18163] Alexander Wilson. 338] 
tions, amongst which we. may name the Bee, conducted at Edin- 
burgh by Dr. Anderson. He likewise was in the habit of frequent- 
ing the Pantheon at the same place, wherein a society for debate 
held their meetings. In this assembly of wits he delivered several 
poetical discourses, which obtained him considerable applause. 
In consequence of his literary attainments, and. correct moral 
deportment, he was admitted to the society of several Gentlemen 
of talents and respectability, who descried in our youth the promise 
of future eminence. Flattered by attentions which are always 
grateful to the ingenuous mind, he was emboldened to the design 
of collecting and publishing his various poetical attempts; hoping 
thereby to realize funds sufficient to enable him to persevere in the 
walks of learning, which, to his glowing fancy, were profusely 
strewed with flowers. 
The volume appeared under the title of Poems, Humorous, Sati- 
rical, and Serious, by Alexander Wilson. The writer of this sketch 
has it now before him ; and finds in it the following remarks, in the 
hand-writing of the author himself: ‘I published these poems 
when only 22—an age more abundant in saz/ than ballast. Reader, 
let this soften the rigour of criticism a little.” Dated Gray’s Ferry, 
July 6, 1804. These poems were in truth the productions of a boy, 
who composed them under the most disadvantageous circumstances. 
They answered the purpose for which they were originally intended 
—to gratify the partiality of friendship, and soften moments of 
despondency. ‘Their author, in his riper years, lamented his rash- 
ness in giving them to the world; and it is to be hoped that no one 
will be so officious as to draw them from that obscurity to which he, 
who gave them existence, sincerely rejoiced to see them condemned. 
These poems went through two small octavo editions, the last of 
which appeared in 1791. The author reaped no benefit from the 
publication. 
About this period of his life the town of Paisley was agitated by 
a misunderstanding between the manufacturers and the weavers 3 
and all the talents of both parties were exerted on the occasion. 
Young Wilson, attached to his side by the double tie of principle 
and interest, boldly espoused their cause, and was considered no 
mean champion in the controversy. 
Amongst the manufacturers there was one of considerable wealth 
and influence, who had risen from a low origin by a concurrence of 
fortunate circumstances, and who had rendered himself greatly 
obnoxious by his avarice and knavery. Him our poetical weaver 
arraigned in a galling satire, written in the Scottish dialect, which 
of all languages is perhaps the most fertile of terms of sarcasm or 
abuse. ‘I'he piece was published anonymously ; and though Wilson 
was suspected to be the writer, yet no evidence could be adduced to 
establish the fact. But unfortunately as he was one night, at a late 
hour, returning from his printer, some spies, who had been watch- 
ing his movements, seized upon him; and papers being found in 
his possession which indicated the author, he was prosecuted for a 
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