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TRANSACTIONS. 245 
Another celebrated man, Hugh Clapperton, the African 
explorer, was born in Butts Street, in 1788. His father (a native 
of Lochmaben) was the only surgeon resident in the healthy town. 
Miss Clapperton, the explorer’s cousin, had kindly allowed the 
exhibition to the Society of Dr Clapperton’s ticket of admission as 
a burgess of the royal burgh. 
Annan, it was mentioned, was also the birthplace of Thomas 
Blacklock, the blind poet-minister, author of the beautiful sixteenth 
paraphrase ; but the house in which he was born has long since 
disappeared—its very site has been unknown for at least fifty 
years. 
Towards the close of his troubled life Robert Burns had often 
occasion to visit the town, which was then the home of numerous 
smugglers, a large contraband trade being carried on with the Isle 
of Man. “The Deil’s Awa’ wi’ the Exciseman” was written in a 
house in High Street, not on the shore of the Solway, as stated by 
Chambers on the authority of Lockhart. The poem, immediately 
after composition, was read by Burns to a large company assembled 
in the house. Mr Miller explained that this fact was made known 
to him by Dr Williamson, whose father and grandfather were both 
included in the poet’s audience. 
Another building in High Street was worthy of notice. In 
December, 1745, the retreating army of Prince Charles Edward 
bivouacked at Annan, and “Scotland’s Heir” found shelter 
in the Buck Hotel. The burgesses were prudent enough not to 
quarrel with the Highlanders ; but over their “white port” they 
breathed devout wishes for the speedy destruction of the Prince 
and all his followers. During the Rebellion the Magistrates and 
Council met in the public-houses almost daily to discuss the move- 
ments of the enemy. Much liquor was, of course, consumed at 
the expense of the burgh, and some of the publicans’ bills remained 
unpaid until 1749. A quotation from the minute of the Council 
meeting at which payment of the outstanding debts was author- 
ised may be acceptable. 
Find upon examination of the said accompts that the greatest part 
of the articles therein stated have been contracted by some of the 
Councillors when met together for intelligence and advice about their 
common safety in the years 1745 and 1746, when the country was in the 
utmost confusion by the late unnatural rebellion. . . . . Dodeclare 
that’ this indulgence is only on account of the late troubles, and that this 
act shall be no precedent to invalidate or infringe the foresaid act of the 
