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I found this 2 part
article in Tait's Edinburgh Magazine of 1844 which starts...
The value of
reminiscences of eminent men must he in proportion to the opinion
entertained of the writer’s powers and opportunities of observation,
and of his good faith as an accurate reporter and chronicler. The
reminiscences we have to present to our readers, connected with
Scott and “ The Shepherd,” bear intrinsic evidence of their
genuineness in every sentence. Yet we deem it the most satisfactory,
and also the most simple and direct mode of procedure, to permit Sir
Walter Scott himself to introduce the individual who here recalls
his sayings and doings; and who, without being blind to his
weaknesses, appears to cherish his memory with the most devoted and
grateful respect. To few individuals could Sir Walter Scott have
appeared under an aspect more uniformly kind and benignant than he
must have done to Mr. Morrison. Their acquaintance commenced
in1803—an early period of Scott’s brilliant career; and eighteen
years afterwards, we find him thus cautiously and characteristically
describing the author of the subjoined Reminiscences, in whose
prosperity he at all times took no ordinary interest. Mr. Morrison’s
name does not, we believe, once occur in Mr. Lockhart’s Memoirs of
Scott; but this is an oblivion which he shares with many other of
Sir Walter’s early friends; and it is one of small consequence, save
that it renders this explanation necessary :—
MR. WALTER SCOTT TO MR. ROSCOE OF LIVERPOOL.
Dear Sir,—I should not have presumed to give the bearer an
introduction to you on my own sole authority ; but as he carries a
letter from General Dirom of Mount Annan, and as I sincerely
interest myself in his fortunes, I take the liberty of strengthening
(if I may nse the phrase) the General’s recommendation, and, at the
same time, of explaining a circumstance or two which may have some
influence on Mr. Morrison’s destiny.
He is a very worthy, as well as a very clever man; and was much
distinguished in his profession as a civil engineer, surveyor, &c.,
until he was unlucky enough to lay it aside for the purpose of
taking a farm. I should add that this was done with the highly
laudable purpose of keeping a roof over his father’s head, and
maintaining the old man in his paternal farm. At the expiry of the
lease, however, Mr. Morrison found himself a loser to such an amount
that he did not think it prudent to renew the bargain, and attempted
to enter upon his former profession. But being, I think, rather
impatient on finding that employment did not occur quite so readily
as formerly, he gave way to a natural turn for painting, and it is
as an artist that he visits Liverpool. I own, though no judge of the
art, I think he has mistaken his talents; for, though he sketches
remarkably well in outline, especially our mountain scenery, and
although he was bred to the art, yet so long an interval has passed,
that I should doubt his ever acquiring a facility in colouring.
However, he is to try his chance. But be would fain hope something
would occur in a city where science is so much in request, to engage
him more profitably to himself, and more usefully to others, in the
way of his original profession as an engineer, in which he is
really' excellent. I should be sincerely glad, however, that he
throve in some way or other, as he is a most excellent person in
disposition and private conduct, an enthusiast in literature, and a
shrewd entertaining companion in society.
I could not think of his carrying a letter to you without your being
fhlly acquainted of the merits he possesses besides the painting, of
which I do not think well at present; though, perhaps, he may
improve.—I am, Sir, with very great respect, your most obedient
servant,
Walter Scott.
Edinburgh, 1st June, 1821.
In Liverpool, Mr. Morrison, as will afterwards be seen, met with the
kindest reception from Mr. Ros-coe, who returned him Sir Walter
Scott’s introductory letter, as a document of more value to himself
than to any one else. Before coming to the Reminiscences, and in
order to throw a little more light upon the character of their
writer, and his connexion with the distinguished individuals from
whom they derive their interest, we copy from the original MS. of
the Ettrick Shepherd, the following rhymed epistle and epitaph,
addressed to Mr. Morrison while he was engaged on Some piece of
professional business with Mr. Telford in North Wales.
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