Grampian Club > Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland > Volume 1

GREYFKIARS CHUKCIIYARD. 47
Landlord." His " Life of Andrew Melville " appeared in 1819, and
was followed by liis "Memoirs of William Veitcli and George
Bryson." He published subsequently " History of the Eeforma-
tion in Italy," and " History of the Eeformation in Spain." Dr.
jNIcCrie died at Edinburgh on the 5th August, 1835.
A handsome mausoleum forms the burial-place of the family of
Adam of Blair Adam, Kinross-shire. It presents the following
inscriptions : —
"The Eight Honourable William Adam, Lord Chief Commis-
sioner of the Jury Court, a Privy Councillor, and Lord Lieutenant
of the county of Kinross, eldest son of John Adam of Blair- Adam,
was born on the 2ud August, 1751, passed advocate 1773, elected
to Parliament in 1774, called to the English bar in 1782. He took
a prominent part in the proceedings of the House of Commons
until he vacated his seat in 1795. Associated with Mr. Eox and
the small number of eminent men who exerted their powerful
talents to uphold the principles of the Constitution during the
progress of the French Eevolution, he was conspicuous in his
endeavours, although in vain, to prevent the antiquated law of
lease-making being illegally used against the liberty of the subject.
He lived, however, to see his views adopted by the amendment of
that law. He was made King's Counsel in 1796, and appointed
Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornwall in 1806, in which year, on
tlie formation of the Granville Administration, he was returned to
Parliament for the counties of Kincardine and Kinross, and sat
for the former until 1811. Erom an early period he had devoted
his attention to the improvement of the administration of justice
in Scotland, and when it was resolved in 1815 to establish trial by
jury in civil causes, he was placed at the head of the court. The
distinguished talent, the unwearied zeal, and patient attention by
which he overcame the difficulties attending so great a change in
the jurisprudence of Scotland, together with the admirable temper,
the kindness of demeanour, and the urbanity he displayed in the
execution of this arduous undertaking, have been publicly recorded
by those over whom he presided. The energy of his character was
no less exhibited in the district in which his estate is situated,
where works of vast extent and great utility, suggested by his
foresight and completed by his influence, are lasting marks of his
unwearied exertions for the public benefit. He was distinguished by
his extensive knowledge and enlightened conversation, his judgment
in the conduct of affairs was remarkable, and his advice was sought
by persons of all ranks. The useful assistance and liberal en-