[To the Editor of THE Seam/iron.] his. Presidential.address' to the
Sir Walter Scott Club at Edinburgh in 1913 Sir John Simon tells the story Of General Wolfe and Gray's " Elegy," and'he mentions that Sir Walter Scott heard the story from Professor Robisott and recounted it in a letter (dated September 22nd, 1830) to Southey, who was contemplating an edition of the letters of Wolfe. Scott's letter states that he repeatedly heard Robisori tell the story, and he adds that Lord Kinneder (Robison's son-In-law) had in his possession a pencil sketch by his father-in-law of the flotilla as it crossed the St. Lawrence, a copy of which he offered to procure for Southey.
" Another direct hearer of the story from RobisOn, additional to Currie and Scott, is Professor Mayfair (Transactions of the Royal Society, Edinburgh, 1815, VII, 495). Robison had a distinguished career and his portrait, of which there is a beautiful mezzotint by Charles Turner, is one of Rae)-urn's most daring masterpieces.
The truth of the incident rests, no doubt, on Robison's uncorroborated testimony, but I do not think anyone can question that he frequently narrated it as'a fact in history of which he was an eye-witness.-1 am, Sir, &c.,
KENNETH SANDERSON.
5 Northumberland Street, Edinburgh.
Previous page
