.
Wednesday, March 30th. — Indifferent seed-time. Sowed
second crop of beans and pease. John Miller came before
dinner, and staid till after tea. Read some of Cicero de
Oratore, in the evening, and slept soon on Buchannan.
Thursday, March 31st. — Read Cicero de Oratore, and a
good deal of Abercromby at night. Wrought a little in
the garden, and was at Home Byres p.m. talking to W.
Stevenson about the project of buying meal for the poor
of Home, for which Hunter is still willing to advance £20,
on Lord Home's account, as he informed by a letter in the
beginning of this week.
Friday, Aprile 1st. — Read a.m. Tully de Oratore. Sandy
Herriot came and dined. In the evening got Douglas
from Edinburgh, which I read and was a good deal inter-
ested by it, but must read it once more before I judge.
Read also great part of the February Review, which I got
from Kelso. In the foreign articles which they have
taken in to this Review for the first time, there is an
account of a good work published at Paris on the Revo-
lution of Arts, by Mehigan, also a very singular cure of a
cancer by an infusion of the Solanum Lethale.
Moral Philosophy 1764, and of Mathematics 1785 : a friend of Alexander
Carlyle, who mentions his pamphlet on Douglas, produced about the same
time as one by himself on the subject. It was entitled The Morality of
Stage Plays, which the author defended as indirectly sanctioned in Scrip-
ture, and directly by the fathers of the Church.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 127
Saturday, Aprile 2nd. — Read Douglas again, and am on
the whole very well pleased with it. Objection, I see,
may be made to some parts, both of the plan and exe-
cution, but in general it is a* fine tragic tale ; the principal
characters well marked and well supported ; the ex-
pression strong, and often beautiful, and I think more
natural and more free from fustian than almost any of
our modern tragedies. I am pretty confident it is a work
that will last, and as, with all its other qualities, it is
strictly pure and innocent in point of its morals, those
sons of dulness, faction, or malignity, who have shown
so much bitterness against it, must appear to a succeeding
age in a very wretched light. Read also the Review to
an end. Wrought some in the garden, and did something
for to-morrow.
Sunday, Aprile 3rd. — Called up about 5 to see a woman
who was like to die with the continuance of a vomiting,
which had followed upon taking an emetic yesterday
afternoon. After the vomiting ceased, some violent
hysterics succeeded. John Miller was sent for and quieted
these troublesome symptoms by some proper remedies.
Munday, Aprile \th. — Saw in the forenoon the woman
who was so ill yesterday. She is tolerably easy again,
but remembers not anything that passed yesterday, nor
even of the taking of her vomit, soon after which the
people about her say she seemed to become insensible,
which circumstances, and with the extreme violence of its
operation and the fits that succeeded, make it look like
something poisonous.
Tuesday, Aprile 5th. — Went to the Presbytery, which
met also yesterday, about the window tax business,
according to an appointment at Lintoun, which I had
quite forgot. Some of the Brethren had in the interval
been making enquiry and had found that ministers in
several other counties had not yet paid nor were resolved
to pay till their appeals were discust, and that no dili-
gences had been issued against any of them, upon which
we resolved also to delay paying. To-day, had before us
the affair of Ednam Kirk. Since our meeting at Ednam,
128
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[i757
we have all got summoned at the instance of Ednam and
Sir Alex. Don on a process for transportation of the kirk
by the authority of the Commissioners of the Teinds.
But as we looked upon this a*s only intended for a delay,
we gave our decreet against the heritors for re-building it
where it formerly stood, and appointed John Waldie our
factor for that effect. Settled accounts with Walker, and
keep the money I owe him for part of the last of Mr.
Semple's bill. Drank tea in Doctor Thompson's. Nancy
and the girls walked down with me in the forenoon.
Nancy staid, and I came up in the evening. Wrote to
Will by T. Wood, who is to take in the horse for him to-
morrow, having occasion to go to Edinburgh.
Wednesday, Aprile 6th. — Look'd over a.m. Walker's
account, and wrought a little in the garden. P.m. read
about 100 pages of Abercromby. His account of the
Acts of Parliament, which is pretty distinct, is a very use-
ful supplement to Buchannan and the other historians.
But his frequent excursions in defence of the absolute
power of Kings and against the claims of Parliaments are
very disgusting. Slept on Buchannan.
Thursday, Aprile 7th. — Shaved, and went with Mr. Pol-
lock, who called in passing, to Sir Robert's, and din'd.
Mr. Pringle of Bowland 1 there, with whom I had a little
brush about Douglas. P.m. went to Home to a meeting
about the project of buying meal for the poor. Chose a
man to collect the money and to give out the meal, but
resolved to make no purchase till we have the money
actually in our hands. Will came home in the evening.
Chatted with him about Edinburgh news. Slept on
Buchannan.
Friday, Aprile 8th. — Read Tully de Oratore, to the end,
of which this edition of Pearce's is a most excellent one.
His notes indeed are scarce numerous enough to amount
to a just Commentary, but they are almost without excep-
tion judicious, and most remarkable for an elegant concise -
1 James Pringle of Bowland, one of the principal Clerks of Session :
born 1709 : brother of George Pringle of Torwoodlee and Lady Pringle of
Stitchel.
i 7 57] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 129
ness that is to be met with in but very few interpreters.
If ever I can afford to buy books, I must have this edition
of his of the Treatise de Oratore, and also of the Offices.
Rest of the day wrought in the garden, and read a little
of Abercromby. Slept on Buchannan.
Saturday, Aprile 9th. — Philip cast up in the evening
unexpected. He came by the way of Whitsum and
Swintoun, and will be here all next week. Was agreeably
surprised to see him so well, after a very anxious letter
which I got from him 2 or 3 days ago about the Bridge-
waters.
Munday, Aprile llth. — Read to the end of James m.'s
Life in Abercromby. This part of the Scots History he
sets in a very new light, and seemingly on good authorities,
though he is certainly far too indulgent to the Monarch.
G. Bell here at dinner, to talk, I suppose, about our project
of buying meal concerning which I had wrote to him.
Tuesday, Aprile 12th. — W. Stevenson here at tea. Had
a message towards the evening from R. Monteith who
had come to Kelso, seeking votes for the Synod Clerk's
office, which is to be vacant by Laurie's going to Hawick. 1
John Home has obtained a Presentation for him by his
interest with the Countess of Dalkeith. With this, Mon-
teith thought proper to acquaint me, that Sir John Stewart
might be applied to in time to secure Langtown for Philip,
in case of a disappointment in Hutton. This was very
obliging in Monteith, though I believe not without a view
of promoting his own affair of the Clerkship by laying me
aside from asking votes for Mr. Allan ; and it was my
own opinion, on reflection, as well as Philip's and Mr.
Lundy's, that I could not proceed to do anything in that
view on this intelligence from Monteith. Wrote, however,
to Dr. Balderstone and to James Allan that they might
apply to Sir John for Langtown. Monteith supped with
us at Mr. Lundy's.
Wednesday, Aprile 13th. — Went with Mr. Lundy, accord-
1 James Laurie, the minister of Langton, had been presented to Hawick,
apparently through the interest of John Home (who was always ready to
be of service to his friends).
I
130 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
ing to appointment yesterday, to Sprouston to dine.
Called at J. Cleghorn's in passing, and were there informed
of Dr. Gibson's soliciting him for Mr. Monteith. Andrew
Chatto just followed us over the water in his way home
from M'Kerston. He had been informed also of this
business by John Miller whom he had met on the road.
On this, I asked Andrew, who hesitated sore, much moved
with compassion for Monteith' s great family. 1 However,
I think he will not vote against Allan. Dined and spent
the night at Sprouston, where we had much disputation
with Mr. Lundy about Douglas, David Hume, etc.
Thursday, Aprile 14>th. — Left Sprouston in the forenoon.
Called at Ednam, where Mr. Pollock will be our man.
Then, after calling here and shifting, rode to M'Kerston,
whither Philip and Mr. Lundy were to go by the way of
Kelso. Got there late to dine. W. Walker is engaged for
his own vote to Monteith, but promises his elder to James
Allan. He rode with us to Martin [Mertoun], where to
my no little surprise Mr. Innes 2 was ignorant of the whole
matter. Informed him, and got his vote and the promise
of his elder's for Mr. Allan. Was encouraged to ask it
by his having told me last Synod that if Mr. Allan had
come to him before Laurie, he would certainly have got
it. Came home with Philip betwixt 8 and 9, and found
James Allan here, with whom having consulted, we re-
solved to send Charles to Edinburgh to-morrow with
letters to Sir John Stewart from the Dr. and James. Sate
up late prequeering 3 about Douglas against which, or
rather the management of which, James has contracted
some prejudices.
Friday, Aprile 15th. — Walked with Philip to Kelso.
James Allan rode. James dispatched several letters to
his friends in the Synod solliciting them for the Clerkship.
Came home in the evening.
Saturday, Aprile 16th. — James Allan left us about 11.
1 Monteith at this time was father of eight children.
2 James Innes, minister of Mertoun 1718-67.
3 Properly perqueering (Ft. par cceur), inquiring into, criticising.
Seldom used as a verb.
T757J DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 131
Did something for to-morrow, and filled up accounts.
P.m. walked to Home to attend a meeting about the Poor's
meal, but mistook the afternoon for the forenoon, when
some of the people had met and gone away again. Called
at W. Stevenson, and agreed with him to appoint another
meeting on Tuesday. Came home betwixt 4 and 5. Mr.
Dawson drank tea with us. Talked over with him Mr.
Allan's and Philip's affairs. Charles came home betwixt
2 and 3, and had letters to the Dr. and James Allan from
Sir J. Stewart, which we looked into, and by which he is
engaged to serve Philip, so far as he is able, in the affair
of Langtown, but thinks that the settlement of that kirk
will fall into the hands of the Presbytery.
Munday, Aprile 18th. — Philip left us in the morning.
Afterwards read through D. Hume's dissertations which
I got from the library on Friday. The Natural History of
Religion is entertaining, and has curious things in it, but
its tendency is very bad. Those on the standard of Taste
and Tragedy are good philosophical criticism. That on
the Passions is an attempt to elucidate and popularize part
of the Treatise on Human Nature ; but it is both very
useless, and still is very obscure. Rode to Eccles in the
evening, and spent the night with Matthew, to whom the
accounts about Hawick, Laurie, Monteith, etc., were
new.
Tuesday, Aprile 19th. — Left Eccles after breakfast.
Dined at home, and read the Edinburgh papers of last
week ; also some of Herd's 1 Commentary on Horace's
Art of Poetry, which I have got to look into, in ihe view
of doing something to a discourse on the chorus of the
ancient tragedy, which Willy Temple sent me from Edin-
burgh to correct for him. At Home p.m., where we at
last settled the management of everything relating to the
meal to be purchased for the poor, and made a minute
about it. Slept at night on Herd's Dissertation on
Dramatick Poetry.
1 Sic in MS. The reference is really to Richard Hurd (i 720-1 803),
Bishop of Worcester, who published an edition of the Ays Poetica in
1749.
132 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Thursday, Aprile 21st. — Forenoon and part of afternoon
read Herd's Commentary. Read also and transcribed
some things from Mason's letters prefixed to his Elfrida,
where there are some good things relating to the Ancient
Chorus. Look'd to Aristotle, de Arte Poetica, on the same
subject. Afternoon at Sir Robert's at tea. Miss in a
weak, languishing way.
Friday, Aprile 22nd. — Read mostly Herd's Commen-
tary, also some of Francis's translation and notes on
the Ars Poetica in the fourth volume of his Horace,
which I got from the library. Wrought some in the
garden.
Saturday, Aprile 23rd. — Employed chiefly in correcting
Billy Temple's discourse. I would rather have composed
a new one, but as his draught is capable of being corrected
into a tolerable work, I thought it would be more en-
couraging, tho' it has been not a little troublesome to
serve him in that way. Wrought a little in the garden,
and got a parcel of boys to gather the stones from the
rising grass in the glebe, which, under the direction of
Charles, they have done tolerably. Read some more of
Francis's translation and notes on the Ars Poetica, from
which I have learned the meaning of some passages that
I did not understand before, particularly the Amphora
coepit institui ; currente rota, cur urceus exit ? Where
the rota is the potter's wheel, the amphora a splendid
bowl, urceus & coarse pitcher.
Sunday, Aprile 24>th. — James Allan arrived from
Bunkel, where he had been preaching (by the way of
Allan-bank), at near ten.
Munday, Aprile 25th. — Saw sick, and baptized in the
parish, and after I came home, finished my corrections
and additions of Billy Temple's work, and sent them in a
letter. James Allan went to Sandy Know, where he staid
all day. Came back in the evening, and Monteith arrived
about 10. Very good company.
Tuesday, Aprile 26th. — John Hume, Willy and Thomas
Scot came to breakfast. Willy had his horse to send back.
Walked down with him and James Allan to Kelso. Chose
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 133
Hepburn of Aitoun 1 Moderator, and having no manner of
business, broke up about 8. Sate in Wood's with a great
company till about 12, and lodged in Mr. Dobbie's, Mr.
Dawson's people, with whom we dined, not having a right
place for us. It was not judged at all expedient for Laurie
to demitt his office, and therefore there was no trial of
strength betwixt James Allan and Monteith. If there
had, their forces would, I believe, have been pretty near
an equality, notwithstanding Monteith' s start.
Wednesday, Aprile 27th. — Attended the Culloden Feast.
The company broke up between 6 and 7, most part went
away between 4 and 5. Captain Mirret (?) admitted a
member, also Cupples. I furnished a new catch. After
all the rest were gone, sate 2 or 3 hours in Wood's with
Laurie, Monteith, Willy Home, and Cupples, where we
were very hearty. Came home alone betwixt 10 and 11.
Allan went away with Chatto in the view of going to
Belford to meet with T. Cockburn. He is going thence to
Riddell to see Miss, 2 who is a great potherer for him.
Thursday, Aprile 28th. — Dozed and read in the fourth
volume of Francis's Horace. A little opprest with the
irregular living of the 2 or 3 days past. Overlook'd in
the glebe the sowing of a parcel of grass seeds, to fill up
the vacancies in what I sowed last year, which has, how-
ever, come away pretty well. Miss Pringle died this
night betwixt 11 and 12, quite exhausted with the long
continuance of her distress, which was an indigestion and
looseness arising from, or complicated with, a rheumatism
and female obstructions. A girl of good capacity and an
exceeding good heart, and whose natural spirits and once
blooming health, promised a long life.
Friday, Aprile 29th. — Read miscellaneously, and
wrought a little in the garden. P.m. at Sir Robert's,
where all are pretty well, and in an easy, composed state.
James Allan came at night from an excursion in the
Presbytery of Jedburgh.
1 Patrick Hepburn, minister of Ay ton 1753-72 : son of William
Hepburn, minister of Foulis-Wester.
2 Probably the daughter of Sir Walter Riddell, Bart
134 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Saturday, Aprile 30th.' — James Allan and I set out for
Berwick betwixt 9 and 10. Rode hard, which with the
great heat of the day. heated and fatigued me very
much, the more, no doubt, by its following the irregular
living and want of rest of the preceding week. James
Allan and James Turnbull preached. Drank tea in
Gowdie's, and supped in Mr. Waite's. Murray along
with us.
Sunday. May 1st. — Lectured in Murray's Meeting,
and served two tables for Gowdie. Jardine 1 preached
p.m., who has attained to a decency and elegance both
in composition and delivery which I could scarce have
expected from him, and may support him very well, even
in the Tron Kirk. Supped in Gowdie's, where we had
Thomson with us, and had a good deal of entertaining
talk from Jardine.
Munday, May 2nd. — Colleagued with Isaac Wood.
Sore distrest at a pain and stiffness in the lower ribs and
hypochondrium especially of the left side, the consequence
of cold and irregular living, after the heat of Saturday.
All our company dined in Mr. Nixon's very elegantly.
Had a walk after, with Jardine, etc., to the ruins of the
Castle, from which there is a noble prospect. Drank tea
in Mr. Rutherford's, and supped in the Doctor's. All
along, much entertained with Jardine, who is naturally
a lepidum caput, with a considerable share of good sense
and much practise in the world. In the evening spoke
to the Doctor, Mr. Temple, and Mr. Waite, about being
bound with Philip to Mather for the Bridgewaters' Board.
They all readily agreed to it, which is very humane and
friendly. Spoke also to Mather and his wife on the same
1 John Jardine, a native of Lochmaben, minister successively of
Liberton 1741, Lady Yester's, Edinburgh, 1750, and the Tron, Edinburgh
(second charge;, 1754, till his death, which occurred suddenly in the
General Assembl)*, 30th May 1766. Carlyle gives a graphic account of
the incident. He was one of H.M. Chaplains in Ordinary, Dean of the
Chapel Royal and Dean of the Order of the Thistle : was a great friend
of John Home, the author of Douglas, and, Carlyle says, ' a man of infinite
pleasantry as well as great talents, whose conversation possessed the
charm of easy, natural and attractive humour.'
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 135
subject, who can have nothing to object to the security,
but insisted much on having the money, at least some
considerable part of it. Paid Sam Stanton £12.
Tuesday, May 3rd. — In the morning paid Mather his
account, and also paid Mr. Waite for the porter and for
brass nails for hanging hats on, which he had got a great
while ago for Robert Turnbull and Lundy. Got also an
account of the numbers of the Lottery tickets which he
had procured for Wm. Stevenson and me. Set out betwixt
10 and 11, and got home about 3. Wm. Home from
Polwarth here a little before me. Went with him and
Robert Scot of Sandy Know to Miss Pringle's burial at 5.
These two, Francis Scot, Doctor Gibson, and Thomas
Dawson drank tea with us . . a good deal of tepid
water. Willy Home read me part of a letter from John,
in which he tells him that the Princess of Wales had sent
him a present of a £100 bank bill, and that the Duke of
Argyle had asked His Majesty to be present at his last
benefit night, which was to be Thursday last.
Thursday, May 5th. — Look'd over S. Stanton's and
Mather's accounts, and marked some articles in my
Almanack accounts. Slept these two last nights on
Phaedrus, an author of singular elegance. Thomas Daw-
son lu re at dinner and till 4 p.m. Easier to-day, tho'
still greatly opprest. Drank in the morning ground
ivy with dandelion and betony, and a little lavender to
flavour them. Finding these things clearing my crop
gradually, and promoting a diuresis.
Friday, May 6th.— Sowed J lb. of dwarf pease in the
garden. Read some of Horace's Epistles in Francis's
translation. Mr. Lundy here at tea. His errand chiefly
to desire me to write to James Allan to support a motion
that may probably be made in the Synod of Lothian, to
which James is our correspondent, to inquire into the
conduct of the Edinburgh Presbytery in delaying the ad-
mission of the new members to be brought to Edinburgh
1 A line and a half erased here. Apparently some allusion to Moffat
Waters.
136 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
for a twelvemonth after Whitsunday, by which his brother
at Abercorn, 1 with the rest, is a sufferer.
Sunday, May Sth. — Got a letter from Philip by Mr.
Stevenson, who was at Berwick yesterday, informing me
that he had been with John Home, who came to Berwick
early that morning. He is in good spirits, having made
handsomely by his play, and got a settlement of £100 per
annum made on him by the Prince of Wales till he is
otherwise provided for. He also informs that the
Countess of Dalkeith has wrote positively in favour of
Laurie for Hawick.
Munday, May 9th. — Was at Home a.m. seeing sick.
John Miller here at dinner and all the afternoon. He had
seen John Home of Athelstaneford at Polwarth yesterday,
who, it seems, is resolved not to demit till the Assembly
be over.
Tuesday, May 10th. — Intended to have set out for Ber-
wick in the morning, but the rain hindered me. Set out
for Berwick about 3, and drank tea at Eccles. Nan is
doing better. Got to Berwick about 9, where Whitfield 2
had been in the afternoon on his road to Edinburgh,
whither he has no doubt been sent for by the Zealots ; as
if peoples' passions were not sufficiently inflamed already.
Wednesday, May 11th. — Breakfasted and dined at
Mr. Waite's. Drank tea at Aunt Balderstone's, and
supped in Mr. Temple's. Got some cold yesterday and
to-day together, walking on the bleak walls, which made
me considerably deaf.
Thursday, May 12th. — Breakfasted and dined in Mr.
Waite's ; drank tea in Sam Stanton's, and supped in
the Doctor's, where were W. Hall, Sam Stanton, John
Gray, and Mr. Waite. Sate pretty late. Called a.m. at
Mr. Edmiston's.
1 Henry Lundy, a brother of the minister of Kelso, was minister of
Monzie 1743, and Abercorn 1747 : he was called to Trinity Parish, Edin-
burgh, 13th August 1756, but for some reason the Presbytery delayed his
admission till 13th June 1758 : died 1800.
2 George Whitefield, the famous Methodist preacher : it was by no
means his first visit to Scotland.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 137
Friday, May 13th. — Called at Mr. Chisholm's a.m.
Drank tea with my sister and Philip in Mrs. Nicholson's.
Called at Mr. Turner's in the evening, where was a strange
rencounter, half moving laughter and half indignation be-
twixt him and his wife. Called afterwards at Goldie's
and carried him to Mr. Waite's, where we sate the evening.
Saturday, May lUh.— Din'd in Mr. Hall's. Called at
the Collector's, Doctor's, and Sam Stanton's. Set out
after 3. Made a short call at Eccles, and got home after
sunset. Learned at Eccles, that after a hard struggle
the Synod of Lothian had decided against the Presbytery
of Dalkeith, in favour of Carlisle, by a majority only of 2. 1
John Home, himself, was also to be before them, being
referred to them by the Presbytery of Haddington, to
whom it seems on examination, he talked in very high
terms. Thursday was his day, and the news had not
come.
Wednesday, May 18th. — Wrought a good deal in the
garden, hoeing pease and cabbage, etc. Read some things
in Forbes on Tithes, 2 and Buchannan, and made some
discoveries about the Abbey of Coldingham, which, by its
founder, King Edgar, was first dedicated to St. Ebba.
Afterwards, St. Cuthbert became its patron, a proof of its
connexion with the Abbey of Durham. Read also some
of the Acts of the Assembly, 1638, in which there is a fine
discovery of the spirit of the times, and at night corrected
part of a homily that Will is making for the Presbytery.
Thursday, May 19th. — Cleaned my black coat for my
Edinburgh expedition next week. Robert Turnbull came
to dine, and sate till 7. Got last November and December
Reviews and Appendix from Kelso, of which I read several
articles. Read also the newspapers, in which there is
nothing material.
Friday, May 20th. — Wrought a good deal in the garden,
1 The Presbytery were of opinion that Carlyle's offences deserved more
than a mere rebuke and remitted the matter to the Synod, who decided
in favour of Carlyle. The Assembly affirmed this finding.
2 William Forbes, Advocate, Professor of Law in Glasgow University,
published A Treatise on Church Lands and Tithes, Edinburgh, 1 703.
138
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
weeding flowers and hoeing pease. In the afternoon
drank tea with Coventree. Read some articles of the
Reviews, and look'd to some things in Spotiswood's
Church History and Crawford's Scots Peerage, the last of
which I got from the library to-day, the other yesterday.
Saturday, May 21st. — Mr. Pollock came here a.m. and
Mr. Lundy just before dinner, to get an answer drawn up
to the reasons for a Bill of Suspension, which the heritors
of Ednam have been applying for to hinder the effect of a
Charge of horning given them by John Waldie whom the
Presbytery appointed their factor for prosecuting their
decreet for rebuilding the Kirk. This was soon done, and
they both left us soon after dinner. Read some more of
the Reviews, also two London chronicles sent from Sir
Robert's, where there are several interesting things in the
political way. Wrought also some in the garden.
Munday, May 23rd. —Prepared a dinner for Mr. Blake
and Isaac Wood, on an information given me by Isaac that
Blake and he were to call here, and to carry me in to the
Assembly along with them. Waited till past 2, and none
of them came. Meantime, John Hume of Greenlaw came
betwixt 11 and 12 flying from his fair, but left us and
went to Ednam, on hearing of the company we expected.
James Allan arrived betwixt 1 and 2, and he and I set out
about 4. Got to Channel Kirk about 8. Afternoon ex-
tremely cold. Lived comfortably enough at Channel Kirk.
Tuesday, May 2Uh. — Set out from Channel Kirk about 5,
and got to Edinburgh betwixt 8 and 9. Found Patrick
Simpson in Boyd's, who told us first of the great victory
obtained by the King of Prussia. Drest, and went to the
Assembly, where the Appeal in Carlisle's cause was heard.
The parties spoke till half an hour after 4, Robertson
particularly well ; Primrose 1 learnedly and sensibly too
on the other side, but with a manner and pronunciation
that greatly disfigured what he said. G. Hamilton 2
1 James Primrose, minister of Crichton 1733-72.
2 Gilbert Hamilton, minister of Cramond 1737-72 : son of a former
minister of the parish: D.D., Aberdeen 1760: Moderator of Assembly
1768.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 139
severely, against the Dalkeith prosecutors, but with
tolerable decorum, and a well-aimed blow at Whitfield,
who was present. The whole was very entertaining.
But as parties had taken up so much time, the judges
spoke none, but proceeded to decide by a vote which
carried in Carlisle's favour by 3 to 1. Din'd with Jardine,
Bailie Rochead, etc., in a tavern, where we sate till 10.
Afterwards called at Gilbert Laurie's and sate till 12.
Wednesday, May 25th. — Breakfasted at Mr. Wallace's,
and was put into a way by his son of making some dis-
coveries about Philip's affair. Spent about three hours
in the Advocates' Library looking over the list of papers
in the Coldingham archives, which are still preserved at
Durham, and the catalogue whereof almost fills a small
volume in folio, in which. list there are many titles of
papers that might be probably of use in our cause. The
very title of one of them clearly proves that Fishwick was
a distinct church a.d. 1462. But I made a much more
considerable discovery in a MS. list of parishes and
stipends as they stood in the years 1574 and 5, which has
very lately been brought into the library, having been in
the collection of Bishop Keith's papers. From this it
plainly appears that at that time Hutton and Fishwick
were standing and distinct churches. These discoveries
improved my spirits a good deal. Told G. Wallace of
them, and in the forenoon spent more than an hour with
Davidson, in which we talked over the whole affair, and
concerted such a way of prosecuting it as will, I hope,
bring it to an issue during next Session. Davidson has
not been so careful in it as he should have been, partly,
I think, from a despair of success, partly from an aversion
to do anything disobliging to J. M'Kenzie or Renton, who
served his friend Waugh in Whitsum affair, but I hope
he will now do something. Drank tea at old J. Davidson's,
who is creeping abroad again, but seems so infirm that
he is not likely to live long. Made several other calls,
and supped at Mr. Laurie's, himself not in the house.
Thursday, May 26th. — Could not get away from town
till 12. Stopt at Channel Kirk Braefoot, and got home a
140 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
little after 9. Breakfasted with Mrs. Dysart, where I had
also called before. Nan seems to be in a very good way.
She is drinking goats' whey, and it agrees with her.
Friday, May 27th. — James Allan staid till after dinner.
Read, along with him, three books of Wilkie's poem, 1 and
all the rest of it after he had gone. It seems to be a very
extraordinary work. Was a good deal tired with yester-
day's journey, the last part of which we travelled fast.
Saturday, May 28th. — Did something for to-morrow, and
read some articles in last November and December Reviews.
Mr. Dawson here at tea, and John Aitchison of Morpeth
called in the evening. He tells me that Douglas's settle-
ment at Jedburgh is ordered to go on, also that an over-
ture against the stage, after long disputation, had [been]
carried, but is drawn up in much less violent terms than
was at first proposed. He informs me also, that his own
affair at Falkirk has hitherto a favourable aspect. After
sitting an hour with us, he rode down to Kelso.
Tuesday, May Slst. — Read newspapers and some articles
of last March Review. Also wrote some things out of
Drummond of Hawthornden relating to the Abbey of
Coldingham, and out of Crawford's Peerage about the
Home family.
Wednesday, June 1st. — Mr. Dawson came here before
dinner, and John Miller p.m., who put into my hands a
manuscript of a thesis he is to publish on taking his degree,
which he is to do very soon, that I may revise the Latin
of it.
Thursday, June 2nd. — Read the March -Review to an
end, and wrought a while on John Miller's thesis. P.m. at
Sir Robert's with Philip drinking tea. Sir Robert and
Mary had gone this afternoon to Torwoodlee and Bowland.
Friday, June 3rd. — Philip set out for Morbattle a.m. to
consult with Andrew Chatto about applying for Oxnam
which, it is said, is to become vacant by Boston's going to
the Jedburgh people. Robert Turnbull and his nephew
Hay, who came with him from Edinburgh, were here dining.
i.e. the Epigoniad, by William Wilkie, minister of Ratho.
i 7 57] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 141
Had a good deal of talk about Assembly News. After they
were gone, wrought on John Miller's thesis, which does not
require very many corrections. At night finished the cor-
rection of Will's homily.
Saturday, June 4th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
wrought on J. Miller's thesis which I got once through.
It was much less faulty in point of language than I ex-
pected to find it, and proves John to be a pretty good
Latin scholar. As to the work itself, the reasonings seem
natural and very judicious. Mr. Dawson here, but did not
stay. He has been of late attending frequently the poor
man Adam Speirs, who cut his foot cruelly with an ax.
Munday, June 6th. — Wrought chiefly on John Miller's
thesis. When I had got through it almost a second time,
he himself came. Revised it with him, and explained my
corrections where it was needful. Mr. Dawson also at
tea, and Bailie Laurie's and William Dickson's wives seeing
my mother. Slept on Buchannan's account of Alexander
m.'s reign.
Tuesday, June 7th. — Attended the Presbytery, where
we had a scandal remitted from the Session of Kelso, that
employed us a good while. Will also delivered his homily.
Drank tea in Mr. Lundy's. Wrote to James Allan to
Berwick. Philip came to Kelso in the morning with
Andrew Chatto and James Turnbull, and came home with
me at night.
Wednesday, June 8th. — Rode to Eccles, where we dined
and drank tea. Robert Turnbull and Mr. Lundy also
there, and Thomas Pollock at tea. The younger children
grown taller, and much improved. Came home in the
evening, and staked some pease in the garden.
Thursday, June 9th. — Wrote some little hints about our
Hutton affair, in order to keep them in my memory. T.
Lillie came to dinner, absurd enough still, but rather im-
proved than otherwise. Walked down p.m. with Philip
and Nancy to Mr. Pollock's, where we stayed till the
evening.
Friday, June 10th. — Wrought a good deal in the garden,
staking pease, etc. Read and transcribed some more from
142 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Scots Peerage, also looked over some of the great catalogues
for books relating to Monasteries, and marked their names,
in order to consult them, if there be occasion, at Edinburgh.
Read in the evening the last Chronicle, where there are
some curious things from Keysler's Travels. 1 Mr. Dawson
here at tea.
Saturday, June 11th. — Wrought some in the garden, and
consulted some books of history, law, etc. Mr. Lundy
here at dinner and tea. He had a letter from Wm. Scott,
our agent in the Ednam affair, which he showed me. The
heritors have obtained a suspension of our decreet. Am
to give him directions when I go to Edinburgh. Had a
message at Hunter for money, who has disappointed me a
3rd or 4th time. This will hinder my going to Edinburgh
on Monday.
Munday, June ISth. — -Amused and read variously. Got
£20 from Hunter in the evening by N. Leitch, which pre-
pared me for Edinburgh journey.
Tuesday, June lUh, to Thursday, June 23rd. — All this
time at Edinburgh, and in journey to and again. Spent
most of my time in attending my agent Davidson, in
searching Records in the lower Parliament House, and at
Sim's, who keeps the Privy Seal Register, later than the
Restoration, also in the Advocates' Library transcribing
things relating to Coldingham from the catalogue of its
papers in the Durham archives, and also from a MS. of
Father Hay which contains an account of all the religious
houses in Scotland. The result of these enquiries was a
discovery in the Privy Seal Register of two Royal pre-
sentations to Hutton, one in 1679 to Orr on a vacancy by
the death of Mr. Patrick Home, and another in 1636 to
Mr. James Lundy on a vacancy by the demission of Mr.
Allan Lundy. The discoveries with regard to Coldingham
were of more curiosity than use. Saw, however, in the
lower part of the House, the Act of erection of Coldingham
in favour of John Stuart, second son of Earl Bothwell,
upon an apprising on which Lord Home's claim to the
1 Johann George Keysler, Travels through Germany translated
from the second edition of the German. London, 1756.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 143
patronage of the churches which depended on the Priory
of Coldingham is founded. There are seven churches
mentioned in that Act, of which Fishwick is one, and which,
as appears from the Act, was then united to Hutton. To
all these churches, it appears from the Privy Seal Register,
that the Crown has given presentations without, inter-
ruption down to the present times. Only to two of them,
however, Stitchel and Hutton, Lord Home has presented
since about the 1730, along with the Crown. These Acts
of Possession, on the part of the Crown, most of the lawyers
I spoke to seem to think of great weight. I was agreeably
situated as to company and other respects in the intervals
I was not employed in business. Saw D. Home a good
deal, which was chiefly owing to Mrs. Dysart, who invited
him to dine at her house on the day I was engaged to dine
with her, the consequence of which was two subsequent
invitations to dine at the Clerk's, and David's own house.
Saw, in company with David, 1 the collection of Medals,
Ancient and Modern, and the Mummy in the Advocates'
Library. Met with Robertson there one day, and had a
good deal of chat with him about his History, which he has
brought down to the 1589. He has bestowed, and intends
still to bestow a good deal of labour on it, and I daresay it
will be a valuable and entertaining work. Took a ride
with old James Davidson, a poor object, to New-hailes 2
on Saturday the 18th p.m., where the new drawing-room,
bedchamber, and closet are the finest things in point of
high finishing, furniture, etc., that I have ever seen. The
library is a spacious room of about 40 feet long, by 24
broad, and 20 and upwards I think in height, and as full
1 David Hume was at this time Keeper of the Advocates' Library.
- Xewhailes was built by Sir James Dairy mple, Bart., grandson of
the first Viscount of Stair : it was named after his other estate of Hailes
near Haddington. Carlyle says it was one of the first houses whose
park was laid out and adorned with all the elegance of modern taste. In-
ternally it is still a fine specimen of an eighteenth-century mansion house,
and the elaborately carved mantelpieces in the principal rooms form a
great feature in its architectural details. The library has long been
famous : its contents were much added to by various items of excep-
tional interest by Sir David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes, the son of the founder.
144 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
of books as it can hold. Had a walk also with Geo.
Wallace to Braid, which is a very fine rural scene of wood,
rocks, and water. Left the town on Thursday after mid-
day, and came home betwixt 9 and 10. Met with John
Home at Channel Kirk and drank with him half a mutchkin
punch. He has taken a country house in the neighbour-
hood of Braid, where he intends to live during the summer.
D. Hume is to be his contubernalis for some part of it,
which is certainly very wild. (This did not hold. 1 )
Found Mr. Waite here, who had come to bring Philip a
letter from M'Doual's partner at Glasgow, informing him
that a ship was to sail from Newport Glasgow to St. Kitt's
on the 30th current, and desiring him to send the boys to
go in it. Philip was detained here beyond the term of his
vacancy by a strain he had got at Eccles. Richard Brown
also here. Was fatigued with travelling in a hot day, and
hurt by J. Home's punch, the consequence of which was a
slight fit after I came home, but it went off with a loose
stool.
Friday, June 2Uh. — Mr. Waite, Philip, and Brown
staid till after dinner. Afterwards journalized and look'd
to the Acts of Assembly, [16] 38 to 49, where in the Index
of unprinted Acts for Assembly 49, I see one, Mr. James
Lundy, the name the same with that of the King's
Presentee to Hutton, 1636, deposed, the consequence of
which would be the settlement of next incumbent, prob-
ably Mr. Patrick Home, without a presentation.
Saturday, June 25th. — Lay so long a-bed resting, that I
delayed setting out for Eyemouth till p.m. Dobby and
his wife cast up to dinner, which detained me till 4.
Brown also here. Got to Eyemouth jogging at 9.
Sunday, June 26th. — Preached in Kirkyard and served a
table. Hepburn, Waugh, Buchannan, Brydone, coadjutors.
Kirk at home supplied by Richard Brown, who preached,
however, only half the day, having gone to Kelso to
exchange with J. Aitchison who was taken very ill with an
inflammation in his stomach.
1 Marginal note.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 145
Munday. June 27th. — Drank tea with Mrs. Crow p.m.
Her daughter Margaret grown a woman, and a fort jolie
one. The rest very fine girls. Rode into Berwick in the
evening, where I found that Philip had sent away his
West Indian boys this morning. He is better of his
strain.
Tuesday, June 28th. — Set out with my sister from
Berwick betwixt 10 and 11, and dined at Whitsuni, where
we mist John, being at the Presbytery. Got home about 7.
Wednesday, June 29th. — Mr. Blake in his forma pauperis
and Isaac Wood came here betwixt 8 and 9. They break-
fasted, and I went with them to Melrose. Robert Turn-
bull came about the time we were setting out, and staid
here. Din'd at Melrose and saw the Abbey, where Brown
pointed out to us some new things. 1 Drank tea in his house.
Came down by the promontory or peninsula of Old Melrose,
opposite to which is one of the finest natural scenes that
can be seen, of rocks and steep banks covered with trees
and bushes. My namesake of Gladswood, from sacred
love of gain, is destroying a considerable part of these
beauties that is his property. The rest belong to Haig of
Bemersyde. This round, and slow riding made it 11 o'clock
before we got to Kelso, where we lodged in Wood's. My
fellow-travellers drank tea ; I was hungry and supped on
a beef-stake. Blake has a high feeling of these natural
beauties, but in matters of taste, his attainments are in-
considerable, in comparison of what they are in things
that belong to knowledge and speculation.
Thursday, June SOth. — Saw Wm. Aitchison, who was
attacked by a sort of apoplexy on Tuesday night. He
seemed to be in a way of recovering, tho' he still dozes
much. Looked to the old Registry of the Presbytery of
Kelso in my possession, where from the Acts and Recom-
mendations of Synod there inserted, I found further evid-
ence of Mr. J. Lundy's being deposed about the 1649.
1 James Brown (1724-81), minister of Melrose 174S : of New Greyfriars,
Edinburgh, 1 767 : and of the New North parish 1 768 : Moderator of
General Assembly 1777.
K
146
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Read some of Spotswood, and dozed a good deal, not being
yet quite recruited from the fatigue of Edinburgh and
Eyemouth journeys.
Munday, July toh. — [Ridpath probably set out for Edin-
burgh on this day as there is no entry in the Diary till the
next Saturday, which gives an account of his visit.]
Saturday, July 9th. — Set out for Edinburgh at 5, and
got there before 2 p.m. Got a consultation of lawyers on
Thursday evening. Davidson drew up a very good
Memorial which comprehended a distinct detail of the
whole affair. In looking for something else, he discovered
another Royal presentation of date Anno 1614. It is to
Mr. Allan Lundy, father to Mr. James Lundy, who was
presented Anno 1636. This proves a possession for more
than a hundred years, and destroys even the pretension of
Lord Home to a vice. The lawyers seemed all satisfied of
the strength of the claim from prescription. They con-
sidered the old charter on which Lord Home claims, which
shows that they are wrong in founding their claim on the
rights of the Provostry of Dunglass. For tho' the Kirk
and Hospital of Hutton are donated by the Earl of Douglas
to the Collegiate Church of Dunglass, the patronage of the
Kirk is given to Alexander Home and his heirs. But this
is of little moment. Prescription is the strength of our
plea, and the Advocate seemed to be so well satisfied of
this, that he ordered J. Davidson to take care of the vacant
stipend. Dined with the representatives of the Royal
Burrows on Wednesday, by invitation of G[ilbert] Laurie
who, as Treasurer, is their principal entertainer. Also
supped with them, the consequence of which was drinking
somewhat too much of their claret. The entertainment
is in the Assembly Hall, 1 which is a spacious, handsome
room. Had musick after our dinner. Would have come
home on Friday, but waited for G. Wallace, who was de-
tained by my cause, which was enrolled for Saturday, tho'
my Lord Home's lawyer not being ready, nothing was
1 Probably the old Assembly Rooms in Assembly Close. The new
Assembly Rooms in Bell's Close were not yet opened.
i 7 57] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 147
done, and the affair was delayed till Tuesday. Employed
the Friday in seeing my old friend W. Jeffery. James
Allan went with me there, and dined. Got the bad news
of the King of Prussia's defeat by Wednesday's post, which
cheered Jacobite countenances still more than it clouded
those of Whigs. Left Edinburgh about 12, and got home
after 9, George Wallace along with me. The whole week's
work fatiguing by the heat of the weather. The dis-
covery of the last presentation was in a particular Register
of presentations consisting of several volumes, and extend-
ing from 1574, I think to 1663, with a gap only of 7 or 8
years preceding the 1595.
Tuesday, July 12tk. — Walked part of the way to Kelso
with Miss Edgar and Mr. Dudgeon, who had been here all
night. My sister Mrs. Waite and Will went to the fair.
Read some of Spotswood, and amused a good deal most
of the afternoon with looking through Mr. Waite's tele-
scope at people coming from the fair. Could find out
easily people I knew well at a mile's distance.
Wednesday. July }3th. — Thomas Turnbull and Robert
came here to breakfast. They sate till betwixt 12 and 1.
1 accompanied them to Home Byres, where we dined and
drank tea. At night slept on Spotswood.
Friday. July loth. — Robert Turnbull staid till after
dinner. Had a walk with him about mid-day amongst Sir
Robert's trees, and went to see William Aitchison who
continues still in a sort of stupor, and cannot speak above
2 or 3 sentences intelligently or coherently. Otherwise
he has no complaints, and goes about. Evening read
some of Spotswood.
Saturday, July 16th. — Prepared for to-morrow, read
Spotswood, and marked several things in my accounts.
Alison Hog here at dinner, and getting payment of her
interest.
Munday, July 18th. — Wrought a good while in the
garden a.m. Afternoon, read Spotswood, of which work
I got the old MS. which Mr. Dysart gave to our library,
and which seems to be a valuable one, for by the help of
it, I supplied half of a sentence in a passage, which,
148 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
as it stands in the printed copy, is nonsense. Wrote to
G. Wallace and J. Davidson. It is strange I have heard
from neither of them.
Tuesday, July 19th. — Read some more of Spots wood
and corrected part of Will's exercise and addition. Got
a letter in the morning by way of Berwick, from G. Wallace,
in which he informs that our cause has been delayed twice,
first, from the Ordinary not having time to ovei'take it,
and then from Alexander Lockhart, my Lord's lawyer, not
being well. It is to be called again to-morrow.
Wednesday, July 20th. — Rode over to Wooler Haugh-
head to see Sir Robert's people who have been there
drinking go at- whey these three weeks. Found Sir Robert
and Miss Peggy gone on foot, and Mrs. Pringle, Miss Maddy,
and Miss Murray about to follow on horseback, all to dine
at Fowberry. 1 Rode over with them and dined. Left
Fowberry at 4 J. Stopt more than half an hour at Newton
to give my horse corn, and got home about 10. An
agreeable jaunt, tho' somewhat fatiguing. Fowberry is
made and making a very elegant place. The house is a
stout, ancient pile, modernized not unhappily, and elegantly
finished and furnished. A large piece of ground in the
neighbourhood is laid out into a garden, bowling green,
and esplanade before the house, and there is a very fine
brick wall of a great length, for fruit.
Sunday, July 2Uh. — Got a letter from Philip informing
me that G. Wallace had wrote him that Alexander Lockhart,
my Lord Home's lawyer, had desired diligence to procure
such papers as might instruct my Lord's possession of
the patronage of Hutton. This could not be refused, but
the decision of the affair will necessarily be delayed by it
beyond this Session. However, G. Wallace proposes an
application to be made to the Inner House to order Philip's
settlement on the possession that appears for the Crown,
reserving it to my Lord Home to insist for his Declarator
on such evidence as he may hereafter be able to produce.
This petition he would have in the name of the Presbytery,
1 Fowberry, Mr. Blake's place — Northumberland.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 149
and grounded on the long continuance of the vacancy.
Upon this, Philip was to go to James Allan to endeavour
to procure a meeting of Presbytery, and to engage them
to such a petition which, I believe, it will be hard to
obtain from the Presbytery, and if it were obtained,
would probably avail little with the Lords.
Munday, July 25th. — Read much of Spotswood, and
made many material corrections in the printed copy by
the help of the manuscript, which, by many characters,
appears to have been the MS. from which the book was
printed, tho' most inaccurately, especially in the latter
part which I am now upon. Saw Wm. Aitchison, who is
still rather some better. Wrought a little in the garden,
and pulled up many of the yellow weeds on the glebe dyke.
Tuesday, July 26th. — Employed as yesterday. Matthew
Dysart here with Mary Ncalson, who has been staying
some time at Eccles, en croupe. Her eyes, poor girl, look
badly, and she sees very ill with them. The part of
Spotswood I went through to-day not so erroneous as that
which I read yesterday. Got letters from G. Wallace by
the way of Philip, and from John Davidson, who inform us
that the Lord Advocate does not approve of the petition
proposed in the name of the Presbytery. Both of them
speak of the Presbytery's proceeding as being in all
probability a safe measure. But this must be* further
considered. What Lord Home's people asked last time
the cause was before the Ordinary, was a diligence for the
production of Sir John Hall's papers relating to the
Provostry of Dunglass, from which I do not think they
will derive any benefit to their cause. This, and the other
delays, destroy all hope of having the affair [decided] this
Session.
Wednesday, July 27th. — Rode to Kelso a.m., after shaving,
on a message I had to meet Messrs. Turnbull, Duncan of
Smailholm, etc., there. They had concerted a meeting to
prepare an appeal against our paying the window tax to
be laid before the Commissioners of Supply, who have,
at last, it seems, resolved to act in that affair. Tho' upon
reasoning we judged it could have little effect, yet we drew
150 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
it up in the form of the Midlothian ministers, of which
Duncan had a copy, and he, James Turnbull, and I, who
were the only ministers there, have subscribed it. We
dined in T. Wood's. I drank tea in Thomas Dawson's,
and sate a while in the evening in Dobby's. Came home
about 9, and wrought at night on Will's exercise and
addition. Look'd also to a sermon for to-morrow at
Ednam.
Saturday, July 30th. — Got also a letter from Philip,
enclosing one from his friend Sandy Home at St.
Christopher's, in which he informs him that he has
Bridgewater imprisoned at Nevis for the debt owing
Philip, and has hopes of payment very soon. It was
certainly impossible to recover it in any other way.
Sunday, July Slst. — Rode over to Greenlaw, where I
preached long without, and served a table. Dickson
preached to all the people p.m. There were 10 tables,
owing to the vacancy of Fogo. John Bell of Gordon there,
Matthew Dysart, Dickson, and Sandy Home. Staid at
Greenlaw all night.
Tuesday, August 2nd. — Went to the Presbytery, where
Will delivered his exercise and addition. His voice and
accent much better than I expected, but too many blunders
and hesitations. Drank tea in Dobby's, and had a library
meeting, where only 6 were present. Commissioned, how-
ever, two or three books.
Wednesday, August 3rd. — Rode over to Home Byres to
breakfast, and thence to Berwick, according to concert
some time ago with Professor Stevenson and his sister-in-
law. Mrs. Stevenson got a fall from her horse a little on
this side of Deadriggs, which, together with the heaviness
of the rain, made us stop there an hour. Got to Berwick
at half an hour past two, very heartily wet. Dined and
drank tea in Mr. Waite's, and supped in the Collector's.
Saturday, August 6th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
read almost all the June Review, which I got from Kelso
in the morning. It has a pretty particular extract from
the first vol. of Medical Essays and Observations, published
by a new Society at London, which, from this specimen,
1757]
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
151
promises to be a valuable work. The author of this article
appears to be a man of considerable abilities in the medical
way. Was some time in the glebe, attending the hay-
working, and also weeding in the garden. Dobby and
P. Robinson, who had been at Home Byres dining, called
here p.m.
Munday, August 8th. — Read some of the papers and the
dedication to Crawford of Drumsoy's Memoirs, 1 also at
night some of Melville. Took up most of my tulips.
Went to Sir Robert's p.m. to drink tea. John Stevenson
and the two Mrs. Stevensons there.
Tuesday, August 9th. — Spent some time with catechu-
mens. Matthew Dysart, Miss Bess, and Polly Nealson
here p.m. Read Crawford's preface to an end, and a good
deal of his work, which, according to the account given of it
in the preface, is chiefly an old MS. modernized. It is as
much a party work on the side of Queen Mary as any of
those of the other side against her.
Thursday, August 11th. — Fast day before my Sacrament.
.Messrs. Lundy and Leek preached. Duncan of Smailholm
was to be here, but was taken ill with a pain in his back
on the road. Nobody at dinner with us but the two
ministers who preached and Minna Dawson.
Friday, August 12th. — Read some more of Crawford, and
made out a plan of my Action sermon. Took up anemones
and ranunculuses, and spoke to some catechumens. Mr.
Waite and my sister and little Nanny arrived between 6
and 7. They had set out betwixt 9 and 10 in the morning,
but their chaise had very bad horses, and broke when they
were near Mr. Watson's. The Laird took them up on the
road, and set them forward with his chaise.
Sunday, August 14>th. — Gave the Sacrament. Had 5
tables almost compleat. Placed them before the West
door, and found this disposition more convenient. John
1 David Crawford of Drumsoy, near Glasgow (1665-1726), published in
1706 his Memoirs of the Affairs in Scotland, containing a full and impartial
account of the Revolution in that Kingdom, begun in 1567, faithfully com-
piled from an authentic MS. : it was far from an impartial work, and was
intended as an antidote to Buchanan.
152
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Hume and James Allan my only assistants, Mr. Pollock
being ill of the gout. No strangers with us excepting
Mr. Allan, but John Hume this night.
Munday, August loth. — James Allan and John Hume
preached. Mr. Pollock continuing ill of the gout. James
Allan and I walked to Ednam in the evening with
Mrs. Pollock. Abraham Ker at dinner with us. Never
had so little company.
Tuesday, August 16th. — James Allan intended a jaunt
into the Presbytery of Jedburgh about his clerkship, but
instead of this, after dinner, rode to Eccles with me and
my sisters, where we found Mrs. Dysart come home last
night with Nan, who has continued bravely since the last
attack of her blood-spitting. Also the clerk, who intends
to go to Bath for his health.
Wednesday, August 17th. — James Allan went away in
the morning to Ancrum and Sandy Know, and returned
in the evening. Saw a.m. a sick girl in the town. Was
some time also in the garden and in the glebe, attending
the pulling our lint, which is a very good crop. Read a
little of Crawford. The evident partiality and uniform
ill-temper of that work are very disgusting. P.m. Sir
Robert Pringle's family, also Mrs. Stevenson (Edinburgh),
Nell Thompson, and Wm. Stevenson here at tea.
Thursday, August 18th. — James All-in took a ride to
Harper-Town a.m. He returned and went with my
sisters and me to dine at Sir Robert's, where we were invited
yesterday. Walter just come there. James set out from
Sir Robert's in the evening for Polwarth. Robert Turn-
bull and his niece called here in their way from Lothian.
Robert sent for me from Sir Robert's about 6, to speak to
me about something. Slept on Crawford's Memoirs.
Munday, August 22nd. — Went to Home in the morning
to baptize twins to a poor man, and thence to Nenthorn,
where Robert Turnbull and John Bell preached. Robert
Turnbull came this way in passing and sate an hour.
Read Crawford's Memoirs to an end, which is a violent
party work. They consist chiefly of the history of the
four Regents during James vi.'s minority, no one of whom
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 153
is allowed the least good quality, excepting the Earl of
Mar. It appears from the notes, that considerable blunders
are committed in the work, and it is most probable that
there are many besides what are there noticed. The basis
of the work is an old contemporary MS. which Crawford
has improved from Spotswood, Melville, etc., and put into
pretty good English, reserving only a few original papers
in the old language. The MS. Crawford says he had from
Baird of Saughton Hall. That copy, by the preface of the
late Edinburgh edition, seems to be lost. But there is a
MS. judged to be another copy of the same original work
in the Advocates' Library, and Bishop Keith had another.
Crawford's book was published at London, Anno 1706,
with a dedication to Lord Glasgow, and a preface con-
sisting of severe, but mostly trite, invective against G.
Buchannan. The new edition, with a few notes,
correcting sometimes mistakes of Crawford, and also
rendered, as is pretended, more exact in the printing,
was published at Edinburgh, 1753, with a short preface
prefixed, and the Earl of Morton's confession subjoined
at large.
Tuesday, August 23rd. — Forenoon employed variously
on accounts, journal, reading Edinburgh and Newcastle
papers, in which there appears at last an advertisement for
the sale of Langtown estate, rental near £1500. Wrought
also a while in the garden, raking some new-sown spinnage.
P.m. attended a meeting at Home about the poor's affairs,
where we appointed 100 stone more of oatmeal to be bought
for the supply of the poor. Slept soon at night on Melville.
Wednesday, August 2Uh. — Rode with my sister to
Sprouston to dine, according to appointment with Robert
on Monday. John Cleghorn and his wife there, and Mr.
Lundy. Returned in the evening. Called at Ednam,
coming and going. Read at night Melville's account of
Murray and Lennox's Regencies, where there are inter-
esting particulars.
Thursday, August 25th. — Harvest beginning in many
places, but not yet universal. Wrought some in the
garden. Attended our people a while cutting barley in the
154 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
glebe. Read Spotswood, correcting the printed copy
by the MS.
Friday, August 26th. — Rode to Kelso with my sister
en croupe, Nancy and the child walked. Present at the
examination of Dobby's boys, who, in general, did very
well. Dined in Dobby's, and drank tea in Doctor Gibson's.
Eat some fruit in Mr. Lundy's, and came home in the
evening. Nanny rode before Charles on a peatman's
horse, and Nancy staid. A wet stormy night. Slept on
Melville.
Saturday, August 27th. — Saw in the evening an ignis
fatuus over the hollow at the foot of T. Wood's yard. My
sister saw it for a good while, and another on the top of
the know a little to the south. I took it for the reflexion
of the moonlight from water, but soon perceived it move
a little northward, lessen, and vanish. It was neither
large nor vivid. The moon was shining, but through a
thick atmosphere, and the horizon foul. Prepared for
to-morrow, and looked over some books and put them in
order. Met with a small copy of Homer's Odyssey, which
I see by some writing on it to be an ancient property and
purchase of mine, tho' I had forgot it entirely, and have
not seen it, I am sure, for many years. I suppose Will has
picked it up from among Philip's books in Berwick.
Read some of the fourth vol. of Dupin's abridgement in
his History of the Reformation. 1 Will has this book from
Mr. Lundy. It is an accurate and judicious compend, but
indifferently translated. Slept on Melville.
Tuesday, August 30th. — A.m. weeded turnips, shaved,
and read some of Dupin. P.m. went with my sisters and
little Nanny to see Mr. Pollock's people. Read some more
of Dupin and of Melville at night.
Thursday, September 1st. — Amused with Mr. Waite.
In the afternoon went all to Sir Robert's. They have
been a jaunt at Dunglass, Whitehall, etc., and came home
last night.
1 Louis Ellies Dupin (1617-1719), French ecclesiastical historian. He
never wrote a book under the name of a History of the Reformation.
The diarist probably means a Short History of the Church, Paris, 1712.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 155
Friday, September 2nd. — Set out with my sister, Mr.
Waite, and the children for Berwick betwixt 9 and 10.
Din'd at John Herriot's, and got to the town about sunset.
A very agreeable journey, the day being very fine, and our
motion easy. The child rode on a pillow before Charles,
and bore the journey very well. Spent the evening at
Mr. Waite's. Philip had gone out of town, and Will has
just returned from Eyemouth.
Saturday, September 3rd, — Staid at Berwick till after
dinner. Called at the Doctor's, Sam Stanton's, and the
Collector's. Samuel is repairing or rather rebuilding
the front of his house, which he has put up with
bricks in a very few days. He will have a fine shop
and some very good fore-rooms. Left the town about
2i p.m., and got home about 7. Did something for
to-morrow.
Tuesday, September 6th. — James Allan came here
betwixt 9 and 10 in his way to the Presbytery of Selkirk.
I baptized a child at Todrig, and afterwards went to the
Presbytery, where we were all, excepting Hog. Drank
tea at Dr. Gibson's, and was afterwards a while in Mr.
Lundy's. Came home about 8. Read at night
Spotswood, comparing with the MS. and correcting by it.
If I had foreseen the tediousness of this work, I should
scarce have undertaken it, and I believe shall scarce go
wholly through it.
Wednesday, September 7th. — A.m. shaved in order to
go to M'Kerston, where Messrs. Chatto, Turnbulls, and
Lundy also were, to eat a goose with Mr. Walker. Mrs.
Dysart, Nan, and little Matthew called about 12, and sate
half an hour. Nan is looking well, and has been free of
complaints since she came to the country. Din'd with
company aforesaid, and drank tea at M'Kerston, and
returned in the evening. Read some articles in the July
Scots Magazine, and at night Spotswood.
Thursday, September Sth. — Read Spotswood to an end ;
that is from the place at which I began, which was at the
Accession of Mary, Queen of Scots. He expresses a high
esteem and affection for James, who was his great bene-
156 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
factor. ■ Read also some of Moyses's Memoirs, 1 which is a
sort of journal of events from James's assuming the
Government of Scotland in 1577 till the time of his going
to England. James Allan returned about 6 from his
progress to Selkirk and Jedburgh Presbyteries, where he
finds an interest that, with the rest, makes his success about
as probable as Monteith's. A son of the late Willy
Somerville of Hawick 2 came with him from Ancrum,
in his way to Dunse, and staid here all night.
Friday, September 9th. — The boy went away early in the
morning, and James Allan soon after breakfast. Read
some of Moyses's Memoirs, particularly the account of
Go wry 's conspiracy as published by the King himself.
It is a very strange story. Read also the abstract of the
Militia Act in the Scots Magazine, and some other things.
Saw a sick girl in the town.
Saturday, September 10th. — Read out the Scots Magazine,
and some of Dupin. Got letters from Berwick in the
evening, and the July Magazine, of which I read some at
night. Received in a letter from Philip 3 lottery tickets
for W. Stevenson. He had given orders to register them
at Edinburgh, but the account sent by W. Rutter of them
was so defective that they could not be registered, so that
it was necessary either to make the description of them
more perfect, or to send the tickets themselves. From
viewing the tickets, it is evident that Rutter has sent a
very defective account of them, having ommitted the two
first figures with the M subjoined, which I suppose express
the thousands. Thus the number marked 10 M 740, he
called No. 740. This is an odd blunder.
Munday, September 12th. — A.m. read the first book of
Spots wood's history, and in the evening some of the
1 David Moyse (fl. 1582-1603), clerk to the Council 1582, and in the
office of King's Secretary 1596 : published Memoirs of the A ffairs of
Scotland, 1577-1603.
2 This must have been Thomas Somerville, afterwards the well-known
minister of Jedburgh, historian of the time of Queen Anne, and also author
of My Own Life and Times. He was the only son of William Somerville,
minister of Hawick 1732-57. He was only sixteen at this time.
17571 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 157
second. In these readings I only look to the MS. where I
suspect a fault, an accurate comparison being too tedious,
and vix tanti. In the afternoon, according to promise to
James Allan, went to Robert Scot of Sandy Know to talk
about his clerkship. Spoke of applying to several elders.
At night read some of Dupin. In the catalogue of
ecclesiastical writers of the last century, he mentions him-
self, and says that in the 1718, the year when he published
the last edition of his compend, he had published 100
volumes, of these 50 on the ecclesiastical writers, and was
still continuing to write.
Wednesday, September lMh. — Read more of Spots wood
forenoon and evening, and at night wrought a little on
Will's discourse. P.m. went to Queen's Cairn with Nancy,
to see the Bailie's wife, 1 who has been lying-in.
Saturday, September 17th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
read in Spotswood the form of Church Policy presented
by John Knox and his brethren to the Convention anno
1560, which is the only part of the volume I had not read
before. Read also some of Moyses and of Melville. Mel-
ville's account of Queen Elizabeth is one of the best parts
of his work.
Munday. September 19^.-^-Employed most of the day
and at night in writing to Will along with his discourse,
giving the reasons of my corrections and adding some rules
about composition and delivery. John Ker and his wife
came here between 5 and 6, and staid all night.
Wednesday, September 21st. — Led my hay, barley, and
pease, of the last named of which I have a most miserable
crop. Read some of the Brandenburgh Memoirs, and
consulted maps about the Prussian dominions, etc. Even-
ing read some of Buchannan, and at night read the first
book of Phaedrus, comparing the late Edinburgh edition,
according to the proposed emendations of Cunningham,
with Cous teller's Paris one. 2 Both are very correctly
1 The wife of Cockburn, the bailie of Langton.
1 Antoine Urbain Coustelier, publisher and litterateur, Paris, where he
died 1749.
158 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
printed, and as to Cunningham's emendations, 1 they have
in some instances the appearance of considerable improve-
ments, but in most I should prefer the old readings.
Thursday, September 22nd. — Rode to Eccles with Nancy
en croupe before dinner, and sate till the evening. Read
in the evening some of the Iliad, and at night the second
book and part of the third of Phaedrus.
Friday, September 23rd.- — Read some of Spotswood in
the life of Queen Mary, transcribing the chronology of
remarkable events according to a plan begun last winter,
but which it would require much time to bring to any
maturity. Miss Maddy Pringle here at tea. Read more
of Phaedrus.
Saturday, September 24>th. — Read some of Melville's
Memoirs along with Moyses, writing some dates in the
former out of the latter. Read in the evening some of
Homer, and at night Phaedrus. Minna Dawson here
assisting Nancy to quilt.
Tuesday, September 27th. — Robert Turnbull came before
dinner and staid till the evening. Had a walk with him
in the afternoon to the Linn. Read in the evening the
Iliad, and at night got to the end of Phaedrus, who is a
writer of great elegance. Many of Cunningham's proposed
emendations are very judicious.
Thursday, September 29th. — Rode to Twisel to see the
Esquire before he leaves the country. Found him with
Isaac Wood at partridge-shooting, at which he continued
till 4 p.m. Philip came also here, and we staid with
him all night.
Friday, September 30th. — Blake had an appointment
with Ker of Etill to shoot again. Attended them at
that work till 4 p.m., and was sufficiently fatigued. Had
some entertainment too, for they are very good shooters,
and the game was pretty plentiful. Mr. Blake has his
son with him, who is a Cambridge scholar, and promises
1 Alexander Cunningham, Professor of Scots Law in Edinburgh Uni-
versity 1698 : published editions of Horace, Virgil, and Phaedrus, the
last in 1757.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 159
to be a very good one. 1 Had a good deal of entertaining
talk with the Esquire on Thursday night, but his long
stay in the country seems to have cut him off from
all literary intelligence. Came home betwixt 8 and 9,
sufficiently tired.
Tuesday, October 4>th. — At the Presbytery, where Will
delivered the last of his tryals, and was licensed. He
acquitted himself, on the whole, very tolerably. Drank
some punch at Wood's with Messrs. Turnbulls, and came
home betwixt 7 and 8. Read last week's Edinburgh
papers. Journalized and looked to a sermon for Kelso
to-morrow.
Thursday, October 6th. — Finished the work of dating
Melville from Moyses. I know not that the latter can be
employed to a better use. Read Homer in the evening.
Past 9, James Allan arrived. He wrote me he was to be up
the country this week, but I had given over expecting him.
Friday, October 7th. — Hesitated long about setting out
for Hawick in the morning to Laurie's admission, whither
we were both bound. However, the rain going off, we set
out a little after 8, and were at Hawick at 12. Matthew
Dysart kept his appointment with me of being at Kelso
at 6, where he waited half an hour. Got some of the
conclusion of John Cranston's work. 2 Eat and drank till
the evening, and set out for Glen's 3 with Laurie, Monteith,
Matthew Dysart, and Cupples. Francis Scot and Willy
Home Of Polwarth came over to us from Cavers, and we
spent the night with a good deal of glee.
1 Sir Francis Blake's eldest surviving son, afterwards Sir Francis, second
Bart. : his elder brother Robert, a youth of extraordinary promise and
expectation, had died in 1754 at the age of twenty : Francis was now
about that age : he subsequently raised a regiment of infantry called ' the
Gold Spinks,' and spent £80,000 in the building of a castle (Fowberry
Tower) on the banks of the Till, which was never finished.
2 That is, arrived near the end of his sermon. John Cranstoun was
minister of Ancrum from 1733 till his death in 1790.
a Alexander Glen, minister of Kirkton, near Hawick, 1751 : translated
to Galashiels, where Carlyle and his wife visited him 1767, and to Dirleton
1769, of which parish his father had been minister. His son, James, took
orders in the Church of England, and another son, Nisbet, was a Com-
mander R.N.
160 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Saturday, October 8th. — Cupples, Matthew Dysart, a lad
they call Potts 1 from Glen's parish to preach for Cupples
or Willy Home (who, with Monteith, staid behind), and
myself set out from Kirkton in the morning, and got here
to dine, where James Allan, by the way of Riddell, whither
he had gone last night, arrived just before us. All went
off about 4. Afterwards dozed, and look'd to my lecture
for to-morrow. Never was in Teviotdale before farther
than Jedburgh. The ride from Mount Teviot to Hawick
is a very pleasant one. A fine country of corn fields and
gently rising green hills on both sides of the Teviot with
some well-situated gentlemen's seats and villages. I have
not seen so fine a strath. Minto Craigs and Greenhill on
one side, and the lofty situation of Cavers and Rowberlaw
on the other, are very fine objects. Hawick, itself, is a
prettily situated town, with its waters, bridges, gardens,
and green hills around it, which are disposed at such a
distance as not to cover or crowd it.
Sunday, October 9th. — After lecturing at home, rode to
Kelso, where I preached in the schoolhouse on 2 Timothy,
1 to 10, about an hour. Will preached to the people here
p.m. After dining and drinking tea at Mr. Lundy's,
James Turnbull, who came from Linton to preach in
the school p.m., went with me to the Doctor's, where
we slept. Jenny Home there, a very good, sensible
lass.
