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LIBRARY
%\)t 3Lo(fei)art papers.
CJje 5.otfe!)art 3^apet0:
CONTAINING
Memoirs and Commentaries upon the Aifairs of Scotland from
1 702 to 1 7 1 5, by GEORGE LOCKH ART, Esq. of Carnw ath.
His Secret Correspondence with the Son of King James the
Second from 1 7 1 8 to 1 728,
And his other political Writings;
Also, Journals and Memoirs of the Young Pretender's Expe-
dition in 1745, by Highland Officers in his Army.
PUBLISHED FROM ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS
IN THE POSSESSION OF
ANTHONY AUFRERE, Esq.
OF HOVETON, NORFOLK.
Celebrare domestica facta.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
Vol. n.
Hontiott :
FRINTED BT RICHARD AND ARTHUR TAYLORj SUOE>LANE,
FOR WILLIAM ANDERSON, No. 186, PICCADILLY.
1817.
C O NTENTS
OP
THE SECOND VOLUME.
A
REGISTER of Letters twixt the King and George Lockhart of
Carnwath, containing also a short account of public affairs from 1716
to 1728 .. .. ,. .. 1
State of affairs in Scotland .. ., .... 4
Lord Cadogan sent there as a check upon the Duke of Argyle .... 5
Situation and conduct of the Scots Tories .. .... .... 6
They hope to engage the King of Sweden in their cause .._. 7
The Duke of Mar's application for money ; Lord Eglinton offers three
thousand guineas .. .. .. 8
Letter, 1st January 1718, from the King, at Rome, to Mr. Lockhart .. 9
Mr. Lockhart's reply, 26th March 1718 .. ibid.
The Duke of Argyle discontented with the Government 11
Mr. Lockhart endeavours to bring him over to the King 12
Conferences with their mutual friend Colonel Midleton 13
Captain Dougall Campbell, his character and deatli 14
His account of letters written by the King, when at Perth, to the Duke
of Argyle and Lord Isla, but never delivered 15
The Duke of Mar suspected of withholding certain matters from the
King's knowledge .. .. .. 16
Francis Kennedy sent to Scotland with tidings of a Spanish armament,
under the Duke of Ormond, in the King's favour 17
Earl Marishal lands, with some Spanish troops, in the Highlands; but
the Duke of Ormond's fleet is driven back by a storm 18
Battle of Glenshiles ; Highlanders disperse; the Spaniards surrender 19
Mr. Lockhart's instructions to Earl Marishal in case the enterprize had
proceeded .. .. .. .... . 20
VI CONTENTS OF
Pagp.
Anecdotes of Captain Stiaiton (the King's agent at Edinburgh), Viscount
Storniont, and the Earl of Dalhousie .. . 22
Anecdotes of Colonel Guest .. .. 24
Mr. Lockliart writes to his son at Rome to propose to the King the no-
mination of certain persons in Scotland to manage his concerns there 2G
His son's answer, 20th February 1720 .. 27
Letter, 15th February 1720, from the King to Mr. Lockhart 29
Letter, more private, 17th ditto, from the same to the same 31
3Ir. Lockhart's reply .. .. .. . 32
The Duke of Argyle accepts a place under Government .... 3 1
Death of the Bishop of Edinburgh; its results among the Episcopalians 35
Letter, 25th April 1720, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, upon Church
affairs .. .. .. .. 30
Letter, 12th June 1720, from the King to Bishop Fullerton 38
Letter, 12th June 1720, from the King to Mr. Lockhart, mentioning the
Queen's pregnancy .. -. .... 39
Letter, 2d July 1720, from the King to tlie College of Bishops at Edin-
burgh .. .. .. .. 41
The Dutchess of Perth conveys her sons to France .... 42
Letter, 2d August 1720, from Mr. Lockhart to Mr. Murray (in the King's
service) on that occurrence .. .. ibid.
Mr. Murray's answer, 20th September 1720 46
Mr. Lockhart in letters to Mr. Murray, 22d December 1720, and 20th
January 1721, refers to the divisions among the King's servants
abroad and to the affairs of the Church ; gives an account of one An-
tony Osburn, and mentions the jealousy of the Lords Tullibardine,
Seaforth, &c. .. .. .. . . 47
The King, 4th and 1 5th March 1721, replies to Mr. Lockhart's letters to
Mr. Murray, and announces the birth of a son (Charles, the young
Pretender) .. .. .. 53
History of the Scots Peerage Bill .. .. 56
Tl»e Earl of Sunderland, his conduct and vie>vs 57
The Peerage Bill opposed and negatived by tiie House of Commons ibid.
Reflections upon the conduct of the Scots Peers on that occasion 58
Letter, 15tbJunc 1721, from Mr. Lockhart to tlie King, mentioning
struggles at the election of a Scots Peer on the death of the Marquis
of Annandale — negotiations between the Tories and the Duke of
Argyle — success of Lord Aberdeen — character of the young Duke of
Hamilton and of the Earl of Kincardine 59
The King's answer, 4th August 1721 .. .... 64
THE SECOND VOLUME. Ml
I'age.
Anecdote of Captain Alexander Urquart .. 67
Letter, 5th December 1721, from Mr. Lockhart to the King — with an
account of Captain IJrquart's proposals in behalf of Lord Sunderland
— an interview with Mr. Shippen — and indiscretion of the King's
servants .. -- -- 68
The King's answer, 31st January 1722 .. 7i
Letter, 12th March 1722, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, concerning
the nomination of Bishops — and the union of certain Scots Peers
against the Peerage Bill
77
81
82
83
84
The King's answer, 9th May 1722 . .
Whig Commoners in Scotland elected to the new Parliament
Intrigues among the Scots Peers . .
Address of the Barons, &c. of the shire of Edinburgh
Letter, 23d April 1722, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, with a detail of
proceedings at the election of Scots Peers — the conduct of several —
and the high reputation of the Earl of Aberdeen .- 86
The King's answer, 16th August 1722 .. 00
The Duke of Mar suspected of retaining money intended for the King 91
Generosity of Mr. Lows of Merchiston .. 92
Letter, 7thDecember 1722, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, upon Church
affairs .. .. .- .. 93
The King's answer, 5th April 1723 .. 98
Letter, 21st May 1723, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, by desire of the
Bishops .. .. .. .- 69
Character and conduct of Gedderer, claiming to officiate as Bishop of
Aberdeen .. .. .. -- 101
The Jacobites exposed to difficulties, by the oath of abjuration 102
Letter, 10th September 1723, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, upon the
affairs of the Bishops — the abjuration oath— the conduct of Frazer
(Lord Lovat) — and doubts entertained of the Duke of Mar's fidelity 103
The King's answer to Mr. Lockhart's letter of the 21st May 112
Letter, 20th August 1723, from the King to the Bishops 113
Letter, 24th November 1723, from the same, partly answering Mr. Lock-
hart's letter of the 10th September .. 114
Letter, 18tb March 1724, from the same, by way of further reply — and
inclosing a letter to the Bishops .. 115
Letter, 18th August 1724, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, concerning
the Bishops — the Duke of Mar — and Captain Straiton 117
Assembly of the Bishops — debates and divisions .... 123
Viri COXTENTS OF
Page
Letter, 8th December 1724, from Mr. Lockliart to the King, upon the
aflFairs of tlie Bishops .. .. .... ntl ilii^ii)
Letter, 31st August 1724, from the King to Mr. Lockhart, upon the af-
fairs of Europe — his negotiations with foreign Courts — and his having
withdrawn his confidence from the Duke of Mar 130
Letter, 28th November 1724, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, in reply
to tlie foregoing, — and animadverting upon the conduct of the Earl
of Kinnoul in deserting the King's party .... .'..^l^ 132
Great discontent in Scotland about the additional duty upon ale 134
The Shire of Edinburgh petitions the House of Commons against it .. 135
Letter concerning it from the heretors in Edinburghshire to their repre-
sentative Robert Dundas, Lord Advocate . 137
Substance of a letter, 27th March 1725, from Mr. Lockhart to the King
— upon the above proceedings — General, Wade's visit to the High-
lands— and suspicions entertained of the Duke of Mar's treachery 141
Letter, 27th October 1724, from the King to Mr. Lockhart, with a mes-
sage for the Duke of Hamilton — and mentioning the Queen's being !'''
again pregnant .. .. - 1'44
Letter, same date, from the King to the Bishops 144
Letter, lOth February 1725, from Colonel Hay to Mr. Lockhart, upon
the state of aftairs in Europe .. ibid.
Letter, 8th April 1725, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, mentioning the
Duke of Mar's complaints of the Bishop of Rochester 145
Letter, 10th March 1725, from Colonel Hay to Mr. Lockhart, that the
King had declared him Secretary of State and Earl of Inverness —
and that the Queen was delivered of a second son^(Henry after-
wards styled Cardinal of York) .. 148
Letter, 21st March 1725, from the King to Mr. Lockhart, upon the con-
duct of the Duke of Mar and Lord Kinnoul 150
Letter, same date, from the same to the Bishops, recommending peace
and unity .. .. .. .... 152
Letter, 24th May 1725, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, upon the designs
of Government against the Highlanders — tlie death of Captain Stra-
ton — and the- wish that Captain Simon Frazer might replace him ibid.
Conduct of Ministers towards the Argyle and Squadrone parties .... 1 56
Anecdote of Mr. P. Haklano . . . . . 1 57
Bill for disarming the Highlanders carried through by the influence of
the Duke of Argyle and Mr. Duncan Forbes .... ....' 169
General Wade appointed Commander in Chief in Scotland .... 180
THE SECOND VOLUME. IX
Pac-.
Camp formed at Inverness .. .. Kil
Disturbances at Glasjfow — Campbell of Shawfield's house destroyed, and
his iifo (liroatoiu'd .. .. 162
Procccdiiios of (jciieral Wade and the Lord Advocate . . 103
Conduct of the Lord President and Lord Advocate towards the Edin-
burgh brewers .. .. .. igj
Letter. «3d June 17'2"i, from the King- to Mr. Lockliart, concerning the
Duke of INIar and tiie Bisiiop of Rochester, and Captain Straton's
death .. .. .. IGS)
Letter, 13th July 17-25, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, mentioning a
narrative sent to Scotland by the Duke of Mar in his justification —
the disturbances at Glasgow — the general discontent — and the re-
fusal of the M-^Kenzies to give up their arms. 171
Abstract of the Duke of Mar's narrative . . 175
Remarks tliereon — and strictures upon the conduct of the Duke of Mar
and Lord Inverness .. .. .. 1S4
Letter, 25th July 1725, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, upon the senti-
ments of the Highlanders — danger of their declaring in his favour
without other support — Major Walkinshaw's complaints of the Duke
of Mar — and General Wade's visit to the Highlands 18Q
Abstract of a letter from a Highland Chieftain at Paris to a friend in Scot-
land, concerning the bill for disarming the Highlanders, and the
conduct of the Bishop of Rochester towards the Chiefs of Clans, at
Paris .. .. .. .. 192
Letter, 2d September 1725, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, with a mes-
sage from the Duke of Hamilton .. 193
Letter, same date, from the same to Lord Inverness — upon the difficulties
in their correspondence — and the proposals made by several Clans to
General Wade .. .. .. 190
Letter, 4th August 1725, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockhart in reply
to his of the 24th May . . . . 198
Letter, 1st September 1725, from the King to Mr. Lockhart — his opinion
of the Duke of Mar's Narrative — satisfaction with the Rishop of Ro-
chester— and intention of making James Murray a Scots Earl and
governor of his eldest son . . . . . 199
Letter, 8th September 1725, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockhart, with
observations upon the Duke of Mar's Narrative and conduct 201
Letter, lOth September 1725, from Allan Cameron to Mr. Lockhart, ac-
quainting him with his arrival in thellighlands . . 209
Mr. Lockhart's answer, 5th October 1725 — proposing to Mr. Oameron to
VOL. II. b
X CONTENTS OF
Phrc.
eslabliali a concipondcucc between some le;uliiiji> lli<;hlanders and
the King's friends at Edinburgh — and mentioning the strange but
probalde union between the Higlilanders and Cameronians 210
Letter, i:!th October 17'25, from Mr. Loekliart to the King — upon the
arrival of A. Cameron and liis correspondence with him . 213
Letter, same date, from the same to Lord Inverness — mentioning the ar-
rival, from France, of Mr. A. Seymour and David Nairn, — their re-
ports and opinions — the trial of the Glasgow rioters — and the lenity
of the Ijords Justiciary .. .- 214
Letter, 26th October 1725, from Allan Cameron to Mr. Lockhart, ap-
proving his proposal of a correspondence, and desiring an interview 216
Letter, ^7th October 1725, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockhart — that
no foreign assistance could be hoped for until the spring, and that in
case of invasion, Edinburgh Castle should be secured for the King 218
Reports publicly spread that the Queen had quitted the King and re-
tired to a convent at Rome .. .. . 2'20
Allan Cameron arrives at Edinburgh and has frequent conferences with
the Duke of Hamilton, the Earl of Kincardine, and 3Ir. Lockhart 221
Letter, 18th December 172;i, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, with the
opinions of some of his friends upon the attempt at invasion — and
their doubts of the Earl of Panmure's sincerity 222
Letter, same date, from the same to Lord Inverness— that it would be
diflicult to secure Edinburgh Castle — that General Wade was en-
deavouring to gain the Highland Chieftains — that Scotland was en-
tirely governed by the Campliells— that the Squadrone were a das-
tardly set — that the Duke of Mar's brother Lord Grange was expect-
ed to be Lord President — that the Bishop of Rochester was accused
by the Duke of Mar's friends of being an enemy to Scotland — and that
Bishop Irvine being dead it was diflicult to find a proper successor 228
Jjetter, 18th January 1726, from the same to the King, upon the conster-
nation among his friends at the reports of divisions in the Royal fa-
mily .- -- .. .. 232
Letter, 25th January 1726, from the same to the same, containing a Me-
morial concerning trade and war, and the advantage that would arise
to the King if the Emperor of Germany would enable him to seize
Hanover .. .. .. .... . 231
Letter, 31st January 1726, from the same to the same, upon Church af-
fairs .. .. .. .. 236
Remarks upon the grant of 6000/. to Campbell olShawfield for the injury
done to his house by the Glasgow rioters 210
THE SECOND VOLUME. XI
I'ase.
Letter, 17tli November 1725, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockliart n itii
an account of the Queen's retiring- to a convent 241
Menioire inclosed in the alune letter, and by the King's order dispersed
over Europe .. .- -. '-^-13
Letters from the King to tlic Queen . . 2-16
Letter, 24th November 1725, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockhart, re-
lative to the Queen's conduct and t!io Kinji's views upon Scotland 251
Letter, 8th December 1725, from the King to Mr. Lockhart— that the
Queen continued in the convent — and that the Pope had interfered
in her behalf, and objected to a Protestant governor for the young P. 253
Letter, IDth January 1720, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockhart, con-
cerning differences between the Bishop of Rochester and Murray
(lately made Earl of Dunbar)— and the King's promotion of the
order of St. Andrew .. .- .... . — 254
Letter, same date, from the King to Mr. Lockliart — that the Queen was
still in the convent, and that he was made so uneasy by tlie Pope that
he was anxious to cjuit the Papal territories . — . — 2i0
Letter, 12th March 1720, from Mr. Lockhart to the King— expressing
his affliction at the divisions in the Royal family — mentioning the se-
vere reflections cast upon Lords Inverness and Dunbar — and ear-
nestly advising a reconciliation with the Queen .... 257
Letter, same date, from the same to Lord Inverness upon the same sub-
ject, and upon the conduct to be observed towards the Iliglilanders if
the King should land in Scotland .. - — 259
Letter, said to have been written by the Queen to her sister, declaring
that the misbehaviour of Lord and Lady Inverness had forced her
to retire to a convent .. .. .. 265
Letter, 2d February 1726, from the King to Mr. Lockhart — his hopes of
assistance from the Emperor — and his desire that the Duke of Ha-
milton and Mr. L. would meet at London a person to be sent over
by the Emperor for information . . . 266
Mr. Lockhart's reply, 3d April 1726 . . 267
Letter, 2d April 1726, from Mr. Lockhart to the Duke of Hamilton at
London, inclosing the King's last letter, and advising what course to
pursue .. .. .. . . 268
Letter, 30th April 1726, from the same to Lord Inverness, upon Church
affairs and the conduct of the Duke of Wharton . .... 270
Letter, 2d March 1726, from the King to Mr. Lockhart, with copies of
letters written by the King to a friend and to the Queen, and intended
to be dispersed, in vindication of his conduct towards her 273
b2
Xll CONTENTS OF
Page;
Letter, 22d May 1726, from Mr. Lockhart to the King in reply 279
Reports concerning the Royal family, brought from Paris by Mr. Mon-
creife -. -- -- - — 280
Letter, 1st May 1726, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockliart, with a bill
for 50/. remitted by the Ring to T. S' Clare 28 1<
Letter, 9tli June 1726, from jNIr. Lockhart to Lord Inverness, acknow-
ledging the preceding letter, and mentioning General Wade's con-
duct to the leading Highlanders . . . . ibid.
Letter, 1st May 1726, from the King to Mr. Lockhart, acknowledging
several letters delivered by A. Cameron — and justifying the conduct
of tho.-c about him to tlie Queen .. 283
Letter, same date, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockhart, upon the sepa-
ration betw een the King and Queen .. 287
Letter, same date, from the King to the Bishops 289
Letter, 7th July 1726, from Mr. Lockhart to the King — upon the arrival
of General Wade and the Duke of Argyle in Scotland— a law-suit
between the Duke of Gordon and Lord AI)oyne— Lord Seaforth's
expected pardon— and the alVairs of the Church 290
Letter, 23d July 1726, from the same to the same — entreating a recon-
ciliation with the Queen, pointing out the bad consequences of de-
laying it— and observing upon the conduct of the Duke of Mar and
Mr. Carnagy ofBoisack .. 291
Letter, 24th July 1726, from the same to Lord Inverness — upon the re-
ports to his disadvantage — and advising him to repair the breach in
the Royal family .. .. -- • 296
Letter, 29th July 1726, from the same to the King — that the Duke of
Hamilton « as returned from England, and had mentioned tl.e dissa-
tisfaction occasioned l)y the King's late promotion of the order of
S« Andrew— that I\Ir. Murray of Stanhope would be a proper person
to correspond with in the Highlands — and that Lord Seaforth's par-
don was expected, by General Wade's advice 298
Letter, 8th August 1726, from the same to the King — that Mr. Murray
declined corresponding — and that General Wade was trying to
gain the Jacobites .. .. .- 301
Letter, 20th July 1726, from Lord Inverness to Mr. Lockhart in vindi-
cation of his conduct towards the Queen 303
Letter, same date, from the same to the same, upon the affairs of Europe
— and Captain Frazer's correspondence with the Duke of Mar 305
Letter, same date, from the King to the same — about the Queen and the
conduct of the Duke of Mar and Mr. Carnagy 306
THE SECOND VOLUME, Xlll
Page.
Letter, 20tb July 1726, from Lord Inverness to the same, with two letters
from tlie Kins; to the Bishoj)s . . . . 309
Letter, 9tli September 172G, from Mr. Lockhart to tho kiny;, in reply to
all his last — ami vindicating himself and Captain Frazer for writing
to the Duke of INIar .. .. .. 311
Letter, lOth September 1726, from the same to Lord Inverness, upon
the same sulyect — and inclosing a letter from four Scots Bishops to
the King .. .. .. 315
Letter, 2d October 1726, from the same to the King — that the Duke of
Hamilton had gone over to the Government, received favours, and
expected more .. .. .. 319
Letter, 24th August 1726, from the King to Mr. Lockhart — upon the
conduct of the Queen's advisers— aifairs of Europe — and his inten-
tion of going to Bologna .. .. 321
Remarks upon the last letter — suspicions that Lord Inverness acted im-
properly .. .. .. .. 322
Affairs of and divisions in the Church .. 323
Character and conduct of Bishop Miller . . 321
The correspondence between the King and Mr. Lockhart, intercepted by
Government .. .. .. . 330
A messenger sent to arrest Mr. Lockhart and another . . 331
IVIr. Lockhart escapes to Durham and afterwards to Scotland 332
Death of Fullerton bishop of Edinburgh, and consequent divisions
among the Episcopal clergy .. .. 333
Substance of Mr. Lockhart's letters to Lord Inverness and the King upon
his arrival at Rotterdam in April 1 727 . . .... . 335
His interview at Brussells with Lord North and Gray . 336
Lord Inverness removed from the office of Secretary of State — Sir John
Graham appointed his successor — Lord North and Gray disappoint-
ed in his expectations on joining the King at Bologna — enters the
Spanish service .. .. .- . 338.
Reflections upon the conduct of Lord and Lady Inverness aiu! their ad-
herents . . . . . . . . 339
Letter, 20th May 1727, from the King to Mr. Lockhart, expressing his
regret at tlie latter's suffering on his account .... .... 311
Letter, same date, from Lord Dunbar to the same .... 342
Mr. Lockhart's sentiments of the true meaning of Lord Dimbar's letter
— and substance of his replies to the King and that Lord 343
Letter, 14th June 1727, from the King to 3Ir. Lockhart, concerning
XIV CONTENTS OF
Pa^e
Lord Nortli and Gray — continental alTairs — and his desire of corre-
sponding with Lord Dimdonald .. .. 341
Paper inclosed in the foregoing letter, being tlie King's justification of
Lord Inverness, intended to be dispersed over Great Britain 346
Character and conduct of James Hamilton, a creature of Lord Inverness 3 !8
Political occurrences in Europe .. .. . . 349
Letter circulated upon the Continent, containing an extraordinary ac-
count of and reason for the sudden death of King George the First 352
Letter, ■asth July 1727, fron> Mr. Lockhart to the King, upon the mode
of corresponding with Lord Dundonald — and the Duke of Mar's
complaint of the King's ill usage of him .. . 353
The King hearing of the death of King George the First sets out for
Lorrain .. .. .. .. 355
Letter, 22d July 17 27, from the King at Nancy to Mr. Lockhart, by Al-
lan Cameron, explaining the cause of his journey and his hopes of
assistance from foreign powers ,. . 355
Reflections upon tlie foregoing letter, and conversation with Colonel
Clephane and Allan Cameron upon the dispositions of the High-
landers . . . . . . . . 358
Letter, 4th August 1727, from Mr. Lockhart to the King, discouraging
any attempt to land in Scotland .. 360
The King quits Nancy and repairs to Avignon . . 362
Letter, 25th August 1727, from Sir John Gra;me at Avignon to Mr.
Lockhart, by the King's order, in reply to his last . . . 363
Letter, nth September 1727, from Mr. Lockhart to Sir John Gra?me,
containing his wishes for a reconciliation between the King and
Queen — the character of one Forbes of Knapperlie, and precautions
to be taken against him — and recommending Colonel Clephane to
the King's bounty .. .. .. . . 36 4
Letter, 18th September 1727, from the same to the same, instructing him
how to correspond with Lord Dundonald 368
Letter, 29th Septcml)er 1727, from Sir John Greeme to Mr. Lockhart,
concerning the French Government's endeavours to get tlie- King
sent away from Avignon — the Scots correspondence — and the King's
bounty to Colonel Clephane .. .. 369
Letter, Gth October 1727, from the same to the same — partly to the same
purport .. .. .. 371
Letter, 7tU October 1727, from Mr. Lockhart to the King — that the En-
glish Ministry were masters of all the King's cyphers — and that two
THE SECOND VOLUME. XV
of his agents in Scotland liad confessed all the particulars of his cor-
respondence there .. .. . .372
Letter, 24th October 1727, from the King in reply — that he had not been
Iietrayed by Lord Inverness — that there was no cause for uneasiness
about the cyphers — and that he had sent for the Queen to Avignon 375
Letter, 18th November 1727, from Mr. Lockhart to the King upon the
same subject .. .. .. 370
Letter, I6th November 1727, from the King to Mr. Lockliart, that Car-
dinal Alberonl had dissuaded the Queen from proceeding to Avignon 378
Account of a letter from the Queen to Lady Southesque, with her reasons
for not going to Avignon .. .. 379
Letter, 6th December 1727, from Mr. Lockhart to the King — with his
sentiments upon the breach between the King and Queen — and his
opinion upon the management of his affairs since 1716, and upon
the character and conduct of the Duke of Mar, Lord Inverness, and
others .. .. .. .. 380
Letter, 19th December 1727, from the King to Mr. Lockhart, that he
w as returning to Italy .. .. 388
Letter, 22d January 1728, from Mr. Lockhart to the King — the divided
state of the Episcopal clergy in Scotland — the certainty that the En-
glish Government possessed the King's cyphers — and the opinion
of Lord Kincardine and others to the disadvantage of the Lords In-
verness and Dunbar .. .. .. 389
Letter, 29th January 1 728, from the same to the same — that he had found
a master of a Scots ship who would convey the King's dispatches to
and from Scotland .. .. .. .... 394
Mr. Lockhart receives permission from the English Government to re-
turn home, on condition of passing through London 396
He leaves Rotterdam, arrives in London, May 1728, and is introduced
to King George the Second by Sir Robert Walpole 397
His interesting conversations with Lord Hay and Mr. Duncan Forbes 398
He returns to Scotland and w ithdraws from political life 403
His reflections upon the state of affairs — character of the King — and
little chance of the restoration of the Stuart family 404
Letters, &c. .. .. .. .. 407
Song . . . . . . . . . . 409
Letter to Mr. Salmon .. .. .- 411
Letter from Mr. Lockhart to his eldest son . . 424
Letter from Mr. Lockhart to Catherine Countess of Galloway 4 Jo
XVI
CONTEXTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME.
Letter from Mr. Lockliart to Lady Eupliemia his m ifo
JornxALS and IMr.Moins ofthe young- Pretender's expedition in 1715
Account of Ills operations . . . , . .
Jouinall andiMcinoirs by a Highland Otlicoi- in his army
Account of events at Inverness and Cullodon
l^etter written after the battle of C'ulloden
Account ol till' young Pretender's escape . . ,
The young Pretender in France . . . .
43.1
437
439
479
513
593
539
5G3
REGISTER OF LETTERS
TWIXT
THE KING
AND
GEORGE LOCKHART OF CARNWATH,
CONTAINING ALSO
A SHORT ACCOUNT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
From 1716 to 1728.
VOL. II.
REGISTER OF LETTERS
TWIXT
THE KING
AMD
GEORGE LOCKHART OF CARNWATH,
CONTAINING ALSO
A SHORT ACCOUNT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
From 1716 to 1728.
I DOE not pretend in this treatise to give a full and perfect ac-
count of all the transactions in Scotland. My cheif design is to
narrate such matters as have relation to the intrigues and projects
that were, at several times, set on foot for the King's service ;
and even therin I cheifly confine myself to such negotiations as
1 was directly conccrn'd in, 'Iho at the same time I cannot shun
entering sometimes upon publick matters, that the springs and
series of aftliirs may be so much the better understood ; and
where any matter of moment concerning Scots men and Scots
affairs occurr'd to my memor}', 'tho somewhat forreign perhaps
to my main view, I have taken notice of them.
b2
4 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
When Uic King retired with his Ultle army from Perth in
1716, he himself went on board a small vessell at Mon-
trose, from whence, tho' several cruisers were lying neer to that
place, he arrived safe in France ; and tiie remains of his army,
which then consisted of a body of Highlanders under General
Gordon's command, and a considerable luunber of noblemen and
gentlemen marcht northwards ; but being follow ed closs at the
heels by the Duke of Argyle, and in no condition to make a stand,
they soon dispers'd and betook themselves to holes and bores,
mostly in tho remotest highlands and adjacent isles, where many
Inrked till they could with safety appear. But such as were most
obnoxious took the first opportunity of ships to carry them into
forreign countrys, in order to which the King himself ordered se-
veral lio-ht vcssells to be sent to them from France ; and such of
his freinds, as had escaped the late hurricane, provyded others
secretly at home, so as, by God's blessing, all those that were in
greatest hazard and inclin'd to retire, found means to escape from
their cruel encnnes.
When the royall party was thus entirely dispersed, and none
appeared in arms for the King, the great men of the opposite
side flockt to London, eager to seek and hopefuU to obtain re-
Avards suitable to the great merit they severally boasted of, and
at the same time full of resentment against their enemies, pro-
poseing not only to extirpate them root and branch, but at the
same tiiue to enrich themselves out of their spoils ; but it pleased
God, by their divisions and animosities, to pave a way for the
preservation of vast numbers, who, in all probability, would
otherwyse have melt with no mercy. From the time of Queen
Ann's death the Scots Torrvs had no share in the adminislralion,
and did not medle in publick matters, which at first fell joyntly
into the hands of the Duke of Argyle^aud the Squadrone ; but as
these haled one another heartily, each endeavoured to blacken
and supplant the other, and their animosities became as great, as
UEGISTKU OF LETTERS. 5
if they had been in the service of opposite inaslers and aeted for
opposite causes. No sooner was the battle of Shorifliuoor fouo-ht,
and the suppression of the royall party certain, than the Lord
Cadogan was sent to Scotland as a check on the Duke of Arg-yle,
and when the several partvs niell at Loudon, tlie Squadroue ex-
claim'd against him, condeuming his conduct both before and
during the said battle ; and as they were supported by the then
powerfuU Marleburrovv and Cadogan faction, his Grace soon saw
he was like to reap little personal benefit from the services he had
done to the common cause ; and as he had all alongst shewed
himself of a mercifull disposition, and advised the granting of a
general indemnity after the battle, to render him now more })o-
pular, he still continued eagerly to oppose the carrying of punish-
ments too far and too high. The Squadrone again, with their
English and German supporters, observing that the violent thirst
after blood which they at first so evidently manifested, woud
render them odious to most people, and give Argyles party a great
advantage over them, found it necessary at length to think of
more gentle ways. But befor matters came to this state, they
had the pleasure of putting to death a great number of persons,
amongst whom were several noble Lords and persons of distinc-
tion at London and in Lancashire ; and when they became more
gentle, it still evidently appear'd to be contrary to their natural
tempers, and proceed from some other motive than a mercifull dis-
position; for they obliged all that were in the several prisons in the
country, to petition for banishment, and then gave them as slaves
to a parcell of their trading friends, who sent such away to the
plantations as could not, at dear rates, purchase their freedom ;
and all, except a very few that were in prison at Edinburgh or
London, against whom they could not find evidence, which in
the end proved pritty difficult to obtain, were try'd and condemn'd,
and 'tho their lives were spared, their estates were forfeited. For
'tlio the rampant party Avas in some degree satiated with blood.
UTGISTER OF LETTERS.
and saw that the people over all Britain began to resent the too
li])erall effusion therof, and therupon thought iilt to stop, yet
nothing- could divert them from ruining- and extinguisliing- as
many estates and familys as they could; and in order tlierto, when
they found it ^vould not be expedient for them to ask and obtain
grants of these estates to themselves, the better to cover their se-
cret malitious views, tliey procured an act of Parliament, appro-
priating to the use of tlie publick the estates of all persons at-
tainted or condemned for being accessory to what they call'd the
late unnaturall rebellion, and that a commission should be ap-
pointed, consisting of a parcell of sharping beggarly locusts, to
enquire into the value of their estates personall and reall, and
sell them ; tlie produce wherof, after paying the debts affecting
them, was to be payd in to the Exchequer. The Whiggs make a
terrible outcry against the Administration for some years befor
1688 ; but if a full account was transmitted to posterity, as they
would judge which was the best cause, it would also appear, that
the barbarous treacherous visage of tlie royall party that surreii-
der'd at Preston, the blood that was spilt on scaffolds, the slavery
to which great numbers were, like brutes, sold, and the illegal
proceedings of the Commissioners of Enquiry, not only against
the heirs and representatives, but even the Just creditoi"s of the
familys they purposed to demolish, if these matters, I say, were
fully exposed, it would appear that a precedent can scarcely be
BJiewn in any civiHzed country.
During the first jieriod of these ticklish times, the Scots Torrys
were obliged to keep themselves very quiet, and live in the most
retired manner; for many who were not actually in arms, had by
other Avays been assistant to the royall cause, as their circum-
stances allowed and occasions offered ; and none of that com-
plexion could tell how far even innocence Avas sufficient to pro-
tect them against a sett of vindictive blood-thirsty men. The first
ease they gott ^^as from the Indemnity, published in the year
nEGISTER OF LETTERS. 7
17 , but that again was so crouded with exceptions, tliat it did
by no means correspond Avith the mcrcifull disposition which the
authors pretended to manifest by it ; so that the triennial prescrip-
tion of hig-h treason was the first solid relief and security to the
distress'd royall party ; after which they began to peep out, and
many, who not inclining to trust themselves in the hands of the
Government, had retired and lived abroad, and were not under
any sentence, return'd home to their familys.
During this intervall the Squadrone gott the belter of the Duke
of Argyle at court, where he and his friends had very little to say ;
but as the prince and his father were at odds, His Grace adhered
to and was the cheif adviser of the former, nay was thought to
have him in leading strings ; and whilst the discord betwixt him
and the Squadrone dayly increased, the Scots Torrys interfeer'd
with neither, having at the same time no correspondence abroad,
further than what by private letters gave an account of the Kings
and their friends health. — There was however a surmise that the
King had some hopes of gaining the King of Sweden to espouse
his cause ; and the first nottice therof to be depended upon, was
a letter from the Duke of Mar to Captain Strailon, which he di-
rected to be communicated to the Bishop of Edinburgh, the Lord
Balmerino and my self, wherin he signifyd that if 5 or 6000
bolls of meal could be purchased by the Kings friends and sent
to Sweden, where was then a great scarcity, it would be of great
service to the King. But wee foresaw so many difficuUys in
raising a sum of money sufficient for it (most of those who for-
merly would have contributed to the King being exiles or for-
feited, and such as were not so nevertheless in great straits by the
losses they sustained and the depredation of their estates during
the war, and by the great charges they were at in supporting their
distressed friends abroad and at home) and withall so impracti-
cable to collect and embark such a quantity of meal, without
being discovered and creating some suspicion in the Government,
8 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
that wee could not think of undertaking- it with -any hopes of
success.
Not very long after this, another letter came to the same person
to be communicated as the other, wherin the Duke of Mar re-
presented, that wheras there was a design to attempt the Kings
restoration by the assistance of a certain forreign prince, and that
it would look odd if liis freinds at home did not putt themselves in
a condition to assist him, he thought proper to signify so much
in general ; and as the want of ready money to be employed when
the King's service required it, had liitherto been a great impedi-
ment to his affairs, he wisht wee could fall on vyays to pcrswadc
his friends to have in readiness what sunnn they severally could
afford and would venture in his cause, when a fair oportunity
offered. Tiiis, for the reasons above narrated, was a matter of
the greatest difficulty, and as the other thi'ee persons were, either
by the bad state of their healths or other circumstances, no ways
fitt to goe about as agents in such an affair, the burthen was laid
upon me ; and I had much better success than I expected, liaving
gott assurances, in the most solenm manner, from several persons
of honour, that they would take care to be in a condition to
answer his majesties call. The Earl of Eglington of?er'd 3000
guineas, and signifyd so much by a letter to the King, and the
others would amongst them have advanced a good round sum.
Nottice of this was sent both to the King and Duke of Mar, and
at the same time represented, that as this country did not abound
in riches, and that the loyall party was less now than ever in a
condition to raise money, wee were Innnbly of opinion that
nothing of this kind should be demanded from them but when
matters were so well concerted and so far advanced, that the
main stroke was to be struck. — At the same time 1 received the
following- letter* from the King:
* Received 21 Msircli 1718.
"January 1st 1718.
" Tlie lale accounts I have had of your true and sincere friend-
ship for me, doe not allow me to defcrr returning you my heartiest
tiianks for it : you shall, I can assure you, ever tind me most
gratfuU, and I hope it will yet be in my power to be so effec-
tually. I referr to Mar for any thing- 1 had further to say in my
affairs, and 1 shall be glad to have your opinion of them from
time to time, either from your self or our friend Captain Straiten ;
no body esteems you more than I doe, nor hath a truer value and
regard for you, being ever
« Your &c."
To which I made the following answer :
"March 2etli 1718.
" Sir — I cannot but esteem it the highest honour, that you en-
tertain so favourable ane opinion of me as you are pleased to
express in yours of the first of January, which came safely to my
liands. I am not so vain as to imagine I ever was or will be ca-
pable to be of any great use to you in your affairs, yet I have the
t;atisfaction of being conscious, that as your interest was hitherto
the cheif object of all my views and desires, since I first applyd
my self to publick bussincss, I at no time knowingly or willingly
omitted any thing which I conceived might in the least contri-
bute therto, and I doe assure you that for the future, I will as
cheirfully embrace every occasion to doe you all the services in
my power ; which is indeed no more than ^vhat I think my self
bound to by many particular as well as general obligations, and
what my inclinations and personal regard for you prompt me to.
It being unnecessary to repeat what I have writt to the Duke of
Mar, I will trouble you noe further, but beg leave to subscribe
my self
" Your &c."
The letter from the Duke of Mar mention'd in the King's (of
which and my answer therto I only keept the heads) recorn-
VOL. II. c
10 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
mended secrecy amongst the King's friends, tlie want of whicli
had often been very detrimental to the common canse, as he had
frequently observed, when he had not, at least when it was not
known he had, any concern or cori'espondence with the King ;
lie then proceeded to exhort me to try if it was possible to bring
the Duke of Argyle to think of coming over to the King's mea-
sures ; this, he thought, I was the properest person to attempt,
because there was an old firm personal friendship betwixt us,
which he himself at no lime took amiss, because he saw I never
on that score deviated from my principles, and he thought this a
proper season, when the Duke was so poorly rewarded lor the
great services he had done to the party, and could not but see
the unevitable ruin of his native country, and the small grounds
he had to expect from any English Ministry, the trust and power
lie might justly claim and aim at, on account of his quality, in-
terest, and merit ; that there was no way to retrive liis counti-y and
doe justice to himself, but by contributing to the King's restora-
tion ; that His Majestie uould meet lain with open arms, and he
should make his own terms. And for his own part, as he never
was at odds with His Grace but in so far as he was acting against
the King's interest, were that obstacle removed, he would con-
curr in every scheme he could propose for his interest and glory,
there being none alive for whom he had a greater honour and
regard : all which he desired I might represent to him, if so be
I would undertake and could perform so great a service to the
King.
In my answer to this letter I agreed with his sentiments as to
secrecy, and recommended to him lo give strick injunctions to all
the King's subjecls abroad, to write no manner of news, good
or bad, to their friends at home, for as their letters abounded
with schemes and often with false hopes, I heir correspondents
here^jould not conceal their joy frcmi others, wherby they soon
became pubhck, which induced the Govcrumcnl to be much
nEGISTER OK LETTERS. 1 ]
upon their guartl, and at tlie same timejustifyd, in some ineasnro,
tlieir severity to those they saw so ready to oppose them. As to
the otlier part of his letter, I exprest a very great readiness to per-
form any thing- the King recjuired of me for liis service, but I
was aftraid matters were now come to such a pass, tliat the Duke
of Argyle would never, after having commanded the army du-
ring tlie late war, thiidc it was possible for him to be in favour
witli the Kino-. The time indeed once was when such a transac-
tion might have been undertaken with good hopes of success,
and with that very view it was that I stood so much up for the
Duke's interest in Parliament, which he (Mar) then opposed with
some resentment at my conduct, the grounds wherof I could not
then communicate to him, since he confessed there was a time
when his concern for and correspondence with the King was
not known. However I would cast about to see how matters
stood, and if I found a proper juncture, and any toUerable hopes
of success, I would doe what in me lay to bring about, what from
a regard to lioth partys I allwyse vehemently desired, and was
once in a fair way of accomplisliing, had not others from pique
and particular views disconcerted all my schemes.
It may perhaps appear to some, that this was too tart an
answer ; bvit the truth on't is, I could not command my self,
when I reflected that he had been the pi'incipal obstructer of
this project at a time when it would have been of more use, and
could have been easier brought about, and that he was con-
scious I knew this proceeded from his own ambition and envy,
notwithstanding those professions of friendship he charged me
with in his letter.
Whilst time passt thus away, the Duke of Argyle turn'd his
back on St. James' and resorted altogether to the Prince's Court ;
but as he found him a worthless giddy-headed creature, no wyse
to be depended on, he retired much to the country and seemd
highly discontented. At the same time his friends did not stand
c2
12 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
to tell such as they could confide in, that His Grace was resolved
to have no further dealings with this Government, and 'tho he
would doe nothing- against it, yet if any attempt m as made, he
himself would stand neutral and leave his Clan to doe as they
pleased, which, by the by, was known would be in favour of
the King, from whom they were only diverted by His Graces au-
thority and interest. Finding matters thus, I took occasion to
talk seriously at Edinburgh with my old friend CoUonel John
Midleton, who, I knew, at the bottom wished the King very
well and was nuich trusted by the Duke, and to him 1 repre-
sented, that seeing the Duke could have no prospect of riseing
luider this Government to the power his interest, character and
station justly entitled him, I could not but imagine he Iiighly re-
sented such usage ; and as he was naturally ambitious, and it was
impossible but he must side with and act for some party, in all
the divisions and contests in this island, I could not see what
hand he could turn to, or whither he could steer his course, but
to the King ; taking it for granted he would not render himself
so little in the eyes of all the world, as again to countenance and
support the interest of a sett of men, w ho had used him as a tool
in being the means of destroying his native country, and ex-
tirpating so many noble familys for the most part nearly related
to his own, and then sent him a packing. That 'tho he keept in
with the Prince, he could not but perceive how little he was to
be depended on, and that if ever his father and he were again
on good terms, His Grace would be left to pay the piper, and
'tho he should come to the crown, he would be under a necessity
of being ruled by English councills and English ministers, all
which howsoever differently affected, concurred in not allowing
any Scots man to grow too powerfull, or to be trusted but in a
subordinate manner with the administration of affairs, which in
no sort suited with His Grace's mind, more than it corresponded
with his merit.
T5K015TF.R OF I.F.TTmS. \;i
Midleton replyd lliat lie perfectly agreed with what I said, and
had good reasons to beleive His Grace had the same senlimeiil*.,
and as I knew that he Avas once in the Queen's reig-n in a fair way
of being brought over to the King's side, he did not see any
cause to despaire still of affecting it, notwithslaiuhng what liad
since that time occnrr'd, ])rovyded it were handsomely intro-
duced and dexterously managed; but one thing lie was sure of,
His Grace would not directly nor indirectly treat with Mar, nr
any by commission from him, for he beleived him his mortal
enemy, and had no opinion of his honour; and added Midlclou
to me, " I caiuiot think Mar does more seriously now than befor
desire to sec Argyle in the Kings measures, least he eclipsed
liim." — I told him that I knew the King desired nothing more than
to bring the Duke over to him, and I would engage to putt this
matter on such a footing that Mar should not be concerned less
or more in it, nay should not know of any correspondence the
King had with Argyle, for it should be established directly be-
tween them two and such persons as His Grace should name to
carry it on, under the strictest tyes of secrecv, untill a proj)er
time came for propalcing it. At last wee concluded tiiat 1 should
acquaint the King of the fair prospect of gaining the Duke, and
propose that His Majestic would send me a letter to him in a kind
strain, inviting him to come into his measures ; and wee thouglit
it Htt that no time should be lost in getting this letter, least things
shoidd alter during the time that was taken up in sending mes-
sages to and from the King at so great a distance. — And Avhilst
I expected the King's pleasure, Midleton, who was furthwith to
go to London, undertook to sound the Duke and let me know
how far he found him disposed to barken to this scheme, ac-
cording to which wee would take our measures. I accordingly
writt, but keept no coppy of my letter to the King, giveing him
an account of this and some former conversations with Midleton,
from whence I gathered that the Duke might be gaind, and de-
J 4 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
sired his directions as soon as possible. And because I foresaw
that when I came to treat with His Grace, Pd be obliged to give
him the most solemn assurances that Mar was not privy to it, and
that he again would be jealous and offended if he came to know
that letters from Scotland were given to the King ^\^thout his
knowledge, besides that I did not then know of any about the
King that would ventiu'e to doe it ; for those reasons I seal'd my
letter and gott Captain SUaiton to send it under a cover to the
Duke of Mar, and withall to tell him, that I hoped he would
excuse my not communicating the contents to him, because I
was bound under the strictest obligations to impart the same to
no other person whatsoever but the King himself.
Not many weeks after this, I mett with Captain Dougall Camp-
bell ; this gentleman, a person of great worth and loyalty, and
a bosome friend of Argyle's, was lately come to Scotland from
London, where he had resided these many years bypast. The
Duke soon became the subject of our conversation, and when I
perceived that he had great hopes of gaining him, and attirm'd
that even the Earl of Isla seem'd well disposed, I frankly told him
all that had passt and been concerted betwixt Midleton and me,
which he much approved of, being hopefuU it would succeed, and
undertaking to forward it when he return'd to London ; but soon
after this he unforlunatly gott cold in his journey to the High-
lands, and on his return to Edinburgh took a flux and dyed. A
lew days befor this happened, being with me at my country
house, he askt me, if I heard Argylc blanf d for having received
and given no answer to a letter writt to him by the King whilst
he was at Perth ; I told him I had, but could not agree with those
who censur'd him, for I had such an abhorrence at breach of
trust, that had I been the Duke's adviser, it should have been to
doe as he did ; for 'tho there was nothing I so much desired as to
see him engaged in the King's cause, I wisht it done in a way
consistent w ith his honour. Campbell smiled and told me lie was
REGISTER OF LETTEUS. 15
to acquaint me of a secret mIucIi he must pre\nouslv have my
solemn word I would communicate to none, which he had given
when it was revealed to him, having however obtained liberty
afterwards to speak of it to me. After giving him the assurance
he demanded, he told me, that the letter was not delivered to the
Duke, for in his late Highland progress he saw it and another to
Lord Isla in the hands of the person to whose care they were
committed (l)ut who that person was he would not tell me)
who receiving them unseal'd did not, after perusal, think it for
the Kings service to deliver them, that to the Duke being writt
in a style l)y no means to be approved of; " And indeed," added
Campbell, " when I read them I was eutiiely of the same mind,
and could not but think that Mar, or some other person, with a
view of rather widning than healing the breaches, had pre-
vailed with the King to write after that manner." The letter to
Isla was writt as to a man of business, insisting on the unhappy
state of Scotland, and that nothing but a dissolution of the Union
by the King's Restoration could prevent the utter ruin of that
country. That to the Duke did invite him to return to his loyally
and duty, threatening him, if he neglected, with revange and
the utter extirpation of his family, for w hat he and his predeces-
sors had done in this and the last century. I doe not pretend to
relate the precise words of this letter, nor did Campbell mention
them as such to me ; however I have narrated what he said waj>
the aim and purport of the letter. I was not a little surprized,
and at first doubted if it was genuine ; but then he assured me it
was under the King's own hand, which he knew perfectly well.
After having reflected on this very odd letter, I was confirm'd in
the opinion of its being absolutly necessary that Mar should
know nothing less or more of any correspondence that might be
sett on foot betwixt the King and Duke of Argyle.
CoUonel Midleton was not many days in London till he wrote
to me tiiat he had n>ade a tryall and was in hopes my Xi ieu^ .wpijljl
16 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
accept of the Galloway (wee haveing agreed to couch the
matter in our letters under the name of a Scots pad that was to be
sent up) and therfor desired I w ould make haste to be master of
one fitt for him ; and not long after that, he wrote to me again, that
my friend would receive the Galloway if I came up and made him
the present, in doing of which no time Avas to be lost. This mes-
sage overjoy'd me, and I impatiently waited for the King's answer
(Midleton calling for me in the interim two or three times by
other letters to strike the iron while it was hot) for above seven
months, and when it came I was not more vexed than surprized;
for as this was a matter of no small importance, I had reason to
expect a particular return, and in less than half tliat time; wheras
tlie answer was contained in the postscript of a letter from the
Duke of Mar to Captain Straiton, wherin he bid him tell me that
the King had received my letter, but not approving what I pro-
posed, would enter into no measures with that person, hoping
(by the assistance of Sweden I suppose) to doe his bussiness
without him. I knew not in all the world what to sav to Midic-
ton, for I had no mind to let him know that the King had re-
vealed the affair to Mar, much less the nature of the return I had
gott to my proposal ; so I pretended that I had gott no answer,
which I ascribed to my letters having miscarried, and by such
shifts and excuses endevour'd to putt the best face I could upon
it, which I could not houever so well feign but that he suspected
I had mett witli a rebute; and how far this influenced the Duke
to think of making up matters some time afterwards with King-
George, when he had left the Prince as one in whom he could
have no honour in adhereing to, I will not take upon me to say ;
but indeed when I reflected how near resemblance there was be-
twixt this and an answer formerly sent by the Earl of Midleton
to a proposal of the same kind, when I considered the part which
Mar acted in the latter end of the Queen's reign towards Argyle,
and the account which Campbell gave nic of the letter from
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 17
Perth, and tliat by Mar's handing" the return to me, it would seem
the King- had communicated the proposal to liim, 'tho I had bcgd
as a thing essentially necessary to keep it in his own breast; these
things made me inclinable to beleive my Lord Mar had taken the
liberty to break up my letter, and, without acquainting the King
of the contents, given his own answer therto, which I judged
still the more probable, that he did not doe it directly to my self,
but in a letter to a friend of his owni, who he was sure would
not bring it in judgement against him ; and what I tlien ima-
gined seems now to be confirm'd, in that the King some time
after this told my son, when he at Rome verbally by my direc-
tion renew'd the proposal, and represented what a fair opportu-
nity had been formerly lost, that he did not remember ever to
have heard of it befor.
The King's affairs for a long time made little or no noise, but
on breaking out of the war with Spain, people began to hope,
that something in his favours would cast up, and whilst wee were
fed with these hopes in very general terms by letters from abroad,
all of a sudden wee received the joyfull news of the King of
Spain's having dedared for our King. What correspondence
King Philip had in England I cannot particularly tell, but sure
I am there was not the least intimation of such a design to any
in Scotland, untill a very little befor it was publick over all
Europe. About which time the Earl of Wigton writt a letter to
me from his country house, desireing me to meet him without
fail next day exactly at four in the afternoon at a certain private
place in Edinburgh, and I having accordingly keept the tryst.
His Lordship introduced me to Mr. Francis Kennedy ; this gen-
tleman was sent express to acquaint the King's friends of the at-
tempt that was to be made by Spain on Britain, and he was
directed to goe first to my Lord Wigton, who thought fitt to call
me to be present at the conference. Mr. Kennedy produced a
small peice of parchment, writt and sign'd by the Duke of Or-
VOL. II. D
18 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
mond, desireing* entire credit might be given to the bearer therof ;
and then he told us that the Duke was actually embarked with
a considerable body of Spanish troops, designing to land them
in England, and that the Earl Marishall was sail'd with a bat-
talion, accompanyd by the Marquis's of TuUibardin and Sea-
forth, and some of the heads of the Highland clans, and was to
land in the Highlands ; that the troops design'd for England and
Scotland were sufficient to make a stand till the Kings friends
could gett togithcr, that he durst say Marishall was landed befor
that day, and that wee would soon hear of the like of Ormond ;
and he desired wee would consider what was to be done for the
King's service at this criticall juncture. After having fully talked
over the affair, wee judged it highly necessary to conceal this in-
telligence as long as it was possible, because wee perceived the
Spainards design'd to catch the British Government naping. Be-
sides, as there were many accidents to which the Spanish fleet
might be exposed in so long a voyage, wee did by no means
think it adviseable to move in Scotland, till wee were sure the
Duke of Ormond was landed ; for if any appearance should be
made for the King in Scotland, and the grand design fail in the
execution, wee would meet with no quarters from the Govern-
ment, and the King at the same time reap no benefit.
A few days after this, the Spanish design against Britain was
known every where, and that the Earl Marishall was actually
landed at in the Highlands ; and wee dayly expected
and impatiently long'd to hear the same of tlie Duke of Or-
mond in England. A great many days being spent in this un-
certain state of hopes and fears, wee had at length the me-
lancholy account of his being beat back by a storm, which at
once putt an end to our hopes and our enemies well grounded
fears ; for it is more than probable that if His Grace had escaped
this storm, he had been in England ere the Government had
known of the design and bad been in a capacity to oppose him.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 19
especially when it is certain that the body of the people of En-
gland were groaning- under the yoke of the present tyrrany, and
that great numbers of the first rank and greatest interest, and
many officers, some even of the highest stations in the army,
were privy to the design and ready to joyn him ; and the zeal of
the Scots for the King was rather encreased than lessen'd by
former misfortunes, so that his friends in Scotland, whilst there
was a diversion to the standing army in England, would have
made a short work of it. — It was pritty remarkable that the Go-
vernment did not on the first surmise, as formerly on the like oc-
casions, croud the prisons with suspected persons; whether it was
that they were confounded and at a loss what to doe in so unex-
pected a surprize, or that they really designd, as some of them
pretended, to leave every man to himself, and have a fair general
stroke for it, that so the contest might be finally ended by the
total extirpation of the vanquisht party, I wont determine.
I doe not pretend to give an account of my Lord Marishall's
proceedings ; one thing is sure, that he and TuUibardin were
soon at variance about the command, and it seem'd very odd that
such matters were not adjusted befor their embarkation ; the
Highlanders being formerly heartiely bitt, resolved not to move
till they heard of Ormond's being landed, so that few except
Seaforth's clan joyn'd this little army, which however keept to-
gather, till General Wightman marched against them with a
strong body of regular troops, in which were several batallions
of Dutch auxiliaries, (for so terribly affiaid were King George
and his Ministry, that 'tho they knew the Duke of Ormond was
driven back, they did not think themselves secure, untill, at a
great expence of money, they brought over these forrcign troops,
wherof a good part was sent to Scotland) and after a smart action
at Glenshiles, wherin a considerable number of Wightmans men
were killd, the Highlanders dispersed into the mountains, and
the Spanish batallion surrender'd tliemselves prisoners of war ;
d2
20 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
Marishall and other persons of notte lurking in tlie Iliohlands
till ships were provyded to carry them off. — In the intcrvall be-
twixt the Lord Marishalls landing-, and the accounts of the Duke
of Ormonds fate, I liad an oportunity of sending the following
Memorial to Marishall, which I judged might be uscfuU to him
in case the enterprize was like to goe on ; whither it came to his
hands, I cant tell.
" The Kings friends are far from being diminished on the south
side of Forth, and are abundantly willing to venture all in his
service ; but they have been keept so much at under these three
or four years by past, and so little expected what has of late oc-
curr'd, that most of them want horses and arms, and it will be
no easie matter to procure them; and as they are surrounded with
spys and enemies, and cannot propose to make such a body as can
resist the force that will be sent against them if they take to the
feilds, it is not to be desired or expected they should rise in arms
imtill there be such a number of forces near them, as can make a
stand, and to which they may resort. 'Tho the King does not
want some friends in the western shires, yet the gross of the
people both gentry and commons are either prysbyterians favour-
ably disposed towards the present Government, or pritty indiffe-
rent as to all Governments whatsoever ; but as the far greatest
part of both these have an heartie aversion to the Union, if once
they were throughly convinced that the King's prosperity would
terminate in the dissolution therof, there is reason to beleive a
great many of the first would be converted, at least so far as to
be neutrall, and most of the others declare for liim. And ther-
for it is thought proper that the Earl Marishall should publish a
Manifesto, in which, after having at large enumerated the many
greivances attending the Union, such as the decay of trade, and
the violation of the Scots libcrtys and civil rights, tSrc. he should
declare that it is the King's intention to restore his Scots subjects
to their ancient riglits and independent state, and that he liim-
nEGlSTER OF LETTERS. 21
self and those Avitli liiin appear in arms as well to redeem tlie
nation as restore the Kuig-, and that he does thcrby invite all his
fellow subjects to contribute towards so just, honoiu'able, and
necessary an undertaking-. And in this Manifesto, assurance
should be given that a Scots Parliament will be invited to meet
as soon as the posture of alFairs will allow the same to assemble,
that such laws may be therin made and past as shall be judged
necessary for settling the peace and tranquillity of the nation
and securing the liberties and religion of the same ; and lastly
recommend to the several electors in shyres and burrows to have
their thoughts on persons htt to be appointed their representa-
tives, when matters of such universal consequence are to be de-
termin'd. — At present there is none on the south of Forth to
whom the King's friends can repare for intelligence, or to have
instructions and directions as to their conduct and measures ;
and thence it is that there is no correspondence nor concert
amongst them, which in the event may occasion many inconve-
niencies : it is therfor proposed that the Earl Marishall would
impower, or at least recouunend to a small number of persons,
to be by him named, to meet and concert such measures as to
them seems most conducive to the King's service, and that with
them he would correspond and give them such directions as from
time to time he shall judge proper: This being done and the
King's friends apprised of it, their intelligence and measures will
be more uniform and regular than can be expected in their pre-
sent uncertain state and condition. And because the Earl Mari-
shall cannot in his present state and circumstances so well know
what persons are in a condition to execute such a trust, it will
not be amiss to mention the Earls of Ee-lino-ton and Wio-ton, the
Lord Balmerino, the Bishop of Edinburgh and Mr. John Paterson,
as persons that will be faithfuU to the King and agreeable to his
freinds."
A resolution having lieen universally taken not to move in
23 UEGIfiTER OF LETTERS.
Scotland till England was fairly engaged, this measure was very
near being broke by a peice of odd conduct of Captain Straiton
at Edinburgh. There came, it seems, an vmknowu fellow to one
Mr. Millns, tutor to Mr. Macdonald yonger of Glengarie, and
told him that being a servant to Cameron of Locheal, he came
with him from Spain, and was set on shoar on the coast of Gal-
loway from the Duke of Ormond's fleet as it past by, with orders
to goe and acquaint his master's friends to be ready to take up
arms. Mr. Millns carried this fellow to Captain Straiton, who
with joy heard and gave some credit to what he so earnestly
wislied, and was soon confirm'd in the truth therof by a letter
sent express by the Viscount of Stormont, then at his house in
Annan dale, giving an account that five or six days befor the date
a large fleet of tall ships, being no doubt Ormond's fleet, past by
that coast, sailing with a fair wind directly for the west of En-
gland. Straiton having after this no remaining doubts, sent oft'
an express to acquaint my Lord Nairn in Pcrth-shire, that the
Duke was on the coast and certainly landed by that time, and
desireing His Lordship to foi^ward the good news to Marishall
and other proper persons in the Highlands, that no time might
be lost in drawing to the feilds ; and as he imparted it likwyse
to some in and about Edinburgh, the Earl of Dalhousie and some
other gentlemen of that county gott on horseback, with a reso-
lution to try if they could joyn Onnond, for they knew there
was no possibility of getting up to Marishall ; but I persuaded
His Lordship to stop at Selkirk on pretence of seeing the race?
till I enquired further into the story, and sent him nottice; and 1
went instantly to Edinburgh, where having examin'd Straitons
intelligence, I soon found he was deceived, for I did not think it
l)robable that Ormond would allow such a fellow to come on
shoar, when I knew he aim'd at being himself the first messenger
of his errand: besides, having no credentials from Iiis master,
he could doe no service in the matter he pretended ; and he gave
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 23
no toUerable account of himself, not so mucli as knowing the
name of the port in Spain from whence his master and he came
with the fleet ; from all which 1 concluded he was a rogue that
proposed by this story to g-ett a little money, or that he was sett
out by some of the Government (who by this time had certain
assurances of the Duke of Ormond's misfortune, 'tho they did
not own it) with a view of persuading some of the King's friends
to leap at the bait and goe to arms, and therby aflbrd a handle
to ruin them. And as for my Lord Stormont's information, I was
sure if the fact had been as he represented, wee must, since the
time he mentioned, being eight or nine days, have had the cer-
tainty of it even in the publick letters ; and I gave the less credit
when I perceived his Lordship's letter was dated at one in the
morning, about which time I knew he was apt to credit any
news that pleased him. Having joyn'd all these considerations
togither, I immediatly sent to stop Dalhousie ; and I dispatched
Mr. George Kinnaird with the utmost expedition to Nairn, to
advertise him of the false intelligence he had gott ; for which he
gave me afterwards many thanks, as it was the means of saving
him and many others that were ready and resolved to gett
speedily togither and joyn Marishall.
When the Spanish battallion were brought prisoners to Edin-
burgh, the officers, who had the liberty of the town, were used
by the loyall party with all the civility and kindness imaginable;
but the Government for a lone" time refused to advance sub-
sistance money to them, by which in a little time they were re-
duced to great straits, which appeared even in their looks 'tho
their Spainish pride would not allow them to complain. As I was
well acquainted with Don Nicolas who commanded them, I took
the liberty to ask him if he Avanted money ; and finding it was
so, I told him it was unkind in him to be thus straitned, when
he knew our King, for whose cause he sufFer'd, had so many
24 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
friends in town that wonld cheirfuUy assist him ; so I inimediatly
gott him credit for as much money as was necessary for himself
and his men, till he gott bills from the Marquis de Beretti-Landi
the Spanish ambassadour in Holland, when he thankfviUy re-
pay'd what was advanced to him.
Befor I leave this Spanish affair I must mention a pritty odd
story which I had frum Colonel Guest, a very discreet gentleman
and well disposed to the King. It seems, about the time the
Spanish invasion was discover'd, he was with two or three
troops of dragoons quartered in Staftbrd shyre or Warwick
shyre, but I have forgott which. There he received orders sign'd
by King George himself, directing him, that if there happened
any riots or disorders, to burn, shoot, or destroy without asking-
questions, for which, and all that he in execution of these orders
should doe contrary to law, he therby previously indemnifyd
him. The Colonel was thunder-struck with these orders, they
were what, on no account, he would execute, neither durst he,
for the people in that country were all well affected to the King,
and would have torn him and his men to peices, and if Ormond
had landed, he must either have svn-render'd or joynd them with
his men. Having seriously reflected on these orders, he thought
it best to communicate them to some of the leading gentry of
the place, telling them that he did not know whither they were
design'd as a snare to him or them, that for all their sakes he
wisht they would keep the peace, for as he would not perform
what was required, he hoped they Avould at the same time pre-
vent his being brought to trouble. This method was kindly
taken, and they assured him he should be safe and free from all
insults, unless there was a general insvuTection, when they would
be glad to have him with them. There was accordingly no dis-
turbance in that place, tlio at the same time the people were
prepared and resolved to take the feilds as soon as Ormond landed.
REGISTER OF I.ETTKRf?. 25
This passaf^e I take noUice of as it seems somewhat a kin to the
affair of Glencoe, and lis probable the like orders were givn
to other officers.
Some months after this Spanish affair was over, and whilst
there appeared no prospect of any desig^n in favours of the King,
I happen'd one evening to converse at length on the state of his
affairs with that worthy prelate the Bishop of Edinburgh ; and
he told me that he often regrated there were no persons here im-
power'd by him to overlook his affairs, and give such directions
from time to time as should be thought necessary, that by such
an establishment an unity of measures would be maintain'd
amongst the King's friends, proper schemes might be concerted
and pursued, and many things Avhich did much harm be pre-
vented. I reply'd that I had long been of the same mind, par-
ticularly since the first news of the Spanish invasion, for at that
time the King's friends acted without concert, and many incon-
veniencies would have happen'd, had the enterprize been fol-
lowed out, which I was perswaded would have been prevented
if such a power as he mention'd had been established; and I
wisht His Lordship would propose it to the King. He answered
he had done it above a year agoe in a letter to Mar, which he
desired him to communicate to the King: but as he had no re-
turn he suspected that noble Lord, for reasons best known to
himself, did not approve of it and had not acquainted the King
of it; and if that was the case, it was needless for him to repeat
it. I told him if he had no other objection, I knew how to have
the proposall made directly to the King himself, for my soil
would be by that time at Rome, and I'd undertake he'd deliver
any memorial or message His Lordship A^ould trust him with ; or
if he pleased, and would allow me to use his name, I would ac-
quaint my son at large of what past in this conversation, and
desire him to lay the same befor His Majestic. This the Bishop
heartiely agreed to, and desired I would not neglect it : and as
VOL. II. E
S6 REGISTER OF LETTEUS.
tlie King could not at the distance he was, and during- tiie present
situation of affairs, be so well apprised of persons characters and
circumstances as was needfull, in making- such a choice as would
answer the purpose with respect to their capacity and being agree-
able to his friends, he judged it necessary to mention a certain num-
ber who wee reckon'd well qualifyd might be trusted and would be
generally agreeable. And in concerting this list, wee had under
consideration, that it should consist of persons not absolutly de-
pendant on either Mar or Marishall and the party that Joyn'd with
him in opposition to the other, at least that there should be a mix-
ture of both their friends, tliat so the measure might not appear to
be a party bussiness, but really calculated for tiie King's service,
without any by views whatsoever ; and wee accordingly pitched
upon the Earls of Eglington and Wigton, the Lord Bahnerino,
the Bishop of Edinburgh, Mr. Paterson of Prestonhall, and Cap-
tain Straiton. The Bishop desired I would add my self, but that
I declin'd, seeing the motion was to come from me, and my son to
be the actor in it. Against these wee reckon'd there could be no
exceptions, and most of them liv'd near Edinbm-gh or were fre-
quently there, and at hand to act as occasion ottcr'd.
I lost no time in Mriling to my s(m on the subject, setting furth
at length the many inconveniencies that had happend from tiie
want of such a power lodged in proper hands, and the great ad-
vantages which in all probability would attend it, when duely
executed ; desireing him to demand a private audience of the
King, and from the Bishop and me lay this proposal befor him
At the same time, m hen I reflected on what the Bishop told me
of his suspicion that Mar did not communicate to the King such
proposals as he himself did not previously relish, and the return
I gott to what I had wrote concerning Argyle, I judged it not
amiss once more to try if I could bring that project to bear,
especially seeing by some late correspondence with Midleton, I
found it was still practicable, and I instructed my son to acquaint
REGISTEU OF LETTERS. g7
the King at length, with all the reasons I had to hope such a
treaty might be happyly accomplisht, if he would be pleased to
send me a letter to His Grace, kindly inviting him to come into
his measures, but withall requiring as a preliminary that he
would give his royall promise to communicate this proposal and
what should follow thcron to no soul living, for otherwyse I
knew it would be in vain for me to think of serving him in it.
And as it was probable the King would communicate the first
proposal to Mr. James Murray, and that he would endeavour to
have his father the Viscount of Stormont added to the list; by
the Bis]K)p's allowance I acquainted my son, that in case he found
it so, thai he should franklv tell the King he was directed to in-
form him, that no body would undertake his service in conjunc-
tion with tiiat Lord, who knew not what it was to keep a secreet,
and had not resolution necessary for those imployd in such mat-
ters ; which caveat was very seasonable, as it prevented his being
named. My letter having gone safe to my son, he executed
what was committed to his charge, and I received the following
letter* from him.
" Rome, February 20, 1720.
" Last post in a short letter I acquainted you that your former
letters were come safe, particularly those relating to the Commis-
sion you proposed and Argyle's affair. I don't know if I had
time to tell you, that two or three days after receiving yours, I
Iiad a long discourse with the King on these points ; but if not,
I now take the liberty to tell you, that, for the sake of my me-
mory, I transcribed the passages in your letter that related to
the two different aflairs contain'd in it; after reading, he desired
me leave them with him, and then after many kind acknowledge-
ments of your friendship to him, told me he had never heard any
thing of these matters befor ; so it seems all the letters on these
* Received 15 Aprile, 1720.
e2
§8 REGISTER OP LETTERS.
subjects have either been suppressed or miscarried. He was be-
for hand with me as to Arg-yle's capacity and usefullness, if he
would but accept and help to manage his affairs, and he promised
to be very cautious. He sett about the Commission next day as
he told me, and a coppy is sent to Captain Straiton. Its true
some people are putt in more than you named, but I fancy my
Lord Dun won't medle in it. I mention'd this to Mr. Murray,
but he answer'd, if they would not medle, the King at least
shew'd them his good will, and they would be his fast friends
afterwards. It is but two hours agoe tliat he sent for me and
delivered the inclosed ; he was pleased to communicate his rea-
sons for not writing a formall letter to Argyle, and said he was
very hopefull he had given you so many good reasons as would
satisfy you ; so since I can but repeat or putt in a worse light
what he has writt, it is better in my opinion to referr you to the
inclosed letter. I beg'd him to look un the afiair in general as
the eflect of your zeal for his service.
" In all this matter I am sure you and I have done ovu* duty, of
which he seems very sensible, and in many respects deserves all
the service his friends can doe for him. I had almost forgott to
tell you that at parting he desired me to make his compliments
to you, and that you would write frequently to him, and that he
expected you would all in general acquaint liim of such storys
as were writt home and spred abroad in order to divide his friends
and lessen the good opinion people had of his servants here. To
this I made a bow but no answer, as I did not well understand
his meaning, and won't allow my self to beleive he'd have you
or any of these gentlemen turn tale-bearers or latlers. Murray
mention'd the same tiling more fully to me ; and I answer'd, I was
])ersuaded these gentlemen would doe the King all the service
they could, but that many storys were told not worth the report-
ing or taking nottice of. I should think my self much to blame
did I not communicate to you, that, to my great surprize, 1 tind
UEGISTER OF LETTEUS. 89
Colonel Hay is let in to the story of Argyle ; how fan- that is
consistent with your inclinations and the King-'s promise, I know
not. I am aflraifl it proceeds from a mistake in his belciving
that himself and his servant arc but one and the same person ;
however that be, you will act in it as you judge most safe for
your friend and your self. Let me have your sentiments, and
beleive me to be
" Yours &c."
The following- letter from the King is what was inclosed in
the above.
" February 15, 1720.
*' I saw a few days agoe a paper you sent hither for my perusal,
in Avhich I remarked, with pleasure, that same good sense and
affection for me I allvvays found in you and of which I am truely
sensible. I am entirely convinced of the advantage it would be
to my affairs that some persons of weight and prudence should
frequently conferr togither and communicate to me their opinion
and reflections on matters, and at the same time, on proper oc-
casions, give such advice to tlie rest of my friends, as might
conduce to our common good. To appoint a certain number of
persons for this effect by commission is by no means at this time
adviseable, because of the inconveniencies it might draw sooner
or latter on the persons concern'd ; since it could not but be ex-
pected that the present Government would at long run be in-
form'd of such a paper, which by its nature must be known to a
great number of people ; besides that many who might be most
fitt to discharge such a trust, might Avitli reason not be fond of
having their names exposed in such a matter ; while on the other
hand numbers might be disobliged for not having a share where
it is not possible all can be concern'd ; but I think all these in-
conveniencies may be obviated, the intent of the proposal com-
ply'd with, and equall advantages drawn from it, if the persons
named below, or some of them, would meet and consult togather
.<?0 nEGISTER OF LETTERS.
for the intents above mention'd. The persons you propose I en-
tirely approve, to witt, the Earls of Eglingion and Wig-ton,
Lord Bahnerino, the Bishop of Edinburgh, Mr. Paterson and
Captain Straiton, to whom I would have added Mr. Harry Maul,
Sir John Ereskine, Lord Dun, Powrie and Glengary. Now as
these gentlemen want, I know, no spur to their zeal for my
service, and that out of regard to them, I am unwilling to write
directly at present to them, I am persuaded tiiat when this letter
is conununicated to tliem, they will willingly enter into what is
proposed for our mutuall advantage; and to make the thing easier
to you, I send a duplicate of this to Straiton, that either by him
or you it may be communicated to the persons concernd, with
all that is kind to them in my name; and if any of them are de-
sireous upon occasions to consult others not named in this letter,
I shall entirely approve it; but what I desire may be the first point
settled is that of a regular correspondence with me. For which
end, if Straiton is not sufficient, I shall approve of any person
my friends shall appoint for that effect, as 1 have already that
one Mr. Cowpar should be assisting to Straiton on occasions,
Brigadeer Campbell having represented him to me as one agree-
able to them; but wiioever is appointed, as I may say, the se-
cretary of my friends with you, should be very particular in his
accoimts, and inform me of the different advices ; and as enemies
are not wanting who officiously spred storys to dishearten or dis-
unite my friends, it will be also convenient that such reports be
also comnmnicated to me, to the end that things, on occasions,
may be putt in their true light, and that persons may not be im-
j)osed upon by lyes or malicious insinuations. I was heartiely
glad to find by a letter I lately received from your parts that
friends tliere continue to have the same good opinion of Mar he
ever deserved, and I dare answer for him ever will. I am doing-
all that lys in my power towards his liberty, and I hope a peace
will soon restore me so worthy and usefull a servant ; ami in the
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 31
mean time when I doe not write to your parly my self, I shall
make James Murray doe it, who having- had lor many years the
lives and fortunes of the most considerable in England in his
hands, will make any of yours very safe there also. I think I
liave no more to say to the proposal you have matle me as your
opinion and that of several others, and by the method here pre-
scrived I think wee reap all the benefit without inconvenience.
The good and wellfare of your country is what I ever shall have
at heart, and I shall alwyse with pleasure enter into what is pro-
posed for that end, which with the assvu'ance of my particular
regard and kindness for you is all I have to say. &c."
In regard I would not take upon me to act as a trustee, because
I was not expressly named in the above letter. Captain Straiton ac-
quainted Mr. Murray therof, and the King was pleased to add me
to the luunber, by a letter to Straiton of wliich this is a coppy.
" June 14th, 1720.
" I perceive by yours to Murray that in a paper latly sent you
Mr. Lockharts name was forgott ; it was only an error in coppy-
ing, for it alwyse was and it is my intention that he should be of
the number."
Besides tliis first letter (which was to be communicate as a
warrant to others) I at the same time receiv'd the following let-
ter from the King :
" February 17th, 1720.
" After having writt to you my opinion in most of our private
concerns, I must mention here one article, which I entirely agree
with you is of the greatest importance. No body can have a
more just value and esteem for the great lawyer (i. e. the Duke
of Argyle) you mention than I have ; the consequence of gain-
ing him is obvious, and towards that, nothing shall be neglected
by me, since what is past shall never be a hindrance to his being
used as a true friend by me, if he proves himself such hereafter.
After this, I doe not entirely agree with you in the ways and
32 RKGISTER OF LETTERS.
means to be made use of, liaving- reasons not to write as you pro-
pose, till such time as you acquaint me that a letter will be ac-
ceptable ; your intimacie with him makes you the properest per-
son to feel his pulse, and that should, I think, preceed all other
steps. You can take a proper time to bring on the discourse, iU'
form him of my sentiments, and remove all jealousie or uneasi-
ness on account of past transactions ; and if, upon his entering
into the matter, you find a letter would be relished, I shall then
write it and send it to you, taking my rise from your conversation.
I take this to be the most prudent and efFectuall way of proceed-
ing, and if you can bring this affair to a good issue, it is a favour
I shall ever acknowledge, as I shall your cndevoui's towards it
whatever the event may be. I am far from thinking any step of
this kind dishonom-able ; for in my case, whatever is not unjust
can never be against honour, since the gain of my suit is what
I am resolved to pursue by all lawful! means ; and for the neces-
sary secret you reconmiend, you may be assured that all due re-
gard to it shall be had on all accounts. 1 have had occasion of
late of seeing your son, who hath a very good character, and who
will, I doubt not, continue to deserve the friendship of those
who are sincere friends to his family. The regard now shewn
to your advice will, I hope, encourage you to continue to let me
partake of it on proper occasions, and you will but doe me jus-
tice in beleiving me full of gratitude and esteem for you, being
ever
" Your &c."
Upon the recept of this letter, I iuunedially made the follow-
ing return, but omitted to mark down the tlate therof.
" Sir — Being, at the time of receiving your letter and writing
of this, at some miles distant from Straiton, with whom it is ne-
cessary 1 talk, belbr I can say any thing distinctly on the contents
of yours, I wtaild not however delay making my very humble
acknowledgemeuLs for the honour you doe mc in reposcing any
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 33
the least trust in me, and in a particular manner for the regard
you have been pleased to shew my sou ; that he may truely merit
the continuation of your favourable opinion, is mv utmost de-
sire, and I hope his hig-hest ambition. I dare conddently affirm
I never entered into any measure nor gave any advice that did
not, according to the best of my judgment, appear for your in-
terest and service. That of late, with respect to the Connuis-
sion, was the joynt and concurring opinion of several very suf-
ficient well designing persons, and I make no question, if duly
and discreetly executed, but it will turn to good account; one
thing I am sure of, that many inconveniencies ai'ose on numy
occasions for the want of it. The other matter, relating to Ar-
gyle, did come indeed only from my self, the nature of the affiiir
being such as required that no other person whatsoever should
be privy to it. But as what I proposed proceeded altogatlier from
a good intention, I submitted all and every part of the scheme to
you, with whom I readily agree, that bel'or the attempt is made,
it is highly expedient to sound the other's pulse, and be assured
of its success; and for no other reason did I propose the letter's
being sent, but that no time might be lost in striking the iron
when it is duely heated. But since another course is, by a much
more sufficient judge in such matters, thought reasonable, I very
readily succumb therlo, and will not fail to use my utmost en-
devours ; with what success, its impossible just now to tell or
so much as guess ; yet notwithstanding all that has of late oc-
c\u-r'd, I am far from thinking the game irretrivable, 'tlio not so
probable, as some few years agoe when I proposed it. The result
of my endevours in this affiiir shall be communicate to you, not
doubting of that profound secrecy on which the success so abso-,
lutly depends. I have nothing more to trouble you with at present,
but to beg you'l doe me the justice to beleive there is nothing I so
much covet, as to deserve and obtain the character of being
" Yours &c."
VOL. II. F
34 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
I own I was a little surprized at the King's niceness in writing
to the Duke, and I did not think it expedient to broach this matter
to the Duke without having- vouchers for what 1 was to say and
the hopes I was to give him, that matters should be adjusted to his
satisfaction ; but what cheifly influenced me to drop the attempt
for some time was Colonel Hay's being apprised of it ; for be-
sides that I conld not in honour assure the Duke that this matter
was to be managed wholly betwixt the King and him when I
knew others had already nottice of it, I could easiely foresee if
ever this matter was discover'd, the Duke would think I had not
done fairly with him, and never more confide in me ; and I had
reason to fear the worst, seeing I understood Captain Straiton,
by some intelligence I beleive from Rome, had smoakt my design,
and was so imprudent as to exclaim against it to some of my
friends, alleging it was a jest to attempt it, and that the Duke
was not to be trusted, even 'tho he engaged ; which 1 reckond did
proceed from his friendship and attachment to Mar ; so that in
the mean time I was obliged to suspend all thoughts of moving
in this affair, and even be at pains to cavise the Captain beleive
I was now of my self convinced it was a chimerical scheme, as
he was pleased to term it ; with a resolution however of prose-
cuting it whenever I saw a fitt oportunity ; btit befbr that hap-
pen'd, His Grace had left the prince and made up matters with
the Ministry, and was made lord high chamberland of the house-
hold ; after which there were no further thoughts to be enter-
tain'd of gaining him.
With the first oportunity, I acquainted the several persons of
the honour they had received from the King by the trust he had
placed in them, and they all frankly undertook the office ; but in
regard many inconveniencies would fallow a discovery therof,
and that there was no occasion just now to act or let their powers
be known, even to tlie loyall party, they all seem'd inclin'd that
the letter, naming and impowering them to act for the King in
nEGISTEn OF LETTF.ns. 35
liis aflairs, should remain -willi me, and llial when any thhic; oc-
currd, wherin their directions here or their advice to the Kine-
were necessary, that I should state the matter to such of them
as I could conveniently meet with, and from their several senti-
ments give the proper instructions here -with due caution, and
communicate their opinions to the King, and when any com-
mands came from him to them, which they desired might be ad-
dress'd to me, that I sliould take the like method to apprize them
therof.
Befor these above recited letters from the King came to my
hands, the Bishop of Edinburgh, to the irre])arable loss of Church
and King, departed this life. And it being absolutly necessary
that some one of the Bishops should be appointed to reside at
Edinbvirgh and take the cheif government of the Church upon
him, there was some appearance of factions and divisions amongst
the Episcopall clergy on this head ; but Mr. Paterson and I kee{)t
closs in town with them, and were at much pains to prevail with
them to take no resolutions till the College of JJishops were cou-
veen'd. And as it was of great importance that one of a good
character was made choice of for this charge, wee earnestly re-
commended Bishop Fullerton, as he was qualify'd for the trust,
and in some respects entitled to it, being the senior Bishop of
those now alive. In a short time the Bishops mett and, with the
concurrence of the prysbyters of that diocess, made choice of
liim to be Bishop of Edinbiu'gh ; and to encourage him the more
cheerfully to undertake it, I engaged to gett a hundred pounds
sterling per annum settled upon him by a certain number of well
disposed persons, to enable him to bear the charges of living at
Edinburgh ; which was accordingly perform'd. 'Tho the King
should have been acquainted of this choice, and his approbation
obtained, yet because it was not ad\iseable to delay it, least the
clergy had split and divided, it was thought sutficient that his
trustees here did approve of it. However it was proper to com-
o
36 REGISTER OF LETTER?.
niunicate this step to tlic Kin<^, and to desire lie would write a
letter to the clergy, recommendino- vinity amongst themselves and
obedience to their superiours, particularly to Bishop Fullerton,
who was appointed Prime of tlie College of Bishops as aa ell as
Bishop of Edinl)\n'gh ; and accordingly I wrote the following-
letter on this subject and that of the trustees :
" 25 April, 1720.
" Sir — Since my last to you I have seen almost all those peo-
ple mention'd in your last letter to me, and to those few I did not
see, I writt an account of your sentiments and resolutions. All
of them highly approve the measure, and will cheirfully perform
what is required of them ; but in regard there is not an imme-
diate occasion for them to act, they think it jiroper to conceal
the measure, unlill the propalcing of it may be of use, least in
the interim some people being inform'd therof, and finding them-
selves not included, might perhaps be somewhat disgusted and
doe a world of mischeif. This they desired me to communicate
to you ; but the cheif reason of my troubling you at this time is
the state of the Church.
" You are not a stranger to the great honour and reputation
the Scots episcopal! clergy have justly gaind by their unshaken
constancy and uninterrupted unity, from the commencement of
their misfortunes to this time, and that the same may be in a great
measure imputed to the prudent conduct of the late Bishop of
Edinburgh. Now that he is dead, and no other of the old bishops
alive, the care of the Church does naturally fall to those who of
late years have, for the preserving of the succession, been con-
secrated bishops, of whicii there are six now extant, and of these,
Mr. Fullerton is the senior bishop ; and consequently it seems
reasonable that lie should have the preference and be appointed
to act the part of the late Bishop of Edinburgh, to whom all the
other bisliops and the clergy, after the death of the Archbisliop
of St. Aiuhcvvs, gave due obedience. And indeed it is very lucky
UEGISTEU OF LETTERS. 37
that matters stand thus, for it is a question if any of tlic other
bishops are so well qualifyd to discharge tliat trust ; but as he lias
not the advantage (as had tlie late Bishop of Edinburgh, by
being virtute officii vicar general during the vacancie of the sea
of St. Andrews) of any tittle to support his authority, it is thought
tliis defect may be supplyd by a letter from you (to be communi-
cated with all prudence and discretion to the clergy) intimating
that as their unity and the regard they shewed to the late Bishop
of Edinburgh did prove much for their honour and interest, you
recommend to them the like conduct for the future, and particu-
larly seeing Mr. FuUerton is the senior bishop and a person of
known abilities and merit, that they would have regard to his
opinion in all matters relating to the Church. This is the opinion
of the Lord Balmerino, Lord Dun, and several others that look
after your affairs, and it is by their express direction that I lay
this proposal befor you, that if it is approved by you, you'l be
pleased to transmitt such a letter to me as soon as possible, least
difficulties arise and inconveniences happen ; especially seeing
wee liear that Mr. Archibald Campbell (who, 'tho adorn'd with
none of these qualifications requisite in a bishop, and remarkable
- for some things inconsistant >vith the character of a gentleman,
was most imprudently consecrated some years agoe) is coming-
here from London, m ith a view of forming a party and propa-
gating these doctrines which were at least unseasonably broached
some few .years agoe in England. As both clergy and laytie
have a gi'eat regard for Bishop FuUerton and contempt of the
other, it is probable he will make few proselyts ; however it is
still fitt to provyde against the worst, and leave nothing undone
to prevent a breach which would be attended Avitli bad conse-
quences with respect to both Crown and Mitre. If you ap-
prove of what is here proposed, give me leave to sugest that it
will be proper you signify your inclination that he should be
added to the number of those you have appointed to inspect your
38 nEGisTEn of letters.
affairs ; and, for certain reasons, I could wish the Earl of Dal-
housie was hkcwyse added ; he is a person of great honour and
inlegrity, and the fittest perhaps in this part of the country to be
at the head of an army, liaving* been bred a souldier from his in-
fancy, and a man of undoubted courage and resohition. Bishop
FuUerton is come to town, and wee think it will be necessary
that hence forwards he reside constantly there ; but as it is un-
reasonable he should be at so great a charge in serving the
publick, 'tho he has a handsome Httie estate of his own, a certain
number of people have resolved to contribute avniually such a
sum as will sufficiently enable him to support his character, and
make up the odds of his living retiredly at home and publickly
at Edinburgh. I am
" Yours &cr
The King, as was proposed to him, (juickly sent a letter to
Bishop FuUerton as follows :
" Albano, June l'2tli, 1720.
" The perfect knowledge I have, and the great sense 1 retain
of the worth and loyallty of the Scots episcoj)al clergy, makes
me at all times desireous to provyde as much as in me lies for what-
ever may conduce to their honour and oin* mutuall advantage.
It was these sentiments that made me reorate the more sen-
sibly the loss of the late Bishop of Edinburgh, who, besides his
personal singular merit, had for so many years, with an indefa-
ticable zeal and apjilication, both by his authority and example,
entertainVl and supported among the clergy that union and at-
tachement to my just cause which cannot but recommend them
to all honest men, and much conduce both to their and my in-
terest. I am sensible it is not easie to repare the great loss wee
have made of him ; and on t'other hand I think it absolutly ne-
cessary for our mutuall advantfige that some one person shoukl
in some measure fill his ])lace, by Ibhowing his example towards
the clergy, and rccei\ing from them that tleference and regard
HEGISTER OF LETTERS. 39
which t'other did. I know none so equall to such a trust and
charge as yourself, and therfor I hope you will not grudge un-
dertaking the trouble of it ; and considering that our present
circumstances render it impracticable to comply with certain
forms, I am persuaded that my expressing here how much I desire
that tile Scots clergy should shew you the same respect and de-
ference that they did to tiie Bishop of Edinburgh, will be suffi-
cient to make them concurr with you in all matters which may
tend to our mutuall advantage. I desire you will conununicate
this when convenient and needful! ; and when those concern'd
see the regard I have for the Church of Scotland, and the sense
I have of their particular loyalty, I doubt not of their ready com-
plyance to what I propose only for the common good. You will
sufficiently find by this the confidence and esteem I have for you;
I doe not fear being disappointed, and all I have in particular to
recommend to you is, the preacliing of union and charity both
to clergy and layty, since it is that alone that can with God's
blessing make us see an end of our misfortunes : both while they
last, and after it may please God to put a period to tliem, the
vvellfare of the Scots clergy I shall ever have at heart, as I shall
at all times be desireous of shewing you the deep sense I have of
your personal! merit, and attacthement to me and my just cause."
I delivered the above letter to Bishop Fullerton, it being in-
closed to me within the following letter* from the King, of the
same date with the other.
" I received yours of the 25th April some days agoe, and you
will see by the inclosed letter how much I approve of the pro-
posal you made me in the name of tlie Lord Balmerino, Lord Dun,
and several more of those who look after my affairs. My letter
on that subject is so full that I need not enlarge upon it here ; I
hope it will give satisfaction, and if it takes effect, I am sure it
* Received July 18, 1720.
40 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
will be of advantage. It is my intention that Bishop Fullerton
should be added to the number of those to >vhose care my affairs
>\ ith you are more particularly recommended. This step I think
both necessary and unavoidable, and I desire that you will com-
municate it to him, since I could not mention this particular in
my letter to himself, -which will be shewn to so many persons.
It was what I think no more than prudence required, to conceal
at this time the coaiidence I placed of late in some of your hands ;
and the same reasons which hiuder'd vour publishing that com-
mission makes me tliiidi it not ad\ iseable at this time to add any
new person to it ; but this need not hinder you from saying all
that is kind in my name to the Earl of Dalhousie, nor from con-
sulting liira in my affairs as occasion offers, with which he must
be satisfy'd that it is particular reasons, and not want of confi-
deiice in him, which hinders my adding his name to the rest. I
shall take it extreanily kindly of those who will enable Bishop
Fullerton to support the expence his new character must putt him
to, and which I would let no body doe but my self, did my pre-
sent circumstances allow of my so doing.
" I have now answered all the particulars of your letter, and
was extream glad to find by it that some general directions I had
lately sent had been approved of and were acceptable to the
persons concern'd ; but it would appear to me that some letter of
yours must have miscarried, for 1 received no other letter from
you but that of the 25th of April since you received mine,
which related to the particular directions above mention'd. Wee
are come here into the country for a few weeks, and the Queen
continues very well with her big belly ; which is all I shall say
here, having nothing to add to a long letter I lately writ to
Straiton. In whatever form you write to me, your letters will
alwyse be agreeable ; I heartily wish you good health, and desire
you may make my kind compliments to all friends with you.
You may be alwyse assurd of my particular kintlness."
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 41
Within this letter (writt by his secretary and sigu'd by himself)
■was a little notte, under the King's own hand, seald up in these
words — " I am very impatient to have yoin- answer to wiiat I
wrote about Argyle ; this would seem a proper juncture to press
him closs on a certain point, and if he understood things right,
he would be easicly convinced that he would find his account in
befi-iending me."
Some little time after Bishop Fullerton was elected Prime and
appointed to reside at Edinburgh, the College of Bishops sent an
humble address to the King with an account of their proceedings,
to which they had the following return :
" Rome, July 2d, 1720.
" Wee received with particular pleasure the first assurances
you gave us of your loyalty, and of your aflection to our person
and family, by your address of the 5th of May. Wee have the
deepest sense of the sufferings that the bishops and clergy of the
Church of Scotland have undergone at all times for their firm
adherence to our fiimilv, and will not fail to o-ive them the
strongest marks of our protection, gratitude, and esteem, when
it shall please God to putt us in possession of our kingdoms. It
is a satisfaction to us to know that the bishops who survived the
unhappy revolution in our kingdoms, have promotted persons of
your characters to their order ; and since the circumstances of
past times have not permitted certain formes to be observed, wee
think it proper hereby to approve of your promotion, in so far
as our authority is necessary to it by the laws and constitution
of that our ancient kingdom : but as to such future promotions
as may be thought necessary for the preservation of your order,
wee think it equally for our service, and that of your Cluu'ch, that
notwithstanding our present distance from you, you should pro-
pose to us such persons as you may think most worthy to be raised
to that dignity. Wee shall, you may be assured, have all possible
regard for your opinion in such cases, and ever be willing* to give
VOL. II. G
43 REGISTER OP LETTERS.
you marks of our favour and protection, and of our particular
esteem for your persons."
■' The Dutches of Pertli having carried off her sons to France,
so soon as she heard of the Duke their fathers death, I was desired
by the friends of the family, and directed by some of the trustees,
to write to Mr. Murray on that subject as follows :
" August 2d, 1720.
" Sir — Yours came safe to my hands some days ag-oe ; as I need
not tell you with what satisfaction I heard of my old friend's
being- well, neither need I insist on the pleasure that the King's
freinds received from peruseing his letter to them, seeing it not
only contain'd a good account of himself and his family, but
likewyse some reasons to hope his affairs were on the mending
hand, which in truth is as much wanted as earnestly desired.
The troubles and crosses he meets with, are what he hath been
too much accustomed to, and the natiual consequences of having
to deal with a sett of men whom no rules of honour or bonds of
society can bind. However, as I will never doubt but sooner or
latter, Providence will favoiu' him, in all events my poor ende-
vours shall never be wanting to doe him all the service I am ca-
pable of, and I know nothing can contribute more towards re-
dressing his injuries, than a good understanding amongst all who
are on his interest ; and I never will be persuaded that he who's
directed by the smallest selfish view in the present state of affairs,
can have the least title to be reputed an honest or loyall man,
and therfor I must own that the accounts he gave of the harmony
amongst his servants was extreamly agreeable to me, and gives
great encouragement to all his friends, and the conlimiing therof
should be recommended as the umim necessarmm.
" The Kings affairs here at present afford very little for the
subject of an epistle, matters being at a stand, and people waiting
to see what arises from the present state of Europe. As for Jiri-
tain, tis plain there must be some very extraordinary turn, for.
REGISTER OF LETTERg. 43
as r take it, the Constitution is Avholly subverted, the whole
power being' now lodged in the hands of the South-Sea Company,
which is noM' become absolute masters of all the money, and
have established such an interest, that King Lords and Commons
joyntly or separatly are meer names. Many (and those for the
most part little scrub fellows) are said to have made vast estates;
but for my part I cannot see thro it ; tis like a meditation on
eternity, that appears the more incomprehensible the more nar-
rowly it is canvass'd. One thing is plain, the Company has no
fund to pay at the rate of half a crown interest on the 100 pounds,
as the stock is now sold at, nor is there, I beleive, as much
species in Europe as what the stock is now screw'd up to ; so that
how these new rich men will draw their eftects, is more than I
can see through, unless, as is talked and too probable, an act
pass next parliament obliging the South-Sea bills to pass as
specie ; and Avhat confusion this in the event will occasion is very
obvious. So that I doe conclude this stupenduous structure will
terminate in some very extraordinary event, which at present
noe man can foretell, only in so far that it may come to have a
quite contrary efi'ect from what is design'd by it.
" Wee've now reason to think that the ensuing will be the last
session of this Parliament, and all hands are already at work
against the elections ; but I dont hear of any of the King's friends
that resolve to concern themselves in the matter, so that tlie
squable in Scotland will lye betwixt the Squadrone and Argyle.
I had the honour of a visit the other day from the latter, and a
long conversation with liim, which may probably pave the way
to talk more freely on other subjects ere long".
" Those to whom the King has committed the inspection of
his affairs, are extreamly glad he approves the method they take,
and which they are resolved to follow out till an alteration will
be of use in his affairs. Ther's one thing however I am directed
G 3
44 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
to represent to you by some of them on whose judgement and
experience in bussiness, as well as affection and zeal to the King
ther's sufficient ground to rely, which is with respect to the pre-
sent Dvike of Perth. The concern which the King expresses for
the loss of his worthy father, gives them reason to hope he will
more readily harkcn to what is so necessary for the preservation
of his family. To proceed then to the matter ; I suppose you
know that about the very instant that the news of the father's
death reach'd this, the mother went off" in a ship with her son,
without communicating her design to any of his relations, and
is now with him in France, and this step is like to prove very
prejudiciall both to the King and to that family. To the first, as
it gives a handle to the Whigs to make a terrible outcry, that
here is the heir of a noble family carryd off' from his friends, and
what may they not expect and dread from the Papists, were the
King on the throne, when they presume to act after such a man-
ner in tjie present situation of tlieir affairs. As to the family,
it will in all probability prove its utter ruin, for whilst matters
stand thus, the valuable Logic will not take on him to act as
tutor in law ; and ther's ground to beleive the Exchequer will
pvitt it into the hands of a parcell of relations (such as Roxbur-
row, &c,) who having other both particular and general views,
will act in a manner that must have fatal consequences with
respect to the heir and the clan. Besides, tis but too certain that
they'r already beginning to whisper of Lundie's title as next ])ro-
testant heir, and in all probability will, in due time, take the
advantage of the law relative Iherto. The relations therfor of
the family, and several of the King's trustees are, on these ac-
counts, humbly of opinion, that the King could not doe a more
popular action than to interest himself in this matter, and, by his
interposition, prevail with those of the child's relations as are at
Paris to send him back to Logic ; and t'is beleived they will not
REGISTER OF LETTERS, 46
dare oppose or counteract tlie King's inclinations in the matter.
At first view it mav seem hard to desire and unreasonable to ex-
pect the King- shoidd act such a part, seeing-, no doubt, religion
Avill be the pretence to justify what has been done, Bui, with
submission, it may be putt on another bottom ; for here is a child
Qhe custody of whom, by the present laws, belongs to another,
who alone, by his acting, is capable to preserve the family) taken
or rather stolen away by his mother, who, wilhoi\t respect to
religion, has no right or claim to the disposeing of his person ;
so that the restoreing him to his tutor is no more than what is
agreeable to the municipal laws of the land with respect to his
civill interest. And as he is yong, he has time enough to think
of choicing or at least dcclarcing his religion ; wheras if he
continue where he is, all the advantages that can possibly arise
to his unnatural relations will be taken, and perhaps a sequestra-
tion follow, which, were he at home, could not be demanded and
obtain'd till he be 15 years old ; and what may happen betwixt
this and then, he's wiser than I that can tell. A great deal more
than I have urged will occurr to you on considering the natural
consequences of such an affair, and therfor 'tis reconmiended
to you to lay it befor His Majestie. One thing I may affirm, that
as the favour shewn to his protestant subjects, at Mr. Packing-
tons interrinent, was very agreeable to all his friends, and did
him good service with the Church party in England, his inter-
poseing and obtaining a just redress in this matter would be duely
improven, and tend much to his advantage.
" I have little more to add, but that wee long impatiently to
hear of the Queen's delivery. Your frequently remember'd when
your friends can meet togither. Bishop Fullerton is not yet come
to reside in toun, but I expect him in a few weeks, and then
I'll putt into his hands the King's letter, which can't fail to have
the design'd good effects. I have no more to say to my good old
friend but that I am entirely his."
46 UEGISTEU OF LETTERS.
From Mr. Murray I golt this return * :
" September 20th, 17M-
" Sir — I received yours a few days agoe, of the 2d of August,
wliich was most agreeable to me, as every instance of your
friendship and remembrance will alwyse be. The King is very
well, and desires to be remember'd kindly to you and his other
friends. Nothing can be more agreeable to him than a good
understanding amongst his friends where you are, and he relys
\ipon you as one who will use all friendly offices in order to it.
Such of them as are here, I must say, agree as well as can be
expected, 'tho I beleive, in the present situation of affairs, the
King almost despairs of seeing all of them long pleased with
any one he shall entrust more immediatly with his affairs ; which
disposition is less or more incident to mankind in general, but
more particularly to people in their circumstances. I need not
say any more at present of this matter, because he is to write
himself in a little time upon it, and to inform his friends of the
measures that the necessity of his affairs will oblige him to take
in that respect. As a friend of mine, I cannot hinder myself
from letting you know that I have reason to hope they will be
such as ^\ill no ways tend to my dishonour, and will extreamly
contribute to my repose ; and 1 hope the concern you'r so good
to have in what regards your old friend and servant, will make
you share in this and every other thing which happens to his sa-
tisfaction.
" I have read your letter to the King, who, you may beleive,
gave particular attention to that part of it which relates to the
Duke of Perth. I shall state to you what has past as to this af-
fair, and then I will leave it to you to judge, whither the King
has not all along acted the most prudent and reasonable part in
that matter. The Dutches carried her son to France upon orders
* Received December 8, 1720.
UEGISTEll OP LETTERS. 47
she received from the late Duke Avhilst he was in Italy, which
were renew'd by him from Spain. Upon her arri\all at Paris
she wrote a letter to the King- informing- him of tlie steps
she had made, and tliat it was in order to educate him in the
inclinations of his father as to King and religion. The King
returned her a civill answer, thanking- her kindly for her
good endevours as to the first, but did not say one word to ap-
prove of her intentions as to the second. Some time after, he
was again writt to, upon an apprehension that King George
might, at the desire of the Duke of Roxburrow, take measures
to force the vong Duke back, and was entreated to use liis en-
devours in France to prevent it ; and 'tho, upon this representa-
tion, there appeard a danger of his yong friend's falling- into the
hands the most disagreeable to him in the world, yet so care-
full was he not to medle in any thing which concern'd the re-
ligion of one of his friends, or which might indirectly approve
of what the Dutchess has done, that he declin'd medling in the
matter. Now, Sir, pray consider what can the King- doe on
-t'other hand, if it were reasonable for him to interpose now in
an atiair of which he has hitlierto keept himself clear upon so
p-ood reasons. The Dutchess is now in Scotland, and in her ab-
sence you may beleive no body at Paris can doe any thing, and
if he should write to her, it would only procure an answer that
her conscience was concern'd in that matter, to which you know
he could make no reply ; so that from any measure of this kind
he could not propose to be able to answer the intentions of the
Duke's friends, and would break a rule he has established to
him self, never to medle in what concerns the religion of any of
his friends. He is concern'd to find from the account you give
of this affair that the family is like to suffer, and would doe with
particular pleasure any thing in his power to prevent it. He
hopes the Dutchess will, upon the application of the friends of
the family, doe wliat is reasonable upon this occasion ; but if she
48 REGISTER OF LETTEIrS.
should not, il is liard the Duke should suffer by his friends being
disobhg-ed at tlie behaviour of a woman. He is peifectly well
acquainted with the merit and worthy character of our ■♦alueable
friend Logic, and lie hopes, beside the tye of friendship and re-
lation to the late Duke, it may be a strong motive with hiin to
doe what he can for the present g-ood of the vong Duke, when
you tell him that he cannot possiblv by any instance add more to
the obligations the King has already to him. You'l be pleased
to assure the Duke's friends of my earnest desire to have served
him and them upon this occasion, and of the King's being ready
to have done every thing that was proper on his part ; but con-
sidering the state of this affair, he hopes both you and they will
be of opinion that it is not a thing he could have medled in very
fittly, and that if he had interposed in it, there was no reasonable
prospect of his being able to gratify the desire of the Dukes
friends.
*' I have address'd this according to your directions, which was
most reasonable, and shall continue to doe so, with what other
I may have occasi(jn to write to you ; after which I cannot but
recorinnend it to you to be well with Captain Straiton, for you
know he is an honest man, and in such, small infirmities are to be
overlookt. All goes extreamly well as to the Queen, but there
,has been a considerable mistake, in so nuich that upon a consul-
tation held a few days agoe, it seems almost certain that she will
not be brought to bed befor the letter end of November at soonest.
However, a delay of two months is not material in a matter of
that kind. I beg the favour of you to rcmendjer me to all friends,
and to be persuaded with what esteem and respect I am &c."
Upon the 22d of December 1720, and the 20th of January
1721, I wrote two letters to Mr. Murray, wherof (having only
reserv'd the heads and not compleat coppvs^ I here insert the
substance. — I accpiainted him that the divisions and animosities
amongst the King's servants abroad gave great pleasure and di^
REGISTER OF LETTERS. ■ 49
version to his and their enemies, and occasion 'd much greif to
his friends here ; tliat 'tlio they had no regard to their Kin<j; and
comilrvs service, their own interest seem to require they should
live in a friendly manner, for people here began to imagine that
such ruptures must proceed from the want of either good sense
and prudence or true lovalty and zeal for their Master, and en-
tertain'd a very bad opinion of all who contributed to measures
so pernicious to the King and his faithful! subjects ; and therfor
I recommended above all things, that a strick friendship and good
correspondence might be established amongst the loyal party at
home and abroad, without which, people would have small en-
couragement to engage with any toUerable view of success in
the King's affairs.
I told him that I had communicated his last letter to the Duke
of Perth's friends, who were extreamly well satisfyd with the
part which the King had acted, and desired me to return their
most humble and dutifull thanks for the great honour he had
done that family in the concern he had expresst for it.
And wheras the King had not long agoe named Mr. Freebaini
to be a bishop, and directed that he should be consecrated, I ac-
quainted Mr. Murray that I found this step was not agreeable
to, and approved of by the clergy, both on account of the per-
son named and the manner of doing it ; that 'tho he was not
under anv bad character, they did not think him adorn'd with
those qualifications of learning, good sense, and the like, so ne-
cessary in one of that station, and that he was in no reputation
amongst his brethren, or the layty of his communion ; that as
the King at the distance he was, and from the little knowledge
and experience he had of private mens character and circum-
stances, could not judge thorowly so as to be sure of making a
right choice, it was hoped that befor he proceeded to a nomina-
tion, he would have consulted w ith the Bishops ; that as this me-
thod would prevent his making a bad choice, it would endear
VOL. II. n
50 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
liim much to tlie clcrg-v, and bo atlcndcd with this further l^cne-
fit, that it would prevent his licino- soUciied and obliged perhaps
to e;ivc denyalls, for were it known that he made no such pro-
motions but by the advice and approbation of the Bishops, people
would apply to them befor they presum'd to teaze him with soli-
citations. Aud therfor I recommended to Mr. Murray to lay this
befor the King, adding wilhall that he himself was so mucli the
more bound to doe so, in regard he was generally blam'^d for
having advised the King to this step.
Antony Osbiu'n, an old acquaintance of Mr. Murray's and
mine, was lately come to Scotland ; this gentleman was formerly
an ensign in Orkneys regiment, but becoming very infirm and
valetudinary, he left the service about some twenty years agoe,
and lived closs at London ; he had no visible means of subsistance,
yet after he I'ecover'd his health, he lived and spent at a consider-
able rate, 'tho no body covdd imagine how or from Avhence he
was supplyd : he pretended and was beleived to be very well af-
fected to the King, and keept much in company with the Tories,
wherby I became well acquainted with him : he wanted not parts
^nor a good share of assurance and cuning, and I never heard of
any fvn-lher connnunication with him, than whatpasstin common
conversation with him, aud toasting loyall healths over a bottle.
About a year or two befor tho Queen's death, liis means of sub-
sistance seem'd to fail him, for he was thrown into prison for debt,
and remain'd there till she dyed, Avhen all of a sudden he appear'd
every day at St. James's. About the time of rny writing to Mr.
Murray, he came to Edinbvu'gh, well equipt in cloaths, servants,
and horses, and Ins pockets were full of money ; lie took jiains
to gett acquainted with the King's friends, and dealt much witli
those of yonger years, to whom he pretended much zeal and
great trust in the management of the King's affairs, was fond
and inquisitive to know what was doing or could be done for
him in Scotland, exhorted people to exert themselves for him,
UEGISTEU OF LETTEns. 51
and assured them of assistance. As soon as I understood that
such was his behaviour at Edinburgh, 1 desired my friends to be
upon their guard, and I gave liim an oporlunity to open his pack
to me ; he keept much on generals for a long time, at length he
told me, he was much trusted by the King's friends in England,
particularly those who dej)ended upon and keept a correspondence
in England, witli the Duke of Ormond, and he Avould answer
for it, that wee should have 1 or 200000 pounds if that would
enable us to make an attempt for the King in Scotland. 1 took
him up very smartly, telling him I belcived he wislit the King
very well, but I could not understand how he came to be lett so
much into the secret, that he knew I knew him too well to credit
him, and I admir'd how he imagin'd such storys would pass with
me, without shewing some credentials, and therfor I advised him
to leave this place ; for whatever his intentions were, I could as-
sure him he would find himself disappointed : and indeed he took
my advice, for not long after he went off to England, and what
became of him afterwards I know not ; but as his story was very
suspicious, I jvidged it proper to let Mr. Murray know of it, that
the King might be on his guard, if he carried on any bad de-
signs, and applyd to him or any about him : and I represented to
Mr. Murray that as secrecy in all the Kings affairs Avas of the
utmost importance, especially such as came thro the canal of his
trustees, I desired such orders as should be transmitted to me
might come directly to my self, and not thro Captain Straitons
Iiands, because he was much faild of late and not so closs as
formerly and is still necessary, and that I observed he was jealous
and not well pleased that any person but himself was appointed
to correspond directly with the King.
In my second letter to Mr. Murray I told him I was inform'd
by a good hand from Paris, that Seaforth, Tullibarden, and Pen-
nuire, having gott nottice of the powers granted by the King to
II 2
52 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
his trustees, were mucli displeased, and challenged Mar upon it;
that His Grace dcnyd having any hand in it, atfirniing it Mas a
measure Avhicli came originally from me, was pro])osed, in his
absence, to the King by my son at Rome, and supported ]jy him
(Mr. Murray). I told him I had therupon writt a letter to a
friend, who I knew would shew it to those noble Lords, whcrin,
after mentioning what I had heard of this aflair, I said that
people here were much surprized at the part the Kings subjects
acted abroad; that it was not enough that they must quarrell
with one another, but even take upon them to judge of the
King's measures, and approve or condemn as they listed ; that
as for the measure they complain'd of, I own'd tlie part I acted
in it, and if they would allow themselves to reflect, they could
not but approve of it ; but be that as it \\ ill, the King's pleasure
was enough to justify it, and should be accpiiesced in by all who
profess themselves his subjects, wheras repining and snarling at
such steps as he thought fitt to take, lookt somewhat too selfish
and assuming, and could not fail to give very odd impressions
of them, whatever their professions or even actions and suflerings
had been on former occasions.
I proceeded then to tell Mr. Murray that I was directed by se-
veral of the trustees, whom I named, to desire that he would
entreat the King, from them, to make no bones of laying any
number or all of them aside and supplying their rooms with
others, if so be he perceived he could therby gratify those who
were capable and willing to serve him, but were dissatisfy'd that
others were preferr'd to them by the King, and they A\ould, by
their respect and obe<lience to what ever persons the King em-
ploy'd, make it appear that as they had no design in accepting
the honour he conferr'd upon them, but to doe him service, they
were as ready to be directed as to give directions in the King's
affairs ; but at the same time, if it was His Majesties pleasure to
ttEGISTEIl OF LETTEnS'. 53
continue liis confidence in them, they would not decline liis ser-
vice from any hazard they might be exposed to from liis enemies,
nor the malice or envy of their own party.
To these two letters I had the following- returns from the King
himself:
" Miirch 4th, 1721.*
" It was some time since, that I received yours of the 22d of
December to Miu'ray, and as it required no speedy answer, and
that I have nothing material to inform you of, I did not press my
self in making a speedy return to it.
" Murray left this place some weeks agoe, and I think you doe
him but justice, in the good opinion you seem to have of him,
as you doe it to your self by your imparliall and just way of
thinking in some matters.
" I hope I shall soon be able to appoint a secretary to succeed
Mar, but on whosoever the choice falls, I can assure you, I my
self shall be the best friend your country can have.
" I am very glad Perth's friends are satisfied with my way of
proceeding with relation to him. I have only in view the good
of a deserving family, and shall alwyse take it kindly of any who
contribute to it.
" I thank you very kindly for the light you gave me in relation
to the Scots bishops. There Avill be no occasion in haste of doing
any thing in that respect, but it is my intention in those matters
alwyse to act in concert w ith the bishops on the place, by which
all inconveniencies will be avoided.
" I see with concern that Scotland had a share in the common
calamity as to money matters, in which I am very glad to find
you had none.
" As to what you mention in relation to Mr. Osburn, it is fitt
you should know there is no such person employ'd by me, and I
* ReceivedJune 12, 1721.
54 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
am pritty sure he is not by Ormond. So that the knowledge you
have of that person's cliaracter and proceedings in Scotland can
only determine you as to the conduct which ought to be kept
with him.
" A little Jealousie in an old man is pardonable, and if that
shovdd be the case of Straiton, you'l be much to be commended
in bearing with it ; for there is no evill so great as any animosity
or disunion amongst my friends> and I am persuaded that Straiton
is too I'easonable to take any umbrage at our private correspon-
dence ; for I must have to doe with all sorts of people, and make
use of all canals which may contribute to the good of my service.
I send this to Straiton, having no other way of addressing to you,
but if you'l send me a private address I shall make use of it,
" 1 am glad yoiu' son is come back safe to you : you have
certainly reason to be well satisfyd with him, and he has but to
continue to follow your example to make me so too. Pray say
all that is kind to him in my name ; it will be a satisfaction to
me to hear from you, when your conveniencie can allow it, for I
have all the regard imaginable for your advice and opinion, and
all the esteem and kindness for you, which you so justly deserve."
" Marcli 15th, 1721.*
" Yours of the 20th of January to Murray was communicated
to me, and I thank you for the account you gave me of a private
family concern, of which I had heard nothing before ; such ac-
counts of what comes to your knowledge will alwyse be proper
and convenient, but neither you nor any other concern'd need
be under the least uneasiness upon the particular you mention.
There are alwyse bussie people, who, out of an itch to medle iu
bussiness, will be writing, and, may be, often commenting on
what they hear, and which is frequently said without much view
or reflection, and therlbr the less people with you nottice such
* ReceivedJune 7, 1721.
nECrSTER OF LETTERS. 55
informations may be the better, fiuthcr than to commiuiicate
them to me, and to make proper use of such lights on occasions.
However, I am far from disa])proving- Avhat you took care shonld
be communicated to Seaforlh &c. on tins subject, and there is no
doubt that it would be nuich the better for the common cause if
all concerned had your disinterested way of thinking, and if they
attended more to its reall and solid advantage than to little per-
sonal views, 'Iho I am apt to beleive in this particular, there has
been more made of it, than it deserves. Pray assure my friends
whom you mention to me on this occasion, how sensible I am of
tlie message they sent me by your canal, and how much it in-
creases the good opinion I have of them ; for as to the measures
you heard liad been found fault with, I doe not see any reason
to change them, for I think they were taken on good grounds.
" I doe not in the least doubt of the satisfaction my friends
with you received on my late good fortime, which was the more
pleasing to me, that I hope sooner or latter they may feel the
good efl'ects of it.
" I hope this will come safe to you under James Cummings
cover, to whom I will continue to address to you, and if you send
your letters to me to William Dundass in Holland, directed to
James Kelly, they will come safe to my hand. My family con-
tinues very well, which is all I have to say to you at present, it
being but about a week since I wrote to you. I am and ever
shall be &c."
I quickly communicated the contents of these letters to the
trustees, who Avere highly pleased with the honour of being so
much in the King's esteem. I also acquainted the Bishops, of
that paragraph in the first letter which related to the Church, and
they were ass well pleased with the resolution the King had
taken ; and this part of the letter was afterw ards of good use,
when some difficultys occurr'd in consecrating Mr. Freebairn, in
which the King seem'd very earnest, and took ill that it was so
56 UEGISTER OF LETTERS.
long delayd. In the first letter was inclosed another designVl for
the pnblick, that is, for the King's friends in general. I caused
make coppys therof and dispersed them over all the country, a
coppy whcrof is hereto subjoyn'd.
" March 4tli, 1721.
" The increase of my family Avill, I am sure, have been agree-
able news to you, and I thank God they continue all in very
good health ; I wish I had as comfortable an account to send you
as to other matters, for the present situation of Europe is such,
that it is not possible to form as yet any solid judgement of mat-
ters ; I have many great and true friends both in France and
Spain, and as soon as it shall be possible for these nations to
think of forreign affairs, there is all the reason to hope that one
or t'other, if not both, will find it their oun interest to befriend
me, and in the mean time all means are useing to make such
friends effectually useful! on a proper Juncture. It is a melan-
choly thing to be alvvyse preaching patience, but I hope a very
little more will serve, for it is not possible that affiiirs can long-
remain in the violent situation they are in, and it is not, I think»
flattering ones self to beleive they will soon change for the better'
Avhich is all I can say on these matters, and pray communicate as
much to my friends with you, with many kind compliments in
my name."
In the year a bill was moved and past the House of Lordsj
well known by the name of the Peerage Bill ; the purport was
to restrain the Soveraign from cxerceing the unlimited poAver of
creating Peers of Great Britain or Lords of Parliament, and to
suppress the representation of the Scots Peerage by sixteen elected
by themselves, insteed wherof 25 Scots Peers (such as the Crown
befor the dissolution of that Parliament siiould nominate) Avere
to be Aested with an hereditary right to them and their heirs to
sit in Parliament. It cannot but seem strange the CroAVU ever
consented to such a measure, seeing this restraint Avas a very
nEGISTER OP LETTERS. 57
nollable diminulion of Ihe prerogative, and the electioni of six-
teen Peers from Scotland sccni'd to be the only article of the
Union from Avhicli the Crown received any benefit, in regard the
Soverain had a fair, nay almost a certain lay to gett such sixteen
elected as lie recommended, and their election depending thus on
his favour, served as an aweband over them when elected, and
hindered them from kicking out and entering into measui'es dis-
agreeable to him ; and it appear'd to be as little the interest of
any Ministry or set of men in power, in so far as the restraining
the royal prerogative was a lessening of the means by which
they supported their interest against opposite factions.
For clearing of this matter wee must call to mind, that King-
George knew little or nothing of his own personal interest or
that of the Crown, and that he was entirely managed and di-
rected by the Earl of Sunderland, who, at the same time, was
powerfully supported by the favourite and predominant German
Ladys and Ministry ; that this rioble Lord (^and these his sup-
porters) was at open war with the Prince, who vowed and de-
clared war against him if ever he came to the Crown. And as
Sunderland made no dovdjt of being able to maintain his interest
at Court durina: Kino- George's life, he did not stand in need of
recruits in the House of Lords to carry on his designs ; and if the
Prince should survive his father, he reckon'd upon a great num-
ber, so as to make a majority in the House, of his personal friends
and such others as were in no better terms with the Prince than
himself; wherby he would be in a condition to make a stand, if
the then Soveraign was restrain'd from having it in his power to
strenthen his interest by reinforcements of new created Peers, and
was deprived of his trustee sixteen elected Scots Peers.
This bill mett with a vigurous opposition in the House of Com-
mons, and, to the great surprize and disappointment of the Mi-
nistry, was thrown out. The Tories opposed it as being an essen-
tiall alteration of the Constitution, by raiseing the power of the
VOL. n. .1
58 nEGISTER OP LETTERS.
present Peerage too far above the influence of t}ie Royall prer(!r-
gative, and as it was an open violation of the articles of the
Union, conclnding that if this bifl past, a precedent was laid
down foT snbverting all or any part of tbe parliamentary consti-
tution, and unhing-eing all or any of the articles of the Union ;
and lastly that it was an indignity to the Commons of Great
Britain, in so far as they were therby debarred from having such
honours conferred upon them as the Soveraigne thought they de-
served. The Prince again, being well enougb apprised that lie
was struck at by this scheme, engaged all his friends and layd
out money in forming a party against it, and so it was thrown
out by a great majority. The behaviom- of the sixteen Scots
Peers in concurring, nay zea!lously promotting a measure, which
tended directly to raise themselves (for they to be sure had all of
them assurance to be of the number of the elect) by striping their
constituents of their rights and priviledges, is not to be past by^
but always remembered to their infamy and disgrace.
At the time this affair was in agitation (because it was openly
tbld and certainly once design'd to renew the attempt in some
subsequent session of this Parliament, in so far as concern'd the
Scots Peerage, which they did not question of being able to
carry thorow) the King's friends in Scotland thouglrt it a rare
handle to spirit up the Peers and raise in them a just resentment
of the injustice and indignity design'd against them and their
familys. But it is scarce to be beleived what little impression it
made upon many, who, one would have imagin'd, should have
bad the highest resentment, but were so simple and mean spirited
as to credit and be cari'yd off by the promises of being named
amongst the number of the happy five and twenty, so as to ap-
prove at least not oppose the pernicious scandalous project. But,
on the other hand, such of the Peers as had the service of the King,
or their own and their family's interest at heart, resolved openly
to oppose it, and in order therto signd and sent up addresses to
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 59
llie two Houses of Parliament, asserting- their right, and craving to
be defended and supported iiv the exercise llierof ; and this spirit
continued for a consideral)le time, when at length, by the Marquis
of Annandale's death, they had an occasion to shew theu)selves.
Betwixt the time of this noble Lord's death and the issucing-
a writt to elect one ui his room, a whole session of Parliament
interveen'd, during which no means were omitted to form a parly
and raise a spirit of opposition to the Court, and the Torie and
other Lords who were against the Peerage Bill pitcht upon the
Earl of Aberdeen. The first considered him as a person well
disposed towards the King, and all of them as one of great ca-
pacity and knowledge, particularly in the laws and constitution
of the kingdom, and consequently most proper to oppose all
further attempts against their rights and priviledges. The Duke
of Argyle had of a long time affirm'd (very justly) that the
Squadrone had no great interest in Scotland if they were not
supported by the Court, and he proposed that he and they should
be left to themselves, and allow'd a fair tryall of their interest
and power at the approaching election, and therby make appear
which had most to say in Scotland. To this proposal the Mi-
nistry consented, and His Grace alt first endevourcd to have the
Duke of Douglas or Earl of Morton elected ; but perceiving
that the Squadrone, since they could not prevail in favours of
one of their own stamp, rather than one recommended by and at-
tached to him should be elected would vote for and therby carry
Aberdeen, thought the next best course was to try if he could
break and divide the Tories amongst themselves. The particulars
of which affair, and of a treaty soon after set on foot betwixt His
Grace and the Tories, being fully related in my following letter to
the King, I need not repeat the same but referr to the letter itself.
"June loth, 172j^
« Sir— I received yours of the 15th of March and in a few
days therafter another bearing date the 4th of the same. What
1 2
60 REGISTER OF LETTERS,
commands you laid on me I have executed ; and I can assure you
all your friends arc extreamly well satisfyd Avith your conduct,
and tliink themselves very happy and hig-hly indebted to you,
that you are pleased to take the affairs of Scotland under your
immediate care.
" I send this as you order to Mr. Dundass, and if you please
to address your letters to Mrs. Ann Mitchcl, vmder cover to Mr.
James Cumming, they'l be convy'd to me. I am master of
Straitons numcricall cypher, and will make some use therof in
this as well as the alphabelicall one by which our correspondence
has been of late.
" As your curiosity leads you to know what is a doing- here, I
beleive it will not be disagreeable to inform you of an affair that
has made some noise. After Aunaudale's death, great pains Avere
taken to spirit up the Peers, from a necessity of shewing a re-
sentment against the Peerage Bill and other obvious causes. The
Tories did resolve to set up Aberdeen, as one in whom they could
confide. Argyle finding he could not carry one of liis own de-
pendants, because tlie Squadrone would rather favour Alicrdecn
than any friend of his, thought the best way he could take was
to divide the Tories, and for that cud made choice of Egling-
ton, and he (^'tho in the main a very honest man, and without de-
signing to follow Argyle in Parliament) was unluckily prevaikl
with to accept of the invitation, by which means the Tories were
divided, and made not near so good a figure as they would othcr-
wyse have done and may alwyse doe, being more than able to
cast the ballance 1)ctwixt Argyle and the Squadrone, and therby
oblige some one of lliem to Jo) u in their measures at an election.
However, so many did stick togither as to doe the bussiness and
carry Aberdeen. The consequences to be dreaded of such a di-
vision were of more moment than tlic thing it self; but it soon
took a quite different turn, for next day after it was over, a par-
ticular friend of Argyle's came to me and told me he was much
REGISTER OF LETTERS. Gl
surprized to find the Tories, and particularly jny self, did preferr
one for >vhom the Squadrone votted, to one recommended by
Arg-yle. I answer'd that I alwyse preferr'd the general interest
to private \ lews, and I was sure no service was done to the Scpia-
drone, seeing* Aberdeen would hearliely oppose them and was
perhaps in Scotland tiie fittest man for it, ' But,' added I, ' if any
thing wrong is done it is Argyle's fault: Why^did he not offer terms
to the Tories r' He replyd that was an omission, but he wanted
to know if the Tories would yet accept of them. I answer'd I
could not tell positively, but I thought they should and beleived
they would ; and then he told me he was directed to ask the
question at nie, and desire I would negotiate it. This I readily
undertook, and have made such advances therin, that I beleive
if there be a new Parliament the Tories will have at least the
half of the 1 6 Peers, and Argyles assistance where Torie Com-
moners set up to be elected, seeing so far wee'r near agreed,
being \^'hat Argyle, as matters stand, must come into, or suc-
cumb to the Squadrone. I also insisted that matters should be
made easie to those who were persecuted for the King's sake, and
that Argyle should oppose the Peerage Bill, both which are ex-
pressly agreed to. If matters can be adjusted thus, it cannot, I
think, fail to have good consequences, especially seeing it paves
the way to make a further progress with Argyle in'higher mat-
ters, which I must own I have much at heart on many accounts.
