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

192 MEMORIALS OF
increase his store by " plaguing himself with business." All bis time,
accordingly, was at the disposal of his friends ; and, within the circle
of a simple and uniform routine of amusement, his highest gratifica-
tion consisted in ministering, by offices of kindness, to those to whom
such cheerful interest and attention were an object, as well as in all
the exercises of a general and genial benevolence. « His regard for his
old friend, Mr. Watt, amounted almost to veneration. A singular, but
very graceful, proof of the attachment, and even affection, which
subsisted between the two friends, is afforded by the fact of Mr. Watt
having, at his death, desired a favourite waistcoat worn by him to be
sent to Mr. Walkinshaw ; which piece of dress the latter was wont,
with allowable pride, to show upon his person. Mr. Walkinshaw was
remarkable for his orderly, neat, and gentlemanly appearance. He
was unmarried, and lived with an excellent and respected sister, much
about his own age, Miss Walkinshaw, to whom Mr. Watt in bis cor-
respondence frequently alludes. The reader has already perused Mr.
Watt's letter to this gentleman regarding the tombstone and inscription
for his father's grave at Greenock. The following makes reference to
the same subject, and expresses his distress on occasion of the death of
his esteemed partner, Mr. Boulton : —
" Glenarback, Aug. 22, 1809.
" Dear Sir, — I have been in this country about a fortnight. My
stay is uncertain ; circumstances may make it short, and it is pro-
bable I may not come to Greenock this time. I shall also be glad to
know whether my father's tombstone has been placed as I directed ;
how my cousin A does, and if you can give me any information
concerning Mrs. W , her daughter and family, with intelligence
concerning any of my other friends in your place. I shall stay here
about a week, after which I go to visit my friend Mr. Muirhead, on
the Water of Endrick ; but letters directed for me at Miss M'Gregor's,
No. 9, Cochran Street, Glasgow, will be forwarded to me, — and it will