Munday, October 10th. — Breakfasted in the Doctor's,
and then rode to M'Kerston, where I preached on 1 John,
3. 2. Colleagued with Alexander Duncan. Innes there
and his daughter, also Hog and Richardson. Came home
in the evening.
Wednesday, October 11th. 2 — John Miller, now an M.D.,
1 Probably Robert Potts, who had been licensed by the Presbytery of
Kelso in 1754 : minister of Ettrick 1772 to 1780, when he demitted and
became minister of the Presbyterian congregation at Penruddock, Cumber-
land.
2 The dates go wrong here. In 1757 the nth of October fell on a
Tuesday, and this is correctly given. The dates continue wrong till
Friday, 21st October, which is right.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 161
came before dinner, and staid till about 4. Delved some
ground for tulips. Evening read Buchannan with
Ruddiman's notes, which are very exact and useful.
Read at night some of the last book of Quintilian. Had a
letter at night from Mr. Waite, in which he informs us
that all our stock of tickets were drawn blanks before last
Friday, except 5. Mine are all amongst the blanks, which
puts an end to my castle building, in which I have often
indulged since I was an adventurer in this affair. Philip's
single one was among the undrawn, also 3 of Mr. Waite' s
own, and one of those he gave his wife and children.
Friday, October 13th. — Walter Scot came here in the
morning to breakfast. We looked over Mr. Allan's list
of voters, which he left with me some time ago, and after
making alterations, from what has since happened, we
still made a majority of 5 or 6 on his side. Walter rode
to Kelso with me, whither I went to take the case of the
payment of my window tax, for which to-morrow is the
last day. Not having the sum, I borrowed 25 shillings
from Mr. Lundy to make it up. Dined in Mr. Lundy's
with Wm. Scot, Robert Turnbull, John Cleghorn, and
Wm. Stevenson. Call'd at Mr. Dawson's and the library
p.m. Came home in the evening and found here
the Misses Ridpaths of Angelraw, May handsome and
sprightly.
Saturday, October 14^. — The Misses Ridpaths staid till
after dinner. Then, with Will and Nancy, they walked
to Sprouston, where they wanted to see Alexander
Stevenson, an old acquaintance. Did something for
to-morrow, and read a considerable part of the July and
August Review, with the Appendix for last semestre, all
which I brought with me from Kelso yesterday.
Munday, October 16th. — Our guests (May a very sweet
one) staid till after dinner. Set them, with Will and
Nancy, to Kenniston-Heads. Afterwards read Buchannan
and some of the Reviews.
Tuesday, October 17th. — Planted my tulips, and read
Reviews to an end. Mrs. Lee of N[ewton ?] Mill, Miss Cy
Dawson, Aly and Betty Pollock here p.m. Set the two
L
162 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
latter in their way home beyond Nether Lees. Read some
of Homer.
Wednesday, October 18th. — James Allan came here about
10, to make his last tour about the clerk's office. Staid
all day and night. Mr. Lundy came before dinner and
staid all night. I was at Home, two or three hours about,
mid-day, to settle our accounts about the meal bought
for the use of the poor. Could not finish that matter,
but brought the proper materials home with me.
Thursday, October 19th. — Mr. Allan set out on his rounds
betwixt 7 and 8 in the morning. Lundy staid till after
breakfast. Then spent great part of the day on the
accounts of the poor's meal. Evening read Homer, and
slept on something in a Review.
Friday, October 21st. — Read and amused variously.
Saw R. Gotrie in the afternoon, who was very ill of a sore
throat. Ordered him to be blooded under the tongue,
which was done in the evening. Having fasted almost
two days, he fell after the blooding into a deliquium,
which continued, as I was told, an hour, and made all the
people about him think he was gone. Saw him as he was
recovering out of it. His throat grew better next morning.
Read in the evening the first book of Buchannan almost
to an end, where I met with some things new to me about
the Western Islands.
Saturday, October 22nd. — James Allan came back before
dinner by way of Kelso, where he had been all last night
with Lundy. Saw some great folks, his friends, in the
company there, at the Assemblies, which have been held the
three preceeding nights. He set out for Ligertwood to
see Guland, 1 and I went to Whitsum, after dinner.
Reached Withsum about day-light going. Talked a great
deal about the Clerkship affair, etc.
Sunday, October 2Srd. — Lectured on Psalm 16. Preached
on 1 John, 3. 2. Cold work, the roof of John Waugh's
kirk being mostly open in order to be recovered with slate.
Dined at Waugh's. Called on horseback at John Lee's
1 William Gullan, minister of Legerwood 1753-92.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 163
and Cupples' s, and came home between 6 and 7. James
Allan preached for me.
Munday, October 2\th. — James Allan set out for Martin, 1
and I went to Kelso to the Presbytery for Privy Censure.
Saw Willy Walker there, who has not chosen an elder, tho'
he promised one for Mr. Allan. This is the effect of weak-
ness, and perhaps of some degree of forgetfulness, against
much influence on the other side. Dr. Gibson was also
chosen yesterday elder from the Kelso session by the
influence of W. Ker among the elders. How this was
obtained I do not know ; perhaps by Abraham. Drank
tea in Dr. Gibson's. Came home in the evening, and read
Saturday's newspapers, where there is nothing very con-
siderable. James Allan did not come from Marting and
Sandy Know till near 11.
Tuesday, October 25th. — Went to the Synod with James
Allan. Got to Kelso about 11. The affair of the clerk-
ship was decided in the forenoon sederunt, and Monteith
carried it by 8 majority, of which two were Lindsay,
correspondent from Dumfries and his elder. Afternoon
went through last Synod's minutes. Supped in Purves's,
where were the rivals, and a good many others. Very
hearty. Slept in Mr. Lundy's.
Wednesday, October 26th. — Breakfasted in Mr. Dawson's.
Synod rose betwixt 2 and 3. Heard the cause of Fogo on
an appeal by Lord Home's agents against the sentence of
the Presbytery of Dunse appointing a moderation for
Willy Home as the King's presentee. But as an action of
Declarator of Home's right is depending before the Court
of Session, and the Presbytery had not such documents of
the Crown's possession as they expect they may hereafter
be able to obtain, the cause, with consent of both parties,
was delayed till next Synod. Then, after going through
ordinary forms, the Synod rose. Din'd with a good deal
of company in Mr. Lundy's. Drank tea in Dobby's.
Called at Mr. Dawson's, and came home about 9.
1 Martin, or as it is spelt further on Marting, is Merton, of which James
Innes, formerly mentioned, was minister.
164 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Thursday, October 27th. — Set out with James Allan for
Eyemouth, chiefly to see Colvill. Intended to dine at
Mains, 1 where James Allan had some business, but being
too late, dined on what we could get at Sandy Home's,
Chyrnside. Drank tea at Mains's, where are two fine
women, sisters-in-law to Mains, the one, lady to Major
Dundas, the other to young Dalrymple of Dreghorn, the
Advocate. The latter in particular is a celebrated beauty,
but I did not see her to advantage. Got to Eyemouth
betwixt 8 and 9. Found Colvill much better. All his
complaints, which were chiefly of the low-spirited, nervous
kind, are greatly diminished. These have been so con-
siderable, that for some time he had almost despaired of
being able to go to Edinburgh.
Friday, October 28th. — Dined in Andrew Edgar's. Drank
tea in Slatehouse's, and supped in Mrs. Crow's, whose
daughters are grown fine and handsome girls, especially
the eldest and two youngest.
Munday, October 31st. — Rode to Ednam, where I spent
the day assisting Mas Thomas in writing a letter to
G. Wallace about the affair of the kirk. Came home in the
evening, and found here, sent me by Balfour, 2 Renault's
Abregi Chronologique, which I had commissioned when
in the town in summer. Looked over a good deal of it
evening and night.
Tuesday, November 1st. — Nancy, Will, and Aly Steven-
son came home about mid-day from Angelraw, whither
Nancy and Aly had gone on Saturday. Rest of the day
chiefly look'd over the Abrege Chronologique, and at night
read some of the Polymetis, where the account of the
Roman poetry and poets is but poor.
Wednesday, November 2nd. — Mr. Lundy came here
before dinner, also Robert Turnbull. Lundy went to
M'Kerston immediately after dinner. Robert Turnbull
1 Mains, in the parish of Chirnside, was in the possession of John Mow
or Molle : he married Margaret Crow, probably a sister-in-law of Ridpath's
friend Mrs. Crow.
2 Probably Elphinstone Balfour, the bookseller in Edinburgh. He
was a cadet of the Balfours of Pilrig.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 165
and his niece walked homewards about 4. Read in the
evening some of the beginning of the second Iliad, and at
night more of Polymetis, where the cuts are exceedingly
beautiful, but the printing incorrect.
Munday. November 7th. — At Hardy's Mill -Place and
Home before dinner, seeing sick. P.m. went with Nancy
to Sir Robert's, where we sate till after supper. T y
Hall there, a sensible woman, when she is in a humour for
showing herself so.
Tuesday. November Sth. — Set out with Nancy about 12
for Sprouston, according to arrangement last week. John
Cleghorn and his wife there, and Aly Pollock. Staid all
night.
Wednesday, November 9th. — Went from Sprouston to
the Presbytery, where we were all, excepting Mr. Lundy.
Had a pair, accused of adultery, before us from Joseph
Leek's parish. Drank tea in Mr. Dawson's, and attended
a library meeting, where we found ourselves so much in
arrear, that we could commission no books. It will take
all that we can raise for a twelvemonth to discharge
what is already owing. Lodged in Mr. Lundy's with
Messrs. Chatto, Dysart, and Robert Turnbull.
Thursday, November 10th. — Was just about setting out
with Matthew Dysart for Eccles in his chaise, which had
returned yesterday from carrying John Aitchison to
Edinburgh, when both he and I were prevailed with to go
to Sprouston along with James Turnbull and' Andrew
Chatto to eat a goose with Robert. Dobby also there,
and Doctor Miller. The afternoon was so bad that all of
us, excepting Dobby, staid all night. Very cheerful. I
had contracted, however, a cold by wanting my great-coat
on Tuesday and Wednesday, which produced a hoarseness,
and a considerable degree of a toothache at night.
Friday. Xorember 11th. — Came home before dinner.
A good deal distrest with my cold and toothache. Read
some of J. Dalrymple's book on Feudal Property, 1 which
I got on Wednesday from the library.
1 Sir John Dalrymple, fourth Baronet of Cranstoun, advocate 1748 :
Baron of Exchequer 1 776-1807. His best known work is his Memoirs of
166 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
Saturday, November 12th. — Remarkable streamers at
night, issuing from the zenith chiefly from E. to W., with
an appearance above the southern horizon like the Aurora
Borealis. I saw them in the morning evolving and moving
very rapidly. Prepared for to-morrow, and read last
August London Magazine, where there are some good
things from the last published Philosophical Transactions.
Attended a mason repairing the parlour hearth, which he
did very bunglingly.
Wednesday, November 16th. — Rode to Kelso a.m., where
I din'd with Mr. Lundy. After dinner, rode over with
him to Linton, where I should have dined according to
engagement last week at Sprouston, but Mr. Lundy being
detained by some parish business, I waited till he could go
along. Robert Turnbull and John Cleghorn at Linton,
where we all staid all night.
Thursday, November 17th. — Went all over to Morbattle
to dine, and staid there all night. Had a sore attack of
the toothache in the evening, which was at last quieted
by putting some cotton full of mustard into the hollow
of the sore tooth. Was apprehensive of this consequence
of my travelling in winter weather, and ought to have
staid at home, especially as I had the prospect so near
of an Edinburgh journey.
Friday, November ISth. — Set out from Morbattle be-
tween 11 and 12, and rode over to Sprouston with Robert
and Mr. Lundy, where we dined. Applied still the
mustard cataplasm all day, which kept me tolerably easy.
Came home in the evening, and read a good deal of
Dalrymple's Feudal Property. Slept on the Iliad.
Saturday, November 19th. — Read all that I had not
read before of John Dalrymple's book. It is a very enter-
taining work, even to one of my imperfect knowledge of
Great Britain and Ireland, 3 vols. 1771. He wrote also on Entails, was
an expert chemist, and invented a process for making soap from herrings.
The work referred to in the text is his Essay towards a General History
of Feudal Property in Great Britain under various heads, published in 1757,
which went through several editions in a few years. He was a strong
supporter of John Home, the author of Douglas, in the General Assembly.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 167
the law, but perhaps would have afforded more, both of
instruction and entertainment, had it been in some
articles more detailed. A conciseness is studied in it,
with a view perhaps, to resemble Montesquieu, but it is
the talent only of a few to please as he does, with the
brevity which he always affects and maintains.
Monday, November 2\st. — Set out for Edinburgh betwixt
7 and 8, din'd at Channel-kirk, and stopt a while at Fala,
having found Pat Simpson on our road. Got to Edinburgh
about 6. Took up our quarters at Paxton's in the Grass-
Market. After dressing, went over to Mr. Wallace's and
supped.
Tuesday, November 22n d.— Breakfasted and din'd in
Mr. Laurie's. Supped again in Mr. Wallace's. As to our
cause, Lord Home's people applied at the opening of the
Session for a renewal of the diligence for production of
papers, which was granted them till last day of this month.
Wednesday, November 23rd. — Breakfasted in James
Davidson's, and din'd and drank tea in Clerk Home's.
David there, and we had a good deal of entertaining
conversation, of which the principal subjects were the King
of Prussia, who is David's hero, and the Duke of Cumberland,
who is as low in his opinion as the other is high. Sate a
while with Willy Temple in his room in Professor Robert-
son's in the College. James Allan and Colvill cast up at
Mr. Laurie's in the evening. Went with them to Herriot's
work, where Colvill 1 enters to one of the fittest and best
places for him that could have been thought of. I wish
he may keep his health, which he has now pretty well
recovered.
Thursday, November 2Mb. — Breakfasted in Herriot's
Work Hospital with Hepburn, one of the Masters, who
invited the Governor, Allan, and myself last night. Took
a view of the building, which is one of the handsomest
and most compleatly finished about the City, as its situation
1 James Colville was probably a schoolmaster in Ridpath's neighbour-
hood. He was appointed House Governor of Heriot's Hospital on ist
August 1757, and held office for nearly twelve years.
168
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1757
is one of the most pleasant. Din'd with Robert Turnbull
at Professor Stevenson's. Drank tea at Mr. Laurie's with
Willy Temple. James Allan came to us, and I went with
him to James Davidson's, who, after raving a while to us,
fell into a most profound sleep. Hepburn was also there
at supper, and Robert Turnbull. James Allan and
Hepburn went with Robert and me to our quarters, where
we drank some punch till about 12.
Friday, November 25th. — Breakfasted in Mr. Laurie's,
and got him to price the articles of the account of things
I have got from him, which I could never get done before.
Nothing can be more friendly than Gilbert is, and there
are few men to whom I am more obliged. Saw John Home,
who has been ill 3 or 4 days and seemed to be threatened
with a slow fever, which, I believe, is at an end, by a
copious sweat he had last night. Willy Home and his
wife are in Town, having brought in their eldest son to the
College, 1 and Willy being also looking after his Fogo affair,
in which Lord Home's people have not yet done anything.
Willy, Robert Turnbull, and I dined in Mr. Wallace's.
After dinner Robert and I set out for Borthwick, where
we arrived betwixt 6 and 7. Thomas Turnbull' s family
in distress by sore throats, to which he and his children are
uncommonly subject.
Saturday, November 26th. — Set out from Borthwick
about 9. Stopp'd at the pimping 2 house at Wyndpath
Ford, where we got porter, bread, a dram, and herrings.
Got home a little after sunset. Dozed and did something
for to-morrow. Read also some part of Sir James Stuart's
defence of Sir Isaac Newton's Chronology of the Ancient
Greeks, 3 a work which David Home lent me, and desired
my observations on it. It seems to be very ingenious.
Wednesday, November SOth. — Thanksgiving day appointed
1 Willy Home's eldest son was Walter, afterwards Colonel, 42nd High-
landers. He was now fifteen.
2 Small mean house of refreshment on the road.
3 A vindication of Newton's Chronology, by Sir James Steuart of
Coltness, Bart, (afterwards Sir James Steuart - Denham) : published in
French 1757.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 169
by the Synod for the good harvest and crop. Preached
on Psalm 107. 43. Read in the evening Sir James Stuart's 1
Apology almost to an end. Being thoroughly master of
his subject by the clearness and precision wherewith he
explains Sir Isaac's system, and overthrows the objections
and contrary systems of his adversaries.
Thursday. December 1st. — Read Sir James Stuart's
Apology almost to an end. Being thoroughly master of
his subject, he has pretty easy work with his adversaries,
particularly Shuckford, whom he very justly laughs at.
,Read also to an end of Mr. Brown's celebrated work on the
manners and principles of the times. 2 which came from
Sir Robert's. Had read some part of it in the 2 or 3
preceeding days. It cannot be said to be altogether void
of genius or literary merit, tho' its fame has been extra-
vagantly beyond these. The language is, in general, harsh,
and licences assumed in it which Mr. Brown's rank in the
scale of genius gives him no title to. The sentiments and
reasonings have almost nothing that deserve the name of
new, and the draughts of characters are often caricatures.
Friday, December 2nd. — Read Sir James Stuart's
Apology to an end. I am not perfectly master of the
astronomical part of it, tho' it seems to be both dis-
tinctly detailed and well defended. Read a good deal
of Polymetis.
Tuesday, December 6th. — Walked to Kelso to the Presby-
tery, where we had some scandals. Drank tea at Mr.
Dawson's, and was afterwards with some co-presbyters
in Waldie's, revising his and the bookseller's accounts,
being members of a committee appointed for that purpose
at last quarterly meeting. Made some objections to some
1 Ridpath is quite impartial as to the spelling of the author's name,
and he is always wrong : it was Steuart.
■ John Brown (1715-66), son of a curate in Northumberland, was a
voluminous author of plays, sermons, and essays. He is best known as
the author of An estimate of the Manners and Principles of the Times,
which was published in 1757, and obtained much popularity, going through
seven editions in a year. He had always an ill-balanced mind, and being
forbidden by his doctors to go to Russia to take up an appointment there,
he committed suicide in 1766.
170 1)1 A K Y OF GEORGE RIBPATH [1757
articles in the bookseller's account. Slept in Mr. Lundy 's,
where were also Andrew Chatto and Robert Turnbull.
Thursday, December 8th. — Spent the day on the poor's
accounts, which, as usual, haw been very inaeeurat cly
kept I must be obliged, I believe, to mark things myself.
Two of the chirrs here counting the box. \Y. Stevenson
Came to lea. After he was gone, Spent Some more time on
poor's accounts, and read the last newspapers, where there
is not much of consequence. Read also the addresses of
Lords and Commons, which are abundantly loyal. Slept
on Scots Magazine. Sent Charles to Kelso to sell Sir
Robert's stipend barley, which was delivered yesterday,
lie sold it to Alexander Hanisav for IS shillings the
Boll,
Tuesday. December 13///.— Set out with Robert Turnbull
and his niece, James Turnbull and Mr. Lundy for Berwick,
according to agreement last week. Got there to dine.
Spent evening and night in Mr. Waifce's, where nil arc wi ll
and in good spirits.
Thursday, December 15th. — Call'd a.m. at my aunt's,
who is Looking very well on't. Set out about 19 with
Robert Turnbull, Lundy. and Philip, for Kymouth. (Jot
on the road one of the bitterest showers of hail in our face
that ever] was abroad in. Drank tea at Net her-Hv res, and
called al Andrew Edgar's, He and Mrs. Edgar were at
supper with us in James's. 1
Saturday. December 17th. — Set out from Berwick about
12, and got here betwixt 4 and 5. Philip, who gave the
vacancy yesterday, 2 came along with us, but went with
Mr. Lundy to preach for him to-morrow. lie had a letter
yesterday from (.;. Wallace- about the Hutton affair, which
was at last debated before the Ordinary on Thursday,
when Lord Home's lawyers mentioned an Act of Parlia-
ment Anno 1644, giving Ilulton to Lord Home, and a
charter following on this Act. This Parliament was one
of those that were annulled after the Restoration. They
1 That is, at James Allan's, the minister at Eyemouth.
2 Broke up his school for the Christmas vacation.
1757] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATB IT1
also pretended that minorities in the family would save
the prescription. What is in these pleas will soon be tried,
for informations are ordered to be given in hinc indc. 1 1
the Act of Parliament and Charter have no force, I am
not afraid of the time of prescription being rendered too
short by minorities. Did something for to-morrow, and
read some of last October Magcudne,
Wednesday, December 21s/. — Read Polymetis, being to
return it to-morrow. Have read it all except a few pages.
It is on the whole a very valuable collection, the fruit of
long attention and great labour. The sculptures are after
the best antiques, and are very beautifully executed. The
explications and illustrations of them discover a consider-
able portion of good sense, taste, and genius, and a great
deal of classical erudition, tho' the composition is much
disfigured by priggish, conceited airs. Look'd also a while
into the Acts of the Covenanting Assemblies in search of
something I could not find. Slept on the Abrtgt Chrono-
logique.
Thursday, December 22nd.— Dobby here at dinner and till
the evening. Look'd over the second vol. of Uutherforth's
System of Natural Philosophy, 1 which I got to-day from the
library with a view of looking to what he has about Sir
Isaac Newton's Chronology. Slept on Clarke's Caesar, 2
which Dobby has had for some time and brought with
him to-day.
Friday, December 23rd. — Walked toEccles before dinner
and staid all night. Nan has had a new attack of her
blood-spitting, but is better. Look'd to the Acts of the
Covenanting Parliaments, which Mr. Dysart happens to
have. Saw a title in the unprinted Acts for 1644, whieh
must refer to the Act my Lord Home's lawyers have men-
tioned in the Hutton affair. It is called a Ratification in
1 Thomas Rutherforth (1712-71), Regius Professor of Divinity, Cam-
bridge: published a System of Natural Philosophy.
1 Samuel Clarke (1^75-1729), a disciple of Sir Isaac Newton : rector
of St. James, Westminster, 1709: master of Wigs ton's Hospital, IvCicester,
1718 : founder of the intellectual school which deduced the moral law
from a logical necessity : edited Caesar 1712.
172 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
the favour of the Earl of Hume. Diverted with some
other things in that collection.
Saturday, December 24th. — Came home from Eccles
before dinner. Read almost all last September and some
of October Rcviezv. In the former there is a critique on
Wilkie which is most immoderately and ridiculously severe.
Munday, December 26th. — Read the Review of September
and October to an end. Laurie in Ins return from Hawick
to Langtown, where he has been this fortnight, called
before dinner and staid all night. Diverted us with
Riccalton's 1 behaviour on [the] occasion of Boston's de-
mission, winch was given in to their last Presbytery.
1758
Munday, January 2nd. — Sent Charles to Berwick for
Nancy in the morning. Philip and I walked to Mains,
where w T ere the Gordon-Bank people, 2 also Captain Archi-
bald Don, at present in the country with his mother, and
Home of Bowden and his wife. 3 Came home in the even-
ing after drinking a modicum of punch, which made us feel
the road much more tolerable than we thought it in the
morning. T. Dudgeon here, from whom we bought some
things. Read some of AbregS Chronologique.
Tuesday, January 3rd. — Philip and I walked to the
Presbytery, where was very little business. Drank tea in
Dobby's, where also Andrew Chatto and I lay. Lundy
had for his guests Patterson, chaplain to the Regiment of
Gray Dragoons, with his wife, a very young girl, whom he
carried lately off from her relations in the S. of England,
and married her in Scotland. He, himself, is originally of
Selkirk, and has been staying some time there, but the
quarters not being agreeable to his wife, he has come to
Kelso to seek a lodging, and till he be provided, he
quarters himself upon Mr. Lundy, to whom Trotter recom-
mended him. Patterson looks like fifty, is heavy, and of
1 Robert Riccalton, minister of Hobkirk 1725-69. See p. 199, n. 2.
2 Gordon-Bank, parish of Chirnside, was the property of George Gordon.
3 James Home's wife's name was Mary Ormiston.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 173
a mean behaviour, whence it may be concluded that the
animal who has clung to him and followed him so far, is
not of the highest order. We saw her next morning. She
is not un-handsome, seems to be very young, and her mien
and behaviour show her to be quite raw and low-bred.
Such guests does poor Lundy's excessive hospitality and
great want of discernment in characters expose him to be
plundered by. [sic] Philip lay with him. James Turnbull
staid in Wood's, and Robert Turnbull was sent for in the
evening to go home.
Wednesday, January 4th. — Was informed in the morning
that my horse had not returned last night with Nancy.
The badness of the day prevented her setting out. Our
choir 1 being engaged to go to M'Kerston, Philip and I
rode part of the way behind Chatto and James Turnbull,
but I walked most of it along with James Turnbull, taking
the way by Broxlaw along the banks of the Tweed and
through M*Kerston's parks ; a very pleasant road. Dined
at M'Kerston, and staid there all night.
Thursday, January oth. — Charles brought down our
horses a.m. to M'Kerston, and informed us that my mother
is no worse. Set out for Morbattle a.m., and got there
to dine. Took a little survey in passing, of Dirleton's 2
late improvements at Marlefield. He has made a con-
siderable progress in opening and levelling a fine extensive
lawn before his house, which was formerly shut up by a
stiff, contracted, Dutch policy. Spent the night at Mor-
battle very agreeably. Mrs. Chatto is a nurse, and both
she and her boy are in the most thriving, healthy state
that can be.
Friday, January 6th. — Crost over to Linton, where we
dined and staid all night. Learned so much of the move-
1 Sic in MS., but it can hardly mean a church choir. Such aids to
praise were not known, in the country at all events, in 1758. It probably
merely signifies the band of people, Ridpath and his friends, who were
going from Kelso to Mackerston.
2 William Nisbet of Dirleton, grandmaster of the Freemasons in Scot-
land : married 1747 Mary, only child and heiress of Andrew Hamilton of
Pencaitland : progenitor of the Nisbet-Hamiltons.
174 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
ments of the game of chess, as to be amused by seeing
others play at it.
Saturday, January 7th. — Left Linton betwixt 11 and 12,
and got home about 2. Found my mother much in the
way we left her. Did something for to-morrow.
Munday, January 9th. — Philip set out for Berwick in
the morning. I went to Home to see sick. Evening,
began to read over again Sir J[ames] Stewart's work,,
in which I also corrected the errors marked in the table
prefixed, which I see is not a compleat one.
Wednesday, January 11th. — Read some more of the
History of the Fabulous and Heroick Times of Greece in
the Universal History, which, in that part, as in too many
others, is very carelessly and very poorly executed.
Read also a little of the beginning of Hooke's vindication
of Sir Isaac's Chronology of the Kings of Rome. 1 Hooke
gives considerable verbatim extracts from Sir Isaac's
work. Read also some of November Scots Magazine.
Dr. Miller came betwixt 6 and 7, and staid all night. He
still greatly commends the Vinum Benedictum for its
use in fevers, which it often carries off in 2 or 3 days'
time.
Thursday, January 12th. — John Miller was sent for early
in the morning. Shaved a.m. and received Sir Robert's
money stipend. P.m. went to Ednam. Mas Thomas a
good deal freeled 2 with his late cough and attack of the
gout which has confined him for some weeks. Slept soon
on Sir Isaac's Chronology.
Friday, January 13th. — Read Scots (November) Magazine
to an end, and was reading some of Sir J. Steuart's Apology,
when John Hume of Greenlaw and Cupples arrived. They
dined and staid all night. John Ker came also before
1 This was probably the first vol. of the Roman History, by Nathaniel
Hooke, published in 1738, to which was prefixed Remarks on the History
of the seven Roman Kings occasioned by Sir Isaac Newton's objections in
his Chronology of Antient Kingdoms Amended to the supposed 244 years
of the Royal State of Rome. The second volume of his history was
dedicated to the Earl of Marchmont.
2 An unusual word : probably meaning ' made frailer.'
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 175
dinner, where he had been seeing his son, who has been
very ill of a rheumatick fever. He has carried in Peggy
to attend him.
Saturday, January lUh. — Guests went away betwixt
11 and 12. Afterwards John Watson came and agreed
with me about my stipend oats, which were this day
received and delivered. He staid and dined. Afterwards
did something for to-morrow, and transcribed in the
evening into this year's Almanach the articles of accounts
for current month. Slept on Hooke's account of the
Chronology of the Roman Kings.
Sunday, January 15th. — Many strangers in the kirk,
both Ednam and Nenthorn wanting preaching. Got a
letter at last from John Davidson, in which he informs me
that there had not yet been any consultation in the Hutton
affair, which he ascribes to delays on the part of Lord
Home's doer, in giving a note of facts on their side to be
laid before our lawyers. This, however, he writes me,
was promised on Thursday, and expected also that day to
have a consultation.
Tuesday, January 17th. — Examin'd town's people in the
kirk, first time this season. Mr. Dawson here at dinner.
Miss Peggy Pringle called in the evening. Wrought more
on Sir J. Steuart's Apology, and made myself quite master
of the astronomical part of it.
Wednesday, January 18th. — Examined again in the
kirk. Read Sir J.'s Apology again to an end. Look'd
over Wolff's Astronomy for an account of the procession
of the equinoxes, but could not find it. Read also almost
to an end Hooke's Chronology of the Roman Kings, where
he employs almost the same reasoning against Shuckford,
with [? while] Sir James W T histon, it seems, who is also a
writer against Sir Isaac's system, falls into the same
blunder with Shuckford.
Thursday, January 19th. — Was in the forenoon at the
burial of a young child of G. Laurie's. Read afterwards
Hooke's Chronology of the Roman Kings to an end.
Went to Sir Robert's to tea, and staid till after supper.
Paid him for some seed corn I got last year.
176 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
Friday, January 20th. — Read Hooke's Defence of the
Authenticity of the Antient Roman History against
Beaufort. In the evening look'd over butcher's and
candlemaker's accounts, both of which were sent me from
Kelso, as I had desired.
Saturday, January 21st. — Robert Turnbull and Mr.
Lundy came in their way home from Lothian and Edin-
burgh and dined. By them I learn from G. Wallace,
that the only delay now of the Hutton cause is the waiting
the Advocate's leisure to draw a memorial for the Inner
House. Had some particulars from Robert from his old
pupil Poyntz, who sent for him to Edinburgh, where he
has staid some time in his return from a tour through
Scotland. Read over again in the evening some of the
most important pieces of Sir James Steuart's Apology.
Sunday, January 22nd. — Preached at Nenthorn for
Abraham Ker as he desired me by one of his people last
Sunday. He has been ill these 10 days of a slow fever,
but seems to have no bad symptoms. His brother Will 1
there. Dined and came home in the evening.
Munday, January 23rd. — Walked to Home Byres and
examined. Came back in the evening and wrote to J.
Stevenson and G. Wallace about the Hutton affair ; to
John Stevenson particularly to use his influence with the
Advocate, to have it before the Inner House before he
leaves Scotland. Wrote also to Philip.
Wednesday, January 25th. — Frost keener, and day
[First volume of the diary ends abruptly, as above, the
next pages having been torn out : the first entry in the
next volume is on 20th March 1758.]
1 William was a farmer at Clerkington.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RLDPATH 177
VOLUME II
March 1758
Tuesday, March 21st. — Robert Turnbull came to dine
and went away about 4. Looked to some things in the
Rescinded Acts which I got from Matthew Dysart, and at
night read John Home's JZgis, which was sent from Sir
Robert's. There are good speeches in John Home's work,
and some very noble sentiments ; and in general the
diction is chaste and simple. But there are faults in the
plot, above all in the choice of a subject, which the bulk
of readers are utter strangers to, and at the same time no
sufficient care has been taken in the conduct of the play
to make them understand it. It has not succeeded at
Edinburgh, and I suppose not greatly in London, with
all the help that Garrick can give it. The criticks. too,
will be offended at faults in the quantity of Greek
names. 1
Wednesday, March 22nd. — James Allan came here to
dine according to agreement, in order to talk over Philip's
affair, and to come to a resolution about the Presbytery
doing anything in it. Had desired Andrew Chatto to be
here also ; but his eldest son, a very promising boy, died
this morning. After deliberation, James and I agreed
that we could have no probable benefit from an Assembly's
decision in our favour that would be in any way equivalent
to the trouble and expence of a process for obtaining it,
while at the same time by irritating an antagonist, we
might very possibly do harm. Resolved, therefore, still
to await a decision of the Court of Session.
Thursday, March 2Zrd. — James Allan and I went both
to Ednam to a Presbyterial visitation of manse and kirk
1 John Home's first play, <£gis, had been offered to and declined by
Garrick in 1749; but this year, probably through the influence of Lord
Bute, it was brought out at Drury Lane, Garrick and Mrs. Cibber taking
the principal parts.
M
178 DIARY Of GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
there. James went away soon after dinner. The Heritors
had Andrew Potts and John Waldie to appear for them,
and I suppose without further trouble will agree to re-
building the Kirk. And as the estimate for repairing
the Manse and office-houses amounted to upwards of
£150, I suppose there will also be a new manse in
the neighbourhood of the Kirk, though perhaps not
this summer.
Friday, March 2Mh. — Matthew Dysart was here to
dinner. Poor Nan, his daughter, by his account, seems
to be in a bad way. 1 My mother had often a tendency
to be very ill thro' the day, but yet she was not much
worse than for several days past.
Munday, Aprile 3rd. — Went to Caldsom Brae to baptize
a child. Got my pease and oats sowed in the glebe.
Read some of the History of James v. in DrUmmond,
whose chief defect as a historian is almost a total negli-
gence of chronology, in which perhaps he affects to imitate
some of the antients.
Tuesday, Aprile 4th. — Robert Turnbull, his niece, Hay
Turnbull, his nephew, came to dine, and Mrs. Pringle
and Miss Pringle were here at tea. Sir Robert is gone to
Moffat. John Miller was awhile here in the evening ;
Philip came betwixt 9 and 10.
Saturday, August 5th. — My sisters went to St. James's
Fair. Philip staid here. Chatted with him and did some-
thing for to-morrow.
Munday, August 7th. — Philip left us after dinner. I
went to Home p.m. to see sick. Read at night Elibank's
pamphlet on Money Circulation and Paper Credit, 1 occa-
sioned by Wallace's work. It is too short to be per-
spicuous, but there are some very ingenious things in it,
and except as to the Publick Debts he is much of the same
mind as Wallace, though very angry at him for ascribing
to him two pamphlets on Frugality and Banking which
some bookseller had published along with a former one of
Elibank's on the Publick Taxes. Wallace retracts this
mistake in a postscript to the second edition of his Char-
acteristics, a copy of which I brought from Edinburgh
along with me, and of which also I read the first Disserta-
tion on Banking.
Thursday, August 10th. — Fast day before the Sacra-
ment. Messrs. Lundy, Robert Turnbull of Sprowston, and
Dysart of Eccles assistants, and nobody else here except
Mrs. Pollock.
Friday, August 11th. — Mused on the subject of my
Action Sermon 2 and looked to Interpreters. 3 Saw a sick
child in town.
Saturday, August 12th. — Wrought in the morning on
sermon for to-morrow. Messrs. Abraham Ker and Alex-
1 By Patrick, fifth Lord Elibank.
2 The Action Sermon was that preached immediately before the ad-
ministration of Holy Communion.
3 i.e. Commentators on the text of Scripture.
196 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
ander Duncan preached. James Allan came betwixt 8
and 9 from Edrom, where he had been 2 or 3 nights.
. Sunday, August 13th. — Preached on Heb. 10. 14 too
long and my voice answered me ill. Tables at west door.
Six services, and the last more than half full. Mr. Home
preached p.m. and staid all night.
Munday, August lUh. — John Waugh here. All our
guests left us in the evening except Mr. Allan, who walked
down in the afternoon to Kelso to see Mr. Dawson.
Wednesday, August 16th. — Rode to Kelso before dinner
with my sister. Dined in Mr. Dawson's ; drank tea in
Dr. Gibson and called at Mrs. Cockburn's.
Thursday, August 17th. — Rode to Greenlaw and preached
along with Messrs. Cupples and Dysart of Eccles. John
Hume wrote me last night in consequence of being dis-
appointed by Dickson and Johnson, 1 but he wrote to so
many that according to his usual confusion he brought
together more than were wanted, for William Home was
there also. I had been engaged to preach on Saturday,
but I was on the spot and chose rather to preach to-day.
Found Mr. Waite here when I came home, who brought a
chaise to carry home my sister.
Friday, August 18th. — Read most of the June Review,
which I got t'other day at Kelso. J. Sked here most of
the afternoon. Sent Will to Kelso to get a coat and
some other things he wants for going to Newcastle and
North Shields. Some people in the last-named place
have fallen out with Wilkinson, who came thither from
Durham, and have left his preaching for a great while
past. A few of them wrote to Will two or three weeks
ago desiring him to come over to preach for them three
or four Sundays, and promising to satisfy him and to
bear his charges. On this he wrote to James Richardson
at Newcastle, to get some account of these people, and
asking his advice. Richardson thinks he should come
and give them one sermon, and assures him that the
1 Probably David Johnston, minister of Langton 1758-65 : of North
Leith 1765-1824. D.D. Edinburgh 1781 : founder of the Asylum for the
Blind, Edinburgh, 1793: one of H.M. Chaplains 1793.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 197
Newcastle Class, with whom he is connected, will not be
offended at it. After a good deal of hesitation I at last
thought he might go ; if he does not, somebody else will.
The division is not of his making, and according to
Richardson, there is not the least probability of its being
healed. He is very fond of being able to do something
for himself, and it is of great importance that he should.
Saturday, August 19th. — Prepared for to-morrow. Read
the June Review and was some time in the glebe and
garden. Got a letter from Philip in which he writes a
good deal against Will's going to North Shields, chiefly
from a conversation he had on the subject with Hall of
Lowick. However, for the reasons above mentioned and
as so many steps toward it have already been taken, I
thought it still better that he should go.
Sunday, August 20th. — Lectured on Ps. 117. Preached
on Rom. 12. 1. Was done about half an hour after 12.
Left Will to preach p.m. and rode over to Greenlaw, where
I served a Table and afterwards preached. John had no
assistants but Willy Home, Matthew, and myself. Willy
preached p.m. ; Matthew and I staid all night.
Munday, August 21st. — Robert Turnbull and Dysart
preached. Dickson and Johnson came to sermon,
Monteith and Laurie to dinner, also John Home from
Polwarth. 1 Willy also there and Sandy from Abbey.
The Duns brethren held a Presbytery meeting in order to
Willy's transportation to Fogo. Sat till 6 ; abundantly
cheerful. Called at Home Byres in coming home to
enquire about a servant of W. Stevenson's who had
been ill.
Tuesday, August 22nd. — Read over again Elibank's
pamphlet and a little of John Dalrymple's work, of which
I bought the small edition when I was last in Edinburgh.
Friday, August 25th. — In the forenoon was at Home
seeing a sick man. Rest of the day read chiefly Buchanan,
particularly his account of Malcolm Canmore with his
1 An evident slip of the diarist : there was no John Home, minister at
Polwarth at this time. Willy Home was in that parish, but was on the
eve of being translated to Fogo.
198 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
predecessors, Duncan and Macbeth. Read also some of
John Dalrymple's work, which I intend to make very
familiar to me, as containing a valuable collection of
Political History. Slept, as I have done for some
nights past, on Hawthornden's History of the 5 King
Jameses*,
Saturday, August 26th. — Walked to Hairy He ugh to see
Mr. Pearson, who, I am a I'm id, has a suppuration going on
in his urethra towards the mouth of his bladder along
with suppurating piles which, at first, were his sole com-
plaint. Prepared for to-morrow and read some of
Buchanan and some of John Dalrymple's work. Got a
letter from Will, who arrived at Newcastle safe on Thurs-
day. He had not found his friend Richardson, which
made him somewhat uncertain of his future motions.
Munday, August 28th. — Was at Caldron Brae and Hairy
Heugh a.m. seeing sick. When I returned found Robert
Turnbull here on a visit to Sir Robert. Went along with
him and dined and drank tea. Walter and Frank there.
Mary Dysart, who has been some lime in the country
seeing her friends, was lu re p.m. and staid all night.
Tuesday, August 29th. — Mary staid till after dinner ; I
went to Home to see sick.
Wednesday, August 30th. — Read a little of Euclid at Mr.
Stevenson's and shaved p.m. Went to Ednam and saw
Lady Don, a visit I have long projected. At evening
read some of July Magazine, where there is a good map of
Senegal River and a plan of Fort Louis from the Sieur
d'Anville.
Thursday, August 31st. — Was at Home marrying Coss-
nip's daughter, a pretty little girl not 18, to a tall, surly-
looking Duns Butcher, seemingly a very impar congressus.
P.m. gathered some Trip. Poind. Found Richard Brown
lu re when I came to tea. He went to Sir Robert's and
is to leave the country to-morrow. Read evening and
night some of the Abrege Chronologique de France and some
of the July Magazine.
Friday, September 1st. — Went to Kelso to the examina-
tion of Dobby's school. Boys pretty numerous and doing
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATII 199
very well. Dined in Dobby's in Mr. Dawson's. Slept
at night on Drummond.
Saturday, September 2nd. — Prepared for to-morrow and
read Buchanan and John Dalrymple's Feudal Property.
Wrought a little in the garden, weeding and raking some
winter spinnage that was only sown yesterday, too late
I fear. 1
Wednesday, September 6th. — Read Dalrymple's Feudal
Property and the Abrege Chronologique. W. Stevenson
here after dinner, with whom I read some of Euclid.
Drank tea at Sir Robert's. Had some chat with the
Captain about Ireland and the W. of England.
Thursday, September 7th. — Read as yesterday. Was in
the forenoon at Mainrigg seeing a sick child. P.m. rode
to Angelraw with Nancy. Their son, the surgeon, who
came home in the beginning of summer and seemed for
some time to be at the point of death by a consumption,
is now in a fair way of being better. Had a good deal of
chat with him about his sea life, particularly about Cape
Breton and Halifax, where he was last summer with
Boscawen. According to him the country round Halifax
promises to be very fine when cleared of wood. When
we came home found Will returned. He had come to-day
from Wooler on foot and preached at Morpeth on Sunday.
The Sunday before he had preached at North Shields, but
whether the people were not pleased with his performance
or he did not enter sufficiently into their quarrel with
Wilkinson, they gave him his leave two or three days
after, informing him that they had entered into terms
with another. This, it seems, is one Hall, a Northumbrian,
who had been there once before, and was among them
again, along with old Riccaltoun, 2 a day or two after
r Marginal note — It was so.
2 Robert Riccaltoun, minister of Hobkirk 1725-69. He was a volumin-
ous writer on various subjects, and his collected works were published in
three volume? in 1772. He was a man of fine imagination, and James
Thomson said that his poem of ' A Winter's Day,' which appeared in
Savage's Miscellany in 1726, was the origin of the design of Thomson's
Seasons. Riccaltoun's son John, who succeeded him in his parish, was
200
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
Will had preached. They are narrow and wild, and so
much on the watch against the least appearance of hetero-
doxy that it is altogether improbable that Will could
have contented them or lived with any comfort amongst
them, so the sooner he left them the better.
Friday, September 8th. — Read some of John Dalrymple,
also some of the Preface to John Knox's History, and of
Rapin's 1 first and second volumes which I got from the
Library last Wednesday. Knox's Life is stupidly wrote
by some dull and well-meaning whig. 2
Saturday, September 9th. — Read some of Rapin and
some of the Abridged Chronicle. Bell and Bett Pollock,
fine girlies, here p.m. 3
Munday, September 11th. — Read almost all of John
Dalrymple's book that, in this reading, I had not read
before. His account of the Origin and Constitution of
Scotch and English Parliaments is very distinct and well
detailed. In the evening read Rapin's History of William
the Conqueror, a man of uncommon abilities but of much
more extraordinary good fortune. Slept on Abridged
Chron.
Tuesday, September 12th. — The Misses Gibson came here
to breakfast and staid till after 12, when they went to
Sir Robert's. After dinner went to Cumming's burial ; a
good many people there. Staid all night at Mrs. Dysart's,
at this time (1758) minister of a Presbyterian congregation at North
Shields.
1 Paul de Rapin de Thoyras, 1661-1725. Wrote the Histoire d'Angle-
terre, published 1724: it went through several editions with supplements,
and there have been two editions in English, one by Rev. Nicholas Tindal,
in fifteen volumes, 1725-31. Ridpath does not say whether he read the
work in the original or in the translation.
2 Attributed in a marginal note to Matthew Crawford, son of the
minister of Eastwood. At one time Librarian to the University of Glasgow :
appointed, 1721, Professor of Church History in Edinburgh, but was not
a success : died 1736.
3 Bell and Bett Pollock, daughters of the minister of Ednam. Bella
(Isobel) was the eldest, and Bett (Elizabeth) the second youngest. The
latter was at this time about fifteen, and is generally referred to as ' The
Naiad ' by the diarist, who had a great liking for her : a very bright and
lively girl.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 201
where Clerk Home is, and where the doctor arrived in the
evening. Had confirmed from him what I had heard of
before, tho' never till lately, that marl is a composition of
limestone and clay ; commonly as he says about four
parts of the latter to one of the former.
Wednesday, September 13th. — Came home from Eccles
a.m. Read a little of John Dalrymple. Was a good deal
in the glebe. Sked and the Kelso boy Cramond here a
long time p.m.
Thursday, September lHh. — Read some of Dalrymple's
Feudal Property and some of Rapin, also part of Buchanan's
Preface to John Knox, where are some ingenious conjec-
tures about the antiquities of Britain, particularly about
the names of the ancient inhabitants.
Friday, September 15th. — Read Rapin chiefly and
Abridged Chronol. Also began to copy the Table in Rapin
of the Saxon Heptarchy. I have often wished and pro-
jected to have collections of Tables of this kind, which are
in several respects the most useful forms of historical
abridgments. But the copying and improvising of them
requires a good deal of attention, time, and labour.
Saturday, September 16th. — Read more of Rapin and
wrote more into the Table of the Saxon Heptarchy.
Partly with sitting at that, partly with rising and walking
out a little earlier than usual in the morning, have catched
some cold.
Sunday, September 17th. — Rode after sermon to the
burial of W. Winter who died yesterday morning. He
has suffered much and been almost wholly confined for
near a twelvemonth past, chiefly from a rheumatick pain
in the inside of one of his thighs.
Munday, September ISth. — Read a.m. some of Rapin.
P.m. went to Sir Robert's chiefly to see Miss Maddy,
who came home from Moffat last Friday. But she, with
the Captain and Peggy, were gone to Marchmont House.
Cecy Haswell, 1 now Mrs. Kennedy, a fine little girlie, and
her husband were there, also Smith of Jedburgh and a
1 She was possibly a daughter of Adam Haswell, surgeon in Jedburgh.
202 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
daughter of Ebenezer Erskine, 1 who is staying at Cawdel's.
Sent Charles in the evening to Kelso with clothes for
Berwick, whither I intend to set out with Nancy to-
morrow.
Tuesday, September 19th. — Rode to Berwick with Nancy
en croupe. Dined at S. Herriot's, who has got a pretty,
neat, agreeable little woman to his wife. Got to Berwick
before sunset and spent the evening in Mr. Waite's.
Found them all well.
Wednesday, September 20th. — Called a.m. at the Col-
lector's. Drank tea in Aunt Balderstone's and called at
Mrs. Nealson's. They say Betty is going to be married
to Gowdie, 2 but she has been dumpish this good while.
Polly, my old friend, is looking well, but still blind and
with little prospect of recovery. Spent the evening with
the Collector. Bill goes to Cambridge in a week or two
to study law. Saw a ship of about 160 tons launched.
Thursday, September 21st. — Called in the forenoon at
the Doctor's. Drank tea at S. Stanton's, who has got a
very convenient house, and a most excellent shop. Spent
the evening in Mr. Waite's, where were young T. Ruther-
ford and Mrs. Nealson. Diverted with drawing two or
three profiles of faces by the shadow from a candle.
Friday, September 22nd. — Breakfasted and dined in Mr.
Hall's, a very honest and friendly man. I have much
reason to say so ; having been owing him the remnant
of an account scandalously long, which he has never
craved, nor did his behaviour to me ever discover that
he was the least sensible of it. Drank tea in W. Chisholm's.
A.m. called at Mr. Edmiston's and John Turner's, who
had some thoughts of employing Will as his helper, when
1 Probably one of the three daughters of Ebenezer Erskine, the cele-
brated founder of the Secession Church, by his second wife, Mary, daughter
of James Webster, minister of the Tolbooth, Edinburgh, whom he married
in 1724. Erskine had died five years before the date in the diary.
2 The report was true : Elizabeth (Betty) Nealson, daughter of Capt.
Nealson, Berwick, married John Goldie, then minister of the High Meeting
House, Berwick, on 19th February 1759. Goldie was afterwards minister
of Penicuick and subsequently of Temple.
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
203
Murray 1 leaves him. How this will answer I know not,
but am obliged to him for his good intention.
Saturday, September 23rd. — Called a little at the Doctor's
and the Collector's. The Collector was himself at Bare-
moor with Wilkes, who came there to Coulston Stow's
two or three days ago. Set out from Berwick about two.
Called at Coldstream and sate near an hour in J. Ker's.
Also called on horseback at Ednam, where Mrs. Pollock
had just arrived from Edinburgh, where she had gone to
see her brother Jamie, who is grown much better. Got
here with some daylight and did something for to-morrow.
Sunday, September 2Mh. — John Ker here, his daughter
Bessy and son, who is pretty well recovered and soon goes
again to Edinburgh. He was brought very low in the
spring by a rheumatic fever.
Munday, September 25th. — Dozed a good deal from the
remains of last week's full swing. Mr. Dawson and his
wife here p.m. on their way to Sir Robert's, also the lad
Davidson of Sprouston. Was some time in the glebe
attending the cutting of my hay. Read a little of Rapin
and the Abr. Chronol. Wrote to John Davidson to send
a commission for somebody to appear for the Crown at
the Presbytery of Chyrnside, and also to inform the
Presbytery of the cause being appealed, or certainly to be
appealed to the Peers.
Tuesday, September 26th. — Breeze easterly, mostly sunny.
Dobby came before dinner and staid till the evening. At
evening and night read Rapin. Was a while in the glebe
attending the cutting of a second crop of clover, which is
very troublesome work.
Wednesday, September 27th. — Read a good deal of Rapin
and looked to some things in Camden. Also read part
of the preface to Greenwood's English Grammar, 2 which
1 Adam Murray, minister of the Low Meeting House, Berwick, 1756,
probably as assistant to John Turner ; of Abbey St. Bathans 1759 : and
of Eccles 1774-97.
2 James Greenwood, grammarian, published his Essay towards a Prac-
tical English Grammar in 1711, and it went through five editions by 1753.
He also published his Royal English Grammar, which was in its eighth
204 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
is a translation from Dr. Wallis with some additions.
There are some very ingenious things in it.
Thursday, September 28th. — Wrote and drew some more
in the Table of the Saxon Heptarchy. Read at night
some of Rapin.
Friday, September 29th. — Walked to Home a.m. to see
sick. Read some of Rapin and extracted from him the
succession of English Monarchs from Egbert, so far as
the 1st and 2nd volume goes. Robert Turnbull came
after tea, and Philip and Nancy betwixt 7 and 8, from
Berwick by way of Whitsum. Philip gave us several
anecdotes about the noble and learned London world
which he had from his old acquaintance John Blair, 1 who
has been seeing his friends in Scotland, and whom Philip
saw in his passing and repassing by Berwick. Blair has
been for some time a tutor to Prince Edward in History,
Philosophy, and Mathematicks, and is a man remarkable
for very general acquaintance.
Saturday, September SOth. — Robert Turnbull and his
niece staid till after tea. Had a walk in Sir Robert's
planting before dinner, afterwards did something for to-
morrow. Got my corn led in.
Munday, October 2nd. — Was at Home a.m. Rest of the
day wrought at my hay, of which I shall have a greater
quantity than ever I had before. Evening, read what
I had not read before of the August Review, in which there
are too many silly articles relating to theology. 2
Tuesday, October 3rd. — Weather the same. Philip set
out for Berwick in the morning by way of Eccles. I
edition by 1770. Ridpath evidently thought that the author owed
much to the Grammatica Linguae Anglicanae (Oxford 1652) of John
Wallis (1616-1703), a distinguished mathematician of his day.
1 John Blair, a cousin of the Rev. Hugh Blair, attained distinction as
a chronologist. He published fifty-six chronological tables illustrating
the history of the world down to 1753, and was appointed chaplain to the
Princess-Dowager of Wales and mathematical tutor to the Duke of York.
He held several livings in the Church of England : died 1782. He was a
friend of Alexander Carlyle, and is frequently mentioned by him in his
A utobiography.
2 Theology, indeed, is the one subject about which Ridpath never read.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 205
went to the Presbytery meeting on foot, Nancy and Will
along with me. Had no business of consequence. Drank
tea in Mr. Dawson's and came home in the evening. Read
some in the July and August Scots Magazines. There
are the distinctest maps I have seen of the country about
Ticanderoga and Crown Point.
Wednesday, October Uh. — Read some of Euclid with
William Stevenson a.m. Read afterwards some of the
Scots Magazines and of Rapin. Got a letter in the evening
from James Allan, in which he informs me that he has
wrote to Mr. M'Leod about his matrimonial project with
Mrs. Keith, which has long been the talk of the country,
and in which I have had reason to think there was some-
thing serious, ever since I was last at Eyemouth. He
tells me also he has seen letters from M'Leod to his
daughter, which, no doubt, must have had some relation
to that subject, as he says there was nothing in them
absolutely forbidding. If the matter had been entire I
would have exerted all my influence to have hindered this
match, in which I see no sense, and no right prospects
either to himself or relations : but perhaps it may do
better than expectation. It seems to forebode nothing
more certainly than poverty, a thing he himself has been
so long acquainted with that by this time it need not
appear to him any great evil. But perhaps the additional
burden of approaching old age may make it the harder
to bear, and it may almost be taken for granted that his
mate will not think it so easy a matter. But nothing is
more certain than that marriages are made in Heaven ;
a multitude of unforeseen circumstances concurring to
determine the general appetite to a particular choice,
which, when fixed, must be borne the best way we are
able, taking the attendant pains and inconveniences con-
tentedly along with the pleasure, and endeavouring to
diminish the former as much as we can.
Thursday, October 5th. — Read Rapin and some of Camden,
who mixes his geography with many pieces of history and
antiquity that often make it very entertaining. Wrote
also some more of the Table of the Heptarchy.
206
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
Friday, October 6th. — All the day at Ednam, whither
Messrs. Lundy and Turnbull also came. as a Committee to
protest against the carrying on of the building of Ednam
Kirk, it being 20 inches narrower than the plan agreed to
by the Presbytery at their visitation in March last ; which,
however, we were satisfied to let pass if the walls had been
made 14 feet high so as to admit a gallery. But the
walls have been levelled at the height of 10 feet 4 inches,
and one of the gavels is almost built, which made it
necessary for us to stop the work or to provide a remedy
by taking a protest against their finishing it of these
dimensions in the hands of a Notary Public. We had
employed M'llwraith in our plea about the manse, but he
being out of the way, Lundy brought Charles Potts along
with him, in whose hands a protest was accordingly taken.
These heritors of Ednam have plagued us greatly about
the Kirk and Manse, and we shall not yet have soon done
with them. Staid till the evening ; amused not dis-
agreeably with Bet Pollock, a very pretty, lively girlie.
Evening and night read some of Rapin and looked over
some of the third Book of Euclid. Wrote at Ednam to
James Allan, and particularly some hints about his matri-
monial project, which perhaps he may not like much,
tho' they mean no harm.
Munday, October 9th. — Rode to Mackerston and preached
from Eph. 5. 8. Colleagued with Alexander Duncan ;
Finlater 1 of Lintoun there, who preached yesterday after-
noon, also Andrew Chatto and his wife and D. Durham.
Staid all night and had a good deal of comfortable chat.
Tuesday, October 10th. — Came from Mackerston before
dinner. Learned in the morning that the flood of yester-
day had not carried away the coomb of Kelso Bridge,
which is not a little strange. Read Rapin and a good
deal of Camden, whose accounts of the ancient name of
Britain and its inhabitants are very learned and ingeni-
ous. Philip writes me that Slatehouse has a letter from
1 Thomas Findlater, minister of West Linton 1731-73, son of Alexander
Findlater, minister of Hamilton.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 207
his son by the fleet just arrived from the Leeward Islands,
informing him that he has sued for £120 for the sugar
which Bridgewater had ordered to be put into his hands
on Philip's account, and by next opportunity promises to
send him a bill. He also writes that he is almost certain
of getting the remainder. Tis a little odd, I think, that
the bill has not come by the fleet. Perhaps he had not
yet received the money.
Wednesday, October 11th. — Read Rapin and Camden, in
which latter I still find much entertainment. Camden's
stile and descriptions are lively and not inelegant, and he
intersperses many passages from ancient writers both in
prose and verse, that make a very agreeable variety.
Read some of Euclid with William Stevenson.
Thursday. October 12th. — Got in my hay. Shaved in the
forenoon and went to Harpertown in the afternoon with
Nancy. Matthew Dysart also there with his daughters
Bet and Jean. The young good-man not at home. Even-
ing read some of Buchanan and wrote letters to Philip
and James Allan, to go by Will, who sets out to-morrow
to preach at Eyemouth.
Saturday, October 14>th. — Had a letter from John Bell of
Gordon 1 in the morning desiring me to be to-morrow,
as John Gowdie, who was to be with him, has fallen ill.
Agreed to go ; read some of Rapin and looked to some-
thing for to-morrow.
Sunday, October loth. — Lowring.and cold, breeze east.
Rode to Gordon, preached long in the churchyard, and
served two Tables in the forenoon. Preached in the
afternoon on Ps. 119. 57 in the Kirk, which held all the
people. Francis Scot. Abraham Ker of Xenthorn, and
William Guland of Legerwood there. Staid all night as
it was darkening before we had done and I was to preach
to-morrow.
1 John Bell, minister of Gordon 1727-67, son of Robert Bell, minister
of Crailing : married, 1733, Elizabeth, daughter of John Ewing of Craigton,
W.S. His son Robert was licensed by the Presbytery of Earlston, but,
apparently in terms of the will of his paternal grandfather, he went into
the English Church and became a chaplain R.N.
208 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
Munday, October 16th. — Preached on the same text ;
colleagued with John Hume. Lady Greenknowe, 1 her sister,
and Ann Gibson, staying there, dined with us. The Lady
a woman of much humour ; she got fairly the better of
John Hume. A good deal entertained with her and John
Hume. Polly Home, who is staying in John Bell's at
the manse, very frank and natural, proposed that I should
carry her to Eccles, where she wants to make a visit.
This, together with John Hume's consenting to stay along
with me, engaged me to stay another night, which was
spent very agreeably.
Tuesday, October 17th. — Misses Bell and Home 2 came
here along with me and dined, and I accompanied them
to Eccles Manse, where we staid all night. Found all the
Dysart family at home and were very hearty. My own two
ladies gave a specimen of acting Douglas, in which Polly
Home performed beyond expectation, very naturally, and
her companion showed an uncommon degree of spirit.
Wednesday, October 18th. — Dined at Eccles and then
escorted Miss Bell, on her way home, to the top of Sweet-
hope Edge. She is really a very fine girl, both for sense
and spirit ; and it is a pity that an eruption on her face
should have spoilt her looks much, which were abundantly
agreeable. But the gifts of nature are wisely balanced.
Came home about the darkening. Dozed and mended
some things about my clothes for my visit to-morrow.
Thursday, October 19th. — Saw James Richardson from
Newcastle, who called just before I set out for Greenlaw
upon an appointment there with John Hume and Matthew
Dysart to see Lord Marchmont. We were very lucky in
finding nobody there but My Lord, 3 the Lady, and Lord
1 Probably Sophia, daughter of James Pringle of Torwoodlee. She
married in 1729 Adam Fairholm of Greenhill, whose first wife had been
Isobel Pringle of Greenknowe.
2 Probably Mary Home, eldest daughter of William Home, minister of
Fogo, and afterwards wife of John Home, the author of Douglas.
3 Hugh, third Earl of Marchmont, an able man and a leading supporter
of the Tory party when he was in the House of Commons. It was he who
commenced the erection of the present house of Marchmont (now largely
altered) in 1750.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 209
Register, who has been ten or twelve days in the country,
besides ourselves and two other ministers, John Gowdie
of Earlston and Francis Scot. My Lord introduced soon
the Hutton business and gave me the opportunity of
putting into his hands the information which I had carried
along with me, and which he had not seen before. He
expressed abundant keenness about the affair, assured me
of dispatch with the Peer>. and recommended it to me to
take care to have copies of these Informations for the use
of some of the Peers, such as Hardwicke. Mansfield, etc.
He was so good as to challenge me at coming away, for
this being only the second time of my having seen him.
The true reason of which, besides the aversion I have
to be dangling on the great, was chiefly a scruple at
making court to a rival and adversary of Lord Home, to
whom I have been so much obliged, and whose interest
I could scarce be justified in opposing, were it not in a
case where the interest of a brother is so fundamentally
concerned. Had also the pleasure of seeing Lady March-
mont, a very amiable woman, and at present looking very
well. Called, along with my companions, at Willy Home's,
where our intended quarters were preoccupied by Francis
Scot and John Gowdie. So returned to Greenlaw and
spent the night there.
Friday, October 20th. — Left Greenlaw about 11. Saw some
sick at Home and came home to dine. Dozed a good deal
afternoon and evening. Will came from his Eyemouth
peregrination, last from Berwick, on James Allan's horse,
and brought the August Magazines, most of which I read.
Munday, October 23rd. — Mr. Lundy breakfasted here,
on his way to Saltoun, where his father is unwell. 1 In
the afternoon went to Sir Robert's and bid farewell to the
Captain, who goes away to-morrow. Willy Hall and his
sister there besides some other company.
1 Mr. Lundy 's father was Archibald Lundy, minister of Saltoun 1696-
1759, when he died ' Father of the Church.' He had three sons, ministers
respectively of the parishes of Oldhamstocks, Trinity, Edinburgh, and
Kelso. Carlyle describes the father as ' a pious and primitive old man,
very respectful in his manner and very kind.'
O
210 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
Tuesday, October 2Uh. — James Davidson here at break-
fast, also Robert Turnbull, buying some timber from Sir
Robert. Rode with Robert to the Synod, where Douglas 1
was chosen Moderator. He seems to be a sensible man.
Had no business. Dined and supped in J. Waldie's, and
drank tea in Mr. Dawson's, where himself and Minna have
been very ill of the cold. Sate pretty late at Waldie's,
and rode home about two in the morning. Heard this
morning that David Duncan died of the gravel on Sunday
last. He is to be buried to-morrow. 2
Wednesday, October 25th. — Did not return to the Synod,
as there was nothing to do except go through the usual
concluding forms. Sandy Herriot and his wife, who had
been at Kelso, and Jolly, 3 also John Waugh, together with
James Allan and his sister Betty, 4 here at dinner. Lord
Borthwick, 5 who has been a good while past at Sir Robert's,
called in the afternoon and drank tea; a good sort of
body and not without some knowledge.
Thursday, October 26th. — James Allan set out in the
morning on a visit to Riddell, and left Bessy, his sister,
here. I rode down to Ednam about midday to meet
with Robert Heymer and his bride from Northumberland.
They came about 2, and I married them in Mr. Pollock's.
Mr. Pollock and Mr. Trotter came up here and dined. I
dined at the bridegroom's, where were only a few relations
1 John Douglas, minister of Jedburgh 1758-68.
2 David Duncan (see p. 190, n. 1).
3 John Jolly, minister of Simprin 1757-61 : translated to Coldingham :
died 1792.
4 James Allan's two sisters were, according to the Fasti Eccl. Scot.,
Margaret, who married George Craw of Netherbyres, and Grace, who
married Andrew Edgar, merchant, Eyemouth. The Betty mentioned by
Ridpath must have been a third.
5 Henry Borthwick of Mayshiel, de jure fifteenth Lord Borthwick and
eleventh in actual possession of the dignity : second son of Captain Henry
Borthwick of Pilmuir, who was himself in right of the peerage for four days,
the period which he survived his kinsman, Col. William Borthwick of
Johnstontown. On the death of his elder brother, Henry succeeded to
the title, but did not get his claim formally acknowledged by the House of
Lords till 1762. His mother, Mary Pringle, was an aunt of Sir Robert,
which explains his presence at Stitchel.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 211
and neighbours. Slept on the former part of the fifth
Book of Euclid, which had gone more out of my head
than I imagined.
Friday, October 27th. — Went through the fifth Book of
Euclid, which lost me an hour or two. James Allan
cast up from his Riddel visit in the evening. Chatted
most of the day and night with Betty and him. He is
fairly entangled with Mrs. K., but I apprehend will be
freed by M'Leod's not giving security for what remains
of her fortune, which is only £600. Keith, it seems, who
also thwarts the match with all his might, having got
hold of £400 of the original £1000. It is an unhappy
affair, but of a nature from which it would seem that
no degree of wisdom can certainly exempt any man. 1
Saturday, October 28th. — Mr. Allan and his sister left us
in the morning. Then prepared for to-morrow and read
Camden and some of Rapin. Mr. Lundy came about
midday and dined. His father is better.
Sunday, October 29th. — Have had some cold for the last
two days, of which a distillation from the nose has been
the chief symptom. It has been, and still is, very
epidemical.
Munday, October 30th. — Weather the same, some rain
last night. Read a good deal of Rapin. Have gone
through a second time the History of the Heptarchy,
which at best is very confused and imperfect, yet neces-
sary to be known as a foundation for what follows. Walked
to the Lint Mill to see the people there very ill of the
epidemic cold. Better to-day myself, though still dripping
from the nose.
Tuesday, October Slst. — Wrote out the Table of the
Heptarchy, the sitting and attention to which agreed ill
with my cold, which is rather worse than yesterday.
Read some of Rapin and all the newspapers.