In order to bring this scheme to answer, and to avoid all future
mistakes and divisions, a good number of the Peers have so-
lemnly engaged to stand by one another and in all matters sub-
mitt to the opinion of the majority. These Peers are all much
in your interest, and it is more than probable they'l soon prove
a formidable body, and be able to rouse up a spirit towards ac-
complishing matters of the greatest moment, in time ; and I was
particularly directed to acquaint you of this step, which its hoped
you will approve of. If the treaty with Argyle goes on, I believe
62 REGISTER OF LETTERS,
I shall be desired to g'oe soon to London to conclude it, which I
will not decline, and shall not fail to let you know the result.
" The Duke of Hamilton is lately come home, and I think re-
solved to stay, especially if there is any prospect of the Parliaments
being' dissolved, in which case lie may be of great use ; for the
truth on't is, since his father's death, your friends have sustain'd
a very great prejudice, by the want of one in an eminent station
to appear at their head and keep them togather, and for my part
I can see none so fitt for that work as His Grace, Tis true he's
yong and void of experience, but I am much mistaken if he is
not entirely honest and a zealous friend to your interest, and it is
obvious he wants neither spirit nor capacity. Some of his father's
old friends have spoke very freely to him, and given, him their
best advice; and as he promises, and I hope will follow the same,
I am fully persuaded he will make a great figure. But after all,
'tis necessary I acquaint you that wee find great difficultys in re-
conciling the different humours of some persons with respect both
to the necessary concert, and giving the encouragement that is
proper to Hamilton, which I jiresume proceeds from envy and
old family piccpies, 'tho these I hope will be removed in time, and
give way to the publick interest. However, in order tlierto sonie
of your friends are of opinion it would be of great service to the
conunon cause, if you writ a letter reconnneuding unanimity
amongst the Tories (which might take its rise from your being
inform'd of the late division in the matter of the election) and at
the same time another letter to the Duke to encourage him in
your service, in whicli case it is submitted to you, how far you
would think it proper to add him to the number of your trustees,
which I know he'll be fond of. If you approve of this, you'l be
pleased to signify your orders Iherin to me in a letter by it self
(because all the papers relating thcrto are in my custody) whicb
I shall communicate to the Duke, and likwyse deliver the letter
to him, if you sepd it by my canal. And here give me leave to
REGTSTFR OF LETTERS. ^
add, thai some are likwyse of opinion you sho\ild srcnifv in a
letter to yam' trustees, or in one to me to be comnnnncated to
them, that as you are well satisfyd of the Duke's good intentions,
you desire that they Avould gi\ e him all due encouragement, and
support him in his endevours to advance your service. This,
wee think, N^ould gi\e him a right to interpose with more autho-
rity, where differences arise, and at the same time give no just
ground for others to think he assumes too much. 1 have taken
the liberty to express the terms in which such a message should
"be sent, Ijecause their's hazard in saying too much or too little.
" And now, Avhilst I am on this subject, allow me to mention
Tom Bruce, who lately, by his brother's death, is become Earl
of Kincardine, whom in justice to your service and his merit I
cannot pass by. This gentlemans zeal and sufferings for your
interest is well known, and as I have been intimatly acquainted
and corresponded with him these many years, I can bear testi-
monie in a particular manner to his indefatigable zeal, this last
"year, in forming that unanimit}^ wliich is so necessary fof your
service ; and as he is very well versed in the affairs and constitu-
tion of both England and Scotland, and has a talent superior to
most people in drawing of papers, I know no man so fitt to be
employd in your affairs ; so that his being added to the number
of your trustees will be of great use and agreeable to the rest ;
•but this I mention with all submission.
" I had almost forgott to tell you that, by the direction of your
friends here, I have writt to an old honest friend of mine at Lon-
don, proposeing that the English Tories should appoint one of
their number to correspond with the Scots Tories, that so they
may understand one another's minds, and act in concert, and I
hope in a little time to have an agreeable return. I find a great
many very hopefull that wee'l have a new Parliament, and that
the Torie interest will prevail, and in order therto have some
thoughts of applying to you that you would use your interest
64 REGISTER OP LETTERS.
with all your friends to take the oaths and vote at elections, and
some proceeded so far as to desire me to write to you in tlicse
terms, which I told them I could not take upon me to doe. How-
ever I thoug-lit fitt to let you know so much, and you'l consider
how far it will be convenient to signify your pleasure Iherin, that
according therto, the measure may be either advanced or sup-
presst.
" Upon the 10th of this montii a parcell of boys, with more
zeal than prudence, gott togather, having whyte roses in their
hats, near to the NelhcrboAv in tlie High Street of Edinburgh ; a
file of uuisketeers was therupon sent for from the Cannongate
guard, who, fireing up the streets, killd a man and a woman
accidentally passing by, and indeed it was a wonder that many
more were not killd, tlie streets being pritty full of people at
that time. 'Tho this was done without any provocation and con-
trary to all law, wee arc not to expect any redress.
" I have nothing more to trouble you with at present, but to
communicate the great joy of your friends in hearing of the pro-
spect of your familys increasing, seeing it cannot I'ail to be nmcli
to your satisfaction, and will in all probability turn to a good
account. I conclud M'ilh the most unfeignd assuraiice of being
to the utmost of my capacity
" Your &c."
To this letter I received the following return* from the King.
" August Itli, 1721.
" Yours of the l.'jth of .Tune came safe to my hand, and I
thank you very kindly for tlie particular accounts you give me in
it. It is true I was not a little concerned at there having been on
a late occasion some disunion amongst our friends, but 'tho they
were of diflerent opinions, 1 am jjcrsuaded they all meant and
acted for the best, and at the next elections I hope Eglinglon
* llcceivcd 28 Sept. 1721.
REGISTEn OP LETTEKSi 65
\vill be unanimously elected, for without any caniplinient to you,
I have a particular reg-ard to his worth and merit. It is nuich to
be A\ isht that our Iriends may guard against any divisions amongst
themselves for the future, for it is plain they can doe much if
imited, and that the contrary must greatly prejudice the common
cause.
" I think very good use may be made of the transaction you
mention in relation to Argyle, and it is very necessary that wee
should draw all the advantage from it that wee can, but still
proceed with sucli caution, as to be no lossers in the matter, if
wee gain nothing by it. This negotiation will also give you na-
turally some opportunity of speaking with that Duke on matters
of greater importance, and if he once enters into any sort of
union with my friends, he may, at long run and by degrees, be
insensibly engaged in my cause, altho' at present he should only
be moved by private interest or picque, and I doe not see any
thine: can so much contribute to brino- this about, as the enffaye-
ments of union which you mention that some of the Peers have
entered into.
" I am well inform'd of Hamilton's spirit and capacity, and
well assured of his good will towards me ; and the credit and in-
terest his family has long had in his own country must naturaly
induce my friends to have the deference and regard for him,
which he deserves and my service requires, A few days befor I
received your letter, I had writt one to your part of the world re-
commending unity amongst my friends, of which you will no
doubt be inform'd, and you will find here inclosed a letter from
me to Hamilton. As to liis being added to the number of trustees,
what is here said on the matter and what I here write to himself,
answers that end effectually.
" I send you here a letter to Kincardine, with whose zeal and
capacity I have been long acquainted, and what I say to him
will authorize him to act in concert with the other trustees, for
VOL. II. K
66 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
I am unwilling to add any more to their nvunber, in any formal
manner, to avoid disg-usting others that might pretend to have
tlie like done for them. It is perfectly right done to endevo\ir to
settle an union and a correspondence betwixt the Scots and
English Tories, and I am persuaded both of them know their
interest too well, not to enter readily into it.
'^ I wish the poor people you mention to have been so mal-
treated had been as prudent as zealous, for it afflicts me to think
that people should suffer so much, and for what does no reall
good to the cause.
" As to our affairs on this side of the sea, all I need say is that
nothing is neglected by me nor those employd by me, to enable
us all to profitt of the present conjuncture, for I am very sensible
wee can never have a more favourable one. I would fain hope
my endevours Avill not alwyse ])rove unsuccessfull, and in the
mean time I depend on the zeal and readiness of friends with you
on all occasions, and earnestly recommend union to them, as the
most necessary preparation for whatever may happen ; their in-
terest and wellfare is what I have mainly at heart, and they may
be assured that I shall ever have the most tender concern and
regard for them. You will I know make the proper use of the
contents of this letter, in saying also to my friends all that is
kind in my name.
" Onr new landlord is very kind to ns, and my family con-
tinues, thank God, in very good health, and wee are now a few
miles out of town for the rest of the summer. I beleive I have
tyred you with this long letter, and so shall conclude with many
kind compliments to your son, and with the assurance of my
particular confidence in and kindness for you, which your con-
stant application to whatever may promote my service, so justly
deserves."
The King in this letter appears fond of the negotiation which
I had represented as being pritty far advanced, and .seeing the
UflGISTER or LtTTERS. Cu
event did not answer, it will not be amiss here once for all i(»
take notlic:? that the above menlion'd treaty carried on bv me,
and other treaties managed by Mr. Maul, with some of Argylc's
friends, were kcept on foot till the time that the election of a new
Parliament approached, when the Ministry, however otherwyse
divided, thought it necessary to use their joynt axithority to oblige
Argvle and the Squadrone to unite their interests in tlie election
of the sixteen Scots Peers ; and in order thcrto a list was made
up at Court, which they were required to support with their
luiited interest, and admitt of no alteration whatsoever, which
Argyle submitted to at last, being afliaid to |)rovoke the Mini-
stry ; but had he been master of so much resolution as to have
embarked with the Tories, he might liave made a clean house of
the S(jnadrone, and been able by ins own interest, supported by
the Tories, to have forced good terms from the Court. A Iter what
manner the intrigues were carried on with a. view to the said
clccliun will appear from my letters to the King, which were so
full that any other account is unnecessary.
Betwixt tlie time of the Earl of Aberdeen's being elected and
the ensuing election of Parliament, Captain Alexander Unpiart
came to Scotland. This gentleman was possesst of a small for-
tune in the north of Scotland, had served most of his time in the
army, and at lenth gott himself chosen to represent one of the
northern districts of burrows in Parliament. He had a very (air
character, and 'tho he never was in any station to make a figure or
be of great use, he professt a great zeal for the King's service, and
on being a Parliament man joyn'd with the Tories. lie dealt much
in the Stocks and made an inuuense estate during the South-Sea
infatuation, but neglected to sell out in time and preserve it:
however whilst he was possesst of these imaginary riches, he told
sevrall of his freinds, of his intention to give a substantiall proof
of his loyaltie, by remitting 5000/. to the King ; but before he
performd it, the South-Sea sclieme was demolished and he under
k2
68 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
an incapacity of making- good his design. Whilst he sat in Par-
liament he found means to be well known to the Earl of Simder-
land, M'ho made professions to him of inclinations towards the
King ; whither these were reall, and that he made choice of Ur-
quart to be his confident, or if he aim'd at bambonziling the
Torries with the hopes of gaining him, and imposed so far on
Urquart as to make him beleive he was in earnest, God only now
knows, but so it is, that Urqnart, who was then reckond a man
of honour and well affected to the King, (tho his future con-
duct gave too good reason to suspect he aimd more at serving
the chief Minister than the Royall cause, seing on Sunderland's
death he became as great a depender on the succeding Minister,
and some circumstances were discovered that made it evident
he served as a spy to Sunderland, and in so far Urquharls cha-
raclar must suffer, unless he had full certainty of that Lord's
sincerity) when he, I say, came at this time to Scotland, where
he had not been for many years befor, he applyd very earnestly
to Kincardine, Mr. Maul and my self, endevouring under se-
crecy to give us a good impression of Sundcrlands designs, that
wee might be therby induced to influence the Tories to favour
his interest at the election of a new Parliament ; the particulars
of what past on that subject being fully related in the following
letter to the King, I referr tlierto.
" December 5th, 1721.
" I had tlie honour about five or six weeks agoe to receive
yours of the 4th of August, and lost no time in delivering tlie
letters therin containd. As I had occasion I connnunicated the
contents of your letter to your friends, and I doubt not but what
you design'd and expected from thence will follow, all of them
having a very just regard for your sentiments and inclinations.
As it is agreeable to your commands and my duty to acquaint
you of every thing that I think for your service, either by way
of information to your self, or in order to the having of your
REGISTER or LETTERS. 69"
advice and directions, several things since my last have occurr'd,
which in the opinion of Kincardine and Mr, Maul are judged
very necessary to be laid befor you.
" About the end of August Captain Urquart came to Edin-
burgh fi-om London, and being very earnest to have a conference
Vi'ith Kincardine, Mr. Maul and my self, there were accordingly
several meetings, ^^■here the present state and future views of
publick aftairs, particularly in so far as they might contribute to
your service, were the main subject of the conversation, and
Urquart seem'd very desireous that your friends would enter into
measures with Sunderland, particularly with a view to the elec-
tions of a new Parliament, insinuating that His Lordship would
give them good terms, and that such a measure would be agree-
able to you. As these gentlemen were infidels with respect to
any good intentions from that Lord, at least much affraid of the
danger of being imposed on, especially seeing they had no know-
ledge of your sentiments, they gave small attention to this over-
ture, wherupon Urquart, in confirmation of what he affirm'd,
and to gain more credit to his scheme, produced some papers
imder your own hand, wherin you take nottice of proposals being
made by that Loi'd and approved of by you, remitting entirely
to him the ways and means of bringing the same to bear. The
perusal of these papers putt these gentlemen to a stand ; they
were unwilling, without knowing more, to enter into this mea-
sure, and at the same time desirous to keep the game open, in
case it should be thoiight expedient to follow it out, and therfor
they replyd that they could not but require time to consider very
seriously, befor they cither agreed to or rejected proposals of such
consequence, but withall they told him there were two things
they insisted on as a necessary preliminary, without which, they
were sure, none of your friends would ever have any dealings
with that Lord, viz. that the present Parliament be dissolved, and
that the Peerage bill be not reassumed. This he promised to
70 REGISTER OP LETTERS.
report and make a right use of, and now -wee are told that a new
ParUamenl will be calPd, and that the Peerage bill is altogither
laid asside ; but how far what these gentlemen thus represented
and insisted on hath had any influence on that Lord with regard
to these matters, is what I can't presutne to say. These gentle-
men reflecting seriously on what had past in their conversation
with Urquart, and being very desireous to know more, in order
to the belter regulating your friends conduct, put on me to make
a journey to England to meet and converse with Mr. Shippen ; I
tlie more readily undertook it, in regard he was come to New-
castle, and had intimated to me, that in consequence of the mea-
sure I had proposed (wherof I acquainted you in my last) of
settling a correspondence 'twixt your Scots and English friends,
these had approved of and directed him to correspond with me
in name of the others, and he was therfor desireous wee should
meet and adjust matters in order therto. And that being done^
I took occasion to tell him that tliere had been advances made to
your Scots friends by Argyle, and that wee did not doubt but
the like would be done by Sunderland, but as Mee resolved to
advise with and act in concert with your English friends, wee
desired to know, with which of the two sides wee should take
up, seeing wee might have terms from either, and would have
the ballance in our oun hands. And withall I suggested that I had
heard a surmise that Sunderland had made advances to the En-
glish Tories. Mr. Shippen replyd it was ^ery true that Sunder-
land had done so, and particularly with great earnestness not
long agoe ; but your friends beleiving this proceeded only from
a view to support himself against Walpule, and fearing that he
might afterwards betray tiiem, and at tiie same time considering
that the Tories were now pritty strong and like to encrease, that
they were very popular and seem'd very stanch, and to have true
notions as to the only means of releif, they did not think it ex-
pedient to venture their reputation and interest in tlie hands of
REGISTER OF LETTERS. if\
one in whom they had so Httle confidence, and l)esides did not
know how far some of their number might be taken ott'lhe ri"ht
scent, in case, as the consequence of such a conjunction, they
found the sweet of power and preferments ; for whicli and the
like reasons they had utterly rejected the proposal!, resolving- to
enter into no concert with any of the two contending powers at
Court, but to stick togither and wait till it pleased God some
event might occurr, that would give them an occasion to doe
you and the country service. And therfor Mr. Shippen was of
opinion, your Scots friends need be under no difficulty with which
of the partys tojoyn in matters of elections, but to determine
themselves by closeing with the highest bidder. From what thus
past betwixt Mr. Shippen and me, I could not gather that your
friends in England had or were like to have any dealing with
Sunderland. Whither the fact is in truth really so, or that he,
in case it is otherwyse, was not apprized tlierof, or so ty'd up
that he could not communicate the same to me, I cannot deter-
mine ; but as it was probable that one of his figure would know
something of the measure ('tho perhaps not the primary rise)
and that he, in that case, would have thought it at least expe-
dient to drop some exj)ression in favours of Sunderland in a
matter of such moment as the elections, when I return 'd to Scot-
land and reported what past to the gentlemen that sent me, wee
did not know how to reconcile the same with what wee had
learn'd from Urquart. But they were still more at a stand on
the recept of my last letter from you, where, taking nottice of
the advances I had acquainted you was made by Argyle, you
seem to approve of your friends entering into measures with him
and his party, on their giving reasonable terms, hoping at the
same time such a transaction may pave the way for leading that
Duke peice mail into measures of greater weight and importance.
Now as 'tis no secret that his interest (especially when in con-
jmiction with Walpole) is incompatible with that of Sunderland,
^^ REGISTER OF LETTERS.
from a review of Urquarts credentialls Mr. Shippens account of
matters and tliis paragraph of your letter, these g-entlemeu are
.at a loss what to think, or how to act, without runing- the hazard
.of committing some blunder that may be prejudiciall to your ser-
vice. For if so it be that you have dealings with and hopes of
Sunderland, it would seem expedient that he be supported ; and
-on these and many such other obvious considerations, I was de-
sired by these gentlemen to lay this matter fully bel'or you, in order
to your giving such light and directions therin, as to you shall
seem proper, and that with all the expedition possible, for till then,
no measures can be laid doun, and time is now precious. They
are far from presuming to desire or expect you should communi-
cate to them the particulars of this or any such transaction, being
sensible that it must be handled with the greatest nicety, at-
tended probably with the greatest secrecy, but at the same time
they thought it their duty to accpiaint you of this matter, in case
you should judge it proper to give any orders therin. And on
that supposition they directed me with all submission to represent,
that it would be managed in the most delicate manner, and that
in their humble opinion, if so be you incline your Scots friends
should favour Sunderlands interest at the ensuing elections, that
without loss of time, you'd signify so much in a letter to the Duke
of Hamilton, but withall that you drop nothing to him of any
advice or information you have by this (for as Urquarts story was
imparted on promise of secrecy only to these three gentlemen
for any thing they know, it is not fitt that any besides your self
should be apprized therof, and His Grace might perhaps take it
amiss that a matter of this nature, and the resolution of comnmni-
cating the same to you should be keept from him) and that you
require him to let none know that he receives this direction from
you, but that 'lis a measure altogither of his oun, unless he finds
an absolute and indispensable necessity to conununicatc yoiu- or-
ders to some select persons (who perhaps would not otherwyse
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 73
comply) on whose prudence and assurance of secrecy he can ab-
solutly depend. You'l be pleased to consider how far you think
it pi'opcr to give the gentlemen, at whose instance I wrile this,
directions how to move, in case Urquart renews his application
to them ; for seeing Ihcy were the only persons to whom he
open'd his pack, and that tis probable the same was by the
knowledge and allowance of Sunderland, tis presumcable, if he
intends lO proceed lurther, he may putt it in the same canal, and
as matters stand now befor them, they v*ill not know how to ^e-
gnlale theniseives. Eat this is with all due deference to your
better judgement, and only mention'd in case you think they^
can be serviceable to you in such a negotiation, being fully ap-
prized that an affair of this nature requires the greatest prudence,
and to be entrusted to no more Lhan what absolute necessity re-
tjuires, till the scheme opens and the nail's to be struck at once
to the head.
" Your havmg menlion'd my negotiation with Argyle, it
will be proper I give you some account how that matter stands.
You may remember 1 told 50U from the beginlng that secrecy
was absolutiy riocessavy, in regard I knev/ assuredly he would
never treat with any body on tliat alfair but your self; yet in a
few days after I gott your instructions in that matter, I was in-
form'd oy good authority that Mr. Murray and his sister Mrs.
Hay had been babling of it at Rome, and not long after that
gave some hints therof to a certain person at Edinburgh, who
from old picques or some other cause, could never be brought to
beleive, or even, by what I could see, desire such a measure ac-
complished. This alarm'd and surprized me exceedingly, and as
I durst not ventme to medle any furtiier in it, untill I knew that
the surmize therof was husht, I was even obliged to be at some
pains to cause inform that gentleman, that being now convinced
it was a chymericall project, I had dropt it altogither ; but by
this time Argyle had entered into new measures and made up
VOL. II. I.
74 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
matters witli the Ministry, and I did not think it convenient to
make any steps therin till I saw I'lnlher about me. However I
am still hopefull it is not impossible to bring it about, for I know
he is far from being well pleased or thinking- his present a sure
footing, and you may be assur'd I will lay hold on a proper oc-
casion, if such ever again happen, beleiving it is the best service
I can doe both partys in their several stations.
" If the persons by whose direction I have writt this, from a
zeal for your interest or a misapprehension of their duty have
ventured to treat on afltiirs beyond their sphare, and which is not
fitt to be communicated in whole or in part to them, they never-
theless hope, the sincerity of their intentions will interpose and
mediate their pardon, assuring you at the same time in the most
solemn manner that nothing herein contain'd, or what they may
be further apprized of in that matter shall goe further than their
own breasts, or according to the instructions they receive from
you, having in all their views nothing so much at heart as to
evidence with liow much truth and sincerity they are devoted to
your service."
To which letter I gott the following return, dated January
31st 1723*.
" I received yoiu* long letter of the 5th of December about ten
days agoe, and thank you very kindly for the accounts you give
me in it ; it is very true that Sunderland has to some people made,
of late, a shew of wishing me well, but I have never heard di-
rectly from him my self, and have been far from having any par-
ticular proofF of his sincerity, so that altho one who may be so
essentially usefull ought to be managed and his friendship culti-
vated if possible, yet as matters stand I doe not think it would
be either prudent or adviseable to deliver our selves up entirely
to him in the situation in which that particular affair is in at
» Received March 18, 1722.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 75
present ; and considering the distance I am at, I doc not think it
adviseable for me to give my Scots freinds any positive direction
as to their behaviour towards Sunderland, and I am sorry to find
by what you say in relation to Argyle, that any negotiation with
liim seems to be more remote than it was, 'tlio I think you should
however lia\ e an eye that way, that nothing nor no body may be
neglected, who may any ways serve to forward the good cause.
" After this I think the conduct of my Scots freinds in the ap-
proaching elections will be very easie ; let them cultivate a good
understanding with my English friends ; let them act in con-
junction Mitli them, and have always in their view the choice of
such persons who wish best to the cause ; and above all keep a
strict union and unanimity amongst themselves ; by this conduct
thev will make themselves to be eq\ially considerable and re-
spected by all partys, and whither it be Argyle or Sunderland
who wish me well, they will equally serve the purpose of one or
t'other in that point, which ought only to be regarded. These
are general rules which must be always observed, but the par-
ticular application of them can only be made by those on the
spot.
" It may very well be that James Murray may have writt for-
merly something to Scotland in relation to Argyle, but I beleive,
on enquiry, you would not find it relative to what you had writt
liither about him, for I never knew that person given to babling,
and can be therfor very sure that nothing relating to that parti-
cular secret was ever mentioned here by him or any body else.
For women, I can assure you, are not trusted with any secrets
here ; but as all bussiness is keept in a very narrow compass, it
may very well be that those who may think they have a right to
be let into it and are not, may write several storys, out of envy
to those that are. Did I know your informer in this particidar, I
could judge better of the matter, but I think the best use to be
made of such informations is to putt a mark upon the informer,
l2
tQ REGISTER OF LETTERS.
that their little piques or jealousies may not create hereafter any
jealousie or diftidence betwixt me and my friends. And it is
only my concern to prevent any thing* that may tend to that,
which has made me enlarge on this particular^ which in it self I
think deserves very little attention. 1 think I have now in general
answer'd the contents of yom' letter. I shall conclude with re-
turning you many thaidis for the accounts you give me and the
freindship you express for me, and to desire you and your two
freinds to be assured of my constant esteem and kividness for
you."
I took nottice bcfor that the King soon after the late Bishop of
Edinburgh's death sent directions for having Mr. Freebairn con-
secrated a bishop; but as the other Bishops did not approve of
this choice, they delayd his consecration, some of them being
obstinatly bent against him, both on account of his own cha-
racter, and the way and manner of the King's naming him. At
the same time, as the King had, in his letter to the Bishops, re-
quired of them that they shovild acquaint him previous to any
future promotions, and that they tlK)ught it expedient to have it
in their power to add to their number as the service of the Church
required, either by the death of any of the present mnnber, or
because of the divisions which they foresaw were like to happen,
they writt to the King to desire his approbation of promotting
Mr. Cant and Mr. Lammie and obtain'd it. But as Freebairn
was extreamly fond of the honour design'd him, and could not
with patience bear a delay, he, or liis son then at Rome, repre-
sented to the King that the delay proceeded from an unwilling-
ness in the Bishops to approve his taking vipon him to name those
that were to be Bishops of the Church, which the King took
very ill, seeming no ways inclin'd to part with this right and
priviledge of the Crown ; and care was taken to lett the Bisliops
and his trustees know he expected obedience. This putt the Bi-
shops to a stand, and they resolved to advise with the trustees.
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 77
Avho finding that Frccbairn had made no secret of his promo-
tion, and fcarino- tlie performance, which probably could not be
conceal'd, might provoke the Government and doe harm at this
juncture, Ihcy thought it proper to delay the same, and directed
me to Avrite the foUowin"- letter to the Kine-.
" March mh, 1722.
" I did my self the honoin* to Avrite to you about three months
ag'oe, and as your return, if no accident has happeu'd, may come
about this time, the same is as impatiently expected as it is very
much wanted at this juncture. I am aft'raid I overdoe in what
you was pleased to command, by writing and troubling you so
frequently, but when you are immediatly concern'd in the sub-
ject, I have the satisfaction of beleiving you'l easiely forgive me.
" Some considerable time agoe you was pleased to name three
persons to be bishops, and sent directions for their consecration.
The College of Bishops in obedience therto melt frccpiently, but
were always prevented from executing your orders for reasons
that to them seem'd unanswerable; but one of the three, not
being satisfy'd with the delay, and pressing to be consecrated
with the greatest earnestness and anxiety imaginable, the College
was again lately conveen'd in order to putt some end or other to
that matter ; where taking into their consideration, that from
the present state of the times it was a matter of no small im-
portance, and that a great deal of caution and prudence was re-
quisite in a matter of that nature, and reflecting withall that the
interests of Church and State are so blended togither as to be-
come reciprocall, they thought fitt to ask tlie advice of such of
your trustees to whom they could have access, befor they took
any positive resolutions. And having accordingly layd the af-
fair fully befor the Duke of Hamilton, the Lords Wigtoun, Kin-
cardine, Balmerino and Dun, Mr. Maul and Master Paterson,
they all with one consent and assent agreed, and gave it as their
opinion and advice, that the consecration of any more bishops
78 REGISTER OF LETTERS,
in the present state and circumstances of affairs (especially seeing
the number in being was sufficient in all respects for the bussi-
ness committed to them) would be prejudiciall to your service
and the interest of the Church, and probably occasion much
trouble and many difficullys, and that therfor a delay should be
made therin, xmtill either you signifyd your express commands
to the contrary, or the death of any of the present Bishops, or
a happy scheme and turn of affairs gave them reason to think
and act with other views. And as they are all very well assured
that your sole intention in the forsaid nomination was to pro-
mote the true and solid interest of your people, they hope you
will not misconstruct their proceedings, form'd by the best advice,
on grounds to tliem convincingly apparent to be suitable to your
and the Church's interest and service at this criticall juncture.
This in general I was desired to represent, and withall beg you
would according to your wonted goodness adniilt of no inter-
pretation that may give you the least disgust at what is done
with a sincere intention for your service, and the interest you
have so much at heart.
" Captain Urquart came lately to Edinburgh from London ;
as he does not deny there is a closs correspondence betwixt him
and Sunderland, he still insinuates that the latter is favourably
disposed towards you, and wee hear His Lordship tryd to com-
promize the election of tlie Scots Peers, having persuaded the
Argyle and Squadrone partys to consent that four or five of the
Tory Lords should be chosen, but that Tovmsend and Walpole
opposed it violently, and prevaild with their master to interpose
and discharge it. In the mean time, metliods are taken to su-
perceed all tinal resolutions as long as possible, expecting to
have some directions from you in return to what I did communi-
cate to you in my last ; yet nevertheless it was thought necessary
to lay the foundation of an opposilion to the two partys imited,
and in order therto, the Duke of Hamilton wrote circular letters.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 79
and accordingly twenty seven Peers did lately meet togilher at
Edinburgh, where all but Tweedale sig-n'd a paper obliging
themselves, under the strictest tyes of honour and conscience, not
to vote at the insuing election, for any Peer who does not pre-
viously give the like assurance and security that he will to the
utmost of his power oppose the Peerage bill ; and it is expected
a great many more Peers will come in to this concert, which
its hopt may be the foundation of entering further into oilier
measures and defeating the Court list; and wee are setting the
like measure on foot amongst the shires and burrows with suc-
cess, Avhich -wee hope will tm'n to good account. Aberdeen has
acted a part all this last session, and particularly on this occasion,
highly to his honour ; for 'tho both partys offer'd and prest him
to accept of being in their list, he told them that he was chosen
by a sett of honest men his freinds, without whom he would enter
into no measures, being resolved to stand and fall with them.
" I have no more to trouble you with but that I am in the most
respectfull manner your &c.
" P. S. — After writing the above letter, as I was just sending it
off, yours of the 31st of January came to my hands; I therupou
stopt this some days, that I might acquaint you that it came very
oportunly (because the certainty of the Parliament being to be
dissolved very soon, would admitt of no delay in thinking of mea-
sures to be prosecuted with respect to the election of a new one)
and that I immediatly did communicate the contents therof to the
Duke of Hamilton and your other friends, who are now much more
capable to determine themselves, and will improve all for the good
of the cause. Next day after receiving yours a message came to
Kincardine, Mr. Maul and my self from General Ross, acquaint-
ing us that he would be at Edinburgh from London next day^
and earnestly desireing wee would meet and spend that even-
ing with him; which being done he assured us that all sides
were alarmed at the unanimity and concert of so many Peers,
80 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
and that both partys Avould break ofl' from the concerted Court
list, if the Tories would joyn with any one to kick out the other,
and he made some I'emote insinuations in favour of Argyle ; but
in regard of the directions contain'd in your letter, wee keept
aloof unlill wee heard more, and from all quarters. Next day a
particular friend o." Argyle's came lo me, asldiig if my friends
would hear of lerms fi-om him. I ansv.er'd that matter was well
advanced several months agoe, just after Aberdeen's election
(wherof I then acquainted you) bat that Argyle had since
slighted them, and had even agreed with the Squadrone in a list
of Peers to be chosen, but that the Tories Mould look to them-
selves and find friends else where. He reply'd, that might well
be, but nevertheless begd I woud endevour to keep the door
open for some time, and sound my freinds inclinations on that
point. I return'd thai I should try to doe the first, but for the
other I woukl not attempt it in the least unless I knew the terms,
and thought they were such as would be acceptable. So this
gentleman left me with an assurance I should hear soon from him,
and he hoped to my satisfaction. At the same time the Squa-
drone is in a way of trying the same course, as Mr. Maul and I
could gather from the Lord Advocate's insinuations ; and you
may depend upon it your friends will make as much as possible
they can of the present postiue of affairs for the bcncilt of the
common cause. Yesterday the Duke of Hamilton received a
letter sign'd by nine of the most considerable English Torry
Lords pressing all endevours to bring about a right election of
the Peers, being very liopefull of doing something to good pur-
pose and very agreeable next Parliament. I shall not fail to give
yovi a full account how these transactions terminate, and what is
the result of tliem."
To this I had the following letter*:
• Received August 2S, i7'22.
REGLSTER OF LETTERS. 81
"May 9tli, 1722.
" Youi's of the 12tli of Marcli came safe to my hands, and I
was glad to find by the postscript to it that my last to you was
also arrived safe. By this time your elections will be all over,
and I doubt not of your and your partners having- behaved your-
selves on that occasion in the manner that may be the most con-
duceing to mine and your countrys interest. At this distance
it is not possible for me to be giving particular directions, but I
think in general that my friends bussiness is still to endevour to
support the good cause, whither by joyning with any particular
party, or by keeping by themselves, as they may think most
proper or practicable ; and in all cases it is only a stride union
amongst themselves which can make them considerable and use-
full to me and their country. Aberdeen has acted a very honour-
able part, and I'm persuaded he will always stick firm to his pre-
sent principles. I'm pleased with the accounts you give, and ex-
treamly sensible of the Duke of Hamiltons activity on the late
occasion, and am no less of the continuance of the zeal of your
other friends you mention. I am satisfyd Captain Urquart is a
sincere well wisher of mine ; but 'tho I know perhaps more of
Sunderland than he does, I cannot say I think so favourably of
Lim, and as I am far from having the least proofFof his sincerity,
I think it would be not at all adviseable to putt our selves any
manner of way in his power, or to depend so far on his friendship
as to neglect other views ; but nevertheless considering the great
use he may be of if he pleases, and that sooner or latter he may
be sincere, it would certainly be equally imprudent to doe any
thing to shock him or discourage him.
" As to what you say about the Bishops, I never imagined
there could be any difficulty about the consecration in respect of
the present conjuncture, since two of the three were actually pro-
posed to me by friends in your party. If there be any personal ob-
jection against any of them, it is fitt I should know it, and as I have
VOL. II. ?i
82 REGISTER OF LETTERS;
iiQ other view but the common good, in medling with those mat-
ter, I shall be far from expecting- that any thing- should be done
in theTTi that may be made appear to me to be prejudicial to it.
" A little time will now shew us of what temper the new Par-
liament is like to be, and a\ hich way affairs will turn after its
meeting, and I would fain think that ere long, some favourable
change may happen in our favours. You will easiely beleive I
neglect nothing that depends on jne to forward it, and therfor
wee must always live in hopes, whatever may be the uncertainty
"of future events. You need not make any apologie for your
writing so frequently, for yovu- letters will be always most well-
come as coming from one whom I sincerly value and esteenj.
My family continues in good health, as I hope this will find
yours, being sincerly Yours."
When it was certain that the old Parliament would be dis-
solved, Kincardine, Mr. Maul and I resided closs in Edinburgh,
and had dayly conferences about the proper measures to be taken
at this juncture; wee saw very few of the King's friends would
stand candidates amongst the Commons, and the truth ont is wee
thought it of no great importance, knowing well that few or
none of them Avould be returned, 'Iho elected by ever so great a
majority. And it happen 'd that the shirifls made what returns
they pleased even of the Whiggs. Such as were in tlie Crowns
nomination return'd those the Ministry recommended, and those
that were hereditary, as they stood severally affected to the Ar-
gyle or Sqnadrone faction ; so that in a manner the Shirriffs and
not the Barons or Burgess's made choice of the greatest pai*t of
the Scots members that went to the House of Commons.
And as wee forsaw this would happen, wee bent our thought
cheifly on the election of the Peers, which besydes seemd most
material, in regard the House of Lords made a notable stand
last session ; and to strenthen them with a right election from
Scotland, was of the utmost importance. And in order to ac-
nEGISTEU OP LETTERS. S'J
complisli this, great pains were taken to spirit up (he body of tlui
nobility with a just abhorrence of the design'd Peerage bill, and
manifest a suitable resentment against the last representation of
the Scots Peerage in Parliament and all such other Peers as were
accessary or even satisfy'd with that scandaloas bill, and if any
thing could make the body of the Scots Peers more infamous
than their former conduct, the coolness of many in this would
doe it ; for setting asside the manifest injustice that was design'd
to so many noble familys, and the plain gross violation of the
articles of the Union, it was as plain as the sun at noon day
that this scheme, if effectuated, would render the Scots Peerage
despicable, as it deprived them of the only small pittance left to
make them valued and carressd by the Ministry.
Yet the little present gain which some of them enjoy'd from
places and pensions of no great value, influenced them to over-
look the honour and interest of their posterity. However there
was a goodly number who thought and acted a quite ditferent part,
and openly professed their resolution to gainstand the measure,
and solemnly engaged to give their vote for no Peer that did not as
solemnly engage to oppose any alteration of the representation of
the Scots Peerage (in which the Court Lords and Candidates posi-
tively refused to give any satisfaction when it was demanded of
them) but at the same time they delay'd coming to any resolution
how or for whom they Avould vote, untill they saw if any of the op-
posite Court partys would break off and come into measures with
them ; and till the dyet of election drew near, both sides treated
privatly, some with Mr. Maul and some with my self; but at
last when it was perceived that the two partys would keep to-
gither in obedience to the positive commands sent them from
London, the Duke of Hamilton gott togither a select number of
Lords and gentlemen well affected to the King, who thinking it
highly necessary to let the world see that there was a considerable
interest in Scotland opposite to the presevit Governments mea-
M 2
84 REGISTER OF LETTEUS.
sures, resolved that at the elections of comitys and burrows,
motions should be made for instructions to such as should be
elected, and who should be required to g'ivc publick assurance
to oppose the Peerage bill, and that addresses to the same pur-
pose should be sig-n'd, with directions to be presented, if that af-
fair was again moved in Parliament: and they further resolved
that they would fix on a list of sixteen Peers for whom they would
vote at the election in opposition to the Court list, and that each
of the Peers who agreed therto should, previous to his voting,
enter a particular protestation in his own name against any al-
teration of the representation of the Peerage, of what stands re-
gulated by the articles of the Union.
The election for the shyre of Edinburgh came first on, where
I moved and carried instructions and an address in the terms
concerted ; and coppys of the address being dispersed, the like
measure was followed in most places, tliat therby the nations
sentiments might appear. Most of the addresses being coppys
or to the same purpose with that which I drew for the shyre of
Edinburgh, it will not be amiss to subjoyn a coppy therof.
" To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain in Par-
liament assembled. The Address of the Barons and Free-
holders of tjie Shyre of Edinburgh mett in order to choice
a Representative to Parliament,
" Humbly sheweth,
" That wee taking into our serious consideration. That, during
the last Parliament, a design was laid to suppress the represen-
tation of the Scots Peerage in Parliament ; and, instead therof,
to vest in a certain number of Scots Peers and their descendents,
the sole right and priviledge of sitting in Parliament ; and that
a bill, to this effect, did pass in the House of Lords, and was from
them sent doun to the late House of Connnons : and being af-
fraid tliat the attempt may be renewed in some subsequent ses-
sion of Parliament, wee presume, by this application, humbly to
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 85
reinonstrale ag-ainsl it, First, Because llie representation of the
Peerage of Scollaiul, as it now stands regulalcd by the Uiws of
the km 1, is a fundamental part of the Parhamenlary Constitution
of the United Kingdom ; and whoever assumes a right and power
to suppress or innovate the same, may, by parity of reason, claim
the like privilege, uilh respect to any oilier part or branch of
the Parliamentary Constitution, in either of tiie two Houses : and
consequently such a step will prove a precedent highly pernicious
to the rights, liberties, and privileges of Great Britain. Secondly,
Because the representation of the Peerage of Scotland, by sixteen
chosen by the body of the Scots Peers, for tliat effect, being sti-
pulated by the articles of Union, and declared so to remain un-
altera1)le, in all time coming ; the subversion tlierof cannot be
accomplished, without a manifest infringement of the said ar-
ticles, and would prove a precedent for unhinging the faith and
security of all the other articles of the said soknnn treaty, parti-
cularly in so far as concerns the representation of the Scots in the
British Parliament ; for whoever can assume a power and right to
dispense with what is stipulated in favour of the Scots Peerage,
may also entirely cutt otf the representation of the Scots counties
and burghs in the House of Commons, or make such alterations
therin, as are diametrically opposite to the rights and privilcdges
of the freeholders and burgesses expressly reserved to them by
the articles of Union.
" On these, and many such other accounts, wee cannot but ap-
prehend very dismall consequences attending so great an en-
croachment on the Parliamentary Constitution, and so obvious a
violation of that solemn, recent treaty, by which the two na-
tions are united. And as the members of the Honourable Hcjuse
of Commons are the bulwarks and guardians of the British li-
bertys, both national and personal, wee thought it incumbent
on us to make this our humble remonstrance against a scheme
so illegall in its own nature, and which will prove a precedent
86 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
for the most arbitrary, pernicious attempts. And as the late
House of Commons did reject a bill of this nature, sent doun
from the House of Lords, wee cannot doubt but you will show
an equall zeal for maintaining the Parliamentary Constitvition, on
which depend the liberties of the people whom you represent,
and preserving- inviolably all and every part of that treaty, on
the faith wherof the two independent kingdoms did unite, by dis-
couraging and rejecting every motion and scheme, which doth
any way tend to infringe and violate the same ;
" And your Petitioners shall ever pray &c."
The Peers haveing adjusted their list and ])rotestations, when
they came to reckon up their numbers, it was evident they had
a majority on their side, if all the Tory Lords would have com-
plyd and taken the oaths; for several Lords, such as the Earls
of Glencairn, Balcarross, Broadalbin, Dunmore and Portmore
were willing to joyn if so be, by their joyning, a majority would
follow ; but unless that was made evident, they did not incline,
by disobliging the Ministry, to loss the posts they enjoyd and at
the same time fail in the main point. But as eleven of the Torry
Lords would not come in, and therby have made a certain ma-
jority, the forsaid Lords voted with the Court. However those
Torry Lords that thought it expedient to make a stand, continued
in the same sentiments to the end, and accordingly voted and
protested at the election. What is above narrated, and my letter
which I sent to the King, will give a full enough account of this
transaction, and therfor I proceed to add a coppy therof.
" April 23d, 1722.
" Sir, — In my last bearing date the 12th of March I promised
you a further account of the elections of this country. From a
reflection of the tempers of the several partys, and some parti-
cular circumstances at the time I wrote, there was reason to ima-
gine some one of the two Court |)artys would, in opposition to
the other, strike in with the Tories, but the connnands of their
RECJISTER OF LETTERS.
87
superiours were so peremptor that 'tlio each had all the inclination
iniag-inable to undermine the other, they were conipell'd in this sin-
gle matter of the election of the Peers to unite and keep tog-ither.
The Tories however were not discouraged; they resolved to make
a stand and shew they would not silently give up their rights, in
order to which, one and twenty were present at the election and
voted against the Court list, and each of them enter'd a protesta-
tion against such as should be chosen assuming the liberty to dis-
pose of their rights or alter the representation. The Court not
expecting that a broken, harassd, dispers'd party could or would
have dared to make sucii an opposition, were much alarmd, till
they understood that eleven of the Torry Lords would not qualify;
for had these come in and joynd the twenty one, there were so
many more of those who, for private reasons, voted for the Court,
would gladly have corned off and joyn'd the Tories, when by this
conjunction, it appear'd certain that they would be sufficiently
able to throw out the Court list ; but when they saw that so great
a number as eleven lay off, and that without them they could not
make up a majority, they thought it needless to shew their teeth
and when the consequences in that case would have been detri-
mental! to them. The nonjurant Peers were Stormont, Blantyre,
Strathmore, Kintore, Colvill, Strathallan, Rollo, Sinclair, We-
myss, Arbuthnot and Pitsligoe. The Peers that would have come
over from the Court were Glencairn &c. It was a pitty any thing
should have impeded such a general conjunction of persons think-
ing and wishing after the same way, especially when ther's good
grounds to believe the taking off the sixteen Scots Peers from the
Court and adding them to the Tories, would have putt them in a
capacity of doing good things next Parliament. The great re-
putation Aberdeen gain'd by his behaviour in the House, and
his refuseing to be in the Court list, obtain'd him so many drop-
ing votes, from a great many who voted for that list, that he
was elected, to the no small satisfaction of all honest men ; for
88 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
besides his acting a right part in pubhck matters, he is of sin-
gular use in curbing Isla, who formerly took upon him to cutt
and carve in all Scots appeals, as the sole dictator and oracle of
the Scots law in the House of Lords ; wlieras Aberdeen keept
him all last session w ithin bounds, and was the protector of such
Scots Tories as had affairs there, and did them very good service.
" The Ministry were not only displeased at the opposition they
mctt with in the elections, but likwyse at the spirit which ap-
pear'd against them throughout all the country. Tis true indeed
few of the Tories are chosen, because they did not sett up for it ;
but had they stood timeously candidates they would have made a
good appearance, 'tlio at tlie rate the shirrifts have behaved, few
or none would have been returned ; for generally speaking they
have return'd, both for shyrcs and towns, such persons as the Mi-
nistry directed, without having regard to law or justice. How-
ever, in most places, addresses against the Peerage bill were
sign'd at the meetings for elections, and the persons chosen
obliged publickly to engage to oppose it, and endevovu* to have
the trienniall elections restored. This measure was first sett on
foot in the shyre of Edinburgh, as it was the first that elected
and the most considerable shyre in this kingdom, and 'tho wee
mett with all the opposition the Ministry could give us, wee car-
ried ovu* point by a great majority ; and indeed there appeard
such a spirit amongst the barons and freeholders against the pre-
sent maxims and measures, that it had been very easie to have
thrown out both the Argyle and Squadrone candidats ; in order
to which I was prest the very morning of the election to offer my
service, witii assurance of being elected, but that was what I
did by no means incline to ; besides, about two years agoe, Avhen
the Comniission of Enquiry was rampant, I gave the advocate
somctliing like an assurance that if he would preserve Mr. Basil
Hamilton and some other honest mens estates from being for-
(aultcd, 1 would take care so to manage matters tiiat he should
REGISTEPv OF LETTERS. . 8U ^
Iftta
be elected for this shyre in opposition to Mr. Baird, a creature of
the Dalrvniples ; and as the advocate did from thence forward act
a friendly part to them, and that tlierto in a great measure tlie
preservation of these famiiys is owing, I tliought my self obliged
in justice and honour to support him. Several of mv friends, it
being by no means fitt to conunimicate my jjrivate reasons to
them, blam'd me for assisting tlie advocate, who is a man so
capable to make a figure ; but I am ho])full you'l approve of my
conduct, when you know it proceeded from so good a design antl
had so good eflects.
" I have latly had several oportunities to talk Avith the Duke
of Argvle, but found him in a temper quite diflercnt from \\ hat
I ever knew him. He seems to have a high resentment against
the Tories, for adhereing to Aberdeen last year when he was
elected ; he pretends the Tories are ungratfull to him, who pro-
tected them when others inclind to be severe. I told him that
charity begun at home, and he could not blame the Tories for
favouring themselves in the first place; but I knew very well they
liked him better than the Squadronc, against whom they would
willingly have joynd with him, but that he slighted them and
their assistance, even so far as to joyn with the Squadrone in a
Court list of Peers; that I was surprised at this his conduct,
being, as I had often told him, persuaded he would never be
trusted by an English Whigg Ministry unless he sold his Scots
estate and threw up his Scots interest, so as to become altogither
an Englishman ; and 'tho he and Walpole were very well to-
gither, it was only in odium tertii, and that if Walpole gott the
better of Sunderland, he would retain the Squadrone, Avell know-
ing they w ould serve or truckle under him or the devill for wages,
wheras His Grace aim'd to be at the head of aflairs, which Wal-
pole would licver allow ; but if he would sett himself at the head
of the Tories, or enter into a private concert with them, I durst
venture to assure him, he should make his own terms, and be
VOL. H. N
90 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
effectually supported, and this I signifyd not only out of regard
to the Torry interest, whicli I professt, but as His Grace's friend
\vho wisht him personally well and would gladly see him doe
well. 'Tho he well eno\igli understood what I meant, he made
as if he did not understand me, and keept off upon generals, and
as I could perceive he was buoyd up Avith the hopes that Walpole
and he would gett the better of Sunderland and tlie Squadrone,
I did not think it convenient to explain my self further, till I saw
him belter prepared to receive what I might urge, which indeed
I fear will not happen so long as he can see a way to gratify his
ambition from another quarter. However I shall not fail to imr
prove every oportunity that may cast up for treating with him.
" Now that the elections are over, your friends here have
scarce any feild to work in for your service, whilst affairs are in
the present situation : Avhat turn they may take, and what releif
God in his good providence will send, time must determine, and
with patience be expected. If in the interim any thing worth
your knowing occurrs, I shall not fail to give you nottice, and
your commands will always be acceptable to all your friends,
and in a particular manner to Your &c."
To which I had the following return*.
" August letli 1722.
" It is now long since I received your letter of the 23 April,
for wliich and the accounts you give me in it I should long agoe
return'd you many thanks, had I not been affraid of being trou-
blesome at that time to my friends, which will not I hope be the
present case; and that being, I should think I did both my self
and them wrong, did I not now and then put them in mind of
one who wishes them sincerly well, and Avho never ceases doing
what little is in his power to serve them. Altho I have mett with
several rubs in my way, yet I am not, I can assure you, the least
* Received 23 November 1722.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 91
discouraged by thcni, nor will be less intent on doing what is
expected from nic, and \\ hat I still hope to compass at last.
" I desire you may be under no uneasieness on account of the
particular ) ou mcnliou ol' your self, for that I am persuaded all
your actions are directed by tiiose principles of honour and affec-
tion for me and my friends which you liavc exjjrest on all occa-
sions, and none can judge so mcH of particulars as those on the
place. I own to you I am not much surprized at the little lictpes
you have of drawing Argyle into our interest; wee ought not
however to neglect any thing towards the gaining of him, the
time may come in which he may think it his own interest, and it
Mill certainly be always our to receive him.
" You will have heard befor now that 1 am at present in the
country, and it will be some weeks befor I return to toun ; both
I and my family are in good health, I heartily wish it may be
the same with yours, and shall give you no further trouble at
present, but to desire you to continue me the favour of your cor-
respondence and to be persuaded of the friendship and sincerity
with Avhich I am Your &c."
Some time befor the election of this last Parliament, Captain
Straiton was directed by the Duke of Mar to try if he could raise
a sum of money from the King's friends to be remitted to Generall
Dillon in France for provyding of arms, and he procured a letter
to Straiton from the King to the same purpose. Whither this
was commited wholly to Straiton, with orders not to communi-
cate the same to any of the King's trustees, I cannot tell, but so
it is, that for several months he did negotiate it by himself, and
at lentil sent to acquaint me of it, desireing I would sett about it
also. I answer'd I had no directions from the King therin, and
I would not run the hazard of medling in an affair to which I
had no call, and wherin he had tamper'd so long and so much,
that it was too probable it would be discover'd. What success
he had I know not, but in general that he procur'd some money
N 3
92 . REGISTER OF LETTERS.
(abovil two lliousand poiuid I beleive) wliich -svas reuulted by
Mr. William Erskine, and occasiou'd his being afterwards made
prisoner and sent up to London, the Ministry ha\ ing- intercepted
some letters which showd he had remitted money; but upon ex-
amining- him, they could make nothing of the story to his pre-
judice. Tis pritty odd that in a matter of this kind the King or
rather Mar should have only entrusted an infirm superannuated
gentleman, and not sett his trustees about it, m ho v\erc much
more capable; but so it is, that except to the Earl of Eglington
(who therupon advanced 500/.) I doe not know that the least
intimation therof was made to the trustees ; and in some years
therafter it came to light, that all or part of tliis money was by
Mar apply'd to other uses than that which was at first pretended,
which it would appear he had from the begining in his view,
from the clandestine ways taken to collect it.
This money aflair putts me in mind of a passage so much to
the honour of Mr. Lows of Mcrchiston, that in justice to his
memory I cannot pass by it. Some little time after the Spanish
aflair was over, I was desired to make a collection lor some three
or four officers that had come from France in order to joyn Lord
Marshall and could not stay longer here with safty ; amongst
others I applyd to Mr. Lows who produced a purse of a hundred
guineas, and frankly desired me to take what I pleased out of it,
but I took no more than five. He then told me that lie observed
the service of the distrest Royall interest since the Revolution
had often faild for want of money, that for his own share, 'tho
he liked his money very well, his ])urse had never been shutt to
any person suffering for tlie King or Church ; and as he seldom
wanted money by him, he should always have a thousand guineas
ready for the King's service, and he had so much confidence in
me, that when I saw a fitt occasion, if I would send to hin), 1
should have that sum to be expended theron. I told him that it
was a very generous oficr, quel I wisht otiicrs the King's friends
nEGIviTKR OF LETTFUS. 93
AvouUl follow his example, and I would be sure to let the King
know it. But herein he interrupted nie, and made me promise
the contrary, saying- tliat what he would doe, was only from a
sense of his duty, and he desired neither thaidis from the King
nor praises from others. I have mentioned this particular to stand
as an example to otiiers and a reproach to some.
The letter formerly mentioned, "with regard to the persons the
King had recommended to be Bishops, being communicated to
the Bishop of Edinburgh and by him to his brethren, prevail'd
with them to proceed immediatly to consecration, after which at
their desire I writt the following letter to the King.
" December 7tli 1722.
" Sir, — I had the honour about a fortnight agoe to receive
yours of the 16th of August, and I am hopfull that the reasons
you are pleased to assign for your silence of late will likewyse
plead my excuse in not making a return ere now to another
bearing date 9tli May Avhich I gott some three months or therby
agoe. The truth ont is that as all intercourse was stopt, people
of my complection have been obliged to act very cautiously, for
fear of falling into the snares were laid for us ; and having no-
thing of importance to conmumicate to you, I thought it proper
to suspend our correspondence for some time. Besides, as 1 could
discern you was not perfectly well pleased with the steps our Bi-
shops did take with respect to the consecration of those you had
named, I was unwilling to write untill I could say sometliing to
your satisfaction in that particular, and in order therto, as soon
as I gott yours in summer last, I went and shoNAcd the paragraph
therin, concerning that affair, to Bishops Fullerton, Miller, and
Irvin, and prest them to loss no more time in performing what
you expected from them. These 1 found all along very frank,
but another of the College, Bishop Falconer (a man of great
pictv, learning and loyalty) was so affraid of the rights of the
Church that he scrupled at your recommending Mr. Freebairn.
94 nEGISTER OP LETTERS.
I represented to liim that this Mas a very improper time for him
to enter into such disputes, and that lie had no reason to imagine
you design'd to claim any other poorer than the laws of the land
had expressly declared did belong to you, and which your Royall
progenitors had exercised ; and to convince him that even that
power would be tenderly used, and in such a manner as no reall
prejudice could arise from thence, I laid befor the Bishops a part
of a coppy of a letter I received from you a good time agoe,
wherin you connnanded me to acquaint them it was your inten-
tion for the future not to name any to be consecrated untill you
had the opinion and advice of the Bishops with regard to the
qualifications and characters of the persons. This gave them all
infinite satisfaction, and they, desired me very lately to acquaint
you, that if any person hath represented that they delay'd this
affair out of disrespect to your pleasure a very great injury was
done them, and that such representations must either proceed
from gross ignorance or a malicious design to give you a bad im-
pression of them : that as they have hitherto given evident proofFs
of their loyalty, they are determined in all their actions to be-
liave as becomes good and obedient subjects, and that they have,
to the satisfaction of the inferiour clergy, consecrated Cant and
Freebairn, and were sorry they could not prevail with Lammie
to accept, as he w^as a person on many respects more capable
than perhaps any other to have been uscfull in that station to
your and the Churches interest.
" Tho this afl'air is now adjusted, ther's another in the feild,
that if not very prudently and cautiously managed w ill be at-
tended with very fatal consequences. You have heard no doubt
of some contests of late years amongst the nonjuring English cler-
gy, concerning some alterations that .some of the number desired
in the Litiu'gy and forms of Worship, which were driven so far
as to occasion a great breach amongst them, to the no small pre-
judice and discredit of the Avhole party. Of those who sett up
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 9 J
for alterations, two of our Scots Bishops, Campbell ami Gatherer,
made a considerable tigure at London where they ha\e resided
^ these many years; and Falconer favoured them in Scotland, in the
northern parts wherof some of the layity began lately to think
after the same manner ; and as the clergy, of all mankind, are
most zealous to propagate and establish their oun schemes. Ga-
therer, on ane invitation from some people of nt»lle, is lately
come to Edinburgh in order to his going north and heading that
party. There have been several meetings of the Bishops, and
all, but Falconer and Gedderer, are against all alterations or in-
novations untill the Church and State are so happily restored and
settled tliat such matters can be duely considered and legally de-
termined. They think wliat is desired not so essentiall as to be
laid in the ballance with the misconstructions their enemies will
putt upon them, that they are now, at least but lally revived in
this church, and not much approven of by a great majority of
layity of their communion, and any thing that may occasion a
difference of opinion and practice, cannot fail of very bad ef-
fects with regard to that liarmony which is so necessary both for
your and the Churches interest, and hath been hitherto so in-
violably maintaind, and seeing the body of the College of Bi-
shops can by no means approve of what the other two advance
and design to practise without any legall authority, as they therby
shake off the obedience v, hich they owe, they can in no sense
excuse themselves of schism, and must answer for all the bad
effects that such proceedings will have in the affairs of Church
and State. FuUerton and those of his sentiments taking this af-
fair much to heart, desired the advice of such of your trustees as
could be gott conveniently togither at Edinburgh, and by these
I was t'other day directed to attend a full meeting of the College.
Both part)s endevoured, by the practice of the Fathers and the
first ages of the Church, to justify themselves: but I stoptthem
96 REGIiSTER OF LETTERS,
short and told them it was none of my province to judg-c of such
points, that I was directed to wait upon them, and in yonr name
to recommend unity and harmony and to avoid every thing that
might give your and their enemies a handle to calumniate them,
and in order therto that they singly Avould give that obedience to
the College of Bishops which they expected from the laicks, and
which indeed thcv could not contradict, without at tlie same time
oppugning your authority, as the College of Bishops deri\ed their
present power of governing this Church from you ; that as I was
sure they Mere all convinced of your good intentions towards
them, I left them to judge what sense you must and would putt on
any measure that had the least tendency to divide such of your
subjects who had adhered to your interest, and what opinion the
world would have of those who were the cheif instruments therof.
After having said a oreat deal to show the bad efl'ects of divisions
at this juncture. Falconer and Gaddercr professt a great deal of
loyalty and zeal for you, and hoped that you would not uiiscon-
struct their endevours to accomplish A^hat had no manner of
concern with tlie State, or even the external government of the
Church. I rcplyd that as the consequences of what they aim'd
at would affect both Church and State, you had an immediate
concern to interpose, and which I, as authorized by those you
trusted with the management of your affairs, did accordinly doe:
and I required them, as they would be answerable to you for all
the bad effects that would follow, to move no further untill at
least your pleasure was known to them. At these words I saw
they were moved, and seem'd very desireous that no account
should be sent to you. I told them I could give them no satisfac-
tion in that matter, for that depended on your trustees, and they,
I belcived, woidd regidate that matter as they saw the Bishops
behaved. Mr. Fullerton next day told me that what 1 had repre-
sented had made an impression on them, 'tho he was afhaid it
HEGISTER or LETTERS. 97
would be hard lo bring- them to reason. I beg- pardon for trou-
l>ling' you with this long story, but as it is a matter which your
friends here beleive is of great moment to your affairs, and that
I am afhaid tliere will be a necessity of laying the aftkir befor
you, more fully and from better authority than from private
hands such as mine, I reckon'd you'd be pleased to have some
previous hints of it. As nothing is omitted to keep these people
within reason, I am hopefuU they'l at last succumb, but should
il be olherwyse, I doe verily beleive the least intimation from
you, that you doe not approve of these steps at this season, Mill
at least have such influence with the laity that few converts will
be made, and therby discourage the undertaking. But how far
this \Vill be necessary and expedient, a little time and your own
judgement after further information must determine.
■•'" I have notliing else of any value to communicate to you.
Your friends live pritty easiely here just now, but how long it
may be so, God knows, being, by the repeall of the Habeas Cor-
pus, at tlie mercy of their enemies. — Wee have been pritty much
in the dark as to all designs of late, and the truth is ther's no
need nor great curiosity to have secrets comnmnicated to this
part of the island, where wee want nothing, but a heartie con-
currence of those in the South, to bring matters soon about to
our mutuall benefit. And when ever that happy circumstance
can be obtain'd, I dare venture to say your interest in this part
will appear to have rather gain'd than lost ground. In the mean
time wee must exercise our patience and live in hopes that some-
time or other God Almighty will releive us from our state of
bondage, by redressing your injuries, towards accomplishing
yiierof, the tyes of self interest as well as those stronger motives
of duty and inclination towards you cannot fail to stirr up the
utmost endevours of all your faithfull subjects, in which nvmiber
allow me to assure you no man is witii more sincerity than
" Yours &c."
VOL. n. o
98 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
Follows llie King's answer* to my last letter.
"■•-■^i , " April 5th 1723...
" It is but a few days agoe since I received yours of the 7th
December, which came by Holland, and as ther has been but
too good reasons of late to avoide writing without necessity, wee
ought neither of us to take amiss our having been less exact in
our correspondence. But I hope wee shall be able to continue it
more exactly for the time to come, allho' till the Habeas Corpus
act takes place again, great caution will be necessary on all sides,
for fear of giving the Government any handle of exerciseing the
same severilys in Scotland, as they have done in England, where
I am in great hopes that none will at least suflfer more than by
present confinement ; and on the whole, considering the present
disposition of the nation, and the posture of aftiiirs in Europe,
I think wee have all reason to hope ere long for some favourable
change. My endcvours to hasten it are continual, and when the
time comes, I cannot doubt of the heartie concurrence of my
faithfull Scots subjects, for whom I have and ever shall have the
most sincere and tender afl'ection.
" Pray let the Scots Bishops know how sensible I am of the
message they sent me by you and of the regard they shewed to
me in adding to their number the two I desired might be so ; and
now wee understand one another rightly on that head, I hope
wee shall be able to proceed in such matters for the future with
mutuall satisfaction. I hope your and my other friends exhorta-
tions to peace and unity amongst themselves will have had good
eflects, and indeed it must be very visible how prejudicial the
contrary must be to the good cause at this time ; and on proper
occasions you and they cannot doe me a better peice of service
than in employing your credit towards so good and necessary a
work, which is all I shall say on this head, on which I was glad
* Received 28 May 1723.
hegister of letters. 9y
to be inforin'd by you, and hope there will be no more occasion
to write about it.
" 1 iiave noHiin<>- lurder at present to mention to you, but the
good health of my family, which I am sure will be acceptable
news to you and all uiy other freinds, and shall therfor conclude
with tlie assiuance of my sincere and constant esteem and friend-
ship for you."
Bishop Geddercr, 'tho Falconer left him and siil)mitted to the
College, continuing' to advance and propagate his usages, as he
term'd them, in the northern countrys (where he made many
prosylites) notwithstanding of the remonstrances of the College
of Bishops againsl all innovations, the Bishops and Kings trus-
tees, thinking it proper to lay the matter befor the King, directed
me to write this letter to him :
" May 21st 1723.
" Sir, — I have not heard from you since my last of the 7th of
December ; whither your silence proceeds from a regard to the
ticklishness of the times, or that my letter or your return has
miscarried I cannot tell, but least mine has not reached your
hands, it will be necessary on this occasion that I recapitulate a
little what I mention'd in my last. [Here I need not relate
what was mention'd in my former letter but proceed to what is
new in this.] Since my last, Gadderer having gone to the North,
and boldly contemn'd both the advices and orders of the College
and your trustees, by openly advanceing his opinions, and prac-
tiseing his usages, and having gained several of both clergy and
laity over to his way of thinking, is in a fair way of creating a
terrible schism, which cannot fail in having dismall effects, by
dividing those that have hitherto lived cordially, and been ready
to joyn hand in hand, fur tlie service of the Churcii and State.
The College of Bishops are inclin'd to delay, as long as possible,
their proceeding to suspend Gadderer and such of the clergy as
follow him, because they would gladly shun propaleing this un-
o2
100 REGISTER OF LETTERS
happy division to the world, having at the same time too much
reason to apprehend their auihority, as matters stand, will not
meet with the regard that is due to it. A good number of your
trustees thought it incumbent on them to lay this matter befor
YOU, and withall directed me to offer their humble opinion that
a letter from you to the College (or the Bishop of Edinburgh to
be communicated to them) approving of their opposition to all
novelties at this juncture, and recommending to each of them
singly, and to all the inferiour clergy to shew a regard and give
due obedience to the authority and directions of the College, and
to continue their utmost endevours by the most prudent methods
to discourage and crush ail practices tending to the contrary, as
being pernicious to the interest of the Church and your service;
and that another letter to any of your trustees you please to be
communicated to the rest intimating your disapproving such
practices, and desireing them to acquaint your faithfuU subjects,
that you look upon such steps as most detrimental! to your ser-
vice : your trustees I say are of opinion that two letters to this
purpose would have very good effects even with many of the
clergy, and tend very much to turn all the laity against those
measures and the promotters of them, wherby in process of lime
they may be laid asside, and your friends live in that harmony
and good understanding which iiath been hitherto so much their
honour, as is indeed indispensably necessary both for you and
them. This their opinion I am charged to lay befor you with all
submission, and what directions you are pleased to give them
will be punctually followed. I am your &c."
The College finding Gadderer still persisted in acting contrary
to their orders, resolved to cite him to appear befor them to
answer for presuming to introduce any innovations of the wor-
ship and ceremonies of the Church, without nay contrary to their
reiterated orders, and to give an account on what ground and by
what title he pretended to exerce the jurisdiction of a Bishop in
nEGISTER OP LETTERS. 101
the diocess of Aberdeen ; and as they knew he would not give
obedience to their citation, they intended to suspend him. And
this step they thou«»ht necessar)-, because the enemies of the
Church represented, that the Episcopal clergy were already
making advances to Rome (seeing indeed many of Gadderers
tenets, such as the mixture of the cup, chrism, prayers for the
dead &c., seem'd nearly allyd to those of that Church) and what
might be expected if their popish King was on the Ihron : and
as such surmises tended liighly to the prejudice of bolh Church
and King, the Bishops thought it incumbent on them to manifest
their dislike of what gave their enemies such a handle against
them.
Here it will be expedient to show Gedderer a little more plainly
in his proper colours, by exposeing the title on which he clainvd
to act as Bishop of Aberdeen. Some two or three years agoe, the
prysbyters in that diocess applyd to the College that they would
appoint a bishop to precced over them and reside with them. The
Bishops fearing they would choice Doctor Cairns (who having
publickly advanced Madam Bonguion's wild doctrines, was by
no means fitt to be promotted) answer'd there was no need of
consecrating a new" bishop for that end, but if tliey the Prysby-
ters would name any of the College that was agreeable to them
he should be appointed to reside with them, if they (the Bishops)
approved of him. The Prvsbyters accordingly melt, and, to the
surprize of every body, elected Mr. Archbald Campbell. The
College upon nottice therof writt to Campbell signifying their
being willing to approve of what was done, provyded he would
promise under his hand to maintain and propagate noe doctrine
or visage not practised and warranted by the cannons of this
Church. To this, Campbell writt a most ridiculous impertinent
answer, positively refuseing to give that satisfaction, and styling
Bishop Fullcrton pope, and Miller and Irvin his cardinals, of the
Church of Scotland. This letter confirm'd the College in their
102 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
resolution not to approve of Campbell's repareino- to Aberdeen,
and tlierof acquainted tbe prvsbytcrs. However Campbell, sliglit-
ing" the authority of the CoUeg-e, reckon'd himself cannonicaliy
elected by the prysbyters, and 'tho he came not from London to
recide amongst them jiersonally, he sent Gadderer with a com-
mission to act as his vicar. Now as this was all the right and title
that Gedderer could claim, the world may judge of him by his
accepting of w hat is so illegall ; and the truth on't is, from his
own and his associats in Scotland and England their conduct first
and last in this matter, as they manifested a base contempt of the
authority of the College of Bishops and the advices and entreaties
of the King's friends, ther's too much reason to apprehend, they
had some secret views and motives, which they did notthiidv litt
to own, or that they were stirr'd up by some, Avho at the bottome
had dt-signs prejudicial to the King and Church.
But now to return to the Bishops, who after having fully con-
sidered the present state of the Church, directed me to write to
the King on that subject, the contents wherof I need not repeat,
but referr to the letter which is hereto subjoynd.
The late act of Parliament obliging all persons to take the oath
of abjuration, seem'd to be a matter of great moment, as it ex-
posed the King's friends to great difficullys; such as did not com-
ply were left at their enemies mercy ; and those who did, were
likely to be disesteem'd by those who did not, which could not
fail to occasion a dryness at least, amongst people who in the
main aim'd at the same things. Many, to obviate the penalties
of the law, or to render themselves qualify'd to follow out their
em])loyments as lawyers or the like, enclined to comply, but wisht
the taking of it might have its rise from a general measure con-
certed by the leading men of tiie party. In all events it was
tiiought proper that there should be a general measure and con-
cert for preserving the unity and spirit of the party ; and for ob-
taining Ihcrof, Mr. Maul (now, by the death of his brother. Earl
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 103
of Panniure) Kincardine and I laid our selves out. The Duke
of Hamilton was the only person fitt to undertake the calling of
a meeting-, because he had not vet taken the oaths himself, and
that his rank and quality entitled him to call such persons as were
judged proper to meet and concert togither. Wee apply'd again
and again to him, but to no purpose, for 'tho he approved of the
measure, he could not be ])ersuaded to leave his country diversions
and spend a few ■^^ ecks in toun upon so pressing an occasion.
Not being able to bring about such a meeting for laying down
and taking joynt measures and therby maintaining the face of a
party, wee .judgd it more necessary to lay the attiiir fully befor
the King, which I accordingly did.
This matter of the oath will not allow me to pass by the in-
famous scandalous behaviour of the Scots members in the House
of Commons ; had they joyn'd when desired by the English mem-
bers that were against it, they were more tlian enough to have
thrown it out, but instead therof they joynd with the Court to
impose it on England, and in revenge the English members ex-
tended it to Scotland : for at first the bill was brought in and
only design VI for England, and the Scots members trusting to
the promises of the Court that it should not, and slighting the
threats of the English that it should be extended to Scotland,
voted, all but three, for the bill, for which act of folly and knavery,
this hardship was imposed upon their countrymen at home.
Follows now my letter to the King on the forsaid subjects.
" September 10th 1723.
" Sir, — Some few days after I dispatched my letters of the
21st of May, I had the honour of yours of the 5th of April, and
after having shewed it to such of your trustees as I could meet
with, I was by them directed to lodge a coppy of that paragraph,
which related to the Church, in one of the Bishops hands, and
Lord Wigtoun made a tour thro Perth shyre and the adjacent
countrys, and communicated the same to Lord Nairn, Drum-
1 04 UEGISTER OF LETTERS.
mond of Logic and several other honest gentlemen, with whom U
had such good efl^cts, that wee have reason to hope your pleasure
and sentiments more fully expresst on that suliject, as was liumbly
proposed in my last, will effectually answer the end, and the
more that Bishop Falconer is dead. For 'tho he outwardly pre-
tended submission to the College, yet secretly he favoured and
promoted the seeds of division, and there was loo much reason
to apprehend that he and Gedderer designed very soon, without
asking yours or the other Bishops approbation, to have conse-
crated several other Bishops, with a view of strenthening and
encreasing their party; haveing in order therto drawn up a paper
which was privatly dispersed, wherin Ihcy remonstrated against
the declaration which the College required of all in holy orders
promising to give obedience to their present superiours and not
to propagate any innovations ; and in this paper was advanced
scverall odd m.axims, particularly tliat the present Bishops of
Scotland were all Bishops at large, and owed no subjection to
any other, or even to them all acting in a collegiate body, so that
each was at liberty to exercise his spirituall jurisdiction whei'e
and after what manner he pleased, without being controulable
by or accountable to any other power. As Falconer was much
respected or rather reverenced on account of his learning and
piety, his opinion in these matters moved many to have a favour-
able opinion of them, but now that he is dead, wee hope there
will be less difficulty to keep them within due bounds. If Camp-
bell come down, I beleive the College will quickly suspend him,
having sufficient groimds to ^\arraiKl such a step, besides his
promotting this schism. As his character is no ways suited to
the station he was advanced to in the Church, since Falconer's
death the College think it expedient to make a further promotion
of Bishops to be settled in those countrys, such as Fyfe, Angus
and the Mairns over which he preccedcd, and in such other
places as Aberdeen shyi-e &c where Gedderer applys himself to
HEGISTER OF LETTERS. 105
])ropagate lils schism ; at least, seeing most of the present Bishops
are men of a great ag-e, they think it very necessary to have
your allowance and direction to consecrate at such times as they
siiall see cause and think it expedient, a certain number of other
persons. This they desired me to lay befor you, and vvithall pre-
sume to recommend Mr. Norry minister at Dundee, Mr. Duncan
minister at Kilbirnie, Mr. Ross minister at Cowpar, and Mr.
Gordon minister at Elgin, as persons in all respects qualifyd for
the trust, hoping you'l be pleased to authorize the consecration
of all or such of them as they think convenient, and at such
times as they judge proper. Some few days after I received this
instruction, I was again call'd upon by two of the Bishops, who
told me that the College had appointed them to acquaint me, that
on further consideration of the state of afTairs, and fresh account
of Gedderers practices, they had resolved to cite him to appear
befor them and answer for his presuming to assume the charge
and exerce the office of Bishop of the Diocess of Aberdeen?
without your or the College having approved and authoriz'd
the same, and to introduce any alteration in the worship and
ceremonies of the Church, not authorized by the cannons, with-
out nay contrary to the express orders of the College ; and as
they expected he would not appear, they, in that case, would
suspend him. At the same time they foresaw insuperable diffi-
cultys and inconveniencies that would attend the delay of one
cloathed with authority to counteract Gadderer and inspect
the affairs of the Church in the northern covmtrys, untill an
answer to what is above represented could come from you,
and that none of the present Bishops could undertake it, being
either very infirm or altogither unacquainted with the tempers
and characters of the people both clergy and laity in those
places ; that therfor they thought it absolutly necessary to loss no
time in consecrating a person and sending him to reside in these
places ; but as they had a most profound respect for you, and a
VOL. II. p
106 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
just regard for your authority, they would make no steps theriu
that might be any ways displeasing to you, which they hope
might be prevented, if they represented the case to your trustees,
and obtaind their allowance to proceed immediatly, in regard
the present situation of affairs could not admilt of so long a de-
lay as to know your pleasure ; and this they desired me to lay
befor your trustees, and report their opinion and directions in the
matter. I mett accordingly with a good number of them, who
from a conviction of the necessity of speedily performing what
the College proposed, and in regard they had showd all due de-
ference to your authority, did take upon them to approve the
design, and directed me to acquaint the College therof, and that
I should likwyse give you an account of what they had done,
being hopeful I you will not disapprove of it, seeing it was really
a case of necessity, and the application made to your trustees
preserves your prerogative unviolated. If you are pleased to au-
thorize the College to make the promotions they humbly propose,
and to approve of what is done with respect to Mr. Norry (the
person design'd to be consecrated immediatly) it will I believe
be expedient that you write two letters to the College, one au-
thorizing them to make the promotions in the manner desired,
the other approving of what they had done with respect to Nor-
ry, therin taking nottice of the application made to your trustees,
and of his consecration being hasten'd without waiting for your
previous direction, because of the inconveniencies attending a
delay, and that therfor you approved of what was done, and of
his taking upon him the government of the Church in the Diocess
of Aberdeen and such other places as the College should think
fitt to appoint. This authority from you will raise his credit and
make him more regarded in those countrys where every thing that
comes from you hath its due weight. I took a proper occasion
likewyse to acquaint Bishop Fullerton that tho I did not question
his own and his brcthrcns regard for the royall authority, yet
REGISTETU OF LETTEUS. 107
the step they were to make with respect to Norry, miglit perFiaps
be adduced many years after this as a precedent against it, seeing-
nothing would appear to show the method that was taken and
the true cause of it, for which leason I proposed the College
should write a letter to me, disclaiming any design of encroach-
ing upon your prerogative, and shewing the reason of their pro-
ceeding so hastily in that matter. He desired me to draw such
a letter, which having done, he laid it befor his brethren, and
return'd it to me sign'd with some few addilions of their zeal and
loyalty to you. This letter I shall keep for your service, least in
any time coming men of unruly tempers make a bad use of v\ hat
was truly done with no bad views and meerly from necessity.
" It will not perhaps be displeasing tiiat I subjoyn a coppv of
this letter. — ' Edinburgh, 24th August 1 723. Sir, — The represen-
tation which the College of Bishops made to the King's trustees, as
it convinced them of the necessity to loss no time in consecrating
speedily some proper person to repare to the North, to oppose
and counteract Bishop Gedderers unaccountable proceedings
there, it will likwyse stand as a clear evidence of our profound
respect for His Majesties royall prerogative, for tho wee were
well assured of many irrepareable disadvantages attending a di-
rect application to the King, and having his pleasure therin
transmitted to us, yet wee unanimously resolved to advance no
steps therin unless, upon a representation of the matter, wee ob-
tained his trustees consent and approbation, in regard to the
present case of indispensible necessity. This wee hope will so
much convince His Majestie that wee are far from having any
views of lessening his royal avxthority, that he will be graciously
pleased to approve of what wee have done with respect to the
consecration of Mr. Norry, who is a person \a ell affected to His
Majesties person and government, and as you are fully apprized
of what steps we made in this affair, wee beg and expect you
p3
] 08 REGISTER OF LETTERS;
Avill transmitt to His Majcstie a just and full account therof, with
an assurance of our heartie zeal for his service, and unalterable
resolution to behave and demean our selves with that dutifuU re-
gard towards him which is suitable to the principles and doc-
trine of the loyal orthodox Church of Scotland, and which we
have hitherto maintain'd in the worst of times. This by the di-
rection and in name of my coUegues the other Bishops of our
Church is subscribed by me who sincerly am. Sir, Your &c. —
Sic sub. Jo. Bishop of Edinburgh.'
" The late act of Parliament obligeing all persons to take the
oaths to this government, or register the value of their real estates,
is like to have very dismall effects ; for how far the penalty or
mulct to be imposed on such as doe not comply will extend, no man
can say ; but, as wee have reason to expect, matters will be driven
as far as a furious set of men can devise. Some of your trustees
have had several consultations on this subject, and so far they
have concluded, that as general measures as possible be taken
and followed out, which tiiey are endeavouring to propogate, and
are at pains to know what are ])eoples sentiments and resolutions,
that so a general measure may be laid doun if possible. There
are some who will expose themselves and their familys to the
greatest hardships rather than qualify, but by what wee can
gather, the greatest part incline to venture themselves in the
hand of God rather than of such men as wee have to doe with,,
'tho at the same time they will stave it off to the last moment..
Some of good consideration are very desireous to have your ad-
vice and directions ; I told them that was a subject I could not
venture to write on to you, that I did not think they could ex-
pect you would explain your self on that head, and the utmost
they could desire from you was an intimation that what they
might doe at this juncture and in this strait to preserve them-
selves and their familys from ruin, would not induce you to.
REGISTEn OP LETTEItS. 109
siispect their loyalty and sincere attachment to your interest,
when any oportunily otiercd for your service. Tho I would not
accept of any direct conunission to write to you on this subject,
I thought it inciunbent on me to let you know the state wee were
in, and how I found people were inclin'd. One thing is plain ;
if people act at random and without a rule and measure, many
will comply and many stand out, and these too probably as
formerly will value and reckon themselves more ui)right than
the olher.s, who on the other hand, as it is a certain truth miiver-
sally known, that their complyance will proceed altogilhcr from
a view of eviting the effects of persecution, and that they still will
retain their zeal for your service, will think they are not to be
less esteem'd and trusted. These different ways of reasoning,
according to the different passions and views of men, as they
may occasion heats and divisions, ought by all means to be
avoided and prevented. Having thus represented the present
state, and what consequences may follow, you can best judge
how far it is proper and convenient for you to interpose and give
any directions or even signify your sentiments on so nice and
critical a point.
"As I have your commands to inform you of every thing wherin
I judge your service may be concern'd, it is my duty to obey,,
especially seeing some of your friends thought it absolutly pro-
per to let you know that they are inform'd by good hands of
there being shrewd suspitions at London that Frazer of Bewfort
hath of late regain'd the favour of the German ministry (from
which not long agoe he was almost totaly secluded) by furnish-
ing them with intelligence of most matters that pass at your
Court or else where abroad relative to you and yours, and that
this he procures by and thro the means of his friend Mr. Camp-
bell of Glendarule. How far this last gentleman is justly or un-
justly accused, no body here can tell ; the suspision is in few
hands, and the intimation comes from persons who at the bot•^-
110 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
tome are not enemies to you, and probably with an intention you
should be apprized of it, and you know best what use to make
therof.
" I am also directed to inform you that some of your friends nay
even of your trustees are at a loss what to think and how far to
confide and correspond with the Duke of Mar. That one in his
circumstances should have both personal friends and enemies, is
no strange thing in this world. Those who act with an impar-
tiall view for your service, doe what they can to suppress storys
and jealousies of your friends, and especially of one of so great a
figure as that noble Lord. At the same time they have had no
intimations of your sentiments concerning him since his confine-
ment at Geneva, on which account many passages with respect
to his conduct and your not confiding in him have since that time
been asserted by people both at home and abroad, pretending to
good authority for what they advanced. . But what puzzells us
most is that part of the report of the committee of Parliament
concerning the conspiracy, which positively affirms that he re-
ceived a pension from the Government, on the assurance of his
being out of your service, and being usefull to the other. It is
pritty odd that a committee of Parliament should take upon
them in so publick a manner and in sue!) express terms to assert
such a fact, if not true, and it is as odd that he has never yet
been at the pains either by himself or his friends to wipe off the
aspersion. And under those circumstances, some of your best
and most significant friends are at a loss what to think, or how
to behave towards him and those that depend upon him in this
country; and therfor it is thought that it would be much to your
friends satisfaction and your own service that you would be
pleased (as you did formerly) to signify to them how far you
still continue to cnlcrlain a good opinion of him. Such an in-
timation in his favours (if he deserves it) would remove the sus-
picions of sonic, and enable others tp contradict and silence the
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 1 H
storys and clamours of those who, from personal piques and party
views, g-rasp al all occasions to asperse him. I earnestly beg and
humbly hope you will beleive what I have mentioned of these two
persons can and does proceed from no other motive but the obli-
gation I think incumbent on me, from your connnands and the
trust reposed in me, impartially to acquaint you of what I or your
friends conceive for your service to know. How far the suspi-
cions of one or both of these persons are well or ill founded, no
body here can tell, but it may be perhaps of use for you to know
what is reported here on these and the like subjects, for regu-
lating your own measures and removing ill grounded and un-
warrantable jealousies amongst those that are well affected to
you and your good cause.
" From M'hat I have observ'd in the Bishop of Rochester's tryall,
it is not expedient for you to sign your letters with the same
surname I direct mine to you. And therfor instead of be
pleased to use in signing your letters to me for the future,
" I am sorry to tell you that I think Captain Straiton very
much faild of late, and that I am affraid he cannot last long.
" I wish what answers you return to this may be convey'd by
sure and safe hands, for a discovery would have bad conse-
quences. It is now high time to putt an end to this tedious let-
ter by assuring you that I am with all imaginable truth and re-
spect. Sir, Your &c.
" P. S. The day befor I was to send this off, I received a letter
from Bishop Fuller ton acquainting me that Gedderer having
made some show of submission, the College did resolve to delay
the consecration of Mr. Norry untill they knew your pleasure
therin, and desired that, instead of Mr. Gordon, I should insert
Mr. Ochterlonie, minister at Abcrlemno, in the list of the persons
they recommend. I have not time to transcribe this, and leave
out what relates to Norrys being immediatly consecrated, so I
beg you'd forgive this being writt by way of postscript and what
112 -REGISTER or LETTERS.
errors I may have committed in reduceing- this letter into cyphers
by being- much straitned in time."
In a few days after I dispatched this letter, I received the Kings
answer to mine of the 21st of May last, of which I must observe
that it is writt in a general style and not so doss to the subject
as was proposed in my letter, and consequently of less signifi-
cancy, seeing both the contending partys pretended they were
in the right, and did desire to promote unity and peace, provyded
their opponents would knock under. Whither tiiis manner of
writing proceeded from no design, or that the King did not in-
cline expressly to condenm tenets and usages near a kin to those
of his own Church (on Avhich account I purposely shun'd in my
letters to make mention of the particulars) I cannot pretend to
fletermine.
" August 20th 1723*.
" Your letter of December last was so long on the road, that
aUlio I answ^erd it without delay on the 5th of April, I doe not
wonder you had not received that answer when you wrote yours
of the 21st of May, which I only received a few days agoe, and
«m sorry to find by it, that those differences, you formerly men-
tioned, still continue. But I hope the letter I here send you for
the Scots Bishops will contribute to putt a speedy end to them,
and it is most certain, if they doe continue, it must end in the
utter destruction of the Church, for whose wellfare the rulers of
it must certainly have a sincere regard ; and therfor I am per-
suaded they will more willingly comply with what I desire of
them. You will take the properest manner to have this letter
delivered to them, and I desire you at the same time to commu-
nicate it to some others of my friends of the laity, that they may
joyn their endevovirs to mine in procuring that harmony and
peace among the Scots Bishops, which is so necessary not only
* Received 16 Septeinber 1723.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 1 1 J
for the Church, but for the ^\■cllfare of the good cause, which I
am sure you and my other friends of the laity have too mueli at
heart not to doc all tiiat lyes in your j)o\ver towards the; promo-
ting- it. I shall not repeat to you what 1 say in my letter to the
Bishops, which I am sure will be satisfactory to them, and 1 hope
I shall have no more occasion of writing on so disagreeable a
subject. It is true t have avoided writing on any into Scotland
for some time for fear of accidents which might hajjpcn in these
times of trouble and inactivity, but you may be assiu'cd that mv
thoughts have still been equally and a\ holly taken up with what
may conduce to the delivery and wellfare of mv subjects, whicli I
shall ever pursue by all means possible, and disappointments and
delays must not discourage us, nor hinder us irom trusting to good
Providence, whicli never abandons honest men in a just cause.
When you can write to me withsafty I shall be always glad to
hear from you, and I shall ever retain for you that true value
and esteem which you deserve of me. Ther was no venturing
to write the inclosed letter out of cypher, and as it is a paper
which must be seen by several people, you will take care that
the cypher it is writt in do not become too common."
Follows a letter to the Scots Bishops from the King.
"August 20th 1723.
" It was not without concern that I heard some time agoe of
some divisions and differences of opinions that were amongst
you, and that concern is now much encreased by the accounts I
have again received of the continuance of those variances which
must be so distructive both to the Church and my interest, and
therfor I camiot but hope that as all of you wish well to both,
you would by this time in an amicable and friendly way putt an
end to all past differences. But for fear you should not have
been able as yet to doe so, I thouglit it necessary to write this let-
ter to you, to recommend and indeed require of you, to loss no
time in taking the most prudent and cfi'ectual measures, for tlie
VOL. II. Q
I 1 4 REGISTER OK LETTERS.
esta})lisliiiig- an entire union and peace amongst you, towards^
which I shall always be so desireous, as it is manifest our enemies
will ever draw their advantag-es from the contrary. The many
assurances I have given of favour and protection to the Cliurch
of Scotland ought to make my sentiments in that respect not
doubtfuU to you ; and the personal esteem and regard I have for
your selves, will be much encrased by your ready complyance
with what I have desired of you."
Follow two letters from the King in answer to mine of the
10th of September 1723.
" November 24th 1723*.
" Your letter of the 10th of September came safe to me, and I
am much obliged to you for the continuance of your zeal and
attention in all that relates to my service, and for your exactness
in what relates to it, which I earnestly desire you to continue.
By what I sent to you some weeks agoe, the College of Bi.sliops
will have seen my sincere regard for them and my concern for
their wellfair, and they may be assured of my continuing in those
sentiments towards them, and that their late respectful! behaviour
towards me (ot which you now give me an account) will induce
me yet more to concurr m ilh them in whatever may be for their
support and advantage ; but as my nomination of the persons
they propose to be added to their number, doeth not seem now
to press so much, I shall deferr for some weeks making any am-
ple reply to that particular, and even to the rest of your letter,
for I have no surer ways than those fiirmcrly used to convey my
letters to you, and you are much in the right to apprehend the
ill consequences of any discovery, besides that I hear some let-
ters have been lately intercepted in England, and I think Avhat
wee ought cheifly to attend to at this time is not to give the Go-
vernment the least handle of encreasing the persecution against
* Received 12 July 1721.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 1 I 5
the loyall party, but 1 hope long- bcfor the end of the winter, I
may be able with safty to write fully to you. In the mean time
let my friends with you behave with the greatest j)rudence and
caution on one hand, but let them, on t'other, keep up their
hearts and good will, for Providence will, I hope, at lasl open a
way for their deliverance, the hasting of which lakes up all my
thoughts and time. As their present suflcrings arc my greatest
afflictions, my tenderness for them is inexpressible, and my en-
devours for their releif shall be constant. Pray let such as you
confide in, not be ignorant of these my sincere sentiments, and
be assured that mine towards you are accompany'd with a sin-
cere esteem and kindness. I earnestly recommend both to Ihe
clergy and laity a strict union amongst themselves. Of all evills,
none can be so fatall as any division amongst the loyall ])arty,
and many things ought to be pass'd over, and suffered, rather
than venture the least breach amongst those who are luiitcd in
the same cause."
The King's other letter*.
" March 18th 1724.
" Since my last to you of the 24th of November, there has hap-
pen'd many great changes in the world ; it is not easie to forsee
what consequences they may be attended with, 'tho I hope and be-
leive they will be with none contrary to my interest, and nothing
shall be neglected by me to improve them to the best advantage
towards what all of us equally desire. In this situation I have
little to say to you, and that made me deferr so long returning
you a more ample answer to yours of the 10th of September,
especially since I had reason to beleive that a small delay could
be of no prejudice to the College of Bishops. The paper enclosed
will I hope fully satisfy them; you will deliver it to them and ex-
plain at the same time that I thought it by no means adviseable
* Received 12 July 1724.
q3
116 . REGISTER OF LETTERS.
to liave a forniall paper sent over at this time, for fear of accidents,
and that they may look on this as equally aulhentick. The open-
inir of the Enalish Parliament seems rather to denotte a cessation
of persecution for the loyall party at this time, which I earnestly
wish on all accounts, knowing that nothing- will be capable of
altering their zeal and affection for me. The best rule I can
give you and my other friends for the present, as to correspond-
ing with this side of the sea, is to address directly to my self.
They are well acquainted how great my regard is to secrecy,
cheilly on their account; it hath hitherto been with success, and
shall, if possible, be redoubled for the time to come, being well
apprized of the importance of it, so that by this means they may
be entirely at ease on that head, as you may be of my continu-
ance of my sincere esteem and friendship for you.
" The family is all in good health ; wee have lost a very good
friend of our landlord, but his death can have no great influence
on the affairs of the family or company. Let my friends whom
you converse with find here my kind compliments."
The King's letter to the Bishops.
"March IStli 1724.
" Mr. Lockhart did not fail to inform me in due time of the par-
ticulars you were desireous I should be apprised of in relation to
the Church of Scotland, and I was equally affected with concern
for the want of union and harmony amongst you and your
brethren, and with the deepest sense of gratitude and regard for
the constant loyalty submission and attachment which you have
oxpress'd for me on this, and so many other occasions. My par-
ticular esteem for yoiu' Body is well known to you, and your
present behaviovu' towards me doeth justly increase it, and with
it my concern for your wellfarc and all that may contribute to
your advantage, and to preserve amongst you peace and iniion
which 1 most earnestly recommend unto you, as equally import-
ant both for your selves and the good cause ; and thcrfor to give
HEGISTEn OF LETTERS. 117
you a new proof of these my senlimenls towards you and of my
confidence in you, I hereby approve and authorize yonr adding
to yonr number the four jjcrsons you propose to me for that ef-
fect, viz. Mr. John Onchterlonie, Mr. Robert Norie, Mr. Alex-
ander Duncan, and Mr. James Ross, not doubting- but that tlieir
principles of loyalty and affection to their country and my family
are suita)>le to those oilier qualifications, which have made you
think liiem worthy to be the rulers of a Church, the members
of which have on so many occasions shewed themselves to be
equally g-ood patriots and good subjects. But as I am most tender
of any thing- that might in the least disturb your peace or give
our adversaries any handle to exercise new cruelty towards you,
and considering my present distance from you, I leave to your
determination to delay the adding to your number the four above
named persons, as long as you shall think fitt, to the end that by
taking a proper time to make that step, it may be void of all in-
convenience, and only tend to your advantage, as I intend and
wish it may prove. The present circumstances and my just re-
gard for your safty, would not allow of my writing to you in
another form, but it is my intention that you should look on
what is herein contain'd as authentick, and as sufficient to jus-
tify with me your proceeding in consequence of it. And you
may be always assured of my readiness and desire to favour and
protect the Church of Scotland, and to show you the personall
esteem and value I have for your selves."
Follows a letter of mine to the King.
" August 18, 1724.
" Sir, — In a few dayes after my dispatching my last of the 10th
of September, I received yours of the 20th of August, and about
six dayes agoe I received at the same time two other letters from
you of very different dates, viz, the 24th of November and 18th
of March last.
" I have been so long silent, because in truth I had little or no-
118 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
thing of any moment to communicate to you, and I was unAvil-
ling to trouble you untill I could say something of the effects of
your severall letters, exhorting- the clergy to peace and unitv
amongst themselves. And 1 have now the satisfaction to tell you,
that I hope these matters are so adjusted, that you shall have no
fnrder trouble from that quarter on that score. The Bishops have
acted very prudently, for as they were resolved to maintain their
authority, they at the same time shewed a readiness to adjust
differences upon reasonable terms, which with your letters, forced
Gedderer to submitt, 'tho at the same time he and his bretheren
would never have adjusted matters, had not some of your trus-
tees been present at their meetings, and by virtue of your au-
thority interposed betwixt them. And I cannot but reckon it a
peice of service done you, in regard the common enemie seem'd
mightily pleased at the prospect of a division amongst those who
were reckond to have an attachment to you, and propogated a
world of false storys, with an intent to blow the coal, and weaken
the interest of the common cause. But now I hope theyr disap-
pointed in this particular. Whilst I am on this subject, I can-
not but observe and regrate how imaccountablc it is for men
that are at, under, and in a state of persecution, to be so factious
and divided amongst themselves, and yet this hath been and I
beleive will be the case till the end of the world, especially
amongst clergymen, whom it is not easie, under any circum-
stances, to keeep in due bounds. Amongst the small ninnber of our
Scots Bishops, there's abundance of private views and self in-
terest, which in a great measure is kecpt lurking by the prudence
and authority of their priirms Mr. Fullerton; but on the event
of his death (Avhich, as he is of a great age and not very healtjjy,
may happen too soon) it is easie to foresee, it will break out and
have very bad consequences, particularly on the occasion of
acting as pv'j»MA' during the interval of ac(|uain1hig you of his
death and receiving your connnands as to the person you design
nKfilSTEU OF LETTRnS. I JiQ
to succeed him. Of the whole mimber, Mr. rrvine seems to be
the most proper person. He's a gentleman of good sense and
experience in bnssiness, and by his joyning- my Lord Dundee
and Lord Kenmure, on which first account he was obliged to
retire for several years to France, and lay long in prison after
the unhappy action at Preston, his loyalty and zeal for your ser^
vice are unexceptionable. Tiie Viscount of Kylsyth and most of
those now with you know him well, and will confirm what I say
of him. Tho this person is certainly the fittest to succeed Mr.
Fullerton, it would not be proper that you should nominate liim
or any other till the event happen. But it is the iunnble opinion
of several of your trustees that it would tend much for preserving
tliat peace and unity which you so much and on such good
grounds doe recommend, if you would send a letter, directed to
the Bishops, signifying that wheras you are at a great distance
at present and cannot gi\ e such speedy directions on several mat-
ters, as tile importance of the subject often requires, and being
sensible that many inconveniencies may arise to the Churcli of
Scotland, if Mr. Fullerton the present primus should happen to
dye, for want of one of the College duely authorized to supply
the vacancie untill you have time and opportunity to name one
to succeed him, that therfor you have sent previously this letter
to be ready and delivered to the College of Bishops, on the event
forsaid, and that you doe tlierby direct Bishop Irvine to reside
at Edinburgh and preside in the College of Bishops, untill you
name another to act and ofhciat as prinms. Tis proposed that
this letter should be keept so very secret, that none of the clergy,
nor any other but those by whose directions I write this, should
know of it, till the time of its being delivered, and its thought
an expedient nay the only one, that will prevent the heats and
divisions which will otherwyse infallibly happen, to the no small
prejudice of your interest here; for as the Episcopal party, which
dayly becomes more numerous, are all entirely devoted to you.
120 nEGISTER OF LETTERS.
and that in some measure you are in the actuall exercise of your
regall power, in so far as they willingly follow your directions in
what you require of them, it is certainly for your service to keep
them entire and at one, in all matters civil or ecclesiastick; and
whilst they are in this good temper, T am fond of every occasion
that casts up for you to exercise your royall authority over so
great a number of loyall subjects willing to receive your com-
mands, least an interruption therof should make them, when they
may and should appear for you, forgett their duty to you; it
beino- a certain maxim that a remisness or backwardness therin
often proceeds from being unaccustomed to it, and tliat an au-
thority claimd and exercised, 'tho but in a small degree, is
easier maintained and even enlarged to its proper extent, than
where it has never existed, nor been in the least own'd and sub-
mitted to.
" I was pritty much puzled lio\v to behave from that part of
yours dated 18 of March, which directed all letters of bussiness
to the other side of the sea to be address'd to your self, in regard
it seem'd to be applyd to that part of mine dated 10th September
concerning the Duke of Mar, and that when I communicated it
to those few, who knew of my writing to you on that subject,
they had the same apprehensions of it, and concluded that you
did not approve Mar's conduct, and that he was no longer trusted
by you. Nay the few that knew nothing of what I had writt,
and to whom I told yoiu' directions in general terms (such as the
Duke of Hamilton, Henry Straiton, and Mr. Gordon of Glen-
bucket, because I did not know but they might write, and address
these letters after another manner than you directed) these I say
did putt the same construction on it. To the first I replyd that
your words did not expressly carry that sense, and 'tho it should
be true in fact, the method which you took in signifying your
sentiments, besides many other obvious reasons, did show how
^mfitt it was that any suspicions of that person were publlck, in
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 121
regard his falling oft' would be a prejudice to the reputation of
your affairs; and if the suspicion was groundless, the propaleing
of it would be an horrid act of un justice to iiini. Tiicy all agreed
with me, and resolved to take no manner of nottice of having any
such jealousie. To the others I answer'd that I knew nothing of
the matter, that I had received your orders and apprised them
therof, and it was none of our bussiness to draw inferences, espe-
cially when they, were not founded upon good authority, and
were prcjudiciall to the common cause. In fine 1 resolved to
conununicate your orders even in general terms to \ery few,
and those only such as I imagine may keep a correspondence
abroad.
" I have several times of late years inform'd you of Slraitoi\'s
being veiy infirm and valetudinary, and the truth out is, these
seven years bypast, I would not have bought his life at as many
months purchase, and it is more uncertain now than ever, having
within these six months been cutt sixteen times of a fistula, the
root wherof I hear is nevertheless still remaining, by which he
is reduced to be a meer skeleton, and confined altogither to his
bed, so that there is no humane probability of his lasting long.
Some of your trustees melt lately to consider of a fitt person to
recommend to you to succeed him in what bussiness you couunitt
to him here, and they unanimously agreeing upon John Corsar,
directed me to signify so nmch to you. His zeal, integrity and
capacity are known to all your friends with you and iiere, and
Glenbucket concurr'd in approving of him, as one that would
be acceptable to himself and the Highlanders; and what makes
him appear more fitt for that trust, he resides closs at Edinburgh,
and hath been of late years much employ 'd by Straiten to decy-
pher his letters and convey his dispatches, and is therby in a
o-reat measure acquainted with his correspondents and the canal
of conveying and receiving his intelligence. If you pitch upon
tills person or any other, tis submitted how far you think it ex-
VOL. IL R
122 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
pedieiit to advertise Straiton therof, and desire him to give that
person such insig-ht in your affairs, that in the event of his death
or sickness, there may be no loss of time, or mistakes committed
in the manageing of them. I belcive such an advertisement
would come best from your self to the good old man.
" Your friends in all corners long impatiently for good news,
being heartily tyred of the present situation of affairs. I am with
the utmost respect and deference Your &c. •
" P.S. Since writing of this letter Bishop Irvin was sent to me
by a good number of his bretheren, to acquaint me that notwith-
standing what they had done for establishing peace and imity,.
they were informed some gentlemen in Angus were going about
asking subscriptions to an address to the College, desireing they
Avould consecrate and appoint Mr. Ratray of Craighall to be
their Bisliop ; that as this gentleman (one indeed of a good fa-
mily and estate, of great piety and learning and lately ordaind
a priest) was the main supporter of Geddercr and his party, they
understood that the cheif promottors of this address were of the
same stamp, and had the advanceing of his schemes in view, by
this promotion, for whicli reason these Bishops were of opinion
that he was most unfitt to be made a Bishop, least the peace and
unity of the Church be further disturbed, and they resoh ed to
answer the address after the following manner; That as there is
at present a sett of Bishops sufficient for the service of the Church,
the encreasing of the number would rather doe harm than good ;
and that besides they neither can nor will proceed to consecrate
him or any other person, but by your direction and under your
authority. And having reason to apprehend that these address-
ers design'd to apply to you, they desired me to acquaint you,
they were humbly of opinion there was not the least occasion
for adding any more to their number, and were it otherwyse,
this gentleman is by no means a fitt person to be jn'omotted, in
regard it could not fail to introduce divisions and discord, to
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 123
whicli they know you doc not incline to give the least encou-
ragement and may easiely on this occasion avoid, by letting them
know that in such mailers you act by the advice of the College
of Bisliops."
When Gaddever ])erceived Ihe Bishops were determined to pro-
ceed against him, and that some of the laity who had hitherto
supported him, and most of those who seem'd indillerent in the
contraversy were moved with the King's letters on that subject
and began to discountenance him, he thought hit to come to
Edinburgh and submitt to the authority of the College, which
mett upon that occasion, and where the Earls of Wigton, Pen-
mure and Kincardine and my self were desired to be present to
gi\ e our opinions and advice. Gadderer insisted much that the
usages he introduced were practised by the primative Fathers, and
tho he would not averr they were essentiall, yet he rcckon'd them
as integrals in the worship of God, and thought himself indis-
pensably obliged to use the mixture of water with wine in his
administration of the holy eucharist, yet for peace sake he would
bring himself to communicate with others, tho there was no such
mixture. The other Bishops replyd Ihat they lookt upon these
visages as matters indifferent in themselves, but that their ene-
mies made a bad use of their being introduced, for which reason
they could not approve of them, and he (Gedderer) as being a
son of the Church, should submitt to the authority of the College
in all such matters as extended no furder than to rites and cere-
monies, and the external government of the Church. However,
to indulge his scrupulous conscience, they would make such con-
cessions as they judged consistant with the interest of the Church,
and ought to satisfy him. Accordingly articles of agreement
were drawn up and signd by the whole College, the sum wherof
was, that Gadderer therby engaged to introduce propogate or
allow of no usages and ceremonies within his district that were
not conform to tlic cannons and practice of the Church of
R 2
124 ftEOISTER OF LETTERS.
Scotland, excepting- that of the mixliu'e of the cup, \vhich tliey
(the other Bishops) were willing- to connive at in him, pro-
vycled lie pcrform'd it only to those that demanded it and with
such privacy and prudence, as not to give otlencc to others
wlio startled at such innovations; and that he (Gedderer) did
submitt himself to tlie power of the College in all matters,
from whom alone he did acknowledge that he derived his au-
thority to exercise the episcopal function and powers in his
diocess. So that here he gave up his friend and patron Mr.
Campbell, who was not a little nettled at it and pretended slill
to have the only legall tittle to be Bishop of Aberdeen. I can-
not express the disorder that was at this meeting, for there was
little reasoning oh the matter; most of the discourses being in-
vectives and unmannerly reflections ag-ainst Gadderer, who being-
on the other hand as obstinate as a mule, nothing to purpose
would have attended this conference, had not the noblemeiv
above mention'd interposed and by their solid reason and autho-
rity adjusted niatters in the manner I have breifly related.
Wee were now in hopes that matters were so settled, the Bi-
shops would have lived like bretheren not only of one- Church
but of affliction ; but wee soon saw tis one thing to smother a
flame, and another to extinguish a fire. Some time at\er this
transaction happened, the College proceeded to consecrate Mr.
Duncan and Mr. Norrie, and they appointed the former to
have the inspection of the diocess of Glasgow, and spoke of
committing the care of the shyres of Angus and Mearns to
the other. As this was expected to be the consequence of his
promotion, some, who had no good will to him, engaged Bishop
Fullerton to promise not to consent therto, unless he was ap-
proven of by a majority of the prysbyters of those bounds and
was found to be agreeable to the people, particularly those of in-
terest and power ; and therfor when these appointments were
tirst intended;, he proposed that previous therto they should ap-
nEGlsTEU OF LETTERS. 125
prise the prysbyters therof, and know their senliinenls Ihcrin.
Tliis being' ngTecd to, letters were accordingly writ by FuUerton
in name of the College. Duncan being unaniiiiously accepted,
he was immcdially settled, but as the snare ^^as laid for Nor-
rie, preparations Avere made to oppose him. Tho Mr. Gad-
derer had compounded matters for liimself, yet Mr. Rattray of
Craighall, and some few gentlemen his neighbours whom he had
intoxicated with his notions about the usages, did by no means
desire Mr. Norrie, because they knew he would not give way to
their endevours to propogate the same, and their hearts were
sett upon having Rattray to be consecrated and appointed their
Bishop, designing to apply to the King for his consent therto.
In order therfor to stave otf Norrie, they prevaild with a small
majority of one or two of the prysbyters to signify their dissatis-
faction with Mr. Norrie, and they carried about an address in
the same strain, to which they procured a good many consider-
able heretors hands, most of whom were perfectly indiHerent in
the matter, and only complyd on the importimity of their friends
and neighbours and without duely reflecting on the consequences
therof. At the same time a considerable number of the clergy
signifyd their entire satisfaction with Norrie, and the Lords
Strathmore and Gray wrot to the same purpose to the College,
assurino- them he was most agreeable to a great and considcra-
ble body of that country, and that the opposition he mett with
Avas from secret views no ways suitable to the interest of the
Church. When the College mett in the begining of winter 1724
to determine this affair, Mr. Rattray appear'd as representing-
the Clergy, and my Lord Panmure in name of the Heretors Re-
monstrators, (which name they assumed) and I was sent for to
be present at the debate. Panmure (who appeared in it either
out of some private picque against Mr. Norrie, or to render him-
self popular with these remonstrators) presented the address from
the Heretors, and Mr. Rattray the remonstrance by the Clerg)^
126 REGISTER or LETTERS.
In opposition to which, the letters from the two noble Lords, and
the approbation of the Clergy were produced and all read. And
here I must observe, that tho the latter were full of the praises of
Mr. Norrie, the other did not mention or insist on any one ac-
cusation against him, except that he was hott in his temper. The
College proceeded immediatly to canvass the claims of the se-
veral prysbyters, how far they were severally entitled to give
their consents. As I saw whither this was driving, I told them
I was very ignorant in the affairs of the Church, and, for my in-
struction, I beg'd to know in whom they thought the power of
electing a Bishop was lodged, and that I beleived this was a mat-
ter necessary to be adjusted befor they proceeded to such a scru-
tiny. Panmure, with some warmth, rejilyd, that by the legall
establishment of the Church of Scotland, the right belong'd to
the Dean and Chapter, but as that could not in the present situ-
ation of affairs be obtained, the next best method to be followed
was that of the primative Church, when no Bishop could be ap-
pointed to any diocess without the concurrence of the majority
of the Clergy and approbation of the people ; and in this he was
seconded by Fullerton, Gadderer and Rattray. I answer'd that I
highly approved of the method, in so far as a due regard should
be had to the inclinations and sentiments of both clergy and peo-
ple; but I did not find that this method of electing a Bishop to
a particular diocess was either an essentiall point or an integral,
that 1 reverenced those ancient fathers of the Church, but 1 did
not think they were infallible and that future ages were blindly
to follow their examples ; that circumstances render'd a method
proper at one time very improper at another ; and since it was
evident in these our days, from a review of what dayly occurr'd
in the popular calls of Prysbyterian ministers and ttie occasion of
the present meeting, that lodging such a power in the inferiour
clergy and the people, occasion'd divisions and animosities, I
thought it ought tu be avoided, especially seeing it was not agree-
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 127
able to the legall constitution of the Ciiurch of Scotland, whicli
did not leave the election to the Dean and Chapter, for the King-
was authorized by law to make the nomination, which he did by
a conge dc lire sent to the Chapter, who again were obliged to
elect the very person the King named ; so that the power of ap-
pointing Bishops to particular diocesses was properly in the
King, and I thought it would be necessary for him to assume
that power, since it Avas plain to what a bad use some were like
to turn the liberty he left them ; but that in the present case,
which, afier the noise that had been made about it, could not in
justice to Mr. Norries character and with the credit of the Col-
lege be delayd, I offered it as my opinion that the College should
cheifly consider the objections and not the nvnnbers of the objec-
tors to Mr. Norrie, and if they appear'd frivolous and humourous,
or if they suspected there was more design'd than pretended, they
sliould immediatly setle Mr. Norrie, and in this I was backd by
all the other Bishops. Panmure presst a delay, in hopes matters
would be accomodated ; I replyd that no delay was to be admit-
ted, the Prysbyters pretended to encroach on the power, which,,
in the present case, none could claim by any legal tittle but the
College ; that the heats and divisions were already gone to a
great lenth and would encrease by a delay, and that there was
no way to settle peace and order in these countrys, but for the
College to assert and maintain their authority. Panmure and I
after this came away, and after several meetings and much
Avrangling, the Bishops did cast several of the prysbyters that
were against Norrie, as having no good tittle, and so the majo-
rity turn'd on his side, and he was appointed to inspect and ex-
ercise the episcopal jurisdiction in these shy res, by the consent
of all the Bishops, except Fullerton and Gedderer, mIio, finding
they were outvoted, claim'd a negative power vested in Fuller-
ton as jrrinms; but being obliged to give up that point, Fullerton
was prevailed with to refuse signing the minuts, 'tho he was urged
1^8 REGISTER OF LETTERS,
and prcssl to doe it as incumbent on him, being' ]weses of the
meeting-. He obstinatly refused, imagining that if it was Icnowu
that he liad not consented, his character was so universally ap-
proval of, that it would lessen that of Norrie and even give
grounds to those that would not submitt to him, to urge the in-
validity of his tittle, in regard that he wanted the metropolitan
authority belonging to the jyrimus, which was necessary in this
case. However the other Bishops caused the clerk of the meeting
sign the minutes of their proceedings, and give an extract therof
to Mr. Norrie, as being sufficient to warrant and authorize him
to act in the terms therof. This conduct of FuUerton lessend liis
character very much, and Rattray exposed himself exceedingly,
having been so willfull as to enter, in name of the prysbyters, a
protestation against Mr. Norrie, and so rash or vain as to print
and disperse it thro this and other kingdoms, to the great satisfac-
tion of the Prysbyterians who laughed and rejoyced at these di-
visions. As soon as the College adjourned, Mr. Norrie went
home and was kindly received by his friends and adherents, but
his opposers continvied in their bad humour and would not submitt
to him nor own him as their Bishop, and the malice of the two
partys encreased dayly, and came at lenlh lo a great hight.
And as the King's trustees perceived that discord and division
amongst his friends would be the consequence of leaving his
subjects, especially the clergy, to act with such full powers, di-
rected me to write the following letter to him.
" December 8th 1724.
" Sir, — Since my writing a letter a few weeks agoe, and which
1 beleive will come at the same time with this to your hands, I
received directions from your trustees to acquaint you, that the
College of Bishops, in virtue of the power you. gave them, did
immcdiatly proceed to consecrate Norrie and Duncan, Bishops
at large, and some little time therafter, they appointed the last
to inspect and have the charge of the diocess of Glasgow, and
HEGISTEU OF LETTERS. 1*29
proposed to commitl tlic like in the shires of Ang-us and Mcaviis
to the other. ]3ut in this last they divided and run into the ut-
most liight of parly rage, in which they were severally supported
by the noblemen and gentlemen of tliese bounds. However the
majority of the Bishops, seconded by the Earl of Strathniore and
several other persons of notle that are for Norrie, settled hiui
there in opposition to Fullerton and Gedderer who ha\ e opposed
it and protested against it and are seconded by a great number
of gentlemen. In sliort not only arc the Bishoj)s broke in peices
amongst themselves, but the divisions and heats amongst the
laity is also very great, and has occasion'd such a breach and
misunderstanding as will not, I fear, be easily or soon accomo-
dated, to the prejudice of the conmion interest in these loyall
sbyres.
" Your trustees, in order to prevent the like disputes for the
future, humbly offer as their advice that you'd be pleased to write
to the Bishop of Edinburgh, signifying that tho you had allowed
them to consecrate a certain nmnber of Bishops that the order
may be continued, yet you desired the College shcjuld not for the
future proceed to settle any to the charge and inspection of any
particular diocess or province, nntill they have acquainted your
trustees of the person's name ; that they may enquire how far
he'l be acceptable to your faithfuU subjects, and may be in other
respects fitt for that part of the country, and after making a re-
port therof to you, you signify your pleasure therin. Your trus-
tees conceive this method will prevent such divisions and discord
as have arisen on this late occasion, and will at the same time
support and maintain the power lodged in and practised by the
Crown in the nomination and appointment of Bishops, and with-
all be mightv agreeable to the subjects, when they see your care
and concern for them. This I am directed to lay befor you, as
w hat your trustees think for your own, as well as the Church and
VOL. II. s
130 HEGISTEU OF LETTERS.
the country's service. I wrote so fully in my last that I have
nothing more to add but that I am your"
Whilst the affair I have narrated v^^as in agitation, I received
the following letter* from the King.
" August 31, 1724.
" Since what I wrote to you of the 18th March, I have not
heard from you, which I expect with impatience to doe, and in
the mean time shall delay no longer informing you of some
particulars which it is fitt on many accovmts you and some of
my principal Scots friends should be informed of. — The present
situation of Europe, as it appears to the publick, is sufficiently
known to you. It is scarce possible that it should continue long
as it is, and I cannot easiely imagine a change which may not be
more or less favourable to the good cause. My constant en-
devours and application to forreign princes in behalf of it, nei-
ther is nor shall be discontinued, and I cannot but say that for-
reign affairs never appeard to me with so favourable an aspect
as at present. I doe not indeed see any immediate hopes of suc-
cess in my negotiations with forreign Courts, but the present sy-
stem of politicks is such, that they may alter when wee least ex-
pect it, and therfor my faithfuU Scots subjects should always
have it in their view to be in a readiness of acting in a proper
manner, whenever a favourable occasion offers. In the interim
I shall be glad to hear from them as often as prudence will allow,
and the more directly they are addrest to my self, the better.
They see by experience how cautious I am in all that relates to
their safty, and will Pm sure be glad to know how entirely I can
depend on the prudence and fidelity of John Hay, of whose good
qualitys I have had a long experience ; and as I have entrusted
him with my most secret affairs for many years past, and ac-
* Received 18 November 1724.
REGISTEH OF LETtTIRS. 131
tually now employ him as secretary, so I shall soon give liim
the name of it, to enable liim the better to serve me and the
cause.
" I have been always unwilling to mention Marr, but I find my
self indispensably engaged at present to let my Scots friends
know that I have withdrawn my confidence entirely from him,
as I shall be obliged to doe from all who may be any ways in-
fluenced by him. This conduct is founded on the strongest and
most urgcing necessity, in which my regard to my failhfull sub-
jects and servants have the greatest share. What is here said of
Marr, is not with a view of its being made publick, there being-
no occasion for that, since many years agoe he putt himself un-
der such engagements that he could not serve me in a i)ublick
manner, neither has he been publickly employ'd by me.
" After this what I most earnestly recommend to my friends, is
to arm themselves against the artifices and contrivances of our
enemies, who are by all manner of means endevouring to sow
divisions and discord amongst them, as the only means they have
left to sxijiport themselves by ; but all their endevovu's will be in
vain, if they find they are dispised and that nothing can shake
my Scots friends in their union amongst themselves and their
submission and attachment to me. I have had too many proofs
of it ever to doubt of their continuing in those their fixt princi-
ples, and I can say with truth I deserve this conduct from them
on all accounts, since the tender affection I bear to them was
born with me, and will ever induce me to doe all in my ])Ower
for their happiness and wellfare. I am unwilling to trouble my
friends with particular letters which might at this time expose
them to danger, and which I am sure tliey doe not need, to be
convinced of my kindness for them, of which you will assure
them, and I have nothing furder to add at present, bnt let you
know the continuance of the good health of my family. My
confidence in your endevours to serve me and the cause is grwit,
s2
132 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
and my sincere esteem and friendshijj fur you will ever be the
same."
A letter to the King- in answer to his last, wherin I acquainted
him at lenth of a long- conversation I had with tlie Duke of
Wharton, which is needless to insert in this coppy, so I only sett
down what it furdcr contain'd.
" November 28th 1724.
" Sir, — You have long* ere this I hope gott mine of the 18th of
August, being- in answer to yours of the 18th of March. The
contents of yours which I had the honour lately to receive shall
as you directed be commimicated only to such for whom you de-
signed it, and that with all imaginable caution.
" It is some time agoe since your friends here had doubts of
the Duke of Marr, and thence it was that I was directed to men-
tion him in the manner I did in my last two letters, it being a
matter of no small moment to us, to know in whom wee might
confide thorowly, and of whom beware, especially when a person
of his figure was the object.
" As your friends here have the utmost deference for your
judgement, Mr. Hay no doubt will be very acceptable in the
station you have thought him fitt to serve in. I wisli his lady a
happy deliverance (for 1 am told they design to carry the law to
the utmost rigour against her) and that his brother Kinnoul had
not, by deserting his old friends and accepting- of a scrub pen-
sion, given hiuiself up to the direction of the present powers,
contrary to what one might reasonably have expected from a
gentleman of his birth, estate, sense and by past professions and
actions. I am told that they have some apprehensions that Lord
Bathurst is on the same way, at least that he is prevaild \\ ilh to
retire and lye bv.
" The account you are pleased to give of your affairs abroad
must needs be joyfully received by all who wish you well, and
are sensible of their cuuntrys unhappy state, w hicli I think can-
REGISTER OF LETTERS. IS3
not lono" subsist under its present hardships. Tho the cfFccts of
these your forroigu neg-otiations may be remote, yet any thing-
that appears hke tlie da^>^nng• of more happy days, gives great
pleasure, and supports our spirits. Were but forreig-n princes
once sensible that your restoration will sule with their own par-
ticular interests, I think it very easie to convince them to a de-
monstration that it is practicable without much charge or hazard,
for no verv great power would be sutticient to give such life to
your atlairs in this island as would soon terminate in the over-
throw of your enemies.
" Wee were terriblv alarm'd with some late accounts of the
Queens indisposition, but our fears are now removed. That God
may preserve your sacred persons and with success crown all
vovir endevours to redress all your own injuries and releive your
oppressd people, is the earnest desire of Your &c.
" P. S. Since writing- this letter and a review of your last, a
difficulty hath occurred to me, whicli I presume to lay befor you,
because you alone can solve it. You are pleased to intimate that
your confidence is withdrawn from Marr, and all who may be
influenced by him : there are in the number of your trustees
here, two persons, who, tho I beleive them very honest gentlemen,
tis presunieable may be under his influence, at least they have a
great attachment to him, and these are Lord Dun and Sir John
Erskine. Now I want to know your pleasure whither or not wee
should continue to act in concert with them in your affairs. I
liave mentioned nothing of your last to them, and till I have your
directions, I can manage matters well enough so as to keep fair
with them, for as there are but three or four of us that meet to-
gither (of which nmnber these two are not) and that I goe be-
twixt them and the other trustees, I can easiely prevent giving
these two persons any just grounds of exception, and at the same
time keep them in the dark, untill I have yovn- directions.
" By a letter last post from the Duke of Wharton I luu told
134- REGISTER OF LETTEUS.
that Kinnoul seems to act the pari of a true convert, by being
very zealous, for lie had not only delivered to the Secretary of
State the letters he received latelv from abroad, particularly those
from Mrs. Hav, but had likwvse discoverd that Mr. Weems the
apothecary used to receive and convey his correspondence with
his friends on the other side of the water."
About the latter end of the year 1724 a resolution past the
House of Commons wherby instead of the malt tax, six pence
per barrell of ale was laid of additional duty on Scotland (and
not extended to England) and the prjemiums on grain exported
from thence was taken off. As this was a plain breach of the
Union, in so far as it is expressly stipulated that tliere shall be an
equallity of taxes and praemiums on trade, every Scots man was
highly enraged at it, for as it was evident that the want of the
praemiums would effectually stop the exportation of grain, which
would therby become a meer drugg, no body could foresee to
what hight this precedent of taxing iScotland separatly from En-
gland might afterwards be extended. Tis impossible to express
the resentment of the nation at this measure, all partys scem'd
reconciled and to unite in opposing w hat was so pernicious to
the country in general and at the same time touched every par-
ticular mans coppyhold. The King's friends laid hold upon this
occasion, and privatly, vmderhand, fomented the bad hvuuour, it
not being fitt, as indeed there was no need of their distinguishing
their zeal at this lime. A meeting of the heretors of the shyre of
Edinburgh was called, where I presented an address to the House
of Commons, which being heartiely approved of, was sigud and
next day sent up by an express to London. There were also at this
and a subsequent meeting two letters, the first drawn by my self,
and the other bv Sir .John Dalrymplc, to our re|)resentative in
Parliament, containing directions and instructions how he was
to behave in this matter; and because these were the standard
by w liich the convention of Rovall bmrows and most of the biu-
IlEGISTEn OF LETTERS. 135
rows and shyres fram'd the addresses and instruclions which
from thence were likwyse sent up, I shall liere insert a coppy of
the address and tirnl letter of instructions from the shyre of Edin-
burgh. I could not procure a cop|)y of the second letter, and
the want therof is of no great moment, seeing- the main scope
and pxirport of it was rigorously to enforce the first, with this
addition, That in case the applications made against these reso-
lutions had not their due weight, that then he tlieir represen-
tative should protest against the measure as a violation of the
Ui\ion, and therupon leave the House. Tlio it is certain and was
told that by the forms of the House of Commons no protestation
could be enterd or would be admitted, yet people in this and
most other shyres and burrows were fond of the expression and
insisted on that direction, to shew therby more strongly what
were their sentiments and inclinations.
" To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain in Par-
liament assembled.
