, ^'Z
1 l^ ii';''
^H- ^.4»>':-.
,
HK,^_^;'V
, 'V
i ''■ '
i'^i.!
: V
..?rVv.H
■'1
W^'
'^
PUBLICATIONS
OF THE
SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY
VOLUME XXI
THE LYON IN MOURNING
VOL. II
October 1895
THE
LYON IN MOURNING
OR A COLLECTION OF SPEECHES LETTERS
JOURNALS ETC. RELATIVE TO THE AFFAIRS
OF PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD STUART
BY THE REV. ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
BISHOP OF ROSS AND CAITHNESS
1746-1775
Edited from his Manuscript, with a Preface by
HENRY PAT ON, M.A.
IN THREE VOLUxMES
II
EDINBURGH
Printed at the University Press by T. and A. Constable
for the Scottish History Society
1895
j\l^
\9fi»
CONTENTS
Letter from Norman MacLeod to Mr. MacDonald of
Kingsburgh, .....
Letter from Malcolm MacLeod to Robert Forbes^ .
Conversation with captain Donald Roy MacDonald,
Narrative from Ranald MacDonald of Belfinlay.
Narrative from Captain Roy MacDonald,
Latin Poems by Captain Roy MacDonald : —
On a Wounded Foot,
Lament on Culloden,
Letter to Hugh MacDonald of Balshar,
Letter to Mr. Malcolm MacLeod of Brea, .
Letter to Mr. Alexander MacDonald of Kingsburgh,
Letter to Mr. John Macpherson of Stramashie,
Meeting with Miss Flora MacDonald, in Leith,
Narrative of Captain Andrew Wood's conversion, .
Verses on the Blockade of Edinburgh Castle,
Verses on the Prince's defeat.
The Gazette on 23rd January, 1746, versified.
Letter from Prince Charles to his father, Perth, 10th Sep
tember 17 4)5, . . ...
Dialogue between a gentlewoman at Derby and her maid
Jenny, ......
Letter from Dr. John Burton to Robert Forbes,
Return to the preceding letter.
Letter to the Rev. John MacLauchlan, in Argyleshire,
Letter to William in verse, ....
1
1
2
3
5
36
38
39
41
42
44
46
47
52
52
54
58
55
51
63
65
66
VI
THE LYON IN MOURNING
Letter from Mr. MacDonald of Kingsburgh to Robert
Forbes, .......
Letter from Mr. MacPherson of Stramashie to Robert
Forbes, ......
Visits of Murdoch MacLeod to Leith,
Letter from Malcolm MacLeod to Robert Forbes, .
Murdoch MacLeod's narrative of the Prince in Rasay,
Extract of the Prince's letter to young Rasay and his
brother, .....
Song in praise of Miss Flora MacDonald,
Papers about Lord Lovat and the Laird of MacLeod,
Captain MacPherson's account of the Battle of Clifton,
Account of the Prince in Uist, by MacDonald of Balshar,
Letter from Captain John MacPherson of Stramashie,
Letter to Captain John MacPhei'son of Stramashie,
Letter to Dr. John Burton, in York,
Search of Lady Brace's home, in Leith,
Search of Mr. Norwall's home of Boghall, .
A raid on tartan dresses, ....
Escape of Lady Ogilvie, ....
Accounts of James Gibb, Master of Household to the
Prince, ......
The Battle of Falkirk, and capture of Major MacDonald,
The Duke of Cumberland at Stirling,
The attempt to seize the Prince at Moy,
Conversations with James Gibb,
Mr. Hay of Restalrig's portmanteau,
Letter to the Rev. James Taylor, Thurso, .
Excerpt from letter to the Rev. James Falconar, London,
Excerpt from letter from the Rev. James Taylor to Robert
Forbes, .....
Letter from John MacPherson of Stramashie,
Letter from Mr. MacDonald of Kingsburffh,
Letter from the Rev. James Falconar,
Memorandum for Captain Maculloch,
Excerpt from letter to the Rev. John Skinner at Longside,
PAGE
69
70
71, 81
71
72
78
82
83
86
94
103
104
105
106
108
110
113
115
127
133
134
152
170
172
172
174
174
175
176
177
177
CONTENTS
vn
Letter from Dr. John Burton of York,
Letter to Dr. John Burton of York,
Excerpt from letter from a gentleman in Aberdeen to his
correspondent in Edinburgh,
Latin Elegy on the Church,
The same in English, ....
Visit of John MacLeod of Hona to Leith, .
Postscript of a letter to the Rev. James Hay, in Inverness
Letter received from London by Lady Stewart of Bury,
Visit of Mr. Francis Stewart to Leith,
Narrative by him of the cruelties after Culloden,
Journal of the Prince's march to and from England, by
John Goodwillie, ....
Visit of Ranald MacDonald, son of MacDonald of Boradale
Speech by Lord Tinwald to the Grand Jury,
Paragraph of a letter from the Rev. James Hay at Inver-
Another visit by Mr. Francis Stewart to Leith,
Another narrative by him, ....
Letter from the Rev. John MacLauchlan, in Argyleshire,
Letter from Baillie John Stewart, .
Visit of Captain Robert Stewart to Bishop Forbes, .
Narrative by him of the skirmish at Keith, .
Verses on the death of the Duke of Cumberland, .
Indignity to the Parliament House lion at Edinburgh,
Paragraph of a letter from the Rev. George Innes, in
Forres, ......
Paragraph of a letter in return to the preceding.
Conversation with John Goodwillie and Alexander Stewart
Excerpt from letter from Captain Robert Stewart, .
Paragraph of a letter from Mrs. Magdalen Clerk to Mrs
Rachel Houston, ....
Verses on the Hay market conjuror, .
Verses by a gentleman, after the battle of Val,
Verses on the encomiums of the Dutch on the Duke of
Cumberland, ......
PAGE
178
180
181
183
184
185
186
187
188
188
191
198
199
204
204
205
208
211
212
213
218
221
223
224
224
225
226
227
227
227
VUl
THE LYON IN MOURNING
Letter directed to Donald Jacobite in the north-west parts
of Scotland, .....
Conversations with Captain MacDonald of Belfinlay,
Advertisement inserted in 'Old England' or 'The Con
stitutional Journal,' ....
Memorial by Alexander Stewart, the Prince's valet,
The attempted surprise of the Prince at Moy,
Conversation with MacDonald of Belfinlay in Leith,
Some sentences of a letter from Mrs. Leith in Inverness,
Paragraph of a letter in return to above,
Genuine Account of the Prince's Escape, compiled by
James Elphinstone,
Paragraph of a Letter from Ralph Bigland to Alexander
MacMorland, .....
Letter to MacDonald of Belfinlay, .
Visit to Captain MacDonald of Belfinlay,
Paragraph of a letter from the Rev. John Skinner at
Longside, .....
Account of the signal escape of John (Alexander) Eraser,
Bond by Prince Charles to Hepburn of Kingston, .
Ode on the birth of a great prince,
A Song by Mr. C s, ....
Poem by a gentleman on hearing St. Peter's Bell, .
Letter from Rev. George Innes, in Forres, .
Narrative mentioned in the preceding letter.
Performance in imitation of Dr. Arbuthnot's
Charteris, .....
Letter to Rev. George Innes in Forres,
Some parts of a letter from the Rev. William Abernethie,
Letter from Mrs. Leith, ....
Narrative by her of the escape of Lord Lovat, etc..
Another letter from Mrs. Leith,
Letter from the land of forgetfulness.
Letter to Mrs. Leith at Inverness, .
Another letter to Mrs. Leith,
Letter to Rev. John MacLachlan in Argyleshire, .
upon
228
229
231
231
245
247
248
249
249
254
255
257
259
260
261
263
265
267
267
268
280
281
282
283
284
293
294
295
296
297
CONTENTS
IX
Letter from Rev. James Hay, ....
Account of the barbarities after Culloden, compiled by the
Rev. James Hay, ....
Another account, anonymous.
Letter to Rev. James Hay in Inverness,
Letter to Mr. MacPherson of Stramashie, .
Letter to the Right Rev. Andrew Gerard, Aberdeen,
Letter from Dr. Burton at York,
Return to preceding, ....
Another letter from Dr. Burton at York,
Letter from Mr. William Gordon, .
Answer to preceding, ....
Letters from Dr. Burton, ....
Answer to preceding, signed by Donald Hatebreeks,
Letter, anonymous, from Inverness,
Letter from Right Rev. Bishop Gerard in Aberdeen,
Verses, ......
Notice of the death of Donald MacLeod of Gualtergill,
Letter from Captain Robert Stewart,
Advertisement from the London ' Evening Post,' .
Letter fi-om Mr. Alexander MacDonald of Glenaladale,
Letter to Mr. Alexander MacDonald, brother of Dalely,
Letters and orders about burning Clesterton's house,
Letter to Mr. John Goodwillie,
Letter from Donald MacNeill to Mr. Ranald MacDonald
of Belfinlay, ....
Letter from James Hamilton to Mr. Ranald MacDonald of
Belfinlay .....
Letter to Dr. John Burton in York,
Letter from the Right Rev. Bishop Gerard of Aberdeen,
John Daunie's Account of the skirmish at Inverury,
Letter to Bishop Gerard of Aberdeen,
Letter from Mr. Thomas Forbes in London,
Answer to above, ....
Letter from Dr. John Burton in York,
Answer to above, ....
PAGE
297
298
308
314
315
316
318
320
321
322
322
323
324
327
330
332
332
333
334!
334
336
337
340
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
347
349
THE LYON IN MOURNING
Letter to the Rev. James Hay in Inverness,
Letter to Mrs. Leith there, ....
Paragraph of letter from Rev. WiUiam Abernethy,
Return to above, .....
Reply from Mr. Abernethy,
Lines by a gentleman on seeing the Prince's picture.
Part of a letter from Malcolm MacLeod,
Letter from Dr. MacDonald,
Letter from Rev. James Hay,
Note about Mr. John Rattray, the Prince's surgeon.
Letter from Major MacDonald of Glenaladale,
Return to above, .....
Some parts of a letter from Rev. James Hay,
Answer to above, .....
Letter from a gentleman in London to his friend in
Edinburgh, .....
The Rape of the Devil, ....
Letter from Rev. James Hay to Robert Forbes,
Letter from Mr. Robert Forbes to Mr, Patrick Baillie,
Reply from Mr. Patrick Baillie to Robert Forbes, .
Letter from Tam Forbes to Robert Forbes,
Part of a letter from London,
Part of a letter to Rev. James Hay in Inverness,
Conversation with the MacPhersons of Benchar and
Breackachie about the Prince's sojourn in Badenoch, .
351
357
358
359
359
359
359
360
360
361
362
366
367
367
368
369
370
371
372
372
373
375
375
THE LYON IN MOURNING
Copy of a Letter from Norman Macleod,^ Esquire,
to Mr. MacDonald of Kingsburgh.^
His royal highness, the Duke of Cumberland, has now fol' 7oi-
certain information of the young Pretender's skulking in the
Long Island. You know the danger of protecting or aiding
him by any of our friends. I have warned my people of it,
and everbody knows the reward of putting the laws in execu-
tion. I am persuaded he will pay you a visit in expectation of
your protection. It will then be in your power (I hope you
will use it) to aggrandize your family beyond many in Scot- M 702.
land. I need not enlarge on this. I know Sir Alexander"'s
writing to you would have greater weight with you than any-
thing I can say, which he will probably do. But be assured
that his sentiments and mine are the same on this head. You
know your reward, and I hope you will do your duty to your-
self, your family and country. — I am, etc.
Copy of a Letter by post to me, Robert Forbes, foi. 703.
which reached me upon Thursday, January 28th.
Rasey, January 13, 1748. 13 Jan.
1748
My dear Sir, — I'm very much obliged to you for your kind
letters, which is great comfort to me. I have not got any
^ Laird of MacLeod. — F.
- Upon Monday's evening, January 4th, 1748, John Bleau of Castlehill made
me a visit when he was pleased to shew me a copy of this noted letter, which he
had brought along with him from London, where he told me it was common
enough. He allowed me to take a transcript of it, which I did immediately in
his presence. His copy had no place or date, which I found fault with, upon
which he told me that none of the copies he ever saw had any date at all. [See
ff- 793> 837, 1631-4.] If Kingsburgh is pleased to favour me with his corre-
spondence, then will I know if the above be a genuine copy, which I took exactly
word for word, as Mr. Bleau's copy had it here. Robert Forbes, A.M.
VOL. II. A
2 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
13 Jan. letters from a friend or acquaintance since I came home, but
from you and onest Doctor Burton who, I understand, was
with you letly, and I 'm exceedingly glad that he is very weel.
About what you was writing to me in your letter I assure
you I was not idle since I came home, and I got a great deal
that you never heard as yet, and will get more in a little time.
But how to send that to you I cannot tell since money are so
scarce with use that I cannot go myself. The tow ^ letters
you send by Donald M'Leod, one for me and one for Kings-
borrow, it was last day we got them, for he did not come
home himself as yet. Kingsborrow and I was to meet tow or
three days ago had not that Rasay*'s second son, the officer, is
dying, who be all apearance cannot live but few days, which
foi. 704. I ■'iji sory for it. The rest of the family offers there kind service
to Lady Bruce and you. I have not time to writ to Doctor
Burton. Be you so good as to give him my service, and to his
lady, and tell hime that he did pass a great complement to
me, that is when I got a letter from him. I beg of you to be
always writing to me.
