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pretty well. Mr Angus M'Neil, South Uist, is a genteel man, and the language around him is fine: his father too, Mr M'Neil of Watersay, in Barra, knows more of the language, antiquities, manners, and customs, of that country, than any man I know; being a very old man, of great reading and sense, and endowed with a very retentive memory. He has also many fragments of the famous family of MacMhuirich's poems, who were here ditary poets to the family of ClanRanald for many generations, were regularly sent to Ireland for their education, and of consequence wrote poems in that dialect; insomuch, that had not the authors been known, and their names to the pieces, both Scots and Irish would have sworn them to be really Irishmen; and whether this is not really the case with other compositions, I shan't say. Mr M'Auley, minister of Barra, you may see at next assembly, and offer him my compli

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• Mr Campbell, when collecting materials for his interesting work, entitled, "Albyn's Anthology," in Autumn 1815, was informed by different persons, that all these "fragments," &c. were left in the possession of Clanranald, grandfather of the present chieftain. It is not known what has now become of them.

Dr M'Lagan was himself both a poetical and musical composer, and is supposed to have left behind him many valuable and curious materials, together with the "variety of songs" above-mentioned. These, it is hoped, are still extant, in the possession of his family; and his son, the Rev. James M'Lagan, is well qualified to estimate their value, and to make use of them to the best advantage. Mr Campbell has in his possession one original melody, with appropriate verses, composed by Dr M'Lagan in honour of the exploits of the gallant 42d regiment in Egypt, which will appear in the second volume of his Anthology, now printing. At the time he wrote this letter from Belfast, Dr M'Lagan was chaplain to

and of different degrees of merit; but as the expense of time and postage would be great, as I am now situated, you can procure them more easily by means of some of your own members, and others at home. However, if you mention any particular ones which I, and not they, have, I shall send them, with whatever else is in my power; only let me hear now and then what you would have me do; and if you would let me know a little of your success in your laudable undertaking, it would be a spur, if at any time my zeal should flag. With my whole soul I wish you life and health to see your design executed, and to enjoy the satisfaction and advantages of it. And am in sincerity, Dr. Sir, your most obedient Servant,

JAMES M'LAGAN. To John M'Naughton, Esq. Preses of the Gaelic Society, Edin.

Note A.-In reference to the late Dr M'Lagan's letter, it may be mentioned, that the compilation of a Gaelic dictionary and grammar, which was projected by some gentlemen at Edinburgh, who, it would seem, had formed themselves into a society for these and relative objects, does not ap pear to have been prosecuted at the time; from what cause it was dropped is not known,-probably from want of funds. The design was not, however, relinquished. Some time afterwards a considerable number of the clergy of Highland parishes, and Gaelic language, resolved upon the publisome other gentlemen conversant in the cation of a proper dictionary. For this purpose each of them had one, two, or more letters of the alphabet assigned to him, the words under which he was to contribute. Their several contributions were to be after

wards revised, corrected, and enlarged, by a committee of their number, previous to publication.-Among those principally concerned in the undertaking, were the Rev. Dr Stewart of Luss; the late Dr Smith of

Campbelton; the said Dr M'Lagan, then minister of Blair-Athol; Dr Stewart of Strachur; the Rev. Mr M Nicol, Lismore; Mr Campbell, Kilfinichan; Mr M'Queen, and Mr M'Intyre of Glenoe, &c. Several of the contributors to the work made considerable progress in the parts assigned to them; but from want of funds, the death of some of those concerned, or other causes, the desirable object in view was not attained.

When the Highland Society of Scotland came to the resolution to have a dictionary of the Gaelic language upon a comprehen

the 42d, then commonly called the Black Watch. He was successor in this office to the celebrated Dr Adam Ferguson.

sive and approved plan, compiled and pub lished, among other aids, it directed its attention to the MSS. containing the mate rials prepared by the contributors to the dictionary formerly in view; but from various causes, the Society was successful only in some instances.

Referring to the two printed statements published by the Society, respecting the dictionary now compiling, it will be observed, that, besides the Scoto-Celtic, it is to embrace much of the Irish dialect of that language. Rendering the signification of the Gaelic vocables in Latin must add greatly to the general utility and interest of the work.

dialect. The leading signification, and the various derivative and secondary meanings, of each Gaelic word, will be given, not only in English, but also in Latin, in the view of giving more general interest and utility to the work in foreign countries. The etymology of words, as far as can be distinctly traced, is to be briefly indicated, and corresponding words of the same origin in other languages, to which the Gaelic has an affinity, are to be given. It is proposed to prefix to the dictionary a dissertation on the origin, antiquity, relations, and internal structure of the Celtic dialects, with an epitome of Gaelic grammar.'

