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His life & work:

< biography to follow - mention will be made of his account of the poet Robert Burns' medical decline in his book "Burns From A New Point Of View" (1925) - also he was anxious to defend Burns, another man with Dumfries associations, from the charge that he had been drunk and dissolute, and had died from the effects of alcohol or syphilis - also of his fears in 1912, reported "by Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times", that the Globe Tavern, which was at that time up for sale, would be bought by Americans and possibly removed to New York or Chicago. >

Dear Provost Hogg
     I beg to thank you for the gratifying announcement contained in your letter of the 12th inst. that I have been elected an Honorary Member of the Irvine Burns Club. I consider it a special honour to be identified with a Club representing the place associayted with a critical epoch in Burns' career.
     Pray assure the Club of my appreciation of the compliment nthey have paid me in recognition of my endeavour to clear from unjust obloquoy, the fair fame of our great and beloved National Poet.
     Believe me
     Yours very faithfully
     James Crichton Browne

The N.B. in the address is for North Britain - how Scotland was postally known in those days.

See the pen-portrait above for information on his endeavours.

His life & work:

< biography to follow >

My dear Provost:
     It is with more than ordinary pleasure that I hasten to acknowledge receipt of your letter containing such wonderful news, which was written on the anniversary of the birth of the World’s Poet.
     I was indeed proud to know that the Irvine Burns Club had honored me to the extent of Honorary Membership in their historic association, and would that I could convey to your members and yourself the deep appreciation that I feel. It is accepted gratefully, and I trust that my life ever will be such that you will have no cause to regret your action is doing honor to one who is far away from your Club in body, but always near you in spirit in everything that has to do with that remarkable being who was born in Scotland, but who now belongs to the whole world. His monument is one of Love – enshrined in the hearts of the people – and it will last far longer than any that could be built of bronze or granite.
     It was the great pleasure of my daughter and myself to visit your interesting city about three years ago as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lumsden, and you may rest assured that if God spares me to visit Scotland again I shall be only too happy to pay my respects to the Irvine Burns Club and to the Provost.
     With deep appreciation and personal regards,
     Believe me,
     Yours faithfully,
     Walter Scott

The letter is typed, and addressed to Provost Hogg.

His life & work:

< biography to follow >

Dear Mr Hogg
     I am deeply honoured by the resolution of the Irvine Burns Club, and wish you to convey to the Directors my sincere appreciation of the distinction conferred on me.
     Yours faithfully
     J. C. Smuts

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