YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

TESTIMONIALS

IN FAVOUR OF

DAVID SCOTT, ESQ., R.S.A.,

NOW A CANDIDATE

OFFICE OF MASTER OF THE ANTIQUE ACADEMY

OF

THE HONOURABLE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE
ENCOURAGEMENT OF ARTS AND MANUFACTURES
IN SCOTLAND.

EDINBURGH :
PRINTED BY THE EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPANY.
M .DCCC.XLIII.

EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPANY.

CONTENTS.

From Sir WiUiam Allan, P.R.S.A. and R.A., - 5
From Professor Wilson, - 6
From John Burnet, Esq., F.R.S., Author of Practical Treatises
on Painting, &c., - 7
From William Dyce, Esq., Inspector of Government Schools of
Design, - - 8
From C. H. Wilson, Esq., Director of the Government Schools of
Design, - ib.
From John Steell, Esq., R.S.A., - 9
From John Watson Gordon, Esq., R.S.A., - - 10
From George Harvey, Esq., R. S.A. , - 11
From Colvin Smith, Esq., R.S.A., - - ib.
From William Smellie Watson, Esq., R.S.A., 12
From Dr Monro, Professor of Anatomy, University, ib.
From William Burn, Esq., Architect, - 13
From William Mackenzie, Esq., Surgeon, M.R.C.S.L., University, 14
From^William Etty, Esq., R.A., - ib.
From C. L. Eastlake, Esq., R.A., 15
From William Bonnar, Esq., R.S.A., ib.
From A. Handyside Ritchie, Esq., Sculptor, - - 16
From D. 0. Hill, Esq., Secretary R-s-,4x " " 17
From J. F.Williams, Esq., See«e*a¥y ft.S.A., - - 18
From W. B. D. D. Turnbull, Esq., Advocate, Secretary of the Anti
quarian Society, - - ib.
From Sir James Stuart, Bart., of Allanbank, Author ofthe Visions
ofan Amateur, &c, , - 19
From Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Esq., 20
From James Ballantine, Esq., Author of The Gaberlunzie's, Wal
let, &c., - 21
From George Moir, Esq., Advocate, Author of Poetry and Modern
Romance, &c, - 22
From William Spalding, Esq., Advocate, Professor of Rhetoric and
Belles Lettres, - 23

TESTIMONIALS, &c.

No. I.
From Sir William Allan, P.R.S.A. and B.A.
Great King Street,
20th November, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — As you have become a Candidate for the situa
tion of Master of the Antique AcadenSfy, under the management of
the Honourable the Board of Manufactures, I have great pleasure
in adding my testimony to your talent and high attainments as an
artist. Your originality of invention, and power of composition,
together with the knowledge you possess in drawing the human
figure, with firmness and anatomical precision, and the practice you
have had in superintending the students of the Life Academy,
render you, in my opinion, eminently qualified to fill the situation
you are desirous to obtain ; and with every wish for your success,
I remain, my Dear Sir, yours most sincerely,
William Allan,
P.B. S.A. and B.A.
To David Scott, Esq., R.S.A.

No. II.
From Professor WiLSON.
My Dear Sir, — As you have done me the honour to request
my opinion of your qualifications for the office now vacant by the
resignation of Sir William Allan, I shall give it in a few words.
For a good many years I have been conversant with your works,
and the more I have studied them the higher has been my admi
ration of your genius. Many of them belong to the highest de
partment of Art, and exhibit, in striking forms, grand conceptions
of passion and character. In originality and power I do not know
where to look for your superior ; and when I reflect on the wide
range of your intellect and imagination, I cannot but regard you
as a great Painter.
In all your works you seem to me to have been guided by a pro
found knowledge of the principles of Art ; and, like the old Masters,
during the composition of each picture, to have had always in your
mind some one dominant idea, in the midst of all varieties of detail
giving to the whole the spirit of life, and affecting the spectator
with the unity of pathetic or elevating emotion.
It has not been my fortujpe to enjoy the personal acquaintance
of any other Artist so deeply read in. the literature and philosophy
of Art ; and I have derived much delight and instruction from your
admirable critical papers on the characteristics of some of the most
celebrated Schools, — papers proving that you eminently possess
the power of expounding the principles you so thoroughly under
stand, and giving assurance of your success as a Teacher.
I am, my Dear Sir, yours with much esteem,
John Wilson.
David Scott, Esq.

