In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of John Dunlop (writer), covering everything from its historical origin to its relevance today. _Var1 represents a topic that has captured the attention of numerous scholars and experts in the field, awakening growing interest in various areas of knowledge. Over the next few lines, we will examine the multiple facets and dimensions of John Dunlop (writer), analyzing its impact on society and its influence in different contexts. We will delve into its deep meaning, discussing its implications and repercussions on the current panorama. Through this detailed exploration, we aim to shed light on John Dunlop (writer) and delve into its essence, offering the reader an enriching and enlightening perspective on this exciting topic.
He began his career as a merchant, and was then collector of customs in Bo'ness and Greenock and was Bailie in Glasgow 1786 to 1788.[3] He lived at Rosebank, near Glasgow, a property which he planted and beautified. Early in the eighteenth century it came into the possession of Provost Murdoch, and through his daughter, Margaret, it fell to her son-in-law, John Dunlop. He was appointed collector of customs at Borrowstounness, whence he was afterwards moved to Port Glasgow.[2] He served as Lord Provost of Glasgow 1794–96.[4]
He was later Collector of Customs at Port Glasgow[5] and died there on 4 September 1820, aged 65.[6]
Character
An active-minded man, he is described as "a merchant, a sportsman, a mayor, a collector, squire, captain and poet, politician and factor".[2] His humour and social qualities made him sought after. He sang well and wrote songs, some of which show a graceful lyrical faculty and are still popular. Oh dinna ask me gin I lo'e ye is perhaps the best known, and with Here's to the year that's awa is often included in collections of Scottish poetry. These and two others by him are in the Modern Scottish Minstrel (1857, v. 77–81) of Dr. C. Rogers. Dunlop was also known as a writer of monumental and other inscriptions.
He was a leading member of the convivial Hodge Podge Club in Glasgow, for which some of his verses were composed.[7] In figure he was a "hogshead", but "as jolly a cask as ere loaded the ground".[2] In 1818, he edited for a son of Sir James and Lady Frances Steuart some letters to them from Lady Mary W. Montagu, since reprinted by Lord Wharncliffe. He printed for private circulation a couple of volumes of his occasional pieces, and his son, John Colin Dunlop, the author of the History of Fiction, edited a volume of his poems in 1836. According to the statement of the Rev. Charles Rogers, four volumes of poetry in manuscript are in existence.[8]
"Poems on several Occasions", Greenock, 1817–19, 2 vols. octavo (only ten copies, privately printed; one is in the Abbotsford Library).
Original Letters from the Right Hon. Lady Mary W. Montagu to Sir James and Lady Frances Steuart, and Memoirs and Anecdotes of those distinguished Persons, duodecimo, Greenock, 1818 (privately printed).
"Poems on several Occasions from 1793 to 1816", octavo, Edinburgh, 1836 (only fifty copies privately printed by J. Colin Dunlop).