Wednesday, November 1st. — Went to the Presbytery,
where we had a scandal and a good deal of conversation
1 James Allan's matrimonial projects came to nothing, as he died a
bachelor in 1767.
212 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
about the business of Ednam kirk, manse, etc. Attended
at night a Library meeting, when we could do little but
make our payments, which amounted to a considerable
sum, the meeting being pretty throng. John Waldie had
not got the bookseller's account, and we want to be clear
with him in the first place. We did not give any new
commissions. Waldie also informed us that he could no
longer conveniently keep our books, which introduced
various proposals about our being accommodated with a
place and keeper, but we could fix on nothing certain. It
was referred to a Committee appointed last year to inspect
the Library to take care of this affair.
Thursday, November 2nd. — A great flood in the river,
which carried away in the morning the coomb of the new
arch of the Kelso Bridge, which had been loosened from
the stonework they were just beginning to take to pieces.
This will be some more loss, though probably not great.
There was no boating till the afternoon, so that the Fair,
which was to-day, gained greatly by the passage the
Bridge gave to people on foot. Stayed in Mr. Lundy's
till after dinner. Wrote in the forenoon a Memorial about
the affair of Ednam kirk and manse, etc., which was
yesterday entrusted to a Committee of us who were in
Mr. Lundy's. Called at Mr. Dawson's p.m., where I sate
a little with Lady Don and Sir Alexander, who were
making some marketing there. The Lady spoke civilly
of the disappointment in being away when I went to see
her, and hoped I would come again. Came home in the
evening. Dozed and read some of Rapin.
Munday, November 6th. — Wrote to G. Wallace and
Davidson a.m. Afternoon was at Home seeing sick.
Evening and night made some extracts from Rapin, and
wrote a considerable part of a letter to Ephraim Nealson,
which I should have wrote long ago.
Tuesday, November 7th. — Finished my letter to Ephraim.
W. Stevenson here a.m., and with him I read some of
Euclid. Dr. Miller also called in passing. He told us
that Willy Ramsay is made the Duke of Roxburgh's
Commissioner. Evening, made some extracts in a chrono-
1758]
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
213
logical order from the beginning of Rapin ; at night looked
to something for to-morrow at Kelso.
Wednesday, November Sth. — Preached at Kelso on the
Fast day before the Sacrament from Matt. 5. 4. Col-
leagued with James Turnbull and Matthew Dysart.
Thursday, November 9th. — In the forenoon saw some sick
in the town ; afterwards read Rapin. In the evening
icad Camden, who is so agreeable a miscellany that often
when I take him up I cannot easily lay him down again.
At night read some of Euclid.
Friday, November 10th. — Read Rapin and Camden, and
made some more extracts from the latter. Read also
almost all the September Review, where there are some
curious enough things.
Saturday, November 11th. — Read Rapin and prepared
for to-morrow and corrected a lecture of J. Sked's for the
Divinity Hall. 1 Got a letter from Davidson to-day and
another from G. Wallace yesterday. Davidson informs
me that he had wrote by the same post that brought mine
to the Crown's agent at London to make the appeal in
the Hutton affair as soon as possible after the meeting of
the Peers. He also tells me what Marchmont recommended
about putting the Informations in the affair before the
Court of Session into the hands of the principal Peers is
what they always attend to in Appeals, and will be taken
care of in this.
Sunday, November 12th. — Preached at home on 1 Cor. 1.
23. 24, and then rode down to Kelso, where I did nothing
but dismiss the forenoon school-house with a prayer,
Messrs. Pollock, Turnbull, and Lundy having despatched
the preaching work. James Turnbull came and preached
in the school-house p.m. Drank tea at Mr. Dawson's and
lodged in Dr. Gibson's.
Munday, November ISth. — Messrs. Chatto and Leek
preached. Drank tea at the Doctor's and made a call at
1 John Sked, who is mentioned frequently in the Diary, was a poor lad
in the parish who eked out a scanty living by making baskets. He was
licensed by the Presbytery of Kelso in 1763, and was presented to Abbey
St. Bathans in 1774 : died 1813, aged seventy-six.
214 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
Dr. Thompson's with Nancy, the Miss Pollocks, and
Minna Dawson. Betty Pollock, a very pretty, natural
thing, afforded a good deal of agreeable amusement.
Tuesday, November 14th. — Saw sick in the town a.m.
Evening finished nearly the correction of Sked's lecture,
and slept on the September Review.
Wednesday, November loth. — Read to an end the Sep-
tember Review. Afternoon went to Home to see sick, and
drank tea at Mr. Stevenson's in passing. Finished Sked's
lecture.
Thursday, November 16th. — Went to dine at Newton,
where I was received with abundance of civility. W.
Brown of Maxton 1 there and his wife and Robert Scot of
Sandy kno we. In the newspapers the most considerable
thing is the Laureate Whitehead's Birthday Ode, 2 which
is no contemptible work. Heard at Sir Alexander's that
the two Misses Hamilton, celebrated Edinburgh beauties,
are married or to be married to the Earl of Selkirk 3 and
Lord Aberdour. 4
Friday, November 17th. — Read a little of Rapin. Sked
here in the afternoon, getting his lecture. John Hume of
Greenlaw came in the evening and stayed all night. His
son's call to Polwarth was moderated yesterday, and he
will be settled with all possible dispatch. John desires
me to be at the admission, which will give me an oppor-
tunity, I hope, of seeing Marchmont again before he leaves
the country.
Saturday, November 18th. — John Hume stayed till after
dinner. Robert Turnbull came to tea on his way home
from Edinburgh, where he had gone to attend the Com-
1 William Brown (see ante, p. 186, n. i) married, 1753, Isobel Kirkwood,
Lessudden.
2 William Whitehead (1715-85), Poet Laureate 1758 : author of many
birthday odes.
3 Dunbar Hamilton, fourth Earl of Selkirk, married, 3rd December
1758, Helen, fifth daughter of the Hon. John Hamilton, second son of
Thomas, sixth Earl of Haddington.
4 Sholto Charles, Lord Aberdour, afterwards fourteenth Earl of Morton,
married, 19th November 1758, Katherine, the third daughter of the Hon.
John Hamilton above mentioned.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
215
mission. It was with difficulty they could get a quorum,
and there was no business of consequence. Robert
brought me out the paper that G. Wallace had prepared
on the cause of Hutton, in case our lawyers had resolved
to reclaim after last decision, which I have some thoughts
of putting into Marchmont's hands. Did something for
to-morrow, and amused myself a little with looking over
the Parish Register of Births and Proclamations. 1
Munday, November 20th. — Forenoon saw sick at Home.
Afternoon went with Nancy to Sir Robert's and sate till
after supper. They are now by themselves after a long
run of company.
Tuesday, November 21st — Wrought on Rapin, extracting
from him the accounts of the births, deaths, offspring, etc.
of the Saxon Kings and disposing them in the manner of
Henault, which is very distinct and commodious.
Wednesday, November 22nd. — Saw sick in the town a.m.
Extracted more from Rapin. At night read the last
satire but one of the second Book of Horace, which is
properly a satire on himself. Many fine strophies in it,
and some very good notes, especially of Torrentius, in
the variorum edition. A reference from these notes to
Plautus's Mostellaria led me to read most of the first act
of the play, which I found extremely entertaining.
Friday, November 2Uh. — Was extracting from Rapin
when I got a letter from Robert Turnbull at Mr. Pollock's
desiring me to dine there. Rode down with Nancy and
stayed at Sprouston till after tea.
Saturday, November 25th. — Weather the same ; blew
some time hard at night from W. to N. and froze. Minna
Dawson here all day. Did something for to-morrow.
Sunday, November 26th. — A remarkable meteor seen
about 9 o'clock.
Munday, November 27th. — Saw sick in the town a.m.
Mr. Pollock, Mrs. Pollock, and Miss Bett, also Robert
Turnbull, his niece, and Mr. Lundy came to dine accord-
1 Stitchel Parish Registers go back to 1640, but the older parts of them
are not in very good condition.
216 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
ing to agreement last Friday. Very well amused all day
and night. Mr. Pollock and his wife left us, the rest
stayed. Drew paper likenesses of our guests ; Betty
Pollock a very sweet one.
Tuesday, November 28th. — Guests stayed till near the
evening ; Messrs. Turnbull and Lundy carried Bett
Pollock home. Aly Stevenson stayed and fell to work
immediately after they were gone to transcribe G. Wallace's
paper for putting into Lord Marchmont's hands, and
wrought at it till past twelve, with very little interv al.
Wednesday, November 29th. — Rode to Home a.m. seeing
sick ; rest of the day employed in transcribing the rest
of G. Wallace's paper, which is very diffuse. Messrs.
Turnbull and Lundy came in the evening, the former to
go along with me to Polwarth to-morrow, by invitation
from John Hume.
Thursday, November 30th. — Robert Turnbull and I set
out for Polwarth at 10 ; got ourselves heartily wet. Part
of Johnson's sermon was done, but we got a sufficient
specimen of it. It was far from being a contemptible
work, and the pronunciation and delivery of it very
accurate and what may be called pretty. A very good
imitation of R. Walker, but not so easy and natural.
Dined at Lord Marchmont's with the rest of the clergy
and put G. Wallace's paper into his hands, which he
received very graciously. Bade Nancy Burnet farewell
and went over to Willy Hume's, where I stayed with
Robert Turnbull all night. Anderson, Laurie, and Cupples
also there. Very hearty.
Friday, December 1st. — Robert Turnbull and I with
Laurie and W. Hume came to Greenlaw to dine, where
were also Matthew Dysart, and set out on a very bad,
wet evening. Laurie and Robert Turnbull came over
here and stayed all night. Got a good profile of Laurie's
face and bust.
Saturday, December 2nd. — Laurie went away before we
had got up. Robert Turnbull and his niece about mid-
day. Did afterwards something for to-morrow, and made
some more genealogical extracts from Rapin.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RTDPATH 217
Monday. December Uh. — Went to Edward Fairbairn's
burial. Did not go so far as Gordon, but turned back
by Hardie's Mill-place to see the girl Fairbairn there who
is seized with a strange nervous disorder. Evening
finished the extracts so far as I intend at present from
the two first volumes of Rapin. Slept on Plautus.
Tuesday. December 5th. — Read in the evening John
Knox ; did also something for to-morrow.
Wednesday, December 6th. — Preached on Ps. 145. 15-16.
Lady Don and Minna Dawson in the Kirk. Thanksgiving
Day appointed for good harvest by last Synod. Evening
and night read a good deal of John Knox.
Thursday. December 7th. — Read some of the Abrege
Clironologique and much of John Knox, whose History
improves a good deal from the beginning of his second
book.
Friday, December 8th. — Read John Knox with a good
deal of entertainment ; his conversations with the Queen
are very original and very unmodern. Saw sick in the
town a.m.
Saturday. December 9///. — Prepared for to-morrow and
read John Knox, who affords me far more entertainment
than I expected from him.
Munday, December 11th. — Baptized and saw sick at
Home and Hairy Heugh a.m. Robert Aymer's young
wife here at tea ; a very agreeable sample of the beauty
and spirit of the English commons. Read in the evening
to the end John Knox's History, supplement and all,
and some of the additional papers. Slept on Valerius
Maximus, 1 who has very fine things in him.
Tuesday, December 12th. — Went to the Presbytery,
drank tea at Mrs. Dawson's, and the evening being bad
and Minna promising to go up with me to-morrow, I went
over to Lundy's and stayed all night. Messrs. Robert
and James Turnbull also there. Andrew Chatto also in
town with his wife ; supped with us in Mr. Lundy's.
1 Valerius Maximus, a Latin author who completed a large collection
of historical anecdotes under the title of De Factis Dictisque Memorabilibus
Libri IX.
218 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1758
James Turnbull informed me of a purpose of marriage he
has with his cousin, the eldest Miss Rutherford, in Berwick,
and desired me to attend him thither to marry him, first
day of the New Year, which I readily agreed to.
Wednesday, December 13th. — Breakfasted in Mr. Lundy's,
called at Andrew Chatto's boy's room, and saw Mrs.
Chatto. The eldest boy has had the small-pox, and is
very well recovered. Brought up Mina behind me. The
lad Davidson of Sprouston here at dinner. Mina stayed
all night helping Nancy with a gown. Read a little of
the Account of the Colonies of N. America, which I brought
up from the Library. It is wrote with elegance, and is
now said to be known as a production of Melmoth. 1
Thursday, December lUh. — Three of the elders here to
examine our year's accounts and count the box. Willy
Dawson and his young wife, Thomas Lee and his wife
here at tea. The young pair seem to thrive on matri-
mony. Read some more of the Account of America
where Columbus, its first discoverer, is represented as a
very compleat hero, and a much more favourable idea is
given of Cortez than I had formed from Solis' History of
his conquest, which I read long ago. 2
Friday, December loth. — Read some more of the Account
of America with no small entertainment. Evening wrote
in to the book of Poors Money last year's articles, and
made a balance which is not so exact as it should be,
but much more so than usual. Mina left us in the
forenoon.
Saturday, December 16th. — Prepared for to-morrow and
read to an end the Account of America, a w ork that dis-
covers great sense, extensive views, a good taste, and,
what is more than all the rest, an uncommon spirit of
goodness and humanity. Perhaps it would have been
1 I cannot trace this to Melmoth.
2 Don Antonio de Solis, born at Alcala de Henares in 1610 : his Con-
quista de Mexico appeared in 1684, a brilliant, perspicuous work which,
for its elegance of style and vividness of description, has become a Spanish
Classic. It is, however, by no means impartial, and the author has been
accused, perhaps justly, of bigotry and fanaticism. He died 1686.
1758] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 219
more judicious in so short a work to have sacrificed some
fine writing and ingenious reflexions to a few more im-
portant facts that might have filled usefully their place.
But it is idle to detract from a work that in other respects
has so much merit as justly to entitle it to a place amongst
our first-rate modern productions. The stile and com-
position very much resemble those of Melmoth's other
writings, which are all more remarkable for a certain
uniform smoothness than for nerves or strength.
Munday, December 18th. — Saw sick forenoon. Evening
and night read the Life of Knox, which Ruddiman some-
where ascribes to Crawford, the Professor of Church
History. There is not a great deal more to be learned
from its relating to the author than from John's own
History. Read also part of D. Buchanan's Preface. 1
Tuesday, December 19th. — Read D. Buchanan's Preface
to an end, where there is some good, rough sense and
some gleanings and conjectures relating to the antiquities
and history of Scotland, that are not contemptible, though
incorrect. Philip came after dinner by may of Whitsum,
where he was stormstaid yesterday. Chatted away even-
ing and night with him.
Wednesday, December 20th. — Read some of the October
Magazine which Philip brought along with him. Robert
Turnbull came before dinner, and Mr. Lundy p.m., and
stayed all night. Had abundance of sport about our
Naiad, 2 with whom Lundy is most certainly in love, and
not improbably may marry her. He came to seek supply
for an expedition he has on hands to Lothian and partly
succeeded.
Thursday, December 21st. — Most lowring, breeze S.W.
Guests left us a.m. Read the news, where is nothing.
Got Payne s Chronicle 3 for the first time. I imagine the
1 David Buchanan (1590-1652), son of William Buchanan of Arnprior :
after a residence of some years in Paris he returned to Scotland and was
the author or editor of several works on Scottish history, biography, and
topography.
2 The Naiad was Ridpath's pet name for Bessy Pollock, a daughter of
the minister of Ednam.
3 This was probably the Universal Chronicle, or Weekly Gazette, published
220 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1758
paper called The Idler is published in it. The number
in this not a bad one ; also some other miscellaneous
things in verse and prose, all pretty good. Read to an
end the October Magazine.
Friday, December 22nd. — Rode to Eccles before dinner
with Philip, and stayed all night. Our principal subject
the Naiad and Mr. Lundy in love, in which we certainly
dealt too freely. But nearest the heart nearest the mouth.
Had the satisfaction to find all there of the same opinion
as to the Nymph's beauty. 1
Saturday, December 23rd. — Came from Eccles before
dinner. Looked to something for to-morrow, and read
over again part of the first volume of the Account of
America. Philip had a letter from G. Trotter's son at
Edinburgh, which afforded no small diversion.
Tuesday, December 26th. — Rode to Hardy's Mill Place
to see Mary Fairbairn, very ill of a very anomalous nervous
distemper. Andrew Chatto and the bridegroom came
just after dinner and stayed all night. Got two very
good profiles of their faces.
Wednesday, December 27th.- — The bridegroom left us
after dinner. Andrew Chatto stayed all night. We had
a project of going to Eccles in the evening, but dropt it.
Edmund Dodds buried to-day. I attended the funeral
part of the road to Eccles.
Thursday, December 28th. — Andrew Chatto accompanied
us to Ednam on our way to Sprouston, Nancy along with
us. Mr. Pollock, his wife and two daughters, and Mr.
Lundy and his sister also there. Still, I believe foolishly,
conspired to fondle the Naiad, and spent the evening in a
sort of mirth, more wild than elegant.
Friday, December 29th. — Mr. Pollock's family went
by Newbery, London. In it appeared, on 15th April 1758, the first of
Dr. Johnson's essays called The Idler. The Payne mentioned in the text
was, in all likelihood, John Payne the bookseller of Paternoster Row,
and a friend of Johnson : but I do not know that he had any connection
with the Universal Chronicle.
1 Mr. Lundie married, a few years after this, somebody else, and there
is no record of the Naiad having married at all.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH* 221
home, and the rest of us set out together with Robert
Turnbull and his niece for Kelso, where we dined and
stayed all night. Drunk tea in Mr. Dobby's, and John
Miller supped with us in Mr. Lundy's, where we had much
laughter about our gallantry. I could wish, however, to
see the affair betwixt Mr. Lundy and the Naiad brought
to an end. He is evidently catched, and as evidently
will not have his sister on his side ; and what is worst of
all, it looks as if Mr. Pollock's people and the sweet child
herself expected something serious.
Saturday, December SOth. — Came home after 10, and
rode to Home to a meeting about the poor's affairs.
Nancy and Philip and Miss Lundy, a very good, sensible
woman, came up after me. Miss Lundy returned after
tea. Then dozed and did something for to-morrow.
1759
Munday, January 1st. — Set out at 8 in the morning, and,
according to appointment, met with James Turnbull at
Cornhill. Found old Thomas Rutherford and Goudie at
Scythe's boat-house, where we dined, and afterwards rode
over to Bailie Rule's at Bound-Road, where the bride, in a
chaise, with her brother and sister, arrived a few minutes
after us. Ceremony quickly over, and we got to Berwick in
the darkening. Drank tea at Mr. Waite's and drest, and
afterwards went and supped in Mr. Rutherford's, where
were only, besides the family, Gowdie, the bridegroom,
J. Miller, and myself. Gowdie and I sat late with the
Messrs. Rutherfords. Rather too little acquainted with
both males and females of the family to be perfectly at
my ease, though both this and the following days were
spent not disagreeably.
Tuesday, January 2nd. — Breakfasted and dined with the
bridegroom and bride. Called at my aunt's, Mr. Stanton's,
and the Doctor's. James Allan and John Waugh came
to town in the evening, and I spent it with them in Mr.
Waite's. They had been yesterday at the burial of Mr.
222 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Trotter 1 of Edrom, whose death I had not heard of till
yesterday. James Allan, in fulfilment of a concert made
some weeks before, of which Philip had informed me, got
Sir John Stuart to write a letter to Lord Marchmont for
a Presentation to Will, which was sent by an express last
Friday. It required a good deal of communing and per-
suasion to obtain this letter ; and James Allan learned
from Walter Anderson that the lady had repented of the
measure and was threatening to have all reversed. On
this, James Allan had wrote a letter to Sir John, one to
Charles Smith, the lady's father, enclosed to him, and to
be sent or supprest at pleasure, and one to W. Cochran,
who was witness to the conversation that preceded Sir
John's writing to Marchmont, all tending to the same
point of confirming Sir John against temptations from
the lady. These letters James Allan read to me, and
they were dispatched by the post.
Wednesday. January 3rd. — Learned from James Allan
in the morning that his marriage affair remains yet un-
determined. Macleod has never answered his letter, but
promises to meet his daughter betwixt Edinburgh and
Eyemouth, after this Christmas holidays are over. James
seems to wish the thing may succeed. I most heartily
wish the contrary, as nothing in all probable views can
promise less good. Bridegroom's company set out a little
after 10. The second girl, Polly, rode behind me. The
bride and Hanna single. The day was very favourable.
We dined elegantly at Cornhill and got very safe to
Linton betwixt four and five. Spent the night by our-
selves.
Thursday, January Uh. — Mr. Chatto and his wife, to-
gether with Philip, who had come to Morbattle last night,
also Thomas Rutherford's brother and the girl Quarry
dined with us. Spent our time very merrily, Philip
contributing not a little to our glee. He stayed all night.
The rest left us in the evening.
1 Alexander Trotter of Leetbrae (1677-1758), minister of Edrom : son
of Captain Alexander Trotter, who fought at Kilhecrankie, a cadet of the
family of Trotter of Prentonan.
i 7 59] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 223
Friday, January 5th. — Our Linton company dined and
drank tea at Morebattle. We returned about seven at
night, and by the help of cross-questions, crambo, etc.,
spent it very heartily.
Saturday. January 6th. — Andrew Chatto came over and
dined, drank tea, and supped with us. Our living too
plentiful, but I always bear this better after a few days
seasoning than at first.
Munday, January 8th. — The bad forenoon kept us all at
Linton till after dinner, when I set out homeward and
Philip and Thomas Rutherford, younger, for Berwick.
The old man and one of his daughters propose to set out
to-morrow, the other stays a while. I called at Mr.
Dawson's and stayed till the news came, which brought
nothing remarkable. Got a letter from James Allan
enclosing a copy of Sir John Stuart's answer to his
mentioned above, which, though tolerably clear as to his
own adhering to Will, yet leaves a hole to get out of, by
declaring that he will not force a minister on the other
heritors, and seems to say that this was mentioned as a
condition in the conversation with Mr. Allan, previous to
his writing to Lord Marchmont. He also says that he
had obtained J. Renton's consent except in one event,
which, I suppose, is Lord Home's giving a Presentation
to some other. 'Tis a pity, on an event attended with
so much uncertainty, to have bestowed the certain expence
of an express, especially in our circumstances.
Tuesday, January 9th. — Rode to Fallside Hill and Home
to baptize and see sick. Read the Edinburgh papers and
some of the last November Review, which I brought from
Kelso last night. Also wrote to Philip about this letter
of Sir John Stuart's, and filled up my accounts and
Journal.
Thursday, January 11th. — Read more of the Account
of America a.m. John Waugh, who had brought his wife
to Ednam yesterday, called in passing towards Yarrow.
Cupples had come along with him to Ednam, and came up
thence before dinner. Nancy and I went down with him
to Ednam, and stayed all night. Robert Turnbull dined
224 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
at Sir Robert's, called in passing and drank tea with us
at Ednam. Spent the night somewhat wildly, as usual
excited by the sweet lassie, Bett Pollock, with whom
Cupples seems to be as much captivated as anybody. I
was fully resolved not to go near her for a good while, but
who can foresee such temptations.
Friday, January 12th. — Stayed at Ednam till after
dinner. Cupples and Mrs. Waugh and Nancy and I set
out at the same time. Falling off my sleep in the morning,
spent it making rebuses, Cupples having put me in the
humour by one he made on the Naiad. These afforded
some mirth. After coming home, dozed and read more
than half the second volume of Melmoth's Account of
America.
Saturday, January 13th. — Weather the same, wind very
high all night. It put me in mind of the great wind on
the 17th January 1739, which also happened at full moon,
and with an eclipse, though this was far from being so
violent. Got the first volume of Sir William Temple's 1
works from the Library. I wrote for that which has his
introduction to the English History. But as this other is
come I shall read it through. Read a good deal of his
Memoirs when employed as Plenipotentiary at Nimeguen.
They are very entertaining. Did also something for to-
morrow.
Munday, January 15th. — Read Sir William Temple, who,
on many accounts, deserves the reputation he has long
maintained of an excellent writer ; there is a fine collec-
tion of uncommon learning and curious political specula-
tion in his treatise on Heroick Virtue. Rule was here
cleaning the clock, and John Miller drank tea with us.
Tuesday, January 16th.— Examined in the Kirk, first
time for the season ; afternoon saw sick at Home. Drank
tea and sate till eight with W. Stevenson, who has been
sore distrest with a cold, and is now confining himself for
it. Read at night near to the end of Sir William Temple's
1 Sir William Temple (1628-99), tne patron of Swift, who assisted
him in editing his Memoirs, published his Introduction to the History
of England in 1695.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH • 225
Memoirs of the Peace of Nimeguen, 1 where the French, as
usual, showed their great talents for negotiating.
Wednesday, January 17th. — Examined in the Kirk.
Read to the end of Temple's Memoirs, and the greatest
part of his work on the United States.
Thursday, January 18th. — Read some more of Sir William
Temple's account of the Netherlands, and was in the
evening at Sir Robert's. Himself and Miss Polly had
gone to Edinburgh this morning, where Miss Polly is to
stay the rest of the winter. Sate till after eight with Mrs.
Pringle 2 and Maddy.
Sunday, January 21st. — Had a letter from Philip in the
morning, in which he writes me there is yet no account
about the Edrom affair. It is probable it is trafficking
for a vote. The papers say that the merchants have
accounts of the King of Spain's death. 3
Munday, January 22nd. — A.m. at Home seeing sick.
Saw also W. Stevenson in passing, who is still confined,
but a good deal better. Read some things in Bishop
Burnet that have relation to Sir William Temple's works.
The Thompsons came in the evening and stayed all night,
which was rather disturbed than entertained by their
everlasting clack. The widow, however, is a soft agree-
able sort of woman.
Tuesday, January 23rd. — The damsels left us about 11.
I examined afterwards in the Kirk. Jimmy Dawson
called in the evening, a sturdy, well-looked lad. Had
some talk with him relating to the last French expedition,
where he was. He talked sensibly enough about it.
1 The actual title of the book is — Memoirs of what past in Christendom
from the War begun 1672 to the Peace concluded 1679.
2 The Mrs. Pringle who lived with Sir Robert (whose own wife had died
in 1739) was probably the wife of his son Gilbert, the Captain of Dragoons.
She was the daughter and heiress of John Pringle of Torsonce, and brought
that estate into the family.
3 The information in the text was incorrect. The Queen of Spain,
Madeleine Therese, daughter of John v., King of Portugal, had died
27th August 1758. King Ferdinand, her husband, was so much affected
by her death that he himself died 29th August 1759 at the comparatively
early age of forty -six.
P
226 • DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Read in the evening Williamson's Relation of his adven-
tures, 1 which was brought me by young Robert Heymer,
who was mending something here in the afternoon. Most
of it is paltry stuff.
Thursday, January 25th. — Examined at Fallside Hill
and saw W. Stevenson in passing, who is a good deal
better. To-day and Tuesday's papers give an account
of a discovery made of the conspiracy against the King of
Portugal, from which he so very narrowly escaped. The
conspirators were, it seems, some of the principal of his
nobility, one of whom, the Duke de Avaro, was to have
been made King. Many of them are seized. 2 Evening
chiefly spent in reading these news. Had a letter from
Philip, in which he writes me that James Allan has had a
letter from Marchmont informing him that he had applied
for and obtained a promise of the Presentation to Edrom,
which he hoped soon to send down. Wrote to Philip
and slept on Burnet.
Friday, January 26th. — Went to Kelso with Nancy en
croupe chiefly to see Jimmy Dawson. Sir Alexander Don
and his lady dined in Mr. Dawson's, also J. Miller. After-
wards drank tea with the Thomsons, Minna, Jimmy, and
John Miller being along. Stayed there till 8. Drew some
profiles and rode home betwixt 8 and 9. Denied myself
the sport of the rest of the night, principally for the sake
of saving the expence of my horse at Kelso. Heard at
Kelso that Lord Kilkerran 3 died within these few days
1 Peter Williamson, the son of an Aberdeenshire crofter, was a boy of
ten, kidnapped and sold to a settler in Pennsylvania. He had many
adventures : fell into the hands of the Indians, but escaped and enlisted
in the army. Coming home he published, in 1757, an account of his ex-
periences : it gave great offence to the Aberdeen authorities and he was
banished from that city. He is best known, perhaps, as the originator of
the penny post, which he established in Edinburgh about 1777 : died 1799.
2 Joseph, King of Portugal (1750-77), was the subject of an attack by
conspirators on 3rd December 1758. He was fired at as he was returning
from a country house near Lisbon. For the attempted assassination
three nobles, along with the wife and son of one of them, were executed.
3 Sir James Fergusson of Kilkerran, second Baronet : advocate 171 1 :
raised to the Bench as Lord Kilkerran 1735 : died 20th January 1759,
aged seventy-one.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 227
past. Called at Mr. Lundy's, who has not been at Ednam
since he came home, from whence it looks as if he had a
mind to give up the game there. I apprehended that
would be the consequence of his Lothian expedition, but
he might do worse. Wrote after I came home a letter
to John Davidson asking news about the Hutton affair
to go by W. Stevenson, who proposes to set out for
Edinburgh to-morrow.
Saturday, January 27th. — Prepared for to-morrow and
read the October Review. It has a specimen of MQuer's
Elements of Chemistry, 1 translated by Read, a work I
could wish to have from the account and extract that is
there given of it. Look'd also into Sir William Temple's
second volume which Charles brought me from Kelso.
He had gone to bring up Nancy, whom I had left behind
me last week. But they are keeping her to help Minna
to sew some shirts to her brother.
Munday. January 29th. — Examined at Oxmuir and saw
sick at Home in returning. Evening and night read news-
papers and Sir William Temple's letters. In the news
there is an account of the Princess of Orange's death on
the 12th. 2 No account yet of the King of Spain's death,
but all agree he is dying.
Wednesday, January Slst. — Examined at Todrig ; Jimmy
Dawson breakfasted here in passing to Sir Robert's to
dine, and called again in the evening. As he goes away
to-morrow I rode down with him to Kelso and stayed all
night. Supped in Mr. Dawson's, where were also J. Miller
and Scott the surgeon. Lodged in Mr. Lundy's, who was
not at home. Laurie arrived there the same moment
with me, and we lay together. Had some of his Jedburgh
Presbytery chat.
Thursday, February 1st— Breakfasted in Dr. Miller's
and Thomas Dawson's. Rode down to Sprouston in
the forenoon to see Robert Turnbull, who has had
1 Pierre Joseph Macquer (1718-84), scientist of Paris, published Elemens
de Chymie Theorique, 1749, and Elemens de Chymie Practique, 1 751.
- Anna, Princess of Orange, was the eldest daughter of George 11. of
Great Britain. She married, 1734, William of Nassau, Prince of Orange.
228 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
a sort of slow fever, or rather ill-formed ague, these
eight days. His ease continued all the evening and he
rested well at night. I sate up with him till two o'clock,
and read last December Magazine, where there are some
pretty good articles, among the rest some entertaining
extracts of Horace Walpole's Catalogue of Royal and Noble
Authors. Got a letter from Philip last night in which he
writes me that James Allan is gone to Edinburgh, being
sent for by Sir J. Steuart, who has probably got the Pre-
sentation to Edrom, or has at least some business relating
to that affair to negotiate with him. He writes also that
J. Burnet is to come to the Low Meeting, 1 which will
probably be most to his own disadvantage, though perhaps
Goudie may also suffer by it.
Friday, February 2nd. — Came over to Kelso and dined
in Mr. Dawson's, expecting to have carried Nancy home
with me, who has been there these eight days helping to sew
shirts to Jimmy Dawson, but she stays a day or two longer.
Mr. Lundy had not come home. I found by the intelligence
his servants had got about him, that no longer able to
resist his yearnings after the Naiad, he had gone to Ednam
last night after crossing Tweed at the Townhead on his
way from Selkirk by Maxton homeward. After I came
home, dozed and read more of Sir William Temple's
Letters, which would be more entertaining if they were
accompanied by a short historical comment.
Sunday, February Uh. — Charles went for Nancy in the
morning and brought her home from Kelso. She brought
a letter from Philip, in which there is one enclosed to him
from W. Stevenson at Edinburgh, who informs that the
Advocate had told his brother that he was credibly in-
formed that Lord Home was to drop the defence of his
claim to Hutton at the Bar of the Peers ; the consequence
of which would be that on the Advocate's appearing
there for the Crown, the right would be adjudged to it.
I wish this intelligence may prove true, as it will, I hope,
make us pretty sure of having the affair finished this
1 The High Meeting (House) and the Low Meeting (House) were the
two Presbyterian Churches in Berwick.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 229
session. An article from Madrid of the 25th December
represents their monarch as in a very miserable way from
the 5th of September, that is, eight days after the loss
of his Queen. It is said that he has neither been shaved
nor shifted, but shutting himself up at Villa Viciosa has
abandoned himself to an invincible melancholy, abstain-
ing for long periods from sleep or food, and refusing
utterly to hear of all business. A slow fever with remis-
sions is said in the meantime to prey upon him. He has
been prevailed upon, however, to make his testament,
but what steps the heir-apparent is resolved to take either
at home or with regard to his succession to the Spanish
monarchy seems yet uncertain. What unhappy mortals
are at present from one cause or another all the European
monarchs.
Munday, February 5th. — Examined in the west end of
Home and saw sick. Took Sir Robert's on my way
homewards, where I drank tea and supped and received
my stipend. Paid him also for seed corn last year and
for cast timber.
Tuesday, February 6th. — Rode to the Presbytery meet-
ing, where we had no business, but at last got W. Walker's
exercise and addition. Drank tea at Dr. Gibson's ; wrote
to Berwick and came home after 8. Intended to have
stayed all night, but I had a letter from Philip in the
morning, in which he wrote me that James Allan had
wrote him that he intended to be at Riddell this week
and would be here in passing. He did not, however,
come to-night. Slept on the beginning of the 9th Mneid.
Wednesday, February 7th. — Read Temple's Letters and
consulted Burnet, Atlas, and Heraut. Read at night the
very fine story of Nisus and Euryalus. 1
Thursday, February Sth. — Examined in the west end of
Home, second dyet. Came home to dine. John Waugh
was here in the evening. He had been at Tofts to see
Tommy Pringle, who has been ill of a fever. He drank
tea and stayed till 8, and went to Ednam. To-day's and
In the ninth book of the Mneid.
230 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
last Post's papers give an account of the execution of
some of the principal conspirators at Lisbon, amongst
whom was a lady, the Marchioness de Tavora. One of
the assassins, a bravo of the Duke d'Aveiro's, was burned
alive, and with him the dead bodies of the rest were con-
sumed and their ashes thrown into the sea. All this
tragical affair is said to have been the consequence of the
King's having violated or sought to violate a daughter
of the Duke d'Aveiro. There are some other noblemen,
two Bishops, and several Jesuits in prison. At night
transcribed a song I got from Jimmy Dawson about the
St. Cas affair for Miss M. Pringle. It is the work of a
grenadier and has some droll enough hits in it at Clark
and FitzMorris, the heroes of that expedition.
Friday, February 9th. — Mr. and Mrs. Dysart here at
dinner. W. Stevenson, who came from Edinburgh last
night, called in the morning. He brought me a letter
from Davidson, in which he says J. Pringle told him that
Lord Home was to make no opposition before the Peers,
on which account he had not reprinted the informations
in the cause, as he had proposed. The Advocate further
told Stevenson that Mr. Lockhart had given it as his
opinion that so soon as an appeal should be lodged for
the Crown, Lord Home ought to give up the cause, as
defending it before the Peers would only be throwing away
'money to no purpose. Wrote these things and sent
Davidson's letter to Philip. Evening cleared with Robert
Heymer, and slept on Virgil.
Munday, February 12th. — Was a good deal in the garden
and glebe. Sowed some Charlton Hotspurs. Evening
read to an end Sir W. Temple's Letters. The latter part
of that collection is scarce worth the labour of reading,
after having read his Memoirs, excepting a few of them
wrote in confidence to the Treasurer Danby, the Duke of
Ormund, and his father. Charles' Court and Council
make a very poor figure in them and are finely contrasted
by the sense and steadiness and virtue of the Prince of
Orange and Sir W. Temple himself, who was certainly
one of the ablest and honestest negotiators ever employed
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 231
by any Prince. In Saturday's papers, which I only got
to-day, there is a Gazette account of the execution of the
Portugal conspirators, as also of the nature of the con-
spiracy, which is there ascribed to the disappointment of
ambition in the noblesse concerned and to the resentment
of the Jesuits, who were lately driven from the Court and
who joined counsels with the Duke d'Aveiro, M. de Tavora,
etc. At night read some of the Mneid and wrote to
Philip in answer to one I had from him to-day.
Tuesday, February ISth. — Was at Home seeing sick.
Made a scroll p.m. of N. Wilson's testament. Rest of the
day, evening, and night read Bishop Burnet's second vol.
for the sake of better understanding what I have been
reading of Sir W. Temple.
Wednesday, February lMh. — Wrought some in the garden
cleaning flower ground. Prepared for to-morrow and read
a good deal of Bishop Burnet, his account of the Popish
plot and exclusion Parliaments, which is a curious morsel
of history.
Thursday, February loth. — Preached thrice on Deutero-
nomy 32. 15, and too long ; kirk well filled. Read half
a volume of Sherlock's sermons, 1 which have been for
some time greatly in vogue. They want not merit, being
wrote in point of language very chastely and naturally ;
nor are the sentiments and reasoning contemptible ; though
they contain little, I think, either very new or very pro-
found. They might be good and useful discourses to the
Gentlemen of the Inns of Court to whom they were
preached, but in general I cannot think they are right
models for popular discourses, as in general they want fire,
method, and address to the heart, and have often a degree
of acuteness and subtlety that a popular assembly cannot
be supposed able to follow.
Friday, February 16th. — Walked to Mr. Pollock's and
was there till evening. He had got papers from an agent
in the affair of his manse ; a representation for the Heritors
and an annexe to it for the Presbytery, which he was to
1 Thomas Sherlock (1678-1761), Bishop successively of Bangor, Salis-
bury, and London.
232 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
write about to Edinburgh. The answer for us was not
much amiss. Some corrections and additional circum-
stances he gave in a letter to the agent. He had also
taken it in his head to write to Prestongrange, the Ordinary,
in the cause, who had given a favourable interloquitor.
He thought that some old acquaintance with his lady's
father made a sort of introduction. Though the impro-
priety of this was very evident, yet as the letter had the
air of simplicity and truth, I thought it could do little
hurt and might even be possibly of service ; so, having
hinted a few corrections, I thought it might be sent, but
charging profound secrecy. Our Naiad has got her com-
plexion sore marred with the vile distemper in the blood
of the family, but in speight of it her looks and smiles still
have attractions. Read some of Bishop Burnet in the
evening.
Saturday, February 17th. — Set out for Yarrow to preach
for Mr. Mason 1 betwixt 9 and 10 a.m. Robert Turnbull
was to have gone at this time, but his illness made him
unwilling to enter on the journey,, and I engaged at the
Presbytery meeting to go in his place. Reached Selkirk
before 1 o'clock ; dined and drank tea there and rode up
to Yarrow in the evening. Mason's servant had come
down to guide me.
Sunday, February 18th. — Found Yarrow a much more
agreeable place than I expected. There is a fine little
open around it, and the hills on the north side of the
Yarrow are green. That water runs just by the foot of
Mason's garden, and on the banks of it most of the way
down to its confluence with the Ettrick, which is about
a mile above Selkirk, there is wood either natural or
artificial. The manse is very tolerable and so is the Kirk,
and there are several well-drest people in the congregation.
Found Mason perfectly sound and well, though he has not
yet preached. He has been drinking sea water long and
also taking frequent vomits, by which his digestion is
restored, which, while he was ill, quite failed him. Con-
1 James Mason, minister of Yarrow 1753-64. He married Elizabeth
Kirkwood.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 233
sidering the dreadful bout he has had, his present health
and strength are not a little surprising. His wife had
also a horrible time of it by her attendance, which was
most affectionate and exact, and indeed she appears to
have suffered more than he, being thin and her looks
still retaining an air of distress. Had resolved to return
to Selkirk to-night, but found it would cost too great a
struggle to get away. Spent my time not at all dis-
agreeably.
Mundcuj. February 19th. — Set out from Yarrow between
10 and 11. Prevailed on Mason to take a ride with me,
which he did as far as Hangingshaw. Got to Selkirk
betwixt 12 and 1. Dined there and set out about 3.
Trotter convoyed me till near Melrose bridge. I got home
betwixt 6 and 7, not without some wandering betwixt
Mellerstain Mill and Sir Robert's winter entrys. Found
James Allan here, arrived a little before me, on his way
to Riddell. MLeod has been at Eyemouth. He asked
his consent to marry Mrs.. Keith, but was refused. The
lady, it seems, has still some hopes of prevailing with her
parent, and having no longer been able to bear her usage
at Highlas, has retired to Berwick, where she lodges in
Mr. Somervail's. M'Leod is soon to be in Berwick, and
then it is likely the thing will be on end one way or other.
Tuesday, February 20th. — James Allan stayed till after
dinner and then set out for Riddel.
Wednesday, February 21st. — Examined in the east end
of Home ; dined in Sked's and baptized twins at Sweet-
hope. Read in the evening some of the January Magazine
and appendix to last year which came from Berwick two
or three days ago.
Thursday, February 22nd. — Examined again in the east
end of Home and came home to dine. Wrote to Philip
and to J. Davidson, with whom I was hopeful my corre-
spondence was at an end ; but Philip wrote me that
J. Rent on, who came lately from Edinburgh, had been
affirming to Hilton, who told it to some of our Berwick
friends, that Lord Home's people were still to prosecute
the Hutton affair before the Peers. 'What is in this I
234 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
have wrote to inquire of J. Davidson, and to warn him of
what we have heard, that the cause may not suffer by any
neglect. Read to an end the Magazines.
Friday, February 23rd. — James Allan arrived from
Riddel at 4. I shaved, and Nancy and I went up with
him to Sir Robert's, where we stayed and supped. Had a
good deal of agreeable chat.
Munday, February 26th. — Read to an end the history of the
Ryehouse Plot in Burnet, where the story of Lord Russell's
death is told in a very natural and affecting manner.
Read also to an end Sir W. Temple's Introduction to the
History of England. There is much good sense and good
writing in it, but the narrative is ill-proportioned ; his
account of the Roman and Saxon times being a very im-
perfect sketch, while he gives almost a history of William
the Conqueror, whom he makes, I think, rather too great
a hero ; though it must be allowed that both his talents
and fortune were very uncommon. At night wrote out
fair on stampt paper N. Wilson's testament so as to be
ready for subscribing.
Tuesday, February 27th. — Read the newspapers, from
which I did not learn much. Wrought a little in the
garden and gave some attendance to a brewing of strong
ale. Revised some of Sir W. Temple's Letters. Slept on
M. Henry's Catechism, which is a notable little work of
its kind. 1
Thursday, March 1st. — People are beginning everywhere
to sow oats, the ground being in fine condition. Examined
last dyet in the E. end of Home. Robert Turnbull and
Lundy came here to dine and called for me at Home, but
I could not get to them till 4 o'clock. Read the Chronicle,
where this week's Idler on Historical Painting is a very
good paper. It has also several particulars about the
Portugal conspirators which are interesting. Paid Smeaton
in the evening for this year's plowing. Read at night
two or three letters of Cardinal Bentevoglio. 2
1 Matthew Henry (1662-17 14), nonconformist divine and well-known
commentator. He published his Scripture Catechism in 1702.
2 Giu Bentevoglio was private chamberlain to Pope Clement viii. :
17591 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
235
Friday, March 2nd. — Shaved a.m. and rode to Eccles,
where I dined and drank tea. At night looked to some
things in the Italian Grammar ; 'tis long since I read
anything in that language, but I must not forget it.
Sunday. March ±th. — Stevenson dined with us. I had
a letter from J. Davidson in the morning, in which he
informs me that the Crown Agent at London has wrote
him that the cause of Hutton is enrolled for the 5th,
and that there is to be an appearance for Lord Home.
As Philip and he differ about the day it is rather more
likely that the former may be mistaken.
Tuesday, March 6th. — Saw sick and attended a burial
at Home and then rode to the Presbytery with Nancy
en croupe. Once intended to ride forward to Linton, but
went down to Sprouston with Robert Turnbull and stayed
all night. He promised to go to Linton with us to-morrow
with his niece. Drank tea at Mr. Dawson's, who is prettv
well.
Wednesday, March 7th. — Weather the same, but inter-
vals, as the day advanced, of sun. In one of these we
set out from Sprouston betwixt 12 and 1. Dined at
Linton, drank tea at Morbattle, where Mrs. Chatto has
got a little daughter about ten days ago. Saw the Kirk ;
which has the pulpit up and galleries finished. It is really
a very neat, commodious place. Returned to Linton and
stayed all night, where we were abundantly cheerful.
Thursday, March 8th. — Stayed till after dinner and then
rode over again to Sprouston, where we stayed all night.
Robert is almost quite well, though he has not yet preached.
Looked to some articles in Miller's Gardeners' Dictionary, 1
which Robert has from the Library.
Friday, March 9th. — Stayed at Sprouston till after
dinner. Had a walk' down the riverside and reconnoitred
papal nuncio in Flanders and France, and was made a Cardinal. He was
an intimate friend of Urban viii., whom it was thought he would succeed
as Pope. But he died at the beginning of the Conclaves in 1644.
1 Philip Miller (1691-1771), gardener to the Chelsea Botanical Garden
1722 : author of several treatises on gardening. His Gardeners' and
Florists' Dictionary, published in 1724, was translated into German,
Dutch, and French.
236
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
[i759
Robert's glebe and garden, which he has brought into
excellent form and order. Drank tea in passing at Ednam,
where the Naiad is looking very lovely. Read also the
Chronicle, where there are some good enough things.
Saturday, March 10th. — Wrought a good while in the
garden p.m. setting a few polyanthuses and auriculas
which I had got from James Turnbull, and preparing
ground for some ranunculuses which he also gave me.
Evening read some of the History of the Jews in 10th vol.
of Universal History relating to the subject of my Lecture.
Sunday, March llth. — Rode to Home to see Archibald
Smith's wife, who seems to be in a dying state.
Munday, March 12th. — Planted the ranunculuses I got
from James Turnbull. Read a good deal of Keith's
History, where the original papers are a very interesting
collection.
Tuesday, March 13th. — Robert Turnbull, according to
appointment last week, came here this morning. We rode
to Homebyres, where we dined and drank tea. I also
went there in the afternoon to the burial of Archibald
Smith's wife. Aly Stevenson walked over from Sprouston
with W T ill, who had stayed there since Saturday. Her
uncle and she stayed all night.
Wednesday, March 14th: — Rode over with Robert
Turnbull to Greenlaw to see John Hume, who has an ague
these eight or ten days. John Hume not being accus-
tomed to be ill, he knows not what to make of himself,
and particularly has far too much discourse, some of
which is very diverting. Stayed with him till past four
and came home through a severe blast most part of the
way. Found a letter here when I came home from Philip
by one of our egg men, informing me that John Patterson
had wrote to the Collector by Munday's post that the
cause of Hutton was decided by the Peers on the 7th,
and given for the Crown without any difficulty. Patterson
was present, and writes that Hardwicke and Marchmont
(scarce anything of this true) 1 rated the Lords of Session
Marginal note.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 237
pretty severely. And so this troublesome affair is at last
* come to the end we desired, for which we have ground
to be thankful to the Supreme Disposer.
Thursday, March 15th. — Mr. Turnbull and his niece
stayed till after dinner. Read the news, which afford
little remarkable. Read evening and night almost all the
January Review and supplement to last year, which Charles
brought from Kelso, whither he had been setting down Aly
Stevenson.
Friday, March 16th. — Wrote Philip. Calculated the
amount of the expence of my Edinburgh journeys about
his cause. The eight journeys come to about £6, 13s.,
which, considering that I was once ten days in the town,
and sometimes paid both for James Allan and myself, is
certainly a very moderate sum. Began Keith, whom I
intend to go through regularly, if not disturbed. At
night read the Life of Drummond of Hawthornden.
Sunday, March ISth. — Had a letter from Davidson in-
forming me shortly that the Lords' Interloquitor in the
Hutton cause was reversed by the Peers. He had not
yet got their decree, but expects it soon.
Munday, March 19th. — An odd creature dined here,
Tait of Langrigg's son, 1 who is a candidate for Holy
Orders and on his way to his friends at Girrick, 2 left here
a circular letter from the Presbytery of Chyrnside to ours.
Rode to Home to see sick. Heavy and listless by some
cold I have got joined to the chilliness and thickness of
the air. Read at night some of Milton s Life, wrote, I
believe, by Toland, 3 and prefixed to the edition of his
prose works in 1698, which I have borrowed from Mr.
Dysart for the sake of reading the History of England
1 This odd creature was probably that Thomas Tait who was licensed
by the Presbytery of Chirnside in 1760, and presented to the parish of
Eyemouth in succession to James Allan in 1767 : he died unmarried 1776.
The Fasti Reel. Scot, says that he was native of Whitsome : but the
diarist states that he was a son of Tait of Langrigg, a place in the parish
of Chirnside.
2 Girrick, a village two miles from Smailholm.
3 John Toland (1 670-1 722), a voluminous author and supporter of the
Deist side in philosophical controversy.
238 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1759
before the Conquest, which is the piece that stands first
in this collection.
Tuesday, March 20th. — Wilson of Coldstream break-
fasted here on his way homewards from Mellerstain.
Wrought most of the day in the garden planting some more
beans and sowing some peas. J. Aitchison of Falkirk came
here in the evening and stayed all night. Was a good deal
entertained with his account of his. present situation,
which, according to him, is in the very centre of wildness.
Wednesday, March 21st. — Mr. Dawson dined with us
and sate till about 5. W r as at Home a.m. at a meeting
for the poor's affairs. Read some of Bishop Keith and
slept on Milton's Life.
Thursday, March 22nd. — In the afternoon went up to
Sir Robert's, where I sate till after supper. Talked to
him about repairing my house and office houses, and was
pleased to find him expressing no dissatisfaction with
several articles I mentioned. Saw the Edinburgh news
there, where there is an account of Andrew Pringle 1
obtaining his Commission for being Lord of Session and
Justiciary in room of the late Kilkerran. Thomas Miller
is made Solicitor, 2 and what is of much more moment
than all this to the gay world, Foote 3 arrived at Edin-
burgh and was to appear on the stage last Tuesday night.
The Races at Leith and Hunters Ball are this week.
Saturday, March 2Uh.- — W. Stevenson called in the fore-
noon, with whom I reconnoitred the glebe and asked him
1 Andrew Pringle, son of John Pringle of Haining : advocate 1737 :
Sheriff of Wigtown 1750, and of Selkirk 1751 : Solicitor-General 1755:
raised to the Bench as Lord Alemore 1759. Both Carlyle and Somerville
speak in the highest terms of his commanding ability and great eloquence.
His strong and virile countenance is to be seen in his portrait in the
Parliament House.
2 Sir Thomas Miller of Glenlee (1712-89) succeeded Pringle as Solicitor-
General, and was appointed Lord Advocate 1760 : the following year he
became Lord Justice-Clerk, and in 1788 succeeded Robert Dundas as
Lord President of the Court of Session, and was created a Baronet.
3 Samuel Foote (1720-77), actor and dramatist. At a time when his
finances were at a low ebb he hit upon the expedient of a trip to Edinburgh,
which proved completely successful. Foote, however, did not appear
• last Tuesday,' which would have been the 20th March, but on the 15th,
when he played the part of Cadwallader in his own farce of The Author.
i 7 59] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 239
some questions about its culture. Rest of the day read
Keith. Got in the evening from Sir Robert by Nancy a
number of the Critical Review which I saw there the other
night. Read most of it. I see it is contrived to please
the Tories and High Church in political articles and
other things, though, perhaps, there is more vivacity and
even a greater show of learning than in the Monthly
Review ; yet a satirical spirit seems to be much more
intemperately indulged. Nor is the writing in general so
correct, so that, as far as I can judge from this specimen,
I think the Monthly Magazine much preferable. 1 At
night looked out something for to-morrow at Kelso.
Sunday, March 25th. — Dined in Mr. Dawson's and drank
tea with John Miller, who seems to be apprehensive of
some consumptive symptoms, yet there is nothing of that
kind violent about him, nor is he much reduced considering
the continuance of his illness for two or three weeks and
his low dyet.
Munday, March 26th. — Rode over to Greenlaw to see
John Hume, who still continues distressed with his ague.
But it has now become a regular tertian, and none of its
symptoms violent. The wild raving humour he was in
when I saw him last has entirely left him ; but as he is
apt to be in extremes, he seems now to be living more
abstemiously and lying down more than is necessary.
Came home in the evening and wrote at night letters to
Philip and J. Hunter.
Wednesday, March 28th. — Was working busily at the
glebe hedge, when Matthew Dysart and the lad Grieve of
Old Cambus 2 arrived. They dined and drank tea. Grieve
is about finishing his tryals before the Dunbar Presbytery,
1 The Critical and the Monthly were the two leading magazines of the
day. Dr. Johnson told King George ill., in answer to an inquiry as to
which was the best, that the Monthly was done with most care, but the
Critical upon the best principles. Johnson, of course, preferred the
1 Church and State ' periodical to its more liberal rival. Other observations
of his on their merits are quoted in Boswell's Life.
2 Henry Grieve here referred to had a somewhat distinguished clerical
career. Licensed by the Presbytery of Dunbar within a week of this
date : minister of Twynholm 1762, and translated to Eaglesham within
240 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
and wanted some help about a Hebrew Psalm, of which
I gave him a part written in Roman characters, with the
translation and analysis of some of the words. Read in
the evening our Weekly Chronicle, where the Idler is a
good paper, and where there is also a pretty long extract
of Carlyle's pamphlet about Mr. Pitt, which has had a
prodigious run. 1 There is also a letter in it from Sir John
Barnard 2 about the scarcity of silver coin, where he pro-
poses coining £200,000 of silver with a considerable alloy,
in order to prevent both the wearing of it and melting it
down. He is absolutely against altering the standard of
our money and the proportion betwixt gold and silver.
But the theory of this matter I do not fully understand.
Thursday. March 29th. — Read Keith, chiefly original
papers in his appendix, and in the evening Will brought
Robertson's second vol. from Kelso, sent by agreement
from Robert Turnbull, of which I read more than a
hundred pages, with the corresponding pages in the
appendix, before I went to bed.
Friday. March 30th. — Read Robertson all day. Finished
the second vol. of History with the corresponding papers
in the appendix, also his dissertation on King Henry \
murder. Was very much entertained and not a little
instructed. 3 Richardson from Newcastle came in the
evening and stayed all night.
Saturday. March Slst. — Richardson left us in the fore-
six months : minister of Dalkeith 1765 : of New Greyfriars, Edinburgh,
1789, and of the Old Kirk Parish 1791 till his death in 1810. D.D. St.
Andrews 1775 : Moderator of General Assembly 1783, and one of H.M.
Chaplains in Ordinary 1784.
1 This was Plain Reasons for Removing the Right Honourable William
Pitt from His Majesty's Councils for ever, by O. M. Haberdasher. It was
written, Carlyle tells us, in the ironical style of Dean Swift, and enjoyed
great popularity.
2 Sir John Barnard (1 685-1 764), merchant, politician, financier, and
philanthropist : Lord Mayor of London 1737 : a high authority on
financial questions and 1 the type of an honourable British merchant of
his day.'
3 Dr. Robertson's History of Scotland in the Reigns of Queen Mary and
James VI. was published in London in February of this year. It proved
a great success, and Ridpath's historical taste must have led him to
peruse the work of a friend and fellow minister with much interest.
I759J DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 241
noon, going to see his father. He engaged to preach for
me all to-morrow and came back in the evening. I went
to Ednam to see Mr. Pollock's people, Bett and Mary
having had the ague. Found Mr. Lundy, poor wanderer,
t here on his way home. Bett is better, but in sore deshabille,
which she does not perfectly become. Read some papers in
Robertson's appendix and revised some of the second vol.
Sunday, Aprile 1st. — Richardson preached very popu-
larly really, and with a good mixture of sense. He has
none of the graces of delivery, but an excellent pipe. Got
a letter from Philip informing me that his call had gone
well enough on at Hutton on Wednesday : that he has
tryals given him and is appointed to supply the parish.
Had also a letter from Davidson enclosing the Lords'
decree, but giving me little encouragement about applying
for the vacant stipend.
Munday, Aprile 2nd.— Richardson left us about 11 for
Home and Nenthorn. I went afterwards to the glebe
and to see John Nicol's wife, ill of a bad cold and cough.
Found Dobbie and his son here when I came home. They
stayed till the evening. Afterwards read over again some
of Robertson and also the newspapers.
Tuesday, Aprile 3rd. — Went to the Presbytery meeting,
where we elected our members, Hog, myself, ministers,
and G. Wallace ruling elder. Drank tea at Mr. Lundy's.
Richardson came to us from Nenthorn, and came home
with me at night. Got the first volume of Robertson
which Robert Turnbull had brought with him to Kelso.
W ednesday, .Aprile Uh. — Was at Home seeing sick a.m.,
whither Richardson went along with me, and stayed
behind at Home Byres. Rest of the day and night read
in Mr. Robertson's first volume. Was a while in the glebe.
Thursday, Aprile 5th. — Wrought almost all the day in
the garden sowing seeds. At night read the Weekly
Chronicle, where, besides a good Idler, there is an answer
on the subject of the coin subscribed William Shirley, 1 I
1 William Shirley ( 1694- 1 771), Governor of Massachusetts 1741-56,
when he was superseded and given the governorship of the Bahamas. He
did much towards the conquest of Canada from the French.
Q
'24,2 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH U759
suppose the late Governor of New England, to Sir .).
Bamard'fl paper last week ; t he paper is well wrote.
There is alio an account of the circumstances of Marshal
Keith's 1 death, which is very much to his honour. Read
also about a hundred pages in Robertson' 8 first volume.
Friday, Aprile 6th. It happened extremely well that I
sowed so many seeds yesterday, and also got home a cart
of coals, our old slock being wholly exhausted. Read
Robertson all the day and finished him, excepting a few
of the original papers, The work certainly deserves great
praises. The choice of lads is judicious, the disposition
of them clear and regular, the descriptions animated,
reflexions just and natural, characters painted in glow-
ing colours, and the stile elegant, perspicuous, easy, and
lull of vigour, What seems most liable to objection is a
want of sullicient detail in some facts of consequence,
which, by sparing some reflexions and declamation, might
have been given without increasing the bulk of the work ;
and I cannol help thinking that there is al least a, striking
impropriety in the kindness shown to Mary, when 'tis
plain tlx- author holds her guilty of tin worst <>t crimes.
This also is naturally accompanied with a severity to
Elizabeth lor which t here scarce appears sullicient ground,
when t he dangers to which she and her people were con-
tinually exposed by tin- increasing plots of her rival are
impartially at tended to.
Saturday, Aprilc 7th. -Read over carefully the disserta-
tion on Darnley's murder at the end of Robertson's second
vol. It is a very accurate work, and 1 think to any im-
partial person is sullicient to convict both Bothwell and
i\lar> of I lie infamous action. Read in Goodal Mary's
letters, which are curiosities of their kind, Paris's confes-
sions and sonic other original papers, Read also sonic of
Camden and prepared for to-morrow.
Sunday, Aprilc Hth. Philip Writes me that the corre-
spondence betWlXl .lames Allan and IMrs. Keith see ins to he
1 Marshal Keith, brother of the Earl Marischal, was killed at the battle
ol llochkerchen ui August, 1758.
i 7 59l DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH w>
broke up, w>ii with her and sate
till after flipper. Talked to Sir Robert some more about
the repairs of my house. At night read some articles in
tin February Beview t particularly the account of Robert*
son, which is very favorable, but not more than the work
deserves.
| Several pages min*ftrif*. \
[Friday, Aprile 27///,. | Rode down with W. Stevenson to
breakfast at, Mr. Lundy's and thence went to reconnoitre
1 Marginal note.
244 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1759
his farm, concerning which Mr. Stevenson gave him very
poor comfort. It is indeed a miserable parcel of land and
extremely little improved by the enormous expense of £120
laid out on it. Dined at our Culloden Club, where were
only 11. Sate till betwixt 6 and 7 abundantly hearty.
Minna Dawson came up behind me to stay with my
mother while we are all away.
Saturday, Aprile 28th.— Rode to Berwick, where I arrived
betwixt 1 and 2. Heard Murray and Kid preach, both of
them popularly, Kid with a very singular tone and pro-
nunciation. Paid in the evening S. Stanton in part of
an account £10.
Tuesday, May 1st. — Drank tea with Aunt Balderstone
and supped in the Collector's. Mr. Waite and my sisters
taken up in preparations for the Ordination dinner, which
Philip left wholly to them.
Wednesday, May 2nd. — Robert Turnbull came to town
before dinner. We dined in Th. Rutherford's, where James
Turnbull and his wife were staying. Supped in S. Stanton's,
Robert Turnbull along with us.
Thursday, May 3rd. — Weather the same. Philip's
Ordination Day. Cupples preached an excellent sermon
ad clerum, and his charge was very good. The dinner con-
sisted of solids, very good, and in good order. Between
40 and 50 better sort of people were dined and a greater
number of inferiors. The Berwick people filed off in
several divisions. Those with me got to town betwixt
9 and 10. Hilton, Ninewells, and Eddrington were the
gentlemen there. All sorts of people seemed to be ex-
tremely happy. Quod feli x faustumque sit.
Friday, May Uh. — Lundy and Dawson had come to
town last night, detained from the Ordination by the usual
trifling of Lundy. They had lodged at Mr. Gowdie's and
we did not hear of them till about mid-day. Philip went
out to Eyemouth. I should have gone with him, but
stayed for the sake of Robert and Mr. Lundy. Spent the
evening merrily in Mr. Waite's with these two and James
Turnbull.
Saturday, May 5th. — Lundy detained by his usual inertia,
I759J DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 245
and with him Robert Turnbull and Dawson till after
dinner. Then also I set out for Eyemouth. Drank tea
in Andrew Edgar's, who has of late had a sore and danger-
ous bout, but seems, however, to be in a way of getting
better'. Supper in Mrs. Crow's, who is looking well herself,
and her children are in the most thriving condition.
Sunday, May 6th. — Somewhat windy from W. to X.
Rode over in the morning from Eyemouth to Hutton, where
I preached a.m. on John 8. 32. Philip preached p.m.
and baptised a child. Got through his work well enough.
Dined with Lady Spittal, 1 a most hearty and hospitable
woman. The second Miss Stowe there, an agreeable enough
girl very much resembling the Blakes. Philip had to see
some sick at Paxton, and from thence we rode over to
Eyemouth. Mrs. Crow and her famliy supped with us
in James's.
Munday, May 7th. — Rode in from Eyemouth before
dinner, being difhculted how otherwise to procure the
money for Will's Presentation. Borrowed it from Mr.
Waite, who gave it with a very good grace, as no man's
heart is more inclined to do good. Sent it out to James
Allan to go to Thomas Cockburn by the Carrier. Drank
tea at the Collector's and at Mr. Stanton's, where I took
off some clothes for myself and Will. Spent the evening
at Mr. Waite's. Polly Nealson there, whom I have seen
pretty often during this visit to Berwick, and whom I
still think a very good and sensible girl : but she still con-
tinues, and is like to continue, very blind, and the distress
of this, I suppose, has made her very thin.
Tuesday, May Sth. — Set out from Berwick about 11
with Nancy en croupe and Philip in company, also Bessy
Bell, who came along with us to Mains. Dined at John
Waugh's, and drank tea at Cupples, whither Waugh and
his wife rode over along with us. Cupples and Waugh
had a sore squabble lately, since which the. one of them
has not been in the other's house till now. Detained so
long at Swintoun that we did not get home till about 10.
1 Mrs. Stowe of Spittal in the parish of Hutton.
246 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Wednesday, May 9th. — Minna Dawson stayed till after
tea. Was at Hairy Heugh a.m. seeing a sick girl, and
p.m. saw a sick man in the town.
Thursday, May 10th. — Read most of last March Magazine,
and in the afternoon went to Sir Robert's with Nancy.
Talked to him again about repairing the manse and office-
houses, and agreed to intimate a meeting of Heritors next
Sunday. In our Weekly Chronicle there is an account of
the appearance of a comet, sent to the printer by Bevis, 1
as I conjecture from the initials subscribed. It was seen
at London for the first time on Munday evening, Aprile
30th, and Bevis says he intimated to his friends that he
had expected its appearance on that night or the night
preceding. We stayed at Sir Robert's till after supper,
and the Knight and I went out about 10 to look for it,
but we could not see it, which, perhaps, was owing to the*
brightness of the moon and some thickness also on the
horizon, very near to which it appears. 2
Friday, May 11th. — Wrought some in the garden : read
to the end of the March Magazine. Robert Turnbull
dined and went away about 5. W. Stevenson drank tea
with us. Slept on Tully's Offices.
Munday, May l^th. — Wrought some in the garden and
glebe and drew a memorial to be presented to the Barons
of Exchequer about the vacant stipend of Hutton. Wrote
also a letter enclosing it to Philip.
Wednesday, May 16th. — Wrought some in the garden
and sowed a few annuals Mr. Waite gave me. P.m. went
to Home to see sick and speak to some men there about
being elders. I know not if any of them will comply.
Thursday, May 17th. — Rode to Sprouston to see for a
mason to attend the Heritors' meeting next Thursday.
Robert not at home ; dined with Alie and surveyed
Robert's glebe, which is in a very nourishing state and is
1 John Bevis or Bevans (1693-1771), astronomer : physician in London
before 1730 : fitted up an observatory at Stoke Newington, and published
astronomical and medical works.
2 This was Halley's comet, the probable appearance of which had been
foretold in November 1758. It has a cycle of seventy -six years.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 247
certainly one of the most profitable pieces of ground in
this country. Came over to Ednam and drank tea ;
found only the girls. Mas Thomas and his wife came
home a little before I came away. In the evening wrote
to James Todd of Ladykirk, from whom I had a letter
last Friday, about only the smaller part of what I owe
the Session of Ladykirk, without at all mentioning the
greater. It had also other characters of folly and im-
pertinence. However, I chose to answer calmly, though
it is not impossible that he may understand me otherwise.
