McWatson exhibited a letter to-day that he received some years ago from the Poet McGonagall. This letter might have been included the Poet’s autobiography now appearing in the “Weekly News.” Am afraid our McWatson values it too highly, however, to allow its being food for reflection by other poets. It is unique in every way, and fifty years after this may be value for anything — like the Burns’ first editions, and items of a similar character.
The last time our market had the honour of a visit from Sir Topaz, he favoured me personally with a few words, and, having done my duty in a financial way to the Knight, he kindly drew from the regions of his dickey a leaflet of poetry, and asked my acceptance of the same. I bowed, and humbly accepted the gift, when asked to introduce him to some of “these noblemen.” With Sir Topaz in tow, I sailed through the market in quest of a likely party of sentiment and cash combined. Slippers seemed a good mark, and I duly introduced the poet, and explained his mission. But Slippers frowned, and muttered something about pests, which neither the great one nor I could understand. Slippers gave a severe look, and retired without tendering any financial support to the scheme. The Poet looked crestfallen at me, and said, “Would you have believed that one of those great ones could be common?” I offered some consolation to the Poet’s injured feelings, and said I might see him again.
Dundee Evening Post, 13th August 1901
