Craig, William, Lord (1745 — 1813)

'These poems from the pen of Lord Craig, better known as a contributor to the Mirror and the Lounger than as a lawyer, have never been printed.

'Lord Craig was Cousin of Burns's Clarinda and these MSS were given to her son (Andrew M'Lehose WS) by him. To this gentleman Lord Craig left a considerable sum of money and his library, on his decease. The library was sold shortly before the death of the beneficiare, who had become impoverished.'

Craig, and some other advocates, belonged to the literary society called the 'Tabernacle', who met and discussed and read essays in a tavern. Craig suggested they publish their essays. The Society's name was accordingly changed to the 'Mirror Club' and the publication was called The Mirror. It was published by Creech on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the first issue appearing on Saturday 23^rd January 1779. The 110^th and last issue appeared on 27^th May 1780.

Henry Mackenzie and Lord Craig made the most numerous contributions, the latter bringing into notice the poems of the gifted young Michael Bruce.