Fragments of Voyages and Travels Volume 3; Third Series (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1833 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. SIR WALTER SCOTl's EMBARKATION AT PORTSMOUTH IN THE AUTUMN OF 183. Of all the voyages and travels I ever made in my life, the most interesting by far was a trip to Portsmouth, when I had the honour of attending Sir Walter Scott, to assist him in his embarkation for Italy. The circumstances were quite accidental which led to my being employed in so delightful a manner, as rendering even the slightest services to an author who has laid the whole world under such deep obligations. The extraordinary interest which the public feel in every thing relating to this wonderful man induces me to believe that a simple narrative of the mere facts connected with his embarkation may to many prove acceptable. In due season, it is to be hoped, his accomplished son-in-law will favour the world with a complete life of Sir Walter Scott; and as it is impossible to suppose that any person can have enjoyed such ample means of studying his character, and making himself acquainted with his unedited writings, as Mr. Lockhart, we may reasonably expect a work of the highest description of literary and philosophical interest, from opportunities so favourable in the hands of a writer of taste, genius, and cultivated talents. In the summer of 1831, it became but too well known to the public that Sir Walter Scott had suffered greatly from more than one severe attack of illness; and towards the autumn of that year it was generally understood that his medical attendants in the north strongly recommended his going abroad. There occurred much difficulty, however, in arranging this matter. In the first place, Sir Walter himself, it appears, felt extremely unwilling to move from home. Perhaps he knew, quite as well as his doctors, that he had not long to live; and it is certain tha...