" The Petition of the Barrons and Freeholders in the Shyrc of
Edinburgh
" Humbly sheweth,
" That being inform'd of a motion made and agreed to in the
House of Commons for imposeing an additional! duty of six pence
per barrell of all ale vended and sold in Scotland, and for taking
away the bountys allow'd by law for exportation of the grain
that is of tlie grouth and produce of Scotland as an equivalent
for Scotlands being exempted from paying the same dutys on
malt, that are to be imposed on England — Wee beg leave to
remonstrate against the same, not that Avee apprehend this ex-
pedient will be of it self a greater burden than the malt tax, but
because it would be expressly contrary to the Articles of the
Union, and would prove a dangerous precedent for introduceing
furtlier innovations, and would invalidate the security of the
136 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
present Constitution wliich is established find depends upon the
Contract of Union betwixt tlie two kingdoms. By the seventh
article of the said Union it is agreed that all parts of the united
kingdom be for ever, from and after the Union, lyable to the same
excise upon exciseable liquors, excepting only tliat ale in Scotland,
sold and retaild for two pence the Scots pint, be not after the Union
lyable, on account of the present excise upon exciseable liquors in
England, to any higher imposition than two shillings sterling upon
twelve gallons of Scots measxue, so that if any further excise is im-
posed upon Scotland, without being at the same time extended to
England, the equality stipulated by the forsaid article would be in-
fringed. By the sixt article of the Union, it is stipulated and agreed
that all parts of the united kingdoms for ever I'rom and after the
Union shall have the same allowance encouragements and draw-
backs, and be under the same prohibitions restrictions and regula-
tions of trade, and lyable to the same dulys and customs on export
and import; from which it appears the grain of the grouth and pro-
duce of Scotland is ecpially entituled to premiums on exportation
with that of the grouth and produce of England ; and debarring
the Scots grain so exported from being entituled to premiums
allowed and continued to the grain of England, wee conceive
would be a plain and manifest violation of the said article. As
the said two articles stand evidently in opposition to the forsaid
motion, wee beg leave to represent that tiiey seem to us to be
fundamental, and not subject to any alteration whatsoever, so
long as the Union of the two kingdoms does subsist ; for it is
evident that they were intended, as it is expressly declared, that
they should remain for ever, and consequently, wee humbly con-
ceive, are not subject even to the legislature, whose power and
authority being founded upon the Union of the two kingdoms,
must, by the law of nations and the very nature of the Union,
be regulated and determined by the contract of agreement be-
tween the formerly independent but now united nations, an in-
nraisTKii or LETTERS. I37
friiin-enieiit of any jiart wlierof would be a violation of the faith
on which tiie Union was founded and williout which it cannot
subsist. Wee therfor earnestly pray Your Honours will reject
the foresaid proposalls of an additional excise upon the .ale in
Scotland and for debarring- the grtiin and produce of Scotland
from having- the same bountys on export as is allowed to the grain
in England ; as being- contrary to the Articles of Union, upon
the faith wherof the two kingdoms were and remain unilted,
-which wee hope and are persuaded that you the protectors of the
libertvs of Great Britain will ever inviolablv maintain."
Follo\\ s a letter from the Heretors of the shyre of Edinbur<>-h
to Robert Dundass of Arniston, Lord Advocate, their Represen-
tative in Parliament.
" Edinburgh, December 17th 172 4.
" My Lord, — The accounts wee have lately had of a motion
made and approved of in the Committee of ways and means for
an additionall excise upon ale vended in Scotland, and depriving-
us of the benefitt of the bountys continued to England on the
exportation of their grain, hath allarm'd us exceedingly, not
only as it discourages our mdustry at home, increases the burdens
wliich wee were formerly scarce able to bear, and tends to de-
stroy our trade, but likewyse and cheifly as it is a plain and ma-
nifest violation of the articles of the Union, seeing- if such a pre-
cedent be laid down for altering or rather subverting these ar-
ticles that are expressly stipulated to remain for ever, the same
may be extended to every other branch and all the pri\ileclges
and advantages that are stipulated for the benefit and security
of the two nations, with respect either to their civill or religious
interests.
" The foundation of a Government is so tender a point, as not
to admitt of any infringement, even in the most minute parti-
cular, without endangering the whole fabrick, and wee have
the greater reason to be alarm'd at such a design, because wee
VOL. II. T
138 REGISTEP. OF LETTERS.
are united with a nation much more powerful! than ours, and
that wee have not an equall number of voices in the two houses
of Parhament, to support and maintain our rights, nor is tliere
any umpire to whom wee can apply, and who is entituled to in-
terpose and enforce the due observation of the articles and con-
ditions, on which the Union of the two kingdoms is founded. As
these dismall effects seem to us the naturall consequences of the
forsaid motion, wee doe not doubt but Your Lordship will exert
your self in opposeing it. Wee Avere in hopes that the same rea-
sons which moved our neighbours in England to connive at the
duty on malt not being exacted in Scotland for the time bypast,
would have still prcvaild with them to ease us of that heavy bur-
den; but seeing the p\d3lick service doeth require a tluther de-
mand of snpplys upon this part of the kingdom, wee would mucli
rather ha\e the dutys upon malt imposed and exacted at the
same rate and in the same manner as in England, than have a
precedent laid down for unhingcing of the Union, which is a ne-
cessary consequence of that motion.
" My Lord wee are extreamly pleased to hear of the opposition
Your Lordship made to the' bill; there never was an occasion
-more pressing than the present to exert your parts in defence of
your country; wee doubt not but you will be vigorously seconded
•by all our countrymen in Parliament, and wee hope you will all
jovn and concurr in shewing your utmctst resentment against the
instruments and ])romotters of a design attended with such fatal
consequences, and wee cannot imagine tliere is any person or
body of men so powerfull as to despise the effects therof, A\hen
they are sensible it proceeds from a conviction of the injury in-
tended to the country, and a fixed resolution of uniting togither
to maintain her just rights. — Wee have heard what good effects
such a hearty coalition of the Scots members did prodnce on a
former occasion, when the malt tax was first extended to Scot-
land, towards induceing the then powcrfiill enough Ministry to
REGISTER OF LETTER?. 13!)
superceed the execution tlierof; and as wee arc persuaded tlie pre-
sent representatives of Scotland are as sincere and resolute in
tlieir country's cause, wee may expect the same good effects will
follow the like just resentment and vig-orous resolutions following-
upon it; but in case wee be disappointed therin, as wee cannot
-but reckon such proceeding- a i)lain dounright violation of the
articles of Union, wee doc require and expect that you will in the
most solemn manner signify these our sentiments to the House
of Commons, after which wee are of opinion there is no fiu'der
use for any representation of the Scots in Parliament.
" Wee have transmitted to Your Lordship a petition to be pre-
;sented if you see proper, and wee are informed that the like will
be sent from most if not all the shyres and towns of Scotland, by
which it will appear how uniform their sentiments are with re-
.spect to the subject against which they remonstrate. Befor wee
conclude, wee must acquaint Your Lordship, never was there any
thing that seem'd so much to affect the minds of people of all
ranks and degrees in this country, and how far the same may
be carried is very hard to tell, but in all appearance it will occa-
sion a great discontent that will not easiely be removed and may
be attended with bad consequences. This by direction and in
name of the gentlemen who signd the petition, is siguifyd to Your
Lordship by my Lord Your &c."
These warm addresses and instructions did not a little startle
the Scots members of Parliament, and even the Ministry; and
there were likewyse many private letters written to them by their
friends, assuring them of the highest resentment if they did not
perform what was desired and expected of them. Had these
members been endued with a publick spirit and resolution, such
applications would have been needless; but as they consisted of
a parcell of people of low fortunes that could not siibsist without
their board-wages (which at ten guineas a week during each
session was duel y paid them) or meer tools and dependents, it was
T 2
110
REGISTER OF LETTERS.
not to be expected they would act tlie part wliich iDecame them
for their countrys service, and therfor these representations were
ividg'ed necessary to spurr them up to their duty and withall show
the Ministry that the people would not behave so tamely as did
tlieir mean spirited mercenary representatives, who, perceiving
they would loss all their interest and scarce dare venture to re-
turn home if they did not follow the instructions given them,
made most humble ap})licalions to the Ministry, who on the other
hand being apprehensive the resentment might be carried to
some hight, and unwilling, as matters stood in Europe, to ewh
broil themselves at home, thought it expedient to drop the reso-
lutions above mention'd, (which they at first preferr'd, because
they judged it would be no easie matter to levy the malt tax in
Scotland) and agreed with the Scots members to impose three-
pence per busshell on malt, being but the half of what was ley'd
in England; and a bill was accordhigly passt as fast as the forms
could possibly allow of, least their constituents should have time
to remonstrate against it.
In this affair, the old stanch English Whiggs (that is the Com-
mon Wealth party) and also the Torrys appeard violently against
the Scots; the first, because they beleivcd that country so much
v/edded to the King's interest, the others out of revenge, because
the Scots members supported the Ministry in all even their gross-
est measures, and particularly as they had threaten'd them at
the time because of their scandalous behaviour in the swearing
act. These partys tims uniting compelld the Ministry to come
in to the measure, who were likewyse of themselves- very desire-
ous to have the malt tax or something in lieu therof out of Scot-
land, because the reveimes arriseing from that country did no
more than pay the civil list, and maintain a suitable number of
troops; and the charges of subsisting the Scots members of Par-
liament became a burden upon the Government, and they wanted
either to have an equivalent or be eased therof. So tliat Wal-
REGlSTEn OF LETTERS. 141
pole plainly and frankly told these gentlemen when they applyd
to him, that they knew what money was raised and iiow applyd
in Scotland, and they must lay their account with laying- up their
stokins with their own garters. Thus for supporting a parcell
of corrupt locusts, the country must be oppressed, wiiich at the
same time indeed deserved no less for electing such a sett of wliom
no better could be expected.
Whilst this aftair was in agitation the Kings friends were not
idle; they brought about that delegates from most shires were
chosen and appointed to meet and correspond togither for con-
sulting and giving information of what occurr'd, that so mea-
sures might be taken speedily and prosecuted uniformly as occa-
sions ofter'd. And as it was plain that all these grudges and dis-
contents made for the King, some metliods were thought of to
be followed out, in case the Ministry had insisted on their fijst
scheme, particularly that such shy re and burraw shoud recall
the right and power they had given their several representatives
to silt in tlie British Parliament, and appoint new ones to meet
and determine what course was to be taken for settling the na-
tion, now that the articles of the Union were so openly violated
and consequently dissolved. The efl'ects of which step were very
obvious to make for the King, and I have good reasons to think,
from the tempers and inclinations of the people at that jvmcture,
this measure might have been pursued, had not the Ministry
changed theirs; but 'tho the malt tax was a burden too heavy to
])ear, it was not however illegall, and so did not afford an handle
to work on as the first scheme. Nevertheless it left the people
in a bad enough temper towards the Government, which after-
wards displayd it self more fully.
Of this affair I gave the King a particular account in a letter
dated the 27th of March 1725, which it is needless here to in-
sert, being much to the same purpose w ith what is above nar-
rated. In this letter I took nottice that the Ministry still reckon'd
142 REGISTER OV J.ETTERS,
themselves in hazard whilst the Hio-hlandevs were in bein«>\ and
that wee were told they design'd this very session to pass a law
making it dealh for any of that gang- to have any sort of arms,
or wear the Highland dress, having at the same time schemes for
suppressing the language, with intention of dissipating that body
of peo})le, and that it was beleived, that with some such view
as this. General Wade was sent doun on pretence of reviewing
the troops last summer, for he traversed all the Highlands, and
it was observed he made remarks of all the passes and narrowly
enquired after the characters of persons, of all which and the like
he took notts.
I likcwyse acquainted the King that there were letters sent
hither from France, in severall peoples hands, accuseing Mar of
such base treacheroiis practices discovered by tlie Bishop of Ro-
chester, that the like had scarce been heard of, and seem'd to be
what no man endued with common sense or the least drop of no-
ble blood could perpetrate; and that the King's freinds were at
a loss, in not knowing what credit to give to such reports, 'tlio
they apprehended the worst from the directions he had lately
given of having no correspondence with Mar or his adherents,
from whom he had withdrawn all confidence.
Soon after the dispatch of this letter, I received the following
letters from the King and CoUonel Hay, and made the following
returns.
Letter from the King*.
"October 27th 1721.
" Yours of the J 8th of August came safe to me a few days
agoe, and 1 was not a little pleased to find by it, the good eilccts
which my letter and your and my other freinds zeal and vigilance
have produced in ecclesiaslicall ali'airs, which 1 hope will goc on
for the time to come in a peaceable and becomeing manner, and
* Received 3 April 1725.
IIEGISTER OF LETTERS. 143
you will leU Uic Bishops know how sensible I am of the submis-
sion and regard they have shewn to me on this occasion, and of
my constant desire to favour and protect them, being very sen-
sible liow much they arc attached to my person and interest.
" I have not heard in relation to Mr. Rattray of Craighall, but
what you say of him, if ever I doe, I shall make the proper use
of the light you give me, and the Bishops may be very well as-
sured of my having allwyse all possible regard for their advice
and opinion in such matters. You will find inclosed a letter
for them, not to be delivered unto them, but in the event of Bi-
sho}) FuUerton's death, 'tho in the mean time you will communi-
cate it to such of my freinds as advised the writing of it.
" I also now write to Straiton in relation to Corsar, but in such
a manner, as that the first cannot be in the least shockd at it, and
that the last, by being in the entire confidence of Straiton will
allwyse be able to supply his place, either in case of sickness or
death. You will see by all this the particular regard I have for
your advice, and that of those whom you have confidence with
on these matters, and whose nanies I should Ijc glad to know.
" What I wrote to you about two months agoe leaves me no-
thing particular here to say on other matters. Forreign afiairs
are much in the same posture, and 1 cannot but be still of opinion
that wee never had more reason than now to hope well from them
and for some favom-able change at last in my favours. The
best and most certain news I can send you at present is that of
the Queen's being about three months gone with child, which I
am sure will be a very acceptable account to you and my other
freinds wliom you converse with. You know how acceptable
your letters and advice will allwyse be, and so I hope you will
not deprive me of them, when you have any thing particular to
impart to me, whom you will ever find full of the sincerest value
and freindship for you.
" P. S. When you see Duke Hamilton, you w ill let him know
1 14 nrnisTKR of letter's.
the share I take in his late loss, and how much I count on his at-
tachemeiit to me."
Follows the foresaid letter from the King to the Bishops.
" October 27th 172J.
" The many instances I have had of your loyalty zeal and sub-
mission to me, cannot but make me with reason solicitous to
provyde as much as in me lyes for your wellfare and advantage;
and wheras Bishop Fullerton's great age and tender constitution
makes it but too probable that he cannot live long, and wheras
in the event of his death, both your Body and my service may
suffer much if there be not some person ready to preside amongst
you in the same manner that that worthy Bishop has and does
still doe, I have foiuid it necessary by this letter, which will be
delivered unto you upon the event of his death, to desire and di-
rect that Bishop Irvin, whom I think in all respects fit for such a
charge, should, in the event above mentioned, reside at Edin-
bin'gh and preside amongst you as FuUerton does, for the in-
terim till I may be able to send furder directions to you in that
respect. I hope it will be long befor this letter be delivered to
you; and when it is, I doubt not of your receiving it with be-
comeing submission towards me, and as a mark of the particU'
lar regard I have for your Body and the wellfare of the Churcix
of Scotland."
A letter from CoUonel Hay*.
" February 10th 1725.
" The King being under some concern least the letter which ho
wrote to you dated the 31st of August may not have come safe,
has order'd me to send you here a coppy of it. He has heard no-
thing from you since a letter he received in October and answer'd
the same month, but does not doubt you are still continuing to
doe every thing in your power for advanceing of his interest.
* Received 3 April 1725,
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 145
The King employs all his dili^nce and art to forward matters in
these parts, and I am hopeful! he shall soon succeed in obtaining
MJiat may be necessary for putting his subjects in the way of
serving him and themselves. Forreign princes are rather more
divided amongst themselves than ever; the so much lalk'd of re-
conciliation betwixt the Czar and Hanover is not yet concluded,
and if it ever is, it will in all appearance create diftercnces of
greater consequence to the King's interest, than the Czar's mis-
understanding with Hanover has produced for these several years
past. There are many events, which according to the course of
nature must soon happen, any one of which must give a fair op-
portunity to the King to act to some pm-pose. He is doing every
thing in his power to prepare himself to profilt of a favourable
conjunction, and does not doubt but his freinds at home will be
ready to joyn with him when he shall call for their assistance,
which, when it does happen, will in all appearance be a surprize
upon them. The present posture of affairs makes it easie for one
to foretell this without being a conjurer. I hope this shall find
you in perfect good health, I cannot wish it more so than this
family enjoys; we expect soon to see it increased, which will be
wellcome news to you and all freinds."
A letter to the King.
" April 8th 1725.
" Last week I received at the same time one from you bearing
date the 27th of October last, and one from Mr. Hay dated Fe-
bruary 10th. Having no method of addressing to him, and
withall your orders to correspond directly with your self, I shall
mention in this what I have to say to both these letters. By this
time I hope you have got a former letter of mine, which had it
come sooner would have prevented your ordering a coppy of yours
of the 31st of August being sent to me, seeing I therin told you
1 had communicated the contents of that letter with the caution
and in the manner you directed. I gave you not long agoe an
VOL. II. V
14G REGISTER OF LETTERS.
account of unparallerd crimes and weakness's laid to Mar's
charge by various and sundry letters from France, England and
Holland. I was within these few days inform'd, that Lord Dun
had received a letter lately from him, wherin he positively denys
one and all the articles laid to his charge, affirming they are all
the produce of the Bishop of Rochester's malice, and that his in-
nocence in due time will fully appear, as will ever his fidelity to
you. He says the Bishop has sent over Major Walkenshaw to
Scotland, and given him two hundred pound to defray his ex-
pences, and that his bussiness is to asperse his character and gain
credit with the King's freinds to the malitious lyes the Bishop
has invented, but he hopes he will not be regarded. I did not
see this letter, but Lord Eglington brought me an account of it
from Dun; neither have I as yet seen the Major nor any that has
conversed with him, so that I cannot tell whither or not he acts
the part Mar affirms was his design of coming here. Whatever
may be in Mar's conduct, I wish your friends abroad had writt
less on that subject, for the blazing of such reports true or false
is by no means a service to your interest.
" I am now to beg your pardon that I omitted to sett doun the
names of those, in concert with whom I mention'd what you
have thought fitt to doe with respect to Bishop Irvin : The truth
on't is, as it is a subject necessary to be keept very secret, least
the divulgeing it should occasion that flame suddenly which it
was design'd to prevent afterwards, I did not mention it to any
but Wigton and Kincardine by whose advice I wrote of it to you,
and to whom only I will commimicate your letter, till the event
Jiappen for useing it, and then others may be acquainted therof,
and the measure executed or not as tliey see proper and most for
your service. I mentioned in a former letter the division that
hath arisen in Angus and other neighbouring shkes with respect
to Bishop Norrie; his opposers have not the confidence to lay
any thing to his charge, yet they obstinately refuse to subn)itl to
REGrSTEU OF LETTKUS. 147
him, and to such a highL is the enmity come, that I am very much
afFraid some mischcif will happen, for when any of the two par-
ties meet they seldom Ikil to quarrcll, and on all occasions ma-
nifest the utmost malice to one another. But as the Lords Strath-
more and Gray, and Fothring-hame of Pourie have a fixed inter-
est in that country, and are justifyd and supported by all impar-
tial men of sense in the kingxlom, I hope in time matters may be
settled, and peace and unity be reestablished, 'tho I cannot but in
the interim regrate that I see these mutineers supported and en-
couraged by some w ho think therby to ingratiate themselves with
them, with a view, 1 imagine, of being popular and leaders of
that party, and to lessen the interest of the Lords above mentioned ;
and its remarkable that the ring-leaders in this fray are some of
the very persons whose factious humours appeared so conspicuous
at Perth. And indeed what thus dayly happens, shews the rea-
sonableness or rather the necessity of the Bishops being settled
in their several districts, and most other matters being determined
by your direction and authority; seeing some and not a few
there are who will not submitt to any subordinate power in many
cases. Of this, by the direction of allmost all your trustees, I
wrote to you some time agoe, and they with the Bishops long for
your return therto, being what is so necessary for the peace of
the country and the interest of the common cause, which ever
did and w ill suffer by such luiseasonable divisions,
" I have little or nothing to add of this country to what was
contain'd in a letter I did my self the honovir to Avrite to you not
long agoe. I must sincerely congratulate you upon the prospect
of the encrease of your family. As this news is joyful! to some,^
it is a visible mortification to others. I have some thoughts in a
little time of going to London about some private affairs, and I
shall be instructed by your trustees here to see if it is possible to
settle a correspondence witli your freinds there, that on fitt occa-
3u
148 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
sions they may understand one another and act joyntly for your
service."
A letter from Collonel Hay *.
" March 10th \7-25.
" Your letters to the King, of the 28th November and 8 De-
cember are come safe only two or three days agoe, and it is a
great satisfaction to find that the sending the coppy of that writt
by the King to you the last of August was useless. My letter to
you whicli accompynied it was dated 10 of February. Mr.
Stevenson's going to Scotland gives the King a great deal of un-
easiness, since he was the person that convey'd letters to you in
Will Dundass's absence, 'tho tis hoped he was not acquainted
with your address. But it may be convenient for the time to
come that you send a new one.
" This serves cheifly to acquaint you that about eleven a clock
Tuesday the sixt of this month, the Queen was safely delivered
of a son, who has been named Henry Duke of York. The mo-
ther and child are as well as can be wisht, and great appearance
of my being able to send you frequent news of this kind. You'l
easiely beleive that upon this occasion it is not possible for the
King to make particular answers to your letters, the necessary
nolitications &c. taking up his whole time, so I must referr you
to another occasion, and shall only say as to forreign transactions
that since my last matters have a much belter appearance for the
King's interest than they had then.
" A match is treating betwixt the King of France and Hano-
ver's grand-daughter, in prejudice of the Infanta of Spain now of
France; and the Duke of Bourbon will meet with the greatest
difficulty in finishing an affair of that kind, since Spain insists
upon the espousals being made in the month of April, according
* Received 17 May 1725.
REGISTER OF I.KTTKns. 149
Jo former agreements, and in all appearance a rupture 'Iw ixt
Spain and the King- of France will follow upon it, and in that
case Cardinal Alberoni's return to Spain is likely. Tlie cnde-
vours of the Court of France for making up the dillbrence be-
twixt the Czar and Hanover will in all appearance come to no-
thing, and I dont say this without good grounds: so that all putt
togither the prospect is not bad, since it cannot be imagined the
Duke of Bourbon, who is certainly personally a freind to the
King, would ever oppose what ever another Prince might doe
for his service.
" The King approves of your cultivating a freindship with the
Duke of Wharton, and I make you my compliments upon the
freindship he shews to you and your son.
" Last Munday the King was pleased to declare me liis secre-
tary and Earl of Inverness; I wish that step may prove for the
advantage of his service; I protest I have no other view in ac-
cepting of it ! since both the conhdence and the honour can serve
only to embarass me; however I shall endevour to keep a strict
eye upon the rocks where others have split. After this you wont
disapprove of my saying nothing of the Duke of Mar who has
declared himself my mortall enemie, only because I spoke truth
to him, and could not in my conscience enter into his measures
nor approve his conduct, 'tho I always shun'd saying any thing
to his disadvantage but to the King alone, from whom I thought
I was obliged to conceal nothing. An idle superficial appear-
ance of love to his oun country, was to have laid the foundation
to the utter ruin of the King's cause, and by this means he im-
posed upon several people; but the bottom of all was self in-
terest, and had he not ruin'd the cause entirely, at least his
scheme was so ordered that he should always have it in his
power to putt a stop to the King's restoration when he pleased,
and had it happen'd in his time, it certainly must have been by
a miracle. Here is more than I design'd or thought I should
150 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
have been able to say to you by this post, and wishing you and
other friends may be heartiely mirry togither upon the subject of
ours here these days past, I desire you'l doe me the justice to be-
leive me Yours &c.
" P. S. The King makes you his comphnients on this occa/^
sion, and to your partners. I never transmitted a letter by Mr.
Weems, nor never wrote nor received a letter from the Earl of
Kinnoul since the year 1715."
A letter* from the King.
"March 21 1725.
" The letter which Lord Inverness wrote to you last week,
will I'm sure have been not a little acceptable to you, and I
tliank God I can now add to it, that the Queen and the new
born are in as prosperous a way as one can wish, of which you'l
acquaint those freinds whom you see, with many kind compli-
ments to them. Your letters of the 28th November and 8th De-
cember were the more wellcome that I was impatient to hear
from you, and in pain for my letter of the 31st of August to you,
which I am glad arrived safe.
" It is but too manifest in this conjuncture nothing but a for-
reign force can doe the work effectually, and to begin it by halfs
would be ruining all. It is my freinds bussiness to lie quiet, and
to preserve themselves in a condition of being usefull on a pro-
per occasion, 'tlio that ought not to hinder them from useing
their utmost endevours to thwart and oppose the measures of
the Government in as far as that can be done without exposeing
themselves to the lash of the law ; and indeed so far it is neces-
sary they should exert themselves, since there is no other way
left at present to keep up the spirit of the nation, and support
the credit of the cause, w hich requires vigour as well as prudence
in those concerned in it. And in the mean time from several in-
* Received 17 May 1725.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. Jjl
fonnalions I have had of Uite, I cannot bnt hope more than ever
that the time of onr dehverance is not far off, 'tiio 1 fear scarcely
to be expected this sunnner.
*' I am dayly more and more confirm'd in my former resolu-
tion of \\ilhdrawing my confidence from Mar and all who may
be influenced by him ; and there is more caution to l)e used w'ith
the last, that the other is at this time pretending a great zeal for
my cause, by which he may still impose on some well meaning
people. I am persuaded the two persons you ask me about are
perfectly honest, but it is impossible for me to give you any par-
ticular directions in relation to them, since your conduct to-
wards them can only be regulated by the disposition you find in
them, and what I have said above. You will have sti... '^y In-
verness's letter, that I have declared him at last Secretary of State
and a Peer of Scotland. I am persuaded I shall never have cause
to repent of that step, nor my faithfull subjects to complain of it,
for he is one who hath no other view in politicks, but to obey
me in all things, and serve them where he can ; and the usage
his Lady hath lately niett with, shews me the value even my ene-
mies think I ouglit to putt upon him ; she was not charged with
the least commission from me when she went over, and by the
accounts I have, she has behaved her self with a great dale of
firmity and courage. Kinnouls conduct has indeed been unac-
countable ; 1 am ignorant what his correspondence might ever
have been on this side of the sea, or thro whose hands it past, but
I never had any with him my self, neither had his brother since
they parted ; and even befor his late ill usage, and when he was
lookt upon to be a stanch freind, I have heard Inverness com-
plain of his excessive caution in never writing to him.
" You will deliver the inclosed to the Bishop of Edinburgh ;
which I hope will have the desired effect, and which answers
that part of your letter which relates to Church matters. I have
nothing furder to add at present but that your informations and
152 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
advices will be always most agreeable to me, and that I shall
ever have for you and your freinds all the value and friendship
iniajj-inable."
A letter from the King- to the Bishop of Edenburgh.
" March 21st 1725.
" I have been extreamly concern'd to hear of the variances
and difterences amongst you. You know how often I have re-
connnended peace and unity to you, and how necessary it is,
particularly at this time, and therfor I cannot but repeat with all
the earnestness imaginable my former instances in that respect.
I remark that the present cause of disturbance has arisen from
diiference of opinions as to the destination of those lately added
to your number, and therfor, to prevent the like for the future, I
shall expect from you, that befor you allule any particular diocess
or province to any new Bishop, that you should acquaint my
trustees with you of i,t, and inform me at the same time of the
matter, and of your motives for so doing. I think this a most
necessary precaution for the good of your Body, and in general
for that of the good cause, both which must greatly sufltr, should
your present heats and divisions continue. 1 doubt not of your
doing your best to quiet them, and I think I cannot give you and
your bretheren a greater mark of my regard and esteem, than in
acting this my part towards it, as I shall always doe in what
may contribute to the wellfare of the Church of Scotland, and to
convince you in particular, of my particular value and consi-
deration."
Letter to the Kinc;.
" 24 May 1725.
" This is in the first place to acknowledge the receipt of yours
of the 21st Marcli, as also one from Lord Inverness dated lOth
March, to whom I can make no particular reply as 1 have no
address to him. What is recommended shall be punctually ex-
ecuted, and 1 may venture to assui'e you, that as your freinds liave
•RFOISTEU OF LETTERS. 1 1,3
llu' panic way of lliinkinjv with you conccnung' llie present stale
of afihirs and Vac necessity of botli prudence and vig-our on all
•proper occasions towards improving* the good cause, they do not
faill in doing all thats possible for them, and not allwayes with-
out success. 1 wish heartily what you have in veiw may take
effect, both for your and many poor unhappy peoples sake.
" When I read your letter to Wigtoun, he told me that he was
])erfectlie well assured, that some years ago, when Kinnoul re-
sided at Duplin and made great court to the honest party in
Perthshire, he used frecjuently to read coppys of what he calld
your letters to him, therby to appear a man of consequence and
gain credit with them, in which he came good speed, being then
as much liked as he is now despised.
" What I mentiond fornxerlie concerning a letter from the Duke
of Marr to Lord Dun was a mistake ; the letter was to Balme-
rinoch, and not signd, but by the contents (of which I gave you
ane account) it aj)pears to be from a wellwisher of his, who
seems likewise to be privy to his affairs and therfore presumable
to have writ by his direction- Since my last, Eglinton has been
with Major Walkinshaw, who came over at that Lords desire, be-
cause his estate which held of him having falln to hiin the supe-
rior, by the late forfeiting act, liis Lordship took possession therof
for the others behoof and woud not dispose of it for paying the
debts affecting it, but with the Majors concent and by his war-
rand : as he thus had ane errand which those in France did not
know of, it occasiond, I suppose, the suspicion of what was in that
letter alledged to be his business. Eglinton tells me he talkd very
fully with him and is very confident he had no such commission
nor any business but his own. I perceive some of Mars freinds
were disappointed when they found this out, for they were at
great pains to discover the nature of his commission, in hopes it
woud appear not to be authorised by nor in terms agreeable to
you, on which a formall complaint was to've been made to you.
VOL. IL X
1 54 REGISTER OP LETTERS.
I met lately Lord Dun who told me he was sorry to hear that his
cheif was in disgrace with you, that he hoped in time his inno-
cence woud appear, otherwayes he shoud be as far as any man
from defending him, and in the mean time he thought the less
noise that was made of it the better : he askd me if I had heard
lately from you : I therupon mentiond what directions you had
giyn about the Bishops and some such generall points, endea-
vouring to give him as litle reason as possible to think I was
more cautious than formerlie with him, which I take to be suit-
able to the directions you gave in regulating our conduct with
such as he.
" Twill take some time to know what is tmely designd against
the Highlanders; tliers a formidable appearance making against
them, with what intent God knows: I understand they design
to give up a quantity of their old arms, but at all hazards will
keep as many of the best as will be needftdl when a fair occa-
sion offers.
" I gave you a few dayes ago ane account of H. Stratons death,
my letter dated the 8lh instant went by the common post to Mr.
Dundass, because I had no occasion of a ship from Leith and did
not incline to lose any time in acquainting you of it : however it
was so writ as to be of no consequence if intercepted. In it I
told you all his papers were secured ; but I am now to inform
you that last week his wife, by the advice of Balmerinoch, burnt
all that had any relation to you or your freinds affairs. This,
Ime affraid, was too precipitant a step ; for beside that some let-
ters may come from you which no body now can tell what they
contain, it will take a considerable time before you can adjust
the method of corresponding with those that went thorow Stra-
tons hands, but in so far as I can supply that defect iji the in-
terim, your commands shall be very welcome and punctually
obeyd by me, in case you have orders to transmit and I can be
of use in executing them. In my last I mentiond your directing
nEGISTER OF LETTER?!. 155
for the future to Corsar instead of Straton aiul giving' orders to
Dundass to forward tlieni to him, but since my writing, sevcrall
of yoiu- trustees met and thougiit it more adviseable that your
address slioud continue as formerUe, because the canali by which
your letters came was well laid, and Mrs. Straton is directed and
hath undertaken to receive the dispatches and give them to Cor-
sar, and as she is a worthy sensible woman, she'l perform it very
exactlie and Mith great caution, and Corsar has writ so to Dun-
dass. These trustees had also vmder consideration that tho Cor-
sar is a very proper person to receive and convey your letters,
yet they did not think lie had such experience and address in bu-
siness as were necessary in your immediate correspondent here
for negotiating affairs, perhaps of intricacy, that you might ha\e
occasion to committ to him, and for that reason they turned their
thoughts to find out one that they coud reconunend to you, as
capable to discharge tlie trust, and whose circumstances woud
allow liini to do it, because at the distance you are you coud not
but from hence be apprized of these particulars, and at last they
unanimonslie pitched upon Captain Simon Frazer. If you have
forgot the name, youl probably remember hini when your ac-
quainted that having made his escape after being made prisoner
at Preston, he came to France wher he remaind till you allowd
him to attend my son in his travails and was with him at Rome,
He's a gentelman of ane untainted charactar, of good sense, has
seen much of the world and capable to manage affairs of the
greatest importance, and as he's by birth ane Highlander and
speaks their language, tis probable he'l be acceptable to tlie peo-
])le of that covintry : wee have got him into a litle business that
will afford him a confortable subsistance till times turn better,
and his residence will be close at Edenburgh, so that he'l be al-
wayes at hand to receive your orders. I liave writ of this sub-
ject to Mr. Gordon of Glenbucket, who's now in the north, and
as soon as I a:et his return and have seen the Duke of Hamilton
x2
156 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
and some more of your trustees, I shall acquaint you of their
opinions with their severall names and then youl be able to judge
and determine as you think proper. I spoke of it to Frazer ; he
seemd out of modestie to decline it, but withall declared, he
reckond it his duty to obey you in all Lhing-s, tho he was con-
scious of his incapacity to do you the service you might possibly
expect and which he woud perform were it in his powr.
" I know of ane occasion in a short time after this, and by it
I shall acquaint you of w hat I may be furder directed to lay be-
fore you for your service, and at this time I have only to add
that I am with the most profound respect and greatest sincerity —
Yours."
For these severall years by past the Ministry had keept the
two opposite partys of Argyle and the Squadrone pritty equall in
power, so that both concarrd heartily with the measures of the
Court, in hopes sooner or latter to get the better of their rivalls ;
but about the end of May 1725 a great many of the Squadrone
were turnd out of their employments, and Argyle carried all be-
fore him. Amongst those laid aside were Mr. Dundass the Kings
advocat and the two solicitors, Mr. Duncan Forbes succeeding
the first, and Mr. Charles Areskine the others. This change was
talked of sometime before it hapned, but Dundass did not credit
it and therfore did not oppose the Court as he might and shoud
liave done, and when he left London he had King Georges pro-
mise to continue in his post ; but he was not long in Scotland
ere he found that a minors promise, without the concern, of his
guardians, is of no value. On his fall he pretended it was oc-
casiond by his not being hearty for the malt tax and because
liis freinds in the shire of Edinburgh had concurrd in the mea-
sures against it : and tho I belive thcr was very litle in tliis pre-
tence, yet people were content to let it pass in order to draw him
on, being a very cliver fellow and full of ambition and revenge.
Great endeavours were used to have the Duke of Roxbrugh laid
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 167
aside from being* secretary of slate, but King George stood ob-
stinately for him and it Mas reported that he desired Mr. Wal-
pole to let the Duke continue and hed engage he shoud do what
was desired of him. At the same time they slighted him in all
matters, advising and informing him of nothing that was done,
but he dissappointed them and woud not show his resentment so
far as to demitt ; however in some months theraller, they carried
their point and got him removed from his office. I cannot as-
sign a reason for bringing this turn about, but it was generally
belived that Walpole, who governd all at St. James's, either fear-
ing some storm from the Lord Carteret supported by
King Georges favourite mistress, or designing some bold stroke,
judged it necessary to lye down Argyle to his interest, by grati-
fying him with the suppression of the other party; and he on the
other hand undertook for himself and his parly that the malt tax
shoud be submitted to and paid in Scotland, towards accomplisli-
ing wherof they left no means unaltempled. Thus the Englisii
Ministry playd the 2 partys upon one another at the expence of
the poor coimtrie ; for the Squadrone were introduced into the
powr from whence they were now dismissd, by undertaking to
support the commissioners of inquiry into the forfeited estates.
About this lime Mr. P. Haldane presented a letter nominating
him a Lord of the Session. This gentleman had been one and
indeed the most violent of the commissioners of inquiry into the
forfeited estates, in the prosecution wherof he had acted \\ ith the
utmost virulencie, had spoke most disrespectfully of the Lords of
Session and aimd at nothing less than demolishing that court;
by which he was odious to the whole nation. When his letter
was presented, the Dean and Facultie of Advocats oflerd a remon-
strance to the Lords of Session against receiving him, because he
had not served as a lawer at the bar such a number of years as
was directed by the law, prsevious to any lawers being in a ca-
pacity to be made a judge. For the the number of years was
158 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
elapsed since he first enterd advocat, yet he had not served so
long- at the bar (and consequently coud not attain the knowledge
and experience necessary in a judge and dcsignd from tlie ser-
vice required by the law) having deserted tlie same when he en-
terd into the publick service and continued altogather therin for
severall years.
Mr. Haldane replyd that he had almost every session appeard
at the bar and that the law did not require close and constant
attendance, besides, his absence being rerpiihlicce causa, ought
not to be applyed to his prejudice.
This question was strenouslie debated by the Kings lawers for
the making good the rights of the Crown in naming Haldane,
and by the Facultie in opposition to him, and it was carried on
with great zeall, the Lords favouring the Facultie very much.
Before it was determined, another question arose, whether or not
the extraordinary Lords coud vote in judging of the qualifica-
tions and capacity of ane ordinary Lord. Being afFraid to deter-
mine this jioint, they remited it to the King and Parliament (a
new unprecedented sentence) and on it the whole depended ;
for in the vote that was stated on the main question, Haldane
lost it by one amongst the ordinary Lords, but carried it by one,
if the extraordinary Lords votes were sustaind.
This put oft' the afl'air that session and keept out Haldane till
it was determined above by the House of Lords in favours of the
extraordinary Lords, on ane appeall lodged against the delay by
the Kings advocat in name of the Crown. Haldane having ther-
upon insisted on his being admitted, addresses were procured
with great secresie from severall hundereds of persons of all ranlis
in all parts of the kingdom, against admitting him, being a per-
son of a bad charactar and vile j)ractices, which they otterd to
prove ; and as the Lords of Session are ^ ested with a power to
judge into the charactar and capacity of such as arc prcsenled lo
tliat office, they received thq addresses Und admitted the proofs lo
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 159
be heard against him, wlien severall persons appcard and laid
severall things to his charge (and amongst others his drinking
King James's heaUii, and sundry other things incident to youth,
from which perhaps few of the Judges were free, were their hvcs
as narrowHe expiscated) which look up so much time as to spin
out that other session, and some time therafter the Ministry con-
sidering that the forcing in a judge over the bellys of the coun-
try was very unpopular, dropt him, and in iiis stead presented
Mr. Fletcher of Salton jun.
Soon after the Parliament had finishd the malt tax bill, an-
other was moved and brought in for dissarming of the High-
landers. In summer 1724 General Wade came to Scotland and,
under the pretence of reveiwing the troops and garisons, made a
progress throwout allmost the whole kingdom ; and as it was re-
marked that he was at great pains to veiw and observe narrowlie
all the passes, especially in the Highlands, and to get exact
charactars of all persons of rank and distinction, every body ap-
prehended ther was some design against this countrie, which was
then concealld, and tis probable it was forwarded by the oppo-
sition made last winter to tiie malt tax; for in the spring 1725
this bill for disarming the Highlanders was brought into the
House of Commons, containing severall clauses that, if duelie
executed, woud bring these people under the greatest hardships,
contrary to all law reason or equity. Severall of the English
members opposed it and got some of the clauses, such as the pro-
hibition of wearing the Highland garb, to be dropt; but not so
much as one Scotsman had the honestie and courage to appear
in behalf of their oppressd countriemen ; nay the bill was brought
in by Duncan Forbes (for which and other meritorious jobs he
was soon after made Lord Advocat) and supported by the Duke
of Argyle and all his dependants, so it past both Houses and was
made a law. The English Ministery having no hopes of ever
bringing the Highlanders over to their measures, looked upon
100 nEGISTER OF LETTERS.
them as a considerable body of brave fellows, innured to arms,
that Moud probably join any enemy forreign or domestick that
ehoud ha])pen to aim at subverting the present setlement of the
Govcrment, and thcrfore resolved either to extirpate them, or
at least, by disarming them, bring them in time to forget the
use of arms and to be of a less warlike disposition, and with
such veiws pushed this bill and concerted the measures that fol-
lowd upon it. But wliatever considerations moved the English,
it was odd that the Duke of Argyle slioud enter into such pro-
jects ; the many powrs, priviledges, jurisdictions and enlarge-
ment of lands (such as no other family enjoyd) were bestowd by
the Crown as rewards, or more effectually to enable his predeces-
sors to curb the power of the Highland clans, who under the di-
rection of their cheiftans in old times committed great devasta-
tions in the Low Countrys and even enterd into leagues with the
kings of England against their native prince; and he, as well as
all other men, coud not but see that if this formidable power of
the Highlanders was removed, he was of less consequence to the
Goverment, as ther was less use for his service ; and tho King-
George, by this act, was empow'red to exempt such as he pleased
from being comprehended under it, and that consequentlie His
Grace was in no hazard of having his people disarmed, yet what
was now done to others woud stand as a precedent for using him
and his in the same manner, as it was ane Englisli measure, or
might be retalliate on him upon ane alteration of the Ministry,
when it might be thought proper to gratifye those that coped
with him and liis family and grudged that he and his followers
shoud be in a better state than others. But the truth on't is, this
Duke hath in all matters acted as if he only considered the pre-
sent time and had no regard or concern for futurity.
In consequence of this law. Wade was made Commander in
eheif of all the forces and garisons in Scotland, and all ships of
war that came uj)on the coast therof were to obey his ordcr^,
nr.GISTER OF LETTERP. 1 Cy 1
and he had a powr to build forts wlier he pleased. In short liis
commission was of such a nature, that none so extensive had
before been heard of in Scothmd or, I behve, in England since
the grand rebellion. Under him were appointed severall gene-
rail officers, and troops sent from England, which, with those
before in Scotland, were niarchd north to form a camp at Inver-
ness, and frigols were appointed to have their stations on the
coasts and wait the Generalls orders; and matters in gcnerall
were carried on as if ane open enemy had been in the feilds antl
ready to oppose them. These formidable preparations (at a great
charge) were made about the month of June 1725, for putting
in execution this act against the Highlanders, the only remains
of the true old Scots blood and spirit : — But when all things were
prepared and readie for executing the Goverments designs, a de-
lay was occasiond by the mob which hapncd at Glasgow.
Some litle time before the 23d of June (on which day the
malt tax commenced) delegates Avere sent from most of the
considerable touns, to meet and confer with the brewars at Edin-
burgh, where many proposalls were made for eluding the law, to
be, as occasions ofFerd, put in practice: the first thing to be
guarded against w as the dutys of malt stock in hand ; and to
avoid the heavie penaltie of not entering the same, it was re-
solved to obey the law in that respect, but at the same time not
to make payment of the duty theron, and if the Commissioners of
excise sued them, to give over brewing and consequently sink
the revenue of excise, which was indeed cheiflie aimd at by those
who bestirrd themselves at this time in behalf of the country,
that the Goverment might perceive theyd lose more of the excise
than they coud gain by the malt tax: but what allarumd people
most Avas the unreasonable article of surcharge, to be levyed pro-
portionally off of such as entered and paid the duty of what was
malted after 23d of June, in so far as the clear produce (after
deducing the charges of collecting) fell short of 20000/. sterlijig,
VOL. II. Y
163 tlEGISTER OP LETTERS.
wherby those who submitted to the Govermen t and paid the malt tax
ran the hazard of making up the deficiencie arising-from those wlio
did otherwise, which so startled all the considerable brewars, who
generally speaking are also maltsters, that they found it absolutely
necessary to malt none after the commencement of this duty.
On the 23d of June, when the duty took place, the excise of-
ficers were obliged to fly out of most of the towns in the western
shires, but in Glasgow the resentment ran higher. Danicll Camp-
bell of Sliawfeild, who represented that borrow in Parliament,
havinff incurrd the hatred of the inhabitants therof, because he
was belived, on too good grounds, to have had the cheif hand
in giving the Goverment such informations of the way and man-
ner of trading there, as occasiond a few years ago ane act of
Parliament, that lay heavie on their tobacco trade, was like-
wayes said and belived to have encouraged the Ministry to hope
ther was no diflicultie in raising the malt tax; and these joind
togather rendered him detestable overall the kingdom, especially
at Glasgow, wher they threatncd to pull down his new built
house, wherof he sent notice to Wade at Edinburgh on 2 1st of
June, who thcrupon ordered a detachment of foot to march furth-
with thither, wher they arrived on the 24th at night, but the
guard room being xmprepared, they put off taking possession of
it till next day, the souldiers being dismist to their severall pri-
vate cpiarters. During the night time a report went about that
Daniell Campbell had brought these souldiers to enslave them,
wherupon the mob got up and destroyd his house, and had he
himself been in town, they had certainly dewitled him. Whilst
this was in hand the commanding ofticer got his men togather,
took possession of the guard room and drew up before it, and
tho he met with no insult but from some boyes and women, who
threw a few stones at his men, without having previouslie read
the proclamation, as directed by the law on such occasions, he
fired allongst the streets, which being full of innocent people
nEGisTrrt of letters. I r>.l
that came out of curiosity to know what the matter was, aiul
the windows at- the same time crowded with spectators, a])ouL
20 men and women were killd dead and many more wound-
ed, some wherof in the streets and otiiers in tlieir houses: tlie
citizens being- therby enrag-ed did ring- tlie fire l)cil and brake up
the magazine, from whence tliey armed about 400 men. In the
mean time the magistrates advised the officer to niarcli off his
party, for they coud not be protected within the city ; on which
he made the best of his way to Dumbarton, but not thinking- him-
self safe in that town he retired into the castle. Tiie Glasgow
mob pursued him a few miles but coud not overtake him. Tliis
story made a mighty noise, and Wade sent ane express with ane
account to the Lords Justices (Kiug- George being- then in Ger-
many) and they orderd him to march troops to take possession
of the town and secure the peace. At the same time they wrot
a letter of condoleance to Campbell, assuring- him they woud
resent what had befaln him as in effect done to King- George
himself. Wade, according to his orders, sent a good body of
foot, some troops of dragoons and a train of ordinance and made
preparations as if ane enemy was to oppose him in the feilds or
the town to stand a seige : alongst with the General went the
Lord Advocat to take a precognition (that is ane examination of
witnesses but not upon oath) of what had hapned, and they en-
terd the town without any opposition. By the precognition it
appeard plainly that the magistrates had done their duty, by en-
deavouring all in their powr to disperse the mob, but severall
persons were takn up on suspicion and sent prisoners to Edin-
burgh, in all about of the meanest rank. Tho the magis-
trates had fully justifyd their conduct, and the Generall and Lord
Advocat seemd satisfyed and on good terms with them, whilst
they Avere enquiring- into what had past and were taking up
others, yet no sooner was that work over, than they committed
V 9.
1 64 REGISTER OP LETTERS,
tlie Provost and other magistrates to the town prison, and
from tlicnce next day conveyd them vmder a strong guard to
Edinburgh Tolbooth, attended by a great number of llie cheif
citizens of Glasgow. This set of magistrates had at the preceed-
ing Michelmass election inidermined and turnd out Campbells
freinds,who had enhanced the Goverment for many years, and
being some of them, particularly Provost Aird, vmder pay, were
mere tools to him; and this was thought a proper occasion to
squeeze them and if possible to replace Campbells set. The
Glasgow magistrates having applyd by a petition were quickly
by the Lords of Justiciary admitted to bail. This commitment
was in all respects arbitrary and illcgall, in regard the Lord Ad-
vocat, as such, is not since the Union vested with the power of
commitment any more than tlie Atturney General of England*
and tho he qualifyed himself as a justice of the peace in the shire
of Lanark, it was thought a lille too presuming and a bad pre-
cedent that so inferior a judge shoud claim and exercise ane au-
thority over such considerable persons as the magistrates of Glas-
gow within the limits of their own jurisdiction, and that only
upon suspicion or presumptions and when they ofFerd to find bail
to appear v^hen and where tliey shoud be required : beside, as a
justice of tlie peace in that shire his warrand coud go no further
than ihe bounds therof, wheras these prisoners were carried tho-
row the shires of Stirling, Linlithgow and Edinburgh, and in
the Tolbooth of that town confined. These proceedings opend
the eyes of most people and enraged the good folks of Glasgow
to the greatest degree; they had manifested ane extravagant zeall
for the Revolution principles and party ever and on all occasions
since 1688, and particularly had been at great charges in levying
providing and subsisting two regiments of foot which they sent to
Stirling in 1715 ,and they litle expected to be thus handled by
the party they had so zcalouslie served and who formerly encou-
i
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 165
raged and protected them in their mobbish outrages upon the
Episcopail clergy &c.
Some short time before these matters hapned tiie President of
the Session shewd a more than ordinary concern to brino- the
malt lax to bear, being, as was said, very desirous to serve and
oblige the Ministry, that he might be allowd to demit his oflice
and obtain a yearlic pension of 1000/. sterling during his life and
liis second son to succeed Lord Grange who by this scheme was
to be President: whatever was his motive he overulcd the other
Lords so much, that Iho many of them were of a diticrcnt mind,
he procured ane act of sederunt to be made and publislid, by
which all brewars and retailers of ale in Edinliuro-h and suburbs
were required to sell the same at a certain higher ])rice than fur-
nierlie, with a veiw of gratifying the brewars, who, getting thus a
larger profite, might have wherwithall to pay the dutys on malt
and make no difficulties in carrying on their business. This step
was justifyed and pretended to be legall, from a power vested in
the Lords of Session to regulate the prices of victualls and liquors
in Edinburgh ; but as that was only to prevent their being sold
too dear, it was the first instance and by all reckond ridicolous in
them to pretend that they coud even raise the prices. Tho the
brewars knew this contrivance was to favour them, they were at
the same time sensible it tended to rivett the malt tax and conse-
quentlie to ruin the countrie, and therlore gave no obedience
to this act; and being calld togather by the Lord Advocat, they
told him theyd continue to brew whilst their malt stock in hand
lasted, but if they were sued for the dutys therof theyd shut up
their breweries and rather go to prison than comply ; and having
by this time vastly diminished the weeklie quantity they used to
brew, this occasiond so great a decrease of the revenues arising
from the excise to the Goverment and town of Edinburgh, tliat
the advocat and magistrates were highlie enraged, and the first
laid a conqjlaint before the Lords of Session (or rather the trustie
166 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
president) against the brewars as combining; and resolving to
put a stop to brewing for the future; and their Lordships thought
fit to make ane other act, as irregular as the former, declairing
it was inconsistent ^\ ith the publick welfare and therfore illegall
for the brewars alltogather to quit and forbear the exercise of
their occupations, and requiring them to continue and carry on
their trade in the manner and to the extent they had done for
the space of one month preceeding the date viz 29th July,
untill the Isl of November, and that for the space of three
months therafter none of them shoud leave of brewing untill 15
dayes after having intimated the design to the magistrates of
Edin])urgh by a publick nottary, and lastly ordaining a certain
number of brewars, containd in a list signd by the president
(^wliich indeed comprehended the whole in and about Edinburgli)
to be cited to appear next day and each enact himself by a bond
in the terms aforesaid under thepenaltie of 100/, sterling, threat-
ning withall severely to punish sucli as did not comply. Next
day the brewars presented a petition, shewing that to require and
compell private persons to enter into bonds under penalties, was
by the claim of right declared to be a grivance, and to oblige
them to follow ane employment to their loss and the ruin of their
familys was authorised by no law and justifyed by no precedent;
for which and severall other reasons set forth in the petition they
desired to be excused that they refused to perform what was re-
quired by that act. As this petition was conceived in pritty smart
terms and exposed the proceedings of the Lords as illegall arbi-
trary and unwarrantable, they were highlie provoked and or-
daind the petition to be burnt by the common hangman ; after
which the brewars being calld to the bar, they all refused, ex-
cept one Baily Simpson, to sign the bond required of them, wiier-
upon the Lords by another act ordaind that such of the brewars '
containd in the aforesaid list as did not enact themselves in the
terms of the aforesaid act of sederunt in jjresencc of the ma-
REGISTER OF LETTER?. 1G7
gistrates of Edinbiirgli betwixt and llio lOtli of Aiii>;ust next,
plioud be cominilled to prison and there remain till tlie first of
November or in the interim enacted in the terms required. For
the space of about three weeks after this, matters were in sus-
pence, but the Earl of Hay (sent by the Ministry to g-ive direc-
tions in this affair) no sooner arrived at Edinbingh, than most
of the brewars were cited before the justices of the peace, at the
instance of the commissioners of excise, to make payment of
the dutys of malt stock in hand, on which they all left off brew-
ing', and immediatlv therafter four of these vize Cave, Lindsay^
Scot and Cleghorn were, by virtue of the last act of sederimt,
throw n into prison. Here it is to be observed that new connnis-
sions of the peace were about this time sent to all tiie shires in
Scotland, which were crannn'd full of people that the Ministry
knew woud be usefuU tools; and wheras the town and shire of Edin-
burgh woud prove a leading example to others, the magistrates
got severall who depended on them, some whcrof were not he-
retors, to be put into the commission for that shire ; the Lords of
Session, Barons of Exchequer, the Advocat and Solicitor ^vere
also appointed, virtiile ojjicij, to be Justices in all shires, and a
great many officers of the army were named in the commissions
on the north side of the river of (for the better executing
of the dissarming act as well as levying the malt tax); and in-
deed had not the Ministry foreseen and thus provided against
what was probably to haj)pen, it woud have been no easie mat-
ter to have levyed the dutys on malt, for very few of the country-
gentlemen accepted of the office : nevertheless those few in the
shire of Edinburgh who undertook this servile task (being sup-
ported bv Carpenters dragoons, Ijrought on purpose from En-
gland and quarterd in the suburbs and ncighbourhead of Edin-
burgh, in which place they patroled for sevrall nights and made
frequent parades thorow the streets to intimidate the people)
proceeded against the brewars, and on the 25 of August decernd
168 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
tliem iu double tlulys, on their cravini^ a delay till next session
of Parliament and refusing- to pay or <y'\\o bonds. At the same
time no pains nor means were ommiltcd to perswade them to com-
ply, being cajoled and threatned by the President and those in
concert with him. Amongst other devices, Mr. Wiirhtman, one
of the city magistrates, commonly calld Nosie Wightman, con-
veend some few of them togather, and proposing to call upon
God in prayer for direction in so weightie ane aflair, he fell to
work and launched out into raptures, as if inspired to denounce
Judgements on those that contributed or were accessory in dis-
turbing the peace of this mild and gracious goverment ; which,
with the powerfuU influence of a purse of gold (as was confi-
dently affirmd and credited) had such irresistable effects, that
they agreed to enact themselves, as required by the Lords of Ses-
sion, and give bills for the duly of malt slock in hand, provided
the Lord Hay engaged ihe payment slioud be superseded till the
Parliament met. When these few broke off, those who were in
prison and the rest who stood it out thought it needless for them
to expose themselves when the concert was broke, so they com-
plyd likewise. It was a great pity that this hapned, for the whole
nation was following their example of not brewing, which woud
have intirely sunk the flourishing revenue of excise; and I was
credibly informed that if the brewars had stood their ground a
very few dayes longer. Hay, according to his instructions, rather
than drive matters to exlremitys, woud have produced orders fur
superseding the executioii of the malt tax act. But after all it
was scarce to be expected that the brewars of Edinburgh, a com-
pany of private men, shoud dare or be in a condition to stand
out against the united efforts of the Ministry and their creatm-es,
when they were so far from being supported in a cause tliat was
trucly nalionall, that they met with all manner of discourage-
ments from the vigourous assaults of some and the remiss negli-
gence and unbecoming indifference of others.
uKOisrmi OF letters. I GO
Soon aflcTlhe peace of Glasg-ow was secured, Wade vveiitnortii
k) Inverness, whcr lie found a camp formd, and quicklie after liis
arrivall he summond in the Ilig-hland clans: of his conduct and
M hat ha])ned there the following letters to the King- contain ane
account ; but before I proceed to them I must insert a letter * which
I received from him.
"June 23d 1725.
" I was very impatient to hear from you, when I received
your 2 letters of the 27 of March and 8 of Aprile; and the long-
account you give me of the methods you take to advance my
interest are new proofs to me of your diligent application as well
as your skill in cultivating the minds of my subjects and giving
them a true sence of their reall interest and the good of their
coimtry. The dispositions you inform me that the malt tax,
proposed by the English Govermcnt, left them in, I am perswaded
is not diminished by the design it seems to have against my faith-
full subjects in the Highlands, and I am perswaded even those in
the Low Countries will be sensible of the dissadvantage it will
be to them, shoud the Highlanders be dissabled and rendered
useless to my antient kingdom. I find they are of opinion that
nothing less than utter ruin is designd for them, and those on
this side are perswaded that the English Goverment will meet
with the greatest difficulties in executing their projects and that
the clans will vinanimouslie agree to oppose them to the last, and
if therby circumstances will allow them to do nothing for my
service, that they will still, by a capitulation, be able to procure
better terms to themselves than they can propose by lea veing them-
selves at the Govermcnts mercy and delivering up their arms:
and if so, I am resolved, and I think I owe it to them, to do all
in my powr to support them, and the distance I am at has obliged
me to give my orders accordingly, and nothing in my power
* Received 13 July 1725.
VOL. II. Z
170 REGISTER OP LETTERS.
shall be wanting to enable them to keep their ground against the
Goverment, at least till they can procure g-ood terms for them-
selves, tho at the same time I must inform you, tliat the opposition
they propose to make may prove of the gieatest advantage to my
interest, considering the hopes I have of forreign assistance,
which perhaps you may hear of even before you receive this let-
ter. I shoud not have ventured to call the Highlanders togather
without a certainty of their being supported, but the great pro-
bability their is of it, makes me not at all sorry they shoud take
the resolution of defending themselves and not delivering up their
arms, which woud have rendered tliem in a great measure use-
less to their countrie ; and as the designs of the Goverment are
represented to me, the laying doun of their arms is only to be the
forerunner of other methods that are to be taken to extirpate
their race for ever. They are certainly in the right to make the
Goverment buy their slavery at as dear a rate as they can. The
distance I am at and the imperfect accounts I have had of this
law have been very unlucky: however, the orders I have sent to
France I hope will not come too late, and I can answer for the
diligence in the execution of them, which is all I can say to you
at present from hence.
" You may be sure 1 had good reason for the directions I sent
vou about Mar; as to the letter you inlbrm me he has wrot to a
certain person, I have reason to belive that 'svhat he represents is
not all fact; their are some articles laid to his chargSa that coiid
not be hid and that are no wayes the produce of malice: I wish
it may be, as he sayes, that his innocence will appear in due time
as well as his fidelity to me ; at least he has connnitted the greatest
mistakes. It is almost impossible to hinder people from writing: I
thought it was sufficient to remove my coniidence from him and
to direct my freinds to do the same, without forming aiiy accu-
sation or the like. I am fiir from thinking that the Bishop of
Rochester sent Major Walkinshaw to Scotland ; I do not belive
nrnisTER or LRTTEus. 171
he ever saw him or has any acquaintance witli him, and I can he
possilive neither he nor any bcionging to me gave him mony for
his journey: He askd my leave to go over about his own private
affairs, and tho 1 have a very good opinion of him, yet his situation
at Iiome made me not think it safe to employ him in my aftairs.
Inverness gave liim a commission to enquire about a particular
affair transacted formerlie, of which I doubt not youl be informed,
if you had any concern in it. It was industriuuslie spread abuut
that he was seized by the G overmen t, but since you say nothing
of it Ime hopefuU its not so.
" Ime hopefull you have received long ere now mine of the 2 1
March, w^her I sent you enclosed such a letter for the Bishop of
Edinburgh as you desired. I have ane account from Paris that
Harry Straton is dead, which I am heartily sorry for, since I shall
have lost ane old and faithful! servant; I shall not give intire
credite to it untill it be confinnd from Scotland. I pray God
that some lucky event may happen to dissipate all the divisions
that are amongst you, and that my faithfuU subjects may be di-
verted from them by ane hearty union amongst themselves in the
service of their country. I send this by your new address, and
you may be assured that my constant kindness shall ever attend
you."
Letter to the King.
" July 13, 1725.
« Sir, — About the midle of last month a large packet was
brought by the master of a ship from France to Leith, directed
and delivered to Lord Balmerinoch: It containd a narrative of the
grounds of difference betwixt the Duke of Mar and the Bishop
of Rochester and Mr. Hay, in which is a large vindication of the
Dukes conduct; and thereto are annexed coppys of severaJl let-
ters to and from him (as vouchers for what is asserted in the nar-
rative) and likewise of the scheme laid before the Regent of
France by the said Duke, and his letter accompanying it. In this
z2
172 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
packet Iher Vi'as also a letter uusignd directed to the Lord Baf-
meriuoch, signifying that this narrative was sent for the Dukes
vindication and therfore desiring him to shew it to such pei-sons
as he thought proper, but withall expresslie restraining him from
giving any coppys therof. His Lordship having shown it to
Lords Panmure and Kincardine and myself, wee thought it very
proper to transmit ane account therof to you, that you might
judge how far the facts he aflirms are true, the vouchers he pro-
duces genuin, and the constructions he puts upon them candid.
Tlie said narrative &c. being a few hours in our hands, wee
perused them very seriouslie, took such notes, and made such ob-
servations as enabled us to make ane abstract therof containino-
the sum and substance of what was most materiall Iherin, which
I was directed to send to you in a seperale packet ; when it comes
to your hands you v^ill find it signd with the name of Butterflye.
" I am directed to let you know that some of your freinds have
a jealousie that a sum of mony raised here (about 2000/. I be-
live) and remitted to France, anno 1722 or thcrby, has not been
communicated to you or Avas not applyed as you intended. The
ground of their jealousie arises, from the extraordinary metliotl
takn in managing the collection here ; for Captain Straton, who
received the instructions about it from abroad, did not acquaint
any of your trustees here of the matter (except Eglinton who con-
tributed 500/. sterling) which not only prevented their own con-
tributions, but also what they might have collected from others.
In short, Straton keept the affair a mighty secret from all such
as he imagined woud be inquisitive to know how or to whom it
was to be remitted or had no particular attachment to Mar, to
whom he himself seemd to be very much wedded, even in these
latter dayes, notwithstanding your letters about him. In the next
place, tho it was afterwards said this fund was to be imployd
in buying arms &c. in Holland, yet it seems neither Mr. Dundass,
who did provide some there about that time, (as is reported here)
UKGlSTEll or LETTERS. 17;j
nor Thomas Sinclair, who laid ovit his litle slock Ihat way and
has a fitted account signd by Mar, have either of them got a
farthing-, the want of wliich has intirely broke the credite of the
first, at least prevented his re-establisliing- it, and the other, with
his numerous family, is reduced to great m ants. This your freinds
thought fit to lay before you, seing the least jcolousie of misap-
plications of such subjects is a great discouragement to those
who can and are willing to serve you on j)roper occasions.
" As I was so far advanced yesterday in this letter I received
yours of the 23d of June, and what I, before that, was design-
ing to write to you will in some measure suffice for ane an-
swer to it. What in my former letters I told you woud pro-
bably be the event of the malt tax has come to pass, [what fol-
lowd %\ as ane account of the Glaso-ow affair which I have for-
nierlie related and need not here repeat] I cant express the ge-
nerall discontent ; this western affair must tend to good, for if
the Goverment pass it over, twill encourage others to do the
like or more, and if they resent it and take any lives, that, with
the blood alreadie spilt, will leave a sting behind, and I look on
Argyles interest in tliat his favourite toun and the west to be
sunk, as he and his partie are blamed for being too instrumental!
in imposing this odious tax, which has alreadie so soured and
altered peoples minds, that I do verily belive, were the affairs of
Europe in such a situation as it were proper to make the experi-
ment, twoud be a very easie matter at this juncture to drive our
oppressors out of the country and regain oiu- liberties. I can
appeall to you that 1 do not use to exagerate matters, and ther-
fore I may be the more credited, when I say so much, which I
mention in hopes it may be a further incitement to secure and
hasten the assistance yovi seem so hopefull speedily to obtain.
This western affair will I hope have another good etiect, which
Irne sure will be exceeding pleasing to you, viz. that it will save
the Highlanders for this time ; for the sending o regiments to
ITt- RECrSTER OF I>ETTER3,
dasg-ow and the Gcneralls being detaind will so retard his ex-
]iedition, and tlie weather withall is so rainie, that in all proba-
litv the season will pass before any thing- to purpose can be
done against these poor people. It is indeed pro])able that the
Goverments designs were very pernicious, tho I cant tell but the
whole cheiflie may be a contrivance to make a money job of it to
some favourites, for this expedition is to cost the Goverment a
good round sum to very litle purpose I lioj^e. Tlio the prepara-
tions are formidable as if they knew of ane enemv to meet them
in the feilds, yet I know very well that Wade is taking all the
pains he can to accommodate matters, having for that purpose
sent for most of those about Edinburgh that had any interest with
the Highlanders, particularly the M'^kenzies, and represented to
them, that if their freinds woud submit to the Goverment they
€houd be used with the greatest tenderness, and in due time all
their cheifs be pardond and restored, having a signd manuall
from King George to that effect, Tiiese gentlemen having ther-
upon sent such ane advice to the Highlanders, they refused to
comply, particularly the M'^kenzies, who answered theyd receive
orders from none but the Marquis of Seaforlh; but within these
few dayes tis contidently reported that matters are adjusted witii
His Lordshi]), and, what makes it the more probable, a servant
of his came lately from France with the Goverments pass, keept
private, and was with the new Lord Advocat (Duncan Forbes)
at Edinbiu'gh, and from thence went north ; of this you may be
assured ; but that thers any treatie of acconmiodation or what
may be the articles I cant pretend to tell ; tho I imagine theyl
consist of a promise, that the rents of the forfeited estates shall be
paid henceforwards to the Goverment and their arms be deli-
vered, which will be only such as are old and useless and will
nevertheless be takn of their hands as a proof of their obedience
to the law. What conditions Seaforth gets to himself lime must
show ; and indeed wee must wait a litle for the unridling and
nEGlSTER OP LETTERS. 175
confirmation of these and many other things. In the mean time,
tlie situation olallairs in this countrie are just as youd wish them,
if you can bring matters so to bear that ane attempt will in a
litle time be made to restore you and rcleive your poor people
from bondage.
" I forget to say that I am assured by my honest old freind Sir
James Sinclair (who's come lately from IJie Authest notliern parts
and is trusted by severall of the cheiftans) that the clans were
never so united, have made and laid up provisions, and resolved
to stand it out to the last, if so be the accommodation spoke of
prove not true.
" I onmiitted to tell you, that wee made a few remarks on the
margine of the narrative.
" I will keep this unseald till the ships just readie to sail, that
if any thing happens I may add it, and you shall be sure to have
accounts as matters cast up, I am Avith great deference &c."
Abstract of a NaiTatioe in justification of the Duke of Mar.
The first part of the narrative, by way of introduction, mentions
the great freindship that was established twixt Mar and Mr. Hay
(now Lord Inverness), that the first showd a great regard for
him and took particular notice of him on all occasions : that to
his good offices he owd the favour which the King shcwd to-
wards him : that he placed a great deall of confidence in him
and did communicate and advise with him in most of his affairs
and designs, and amongst others, the articles to be proposed to
and which afterwards were approved of by the King in favours of
Scotland, with respect to the constitution and goverment of that
kingdom after his restoration, on which foundation their was af-
terwards, by Mar, formed and laid before the Regent of France
a scheme which has since made a great deall of noise ; which
articles Hay did approve of. — Hay having in proces of time lost
176 REGISTER OF LETTER-?.
much of his interest with and faUn under the displcausre of the
King-, did apply to Mar for his assistance and advice, and at the
same lime gave it as his own opinion tliat he shoud withdraw
with his family from the Court: Marin rcttu'n assured him of all
the gx)od offices in his powr, and with the approbation of Gene-
rail Dillon advised liim to follow out the proposall he himself
had made, being hopefuU that in time, by the mediation of freinds,
he might be restored to the Kings favour, and that the Queen
woud drop her resentments against his wife Mrs. Hay. But Hay
it seems expected Mars freindship woud have exerted itself more
in his favours than a bare approving his own proposall, which it
wo\k1 appear he had no design shoud be followd out; from hence
Hays first grudge against Mar had its rise. — Hay came to Paris in
September 1723, when dissembling any secret disgust at Mar, he
made the utmost professions of freindship and regard for him
and Mar received him with all the kindness and tenderness ima-
ginable; but Hay in the mean time was privately doing all in his
powr to asperse him and ruin his charactar. Mar chalanged him
upon it and he possitively refused it: but Mar fmdiug that he
contiiRied to act that part, resolved and did actually brake up all
corrispondence with him. — When the Bishop of Rochester came
to Paris, Mar waited on him and shewd him all the respect and
civility in his powr, desiring to live in perfect freindship and con-
fidence with him. He fovmd the Bishop very ignorant of trans-
actions and the state of the Kings affairs on that side of the wa-
ter, and was therfore at the pains to draw up a narrative con-
taining a full account of these matters, which he put into the
Bishops hands and with it a letter dated 29th May 1724*, men-
tioning, amongst other things, that he had sent him 12 bmidlcs
of papers, and not doubting but that from these lights the Bisliop
woud see how unjustly lie had been accused by some malicious
* This leUer is amongst the vouchers.
REGISTEK OF LETTKllS. ll^
people, and >YOud approve of his conduct. The Bishop relurnd
a letter to Mar dated June 5 1724*, wlierin he mentions, that
he had sent back ail tlie papers and had communicated them to
no soul living. This letter is writ in such ambigous terms, as if
he did not incline at that time to declare his opinion and delayd
directlie approveing or condemning Mars conduct till he met and
conferrd with him: nevertheless in the narrative such a construc-
tion is put on this letter as to inferr a justification in regard of
Mars having the Kings approbation. Here tis to be observed the
Bishop only mentions Mars luunug a praevious, at least a subse-
quent approbation of these on that side of the water, without
making any particular mention of the King. The narrative, in
the remarks on these words of the Bishops letter, " a previous at
feast a subsequent approhation" takes notice that they referr to
Mars having received the loan of a sum of mony from his old
freind the Earl of Stairs, who understood he was in great straits
sometime after his confinement at Geneve ; tho this loan pro-
ceeded merely from Stairs personall freindship to Mar, yet hap-
ning without the Kings previous knowledge occasiond the Bi-
shops taking notice that the approbation was only subsequent to
some of the transactions. — Mar and the Bishop had after this se-
verall interviews alone, but the Bishop never enterd upon nor
talked with him on these matters, but to others he did, to Mars
prejudice, particularly insisting against a scheme which Mar had
laid before the Regent. — Mar having sometime after this a con-
ference with the Bishop, he found him much altered from the
temper he had reason to expect from what was containd in his
first and 2d letters -f, and tho he soon perceived that the Bishop
was resolved at any rate to brake with him, yet he continued to
visit him, and tryed by all means to keep well with him ; but be-
* This letter is amongst the vouchers,
f This 2d letter is not amongst the vouchers.
VOL. II. 2 A
178 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
iug informed Ihat llie Bishops irialice proceeded even so far that
lie affirrud that his (Mars) hiying these papers before him was
u crime, he resolved to liave no further doing-s with him, and so
their corrispondence ended about June 1724. — From this time
forwards the Bishop accused Mar openhe of the greatest of crimes,
and brought the Lord Launsdon as concurring- with Mar in tliese
measures. — The pretendefl reason of the Bishops displeasure at
Mar is founded on a letter writ by him to the Bisliop, about the
time he was sent prisoner to the Tower, that was by chance seized
at the posthouse and produced as evidence against the Bishop, tho
it containd nothing- but expressions of kindness and civility. But
the Bishops reall design is to seclude all but himself and Mr.
Hay from the Kings favour and any concern in the management
of his affairs. — The Bishop accuses Mar and Launsdon of be-
traying the Kings secrets to the British Goverment, on which ac-
count they from thence received pensions ; and the proof which
he brings against Mar is founded on the application which he
made to his freinds to get fi-ee of his confinement at Geneve : of
this transaction the narrative gives the following accomit. That
Mar after 13 months confinement found himself in so bad a slate
of health, that it was necessary he shoud go to the Avaters of
Bourbon for the recovery therof, and having accordingly applyd
did obtain an enlargement and permission from the states of
Geneve, on this express condition, That he shoud not act or be
concerned in any thing against the Goverment of Britain du-
ring his abode in 1^ ranee, and shoud return when required to Ge-
neve, if he did not procure the said Goverments allowance to re-
main in France. Being thus dissmissed from Geneve, he made
further application that he might continue in France, which the
said Goverment was willing to allow on his renewing the for-
mer engagement of not acting against it ; and at the same time
the said Goverment did furder offer, that the estate of his fa-
mily shoud be restored to his son, and that in the interini, untill
I
nEGISTER OF LETTERS. 179
ane act of Parliament was jirocurcd for that effect, he himself
should ycarlic receive a pension of 2'J0()/, slerUng, over and above
1000/. of Jointure paid to his Lady, his estate being- valued at
3000/. per annum. Mar being- accustomed to advise witii Ge-
neral Dillon in all matters of importance, did comnmnicate this
affair to him, who advised him to accept of it, because if he re-
fused such advantageous terms, they woud stop las Ladys join-
ture, and his estate woud be sold and lost for ever to his family,
and they woud send himself back to Geneve wher lie might
starve and dye in prison : all which considerations Dillon did be-
live woud move the King to approve of his accepting- the pro-
posal! made by the Goverment. Mar wrot to the King- ane ac-
count of this proposall, in a letter dated the 3d of February
1721 *, to which the King returnd ane answer dated 22d of Fe-
bruary, wherin liaving givn his approbation and concent, Mar
did conclude the agreement with the Goverment. As this let-
ter is what Mar insists on as sufficient to justifye him from the
bad constructions put upon this agreement, it will be proper to
insert it at large, from the coppy amongst the vouchers of the
narrative, that it may appear how far it is genuine.
The Letter is as follows.
" Yours of the 3d of this month came safe to me, and what it
contains appears so clear to me that 1 did not need to take up
much time to consider on the matter, for since you think you
cannot upon any account undergo the fatigue of your former post,
it woud be most unreasonable for me who employed you to ob-
struct what may so much tend to your interest without preju-
dicing mine ; nay, I go further, which is, that this step you pro-
pose to make will enable you to be of more service to me whom
you love, than you coud be otherwise in the way you are ; so
that all things considered, I have not on my own account any
* This letter is not amongst the vouchers.
2a2
1 so nEGISTEFl OF LETTERS.
objection to tlic matter, and heartily wish you may not be dissap-
pointed in your expectations, which is all I can say on the sub-
ject; for being as thorowlie convinced as I am of your zeall and at-
tacliment for me, 1 can assure you nothing can make me take any
umbrage on that head. I have not nor shall not mention this mat-
ter to any body but John, whom I did conclude you did not de-
sign to exclude from your secret. I am glad Lady Mar is come
safe to you : I belive the Queen will scarce be able to write to
her this post, because of the Carnavall. As for other matters I
refer to Mr. Dillon, assuring you that nothing can alter my sen-
timents towards you, and that my confidence of your doing your
best, on all occasions, to serve me, is certain."
The narrative proceeds to mention ane other transaction (which
the Bishop adduces to prove Mars treasonable corrispondence with
the Goverment) and gives this account of the matter. That in
May 1722, when the Goverment was hunting for a plot, a gentel-
man* was sent from England with a letter -f to Mar from Lord
Carteret, in name of Tounshend and Walpole, by orders of King
George, to try if they coud procure any light into the plot they
apprehended then in hand, from what Mar woud say upon the
.Hubject. This person so soon as he arrived at Paris wrot to Mar
desiring he woud meet him privately: Dillon was by chance
with him when he got that letter, which he shewed tO him, and
he agreed to stay still at his house till he shoud go and return
from that person, which he did, and tlien he told him the subject
of their conversation and shewd him Carlerets letter. Mar and
Dillon consulted togather and thought it a lucky accident, since
Mar had therby ane opportunity of doing the Kings affairs a
good service, by leading the Goverment off the true scent and
therby prevent their furder enquiries ; wherupon Mar wrot a
* Supposed to be Colonel Churchill.
+ This letter is not amongst the vouchers.
RF.r.i«Tr:R or i-kttkrs. 15^1
letter* in the terms Dillon and he concerted witii that veivv, and
having shcwd it to another of the Kings fi'einds-|- who a])proved
of it, he sent it to the person -vvho brought Carlerets letter, to be by
him delivered to His Lordship. Mar immediatlie "'ave the Kinir
and the Ihdvc of Onnond, by 2 letters];, ane account of this affair,
to which the King relurnd ane answer dated 8 June 1722; and
because this letter is also produced to stop the mouths of those
who asperse Mar on account of what he did in that affair, it will
be fit to transcribe it from the coppy amongst the vouchers.
Follows the letter.
" I have perused with attention the account you sent me of
what had lately past twixt you and a certain emissary, and can
never enuff express to you how intirely satisfyed I am with it
and sensible of your behaviour on that occasion. I heartily wish
it may prove of no inconvenience hereafter to yourself, for as
you have managed the matter, it will I hope turn even of ad-
vantage to me : my only apprehension is from those lights and
informations which may have caused this message; but if your
answer puts them upon another scent, it will prove no small
service and be a very providentiall accident in the present con-
juncture."
Ther is amongst the vouchers the coppy of another letter
from the King, said to be wrot to one of his doers at Paris
without mentioning his name, dated 13 August 1722, wherin
tlic King justifyes and approves of Mars conduct, and regrates
the aspersions cast on him about the plot, and is nmch concernd
on account of the divisions amongst the loyall partie his freinds,
fomented and encouraged by their common enimys, as the
surest method to undoe them.
* This letter is not amongst the vouchers.
+ Supposed to be Lord Lawnsdon.
I These letters are not amongst the vouchers.
182 RFX-ISTER OF LETTERS.
Tlic nanalive mentions that llie Bishop does also charge
Mar witli having advised the King to resign his right to the
crown, for a pension. Tliis accusation is said to be so ridico-
lous, that it requires no other answer than transcribing two let-
ters* writ from Geneve by Mar to the King and Dillon, on
which the Bishop founds his alledgcncc. Both these letters are
dated the 20 of January 1720. In that to the King he repre-
sents that if application was made to the Courts of Spain and
France, tis probable they might, at the treatie of Cambray, pro-
cure a sum of monv to be paid yearlie by England for his be-
hoof, which woud help him in his straits and might be so con-
trived as to carry allongst with it no reflection on his honour nor
do anv prejudice to his interest, by the interposition of other
princes who woud not refuse their names to cover His Majesties
beino- concerned in it. The letter to Dillon is in the same strain,
with this addition, that because it woud take some space to have
the Kings opinion and approbation, and that time is likewise
precious, it woud be proper that he (Dillon) shoud mention this
proposall to t^e Regent. — The narrative mentions another charge
against Mar ; That his scheme, which he laid before the Regent,
was with a design to ruin the King. This scheme f is by the
narrative said to have been calculated to remo\e the objections
which France might have to the Kings restoration, particulai-ly
that as England woud be more powrtuU under a legal setled go-
verment than under the present distracted condition, whilst at
the same time the English antipathy and jcalousie of the French
woud be continued and the King under a necessity of gratifying
his people therin, woud therby be a more formidable obstruction
to the powr and designs of France. For removing of this ob-
* These 2 leUers are amongst the vouchers.
+ A coppy of this scheme and Mars ktter with it to the Regent is amongst
the vouchers.
nEOiSTEU OF LETTERS. 1^3
jection it was proposed, that after the Kings restoration his 2
kingdoms of Scotland and Jrehind shoud be restored to tlieir an-
tient state of independance on England, and be protected in their
trade, and therby enabled and inclined to snpport the King in
such a manner as he d be under no necessity of entering into
measures, contrary to his inclinations, to gratifye the caprices
and allay the factions of his English subjects. And it was also
proposed that certain niunber of French forces shoud remain,
atler the King was restored, in Britain, till he had modelld and
established the Goverment on this footing, and that 5000 Scots
and as many Irish troops shoud be lent to the French King and
by him keept in pay for a certain number of years. The narra-
tive athrms that this scheme was founded on certain articles
w hich the King had granted in favovu's of Scotland (and now
lodged in the hands of a certain commimity at Paris by the
King's express Commands) and woud no doubt have granted the
like in favours of Ireland had application been made to him for
that purpose. Altho what was proposed by this scheme tended
to facilitate the King's restoration and render his administration
easie when restored, by doing justice to 2 of his kingdoms and at
the same time making no encroachment on the rights and liber-
tys of the 3d, yet was it absolutely necessary that the moving of
this scheme shoud be with great address and secresie, least it come
to the knowlege of some persons who might n»ake a bad use of
it ; and therfore tlio Mar had long ago formed it, he woud make
no steps therin during the life of Cardinall du Bois, whom he knew
to be particularly attatched to the Goverment of Britain : but that
obstacle being removed he thought it proper to lay it before the
Regent, who he has reason to belive received it with approba-
tion, seing he thought fit to seall it up, with ane address to the
Duke of Burbon, and recommended it to his care, so that it is
probable had the Regent lived, or the secret not been propaled,
it might have been executed at a proper season. But least this
184 -RIIGISTER OF LETTERS.
scheme slioud liavc Impned to be discovered, to prevent the Kings
being- blamed by those who for particular reasons Avoud be dis-
pleased at it, he laid it before the Regent without the Kings
knowledge, but immcdially therafter acqviainted him therof and
sent him a copy of it, and at the same time represented how ab-
solutely necessary it was to keep the scheme a secret*; neverthe-
less Mr. Hay thought fit to send the Bishop of Rochester a copy
of it; and he again is so enraged at any proposall tending to the
advantage and interest of Scotland, that he cannot forbear venting
his malice against the author, and drawing a number of false
conclusions from the nature and tendencie of it.
The remaining part of the narrative contains many assu-
rances of Mars fidelity to the King, and to shew how improbable
it is, that he should ever engage himself in any measures con-
trary to His Majesties interest, having for his service done and
suffered as much as any of his subjects, and having no prospect
of any way left him to recover his family, but by and thorow the
Kings restoration.
Here it may not be improper to remark that Mars enimys com-
plaind loudlie against him on account of this scheme. They
said the article in favours of Scotland and Ireland and the keep-
ing such a body of French troops in England and such another
* Whatever sccresie was designd, the publick newspapers in January 1724
mentioned a schemes being laid before the Regent, by a certain Lord then at
Paris: and as it is more than probable that the person who discovered the
scheme Avoud not conceall the author, it seems the Goverment of England did
not resent this obvious breach of the neutrality that was stipulated, scing they
performed what they had promised, having since the discovery of (he scheme,
under the cover of a sham tale sufferd the estate of Mar to fall to that family
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 1 85
body of British troops readie on a call from France, was con-
trived to irritate the English nation against the King: Tiiat it
•was delivered to the Regent nnder a shew of the Kings service,
that coming from a person atlachd to him, it might appear with
more credit and more effectually answer what was designd by it;
and that it was not to be doubted but the Regent woud discover
the design (nay perhaps was on the plot) to his dear ally King
George. — Others again atfirmed that the IVnmdation of the scheme
was very right laid, it being very certain that the necessity the
King woud probably bounder of gratifying his people by siding
against France, was alwayes esteemd the cheif reason why Lewis
14 chose rather to keep Britain divided than, by restoring the
royall family, establish peace and harmony and therby put Bri-
tain in a better capacity to thwart his designs; and the setling
the King on such a sure bottom as he needed iiot depend on and
submit to the humours of his Parliaments, was one way to remove
these apprehensions from the French Ministry. And it is as evi-
dent that a King of England has no such eftectuall method to
curb and overawe his people of that kingdom, than by playing
his subjects of Scotland against them, and in order therto to che-
rish and enable that nation to support him. But on what veiw
the Irish were to be on the same footing does not appear, the con-
sequences of the Irish nation's being independent of England,
t)eing of a quite different nature from those of Scotland; as Ire-
land is a scperate island and a great part of it the propertie of
EngUsh subjects. With what intention Mar subjoind these arti-
cles relating to the bodys of French, Scots and Irish troops (which
seem to be a dangerous expedient) or even presented the scheme
in generall to the Regent, will be more or less favourably re-
ceived, according to the good or bad opinion formed of his right
intentions to the King and his service: but be that as it Avill,
Lord Invernesses indulging his private malice so far against Mar,
as to send a coppy of this scheme to the Bishop of Rochester, was
VOL. II. 2 B
1 8G REGISTER OF LETTERS.
most imprudent, as it made the scheme more publick and the
u hisper of its being- ofFerd to the Regent certain, and aflborded
a handle for the Kings enimys to stirr up the Englisli against
him and his cause. It is scarcely credible that Stairs, at that
time the British ambassador at the court of France, woud ven-
ture to advance a sum of mony to one in Mars circumstances
without praeviouslie acquainting and having the allowance of his
master, and if that be the case, tis probable ther was a secret
corrispondence twixt Mar and Stairs, for tis not to be imagined
the British Goverment woud confer gifts on Mar unless he under-
took some service or other. With whatever intention Mar ac-
cepted of the pension in leiw of his estate, till it was restored to
his family (which by the bye was a favour which the Goverment
offerd of themselves to him, being more than is pretended he de-^
manded, and which is not conimonly practiced) yet it woud ap-
pear the Goverment expected some returns, otherwise they woud
not have applyd to him for a discovery of the designs they con^
ceived were then in agitation.
Letter to the King.
"July 25, 1725.
" Sir, — When I received yours of the 23d of June I coud )iol
possibly write fully and directlie in answer to it in mine of the
13th instant. The ship saild nixt day, and I had not time to
meet and talk with your freinds on the important subject con-
taind in it; but I went immediatlie to Edinburgh, wher I found
no more of your trustees, except Duke of Hamilton and Earl of
Kincardine, that I inclined to be free with, because of your di-
rections in relation to Mar. To these two I sliewd your letter,
and having likewise talked with some persons of good sense
and great integrity (without particularly comuivmicating to them
what was containd in yours) I thought it my duty to lay their sen-
timents before you.
" They are humblie of opinion that if the Highlanders pretend
REniisTEn OF LETTERS. 187
to Stand it out against the Goverment, it will be a rasli and fatall
attempt: That it is not to be imagined tliey can by resistance get
better terms, unless they were able to defeat the Goverment, and
if they faild therin, the utter extirpation of their race woud be
the certain consequence; and therfore your freinds here are una-
nimouslie of opinion that as the Highlanders are a body of men of
such valuable consideration both to your interest and that of the
countrie, it is by no means reasonable to hazard them at anc un-
certainty, for tho they sIkuhI give up their arms (which will not
be tlic case) it will be easier to provide them thcrwilh after-
wards than to repair the loss of their persons when your ser\ice
calls for their assistance: and here give me leave to add that the
near prospect you have of forreigne assistance (which 1 take to be
such as is not sufficient to conquer but to assist and enable your
freinds in England to make good their intentions to serve you)
is ane argument rather against than for the Highlanders break-
ing out singly by themselves. For as I have often observed, both
from publick transactions and private conversations, that the bulk
of the English, nay even such of them as are most in your in-
terest, liaving a nationall antipathy to the Scots, are in a parti-
cidar manner jealous of their having the honour of being too
active and instrumentall in your restoration, any measure for
that end which has its rise from Scotland will not, I fear, be so
well seconded as if undertaken by Englishmen. In the next
place, tho over a botle or even in their most serious consultations
they are sensible enuff of their unhappy circumstances and seem
willing to enter into measvnes for their deliverance, yet great
numbers of them are so intoxicated with the love of ease and
plentie, that theyr backward to enter into action and woud wil-
lingly cast the brunt of the first attempt on the Scots, and wait
to declare and take a part, till they see how matters are like to
go; and thus betwixt the different veiws of these two set of men,
the game has been and may again be lost; for which reason it
O R 9
/W rS r«'
188 UEGISTEn OF LETTERS.
appears absolutely necessary that the English shoud know they ve
no staff' to lean on but their own. If they once engage and are
heartily dipt, they know the Scots will soon follow after them,
and consequently the Scots not opening the schenve is no cause
of discourao-euienl and slioud not retard the English from doinfl:
what their duty and interest calls for from them. This doctrine
is in my opinion (with all deference however to yours) so essen-
tial to be advanced in the laying down a scheme for your being
effectuallv sujjported in England, that the reverse therof woud,
Inic affi-aid, have, as it has had, very dismall effects.
"But laying aside this way of reasoning, your freinds are of
opinion, that as the Highlanders are situated and exi)osed to the
hatred of the Goverment, it is by no means adviseable to hazard
them on the prospect you have and mention of speedie assistance
from forreign Powers: These undertakings are lyable to so many
accidents, that the best formd designs may prove abortive, in
which case any praevious declaration for you, woud terminate in
the utter ruin of your freinds and party: If such forreign Powers
as can and are willing to aid you are at pains to enquire into the
true state of affairs and charactars of persons, they cannot doubt
of your Scots subjects readiness to declare for you whenever a pro-
bable attempt is made, which will contribute as much to the de-
sired issue of it, as if they shoud begin sooner, whilst at the same
time it secures your interest in the countrie in case of unluckie
interveening accidents and dissappointments.
" As these are the sentiments of your freinds here (which they
lay before you with all submission) so likewise do they seem to
be the opinions and resolutions of the Highlanders themselves
both at home and abroad. That the first are so inclined and re-
solved I know certainly, and I have reason to belive the same of
the others, for I saw lately a letter from one of the clans, now at
Paris, giving ane account of severall conferences they had with •
the Bishop of Rochester, and of their being so much against re-
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 189
sisting tlie Govcrmentat this juncture that they refused to obey
his directions to come over and take up arms, tho supported by
a sig'ud uianuall iVoni you to lliat effect.
" Tiiese then being* the sentiments of your freiiids here and
the intentions of tlic Highlanders, Kincardine and 1 turnd our
thoughts, how wee coud best answer your designs and veiws in
this situation of affairs; and having been informed that a person
of distinction was just come in cog to Edinbvu'gli, scut by the
Highland cheiftans to get intelligence and advice, Kincardine
went to him; and being informd that the Higlilanders were de-
termined to submitt in so far as to pretend a great readiness to
comply and give up part of their arms (but withall to keep and
secure the best and even so many as woud be' almost sufficient
when a fair occasion offered to use them) Kincardine told him
he woud give no contrary advice, but since he had good reason
to belive, that ane attempt for restoring of you by forreign assist-
ance was designd and that so speedily that he did not know how
soon he might hear of it, lie coud not but think it expedient that
they shoud spin the time out as long as possible, to see if that re-
leife woud come; and seing the method prescribed by the dissarm-
ing act wovid at least take up 4 or 5 weeks before the forms-
theirin directed coud be executed, he wishd theyd delay giving
up their arms to the very last. The gentleman was in a rapture
at this suggestion, took the hint, assuring the rule shoud be ex-
actlie followd, and went away earlie next morning to acquaint
his freinds and constituents of the measure. Wee took the same
method to influence the M'^kenzies, Avho act as a body by them-
selves, so that Ime pritty possitive the surrendry, such as is de-
sio-nd it shoud be, will be putt off for some time; and if the veiws.
you have be executed in the time your letter insinuates, all things
here, I hope, will be as youd wish them, with respect to the High-
landers; but I cant say so much for other parts of the country,
for tho people of all ranks are extremely enraged and that this.
190 nEOISTER OF LETTERS.
certainly is as proper a season as ever was to make ane attempt
for you, yet many inconveniencies will arise that cannot suddenlie
be evited. Ther are no directions givn by you nor no person
cloathd Avitli authority to give orders hovv^ to act and behave,
no concert amongst your freinds, no designs laid down, no pre-
parations made; and as wee know not how, wher, or when this
attempt, which is perfectlie new to us, is to be made, tis not pos-
sible to lay down the necessary and proper prajvious measures)
suddenlie; and altho these and the like obstacles might be ore-
come in a competent time, yet that, Ime aftraid, will be very
much obstructed by the Goverments seizing on such of your
freinds as are most capable to advance your service at such a
juncture; for how theyl evite this confinement is more than I can
see thorow, the Goverments troops being numerous and betwixt
them and the Highlands, so that I can propose no shelter for them
but in the western shires, Avhich will at the same time b6 very
uncertain, as their are in all shires some senseless knavish jus-
tices of the peace, whol too probably committ them; and if these
be under restraint it will do irreparable prejudice to the cause,
as by and thorow them, many projects might be concerted and
executed, that without them, Ime afliaid, will be intirely om-
mittcd, to the very great loss of both your and the countries ser-
vice.
" Since my last I have for the first time seen Major Walkinshaw,
and his explanation of a paragraph in your last wherin his name
is mentiond, serves for ane answer to what I wrot to you about a
certain sum of mony, and Ime glad to know by him that Dundas
was relived. lie tells me that Mars unwarrantable jealousie of
him excited his malice so far, that besides the letter which he
wrot to Balmerinoch, he and his adherents writ severall other let-
ters, by the connnon post, without any cypher, wherin mention
was made of the Majors name and that he was sent by the Bishop
of Rochester to play his game for him: As this, without a stretch.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 191
may bear the coustruclion ol' being intended to discover tiini, the
prospect of succeeding might perhaps have givn rise to the story
you heard ol' his being actually seized. [The account of some
other particulars than formerlie in another letter mentiond of the
Glasgow riot, being next insert, I ommitt that part of this letter,
because the whole affair is aheadic narrated.]
" By inipro\ ing these and the like occurrcncies wee hope to
advance your interest, and for tiiat end Kincariline and 1 stay
close in Edinbm-gh, to watch all opporlunitys, and tis not a
small satisfaction to see severall, who were shy enuff to be so
nuich as seen with us formerlie, converse now very frcelie and
ask our advices, of which wee make all the advantage wee can:
at the same time weer obliged to be very cautious, the Goverment
suspecting our designs and keeping a strict eye over us,
" Since I began some 2 or 3 dayes ago to transcribe this
hito cypher, I hear that Wade goes north on Monday, and
Ime very certain he does not think of calling in the arms for 5 or
G weeks; and as he was much against the Advocats manner of
proceeding at Glasgow, Ime assured hed fain have matters go
smoothlie in the Highlands; whither this proceeds from liis na-
turall disposition (for he's a well enuff temperd man) orthathes
so instructed I cant tell.
" I have heard lately from Mr. Gordon of Glenbucket (who
has been very active in traversing the Highlands and putting
them on right measures as to the concealment of their best arms)
in answer to a letter I wrot to liim (as I told you before) and he
tells me that Captain Frazer will be a most acceptable person to
him and all his Highland freinds; and therfore the Duke of Ha-
milton and the Earls of Wigtoun, Panmure, Kincardine, Eglin-
ton and Lord Balmerinoch do all concurr in recommending Fra--
zer as the most proper person in this countrie to receive and ex-
ecute your orders, whilst at the same time Corsar continues to
take care of your letters to and fro.
19? REGISTER OF LETTERS.
"" My son being- lately in the north saw Earl of Findlater, who
told him it consisted witli his knowledge that this last spring ap-
plication was made for a pardon to Mar and that he belived it
woud be obtaind nixt winter.
" I did not faill limouslie to acquaint you of Harry Stratons
death, but it seems my letter was not come to hand at writing of
your last, and wee long to have your sentiments on what I wrpt
on that sidjjcct. I shoud make ane appologyfor so tedious a letter,
but as I imagined youd be curious to have a full account of what
past liere at this juncture, Ime hopefuU youl excuse me and be so
g-ood as to belivc I cannot be any thing more than I am Yours."
Abstract of a Letter from one of the Highland cheiftans at Paris, to
Mr. John M'^cleod advocat dated the end of June 1735.
Upon the motions being made in the House of Commons to
bring in a bill for dissarming the Highlanders, a gentleman was
sent to London by Lord Seaforth and the other clans, to know
the result of that motion, who, on the bills passing into a law,
returnd back to Paris, and having acquainted them of what had
been done, they inmiediatly dispatchd ane account therof to
the King, desiring immediate directions if or not they were to
comply with the new law. The King returnd for answer that they
were to comply rather than ruin their followers; but as this answer
came under the Bishop of Rochester cover, l)e thought fit to keep
up the letter. However they were otherwise apprized of the King's
sentiments, because a freind of theirs (Allan Cameron) at Rome
had signifycd the same to them by a missive A\liich came not
witliin the Bishops clutches. The Bishop in the interim had sent
off ane express to the King, the return to which orderd these
gentlemen to arms: on the arrivall of this 2d letter, the Bishop
was pleased to call them togather at Paris and did conununicate
the contents therof to them. They finding this last letter dit-
/errd so much from the account their freind at Rome had givu
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 193
tliein of the King's sentiments containd in his first letter keepl up
bv the Bishop, desired to see that first letter, directed to tl)eni,
which being- again and again pressd, was possitively refused, on
which they reasond fully on the obvioxis bad consequences whicli
woud probably attend so rash a step. The Bishop still insisting-
upon their conij)lying-, they desired to know what assistance they
were to have of men mony and arms towards ther being sup-
ported, to which they got no other answer than that they woud
be assisted by a certain forreign Powr, whose name he did not
find himself at libertie to discover. After which the gentlemen
retired, being novvayes of the Bishops sentiments, trusting more
to the first letter from the King, of which their freind had trans-
mitted to them the substance, than to this 2d letter, which the
Bishops conduct with respect to the first inclined them to belive
was by him imjjetrate from the King; nor did these gentlemen
rest here, for they immediatly dispachd to General Gordon, the
same person they had imployd at London, who hearing the par-
ticulars of the conversation with the Bishop, approved of what
had been done on the part of the clans. Tliis transaction was
about the midle of May.
Here I may remark tiiat the account I had of this affair, from
Cameron himself, jumpd pritty near with this letter, except as
to that part wher the Bishop refused to tell them how they were
to be supported. For, as Cameron told me, when they insisted
to know how and from whence they were to be supported, the
Bishop replyd, if they woud once resolve to go to Scotland and
rise in arms, then bed open all to them, but if they refused, twas
needless to discover the Kings correspondence and intrigues.
Letter to the King.
" 2d September 1725.
" Sir, — The ship in which this is to go being to saill to mor-
row morning, I am obliged to sit up all night that I may get it
readie in time, so I hope youl excuse what errors I may committ
VOL. II. 2 c
1 9i REGISTER OF LETTERS.
in transcribing it into cyphers, so hastily, and that I cannot write
so fully as I vvoud, had I more time.
" Such of your freinds as knew of the contents of yours of
the 23d of June have been ever since under the utmost impa-
tience, and are extremly vexed and surprised that they have
heard no furder from you, and that notliing- of w hat was insi-
nuated to be soon expected, nay not so much as the arrivall of
these Highland cheiftans that were on yovu* side of the water,
hath hapned : had your measures succeeded, never was this
covmtrie in such a disposition. The Duke of Hamilton came
yesterday from the west, and tells me he had messages sent him
from the magistrates of Glasgow and from leading people in
other parts of the west, that they were willing to venture all for
you and woud follow him ; and indeed the people in all parts are
thus disposed, so that with a small forrcign force, or even with-
out it, yovu" bussiness coud be effectually done here in a short time,
if so be you coud bring such forreign assistance to England as
coud make a stand, till your freinds in that country were therby
encouraged and enabled to get togather. The greatest loss here
is the want of persons of figure and capacity to manage your
affairs : some mind nothing but diversions, and others are un-
active and lazy, so that these 8 or 9 months by past (during
which severall oppertunitys to be improvd for your service have
cast up) the whole burthen has layn on Kincardine and myself,
Aviiich has tyed us down to almost a close resid(Mice in Edin-
burgh. I can answer for both our zeall and readiness to serve
you, but the concurrance of persons of more weight and capacity
is necessary, and the want therof does much harm.
" If my former letters are come safe to your hands, youl Ijave
pritty full accounts of all that has past here, the sequell wherof
youl find in mine to Inverness, which I write not in cyplier, as
being ane account of what is publickly current here, the truth
wherof you may relye upon. No doubt tiie Goverment will be
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 195
at pains to mae;nifyc and spread aljroad their success in dissarm-
ing tlic Highlanders, but depend ont tis all a jest ; for few or no
swords or pistols are or will be surrendred, and only such of their
firelocks as are of no value, so that a small recruit of good arms
will put them in a better state than before. I mention this so ex-
presslie that you may contradict reports to the contrary, least
they discourag-e those from whom you expect forreign aid. 1 now
plainlie see that this Highland expedition (what ever might be
at first pretended or intended) is now at the bottom a money
job; the Gencrall has got a great sum of niony to pass Ihorow
his hands for it, and his scheme is to be mighty civill to the High-
landers and under the collour of his Inning perswaded them to
give up their arms (which the trash they give him will enable
him to represent) to make himself pass as ane usefuU man and
fit to be continued in Scotland w ith a good salary^ But at the
same time I know likewise their are some of the Goverment
heartily vexed that the Highlanders have made no opposition,
hoping, if they had, that in this time of tranquillity they might
have extirpated them, wheras, as matters have been managed,
they will still remain and be in a capacity to serve you when a
fair occasion offers. Give me leave to mention to you how far it
•woud be proper that their was a corrispondence establishd twixt
your trustees here and your freinds in France, in case of emer-
gencies that may happen. If you think proper, youd be pleased
to appoint the 2 persons that are to be entrusted with it and
how far it is to extend.
" Wee long to have your directions on the contents of sevrall
letters I have wrot to you since Captain Stratons death and with
respect to the packet I sent you about Mar.
" Daniell Murdochson (Seaforths servant) is come to Edin-
burgh in his way to France. He's been in quest of nie, and I of
him, these 2 dayes and mist eacli other, but in a day or 2
he's to be at my countrie house, when I'le get time to talk full
2c 2
196 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
with him. In the mean time I know from one tliat Raw him,
that he has takn up and secured all the arms of value in Sea-
forths estate, which he thought better than to trust them to the
care and prudence of the severall owners ; and the other cheif-
tans, I hear, have done the same. Your freinds Ihink that when
you have ane attempt in veivv it woud be much for your service
tiiat youd let them timouslie know with what number of men it
it is to be made and at what place, that tliey may know how to
steer. I am in the most respectfuU dutiful! manner Yours."
Letter to Earl of Inverness,
" 2d September 1725.
" By yours of the to John Corsar I perceive tiie King
lias acquainted you of the reason Avhy I made no return to the
2 letters I had the honour to receive from you ; and having now
a direction how to write I take the first oppurtunity to assure
you of my utmost respect. Notwithstanding all that has hapned
since I last drank a botle with you, I shall never give over hopes of
being once again merry with you ; and towards bringing matters
to such a posture shall be as earnestly my endeavour as it is my
sincere wish. Ime so straitned in time I cannot write so fully as
I ought and woud. ^
" By my former letters to the King youl find that Stratons pa-
pers were very rashlie destroyd, by which tiiers ane entire stop
put to all corrispondence thorow his canall at home and abroad,
and it will be pritty diflicult and take some time to reestablisli
it : for want of these, Corsar cant write fully to you, nay he
coud not vmderstand yours, but as I guessd, by remembering
some of the names in Stratons cypher, however wee made a shift
to know your meaning by your nmmping.
" Youl be curious, I suppose, to know wh^t is adoing in this
country ; About 20 of the Glasgow rioters were apprehended
and brought to Edinburgh and are soon to be tryd for Iblony
on a new law past within these few years, the penaltie wherof is
RKOISTER OP LETTERS.' J 97
the loss of life goods and chatlells. If the jury consist of those
wear told the justiciary clerk hath prickd out, their must be very
clear proofs to condenui them. [1 ommilt what fullowd nixt,
beina; much the same with the account I have oiven elsevvhcr of
the bre\Aars of Ediiiburgii.]
" On the \2 of Auo-usl llieir came to Inverness about 150 cen-
telmen of the IVPkinzies iioadetl by the Lord Tarbat, Sir Colin
APkinzie of Coul and Sir Kenneth APkenzie of Cromartie. This
last spoke in name of the rest to the Generall, the purport wherof
was, that they were come as representing and in name of the vas-
sals and tcnnants of Seaforth ; that these woud not come in them-
selves untill they knew how theyd be received ; that their rents
had for sevrall years been uplifted by my Lords servant Daniell
Murdochson and thev were not able to pav them overagain, but
if they were discharged therof, they for the future woud pay
their rents to the Govcrment, deliver up their arms and live
peaceably. The Generall told them he took their visit very kindly
and desired them to acquaint ther freinds, what they demanded
shoud be granted, and if they performed as they promised he
woud endeavour, and he had reason to hope not without success,
that when nixt session of Parliament did meet, a pardon shoud
be granted to Seaforth and all his freinds. Then they eat and
drank heartily for 2 or 3 dayes ; after which the Generall, at-
tended by these gentlemen and a small body of dragoons, went
to Castlebran to receive the IVPkenzies arms. At the same time
came the Lairds of Glengary and Keppoch and delegates from
the MMonalds of Sky and the IVPkintoches, who made the like
submission. So soon as the JVPkenzies arms are received, the
Generall is to break np his camp at Inverness and with a sniaU
body of troops to go to Killy vvhyman to receive the arms of the
M^donalds of Glengary and Keppoch and the Camerons, from
thence to Inverlochy to receive the arms of the M'^donalds of
198 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
Sky and Glcncoe and the Stuarts of Appin : and llio castle of
Inverness is to be repaird and fiu'tlier fortifyed.
" To this I have only to add lliat the Squadrone are intirely at
under and seem to be in no good Innnour. 1 am Yours."
Letter from Lord Inverness.*
" August 4, 1725.
" Sir, — The King- wrot to you the 23d of June; he had not
then received yours of the 8 and 24 of May, Iho he had ane ac-
count another Avay of Captain Stratons death, and in a letter I
wrot to Mr. Corsar 3 weeks ago, I desired him to acknowlege
the receipt of that of the 8 of May ; I am now to answer yours
of the 24 ; and I shall repeat to you again that notwithstanding
what Earl of Kinnoill might have shown as coppies of the
Kings letters to him, what the King said to you with relation
tnther to his own or my corres])ondence with that person is cer-
tainly fact, and what he may have pretended nmst either liave
been counterfeited or come from some other person who might
write in the Kings name without his authority.
" I need say nothing of Major Walkinshaws journey, who had
the Kings leave to go over and setle some private aflairs with
Lord Eglinton, as that Lord informed you, I was in some pain
about him for a long while, for it was industriouslie reported at
Paris that he was takn vip, and Mar made a great deall of noise
about his journey, which I was indeed affraid might occasion his
being seized ; and I am sorry Mar and his freinds shoud be seek-
ing reasons of complaint against others, at the same time that
facts that can be provn against him, are rather conceald and not
made publick : I am very much of Lord Duns opinion tiiat the
less noise is made about Mar the better; I alwayes thought so, but
at the same time my motives for tiiinking so may be diflerent from
his, tho he woud think as I do were his information as good.
* Received 8 September 1723.
REGISTER OF LETTEUS. 190
" The Kiiio' finely now that the Hig-hlanderR are resolved to
make no resistance, and accord ing-ly has witlidrawn tlie orders
for assislino- them, on the supposition lluit tliev were not to de-
liver up their arms quicklie, and has thoug-lit lit to send Allan
Cameron over to inform them of his readiness to do all in his
power to sustain them, and a\ ith a veiw likewayes of bringing*
him back particular accounts of the situation of thai country.
" The King- orderd me, in consequence of what had formerlie
been wrot by you in relation to Corsar, to write to him and setle
the correspondence that way, which I accordingly did. Now that
you mention Captain Frazer (of whom the King has a very good
opinion) and that the trustees seem to think him the properest
person for carrying on that business, the King is resolved to
make no possitive answer to that part of yovu" letter, till you write
further on the subject, as you promise to do after you have con-
sulted with the Duke of Hamilton, Glcnbucket and others who
were not within your reach. The destroying of Stratons cypher
will creat some uneasiness in corrispondence for some time, but
as soon as the King is determined by whose hands that part of
his corrispondence shoud go, that loss in a litle time can be made
up. All the Family are in perfect good health. I am Yours."
Letter* from the King.
" 1st September 1725.
" Yours of the 13 July came safe to me some dayes ago, and
the accounts you give me of the present situation of Scotland
were the more agreeable, that I am sensible you are not capable
of flattering or exaggeration on such heads. This situation will
make me the more intent and ardent in my solicitations for for-
reign assistance : I cannot, tis true, hope for any this year, but
it is highlie probable matters may be so prepared in the Avinter,
that the ensuing year may not pass in inaction, and if that be the
* Received 6 October.
200 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
case, I hope tliat event will find Scotland in the most favourable
posture to profile by it. By the return of Cameron, wlioni I
Imve lately sent to the Highlands, I shall have authentick and
sure accounts from that part of the comitry, and I wish you woud
speak to the Duke of Hamilton and those worthy persons you
name in the beginning* of your letter and also some others of
my principall freinds, to know their opinions and advice as to
proper steps to be takn both by them and me in relation to Scot-
land, and particularly as to the choise of a generall. I woud not
have you think from hence that ane expedition is immediatly to
be undertaken, but the situation of Europe is such as that such a
resolution may be takn on a sudden and when I do not expect
it, and therfore it is prudent to be prepared for it.
" I have perused the abstract of the narrative designd for Mars
Justification and received it from those that sent it as a fresh in-
stance of their zeall and attachment to me. I shoud be glad to
see a full copy of it and of the vouchers which accompanyed it,
tho the remark made on the marginc of the last page shews me,
that as I have endeavoured to spare Mar hitherto as nmch as my
service woud allow, so it is not like to require me to mention him
any more; I am perswaded in a very litle time I shall not have a
sincere Mell-wisher wdiose eyes will not be opened in that respect,
or who will have any fm-ther dealings with him or any of his
adlierents. 'J'he accounts Mar formerlie sent with relation to the
niony afliiir vou mention were so imperfect, that I cannot satisfye
you on that head, but am heartily sory any body shoud suffer by
misn)anagement in tliat particular, and see but too well the dis-
couragement that must produce in welwishers to their good Avill
hereafter in such matters : but the truth is, as matters have stood
of late years, I was not master of my own affairs in France, nor
coud not be it, by the mismanagement of those employd by me:
1 thank God the case is quite altered now, and those entrusted
in my aflairs have no other veiws but the common good ; and it
RFOISTER or LETTERS.
fC^l
has l)ccn ho snmll satisfaclion to me to vemark in the Bishop ol
Rochester a particuhir atrection for your countrie, which, as oc-
casions may hereafler ofler, I am perswaded he w ill ah\ ayes con-
tinue to shew ; and as for Inverness, you know aheadie my g-ood
opinion of hin>, which he has never diminished since our first ac-
quaintance. I -have givn him the abstract in whicli hcs so much
mentioned, but I belive he will not think it worth his while to
entertain you long upon it.
" I shall conclude this with informing you of the good health
^f my family and that in some daycs I shall declare James Mur-
ray, in creating him a Scots Earl, governour to my son the prince,
who if he follow his instructions and my example ^^ ill ever look
on my anlient kingdom with the greatest affection and tender-
ness. Let me hear often from you and be assured of my consLaut
kindness."
Letter* from Lord Inverness.
"8th September 1725.
" Sir, — The King did me the honour to communicate to me
your letter of the 13 July, and at the same time put into my
hands a paper transmitted to him at the desire of some of his
freinds with you, I do suppose with a veiw of my making some
reply to it in as far as it n>ight regard myself or some circum-
stances in the Kings affairs wher I have hapned to be concernd
of late: but as the King is positively resolved to say nothing
that can look like ane accusation against the author of the above
mentiond paper, and that I happen therby to be tyed up, I shall
satisfye my self with informing you, in a very few words, of some
particulars which are necessary for making you and others un-
derstand the true sense in which the paper calld A narrative for
Mars justification, ought to be read: and to make this letter
sliorter I must not tye myself to mention the particulars of the
* Received 6 October'1725.
VOL. II. 2 D
'209 UEGISTER Ol- LETTEU.S.
abstract in the same order Mar has put them; so I shall begin
with informing you, that I alwayes reckond myself oblige! to
Mar for wiiat ever favour lie shewd me whilst he was in the
Kings service, but that as I pretended to no dependance but
upon the King alone, I alwayes reserved to my self the priviledge
of judging and even contradicting Mars opinion in some parti-
culars, wher my judgement led me to do it. I belive Mar knew
me too well not to communicate to me wliat he thought I might
construct against the Kings interest as disadvantageous to it or
dishonourable to himself, but as late as it was possible. I look
upon Mars never mentioning to me the subject of the letter he
wrot to the King 3d February 1721, of which Ime not allowd to
send you a coppy, to be ane instance of this, Iho I cant belive
that matter was new to him sometime before ; but since he has
sent you a copy of the Kings answer to said letter, which is com-
prehended in the abstract of the narrative and mentiond ther to
be dated 22 February 1721, I may safely inform you that Mar
owns by that letter of 3d February " to have alreadie accepted of
a pension of 2000/, from the Goverment over and above 1500/.
which his Lady and daughter actually then received by way of
jointure and aliment out of the product of his estate : he men-
tions that this 3500/. made as much as the value of his whole
effects, were they put into his hands as he had them formerlie :
That ther was a necessity for him to make ane immediate answer
to this offer made him by the Goverment, which he had done,
but at the same time that he agreed to the proposall, he had told
the Goverment that he must acquaint the King with it, so that
it was still in the Kings power to make him do in it what he had
a mind." These are the very words of the letter, of which he
shoud have sent you a copy at the time he sent the Kings answer.
After this you wont be surprized that the Kings serious rellec-
tion shoud have produced such ane answer, Avhen you consider
how much he was at that time in the confidence of the Kings af-
REOISTER OF LETTERS. 203
lairs, and how many of his frcinds at home Mar had then in his
jK)Wcr. Neither Avill you wonder that the King, after he knew
of tljis pension, shoud be willing to withdraw his confidence
from Mar by degrees and in such a manner as coud be no wayes
prejudiciall to his freinds at home. The King had reason at that
time to bclivc Mar woud have declined knowing any of His Ma-
jesties secrets, since by the engagements he lay under to the Go-
vcrmcnt he must tlicrby act ane unfair part either to them or
the King: however this did not happen to be the case, for he
not only desired it, but by his management of Dillon, who was
then intirely trusted by the King and by most of his freinds in
England, he not only knew but directed every thing, notwith-
standing the repeated diffidence freinds in England shewd Dillon
of Mar; so thai by Dillons easie temper. Mar had it in his powr
to oblige the King to keep in good terms with him, to avoid
giving him any temptation to prejudice his interest essentially.
This was the situation of the Kings affairs for severall years and
a melancholly one it was. During that time I had the honour
to be employd in many things by the King, but was obliged to.
a cautious management, so that Mar might not discover from me
the Kings having any reserve with him, till such time as His Ma-
jestie coud lay him aside without prejudice to his freinds, which
he never had in his powr to do till the Bishop of Rochester came
over, when the King sent me in 1723 to France and Holland,
to execute some particular commissions and at the same time to
know from that Bishop the true situation of matters in England,
and when it appeard, as well from many letters to the same
})urpose, that the most thinking people of the Kings freinds be-
lived his affairs woud not succeed, while Mar had it allwayes in
his powr to ruin the particular persons engaged in his cause, by
making projects and engaging them in it or by discovering any
that shoud be made, in as far as he thought convenient, for the
procuring of the continuance of his pension, mIucIi few people
2 D 2
204 REGISTER OK LETTERS.
will belive the Goverment gave him for nothing. From tliia
journey that I made and from the conduct I was obliged to keep
with Mar, you will easily observe that what he aledges of my
having lost the Kings good opinion or any way falln under his
displeasure was false, whatever I was obliged to make Mar be-
live by my answers to his letters, when he pressd as much as pos-
sible my leaving the King, founding his reasons upon 50 insig-
nificant stories contrived at Paris, for which he never coud give
me any good authority, tho the knowledge I had of his private
circumstances might have prompted him to wish my leaving
Rome at that time. But when I tell you I never received any
letters from Mar, tho they were conveyd to me in a private way,
nor never writ any to him but what were communicated to the
King, I need say no more to you on this article. I shall only add
here that my conduct towards Mar whilst I was at Paris, was so
far from dissembling with him, that I then advised him to yeild
to the speal that was against him, by removing himself from Paris
and writing a submissive letter to the King, informing of it and
saying it was not for his interest that he shoud be trusted with
any of his secrets whilst so many of his freinds mistrusted him,
but that shoud not hinder him from acting a staunch part in his
cause when ever ther was any occasion for action. I spoke of
Mar personally only to 3 persons at Paris who were his great
confidents, and was so far from discmbling with them, that I
told them my mind freelie on every particular that concernd Mar,
without breaking with them, which I did not thiidi it my busi-
ness to do ; nevertheless when he found I woud not enter blindly
into his measures, he declared openlie against me.
" As to what relates to the Bishop of Rochester in the narrative
I ought to allow him to answer it himself; he was well ac-
quainted with Mars charactar when he came out of England,
and was fully satisfyed, as many others are, that without Mars
offices he coud not have been sent out of England as he was :
RECJlsTIiU OF LliTTKUf*. 205
you may remeuiber in the appendix 3 lelters,, which the Gover-
ment pretended the Bishop Avrot by the same post to 3 dittcront
pei-sons, supposed then to be at Paris; the letters indeed containd
nothing ot" consequence, but it was sufficient that it appcard by
them that they were writ by a person that did not wisli well to
the Governient. About the time these letters were writ, Colonell
Churchill was sent over to France with a letter Irom the Secre-
tary of State desiring- Mars information about the plot then in
hand. The Colonell told Mar these 3 letters had been inter-
cepted co^jyd at the posthouse and forwarded, and according to
the Colonells information, who had out rid the post, the letters ar-
rived at Paris : one of them under a cypher name was dcsignd
for Mar which he received and notwithstanding the Colonells in-
formation answered it, addressing his letter by the same cypher
name, with which the 3 letters were signd. In Mars answer tlie
Bishops situation at that time, his Ladys death, his illness, his
going to his country house ten miles from Loudon &c. were so
nicely described, that the Governient who intercepted that an-
swer, agreed that this coud mean no body but the Bishop, and
therby proved that he was the author of the 3 nientiond letter?,
which was declared corresponding against the Goverment.
Mar neither can deny that he wrot such a letter nor that Mr.
Churchill informd him of the 3 letters being intercepted, so that
I cannot wonder that the Bishop, on whom the Goverment had
a particular eye at that time, shoud blame Mar for having a
share in his banishment, which is all the reflection I shall make
on this article, however many may be made upon Churchills mis-
sion at that time. And as to the Bishops shunning to conferr
with Mar, sometime after the first came to Paris, which the nar-
rative seems to affirm, I shall only say tliat the Bishop acquainted
nie at that time, that after the 12 bundles of papers had been sent
back, that he had so\ight all opportunity* of conferring freelie
with Mar, but coud not find occasion of doing it and that Mar
W6 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
sliiind being obliged to answer any questions the Bishop had to
put to him.
" As to Mars confinement at Geneve, it woud be accusing- him
to say that his going there was concerted, tho both the Spanish
consul! at Leghorn and the Spanish minister at Genua offerd to
convey him directlie from either place into Spain without so
much as touching on the coast of France. Neither shall I pre-
tend to judge of the reason of Mars accepting of what he calls a
loan of mony from Earl of Stairs, only it coud not be for want,
for the King remitted him considerable supplys to Geneve, tho
he was entertaind there by the toun, where his expence coud be
but trifling : and as to his being obligd to return to Geneve from
France (the fear of which he gives in the narrative as a reason
for his treating with the English Goverment) Dillon and some
other officers in France, who ought to understand matters of that
kind, gave it him as their opinion, that he was no wayes obliged
to return tho they slioud call for him.
" Now I am come to say something about a memoriall, of
which, in the abstract of the narrative it is said a copy is trans-
mitted amongst the vouchers : which memoriall, tho a copy of it
was sent to be delivered to the King after it had been presented
to the Duke of Orleans, yet the King never acknowledged the
receipt of it. Mar does me justice in saying that I approved of
certain articles relating to Scotland, tho I did not at the time be-
live them to be of so great importance as he pretended they were,
neither were they represented as the foundation of a scheme,
which, had the King entcrd into it, must have put a stop to his
restoration for ever, without Avhich these articles coud be of no
use. I disapproved of the memoriall from the beginning, be-
cause, as I told Mar when I first saw it, that I thought the scheme
impracticable ; that England was not to be conquered with 6000
foot souldiers or the Kings freinds in England to be led blindly
into their own ruin, with sevrall other reasons I need not repeat;
ISEGISTER OF LETTEKS. 207
aiul tho Mar prclciuls tliat this was contrived lor the advantage
of Scotland, I reallie cannot see what bcnefite Irelands being
more powerl'ull than England woud bring- to us, and as I coiid
not perceive at the time that Mar coud have any reason lo be-
live that Orleans was any wayes disposed to act for the King, I
treated the presenting of it by the Kings minister then at Paris
as a very imprudent act, since I tliought ther was a greater like-
lyhood of Orleans doing a service to his strict ally Hanover by
discovering it, than of his entering into it : however my caution
in divulging it was very great, and I thought it of such ct)nse-
quence that none entrvisted by the King shoud at least be the
first to mention it, that I did not open my lips about it to any
soul living during my absence from Rome, nor after I returnd,
till I knew Mar showd some particular articles in it to some peo-
ple at Paris, informing them that this memoriall, because it was
for the interest of Scotland, was the reason of his disgrace ; Then
indeed, when I found the memoriall to be no more a secret, I
thought it necessary to send a true copy of it, that so were a false
one handed about, a true copy might be produced: and it does
not consist with the Kings knowledge that the Duke of Orleans
seald up the memoriall and recommended it to the Duke of Bour-
bon, neither does it appear naturall, since Orleans dyed suddenlie,
left his papers in the greatest conftision, was not in good terms
with his successor at the time of his death, and coud nowayes
foresee that he was to succeed him in the Ministry.
" Now I must do the Bishop of Rochester justice in telling
you, that tho it is naturall for every man to wish well to his
countrie, yet I never observed he had any other veiw but the
Kings restoration : his whole thoughts are bent that way, he
never made any distinction that I coud see in his dealings for the
Kings service, Avliich of the 3 kingdoms the persons he dealt with
were of, and I dare say woud be far from obstructing any honour
or advantage our countrie might have in bringing about the re-
§08 RKGISTER OF I.nTTKRS.
storalion or afler the Kino-s restored. As to wliat the narrative
mentions about my wife, that is indeed so childish a way of rea-
soning-, that I shant trouble you with any thing on that head,
only that Mar has seen the falsity of that assertion under the
Queens own hand.