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DEAN OF WESTMINSTER.

[A correspondent, to whom the subsequent letter was addressed, has sent it to

us.

The principal publications in the Gaelic language, since the date of Dr M'Lagan's LETTER OF DR VINCENT, THE LATÉ letter, it is believed, are, the translation of the Sacred Scriptures into that language, chiefly by Dr Stewart of Luss; the poems ascribed to Ossian, from the Gaelic MS. of them found in the repositories of the wellknown Mr James McPherson; and two editions of a Gaelic grammar, by the Rev. Mr Stewart of Dingwall. Some schoolbooks, catechisms, poems, &c. have also been published in the interval.

June 3d, 1817.

C. G.

Note B.-"The Highland Society of Scotland, impressed with the importance of having a dictionary of this ancient and expressive language, upon such a comprehensive plan as should explain and illustrate it, not only to their own countrymen but to the general scholar and antiquary, after having obtained possession of the most ancient MSS. of various dialects of the Celtic, and other materials for the work, appointed, in 1814, a committee of its members, conversant with the subject, with authority to take immediate and effectual measures for the compilation and publication of such dictionary.

The committee availed itself of the opinions of some of the most eminent Gaelic scholars in this country, in fixing the plan of the work, and afterwards intrusted its execution to two gentlemen whom they have every reason to believe are well qualified for

the task.

As the plan of the work, formerly circulated by the committee, appears to have given full satisfaction, it may be mentioned, in reference to that plan, that it embraces all the words of the Gaelic or Scoto-Celtic language that can be collected, either from authentic literary compositions, or from the vernacular dialect of the present inhabitants of the Highlands of Scotland; a principal object being to shew what the language has been, as well as what it now is. From the intimate connection of the Irish dialect of the Celtic with that of Scotland, and from the consideration that many of the ancient MSS. are written in the former, the dictionary will also embrace much of the Irish

"The writer," he observes, "was not more eminent for his great learning and conspicuous station in society, than for the genuine kindness of his nature, and the upright simplicity of his whole conduct. His works, illustrative of ancient navigation and commerce, are of a degree and kind of erudition of which the lettered labours of examples. He was pious from principle, modern Englishmen have produced few and attached to the church, of which he was a dignified member, because he firmly believed its forms to be rational and its tenets scriptural. He was many years at the head of Westminster school. That school has, since the days of Busby, annually sent forth its shoots to expand in all the walks of talent, valour, and high rank. Of Dr Vincent it may be well said, in the words which Mr Horner used when drawing an outline of the character of his late master, Dr Adam, The men who were educated in that school, during his time, will long reattachment both to himself and to the purmember how he inspired his boys with an suits in which he instructed them, and will always regard his memory with affection and gratitude. In this letter your readers will not fail to remark that tone of good sense and right feeling, which, more than sprightliness of manner or variety of remark, distinguishes the epistolary effusions of our countrymen."]

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but, from their want of Greek, were of necessity placed in our lower classes. He replied much at large on this subject; but his conclusion was, "Greek in Scotland is the business of the University, and that is the reason we have so little Greek in our country." I afterwards learnt that he had had a contest with Dr Robertson on this question, and had latterly taught Greek in the High School. I think it probable that his letter may be preserved, and when I go to London I will look for it.

I never saw Dr Adam but once, when he spent a day with me at Henly, which passed, I believe, with mutual happiness to both parties; but I know all his extreme attention to his profession, and his excellent method of teaching. His publications were not merely useful, but the best of their kind. The Antiquities and Latin Dictionary were formed upon an excellent model, and the former, particularly by giving the Latin phrases for the circumstance explained, was one of the best school-books published in my time. His Geography was correct, in respect to which I claim some merit, as I recommended the engraving of D'Anville's maps to accompany it, which completed the work, and I be lieve promoted the sale.

The remainder of our correspondence related chiefly to Dr Doig of Stirling, who was a very excellent Greek scholar, and whose article of Philology, in the Encyclopædia, will do him lasting honour. I had, through Dr Adam, much intercourse with him, and much satisfaction from it. He was rather systematical, but highly informed, and exceedingly acute.

