DEAR SIR,
The proverb says, “auld folk are twice weans,” so, like the school-boy, I rule the paper to guide my feeble hand and obscure vision. The effusion of Tannahill's, “The Five Friens,” originated in this:—A part of the Argyle Militia Band under Clark was ordered to attend the October gathering at Inveraray Castle. Clark on his return stopt a few days at Paisley (his native place), hence “frae the hall o Argyle.” I was accidentally in Paisley that day, and, calling at Tannahill's house, was informed of the meeting. I found out the nest, and “like birds of a feather,” gregarious, I was fixed. It was a harmonious and social meeting. Sometime after this I was in Paisley, and spent the evening with Tannahill alone, as was often the case. It was late, and so dark that he would not allow me to take the road, but insisted on my taking a share of his bed. I did so, and next morning, after breakfast, and at parting, he saw at a distance Smith and Stuart coming in our direction, with three strange gentlemen. He said, “There is something in the wind,” and wished me to stop and see. We kept out of their sight, but saw them enter a public house near to his place. In a short time he was sent for. He desired me to wait, and he would let me know. He came for me, and on entering the company he introduced me direct to Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd. Being so sudden and unexpected, I was for a moment stunned. The other two gentlemen haying business in Glasgow, left Hogg, promising to have a ticket for him by the evening coach with them to Edinburgh. We then went down town, as Hogg wished to see Mr. Blaikie, the engraver, an old acquaintance, and a musical enthusiast—a good voice leader, played several instruments, and succeeded R. A. Smith in conducting the music of the Abbey Church. The forces were now collected, and such a congenial meeting I never beheld. Hogg was enraptured with our company, and it was a treat to see the friendship of the two Bards. The contrast of the two was striking—the one lively, healthy, and off-hand ; the other quiet, delicate, and unassuming. The only regret felt by all was the limitation of time. We were conveyed on the road till necessity urged a parting. Soon after Hogg spied an empty coal cart lolling on the road, and asked me if we might try to get it to drive us in. I agreed, and Hogg called out, “My lad, are you going in to Glasgow ?” “Ay, man.” “Will you gie us a smart drive in, and we'll pay you for't ?” “O ay, man.” In we went, and at the Half-way House primed him with half-a-mutchkin, and galloped to the keystane of the Broomielaw Bridge, where we came off, Hogg saying, “it would not do to be seen galloping thro' the streets of Glasgow in a coal cart.” He hurried on to the Tontine. The coach had waited five minutes, and was just starting. When we were observed running, it stopped. We shook hands, and in an instant all disappeared in the hollow of the Gallowgate.
These gentlemen had been on a tour in the Highlands, and came round by Paisley purposely to see Robert Tannahill.
In finishing this scrawl, I add to my infirmities an obstinate steel pen, but if you can read it, you must just put up with it. An eminent authoress says that imperfections and blunders may be expected at fourscore.
Your friend,
JAS. BARR.