Friday, May 18th. — Wrought in the glebe a great part
of the day preparing two rigg ends of trenched ground for
sowing lint on. Sowed a forpit in the evening. Looked
to Sir Isaac (Newton) and to Voltaire's Newton about
comets, having had a message from Stitchell desiring me
to come up at night to look out, along with the Sheriff, for
that which is now seen. Went up accordingly and supped.
We were too long agoing to the hill, and the horizon was
thick, yet we saw a star some degrees below the Cor Leonis
a little to the N., which I thought had something un-
common in its appearance, and also that it was magnified
by the telescope so as to have a sensible diameter. And
on comparing the situation of this star with the described
places and motion of the comet, it agrees very nearly with
them. Mr. Pringle had seen last night another star
which he took for the comet, but we could not perceive
that distinctly, being nearer the horizon. Walter (Pringle)
showed me the paragraph of a letter he has on this subject
from the Doctor, who saw the comet along with Short 1
two or three days after its first appearance at London.
The astronomers at London have no doubt of its being
the comet of 1682, and the Doctor observes that if it is
ascertained by further observations to be that comet it
will do great honour to Clairaut, who, in a Memoir some
months ago given to the Academy at Paris and which
1 James Short (1710-68), at first an optician in Leith, but became
famous from his attainments in mathematics and physics. His brother
Thomas was the indirect means of the first observatory being built on
the Calton Hill, Edinburgh, in 1792.
248 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
was read before the Royal Society, calculated that this
comet would meet with such retardment on its course
from the action of Saturn that it would not be seen at
Paris till the moneth of Aprile. in which moneth it was
accordingly first discovered there. The Doctor observes
further that the tail of it is foreshortened, that is, the
body of it being betwixt us and the tail, is projected on
the appearance of the tail, which, therefore, only produces
a lustre around it. This term of foreshortening is a word,
it seems, of the painters, which the Doctor explains as
above, and which I did not understand when I first met
with it in the newspapers.
Saturday, May 19th. — Prepared for to-morrow. Wrought
some in the garden and read some of March Review.
Looked a long time at night for the comet, but could come
to no certainty. Only marked so carefully the place of
the star that I shall soon see whether I am mistaken, if
the evenings continue clear.
Sunday, May 20th. — Walter Pringle was at the Kirk,
and came in betwixt sermons. He thinks he saw the
comet last night, but from the place he speaks of I appre-
hend he is mistaken.
Munday, May 21s/. — Forenoon in the garden, and wrote
a letter to Philip ; afternoon at Home, and in the evening
went up to Sir Robert's and looked again for the comet,
but without any certain success.
Thursday, May 2Uh. — Sir Robert Pringle and John
Hunter attended the meeting of Heritors intimated here
on Sunday gone a se'enight. They dined and wrought at
business till past 6 o'clock. Sir Robert is always slow
about affairs and scrupulous. Hunter knows work and
is active and helped things forward. Sir Robert was, in
general, very obliging, and though I have by no means
got all I should have had and might have insisted on, yet
I got nearly as much as I expected. They have agreed
to advance to me £12 on demand to enable me to set
about the work ; and to pay the rest as it falls due to the
workmen employed, according to their several propor-
tions. Angelraw's son, the surgeon, also here at dinner.
1 759 j DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 249
Friday, May 25th. — Got a letter from G. Bell which I
should have had yesterday or before, intimating his
willingness to agree to what the other Heritors should
resolve upon about the repairs. Read some of Alexander's
Life in the Universal History. Wrought a little in the
garden. John Mack was here p.m. and paid me my glebe-
rent. Still looking for the comet, and had a star in my
telescope to-night that agrees well with its place, but
there was nothing sufficiently remarkable of the comet in
its figure.
Saturday, May 26th.— Prepared for to-morrow and was
some time in the garden and glebe. Spoke to J. Smeaton
about driving lime for the house ; also to Thomas Under-
wood about buying the timber, which I could wish to be
done as soon as possible, for the sake of having it dried.
Munday, May 28th. — Set out for Edinburgh to the
Assembly at 3| in the morning ; got to town a little
after 11. Rode through without stopping and with no
great fatigue either to myself or horse. The Cause of the
Assembly was that of Logie, 1 in which the hearing of
parties consumed the dyet. Dined in T. Cockburn's and
supped at Herriot's Work with Colville, where were
also James Allan and Walter Anderson. Made calls at
other places.
Tuesday, May 29th. — The Assembly reasoned themselves
on the cause of Logie. Solicitor Miller 2 spoke long and
not contemptibly ; his first appearance in the Assembly.
The sentence of the Synod of Perth was reversed. Dined
in G. Stevenson's along with several brethren from this
neighbourhood, and supped in Nicholson's with James
Turnbull and T. Hepburn, etc.
Wednesday, May 30th. — Breakfasted with Dr. Robertson
1 The Heritors and Elders of Logie had petitioned the Presbytery of
Dunblane to present Mr. William Cruden, the right of presentation having,
they alleged, fallen into the hands of the Presbytery jure devoluto. Two
other presentations having been lodged, the Presbytery remitted the
matter to the Synod, who found that the Presbytery had a right to present.
The Assembly reversed this judgment and remitted the case to the Presby-
tery as it stood previously to the sentence of the Synod.
2 See p. 238, n. 2.
250 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
and had a good deal of conversation with him about his
History. He also informed me of a new project he has
formed of writing the history of the Emperor Charles v.
Dined at Mr. Laurie's, supped in Colvill's.
Thursday, May 3\st. — Breakfasted with David Hume.
Dined with the Commissioner. 1 Had my part of a good
deal of chat there, chiefly with the Procurator and Carlisle.
Friday, June 1st. — -Had a long sederunt in the Assembly
reasoning on an Overture that had also employed a good
part of yesterday. It was the result of the labours of a
Committee appointed a great while ago to frame a new
act out of the old ones for fixing the qualifications of the
elders. In this they had inserted a clause putting it
in the power of Royal Burghs to choose either ministers
or elders to represent them. This was objected to yester-
day when the Overture was read in the Assembly, and
after a good deal of altercation this day was appointed
for considering it. We had two very good speeches,
chiefly in support of this clause, from Dr. Robertson and
Webster, who were members of the above-mentioned Com-
mittee. Robertson's in particular was an excellent work,
in the didactic manner ; Webster's had more art and
address in it, and more was requisite, as he himself was
in his private opinion against the clause. By a majority
of two it was agreed to transmit it to Presbyteries. 2
Sate late in Nicholson's with Robertson and Carlisle, very
happy.
Saturday, June 2nd. — Dined with Sir John Steuart along
with the Chyrnside Presbytery. Had got a cold with
yesterday's long attendance and long drink at night, which
brought a deafness upon me and put me for two days
following into a stupid disagreeable plight which was
particularly inconvenient to-day at Sir John's. Supped
at G. Stevenson's and wrought for two hours before going
to bed on notes for a preaching I promised to give Dr.
Dick 3 to-morrow.
1 Earl Cathcart.
2 Cf. Annals of the General Assembly, 1752-66 (Edinburgh, 1840).
3 Robert Dick, minister of Trinity Parish, Edinburgh, 1758-82 : son
17591 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 251
Sunday, June 3rd. — Breakfasted with Dr. Dick ; his
wife a handsome woman. Preached twice in the College
Kirk a.m. on 1 John. Dined with Mr. Laurie and supped
in Dr. Wallace's 1 with Robert Turnbull, T. Hepburn, etc.
Munday, June 4th. — At Sprouston Fast Day before
the Sacrament, where I preached on Matt. 5. 4. Col-
leagued with Andrew Chatto and Richard Hog. Thomas
Turnbull came there with his son and daughter last night,
but he himself had gone to Swintoun. Came up by
Kelso and walked home with Nancy and Polly Crow.
Lundy set us past Newton Mill, though he expected Dr.
Robertson and Alexander Glen 2 at his house on a message
1 This prayer was not granted (see post, pp. 284-288). Ridpath's
love for children and all young people was a marked feature in his
character.
2 Alexander Glen, see ante, p. 159, n. 3.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 257
they had sent him in the forenoon. Never was such an
idle dangler.
Thursday, July 5th. — Walked to Home in the forenoon
to a meeting about the poor. Dined at William Steven-
son's, where was also W. Walker of Mackerston. Walked
in the evening to see William's marie pit, which seems to
be a great magazine and of a very good kind. It is
situated in the extreme N.E. corner of his ground. Settled
accounts with Sked a.m. and paid him interest to 1st June
and his account to 8th May last.
Friday, July 6th. — Set out after 10 with Polly Crow
en croupe. Dined at Mr. Waugh's, who is busy reforming
and improving his house. Drank tea at Mains, where was
Walter Anderson. Got to Nether Byres about 9 ; stayed
and supped ; James Allan there. A good deal distressed
with heat, which, however, was tolerably abated in the
evening.
Sunday, July 8th. — A good deal of wind from W. with
some drippings, clouds, and sun. Preached in the Kirk-
yard an hour and in the Kirk p.m. Brydone was ex-
pected to have done it, but he changed his mind, so that
I never preached on shorter warning, yet not often with
more spirit. Walked over with Mrs. Crow and her family
and drank tea at Netherbyres.
Munday, July 9th. — John Waugh and Richard Bell
preached. Drank tea at Mr. Edgar's, who is in a very
languid way. He is swelled both in his legs and trunk
considerably, and his breathing is difficult ; yet he eats
and sleeps, and was able to sit yesterday in the Kirk all
the time of the long service. Paid him for the Sacramental
wine of 1757, and bought some tea. Supped in Mrs.
Crow's, where were also Waugh, the preacher Brown, his
friend, W. Campbell, 1 Polly Home's husband, who was
1 William Campbell, son of William Campbell, Surveyor of Customs at
Kirkcaldy. He had been ordained, a few days before this date, minister
of the Low Meeting House, Berwick, and was translated to Lilliesleaf 1760.
He married, 1759, Margaret, only daughter of Alexander Home, minister
of Stitchel, Ridpath's predecessor in the parish. They had eight sons
and six daughters.
B
258 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
settled last week in Murray's place at Berwick. Were
diverted very much by some excellent mimicry of Campbell,
particularly of a sermon of Henry More's on the loss of
Minorca. 1
Tuesday, July 10th. — Set out along with John Waugh
and Brown about 11, and dined with Walter Anderson,
who has got a neat little house in one of the finest situa-
tions in the Merse. As Walter's propensity to write as
well as to speak are irresistible he is now on a project of
writing a parallel between the Civil Wars of England in
Charles lst's time and the wars of the League in France,
of which he read me a sort of Introduction. Came home
about 9. Never saw the fields richer than in my whole
journey, particularly the grass pastures.
Thursday, July 12th. — Went to Marchmont House in
consequence of an appointment with James Allan to meet
him there. No other strangers there but Jamieson: John
Patterson and Lady Ann there. Stayed till after tea.
Not in the best spirits after my late fatigue, so that I was
not able to make the decent acknowledgments due to his
Lordship for his services to my brothers. Mr. Allan in
some degree supplied the defect. Had as usual a great
deal of discourse from his Lordship, from which there was
not much of certain to be learned, so perverted are all his
ideas by faction. Rode over with James Allan to Fogo in
the evening, where we were much happier with the family
there and John Hume, though John is not much less
factious than Marchmont on the other side. Willie re-
moved to Fogo Manse eight or ten days ago and has got
it pretty well repaired.
Saturday, July lUh. — Was weeding my hedge in the
glebe p.m. when Mr. Dysart and his wife with the Clerk
and John Hume, arrived. They drank tea and sate till
betwixt seven and eight.
Munday, July 16th. — Was some time in garden and
glebe, attending also a while the carts that brought home
a parcel of stones from Coldstream. Looked over and
1 Probably Henry Moore, a Methodist preacher who published an Essay
on Fundamentals in 1760.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 259
parcelled some volumes of Magazines to be sent to be
bound. J. Stevenson and his brother George and Mrs.
Stevenson 1 here at tea. Minna Dawson also called in
passing betwixt Newton and Stitchell. She is sore
thinned.
Tuesday, July 17th. — Walked to Home before breakfast
to see sick, and went to the mineral well in the meadow
above the Little Mill of which I had often heard, but
never seen before. It is at best a scanty spring, and is at
present almost overgrown with meadow grass. It had
much of a blue scum upon it, has a sensible astringency
in the taste, and something of a gunpowder smell. The
juice of plantain and argentina turned it to a very
dark hue. Chalk also gave it a dark look, though
in a smaller degree. Drank more than two pints of it ;
found it easy on the stomach, invigorating, and was
sensible of its astringency on my mouth, gullet, etc.
[Some leaves have been torn out of the MS. here.]
Munday, July 23rd. — Read a great part of Dr. Home's
Medical Facts and Experiments. They are both wrote and
printed very carelessly, yet contain some curious and
useful things. Was in the glebe, and in the afternoon at
the Lint Mill seeing a sick child. Alison Hog here at
dinner and tea and getting her interest.
Tuesday, July 2Uh. — At Home a.m. seeing sick. Mrs.
Pollock here p.m. seeing my mother. Read some of the
History of Gengiscan 2 in Universal History. It is so full
of confusion and contradiction from the jarring accounts
of Oriental writers, who seem to have had no idea of
accuracy or truth in history, that I do not think I shall
have patience to go through it. Read Dr. Home's work
to an end. The best thing in it is his account of inoculating
for the measles first practised by himself, and so far as
1 George Stevenson was a brother of Professor Stevenson and of the
tenant of Home Byres. There is some reason to believe that he married
Marion Turnbull, a sister of the minister of Sprouston.
2 Gengiscan, i.e. Genghis Khan, the celebrated Mogul conqueror, 1162-
1227.
260 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
he carried his experiments with great success. He does
it by the blood imbibed in cotton from slight incisions
made amongst the measly eruptions.
Wednesday, July 25th. — Read over again some of Dr.
Home's work and more of the Life of Gengiscan, whose
western conquests afford a good deal more entertainment
by being related more consistently and with more detail.
Looked also for something for Gordon for to-morrow.
Have got some cold and deafness, chiefly, I believe, by
sitting a while at midday among Sir Robert's trees
reading.
Thursday, July 26th. — Went to Gordon to preach on the
Fast Day before the Sacrament. Colleagues Ford 1 and
J. Hume. Heavy and hoarse with cold, which made me
perform but indifferently. Came home in the evening.
Friday. July 27th. — Was looking over Simpson's Euclid
which Mr. Pringle sent me a day or two ago, when Messrs.
Turnbull and Lundy arrived. They prevailed with me,
a good deal against the grain, to go to Eccles. Happy
enough there. Came home by Mains with Mrs. Watson
and Mrs. Gordon, who were drinking tea at Eccles.
Saturday, July 28th. — Mostly cloudy, breeze westerly.
Read some of Simpson's Notes on Euclid, which are very
sparing on the first four books. Read over again a good
deal of Dr. Home and prepared for to-morrow.
Sunday, July 29th. — Bell and Betty Pollock here, Mas
Thomas being at Whit sum at Waugh's Sacrament.
Munday, July 30th. — The masons came to my house and
fell to work with the soles and lintels of the windows.
Read over again a good deal of Dr. Home's work, and
some bits of Neil's Anatomy, and slept at night on Modern
Universal History. Sir Robert here in the afternoon
looking at the house and work. He is very troublesome
with the unsureness and fluctuation of his schemes.
Tuesday, July 3\st. — Read to an end for the second
time the practical part of Dr. Home's work, where there
1 James Ford, minister of Lauder 1 753-1810. He had just been married
a month before this date to Isobel Kirkland, Livingston.
i 7 59] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 261
are several judicious and sensible things. He gives
various instances of the bad event of the sweating method
in low fevers, and depends much in such fevers on wine
and blisters. Read also some of Simpson's Improvements
on Euclid's fifth book. Sowed spinnage for winter in the
garden. Some time also with the masons, who began to
put in the soles and lintels of the windows, a troublesome
enough sort of work.
Wednesday, August 1st. — Attended workmen a great
part of the day, particularly Thomas Underwood, who
repaired the dining-room window and that in my closet
very ingeniously and very effectively. Sprot from Newton
here p.m. Read a little of Neil and slept on Tamerlane.
Will came before dinner from Whitsum ; he had preached
yesterday at Chyrnside before the Presbytery, who seem
now resolved to settle him before Michaelmas.
Friday, August 3rd. — Still chiefly attending workmen
and doing some little things with putty. Got May Review
from Kelso and read some of it. Read also some of David
Hume's second volume of History of Great Britain, which
I have at last got to-day from the Library.
Saturday, August Uh. — Read some more of David Hume
and prepared for to-morrow. Heard from various hands
of the death of poor Mr. Walker, our co-presbyter, at
Moffat Spa last Wednesday. Other circumstances I have
not learned. He has been long shaking and asthmatick,
but more of late than usual. Since his accession of
fortune he has been accustomed, I believe, to live a little
more fully than before, which has probably hastened his
end. A man, on the whole, of a good heart and a very
innoxious life, thoroughly subdued by a termagant,
humorous 1 wife, who, notwithstanding all his obsequious-
ness, was often, I imagine, making him unhappy. Perhaps
the great addition to his fortune seven or eight years ago
contributed to hurt his health, but in other respects it
rather improved him, as he has on all occasions ever since
showed himself very generous, humane, and hospitable.
Ill-humoured, bad-tempered.
262 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
This is the second death in our Presbytery in six years,
a rate of living that is far too long to last with us.
Munday, August 6th. — Attended workmen who began
to-day to take down the wester gavel. Read also a good
deal of David Hume's second volume of the Stuarts.
There are always entertaining things in him, but not
without a great mixture both of trifling and blundering.
Tuesday, August 7th. — Had Sir Robert here in the fore-
noon looking at the gavel, which, though it evidently
requires to be taken further down than was proposed, yet
he would not consent to have it done without acquainting
Hunter. Wrote to Hunter and then went to the Presby-
tery. John Stevenson there, and the poor wandering
object, Mas Jas. Davidson. Drank tea with John Steven-
son in Mr. Dawson's. Came home after 8. Found a
letter from Hunter in answer to mine, which I had sent
by Charles, allowing Sir Robert Pringle to do what he
thought necessary, and promising to pay Lord Home's
part. This I sent up to trie Knight, who promises to be
down to-morrow forenoon.
Wednesday, August 8th. — Sir Robert came down in the
forenoon, and after much hesitation, agreed to have the
gavel taken a piece further down. We got the supports
for scaffolds put up in the afternoon, in which Thomas
Underwood showed his usual invention and activity.
Attended these works most of the day. Read a little of
D. Hume.
Thursday, August 9th. — Attending workmen and Sir
Robert Pringle, visiting them, who has not yet got over his
scruples. However, the rebuilding is now fairly begun.
Read some of D. Hume. Dr. Miller here a while before
dinner and m the evening, being called to see an hysteric
patient over the way.
Friday, August 10th. — Sir Robert's scruples returned
upon him in the morning, and were not to be satisfied
without sending for J. Home, a mason at Mellerstain, who
concurred in his judgment with Douglas, that we might
proceed safely. Wilson of Coldstream, on his way from
Mellerstain, at dinner. Read some of David Hume, who
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 263
gives as black an account of the intrigues of the Cabal as
any other historian.
Saturday, August 11th. — Preached at Nenthorn on
Hebrews 10. 14. Colleagued with Alexander Duncan.
Heard from W. Mason that Allan Pollock 1 had arrived at
Ednam on Thursday night, or rather Friday morning
early. His brother George 2 from Paisley has also been
here two or three days.
Sunday, August 12th. — Attended at Nenthorn, where I
served two tables. John Goldie preached p.m. Alex.
Duncan 3 also there.
Munday, August ISth. — At Nenthorn, where J. Bell and
Ford preached ; Ford and his wife along with him.
Matrimony seems to have scattered his ideas sore. Came
home about 5, expecting to find Allan Pollock here, but
he did not come. Read at night some of David Hume,
with entertainment. He makes a very animated story of
the Popish plots.
Tuesday, August 14th. — Read David Hume and the
Edinburgh and London newspapers. Dr. Allan Pollock
and his brother George, together with John Waugh and
his wife, and Bell and Bett Pollock here p.m. The Doctor
is a man of but little conversation and is very much
altered in his looks ; I should not have known him.
Wednesday, August 15th. — Walked to Ednam with
Nancy before breakfast and spent the day there, but
insipidly, notwithstanding both of the Doctor and the
Naiad. Allan seems someway sunk and deadened, per-
haps by the sordidness of things at Ednam, when com-
pared with the life he has been long accustomed to ; and
the Naiad has lost something of the natural innocence and
simplicity of her manners, which was one of h'er greatest
charms, yet she is still a lovely lassie. There were several
interlopers too.
1 Eldest son of the minister of Ednam. He was a schoolmaster in
London, and was about thirty-four at this time.
2 George Pollock was born in 1732.
3 Alexander Duncan, minister of Gordon 1 770-1800 : son of the minister
of Smailholm.
264 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Thursday, August 16th. — Robert Turnbull and Cupples
came and dined. They had been at Gordon all night ;
Robert on his way from Lothian. Colden, 1 who has been
several weeks in the country and seems to have some
thoughts of settling in it, came also to dinner. Had a
good deal of entertaining chat ; Colden a very sensbile
lad. Was at Sir Robert's at tea, where were Sir John
Hall and his sister. 2 His sister came over from Dunglas
two or three days ago with Miss Maddy, who had got
quite free from her strain, and Sir John himself came over
to-day to inform his sister and friends here that his
brother, who is in one of our regiments of cavalry in
Germany, is safe. 3 There were more particulars about
the battle 4 in the papers to-day, and Sir John had a list
of the killed and wounded of the British troops sent him
by his brother, who is at London. From this it appears
that our infantry have suffered very considerably. Killed,
wounded, and missing amount to near 1200. The cavalry
was not engaged ; and when Ligonier, from whom this
list was got, came away, they were in pursuit of the
French army, in which, if they have suffered anything, it
is not yet known.
Friday, August 17th. — Read David Hume's second vol.
of the Stuarts to an end. His account of James's reign
and of the revolution is, in general, fair and candid, but the
detail is often wanting that is sufficient to enable a man
to judge for himself. Some time in the glebe and with
the masons, who are retarded in their progress by the want
of service and the time it takes to raise their materials
to them, which is done by the help of a pulley.
Saturday, August 18th. — Attended my workmen and
looked to some things in Simpson's Euclid.
1 Perhaps William Colden, a son of James Colden, John Waugh's pre-
decessor in the parish of Whitsome. He would be nineteen at this time.
2 It was probably Sir John's elder sister, Isabella, who came with him,
the younger having married, in 1743, William Hamilton of Bangour.
3 It was Sir John's only brother, William, who was the cavalry officer.
4 This was the battle of Minden, fought on 1st August 1759, when
Prince Ferdinand defeated the French.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
265
Munday, August 20th. — Read a little of Simpson's
Euclid ; in the afternoon rode to Mackerston to see Mrs.
Walker. 1 Had appointed R. Turnbull to come here to go
along with me, but he did not come. Several people at
Mackerston, among the rest Alexander Duncan. Got a
cartload of lime from Berwick in the evening. The man
I sent for it could not get it nearer.
Tuesday, August 21st. — R. Turnbull came before dinner
with a view of going to Mackerston in the afternoon,
having, it seems, proposed to me the alternative of yester-
day or to-day, which I had forgot. He stayed till the
evening. In the Edinburgh papers there is a Character
of a Lawyer from Butler's posthumous works, the fullest
of wit of anything I have almost ever seen. Read some
of Simpson's Euclid 2 and some of Robertson's Hebrew
Grammar. 3 If one may judge of Robertson's talent as a
linguist by the Latin he writes, there can be nothing
meaner. He is full everywhere of the poorest vernacular
idioms, and often even breaks the commonest rules of
grammar.
Friday, August 2Uh. — Spent a great part of the day
in the garden weeding and spreading some rubbish of
the house. Read some of Simpson's Euclid. Will had a
letter from Philip, where he informs him that all things
had proceeded quietly at the Moderation 4 yesterday at
Edrom, and that several had subscribed the call. By
their appointing all his tryals on Tuesday next, it looks
as if they intended to proceed to the settlement before
Michaelmas, though Philip does not expressly say so
much.
1 Mrs. Walker, the termagant (' humorous ') widow of the deceased
minister of Mackerston.
2 Probably the work of Thomas Simpson (i 710-61), a distinguished
mathematician and author of many works relating to this subject.
3 Probably the grammar of Hebrew compiled by James Robertson,
Professor of Hebrew and Oriental Languages in Edinburgh University
1751-92 : it had the vowel points, according to the masoretic punctuation.
Notwithstanding Ridpath's strictures on his Latinity, he appears to have
been an able man and master of his subject.
4 That is, the ' Moderation ' of the CaU of William Ridpath to the
parish of Edrom.
266 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Saturday, August 25th. — Attended chiefly the masons,
of whom Sir Robert begins to grow very tired ; one reason
of which is their having one of his best working hands for
a labourer. The ladies of Stitchill and Lady Hall here
at tea p.m. Did something for to-morrow.
Munday, August 27th. — Wrought in garden and glebe
and attended masons. Read some of the geography of
the seat of war in Germany.
Tuesday, August 28th. — Rode to Eccles, where I dined
and drank tea. Bess and the Clerk had set out in the
morning towards Coldingham. Saw little Matthew. 1 Mrs.
Dysart read me a letter from Captain David, in which he
ascribes the victory at Minden entirely to the ferocity of
the attack of the British Infantry, which was such that
they could with the utmost difficulty be kept to any order,
yet nothing was able to resist them. Will came home
late at night. The Presbytery took all his tryals, and have
appointed him to be ordain'd by Tod on the 27th of next
month. Thus we have the agreeable prospect of the easy
and happy ending of this affair, for which there is much
reason to be thankful to the Great Disposer of All Things,
and as a second cause, to my good friend James Allan, of
whose great benevolence this service to Will and us all
was a very extraordinary effort.
Wednesday, August 29th. — Robert Turnbull and Philip
from Whits um came before dinner. The work of wester
gavel was finished to-day. Paid Douglas in the evening
for his work, all to a few shillings. It has cost a great deal
of time, but I believe is very sufficiently done.
Thursday, August 30th. — Philip and I went to Sprowston,
where was a Presbytery for visitation of Robert Turnbull' s
manse. All the Presbytery there, also J. Waugh and
Blaikie from Stockton, who had been at Waugh's house.
Had a good deal of altercation with W. Ker about some
articles, and delayed a final decision till our meeting at
Kelso on Tuesday.
1 As Matthew Dysart was married about 1730, 1 little Matthew,' who was
his eldest son, must have been quite grown up by this time. He was a
W.S., and died 1821.
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 267
Friday. August 31s/. — Read last night and to-day the
July magazine which Philip brought from Berwick. In
the afternoon, was with Philip and Nancy at Sir Robert's.
Finished the shearing of my corn this day, which is very
early. Crop of oats and pease excellent.
Sunday, September 2nd. — Set out for Edrom before 8.
Got there in abundant time. Preached to a very thin
audience, many of the people not having been certainly
informed that there was to be sermon. Rode in the
evening to Eyniouth. wanting to see J. Allan and to get
his company to Allanbank to-morrow. Brown who was
formerly at Blakader and is now Doctor 1 to Duns School
came there and staid all night. He repeated us some
Latin and Greek verses of his own manufacture, and
seems to have an uncommon stock of these languages in
his head. Saw Mr. Edgar in a very distrest condition by
the increase of his swelling and other symptoms. Saw
also Mrs. Crow.
Munday, September 3rd. — Called at Mr. Edgar's in the
morning, also at Mr. Robertson's to see Bessy Dysart, who
has been there some days bathing in the sea. Called at
Mains in passing to Allanbank, where I saw Polly Crow.
Found the knight at home, and Walter x^nderson came
also there. One of the Miss Rentons there. The knight
very good and discreet. Sore distrest with the rain,
which was heavy a great part of p.m. The roof of his
house being a-renewing, and not a slate and but a small
part of the sarking on it. Gave us a competent quantity
after dinner of an uncommon wine, the growth he told us
of Neufchatel, and a present sent to Scotland from the
Earl Marshal. It resembles Burgundy in the appearance,
is light, and of a very agreeable flavour. Nothing of
moment past about Will's affair, but James Allan tells
me that he grumbles a good deal about the Presbytery's
proceeding to settle before Michaelmas, chiefly on account
of his having given the other heritors hopes of getting
some vacant stipend. Left Allanbank about 5, and rode
1 ' Doctor ' to Duns School means that he was Rector or Head Master
there.
268
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
down to Whitsum. Considerably wet on the road. John
Waugh gone to Ladykirk with Cupples and with Lundy
who preached yesterday at Hutton for Philip. He came
home in the evening.
Tuesday, September 4>th. — Called at Swintoun for Lundy
who had been there all night, and rode forward to the
Presbytery, W. Ker attending. Still more altercation
betwixt Robert Turnbull and him, and hotter. The
Presbytery, however, gave their decreet for both floors
of the lower room and kitchen. Drank tea at Mr. Lundy's,
and rode over to Lintoun with Messrs. Chatto, Turnbull,
and Philip. Staid at Lintoun all night.
Wednesday, September 5th. — Staid at Lintoun to dine
and drink tea. In the evening went over to Morbattle
and staid all night.
Thursday, September 6th. — Staid at Morbattle to dine.
Called at Mr. Lundy's. Found Douglas of Jedburgh there,
and were prevailed with to stay all night. Had a good
deal of entertaining talk with Douglas about the High-
lands. A sensible, sharp man.
Friday, September 7th. Breakfasted at Mr. Dawson's,
and came home to dinner. J. Sked here till the evening.
Saw in the afternoon a sick child of Wm. Aitchison's.
Jaded with my jaunting ; which made me doze a good deal.
Saturday, September 8th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
read a good deal of Wotton's Remains, 1 where are several
curious enough things. Philip left us about mid-day.
He proposed to dine at Eccles in his way to Whitsum.
Nancy went along with him, and is going to Berwick.
Munday, September 10th. — Read to the end of Wotton's
Remains, all but some bits of poetry. His elements of
architecture are far the most valuable part of the collection.
Read in last week's Chronicle no small curiosity. I have
1 This was the Reliquiae Wottonianae ; or, a Collection of Lives, Letters,
Poems, with characters of sundry Personages, and other incomparable Pieces
of Language and Art. By the Curious Pencil of the Ever Memorable S r
Henry Wotton, Kt., late Provost of Eton Colledge. It was first published in
1 75 1 with an elegy by Abraham Cowley and a memoir by Izaak Walton.
There was a second edition in 1754, which may have been the one read by
Ridpath.
i 7 59] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 269
seen it often mentioned of late, but have not before met
with it. It is the defence of Eugene Aram 1 condemned
at last York Assizes for a murther amazingly discovered,
after 14 years' concealment. The man was schoolmaster
at Knaresborough, when the murther was committed, and
when he was seized, was usher to the school at Lynn. His
defence is a most excellent composition in stile, argument,
and learning. Unhappily it wants propriety, being too
artful and laboured to gain credit. At night, read some
of Wolff's Elem. Arch. Civ., being led to it by Sir H.
Wotton's work-
Tuesday, September 11th. — Read chiefly in Wolff's
Architecture, and attended T. Underwood putting in the
garret windows and restoring some plaistering necessary
to make my room habitable. Will, who was at Edrom
on Sunday, came home before dinner by the way of Fogo,
where he was last night, and where he found Nancy and
Philip making a visit with J. Waugh and his wife. He
called at Angelraw, where he found that the laird, who had
been long in a consumptive habit, died yesterday. He
brought me a burial letter.
Wednesday, September 12th. — Read some of Ware's
Palladio, 2 and looked to the cuts which are very beautiful.
Attended also Thomas Underwood, who was employed in
staying the roof and glazing the garret windows.
Thursday, September ISth. — Employed chiefly in the
forenoon in patching some crannies with a little lime that
was left. Afternoon, went to Angelraw's burial. Had
Sir Robert's company in coming and going. Sore wet in
coming home.
Friday, September lUh. — Was at Home and Hairy
Heugh a.m. seeing sick. Dobby was here p.m. and one
of his Jamaica boys. Read some Architecture in Palladio
and Wolff.
1 Eugene Aram, the well-known criminal, schoolmaster at Knares-
borough.
2 This was a translation of the four books of Palladio's Architecture by
Isaac Ware (d. 1766). He was originally a chimney-sweeper's boy, but
ultimately attained a high place as an architect.
270 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Saturday, September 15th. — Wrote in the forenoon a
long letter to Philip to go by Will, who rides to Chyrnside
to-night to preach for Walter Anderson, who serves his
Edict to-morrow. Got in my corn. Harvest ended or
near ending in most places in the neighbourhood. Balfour,
who has the care of Mrs. Archibald's children at Reading,
came here before dinner and staid till after tea. I had
seen him at Waugh's, whose children he taught for a little
time. Prepared for to-morrow and read a little Archi-
tecture.
Sunday, September 16th. — Sir John Hall in the Kirk,
also young Hamilton and, I imagine, his governour.
Munday, September 11th. — Carried up the slates in the
forenoon to the garret, which afforded me a good deal of
exercise. P.m. look'd to my maps and accounts in
magazines of Quebeck, St. Laurence River, Lake Cham-
plain, etc., and read some in Palladio. The Plates are
extremely beautiful in that Work, but chiefly useful for
a man who is already pretty well acquainted with archi-
tecture, as the explications are very short.
Tuesday, September 18th. — Got in my hay. Attended
T. Underwood for some time, putting up the Red Room
hangings. Mr. Pollock and his little daughter Mary here
p.m. He is to give the Sacrament on Sabbath fortnight,
and wants my help. W T ill came from Berwick in the
evening. Read some more relating to Quebeck and
Canada, etc., and some Architecture.
Wednesday, September 19th. — Wrought some in the
garden a.m. In the afternoon was at the Wawk Mill,
seeing J. Nicol's boy, and drinking tea at Sir Alexander
Don's. Lady Don is big with child and is looking very
well, and the knight, I think, looks clearer and better
than ever I have seen him ; only too fat. The eldest Miss
Ker of Nisbet came there, a sensible, agreeable woman.
Read some things in the magazines and some Architecture.
Thursday, September 20th. — Rode to Home to see some
sick, and thence to Gordon, where I have been long owing
a visit. Got an ugly fall on the road by my horse coming
quite down, but happily was not hurt. Found at Gordon
i 7 59] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 271
Mr. Bell's son, 1 who has been at home these 10 days from
England and Gaudalupe. He is well-bred and has got
a good deal of the air of an English clergyman. Mr.
Lundy, poor wanderer, there also, along with Warden, 2
Minister at the Cannongate s and his son, whom he has
been guiding round the country since Sunday, when
Warden preached for him. He did not think it yet time
to be home to-night. Left him there. Read the Edin-
burgh and last London paper after I came home. Dresden
seems to be given up. Slept on Architecture.
Friday, September 21st. — Mr. Lundy came before dinner
and left us after 4. Dr. Miller here at tea. Battered
some of the hangings in the Red Room. Read some
Architecture and an article or two for amusement in the
Bibl. Raisonnee.
Saturday, September 22nd. — Did some more to the Red
Room hangings. Wrought a little in the garden and
prepared for to-morrow. Returned to my own room at
night where I know not whether I shall stay, as the smell
of the lime is still very sensible.
Sunday, September 2Srd. — Sandy Home came here to
breakfast in his way to Nenthorn. He preaches there for
Will, who thoughtlessly engaged to preach at Nenthorn
for Abraham Ker, Abraham engaging to preach either
at Edrom or at Langton for Johnson with whom Will
had made an exchange for this day's preaching. Will
found it inconvenient on several accounts to preach
at Nenthorn, and to avoid this, has led himself into what
I apprehend a much greater inconvenience, that of preaching
to-day at Polwarth and perhaps of dining at Marchmont
House ; which I advised him to decline, as he is utterly
unacquainted there, and has no introducer.
1 Robert Bell, the son of the minister of Gordon. See ante, p. 207,
n. 1.
2 John Warden, minister of the Canongate, Edinburgh, 1755-64 : son
of John Warden, minister of Gargunnock. The son mentioned was
probably his eldest, John, who succeeded him in the Canongate and took
the name of Macfarlane on succeeding to the estate of Ballancleroch through
his mother, who was a daughter of the laird.
272
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Munday, September 2\th. — At Home, seeing sick. After-
noon, wrought a good while in the garden, delving my
flower-ground. Evening read some Architecture. Slept
on Horace. Will came home in the evening. March-
mont came up to him at Polwarth, spoke civilly to him
and invited him to dinner, but luckily in such a manner
as it was easy enough for him to decline.
Tuesday, September 25th. — Read some Architecture. P.m.
walked up to Sir Robert's to speak to him about the office-
houses. Found Smith, 1 the minister of Innerwick, there,
a sensible, well-behaved man. Staid till after supper.
Thursday. September 27th. — Abraham Ker and Sprot
breakfasted here ; and we set out before 8. Got to Edrom
betwixt 10 and 11. Much company there ; 17 Ministers,
besides those of the Presbytery. Of the Parish, Sir J.
Stewart, 2 of the Telfords of Kimmerjam, young Brymer,
Bruimhouse, Dr. Dunbar ; Hilton also there, by invita-
tion of Philip. None of our Berwick friends but Mr.
Waite and my sister, owing partly to their being much
employed in an election contest betwixt Mr. Hall and
Hodgson. The latter is supported by Colonel Crawford's
party and our friends are unhappily divided about the
affair. Tod was very short in his work, but sate so long
after that he got himself very drunk, which, though an
unlucky sort of incident, fell better on him than it could
have done on anybody else. 2 Far the greatest part of the
company went away early in the afternoon ; and tho'
there was some noise and merriment, yet there was no
appearance of excess, but in Tod. Mr. Waite and my
sister, Messrs. Turnbull and Lundy, Philip and I went to
Waugh's and staid all night. Will went to Adam Rid-
path's, with whom we have agreed he should stay. There
is no going into the Manse, which is in the most ruinous,
1 David Smith, minister of Innerwick 1729-80.
2 This is the only occasion in which Ridpath admits that anybody who
shared festivities with him was ' very drunk.' But it must be kept in
view that Tod, who succeeded his father in Ladykirk, was not a persona grata
with him, and there had been friction in connection with Ridpath's debt
to the Kirk Session of Ladykirk.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 273
dismal condition that can be ; and tho' his lodging in
Ridpath's is but incommodious, yet upon the whole it is
by far the best place that could be found for him in the
Parish, and we are pretty sure of his being used with the
greatest discretion and tenderness by Adam and his wife.
Murray, who is the man's nephew, was very keen of having
him placed there. It is very needless for me to expatiate
on this piece of good fortune. It is doubtless on the whole
to be reckoned among the greatest that I have met with,
and for which continual thankfulness is due to the Disposer
of all tilings.
Friday. September 28//?.— Nancy and I, with Turnbull
and Lundy, set out after 11 ; and Waugh came along
with us, designing all to dine with Mr. Cupples, but he
was gone from home. Mr. Waite, my sister and Philip
had set out for Berwick some time before. Got home
betwixt 2 and 3, Lundy attending to wait on Nancy.
Robert Turnbull went by Ednam. We came past Eccles
without calling, Matthew having told us yesterday that
Mrs. Dysart had been so ill for two or three days past as
to keep her bed. Mr. Lundy left us about 4. Dozed and
read some of the July Review and Appendix, which came
from Kelso on Wednesday night.
Saturday, September 29th. — Shaved after dinner and rode
to Eccles, where I found Mrs. Dysart up and a good deal
better, but still in warm keeping. Got Smith's Theory of
Moral Sentiments 1 from Matthew, of which I read a little
in the evening, but was more inclined to doze.
Sunday, September 30th. — Lectured on Acts xxiv. 17-fin.
Preached on Jerem. ix. 23, 24. Gave over preaching in
the forenoon. 2
1 Adam Smith (1723-90), the celebrated political economist, had published
this year his Theory 0/ Moral Sentiments ; or, an Essay towards an Analysis
of the Principles by which men naturally judge concerning the Conduct and
Character first of their Neighbour and afterwards of Themselves. Carlyle
calls it ' the pleasantest and most eloquent book on the subject.' Smith
was at this time Professor of Logic in the University of Glasgow.
2 This probably marks the date of the introduction at Stitchel of two
separate diets of worship. In the morning the lecture was given and in
the afternoon the sermon.
S
274
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Munday, October 1st. — Saw sick at Home a.m. W.
Dickson's wife and her little niecie here in the afternoon.
Read in the evening about a fourth part of Smith's Theory.
Got letter from Richard Edgar inviting me to the burial
of his brother Andrew who died on Sabbath morning.
Tuesday, October 2nd. — Set out for Ey mouth a
little after 8. Got to Edrom betwixt 10 and 11.
Thought Will would have been gone before me, but had
him to wait for. Eat some dinner in Adam Ridpath's,
where Will seems to be rightly enough situated. Spoke
about some things he wanted, and some things proper to
be done to the room. Adam having been also invited to
the burial, we all set out together and got to Ey mouth
betwixt 2 and 3. A great many people at the burial.
Drank some wine in Paton's with Dr. Balderstone, W.
Hall, J. Stanton, etc. Supped and lay all night in Mrs.
Edgar's. Mr. Hall lost his election on Saturday by 16
votes. Hodgson had got a great start of him.
Wednesday, October 3rd: — Breakfasted with Mrs. Crow,
and rode afterwards to Berwick with Philip. Dined in
Mr. Waite's, and was nowhere else. Set out after 3 and
got here betwixt 7 and 8. Look'd out for something for
to-morrow at Ednam.
Friday, October 5th. — Went to Kelso to dine with Mr.
Lundy, where was also Robert Turnbull. The Presbytery
had appointed us, together with Mr. Pollock, to wait on
W. Ramsay about the affair of Robert Turnbull' s repara-
tions, which the Clerk is still refractory in executing. We
went over to Waldie's to him in the afternoon, and after
some little prequeerings, prevailed with him to consent
to the things being done. Drank tea in Mr. Lundy's and
came home betwixt 7 and 8.
Saturday, October 6th. — Mild day. Attended at Edrom,
where Messrs. Turnbull and Dysart preached. Walked
to and again with Nancy. Will went to Edrom after
dinner. Had a letter from Philip in the evening, in which
he informs me that he has a letter from a man at Greenock
informing him that Mr. Home of St. Kitts has consigned
to him a tierce of sugar to be sold for Philip's use, which
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 275
accordingly he is to sell, and remit the money. A tierce
is only § of a hogshead. How so small a matter should be
sent, when so much is due, is somewhat strange. But as
the Fleet from the Islands is in the Channel it is probable
the thing will be soon explained by a letter from Home
himself.
Tuesday, October 9th. — Tongue and adjacent part of the
throat uneasy in swallowing, spitting, etc. Kept almost
wholly within doors and read without interruption Smith's
Theory. Got to the end of it and went over again with
more attention than before about 100 pages in the begin-
ning. At night revised some of the Review. Got from
Philip in the morning the good news of his getting a letter
at last from Home with two bills enclosed, one on Glasgow
for £100 and one on London for £10, 10s. The tierce of
sugar sent to Greenock was part of the cargo he received
from Bridgewater, but being somewhat damaged he could
not dispose of it at St. Kitts. This is a most happy event
to Philip and a just cause of thankfulness to us all.
W ednesday, October 10th. — Read Smith most of the day ;
also the Edinburgh newspapers. In the evening read in
the 6th Volume of Dodsley's Miscellanies which Nancy
has pickt up somewhere, a very good translation of Cebes's 1
Table by Scott, also some other things. Tongue growing
better by abstemiousness, water and warmth.
Thursday, October 11th.— Read over a good deal more of
Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments and looked over the
rest. The work shows him to be a man of knowledge and of
genius too, but yet I can by no means join in the applauses
I have heard bestowed on it. What is new in it is perhaps
of no great moment in itself, and is neither distinctly
explained nor clearly established. An extravagant turn
to declaim and embellish leads him quite astray from that
study of accuracy, precision, and clearness that is so
essentially necessary to the delivering of any theory,
especially a new one ; and his indulging of this humour
1 Cebes, a Theban, disciple of Socrates and the reputed author of the
Pinax or ' votive tablet,' a philosophical dialogue.
276 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
for playing everywhere the orator, tho' his oratorical
talents are far from being extraordinary, has made him
spin out to the tedious length of 400 pages what in my
opinion might be delivered as fully and with far more
energy and perspicuity in 20. What can this arise from
but the man's being used all his life to declaim to boys
and not attending to the distinction necessary to be made
betwixt a circle of them as auditors and a world of cool
and reasonable men as readers ? The most valuable
part of the work, tho' not altogether free from the fault
taken notice of, is the account given in the end of the
different systems of Moral Philosophy , Ancient and Modern.
Read some more things in Dodsley's Miscellanies and
what I had not read before of the August magazine.
Friday, October 12th. — Tweed is flooded. Read some in
the magazines and some Architecture. Was also east the
town p.m. seeing sick. Fr. Pringle came to drink tea and
brought with him a piece of intelligence that rejoiced me
extremely. There is a purpose of marriage just on the
point of executing betwixt Sir John Hall and Miss Maddy.
Frank showed me a testimonial of a Proclamation from
Auldhamstocks dated last Sunday, and the Proclamation
is to be made here Sunday next. Maddy's faux pas at
Dunglass has been a very fortunate one, tho' nobody
that knows her will think Sir John less fortunate than she.
Was so much amused and pleased with this affair, that I
did little else than rave of it all the evening. 1 Still troubled
a little at my sore tongue and throat notwithstanding all
my temperance and abstinence. Got some cold with
going out to-day, and, I believe, in the house by sitting
at a fire something too hot among airing clothes.
Saturday, October 13th. — Prepared for to-morrow and
was going up in the afternoon with Nancy to see the bride,
1 The marriage of Sir John Hall and Madeleine Pringle took place in a
very few days. Enthusiastically approved of by Ridpath, the union was
no doubt a happy one, but it was not destined to last long as Lady Hall
died in 1763. Sir John survived her thirteen years. What Maddy's
faux pas at Dunglass was remains untold, but it cannot have been a very
terrible one.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 277
but Sprot from Newton came in. He drank tea and
staid till betwixt 7 and 8. A tolerably sensible lad.
Sunday, October lUh. — Tongue and throat pretty well
in the morning ; but much distrest by speaking, and I
believe the worse of it. Drank some hydromel 1 at night
and continued wrapping.
Munday, October loth. — Charles carried books and clothes
to Will at Edrom. He has been blooded, vomited and
taken physick under the direction of his neighbour Dr.
Dunbar, and says he is much better. I was a good deal
easier to-day and continued the use of honey in my tea
and water at night. Read some pieces of Spon's Travels, 2
particularly his account of Minerva's Temple in the
Athenian Acropolis, which is one of the finest remains of
antiquity now extant. There are lately published cuts
of the ruins of Athens in an expensive volume with some
descriptions. The August London Magazine gives the
account given there of this temple, which seems in great
part to have been transcribed from this of Spon.
Tuesday, October 16th. — In the evening betwixt 7 and
8 o'clock had a very unexpected call by a letter from Mr.
Pringle to marry Sir John Hall and his bride. Had kept
the house for these two days past and was so much better
as not to be afraid to venture out. Got up about 9 and
performed the ceremony very briefly. Nancy and Minna
Dawson had gone up in the evening and were detained,
and we three with Sir John and the family were all the
company. 3 Soberly very joyous ; but never was a simpler
affair, Sir John not having been expected till to-morrow
night and having no clothes but what he rode with, and
the bride in her household dress. Came home with Minna
and Nancy after 11.
1 Hydromel, a mixture of honey and water : when fermented it becomes
mead.
2 James Spon (1647-86), French traveller and antiquary. It is probably
his Voyage d'ltalie . . . Grece, etc. (Lyons, 1678) that is referred to in
the text.
3 It is not clear why this wedding was so hurriedly and unceremoniously
celebrated, especially as it seems to have received the approval of all
parties concerned.
278
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
Wednesday, October 17th. — Saw a sick woman in the
forenoon. Were invited to Sir Robert's to dine, where was
just the same company as last night. The marriage
having been made a night sooner than was designed, none
of the friends cast up. W. Stevenson was to have been
there, but had gone to Wooler Fair. Had a good deal of
chat with Sir John, chiefly about his travels. He has
very considerable funds and is a man of much simplicity
and candor. I dare say Maddy will pass her time with
him very comfortably. Came home in the evening.
Thursday, October 18th. — Mr. Dawson and Mrs. Dawson
here in their way to Sir Robert's to dine. Mrs. Dawson
staid all night.
Friday, October 19th. — Charles carried Mrs. Dawson to
Kelso. Read some of Juan d'Ulloa's Voyage to South
America from the Library. 1 Looked to something at
night for Kelso to-morrow.
Saturday, October 20th. — -P. Brydone 2 and Henry Grieve
came here to breakfast. Brydone went to Stitchill to
see Walter Pringle. Colonel Crawfurd has got him a
Commission of 2nd Lieutenant in his Regiment, and 2 or 3
posts ago he has a letter from Dr. Pringle informing him
that the Doctor has got the grant of an Ensigncy for him
from Lord Ligonier. He sticks by Crawfurd, but is a
good deal distrest about refusing the Doctor's Commission,
as he had promised to him certainly to accept what he
should procure for him. But he seems to be sufficiently
disengaged by being served in the same way, prior to the
Doctor's being able to do it. I left the young men, who
returned to Eccles to dine, and went to Kelso, where I
preached for Mr. Lundy on James 4. 8. Thought on a
plan, as I was riding down, having forgot the papers of
1 Juan d'Ulloa published an account of his travels in Central America,
at Madrid, 4 vols, folio, 1748. I do not know whether this is the book
referred to in the text, but if it is it was probably in an abridged translation.
2 Patrick Bryden or Brydone, son of the minister of Coldingham. It
is doubtful if he ever served in the army. He was a traveller and scientist,
and published a Tour through Italy and Malta : died 181 8. His mother
was a half-sister of Matthew Dysart.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 279
what I intended as my subject. Came home in the even-
ing and prepared for to-morrow. It is droll that the bride
or bridegroom have sent no gloves. 1
Sunday, October 21st. — Sir John Hall and his bride in
the Kirk, with a great train of relations, splendidly drest
and carried in 4 wheel machines. 2 Waited for them by
desire. They came about 12 and were dismist before 2.
As I could not be soon enough at Kelso for any share of the
forenoon work, dined and rode down after. Preached in
the school on John 1. 16. Came home in the evening.
Munday, October 22nd. — Intended to have gone to Sir
Robert's in the morning to bid Lady Hall farewell, but
heard they were not to set out till to-morrow. P.m. rode
up to Home Byres to see W. Stevenson, who has been
distrest with his sciatic, but is better. Found when I
came home in the evening Philip arrived with Will. Philip
came by the way of Edrom on purpose to see Will and
bring him along. It is lucky he has done so, for Will
was under a management there which continued awhile
longer would probably have dish'd him up. He is sore
reduced, but seemed to be rather better than worse by his
journey.
Tuesday, October 2Srd. — Went to the Synod, where Ford
preached an odd sort of sermon abounding in quotations
in verse and prose. Paton chosen Moderator. Monteith
made a motion for a thanksgiving for our publick successes 3
and for our addressing the king on the same. The thanks-
giving was appointed on the last Thursday of December,
but not to be kept if the king appointed a day for the same
purpose. James Allan and I were of the Committee for
drawing an address, and each of us immediately after
dismissing the Synod fell to work and made a sketch.
1 It was the custom for a newly-married pair to present the officiating
minister with a hat or a pair of gloves. Ridpath not only got gloves but
a hat also before long : see November 4th.
2 A four-wheel carriage was not very common in Scotland at this period.
Indeed Somerville says (Life and Times, pp. 355-7) that even carts were
rare.
3 The taking of Quebec by Wolfe.
280 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
I lay with J. Allan in Coll r Marchant's, where he has got
some acquaintance with the daughter.
Wednesday, October 2Mh. — Showed our draughts to the
other members of the Committee, who were very well
pleased with each. Corrected and transcribed J. Allan's,
of which the Synod approved, after the alteration of an
expression or two. In the evening transcribed this work
fair for transmitting. Made a few more alterations and
inclosed it in a letter to Holderness. 1 Was with a great
company in Wood's, which was too riotous for a company
so large and mixt. Lay in Waldie's with J. Allan. A bad
night of rain, which, together with this address work,
detained us in town.
Thursday, October 25th. — Came up with James Allan
and Philip before 12. Will was at Kelso yesterday and
Tuesday, without being the worse of it, I think ; tho' he is
sore extenuated and not at all sound. Perhaps he has
suffered something from the ground floor of his lodging at
Ridpath's, but certainly much more by foolishly falling
a-visiting his Parish and thereby exhausting himself and
catching an abominable cold. Indeed his projects of work
of every kind are so far beyond his strength that it will not
[at] all be surprising if he should knock himself up. Read
with attention all the accounts from Quebeck. Monteith
came up from Kelso towards the evening and staid all
night.
Friday, October 26th. — W. Campbell and his wife, who
from Berwick in their way to Gordon, have been at Kelso
during the Synod time and Cupples along with them, came
to breakfast. All guests went away after breakfast. Will
is to stay a while, in order to recruit his strength and spirits.
Dozed some and read Juan d'Ulloa's Voyage, sl very
entertaining work.
Saturday, October 21th. — Weather the same, with some
showers of rain, sleet, hail. Wrote some things into my
accounts and read Ulloa's Voyage.
1 Robert Darcy, sixth Earl of Holdernesse, was Secretary of State in
the Pelham and Pitt ministries, 1751-61.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 281
Sunday, October 28th. — Rode to Makerston to give my
turn in supplying the vacancy there. Dined by invita-
tion at the Colonel's, where was Walter Scot. Drank
tea with Mrs. Walker, who is very tedious in her lamen-
tations. Came home between 6 and 7.
Tuesday, October 30th. — Was at Home, baptising a
child, and sometimes attending Thomas Underwood, who
began to lay the Low Room floor. Revised some of
Ulloa's Voyage and read in the Bibl. Rais. some things
relating to it, particularly the account of de la Conda-
mine's voyage down the river of Amazons.
Thursday, November 1st. — Hard frost and clear. Read
over again a good deal of Ulloa's Voyage, which is without
question one of the best works of that class. Mr. Dawson
here at dinner. He had been at Nether Miln seeing the
children there, all ill of the smallpox.
Friday, November 2nd. — Read more of the Voyage to
South America. Will left us betwixt 11 and 12, proposing
to dine at Fogo. He is very much recruited and free of
all complaints except an inconsiderable cough. I have no
fear of him if he takes due care of himself, but this I can
hardly expect. As he was not easy in being absent from
his Parish, I thought it better to let him go.
Saturday, November 3rd. — Attended Thomas Underwood,
who finished the room, and got up all the furniture in the
evening, so that my Mother and Nancy returned to it.
Prepared also for to-morrow and read some more of d'Ulloa.
Sunday, November Uh. — Lectured on Psalm 119. 169-fin.
Preached on Jeremiah 9. 23, 24. Had my marriage
trophies on, hat and gloves, which came yesterday by the
return of Sir Robert and Mrs. Pringle from Dunglass.
Munday, November 5th. — Weather the same. Drew out
the accounts of the expences of my Manse, which I was
going to carry to Sir Robert's with me p.m., but W.
Stevenson, who called in the forenoon to enquire about
Will, told me he had gone to Marchmont House. Read
some of Spon and some of d'Ulloa's Voyage.
Tuesday, November 6th. — Weather much the same. In
the forenoon made out a list of new books for 3 years past
282 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1759
from the magazine catalogues to carry to our Library's
meeting to-morrow. Afternoon went to Sir Robert's,
who was at Greenlaw, attending a meeting of Commis-
sioners of Supply and Justices of Peace called by a Quarter-
Session of Justices that met last Tuesday, by an advertise-
ment in the newspapers. The Earl of Home, who got a
Commission of Lord Lieutenancy for the County of Mers
before he went to Gibraltar, nominated in March 1758
nine deputies, whose commissions have been sent to them
only within these two or three weeks. Lord Marchmont
takes this opportunity of showing his zeal by proposing
to address his Majesty for arms, which are totally wanting
in the country. Kaims, one of the deputies, opposed the
address with vehemence, pretending that it carried in it
a request for calling out the Militia and arming the county,
the inexpediency of which he insisted much on. However.
Marchmont carried his point, even with the concurrence
of many of the opposite faction who were present ; and
Kaims' s sticking to his opinion was the only hindrance to
its being altogether unanimous. I do not distinctly know
the secret history of this affair, but from what I heard
beforehand I imagined that Marchmont was going to
dispute the legality of raising a militia by the means of
these Deputy Commissioners. But he seems to have
leur donne le change by showing more zeal in the matter
than they. Mrs. Pringle was telling me that the Captain
is on the point of being Major of his Regiment, tho' by
a transaction that costs him dear.
Wednesday, November 7th. — Went to the Presbytery,
where McDougal, 1 who is soon to be presented to Makerston,
preached a good enough sermon. He produced also a
licence from the Scotch Class at London, before whom,
for the sake of dispatch, he past tryals. Besides preaching
before us he underwent an examination which a late Act
of Assembly requires before we can receive as a proba-
tioner one that has been licensed in England. Drank tea
1 Thomas Macdougal was licensed by the Scots Presbyter}- in London :
was ordained at Mackerstoun 17th April 1760: died 1784: married Ann,
daughter of Edward Inglis, druggist, Edinburgh.
17591 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 283
in Mr. Dawson's, and attended at night a Library meeting
in Waldie's, which was thinner than usual. Gave a pretty
large commission for new books and also gave orders for
new presses for holding our books, which are to be put
up so soon as these are ready, in a room in the town house
which Ramsay has procured us the use of and at the
expense of the Duke of Roxburgh made a very decent,
convenient place. Our finances now are in a tolerably
good condition. 1 Lodged with Robert Turnbull in Mr.
Bobby's.
Thursday, November 8th. — Breakfasted in Dobby's.
Called at Dr. Gibson's and wrote a letter as Preses of the
Library meeting, which I was made last night for current
year, to Mr. Baillie at Mellerstain, acknowledging the
favours of Lady Murray 2 to our Library, and desiring the
continuance of them on his part. This was thought
proper last night by the meeting, tho' I did not much
approve of it, as having too much the air of begging.
Mrs. Dawson took it in her head to ride up with me to
visit Mrs. Pringle in her solitude. She dined in passing.
Sent up with her to Sir Robert the State of Accounts about
the Manse, in order to get what he is due. Wrote to Philip
and read 2nd volume of d'Ulloa's Voyage.
Friday, November 9th. — Read d'Ulloa and a greater part
of the September magazine which came from Berwick by
one of our egg-men. Philip writes me he has been seeing
Mr. Renton, who was discreet enough and desired me to
see him. I believe I must go back again to that house
from which the Hutton affair has produced a long alienation.
Munday, November 12th.— Read a good deal of d'Ulloa
and some of the September magazine. Had a letter from
Philip, in which he informs me that in consequence of an
accidental rencounter he has altered his measures about
taking up house and is going to board with Logan, the
1 The Library appears to have been quite a flourishing institution at
this time. It disproves the statement made by Dr. Somerville in his Life
and Times (p. 330) that there were no circulating libraries or reading clubs
in any of the country towns in Scotland.
2 See ante, p. 253, n. 1.
284 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1759
tenant in Fishwick, who has very good accommodation
for him. He writes also that Nancy Waite was threatened
with a fever and would have had me come down to-day.
Will therefore wait till I hear farther, especially as I
intended at any rate to be down next week.
Tuesday, November ISth-Wednesday, November 28th. —
A little storm of frost and snow about the end of the 2nd
week, that is, preceding Sunday the 25th. On the first
of these days got a letter from Philip which it was great
security and carelessness in me not to have sent for the
night before, advertising that the Doctor look'd on Nancy
Waite as in great hazard on the Munday morning. The
letter was to Nancy, as Philip had taken it for granted
that I had set out for Berwick on the morning of that day.
Set out on the Tuesday in less than 2 hours after the letter
came to my hand, and got to Berwick betwixt 5 and 6
o'clock. By this time the poor child had all the most
fatal symptoms, and was indeed little better than in the
agonies of death. Tho' the eruption of red spots which
was very copious kept out, and preserved its red colour
to the last, yet from the Munday morning her pulse had
fallen and her respiration became laborious and difficult
by ulcerations, as the Doctors believed, in her throat, an
usual attendant of these fevers. A blister applied on the
Tuesday forenoon was taken away after I came. Tho'
very strong, it scarce had produced any effect, but an
excoriation of a livid colour. . . . The sweet little innocent
at last expired betwixt 7 and 8 in the morning of Wednesday
the 14th, at the age of 8 years.
I performed all the duty to her I could, by sitting up
all the night by her, and from time to time administering
to her some little draughts, part of which she with great
efforts got over, till within a few hours of her death.
She knew me and looked on me often with pleasure ;
attempted also to speak to me, but could not articulate
her words. Thus it pleased God to remove a great orna-
ment and comfort to her parents and all our family, in
the beautiful blossom of tender, tho' seemingly very
vigorous youth. His Will be done. She catched the
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 285
infection, it is probable, at school, such a fever having
been very general among the young ones, tho' mortal but
to a small number. This scene of distress was scarce
over, when we learned that the poor boy had had feverish
symptoms the preceding night, which continued still with
him, tho' gently, in the morning. The Doctor took a
sufficient quantity of blood from him ; and as grief at
first for the other poor child, and afterwards a sore throat
and other distressing symptoms, the consequence of grief
and of the cold and fatigue in attending poor Nancy,
rendered my sister quite incapable of attending the boy,
I set about this task and shall be always thankful to the
Almighty for having been an instrument, if I am not
mistaken, of preserving his life, which was certainly in
no small danger both from the violence of the disease
itself and from some circumstances that fell out in the
progress of it. The symptoms, however, as all who had
seen them both affirmed, were not near so violent as those
of his sister. The eruption on him was not in distinct
spots, but a great redness in various places of his body,
particularly his hands, feet, and lower part of his belly,
which in a few days became very itchy, and at last peeled
in white scales. In the beginning he was greatly inclined
to sleep, and dozed much. His tongue was parched and
white. On the fourth day he complained of his throat,
his pulse growing very high and quick, I immediately
advertised his doctors and a poultice was applied, wherein
the bigness of a walnut of theriaca 1 was mixed, and this
for two days was renewed twice or thrice in the day. It
seemed to have a good effect, for neither his swallowing
nor respiration was ever very sensibly obstructed. A
viscid defluxion in his nose and throat made him breathe
with noise and snoring ; but he gradually and pretty soon
got free of it. His urine separated and he was much
relieved on the morning of the 7th day. His respiration
and swallowing continued perfectly easy, but his urine
1 Theriaca : there were several kinds of theriacs in the old pharma-
copoeia, all however based on a preparation of sugar resembling treacle (see
Graham's Scotland in the Eighteenth Century, p. 480).
286
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
ceased to subside or separate, and a great heat and quick
pulse still continued. . . . On the 12th, 13th, 14th, how-
ever, his heat sensibly abated, and the swelling of his legs
and feet fell. Their pain also on being touched, and great
heat, diminished. . . . That forenoon [15th] I left him, and
he seemed to be almost well ; had got up, taken his break-
fast and was amusing himself. 1 For 6 or 7 nights I lay in
a shakedown in the room beside him, and had too often
occasion to see how much the ordinary watchers on these
occasions stand in need of an Intendant. One night (Sun-
day, Nov. 18) I thought him in extreme danger. ... He
continued still to dose, and I heard him with great pain
and anxiety labouring greatly in his respiration, and, as I
apprehended, very likely soon to breathe his last ; while
his other two attendants were fast asleep. I at last
resolved to awake him, and when I came to his bed, found
his pulse low and slow to a great degree, and saw the
drops of sweat standing on his face. I awaked him gently
and in that extremity could think of nothing so proper
as to give him some pure wine, of which I warmed a tea-
cupfull and sweetened it a little. I found him still sen-
sible, tho' greatly feeble ; and by the vehement persuasion
of a man almost in despair, prevailed with him to swallow
a little of it, which as soon as he had done, gave him so
agreeable a relief that without further difficulty he sipped
out the whole tea-cupfull. This revived him, and care
was taken the rest of the morning not to allow him to
want too long. He was also in hazard that same night
of catching a very dangerous cold, for the poultices being
discontinued, as no longer necessary, a wrapping of wool
enclosed in linnen had been applied in the evening to his
throat, which by his struggling and restlessness, through
the working of the glyster, had become quite loose and
detached, and thereby his throat bared, after having been
kept so warm before, which, if not speedily remedied,
might have had fatal consequences. This was the sorest
1 Though not mentioned in the Diary, the boy evidently had a relapse,
the result, probably, of getting up too soon.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 287
and most distressing night of my attendance — (it was the
night of Sunday the 18th) — but at the same time, I believe,
the most useful. The others, however, were sufficiently
restless ; and as such a strict attendance became unneces-
sary, I came down to the parlour, where a tent bed had
been set up. . . .* He took on this occasion a good deal
of chicken broth with barley, which seemed to restore
him much, and after this he sensibly gained ground. At
the beginning he took a few spoonfuls of a cordial mixture
with the neutral salts, and drops of Elixir Vitrioli among
some of his drinks. But his chief and almost only medicine
was wine, first of a softer and heavier kind, which he took
in whey, afterwards sherry, light and of a good body, which
he took with water, which at first seemed to do great good
to his mouth and throat, and afterwards proved an excel-
lent cordial. It was indeed his chief support ; for he took
very little food either solid or liquid. One night towards
the end of the distemper he drank a good deal of barley
gruel boiled with raisins, which seemed to do him good. He
took also some currant jelly, which seemed to cool and
refresh him much ; but he soon tired of it. A great addi-
tional distress to Mr. Waite's family was one of his pren-
tices, a very stout lad of 19, falling into a fever just after
the poor child's burial, of which he died. There was a
necessity for removing him out of the house, a circumstance
very disagreeable to Mr. Waite, but very necessary for
the safety of his own family, and I believe not hurtful
to the lad himself, as he had been out of bed all that day,
in winch he was removed, and was carried to a very good
place in Tweedmouth, where he was attended by his
parents, till the time of his death. He had petechiae 2
towards the end of his fever, and at that period also he
became violently delirious. Dr. Balderstone was at
Edinburgh from Tuesday the 20th till the Saturday after,
so that the lad was chiefly attended by Doubleday, who
did not seem sufficiently aware of his danger, till near the
1 Here follow some sick-room details of his condition and illness which
are unnecessary to quote.
