Transcribed from the 1845 William Blackwood and Sons edition,
a newedition
williamblackwood and sons
edinburgh and london
m.dccc.xlv
to
JOHN GALT, Esq.
author of “the annals of the parish,”“the provost,”“the ayrshire legatees,”&c. &c. &c.
THE FOLLOWING SKETCHES,
principally of humble scottishcharacter,
are dedicated,
by his sincere friend and admirer,
THE EDITOR.
Between the first and last genuine Editions of the followingbiography, it has been repeatedly reprinted both in America andFrance; and portions of it, pirated in the shape of cheappamphlets, have, for two or three years bypast, formed a staplearticle of commerce with the Peripatetic Bibliopoles in thiscountry. Popularity to an author must be always gratifying;but it were well that it came through the proper channels.
* * * * *
The present Edition has been carefully revised, and itembodies all the additions made to the book since its firstappearance. Sixteen years have now passed over since MrWauch joined his name to those of Rousseau and Franklin as anautobiographer; and it must be pleasing to him in his venerableold age to learn, that he is still a favourite with thePublic. Nay, more, it is to be hoped that the accommodatingmoderation in the rates of charges anent his present fashions andfurnishings, may be the means of yet further enlarging the circleof his literary acquaintances.
Having, within myself, made observation of late years, thatall notable characters, whatsoever line of life they may havepursued, and to whatever business they might belong, have made atrade of committing to paper all the surprising occurrences andremarkable events that chanced to happen to them in the course ofProvidence, during their journey through life—that such ascome after them might take warning and be benefited—I havefound it incumbent on me, following a right example, to do thesame thing; and have set down, in black and white, a good fewuncos, that I should reckon will not soon be forgotten, providedthey make as deep an impression on the world as they have done onme. To this decision I have been urged by the elbowing onof not a few judicious friends; among whom I would particularlyremark James Batter, who has been most earnest in his request,and than whom a truer judge on any thing connected withbook-lear, or a better neighbour, does not breathe the breath oflife: both of which positions will, I doubt not, appear as clearas daylight to the reader, in the course of the work: to saynothing p. iiof the approval the scheme met withfrom the pious Maister Wiggie, who has now gone to his account,and divers other advisers, that wished either the general good ofthe world, or studied their own particular profit.
Had the course of my pilgrimage lain just on the beaten track,I would not—at least I think so—have beeno’ercome by ony perswasions to do what I have done; but aswill be seen, in the twinkling of half-an-eye, by the judicious