The Life of Mansie Wauch / tailor in Dalkeith

Transcribed from the 1911 T. N. Foulis edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
t.n.foulis London & Edinburgh 1 9 1 1
October 1911
Turnbull & Spears , Printers , Edinburgh
to JOHN GALT, Esq., author of “annals of the parish,” “the provost,” “ayrshire legatees,” etc.
the following sketches,
principally of humble scottish character,
are dedicated,
by his sincere friend and admirer,
the editor.
Having, within myself, made observation of late years, that all notable characters, whatsoever line of life they may have pursued, and to whatever business they might belong, have made a trade of committing to paper all the surprising occurrences and remarkable events that chanced to happen to them in the course of Providence, during their journey through life—that such as come after them might take warning and be benefited—I have found it incumbent on me, following a right example, to do the same thing; and have set down, in black and white, a good few uncos, that I should reckon will not soon be forgotten, provided they make as deep an impression on the world as they have done on me. To this decision I have been urged by the elbowing on of not a few judicious friends, among whom I would particularly remark James Batter, who has been most earnest in his request, and than whom a truer judge on anything connected with book-lear, or a better neighbour, does not breathe the breath of life: both of which positions will, I doubt not, appear as clear as daylight to the reader, in the course of the work: to say nothing of the approval the scheme met with from the pious Maister Wiggie, who has now gone to his account, and divers other advisers, that wished either the general good of the world, or studied their own particular profit.