If ever I ll see you I '11 tell many a thing you woud wonder
att. Mind me most kindly to the worthy old lady, not forget-
ing yourself and all freinds that will ask for me. I 'm your
most affectionatly humble servantt,
{Sic suhscribitur) Mal. MacLeod.
P.S. — I thank you most kindly for the complement you
sent me by Rasay''s servant.^ I got all the letters you sent me
indue time. Whenever I'll see a sure hand I'll send you
what I have for you.
N.B. — The original of the preceding letter is to be found
among my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 70s. Upon Saturday's afternoon, January 9th, 1748, Captain
9 Jan. Donald MacDonald, alias Donald Roy, brother of Hugh
MacDonald of Balishair (late captain of militia), in North
Uist, of the family of Sleat, favoured me with a visit ; Captain
Alexander MacDonald, and James MacDonald, joiner in
' See ff. 320, 323. 2 See f. 476.
1748] CAPTAIN DONALD ROY MACDONALD 3
Leith, having come along with him, ])ecause he was altogether 9 Jan.
a stranger to me.^ But tliough I had never seen him before,
yet I had heard much of him from others, particularly about
the wounded foot. After the usual complements the said
Captain Donald Roy MacDonald told me that he came to
visit me at the express desire of Mr. MacDonald of Kingsburgh,
who had informed him about my endeavouring to make up as
compleat a collection as possible of papers, etc., relative to the
Prince's dangers and distresses, and withal had advised him to
give me all he knew about these matters. With this view, he
said, in his journey to Edinburgh he had visited MacDonald of
Belfinlay, who had given him a remarkable narrative in his
own handwriting upon the back of an old letter, and taking
the paper out of his pocket-book he delivered it to me. After fol. 706.
reading it I desired to know if I might have the liberty of
transcribing it in my collection. He told me I might dispose
of it as I pleased, for that he had got it from Belfinlay on
purpose that I might preserve the narrative in Belfinlay 's own
liandwriting. I then begged leave to observe an omission,
which was that Belfinlay had forgot to fix a date to his hand-
writing, and therefore I desired Captain Roy MacDonald to
inform me (if he could) at what time he received the manu-
script from Belfinlay. After recollecting himself a little the
Captain answered that he was in the country of Arisaig about
December 20th, 1747, and (to the best of his remembrance) he
was upon that very day with MacDonald of Belfinlay, and saw
him write the narrative with his own hand in the very shape
in which he had just now delivered it to me.
Here follows an exact copy of the Narrative, the original of
which, in Belfinlay"'s handwriting, is to be found among
my papers.^
That there was a vast number of the Highlanders killed in fol. 707.
cold blood the next morning after Culloden battle is a fact ^^ ^'^'
that can't be denyed, and that can be likewise attested by
Mr. Ranald MacDonald of Belfinlay (a cadet of Clanranald's
^ See ff. 233, 576, 589. "^ Printed in facobite Memoirs, pp. 243, 244.
4 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
16 April family) who was an eyewitness to tliat tragedy.^ This gentle-
man wlio was an officer (a captain) in the Highland army,had the
misfortune to be shott through the two leggs in thataction, which
rendered him uncapable to make his escape. He lay in a field
after he received his wounds, and was betwixt the fire of the
English army and that of the few French troops that made some
resistance after the Highlanders were routed, where showers of
balls pass'd by him. He remained likewise in the field all
that night after he was stript of all his cloaths, his very shirt
and breeches being taken from him. But as he was young and
of a robust constitution he lived till next morning, when he
fol. 708. saw that cruell command coming to execute their bloody
orders, and saw many of his unhappy companions putt to
death in cold blood. They were just presenting their firelocks
to his own breast when he was saved through the clemency of
Lieutenant Hamilton who, if he remembers, belonged to
Cholmondly"'s regiment,^ and who took him to a neighbouring
country house. Next day he was brought along with wounded
redcoats to Inverness, they cursing and abusing him all the
way for a damn'd rebellious rascal. He lay a prisoner at
Inverness, not being able to be transported with the broken
bones in his legs till the indemnity which set him free. He
lives, and can walk about.
After talking for some time upon the contents of the
preceding narrative, and upon other like subjects, I
desired to know if Captain Donald Roy MacDonald
would favour me with his company by nine ©""clock
upon Tuesday, January 12th, with a resolution to spend
the day with me, that so I might have the opportunity
fol. 709. of taking down in writing from his own mouth all that
he had to give me. The Captain frankly agreed to the
proposal, and accordingly came to my room in the
Citadel of Leith upon the day appointed, and precisely
at the hour prefixed, when he gave me what follows \^ —
1 See ff. 375, 421, 908, 1 171, 1212, 1323, 1376.
2 Here ended Belfinlay's handwriting, and what follows I took from the
mouth of Captain Donald Roy MacDonald.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ Printed in Jacobite Me7noirs, pp. 423-468.
1745] DONALD ROY MACDONALD'S NARRATIVE 5
Captain Donald MacDonald, alias Donald Roy, was in the July
Isle of Skye at Mouggistot with Sir Alexander MacDonald
when the Prince landed upon the continent of Scotland. Sir
Alexander detained the Captain for about a month with him,
being all that time in a state of suspence about raising his
men ; but tlie Captain was always upon the wing, and wanted
much to be gone to repair to the standard.
At that time the Laird of MacLeod being in the north,i Sir
Alexander writ several letters to him, to which he every day ex-
pected answers encouraging him to join the Prince; for in the
event of his having proper assurances that MacLeod was to
raise his clan, and that the chieftains in the north (viz. Sea-
forth. Lord Lovat, etc.) had agreed to raise their men. Sir
Alexander was determined immediately to raise his following, foi. 710.
At last when Captain Roy MacDonald found that Sir Alexander
got no encouragement at all from the Laird of MacLeod (Sir
Alexander being pleased to signifie as much to him), he then
took leave and went off single to the continent, Sir Alexander
not pretending in the least to hinder him.
When the Captain was at the house of MacDonald of Sept.
Scottos in Knoydart he got notice of the battle of Gladesmuir,
and forthwith set out for the low country, and overtaking
MacKinnon and his men at the Bridge of Ardoch, five miles
below Crieff, he came to Edinburgh along with them, where he
entred voluntier in Keppoch's regiment, who gave him a
lieutenant's pay, in which situation he continued till after the
battle of Falkirk, where the MacDonalds of Keppoch had the
right hand, their Major having the misfortune that day by a
mistake he committed to be made a prisoner.^ After the
battle of Falkirk young Clanranald took a liking for Donald
Roy MacDonald and made him a Captain in his own regiment.
At the battle of Culloden in the retreat^ Captain Roy
MacDonald saw Keppoch fall twice to the ground, and knows ^^l-^^"^'
no more about him, but that upon the second fall, looking at 16 April
Donald Roy MacDonald, he spoke these words : ' O God, have
mercy upon me. Donald, do the best for yourself, for I am
gone.' In walking off the field the Captain received a musket
1 See ff. 255, 713, 885, 929- ' See f. 64. ^ See f. 779-
6 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
16 April bullet in at the sole of the left foot and out at the buckle, and
yet that day he walked five miles without stopping (the foot
bleeding all the time and the wounds being altogether without
any dressing or so much as a rag about them) to a place two
miles beyond Inverness called Bunchraobg, in Erse, or Bunch-
rive in the vulgar spelling, where he got a horse and rode eight
miles the same day, always pushing his way toward the Isle of
Sky, where he was very desirous to be. He durst not put the
wounded foot into a stirrup, it was swelled so big, and he had
no shoe upon it, for he had lost the shoe when he got the
wound.
17 April Next day, Thursday April 17th, he luckily fell in with one
Balfour,^ a young man (who had been surgeon to the Mac-
foi. 712. Gregors in the Prince's service) at the house of MacKenzie of
Kirnag, having by that time travelled no less than fifteen
miles, but not keeping the high road, which is by the ferry.
This Balfour dressed the foot by only putting some dry tow
upon the hole beneath and the hole above and rolling a
bandage above all. The foot got no more dressing till he
23 April came upon the Isle of Sky, being Wednesday, April 23rd,
eight days after the battle. Malcolm MacLeod and his wife
and Murdoch MacLeod, Rasay's third son, were at Kirnag
when Captain Roy MacDonald came there, Mr. Balfour being
along with them taking care of the said Murdoch MacLeod,
who had received a musket bullet in at the one shoulder,
and which had made its way under the skin by tlie root of the
neck to the other shoulder where it lodged.^ At Kirnag Mr.
Balfour made incision upon the shoulder and took the bullet
out. Malcolm MacLeod and his wife and Murdoch MacLeod
accompanied Donald Roy MacDonald to the ferry at the head
foi. 713. of Loch Terirtan, where they parted, they sailing for the Isle
of Rasey and he for the Isle of Sky, where he took up his
quarters in the house of John MacLean, surgeon in Troternish,
and had the foot dressed for the second time upon the Wed-
nesday as already mentioned ; and by this time it had such a
stink that one could scarce enter the room where he was. The
^ Brother to James Balfour of Baith [Beath], near Dunfermline, who escaped
the clutches of his enemies. 2 See fT. 228-879.
1746] LADY MARGARET MACDONALD 1
cripple Captain continued in the surgeon\s house without any 29 June
molestation till Sunday, June 29th, when tiie Prince landed in
the Isle of Sky with Miss Flora MacDonald, all which will be
more fully explained hereafter.^
About a week before the Prince landed in Sky, Hugh Mac- 22 June
Donald of Balishair in North Uist had sent a boat with a
letter to his brother, in which letter there was another inclosed
to Lady Margaret MacDonald from the Prince"'s own hand,
Balishair expressly enjoining his brother to deliver the inclosed
letter to no other person but Lady Margaret, and that too out of
his own hand. The skipper had orders from Balishair, in case f^l- 714-
of being attacked by any of the sloops or ships of war, to have
the letters tied to a stone that so he might sink them in an
instant. At this time Lady Margaret was in use of sending
the newspapers to Balishair in North Uist, who took care to
have them delivered to the Prince, he being exceedingly
desirous to have them.^ The purport of the letter from
Balishair to his brother was that the Prince intended soon to
quit the Long Isle (such a strict search being there), and to
land upon a small grass-island called Fladdachuan, belonging
to Sir Alexander MacDonald, and having only one tenant
upon it, and lying to the north of Troternish, about two
leagues distant, that therefore he should be careful to keep a
sharp look-out (the Captain's quarters being near the place, for ■
by going a musket-shot from the door where he lodged, he had
a view of the island), and to meet the Prince upon Fladdachuan
and to provide him with necessaries, but especially the news-
papers from Lady Margaret. In the letter Balishair com-
plained that the Prince wanted almost all necessaries,^ par- M 7^S'
ticularly shirts, and therefore he desired his brother might do
his best to procure him some shirts and blankets, for that the
Prince had lain hitherto only in his plaid. In a postscript
Balishair ordered that how soon Lady Margaret should peruse
Donald's own letter he should instantly throw it into the fire,
and that her ladyship should do the like with the Prince's
letter to herself after perusal of it. The letter from the Prince
to Lady Margaret was one of compliment, thanking her for the
1 See ff. 205, 530, 599, 924. ' See f. 913. ^ See f. 925.
8 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
22 June kindness in sending him the newspapers, that he was very
sensible of her favours and hoped she would continue them.
According to orders, Captain Roy MacDonald delivered the
letter out of his own hand to Lady Margaret (having got the
use of Dr. MacLean's horse to Mouggistot, the wound in the
foot being still open), burning his own letter after perusal, and
begging Lady Margaret to do tlie same with hers. Upon this
foi. 716. Lady Margaret rose up and kissing the letter said, ' No, I will
not burn it, I will preserve it for the sake of him who writ it
to me. Although King George''s forces should come to the
house, I hope I shall find a way to secure the letter."" Then
stepping into a closet she carefully laid it up. However, when
she heard that red coats were about the house at the time
when Captain John Ferguson came to search for the Prince she
became afraid that the letter might be found and thereby a
discovery would ensue, and therefore she immediately threw
the letter into the fire, as her ladyship has since acknowledged
to Captain Roy MacDonald, to whom at the same time she
declared her concern for doing any such thing after she had
seen that there was no search at all for papers, and said she
would have given anything that she had preserved the letter.
After perusal of the letter, immediately Lady Margaret and
the Captain began to contrive the most feasible reason they
fol. 717. could for his going to the Isle of Fladdachuan, which is three
quarters of a mile in length and one quarter in breadth.
Meantime, Lady Margaret ordered six of Sir Alexander''s
best shirts for the Prince's use, but the shirts she designed for
him being dirty, she ordered a chambermaid to have them
speedily washed and dressed, her ladyship telling the chamber-
maid that she was to give these few shirts in a present to
Donald Roy MacDonald, he having lost all his shirts and
baggage at CuUoden, and therefore she pitied him, poor man,
very much. Lady Margaret likewise delivered into the Captain's
hands twenty guineas for the Prince's use when he should meet
with him. The gold being all broad pieces such as Joannes's,
etc., Lady Margaret was at pains to send off several persons
through the island to have the gold changed into guineas and
half guineas, which accordingly (with difficulty) she got done.
At the same time she told the Captain that a new recruit of
1746] SCHEMES FOR THE PRINCE'S SAFETY 9
money should be at the Prince''s service when he pleased to ask foi. 718.