The last letter I received from Dr Adam related to my work on the Commerce of the Ancients. He was manifestly not satisfied with it, and reproved me kindly for not making it a more popular work;-but to have done this I must have formed a plan totally different, and I should have been thought to have encroached on Dr Robertson's Disquisitions. If it has done me credit in the north, credit is all that I wanted, and I have been gratified more by its estimation in your country, and on the Continent, than by its reception at home. The French translator published two large editions at once, in quarto and octavo, while in London only 150 copies have been VOL. I.

sold of my second edition: But I am contented with the approbation of some of the most excellent judges of the age, and the reception it has met with in India and abroad. I sent a copy of my second edition to the Advocate's Library; and I will thank you if you will inquire whether a copy of my translation of the two Greek Tracts reached that collection last year. It is the completion of the work:-if it arrived I need not trouble you to write again, -if otherwise, upon hearing from you, I will send it.

When I can look into my papers, if I find any thing of Dr Adam's worthy of communicating, I will convey it to you. I respect him as one of the most indefatigable instructors, and one that loved his profession. I never loved it, though I hope I did my duty. There is a pleasure in teaching and seeing the progress of the attentive;—but the inattention of the many, and the anxiety of the charge, is a sad counterbalance to the pleasure. I am now, thank God! in retirement, ease, and affluence. I am at anchor (as Paley expresses it), after the storms and fatigues of life; and with an affectionate family around me, feel all the blessings that the age of seventy-one is capable of enjoying. These, I trust and hope, will never fail till they are replaced with better prospects. Believe me, dear sir, your most obedient and faithful servant,

W. VINCENT.

Islip, September 24, 1810.

P.S.-I shall be in town in October, and will be happy to receive your work, which you may send up, by means of Ballantyne, to Cadell & Davies. Mr H-n

22 Prince's Street, Edinborough.

OBSERVATIONS ON MR WORDSWORTH'S LETTER RELATIVE TO A NEW EDITION OF BURNS' WORKS.

By a Friend of Robert Burns. [The following communication, for the critical department of our Magazine, was transmitted to us from England, by a gentleman of distinguished literary talents.

We had not then read Mr Wordsworth's "Letter," but a consequent perusal of it has induced us to insert the Observations here, as they partake more of the character of an original essay than of a review. We wish our Magazine to be open to liberal discus2 L

sion; and if there seems to be too much acrimony in some of our correspondent's remarks, we fear that the poet has set him the example. The letter is before the public, and the public will judge between the parties.]

IT has been generally understood, that a new edition of Burns' Works is preparing for publication by Cadell & Davies, and that Mr Gilbert Burns is to furnish a Life of his illustrious brother. The more editions of the immortal Scottish bard the better; and we have no doubt that Gilbert Burns, a man of feeling and intelligence, will do himself honour by his share in the publication. There is something very touching and affecting in the idea of brother performing this sacred duty to brother, the grave, the sedate, and the reflecting mind, describing the life and character of the more highly-gifted, but also the more erring and unfortunate.

It would appear, that Gilbert Burns had communicated to Mr James Gray, of the High School of Edinburgh, a man, we understand, of ability and virtue, his intention of writing his brother's life, and that he had request ed the aid and advice, which that gentleman is in many respects so well qualified to bestow. A pamphlet soon after appeared, we presume in consequence of this request, containing Observations, by a Mr Peterkin, on the Criticisms in the Quarterly and Edinburgh Reviews upon Burns' life and genius, and a letter from Mr Gray to the said Mr Peterkin, communicating what he knew of Burns' habits and mode of life; and, if we distinctly understand the pamphlet, the result of the inquiry seems to be, that, in the opinion of these gentlemen, the character of our great poet has been ignorantly, wantonly, and grossly traduced, that he was not addicted to dissipation,-that he was a most exemplary family-man, and that all stories to the contrary are exaggerations, fabrications, and falsehoods.

This pamphlet, it appears, Mr Gray transmitted to Mr Wordsworth, requesting the opinion of that celebrated person on the best mode of composing the biographical memoir. Mr Words worth writes to Mr Gray a very long and laboured Letter on the subject, and of that Letter we shall give our readers some little account.

But, in the first place, we conceive that Mr Wordsworth has made a slight mistake, in saying that Gilbert Burns has done him the honour of requesting his advice. This does not appear to have been the case; the request was made by Mr Gray, and not by Mr Burns, who, we have good reason to know, was scarcely aware of Mr Wordsworth's existence,-had never read a single line of his poetry,-and had formed no idea, good, bad, or indifferent, of his character.

In the second place, it appears that this "Letter" was originally a private communication to Mr Gray, and it is a pity that it did not remain so; for we think that there is great indeli cacy, vanity, and presumption in thus coming forward with printed and pub→ lished advice, to a man who most assuredly stands in no need of it, but who is infinitely better acquainted with all the bearings of the subject than his officious and egotistical adviser.

