Author: John Macgregor (1790-1870)

Publication: Paisley Herald and Renfrewshire Advertiser

Published: 1 February 1868

Place of publication: Paisley, Scotland

Publication type: Newspaper/Periodical

No full copy of this poem is available.

Archive/Library: Paisley Central Library

This poem is dated 'Kilbarchan, 8th January, 1868'. John MacGregor was an embroiderer of canton crape and was an active politician (and councillor from 1855) in the Paisley area from the early nineteenth century. He was said to be the author of Paisley's address to Queen Caroline in 1820. This poem ought to be read in the context of contemporary Fenian protests (e.g. Clerkenwell explosion, 13 December 1867). It supports constitutional 'prudent measures' and 'righteous methods' rather than 'brutal force' and 'frantic zeal' as the way forward in Ireland, as it had been in mainland Britain itself, according to the poet.