" Aftei' you read this youl obsene tliat I was more in the
Kings confidence for many years than Mar was; Tiiat 1 never
fell under the Kings displeasure in any degree,, and consequentlie
that I coud.not want Mars offices in that respect: That my grudge
(as its calld) did not proceed from trifles; 'J'hal my professions of
freindship, when I came to Paris, were such as they ought to
have been, without dissimulation either as to my opinion of the
memoriall or Mars own situation; That Mar coud be in no Avant
of mony at Geneve; That Mars accepting the mony from Stairs
wwas not the only reason why the Bishop of Rochester mentiond
in his letter ff previous or at least a suhseipient approhation ; Tiial
Mar coud be \mder no apprehension of returning to Genevc,.aud
that his dabbling with the Goverment was even of a longer
standing than in appearance; That be does not mention in the
narrative the 500/. sterling givn as ane aliment to Lady Fanny;
Tlial he makes his estate to be 3000/., wheras he coud not, con-
sidering the debt that was on it, receive 1500/. ; That it does not
appear what Mar did to bambuzle the Goverment, which was
the design of his interveiw with Colonel Churchill; That the
scheme presented to Orleans was, without the King's prasvious
knowledge, presented by his first minister; That the King is ig-
norant of its being seald up by Orleans and recommended to the
Duke of Bourbon; and That Mar was the first discover of the
scheme himself. I have said nothing of that part of the narra-
tive wher it is said that the Bishop of Rochester accuses Mar
iWith advising the King to resign his right to the crown for a pen-
•sion, since I cannot call to mind what may have givn occasion
.to it; nor do I remember the letter or letters that were writ to
REGISTER OF LETTEIUP. 209
the King, advising applications being made to tiic courts of
France and Spain for a pension^ if I was informed of that par-
ticular at the time.
" Its mentioned upon the margine of the abstract of the narra-
tive, that a schemes being delivered in to Orleans by a certain
Peer then at Paris was mentiond in the news papers of January
1733 * ; if so, the newsmonger coud not mean the memoriall which
I liave already mentiond, which was only presented in September
that year, according to the information Mar gave of it; but if
the news paper in January 1724 had mentioned such a memo-
riall, that vvoud be indeed particular: but however tliat be, the
remark in the main is just, since the Goverments information
must have been very bad, if they did not know of such a memo-
riall, before ever they gave Mars estate to him or his family. And
all I shall add further is that it had been infinitely better in every
respect, that Mar had made use of the advise I gave him and
had not gone about accusing of those against whom he had n(j-
thing essentiall to say and obliging them, by misrepresenting his
own case, to tell the truth, to prevent which a silent behaviour
in him was only necessary. I hope youl excuse the confused-
ness of tills letter, which time did not allow me to put in better
order. I am Yours."
Letter from Allan Cameron -f-.
« September 10, 1729.
" Sir, — At my arrivall here I sent express for the bearer in
order to acquaint you of my business to this countrie, since that,
with other circvunstances make my going your length impracti-
cable : therfore as you may entirely trust him, I shall expect to
know by him a particular account how matters are stated in
* If the originall copy of the abstract sent to the King mentiond — 1723, it
was ane error in the transcribing, for it shoud have been 1724.
+ Received 4 October 1725.
VOL. II. 3 S
210 REGISTER or LETTERS.
your parts and of your sentiments therof, whicli 1 shall coninui-
nicate carefully to those concerned and who employd me. lie
wait a return to this, against which time I hope shall finish what
I have to do here at this time: referring you to the bearer for the
rest I add only that I am Yours (S*^."
The bearer of this letter was Mr. Drummond of Bahadie
junior, nephew to Mr. Cameron, with whom I sent the foUow-
ino- letter to him.
" October 5, 1725.
" Sir, — Before I received yours of the 10th of September, I
knew of your being; come, having been told therof by the Bishop
of Edinburgh about 3 or 4 weeks ago, as I was acquainted of
your intention and errand by a letter which I got some litle time
before that from Lord Inverness. I have a very great inclination
to see you, because thers twentie xisefuU matters woud fall into a
conversation, that cannot occur or be so well handled in a letter:
I imagined wee might meet without any inconveniencies at a
freinds house of mine about 13 miles to the north of the Carn
of Mount, but the bearer of yours to me was affraid youd find it
difficult to reach that place; on the other hand for me to pretend
to come directlie towards you woud creat some suspicion in our
cheif rulers and move them perhaps to severer measures than
they ve yet takn, and having thus reasond with the Kings trus-
tees here, they were of opinion such a meeting as they earnestly
enuif desired, coud not be obtaind without danger to you or in-
conveniencies from other peoples jealousie, and therfore I laid
aside all thoughts of it.
" Youl be able to give the King a particular account of the
state of his affairs in your neighbourhead, and I have sent him of
late so full and frequent accounts of them here, that I need not
repeat them to you, and the truth on't is I have nothing of mo-
ment to add. That he gains ground every day on the afiections
of his people and that their hatred to his enimys daylie encreas^
UEGISTER OF LETTERS. 2 1 1
elli is a certain Irulh, but at the same time his frciuds have been
so harrassed and squeezed of late years, that tlicyr by no means
in a condition to make so good ane appearance as tliey once did;
and as the world goes, tis no easie matter to recruit them in what
tliey want. I mention this that more may not be expected from
this part than can be performed and to show the necessity of se-
curing- ane interest, in other parts, both at home and abroad, be-
fore any thing to purpose can be done. Ther is not any thing
so essentially necessary for the King's service as a perfect good
harmonv and close concert amongst his iVeinds, and tis no small
misfortune that the reverse has ha]7ned in distant places: In this
corner tis quite otherwise, which I take to be much owing to the
prudent conduct of his trustees whor at no small pains to keep
matters right: how his freinds wher you now are stand in this
particular I cant tell, for you must know wee here are perfect
strangers to w hats a doing there, seing thers no established cor-
rispondence. I had occasion within these few dayes to talk of
these matters with your freind and countriemanMr. John M'^cleod,
and he regrated it extremely and proposed that a corrispondence
shoud be establishd for the future betwixt some proper person of
credit in the Highlands, to be pitchd on by the principall people
there and some one of the Kings trustees here, who might com-
municate to and advise with ther principals as occasions required,
and he was pleased to desire I woud take it on me: I told him I
woud decline nothing in my powr that woud be of any service
to the Kings interest, but it woud be prffiviouslie knoAvn how far
your nighbours approvd of the measure in generall, and that
it was also necessary that they were pleasd in the choise of the
persons both witli themselves and here, to be the managers of the
corrispondence. I perswade my self youl easily see a great many
good effects woud follow such a corrispondence, as it woud tend
directlie to prevent divisions, various resolutions, and giving cre-
dite to false inlelligencej and woud promote unanimity in aftec-
2 E 2
212 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
tions and actions. If thevfore your neighbours approve of this
scheme, the setting it on foot before you go off, will, I humblie
conceive, be no small service to the King; and if theyl, by a pro-
per person, signify their inclinations to me, I shall acquaint a
few of the principall trustees therof, who no doubt will appoint
any of their number your freinds pitch on, to be the manager on
their side of the corrispondence, and the sooner this is done the
better. Youl acquaint the King of this proposall when you
have the happiness to see him, and Ime pritty much assured he'l
approve of it heartily.
" In this world thers nothing happens that ought to seem
strange, else youd be surprised and scarce credit me, when I tell
you thers a fair probality of a conjunction in measures betwixt
the Highlanders and the Cameronians: these last are a powrfull
body, well provided in all necessarys, and in all respects in a ca-
pacity to do good service: but as theyr a giddy headed humour-
ous people tis no easie matter to manage them, tho in the main
they have good intentions and Ime very hopefull will be brought
to do right things: Tis but of late I was let into this secret, and
I have not yet so fully adjusted matters as that I have thought
it necessary to acquaint the King of it, but I hope in a few
months to surprize him with a peice of agreeable news in that
particular.
" I have nothing more to trouble yon with at present but to
desire youd remember me in the kindest manner to all my old
acquaintances, particularly to Kilsyth, whose health I drank
tother day with severall of his neighbours in the country. Be
so kind likewise as to assure the King of my most dutiiiiU and
sincere respect and regard for him and his. I wish you with all
my soul well back to the place from whence you came and from
thence a speedy and agreeable return and end to all your lal>ours,
being with all imaginable sincerity Yoiu" &c.
" P. S. Weeve a surmise here of a turn of affairs from whence
REGISTER OK LETTEU*^. 213
you came, that the Bishop of Rochester is out of favour, and
Jamie Murray and he have had a scolding- boot of it, and that
the former is gone to Rome to be governour to the Prince and is
created Earl of Strathern. This news was brought by one who
came very lately from Bulloign, viho had it from the Scots club
there ; what truths in it, I cant say, but I thought it not amiss to
tell you of it."
Letter to the King.
" 13 October 1725.
*' Sir, — Yours of the 1st of September came safe to me about
a week ago : All your trustees but Panmure being in the coun-
trie I do not expect them in toun for 5 or 6 weeks, and till
then I cannot communicate to the persons you direct, these points
on which you demand their opinions, and I have so litle to say
just now that I shoud not have troubled you with this but that
perhaps I shall not have the occasion of another ship from Leith
for some time, and I was afFraid you might think I was remiss in
executing what you required of me.
" I shall endeavour to get a full copy of the narrative, but
Ime affraid without success, for (as I mentiond formerlie if Ime
not mistaken) the person to whom it was sent here was bound
up from giving coppys : and indeed the abstract I made (which
I can assure you is pritty full and just) was without his know-
ledge, at least he did not take notice of it, if he suspected that
was your freinds design.
" I had a letter and a message by a safe hand last week from
Allan Cameron ; I woud gladly have met and conversed with
him, but found he coud not come towards me with safety, and
I coud not go to the Highlands without giving umbrage to the
Goverment, which at this criticall juncture was to be avoided.
Youl have from him such full and certain accounts of the affairs
of the Highlands I will not pretend to entertain you on that sub-
ject, further than that theyve gone smoothlie enuff, as I ven-
214 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
tured to assure you of in my former letters. I made a proposi-
tion to Cameron with respect to your service ; how it took with
his freinds I cant tell, but I imagine you'l approve of it, when he
communicates it to you. All things here are pritty quiet, ycl
you may depend upon it the resentment is only conceakl till a
fair occasion casts up, and care will be takn this winter to keep
the peoples spirits up as much as possible, which is all can be
done till your negotiations elsewhere take effect. The welfare
and prosperity of your family is most agreeable news to all your
freinds and to none more than
" Yours &c."
Letter to Lord Inverness :
" 13 October 1725.
« Sir, — I received yours of the 8th of September, but most of
our freinds being in the countrie during this season, I have not
had ane oppertunity of communicating the same to any but Pan-
mure, with whom I perfectlie agree that whither Mar was innocent
or guilty in whole or in part, it was his duty and interest to have sat
silent as the world goes : and as the King and his servants abroad
have acted the prudent part in endeavouring to make as litle
noise as possible of such matters and have declined entering upon
or communicating particulars, I take it to be ane intimation to
his freinds here to follow the example, except when tis necessary
to contradict facts propogated to his prejudice. I had a visite
yesterday from Mr. Alexander Seymour, whos lately come from
France; he enterd on the subject and insisted much that the
Kings freinds here shoud suppress all noise of any difference
amongst his freinds abroad and particularly the stories about
Mar; after which he much condemnd the sending a coppy of the
memorial to the Bishop of Rochester : I told him 1 a^ ishd as much
as he this last had not been done, but as for the other. Mar alone
was to blame, for if any thing more than what was very gcnerall
came to light, it was owing to his own conduct in being the first
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 215
jiggiessor, by a narrative he liad sent over. He rcplycd that was
a private matter for the satisfaction of his freinds and to justifye
liimself in their opinions. I answered these his freinds had a
freind they vahied far beyond him, and His Lordship knew many
years ago theyd never put his interest into the ballance with that
of the other, to whom, for that reason, they thought it ther duty
to send a full accovmt of the narrative. At this he seemd sur-
prised and ^ excd, adding- that Mar did not imag-inc such ane use
woud have been made of it. I rcturnd if what it containd was
true, their was no harm done him, if it was false it was but just
that the person he leveld at shoud know it. Tliis and much more
to the same purpose I spoke, because I coud perceive it woud be
reported to Mar, and I was willing he shoud know peoples sen-
timents here.
" David Nairn came here lately from Bullogne and tells that
he saw severall letters from Paris giving* ane account of Jamie
Murrays journey and errand to Rome, adding that he and the
Bishop of Rochester had a scolding bout of it and that the latter
was out of the Kings favour. This last part of the story (after
having just received the Kings and your letters and considered
the strain in which that prelate was mentioned) I took on me to
contradict as being the contrivance of some malicious secret
enimy to the King.
" Weeve had a hot tryall in the justiciary court, of the Glasgow
rioters : the Earl of Hay and Lord Royston pressd with the out-
most zeall to find the libell relevant to infer the pains of death :
the other Lords insisted it coud go no further than ane arbitrary
punishment, and carried it, except wher any person was proven
guilty of actually pulling doun Campbles house, in which they
allowd of so many grounds of exculpation, that of the first ten
that were tryed, one man and one woman were sentenced to
perpetuall banishment, and the other 8 absolved, and thers no
doubt but the remaining set to be tryed will come off easier. I
SI 6 REGISTEU OF LETTERS.
scarce think it very good policy in the GovermeuL to ^^how llieir
teeth without biting- deeper, but the truth ont is, 1 do behve Ihey
did not expect the Lords of Justiciary woud have dared to be-
have as tliey did, and Lord Hay protested against their proceed-
ings and threatned to lay the matter before the Parliament. His
Lordship seems to thrist after bloodie proceses and hes like to
get w^ork enufF, for ther has been a great mob at Linlithgow in
choosing of the magistrates, wher, as in most places, the spel
nms high against all inclind to the present Ministry. Even in
Edenburgh (wher no pains threats and bribes were ommitted)
the Court magistrates carried it only by the Provosts casting vote.
" Mr. Murray by his long silence seems to have forgot most of
his old freinds here, however T wish him much joy and good suc-
cess in his late preferment. I hope youl do me the justice to be-
live I am very sincerelie Yours."
Letter * from Allan Cameron.
" 20 October 1725.
'■ Sir, — As your accounts and letter by Mr. Drummond, of the
5th give me a great light in sevrall respects of the state of that
part of the country, so it came very seasonably concerning the
particular you mention in order to setle a solid corrispondence
and good intelligence betwixt the Kings trustees there and his
principall freinds here, which hitherto has been too much neg-
lected, at least never effectually accomplished. Therfore since
I have been obliged to make such a stay in this countrey,
much longer than I expected, I think what you propose towards
it absolutely necessary to be gone about without delay. Its true
I have conform to my instructions and in the Kings name re-
commended a true union amongst them, as being the only way
to serve him and their country, strengthen them and defeat the
designs of his and their enimys : and now I shall endeavour to
* Received 12 November 1725.
RKGISTER OF LETTERS. 217
know tlic senliinents of such as I have not yet been able to sec, as
v,c\l as those I liave been with, so as to be in a condition to give
as clear accoinits of that affair as can be expected, which when
I have finished, shall do my utmost to wait of you without giving
you more trouble or inconveniencie than your present situation
will allow of. As you observe, their are sevrall matters can be
handled when togather, that are not proper to mention at a di-
stance, besides that I have for good reasons dispatchd the ship
which brought me to this countrie, so that must be provided for
mv return I know not where, being alreadie dissappointed of a
fair veiw 1 had to that effect : mean time I beg youl be pleased to
have ane eye to get me served in your own discreet way near
that place.
" I have sent you inclosed a letter to the King writ in a way
lie'I understand,, tho obscure to any other except one or 2 em-
ployd by him : you may likewise mention something of me in
your letter to him, so as I may know his further commands your
way, in case it shoud happen by any unforseen accident, that I
be obliged to stay in the covmlry untill you have a return.
" This is all I think needful! to write in answer to yours ; since
I hope to see you, I shall not mention the difficultys I have been
and am under in going about what I am charged with at this
time : If Mr. Drummond delivers you this, he can inform you of
my situation, but as the justness of what Ime about \vill cheillie be
a means to support me, so I hope the methods I use shall be
blameless on my side, for personall danger I value it not, so as
the King nor any of his freinds do not suffer by it, which shall
alwayes be my principall veiw.
" As for your news concerning the Bishop, I am loath to give
credite to it, considering how I left matters, the quarter it came
from, and the shortness of time since I parted from that country
to produce so sudden and unexpected a change ; but as you no-
tice, on another subject, that thers nothing, happens in this world
VOL. IL 2 F
'2 1 8 UKGISTBR OF LETTERS/
ought to seem strange, I shall not be too possitive in what I am
not intirely sure of, only if it is so ther must be very good reason
for it. As for James Murrays promotion, that I belive. I add
no more but that I am witli true esteem and sincerity Yours.
" P. S. I belive you had better suspend any thing as to tl)is
countrie, since I design to see you, till meeting."
Letter from Lord Inverness.*
" October 27, 1725.
" Sir, — Your letter to the King of the 25 July is come safe:
you have seen long before you receive this, by the Kings letter
to you of the 1st September, that no forreigne assistance can be
expected till winter is over ; he is hopefull that the ensuing spring
may produce some favourable resolutions in his favours from
some of the powers of Europe who seem split amongst them-
selves; and if the Kings informations be good, opposite allyances
are alreadie concluded which must occasion a breach, from
whence advantages not only may be drawn, but are with reason
expected, which the King informs you of in the greatest con-
fidence.
" If the Highlanders have preserved the best of their arms, so
much the better, but, as you said, if their persons remain un-
toutched, what else happens can be of no bad consequence at
least for some time, which makes the King very much approve
the advice givn by his freinds, which was intirely agreeable to
his sentiments from the beginning, his orders to assist the High-
landers being only conditionall and in case they themselves shoud
resolve to oppose the Goverment; and if the Bishop of Rochester
prest any of the clans at Paris to go to arms, it was more with a
veiw of discovering a corrispondence which he suspected one of
them to have independent of the others, and not with any reall
design to bring Ihem to order their followers to make opposition,
for that was to have depended upon the clans at home as well as
* Received 9 December 1725.
RKO.ISTEa OF LETTFTRS, 3 1 <.)
those abroad: however I bcUvc the letter you saw coiul be from
no body but Sealurth, who by the accounts you have formerly
sent and the remarks made at Paris, appeard to have sent his
orders to his followers to deliver up their arms without ct>jisulting
the rest or waiting the Kings opinion in the matter ; for Locheall
and M'clean declared themselves readie to follow the directions
the King shoud give them, either by A\riting or going themselves,
" He expects your answer to his last before he sayes any thing
particular as to a Generall or in whose hands the cheif authority
ought to be placed. He is very sensible of the dissadvantage it
woud be to his interest and to the country in generall were such
of his freinds as are most capable of directing and advising either
as to the civil or military, seized by the Goverment at the time
of ane invasion. You yourselves can only lay doun the properest
methods for preventing so great ane inconvenience : all that de-
pends upon the King is to give you as timous warning as he may
be able to do and prudence will allow him : The later certainly-
one is of stirring from home the better, but that must depend on
the intelligence the Goverment has and their proceedings upoii
it. I remember what past upon the summonds that were givu
by the Goverment, in the 1715, for the Kings cheif freinds to
come into Edinburgh ; and you may be assured that when any
thing is to be undertaken, the King will have a particular veiw
in preventing as much as can be by his condvict all the steps that
may be takn by the Goverment to dissable his freinds from being
usefull to their country. But I need not entertain you any longer
on these matters, for wee have a long winter before us which will
afford time enutF for discussions of this kind. He that has now
the goverment of Edinburgh Castle was once lookt upon to be
well affected ; coud measures be takn to gain that place, it woud
be a noble stroke immediatly after a landing.
" The King approves very much the confidence his freinds
mention and are desirous to have in Captain Frazer ; I woud
2f3
220 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
gladly send him a cypher, being; informed by you sometime ago
that Stratons was destroyed, but I dare not think of trusting it to
tlie post, for wee have all the reason in the world to be more
cautious than ever in conveying of letters even betwixt this and
Holland : In the mean time the King desires you woud make him
his compliments and assure him of the good opinion he alwayes
had of him, and Avhich he is confirmd in by so many of his best
freinds.
" The King is very much obliged to you for the particular ac-
counts you give him of several particulars which I need not
touch here, and is perswaded that youl slip no oppurtunity of
improving the wrong steps of the Goverment to their dissad-
vantage.
" It was a great satisfaction to the King to hear that Major
Walkinshaw was safe; he did not think when he went home
to have stayd ther so long and I think indeed he tempts his eni-
itjys too much. I am yours."
About the latter end of this year 1725 the publick accounts
brought the news of the Queens having deserted the King and
retired into a convent, and it was soon confirmd from all quar-
ters, tho no direct account came for a considerable time from the
King, the letters which he writ on that subject being detaind in
Holland for want of a safe occasion of conveying them to Scot-
land. I cannot pretend to narrate the true cause and history of
this separation, but I will mention what was at liiat time reported,
the truth of which will probably in time be determined, when
the secret history is known. Mars partizans did affirm (and the
account they gave was generally credited) that the Queen was
jealous of ane amour twixt the King and Lady Inverness, who at
the same time^ with her husband who was the Kings favourite and
primicr minister, treated the Queen so insolently that she coud
not bear it and was obligd to retire : and Mar pretended that
having forseen long before, that the Queen woud be uneasie, and
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 221
to prevent a rupture endeavoured to have Iruerness and his Lady
enioved, it gave the first rise to their maUce, and was the occa-
sion of the fall of his interest with the King-. On the other side
it was represented that Mrs. Slieldon ( to Dillon and
governess to the prince) had gaind ane ahsolute ascendance over
tlie Queen, and being intirely at Mars devolion was his spy in
the family, and by his instigation blew the coall and incensed Her
Majestic against Lord Inverness and keept tiie whole family in hot
water : That for these reasons the King, being resolved to have
her removed, began by taking- the prince out of her hands and
delivering him to the care of Mr. Murray then created Earl of
Dunbar : That the Queen violently opposed this, cheiflie out of
regard to Mrs. Sheldon but appearingly because Dunbar was a
Protestant, proposing therby to gain the Popish interest to give
ear to her articles of accusation against Inverness and Dunbar
\yho was brother to the Lady Inverness. The Kings trustees and
fi'einds in Scotland were for a long time at a stand what to think,
say or do for his service in this particular : Ther were so many
instances givn by persons well affected to the King, from their
propel* knowledge of the triumvirates insolence to the Queen and
others al)out the Court, that the same was scarcely to be doubted;
but at the same time tliey endeavoured to suppress such reports,
because it was a terrible reflection on the Kings honour and
judgement not only to allow therof, but even breaJc with the
XJueen rather than part with these favourites, when she com-
plaind of them.
Whilst people were under ane uneasiness to learn the true
state of this affair, Allan Cameron came from the Highlands to
Edinburgh about the beginning of January 1726, and had fre-
quent conferences with Kincardine and my self, after which wee
brouglit him and the Duke of Hamilton togather. Wee soon
perceived that Cameron was wholly in Invernesses interest, and
wee concluded that besides what the King menliond as his design
223 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
in sending him to the Highlands, he had tiie particular service
of Inverness in charge, by endeavouring to remove any discon-
tent amongst the Highlanders on account of Mars disgrace,
who had establishd a pritty good interest amongst them by Cam-
ple of Glenderowells means, and to fix in them a favourable opi-
nion of Inverness and his ministiy. Wee examined him narrowlie
on what he thought might be the true ground and occasion of the
quarrell twixt the King and Queen, but he pretended absolute
ignorance therof : and having discoursed fully witli him on the
subject of the disarming act and the measures the King had once
in veiw to take, the account he gave agreed, as I observed before,
very near with the letter from one of the clans at Paris, with this
addition, that tlie orders and-instructions the King sent to Paris
concerning opposing the Goverment and supporting the High-
landers were conditionall, in case it appeared that the act was
to be rigorouslie put in execution ; from which wee coud not but
conclude, that the Kings letter to me concerning that affair was
too generall and peremptor and that it was ane unaccountable
ommission in his minister to suffer so long a space to pass with-
out sending any other orders and advice to his trustees in Scot-
land, and lastly that the turn Avhich Inverness gives in his letter
to that affair was not matter of fact, as at first sight it did not
seem suitable to the Bishop of Rochcslers capacity and experience
in business.
Some litle time before Cameron came to Edinburgh I dis-
patchd the following letters.
Letter to the King.
" December 18, 1725.
" Sir, — In my former I acquainted you of the reason why I
coud not give ane immediat return to yours of the 1st of Septem-
ber, and tho I have by this time seen most of those with whom
you intended I shoud talk on the subject therin containd, yet
some obstacles stand in my way that prevent my giving you the
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 223
satisfaction you demanded and expected, at least as to the way
and manner, for the truth on't is their are sevcrall whor reckond
your freinds, to wliom I do not thiidt it proper to comnmnicate
what you wrot to me, in which I have the concurrance of Kin-
cardine and Captain Frazer : Amongst these is principally the
Duke of Hamilton; for as I know that he aims at and expects to
be at the head of your afl'airs, it was by no means expedient to
mention to him tlie choise of a generall, unlill you was apprized
of some particulars relating- to him and formd your judgement
upon them: and as Lord Eglinton is absolutely under his in-
fluence, it was also necessary to keep him in the dark, and like-
wise Pannaue, for a reason to be hereto subjoind ; so that Lord
Wigtoun and Mr. Paterson being out of toun, and Lord Balmc-
rinoch, Dun, and Sir John Erskine too much, Ime affraid, attatchd
to Mar, and Bishop FuUarton almost quite dozed, ther were none
I coud freelie discourse with on the points you mention save
Kincardine and Frazer, too small a number to offer ane advice
on a matter of such importance ; however least our opinions
might be of any use to you, wee resolved to transmitt them with
all due deference.
" Taking it then for granted that in any attempt you'r to make,
youl be supported with a forreign force such as may promise pro-
bable hopes of success, tis thought your grand effort will be in
England and the nearer to London so much the better, in which
case all you will need or expect from Scotland will be a diver-
sion to the standing forces there, so as to prevent their being
calld into England, or to embarrass them in their march so as to
liinder their conjunction with the other troops. If the forces you
send with that veiw-into Scotland are able to make a stand against
the regular forces, then sure the best place they can land at is the
south side of Forth, because they may be joind by your freinds
in the south and a comnmnication be secured with England,
wheras if Uiey land on the north side of that river, these advan-
2^4 KEGISTF.rv OF LETTERS.
tages will be prevented, Avhilst your freinds in the north need no
help : But if the troops you send are not so numerous, then they
had best land in the Highlands, so as they may be quicklie joind
by tlie clans. Which ever way you take, arms, ammunition,
horse furniture, mony are all wanting liere and must be supplyd
elsewher, for your freinds are far from being in the condition
they were in Anno 1715 : and tis necessary to send over a good
number of officers, that is a few of rank and charactar and as
many subalterns, Serjeants and corporalls as possible. As the
aversion to the Union daylie increases, that is the handle by ^\ Inch
Scotsmen will be incited to make a generall and zealous appear-
ance : this your eniniys know so well, that on former occasions
all manner of pains were taken to buz in the peoples ears, tlmt
thcyd be disappointed in what they expected from jou, for that
to gratifye your subjects of England, you was to uphold the
Union. Now as I am morrally certain that the better part of En-
gland are far from thinking the Union beneficiall to either coun-
trie, I cannot see but it is expedient to gratifye your Scots sub-
jects and therby advance your own service, and in order therto,
that so soon as your forces land, a manifesto shoud be publishd,
as you designd formerlie, with respect to religion, laws &c. and
containing ane ample plain assurance of your design to selle and
mantain the 2 kingdoms in their respective antient seperate in-
dependent state, by dissolving the Union which is (>ernicious to
both ; and tis thought it woud be of vast service if, in this mani-
festo, you recommended to the electors in shires and brughs to
have their thoughts on proper persons to be by them chosen to
represent them- in a Scots Parliament, which it is your royall in-
tention shoud meet as soon as the state of affairs v\ ill allow, wlier
they may consult and make such laws as shall be judged needfull
for securing the religion, laws and liberties of your antient king-
doms: w^cre some coppys thcrof printed and sent over pricviouslie
so cis to be readie lo be dispelled innnediatly on a landing, it woud
nEOISTEFl OP LETTKRS. 295
answer the design to belter purpose, but that must be clone with
the utmost caution and care to prevent a discovery and seizure.
" Tliese are some of the cheif matters that occurrd to us in
general!, and to be more particular was what wee coud not pre-
tend to, unless wee knew the time and nature of your design
more particularly. The choise of a generall is a matter of the
utmost importance : coud one get his wish, he d be a native of a
good rank and charactar and well versed in both civill and mili-
tary affairs ; but one with these endowments is not Ime aftVaid
to be got, and therfore it woud appear that this defect must be
supplyd by branching out these severall powers uito diverse
hands, that is, that the management of the military be placed in
a bred souldier (^which no3ie of your side of the question now in
this country can pretend to be) who shoud corrispond and live
in perfect good terms with him or them wher the supreme power
in other matters is lodged, or be perhaps in some degree of sub-
ordination therto, wIk) nevertheless shoud be expresslie in-
structed and required to move intirely by the advice and direc-
tion of the generall in all military concerns: coud such ane har-
mony be efTectually manlaind amongst such people, this or seme
such in the present situation woud seem the most probable
scheme, and of all others the Duke of Hamilton appears to be
the most prosier person in whom tliis supreme power shoud be
repossd, as his being the first Peer woud give no occasion for
emulation and grudges in others, and that his family being known
over all Europe, his being at the head woud give a reputation to
the affair. But then hes young and hath no experience in bu-
siness of any kind, nay notwithstanding all that your and his
own freinds have said to him, his bypast life hath been intirely
devoted to diversions idleness and a botle amongst a set of peo-
ple no wayes fit companions for one of his rank, by which con-
duct he hath intirely lost his charactar and nm himself over head
and ears in debt. On tliese accounts it was that wee woud not
VOL. II. 2 G
226 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
mention this particular to him, till wee had informed von of his
conduct and behaviour, wherby you might regulate your reso-
lutioiis as to hiui. But at the same time wee must do him the
justice to own he's a young man of excellent good sense and ca-
pacity and in all appearance unviolably attatchd to your cause,
and wee cannot but hope that if he were once dipt and in a tract
of business, hed alter his wayes and in that case be the most sig-
nificant person for your service : and if you have any veiws to-
w ards him, twoud be very necessaiy that you m rit or instructed
s-onse person to acquaint him, that as it was probable youd ere
lono- have ane occasion to employ him in ane eminent station,
you coud not but recommend to him, to be carefuU in cultivating
a o-ood understanding with your freinds and rendering himself
capable to answer the trust you reposed in him and do you the
service you expected from him. Wee submitt how far it woud
be expedient that you named a Counsill by whose advice and
concurrance all matters were to be transacted. This is the sum of
what wee judged proper to lay before you on this important sub-
ject, without presuming to offer any judgement of our own in it.
" I had almost forgot to add that after whatever manner you
place the cheif authority in the civill or military, their woud be
ane officer appointed to have the inunediate command of the
clans, and wee know of none so fit as Generall Gordon, tho at
the same time weer strangers to his behaviour for severall years
bypast, which may indeed give rise for changing measures as to
him.
" As I have for a course of many years been in a state of inti-
macie and freindship with Panmure, I was sensible enuff of some
singularitys in his temper and that it required some litle manage-
ment to keep well with him, and as he's a person of good parts
and ane establishd characlar, I thought it my duty to succomb
and humour him in things not very materiall. For some 18 or
20 months bypast I was much surprised at his conduct, lor it
RECIISTF.a OF LETTERS;. %j»to 227
Very evideiilly appcard thai he uiulorliand I'ouicntcd and sup-
ported the nialcconlents of Aiifrus in the noise and buzlc they
made and make in opposition to the Colledge of Bishops, and I
look llie libertie not long- ago to tell him he was highly blame-
able, Avhen by the trust you reposed in liim he ought rather to
liave prevented than contributed to raise divisions amongst your
iVeinds : wee both tiu-nd warm, and he dropt some expressions
in regard to your rights and interest that I coud not pass by ;
however as 1 reckond they proceeded from too much heat and
passion, I resrolved to take no further notice of them till tother-
dav, when in presence of my other two freinds wee discoursed at
a distance on the subjects containd in your letter to which this is
a reply, he turnd all into a jest, and fell soon into a passion,
SM earing that it was madness to propose any thing to be done
for you, and that none but madmen woud engage in such ane af-
fair. In short he went on at such a rate, that after leaving him,
wee all 3 concluded that tho hes well enuft" pleased to be reckoned
a Jacobite during the present situation of affairs, he has resolved
not to venture further or medle, if any thing in earnest comes
upon the carpet, and woud therfore wish that matters stand as
they are ; how far this conjecture is just, I shant possitively say,
but it woud appear to be too well founded, especially seing it is
certain he's absolutely governd by his eldest son, who makes
no scruple of owning a great resentment at the loss of the
family estate and the cause that occasiond it ; nay when I
sjjokc of this tother day to the Duke of Hamilton, he told me
that being a young man he was unwilling to say any thing
to the prejudice of ane establishd reputation such as PanUmres,
but he had good reasons to belive the son had made advances
last winter to the Goverment and woud stand at nothing to
get back the estate and honours of the family. Twas thought
proper I shoud acquaint you of this, and you know best what
use to make of it; and till wee have your directions, wee re-
* 2 G 2
228 REGISTEll OF LETTERS.
solve to act very cautiovislie in trusting liim willi particulars of
monient and yet keep as vrell as can be with him, so as to avoid
giving him any cause of complaint.
" By what is represented in this letter, youl see your trustees
are reduced to a small number, and tho formerlie on very good
grounds you declined making any addition, yet now perhaps
when time hath made such alterations in the sentiments and be-
haviour of so many persons, youl think it proper to change your
mind, and in that case the Earl of Strathmore and Mr. James
Graham are by the Duke of Hamilton and Earl of Kincardine
thought proper persons to serve you ; the one is a man of in-
terest and the other a good lawer and fit to give advice, and
both are perfectlie well affected towards you.
" The enclosed is from Thomas S*clare, the contents I do not
know, tho I fancy tis with respect to his own circumstances or
his negotiations with the Cameronians, for which he shewed
me a signd manuall from you. As I know him to be a faithfull
zealous servant of yours, I coud not refuse his earnest pressing
entreaties to forward the enclosed to you under my cover. In
mine to Inverness is enclosed to you a letter from Cameron, con-
cerning whom I refer to what I have mentioned in that letter.
Weer just now upon setting some measures afoot that will tend,
I hope, to keep up the peoples spirit of resentment against the
Goverment.
" I pray God you may be enabled to lay hold of this and every
fair opportunity of doing yourself right and releiving your op-
pressed people. I am, &c."
Letter to Lord Inverness.
' " 18 December 1725.
" Sir, — In my former letters I acquainted both the King and
you why I coud not give immediatly a distinct return to some of
the chcif particulars mentiond in his of the 1st of September and
now again touched in yours of the 27 of October, which I had
HKGISIER OF LE'lTliR*!. 2'2*>
tlie honour lu receive a few dayes ag'o; and having now writ pritly
fully to the King- liimself on these heads, I need not repeat the same
and will only add that wee will do our best to have things rioht
ordered here, when the long-lookd-for Iiour conies ; and that it may vV
be soon and quicklie (being the English of suuiti cuique^ is the
earnest desire of all possesst with a sense of ther duty to the King
and of the unhappy circumstances of this counlrie.
" Till 'lother day that I received a letter from Allan Cameron,
I belived he was gone a considerable time ago, but it seems he
lias been detaind longer in the Highlands than he expected and
designd, and being obliged to dispatch the ship he had provided
in the north for his return, he writes to me that he'l sometime •
after this be here with me, and desires me to look out for a ship
to carry him from this part of the country either to France or
Holland, Avhich I sliall take care of: how long it may be ere I
see him I cant tell, but it woud appear it wont be soon, because
lie desires me to forward the enclosed to the King and to acquaint
you of these his measures, that in case the King has any com-
mands that may reach him ere he goes oft', they may be trans-
mitted thorow my canal. I am well assured that Wade knew of
his being in Scotland, being likewise informed (true or false I
know not) that ther was a ship that under pretence of fishing
hovered on the coast to carry him back; and as ti.s probable that
Wade has laid traps to catch him, that 1 fancy is the reason of
his resolution of coming to Edinburgh, wher, especially in the
winter time, with any tollerable degree of caution, he may be
safe enuft;
" You need be under no apprehension for Walkinshaw ; his
being in Scotland is no secret, and he's every night in the taverns
at Glasgow or Edinburgh under the lavourite name of Campb 11,
but as tis known that he came t)ver purely to setle his private
affairs and he has no personail enimys, no notice is tak of liim.
" Coud what you propose as to Edinburgh Castle be brought
930 REGISTER OF LRTTERS.
about, it woud, no doubt ont, be a very grand point galnd, but
I can form no hopes therof. When the attempt was made in
^^ 1715, the garison was very weak, being a few infirm creatures
vK and the very best of them were well disposed, of which I was so
very well assured by the dealings I had with them (being then a
prisoner) that when the design was notifyed to me, I pressd that
they shoud rather make the attempt at the very principall gate,
and I woud engage Charles Stuart the porter to leave it unlockd;
but my proposall did not relish. The case is now very different;
the garison has been purged again and again, and ther marches
thither every day 40 men from the Canongate guard, and most of
• the principall officers are English: what you say of Brigadeer
Preston was true enuff" whilst his cusen Orinond and patron Mar
(as he then stiled them) were in ])ros])erity ; then, indeed I be-
live, had the stroke been made, bed have acted a part in it, but
the minute that the face of affairs turnd, so did he, and from being
a well bred good natured gentleman, became the very reverse,
which all (especially such of us as had been his best frcinds be-
fore) that were prisoners luuler his connnand perceived many
different wayes. In short he's a poor weak biggottcd creature,
intirely under the influence of the Justice Clerk, and tis in vain
to expect any thing from him.
" Lord Airlie, alter liavins; a conference at Bannockburn with
Wade, is now in toun in cog, wailing till the generall, whos
lately gone to London, send doun the remission he promised to
obtain for him. Wade made no secret of his being instructed to
promise pardons to all (except a few such as Ormond, Mar,
Marshall) that were attainted and applyd to him, and he has ac-
cordingly givn assurances to most of the M'^kenzies, Stuart of
Appin and sevrall others.
" Your certainly in the right to be exceeding cautious in yoin-
dispatches, for no pains are ommitled to make discovcrys. TJie
Goverment of this country is intirely in Argylcs or rather Hayes
UEGISTER OF LETTEns. 231
haiub, and the Ciini|)bolls are very uppish and insolent. Tlieir
merit consists in undertaking* to carry thorovv the malt tax, as
the Squadrone's was formerhe in supporting' the connnissioners of
enquiry into the forfeited estates; so that each party raise them-
selves by alternate hardships on their native eountrie: wee were
in hopes the Squadrone woud have kickd out, but thcyr a mean-
spirited dastardly set, and will come into no measures that may
irritate their good masters in England so as to cutt them off from
hopes of being again takn into favour.
" Thcrs a new scheme soon (as its expected) to take place,
viz. the President of the Session is to demitt and to have a pen-
sion of 1000/., and his second son is to succeed Lord Grange who's
to be made president. This last promotion seems to have some
connection with the conduct of his brother, and most people,
who even know nothing of private particulars, conclude Mar
must be in no bad terms with the Goverment, when his brother
and confident is advanced to the post of greatest influence in this
country.
" Weer just now on a project of setling a corrispondence di--
rectlie twixt the cheifs of the clans and the Kings trustees, which
liatli hitherto been much wanW and may be of use to keep ane
uniformity in measures and prevent the snares laid by some from
taking effect.
" I find great pains are takn by Mars freinds to represent the
Bishop of Rochester as ane enimy to this kingdom, to counter
which I have made no secret of what the King and you wrot for-
merlie of his inclinations and behaviour in that particular, which
hath had good eflfects with severall especially of the Highlands.
" Mr. Frazer returns his most humble service to you, and de-
sires youd assure the King of his inviolable attachment to him
and his cause. I have now without any order mentioned what-
ever occurrd to me as proper to be communicated to you, and I
liave only to add that I am in the most respectful! manner Yours.
? t
232 REGISTER or LETTERS.
" P. S. The King" has tothcr day lost a lailhfull usclull servant,
"by the death of Bisliop Irvine, and twil be no easie matter to
supply his place, as he was the only one of all the present Bishops
-fit to succeed Fullarton whos quite dozed and cant last long-.
Some propose Mr. Ratary of Craighall, and woud he lay his
whims aside till a more proper juncture, he's a very fit person,
as he's a man of good sense and learning and has ane estate to
support his rank. Others propose your and my old freind John
Gillane, who's been in orders for some years, and is in as great
esteem as any of the Episcopall clergy in Edinburgh. You know
bim to be ane excellent man in all respects. You shall hear
from me fully on this subject when I have got the sentiments of
the Kings fivinds collected, and something must be done soon to
prevent factions and divisions anwngst men honestlie inclined."
About the begining of February 1726 Allan Cameron saild
from Leith in a ship bound for Holland wher he safely arrived;
>Anth him I sent the following letters to the King.
" January 18, 1726.
"Sir, — -I wrol both to you ajid Inverness on the 18th ult",
these letters I know lay a long time at Leith waiting for a ship,
and being in the coiuitrie whilst I Avritc this, I cannot tell whither
theyr gone or not; if not, tis probable they'l come to you alongst
with the bearer hereof with whom I have so fully conversed on
all your afllairs, that I need not mention any thing in this, but
remitt all to the report he \v\\\ make to you.
"1 cannot however. ommitt acquainting you that your freinds
are under the greatest consternation at the storys publickly
handed about here, to the great delight of your enimys, concern-
ing you and your family, of which having Jio particular accounts
from you they do not well know what to say or how to behave,
and are even affraid to corrispond till they are sure matters are
«)0 adjusted and regulated as their may be no hazard in it: va-
rious arc the reports of various peoples conduct and Ihc rcsolu-
m
nECISTER OF LETTERS. 23.3
tions youve tlioughl fit to take; and what to maJcc or even
lhii)k of them your best freinds are at a loss, and will be at a
stand till tlicy hear more of them. The unanimity you so ear-
nesllie recommend to your freinds here is as necessary elsewher,
as divisions give your enimys fresli hopes and new handles to
work on, and mightily discourage even those that are most zea-
lous in your service. Tis a hard case that people suffering for
one and the same good cause and having no prospect of releile
but l)v and thorow one events coming to pass, shoud by jarrs or
innnoderate unseasonable selfish veiws act diametrically oppositto
iherto; and if these are the unevitable consequences of mini-
sters of the first rank, it woud appear more your interest to lay
all such aside, and carry on your business by your own proper
directions thorow some other more subaltern canals whol be
more observant of your orders and not so high minded: Pardon
my using the libertie to mention matters with such libertie; what
I say proceeds from a disinterested concern for your prosperity
and is the opinion of all your freinds, founded on the reports
they have of what has lately past in your family, the welfare
wherof they have much at heart.
" I shoud injure both you and my self, if I did not let you know
that accounts are sent here of some particulars mentiond in my
letters of late to you, and which Ime sure you did not designe no
more than I did expect they shoud be so publickly and so parti-
cularly talkd of. I have not yet got so far to the bottom of the
story as to discover whence the intelligence comes, but Ime too
well con\ inced that some people about you have acted a part
neither fair nor prudent; otherwise tis ulterlie impossible that
some here shoud have notice of some particulars which they tell
me 1 writ to you: with ^^ hat intent such intelligences are sent, I
know not, but this 1 know that theyr in the hands of such as
make no right use of them. Having the occasion of this bearer
1 have sent a new cypher, which in some respects is better
VOL. II. 3 H
234 UEGISTEU OF LETTERS.
adapted to our correspondence than the last, which by the bye
has likewayes been long enuft' in the feild.
" I have only to add that your freinds here, from what seems
to be brewing in Europe, were in full hopes of seing ere long
something cast up for your interest, but are at present in the ut-
most concern and almost despair till they hear directlie and di-
stinctly from you. I am &c."
Letter to the King.
" January 25, 1726.
"Sir, — Since my last, a few dayes ago, a wel wisher of yours put
into my hands the enclosed paper concerning the state of Britain
as to some particulars of trade and the prospect of the war that
is expected to brake out, with what intention I know not, but I
having this good occasion thought ther coud be no harm in send-
ing it to you. There seeins to be a generall expectation that
something ere long will be attempted for you, which gives your
freinds occasion to think on such measures as may seem expedient
for you preeviouslie to take, and I was directed to transmitt the
enclosed 2 clauses, as what to them appear proper to be part of
your manifesto and indemnity and are by them submitted to your
judgement. I am &c."
The menioriall concerning trade and war mentioned in the
above letter was calculated for 2 piu'poses. First to convince
the King and forreigne Princes that tho the Ostend Company
was prejudiciall to the immediat profit and bencfite of some par-
ticular private persons or societys, it did not interfere with any
branch of trade that was realy benificiall to Britain or csteemd as
such, and therfor a war commenced or pretended to be com-
menced principally to force ane abolition of that Company, woud
not be reckond a nationall cause and engage tlie hearts of the
people to contribute chearfuUy towards it, nay it woud rather
provoke them to grudge and repine at the taxes and loss of trade
Ihat woud follow upon such a war, which might be improved to
REGTSTER OP LETTERS. 235
pood jnirposc, if any lliing particularly for the King was at-
tempted.
The other part was from a consideration that the powerfull
fleet of England was a bar on all attempts of sending over a body
of troops to encourage and assist the Kings subjects at home.
It was therfore proposed that the King woud prevail with the
Emperor to set him at the head of ane army (having good gene-
rail officers under him) with which he slioud attack the duke-
dome of Hanover and seize on the same, as what he had right to
retain untill the Prince therof restored him to the possession of
what he detaind from him. A vigorous push on this quarter
woud have the same effects as ane attempt on Britain, at least fa-
cilitate such an attempt if judged necessary and practicable, and
woud encourage and enable the Kings freinds at home when a
diversion was given that woud be of the utmost consequence;
for as King Georges affection and regard to his German domi-
nions lay nearest his heart, he woud bend his greatest care and
cheif eftbrts to defend them, and rather than run the hazard of
losing them or even seeing them ruind by being the seat of a
bloodie war, woud think of making up terms with the King, es-
pecially when tis well enuff known liow litle concern he lias for
the person calld his son and successor; and altho a considerable
part of the British shoud stand by the Prince with a design to
set him on the throne, tis not to be doubted but in such a strange
jumble of affairs and interests, others Avoud think of applying to
the King, when they perceived the Revolution party split into
peices and the King at the head of a powerfull army abroad and
his freinds declaring for him at home. This scheme was fully
laid open to shew how practicable it was in its self and how be-
nificiall it might prove not only to facilitate the Kings restora-
tion, but also to procure what the Emperor and his allys aimd at
with respect to the present state of Europe.
2 H 2
236 UEGISTER OF LETTEUS.
The clause designd for the manifesto was in the terms men-
tiond in my letter to the King- 18 December 1725, and that for
the indemnity was with a particular veiw to exclude those that
had cheiflie been instrumentall in carrying on and acconijjlishing
the Union, which at the same time was to be so couched and ex-
pressd, as not to be observed in the general 1 pardon it woud be
necessary for the King to grant: In order therto, a clause was so
conceived as to leave a door open to get in upon those perfidious
instruments of that unparalelld treacherie to their country, if ever
Scotland was so happy as to liave a Parliament within herself,
that woud do justice to the honom' of the nation, by redressing
wherin it was so scandalouslie violate, and providing against the
like for the future; for procuring wherof nothing coud be more
cflectuall than a publick brand of infamy on those who had the
cheif hand therin. Tho this was the aim of the few that con-
certed this clause, they did not think it expedient to let the King
into the secret, because some about him, particularly Inverness,
were either themselves, or had near relations as deep dipt as most
others, and twas to be feard they might divert the King from ap-
proving it, if so be they knew what was secretly intended by it.
Letter to the King.
" 31 January, 1726.
" Sir, — Having since the date of my last, a i'ew dayes ago,
ane occasion to converse with some of the Episcopal Clergy and
others well affected to Church and State, I judged it my duty to
give you this further trouble on a subject wherin I huniblie con-
ceive your interest is concerned. I have in some of my former
letters mentiond Bishop Fullartons being very much decayd, and
as he becomes daylie more and more so, tis plain he cannot long
subsist, at least will be, if he is not alreadie in a great measure,
uncapable of business. I take it to be a matter of very great mo-
ment in your service to preserve the face and authority of the
REGISTER OF LETTERS.
237
CImrcli ofScollaiul, and tlierlbre the same reasons lliat moved you
to |)rovide ibrnierlie tor tlie event of iiishop Fullarto\is dealli by
your directions in favours of Bishop Irvine, do still subsist and re-
quire your interposing in the same manner, now Irvine is dead.
I do confess lis no easie matter to supply the room of that worthy
person, who had nolhino- so much at heart as your and the
ChvuTlies interest, and wanted not courage to go thorow witli
what he thought his duty; and amongst the present number of
Bishops ther is not one (it to be placed at the head of the Chiu'ch,
and it m ill require your most serious consideration to determine
yourself in that particular. In the mean time it appears neces-
sary to take such prcca\itions as may prevent divisions and con-
fusions. If Bishop Cant was not by reason of his old age become
very infirm, he's a person qualifyed in all respects to be at the
head of any Cliurch in Christcndome, being a man of great learn-
ing and integrity ; however he may be able to otiiciat for some
time, till you come to a finall resolution. Thers another, Bishop
Duncan, tho not a man of such parts and learning as the other,
yet eminently distinguished and esteemd for his great probity and
zeall for your and tl-e Churches interest. I amtherfore of opinion
that it woud l)e ibr your service that with the very first occasion,
you write a letter to the CoUedge of Bishops signifying thatwheras
you'r informed Bishop Fullarton is become so infirm that it is not
to be expected he can subsist long, at least that it is probable he
may be obliged to retire to the countrie for his health, and being
desirous in either of these cases to provide for the peace and wel-
fare of the Church, it is your pleasure tliat either Bishop Cant or
Bishop Duncan, as shall appear most convenient, do in either of
these events reside at Edinburgh, to preside in the Coledge of
Bishops and take care of the attairs of the Church in your capitall
of Edinburgh and diocesse therof, untill you determine yourself
in the choise of a person duelie qualifyed and agreeable to your
people to be setled in a post of such consequence with respect to
238 REGISTEn OF LETTERS.
the interest of both Church and State. I have mentioned the
alternative of these 2 persons, least sickness &c. may impede any
one of them from answering the end you propose by this letter,
and that of the Colledge ther is not another fit for the post. If
Fullarton dye before your commands in this particular does come,
I sliall attend the Colledge and let them know what your pleasm'e
•was in case Bishop Irvine had been alive, and I doubt not but
Ihey will tlierupon delay all further proceedings till your pleasure
is known. What I here offer is only my own opinion, none of
your trustees that I incline to speak to on the subject being in
town, but at the same time I am very positive it woud bo ap-
proved by such of them whose opinion you d most relye on, other-
wayes I woud not have presumed to offer what was only sup-
ported by my own private judgement. It will be absolutely ne-
cessary that you have your thoughts and come as soon as possi-
ble to a resolution in tlie choise of a person to succeed Fullarton
and be at the head of the Church, and in truth tis a matter of
such moment and thers so few fit for it to choise upon, that
I will not take on me to give you any advice, but I shall as
fast as possible know the sentiments of your best freinds and
most proper judges, and report faithfully to you: One thing Ime
sure of, that (considering the age and infirmitysof the 2 persons
I have named for the present job) none of the present IJishops
will be thought proper, and that therfore yovn* freinds endeavour
will be to find out some person with endowments suitable to the
cljarge, and at the same time in such a state of health and of
such ane age as that thers some probability he may continue in
the office for some time, ther being many inconveniencies that
happen from changes, especially at the distance you are and un-
der the present circumstances, which 1 pray God may be soon
altered to the better.
" Since sealing up my former packet I unexpectedlie had ane
opj)ortunity of talking very fully with Mr. Cameron on severall
nEGISTER OF LETTERS. 239*
subjects by which he may explain severall points not clearlie
enurt' perhaps expressd in what I have wrot, and mention some
things wholly ommittcd, particularly concerning a corrispon-
dence being established betwixt your freinds here and those you
trust with your aftaiis at Paris and London, for at present weer
under a totall state of ignorance. I desired him also to mention
to you a certain ])articularthat related only to myself: whatever
may be my motives and inclinations therin, I subniilt myself in-
tirely to your pleasure, being resolved that no consideration what-
soever shall come into the scales with the duty I owe you and the
zeall I have for your interest and service, the at the same time I
am sure neither will sustain any prejudice from what I aim at,
their being no want of those who can in all respects perform
what hath been for some years past my province and whol un-
dertake it very chearfuUy and more agreeably, I imagine, to
some that I dare say wish you very well.
" I have Ime aftraid overacted my part in the number and
length of my letters of late, but at the same time I know you have
goodness enuff to forgive what is done with a good intention
by Yours."
Before the Parliament met it was judgd proper to set some na-
tionall measures afoot, and accordingly ane address was signd
by a great body of the barons &c. of the shire of Edinburgh,
setting forth the unabilily of the Scots to pay the malt tax: and
to Mr. Dundas their representative was given a signd instruction
to complain of the abuse in naming persons to be justices of the
peace in shires wher they had no estates, and particularly that
officers of the army shoud be named in so many shires, and to-
move for a bill limiting the qualifications of all justices of the
peace, so as none shoud exerce that office who had not 200/..
Scots of valued rent within the shire wher he was named. Other
shires quicklie followed the example of the shire of Edinburgh, by
addressing and giving instructions in the like manner, and these
240 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
addresses were presented at the proper seasons witliout any good
effects; for the malt tax was again imposed, and otherwayes in-
deed coud not well happen, when some of the Scots members
spoke against reducing the duty to 3 halfpence per bushell, atfirm-
ing the Scots were able and willing to pay 3 pence, since by a
new clause the surplus, that is in so far as the duty shoud raise
above 20000/. sterling, was to be employed for improving the
manufactures of Scotland, and not one of the other members ap-
})eard for reducing it to 3 halfpennies except Mr. Dundas, which
the Ministry represented was more out of disgust for the loss of
his place, than any new light he had got this that he wanted last
session. This bait of the application of the surplus was a mere
bite, as it lasted only for a year and tended to draw the Scots in
to submitt and be accustomed to this odious tax, after which it
was at any time in the Ministrys power to drop it and apply the
whole to the publick.
It wont be out of the way here to take notice that Daniell
Campbell had the assurance to apply by a petition to the House
of Commons setting forth what had hapned to him at Glasgow
and craving redress: In this he was strcnouslie supported by the
Ministry and all Argylcs faction, and a bill was brought in and
past both Houses enabling KingGeorge to give hiui 6000 and odd
pounds starling towards making up his loss, and that the King
shoud have right to the duty on ale vended in Glasgow (which
by a late law was granted to the magistracy as ane addilionall
revenue to the said loun) unlill he was refounded of that sum.
How Campbell pretended to make up his loss to such a sum I
cant tell, but thers all the reason imaginable to belive it coud not
possibly amount to the 6th part of it: lor as he was threatned
and did cxpeci what happcnd, it is not to be iiiuigined, that
wiien he retired into the countrie with his wife and family, but
he wuud likewise take the mony, Jewells, bank notes and ])lale
which he prelended to lose; and tho the house and furniture had
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 24 I
all been utterlie destroyed, it was not worth half tlie sum; whcar
as the outward fabrick (as tlie law directs in such cases) was re-
paird at the publick cxpence of the toun, and a great part of tlie
furniture was saved or recovered, so that tiie wainscotting of tiic
house and a few scrub figures called statues in the court were
only destroyd. But the Ministry were resolved to do something
to purpose towards gratifying their creature, and lis probable
some tinistie fellow tool went snips with him. Before I leave this
subject I must remark that the magistrates of Glasgow raised
a criminal 1 process against Captain Bushell, who conuna ided
the souldiers in Glasgow, before the Lords of Justiciary; but the
Solicitor, in the Advocats absence, refused his concurrance, and
before that coud be snpplyed according to the forms usuall in
such cases, the Captain, who was retired from Scotland, obtaind
KingCleorges remission, and as that was not a sufficient gratifica-
tion for his having murdered so many innocent persons, a troop
of dragoons was also conferred upon him, he being formerlie in
tlie toot service.
Lettei from Lord Inverness.*
" November 17, 1725.
" Tho the Kings ordering me to give you a particular account
of ane unluckie and unfortunate schene that has appeard here
tliese dayes by pasibe a mark of His Majesties confidence in you,
yet that wont in the least diminish your concern for the resolution
the Queen has taken of retiring to a convent. The King thinks
it necessaiy that his faiVhfuU subjects every wher shoud be in-
formed that nothing has been wanting on his part to divert the
Queen from so extroardinary a. step, and in so far I think I can-
not execute His Majesties comnie-nds better than bv sending you
the enclosed memoire, with coppici of 2 letters the King w rot to
the Queen at seasonable times before she retired. Pains haslike-
* Received 26 February ITio.
VOL. U. 3 I
f>.42 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
•<Aise been takn to inform the Queen by pro])er persons of the
consequences of such a step, but all in vain; so, as this matter
cannot but make a noise, His Majestie orders that you may let
the truth be known to those of his subjects who are in your parts.
It is manifest that this foolish affair is the consequence of ane old
project hatched elsewher, but put in execution here without the
least prudence or good conduct, Mrs. Sheldons behaviour, and
the continuall instances she gave the King of her irritating the
Queen on every trifling occasion, obliged the King to discharge
her his service, and it is evident that it has been by her means
that this affair has been conducted. The King orderd she shoud
be furnished with every thing necessary for her journey into
France and a gentleman to conduct her, but she took the party
to retire into a convent, I suppose not to leave the main veiw un-
execnted, which at last has been effected.
" Ime heartily sorry, sir, to have had occasion to write to you
on so dissagreeable a subject; however I am thorowlie convinced,
as indeed the King is, that youl neglect nothing to set this affair
in a true light. The King ordered all the Lords and Gewtlemen
of his Court to assemble yesterday morning, and then znadethem
a speech in which he informed them fully of all tht?severall steps
he had taken to prevent this extroardinary proceeding of the
Queens and of the whole particulars of his conduct upon ane oc-
casion which lie found to be equally unfortunate to liim and
them: His Majesties expressions were so moving, and his sub-
jects were so satisfyed with his conduct, that it only served to
confirm in them their attachment to his person : His Majestie
amongst other things assured them that it shoud be his principall
care to educate his 2 sons in such a manner as might enable
them one day to make his people happy, which was the thing
in the world he had most st lieart. I am willi great sincerity—
Yours."
Follows a coppy of Che memoire.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 24.'?
'' Rome, November 13, I'ir..
"It has been the constant practice of the King's enemies to
project measures for sowing divisions and misunderstandings
amongst those who are tlioroughly fixed in their loyalty to His
Majesty and are most capable to serve him, and by tlie means of
those who still pretended to adhere to it, to chaw him by specious
appearances into steps against his honour and the good of his
service.
" His Majesty had reason to think that by the prudent mea-
sures he had taken, he would not have been much troubled for
the future by such contrivances; but these days past have af-
forded but too strong and too publick an instauce of the con-
tiaiiy.
" It is some time since the King suspected that his enemies and
pretended friends, finding that they could not impose upon His
Majesty, were endeavouring by malicious insinuations to animate
^^Queen against His Majesty's most faithful servants, and par-
ticulan r against him who had the greatest share in his confi-
^ce and affairs, in hopes no doubt, by that means to comjiass
,-vvha>they dispair'd of being able to come at by any other; and
they sc f^^ succeeded that for some time past the Queen could
not concv^i j,gj. digiii^^, j^, g^j^ij persons, and the King could easily
see that heii^gij^^^-^^yj. towards himself was alter'd, altho' he could
not discover ^^ ^^^^ ground for either one or t'other. His Ma-
jesty was theretu ^viHing to impute them to ill offices and hu-
mour, which heliO;j ^^j^jIjJ p^gg ^jjj^ ^ jj^jjg ^jj^^g gj^^j pj^tjg„ee
on his part, and there^^.^ j,^ ^j^ ^^^^ ^^^^j.^ ^^^^ ^,^^,^^.^ j^^ ^^^ ^^^_
duct towards the Queei. ^^j^^ ^^,^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ marriage had been
entu-ely nnstriss of his purs, ^^^j^ ^^ -^ j^ -^ j^j^ ^^^ circumstances.
His Majesty also continued . j^^,. ^,^^ g^,^^^ y^^^^.^^ ^1^^ ^^^ g,_
ways enjoy'd, of going out anc^^^jj^^ j^^^^^ ^^,,^^ ^^^ pj^^^^^^
ofseeing what company she like ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ corresponding
with whom she thought ht, and to c.^urage her diverting and
" 1 ^
241 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
amusing herself more than had hitherto appeard agreeable to her
inclinations.
" In this state of things the King could not but be astonished
to the last degree when he was told by one much in the Queen's
confidence, that if he did not dismiss the Earl of Inverness from
iiis service, she would retire into a convent, altho' she did not
give any reason for so extraordinary a proposal and resolution;
and on Friday last the Queen told the King herself that she was
resolved to retire, but still without bringing any reasons for it,
and has seemd to persist ever since in this resolution, tho' with-
out coming to the execvition, altho' on the Friday she had ac-
tually taken leave of some ladys here on that account.
" The King could not but be sensible of the indignity done
him by tliis publick way of proceeding; but as he was perswaded
the Queen had been misled and might be reclaim'd, he had much
more compassion for lier having thus exposed herself than resent
ment against the imjust eclat she had made, and therefor ^^^
only continued to live with her as usual, but invited h'^*' ^" ^'^^
most movina; terms to own her error and return to her duly, i^'^"
ther of which she has yet done, but it is to be hoped she soor wm, .
by the prudent and moderate measures the King is tr^^^S "^
order to reclaim her.
" The King really thought all this while that Lr^^ Inverness
was the chief object of these designs, for tho' Hei/^^J^^^y'^ S^'^^^
nnd publick uneasyness had begun on her first '^"^g^ acquainted
with the Princes being to be taken out of V^' ^beldon's hands,
yet Her Majesty had expressed herself to ^^'^'"^" P^^'^^"^ ^■^^'«"*'-
ably of Lord Dunbar, and had never r^^iond to the King the
least dislike or disapprobation of thp-^^''^^ ^^^ing governour to
the Prince, which made it appear ^^ "^^''^ extraordniary to His
Majesty, when in a conversatio ^'^ '^^^ ^" Monday last with a
person of great worth and cr^'^^^^^'^'^^on of this place (who he
knew had been endeavou-'^' ^« P'^^^^i^ «" ""' Majesty not to
REGISTER OF LKTTERS. 245
do both the King and hcrseK<:Jie injniyof retireing-iiito a convent)
he fomid tliatshe was, i>'possible, more uneasy on Lord Dunbar's
account than on L^^'*^ Inverness's, under pretence tliat the Princes
relioion was ■'' fl^nger while he had tlie care of tliem, and that
Her MaH^-^y ^'^^^ jjcrswadcd that tliose two Lords were obnox-
ious •' '''■'' English tiicnds and tiiat their being- about his person
^as one of the greatest obstacles to his restoration.
" As Lord Inverness was extremely afflicted at the Queens be-
haviour on this occasion and to think that he might be repre-
sented as the unlbrtunate, tho' innocent, occasion of a dissunion
betwixt their Majesties, he did most earnestly intreat of the King
that he would allow him to retire from business, which nothinir
but His Majesty's orders to the contrairy in the most peremptory
manner, could have prevented ; His Majesty having at the same
time assured both Lord Dunbar and him that their remaining iu
his service under circumstances so very disagreable, was the
strongest instance they could possibly give him of their inviolable
attatchnient to his person and cause.
" All these facts and circumstances put together, it is very easy
to see that in all these matters the Queen must have been origi-
nally imposed upon and guided, not by turbulent and factious
friends but by real enemies wlio would have drove the King to
that extremity, as either to see his wife abandon him, or by yeild-
ing to her unjust demands, give up the management of his chil-
dren and his affairs and put himself into the hands, not of the
Queen but of those who it was manifest had in their view the
ruin of both.
*' The King is sensible how prejudicial to his intrest this un-
fortunate eclat must be, but he is perswaded that the malice of
his enemies on this occasion must turn against themselves when
the true state of the question is known."
Follow coppys of the letters.
246 REGISTEK OF LETTERS.
I. CCopit^
" Dei^ome co 9 Novembre 1725.
" Votre conduite envers moy, les menace^ qui ^'ont ete faites
et I'outrage publique de votre retraite dans uu -ouvent, ne me
touchent pas tant que le malheur et la honte auxquelii.^ y^^g gU^^
vous exposer par une si etrange demarche. Je sens le iu,t_ jj ggj
vray, comme je dois; maisjusqu'a present je n'ai aucmi rebi^|_i_
ment contre vous, car je suis a ciiaquc moment plus convaincii
que la malice et la finesse de nos enemis en ont imposee a votre
jeunesse et a la foiblesse de votre sexe.
" Vous avez du etre persuadee il y a long terns que je veux
etre le maitre dans mes affaires et dans ma famille ; mais il n'est
encore trop tard de se reconnoitre. Rendez vous done a la raison,
au devoir, a vousmeme et a moy, qui n'attend que vos soumis-
sioBS a bras ouverts, pour vous rendre la paix et le bonheur au-
tant que depend de moy.
" Que si, malgre ces derniers efforts de ma tendresse, vous
persistez dans la resolution dont vous m'avez nienacee, il me se-
roit toujours une consolation de songer que je n'ai rien neglige
pour vous en empecher.
" Je vous conjure encore une foisj ma chere Clementine, d'y
penser serieusement.
Signe Jacques R.
II.
" De Rome ce 11 Novembre 1725.
" Je suis bien aise, Madame, que vous ayez pris le parti de
m'escrire en cette occasion, puisque par lii j'ai celle de vous ex-
pliquer amplement mes sentiments de la meme maniere, voulant
eviter de le faire de bouche, apres avoir connU par une longue
experience que vous etiez tellement prcvenue contre tout ce qui
venoit de moy, que vous ne pouviez ni'ecouter avec patience. Je
crains meme que mes sentiments ue vous ont pas etc bien ni
RKGISTEn OF LETTEUS. 217
clairenient -xplique?, ct je veux croire que vous n'avez niiUemeiit
authori^t'e la manicrc peii rcspcclueuse et decente avec laquellc
(Jn a traite avcc moy sur ces sujets.
" II est certain, Madame, je vous ai toujours uniqucmeut ainie,
et que je ii'ai jamais ricn desire davantage que de vous complaire
eh tout, sauve toujours la raisou, mon honneur, et le bien de
mes affaires.
" Je ne scay que trop que nous avons souvcnt essuiez des in-
quietudes et des peines, mais aussi je les aurois souffcrt de ma
part avec plus de tranquilite, sije n'avois veil qu'elles etoient
moins causees par la vivacite de votre temperament, que par
votre trop grande facilite a ecouter de pet'tes plaintes et ihsinua-
fions, et en vous croyant offensee dans les personnes de ceux qui
vous les portoient ; et vous ne pouvez que vous souvenir avec
quelle patience j'ai souffert vos bouderies depuis plus de deux ans,
et que dans le terns ou vous vouliez a peine me parler ou me re-
garder, je n'ai pris autre parti que celui du silence.
" J'espere que vous ferez reflexion que non seullemcnt vous
avez toujours possedee mon affection sans partage ou rivalle,
mais que autant que ma situation ct mon etat m'ont permise,
je n'ai rien neglige qui put contribuer a votre satisfaction. En
matiere de depense je ne vous ai jamais limite; Vous etiez la mai-
tresse d'aller ou vous vouluz^; Vous avez veil qui bon vous
sfembloit, et vous avez escrite et receiie des lettres sans con-
trainte ; et vous scavez de plus que loin d'encourager votre vie
solitaire et retiree, j'ai fait de mon mieu:x pour vous engager a
prendre plus d'amusement, ce qui auroit encore contribue au
mien ; mais apres cela en tout et parto\xt je vous ai laisse uiie en-
tiere liberte de suivre votre propre gout el inclination, me reser-
vant uniquement d'etre le maitre de ma famille et de mes aiiiiires.
*' Je ne scaurois, Madame, revenir de re'stomiement oii m'a
mis I'idee injuste et extravagante que I'on vous a inspiree contre
Milord et Madame Inverness, puisque lii voUS ni aucuiie autre^
348
RKGISTEH OF LETTERS.
personne ne m'ont jamais dit un seul fait sur lequel ellc pouvoit
etre fondce, et je me crois oblige de declarer que MUord Inver-
ness loin de vous avoir rendu de mauvaises offices aupres cle moy
(ce que personne jusqu'icy n'a eii la hardiesse de faire) s'eto>
principallemcnt attache a profiter de la liberie que je luy donne
de me parler avec franchise, pour m'exhorter a la patience et a
la douceur, quand il voyoit que je n'etois pas enticrement content
de vous ; et pour ce qui est de la Comlesse, et vous et tout le
monde a veli avec quel zele et mcme affection elle vous a servie
pendant plusieures annees ; et jusqu'a cettc hcure ni Tun ni Tautre
ne scavent en quoy elle auroit pu manquer au respect qui vous
est diie, ce qui auroit ete en manquer a moymeme.
" Vous ne pouvez oublier qu'il y a trois ans que voyant Milord
Inverness vous etoit desagreable, quoique je ne pouvois penetrer
ni comment ni pourquoy, je lui ostai a sa priere, uniquement
pour vous couiplaire, le detail de la maison^ de sorte que depuis
ce terns la, il ne luy a pas ete possible de vous donner aucun su-
jet de plainte ; et depuis ce meme terns, sa fenune ne vous a ap-
prochee que quand vous I'avez demandce ; tcUcment que les pre-
ventions oh vous etes apresent sur leur chapilre est la chose du
jnonde la plus inconcevable.
*' J'etois certainement incapable de vous conseiller aucune
bassesse ; mais ce n'est pas avoir une veritable idee de la gran-
deur que de croirc qu'elle puisse etre blessee par une maniere ou
une parolle gracieuse envers des personnes qui pourroient etre
choquees de quelque petit mouvenient d'impatience ou de colere;
" Tel etant Tetat des choses, je n'a pu qu'ctrc cgallement sur-
pris et offense, lorsque Ton m'a annonce \nie menace, que si je
ne chassois un ministre capable, fidel ct laborieux, que vous
iriez dans vui convent ; car quand meme j'aurois ete dispose a
meltre une avitre a sa place, apres une parcille demarche mon
honneur se Irouveroit engage a le conlinuer ; mais sans avoir re-
£Ours a ce motif dans les circonstances prcscnles, je ne pourrois
REOrSTER OF LETTERS. 249
le deplacer sans miner mes intercts et mettre la dernierc contu-
sion dans mes affaires. Cependant ennuye et afflige d'etre con-
tinuellement en butte a votre injuste colere, comnie il a ete dc-
puis si long- terns a celle de mes ennemis, il a demande son conge,
et rien nioins que mes ordres positifs le reticnt aiiprcs de nioy.
Voyez, Madame, les embaras ou vous me meltez, et qui est
I'honnette liomme qui ne craindra de me servir apres les scenes
que vous donnez au monde ; et ne vous etonnez pas si je m'at-
tend que vous me temoig'niez votre douleur pour le peii de respect
que vous m'avez niontre et pour I'injure que vous avez faite et a
vous meme et a moy par un eclat aussi inoui, et qu'apres cclu
vous m'ouvriez voire coeur sans reserve; moyennant quoy j ou-
blierai le passe et ne songerai a Tavenir qu'a vous rendre con-
ten le et lieureuse.
" Pour ce qui est de votre fils aine, il est vray que j'ai domic
im ordre general que son gouverneur et sous goviverneur ne le
quitteront jamais d'un pas, et en effetils entrent toujours avcc luy
dans ma chambre, quoiqu'ils ne I'ont pas toujours fait chez vous
quand vous eliez a vous habiller. La raison de cette ordre eloit
principallement pour empecher qu'il ne s'echapat seul parmi les
domestiques, ou les en fans n'apprennent rien de bon, etjen'ai
jamais imagine que vous en eussiez pli etre offensee et le prendre
d'une telle maniere ; mais puisque vous en faites une maliere de
consequence, certainement il n'est pas mon intention de vous
empecher de voir Tenfant seul quand vous le voudriez.
" A I'egard de Mademoiselle Sheldon, il y a du terns qu'elle a
demande son conge, el je n'ai pas etc trop content d'elle depuis.
J'ai eu mes raisons pour I'eloigner, et cela ne doit pas vous of-
fenser, etant le maitre de ma famille et de mes enfans ; mais tout
le monde aura pu remarquer que vos exces d'inquietude n'ont
commences et ne sont arrives au comble, que depuis que j'ai ostc
mon fils de ses mains, et de celles des femmes, quoique vous ne
m'ayiez jamais rien dit contre les personnes a qui je I'ai contie et
VOL. n. 2 K
250 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
pour lesquels je scavois que vous aviez d'eslime, particulierenient
pour celuy qui avoit traitte et conclu notre marriage,
" Je vous proteste, Madame, que je ne connois aucuii juste
Ebujet que vous avez de vous plaindre de moy, car si je le scavois,
certainement j'y remedierois ; et je suis persuade que si vous vous
donnez le loisir de reflecliir sans pre\ ention, vous serez touchee
de tout ce que je viens a vous escrire, et de la douceur et de la
bonte de ma conduitte envers vous, que vous vous repentirez du
passe, et que vous ue pousserez pas les choses a Textremite, ce
qu'a la vcrite vous ne pouvez faire sans vous precipiter dans un
dernier inalheur et sans en etre responsable devant Dieu et de-
vant les hommes.
" Je suis etonne et mortifie que vous ayez prise une si impor-
tante resolution sans la participation du prince votre pere ; car
je suis persuade qu'il auroit fait son possible pour vous calmer,
et pour vous empeclier de suivre le conseil de ceux qui ne
craignent pas de sacrificr votre rep\itation et votre repos a des
veiies et considerations personelles ou mauvaises.
" Voicy, ma chere Clementine, tout ce que je puis dire sur ce
triste et deplorable sujet; Faites en, je vous conjure, la matiere
d'une profonde meditation ; songez qu'il est glorieux d'avouer
son erreur, et que ce n'est qu'en le corrigeant que vous pouvez
vous rendre heureuse ; et ne resistez plus aux derniers eftbrts de
ma tendresse qui n'attend que votre retour pour se reveiller et ne
jamais plus rallentir ou finir.
" Signe Jacques R."
17 November 1725.
" Notwithstanding the Kings wise and prudent endeavours to
prevent the Queen's executing the extraordinary resolution men-
lion'd in the above memoire. Her Majesty, on Thursday morning
the fifteenth current, geing abroad as usual in the King's coaches,
orderd them to go to the convent of Saint Cecilia, into which she
nEGISTER OF LETTEHS. 251
retired, without sendiii<^- any answer or taking the least notice
of the letter the King- had Avritten to her on the eleventh."
Tho the packet with the aforsaid letter and memoire was late
in coming to my hands, (for want of a safe occasion of sending
it from Holland to Scotland) coppys their of were printed and pub-
lickly sold at London and other places severall weeks before, for
it seems, it was the draught of a generall letter calculated to be
sent to other places over Europe, with a vciw of giving ane uni-
form authentick information of the affair, to the Kings freinds in
all places, who generally did not approve of this method of pro-
paling it ; and it woud appear his enimys did not think it for his
service, otherwise it woud not have been so industriouslie pub-
lishd and dispersed in print : All agreed in taking exception at
that part of the letter wher it is calld a foolish aftair: such a
term given to a matter of such vast importance, inclined people
to think the author of the letter was not equally sensible therof,
and that ther was consequently greater reason to belive he might
be guilty of what was laid to his charge, and the King byassd
in his favours.
Letter* from Lord Inverness.
" November 24, n^ii.
" Sir, — Last post I was obliged to change my method of writing
to you, it being impossible for me to send you what I then enclosed
in any other form-f-, and it being necessary that you shoud be in-
formed, as soon as possible, of the true state of the matter, which
the King is perfectlie easie about, since he sees plainly that the
Queen has been artfully drawen into this step and made subser-
* Received 30 Aprile 1796.
+ The former letter with the memoir was not writ in cypher, but enclosed
w ithin another letter from Lord Inverness (under a borrowd name) pretending
to send it as a coppy of what was handed about at Rome.
2 K 2
253 UKGISTER OF LETTERS.
vient to a project of Mars, which has been laid these severali
years, as must appear plain to those who took the trouble to read
a loi)"- letler* which Mar wrot to Balnierinoch last year. A Pro-
lestant being- put about the Prince has been made great use of
on this occasion to enflame the people of this country, tho I am
ijerswaded it will be to no purpose, and that that article will ra-
ther prove of advantag-e than dissadvantage to the King elsewher.
I doubt not but the Queen will soon be sensible of the snare she
has been led into and condemn the instrument of it, by taking
the proper measures to reconcile the King to her again, which
is what all the Kings good subjects must wish for, and which
cainiot but happen when she finds that her own relations dissap-
prove her conduct, as their ministers here have done alreadie.
" I am now to acknowledge your letter to the King, of the 2d
of September, and to assure you of the satisfaction 1 had of re-
ceiving one from you of the same date. It is a great satisfaction
to the King to know the good turn his affairs have taken at liome
and to be able to inform you that negotiations abroad look well.
The true state of the dissarming of the Highlanders hath been
represented at proper places, and what the English Goverment
may say to tlie contrary will meet with no credit. The affairs
of Europe have takn a quite different turn, and I hope no diss-
advantageous one for the Kings interest, since the disarming was
first proposed ; and since that time, by the accounts you send, the
situation of Scotland seems likewise to be prilty much altered,
Avhich the account the Duke of Hamilton gave you of the west
of Scotland plainly shews, and perhaps the inactivity you men-
tion in some and the want of application in others of the Kings
freinds may rather be ane advantage than otherwayes, while the
King has so faithfull a servant as you to watch over what may
* Meaning ttie narrative or ane other letter which I mentioned in mine of
the 8th of April and 24 of May to Inverness and the King.
IlEGlSTEn OF LETTERS. 253
be necessary ; Kincarclines application on this occasion adds
very much to the Kings assxu'ance that nothino- will be neglected
wher wholsonie and prudent advice takes place.
" In all events, and that liie King may be prepared by the best
advice that you can send him from yovn- parts, it will be of ad-
vantage to him, if you inform him of the proper ])lace for a land-
ing, in the ditterent suppositions of his being able to send over
into Scotland eitlier 1, 2, or 3000 men, reckoning alvvayes that
a sufficient number is at the same time to be sent into England.
I shall expect your answer to this as soon as you have ane op-
portunity.
" You have not mentioned any thing finder of Captain Frazer,
and I belive it is better that wee shoud not seek new methods,
since the tract wee are in is secure.
" Do me the favour as to return my kind compliments to Kin-
cardine. I did not think it prudent to make your compliments
to the gentlemen you desired, for I dont care that any shoud
know of our corrispondence, for the more private it is, the more
usefull it will be to the King; and wee have so many spys here
about us that the least indiscretion does prejudice. My kind
compliments pray to your son. I am yours."
Letter from the King.
" December 8, 1725.
" I refer you to what Inverness has formerlie writ to you on
the subject of the Queen, which tho it be a matter that very
much interests my subjects and that in the beginning must have
had a bad appearance, yet now I am perswaded that those who
have endeavoured to turn this affair to my dissadvantage shall
find themselves mistaken, and that I shall draw benitite from it.
The Queen continues still in the convent without giving me any
mark of repentance or submission. The Court of Rome at first
saw clearlie the unreasonableness of the Queens insisting on In-
vernesses removall, but they are now endeavouring to remove
254 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
James Murray from my son. The Pope sent to tell me that if he
were removed and Mrs. Sheldon takn back into favour, that he
hoped matters might be made up betwixt the Queen and me ;
that what he said of Mrs. Sheldon was only by way of entreaty,
but as for Murray, that he coud not approve or concent to his
being about my son. To which I replyd that I had no occasion
for the Popes advice or concent in ane affair which concernd my
private family. It has been talkd in Rome as if the Pope might
take from me the pension he gives me, but neither threats of this
kind, nor any want of regard the Pope may shew me, will in-
duce me to alter my conduct, and will only serve to afford me
ane opportunity of shewing my subjects that nothing can make
me alter a conduct which I thiidi right and just. My childeren
and I are in good health, and my constant kindness doth ever
attend you."
Tho tiiis last letter is of a' date prior to the succeeding, it came
not to my hands for severall weeks therafter, the ship having been
drove into Norway, and as it contaiud nothing that required ane
answer, I have inserted it as it shoud have come..
Letter* from Lord Inverness.
"January 19, 1726.
" Sir, — I shant repeat any thing that youl find in the inclosed,
therfore I have litle to say in answer to yours of the 13 October,
the King approving very much of the conduct you propose to
keep with relation to Mar; and on the information you give me
of the conversation past twixt you and Mr. Seymour, I shall only
remark that Mars conduct seems to be very diflerent from Mr.
Seymours to suppress all noise of any difference amongst the
Kings freinds abroad, for Mar is leaving no stone unturnd that
he thinks can contribute to creat divisions, which will only tend
to make those who wish the Kings cause may flourish, to stick
* Received 10 March 1726.
HEGISTEn OF LETTERS. 255
the closer togatlier : and as to tlie narrative, it was necessai-y to
put a stop to Mars iindennining- the Kings affairs, by shewing
some of his servants the wayes that he was taking to get at his
ends by aspersing privately those wlio had the honour to serve
the King, and throwing dirt on his cause, and as it tended no-
wayes to his vindication, coud only be dcsignd to discredit a
cause he had sacraticed to his private interest. David Nairn was
Avrong in the intorniation lie brought, that the Bishop of Rochester
was out of the Kings favour ; his health does iiot allow him to
stir abroad, which, added to some differences he has with his
countricnien, wont allow him to be so active as otherwise lie
might be : but tlie Kings confidence in him is no wayes changed.
It is true Dunbar and he had some differences togatlier, but
that nowayes interested the Kings affairs, and what was repre-
sented to you on that head must certainly have proceeded from
some of the Kings secret malitious enimys, as you Judge it did,
for he has the mistbrtune to have severall of those who lye in
wait and are readie to improve every circumstance they can lay
hold on to the dissadvantage of the conmion interest. God grant
the King may soon have ane opportunity of profiting of the good
disposition our country is in.
" I made your compliments to Dunbar as you desired : when
he left Rome last, it was with a resolution not to write any thing,
either to Scotland or England, of the reasons that were givn then
for his removall, and ever since he has continued the same con-
duct and has corresponded with no body, otherwayes you might
be assured that his former freindship with you woud not allow
his being so long silent : he desires youl accept of his humble
service, and thanks you for the compliments you make him on
his late charge, which tlio in its self very agreeable yet has pro-
duced a good deal of uneasiness both to him and me, and I may
say more to the King than either of us. Wee are now persecuted
in matters of religion, and instances are made to make us give
256 REGISTER OF LETTER?.
over our prayers in the family, as wee have practiced them ever
since the King* has been in Rome; but he lias declared possitively
that he will not forbid them, and I have told the Popes secretary
(after using all the arguments I coud to disswade him from en-
tering into that aflair, as to which he is convinced the Pope is in
the wrong) that nevertheless if the Pope insist on it, wee will of
ourselves desist, providing he give it me in writing that he will
positively have it so, which I find they do not cai'e to do, least it
might be brought as ane example and applyd to the Papists at
home and give a pretence to thfc putting the laws in execution
against them. Here the matter stands, and perhaps on this ac-
count they may be prevaild upon not to give us any more trouble.
However that be, those who put this matter in the Popes mind,
on purpose, I suppose, to draw out of it some prejudice to the
King, shall find themselves mistaken, for he by his conduct in this
as well as in other matters, will find no difficullie in fencing
against those wicked designs.
" On the last day of the last year the King was pleased to
make a promotion of the St. Andrew in favour of Marishall,
Nithsdale, Dunbar and my self. I am yours."
Letter* from the Kino-.
" January 19, 1726.
" I have received your letter of the 13 of October, and have
litle to say in answer to it. Cameron is not yet come over that
1 hear of, so that I cannot judge of the proposall you made to
him for my interest, not being informed of it.
" I am now indifferent about receiving a full coppy of the nar-
rative : The author of it has made me forget that particular, by
setting on footing matters of another nature, of which you have
been alreadie informed. The Queen is still in the convent, and
her advisers continue still, under a false pretence of religion, to
♦ Received 10 March 1726.
REGtSTER OF LETTERS. ^57
procure my uneasiness from tlie Pope to such a degree that I
wish my self out of his country, and I wont fail to do my endea-
vours to be able to leave it, which Ime perswaded will tend to
the advantage of my affairs. I pity the Queens situation with
all my heart, and M'ish she soon may give me ane opportunity of
shewing her how much preferable my love and tenderness for her
ought to be to the advice of her pernicious councellours.
" I expect with impatience yoia- answer to a letter writ to
you sometime ago about politick affairs, which is all I shall say
at present but that my sincere kindness shall ever attend you."
Letter to the King.
"March 12, 1726.
" Sir, — I had givn you the trouble of so many letters commit-
ted to the care of Mr. Cameron, and in the enclosed writ so fully
to Lord Inverness in return to his of the 17 and 24 of November,
that I did not think it necessary to say any thing particularly to
yourself at this time, but having, about ane hour or two after I
had finished the enclosed to Inverness, received the honour of
* yours and his of the 19 of January, I judgd it proper by this to
acquaint you therof What I have wrot to you and him by Ca-
meron and at this time will I hope answer what you required and
expected with respect to those points wherin you demanded the
opinions of your freinds here, and I pray God you may soon have
ane occasion to put them in execution.
" I am deeplie affected with the trouble it is easie to perceive
you are under, from what hath hapned in your family : by the
enclosed youl see what turn is givn to it, and I cannot but take
notice that these and the like reports gaind credit (during our
state of totall ignorance) pritty universally and therby occasiond
a good many severe reflections on Inverness and Dunbar. Dif-
ferences twixt man and wife, even in a private family, is so deli-
cate a point, that a 3d person, without a very particular call and
inunediat concern, cannot well venture to interpose, and much
VOL. XL 2 L
258 REGISTER OF LETTERS!.
less woud I presume to say any thing on so nice and lender a
subject, were it not attended Avith consequences wherin so many
thousands are affected and doth therby become a publick nalionall
concern. Consider, Sir, I beseech you, the many advantages which
the enimys of you and your family draw from what has hapned,
by inventing and propogating many storys which tend to lessen
your charactar in the world, and which, tho ever so false and
improbable, are credited by some and at least creat fears and
doubts in others, and by blasting the hopes of your leaving a
numerous issue behind you. This very article is of the last con-
sequence, for it is a truth naturall to imagine and consists with
my particular knowledge, by the opportunitys 1 had of convers-
ing often and knowing the sentiments of my unkle the late Lord
Wharton and his intimates, that the enimys of your family were
by nothing more encouraged to drive on and persist in their re-
belious schemes, than that in you alone existed the royal race of
Stuart, and were in hopes that with you it woud expire ; wheras
a nximerous issue subsisting is one of the most powrfull argu-
ments in behalf of your just cause, as it draws alongst with it a
disputable succession, whilst the present setlement continues, the
many miserys wherof England has by dear bought experience
been taught. I acknowledge ther are many whos right is prior
to that of the German, but your enimys know as a certain truth,
that the particular regard and attachment to your person and fa-
mily will produce stronger efforts than in favours of any other
person and family, tho equally supported by ane hereditary riglit
to the crown ; and on these considerations every thing that re-
tards the hopes and expectations of the encrease of your royall
ojlspring is a plain visible prejudice to your just cause, which,
even for the sake of your failhfull subjects, cannot fail to make a
due impression on you. A king no doubt has a higher right and
title to be absolute master of his own particular family, than a
private person ; but at the same time as his personall cannot be
nEOISTER OF LETTEnS. 2i>9
separated from liis regall capacity on which sucli numbers de-
pend, prudence calls upon him more strongly to cover, and by all
lawtnll and honourable means to repair, such breaches as are na-
turally attended with irreparable bad effects towards himself and
his people. Forgive my entering so far upon this melancholy
subject : it proceeds from no other cause whatsoever than the
disinterested regard I have for yourself and your family and that
I am certain these are the sentiments of all that wish you well,
whose earnest prayers and longing desires are to hear that mat-
ters are amicably adjusted twixt you and the Queen ; and in
order therto, Hamilton, Eglinton, Wigtoun and Kincardine have
had under consideration how far it woud be expedient, shoud
thev write a dutiful! letter to Her Majestic, exhorting and be-
seeching her, in the name and for the sake of her faithful! sub-
jects, to think of returning to the duty she ows you and being in
such a state as will admitt of the effects of your passion and re-
gard for a lady represented here of so great merit and for wlioni
all your subjects have so great a respect, as being the mother of
that offspring, by whom tis hoped wee and ours shall be governd
whilst the Avorld does last. If tliis measure is by them persued,
the letter, tis designd, shall be sent directly to you, to be delivered
or not as you are pleased to direct.
" If what I have advanced on this subject is in the least dis-
pleasing to you, I ask your pardon in tlie most submissive man-
ner, lieing withal! hopeful! to obtain it, as you! have the good-
ness to belive tis ane error of judgement rather tlian any motive
culpable in Yours."
Letter to Lord Inverness.
" Marcli 12, 1726.
" Sir, — Some few days after Mr. Cameron saild from Leith,
yours of the 1 7 of November (with a large packet) and another
of the 24th came to my hands. Cameron will tell you how much
the Kings freinds were at a loss, by being so long m the dark con-
hv X.4 iW
260 REGISTER OP LETTERS.
cerning- the unluckie breach twixt the King and Queen : a thou-
sand stories were reported with respect to tlie cause and way and
manner of it, which the common cnimy improved to what they
thought beneficiall to them, to whom the Kings freinds, particu-
larly those known to be most trusted by him, coud make no re-
ply, as they were perfectly ignorant of the story and circumstances
attending it, except in so far as they collected from the publick
news papers: tho some indeed were not wanting, who made no
bonds of affirming that the Queen had received great provoca-
tions, and in a particular manner, from yourself and some few
more of your freinds, and in this they gaind universall credit,
altho others were at pains to suppress such reports, as being a re-
flection on the Kings judgement and honour to imagine he woud
suffer it, had the fact been as these gentlemen represented.
" Long before I received yours, what was therin containd was
printed and hauked about the streets of Londoii and Edinburgh,
which seems to have been by order of the Goverment, for a scur-
rilous senseless introduction was therto annexed, and the magis-
trates of Edinburgh compelld the cadis to cry it thorow the streets ;
and as wee had no intimation from what liands the memoire and
letters came, this conduct of the Goverment induced many to be-
live they were not genuine, so that after receiving of yom's 1 had
litle left me to do, but let it be known that what they had be-
fore seen in print, was the account which the King designd to
impart to his subjects, of that unlucky afiTair. I cannot express
how much all who have any concern for the King were afiected
w^ith that breach : they regrated a division in his family and the
fatall consequences of various kinds attending it with respect to
his interest at home : they were affi'aid it might occasion a dry-
ness twixt the King and the Queens freinds, who can and tis
hoped in the present conjuncture will be serviceable to him ; but
since you say their ministers dissapprovc of her conduct, Avee are
liopefull their priucipalls will prevail with her to insist no longer
UEGISTER OF LETTERS. '^61
in a measure, that all the world does see is so pernicious to that
interest in wincli she lierself, her childcren and so many lliou-
sands of others have so near a concern ; and on the other hand,
whoever endeavours to prevent a tiiorow reconciliation on the
Kings part, has no more pretensions to be reckoned amongst
the nuiiibor of his freinds, than those who dircclhe or indirectlie
contributed or were accessory any manner of way to tlie breach,
whom all judicious persons, that have any regard for the King*
and his interest, do and will esteem liis greatest and most dan-
gerous as being- his most malicious enimys. Wee shall never
here be at ease till wee hear this matter is finally compri-
mised, and weer surprised that all this time wee have heard
of nothing- more than what past at the very begining. Tis a
matter of tiie utmost consequence to the King, as it highlie dis-
courages his freinds: this I know assuredlie, both from those
who make ane open profession of their zeall for him, and others
who appear outwardly with another comitenance but secretlie
wish for ane occasion to pull of the mask in his service, and ther-
fore it is fit they shoud be duely aj)prized how this matter is likely
to terminate: Ime sure Ive been askd the question a thousand
times, and being able to give uo satisfaction was a great dissap-
pointment.
" By what I wrot formerlie to the King himself (tho then wee-
were altogather in the dark) if he has communicated the con-
tents to you, and by what I have said in this, you may see that
the blame is in a great measure laid on you : forgive my using
the freedom plainly to tell you so : It Ls consistent with the rules
I have laid doun of acquainting the King or his ministers, fairlie
and without fear or favour, of every thing that I think for his ser-
vice to know, and I presume after due reflection you will think it
no disservice done yourself, since by knowing whats laid to your
charge, you may have ane opportunity of vindicating yourself,
and at the same time of doing justice to our common master. I
262 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
thank God for it I never was, and I bclivc I never will be of any
partie: whatever person the King thinks fit to employ at the head
of his affairs, him will I honour, his directions follow, and do him
all the services within the narrow compass of my powr ; and
from these principles it is, that I write so freelie on tliis subject,
which I perswade my self youl take as well as it is designd, and
make a right use of it.
" I come now to some other points of your last letter to which
you demand a particular answer, tho what I have represented iu
some former letters might suffice. If, as you lay down, a suffi-
cient force be sent to England, tis a matter of less consequence
M her the landing place be in Scotland : however to be somewhat
more particular with respect to your severall suppositions. If the
armament for Scotland consist of 1000 men, then I conceive some
such place for landing must be chosen as will allow of ane easie
and speedy conjunction with the Highlanders, \^ithout whom
such a body will not be able to make head against the regular
troops now here. And in case it consist of 2000 men, it woud
be so contrived that they might have it in their power to join the
Higlilanders in case it were found necessary, and with this veiw
1 reckon the Firth of Glide (wher are the ports of Irvine, Green-
ock, Newport, Glasgow', &c. any of which may be chosen as
seems most expedient at the time) a proper situation. The ad-
jacent countrie, if right measures with respect to the Union and
a Scots Parliament, as I mentiond in a former letter to the King,
be foUowd, will I belive be found favourably inclined, and from
Glasgow that number can force their way into the Highlands or
wait there till the clans force their way to them, if so be a speedie
conjunction is found necessary: liow far a landing in the western
coasts will corrispond with the place of embarkation, wee here
cant pretend to judge, as wee know nothing of that particular.
But if their come 3000 men, the Firths of Forth or Glide are
equally convenient, as tis ane easie march to the capitall and seat
HEGISTER OF LETTERS. 263
of Govennent; for I reckon that body of men, with those that
•Nvill quicklie join, especially if the Hig-hhinders get out at the
same time and follow on the heels of the troops quarterd in the
north, if they move southwards, will be a sufticienl force against
any opposition can be dreaded in this country, unless England
be entirely abandoned and all the troops sent to Scotland, whicli
I wish may happen, as it woud render the game very sure there.
Oh this subject I must caution you to neglect no means of ti-
mouslie preparing the Highlanders for such ane afiair, for much
depends on them and their earlie appearance. Cameron will,
I belive very justlv, give a fair representation of these peoples at-
tachment to the King; but as it is naturail for mankind to men-
tion their own countriemen with some favour, tis to be supposed
he'l set the affairs of that country in the best light he can, and
wliich perhaps \vill hold good ; But at the same time I think my
self bound to tell you, that I can on very good grounds assure
you, these people, tho perfectly well affected to the King, will
act with more caution than I'ormerlie. Tlieyr a cunning subtle
race, and will not move till they be well assured of being sup-
ported, and it will require a good dealt of prudence and address
to satisfye them in this necessary article, so as they may resolve
and prepare for it and not run the hazard of discovering the de-
sign too soon. This I judged proper to mention, as being a mat-
ter that deserves to be maturely considered and prudentlie deter-
mined and executed.
" The questions that have of late been put to us about the
choise of a generall, landing places, &c., give us great iiopes that
something for our releif is on the anvill, which was never more
wanted atid woud never I belive be more joyfully received.
" It often hap|>ens that the want of ships going to Holland oc-
casions a delay in transmitting letters from hence, which might
in a great measure be supplyd, if Robert Gordon or some such
person at Burdeaux was directed to receive and coud safely and
264 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
conveniently forward letters to you. You can best judge how
far this is practicable and accordingly give directions in it.
" I made no (lirther mention of Captain Frazer to you, because
in one of your former letters you mentiond the Kings good opi-
nion of him, and that you wanted only a safe canal of conveying
a cypher to him.
" About a 4th night after Cameron left us, a gentleman (with
a very good intention I belive) came and with great concern told
me that Cameron had belrayd the King, at least acted a part
quite different from what was intended by his journey, having
been gaind by Mar at Paris and accordingly used his endeavours
to support that Dukes personall interest in the Highlands, and
even attempted (but without success) to procure ane address in
his favours : I replyd that I did not belive one word of it, for al-
tlx) I shoud suppose Cameron might be capable of such ane ac-
tion, i Avas sure he was not such a fool as to attempt it at this
juncture : However I have been at some pains to trace the story
back, and Ime far mistaken if it had not its rise from a certain
person* whose private affairs have obligd him to retire from
Edinburgh to the Highlands, and who is strongly attachd to Mar
and devised this story to sow a jealousie amongst those that have
no dependance that way. I mention this particular, that you
may gnve no credite to it, if so be youve accounts of it from other
hands, it being probable that it may be whispered about in other
countries as well as this.
" I have sufficient authority to assure you that Seaforth gave
no directions to his followers last sunmier, but what were con-
sistent Avith his duty to the King; he orderd them to have no re-
gard to his own personall interest in competition with that of the
clan in gcnerall, but withall to ])rcserve their arms so as to be in
a condition to serve the King Avhen he recjuired: and I know his
* Meaning Colen Mckenzie, goldsmitli in Edinburgh.
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 3<Ji
people cxacllio foUowd the directions they got from hence vipoii
jny receiving- the King-s letter dated 23d of June last: so that by
all I can learn theirs no reason to have any suspicion of Seaforlh.
" Yon'r much in the right to be very cautious in letting any
know with whom you corrispond, and I must recommend the
same in communicating what intelligences are sent, for it is a
great discouragement to find what is transmitted shoud be rc-
turnd back here, as has to my great surprize hapned not long
ago.
" Nothing since my last has occurrd to be communicated to
you. I beg leave to tender my duty in the most respectfull man-
ner to the King, and that youl belive I am Yovirs."
Whilst wee must wait some time for answers to these letters,
it will not be male proj)os to insert a letter printed in the news
papers as from the Queen to her sister the . Ime
assured tis genuine, and if so, it will at least serve to shew the
Queens sentiments and what she and her freinds did incline the
world shoud belive was the occasion of her retirement : Tis pro-
bable that the aforsaid memoire and letters dispersed by the
Kings orders gave rise to this of the Queens, which met gene-
rally with credit.
" Dear Sister, — I received yours of the 3d of November; I was
so much in hast when I Avrote to you last, that I had not time to
inform you of a peice of news which I doubt not has very much
surprised you. Mr. Hay and his lady are the cause that I am re-
tired into a convent. I received your letter in their behalf, and
returnd you ane answer, only to do you a pleasure and to oblige
the King, but it all has been to no purpose, for instead of ma-
king them my freinds, all the civilitys I have shown them have
only served to render them the more insolent. Their vm worthy
treatment of me has in short reduced me to such ane extremity,
and I am in such a cruell situation, that I had rather suffer death
than live in the Kings palace with persons that have no religion,
VOL. IL 3 W
266 REGISTER OF LETTER?.
lionour, nor conscience, and who, not content with haviny; been
the anthors of so fatali a separation betwixt the King- and me,
are continually teazing him every day to part with his best
freinds and his most faithfuU subjects. This at length determined
me to retire into a convent, there to spend the rest of my dayes
in lamenting my misfortunes, after having been fretted for six
years togather by the most mortifying indignitys and affronts that
can be imagined. I desire you to make my compliments to the
Bishop of Ambrun, and to tell him from me that as I take him
jj to be my freind I doubt not but he will do me justice on this oc-
casion : He is very sensible that they were strong and pressing
reasons that determined me to take so strange a resolution, and
he has been a witness of the retired life I alwayes led: And you,
my dear sister, ought to have the same charity for me. But what-
ever happens, I assure you that I shoud rather chuse to be silent
under censure, than to offer at the least thing which may pre-
judice either the person or affairs of the King, for whom 1 al-
wayes had, notwithstanding my unhappy situation, and for
whom I shall retain as long as I live, a sincere and respectful! af-
fection."
Letter from the King.*
" February 2d, 1726.
" The confidence I have in you and the prospect of my affairs
abroad taking a right turn wont allow of my delaying to inform
you that I have had for some time reason to hope the best from
my applications to the Court of Vienna, wher I find the Emperors
interest as well as his inclinations may soon lead him to espouse
my restoration in a very particular manner. Youl allow tis no
easie matter to perswade a forreign prince, who is not thorowlie
acquainted with the dispositions of my people, of the facilitys he
woud find in succeeding in ane attempt for my restoration ; ther-
* Received 2d Aprile, 1726.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 267
fore I proposed to tlie Emperor to send a minister privately to
England, to take information there of the good disposition of my
subjects, and I having reason to belive that he will send one
soon, and it being necessary that that minister shoud return well
instructed as to the loyal lie and abilitys of my Scots as well as
my English subjects in case of ane invasion, I hope, if your cir-
cumstances will allow, you wont grudge the trouble of a journey
to London for that effect.
" I have no method of writing to the Duke of Hamilton Avilii
safety, thcrfore I desire you woud communicate to him the con-
tents of this letter, which tho short is of the greatest importance,
since if such a minister comes, all will depend upon the informa-
tion he will carry back: It is therfore that I propose to Hamilton
to make that joiuney likewayes; tho as you may belive, this af-
fair must be managed with the greatest secresie, I must leave it
to himself to decide in the matter. I woud not have either him
or you to stirr till you hear from the Earl of Strafford, whom I
have directed to inform you as soon as such a person an'ives,
and if your coming to London be necessary.
" I wont mix any other subject with this, but referring every
thing to Hamiltons prudence and yours, and recommending to
you both the greatest secresie imaginable, I desire youl assure
him of my particular esteem and be perswaded yourself that my
kindness shall ever attend you."
Letter to the King.
" April 3d, 1726.
" Sir, — Yours of the 2d of February I received yesterday with
unexpressable joy as it contains some comfortable hopes of seing
what I have so long and so earnestlie wishd for, and I pray God
to direct and conduct you and all your freinds, forreign and do-
mestick, in such a manner that their united endeavours to serve
you and your just cause may have the desired issue. I never did
nor will make the least scruple in undertaking any task for your
2m3
3r>8 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
service, and shall lose no lime in j)erformin^ wliat you require of
me vviien I am calUl upon, and Ihe secresie you reconuueud shall
be so uuxiolahly observed llial no soul liviuj;- shall know less or
more of what is commilled to me: lor 1 Ihiidv 1 am so hilly ap-
j)rized of Ihc sentiments of your freiuds and evry thing- thals lo
be represented with respect either to the inclinations or capacitys
of your people in this countrie and the methods to belaid down
and prosecuted, that I stand in no need of any fresh or particular
inslruclions frouj your trustees on this occasion, and conse(iucntlie
no reason for imi)arling- the secret to any of them except the
Dvdie of Hamillon wlu) will keep it, I dare say, with the same
strictness. My greatest dillicultie will be how to contrive a plau-
sible pretext for the journey, so as to avoid giving suspicion to
the Goverment, who I know keep a strict eye over me ; and in
order therlo I have directed some of my freiuds to talk publickly
that my wife and I design to go lo the Balh, under which cloack
she and I shall set out as soon as Ime calld for by Lord Strafford.
Tlic Duke of llauullon has been al Loi\don some 4 or 5 weeks,
altendiuii- the issue .of the jvraud afliiir Iwixt him and the Earl of
Dundonald now dei)ending before the House of Lords, but 1 know
ofasui(! hand going soon to London, with whom 1 sliall write
fully lo His Ci race.
" I hope long efe now >\ hat was sent by Cameron will have
rcachd yom* hands, seing what you may collect from thence and
from his accounts may be of use to you at this juncture. I have
nothing of monuMil to add to my last of the 12th of March, and
I will not trouble you further at this time but to renew my pro-
fession, in the mosl solemn sincere manner, of being with all ima-
ginable fidelity and zeall Yours."
Letter to the Duke of Hamilton.
" April 2d, 1726.
" Sir, — Some time after you went from Scotland 1 received let-
tcib from the King- and Lord luverness: they coiitaind a furllier
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 269
justification of tliemselves with respect to the sLateof affairs with
the Queen, (on which subject 1 had before and did again write
fullv in the plain honest stile 1 was directed) and advice was
asked as to the projier places for landing in Scotland, on the se-
veral! suppositions of 1, 2, or 3000 men being sent thither and
at the same time a sufficient force to England, to which, with the
advice and concurrance of Kincardine, I sent distinct answers.
A few daves ago I received another letter from the King, upon
which I sent vou by the last post some necessary * instructions
for reading of this. Before I proceed further be pleased to read
tlie enclosed, which is a coppy, word for word, of the last letle?
from the King.
" As the King in this letter reposes a good deall of confidence
in vou, I doubt nothing of your answering his expectations to a
title; and this step of his is, I hope, but a preliminary of the tmst
hel lodge in vou and the honour hel conferr on you. I have writ
to him that you was at London, but that I de soon fall on a safe
wav to communicate his pleasure to you. The first thing I
humblie conceive to be under your consideration is, whither or
not vou shoud speak of this subject to Stratford: If I may offer my
opinion, I think you shoud not; but at the same time give him ane
opportunity to speak to you of it, if he pleases: for youl observe
in the Kings letter that it is left to that Lord to call on us or not
as he tliiuks proper, and as lies a person of some singularitvs in
his temper, and that wee know not if the King has acquainted
him of his name being mentiond to us, perhaps he"l not be well
pleased to find it so, and therfore I do leave his broaching it
first to himself. If he intends to follow out the Kings scheme,
instead of writing to me I doubt not but he'l speak to you. As
for my own part, I shall not decline the journey whensoever I
am calld upon, but at the same time Ime under great straits to
* T^e coppy of a cypher by which I was to write and he read this letter.
^70 UEGISTER OF LETTERS.
find out a pretext for it, and tis ten to one but our statesmen
may suspect sometliing more tlian ordinary from it, and set them
on the search more earnestly; and therfore since you are (on
another account) ah'eadie upon the spot, can give all the informa-
tions and directions necessary, and does not need me to gain
greater credite to what you say, I reallie think it will do no good
and may do harm if I make the journey, and so much I desire
youd represent to Strafford if so be he enters upon the subject
with ) ou : but after all if either you or he desire I shoud come up,
I will on your call perform it at all hazards, I have not nor
will not communicate this affair to any soul living, for the cau-
tion of secresie recommended is, for the ])ublick as well as our
own sakes, essentially necessary. I am Yours."
To this letter I have no return, in regard the measure was soon
dropt and the Duke designd to return quicklie to Scotland.
Letter to Lord Inverness.
" Aprile 30, 1726.
" Sir, — Since my last of the 3d instant to the King I have had
occasion to converse with Earl of Wigtoun and Kincardine and
severall others of good sense and zeall for him, concerning the
present state of the Church in this country, who coud not but re-
grate the very many inconveniencies arising daylie from the Bi-
shop of Edinburgh his being so faild of late that he has lost his
memoric and judgement to a great degree, and is troubled with a
certain infirmity which in all probability will soon end his dayes:
but the greatest misfortiuie of all is from the charactars and con-
duct of the Colledge of Bishops. It consists of a j)arcell of honest
cnuff'men, but withall of no great reach, and splitt and divided
into parties and factions, so that nothing is done or to be ex-
pected from them for the reall interest of the cause; and as they
are all, especially the best of them, very old and infirm, they must
drop last off" The Kings freinds then are of opinion he d have
in his thoughts whom he d appoint to succeed Fullarton, and that
nEGISTER OF LETTERS. g71
ill the mean time be'd immcdiatlie send his directions to the Col-
ledge to consecrate Mr. John Gillane a Bishop of the Church of
Scotland. I have not immediate directions from all his trustees
in this matter, but it consists with n)y knowledge that what is
here proposed with respect to Mr. Gillane will be much appro?
ved of by Hamilton, Eglinton, Balmcrinoch and John Paterson,
and also by severall of the BisJiops who have talked with me on
this subject. I need not with you enter vipon his charactar, yon
know it as well as I can tell you: all I shall say is, his nomina-
tion by the King- w ill without all doubt be approvd of by all that
wish well to Church and State, as hes a person of excellent sense
and learning', and withall has zeall and lirmness to go thorow
with what he thinks for the good of the cause, and his authority
woud go far towards keeping the rest in due bounds, and ther-
fore I cannot but recommend to you to lay this matter before the
King with all the earnestness imaginable, — being what is truely
and reallie necessary for the peace and welfare of that interest
he has so much at heart; and if he's pleasd to approve of it to
dispatch the directions as soon as possible, for every day shews-
tlie want of such a man to direct and influence the rest to act
prudentlie and calndy. I will not take on me to propose any
particular person to succeed FuUarton, but were I to give my
opinion, it is possiti\ ely tliat amongst the whole clergy (bishops
or presbiters) thers none near so well qualifyed for it as Gillane,,
and Ime apt to belive he'l be recommended to the King by his
freinds. At first it woud appear natu-rall to advance one of the
CoUedge, but theyr a parcell of either weak or hotheaded men or
so very infirm that not one of them (now that poor Irvinesdead)
is fit for the post; besides, as so many of them aim at it them-
selves, the best way to prevent envy woud be to advance a pris-
biter or one sucli as Gillane (if he's previouslie consecrated) that
is not dipt in their caballs» Your being- convinced that this is
272 , REGISTER OF LETTERS.
for the Kings service will I know be enuff to eng-age you in it;
but allow me to tell you as ane additional! motive, that as much
of Gillanes advancement will be ascribed to you, it will infalibly
tend to give the Kings and Churches freinds ane opinion of your
prudence and integrity in the exercise of the trust His Majesty
reposes in you.
'' Weer told here of the great confidence the King has in the
Duke of Wliarton: 1 hope he shall answer his expectations, b\it
at the same time a great deall of caution is necessary, for hes
frequently very rash and over-zealous, and in his cups loo apt to
blab out with matters that require the greatest secresie.
" Weer in hopes of having soon the confirmation of the agree-
able news of differences being made up betwixt the King and
Queen. This morning I received the Kings letter of the 8th of
December last; wher it has lain so long by the way, when others
of a fresher date came long ere now to my hands, I cant tell: but
it required no answer, and so tis no great matter.
" The King will be pleased to know that Slrathmore has made
up peace and freindship amongst his neighbours in Angus who
differed about Bishop Norrie; some of the clergy still standout,
but I reckon they will now soon submilt likewise. I have no-
thing of consequence more than is containd in my last to the
King, so for the present I take my leave of you by assuring you
that I am Yours."
The following, which was a cover to those that are therin men-
tiond, was signd by the King himself with his cypher name:
the first part therof was not writ in cypher, (but contrived as if
writ by a 3d person who sent the enclosed letters to satisfye his
freinds curiousity) because the therin enclosed letter from the
King was likewise not Avrit in cyphers, being a letter calculated,
and accordingly sent to most courts and places, for the Kings
further vindication, as I was since informed.
HEGISTEn OF LETTERS. 273
" March Sd, 1726.*
<- I liave procured coppys of 2 letters writ by the Pretender,
one to his wife and another to a freind of liis, which I reclvon
youl be glad to see, since you converse sometimes witli people
who are desirous to be informed of what passes in that family.
1 wrot to you sometime ago that your presence at London
mig-ht happen to be of great use. The person I then mentiond
1 was desirous you shoud meet with there hath put oft" his journey
for some time, and perliaps it may not be at all thought neces-
sary, so I woud not have either Duke of Hamilton or you think
of stirring till you hear further of the matter. I am yours."
Coppy of the Kings letter to ->
" March 2d 1726.
' I had lately sent me, from a subject of mine whom I very
much esteenn and who is no less esteemed by my freinds at liome,
some propositions made to me in relation to the Queen's reconci-
liation with me : it was represented as necessary to give her some
sort of satisfaction, and for that end it was proposed that the Duke
of Ormond shoud be made governor to the prince my son in Lord
Dunbars room, and that Lady Inverness should go out of the
house till the Queen recalld her, it being at the same time lookd
upon as essentiall for my service that Lord Inverness shoud con-
tinue in his place. I was glad of ane opportunity to engadge
the Queen to open her heart freelie to me, but as she had alreadie
refused to hear Cardinall Gualterio, tho charged with a general
compliment from the Queen of France in return to a letter the
Queen liad writ to her on her retreat, I desired the Princess Pioni-
bino, who went frequently to see the Queen in the convent and
for whom the Queen expressd a particular regard these many
years, to ask the Queen from me what was her opinion of the
proposalls of reconciliation sent to me (which proposalls I knew
* Received 10 May 1726.
VOL. n. 2 N
274 REGISTEU OF LETTEHS.
were also sent to Iter) and if ther was any tiling- in them accep-
table to her. The Queen told Princess Pionibino that she had
then the head ach and coud not enter into these matters, but the
next day she Avrot her word that she was much svu'prized at the
message she brought her the day before, and that if she did
not know her she woud have thought she had been imposing
on her ; adding several! obscure expressions by which, without
mentioning the memoriall or the name of any particular per-
son, it appeard to me that the propositions therin mentioned
were not ao-reeable to her : and as a further mark of it, the next
time the Princess came to see her, she desired her to medle no
more in these matters, and it seemd the Queen doubted if the
propositions made to her were authentick : It behoved no doubt
her advisers to perswade her they were not, since by tliem it was
visible how far Lord Inverness was from being disagreeable to
my English freinds, as she had been made belive. Nevertheless
■to leave nothing undone that was any wayes reasonable and de-
cent for me to do to enlighten and reclaim the Queen, I writ her
a letter, of which you have here a coppy, and sent Foster to de-
liver it to her; she told him slie had the headach and woud an-
swer it as soon as she coud, and 2 dayes after, I received a very
long letter from her, which tho writ all in her hand, I can plainly
discover to be in Cardinal Alberoni's stile, and it is contrived in
terms no wayes becoming either a wife or a Queen : she takes
no notice of the memoriall, but rails extremely against Lord In-
verness, without accusing him of any particular fact or giving
any reason ; she declares she will not come back to me as long
as'ces gens la are about me, without naming Lady Inverness,
but leaving the door open to include or exclude Lord Dunbar by
that expression, as she shall think fit al'terwards. Uy the whole
strain of her letter I see very ])lainly that if I yeild to her, I must
expect to receive the law from her, and according to her way
of thinking not keep a Protestant about my i)crson, since in
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 27 i»
answer to what I say of Lord Invernesses fidelity, she puis me
the question, Sil est itifidel a Dicu sera t iljidel a son maitre?
so that as long as the Queen continues in these sentiments, ther
is no hopes of a reconciliation, and as litle appearance of her
altering her maxims, as long as she is in the hands of those who
now govern her and who neglect nothing to keep at a distance
from her, whoever coud open her eyes and show her her duty.
I have been the more particular on these matters to put them once
for all in their true light to you and freinds with you ; for my
own part, I have taken my party, and tho I shall be alwayes
readie to forgive the Queen « hen ever she will live with me as a
wife ought to do, yet I woud not purchase even my restoration
at the price of being her slave; and therfore in this situation I
doubt not but those who are sincerely attached to me and the
good cause, will show me they are so by their behaviour. It is
a great satisfaction to me to have left nothing undone that coud
depend on me to heal this breach, but as matters stand, I have
nothing left to do but lay aside all passion and resentment and
be readie to receive the Queen's submissions when shes incHned
to make them and retract in some shape or other those lybells to
which she hath lent both her hand and name, tho they are plainly
dictated by Cardinall Alberoni, who was tother day six hours
and a half at the convent of St. Cecilia; till then I cannot in
honour nor upon any account see the Queens face, and in the
mean time I am not so blind as not to see the meaning of the
Queens whole conduct, in all its extent and in all its conse-
quences : it is such as will engadge me to mention her no more,
and I shall content myself Avith remembering what I am and
what I ought to be, which will not be forgot on this occasion by
those who know the duty of a subject."
The letter mentiund writ by the King to the Queen was in
French, but I translated it into English for the use of those who
did not understand that language, of which follows a coppy.
2n2
276 RECaSTER OF LETTERS.
Letter from the King- to the Queen.
" February ao, 17'26.
" It is now 3 months since you have been in the convent of
St. CcciHa, and I am of opinion both you and I have had time
to consider in cool blood how far your retreat is contrary not
only to our nuituall satisfaction but prejudicial! to our interest
and that of our childeren. As I was alwayes disposed for my
own part to please you in every thing that was not directlie con-
trary to my honour and our common interests, I with pleasure
laid hold of the hopes the last propositions, made to you by so
good a freind, g-ave me of engaging you to discover to me your
sentiments without reserve, and to let me know what woud most
contribute to your satisfaction, which I am so eager to procure
to you in as far as it is possible for me, that altho you woud not
explain your self in your letter to the Princess Piombino on these
heads, I coud not forbear ane other attempt under my own hand,
flattering my self (and not without reason I hope) it may be to
better purpose. I confess. Madam, yovu* retreat seemd to me so
inconsistent with that fondness and affection I perswade my self
you have for mc, and so contrary to the ordinary rules of pru-
dence, that I coud not conceive how you coud contrive and exe-
cute such a resolution, especially at such a juncture, if you had
not been spirited up to it by some factious and ill designing peo-
ple, in which I am confirmed by a great number of circum-
stances : but whatever has been the true cause of it, whither it
has proceeded merely from yourself or the artifices of others, con-
trived to foment the differences it has since produced, the conse-
(juences are equally pernicious, which I foresaw clearly, and
therfore, without mentioning my fondness for you, every tiling
concurrd to make me endeavour to prevent such ane event: But
as to your motives you know very well that you never insisted
on any thing with me but the removall of the Earl of Inverness,
and that you never told me in what particular he failld in his
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 277
duty to you. The affairs of Europe were then and are slill in the
most criticall situation ; he woud be master of all my corri-
spondence, and I had not nor have I any capable to supply his
place, so that being perfectly well assured of his capacity, fide-
lity and discretion, I coud not remove him, tho I had been my
self displeased with him, without ruining- my own affairs. Do
not yourself as well as me the injury to imagine I can prefer any
to you ; but I must be served, and as I told you, before you went
to the convent, the difticullie I was under in that respect, if you
truely had sufficient reasons to insist on his removall, you shoud
liave told them and suggested some other expedient to provide
otherwayes for my service, for I cannot belive that you woud at
once deprive me of all help and therby put me under ane im-
possibility of carrying on my affairs : besides. Madam, it is not
only allowable but commendable in a wife to represent to her
husband what she thinks will be for his service. I am far from
being headstrong in this matter, and I am readie to hear what
you have to propose to me, and, as far as it is possible for me,
to determine my self to your satisfaction ; but if you belive that
I can easily in my present situation find a minister of capacity
and whose fidelity Mall be ])roof against the temptations the
Duke of Hanover will not faill to put in the way of all I may
employ, you are much mistaken. As to my son, my design,
Madam, in the generall was to appoint him a governour per-
sonally known to my self and depending solely on me, "who
woud take care of him and remain with him every wher, and I
fixed on the Earl of Dunbar so much the more willingly that I
saw he was agreeable to you, by yovir constant way of speaking
of him to me : in a word the choise was intirely my own with-
out his being recommended by any person, and he was so far
from desiring that employment, that he did not accept of it but
thorow the obedience he thought due to my commands, at a
time when the affairs of his family made it not convenient for
278 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
liim to eng-age further in my service. I thought fit to tell you
this, because I have reason now to bchve he is not acreeable to
yju in his present employnient; however I am of opinion that a
pioposall of putting- in his place a person so mucli in my esteem
and so clear to the best of my subjects deserved so nmch atten-
tion, as to let me know your thoughts of it, and I must in justice
tell you that Lord Dunbar spoke of it to me as a matter highly
advantageous at all times and in the present situation of affairs
necessary. Madam, the Lord Inverness is so concerned to find
himself accused of being the cause of our separation, that not-
Avithstanding of his innocence (of which 1 am thorowlie con-
vinced) nothing but my express orders doth keep him from re-
tiring ; for in a conjuncture so extroardinary and when my af-
fairs vvoud suft'er so much did he leave me destitute, I have re-
quired him to conform himself to them. I remember you wrot that
beyond your displeasure in generall at Inverness, you woud enter
into no detaill of the grounds of your complaint against him, out
of respect to me. I confess. Madam, it is impossible for me to
imagine what it is youd hide under this extroardinary insinua-
tion, but if any thing sticks in your breast, I conjure you to
speak, out for other vvayes it will be in vain for me to attempt to
please you ; so long as yovi conceall the grounds of your uneasi-
ness, I can never succeed in it : In fine, Madan), throw of all
passion and prejudice, as you see I have done on my part; Let
us be directed altogather by reason, by a tender regard to one
another and by what wee owe to oiu'selves and our childeren :
Do not sacrifice, to a capricious humour, your own honour and
our common interests, and think seriouslie of not only living
happily with me, but by your present conduct of securing your
hapj)iness after my death : Time is precious ; hearken to the dic-
tates of your own breast and my councills on this occasion, and
be assiu'ed youl never have reason to repent it."
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 279
Letter to the King".
" 21 May 172C.
" Sir, — As soon as Freceived yours of the 2(1 of Marcli I went
to tonn, wlier meeting- scverall of your freinds I showd them what
I had got from you: After thinking serioushe upon the contents
tlierof tliey directed me to acquaint you, that their being in all
the late publick news papers possitive accounts that aflliirs vvoud
soon be made up twixt you and the Queen, they judgd it better
to wait a litle for the confirmation of that event, before what was
containd in yours shoud be dispersed : That in the nixt place it
was not adviseable to make any thing of that kind publick at this
time, because some litle time betbre yours came to me wee had
accounts from London and Paris, that such a proposall as you
take notice of had been made to you, nay copies of the same,
with the authors name affixed therto, were said to be in severall
peoples hands : wee at first imagined it was a forged contrivance
of the Goverment, because wee coud not comprehend how such
a story shoud break out and so many particular circumstances be
discovered that required absolute secresie, but whats containd in
your last puts the veracity out of the question and increases the
admiration how it became publick, seing tis certain neither you
nor the author coud have any such intention. The author, weer
told, denys the fact, but were it known that your freinds had in-
timation that such a ])roposall had been made, it might open a
way to enable the Goverment to bear hard on the author, since
legall proofs are not now adayes absolutely necessary to condemn
a person thats under suspicion, and therfore tis thought proper
to deall very tenderlie with that point least it do harm..
" I was readie on a dayes warning to have gone up post to
London, having contrived a plausible preetext for the journey :
1 hope the stop to it proceeds rather from your freinds abroad being
convinced that thers no need of such a nice enquiry into facts
that are notorious, than that they ve laid aside their intention-' tu
280 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
act for you, and I wish wee may soon hear some good news. I
have of late writ so fully on most ])articulars that I have at this
time nothing- furdcr to add but that I am with the greatest re-
spect and devotion Yours."
