TRANSACTIONS. 235 
The bust of Sir Walter Scott, by Chantrey, referred to in the 
above letter was duly despatched, and the donor again writes on 
December 25th, 1823 :— 
Some ten or twelve days ago I forwarded to you by way of Leith 
the bust of Sir Walter Scott for the Burns Club of Dumfries. I hope by 
this time it has reached you in safety. You know much better than me 
how such things are introduced. You will therefore oblige me by pre- 
senting it in your own way at the next meeting. I trust you will have a 
large increase of members, and much mirth and eloquence. It was my wish 
to have written you earlier. I have long felt how much all owe to your 
discreet and active enthusiasm in other matters as well as those of song, 
and though slow in expressing it, I have not felt it the less sensibly. 
To render our native town distinguished, to make it, though less 
populous, as far known and famed as prouder cities, ought, and I trust 
has been, the wish of all her sons. For my own part, though living in a 
distant place, and out of the way too far to be with you in person, I feel 
not the less solicitude for the fame and name of Dumfries than those 
who have the happiness of dwelling in her streets. Humble and remote 
as I am, my best wishes are ever with you, and I love my native vale 
and district zealously to do it honour as the wisest or the proudest of its 
children. I am willing to think that T have, though in a far less degree, 
in the wish of him in whose honour you are so soon to assemble re- 
desired, and was ever a desire more amply fulfilled for the sake of his 
country and the love he bore her—“ To sing a song at least.” 
Remember me to Mr Macdiarmid. 
ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. 
London, 25th December, 1823. 
The only further trace of the Burns Club he could produce 
was contained in the following letter from Sir Walter Scott, dated 
from Abbotsford, 29th December, 1831 :— 
I am very much flattered with the invitation of the Burns Club of 
Dumfries to take their chair upon the 26th of January next, and were it 
in my power to do myself so great honour it would give me the most 
sincere satisfaction. But my official duty detains me in close attendance 
on the Court of Session during its sittings, besides which I am not now 
so equal as at a former part of my life either to winter-journeys or to 
social exertion. The severe illness to which I was subjected some years 
ago obliges me to observe great caution in these particulars. 
I beg to express my sincere wishes for the conviviality of the meet- 
ing, and to express my most respectful thanks for the honour which the 
Club have conferred upon 
WALTER Scort. 
Abbotsford, 29th December, 1831, 
