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

186 MEMORIALS OP
walked over the ground, assisting his son in planting the stakes which
were to mark the levels on the adjoining hills.
He lies buried in the West Churchyard of Greenock, by the side of
his venerable father, the "Professor of the Mathematicks." The
particular locality is marked by the tombstone containing the inscrip-
tion already given in a former portion of our work relating to the
grandfather. In 1808 the grandson caused a stone to be placed over
the grave of his own father, the Bailie, and transmitted from Heath-
field, to his old friend and correspondent, the late Mr. James Walkin-
shaw, of Greenock, the inscription he wished to be cut upon it. In
this inscription it will be observed that Mr. Watt omits any notice of
two predeceased brothers and a sister of his own, who died in
infancy, 1 mentioning only John, his immediately younger brother, —
the Editor, it will be remembered, of the map and survey of the River
Clyde, — who perished at sea, and in whose death it is natural the
surviving brother would feel the liveliest sympathy. It is gratifying
to be enabled to introduce here the letter of Mr. Watt, giving specific
directions in regard to the stone, as also the inscription ; both of
them, as will be seen, affording graceful evidence of filial piety and
right feeling : —
" Heathfield, Jan. 27, 1808.
" Mr. James Walkinshaw, Greenock.
" Dear Sir, — I send you annexed the inscription intended for my
1 It will be recollected that the tombstone ground for a similar obituary of his family also, in
which coverB the remains of the venerable grand- the manner in which he recorded the deaths of
father, the Professor of the Mathematicks, con- his children in the register of the Old West
tains an obituary, bearing evidence of having Chnrch. These registers relate to a son, " Robert
been drawn up by his own hand, of such of his Watt, who died 27th April 1730, aged 2 months,
family as had died previous to 1735 ; which spe- 17 days;" "Margaret Watt, who died 16th
cifies not only the dates of the respective deaths of December 1732, aged 1 year, 20 days;" and
his children, but also the years, months, and days, " Thomas Watt," no doubt uamed after his grand-
which each of them had lived. His son, the father, "who died 30th September 1734, aged 15
Bailie, exemplifying the strong family predilection months, 16 days."
for exactness and minute computation, laid the