Here twill not be amiss to remark, that about the time I got
the letter from the King to which the last is ane answer, wee
were assured by Mr. William Moncreife (who was lately come
from Paris) that it was writ from Rome that a certain forreigner,
having obtaind access to the King, told him he had a letter from
the Earl of Orrcrey to him, which he was directed to read but not
to part with it to His Majestie: That the letter containd severall
proposalls concerning the making up matters with the Queen,
and withall that his freinds in England were perfectlie well
pleased with Inverness and judged it expedient he shoud remain
in his service. This was the substance of the letter, wherof Mr.
Moncreife said he knew of 4 or 5 copies being sent to Paris
bearing the name of the author of the proposall. How far the
fact stands in all its circumstances wee coud not depend on, but
taking it as true, when wee considered the odd method of com-
mvmicating it to the King, and its being after that propaled,
some were apt to conclude it was forged to do Inverness service,
and not put into the Kings hands, to prevent his discovering the
trick, for which reason I was directed to touch a litle of the story,
least the King did not know it was publick, it being probable that
the proposall mentioned in his letter might be this very letter, and
if ther reallie was such a letter sent to the King, wee judged In-
verness had propaled because it mentiond him favorably. Some
litle time after this, wee were told that these copies came to Paris
from the Queens party, and by the Kings letter it appears the
proposall was likewise put into her hands and that she had some
doubts of its being genuine, and in that case tis probable copys
were dispersed to expose Inverness and the methods he took to
make the King bclive he was necessary to be about him and ap-
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 281
provd of by liis subjccls at home. But after all, these and the
like conjectures must remain in suspence, till time and future
discoverys unravell them.
Letter* from Lord Inverness.
" 1st May 1726.
" Sir, — Youl find here enclosed a bill for 50/. sterling payable
to Mr. Thomas S*clare, which I choose to transmit to you, not
knowing; if he be still in town. Mr. Cameron is your humble
servant and I am Yours."
Mr. S*clare having, in the letter I formerlie sent under my
cover, represented his straitned circumstances to the King, he
was graciouslie pleased to remitt the above sum for his use, which
I received and paid to him, having got a receipt therof, in part
payment of wliat by a fitted account signd by Mar, it appeard
he had advanced for the Kings service in powder, flints, &c.
anno 1715.
Letter to Lord Inverness.
" June 9th 1726.
" Sir, — I have so very litle to say at this lime that I shoud
scarcely give you the trouble of this were it not to own the re-
ceipt of yours with a bill theirin enclosed, the mony wherof I
got upon ane endorsation, and paid as directed to Mr. Thomas
S'clare. I belive it came so very seasonably as to prevent his
ruin and put him in such a way as he'l support his credit, so as
to keep his farm and mantain his family till a generall releife
come; and I dare venture to say ther is not in this country a man
in his station more capable and readie to serve his master, being
in all respects fit to execute a commission which requires pru-
dence and resolution: I have takn his receipt for the mony, which
I shall keep or transmitt as Ime directed. I have also charged
* Received June 8, 1726.
TOL. II. 2 O
2S2 REGISTER OV LETTERS.
liim to let none know of this mark of favovu', least it raise envy-
in some and prompt others to trouble the King in expectation of
the hke.
" I understand Wades to be again in this country to finish the
dissarming of the Highlanders, and is to make a tour thorow the
west Highlands and Isles ; but these people (privately) make a
jest of all he has done or will do in that affair. Wades powers
are pritty much curtaild this year from what they were last year,
being expresslie restraind from treating with or giving assurances
of pardons to any under sentence : and this, Irae told, has its rise
from a representation of Argiles, that as it was expected he shoud
be of use in keeping this countrie in due subjection to the Gover^
ment, he coud not pretend to have so much interest and weiglit,
if such materiall powrs were vested in another independent on
him. Now whither this proceeds from his ambition to grasp at
all and to allow as litle as he can to pass thorow other peoples
hands, or that his hatred to the suffering party prompts him to
suppress all designs of easing of them, or that he aims at merit-
ing the thanks of whats done for them and therby make himself
more agreeable to them, I cant determine, tho I incline to be of
the last opinion, because tis certain he has been extremely fa-
vourable or rather kind to the Clanronald family and most of the
other Highland gentlemen that had any dependance on him.
" Yovir last came from Holland by the post (which I suppose
was by particular directions) and I fancy ther may be other let-
ters there waiting for a ship to convey them safe hither, and wee
long for them in hopes of good tidings.
" Ime glad Camerons got safe to you ; when he tells you how
he past his time in old Reekie, youl think he was a pritty impu-
dent spark that presumed to frequent the most publick taverns ;
and indeed all his caution consisted in outsitting all other com-
pany's, so that he was safe going home.
nEOISTER OF LETTERS. 28.'?
" William Duiulas came liere lately from llolland and is soon
to return : in tlie mean time his son takes care of whats directed
to his father.
" The Duke of Hamilton has been dangerouslie ill of a fever
at London, hut is now pritty well recovered and will be soon
liere : after I have conversed with him, He probably have occa-
sion to write affain.
" I letl Edinburg-h yesterday, and I dont hear of any disturb-
ances thai hapned, Iho it woud appear the Goverment expected
or appeared to fear some disorders, having- doubled the guards in
Toun and Canongate and given orders to the souldiers in their
quarters to be readie on the first beat of the drum. Such ridi-
culous precautions make them the jest of every body.
" Allow me by this to offer my most humble duty to the King,
and do me the justice to belive I am very much Yours."
Letter from the King.
"■ 1st May 1726.
" Allan Cameron has delivered to me your letters of December
18, January 18, 25 and 31, with the papers that accompanyd
them. The lights I have received from them and the discourse
I have had with him v, ill be of great use to me : Tho I was for
some time in great pain about him, not knowing well what was
become of him, yet I am far fiom repenting now of my having
sent him to Scotland. Your unwearied endeavours to serve me,
of which he has informed me of many particulars, tho I have not
yet heard all he has to say, has givn me the greatest satisfaction
and your prudence in executing the commissions I give you, con-
firms in me the good opinion I long have had of you. I am sen-
sible of the difficulties you may lye under for the present, and the
caution you must be obliged to use with some persons on whom
Mar (who I look upon to have detatchd himself from my interest^
may as yet have influence, but a litle more time will make busi-
ness easier in that respect.
2o2
284 REGISTKR OF LETTEUS.
" I remark and shall make the best use of what you say as tu
the place of landing and the manifesto proper to be then pub-
lished, upon which you send me some materialls, which I ap-
prove very much of.
" In the present disposition you inform me Panmure is in, you
ought certainly to be cautious witli him, which need not hinder
you or my other trustees from keeping fair with him, since that
does not oblige you to enter into particulars with him.
" I ought not to doubt but Hamilton will profite of the good
advice you are capable to give him, which will enable him to
make the greatest figure in his countrie : my veiw is to fvu'nish
Iiim with opportunitys of doing it, and I shant be wanting in re-
commending to him proper methods for increasing his interest,
that he may Iherby be capable of executing employments of
the greatest trust: I have alreadie writ to him in this veiw.
" I had the best accounts of Strathmore, and can never forget
the suflerings of his family : the fall of his brother in the feild
was a great loss to me, but it is a satisfaction to me to find that
his family continues to be so well represented, and I think I can-
not, in my present circumstances, give him a greater mark of my
esteem tlian by ordering you to acquaint him that it is my plea-
sure that he shoud be added to the number of those to whom I
entrust the management of my affairs in Scotland, of which I de-
sire you may acquaint such of that number as at present may be
convenient shoud know it. And at the same time let them know
that the services Mr. James Graham and Mr. Alexander Hay have
rendered me and those who suffer for my cause, joind to their per-
sonall merite, has engaged me likewayes to name them to be of
that number, of which I desire you will acquaint them, in assur-
ing them of the particular esteem I have for them.
" Cameron has informed me of the project you have laid for
keeping a regular corrispondencc betwixt you and my freinds
further north, which will be usefull at all times, but absolutely
REGISTER OF LETTEUB. 285
npcessarv before ane attempt is made; as it woiul likewayes be
of llie greatest use if a safe method coud be found of sending
letters to you by way of London, which woiid make my corri-
spondence with my freinds in Scotland more usefull and regular
than is at present, that it is retarded by the long- sea passage.
" As to what you say of accounts coming to your parts, of some
particulars mentioned in your letters to me, 1 wish you had men-
tioned what they were, then I coud have made you a dislincter
answer: Cameron tells me it was something containd in your
letter of the 13 July last year and that he tliinks you told hiui
that it related to Egliiiton ; I have lookd over that letter and find
that you tlier mention Eglintons having contributed 500/. of the
mony that was sent to Mar for my use. If it be that particular,
you may depend on it that neither I nor any one about me ever
mentiond it to any one. I think Mar mentioned the same thing
to me soon alter the mony was ])aid. May not this be a trick of
Mars, and maynt he or some of his agents have been informed
or suspecting tliat you writ this to me, give it out as discovered
from Rome, on purpose to thro dirt on those I employ.^ If it be
any thing relating to the memoriall sent by Mar to Scotland, of
which you acquainted me in the same letter, that paper was so
publick every wher in France and particularly at BuUogne, wher
copies of it were lodged on purpose to be shown, that I shoud
have been informd of it as I actually was, tho you had not sent
me the abstract : Tho I am pritty sure your name was never
mentioned as one of those who sent me tliese accounts: If it re-
lates to what you then informed of Seaforth and others of his
name, I sent some of these particulars to the Bisiiop of Rochester,
it being at that time necessary for me to do it, tho I never men-
tiond to him your name: However it be, I am perswaded that
when you come to the bottom of it, you'l find that your suspicions
in that respect are groundless.
" As to the unluckie affair liapned in my family, the concern
2B6 nECIISTER OF LETTERS.
of my freinds is very just, but I apprehend no prejudice to my
puLlick aftairs from it. I have done every thing that prudence
coud allow of to bring the Queen back and draw her out of the
hands of her malicious councellours : were 1 to have yeilded to
the QueeU; I shoud have laid a foundation for continuall uneasi-
ness to myself, and brought down destruction to my affairs ; dis-
contented ])eople woud still have had recourse to the same game,
and the like behaviour woud have been sufficient to have created
a publick rebellion in my kingdoms, had I been upon my throne.
As I have conducted my self in it, I furnish my freinds opportu-
nitys of turning this misfortune to my advantage, which I hope
they will profit by, and by a publick approbation of my conduct
good may be drawn out of evill, till the Queens eyes are open and
she return to me on a right footing, which is the only thing can
make her and me easie while wee live togather. In the mean
time my freinds need be under no apprehension as to their cor-
rispondence, my affairs are in good hands and shall continue so,
for were I to change I am sensible of the discredite that must
give to my affairs both at home and abroad and particularly at
Vienna, wher the Emperor approves intirely my conduct and is
scandalized at his relations. The various and scandalous false-
hoods that have been reported by those who have fomented this
division in my family ought to make no other impression on my
true freinds than to awake their zeal and attachment to my in-
terest, while my conduct as well as that of those wlio I employ in
my affairs shall remain irreproachable : my freinds do injustice
to the last in beliving that by their behaviour they have contri-
buted in the least to this unluckie schcne : their conduct in my
family has been what it ought, and the opinion you mention
of my freinds, as it is founded on groundless reports, must soon
change, since they may bclive that those I employ can have no
vciw of jnosent advantage in serving me in my present situation,
and remain in n)y faniily only in obedience to my commands and
UEfilSTEn OF LETTERS. 287
to prevent the bad consequences that woud attend their leaving
me.
" Youl find lieve enclosed a letter for the Colledge of Bishops,
such as you desire, m Inch I woud lose no time in sending- to you,
tiio I cant at ])resent enlarge further on that article and shall
only now recommend to you and my other freinds to use yovu' ut-
most endeavours to preserve imion in that Society.
"It wood be a great mortilicalion to me if the good of my
service, wljicli I am sensible you preferr to evry tiling else, shoud
hinder your making the journey which Cameron tells me your
health requires; but in the present uncertainty attairs are in, I
cannot but wish thai you woud putt off the thought of it at least
for this season, being persuaded tliat my service wont sutler a litle
at any time by your absence, but much more were matters to
take such a turn as to encourage my making ane attempt for my
restoration, which in the situation the affairs of Europe are in, I
nor my freinds cannot be too well prepared for il. You may as-
sure niy freinds that my cheif aim is so to cultivate the (reindship
of forreigne princes as to enab e me soon to make you a visite,
w hich nothing can encourage so much as a strict union auiongst
Ihem.
" I shall finish this long letter by telling you my 2 sons enjoy
very good health ; the Prince of Wales answers even my best
wishes, and Prince Heiu'y promises as nmch as a child of his age
can do. My own health was never better and I hope this shall
find yours perfectly confirmed. My constant kindness doth still
attend you."
Letter from Lord Inverness.
" May 1st 1726.
"Sir, — I belive 1 need not trouble you with a long letter in
answer to yours of the 18 December which I received by Mr.
Cameron : you will be sufficiently tyred before you have finished
reading the enclosed from the King.
288 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
" Wee are at so great a distance from you that falsehoods and
slorys sent to Scotland may subsist a long while before their can
be opportunitys of contradicting them, and as such things abound
as I find they have done with you for some time past, freinds ought
not to be too readie in giving ear to them. What vexes some people
is that they are intirely in the dark as to the Kings affairs, and
yet it woud appear they are using ther endeavours to perswade
others that imprudencies are committed in point of secresie. A
freind of mine writes to me from Spain that it had been trans-
mitted thither from Paris that our Doctors had refused to give my
wife the sacrament, which is absolutely false : I suppose this is
designd for the confirmation of another falsity industriouslie re-
ported as to jealousie, which the Queen herself has contradicted.
I mention only this particular as one of many sent to Scotland
of which I may not be informed, and the authors of these things
shall be dissappointed if by them they expect to irritate me to say
or do what can in the least degree be construed disrespectful! to
the Queen, which they woud not faill to make good use of. 1
know my duty too well to give room for such handles, and I am
hopefuU the Queen, by discovering how tender the King and
those he employs have been in every thing that coud touch her
charactar, shall find that they are not her faithfuUest servants
whose advice she follows at present. On the whole youl find that
the separation twixt the King and her has been occasiond by a
desire of having the entire management of his aflfairs, which not
being to come at by any other way was at last attempted to be
brought about by the Queens means. If the Kings interest had
any share in any such veiws, I wish so dangerous ane expe-
riment had not been made to bring it about. I shall send by
the Kings directions a bill for 50/. of this date payable to Mr.
Thomas Sardi, which he designs for Thomas S'clare: it shall
be under cover to you and addressd to John Corsar and sent
to William Dundass with orders to forward it by the post, and Inie
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 289
liopcfuU voul Iiave received the bill before lliis conies to your
Itaiids.
" I shall say nolhing- to you in answer to the article of your
letter upon Bishop Irvines death, since 1 iind in one of a posterior
date to the King- you ]jroniise to write more fully your opinion
and that of the trustees with relation to a successor to the Bishop
of Edinbvngh Avhose state of liealth does not promise long- life:
In the mean lime what the King- sends will 1 hope prevent any
dissorders hapning till he can determine himself in that important
choise.
" Be so kind as to present mv humble service to Lord Kincar-
dine and Captain Frazer, and belive me with the greatest freind-
ship Yours."
Letter from the King addressd to the Colledge of Bishops of the
Church of Scotland.
" May 1, 172C.
" The many instances I have had of your loyaltie, zeall and
submission to me cannot faill to make me with reason very soli-
citous to provide as nmch as in me lyes for your welfare and ad-
vantage; and wheras being- informed that the Bishop of Edin-
burgh is become so infirm that it is not expected that he can live
long, at least that it is probable he may be obliged to retire to
the countrie for his health, and being desirous, either in the case
of the death of that worthy prelate or his going to the countrie,
to provide for the welfare and advantage of the Church of Scot-
land, I have found it necessary by this letter to desire and direct
that Bishop Cant, and failing of him by decease or his being ren-
dered incapable by infirmitys, that Bishop Duncan shoud in the
events above mentioned for the interim reside at Edinburgh and
preside amongst you and take care of the affairs of the Church in
my capitall of Scotland and diocess thcrof, untill 1 be able to
determine myself in the choise of a person duelie qualifyed and
agreeable to my people, to be setled in a post of such consequence
VOL. II. 2 p
290 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
Avith respect to Ihe interest of both Church and State. I doubt
not of your receiving this with becoming sentiments towards me
and as a mark of the particular regard I have for your Body and
fur the welfare of the Church of Scotland."
Letter to the King.
"July 7, 1726.
[Tiie first part of this letter and a large postscript relate only
to some mistake in the cypher which renderd the last letters
from him extremely diflicult to be explaind, and is not here in-
serted.] . " I have lille else to trouble you with at present.
Wade is come to Edinburgh to proceed towards the further ex-
ecution of the dissarming act, which will be of no further con-
sequence than what hapned last year. The Duke of Argyle is
also come, he's going in a day or 2 to the Highlands, but lies
to return hither in a few dayes and soon to go back to England.
He try to have ane hours chat with him and let you know if any
thing of importance passes in it.
" A lawsuit at the Earl of Aboyns instance against the Duke
of Gordon for a great many 1000/. was like to creat a feud in
that clan: some mutuall freinds having represented to me the
bad eiFocts such a division woud have, in regard it was concerted
that on the next occasion of appearing for you, that the Duke
shoud stay at home, and the Earl, as the nixt man of the family,
be at the head of the following, I used all the interest I had with
the Earl to have this aftiiir adjusted amicably; and others having
applyd at the same time to the Duke, they both came into the
proposall and have submitted to tiie Earl of Aberdeen and me,
and wee r determined to give it a finishing stroke if possible, and
therby I hope prevent all those inconveniencies that might hap-
pen from this difference if it subsisted.
" Marquis of Seaforths pardon is passing the sealls; this, wcer
told, is in consequence of what was stipulated last year when his
people made their surrendry, such as it was.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 291
" Your trustees have recommended to the CoUedp;c of Bishops
to consecrate Mr. Ross, now that Irvines dead, but theyl appoint
liim no district till they acquaint you: tliey liave some thoughts
of consecrating- Mr. Ochterlonv hkewaycs, and of applying to
have your hbertie of setting him over the shires of Ross and Mur-
ray wher tlie party encreases, and a Bisliop is much wanted.
" I have spun out the length of a letter tho what it contains is
of lille moment. As soon as I can execute your severall orders
containd in your last letters, I shall give you a full account of my
diligence, which I reckon will be in a few dayes, and at ])resei.t
will trouble you no further, but to assure you that I will ever re-
main Yours."
Letter to the King.
"July 23(1, 1726.
" Sir, — In my last of tlie 7 th instant I intimated that I expected
in a few dayes to be able to write fully in answer to yours of the
first of May that was then come to my hands, which Ime now to
perform having since that time seen conversed and received in-
structions from a good number of your trustees.
" And to begin with that which is of the gTeatest moment, I
mean what you very justly term the unlucky affair in your family,
your trustees cannot pretend to add to what they alreadie have
represented to you on that article ; but they direct me to renew
their most earnest intreatics, that as you have any value for your
personall your familys and your peoples prosperity, you woud do
what is possible to have that affair accommodated: for tho theyr
glad to hear from so good authority as yourself (without which
theyd scarce have credited it) that it is not likely to produce any
bad effects on your aflairs abroad, lis with the greatest concern
that they see the quite contrary at home and therfore are obliged,
by the duty they owe you in the faithfuU discharge of the trust
you repose in them, in plain words to tell you that, so far as their
observations and intelligence reaches, they apprehend it is the
2p2
292 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
severest stroke your affairs have got these many years and will
be such ane impediment to tiiem, that theyve much reason to
think no circumstance of time, no situation of the affairs of Eu-
rope can make amends, which thoug-ht affects them the more
that they perceive you have expectations that something* will
soon cast up in your favours, and tis a very mortifying reflection
that such ane opportunity shoud be frustrated by so unlucky a
malheiu". They do not presume to prescribe wliat methods you
are to take for obtaining the desired issue, but they humblie con-
ceive that you in your great wisdom may fall on some way or
other that may prove successfuU, and they beg leave, with the
greatest respect and submission, to represent that they belive this
point to be of such consequence to you, that in good policy and
prudence you shoud rather pass by some failings in and make
some condescentions to the Queen, than not repair a breach that
in all appearance will prove fatall. They have scriouslie con-
sidered how to put such a face upon it as may be most for your
service, and which yovi seem to point out by some particulars in
vour letters of late, but cannot find any expedient so probable as
not to revive and bring the matter upon the carpet ; for your
people here of all kinds have got such ane impression of the
Queens great merit and are so prepossessd with the reports of
her being ill used by some about you, that tis in vain to attempt
disposessing them of that notion, especially considering that your
trustees dare not venture to produce and appeall to yoiu' autho-
rity for a voucher of what they affirm; and therfore they unan-
mouslie resolved to keep as nuich as possible on the reserve, and
rather endeavour to bury the matter in oblivion, than by reviving
it open a way for your enimys to carry on their game with more
success against you. This is the sum of what I am instructed by
a set of noblemen and gentlemen, who have nothing belbre their
eyes but your honour and welfare and t!ie duty they owe to you
and your family, to lay before you, and it only remains that I, iu
UKGISTER OF LETTEUS. 293
their names, obtest you once more to weigh the dismall effecls of
this fatall l)reacli, and take such resolutions as the safety interest
and \\ellare of your family and faitlifuli people call for; and that
God Almighty may direct you in this, perhaps, the most criticall
step of u)ur life, is the serious prayer of all your dutifuU disin-
terested subjects.
" It was with concern that I read that part of your letter wherin
you intimate that you take the Duke of Mar to have detatchd
himself from your interest: I am far from pretending to justifye
or even excuse several 1 parts of that noble Lords conduct, but
the truth out is, I had the charity to belive they proceeded from
wrong notions of things and some imprudent selfish veiws, and
that at the bottom he still remaind dutifully inclined to you, and
I was pleased with this imagination, because it must be ownd
that in many respects he was capable if at the same time willing
to serve you, and I had some reason to hope he was thus inclined,
in regard I had seen some and heard of other letters from him to
his freinds here, wherin he professd the greatest loyailie, and re-
commended subnnssion to you in all jioints, and that I observed
these his freinds did on all occasions regulate ther conduct ac-
cordingly; but it woud appear you have made some new disco-
verys, in that you mention liiin in a manner more possitive than
formerlie. For my part I have no attachment to him, 1 never had
any dependance on him, nor did I ever receive more than com-
mon civilitys from him; nevertheless I shond be sory if he, who
once made such a figure in your service, shoud fall off', as it woud
bring some kind of discredite to the good cause, being hopefull
that a conviction of the steps he had made to deserve the loss of
your favour might in time push him on to regain it by a more
vigorous application, in tloing something to render him worthy
of it.
" Here it comes in my mind to acquaint you that in a conver-
sation lately with Mr. Carnagy of Boisack, he expressd a prodi-
994 REGISTER OF LETTEnSi.
gious concern at being- informd (by whom I know not) llial he
was represented at Rome as one that attached liimself to Mar
in opposition to your present measures, and he protested to me
that it was the greatest injury that coud be done him, and bcg-d
I woud represent it so to you. What obligations Mar conferrd
on him on t'other side of the water I know not, but sure I am
he owed him none in dayes of yore, and I must do him the jus-
tice to say that since he came home, when I spoke to him of your
affairs, as one that I knew was very capable to give a good advice,
I ever found him act such a part as to me seemd right, and I can-
not but think any freindship he may have for Mar is subservient
to the duty and regard he has for you. I the more readily un-
dertook what he desired of me, in that I think it is for your ser-
vice to remove evry thing that tends towards raising doubts and
jealousies of those whor well affected to you and your interest.
" I wisji the project for a more regular correspondence which
you so much approve of was once well established: Cameron told
me he had spoke of it to several of his freinds, and I think he
added that I woud soon hear from some of them about it, but
that has not yet hapned, and so the affair stands. William Dun-
dass is now at Edinburgh; and I shall consider with him how far,
what you propose of sending the letters, which come to his hands
from you, to Scotland by way of London, is practicable, and ad-
vise you of what wee conclude upon.
" Earl of Wigtoim and Kincardine and I deliverd your com-
mission seperately to Earl of Strathmore and Messieui's Hay and
Grahame. They all 3 received it as a mark of the greatest ho-
nour coud be conferrd upon them, and desired me to assure you
Ihat they most chearfully embraced this as they will do every occa-
sion of doing you all the services in their power; and the truth
on't is, each of them is very capable in their several stations, and
they did lu-arlily join in tlie representation containd in the first
part of this letter.
HEGISTER OF LETTEnS. "295
" Wlial Cameron mentioned to you as the parlicular of my let-
ter of July 13, whcrof ane account was sent here, was very riglit,
and indeed its so very distinct and jumped so very well with the
time that 1 had your return to that letter, that I coud i)ut no other
construction upon it but that it had been brought into conversa-
tion at Rome, especially when it was positively atlirmed that it
came from thence, and that no mortall liei"c, but Kincardine and
Wigtonn(who swear they never mentioned it to any soul living)
knew of my having writ to you of either the mony or Eglinton.
" I have now gone thorow most of the heads of yours to me,
and ha\ing nothing thats new and of any consequence to impart
to you lurder at this time, it only remains that I express the great
sense I have of the favourable construction you'r pleased to put
on my poor endeavours to serve you, and I shoud be too much
elevated did I not know it was more owing to your goodness
than any suitable merit of mine; however as obedience is better
than sacrifice, such as they are, they'r inlirely at your devotion;
and since you are pleased to command my continuing in the
tract of business I have for some years follovvd, I shall not decline
it, and if my conduct Iherin be judged according to the sincerity
of my intentions, I shall not, I perswade myself, incurr your dis-
pleasure: The desire I had of going abroad was not so nuich on
account of my health (which I thaidi God has been and is in a
perfect good state) but to be free of the vexations that arose daylie
to me from the deplorable state of my countrie and no prospect
of any releife, and as it never was my intention to be absent if I
coud in the least be uscfuU to you or my country (which I may
reckon one and the same thing vmdcr different appellations) it is,
with more than ordinary pleasure that in obedience to your com-
mands I lay n)y journey aside, at least for this season, in hopes,
you HiUy have somewhat in veiw that will afford your freinds
ane opportunity to shew their zealous attachment to yoiu* interest
and person.
296
nEGISTEJtl OF LETTERS.
" The account you g-ive of your own, the Prince of Wales,
and Duke of Albanys liealth is most agreeable to all your faith-
full subjects, but who at the same time will never think them-
selves secure and be salisfyed in this article, untill it please God
to bless you with a more numerous extensive offspring, and that
every obstacle towards it be removed: This is what your freinds
in the present juncture long of all things to hear, as it woud be
matter of great joy to them, and mortification to your enimyes;
and that God may bring it happily and speedily to pass is the
earnest petition of all Avho have a due regard for your interest,
and amongst that number, of Yours."
Letter to Lord Liverness.
" July 24, 1726.
" Sir, — No task perhaps ever puzled me so much as how to
make a proper return to yours of the 1st of May, which I re-
ceived some few dayes ago; and were it not that 1 conceive the
jiublick as well as yoiu" private interest calls upon me to say
something to you, I woud remain altogather silent. What you
affirm w ith respect to your conduct and behaviour towards the
Queen is no more than what one woud expect from a man of ho-
nour and prudence, and the truth ont is, I cannot entertain in my
breast any other notion of it, especially when tis impossible to
imagine the King woud protect you or write so much in your
justification, were it otherwise: but at the same time you lye un-
der the very great misfortune, of the far greater part of this and
the neighbouring kingdom giving intire credite to what in this
particular your enimys charge you with. I took the libertie to
mention this to you in a former letter bearing date 12 March,
and Iniasory to lell you that the spit continues against you,
notwithstanding all the endeavours of the Kini>s trustees to
sup])ress such reports, and that therby the Kings interest in this
island receives a very considerable shocke. That the repairing
the fatall breach in the Kings family is a matter of the last con-
REGISTER OP LETTKIXS. 297
sequence to him and his affairs, is a truth not to be contested, and
he lliat can propose a method to accomphsh it in a prudent ho-
nourable way will merit the greatest of rewards. As to your
part thcrin, tis no easie matter to give you councell : But I hum-
blie conceive you shoud leave no stone unturned to be restored
to the Queens favour, in case the pretended disobligations she
has received from you be, as tis said and bclived here, assignd by
her (on good or bad grounds tis all one) as the reason of the se-
paration. I am very sensible that an harder task cannot be laid
on a man of honour than making submission when hes conscious
of his innocence; but the high dignity of the party on 'tother
side of the question and the vast importance of the affair, will
adn)itl of some exceptions from generall rules in the like cases: To
enter further into particulars I cant pretend : your conduct must be
regulated by your own prudence and discretion ; but as your freind
and welwisher I tell you that what I suggest is absolutely neces-
sary for your own as well as the Kings service, and the sooner tis
done twill be the more usefuU to these interests, and the greater
disap]x>intment to the common enemy. Tho you have been most
I'inluckie in that the representations against you have gaind so
much credite, tis still in your power to regain the good opinion
of this country by a hearty application and endeavour to set mat-
ters ri^ht; and that you may sitt about it speedily and with suc-
cess is the best advice can be given you and the best wish to at-
tend you. 1 have by the direction of a good number of the Kings
trustees writ to him once more on this subject, and I have also
their orders to signifye to you what I have here represented,
and they hope youl hearken to their advice, tliat therby their
esteem of you may be raised and they have it more in their power
to do you justice.
" Strowan Robertson came lately to Edinburgh wher he keept
in cog and went home a few dayes ago ; and I hear Sir Hugh
VOL. II. 2 Q
2i)S REGISTER or LETTERS.
Palerson is like^^ ise come ; 1 uiulerstaiul Ihey have both got as-
surances of nol being- troubled, but whillier theyr lo apply for a
pardon I cant tell.
" I have nothing more to trouble you with at present, but to
desire you to do me the justice to belive that what part 1 act is
with a disinterested vei w to the Kings interest and at the same time
a particular regard to yourself, as I am very sincerely Yours."
Letter to the Xing'.
" July 29, 1726.
« Sir, — Since my last of the 23d instant the Duke of Hamilton
came home, and having immediatly calld for me, I went to toun
to wait on him and was overjoyd to hear from him that before he
left London it was belived that the breach in your family woud
soon be made up : I wish to God the news may hold, for the ac-
count he gives of peoples sentiments therofin England is a con-
firmation of what has been represented to you from hence. I
did communicate to him the contents of your last to me, as he
did of yours to himself, and I used all the arguments I coud think
of to engage him to make all the severall necessary preparations
for rendering him capable to answer the trust yovi repose in him
and execute what you may in time commilt to him, and he gave
me all the assurances I coud desire, of which he shall not be suf-
fered to pass unminded. At a meeting of severall of your trus-
tees he was acquainted of what had past during his absence, and
he gave a full account of the state of aflairs in England, and
amongst others that your late promotions to the knighthood of
St. Andrew was made ane handle of to your disservice, being ad-
duced as ane argument to prove your designing to overturn all
grants, honours &c. conferrd upon private persons since the Re-
volution: for as that order is Hlld up and compleat by those here
who are inslalld, those advanced by you must supplant the others.
It seems very essentiall for your service, that such as have raised
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 299
themselves since the Revolution, shoud from a veiw of securing
their acquisitious be encouraged to contribute to your restoration,
and therfore every thing that may have contrary effects is to be
avoided: This consideration your trustees desired me to lay be-
fore you with all submission.
" In the establishing a corrispondence with the Highlandei-s,
great care must be taken to avoid giving ground of ottence and
jealousic, by showing too much favour to or trust in any one of
these indei)cndent powers, and therfore wee think some person that
does not belong to any of the clans woud be fittest to carry on the
intelligence twixt them and your trustees at Edinburgh. Mr.
Murray of Stanhope has (the cause wherof Allan Cameron can
inform you) his residence in the Highlands: the affair he's intent
upon (and which I hear lately is likely to answer prodigiouslie)
leads him to traverse and trudge thorow the whole countrie with-
out suspicion. He's a person of great worth and honour and
eminently zealous for your service: These severall considerations
incline some of your trustees to think him a proper person to be
employd in that matter, and if you'r pleased to approve therof, it
will be necessary that you write a letter desiring him to under-
take and perform that service to you, because you think him, in
his present situation, the most pi'oper person to be employd in it;
and another letter- directed to the cheiftans of the clans, shewing
Jiow necessary the establishing of such a corrispondence is for
your and their service, and that you have pitched on Murray as
being a person that can carry it on with less suspicion and more
safety than any of themselves: and that they may know the oc-
casion and nature of the corrispondence, twill befit you let them
know that thers a certain number of persons, that (because of
the conveniencie of the place) meet at Edinburgh, whom you
have appointed to look after your affaii's, with whom you di-
rectlie corrispond and to whom you send your orders, wherby
they are capable and entituled to give advice and directions to
2q3
300 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
your frei litis for preserving unity in affections and measures, on
which the success of your projects depends.
" Mr. Walkinshaw of Barrowfcild tells me his brother in law
Sir Hug-h Paterson has no thoughts of obtaining a pardon and is
soon to leave this country. Mr. Stuart of Invernity came lately
from France, but hes obliged to keep very close, having no assu-
rance of safety, except some sort of a verball promise which the
Duke of Gordon says he got last winter from Walpole, on Avhich
Stuart ventured to come over, but hes likely to meet with great
opposition from the 2 brothers his cusens that are betwixt him
and Gairntillys estate till he's pardond, whor supported by the
Argyle faction out of favour to their frcind Lord Royston, who
capitulated last year to vote for hanging the Glasgow rioters, on
condition Invernity was not pardond. In a councill held not
long ago, the granting pardons to Seaforth and Invernity was
proposed, the first wherof was violently opposed by Argyle and
the other by Hay, wherupon Wade was calld in to give his opi-
nion; he told them he had nothing to say as to Invernity, for he
had not applyd to him, but the freinds of the other had and came
in to the surrendry on the faith of his having, according to the
powrs then vested in him, promisd a pardon to that Lord, and if
it was not performd, he begd leave to give up his commission,
for alter that he coud serve no longer. He added that hejudgd it
for the service of the Goverment to restore that Lord ; for the
strength and interest of the Highlands were in the hands of 4
great men, Argyle, Athole, Gordon and Seaforth, and that they
were equally to be supported, because the suppressing one or
more and not all, raisd the power of those that remaind so higii
that they might be dangerous to the Goverment. What Wade
said had such weight that Seaforths pardon was ordered, and as
tis plain he levelld cheiflie at Argyle, Ime not a litle j)lcasd they
think it necessary to cmtaill liis powr, which is tlie only way to
make him hearken to proposalls of another nature; and Kincar-
REGIStER OF LEtTERIH. 301
dine and I design to get a menioriall put into Walpoles hands,
setting- forth some discoverys wee have mad of Argyles secret
designs for enlarging his power in the Highlands, and if wee can
by this means cast a bar in his way, twill put him mad.
" I liavc troubled you too much at once, so will only add that
I am with the utmost regard Yours."
Letter to the King'.
" August 8, 1726.
« Sir, — Mr. Strahan tells me the ship with my last will not saill
from Leith for 2 or 3 dayes after this, and therfore I judgd it pro-
per by giving yon this further trouble to inform you of what past
in a conversation I had 2 days ago with Mr. Murray of Stanhope.
Being informd he was just come to toun from the Highlands, I
went a-purpose to have a private chat with him. I began to ask
him a great many questions about the tempers and sentiments of
particular persons in the Highlands and of the Highlanders in
generall, their intentions as to your service when a proper occa-
sion offerd, and of the best methods for keeping them in a good
disposition and putting them on right wayes. Whilst I was thus
paving the way to make a closer proposition to him, he inter-
rupted me by asking, with some sort of emotion, If I was drawing
him in ? I answered I did not well understand the import of these
words, but if they meant, to engage him to serve you and the
cause of his countrie, he had been drawn of rather gone volun-
tarily in sooner and further than I had done, and that I was per-
swaded he had acted upon principles of duty and honour and
woud alwayes continue so ; to which he replyd " My dear Lock-
hart, you do me justice in beliving the litle I coud ever do was
from such motives, but Ime now a new man; I like the King and
my country as well as ever I did, and I will draw my sword when
ever thers to be a general effort tor restoring the King and king-
dom of Scotland, but in the interim my head and jieart are set
on improving the Highland estate I have acquired and bringing
302 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
the mines lo perfection (which Avill be a service lo my country)
and I will think upon and undertake no other busiuess of any
kind : besides when I got my life after the last affair, I enterd
into engagements tliat will not allow me to be active in con-
triving or carrying on measures against the Goverment, tho
when thers a push to be made, as I said before. Fie venture all
with the first." From his way of behaving; I can easily see he
cannot be entrusted in the particular proposed in my last, and
wher to find another I cant tell. I offer to your consideration
liow far the main design may be accomplishd after the following
manner: That you write a letter addressd to the cheiftans of the
clans, much in the terms of the proposall in my last, shewing the
benefite of their corrisponding with your trustees at Edinburgh,
and desiring them to cultivate it and have a due regard to the
advices and directions they may jointly and seperately receive
from your trustees. Had your tnistees such a letter, many wayes
may be got of communicating its contents to the proper persons,
and in a lille time and by degrees, many particulars relating to
llie corrispondence and reaping profite from thence may be ad-
justed and improvd to very good advantage.
" Our news papers relate 2 peices of news which are very con-
tradictory, viz, that the Prince of Wales is become a Protestant,
and the Duke of Wharton a Papist : The first every body laughs
at; as to the other, your enimys say it is, and your freinds fear it
njay be, true, and if so Pie venture to say he has done you more
disservice than ever it was or will be in his powr to repair. I
shoud be glad he were trucly become a Christian of any Church,
but if, as most people belive, thers nothing of religion in it, nay
supposing it were otherwise, yet he has timed it very ill, for such
steps in any about you or declaring for you, under the present
situation of affairs, does you and your cause no small prejudice.
" Wades still in Edinbiugh and does all he can to gain ane
interest with the Jacobites : A freind of his and mine (a very
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 303
lionest English oeullenian in the army) told nic tother day tlie
g-enerall wondered I never cauie to see him, and that tho he knew
my charactar well enufV no body woud be welcomer. I replyd
that as he never came to see me when I was in use to be at Lon-
don, I wovid not wait upon him at Edinburgh ; that I had no
favours to ask or receive, and I woud endeavour to preserve that
charactar for whicli it secmd the gcnerall did not lliink the worse
of me, and when wee occasionally met, which had not yet hapned,
our civilitys woud be reciprocall. Some of my freinds blame
the part I acted, but I can well enufF forsee some inconveniencies
that might happen if I did not keep myself abstract from those
kind of people, and Ime sure no benifite can accress from any
dealings I coud have with them. Tis plain his design is to draw
your freinds off from you, by lulling them asleep with his civilitys
and expectations of more than common protection from him, and
for that reason the alurement shoud be avoided by all who are
not in circumstances that requires fawning upon him.
" I have only to add that I am with great truth and respect
Yours."
Letter* from Lord Inverness.
« 20 July 1726.
" Sir, — As the first part of your letter of the 12 of March (which
I received with one of the 3d of Aprile) relates to a dissagreeable
affair, upon which I have said allreadie what I thought prudent or
becoming me to write, I shall be pritty short in my answer to it,
and begin with my thanking you for the freedom with which
you write to me on that subject, and particularly in as far as re-
lates to myself personally. The principles that induce you to it
cannot but be approved by evry faithfull servant of the Kings,
tho at the same time I flatter myself that your freindship for me
has had some share in it. I wont contradict the Queen, by saying-
* Received 31 August 1726.
304 REGISTER OF LETTF.RS.
that my behaviour towards lier, which upon reflection I cant
think ever was olhcrways than it ought lo have been, was not
llie occasion of her retreat into the convent or her stay ther<3
since : whatever the notions may have been which she may l)ave
been inspired with relating- to me and many others, and what-
ever the veivvs of those may have been who ingaged the Queen
to insist upon my removall from about the King, what can be
said against me can be of no deep dye, since it is evident my
crime woud iunncdially cease upon my removall from the Kings
service, tho that woud nowayes remove tlie uneasincses in the
royall family. But I may safely say that nothing tl)at has been
pretended against me, by those who think fit to declare them-
selves my greatest enimys, appears worthy even of the Queens
notice. This very circumstance serves in one great respect for
^ vindication to me ; and the past conduct of those who are iiovy
supporting the Queen in her separation from the King, added to
her giving nothing but the tritflingest reasons why she desired of
the King my removall from his service, shews pritty plainly that
the desire of my removall does not proceed from any crime that
I have connnitted, but perhaps because I have contributed to un-
ridje those pf others and might be of use in preventing the like
for the future, of which I am perswaded the Queen herself is not
aware. But however easie I am in my own innocence, it cant
but be very much ray inclination to be removed from the Kings
service and from having my name mentioned in this disagreeable
affair, which I do wish for the more that I woud want no vindi-
cation of my })ast conduct, which is commonly the case of those
from whom a prince retires his confidence, because that step i$
seldon:» taken without suspicion arising from it dissadvanlagious
to the charactar of him who is dismissed : and I hope bolli the
KiiJgs frcinds and those who have any regard for me will do nje
the justice to bclive, that I am uncapable of putting any veiws
of mine in competition with the peace of the royall family, or of
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 305
bolivino; that any services I am capable of doing the King are to
be put in the ballance with it. 1 think however that at the same,
time that I inform you of my sincere opinion with relation to
myself, I ouo-ht not to onmiitt mentioning, that in the light 1 amb
others see and have seen that affair, either my removall on* the
Queens being satisfyed in her demands woud be far from having;
the eflect ])roposed by it, nay on the contrary woud lay the foun-
dation for ane eternall division, which is evident to judicious
pooj)le here, if the articles hidden under the demands made were
not likewayes complyd with, which if they were must creat utter
deslrviclion to all the Kings concerns without exception, and
luake the memory of those who are the authors of them cursed
for ever, to the bringing about of whose designs the Queen is a
most innocent instrument. This being a subject of so nice a na-
ture I shall not mix any thing else with it, but referr you to.
another letter of the same date as to what relates to other mat-
ters. I am &c."
Letter from Lord Inverness.
" July 20, 1726.
" Sir, — I iiad the honour to lay before the King what you men-
tion in your letter of the 13 of March, which lights he will make
the best use of when ther is occasion for it, which I pray God
may be soon. The favourable aspect his interest had and which
is no wayes diminished by the late changes in the Goverment
of France and Spain, made him desirous to be fvu'nishd with the
advices that his freinds coud give him, that he might not be to
seek and be undetermined when the time of executing comes.
This leads me to tell you that ther appears no liklihood that Ri-
perdas fall will in any degree lessen the strict freindship betwixt
the Courts of Madrid and Vienna, whatever effect Bourbons re-
movall from the Ministry of France may in time produce towards
reconciling that Court and Spain ; wee have at present no reason
VOL. II. • 2 R
306 UEGISTER OF I-ETTERS.
to apprehend tliat the Emperor will forg-ive Hanover tbepersonall
hatred the first lias contracted against the last, as well as the Em-
peror- private interest wont allow of it. France is no wayes iiv
a condition to make war, and it is belived the present Ministry
theie wont be Ibnd of supporting, (i la rigure, the treaties lately
made with the English Goverment. Engagements likewayes
lately enterd into in the north seem to run contrary to Hannovers
interest and veiws, and tho he shoud agree to make a sacrafice
of Denmark, yet that will not satisfye the Emperor nor hinder
the Czarina from fulfilling her engagements to him, after he has
fulfiUd his by satisfying the Czarina as to the D. of Holstein.
Many other favourable reflections may be made ; but after what
I have said, youl easily perceive the fine prospect the King must
Imve from these circumstances, when it appears that the interest
of the cheif Powers in this part of Europe ought to engage them
to restore the King, I mean the Emperor, France and Spain, who
liave every one of them a seperate interest in contributing to di-
vide the power of England from any other forreign state and par-
ticularly from ane election in the empire ; and whilst the setling-
affairs in the north cannot bring any hinderance to it, you may
easily belive that the King is not idle nor wanting in his endea-
vours to improve this favourable conjuncture.
" Seaforth, as the King is informed, has accepted and actually
received his pardon, upon what terms I cannot tell. He is said
to be resolved to go soon home, and the King desires you to in-
form him as to Seaforths behaviour after he comes home, by
which the King can best judge what his future conduct may be.
" Cameron is no wayes to be suspected in any dealings with
Mar ; he knows him too well for that, and his honestie is entirely
to be depended on. Mars corrispondence in Scotland must be
brought very low, if, to support his credit wher he lives, he does,
not conceal who his corrispondents are. I hope what I have for-
nECISTER OF LETTERS. SOT
iiicrlie writ to yo\i as to the secresie of what you write liere will
have satisfycd you ; but it will not be amiss for you to reflect, to
whom you communicated these particulars which you suspect
were puljlislul here and whither thev or those they communi-
cated them to might not have writ of them to Mar ; it looks like
it, for he woud be glad to publish things of that kind, to be able
to throw the blame on another, and you may depend on the se-
cret of what you write hither without commnnicating it to any
wher you are. Captain Frazers being thought to corrispond with
Mar or to be in intimacy with those that do, was a reason that
a stop was put to the cypher that was to be sent him, which I
w ish he woud clear up by writing hither directly himself and
mentioning the thing as it is and his resolutions for the future ;
for tho the King has a very good opinion of Frazer, yet he will
not have a confidence in any one he suspects to have a confi-
dence in Mar, and this founded on a beleife he knows him bet-
ter than any other.
" The charactar that the King has of the Earl of Dundonald
makes him hear with pleasure every thing that may be for his
advantage.
" Any letters sent to Mr. Robert Gordon of Bourdeaux, ad-
dressd to Mr. William Williamson, will be sent to me as \vell
as those sent to Mr. Alexander Andrews merchant in Roterdam
Avitli the same address ; so I leave it to you to chuse whom youl
employ for delivering your letters to the masters of the ships that
carry them, and till you advise me otherwayes I shall send my
letters as I do these, to Strachan at Leith, who I find is well ac-
quainted with all those who corrispond this way, tho if he does
not know your last address he shall remain ignorant for me, I
mean for whom letters addressd as this shall be are designd,
that so according to the season of the year wee may profite of
ships coming or going from either place. I am Yours."
2r3
308 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
Letter* from tlic King-.
" 20 July, I72ff.
" Your letters of the 12 of March and 3d of Aprile came at
the same time, to which I have htle answer to make, the last
being- only in answer to mine, and the first relating- to ane atfair
which has takn such a turn that I see no appearance of ane ends
being- put to it. If such a letter as you mention you and some of
my other freinds were thinking- to write to the Queen comes to
my hands, I shall, according- to the circumstance of that affair,
deliver it or not ; but I am sory to tell you, that reallie I fear it
w ill not prevaill with her, as long as she is in the hands of those
now about her and who are working her utter ruin; and hitherto
the more pains has been taken to soften and enlighten her, the
more she seems to be confirmed in her obstinacy, so that all I caa
do at present is to leave that affair to Providence, and pray that
God may soon open her eyes and bring her back to her duty. I
take very kindly all that you say on that dissagreeable subject :
the reflections you make and many others have thorow my whole
conduct in that affair been present to me : my inclinations even led
me to humour the Queen as much as possible, but I can never think
of sacrificing my reputation and abandoning my affairs, the edu-
cation of my childeren, and evry thing- that is dear to me, to the
Queens caprice, which is clearlie the true state of the question ;
and I think 1 cannot do better service to my subjects, and even
to the Queen herself, than by resisting- the attempts that have
been made upon me in that respect; at the same time you may
assure my freinds with you that my conduct in that affair shall
be what will tend most to the good of my subjects, and I have
reason to belive that what in a great measure now prevents her
return, is her being supported in her demands by some people at
* Received 31 August 1726.
nEGlSTER OF LETTEUS. 309
Paris, with a veiw of forcing- lliemselves by iier means into tlic
niauag-eniont of my aiiairs.
" Mar's conduct is now so publick, that those who were be-
fore his freinds, cant, 1 shoiid liiinlv, but have lost the good opi-
nion they had of him ; thcrl'ore I vvoud have you to assure such
of them, wiicr you Itiiuk it sale, that my good opinion of them
wont be lessened on liis account provided they forsake him, and
that as soon as I am convinced tliat they have no more conlidencc
in him, that mine in them shall be the same as formerlie. 1 think
I owe it to my failhfull subjects to use my endeavours that they
may'nt be carryed away by misrepresentations and mistakes: I
liave too gOod ane opinion of Lord Dun to think he I be of tliat
nmnber, and therfore I woud have you speak to him as well as
Sir John Ereskine and otliers, who I need not name, on tiiis head.
I hear Mr. Carnagy of Boisaok is a publick agent for Mar; as
the last has contrived it, who agent for him are against me, which
I suppose the tirst is not aware of. The greatest service that can
be done the cause is by uniting as much as possible those who
wish well to it, and as Inie perswaded tliis will be your constant
care, you may be assured that my kindness and acknowledge-
ments for your services shall never faill you.
" I refer you to Inverness, as to what relates to ray letters to
the Colledge of Bishops in Mr. Gillanes favours, which he'l write
to you in answer to your letters to him."
Letter from Lord Inverness.
" July 20, 172&.
" Sir, — You I find liere 2 letters from the King to the Colledge
of Bishops, which he thought necessary to be sent; The one, not
doubting but that Mr. Gillanes merit, whos charactar is so well
known, will add to the respect and veneration due to that as-
sembly, and the other, in consideration of the inconveniencies
that attend certain steps being takn as Church goverment with-
out the due authority, which the King thinks will be prevented
310 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
by the method therin directed. I have informed Lord Balmeri-
noch, and desired him to acquaint Lord Panmure, of said letters
which the King thinks necessary you shoud have communicated
to them and his other trustees for the belter preservation of union
in \vhat relates to Church affairs; divisions relating- to them
being generally attended with the worst consequences. The
King expects youl acquaint him with the Bishops having com-
plyd with his directions, and tliat as soon as they give their opi-
nion as to the different articles proposed by the King to them,
that you'l in forwarding it endeavour to send alongst with it the
advice or advices of his different trustees in as ample manner as
you can; which is all the King has directed me to say on the
subject. I am"
Letter from the King addressd to the Colledge of Bishops.
" July 20, 1726.
" The particular regard and care I have for the Colledge of
Bishops and Church of Scotland makes me very solicitous to con-
tribute in every thing I think may tend to your advantage and
prosperity, and I having a very good opinion of the loyaltie, piety,
capacity and other qualifications of Mr. Jolni Gillane, I do de-
sire and authorise you to consecrate him one of your number,
and him to take his place as such amongst you accordingly. My
present situation and my just regard for your safety woud not
allow of my writing to you in another form, but it is my inten-
tion that you shoud look on what is herein containd as authentick
and as sufficient to justifye with me your proceedings in conse-
quence to it. I am very sensible of your constant loyaltie and
altacimient to me, and upon all occasions siiall be readie to show
the particular value and esteem I have for you."
A 2d letter addressd as the last.
"July 20, 1726.
" 1 have thought it proper for the j)reserving peace and unity
in the Church and cis a mark of my particular vigilance and care
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 31 I
in every thing that tends to>\ards it, to require and direct that
Mhen ther sliall be any vacancies in the Colledo-e of Bishops, or
•when you shall think proj)er that others be added to your num-
ber, you g-ive in to my trustees a list of such persons as you may
think every way qualifyed for discharging the office of a Bishop
in the Church, which my trustees are to send to me, Avith ther
opinion upon it, that therby I may be the belter enabled to give
tlie proper and necessary directions in that respect. And further
it is mv will and pleasure that no Bishop amongst you shall be
appointed to have the care and inspection of any particular di-
strict, without my praevious authority, and that when you think
ane appointment necessary, that you give your opinion in wri-
ting to my trustees to be transmitted to me as above. I expect
your readie complyance with these my directions, and desire that
every one of you in particular, as well as the whole body of the
Episcopall clergy may be assured of my constant endeavours
to contribute as much as in me lyes to your happiness and pro-
sperity."
Letter to the King.
" September 9, 1726.
" Sir, — Tis but a few dayes ago that a packet came to my
hands, containing severall letters from yourself and Lord Inver-
ness to my self and the CoUedge of Bishops, all bearing dale the
20 of July. I went immediatly to toun, wher I found very
few of your trustees, most people being during this season in the
countrie; yet 1 met with more than I expected, viz, Kincardine,
Balmerinoch, Mr. Graham and Mr. Hay; having calld them to-
gather I laid the severall letters before them, and after having
talked fully on the severall subjects, they directed me in the first
place to return their most dutifull acknowledgements of the gra-
cious reception youve been pleased to give to what they presu-
med to lay before you, in relation to the unhappy division in
your family, and of your extroardinary goodness in condescend-
k
312 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
ing to communicate to them the reasons and motives by wliich
yon liave directed your measures from first to last in that affair.
They have aue absolute confidence that your conduct will be
consistent witii -what prudence with respect to yonrsell'and your
people does call for, and theyl be amongst the last of your sub-
jects that will advise or wish you to take any steps, even in this
material article, derogatory to your charactar or contradictory to
the honour and interest of your royall family; and therfore they
have nothing more to say on this subject but to join issue witli
you in praying that God may dispose the Queen to hearken to
good advice and to take such resolutions as may tend to your
and her mutuall comfort and advantao-e.
" They were not a litle concerned at the severall paragraphs
in your and Inverneses letters in relation to Mar: They are very
much perswaded that noneof your trustees have corrisponded with
liim on publick business since the time that you intimated your
liaving withdrawn your confidence from him: Some of them per-
haps have corrisponded about private affairs and others to ex-
postulate with him on his having incurred your displeasure,
being curious, as his freinds and relations, to know what he had
to say for himself, and in such dealings with him they had no
notion of incurring your displeasure, especially seeing in most
of your dire^ctions with respect to him and your freinds behaviour
towards him and his partners, you secmd to wish as litle noise
as possible to be made of this affair, and in consequence therof
you shunnd entering into the particulars of what he was charged
with. However, the aforesaid gentlemen desired me to assvue
you that if so be you require and expect a totall forbearance of
corrisponding with him on any subject for the future, they will
exactly and readily obey your directions therin and huxe no
doubt but your other trustees will do the like.
" I know not if what I mentiond in a former letter concerning
Mr. Carnagy will clear him in your siglil: he's at present in
nEGISTER OP LETTERS. 313
Fife, but I have sent for him to come over the water to me, when
I shall communicate w'hat your information is concerning" his be-
haviour, and leave him to justifye himself.
" Give me leave now to acquaint you that I have falln like-
wayes into the error you complain of; I call it by that name,
because I am conscious I had no bad design, no more than others
that may have done the same, and I presume to mention the fact
at some length, because I hope it will at the same time clear the
charactar of a gentleman of whom I and evry body here have a
very particular esteem, who seems by a paragraph in Inverneses
letter to be under some suspicion. Some years ago, application
was made to Mar, then primier minister, by Captain Frazer,
in favours of one Mr. Frazer heir of line to the late Lord Frazer,
whose title did extinguish thorow the default of heirs male ; and
on Mars representing the case and merit of the family, you was
pleased to give orders for a new patents being expede in favours
of this gentleman. Fraser having left the country before this
was done, the patent remaind with Mar till last winter that Fra-
ser writ to him to send it over, which being done did produce a
letter of thanks, and that a return Iherto. These letters I saw,
and they containd nothing but generall compliments, except that
Mar regrated his having falln imder your displeasure, and de-
clared nevertheless liis firm adherence to your interest whenever
ane occasion offerd, according to which he desired his friends to
judge of him. This Ime pritty possitive is the utmost length of
Frazers dealings, and that he knows well enufFto distinguish be-
twixt the duty he ows you and any personall regard he may have
for any benefactor or interest on earth. Hes now at some distance
from hence, and indeed were he present, I woud be shy of com-
municating tlie contents of Inverneses letter, as I know it woud
deeplie affect the upright man. In the last of these letters which
he received. Mar desires him to make his compliments to his
fellow traveller (meaning my son) but sayes he will not charge
VOL. II. 2 s
314 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
him with the Uke commission to the father, least it be ill taken
off his (Frazers) hands, being- informed that I expressd myself
in the most ill natured terms concerning him and professd myself
his mortall personall enimy. As I did by no means desire to be
so represented to any man that had never done me any personall
injury, and that I did not think it for your service that I or any
you trust in your affairs shoud be in such terms with any person
that vv as, and for what was known here, might be yet employd in
your service, I did by the advice of some freinds write to him to
this effect : That I was much surprised at a part of a letter from
him to Frazer, wherin I was named ; that tho it was no new
thing for him and me to be on opposite sides, wee had alwayeg
lived in terms of civility and without personall grudges and bad
offices ; that his informer, whoever he was, knew litle of my
behaviour, for that whilst he was in your service I had stre-
nouslie stood up for him against those who even then attackd
him, and since you laid him aside, I had rather endeavoured to
suppress than projjale the occasion of it ; that I shoud be glad
he regaind your favour, by cither vindicating himself of what
occasiond the loss of it or doing such services as might make
amends for any wrong steps he had takn, on either of which
events he shoud find me as much as I ever was or any juan coud
be his faithfull freind. To this he gave me a return full of com-
pliments upon the value he put on my freindship, and wilhall
protesting in the most soUemn manner his constant adherence to
your interest, rcgrating much the unhappy discord in your fa-
mily, and recommending to your freinds to endeavour the bring-
ing about a happy adjustment thcrof, as the best service coud be
done you. Tis I think about 2 months or more since I got this
letter, to which I have made no reply nor will I till I have a per-
mission in your return to this, tho by the bye, if you can venture
on my integrity and address in keeping on this corrispondence,
I know not but I may therby sometime or other do you service
REOISTEU OF LETTEnS. 316
bv it: but thats a point I shall be intircly determined in by your
>vill and pieasuic. What I have said will I liope give you satis-
faction as to the conduct of your trustees and the particular per-
sons I have mentioned as to this article, in which if any offence
has been g'ivn, I am very possitive it proceeded from ignorance
of vour sentiments and intentions and no wilfuU desiirn of doinu*
anv thing dissagreeable to you.
'* Lord Dun and Sir Jolm Erskine are at a good distance ; and
as what you direct me to signifye to them is not a subject so pro-
per for a letter as a conference twill be 2 or 3 months before I
can execute it In mine to Inverness that goes alongst with this
I liave mentiond what further I have to say of your concerns
and I will not trouble you mth a repetition.
" Allow me only to add a soUenni assurance of my ever re-
maining to the utmost of my power Yours.
" P. S. Lord Erskine has been here some litle time, and be-
having with great ])rudcnce and discretion, he's nuicli respected
by the Jacobites : He's now at Alloa, and Lord Dun with him ;
and he made a visite to Balmerinoch, and I do not know that any
more of your trustees have seen him as yet, but they desire to
know your pleasure, if without giving offence they may pay him
common civilitys as others do or keep altogather abstractly from
him."
Letter to Lord Inverness.
" September 10, 1726,
" Sir, — The packet with severall letters bearing date 20 July
1 received on the 31 ult°. Severall of the particulars containd in
yours having a near connection to that from the King, my return
to him (which I suppose hel communicate to you) a\ ill serve for
ane answer to you in a great measure as to these points.
" The subject of the mihappy division seems to be wholly ex-
hausted, as well as your share in it, by what has been writ to
and fro upon them. Allow me only to add, that as their are in
o s '■^
Sltt REGISTER OF LETTERS.
this country m lio pretend to have corrispondence witli and in-
tellig'ence from the very best hands at Rome, and who affirm that
letters from Mar to the Queen have been intercepted, exciting- and
encouraging- her to stand out against the King, (^wherof coppys
are expected) If I say this fact is true, a better service cant be
done the King, than to send his trustees a full account tlierof, that
they may depend upon ; for then and therby theyd be sufficiently
enabled to contradict those who set up to vindicate the Queen
and credit Mars solemn protestations of his being nowayes ac-
cessory therto : This at once w oud knock him doun in the opi-
nion of all mankind, and leave him no crcdite whatsoever.
" When Mr. Frazer was so largely recommended, it was from
a conviction of his being a perfectly honest loyall subject fit for
the business he was proposed to manage, and I apprehend the
informers of the charge against him must have too narrow a
way of thinking, that reckon it a crime to be perhaps seen walk-
ing in the streets with people of all complections. A man of
fixed principle (such as I suppose his and many others may be
stiled after the testimonys they have given) may retain a per-
sonall regard for a freind, and nowayes concurr with him in
dissagreeable measures ; and the raising jealousies and suspicions
of people on matters of no moment and grounds not well founded,
is far from being a service to the King, and woud appear to arise
more from personall picques and veiws of those who observe and
report such triffles than a sincere weldigested design to advance
the service of the common cause. One of the good effects pro-
posed by the Kings naming a set of trustees was that such title-
tatlers woud be discouraged, and I am perswaded Lord Inverness
has too much good sense and experience of the world to allow
svich any credit with him.
" I thank you heartily for the caution you gave me, in your
letter to John Corsar, concerning my trusting those that by them-
selves or at least their corrispondcnts may entrap me, but on re-
REGISTEU OF LETTERS. 317
flection I cant guess whom you point at ; Ime none ol' these stingy
folks that are aftraid to speak above their breath but in a corner,
but I endeavour withall, to have dcahngs Avith none but people
of charactar, and hitherto with so much caution that 1 have
escaped all inconveniencies, Iho perhaps as many traps have been
laid for me as most men these 20 years bypast : and I am as much
at a loss to Icnow the reason of your particularly recommending
my acquainting 2 noble Lords with certain particulars. If any
complaints have been made that I either enhanced or took too
much on my self, I wish and woud have expected so much from
your freindship as that youd have been more particular in the
charge, and I belive I coud very easily justifye myself; but as
that matter stands, I need only say I never concealled any ad-
vices or directions I received, but I at the same time acquainted
the King of my reasons, which he never yet dissapproved of, nor
did 1 ever write as my own opinion but I expresslie stated it as
such, I know well enuff their are some few displeased that I vi-
gorouslie opposed tiiem in some steps that I and others reckoned
highlie prejudicial! to the Kings service, and also that I was not
communicative to them in some matters wherin I was well ap-
prized they were byassd by veiws of ther own, and in this I had
likewise the approbation of others, and informed the King; and
if any of these gentlemen have insinuated any such things, I
hope they dont keep in generalls, and I am not in the least af-
fraid of giving a satisfactory answer to every article they charge
me with. I mention this, because I see faction and private de-
signs predomine so much in all interests that I have no reason to
hope escaping the malice therof more than other people, and
that I can imagine no reason for your warning me more on this
than former occasions, unless some such thing had been sug-
gested to you, and Ime sure I answered your intentions in the
present matter; for after having communicated all I Avas entrusted
with to such of the tiiistees as were in town^ I got a meeting of
318 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
tlie Bishops Norrie, Miller, Freebairn and Cant (the rest being all
in the coinitry) to -whoni I delivered the Kings letters, Avhich they
received with all the dutifull respect imaginable, heartily ap-
proved of the scheme the King had laid doun, and promised to
consecrate Mr. Gillane with all due expedition, and to give exact
conformity to all the severall particulars the King required of
them, (which by the bye such of the trustees as I have yet met
with much approve of likewise) and I have this day received a
letter from these 4 Bishops, desiring me to transmit to His Ma-
jestic their great sense of his care and concern for the welfare of
the Church and ane assurance of their stcdfast loyall adherence
to his service and submission to his orders and directions in all
matters. This is the substance of a letter too long to be inserted in
this, which they hope you will favourably represent to tlie King.
" Ime glad youve falln on a way for letters to go by Burdeaux,
but I am equally sory youve changed Dundas : what Strachan
has writ to you on this subject is without peradventvu'e fact, and
as wee here will pay the first tune to the piper if matters dont
answer expectation, tis but reasonable wee be satisfyed in our
security, and therfore wee can't but desire that such letters as
come by Holland may be directed to Dundasses care as former-
lie ; for as he has dealt long in that business and understands it
perfectly, wee look on him here as a very honest trustie man :
he's soon to return from hence to Roterdam wher he'l reside more
closely than of late years, tho in his absence his son performs his
part with great care and equall success. For some months after
this wee'l have frequent occasions to Burdeaux, and as matters
cast up, you shall hear from Yours."
Follows a coppy of above mentioned letter signd by Bishops
Miller, Cant, Freebairn and Norrie.
" Edinl)ui-i>h, 7 September 1726.
" Much Plonoured Sir, — Wee do by this earnestly intreat youl
be pleased to shew our great patron, that wee cannot express
REOISTEU OF LETTERS. 319
how sensible wee are of his goodness in giving such assurances
of his favour and of his concern for us and our Society, and of
the great honour he has put on \is in signif) ing his ])leasure to us
and laying his commands upon us by liis leUcrs of the 20 of July
1726, which, God willing, wee shall most punctually obey, and
wee doubt not but all of oiu' order will do so too. And as wee
have been carefull hitherto, so wee will alwayes be to approve
ourselves his most faithfull servants, and Avee will never cease to
pray for all good things to him ; and the letting him know this
will be a singular obligation put upon Yours."
Letter to the King.
" 2d October 1726.
" Sir, — In the first letter I wrot to you after the Duke of Ha-
milton returned this last summer to Scotland, I gave you such
ane account of him as I belive woud be agreable to you, and in-
deed I said nothing then but wliat I thought was to be depended
on ; but very soon therafter I saw that I was like to be mistaken,
for he persisted in his old course of life and shewd no appearance
of the least application to any thing that was serious : this your
freinds regrated, but had no apprehension of his entering into
the service or measures of the Goverment, which can scarce
now be doubted when favours are conferrd upon him. He's
made a Knight of St. Andrew, and tis said hes to be a lord of
the bedchamber and has assm'ances of beino- brouaht into the
House of Lords nixt winter; and I have unquestionable autho-
rity that when hes amongst his comrades, he's full of the hopes
of getting a regiment of dragoons and has a promise of a troop
of horse to Lord William and of a commission in the Guards to
his other brother Lord Ann. I make no question but hel pri-
vately assure your freinds that notwithstanding of all these things
he'l remain firm to you and be readie to serve you when the
stroke's to be struck, and which I will be far from insinuating
may not accordingly happen ; but at the same time tis plain and
320 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
certain that he can be of no use in propogaling above board
severall measures that may be necessary for spiriting up the
people and tending in the issue towards your service, which is
no small loss, as one of his rank is essentially necessary on such
occasions, and is what your freinds expected from him, and no
other that I can think of fit for it. Urider this state your freinds
will be at the greatest loss to know how to behave towards him :
On the one hand, they cannot but be shy in being communicative
with one that did not impart to them any thing less or more of
these measures till they were publickly known ; and on the other
hand, they woud not give him reason to justifye his abandoning
your interest intirely, if so be, notwithstanding tlhs (which I
cant but reckon under the best construction a very false step) he
pretend that he designd to act otherwaycs. In this ticklish de-
lemma wee know not what to think or do, which can only be
regulated by your directions ; and till wee have them I shall do
my best to keep out of his way, for Ime affraid the regai'd I have
for liis fathers memory will get the better of my patience and
hinder me from dissembling with one that acts so poor a part.
" I have been inquiring pritty narrowlie into Mr, Andrews
charactar, and tis such that I cant enufF admire who coud recom-
mend to you a person that has not one qualification fit for the
affair hes entrusted with : In short the sooner you withdraw all
your business out of his hands the better, and in the interim I
wish to God no mischeif happen. I have concerted with William
Dundass (who's the bearer of this to Holland) a probable me-
thod of conveying letters by way of London, when thcrs no im-
mediate occasion of sending them directly hither, but cannot
say tis complcated till I get a return to a letter sent to a freind at
London, that I design shall liave a hand in it.
" I had very lately 2 letters from Allan Cameron, to whom I
cant possibly write by tliis occasion ; but it may be for your sa-
tisfaction to know that his was the first and only accoiml I hoard
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 321
of ane application to you from hence against or in favors of any
einployd by you, I wish Cameron for the future woud write no
more by the common post, or he'l certainly bring some of us his
freinds into trouble.
" I have only to add that I am in the sincerest most respcctfull
manner Yours.
Leller * from the King*.
" August 24, 1726.
" I received some posts ago your letter of the 22 of May. If
you belived by mine of the 22d of March that what I then sent
Avas designd to be publishd, either you have mistakn me or I have
expressd myself wrong, for I only meant its being communicated
to tliose in whose hands it woud be secure.
" Had I not observed the imprudent manner with whicli the
proposal! mentioned in your last was treated by some of the
Queens advisers, to whom it seems it was communicated, I shoud
have been surprised at what you tell me of this papers being
handed about with the authors name affixt to it, and tho I coud
not prevent the publishing of it, because it was sent directly from
Paris to the convent, yet it ought to show my freinds how cau-
tious they ought to be in communicating to those who are either
uncapable of secresie or prefer their passion and resentment to
it; and indeed one might reasonably have expected that the per-
sons name woud have been conceald, tho I certainly never shoud
have j)ut it to the tryall.
" Affairs abroad liave not much changed their appearance of
late; w^ee are impatient to hear what the behavior of the English
fleet may be; if they commit any hostilitys, declarations ujay
soon follow upon it on all sides, and I may draw great advan-
tage from them, for I dont want freinds that are well disj)osed.
" I design, after the heats are over, to go for a few months to
* Received November 8, 1726.
roL. II. 2 T
322 ' UEGISTER OF LETTERS.
Bolog-na, and if that journey shoud occasion any refinements, I
desire you won't give any credite to them, since you may be sure
that before I make a longer journey, which I am very impatient
to do, yon shall have warning of it.
" Prince Henry has been out of order, but is well again, as I
liope this shall find you. I am Yours."
What is said in this letter does not remove the dovibt as to the
author of propaling this proposall : for tho it may be true that a
coppy of it was sent direcllie to the Queen, and that she and her
freinds woud not encourage or hearken to a proposall which
keept Inverness in the Kings service (which no doubt Lord Or-
rery proposed, to allure the King to come into a thorow reconcir
liation with the Queen), it is not to be imagined she woud pro-
pale it, tog-ather wilh the author, because he was too consider-
able a man of the Torie partie to expose to such hazard, and
even a proposall from him, wherin any regard was shown to In-
verness, did not make for her, who all alongst appealld to the
Kings best freinds and valued her cause in that they were con-
vinced she had been ill used ; and therfore it is still probable (as
I observed at the close of that letter of mine May 22d to which
this is a return) that the discovery came from Inverness, who
thought it woud raise his reputation and do him service, which
he valued at a higher rate than his masters interest or the safty
of the noble Lord, who he knew only favourd him at this junc-
ture, to bring about a matter he (Inverness) was not fond of. I
have added these and the forgoing observations on this particular,
because I had good reason to suspect Inverness in what after-
wards fell out as to myself, and that in this fact the odds lyes
against him, that he was tlie person who made publick this secret
transaction and Iherby exposed a person of the first rank and me-
rite to great danger.
In some of my preceeding letters I mentiond the respectfull re-
ception which 4 of the Bishops, viz, Miller, Cant, Freebairn and
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 323
Norrie gave (o the Kings 2 letters in favors of Mr. Gillane and
directing the course they were to follow in the future election of
Bishops, and appointing such to have the inspection of any par-
ticular district, which was wisely designd by the King to prevent
such disputes as had arisen in the shire of Angus: But this good
temper did not long subsist, and as this very affair was attended
Mith many extroardinary consequences, it will be expedient to
narrate it fully. — In order therto I must call to mind that at this
time the peace and harmony of the Church was much obstructed
by 3 opposite factions, that of those who endeavoured to restore
some antient iissages (as they calld them) such as the mixture in
the Holy Eucharist, prayers for the dead &c. who at the same
time asserted the right and power of the presbiters with concent
of the populace to elect ther Bishops without any dependance on
the King or Coledge of Bishops ; and that of the Colledge who
were against all innovations in the canons and ceremonies of the
Church as they were established and practised before the Revolu-
tion 1688, and thought it their duty and interest to live in a good
xmderstanding with the Crown, by leaving the King (as far as
possible) the excercise of those rights, particularly with respect to
the naming of Bishops, that were vested in him by the laws of
the land. This diversity of opinions and these different veiws
were carried on to the greatest height and with the greatest heat
by both clergy and layety, as they stood severally affected.
At the head of the first was Bishop Gadderer and Dr. Rattary
oi Craighall, supported by Lord Panmure in so far as he favoured
the last out of private picque to Norrie and that he might raise
and be at the head of a partie opposite to the Earl of Strathmore,
whose powr and interest in Angus he much envyd: To this side
also the Lord Dun and Mr. Carnagy of Boisack (notwithstanding
his solemn protestations of the contrary in his commissions by
me and his letter to the King) and most of the Duke of Mars
freinds did adhere, some few out of regard to those usages and
y T 2
3'i4 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
others to thwart the Kings measures during Inverneses ministry:
These private passions and party veiws prevaild so far over men
of sense, who pretended great honor and zeal for the King in
otlier matters, as to make steps directly inconsistent with their
avowd professions and principles of loyaltie, and which in the
event proved very prejudiciall to the Kings afikirs and the gene-
ral interest.
The CoUedge again were supported by most of all the Kings
trustees, who plainly saw what bad constructions the com-
mon enimy put upon sucii innovations in the worship &c. of
the Church, and judgd it highly just and reasonable to man-
tain the superiority and authority of the Coledge togather with
the rights of the Crown, as the most eflectuall way to prevent di-
visions and preserve peace and unity. On this side of the ques-
tion, especially against the \isages, Miller was the most zealous
and violent; he often pressd the CoUedge to proceed with eccle-
siastick censures against Gadderer, Rattary and all the presbiters
that did not submit to Norrie; of these he coud not speak with
the common rules of decencie and good manners, and he bitter-
lie exclaimd against the Bishop of Edenburghs pretending to
metropoliticall powrs as vicar general of St. Andrews during
the vacancie of that see.
He was of a hot turbulent temper, ambitious, proud and possi-
tive, and withall was bul meanlie endowd with learning, pru-
dence or discretion: Of a long time he aimd at having the in-
spection of the shire of Fife, as a steps towards his being promo-
ted to the arcltepiscopall chair of St. Andrews, in which shire
that metropolis is situated : but as the far better as well as n)ore
numerous part therof declared a dislike to him, he at last lurnd
his thoughts on succeeding FuUarton in the see of Edinburgh,
who, being mightily decayd both in body and mind, coud not
hold long out; and with this veiw Miller was at great pains to
gain the favor and freindship of the presbiters of Edinburgh, and
IlliGISTEll OF LETTEIIS. 32Q
succeeded lo his niiud with a certain set whose life and conver-
sation rcnderd them very contenij)tiblo: These he skreend, and
prevented the ccnsm-es often designd against them on account
of their niarryinp,- people irregularly (to the great scandall and
reproach of the order) and indecent practices laid to their charge.
Miller having to these communicate what was in agitation about
Gillane, they concluded it was with a veiw of his succeding
Fullarton: Miller coud not bear the thoughts of this, and his
partizans apprehended Gillane woud be too strict in his disci-
pline, and so they resolved to leave no stone unturnd to prevent
his consecration. In order therlo Miller waited upon Freebaira
and told him that his conscience had not been at rest since the
time (that was 2 or 3 dayes ago) that he had given up the rights^
of the Church by the answer which was made to the Kings desire
in favor of Gillane, and he earnestly recommended his concur-
rancewith him in retracting it. Freebairn answered that as lie
belived the promotion of one of so much merit was a service tOf
the Church, he had done nothing with regard to the King but
what was his duty, and he exhorted Miller to lay aside sucli-
thouo-hts, which coud not fail to occasion divisions in the Church,
and give the King and all his good subjects a bad impression of
the loyaltie of all who advanced such tenets. Miller perceiving:
lie coud gain no ground on the other, resolved on a bolder step ;,
he drew or caused another to draw up a remonstrance to the
CoUedge against consecrating Gillane, which was signd by some-
what above 20 of the presbiters of Edinburgh, tlio some of them
afterwards dilated their names or signd a recantation, declaring
they had been drawn into it from giving credit to some asser-
tions of Mr. William Cockburn and Mr. Patrick Midelton (2.
drunken scandalous presbiters) which on examination they found
to be false. The signers of this paper were, the set I formerlie
described; to these were added a parcell of hotthead young
men, and a few of some charactar, particularly Mr. Robert
326 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
Keith who secretly grudgd that Gillane, tho a person of good
age, that is above 60, yet but lately admitted into holy orders,
shoud step over them his seniors.
This remonstrance was full of treason, falshoods and ill man-
ners: it began by representing the encroachments made on the
powrs and rights of the Church since the Refoi'mation ; it ear-
nestly exhorted and required the Colledge to lay hold on this
happy occasion for regaining what was lost, now that the Crown
was not in a condition to mantain tljem ; (this was a fine speci-
men of these gentlemens loyaltie and generosity to the King and
of their sentiments of the Revolution which gave rise to this
happy occasion as they termd it) it accused the King of having
broke the promise they alledged he had made of not recommend-
ing any to the episcopall chair without the praevious advice of
the Colledge; it containd their dissatisfaction with Gillanescha-
ractar and qualifications, reserving the particular grovmds therof
in petto to another occasion.
When they did communicate their design and shewd this pa-
per to Bishop Duncan, he honestly and plainly told them that if
they presented it to the Colledge, out of regard to them lied throw
it into the fire, that it might not in aftertimes appear in judge-
ment against tliem: He told them they acted a most seditious
unwarrantable part, with respect to their civill and ecclcsiastick
superiors: that as Gillane was to be consecrated a Bishop at
large and not to any particular diocess, they the presbiters of
Edinburgh had no immediat concern in it more than those of any
other diocess, and that this practice was a precedent for destroy-
ing all order and goverment in the Church and directly incon-
sistent witii that loyaltie which had hitherto been the glory of tile
Scots Church.
Tliese furiosi, perceiving the Colledge woud give.no encou-
ragement to such factious proceedings, did not think it advise-
able to present their remonstrance, but being highlie enraged,
REGISTER OP LETtEHS. 327
lliev dispersed Ihcmsclves, and in all companys openlie lamented
the deplorable state of the Church; and hoping that their pub-
lishing the story woud deterr the CoUedge from consecrating
Gillane least the civill governient woud resent it, they publickly
told that the King had sent a conge de lire for electing Gillane,
and out of dounright malice named me to be the person to whom
it Avas sent and who presented it to the Colledgc. Then they
endeavourd to move the compassion of the layety, by repre-
senting the sad state of the Church when the King, at such a
distance, coud not be apprizd of the charactars and qualifica-
tions of the persons whom he thus obtruded upon the Church :
And what, said they, was to be expected, if he were on the throne,
who acted so arbitrarily in his present situation? In short they
spoke with the utmost malice and in the most vmmannerly terms
of the King and all that opposed them: nay one of their ring-
leaders, Mr. P. Midelton, was heard say that if Gillane was con-
secrate, hed make some heads hop; and certain it is that he or
some of his gang did discover to the Goverment the canall by
which the corrispondence twixt the King and his freinds was
carried on, which gave rise and paved the way for intercepting
the letters 1 will afterwards mention.
Whilst this aflair Avas thus tossd about, I had a conference
with Mr. Keith, one that had the best character of any that con-
currd in these measures, and having been once well acquainted
with him I took the libertie to tell him I was much surprised to
find his name at a paper so seditious false and unmannerlie:
that it containd what was plain treason in the sense of the
laws in force before the abolishing of Episcopacy, and he must
either abandon his pretended principles or stand guiltie of trea-
son in foro conscientice : that the starting such questions and
disputes was very unseasonable, as it coud not fail to divide the
party and at the same time give the King and all mankind a
strange impression of ane order of men who pretended to suffer
328 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
for their loyal tie and yet acted a part so diametrically opposite
tlierto, and withall ao ungenerous, as was the prosecuting- at this
juncture measures that none woud dare own, were the King on
the throne : that they injured the King much in saying he had
broke his promise, or that Gillane was only recommended by me,
for tliat Gillane was recommended by so many, both clergy and
layety, as justifyed my making the proposall and His Majesties
approving and giving directions in it; and supposing, as they
averrd, that I alone had recommended him, if Ihey had no per-
sonall objection to him, I had the vanity to think I deserved bet-
ter usage from the Episcopall clergy whose interest I had never
forsaken : I concluded with my earnest intreatie that bed use his
interest to preserve peace and unity and not fly so unreasonably
in the Kings face, and I added that wheras I knew they were
jealous of a design to promote Gillane to the see of Edinburgh,
as I knew the Kings sentiments in the disposall of that vacancie
when it shoud happen, I coud assure him that His Majestic woud
by no means think of advancing him or any man, but with the
pr£Bvious advice and approbation of the Colledge and the pres-
biters of that diocese, and he shoud ha\e what furder security
he coud reasonably demand on that article, and consequently it
woud be altogather owing to themselves if it did not go as they
had a mind. He answered that it was certain the State had made
great encroachments on the Church, and he woud not say but
there were some inconveniencies in attempting to recover them
at this juncture, yet they coud not in conscience sit altogather
silent : and he had authority to make 2 jiropositions for peace
sake, either that the whole affair shoud be referrd to the Lord
Dun and Mr. James Graham, or that another (of ane unques-
tionable charactar) whom his freinds woud name, shoud be con-
secrated allongst with Gillane. I replyd witli indignation that
the King was not reduced quite so low as to make a reference
or composition with a parcell of lille factious prcists in the
nEGISTER OF LETTEnS. 329
diocoss of Edinburgh, who as they were serving' the Covenanted
cause shoud change their black goiuis into brown cloaks, and I
did not doubt they d be received into the Godly party, unless ec-
clesiastick had tlie same fate with state traitors, in being despised
by those they served.
During the hurlyburly all the Bishops, exjcepl Miller and Gad-
derer, resolved and prepared to consecrate Gillane, and in order
therto they acquainted the Bishop of Edinburgh (then at his
countrie house in the Highlands) of what had hapned, and he in
a letter signifyd his approbation, out of regard to the Kings will
and Gillanes personall merit: but when it came to be put in ex-
ecution, it was judged proper to delay it, ther being too good
grounds to fear the factious clergy woud have tlie impudence
to accuse the CoUetlge to the Goverment ; and as ther was ane
appearance of war and in that case some hopes that something
woud be undertakn in favors of the King, it was not thought fit
to give the Goverment any handle to fall upon his freinds. But
Iho Gillanes consecration was putt off, it was judged expedient
to consecrate Masters Ochterlony and Ross, 2 gentlemen that
the Colledge had several years ago recommended and the King
liad approvd of; for Falconer having dyed a year or 2 ago, and
Norrie being at this time so ill that his life was despaird, (and
he accordingly dyed soon therafter,) it was necessary that these
2 shoud be promoted and have the inspection of Angus and Fife.
Miller had formerly often proposed that these 2 shoud be conse-
crated, and it was hoped he woud have concurrd, but when
spoke of now to him, he possitively refused and plainly shewd
that he was now engaged on measures which he reckond these
two woud oppose. Ther were at this time in toun only Bishops
Duncan and Freebairn and as a 3d (according to the Canons)
is necessary, Mr. Paterson of Prestonhall prevaild with Cant to
concurr with the other 2, and accordingly Ross and Ochterlony
were consecrated ; but nixt day, before the diaploma was got
VOL. ir. 2 u'
330 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
readie, Millar and some of his crew g-ot access lo Cant, and pre-
Yailing- with him to alter his sentiments, he refused to sign it ;
however as that did not invalidate the consecration, they were
ownd and respected as Bishops by all e:?ccept those of the Faction :
and this stratagem only manifested to what extremitys passion
and envy will drive even the holy tribe, and that Cant was
become perfectly dozed and superannuate. This consecration
highly enraged the Faction ; it was carryed on so secretly they
did not suspect any such thing till it was over, and they saw
that the party in the CoUedge which opposed their veiws, was so
much strengthned, that they had no hopes of making ane in-
terest there.
Whilst this set of the clergy were acting so very odd a part,
the Govennent (tho well enuft' apprized of all that past) took no
notice therof; and when application was made by some zealous
Prisbiterians to the Earl of Hay (then in Scotland) that he woud
move the ministers of state to take notice of such bold barefaced
exercises of the Episcopall office, he told them that they judged
quite wrong, for that the Episcopall party were in the high way
of undoing themselves if let alone and sufFerd to go on. But that
which cheiflie moved them to overlook this af!air, was the hopes
of discovering matters of greater moment, now that they knew
the persons and canall by which the Kings corrispondence was
carried on ; for as at this time ther was a great prospect of war,
they did not question but some attempts woud be made for the
King, and measures in order therto be proposed and concerted,
and any discovery of such practices woud be of important ser-
vice to the Goverment. With this veiw they laid doun the proper
measures for intercepting the corrispondence, and succeeded so
well that the first letters which came to me were, in February
1727, seized at Leith. Mr. William Dundas delivered them at
Rotterdam to one Trail, master of a ship bound for Leith ; and
tho both these affirm that this was done privatly by themselves
RECrSTER OF LETTERS. 331
and kcept secret, yel the Goverment, being some way or olhef
apprized, had, before the ships arrival at her port, sent orders to
seize and search her, wliicli being done, a packet was found ad-
dressd to John Strahan merchant in Leith, who being therupon
apprehended, and the packet sent up by ane express to London,
orders came from thence to send him up guarded by a partie of
dragoons. Before this was executed, my name was mentiond by
evry body as the person to whom that packet was designd, and
connecting this with the story formedie propagated by the Epi-
scopall clergy, it was commonly reported that the packet con-
taind a conge de lire to elect Gillane a bishop. Before Strahan
set out he was fully instructed how to behave, and made sure,
that if he stood his ground with a stiff constant denyall that he
knew any thing of the matter, he coud not possibly be reachd in
law ; the Earls of Kincardine and Dondonald and I supplyd him
with mony, assuring him that if he behaved like a man of sense
and honestie, his family shoud be supported, as he himself woud
also gain great honor and credit ; he seemd to understand fully
what part he was to act and gave solemn assurances of doing it.
During this time, as Mr. Corsars name and mine were in all
places mentiond as concernd in this affair, wee had reason to
apprehend the storm woud at last light on us ; and indeed few
dayes past in which some story was not set agoing about me,
which put us both on the watch, so that I was instantly informd
of the arrivall at Edinburgh of a messenger, who, after examin-
ing Strahan, was dispatchd from London with ane order from
Lord Tounshend, secretary of state, to apprehend and carry up
Coi'sar and me prisoners to London. At that time Corsar was in
Angus, wher beliving himself safe, he was not sufficiently on
his guard and was seized by the messenger, who with some as-
sistants came privately to Dundee and found Corsar sitting with
company in a publick-house at Glames. Tho I had not known
of the messengers arrival at Edinburgh and his errand, his being
2 u 2
332 REOISTEU OF LETTEU^.
sent first to apprehend Corsar was enuft' lo put mo on making' my
escape ; and I dont know if this was not done wilh that very
veiw, my Lord Hay having- afterwards affirmd to me that he pri-
vately sent such directions to Lord Milton, who executed all his
orders that is all state affairs in Scotland, with a design it shoud
allarnm me so as to get out of the way ; for tho the Goverment
was extremly desirous to make some discoverys of the Emperors
corrisponding and taking measures with the Jacobites, tho he
denyd his liaving any designs in favors of the King and that in
such a way as was litle better than publicly, by his ministers
manifesto at London, giving the lye to King George, and that,
therfore they woud have drove matters to the utmost extremity
against me, yet some there were my particular good freinds who
did not care to see me in my enimys hands; and hence it was
that I had advice givn me of every resolution that was takn in
this matter, so that I had time and means sufficient to secure and
execute my escape, having employd my freind Robert Gordon
at Durham to have a ship in his veiw readie to carry me off" from
Sunderland, Sheilds or any neighbouring port; and accordingly
J sett out disguised from my own house, on Friday 17 Marcii
1727, to Stoba in Tweedale wher I remaind with Mr. George
Kinnaird till Sunday, that my house was surrounded by a party
of foot soldiers and searchd for me and papers relating to the
Goverment, on which I instantly made the best of my way thro
the wild unhabitated moors on the Borders, to Durham, continu-
ing very well and safe in ane honest gentlemans house, some
miles distance from thence, till the wind shoud prove fair, which
liapning on the 8th of Aprile, I then went aboard and arrived
safe at Dort on the 1 5th. Whilst I was in the bishoprick of
Durham, Corsar past by under a strong guard ; my freind Gor-
don saw and spoke to him, and he seemd then very heartie and
resolute; how he and Strahan behaved will be afterwards re-
lated.
UKtrlSTKIl OF l.ETTF.RP. SS3
About tlic bco-inning- of May 1727 dyed Mr. Fullarlon bisliop
of Edinburoh, on which the [)resbitcrs (being suminond by Mr.
Andrew Luuiisdane whom the hite Bisiiop had authorized to cull
a meeting- oi' his presbiters on any eniergencie during his ab-
sence) did soon meet, and in a noisie disorderly manner made
choise of Bishop Miller to fill the vacant chair; he was supported
in this by llattary and his partie, for tho these 2 were formerly
at great odds, yet on Ross and Ochtcrlonys promotion they made
up matters, and Miller concurrd in consecrating Rattary a bi-
shop, on condition he shoud have his assistance to be elected to
the see of Edinburgh when it shoud be vacant. The other bishops
opposed Miller and woud gladly have delayd the election till they
had known the Kings pleasure ; but the experience of my fate
made them aftraid to suggest it publicly, so they were out voted
bv a small majority. Nevertheless the Colledge refused to confirm
the election, and appointed Bishop Freebairn to superintend the
diocess in the interim : and thus they continued divided into
factions, some owning Miller and some Freebairn.
The factious Bishops (this may appear ane harsh epithet, but
when I reflect how litle respect they shewed to the King, and
their contempt of the authority of the Coledge of Bishops, I do
not know one more proper wherwithall to distinguish them from
the other prelates who were henceforth called the Coledge Bi-
shops) these Bishops I say, to strengthen their partie, proceeded to
consecrate one Mr. Dunbar (a disciple of Gadderars in the north)
and Mr. Keth a presbiter of Edinburgh ; but whither these
promotions were one or both at or about this time, or not for
sometime afterwards when Miller dyed, I dont exactly know, I
being then abroad ; and the chronology of this circumstance is
of no moment, seing, be it sooner or later, they did not think
themselves bound to ask after the Kings approbation ; The in-
dependence of the Church was now in all their mouths, and in-
deed they shewd no regard for any powers civill or ecclesiastick,
334 HEGISTER OF I.ETTKRS.
but in so far as they were on their side of the queslion. This
was hig'hlie displeasing to a great many nay the far greater part
of the layety, many of whom told plainly, that as they had ven-
tured their lives for the King, they coud not countenance a set
of men who advanced maxims and pursued measures tending
directly to lop off several valuable branches of the royall prero*
gative ; and so offended were the managers of the most consider-
able Episcojiall meeting-house in Edinburgh, that they dismisst
Bishop Cant and Mr. Patrick Midelton from being pastors therof.
The first deserved some pity, in regard he was a person highlie
valuable on account of his integrity, learning and zeall, and that
the part he acted was only to be ascribed to the decay of his
judgement and being easily imposed upon in his advanced age ;
but as the other was a factious, arrogant creature and guilty of
many irregular undecent actions, he richly merited the disgrace
he met with. The CoUedge of Bishops judged it now proper to
proceed to the consecration of Gillane, and it were much to be
wishd they had stopt there and not at the same time promoted
another prcsbiter of Edinburgh, Mr. Ranken; for as one of their
objections against Rattary &c. was that it was done without the
Kings knowledge, it was a firm foundation to stand on, but this
step of thers did take it quite off, tho for their justification they
offered that it was done by the particular express direction of
Mr. Graham and Hay, 2 of the Kings trustees, who beliving it
for the service of the Church, advised the measure. And the op-
posite set alledged the authority and approbation of Lord Pan-
mure (another of the trustees) and that the service of the Church
required also what they had done ; which, like many texts in
Scripture, is often produced to justifye contradictions and serve
by veiws.
In this disorderly state continued the Church from the time of
Millers election till that of his death, wiiich liapned a few montlis
tlieraftcr and was far homhealiug the breach, for the prcsbitei's
REGlSTEll OF LLTTEUS. 335
being iuuncdially conveeiul, they by a niajorily made choisc of
Mr. Andrew Lunisdaue. The Colledge Bishops opppsed hiui
likewise, and being- overruled, tht) they ownd him to be bishop
elect, they refused to concur in his consecration or to confirm
the election, continuing the supcrinlendencie with Bishop Free-
bairn, so that Ihc shisism and divisions contiiuied nay encreased
davlie. What other reasons moved the Colledge to stand out,
besides that they thought it was decent and convenient to have
the Kings approbation before the see of Edinburgi) was supplyd
(for by this time they were sensible of the wrong step they had
takn in advancing Ranken) I cannot distinctly tell, and so I
■wont pretend to assign any ; but this I may venture to say of
both sides, that the rancor was become so strong, each was in-
clinable to oppose what the other advanced. Having entered
on the affairs of the Church I thought it best to continue a short
sketch thcrof, without interrupting them and other subjects by
inserting them according to the times they severally occurrd;
and I have only to add that the authors and promoters of this
unhappy division have much to answer for, as it stopt the pro-
gress of the Church interest; it being certain that whilst unity
and harmony continued, it daylie gaind ground, and the general
interest of the good cause suftcrd not a litle, as it occasiond heats
and differences amongst a great many well affected to both
Church and State, and gave the first rise to these discoverys
which enabled the Goverment to find out and interrupt the
course of the Kings corrispondence with his freiads, many of
whom were exposed at the same time to great danger, as will
afterwards appear.
Nixt day after I got to Rotterdam I writ to Lord Inverness
a letter, dated 28 Aprile new style (as are all letters after this)
desiring him to acquaint the King of my arrivall there and that
I waited for his commands ere I took any resolution how to dis-
pose of myself; and hearing a few dayes afterwards that Lord
S36 RKGlSfER OF LETTERS.
was removed from tlie Kings person, I writ 2 oilier letters to the
King himself, bearing- date the Glh and the 20th of May, least
tiiat which I writ to Inverness did not come duely into the Kings
hands. In these to the Kiiig I repealed what I had said to the
other, and gave him likewise a short account of the Episcopall
clergys behavior, mentiond something of Strahans conduct, and
of a method I had concerted with Robert Gordon for ti'ansmit-
ting letters from Holland by ships to certain persons he pitchd
on in Stockton, Sunderland and Sheilds (as a surer method than
by way of Leith) who d take care to forward them to him at
Durham, as he woud to the persons they were designd for in
Scotland. And wheras by my absence and my having laid all
the cyphers out of the way, ther was no body impowerd or in a
capacity to corrispond with the King, I proposed the Earl of
Dundonald as llie fittest I knew to be employd in that station,
and that a cypher shoud be accordingly sent to him. Of these
letters I keepl no coppy, but what I have n>enliond is I think the
fium of what they containd.
I staid but a few dayes in Rotterdam, and even keepl very pri-
vate whilst there, for I coud have no security against the Slates
delivering me up if required, as I had reason to belive they woud
be readie to oblige the British Goverment at that juncture, iii
any thing tliey demanded: on the same consideration my Lord
North and Gray was a very lille before advised to retire out the
7 provinces, and I likewise made tlie best of my way to the Em-
perors dominions, and came to Antwerp oi\ the 30 of Aprile, wher
I remaind till the 12 of May, that I went to Brussells on a mes-
sage from Lord North and Gray, wher I had the honor of a long
conference with him the evening before he set out for BoUognia.
The King in a letter to me, wliich will come in its due place,
mentions that prajvimis to this Lords arrivall at his Court, lie had
procured him a commission in the King of Spains service: whc-
tlicr Ihis Lord had before his selling out from Flanders askd lliis
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 337
lavor from the King- with a veiw of having Iherby a handsome
cxcase of leaving or rather not entering into His Majesties ser-
vice in case he did not find matters Hke to answer his expecta-
tions, or that Inverness knowing or but suspecting this Lords er-
rand, put the King on procuring this commission for liim as a
g-ood expedient to remove him, which of these I say was truely
the case I cant tell ; but as His Lordship was my old acquaint-
ance and very fi'ee at this time with me in all things but the
change of his religion, he plainly told me he was to reside with
the King and take upon him the management of his affairs
now that Inverness was removed, and he pressd me to go alongst
w ith him, telling me that tho he was well enufF instructed in what
related to England and Englishmen, he was a perfect stranger
to the affairs of Scotland and the charactars of Scotsmen, but
that if I woud go alongst and take that part on me, he was sure
wee woud agree very well, as wee both aimd at the Kings service
and had no by veiws. I replyd that I did not think it fit for me
to move till I had the Kings orders, and besides, that I saw no
need of my presence, for the affairs of Scotland coud be managed
without any difiicultie, the King himself being so well apprized
therof that he coud inform him sufficiently: that I did indeed
belive wee woud not differ, as w ee had both the same honest de-
signs and I the greatest deference for His Lordship ; but as the
Kings court had hitherto been miserably divided into factions
and that the English complaind none but Scotsmen had been em-
ployd about him, I was of opinion that His Lordship shoud alone
have the direction of all business under the King; and as this
woud please his countriemen, I did take on me to affirm hed be
very acceptable to mine, who, from a zeal I for the Kings service
wishd heartily to see such as His Lordship at the head of affairs;
however if after he conferrd with His Majcslie my attendance
was jvidged necessary, I shoud be readie to set ovit on the first
VOL. II. 3 X
338 UEGISTER OK LETTERS.
call: after which I gave him a full account of the stale of the
Kino-s affairs in Scotland.
I cant with any certainty assign the reason of this Lords lea\-
ing the King in a few dayes^ tho 1 presume it may be accounted
for thus. As His Lordship had no reason to doubt but that he
was to have the first direction of all the Kings aflairs, he soon
after hi& arrivall at EoUognia perceived that Inverness was vir-
toually tho not personally present; that as his removall was to
gralifye the Queens freinds and make way for her returning to
the King, it was too plain that this Lords interest with His Ma-
jestie was as well fixd as ever, and consequently reason to expect
that hed recall him ere long, and that during his absence, be it
long or short, he woud still be entrusted by and have influence
with the King, which was not a litle confirmd by Mr. Graham
(now Sir John) a creature of Inverness being immediatly, on the
others removall, declared Secretary of State, with a veiw certainly
of being the canall of keeping up and carrying on that Lords in-
terest and corrispondence with the King; nay this step lookd as if
it was so hastily filld up, least Lord North and Gray shoud, find-
ing it vacant, expect it at his arrivall,. wheras this was almost as
much as to say they ha<l no mind i'or his company. Lord North
and Gray finding aflairs in this situation and being unwilling to
return back from whence he came, least his enrmys shoud tri-
umph over his dissappointment, and tine circumstances of his
estate not allowing him to live abroad or even I belive at homo
as formerly according to his rank, he resolved to embrace the op-
portunity of cjitering into the King of Spains service; and by
this prudent stop he did the King good service, as it contributed
to conceal the impolitick maxims and measures which the King-
pursued, and at the same Ihne answered His Lordships private
ends, at least it was the best 2d hand game he coud play.
Having mentioned Lord Inverness's removall, it will be fit to
RKfTISTEU OF LETTERS. 33!)
Kn\s.c notice llial the accounts therof were heard with innversall
joy by all who wishd the King- well. The particulaj's how and
in wliat maimer this was brouoht about I cant tell, and in gcne-
rall tis enuft" to know, that lie having once altaind a full nmstciy
(if I may use that expression) of the Kings good opinion his will
and inclinations, did order and dispose of all matters pid)lick and
private in His Majesties family as he and his Lady did think (it,
and thcrin he wantetl either the honestie or the sense to know
and act tor his masters interest. To support and continue this
unaccountal)le ascendance over the King, he too succesfully re-
presented the Queen and every person that did not truckle to
him, as factious and undutifull towards His Majestie; and as it is
commonly observed that such as are under misfortunes appear
more jealous of their authority and more lyable to take excep-
tions than others of the same nu\k in a state of prosperity, the
King was too readie to give ear to the insinuations that the mur-
morings against this he and she favourites proceeded from a wrait
of due regard to liimself, which by degrees sourd his temper to-
Avards the Queen and raised in him suspicions of his best freinds
^nd most faithful! old servants, whilst at the same time the 2 In-
vernesses, and a few litle creatiu'es who flatterd them, became so
exceeding insolent (the particulars out of respect to the King who
sufFerd them I forbear to mention) that the Queen was forced to
retire to a convent ; and of his subjects, who had served him long
and faithfully and lost their estates in his service, some did of
themselves and others were commanded to leave his Court. This
extroardinary conduct was a terrible stroke to the Kings affairs,
as it lessend hischaractar in the judgement of freinds and foes and
highly displeased a good many princes nearlie related to the
Queen.
In the preceeding pages is to be found what the King offered in
his letters for his justification and what was represented to him
o V 9
rC A .W
3iQ REGISTER OF LETTERS.
Oil this subject; and indeed the i)roofs of these peoples insolence
and folly being so strong and the clamor against the King so
tiniversall, his excuses were litle credited (being in truth founded
on false representations that were made to him of facts and arti-
cles charged upon Inverness and his associates) and he was at
length under a necessity of removing that Lord and his Lady to
make way for the Queens returning to his family. How they
attaind such credit with the King is hard to be accounted for:
the Lady was a mere cocquet tollerably liandsome, but withall,
prodigiouslie vain and arrogant: it was commonly reported and
belived that she was the Kings mistress, and that the Queens jea-
lousie was the cause of the rupture; but I have been often assured
by persons on whom I may depend, that whilst they lived with
the King they coud observe nothing in him tending that way,
and did verily belive ther was nothing of that in the matter.
Her Lord was a cunning, false, avaricious creature, of very ordi-
nary parts, cultivated by no sort of literature, altogather void of
experience in business; and his insolence prevailing often over
his litle stock of prudence, he did and said many unadvised ri-
dicolous things, that with any other master woud soon have
stript him of that credit, which without any merit, at the expence
of the Kings charactar and the peace of his familv, he maintaind
in opposition to the remonstrances of severall potentates and His
Majesties best freinds at home and abroad. The Lord Dunbar,
brother to the Lady Inverness, was assumed into a somewhat
subaltern share of this ministry, and to say the truth he far sur-
passd them all in naturall and acquired parts, but was withall
so prodigiouslie vain and self conceited, that their was no bear-
ing his insolence, and he coud never have keept in with the other
2, but that having formerlie gaind the ill will of most of the
Kings freinds, he was reduced to the dilemma of either appearing
in the 2d or no form at all.
nEGlSTER OF LETTERS. 341
Whilst I remaind at Brusells, after the Lord North and Grays
departure, waiting for tlie Kings commands, on the 8th of June
1 received the following
Letter from the King.
" May 20, 17'27.
" I have received and perused your letter of the 28 of Aprilc
to our freind who, tho not here at this time, hath with reason a
greater share than ever of my esteem and affection.
" It was a singular satisfaction to me to hear from you, after
the concern I had been in on your account of late, tho I cannot
but be heartily affected when I consider to what difficulties and
liardships your exposed for a reason wliich will ever engage me,
if possible, to encrease my sincere freindship for you.
" I send you here enclosed a cy])her, and remark what you say
as to destroying the former one. I shall be glad to hear parti-
cularly from you and how you intend to dispose of yourself: I
belive you may be very easie and safe wher you design to go,
and any letter you send to the Lady to whom I send this will
come safe to me : she hath been often employd and trusted i a
such like matters, and hath behaved with much prudence, and
that made me think the safest way to convey this to you was
tijorow her canal.
" I liave not occasion to say more till I know this is come to
your hands. The family here are in good health. I hope you
do not doubt my sincere value and kindness for you."
A few days after my receiving this letter Mr. Dundas sent me
another, of the same date, which came under his cover.
Letter from the King.
" 20 May, 1727.
" This is only to inform that I received with great satisfaction
the letter to our freind of the 28 Aprile, and that the answer to
it is sent to Brussels to the Lady Mary Rose Howard of Norfolk
Si2 REGLSTER OF LETTERS.
at llie English Dominican Nuns there (addrcst for Mr. Bro^yn^
who will deliver it to you when ever you call or send for it, by
writing- to her in your own name, with which you may safely
trust her. Postscri]) — I was extream glad to hear from you.
You know this hand writing, so I dont sign because it goes by
the common post to Wihiam Dundas."
Letter from Lord Dunbar.
"May 20, 17-27.
" Sir, — As I have had a most constant and uninterrupted
freindship and respect for you ever since ti)e beginning of our
old acquaintance to this day, you will I hope easily belivc, I re-
marked the dangers you have been lately exposed to by your
zealous labours in the good cause, with anxious concern, and
that I rejoice to hear of your arrivall on this side of the sea. I
have not written to you for several years having liad no call to
it in the way of business and judging it improper for me to trou-
ble and endanger my freinds by a corrispondence that coud not
be usefuU in proportion to the risque they might run by it ; but
since this reason subsists no longer as to you, I imbrace with
pleasure the first occasion of making ane oflter to you of my most
humble service in these parts, in the same spirit and with the
same sentiments you have formerlie known me for a tract of
years, which never can admit of a change: I wish only that the
experience I have had in different scenes of life may make me
less unwise than you have formerlie known me, but these are
things are not in our power.
" I shoud be glad to know the situation of your private affairs,
of the time you expect to stay abroad and of yoin* schcnie for
disposing yourself during that while.
" The King and his family are, blissed be God, in most perfect
health: his son must be allowd to be every way the finest young
gentleman of his age in Europe, which will be I dare say suffix
REGISTER OF LETTERS*-
343
cicnt to encrcase a curiosity which must be naturall to you on
all accounts. 1 shall long ^vilh impatience to hear from you, and
in the mean time be assured that I am Yours."
I soon perceived that this last freindly letter was writ with a
veiw of pumping- me as to any dcsig-n or desire I had of repairing
to the King, and if 1 did, to pave the way for my entering into
measures with the favourites; but as I resolved to take no resolu-
tions till 1 heard from Lord North and Gray, in my returns to
the King and Dmdjar, dated 9th of June (of whicli I keept no
coppy) I oidy hi generall terms thanked them both for the con^
cern expressd for me, and gave them such ane account of my
circumstances that it was easie to be seen I had then no prospect
of returning in hast to Britain. I likewise mentioned some things
ommitted in my former touching the behavior of the Episcopall
clergy, and how that His Grace of Hamilton had turnd his cloak
to the other shoulder and was so fond of serving King George,
that since he coud not procure any other post in the army, lie had
solicited and obtaind libertie to serve as a volunteer, or as was
confidently reported and I belive truely, as aid de camp to his'
\mkle the Earl of Orkney. As to my being or not being perso-
nally with the King, I expressd my.self in such a manner, as might
show I was not to palm myself on him nor yet to decline it ii>
case he required it, Avhich I belive was agreeable to Dunbar, for
he knew me loo well, not to forsee I woud not truckle, and for
that reason did not secretly wish ft)r my company.
rformei'lie mentiond that soon after Invernesses removall Mr.
Graham (a young gentleman of good parts and son to Mr. James
Graham who was soliciler to the late King James,, descended
from ane eminently loyall family) was knighted and declared
Secretary of State, and he soon wrote to me the following
Letter * from Sir John Graham.
* Received 2 July, 1727.
344 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
" June 4; 1727. •
"Sir, — TlieKing docs me a very sensible favor in giving- me tiiis
opportunity of writing to a person for whom I ever had the great-
est esteem, and who Ime perswaded very well deserves the good
opinion entertaind of him by His Majestie and by all those who
are his faithfull freinds.
" His Majestie orders me to acknoM'ledge the receipt of your
letter of the 6th of May and to tell you that having alreadie
answered a former letter of yours to Lord Inverness, of the
28 Aprile, he delays writing to you till he hears from you again.
" Give me leave, sir, to assure you of my respects and to flat-
ter myself of being allowd a share in your freindship, which
shall be alwayes highlie valued by him who is with great since-;
rity Yours."
To this I writ ane answer, dated 3d July, containing assurance
of my regard for Sir John, and hoping that the great freindship
twixt our 2 fathers might descend to the sons ; and as I wishd
him joy of his late preferment, as his freind, I advised him to use
his utmost endeavours to bring- about a reconciliation of the
royal pair, that he coud do no better service to his master and
the good cause, and it woud likewise be much for his own honor
and interest.
Letter* from the King.
" June 14, 1727.
" Yours of the 20th of May came to me in due time. I hope
this will find you easie and unmolested at Aix la Chappie. This
goes by Mr. Waters canall, and as long as you are in those parts
I think it will be best, and if you shoud remove I suppose you
will advertise him how to forward letters to you.
" Our wortiiy freind Lord North and Gray arrived here last
night and will part in a few dayes for Spain, wher at my recom-
* Received 12 July 1727.
HEGISTEn OF LETTEUi. 34.j
mcndalion he is to be received in the same rank in tlie army he
formerly was. I hope what lie will be able to represent of the
favorable dispositions will make some impressions there : the
good will is certainly not wanting in that Court no more than in
that of Vienna, but till the last be engaged in ane open war
with the Elector of Hannover, they will not do any thing for
me ; but you may depend upon it, that they will do cvry thing
if that happens, and I dont well see how it can be othcrwayes
at last, for tho they seem desirous of peace, yet the animositys
betwixt Hanover and the Emperor have run so high, and it seems
so difficult to adjust, in a peaceable manner, the different interests
which are now in debate, that a w ar I think scarce can be at last
avoided. This is all I can say at present in relation to publick
affairs, and I wish you coud find a way of acquainting my Scots
freinds with as much, for I dont think it prudent to write asiy ^
thing my self till the storm which drove you abroad is quite over.
'' As for my corrispondence with Scotland, the good opinion I
alreadie have of Dnndonald makes me enter with pleasure into
what you mention as to him, and I woud have you as soon as
you can with safety send him a copy of the cypher I lately sent
you, for the old cyphers must on ijo account be made any more
use of, and by that time you know he has received it, I reckon
the Parliament will be up and all will be quiet, and I will th6n
write to him my self, if you find he is willing to enter into a cor-
rispondence with me ; and in the interim if any thing of impor-
tance interveens of which my Scots freinds shoud be apprized, I
shall acquaint you with it that you may transmitl such lights to
them in the safest maimer. I think the method you propose for
corresponding is very good, if you are intirely sure of the pru-
dence and honesty of Gordon at Durham. I have not the least
doubt of Dundas, but he is now so noted for being employd in
such matters that I dont know if it woud be adviseable to make
use of him in them at present; but I leave it to your direction to
VOL. II. 3 V
346 JREGISTER OF LETTERS.
employ him or any other person you thhik proper for that pur-
pose. I suppose you will take the proper measures with Gordon
that the method in which he sends letters to Scotland may be very
sure and vmobserved, and I think it woud also be expedient that
such letters be delivered to some body appointed by Dundonald
rather than to himself, on account of his own safety. As for
the expences of such expresses, Gordon has only to send every
now and then ane account of them to nie and it shall be paid,
and the services which he renders in that respect remembered
when better dayes come.
" I ani heartily sory ther shoud be such jars and disputes as
you mention amongst those who Avish me well in Scotland, and
that they shoud have givn any occasion to the trouble you and
others have been brought into. I cant but take very kindly of
Mr. Ch. Erskine the regard which you say he shewd to you on
this occasion.
" I send you enclosed a paper that has been sent into England
and Scotland upon Invei'uesses leaving this place : I thought it
was fit you shoud see it.
" The family here are in good health. I hope I shall hear
often from you wher you are: you know the just value I have
for you, and how agreeable it will be to me that you write often
and freelie to me.
" P. S. Whatever the originall ground was of the discovery of
the letters lately sent to Scotland, it appears to me it must have
come from Holland, and it woud be worth the while coming to
the bottom of it if possible."
Coppy of the paper mentiond in the above letter.
" Lord Inverness gives himself ane account of the resolution
he has takn to absent himself from my person : it is what he has
been long pressing me to allow of, but I never woud concent to
it, seing how contrary it is to my honor and interest, tho I iiavo
not thought fit at this lime to interpose my absolute auUiority to
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 847
prevent it. You know the great and g'ood opinion I have long
had of that Lord, and it is now with reason avignicntcd by tlie
i^aeritice he Avill make of liimself for the g-ood of my family in
this conjunclure, which ought to encrease his merit with all ho-
nest men, and I hope to have yet soon occasion to show in iiis
person that I am incajjable of abandoning my faithfuU servants.
To my no small concern the outward ajjpearance is otherwise at
present and will be constantly attended with consequences con-
trary to the good of my service, but I shall endeavour in so ex-
troardinary a case to manage matters so as that they may be it as
litle as possible. None of my freinds ought to be imder any ap-
prehensions on this occasion as to ther private safety : Lord lu-
verneses fidelity and prudence I can equally depend upon Avher
ever he is, and I thought it woud be ane ease and satisfaction to
them as well as a justice to him to give hinj, as I have now done,
a new and publick mark of my favour, that it might be out of
the powr of my enimys to put any wrong construction upon my
giving the seals to another. The person I have chose for that is
Sir John Grahame, who has served me with much secresie and
prudence for a considerable time : He is alreadie partly in the
secret of my affairs, he has no dependance but on my self and
will literally execute my orders, which are qualifications which
1 know will please my true freinds as much as they will un-
doubtedly make him soon feell the malice of those who will al-
wayes attack whoever serves me faithfully."
The contents of this paper did surprize and vex me not a litle ;
as it was not designd to be a secret, tlie Queen and her freinds
as well as the Kings woud be apprized of it, and I easily foresaw
it woud allarum them with the apprehension that the King woud
still be influenced by Inverness and probably in time recall him.
On enquiry I coud not hear of any to whom it was communicate
in Scotland, nor the paper said to be sent by that Lord himselfj
o V ^i
3^8 REGISTEII OF LETTERS.
(perliaps Ibe person enlrusted with lliem, wisely couceald tbem)
but I knew tbey were sent to James Hamilton at London who
Oarefnlly publishd them, to His Majesties no small disservice.
Tbis litle pert insigniticant fellow was the bastard son of ane
Irish gentleman, and fornierlic, for several years, Strowan Ro-
bertsons servant, after which he was employd by the Duke of
Hamilton, Mr. Ch. Leslie and others to hand about satires against
the Goverment and at last to deliver letters which came from the
King under cover to Jo. Meizies, whilst he was his agent at
London before 1715. This musroom Inverness pitcbd on to be
trusted with the Kings affairs at London, and indeed he turnd
prodigious vain upon it, even so far as publickly to let it be
known ; and he pretended to be intirely trusted by the men of first
rank in England, who however were more cautious than to have
any dealings with him. As this spark was raised and supported by
Inverness, he was very faithfull to him ; he spread what stories
His Lordship directed in his own commendation and to discredite
tije Queen ; nay whilst the King was this summer at Avignion he
made a journey thither, pretending he was sent by the lieads of
his English freinds to assure him they so far approved his con-
duct with regard to the Queen and condemnd hers, that if he
was on the throne they d strike off her head, and that severall of
the most learnd divines of the Church of England were of opi-
nion ther was sufficient grounds for a divorce. This bag of lyes
and nonesence was nevertheless favorably heard and so far from
being a secret, that a person of rank in the Emperors service
askt me if it was possible that the King coud entertain any such
notion as a divorce. Hamilton was much carressd and with a
present of 400/. sterling sent back to his post at London, whilst
at the same time Robert Frcebairn the bookseller was raised to
tbe same trust in Scotland. Having once named this Hamilton I
thought it best to mention at once all I had to say of him, and I
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 34?
Hill only observe that the employing; such mean ratloheaded per-
sons, gave a great discredit to the Kings affairs and was no small
imputation to his ministers thai advised him.
For a considerable time bypast the posture of affliirs in Europe
Seemd to portend war. A congress was held and lasted some
years at Cambray, whither resorted the ambassadors ot" most ol'
the potentates, but no advance whatsoever was made towards
adjusting the clainis and differences betwixt the Emperor and
the King of Spain, nor satisfying the British and Dutch in their
complaints aganist the Ostend company trading to the East In-
dies ; when all of a sudden, to the surprize of all mankind, the
Emperor and King of Spain enterd into a separate allyance, in
consequence wherof the Emperor on certain conditions re-
nounced all pretensions to the Spanish dominions, that is such
parts of them as Philip was then possesd of and had not been
alienated to the Emperor by the treatie of Utreight, and they
were mutually to assist and defend each other against all who
shoud attack or molest them : to which allyance the Czaarina in
time acceded.
This powrfuU allyance soon produced a coiuiter one twixt the
Kings of France and Britain and the States of Holland. The
2 last mantaind that the Fleemings were bound by former trea-
ties not to carry on a trade to the East Indies, and finding that
the Ostend company run away with a great part of that business,
insisted to have it dissolved: The British expected that Spain
woud attempt to recover Gibraltar : and France, that is the Mi-
nisters during the Kings minority, either bribd by Britisli gold or
willing to prevent the growing powr of the Emperor, enterd into
measures with the other 2 ; but as these coud make no stand by
land against the Vienna allyance, without France, she therby
attaind the ballance of Europe at her absolute disposall, which
Lewis le Grand had long aimd at but coud never obtain.
At the forming these allyances, those of Vienna hoped that
350 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
France woud not enter, at least not be hcartie, in the qiiarrell,
but when the contrary appearcl it stopt there carrier. Nothing
at first and for a long time was spoke of bvit war, and prepara-
tions for it were iniiversall : the King- of Spain actually laid seige
to Gibraltar, the British Parliament raised and hired troops, gave
mony lavishly and what was more, ane unlimited credit to King
George, who orderd a good body of foot and dragoons to em-
bark for Flanders ; but just when every thing was readie and
lookd like entering upon action, the ministers of France, Britain,
Holland and the Emperor (of whose schemes the death of the
Czaarina not long before made a vast alteration) agreed at Paris
on a congress for setling all claims and disputes, and in order
tberto signd certain preliminary articles to which Spain after-
wards acceded : in consequence wherof the prosecution of the
war ceased.
The particulars of this part of generall history and what fol-
lowd on it being forreing to my purpose I pass over. During
these negotiations at severall Courts, the King did not ommit
making proj)er applications, and ther was a generall expecta-
tion of ane attempt in his favors. The King of Spain was bent
on the recovery of Gibraltar and personally hated King George,
never forgetting how his fleets and projects in Sicily had been
destroyd by the British fleet. The Czaarina wanted to restore
lier son in law the Duke of Holstein to his dominions violently
possest by Denmark and supported therin by King George; and
the Emperor was imeasie at ane Elector and powrluU Prince of
the Empire being at the same lime King of Britain; and in these
lights it was manifestly the interest of all these princes to restore
the King, if so be it appeard practicable, of which for some time
by past he had been endeavouring to convince them, and twas
said he had good reason to expect something to purpose woud
have been undertaken for him, had the war gone on. But all
these schemes and hopes vanishd, at least were suspended, on
nEGISTER OF LETTERS. 351
the sioning of tlic prcliniinarys, soon after which, King George
dyed at O.snabiirg in his way to Hanover on the 2d of June 1727.
This death occasioud no alterations of the face of affairs abroad,
the sevral princes going on in the measures concerted before
it hapned, and liis son enterd peaceably to the poscssion of the
crown ; and indeed iiis succession coud not have falln out at
any time more to his advantage, for the other potentates, having
made such advances towards a peace or at least towards post-
poning the war, coud not in honor, nor had they any scheme
prepared to, resile: the British troops were lately much aug-
mented and tlie Exchequer was full of mony, and as their was
no veiw of nor preparations made to oppose his accession to the
throne at this time, he was received with universall Joy.
The English nation is remarkably fond of novelties ; this
prince had affected popularity, and being in ill terms with Ids
father and his German ministers, whatever was dissobliging in
them, did engratiate him; and the populace formed such notions
of his prudent administration, that they seemd quite to forget
and drop the bad impression and resentment which they for^-
merlie entertaind of the unavoidable consequences of being un^-
der the dominion of a forreigne family. Nay the heads of the
Tories, both laitie and clergy, seemd to strive with the Whigs
in making court, whither only to conceal their other designs, or
that they expected to be received into favor, seing most of those
employd in the late reigne had used this King George pritty
contemptably, I shant determine, but this step of theirs contri-
buted not a litle to raise his charactar at the commencement of
his reigne, and their veiws of being employd soon \ anishd and
then they repented tlie step they had made.
Before I proceed in my main design, having mentiond King
George death, it will not be reckond a great digression to give
ane account of a paper which perhaps is not so well known in
Britain as other parts of Europe. About 8 or ten weeks after
35^ TvEGISTER OF LETTERS.
liis deatl), the coppy of a letter was propagated and handed about
at most of the Courts of Europe, especially in Germany. Ane ac-
count and coppy therof was, whilst I was at Aix la Chappie,
sent by a gentleman of distinction in Paris to a French officer,
and the like from Vienna to General Count Veiling governor of
Luxenburg, who gave me the coppy of it and assured me it was
dispersed over all Germany. He added that some people gave
no credit to the commission, mentiond in the letter, being either
given or executed, beliving the whole to be a story forged to
vindicate the reputation of the late Electrice of Hannover. How-
ever that be, it took with a great many, and be the story true
or false, the dispersing it so industriouslie shewed that the said
Electrices freinds, some naming her son and others the King of
Prussia, carried their resentment high against her husband, by
their endeavours to blacken his memory and represent his exit
in such a manner.
J'ollows the Letter in English from the French.
" The circumstances of King Georges death are terrible and
worth the knowledge of all our freinds: they are keept as much
conceald as possible even in Germany, so probably will be a se-
cret both in England and France. What was told me lately, by
a person of superior rank and of great esteem in these parts, I
had heard imperfectly before from a Lady of quality. It seems
when the late Electress was dangerouslie ill of her last sickness
she deliverd to a faithfull freind a letter to her husband, upon
promise that it shoud be givn into his own hands. It containd
a protestation of her innocence, a reproach for his hard ussage
and unjust treatment, and concluded with a summons or citation
to her husband to appear within the year and day at the Divine
tribunall and Iher to answer for the long and many injuries she
iiad received from him. As this letter coud not with safety to
the bearer be delivered in England or Hannover, it was gi\'n to
hjm in his coach on the road. He opened it immedially, sup-
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 353
iiosing' it came from Hanover; He was so struck with lliese un-
expected contents and his fatall citation, that liis convulsions
and appoplexy came fasl on him: After being blooded, his mouth
lurnd awray and they then proposed to drive oft' to a nearer
place than Osnaljurg, but he signd twice or thrice with his
liand to go on, and that was the only mark of sense he shewed.
This is no secret amongst the Catholicks in Germany, but the
Protestants hush it uj) as mucli they can."
But now to leave these subjects, I proceed to the answer I sent
to the Kings last letter.
Letter to the King.
"28 July 1727.