•' , . , , 1 -^ 1 -« , . 1 • I 22 June
it. In changmg the gold Lady Margaret was very desirous to
have as much of it as possible in silver, but she could make out
no more than about a guinea and half in that way. Sir
Alexander was then at Fort Augustus.
The scheme for Captain Roy MacDonald's going to the
island of Fladdachuan (and Lady Margaret proposed it) was
that the Captain should go to the island Troday, belonging to
Sir Alexander, about a mile from the point of Troternish, to
one Alexander Cameron, to whom she thought the Captain
might with safety reveal his mind, as the clan Cameron had
been out with the Prince. The Captain, taking along with
him the twenty guineas, the shirts being to be sent after him
by a proper hand, set out back again to Troternish that very
same day on which he had come to Mouggistot, and in the
evening he made a fire on the point of Troternish, opposite to
Troday, where Alexander Cameron is the only tenant (that
being the ordinary sign in the Highlands to procure a boat
from one isle to another), upon which Alexander Cameron fol. 719.
and another man immediately came to the place where the fire
was ; and when Cameron saw the Captain he beckoned to him
to come down to the boat, imagining he designed to sail to
Troday. But the Captain crying to him that he desired to speak
with him first, immediately Allaster came on~shore alone, when
the Captain told him he wanted that he should ferry him
to the island Fladdachuan. Cameron desired to know what
the Captain was about to do there. To which he answered
that he was to divert himself there for some time at fishing.
Cameron said he would do as well at Troday for that purpose
and that he should be very welcome to his house as long as he
pleased. Troday is somewhat larger than Fladdachuan. Upon
this the Captain found himself obliged to reveal the secret to
Cameron, hoping the importance of the case would induce him
to be as ready and chearful to consult the safety of the Prince
as he himself was. Cameron, upon hearing of the Prince
designing to be upon Fladdachuan, looked like one in a sur- foi. 720.
prize and earnestly begged that the Captain would not insist
upon his going there upon any account, for that every step
he (Cameron) made was well and nicely viewed, and that such
10 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
22 June a measure might prove the ruin of his poor family as too many
of his name were already ruined in that affiair. The Captain
finding he could not prevail immediately drew his dirk and
desired Cameron to swear upon it that he would not ever
reveal what he had told him ; which oath he frankly swore and
kept it with the utmost fidelity.
It is to be remarked here that swearing upon the naked dirk
is called by the commons amongst the Highlanders the taking
an oath upon the Holy Iron, and is as sacred among them as
swearing upon the Bible. That night Captain Roy Mac-
Donald went to Aird and took up his quarters in the house of
Captain James MacDonald, and next day he went back to
Mouggistot where he gave Lady Margaret an account of the
disappointment he had met with from Allastar Cameron.
foi. 'j'zi. A new scheme behoved now to be devised for the Captain's
going to Fladdachuan according to orders, and none more
rational could be thought upon than that Lady Margaret
should dispatch a boat to said island in order to gather shells
for making lime (the inhabitants of Sky being in use of making
most of their lime of shells) and that the Captain should
go along under a pretence of superintending the gathering of
the shells, and of taking his diversion for some time at fishing,
for which end he had got some fishing-lines from one of Sir
Alexander MacDonaWs tenants.
This scheme being agreed upon as by far the best to cover
the real design. Lady Margaret importuned the Captain to
take along with him some bedding, blankets, brandy, etc., as
things necessary to make the Prince's situation somewhat com-
fortable. But the Captain absolutely refused to do any such
thing, as being imprudent, for that carrying along baggage and
provisions might make people suspect, and would particularly
fol.Tzi, raise a jealousy in the boatmen that the reason given out for
sailing to Fladdachuan was a mere pretence to cover the real
design, which behoved to be a matter of great consequence, as
such preparations were made for it. The Captain said as the
shirts were now ready he could easily take them along with
him tied up in a pocket-napkin, and tell the boatmen that he
did so lest they should happen to be wind-bound after landing
upon the island.
1746] THE ISLAND PLADDACHUAN 11
The Captain, taking with him only the twenty guineas and June
the six shirts, set out for Fladdachuan, and after landing he
went directly to the tenants house before any of the boatmen
could come to it, expecting to find the Prince there that so he
might warn him and those with him to keep out of sight of .
the boatmen ; but when he came to the house, to his great dis-
appointment, he found none there but the tenant and his family.
After sitting a while and the boat's crew coming in. Captain
Roy MacDonald said to the landlord he wanted much to see
the island as he had never been upon it before, and desired the f"^- 723-
landlord to go along witli him. They went out both together,
and after Avalking a little the Captain said to the landlord :
* This seems to be a pretty secure place. Do never any of the
rebels make you a visit here ? ' The landlord answered that
never any of them had been there, alleging the place was
rather too narrow for such a design. Then the Captain asked
if ever any of the ships or sloops of war sent their boats to
search the island. The landlord replied, 'Not.' Still the
Captain insisted that no doubt some of the distressed gentle-
men had come there, for that he had pretty good information
that some had been forming a design of coming to Fladdachuan
from the Long Isle. The landlord still denied and asked who
the persons were that he expected to land there from the Long
Isle. The Captain replied, ' Some of Kinlochmoidart's brothers.'
The landlord assured him that no such persons Avere upon the
island as yet, and withal remarked that if these gentlemen foi. 724.
should come at all to that corner, it would rather be to the
island Troday, where they would be near their sister who is
married to James MacDonald of Aird, captain of an Indepen-
dent Company — Troday being only about a mile from Sky.
Captain Roy MacDonald would still be positive that certainly
some gentlemen were skulking upon the island and that he
was sure they wanted to see him, for that he could be of use
to them ; and that if the landlord would not discover the
whole matter he would equally disoblige both them and him.
The landlord persisted in his denial, upon which the Captain
took an oath of him, and accordingly the landlord swore that
he knew of no persons whatsomever that had landed upon
Fladdachuan. The Captain, not yet satisfied, would go round
12 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
June the isle and view all the creeks and caves of it, which accord-
ingly he did, but found no person. He stayed there all night,
and next day got the shells on board.
There is a remarkable rock about a mile from Fladdachuan
foi. 725. called Bord Cruinn, i.e., the round table, from its shape, where
the Captain supposed the Prince miglit happen to be, this
being a very strong safe place, and therefore he said he had a
great curiosity to see that rock as he had never been upon it,
and then desired the boatmen to row directly for it as it would
not hinder them long in their return to Sky. This rock is very
higli and of a very difficult ascent, and is the place whither
Sir Donald MacDonald sent his charters for safety in the year
1715. All this put together made the Captain still the more
firmly persuaded that the Prince might be there, not doubting
but it might come into the mind of some good friend to direct
the Prince to go thither as a place of security. There is no
house on the rock at all, for in 1715 Sir Donald MacDonald
made up a small low hut for one man only to be there with
his valuable papers, who received all his provisions at different
appointed times from Troternish in Sky, about five miles dis-
tant.
To the rock they steered their course, the landlord being
fol. 726. along with them, who, as he had some business in Sky, took
the opportunity of their boat (his own boat having been
broke to pieces some time before that). Captain Roy Mac-
Donald still was jealous that tlie landlord knew of some persons
being upon the rock Bord Cruinn, but that he would not dis-
cover it, for he had examined him upon that point before they
set out from Fladdachuan. By the time they came to the
rock the landlord was in a pett at the Captain for not believ-
ing him, and therefore he only pointed out the way of ascend-
ing the rock, telling the Captain that he would not be at the
pains to climb the rock as he had no curiosity about seeing the
top of it, but tliat he (the Captain) might go up if he pleased.
The Captain (notwithstanding the cripple foot, which was
covered only with a cloath shoe) found means to crawl up the
rock, not any one attending him : but he found no body upon
it. From the rock they rowed to Sky and landed at Moug-
gistot. The Captain informed Lady Margaret of all that had
1746] THE PRINCE AT MOUGISTOT IS
passed and delivered back tlie shirts and the twenty guineas, fol. 727.
From Mouggistot the Captain returned to his old quarters,
the surgeon''s house, at the distance of four miles.
Next Sunday (June 29th, 1746) a letter was brought jter 29 June
express to Captain Roy MacDonald ^ from Lady Margaret in
her own handwriting ; but the direction upon the back of the
letter was in the handwriting of the lady of Captain John
MacDonald of Kirkibost, which lady delivered the letter to the
bearer as if it had been from herself. The purport of the
letter was desiring Captain Roy MacDonald forthwith to repair
to Mouggistot without loss of time, for that Lady Margaret
had some matters of the greatest moment to communicate to •
him, and that she wanted to have his advice about them.
Immediately the Captain set out upon the surgeon's horse, and
when near Mouggistot he spied Lady Margaret and Kingsburgh
walking together, and talking in a serious way, above the
garden. When he came near them he dismounted, and Lady
Margaret, upon seeing him, stept aside from Kingsburgh to foi. 728.
meet the Captain and to speak with him, spreading out her
hands and saying, ' O Donald Roy, we are ruined for ever.'
Upon this, he asked what was the matter? Her ladyship
answered that the Prince was landed about half a quarter of a
mile from the house, and that if he should have the misfortune
to be seized there they would be affronted for ever, mentioning
a circumstance that distressed her much, because it made the
case the more perplexed, and made her altogether at a loss
how to behave in the matter, which was that Lieutenant Mac-
Leod was at that very instant in the dining room with Miss
Flora MacDonald (she having left the Prince in women's
cloaths on the spot where he had come ashore) ; ^ and, which
still rendered the case worse and worse, that the Lieutenant
had three or four of his men about the house with him, the
rest of his command being only at a small distance from the
house, as he was employed to guard that part of the coast of foi. -jiq.
Sky, particularly to enquire at every boat that should come
from the Long Isle if there were any rebels on board, etc.
Kingsburgh coming directly up to them, they began to project
1 See f. 713. .2 See ff, j^^^ ^yj^
14 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
29 June what was fittest to be done, all of them agreeing that Lieu-
tenant MacLeod's presence, with the whole of his command so
near, threw a number of difficulties in their way, and made the
case full of dangers, if not desperate.
Captain Roy MacDonald declared whatever they would
agree upon as best for the safety of the Prince he would
undertake (God willing) to accomplish at the hazard of his life.
Kingsburgh asked his opinion of the matter ; but the Captain
refused to do that, begging Kingsburgh to give his opinion first.
Kingsburgh said his opinion was that the Prince should sail
about by the point of Trotemish to the Island of Rasay,
foi. 730. because that in the Isle of Sky he could not possibly (as
things appeared to him) be in any safety at all, considering the
many parties that were scouring up and down throughout the
Isle. Against this measure Lady Margaret did remonstrate, as
being very hazardous, because there was a party posted near
Boriniskittag, by which place they behoved to sail in their
course to Rasay, and if upon seeing them the party should
launch out a boat (as they had always one ready at hand) and
take the Prince, then it might be said that he had been
designedly thrown into the hands of the party. And therefore
she said her opinion was that if he was at all to sail for Rasay
it were better he should stay till night and then set out, when
he would not be seen.
In a word, all choices were bad, the Prince's situation having
a most dismal aspect. However, Captain Roy MacDonald
ventures to give his opinion at last, and says, 'What would you
think, Kingsburgh, if the Prince should run the risque of
making his way overland to Portree ? "" The distance from
foi. 731. Mouggistot to Portree is fourteen long Highland miles.
Kingsburgh was afraid the attempt was desperate enough.
But, however, he said it might be tried, and then he desired
the Captain to go to the Prince and to inform him of the
scheme agreed upon ; for that as he had been in the scrape, he
was the fitter to manage that point ; and no doubt the Prince
would be much pleased to see one that had followed his
fortunes, and would be more ready to confide in him than in
another. To this the Captain answered, as the Prince he was
sure would make a monstrous appearance in women's cloaths.
I746J THE PRINCE TO GO TO PORTREE 15
so his talking with him, if they should happen to be seen 29 June
together, would make the matter the more suspicious, and
might prove a means of ruining the Prince altogether.
Besides, the Captain begged that Kingsburgh himself might
not go to the Prince, for that too might be of fatal con-
sequence, he (the Captain) imagining that Kingsburgh might
be of much more service to the Prince by not seeing him at foi. 732.
all. And therefore he advised as the wisest expedient that
Miss Flora MacUonald should be the only person to be sent to
the Prince with messages (he still sitting upon the shore where
he had landed) to let him know the result of their counsels
with the greater safety, for that everything ought to be
managed at present (considering the great risque) with the
utmost wariness and caution.
After this they began to devise some scheme for the future
safety of the Prince in the event of his going to Portree and
Rasay. Kingsburgh proposed that the Captain should go and
seek out Rona, i.e. the young Laird of Rasay, in order to learn
from him where his father was to be found (it being agreed
upon that Rasay, senior, should undertake the protection of
the Prince), and that the Captain, after conversing with young
Rasay, should go to Portree, there to wait the coming of the
Prince, who was to set out as soon as possible for that place,
overland, as had been agreed upon, though afterwards the foi. 733.
resolution happened to be changed in some circumstances, as
will appear hereafter.
