Memorials of the lineage, early life, education and development of the genius of James Watt

VI INTRODUCTION.
The town of Greenock thus had the honour of being the first to
recognise by a public demonstration the merits of her great towns-
man, — of him, justly to celebrate whose genius was soon to become
an object of highest ambition with the most illustrious and the most
lettered of the age. 1
Simultaneous with the institution of the Club, was the desire to
form some collection of facts relating to the personal history of its
distinguished patron, — to the incidents of his early life, his habits,
education, character, with other correlative matters bearing upon his
connexion with his native town. It was not overlooked that the
period to which those details would refer— and in which the genius
of Watt occupied so prominent a place — was, beyond dispute, one of
the most remarkable and important that had occurred in the history
of the commerce or of the social economy of this country ; and the
fulfilment of the assumed task might contribute in some degree to its
successful illustration. A collection of facts of such a nature, even
though it might not attract a more general attention, could not but
be deemed of greater or less value to the Club, and might properly
form the basis of its Records. It might tend to enhance, in its
estimation at least, the distinction which the fact of Watt's birth
conferred upon the community, and the claims which such a dis-
tinction might be conceived to entail upon it.
But even for purposes affecting a wider sphere there seemed
grounds for making some attempt towards the elucidation of the
painted of him, for some public building ; and sincere thanks ; and that you will have the good-
that a young Glasgow artist of the name of ness to present the same to Mr. Walkinshaw, and
Graham, now here, has been spoken of for that to all my father's friends. — Believing me, most
purpose. Should such intention proceed I shall truly, &c., James Watt."
be happy, not only to lend him the pictures I
have by Lawrence and , but likewise to give ' It may be observed that this was three years
any advice and assistance in my power. in anticipation of the great public meeting in
" For the part you have personally taken in pro- the Freemasons' Hall, London, which took place
moling the late Meotiug, I beg you to accept my in 1824.