" Sir, — I had the honor a few dayes ago to receive yours of
the 14 of June, and I lost no time in setting about the execution
of what you committed to me, for having the occasion of one
going to Scotland, on whom I coud depend, I writ to Kincar-
dine to acquaint Dundonald that you had made choise of the lat-
ter to be your corrispondent and desired they woud pitch on some
proper person to receive such letters as came from you addressd
to Mr. Robert Anderson merchant in Dingwall, and give pru-
dent directions to that person about conveying these letters to
Dundonald, without letting that person know from or to whom
they were, which might be easily enuff contrived : That this
being done, they shoud by a sure hand, send ane unsignd letter
to William Dimdas, acquainting him of the persons name to
whose care he shoud transmit such letters as came to his hands
addressd as above. If they manage this matter with the caution
Uiey may and shoud, and keep the secret to themselves, the in-
conveniencies that have hapned may be prevented in case of fu-
ture mistakes. I reckon it will be convenient that you direct
Dundas to send you notice when he receives that letter and the
name and address of the person to whom he's to convey the let-
ters, after which you may either send them by his, or Robert
VOL. II. 2 z
.'^54 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
Gordon at Burdeaux or any other canall, as you .judg-e proper at
any time ; for what you observe as to Dundas, wilh respect to
the susj)icion he is under, is too true, I can assuredly depend
on the prudence and fidcHty of Mr. Gordon at Durham ; but on
'2d thoughts, before any letters pass thorow his canall, I must ad-
just some things with him as to the charactars of some of the
masters of ships that l^elong to these ports, for I do not think it
prudent to act at random in a matter of such weight, and I will
write to him very soon on that article. I have sent Mr. Waters
notice how to address for me whilst I am in these parts, so that
your commands will find me wherever I am. [After this I gave
the King a full detail of the manner how the letters were seized,
which having alreadie given ane account of, I need not transcrive
that part of this letter.]
" I wish to God the designd congress may terminate as you
expect, but I cant help being aftraid that the Emperor is too pa-
cifically inclined, or does not think his present allyances suffi-
cient to enable him to make head against the formidable powrs
of the Hanover allyes, which are more united and zealous than
he at first expected ; and yet at the same time tis scarce possible
to imagine that the affairs of Europe can stand long in this
posture.
" You have no doubt accounts how matters go in Britain, in
which I can give you no light in my present situation, nor do I
know what to make of the Tory Lords applying so soon and so
much to the new King: if he receives them, I wish it may not
cool their zeal for a better cause. I am certainly informed of 2
facts, viz. That Mar complains to some certain persons, of having
lately been barbarouslie ill used ; (these are his own words, but
I cant yet learn the particulars, tho I belive I soon will, and
whither he complains particularly of you or of some in your ser-
vice) and that he has applyed and has hopes of getting liberty
to retire home to AUoway, there (as he sayes) to spend the rest
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 355
of liis dayes in privacie: of these particulars I was well assured
before King George dyed.
" Tis possitively affirmd by all hands that very soon there will
be ane indemnity, and so extensive as to include many hitherto
excluded, who probably will take the benefite therof : I reckon
it cant fail to comprehend me, and m that case I belive I may re-
turn soon home; If 1 lake this resolution I shall timouslie ac-
quaint you therof that you may stop writing furder to me, for as
1 will be narrowlie \vatchd and the least occasion against me
laid hold on, I must act with great caution, tho at the same time
nothing shall deterr me from serving you in any station ; but I
know you will excuse me, especially seing youl be provided in
another corrispondent in all respects more capable to serve you
than ever was in my powr. I am."
Tlie Kings aflairs were in the melancholy posture I have re-
presented wiien he heard of King Georges death. Nixt day
therafter he set out in great hast and privacie for Lorrain, about
which very time the Queen, on Invernesses being removed, and
by the advice of her freinds, left the convent and was actually on
her way from Rome to the King at Bollognia ; but the meeting
was prevented by his having, before her arrival, set out on that
journey which, by all I coud learn of it, was not of such conse-
quence, that for the sake therof, he shoud have delayd the finish-
ing of a reconciliation that was so earnestly desired by all who
wishd him well and of such consequence to his charactar and
his affairs.
About this time I went from Aix la Chapelle to see my good
old freind Colonel Clephan at Leige, not having the least suspi-
cion of the Kings journey, for the news papers mentiond his
having set out to meet the Queen, which it seems he gave out as
a blind when he departed from Bollognia, and he travelld with
such expedition and secresie that for some time no body coud
tell wher he was or what he designd. When I came to Leige
O 7 S)
f^ Zj h^
356 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
on the 4 of August, to my great surjirise I found Allan Cameron
at the inn wher I stopt: on my asking him how the King did,
Avher he was and wliat had brought himself there, he told me the
Kino* was not very far off, being at that time in Lorrain, that His
Majestie had dispalehd couriers to Vienna and Madrid, and him-
self to Paris, with directions to come nixt to me, and that Mr.
Waters told him he enclosed what letters were for me under co-
ver to Dr. Bazin and knew no more of me; so coming to know
from the Doctor wher I was, he met with Clephan who told him
he expected me in a day or 2 and he judged it better to wait for
me there than go on to me at Aix. After whicii he delivered
me this
Letter from the King.
" Nancy, July 22d 1727.
" As soon as I heard of the Elector of Hanovers death I thought
it incumbent on me to put myself in a condition of profiting of
what might be the consequences of so great ane event, which I
was sensible I coud never do at so great a distance as Italy ; and
that made me take the resolution of leaving that country out
of hand and drawing nearer to England, liiat I might be in a
readiness, without loss of time, to profit of any commotion that
might ensue in Great Britain or of any alteration that might
happen in the present system of Europe in Hanovers death. At
the same time that I left Italy I dispatclid expresses to Vienna,
Madrid and Paris, and have alreadie received the return of that
to Vienna, by which it is very plain that the Emperor woud be
very desirous that I coud be in a condition of making ane at-
tempt without any forreign force, and woud not even obstruct
my own passing privately thro his dominions for that effect, tho
his ministers declare at the same time that since the preliminaries
are signd he cannot give me any assistance.
" The answers from France and Spain are not yet come, but
when they do, tis lo be expected they will not be more favorable.
UEGlisTEIl OF LETTEUt;. 357
SO that for tlie proscnl no forreigne assistance can be expected ;
but witli all that, the present conjuncture appears so favorable
in all its circumstances, that had I only consulted my own incli-
nations, I shuud certainly out of hand have crossd the seas and
seen at any rate what I coud do for my own and my subjects
delivery ; but as on this occasion I act for them as well as my-
self and cannot liope without their concurrance to succeed in
what 1 may undertake in our mutual behalf, I lind myself under
the necessity of making no furder steps without ther advice.
" Tis true the dissadvantages I lye under are great and many;
I have but a smal stock of mony, scarce sufficient to transport
what few arms I have and what officers I may get to follow mo
on this occasion. Ime sensible that it is nixt to impossible that
a concert shoud be established amongst my freinds at home, such
as Avoud be sufficient for a rising in arms in my favor before my
arrivall, and, by what is said before, the lille hopes of forreign
assistance will be sufficiently seen ; but with all this, many ar-
guments may be brought to authorize ane undertaking which at
first sight might appear rash. Our countrie is now (whatever
the outward appearance may be) in great confusion and dis-
order, the people have had time to feel the weight of a forreign
yoke, and are uowayes favorably inclind towards the present
Elector of Hanover. That concert, vigor and unanimity which
does not precede my crossing the seas may attend and follow
such ane event, and if the cheif great powrs in Europe are not
all my declared freinds, ther is not one that is my euimy and that
has not a particular interest to wish me on the throne; and were
I in person in Britain at the head of even a small number of my
own subjects, it might naturally alter very nmch the present sy-
stem of some or other of them during the time of the congress ;
but shoud it once meet and affairs be adjusted there on the
foundation of the quadruple allyance, forreign affairs will take
quite another face and in all probality woud long remain so.
v'
3i>8 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
whilst tlie present Elector of Hanover and his son might have
time to ingratiate themselves with the English nation : so that
all put togather, it must be concluded that if the present con-
juncture is slipd, it cannot be expected that wee ever can have so
favorable a one for acting by ourselves and that wee run the risk
of allowing the generall affairs of Europe to take such a turn as
will probably incline most of the cheif powrs of Europe to be
less favourable to us, than they are at present ; so that whatever
is not absolutely desperate ought certainly to be undertakn and
the sooner the better.
" I desire therfore you may think seriouslie on this matter and
let me have your opinion as soon as possible, and if my going
into England be not adviseable, whither my going to the High-
lands of Scotland might not be found proper.
Postscript with the Kings own hand.
" The contents of this will show you the confidence I have in
you, and I expect you will let me know by the bearer Allan your
advice and opinion particularly on this important occasion."
This letter surprized me not a litle, and being unwilling to ex-
press my sentiments theron singly to Cameron himself, I told him
(after he acquainted me that he knew the contents of the Kings
letter and his private inclinations and thoughts) that as it was a
matter of vast importance, I inclined to communicate and con-
sult with Clephan who was very capable to give advice and
whose zeal was unquestionable : He replyd he had no orders to
mention the affair to any but me, and on his finding me resolved
to advise with the other he added that he was of the Marrian
Faction and he woud not have any dealings with him ; I an-
swered he was a man of true worth honor and loyaltie, and the
reason he assignd against confirmd my resolution of consulting
with liiiii ; iliat 1 knew he was of no side but tlie Kings, and
granting lie had a personall kindness for Marr, 1 did not see that
was any reason to seclude him, and that I coud not but think he
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 359
and Win iVeiiuls acted a very odd part in keeping up divisions at
a jvnictnre of such consequence when all hands were necessary;
that as tlie King- commanded me to transmitt my opinion to
him, he cerlainlv alloud me to take such measures as I judgd fit
to enable me to give it, and he might for his own vindication
acquaint His Majestic that I advised with Clephan, whither he
woud or not; and so I sent for him and told him all I knew.
Cameron then told us that the King, notwithstanding the cer-
tainty he had of no forreing aid, and that ther was no schem nor
preparations at home, inclined and seemd resolved to repair to
the Highlands of Scotland, and make the best stand he coud witii
such as repaird to him, and this measure was approved of by
Lord Inverness and his other subjects attending him with whom
he advised ; and upon my enquiring if that Lord was with the
King, he shifted giving a direct answer, but being put to it, he
said he was not actually present with him, but he keept at a litle
distance so as His Majestic coud send often to him and have him
when he pleased. Wee askt liim if he belived the : ' ghlanders
woud rise heartily for or with the King, and if he thought the
want of arms ammunition and mony to be transported alongst
with the King woud not be ane irreparable impediment: He
answered that he coud not say they woud all rise in arms, but
some certainly woud, and arms &c. might be sent in a litle time
after the King, and he did not doubt but he might be able to
make a stand for some months at least. I told him that I ad-
mired how he who knew the state of the Highlands and tlie ge-
nerall concert and resolution of not going to the feild untill they
saw England actually engaged, coud advise the King to throw
away his person and expose the countrie and his trustiest freinds
to certain destruction : that the King might indeed expect that
some woud venture all in any undertaking wher His Majestie
was personally present, but, as matters stood and as ther was
no concert nor preparations, these woud not be numerous, so
300 REGISTER OF LETTER?.
that llie bulk of those that joind him vvoucl be a pavcell of idle
fellows in hopes of plunder and who in time woud leave him to
the inercy of the Goverments troops, which woud be pourd doun
upon the Highlands and, under the praetext of the few^ that
joind the King, destroy the countrie and cut off the inhabitants;
for doing wherof twas well enuft' known they wanted no more
than such ane handle : and that I thought these councellors who
^ave such advice either did not know the true state of the Kings
affairs or betrayd him, being wearied of his service, or in corri-
spondence with his enimys. Cameron replyd tlie King was of
another mind and keen to be at it, and wanted to know if Ide
go with him ; and on his telling me that Lord Dunbar was in
Italy attending the Prince, and Inverness was to remain on the
continent to manage affairs with forreign powers, I answered that
if the King commanded me to attend him I woud obey, tho I
thought it a rash destructive undertaking, and that I shoud have
had a much better opinion of the two last named Lords if they
had thought fit to run equall hazard with the King in a project
they so much approved. Clephan having also expressd his dis-
like of the measure and givn unanswerable reasons against it,
Cameron went off nixt day in his way to the King in Lorrain
and with him I sent the following
Letter to the King.
" August 4, IT'jr.
" Sir, — Nothing coud have surprised me more than my acci-
dental! meeting with the bearer, but the accounts I got from him
of you and your late resolutions, being what indeed I did not in
the least imagine or expect. Not being provided Avith my cy-
phers in this place, twas with some diflicultie I read yours, how-
ever 1 made a shift well enuff" to understand the purport, and
the same reason will prevent my writing so clearlie as otherwise
1 woud,
" The subject of yours is a matter of the greatest importance,
RFOISTEU OF LETTEnS. 361
ami tho it was very naturall lor you to desire to be in a condi-
tion to make bencfite from any happy circumstance that niij^ht
occurr, yet I am much aflVaid notiiing- of that kind is Ukely to hap-
pen at this junclurc. 1 have no intcUigence from 'tother side of
the sea, but by the publick letters tis plain that the people of
England are intoxicated at present, having forgot their late ail-
ments by llie (ill grounded) hopes of a better management; and
till they tind tliemselves dissappointed I can form no hopes from
them, especially seing you have no prospect of what you and all
your advisers judged essentially necessary, even under the fairest
veiwp, for your sujjport and the encouragement of others. And
as for the other part of the countrie, they cant possibly do any
thing without being provided with the many materiall things
they want, and ere it can be done, much time and many ditticul-
ties must be surmounted, during which, opposite preparations
will be made on all hands. I readily grant twere a notable ad-
vaiitage to give the stroke in the beginning least aftairs at home
and abroad grow worse and be rivetted ; but then, even under
this consideration, this is not to be attempted without necessary
precautions and provisions : for without tliese, such or indeed
any attempt woud be too desperate and without miracles from
Heaven prove the utter ruin of all future hopes. I belive the
people of Scotland are nuich as I left them, that is very well
disposed ; but withall so overrun and oppressed, that tis impracti-
cable for them to do any thing but jointly and in concurrance
w ith their neighbours of England ; and I am pritty well assured
that notion is sx> establishd and fixed in their minds, tliat they
will scarce on any event divert from it, so that all depends on
the English ; and for you to venture over to either Scotland or
England without ane absolute assurance of some support, may
prove pernicious to yourself and fatall to all that wish you well.
" I have with the bearer enterd into the particulars wheron I
found these my sentiments, which lie'l narrate and explain more
VOL. II. 3 A
^
362 UEGISTER OF LETTERS.
fully than I can write. No man li^ ing woiid be more glad to
see the dawning of a fair day ; but when every airth of the com-
pass is black and cloudie, I cannot but dread very bad weather,
such as can give no encouragement to a traveller, nay cannot well
fail to prove his own and his attendants utter ruin and destruc-
tion. What I have represented is from the very bottom of my
lieart and soul, which at the same time I submitt with the greatest
respect to your judgement."
The King, on a reveiw of the state of his affairs and present
prosjject, perceiving he coud expect no assistance from abroad
and Hnding so litle encouragement at home, laid aside his de-
sign of going to Scotland; and so retiring from Lorrain, he went
strait to Avignion, wher he proposed to remain under the Popes
protection, which he obtaind, tho France desired him to with-
draw and applyed to the Pope that he shoud be removed. Tis
certain the King for a long time expected he might continue his
residence there, and tho he docs not in any of the subsequent
letters mention the reasons of his sudden removall, twas gene-
rally belived that the French Court at last resolved it shoud and
must be so, when the British ministers represented that the partie
in the Parliament who were jealous of the French allyance, woud
lay hold on the Kings residing in France as a handle to upbraid
the Ministry, who being under the direction of the French were
not to be exposed. What moved tlie King to be so desirous to
reside there, when no benifite coud arise without the good will
of the Frencii Court attended it, I cant say, tho some there were
Avho aftirmd that it was with a veiw of being at a distance from
the Queens freinds, which were numerous in Italy, and at libertie
to recall Inverness: and I wish 1 had not too good reason to
])elive their conjecture was not altogather groundless. For a
considerable time after the Kings departure from Lorrain no
body knew what was become of him ; at last 1 received the fol-
lowing
nEGISTEn OF LETTERS. 363
Letter * from Sir John Graeme.
" Avignion, August 25, 1727.
" The King desires me to acknowledge the receipt of yours of
the 4 of August by Allan Cameron and also that of the 28 of
.Tuly, which came by the j)ost. The King takes very kindly your
frank way of coumiunicating your thoughts on his present situ-
ation, but is perswaded tliat on reflection youl approve of the
step he took in lea\ing Italy, upon the Duke of Hanovers deatli,
which was absolutely necessary for his own vindication, and
likewise of his resolution to stay here as long as he can, front
whence I flatter myself it will not be easie to remove him with-
out the Court of France breaks thorow the conunon rules of de-
corum and show themselves intirely subservient to the English
Goverment in every odious measure they think fit to enjoyu
them. The King is very well please<l with the method you lay
doun for his corrispondence with Scotland, but desires you woud
learn the name of the person to whom letters are to be conveyd
to Scotland after that affair is concerted and then inform him of
it, which he thinks preferrable to writing to William Dundas in
order to be informd of it from him,
" The King was glad to hear from you that after strict enquiry
you find ther was no treachery in the discovery of the packet you
mention, tho sory for any accident that might have proved fatall
to any of his freinds, especially you of whose attachment to the
cause he has had so many autiientick proofs; but the King is
hopefuU such accidents will riot happen for the future after the
precautions you have takn to prevent them, and longs to have
his correspondence with Scotland so fixd by your means as let-
ters may go and come more safely and more frequently than they
have done for some time past.
" I reckon this will find you some wher in Flanders or near to
* Received 6 September.
3 A 2
364 UKGISTER OF LETTERS.
il, since I hear the Parliament has rose willwnt passinc; ane act
of indemnity. I shoud be glad of every event which might prove
to yovir advantage, and as I shall be ahvayes fond of serving- you,
you cannot do me a greater pleasure than by letting me know
wherin I can be usefuU to you, beijig ahvayes readie to convince
you as far as lyes in my powr how much I am Yours."
Letter to Sir John Graeme.
"Aix, nth September 1727.
" Sir, — Yours of the 25 of August was the more agreeable that
it confirmd ane account I had read in a letter, 3 or 4 dayes be-
fore, of the Kings being arrived in good health at Avignion: for
in truth I was in pain to know what was become of him, having
heard nothing that was probable from the time I parted with
Cameron at Leige. No doubt many advantages attend his being
near his own dominions, and I wish matters may be so adjusted
as he may fix wher he is, till he comes nearer and that his family
may join him, fori must own that nixt to the main point (that
is his restoration) I know nothing more for the interest of the
good cause than the encrease of the voyall issue, w hich wee have
reason to expect, were the royall ])air once again togather and
in a method of using the lawfuU means. That and many other
considerations render it extremely desirous that they shoud meet
as soon as possible; tis what his people long to have ane account
of, and twill stop the mouths of his enimys. I woud very gladly
have waited on His Majestic whilst he was within so near reach
of me, but as I had neither his orders nor allowance, I chused ra-
ther to cross my own inclinations, than do what perhaps he might
not have approved of.
" I know not how to undertake sending you notice of the per-
sons name pitchd on to receive the Kings letters in Scotland, for
at present I have no cyphers nor method of corrisponding there;
and as Ime undetermined how or wher He dispose of myself
nixt winter, I cant establish one for some time : w hat I writ to
HEGISTKR OF LETTERS. 3G5
the Earls of Kincardine and Dundonald \vas])y a sure hand g-oino*
from hence (tlio by the l)ye 1 hnd he'l continue some lille time
k)ng-er at London than I expected) and Ime to send tlie cypher
Avith ajiother that goes from this about a month hence, so that
it \\\\\ he yet a considerable lime before this canall of corrisj)on-
dence can be opened: but if the King has any scruple of being
informd by William Dundas of the name of the person a{)pointed
to receive the letters he forwards, when once the corrispondence
is set albot, he may demand it from the person he >vrites to. I
must recommend earnestly, the keeping all the persons names
any wayes employd in this corrispondence, as secret as possible,
which in a great measure depends upon being within the know-
lege of very few and that the intermediate j)ersons know not of
one another, which, as I have laid douu tiie scheme, may be
done, if tis cautiouslie executed, as I belive it will.
" As to myself, I see no probability of ane indemnity, it being
put oft' till the new Parliament sits doun, and tis probable it may-
then meet -with a new delay. I expect no particular favors (and
as litle will I ask them) having been lately informd that my
never failing personall freind the Duke of Argile his application
was unsuccessful!, being told by the English Ministry that they
had clear proofs of a long tract of treason to charge me with. I
was at a loss to know how this coud be, for tho 1 was assured
Strahan and Corsar had loaded me to free themselves, yet I ima-
gined theyd go no furder than to say that the packet that was
seized was for me, which woud never have amounted to a proof of
treason ; but by a letter which I lately received from my son, I
find Corsars the greatest rogue of the 2, and that a certain person
in the Goverment (to ^^'hose freindship I owed the intelligence I
got so as to escape in time) told my son, they both deserved to.
be hanged as fools and knaves, having told what they shoud
not and were under no necessity of telling: so that I conclude
they have givn ane account of a setled corrispondencej and if they
365 KECJSTER OF LETTERS.
have only brought me in and not made discoverys to the preju-
dice of the cause or of other particular persons, I shall forgive
them the sooner. What confirms the suspicion of Corsar is, that
he declines letting- any of our freinds know what lengths he went,
keeping only in generalls and that he was obliged to save himself,
since he had not been so wise as I was to keep out of the Go-
verments hands. I have writ to my freinds and relations to show
no resentment against them, least finding themselfs treated as
they richlie deserve, they become desperate and connnon prosti-
tutes, which may have bad effects, as Captain Straton keepl no-
thing from them; besides tis commonly observed that these peo-
ple do not confine themselves to truth, when once they give them-
selves up to become informers and evidences.
" There has been here for some months a countrieman and
ncer kinsman of mine, Samuel Forbes of Knapperlie, one of the
most execrable villains Nature ever framed. He conmiitted some
7 or 8 years ago a most barljarous murder at Angiers on the per-
son of Mr, a very worthy young English gentleman, and
about 2 years ago as barbarous a robery of a Dutch gentleman
who had invited and was intertaining him at his house. In short
thers no size or kind of wickedness he is not capable of; and
tho he's excluded the Hanover allyance, by being sure to be
hangd if lies catchd within the territorys of the 3 cheif branches
of it, that is France, Holland and Britain, yet his zeall is great for
the present English Goverment (in hopes I suppose to get the re-
mission which has been hitherto refused) and I lately discovered
that he is actually in pay, whither to inform, or perform, or both,
God knows, but he's a mettle resolute fellow and well qualifyed
for all manner of villanous undertakings. I was mightie uneasie
on his sudden setting out from hence about 3 weeks ago and not
going to Spa, as he jjretended, however he has again cast up here.
If he happens to come wher you arc at any time, for Gods sake
cause secure him: Tis probable some of yom- company may know
HEOIXTKR OP LETTERSi 367
liim, if not, all the description I can give of him is, that he's a
well set, niidle seized genteel man, of a rnddycompleclion, broad-
faced and abont .SO years old, and speaks French currently, and
wears good cloaths. I have talkd with some persons of distinc-
tion hereof him and theyr of o])inion that if either the States Ge-
neral or the French King woud demand him, bed be given up,
as a publick enimy to mankind, by any Prince or Stales in whose
domiiuons he hapned to be; and I have writ to one in Holland
to put the gentleman he robbd u[)on making the tryall with the
States, and I have also writ to Captain Frazer (who's now at An-
glers) to acquaint IVIr. Cotton (cnsen to the gentleman that was
nundercd, who is also there) that in concnrrance with the mas-
ter of. the accadamie he may apply to the French Court, and if
any of these traps catch him, twill be a service to mankind. In
short I dread him more than any body, as Ime sure he'l stand
at nothing, be it ever so hainous, that the Goverment of England
requires of him, and I thought it not amiss to put you on your
guard.
" I found poor Clephan in a very bad way at Antwerp, so I
got him up to Leige where I setlcd him much better, but hes in
so very bad a state of health and reduced so low and weak within
these three weeks that a short time must end his days, and as he
has nothing to subsist himself and supply his childeren, but what
the King allows him, I fear he'l not leave wherwithall to bury
him. Tis very obvious how much it is for the Kings honor and
service that the world know that he takes care of such persons,
and Ime of opinion twoud be for his interest, thatheorderd Wa-
ters to enquire after his condition during his sickness, and to let
liis son know that His Majestic will continue his pension after
his death, so long, as to pay his funeralls. I mention this to you,
and you can best judge how far twill be fit to mention this to
His Majestic: if any thing is to be done for him, it must be soon,
or twill come too late. His son is ane excellent young man and
368 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
a fine scholar: helms sludied medicine "2 years with Bocrhaave,
bnt as that bussiness is overstockt at home and the lad has no
fund to subsist on, God knows what will become of him when
his father dyes: If the King had any litle post about himself or
the Prince to bestow on the deserving son of one of the worthiest
men ever existed, the extending* his care to even the otispring of
those that sufFerd for him woud be a great encouragement to
draw in others, particularly officers, to engage in his service on
the nixt proper occasion. I also submit how tar you judge it
proper to mention this particular to His Majeslie.
" I have now takn notice of all that occurd to me at this time,
which having spun this letter to a good length, I will encroach
no furder on your time, than to assure you of the sincerity with
which I am Yours.
" P. S, The Duke of Berwicks to be here nixt week; he
knows my story well enuff, and if he speaks to me of the King,
I le be at a loss how to behave ; however, to be sure I do no harm,
I will keep much in generalls."
Letter to Sir John Graeme.
" 18 September 1727.
" Sir, — Since my last of the ijth I have found a countrieman
of ours, who at the bottom is a very honest man and not su-
spected, and designs to be in Edinburgh in a month or therby ;
with him I will write to Dundonald, desiring him as soon as he
has pitchd on a person under whose cover are to be sent letters
addressd to that he write a letter to the King accpiaint-
ing him of the name and address of that pers^on, and that he send
it with the first safe occasion to Robert Gordon at Bourdcaux or
William Dundas at Rotterdam, and that the letters he sentls under
their cover be addressd to Monsieur Le Blan inarchand ii Paris.
It will thcrfore be exj:)edient that you in due time instruct Gor-
don and Dundas how to forward such letters addressd for Lc
jBlan, as come under their cover.
REGISTEH OP LETTERS. 369
" I liave been to >vait on the Duke of Berwick, he received me
^vitli g-reat civililvs, but as vet Ive had no private chat with liiiu.
I have nothing more to trouble you willi at this time, but to de-
sire youd tender my duty in the most respeclfull manner to His
Majesty, and behve that I am Yours."
Letter * from Sir John Grasame.
" '29 September 1727.
" Sir, — I had the honour to Uiy before the King- yours of the
ijth of September, wlio you may be sure longs more than any of
his subjects to be with the Queen, on a great many accounts:
but as it is still uncertain whither or not he will be allowd to
remain here, it woud be hard to expose her to a long and trou-
blesome journey, when perhaps before her arrivall he may be
obliged to retire from hence, tho his intention has been all
alongst to send for the Queen to join him as soon as he coud rea-
sonably reckon on his fixing his residence here; to procure which
he has left nothing undone either with the Court of France or
that of Rome. The step the first of these Courts thought fit to
take, was to pray the King to retire from hence, to which he re-
fused to yeild, and having likewise solicited the Pope to interpose
his authority, waits a return from him before they proceed any
furder; but as the King very well foresaw that the French mi-
nisters woud apply themselves to the Pope, the first thing he did
on his coming here was to employ his credite at the Court to pre-
vent the Pope in liis favour, which has accordingly succeeded so
well that he has good grounds to hope that the French solicita-
tions w ill not prevaill, and if they do not, the Court of France I
am confident must be hard put to it before they come to violence,
it being certain that the article of the triple allyance which re-
gards the King does not oblige them to it, without they make
tliemselves such prostitutes to the English Goverment as to put
"* Received 10 October.
VOL. II. 3 B
370 UEGIisTER OF LETTEllS,;
any sense upon the treatie they tliink fit to impose on them. Ho-
race Walpole is very assiduous in soliciting the French Court
against us, whicli will probably take decisive measures one way
or 'tother as soon as they have returns from Rome, Avhich tliey
may have in a few daycs, and so I shall end this account of the
Kinffs situation.
" You may be sure the King woud ha\e been very glad of
seeing you when he was in yovir neighbourhead, but thinking
it woud be inconvenient for you to make that journey, he rather
chose to send Allan Cameron to discourse with you on his affairs,
" As to what you write of the Scots corrispondence, if I take
your conceit right, it is absolutely necessary that either William
Dundas or some body else, thorow whose hands it is to pass on
this side of the sea, have ane address from Scotland, under which
he is to put what letters he receives for Robert Anderson in
Dingwall; and as it is to be wishd that corrispondence were set
on foot as soon as possible, that they mav send that address to
Dundas by the first occasion, wherof I shall take care to be in-
formd by him, that so the King may have it in his powr to em-
ploy another shoud this channell be thought impropper on ac-
count of his being too much suspected by the Goverment. And
as to secrecie, the Kings Scots freinds may depend on its being
inviolable, and I am confident their own safety will make them
take all necessary precautions for preserving it at home in the
manner the King has proposed to them.
" 1 am stunnd with the new accounts you give me of Corsar
and Strahans behaviour, who since they have been privy to so
long a tract of corrispondence, you acted a very prudent part in
desiring your freinds to conceall their resentment against them.
" Wee are upon such a footing here that no body can enter the
toun without oin- knowlege; but as Forbes, shoud he take it
in his head to come hither with ane ill design, will probably
change his name and his country, I wish you had givn us some
REGISTETl OF LETTERS. S7 I
maiki^ liow to know liim: But llo^^•ever I shall be on my guard
and tliank you heartily for the hint you have givn me about him.
" Collonel Clcphans bad state of health is mortifying news to
me, and the King who is sensibly touched at it has thought fit to
order Mr, Waters to pay as far as 500 livres, which the King de-
sires you to call for to be employd on the honest gentlenians fu-
neralls and for payment of any of his most pressing debts. As to
his son, I am sory to tell you that I cannot at present see how he
can be employd about the Kings or the Prince of Wales persons,
besides that I shoud think his coming to join the King either here
or in Italy woud be the way to lose him, since it woud hinder
liim from pursuing the business he has been bred to; but you
may be sure the King will alwayes have a regard for Clephans
childeren as far as his circumstances Avill allow him.
" I can say nothing to you as to the Duke of Berwick, further
than that for some years past a few letters of compliment have
past betwixt the King and him, but I dont know how far he
woud be a thorow freind, were ther any occasion for his services.
" I wish you all health aud happiness, and shall be fond to live
with you allwayes in the same freindship which was betwixt
our fathers, being with the most sincere and heartie attachment
—Yours."
Letter * from Sir John Graeme.
" October 6, 1727.
" Sir, — I was glad to find by yours of the 18 September, which
I had the honor to read to the King, that a good opportunity has
offered for your writing to the Earl of Dundonald, to desire him,
as soon as he has pitched upon the proper person for the convey-
ance of letters, to acquaint the King of the said persons name
and address, and I shall write by nixt post to William Dundas
and Robert Gordon how they are to forward to the King what
* Received 1 7 October.
3b2
372 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
letters they receive addressd to Monsieur Le BUm niercliant at
Paris. You will see, by what I have writ to you on Monday
last, that upon yo\u" iiaving mentioned that you had no safe w"av
of writing to Scotland, I found a necessity of using- the method
you first proposed of being* informed by Dundas of the person
in question, but it is certainly better to have it directlie from
Earl of Dundonald himself.
" I acquainted you in my last of the Kings having ordered
Mr. Waters to pay to you as far as 500 livres for poor Collonel
Clephans funeralls, but having since had a letter from that ho-
nest gentleman wher he begs the Kings permission to go home
to breath native air, as what is most likely to jn^olong his dayes,
the King, in consideration of his loyall principles and faithful!
services, being unwilling to cross hi« inclinations, desires youd
call for the above mentiond sum, which he is pleased to allow
for the expences of his joiu'ney to Scotland.
" I shall be glad to have your sentiments of the Duke of Ber-
wick after you have had some private conversation with him.
" I am with great sincerity Yours."
Letter to the King.
" October 7, 1727..
" Sir, — Before this reaches you, I suppose a letter from the
Bishop of Rochester will have come to your hands, acquainting
you of the substance of what is herein containd, which I had
breiiiie communicated to him, because I coud not then write at
full length to you and judgd it necessary that both you and he
shoud be somewhat apprizd of the matter as quicklie as possible.
" To proceed then, 1 received lately information from a parti-
cular freind, that he was assured that the Ministry at London
were masters of coppys of most if not all the cyphers by which
you and such as are employd under you corrispond with your
freinds in Britain or elsewher, and that by one of these they
uncyphcred the letters lately seized in Scotland, and that amongst
HEGrSTER OF LETTERS. 373
oU>er tFiinf!;9 they contaiiid the following' parliculars: llial aflcr
owning- tlie receipt of 2 lelters of certain dates, directions are
oivn with relation to the Scots episcopall clergy; tlial notice is
g'ivn t^.aiie invasion designd, willt directions lo prepare for it;
that a person was or woud be soon sent to a certain place on
purpose to give orders, with whom the person for whom the let-
ter wius desigiid was to corrispond, and fvnlher lie was to act in
concert with 2 other persons, which 3 were to give such direc-
tions in all matters as they judgd most proper for the good of the
cause from time to time, as circumstances liapned and required.
My author does not mention the name of the 3 aforesaid persons
nor of the aforesaid place, but from what follows, their names,
at least of the 2 to be advised with, is known. He sayes that
these cyphers came from the fountain-head abroad ; that the
Ministry have had them for some time waiting for ane occasion
to use them ; that they keep this as a secret in the hands of very
few, but that his informer had access to knaw such things and
told them to him, as he imagines with a good intention, and that
thers scarce any the least reason to doubt t\\e truth of the informa-
tion. My corrispondent adds that his freind told him that Stra^
lian and Corsar at their secret examinations had told all they
knew, (and Avhich they had not the confidence to deny when
since being Liberate, they were qitestend on it) particularly that
you had for a long time kecpt a close corrispondence in Scotland,
which was carryd on by me who receivd and returnd letters and
orders relating therto, and gave severall particular instances ther-
of ; that this aflkir was fully debated in tlie cabinet councell in
presence of the late Elector of Hanover ; that some were earnest
to proceed against the 2 aforsaid persons (whose names it seems
they knew) and endeavour therby to make further discoverys^
but that the Elector was possitive against it, saying that since
the person cheiflie concernd in the corrispondence was escaped
and the danger, by the prospect of peace, over, lie d have uo-
.374 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
more blood nor prosecutions, so tliat these 2 persons woud not be
troubled indess fresh reasons occurrd. My corrispondent adds
that after a long- discourse with his freind, he was again possi-
tively assured by him of the Ministrys being posesst o,t'. every
cypher you have writ by these several years past, which they had
got from one that knew how to be master of them ; and he con-
cludes that tis highlie necessary you be apprizd Iherof as soon as
possible, and that if you do not alter your cyphers but continue
to write by the former, the consequences may prove fatall to your
own and your freinds interest. Thus, sir, you iiave the main ar-
ticles containd in my letter, and Ime very sure my freind, in
whom I can assuredly confide, woud not have transmitted this
account in such hast and expressd so much concern if he had
not judgd it essentially necessary. He does not mention the name
of his informer, but from some particular circumstances I guess
who it may be, and if so, I imagine the authority is too too good:
however as wee have heard of politicians pretending to know
more in such cases than they rcalie do, with a veiw of creating
suspicions and raising jealousies, what is mentiond will not war-
rand any particular persons being thought culpable tho thers
more than enuff to put you on the search and to lay down mea-
sures to prevent the fatall effects of the informations being true:
of which I conceive it is in your power to make a pritty good
judgment, for if you have coppys of the letters that were
seized in February last at Leith, and on a reveiw find that they
contain all or most of the particulars I have mentiond, (which
by the bye is not pretended to be more than the heads and sub-
stance of some parts of these letters and not the precise words}
then you may reasonably conclude that the informations good;
and on the other hand if these letters containd nothing relative
to these particulars, it may as reasonably be concluded that tis a
contrivance of your cniniys ; but such a scrutiny seems to be ab-
solutely necessary towards discovering either the fallacy or the
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 375
treason, which may pave tlie way to find out tlie traitor ; matters,
all of them of the last consequence to your and the common
cause.
" I take it for granted that on this allarum you will not blame
me for having; stopt the cypher you directed me to send to Scot-
land, for if this information is true and it has ever been used with
other persons on former occasions, tis by no means lit to put it in
vour freinds hands. He be impatient to know your sentiments of
this matter, and I remain Yours."
Letter* from the King.
" October 24, 1727.
" The Bishop of Rochester sent me the letter you lately sent
for his information, and I own to you it did not give me much
uneasiness, for I was very sure of my secrets while InvernesiS
served me, and I hope I am not now less so, tho 1 have not the
same personall knowledge and experience of Sir John Graeme
which 1 had of him. But your letter of the 7 th of October puts,
me intirely at ease as to that matter, since it is supposed to you
that in the letters intercepted in Scotland severall particulars
shoud have been mentioned which I knew were not, so tliat your
informer either deceives you or is deceived himself. The l^nglish
Goverment of late has been very solicitous to make people be-
live that my secrets are betrayd, since they are sensible that such
a perswasion must creat great diffidence towards me and by con-
sequence much distress my affairs, and therfore it must alwayes
be of use to me to be able to remove such jealousies, as in this
one particular is sufficiently done by what I now tell you; but
it may be of use to me to know who was the person that gave
you these informations, and I wish you coud learn from him who
was his informer and the way that it is pretended that the En-
glish Goverment got my cyphers and what particular ones they
* Received 12 November.
376 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
pretend to have. In the mean Lime I see no diilicullie in yonr
forwarding the cypher to Scotland I sent yon, since it is a new
one, and you may certainly be entirely at ease on all these mat-
ters. Tho I desire you woud continue to give me a particular
account of what comes to your knowledge of this nature, since
one way or other I may be able to make good use of these
lights.
" I bclive you will be glad to know that I saw so litle appear-
ance of my removing from here [Avignion] that I have sent for
the Queen to come here ; but I intend to leave my sons wher
they are till sj)ring, on account of the season of the year.
" Sir John Graeme left this yesterday ; I dont exactly know
how long be may be away, but during his absence, what letters
you may send here for him will come directly to my hands, and
I will take care to answer them. If ever you have occasion to
write to his father let him know the good ojjinion I have of his
son as well as himself.
, " I thank God I keep my health very well in this country,
and have no more at present to add but the assurance of my con-
stant kindness."
Letter to the King.
" November 18, 1727.
« Sir, — Yours of the 24 of October I had the honor to receive
some few dayes ago in this place [Rotterdam] whither I came
lately from Aix la Chappie with a design to take up my winter
quarters till I see what turn aflairs at home will take. I was
lately assured that the Goverment had resolved to pass ane act
of indemnity, excluding only such as are attainted, and a litle
lime will now show what truth is in it.
" I am extremely glad that you have sucli reasons to belive tiic
ijiformation I had of your being bctrayd is not, at least in all its
heads, true, which I own is a very naturall consequence to draw
from the letters that were seized not containing the particulars
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 377
1 acquainted you were pretended to be discovered in them : but
at the same time I cannot rest fully salisfyed when I consider
from whence my information came. I will alwayes receive your
commands with a dutifull submission, but I hope you will not
insist on my mentioning- names, after I acquaint you that the
account was sent me under strict engagements to the contrary,
and because i cant see it will be of any great use, after rejire-
senting the following particulars. My immediat author is a gen-
tleman whos charactar and profession does not lead him to deall
at all in politicks, and he accordingly is reckond one who thinks
no furder of such matters than to submit and live peaceably
under the prevailing Goverment for the time ; but nevertheless I
know him assuredly to be a very honest man and a sincere well
wisher to you and your interest : he happens to be in a state of
great intimacie with one who enjoys a considerable post and is
much trusted, especially in such matters as concern Scotland, and
I can scarcely think any minister woud impose false stories on him,
and am very sure he d scorn to propogate and disperse them on any
account or veiw w hatsoever. The first of these being my very good
freind, and the other no wayes a personall enimy to me, I hapned
one day to be the subject of their private conversation, wliich
led the last to mention what my freind coud not but credite, when
he reflectetl on the charactar of his author and the way and man-
ner he spoke of it to him, which out of respect first to you and
nixt to me he thought himself bound to inform me of, in the
manner and inider the restrictions I have mentioned in this and
my former letter. This person being my sons intimate acquaint-
ance, I shall put him on trying if he can make further discoverys
with regard to the sevrall particulars you want to have cleared
and what else may be for your service in this matter : what may
be the success I cant say, but I shall be sure faithfully to com-
numicate all I learn, and shoud think myself happy in being in-
VOL. II. 3 c
378 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
strunicntall in removing- all doubts, on what ever side of the ques-
tion truth Ivcs.
" Finding- when I came here last week a very safe and proper
hand to convey your cypher to Earl of Dundonald, 1 resolved
not to slip so good ane occasion by waiting for your return to
my last, so I sent it off with a gentleman who saild yesterday
with a fair wind directly for Leith, and Ime in no pain of the
trusts being soon and carefully executed.
" Ime pleased the affair of your residence is fixed according
to your mind, and with all my soul I wish you and the Queen
a mirry meeting and much mutuall lasting comfort, as I will al-
wayes join with others your good subjects in detesting those mis-
creants that have been any Avay accessory towards promoting and
continuing a misunderstanding so fatal and pernicious to yourself,
your family and subjects; and I cannot butofter it as my himible
advice that all prudent means be takn to prevent the like for the
future, it being impossible to express the prejudice it did and
woud do to your service many many wayes.
" I have nothing more to trouble you with at present, but to
renew my protestation of being in the most respectful! and sin-
cerest manner Yours."
Letter* from the King.
" November 16, 1727.
" I have seen for some time past so litle appearance of mybein^
molested here this winter, that tlio the season of the year was too
far advanced to send for my childeren, yet I sent for the Queen
to come here, giving her such lights, directions and encourage-
ments as were sufficient to dissipate any apprehensions she might
have in relation to her passage on account of the conduct the
French are obliged to hold in publick on this occasion towards
Received November 28.
REGISTEn OV LETTERS. 3t9
nie; but all 1 coiid say or do coud not prevail upon her to come,
and by the circumstances which have preceeded and atlended
that relusall it is easic to see that Cardinal Alberoni and her other
directors are resolved never to want a pretence to prevent a solid
union betwixt us and to make use of her in the mean time to
distress my allairs as much as possible : had she come now, it
might have been a great means to have fixed me here, as I much
apprehend her remaining- in Italy may not a litlc lacilitatc the
cndcavoiu's of those who wish me removed. I desire you will
find means to transmit this account of my present situation to
niv freinds in Scotland, and have nothing to add to it but the
assurance of my constant kindness. You will let James Clephan
know I have received his letter of the jst to Sir John Gra^ne and
that I am much concernd for the death of his worthy father,
whose nicrile was known to none belter than my self, and that
1 shall be as kind to his family as my circumstances will allow.
If I can I will continue the half of his pension to his son James.
I am Yours."
Next day after I received this letter at Rotterdam, the Lady
Southesque (who designing to return to Scotland had waited in
this place since July for a pass from the British Goverment, be-
cause of her having conversed with the Kings family at Rome)
got a letter in its due course from the Queen at Bollognia, ac-
quainting her tiiat the King had indeed sent to desire she woud
forthwith repair to him at Avignion, but that she had declined
the journey at this time for the following reasons; 1st, that she
did by no means think her childeren in such good hands as she in
prudence and kindness coud leave them; 2dly, that the Cardinal
Polignac had lately notifyed to the Pope that his master the
French King had given orders to seize and stop her if so be she
enterd into his dominions with a design of repairing to the King
whilst he remaind at Avignion, and her freinds did not approve
of her running the hazard of a tryall whither or not the French
3c2
380 RF.GISTEU OF LETTERS.
KingMvas in earnest; Lastly, on a surmise that the Earl of Inver-
ness was as much as cver'in the Kini;s favor and in a lille time
>voucl be recalld, the Cardinal Legale of Bullog-nia had writ, ear-
nesllv desiring- Tlis Majestie woud satisfye the Queen in tliat ar-
ticle, which he declining to do, gave her too good reason to ap-
]>rehend that it might ])robably come to pass when they were al-
togather at such a distance from her freinds in Italy and she had
no person to advice with and countenance her. Her Majestie
Ihertbre, from the danger to which her person woud be exposed
and the badness of the season, desired the Ring Moud excuse her
attempting the journey al that time and till it appeard how mat-
ters were likely to cast up. Tis observable that the King takes
no notice of these reasons which the Queen assignd, but woud
liave the account of her refusing to join him, dispersed in Britain,
with a design, as is too probable, of making it appear with a bad
grace in the opinion of his people. I was extremely concerned
to find the King so deaf to the advices and intreaties of his freinds
and so wedded to his favourites as to continue schaemes so de-
structive to his interest and honor; and as I had lately advice
from London that their were some hopes of my being at libertie
to return home, after which I coud corrispond no more, I resolved
to discharge my duty in laying before His Majestie what occurrd
to me, from a reveiw of his by past conduct, to be the cause of
many events directly repugnant to the welfare of the good
cause and his own private satisfaction, which I fully did in the
following
Letter to the King.
" December 6, 1727.
" Sir, — I received yours of the 16 November with infinite sor-
row and concern, as it superseded the hopes I had conceived of
the fiiiaW dift'erences of your family having been so far adjusted
that nothing materiall remaind to obstruct your and tiie Queens
living togather in a way and manner which did become your
uECisTta or LEXTERi;. 381
iiiuliiall rt'lalion Id each oilier, and so necessary with regard to
your otiier temporall concerns. As to transmitting- accovuits to
your freinds in Scotland of her liaving refused to come to you,
tho so earncsllv desired, and (tf the reasons whicli you lliink have
moved her llierlo, I am luuiibly of opinion it is by no means for
your service to make any publick noise about it, till it be seen
what maybe brought about this winter; fori beg the liberty to
say that the meniorialls, letters, &c. that were first and last handed
about concerning this unhappy breach, did you no litle disser-
vice, were it for no more than that they gave rise for your eni-
mys to enquire more ofticiouslie into the story and occasiond its
being too much the subject of common conversation, wherin your
enimys vented their malice against you, and in many articles
your freinds did not well know how to answer them, especially
those bv which the Lord and Lady Inverness were accused.
The world at present belives that the breach was so far made
up, that the Queen left the convent and proceeded to BoUognia
to co-habit with you ; that your not meeting then was occasioned
by your sudden unexpected journey, and that the uncertainty of
your residence prevented lier joining you last summer, as the
coldness of the season does now: and with great submission I
conceive you shoud rather suffer it to rest there than assign any
other reasons for some litle tract of time: This present footing on
which it stands can give rise to no bad inferences, and tis time
enufFto propale the secrets of your family when all hopes of bet-
tering them are intirely blasted.
" Having now entered on this subject, indulge me so far as
to allow me freelie to lay before you my sentiments with regard
to the management of your affairs : in doing wherof I may per-
haps differ from what on former occasions you have signifyed to
be your own opinion, and I may condenm some parts of your
conduct and offer some expedients which at first veiw may be
dissagreeable to you, but I hope in none of these will I incurr
38*^ REGISTER OF LETTERS.
your (lispleas\ire, as I liaAc no veivv wiiatsoever but your honor
and service, and lliat what mistakes J may commit arise wholly
from ane error of judgement rather than wiUuU intention ; and
in this I have the vanity to expect youl be pleased to creditc me,
as I me sure no part of my beliaviour these 25 years bypast, that
1 enterd into publick affairs, will admit the least shadow of rea-
son to think I postponed your or my countries service to any veiw
or interest whatsoever, and that I can |)ropose no bcnefite to my
self from what I may represent, as I have no earthly dependance
upon any person or cause but you and yours, and as I cant pre-
tend any particular dissobligation from any person that has been
or may be concernd in yoin* affairs. This being premised, I beg'
libertie to say that in my humble opinion you have been ill served
ever since 1716 that you returnd from Scotland, and that much
of this is to be imputed to your lodging too much powr and
confiding as it were solely in a single person. Mankind are na-
tvn-ally ambitious of powr, and when they attain to more than
that to which they have ane inherent title, they think theirs no
way to secure the posession, but by grasping at more and keep-
ing their fellow creatures at under : and hence it is that favourites
are constantly the bain of those princes by whose authority they
are raised and supported, seing this cant be done but by sup-
pressing others, who belive and very often have ane ecpiall if not
a superior claim to their soveraigns confidence and bountie and
cant bear the insolence that for the most part attends the dominion
of these substitute princes. Whilst the Duke of Mar was your first
minister, how, as it was said, did he lord it over all the rest of your
followers, men, some of them, equall to him in dignity, power,
knowledge, and all of them, according to their severall stations,
in zeall, fidelity and sufi'erings for the royall cause ? No person
was to be employd in the highest or lowest station, no favors
conferrd, in short nothing to be done in any kind of matter but
by and thorow him : hence it came to pass that a parcell of his
REGISTFU OF LETTERS. 383
creatures were preferrd to persons of greater rank and merile,
which so sowred ther tempers, that ther arose a generall clamor
against his administration, and great numbers ot" your best and
most vaUiable subjects withdrew from your Court, which gave a
handle to your enimys to upbraid yowy frcinds lor liaving adhered
to a prince wlio, as Ihey turnd il, valued their sutlerings for him
at so low a rate. The Duke, being sensible that such woud be
the issue of this kind of management, took care to represent
those people as factious and humoursome, and I can remember
very well that in your letters about that time in praise and justi-
ficalion of him, you seemd to thiids. that under the pretence of
being displeased at his administration they levelld at your own
authority, being prompted by tlie secret cunning artifices of your
enimys. No sooner was His Grace of Mar removed, and Lord
Inverness established his successor, but, as tis said, he followd the
same measures, nay in conjunction with his Lady and her brother
the Lord Dun])ar, very far out did what was laid to his predeces-
sors charge, in so far as he brought even the Queen herself on the
stage: I know very well you did him the honor to vindicate him
in a very publick manner, which, had it been practable, woud
have cleared him of the charge ; but so it is, that when people
considered that it was not to be imagined but he had the pru-
dence not to do any thing unbecoming him in your presence and
woud certainly deny the accusation to you, but that persons of
rank and figure, of honor and loyaltie, and attachment to your
person who were amongst your attendants and others who
hapned to be in the neighbourhead all joind in the tesstimony
against him and concurrd in the particular facts and circum-
stances, which they averrd consisted within your proper know-
ledge ; when these proofs, I say, were duely weighd, they so pre-
posessd the minds of tlie far greater part of your subjects, as well
as strangers, that nothing alledged in his behalf had credit with
them, and nothing was or is more frequently heard than that
;^84 REGISTER OF LETTEns.
your affairs will not prosper whilst he has any concern in them.
Now, sir, that your family is miserably divided; that great
numbers of those who foUowd your fortune have withdrawn
hiohly discontented, so that your present retinue is exceedingly
reduced with respect both to the number and charactar of those
of whom it does consist ; that the prudence and capacity (to
say no worse) of many you have employd are much calld in
question ; that your freinds all the world over are highly discou-
raged, are all truths undenyable ; and from what somce can they
proceed but that which is universally assigned, viz. the arbitrary
proceedings of those who've had the good fortune to gain your
o-ood opinion, so far as to be solely trusted by you ? Most of these
particulars consist of facts that speak for themselves, within the
reach of your own observations and knowledge ; and for what
remains, whoever takes on him to set them in another light, I
will be bold to say he is either some litle insignificant creature
who knows litle of whats doing in the world, or he's a tool to
some designing person interested in the scheme. I know you
impute the part which the Queen has acted, to the artifices of
certain persons, who aim therby at embroiling your family and
embarrassing yo\n- affairs : and I think 1 have seen it under your
hand that you did not belive she was apprised of these ther secret
veiws and motives, in which I belive every body will concurr;
for tis impossible to imagine that a princess of honor and virtue
and endowed with naturall bowells of affection (altho she had no
personall regard for you) woud contenance and support such
measures as tend directlie to ruin her childeren ; and it is as dif-
ficult to conceive that a princess of conunon sense and discretion
coud be so much imposed on as in this case must be supposed ;
for tho these evill councellors might have such wicked designs,
liow is it possible they coud perswade her that with her eyes and
ears she saw and heard these insolencies of which she complains,
and which she assigns as the cause of her retirement, if no such
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 385
had liapned ? To conclude, lis impossible to imagine her imme-
dially or medially guilty of such pernicious measures, without
at llie same time supposing her the worst or the weakest of wo-
mankind, cliaractars 1 never yet heard of her and diametrically
opposite to what is universally established. I will not take on n\e
to say that what is thus alledged against one or bolh these persons
that have been at the head of your affairs are all or in part true,
because I liave no ])ersonall knowledge therof, but certain it is they
are generally credited, and I submitt to you if it is not possible that
you may be misinformed of the conduct and behaviour and be mis-
taken in the good opinion you intertaind of both as well as one of
these ministers ? and if it is not difficult to belive that so many
persons, in all respects of unblemishd charactars, shoud act so
base a part as to affirm notorious falsehoods in ane affivir of such
moment ? On the supposition then that what is above represented
arc reall matters of fact, arising from the causes assignd, lis na-
turall to. subsume that what has hapned woud have been pre-
vented, had you thought fit to appoint particular provinces to
particular persons, confiding and advising with them as they
were severally employd, and confining them within there sevrall
spheres : by such a distribution of offices of business and posts
of honor, without regard to dependance on or attachment to any
person but yourself, youd have found yourself better served,
peace and harmony preserved in your family, your Court ap-
peard with greater splendor, and the reputation of your councills
been on a better footing than 1 apprehend they are, at present. I
own that in the management of your secret dispatches and ne-
gotiations tis absolutely necessary to committ them to very few,
nay if possible to only one person ; but it does not follow that
thers any necessity for exalting him in powr and dignity above
ol:Iiers.
" If what I have thus, with great submission, ofFerd to your
consideration appear to you founded on truth and reason, the re-
metly, in so far as concerns your future oeconomy in appointing
VOL. II. 3 D
386 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
by whom and after what manner you'r to be served, is plain and
obvious, and I hunibhe apprehend thers not nnich greater diffi-
cultie in adjusting- matters with the Queen, which I take to be
the iinum necessarium at present; for since she is not accesory
or even privy to any bad designs against you or your affairs, and
that she assigns no other reason for her retirement, but that she
coud no longer bear what she reckoned insulting injuries from
Lord and Lady Invernes, and that to satisfye her in that article
you was graciouslie pleased to remove him from attending you
personally, nothing remains but that you condescend one step
further, in giving her your royall assurance that you have no
design of bringing him ever back to your service; and allow me
so far to plead her cause, that if she had reason to demand his
being removed, slie has as good reason to expect you will not
call him back: for my part I cannot allow myself to think you
have any such design, for sure youl never put the satisfaction of
your royall consort, the mother of your childeren, and the peace
and tranquillity of your family in the ballance with any subject
whatsoever, tho endowed with all the qualitys of the greatest mi-
nister that ever served a crownd head ; and let people say and
think what they will of Lord Inverness, I cant but intertain a
better opinion of his sense, honor and integrity, than to imagine
he has any such veiws. You may with good reason think that
your removing him to gratifye the Queen is enuff to satisfye her;
but since the world hath takn it into their heads that lie's still
so much in your favor that in some time youl probably recall
him (which imagination I presume has its rise from the publick
declarations you emitted in his favors) and that no doubt these
reports have reachd the Queen, tis not very strange they shoud
allarum one of her sex, who are naturally timorous and credolous;
and if her being satisfyd by you on that head will remove all
impediments to yoin* living happily togather, tis a blissing pur-
chassed at too easie a rate to be rejected. I have no innnediat
authority to say that herein lyes the main obstruction of the
nEGISTER OF LETTERS, 387
Queens not repairing furtlnvith to you, but at the same lime I
ha^■e very good reason to bclive it, from what I collected hist
summer from forrcigners of note and distinction who wish you
very well; and if it is realie so, your further condescension on that
liead will either have the long wishd for eftecls or leave her with-
out any sort of excuse, so as the world will assuredly condemn
her and justifye you. I can easily conceive that you will think
it hard to have terms, such as these, imposed on you: but be
pleased to retlcct how many princes seated on their thrones have
been constraind to dismiss ministers with whom they were well
pleased, on less pressing occasions, and to obtain less valuable
ends: be pleased likewise to call to mind how much Lewis 13th
of France was blamed for supporting even the great Cardinal
Richleiu when his insolence towards the Queen Mother obliged
her to leave first his Court and then his dominions; and sure
tilers more to be said in favors of a royall consorts complaints
against any minister whatsoever. And after all, what is therin
this Lord that shoud enduce you to be possitive in this matter?
you may dismiss him in a way Jionorable to yourself and him, since
you think he merits so much for his fidelity and services, and you
will not want others to supply his place whose capacity and ex-
perience in business, whose charactars and reputations, whose
powr and interest at home and abroad are at least equall to His
Lordship and are consequently equally capable to serve you. If
you dread his resentment may turn to revenge and lead him to
discover your secrets, that is at once to own he never deserved the
confidence you ve reposed in liim, and the sooner you get rid of
him the better, seing in that case ther can be no security of him
at any rate: but for my part, I cant allow my self to entertain
the least notion that he can possibly be guilty of so much trea-
chery and ungratitude, and I dare say you and all your subjects
may be perfectly secure on that head.
" To sum up all I have said on this article, if the peace of
3d2
SS8 , KEGISTER OP LETTERS.
your family can be obtaind at so easie a rate, tis expected that
injustice to yoiu'self, your posterity and your people, you will be
pleased to comply with it and therby shew yourself a loving hus-
band, a kind parent and a gracious soveraign, evidencing at the
same time a notable instance of your goodness, wisdom and pru-
dence.
" Now that I have finishd this tedious epistle, Ime much at a
stand whither or not to forward it, least I incurr your displeasure
by presuming to express my sentiments on subjects to high for
me, and yet I resolve to venture, as Ime conscious of my own ho-
nest intentions and certain that your innate goodness is more
than enufFto pardon the failings of your subjects.
" I have acquainted Mr. Clephan of what you design to do
for him, and as it is ane act of generosity becoming a great prince,
I dare say it will have very good effects, tho whilst he remains in
the Dutch service it must be keept very secret. I am Yours."
Letter * from the King.
" December 19, 1727.
" Yours of the 1 8 November came safe to me. I need say no-
thing more in relation to secrets discovered, since I am perfectly
easie on that head and ought to be so considering the intelligence
I have had on these matters, which have not been fully explaind
to me.
" I am returning in a few dayes to Italy, for very good reasons
as you may belive. I wish you coud find a way of letting the
people of Scotland know of my leaving this country [Avignion].
I find you mentiond something to the Bishop of Rochester of em-
ploying a person to carry my letters thither, but I shoud think
that method lyable to accidents: I wish you woud write me your
thoughts fully on these matters, that I may be able to take some
party for setling a correspondence with that country.
* ReceivcdJanuary 5, 1728.
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 389
" I desire you will tell Generall HainiUon that I received his
letter of the 20th November. I am impatient to be in a condi-
tion to send him some releife, which 1 certainly shall do as soon
as ever I can. Let me hear sometimes from you, and be assured
of my constant kindness."
Letter to the King;.
" January 22, 1728.
" Sir, — I delayd making' a return to yours of the 19 December,
which 1 had the honour to receive, till the arrivall of a ship from
Scotland, which I knew was to bring- me letters from my freinds
and might perhaps aflbrd me matter to write of to you.
" Ime sorry you r obliged to remove your quarters, seing it is
what you did not incline to, altho wee at a distance and ignorant
of your secret veiws coud not see any great advantage arising
from your residing at Avignion, unless it was attended with the
concent and further good intentions of the French Court.
" All your freinds will rejoice to hear of your meeting witli
the Queen. Since the fatall breach hapned I have fairlie and
lionestlie represented what effects it had on the minds of your
people, and I will take upon me to say nothing ever liapned that
did you so much disservice, nor is there any thing more neces-
sary for you, than by all reasonable means to prevent any mis-
understanding for the future: such unnaturall divisions afford
yourenimys (of all kinds) ane handle to represent you in the
worst light they can devise, and your freinds are not a litle de-
jected by them: How much then it imports yourself, your family,
the good cause and your faithfuU subjects, that you henceforth
live togather in such a manner as is decent and at the same time
necessary, is so very obvious, that it is not to be imagined any
consideration will come in competition therwilh, and this I am
sure is the opinion and earnest wish of all who, being free of
passion and self- veiws, have a just and dutifull regard for you;
390
HEGISTEn OF LETTERS,
and who ever represents otherwayes (if any such Iher be) are ei-
ther ig-norant or something worse.
" I dont know how it came about, that in a letter not Ioup- ao-o
to the Bisliop of Rochester, I gave my opinion against the me-
thod of transmitting your letters by masters of ships, and preferrd
the having one appointed for that business, wherof it seems he
gave you information. As that business is now out of my hands,
I dont know what may be the opinion of the person now em-
ployd therin, but I have the experience of such dangers as well
as uncertaintys attending the old tract, that with great submis-
sion to your judgement, were it my own case I woud prefer the
other way. Thers no humane device infallible nor no measures
absolutely certain, but I think I coud contrive a method less ly-
able to hazards, than what has been hitherto followed. The al-
most daylie intercourse of ships from some one port or another
in Scotland and, wher these fail or may be suspected, in North-
umberland, the Bishoprick of Durham or Yorkshire to and from
Holland, renders it very easie, and by changing of ports, very safe
for one to pass and repass often and at all times; and if some
person was appointed to make the voyage every 2 months or
therby, to receive and deliver letters to and from your corri-
spondents in Holland and Scotland, you, knowiug the time he
was to be in Holland, coud easily have them readie to be givn
him. The great nay only difhcultie in my opinion is to pitch on
a right person, who has the fidelity and address necessary in such
a work and whose rambling about woud not give suspicion, and
I will freelie own I know of none but Thomas S*clare: he is I do
belive the cliverest fellow in Eiu'ope for such expeditions; he
knows all the ports in most covmtries; he has waycs peculiar to
himself (of which he gave good proofs at Perth 1715) in going
about such errands; he's zealouslie honest and as closs as a stone,
and ^vithall has been rambling about all his life, ofien merchan-
REGISTEIl OF LETTEnS. 39]
dizing and pursuing^ projccls which led him in a manner to have
no fixed residence, and by dealing- in some small parcells of goods,
he might easily find a fair pretence for jogging on in that course
of life. I mentiond tins to him before he returnd to Scotland,
when he came over with me, and he was willing to undertake it
for 50/. a year, which he reckoned enufF to defray his expences
and make up his loss of time, proposing no gain in any matter
wherin he coud serve you: but after all thcr was no need of
describing him so minutely, since he's now out of the way, ha-
ving, as Ime told, gone lately to Spain in prosecution of a large
sum of mony to which he has right by the death of his brother
in la^v Captain Wachup, and which probably may detain him
long in that countrie. Thus in obedience to your counnands I
have laid my thoughts on this article before you, how far they
are reasonable is to you humblie submitted.
" I shall soon now have ane occasion from hence to let your
journey be known to your freinds in Scotland, tho without that
it will be no longer a secret than commenced.
" I highly applaud your generous intentions in favors of the
deserving son of the deserving father Collonell Clephane : It will
enable him to (jualifye him self for serving you some time or other,
which is the top of his ambition, and it will be a great encou-
ragement to others of his fathers trade, when they know the care
you take of his family : Tho in this, two points I presume !,o sug-
gest to you, that he must be ascertaind of what you design for
him, otherwayes Ime afFraid his circumstances wont allow him
to continue in his present state, and nixt that it must be keept
very secret, for shoud it come to be but suspected it woud undo
him.
" I delivered your message to General Hamilton who received
it with a dulifuU respect.
" By my letters from Scotland I find matters are there in static
quo, tho great pains are takn to give the people a good impres-
392 HEGISTER OF LETTERS.
sion of the gentleman newlie stept into the throne. The Episco-
pall clergy are broke and split into partys and discord, one set,
headed by Lord Panmure and Mr. Carnagy, seem to have re-
nounced all dependance on both civill and ecclesiastick superiors,
so that to all outward appearance theyr in a bad situation, espe-
cially since therby the unity, which has hitherto prevaild amongst
both clergy and laity of that communion, your freinds, is broke
and evanishd.
" On what I wrot to my son in relation to what I mentiond in
mine of October 7th, and you again in your answer therto, he
has been at a good dcall of pains to enquire furder into that storie,
and tho he cannot pretend to say whither the particulars said to
be discovered from the seized letters their not agreeing with the
originalls, doth proceed from design or mistake, yet hes very pos-
sitive that the Goverment is posesst of such papers as I rejire-
sented to you and that they purchased them with mony, and he
adds that the person from whom the information came did it with
a good intention and that the Goverment are so far from divul-
ging it with ane intention to creat a Jealousie amongst your
freinds, that Ihey keep it as a mighty secret, and no soul living
hears the least surmise therof, further than I acquainted you.
Tis my duty to lay this before you, altho you seem to be very posi-
tive that theirs nothing in it, and I wish it may be so.
" The cypher is come safe to my son, who will deliver it to
Dundonald when he comes to Edinburgh in a litle time, so pro-
bably youl hear soon from him. Mr. Dundas told me tother day
he had a letter from Sir John Gramme, and tho I guessd it con-
taind some directions about corrispondence, since he keept him-
self closs to me (which I was glad to tind) I took no notice as if
I knew any thing of the matter.
" Lord Kincardine writes to me that their seems to be ane uni-
versall jealousie and dislike at certain persons wiio for some time
past have been chcifly trusted by you about your person, on what
REGISTEn OF LETTERS. 393
evountls lie cant pretend further to say, than that univcrsall crc-
thte is given to the many facts theyr charged with, that occasiond
tlie Queens retiring and the reniovall of scvrall j)ersons of rank
and charactar that liad long and faithfully served you and your
cause at the expence of their all : These matters, he sayes, so con-
fidently and particularly reported, your cnimys lay hold on, to
the great mortification of your freincis, and lie wishes your affairs
were vnider such management as ther may be no grounds for
such surmises after this. For my own share I have no attach-
ment to any but yourself, nor no i)articular picqne against any,
but I coud not satisfye my mind if 1 faild to acquaint yon of what
so faithfuU a frcind so earnestly recommended, and what ever use
you make of this and the like informations, 1 hope youl keep them
to yourself, as I liave no mind to incurr the ill will of any person,
by being reckond of any party whatsoever but your own.
" By a letter I had lately from London Ime assured that tho
no body doubts but that nixt session of Parliament will produce
a general act of pardon, yet my good old personall freind the
Duke of Argyle has of himself renewd his application for me and
has good hopes of procuring a noli prosequi very soon : If either
of these happen, I presume youl not take amiss my reaping the
benifite, since I can do you no service on this side of the sea at
present, and that my family affairs require my presence at home,
if I can do it with safely. In this state of uncertainty it may so
fall out that I may be gone from hence, before I can have a re-
turn to this, and therfore it will not be expedient that you write
again to me till you hear further from me, for I will be sure to
acquaint you of my motions. If I get home you may be sure I
must live with the utmost caution, because if any thing is disco-
vered against me and I fall into the Govermenls hands, I will
meet with no quarters ; on which account I must be deprived of
the honor of corrisponding directly with yourself. Nevertheless,
the examples of my predecessors and my own well rooted prin-
VOL. II. 3 E
394 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
ciples will never alloAv nie to be any thing- bnt a faithfull servant
to you and your royall family, and I hope in so far as has hitherto
past, I have yoin* approbation in every state and circumstance of
my life and particularly in the discharge of that trust you com-
mitted to me: that being now in the hands of another, who
Ime sure m ill answer your expectations and the valuable cha-
ractar he has with all good men, I pray God matters may be car-
ried on with secresie and success, and however privately and
unactively I must pretend to live for some time at least, no
consideration shall ever byass me to neglect any opportunity of
convincing you and demonstrating to the world, that I value
no charactar so much nor any honor so high as those of being
Yours."
Letter to the King.
" 29 January 17Q8.
" Sir, — Since my last of the 22 instant I have had ane occasion
to see and talk with a good many masters of Scots ships that are
now here, and I wish to God you had such a loadning to send
Iiome with them as they d with heart and soul take aboard :
Amongst them thers one that is a very sensible prudent person,
tile son of a Sterlingshire gentleman who was in his duty 1715:
he has a good ship and begun a business of running constantly
backwards and forewards twixt this place and Leith, so as to be
here every 2 months or therby. After advising with William
Dundas, wee concluded that if he woud undertake the care of
your letters, his frequent retiu'ns woud answer your purposes in
the present juncture, and this woud be a safe enufF and much
cheaper way than what I mentiond in my last ; for by knowing
of one whos time was sure and might be depended on, the danger
from being obliged to trust people not perfectly well known was
avoided and a litle gratification woud be suflicient. Dundas
therfore proposed it to him, and with all imaginable frankness
he undertook it, protesting that ship and master were at your
UEGISTEn OP LETTERS. 395
(levolion, and that he woud have no salary for doing what did
put him to no charges (except contriving a secret place in case
of a search for letters, wliich woud cost but a triffle) and on
the other hand was his duty and inclination. Two conditions
he expresslv required, viz. That no person, no not yourself, shoud
know of his name as being cm])loyd in this affair, and that he
shoud be charged with letters addressd only to one and the same
person, to whom he coud have easie access. I desired him to be
assured tliat the secret shoud be keept in the terms he demanded,
unless you possitively required otherwayes, and that as to the
other point, it was I belived regulate alreadie according to his
mind; after which wee agreed on the measure, if so be you ap-
proved of it. It will therfore be expedient that as soon as you
receive this, you signifye to Dundas that such a project was com-
municate to you, and transmitt your opinion and orders to him
upon it, that he may know whither or not to follow it out. Since
this man will not accept of a fixed pension, I submit to you how
far it woud be a satisfaction and encouragement to him, if you
directed Dundas to tell him how well you took his readiness to
serve you, and withall to make him a small present, in your
name, of a sword, a ring, or some such thing, to the value of ten
guineas. This at once woud be a reward to him for all the dayes
of his life, and engage him to serve you on perhaps more ma-
teriall occasions. Hes to sail soon and will be back again by
the time you can signifye your pleasure to Dundas. I do verily
belive this will be a safe and certain way of carrying your di-
spatches to and fro, which is however humblie submitted to you.
I am with the most profound respect Yours."
Tho the new King George coud not be perswaded by the ad-
vice of his ministers to grant a general indemnity (which great
numbers, after the bad usage they had received, woud have em-
braced and givn all assurances of living quietly at home) yet as
3e2
396 nECilfeJTEU OF LETTEll.^.
it was but decent to show some disposition towards mercy at the
beginning of his reign, he was so far prevaild upon as gracioushe
to pardon a parcell of litle underUnc malefactors under sentence
in the prisons in and about London ; and as I was under no sen-
tence, my case was more favorable than most of those who were
reckond State criminalls, and being as such warmly represented by
the Duke of Argile, Earl of Hay, and Duncan Forbes Lord Advocat
for Scotland, all 3 my good personall freinds,ane allowance was att
length procured for my returning and living at home unmolested;
this I was expecting for some preceeding months, but it was the
midle of Aprile 1728 before I received letters from Lord Hay and
Mr. Forbes acquainting me therof. It was my intention to have
crossd directly to Scotland, but by these letters my presence at
London, and that presently, was possitivly required. As I knew
very well that these my freiuds w ere men of too much honor to
draw me into any straits, I was nevertheless at a stand how to
behave ; I knew that ther was proof cnuff* said to be against me,
and as 1 was riot posessd of a remission, I did not care for ven-
turing myself into the hands of a Ministry, for shoud they ask
questions at me and I refuse to answer, I had no security for my
being at libertie to return back ; under this difficultie I writ to
my freinds, that tho I was infinitely obliged to them and ex-
pected nothing from them but what was fair and honorable, I
did not however think it prudent to venture over, untill I had
more possitive and particular assurances under the hands of some
of the Goverment, that I was to be askd no questions, nor no
further security demanded of me than my bare word of living
quietly at home, otherwise I woud remain abroad all the dayes of
my life. In answer to which I received a letter from Mr Forbes, by
the direction of Sir Robert Walpole, in ample terms to my satis-
faction, but still insisting upon my taldng London in my way.
Judging my self pritty safe under that security, after having
REGISTER OV LETTERS. 397
writ a leller acquainting the King- of the libertie allowd me and
the terms on ^vliich I had accepted it, 1 lolt Rotterdam in the
beginning of May and arrived safe at London.
My freinds told me that King George was positive in my re-
turning him personally thanks for that great instance which he
thought he had shown of a gracious disposition towards me, and
in truth it was the more remarkable in that he coiid not be pre-
vaild on to extend it to others, particularly my Lady Soutliesk,
whose case was more favorable than mine ; and so to gratifye
him by my appearing in his Court, I was obliged to come to
London. This was what did not go well down with me and
what I woud gladly have avoided, but ther was no eviting it ;
and as others, whose sincere attachment to the King was never
doubted, had often prececded me on such like occasions, I was
under a necessity of bowing my knee to Baal now that I was in
the house of Rim. But before a day was appointed 15 dayes
past, during which I was orderd not to appear publicly, and as
I did not like nor well understand so long a continemeut and de-
lay, I acquainted Sir Robert Walpole, that since what I was
made belive woud be my treatment, was not like to happen, I
hoped I might have libertie to return from whence I came ; wher-
upon he sent for me nixt day and introduced me to King George
in his closet. After a litle speech of thanks, he told me, with
some heat in his looks, that I had been long in a bad way and
he d judge how far I deserved the favor he had now shown me,
by my future conduct. I made a bow and went off, well de-
termined never to trust in his mercy, which did not seem to
abound.
Being now at full libertie to appear in public, 1 received great
civilitys from my old acquaintances the heads of the Torys, who
were extremely inquisitive to know from me the true state of the
Kings affairs and conduct abroad : but as I found they knew too
much alreadie and that I coud not say what woud give them a
398 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
better opinion of them, I keept as much on generalls as possible.
Those of the Govcrment, and particularly Sir Robert Walpole,
received me with the greatest civility, and severall insinuations
were made, that if I woud enter into the service and measures
of the Goverment, that I shoud be made very welcome. But I told
them I was heartily w^earied of daubling in politicks, and wanted
only to retire and live privately at home.
In my frequent conversations with my 2 freinds Lord Hay and
Mr. Forbes, jointly and seperately, I learnt how that Strahan, on
his first and 2d examinations at London, stood his ground man-
fully, and beliving he d be soon discharged, writ by the com-
mon post a letter to Corsar at Edinburgh, in which he was so
imprudent as to drop severall expressions which signifyed his
having keept his secret and discovered nothing of what he knew.
Tills was intercepted, and he being thervvith confronted was
so confounded that he lost both his courage and prudence, by
confessing that he had been long employed in conveying letters
to and from the King, that the packet seized at Leith might be
from him, but he knew nothing particularly, Corsar and I know-
ing more of such matters than he did: but he possitively refused
to give any particular informations, telling them he was ane old
man and they might hang him if they pleased, for he woud not
save his life by being either ane evidence or informer. This step
of his however occasiond the warrand for taking up Corsar and
me, and when he (^Corsar) came to London he behaved very
resolutely at first, but in some time was drawn in by degrees
to own so much that they forced him to tell all he knew, from the
time he was employd by Captain Straton, till then, in which he
laid open the canalls of the Kings corrispondence and with whom.
The Goverment having thus and by other means discovered a
great deall too much, it was moved and prest in the Cabinet
Councill to prosecute the Earls of Wigtoun, Kincardine and
Dondonald, the Lord Balmcrinoch and my self for high treason.
registeh of letters. 399
but the late King' George o])|K)sc(1 it; lie said that the prolimiua-
rys being signd, there was a piospeet oi" peace and he d have no
more blood or ibrerdulters, especially seing the person most con-
cernd (meaning me) had escaped, and in this he was so possi-
tive that his ministers after severall attempts were forced to drop
it; yet they painted nie out as a very obnoxious person, and pro-
posed that at least they shoud proceed so far against me, as to
prevent my returning home after the trienniall prescription,
which had probably been followd out, if a certain freind of
mine, then present, had not represented, that it was scarce worth
the pains to take so much notice of a private gentleman, espe-
cially seing wliat was proposed coud not be attaind, without
prepaling all the story, which he imagined His Majestic did not
incline to, since lie was against prosecuting the rest, and so I
escaped what was designd against me, and Corsar and Strahau
were admitted to bail.
On being told these and such like passages, I answered that I
did not know how far they might have evidence against me and
the otiier persons, but I was sure neither Corsar nor Strahan coud
say that these letters seized were from the King, and supposing
they had said so, I had not received them and so was guilty of
no crime: To this my freinds replyd ther was plenty of evidence
of all kinds against us and cheiily me, for besides Corsars infor-
mations, they knew every thing that was done at the Pretenders
Court and were masters of what papers they pleased: "Nay,"
said one of them, " your freinds, Lockhart, did not give you fair
play, for they writ to you by a cypher of which they knew wee
had a coppy." I replyd that I did not belive one word of it, for
it was ane ussuall trick in statesmen to pretend they had intelli-
gence of the most secret doings, with a design of raising jealou-
sies and fears amongst there enimys: Wherupon one of my
freinds returnd, that he was determined to convince me, and
then produced a paper, which containd the cant names of the
400 UEGISTEn OF LETTERS.
aforesaid persons and sevrall others in my cypher, telhng me
distinctly who was meant by them, adding with ane oath that he
read the seized letters, with no other impediment than turning
over the leaves of his cypher; after which he told me what was
containd in the letter intercepted for me, which I fovmd agreed
exactly with my letter of the 2d October, to which it was a re-
turn; nay he repeated to me a good deall of the heads containd in
that letter. These I confess surprized me much, and having said
that I coud not imagine how they had come by these papers, it
was answered, " What is proof against the niony of Great Bri-
tain?" On my ruminating afterwards on these particulars, I
coud not but give credit to this confirmation of the accounts I
formerlie had of the Kings secrets being discovered, for tho I
knew that their were who pretend to the art of uncyphering any
the most intricate cypher that can be devised, yet I question if
the Divell himself can know what person is rcalie meant by a fic-
titious name, if so be the corrispondents keep their own secrets,
and therfore I coud not but thiidc their was treachery at tlie bot-
tom by some about the Kings person, unless the cyplier used by
the King and me had by him been lodged and used in a corri-
spondence with some other persons and thorow their fault or some
unlucky accident falln into the Goverments hands; but then, tho
this might have been the case as to the cypher, it does not like-
wise account for the knowledge of what was containd in my let-
ter, seing no imaginable way can be assigned for its falling into
their hands, as the other. One thing 1 am sure of, that never
mortall sav»' the coppy lodged with me; and if the King used it in
his corrispondence with others, twas highly impolitick, on various
accounts, particularly as it exposed it to discoverys and was no
longer a cheque on my fidelity. Whom to accuse as the author
of this criminall intelligence is more than I can take upon me,
further than that in all probability it must proceed from one near
tjic Kings person, who had access to his papers; but as I Avill
REGISTER OP LETTERS. 401
conceall nothing that can give light or pave the way for disco-
vering this villany some time or other, I cant ommitt mentioning
that a person of note and distinction (not any of those I formerlie
spoke of but whose name Ime under promise to conceall) did at
London assure me that Lord Inverness was in the Govenncnts
pay, and that by and thorow him they were masters of what pa-
pers they pleased, and knew all the Kings secrets; that the packet
which Avas seized was dispatchd and information tlierofsent in
order to its being seized, for that Lord being apprehensive that
the vigorous opposition and warm representations of the Kings
trustees in Scotland against him and in favor of the Queen
woud at last prevail with His Majestic, thought nothing woud
so effectually prevent his fall, as cutting off those who were most
active against him, with which veiw he writ, and discovered to
the Goverment, the letters in that packet. If this fact is true, no
age ever produced a more monstrous instance of malicious, vil-
lanous treacherie and revenge; and tho 1 am far from asserting
it as a truth to be depended on, (tho my author was a })crson of
good credite and knew a great deal of the Court intrigues,) yet
some particulars, which my reflections on this passage recalld to
my mind, raised in me a strong suspicion of this Lord. I had
formerlie sent over with Allan Cameron to the King a new cy-
pher to be used in our future corrispondence; this I did because
I was then of opinion that Lord coud not stand long out, nay I
did not know but he was dismissd ere it coud reach the King;
and as it might happen that His Lordship had taken coppys of
the Kings cyphers, and it was uncertain how far revenge might
lead him to deliver them up to His Majesties enimys, I judged
it expedient to lay aside the old and use a new method in cor-
responding, and this new cypher was accordingly used by the
King and my self after he received it, except in this letter which
was seized; and what account can be given why it was then
laid aside and the old one re-assumed, is more than I can ima-
VOL. 11. 3 F
402 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
g'me. If the aforsaid charge is true, then it naturally occurrs
tliat this was done because the Goverment were masters of it
and not of the new one. It is likewayes remarkable that the
packet seized was the very first that was writ after Mr. Andrews
(Invernesses creature) was laid aside, on what I writ concerning
him in mine of the 10 September and 20 October, and Mr. Dun-
das again imployd in conveying the Kings dispatches from Hol-
land. Ane objection in favors of Inverness here obviously oc-
currs : since Dundas was not on his side of the question, it is
not to be supposed that the Goverment was by the means of that
Lord acquainted of the ship in which the packet was sent, so as
she shoud be watchd and boarded by the custom house yaught
at the mouth of the Firth, in virtue of tlie orders from Court to
search her narrovvlie for letters. To this it may be answered,
that on supposing this Lord acted in consequence of the crimi-
nall corrispondence he's charged with or out of revenge at Dun-
dases being rc-imployd, wee may readily imagine he woud ac-
quaint his freind Andrews of a packets being then sent to Dundas,
and as al that time no other ship was bovuid for Leilh from Rot-
terdam, he might fall on many wayes, by generall and unsus-
pected questions and observing Dundas and Trail (the master of
tlie ship) in cpmpany togather, to suspect the letters were to be
sent by this ship and therupon obey his patrons directions in ac-
quainting the Goverment therof: And indeed whilst I was after-
wards at Rotterdam I found Andrews very capable of executing
such a part, for he was reckoned a very false cunning fellow, ha-
ving had his education from Captain Abercromby of Glassoch,
a never failing servant to the Ministry; nay it consisted with
my certain knowledge that he corrisponded w ith my Lord Hay
and at the same time with Lord Inverness: This I discovered a
few dayes before I left Rotterdau), by a very casuall accident,
and it seems pritty materiall towards confirming the jealousie of
Lord Inverness integrity.
RKCISTER OF LETTERS. 403
After I staid a few weeks at Loiulon, I set out for Scotland, and
lived at my countrie house in the most retired private manner,
having- no corrisjwndence with the King* nor dealings with James
Hamilton and Robert Freehairn 2 litle underline tools to Inver-
ness, to whose management all the Kings aft'airs at London and
Edinburgh were now committed, Avhilsl at the same time no
person of charactar and prudence woud have any conmumica-
tion with them.
The chcif design of this work being to collect, and ])erhaps
transmit to posterity, coppys of these Letters to and from the
King and his trustees in Scotland, I found it necessary to sub-
join a short account of sevrall passages which served to illustrate
tlie same and carry on the history of these times ; and as it com-
mences from the time I was employd in carrying on this corri-
spondence, I do not pretend to continue it after another was ap-
pointed iu my place upon my being obliged to leave the king-
dom: and indeed sevrall other circumstances concurr in fixing-
upon this as a proper time to finish this work. For afler signing
of the prajliminarys and King Georges death, all the Kings then
schemes and projects were at ane end, as the affairs and veiws of
almost all the princes of Europe took a quite different turn and
their designs in favor of the King were superceded and must so
remain whilst the ruling powrs continue in this pacific dispo-
sition.
And here if wee look into the state of the Kings affairs, they
appear with a more dismall aspect than I ever knew them, as he
has no prospect of (ai least sudden) assistance from abroad.
Kina: Georo-e the 2d movmted the British throne with the favor
of the populace, whither more from that nationall genius which
is constantly pleased with noveltys or out of odium to his father,
with whom he was in bad terms and whom they heartily hated,
I sliant say, but so it is that at first all parties made court to him ;
and before they began to cool (by discovering the few popular
3 f2
404 REGISTER OF LETTERS.
acts he performed were all grimace, as he followd his predeces-
sors measures) he establishd himself by procuring' such a Par-
liament to be elected as consisted of as well disciplined members
as those of his powerfull army, both which being made up of
men pickt out and of known zeall to the revolution interest and
truely mercenary, as they were well paid, went thorow stitches
to serve him and establish his dominion on the united basis of a
military power and legall authority, whilst at the same time the
King, Ime affraid, daylie loses ground. He began the world
with the generall esteem of mankind ; evry person, freind and
foe, allowd him to be a wise, sober, just, good naturcd prince,
of great knowlege and application in business ; and such as knew
him, both lorreigners and subjects, concurrd in portending the
happiness of that people over whom he shoud rule, and tliis cha-
ractar he raantaind whilst the Duke of Mar was at the liead of
his affairs after his return from Scotland. Tis true he was thought
to put too much trust and shew too much favor towards His Grace,
so as all matters were directed solely by him, wherby the Duke
of Ormond and sevrall other persons of quality thought them-
selves slighted, and retired from the Court; yet still aflairs were
managed with a good decorum and dexterity, and severall well
laid projects carryd on and prudent negotiations set a foot, and
people excused the Kings having a byass towards a person that
had made so great ane effort for him and who was certainly a
very able minister, tho not free of that ambition which overules
the minds of most statesmen, by endeavouring to monopolize all
power into their own hands. But soon after Mars removall, His
Majesties charactar and affairs appeard in a quite different light:
great blunders were committed in the execution of affairs in
Scotland (and the same was alledged and may be reasonably sup-
posed elsewhere) so that people soon saw tliat they were not carryd
on with the dexterity and secresie as formerlie ; but that which
struck the nail to the head was liis allowing these his favorites
REGISTER OF LETTERS. 405
(which seems to be a curse in a peculiar manner entaild on the
roval race of Stewart) to rule under him in so absolute arbitrary a
manner, that for their sake and on their account, the prerogatives
of a sovcraign and a husband are skrewed up to a ])itch not te-
nable by the la>vs of God or man, or consistent willi prudence;
in so far as the royall consort, the mother of the royall issue,
and subjects of the best quality and merit who had served the
King with their blood and fortunes, are trampled upon and
abused by a parcel 1 of people who never were nor will be ca-
pable to do the King any materiall service and are contemptible
in the sight of all that know them, and at last forced to seek a
sanctuary in some other place and on that account deprived of
the small pensions they received for supporting themselves, after
having lost all for the King. And as all these continued steps of
unaccountable proceedings were contrary to the repeated prayers
and remonstrances of His Majesties best freinds, princes and
subjects, they gave the world a very unfavorable opinion of his
prudence, justice, honour and gratitude, and highlie discouraged
such as were inclined and capable to advise and serve him, and
created ane universall despair of ever seeing a probality of better
dayes.
And thus whilst no party is acting for his interest, no projects
formed, nothing done to keep up the spirits of the people, the
old race drops off by degrees and a new one sprouts up, who
having no particular byass to the King, as knowing litle more
of him than what the public news papers bear, enter on the
stage witli a perfect inditference, at least coolness, towards him
and his cause, which conseqviently must daylie languish and in
process of time be tottally forgot. In which melancholy situa-
tion of the Kings affairs, I leave them in the year 1728.
LETTERS,
&c.
LETTERS,
&c.
The five following articles bear no dates, and it is probable that
the last three Letters were not intended for the press ; but they
contain so many proofs of a well regulated mind and affec-
tionate disposition, such excellent principles and such admira-
ble sense, that it would be unjust to the writer to withhold
them from the world. — Editor.
SONG
to the tune of " Old long syne.''
1.
O Calidon, O Calidon, how wretched is thy fate,
I, thy St, Andrew, do lament your poor unhappy state,
O Calidon, O Calidon, how greivd am I to think
That your sad story writen is with blood instead of ink.
2.
In days of yore you was renownd, conspicous was your fame,
All nations did your valour praise, and loyalty proclaim.
Your antient rights you did mantain, and libertys defend.
And scorn'd to liave it thought that you on England did depend.
YOL. II. 3 G
410 SONG.
3.
Unto your Kings yon did adhere, stood by the royall race,i
With them you honour great did gain, and paths of glory trace.
With royall Stuart at your head all encmys oppose,
And like our brave heroic Clans, in peices cut your foes.
4.
Your Kings did justice then dispence and led you on to fight.
And your stupendous courage was like tlier example bright,
A happy people then you was, with plenty did abound,
And your untainted loyaltie with blessings great was crownd.
5.
But oh ! alas ! tlie case is changd, you'r wretched and forlorn.
The hardships now impos'd on you, ])y slaves are only born,
Your antient rights which you so long did with your blood
niantain.
Are meanlie sold and givn up, and you dare scarce complain.
. 6.
Justice now has left the land, with taxes you'r opprest.
And evry litle pratling wretch may freelie you molest.
The choisest of your noble blood are banishd far away,
And such as do remain at home must truckle and obey.
'7'.
Your martial spirit's quite decayd, you'r poor contented slaves,
You'r kickd and cuffd oppressd harrassd by scoundrels fools and
knaves.
Against your King you did rebell, abjurd the royall race.
For which just Heaven did punish you with woe contempt
disgrace.
8.
This Prince alone the crown shoud wear and royall scepter sway.
To him alone you shoud submit and your aledgiance pay.
LETTER. 411
A Prince cndowd with virtues rare, so pious and so great.
That were it not to punisli you, he'd have a better fate.
9.
O Calidon, O Cahdon, look back from whence ye fell,
And from your sufferings learn your crime, and nere again rebell,
Redeem your antient liberties, regain your rights and laws.
Restore your injurd lawful! Prince, or perish in the cause.
10.
Your reputation thus you may, thus only can retreive.
And till you justice do to him, you need not think to thrive,
O may th' Almighty King of Kings his sovraign powr extend.
And his annointeds precious life from perrills all defend.
11.
O may just Heaven assert his right, him to his own restore.
And may the Scotish nation shine, illustrious as before,
O Calidon, O Calidon, how joyflill woud I be.
To see the King upon his throne, and you from chains set free.
LETTER
to Mr. Salmon author of the Reveiw of the History of England.
Edenburgh.
Sir, — I lately perased your Reveiw of the History of England,
and am extremely well pleased with the performance. The veiws
that you give of the sevrall reigns and charactars are just and
impartiall. The facts you adduce to illustrate the nature of the
English constitution are plain and uncontestable, the inferences
you draw are proper and undenyable and the reflections you offer
3g2
412 LETTEH.
are judicious and instruclive. From the scope and spirit of the
work, tis no difficult matter to guess at your principles and o])inion
with respect to Govermeiit and the right and title of the present
governing powers, tho you have so prudentlie and cautiouslie
expressd your sentiments, that however grating the work may be
to some, you'r pritty safe, I conceive, against legall prosecutions
on that head ; but against ane act of Parliament to unridle the
most secret thoughts of your heart and lay open what you de-
signd to conceall, nay perhaps did not enter into your mind, no
private man of this generation will adventure, I presume, to en-
sure you; yet if this shoud even happen, you have more merite
towards gaining of favour (for law and justice have nothing to
do in such cases) than I verily belive you intended or perhaps
are apprized of, by your large concessions, towards removing the
hedge of security, planted in the first ages and thence till of late
carefully cultivated and upheld, about the sacred persons of
crown d heads.
I will not enter in the question liow far one soveraign prince
can lawfully, on any account, put to death any other soveraign
prince that is altogather independent. A great deall may be
said for the negative, and it cannot be asserted but wher the
soveraigns life and the safety of his people cannot otherwise be
preserved; for if on every attempt against a prince and his domi-
nions, the invader that shall happen to fall into his hands, may
be put to death, wars woud become very cruell and barbarous.
Few princes I belive that prove victorious woud not push for-
ward ther success to the subduing of his adversary with his do-
minions, and if so, such a prince, especially if he was the ag-
gressor, by a change of fortune, falling into his enemys hands,
might be put to death ; nay in all wars twixt princes, however
justly commenced by the captivated prince, he woud be subject
to the will of one that is both judge and parlie, and ane ambitious
illdcbigning prince woud never want excuses or feign pretences
LETTER. 413
to cut of the other. But so far hath this doctrine been dissa-
proved of, tliat I cant call to mind in profane history, of any ju-
dicial! trvali commenced and carried on by one soveraign prince
against another, till your Queen Elizabeths reign, on any pre-
text whatsoever; for Avher reasons of state renderd it expedient
to cut of a captivated prince, the same was done in a private ar-
bitrary nianncr, whicli, nay the obliging such ane unfortunate
prince to yeild and grant high and unreasonable terms, liath
been in all ages and by all authors condemnd as imjust and un-
generous, and consequentlie serves to show that the action is il-
legall and unjustifiable. But I will not insist on such generall
propositions, it being plain from the strain and spirit of your
book, that you entertain a just and high regard for the person
as well as the othce of a soveraignc, which indeed are so blended
togather as to be inseperable. But as you are pleased to assign
some reasons (page 259) towards justifying your Queen Eliza-
beths conduct, in putting our Queen Mary to death, I will, with
all svdjmission, examine the same and do my best to convince
vou they will not stand the test, by any rule of law equity honour
or conscience.
I own, that the greatest provocation can be givn a prince
to carry matters to the highest resentment against another, is
Avhen it appears he has formed treacherous infamous designs
against his life, but in the present case, it is pritty evident Queen
Mary had no such veiws ; what hapned to her was not the first,
and is not the latest instance, of a conspiracy hatchd and con-
trived, with a veiw to entangle and ruin persons wholly innocent,
that hapned to stand in the way of a Ministrys base selfish de-
signs, and you seem to acquit our Queen of any such bloody in-
famous design, in so far as you own it is jwssible she might not
he concenid in the conspiracy against your Queens life. — But
then you proceed to justifye her death by affirming (as indeed
she did not deny) tJuit she ivas engaged in such measures, that
414 LETTER.
if they had mcceedecl must have ended in the destruction of Queen
Elizabeth, and why when the Queen of Scots had armed for-
reign poivei^s against the Queen of England and invited her oion
subjects to depose her, she might not as well be deemd ane enimy
as if she had invaded the kingdom, you'r at a loss to discover, and
in that case you say none coud have calld it injustice : To take off
ane enimy in her just defence reflects no dishonour upon the Queen
and her Ministry. — Now, sir, I liumblie differ from you, that
every enimy and much more every prince invading a kingdom
may be deprived of life. This, as I observed before, is contrary
to the maxims and practice of all ages and nations, as it woud
prove highlie detrimentall to mankind, by opening a door to in-
troduce bloody revengefull retalliations, perpetuate feuds and
nationall quarrells and exclude quarters and mercy amongst dis-
cording nations, seing wars and rumours of wars will be existing
till the world is more universally reformed, and thence it is that
all nations agree, in a more Christian manner of carrying on
wars, than you lay doun, and consequently your generall propo-
sition will not hold, seing the universall law and practice of na-
tions must be the rule in such cases. — But to come nearer to you,
by granting what you positively, tho indeed, I conceive, errone-
ouslie affirm, you will also, I suppose, yeild to me, that the first
rise and occasion of the invasion and war that followed upon it,
must be duely considered, in order to justifye such severe punish-
ments. If the prince whos takn by his enimy was not the first
aggressor, but made the invasion to retalliale the like done to
him, or as the most probable way to disconcert the enterprises of
his enimy against him, I hope youl allow his case is ane exception
from your generall rule. Which being granted as highlie agree-
able to justice and equity, let us nixt take a reveiw of the affair
in question and from thence form a judgement of the contraversie
betwixt us.
Mary Queen of Scotland was a soveraign princess (for I per-
LETTER. 415
ceive you have little regard for your cle facto kings in England,
and the constitution of Scotland was the same) independent (if
after any pretended right of superiority was yeild up by the King
and people of England, prescrived and become obsolete, any scru-
ple remains with you, be pleased to peruse the learned Craig on
the Soveraignity of Scotland and the judicious Andersons Inde-
pendency of the Scots Crown) of all other powers under God.
Whilst she was cloathd with a husband (the French King) and
under his autlioritv in a oountrie, forreigne to her as Queen of
Scotland, her right and title to the crown of England, was as-
serted by her said husband, nay he and she assumed, in virtue of
her right, the title and carried the arms of England (^God have
mercy on the Kings of England if they fall into the French Kings
hands) but after her husbands death, returning to her own here-
ditary dominions, she dropd her pretentions, in so far as she laid
aside the title and arms and by letters embassys &c. ownd Queen
Elizabeths title. For some time she reigned happily and peace-
ably over her own naturall born subjects, but being at length
oppressd, nui down and dethroned by a parcell of hypocriticall
rebelious subjects, eggd on and supported by Queen Elizabeth,
she's drivn out of her native countrie and compelld to fly for
shelter into that of another prince. Instead of being treated with
the hospitality due to a stranger in distress; instead of being re-
ceived with the love and kindness of a near kinswoman and a
dear ally ; instead of having the assistance, which one woud think
was the interest of all crownd heads to give on such occasions,
she is seized as a traitor or criminall and keept many, many long
years under confinement : during which she frequentlie made
the most moving applications, even such as it is amazing did not
affect a princess, endowed with so many shining virtues, as are
set furth in the cliaractar of your Queen Elizabeth. But finding-
all was in vain, that her subjects were encouraged and assisted
to continue undutifull to her, nay to blast and blacken her repu-
416 LETTER.
tation and cliaractar, by horrid aspersions and villanous forgerys,
and that ther was no prospect of releif from what she coud urge
to Queen Elizabeth by the tyes of blood, the common interest of
princes and the known rules of equity and justice; being nearlie
related to most of the princes of Europe, to them she applys and
with them she consults, how thro ther assistance to obtain by
force, what could not be accomplished otherwayes. On which
account she was tryed sentenced and executed.
Now, good sir, be pleased to consider, if the case is fairly
stated and who appears to be the first aggressor. If according
to your way of reasoning, it was lawful! in your Queen to deprive
our Queen of lier life, sure it was as lawfuU for our Queen to
oppose and make head against your Queen, being equally inde-
pendent of each other. For your Queen had actually executed
measures pernicious to our Queen, by exciting lier subjects
against her, by supporting them in ther rebellion, and by restrain-
ing her of the liberlie of her person, and had even acquired that
power by a method inconsistent with all the rules of lionour, hu-
manity and corrispondence amongst societys. And all this hap-
ned before she is accused of having only jdotted and contrived
measures, ivhich might, if executed, have jwoved pernicious to
your Queen: so that it cannot be denyed but Queen Elizabeth
began the fray by doing the first injury, and refusing redress,
without any provocation or reason, but wliat arose Irom state
veiws, which, tlio perhaps prudent, are not alvvayes just, and
consequentlie, as you observe in other cases, not to be defended.
And therfore tho our Queen, according to yoiu* maxim, might
justly have deprived your Queen of her life, had she been in her
j)ower, yet the case widely differs as to your Queen, in regard
(as I think cannot be denyed) she was the first aggressor, and
])ut the other under ane absolute necessity of falling into these
measures or otherwise contentedly yeildiiig herself up to the ar-
bitrary power and unjust pi'rscculion of another, to whom she
LETTER. 417
owed no subjection, and was in all respects equall, either as to
tlie dignity or qualifications of her person. In all wars and va-
riances twixt Princes or States the occasion and first rise of them
shoud be duely considered, with regard to the manner of carrying
them on and ending them, and as matters stood twixt these 2
rivall princesses, Queen Elizabeth coud not in conscience or ho-
nour push her revenge to the utmost extremity; nay had the ta-
bles changed and she falln under Queen Marys power, after so
many repeated injuries and provocations, tho by your maxim
she might justly have cut her of, yet such I confess is my reve-
rence for the regall office and person, that I shoud never have ap-
proved and much less been at pains to justifye it, by maxims es-
j)ecially, so detrimentall to mankind and contrary to the laws and
practice of nations. That soveraign princes may be opposed
nay killd in fair batle, by even a private person, or if made pri-
soners be detaind till they agree to such terms and give such se-
curity as will render the prince and state they assaulted safe, I
do not contravcrt ; but I cannot bear the thoughts of ther being-
subjected to the judiciall tryalls and penall sentences of other for-
reign powers, more than of ther own subjects, and Ime afFraid if
a door be opened and a precedent laid down, in one case, for
divesting princes of the security of Iber persons, arising from
the sacred charactar of the office, the King killing doctrine (^which
yjou seem sufficiently to abliorr) will take too deep root and be
too much encouraged; and it is observeable that not many years
after this first instance of such a tragicall case existed, it served
as a precedent in England, to the Kings being judged, condcnuied
and put to death by a power and authority proceeding from the
Majestic of the people, A pi'inces power and jurisdiction is li-
mited as to persons as well as bounds, and as all soveraigns are
accountable only to God, they are independent of one another,
and being of a rank and degree above the rest of mankind are
to be used more tenderlie: but as, notwithstanding of all ther
VOL. II. 3 II
418 LRTTER.
imniunitys and dig-iiitys, they are the sons and subjects of the
Supreme Governour of the world, they are lyable to a share of
humane calamitys, and when it pleases God, in the wise dispensa-
tions of his providence, to stir up another prince against them,
whos likely to prevaill over them, they may resist by all lawfull
prudent wayes, but leave the issue to God, who sooner or later
will judge betwixt princes as well as people of ane inferior rank.
And I can by no means think, that the laws of self defence can
be so far extended, as to allow of practices so diametrically op-
posite to the interest of mankind, as unhinging the safety and
security of Crown heads, by bringing them upon a level with
the most abject of the people, and therby lessning the reverence
and regard due to ther persons and office. -^
That no soveraign prince hath a right of superiority or juris-
diction over another is a maxim laid down and asserted by all
lawers, and from this principle it is that a publick minister is
exempted from the jurisdiction of the place wher he resides, be-
cause as he represents the person of a soveraign, over whom an-
other soveraign hath no superiority or jurisdiction, it cannot be
extended to his ambassador, wherof wee have a very remarkable
instance and very apropos to the present subject in the case of
Leslie Bishop of Ross: He was in the year 1571 accused and
convicted of the same practices in favours of Queen Mary against
Queen Elizabeth for which the former was condemnd, and was
threatned with death, but he boldly asserted that he was tlie am-
bassador of a soveraign princess and by tliat charactar without
the reach of the English laws and judicatories. And the English
civilians who gave ther opinions in that case, did affirm that tho
a prince might refuse to admitt the ambassador of another or
order him to depart his dominions, yet whilst he continued he
ovight to enjoy the priviledges of his charactar. To the object
tion that Queen Mary was deposed the Bishop replyd that the
abdication on which the deposition proceeded was not voluntary.
LETTER. 419
but forced from her Tvliilst a caplive in the handa of her rebel-
lious subjects, thai this was so notorious and so much dissa-
proved that in the year 1568 he was received and acknowledged
in quality of her ambassador tho the pretended abdication pre-
ceeded that time. Thus wee find the independence of a soveraign
princess did save her embassador, but in a short period of time
coud not save herself, which serves to let us see how grosslie po-
liticians will contradict precedents laid down by themselves, con-
sistent to the laws and practice of nations, when it serves to an-
swer ther present designs.
You represent Queen Elizabeth as very unwilling to execute
the sentence against Queen Mary and in so doing yOu follow the
jog trot of the writers of these times, who, give me leave to say,
seem in ther accounts of that Queen, to be as much on the par-
tiall flattering lay, as any of the authors you so frequentlie charge,
during other reigns. I readily acknowledge, she was a princess
adornd with many charming virtues, but I cannot assent to her
being perfect, as her countriemen represent her, and I wish
you had informed, wither this reluctance proceeded from a ten-
der compassion of our Queens hard fate, or from the wranglings
of her conscience arising from a conviction of the iniquity of the
sentence or from a just dread of the consequences attending so
unprecedented a measure. The truth ont is, I am perswaded any
concern she truely had or affected, proceeded from the last of
these motives, and what confirms this opinion, is her avoiding to
bring the unfortunate Queen to a publick scaffold and endea-
vouring, after the manner of otlier Princes on the like bloody
occasions, to have hier taken off in a private clandestine manner,
of which you have a pritty clear proof in Dr. JVPkinzies 3d vo-
lume of the Lives of Scots Authors, lately published, in that part
of it wher he treats of Queen Mary; to which 1 refer you, and
after having examined the story he relates, judge impartially if
your heroines charactar is so universally glorious and perfect as
lier countriemen are at pains to draw it.
3h2
420 LETTEn;
Allow me likewise to tell you that I am not perfectlie well plea-
sed with yourjustification of King Charles 2cls scha?mes, after his
restoration: I am far from thinking that such persons as acted mo-
derately under the usurpation and seemd rather to be carryed away
by the violent torrent of iniquity which then prcvaild, than by ane
innate principle of aversion to the King and monarchy, or that
even such who acted more violently and zealouslie, upon ther
submission (proceeding from ane appeai'ance of a sense and sor-
row of ther crimes) — I am far I say from thinking these were to
be totally discountenanced and discouraged, by being altogather
deprived of the royall favour and confidence, tho withall, some
marks of a just remembrance of the parts they acted, was abso-
lutely necessary : neither do I conceive that the Cavaliers had
just grounds to demand and expect that they shoud monoj)olize
all the Kings bountie and all places of profite and power, nor a
compleat reimbursement of all they had lost or expended on ac-
count of and during the civill war, for as the quarrell was not
solely the Kings, but equally the peoples, in so far as the con-
stitution M^as invaded and subverted, every member of the society
were obliged in duty and interest to contribute in a matter that
was nationall and so essentially affected the vitalls of the comi-
monwealth. And therfore wher the estates of the Cavaliers were
confiscated and fines exacted from them, — when these I say were
applyd to the then publick tho illcgall service, or wher they vo-
luntarily raised mony and applyd it to the Kings and ther coun-
tries service, I conceive no reparation coud be made to them, but
either by a nationall tax or the Crowns care to conferr on them
as many and as great instances of royall trust and favour, as
the then and succeeding state of affairs coud allow of; to which
and no more the Cavaliers had a just claim, and in the dispencing
therof, justice and gratitude, as well as good policy, required
a very impartiall application. But that the King and the politi-
cal! maxims and veiws of that period faild therin, is Ime afliaid
too certain, for besides the gencrall tradition tlierof handed doun
LETTER. 421
Avitliout imich contratliclion, a orcat many particular instances
may be ackluccd, of which I will only mention one in this conn-
trie. Tiic Earl of Nitlisdalc (j)rcdecessonr of him whos now
deprived of all his estate, and narrowlie escaped witii his life,
on account of his adherence to the interest of that person, who
he bclives hath the only just title to the crown of these realms)
sold a barronv of land or lordship, for which he received from llie
Earl of Buccleug-h 50,000/. sterling, which smn he gave to King
Charles 2d to snpport him in his straits and attempt to recover
his crowns : and \ et this noble and loyall family received no
share of the rovall bountie, from tlie restoration to the revolu-
tion, but a pension, and that perhaps not allwayes, of one or almost
two Imndered pounds per annum. But wher the confiscated estates
or the fines were applyd as rewards to those who were concernd
(actively or passively, moderately or furiouslie, tis all the same
matter) in the rebelion, from these I think the Cavaliers had
reason to demand and expect a full and compleat reimbursement,
so long as the posessors therof had one farthing left towards
making restitution. And the King and Parliaments debarring
them from obtaining what they were thus so unjustly deprived of
and was applyd towards enriching ther, the Kings and the na-
tions enimys, was a peice of the greatest injustice and ungra-
tilude and at the same time most impoliticall, in so far as it gave
small encourao-ement to those who were inclinable to serve the
Crown and the countrie, and the effects therof Ime afiraid are
felt at this very time. Two out of the many instances of hard-
ships of this nature I will mention. The Earl of Derby having
acted a truly heroicall part, was at length beheaded and his
estate confiscated, or according to the modern term forefaulted.
Part of it and that the antient paternall inheritance of the family
from William the Conquerors time, scituated in Wales, was by
a grant bestowd upon one, who was thought to have, and no
doubt as matters then stood had realie more than ordinary me-
4^2 LETTER.
rite. As this gentleman lookd ane inch before his nose, he did
not incline to rest his title solely on this grant, but obtaind a
fine and recovery of this estate, which he afterwards posessd by
this double title. After the restoration, the Derby family coud
not liave access to this estate, in virtue of the act of Parliament
restoring the Royalists to thcr estates : but as it was notorious
that this fine and recovery was procured on no just grounds and
whilst that noble family was under a cloud and coud not oppose
it, ane act of Parliament w^as necessary to set the matter right,
which readily past both Houses, but to the amazement of that and
all future ages, stopt at the royall assent, and so to this day that
noble family is deprived of that estate. This account I had from
a loyall person nearlie allyed to it, and is Ime aftVaid too true.
The other instance is from Scotland, wher during the rebelion,
the conmiittees, of what they calld a Parliament, were in use to
raise mony, by calling for such as were Cavaliers or reckond
such in ther hearts, and compelling them to lend such sums of
niony as w^re prescribed unto them, and wher these had not
readie cash nor credite to procvire the same from others, the
leading rich men of the partie generouslie advanced it, for which
they got security on the malignants estate, which they declared
shoud be preferable to all even praevious mortgages: and the
malignant got a bond from certain of the managers (the very
persons for the most part who advanced the mony) acknowleging
the receiving of the same and graciouslie obliging themselves to
repay it, tho to have demanded it then or ever afterwards, had
their visurpation continued, woud have been a crime with a
witness and punishd as a certain sign of malignancie. After the
restoration, these publick borrowers were, by ane act of Parlia-
ment, absolved of any obligation to perform what they were thus
bound to in a private as well as publick capacity, because for-
sooth, the mony was borrowd on a publick (rebclious) account.
But the poor Cavtdiers, as if they Avere slill to be reckond and
iBTTKR. 423
treated as maligiiants, were left bound and even obliged to pay,
what tlicy had been compelld to borrow from these oppressors in
ther private capacilys, to pay back again to them in Iher pnl)-
Uck capacilys. iSdw if these and many more sucli instances
can be adchiced, lei Cod and Ihe world judge if you have done
juslice to King Charles's councills in llie way and manner you
represent liiem.
Very ditierent and much more priident and generous was the
conducl ol his predecessor King David tlie 2d of Scotland. In
the beginning of his reign, his countrie was invaded and his ar-
mies defealed by King Edward the 3d of England, and he him-
self oblige!, for his security, to retire from his native countrie to
France, wher he continued many years, but returning at length
to head his foithi'ull subjects against the connnon enimy, he was
complimented at Perth, soon after his arrivall, by almost the
whole budy of the nation, and the first thing he did, was to call
for a list of such persons as were killd at the batles of Duplin,
Halidowu Hill or elsevvher, or were deprived of ther estates whilst
the English continued in posession of the kingdom, and to the
familys of all such persons as had suffered in any of these in-
stances, or remarkably signalized themselves in the defence of the
country, lie gave rewards suitable to ther severall merits. The
effects of which acts of justice appeard, when that prince was
afterwards delieat and made prisoner at the batle of Durhame,
The nobility, gentry and connnons continued resolutely to man-
lain his cavise and oppose the enimy. So soon as the Estates of
Parliament coud meet (which hapned within 3 or 4 months
after his being made captive) they agreed and actually remitted
(notwithstanding the heavie circumstances of the times) mony to
defray the expence of his living, whilst a prisoner at London, and
they resolved (to ther innnortall honour be it recorded) to use
all possible means to effectuate iiis releife, and accordingly did
manfiilly stand ther ground against all the liostile attempts and
434 LETTER.
reject the severall dishonourable proposalls made by King Ed-
ward, till at last lie yeilded to grant honourable tho very heavie
terms, a no less sum than 200,000 marks being stipulated as
King Davids ransom, for which (huge sum, in those dayes) the
subjects of Scotland did bind themselves and sent up hostages for
ther performance. Had King Charles the 2d foUowd the same
rules of justice and generosity towards the suffering Cavaliers
and ther familys, tis more than probable, so great numbers woud
not have sit with ther hands across and seen the royal preroga-
tives trampled on and pluck out by the root, for to his unac-
coiuitable negligence in not sufficiently countenancing the Ca-
valiers, may in a great measure be ascrived, the continuance at
least, of the many misfortunes attending the royall family.
As I am altogather a stranger to you and your charactar, youl
do me the justice, I hope, to belive, that wliat I have said on these
subjects, proceeds from no disgust or ill will to you: I own a
great attachment to monarchy and the royall family, and as I
am entirely satisfyed you are very well affected to both, 1 am so
much the more Sir Yours.
LETTER
from Mr. LocJchart to his eldest Son*.
This Letter appears to have been written between the years 1721
and 1726.
Dear George,
Some i'cw years ago, when you went abroad, I wrot a letter to
you, containing my best advices and the reasons on which tfie
♦ Georn;o Lockhart ofCarnwath was marriod, April 30, 1697 to tlio l{ii;Iit
Honourable liatly Eiiphcnvia Montgomery, tliiitl daugiiter of Alcxajider ninth
LETTER. 425
same were founded with regard to your charactar as a Christian
and a gentelman. You may mispend your time more than in re-
Earl orEgliiiton by liis first uife IVIargarct, daugliter of William Liord Coch-
rane son of the Earl of Dundonald, and had issue as follows.
1. Margaret born 12th July 1098.
2. George .... 18th June 1700; died 1761.
3. Alexander . . 27th November 1701, died 17th Nov. 1782.
4. Eupliemia. . . 12th February 1703. Married John sixth Earl of Wigton.
5. Thomas. ... 4th February 1705.
6. Kate ^ born 26th February 1706.
7. Grace ^ married -first John third Earl of Aboyne, and secondly James
ninth Earl of Moray.
8. James born . . 0th June 1707, died 15th October 1749, Lieutenant Co-
lonel of Racket's regiment in the Dutch service.
9. William . . . 4th August 1708.
10. Susan 10th August 1709.
11. Francis .... 4th October 1710.
12. Jean 2d February 1713.
13. Philip . . i 20th July 1716.
14. A daughter S dead born.
15. Mary born 8th September 1718. Married John Rattray, Esq. and died
in 1805.
George Lockhart younger of Carnwath was married January 19th, 1726, to
Fergusia only child of Sir George Wishart of Clifton hall, Baronet, and had
issue as follows.
1. George born 4th December 1726, died in exile at Paris, 1761.
2. James . . . 16th November 1727, died at Pisa 1790, General in the Au-
strian service, Count of the Empire &c. &c.
3. Alexander . 4th December 1728.
4. Clementina 13th January 1730. Married the Honourable ColonelJohn
Gordon, and died 1803.
5. John .... 19th December 1731.
6. Euphemia . 30th June 1733.
7. William . . IGth March 1735.
8. Anne .... 30th December 1736.
9. Margaret . . 8th March 1738.
10. Charles . . . 27th February 1740. Married IMiss M'^Donald of Largie,
and died' 1796.
11. Grace .... 14th September 1741.
12. A son, dead born 1744.
VOL. II. 3 I
426 LETTER.
vising them, now your come to riper years; for if they still stand
the test tliey will, at least shoud make a deeper impression and
be more regarded by you.
One thing whicli I then ommilted and affects me very much
I must now represent to you in this letter, which I leave behind
me as the last favour I, your aftectionat father, have to ask of you,
my dear child, whicli is this, that youd supply my place, by act-
ing a kind and fatherly part to all my younger childeren, your
own sisters and brothers.
What I do earnestlie recommend to you is of its self your duty
and interest to observe.
The duty is implyd in the priviledges and benefites annexed by
law and custom to the primogeniture; for as, after my decease,
you become the head of the family and on that account a respect
and regard is, in a more conspicous degree, due to you from
all my younger childeren, than any one of them can claim of an-
other, so are you bound to employ the advantages and priviledges
you enjoy, for ther support and protection, in so far as they need
and merite the same. For the superiority annexed to the primo-
ffenilure is not because the eldest son is one whit better than the
younger, but because, if the estate and dignitys of a family were
branched out and parcelld amongst the severall childeren, they
Avould not have such weight and be so conducive to the gran-
deur and support of the family, which, in this light, is to be
reckond a litle society linked and connected togathcr by parti-
cular tyes and interests. And therfore as the younger childeren
owe a deference and regard more than ordinary to the head of
this society, so he again is bound by reciprocall obligations to
perform all the offices of ther naturall father, whom he repre-
sents; and this you may observe hath been the constant unani-
mous sentiments of all nations, in all ages, as appears from the
sacred accounts of the patriarchall age and all prophane historys
antient and modern.
LETTER. 42T
That tis your interest will appear equally evident to you; for
the power and grandeur of a family does not altogalhcr consist
in the enjoyment of ane estate, tho ever so great, but in having
freinds and dependents able and w illing to stand by and support
it; and from whom can that be expected, in such a measure of
zeall and sincerity, as from those blood relations descended from
the same originall and partakers of the benefites once enjoyd and
lianded down by ther common progenitors, for the confort and
welfare of the society thus united and tyed togather by the strong-
est obligations to mutuall love, freindship and good offices? When
the head of a family acts a kind part, all the branches therol',
near or far related, take pleasure in his prosperity, well knowing
they shall in time reap a proportionable benifite from it. Whence,
but from such motives as I represent, doth the respect or rather
submission paid by our Highland clans to ther respective cheif-
tans owe its originall ? How many antient oppressd decayd fa-
milys have been supported and releived by coUaterall branches?
And how often have flourishing familys been brought low by in-
testine feuds and divisions ? What ane encouragement is it to a
rivall or enimy to set up against a family that is brokn and di-
vided, or wher ther appears no disjwsition to mvituall good offices
and assistance? On the other hand, what a great figure doth that
family make wher the severall members of it are united in love
and interest and are readie to stand and fall with one another ?
Such a disposition seldom or never fails to beget both fear and
respect.
On a reveiw of your own times, you cannot faill to find parti-
cular instances to verifye all I have affirmd on this head. In
short, familys are petty states and have the same fate, and are
subject to the same rules and guided by the same maxims as the
most powerfull extensive kingdoms. A family that is divided
can no more subsist than a kingdom. Subjects may be com-
pelld by laws and a superior force, but never heartily and chear-
3i2
428 LETTER.
iiilly obey and support ther prince that does not cherish and pro-
tect them, and they often desert him when he's at a pinch ; just
so, tlie nearest blood relations expect mutuall good offices, es-
pecially from those that claim a superiority, and when these faill,
ther attachment in a short time evanisheth.
To reduce what I have said to practice, be courteous, kind
and obliging* to all your brothers and sisters, willing to assist
them on all occasions. Let your house be as ane assembly for
them to meet frequently and be merry, and ane asylum in case,
of distress ; and whcr it happens by misfortunes and not from
causes criminall or blameable in them, do not stand upon what
patrimony I have alloted them and you perhaps have paid, but
generouslie and like a true freind enable them to set out again in
the world. Charity requires such kind of aid, in some measure,
to all fellow christians, and much more to such near relations
-who's low and mean circumstances dart back a reflection on you
and the family you represent, and who by being assisted may
recover so as to repay what you advance, and return your freind-
ship with interest. Set yourself as a good example before them,
and by your authority and advice restrain all vicious and encou-
rage all virtuous habits in them.
To be a litle more particular ; your brother Sandie* and your
two married sisters -f are off your hands, except in so far as love
and services are ever to be encreasing wher occasions offer to
shew the same to them or thers. Your sister Sussie must be
setled in such a manner as is suitable to her unluckie circum-
stances ; no hopes can be formed of lier ever being in a condi-
* Alexander, the second son, was educated for the Scotch bar, at which he
made an eminent figure, and died Lord of Session, with the title of Lord
Covington. His eldest son was equally eminent at the English bar, but was.
f^natchcd away in the prime and vigour of his life and faculties, leaving no is^-
sue by his wife, the present Countess of Harcourt.
■ + The Countesses of Wigton and Aboyne.
LETTER. 420
tioii to appear in the world, but 1 wish she may be put in a way
of Uving- privately and confortably. Jeany and Mary, after ther
mothers death, can be no wher so decentlie as with you, if your
married, and you shoud recommend to your Avife to use Ihein
well and take care of them as if they were her own. Jamie hath
been ane undulifull child, and shows no inclinations to do well,
but lies young and not to be dispaird of, and he must be cherishd
or discouraged according- to his good or bad behaviour. Willy
is a goodnaturcd boy : he's designd for the army, and youd take
care he be educated and instructed in such a manner as is fit for
one of that employment, who designs and expects to rise by it,
and when lies of ane age fit to enter into the service, endeavour
to place him in some corps where he may have a freind to ad-
vise and inspect him. Philip is a child I love tenderlie, because he
evidences a spirit capable of great things ; if lies well educated,
in all appearance he'l prove ane honour to the family, and ther-
fore, in tlie most earnest manner I recommend it to you. If Sandy
dyes soon or comes in a few years to be advanced, then I incline
Philip shoud be bred a Scots lawer ; but if matters goes other-
wise with Sandy, in that case I woud have Philip bred to the
English law, or rather a clergyman (but this must be left to the
advice of freinds, as matters cast up) in which case his educa-
tion must be in England when he grows a litle elder, and I de-
sire some prudent man may be keept with him, to overlook his
manners, health and studys.
I think I have said enuff on these subjects, to make ane im-
pression on any person that hath bowells of love and compassion,
and right notions of his interest and duty. I will only add that
when you see or think of your brothers and sisters, reckon them
as committed in a particular manner to your care by your de-
ceased father, who makes it his earnest and last request, and
leaves you his blessing as you act a kind part to them ; and re-
member if the dead know and are affected with the actions of
430 LETTER.
the living, his future peace will in so far depend upon your an-
swering his expectations, as will his prayers be heard in heaven,
and tlie blessing of Almighty God descend upon you and your
own offspring ; which is earnestly desired by your most loving
and affectionate father George Lockhart.
Upon the margin of the above letter, and in a feeble hand, was added —
" Jamie, since writing this letter, having alterd his way and behaved to my
satisfaction, I have intirely forgot all offences in his younger years."
[Mr. Lockhart junior, upon his father's death in 1732, fulfilled his injunc-
tions, and was throughout life a kind and affectionate brother. Editor.]
Letter from Mr. Lockhart to his sister-in-law Catherine, eldest
daughter of Alexander, ninth Earl of Eglinton, and Lady
of James Stewart, sixth Earl of Galloway. — Alexander, Earl
of Eglinton, died in 1729, leaving a numerous family by
three wives ; and this letter appears to have been written
soon after his decease.
You are descended of a family illustrious on many more valu-
able accounts than either antiquity or nobility; that probity
affability and generosity which appeared in all the veiws and
schemes therof, has justly rendered it venerable as well as ho-
nourable in the Judgement of all good men, and ther are few or
none of us in the Avestern shires who will not in the compass of
a few years, less or more feel and regrate the loss of your noble
father.
