INTRODUCTION.
The beautiful and long-contested ballad of "Auld Robin Gray" was well known to the Editor, from a very early period of his life, as the production of Lady Anne Lindsay of Balcarras; in whose name it is now formally claimed. Mrs Russell, wife of Lieutenant-Colonel Russell of Ashesteil, and maternal aunt of the Editor, was upon a visit at the house of Balcarras when it was written; and, as a most intimate friend of the fair Authoress, was admitted to her confidence while it was in the course of being composed. Mrs Russell sang beautifully, and with much feeling; and it may easily be supposed, that "Auld Robin Gray" was often her choice. Whatever secrecy she might at first think proper to observe, the name of the real Authoress was not withheld at a later period, when attempts were made to deprive