No III.
From John Burnet, Esq., F.R.S., Author of Practical Treatises
on Painting. 2, Whitehall Grove, Chelsea,
Nov. 17, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — I am glad that you intend becoming a Candi
date for the 'situation of Director of the Antique Academy, and
I hope and trust that you may be successful, as I know no other
better qualified than yourself to direct the students in their inves
tigation of the higher branches of Art. For though drawing from
the Antique is often made a mere school for correctness of design,
yet we all know, that it forms the basis of everything elegant and
noble, as far as style is concerned ; I therefore have great pleasure
in adding my testimony, as to your peculiar fitness for this situa
tion, both on account of those papers on the higher branches of
the Art, which have appeared from time to time in " Blackwood," and
from your being devoted to the practice of Historical Painting,
which demands a constant reference to the old marbles. I need not
say, that having been educated myself at the Trustees' Academy in
Edinburgh, I feel a great interest in its welfare, and shall therefore
rejoice in its falling into your hands, after being so long and so
ably conducted by my worthy fellow-student, Sir WiUiam Allan.
I write hastily, that you may not lose the post ; but if you think a
more formal testimony will convey more weight, I shall send it
with great pleasure. I remain, my Dear Sir, yours very truly,
Jno. Burnet.
To David Scott, Esq.
Easter Dairy House, Edinburgh.

No. IV.
From William Dyce, Esq., Inspector of Government Schools
of Design. London, Nov. 17, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your let
ter of the 14th current, and have much pleasure in offering my
humble testimony to your high qualifications for the situation of
Master in the Trustees' Academy, now vacant.
I quite remember the circumstances to which you have referred ;
and that in determining according to the best of my judgment,
at the time the present plan of instruction was adopted, who were
the artists most likely and able to conduct it efficiently, I fixed
upon yourself as being a most desirable successor to Sir William
Allan, in the event of his resignation, which, I understood, there
was then some reason to anticipate.
I remain, my Dear Sir, yours faithfully,
W. Dyce,
Inspector of Government
Schools of Design.
David Scott, Esq., U.S.A., &c. &c &c.

No. V.

From C. H. Wilson, Esq., Director of the Government Schools
of Design.
Government School of Design, Somerset House,
Nov. 18, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — I have this day received your letter, in which
you do me the honour to request that I will give you my opinion

of your qualifications for the Chair which you inform me my re
spected friend, Sir William Allan, is about to vacate.
In reply to your letter, I beg to state my conviction that you
are eminently qualified to fill the important situation to which you
aspire. I know how diligently you have studied Art for many years, and
I remember, when we met in Italy, the devotion with which you
gave yourself up to the study of the Old Masters ; the observa
tions which you have since published on Art show how profitably
you have studied the works of its greatest professors, and proved
that your services would indeed be invaluable in the Royal Insti
tution. Your literary qualifications also peculiarly fit you for the vacant
Chair. Sincerely wishing you every success,
I remain, my Dear Sir, very faithfully yours,
Charles H. Wilson.
David Scott, Esq., B.S.A.

No. VI.
From John Steell, Esq., R.S.A.
3, Randolph Place, November 21, 1843.
Dear Scott, — It gives me very great pleasure to state what I
know of your fitness to fill the situation of Master of the Antique
Academy of the Honourable the Board of Trustees. It appears
to me altogether unnecessary to advert to what every gentleman
ofthe Board is likely to be already fully acquainted with, — the great
merit of your works which have come before the public.
I may, however, mention, that we were fellow-students in
that Academy, and I have ever since enjoyed your intimate
acquaintance, which has afforded me a very full opportunity of

10
judging. And I can truly say, that, in my opinion, you are in the
very highest degree qualified for the situation referred to. For,
while you are familiar with every means by which the students
would be facilitated in acquiring the power of mere " copy," your
knowledge and elevated conception of the character, spirit, and
exalted nature of the great works of antiquity, would render your
instructions of very peculiar value, as, from such qualifications in
the teacher, the student would be made to understand what it is
he is copying, and would thereby be led, in his future career, to
know what he ought to " imitate." Earnestly wishing you success,
I am, ever yours,
John Steell.
David Scott, Esq., R.S.A.