In the third place, Mr Wordsworth says, " do not give publicity to any portion of these (his opinions), unless it be thought probable that an open circulation of the whole may be useful;" and to this very pompous injunction he adds in a note, "that it was deemed that it would be so, and the Letter is published accordingly." We wish to ask Mr Wordsworth, Who deemed it would be so? Did Gilbert Burns so deem? Did Mr Gray so deem? Or was it only Mr Words worth himself who did so deem? We believe that the latter gentleman alone recommended its publication.

In the fourth place, it is natural to ask, what peculiarly fits Mr Wordsworth to give advice on the subject? He has never lived in Scotland,-he knows nothing about Burns,-he very imperfectly understands the language in which Burns writes,-he has not even read those publications which are supposed to be unjust to his memory;— yet, in the midst of all this portentous ignorance,and in the face of these manifest disqualifications, he has the effrontery to offer advice to Gilbert Burns, one of the most intelligent and strongminded men alive, on a subject nearest and dearest to his heart, which he has doubtless contemplated in every possible light, and of which he must know many deeply interesting parti'culars, unthought of by the world.

In the fifth place, if Mr Wordsworth really feels all that anxiety for the reputation of Burns which this Letter might lead us to suppose, and if he thinks Dr Currie's Life of the Poet most injurious to his memory, what could have kept him silent for twenty years? Why not come forward boldly and unasked, unsupported either by Mr Gray or Mr Peterkin, to vindicate the slandered reputation of a man of genius? We shall have occasion, by and-bye, to shew, that his present zeal is of a mixed character, and not altogether free from that egotism for which this gentleman is so disagreeably distinguished.

Having made these preliminary remarks, and cleared our way a little, we now come to the "Letter," which contains some general advices to Gilbert Burns, some peculiar notions on the subject of biography in general, some severe charges against Dr Currie, -a sort of critique on the poetical genius of Burns,-a philippic against the Edinburgh Review, and a panegyric on the author of the excursion.

First, his advice to Gilbert Burns. The utter dullness, triteness, and absurdity, of this part of the Letter, are almost beyond credibility." I strenuously recommend, that a concise life of the poet be prefixed from the pen of Gilbert Burns, who has already given public proof how well qualified he is for the undertaking." This is really humorous. What was Mr Wordsworth dreaming about? All this was fixed long ago;-there was no need of any recommendation from him. What would he think of the understanding of a correspondent who should recommend him to go on with his Poem, the Recluse, and who at the same time gave him advice how to write it. If it be deemed adviseable to reprint Dr Currie's narrative, without striking out such passages as the author, if he were now alive, would probably be happy to efface, let there be notes attached to the most obnoxious of them, in which the misrepresentations may be corrected, and the exaggerations exposed."-What novelty, ingenuity, and profundity of thought! We entreat Mr Gilbert Burns to pay particular attention to this advice; for it may probably not have occurred to him that he must not aid and abet the calumniators of his brother's memory." I know

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no better model as to proportion, and the degree of detail required, nor indeed as to the general execution, than the Life of Milton by Fenton." These three passages are the most important that we could discover; and we hope that Mr Gilbert Burns' gratitude will be in proportion to the value of the advice. The pompous inanity of all this is unaccountable, and affords a melancholy proof how vanity, selfconceit, arrogance, and presumption, finally undermine the intellect, and can reduce a tolerably strong understanding to the very lowest level. The other advices which he gives form a complete system of mystification. He tells Mr Gilbert Burns to speak the truth,-and that boldly,but he is not to speak all the truth, yet he is not told what to conceal then he is to consult his conscience;

then he is to beware of undue partiality; and, finally, " to fix the point to which Burns' moral character had been degraded !"-And here we may remark, that Mr Gilbert Burns had better inform the public what degree of truth there is in the following stanza of Mr Wordsworth, while that gentleman himself will be pleased to shew its consistency with the abuse he throws on Dr Currie, for undisguisedly admitting that Burns was too much addicted to the use of spirits. In an address to the Sons of Burns, Mr Wordsworth thus speaks of their deceased father:

"Strong-bodied, if ye be to bear
Intemperance with less harm, beware!
But if your father's wit ye share,
Then, then, indeed!

Ye Sons of Burns, of watchful care
There will be need."

Mr Wordsworth himself has here said, in miserable doggrel, what Dr Currie has said in elegant prose.

The second part of the Letter contains Mr Wordsworth's notions on biography, and these we think, if modified and qualified, tolerably rational and judicious, though delivered with a most laughable solemnity and true Wordsworthian self-importance. He wishes to say, that biographers have no right to lay before the world the habits, customs, and private characters, of literary men; and that such information makes no part of their duty. He thus oracularly speaks:

"Such philosophy runs a risk of becoming extinct among us, if the coarse intru

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