The scheme concerted by the unanimous consent of all the
three with respect to the Prince's going into the hands of
Rasay, senior, was this : that Rasay and Captain Roy Mac-
Donald should go with the Prince into Seaforth's country
amongst the MacKenzies (all the forces being at a distance from
that corner), because there could be no suspicion about his
being amongst them ; and that therefore he might safely
remain there in one place without any fear, as he was to pass
for a private gentleman under a borrowed name. To this the
Captain objected that he was not in the least acquainted
among the MacKenzies. But in this Kingsburgh made him
easy by informing him that Rasay, senior, was exceedingly
well known amongst the MacKenzies, and therefore, was at no
16 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
29 June loss to know whom to trust and whom not to trust in that
foi. 734. country. When this scheme was afterwards proposed to the
Prince, he did not agree to it, chiising rather to shift from
place to place (as the safest way in the present distress) than to
set up in any one particular corner.
In the course of the conversation Lady Margaret explained
herself as to the great strait she was in whom to trust, saying
that she knew not any other person at that time in all the Isle
of Sky amongst the MacDonalds to trust but only Kingsburgh
and the Captain, for that the rest of the following, from Sir
Alexander's not joining the Prince at all, imagined that he was
altogether upon the side of the Government, though she said
she could appeal to them that this was far from being the case.^
But then, so it was that the rest of the clan then in the Isle,
from the opinion they entertained of things, would certainly
think they were doing a service highly obliging to Sir Alex-
ander if they should happen to find out the Prince and to seize
foi- 735- him ; and therefore this persuasion of theirs exposed the
Prince to the greater danger should it once blow that he was
upon the Isle of Sky.
After discoursing upon the subject and concerting measures
as already mentioned (the Prince still remaining upon the rock
at the shore all the time, within a gunshot of the foot of the
garden of Mouggistot, patiently waiting his fate), the Captain
set out in quest of young Rasay, Kingsburgh telling him that
he was to be found (as he thought) at Tottrome.
Here ends what I got from the mouth of Captain Donald
Roy MacDonald upon January 12th, a friend having
come to visit me in the afternoon, which interrupted us
for some time. The Captain went from me betwixt 6
and 7 o'clock at night, when I made an appointment
with him to return to me upon Friday, January
15th, by 10 o'clock, which appointment he kept exactly,
and then we proceeded as follows :
foi. 736- After the Captain was gone, Kingsburgh took a great longing
1 See f. 929.
1746] THE PRINCE'S LANDING AT SKYE 17
to see the Prince, and was resolved to see him at all hazards, 29 June
and after providing himself in a bottle of wine and some
bread, he went accordingly to the Prince, who was still sitting
upon the shore, but had ^ gone at some distance from the place
where he landed. Kingsburgh was in great difficulty to find
out the Prince, which made him afraid of the worst, till he
spied a flock of sheep running, which he imagined to happen
^ As truth is my only aim in making this collection, so I gladly embrace every
opportunity of correcting any mistake in the accounts I receive, or any error I
myself may happen to commit, in the marginal notes. Particularly I acknow-
ledge here my mistake in the marginal note, vol. iii. p. 532 [see f. 532], for it is
true that Kingsburgh sent one to direct the Prince to remove from the place
where he had landed, and also that he had great difficulty to find the Prince at
the place whither he had ordered him to be conducted. Upon Saturday,
January 23rd, 1748, Captain Donald Roy MacDonald and Miss Flora MacDonald
dined with my Lady Bruce in her own house at the Citadel of Leith, when I
took the freedom to ask particular questions at Miss MacDonald in presence of
the Company about the Prince's landing with her at Sky, whether or not the
Prince had gone from the particular spot where he had landed to any other creek
or corner before Kingsburgh came to him, how this came about, etc. Miss
MacDonald was pleased to give me an exact account of all this by telling me
that Neil MacKechan was the person sent by Kingsburgh to the Prince in order
to inform him that Kingsburgh was to come to him at a proper time, and to
conduct the Prince from the spot where he landed to another place (somewhere
about the back of a hill * farther down the shore), where he was to remain till
Kingsburgh should come to him. And there it was where Kingsburgh met with
him, and had no small difficulty to find him out by his not being at the precise
spot where Kingsburgh imagined him to have been. She told me likewise that
Neil MacKechan went so often to the Prince upon the shore that at last she
became angry with him lest the frequency of his going should be remarked, and
thereby become the means of making a discovery. However, she owned that in
the event, his going so often proved serviceable, as no observation happened to
be made of it. Miss MacDonald said that when at Mouggistot she could not
help observing Lady Margaret going often out and in as one in great anxiety,
while she in the meantime endeavoured all she could to keep up a close chit chat
with Lieutenant MacLeod, who put many questions to her, which she answered
as she thought fit. She acknowledged she knew nothing at that time of Donald
Roy MacDonald being at Mouggistot, as he had not come into the house, or of the
conference he had had with Lady Margaret (in the open air) and Kingsburgh about
the safety of the Prince. I likewise asked at Miss MacDonald what that Mrs. Mac-
Donald was who was with her at Mouggistot [see f. 532] and how they happened
to meet there. She told me that she was wife to John MacDonald of Kirkibost,
in North Uist, a captain of an Independent Company, and that she had crossed
from the Long Isle only the day before (when her boat was most strictly searched
for rebels), and brought word to Lady Margaret that probably the Prince would
come to Sky soon (if not next day) to sue for protection. This is the same Mrs^
* Called Bulodinghabor.
VOL. II. B
18 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
19 June from their seeing some body thereabouts,^ This accident
brought him to the place where the Prince was sitting. After
fol. 737. the Prince had taken some refreshment, Kingsburgh took him
along with himself to his own house instead of sending him to
Portree, as had been formerly agreed upon.
fol. 738. Captain Roy MacDonald (as is above hinted) rode off
to Tottrome in quest of young Rasay, one of whose sisters is
married with MacQueen of Tottrome, a lieutenant among the
militia under the command of Hew MacDonald of Armadale,
fol. 739. who had been ordered to South Uist (a part of the Long
Isle) to seek for the Prince, and to prevent his escape.^ When
the Captain was within two miles of Tottrome he overtook a
man, who told him that young Rasay was at a village called
Tott, near the Water of Snisord. Upon this the Captain lighted
from his horse, and writ a few lines upon the back of an old
letter to young Rasay,^ begging him forthwith to meet him
at Portree, upon express business, which he delivered to the said
man, ordering him to leave that short line at Tottrome, lest
he should miss Rona, who probably might chance to call at
Tottrome. The Captain accordingly missed Rona at Tott,
and then went directly to Portree, where he found young
Rasay, who had called at Tottrome, and received the open line
there. They took a walk out into the fields, and then the
Captain began to enquire at Rona where his father was to be
fol, 740. found. Rona denied that he knew anything where his father
was to be found. Upon this the Captain said he had matters
of very great consequence to communicate to his father, and
MacDonald who, together with her man-servant and her maid-servant, went
along with Miss MacDonald from Mouggistot, etc., when the comical observa-
tions were made upon the Prince in his walking along in women's cloaths, which
observations Miss MacDonald repeated to be exactly as they are recorded [see f.
534]. Miss MacDonald likewise owned she knew nothing at all (when at
Portree with the Prince) that Malcolm MacLeod was thereabouts, or about what
course the Prince was to take. Only she had a suspicion that he might be going
to Rasay, as Portree is opposite to it. She remarked how the Prince fell briskly
to his victuals, at Portree, in his shirt, what a great desire he had to have
Donald Roy MacDonald along with him, etc., and that his farewel to her was
in these words : ' I hope we shall meet in St. James's yet, and I will reward you
there for what you have done ' [see ff. 747-755].— Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ See f. 145. 2 See f. 524. s See f. 858.
1746] THE PRINCE AT PORTREE 19
therefore lie earnestly begged to know where he was. Rona still 29 June
persisted in his denial, and would not own that he knew any-
thing about where his father was to be found. Upon this the
Captain found there was a necessity for speaking out, and
therefore he plainly told Rona that the Prince was now in the
Isle of Sky, and that it was requisite his father should be found
out; for that his father and he (the Captain) were pitched
upon to go with the Prince into Seaforth^s country among the
MacKenzies. The Captain said he hoped he might trust him,
and therefore it was that he had so openly declared the matter
to him. Rona was rejoiced to hear that the Prince was still
in safety, notwithstanding the many strict searches that had
been made, and were still making for him, and now frankly
own'd that his father was upon the continent in Knoidart,
whither, he said, he would as soon as possible send an express M- 74^-
for him ; because he was sure his father would run any risque,
and be glad of an opportunity to serve the Prince, especially
in his distress. Then the Captain said, ' I expect the Prince
this night at Portree, and as there is no right boat on this side,
you must in the meantime, Rona, do your best to get over to
Rasay in order to fetch a right boat from thence to ferry the
Prince over to Rasay, for thither he designs to set from Por-
tree.' Rona undertook this piece of service, but was quite
unwilling to leave Portree till he should see the Prince, for he
had not been out in his service, and therefore he stayed some
hours in hopes to see him. The Captain was always pushing
him to be gone, and at last he set out in an old shred of a
boat, which he found in a fresh water loch near Tottrome. So
crazy it was, that one man could not possibly keep it dry in
the passage without an assistant to help him to lave, though /ol. 742.
the distance from Portree to Rasay be but small — about three
miles. Before Rona went off, the Captain had received a
short line from Kingsburgh, importing that Miss Flora Mac-
Donald was so fatigued, that she behoved to stay all night in
his house, and could not come to Portree so soon as she had
designed, and ordering the Captain to provide a boat to ferry
Miss about to Strath, because it would be easier for her to
make it out by sea than to go over land. The Captain took
the hint, and then Rona went off.
20 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
30 June Upon Monday's evening (June 30th) Rona and his brother
(Murdoch MacLeod), and Malcolm MacLeod, arrived within
half a mile of Portree, and Malcolm went towards the house,
leaving Rona and his brother in the boat. In his walking
from the shore, Malcolm spied three persons making towards
the house, who happened to be the Prince, Neil MacKechan,
and a little boy who had guided them the way from the side of
a wood where they had parted with Kingsburgh, not far from
foi 743- his own house. Malcolm MacLeod, through the darkness of
the night (for it was raining excessively), not knowing who
these persons might be that he had seen, did not advance any
farther, but lurked at some distance, and sent a little boy to
the house, desiring Donald Roy MacDonald to come out and
speak with a friend. By this time the Prince was in the house.
Donald Roy went out to Malcolm, and took along with him a
half-mutchin stoup full of whiskie. Captain Malcolm MacLeod
asked who they were that he had spied going towards the
house ; for that he had been near them, but had hid himself,
not knowing who they might happen to be. Captain Roy
MacDonald told him that the Prince was one of them. Mal-
colm then begged dispatch, because Rona and his brother were
in the open air upon the shore with the boat, and it was still
raining very heavily, the Prince having got his share of it as
foi. 744. he walked along, for he was wet in to the skin. Rona and his
brother did not chuse to be seen by any of the people there-
abouts, lest a discovery should result from it. Donald Roy
MacDonald soon parted from Malcolm MacLeod, promising
all possible dispatch, and returning to the house, Malcolm
waiting to receive the Prince.
In the journey from Kingsburgh, Miss Flora MacDonald on
horseback came first to Portree, and immediately notified to
Donald Roy MacDonald privately that the Prince was on his
way in such a road ; upon which he stept out to meet him,
and staying about twenty minutes, could not see him. He then
chused to come again into the house, as the rain was exceed-
ingly heavy, and dangerous to the wound in his foot, which
was still open, and was not quite healed up till sometime in
^ See f. 861.
1746] IN THE INN AT PORTREE 21
November 1746, it continuing all that time (now and then) to 30 June
throw out small bones. He now walks as cleverly as ever
without any the smallest pain or halt, and made out his late
journey from Sky to Edinburgh in twelve days on foot, and as
he came along visited several friends and acquaintances.
The Captain had not been long in the house till the boy foi. 745.
that came along with the Prince and Neil MacKechan, as guide,
called for the landlord, and desired to know if Donald Roy
MacDonald was there, and to have a word of him. Upon
which the Captain stept out, and a little from the door found
the boy MacQueen, who told him there was a gentleman a
little above the house that desired to speak with him. The
Captain desired the boy to go into the kitchen, and he himself
went away to the place where the Prince was, who no sooner
saw him than he took him in his arms, and by way of saluta-
tion put his head over one shoulder of the Captain, and then
over the other, expressly forbidding the Captain to use any
ceremony, they then not knowing who (under cloud of night)
might be near them to make observations. When the Captain
happened to express his concern that he had got such a stormy
night, the Prince said, ' I am more sorry that oiur Lady ' (for so fol. 746.
he used to name Miss MacDonald) ' should be all abused with
the rain.' Then they went into the house, the Captain step-
ping in first, the people of the house (an inn) not knowing any-
thing of the matter at all. The Prince no sooner entred the
house than he asked if a dram could be got there, the rain
pouring down from his cloaths, he having on a plaid without
breeches, trews, or even philibeg. Before he sat down he got
his dram, and then the company desired him to shift and put
on a dry shirt. Captain Roy MacDonald giving him his phila-
beg. The Prince refused to shift, as Miss Flora MacDonald
was in the room ; but the Captain and Neil MacKechan told
him it was not a time to stand upon ceremonies, and prevailed
upon him to put on a dry shirt. By tiiis time they had brought
some meat into the room (the Prince having called for it before
he would think of shifting), which consisted of butter, cheese,
bread, and roasted fish. The landlord's name is Charles MacNab. fol. 747.
