Burns

[Rowland2094]

In his short and critical poem, "Thanksgiving for Victory" Burns rails against those celebrating a victory which he describes as murder. To which victory is he referring?

[Androcles]

In the year of this poem, 1793, Burns has two related to wars, one about Bannockburn and the other on the victory by Admiral Rodney against the French fleet in 1782, where the French lost 9000 killed and injured to 1000 by the English. 1793 was also the start of the 22 year war against France.

I don't know if these were the inspiration, or was he referring to the battle of Culloden, when the Scots were routed by the Duke of Cumberland in 1746.

I am no expert on Burns, so just a few thoughts from an amateur!

[Clanad]

Some sources suggest that it was Rodney's victory in the West Indies April 1, 1792...

[heathfield]

I've seen it described somewhere as "A Thanksgiving for a Naval Victory"

[Rowland2094]

Many thnks for these answers - I've a bit to go on now. I had thought that Culloden was unlikeky to have inspired such "apparently current" commentry and the suggestion that it may have concerned a naval victory seems likely to be the case. He appears to comment on those rejoicing in victory and I will try to find which of Rodney's battles this was. My instincts tell me that it may well have been the West Indies, the news taking some time to return to UK and then some time to be lauded in the newspapers?

Thanks again

[heathfield]

Curious, if it was one of Rodney's battles he was castigating, since he also wrote a Toast to Rodney, praising him...

http://www.famouspoet...bert_burns/poems/5194

[Rowland2094]

I agree Mr Heathfield- I haven't found anything that seems realistic yet. I have tried to get into the official burns website to ask this question but at the moment it is not possible to register and therefore enter the discussion forum. I will wait a few days and then try the website again - I did find another website but it was "closed" for membership/discussions on the grounds that it had been heavily spammed.

I shall not rest until ..... etc.,etc.,

Rowland