As his fatall death is likely to occasion a very notable revolu-
tion in the affairs of that family, allow me, madam, from the ho-
nor 1 bear towards His Lordships memory to accost Your Lady-
ship, the nearest relation come to years of understanding, on a
subject that merits your and all the relations most serious thoughts ;
LKTTER. 431
in doing; wlicrof I will not trust to my own private judg-cmcnt,
but will frankly and ingenously imparl what 1 find is llie opinion
and discourse of mankind. First then tis thought very ddd that
none of those named tutors, even those nearly tyed to the family
by the bonds of blood or allyance, incline to accept and execute
the trust which their noble deceased freind assuredly expected
from them. The danger arising from onnnissions is no relevant
excuse; it may indeed aliect and terrify a formall, narrow-chicken
liearled pedant, but it can never penetrate so deep into the
mind of a truly generous gratefull soul, as to prevent his per-
forming the most essentiall duty to his deceast freind. He con-
siders that man came not into this world merely for himself, but
to act a sociall part, to assist and releive all mankind as far as
he can, and in so far as particular frcinds or near relations are
concernd to venture and expose hin»self to certain degrees of in-
convenience and danger in their service, and he is convinced
that no subject admitts fairer or more necessary occasions to dis-
play these generous qualitys, than in overseeing the education
and managing the atiairs of ane innocent noble minor. To what
millions of hazards are such exposed to in this wicked genera-
tion ? and what satisfaction must arise from the reflection of
having been accessory in training up the heir of a noble family
in the paths of virtue and preventing his estate from being a
prey to others.^ On the other hand, how cutting and shoaking
must be tlie reverse contemplation, when it appears probable it
was in ones power to have j)revented it, and how low ane opi-
nion must the world have of that person, who rather than run a
small hazard will stand by and see his frcinds representative and
family go to perdition .'' As these and the like considerations are
more than sufficient to affect any generous mind, such as know
the particular regard the late Earl of Eglinton evidenced on all
occasions towards Your Ladyship personally and the family your
matchd with, cant en ufF admire how it comes about that My Lord
432 LETTER.
Galloway and his son sliond behave in a manner which sure
their deceased IVeind Avoud have least expected from them of all
mankind: and as the interest Your Ladyship most deservedly has
with tliese is no secret, your not employing it in behalf of your
indulgent aflfectionat fathers memory, cannot well be reconciled
with those principles of honor and Justice which make a part of
your charactar, in other matters. As a good Christian is not
atlrighted from his duty, by the dilficullies that alteUd it, well
knowing that with care and vigilancy they may be surmounted,
ueither ought a true freind be frightned from acting the part in-
cumbent upon him from the terror of ommissions. The law in-
deed is strict, arising from the many cheats and tricks of guar-
dians, but the law does not require what is impracticable, and
as it is observed that what failings guardians innocently committ,
usually proceed from their want of skill and experience in the
methods directed by the law, any bad effecls of this nature in the
present case, might easily be prevented, by employing a person
of knowledge, with and by whose advice every thing shoud be
done, so that this obstacle is no just cause in the sight of God or
man, to deterr any person from undertaking and executing ane
otlicc incumbent on him and to which he is inclinable : and the
world does expect that Your Ladyship and yoiu' freinds will not
startle at scarecrows when the all of your fathers family is the
subject in question.
But supposing that what 1 have said is not suflicient to dissi-
pate yoin- i'ears, still mcthinks your family shoud have showd a
tlisposilion to go as far as possible, and at least have come to
toun and in conjunction with other freinds have seen what coud
be done for selling the affairs of tlie Eglinton family on a right
bottom. If they woud not act authoratively, they might at least
have offerd good advice to others and endcavomed to obstruct
schemes and ])roposalls that were unreasonable extravagant and
clelrimcnlall, in which they might and may probably still have
LETTER. 433
plenty of occasions to show their gratefvill dispositions ; wheras
sitting att home witli their arms across and seeing the estate
pulld in peices, and measures for ought they know destructive
to the heir of the family, concerted and followd out, gives the
world too good grounds to censure the part they act,' and think
their concern for their deceast freind was deposited vvilli his
corps in church of Kilwinning.
Letter from Mr. Lockhart to Lady Euphemia his wife.
My Dear,
Wheras I have by a deed dated 3d Aprile 1729 named and
appointed you to be my executor and legator of my goods efiects
and personall estate whatsoever in the terms therin specifyed, and
wheras it was not proper, in a paper which woud become pub-
lic, to specifye my private thoughts in relation to the application
therof and the execution of the trust I repose in you, I do ther-
fore chuse by this to express my inclinations concerning the same,
not doubting but you will faithfully perform accordingly, unless
some reasons may interveen which will render your acting other-
wise more conform to my intentions in committing this trust to
you.
In the first place then, as I have a particular regard to the in-
terest of my eldest son George and his family, and as my youngest
son Philip i=5 of such a tender sickly constitution that he may not
be fitt and capable to undergo such fatigues and hardships as.
my other sons, and that his education is to be defrayd off the pa-
trimony 1 leave him, which was not the case of my other younger
sons, I do therfore direct and desire that you may make over in
favors of my said eldest son, a right to all my effects and per-
sonall estate so disponed by me to you, provided that in leiw and
VOL. II. 3 K
434 XKTTEn.
consideration tlierof, he give security to pay yearlie, from and
after the first term of Martimas or Whitsunday after my death
to my said son Phillip the sum of fourtie povinds starling (over
and above the patrimony or interest therof appropriate by me to
him) dm-ing all the years of the said Philips life, or untill his
enjoying a liverent office the sallary or perquisites wherof doth
amount to the like sum. But in case my said eldest son refuses
to enter into this obligation, then and in tliat cas'e I desire you
may dispose of my effects and personall estate to the best availl
and after converting the same with all convenient speed into
niony, that you pvwchase a liverent annuity to my said son Philip,
not exceeding the sum of fourtie pounds starling, and that what
may happen to remain of my effects and personall estate after
such purchase, be by you applyed and given to such of my two
sons James and William or my unmarried daughters as you think
may most need it.
As the expences of my funeralls will affect my executory, and
I never approved of sumptous funeralls, I do hereby positively
require and expect that notliing accompany mine but decency.
If I dye at any distance from Garnwath, wher I am to be interrd,
I direct that none but my nearest freinds and relations be desired
to attend my corps, and these not exceed the number of twentie
at most, and to be met by my vassalls and tennants on the con-
fines of Clidcsdale. I expresslie discharge the ridicoulous trum-
pery of flannell dead cloalJis now in fashion, and I desire that I
be only wrapt up in a clean linnen sheet. If my son apprehends
that performing the last ceremony to me in this manner will be
a reflection on him in the eyes of the world, my express direc-
tions containd in this, will be a sufficient exoneration to him and
all conccrnd.
It only now remains that I recommend my childcren and fa-
mily to you, tliat as they are yovu's as well as mine that you ex-
ert yourself in doing all for tlicm that you can, and live in perfect
LETTER^ 435
ffood harmony and love with them, as becomes those that are
linked togather in so near mutuall relations to one another, and
is seemly in the sight of God and man ; and my blissing will
follow them as they severally act such a part to you as becomes
them. 1 leave you and them on the providence of Almighty God,
j)raving' he make you happy here on earth and wee all meet par-
takers of his joyes in Heaven- Tho 1 write this in a very good
state of health, as it is not to appear till the event of my death,,
you are to take it as my last Adeiw
Geor-ge Lockhaut.
In case my eldest agree to the proposall above mentioned,
which I have made with a veiw to his interest, I understand and
mean that besides the 40/. he is to pay to Philip, that he is also
to pay my funerall expcnces and all my debts, which will come
to no great sum.
I understand by Philips having a post of 40Z. profile annually,
it is to be one suitable to a gentleman of his rank and which he
is to obtain gratis and which he himself is willing and actually
does voluntarily accept of when procured for him.
Notwithstanding of what is containd above I remitt to you to
give what surpluss may remain after purchassing ane annuity for
Philip, either as above directed or to bestow it on Philips educa-
tion and pajiticularly to enable him to travell if he inclines to it.
George Lockhart.
3k2
JOURNALS AND MEMOIRS
OP
In 1745.
JOURNALS AND MEMOIRS
or
In 1745.
As there lias been so many different accounts of the P,
arivle and progress through Scotland and England, I shall
endeavour to trace him through both till his comeing to
Inverness, from which to the batle of Culloden there is
already an account. As this was undertaken at the desire
of a friend, he may rely on the facts in both, and if there be
any nnstakes in the dates he will be so good as to pardon
them, as the memory cou'd not be so particular as to them.
jLhe p. imbark'd at the mouth of the Loir in France the
day of June 1745 with* eight gentlemen, a few servents,
some money, anmiunition, 1000 stand of arms, 14 or 1500 broad
swords, on board of a small vessel that mounted six or eight
three pounders and some swivle guns, and saild for Belleisle where
he stay'd ten days waiting the Elizabeth of sixty guns, and whea
join'd saild for Scotland. Soon after they put to sea they mett
w ith the Lion an English man of war of sixty guns who engaged
the Elizabeth, and after an obstinate fight being both very much
chater'd (and the Elizabeth loseing her captain in the engage-
440 ACCOUNT OF
inent) Ihcy seperaled and retir'd each of them to their respec-
tive ports to repair their damages. The P. notwithstanding
what happened made the best of his way for Scotland and came
in sight of the isle of Wist, and seeing three ships at sea he put
in between that isleland and that of Eriska where they came
to an anchor. The P. went on shore and stayed all night,
where a gentleman came from the isle of Wist (where Sir Alex-
ander M'^Donald had been not long before) and told him that
things were not in readiness, and advis'd him to return. This^
cou'd not be agreeable news, but he gave no positive answer and
went on board and weigh'd anchor, and went the next day into
Lochnanueh in Muidart, and that day sent Kinloch Muidarts
brother for him, and they return 'd. The next day the P^
haveing some letters ready, dispatchd Kinloch Muidart south-
ward (who in his way delivcrd a letter to Lochcill and an othere
to Kepoch, acquenting them that the P. was come (he did not
land till some days after) but no orders to raise their men. The
next day young ClanRanald was sent to the isle of Skye witli
letters to Sir Alexander M^'Donald and the Laird of M''Load,
with one to be forward to Lord Lovat. Locheill on the receipt of
his sent to acquent Lord Lovat that the P. was come and that he
was in possession of the papers he had formerly told him of (the
papers it was said was his commission for being Leutenant Ge-
neral of the Highlanders) which shoud be deliverd to him on
the stipulated conditions; but as he had not received the P. let-
ter he gave no othere answer but that he (Locheill) might rely
on what he had formerly promiss'd.
Some days after the first, Locheill received a second letter
from the P. desireing him to come to him as soon as possible,
which was complyd with, and he was with him (the P.) two
days thereafter. About two hours after Locheills arivle Clan-
Ranald returnd from the isle of Skye, but his answers did not
seem to be so agreeable as was expected. Whatever truth there
THE YOUNG PRETENDEU'S OPEUATIONS. 441
niav be in it I shall not pretend to say, l)ut it was said lluit
IVPLoad sent his letter to Edinburgh to Mr. Robert Cragie tlie
then lord advocate for Scotland, and on the first notice of the
P. arivle, Sir John Cope had orders to assemble the troops
under liis command and to march northward. After some con-
ferences (the P. Avas resolved to lose no time) it was deter-
min'd to set up the standart on the 19th following.
The next day Locheill returned to his own country to raise his
men, and carried money with him to Sir J. C. of A — h — n — k, Ke-
poch and the Steuarts of Appin, to enable them to raise theirs
and to joine the P. as soon as possible. Kepoch whilst he was
raiseing his men had intelligence that there was two companies
of the Royal Scots regiment goeing from Perth to reinforce the
garrison of Fort William, he intercepted them and after some re-
sistence he made them all prisoners.
According to agreement, on Monday the 19th of August the
standart was carried by the Duke of Athol * from the head of
Lochsheale (the P. quarters where Mr. Murray the secretary
join'd the P. that morning) guarded by forty of ClanRanalds
men to the place appointed for the Camerons (call'd six or
* The person so styled was William Murray, Marquis of TuUibardine,
eldest surviving son of John first Duke of Athol by his first wife, Lady Catha-
rine Hamilton daughter of William Duke of Hamilton. Being attainted for
engaging in the rebellion in 1715, he resided abroad until he embarked with
the young Pretender, at which time the family honours and estates were en-
joyed by his next brother James, under an Act of Parliament obtained by his
father for that purpose from King George the First.
After the battle of CuUoden, the Marquis endeavoured to gain the coast of
Argyleshire with a view of escaping by sea ; but his health being very bad, his
horses tiring, and difficulties increasing, he surrendered himself to a magistrate
who lodged him in Dunbarton Castle, from whence he was conveyed to the
Tower of London, where he arrived the 21st of June and died the 9th of July
1746. Editor.
VOL. II. 3 L
44"^ ACCOUNT OP
seven liundercl men) to meet lliem, where it was display'd
(bnt no moto on it as was said) and the manifesto was
read; the slandart was carried back to the P. quarters es-
corted by about 50 of the Camerons, and about an hour there-
after Kepoch join'd with about 300 men and his prisoners. The
next day was imploy'd in carrying the baggage, arms and am-
munition from the head of Lochsheale to the head of Lochie
wher the P. arrived witli his attendents, where he stay'd till the
23d, and went to Fass-fern where he lay that night and sent
200 of the Camerons with the baggage to Moy in Lochaber,
where he arrived the next day and stay'd to the 26th; that day
he cross'd the water of Lochie and was join'd by the Steuarts of
Appin, about 260 men. That night Glenbucket sent an ex-
press to the P. acquenting him that Sir John Cope was come
to Badcnoch and was to march by Corryarock, upon which the
P. order'd his men to march all night to gain that pass before
him, whicli tlicy did. That night the P. lay at the castle of
Invergarry, where Fraizer of Gortleg came to the P. to assure
him of Lord Lovats services (the P. letter had come to his hand
before that) and recommended as the surest way to promote
the intrest that he (the P.) shou'd march north and
raise the Fraizers of Strathharigag, and by that time he cou'd
reach Inverness Sir Alexander M'^Donald and M'^Load wou'd
have time to joine, as wou'd a great many of the M'^Kinzics,
some of the Grants, the Fraizers and M'^Intoches; but the Duke
of Athole insisted that it wou'd be absolutly necessary that
he shou'd appear in Athole before his brother cou'd make any
party in that country. Mr. Murray (the secretary) join'd with
him and added that there was no time to be lost, but to march
to Edinburgh where (as he said) there was a great many
ready to joine. This last advice prevail'd, and the P. left In-
vergarry that afternoon and came to Aberchaleder, where his
THE YOUNG PRETENDER'S OPERATIONS. 443
sniale army lay expectinjv Sir J. Cope to marcli by Conyarock,
TJiat clay they were join'cl by Glengarries people and some
of the Grants from Glen Morrison. Sir J. Cope being- inforni'd
that it was impossible for the troops he had with him to force
that pass Q\e had left the dragoons to guard the pass at Ster-
ling) he march'd directly to Inverness where he was oblig'd to
w rite to Edinburgh to send him shiping to transport him and
army to Leith or any where to the south of the Forth, as he cou'd
not return by land, for the P. hearing that he was passt, the 28th
in the morning march'd up Corriarock and went that after-
noon to Garvemore in the braes of Badenoch, where he had cer-
taine intelligence that Sir J. Cope had taken the road for Inver-
ness and had made such forc'd marches that it was impossible to
overtake him.
From Garvemore the P. sent 100 of the Camerons under the
silence of the night to apprehend Cluny M'^Pherson at his
own house, which they did. There was anothere party of 200
men sent to surprize the barrack of Ruthern or Riven of Bade-
noch, (where there was a smale garrison of regular troops) but
comeing too late they were discover'd, by which the designe
miscaried.
The 29th the P. march'd to Dalnawhiny (upon the march
Cluny was brought prisoner to him) where several of the gen-
tlemen of that country waited on him and assur'd him of their
service, and the next day he march'd to Blair castle where he
stay'd some days, dureing which Lord Nairn and several of the
gentlemen of that country came and ofter'd their service. Lord
Nairn and Locheill was sent with 400 men to take possession of
Dunkeld, which they did the 3d of September in the morning,
and the P. arived that afternoon, when the was pro-
claim'd and the manifesto's read. The above party march'd
that same day, and tlie next morning took possession of Perth
3l2
444 ACCOUNT OK
where the P. arived that evening-, wliere the Duke * of Perth
join'd him. Tiie next day Lord George Murray-f join'd and
was declaird Heutenant o-eneral. On his arivle a combination
was entred into against him by John Murray the secretary,
Mr. O'Suhvan and others, of which the P. was acquented; but
he being an active sturing man and well acquented with the
situation of the country and people, he was caress'd by the
P. and had great weight in all the opperations, notwithstand-
ing the opposition he mett with. People having join'd from
all parts, such necessaries as the place cou'd affoord being pro-
vided for the army, and the taxes in the country rais'd, he
march'd the 11th to Dumblaine (which the Duke of Perth had
made himself master of some days before) stay'd there the next
day and cross'd the river of Forth the 13th at the Frews 5 miles
above Stirling. Colonel Gardner, who had layn till then at
Stirling, upon the P. approach relird to Falkirk. The army lay
that night in an open field near Saughie, and the P. in a
house in the neighbourhood; tlic 14Lh he march'd and sent a
* James Drummond, eldest son of James, and grandson of James fourth
Earl of Peril), who following King- James the Second to France was by him cre-
ated Duke of Perth, by which title his descendants were commonly styled in
Scotland, though not recognized by the Government. His grandson James is
referred to in the preceding Register of Letters, page 42, as being, with his bro-
ther John, conveyed to France by their mother (Lady Jean Gordon daughter
of George first Duke of Gordon) on receiving an account of their father's de-
cease at Paris in 1720. James afterwards returned to Scotland and resided
upon his estate there until the arrival of the young Pretender induced him to
quit his retirement and share the fortunes of the Stuarts, after the destruction
of whose hopes at Culloden, he escaped to the coast and embarked for France,
but died on his passage, 11th May 1746, worn out with fatigue and anxiety.
Editor.
+ He was third surviving son of John first Duke of Atliol, and was father of
John third Duke of Athol, and grandfather of John, the fourth and present
Duke. Editor.
TilE YOUNG PIIETENDEK'S OPEIlATIOiNS. 445
luesstig'e to the niajestrat's of Stirling- who subniitcd to him,
but the garrison retir'd into the castle and fired several cannon
as the army passt, but did no execution. The P. continued
his march to Falkirk, which the dragoons had abandond a
few hours before his arivle and retired to Linlithgow. The
army lay that night amongst some broom to the eastward of
Callender parks, and the P. in the house which bclong-s to the
Earl of Kilmarnock who assured the P. of his intention to
promote his interest, which he gave very good proofs of after-
wards upon all occasions, there being none more assidious or
behaved with greater resolution and intrepidity or made a braver
attack at the batle of Cullodcn than he did, notwithstanding
his behaviour afterward. He acquented him likeways that Co-
lonel Gardner with his dragoons was I'esolved to dispute the
passage of the bridge of Linlithgow with him, upon which a
council was call'd wherein it was resolved that 900 of the best
arm'd men shoud march and attack him, but upon their approach
he thought proper to retire to Kirkliston, and they entred the
town without opposition by the break of day, and the P.
with the rest of tlie army about ten o'clock that morning and
sent several smale parties to the neighbouring seaport touns
where they got some smale arms and ammunition. About four
in the afternoon they march'd to a riseing ground two miles to
the eastward where they lay that night, and the P. in a house
not far from them, and marchd next morning towards Edin-
burgh. Upon their approach the dragoons retir'd to Corstor-
phin, from thence to the Coltbridge within a mile of Edin-
burgh where they were join'd by Hamiltons (dragoons) and pro-
pos'd to make a stand, but upon the P. coming to Corstorphin
they retir'd precipitatly to Edinburgh, and from thence to Mus-
selburgh. As there was no goeing farther the Edinburgh
road without goeing within reach of the cannon of the Castle,
the P. struck oif to the right and went to a smale place call'd
446 ACCOUNT OF
Grays Mill where he lay that night and his- men in the fields
adjacent. Here came a dejantation from the city of Edinburgh,
but as their instructions were not ample enough they desired
some hours longer to get new instructions, which was granted,
but when they relurn'd, they were not agreeable, so that Loch-
eill and Mr. O Sulivan was orderd to march with about 8 or 900
men and endeavour to surprize the town, which they did by
geting near the Netherbow port which was accidentily open'd
to let out a coach before daylight, so they rush'd in and made
themselves masters of the city guard and principal places of the
town, with which they acquented the P. who march'd that
morning by Braids-burn Grange, Priestfield, and at Dudding-
ston made a breach in the wall of the King's park and march'd
that way to the back of Salsberry craigs, where they lay some-
time under cover from the Castle. The P. went into Holyrood
house or Abbie, as it is commonly call'd, where crouds of peo-
ple of all denominations came to see bin). Quarters being pro-
vided for the men, they march'd in that night the 17th. The
party that surprized the city in the morning, made the procli-
mation and read the manifesto's in form, and placed a guard of
.300 men and proper otficers at the weigh-house, and othere guards
at proper places, to hinder any communication with the Castle
on that side, which was relieved every 24 hours whilst they con-
tinu'd in town. They seiz'd likeways all the cannon, arms and
ammunition belonging to the town. Some days thereafter there
Avas ane otlicer and 50 men sent to the outside of the Castle, who
took post on a riseing ground between the West port and the
West kirk (or church) but not being upon his guard was sur-
priz'd by the country people, and the captain was carried into
the Castle by the back way.
'J'he 18th there was a proclimation issued out requireing all
persons in MidLothian to deliver up all the arms and ammunition
they had in their custody, on pain of military execution. The
THE YOU.NG pretender's OPERATIONS. 447
Castle fired Acry briskly upon the town, and tlireaten'd to lay it
in ashes if those guards was not withdrawn and provisions al-
low'd to g*oe into them. By the fircing- the cannon a ball struck
upon the tope of a chimny and threw doun some ston's which
wounded Lochcill and his major that was upon guard that day.
It was proposed to put a stronger guard on the outside of the
Castle, to straiten it more, in order to reduce it by famine (as it
was thought not to be very well provided) but that was objected
too, as the Highlanders was not accustom'd to that way of doe-
ing, and if any of them were kill'd that it wou'd be discourageing
to tlie rest atid make them desert. Tiiese considerations and the
application of some of the inhabitants to hinder the town from
being destroy'd by the Castle succeeded, and there was no guard
sent to the outside, by which they were supply'd with what they
wanted, but as the guard was continu'd in the inside (as above)
there was frequent very smart fircing on both sides, but few
kiU'd.
As Hiere was a great many things (such as shoes, targets, tents,
cantins &c.) wanting, a message was sent to the city to get them
ready, as the citisens was to furnish them, and a meeting of the
inhabitants was call'd and tax'd according to their valued rents;
As there was an account that Sir J. Cope was landed at Dunbar
with his troops from the north, they thought that they wou'd be
saved the trouble of answering the demand.
The dragoons, on the P. comeing to Edinburgh left Mus-
selbrugh and marchd to Hedingtou where hearing that Sir
J. Cope was arrived at Dunbar march'd to joine him. The
troops were landed the 18th and marchd the 19th towards Edin-
burgh. The P. being inform'd of it march'd out the 20th with
his whole army to meet him, and that afternoon gain'd Carberry
hill, from ^vhich tliey cou'd see Sir J. Cope's army drawn up to
the eastward of Preston pans, Avith the town of Preston on their
right. The P. continued his march along the hill till he came
448 . ACCOUNT OF
to Tranent where it was propos'd to attack directly, wliicli was
objected to as inipractickal)le as they were situate ; and to end
all contravercy, C. Kerr of Gradane was sent to reconnoitre the
enemy, dureing- which there was several that fired at him, and
w hen he return'd he told the impossability of it without risking-
the loss of the whole army.
Sir J. Cope's army was drawn up with their right to the walls
of the gardins of the town of Preston, which were thrown doun
in several places for them to retire if needfull ; there was a large
wett ditch in their front, three or four foot broad and five or six
deep, which run round an incloscr not a pistle shot over, which
made two ditches of that breath and depth to pass and was the
only way that he couYl be attacked in front ; on his left at the
corner of that incloser his cannon and coehorns was planted on
a highway (with the above incloser on the right and a marish on
the left) that went to Tranent ; in his rear was the sea at no
great distance from him, by which was the coast road to Edin-
burgh, and on the right of his front line was a highway that
went up to Carberryhill. By the above account of his si-
tuation, what was to be done ? The P. army which was litle
above 2000 men was not able to guard all those passes, tho'
there was a show made as if he design'd to guard them all. At
that road which went from the church of Tranent to where their
cannon was planted, the Camerons, who guarded that pass, had
a man shot through the arm. Night approaching, it was re-
solved to march to the eastward of Tranent where C. Kerr, that
was a litle before the army, took a gentleman (very well mounted
and comeing from the enemy) prisoner and carried him to Lord
George Murray, who after examination let liim goe again. By
the time that the rear had passt the town of Tranent (it was
dark) orders was given for the men to rest upon their arms,
which they did on their long march and lay there till about lln-ee
o'clock next morning when orders was given to march and to
THE VOUVG PRETENDER S OPERATION'':. 440
make tlie front the rear, and the rear the front. Durcino- tho
night there was not the least noise or lig'ht, so that the enemy
that lay on the otlicre side of a morass at no great distance, did
not know where they were. In obedience to the orders C. Kerr
went along the line and dcsir'd that no man shon'd slirr nor
speak a word till he return'd to them, which was puntualy ob-
served. When at the rear, he orderd them to march which was
done with the greatest order and silence, not a man offering to
move till he orderd them, by which the rear became the front
and the front the rear without the least confusion. The Duke of
Perth who had the rear the day before had the van and was con-
ducted by a gentleman of the name of Anderson to a foord
through a marish a litle to tlie eastward of Sir J. Cope's army
where 100 men wou'd have stop'd the P. passage. It was so ditti-
cult that every step was almost to the knee in the marish, which
made them pass in great disorder, but meeting with no opposi-
tion they form'd as they passt over', but the Duke of Perth in
place of inclineing to the left, for fear of being too soon seen by
the enemy march'd streight forward towards the seaside, by
which the rear was a great deal nearer the enemy than the front.
When the rear got over and all form'd, they were orderd to
march and attack the enemy which they did about break of day
with a great deal of resolution ; but as they advanc'd to the ene-
my it was found by the turn of the marish that there was a great
interval or vacancy between the left and the marsh, wliich Lord
George Murray perceiveing orderd the Camerons to incline that
way in order to occupy that ground for fear of being flank'd by
the enemies dragoons. By that movement there became a great
interval in the center, which the corps of reserve was order'd to
till up but cou'd not come up in time. The cannon (seven pieces
of cannon and four coehorns above mention 'd) fired upon them
as they march'd but did no execution and was immediatly seiz'd ;
and the Highlanders (who never after that did regaird cannon,
VOL. n. '3 M
4 JO ACCOUNT OF
which had beeji formerly very lerible to lliciu} conlimied their
march, and what by their huzza's and tlieir fire (which was very
brisk) inil the dragoons in disorder and soon after l!ie foot, which
took to flight, by which the P. gaind a complcal victory, a great
many being killd and taken prisoners. Tlie wounded was car-
ried to llie adjacent villages and all manner of care taken of
them ; and such of them that was able to travle was carried to
Edinburgh and put into the infirmary there.
After the hurry of the field was over there was information that
their baggage was at Cockeny (a house belonging to Mr. Mathie)
guarded by three companies of Lord John Murray's* regiment;
\ipon which Lord George Murray march'd towards them, and
upon his approach, Sir Patrick Murray of Anghtertire (who
some time before had endeavoured to trapan the Duke of Perth
under the couller of friendship) with othcre two officers cauie out
and surrenderd themselves and companies prisoners. Amongst
the baggage the militaiy chest was found with about 1500/. ster-
ling in it. When Sir J. Cope and such of his officers as cou'd
get away saw how things was goeing, they gaind the hight by
the road that was on their right, and as there was no horse
to pvnsue them they went off with some dragoons without
disturbence to Berwick and othere places as they thought
safest •!•.
* He was half-brotlier to Lord George Murray, being son of John first Duke
of Atliol by his second wife, Mary daughter of William Lord Ross, and died
at Paris, in May 1787, a general in the British army. Editor.
f Soon after this battle Mr. Lockhart of Carnwath, eldest son of the author
of the Memoirs &c., surrendered himself to Sir J. Cope at Berwick, and on
the 15th of October set out for London with him under a strong guard.
Mr. Lockhart's eldest son, George, embraced the cause of the Pretender with
all the ardour of twenty years of age, and with that enthusiastic attachment to
the House of Stuart which had so long distinguished tiiat branch of his family*
He was the first to carry to Edinburgh the tidings of Sir J. Cope's defeat, was
always foremost in every measure proposed in support of the cause, and made
THE YOUNG PRETENDEU'S OPERATIONS. 4.>1
After all was over and orders given to take care of llic pri-
soners, the P. went to Pinkieliouse where he stayd that night,
and the prisoners was carried to Mussclbrugh where tlie oflicers
were put into a liouse bv themselves with a proper guard, and
the soldiers into anotliere, and all due care taken of them. The
next day the P. went to the Abbie (or Holyroodliouse) and the
prisoners to the Cannongate. The officers was put into the Duke
ot Queensberies lodgeing, where after their names were taken
they gave their parole not to goe near the Castle nor keep any
corespondence with the P. enemies, and to send to the guard at
the Abbie the names of the houses where tliey quarlerd and not
to change their quarters without giveing notice where they re-
moved too, and lo answer when calld for, upon which they were
set at libcrtv, and the commone men that were well were put into
the Cannonaate church till such time as it shoud be determin'd
what was to be done with them.
Notwithstanding the above indulgence to the officers one of
them went the next day into the Castle, which occasion'd their
himself so conspicuously obnoxious to the House of Hanover, that, notwith-
standing his great connections and the powerful interest that was made for him,
King George the Second could never be prevailed upon to pardon him, and he
died at Paris in 1761, a few months before his father, who had not had sufficient
time and opportunity to appeal to the humane andgenerous feelings of our then
young and now afflicted and venerable sovereign. Mr. Lockhart's surrender of
himself to Sir J. Cope after an engagement so advantageous to a cause which
undoubtedly had his best wishes, has been ascribed to his conviction that the
Pretender's means were in no degree equal to the attainment of the great olyect
he had in view, and that in case of the failure of the enterprize his surrender
would secure hia fortune ; while on the other hand, in case of the Pretender's
success, his son's ardour and zeal would cover the apparent defection of the
father, w hich indeed was probably known and consented to by his son and his
friends. Government seems to have put this interpretation upon Mr. Lock-
hart's conduct, for he was not permitted to reside in Scotland until some time
after the suppression of the rebellion, and the county of York was assigned as
a spacioussort of prison, w hither he repaired with his family, and resided there
a considerable tiuie. Editok.
3 M 3
452 ACCOUNT OF
being call'd togelher some days thereafter, aud being lold the
reason of it they exclaim'd very much against him as being in-
consistent with an officer and a man of lionour to break his pa-
role, which most of them forgot when lliey were sent to Perth
and othere places, tho' they had given it in wrileing. There was
a great many soldiers sent north likeways, to be keept as pri-
soners ; and such as had been sent to the infirmary, when rc-
coverd had pasports given them to goe where tliey pleas'd upon
taking an oath that they shoud not carry arms against llie P.
before the 1st of January 1747, which the most of them did.
The P. return cou'd be no ways agreeable to the citisens of
Edinburgh, by which they found that they woud be obligd to
comply with his former demands, which they did as fast as possi-
ble the tilings couVl be got ready. On his return there was severale
proclimations issued from time to time for the good disipline to
be keept in the army and for the benefite of the citisens, and all
encouragement given to the country people to bring provisions
and othere goods to the toun, which was always well supplyd
with necessaries.
There was a message sent to the toun of Glasgow to send in
a contrebution, which they did, and so soon as the tents was de-r
liver'd by the city of Edinburgh, the P. orderd the army to in-
camp in a field to the eastward of Duddingston where he lay
some nights himself and went into the Abbie in the morning for
the dispatch of business.
This victory was heard of every where and gave great life to
the undertakeing, which being confirmd made a great many ap-
]>ear in that intrest which otherways woud not have done it, so
that there was people joining every day whilst he lay at Edin-
burgh.
The most of people seems to be surpriz'd that the P. did not
pursue the advantage of this victory and march into England
whilst they were in such a consternation and panick ; but if
THE YOUNG" PRETENDER'S OPERATIONS, 453
those people had known the state of his aflairs at that lime, their
surprize niig-lit perhaps cease. Tis true he had got between 2
and 3000 men t(»ii;elher ill provided of every tiling Hling- for an
army ; notwilbslanding the arms that was foiuid in the city of
Edinburgh tliere was a great many of his men at the batle of
Gladsmoor (as it was calld) or Preston that had nothing but
pieces of old sciths fixt to the ends of long poles for want of
arms ; and after the batle the most of the arms that was taken
tlicre the Highlanders took the locks off them and sold them,
■which render'd them of no service. Twelve or fourteen cartload
of them were sent north to be fited up for the men that was rais-
ing there, and much about that time there was an account of
a ship arriveing on the north coast with money, arms, ammuni-
tion and six piece of brace cannon which was noways to be left
beliind.
With the same ship Monsieur du Boyer came as ambassador
from the King of France (and a gentleman was sent by the P.
to the Court of France to give an account of his success and to
desire more supplys) and he went directly to Holyroodhouse
where he was most gratiously received, but did not take the
title of Ambassador for some time after, tho' all the P. people re-
gaird'd him as such.
After givcing what arms was necessary for the new rais'd men
in that country, the remainder of the arms &c. was conducted
to Aloa (or Alowa) where C. Kerr was sent to receive them and
to conduct them to Edinburgh ; and in order to secure their pas-
sage over the Forth there was a battery raisd on the key at Aloa
where six piece of cannon was mounted and anothere at Elphis-
ton pans. This battery was of great service afterwards in order to
hinder smale vessels or arni'd boats to come up to interrupt the
passage. The batteries being finisht and the cannon mounted,
the arms &c. was put on board some smale vessels and landed
4U
ACCOUNT OF
safe at Elphiston pans without interruption and conducted to
Holyroodhouse where the artihry park made an appearence,
being fourteen piece of cannon, inchiding Sir J. Cope's, four coe-
horns and all Cope's waggons &c.
Dureing the P. stay at Edii\burgh orders was given to collect
the taxes of all kinds, and to the collectors to produce their books
and to pay in to those appointed by the P. all moneys remaining
in their liands belonging to the Goverment, under the pain of
military execution, for which there was parties sent out to assist
the collectors appointed by the P. and the custum houses of Leith
Borowstoness &c. was seiz'd and the goods sold.
The P. went to the camp at Duddingston every day, which en-
cressd daily by more or less joining, so that they made a good
appearence and in great spirits. There being no great hop's of
more men joining soon, he begane to think of moveing but was
at a loss what route to take, which seem'd to be a question, as
the intelligence from England did not answer expectation. There
was certain accounts that Marshall Wade was at New Castle
with the 6000 Dutch auxiliaries and othere troops under his
command, so it was at last resolv'd to march to Dalkieth where
it was resolved to take the Wester road and march by Carlisle
as being the freest of troops on that side, which wou'd give his
freinds in England the better opportunity of joineing him.
On the 2d of November the Duke of Perth left Dalkieth with
the cannon, waggons and heavy baggage, with several regi-
ments to escort them towards Carlisle, but when they caiiic to
Loekerby the guards upon the baggage &c. was not socare lull
as they ought to have been, by which a great many of the horses
and baggagemen made their escape, which occasiond about lorty
carts with provisions, stor's &c. to be left behind which were
carried to Dumfries, for which they were call'd to an account
afterwards.
THE VOUNG PUJIiTENDEU's OI^ERATIONS. 455
111 order to conceal their real designe, the l\ luarch'd the
next (lay (llie 3d) by the way of Lauder to Kelso with the
clans and some of the horse, and sent orders lo Wooler (a villajre
about twelve niilchi from Kelso on the English side on the Easier
road from London to Edinburgh) to provide quarters and pro-
visions for them two days thereafter. He stayd one day at Kelso
and sent C, Kerr into the Englisli side with a party of horse to
get intelligence; he returnd that night with an account that
the dragoons that was at Wooler to observe their motions had
relir'd from thence upon hearing of the P. goeing that way.
The next morning the P. cross'd the Tweed at Kelso and
march'd to Jedburgh, from thence to Hawick, Hagiehaugh
and Long-town on the English side, the place of rendezvous
where they were join'd by some of the horse that was with
the Duke of Perth. When they entred England they drew their
swords and huzza'd, but in drawing them, Locheill cut his hand,
which was look'd on as a bad omen. The foot came not up till
the next day when they all cross'd the river Eden at RowclifF
four miles below Carlisle, and lay that night in the neighbouring
villages, and next day march'd to Harraby, Blackball, Boutch-
erby and othere villages to the southward of Carlisle, and sent
a message the 10th to the mayor to deliver up the town, which
being refus'd, orders was given to form the blocade, but intelli-
gence being received that Marshall Wade had left New Castle
and was n)arching by Hexham in order to relieve Carlisle, that
project was dropt, and orders to the whole army to march to
Brampton to wait for him there. The next day C. Kerr was
sent out with a party of horse to reconnoitre, who hearing that
there was some of Wade's parties at Haltwhisle (or Haltwesel)
march'd that way, but comeing near the place found it to be a
false report, so he went in and refresh'd his men and horses and
hearing nothing of the enemy returnd to Brampton and made
his report accordingly. However they continued there some
456 ACCOUNT OP
days and hearing nothing of liim (Wade) it was resolved to be-
siege Carlisle in form. The Duke of Perth had the direction of
it, and Lord George Murray cover'd the siege and for that pur-
pose took up his quarters at Harraby as being most contiguous
and on the highway to Penreth, and the olhere troops under his
command in the neighbouring villages (the weather was very
cold being both frost and snow) and Glenbucket with some
othere trops was order'd to goe to Rickerby on the north side of
the river to hinder any succours to goe into the toun by the
brklge ; and the Duke of Perth with those designd for the siege,
under the cloud of night went through the inclosers and placed
themselves under the cover of one of the ditches which they
highten'd by throwing up some ground which coverd them from
the cannon on the English gate. There they proposd to erect a
battery of cannon to make a breach in the wall to the eastward
of the English gate, from which and all along the walls they
fired very briskly next morning when they found that they were
there, but did litle execution. Lord George Murray went into
the trenches (as they were called) that night, and after seeing
what was doeing, he desir'd the Duke of Perth, in case of any
thing extraordinary happening, to let him know and he wou'd
doe all in his power to assist him with what he wanted ; what
privite orders the Duke had was not known, but whatever hap-
pend he sent to Brampton (seven miles distant) where the
P. was and acquented him with it and took no notice of Lord
George, tho' the older officer and sent there to cover the siege.
As he thought he was intitled to know what past in the trenches
he complain'd but had no satisfactory answer, whereupon he
wrote to the P. acquenting him (in a very polite manner) that
he thought he was ill us'd, that being intrusted with such a com-
mand he thought that he was intitled to know what past under
his command, and that if he was in the least suspected by his
he desir'd him to take his charge oil" his hand and that
THE YOUNG PRETENDER'S OPERATIONS, 4.'i7
lie woud servo as a volculier with llie last drop of his blood, or
soinclliing- to llial i)urpo8e. Tiiis to be sure woud surprize llie
P. very much; however there was no notice taken of it ; tiie louii
surrender'd in two or three days (without a battery being rais'd
and of consequence not a cannon fired) and the castle the next
day, and the Duke of Perth took possession of them in the
name, and the P. the next day Avith all the army, where matters
was comprimis'd with Lord George Murray, and he continued
in his command in which he acquite himself upon all occasions
with the greatest zeal and activity.
After a few days rest to the men after their fatigue, and every
thing setlcd for the good and preservation of the place, a smale
garrison was left under the command of one Hamilton as go-
vernour, and the P. with his army march'd to Penreth, Kendell,
Lancaster and Preston, so fatale to the Scots that they never
coud get beyond it, but Lord George Murray, in order to evade
the freet (or superstition which the Highlanders are full of)
cross'd the bridge and quarter'd a great many of the men on that
side of the water, where tliey halted next day expecting some in-
telligence, in w hich lis to be presum'd they were disappointed.
However they march'd to Manchester (where they halted a day
in expectation of numbers joining) Avhere there was a sort of a
regiment form'd. All the bridges being said to be brocken doun
every where, to stop their passage, C. Kerr was sent out with a
party to examine the foords, and he cross'd at Gatley foord and
went to Cheadle foord and return'd to Manchester and made his
report. The cannon and heavy baggage went by Gatley foord,
and the troops by Cheadle. Lord George Murray march'd to
Congleton (the P. to Macclesfield) with a strong party of horse
and foot, and sent C. Kerr with a smale party of horse and foot
towards New Castle under line, where the Duke of Cumberland
with his army (computed at between 8 and 9000 foot and 2 and
3000 horse and dragoons besides what was marching to join
VOL. 11, 3 N
458 ACCOUNT OF
hiny) lay, to see to get intellio-ence. Wlien he came to Talker-
hill (not far iVoin the Duke's army) he surpriz'd the famous
Captain Weir (or Vere) well known to all about Court, and car-
ried him to Cong-lelon, from which he was sent to the P. to be
examin'd. From Cong-leton Lord George march'd by Leek to
Ashburn, and the P. lay that night at Leek and next morning-
early marchVl to Ashburn where he made a halt to refresh his
men, and continued his march with the whole army to Derby,
where there was a great maviy people taken up on suspition of
being spys, tho' none of them own'd it but one Birch (or Burch)
son to one of the principal traders in Manchester, and he was
commiled in particular to the care of an officer of the guard, by
whos negligence he made his escape and was no more heard of.
'Tis to be observed that after the P. past Preston all the
bridges where he w as to pass were all brock doun and the foords
spoil'd in order to hinder his passage, but that was a needless
precaution, for Highlanders gives liiemselves no great trouble
about a bridge, if the water be any way fordable.
Orders was given for the collecting all the publick moneys as
also the association money (which was done every where where
they past) sign'd for by particular persons for raising men for
the Goverment.
The next thing to be considerd of was what was to be done ;
they were now at Derby, with an army not half the nvimber of
what they were reported to be, surrounded in a manner with re-
gular troops on all sides and more than double their rmmber.
To goe forward there was no encouragement, for their friends
(if they had any) had keept litle or no correspondence with them
from the time they entred England. If they past Swarkston
bridge not far from Derby, which of necessaty they must doe to
goe either to London or Wales, they were credibly inform'd that
there was orders to cut the bridge behind them to hinder their
retreat, which if done they nmst fall a sacrifice to their enemies.
THE YOUNG PRETENDER'S OPERATIONS. 459
As they had no assurance of assistance even if they Mcnt fun\ aid,
and as tliev had inteUii);cnce of Lord John Druniniond's* arl\le
in Scotland with liis reoinient (a great many of tliein was taken
prisoners in their way over and carried into Eng-land) and some
Irish picquets from the Irish regiments in France, commanded
by Brigadier Stapciton (with 4 piece of brass cannon eight
pounders, two of sixteen and some smale arms with profusion
(as was said) of warHck stor's) w hich with wliat was rais'd by
Lord Louis Gordon and others were calld about 5000 men (Lord
Louis some time before had defeat a party at Inverury (wliere
tlie Laird of jVPLoad narrowly made his escape with some otheres)
but no doubt augmented the number, it was resolved to return
to Scotland and to send orders to Lord John Drumniond who
was commander in chief of the French troops (see his declara-
tion in the Magazine) to march with all expedition with the
whole forces and to joine the P. on the borders. The next day
(6th of December) they set out for Scotland, and when they
came to Preston, the Duke of Perth was dispatch'd with a party
of their hussars for his escort to liasten their march, but when lie
came near Peni'eth, he was attack'd by a party of the country
militia, and findings that he cou'd not make his way he returnd
to Kendell where the P. was come to by that time.
When the P. came to Lancaster he had aOme thoughts of
making- a stand and wait the Duke's comeing, and as he arived
early, C. Kerr was sent out to examine the foords on the river,
where there was any possability of troops passing, and to chuse
the properest groimd to come to action if oblig'd to fight. The
nearest place that the Duke cou'd foord the river was at a mill
about two miles above the town, and the ground in case of a
* He was next brother to the Duke of Perth, on whose death in 1746 he as-
sumed that title — and died unmarried in 1747, a major-general in the French
service.
3n2
460 ACCOUNT OF
batle was on a large moor above the gallo's. As the ))arty that
might be sent to defend the passage of the foord was at too great
a distance to be snpported and must weaken the main body,
which was not 4000 men (notwithstanding all that was said of
them) it was thought proper to march, which they did after
giveing the men a days rest. That day of the halt C. Kerr was
sent out with a party of horse to reconnoitre, who seeing a party
of the Duke's horse upon a riseing ground above the town (who
was come a reconnoitreing likeways) he march'd towards them,
wliich they perceiveing made oft' but was so clossly pursued that
several of them was taken prisoners (but more of their horses
which they abandon'd and saved themselves amongst the inclo-
sers) which, after he had gone to a riseing grovuid at some di-
stance where he saw a great way round and seeing none of the
enemy, he carried to the town (Lancaster) and they proved to
be of Oglethorp's rangers.
The next day they march'd, and when at a litle distance from
the toun the bells begane to ring, and soon after the word went
from the rear to the front that the enemy was appearing, upon
which orders was given for the P. army to form, which they did
with a great deal of chearfuUness, but finding the alarm to be
fals they pursued their march to Kendell, where Lord George
Murray's servenis goeing into the toun before there was a suffi-
cient number to protect them, four of his horses was taken away
and never heard of more.
When they came to Kendell there was new defliculties attended
them, which was as they were to take the mountain road to Pen-
reth which was two days march and what carriages they had was
mostly of the four wheel'd waggons which did very well in the
plain country but wou'd not in the mountains, and few or none
of the smale carts to be got in and about Kendell, march they
must; and Lord George Murray, as he had the van all the way
goeing to Derby he had the rear in marching back, the baggage
THE YOUNG PRETENDER'S OPERATIONS. 461
was loft, to liis care ^villl about 300 men to escort it, and the P.
iiiarchino* the next morning-, Lord George was lei't to goe witli
the baggage. After he had got what smale carriages he cou'd,
he set forward and m ith a great deal ol' trouble (^what with the
smale carts breaking and the stops by the waggons when they
came to any thing of a precipice or bad step on the road) he
readrd a farmer's house about four miles off" near the foot of a
sleep hill, which he endeavour'd to mount, but in vain, so that
lie was obliged to put his men under cover tiie best manner he
cou'd that night (which was very stormy) and next day to get
what smale carts he cou'd in the neighbourhood to carry what
was in the waggons; which not boing sufficient he was oblig'd
to throw a great deal of the pouder into a large pool of water,
to danniiHe't so as to be of no use to the enemy, which done he
set forward till he came to a bridge at the foot of an othere
mountain steeper than the former, where the water being much
swel'd by the rains that had falen the night before, was not
fordable, which oblig'd the carriages to take the bridge, which
being without ledgets, by the carlessness of the driver a cart with
four horses fell over the bridge, which was got out with great
deliculty but the horses so spoil'd that they were tit for nothing,
and in order to make every thing as easie as possible, what things
was fit for use was put into the smale carts that had cannon ball
(which was by no means to be left behind) and twelve pence
ofter'd by Lord George for every cannon ball that shou'd be
brought to him at Schap (which was about two miles distance)
by which the most of them was carried forward and the money
payd. After they past that bridge severale of the Duke's light
horse appear'd on the higlits in the rear but never came near,
tho it was under night before they got to Schap, but in the night
time they gave frequent alarms but made no atempts eithere to
surprize or carry off" the baggage. The next morning he march'd
for Penreth and at a litle distance from Schap perceived some of
463 ACCOUNT OF
the light horse not far from tlie highway, who took to flight when
he aclvanc'd, and he continu'd his march tinough a large moor,
the country people or some of the light horse appearing on the
hiffhts on all sides. As he came off the moor the liahl horse
gathered together from all sides in a confus'd manner (about 50
or 60 horse with musick playing) near a village upon a rlseing
ground, but so soon as a few of the Highlanders made towards
them they went ofl". If they had had the least thought or judge-
ment they might have made themselves masters of all the bag-
gage and cannon ; for if they had had the precaution to have
thrown doun in different places part of the two stone walls on
the sides of the highway near the village, it wou'd not have been
possible for the baggage &c. to have past w ilhout a great deal of
trouble and more time than they (the Highlanders) had to spare;
however as that was neglected they continued their march, not
without a great many slops occasioned by tlie frequent breaking
of the carriages, and in particular on the moor near Lord Launds-
dens parks, where they were detain'd near two hours, by two of
them breaking, to supply which they were oblig'd to send to the
neighbouring villages. By the time they were in march the light
horse begane to appear again, and word being sent to Penreth,
there was some horse orderd out to their assistence, and when
the baggage came to Clifton moor it was sent forvv ard to Penreth
with a smale escort as being then out of danger, and it was pro-
pos'd to see if they couVl surprize them, wliich was readily agreed
too. Lord George Murray had been frequently at Lov\ ther hall
(Lord Laundsdens house) and said that he was very well ac-
quented with all the inclosers and parks about the house and
that he wou'd be the guide himself. There was a farm, house at
the foot of the moor where there was some hussars placed under
cover of the house, with otheres stragleing about for a decoy, and
Lord George with the foot (about 300) and some horse niarcht
throw' Clifton and turn'd down to Lowthcrhall where they found
THE YOUNG PUETENDEK'si OPERATIONS. 4G3
tlie ouler gates slnit ; tliey were desii'd to be open'd, but no an-
swer Avas made, on wliich there was some of the Highlanders got
over the walls, Avhich being seen from the lionse, a man on horse-
back and anolhcre tm foot ruslfd out and being pursued were
taken ; the one proved to be a footman of the Duke of Cumber-
land's who had come to accjuent them that tiie Duke was to be
there that night, and being examin'd he said that the Duke had
lain within four miles of that, last night with 4000 dragoons, and
that the foot was following him. Upon this, C. Kerr was sent
to acqnent the P. with it, but before he got there, the Imssars
liad acquented him that the dragoons was appearing on the top
of the moor, upon Avhich the P. (who was reviewing his men on
the moor abo\e Penreth) order'd some of them to march to re-
inforce Lord George who by that time Avas return'd, upon the
advice he had received, to Clifton and taken possession of the
liedo-cs on both sides of the road that leads into the town. When
tlie dragoons and light horse was form'd, orders was given for
some of them to dismount and to attack the hedges, which was
done with a m-eat deal of bravery and defended with the same.
The principal attack was made on that side where Lord George
was, who seeing the dragoons marching that way, march'd down
with Clunv and the M'^Phersons who after receiveing the enemies
fire, gave theirs and some of them attackt sword in hand which
made the dragoons retire. The fireing was brisk on the othere side
too where C. Kerr commanded, where M'^Donald of Lochgarry
(who commanded Glengarries men) was wounded. Night conie-
ing on put an end to that affair, and both parties retired, the
Duke, it was said, towards Apleby, and the Highlanders to Pen-
reth. The publick papers acknowledged about forty of the dra-
goons being kill'd and the officers wounded, but there was a
great many more, and the loss on the othere side did not exceed
12 men. Captain Hamilton, who belong'd to the P. imssars was
taken prisoner after being sore wounded by the dragoons; he
464 ACCOUNT OF
was not well mounted and quit his horse when tlie hussars re-
tired upon the dragoons appearing on the top of the moor; he
thought that he might make his escape on foot throw the inclo-
sers or conceal himself amongst the hedges, but being perceived
he was pursued and taken prisoner befor Lord George Avith his
men came up; this happen'd the 18th of December.
It was very lucky the takeing of the footman, for otherewayes
the Duke might have march'd into Penrcth without being per-
ceived, for till then there was not the lest notice of his being so
near at hand. As Lord George retired lie left guards at the
bridge and sent anothere to gviard a foord at a mill not far from
that, to hinder the dragoons from passing eithere of those ways,
and as those that was at the bridge had been much fatigued,
Kepoch and his men were orderd to guard those pass's.
The P. intelligence was so very bad that notwithstanding all
the pretended friends he is said to have in those coimtries, he
had not the least notice of the dragoons being in pursute of him,
till the Duke's footman was taken ; and as he was uncertain of
his numbers or what foot was following them, and lest they shou'd
cut between him and Carlisle he march'd out of Penreth that
night and gote to Carlisle next morning (where he staid that day)
where all the cannon but 3 (of what was call'd the Sweedish
pieces) was left with the coehorns and a great deal of the bag-
gage for want of horses to take them forward.
It was not doubted but at his (the P.) arivle there but tliat
there wou'd be certain intelligence of Lord John Drummond's
haveing passt the Forlh and well advanc'd towards the borders,
but that failing, there was a garrison (not doubting but that they
wou'd be soon relieved) appointed (not 300 men) to continue
there, and Mr. Hamilton governour as formerly.
The next day (the 20th a very remarkable day) the P. march'd
froiii Carlisle and cross'd the river Esk very deep that night near
Grcatlcy green, and as there was no conveniency of quarters if
THE YOU.VG pretender's OPERATIONS. 4G5
they keept all togethcrc, they sepcratc upon the banks of liiat
river. The P. went with one division and the bagg-age that
night to Annan, Lord George Murray to Eccelfeclien with an-
othere, and Lord Elcho with the horse to Dumfries, who's pre-
sence wou'd not be agreeable there, as they had the carts that
was left at Lockerbv as the Duke of Perth past southward to ac-
count for. Lord George set out next day and marchd by Mof-
fet, Douglas, Hamilton to Glasgow, where he staid till the P.
came up by Dmnfries, Drumlenrig, Douglas and Hamilton to
Glasgow (from which the Duke of Perth was sent to hasten his
brother's march) where they staid about eight days and made
the town furnish what was thought requisite to equipe the High-
landers in cloaths &c. and then marchd, the P. by Kilsyth with
one column to Bannockburn, and Lord George by Cumbernauld
to Falkirk, where there was a certain account of the surrender of
Carlisle by two gentlemen that made their escape from thence,
tho' doubted by many after that.
From the time that the P. enter'd Scotland there had been se-
veral messages sent to Lord John Drummond to march with all
expedition to joine him, with which he did not doubt he wou'd
be able to return to the relief of Carlisle, but to his great disap-
pointment he was oblig'd to continue his march as above. Being
come to Bannockburn, as the gaining the castle of Stirling wou'd
be of the greatest consequence for the passage of his troops from
the north side of the Forth, the siege was resolved upon, and for
that purpose the cannon that came with Lord John was brought
forward with a great deal of deficulty, and one Monsieur Gour-
don (alias le Marquis de Mirabelle, nome de giiere) a French
engenier had the direction of it, and anothere young man that
had apply'd himself to that business (a volentire never in com-
mission) and ten or twelve French gunners (which was all of
that kind that came from France) who was cover'd by the Duke
of Perth and four or five hundred men. The engenier to show
VOL. II. 3o
466 ACCOUNT OF
his dexterity iu liis profession (not considering- that he had nei-
ther all things necessary for such an undertaking nor regular
troops that had been accustomd to such undertakeings) made his
approaches on the strongest side of the castle where there was
nothing but rock and chingle to work upon, so that in order to
raise the batteries that was intended, there was nothing but forc'd
earth which was to be carried from a great distance and at a
great expence, and when finish'd was commanded by the castle,
by which there was a great many men lost and the battery of
litle use; however the work was continued rathere than oppose
his schem's tho' it was agreed that the approaches might have
been made and to better purpose on the othere side.
After some time Lord John Drummond begane his march and
got the lenth of Aloa, Pohnais and othere places where they past
the Forth, and in order to interrupt their passage the Pearl and
Vulture sloops of war and othere arm'd boats and smale vessels
(with woolsacks round their sides to cover their men from the
smale shot) came up to Borowstoness road where the sloops came
to an anchor, and the arm'd boats and transports went up to
Kincardin (on the north side of the Forth) where they landed
some men, but hearing that some Highlanders was marching
towards them, they reimbark'd and return'd to the above road
that night.
Upon there first appearence (they were seen from Falkirk
where Lord George Murray commanded) Lord George sent to
acquent the P. and sent C. Kerr to Airth and Elphistonpans to
give proper orders in case they shou'd atempt to land on that
side, which done and the transports &c. return'd (as above) be
return'd to give Lord George an account of what past. The P.
xipon the advice sent him orderd four held pieces with C. Grant
(who had the direction of the artilery) and some gunners to
march directly to Elphistonpans, where they arrived early next
morning, and seeing one of the sloops had come near to Airth
THE yOUXG pretender'.^ OPEnATIONS. 407
(to cover llieir boats that Ihcy had sent in tlie night to burn two
smale vessels that iiad been of use to the Highlanders, Avhich they
did all along- Xhe coast) he took them down to Airth where they
exchanged several shot to no purpose, whicli C. Kerr seeing or-
derd them back again to Elphistonpans wliere they were ol'
greater service. As soon as the tide served (^about 9 o'clock)
next morning, they weigh'd anchor from the road and came
near the pans (where a battery was erected to hinder them from
goeing to Aloa to stop the passage, if they atempted it) and
came to an anchor near the battery which they endcavourd to
demolish, in order to land there men with the greater safty un-
der the cover of their cannon, but they were so well received that
the Pearl (that lay next the battery) was oblig'd (as soon as the
tide serv'd to carry them down) to leave one of her anchors and
relurn'd that night to Borowstoness road, and the next the whole
transports went to Leith where they landed their troops and re-
paird their damages.
As the regular troops had been assembleing for some time in
and about Edinburgh, and there was advice that they were to
march for Falkirk and that orders was sent to Linlithgow to
make preparations for them, Lord George Murray form'd a de-
signe to carry offthe forage and provisions that was provided, for
which he march'd from Falkirk early in the morning and arrived
at Linlitligow between 9 and 10 o'clock, where he gether'd to-
gether as many carts as carried away all that was provided for
them, and sent oft' directly to Falkirk. Whilst this was adoeing,
the party Lord George had sent out to reconnoitre sent advice
that there was a party of dragoons appearing, upon which he
ordcrd all to arms. As the dragoons advanc'd, the rcconnoi-
treing party retir'd towards the town, by which time Lord
George had got all his men together and march'd out to meet
the enemy who (by that time pretty near the town) seeing Lord
3o2
4GS ACCOUNT OF
George marcliing; to^vards tlictn, tlioiiglit proper to retire, whicls
they did in very good order. Lord Elcho, wiio commanded the
P. guards, was order'd to pursue them, but cou'd not come up
with them. Hunter of Burnside and Mr. Vane (an English gen-
tleman) distinguished themselves and follow'd the dragoons closs
in the rear till they came to a litle village where their foot was
halted. On perceiveing of them they returnd and gave an ac-
count of their being there, on which Lord George retvn*nd to
Linlithgow, took his dinner (which had been orderd at his come-
ing to toun) and refrcsh'd his men, during which, the parties he
had left abroad sent advice that the enemy was in full march
towards him, on which he orderd his men to arms, and as he did
not know the number of the enemy he did not care to risque any
thing but marchd off, and whilst he was marching through the
toun, the enemy was got to the hight on the south side of it.
Lord George contiiuiing his march to the bridge, propos'd to stay
for them, but they contented themselves with sending some dra-
goons after him to observe his motions, who seeing him pass the
bridge, they drew up, by which he concluded that they were to
goe no furtlier, and he continued his march to Falkirk where his
body was arived before him. From thence he acquented the P.
of what happen'd, and went the next day himself, when it was
propos'd to wait the enemy at Falkirk, not doubting but before
the enemy cou'd get that lenth, that Lord John Drummond with
all those on the north side of Forth wou'd be over to their assist-
ance; but that failing, Lord George thought proper to retire
with his men to Bannockburn, where after reconnoilreing all the
grounds about for a proper place to give the enemy batle in case
they shou'd advance, the moor to the westward of the Torwood
was agreed upon and appointed to be the place of randivouz in
case of an alarm.
In a few days thereafter^ the last of Lord John Drunnnond's
THE YOVNG PRETENDER'S OPERATIONS. 469
men got over, and a day or two thereafter the P. orderd a general
review. When he came lo the ground and saw the good ap-
pearance his men made, it was resolved to march directly and
attack General Ifally (who had been incamp'd for some days at
Falkirk) and accordingly the march was begun with a great
deal of chearfuleness towards Dunny])acc, where they cross'd
the Avater. When they came to the westward of the Torwood
(Lord John Druinmond went to the eastward of it with a strong-
party to intercept any of the enemy that might goe that way)
they cou'd perceive General Hally's scout's goeing from time to
time to give nolice of their approach, upon which he orderd his
men to leave their camp (where if he had stay'd he cou'd not
have been atlack'd but wilh great disadvantage) and to march
up the hill lo (he southward of the town, a ground no ways fit
for his j)urpose, nor was it possible for him to get up his cannon,
tiie road was so very bad; but as he was first there, he had the
choise of tlie ground, which was so very uncquall that nether of
the parlies cou'd see from their right to their left.
As tiie P. advanc'd parties drew near Dunnypace they cou'd
see General Hally marching to the hight, so that he gain'd it
too in two lin\s; the first (wiiich consisted of the clans) form'd
as they march'd, but there was none of the second came to their
ground but the Athole men and Lord Ogilvies, the attack being
begune before they came up. The first line march'd to the
ground appointed them; Lord Elcho with tlie P. guards was or-
derd to cover the right flanck, with a morass (or mqss) on his
right; the front line made a movement forward and at the same
time inclin'd to the right, by which, when the attack was made,
there was no possability ol advanceing without goeing through
that moss, which several of theui atcmpted to doe but Ibund it
impractickable, several of their horses haveing fain into the peat
holes and with great deficulty got out again, which put a stop
470 ACCOUNT OF
to the ollicre gcnlleinens following them, which occasioned some
reflections to be thrown on that corps, which made a great many
of them make a resolution never to come to action again on horse-
back.
'Tis impossable to keep Highlanders in on place, for they must
allways be in motion, so there was a necessaty to begiue the at-
tack, which was the occasion of the second lin's not forming as
above, which they did with all the resolution and regularity im-
maginable (which was done likeways on the othere side in or-
der to recover what they had lost at Gladsmoor) and kcept up
tlieir fire till within half a pistleshot of the enemy, that C. Kerr
gave orders to fire, which put the enemy into such confusion that
it was not in their officers power to rally them again; so that
after their first fire (which they did very well) they never had
time to charge again, and being closs pursued they were beat
out of the field. Kcpock, who had the right of the P. army that
' day, seeing some armd men to the left of the dragoons, brock
the line without orders and march'd towards them, which they
perceiveing, went off in a great haste; they were the Glasgow
and othere militia commanded by the Earl of Hume. There was
two regiments of foot (Barrels and anothere that made such a
noise afterward for their gallant behaviour as it was call'd) and
some dragoons in the hollow upon G. Ilallys right which was
not seen by the P. people, and, tho they heard the fireing did not
know the fate of those on tlie top of tlie hill, was marching uj)
the hill, which put a stop a litle to the pursuile, which C. Kerr
seeing orderd Lord J. Druimnond's regiment the French piquets
(the French was a corps of reserve) and the P. guards to march
to the brow of the hill, which those below seeing, stop'd short
and by the favour of the night and a heavy rain they marchd
oft' undisturbVl; and what contributed m\ich to their goeing off
in thai u)anner was their being so near the toim (Falkirk) tliat
THE YOUNG pretender's OPERATIONS. 471
it was not lliouglit proper to pursue Ihciii in the dark lest there
shou'd be a body of men in the toun (to cover their retreat) where
a few men wou'd have hinderd tlie Iliglilanders from entering-
that night, in w hicii case they wou'd have been oblig-'d to have
lain in tlie fields welt as lliey were; however upon strick inquiry
it was found tiiat G. Hally had abandon'd both his camp (which
they endeavourd to burn but the tents were so welt that they
wou'd nol burn) and the toun, upon which the P. took posses-
sion of them, where Lord J. Drumniond was sliot through the
arm by a soldier who made his escape afterwards.
On entering the toun there was two regiments orderd lo pur-
sue the enemy, but such is an iregidar arniy that there was not
fifty men to be got together, every on puling himself under co-
ver (tho' it was fair by that time) as fast as he cou'd, so that
there was with deficulty as many men found as wou'd mount the
necessary guards for the P. and their own safties, so that the
enemy went off unmolested tho' they never slop'd till they came
to Linlithgow (6 miles) and some to Edinburgh; by which their
camp (all their tents standing) cannon and a great deal of bag-
gage fell to the conquerour; this happen'd on the 17th of Ja-
nuary 174(3.
Next morning reconnoitreing parties were sent out to observe
their motions, and an inquiry made into the forces that was in
toun, by whicli it was found that there was not 500 men, the rest
haveing gone either from the field of batle the night before or
early that morning to Stirling (where the Duke of Perth had
been left to keep the garrison of the castle from sallying out to
carry off the cannon and destroying the works) and othere places,
where officers were sent after them to endeavour to stop them and
if possible to prevaile with them to stay. When they enter'd
Scotland from England they began to desert, and in order to pre-
vent that, they were promis'd leave to goe home to see their
friends, as they came near their own countries. Till they saw"
472 ACCOUNT OF
what wou'd be the consequence of the balle they were prevaild
upon for some days, but were always goeing- off.
The P. stay'd two days at Falkirk and then returned to Ban-
nockburn leaving- Lord George Murray to observe the motions
of the enemy. Some days thereafter there was a general review
at Falkirk wiiere the men made a good appearepce, tho' far short
of the numbers they were before the batle.
Glengarrie's second son, who had gone home from Edinburgii
when the P. went to England, to raise more men, had return'd
and was accidentily shot by a man that was cleaning his piece.
Lord George continued there till tiie Duke of Cumberland (who
came post from London to Edinburgh to take the command of
the army and whose presence gave great life to their affairs) have-
ing assembled all his troops togethcre (there was some new re-
giments had join'd by that lime) marcli'd from Edinburgh to
Linlithgow and places adjacent for the convcniency of quarters
which when Lord George heard he sent to acquent the P. and
the impossabilily of his mantaining his ground with the few men
he had. Locheill and others of the clans that was at Falkirk had
join'd before in a representation to the P. setting furth the impos-
sability of their staying there, as the most of their men had left
them. Tiie Duke's advancing made Lord George retire towards
Stirling to joine the P. and patrols was orderd that night every
where where they thought the enemy cou'd pass, but tlicse pa-
trols (like young soldiers not concidering that their own safty
and othcres depended upon their vigilence) returnd to the P. quar-
ters, where C. Kerr seeing their commanders, ask'd the reason of
it. The reasons not being satisfactory, he acquented Lord George
Murray with it, who orderd them out again and told them to be
very attentive, for C. Kerr wou'd be with them at Larbour (w ilhin
a mile of Falkirk the principal post and nearest the enemy) by
three o'clock in the morning, which he accordingly was and
found them all very much on their guard, where heslayd till day-
THE YOUNG PRETENDER'S OPERATIONS. 473
liglit, but ueillier seeing nor hearing any thing- of the enemy, he
relunid to make his report, but to Iiis great surprize he found
that the P. had marchd sooner than what was desiiiiul.
It had been resolved the night before to march next morning
(the 1st of February) by eight o'clock; the place appointed for
the army to assemble was upon the croft near St. Ninians (alias
St. Ringin's) church (which was blown up that morning by ac-
cident and not designe as was said) and Lord George Murray was
to be early tliat morning at old Greeji Yards to distribute the
cloath &c. that had been got at Glasgow for the use of the army,
(Highlanders) where he went, but few comeing to receive them,
he sent to know the reason of it, which when told surpriz'd him
very much, and as carts could not be foimd to carry off what
was not given out, every man took what he had a mind, and the
rest was left to those that came next, by which they were litle
the better of what they got at Glasgow.
C. Kerr upon his return from Larbour finding that they were
marchd, went to Green Yards where he found Lord George and
told him that the patrols had been very vigilent and that there
was not one of the enemy come to Falkirk (some of the patrols
had gone that lenth) that night nor none of them appearing in
the plains about it, and at the same time express'd his suqirize
at his finding the P. marchd before his return, for which he
(Lord George) cou'd give no reason, but follow'd them. When
Lord George came up with the rear he stop'd some of them near
the firs on a riseing ground near St. Ninians to keep in the gar-
rison of Stirling Castle and give time to any straglers that might
be left behind to come up, and C. Kerr went forward to acquent
the P. with what had past at Larbour and othere places where
the patrols were, and in his way he found Lord John Drummonds
regiment in the center, which had been the night before orderd
to remain in Stirling (where the cannon was naild as there was
no horses to carry them off) till every thing that was in the toun
VOL. II. 3 p
474 ACCOUNT OF
(stors &c.) M'as canied off, and that all the people that belongd
to the army were out of it, and to bring up the rear. C. Kerr
was told that they had Mr. O Sulivans orders to march precisely
at six o'clock that morning, by which Lady Ogilvie was very
near taken prisoner, but her equipage was and a great many
of the men that knew nothing of the suden march. When he
came to the P. he told him that there was none of the enemy ap-
pearing when he left Larbour and that tlie patrols were still there
and was not to leave that till further orders, upon which two aid
de camps was orderd (\he one to Larbour and the othere to the
liights above the Torwood) to bring them off, which they did,
but Lord George for fear of mistakes orderd C. Kerr likeways
who in his way mett them. The P. continued his march to the
foord of the Frews where he passt with the army, which went to
Dumblaine, and the P. to Drummond Castle tliat night. The
roads being very bad, some cannon and carriages was left by the
way for want of horses to take them forward; the next morning
the army marchd to Crief and was joind on the march by the pri-
soners that Avas taken at Falkirk, that had been at Down for some
days, and their guard. Some of the officers, notwithstanding the
civilities that was shown them, tho they had given their word of
honour both by word and by writt that they shoud not benefite of
any indulgence, made their escape on the march. The P. lay
that night at Fairnton where there was a coimcil held, and as
Ihey were to march to Inverness and there was no possability of
keeping together, especially the horse, it was resolved that the
P. and the clans shou'd goe by Wad's road and Lord George
Miu'ray by the coastside with the horse and the rest of the foot.
Lord George went to Perth where he stay'd a day to order every
thing for the march, but as there was no possability of geting
horses to carry off the cannon that was taken out of the Hazard
sloop, that had been mounted at a conciderable expence, they
were nail'd, and he marchd for Inverness where he was to meet
THE YOUNG pretender's OPERATIONS, 475
the p. the 1 6th, but the weather proved so very bad that the P.
had got tliere before him and had made himself master of the
toun and castle.
The Hazard sloop of war had been stationd on that coast, to
hinder any snpplys comeing from France whilst the P. was in
Eng-land, and at the request of some of the inhabitants of Mon-
trose (or Montross) went into that harbour to protect the toun
and beat some of Lord Ogilvies men, that was there, out of it,
but as she cou'd not goe out again but when the wind and tide
served. Captain Ferrier with the assistenceof someof the French
officers (wlio were just arrived) rais'd a battery on the shore and
mounted four pieces of smale cannon he had taken out of a ship
in that harbour, with which they fired upon her and made her
surrender. She had been sent to France and was retaken on her
return.
It was propos'd to the P. when he left Blair Castle, to burn it,
that it might not be a garrison to the enemy when he was gone
(but he absolutly refus'd it) which if he had it wou'd have saved
him a great deal of trouble it gave him afterwards, but in his way
he took the barracks at Ruthvin of Badenoch and burnd them.
N. B. From the time the P. landed in Scotland he march'd the
most of the way to Derby and back to Inverness on foot at the
head of his men, seldome or never mounted on horseback, even
to cross waters.
3p2
JOURNALL AND MEMOIHS.
JOURNALL AND MEMOIRS
OF
3^ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ C ♦ ♦ ♦ . CjcpetJition into ^cotlantj fc,
1745-6.
By a Highland Officer in his Army.
XJpoN the 18th of July 1745 His R. H. arived in the harbour
of Lochnanuagh in Arisaig (a corner of Clanronald's country
on the western coast of Scotland) on board a French ship of 30
guns, commanded by Captain Walsh. He was accompanied
only by the Duke of Athole, Sir Thomas Sheridan, Sir John
M'^Donald, Sir Francis Strictland, CoUonel O'Sulivan, Mr. Kelly,
Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Angus M"^Donald brother to Kinlochmoy-
dart, together with Mr. Michael and three other servants. This
was all the foreign force in ane enterprise the most hazardous
and resolute that the history of any person or country can aford.
July 19th ane express was dispatch'd for young Clanronald,
and next day, being the 20th, Clanronald, Alexander M'^Donald
of Glenaladale, iEneas M'=Donald of Dalily, and I, came to
Forsy, a small village opposite to the road where the Prince's
vessel lay. We called for the ships boat and were immediatly
carryed on board, and our hearts were overjoyed to find ourselves
so near our long wished for P — ce. We found a large tent erected
with poles on the ships deck covered and well fluniished with va-
480 JOURNAL OF
riety of wines and spirits. As we enter'd this pavilion we were
most chearfuUy welcom'd by the Duke of Athole to whom some
of us had been known in the year 1715. While the Duke was
talking with us, Clanronald was a-missing and had, as we un-
derstood, been called into the P — ce's cabin, nor did we look
for the honovn* of seeing His R. H. at least for that night. After
being 3 hours with the P., Clanronald returned to us, and in
about half ane hour after there entered the tent a tall youth of a
most agreeable aspect in a plain black coat with a plain shirt
not very clean and a cambrick stock fixed with a plain silver
buckle, a fair round wig out of the buckle, a plain hatt Avith a
canvas string haveing one end fixed to one of his coat buttons ;
lie had black stockins and brass buckles in his shoes ; at his first
appearance I found my heart swell to my very throat. We were
immediatly told by one Obrian a churchman that this youth was
also ane English clergyman who had long been possess'd with a
desire to see and converse with Highlanders.
When this youth entered, Obrian forbid any of those who
were sitting to rise ; he saluted none of us, and we only made a
low bow at a distance. I chanced to be one of those who were
standing when he came in, and he took his seat near me but im-
mediatly started up again and caused me sitt down by him vipon
a chest. I at this time taking him to be only a passenger or
some clergyman, presumed to speak to him with too much fa-
miliarity yet still retained some suspicion he might be one of
more note than he was said to be. He asked me if I was not
cold in that habite (viz. the highland garb) I answered I was so
habituated to it that I should rather be so if I was to change my
dress for any other. At this he laugh'd heartily and next en-
quired how 1 lay with it at night, which 1 cx])laind to him ; he
said that by wraping myself so closs in my plaid I would be un-
prepared for any sudden defence in the case of a surprise. I
answered that in such times of danger or during a war we had
TIIK EXPEDITION, 1745-3. 481
a (lifterenl method of useing the plaid, that with one spring f
could start to my feet with drawn sword and cock'd pistol in my
Jiand without being- in the least incumber'd Avith my bedcloaths.
Severall such questions he put to me ; then rising quickly from
liis seat he calls for a dram, when the same person whisper'd
me a second time, to pledge the stranger but not to drink to him,
by which seasonable hint 1 was confirm'd in my suspicion who
he was. Having taken a glass of wine in his hand lie drank to
lis all round, and soon after left ns.
On the 19th, 20th and 21st His R. H. was in private with
Sir Thomas Sheridan, the Duke of Athole, and Clanronald, and
on the 22d, Clanronald and Allan M'^^Donald, younger brother
to Kinlochmoydart were sent to Sir Alexander M'^Donald of Slate
and the Laird of JVPloed to induce them to join His R. H. ac-
cording to duty and promise; Glenaladel, another gentleman
and I being likewise sent to conveen Clanronald's men and to
get some of the best of them for the P — 's guard in the mean
time, and others to be employd in vmloading the ship of the arms
and amunition. This was our whole business till Clanronald-.s
return from the Isle of Sky, whose errand was in vain, those
gentlemen alledging that the P. comeing without some regular
troops more arms and money, they were under no engagement
to concurr in the enterprize. Donald M'^Donald of Scotos came
also on board as Glengaries representative, as likewise Cameron
of Lochiel, M'Donald of Keppoch and McDonald of Glenco,
who having concerted measures with His R. H. in behalf of
their king and country, repaired imniediatly to their respective
homes with orders to conveen all their followers and appoint
them to randevouse the of next month, being August, at
Glenfinnin in Moydart where His R. H. with Clanronalds regi-
ment would join them and then display the royal standart.
These chieftains carried with them some arms and amunition for
the use of such of their people as wanted.
VOL. II. 3 Q
4R2
JOUUNAI. or
Ciipliiiii Wiilsh now pn'|)aiinf^' lo icliini llir I'liincc look Imh
loavc ol llic I*, iiiid \vr'if>li(<l ;m(li(tr on IJk? 'iU\\\ ol' .lii!\, wllicli
(l;iy His It. II., Ilic DnUc ol Alliolc, ('liuii'uiiidd iVc. ciimc on
hIkuc mikI hiiwlcd ;il llic lilllc villii<i,(' ol' lionadcl in llic ((undry
of Arihui^' hcloni^'in^- In ('lanron.dd, and licrr II. K. II. lirsl sell
Codl on Scolisli ^ronnd cNccplinii,- one nielli llial he lanicd in llic
house of Aninis M'Donald al a place called haiskay in the isUr
of Wist, uhilhei' lellj-rs vv'(?re bicaijuhl lo liini hy Hoyslil I'lom
Sir Alexander M'Donald and llie Laii'd of M' Lend diseonraj^inf;"
hlH allenipl al Ihis lime. So all may judii,)' liov\ ha/ardoiis anc
••nlcrpri/.c we (i. e. Clanronaid'H people) were ntiw enf;a^^ed in,
heiufi; lor .some lime (piile alone, who nol\villislandin<.^' resolved
lo follow our I', mosi cliearlnlly and risipie our lale with liiu).
We there did our hest tof2,i\<' him a most hearty welcome to onr
country, the I', and all his company with a ^ruard of ahoni ll)(>
men heiuf),- all entertaind in the house tVc. ol" An<;us M'Donald
ol' liorradel in Arisaip,- in as hospitable a manner as the place
could al'oril. II. U. II. hein^- seated in a projter place had a lull
view ol" all our company, the whole ni^hhonrhood wilhout di-
KtilU'liou of ',\>Xi' or sex croudini;' in upon us lo see the I'. A Her
we liiul all eaten pl(Mdilnlly and drunU chearlully, II. U. II.
drunk the ^raee drink in l''.nii,Tish m Inch UMtst of us understood;
when it cam<' to my ttnii I presumed lo distinii^nish myself hy
ft;iVin<>' ruidihly in I'.rse (i)r lii;i,hland lan^uaf^-e) Dctxhs- hiuit-dii
li(n'!;li : II. H. II. understandiufi,- that I had drunk the Kin<i,'s
health made me speak the w(»rds a^-aiu in I'-rsc and said he could
driid\ the Kinfi,s health likewise in Ihal lanjiuao-e, repeatiu!;' my
words; and the company men I ion in;.;,' my skill in Ihe ln<i,-hlan(I
Uui^'uap,^', II. It. II. said I should he his master f(»r that lan<L!,'ua<;'e,
and so was made to ask the h(>allhs ol the I*, and I).
•'' llavinfj,' slaid Ihree or four days in liorradel, duriufr which
lime iuessaj;-es w<'re still comein>;' and ^'oiuj;' helwixl the I'.,
liOi-hicl. i;ienj;ary, and K<«ppoch iVc. II. U. II. Ih(<n sell (»\it for
TME EXrKDITION, 1745-G. 4HJJ
the town of KinloclimoydmL in Moyilail, seven inileM liom Bor-
riulel, by the head of Loelinaniuigli and Locliuilorl, wlncli way
Clanronalds jej;inienl nunclied closs by the shoar, tl^e I*, witli
his ailihuy and baj^adge going" by scu, as being" Uic shortest
]iassap;e, ^A' abont Ibnr miles.
A surmise of the Ps hmding l)eing- now whisjM'rd sdjioad,
and tlie Government haveing noliee therof, a strong detaclnneiil
of four companys were ortlered to Forlwilliam to reinlorse the
gari«)n there; and Giengary and Kcj»))ocIih people, who were
llien assenibhng, judged il expedient to prevent the soldiers from
passing lliroiigh their country. Accordingly, K{!ppoclji Cwilli
about 40 men) inlercei)ted tlu^m at the High bridge and oblidged
tJiem to retreat back through Latterlinlay ; but Keppoch know*
ing their superiority in niunbers, and waiting for the advantage
of the ground, did not attack them clossly till they (ujterd a thick
wood at the head of Lochlochy, called Longanachdrom, where
they attacked and surrounded them, some of Glengaries peofi>lc,
also from the village of Longanachdrom, comeing in to support
Keppoch. A few soldiers were wounded; five or six killed, with
tJle loss of 2 men of the Jlighlanders ; a,nd these four couipanys
were all taken prisoners and sent to JlisJl.il. at .Glculiuia ift
Moy<lart. li ." • . .
As the P. was setting out lor (ilenlinin to nieet bis freinds ac-
cording to a|)poinlmenl, I was detatchexlto Ardnamurchan to re^
cruit, and soon returned vvilh .>() diver fellows wlio pleased Iho
1*., and upon review, J lis 11. was ])leased to honour rne with the
con\man(l of them, and told me i was the iirst ollicer he had made
in Scotland; which ctjm|)linu'nt encouraged my vanity not a
little, and with our freinds vowed to the y\hi)iglity we would live
and die with our noble i*. tJKJUgh all iJritain should forsake him
but oiu" link; regiment alone.
'j'hc J', liavjng set out from Kinlochmoydart on the 7th, on the
Hth he stayed at Alexander M'^Donalds of Gleualadals house the
3<i2
484 JOURNAL OP
first night, wliere Captain Svvetnam, an officer in Guises regi-
ment, having- been taken at , was brought in prisoner
by Keppochs McDonalds,
Tlie P. set out from Glenaladals house about 6 a clock in the
morning and arrived at Glenfinin about eleven fornoon, being
met at his landing by Mr. M'^Donald of Morror &c. with 150
men ; about 2 a clock afternoon Lochiel appeared at the head of
700 men, and was soon after followed by Keppoch with about
300 men ; upon which the P. immediatly causd erect the royall
standart and proclaimed the K. his father. That night our
little army was encamped and provisions provided for them, we
were now about 1200 men under the command of Clanronald,
Lochiel and Keppoch ; Colonel OSulivan being appointed ad-
jutant general and quarter master of the army.
Notice being given that Sir John Cope with the Governments
troops was marching from Stirling, after 3 nights stay at Glen-
finin H. R. H. set out npon the 12th with Lochiels and Keppochs
regiments only, to encamp that night at Fassfarran in Lochaber,
from whence he marched next morning to Moy, Clanronalds
regiment being ordered to follow with the baggage and pri-
soners, from the head of Lochseal to the camp at Moy, where
we joined them, after a great deal of fatigue, on the 1 5lh, froni
whence we marched next morning in order to encamp at Latter-
finlay. But H. R. H. having inteligence that Sir John (with
about 3000 men) was got the length of Dalquiny in Badenoch,
he marched on, under night, with Clanronald and Keppochs bat-
talions till he came to the Castle of Invergarie, from whence he
marched next day to Obertaive in Glengarie where Lochiel came
up with us. Here Stewart of Ardshiel joind the P. with 200 of
the Apin men ; also did the M'^Donalds of Glengarie, being 600
good men conducted by M'^Donald of Lochgarie.
The P. being fully resolved to stop the fiirther progres of the
Governments troops, a council of war was held at Obertaive, where
THE EXI'EDITION, 1745-6. 485
it was cfiearfully resolved to take possession of the defiles of the
nioiuitaiii Corryara«r, ])ctween Glcngary and Badenocli, before
General Cop should reach them. Accordingly His R. H. sellout
August 27 at 4 morning from Oberhalladcr in Clengary, our re-
giment in the van, next Glengaries, Keppochs and Ardsheals
followed in order, and Lochiels in the rear. We were all in good
spirits and resolute to meet the enemy in the muir, judgeing they
were lohold their course over the hill of Corryarag towards Fort-
aguslus, being the more provoked that Cope was comeing in a
hostile maimer into our country. We had just passed the hill
when a gentleman of the name of M'^Pharson came to give His
R. H. notice that Sir John Cope had the day before alterd his
rout from Corryarag, and turning northward had marched to
Riven in Badenoch, haveing to deceive us sent part of his bag-
gage with 2 companys of foot and the camp colours four miles
further in the road to Fortagustus as if he was to follow them
with his whole army. Many of the Highlanders vext at Cops
escape proposed that a strong detatchment might be allowed to
follow them, but this was not thought proper. The P. notwith-
Tstandino- of this intellio-ence continued his march untill he reached
Garvamore in Badenoch, where a councill of war was held with
the heads of the clans, Sir Thomas Sheridan, Secretary Murray
&c. (which last had now joind the P.) when it was resolved to
march to the south of Scotland; and accordingly we reached
Dalquiny. Next day Dr. Cameron, Lochiels brother, and Donald
M'^Donald of Lochgarie w^ere sent with 1 00 men to surprise the
barracks of Riven, but haveing nothing but their small arms they
were repulsed with the loss only of 2 men killed and 2 wounded;
however they fell upon a method to take M'^Pharson of Cluny
prisoner (who connnanded a company in the Governments ser-
vice) and brought him to the camp at Dalwhiny, from whence
he was dismist upon his promising to raise his men as soon as
possible for the P's service.
486 JOURNAL OF
Next clay our army marched as far as Dalnaccardocli m Atliol,
and the day folloAving- we reached the Castle of Blair, a seat of
the Duke of Athole, where we. were well received and stayed
three days. Here we were joined by Lord Nairn, his brother,
and severall other gentlemen from Perthshire. From Blair we
marched for Dunkelld, and next day came to Perth whither
Lochiel, Lord Nairns brotlier &c. were sent 2 days before to pro-
claim the P. R., and Keppoch was dispatched at the same time
to Dundee in order to sease some arms, amunition, publick mo-
ney &c. there.
After our arrivall at Perth the army was reviewed, and Clan-
ronald with 150 men were sent to second Keppochs enterprise at
Dundee, who by wrong information had been told by some gen-
tlemen from that town that he could not cfi'ectuat any thing tliere
without a greater force. We sett out from Perth about midnight
and marched so quick that we reached Dundee by daybreak.
Being masters of the town we seized 2 vessalls with arms and
amunition which we sent further up the river Tay towards
Perth ; we likewise took up some publick money here, liberated
some prisoners and proclaimd the P. R — g — t, and upon Mon-
<lay thereafter we marchd back to Perth.
His R. H. left Perth on Wednesday the 11th of September,
when we marched near 20 miles and came to Dumblane where
our army rested the 12tli and encamped that night a mile with-
out the town between Dumblane and Stirling.
It was in this neighbourhood that many of our fathers and se-
veralls of us now with the P. fought for the same cause just thirty
years ago at the battle of Sherriflmuir.
On the 13th we marched from Dumblane tluough Down, and
crossed the water of Teath at the bridge there. The P. stoped
at a gentlemans house near Down, of the name of E n, and
drimk a glass of wine on horseback, where the ladys &c. of the
country were assembled to see him. We passed the river Forth
THE EXPEDITION, 1745-6. 487
that dav at the ford of Frew, about G miles above Stirling, ex-
])ccling- to have been opposed there by Colonell Gardners dra-
goons who encamped in the park of Stirlin^r and who we heard
had threatned to cut us to pieces if we attempted to cross the
Avater. The dragoons however upon our approach galloped
away in a great hurry and lay that night at Falkirk.
The P. in crossing Forth may be said to have passed the Ru-
bicon ; he had now no rough ground for a retreat in case of any
disaster, and being entered into the low country must fairly meet
his fate. He and his little army halted, soon after passing Forth,
and dined at the house of Leckie belonging to a gentleman of
the name of Moir who had the night before been seized in his
bed bv a party of dragoons and carried prisoner to Stirling Cas-
tle, upon intelligence that he was preparing to receive and in-
tertain the P. and his followers, w Inch indeed we were in a most
hospitable manner, as well as many other of our freinds who fol-
lowed soon after.
This night we lay at Touch, and next day, being the 14th, we
marched to Falkirk. The town of Stirling, abandoned by the dra-
goons, was ready to receive us, tho' we did not enter; provisions
being demanded, were soon provided for us by order of the majes-
trates. As we passed Stirling, severall cannon were fired at us
from the castle. At Falkirk we understood that Colonel Gardner
with his dragoons had retreated east six miles further to Lithgow,
and the P. ordered a detatchment of 500 men to advance before the
main body and attack the dragoons in their camp; but Gardner,
<]reading the worst, marchd off at 7 o'clock in the evening and
encamped at Kirkliston-water 6 miles west of Edinburgh. We
encampd 3 miles to the east of Linlithgow, and the 16th marched
-towards Corstorphine whither Gardner still retired, where we
lieard he was joind by Hamiltons dragoons who had been en-
camped in Leith links, and being reinforsed by the Edinburgh
city guard and some voluntiers, were resolved to wait and re-
488 JOURNAL OF
ceive us at Corstorphine ; but their picket, upou the approach of
our advanced guard, retreated to tlieir main body and altop;ether
soon fled by the north side of Edinburgh to Leith and Musle-
burgl), the foot returning to the town.
We encamped that night at Grays milns 2 miles S. west of the
city, where some of the majestrales of Edinburgh waited on the
P. to desire time to draw up a capitulation. H. R. H's answer
was that he thought the K's (viz. his fathers) declaration and his
own manifesto were sufficient terms of capitulation for all His
M — t — s subjects to accept of with joy, and that they had no
other to expect. To consider of which he gave them 4 hours,
and required a positive answer by 2 a clock in the morning ;
but no answer comeing, and only a further delay asked. His R.
H. ordered a detachment of 900 men under cloud of night to
storm the town, and accordingly, Lochiel, Keppoch and Ardshiel
with some of the best armed of tlieir severall commands, together
with Mr. OSulivan, silently marched up to the city gate at the
Netherbow, and about break of day boldly forced their Way,
there being no resistance made by the small guard at the port,
so there was no blood shed. Our people with drawn sword and
target, witli a hideous yell and their particular manner of making
ane attack (they not knowing what resistance they might meet
with in the town) marched quickly up street, no one leaving
their rank or order, and forced their way into the city guard-
house and took possession. The main body drew up in the Par-
liament closs, and guards were immediatly placed at every gate
of 'the city; and the inhabitants cannot injustice but acknow-
ledge that the behaviour of our Highlanders was civil and innor
cent beyond what even their best freinds could have expected.
His R. H. on Tuesday forenoon, being the 17 th of September,
marched the rest of his little army from Grays milns through the
K's park and there encamping came himself to the royal palace
at the Abby of Hollyrood-house amidst a vast croud of spectators
THE EXPEDITIOX, 1745-0. 489
>\ ho from town and country flocked togetlier to see this uncom-
mon sight, expressing tlieir surprize and joy together by loud and
frequent imzzas ; indeed tiie whole scene, as I have been told by
many, was rather like a dream, so quick and amazing seemed the
change, tho no doubt wise people saw well enough we had much
to do still.
After two days stay in Edinbm-gh for our refreshment, and
proclamation made over the Cross, of the P's regency, and some
necessarys provided, we were order'd to encamp at Dudingston
about a mile S. east from Edinbiu'gh, His R. H. remaining all
niglit in the Abby with his guards, and \nsiting and reviewing
us every day, till Friday morning the P. having learned that
General Cope vras landed at Dunbar with the addition of some
Highland companys raised by the Government, H. R. H. marched
us from the field at Dudingston early in the morning, and about
three in the afternoon we were in sight of the enemy, who had
taken up their ground on the plain near the town of Preston pans
l^etwixt Colonel Gardners house and P. Seton. We lay in sight
of them till tlie evening when our people grew very impatient to
be engadged, but with difficulty being restrained by authority,
both aruiys lay upon their arms all night. The enemy were about
4000, drawn up on the field on the east of Preston, having that
village on their right, a broad and deep ditch on their front, a
small morass on their left, and the Firth of Forth on their rear,
so that it was impossible to attack them in front but at the irreatest
risk. Their foot in the center were the regiments of Murray and
Lascelles, 5 companys of Lees's, 4 companys of Guise's, 3 com-
panys of Lord Loudens Highland regiment, and a number of re-
cruits for regiments at home and abroad ; Hamiltons and Gard-
ners dragoons forming tb.e wings on the right and left. There
were besides, volunteers, seceders &c. from Edinburgh, and gen-
tlemen at the head of their tennents. General Cope had cannon
and coehorns which were thrown off during the night, and large
VOL. II. 3 u
490 JOURNAL OF
fires were made round his whole camp. Our men keept quiet
all night, nut a word was heard. Saturday 21st of Sej)tember
about three in the morning we changed our ground and marched
eastward, then turning north formed in 2 lines so as to jirevent
the enemys retreat through the east country, towards Haclding-
loun on the one hand, or on the other their stealing a march
upon us towards Edinburgh. The disposition being made,
H. R. H. address'd his little army in these words " Follow me,
Gentlemen; by the assistance of God I will this day make
you a free and happy people." We then marched chearfuUy
on and engaged the enemy ; our attack being on the east side
oblidged Cope to change Ids disposition. Our right wing was
led on by the Duke of Perth as Leulenant General and con-
sisted of the regiments of Clanronald, Keppoch, Glengarie and
Glenco under their severall cheifs ; the left by Lord George
Murray consisting of the batalions of Camerons commanded
by Lochiel, the Stewarts by Ardshiel, their cheiltain Appin not
being with us in this affair; one body of the M'^Gregors with
Glencairney, and the rest of tlie M'^Grogors with the Duke
of Perths men under Major James Drummond. The enemvs
arlillary plaid furiously upon our left, especially on Locliiells
battalions; their cannon also racked our right wing but did little
execution. Their great guns were followed by a very regular
fire of the dragoons on the right and left, and this again by closs
platoons of all their infantry, which our men received with in-
trepidity and an huzza, a thing most extraordinary in a militia
army undisipiined and untryed, who upon this occasion keept up
their fire till they were very near, being always sure that their one
fire should do execution, which they having done, inmicdiatly
threw down their guns and drawing their broadswords rushed in
upon them like a torrent and carried all before them. Our march
up to the enemy till we came near was without pipe or drum, in
the most profound .silence till the attack was begun, when all our
THE EXPEDITIOX, 17 45-G. ' 491
iustnimcnts tongues and hands were at work. Aswe wcreaboul
to engadgc, McDonald of Clena'.adel, of Clannnui'ds rcg-'micnt^
was orderd wilh a detacliod jiarty of sixty chosen men double
armed, to take possession of the enemys bag-gage at Preston as
soon as he should perceive the main bodys engadged. Tlie P.
left his guard on the inarch to the attack, talking earnestly to the
Duke of Perth and Clanronald and giveing liis last orders and
injunctions; but returning to his guard, as I happend to pass
near by him, he with a smile said to me in Erse, " Gres-ort,
Gres-ort," that is. Make haste, make haste. As in our march to
the attack, the right was oblidgcd to stop a little till the left should
come up. At this time the enemys guards first perceived us, for
we heard them call out " Who is there ? Who is there ? Cannons,
cannons, get ready the cannons, cannoneers;" but our quick
march and sudden and intrepid attack soon brought us into the
midst of our enemys, wl)ere we soon put them to rout, the ge-
neral and a few horse and officers escapeing with difficulty to
Berwick, Major Cawfield with a few dragoons to Leith and Edin-
burgh Castle.
Now whatever notion or sentiments the low country people
may entertain of our Highlanders, this day there were many
proofs to a diligent spectator amidst all the bloodshed (which at
the first shock was unavoidable) of their humanity and mercy ;
for I can with the strictest truth and sincerity declare that I often
heard our people call out to the soldiers if they wanted quarters,
and we the oflicers exerted our utmost pains to protect the sol-
diers from their first furv, when either through their stuborness
or want of language they did not cry for quarters, and I observed
some of our privat men run to P. Seton for ale and other li-
quors to support the wounded. And as one proof for all, to my
own particular observation, I saw a Highlander supporting a
poor wounded soldier by tlie arms till he should ease nature, and
afterwards carry him on his back into a house, and left him a
3 r2
492 JOURNAL OF
sixpence at parting. In all wliich we followetl not only the dic-
tates of humanity but the orders of our P. in all, like the true
father of his country.
In the afternoon having- taken a short repast of Co])e's provi-
sions on the field of battle, His R. H. marched back to Musle-
burgh at night, leaving the Laird of M'^Lauchlen and some other
gentlemen to take care of the wovuided prisoners and the bag-
gage and to get the dead bvu'ied. He himself lay at Pinky all
night, a house belonging to the Marquess of Tweedale then se-
cretary of state and who had signed the order for apprehending
the P. with a premium of 30000/. ; yet did not his army,tho'flush'd
with victory, commilt any abuse, as neither was done in the least
degree at Lord Stairs's house of Newliston in their way to Edin-
burgh, tho' the Glenco men were of our number and could not
have forgot the massacre of their clan soon after the Revolution
and by whose order.
> The next day we marched back to Edinbiu'gh and took up
our old camp at Dudingslon. During the P\s stay in Edinburgh
wailing for a further reinforscmcnt from the Highlands and pro-
viding of other neccssarys for our march into England, Clanro-
nalds regimentwas orderd down toNewhavcn, a village west from
Leith, upon the sea side, to prevent any correspondence betwixt
the Governments two ships of war (viz', the Fox, and Happy
Jenet) and the Castle of Edinburgh, which last was likewise now
blockaded; upon which, the guns from the Castle annoyed the
inhabitants day and night till a deputation was sent from them
to the P. earnestly begging he would consider their distressed con-
dition; when he was graciously pleased to take ofl' the blockade.
During our stay at Edinburgh we were joined by Lord Pit-
sligo and a good body of horse from the Mearns &c'^ as also by
Lord Ogilvie and his regiment of foot from the Braes of Angus,
and Glenbucket with the Gordons and Glcnlivet men. The Duke
of Athol also came up to us with a fresJLi body of his men. Some
THE EXPEDITION, 1745-6. 493
money likewise, with a small train of aiHlaiy and Mr. Grant
the ino-cneer from France, Mas come to tlic Abby of Hollyrood
lionse. And now the P. havin^- small hopes of the M'Donalds
and MClonds from Sky &c. their cheats being- artfully detained
bv their oreat director Mr. Duncan Forbes of CuUoden and pre-
sident of the Session of Scotland, Lord Lovats Frazers also being
very tardy, he resolved to lose no more time, but march into En-
gland. Accordingly on the last day of October His R. H. left
the Abby at Edinburgh, attended by his own guards of gentle-
men, some of whom w ere accouterd and mounted as huzzars, and
lodged at Pinky house. Next day, November tirst, he marched
to Dalkeith, then took the road to Kelso for England with one
part of his army, whilst the other division with the Duke of
Atholc &c. marched by Moffivt, being appointed to rendevouze
upon the English border, that is to say, the Duke of Athole with
thelow-counlrv regiments the whole horse and the arlillary went
by Dumfrice. The P. sett out a day latter from Dalkeilli with
the six Highland regiments by Kelso, passed the river Tweed
and came to Gedburgh, from whence crossing the border he was
met by the other column within two miles of Carlisle. HisR. H.
went airly on Mnnday the 11th to Brampton, being seven miles
on the road to Newcastle, in order to give Generall \^'ade battle,
but after waiting two days and understanding that Wade de-
clined advancing toward us, the P. orderd the blocade of Car-
lisle to be renewed, which was done by one half of the army
whilst His R. H. with the other half remained at Brampton as the
most convenient post to attack the enemy had they attempted
the relief of Carlisle. The trenches were opened on the 13th at
night under command of the Duke of Perth about a musket
shot from the walls of the town about midway betwixt the En-
glish and Scots gates, and thirteen cannon were brought up in
order to play upon the town, but this was prevented by a capitu-
lation signed by the Governour &c. on Thursday the fourtee]ith.
494 JOURNAL OK
and His R. II. eulcrcd and look ])ossession of Ihe town and castie
on Friday njorniiii^, being the lilleenth. Dnring^botii tlie block-
ades of the town tliere was but one man killed and^ine wounded.
The mililia that served in Carlisle, and all the inhabitants of the
city and neighbourhood can testify the exact disipline of our
army who payed for every thing they got, and all were protected
in their libertys and propertys.
His R. H. continued in Carlisle till the twentieth, when leaving
a suthcient garrison in the town, the van marched for Penrith ;
the twenty second, the van marched to Kendal and the main
body to Penrith; the twenty third, the main body came to Ken-
dal; the twenty foiu'th the van marched to Lancaster, and the
main body halted at Kendal; the twenty (ifth, the van marched
to Garstang, and the main body to Lancaster; the twenty sixth,
the van passed Preston and qnarterd at the village on the other
side of the bridge, and the main body came to Preston. The
twenty seventh, the whole army halted ; the twenty-eighth, we
marched to Wiggan and the villages near it; the twenty ninth
all the army marched to Manchester and halted there. Here we
beat up for recruits and began to form the Manchester regiment.
December first, we marched to Macclesfield ; the second, the van
marched to Congleton within nine miles of New Castle under
line at which place the main body of the Duke of Cumberlands
army lay. From Congleton Colonell K. was sent out with a de-
tatchment towards New Castle for intelligence, and within three
miles of that place lie took Mr. Weir, their cheif spy, prisoner and
brouglit him to Congleton, upon which the Duke of Cuu\berlands
army retired to Leitchfield. The P. R^, having intelligence of
his retreat fron\ New Castle under line, marched for Derby by
Ashburn; December the third the van marched to Ashburn by
Leek; tlie main body rested the second at Macclesfield and
marched the third to Leek; the fourth the whole army went to
Derby, Avhcre they stayed all the fifth, and in a council of war
THR KXPEUITJOX, 1743-6. 495
held in His R. H's presence (dispalches of inipoilancc being- re-
ceived) it was re!!olved to return to Scotland.
How far this was the properest course has been much can-
vassd; some thinking the intelligence from Scotlandof the great
numbers convecnd in arms or landed from France was ane im-
position and that the P. with great unwillingness consented to
a retreat. One thing is certain, never was our [lighlanders
in higher spirits notwithstanding their long and fatiguing*
march; tiicy had indeed g(»t good quarters and ])lenty of pro-
visions in their inarch and were well paid; so that we judged we
Avere able to tight double our numbers of any troops that could
oppose us; and would to God we had pushed on tho' we had
been all cult to pieces, when we were in a condition for fighting
and doing honour to our noble P. and the glorious cause we had
taken in hand, rather tlian to have survived and seen that fatall
day of Culloden when in want of provisions money and rest &c.
we were oblidged to turn our backs and lose all our glory.
Various, no doubt, are peoples sentiments as to the reasons or
motives that enduced us to retreat, wiiich I shall leave to be can-
vassed at leisure.
It being resolved to return to Scotland, the next day December
sixth we marched to Ashburn — on the seventh to Leek — and on
the eighth to Macclesfield; the ninth the whole army marched
to Manchester, the tenth to Wiggan, the eleventh to Preston
Adhere we stayed all the twelfth. On the thirteenth we marched
to Lancaster and halted the fourteenth, which day a reconeitring
party took prisoners two of the Duke of Cumberlands men called
Rangers. While we were at Preston the Duke of Perth with an
hundred horse was orderd to Scotland to bring up the French
and others that were at Perth, but meeting witli some ditiicultys,
returned ])ack. On the fifteenth we cavue to Kendal; tlie six-
teenth, the main body of our army was at Shap, but the rear
guard were oblidged to stop at a farm four miles from Kendal,
.f
493 JOURNAL OF
by reason that a great many of the carriages and particularly
tlie fourwheeld waggons, in which was part of the amunition,
could not be got forward because of tlie steepness of tiie hill and
badness of the road; but small carts being got next day and the
amunition shifted from the broken waggons, they came that
night to Shap, the main body having gone to Penrith that day.
The eighteenth the rearguard J oind the main body at Penrith in
the evening. They had observed severall parlys of the enemy,
but upon the advance of our rear guard they always retired;
once a considerable body of their light horse form'd upon the
road in order to stop our advanceing any further, but upon some
of the Highlanders throwing down their plaids and running up
to attack them, they retired, one of them only being killed. After
the baggage was sent on to Penritli a battalion of our foot and
some horse went through Lord Lansdales parks of Lowdar,
thinking to find some of the enemys light horse about the house,
as he was Lord Leutenant of the county; accordingly some of
them were seen at a distance, but rode off on sight of the High-
landers. Some shots were fired after them, and at the same time
some partys of our army scouring the parks took a running foot-
man of the Duke of Cumberland prisoner and another ])erson
cloathed in green who appcard to be an officer, who informed
that the Duke of Cumberland was within a mile with about 4000
horse and dragoons besides light horse and mililia; upon which
Lord George Murray (who always commanded the rear guard)
with four battallions, viz^ Glengarys, Ckmy-M'-'Pharsons, the
Athole and Appin people took possession of a village called Clif-
ton, being a mile from Lord l>ansdale's house upon the highway
to and about two miles short of I'cnrilh whither our main body
was advanced. By that time the enemy had formed upon ane
open muir faceing Chiton and within half cannon shot, where
they continued for a considerable time; at last about ane hovu-
after sunsett they dismounted severall of their dragoons who came
THE KXPEDITION, ITIS-G. 497
to the bottom of tlie muir ami lined Ihe hedges and ditches lh:it
were next to it. Here wiis a pretty smart lire on both sides fur
about half ane hour, but at last the hre of Ihe dragoons increas-
ing, a battalion of Highlanders -was sent doun to attack them
sword in liand, with orders to drive them from their posts, but
not to advance upon the muir; accordingly the Highlanders
made their attack with great spirit and keenness, and after pass-
ing two hedges drove the dismounted dragoons from the third
and then retired, as they were ordered, to their former posts;
only, twelve of our Highlanders in their great eagerness passed
the bottom of the ditch and ran up the muir, which were all that
were amissing after the action. How many of the dragoons were
killed and wounded is uncertain; but by severall circumstances,
such as the number ot broadswords taken from the dragoons and
the report of the wounded dressed at Penrith next day, they could
not be fewer than a hundred. It is to be observed that at the
beginning of this aftair the M'^Donalds of Glcngarie having the
guard of the arlillary, when they came to the bridge of Clifton
they sent notice to the P. at Penrith that the Duke of Cumber-
lands wliole body of horse was very near and would probably
cutt tliem all off if not timely relieved, upon which the P. orderd
back Chmys regiment of IVPPhersons together with the Athole
brigade and the Stewarts of Appin. Cluny's men were those
cheifly engadged who after a fire broke in upon them with their
swords. The Glcngarie M'^Donalds, who were placed behind a
stone park-dike, continued to gall the enemy's tlank with their
fire since they covdd not get at them with their swords, wiiilethe
Athole and Appin men were not so clossly engadged. Our men
would have done more execution on the enemy, had not night
prevented them; and learning that they might beoverpoured by
the grcatlv supperior number of the enemy who would be aug-
mented by more horse from Wade and Ligonier, they made now
a quick but orderly retreat and joind the P. at Penrith, and it
VOL. II. 3 3
^
498 JOURNAL OP
was not judged proper to eng-adge their whole force till we were
reinforced by onr army from Perth. Clanronald and Keppochs
regiments were orderd to march back to Clifton bridge to amuse
the people of Penrith with a belief that we were all to march
back to tight the Duke of Cumljcrland, while our main body
marched on from Penrith to Carlisle late at night, and our two
regiments viz^ Clanronald and Keppochs marched quickly after
them and arrived all safe at Carlyle on the 19th in the morning.
This was one of the darkest nights I ever saw, yet did His R. H,
walk it on foot and most part of the way without a lanthorn, yet
never stumbled, which many of us Highlanders did often.
At Carlyle it was confirmed that Lord John Drummond was
landed in the north of Scotland with some hundreds of pickets
some money and arms &c. from France, who if he had marched
up to us with all his force as he was ordered we might well have
hoped for success and made om* enemy fly befor us. On the
twentieth December the P. havino- left a parrison in Carlile and
particularly the English Manchester regiment, we sett out and
passd tlie water of Esk about three afternoon. All this time the
enemy never appeared, what they met with at Peiu'ith having
given them some disgust. That night we left Carlyle we marched
in two columns, one of which quarterd with His R. H. at Annan,
the other at Ecclesfechan. It is certain (^says Lord George Mur-
ray in his journal) that by all accidents, such as death by sick-
ness (of which it is believed there was more in one day in Gene-
ral Wade's army than were in six weeks in His R. lis) and peo-
ple which straggled to plunder (^whicli notwithstanding all the
officers were able to do could not be entirely prevented) and were
not heard of again. His R. H. did not lose ibrty men in the whole
expedition, including the twelve at Penrith; upon the whole
(^continues he) never was a march vmdertaken with more chear-
fuUness and executed with greater vigour and resolution, which
(^ncxt to the visible protection of Almighty God) was owing to
THE EXPEDITION, 1745-6. 499
the example shown by His R, II. who always marched on foot
at the head of his men.
As soon as we pass'd the river J'-sk Lord George Murray with
the low countrymen sett out before for Glasgow; on the twenty
first we marched from Annan to Dumfrice, the twenty second to
Drumlinrig, the twenty fourth to Doug-las Castle, and on the
twenty fifth to Hamilton. His R. H. staid one day at the palace
of Duke Hamilton, and hunted. On the twenty seventh we
inarched for Glasgow where we staid near a week and laid a
new cess upon the town who had taken arms against tlie P. while
he was in England. On the sixth of January we marched from
Glasgow to Cumbernauld and from thence to Falkirk. Next day
orders were sent to the army at Perth to join us and with the
artiilary to invest Stirling Castle. After staying about a week,
four of our six Highland regiments which were in England were
ordered to march to Linlithgow under night, both to levy the
publick money and carry ofl" the provisions which had been or-
dered to be provided for the English army now conveend about
Edinburgh under the command of General Hawly who was ad-
vanceing towards us. Now the P. was joind by Lord John
Drummond with the pickets of the Irish bragade from France,
and Lord Lewis Gordon who had formerly Joind the P. at Edin-
burgh and was sent north, before his R. H. marched into En-
gland, to raise more men in his brother the Duke of Gordons
lands. He had also defeated some hundreds of the M'^Loads and
Grants under the command of the Laird of M'^Load and Cul-
cairns &c, at Inverury near Aberdeen. This happend while the
P. w as in England. Here also we were joined by the Master of
Lovat (Lord Lovats eldest son) with his Frazers, Glengyle with
the reinforcement of M'^Gregors, and Inverallahy with the Far-
quarsons. - The Duke of Perth commanded the seige of Stirling
Castle, the Ps headquarters being at Bannockburn near Falkirk.
After accomplishing our business at Linlithgow and taking
3s 2
500 JOLUNAL OF
some prisoners we were orderd to march aboul liali" a mile east
from the town of Lithgow on the road towards Edinburgli in or-
der to cutt ofFGeneralHawlys advance guard. After drawing up
in a plain tliere, a party of about thirty horse were sent out to re-
connoitre both the ground and tlic enemy, and in less than an hour
they returned to us and told tliey could descry no enemy near us,
either horse or foot, upon which we marched back to Linlitligow
and had not been there half an hour when we were alarmed with
the notice that the enemys whole army was upon us. It was
their hrst column under Generall Husk just entering the east gate
of the town of Linlithgow. Upon this, considering our small
numbers, we thought fitt to uiarch off as quick as possible, which
we did in pretty good order and joined our army at Falkirk. We
all marclied next day westward to Bannockburn, where the head
quarters were. Generall Hawley (who had been joined by the
Argyleshire Highlanders to the nvunber of about twelve hundred
under Generall Canq)bcll) with the Governments troops encamped
a little northwest from the toun of Falkirk. Tiie P. finding Ge-
neral Hawley did not move from his camp at Falkirk to attack
him, held a councill of war, January the seventeenth, about mid-
day, wherein it was resolved to march and attack Hawley. Ac-
cordingly we sett out in two columns, and under the cover of the
Tor wood passed the water of Carron at Duni]jace, moveing on
very quickly to gain the liill above and lying on the south west
of Falkirk. Our two columns keept at ane cquall distance of
about two hundred paces till we came in sight oi' the enemy about
a mile and a half distant from us. At the same time tliat we be-
ffan our march Lord John Drunniiond with most of the horse
liad gone to reconoitre the enemy and made a movement as if
he intended to march by the high way throvigh the ']'or wood
doss up to them, and this might occasion what some accounts tell
us, of General Hawlays perceiving a body of the Highlanders iu
the Tor wood, took this appearance to be our w hole army, and
ti:e expedition, 1745-6. 501
finding' tlicv did not advance, allowed his troops to dyne in their
camp.
13nl to return to our main body; whilst we were making up
towards the hill above Falkirk (as was said) the enemy at last
perceived us and immedially their tinre reg-imcnls of dragoons
were orderd up to gain the ground upon us and hinder our ibrm-
ing till their foot should form and their cannon be brought up
the hill to support them. The P. seeing the intention of the enemy,
ordered LoOO or 2000 of his Highlanders, led on by Lord George
Murray and Lochiel, to advance and drive the dragoons from
the eminence they had possessd, till the main body of our men
should come up, and to form the right of our army. This attack
upon the dragoons was very quick and regular ; as we came
within pistolshol the dragoons made up to us at a full trot, think-
ing to bear us down by their weight, and break us at once, and
indeed being well mounted and accouterd they made a glorious
show, sufficient to have struck other hearts than ours with a pan-
nick. We received them however with a very smart fire, upon
which thev reeld and broke into several divisions, some fallin<r
back upon their own loot on the left, olliprs flying out of the field,
whilst one body of them fled off to the right betwixt the front
lines of both armys, which by this time were form'd. Our first
line was composed of the Highland, and the second mostly of the
Low country regiments. Keppoch had by consent the right of
all, as Clanronald had at the battle of Preston pans. Next to
Keppochs men towards the left stood Clanronalds, next in order
the McDonalds of Glengarie, the Frazers, the Camerons and the
Stewarts of Appin, This right Aving was commanded by Lord
George Murray as Leutenant Generall. The left, consisting
mostly of Low country men, was commanded by the Duke of
Perth. The P. with his own guards and Fits James's horse from
France posted himself immediatly behind the center of the foot,
at about twenty yards distance, that he might have a necessary
,*
503 JOURNAL OF
and commaiuling- view of the whole, having Lord John Drum-
niond with the Irish pickets on his left. As the enemys dragoons
rode off to their rig-lit betwixt the lines, our men ran eagerly in
pursuit of them, but were much surjjrised to find themselves stopt
by our generalls and officers who m ith difficulty restrained them
with their drawn swords and cocked pistols conjuring them to
return to their ground or they would be undone. As the dra-
goons in their flight betwixt the lines past by our left whig they
could not forbear giveing them part of their fire likewise. Our
left had not been fully formed when the attack begun on the
rio-ht ; a considerable body of the enemv« horse came up also to
attack them but receiving part of the fire of our left they broke
and run otF; their infantry conieing in upon that side were op-
posed by some of our battalions who receiving the enemys fire
went in amongst them sword in hand and drove them down the
hill with great impetuosity and slaughter, but not being in sight
of our right (by reason of the uneaveness of the ground) they
made a halt till such time as the two wings should join in the
center and the second line come up. His R. II., whose attention
was turned to all quarters, observing that our left wing was out-
lined by the enemy, sent Brigadeer Stapleton with the pickets of
the Irish Bragade and some other battalions from the second line,
which extended our first line and recovered the disorder we were
like to be put into. Then our whole army marched down to-
wards the enemy who were retreating on all sides in great dis-
order, but by reason of the uneaveness of the ground and night
comeino- on with a storm of wind and rain they could not over-
take them, as they Avere positively ordered to keep their ranks.
The enemy finding they could neither possess nor save their camp
sett fire to their tents and retreated with great precipitation to-
wards Linlitiigow and were just got to the east end of the loun
of Falkirk when Lord John Drummond entered it on that side.
Lord George Murray in the middle, and Locliicl in the west end
THE EXPEDITION, 1745-6. 503
of llic loiin. We took most of their cannon, aninuiniliou and
bag-gag-e wliicli they Iiacl not themselves destroyed. We reckond
about seven hundred of the enemy taken prisoners and about six
hundred men and between thirty or forty olKcers killed. We had
not above forty men killed on our side, among- whom were two
or three captains and some subaltern oflicers. His R. H's first
care early next morning- was to cause bury the dead, as well
those of the enemy as our own people. Had not night come on
and been very stormy and our men eng-adg-ed in pillaging- the
encnivs camp, our army might have got betwixt them and Lith-
gow and would have entirely distroyed them, but they being- in
want of every thini^ they thought fitt to retire next day to Edin-
burgh near twenty miles from the field of battle. Both our offi-
cei-s and men behaved with the g-reatest bravery, and our order
in marching- and attacking- were allowed to be far beyond ex-
pectation in the judgement of officers who had been in the
wars abroad. It nmst be acknowledo-ed indeed that the Irish
officers were of g-reat use to us in g-oing- through tiie different
posts and assisting in the severall dispositions that were made.
Generall Hawlys army consisted of twelve regiments of foot,
three of dragoons, twelve companies of Argylshire Highlanders
under Colonel Campbell and a thousand volunteers and eiglit
hundred Glasgow militia, in all about ten thousand men.
An unlucky accident happend amongst us next day ; Colonell
Enaeas M'^Donald second son to Glengarie and who commanded
the Glengarie men, a brave and good naturd youth, was un-
happily shot by the accident of a Highlandmans cleaning his
peice. This poor gentileman salisfyed of the unhappy fellows
innocence, beggd witli his dying breath that he might not suffer;
but nothing could restrain the grief and fury of his people, and
good luck it was that he was a JVPDonald (tho not of his own
tribe but of Keppochs) and after all they began to desert daily
upon this accident, which had a bad effect upon others also and
*
*
504 JOURNAL OF
lessend our numbers considerably, so that when the Diilve of
Cumberland who (upon Ihe news of their late desasler at Fal-
kirk was ordered down to Scotland to take the command) was
prepariiiii; to sett out from Edinburgh with the army with a re-
inforcement of two regiments of foot and Cobams and Lord M.
Kers dragoons, it was judged expedient by the P. and a council
of war to repass the Forth. Colonel OSulivan haveing Avrot to
Lord John Druuunond to leave the seige of Stirling and join us
in the retreat, we accordingly passed the Forth February first
at the Frew, carrying our \\ ounded Uien and prisoners alongst.
It was lucky for the Duke of Cumberlands character that llie P.
found it necessary to make his retreat upon his approacli, which
no doubt would greatly augment his gloiy amongst his freinds
and followers whose vanguard under Brigadcer Mordaunt en-
tered Stirling on the first February, on the which day we passed
the Forth and went by Dumblane to Crief. Here a council heing
held, the army divided and n^.arched in two seperat corps, the P.
himself with the clans by Taybridge the publick Highland road,
the horse and Low country men by Perth and the coastside to
Aberdeen, it being agreed that they should assemble again in the
north of Inverness, this measure being necessary for the armys
easier march and belter subsistance. 1 observe that tiie London
Gazete told the world at this time " thai tho the rcbells gave out
that they were to join again and attack Lord Louden at Inver-
ness thai this was only to amuze the people, for that they were
actually disbanded." The P. accordingly marched with the
Highlanders to Blair of Athole and from thence to Ruthven of
Badenoch where a parly under the command of Glenbuckel look
and blew up the barracks there; Irom thence we look the road
to Inverness, and the P. lay at iVMntoslrs house about miles
from Inverness, and his men canton'd about in the neighbour-
hood. Here he had almost been smprized by Lord Louden who
inarchd from Inverness with about two thousand men to oppose
«
THE EXPEDITION, 1745-6. 505
liim. This alarm soon brouglit us togetlier, and Lord Louden re-
tiring-, Ave pursued closs to Inverness and oblidged liiivi to cross
the water, and soon after made ourselves masters of the castle
and garrison there commanded by Mr. Grant of Rolhoinurcus,
a Major, with some Grants and M'^Loads as independent compa-
nys. Lord Louden with the President Forbes &c. in great hurry
crossed the river Tyne at Inverness by the ferry of Kessack and
got into Cromarty, which day being Tuesday the eighteenth of
February we entered Inxeruess. As Lord Louden had carried
all the boats to the other side it was necessary for us in order to
come at him to go about by the head of Tyne through Toren-
donel, about ten miles march, and accordingly Gleugarys, Clan-
ronalds, Ardsheals, Glengyles, and Barisdales battalions were
ordered after them under the command of the Duke of Perth and
Lord Cromarty. Those under Lord Loudens command were the
M'^Loads, Sir Alexander McDonalds men, the Makays and Mon-
roes and the Grants, about three thousand in all. Upon our
aproach they took flight again and ferryed over Loch-sund to
Sutherland. We encamped at Ferintosh to wait further orders,
both armys keeping guard on the opposite banks of the Loch-
sund. By the diligence of the Duke of Perth some boats were
g-ot together, and being happily favourd by a fog we passed over,
but our enemys left their post in great consternation and fled five
miles northward towards Glen more were we were told they were
to wait for us. We marched all night, the van led on by the
Duke of Perth and the rear by Lord Cromarty, and surprized
and took prisoners about sixty of them besides Major M^Kenzie,
the Laird of Forsie and severall other gentlemen. We M'^Donalds
were much perplex'd in tlie event of ane ingagement how to di-
stinguish ourselves from our bretheren and nighbours the McDo-
nalds of Sky, seeing we were both Highlanders and both wore
heather in our bonnets, only our white cocades made some di-
stinction. We understood as we advanced (by our scouts) that
VOL. II. 3 T
5QG JOURNAL OF
the enemy con tinned to retire ; we however still held on our pur-'
suit very quick, thinking to come up with them, and haveing
marched twenty six miies encampd at the heal of Loclishin. By
our intelligence we found that the JVPLoads and M'^Donalds were
makeing for the shoar to gel to their own Isle of Sky, upon which
we begvm our march back again to Inverness, Lord Cromarty
and Barisdale &c. being left in the country to keep Lord Suther-
land and Lord Raes people in order.
As the P. came towards Inverness, it had been concerted to
make an attack upon Fort Augustus and Fort William ; accord-
ingly Keppoch and Lochiels battalions were ordered away for
that purpose together with some French ingineers and artilary.
Fort Augustus was taken and demolished, but we were not so
successfuU at Fort William, not being properly provided for such
ane enterprize.
Whilst our Low country army lay at Aberdeen some ships
from France had landed with money and arms, together with
about three hundred of Fitz James's dragoons, but mostly dis-
mounted ; and now tliey left Aberdeen altogether February
twenty third and marched to Elgin and the nighbourhood in
the country of Spy. Their orders was to defend the passage of
that river against the Duke of Cumberland who had marched
from Stirling by the east coast with his whole army towards
Aberdeen, haveing sent detatchments from Perth to Dunkeld,
Castle Menzies and Blair of Athole, and before he left Perth,
about six thousand Hessians had landed at Leith and marching
westward by Stirling were orderd to take up their quarters at
Perth and the nighbourhood on purpose to prevent the rel!urn
of our Highlanders to the Lowcountry again, if we should at-
tempt it. In our return to Inverness from Ross-shire we learnd
that the Duke of Cumberland was marching with his whole
army from Aberdeen in order to cross the Spy and give us bai-
lie, understanding, no doubt, that our arnjy was mucli dispersdd
THE EXPEDITION, 1745-6. 507
aiul parly:* out upon different commands. We llicrefore hastncd
our march back to Inverness and in a lew days after we liad
joind the P. again, we were orderd to niarcli to Nairn and from
thence to Elgin to join those who were appointed to guard the
Spy. About tliis time the Hazard sloup (which the Ps freinds
liad made theniselves masters of at Montrose wliilst he was in
England, and was now employed in his service) had come from
France to the North with money, and being chased Ijy some of
the Government ships of war into the Murray firth, was driven on
shoar, whereby the money fell into the hands of Lord Raes peo-
ple then in arms for the Government, and wliich might liave
been prevented if Lord Cromarty in the Ps service in that country
had done his duty. This loss at so criticall a time contributed
much to all our future misfortunes, we being at this time in great
want of pay, which we had got very regularly hitherto.