2 Petechiae : small spots of extravasated blood below the skin.
288 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
fatal period ; but how he treated him I know not. Double-
day also attended Willy Waite from the 13th day of his
fever ; Dr. Balderstone being obliged to be out of town all
that day, and the distemper being then in its most danger-
ous period. Doubleday had been also called the day
before Nanny died ; and attended Willy to the end of his
illness. Dr. Balderstone and he agreed well enough, in the
main, in their opinions. I saw the poor lad the prentice
the evening before he died, and was a good while in the
room with him. By this time I was pretty much worn
out by anxiety, and scarce half my ordinary sleep for 9 or
10 days. I had flattened myself farther by eating a full
dinner of fish. This made me droop much the three or
four last days I was in town. I rested badly three nights
successively and it ran pretty strongly in my head that
I had catched the fever. I had also a tendency to a sore
throat. I was proposing to ride home on Saturday, the
24th, but the child being but so-so that day, I got Campbell,
who was often in Mr. Waite' s, to preach for me, and
supplied his place in the Low Meeting. This was even
hard on me, in my exhausted state of spirits. However, I
got very good rest the night before I came away, which I
partly ascribed to the sipping up of two calves' feet
jellies. Much cause had I of thankfulness to God that my
fears were happily dissipated. Got a very cold stormy
day from N.W. to ride home in, and reached home about
sunset ; having had the good fortune to escape a bitter blast ,
by arriving just as it began, at Twisel Boat House, where
I stopt and took a little refreshment. Dozed the evening,
and mused when awake, of something for to-morrow. Saw
almost all my friends after the boy began to grow out of
danger, but spent very little time with them ; thinking
myself obliged to give close attendance at Mr. Waite's,
both for the sake of the child and his parents. Will was
in town at the time of the child's death, but rode up here
that day to bring our people the news and keep them
company. Philip came up on the Saturday after, and
preached for me on the 18th. He returned to town on
the Tuesday evening, and was very little away from Mr.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 289
Waite's all the time I was in town. He slept in Mr.
Stanton's.
Thursday, November 29th. — Thanksgiving for our late
glorious train of successes by Royal Proclamation.
Preached twice on Ps. 126. 3. Sir John Hall in the Kirk
along with Sir Robert. Sir John had brought over Peggy
from Dunglass yesterday. Mina Dawson dined with us
and sate till the evening. She has been with my mother
and Nancy almost all the time I have been away ; which
was very good and kind. Nancy has allowed herself to
be too much preyed on by anxiety and grief, and is but
very so-so in health and spirits.
Friday, November 30th. Went to Home to see sick and
also along with Alexander Richardson and James Hay to
receive the confession of Mary Leitch, who desired by
Alexander Richardson such a deputation to be sent to
her in order to her making her confession before them, as
she thought herself in a dying condition, and was alto-
gether unable to attend the Session in person. She told
us that Mell wraith in Kelso was the father of her child
and had maintained it ever since it was born. Found
Matthew Dysart here when I returned. He dined and sate
till the evening. Learned for the first time from him
that there had been a meeting of Commission last week,
who addrest his Majesty and appointed the settlement of
Dr. Chalmers. 1 Read in the evening some of d'Ulloa's
Voyage, and wrote a great part of the Berwick article in
my Journal.
Saturday, December 1st. — Dined by invitation at Sir
Robert's, who wanted to speak to me about making up a
list of poor to be sent to a meeting of Justices at Jedburgh,
1 John Chalmers of Roderny, son of James Chalmers, minister of Elie,
second son of John Chalmers of Pitmedden, succeeded his father at Elie
1738: translated to Kilconquhar 1760: D.D., St. Andrews, 1779. His
settlement at Kilconquhar was referred to the Commission of Assembly in
1759 and was the subject of much debate in the Assembly of 1760, but he
was admitted to his new parish in that year. He was a learned man, but
with a turn for buffoonery which in its way made him a formidable debater.
He married, 1773, Helen, daughter of Sir Alexander Anstruther, and died
1 79 1. He was grand-uncle of Dr. Thomas Chalmers.
T
290 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
and was so good as to pay me my money stipend. Did
something for to-morrow, and wrote in the evening some
things in my accounts of the repairs of the house, accounts
for Lord Home and John Hunter, and a report about Mary
Leitch to be given in to the Session to-morrow. Had the
comfortable intelligence by a letter from Philip that Willy
Waite continues to recover briskly, amuses himself all
the day, eats his victuals and takes cheerfully some doses
of the bark that have been prescribed him.
Munday, December 3rd. — Read some of d'Ulloa's Voyage,
and spent a good deal of time on the last account I got from
Walker computing the annual amount of some articles.
James Allan arrived very unexpectedly in the evening in
his way to Riddell, and brought us the news of Hawke's
having demolished the Brest Squadron in its way to Que-
beron Bay. The account of this came to Berwick this
morning from N. Castle, whither it had come by an express
to the Mayor from Sir W T illiam Blacket. The people of
Berwick were ringing their bells.
Tuesday, December 4>th. — James Allan set out a little
after 12, and I soon after for the Presbytery, where we
had some little affairs of scandal. Drank tea at Mr.
Dawson's who has been very unwell, and is still
confined.
Wednesday, December 5th. — Weather much the same.
Read some in Dodsley's Miscellanies, 1st Volume, and in
the magazines. Attended also the mason putting up the
coal-house, door checks, and repairing the adjacent part
of the wall. Rode to Oxmuir and drank tea. Mr. Dick-
son's wife had been very ill of a sore throat, but is better
again.
Thursday, December 6th. — Went to Home a.m. with
three elders, where we further examined Mary Leitch, but
discovered nothing material more than she had told us
before. Dined in W. Stevenson's. In the evening read
Dodsley, 1 whose collection begins with some very good
1 Robert Dodsley (1703-64), originally a footman in the service of the
Hon. Mrs. Lascelles : he became a poet, dramatist, and bookseller.
1759] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 291
things of Tickell's 1 that I do not remember formerly to
have seen.
Munday, December 10th. — Still wind from E. Sun and
clouds. Froze at night. Read some of Buehannan's
History and of John Milton's History of England before
the Conquest, which is the first thing in the Amsterdam
edition of Milton's prose works which I have had long
from Matthew Dysart.
Tuesday, December 11th. — Walked to Home a.m. to see
a sick woman. Returned to dine. Sir Robert Pringle
and Miss Pringle called in the evening. Read as yesterday.
Wednesday, December 12th.— Read some of Buchannan,
the Scots newspapers, and the two first Books of Plato
de Kepublica, in Ficinus's translation, with which I was
greatly entertained. Read also some of the Greek, which
I am afraid will take too much time to go regularly through ;
and my copy is bad and imperfect.
Thursday, December 13th. — Read more of Milton's History
of England. The Roman part of it seems to be carefully
collected, and is wrote with spirit. Read at night in
Ficinus most part of the 3rd Dialogue de Republica, where
are some excellent things on the influences of poetry and
musick on the minds of youth.
Tuesday, December 18th. — Aly Stevenson 2 came before
dinner. I had got a letter from her uncle desiring me to
meet him at Kelso to-day to direct the removing of our
books to the new Library Room. But it has been so
cold these two or three days that I wrote him last night
a letter . . . that I could not think of going about
such cold work in such severe weather. However, as
the day proved so soft, and Aly cast up for company
to my mother, I set out for Kelso after dinner and
got there about sunset. Found Robert in Dr. Miller's.
Could not begin our work to-night, and therefore delayed
it till to-morrow morning. Drank tea in Mr. Dawson's
1 Thomas Tickell ( 1 686-1 740), poet: friend of Addison : Under-Secretary
for Ireland 171 4.
2 Robert Turnbull's niece : she was the daughter of his sister Marion
who married George Stevenson, surgeon, Edinburgh.
292 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1759
and went to Dr. Gibson's to sup. Dr. Miller was along
with us. He had engaged us to stay with him, but the
Doctor's people persuaded us we would lye warmer in
their house, tho' I believe they scarce made it good ;
putting us into a disagreeable little place behind the
dining-room, and a very cold bed. Lying double made it,
however, more tolerable.
Wednesday, December 19th. — Employed forenoon and a
great part of afternoon in putting up the books. I wrote
also a catalogue of them, as they stand in the shelves, in
order to make an alphabetical one from it. Dined and
staid again all night in the Doctor's. We were a good deal
assisted in ranging and putting up the books by John
Waldie, Dickson, and Tailfer, the bookbinder, who is to
have the care of them, when once they are all collected and
put in order.
Thursday, December 20th. — Soft and hazy forenoon.
Rained a little and thawed slowly p.m. and evening.
After breakfasting in Dr. Gibson's and giving some direc-
tions about our books, Robert Turnbull and I walked up
here. Aly, whom he expected to find and to walk home
with, was gone about an hour before we arrived. The
elders were counting the box and the account of the Poor's
Money answered very well what we found in it. Robert
staid all night. We found also Will here, who had come
yesterday. He is bravely recruited and looking very well
on 't, has fallen to work again in visiting his Parish and
has almost finished it.
Friday. December 21st. — Robert Turnbull staid till after
dinner. Wrought in the evening on an alphabetical
catalogue of our Library books drawn out of that which
I took at Kelso.
Munday, December 2Uh. — Was at Home and Hairy
Heugh a.m. seeing sick. Evening finished a rough draught
of the alphabetical index for the Library and at night wrote
letters to country members to send in books, which Waldie
is to forward from Kelso.
Saturday, December 29th. Prepared for to-morrow and
wrought more on the Library catalogue. Finished the
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 293
alphabetical catalogue and also the contents of one of the
presses in the order in which the books stand in the several
shelves. Charles brought Nancy from Berwick, where all
are pretty well.
Munday, December Slst. — Mild day. Clouds and sun.
Breeze westerly. Saw sick at Fallside-Hill and Hairy
Heugh a.m. Rest of the day and night wrought on the
Library catalogue and extracting from the Minutes of
Session the Process about Mary Leitch.
1760
Tuesday, January 1st. — Went to the Presbytery, where
my reference was taken in. We expected the Duke of
Roxburgh's presentation of T. Macdougall to Makerston,
but the Duke has had a fever at Lausanne, where he is
staying some time for education. Ramsay dined with us,
and at his desire we are to have our next Presbytery on
the last day of this month, that all the time may be given
that is possible for the Duke's presentation to arrive.
If it does not come, he gives a presentation himself, as the
Duke's Commissioner. Drank tea in Mr. Dawson's.
Could not get a meeting of the people concerned in the
Library, in order to deliver the books over to Telfer as new
keeper. Have therefore delayed it till next meeting of
Presbytery.
Wednesday, January 2nd. — Read the 8th Book of Plato's
Republick, where there is a fine view of the natural corrup-
tions of the forms of government then known and of the
characters of particular persons corresponding to them.
Had the mason rebuilding my leaping-on stone, 1 which
he was obliged to leave by the weather's growing bad.
Sunday, January 6th. — Rode to Makerston after 10.
Lectured on Ps. 122. Preached on 1 Cor. 10. 12. Came
back in the evening, and Mr. Macdougall staid, who has
1 The ' loupin'-on stane,' as it was generally called in Scotland, was
a series of stone steps to enable persons, and especially ladies who were
riding pillion, to mount their horses easily.
294 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1760
seen a good deal of the world and to very good purpose,
being really a very well-bred and a very entertaining man.
Munday, January 7th. — Set out at the same time with
Macdougall for Makerston, on my road to Berwick.
Reached Tillmouth about 2, where I found Philip, ac-
cording to agreement, and the Squire at home and alone.
We staid with him all night, and had better and warmer
quarters than the old house at Twisel used to afford.
Tuesday, January Sth. — Staid at Tillmouth all day and
night. Endeavoured to get forward to Berwick, but our
landlord opposed it so much that we did not insist. The
Squire has been lately reading for the first time Berkley's
writings 1 against the existence of matter. These afforded
us a great field. Had also various anecdotes about some
of the English literati and philosophers, Mr. Blake's
acquaintances at first or second hand. In general, were
very agreeably entertained.
Wednesday. January 9th. — Lay long abed and did not
leave Tillmouth till hear 12. Dinner was just about
finishing at Mr. Waite's before we reached Berwick.
Spent the remainder of day and night there. Had some
company at tea p.m. Both my sister and Mr. Waite have
recovered themselves tolerably from their sore distress
and the boy seems to be as hale and vigorous as ever.
His being so long from school has given him a turn to play
and aversion to his book, which will not be easily overcome.
Thursday, January 10th. — Campbell came in in the
forenoon and staid to dine with us, which lost some time
that should have been employed in seeing my friends.
Drank tea with Aunt Balderstone, who enjoys great good
health, and called at S. Stanton's. Spent the rest of the
night in Mr. Waite's.
Friday, January 11th. — Breakfasted in Campbell's,
where Peggy Bell is and has been staying for some time.
Called at the Doctor's. Dined with the Collector and
drank tea with Mrs. Nicholson. Philip left me there to
1 George Berkeley (1685-1753), the well-known philosopher : Bishop of
Cloyne 1734.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 295
go to Goldie's, who has just got intelligence of his being
to get a presentation to Pennycook, and gave me an
opportunity of enquiring about an affair which gives that
worthy woman great uneasiness and of which she informed
me when I was last in Berwick. This is a correspondence
betwixt the Collector and Mrs. Keith, which she is very
apprehensive will terminate in a marriage. This strange
woman having come to lodgings over against the Collector's
has by practising all the arts of the most shameless coquetry
inveigled him so far, that he very frequently visits her,
and shows by too evident marks the ascendant she has
gained over him. All his family soon took notice of this.
Mrs. Nicholson spoke of it to him in the warmest manner,
and insisted on his promise, which he gave, that he would
not marry her. His visits, however, being still continued,
his son, before he left the country, with the privity of his
aunt, tho' in a manner she did not wholly approve, wrote
him a letter on the subject, which, instead of mending
matters, greatly provoked his father both against himself
and his aunt, to whose advice he ascribed it. This pro-
ceeded so far that the Collector had not been in his sister's
house, nor she with him for several weeks, before the time
she first informed me of all this. She would at that time
have fain prevailed with me to speak to the Collector about
Mrs. Keith, but as she could not consent that I should
speak of the information she had given me, and as all
that I knew besides was only vague report, I could not
see how I could introduce the affair, or what moment
anything I could say against the woman could be ; especi-
ally as he had already heard from Mrs. Nicholson and
others all that I knew or at least was at liberty to say to
her disadvantage. Upon enquiring how this affair now
stands, she informed me that his visits are still as frequent
as ever, tho' carried on with the greatest caution and
secrecy, which, however, cannot elude the means she uses
to be informed about a thing so interesting to her. She
is ever full of apprehensions of an intended match from
some talk that has been reported to her of Mrs. Keith's
servant, who is at the same time her confidante
296 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
and a very worthless creature. This match would be
universally condemned as a very foolish one, and even in
some degree disgraceful, as the creature, especially since
her going to Berwick, has shown her passion for the males
most weakly and even scandalously. The thing distresses
Mrs. Nicholson extremely, and she is thinking of making
another effort to prevent it, tho' with the hazard of losing
her brother's friendship, a great degree of which she has
always hitherto enjoyed. Billy and his sister Sally, a
very sweet girl, are also in the utmost distress about it.
Such is the influence of salacious coquetry, tho' supported
by a very inconsiderable share of what is most agreeable
in the sex ; and such is the obstinate folly of the passion
it inspires, which I have felt enough of myself, to engage
me to pity, but at the same time to prevent my wondering
at my friends in the like circumstances. Mr. Waite with
Philip and myself supped in the Doctor's, where we
were very easy and happy.
Saturday. January 12//*. — Left Berwick before 11, and
got to Coldstream betwixt 1 and 2, when I dined in Mr.
Wilson's. Called at John Ker's, where all are pretty well.
Got home between 5 and 6. Dozed and thought of some-
thing for to-morrow.
Wednesday, January 16th. — Examined again in the
Kirk. Was at Sir Robert's in the evening with Nancy and
Will, who came here last night. Finished nearly at night
what I had to do with the Library catalogue.
Thursday, January 17th. — Walked to Kelso, where I
had agreed to meet Robert Turnbull, to finish what we
had to do about the books. Dined with him in Mr. Lundy's
where was also Mr. Pollock. Robert Bell from Gordon
came there, having been here to see me, and afterwards
at Mr. Pollock's, but mist us both. Got not much done
to the books, as it was necessary to employ a wright to
alter the heights of the shelves, which cost some time.
Drank tea in Mr. Dobby's and staid all night with Robert
in Mr. Lundy's.
Friday, January 18th. — Fell to work with the books
before dinner, and returned to them again after it. Got
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 297
through them at last. Gave Telfer the Magazines and
Reviews and some loose pamphlets to bind. Dined at
Mr. Dawson's. Walked home in the evening and read a
good deal in October and November Reviews, which I
brought with me from the Library.
Munday. January 21s/. — Read to the end of Plato's
Republick, which both in matter and manner is a very
extraordinary work, and greatly entertaining, especially
to one to whom it is new. What is unintelligible and
perhaps jargon in it is the mixture of Pythagorean specu-
lations, of winch there is a good deal towards the end of
the 10th Book. The first part of that Book contains the
chief strength of all that has been or probably can be
said against Epick or Dramatick Poesy, considered as
affecting the constitution or manners of a state.
Tuesday, January 22nd. — Examined a few in the Kirk
and read variously — among other things, the Platonick
doctrine in Virgil's 6th Book with Ruous's 1 Comment.
Wednesday, January 23rd. — Examined a few in the Kirk.
Read over again Plato's vision of Erus the Armenian, 2 both
in the Greek and Latin, also his Minos and a bit of the
first Book de Legibus. The poor man Thompson from
whom I got my saddle bags more than two years ago came
here on his foot from Berwick to get their price, which I
paid him, tho' I am afraid rashly, as his affairs have been
wrong and everything that he had seized by his creditors.
Thursday. January 2Uh. — Examined at Fallside Hill.
Drank tea at William Stevenson's. Found Coventry here
when I came home, who had come to talk to me about
distributing amongst the poor £5 that one Dickson, a
native of this Parish, and now a merchant in London,
where he is grown very rich, sent down to Smith of Jed-
burgh who is a relation of his. Smith wrote me about it,
desiring me to distribute it. in conjunction with Coventry.
Slept on Plato.
1 Ruoeus was editor of a Delphin edition of Virgil (Paris, 1722).
1 See The Republic, Lib. x. cap. 13. Erus, son of Armenius, was slain
in battle but, when laid on his funeral pyre twelve days after, revived
and told his vision of the judgment and the future state.
298 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
Friday, January 25th. — Coventry here with the Bailie
and two of our Elders fixing the distribution of Dickson's
money. Afterwards spent some time on an inscription
for a monument to Mr. Crow. Wrote it some years ago,
but as James Allan has some thoughts of getting it soon
put up, he sent it to me to revise. Made a few alterations
in it of no great moment. Afterwards wrought on the
Library catalogue and revised the sederunt book which
John Waldie sent me up to-day.
Saturday, January 26th. — Wrought some more on
Library books and read a good deal of the 2nd Volume of
Dodsley's Collection. Tho' it is in general very free of
dirt, yet he has put a very dirty vicious thing of Nugent's 1
into this volume. Saw some sick in the town.
Munday, January 28th. — Had a letter from Mr. Pollock
in the morning, desiring my help to answer a letter from
G. W T allace about the manse and glebe affair. Went down
before dinner and measured over again the distance
betwixt the glebe and new Kirk and the place which was
long ago pointed out to the Presbytery for the situation
of the new manse. Found the former measuring exact
enough, so that it is surprising how in a measure and plan
taken by W. Cockburn there should be so considerable
a difference from our measure as G. Wallace writes there
is. Wrote a pretty long letter to G. Wallace about the
affair, which I hope may help to forward it to an end.
Lundy cast up at tea-time ; and partly by him, partly by
the Naiad, tho' not such a striking object by far as she
was a twelvemonth ago, I was detained all night.
Tuesday, January 29th. — Came home about midday,
and a little after Sandy Duncan came and dined and
drank tea. Dozed in the evening and at night made a
draught of instructions for our new Library keeper.
Wednesday, J anuary 30th. — Clear frost and hard. Breeze
northerly. Walked to Park-End a.m. to see a sick child.
Philip came after dinner by the way of Whitsum, from
Chyrnside Presbytery. Chatted with him and wrote
1 Probably Richard Nugent, son of Nicholas Nugent, Chief Justice of
the Common Bench in Ireland : wrote sonnets and madrigals (1604).
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 299
over from materials I had been collecting, the present
state of our Library, and instructions to our new Librarian ;
which employed me till late at night.
Thursday. February 1st. — Philip and I walked to Kelso
to the Presbytery which was appointed to be held on this
day, in order to receive T. Macdougall's presentation before
the expiration of six months' vacancy which happens to-
morrow. The presentation was subscribed by Ramsay
as Commissioner, that presentation which was sent to be
subscribed by the Duke not having arrived. We had our
Library meeting at night, at which we agreed with Telfer
as our Librarian, and appointed the books to be committed
to his care. Drank tea in Peter Robertson's, where I was
paying my candle account. Lay in Lundie's, where
Philip and M. Dysart also stayed.
Friday. February 2nd. — Was in Kelso with Philip till
the evening. Dined in Mr. Lundy's and drank tea in Mr.
Dawson's. Was three or four hours ii: the Library,
compleating the catalogues and making other necessary
arrangements.
Saturday, February 3rd. — Philip set out before dinner,
proposing to go home by Eccles. Prepared for to-morrow
and read Belloni, 1 the Roman Banker's Treatise on Com-
merce, and the late Prince of Orange's proposals for
restoring the trade of the Netherlands, both of which
contain things that deserve notice. They are in a volume
which I brought yesterday from the Library. Saw some
sick in the town.
Munday, February 4th. — Saw sick at Fallside Hill and
Home, and examined at William Dickson's. After I
came home, finished what I had to do about the Library
catalogue, etc., wrote to Will at Edrom, to go with a table
and chairs to him to-morrow, and read a good deal of
Tucker's essay on the Trade of France and England. 2
1 A translation from the Italian of the Marquis Jerome Belloni's
Dissertation on Commerce was published at London 1752.
2 Josiah Tucker (1712-99), economist and divine: Dean of Gloucester
1758. His Briej Essay on the Advantages which attend France and Great
Britain with regard to Trade was published in 1750.
300 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
Tuesday, February 5th. — Evening read to an end Tucker
on Trade, which is a sensible work and shows a good
knowledge of the subject ; but wrote without elegance
or any marks of superior genius.
Wednesday, February 6th. — Saw sick in the town. The
smallpox have been frequent for some time past, but in
general very favourable. Read a good deal in the 3rd
Volume of Dodsley's Collection. ' Pscyhe, or the Grand
Metamorphosis, an allegorical account of the Fall of Man,'
is, I think, the best imitation of Spenser, and indeed one
of the best poems of the kind that I have met with.
Friday, February 8th. — Grew very windy from W. to S.
at night, and at last blew a sort of hurricane about midnight
and in the morning hours. Blew down to me a stack of
hay and corn, hurt the thatch of the Office houses greatly,
and brought several slates off the house. Had a very
interrupted rest with it. Read two more Books of Plato
de Legibus. Got in the evening another letter from
Robertson of Ladykirk 1 relating to the money I owe the
Poor's Box, wrote just in such a strain as I could have
wisht. He has spoke to the Session about that affair, and
they are to accept of £8 in full of all demands. He wants
to know what sort of discharge I would desire, and even
desires me to send the form of one that would please me.
By which means, I hope, I shall be freed from the wildness
and chicanery of Tod, which I have experienced enough of
in the former parts of this transaction, to make me dread
the effects of the same in concluding it.
Tuesday, February 12th. — Examined again in the W.
end of Home. Dined in Mr. Stevenson's. Mr. Dysart
came there in the afternoon. Asked him, as we were
riding homewards, about the Salton business. 2 Still
1 Mr. Robertson of Ladykirk, the principal heritor in the parish, had
evidently taken the matter of Ridpath's debt to the Session into his own
hands, and conducted the business with more tact arid discretion than the
minister.
2 There was a vacancy at this time in the parish of Saltoun owing to the
death of old Mr. Lundie, the father of the minister of Kelso, who had died,
Father of the Church, 4th November 1759. The vacancy was not filled up
till November 1760, when Patrick Bannerman was admitted.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 301
uncertain. Revised and read Dodsley's 3rd Volume in
the evening. At night read Plautus's Comedy of Aulularia,
where there is little of difficulty and very much drollery.
Thursday, February lUh. — Rode to Mackerston where
were four more of the Presbytery. Lundy preached and
we moderated T. Macdougall's call, which was unanimous.
Dined in the Colonel's. 1 He himself was not at home.
W. Ker subscribed for him. After I came home read the
News, where there is nothing memorable. Look'd over
some parts of three volumes of Ty reel's History of England,
which I borrowed last night from Sir Robert. Slept on
Plautus's Curculio.
Friday, February 15th. — Read some in the fifth volume
of Dodsley's Miscellanies, and in the afternoon and
evening about 100 pages of the first and second volumes of
Parliamentary History. 2 What may be the value of this
work as a compilation I know not, but for the original
part of it, at least of this parcel, it is, in the matter, poor
and jejune, and, in the language, groveling, mean and
inaccurate. Strange that England should be doomed to
such historians ! Peggy Pringle came down to tea p.m.
Sir Robert set out for Edinburgh on Munday to see Frank,
who is apprehended for some time past to have been in
a very bad way.
[No entries for a week, during which Ridpath had evi-
dently been confined by illness.)
Saturday, February 23rd.— Had pretty good rest last
night. Complaints almost wholly gone, for which I have
great cause of thankfulness to the Parent of Good. Read
lazily some things in Dalrymple's History of Feudal Pro-
perty. As I have been confined so long and the weather
is so rough I thought it would be wiser to let alone preach-
ing to-morrow and advertised my people accordingly.
1 Colonel George Hay Macdougall (afterwards Sir George), brother of
Sir Thomas Hay of Alderston, Bart., whom he succeeded in 1769. He had
married Barbara, daughter and heiress of Henry Macdougall of Mackerston.
He was Colonel of the Scots Greys.
2 Probably the Parliamentary or Constitutional History of England . . ,
London. 8 vols. 1752.
302
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1760
Sunday, February 24-th. — Read over again the beautiful
Morale in the beginning of Plato's 5th Book de Legibus,
also some of it in Greek. Got a letter in the evening from
Philip with some magazines. Philip writes me that
Mrs. Laurie died on Tuesday ; once a lovely girl and
afterwards a most excellent wife and mother, equally
eminent for good management and good temper. Once
she was a very particular favourite of mine, as was also
her sister, Mrs. Hall ; both removed hence, a little after
the noon of life, to shine, I hope, with new lustre, in a
better world. James Allan brought out the money for
Philip's West Indian bill, with which and the Widows'
Fund £30, and some of his stipend, he has paid off all the
money for which he paid interest ; a great relief, and once
very unexpected. When shall I arrive at such a point of
ease ? Philip also writes me that two expresses have
passed from Scotland southwards within these two or
three days, by the latter of which that past yesterday
morning Dr. Balderstone, at Edinburgh on occasion of
his sister's death, writes that they had accounts there that
three French ships of considerable force had made a landing
on the Island of Ha last Saturday and had killed cattle
and committed other ravages. It was also said that a
fourth had been seen off the Island. One would think
that this stormy weather would make them spend their
time ill on these coasts, tho' I am afraid there is little else
but the weather to defend them. They had a great storm
of wind in the southern counties and Channel on Friday
the 15th, just a week later than our great blast here. But
it seems to have done more mischief both by land and sea.
One of Boscawen's ships is driven in to Plymouth disabled,
and there are apprehensions about himself.
Munday, February 25th. — Mr. Pollock came up to see me.
He dined and drank tea. Dr. Miller called in the evening.
Read all the November and part of the Appendix and
January London Magazines.
Tuesday, February 26th. — Froze at night. Read some of
the Scots (December) Magazine, where is a remarkable
letter from Voltaire, which, if genuine, shows he is recon-
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RTDPATH 303
ciled to the King of Prussia, whom he calls Pyrrhus, and
himself Cyneas the Swiss. Fanny Dysart came up about 12
from Eccles, with a card from her Pappa, desiring me to
come down there to dine and stay all night. Mr. Chatto
and his wife had come there yesterday with Bess, who
had been at Morbattle 2 or 3 weeks. Hesitated a little
about going, as the day was rough. However, thought I
would be the better of the ride and amusement, after being
confined. Accordingly, went and staid all night ; found
myself a good deal refreshed.
Wednesday, February 27th. — Staid at Eccles until the
evening. Found Will here when I came home. He had
the Saturday Edinburgh Chronicle, in which it is said that
an express had come to Edinburgh that day, informing
that 1500 French had landed at Carrickfergus in Ireland,
out of these ships that had been at Ha two or three days
before.
Saturday. March 1st.— Read the Life of Alfred in Tyrrel, 1
who seems to be a very faithful industrious compiler.
Wrought also some in the garden and planted my ranun-
culuses and anemones.
Munday, March 3rd. — Attended a man repairing the
roofs of my Office-houses and read in Tyrrel a great part
of the Life of Richard Cceur de Lion, which is a strange
series of fighting. Sir Robert sent down, along with two
Edinburgh newspapers, a MS. paper of his brother, the
doctor, on the meteor of November 26, 1758, which he
had given in to the Royal Society. The height of it from
calculations drawn from the accounts he had collected, and
the result of which is only here given, was about 100 miles,
and its velocity immense, about 20 miles in a second. His
speculations about these phenomena are ingenious, but
rather overthrow former hypotheses than establish any-
thing certain in their place.
Tuesday, March 4>th. — Went to the Presbytery with
1 James Tyrrell (1642-1718) : only three volumes (folio) of his pro-
jected General History of England were ever published, bringing the history
down to the death of Richard 11. It is ' a cumbrous and ill-digested '
work.
304 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
Nancy en croupe. T. Macdougall delivered his lecture and
popular sermon. Drank tea in Doctor Thomson's.
Wednesday, March 5th. — Examined in the E. end of
Home, in which and seeing sick I was employed till sunset.
Found J. Hume here, who had been at Eccles. John staid
all night and was in very good spirits.
Friday, March 7th. — Saw sick a.m. and attended my
cart carrying away the earth that was thrown out from
the low room before it was new floored, and has lain before
the house these several months. Laid it on a rocky spot
in the glebe and carried off stones from the grass there.
Robert Turnbull came before dinner, his niece in her way
home from Humby in the evening, 1 and a little after
Cupples, who had been seeing Laurie at Hawick.
Saturday, March Sth. — Prepared for to-morrow. Walked
a.m. to G. Linning's to see his servant. Much of the rest
of the day attended Charles and Leithead carrying away
the rubbish from W. end of the house, with which I filled
up some hollows before my door.
Tuesday, March 11th. — Rather milder than yesterday.
Examined in the E. end of Home both forenoon and
afternoon. Wanted to be done, and by reason of the
publick fast could not be two days there this week.
Somewhat jaded, yet not so much as I imagined I would
be, the air and labour of last week having given me great
vigour. Found the two first volumes of Clarendon's Life
here, from the Library, when I came home, and read a
good deal of the beginning of the first of them.
Wednesday, March 12th. — Somewhat blowing from W.
Sun and clouds. Prepared for to-morrow. Read
Clarendon's first volume almost to an end and sowed peas
in the garden, half a pound of Ch n Hotspurs and near as
many of some other early kind.
Thursday, March ISth. — A shower in the forenoon, and
afterwards very windy from W. Preached twice on Ps.
1 Having presumably been on a visit to her sister Elizabeth who had
just been married to Robert Dundas, minister of Humbie. Their eldest
son became Sir Robert Dundas of Beechwood, Baronet, one of the
Principal Clerks of Session.
17601 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 305
62. 8. Minna Dawson here till the evening. She has been
some days at Sir Robert's, having come when Miss Peggy
went to Edinburgh to see Frank. He and his sister came
to Sir Robert's last night in a coach. He is by Minna's
account in a very weak condition. 1
Friday, March lUh. — Went to Home a.m. to see sick.
Afternoon went to Sir Robert's to see Frank, who seems
indeed to be reduced to a very weak and almost desperate
condition. He has lost almost all appetite and power of
digestion, has returns from time to time of a diarrhoea, is
besides greatly hectic and subject to frequent sweatings ;
very much in the situation of poor Miss Pringle some time
before she died, and in his looks very much resembling her.
Dr. Gibson came in the darkening and I staid till supper.
A Torwoodlee sister also there, who came out in the coach
with Frank and Peggy. Got a letter from Tod of Lady-
kirk which discomposed me a little. Robertsone, he
says, has sent him my father's bill and left the finishing of
the affair to the Session, who, he writes me, insist on having
10 years' interest of each bill. No doubt this proceeds
from Robertsone being so favourable and a suspicion that
his neighbour, J. Herriot, has a hand in the pye. It is
an uneasy thing to have to deal with such wrongheads.
Saturday, March 15th. — Prepared for to-morrow and
read much of Clarendon's second volume where there is
a good deal of entertainment. J. Miller here a call in
the evening. He seems to have no hopes of Frank Pringle.
Munday, March 17th. — Read second volume of Claren-
don's Life to an end. Had a message from Mrs. Dawson
desiring me to come down in the afternoon to see Mr.
Dawson, whom she thought very weak and ill, but Mr.
Dawson did not appear to me to be so ill as to make that
needful.
Tuesday, March 18th. — Went to Home to see sick, who
are pretty numerous there. Found Home of Bowden
here, when I came home, who dined and drank tea. He
1 Francis Pringle, the third son of Sir Robert, was born 1729 : appren-
ticed to his uncle, James Pringle of Bowland, W.S. : passed W.S. 1753 :
died nth April 1760.
U
306
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1760
pretended he called to inform me of R. Riddel of Lilsley's
death, 1 which he thinks makes a good place for J. Allan,
and insisted on my writing to him immediately. But as
the man died last Wednesday, and was a good while ill
before, James must have heard before now ; and I do not
think there is a sufficient temptation to make him change.
Read a good deal of the January Review, which came from
Kelso, and some of the third volume of Clarendon's Life.
Wednesday, March 19th. — Had a message from Mrs.
Pollock, desiring me to come down and see Bett, who has
had an aguishness and sore throat. Went accordingly in
the afternoon and drank tea. Rest of the day read
Clarendon, whose account of the first Dutch W^ar is very
good and full. He has also a very interesting account of
the Fire of London. Wrote at night the scroll of a letter
to Tod. Our accounts from Frank Pringle to-day and
yesterday are that he is easier. Lady Hall has come
over to : day to see him. First time she has been at Stitchill
since her marriage.
Thursday, March 20th. — Read Clarendon, and was in the
afternoon at Sir Robert's. Sir John Hall came while I
was there. His lady looks something like pregnancy.
I do not think Frank looks worse than he did, tho' all
about him think he is growing weaker. At night tran-
scribed my letter to Tod and wrote also to Philip.
Friday, March 21st. — Sowed oats and pease. Read
Clarendon's third volume to an end. Have had great
entertainment and not a little instruction from him. He
may certainly be reckoned amongst the few very honest
courtiers, one symptom of which is his writing his own
life. And it is more amazing he should have kept his
place so long in the Court of Charles than that he should
have lost it at last ; tho' no man ever suffered a more
groundless persecution. As a writer he has some eminent
qualities ; extensive political views and a great fund of
1 Robert Riddell, minister of Lilliesleaf 1737-1760 : youngest son of
Sir Walter Riddell of that ilk : married, 1755, Esther, daughter of John
Riddell, M.D., Granton, son of Archibald Riddell, minister of Trinity
Parish, Edinburgh.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 307
good sense ; a very natural expression of much integrity ;
honour and humanity ; a stile copious and flowing, yet
not without strength ; and tho' his periods are often
immoderately long, yet they are for the most part followed
by the reader without any troublesome effort, and very
seldom have any obscurity in them. There are a consider-
able number of curious anecdotes in this Work, and some
parts of the History of the beginning of Charles's reign
better illustrated than they are to be found elsewhere.
Some interesting scenes too very fully and very naturally
described, such as the History of the Duke of York's
marriage to the Chancellor's daughter 1 and the quarrel
betwixt the King and Queen about admitting the Dutchess
of Cleveland to be a Maid of Honour. 2 Rode to Kelso
p.m., being informed by a note from Minna Dawson to
Nancy of her father's being very ill. Was a while in Dr.
Gibson's, whence I brought J. Home's new Tragedy of the
Siege of Aquileia. Read it at night, and cannot help
pronouncing it, tho' with regret, a very poor performance
in every respect, and indeed almost below criticism.
Saturday, March 22nd. — Prepared for to-morrow, and read
more of the January Magazine: also some pieces of Burnet's
History. Sent Nancy in the afternoon to Kelso, where
Mr. Dawson is still very ill. She was detained all night.
Sunday, March 23rd. — Sent in the afternoon to enquire
about Mr. Dawson, and learned by the return of Charles
that he died about 6 o'clock this evening. It was not
probable that at such a period of life and in such weakness
as has been growing upon him since the unfortunate fall
he got near two years ago, 3 that he could stand so severe a
shock as this last. A man whom I have great reason,
from his correspondence with this family for 17 years past,
to pronounce very honest and very friendly. In that time,
1 Anne Hyde, daughter of Edward, Earl of Clarendon, married James,
Duke of York in 1660 : died 1671.
- Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine, mistress of Charles 11. :
forced on Queen Catherine as Lady of the Bedchamber 1662 : created
Duchess of Cleveland 1670.
3 See p 180.
308 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
too, he has undergone domestick sufferings, some of them
of the very sorest kind, in bearing which he has shown very
uncommon magnanimity. For several years past, but
especially since his last illness, his business has greatly
declined and several of his employers deserted him, whom
he had reason to consider as his best friends 1 . . . having
I hope still remaining what may afford them a tolerable
subsistence. The natural vigour of the man was extra-
ordinary ; and most men 20 years younger had a greater
look of old age and less strength and activity than he had
two years ago. Even that severe shock he recovered
amazingly ; and his end seems still to have been con-
siderably hastened by his taking a doze of calomel,
which, continuing too long in his body, had opened
again the vessel by which before so great a discharge
was made.
Munday, March 2Uh. — Revised some of Clarendon and
saw some sick in the town a.m. In the afternoon rode to
Kelso to see Mrs. Dawson and Minna. They are abundantly
distrest, especially Minna ; Nancy still stays.
Wednesday, March 26th. — Read in the forenoon chiefly
neswpapers. P.m. went to Mr. Dawson's burial. His
son came about 10 ; which was comfortable to Mrs. Dawson
and Minna. Staid till the newspapers came, and brought
home Nancy with me. Found Philip here by the way of
Fogo and Eccles, from the Presbytery.
Thursday, March 27th. — -Forenoon chatted with Philip.
P.m. went up with him to Sir Robert's, where Frank con-
tinues still in a poor declining state. He does not come
downstairs, and scarce anybody sees him but the family
and his physicians. Sir John and Lady Hall still there,
but go away to-morrow. Dr. Miller and Jimmy Dawson
there. They made a call here in passing and repassing.
Friday, March 28th. — Rode to Kelso with Nancy en
croupe. Philip along with us and he and I dined in Dr.
Miller's, where were also G. Gordon 2 and Robert Turnbull.
Drank tea also there ; to which came the Misses Ridpath
1 Several lines deleted.
2 See p. 172, n. 2.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 309
of Angelraw, etc., abundantly hearty. Staid at Mrs.
Dawson's till after supper, and came home betwixt 11 and
12. Frosty night.
Saturday, March 29th. — Philip left us a little after 11,
being to dine at Cupples's. I went to Home and dis-
tributed along with William Stevenson the money to the
poor. P.m. arrived Betty Pollock and very soon after
T. Dobby ; then a call from the Misses Gibson in their way
from Newton to Stitchill, and another in the evening from
Jimmy Dawson, 1 who had been at these two places.
Evening wrote some things into accounts and prepared for
to-morrow.
Tuesday, Aprile 1st. — At the Presbytery, where we took
the remainder of Macdougall's tryals and appointed his
ordination on Thursday fortnight. Sandy Duncan was
there. Chose also our members to the Assembly. James
Turnbull, Lundy, and G. Wallace. Drank tea in Dobby's
and sate a good while in the evening in Mrs. Dawson's.
Jimmy does not leave them till Friday.
U cdnesday, Aprile 2nd. — Wind W 7 . to N. Mostly sunny.
Betty Pollock came before dinner and staid all night and
till Saturday. Amused with her. Sprot from Newton
at tea p.m. and also John Ker of Coldstream called in
passing and repassing from Mellerstain, where he had been
soliciting Charles Sinclair about the continuance of his
office of Clerk in Coldstream, which he had been alarmed
with the fear of losing. Sinclair told him to lay aside
these fears, for he should be continued in it.
Thursday, Aprile 3rd. — Blowing from W. to N. Mostly
sunny and cold. Rode to Edrom to dine and met with
Philip there, according to agreement last week. In the
afternoon look'd to the ground intended for Will's new house
and glebe, and learned that Mains, 2 tho' angry at a factious
opposition in the last Presbytery at Chyrnside, had ordered
Adam Ridpath to leave a piece of ground unsown for the
house to stand upon. The exchange, tho' there is a
1 Mr. Dawson's son, who had come for his father's funeral.
•^Cf. p. 164, n. 1.
310 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
good deal to be said for its rather having been made in a
different manner, is yet evidently much for Will's advan-
tage, and if rejected, loses him what probably may not be
easily recovered. Rode down from Edrom to Fishwick
all three. Very cold night.
Friday, Aprile Uh. — Had a walk in the forenoon through
part of Logan's Farm, which I believe is the best without
comparison in all this country, and indeed most nobly
situated for every kind of improvement. Then rode with
Philip to Blakader, where I have not been before these
four years. Received, however, with great civility, and
without the least mention of what is past. Hilton and his
lady there, also Collector John Home. 1 Had a good deal
of mirth. Came thence to Whitsum about 6, and James
Allan, by appointment with Philip, came there some time
after. Talked over the whole Edrom affair, in which J.
Waugh discovered more heat than enough, arising from
very idle suspicions and surmises, and from catching some
of the factious spirit of his neighbour Cupples, who is still
inclined to cross most things in which he sees James Allan
keenly engaged.
Saturday, Aprile 5th. — Staid at Whitsome till after dinner.
Murray of Abbay 2 called in the forenoon there in his way
to Northumberland. Got home about 8, and did something
for to-morrow. Found a letter from Stewart the Collector
calling for payment of WidoNvs' Fund money, and another
from Tod full of confusion and giving himself the lie in an
important article of what he had wrote in his last, but still
insisting for payment of the sum mentioned in it.
Sunday, Aprile 6th. — Began to intermit betwixt sermons. 3
Munday, Aprile 7th. — At Home a.m. seeing sick. Dr.
Miller here a while p.m. being attending a woman in the
1 John Home, the Collector of Taxes in the Merse, was a son of George
Home of Karnes, Berwickshire, and a brother of Henry Home, better
known as Lord Karnes.
2 Adam Murray, who had previously been minister of the Low Meeting,
Berwick : minister of Abbey St. Bathans 1759-74 : translated to Eccles
1774-
3 Presumably had an interval between his lecture and sermon, thus
making a forenoon and afternoon ' diet.' But see p. 273, n. 2.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 311
town in child-bed. Finished in the evening a letter to
Philip, and wrote also to Will, to go by Charles to-morrow.
Offered John Leitch in the evening the payment for Will's
horse, the money for which I got at Edrom on Saturday,
but he offered to lend me as much more as to. make up £7.
Accepted of it, tho' with reluctance as I could not get
through the summer without some such supply. At night
wrote a scroll of an application to the Assembly for our
expenses in the affair of Ednam Manse, about which there
is a Committee at Mas Thomas's to-morrow.
Tuesday, Aprile 8th. — Walked to Ednam, where was only
Mr. Turnbull, Lundy not having yet returned from Lothian.
Soon finished our affair. Staid till the evening. Charles
was come home before me and brought letters from Will
and from Philip, whom he found at Whitsum. Slept on
Butler's Remains. 1
W ednesday, Aprile 9th. — Wrought some in the garden,
which is very dry. Drank tea at Sir Robert's, where Mr.
Pringle is become extremely weak. James Pringle there
and Dr. Hope arrived while I was there. Wrote to Will
to go by Nancy to-morrow.
Thursday, Aprile 10th. — Planted the second beans, which
the dryness of the ground made difficult. Prepared also
some ground for peas. Read some of Butler's Remains.
The poems there are not so interesting nor in general so
finished as that of Hudibras ; but yet they are everywhere
filled with excellent strokes of both wit and sense. Nancy
rode to Edrom, but Will had set out thence before she
arrived, and came here in the afternoon between 5 and 6
by the way of Fogo, as she did two hours after.
Friday, Aprile 11th. — Read some of Butler. He is no
less severe on the debauchery of Charles n.'s reign than on
the hypocrisy and enthusiasm of the age that preceded it.
Wrought some in the garden and went to Sir Robert's
p.m. Poor Frank died about 8 this morning, a very great
loss and affliction to his worthy relations. Slept on begin-
ning of 3rd Book of Cicero's Offices.
1 Samuel Butler, author of Hudibras.
312 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1760
Saturday, Aprile 12th. — Sowed second pease of a large
blewish kind. Read some of Butler's Characters, in all
of which there is much wit and in many of them much
sense also. Did something for to-morrow. Had a letter
from Philip in which he informs me that the Presbytery
had agreed to the exchange of Will's glebe and that they
had sore work with Wilkie (they were on a visitation at
Fowlden last Thursday), who has appealed to the Synod.
Tuesday, Aprile loth. — Shaved before dinner and wrought
some in the garden. Willy Home from Fogo came as we
were dining. Went with him to the funeral, where were
only the neighbouring gentlemen and the relations of the
family, together with the people of the Baronry. William
Stevenson and his son, Dr. Miller and Willy Home came
in after and drank tea.
Wednesday, Aprile 16th. — Set a few beans in the garden,
and read Butler's Characters to an end, which are a most
wonderful collection of wit and sense, interspersed as usual
with a number oijeux d' esprit, the overflowings, as it were,
of a greater stock of wit than almost ever fell to any man
else's share.
Thursday, Aprile 17th. — Rode toMakerston to the ordina-
tion of Mr. Macdougall, where the Presbytery were very
handsomely and discreetly entertained in the Colonel's.
Staid till after tea, and rode home so far as our roads
agreed, with Mr. Pollock and his daughter Bett, who came
with her Papa to see the ordination. Robert Turnbull
attended them the rest of their journey. Lundy came home
in the end of that week and is away again this, to Lothian.
Duncan Paton and Deans 1 there ; laymen, Ramsay, W.
Ker and Scot, the Colonel's son-in-law. Slept on Butler.
Saturday. Aprile 19th. — Prepared for to-morrow and read
what I had not read before of Butler's first volume. The
burlesque on R. Boyle and the letters of Prynne and Aud-
land the Quaker are equal to anything in Swift. Wrought
some in the garden.
1 Robert Deans, son of Alexander Deans, minister of Birse : ordained
minister of Crailing 1756 : died 1788.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 313
Mtmday, Apr He 21st. — Read some in Reviews and Maga-
zines that Philip had brought with him. Afternoon drank
tea at Sir Robert's, where all are pretty well. John Waugh
and his wife came in the evening, also James Allan.
Tuesday, Aprile 22nd. — John Waugh and his wife and
James Allan staid and dined ; which kept me from 1st
dyet of Synod. Waugh, James and I rode down after
dinner. Wilkie of Fowlden had appealed from a Presby-
terial visitation of Kirk and Manse to the Synod, and had
produced at the visitation a letter from Buchannan, promis-
ing to be content with such repairs of the manse as he
(Wilkie) should think fit to give him. This has made
abundance of noise in the country. Wilkie, however,
being himself at Greenlaw, sent over orders to his agent at
Kelso not to present the appeal after the Synod had
appointed a dyet to-morrow for the sole purpose of receiv-
ing it ; for we had no other business. Supped in Waldie's
in a large company, and came home with James Allan
about 2 in the morning.
Thursday, Aprile 24th. — Read some in the Magazines,
also the newspapers, where is an account of E. Ferrers's
condemnation by the unanimous judgment of the Lords. 1
His sentence was hanging and the dissection of his body
two days after passing the sentence according to the late
law against murther, but the execution, at his request,
is respited till the 5th of May. We have also heard within
these two or three days of the Scots Militia Bill being
rejected by the Commons by a great majority. What-
ever the reasons may be of this measure, I wish that at
this critical time it may not be improved to do mischief.
Saturday, April 26th. — Set out with Philip for Berwick
about 9. James Allan set out at the same time for Ey-
mouth. Philip and I got to Berwick a little after 1.
Dined in Mr. W r aite's, where we found my sister. I
1 Laurence, fourth Earl Ferrers (1720-60) : hanged after trial by his
Peers for murder of his servant. He had married Mary, sister of Sir
Wilham Meredith of Henbury, Cheshire, Bart. She divorced him and
married secondly, in 1769, Lord Frederick Campbell, brother of the Duke
of Argyll.
314
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
preached, colleagued with Philip, on Heb. 2. 10. Drank
tea in Gowdie's.
Sunday, Aprile 27th. — Served two tables at Gowdie's,
and preached for Campbell p.m. on Ps. 4. 8. Philip
lectured for him. He rode to Edrom on my horse to
supply Will. W. Anderson came in with him in the even-
ing. They supped with us in Gowdie's. James Turnbull
also there, who preached for Gowdie p.m.
Munday, Aprile 28th. — James Allan and James Wood
preached. James Allan, Philip and I drank tea in Aunt
Balders tone's. All the ministers spent the evening in
Campbell's, who gave us much laughter by his mimickries.
Tuesday, Aprile 29th. — Dined in Mr. Waite's, where were
also Campbell, his wife and W. Anderson. Drank tea in
S. Stanton's. Sate a while in the evening in Dr. Balder-
stone's. The Doctor on his circuit and not to return till
the end of the week. Then a good while in Mrs. Nichol-
son's who is always most sensible, most entertaining and
friendly.
Wednesday, Aprile 30th. — Breakfasted in T. Rutherford's,
where was T. Monteith. Called at Turner's and Willy
Hall's. The latter wandering somewhere with Sir J.
Patterson, in whose company he is far too much, and whose
sister it is said he is going to marry, to the great hurt and
distress of his family. Sate a while with Gracie and was
such a fool as to talk to her things to the disadvantage of
Sir John, an improper subject to entertain her with,
whatever should happen ; but was led into it partly by
the want of something else to talk of. Dr. Miller and A.
Ridpath of Angelraw were in town all night and dined
to-day in Mr. Waite's. Sandy Hume of Polwarth and his
wife drank tea. Philip went out yesterday to Hutton
about some Parish business and came back again this
evening. He found a letter at Fishwick from J. Herriot
informing him that young Robertson was to have a meeting
with the heritors of the Parish of Ladykirk, which carried
him over there to see if he could finish the business about
my father's debt. The meeting had been the day before.
However, he waited on Robertson and found him perfectly
1760]
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 315
well disposed to finish the matter on the terms proposed
by his father. But Tod pretended he could do nothing
without the consent of his Session, to whom Robertson
had given his receipt for my father's note. After much
travel in going betwixt them and much labour in vain
to bring them together, arising wholly from the obstinacy
and folly of Tod, Robertson at last consented to receive
the £8, and to give his receipt for it to Philip, in conse-
quence of powers which he had received from the other
heritors to transact and settle that affair, and undertook
to obtain the concurrence of the other heritors to accept
of the payment made, in full of all demands and also to
return my father's note, which I think he had not brought
with him from Edinburgh. He was very civil to Philip
and made great complaints of Tod, who is no doubt a
distress to everybody he has any dealings with. I would
fain hope that this troublesome business is in effect finished,
tho' I am not quite secure, without the note's being
returned, and a discharge from the heritors and Session.
Thursday, May 1st. — Set out with Philip after 10 on
our long projected visit to Dunglass. Proposed to get
there to dine, but apprehending we would be too late,
turned off to Eymouth, where we dined with James Allan.
The Laird of Mains happened also to be dining with him,
frith whom we had some chat about the Edrom affair.
C alled both at Mrs. Crow's and Mrs. Edgar's. Set out for
Dunglass about 5, and arrived there a little after 8. Re-
ceived and treated with great civility. , W. Pringle and
Peggy there ; nobody else but themselves. The lady is
looking thin, having had a miscarriage about the time of
her brother's death.
Friday, May 2nd. — Got up about 7 and wandered till
breakfast in the environs of the house, where the policy
is extensive and beautiful. The Dean 1 in particular is
full of the grandest and most striking scenes of fine trees,
1 Pease Dean, near Dunglass, a deep, thickly wooded ravine with very
steep sides. The old road from Berwick to the Lothians went up and down
its almost precipitous sides in a series of zigzags. It was not till 1786
that the present bridge was put up.
316 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1760
banks, rocks, etc., that I have anywhere seen. Unluckily,
the family were engaged before we came, to go to Tinning-
ham to dine, so that we set out, after a wandering a while
after they were gone with Walter Pringle, about 12, in
our way to Auldhamstocks and Abbay. Neither John
Lundy 1 nor his wife at home, so proceeded through the
Muir to Abbay, where we dined and staid all night. Mon-
teith there, also two or three neighbouring farmers. Very
agreeably disappointed in Murray's wife, 2 who has been
the subject of so much idle scandal. Her person and
looks have various articles that together with her youth
are abundantly agreeable and even attracting, and she is
perfectly kind and hospitable and seems to be an excellent
ceconomist. Murray himself is a very honest, good-natured,
sensible man and seems to be very happy with his com-
panion. He has got a little farm from Lord Marchmont,
which gives him abundant employment, and which it is
not improbable that his own and wife's carefulness and
frugality may make answer very well.
Saturday, May 3rd. — Very cold in the Muirs. Set
out from Abbay after 11 and got to Greenlaw about 2.
Dined and drank tea at John Hume's. Sandy's wife, 3
tho' a pretty little body, is, I suspect, a very useless
creature, when compared with Murray's. Got home in
the evening, dozed and did something for to-morrow.
Munday, May 5th. — Hazy from E. most of the day, and
some small rain. Wrought on accounts and read most
of the March Magazine. In the afternoon went to Sir
1 John Lundie, minister of Oldhamstocks 1733-86 : eldest son of
Archibald Lundie, minister of Saltoun, and brother to Cornelius Lundie,
Ridpath's co-presbyter at Kelso. He married as his second wife, in 1757,
Helen, daughter of John Hepburn of Humbie.
2 Adam Murray, Abbey St. Bathans : see ante, p. 3 1 o, n. 2 . His wife's name
was Isobel Marshall, but what her origin was is unknown. At all events
she earned Ridpath's high encomiums.
3 Sandy Hume's wife was, it will be remembered, the daughter of a
baker in Edinburgh. Although his father had been very much averse to
the match he seems to have become reconciled to it ; but it is not clear
whether Mrs. Sandy was staying at this time with her father-in-law or
whether Ridpath writes from report or previous observation.
i 7 6o] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 317
Robert's, where Walter and Miss Peggy had arrived a
little before from Dunglass. Sent in the two years' rate
and interest that I was owing to the Widows' Fund.
Tuesday, May 6th. — Went to the Presbytery, where I
was chosen Moderator. M'llwraith at last appeared and
gave in a written narrative in answer to the charge of Mary
Leitch. It is probably all fiction, and not very artfully
contrived. G. Wallace with us. He has been at Sprows-
toun since Friday. Had a Library meeting, where we
gave a few commissions. Minna Dawson came up behind
me, to see Nancy and help in the management of some
clothes.
Wednesday, May 1th. — Wrought some time in the garden
and read some of Reviews and of Stillingfleet's Tracts of
Natural History, 1 which I brought from the Library
yesterday. Mrs. Pollock here p.m. Miss Pringle and one
of the Misses Pringle of Torwoodlee called in the evening,
in their way from Newton.
Wednesday, May 14//*. — Set out after 10 and got to
Edrom about 1. Found that W r ill had gone to Berwick
on Tuesday. Rode straight to Berwick and arrived there
about 4. . . . 2 Minister they are to get in room of Mr.
Goldie, one H . . . from Carlisle, who preached to them
last Sunday, and to whom almost all the Heads of the
families have concurred in a call. The principal people
of the congregation met with him to-night in Nixon's
and he goes off to-morrow morning, so that I shall not have
an opportunity of seeing him.
Thursday, May loth. — Less wind. Mild and warm.
Called at various places, particularly a while at Goldie's,
where Jy. Dysart 3 has been staying some days. Supped
in the Collector's, where was nobody but himself and
1 Benjamin Stillingfleet (1702-71) botanist and author : he wrote
librettos for oratorios, but is chiefly known by his Miscellaneous Tracts
relating to Natural History , Husbandry, and Physick (1759), with a Preface
introducing Linnaean principles into England.
2 Several lines erased.
8 Matthew Dysart, minister of Eccles, had a brother John. It is possible
that he is the person referred to.
318 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
Selby of Paston, a Captain of Militia. Had a good deal
of agreeable chat.
Saturday, May 17th. — Set out from Berwick after dinner.
Drank tea at Eccles, where Mrs. Dysart has begun again
to carry on her repairs. Matthew had gone to Bunkill to
preach to-morrow. Got home about 9. Dozed and looked
to something for to-morrow. Found a melancholy amuse-
ment as I was riding homewards in composing an inscrip-
tion for a tombstone which Mr. Waite is about to erect
for poor Nanny, for whose loss his sorrows continue still
fresh and which he was expressing once and again to me
in a very natural and affecting manner, and hinting, as I
understood, an inclination for something to be wrote on
her tombstone that would preserve her memory. I wish
I could be so happy as to please the good man by a just
expression of what he feels on this tender subject.
Sunday, May 18th. — Went to Kelso to supply Mr.
Lundy's absence at the Assembly. Took refreshment
betwixt sermons and dined in John Miller's. Called at
Dr. Gibson's and Mrs. Dawson's. Came home after 8.
Munday, May 19th. — Wrote to Philip, chiefly about my
sister. Wrote also to A. Ridpath of Angelraw about a
place for a surgeon vacant at Penrith, which Henry had
been speaking of to Goldie, and which Goldie desired I
would inform Ridpath of. Read some things in the
Reviews that I had not read before. Journalized and
wrote accounts.
Tuesday, May 20th. — Read the newspapers and the
account of Ferrers's execution, published by authority of
the London sheriffs with some MS. notes of Dr. Pringle,
who had sent it to Sir Robert. Worthless, bad mortal as
he was, he died decently, and his execution without any
abatements of the rigor of the law was a noble example of
publick justice. A. Ridpath, with his two sisters and Mrs.
Wood of Tofts, came before dinner and staid till the even-
ing. May a very handsome girl, and very lively, but
deficient in voice and delicacy of manner. Ridpath does
not seem inclined to go to Penrith. Slept on Stillingfleet's
Tracts of Natural History.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 319
Wednesday, May 21st. — Read what I had not read before
of Stillingfleet's Tracts of Natural History, where are a
great many curious things. They are translated from the
Amoen. Acad, of the Upsal Society. The first is a Work
of Linnaeus, the rest of his disciples. The translator gives
some notes and a dissertation on English grasses. Nancy
set out for Berwick in the forenoon, and Will came here in
the evening. He had met with Nancy at Whitsum, where
they dined.
Thursday, May 22nd. — Campbell, who has been at
Liliasleaf, came here from Gordon before dinner, and staid
till 4. Got some Assembly news from him and some
laughs. The gentlewomen at Newton and Sprot here at
tea. Look'd to some things in Ray 1 and Miller 2 relating
to Stillingfleet's subjects, and at night read various things
in the Scots (January) Magazine, which came from the
town. The great multiplication of English Magazines
enable them to improve their collection.
Friday, May 23rd. — Wrought some in the garden and
read some in Stillingfleet, Ray, Miller. Afternoon went
to Sir Robert's and staid till after supper. He did not
come home from Kelso till the evening and Walter along
with him. Intended to have spoke to him about falling
to work again at my house and office houses, but did not
find it convenient.
Tuesday, May 27th. — Read some articles in some of the
Bibls. which I had in hand. Read also Edinburgh and
London newspapers. One of the Edinburgh papers has
part of a new Essay of D. Hume's on the Jealousy of Trade
published in a new edition of his Essays. In this, as usual,
he finds all the world mistaken but himself. Got from
Sir Robert's in the afternoon Lord G. Sackville's Tryal.
It is his own edition, sent down by the Doctor. Read a
good deal of it.
Wednesday, May 28th. — Read Sackville's Tryal. Philip
came in the afternoon from Edinburgh. Evening and
1 Probably John Ray's Historia Plantarum, 2 vols., 1696 and 1704.
2 Philip Miller (1691-1771), author of the Gardener's and Florist's
Dictionary (1724) which was translated into several languages.
320 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
night got his Assembly news. There seems to have been
more business and amusement at this Assembly than at
several past ones. Our Presbytery have got a grant of
£30 out of the Church funds for defraying our expenses in
the Ednam plea.
Friday, May 30th. — Wrought some in the garden. Read
what was new to me of the February Scots Magazine, and
read over again part of Sackvilles Tryal. In the evening
walked to the Lint-Mill to see the man's wife there, ill
of an ague. Look'd to some plants on the water-side as I
returned.
Saturday, May Slst. — Read Montesquieu's 4 Temple of
Gnidus ' in the Collection of his Miscellaneous Pieces, and
some of his Persian Letters, 1 both which I got from the
Library yesterday. Wrought some in the garden.
Tuesday, June 3rd. — At the Presbytery, where we had
Mcllwraith, who still undertakes to find a father for Mary
Leitch's child. Drank tea with Mrs. Walker, who came to
the town about 8 days ago. Was a while at Mr. Lundy's
and bought breeches at Walker's in the evening. Came
home betwixt 9 and 10.
Thursday, June 5th. — Set out for Berwick betwixt 8
and 9, having had a hint from Mr. Waite that my sister
wished to see me. Breakfasted at Eccles with Mrs. Dysart
and the bairns. Matthew had gone to Swintoun last
night. Met him as I was entering Swintoun. Carried him
back to dine with Cupples. Learned there that the Edrom
heritors and Committee of Presbytery had agreed about
Will's excambion yesterday. Carried Cupples to John
Waugh's, where we drank tea. Got to Berwick betwixt
9 and 10.
Friday, June 6th. — Weather the same. Berwick Fair
Day, where was a multitude of people and a great many
more cattle than used to be before the change of the day.
Made calls at Goldie's to see J. Dysart, at the Nest, at
the Angelraw people and at Aunt Balderstone's.
1 Charles de Secondat, Baron de la Brede et de Montesquieu (1689-1755) :
his Lettres Persanes, published in 172 1, were a satire on the follies of his times.
i 7 6o] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 321
Saturday, June 7th. — Came home by way of HuttOn,
where I looked to Philip's glebe, on which there is a very
fine crop of barley, and the grass coming very well away.
Then came to Edrom, where I dined and looked to the
situation of Will's house. Made a little change in it.
Have some suspicion that the ground to be given in
exchange for the glebe is none of the best. 1 The crop on
it is but poor. Got home about sunset. Did something
for to-morrow.
Sunday, June 8th. — Dobby here to ask about a lad in
Will's parish whom he wants for his English usher, 2 also
Sprot from Newton. They staid and dined and drank tea.
Munday, June 9th. — Weather the same. Journalized,
wrote accounts, read some of April London Magazines
and spoke to a catechumen or two. Drank tea at Sir
Robert's.
Tuesday, June 10th. — Weather much the same. Married
John Wood's niece at Fallside Hill and dined there. Called
at Home and a little at Home Byres in coming homewards.
In one of the Edinburgh Mercuries is a specimen of the
new Dialogues of the Dead, a work of Lord Lyttelton's. 3
The specimen is a dialogue betwixt Pope and Boileau and
is wrote with spirit, sense, and elegance. Read some of
London Magazines and wrought a while in the garden.
1 Mr. Ridpath's opinion of Will's new glebe was fully confirmed by a
successor in the parish, Mr. Alexander Cuthbertson. Writing a notice of
the parish for the Statistical Account, 1845, he says : ' The present glebe
is about the same extent as the old, namely, ten acres. The exchange was
satisfactory to Mr. William Ridpath who was then minister of the parish,
and it was gone about, so far as I have been able to learn, in the usual way :
but there must have been a mistake, for the old glebe is of as good land as
any in the parish or county, and one acre of it is worth three acres of the
present. The present glebe was, at the time of the exchange, a moor, covered
with heath with a swamp at the lower end, and though it has since been
much improved a different equivalent ought to have been obtained.'
2 It is curious to find Ridpath recording Mr. Dobby 's need of an ' usher '
for his school. The word was never in general use in Scotland, but at
this period there was a great tendency towards English phrases and
methods of speech.
3 George, first Baron Littleton (1709-73), son of Sir Thomas Littleton,
third Baronet : a friend of Pope and liberal patron of literature : the
Dialogues of the Dead were published in 1760.
X
322 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1760
Sunday, June 15th. — Preached on Isaiah 53. 11, from a
collection of materials which was far too large ; the
sermon consequently much too long — 1 hr. 45 min. This
was beyond all bounds. Five tables of communicants
full, and almost a sixth. Mr. Home preached p.m. Mr.
Allan, of whom I had lost hopes, came about 11, also T.
Macdougall, after preaching at home. Had just a table
for each of us. John Home and James Allan guests.