Before the Prince got on his coats, just in his shirt, he fell
heartily to the meat, and made good use of his time, having
22 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
30 June travelled on foot from Kingsburgh to Portree, being seven good
Highland miles. He brought along with him four shirts, a
cold hen, a bottle of brandy, and a lump of sugar, in one of
his pockets; all which small stock of provisions (adding to
them a bottle of whiskie he bought from the landlord of
Portree) he took along with him to the Island of Rasay. When
the Prince fell heartily to the meat in his shirt, Captain Mac-
Donald could not help smiling, though he was in deep enough
concern about the Prince's situation, and said, ' Sir ' (having
observed the Prince looking at him), ' I believe that is the
English fashion.'' ' What fashion do you mean ? ' says the
Prince. 'Why' (replied the Captain), ' they say the English,
when they are to eat heartily, throw off their cloaths.' The
Prince, smiling, said, ' They are in the right, lest anything
should incommode their hands when they are at work.' The
Prince asked if any drink could be had ? He was answered
foi. 748. that he could have no other drink but whiskie or water, for
there is no such thing as beer or ale of any kind to be got in all
the Isle of Sky, but only in gentlemen's houses, all the publick
houses there being mere whiskie houses. Then the Prince
desired to have some milk, but there was none in the house.
Captain Roy MacDonald told him he behoved to drink water,
of which there was plenty in the room in an ugly cog, which
the landlord ordinarily made use of for throwing the water out
of his boat, and thereby all the mouth of it was beat in, and
made rough enough. The Captain had been taking a drink
out of the cog, and he reached it to the Prince, who took it
out of his hand, and after looking at the cog, he stared the
Captain in the face, who upon this made up to him (the land-
lord being in the room), and whispered him softly in the ear
to drink out of it without any ceremony ; for though the cog
looked ill, yet it was clean, and if he should shew any nicety,
it might raise a suspicion about him in the landlord's mind.
The Prince said, ' You are right,' and took a hearty draught
foi. 749. of water out of the rough cog, and then he put on his coats.
The Captain was still urging him to be gone in as discreet a
manner as possible, but the Prince was desirous to stay all night
in I*ortree as the rain was still heavy. The Captain suggested
to him (the landlord having been gone out of the room) that as
1746] IN THE INN AT PORTREE 23
it was a public-house it was frequented by all sorts of folks, and 30 June
therefore it was not safe for him to stay any time there : for if
they saw a stranger it would make them curious to inquire who
he was, and this might prove of dangerous consequence to him
especially.
The Prince called for some tobacco that he might smoke a
pipe before he should go off. The Captain told him there was
no tobacco to be got there but what was very coarse. The
Prince asked what kind of tobacco they had. ' Only roll
tobacco,"* said the Captain. The Prince said it would serve
the present turn very well, and desired to have some of it.
The Captain ordered the landlord to fetch a quarter of a pound, M* 75°!
which he did in the scales, at fourpence halfpenny. The Prince
gave a sixpence, but the landlord was desired by the Captain
to bring in the change. The Prince smiled at the Captain''s
exactness, and would not be at the pain to take the three
halfpence. The Captain insisted he should take them, because
in his present situation he would find bawbees very useful to
him, and said perhaps he would find a different partition in
his purse which he had hanging before him. The Captain
opend the purse, and finding an empty partition put the baw-
bees into it. The Prince, the Captain, and Neil MacKechan
drank a bottle of whiskie while at Portree.
The landlord going again out of the room, the Prince began
to importune the Captain to go along with him, speaking softly,
lesf; the landlord should be near the door and overhear them,
and saying that Kingsburgh had assured him that Donald Roy
would attend him. The Captain begged him to consider it
was not in his power to be useful to him, considering the open fol. 751,
wound in his left foot, unless he could fix in one place ; for
otherwise he would only prove a burden and distress upon him,
seeing he could not skulk from place to place, and any little
journey he could make behoved to be always on horseback,
which was far from being proper for one in the Prince's
company, because it would be a means of descrying him at
a distance to some of the ranging parties. The Prince said
he had always found himself safe in the hands of the Mac-
Donalds,^ and so long as he could have a MacDonald along
1 See ff. 600, 925.
24 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
30 June with him he still would think himself safe enough. And there-
fore he persisted in urging the Captain to attend him. Here
the Captain took the opportunity of suggesting to him the
scheme about his going to Seaforth's country attended by him-
self and old Rasay, and that in this event he could go along
foi. 752. with him, because they were to fix in one place how soon they
should come among the MacKenzies. The Prince asked the
Captain if he knew any of the MacKenzies. He said — Not.
But that Rasay, senior knew them well, whom to trust and
whom not to trust. The Prince said little more about this
scheme ; but seemingly was pleased with it, and still insisted
' upon the Captain's going with him to Rasay. To this the
Captain answered that (all things considered) it was far better
and more for the Prince's safety that he should return and be
a spy for him in Sky, making enquiry if the Prince's going to
Portree and from thence to Rasay was in the least known in the
Isle of Sky, and after doing this he promised to follow him to
Rasay and to inform him what discoveries he had made. The
Prince could not think of parting with him at all.
In paying the reckoning the Prince got change for a guinea,
upon which he desired to have silver for another guinea, but
the landlord having no more than eleven shillings, the Prince
foi. 753- was for giving him the guinea for them, for that (he said)
eleven shillings would be much more useful to him than a
guinea in gold could be. But the Captain would not hear
of this at all, as this piece of generosity might tend to raise a
suspicion in the breast of the landlord about the real character
of one who had been so liberal in paying a small reckoning,
and therefore the Captain made a shift to change the guinea
for him.
At last the Prince says to the Captain, * Are you afraid to
go along with me ? I can assure you so long as I have you
shall not want. I still am anxious to have a MacDonald along
with me.' The Captain once more represented to him the case
of the cripple foot, which rendered him incapable of fatigue or
of any real service to the Prince. From his expressing such a
liking for the MacDonalds, the Captain took occasion to ask
his opinion of Sir Alexander MacDonald and his following,
fol.7S^- saying ' Though Sir Alexander and his following did not join
1746] FAREWELL TO FLORA MACDONALD 25
your royal highness, yet you see you have been very safe 30 June
amongst them ; for though they did not repair to your standard
they wish you very well.' The Prince said he was sensible
enough of all that.^
In giving this account Captain Roy MacDonald declared more
than once what great concern it gave him that he could not
attend the Prince in his distress, especially as he urged it so
much. But considering the condition of the lame foot, he
behoved to foresee that his going along would expose the
Prince more and more to new dangers and difficulties, of which
he had too, too many to struggle through at any rate.
In the course of the conversation the Captain begged to
know how the Prince was provided in money, for that he knew
of a friend in that country ready and willing to supply him.
Tlie Prince asked who that friend was. The Captain replied,
'Lady Margaret MacDonald."^ The Prince said he was much
obliged to that lady for the favours she intended him, but he
did not incline to be troublesome to any friend in that way, foi. 755.
seeing at present he had a sufficiency to carry him to the main-
land, where he hoped he would get credit, or perhaps get some
of his own money.
The Prince now besan to bid farewel to Miss MacDonald
and Neil MacKechan (the Captain being always begging
him to depart), and, turning to Miss, he said, 'I believe,
Madam, I owe you a crown of borrowed money.' She told
him it was only half-a-crown, which accordingly he paid her
with thanks. He then saluted her, and expressed himself in
these or the like words, 'For all that has happened I hope,
Madam, we shall meet in St. James's yet.'^ He then bad
farewel to honest MacKechan, who stayed that night with
Miss MacDonald at Portree, and attended her next day to
the place she intended to go to. This MacKechan found the
way afterwards to get off to France with the Prince.^
When the Prince was about going off from Portree he tied
the bottle of whiskie to his belt at one side, and the bottle of fol. 756.
brandy, the shirts, and the cold hen in a napkin at the other
side. When they were going out at the door the Captain
^ See fif. 776, 928. 2 See f. 925. » See f. 738. * See ff. 150, 228.
26 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
30 June happened to spy the landlord looking after them, upon which
they turned another way quite opposite to what they had de-
signed to go till they were out of his view, and then, making a
circle, came to the place where they found Malcolm MacLeod,
and went directly to the boat. In their way to the boat the
Prince was still pressing Captain Roy MacDonald to go along
with him, and when in the boat would have the Captain to
come aboard. The Captain then communicated his scheme to
young Rasay, Murdoch and Malcolm MacLeods, who all ap-
proved of it as the best service at present that could be done to
the Prince ; for that it was far better and more for the Prince's
safety that the Captain should continue in Sky,^ and make
inquiry if the Prince's motions were known in that island or
any way suspected. The Prince insisted upon a particular day
foi 757. when the Captain should follow him to Rasay. It was agreed
that young Rasay should come to Sky, Thursday next (July 3d)
and meet with the Captain at Tottrome and take him over the
day after (Friday) to Rasay. The Prince taking the lump of
sugar out of his pocket gave it to the Captain, and said, ' Pray,
MacDonald, take this piece of sugar to our lady, for I am
afraid she will get no sugar where she is going. "" The Captain
refused to take it, begging the Prince to keep it for his own
use for that he would stand in need of it yet. The Prince
would not take it again. Upon which the Captain slipt it
privately into Malcolm MacLeod's hands, desiring him to pre-
serve it for the Prince's use. The Prince enjoined the Captain
a strict silence in these or the like words, ' Tell nobody, no,
not our lady, which way I am gone, for it is right that my
course should not be known.'
I July The Prince then took leave of the Captain (about the dawn-
ing of the day, Tuesday, July 1st), the boat steering away for
foi. 758. Rasay, and the Captain returning to the landlord at Portree,
where the Captain slept all night, or rather a part of the day,
daylight coming quickly in. Upon the Captain's return the
landlord was mighty inquisitive about the gentleman that had
been in his house, who he was, and where the Captain had
parted with him. The Captain in a very unconcerned way told
1 See f. 862.
1746] IN THE CARE OF THE MACLEODS 27
him he had only shewed the gentleman a little of the way he '^ J"^y
had a mind to go, and tiiat he was only a brother rebel,^ Sir
John MacDonald, an Irish gentleman, who, having luckily got
free of his enemies, had been skulking among his friends, the
MacDonalds of Sky, but wearying of being long in one place,
and suspecting he might be discovered, he had set out for the
continent to skulk among the MacDonalds there. Meantime
the Captain earnestly begged the landlord to keep all this to
himself as a great secret. The landlord said he had entertained
a strong notion that the gentleman might happen to be the
Prince in disguise, for that he had something about him that fo^- 759-
looked very noble.^
The Captain left Portree the same day (July 1st) and went
directly to Kingsburgh, informing him and his lady how the
Prince had got off in a very private way to Rasay, and likewise
giving them an account of tiie concert about his returning and
being again with the Prince. Kingsburgh and his lady said
they had reason to think it was not known that the Prince had
been in their house ; only there was a suspicion among their
servants that yon person might be a man in women's cloaths,
because so monstrous and tall. From Kingsburgh the Captain
went to Mouggistot and informed Lady Margaret how safely
and privately things had been managed. There he met with
Lieutenant MacLeod (son of Donald MacLeod of Balmeanagh,
and the very person that had been in the dining-room with
Miss Flora MacDonald ^ when the Prince was sitting upon the
shore) who was very fond to see Donald Roy MacDonald as
they were very well acquainted together. The Lieutenant
would not part with the Captain that night, but would needs /o/. 760.
carry him to his quarters about a long mile from Mouggistot.
The Captain most chearfully embraced the opportunity of
passing that night with him, as he had intended, however, to
have called at the Lieutenant and his command (because he
well knew he was in absolute safety with them), and to pass
some short time among them in order to pump them with
wariness and at a distance if they knew any 'thing at all about
the Prince and his motions ; and upon trial he found to his
1 See f. 861. 2 See f. 241. » See ff. 533, 737.
28 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
I July great comfort they knew nothing about him at all. He lay in
the same bed with the Lieutenant that night. In their con-
versing together they happened to talk of Donald MacLeod of
Gualtergill, upon whom the Lieutenant was pleased to bestow
abusive language in great plenty, calling him knave, villain,
etc. Captain Roy MacDonald very seriously asked him how he
came to give such names to Donald MacLeod, who was well
known to have behaved himself throughout all his life in a very
foi. 761. honest and neighbourly way ; and not only so, but likewise it
was remarkable that Donald was one of a gentlemanny temper,
and that if he had a fault it was that he was rather too gentle-
manny, for that he had frequently gone beyond one in his
circumstances to keep the best company ? To this the I^ieu-
tenant replied that Donald MacLeod behoved to be nothing
else but a knave, etc., that would offer to desert his chief and
clan and to go over and join the rebellion. At this the
Captain smiled and said, ' If this be all that you have to say
against lionest Donald, good troth, he will keep his character
still and will find many good folks to like him for all that.'
The Captain, finding that the Lieutenant by his expressions
knew nothing at all of the Prince's late motions, began to be
afraid that he had been only dissembling the matter with him ;
and therefore he got up pretty early in the morning and went
to the guardhouse to pump the common fellows, for he was well
acquainted with some of the command. In a joking way they
foi. 762. called him rebel and he again called them rebels. Then he
asked if they knew anything about his young master, for that
he longed much to hear something about him, and they could
not fail to know somewhat of him, as the army was so extra-
ordinarily diligent, both by sea and land, to find out and watch
his motions. With an air of assurance they told him that the
young Pretender was still somewhere in tlie Long Isle, and that
certainly he would be very soon catched, if he was not in the
hands of the army already. This gave great inward pleasure
to the Captain, as it was a plain proof tliat they knew nothing
about the Prince's being in or about the Isle of Sky at all.