Our battalions that marched to join tliose Avho had been ap-
pointed to guard the Spay, were Clanronalds, Ardsheels, together
with Pitsligos horse and the French piquets. As we came near
Elgin we found the guard on the Spey in full march back to El-
gin, who gave out that they were neither able to guard the river
nor fight the enemy after they had passed ; the latter was true,
but to guard the Spey was ane easy matter. This guard was
under the command of Lord John Drummond. As the Duke of
Cumberland's army was marching after them, upon our conjunc-
tion it was deliberated whether we should wait for the enemy or
not ; but it was thought more advisable to retreat till we should
be joined by the rest of our army, as the Dukes whole army was
comeing upon us and more numerous than we formerly under-
stood them to be. In our retreat, Clanronalds batalion had the
rear, together with the French picquets and Fitz James's horse
to cover us from the enemys strong advanced guard, our French
horse and they often exchanging shots, and once we thought
they were to have actualy engadged, upon which our regiment
3x3
508 JOURNAL or
and the Stewarts of Appin under Ardslieils were orderd back lo
support the Frencli. Upon our advanceing-, Fitz James's horse
formed themselves into the wings of our right and left, upon
which their advanced guard of two hundred horse and the Ar-
gyleshire Campbells, as militia, immedially halted and drew up
in order also, but we perceiving their Avhole army advanceing,
retreated again. The Duke of Cumberland encamped on this
ground and we marched back to Culloden muir on the fourteenth
of April. Our army had got no pay in money for some time past,
but meal only, which the men being oblidged to sell out and con-
vert into money, it went but a short way for their other needs,
at which the poor creatures grumbled exceedingly and were sus-
picious that we the officers had detaind it from them. To appease
them we had oblidged ourselves to give them payment of all their
arrears two days before the battle, which we not being able to
perform made the fellows refractory and more negligent of their
duty. However on Tuesday the fifteenth we lay under our arms
upon the hill all day expecting the enemy, without any other
provision but a sea bisket to each man. In the evening it was
resolved in a council of war that we should march under cloud
of night and attack the enemy in their camp at Nairn, judgeing
that this being the Duke of Cuniberlands birth-day his army
would make merry and be less prepared for a surprize. Accord-
ingly we sett out about eight o'clock that night, with express or-
ders to observe the profoundest silence in our march. Our word
was King James the Eighth. We were likewise forbid in the at-
tack to make any use of our firearms, but only of sword, dirk
and bayonet, to cutt the tent strings and pull down the poles,
and where we observed a swelling or bulge in the falen tent there
to strick and piish vigorously. When we had marched within
less than three miles of the enemy we were order'd to halt, but
by whose advice I cannot say. According to Lord George Mur-
rays account the niornijig was too far advanced and I he enemy
THE EXPEDITION, 1745-6. 509
prohablv had taken tlie alarm, yet he acknowledges llie genllc-
mcn volunteers in the van and many others were for advance-
ing, and also seems to confess that it was the Ps positive orders
that the attack should be made, he knowing- well the then estate
of his army, that they were in want of every thing needful), and
the loss of their money by the Hazard sloops falling into the ene-
mys hands making a sudden and bold push absolutely requisite
for his purpose. By the acknowledgement since of some of higli
rank in the Duke of Cumberlands army the design was not un-
likely to succeed, considering the boldness of the Highlanders
first attack and the disorder many of the soldiers &c were in
through that days excess ; but of this affair Lord George Mur-
ray, Colonel Ker and O'Neil have given their different accounts
as they have also done of the next days battle of CuUoden, to
which the reader is referred.
Upon our return to the muir of Culoden, tho the P. liad given
orders for bringing meat and drink for us to the field, which our
men not expecting, through their great want of sleep meat and
drink many slipt oif to take some refreshment in Inverness, Cu-
loden and the nighbourhood, and others to three or four miles
distance where they had freinds and acquaintances ; and the said
refreshment so lulled them asleep that designing only to take ar.e
hours rest or two they were afterwards surprised and killed in
their beds. By this means we wanted in the action at least one
third of our best men, and of those who did engage, many had
hurried back from Inverness &c upon the alarm of the enemys
aproach, both gentlemen and others, as I did myself, having only
taken one drink of ale to supply all my need. Besides this diffi-
ciency in our severall regiments, which amounted to above a third
(as I said) we likewise wanted Clunies brave clann of M'^Phar-
sons, also Cromartys, which was surprized in Sutherland, Baris-
dales M'^Donalds, and Glengyle with his M*=Gregors &c out upon
command in the shire of Ross. All these unhappy circumstances
510 JOUnNAL OF THE EXPEDITION, 1745-6.
for US considered, it is no wonder the event of this day ])roved so
fatal to us as it did. Add to this, what we of the Clan M'^Donalds
thought ominous, we had not this day the right hand in battle as
formerly and as we enjoyed in this enterprize when the event
proved successfull, as at Gladsmuir and Falkirk, and which our
clan maintains we had enjoyed in all our battles and struggles
m behalf of our Royall family since the battle of Bannockburn,
in which glorious day Robert the Bruce bestowed this honour
upon Angus M'^Donald, Lord of the Isles, as a reward for his
never to be forgot fidelity to that brave prince in protecting him
for above nine months in his country of Rachlin, Isla and Vist, as
the same name has done since to his royall successor. This right
we have (I say) enjoyed ever since unless when yeilded by us out
of favour, upon particular occasions, as was done to the Laird of
M"'Lean at the battle of Harlaw ; but our sweet natured P. was
prevailed on by L. and his faction to assign this honour to another
on this fatall day, which right we judge they will not refuse to
yeild us back again next fighting day. As to particulars of the
Culloden battle I leave it to the abovementiond and other ac-
counts well known to many.
ACCOUNT OF EVENTS
AT
3fn\)mtesisi anti CuUotrm*
ACCOUNT OF EVENTS
AT
Sn^eruefifi antr Culloticiu
In order to judge of tlie state of the P — s affairs at tlie batle of
Cullodeiij it will not be amiss to look back to the time
1746 of his comcing to Inverness where the Earl of Loudoun
commanded before his comeing.
The Earl of Loudoun hearing of the P — s comeing and that he
was to quarter that night at Moy, the seat of the Laird of Mac-
intosh about seven miles from Inverness^ form'd a designe to sur-
prise him and to carry him off, as he was to have but a few men
with him for his guard. The Earl march'd from Inverness with
the most of the garison and was within about two miles of Moy,
where accidentily five of the P — s people (who were goeing about
their own afi'airs) mett with Lord Loudounsadvanc'd guard, cha-
lang'd them, being under niglit, and the five men finding who
they were, call'd loudly for Locheill and the othere clans to ad-
vance. Lord Loudouns people not doubting but they were there
took flight and return'd to Inverness in great confusion, and left
it the next day upon the P — s appearing upon the riseing ground
above it and retired with his men to the shire (or county) of Ross
where they continued till the Earl of Cromerty with a party was
VOL. II. 3 u
514 ACCOUNT OF
sent in piirsute of them, and upon his approacli they retired to-
wards Tain where we shall leave them for a while and return to
Inverness where, on the P — s arivle, lie suminond the Castle to
surrender, which being refus'd, a battery was rais'd but the can-
non being but smale had litle etfect upon it, which obliged the
beseigers to have recourse to a sapp, which being brought near
the angle of one of the bastions, the castle was surrenderd and
the garison made prisoners, vvhicli done, Brigadier Stapelton
with Locheills and Kepochs regiments, Lord John Drummonds
(which was not compleate, a great many of them being taken
prisoners in their passage to Scotland) and the French picquets
were sent to beseige Fort Augustus, which siu'render'd likeways
and the garison made prisoners, after which it was thought pro-
per to leave part of Lord John Drummonds regiment there and
to send Locheills, Kepochs, the French picquets and some of
Lord John Drummonds regiment (jn all not three hundred men
of the French) with Brigadier Stapelton to invest Fort William
where we shall leave them and return to the Earl of Cromerly in
pursute of the Earl of Loudoun towards Tain where he (Lou-
doun) cross'd that ferry with his men and went over to the shire
of Sutherland, where we shall leave him for a while and return
to Inverness, from which the most of the P — s troops that was not
imploy'd as above was sent to Spey-side under the command of
Lord John Drummond to guard that river against any surprise
from the Duke of Cumberland who was come by that time to
Aberdeen and had sent some of the Duke of Kingstons horse and
some of the Campbells (Argyleshire men) to Keith (a smale vil-
lage about six miles from the river Spey) where they were all
surpris'd and made prisoners.
As it was assur'd that the Dulie of Cumberland was to stay at
Aberdeen (where he threw up some works for fear of a surprise)
till all the forces he expected should joine him, the P. on his part
took his measures, and in order to secure a retraitiu case he had
EVENTS AT INVERNESS AND CTLLODEN. 515
no mind to fight till he got all his men together, or to march
into Perthshire if needfull fur the better support of his army, was
advis'd to endeavovu' the recovery of Blair Castle (which he
would not allow to be burnt when he pass'd that way) which
was possessed by Sir Andrew Agnew with some regular troops
under his command, as was most of the principall passes in Athole
by the Campbells, v\ hilst the 6000 Hessians and St. George's dra-
goons lay at Creiff, Perth and places adjacent. Lord George
Murray was orderd to march with the Athole men to Badenoch
to joine the Macphersons that lay about Riven of Badenoch (from
the time that the P. had pass'd that way) to guard the passes
leading too and from Athole and to get intelligence on that side.
Being joiii'd they march'd with such expedition into Athole that
they surpris'd a great many of the Campbells at Blairferty,
Keinochen and othere posts possess'd by them, and made the most
of them prisoners. But Sir Andrew Agnew being allarm'd by
his outsentinells, retired into the castle (where they were shut up
for seventeen days) which was batter'd for some days with two
pieces of cannon, the one of three and the othere of four pound
shot, which made but litle impression on the walls but ruin'd the
roof. Dureing this time the Hessians march'd to relieve the castle,
and as some of the Athole men were advanc'd as far doun as
Dunkeld to get intelligence and to guard that, with othere passes
on that river, there was frequent skirmishes between them and
the Hessian hussars and some of St. Georges dragoons who came
to reconaitre some days before the foot came up. The foot
comeing up obliged the Athole men to retire (as they could not
be supported at such a distance) to Pitlochrie near the famous
pass of Killicranky, where with some others that Avere sent i'rom
Blair they continued about eight days (the Macphersons with
some of the Athole men keeping Sir Andrew and his men shut
lip in the castle) allways skirmishing with the hussars and dra-
goons till their foot came up, which oblig'd the Athole men to
3v2
516 ACCOUNT OP
retire into the above pass, wliere they continued that day, but as
they were but few in number. Lord George call'd a councill of
the officers who were of oppinion that tlie pass was not tainable,
as it might be surroimdcd on all sides by such a superior number,
and it was resolved to abandone both it and the castle, which
was accordingly done that night. Haveing sent the cannon
away they march'd to Riven ofBadenoch without the lest in-
terruption from the enemy, where the Macphersons were left
as formerly, and the A thole men were sent to Spey-side, and Lord
George proceeded to Inverness where hearing that the Earl of
Loiidoun had repass'd from Sutherland with his troops to Tain,
Lord George was orderd to march with some troops to joine the
Earl of Cromerty and to give Lord Loudoun batle if he would
stay for it. But he hearing of Lord Georges march, return'd to
Sutherland again, and Lord George having given the necessary
orders to Lord Cromerty (w ho conthuied to command in that
country) return'd to Inverness where it was resolved that the
Duke of Perth shoud be sent to take upon him the command and
if possible to get as many boats together as would ferry over liis
men and drive Lord Loudoun out of Sutherland if he would not
stay to fight. The boats were got together, and the Duke of
Perth with his men pass'd over without being perseived, and sur-
pris'd Lord Loudouns people, oblig'd them to capitulate and made
them prisoners (Lord Loudoun and the Lord President of the Ses-
sion of Scotland made their escape) after which he seised upon
some ships that lay in Firth (bay) of Tain, on board of which
was all the valuable eftccts that was ship'd on board at Inver-
ness before Lord Loudoun left it, the military chest excepted,
which was convey'd on board of a frigate that lay in the bay.
This done, the Duke of Perth return'd to Inverness, leaveing the
command to the Earl of Cromerty.
About this time the Hazard sloop returning from France with
money arms ammunition and sevcrale French and Spanish ofli-
EVENTS AT INVERNESS AND CULLODEN. 517
cers on board, was chaced on shore, by an English man of war,
ill Lord Rae's country, where they landed their carg-oe. Appre-
hending- no danger from the country people, they provided them-
selves with a ji'wide to conduct them and their carjjoe to the Earl
of Cromerty, but as they were on their inarch they were set upon
by Lord Rae's people, mIio (after a good resistance) made them
prisoners and carried of the cargoe, which was thought could
not be done without tiie conivence of the guide, who disappeard
before tiie action begane. This news being brought to Inver-
ness, orders was sent to the Earl of Cromerty to demand satisfac-
tion for what was done, but His Lordship being somewhat dila-
tary in executeing his orders. Lord Rae's people getherd together
with some of the Earl of Loudouns officers at their head.
About this time advice was brought to Inverness that the
Duke of Cumberland (being join'd by all the forces he expected)
Avas begune his march from Aberdeen northwards and had or-
derd the ships that attended him with provisions for his army to
coast along in sight of him to Inverness, upon which orders was
sent to the Earl of Cromerty to call in his detatchments and to
march with all expedition and joine the P. He gave his ordere
accordingly, and himself with some of his officers went to Dun-
robine castle to bid adieu to the Countess of Sutherland and to
thank her for the cevilities tiiey had received from her wiiilst
they were in that country. Whilst they were amuseing them-
selves there, the castle was surrounded by Lord Sutherland and
Lord Rae's people who had got intelligence of their being there
and made them all prisoners.
Orders was sent likeways to the Macphersons and those at
Fort Augustus and Fort William to joine the P. as soon as pos-
sible. Those from Fort Augustus and the French picquets join'd
on the Saturday, and Locheills from Fort William on Sunday.
Advice was brought on Monday that the Duke of Cumberland
was come to the Spey, and that Lord John Drummond with the
518
ACCOUNT OF
troops under his command was retireiiig, upon whicli the P. or-
derd the drums to beat and tlie pipes to play to arms. The men
in the toun assembled as fast as could be expected, the cannon
was orderd to march, and the P. mounted on horseback and
went out at their head to CuUodon-house, the place of randevouz,
and Lord George Murray was left in the toun to bring up those
that was quartered in the neiglibourhead of Inverness, which
made it pritty late before he join'd the P. at Culloden. Orders .
was sent to Lord John Drununond to assemble there likeways,
which he chd the next day being Tuesday.
Wednesday being the 15lh of Aprile tlie whole army march'd
up to the moor about a mile io the eastward of CuUoden-house,
where they were all drawn up in batle to wait the Duke of Cum-
berlands comeing. Kepochs men join'd in the field from Fort
William, and the whole was review'd by the P. who was very
well pleas'd to see tliem in so good spirits tho' they had eat no-
thing that day but one single bisket a man, provisions being
very scarce and money too.
The P. being inform'd that the Duke of Ciuuberland had halted
that day at Nairn to refresh his men (^thc ships with his provi-
sions came into the bay of hiverness that evening) the P. calld a
council and after great debates, tho' neither the Earl of Cromerty
(who by that time was prisoner tho' not known) nor the Mac-
phersons nor a great many of the Fraizers were come up, it was
resolved to march and endeavour to surprise the Duke in his
camp at Nairn about twelve miles distant. Accordingly the
march was begune between seven and eight o'clock at night;
the first column was commanded by Lord George Murray and
the second by the P. The night being dark occasion'd severale
.halts to be made to bring up the rear. When about hall Avay
.Lord George orderd C. K. one of the Ps. aid de camps to goe
from front to rear and to give orders to the respective oHicers to
order their uicu to .make the attack sword in hand, \vhich was
EVENTS AT INVERNESS AliD CULLODEN. flI9
tliought better as it would not allarm the enemy so soon and that
their lirearms would be of use to them afterwards. When he
return'd to the front to acquent Lord George that he had com-
ply'd with his orders, tliey were halted a litle to the eastward of
Kilravock house dcliberateing whether or not they should pro-
ceed, as they had about four miles tcj march to Nairn where the
enemy was incampd, or to return to Culloden, as they had not
above an liour or at most an hour and a half to day light, winch
if not tiiere before that time renderd the surprise impraclickable>
and the more, as it was not to be doubted but that the enemy
would be under arms before day light as they were to march that
morning to give the P. batle. The Duke of Perth and his bro-
ther Lord John who had been sent to advise with the P., returnd
to Lord George. Locheill and others that was in the front hearing
that tliere was a great intervale (or distance) between the two
lines, uhicli it would take the most of the time that was to day-
light to joine, it was resolved to return to Culloden, which was
accordingly done, and which some say was contraire to the Ps
inclination. They march'd the shortest way back, which was
by the church of Crey ; tho' scarce two miles from the place where
the halt was made, it was clear daylight before the front arived
there, which makes it plain that there was no possability of sur-
priseing the enemy before daylight, as was design'd. The march
was continued to Culloden, from which a great many, both offi-
cers and soldiers, went to Inverness and othere places in quest of
provisions, which was very much wanted, the P. with great de-
ficulty haveing got some bread and whiskie at Culloden, where
after he had repos'd himself a litle (he had march'd all that night
on fool) he was acquented that the enemy was appearing, vipon
which those about Culloden were orderd to arms and severale
officers sent to Inverness and places adjacent to bring up what
men they could meet with.
Whilst those about Culloden were marching up to the Moor
520 ACCOUNT OF
above the house, where they were join'd by about three hundred
of the Fraizers who were just come ujj, C. K. went out to reco-
naitre tlie enemy, and wlicn he returnd lie told the P. and Lord
Georg-e that Iheir foot was marching- in three columns, with their
cavalry on their left, so that they could form their line of batle
in an instant. The P. then orderd his men to be drawn up in
two lines, and the few horse he had in the rear towards the wings,
and the cannon to be dispercd in the front, which was brought
up with great difficulty for want of horses.
As there was no time to march to the groundthey were on the
day before, they were drawn up about a mile farthere Avestward,
with a stone incloser on the ri^ht of.the first line, and the second
at a proper distance behind, after having reconaitred the inclo-
ser, which run doun to the water of Ern on the right, so that no
body of men could pass without throwing down the walls; and
to guard against any attemps that might be made on that side,
ther« was two battallions placed faccin^- outward (which coverd
the right of the two lines) to observe the motion of the enemy if
they should make any attemp that way.
The Duke of Cumberland form'd his line at a great distance
and march'd in batle till he came within cannon shot, when he
halted and jilaced his cannon in different places at some distance
in his front which outwingd the P — s both to right and left, witli-
out his cavalry, which was mostly on his left, some few excepted
that was sent to cover the right. So soon as the Dukes cannon
was placed he bcgane the cannonading, which was anewer'd by
the P — s, who rode along the Jincs to encourage his men .and
posted himself in the most convenient place, where one of hisser-
vants was kill'd at his side, to see what pass'd, not doubting but
that the Duke would bcQ-ine the attack, as he had both the wind
and weather (it snovv'd and hail'tl very hard) in his back.
N. B. Here 'lis to be observed that neither those that had been
with the Karl of Cromerty (he with his son and soiue few of his
EVENTS AT INVERNESS AND CULLODEN. 521
officers was only made prisoners, liis men haveing* marcird on be-
fore) nor the Macphersons nor bchveen two and three tliousand
men that had been on the field the day before, were come up.
Notwithstanding- all those disadvantages and the Dukes cannon
playing Avith great execution. Lord George Murray (who com-
manded on the right) sent C. K. to the P. to know if he sliould
begine the attack, which the P. accordingly orderd. As the right
wing was farther advancd than the left, C. K. went to the letY
and orderd the Duke of Perth (who commanded there) to begine
the attack, and rode along the line till he came to the right
where Lord George was, Avho attack'd at the head of the Athole
men (v ho had the right of the army that day) with all the bra-
very imaginable, as the whole army did, and brock the Duke of
Cumberlands line in severale places, and made themselves mas-
ters of two pieces of the enemies cannon (tho' they were both
fronted and flank'd by them who keept a closs fireing from
right to left) and march'd up to the points of their bayonets,
whicli they could not see for the smoake, till they were upon
them.
When the attack begane, the Campbells threw doun a great
dale of the wall of the incloser, for the dragoons on the Dukes
left to pass to the rear of the P — s army, which they did without
receiveing one shot from the two battallions that was placed (as
above) to observe their motions, which being perceived, and the
constant fireing keept by the Dukes foot in the front, put the Ps.
people in disorder, which gave the Duke a compleate victory.
The P. retired in good order with some of his men and crossed
tlie water of Ern, at the foord in the highway between Inverness
and Corry-brngh, without being pursued by the enemy, where he
parted witlt them, takeing only a few of the Fitz James's horse
and some gentlemen along with him up that river. The rest of
those that was with him took the highway to Riven of Badenoch
where they stay'd some days, expecting the answer of a letter
VOL. II. 3 X
b22 ACCOUNT OF EVENTS AT INVERNESS AND CULLODEN.
that was sent to the P, which not comcing in the time expected^
they all seperate, every one to doe the best he could for himself.
The most of the clans went from the field of batle towards their
respective countries.
The publick has been no- ways favourable to Lord George
Murray, but if they had been witness to his zeal and activity from
the time he join'd in that affair to the last of it and his exposeing
his persone where ever an occasion ofFerd, and in particular at
the batle of CuUoden Avhere he went on with the first and came
not ofi'lill the last, they would have done him more justice; and
whatever sentiments they were pleas'd to say the P. had of him,
it is scarce to be credited, for when, after the batle, C. K. went to
acquent the P. how affairs was goeing, he (the P.) inquir'd par-
ticularly about Lord George, and being acquented that he was
thrown from his horse in tlie time of the action but was no-ways
hurt, the P., in presence of all there present, desired C. K. to find
him out and to take particular care of him, which 'tis to be pre-
sum'd he would not have have done if he had had the least suspi-
tion of what has been laid to his charge by his enemies.
LETTEn, 523
LETTER.
Coppy of a Idler written after the battle of Culloden.
J \ answer to what you write about the Highland army having-
not behaved with their usual bravery or that some of the prin-
ciple orticers had not done their duty, which might be the occa-
sion of their late misfortune, 1 must inform you by all I can learn,
the men show'd the outmost eagerness to come to action, nor did
I hear of ativ one officer but behaved well so far as the situation
and circumstances would allow\ The truth seems to be, that
they were overpower'd by a superiour force, and their field of
battle was ill chose, which gave the Duke of Cumberland great
advantage especially in his cannon and horse ; another misfor-
tune they lay under, was a total want of provisions, so that they
were reduced to the hard necessity either of fighting an army a
tliird stronger, starve, or disperse.
As to wiiat happen'd the day of the battle and the preceeding
day, I shall let you know what I could learn. On the 15th all
those of the Highland army as were assembled, were drawn up
in line of battle, upon a moor south from Culloden facing cast-
ward ; this was done early in the morning as it was known that
the Duke of Cumberland was come to Nairn the night before,
but as he did not move before midday it was judged he would
not march that day, it being his birth day ; and as his troops
had made no halt, from the time they left Aberdeen, it was rea-
sonable to think he would give them a days rest. It was then
proposed to make a night attack upon the Duke of Cumberland's
army in their camp, which if it could be done before one or two
o'clock in the morning might (tho' a desperate attempt) have
had a chance of succeeding. Severall of the officers listen 'd to
this as they knew the Duke of Cumberland was much superior to
the Highland army. . The objections to it were, that a great
3 x3
524 J.ETTER.
many of Ihe army liad not as yet join'd, particularly Keppock,
Master of Lovat, Clunnie, Gleng-ylc, the IVPKcnzics and many
of the recruits of Glengary and other regiments Miiich were all
expected in two or three days and some of them sooner; that if
they should fail in the attempt and be repuls'd it would not be
easy rallying- the Highlanders in the dark ; tiiat if the Duke of
Cujnberland was alarm'd by any of his patrolers he might have
time to put his army in order in their camp (suppose no spy
should give him notice) and place his cannon charg'd with car-
touch shot as he had a mind, and his horse might be all in ready-
ness, so as to pursue if the Highlanders were beat off; and lastly
the difficulty of making the retreat with perhaps a great many
wounded men, whom the Highlanders will never leave, be it
possible to bring them off. It is to be remark'd that there was
no intelligence of the situation of the enemys camp ; add to this
how fatiguing it would be to march backwards and forwards
twenty miles and probably be oblidg'd to fight next day, even
could they make their retreat safe and not be attacked before they
join'd the rest of the army.
On the other hand the Prince was vastly bent for the night
attack and said he had men enough to beat the enemy whom he
believed utterly dispirited and would never stand a bold and
brisk attack. The Duke of Perth and Lord John Drummond
with others seem'd to wish it, and Lord George Murray, Locheil,
with many others were induced to make a fair tryal, what could
be done, tho' they were very sensible of the danger, should it
miscarry. They observed with much concern the want of pro-
visions ; the men had got that day only a biscuit each and some
not even that ; it was fear'd they would prove worse next day
except they could take provisions from the enemy, and they had
reason to believe if the men were allow'd to disperse, to shitl for
some meal, which many of them would doe if the army conti-
nued there all night, that it would be very diflicult to assemble
LETTER. 525
them in the event of a sudden alarm, which considering the
nearness of the enemy might very reasonably be supposed ; and
as they must have layen that night upon the moors near Culloden
as they had done the night before, they knew many of the men
would dis])erse without liberty to several miles distance for pro-
visions and quarters, and that it would be far in the day before they
would be assembled again ; and as Keppoch came up and join'd
the army that afternoon, they flatter'd themsehes that the men
they had would do, if they could make the attack by one or two
in the morning, especially if they were undiscover'd as they had
great hopes they might, for having examined the difficult roads
of which they had perfect intelligence from the M'"Intoslies who
lived in these very jjarts, they found they could keep upon a muir
the whole way, so as to shun houses and be a considerable way
fi'om the high road that leads from Inverness to Nairn. They
also consider'd that in the event of making the attack, should
they even be beat oft' without the deserved success, they might
before day break get back the length of Kilraick, which was very
strong ground, and from thence by a hill they could retire the
whole way, on the south side of the water of Airn till they were
join'd by their friends whom they expected and by the straglers ;
ror did they believe the enemy would follow (^suppose the High-
landers were beat back) till it were good day light so as they
could see about them, and send out reconnoitring parties to pre.
vent their falling in snares and ambuscades, and before all this
could be done the Highland army could have reach'd Kilraick
and the hilly ground on the south side of the water above men.
tion'd where regular troops could not easily overtake them and
where their cannon and horse in which their greatest superiority
consisted would have been of little use ; that they found the
Prince was resolved to fight the enemy without waiting for the
succours that were soon expected and without retiring to any
strong ground or endeavouring to draw the Duke of Cumber-
526 LETTER.
land's army further from the soa whence he got all his provisions
that were brought about in ships which sail'd along-st as his army
iiiarch'd near the shore. For these reasons, them gentlemen and
most others if not all who uere spock to upon the subject seem'd
to think the night attack might be attempted, but most of them
thought they were in very bad circumstances at any rate, and
no attempt could be more desperate than their present situation.
Lord George Murray about midday desired Brigadier Stapletoun
and (x)l!onel Ker to cross the \vater of Airn near where the army
was drawn up (not far from the place where the battle was
fought the next dav) to take a view of the hill ground on the
south side of the water, which to him seem'd to be steep and un-
even consequentlv much properer for Highlanders, for the ground
they wei-e then drawn up upon was a large plain moor, and tho'
in some places it was interspersed with boggs and deep ground,
yet for the most part it was a fair field and good for horse. After
two or three hours they relm'n'd and reported that the ground
was rough and rugged, mossy and soft, so that no horse could
be of use there, that the ascent from the water side was steep
and there was but two or three places in about three or four miles
where horses could cross, the banks being unaccessible ; they
could not tell what sort of ground was at a greater distance, but
the country people inform'd tiicm it was much like the other side
of the water. U{X)n this information Lord George Murray pro-
posed that the other side of the water should be the place for the
army to be dra^n up in line of battle next day, but this was not
agreed to ; it was said it was like sliunning the enemy, being a
mile iurther than the moor they were then u}K)n and at a greater
distance from Inverness, which it was resolved not to abandon,
a great deal -of baggage and amunilion being left there; this
was before the resolution was taken for making the night attack.
About seven at niglit an accident liaj)pen'd which had lik'd to
have stop'd the design'd attempt, and upon it many were for
LETTEn, 527
2:iving it upas impracticable; tlie thing v. as tliis, numbers of
men went off to all sides csj)ecially towards Inverness, and when
the ofticers who were sent on horseback to bring tiiem back came
\ip with them they could by no persuasion be induced to return,
giving for reason they were starving, and said to the officers
they might shoot them if thev ])leas'd but they would not go
back 'till they got meal. But the I'rince continued keen for the
attack and positive to altemjjt it, and said there was not a nio*
ment to be lost, for as soon as the men would see the march be-
gun not one of them would flinch. It was near eight at night
when they moved, which could not be sooner, otherways they
might have been perceived at a considerable distance and the
enemy have got account of the march. Lord George Murray
was in the van, Lord John Drummond in the center, and the
Duke of Perth towards the rear, where also the Prince was,
having Fitz James horse and others Avith him. Proper directions
were given for small parties possessing all the roads that intelli-
gence might not be carried to the enemy. There were about two
officers and thirty men of the M'^Intoshes in the front as guides
and some of the same were in the center and rear and in other
parts to hinder any of the men from straggling. Befoi^ the van
had gone a mile, which- was as slow as could be, to give time to.
the line to follow, there was express after express sent to stop
them, for that the rear was far behind. Upon this the van march'd
still slower but in a short time there came aide de camps and
other officers to slop them or at lest to make them go slower, and
of these messages I am assured there came near a hundred before
the front got the length of Kilraick, which retarded them to
such a degree that the night was far spent, for from the place
the army began to march from Kilraick was but six miles ; and
they had still four long miles to Nairn. It was now about one
o'clock in the morning, when Lord John Drummond came up
to the van and told there were severalls far behind and if they did
528 LETTEn.
not slop or g-oe slower, he was att'raid the rear could not join ; in
a litle tinic the Duke ot Perth eame also to the front and assur'd,
if tliere was not a halt the rear would not be able to get up;
there was a stop accordingly. Locheil had been mostly in the
van all night and his men u ere next the Athol men who were in
the front (^these two bodies made above twelve hundred men)
there were also severall other oflicers that came up. There being
a dehle a little way behind, occasiond by a wall at the wood of
Kilraich, which also retarded the march of those that were be-
hind, the officers talking of the different places of making the at-
tacks, said it was better to make the attempt with four tliousand
men before day break as with double that number after it was
light. Mr. OsuUivan being now come up to the front and it
being now evident by the time the army had taken to march lit-
tle more as six miles, it would be impossible to make the other
part of the road which was about lour miles before it were clear
day light, besides the time that must be spent in making the dis-
position for the attack, as it could not be done by the army in
the line on their long march, Mr. OsuUivan said he had just
then come from the Prince who was very desirous the attack
should be made, but as Lord George Murray had the van and
could judge the time, he left it to him whether to do it or not.
There were several volunteers present who had walkd all night
in the front, such as Mr. Hepburn, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Anderson
and others, and as the Duke of Perth, Lord John Drummond and
the other officers seeind to be much difficulted what to resolve
upon. Lord Ccorge Murray desired the rest of the gentlemen to
give their opinions, for they were all deeply concern'd in the con-
sequence. It was agreed upon all hands that it must be sun rise
before the army could reach Nairn and form so as to make an
attempt upon tlie enemies camp, for one part was to have pass'd
the water a mile above tlie town, to have fallen upon them to-
wards the sea side ; the volunteers were all very keen to march
LRTTRR. f)29
Oil, sonic of thc!u said that tlie red coats would be all drunk as
tlicy J»ad surely solemnized the Duke of Cuniberlands birth day,
and that tho it were day lig-ht they would be in such confusion
they would not withstand the Highlanders ; this opinion shew'd
abundance of courage, for these gentlemen would have been in
the first rank liad there been an attack, but the officers were of
a diflerent sentinient, as severals of them exprest. Locheil and
his brother said they had been as much for the night attack as
any could be, and it was not their faults that it had not been
done, but l)lanrd those in the rear, who had march'd so slow and
retarded the rest of the army. Lord George Murray was of the
same way of thinking, and said if they could have made the at-
tack, it was the best chance they had, especially if they could
have surpris'd the enemy, but to attack a camp, that Avas near
double their number, in day light when they would be prepar'd
to receive them, would be perfect madness. By this time Mr,
John Hay came up and told the line was join'd; he was inform'd
the resolution was taken to return, he began to argue upon the
point but no body minded liim. This was the gentleman the army
blam'd for the distress they were in for want of provisions, lie
having had the superintendency of all these things, from the time
of Mr. Murray's illness, who had always been extreamly active
in whatever regarded the providing for the army. It was about
two o'clock in the morning (the halt not being above a quarter
of an hour) when they went back in two columns, the rear faceing
about, and the van taking another way. At a little distance,
they had a view of the fires in the Duke of Cumberlands camp,
and as they did not shun passing near houses, as they had done
in advancing, they march'd very quick. Day light began to ap-
pear in about an hour, and they got to Culloden pretty early so
that the men- had three or four hours rest. They kill'd what cat-
tle or sheep they could find, but few of them had time to make
any thing ready, before the alarm came of the enemies being
VOL. II. 3 Y
530 LETTER.
upon their march and approaching, Tiie horse of Ihc Princes
army had been all in so hard duty for several days and nights
before, that none of them were fit for patroling. At that time
Fitz James's horse and several others had gone to Inverness to
refresh, so at first it was not known whither it Mas an advanced
party, or the Duke of Cumberlands whole army ; however the
Highlanders got ready as quick as possible and niarch"d thro' the
parks of CuUoden, in batalions, Just as they happen'd to be lying,
to the moor on the south side facing eastwards, and about half
a mile farther back, than when they had been drawn up the day
before. Lord George Murray proposed once more to pass the
water of Earn as being the strongest ground, and much the fit-
test for Highlanders, and Cluny who was expected every mo-
ment was to come on that side ; but it was not agreed upon, for
the same reasons given the day before. Speaking to Mr. O'Sul-
livan, he told him that he was afraid the enemy would have great
advantage in that plaine moor both in their horse and cannon,
but he answer'd that he Was sure horse could be of no use there
because there were several boggs and morasses ; but the event
prov'd otherways. Mr. O'Sullivan drew up the army in line of
battle, (he being both adjutant and quarter master general) and
having shew'd every batalion their place, the right closs to some
inclosures near the water of Earn, and the left towards the parks
of Culloden. I cannot justly tell what order they were drawn up
in ; there had been some disputes a day or two before about the
rank, but no body who had any regard for the common cause,
would insist upon such things upon that occasion. Those who
liad gone off the night before and early that morning to Inver-
ness and other parts had now join'd, and the Master of Lovat was
eom'd up with a considerable recruit of his men. It was observed
that vipon the right tiiere were park walls, under cover of which
so many of the enemy could draw up and flank tlie Highland
men. Lord George Murray who commanded that wing was very
LETTER. 531
desirous to have advanced and lliiown them down; but as this
Mould have brock the line, and the enemy forming* their line of
battle near that place, it was judged by those about him too
dangerous to attenipt. Both armies being fully form'd, the can-
nonading began on both sides, after which there was some small
alteration made in the dispositions of the two armies, by bring-
ing troops from the second line to the first as both ends advanced
to out flank one another. The Highlanders were much gall'd
by the enemies cannon, and were turning so impatient that they
were like to break their ranks, upon which it was judg'd proper
to attack, and orders were given accordingly. The right wing-
advanced first as the whole line did much at the same time. The
left wing did not attack the enemy, at lest did not go in sword
in hand, imagining they would be flank'd by a regiment of foot
and some horse, which the enemy brought up at that time from
their second line or coi'ps de reserve. When the right wing were
within pistol shot of the enemy, they received a most terrible fire
not only in front but also in flank, by reason of those who were
posted near the stone walls, notwithstanding of which they went
in sword in hand, after giving their fire closs to the enemy and
were received by them with their spontoons and byonetts. The
two regiments of foot that were upon the enemies left, would have
been intirely cutt to pieces, had they not been immediatly sup-
ported by other two regiments from their second line ; as it was,
these two regiments (being Barrells and that call'd Monroes)
had by their own confession above 200 kill'd and wounded. Two
regiments of dragoons coming in upon the same side, entirely
brock that wing of the Highlanders, and tho' three battalions of
the right of the second line were brought up and gave their fire
very well, yet the ground and every thing else was so favourable
to the enemy that nothing could be done ; and a total deroute
ensued.
I am positively informed that the Highland army did not con-
3y2
533 LETTER.
sist of above 7000 fighting; men, and the Duke of Cumberlands
must have been ten or twelve ; in the one army there was not
above a 150 horse, of which one half was of the reg-iment of
Fitz James, in the other army they had alx)ut 11 or 1200.
When a misfortune hap])ens, people are apt to throw the blame
upon persons or causes, which frequently are either the effects of
malice or ignorance, without knowing the real springs and mo-
tives. Severals are of opinion that the night attack could have
been made, but I am convinced of the contrary, for the follow-
ing reasons. The Highland army when they halted near Kil-
raick were not above 5000 men, they had four miles to march,
part of them were to make a considerable circumference, so that
it would have been sun rise before they could have made the at-
tack, the ground about Nairn where the enemy lay encamped
was a hard dry soil and plain moors for three miles round, ex-
cept where the sea interveen'd, the nearest strong and uneaven
ground being the wood of Kilraick. Let it be supposed the High-
landers had made an attack in broad day light upon an enemy
double their number in their camp, who were well refresh'd
with a day and two nights rest, with plenty of all kinds of provi-
sions, with their camion pointed as they thought proper, and
their horse drawn up to their wish in a fine jilain, what must the
consequences have been ? What would have been said of offi-
cers that led on men in such circumstances and in such a situa-
tion ? Would it not have been certain death and destruction of
all those who made the attack ? Would it not have been said
(and justly said) Why gae ye on in such a desperate attempt,
seeing it could not be done by surprise and undiscover'd as was
projected ? Why not try the chance of a fair battle by returning
and be join'd by the rest of the army as well as by tliose who had
withdrawn the night before, as a great many others who were
liourly expected, where also they would have cannon and might
have choise of the field of battle.^ by this means there was a fair
LETTEU. 533
chance, by the oilier there was none. As to the above mcnlion'd
facts you may rely upon them ; I saw the Duke of Perth, the
Duke of x^thole, Lord John Drummond, Lord George Murray
Lord Ogilvv, Colonell Stewart of Arsheil, Colonell John Roy
Stewart, Lord Nairn and several others at Ruthven of Badenoch,
on the Friday two days after the battle, they all agreed in the
same things ; one thing I nuist take notice of, that from the be-
g-innhig of the whole affair till that time, there never liad been
the lest dispute, or misunderstanding among the officers.
Some find fault that the night march was vmdertaken, seeing
there was not a certainty of reaching Nairn time enough to make
the attack before day light, as also that they had too few men.
In answer to this, there was no body doubted when the march
was begun but that there would be abundance of time ; their
greatest precaution was, to take care not to be discover'd. The
Highlanders had often made very quick marches in the night
time : the French picquets were I believe in the rear, and were
not so clever in marching ; the moor that they went thro' was
more splashy than they expected and they were obliged to make
some turns to shun houses, and there were two or three defiles
that took up a good deal of time to pass ; the guides tho' they
knew the ground very Avell, yet were not judges what time it
would take to march the ten miles (as they were call'd) tho' by
reason of the indirect road must be more. Notwithstanding of
all this I am persuaded most of the army, had not the van been
frequently stop'd and retarded by repeated orders and messages,
would have been at Nairn by two o'clock in the morning. As lor
the number of men, tho' not half that of the enemy, they might
very probably have succeeded in the attempt, had they made the
attack undiscover'd. Nothing is more uncertain than the events
of war, night attacks are most of all subject to disappointment.
This march and countermarch to be sure was a thing turn'd out a
great disadvantage, it fatigued the men much, and a council of
534 LETTER.
war niiglil have been obtain'd in which doubtless a resolution
would have been taken, to choise a more advantagious field of
battle, and perhaps postpon'd fighting- for a day, till tlie succours
that were coming up with the outmost expedition should join.
Councils of war were seldom held, and were out of request
from the time the army march'd into England. I remember but
of two that were held there, one at Brampton, in regard of be-
seiging Carlisle or going to attack Generall Wade, the other was
at Carlisle, Avhere it was resolved to march forwards ; what hap-
pen'd at Derby was accidentall, by most of the officers being at
the Prince's quarters ; and taking into consideration their situa-
tion, they were all unanimous in advising the Prince to retreat.
I think there was but one council of war call'd after they re-
turn'd to Scotland, and that was near Crief the day after the re-
treat from Stirling, where there was some difference of opinion,
but it was at last agreed, to inarch for Inverness in two seperate
bodies, the one the Highland road, and the other by the coast,
severals at first being for the army all going the same road. The
dav of the battle of Falkirk the officers were calld in the field
wliere the army was drawn up betwixt Bannockburn and the
Tor Wood, and they all immediatly agreed to march streight to
the enemy. As to the retreat from Stirling, it Avas advisd by
many of the principal officers, particularly the clans; they drew
up the reasons, and signd them at Falkirk three day before the
retreat was made: the chief of which were that a vast number of
men had gone oft" after the battle, and wore not relurnd, and
that as the seige of Stirling Castle was not advancing, they did
not think it adviseable to fight in such circumstances.
This letter has been much longer than 1 intended, but before
I conclude I must accjuaint you that six weeks before the battle
of Colloden, some ofticers projjosed sending up meal to several
parts of the Highlands and in particular towards Badrnoch, that
in the event of the Duke of Cumbcrlands niarciiing towards
LETTER. 535
Inverness, before the army was oat hor'd they niiivljt retreat for a
few days till they could assemble, or if a misfortune should hap-
pen by a defeat, there mi<) lit be some provisions in these parts ;
but this was reackond a timerous advice and rejected as such,
Ihouu,!) 1 have reason to suspect that the opinion of mostly all
the llijililaud ollicers was nmch the same: they were not for
precipitating- any thing-. There is no doubt the Highlanders
could have avoided fighting- till they had found their advantage
in so doing; they could have made a sumnier campaign without
running- the riscpie of any misfortune ; they could have march'd
thro' the hills to places in Aberdeen shire, Bamf shire, the Mearns,
Angus, Perthshire, or Argyle shire by ways that no regular
troops could have follow 'd them, and if they had continued
amongest the mountains, it nuist have been attended with great
difficulties and expenses : their convoys might have been cut off,
and opportunities have offer'd to have attacked them with almost
a certainty of success; and tho' the Highlanders had neither mony
nor magazines, they could not have starved in that season of the
year, as long as there were sheep or cattle to be had. They could
also have separated into two or three different bodies, got meal
for some days provisions, mett again at a place appointed, and
have atlackd the enemy where lest expected. They could have
march'd in three days what would ha\e taken regular troops
five, nay had those taken the high roads (as often they would
have been oblig'd to do, upon account of their carriages) it
would have taken them ten or twelve days. In short they would
have been so harrass'd and fatigued, that they must have been
in the greatest distress and difficulties and at the long run pro-
bably have been destroy'd, at lest much might have been ex-
pected by gaining- of time. — Perhaps such succours might have
come from France, as would have enabled the Highlai^ders to
have made an offensive instead of a defensive war; — This I say
was the opinion of many of the officers who considerd the conse-
536 LETTER.
quence of losing a battle. They knew well that lew Hig-hlanders
would join heartily against them, as long as they continued in-
tire, but would upon a defeat. There Mas one great objection
to this, that the Irish officers who were as brave men and zealous
in the cause as probably could be, and many of the Lowcounti*y
men could not well endure the fatigue of a Highland campaign;
as to the common soldiers who came from France, there were not
four hundred remaining, they and their officers even tho a battle
was lost, had but to siuTender, and would be prisoners of war.
It was very different with the Scots, whose safety depended upon
their not venturing a battle without great probability of success.
But any proposition to postpone fighting was ill received and
was call'd discouraging the army. 1 have nothing further to add,
but that I am, &c. &c. &c.
ACCOUNT
OF
Ci^e Soung 5^retentret^ escape*
VOL. II.
3z
ACCOUNT
OF
%\)t loung ^^retentiec's Cscapt*
Hei'c follows a genuine historical journal of P. Charles' retreat
from the battle of Culloden, April sixteenth, and of his many
disasters in both the isles and continent till he embarked at
Lochnanuagh in Arisaig, for France, the twentieth of Sep-
tember, 1 746. Written by a Highland Officer in his army.
It. C. having done his utmost to rally his men at the fatal battle
of Culloden, who through many concurrent circumstances against
them, and an over ruling Providence that disposes of all events,
were oblidged though unwillingly to give way, yet in such order
as to secure in great measure a safer retreat than could have been
expected, having a regular army and many horse on their ene-
my's side to pursue, so that he also, after having a servant killed
near him and his own horse wounded (which horse is now in
the possession of a Scots gentleman) followed the fate of the day,
attended only by Colonel Sulivan, Captain Allan M'^donald (a
P — t) Mr. Alexander M^cloed and one Ned Burk a servant,
and came that night (viz. sixteenth of April) to trie house of Aplufeih.
Fraser of Gortleg m Strathcrick, where Lord Lovat then stayed.
Here the P. and his attendants took some refreshment and two
hours rest. This place was from the field of battle.
3z2
April 1-tli.
IStfa.
19(h.
SOth.
24th.
540 ACCOUNT OP
On the morrow by day break the Pr. set out again for Fort-
Aug-ustus, tlirougli the country of Glengarie, and stayed that
night at M'^donald of Droynachan's l)ouse, where his supper w^s
a piece of a broil'd trout.
On Friday the eighteenth in the mornhig he set out again and
lield his way to Lochnargaig, where he stayed that night with
D. Cameron of Glenpean.
Saturday the nineteenth he came to Oban in Kinloclimors, a
corner of Clanronald's estate, where he and his company lay in
a sheelen or sheephouse, near a wood.
Next morning he went towards the country of Arisaig, and
halted at a Utile village called Glenbeaslal, where Mr. Lockhart
younger of Carnwath, and some few gentlemen of Clanronald's
name, who had escaped thither from the battle, repaired to him
and consulted about his safety.
Apprehending the enemy's partys would soon come into that
country, after four days stay at Glcnbeastil, His R, H. concurr'd
in their oppinion who judgd he ought to take to the Isles. Clan-
ronald, who was absent at the first consultations, was of oppinion
that the P. ought to keep the country for some time, and that he
would cause build several small huts in different woods for his
accomodation and change of quarters, as occasi(m should require
■whilst he and some other chosen persons should take a trip to the
Isles and look out for a veshcl for his passage into France, if found
needfull. But finding the P., through the perswasion of Sulivan
&c. disposed to repair to the Isles, Clanronald immediatly pro-
vided a boat (which had belonged to Alexander M'^donald of
Borradil) with rowers and all necessarys for the voyage, as well
as the time and place could afoord ; and Donald M'^cloed being-
pilot, they set sail for the Isle of Uist on the twenty fourth of
April.
Each of them assvmiing borrowed names, theP.was called young
Mr. S* Clair, Sulivan old S*; Clair his father, and Captain Allan
THE YOUNX. pretender's ESCAPE. 541
M'^donald (the P — I) Mr. Graham ; but the boatmen relaincd
their own names. The wind blowing a very fresh gale from the
south-cast, in endeavouring to weather the point of Arisaig, the
boat's bowsprit broke in pieces. The niglit became dismally dark
and tempestous, with some flashes of liglitning, and wanting a
compass, they were at a loss what course to slcer, but at break of
day they providentially found themselves near the island Benbe-
cula, and accordingly put in there at the toun of lloshnish about
eight a clock in the morning on the twenty fifth. April astu.
Here they refreshed themselves for three days, and the P. was
visited by old Hector ^PEachin i, e. old Clanronald, to whom this
island of Bcnbecula belonged.
On the morning of the twenty eighth, the P. set sail again for mh.
the Lewis Isle, but pre\'ious hereto it was agreed that the P — s
company shoidd give out in the Lewis that they were the crew
of a merchant ship wreckt on the isle of Tiree and wanted to get
home to their own country the Orkney's, and having been at
Uist, Clanronald's brother, Boystil, advised them to go along
with his people to the Lewis who were bound thither in order to
hire a vesshel to carry some meal from the Orkney's to supply
the country, by which means they hoped to return to their own
homes. Having thus plan'd their bussiness, they set sail for the
Lewis accordingly, with a hard gale from the south-west, and
landed in the morning of the twenty ninth at the isle of Skalpay,
belonging to D. M'^ean oig, alias Cambel, a rigid loyalist to the 29th,
family of Stuart.
April the thirtieth, Donald M''cloed the pilot and four persons soth.
vfent to Stornway to bespeak a veshel for the purpose above-
mentioned, with all expedition, and M<=cloed hired a vesshel
of forty tuns for 100/. freight, but the master at last, tlu'ough
some indiscretion of M'^cloed's (supposed to be the effects of
drinking} smelling somewhat of the purpose for which the veshel
was hired, declined going, and M''cloed, being thus disconcerted.
543 ACCOUNT OF
even proposed to purchase the vessel at a vevy high price, which
eiicreascd the suspicion, and the matter taking- air, it began to
be blazed abroad that the P. was at Lewis ; so that M'^cloed, sus-
pecting the danger and fatal consequences, returned to the P.,
then at Lady Kilduns house in Arynish, and apriz'd him of all that
had happen'd. Upon this, the P. and his attendants repair'd to
their yoal they had left at Lochseafort ; as they were launching
it, M^cloed the pilot ask'd some of the countrey people who were
gazing after them, if there was any among them who for a good
hire would pilot them to Lochfraon, an harbour in the shire of
Koss in Lord Seaforlh's countrey, but none gave answer ; how-
ever, tlie putting this question suggested that they design'd to
go for Ross-shire, purposing however to take a quite different
course.
Way 6th. They accordingly set out in the evening May the sixth, those
upon the shoar noticing their course ; but night coming on pre-
vented their further observation ; and tho the wind favoured the
purpose, they gave out that it was contrary to their intended
course, whicii obHged them to take shelter in the creek of a small
island at the foot of Lochalg, where by a storm and contrary
winds they were obliged there to remain for two nights, and
could perceive some Lewis veshels pass them, bound for Loch-
fraon, in quest of them.
8th. On May the eighth the wind changing to the north, they took
to sea in the night and landed at Rainish near Rossnish in the
isle Benbecula, where they had landed on their first leaving the
main land, and were visited again, upon coming to Rossnish, by
old Clanronald and his Lady, who gave them all the accouuno-
dation that ])lacc could affoord.
Here it was debated whether the P. should stay in old Clanro-
nald's house; but at last it was judged more proper he should be
lodged in the forrest-house of Glencorridale, a remote place yet
centrical for corresponding with his friends in Uist, and l)y its
THE YOUNG PRETKNDEU'* ESCAPE. 544?
situaliou most convenient either for takeing to the hills or the sea
in case of an allarni. Accordingly this house was fitted up as
well as could be for the P — 's reception, and scouts placed on all
Iiands for intelligence, a boat being provided also for his going
to sea, and guides in case of need to take thro the mountains.
Accordingly the P. and his small retinue, with very little cere-
mony, took up his quarters in the house in the forrest in the Isle
of S. Uist, attended by Colonel o'Sulivan, Captain Allan M'^do-
nald (Pr — t) and Captain O'Neal, the two Rories and Alexander
and John MMonalds, all formerly officers in H. R. H. service in
Clanronald's regiment, with a dozen other sturdy clever fellows
that served as guards and for dispatches.
This island of Uist is accounted the best in Scotland for game,
having- plenty of deer, wild fowl &c. ; and here the P. diverted
himself often, and was observed to be very dexterous at shooting
fowl upon wing; and indeed he ever chearfully bore all his crosses
and adversitys with a most magnanimous spirit and the greatest
christian resionation.
^ind now his enemys were got together upon the coast towards
the Isles on Moidart side, which made old Clanronald, who often
attended the P., to apprehend a sudden visit from them ; yet he
would not leave S. Uist, when the danger was signihed to him,
till he should receive some further intelligence. In the mean
time old Clanronald went over to the main land in order to learn
how matters went, and apprise the P. in case of further danger
from that side.
It was about the end of June when Captain Fergvison landed June-
in the isle of Bara with some hundereds of soldiers, and three
hundered of the M'^cloeds of Sky at the same time came over to
Benbecula, all in quest of our dear P.
General Cambel with a strong party sail'd to St. Kilda, the re-
motest of the western isles, the property of the Laird of M'cloed,
544: ACCOUNT OP
and from thence was to return by Uist, while the whole coasts of
Sky, Uist &c. and channel towards the main land was covered
with ships, schooners and arm'd vesliels; so that the P. and his
few attendants were environed on all hands and to be attack'd
both by sea and land. It was now therefor full time to concert
measures for his safety, and accordingly Lieutenant Alexander
M'^donald my nephew was sent to the south end of the island,
there to observe Captain Ferguson's motions, also Lieutenant
Rory IVPdonald my brother, to the north side, to learn and bring
notice of the rout which the M'^cloeds were to take, and were
appointed botlLof them to meet at Lochbcistel, a centrical place,
to concert measures for further intelligence. By these gentlemen
the P. understood that both partys were to march from end of
the isle in search of him, till they should aneel in the middle of
the country-
It is impossible to express the perplexity of mind the P — 's few
attendants were in (upon this intelligence,) for his safety. How-
ever, they immediatly repair'd to the top of a hill in this S. Uist,
called Beinil-koinish, from which eminence they could have a
large prospect, and here consulted how the P. should get out of
Uist, tho" late; and now it was that they thought of getting Miss
M'^donald for their assistant. Accordingly they seperated till they
shovildcome to a shceling(or sheep cottage) called Ashary, within
a mile of Milnton, where Flora M donald keept house with her
brother young Milnton. At first the proposal of lier being assistant
in making the P — 's escape startled her, but when spoke to se-
riously, she condescended to undergoe any danger for H. R. H.
safely. According-ly she goes for the isle Benbecula to old Lady
Clanronaldstoprovidesuitablecloaths for Betty Burk (the name the
P. was to take) engadged to goe home with her to Skie as her ser-
vant. The good old ladyaccordinglyprovidedvvhat was necessary
for this disguise, and they both (the Lady and Miss Flora) set out
THE YOUXG PnETENDER's ESCAPE. hi!)
for Lochuiskava in Beiibecula where the P. and his lew at-
tendants waited for them witii A small shallop-boat ready to take
the sea.
Is was now the twenty eighth of June when Lady Clanronald Jmie-jsni.
dress'd up tiie P. in his new habit, not without some mirth and
railrv passing- amidst all tl)oir distress and perplexity and a mix-
lure of tcai"s and smiles. 'JMie dress was on purpose coarse and
homely, suited to the station of the Avearer, viz, ,i callico gown
with a light coulered quilted peltycoat, a mantle of dun camelot
made after the Irish fashion with a hood joined to it.
Here the P. in his new disguise parted with Lady Clanronald,
M'ith thanks for all her troble, as he did likewise with his other
Highland attendants; Colonel O'Sulivan, Captain Allan MMonald
(^thePr — t) and such as could not speak Erse having parted with
the P. some days before, as had also Donald M'^clocd the pilot and
O'Neal likewise two days befor this voyage to Skie. And now
our noble exil'd P. parted with all his friends except his new
mistress my nephew Lieutenant M'^donald and the boatmen,
and set out from Benbecula for Skie witli a gentle breeze in his
sails about one a clock afternoon.
Next day they were surrounded with a thick fog which made astb.
them suspect they might err in their course and come unawares
Upon the island, which made the rowers drop their oars till the
fog should disperse, which it did soon after, and mistaking the
point of Snod for the point of Waternicsh, and the wind blowing
fresh from the land, they were obliged to row closs by the shoar
for shelter, but seeing some men in arms who called out to them
to land, at their peril, this made them alter their course a little and
stand out from the land; but plying their oars gently to prevent
any suspicion, on their refusing to land some musquets were fir'd
at their boat, but without any harm, my nephew sitting closs by
the helm. Upon the shot from the shoar by the M'^cloeds (who
■were the people they saw in arms) the P. encouraged the men at
VOL. II. 4 A
346 ACCOUNT OF
Uie oars not to fear the villaiis, so they plyed their oars most assi-
duously but without any disorder, saying- they had no fear for
themselves but only for him " No fear of me" replyed the P.
And indeed they had always a confidence in whatever lie said to
them, God seeming still to work a passage for him from time to
time. Yet having seen three boats at the shore, they suspected
they would be pursued, liowever pulling on with all their force
tliey at length doubled the tedious point of Waternieshand hereby
left the M'^cloed's country behind them ; and although Sir Alex-
ander MMonald had not joined the P., they still expected more
favour from his people than from the cold IVPcloeds, besides that
Mr. M<^donald of Kingsburgh was trysted to meet the P. upon
the shore of Moydhslat the place of Sir Alexander's residence.
Accordingly they landed upon the twenty ninth day of June
at Moydhslat, when Miss M'^donald having conducted her charge
to a proper place in the fields, dismissal the boat with orders to
return to Uist. Miss then repaired to Sir Alexander M'^donald's
house, where she met with Kingsburgh, and he soon with proper
refreshment of a bottle of wine and bread found out the P. in
his retirement in the fields. In the evening he conducted the P.
to his own house, where he stayed one night, the next day chang-
ing his woman's dress, that he was in such disguise being known
to his pursuers. Kingsburgh committed him to the care of Mal-
com M'^cloed at Portree, and he conveyed him to the old Laird
ofM'^kinnon.
After two or three days stay with him, finding the P — 's dan-
juw loth. ger greater by being in the islands, on the tenth of July, old
M*^kinnon with four of his people ferryed him over to the main
fiiengaries land to a placc called Buarblach, in Glengarie's lands in Knoy-
Mortar. , . , ' » 3
dart; yet it was the P — 's choice to go immediatly into Clan-
ronalds country. M'kinnon having parted with the P. upon the
liiii. twelfth, he then sail'd for Lochnevis, and as they were turning at
Youiit; Clan- . 'JO
ronaidswn- ^ polut wcrc met by some of the Sky militia (whom Sir Alex«
THE YOUNG PKETENDKll's ESCAPE. 547
ander M'donald had sent out to join the Duke of Cuiubeiland)
wlm put tlie ordinary questions to the P — 's people, from whence
they came and whither they were bound, to which being- an-
swered undauntedly, suitable to the time, the militia let tliouj pass
Avithout further notice. The P. pursued his course further up
the Loch, and having- once got out of sight, they inanediatly
landed and travelled all that day and the night following through
woods and hills till they arrived on the thirteenth at Moror in juij mi,.
Clanronalds estate and was well received by the Laird of Moror,
viz. Lieutenant Colonel M*^donald of Clanronalds regiment, Avhose
houses being all brunt by Cumberland's army, he lodged the P.
in a small hutt, where he rested one day and set out again in the
night betwixt the fourteenth and fifteenth, accompanied by Cap- uttaud i5th.
tain M'^kinnon and a guide, and arrived befor day at Boradale,
the place of his first landing, and was welcomed by Angus
M'^donald of that place, who also having his houses and effects
brunt by the party under General Cambels command, was obli-
ged to carry H. R. H. to a hutt in a neighbouring wood, where
he entertain'd him in the best manner he could for three days.
On the eighteenth H. R. H. wrote a letter to Alexander isth,
M'donald of Glenaladale, Major to Clanronald's regiment, and
who was well known to H. R. H. befor, requiring him to come
to him to concert measures anent his future motions. This letter
he sent by John MMonald junior, son to Angus M'"donald of Bo-
radle his late landlord. Immediatly after sending of this ex-
pcoss, H. R. H. got an account of the Laird of M'kinnon's being
taken prisoner, upon which it was judg'd proper that the P.
should remove four miles further eastward to an almost inacces-
sible cave known only to a few in the country, accompanied by
Angus M'"donaldof Borradle and his son Ronald, formerly Lieu-
tenant in Clanronalds own company, where he was to stay till
Crlenaladale should come to him.
On the twentieth at night Glenaladale met with the forsaid zoth.
4a2
548 ACCOt'NT OK
Angus M'llonakl al Uie place they had fornterly agreed upon,
iVom whcDce he was <'4)iujucted to tlie P.
juij «bt. Oii the twenty (irst, Angus M'donald got a letter from a son
ill law of his, accnuiinthig hiiu tliat it was whispered in the coun-
try that II, R. H. was with them, aud representing huw danger-
ous it was for IIkmu to slay any longer in that place, and making
an oft'er of a place lie had prepared where* they would be more se-
cure for some time; accordingly Ronald M'^donald was sent to
reconoiture the place.
g2d. On the twenty second. Lieutenant John M'^donald being sent
to view the sea coast and learn the enemys motions, he returned
with the nevvs of their seeing a small boat, somewhat like one of
the enemys tenders which allarmed that coast; upon which, the
P. thought proper to quit his present grotto, without waiting for
the return of his new cpiarter master (sent the day befor to the
Glen of Morar) and repaired to the place intended for him there.
The P., accompanied by Major M'^donald of Glenaladale and
Angus M'^donald of Boradale, with John junior his son, travell'd
till they came to a place called Corrybeine Cabir, where they
were met by Angus IVPdonald's son in law who, as aboveraen-
tioned, had a place prepar'd for them in the Glen of Morar, who
oienMadaies infomied H. R. H. that Clanronald was come within a few miles
of them, m order to conduct him to a safe place he had prepared
for that purpose; but the P. having gone too far in his way to-
wards the Glen-morar quarters and it being too late to go to the
place where Clanronald was, or send for him that night, he pur-
sued his former course, supposing he would have time enough to
send to him next day.
Angus MMonald having gone befor, upon his arrival in Glen-
Youn; Clan- morar an information came to him that General Cambel willi
v>iiting. some men of war and troops had anchor'd at Lochnavies, the
place where the P. landed at his coming from the Isles; where-
upon two men >vere sent away by way of Loch-morar to Loch-
THE VOUXG PHETENDEIl'.S ESCAPE. 649
navies to observe General Cumbers motions, but before they had
time to return, An^us M'clonakl came back on the twenty third
early in the morning- without wailing for the nece-ssarys he went •'"'> «sd.
for, and brought intelligence that Captain Scot was come with
liis parly to the lower part of Arisaig- from Glengary's Morrar.
The P. hereby finding- that Clain'onald's country was wholly sur-
rounded by the Government's troops, it was resolved that he
shonld leave it in all haste, especially since it was imjwssible to
join young- Clanronald, the enemy being- already between them
and the place where Clanronald was. Accordingly the P. set
out, accompanied only by Glenaladalc and his brother Lieute-
nant John M'donald and the other Lieutenant John JVFdonald
junior, son to Boradale, being obliged to part with Angus M*^do-
nald and his son in law Angus M' Eachine, surgeon formerly to
Glengary's regiment, that they might the more easily pass undis-
covered by the guards that lay in their way, and by twelve
a clock they came to the top of a hill in the outmost bounds of cienaudaic-!
A • • 11 1 r< 1 PI hand wriiing
Ansaig, called Scoorvuy, when having taken some refreshment,
John M'donald, Glenaladale's brother, was sent to Glenfinnin,
the outmost bounds of Clanronald's country and Glenaladale's
property, as well for intelligence as to bring two men Glenala-
dale had stationed there, and appoint them to join the P. about
ten a clock at night in the top of a hill above Lochairkaig ia
Lochiel's country, called Swernink Corrichan. Lieutenant John
IVPdonald being sent off, the P. set out, and by two a clock came
to the top of a neighbouring liill called Fruigh-vein, where ob-
serving some cattle in motion, the P. and Lieutenant M'^donald
junior stood back, and Major M*^donald Glenaladale went to ex-
amine what it might mean, and found it to be some of his own
tennants, driving their cattle out of the reach of the troops, who
by this time, to the number of six or seven hundred, were come
to the head of Lochairkaig on purpose to enclose the P. in Clan-
ronald's country, whilst a narrow search was making within it.
550 ACCOUNT OF
This being the rout tliey were to hold disconcerted the P — 's
company not a Hltle ; however, upon this inteUigence by Major
M'^ilonald of Glenaladale, they resolved to alter their course;
accordingly the Major sent one of his tennants express to Glenfin-
nin, about a mile distant, to call back Lieutenant Mcdonald,
Glenaladale's brother, and the two men that were stationed there
for a guard. He sent likewise another tennant to a neighbouring
liill for one Donald Cameron of Glenpean, whither he had re-
moved with his effects upon the approach of the soldiers, in order
to learn from him the situation of the troops about Fort Au-
gustus, and to guide H. R. H. through their guards if possible.
Whilst the P. and Major M-^donald witli Lieutenant M'-donald
junior waited the return of both the expresses, one of Glena-
ladale's tennants wives, regrating the condition she saw him
in, and willing to refresh Jiim in the best manner she could
(^suspecting nothing of H. R. H. being in company with him)
milked some of her cattle and brought it to them. The P. ob-
serving the woman coming towards them, covered his head with
a handkerchief and passed for one of the Major's servants whe
had got a headach, and notwithstanding the good womans pre-
sent was very seasonable, the day being excessive hot, yet they
■could have excused her complement at that time, so ticklish was
their present situation ; however the Major thank'd her and
used some policy to dismiss her, and get some of the milk re-
served for H. R. H.
The express sent to Glenfinnin returned soon after without
finding Lieutenant M'-donald senior (i. e. Glenaladale's brother)
nor the two men who were stationed in Glenfinnin, they havingrun
off" with intelligence to the place where they expected to have
found Major M'-donald (Glenaladale), and brouglit word that
one hundred of the Argylshire militia liad come to the very foot
■of the hill where the P. now stayed ; whereupon it was thought
proper to dislodge, and as there was no time to wait for Donald
THE YOUNG PUETENDEr's E6CAPE. 55 J
Cameron of Gleiipcaii wlio was sent for as a guide, trnstiiiff in
the great Guide of all, H. R. H. with great resolution and chear-
fiillncss set out about sunset with his small retinue. They \ra-
velled pretty hard till about eleven at night, %vheh passino-
through a hollow way between two hills, they observed a nian
coming- doun one of the liills towards them, upon which tlie P.
and Lieutenant JVPdonald steptaside while Major M'^donald went
towards to know Avhether he was friend or foe, and, as Provi-
dence directed, found him to be their desired guide Donald Ca-
meron, whom the Major immediatly condvicted to H, R. H. to
whom he gave an account as far as he had learned of the situa-
tion of the Goverment's troops, and undertaking to guide thv?m
by the guards, they pursued their way through roads almost in>
passible even in daylight.
After travelling all night tliey came about four a clock in th^
morning, July the twenty-fourth, to the top of a hill in the braes j„i ^u^
of Lochairkaig called Mamnyn-Callum, from whence hey could
(^without the help of a perspective glass) discern ther e/iemys
camp, being not above a mile distant. Being informc by their
guide that the hill on which they now were had bee; searciied
the day before, they supposed there would not bt a sef>nd search
that day, and therefor resolved to keep on the'Jiill 11 the day,
and chusing the fastest properest place for theijpurose resolved
all together to take a little rest. After two li^J's leep, the Ma-
jor, the Lieutenant and new guide got up/^ ^if«p centry, and
about ten a clock forenoon they observed ^^'^ ^t a small di-
stance. Cameron the guide being in his ^"^'T ^"d near home
and best acquainted with the inhabitantf^^^ ^<^"t to speak with
him, but upon coming up with him fov^ '^'"' ^^ ^e Lieutenant
MMonald the Major's brother, who i/«eeting with the P. at
the place appointed and having no p'lgence of the enemy's-
being so near till he saw them, he l/"^ apprehensive of v^hat,
might have happened, and regrati/"^ havnig- the misfortune.
553 ACCOl NT OF
of parting- witli his P. went in search of him -wherever Provi-
dence directed, and thus came just to tlie place where lie was,
who was much pleased thus to find him safe, the whole company
havino- g-iven him for lost. They continued on the top of the
hill aU that day, and about nine a clock at night set out again
to ti»e southward, and about one a clock in the morning on the
July 25th. tvventyfifth came to a place called CorrinangauU on the confines
between that place of Glengarie's country called Knoydart and
that part of Lochiel's country called Lochairkaig, where tiie
tfuide expected to meet with some of the Lochairkaig people
yvhoiiad fled with their cattle and in whom he had confidence
for some supply of provisions, which \\ as now much wanted,
Iiaving only a small quantity of butter and some oatmeal wiiicli
ihey could not prepare, as they travelled ahnost always in sight
t)f the enemy if it was dayliglit, and durst make no fire, the
troops behig encamped in a direct line from the head of Lochiel
to the heai of Lochruin, dividing Knoydart from that part of
M'^cloetl's /lountry called Glenealg, each little camp within half
a mile of ^ic other, and the centries placed within call of each
other, ancV^iatroaling partys going every quarter of an hour to
keep the cctrys ilcrt, that it might be impossible for our dear P.
to escape or^et lirough this chain. In this situation they were
and in \vant\f p'ovisions when the P. and the two Lieutenants
M'donalds sttv^n^^ behind. Major M'^donald (Glenaladalc) and
the guide C^Hn\an) ventured doun to some sheeling-huts,
expecting to meet ith some of the pettple, but found none;
they therefor rcsolv ^q g^j ^^ .^ fastness in the brow of tiic hill
at the head of Loc.jjgi, j^^j^j about a mile distant from the
troops ; tins they cho ^^g y,g safest j)lace for them to take an
hours rest. After this,,,.^ gig^p, the guide and the eldest Lieu-
tenant, the Major's bn.^^ ^.p,.g gj,,,^ ^^^-^q ^j,g ijjn aijove them
to encpiire for some prov ^^g^ ^^^^ Major and the other Lieutenant
his cousine standing sen ^^.]^^\^ ^j^,, p gipppt. When the sun
THE YOUNG PRETENDER'S ESCAPE. 553
bcoan to shine, they observed one of the encinys camps was
pitched at tlie head of Loclinaig-h, an unpleasant prospect so near
them ; however they resolved to wiul the return of tlieir provisors
who came back about three a clock afternoon and brouglit only
two small cheeses, whi("h was but a mouthfull to each of llicm.
They also broug-ht intelligence that about an lumdred red coals
(i. e. soldiers) were marching- up the other side of the hill where
they were, in order to destroy and carry off such of the poor in-
habitants as had fled to the hills for shelter. Here the search for
H. R. H. was g'eneral and vei'y narrow all around, yet did he
and liis little company keep their groinid till about eight a clock
at night, when tlicy set out travelling- very quick till it became
dark, and climbing- a steep hill called Drimachosi they observed
from the top of it the fires of a camp directly in their front,
which they coidd scarcely shun ; however they were resolved to
pass at any rate, and came so near as to hear the soldiers talking-
together, without being noticed, and creeping up the nixt hill
they no sooner got to the top than they spyed the fires of another
camp at the foot of the hill in the way they were to have gone
down ; but turning a little westward they passed betwixt two of
their sentrys about two a clock in the morning on the twenty juiy ssth.
sixth.
After travelling, as they judged, about two miles, they came
to a place on the Glenealg side of the head of Lochairn, called
Corriscorridill, where having- chosen a secure place, they took
such refreshments as their circumstances could afl(»rd, H. R. H.
covering a slice of cheese with some oatmeal in place of bread,
which tho' but dry fare he eat very chearfuUy, and drunk some
spring water, and passed the whole day in this place till about
eig-ht a clock at nifj-ht.
The guide being acquainted no further in the course the P.
intended to hold, yet hoping they would find some other trusty
giiide, Cameron and the Major resolved to look about ; they had
VOL. II. 4 B
Jul) 27th.
534 ACCOUNT OF
no sooner quit Iheir fast hold, than they found that they had
lodged all day within cannon sliot of two little camps, and saw
a company of soldiers getting- in some sheep into a hut for
slaughter. Of this they soon came back to give the P. notice,
Captain Ai. wlicrcupon he immediatly set out, and by three a clock next
hand"nTiting. momiug cauic to Glenseil in Seaforth's country ; and as provi-
sions had now run short, the Major and Lieutenant John Mcdo-
nald, Boradale's son, were sent out to provide some and find out
a guide to conduct them to Pol lew, where it was reported some
French veshels had been. While the Major was communing
with some country people abovit a guide, a Glengarie man came
running np to them ; he had been chased by the soldiers that
morning from Glengarie after they had killed his fatlier the day
before. The Major knew this man at first sight and that he had
served in the P — 's army, and confiding in him as a trusty fellow,
resolved to keep him in reserve as a guide in case of need and
they should be oblidged to alter their course, tho' he did not in-
timate this purpose to the Glengarie man. The Major having
furnished himself with some provisions, returned to H. R. H.,
when, after eating, they retired to the face of an adjacent hill
to take some sleep, which they did, and rising up about four or
i\ve afternoon they dismist their old guide Donald Cameron, after
Avhose departvu'e the Major observing the Glengarie man passing
by in his way to his own country, slipt out of his den and look
him aside to a by place (till he should know more assuredly of
their intended guide) and returning to the P. again consulted
Avith him anent keeping of him for that purpose, M'hich H. R. H.
approved of About seven at night the man who undertook to
furnish the guide came to the place where the Major had ap-
])ointed him, and the Major repairing thither understood by him
that the only French ship which had been there was gone and
that no guide could be got. The Major finding it in vain to
l)roceed further towards Pollew, perswaded the man who was
THE YOUNG PUETENDEU S ESCAPE. 555
sent in qnest of a guide, to return to liis own country, and so
dismist Iiini, and returning- to the P. told him wliat had pass'd ;
and it was resolved that H. R. H. should change his course.
Accordingly the Glengaric man was introduced to the P., who
chearfully undertook to conduct him : so they set out late at
night, and after travelling about half a mile, the Major stopt and
clapping his hand to his side, mist his purse in which was a
purse of gold the P. had given him to keep for defraying their
charges and which he had forgot at their last setting out. Upon
this, he and Lieutenant M'donald, Boradale's son, returu'd, and
coming to their last resting place found the purse, but upon
opening it found the little purse of gold which he had put m ilhin
it was gone. Reflecting it might have been taken away by a
little boy whom their landlord had sent with a present of milk to
the Major, as he suj)posed, (for he knew nothing of the P. being
with him) this boy they had left at the ])lace where the purse was
forgotten, and accordingly the Major and Lieutenant M'=donald
went back a mile further to their landlord's house, whose name
>vas Gilchrist M'^rath, and through his means got the boy to re-
store all back, Avhich he did to a trifle. So returning by a dif-
ferent road they got up again with H. R. H. who began to be in
pain for them, lest they had falln in the way of an officer and
two privates under arms who passed their road near by the jjlace
where the P. was during their absense. But observe on how
slight an accident, tho' important in the eye of Providence, the
fate of the greatest personages depend ! for had not this accident
stopt the P — 's progress, he had undoubtedly falln in these per-
sons way, in which case one may judge how fatal the conse-
quences of this rencounter miglit have been, as likewise his ene-
my's chasing the Glengaric man thirty miles (as mentioned
above) out of his way, whereby he fell into the poor P — 's hands
who needed him as a guide.
The P. having now gotten his few friends about him again, j»i> asui.
4 B 2
556 ACCOUNT OF
they travell'd on all the remainder of the night, and came to a
bill side above Stathchluanic, and chusing a fast place, took
some rest till towards three a clock afternoon, when having set
out again and travell'd about a mile along the hill side, they
beard the tirin<>- of small arms on the bill above them, -which
they judged to be some of the troops pursuing the people who
had fled with their cattle and effects to the hills, as was frequently
done. Upon ^A hich occasions, were I to be particular, such bar-
baritys and monstrous scenes of wickednesses were perpetrated
by murdering the aged, the innocent and tlie young, by ravish-
ing the women weak and helpless, and destroying their habita-
tions by fire &c. as is horrible to relate ; when those who escaped
their savage hands by ilight were often found perishing with
hunger and cold in the fields and caverns of the hills ; when such
things were committed wantonly and needlessly as would seem
incredible to relate, and which the posterity of those sufferers
never will, never can forget, and it will become their dolefuU
tale to tell their children to future generations. Such was the lot
of numbers in the Highlands, which in the lower and less excep-
tionable part of the country was mostly confined to rifling cind an
imiversall desolation by fire of all the Protestant Nonjurant places
of worship in the kingdom ; and the impression which all these
dismal scenes have made upon my mind have forcibly drawn
me away from pursuing the thread of my dear P — 's story, to
which I return.
The P. and his company steering their course northward,
mounted a hiah hill betwixt the braes of Glenmoriston and
Strathglas and reached the top of it late at night, where it being
dark they were oblidged to lodge all niglit, the only shelter
H. 11. H. had being an open cave where he could neither lean
nor sleep, being wet to the skin with the rain which liad falln
all that day, and having no fevvel to make fire with, his only
way to make himself warm being by smoaking a pipe.
THE YOUNG PRETENDEU'S ESCAPE. 557
About three a clock in the morning' on the 29th, Lieutenant juiy soih.
IVI'^donald, lite Major's brotlicr, and the Glengarie guide were
sent in quest of some trusty persons to conduct the P. to Pollew,
and were appointed to return to the top of a neighbouring- hill
where the P. and his retinue Mere to meet them. H. R. H. having
set out about five a clock in the morning, after two hours travel
arrived at the top of the appointed hill, whither the guide also
came and told them that he was directed by some proper per-
sons, he had found out, to tell the Major (knowing nothing of
the P.) to repair to a cave in the braes of Glenmoriston, called
Coiragholh, where they promised to come at an appointed hour
with some victuals. Accordingly they came to the place, and
meeting with the P. they immedially knew him, having formerly
served in his army ; for hitherto they had suspected the young
man, who they heard was with the Major, to be young Clanro-
nald. These new guides conducted the P. to his cove, where having
eaten sometliing, he was soon luU'd asleep with the sweet mur-
murs of a gliding stream that run through the grotto just by his
bedside. In this romantick habitation the P. stayed three days,
and was so much refreshed that he thoua'ht himself now able to
encounter any hardships. While they stayed in this place, they
provided themselves in some necessarys and sought for intelli-
gence about the enemy's motions.
August the second they removed their quarters two rniles fur- August sd.
ther to Coirin head bain and put up in another romantick cove ;
and here they staid four days and were informed that one Cam-
bel, factor to Lord Seaforlh and captain of militia, had pitched
his camp not far distant to graze a great herd of cattle. They
therefor set out again and travelld turther northward till they
came in upon the hights of the Chisolms covmtry called Strath-
glas, having left one of their party behind, in the braes of Glen-
moriston, to observe Campbel's motions ; who brought back no-
tice that they need not be under any apprehension for that night.
558 ACCOUNT OF
whereupon H. R. H. was conducted lo a sheepcol or slieelinc:,
and a bed was made up for him, of a long fail or turf with the
grass side upmost and a pillow of the same, where he sleep'd
soundly all night, and remained here three days, during which
time an express was sent otf to Pollew to know the certainty of
a report of some French veshels being seen on the coast. They
followed their express in the road to Pollew, and passing through
a long niuir put up that night at another sheeling, and about
Augu t loth. twelve a clock nixt day, being the tenth, arrived at a place called
Glencanna, and passing the day in a neighbouring wood, re-
paired at night to a village near. About two a clock in the morn-
nth, ing on the eleventh, they scrambled up a hill on the north side
of Glencanna, and sending two of their number to find some pro-
visions, they stayed two days in a neighbouring sheeling, wait-
ing the return of their express to Pollew, who at last brought
them notice tiiat a French ship had been upon the coast and that
two gentlemen from on board had gone to Lochiel's country in
search of H. R. H. The P. being anxious to know if they had
any dispatches for him, resolved to turn back again in order to
meet with these gentlemen,
13th. Upon August the thirteenth they cross'd the water of Casina,
and holding near by young Chisolm's house came about two a
14th. clock in the morning to a place called Fassanacoil in Strathglas;
and before H. R. H. should venture any further, it was concerted
to send son)e spies to the braes of Glengarie and Lochiel's coun-
try, in order to learn whether the search for the P. was over, and
if the troops were returned to their camp at Fort Augustus. In
the mean time they concealed themselves three days in a very
thick wood, the inhabitants in the nciglibourhood never dream-
ing of the P. being so near them. At length the spies brought
hack notice that the troops were return'd to their camp ; Avhere-
nth. upon IT. R. H. set out on the seventeenth in the morning, and
travelling through an unfretpienled road came again to the braes
THE YOUNG PRETEXDEU'S ESCAPE. 559
of Glennioiislon, and passing the day on the toj) of a hill, set out
again at night, and had not travell'd a mile, when they learn'd
that a strong party of soldiers had conic to the higlits of Glenga-
rie in quest of the P. Hereupon they stopt in their journey, till
the enemy's motions should be further known, and therefor past
the remainder of tiiis night in a sheeting hutt.
August the eighteenth in morning, three expresses were sent Ausustistu
off, two to Lochairkaig in Lochiers country, to seek for one Clunes
Cameron and let him know that Major JNPdonald wanted to meet
with him in a convenient place; and the third express was to goe to
the braes of Glengarie and to bring back word if the party
they were informed of the night before had return'd to the camp or
not, that if the road was clear, the P. might pursue his journey.
Accordingly the expresses were sent oft* and on the nineteenth, the m\>.
one from Glengarie brought notice that the coast was clear ; whcre-
\ipon H. R. H. and his little company (being ten in number) set
out in the afternoon under the favour of a fog, and passing through
Glennioriston and Glenlyne, came late at night to the brae of Glen-
garie, and as they came to the water of Garie, the rain coming on
very heavy, it was swell'd to a great hight, and having sent two
of their party to foord the water they thought it passable. The P.
and his company, in wading the water found it reached their mid-
dle, but got over safely^ and travelling a mile further, the night
being very dark, they were oblidged to pass it on the side of a
hill without any shelter or covert, tho' it rain'd excessively.
Nixt day it continuing to rain also very hard, they travell'd son..
six miles over hills and muirs till they reached the brae of a place
called Achnasalt, the place appointed for the expresses to meet
them; where having past the day very incommodiously, it rain-
ing heavy both within and without, beginning to despair of their
expresses, and being intirely run out of provisions of all kind,
and quite strangers to the situation of Lochiel's country at this
time, they began to consider what was to be done. In the midst
560 ACCOUNT OF
of their perplexity the express rctiirn'd and brought the Major
word from Mr. Cameron of Climes that he could not wait on him
tiiat night, but directed him to lodge all night in a certain wood
within two miles of them, and that he would be with them nixt
morning. Accordingly two of their number were detached to
take a view of their new liabitation and found it indeed a very
fast place. And here good Providence, which ever supported the
P. in all his necessitys, in their present want brought a large hart
deer in his provisor's way, which they killed at the very place
Avhere he was to lodge that night. The P., after permitting Major
M'^donald (Glcnaladale) to acquaint D. M'donald of Lochgarie
of their arrival in that place and to send for him, set out for his
quarters and feasted most elegantly upon his venison.
Lochgarie having joined them that night, they took some rest
August 2isi, altogether, and about ten nixt day Clunes Cameron also joined
them, and in the afternoon of the twenty first of August Clunes
Cameron conducted them into a wood at the foot of Locharkaig,
where they lay all night.
82d. Early in the morning of the twenty second, an express was
sent to Lochiel to desire his attendance. Here the P. stayed three
days till the return of the express who brought word that Lochiel,
being not yet recovered of his wounds, could not come at so great
a distance, but he had sent his brother D"^ Cameron to make his
25th. apology, who arrived on the twenty fifth, and nixt day they all
set out and travelled till they came to a wood opposite to Aclma-
cary, called Torvuilt, D"" Cameron and Lochgarie having parted
from the P. about three a clock in the afternoon, to avoid suspi-
cion, as did Clunes Cameron, how soon he had conducted the P.
to his quarters where he remained eight days, during w hich time
the French genlleinen were sent for and introduced to IJ. R. PI.
and after staying two or three days, they were sent to a safe place,
to be taken due care of till such lime as Ihey should get a safe
passage into their own country.
THE VOING pretender's ESCAPE. 561
The P. now seeing liimself in a manner ont of danger, and
Iiaving got intelligence that the forces that were encamped at
Fort Angustus were dispersed, and only Lord London's Highland
regiment left at Fort Angnstus, and the militia also having de-
livered lip all their arms were gone home, and supposing a chance
party might come near where the P. was, he had a safe retreat
cither north or south, he now thought fit to dismiss Major M*do-
nald (Glenaladale) to his own country to wait the coming of the
French veshels on the coast, which H. R. H. expected every day,
and resolved to remain himself in that place (unless he was sur-
prised) and wait the event.
Accordingly upon the third of September the Major set out September 3d.
for his own country, leaving Lochgarie and Clunes Cameron
with H. R. H.
He arrived on the fifth and tarried in the country till the thir- sn..
teenth, when Captain Sheridan and Lieutenant O'Bonrn landed
from on board two French veshels which had anchor'd at Loch-
nanuagh in Arisaig, in order to carry off H. R. H, and coming to
the place where the Major, or Glenaladale, was, expected to have
foimd him with him ; whereupon the Major set out that very i3th.
night to acquaint the P. of the arrival of these French ships and
to conduct him to the sea side ; but coming to the place, found
he was gone, nor could he learn any thing about him to his great
surprise. The P. had been oblidged to change his quarters upon
liearing of a party of soldier's approach from Fort Angustus under
the conunand of Mr. Monro of Culcairn and Captain Grant ; and
Clunes Cameron, who was appointed to acquaint the Major of
the P. being oblidged to retire, having himself gone out of the
Avay, had left no notice for the Major either about the P. or him-
self. This dissappointment at so critical a time gave the worthy
Major great uneasiness ; yet while he was thus anxious and
thoughlfull what to do, a poor woman came accidentally to the
place where he was, and told him of Chuies being in a certain
VOL. 11. 4 c
562 ACCOUNT OF THE YOUNG PRETENDER'S ESCAPE.
sheeling, wliom having found they concerted to send an express
to the P. who by this time had gone to Lochiel. In the mean
while the Major himself returned to the ships to acquaint them
of the cause of the P — 's delay and that he would be with them
with all expedition.
The P. being now informed that the French ships were in
Lochnanuagh waiting for him, set o\ii immedially, accompanied
by Lochiel, Lochgaric, John Roy Stewart &c. and going on board
the Happy privateer of S' Maloes, she immediatly set sail the
September tweutietli of September, and escaping all the Government's war-
ships and being in her way happily favoured by a fog, he ar-
rived safely in France ; an unparalell'd instance, upon a review
of all the circumstances of this escape, of a very particular Provi-
dence interesting itself in his behalf. For what wise end Heaven
has thus dissapointed and yet preserved this noble prince, and
what future scenes the history of his life may display, time only
can tell ; yet something very remarkable still seems waiting him
and this poor country also. May God grant a happy issue.
20th.
Cjbe pouns 3$retenl»er in jTrante*
Cije Souttg ^itteiitier in jTrance*
An account of what happened to the young Pretender al\er
his arrival in France, as related by persons at Paris in
letters to their friends in Great Britain.
These letters (a printed copy of which was found in the trunk
containing the Lockhart papers) were published at London
in 1749; but as they may not be generally known, the
most interesting substance of their contents is here inserted
by way of supplement to the young Pretender's adventures.
— Editor.
Intelligence was no sooner brought to Versailles that llie
young Chavalier de S' George was landed at Roscort near Mor-
laix in Britanny on the twenty ninth of September 1746, than the
Castle of S* Antoine was ordered to be prepared for his reception,
and his brother accompanied by several young noblemen went
to meet him, and conducted him directly to Versailles, he not
chusing to slop at Paris for any refreshment. The King of
France, Louis the fifteenth, immediately quitting the Council
which was sitting on affairs of moment, went to receive him,
and as he advanced, took him in his arms with every mark of
tender affection, and said " Mon tres cJter Prince, je rends grace
au del qui me donne le plaisir extreme de vous voir arrive en
bonne sante apix-s taut de fatigues et de dangers. Vous avezfait
voir que toutes les grandes qualites des Heros et des Philosophes
566 THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
se trouvent imies en voiis ; etj'espej'e qH''iin de ces jours vous re-
cevrez la recompense d'lm merite si extraordinaire."
After a quarter of an lionr's conversation with the King, tlie
young Chevalier passed to the apartments of the Queen, who wel-
comed him with every demonstration of good will and satisfac-
tion ; and as he quitted the palace, the whole Court crowded
about him to pay their compliments, and testified as much joy as
if the Dauphin himself had been engaged in the same dangerous
expedition and returned in safety.
. In spite of the reasons the French have given for their since-
rity being called in question, and in spite of the events which
have since happened to give the lye to all these kind professions,
I cannot help thinking but that the King had really a very great
personal regard for the young Chevalier, though the interest of
his kingdom and the incessant remonstrances of his Ministers
(some of whom it is suspected have other views besides the na-
tional concerns) have prevented His Majesty from giving such
))roofs of that regard as the other expected and he made him
hope. But however that may be, the sincerity of the Queen's
professions admits of no doubt ; for Her Majesty and the Princess
Sobieski had passed some years of their youth together and had
contracted a most intimate and lasting friendship ; and it is na-
tural to suppose that tlie favourite son of a person who had been
so dear to her and who has so much the resemblance of his mo-
ther, cannot be indifferent to her. It has been with a kind of
maternal tenderness she has always looked upon him, and I have
been told by several about Her Majesty, that whenever he came
to court (which till the signing the peace he did once or twice
every week) she used to keep him in conversation for whole
hours together and make him recite to her and the Ladies who
were with her, all his adventures, the detail of which seldom
failed of drawing tears from her eyes ; nor were the young Prin-
cesses, one of them especially, less atibctcd with tlic melancholy
THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE. 567
story. This was sufficient to flatter a youlliful heart, yet did he
not appear elevated with it ; the memory of his disappointment
was yet too recent, and the news which was continually arriving
of tile commitments, trials and executions of some of his most
faithful followers, filled him with an anxiety which left but little
room for pleasurable ideas.
The little visit he had made at Versailles being as it were incog;
it was necessary lie should pay his compliments in form and in
the character his father had conferred upon him, which was that
of Prince-Regent of England, Scotland and Ireland ; accordingly
about ten days after, he set out from the Castle of S* Antoine in
the following manner. In the first coach were the Lords Ogilvy
and Elcho, the venerable Clenbuckel and Mr. Kelly the young
Chevalier's secretary. In the second, were the young Chevalier
himself. Lord Lewis Gordon, and the eldest Lochcil as master of
the horse; twojpages richly dressed lolled on the boot, and ten
footmen in the livery of the character assumed by the young
Chevalier, walked on each side. In the third coach were four
gentlemen of liis bed chamber, one of whom, called Captain
Stafford, had some time since been a prisoner in Nev/gate. The
young Locheil with several gentlemen followed on horseback,
making a grand appearance altogether, but the young Chevalier
himself took off my attention from every thing besides. I shall
say nothing of his person, and only tell you that he did not en-
tirely trust to the graces it received from nature for attracting
admiration, for his dress had in it, I thought, somewhat of un-
common elegance. His coat was rosecoloured velvet embroi-
dered with silver and lined with silver tissue ; his waistcoat was
a rich gold brocade, with a spangled fringe set on in scollops.
The cockade in his hat, and the buckles of his shoes were dia-
monds ; the George which he wore at his bosom, and the order
of S' Andrew which he wore also tied by a piece of green rib-
bon to one of the buttons of his waistcoat, were prodigiously
56S THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
illustrated with large brilliants; in short lie glittered all over like
tlie star which they tell you appeared at his nativity. He sup-
ped with the King, Queen and Royal family ; and all Avho at-
tended him were magnificently entertained at the several tables
appointed for them, according to the rank they held under him.
I should not have mentioned these particulars, but to shew you
that the French Court took all imaginable pains to lull the young
Chevalier into forgetfulnes of the breach of past promises, and
perswade him that his concerns would now be taken into imme-
diate consideration.
And here it seems proper to mention that Cardinal Tencin,
Avho is known to be indebted for his elevation to the dignity he
enjoys, to the interest and favour of the father of the young Che-
valier, came frequently to the Castle of S* Antoine, to pay his
compliments, as he said, to the son of a person to whom he was
so liighly obliged. In one of these visits, after many protesta-
tions of the unfeigned zeal he had for the service of his illustrious
family, he took occasion to hint that in spite of the present cir-
cumstances, the Ministry might find some expedient to gratify
him with the succours he demanded, provided that in case of a re-
storation to the Crown of Great Britain, the kingdom of Ireland
were yielded up and made a province to France, as an equivalent
for the expence the Government must necessarily be at in such
an undertaking. But scarcely had the Cardinal finished what
he had to say, when the young Chevalier started from his seat,
and not able to contain how much he was irritated, cryed out
" Non, Monsitur le Cardinal, tout ou rien! point de pai-tagc!"
These words he repeated several times, walking backwards and
forwards in an agitation which was not usual to him. The Car-
dinal perceiving how his ])roposal was received, begged he would
make no mention of it to the King or Ministry, it being, he said,
oidy a project of his own, which the love and regard lie ever had
ibr ins illustrious house had put into his head; to which the
THE YOUNG PnETENDER IX FUAXCE. 56')
ynun<>; Chevalier irjilied that he should not give himself the trou-
ble even to lliiiik about it. Whether the Cardinal hud any or-
ders to make this proposal, or whetiier in realilv it was no more
than a scheme of his own, cannot be determined; but it is not
unlikely that ho might put such a notion into the Ministers heads
with a view that if they had approved it, and the younji; Cheva-
lier had consented, the iniinacy of Ireland, when in the hands of
the French, might be added to his ecclesiastical benehces.
Notwithstanding- the successes of France upon the Continent,
her losses by sea and the embarrassed state of her finances in-
duced her to be solicitous for peace, in the nci^oliations for which
at Aix la Chapelle in Marcii I74S, the interests of tlie young-
Chevalier and all the promises made hint by the French King"
and Ministry were so far from being- remembered, that in one of
the articles, the Crown of Great Britain was guaranteed to the
House of Hanover, and that in another it was stipulated that the
son of the unhappy person who lays claim to it should be oblig'ed
to quit the French dominions.
When the negotiations were arrived at such forwardness that
the peace was scarcely to be doubted, they who wished it most
for the common g-ood of their country, expressed much concern
for the young Chevalier, easily foreseeing- that upon the conclu-
sion of it, he would be obliged to leave France, as his father had
been; and mo'st people expected to see him extremely dejected
on the occasion, though some, who knew the greatness of his
spirit, imagined he would of himself leave the dominions of
France before the preliminaries were signed.
His conduct however shewed how mistaken were all these
conjectures; whether it were that he was pleased at being no
longer under the necessity of dissembling his sentiments with re-
gard to the French Ministry, or that the force of his resolution
set him above being concerned at what could befall him, I can-
not pretend to say, but he appeared more lively and gay than
VOL. II. 4 D
570 THE YOUNG PUEXENDER IN FRANCE.
ever; he hired an extremely fine hotel on the Quay des Theatins,
on purpose, as he said, to be near the Opera and other places of
diversion at Paris, some one or other ol" whicli lie now very sel-
dom failed of frequenting" every evening. Whenever anv dis-
course happened in his presence concerning the Congress which
was soon to assemble at Aix la Chapelle, he seemed not to attend
to any thing that was said, but either sang, or found some way
of avoiding a reply.
He did not immediately refrain from going to Versailles, Fon-
taineblcau, Choisy, or other places frequented by the Court, but
it w^as observed that he neither went so often nor staid so long as
he had been accustomed, and rather chose to avoid than seek a
private conference with the King.
The first public indication he gave how little he prized the
future friendship of France, was to cause a great number of me-
dals to be cast, with his head, and this inscription, Carolus Wal-
lue Princeps, and on the reverse, Britannia, and shipping, with
this motto, Amor et spes Britannia;. Of these, some were of sil-
ver, and others of copper, the latter of which he took care to have
so distributed that few of any tolerable rank but had one of them.
Every body was surprized at the device, and some knew not
what to make of it; but they who considered that France was
reduced to the condition of being glad of a peace, entirely by
the bravery and successes of the English fleet, looked upon it as
an insult; and the Ministry are said to have been so much offended
at it that they complained to the King and pretended that some
notice should be taken of it; to which His Majesty replied that
the P — e doubtless had his reasons, but that whatever they were,
as he could not be called to an account, nothing should be said
on the occasion.
This, ho-v^ever, made a very great noise, as the medals were
dispersed over England, Scotland, and several parts of the Conti-
nent, and the Prince de Couti, accounted one of the proudest
THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE. 571
as well as the most witty men in France, shewed he was exces-
sively pi(iucd at the young Chevalier on this occasion; for meet-
ing him one day in the Luxembourg gardens, he told him with
an air of pleasantry, which had also somewhat of a sneer in it,
that the device of his medals Avas not altogether so applicable,
as the British navv were no very good friends to him; to which,
as I am credibly informed, the young Chevalier made this rcmarlv-
able replv, " Cela est vrai, Prince, inais Je suis, nonohstaiil,
rmni de la Flotte contre tous ses ennemis, comme Je regarderai
tovjuurs la gloire d'Angleterre comme la mienne ; et sa gloire est
dans so flotte." Tlie Prince de Conti, unwilling to niake a se-
rious aflair of it, said no more, but left him, to join some other
company, to whom, it seems, he related what had passed, not
without inveighing with some heat against the ingratitude, as
he termed it, of the voung Chevalier.
Soon after the French plenipotentiaries set out for the Congress
at Aix la Cha])elle, the young Clievalicr entered his protest there
against all that should be concerted in prejudice to his title and
pretensions. This, as it was a thing of form and had been done
both by his father and grandfather on the assembling of everj^
congress since the exclusion of the family, was no more than
might be expected; and the omitting it would indeed have been
deemed a tacit relinquishing his claim. But in this protest there
was something more remarkable than had been in any of those
which preceded it; for the young Chevalier, after the usual de-
claration, adds, " that whatever might be insinuated to the con-
trary, he would never accept of any offers or enter into any con-
ditions for giving up his claim, which he Avas determined to
maintain by all the means Heaven should put in his power,
and should reject all such proposals as the acceptance of must
oblige him to abandon those who adhered to and depended on
him."
This latter part looked like a confirmation of some reports
572 THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
wliicli I have not yet uientioncd. It was whimpered by several
who pretended to be deep in the secrets of state, that there was
a project on foot for compromising tiiat affair which liad for so
many years divided the snbjccls of Great Britain, and that pro-
posals had been made to the young Ciievaher, that on renouncing-
for ever all claim to the Crown of Great Britain and Ireland, a
perpetual yearly subsidy should be granted him from those
kingdoms, sufficient to support the dignity of a Prince, which
title should also be allowed him as a branch of the Sobieski line.
Such proposals could not but greatly disgust the young Chevalier,
and probably gave rise to that part of the protest which has just
been quoted.
After the signing the preliminaries at the close of April 1748,
the young Chevalier went no more to Court, but appeared far
from disconcerted at the event; nor did the rejoicings that took
place upon the occasion at Paris seem to give him the least shock ;
he had determined to contemn his fate instead of complaining of
its severity, and he kept his resolution to the end, even in the
midst of the most shocking and unexpected trials.
It was soon known all over Paris that by one of the articles of
the treaty he would be obliged to quit France entirely; and also
that the King being willing to soften the stroke as much as possi-
ble, had written to the States of Fribomg in Switzerland, desiring
they would receive him in a manner becoming his birth and as
a Prince who was very dear to him; but the young Chevalier,
continuing to live as a person regardless of what was doing, the
King ordered Cardinal Tencin to acquaint iiim with the necessity
there was for his departure.
It may be supposed that the Cardinal delivered this message
in the tenderest terms tiiat could be, and spared no arguments to
convince liim of the regret His most Christian Majesty felt at
finding himself constrained, for the sake of giving peace to Eu-
rope, to make a concession so disagreeable to iiimself. lie is
THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE. 573
also said to have insiiniatcd that it was only an expedient to serve
a temporary purpose, and that in a short time the young- Clieva-
lier niiglit return willi a greater prospect oi' ad vantage tlian ever;
to all which the latter gave short and evasive answers, so that
tlie Cardinal was obliged to leave him without being able to give
the King anv positive account whether he was ready to conlbrm
to his intentions or not. The King having waited the result
about a Ibrtnight, and being informed that the young Chevalier
had made no preparations for his departure, sent the Duke de
Gesvres with a message of much the same nature willi that deli-
vered by the Cardinal; but this had no more effect than the for-
mer, the young Chevalier only telling him that he had so little
expected the step that had been taken that he had not yet had
sufficient time to consider how to behave in it. This answer
produced a delay of near a fortnight more, when the Duke de
Gesvres was sent a second time; and on his expatiating on the
necessity the King was under of executing this article of the
treaty, the Chevalier replied with some warmth that there was a
prior treaty between himself and His most Christian Majesty,
from which he could not depart with honour. It was in vain
the Duke urged him to be more explicit, the young Chevalier only
bidding him deliver what he had said, to the King who would
know his meanino-.
Neither of these visits from the Duke, nor the purport of his
errand, was made a secret either by the one side or the other;
and there was so little appearance of the young Chevalier's in-
tention to leave Paris, that his people bought several pieces of
new furniture for his house. Among other things, he sent to the
King's goldsmith, who had been eniploye<l by him before, and
ordered him to make a service of plate to the value of an hundred
thousand crowns, to be ready against a particular day, which
the goldsmith promised not to fail in; but it so happened that
immediately afterwards he received orders to prepare such a large
574 THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
quantity for the Kiiig-'s use against the same time, tliat he fouiid
it impossible to comply with both, upon which he waited on the
young- Chevalier and inlreated he would allow him some davs
long-er, telling him the reason; but he would not admit of the
excuse, insisting- on being first served, as he had given the first
orders. The goldsmith thought the most prudent way of extri-
cating himself from this dilemma would be to acquaint the King,
who no sooner heard this story, than he commanded that the
young Chevalier should be first served, and that the value of the
plate should be paid by the comptroller of the household. It is
probable that the King imagined the hurry the young Chevalier
shewed for having tins plate got ready at a particular time, arose
from his designing speedily to leave Paris, for not till a week
alter it had been delivered were any more messages sent to him.
But it is plain that the young Chevalier had no such intention,
but was resolved to push things to the last extremity; and I have
been told that this fine service of plate was ordered for a grand
entertainment which he gave to the Princess Talmont a near re-
lation to the Queen, the Marchioness of Sprimont, Madame de
Maisieuse, the Duke de Bouvillion and above thirty others of the
nobility of both sexes and several foreigners of distinction.
It was about this lime, November 1748, that in consequence of
the definitive treaty of peace which was signed the seventh of
October, the Earl of Sussex and Lord Cathcart arrived at Paris
as hostages from Great Britain for the due performance of the
treaty on the part of that Government, a measure at which the
young Chevalier expressed great dissatisfaction, and publicly
said that the tables were sadly turned upon England, since her
word could not be relied upon without such pledges as are scarce
ever granted but by a conquered nation, whereas French faith
passed current for all that was to be done on her part.
The French Court having received repeated complaints from
the Englisli Ministry that the young Chevalier was not yet removed
THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN PRANCE. 575
from Paris, lliought proper once more to remind liim of what
was expected from liim, and accordini>ly the Duke de Gesvres
waited upon him a lliird lime and acquainted him that the States
of Fribouro- had returned a most obh<>-ino- answer to the Kino-'s
letter on his account, and were ready lo receive him with all the
demonstrations of respect due to his birth and virtues, in their
power to give. To this the young Chevahcr rcpHed only, that
he lioped to find a time to return the good will of the Slates; nor
did he satisfy tlie Duke whether he accepted the otter or not.
The King thereupon dispatched a courier to Rome with an ac-
count of all that had passed; and the young ChevaUer having
also written to his father, the Court was willing to await the re-
sult, which occasioned further delay.
As no part of these proceedings was a secret, scarcely any
thing else was talked of at Paris. For a P. in the circinnstances
of the young Clievalier to thwart the intentions and disregard
the power of such a monarch as the French King, would have
seemed too strange to be accounted for, had not the flagrant
injustice done him, and the high idea every one had of the-
greatness of his mind, diminished the w^onder and justified the
resentment ; and I may venture to say that among the body of
the French people, taking in all degrees, for one that blamed liis
conduct in this point, there were more than a hundred that ap-
plauded it. Whenever the young Chevalier appeared in any of
the public walks at Paris, all the company followed the patii he
took, as impelled by irresistible attraction. When he came to
the theatres, the attention of the audience was fixed upon him,
regardless of what was presented upon the stage ; upon his en-
trance into a box, a general whisper in his favour ran from one
side of the theatre to the other, and few of the fair sex but let fall
tears of mingled pity and admiration ; while he alone seemed
above a sense of his misfortunes, and talked to the young nobi-
lity with w horn he was perpetually surrounded, in the same easy.
576 THE YOUNG PRETEXTEU IN FRANCE.
cliearful and affable manner he liad always done. The magna-
nimity willi which he supported tliis last stroke which was looked
upon as so fatal to his hopes, was now the g-cneral topic of eulo-
gium in all places, and the Princess Tahnont spoke so largely of
it, even in tlie King's presence, that she was forbid the Court;
and several other great personages m ere liighly in disgrace on
the same account.
The French ministers being now fully convinced that it would
be impossible for them to make any future use of the young Che-
valier in their schemes for distressing England, wished for no-
thing more than his destruction, and took this opportunity of re-
presenting to the King that His Majesty had been too passive in
this aflair, and that he had suifered himself to be aftronted in his
own dominions, his authority to be called in question, and the af-
fections of his subjects to be alienated in favour of a stranger,
and they urged that somewhat ought to be done to hiunble the
pride, as they termed it, of the young Chevalier, adding that it
would be loo great a condescension to wait the return of the
courier from Rome. These representations induced the King to
send the Duke de Gesvres a fourth time to him to insist on his im-
mediate removal. The young Chevalier now expressed some im-
patience, and told the Duke that though he should always treat
with respect any one who came to him from the King, yet he was
sorry to find he had the trouble of so often repeating a message
to which he, could give no ear, without hearing it from the King
himself The Duke having replied that such a thing was impos-
sible, as H. R. H. went not to Court, and it could not be expected
that His Majesty would come to the Quay des Theatins in person,
" Enjin done, Monsieur le Due,'' exclaimed the yoimg Chevalier,
" Je n'ui plus rien a dire que ee quej'ai deja dil — Parduiniez moi,
" J'ai (juehjues ojfaires" — and with these words quitted the room,
leaving the Duke in the greatest consternation.
The King liowever being impatient to get rid of the young
THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE. 577
Chevalier at any rate, and yet loth to proceed to extremities,
vouchsafed now to write him a letter with his own hand, and
sent with it a blank order to be filled up by the young Cheva-
lier, for what yearly sum he pleased ; both which the Duke de
Gesvres was obliged to deliver, though he has since declared he
would gladly have been excused. The young Chevalier read the
letter twice over, and having paused a little, threw the order from
him with disdain, saying that he neither wanted nor would re-
ceive any favours of that kind from His most Christian Majesty,
and that as for the rest, what was required of him was not con-
sistent with honour. Whether he meaned his own honour or
that of the King is uncertain, but he would explain himself no
further, and this was all that the King's condescension produced.
This proceeding on the part of the young Chevalier both per-
plexed and exasperated the King, and a council being call-
ed upon it, it was there resolved that the Count de Maurepas,
who had always maintained a good understanding with the
young Chevalier, should go and expostulate with him, nor leave
him till he had obliged him to declare in express terms what was
his intention, and withal to intimate to him that if he did not
conform to the present necessity of affairs by leaving the king-
dom with a good grace, the Ministers would be forced to com-
pel him to it, in order to fulfill their engagements with Great
Britain. " Les ministres ! les ministres !" cried the young Cheva-
lier with the greatest disdain, " sivous voiilez nVohliger, Monsieur
le Coiiite, dites au Koi votre maitre que Je suis ne pour rompre
tons les projcts de ses miniMres.^'' This was plainly setting them
at defiance, and might be expected to be attended by no less con-
sequences than the utmost of their malice could contrive to bring
about; but the young Chevalier shewed himself as incapable of
fear as he was above dissimulation, and having nothing to hope
from their friendship, he despised their resentment.
You surprize me much by telling me it is reported m England
VOL. II. ,4 E
578 THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
that OH llie arrival of Ihe hostages the young Clievalier concealed
liirnself in the house of some friends, in order to have it behaved
that he had quitted Paris ; tlian which I can aver on my own
knowledge, nothing can be more false; and he was so far from
endeavouring to avoid those noble Lords, that he sought an op-
portunity of having some discourse with them, but the caution
observed by the Marquis de Puysieux prevented him from ever
meeting them. The subject on which he perhaps intended to
have entertained them might not indeed have been very agreeable
to the French court ; for though to preserve an entire command
over all his passions is a distinguished part of his character, the
indignation he conceived on hearing that tliese Lords were ar-
rived was so great, that without any regard to who might hear
liim, he said, — " Shanieful concession, unworthy of a Ministry
not abandoned to all sense of honour and virtue ! but if ever I
mount the throne of my ancestors, Europe shall see me use my
utmost endeavours to force Fi'ance in her turn to send hostages
to England." This I am assured he said, from the best authority
I covdd have except his own.
The courier being at length returned from Rome, brought a let-
ter from the old Chevalier to his son, inclosed in one to the King,
open, as it is said, for His Majesty's perusal. I wish I could
oblige you with the contents; but though many pretended copies
are handed about, they are so widely different from each other
in the most material passages that it is impossible to know which
of them is genuine or if any one. is so; all that I can say is that
a gentleman, who was near the young Chevalier's person and is
still at Paris, assures me that the original contained a command
to him to quit the French territories, but without mentioning
any time in which he should obey ; for which reason he thought
himself at liberty to stay where he was till he had fixed on a
proper place for his future residence, as he had some reluctance
to go to Fribourg, tliough he had no other objection than because
THE VOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE. 5T9
he should be looked upon as a guest recommended by France,
to whom, he frequently said with some warnilli, rather than be
obliged, he would sutler any thing.
I'lie Ministry imagining he would pay as little regard to his
father's injunctions as he had done to their remonstrances, now
pressed the King to give orders for his being arrested and con-
ducted by force out of the kingdom, to which His Majesty, seeing
no other means of complying with the treaty, at last consented,
though, being in the Queen's apartments when the order was
brought for his signature, he, as I am well informed, burst into
this pathetic exclamation — " Pauvre Prince ! qiCil est difficile
])our nil Roy (Vetre vii veritable ami !"
This order, signed only at three o'clock in the afternoon of
Monday the tenth of December, 1748, being blazed all over Paris
in the evening, a gentleman of the young Chevalier's retinue
heard and gave hin\ intelligence of it; but he was so far from
believing it that he cried somewhat hastily, " Pish — pish — an
idle ramour 1 They know I will obey my father."
The Ministry resolving to have the young Chevalier seized bv
surprize, the passage leading to the Opera-house in the Palais
Royal was chosen as the most proper place ; and orders being
given to the Duke de Biron, colonel of the French guards, a
council of war was held at his house on the Monday night, and
was composed of the field-officers and six Serjeants. Having con-
certed the measures for executing their orders^ the officers who
were to have a share in it were commanded to repair to Monsieur
de Vaudreuil's, Major in the Guards, on Tuesday morning before
day, in order to prevent their being perceived, and the Duke de
Biron caused ten ells of crimson silk cord to be procured for the
purpose of binding their intended prisoner. In the course of
Tuesday the eleventh of December, the Duke ordered twelve
hundred men of his regiment to invest tlie Palais Royal ; the Ser-
jeants of the regimentj armed with cuirasses and scull-caps, had
4 E 2
580 THE VOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
directions to be in the passage to the Opera-house and in the
entrances of the houses bordering upon it ; the Serjeants of gre-
nadiers were ordered to seize the young Chevalier ; two com-
panies of grenadiers took post in the courtyard of tlie kitcliens,
where the Duke de Biron, disguised and in a coach, waited to
see the success of the entevprize ; tlie niousquetaires had orders to
be ready to mount on liorseback ; the guct (or armed pohce) was
distributed in all the neighbouring streets ; troops were posted
npon the road from the Palais Royal to Vincemies ; hatchets
and scaling ladders were prepared and locksmiths were directed
to attend in order to take the young Chevalier by escalade in case
he should throw himself into some house and there resolve to
stand a siege ; and finally Doctor Vernage a physician, and three
surgeons were ordered to be in readiness to dress the wounded.
These measures being observed, the young Chevalier received
several notes giving him advice of the design. At the Tuilleries
likewise he was informed of it ; and as he passed through the
street Saint Honore, in his way to the Opera, he heard a voice — -
" Prince, return, they are going to arrest you, the Palais Royal
is beset." Notwithstanding these warnings he proceeded, and
in alio-hting from his coach at the passage of the Opera-house he
found the guards doubled, with their bayonets fixed, and the gnet
turning passengers out of the streets and making the coaches
file off; and he was surrounded by six Serjeants dressed in grey
cloaths, as if they had been servants desirous to get a sight of
him, a popular curiosity to which he bad been much accnstomed.
A Serjeant in uniform now advanced, under pretence of dispersing
the mob, which was the signal agreed uj)on, and at that instant
two Serjeants seized him by the arms behind, two confined his
hands, one clasped him round the middle, and another seized
his legs. In this condition they conveyed him to a great gale, at
the end of the passage, belonging to Monsieur de Matsar, which
opened into the courtyard of the kitchens, and Monsieur de Van-
THE VOUNG PUETENDEH IN FRANCE, 581
tlreuil, who with the other ofticers waited for him behind the gate,
wliich they opened to receive him, said, " I arrest you in the
name of the King my master;" to which the young Chevalier,
without the least cliange in his countenance, answered, " Tlie
manner is a little too violent." He was then carried into a room
upon the ground-floor, and being ordered to give uj) his arms,
he replied, " I shall not deliver them to you, but you may take
them :" and then they took from him his sword, a knife with two
blades, and a brace of pistols. " You must not be surprized,"
he said, " at seeing me witii pistols, having constantly carried
them ever since I returned from Scotland." Monsieur de Vau-
dreuil intreating him not to make any attempt either upon his
own life or that of any other person, he gave him his word that
he would not. Monsieur de Vaudreuil then went to the Duke
de Biron's coach to give an account of what had passed, and in-
forjiied him of the young Chevalier^s being disarmed without re-
sistance ; but the Duke judging that for greater security he should
be Ijound, the order to that eflfect was executed in the presence
of M. de Vaudreuil, who made his excuses to the yoimg Che-
valier, by assuring him that these precautions were taken from
regard to his person and solely to prevent him from making any
attempt upon himself. " I am not used to such proceedings,''
was the reply ; " and I shall not say whether they are justifiable
or not ; but the disgrace cannot affect me, it can only affect your
master." To M. de Vaudreuil's declarations how much he was
chagrined at having such a commission to execute ; the young
Chevalier replied, "It is very mortifying for an officer." Both
his arms and legs were tied, and he was bound with so many
cords that looking disdainfully upon them, he asked " Have yoii
not enough now ?" and M. de Vaudreuil answering " Not yetj"
the young Chevalier darted at him a menacing look. This ope-
ration being terminated, he was put into a hired coach that
waited in the courtyard of the kitchens, M. de Vaudreuil placing
583 THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
himself by his side, and two captains opposite to them, whilst
two officers on horseback rode with a hand npon the door on
each side of the coach, six grenadiers ^vith fixed bayonets
mounted behind, and the rest of the soldiers on foot sin-rounded
the coach. They then proceeded towards the suburb of Saint
Antoine, and the Duke de Biron, after seeing them set out, step-
ped from his coach into his chair, and went to give an account
of the transaction to the King.
The coach stopping in the suburb of Saint Antoine where a
detachment of mousquetaires waited for it and where fresh horses
were put to the coach, the young Chevalier, seeing tliese prepa-
rations, asked if they were conveying him to Hanover, to which
M. de Vaudreuil replied that they had changed horses in order
not to be kept too long upon the road. Nothing more was said
during their route to Vincennes, where the Marquis de Chatelet,
who was known to and beloved by the young Chevalier, and who
had just received orders concerning him, no sooner appeared,
than the latter exclaimed, " I should be glad to embrace you;
come to me, my friend, you see I cannot go to you." M. de Cha-
telet perceiving he was bound, cried out with horror, and run-
ning to him, caused him to be unbound, and assisted in doing
so, trembling and scarcely able to support hiiuself. " Come,
come, my friend," said the prisoner, encouraging him, as he
walked up the stairs (consisting of fifty steps) to the chamber
appointed for his lodging. Upon entering and coolly surveying
his apartment, the furniture of which consisted of a matted chair
and a wretched camp-bed, " This," said he, " is not very magni-
ficent:" and having enquired the meaning of certain characters
he observed upon the walls of the room, M. de Chatelet told him
they were the handy-work of a priest who had made a long abode
in tliat chamber. M. de Vaudreuil saying that ttie young Che-
valier had not been thoroughly searched, M. de Chatelet asked
him if he h3,d any thing remaining with which he could make
THE A'OL'N'G mTFUFfNOiai ix FRANCEf. 583
any attempt \i|)on liim«elf; wlicieiipon lie gave them a pair of
compasses, and declared upon his word I hat he had nothing more;
but M. de Vaudreuil took M. de Chatelet aside, and alter whis-
pering some time togellier they returned and searched him so
strictly that M. de Vaudreuil thrust his hands into the most se-
cret part of his garments, and found a pocket-book which he took
from him; the young Chevalier shewing on his countenance
marks of great indignation, but not uttering a word.
After this, M. de Chatelet having observed that the chamber
being very small, his prisoner could not take a walk in it, and
that having been accustomed to a great deal of exercise, the
being inclosed in such a little room might be prejudicial to his
health, the young Chevalier replied, "Instead of taking one turn,
I shall take foiu\" M. de Chatelet then told him there was, next
to that, a large room, the door of which sliould be opened, if he
would gi\e his word — but the young Clievalier interrupted him
by saying " I shall not give my word; I have given it once al-
ready, and it was not taken; I shall therefore give it no more."
" I am undone," cried M. de Chatelet, falling at his feet and
pouring forth a flood of tears, " Monseigneur, this is the most
unfortunate day of my whole life :" upon which the young Che-
valier with great tenderness gave him his hand and said, " I
know your friendship for me; I shall never confound the friend
withtiie governor; do the duties of your oflice."
Being asked at what hour he would sup, he answered that he
had dined heartily, and very late, and that he would call for
something when he had a mind to eat. He then enquired how
they had treated the gentlemen his attendants; " Have you," he
said, "bound my Englishmen as you did me.'' An Englishman is
not used to be bound; he is not made for that purpose." He soon
afterwards resumed the discourse about his people : " If you
have treated the Chevalier Harrington in the same manner you
treated me, I heartily pity the poor man ; he is fat and must have
584 THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
suffered a great deal." At last finding they refused to give him
any account of the fate of his people, he spoke no more, but
walked about his chamber, treating the officers appointed for his
o-uard with familiarity and politeness, M. de Vaudreuil being the
only person to whom he did not direct his discourse. After
walking a long time he threw himself upon the bed, in his cloaths,
but it was with difficulty he could compose himself; at last how-
ever he fell asleep, but his slumbers were so disturbed that the
officers of his guard being frightened, ran to his bedside, where
they found him still fast asleep. He continued sleeping till six
in the morning, when he awoke, and having asked what it was
o'clock and being told, he with a smile said "The nights seem
here to be somewhat long." He then arose, and walked about
his chamber, talking freely with the officers about indifferent
matters, and treating them as if they belonged to himself
This account I had from an officer of my acquaintance who
was one of the young Chevalier's guards, was with Monsieur de
Vaudreuil behind the gate at the bottom of the Opera-house pas-
sage, saw the young Chevalier brought in, conducted him to Vin-
cennes, and did not leave him till next morning. He would at first
have denied that the young Chevalier had been bound; but find-
ing the fact was made public, he with grief acknowledged it. He
had conceived the highest respect for the unfortunate stranger
and was struck with admiration at his conduct, adding that in
his greatest distress he did not discover the least weakness — that
in his conversation he shewed as much temper and magnanimity
as any man could shew in the height of prosperity, and that even
in his prison he appeared the monarch of the universe. Both
officers and soldiers upon their return from Vincennes declared
the same sentiments, and thought it their duly not to conceal
their admiration ; and in less than four hours all tiiese circum-
stances were spread over the whole city of Paris, where the young
Chevalier was beloved, his virtues respected, and all tiiought he
THE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE. 585
had merited an asylum in France. Tlie public, already in con-
sternation on hcarin<2; of his arrest, shewed the utmost indig-na-
tion at the treatment he had received, and discoursed upon it
■without restraint in such terms that it was thoug'ht necessary to
give some pretended reasons lor binding the young- Chevalier and
for the other parts of the treatment he had met with. The officers
were reprimanded for liaving so much extolled him, and were
ordered to say that he had altemj)ted to throw himself out of the
coach, and that they had bound him because after he had de-
livered up one ])istol and given his word that he Iiad no more, they
had nevertheless found another. But these stories came too late;
the officers could not now contradict facts which they themselves
had publiclv related ; besides, all of them, except one or two, re-
fused obedience to tiiis order, and continued to speak with admi-
ration of ihe young Chevalier. But what I should deem inci'e-
dible Iiad I not received it from some persons of the first quality,
who were present, is that the morning after the arrest, the Dau-
phin went to the royal apartments and in the full levee took the
Uberty of condemning the step that had been taken, with a ve-
hemer\,ce, which however just, was thought too presuming. He
said that he was both surprized and grieved His Majesty had
been prevailed upon to give the royal sanction to an act which
fixed an indelible stain upon the glory of France — that all Eu-
rope w ould despise the barbarous policy of a Court which shewed
no regard either to its own engagements or the blood and vir-
tues of the person thus ill dealt with — that the Ministers who
yielded that such an article should be inserted in the treaty and
advised the execution of it, ought to be looked upon as the be-
trayers of His Majesty's honour and that of their country — and
that in saying this he spoke not only his own sense but that of the
whole nation. A remonstrance so stinging from the mouth of
a son, could not but highly irritate a King and a father; yet
did His Majesty at first content himself with telling the Dau-
VOL. II. 4 1'
586 TpE YOUNG PRETENDER IN FRANCE.
pliin that he was too young- to give his judgement in affairs of
that nice and delicate nature ; but finding him persist in inveigh-
ing against all the measures that had been taken with regard to
the young Chevalier, the King grew warmer, and such high
words arose between them that the princes of the blood and the
nobility present were in the utmost consternation, and withdrew
one by one, not chusing- to witness a dispute in which none
dared to interpose.
I have further to acquaint you that no sooner was the word
given that the young Chevalier was arrested than another party
of guards seized upon his house, turned out the inferior servants,
clapped all the gentlemen of his retinue into the Bastille, and
put the broad seal upon his effects, though they will doubtless be
sent after him when it is known where he has fixed his residence.
The young Chevalier continued a close prisoner at Vincennes
initil the Simdav after his arrest, when he was conducted to Pont
Beauvoisin the frontier town of France and Savoy, from whence
he proceeded to Chambery ; and having passed three days there
and written a variety of letters, he travelled to Avignon in order
to meet Don Philip of Spain with whom he passed about a, week,
but whether he intends to remain there is quite uncertain. His
gentlemen were set at liberty on the return of the officers who
had escorted him to the frontiers, and it is supposed they will fol-
low him when the place of his retirement is ascertained.
THE END.
rillNTED BY niCHARD AXD ARTIlUa TAYLOll, SHOE LANE.
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