xii 
LIFE OF AY I L SON. 
teuces, constructed by the ear, often displease one by their gross violations of 
the rules of grammar, an essential part of learning to which he never seriously 
applied himself until, after his arrival in America, he found it necessary to 
qualify himself for an instructor of youth. 
Wilson's father, feeling the want of a helper In the government of an Infant 
family, again entered into the matrimonial state. The maiden name of this 
second wife was Brown. 
It was the intention of the flither that Alexander should be educated for a 
physician; but this design was not relished by the son, who had, through the 
impertinent interference of some persons, imbibed some prejudices against the 
profession, which were the cause of the project's being abandoned. 
It being the wish of the step-mother that the boy should be put to a trade, 
he was accordingly apprenticed to his brother-in-law, William Duncan, who 
then resided in Paisley, to learn the art of weaving. That this determination 
was the result of good sense there can be no doubt; the employment had the 
tendency to fix a disposition somewhat Impetuous and wavering ; and the useful 
knowledge acquired thereby he was enabled, at a subsequent period of life, to 
turn to account, when mental exertion, even with superior resources, would 
have availed him but little. 
The scheme of being taught a trade met with little or no opposition from 
the subject of this memoir; his father's house no longer affording him that 
pleasure which It had done during the life of her who had given him existence. 
Some difference had arisen between him and his step-mother, whether from 
undutiful conduct of his, or harsh treatment of hers, I know not; but It may 
be assei'ted with truth, that she continued an object of his aversion through 
life : which was manifest from the circumstance that. In the many letters which 
he wrote from America to his father, he seldom, If ever, mentioned her name. 
She is still living, and must, doubtless, feel not a little rejoiced that her predic- 
tions with respect to the " lazt/ weaver," as Sandy was termed at home, who, 
instead of minding his business, misspent his time in making verses, were 
never verified. But, in justice to her character, we must state that, if she was 
an unkind step-mother, she nevertheless proved herself to be a faithful and 
affectionate wife; and supported by her industry, her husband, when he became 
by age and infirmities, incapable of labor. 
At an early period of his life Wilson evinced a strong desire for learning; 
and this was encouraged by a spirit of emulation which prevailed among his 
youthful acquaintance, who, like himself, happily devoted njany of their vacant 
hours to literary pursuits. He had free access to a collection of magazines and 
essays, which, by some good luck, his father had become possessed of; and 
these, as he himself often asserted, " were the first books that gave him a 
fondness for reading and reflection." This remarkable Instance of the benefi- 
cial tendency of periodical publications we record with pleasure; and It may 
be adduced as an argument In favor of affording patronage, in our young coun- 
try, to a species of literature so well adapted to the leisure of a commercial 
people; and which, since the days of Addison, has had so powerful an influ- 
ence on the taste and morals of the British nation. 
Caledonia is fruitful of versemen : every village has its poets; and so preva- 