They were still keeping sentry on a rising ground at the shore.
The Captain asked what they meant by all that extraordinary
exactness .? They told him it was to watch if any boat sailed
1746] THE WATCH FOR THE PRINCE 29
thither from the Long Isle, and if one happened to appear i July
to search it for rebels, but more especially for the young
Pretender.
It is here to be observed that Captain Roy MacDonald upon foi- 763
coming to the Isle of Sky from Culloden battle had made a
sham surrendry of his arms to the said Lieutenant MacLeod,
which had made them have the more freedom and familiarity
together, the Captain having purchased some very indifferent
arms to give up for his own good arms, which he took care to
have safely conveyed to his brother, Balishair, in North Uist,
for the preservation of them ; and upon the sham surrendry
Kingsburgh (then a captain of militia) had ventured to give
him a kind of a protection which made him easy till his having
been with the Prince at Portree began to be known, and that
strangers were landing upon the Isle of Sky for a more strict
and narrow search for the Prince.
From Lieutenant MacLeod's quarters the Captain went to
his own old quarters, the surgeon's house, very well satisfied
with the result of his enquiries. After settling accompts
with the surgeon, the Captain set out again next day for
Mouggistot, where he provided himself in a pocket-pistol and foi. 764.
a good dirk, being all he could get there, thinking he might
have use for arms, being on his way to attend the Prince as he
had reason to imagine. He had walked to Mouggistot on
foot from the surgeon's house, four miles, which had fatigued
him much, as the wound in the foot was still open, and having
only a cloath shoe upon it. Lady Margaret writ a letter to
the Prince, which she sent by Captain Roy MacDonald, in
which she wished the Prince all happiness, and told him she
was ready to serve him in any thing he wanted that she could
furnish him with.^ From Mouggistot the Captain travelled
on horseback to Kingsburgh, where he got a boy to go along
with him to Tottrome to fetch back the horse. At Tottrome
he called if young Rasay was therc,^ who jumped out of bed
and came to him directly, informing him privately that he had
left the Prince in a cow-byre at Nicolson's rock, near Scoro-
breck, attended by Murdoch and Malcolm MacLeod,^ and that
1 See ft 925. ' See f. 867. ^ See ff. 232, 866, 871, 1564.
30 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
3 July the Prince was exceedingly desirous to see Donald Roy Mac-
foi. 765. Donald. The Captain, being very much fatigued, declared it
was not in his power to make it out at present, especially as it
was under night (Thursday, July 3d), but that he would set
out when it was daylight and after he had taken some rest.
Accordingly he set out with young Rasay to the palace of a
cow-byre, where they found only Murdoch MacLeod, the Prince
and Malcolm MacLeod having gone off together, and the Prince
leaving orders with Murdoch to tell Donald Roy MacDonald
that he would meet him at Cammistinawagg on Sunday's night
or Monday's morning at farthest. This serves to correct a
mistake in Captain Malcolm MacLeod's Journal,i for it is plain
that Donald Roy (he being the same Donald IVIacDonald, alias
Donald Roy, there mentioned) was the person appointed to
foU 766. meet the Prince at Cammistinnawagg, and to whom the letter
was written from the boat-side, when the Prince was on board
6 July with old MacKinnon, etc., as will appear hereafter.
According to the orders left by the Prince with Murdoch
MacLeod, Captain Roy MacDonald came to Cammistinnawagg
and went to the house of Peter MacQueen upon Sunday, July
6th. In the evening (when dark) a stranger came stepping
into the house, whom Peter MacQueen put several questions to,
about where he dwelt, whither he was going, etc. At last the
Captain began to suspect the stranger might be one employed
to bring some message to him, and therefore he stept out, the
man following him directly. When they had gone a little
from the door, the stranger (who knew the Captain, though the
Captain did not know him) told him that he had come from
the Island of Rasay, and his errand was to him, and that he
had a letter to him, delivering it into his hand. The Captain
asked from whom the letter was.? The stranger said he
believed it was from Malcolm MacLeod, for that he had got it
from him, and he knew no more about it. The Captain desired
his service to be given to Malcolm MacLeod, and then the
foi. 767. bearer went off. As it was dark, the Captain could not know
the contents of the letter till he returned into the house. It
was without any address whatsomever upon the outside, and
1 See ff. 247, 253.
I746J LETTER FROM THE PRINCE 31
had no place or date^ on the inside, and it was to this 6 July
purpose :
' Sir, — I have parted (I thank God) as intended. Make my
compliments to all those to whom I have given trouble. — I am.
Sir, your humble servant, James Thomson.' ^
Here I asked Captain Roy MacDonald if he remembered
any thing about the particular day when the Prince set sail
from the Isle of Sky to the continent along with old MacKinnon.
He said to the best of his remembrance it was upon Friday,
July 4th ,^ that he set out. foi. 768.
Till the day upon which Miss Floi-a MacDonald was made
prisoner. Captain Roy MacDonald carefully kept the short
letter the Prince had honoured him with, being mighty desirous
to preserve it as a token of his young Master ; but on the fore-
said day he destroyed it, as he plainly foresaw that dangers
would increase upon him. The Captain happened to be at
Armadale when the message came to Miss P'lora MacDonald
from Donald MacDonald of Castleton (by the contrivance of
Taliskar MacLeod), inviting her to come to his house. The
Captain was of opinion that Miss should not venture upon
complying with any such message at any rate, for that he was
afraid there might be a snare laid for her.* But when he
found her resolved to go, he desired her to deliver up to him
the letter which Armadale had sent along with her to his wife
in the way of a passport, and in favour of Bettie Burk,
alleging it was to no purpose (except a bad one) to carry that fol. 769.
1 I remember well that Captain Malcolm MacLeod told me the very same
thing; but then he agreed that I might set down a date to the letter as he gave
me it, the better to ascertain the time when the Prince set out from the Isle of
Sky. See f. 247.— F.
2 See f. 871.
' This is the precise day about which Captain MacLeod was so positive, and
perhaps he is still in the right. I hope to get more insight into this particular
from Captain John MacKinnon's account of things, when I am favoured with it ;
for I have a particular attention to the fixing of dates, and the discovering the
names of persons and of places as exactly as possible. However at any rate
there will be no material errour in saying that the Prince set out with old
MacKinnon on Friday the 4th or Saturday the 5th of July, though I would chuse
far rather to have the precise day [see f. 262]. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
•» See ff. 538, 879.
32 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
July along with her whatever might turn out to be the matter. She
acknowledged the wisdom of the advice, and accordingly
delivered up the letter to him, which was to the following
purpose : ^
' I HAVE sent your daughter from this country lest she should
be anyway frightened with the troops lying here. She has got
one Bettie Burk, an Irish girl, who as she tells me is a good
spinster. If her spinning pleases you, you may keep her till
she spin all your lint ; or if you have any wool to spin you
may employ her. — I am, Your dutyful husband,
Hugh MacDonald.'
The day after Miss MacDonald was made prisoner Captain
Roy MacDonald was careful to deliver up the above letter into
Armadale''s own hands, who immediately destroyed it. By this
time Donald Roy had destroyed the Prince's letter to himself,
and Lady Margarets letter to the Prince, not knowing what
foi. 770. might happen. Armadale, immediately upon Miss Mac-
Donald's being made prisoner, began a skulking, because a
report had gone about ^ that he had given a pass to her,
though it consisted with his knowledge that the young pre-
tender was in company with her in disguise as a woman-servant.
General Campbell upon this account was much in search of
honest and brave Armadale, being not a little chagrined that
Armadale should have outwitted him, to say no more of it.^
I took an opportunity of asking Captain Roy MacDonald
whether or not it was true that Armadale had the Prince's
pistols in keeping ? * He told me it was a fact that might be
depended upon, Armadale having received them from Mac-
Donald of Milton, Miss MacDonald's full brother. Donald
Roy said he saw the pistols in Armadale's house, and had them
in his hands, but he could not inform me certainly who the
person was that delivered them into Milton's hands, whether
it was the Prince himself, O'Sullivan, or O'Neille.
■ When Miss MacDonald was made the captive-lady, Donald
Roy MacDonald was obliged likewise to go a skulking, the cripple
foot notwithstanding, information having been given against
1 See f. 805. 2 See f. 193. 3 See f. 458. ^ See ff. 304, 305.
1747] CAPTAIN ROY MACDONALD IN HIDING 33
him that he had been with the Young Pretender at Portree. July
His greatest danger proceeded from the captains of the ships
and sloops of war when they landed with their marines upon
the Isle of Sky, and from General Campbell who, when in
Sky, made great enquiry after him, as he had got his character
(in a disadvantageous light) from some of the Campbells in
Argyleshire with whom he had had an old quarrell. The Captain
had three different caves, where by turns he made his abode
for eight weeks, and during that time Lady Margaret furnished
him with provisions and necessaries, and the surgeon used to
send dressings to him for the wounded foot, by a proper hand.
In the caves he had beds only of ferns or heath, and wrapped
himself in his tartan plaid. The midges and flies from the fol. 772.
heat of the season (part of July and August) ^ proved very
uneasy companions to him, which obliged him frequently to
retire into the inner parts of the caves, where the coolness
kept them from him. He behoved to be very wary how he
stept out of any of his solitary retirements lest the country
people should spy him, and be talking about him, which might
make a discovery of him. He used to walk out either early
in the morning before people got up, or late at night after
they were in bed, to some neighbouring fountain with his bottle
to supply himself with water. Having got notice that the
Independent Companies were to be broke he sent to Sir
Alexander MacDonald for his opinion what he should do,
who advised him to appear by little and little, but to keep
quite free of those in the Independent Companies, till they
should be broke, and then he appeared publickly in Sky. At
last the indemnity set him altogether free to go where he
pleased. As to his principal entertainment while he wandered f°^' 773-
among the rocks and caves of Sky it will hereafter appear.
Captain Roy MacDonald and another are the only persons
of Sir Alexander MacDonald's following that joined the
Prince. The other person's name is James MacDonald, son
of John MacDonald, late tenant upon Hiskir, a small isle
about eight miles distant to the westward of North Uist. The
said James MacDonald being upon the continent when the
1 See f. 782.
VOL. II.
34 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
Prince landed there he joined him directly. He still lives,
and is in health.
It is worth observing that Captain Roy MacDonald in the
retreat from Stirling was dispatched with a letter to Sir
Alexander MacDonald, subscribed by all the Highland chiefs
in the Prince's army, desiring him forthwith to join the
Prince's standard with his following. The said letter was
given in trust to the Captain, with proper orders by Cluny
foi. 774. MacPherson. The Captain accordingly made his way to Sky,
and delivered the letter into Sir Alexander's own hands, and at
the same instant letters were delivered to Sir Alexander by
another from Lord Loudon,^ President Forbes, and the Laird of
MacLeod, desiring him to raise his men and join them. Sir
Alexander read one of these letters to Captain Roy MacDonald
wliich contained accounts that the young Pretender's army
had deserted him except only five hundred. The Captain, not
being allowed to know who had writ the letter, said it was a
shame and a disgrace for any of them to write so. ' For,' said
he, ' why do not they, with their fifteen or seventeen hundred,
attack the Prince, seeing he has such a small number ? ' This
assertion in the letter, by the bye, was a downright falshood,
and the author of the letter could not fail to know as much.
foi. -jjz- Sir Alexander would give no return in writing to any of the
subscribers, but only Keppoch, to whom he writ some few lines,
the Captain not knowing the contents till he delivered the
letter to Keppoch, who allowed him to know them, and they
were to the following purpose :
' Seeing I look upon your affairs as in a desperate way I will
not join you ; but then I assure you I will as little rise against
you. If any misfortune shall happen to yourself I desire you
may leave your son, Ranald, to my care, etc'
Sir Alexander intreated Captain Roy MacDonald not to be
in any hurry in returning to the Prince's army, for he did not
doubt but there would be an eno^agement betwixt the High-
land army and Lord Loudon's men ; and, thereforcs it was
unwise for the Captain to run the risque of killing or being
killed by any of his own blood relations, he having several near
1 See ff. 885, 929.
1748] CAPTAIN ROY MACDONALD 35
cousins in Lord Loudon's command. However, the Captain foi. 776.
did not listen to the advice, but as soon as possible took leave
and went off to Kyle, the short ferry betwixt the continent and
Sky, at which place his brother Balishair had the command of
a company of militia. There the Captain remained three days
drinking and making merry with his friends, and eating plenti-
fully of King George''s beef and provisions, with the white
cockade in his bonnet, his several friends of the militia heartily
wishing and drinking success to the Prince's arms.^ When he
was on his journey to the Isle of Sky, Lord Loudon and his
men were in possession of Inverness, but when he returned he
found the Prince and his army in possession both of the town
and castle.2 When the Captain came into Inverness the first
man he met with was Donald MacLeod of Gualtergill, of whom
he says most excellent things.
Here endeth the Journal of Captain Donald MacDonald,
alma Donald Roy, who parted from me upon Friday, foi. 777.
January 15th, betwixt 7 and 8 at night. He is a tall,
sturdy man about six foot high, exceedingly well
shaped, and about forty years of age.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
Ian.
