This book contains the songs and poems, composed by McAuley who was born in Browns Square Langloan Coatbridge on the 20th July 1863, residing at present, 23 Dixons St, Dixons Rows, Blantyre.
Whosoever may look at my rhymes must first understand that I am no scholar nor singer. All the education I have got is what I had when 9 years old, being at that age deprived of my proper eyesight, and leaves me now unable to read and write since. I began my composing in or about the month of August 1879 when I then heard a poem on the second explosion, Blantyre with all the names of the men dead. While lying on my bed one night I thought of the men that were saved should be spoke of, so I began my composing as follows. These two verses
Written by James Docherty, Blantyre