No. VII.
From John Watson Gordon, Esq., R.S.A.
123, George Street, Edinburgh, November 21, 1843.
Mr D. Scott having informed me, that he meant to make appli
cation to succeed Sir William Allan in the superintendence of the
Antique Academy of the Honourable the Board of Trustees, re
questing, at the same time, that I should express my opinion of his
qualifications for the proper discharge of the duties of that office,
should he be so fortunate as to merit the favour of the Board ; I
beg to state, that from the circumstance of my having studied at
the Academy under the late Mr John Graham, and having repeat
edly taken charge of it during the absence of Sir William Allan,
for months together, it may naturally be concluded, that I must
have some idea of the qualifications necessary for the fulfilment of
the duties of that important situation ; and I have no hesitation in
stating, that I know of no one better qualified, certainly not in this
country, than Mr David Scott. I have known him from his ear-

11
liest years, and I am quite aware of his talents and acquirements ;
and amongst the latter, his extensive knowledge of Anatomy, with
out which, I cannot conceive any one at all competent to direct the
progress of those who are studying from the Antique.
John Watson Gordon.

No. VIII.
From George Harvey, Esq., B.S.A.
15, Brunswick Street,
Hillside, 21st November, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — As you have requested me to state my opi
nion of your fitness to fill the situation of Master of the Antique
Academy, under the control of the Honourable the Board of
Trustees, I feel great pleasure in saying, that I think you exceed
ingly well qualified to discharge the duties connected with that
office. I do not know any one in Scotland who has given so much
attention as yourself to the drawing of the human figure in the
nude, and from the statue, and should therefore feel much grati
fied in learning that you were appointed to succeed Sir William
Allan. I am, my Dear Sir, yours truly,
Geo. Harvey.
David Scott, Esq., R.S.A.

No. IX.

From Colvin Smith, Esq., R.S.A.
York Place, 21st November, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — Understanding that you have become a Can
didate for the office of Master of the Antique Academy of the

12
Honourable the Board of Trustees, I beg to say, that I think
there is no other person here so well qualified, in every respect, to
fill that department as yourself; and I trust that the Honourable
the Board of Trustees will fix upon you to be the Master.
I remain, Dear Sir, yours very truly,
Colvin Smith.
To David Scott, Esq.

No. X.

From William Smellie Watson, Esq., R.S.A.
10, Forth Street, 18th November, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — Your having signified your intention to me of
becoming a Candidate for Master of the School of the. Antique in
this city, I have the greatest pleasure in stating, from your great
knowledge of Art, I consider you eminently qualified for the situ
ation you aspire to, and that the Honourable Board will have every
reason to be satisfied, should they appoint you to such an honour
able situation.
Wishing you every success,
I remain, Dear Sir, yours truly,
Wm. Smellie Watson.
David Scott, Esq.

No. XI.

From Dr Monro, Professor of Anatomy, University.
Craiglockhart, Nov. 21, 1843.
Dear Sir, — It affords me gratification to bear testimony to the
fidelity with which you have represented, in several .of your pic-

13

tures, the proportions and disposition of the joints and action of
the muscles of the human body ; and I conceive that your pupils
will derive much benefit from your instruction in drawing, from
the ancient statues and living figures.
Yours truly,

Alex*. Monro.

No. XII.
From William Burn, Esq., Architect.
131, George Street, November 22, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — I am glad to learn that you have been induced
to become a Candidate for the important situation of Master of the
Antique Academy, under the management of the Honourable the
Board of Manufactures, because I feel persuaded that you will
zealously promote the best interests of that invaluable Institution,
and greatly extend its character and usefulness.
I consider it quite unnecessary to allude to your talent and va
ried acquirements, so peculiarly calculated to distinguish your du
ties in the new sphere of usefulness to which you aspire, as these
will be testified by others better qualified to judge ; but I may be
permitted to say, that in so far as I am capable of forming an opi
nion, I know no one so likely as yourself to maintain the high
character of the Academy, and confer honour and credit on the ap
pointment of the Board.
I am, my Dear Sir,
Yours, very faithfully,
Will". Burn.
David Scott, Esq., R.S.A., &c. &c.

14

No. XIII.