N.B. — When Captain Roy MacDonald honoured me with gja
his first visit (January 9th, 1748) he was pleased to inform me
that in his melancholy hours he had scribbled a Latin poem,
the wounded foot being the subject of it. I begged to be
favoured with a sight of it, and that he would leave it with
me for some few days, which he granted. When he returned
to me (January 12th) I told him I was exceedingly well
pleased with the performance, and that I would take it as a
very great favour if he would give me a fair transcript of it in
his own handwriting. He then told me that he had writ
another poem in Latin as his lament after the battle of
Culloden, and that he would make me a present of copies of /^z. 778.
both the poems in his own handwriting, but he insisted that
the poems should first be examined and corrected. To this
1 See f. 928. 2 See ff. 273, 649.
36 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
115 Jan. I replied that for my own part I had far rather have them
just as they had come from his own hands. When he returned
to me (January 15th) he presented me with the copies as he
had promised, which are to be found among my papers, and of
which follow exact transcripts. Meantime the Captain still
insisted that they should be examined and have their blemishes
pointed out and corrected. I told him I had much rather
have them in that very dress in which he had scribbled them,
when skulking and wandering among the mountains, the rocks,
and caves of Sky, than to have them put into the hands of the
most judicious critic in Europe for his animadversions and
corrections. I asked the Captain at which of the Universities
he had studied. He told me he had never been at any
University, but had read only under the direction of one Mr.
fol. 779. John MacPherson, a noted schoolmaster in the Isle of Sky,
who died about fifteen years ago. The Captain brought to
Edinburgh that Latin poem which is printed in the Scots
Magazine for December 1747 from the hands of the author,
Mr. John MacPherson, Presbyterian preacher at Sleat in Sky,
and nephew to the foresaid schoolmaster.
Let the performances of Donald Roy MacDonald in his
cripple and skulking condition speak for themselves.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
DE PEDE D DI M D IN PROELIO CULOD-
DINO PLUMB E A GLAXDE VULNERATO —ODE.
Heu ! quot heroes nimis at cruenta
In Culoddina periere pugna.
Sub dio quorum spoliata verte
Corpora restant ?
Filium ^ colli (referens tremisco)
Ad latus vidi cecidisse nostrum,
Nemo cui palmam rapuisset aequo
Marte lacessens.
^ Keppoch cujus pater Collus erat nominatus.
1746] ON A WOUNDED FOOT 37
Hi sepultunc vice sunt relicti, *oi. 780.
Bestiis campi rabidis vorandi,
Ictibus sa^vis quot adhuc supersunt
Dilacerati.
Vi pcdem vasta mi hi perforavit
Dira glans plumbi sibilans^ per auras
E cavo sclopo, simul evomente
Fulmina, et ignes.
Non modo carnes, gracilesque fibras,
Tendines, verum laceravit ossa,
Calceo secta^ ligula repente
Me spoliavit.
Altero claudus pede nunc meabo
Principi ^ nigro similis fabrorum,
Vix pede infirmo feriens virentis
Gramina campi,
Non velut quondam juvat occupatum
Esse venando, saliendo, nando,
Nee puellarum tumidas papillas
Tanffere euro.
Cum peto lectum cupidus quietis
Nocte perrarus brevis atque somn
Prae pedis lassi nimio dolore
Lumina ■* condit
somnus,
Mane cum nidum tepidum relinquo, foi, 781.
Confluunt circum vetule senesque,
Multa de bello Caroli rogantis
Et lanionis.
Assidens tota foculo corusco
Luce per euro varios libellos,
Bella prajsertim modulata vati ^
Lumine casso.
^ Melius ' volitans ' ut ait author ipse [See f. 1566].
- Qua vice fibulae calceariiie usus est. ^ Vulcano.
^ Oculos. ® Homero
S8 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
Interim curat medicus mederi
Sedulus partem mihi vulneratam,
Et precor coeptis faveat benign us
Conditor orbis.
D DI M D POST PRCELIUM CULODDINUM
LATENTIS, LAMENTATIO.
Ah ! quantam tolero solicitudinem
Per praerupta vagans culmina montium,
Per saltus varios, per cava rupium,
Ericeta per aspera.
In silvis comites nunc mihi Dorcades
Se prsebent, cuculi nunc cuculando me,
Solantur, minuunt nunc mea taedia
Blando murmure turtures.
foi. 782. Ingens persequitur copia militum,
Quod nollem Carolum prodere principem
At molitus eram, quomodo pergeret
Salvus tela per hostium.
Formicas culices innumerabiles
Et vespae, cale et frigora per vices
Infestant nimium cum Duce Cumbriae
Sanscissunt quasi foedera.
Non est terribilis tarn mihi Georgius,
Cui paret Domino magna Britannia,
Quam parvi culices Dux lanio quibus
Vix immitior hostis est.
Hi semper latebras inveniunt meas
In vultum volitant, dilacerant cutem
Rostris vulnificis et saturant sua
Nostro sanguine viscera.
Ex utraque diu parte viriliter
Pugnamus, culicum multa cadavera
Prosternuntur humi vultus et est mens
Multo vulnere saucius.
1746] LAMENT ON CULLODEN 39
Postremo nurncris obrutus hostium
Verto terga, pctens ardua montium,
C'onfestirn scquitur turba sed invida
Mc quocunque fero gradum.
Haud sum pestifero liber ab boc grege,
Donee me miserans advenit tEoIus
Et fusos culices trans Stygias aquas
Flatu mittit anhelitus.
Vix speranda dies la?tior usque dum foi 783.
Extinctus fuerit Georgius, et novus
Succedat solio rex populo suo
Qui clementior esse vult.
Aut haec eveniat Candida lux cito,
Noctes atque dies ex animo precor,
Aut bellum veteri sanguinolentius
Vexat regna Britanniae.
O si contigerit tempus id aureum,
Audebo latebras linquere, Georgii
Et parvi faciens arma minacia
Mundo me dare publicum.
Copy of a Letter to Mr. Hugh MacDonald of foi. 784.
Balishair in North Uist.
Sir, — You may be justly surprized at the receipt of a letter 18 Jan.
from one whom you know nothing about. But the happiness ^'^^
I have lately met with of being introduced to your brother''s
acquaintance, and of conversing with him easily and freely
upon some certain subjects, will, I hope, be sufficient to apolo-
gize for me at your hands, especially as he is pleased to take
the trouble of covering this with one from himself.
For some time past I have been using my poor endeavours
to make up a collection of Journals and other papers relative
to the important and extraordinary occurrences of life that
40 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
18 Jan. happened within a certain period of time, and which will serve
to fix a distinguishing mark upon that period as a most
foi. 785. memorable asra to all posterity. I thank God my endeavours
in that way have already been blessed with a success even be-
yond my expectations, as your brother can inform you. As I
have a great anxiety to make the collection as compleat and
exact as possible for the instruction of future ages in a piece of
history the most remarkable and interesting that ever happened
in any age or country, so I gladly embrace every seasonable
opportunity of making my addresses to such whose situation in
life has at any time of the aera (so full of wonders !) rendered
them capable of knowing or discerning the true state of facts,
and thereby of being useful in the cause of truth.
For this reason it is. Sir, that I give you this trouble, beg-
foi. 786. ging the favour of you to transmit to me in writing, by any
sure private hand that comes in your way, all that you either
know or can have well vouched from others anent the uncom-
mon dangers and distresses, and the surprizing escapes of a
CERTAIN YOUNG GENTLEMAN. Your name is already made
mention of in my collection with respect, and if this, my
request, be liable to the imputation of indecency or presump-
tion, let your own good character bear the blame. For if you
had not a place in the List of the never enough to be admired
Highland worthies I should never have attempted to solicit
your correspondence. I know that Clanranald and his lady
and.Boisdale (who are all frequently mentioned in my collec-
tion, much to their honour), can be very useful in promoting
fol, 7B7, the good design by giving a full and plain account of all that
they know ; and I hope you will employ your good offices with
them in particular to comply with a request that affords
them an opportunity of doing such a remarkable service to the
cause of truth. Most respectfully I salute them and all the
other worthies in the Long Isle who had the courage and the
integrity of heart bravely to despise the tempting bait of
thirty thoiisand pounds sterling ! May they live and be happy,
and enjoy all they wish and all they want, for never was there
a more amiable instance of heroic virtue.
If you honour me with a return, please direct for me at the
fol. 788, house of my Lady Bruce of Kinross in the Citadel of Leith
1748] CORRESPONDENCE 41
near Edinburgh. With much respect and veneration, I am, isjan.
Sir, a constant admirer of Highland heroism, your most
affectionate friend and very liumble servant,
RonEiiT Forbes.
Citadel of Leith, January 18th, 1748.
Copy of a Letter to Mr. Malcolm MacLeod
of Brea in Rasay.
/o/. 789.
My very dear sir, — I could not have thought that you 18 Jan.
would have allowed the opportunity of Donald Roy Mac- ^^'^^
Donald^s coming here slip you without writing me some few
lines, if it had been but only to inform me anent your own
welfare and that of the worthies in Rasay and Sky.
Herewith I send you six Edinburgh Almanacks as small
tokens of my respect for those to whom they are to be given,^
and whose names you '11 find written upon the first leaf of each /oi. 790
copy as a direction for you how to dispose of them. I wish it
were in my power to give them more valuable instances of my
sincere regard for them and all such as they are.
Suffer me, my friend, to put you in mind of the several com-
missions I have so often mentioned both in conversation and in
writing. I hope you'll forget none of them, but will exert
your utmost endeavours to satisfy my desires in an affair you
have so much at heart.
You are always remembered here with much esteem.
My best wishes attend the worthy family of Rasay, your
nearest friend, and all those worthies to whom I have sent the
small presents. Sincerely, I am, Dear Sir, your most affec- fo/. 791.
tionate friend and very humble servant, Robert Forbes.
Citadel of Leith, January 18^/i, 1748.2
^ The Laird of Rasey, Malcolm MacLeod of Brea, Hugh MacDonald of
Armadale, Alexander MacDonald of Kingsburgh, Donald MacLeod of Gualter-
gill, and John MacKinnon of Elighuill. * Seef. 856.
42 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
fol. 792
18 Jan. Copy of a Letter to Mr. Alexander MacDonald
1748
of Kingsburgh in the Isle of Sky.
My very dear sir, — I gladly embrace this opportunity to
offer you my most hearty thanks for the singular favour you
have done me in desiring Donald Roy MacDonald to honour
me with a visit. He has been with me several times, and has
given me some excellent narratives well worth the remarking.
He is a very sensible, clever, pretty fellow, and my worthy
patroness is much pleased with him.
I hope long before this time my memorandum by jMalcolm
MacLeod and my letter by Donald IVIacLeod have reached you,
and I would fain flatter myself with the expectation of your
fol. 793. giving a ready and chearful compliance to my requests, ^vhich
will lay me under particular obligations to you, and will be
doing an inexpressible service to the cause of truth and justice.
I should not act the part of a sincere friend did I not
remark to you that there is a paper handed about as a matter
of great curiosity both in London and Edinburgh, which is
given out to be an exact transcript of that remarkable letter ^
which the Laird of MacLeod is said to have written to you on
a certain subject. I am persuaded a thousand copies of it (if
not more) are in London, and as many in and about Edin-
burgh. A gentleman who came lately from London and
brought a copy of it along with him was pleased to make me a
fol. 794. visit and to allow me to take a copy for myself, but I can
assure you I have all along positively refused to give copies of
it even to my best friends, who have taken care upon my
refusal to procure copies from other hands. Your friend,
James MacDonald, can well vouch this for me. I have been
and am still so scrupulous in this (which I deem a point of
great delicacy) as not to shew my copy at all, that so it may
not be said that I have had any, the smallest, hand in spread-
ing it. When I declared my surprize to the gentleman who
allowed me to take a transcript from his copy how such a
^ See f. 701.
1748] LETTER TO KINGSBURGH 4S
thing should be so common, he told me that it was so far from i8 Jan.
being a secret in London that on the contrary it was as public
there as anything in writ could be, and he doubted not but it M 795-
might soon appear in print. For your satisfaction, dear Sir,
and my own information, I have thought fit to send you
inclosed an exact copy of it as it is handed about, for none of
them has any date or place. Be so good as to inform me if
the copy be really in the same words with the original, and if
it be so to let me know the date of the letter. If the copy be
false and forged I would earnestly beg once more to have a
faithful copy under your own hand, that so it may not only be
preserved carefully, but likewise that I may have it in my
power to destroy the credit of the spurious copy which every
body looks upon as genuin. To make you easy and secure as
to the correspondence I so earnestly desire, I do solemnly /oi. 796.
declare upon the sacred word of a Christian and a clergyman
that whatever discoveries (either upon this or any other point)
you are pleased to favour me with, they shall be a dead secret
untill a proper season comes about, and shall not be communi-
cated to any (as matters stand now) without your particular
allowance.
I am glad it is in my power to inform you from good
authority that Bettie Burk frequently makes mention in her
conversing with friends of MacDonald of Kingsburgh with
great respect and warm affection. But you must not let Mrs. .
MacDonald know this, lest jealousy should arise in her breast.
With the utmost sincerity I heartily wish you and Mrs. / /• 797-
MacDonald a happy and comfortable New- Year with large
amends ; and that all things good and happy may ever attend
you and all your concerns is the earnest prayer of. Dear Sir,
your most affectionate friend and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Citadel of Leith^ January \Sth, 1748.
P.S. — You and your family are always remembered here
with the greatest regards. If you would send me a bit off one
of the lugs of the brogs you would do me a very great favour.
