Volume 2

A series of original portraits and caricature etchings, with biographical sketches and illustrative anecdotes / [John Kay].

  • Kay, John, 1742-1826
Date:
1837-1838
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A series of original portraits and caricature etchings, with biographical sketches and illustrative anecdotes / [John Kay]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    23/802 (page 9)
    scription was filled up with great alacrity ; and, in a very short time, a founda- tion of whins and furze was laid, with mock-masonic ceremony. When this had been done, the subscribers adjourned to the “ Hotel,” where they chose a preses, treasurer, and secretary, and appointed a committee to superintend the work.* Fortunately very little of the subscription-money was required. Provost Grieve, who resided in Princes Street, took a deep interest in the undertaking ; and when Convener Jamieson, in order to fill up a quarry which he had opened opposite Hanover Street, obtained authority from the Magistrates to have the excavations of the numerous buildings then going on laid down there, the order was continued until the Mound was entirely formed.'f* The “ Mud Brig” having been thus constructed without much interference or exertion on the part of the Committee of Burgh Reformers, a meeting was called, and a state of their accounts laid before them, from which it appeared that a considerable balance of cash remained in the treasurer’s hands. With this sum it was resolved the Committee should celebrate the completion of the Mound by a dinner in “ Dunn’s Hoteland it was proposed that, as they were the first to commence the undertaking, so they should have the honour of being the fust to drive along the ridge on its being opened to the public. It was therefore determined that a coach-and-six should be hired for the occasion, to carry their wives and sweethearts, while the patriotic band should walk in procession. This scheme unexpectedly proved abortive : their treasurer, Mr Brown, be- coming bankrupt, and absconding with the funds, effectually put a stop to the contemplated pageant. The disappointment which such an occurrence occa- sioned may be “ better conceived than described.” The affair could not be con- cealed ; and, as it gave rise to much sarcastic observation, was altogether too rich i subject to escape the pencil of the caricaturist. The “ or a Fi'sit to tfjc JHutJ 3$rtij,” therefore, stands a satirical memorial of an event which should have taken place. The figure in advance of the procession will at once be recognised as the well-known BAILIE DUFF. The Bailie is represented with the “ quaigh” of the Club in his hand—from which the members drained many a long draught—and the small tartan flag over his shoulder, which used to be displayed The subscribers to this fund were privileged according to the amount of their subscriptions. Those of ten shillings were permitted to express their opinions, but those of five were only entitled to vote. At -me of the first meetings held on the subject, Mr David Finlay, hair-dresser, St James’s Court—who was by no means famed for the brilliancy of his intellect—proposeil that they should form a mound from the Lawnmarkct to the C’alton Hill! His motion was received with shouts of laughter. “ He’s surely havering,” said one of the members. “ Hoot man,” replied another, “ Do ye no ken he’s president o’ the Mineral Club I—[one of the well-known social clubs of the Lawnmarkct. ] t It will be observed that the Mound is thrown considerably eastward of Hanover Street. This devi- ation from the straight line was to gratify Provost Grieve, whose house was directly opposite.