Daft Jamie

Category

Library Item

Item no

11304

Title

Daft Jamie

Description

A man is dressed in a blue jacket and red necktie and very ragged trousers. He stands with his hands clasped in front of him and his head bowed.

The poet, Donald Campbell has written a poem inspired by this character by Holt:

Daft Jamie

The years go by - but even yet
memories of dear Daft Jamie do not fade.
Succeeding generations won't forget

his merry presence on the street;
his ready smile, his artless wit
his singing voice, so strong and sweet.

As nice a man as one would ever wish to meet,
someone who would never fail to help a friend
with much of kindness, little of conceit.

His dauntless spirit would not break or bend
and made those evil people feel afraid.
He faced his killers, fought hard until the end.

Such was the courage he displayed.
He made them earn the price the doctors paid.

Artist / maker

Holt, Edward P.

Date

1871

Size

22.9 x 10.4 cm

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

James Wilson, known by the name of Daft Jamie, was a slow-witted teenager who was a victim of Burke and Hare.

William Burke and William Hare committed a series of murders in Edinburgh in the late 1820's. Their victims' bodies were sold to be used for dissection. Burke was executed early in 1829. Hare was released in the same year having given evidence against his former accomplice.
There is a little uncertainty over Edward Holt's name. He is sometimes referred to as Edmund and was more commonly known as Ned.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Neckties

Clothing and dress > Garments > Coats

Clothing and dress > Garments > Trousers

People > Adults > Men

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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