William Motherwell letters and notes

William Motherwell, Scottish poet and editor, was born in Glasgow in 1797. He studied classics at Glasgow University from 1818-1819 before becoming Sheriff-clerk at Paisley. He later was deputy Sheriff-clerk of the county of Renfrewshire from 1819-29. Motherwell always wrote in his spare time and in 1828 undertook to edit the 'Paisley Magazine'. From 1828-1830 he also carried out the editorial duties of the 'Paisley Advertiser'. After 1830 the poet moved back to his native Glasgow and worked, again in an editorial capacity, on the 'Glasgow Courier' until his death. In 1835 Motherwell helped produce an edition of Burns' poetry along with a small biographical account of Burns. A self-confessed participant in the Orange movement, Motherwell was called to London in 1835 to testify before a special committee set up to investigate Orangeism. His performance before that tribunal was confused and perhaps showed signs of mental instability. He was returned to Scotland almost immediately. He died of apoplexy soon after. The year was 1835.