Page:Life memoirs & pedigree of Thomas Hamilton Dickson.pdf/4

 battle of Flodden Field, another of my ancestors was wounded, but not mortally. In fact, my predecessors filled every situation in the army, from the general down to the private soldier. My great grandfather, after being worn out by the fatigues of a military life, retired to his paternal possessions, which were situated in the vicinity of the far-famed Tweed, a river equal, if not superior, to any in Scotland. He devoted the few remaining years of his life to retirement and devotion; and from his mansion the houseless and destitute were never known to be turned away, without having their immediate wants supplied. He had nine daughters, and they were all married, and had large families, who intermarried with some of the most ancient and respectable families in the country. He died at the advanced age of eighty-two—a man not only great in body but in mind. His funeral was attended by the most wealthy and influential in the place, while great numbers of the poorer classes followed in the rear, mourning their loss, for he was a good man, and endeavoured to be serviceable to those who had not wherewithal to serve themselves.

My grandfather, when a youth, was gay and lively as the flowery month of May. It is related, while his father was at devotion he went to the carriage or cart house, which was situated in a hill above the dwelling house, and took off a coach wheel, and impelled it down the hill, the doors of the house being firmly secured at the time. As the wheel descended, every revolution added strength and fury to its