From William Mackenzie, Esq., Surgeon, M.R.C.S.L.,
University. Edinburgh College, 22d Nov., 1843.
My Dear Sir, — It gives me great pleasure to have an opportu
nity of expressing the very high opinion I entertain of your pro
fessional qualifications, and to add my humble testimony to the in
fluential recommendations you have already received. I believe
you to be excellently qualified to fill the appointment, now unfortu
nately vacant by the resignation of so distinguished a master as
Sir William Allan. I can also state, that you made much progress
in the study of Anatomy, when you were a pupil of mine in the
University several years ago ; and that I have often since expe
rienced unusual gratification in admiring the correct Anatomy in
variably displayed by you in your representations of the human
figure. I refer especially to those of your paintings that have
been, from year to year, publicly exhibited.
Wishing sincerely that you may be elected to the situation to
which you aspire, I am, my Dear Sir,
Yours truly,
William Mackenzie.
David Scott, Esq.

No. XIV.
From William Etty, Esq., R.A., to the Honourable the Com
missioners qf Trustees. 14, Buckingham Street, Strand,
London, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1843.
Gentlemen, — I beg to state that I consider Mr David Scott,
from the works I have seen of his in History, and his general

15
knowledge of the Art, to be highly qualified to fill the office of
Master of the Antique Academy of the Honourable the Board of
Trustees. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
your obedient servant,
% William Etty, R.A.

No. XV.
From C. L. Eastlake, Esq., R.A.
7, Fitzroy Square,
London, Nov. 21, 1843.
Sir, — I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 17th instant, acquainting me that Sir William Allan having
resigned the Chair of the Antique Academy of the Honourable the
Board of Trustees, you are a Candidate for the office. I am igno
rant who are your competitors, but I am persuaded that from your
combining so much theoretical knowledge of art with practical ex
perience, you will be considered very fit for the situation in ques
tion. I am, Sir, your very obedient servant,
C. L. Eastlake.
David Scott, Esq., R.S-A., &c- &c.
t

No. XVI.
. From William Bonnar, Esq., R.S.A.
28, London Street, November 24, 1843.
My Dear Sie, — It is with the greatest pleasure that I give my
testimony to your qualifications to instruct and direct the Antique

16
Academy of the Honourable Board of Trustees — a situation for
merly occupied by Sir W. Allan. From your course of study,
your knowledge of the human figure, and your extensive acquaint
ance with the general principles of your art, I know no one so
peculiarly qualified to fill the situation.
I am, my Dear Sir, yours sincerely, 0
W. Bonnar.
To David Scott, Esq., R.S.A.

No. XVII.
From Alex. Handyside Ritchie, Esq., Sculptor.
92, Prince's Street, November 24, 1843.
My Dear Scott, — Understanding that you are a Candidate for
the office of Master of the Antique Academy of the Honourable the
Board of Trustees, I beg to express how admirably I consider you
adapted to fill that situation.
During a period of nineteen years I have been honoured by
your personal friendship, and have, on many occasions, reaped
great benefit from your judicious and kind advice.
The productions of your pencil, which have so often graced the
walls of the Scottish Academy, — the manner in which you have,
by your pen, illustrated the genius of Angelo, Raphael, and other
great Masters, — your extensive anatomical knowledge, — and your
masterly command of drawing; all point you out as eminently
qualified to imbue the minds of young artists with a love for, and
an appreciation of, great art, as well as to teach them practically
the Elements of Drawing, and the true principles of Design.
Yours, ever faithfully,
Alex. Handyside Ritchie.
David Scott, Esq., Historical Painter.

17
No. XVIII.
From D. O. Hill, Esq., Secretary R.S.A.
28, Inverleith Row, November 27, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — It gives me very great pleasure to assure you
of the high estimation in which I hold, and have long held, your
professional talents, your general acquirements, and your private
worth. I have derived high enjoyment from the contemplation of your
pictures, which seem to me, in many instances, to give ample evi
dence of genius of no ordinary kind on the part of their author —
of originality of invention — elevation of intellect and sentiment —
fine imagination — much artistic knowledge and power, and a dedi
cation of all these to the service of truth and virtue.
I have read with pleasure and instruction several of your elo
quent and philosophic essays on the art of the ancient Masters,
whose works you seem to have studied with the love and admira
tion of one who is ambitious to tread in their footsteps — and whose
principles and intentions you have elucidated and expounded with
much critical acumen and literary ability.
In the execution of my duties as Secretary of the Boyal Scottish
Academy, I have, in frequent instances, derived effective aid from
your advice and assistance — and this in cases of difficulty — re
quiring, in their proper management, both delicacy and tact. In
fact, your services to that Institution have been characterised by
zeal and wisdom ; and have, in my opinion, assisted in maintaining
the dignity, and in aiding the prosperity of the body of which you
are a respected and valued member — and, generally, in promoting
the well-being of Art in Scotland.
In any attempt of mine, at a recognition of your professional po
sition,^ is impossible for me not to do homage to that singleness
of purpose with which you have devoted the energies of your life
to the attainment of the name of a great Historical Painter. That

