Historical memoir of the family of Eglinton and Winton

150 NOTES AND ILLTJSTKATION9.
died in 1796, at the patriarchal age of eighty-six,
inherited all the more useful fin respectable virtues
of his early ancestors, though perhaps the general
tenor of his peaceful life was but little calculated to
attract the regard of modern genealogists, who
appear utterly to have overlooked his claims to com-
memoration in their, too often, mercenary labours.
Mr Hunter had originally an elder brother who came
to manhood but died unmarried, consequently, on the
death of his father in 1733, the succession to the
family inheritance opened to him. Early in life he
was put to sea in the merchant service, and quickly
rose to the command of a ship — a younger brother,
David, following his example, was equally successful
in the profession. It is said that whilst in this
position the future laird of Hunterston, on a not
very uncommon emergency in those days, gave quite
an unmistakeable indication of the high spirit and
manly feeling by which he was actuated. Whilst
yet in the humble capacity of a junior officer, his
ship was invaded by that horrible barbarity of
former times, a " press-gang." Of course, but little
delicacy was ever observed in the execution of such
matters, and the commander of the party coming up
to young Hunter, perhaps somewhat too imperatively,
demanded, "and pray, sir, what are you?" Disdain-
ing any paltry pretext of privilege, the undaunted
reply of the young seaman was worthy of a hero,
" Why, sir, I am a man!" Similar other anecdotes
were long remembered of him, whilst such senti-
ments and feelings undoubtedly continued to char-