Tuesday, June 17th. — Had an intention to go with
James Allan to dine with Ramsay at Broomlands, but
having sent beforehand to enquire about him, we found
he was not at home. Went to Ednam and drank tea.
Both Mrs. Pollock and Bet have had colds and sore throats,
but they are in a way of being better. Got a letter in the
morning from G. Wallace, which I wrote an answer to at
Ednam, in concert with Mas Thomas.
Wednesday, June 18th. — James Allan and Will set out
before breakfast, Mr. Allan for Marchmont House. Saw
sick a.m. at Home and .the Lint Mill. Read a bit of Homer
p.m. Peggy Pringle came to tea. Walked up with her
and spoke a little to Sir Robert about the reparation of
my office houses. Slept on Voltaire's Candide, which I
brought from Stitchill.
Thursday, June 19th. — Read to the end of Voltaire's
Candide, a satire on Leibnitz's System of Optimism con-
tracting into a small compass, in the form of a lively narra-
tive, many of the most horrid scenes of wickedness and
misery that are to be met with in the different parts of the
world. Tho' it has much the appearance of [being] graceless
and atheistical, yet I am not sure if it contains much more
than a just satire on the presumption of Philosophers in
pretending to explain or account for particular phenomena
of Providence from their systems and partial views. The
conclusion of the whole is excellent, travailler suns raisonner,
cest le seul moyen de rendre la vie supportable. Spent all
the rest of the day and night in writing letters to my good
old friends Ephraim Nealson and Dr. Grieve, whom I had
too long neglected.
Friday, June 20th. — Read over again Voltaire's Opti-
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 323
misme, looking in my dictionary for several uncommon
words. Wrought a little in the garden. At night, read
D'Alembert's Analyse of the Esprit des Lois, and Montes-
quieu's Fragment on Taste, wrote for the use of the authors
of the French Encyclopedic, and left unfinished, which is
in no way inferior to what might be expected from its
great author.
Saturday, June 21st. — Rode to Ednam in the afternoon
to enquire about something Mr. Pollock told me last
Tuesday that excited my curiosity. This was that he
expected a visit of his son Tom on Thursday last. Tom
had wrote him so, told him it was to be a short one, and
wished only to find his own family at home. This put it in
my head that Tom must have been about to carry off some
girl to marry in Scotland. 1 However this may turn out,
no Tom had come, nor any accounts from him.
Munday, June 23rd. — Wrought in the garden most of
the forenoon. Afternoon went to Newton, and drank
tea in Sir Alexander's. Nobody there but the knight and
lady. Had a good deal of chat with the lady, a fine woman,
uncomfortably yoked. Got from her Lord Lyttelton's
Dialogues of the Dead. They have got almost the whole
collection of Strange's prints, several of which I had not
seen before. Venus, drest by the Graces, is a luscious
picture. Read at night more than half of the Dialogues,
in which there is some good sense and good principles,
but a want of that spirit, humour, and brilliancy which
seem very necessary to give a relish, and to engage the
attention to such kinds of composition.
1 Ridpath's guess was a shrewd one. It is quite possible that Tom's
projected visit was about the very matter that Ridpath suspected, though
it may have had to do with a more unpleasant affair in connection with his
sister Aly about which we shall soon hear. The fact is that within little
more than a year after this date, on 20th September 1761, Master Tom
had Banns of Marriage proclaimed in Edinburgh between him and Miss
Susanna Palmer, daughter of Charles Palmer, attorney, London. Both
he and the lady are described as ' from London.' He was then twenty -five :
he probably took after his sisters and was rather a fascinating youth,
though Ridpath thought him idle. He did quite well in after life : took
orders in the Church of England, became Vicar of Grittleton, Wilts, and
later a D.D., or LL.D. (accounts differ) : died 1801.
324 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
Tuesday, June 2\th. — Read to the end of Lord Lyttelton's
Dialogues, and some of them over again. Look'd for
preachings for to-morrow at Eccles, and for Eymouth on
Sunday. Read also London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh
newspapers.
Wednesday, June 25th. — Preached at Eccles. Saw there
the lately published collection of Highland poetry, trans-
lated into English prose, seemingly with spirit and elegance,
also Fordyce's famous sermon. 1
Saturday, June 28th. — Set out after 9, and got to Edrom
about 12, just before it began to rain heavily. Intended
to have been forward to Eymouth before sermon, but the
rain stopt me. It also thundered some. Mr. Murray
and his wife came here about 3. Took a view of what they
are doing in order to rebuild the Manse. The foundation
is dug, and they are taking down the old Manse, and
leading the materials to the place of the new. Set out
from Edrom about 6, and got to Eymouth about sunset.
Was obliged to turn round by Prenderguest 2 and Fernyside,
the water being in a very high flood. Found at Eymouth,
Philip, and Jolly of Simprin, who had preached to-day,
and are co-assistants to-morrow.
Munday, June 30th. — Jolly preached again, Gowdie,
who had been engaged, being obliged to set out for
Edinburgh. He is soon to be admitted at Pennycuik.
Other preacher Campbell, the most noisy I have heard.
Drank tea at R. Robertson's. Called at Slate-houses,
and supped in Mrs. Crow's.
Tuesday, July 1st. — Rode to Berwick with Philip,
1 This was probably a sermon on ' The Folly, Infamy and Misery of
unlawful pleasures/ preached before the Assembly, 25th May 1760, by
James Fordyce, D.D., who had been minister first' of Buchan and after-
wards of Alloa, but became this year one of the most popular preachers in
London whither he had migrated. He was a brother of Alex. Fordyce,
the fraudulent banker. In none of his charges does he seem to have got
on well. He retired from the ministry in 1782, and died at Bath, 1796, in his
seventy -seventh year.
2 Prendergast was on his direct route — at least by the present road.
About a mile on, he should have crossed the Eye at Aytoun, but this
being impassable he went north towards Ferny Castle, and probably crossed
at Reston where the river is narrower.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
325
Campbell, and James Allan. Just met Mrs. Waite, my
sister, and Nancy on their way to Fishwick as we were
entering the town. They had been waiting long for a
favourable day, and as the present was so very fine, resolved
to seize it. Campbell, Philip, James Allan, and I went
into the town, and eat a dinner of salmon at Mr. Waite's,
after which the three latter set out for Fishwick, where
Mr. Waite's family arrived almost as soon as we, tho'
my sister was carried by two porters in a chair. 1 James
Allan and I look'd at Billy's house as we past. 2 They
are going on with it briskly, and it will be a great ornament
to that corner of the country. Staid at Fishwick all
night.
Wednesday, July 2nd. — Philip went to examine, Mr.
Waite set out for Berwick, and James Allan on his going
to and fro about 11. I staid, and carried out my sister
behind me, for a little airing. She was much refreshed
with it. Lady Hilton with her little daughter and sister-
in-law came in the afternoon and drank tea. James
Allan had been dining there, and had put her Ladyship
in motion. Doctor Balderstone also called. It growing
fair, and a fine evening, I set out homewards after 7, and
got here betwixt 10 and 11.
Sunday, July 6th. — Brown lectured and preached
forenoon, and afterwards went down to Kelso. Excepting
some vulgarisms and inaccuracies in stile and pronunciation
he acquits himself with more than ordinary spirit, and
not without sense, so that by the further aids of assiduity
and impudence, I think it not impossible that the creature
may work himself higher, of which he is very ambitious.
Munday, July 7th. — Rode over to Sprowston where the
Sacrament was yesterday. Chiefly determined to go, by
a message from Mr. Pollock informing me of a letter from
1 Fishwick is six miles from Berwick, a considerable distance for any
one to be carried in a chair. The pace must have been leisurely, as Ridpath
and friends had time to dine at Berwick and get to Fishwick before the
chair party.
2 The mansion house of Billy was erected by Patrick Home after the
design of Robert Adam.
326
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
G. Wallace that gave an account of a decision by the Lords
in the affair of Ednam, appointing the manse to be suffi-
ciently repaired before Martinmas next. Carried Bet
over behind me, who has grown better, and is looking very
well. Thomas Turnbull, R. Dundas and his wife, there.
T. MacDougal and Mr. Pollock preached. Talked about
the Ednam affair, and resolved to have a pro re nata
meeting on Friday, in order to send . . . and instructions
to our agent. Stopt a while at Ednam in passing home-
wards, and wrote a letter to G. Wallace.
Tuesday, July 8th. — Read Voyage to Laputa, and parts of
the Houyhhnms, in Swift's Gulliver, most of which was
pretty new to me, and gave me no small entertainment.
Wednesday, July 9th. — Walked to Home to attend a
meeting about the poor's affairs. Dined at Home Byres,
and walked after dinner to W. Stevenson's marle-pit,
which is one of the deepest veins I have seen, and the marie
of the best kind. W T alked from that to Oxmuir and drank
tea. William is in a • languishing sort of way. Found
G. Curry here in the evening when I came home, and soon
after. . . .
Thursday, July 10th. — G. Curry went out to the fair in
the morning. Paid him 3 years' interest of his bill. Tait,
the preacher, called, and I engaged him to preach for me
next Sunday in the forenoon. He had promised to preach
for Abraham Ker in the afternoon. Amused in the garden
and glebe. Read the last week's Edinburgh newspapers,
and last night's London.
Friday, July 11th. — Went to Kelso to attend a Presby-
tery, where there were only 5 of us present. Agreed on a
letter to our Agent, which was accordingly wrote. Drank
tea at Mr. Lundy's new quarters in the house where John
Cleghorn lived, in Maxwellheugh. The roof is taken off
his old house, and it is proposed to repair it, that is, almost
to rebuild it this season, for which, however, they seem too
late a beginning. Came home about sunset.
Saturday, July 12th. — Rode down to Ednam, and took
the Naiad en croupe. Made short calls at Eccles and
Swintoun, and got to Whitsum about 1. Dined there,
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
327
and rode to Hutton, where I arrived about the middle of
Jolly's sermon. Walter Anderson preached after him.
Went to Fishwick with Philip and Will. My sister seems
to be agreeing well with the country, as also little Willy.
. Munday, July lUh. — We dined in the manse. R.
Johnson and one of Hilton's little daughters dined with us,
also Bailie Logan and Billy's principal mason, Nisbet,
an ingenious man in his way, the rest clergy. Called at
Mr. Ker's after, and then went to Hutton-Hall to drink
tea, which is not a disagreeable place. The lady a very
agreeable woman, and has the finest children that can be
seen.
Tuesday, July 15th. — I intended to have gone to Berwick,
chiefly to see W. Temple, but Mr. Waite came out in the
forenoon, and I was hindered from going in with him in
the evening, by my horse being sent to be shod, and not
returning in due time. Jos. Douglas of Eddrington at
Fishwick in the afternoon, a very hale and lively man at
82, tho' he begins to walk feebly.
Wednesday, July 16th. — James Allan and his two sisters
came over to Fishwick in the forenoon, in their way to
Paxton, where Mrs. Edgar had a customer in her salt-
trade to see, and to spend something in his house. W.
Nisbet, and Renton the writer were there, Nisbet the
mason, G. Logan, Philip and myself. We drank a good
deal of punch after dinner, and were very good company.
Drank a little also at Alexander Short's. I intended to
have been home to-night, but this work at Paxton detained
me so long, that I was prevailed with to stay.
Thursday, July 11th. — Still lowering, and windy from W.
Left Fishwick after 11, and came home after 2. Walked
up with Minna to Sir Robert's, and sate a while with Mrs.
Pringle and her. Sir Robert and Miss Peggy have been at
Dunglas since Tuesday.
Saturday, July 19th. — Upon getting a letter from J.
Hume, resolved to ride over to Greenlaw, and got there
after sermon had begun. Dickson of Dunse, and Mon-
teith preached. Returned at night, and looked to some-
thing for to-morrow.
328 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
Sunday, July 20th. — Rode over to Greenlaw. Sandy
was intended to have preached p.m., but pretended his
father had not given him sufficient warning. Staid at
Greenlaw all night. Monteith and Matthew fellow guests.
Munday, July 21st. — Matthew Dysart preached, and
Monteith in place of Sandy, who did not come, pretending
to be not well, a frivolous boy ! Nobody at dinner but
us assistants. John Bell and his son called in their way
from Marchmont House, and kept us together till near 9.
I gave several advices to sick and ailing people, and was
pleased to get an account from a patient of her having got
great benefit from an electuary made up of Conserva
Roses and rhubarb. Mr. Bell told us that Lord March-
mont had an express from London to-day, informing him
that his brother was given over by his physicians. He has
been for some time in a dangerous putrid fever, which, by
an account they had on Saturday last, was [not] like to
terminate favorably. His death will be an interesting
event to the Mers politicks.
Tuesday, July 22nd. — Read miscellaneously. Was in
the glebe where everything is most luxuriant, except the
grass of a piece of ground that has been exhausted by
bearing too many crops of broad clover. Minna Dawson
called in her way from Sir Robert's to Newton. Attended
her to the planting, and there, on the mossy turf, under
a sweet grove, first told her in words my desire of making
her my own. Quod faustum felixque sit.
Wednesday, July 23rd. — James Richardson from New-
castle came before dinner and dined. Went to Home in
the afternoon, and returned at night to his bed. Sir
Robert called in the forenoon and told me that Lord
Marchmont had got an account of his brother's death,
which happened on the 19th. This is a heavy stroke to
the political weight and interest of that family. Sir
Robert here again in the evening, looking to the office-
houses. I find he will easily enough agree to what is
reasonable. Read a little miscellaneously, attended the
slater, and some patients.
Thursday, July 2Uh. — Called at Coventree in the fore-
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 329
noon, not having seen him since he came from London.
Had a good deal of talk with him, chiefly about the London
sects, which seem to have been one of the principal objects
of his attention. There is almost as odd a medley there
of that sort of cattle at present, as there was a hundred
years ago, but Whitefield is greatly ahead of all the rest.
Aly Stevenson came before dinner, to see my mother, and
staid till the evening. Minna Dawson also here in the
evening. Catched her in passing from Ednam, and set
her up most of the way to Sir Robert's. Had some
e xplicatory chat with her about what passed on Tuesday,
and must have more when an opportunity occurs. Slept
on Gulliver. William came in the evening.
Saturday, July 26th. — Shaved in the morning. The
lad Davidson from Sprowston here, to remind me to be in
time at Kelso on Tuesday for the examination of him
and his fellow-student Turnbull, who are intended to be
taken on tryals in the winter. 1 Rode to Gordon, and
preached on Philippians 3. 8. Colleagued with Alexander
Duncan. Came home about sunset, and did something
for to-morrow.
Tuesday, July 29th. — Mostly sunny, breeze southerly,
hot. Went to the Presbytery which meets to-day,
because St. James's fair-day is next Tuesday. Examined
Davidson and Turnbull, two lads in Robert Turnbull's
parish, in order to the writing of circular letters, for taking
them on trials. Turnbull a stupid animal, Davidson
better. Had Slater, the Sprowston schoolmaster before
us for his litigious behaviour, and ordered him to be
reponed to his office of Presenting, 2 from which the
Session had suspended him, on account of some quarrels
with his neighbours, to whom he is a great nuisance. John
Stevenson came in to us in the afternoon and gave us some
1 William Davidson, son of Edward Davidson, minister of Castlegarth
Presbyterian Church, Newcastle, may have been residing within the
bounds of the Presbytery of Kelso at this time as he was licensed by it in
1760. He afterwards became minister of Mordington.
2 That is, from his office of Precentor or leader of the Psalmody in the
church services.
330 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1760
punch to drink the Lord President's health, 1 this being
his birthday. This kept us longer in Waldie's than usual.
Afterwards reconnoitred Mr. Lundy's manse, which is to
be altogether demolished, the old walls being unable to
sustain the addition proposed. Ramsay has given a plan
of a new one, of which he is very fond, but to which Mr.
Lundy has various objections. It is to cost, however, a
very considerable sum. the heritors having contracted
with the wright and mason alone for £200. Called at
Mrs. Dawson's and at Scot's to see the account I owed
Mr. Dawson. It amounts to £3 : 3 : 2. I was afraid it
might be more. Walked to and again afoot.
Saturday, August 2nd. — Walked to Nenthorn and
preached. Colleagued with W. Brown of Maxton. Never
heard Brown before. Nothing can be conceived more
lifeless than his manner, yet he says affecting and
plain things most deliberately and distinctly, and these
please, and gain the man attention in spight, as it
were, of himself. Saw, in returning, a good deal of
the great water-dock on the sides of the Eden. Dr. Hill 2
has joined lately with the antients in celebrating it as a
grand specifick for the scurvy, and I have been wishing
to meet with it all this summer. Heard from Berwick at
night. Philip writes me that my sister has recruited
greatly. Sent me also the May and June London Magazines,
which I looked over at night.
[A page torn out of the MS. here.]
(Friday, August 8th, contd.). — Read some of the Philo-
sophical Transactions, and sowed winter spinnage in the
forenoon. Afternoon, went to Kelso, in consequence of
an agreement yesterday, to consider what is to be done
about Mr. Lundy's house. Was to have been there at
dinner, but could not conveniently leave my mother, who,
1 Robert Dundas of Arniston, who had been appointed President of
the Court of Session on the 14th of the previous month.
2 John Hill (d. 1775) practised as an apothecary and quack doctor in
London, published The Vegetable System (1759-75), for which he obtained
the Swedish Order of Vasa.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 331
however, has been no worse to-day. Could come to no
resolution about Lundy's house farther than that he
should consult next Presbytery, and in the mean time,
talk to some of the members. Called at Mrs. Dawson's.
Tuesday, August 12th. — Read Tristram Shandy, and
some of Colonel Hooke's 1 Negotiations, the former belong-
ing to the library, the latter, Professor Stevenson's. Will
came from Fishwick, where he had been all last night,
about tea-time. Campbell came at night on his road to
Ramsay at Bruimlands, who, to gratify the heritors of
Lilsly [Lilliesleaf], is keeping up his presentation as long
as the law will allow, tho' he had promised to Campbell,
when he saw him more than a moneth ago, that it should
be given in immediately. Campbell has given up his
people at Berwick, where Gardiner, a man from the South
of England, recommended by Dr. Chandler, is expected
before next Sunday.
Wednesday, August 13th. — Campbell left us in the
morning, and Will went to Kelso with him to breakfast.
Will came back before dinner, and told us that Ramsay,
after some excuses, had promised to send up the presenta-
tion to-morrow to one of the ministers of the Presbytery.
Read Tristram Shandy over again, which is a very pretty
jeu a" esprit. It is too learned for the ladies and even the
bulk of the male readers, who must be greatly puzzled to
find out what there is in it that pleases the judges so much.
Read also most of Colonel Hooke's Negotiations. Mrs.
Dawson here in the afternoon.
Thursday, August 14>th. — Read Colonel Hooke to an
end. An Englishman that followed the fortunes of
James vn. and his family, gallicized into a plotter, and
writer of Memoirs, that is, prompted by vanity to babble to
posterity, what he dares not mutter to his contemporaries.
These memoirs give a striking view of the general dis-
affection of Scotland at the time of the Union, but what
1 Nathaniel Hooke, the elder (1669- 1738), a Jacobite officer who under-
took secret missions to Scottish Jacobites ; corresponded with Marlborough
and Stair ; published The Secret History of his Negotiations in Scotland, in
favour of the Pretender in 1707 (London, 1760).
332 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
they relate concerning this and the Pretender's Expedition
in 1708, adds but little to what was already sufficiently
known. Read the History of the Union in Bishop Burnet,
and all that he has on the years 1707 and 1708. I sent
Charles for Nancy to-day, and she came up in the evening.
My mother is no worse.
Friday, August 15th. — Looked over some part of Hooke's
Negotiations, and read p.m. and evening a good deal of
Jortin's Life of Erasmus, 1 which is a work of an odd con-
struction, but not unentertaining. Got it to-day from the
library. Was in the meadow part of the afternoon, helping
to put up some hay. Will left us a.m.
Munday, August 18th. — Put right some hay cocks in the
glebe, and drove away the crows and pidgeons, the latter
of which have made a dreadful havock of my pease. Mr.
Pollock here at dinner from Kelso (whither he removed
last week), by the way of Newton, where he had been to
see the Knight, who was going away somewhere. Had
from him the particulars of his daughter's marriage, which is
now in everybody's mouth. Her husband is a nephew to
the Earl of Inchiquin, has formerly been a lieutenant of a
man-of-war, but is now out of employment, expecting a
ship. His elder brother is apparent heir to Inchiquin,
and is married to one of his daughters, who is deaf and
dumb, by whom he has only one daughter. When he
succeeds to the Inchiquin Estate, Aly's husband succeeds
to his father's estate, which is considerable. Such is the
account Tom, who came down along with the couple to be
married at Edinburgh, gives of the affair. Next to the
madness of the thing itself, is the distraction of publishing
it. But the people here should never have been told it,
as they were incapable of perceiving the importance of
keeping it a secret. ,If it turns not out miserably for the
poor girl, which it may do in more ways than one, all
concerned may thank their stars. A love marriage, they
call it, but what sort of love ? not of six weeks' continuance
1 John Jortin (1698- 1770), ecclesiastical historian : Archdeacon of
London 1764 : besides three volumes of ecclesiastical history he published,
in 1758, his Life of Erasmus.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 333
before consummation. Mas Thomas, poor body, is a
little fearful about the event, and told me in confidence
some of Allan's history, which looks as if matters at London
were not in the best way with him. He is, it seems, just
about to be married himself, and I suppose was glad of an
opportunity to get his sister off his hands. She had better
have staid at Ednam, where she could scarce have mist a
farmer or perhaps a minister, that would have been faithful
and good to her. 1 Read a good deal of the Life of Erasmus.
Tuesday, August 19th. — Read more of the Life of Erasmus,
which is spun out to a great length, very uselessly, I think,
unless to a man actually employed in reading his works.
His life was a very busy one, but the business and events
of it, were very uniform.
Wednesday, August 20th. — Read the Life of Erasmus to
an end. The ground work of it is a sort of free translation
of what Le Clerc has wrote on the life and works of this
eminent man in his Bibliotheques, and prefaces to the
Leyden edition. This is interlarded with passages from
Knight, who writes a life of Erasmus, from Burnet's
History of the Reformation, and many other authors ; and
all along the bottom of the page is filled with extracts
from the letters of Erasmus and his correspondents, from
Seckendorff's History of Lutheranism, Perizonius, etc.
Such works are compilations by their very nature, but this
is as mere and as inartificial a one as I have met with.
1 We must regret the Diary does not come further down than it does,
for then we might have had some further light thrown on the mystery of
Aly Pollock's alleged marriage. John O'Brien, Captain R.N., was the
second son of James O'Brien, M.P., who was the third son of the third
Earl of Inchiquin. His uncle, the fourth Earl, succeeded to the title and
died 1719, when John's elder brother Murrough became fifth Earl and was
subsequently created Marquess of Thomond. He died s.p., in 1808, and
as John himself had died in 1788 without apparently any legitimate issue,
the honours went to a nephew, the son of a younger brother. If John
O'Brien were really married to Aly Pollock and if she had had a son, the
possibility of which is hinted at in the Diary, the latter would have suc-
ceeded to the title. It is clear, however, that Ridpath had grave doubts
on this subject. Generally, it may be said, that no proof of this alleged
marriage has ever been produced, and John O'Brien is known to have
been a bad character.
334
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1760
There are various strictures too of the compiler, and the
whole is digested into the form of annals, and fills a 4to
volume of 630 pages. Certainly Erasmus's character,
everything of note in his life, and what is remarkable also
in his works might have been contained in half the room.
But the compiler has for his object not only to illustrate
the character and life of Erasmus, but those of his learned
correspondents and cotemporaries. And indeed the work
contains a great variety of entertaining knowledge of that
sort. What also relieves much the tedium, tho' it lengthens
the time of reading it, is the collection of quotations at
the bottom of the pages, which often contain interesting
things, and are generally written in an agreeable, elegant
Latin stile. Jortine shows himself in this work (I have not
read any, of his other works) to be a man of moderate
sense and considerable erudition ; industrious also, and
not without sagacity in the critical and philological way.
Read last week's Edinburgh papers.
Thursday, August 2\st. — P.m. went to Eccles, where I
heard for the first time that Major Pringle had been
publickly proposed as a candidate for the Mers seat in
Parliament at a pretty large meeting of Gentlemen at
Greenlaw on Monday last. It was a meeting about the
Coldstream turnpike, and the motion was made by Sir
Alexander Don, and seconded by James Pringle of Bow-
land. Sir Robert was present, so that the matter must be
serious. James Allan, who had dined at Fogo, and is
going to Marchmont House, came here in the evening.
Munday, August 25th. — Read some Life of Erasmus
and some other things miscellaneously. Minna Dawson
[the ladys name has been erased] at tea. Sir Robert's boy
called for her, and carried her home in the . . . [the rest
of this day hopelessly erased].
Tuesday, August 26th. — Read miscellaneously, and
wrought among the lime which was got riddled in the
morning. Mixed some sand with it. W. Jeffery came in
the evening. He had been at Bassendean and Easttown,
and is in his way east the country.
Wednesday, August 21th. — Went with Mr. Jeffery to
i 7 6o] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 335
Eccles and dined. W. Ramsay and his wife there p.m.
Came home in the evening. Read some of Mrs. Carter's
Epictetus, 1 which came to-day from the library, a very
elegant book in printing and binding, and, I believe, no
less so in the composition.
Thursday, August 28th. — Read a book of Epictetus's
discourses, and attended the mason who began to harle
the office-houses. T. Underwood's lad was also preparing
hair for plaister lime. A letter from Mr. Waite informs
me that my sister is better.
Friday, August 29th. — Read another book of Arrian.
Many excellent things in it. Messrs. Lundy and Turnbull
came to dinner and staid till after tea. Mr. Lundy has
got an extract of the proceedings of the Heritors' meetings
about his manse, but seems to be very irresolute how he
shall table his complaints before the Presbytery, tho'
he is very desirous of doing it. It seems also a little
uncertain how far they will be able to redress him, especi-
ally as the sum the heritors have allowed for re-building
the manse appears so considerable.
Saturday, August 30th. — Attended the mason, and walked
to Home, where I had several sick folks to see. There is a
fever pretty common there. It has rheumatick symptoms,
and is not of long continuance, going off on the 7th or
8th day with a sweat and sleeping. In some there has
been a blooding at the nose towards the crisis, and in
others, a looseness. It does not seem to require much
blooding, if any. Whey, with sage, and wine seem to do
very well to forward a diaphoresis, and support the spirits.
Munday, September 1st. — Rode over to Greenlaw, where
I met with Matthew Dysart by appointment, and John
Hume rode over with us to Marchmont House, but all
were gone to Eccles. Called and asked Nancy Burnet
how she did, took a turn in the garden, whose growths by
badness of soil and want of shelter, are very poor, par-
ticularly the trees, both on the walls and espaliers. Came
1 Elizabeth Carter (1717-1806), the daughter of a clergyman in Kent:
was a friend of Dr. Johnson : she published her translation of Epictetus in
1758.
336
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
back to Greenlaw, where John, to make up for a bad dinner,
gave us a pretty large doze of drink. Very hearty. Got
home before 9. Found Will here.
Tuesday, September 2nd. — At the Presbytery, where Mr.
Lundy represented to us the affair of his manse. Having
before appointed a Presbytery on Thursday fortnight for
revising the widows' register and some Presbytery minutes,
we thought it best for him to desire by intimation from
the pulpit, a meeting of the heritors to attend the Presby-
tery that day, in order to our conversing with them about
the subjects of Mr. Lundy's complaints, and to try to
prevent or adjust differences betwixt them. Called at
Mr. Pollock's a.m., and drank tea there p.m. The Naiad
in great glory. T. McDougal breakfasted here.
Wednesday, September 3rd. — Mrs. Dawson set out for
Ednam in the morning. Compared a little of the original
of Arrian, which I got from Robert Turnbull yesterday,
with Miss Carter's translation. The translation is literal,
and at the same time expressive and elegant.
Saturday, September 6th. — Attended the mason, and read
out the reviews. There is a good specimen of an abridge-
ment of the Roman History in the manner of Henault,
translated by Nugent 1 from the French of McQuer.
Munday, September 8th. — Was at Home seeing sick,
a.m. After dinner at a burial from Caldron Brae. Read
two of the last week's Edinburgh papers. Read also some
of Arrian. Attended the mason, and wrought a little in
the garden. Saw Jupiter and Saturn finely through my
telescope at night.
Tuesday, September 9th.— Read Arrian to an end. Read
also part of the miscellaneous collection of Epictetus's
Fragments from Stobaeus, 2 etc., wherein are many excellent
things. Was pretty much in the garden and with the
1 Thomas Nugent (1700-72), miscellaneous writer : LL.D. Aberdeen,
1 765 : translated a number of French books.
2 Johannes Stobaeus, a native of Stobi, in Macedonia. He was a man
of extensive reading and compiled a large and valuable collection of
extracts from the earlier Greek writers. He is believed to have lived in
the fifth century, but little is known about him.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 337
mason. Read also most of July Scots Magazine, which
was brought here in its way to the town's people.
Wednesday, September 10th. — Read the Enchiridion.
Was at Sir Robert's p.m., where I got Dr. Wilson's work on
the autumnal dysentery, 1 and the Fragments of Highland
poetry. Read them both in the evening. The Doctor's
writing is still very bad. His physiology seems to be
tolerable (not a word of Hutchinsonianism, unless perhaps
lurking for adepts), and his practise very safe and judicious,
as it is reported to have been very successful for the
autumns of the two preceding years. The Highland
Fragments have such descriptions of wild nature in scenes
and passions as might be expected from the circumstances
and manners of the remote antiquity to which they are said
to belong. They are almost all of the lugubre kind, and
there is little variety in them.
Thursday, September 11th. — Attended work, and read
over again Dr. Wilson's Dysentery. Matthew Dysart and
his son here at tea. Sent Charles for Minna Dawson, who
came up in the evening. I intend to carry her to Fishwick
to-morrow. Her mother set out for Glasgow this morning
on a very charitable errand ; to attend her niece, Cicely
Has well, who, in the midst of strangers, has lost her
husband lately, and is at the point of lying-in. 2
Friday, September 12th. — Set out for Fishwick with
Minna en croupe. Both, I believe, pleased with our
journey, but it had its alloys. Our horse fell with us,
and we tumbled off a little this side of Swinton-Mill.
Happily neither of us hurt, but were obliged to walk forward
1 Andrew Wilson (1718-92) was the son of Gabriel Wilson, minister of
Maxton. He practised medicine first in Newcastle and then in London.
He published several philosophical works anonymously, Hutchesonian in
views ; amongst other medical works he wrote An Essay on the Autumnal
Dysentery, 1761.
2 Cecilia Haswell, Mrs. Dawson's niece, had married John Kennedy,
merchant, Glasgow. It is stated in the Index to the Glasgow Testaments
that her husband's testament was confirmed 28th July 1758, but this
must be a mistake as we know he was alive in September of that year
(see p. 201). She is described as his relict in 1766, when her testament
was confirmed {Glasgow Testaments, Scottish Record Society, p. 223).
338 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
to the village to get the girth mended. Probably with this
toss, a bundle Mina carried amongst her petticoats was
loosened and she dropt it somewhere on the road, but did
not miss it till we got to Fishwick. Sent immediately a
man to see for it, but it was not to be found. Found my
sister more languid than I expected. Philip is well enough,
but somewhat thinned by a cold. Mr. Waite was there,
and in the afternoon, Billy Temple and Sally, Mrs. Nicholson
and her daughter were at tea.
Saturday, September ISth. — Came home in the evening.
Enquired at Swinton, Swinton-Mill, and Leetholm about
Minna Dawson's bundle, but got no intelligence of it.
After I came home, dozed, and did something for to-morrow.
Munday, September 15th. — Got my corn and hay led in,
to which the rain was so little, as to be no hindrance. I
was at Home, seeing sick. Several fevers among the
poorest people. They are short, somewhat putrid, and
return 2 or 3 times. John Sked here at dinner and tea.
He brought us an account that Mina Dawson's bundle
had been got by the gardener of Eccles. We overtook
him in going down, at the W. end of Swintoun, and he
had observed a shepherd boy take up something from the
road and carry it off. I met with him in riding home, and
told him of what we had lost. He concluded the boy had
got it, found him as he came along, and got it from him
for a shilling. This is lucky enough. Evening, look'd
to the book on the widows' fund.
Tuesday, September 16th. — Dr. Miller called here, and
Dr. Gibson spoke of some asafoetida pills for my mother.
They once did her good, and may be tried again. Gathered
some of the flowers of the white lamium to send to my
sister. Miller, the author of the Botan. Offic. 1 speaks
of them with some commendation, and they are a great
remedy among the country people. Read over again
some of the Highland Fragments, 2 which are certainly
1 Catalogns Plantarum officinalium quae in Horto Botanico Chelseyano
aluntur, by Philip Miller, 1730.
2 This was James Macpherson's Fragments of Ancient Poetry collected
in the Highlands, which had just been published that year. Their authen-
i 7 6o] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 339
very great originals. Read most of Swift's Letters published
in the Edinburgh Edition of his works. Most of them are
to Dr. Sheridan. Slept on Arrian.
Wednesday, September 17th. — Read also some of Swift,
and in the evening, look'd to my small collection of law
about the power of Presbyteries with regard to building
or repairing ministers' manses, from which I learned
nothing. Was in the afternoon at Chrv Hoy's burial.
It went to Eccles, but I turned off with Mr. Pollock to
Harper-town, where John Dawson has been very ill of a
sort of dropsical complaint, attended by a stoppage of
urine. He is a good deal better. I drank tea there.
Thursday, September 18th. — Went to a Presbytery at
Kelso appointed for revising minutes, and the register-
book for widows, and also to converse with the heritors
of Kelso about Mr. Lundy's manse. The last-named
part of our business took up all our time. W T . Ker and T.
Turner were delegates from the heritors to attend us, and
their instructions were to support the plan that is executing,
to which we heard Mr. Lundy's objections, and also his
further demands. We also called workmen to make an
estimate of the expense of the proposed additions which
amounted to near £70, but might probably be executed
for [£]50. The delegates would agree to nothing, but
promised to report the estimate and Mr. Lundy's demands
to a meeting of heritors. Ker attacked Lundy rudely
and repeatedly, and provoked him at last to make returns
very contrary to his temper and confirmed habits. Robert
Turnbull supported Lundy with passion, and I thought
myself also obliged to do it, tho' loth to begin, but kept
my temper tolerably. The consequence was much dis-
agreeable altercation, which ended in Ker's retiring in a
pet. Called at Mr. Pollock's in the forenoon, but was
nowhere else. Came home in the evening. Read a little
of Swift and Epictetus.
Friday, September 19th. — Went to the burial of Nicol
ticity was a matter of much controversy at the time, and it is probable
that they owed their form largely to Macpherson himself.
340 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
Wilson's daughter who died on Wednesday, and was
buried at Nenthorn. In riding to Home afterwards, rode
part of the way with Sir Robert and had some talk with
him about the Major's affair. He told me what I had
heard before, but could scarce credit, that Lord Kaims,
so far as he knew, was the first who proposed his son for
candidate. He told me also, which I thought strange,
that it was yet uncertain what Sir J. Hall would do in
this matter. I had heard long ago, that Sir John had had
an offer made him of Lord Home's interest for himself as
a candidate, which, it seems, makes him hesitate about
concurring with the Major. Such a competition, or the
appearance of it, is very unhappy. Sir Robert told me
that he himself was never fond of this project, that he is
incapable of giving the least assistance in it by asking any
one man for his vote or interest ; mentioned also the
certainty of the expense attending it. W T ent to Home
to see sick and to make a man's testament who is in a
third relapse of the fever that is pretty frequent there,
and most so among the poorest people. Did not get home
till 4 p.m. Read a last week's Edinburgh paper, and
some of Tyrrel's English History, also some of Arrian.
Saturday, September 20th. — Corrected Miss Carter's
Epictetus according to the printed errata. Learned that
Major Pringle came home before dinner, sooner, I believe,
than expected.
Munday, September 22nd. — Read in the original of
Arrian, great part of the excellent chapter on Liberty,
in the beginning of Book 4, comparing it with the trans-
lation which is one of the most elegant and agreeable for
a close and literal one, that I have met with. Corrected
also what I had not corrected before. At night, read some
of Quintilian's 10th book, where he gives the characters of
the antient Greek poets, equally remarkable for truth of
judgment and tone, and beauty of expression. Drank tea
at Sir Robert's p.m., but Sir Robert and the Major had
gone to Mellerstain. The Major does not expect to be
long in the country.
Tuesday, September 23rd. — Went to Sprowstoun to revise
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 341
minutes, along with Messrs Turnbull, Pollock, and Lundy.
Lundy is gone to Lothian. Went over the few minutes
we had. Came home in the evening. Mr. Pollock told
me that his daughter Mrs. O'Brien, quondam Alie, arrived
at Kelso on Saturday night. It looks too likely that
she will stay there, which is better than being turned on
the town. The histories about her husband grow more
and more strange.
Wednesday, September 2Uh. — At Oxmuir and Home a.m.
seeing sick. The fever still continues among the poor
people, and many of them have relapses. Gathered some
more flowers of the lamium album for my sister, and
attended the masons rebuilding the barn gavel. Got Sir
Robert's mason to help the old man with that part of the
work. Evening, read almost all the August Review.
Slept on Quintilian.
Friday, September 26th.- — Clouds and sun, breeze W.
some little showers. Forenoon, chiefly attended workmen.
In the afternoon, Philip, Nancy, and I went to Kelso,
chiefly to see Aly Pollock. Robert Turnbull and Glen
had been giving a strange account of her odd cit airs, but
she behaved decently enough to-day. She seems to be
with child, is drest oddly, and looks but very indifferently.
Her match has an extremely suspicious appearance, but
the poor creature herself seems to have no fears about it.
Walked over to Maxwell-heugh to see Mr. Lundy's sisters,
and he, himself, arrived just a little after us. He has
been in East Lothian, where his friends have confirmed him
in all his discontents about his manse. He seems now
resolved to enter into a Law-plea, if he cannot otherwise
obtain redress. Came home about 9.
Saturday, September 27th. — Attended the workmen who
finished to-day the harling, etc., of the house and office-
houses. They have not wrought in so bad a day. Philip
left us after dinner, and Will went away early in the
morning, to attend the burial of a man of his parish.
Munday, September 29th. — Was at Oxmuir, seeing W.
Dickson, who grows very weak, and at Home, seeing sick,
and attending a meeting about the poor. Evening and
342 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
night read two books of Apuleius's Metamorphoses. Have
long resolved to go through this author.
Wednesday, October 1st. — Read Apuleius. Doctor Miller
here at dinner and tea. He was assisting a woman in the
town in labour. Got a letter from Ephraim Nealson
enclosed in one from Mr. Waite, in the morning. Ephraim
was at London on the 17th of September, and is as happy
as he could wish in the family where he is employed. He
writes me of a particular friend of his and Dr. Grieve's,
a vinegar merchant, who is soon to be at Berwick, and
whom he would wish me to see.
Thursday, October 2nd. — Went to Smallholm to see
Duncan, but not finding him at home, rode down to
Makerston. The minister not at home. Dined and drank
tea with the Colonel who, with his lady, had just returned
from Minto. A gentleman of the name of Dundas, who
had been in the army, is staying there, and is a sort of
connoisseur in agriculture, which was the chief subject of
our conversation. Evening and night, dozed, and read
Apuleius.
Friday, October Srd. — Finished Apuleius's Golden Ass,
a whimsical title of a no less whimsical work. It is re-
markable for a luxuriancy, both of fancy and expression,
and a very useful moral allegory appears in the principal
story, as well as in some of the episodes. It abounds with
strong and glowing descriptions, some of them of the
amorous kind, which have perhaps helped to preserve this
work entire, while many others, and probably more useful,
of the same author have been lost. There is a multitude
of odd words and phrases in it, which, together with many
corruptions in the text, render it in many places obscure,
in several unintelligible. Some of the difficult places are
cleared in the notes by Colvius subjoined to the edition
I have, but many he has past by, without so much as
attempting to explain them. Got the Philosophical Trans-
actions for 1758 from the library, and read a little of them.
Saturday, October Uh. — Revised some of Apuleius, and
wrought a while in the garden, cropping the hornbeam
hedge.
1760]
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
343
Tuesday, October 7th. — Went to the Presbytery, where
we had a long answer from the Kelso heritors, relating to
Mr. Lundy's manse, in which they are such fools as to
complain to the Presbytery of Mr. Lundy's abusing and
insulting their delegate Ker. In answer to this, we agreed
to transmit a proposal of Lundy's to heighten the upper
story of the manse at his own expence, giving our opinion
along with it, that it would contribute much to the con-
veniency of the house. Dawson of Stow at the Presbytery,
and J. Aitchison came just when we were about to part,
in the afternoon. Sate with him till the darkening. Had
called at Mr. Pollock's in the forenoon, where Bell is come
home. Evening, read last week's Edinburgh papers, and
some of the Philosophical Transactions.
Wednesday, October 8th. — Attended Thomas Underwood
plaistering the N.E. room, and read Philosophical Trans-
actions. Saw Sir Robert Pringle passing through the
town, and asked him the news of the Head Court at
Greenlaw yesterday. He told me that Lord Nisbet had
proposed the Major as a proper person for the County to
unite in forgetting their former differences : upon which
both Newton and Ker declared their resolution to con-
tinue to stand and to persist in their solicitations. Slept
on a bit of Terence.
Thursday, October 9th. — Afternoon, at Sir Robert's,
where were Lady Margaret Hume, young Hamilton, and
Murray of Powmaise, 1 with their governour Dr. Robert-
son. The major went to Edinburgh yesterday, and is not
to be at home again these 10 days, but will be in the
country till the election be over. So much company
being there, hindered my getting any particulars about his
affair. Will came in the evening, and is to stay here while
I am on a jaunt east the country.
Friday, October 10th. — Set out about 10, and reached
Allan-bank betwixt 1 and 2. Found Sir John at home
and Lord Nisbet and Niddry 2 there. Had abundance of
1 Probably William Murray who succeeded to Polmaise in 1758.
2 That is, Andrew Wauchope of Niddry Marischal.
344 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
conversation, chiefly on agriculture and politicks, in the
course of which Niddry showed acuteness, sense, and far
more learning than is common among gentlemen. Rode
over to Fishwick, where I arrived towards darkening.
Found my sister much better than I have hitherto seen her.
Saturday, October 11th. — Willy Temple came to dine
with us, and I rode down with him to Berwick in the
evening. Was detained by my horse having strayed, so
that I had but little time to spend with Beaufoy, Ephraim's
friend, who had come to Tweedmouth pretty early in the
afternoon. Went over to Tweedmouth to him betwixt
8 and 9, where Mr. Waite was with him. He is a man of
a very agreeable figure, and very good conversation, and
I regretted much that I had had so little of his company.
Munday, October 13th. — Blowing from W., especially at
night, and rainy. Rode to Berwick with Philip in the
forenoon, and dined in Mr. Waite's. Drank tea p.m. at
Aunt Balderstone's, who is looking very fresh and well.
Henry there, their new minister, 1 a very sensible man.
Went afterwards to Campbell's, and saw Gardiner there,
who preached yesterday in the Low Meeting for the first
time. He is not likely to please, chiefly for want of voice.
'Tis a pity, for he has the appearance of a man of honesty
and good dispositions. He has been recommended to the
people of that meeting by Dr. Chandler, and in the view
of settling at Berwick, has given up his congregation at
Marlborough, where he has been settled several years.
Tuesday, October lUh. — Din'd at Mr. Waite's. Mr. Allan
1 Robert Henry, son of James Henry, farmer, Muirton, St. Ninians :
after being Master of the Grammar School at Annan was ordained minister
of the Presbyterian Congregation at Carlisle 1748 : became minister of the
High Meeting House, Berwick, 13th August 1760 : he was translated to
New Greyfriars, Edinburgh, 1768: D.D. Edinburgh 1770: Moderator of
General Assembly 1774 : translated to Old Kirk Parish, Edinburgh, 1776 :
died 1 781. He married within three years of his entry Ann Balderston,
who was probably a cousin of Ridpath. The latter must have found the
new minister a kindred soul, as he is now chiefly remembered as the author
of a History of Great Britain, in six volumes (the last published posthu-
mously under the editorship of Sir Henry Moncreiff Wellwood) which
went through five editions and was translated into French.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 345
came to us before dinner. Drank tea in Henry's where
we again met with Gardiner. Campbell also there, were
very hearty. Gardiner seems greatly amazed at Camp-
bell's buffooneries. Supp'd in Dr. Balderstone's whose
father-in-law, Mr. J. Watson, died last Sunday, and is
to be buried to-morrow. His disease was the palsy, under
which he has laboured several weeks.
Wednesday, October 15th. — Philip, James Allan and I
dined in Mr. Temple's. Philip and I called at Mr. Watson's
a.m., and sate near an hour. He was hearty and discreet
enough. Attended Jos. Watson's funeral p.m., an honest,
well-meaning man, but as changeable and liable to be
imposed on as most women. His help in procuring my
settlement here by his interest with Lord Barrington 1 was
of no small importance. James Allan went home in the
evening. Drank tea in Mrs. Nicholson's, and W. Temple
came down and sate the evening with us in Mr. Waite's,
where we had a great doze of the best and largest oysters
I remember to have seen.
Thursday, October 16th. — Din'd in S. Stanton's, and
drank tea in Mr. Chisholm's. He, with Mrs. Turner and
his daughter, have gone this week to Edinburgh, where
Mrs. Turner would needs be, to see her brother Jamy.
Sate the evening in Dr. Balderstone's, who is always
friendly and good.
Friday, October 17th. — Call'd at Mr. Temple's, to bid
farewell to his son who is a very agreeable, promising, young
man, virtuous, industrious, and very good-natured. Came
out to Fishwick to dine. Left Fishwick after 3, and got
home after 6. Dozed most of the night, and looked a little
to something for to-morrow. Will set out for Edrom this
afternoon.
Saturday, October 18th. — Aly Stevenson came over here
in the forenoon, and is to stay 2 or 3 nights with Nancy.
1 William Wildman Barrington Shute, Viscount Barrington of Ardglass
in the Peerage of Ireland. He was M.P. for Berwick in 1743, and as the
presentation to Stitchel seems to have been jointly executed by the Crown
and Lord Home, he would have considerable influence in getting Ridpath
appointed.
346 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
Sunday, October 19th. — Went to the burial of John
Dawson of Harper-town, who died on Friday morning ;
a very worthy, useful man in his station. Thence went
forward to Kelso, and got there about 12. Preached a
good while in the school. Messrs. Pollock, Robert Turn-
bull, M'Dougall, fellow-assistants. John Aitchison also
there in his way homewards from Morpeth, and James
Turnbull came and preached in the school in the afternoon.
I staid in Dr. Gibson's all night.
Munday, October 20th. — At Kelso till the evening.
Messrs. Robert Turnbull and Chatto preached. Had our
presbytery for privy censures, and gave orders to execute
a charge of horning against the Ednam heritors for repairing
Mr. Pollock's manse, which, by the negligence of our agent,
has been too long delayed. Sate till past 8 at Mr. Pollock's
waiting for the newspapers which brought no mail. Slept
on the August magazine.
Tuesday, October 21st. — Aly Stevenson left us in the
afternoon. The lad . Davidson of Sprowston, who is to
enter on tryals after the Synod, and is said to be her spark,
came to walk home with her.
Wednesday, October 22nd. — Read over again several
articles in the Philosophical Transactions for 1758, and made
up an account of the expences of the farther repairs that
have been made this year in manse and office-houses for
which the heritors are still my debtors. Thought at night
of an address from the Synod to His Majesty, on the suc-
cesses of the campaign.
Thursday, October 23rd. — Went on invitation to dine at
Sir Robert's. Sate till after tea. Nobody but themselves,
with the Major, who returned from an expedition to Edin-
burgh, etc., on Tuesday night last. He was rather dull,
partly from his not having been quite well. Our principal
subjects were Ireland and the Army. Scarce learned any-
thing from him about his election affair.
Friday, October 2klh. — Afternoon, went to Wm. Dickson's
burial, the throngest, notwithstanding the badness of the
day, that I have seen, a very proper return on the part of
his friends and neighbours to a man who wished them all
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 347
well, and lived amongst them a long and very inoffensive
life. Saw Messrs. John Hume and Dysart at the funeral.
Did not stop at Greenlaw, however, longer than the inter-
ment, and came home betwixt 5 and 6. Slept on Apu-
leius's Apology.
Saturday, October 25th. — Prepared for to-morrow.
Wrought some in the garden, and read more of Apuleius's
first Apology, where there are some very good and very
curious things.
Munday, October 27th. — Read some of Philosophical
Transactions and of Epictetus. Saw in the afternoon,
Robert White's people at Runningburn, who are in great
distress, by a bad, tedious fever. Evening, read the
account in the Bibl. Rais. of Pococke's description of the
East. 1 The extract of what relates to Egypt is a very
good one, and is improved by some things taken from
other authors. Slept on a bit of Cicero. Wrought some,
in the forenoon, on a Synodieal address, but was not pleased
with it. However, it may afford elements, if anything of
that kind is proposed.
Tuesday, October 28th. — Did not set out for the Synod
till past 12, yet got soon enough to hear most of Dickson's
sermon, which had some very good things in it. Cupples
chosen Moderator. In the afternoon sederunt, had the
schoolmaster of Jedburgh before us for going to hear
Boston. It was brought to us by a prosecution of the
heritors and an appeal from the Presbytery for not giving
a speedy enough decision. Upon his declaring his resolu-
tion to obey what the Synod should enjoin, and expressing
his regret for the trouble he had given the Presbytery, he
was appointed to attend henceforth ordinances regularly
in his parish-church, and to give no countenance to schism,
and the Presbytery charged to report concerning his
obedience. Was in Waldie's at night with a great
1 Richard Pococke (1704-65), celebrated traveller : visited Egypt and
the Near East 1737-40, and published an account of his travels 1743-45 :
the pioneer of Alpine exploration: Bishop of Ossory 1756-65 : Bishop of
Meath 1765. See biographical sketch prefixed to his Travels in Scotland,
Scottish History Society, 1st ser., vol. i.
348 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
company, in which we were very gay. Lodged there all
night.
Wednesday, October "29th. — Agreed in the forenoon dyet
to apply to the Commission for their help in obtaining
relief from the prosecution for payment of the window tax.
This was occasioned by John Home, the Mers collector's
proceeding to extremities lately against Monteith, who
thereupon went to the Chief Baron with a petition from
his Presbytery for his protection. The Baron exprest
great friendship, and impowered Dr. Blair to write to
Lord Kaims assuring him that his brother should incur
no danger by delaying execution. This saves Monteith,
and the rest of the Mers clergy for a time, but the Baron
further advised that the church should take some publick
steps in order to obtain relief; and to engage the Commission
to this, was the purpose of our application. Cupples was
appointed to correspond with the Synod of Lothian to ask
their concurrence with us in it. 1 Din'd in Dr. Miller's
with a pretty large company, where was James Wood, and
a good deal of mirth. Drank tea along with Robert
Turnbull in Mrs. Walker's. Sate till near 11 in Wood's,
very jovial, and came home with James Allan. Will had
come up in the afternoon. Philip staid, not being perfectly
well. Heard while in the Synod a.m. an account of the
death of the good old King, which had come to Edinburgh
yesterday and was confirmed at night in the papers. He
died suddenly after drinking his chocolate last Saturday
morning. A most excellent prince, who has left the world
ripe in years, in the entire possession of the hearts of his
people, and at the highest pitch of glory and prosperity.
These things, joined to his having little felt the infirmities
of age, and going off without a struggle, make as complete
an euthanasia as could well be wish'd for.
Friday, October Slst. — Monteith, from Newton where
he had been all night, breakfasted with us. Will set out
1 Much information about the incidence of the Window Tax is to be
found in Carlyle's Autobiography : he paid many visits to London in
connection with it, but it was not finally settled till 1782,
i 7 6o] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 349
along with him about 11, to dine at Greenlaw in their way
homewards. Will has had a cold and cough for some time,
and we would have had him to stay here till he got quit of
it, but he was obstinate to be away. Philip staid all day.
Miss Pringle called, and sate a while about mid-day, and
W. Stevenson drank tea. Look'd into some things in the
magazines, and found in the debate about- the settlement
made on the demise of the late Prince of Wales, an Act of
the 8th of King William, the present, or last Parliament
if in the time of the Dissolution of Parliament, are im-
powered to meet on the death of the King, and to sit
6 rrioneths, if not prorogued or dissolved. This we had
heard of before, from Willy Home yesterday, and from
Miss Pringle to-day. Got McKenzie's History of Health 1
from the library, and look'd a little into it.
Munday, November 3rd. — Went to Eccles, where Philip
met me from Coldstream. He preached there yesterday
for Wilson, who has been very unwell, but is growing
better. Nobody at home at Eccles but Mrs. Dysart and
Fanny. 2 Came home in the evening. T. Dudgeon here.
Slept on Apuieius's encomium of poverty, in his Apologia
Prima.
Wednesday, November 5th. — James Allan and I break-
fasted at Sir Robert Pringle's, where the Major arrived
just as we were coming away. He had not been at home
for almost a fortnight before. James Allan went away,
and I walked down to Kelso. Had no presbytery business
of any consequence. Had our library meeting at night,
which was more numerous than ever I saw it. Settled our
accounts. Found about £12 due of arrears, which will
be almost all good money, and will probably be soon got.
Had a great deal of work fixing what we should contribute
for the future, our original contract being expired to-day.
At last all present except one, subscribed a paper obliging
themselves to continue the same contribution of 10
1 James Mackenzie, physician (1680-1761), published in 1758 The
History of Health and the Art of Preserving it.
2 Fanny Dysart, the youngest daughter of the minister of Eccles,
married, 1786, Walter Home, Major 42nd Regt. : died 1800.
350 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
shillings yearly for ten years to come ; but a minute was
made declaring that this invalidated no former obligation
for perpetuating and supporting the library, and was to
have no effect unless all the proprietors concurred. A
motion was made to lend out the books for half a crown
a quarter, which would have produced a good deal of money
and would have made it less necessary for the present
proprietors to have paid more than a crown, but almost
all were against this project. Gave a commission for
several new books. I was desired to prepare a catalogue
for printing. Staid in Mrs. Walker's with Andrew
Chatto.
Thursday, November 6th. — Breakfasted in Mrs.
Walker's. Called at Mr. Pollock's and at Mrs. Daw-
son's, who came home from the W. country on
Saturday. Mina came here yesterday afternoon just as
I was coming out along with Matthew Dysart and T.
McDougall from calling at her mamma's. . . . Looked to
some of their drugs- this forenoon, but know not their
value, or the condition they are in. Came home before
dinner. P.m. and evening, dozed, and read Baudier's
Life of Margaret of Anjou, translated from a French MS. 1
It is no contemptible work, and is intertaining by the very
various events of that unhappy Civil War in which that
dame made so considerable a figure. Last night's papers
have no mail nor anything remarkable, but a very elegant
Latin inscription in honour of Mr. Pitt engraved on tin
plates, placed below the first stone of the Black Fryar's
Bridge, which was laid by the Lord Mayor on the last of
October. A stronger expression of pubiick gratitude has
scarce been made to any man than that inscription con-
tains to Mr. Pitt.
Friday, November 7th. — Philip went away after dinner.
I read McKenzie's History of Health, a work that discovers
a great deal both of learning and sense. The language also
1 History oj the Memorable and Extraordinary Adventures of Margaret of
Anjou, Queen of England, translated out of the Original MS. With a Preface
by T. Carte (Michael Baudier), London, 1737.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 351
is simple, natural, and accurate, well adapted to such a
work, and both matter and manner are strongly expres-
sive of the character of a wise and candid old man.
Saturday, November Sth. — Read some of Dr. McKenzie
over again. Got in the evening from Thomas Underwood
an account of his work about the house and office-houses,
in order to compleat the account to be given to the heritors.
Got the papers in the evening. The most remarkable
thing in them is a proclamation of His Majesty, against
impiety and immorality, where gaming on Sundays either
publickly or privately is forbid, and attendance on publick
worship enjoined, and officers in the Army and Navy
required to live regularly themselves, and to watch over
the conduct of all who are under their command. It has
been often said that the King was Methodistically inclined.
Perhaps this will strengthen the suspicion. However, the
effort is most laudable to revive impressions of virtue and
piety, and the decent profession of them by the authority
and example of the Chief Magistrate. Particular notice
is taken in this proclamation that a regular behaviour in
these respects will be expected of all about the Court and
His Majesty's person. There is an account of the dissec-
tion of the body of the late King, where all was sound,
except the heart, whose right ventricle was burst, and
more than a pint of clotted blood in the pericardium.
Nothing is oftener spoken of than burst and broken hearts,
but I do not remember to have heard before of the thing's
actually happening. It is said, and is rather probable
than otherwise, that His Majesty had heard of the late
misfortunes of the King of Prussia and of the miscarriage
of the Hereditary Prince, altho' they were not publickly
known till after his death. Perhaps the succession of
deep anxiety and concern that these reverses could not
fail to produce, to the full tide of joy arising from the
reduction of Canada, the first successes of the Hereditary
Prince, and the prosperous way the King of Prussia also
seemed to be in, were too violent to be bore by the honest
old heart of our late worthy Monarch. The resistance
also to the course of the vital fluid increased by the wet
352
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
and cold season, to which His Majesty was more than
enough exposed in the reviews he made a few days before
his death, would also contribute its part to overstrain the
great organ of circulation. It is probable that this is
not the single heart that has been broke by the many
calamitous events and sudden reverses of the present
war.
Munday, November 10th. — Read over again some of
Mackenzie, and being carried by his account of the Schola
Salernitana to look into it, read over all the text and some
of the Commentary of Arnoldus de Villa Nova. 1 The text
is thorough-barbarous, as might be expected from the age,
nor is there much to be learned from it ; but there are
many good things in the Commentary, and particularly
several valuable extracts from the writings of Galen,
whom McKenzie recommends as one of the best writers
yet extant on the subject of health and aliment.
Tuesday, November 11th. — Blowing from N.E. Hazy
and small rain all day. Very heavy through the last
night. Waters flooded very high. No such fall of rain
this long time. 2 Read to the end of McKenzie's History
of Health a second time. Was in the town and at
Running-Burn, seeing sick. All Robert Whytt's family
have had or have a fever, which in some of them, par-
ticularly his wife and. eldest son, has been very tedious
and obstinate. Slept on Syrus's Sententiae 3 at the end
of the Edinburgh Phaedrus, many of which are extremely
good.
Wednesday, November 12th. — Waters still very high,
1 Arnaldus de Villa Nova, a celebrated doctor and alchemist, born about
1240. The book which Ridpath read was probably one of the numerous
editions of the Regimen Sanitatis Salernitano (the School of Salerno).
2 Marginal note says : — Melrose Bridge destroyed, also Whitewater
lower bridge.
3 These were a collection of pithy and moral sayings, extending to up-
wards of a thousand lines in Iambic and Trochaic measures, published
under the title of Publii Syri Sententiae. Syrus was a slave brought to
Rome some years before the downfall of the Republic ; he was an accom-
plished and witty poet. But though he may have contributed to them,
the apothegms are evidently the work of many hands.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 358
tho' considerably fallen. Read variously ; the conclusion
of Mead's Monita, Boorhaave's Hygieine, 1 and a good deal
of the Schola Salernitana. Got last newspapers at night,
where is an account of the ceremonial of his late Majesty's
funeral, which was to be last night, and would happen in
the middle of a great tempest, if the weather was such
there as here.
Thursday, November ISth. — Read two of last week's
Edinburgh papers, and made out a new draught of the
account of the repairs of office-houses and manse, with
some abatements in articles that were not so clearly fixt
as they might have been at the heritors' meeting, reducing
it by this means 12 or 13 shillings lower. Went to Sir
Robert's with Nancy p.m., and showed him the account,
which he very readily approved of, and on a very superficial
view. Could I have foreseen the temper he was in, I
might have saved myself these 12 or 13 shillings, which
would have been something to me, without any sort of
injustice to the heritors, being money laid out on things
useful and material to the manse, for the repairs of which,
had I used the legd methods, I might have got three times
the sum it has cost them. But I would rather be 10 times
more out of pocket, poor as I am, than risque any mis-
understanding with so worthy a man and so good a
neighbour as Sir Robert. In the evening, calculated the
proportions payable by the several heritors, including the
expence of what yet remains to be done as estimated by
Thomas Underwood, which, to prevent any further
trouble, Sir Robert was satisfied should be done. Slept on
Apuleius's Apologia Prima, where there is a very copious
and lively, tho' rough eloquence, along with a great dis-
play of knowledge.
Friday, November lUh. — Wrought more on the account
of repairs, and wrote a letter to Hunter for what he is due
for Lord Home and himself. Read some of the 4th volume
1 Hermann Boerhaave (1668-1738), the most celebrated physician of the
eighteenth century, and Professor at Leyden. I do not know which of his
numerous works Ridpath indicates under the title of Hygieine. The word
does not occur in any list I have seen.
Z
354 DIARY OF GEORGE RTDPATH [1760
of Keysler's travels, 1 which I got from the library. This
volume is wholly on places in Germany. Major Pringle
called in the forenoon, and sate a while, in his way home
from Eccles, where he had been all last night. I rode to
Oxmuir in the afternoon, to see the widow, but she was
gone to Kelso.
Saturday, November 15th. — Saw some sick people in the
town, and read more of Keysler's travels, which have
several curious enough things in them. The proportion
he speaks of, of Jews in Prague, is amazing, no fewer than
50,000 to 70,000 Christians.
Munday, November 17th. — Was two hours in the garden,
pruning the hedges and limes. Mrs. Pollock here seeing
us at dinner, and till the evening. Read Keysler in the
evening. He gives a long account of Nuremberg, which
is still a very noble place. Sent Charles in the evening
to Kelso to get accounts of Philip. Mr. Waite had not
had [news] any later than Saturday, when he was still
a good deal distrest. •
Tuesday, November ISth. — Most of the day read news-
papers. The author of the Whitehall Evening Post is such
a fool as to give only very imperfect scraps of bad news,
so that the Edinburgh Mercury is a very necessary supple-
ment to it. Read the Scots (August) Magazine, which
I got from Robert Aymers, and where there are some very
good things. Slept on Apuleius.
Wednesday, November 19th. — Read to the end of the
4th volume of Keysler, which ends with an account of
Lorrain and its court, as matters stood in 1731. There is
abundance of rubbish in this work of Keysler's, tho' a
good many valuable things may be learned from it. He
speaks of Mannheim, the residence of the Elector Palatine,
as one of the strongest places in Europe, and also makes
the revenue of this Prince very considerable. What he
has on the Upper and Lower Rhine amounts to more than
£200,000, besides some other dominions. Finished at
night, Apuleius's Apologia Secunda. Had a letter from
1 See p. 142, n. i.
1760]
DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH
355
Will by way of Duns Fair, which was yesterday, where he
says that Philip was much better on Munday, when he
left him. This, together with the storminess of the
weather, hinders me from going to see him, unless I hear
any other accounts by to-night's post.
Thursday, November 20th. — Saw sick in the town a.m.
and shaved. P.m. saw sick at Home, and drank tea in
W. Stevenson's, who is somewhat distrest with his sciatica.
Read at night, almost the two first books of Apuleius's
Florida, which is a miscellaneous collection of Flores
Orationis, or rather Orationum, delivered on different
occasions.
Friday, November 21st. — Aly Stevenson came before
dinner. Her uncle set out for Edinburgh last Munday,
along with Mr. Lundy, who had only been 3 or 4 days at
home from a fortnight's peregrination. Rode to Kelso
after dinner, and took an account of the books received
into the library since the catalogue was made last year,
and got an account of last commission from John Waldie,
so as to make the catalogue compleat which I am going to
prepare for the press. Drank tea at Mr. Pollock's, where
Mrs. O'Bryan is looking much better on 't. She speaks of
hearing from her husband, and seems to be in very good
spirits. Mr. Pollock had seen somebody from Edinburgh,
who told him that Professor Hamilton and Dr. Kay 1
were appointed commissioners from the church to con-
gratulate His Majesty, along with these Jardine, Webster,
and G. Wiseheart. 2 Sate a good while with Mrs. Dawson.
Came home about 9. Read at night, some of the September
Review which begins with an account of G. Wallace's
system of Scots law, and speaks of it in very favorable
terms. Gives also a few very good specimens of it, and
criticizes some things in it with sense and candor. The
Scots (September) Magazine which I also brought up with
me, gives the article in the Critical Review relating to the
1 George Kay, minister of Old Greyfriars 1754-66. He was Moderator
of the General Assembly 1759.
2 George Wiseheart or Wishart, minister of the Tron, Edinburgh, in
which parish he succeeded his father in 1 730.
356 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
same work, which is much shorter, but not less favorable
than the other. This first volume contains only a fourth
part of the whole plan.
Sunday, November 23rd. — Heard from Philip, who is
easier, tho' far, he says, from being well. I must see him,
if possible, this week.
Munday, November 2±th. — Read what I had not read
before of the Scots (September) Magazine, which was
chiefly a pretty long account of Dr. Storck's 1 Treatise on
Hemlock, which has had most surprising effects in dis-
cussing scirrhuses and curing cancers. Rest of the
day, employed on the library catalogue, which I compleated
to the present time, and began a transcript of it reduced
into proper order for the press.
Tuesday, November 25th. — YV. Stevenson called a while
about mid-day, and saw the King's speech and news. I
was in the glebe some time p.m., where I have scarce been
these 2 months. Evening and night, wrought on the
library catalogue.
Wednesday, November 26th. — Rode down to Fishwick
through very dirty and in some places, very deep roads.
Found Cupples with him [Philip] and Will. The former
staid till after supper, and the latter all night.
Thursday, November 27th. — Rode over with Will to
Edrom to see his new house, which is really very neat
and well built and of excellent materials. The work of
the office-houses seems also to be very well, but the
materials not so good, being the stones of the old manse.