18
you may reach the summit of your ambition, in your generous pur
suit of eminence ; and that, consequently, you may attain the re
wards and honours to which eminence is entitled, is the sincere
wish of, My Dear Sir,
Very faithfully yours,
Dav. Oct. Hill.
David Scott, Esq., R.S.A.

No. XIX.
From J. F. Williams, Esq., Treasurer R.S.A.
Edinburgh, 121, Prince's Street.
Dear Sir, — As you wished to know my opinion of your abilities
and qualifications to fill the situation now held by Sir William
Allan in the Trustees' Academy, my opinion is, that, from your
anatomical knowledge and experience in the Antique, together with
your learning in Art, you are most amply qualified for the situation
you aspire to.
I am, Dear Sir, yours truly,
J. F. Williams, R.S.A.

No. XX.

From W. B. D. D. Turnbull, Esq., Advocate, Secretary ofthe
Antiquarian Society.
Edinburgh, 25, Great King Street, November 23, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — I have just learned that you are a Candidate
for the office of Director of the Antique Academy, vacant by

19
the resignation of Sir William Allan ; and, in wishing you that suc
cess of which there ought to be no doubt, I rejoice that you are
willing to bestow upon the students of Art those high acquirements
in all things relating to its history, its principles, and its practice,
with which your intense devotion to it has imbued your mind. I
have said that there ought to be no doubt of your success ; for of
all the many .professors of painting with whom I have the pleasure
of being acquainted, both in this arid the sister country, there is
none for whose genius I feel higher respect than your own. The
high philosophic bent of your intellect* the profound erudition,
and intimate critical familiarity with the tone of manners, costume,
and sentiment of the past, which your writings, and, still more,
your conve'rs'&ti'on exhibit, eminently qualify you for the duties of
a guide and instructor. I cannot suppose that the opinion of an
individual so obscure as myself will have any weight in your
favour ; but I cannot omit what I consider to be my duty, in offer
ing to you this my calm and unbiassed testimony of your many
merits, as a very slight acknowledgment of the great pleasure and
benefit which I have derived from your friendly intercourse.
With every best wish, Believe me, Yours most sincerely,
W. B, D. D. Turnbull.
David Scott, Esq., R.S.A.

No.- XXI. •S
From Sir James Stuart, Bart, of Allanbank, Author of
u The Visions ofan Amateur," §-c.
Rothsay, November 25, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — I beg to acknowledge your letter of yesterday,
informing me of your being a Candidate for the vacant situation of

20
Master of the Antique in the Trustees' Academy, and requesting
me to give you my opinion as to your competency to fill that situa
tion. I can only say, that if my testimony is worth having, I con
sider you in every way qualified, both as to talent and genius, to
give the instructions required for the students in the art of Design,
and have no doubt, if the Board should fix on you to hold the
situation of Master of the Academy, that you will do justice to
their election, and prove an able successor to the artist who has so
long held that situation, with such ability and profit to the students
who were under his instructions.
Believe me, my Dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
Jas. Stuart.

No. XXII.
From Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Esq.
28, Drummond Place, 28th November, 1843.
Dear Sir, — You ask my opinion of your talents as to painting.
You know how much I have said to you of my admiration of your
pictures from the Greek Poets; your Paracelsus, and Queen Elizabeth,
which need not be repeated here. I feel certain that you are every
way qualified to fill, with credit to yourself, and the utmost bene
fit to your pupils, the office which you are desirous of obtaining,
you being perfectly capable of pointing out the anatomical defects,
as well as the beauties, of the antique casts in the Museum.
I am, Dear Sir, very sincerely yours,
Chas. Kirkpatrick Sharpe.
To David Scott, Esq.

