Burns's reputation
Sir: The Trustees responsible for the Burns Monument, Burns Cottage and the Museum at Alloway, Ayrshire, are fortun- ate in having the Spectator in eight volumes, published in MDCCLXXVI. These books belonged to William Burns, the father of Robert Burns, and formed part of the poet's early reading. Robert, with sons of neighbouring farmers, enjoyed the advantage of a pri- vate tutor, and was an outstanding pupil, eager to learn, highly intelligent and bles- sed with a splendid handwriting. His out- put of verse, letters and songs was im- mense, in spite of his agricultural efforts in some of the worst farms in the county.
Socially he was amusing, entertaining and an excellent mixer either in the local pub or the drawing rooms of Edinburgh.
He came to detest the dictatorship of Napoleon and enlisted in the Dumfries Volunteers to fight for King and Country.
The appointment of exciseman deman- ded responsibility and integrity and for Burns the philosophy of communism was anathema.
He is the only writer whose birthday is annually celebrated internationally and about 100,000 people, many from over- seas, visit his birthplace in Alloway each year.
Mr Richard West is wrong to describe Robert Burns as a drunkard and a rapist (`Drink and worship when we choose', 26 April).
Bryce M. Knox
Chairman, The Burns Trust, Burns Cottage, Alloway, Ayrshire.
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