He spoke the broadest Scotch.

He was a sound and laborious lawyer.

He was fond of a glass of good claret, and had a great fund of good Scotch humour.

He rose to the dignity of Justice-Clerk, and, in consequence, presided at many important political criminal trials about the year 1793-4, such as those of Muir, Palmer, Skirving, Margarot, Gerrold, etc.

He conducted these trials with much ability and great firmness, occasionally, no doubt, with more appearance of severity and personal prejudice than is usual with the judges who in later times are called on to preside on similar occasions.