LIFE OF AVILSON. 
XXXI 
most amiable point of view; and they entirely supersede any 
remarks which I might make upon those social affections that 
distinguished him through life. 
In his new situation Wilson had mapy enjoyments; but he 
had likewise moments of despondency, which solitude tended 
to confirm. He had addicted himself to the writing of verses, 
and to music; and, being of a musing turn of mind, had given 
way to those seductive feelings, which the charming scenery 
of the country, in a sensible heart, never fails to awaken. This 
was a fatal bias, which all his efforts could not counteract or 
remove. His acquaintance perceived the danger of his state; 
and one in whose friendship he had placed strong reliance, and 
to whom he had freely unhurthened himself, Mr. Lawson, the 
engraver, entertained apprehensions for the soundness of his 
intellect.* There was one subject which contributed not a lit- 
tle to increase his mental gloom, and this was the considera- 
tion of the life of penury and dependence to which he seemed 
destined as the teacher of a country school. Mr. Lawson im- 
mediately recommended the renouncing of poetry and the 
flute, and the substituting of the amusement of drawing in their 
stead, as being most likely to restore the balance of his mind; 
and as an employment well adapted to one of his recluse habits 
and inclinations. To this end, sketches of the human figure, 
and landscapes, were provided for him; but his attempts were 
so unpromising that he threw them aside with disgust; and 
concluded that one at his period of life could never succeed in 
* The following' incident was communicated to me by Colonel CaiT, who 
had it from Wilson himself. While tlie latter laboured under great depres- 
sion of spirits, in order to sootli liis mind he one day rambled with his gun. 
The piece by accident slipped from liis hand, and, in making an effort to re- 
gain it, the lock was cocked. At that moment had the gun gone off, it is 
more than probable that he would have lost his life, as the muzzle was oppo- 
site to his breast. When Wilson reflected on the danger which he had es- 
caped, he shuddered at the idea of the imputation of suicide, which a fatal 
occuiTence, to one in his frame of mind, would have occasioned. There is 
room to conjecture that many have accidentally met their end,, whose me- 
mories have been sulhed by tlie alleged crime of self murder. 
