Perhaps some of the “Sons” decided to remain separate from the Highland Society; but (to this writer’s knowledge) they had not been referred to in the newspapers since 1837 and were not referred to again. In addition, the existence of two societies — for whatever reasons — seems to defy the spirit of Scottish kinship. Thus, the mystery remains. In any case, the two groups were apparently congenial and united together, at the least, on St. Andrew’s Day.

For this 1843 dinner, a tradition was begun again that had been laid aside a few years before. A local songmaker, identified only by her initials — E.S.E. — wrote a song for the occasion. The words are, as was customary, a tribute to Scotland, a display of patriotism and emotion for a country to which few of the guests at the dinner had ever travelled.

(untitled) AIR: — “Auld Lang Syne” We’ve met in kindliness and glee, To drive dull care away; We’ve met, as Scotchmen a' should meet, Upon St. Andrew‘s Day.

Then Scotsmen, brithers, fill the cup, And pledge it solemnly;

Oh! friends and brithers fill the cup, To St. Andrew’s memory!

Tho' far awa frae Scotland‘s hills, Tho not on Scottish ground,

Yet we'll bless our lot, for have we not True Scottish hearts around.

Then Scotsmen, brithers, fill the cup, And pledge it cordially, To our native land, the land we love,

And St. Andrew’s memory! Oh, Scotsmen! glory in your land;

'Tis a land 0' bravery; ‘Boon 0’ the earth, it ranks in worth —— The hame o’ liberty;

And proudly should its sons uphold lts fame, which knows not aunt;

Let hearts all thrill and glasses fill To our country and our Saint!

By the thochts 0’ Highland hills and hames, Each lowland loch and brae;

By the heathery glens and wooded fens Where the whimpling bunnies play;

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