CONTENTS. PAGE 5 28 45 The Story of the Mausoleum-James R. Wilson, - Scottish Music and Song-Wm. M'Ilwraith, The Proposed Lectureship-William Freeland, Burns's Ode for Washington's Birthday-Ed. Pinnington, 51 Burns in Dumfriesshire-Philip Sulley, F.S.A., Documents bearing on Gilbert's Debt to the Poet-Editor, 77 Unveiling of the Burns Statue at Barre, U.S.A., - The late Dr. James Adams, Glasgow, - - 108 PREFACE. IN issuing the Ninth Volume of the Chronicle, the Federation, while much encouraged by the large circulation which the serial has already achieved, would again urge upon the Clubs the necessity of placing their orders with the Publisher at as early a date as possible, otherwise prompt delivery at the privileged price cannot be guaranteed. Owing to press of matter, the Notes and Queries have been withheld and the Bibliography has been considerably curtailed. A considerable number of miscellaneous contributions has also been held over till next year. The Editor again thanks his contributors for the voluntary offerings, and also the many friends and correspondents who so kindly encourage him in the work of the Chronicle. BENRIG, KILMAURS, 1st January, 1900. D. M'NAUGHT. THE STORY OF THE DUMFRIES MAUSOLEUM. THE following paper is compiled from the minute book of the Mausoleum Committee, of which Dr. Grierson's father (Mr. William Grierson of Baitford) and the Rev. Henry Duncan of Ruthwell were secretaries, and from numerous letters from the celebrities of that time found among the effects of Dr. Grierson, Thornhill, which documents have been kindly placed at my disposal by their present possessors. From these it appears that a preliminary meeting of the "friends and admirers of the late Scottish bard, Robert Burns," was held in the George Inn, Dumfries, on 16th December, 1813, for the purpose of taking into consideration the measure of opening a subscription for erecting a Mausoleum over the Poet's remains-John Syme of Ryedale in the chair. It was reported to the meeting that a number of gentlemen had signified their approbation of the measure, and it was thereafter agreed to form a Committee, and to adjourn the meeting to 6th January following. At the adjourned meeting General Dunlop, M.P., son of Mrs. Dunlop of Dunlop, the Poet's friend, was called to the chair, and it was intimated that a large number of noblemen and gentlemen highly approved of opening a public subscription for the purpose. A large and influential Committee of noblemen and gentlemen was formed, and also a special Committee with Dr. Duncan, Dumfries, as convener. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:-- At a meeting of friends and admirers of the late Scottish bard, Robert Burns, assembled in the George Inn, for the purpose of taking into consideration the measure of opening a public subscription for erecting a Mausoleum over his remains in St. Michael's Churchyard, Dumfries, General Dunlop, M.P., was called to the chair. The meeting, considering that it has long been a subject of regret, and indeed a reflection against their country, that no public tribute of respect has yet been paid to the memory of the man who employed his unrivalled powers in giving grace and dignity to the lowland language of Scotland, and in illustrating the simplicity of the manners and character of the Scottish peasantry, resolve : First. That a Mausoleum ought to be reared over the grave of Burns, and that the expenses be defrayed from a fund to be raised by subscription. Second. That the following noblemen and gentlemen shall be appointed a Committee to promote the subscription, and to carry the object into effect, viz. : The Most Noble the Marquis of Queensberry. General Dunlop, M.P. William Robert Keith Douglas, Esq., M.P. C. S. Stuart Menteath, Esq. of Closeburn. William Miller, Esq. W. Grierson, Esq., Cummertrees. John Syme, Esq. of Ryedale. Andrew Gray, Esq. of Craigs. Dr. William Maxwell of Netherwood. Major Bryce M'Murdo. William Taylor, Esq. of Jamaica. John Commelin, Esq. of Troqueer Holm. William M'Lellan, Esq. of High Kelton. William Grierson, Esq. of Baitford. Any seven of whom to be a quorum; and appoint Mr. Staig, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Grierson, Mr. Syme, Dr. Maxwell, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Rankine, and Mr. Commelin to be a Special Committee, any five of them to be a quorum, open to all the members of the General Committee-Dr. Duncan to be convener of the Committees. Third. That the Committees do correspond with the friends and admirers of Burns in the United Empire, the East and West Indies, and America, in order to procure subscriptions. Fourth. That so soon as the amount of the subscriptions can be nearly ascertained, public notice shall be given in the newspapers; and as several eminent artists have already expressed their wish to offer plans for the proposed Mausoleum, they should then be requested to exercise their |