21

No. XXIII.
From James Ballantine, Esq., Author of the Gaberlunzie's
Wallet, the Miller ofDeanhaugh, fyc.
106, Lauriston Place, November 28, 1843.
My Dear Sir, — I cannot resist the inclination which I feel to
offer my humble opinion^relative to your qualifications for the
situation of Master of the Antique Academy of the Honourable
the Board of Trustees.
Your original and highly imaginative intellect has been matured
by a long and laborious course of artistic and intellectual training,
and the result is, that your works are full of poetic invention, and
distinguished for their historical, characteristic, and anatomical ac
curacy. Your attention has been uniformly directed towards the accom
plishment of the higher purposes of pictorial art, and to excel in
the art of design has been always your chief aim. You have pur
sued the even tenor of your way, surrounded by many contradictory
influences, and have kept your onward course with steady deter
mination, even at the sacrifice of profit and immediate fame.
These qualities, together with your continual aspirations after
truth, and your just appreciation ofthe great in Art, would, in my
humble opinion, render your services invaluable in such a situation
as that for which you are now a candidate ; and it is exceedingly
gratifying for those who, like myself, have watched your progress
with deep intesest, to learn that your merits are so highly appreci
ated by so many) of your eminent contemporaries, and that they
are strengthening your hands on the present occasion by their re
commendations. Retaining feelings of lively gratitude for the instructive pleasure

22
which the perusal of your interesting series of papers on High Art
has afforded me,
I remain, My Dear Sir,
Your sincere admirer and well wisher,
James Ballantine.

No. XXIV.
From GEORGE Moir, Esq., Advocate.
41, Charlotte Square, November 28, 1843-
My Dear Sir, — Although I feel the utmost diffidence in pre
suming to offer any testimonial as to the qualifications requisite for
the office of Director of the Antique Academy; yet, as you have
thought it worth while to ask of me an expression of my opinion
on the subject, I feel bound to say, that, in so far as my humble
opinion goes, you are extremely well qualified to fill that office^
Great originality of conception and execution, and profound study
of the history and principles of your art, are, I believe, generailly
conceded to you. Your criticisms on such subjects in one of our
most influential periodicals sufficiently prove that you can state, as
well as feel or understand, the principles of Painting ; and I be
lieve few are better qualified for inspiring young men with a por
tion of that enthusiasm for Art by which you are yourself distin
guished. I think it right to repeat what I mentioned to yourself verbally,
that since you first did me the honour to ask my opinion, Mr
Duncan had made a similar request. You will easily believe this
application increases extremely my reluctance to obtrude my opi
nion on the subject at all. But I at the same time feel, that if I

23
venture to express any, I am bound to do so with fairness and
frankness as to both. I have therefore thought it right, as I men-:
tioned to you, to address a note to him, expressive of the opinion I
entertain of his qualifications. Believe me, Yours very truly,'
Geo. Moir.

No. XXV.

From William Spalding, Esq., Advocate, Professor of Rhetoric
and Belles Lettres.

Edinburgh, November 28, 1843.
My Dear Scott, — It is hardly possible that the Trustees should
think more meanly than I myself think of my qualifications for
advising them in the choice of a Master for their School of
the Antique. It is satisfactory to my own mind, however, to be
allowed an opportunity of emphatically expressing my opinion,
that you ought to be Sir William Allan's successor. The opinion
rests upon two grounds. First, you are a thinker as well as an
artist ; you have reflected deeply and philosophically upon the
Theory of the Fine Arts ; and, as I can testify both from your con
versation and from your writings, you are able to communicate
valuable truths, as well as to investigate them. Secondly, not
only in your speculations, but in your pictures and your admirable
etchings from Coleridge, you have shown yourself to be beyond all
other Scottish Artists of your standing, a zealous and successful
student of those highest principles of Art, which the Antique School
is in a particular manner intended for inculcating.

24
It will delight me much for public, yet more than for personal
reasons, if the Trustees, by declaring you worthy to succeed one
of whom Scotland is justly proud, shall show that you are as
highly estimated in your native city as I saw you to be some years
ago in Rome by foreigners, nof less than by our own countrymen.
Believe me, Yours sincerely,
William Spalding.
To David Scott, Esq., R.S.A.

BDIfTBURQIl PRINTING COMPANY.