The Autobiography of William Jerdan
William Grierson to William Jerdan, 31 May [1816]
“Dumfries, May 31, 1816.
“Dear Sir,—
“It was with much pleasure I received your kind favour
with a ‘Sun’ paper of
Monday. Your meeting has indeed been splendid, and the result has been great.
“The committee feel much gratified by the success of
your undertaking, and we will ever remember, that to the zeal and exertions of
you and our worthy friend, Mr. Hunt, all
is owing; and we join with you in regretting that the arrangements of the day
had not been completed, by drinking the health of that excellent man to whose
taste and liberality we are so much indebted. Much he has done, and much
expense he has put himself to, and when he was ![]()
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in
Dumfries he would not accept of any reward for all his trouble, and, still free
of all charge, his pains are unwearied to render the work complete. It has been
in contemplation, and will be carried into effect, to make Mr.
Hunt a present of a piece of plate, or something of the kind;
although perhaps we shall not be able to extend it in value equal to his
services, yet I hope it will not be unworthy. From the interest you have taken,
in confidence I mention this, and I would be happy if you could give me your
idea of what article you think might prove most acceptable. I cannot say what
amount we may be able to go to, perhaps 30l, or 40l. value might procure something tolerably handsome.
“Will be happy to hear from you when convenient, and
“I remain, dear Sir, yours truly,
William Grierson (1773-1852)
Of Dumfries, draper and justice of the peace, he was an acquaintance of Robert Burns and
the first secretary of the Dumfries Burns Club.
Thomas Frederick Hunt (1790-1831)
English architect who designed the mausoleum for Burns at Dumfries and published on Tudor
architecture; he was a friend of William Jerdan.
The Sun. (1792-1876). A Tory evening paper edited by John Heriot (1792-1806), Robert Clark (1806-07), William
Jerdan (1813-17). The poets John Taylor and William Frederick Deacon were also associated
with
The Sun.
