b. 10 March 1782. d. 13 April 1851. Nationality: Scottish.
Poet, song writer, and marine officer. Born in Anstruther, Fife. Served in the Royal
Marines for thirty-six years, after which he retired to Edinburgh where he was well
connected to the literary scene. Author of *Poems* (1811; second edition, *Poems and
Songs*, 1814) and *Lays and Lyrics* (1841). Contributor to *Whistle-Binkie*. His portrait
was painted by Robert Scott Tait in 1841 (Royal Marines Museum), and David Octavius
Hill and Robert Adamson did his photographic portrait (1843-1847; Scottish National
Portrait Gallery). Biographical information: *ODNB*. (AC)