Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart.
Walter Scott to Thomas Scott, 25 May 1810
“Edinburgh, 25th May, 1810.
“I write under some anxiety for your interest, though
I sincerely hope it is groundless. The devil or James Gibson* has put it into Lord
Lauderdale’s head to challenge your annuity in the House
of Lords on
account of your non-residence, and
your holding a commission in the militia. His lordship kept his intention as
secret as possible, but fortunately it reached the kind and friendly ear of
Colin Mackenzie. Lord Melville takes the matter up stoutly, and I
have little doubt will carry his point, unless the whole bill is given up for
the season, which some concurring opposition from different quarters renders
not impossible. In that case, you must, at the expense of a little cash and
time, shew face in Edinburgh for a week or two and attend your office. But I
devoutly hope all will be settled by the bill being passed as it now stands.
This is truly a most unworthy exertion of private spite and malice, but I trust
it will be in vain.”
. . . . . .
Henry Dundas, first viscount Melville (1742-1811)
Scottish politician, president of the board of control (1793-1801), secretary of war
(1794-1801); first lord of the Admiralty (1804-05).
Colin Mackenzie of Portmore (1770-1830)
Scottish advocate; he was Principal Clerk of Session (1804-08) and Deputy Keeper of the
Signet (1820-28). He was a schoolmate and friend of Sir Walter Scott.
James Maitland, eighth earl of Lauderdale (1759-1839)
Scottish peer allied with Charles James Fox; he was author of
An
Inquiry into the Nature and Origin of Public Wealth, and into the Means and causes of
its Increase (1804) and other works on political economy.
Thomas Scott (1774-1823)
The younger brother of Walter Scott rumored to have written
Waverley; after working in the family legal business he was an officer in the
Manx Fencibles (1806-10) and Paymaster of the 70th Foot (1812-14). He died in
Canada.