Hew Dalrymple

Hew Dalrymple, also spelled Hugh Dalrymple, was born on 12 July 1727. He was a Scottish advocate and poet active during the 18th century. Dalrymple was the eldest surviving son of Robert Dalrymple, a Writer to the Signet, and his wife Anne Kennedy.

In 1771, Dalrymple graduated with a Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. That same year, he began serving as the Attorney General of Grenada, a position he held from 1771 until his death in 1774. During his career, he was involved in the significant legal case known as the great Douglas case.

Dalrymple was also known for his literary work. His 1759 poem, titled "Woodstock Park: an Elegy," was written in memory of Charles Spencer, the 3rd Duke of Marlborough (1706–1758), who commanded the Raid on St Malo in 1758. Between 1763 and 1770, Dalrymple contributed to the Scots Magazine with a series of writings titled "Rodondo; or the State Jugglers," which defended Scotland during the Bute administration.

He was married to Grissel Brown, the daughter of Colonel Robert Brown of the 43rd Foot. The marriage ended in separation, and the couple had four children: two sons and two daughters. Among his daughters was Jacintha Catherine Hesketh Dalrymple, and he was also the father of Grace Elliott, who later became known as a courtesan.

Dalrymple died in 1774. His works and life are documented in various sources, including Grace Elliott’s autobiography "Journal of my Life" (1859), and references can be found in the supplementary volumes to Dodsley's Collection of Poems by Harold Forster, published in 1980, as well as in Notes and Queries publications.