Returned to Fishwick in the evening, where I had some
conversation with Philip about a very interesting affair,
and in which it is not easy to come to a right determination.
Friday. November 28th. — Rode to Berwick before dinner
through a very bad road, the turnpike, in many places,
being almost wholly obliterated. Dined in Mr. Waite's.
Dr. Doubleday came there to tea and staid to sup. Ben
Grieve was with him, and sate till betwixt 7 and 8. Had a
1 Anthony Storck or Stork, physician, Vienna. A translation of his
Essay on the Medicinal Virtues of Hemlock was published in 1760.
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 357
long rave with him, and did not spare him as he does
nobody else. Found my sister better, I think, in health
and looks, than she has been for several years past, and
Willy also, very well recovered.
Saturday, November 29th. — Breakfasted in Dr. Balder-
stone's, and called at the Mayor's. Set out a little after 11
and reached Tillmouth after 1, where I found the squire
on the brink of a fit of the gout. It is floating much
about his head, and distresses him a good deal. Yet he
was pretty good company, and very kind. His son is
still with him ; detained to vote at the Durham election,
which is to be the week after next, and where it is not
probable the father will be able to go. Din'd and sate
till 3J. Got home between 6 and 7. Dozed and prepared
for to-morrow. Aly Stevenson had gone away in the
morning.
Munday, December 1st. — Saw sick in the town a*.m.
Rode p.m. to Home on the same errand. A little fatigued
with this work. Wrote receipts to Lord Home and J.
Hunter for the money for the repairs of the manse, which
Hunter sent me last week, when I was from home. Also
made scrolls of minutes of the proceedings of the Presby-
tery about Mcllwraith. Slept on Sueton., a very judicious,
entertaining writer. 1
Tuesday, December 2nd. — At the Presbytery, where
neither Mcllwraith nor his harlot appeared. Took the
first of Davidson's tryals, a homily. Called a.m. at Mr.
Pollock's. He has got a spitting of blood. Andrew
Chatto, a very great stranger, and Robert Turnbull came
up with me, and staid all night, partly to make a committee
for revising our minutes with regard to Mcllwraith, and
considering what is to be done in this tedious affair.
Wednesday, December 3rd. — In the forenoon, did our
business about Mcllwraith. Thought it proper that the
Session here should enquire what proof the gypsie can
give of his threatening her. My guests staid all day and
1 C. Suetonius Tranquillus, a Latin author who wrote the lives oi the
Caesars in the early part of the second century a.d.
358
DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
night, the weather growing very indifferent p.m. Had a
good deal of agreeable chat.
Tuesday, December 9th. — Peggy Pringle and Minna
Dawson came down, and sate a while about mid-day.
Had the clock cleaned by the mason, whom I attended
sometimes. Got the first 4 vols, of the Edinburgh Medical
Essays from the library, and read some of them. Slept
again on Pliny's Panegyrick.
Thursday, December 11th. — Was at the burial of the old
man, Alexander Gray, and seeing sick, before dinner.
Slept on Apuleius's Asinus Auratus.
Munday, December loth. — Was at Home a.m. seeing
sick. Evening read the 2nd part of the 1st book of Plato
de Legibus in Ficinus's Translation. Slept on the Edin-
burgh Medical Essays. Finished all that I can easily
read of the first volume.
Tuesday, December lQLh. — Saw sick in the town a.m.,
and made a bargain for a bee-hive. Read London and
Edinburgh news. Will came in the evening. Read some
more of Medical Essays, and slept on the life of Apuleius.
Wednesday, December 17th. — Wrought some in the garden
sawing branches from trees, etc. Will had a sore fit of
the tooth-ach, which employed us a considerable part of
the evening, cooking him. Got September and October
magazines from Berwick, and read some of them. W T rote
also at night directions for printing the library catalogue.
Had a letter from Philip, in which he still complains,
tho' much better.
Thursday, December ISth. — Was at Running-burn seeing
a boy ill of the fever, with worms. Wrought a good while
in the garden, digging about the root of the old plumb tree,
etc. Got also the beehive brought and set up. Read some
more of the London Magazine, and slept on Sueton., a most
judicious and entertaining memorialist.
Friday, December 19th. — Wrought some in the garden.
John Ker dined here in his way home from Edinburgh,
where he had been seeing his son, distrest with 'the rheu-
matism, and carrying in one of his daughters to attend him.
Read most of what I had read not before of the September
1760] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 359
and October London Magazines, and Sueton. at night, on
the life of Augustus.
Saturday, December 20th. — Will went away about 1.
He was not very fit for travelling having a swelled cheek
remaining from his tooth-ach, tho' he has had 2 nights
good rest and has been free from pain these 2 days. Had
an invincible aversion to set out in such weather and
roads, especially as I could not well have been so near
Philip without seeing him. I shall be very uneasy and
angry at myself, if Will be the worse of travelling to-day
and preaching to-morrow, which I hope, however, he will
not.
Tuesday, December 23rd. — Read most of a MS. of Dr.
Cullen's lectures on agriculture, which I got last night
from W, Stevenson. They have been taken but imper-
fectly, and are written incorrectly. 1 Evening, read the
4:h book of Plato de Legibus with much entertainment,
and at night, read part of the first book of Cicero de Legibus.
Wednesday, December 2Uh. — Wrought a good deal in
the garden, cleaning flower-beds, etc. Read more of Dr.
Cullen's lectures, Plato's 5th book de Legibus, and Cicero's
first book on the same subject, to an end. This book of
Cicero's is sore mutilated, but in what is preserved of it,
there are some very beautiful passages on the universal
law of nature and reason.
Thursday, December 25th. — Had the elders counting the
box, with which our accounts agreed very well. Read
Plato's 6th book de Legibus in which are the laws relating
to marriage. Read at night some of Tully's Offices, with
Dr. Pearce's 2 accurate notes. The newspapers have
scarce anything in them. The King has altered his whoje
list of chaplains, there being 13 new appointed in the
room of the same number of old. This still looks as if
1 William Cullen (1710-90), Professor successively of Chemistry,
Materia Medica, and Theory of Medicine in Edinburgh University.
These lectures were published after his death in 1798 under the title of
The substance of some Lectures on Vegetation and Agriculture, delivered
priva'ely in 1768.
2 Zachary Pearce (1690-1774), Bishop of Rochester.
360 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1760
religion were a serious matter with him. Those who know
the characters of this new set, will be able to judge of the
taste in religion that prevails at Court, which I wish may
be free of enthusiasm or fanaticism. The name of one
of the new chaplains is Maddon, 1 which is the name of a
celebrated Hutchinsionan Doctor. I wish the person may
not be also the same.
Friday, December 26th. — Read to an end, Cullen's
lectures, which seem to contain a very good theory, and
several ingenious and sensible observations. Went up
to Sir Robert's p.m. Mrs. Pringle has been very unwell
these 2 or 3 days. It will be no small loss to the family in
its present state if she should drop. Found the Major
at home, and saw his calculation of voters, pro and con,
from which I do not think him over and above secure.
A writ is at last issued for the Election, which is to be next
Thursday. Came home betwixt 7 and 8, and brought
with me the Considerations on the German War, 2 which I
employed the rest of -the night in reading. It is a work
of a good deal of genius and art, and has even not a little
sense and truth in it ; but is very far from giving a full or
fair account of the matters in question. [A long criticism
of the book follows, but has been omitted.]
Saturday, December 27th. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
saw some sick in the town. Had a long search for a new
text.
Munday, December 29th. — Saw sick a.m. W. Davidson
from Sprouston here at dinner, and staid till 4. He
seems to have more talents than many of our candidates.
Evening read Plato's 7th book of Laws, which relates
chiefly to education, a subject which that truly wise man
thinks can never be too long dwelt on. His principles
and general rules on that subject are excellent and in-
variable, but a great number of the particulars do not
sute the constitution or manners of any modern state.
1 Spencer Madan ( 1729-18 13), Bishop successively of Bristol and Peter-
borough : appointed Chaplain in Ordinary to the King, 1761.
2 Two pamphlets entitled Considerations on the present German War
were published in London 1760, and gave rise to much controversy.
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
361
At night finished what I had not wrote in the larger
form of my sermon on 2 Corinthians 3. 18, and wrote some
things into my accounts.
Tuesday, December 30th.— Attended the thatcher most
of the day. W. Stevenson called in the forenoon, and told
me that it is thought that the party opposite to Major
Pringie will not appear at Greenlaw on Thursday. Read
in the evening Plato's 8th book of Laws, and some of
Cicero's 2nd book on the same subject.
1761
Thursday, January 1st — Wrought some more on Cullen's
lectures, and read Plato and Cicero. Dr. Miller break-
fasted here. Learned about three o'clock that Major
Pringie was elected without opposition, none of the other
side having made their appearance.
Friday, January 2nd. — Rode to Eccles, where I found
the Clerk, whom I had not seen for a long time, he having
been at Bath from April to November. He has no com-
plaints, but is thin. Bess also at home for several weeks,
and Jean has gone to supply her place at Edinburgh. 1
Mr. Hume was saying that John continued in the highest
favour with Lord Bute, being a sort of domestick of his,
and that the King had taken very particular notice of
him at some Levee. Certainly, if he is not too hard to
please, he may be pretty sure of obtaining some handsome
provision, which he ought to seize the present opportunity
of obtaining, as the situation of favourites, such as himself
and patron, is almost always very insecure. Found when
I came home the proof sheets of the Kelso catalogue,
which John Waldie had got to-day from Edinburgh.
Revised them, and had but very few corrections to make.
Made them ready to return to Waldie to-morrow morning,
with some written directions about them. Slept on
Cicero de Legibus.
1 Bess Dysart married Patrick Smith, and her sister Jean, in 1766,
David Dickson of Antonhill.
362 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1761
Saturday January 3rd. — Went to breakfast at Sir
Robert's, in my way to a poor's meeting at Home. Did
not know if I should have an opportunity to see the Major
at any other time before he goes away, and wanted also to
wish him and the rest of the family joy on his success.
Was invited back to dine. Accordingly went to Home,
and returned there to dinner. Learned the circumstances
of the election which I had not heard before. There
were 48 voters for the Major, 43 of which were in their
previous calculation which consisted of 46, whereof 3
were absent. Of the 5 that made the number of 48, one
would have been neutral, and three on the other side if
Mr. Rent on had appeared, and one accidentally arrived from
the Army in Germany. It was certainly no good policy
for Renton not to appear, if he has a mind to keep his
friends together, and does not intend to give it up for good
and all. This would probably be the wisest resolution,
as the Major's interest evidently appears so strong. James
Pringle of Bowland.. who was at breakfast, said that he
would engage to defeat the opposite party at any time by
a majority of 15. This, no doubt, supposes Marchmont
to continue in place, but tho' he should [go] out, it would
be no easy work to reduce so great a majority. Came home
in the evening, and prepared for to-morrow.
Munday. January 5th. — Much of the day in the garden
and about the doors. Saw also some sick in the town.
Evening and night employed in revising Mcllwraith's
process as it stands in our minutes. Wrote the report
of the Committee of Session that was examining Mary
Leitch on Saturday about her fears of Mcllwraith, some
questions proper to be proposed to her if she appears, and
also a sort of memorial of the presumptions against
Mcllwraith as appearing in the course of the process,
which are certainly as strong as any can well be supposed.
Tuesday, January 6th. — Went to the Presbytery, where
W. Davidson gave a lecture and popular sermon, both
pretty good compositions, and distinctly enough delivered.
Mary Leitch did not appear. Mcllwraith sent a note
promising to come if Mary Leitch was there. The Presby-
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 363
tery appointed a committee to revise this tedious process
and to prepare an overture to next Presbytery, for bring-
ing it to an issue. Alex. Duncan came over and break-
fasted with us in Mr. Lundy's. Tho' the committee about
Mcll wraith were not appointed to meet till Thursday
next week, yet as we were altogether, we fell to work
about it, and pretty nearly agreed to a state of the affair
and an overture about it, from the materials I had prepared
on Munday night. However, appointed another meeting
at Linton or Morbattle, week after the next, to consider
it still more deliberately, as there are circumstances that
make it difficult and troublesome, tho' we all agreed, and
Duncan was of the same mind, that nothing could be
stronger than the presumptions against Mcllwraith. Left
Mr. Lundy's in the evening, and called at Mr. Pollock's
in passing. Came home between 5 and 6. Read Carac-
tacus, a drama of Mason's, after the Greek model. It is
very beautiful, and I apprehend much superior to Elfrida.
There are some very high strains of poetry in the choruses,
and the dialogue is simple, natural, and finely moralled. 1
Thursday, January Sth. — Was most of the day in the
garden, lopping bushes, delving about their roots, etc.
Evening read Plato's 11th book of Laws, and at night
wrote a scroll of a letter for Mr. Pollock to be sent to
Ednam's doer containing the Presbytery's definite resolu-
tion about the manse. He would have had me write it
in my own name, but I declined for obvious reasons. Read
the Scots papers of former week, where are many Scots
addresses.
Friday, January 9th. — Read over a good part of Carac-
tacus. Read also most of the November Review, which I
got from the library. There is an advantageous account
of Wallace's new book in it, but MacFait's work on Plato 2
is treated with great contempt, much more, I think, than
is supported by the specimens given of it. Read also
1 William Mason (1725-97), poet and friend of Gray : published Elfrida,
a dramatic poem, in 1752, and Caractacus in 1759.
2 Ebenezer Macfait (d. 1786), Greek scholar, mathematician, physician,
and miscellaneous writer.
£64 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
about a third of Barry on the Digestions and Discharges
of the Human Body, which Dr. Miller sent me, and desired
me to return soon. 1
Saturday, January 10th. — Read almost all of the Review
that I had not read before. Among the foreign publica-
tions is an account of a little work by K. Stanislaus against
the infidels. It seems he has also published some little
pieces formerly. There is also some account of Voltaire's
1st volume of the History of Russia during the reign of
Czar Peter, in which work it seems Voltaire piques himself
more on veracity than bel esprit, and for which he pretends
to have been furnished with materials from Petersburgh.
Read also a good deal more of Dr. Barry and some of
Burlamaqui's Treatise on Political Law, 2 which I had sent
me from the library yesterday.
Munday, January 12th. — Read out the November
Review. Saw sick in the town a.m. and was at Home p.m.
J. Sked here at dinner and at tea. Read out, and part of
it a second time, Barry on the Digestion and Discharges,
etc. It is an excellent work, judicious, elegant, useful.
Tuesday, January 13th. — Examined in the kirk first
time this season. Evening and night read Barry. Some-
times his expression is inaccurate, tho' the language in
general is good, and the turn of it elegant. Nor do I think
the first part of his book, which is a sort of addition to the
original plan of his work on consumptions, so elaborate
and compleat as what relates to the last-named subject,
tho' every part of the work contains very valuable
things.
Wednesday, January lUh. — Messrs. J. Hume and
Matthew Dysart came to dine, according to information
before given me by a letter from John last Sunday. I
accompanied them in the evening to Sprouston, having
called and drank tea at Mr. Lundy's in passing. Lundy
went along with us. The lad Davidson also there, very
hearty.
1 Sir Edward Barry (1696-1776), Professor of Physic, Dublin.
2 Jean Jacques Burlamaqui, author of Principes de droit politique,
1 2 mo, 1 75 1 : translated into English by Thomas Nugent.
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 365
Thursday, January loth. — At Sproustoh dining, and had
a pleasant walk on the river-side before dinner. Went
with Matthew to Eccles, and staid all night.
Friday, January 16th. — Dined at Eccles, and then dis-
persed. John Hume has been in the greatest glee all this
time, and is in great health and strength. I have seldom
been more entertained in a party. Conversation ran on
a great variety of subjects, and was from time to time en-
livened by drolleries, of which John is a very rich fund.
His manner, too, is finely contrasted by Lundy's. Came
home in the evening. I was obliged to go E. the town
after I came home, and fell down by an unlucky slip among
stones. Bruised and ruffled the skin of the prominence of
the shin bone below the knee-joint pretty much. Cooked
it. Dozed, and read some of Barry.
Saturday, January 17th. — Prepared for my journey a.m.
and betwixt 1 and 2 set out for Fishwick. Had a tiresome,
disagreeable ride, much of the way being very deep and
stiff. Got to Fishwick in the darkening. Found Philip
pretty easy. He is thinned, and still lyable to pain and
uneasiness from any quick or sudden motion, but he walks
a good deal without distress, and is far from being so uneasy
as when I last saw him. Chatted away the evening with
him.
Sunday. January ISth. — Went on invitation to dine at
Hutton Hall, where were only the laird and lady 1 with the
children, very fine ones. Nothing remarkable past there.
Came over to Fishwick in the evening. Had a good deal
of interesting cracks and intelligence from Philip this
night and last. Among the rest, that Dr. Balderstone is
going to give over business, and would have Dr. Grieve
from London to come in his place, but I doubt if Jimmy 'd
comply.
Munday, January 19th. — Staid at Fishwick all day and
night, expecting James Allan to have come over, but we
had a line from him in the evening telling us he could not
come till to-morrow, and then I was obliged to set home-
1 The Laird of Hutton Hall at this time was Wynne Johnston of Hilton.
366 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
wards. Will came from Edrom, by way of Whitsum,
where he had not found Mr. Waugh's people at home, they
having gone to Coldstream. I was intending to have seen
them to-morrow in my way homewards.
Tuesday, January 20th. — Left Fishwick after 11, Will
along with me. Did not get here till past 3, so bad is
travelling still, notwithstanding the long-continued dry
weather. Read Edinburgh and two last London papers.
Got the good news when I came home of Lady Hall's being
delivered of a son last Saturday. 1
Wednesday, January 21st. — Set out for Linton and Mor-
battle by the way of Maxwell-heugh, where I met with
Robert Turnbull. Lundy was going along with us, but a
friend of his from Lothian just arrived as we were about
to go away. Found Mr. Chatto and his wife, Willy Daw-
son and T. McDougall at Linton, where we all dined, and
Robert Turnbull and I staid all night. Mrs. Turnbull with
child again, pretty far gone. 2 She is very hearty and good-
natured, and looks very well on't.
Thursday, January 22nd. — Were all dining again to-day
at Morbattle, and Robert Turnbull and I staid there all
night. Talked a little about Mcllwraith's affair, and per-
sisted in the resolution we had formed at Mr. Lundy's on
the day after the Presbytery. Heard some talk these two
days about an exploit of Prince Edward's, which has made
much noise. His carrying off some gentleman's daughter
from a boarding school, in which it is said he was assisted
by the two bedchamber Scots Lords, March 3 and Eglintor.. 4
It is allowed this Prince is very wild in these matters,
but perhaps this history wants confirmation, as also some
other discourse that is going about differences in Germany
betwixt Prince Ferdinand and the British officers, particu-
larly the Marquis of Granby.
1 Afterwards Sir James Hall, fourth Baronet.
2 Robert, Mrs. Turnbull's second son, was born 18th April 1761.
3 William, third Earl of March : at this time he was a Lord of the
Bedchamber : in 1778 he succeeded to the Dukedom of Queensberry.
Famous under the name of ' Old Q ' for his debaucheries and eccentricity.
4 This was Alexander, tenth Earl, afterwards killed by Mungo Campbell,
an officer of Excise.
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 367
Friday, January 23rd. — Breakfasted at W. Dawson's
who has got a very good house, and in an agreeable com-
modious situation. Robert Turnbull came forward to
Lundy's, where we dined.
Sunday, January 25th. — Kirk throng by seceders being
disappointed of sermon.
Munday, January 26th. — Was at Home a.m. seeing sick
and the widow of John Corsnip who was probably drowned
about 10 days ago in crossing Tweed from Berwick, where
he had staid behind his company and as usual got drunk.
Much search has been made for his body, but hitherto in
vain. Dined at W. Stevenson's and got his Edinburgh
chat. He was there most of last week. Found Aly
Stevenson here when I came home. Read almost to an
end of Burlamaqui's Politick Law, and wrote at night
to Philip.
Tuesday, January 21th. — Examined i n the kirk. Finished
Burlamaqui's Politic Law, which is a very good work,
its principles being almost everywhere agreeable to equity,
humanity, and good sense, and at the same time perfectly
well adapted to the British Constitution. Evening read
some of the Edinburgh Medical Essays.
Wednesday, January 28th. — Read a good deal of Monro's
1 Treatise on the Nutrition of the Foetus ' in the 2nd volume
of Medical Essays. Afternoon walked up to Sir Robert's,
who came home from Dunglas on Monday. He left all
as well there as could be expected. Mrs. Pringle is much
recovered from a sore attack of the feverish kind which
she had about the beginning of the year. Miss Pringle
stays some days longer at Dunglas.
Thursday, January 29th. — Employed most of the day
in translating a favorite metrum of Boethius. Philip put
this in my head, he having translated the first in the work
some time ago, and having lately formed a sort of project
or rather wish of translating the whole work, in which he
seemed to be desirous of some of my assistance. But this
would be a thing of great labour, and it is hard to say if
in any sense it would be tanti. Finished, however, the
metrum I undertook, and another within these few days,
368 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
pretty much to my content. 1 Aly Stevenson left us p.m.
I read over again some of Barry, a work I would buy, if I
could afford it.
Friday, January 30th. — Read to an end over again, some
of it thrice over, what I had not read before of Barry.
At night began to make an experiment of an undertaking
that has been often in my head, and in consequence of
some conversation I had with Philip, when at Fishwick,
has been for some days past pretty strongly revived. This
is to attempt a translation of Buchannan, with corrections
and improvements, both in the way of notes and insertions
in the text, from Ruddiman and other sources. The great
labour of such a work, and still more, the sad inexactness
of Buchannan in many places with regard to many circum-
stances belonging to historical truth, which would make it
difficult to preserve his narrative even as a basis of some-
thing more correct, have hitherto deterred me from this
undertaking, and are most likely still to disappoint it.
However, I believe I shall try to render some passages of
him for the sake of comparing my version with the printed
translation of him that I happen to have at present by me,
and which seems to leave room enough for a new one, and
also that I may be able to judge of the pains and time
necessary to such a work, and how far it is in my power to
express in English, the eloquence and spirit of the original,
in which respect it is certainly scarce inferior to the best
classical authors. Accordingly translated a little of the
beginning of Bishop Kennedy's speech about a female
regency.
Saturday, January 31st. — Rode to Home a.m. to see a
child of Alexander Wilson's, which was dead before I got
there. At my return found Mrs. Dawson and Nelly
Thompson here, and Minna, who had come from Sir
Robert's, to meet them. Mrs. Dawson wanted to speak
to Minna about something. She returned to Kelso in the
evening, and Nell went to Home Byres. Prepared for
to-morrow, and settled moneth's accounts.
1 Philip Ridpath did publish in 1785 a translation of Boethius' Con-
solations of Philosophy, with notes and illustrations.
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 369
Sunday, February 1st. — Minna at dinner. Miss Pringle
returned from Dunglass yesterday. Lady Hall, she says,
is very feeble. The child doing bravely.
Munday, February 2nd. — Examined a few in the kirk.
Read in the Medical Essays to the end of Monro's paper on
the nutrition of a foetus, and some other accounts. At
night wrought on Buchannan.
Tuesday, February 3rd. — Examined at Home Byres,
where Dobby came to dine, having been first here. Re-
vised in the evening the committee minute about Mcll-
wraith, and at night look'd to Barclay's Argenis 1 and the
way of calculating Easter' in the Gregorian Kalendar, in
Wolff's 4th volume.
Wednesday, February Uh. — Rode to Kelso to the Presby-
tery. Davidson delivered his exercise and addition, and
went through all the rest of his tryals. Acquitted himself
very decently, and was licensed. We finished also Mcll-
wraith's business, by appointing the process to be read
from the pulpits of Kelso and Stitchill, and excommuni-
cating Mary Leitch. He had been summoned to this
dyet, but did not appear. Appointed also our agent in
the cause of Ednam to proceed to enforce the execution
of the decree of the Lords, for re-building the manse against
the laird of Ednam. Had a meeting about our library
affairs, which was thin, a great number of the Kelso
people having gone to meet Dr. Ormiston, who brings his
wife to-night from Edinburgh to Channel-kirk, and home
to-morrow. Commissioned several books, and some of
the late plays. Drank tea in Dobby's, and staid all night
there with R. Turnbull. James Turnbull, also Lundy and
Davidson there with us at supper.
Thursday, February 5th. — Breakfasted in Mr. Dobby's.
Then went over to Mr. Pollock's, where John Waugh was
all night. He was a while with us also at the Presbytery
yesterday. Called at Mrs. Walker's, also at P. Robson's,
and paid my account, as I had done Stewart's 12 guineas
1 John Barclay (i 582-1621), born at Pont-a-Mousson, author of several
volumes of Latin poetry and of Argenis, a Latin satire on political faction
and conspiracy.
2a
370 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
yesterday, in part of his. Robert Turnbull and I
dined at Mr. Pollock's. The Naiad in great glee. Came
home p.m. Read in the evening some of the volume of
London Medical Observations, 1 which I got yesterday from
Dr. Miller.
Friday, February 6th. — Read some more of the London
Observations, which have curious things in them. Got
from the library Dr. Nicholson's Scots, English and Irish
Historical Libraries in one volume folio. 2 Read a good
deal of it. Was pleased to find a sort of approbation by
him of my project with regard to Buchannan, of rather
correcting and improving that author than writing the
History of Scotland anew. Slept soon on Barclay's
Argenis. Miss Pringle, Sir Robert and Minna called p.m.
Had a walk in setting them up. Thomas McDougall came
from McKerston to breakfast in order to get some minutes
made up about the Ednam affair. He went to Newton
to dine.
Munday, February 9th. — Was at Home a.m. Got a
letter from Philip, in which he informs me he is still grow-
ing better, and intends to be in Berwick all this week.
Henry is to preach for him on Thursday. Spent most of
afternoon and evening in looking out, and afterwards
transcribing, my epitaphs on Mr. Crow, whereof James
Allan has lost the copies I gave him formerly, and wants
new ones. . Wrought at night on Buchannan.
Tuesday, February 10th. — Read chiefly Nicholson's
Scots Historical Library, and wrought at night on Buch-
annan, of my project on whom my head still continues
pretty full.
Saturday, February lMh. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
read Dr. Nicholson. Wrought also a little on Buchannan
at night. Am still very intent on that project.
Sunday, February 15th. — The Major was in the kirk,
1 Perhaps Observations on the Past Growth and Present State of the City
of London . . ., 1753.
2 William Nicolson (1655-1727), divine and antiquary : Bishop of
Carlisle 1702 : published the Historical Library, 1696-1724 : entire work
republished 1732.
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 371
who arrived on Thursday. He came down with
Hardin. 1
Munday, February 16th. — Read Dr. Nicholson, who has
good things about the Scots Law Books, and wrought at
night on Buchannan. Drank tea at Sir Robert's p.m.
Paid him for grazing my quey, which he took, and had a
good deal of talk with the Major about news, politicks, etc.
Friday, February 20th. — Consulted some books for
understanding something in Buchannan, and read the
December Review. The schoolmaster of Home here p.m.
to get a recommendation for Mr. Duncan, to help him to
a school at Mellerstain. Sprot from Newton at tea, and
staid till past 8, a lad that seems to be very capable of
improvement.
Saturday, February 21st. — Prepared for to-morrow, and
finished the translation of Archbishop Kennedy's speech
in Buchannan, which has been a troublesome job. But
if I had the whole work as tolerably done as it is, I daresay
it would be worth something to me.
Tuesday. February 2\th. — Got the January Review and
Appendix to last year, and read them both. Had a letter
from James Allan in which he wants my advice about his
going to Edinburgh, which his friends Messrs. Coutts and
Laurie have, unsolicited, been negotiating for him, and
which he is now doubtful himself about agreeing to.
Thursday, February 26tk. — Examined again in East end
of Home. Dined in Alexander Wilson's, and saw sick p.m.
In the evening revised some of the reviews, and read some
of the first volume of Abercromby's Martial Atchievements
which I am going to compare with Buchannan, in order
to make some estimate of what will be necessary to supply
his defects. Wrote a letter at night to James Allan.
Munday, March 2nd. — Examined art Fallside-Hill. Then
went to Home, to be at the distribution of Captain Home's
mortified money. Will came in the evening, and brought
me £10 from Philip, and £3 of his own, the beginning of
1 Probably Walter Scott of Harden, who married Lady Diana . Scott,
youngest daughter of Hugh, third Earl of Marchmont. Their son Hugh
established his claim to the Barony of Polwarth in 1835.
372 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH [1761
a contribution he and Philip are to make to me annually,
while my present family and circumstances continue, the
reasonableness of which is too obvious to insist on. 1 Read
part of the account of Buchannan's life and works in
Ruddiman and wrought a while on my accompts.
Tuesday, March 3rd. — Was at the Presbytery, where we
gave some orders about the manse of Ednam. Called at
Mrs. Dawson's to carry a message to her, Minna gave me
in the morning. Saw W. Dickson's widow. Got payment
for my barley from Wilson. Drank tea at Dr. Gibson's,
who is pretty well again. Came home here between 7
and 8. Wrought a while on my accounts.
Wednesday, March Uh. — Read the London (December)
Magazine to an end. Read also some of Abercromby.
Married in the evening John Watson's daughter to the
lad Paterson of Newton Wawk-Mill. Wrought some on
Buchannan at night, but am beginning to think my project
on him will not succeed. It would require an immense
time and a supply of books that it is impossible for me in
my present situation to procure. Besides, what I have
executed, tho' with great labour, does not thoroughly
please me. Were I shut up within the walls of a library
for 3 or 4 years, with all the necessary apparatus continu-
ally around me, I would not despair of being able to
make a tolerable work of it, and it would almost deserve
the pains, so great is the elegance of Buchanann, and so
manly and just his sentiments, notwithstanding all his
detractors have said against him. His mistakes indeed,
partly from want of good materials, and partly from want
of attention, are innumerable.
Thursday, March 5th. — Read a good deal of Abercromby.
Philip came in the evening. Did not expect him in such
coarse weather. He' stood his journey, however, very
well. Chatted away the night with him.
Friday, March 6th. — W. Stevenson called in passing to
Kelso, and told me that his friends at Harper-town would
1 He was keeping his mother and sister and had been very generous to
his younger brothers.
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH 373
be glad that I should see the lad Thomas [Dawson], who
has been very dangerously ill by a wound in one of his
temples, made by a pair of horse-scissors which he fell
with in his hand, about 8 days ago. Rode down immedi-
ately, and saw him. Found him in a very promising way
of doing well again. He has had several convulsions, in
the last of which they thought he was dying, but he has
been better since. . . . W. Stevenson also called, and
drank tea. Will left us in the forenoon.
Munday, March 9th. — Examined at Home forenoon and
afternoon. Called at W. Stevenson's in returning. Nancy
and Philip were there, and W. Davidson, the preacher,
who had come to Stitchill to dine, and staid with us all
night.
Wednesday, March 11th.- — Mostly sunny, but thick sky.
Wind W. to S. Rode to Ecclcs along with Philip. Dined
and drank tea there. Got the History of Peg there, and
read some of it at night.
Thursday, March Vlth. — Read out the History of Peg, 1
which is a satire in the manner of John Bull, on the opposers
of the Militia, particularly of the Scots ; not without both
sense and humour. Read also some of Abercromby.
My horses went to the coals, the old stock being just on
the point of being exhausted.
Friday, March 13th. — Rode to Coldstream along with
Philip, and din d with Wilson, who is pretty well again
after a long illness. Drank tea in John Ker's. Got to
Twisel ^ibout 7, where we staid all night. Both old and
young squire at home. They had set out on Tuesday for
London and Cambridge, but after travelling 20 miles, the
old man took it in his head to return. Had a great deal
of talk, chiefly about the Berkeleian Philosophy, which
is now, it seems, in high reputation at Cambridge, and
which Blake has made himself entirely master of, which I
1 It was the rejection of the Scots Militia Bill which gave rise to the
famous Poker Club, and prompted Adam Ferguson to write a pamphlet
Squib, entitled The Proceedings in the case of Margaret, called Peg, only
sister of John Bull. It was in the style of Swift and Arbuthnot, but hardly
with their vigour.
374 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
have never known anybody do that was so late in life
in studying it. Sate up till 3.
Saturday, March 14Z/&. — Staid at Twisel till after 4 p.m.
Had an agreeable walk in the forenoon, reconnoitring the
old house of Twisel, and the adjacent banks of Till, which
are very pleasant. He has at last fallen to work on the
old house, which is to be repaired and somewhat enlarged,
still preserving the Gothick form and taste. For this
purpose, he has actually made a contract with Nisbet the
mason, who is employed in building the new house at
Paxton. The situation is remarkably lofty, and in many
respects, both pleasant and commodious ; and when
the plan is executed, it will be a convenient enough habi-
tation the? rather below the proportion of the estate. 1 Got
home betwixt 7 and 8 in a very pleasant evening.
Munday, March 16th. — Was at Home seeing many sick.
Wrought a little in the garden. Dr. Miller drank tea with
us. Read a little of Abercromby, and at night drew up a
short narrative of the affair of James Mcllwraith and Mary
Leitch, for the committee which was appointed by last
Presbytery to meet at Mr. Lundy's about that affair
to-morrow.
Tuesday, March 17th. — Walked to Kelso, my horses
being at the coals. Called at Mr. Dawson's in passing.
Dined at Maxwell-heugh, where were also Messrs. Pollock,
Robert Turnbull, McDougall, and Lundy. Soon dis-
patched our affair. Called at Mr. Pollock's, and staid
about an hour, in passing homewards.
Friday, March 20th. — Much in the garden, where I
planted some cabbages, and attended the mason repairing
the dykes, which had several great gaps made in them by
the deluge of rain in October last. Read Abercromby,
Buchannan, etc. Got home the gray web, which seems to
be very good cloath.
Munday, March 23rd. — P.m. read historians and began
to write from Buchannan and Abercromby the first events
relating to Berwick, of which place I have often thought it
The words in italics have been erased.
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 375
might be worth while to compile a history, and in par-
ticular have had serious thoughts of attempting it, since
I lookt on my project on Buchannan as impracticable. 1
Wednesday, March 25th. — Read Abercromby, and
wrought in the garden. Got the January Magazine and
Appendix for last year, from Berwick. Read some of
them. Nancy brought some pamphlets from Sir Robert's,
amongst the rest Stillingfleet's Translation of the Calen-
darium Florae Suecicae, and a sketch of a Flora Anglica
of his own, published along with it. 2 The design of these
is to trace the natural succession of the leaving, flowering,
etc., of different plants, and the correspondence of other
natural phenomena with these, particularly the return
and singing of birds. It seems observations of this kind
are to be made in France, Germany, and Italy this season,
and his project in publishing this work is to procure a set
of the same observations to be made in Britain, to compare
with the foreign. Dr. Pringle, imagining I suppose, that
Sir Robert might have the curiosity to make some of these
observations, sent this pamphlet to him, but it is a thing
very much out of his way.
Thursday, March 26th. — Rode over along with Robert
Turnbull and Lundy, according to agreement last week,
to Greenlaw, where we staid all night. Collector John
Home there at dinner. It is confirmed that the Earl of
Bute is Secretary of State in room of Holderness. John
Hume was on Tuesday at the burial of Mr. Brydon of
Coldingham, 3 who died last Saturday, somewhat suddenly,
tho' after long infirmity. He was 75 years old, a very
good sort of man.
Friday, March 27th. — Messrs. Hume, Turnbull and
Lundy came over with me here to dine, and left us in the
1 This was the inception of the work by which Ridpath will be remem-
bered as a historian, his History of the Borders, published by his brother
Philip after his death.
2 Benjamin Stillingfleet (1702-71), botanist and author : originated the
term ' bluestocking ' by his dress : wrote several botanical works.
3 Robert Brydon, minister of Coldingham, had married a daughter of
his predecessor in the charge, and sister of Matthew Dysart of Eccles.
376 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
evening. Read some of the January Magazine and Ap-
pendix to last year, evening and night.
Saturday, March 28th. — Wrought in the garden. Sowed
J Id. of marrow peas, and a few rouncevals. 1
Sunday, March 29th. — Excellent seed-time. Had a
letter from James Allan, wherein he writes me he has
declined going to Edinburgh. I make no question that
he has judged better in staying where he is, but 'tis a pity
he should have allowed his friends to have proceeded so
far in serving him, and the thing to become so much the
subject of talk. He puts his declining it on the footing
of humility, which I believe is very true, but the world will,
I am afraid, be scarce so good-natured as to believe it.
Tuesday, April 7th. — Was at the Presbytery, where we
elected our members for the Assembly without any division.
There was a demand from M'llwraith of an extract of his
process and of the abstract which was read from the pulpit
on Sunday last, at Kelso, as it was on the preceding Sunday,
here. A committee was appointed to revise the minutes
of it, in order to give this extract, which is to meet at Mr.
Lundy's next Munday. Was also at the Thomson's p.m.
where all the batchelor brethren drank tea, and were very
hearty. Called a while in the evening at Mr. Pollock's.
Wednesday, April 8th. — Read several things in Keith's
catalogue of Scots Bishops, and in the account of the Scots
religious houses by Spotswood at the end of it, which I
brought from the library yesterday. Revised also my
table of the Saxon Heptarchy, which is copied from Rapin,
and compared it with Tyrrel's tables, which I apprehend
are not so exact, tho' at best there is much confusion and
uncertainty in that branch of English History. Read some
of the January and February Scots Magazines, also from
the library.
Thursday, April 9th. — Prepared some more paper for
continuing my abrege of English History, and wrote a little
more of it from Tyrrel. Was at a burial at Home p.m.
Munday, April ISth. — Went to Mr. Lundy's according
1 A large variety of pea.
1761J DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 377
to appointment of last Presbytery. Only Mr. Pollock and
Mr. Lundy there besides. The minutes employed us most
part of the afternoon. Called forenoon and evening at
Mr. Pollock's, and in the evening at Mrs. Dawson's where
Minna was a good deal better.
Wednesday, April 15th. — Began to write a little more
of the History of Berwick. Was at Sir Robert's p.m. Will
came in the evening. Read some of February Magazine
and of November, which one of our carriers brought from
Berwick. The latter has been long a-missing.
Thursday, April 16th. — Wrote more of the History of
Berwick, and read what belonged to it in Tyrrel and
Abercromby.
Friday, April 11th. — Read more than 100 pages of
Tyrrel, who is a laborious and I suppose tolerably faithful,
but a very dry compiler. Read also some of the London
Magazines that came last.
Sunday, April 19th.- — Sir Robert told me that there was
an account at Marchmont House yesterday of the Duke
of Argyle having died somewhat suddenly. 1 This vacates
two great posts, for which there will be scrambling. And
it is not likely that Scotland will soon see so great a man
either in political interest or abilities as the Duke.
Munday, April 20th. — Recreated myself with reading
a volume of Swift's prose, consisting chiefly of political
tracts wrote in the end of King William's, and in Queen
Anne's reign. The elegance and ease of the stile of these
is incomparable, and they are scarce inferior, in extensive
views, just reasoning, true and lively wit, and, what I
scarce believed, several of them even in candor. Made
some observations on his stile, the principal ... of
which arise from a study of conciseness.
Tuesday, April 21st. — Went to the burial of the lad
Thomas Dawson, who, tho' moving about, has never been
quite well since the accident mentioned March 6. After
being a-hunting last Wednesday, he fell ill, and continued
1 Archibald, third Duke of Argyll, Keeper of the Privy Seal and of the
Great Seal, died in London, suddenly, while sitting in his chair at dinner,
at 5 p.m. on 15th April 1761.
378 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
so till Saturday night when he died. He had continual
vomitings, a stupor and sore head. When they examined
his head after his death, there was a visible protuberance
on the place where the wound had been received, which
being opened, some pus came out, and below it there was
a visible perforation of the skull. Since he fell last ill, by
an odd neglect, this place of his head had never been
looked to. The wound was never considerable, and was
quickly healed up. Probably the keeping of it open, or
opening the protuberance at last might have been of use.
The trepan might also have been tried, for tho' the wound
was probed, and no hole discovered thereby in the skull,
yet there were symptoms that strongly indicated that the
brain was hurt. Robert Turnbull came home with me
and dined, and staid till after tea. Read some of Swift
and Buchannan, the latter of whom writes as beautiful
Latin, as the other does English.
Wednesday, April 22nd. — Wrought a good deal in the
garden, sowing peas, hoing, etc. Have had ever since last
Presbytery a sore right shoulder, the effect of cold, which
I have not succeeded so well as usual in removing by
warmth and abstemiousness. To-day's exercise, which
was pretty considerable, seems to be doing it good. Looked
over a good deal of Tyrrel, and at night, read most of the
historical part of the Tale of the Tub, which was almost
new to me, and is a most exquisite piece of wit and good
writing.
Thursday, April 23rd.- — Wrought some in the garden
a.m. Went in the afternoon with Nancy to see Coventry
and his young wife, an awkward, mean-looking body, but
they say, very rich. 1 Cawdell there, a talking man and
dealer in marvels, and his wife. Two girls also staying for
a while with the young wife, one of them Coventry's sister,
a bonny country lass. Did not stay long. Minuted the
articles relating to Berwick out of Abercromby's 1st vol.
which I must return to-morrow. Got some more cold by
1 George Coventry married, in 1761, Elizabeth, daughter and co-heiress of
Andrew Horn of Thomanean, in the parish of Orwell, Kinross-shire,
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 379
dressing. My shoulder is not like to be well yet. Major
Pringle elected to-day at Greenlaw.
Friday. April 2Uh. — Frosty night. Wrought some in
the garden, and transcribed most part of the Presbytery
minutes I have in my hands into the Presbytery book, to
have it ready for the Synod. W. Davidson from Sprouston
came and staid all night. His errand was to speak to me
about a sort of invitation he has to preach at Newcastle in
Aiken's meeting, where Burn of Kelso had been settled
assistant and successor, but has left it for a kirk he is
presented to in Fife. 1 Davidson was engaged to preach
for me on Sunday se'ennight, but may perhaps go over to
Newcastle next week.
Saturday, April 2oth. — Wrote out the Presbytery
minutes. Prepared for to-morrow and wrought on a few
stanzas for Culloden Club in the measure of our old anthem.
Sunday. April 26th. — Lady Don and her two children
in the kirk, after a very long interval. She commonly goes
to Kelso Chappel, as they call it. Minna Dawson along
with her. They only staid the forenoon.
Munday, April 27th. — At Culloden Club, where were
Sir Robert and the Major, 2 other laymen, and 6 ministers.
Sate till near 8. Came home betwixt 8 and 9, along with
Sir Robert and the Major. Philip and Will came, in their
way to the Synod.
Tuesday, April 28th. — Went to the Synod and heard
part of Cupples's sermon, which was a repetition of his
work at Philip's ordination. At our two dyets to-day,
went through forms and read minutes. Drank tea at
Mrs. Dawson's, where was Philip, Dickson, and the Miss
Thompsons. Very hearty. Nancy went down with us,
and I came home with her at night. The rest stayed.
Wednesday, April 29th. — Having been appointed, along
with T. McDougall, to revise the Presbytery of Jedburgh's
book, rode down to Kelso for that purpose before break-
1 James Burn, ordained by the Presbyterian Class at Newcastle as
miruster of Castlegarth Meeting House, 1760, presented by George m.
(his first presentee in Scotland) to the parish of Forgan in Fifeshire, 7th
May 1 761.
380 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
fast. Made two or three remarks that gave employment
to the Synod for an hour or two in the forenoon. Rose
between 2 and 3. Din'd in Lundy's. Called along with
James Allan at Mrs. Dawson's, where I staid and drank
tea. My sw T eet girlie very anxious about her brother, 1 pre-
vailed with me to stay till the new T s came, when there was
nothing. Called at Mrs. Pollock's and saw Mrs. Waugh.
Came up before 9 with James Allan, Philip, and William.
Thursday, April 30th. — James Allan set out for Riddell
after breakfast. Chatted most of the day with Philip and
Will. J. Richardson of Newcastle here a while in the
evening. He was at the Synod, and has since been seeing
his friends about the country,
Friday, May 1st. — Richardson came in the forenoon,
and staid to dine. James Allan returned in the evening
from Riddell.
Saturday, May 2nd. — Set out for Berwick with Philip
and James Allan in company. Found Cupples at home
and dined with him. Drank tea at Waugh's. James set
out for Eymouth, and Philip and I towards Berwick about
6 o'clock. Philip stopt at Fishwick, not being absolutely
certain of supply for to-morrow, and I rode forward to
Berwick, where I arrived between 8 and 9. Found all at
Mr. Waite's well.
Sunday, May 3rd. — Served two tables and preached in
the afternoon for Henry. Monteith served two tables,
and Philip (being relieved by Tait, whom Waugh sent to
preach for him) other two. I received the Sacrament from
Monteith, and Philip gave it him. Should not this be an
omen of the approaching pe?ce of Europe ? Spent after-
noon and night in Henry's, 2 where was also Gardiner, a
mighty good sort of man, but very much, I am afraid,
out of his place in Berwick.
1 He was serving abroad with his regiment which took part in the
attempted landing at Belle Isle, where we were repulsed with considerable
loss.
- Robert Henry (see ante, p. 344, n. 1), at this time minister of the High
Meeting, Berwick-on-Tweed, translated Goguet's Origin of Laws, Arts, and
Sciences, 3 vols., Edinburgh, 1761.
1761] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 381
Munday, May Mh. — Philip and James Allan preached.
We dined in John Nixon's, and drank tea in Mrs. Nichol-
son's, where we saw poor Ben, who came home from a
sort of exile of 6 or 7 years, a few weeks ago. He has an
old and distressed appearance, but has been behaving
with tolerable decency. Had the Doctor and T. Ruther-
ford along with most of our dinner company at Nixon's
at night.
Tuesday, May 5th. — Called at the Mayor's in the morn-
ing, and was engaged to dine with him, James Allan along
with me. Philip staid at Mr. Waite's with John Waugh.
They came over to us, and we also drank tea there. Called
at my aunt's in the evening, and supped at the Doctor's.
Wednesday, May 6th. — Called at the Town Clerk's to
enquire about the Town Archives, which have been for
some time taken out of his hands, and are at present in
the keeping of the Recorder, and under the charge of a
committee. This is owing to the Town's plea with Thomas
Watson about their Royalties. He showed me, however,
a list of their charters, the first of which is dated about
the 20th of Edward in. Drank tea at Aunt Balderstone's.
Called in the evening at the Mayor's, and paid him a
ballance of £13, 10s. due since the 1754. I did not imagine
it had been quite so much, but knew it could not be much
short of it. Spent the evening at Mr. Waite's, where
were S. Turvin and Henry. Called in the forenoon at Mr.
Watson's, and sat an hour with him.
Thursday, May 7th. — Breakfasted with Mrs. Turner
and Cos. Mally. Drank tea in Mr. Chisholm's, and supped
in the Collector's. Chisholm there, together with Philip
and self. Sate pretty late. Still pretty much plagued at
times with the pain in my shoulder. Felt it a good deal
to-night at the Collector's.
Friday, May Sth. — Called at the Collector's to enquire
about the Town papers. Find it will be difficult to get a
sight of them, as I am in no degree of intimacy with the
Recorder. The Collector, however, promised me a sight
of Lord Mansfield's paper, containing a solemn judgment
of the Court of King's Bench with regard to the power
382 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
of that court to receive appeals in criminal causes from
Berwick, and the dependence of that place on the Realm
of England. Most of the day in Mr. Waite's, where my
old favourite Mrs. Nealson drank tea. Supped in Gardiner's
where were the Collector, Mr. Waite, Henry, Philip, and
myself. Good enough company. Henry is a sensible
man, but rather rough in his manners. James Allan staid
in town till this morning.
Saturday, May 9th. — Read last night and this morning,
Lord Mansfield's paper, where there are some things
worth knowing relating to the History and Constitution
of Berwick. Copied out some of them a.m. Left the town
about 3. Was detained 2 hours at Paxton by marrying
a pair of Philip's people. Having got Wilson of Hutton-
Hall to preach for him, he stays some days in town. Got
home about 9.
Munday, May 11th. — Journalised and look'd over Mr.
Hall and S. Stanton's accounts. Read also last March
magazine, which I brought from Berwick with me. Was
at Queen's Cairn seeing a girl that is very ill of the meazles.
W T rought also some in the garden.
Tuesday, May 12th. — Read a good deal of the 1st vol.
of the History of the Douglases. Sprot from Newton here
p.m. The knight, lady, and children have been at Edin-
burgh these 10 or 12 days.
Wednesday, May ISth. — Saw John Nicol's wife, who
seems to be drawing near her end by a tedious consumption.
Had a pleasant wander afterwards, about the Linn, which
is the most striking little scene I am acquainted with.
Wrought in the garden, and read some more of the History
of the Douglases,
Friday, May 15th. — Read to an end the first volume of
the Douglases, in which the relation of facts takes up less
room than a sort of declaration and reasoning which is
chiefly directed to extoll and vindicate the heroes of the
work, and often in cases where they were most evidently
culpable. Wrought a little in the garden. Was at the
burial of W. White's wife in the evening. Saw W. Steven-
son there, who told me that the presentation to Colding-
i 7 6i] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 383
ham is procured to Jolly. Marchmont himself told Dr.
Miller this within these few days. John Home thought
he had secured it for H. Greive 1 by his own interest with
Lord Bute, but if Marchmont insisted, as it seems he has
done, nobody w r ill wonder that he has proved too strong
for J. Home, though perhaps John himself may. It is a
pity, however, that Greive should be so much disappointed.
Got also a certain account that G. Bell of Todrig died of
a fever last Tuesday, a very honest man, my old acquaint-
ance and companion. Dr. Miller had been seeing him,
but complains that they had delayed too long to seek help.
Saturday, May Kith. — Prepared for to-morrow, wrought
some in the garden, and sometimes attended Thomas
Underwood, who was painting the windows and door.
His materials failed before he had near finished them.
Their being so long a-doing, made them swallow up a
much greater quantity. Read also some of the 2nd vol.
of the Douglases.
Man day. May 18th. — Read a great deal of the 2nd vol.
of the Douglases, winch is more interesting than the first.
Charles at Berwick for grass seeds. He brought no news.
Tuesday, May 19th. — Finished the History of the Doug-
lases. The last life in it, that of Archibald, Earl of Angus,
who died in 1588, is the most interesting. The author was
his friend and follower, and gives a very amiable view of
him. Robert Turnbull and Lundy came to dine, and staid
till about 7. Read the news, but there is nothing in them.
Wednesday, May 20th. — Wrote out of Hume of Godscroft,
the succession and genealogy of the Earls of Douglas, some-
what in the manner of Henault. They make so great a
figure in the Scots History, that such a view of them must
be useful. Wrought also some in the garden.
Thursday, May 21st. — Cupples came here about 12 from
Kelso, whicher he had been conveying the Miss Pollocks
from Whitsum, and staid till 7. Wrought some in the
1 Probably Henry Grieve, who was ordained at Twynholm in 1762
and, after being in several other parishes, became minister of the Old
Kirk, Edinburgh, in 1781, Moderator of Assembly 1783, and Chaplain in
Ordinary to the King 1784.
384 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
garden a.m. Read at night some of the beginning of the
Oceana, 1 a work I have not look'd into these many years.
Friday, May 22nd. — Got the last of my barley harrowed,
which was unluckily interrupted by the rain for these two
or three days past. Wrote out the succession of the Angus
family, so far as Hume goes. Will came in the afternoon.
He has been examining, in order to have his Sacrament,
which is to be a fortnight hence, and does not seem to be
the worse of his labour. Wrought a while in the glebe,
carrying stones off the barley land.
Saturday, May 23rd. — Wrote more out of Hume, and
returned him and Anderson in the evening by the Major's
servant. Got most of my barley land stoned, by the help
of some boys. Will left us about 4, and would get some
of the bad night. Sprot here at tea p.m., a very sensible
lad really, and much in the way of improvement. Did
something for to-morrow.
Munday, May 25th. — Forenoon in the garden, and read-
ing some of Swift. Afternoon went to Sir Robert's, and
sate till after supper. Got some franks from the Major
for Mr. Pollock and self, who is to be in the country all the
summer, and spoke for a place in Sir Robert's parks for
my quey.
Tuesday, May 26th. — Forenoon, read newspapers, was in
the garden, and shaved. Afternoon, rode to Kelso to speak
to Dr. Miller about Philip, from whom I had a letter yester-
day, giving me an account of what he had been doing in
consequence of the Doctor's directions, hitherto with very
little success. Got measure taken of a coat and pair of
breeches, both of which I want very much. Drank tea in
Mr. Pollock's, who is not gone to* Edinburgh. The blast
of last Sunday frighted him, and he is certainly much wiser
to stay at home. Called at Mrs. Dawson's, and wrote to
Philip and Mr. Waite.
Wednesday, May 27th. — Wrought almost all the day in
1 By James Harrington (1611-77). Though a republican, he accompanied
Charles 1. to the scaffold. He was a kind of seventeenth-century socialist
and advocated, in his celebrated romance Oceana, the equal division of all
landed property.
i 7 6i] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 385
the garden, weeding, hoing, and staking pease. Read
some of Goguet's History of Ancient Arts and Sciences, 1
which Charles brought up from Edrom on Munday, whither
he had been conveying Peg. Observed several faults in
the translation, tho' it is none of the worst.
Thursday, May 28th. — Transcribed some things relating
to the religious houses of Berwick and the borders out of
Spotswood's account of them. Wrought also some in the
garden, and read some more of Goguet at night.
Friday, May 29th. — Transcribed more from the account
of the religious houses. Wrought some in the garden and
read more of the first volume of Goguet at night. This
volume was translated by Henry, and is much freer of
faults than those places of the other two that I have looked
into.
Saturday, May 30th. — Was early up in the morning,
attending the sowing of my grass seeds which could not
be done till to-day, by reason of the cold, stormy weather.
Got a very good morning for the work, and gave them a
slight harrowing in the evening. Prepared for to-morrow,
and transcribed some more things from the account of
religious houses. This evening and last, viewed the sun
through a telescope. There are some very remarkable
spots on his disk, the progress of which was very percep-
tible from yesterday till to-day. Some near his limb on
the lower part were gone, and a remarkable groupe on the
upper part had come in view, since last evening.
Munday, June 1st. — W T rote things from the account of
religious houses, etc. Coventry, with his young wife, and
the two girls here p.m.
Tuesday, June 2nd.- — Rode over to Greenlaw to the
burial of John Hume's servant, which came to Home
kirkyard, and came home between 3 and 4. John Mack
came and paid me my glebe rent. Look'd at the sun
again, and still observe very distinctly the progress of
1 Anthony Yves Goguet, an ingenious French writer (1716-58). His
Origine des Loix, des Arts, des Sciences et de leur progres chez les anciens
peuples, was published at Paris 1758, and translated by Robert Henry into
English 1 761.
2b
386 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
the spots. They undergo also great variations in their
form and appearance.
Wednesday, June 3rd. — Wrought in the garden, saw
sick, and baptized a child to John Nicol whose wife was
delivered in the morning several weeks before her time.
The poor woman has been in the last stage of a consump-
tion for a good while, and it was not little amazing that
she should have had strength to bring forth a living child.
It is not likely, however, that either mother or child will
live long. 1 Very happy, rest of the day, with my dear
girlie, who staid, helping Nancy to dress clothes.
Thursday, June Hh. — Minna Dawson still here. She
could not leave Nancy, who is very low-spirited, and much
distrest with my mother's illness, which was very violent
most of this day. Sent for in the evening to see W.
Service and make his testament. Found Sir Robert with
him, who afterwards sent me down a sheet of stamp' d
paper and also some directions about the form of the
man's will, which he got from his brother Walter. Made a
scroll of it in the evening. Read at night some of Goguet's
first volume, as I have done for several nights before. It
is abundantly entertaining, and full of a very curious sort
of learning.
Friday, June 5th. — Minna and Nancy walked to Kelso
a.m. and rode up again in the evening. I was with my
mother almost all the day. Calculated time of sun's
rising for to-morrow from Leadbetter's tables, m order to
determine the time of Venus 's going off the sun's disk.
Robert Turnbull came in the evening and staid all night
for the sake of observing that phenomenon to-morrow.
Saturday, June 6th. — Waked at 2, and rose at 3. Walked
out to the Park behind the town to observe the time of
sun-rising. Returned, and saw Venus about 4 in the sun's
disk, a spot, to appearance, of more than an inch diameter,
and then seeming to be advanced about a third of her way
in the sun, waked Robert Turnbull to see her, who also
saw her for some time distinctly. It grew cloudy between
1 Marginal note : — Child died this evening.
i 7 6i] DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH 387
4 and 5, and I, having got little sleep, and there being little
likelihood of seeing more of her, went to bed about 5 and
lay till 7. Before I got up, Robert Turnbull with Nancy
had seen her again for a very little time, and about 8 J
Robert had a glance of her, when her disk, in going off,
was about touching the western part of the disk of her sun,
but it was a very transient view, and clouds hindered
observing her any more. Was shaving for my Edrom
journey at the time Robert saw her last. Set out after
breakfast and got to Edrom about one, where Jolly and
Tod preached. After sitting a while with Will, rode over
to Fish wick.
Sunday , June 7th. — Served two tables, and preached in
the afternoon without. 1 James Allan preached within.
Murray and Walter Anderson were also assisting, and
W T alter had along with him one Scot, a preacher, son to
Scot of Dumfries. 2 A very long work, by William's
prolixity. Rode over again to Fishwick.
Munday, June 8th. — Returned to Edrom, where Cupples
and Dickson preached. James Allan, certainly very
improperly, dined at Allan-Bank, where he had also staid
on Saturday and Sunday night with the Knight, Chief
Magistrate of the County, and an Elder ; at home, and
yet on none of the days in the kirk. Doctor Balderstone
had been dining also at Allan-Bank, and came over in the
evening with James Allan to Edrom. Young Brymor
called a while about the same time. Set out along with
James Allan between 7 and 8, and got here about 10. My
sister had come from Berwick on Saturday, which I heard
at Fishwick. Minna Dawson had also been so good as to
continue with them.
Tuesday, June 9th. — Walked down to Kelso with my
dear lassie, and carried her back again on horseback. . . . 3
1 That is, in the churchyard.
2 John Scott, afterwards minister of Twynholm, to which he was or-
dained 1763 ; D.D. Edinburgh 1785 : died 1801. He was eldest son of
John Scott, minister of Greyfriars, Dumfries.
3 Several following lines, probably relating to Minna, have been
deleted.
388 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH [1761
At the Presbytery we appointed a visitation at Sprouston
on Thursday fortnight, gave our concurrence to James
Turnbull in a process he finds it necessary to commence
against Clifton about the possession of his cow's grass.
Mary Leitch was also there, seeking to be freed from her
sentence, which was delayed till our session shall report
appearances of her reformation.
Wednesday, June 10th. — James Allan went away in the
morning, to breakfast at Marchmont House. Journalized,
and chatted most of the day with my sister. Will came
after dinner, and staid all night. He is to preach at Fogo
to-morrow.
Friday, June Villi. — Mr. Waite came in a chaise about
10 p.m. and set out again with my sister and Nancy in
company between 3 and 4. I read some of Camden, and
revised some of my transcripts about Berwick and the
Borders.
Saturday, June 13th. — Wrought in the garden, and read
some of the Origin of Arts and Sciences. 1 Had the roof
of my house mended, which required about 40 slates, tho'
it was completely repaired last year. But the winter was
remarkably tempestuous. My mother rather better
than usual.
Sunday, June 14 3 8 ° and n -
Robert, minister of Stow,
244-5, 343-
Thomas, 9, 37, 43, 57, 63,
135, 150, 227.
[a boy] dies because of
an accident, 373, 377.
Wilhelmina, afterwards wife
of George Ridpath, xxi, 9 and
n, 51, 85, 114, 151, 158, 187,
215, 217-18, 246, 252, 277, 289,
305, 307-8, 317, 327-9, 334, 337-8,
350, 358, 368-9, 372, 377, 379-8o
and n, 386-7 and n, 392.
William, 218, 366-7.
Deans, Robert, minister of Cfailing,
312 and n.
Dick, Robert, minister of Trinity
parish, Edinburgh, 250-1.
Dickson, a merchant in London,
297-8.
Adam, minister of Duns, aftw.
of Whittinghame, 21 and n.
David, of Antonhill, 361 n.
Wm., in Oxmuir, 72, 181 -2,
229, 326, 341, 346.
Dobbie (Doby), schoolmaster in
Kelso, 24, 70, 71, 80, 87, 109,
119, 144, 150, 154, 165, 198, 283,
321 and n.
Dodds, Edward, 7.
Edmund, 220.
Dodsley's Miscellanies, 290 and n,
298 and n, 300.
Don, Sir Alexander, 121, 128, 212,
226, 267, 270, 323, 334.
Don, Lady, 25 and w, 191, 198, 212,
217. 270, 323, 379-
Capt. Archibald, 172.
Doubleday, Dr., 8 and n, 287-8, 356.
Douglas, John, minister of Jed-
burgh, 100 and n, 210 and n, 268.
Jos., of Eddrington, 327.
William, his Summary hist, and
polit. of the British Settlements
in North America, 53 and n, 58.
Drummond, Sir William, of Haw-
thornden, his History of Scotland,
86 and n, 87, 178 ; Works, 108.
Dudgeon, T., 172, 349.
Du Halde's History of China, 74 and
n, 83.
Duncan, Alexander, minister of
Gordon, 160, 196, 206, 263 and n,
265, 298, 309, 329, 363.
— minister of Smailholm,
78 and n, 83, 149, 151.
David, minister of Stow, 190
and n, 210.
Dundas, Robert, of Arniston, Lord
Advocate, 96-7 and n, 184 and n,
330 and n.
minister of Humbie, 304
n, 326, 393 and n. •
Sir Robert, of Dunira, xx.
Dunglass, 146, 149, 183, 315 and n.
Dunse mineral well, 89, 91.
Dupin's History, 154 and n, 157.
Durham, D., 206.
Dysart, Bessie, wife of Patrick
Smith, 151, 267, 361 and n.
David, 266 and n.
Fanny, wife of Major Walter
Home, 252, 303, 349 and n, 388.
J-, 320.
Jean, wife of David Dickson
of Antonhill, 361 and n.
John, minister of Coldingham,
6w, 317 and n.
Mary, 198.
Matthew, minister of Eccles,
xvii-xix, 6 and n, 7, 25, 28, 37,
60, 76, 82, 88, 106, no, 112, 113,
125, 149-51, i59-6o, 165, 178,
192, 195-7, 207, 208, 213, 216, 239,
252, 289, 318, 320, 328, 335, 337,
350, 364-
Nan, 86, 136, 140, 152, 155,
171, 178 and n, 179.
Edgar, Andrew, 91, 164, 170, 245,
257, 267, 274.
Richard, 274.
Mrs., 390.
INDEX
399
Edinburgh in 1755, 13.
Foundling Hospital, 80.
Edmiston, Andrew, 32, 124.
Ednam, 16, 21, 37, 38, 121, 127-8,
142, 175, 177, 178, 184, 185, 198,
206, 212, 227, 311, 320, 326, 346,
363, 369, 372.
Edrom, 138, 225-6, 228, 265-6, 310,
320, 356.
Edward, Prince, rumour of elope-
ment with a schoolgirl, 366.
Eglinton, Alexander, 10th Earl of,
366 and n.
Electric experiments, 25-7.
Elibank, Patrick, 5th Lord, 195.
Ellicot's method of correcting
pendulums, 26-7 and n.
Elliot, Sir Gilbert, of Minto, Lord
Justice-Clerk, 189 and n.
Epictetus, xiv, 46, 335, 336, 340.
Erskine, Charles, of Tinwald, Lord
Justice-Clerk, 189 and n.
Ebenezer, founder of the
Secession Church, 202 and n.
Ewing, Agnes, wife of Alex. Home,
minister of Stitchel, 31 «.
Elizabeth, wife of John Bell,
minister of Gordon, 207 n.
John, of Craigton, W.S., 31 m.
Fairbairn, Edward, 119, 123, 217.
Mary, 217, 220.
Fairholm, Adam, of Greenhill, 208 n.
Fallside Hill, 297, 299.
Ferdinand, King of Spain, 225
and n, 229.
Ferguson, Adam, his defence of
Douglas, 125 and n ; author of
Proceedings in the case of Mar-
garet, called Peg, 373 and n.
Fergusson, Sir James, of Kilkerran,
226 and n.
Ferrers, Earl, executed for murder,
313 and n, 318.
Fever, treatment of, 285-7.
Ficinus, Marsilius, 39 and n,
Plotinus, 50.
Fiddes, Catherine, wife of William
Walker, minister of Mackerstoun,
45 n, 261 and n, 265.
Findlater, Thomas, minister of West
Lothian, 206 and n.
Fishwick, 115, 121, 139, 143, 325
and n, 338.
Fletcher's discourse on the Militia,
in.
Foote, Samuel, actor, 238 and n.
j Forbes, William, Treatise on Tithes,
137 and n.
Ford, Grizel, wife of Robert Dick,
251 n.
James, minister of Lauder,
260 and n, 263, 279.
j Fordyce, Alex., banker, 324 n.
David, his Dialogues concern-
ing Education, 75 and n.
James, his sermon on Un-
lawful Pleasures, 324 and n.
Foundling Hospital at Edinburgh,
80.
Fowberry, Northumberland, 148.
Fragments of Ancient Poetry col-
lected in the Highlands, 324, 337,
338 and n.
Francis, Philip, rector of Barrow,
translator of Horace, 1 and n, 4.
Frisian, G., 27.
Gardiner, preacher in Marlborough,
331, 344-5, 380.
Genghis Khan, 259 and n, 260.
George 11., 348, 351.
George 111., proclamation against
immorality, 351 ; changes his
chaplains, 360.
Gibson, Dr., 64, 163, 213.
Annie, 26, 208.
Glen, Alexander, minister of Kirk-
ton, afterwards of Galashiels,
159 and n, 256 and n, 341.
Glenelg heresy charge, 251 and n.
Gloag, William, minister of Cock-
pen, 393 and n.
Goaterson, Katherine, 69.
Goguet, Anthony Yves, author of
Ancient Arts and Sciences, 385
and n, 388 n.
