Autograph manuscript signed of a poem by William Thom entitled Whisper Low, comprising four verses of six lines. Signed W. Thom.
With autograph note, 'Written in London in the winter of '45. Sung by Miss Thornton in the National Hall at a tea party got up in compliment to the author who gratefully remembers the same'.
William Thom (1798?-1848), working-class poet, trained as a weaver and flute-player to support himself, until one of his poems was published in the Aberdeen Herald, and he attracted a patron. His only published volume of poems, Rhymes and Recollections of a Hand-Loom Weaver, appeared in 1844. Although he was heralded as a success and introduced to literary circles in London, he was unable to capitalise on his good fortune, slipping into alcoholism. He died in poverty in Dundee.
By appointment with the Keeper of Manuscripts. Access to records containing confidential information may be restricted.
Purchased for 30s from Maggs, 31 May 1954
Call number used to be ms1653
Individual Manuscripts and Small Collections database available as part of Manuscripts Database.
Paper: 18.7x22.5cm
Description compiled by Maia Sheridan, Archives Hub project archivist, based on material from the Manuscripts Database
Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the Keeper of Manuscripts. Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents.
See Robert Bruce, William Thom the Inverurie Poet : a new look, Aberdeen, 1970. (PR5649.T4B8)