Goldie. See Goudie.
Gordon, George, £72 n, 308.
Bank, Chirnside, 172 and n.
Gotrie, R., operation on his tongue,
162.
Goudie or Goldie, John, minister of
Penicuik, 22 and n, 80, 85, 134, 202
and n, 221, 263, 295, 314, 317, 324.
minister of Earlston, 191
and w, 207, 209.
Grant, Jane, wife of Robert Dundas
of Arniston, 97 and n.
W T illiam, of Prestongrange,
189 and n.
Gray, Alexander, 358.
John, 136.
Greaves' Pyramidographia, 122 and
n.
400 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
Greenknowe, Lady, 208.
Greenwood, James, his English
Grammar, 203 and n.
Grieve, Ben., 356.
Henry, minister of Twynham,
aftw. of New Greyfriars, Edin-
burgh, 239 and n, 278, 383
and n.
Dr. James, 322, 365 ; his
translation of Celsus, 28 and n,
29, 30, 4i» 60-1, 63.
Gullan, William, minister of Leger-
wood, 162 and n, 191, 207.
Guthrie, Henry, his Memoirs of
Scottish Affairs, 179 and n.
Haig of Bemersyde, 145.
389-
Hairy-Heugh, 85, 190, 198, 217,
246, 269, 292-3.
Hall, of Lowick, 197.
Isabella, 264 and n.
John, operation on, for stone,
in.
Sir John, 149, 264 and n,
270, 276 and n, 277 and n,
278-9, 281, 289, 306, 332, 340,
382, 391.
Lady, 306, 366 and n, 369,
39i, 393-
widow of Sir James
Hall of Dunglass, 64 and n.
Peggy, 84.
T y, ' a sensible woman,
when she likes,' 165.
Thomas, Berwick, 111.
William, 209, 264 and n, 274,
314-
Halley's comet, 246 and n.
Hamilton, Gilbert, minister of
Cramond, 138 and n.
Helen. See Selkirk, Countess
of.
John, Archbishop of St.
Andrews, 183.
Katherine. See Aberdour,
Lady.
Thomas, of Fala, 96 and n.
William, of Bangoux, 264 n.
Hanway's Travels, 81 and n, 82.
Hardie, Jean, wife of John Aitchi-
son, 87 n.
Harper-town, 69, 207.
Harrington's Oceana, 384 and n.
Hart, Sally, 125 and n.
Walter, minister of Bunkle,
7, 125 n.
Haswell, Adam, surgeon in Jed-
burgh, 201 n.
Cecilia, wife of John Kennedy,
201 and n, 337 and n.
Hawick, 160.
Hawke destroys the Brest squadron,
290.
Hawsendean, 30.
Hay of Drumboot, 117.
James, 1 15-16, 289.
Hemlock as a cure for cancer, 356.
Henry, Matthew, his Scripture
Catechism, 234 and n.
Robert, minister at Berwick,
afterwards of New Greyfriars,
Edinburgh, 344 and n, 345,
380-2, 385 and n.
Hepburn, Helen, wife of John
Lundie, 316 n.
Patrick, minister of Ayton,
85 and «, 133 and n, 188 and n.
T., 249.
Heraldry, study of, 107-9.
Heriot's Hospital, Edinburgh, 167.
Hermiston-heads, 109.
Herriot, John, 94, 155, 305, 314.
Mary, 84.
Sandy, 126, 202, 210.
Heymer, Robert, 210, 226.
Highland poetry, 324, 337, 338
and n.
Hill, John, apothecary, 330 and n.
Hilton. See Johnston, Wynne, of
Hilton.
Hirsel, the, 25 and n.
Hislop, Adam, 256.
History of the Douglases, 382-3.
Hoadley and Wilson's treatise on
Electricity, 119, 121.
Hogg, Alison, 147, 190-1, 259. .
Richard, 256.
Robert, minister of Roxburgh,
98 and n, 178, 241.
Holdernesse, Robert, Earl of, Sec-
retary of State, 280 and n.
Holdsworth's notes on Virgil, 76
and n.
Home, village of, 2 and n, 4, 7, 9.
See also Hume.
Mr., of St. Kitts, 274.
Mrs., wife of Edward Inglis,
druggist, 31 n.
Alexander, minister of Abbey
St. Bathans. See Hume.
■ — minister of Stitchel, 31 n.
Andrew, of Otterburn, 20.
son of Wm. Home, minis-
ter of Fogo, 106 and n.
INDEX
401
Home, Francis, M.D., author of Ex-
periments on Bleaching, 56 and n,
61, 71, 116 ; Principia Medicinae,
182 and n ; and Principles of
Agriculture, 116 and n.
George, oi Broadhaugh, minis-
ter of Chirnside, 31 and n.
Grizel, wife of Andrew Jollie,
7 n, 10.
Helen, wife of Alex. Duncan,
minister of Smailholm, 78 n.
Henry, Lord Karnes, 1 1 and n,
16 and n, 43, no n, 186 and n,
188, 282, 340, 348.
James, minister of Bowden,
50 and n, 172 and n.
Jenny, 160.
John, collector of taxes for the
Merse, 310 and n, 348, 375.
minister of Athelstane-
ford, and author of Douglas, xix,
7 and n, 10 and n, 13, 28, 51,
88-9, 108 and n, no and n, 1 12-13,
118-19, I2 4 w, 125-6, 166 n ;
receives ^100 from the Princess of
Wales, 135 ; and £100 per annum
from the Prince of Wales, 136 ;
his Mgis, 177 and n ; his Siege of
Aquileia, 307.
Margaret, wife of George
Campbell, minister of Lilhesleaf,
31 m, 257 and n.
Mary, wife of Robert Hogg,
minister of Roxburgh, 98 n.
Patrick, minister of Hutton
[1679], 142, 144.
Patrick [1758], 180.
Polly, 208.
■ Sophia, wife of Walter Scott,
minister of Westruther, 29 n.
Walter, aftw. Col. 42nd High-
landers, 168 and n.
William, Earl of, 25, 59, 114-
115, 146, 148, 163, 179-80, 189,
193-4, 209, 228, 230, 233, 235,
282, 357.
minister of Fogo, 1722-
1756, 7 and m, 21, 106 n, 186 and n.
minister of Polwarth,
1735-58, and of Fogo, 1758-84.
10 and n, 21, 57, 75-6, 82, 88-9,
106 n, no, 135, 159, 163, 196-7
and n, 209, 312 ; the victim of
a paternity scandal, 19-20 and n.
Home Byres, 17 n, 25.
Hooke, Nathaniel, Jacobite agent,
his Negotiations in Scotland, 331
and n.
Hooke, Nathaniel [nephew], vindi-
cation of Newton's Chronology,
174 and n, 175.
Hope, Dr., 311.
Horn, Elizabeth, wife of George
Coventry, 378 and n.
Horse, price of, 70.
Hoy, Chry, 339.
Hume. See also Home.
Alexander [Sandy], minister
of Abbey St. Bathans, aftw. of
Polwarth, xix, 2, 6 n, 28 and n,
45 and n, 91, 150, 164, 197, 271,
316 and n.
Alison, wife of Philip Ridpath,
xxii.
Lady Ann, wife of Sir John
Paterson of Eccles, 28 and n, 258.
David, philosopher and his-
torian, xiii, xvii, 118, 143-4, 2 5° >
his ' collection of Atheism,' 73 ;
his Essays, 319 ; his History of
Great Britain, 15-16 and n, 261-2,
264 ; his Natural History of Re-
ligion, 131.
David, Clerk of Session, 6 «,
143, 189 and n.
George, lieut. R.N., 6 n.
James, minister of Bowden, 305.
Jean, wife of Matthew Dysart,
minister of Eccles, 6 n.
John, minister of Greenlaw,
xviii, 6n, 19, 28, 58, 89, 103, io6w,
114, 138, 151-2, 174, 195-6, 208,
214, 236, 239, 254, 258, 335, 364,
375-
Hunter, John, 57, 59, 63, 66, 248,
290, 357-
William, surgeon, 41 and n.
Hurd's edition of Horace's Art of
Poetry, 131 and n, 132.
Hutton, settlement of, xviii and n,
51 and n, 52 and n, 55, 57,61-2,
114-15, 119, 122, 124, 142, 144,
146, 148-9, 170, 175-6, 180, 183,
184, 188-9, 192, 194, 209, 213,
215, 227-8, 230, 233, 235-6, 241,
246, 251, 253, 283.
Hutton-Hall, 65, 327, 365 and n.
Huxham, John, physician, 90 and
n ; his Treatise of Antimony, 60
and n.
Hyde, Anne, 307 and n.
Hydromel, 277 and n.
Inglis, Ann, wife of Thomas Mac-
dougal, minister of Mackerstoun,
282 n.
2
c
402 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
Inglis, Edward, druggist in Edin-
burgh, 31 n.
Innes, James, minister of Mertoun,
17 and n, 84, 130.
Inoculation for measles, 259.
Irish Compendium, 106-9.
Jardine, John, minister of the
Tron Church, Edinburgh, 134
and n.
Jedburgh schoolmaster called to
account for going to hear Boston,
347-
settlement of, 54 and n, 55, 66,
99-100.
Jeffrey, Ninian, Musselburgh, 10,
88, 334-
Thomas, in Whitsum, 45 n.
W., 147.
Jews in Prague, 354.
Johnson, Andrew, 30, 103, 1 14-15.
Johnston, David, minister of Lang-
ton, 196.
Wynne, of Hilton, 8 and n,
51-2, 55-7, 59, 65, 78, 82, 86,
310, 365 n.
Mrs., 51, 65, 310, 325.
Jollie, Andrew, tailor in Edinburgh,
7 n.
Jolly, John, minister of Simprim,
210 and n, 324, 383, 390.
Jortin's Life of Erasmus, 332 and n,
333-
Joseph, King of Portugal, attempted
assassination of, 226 and n, 230-1.
Kay, George, minister of Old
Greyfriars, Edinburgh, 355 and n.
Keith, ne'e Macleod, Mrs., projected
marriage to James Allan, xviii,
211, 222, 233, 242; intrigue with
Collector Temple, 295-6.
— — James, field-marshal, 242 and n.
Robert, his History of Scotland,
183, 186 and n, 192, 236.
Kelso bridge, 66, 70, 78, 81, 82-3,
90, 178; the fall of an arch, 98,
100 ; damaged by flood, 212.
Subscription Library, xiii and
6, 38-9, 165, 292-3, 296, 298-9,
355-8, 361.
Kennet's Romae Antiquae Notitia,
18 and n.
Ker of Etall, 158.
■ Miss, of Nisbet, 270.
Abraham, minister of Nen-
thorn, 10 and n, 15-16, 40, 152,
I 76, 195, 207, 271-2.
Ker, Andrew, 40.
Barbara, wife of Francis Scott,
minister of Westruther, 28 n.
John, 58, 67, 90, 157, 174, 182,
203, 296, 3°9, 358, 373-
Strother, of Littledean,
35 «•
Robert, of Broadmeadows,
59 and n.
Thomas, of Broadmeadows,
52 n.
W., of Fallsidehill, 48.
Walter, yr. of Littledean, 35 n.
William, 176, 266, 268, 301,
312, 339, 343, 389, 392.
Keysler's Travels through Germany,
142 and n, 354.
Kirkland, Isobel, wife of James
Ford, 260 n.
Kirkwood, Elizabeth, wife of James
Mason, minister of Yarrow, 232 n.
Isobel, wife of Wm. Brown,
minister of Maxton, 214 n.
Knox's History, xiii, 217.
Lahontan's Voyages to North
America, 17 and n, 18.
Landreth, James, 112 and n.
minister of Simprin, 7
and n, 45, 75, 85, 91, 93-4, 112
and n.
Langtown estate for sale, 153.
settlement, 129-31.
Lauder, Jean, wife of Richard
Brown,ministerofLochmaben,9«.
Laurie, Mr., 58.
Mrs., 96, 302.
Gilbert, of Crossry, minister of
Hutton, 21 n.
treasurer of Edinburgh,
96, 121, 139, 146, 184-5, 188, 189.
James, minister of Langton,
aftw. of Hawick, 20 and n, 94,
98-9, 105-6, 129 and n, 159, 172,
197, 216.
Rebecca, wife of George
Balderstone, 21 n.
Leaping-on stone, 293 and n.
Leek, Henry, 57 and n.
Joseph, minister of Yetholm,
14 and n, 18, 57 and n, 124, 151,
190, 213.
Lee, John, 162.
Thomas, 218.
Leitch, John, 311.
Mary, dealt with for fornica-
tion, 289-90, 293, 317, 320, 362,
369, 374, 388.
INDEX
403
Leith settlement, io-ii and n.
Lenf ant's Nouveau Testament, 35
and n.
Libraries or reading clubs, xiii and n,
283 and n. See also under Rid-
path (George).
Life of Prince Eugene, 78-9.
Lillie, T., 141.
Lilliesleaf, 306, 319, 331.
Lindsay of Pitscottie's History of
Scotland, 106 and n, 107.
Lisbon earthquake, 43-4, 46-8 ;
conspiracy against King Joseph,
226 and n ; execution of con-
spirators, 230-1.
Liston, Robert, minister of Aber-
dour, 392 and n.
Lockhart, Alexander, lawyer, 148.
Logan, George, minister of Lauder,
his Treatise on Government, 117
and n.
Logie heritors, 249 and n.
Lothian, William, 3rd Marquess,
3, 49 and n.
Lottery tickets, xix, 1 16-17, I 20,
135-
Love, John, rector of Dalkeith
Grammar School, 118 and n.
Lundie or Lundy, Allan, minister of
Hutton, 142, 146.
Archibald, minister of Saltoun,
209 and n, 211, 300 and n, 316 n.
Cornelius,minister of Kelso,xx,
4 and n, 10, 24, 27-9, 33, 37, 40,
6°, 87i 9°, IOO > io 4» 108-11, 115,
124, 129-30, 135, 151, 153, 165-6,
170, 172-3, 188-9, 209, 212, 219-21
227-8, 243-4, 2 54> 2 56-7, 2 68, 271,
274, 298, 312, 316 n, 318, 330-1,
335-6, 339, 341, 343, 365-9, 374-7,
380, 383.
Henry, minister of Trinity 1
parish, Edinburgh, 136 and n.
James, minister of Hutton,
142, 144, 145-6.
John, minister of Oldham-
stocks, 316 and n.
Robert, minister of Kelso, 4 n.
Lyttleton's Dialogues of the Dead,
321 and n, 323.
Macaulay, ^Eneas, minister of
Applecross, 251 and n.
M'Doual of Castle-Semple, 91.
Macdougall, Barbara, 301 n.
Col. George Hay, 301 and n.
Thomas, minister of Mackers-
toun, 282 and n, 293-4, 2 99» 3 OI »
304, 309, 312, 326, 346, 350, 366,
370, 374, 379, 39 2 "3-
Macdowal, Andrew, of Bankton,
189 and n.
Macfait, Ebenezer, 363 and w.
MTlwraith, Mr., 124 ; accused of
fornication, 289, 317, 320, 357,
362-3, 366, 369, 374, 376.
Mack, John, 120, 249, 385.
Mackenzie, James, his History of
Health, 349 and n, 350-2.
Mackill, Elizabeth, wife of Wm.
Trotter, 37.
Macleod, Mr., father of Mrs. Keith,
205, 233.
Macpherson, James, his Fragments
of Ancient Poetry, 324, 337, 338
and n.
Macqueen, Robert, Lord Braxfield,
100 and n.
Macquer's Elements of Chemistry,
227 and n.
Madan, Spencer, bishop of Peter-
borough, 360 and n.
Mains, Chirnside, 164 and n.
Man, James, an Aberdeen philo-
logist, 112 n, 122.
Mansfield, Lord, his paper on the
history of Berwick, 381-2.
March, William, 3rd Earl of, 366
and n.
Marchmont, Hugh, 3rd Earl of,
19-20, 55-7, 59-60, 65, 72-3, 76,
78, 81-2, 84, 88 and n, 89, 208
and n, 213, 222, 226, 258, 272,
282, 328.
Lady, 88 and n.
Marie pit at Home Byres, 326.
Marriages in the church, 77 and n.
Marshall Meadows, 390.
Marshall, Isobel, wife of Adam
Murray, minister of Abbey St.
Bathans, 316 and n.
Mason, Alison, wife of Thomas
Pollock, minister of Ednam, 3 n.
G., in Hassendean, 5.
James, minister of Yarrow,
6 and n, 232 and n, 389 and n.
Mary, wife of John Waugh,
minister of Whitsome, 3 and n.
William, his Odes, 84 and n ;
and Caractacus, 363 and n.
Maule, Jean, dau. of the Hon.
Harvey Maule of Kellie, 35 n.
Mead, Richard, 41 and n ; his
Monita et Praecepta Medica, 4
and n, 353 ; the Medica Sacra,
30.
404 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
Medical Essays and Observations,
150.
Mellerstane fair, 81.
Melrose abbey, 145, 255.
bridge destroyed by a flood,
352 »•
Melville, Sir James, of Hallhill,
Memoirs, 107 and n, 157-8.
Thomas, his Observations on
Light, 89 and u.
Merton, 163 and n.
Meteor of November 1758, 215, 303.
Middleton, laird of, 18.
Militia Bill, 313.
Millar, John, 252.
Miller, James, 221.
John, M.D., 18 and n, 26, 34,
51, 63, 86, 92-3, 105, 114, 126-7,
130, 140-1, 160, 174, 182, 195,
212, 226-7, 239, 291-2, 305, 308,
310.
Philip, his Gardeners' Diction-
ay y, 235 and n, 319 and n, 338
and n.
Sir Thomas, of Glenlee, 238
and n, 249.
Milton's History of England, 291.
Minden, battle of, 264 and n, 266.
Mineral well at Dunse, 89 ; at
Home, 259.
Moncrieff, Matthew, minister in
Shetland, 12 and n.
Monteith, Robert, minister of Long-
formacus, 20 and n, 21, 31, 93,
95, 99-ioo, 129-30, 133, 163, 197,
279-80, 314, 328, 348, 380.
Montesquieu's Lettres Persanes, 320
and n.
Monthly Magazine, 239 and n.
Moore, Henry, methodist preacher,
258 and n.
Morebattle, 57, 109.
Morhof's Polyhistor, 44 and n.
Morton, James, Earl of, 390 and n.
Moschus' Epitaph on Bion, 46 and n.
Mow, John, of Mains, 164 n, 309,
3i5-
Moyse's Memoirs, 156 and n, 159.
Murray, Lady, daughter of George
Baillie of Jerviswood, 253 and n,
283.
Adam, minister of Abbey St.
Bathans, 22 and n, 203 and n,
310 and n, 316 and n, 387.
John, of Kinaldy, 17.
William, of Polmaise, 343 and n.
Musschenbroek's Natural Philo-
sophy, 87 and n.
Nealson or Neilson, Elizabeth,
wife of John Goldie, minister in
Berwick, 22 n, 202 and 11, 382.
Ephraim, 28, 212, 322, 342 ;
his Life and Philosophy of
Pythagoras, 113, 114.
Mary, 21, 86, 149, 151, 245.
Nenthorn, 67, 84, 152, 175-6.
Nepos' Life of Atticus, 42.
Xether Byres, 31 and n.
Newcastle, Duke of, 81, 82.
New Hailes house, 143 and n.
Newton Don, 25 n.
Nicholson, Mrs., 137, 294-6, 314,
345, 381.
Nicol, John, 241, 382, 386.
Nicolson's Historical Libraries, 370
and n, 371.
Nisbet, mason, 327, 374.
Lord, 343.
William, of Dirleton, 173 and n,
327-
Nixon, John, 381.
Norden's Egypt and Ntibia, 122
and n.
Nugent, Richard, poet, 298 and n.
Thomas, author, 336 and n.
O'Brien, John, captain R.N.,
333 », 34i-
Mrs. See Pollock, Alison.
Observations on the . . . writings of
Sopho and David Hume, 16 and n,
18.
Oldmixon, John, 46 ; 'a captious,
wrangling fool,' 47, and a
' factious wretch, 48 ; his History
of Maryland, 48.
Ormiston, Dr., 369.
Charles, of Hendersyde, 70 n,
83.
Jean, wife of John W aldie of
Berryhill, 70 n.
Marion, wife of J. Home,
minister of Bowden, 50.
Mary, 172 n.
Oxfuird, Henrietta, Viscountess of,
96 n.
Oxmuir, 181, 194.
Palairet's Concise Description of
the English and French possessions
in North America, 45 n.
Palladio's Architecture by Ware,
269 and n, 270.
Palmer, Susanna, wife of Tom
Pollock, 323 n.
Park, Mrs., 90.
INDEX
405
Parliamentary History, 301 and n.
Paterson, of Newton wawk-mill,
372-
regimental chaplain, 172.
Sir John, of Eccles, 28 and n,
3*4-
John, 236, 258.
Paton, Duncan, 312.
William, minister of Eckford,
186 and n.
Paxton's, in the Grassmarket, Edin-
burgh, 167.
Payne's Chronicle, 219 and n.
Peagrim, Mary, wife of James
Coutts of Hampton, 8 n.
Pearce, Zachary, bishop of Roches-
ter, 114, 359 and n ; his trans-
lation of Cicero, 128-9.
Pease Dean, Dunglass, 315 n.
Pettie, Ehzabeth, wife of the Lord
Clerk Register, 103 n.
Plato's de Legibus, 302, 359, 360,
361, 363 ; Republica, 291, 293,
297 and n.
Plautus' Amphitruo, 36 and n ;
Aulularia and Curculio, 301 ;
Mostellaria, 215.
Plutarch's Lives, no.
Pococke, Richard, bishop of Meath,
347 and n.
Pollock, Alison, aftw. Mrs. O'Brien,
83 n, 84, 92, 123, 165, 187 and n,
323 «, 332, 333 and n, 341, 355.
Allan, schoolmaster in Lon-
don, 83 and n, 263.
Ehzabeth [the Naiad], xxi,
200 n, 20O, 214-16, 219 and w, 220
and n, 222, 224, 228, 232, 236,
241, 260, 263, 298, 306, 309, 312,
326, 336, 370.
George, in Paisley, 263.
Henry, 193.
Isobel, 190, 200 and n, 260,
263, 343-
Mary, 241, 270.
Thomas, minister of Ednam,
xxi, 3 and n, 4, 9, 15-16, 20, 30,
37-8, 115, 121, 182, 255, 270, 274,
332, 346, 357, 374, 377, 389.
[son], 83 and n, 84, 86,
102-3, io 7, II2 , 141, 190, 323
and n.
Poly metis, 164-5, 171.
Pontoppidan's Natural History of
Norway, 33 and n.
Postlethwaite's Dictionary of Trade \
and Commerce, 115 and n.
Potts, Andrew, 37, 121, 178.
Potts, Charles, 206.
Robert, minister of Ettrick,
160 and 71.
T., 99.
Pow, Robert, bailie of Coldstream,
192 and n.
Prendergast, 324 and n.
Primrose, James, minister of
Crichton, 138 and n.
Pringle, Andrew, Lord Alemore, 10
and n, 13, 100-1, 114, 238 and n.
Francis, 42 and n.
M.D., 103.
W.S., 301-, 305 and n,
306, 308, 311-12.
Gilbert, of Torsonce, brother
of Sir Robert, 58 and n, 62, 66,
209, 225 n, 282, 334, 340, 343,
346, 349, 360-2, 370-9.
James, of Bowland, 128 and n,
334, 362.
Sir John, physician to the
king, 41-2, 61 n, 182 and n.
Katherine, wife of Sir Robert
Pringle of Stitchel, 2 n.
Madeleine, wife of Sir John
Hall, 72, 123, 158, 201, 276 and n,
277 and n, 278, 279, 281.
Marion, wife of John Strother
Ker of Littledean, 35 n.
Mary, mother of Henry Lord
Borthwick, 210 and «, 225.
Peggy, 15 and n, 26, 72, 85, 90,
148, 175, 305, 315, 322, 358.
Sir Robert, of Stitchel, 2 and n,
4, 7, 49, 64, 97, r«i "4, II6 , II8 ,
120, 124-5, 148, 152, 175, 182,
195, 210, 238, 246, 248, 255, 260,
262, 266, 281-2, 289, 291, 301,
311, 328, 334, 340, 343, 353, 367,
37i, 375, 377, 384, 386.
Miss, 72, 114, 120, 121, 123,
125, 133, 135.
Mrs., 15 and n, 90, 225 and n,
360.
Sophia, 208 and n.
Tommy, 229.
Sir Walter, of Lochtown, 103
and n.
Walter, of Torsonce, 68, 84, 125
and n, 182 and n, 247-8, 278,
3I5-I6.
Purves, Mrs., in Kelso, 118.
Alex., 97.
Lady Anne, 82 and n, 254
and n.
Sir William, of Purves Hall,
25 w, 42.
2c2
406 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
Quebec taken by Wolfe, 279.
Queen's Cairn, 104, 157, 382.
Quintilian, 125-6, 340.
Ramsay, Alex., 71, 74, 84, 170.
Andrew Michael, his Discourse
on Epick Poetry, 80 and n.
William, 55, 212, 274, 331,
335-
Rapin's Histoire d'Angleterre, 200 ;
and n, 201, 203-4, 211, 215.
Ray's Historia Plantar urn, 319.
Redbraes, 57.
Reid, George, minister of St. '
Qui vox, 12 and n.
Renault's A brege Chronologique, 164.
Renton, John, of Blackadder, 8, 51,
52 and n, 62, 65, 94, 283, 362.
Riccaltoun, John, minister of Hob-
kirk, 199 n.
Robert, minister of Hobkirk,
172 and n, 199 and n.
Richardson, Alexander, 65, 289.
James, in Currie, 2.
minister of Mackerstoun,
29 and n, 101, 196, 208, 240-1,
243, 328, 380.
minister of Morebattle,
29 n, 74, 84 and n.
Riddell, Esther, 306 n.
Robert, minister of Lilliesleaf,
306 and n.
Ridpath, of Gladswood, 145.
Misses, of Angelraw, 308.
Adam, of Angelraw, 272-4,
309, 314, 3i8.
Charles, 102, 293, 311, 332,
383.
Elizabeth. See Waite, Mrs.
George, minister of Stitchel,
note on the MS. Diary, vii, ix ;
account of the author, ix ; his
wide reading, xi-xiv ; his love of
medical science, mathematics, and
the classics, xiv ; his amusements,
xvi ; his intimate friends, xx ; his
marriage, xxi ; at meetings of the ;
Culloden Club in Kelso, 4, 133,
379 ; on Francis's Horace and
Voltaire's State of Europe, 4 ; a<
lively ordination at Abbey St. '
Bathans, 6 and n ; drinking at 1
an ordination, 8 ; his Medical
Adversaria, 19 and n, 20 ; on
Grieve's translation of Celsus, 1
30 ; provides his brother with j
a Thesis, 43, 46-47, 53 ; in- |
tends to write an Essay on I
Taste, 61-62, 64; buys a horse,
70 ; collects money for the
building of Kelso bridge, 81-3 ;
preaches in the churchyard at
Eyemouth, 85 ; a convivial
meeting with Hamilton of Fala,
96 ; dines with Macqueen of
Braxfield, 100 and n; invests in
tickets for the guinea lottery in
the hope of paying his debts,
xix, 116-17, 120, 135 ; on the
clerical persecutors of Home's
Douglas, 118 ; criticism of Aber-
cromby's Martial Achievements,
119; his scheme for buying meal
for the poor, 118, 121, 126, 128-9,
131, 162 ; censures James Man
for his attack on Ruddiman's
edition of Buchanan, 122 ; on
Bower's History of the Popes, 123 ;
his opinion of Douglas, 127 ;
visits the Advocates' Library, xvii,
139, 142-3 ; his lottery tickets
draw blanks, 161 ; at Heriot's
Hospital, 167 ; finds punch makes
the way more tolerable, 172 ; on
the Covenanters, 179 ; convinced
that marriages are made in
Heaven, 205 ; preaches in the
churchyard at Gordon, 207 ; in-
terviews the Earl of Marchmont
on the Hutton settlement, 208-9 '>
revises his Euclid, 205, 211-13,
260-1, 264-5 ; high jinks with
Bessie Pollock, 220-1, 224 ; on
the watch for Halley's comet,
246-9 ; at a festive gathering at
Edrom, 272 and n ; arranges and
catalogues the books in the Kelso
Library, 292-3, 296, 298-9, 355-8,
361 ; on the influence of ' salacious
coquetry,' 296 ; nurses Willie
Waite through a fever, x, 285-8 ;
on Smith's Theory of Moral
Sentiments, 275 ; marries Made-
leine Pringle to Sir John Hall,
277 and n, 278, 279, 281 ; preaches
for 1 hour and 45 minutes, x, 322 ;
on Voltaire's Candide, 322 ; pro-
poses to Minna Dawson, 328 ; on
Hooke's Negotiations, 331 ; on
Jortin's Life of Erasmus, 332 and
n i 333 I reads Apuleius, 342, 347,
349, 353-5 ; at a meeting where
the Jedburgh schoolmaster was
dealt with for going to hear
Boston preach, 347 ; ' very gay '
at Waldie's and ' very jovial ' at
INDEX
407
James Wood's, 348 ; on Arnal-
dus de Villa Nova, 352 and n ;
translates a portion of Boethius,
367 ; prepares for a translation
of Buchanan, 368-72 ; financially
assisted by Ms brothers, 371-
372 and n ; relinquishes the idea
of doing anything with Buchanan,
but conceives the itlea of -writing
a History of the Borders, xii, 374-
375 and n, 377, 385, 388, 391.
Ridpath, James, of Angelraw, 7
and n, 19, 20, 269.
May, 161.
Nancy, ix, xv, 5, 35, 58, 80-3,
92, 102, 165, 289, 293, 307, 311,
332, 386, 388, passim.
Philip, minister of Hutton, ix,
xii, 5 and n, 8, 9, 21 and n, 23-4, 50
and n, 52 and n, 56-7, 59, 65, 86,
91-3, 108-13, 124, 140, 144-5, 192,
195, 197, 204, 209, 253-4, 274-5,
298-9, 302, 309-14, 321, 338, 354-
356, 365, 370-2, 380-4, 390; pre-
sentation to Hutton, 72-3, 76, 78,
81-5, 241, 244; his translation of
Boethius' Consolations of Philo-
sophy, xxii, 367-8 and n.
William, minister of Edrom,
ix, xiv, 2 and n, 5 and n, 36, 37,
43, 5i, 52, 53, 125 n, 157, 159,
187, 197, 199, 207, 245, 254, 258,
261, 265 and n, 272, 279-80, 309,
320-21 and n, 348-9, 356, 358-9,
366, 384, 387-8, 393.
minister of Fogo, 258.
Robert 11., 113, 117.
Robertson, Mr., heritor in Ladykirk,
255, 3°o and n, 314-15.
James, prof, of Oriental
Languages, his Hebrew Grammar,
265 and n.
John, 190.
Mary, wife of Patrick Brydone,
77 n.
Peter, 299.
> William, historian, xi, xiii,
11 n, 143, 240 n, 241-3, 2505 his
History of Scotland, 240 and n.
minister of Gladsmuir,
1 1 and n.
Robson, P., 369.
Rochead, Mr., bailie of Edinburgh,
139-
Roddam, Mary, wife of Wm. Home,
57 n.
Rogers, John, minister of Hownam,
3 and n, no.
Rollin's Histoire Ancienne, 181
and n.
Ronald, Mary, wife of Cornelius
Lundie, minister of Kelso, 4 n.
Ross, David, 32.
Roxburghe, Robert, Duke of, 26
and n, 293.
Ruddiman, Thomas, editor of
Buchanan's History, 112 and n,
117 and n, 118, 122.
Runningburn, 66, 358.
Ruoeus' edition of Virgil, 297 and n.
Russell's Natural History of Aleppo,
93 and n, 94.
Rutherford, Anne, wife of Walter
Scott of Sandyknowe, 98 n.
Thomas, 90, 202, 221, 244,
3H, 38i-
Rutherforth's System of Natural
Philosophy, 171 and n.
Rutter, W., lottery agent, Edin-
burgh, 156.
Sage, ^Eneas, minister of Loch-
carron, 251 and n.
St. James's Fair, 22 and n, 23.
Salmon's Universal Traveller, 54
and n.
Sanadon, Noel Etienne, 1 and n, 4.
Sandyknowe, xiii, 98, 99, 132, 152,
163.
Sanetius, 38.
Saxe's Reveries, 255 and n.
Scioppius, Kasper, 38 and w.
Scots Compendium, 113.
Scott of Belford, 109.
surgeon in Kelso, 65, 254.
Francis, minister of West-
ruther, 28 and n, 84, no and
135, 159, 207, 209.
John, minister of Twynholm,
387 and n.
Robert, of Sandyknowe, 135,
157, 214.
Thomas, mimster of Cavers,
3, 11 and n, 37.
Walter, 161, 281.
of Harden, 371 and n.
of Sandyknowe, 98 and
n, 99.
William, prof, of Greek in
Edinburgh University, 61 and n.
Selby, Captain, of Paston, 318.
Mr., of Paston, 56, 57.
Selkirk, Dunbar, 4th Earl of, 214
and n.
Helen, Countess of, 214 and n.
Service, W., 386,
408 DIARY OF GEORGE RID PATH
Seton, Elizabeth, 31 ft.
Sharp, Samuel, surgeon, 41 and n,
64 and n.
Shaw, Dr., 105.
Sherlock's Sermons , 231 and n.
Shirley, William, governor of Massa-
chusetts, 241 and n.
Short, Alexander, 327.
James, mathematician, 247
and n.
Thomas, 247 n.
Simpson, Janet, superintendent of
Pencaitland spinning industry,
95 «•
Peter, minister of Fala, 95
and n, 96, 138.
Thomas, mathematician, 265
and n.
Sinclair, Charles, 309.
Sked, John, minister of Abbey St.
Bathans, 30, 33, 120, 190, 196, 201,
213 and n, 257, 268, 338, 364, 388.
Slated roofs in 1756, 91 and n.
Slater, schoolmaster in Sprouston,
329 and n.
Small-pox, 58, 120.
Smeaton, John, engineer, 27 and n,
30, 115, 249.
Smith of Quickswood, 7.
Adam, his Theory of Moral
Sentiments, 273 and w, 275.
Archibald, death of his wife,
236.
Charles, 222.
wine merchant of Bou-
logne, 31 ft:
David, minister of Innerwick,
272 and ft.
Margaret Agnes, wife of Sir
John Steuart, of Allanbank, 31 n.
Patrick, 361 n.
Solis, Antonio de, his Conquista de
Mexico, 218 and n.
Somerville (Somervail), John, 8,
33, 35-
Thomas, minister of Jedburgh,
156 and n.
Speirs, Adam, 141.
Spelman's Life of King Alfred, 61
and n.
Spence, Joseph, prof, of poetry at
Oxford, 76 and n ; his Polymitis,
105 and n.
Spon's Voyage d'ltalie, 277 and n.
Spotswood's MS. of his History,
147, 149, 154-5-
Sprot, of Newton, 272, 277, 309,
321, 371, 384.
Stanley, Thomas, his History of
Philosophy, 34 and n ; Life of
Socrates, 38-9 ; Platonick Philo-
sophy, 40 ; Life of Aristotle, 42 ;
Treatise on Aristotle's Logic,' 43;
Chaldaic Philosophy, 44.
I Stanton, J., 274.
Samuel, 113, 135-6, 155, 202,
2 44, 345, 3*2.
Steel, John, minister of Stair, no
and n.
\ Sterne's Tristram Shandy, 331.
Steuart, Sir James, of Coltness, his
vindication of Newton's Chrono-
logy, 168 and n, 169, 174.
Sir John, of Allanbank, 31
and n, 94, 100, 129-31, 222-3,
228, 250, 272.
Stevenson, Alexander, Sprouston,
161.
Aly, 9 and n, 80, 97, 216, 236,
291 and n, 292, 329, 345-6, 355,
357, 367-
George, 259 and n.
Hugh, of Montgrenan, 95 n.
John, prof, of logic in Edin-
burgh University, 17 and n, 18,
20, 90, 93, 150, 176, 184, 189,
191-3, 252-3, 256, 259 and n, 262,
329.. 389, 392.
Margaret, wife of Thomas
Turnbull, 95 n.
Nelly, 253.
William, of Home Byres, 9 n,
10 and n, 42, 55, 79, 102, 105,
108, 135, 152, 156, 161, 181, 190,
199, 205, 207, 226, 230, 238, 243,
257, 279, 309, 312, 355, 372.
his Remarks on . . . the
Limits of Acadia, 114.
Mrs., of Home Byres, 87.
\ Stewart, Jean, wife of John Courts,
8 n.
John, son of the Earl of Both-
well, 142.
Stilhngfleet, Benjamin, botanist,
375 and n ; his Tracts relating
to Natural History, 317 and w-319.
Stitchel parish registers, 215 and n.
Stobaeus, Johannes, 336 and n.
Storck's Essay on the . . . Hem-
lock, 356 and n.
Stowe, Mrs., of Spittal, 245.
Strange's engravings, 323.
Stuart, Alexander, minister of St.
Cuthbert's, Edinburgh, 11 n.
1 Suetonius, 357 and «, 358.
I Sully's Memoirs, 102, 104.
INDEX
409
Swift's Tale of a Tub, 378.
Swinton-Quarter, 26.
Syrus's Sententiae, 352 and n.
Tait, Thomas, the preacher, after-
wards minister of Eyemouth,
237 and n, 393 and n.
Tavora, Marchioness de, execution
of, 226 n, 230.
Telfer (Tailfer), bookbinder and
librarian, 293, 297, 299.
Temple, Mr., collector of taxes,
Berwick, xviii, 40, 136-7, 150,
155, 245, 294-7, 345-
Billy, 92, 93, 131, 167, 296,
33 s , 344, 345-
Sally, 296, 338.
Sir William, his History of
England, 224 and n, 234 ;
Memoirs, 225 and n, 228, 230.
Tennent, Agnes, wife of Andrew
Chatto, minister of Morebattle,
14 n.
Theriaca, 285 and n.
Thompson, Nancy, 9, 86.
Nelly, 152, 368.
Tickell, Thomas, poet, 291 and n.
Tillemont's History of the Emperors,
123.
Tod, John, minister of Ladykirk,
93 n, 300, 305; 'very drunk' at
an ordination at Edrom, 272
and n ; ' a distress to everybody,'
315-
minister of Fogo, 93
and n.
Todrig, 194.
Toland's Life of Milton, 237 and n.
Trotter, Alexander, minister of
Edrom, death of, 221-2 and n.
George, of Belchester, 58,
92.
William, minister of Selkirk,
37 and n, 100, 101.
Tucker, Joseph, his Essay . . . on
Trade, 299 and n, 300.
Tully's Offices, 359.
Turnbull, George, minister of Tyn-
ninghame, 95 n.
Hay, 195.
Helen, wife of Dr. Wallace of
the New North parish, Edin-
burgh, 96 n, 251 n.
James, minister of Linton, 18
and n, 27-9, 33, 37, 50-1, 53-55,
108, in, 134, 141, 150, 165, 170,
173, 213, 217-18, 221, 244, 309,
314, 346, 388.
Turnbull, Marion, wife of George
Stevenson, surgeon in Edinburgh,
259 n, 291 n.
Robert, minister of Sprouston,
xx, 4 and n, 6, 7, 20, 24, 31, 35-6,
45, 47, 49-51, 56-7, 70, 83, 87,
92-3, 95 n, 96 n, 101, 103-5, 109,
in, 118, 124-5, 137, 140-1, 145,
M7, 152-3, 158, 160, 161, 164,
166, 173, 176, passim.
Thomas, minister of Borth-
wick, xx, 72, 79, 95 n, 96, 147,
168, 256, 326, 393.
Turner, Mrs., 345.
John, 40, 202.
T., 339.
Turvin, S., 381.
Twizel Castle, 119, 294.
Tyrrell's History of England, 301,
303 and n, 376-7.
Ulloa's Voyage to South America,
278 and n, 280-1.
Underwood, Thomas, joiner, 24, 39,
72, 249, 261-2, 269, 281, 343, 351,
353, 383-
Universal Chronicle, 219.
Valerius Maximus, 217 and n.
Vinum Benedictum, 174.
Virgil's Mneid, 229, 231 ; Virgil by
Ruoeus, 297 and n.
Voltaire's Candide, 322 ; his His-
tory of Russia, 364.
Vossius, Gerard Jan, 38 and n.
Waite, Mr., merchant in Berwick,
ix, xxi, 5 and n, 15, 22, 26, 32,
59, 74, *44, !47, 15*, 244-5, 253,
256, 272, 294, 313, 344, 382,
388.
Mrs., ix, 73-4, 86, 147, 294,
325, 327, 338.
— Nancy, x, 5, 7-8, 15, 74, 151,
passim ; her death, 284, 318.
William, 285-90, 294, 327,
357-
Waldie, John, of Berryhill, 70 and n,
128, 138, 178, 210, 212, 292, 355,
361.
Walker, Robert, minister of St.
Giles, Edinburgh, 11 n.
j William, minister of Mackers-
toun, 45 n, 94, toi, 107, in,
190, 257, 261 ; his ' humorous
1 widow,' 261, 265.
j Wallace's Spirit of Composition, 191.
I - — - parson of Carham, 88.
410 DIARY OF GEORGE RIDPATH
Wallace, George, advocate, 92, 96
and n, 97, 113, 144,147-9,176,178,
188, 194-5. 216, 298, 326, 355.
Robert, minister of West St.
Giles, Edinburgh, 16 n, 193 and n,
251 and n.
War burton, William, bishop of
Gloucester, 79 and n.
Warden, John, minister of the
Canongate, Edinburgh, 271 and w.
Ware's edition of Palladio's Archi-
tecture, 269 and n, 270.
Warton's Essay on Didactic Poetry,
73 ; his edition of Virgil, 72 and n,
73, 77-
Watson, Ann, mother of George
Ridpath, 8.
Benjamin, portrait painter, 23
and n.
John, of Mains, 68, 108, 119,
175, 372.
Jos., 345.
Thomas, 381.
Wauchope, Andrew, of Niddry,
343 and n.
Waugh, John, minister of Whit-
some, 3 and n, 9, 27, 30, 83, 85,
91, 162, 188, 196, 210, 221, 223,
229, 245, 257-8, 266, 268, 310,
313, 320, 369, 381, 389.
Robert, minister of Hutton,
51 and n.
Webster, Alexander, minister of
Tolbooth parish, Edinburgh, no
and n.
Wedderburn, Alexander, 16 and n,
18.
Wheeled carriages, xvii, xix.
Whiston, Sir James, 175.
White, John, minister of Liberton,
no and n.
Robert, in Runningburn, 66,
Whitefield, George, methodist
preacher, 136 and n, 139, 329.
Whitehead, William, poet laureate,
214 and n.
Whitewater bridge destroyed by a
flood, 352 n.
Whytt's Physiological Essays, 69
and n, 70, 71.
Wilkie, of Foulden, 312, 313.
William, minister of Ratho,
12 and n, 140.
Wilkinson, Thomas, 90.
Williamson, Peter, originator of
the penny post, 226 and n.
Wilson, Dr., 14.
Alex., 56, 119, 368, 371.
Andrew, author of An Essay
on Autumnal Dysentery, 337 and n.
Nicol, 340.
William, minister of Cold-
stream, 14, 22, 238, 349, 373.
Sir William, a London phy-
sician, 23 and n.
Winchester, James, minister of
Jedburgh, 29 and w.
Window tax, 27 and n, 124, 127,
149, 161, 348 and n.
Winram, J., 59.
Winter, William, 6, 46-7, 201.
Wishart, George, minister of St.
Andrews, his Memoirs of Mon-
trose, 181 and n.
minister of the Tron,
Edinburgh, 355 and n.
Wolff's Architecture, 269.
Wood, Mrs., of Tofts, 95, 318.
Isaac, 119, 134, 138, 145, 158.
James, 314, 348.
John, 48.
Wotton's Reliquiae Wottonianae, 268
and n.
Wyndpath Ford, 189.
York, Duke of, 307 and n.
Edinburgh : Printed by T. and A. Constable Ltd.
REPORT OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY.
The Thirty-Fourth Annual Meeting of the Society was held
on Saturday, 18th December 1920, in DowelTs Rooms, George
Street, Edinburgh, — Sir James Balfour Paul, C.V.O., LL.D.,
in the Chair.
The Report of the Council was as follows : —
The membership of the Society, exclusive of libraries, almost
reaches the statutory limit of 400.
Since last General Meeting, Highland Papers, vol. iii., has
been issued. The St. Andrews Graduation and Matriculation
Roll is in print, and will be issued as soon as possible ; the
Register of the Considtations of the Ministers of Edinburgh,
vol. i., is being printed.
The Council finds it necessary in the meantime, owing to
costs, to restrict printing. In preference to increasing indi-
vidual subscriptions, the Council recommends that the member-
ship be no longer limited to 400, and asks the present
members of the Society to enlist the interest of their friends.
Members of Council retiring by rotation are Mr. James
Curie, Dr. George Neilson, and Dr. W. K. Dickson. They are
recommended for re-election.
The Council has received with great regret the resignation
of the Secretary, Dr. Maitland Thomson, whose services to the
Society and to learning can hardly be exaggerated. It is
desirable that Dr. Thomson should be invited to remain upon
the Council. The Council suggests that Mr. R. K. Hannay
should become Secretary, to be assisted by Mr. William Angus,
H.M. General Register House, to whom it is convenient that
communications should be addressed.
The Accounts of the Hon. Treasurer, appended in abstract,
2
show a credit balance of i?261, 15s. in November 1920. This
year's revenue has practically met the expenditure.
The Annual Subscription of Is. is now due, and should
be paid at the head office of the Bank of'Scotland, Edinburgh.
The motion for the adoption of the Report was moved by
Sheriff J. R. N. Macphail and seconded by Sheriff Scott-
Moncrieff.
Professor Hannay, in intimating his acceptance of the Secre-
taryship, said : —
Dr. Maitland Thomson's resignation of the Secretaryship is
an occasion on which we would desire to recognise his eminent
services to the Society and to Scottish History. He will always
be associated with Thomas Thomson and Joseph Robertson as
one of at least three great scholars connected with the Record
Office during a century of development. In the published
volumes of the Register of the Great Seal he has left an enduring
monument; but it is doubtful whether either the public or the
Government authorities understand the full extent of his influence.
No more generous or disinterested scholar ever lived. There are
few contemporary works of any importance in Scottish History
which do not owe a debt to his learning and industry ; and the
amount of the debt has been continually obscured; not by the
ingratitude of the authors but by his readiness to impart what he
knew, without thought for anything but the progress of know-
ledge. It is for this reason that he enjoys the affectionate
admiration of all serious students. While Dr. Thomson's fas-
tidious scholarship and the diffidence of mastery are apt to make
public recognition abhorrent, those who are concerned with Scottish
History cannot but regret that his high ideals and attainments
have never elicited, apparently, even the offer of any of those
distinctions which are at the command of the Government. That
is nothing to Dr. Thomson : it means much to those who care for
our national repute and the advancement of our learning. In any
case it is now our duty, as it is our pleasure, to express with some
degree of publicity the regard in which he is held. We hope
that his health will permit him to continue his* congenial work
and — if we may suggest it — to publish his Rhine! lectures on the
Records of Scotland. The publication would be so important
that we might be inclined to turn our suggestion into a demand.
For Dr. Thomson's work as Secretary of this Society we are all
deeply grateful. He has grudged no time or trouble : his unique
learning and experience have been freely at disposal : the same
generosity has marked all the assistance which he has been
so ready to give. The Society has enjoyed the services of men
like T. G. Law and Hay Fleming. It is proud to record some
proprietary interest in Maitland Thomson.
3
ABSTRACT OF HONORARY TREASURER'S
ACCOUNT OF INTROMISSIONS
For Year ending l%th November 1920
Charge.
L Funds at close of last Account, . . . . £262 If) 2
II Subscriptions received —
1. Members, . . . £360 3 0
2. Libraries, . . . 107 2 0
467 5 0
III. Publications sold, 15 11 3
IV. Interest on Deposit Receipts, . . . 16 11 8
Gross Receipts, £762 7 1
Discharge.
I. Printing, Binding, and Issuing of Publications —
1. Balance of cost of Miscellany,
vol. iii., £70 12 0
2. Highland Papers, vol. iii., . . 234 13 10
3. Early Records of University of St
Andrews, paid to account, . 99
4. Register of Consultations of Minis
ters, paid to account,
General Printing Account,
31 8 6
31 8 11
£468 0 5
II. Miscellaneous Payments, 32 1 1 8
Carry forward, . . £500 1 2 1
4
Brought forward, . . £500 12 1
Funds at close of this Account —
Sum on Deposit Receipt with Bank
of Scotland, dated 21st May
1920, £100 0 0
Do. do. 16th June 1920, . 100 0 0
Sum on Current Account with Do., 65 0 5
265 0 5
£765 12 6
Less Balance due Honorary Treasurer, . . 3 5 5
Sum of Discharge, . . £762 7 1
Edinburgh, $th December 1920. — Having examined the Accounts of the
Hon. Treasurer of the Scottish History Society for the year ending 12th
November 1920, of which the foregoing is an Abstract, we find the same to be
correctly stated and sufficiently vouched, closing with a sum on Deposit Receipt
with the Bank of Scotland of ,£200, a balance at the credit of the Society's
account current with the said Bank of £6$, os. 5d., and a balance due to the
Honorary Treasurer of 3s. 5d.
Wm. Traquair Dickson, Auditor.
Ralph Richardson, Auditor.
£>cotttst) ^tsrtorp £>octetp*
THE EXECUTIVE.
1920-1921.
President .
The Earl of Rosebery, K.G., K.T., LL.D.
Chairman of Council.
Sir James Balfour Paul, C.V.O., LL.D., Lyon King of Arms.
Council.
James Curle, W.S.
George Neilson, LL.D.
William K. Dickson, LL.D., Advocate.
J. R. N. Macphail, K.C.
D. Hay Fleming, LL.D.
William Angus.
A. Francis Steuart, Advocate.
James MacLehose, LL.D.
The Right Hon. Lord Strathclyde.
William Mackay, LL.D.
Sir G. M. Paul, D.K.S.
J. Maitland Thomson, LL.D.
Corresponding Members of the Council.
Prof. C. H. Firth, LL.D., Oxford ; Prof. C. Sanford Terry,
Litt.D., Aberdeen.
Hon. Treasurer.
C. S. Romanes, C.A., 3 Abbotsford Crescent, Edinburgh.
Hon. Secretary.
Prof. R. K. Hannay, 14 Inverleith Terrace, Edinburgh.
RULES
1. The object of the Society is the discovery and printing,
under selected editorship, of unpublished documents illus-
trative of the civil, religious, and social history of Scotland.
The Society will also undertake, in exceptional cases, to issue
translations of printed works of a similar nature, which have
not hitherto been accessible in English.
2. The affairs of the Society shall be managed by a Council,
consisting of a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and twelve
elected Members, five to make a quorum. Three of the twelve
elected Members shall retire annually by ballot, but they shall
be eligible for re-election.
3. The Annual Subscription to the Society shall be One
Guinea. The publications of the Society shall not be delivered
to any Member whose Subscription is in arrear, and no
Member shall be permitted to receive more than one copy of
the Society's publications.
4. The Society will undertake the issue of its own publica-
tions, i.e. without the intervention of a publisher or any other
paid agent.
5. The Society normally issues yearly two octavo volumes of
about 320 pages each.
6. An Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held
at the end of October, or at an approximate date to be
determined by the Council.
7. Two stated Meetings of the Council shall be held each
year, one on the last Tuesday of May, the other on the Tues-
day preceding the day upon which the Annual General Meeting
shall be held. The Secretary, on the request of three Members
of the Council, shall call a special meeting of the Council.
8. Editors shall receive 20 copies of each volume they edit
for the Society.
9. The owners of Manuscripts published by the Society will
also be presented with a certain number of copies.
10. The Annual Balance-Sheet, Rules, and List of Members
shall be printed.
11. No alteration shall be made in these Rules except at a
General Meeting of the Society. A fortnight's notice of any
alteration to be proposed shall be given to the Members of the
Council.
PUBLICATIONS
OF THE
SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY
For the year 1886-1887.
1. Bishop Pococke's Tours in Scotland, 1747-1760. Edited by
D. W. Kemp.
2. Diary and Account Book of William Cunningham of Craig-
ends, 1673-1680. Edited by the Rev. James Dodds, D.D.
For the year 1887-1888.
3. Grameidos libri sex : an heroic poem on the Campaign of
1 689, by James Philip of Almerieclose. Translated and
edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch.
4. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part i,
1559-1582. Edited by D. Hay Fleming.
For the year 1888-1889.
5. Diary of the Rev. John Mill, Minister in Shetland, 1740-
1803. Edited by Gilbert Goudie.
6. Narrative of Mr. James Nimmo, a Covenanter, 1654-1709.
Edited by VV. G. Scott-Moncrieff.
7. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part ii.
1583-1600. Edited by D. Hay Fleming
For the year 1889-1890.
8. A List of Persons concerned in the Rebellion (1745). With
a Preface by the Earl of Rosebery.
Presented to the Society by the Earl of Rosebery.
9. Glamis Papers: The ' Book of Record,' a Diary written by
Patrick, first Earl of Strathmore, and other documents
(1684-89). Edited by A. H. Millar.
10. John Major's History of Greater Britain (1521). Trans-
lated and edited by Archibald Constable.
For the year 1890-1891.
11. The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies,
1646-47. Edited by the Rev. Professor Mitchell, D.D., and
the Rev. James Christie, D.D.
12. Court-Book of the Barony of Urie, 1604-1747. Edited
by the Rev. D. G. Barron.
4
PUBLICATIONS
For the year 1891-1892.
13. Memoirs of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, Baronet. Ex-
tracted by himself from his own Journals, 1676-1755. Edited
by John M. Gray.
14. Diary of Col. the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, 1683-
1687. Edited by the Rev. Walter Macleod.
For the year 1892-1893.
15. Miscellany of the Scottish History Society, First Volume —
The Library of James vi., 1573-83. Edited by G. F. Warner. —
Documents illustrating Catholic Policy, 1596-98. T. G. Law.
— Letters of Sir Thomas Hope, 1627-46. Rev. R. Paul. — Civil
War Papers, 1643-50. H. F. Morland Simpson. — Lauderdale
Correspondence, 1660-77. Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D. —
Turnbull's Diary, 1657-1704. Rev. R. Paul. — Masterton
Papers, 1660-1719. V. A. Noel Paton. — Accompt of Expenses
in Edinburgh, 1715. A. H. Millar. — Rebellion Papers, 1715
and 1745. H. Paton.
16. Account Book of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston (1671-1707).
Edited by the Rev. A. W. Cornelius Hallen.
For the year 1893-1894.
17. Letters and Papers illustrating the Relations between
Charles ii. and Scotland in 1650. Edited by Samuel
Raw son Gardiner, D.C.L., etc.
18. Scotland and the Commonwealth. Letters and Papers
relating to the military government of scotland, aug.
1651-Dec 1653. Edited by C. H. Firth, M.A.
For the year 1894-1895.
19. The Jacobite Attempt of 1719- Letters of James, second
Duke of Ormonde. Edited by W. K. Dickson.
20. 21. The Lyon in Mourning, or a Collection of Speeches,
Letters, Journals, etc., relative to the Affairs of Prince
Charles Edward Stuart, by Bishop Forbes. 1746-1775.
Edited by Henry Paton. Vols. 1. and 11.
For the year 1895-1896.
22. The Lyon in Mourning. Vol. in.
23. Itinerary of Prince Charles Edward (Supplement to the
Lyon in Mourning). Compiled by W. B. Blaikie.
24. Extracts from the Presbytery Records of Inverness and
Dingwall from 1638 to 1688. Edited by William Mackay.
25. Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies
{continued) for the years 1648 and 1649. Edited by the Rev.
Professor Mitchell, D.D., and Rev. James Christie, D.D.
For the year 1896-1897.
26. Wariston's Diary and other Papers —
Johnston of Wariston's Diary, 1639. Edited by G. M. Paul. —
The Honours of Scotland, 1651-52. C R. A. Howden. — The
PUBLICATIONS
5
Earl of Mar's Legacies, 1722, 1726. Hon. S. Erskine. — Letters
by Mrs. Grant of Laggan. J. R. N. Macphail.
Presented to the Society by Messrs. T. and A. Constable.
27. Memorials of John Murray of Broughton, 1740-1747.
Edited by R. Fitzroy Bell.
28. The Compt Buik of David Wedderburne, Merchant of
Dundee, 1587-1630. Edited by A. H. Millar.
For the year 1897-1898.
29. 30. The Correspondence of De Montereul and the brothers
De Bellievre, French Ambassadors in .England and Scot-
land, 1645-1648. Edited, with Translation, by J. G.
FoTHERINGH AM. 2 Vols.
For the year 1898-1899.
31. Scotland and the Protectorate. Letters and Papers
relating to the military government of scotland, from
January 1654 to June 1659. Edited by C. H. Firth, M.A. *
32. Papers illustrating the History of the Scots Brigade in
the Service of the United Netherlands, 1572-1782.
Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. i. 1572-1697-
33. 34. Macfarlane's Genealogical Collections concerning
Families in Scotland ; Manuscripts in the Advocates' Library.
2 vols. Edited by J. T. Clark, Keeper of the Library.
Presented to the Society by the Trustees of the late Sir William Fraser, K.C.B.
For the year 1899-1900.
35. Papers on the Scots Brigade in Holland, 1572-1782.
Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. n. 16*98-1782.
36. Journal of a Foreign Tour in 1665 and 1666, etc., by Sir John
Lauder, Lord Fountainhall. Edited by Donald Crawford.
37. Papal Negotiations with Mary Queen of Scots during her
Reign in Scotland. Chiefly from the Vatican Archives
Edited by the Rev. J. Hungerford Pollen, S.J.
For the year 1900-1901.
38. Papers on the Scots Brigade in Holland, 1572-1782.
Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. in.
39. The Diary of Andrew Hay of Craignethan, 1 659-60.
Edited by A. G. Reid, F.S.A.Scot.
For the year 1901-1902.
40. Negotiations for the Union of England and Scotland in
1651-53. Edited by C. Sanford Terry.
41. The Loyall Dissuasive. Written in 1703 by Sir ^Eneas
Macpherson. Edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch.
For the year 1902-1903.
42. The Chartulary of Lindores, 1195-1479. Edited by the
Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D., Bishop of Edinburgh.
43. A Letter from Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Guise,
6
PUBLICATIONS
Jan. 1562. Reproduced in Facsimile. Edited by the Rev. J.
HUNGERFORD PoLLEN, S.J.
Presented to the Society by the family of the late Mr. Scott, of Halkshill.
44. Miscellany of the Scottish History Society , Second Volume —
The Scottish King's Household, 14th Century. Edited by Mary
Bateson. — The Scottish Nation in the University of Orleans,
1336-1538. John Kirkpatrick, LL.D. — The French Garrison
at Dunbar, 1563. Roberts. Rait. — De Antiquitate Religionis
apud Scotos, 1594. Henry D. G. Law. — Apology for William
Maitland of Lethington, 1610. Andrew Lang. — Letters of
Bishop George Graeme, 1602-38. L. G. Graeme. — A Scottish
Journie, 1641.* C. H. Firth. — Narratives illustrating the Duke
of Hamilton's Expedition to England, 1648. C. H. Firth. —
Burnet-Leighton Papers, 1648-168-. H. C. Foxcroft. — Papers
of Robert Erskine, Physician to Peter the Great, 1677-1720.
Rev. Robert Paul. — Will of the Duchess of Albany, 1789.
A. Francis Steuart.
45. Letters of John Cockburn of Ormistoun to his Gardener,
1727-1743. Edited by James Colville, D.Sc.
For the year 1903-1904.
46. Minute Book of the Managers of the New Mills Cloth
Manufactory, 1681-1690. Edited by W. R. Scott.
47- Chronicles of the Frasers ; being the Wardlaw Manuscript
entitled c Polichronicon seu Policratica Temporum, or, the
true Genealogy of the Frasers.' By Master James Fraser.
Edited by William Mackay.
48. Proceedings of the Justiciary Court from l66l to 1678.
Vol. 1. I66I-I669. Edited by Sheriff Scott-Moncrieff.
For the year 1904-1905.
49. Proceedings of the Justiciary Court from l66l to 1678.
Vol. 11. 1669-1678. Edited by Sheriff Scott-Moncrieff.
50. Records of the Baron Court of Stitchill, 1655-1 807. Edited
by Clement B. Gunn, M.D., Peebles.
51. Macfarlane's Geographical Collections. Vol. 1. Edited
by Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.CB.
For the year 1905-1906.
52. 53. Macfarlane's Geographical Collections. Vols. 11. and ill.
Edited by Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.CB.
54. Statuta Ecclesi^e Scotican^e, 1225-1559. Translated and
edited by David Patrick, LL.D.
For the year 1906-1907.
55. The House Booke of Accomps, Ochtertyre, 1737-39. Edited
by James Colville, D.Sc.
56. The Charters of the Abbey of Inchaffray. Edited by W. A.
Lindsay, K.C., the Right Rev. Bishop Dowden, D.D., and
J. Maitland Thomson, LL.D.
57. A Selection of the Forfeited Estates Papers preserved in
H.M. General Register House and elsewhere. Edited by
A. H. Millar, LL.D.
PUBLICATIONS
7
For the year 1907-1908.
58. Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies {con-
tinued), for the years 1650-52. Edited by the Rev. James
Christie, D.D.
59. Papers relating to the Scots in Poland. Edited by A.
Francis Steuart.
For the year 1908-1909.
60. Sir Thomas Craig's De Unione Regnorum Britannia Trac-
tatus. Edited, with an English Translation, by C. Sanford
Terry.
61. Johnston of Wariston's Memento Quamdiu Vivas, and Diary
from 1632 to 1639. Edited by G. M. Paul, LL.D., D.K.S.
Second Series.
For the year 1909-1910.
1. The Household Book of Lady Grisell Baillie, 1692-1733.
Edited by R. Scott-Moncrieff, W.S.
2. Origins of the '45 and other Narratives. Edited by W. B.
Blaikie, LL.D.
3. Correspondence of James, fourth Earl of Findlater and
first Earl of Seafield, Lord Chancellor of Scotland.
Edited by James Grant, M.A., LL.B.
For the year 1910-1911.
4. Rentale Sancti Andree; being Chamberlain and Granitar
Accounts of the Archbishopric in the time of Cardinal
Betoun, 1538-1546. Translated and edited by Robert Kerr
H ANN AY.
5. Highland Papers. Vol. 1. Edited by J. R.N. Macphail, K.C.
For the year 1911-1912.
6. Selections from the Records of the Regality of Melrose.
Vol. 1. Edited by C. S. Romanes, C.A.
7. Records of the Earldom of Orkney. Edited by J. S. Clouston.
For the year 1912-1913.
8. Selections from the Records of the Regality of Melrose.
Vol. 11. Edited by C. S. Romanes, C.A.
9. Selections from the Letter Books of John Steuart, Bailie of
Inverness. Edited by William Mackay, LL.D.
For the year 1913-1914.
10. Rentale Dunkeldense ; being the Accounts of the Chamber-
lain of the Bishopric of Dunkeld, a.d. 1506-1517. Edited
by R. K. Hannay.
11. Letters of the Earl of Seafield and Others, illustrative
of the History of Scotland during the Reign of Queen
Anne. Edited by Professor Hume Brown.
For the year 1914-1915.
12. Highland Papers. Vol. 11. Edited by J. R. N. Macphail, K.C.
(March 1916.)
(Note. — Origins of the '45, issued for 1909-1910, is issued
also for 1914-1915.)
8
PUBLICATIONS
For the year 1915-1916.
13. Selections from the Records of the Regality of Melrose.
Vol. in. Edited by C. S. Romanes, C.A. (February 1917.)
1 4. A Contribution to the Bibliography of Scottish Topography.
Edited by the late Sir Arthur Mitchell and C. G. Cash.
Vol. i. (March 1917.)
For the year 1916-1917.
15. Bibliography of Scottish Topography. Vol. ii. (May 1917.)
16'. Papers relating to the Army of the Solemn League and
Covenant, 16*43-1647. Vol. i. Edited by Professor C.
Sanford Terry. (October 1917.)
For the year 1917-1918.
17. Papers relating to the Army of the Solemn League and
Covenant, 1643-1647. Vol. ii. (December 1917.)
18. Wariston's Diary. Vol. ii. Edited by D. Hay Fleming, LL.D.
(February 1919-)
For the year 1918-1919.
19- Miscellany of the Scottish History Society. Third Volume.
20. Papers relating to the Highlands. Edited by J. R. N.
Macphail, K.C.
Third Sekies.
For the year 1919-1920.
1. Register of the Consultations of the Ministers of Edin-
burgh, and some other Brethren of the Ministry, since
the Interruption of the Assembly, 1653, with other
Papers of public concernment. Vol. 1. Edited by the Rev.
W. Stephen, B.D.
For the year 1920-1921.
2. Diary of George Ridpath, Minister of Stitchel, 1755-
1761. Edited by Sir James Balfour Paul, C.V.O., LL.D.
In preparation.
The Early Records of the University of St. Andrews, 1413-
1579- Edited by J. Maitland Anderson, LL.D.
The Confessions of Babington and other Papers relating to
the last days of Mary Queen of Scots. Edited by the
Rev. J. H. Pollen, S.J.
Register of the Consultations of the Ministers of Edinburgh,
with other Papers of public concernment. Vol. 11. Edited
by the Rev. W. Stephen, B.D.
Projected.
A translation of the Historia Abbatum de Kynlos of
Ferrerius.
Papers relating to the Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, with other
documents from the Municipal Archives of the City of
Perth.
The Balcarres Papers.
I
DA 750 *S25 ser*3 v*2
Ridpathv George? 17l7?-i772*
Diary of George Ridpath*
minister of Stitchel* 1755
Bapst Library
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02167