Adieu.
44 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
18 Jan. N.B. — The above letters I sent off by James MacDonald, an
foi. 798. officer amongst the Scots Hollanders, who was going a recruit-
ing to Sky and the Long Isle. He is son to honest Armadale,
and thereby brother to Miss Flora MacDonald only by the
mother. He set out from Leith on his journey to the Isle of
Sky upon Friday, January 22nd, 1748.'
Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 799 Copy of a Letter to Mr. John MacPherson
of Stramashie in Badenoch.
25 Feb. Sir, — Your mentioning my name in a letter to your friend ^
^'''^^ (who is pleased to be the bearer of this), and your desiring him
to call for me, opens a door, I liope, for a friendly correspond-
ence betwixt you and me, which I shall be exceedingly glad to
be honoured with. I am using my endeavours to make up a
collection of papers relative to the affairs of a certain yoitng
GENTLEMAN and of those who followed his fortunes, and it
affords me no small pleasure when I happen to find out any
person who can be useful in promoting the good design of
establisliing the truth both as to facts and men ; and that you
are such a one I am well informed. Some very extraordinary
foi. Soo. events of different kinds have happened in this island of late ;
events that truly may be termed prodigies, and which loudly
call upon the attention of every honest man for a strict and
impartial examination, that so they may be carefully recorded
and transmitted to posterity according to truth and justice.
Among the several enquiries I have made I have been par-
ticularly mindful to ask about the action at Clifton, but have
never yet been so lucky as to meet with any person that could
give me a true and exact account of it. And, therefore, it is
that this subject is not so much as mentioned in my collections
as yet, for I chuse not to take things imperfectly and at second
hand when I have any the least probability of getting them
from those who were engaged in them. What makes me the
^ See fF. 851, 1631. 2 A young gentleman of the name of MacPherson.
1748] MACPHERSON OF STRAMASHIE 45
more desirous to have an exact history of this affair is that the 25 Feb.
printed accounts of it are but very lame and imperfect, to say fol. 801.
no more of them. To you, therefore, sir, I beg leave to apply
as a proper person to furnish me with what I so much desire.
Be so good then as to converse with those that were immediate
actors in the affair of Clifton, and to favour me with as full
and circumstantial an account of it as possible, that so justice
may be done to the brave Cluny MacPherson and his Clan,
who behaved themselves in that attempt with so much resolu-
tion and with such a sogerly spirit. There is one circumstance
I beg to be particularly informed about, which is that either
Cluny himself or one of his following did take a fine broad-
sword belonging to the Duke of Cumberland ; for this parti-
cular is always mentioned when the action at Clifton happens
to be the topick of conversation.
May I likewise importune you, sir, to exert your endeavours fol. 802.
to procure me as exact an account as you can of the several
pillagings and plunderings, the burnings and other cruelties
committed in the Highlands of Scotland after the 16th of
April, 1746 ? In doing of this be particularly inquisitive about
the names of places and of persons, whether perpetrators or
sufferers ; but where the names cannot be got (as indeed it is
not an easy matter to discover all these exactly in such a con-
fusion), still let the facts be impartially narrated. The burn-
ing of Cluny 's house has been often mentioned to me, but I
have never yet taken any account of it in writing, as all I
could have about it was only at second hand and repeated
sometimes with different circumstances. I could wish to have
the true account of this. Let me know what number of men
might be in the party who executed the fiery orders and under fol. 803.
whose command they were, etc.
I earnestly beg that every narrative you favour me with
may be well vouched, for I would not wish to advance a false-
hood upon any subject, no, not even on William the Cruel
himself, for any consideration whatsomever. It is a most bare
and flagitious device, and can proceed only from the father of
lies to endeavour to promote even the best of causes by wrong
meanes ; and therefore let who will take up with this fashion-
able way of managing matters, it will always be the constant
46 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
25 Feb. care of every truly honest man to scorn the dirty employ-
ment.
Whatever accounts you favour me with please transmit them
to me by some sure private hand that comes in your way and
foi. 804. not by post, and hereby I assure you that a wise and right use
shall be made of them.
You see I have writ to you with the utmost freedom and
openness, the method I always chuse when I am doing myself
the honour of corresponding with any of the Highland
WORTHIES ; and therefore I must rely upon your prudence and
good sense to make a discreet use of this letter. When you
have read it over and communicated the contents of it to any
WORTHIES that may be living in your neighbourhood, I wish
you would commit it to the flames.
I esteem and revere your character, and sincerely am. Sir, a
constant admirer of Highland heroism, your most affectionate
friend and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.^
Citadel of Leith, February 25th, 1748.
/oi 805. Saturday, March 12th, 1748.
12 March Miss Flora MacDonald being in my room in the Citadel of
Leith I took an opportunity of reading to her Armadale's letter
to his wife (in this volume page 769)" as given me by Captain
Donald Roy MacDonald, and of asking her whether or not it
was exact enough. She answered that Donald Roy MacDonald
was right enough as to the substance of the letter, but that he
had forgotten to mention that Armadale had likewise these
words in his letter, viz. : — ' I have sent Neil MacKechan along
with your daughter and Bettie Burk to take care of them.""
At the same time Miss MacDonald assured me that her brother,
MacDonald of Milton, was the person who delivered the
Prince's pistols into Armadale's hands.^
Robert Forbes, A.M.
See ff. 854, 890, 937. - See f. 769. » See f. 770.
1746] CAPTAIN ANDREW AVOOD 47
A true Narrative of Captain Andrew Wood's >/. sog.
conversion to the true Church, in a letter to
a friend.^
Dear Siu, — At your request I have put down in writing the
substance of wliat passed between Captain Wood and me the
day before he was put to death at Kennington Common, wliich
is as follows :
November 27, 1746. Being this day called to the new goal "''17^5
in Southwark upon a very solemn and aweful occasion, and
after having, as I thought very much to my satisfaction,
finished the great business I went about, while I was preparing
to take my leave, a worthy gentleman came up to me and told
me poor Mr. Wood was below in great distress on account of
some very hard and unkind usage he had met with from a
Presbyterian minister, who had greatly disappointed him in fol. 807.
refusing to give him the holy sacrament, and begged I would
come and endeavour, if possible, to minister some relief to
him in his present melancholy circumstances.
Accordingly I went down to him ; and when we were re-
tired together into a room by ourselves, with eyes full of tears,
he related to me the conference he had just then had with this
minister (whose name I think is Partington), complaining very
pathetically of his cruel and unchristian treatment.
* Being born and brought up,' said he, ' a Presbyterian, I
was recommended to this man by my friends for his assistance
in order to prepare myself the better for the great change just
now approaching, and, having thereupon had the help of his
prayers for two or three times before, I expected this day to foi. 808.
have had the comfort of receiving the sacrament from him,
when, to my great surprize, instead of that he set upon me with
great vehemence, charged me with the most horrid crimes, of
impiously embruing my hands in Christian blood, murdering his
majesty's subjects, and of rebelling against the wisest, most just,
most pious and best of kings in favour of a Popish Pretender,
with a great deal more of such unbecoming rant ; bidding me
repent and ask God's pardon for what I had done, otherwise he
^ See f. 123.
48 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
27 Nov, should not give me the sacrament nor have anything more to
do with me."*
To this, without more ado (says Mr. Wood), I made answer
before several bystanders (a dozen at least, what with those in
the room and those looking in at the windows) ' that I was not
more surprized than confounded at his talking in such a
manner at this time when I thought he was come to me on
another very different errand. But since you have thought fit
foi. 809. to oblige me to it,*" says Mr. Wood, ' I shall be free enough to
tell you that I abhor the most detestable and impious sin of
rebellion as much as you or any man living, and that I am not
conscious of having done anything in taking up arms upon
this occasion but what I am convinced was my bounden duty
to God, my king, and my country ; and what I should certainly
do again, should it ever please God to give me another oppor-
tunity, and what you yourself too and every honest man and
good subject ought to have done.
' And to prove this to him,' says Mr. Wood, ' I alleged that
the Revolution was both contrary to the laws of our Church
and the State, and I put him in mind of the 23rd article of
the Westminster Confession, which Confession we hold, and
that tells us that no difference in religion, no, not even infidelity
itself in the Prince, can absolve us from our allegiance to him
foi 810. nor take away his right of dominion over us. I desired him
also at the same time to reflect what our poor country had got
by the Revolution besides beggary and slavery, with almost
the entire loss of all virtue and good principles. I bid him
remember the Massacre of Glencoe, the destruction of the
Scots in Darien, the base and scandalous Union, the articles of
which had constantly been violated as often as ever it served
the wicked purposes of the usurpers and their infamous tools ;
and particularly on the present occasion with regard to us
poor prisoners wlio are brought here, out of our own country,
the ancient kingdom, to be tried, condemned, and murdered
by strangers and foreigners who most inhumanely thirst after
our blood. And last of all I added farther what I myself had
been witness to in the murders and massacre in cool blood
after the battle of Culloden, so barbarous and unchristian that
foi. 811. I verily believe the like had never before been heard of in any
1748] CAPTAIN ANDREW WOOD 49
civilised, much less Christian country. But here,' said he, 'the 27 Nov.
minister bade me take care what I said, for, if I went on to
talk at this rate, I should not only endanger my own safety,
but perhaps that of my fellow-prisoners also. But I answered I
could not help that, for I thought myself obliged before God and
men to declare the truth to whicli I hoped I should nether be
ashamed nor afraid to bear testimony to my latest breath,
whatever might be the event. When I had said this the
minister got up and went away without making me one word
of answer.'
Poor Captain Wood (Captain, I call him, because he told me
he had a Captain's commission in his pocket), having ended his
account of this extraordinary interview with his pretended
pastor, who had now most uncharitably forsaken and left him foi. 812.
destitute of all the spiritual assistance he had depended on
receiving from him, appeared to me (and which was indeed
really the case) as a person in the utmost distress, quite bewil-
deredj not knowing whither to turn, where to apply for relief,
or what course to take. Seeing this, I confess I was very much
moved and felt for him very much. I bid him, however, take
heart and be of good comfort, for I trusted there was still mercy
reserved in store for him, and a passage yet open for his enter-
ing into the joy of his Lord ; and that, too, even by means of
this very incident, how grievous and discouraging soever it
might be to him for the present. And in my opinion, said I,
Captain Wood, it would be a piece of the most gross and in-
excusable inattention in you not to consider this event as a
signal instance of God's goodness, and also as an earnest of his
farther most gracious intentions towards you in putting you in foi. 813.
a way of discovering and making proof of the want of charity
and the bad principles of the Sect you have unhappily been
brought up in, and by this means to lead you to the truth and
bring you to the gates of the true Church of Christ, which I
trust will speedily be opened to you, in whose communion you
may indeed find true comfort and peace, for to her and her
only do the promises belong. And, for my part, I cannot help
thinking this great grace in an especial manner bestowed upon
you for your steady adherence to, and the honest and noble
confession you have just now been making of the truth. And
VOL. II. D
50 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
27 Nov. let us not cease then to admire and adore God''s wisdom and
mercy, and goodness herein, who out of the painful and
grievous disappointment occasioned by tlie minister's uncharit-
able behaviour towards you is, I trust, bringing you by sure
foi. 8i^. steps to everlasting peace and comfort.
You tell me, Mr. Wood, you expected this minister should
have given you the sacrament this morning. But, pray, did
you ever ask or examine by what authority lie or any of his
brethren does take upon him to administer this most holy
ordinance ? Is he called of God, as was Aaron ? No, surely,
he has no lawful commission for the valid and effectual admini-
stration of Gospel ordinances. 'Tis all sacrilegious presump-
tion, and nothing less than the sin of Core. Hence I took
occasion to speak to him of the nature of Christ's kingdom
here upon earth, of the powers given by Him to His apostles,
and by them to their successors, the bishops, and so handed
down regularly without opposition or contradiction from age
to age, through a continued series of 1500 years and upwards,
till the time of John Calvin, the false apostle of your Kirk.
To all this he listened very patiently, and only once said, ' Are
foi. 815 not the secret internal call and the external qualifications of a
minister a sufficient authority .'' ' By no means, said I, for to
these might any man pretend, and hence nothing but confusion
and disorder would ensue.
Having now pretty well satisfied Mr. Wood of the absolute
necessity of a lawful commission for the valid administration
of Gospel ordinances, and that the pretended Church or com-
munion he had been brought up in had no manner of title or
shadow of authority to the dispensing of such commissions,
but that, on the contrary, the Episcopal Church of Scotland,
and her sister, the Church of England, were fully invested with
all competent power and authority, derived by an uninterrupted
succession from Christ, the head, and His apostles ; I then pro-
ceeded to speak of baptising, which from what had been
foi. 816. already said, he saw plainly could only be validly and savingly
administered by the lawfully commissioned officers of the
Church of Christ. I turned then to the office itself as it stands
in our Liturgy, read it with him and explained it, where I
thought he might be at a loss, with all which he seemed per-
1748] CAPTAIN ANDREW WOOD 51
fectly well satisfied, earnestly desiring tlic benefit of my office 27 Nov,
in that great and holy mystery, which accordingly in the
presence of proper witnesses I most cliearfully and joyfully
administred to him ; giving withal most hearty tlianks to
Almighty God and our Lortl Jesus Christ in that He had been
most graciously pleased to make me, though unworthy, yet
happily the instrument of bringing home a poor lost and
wandering sheej) to Christ's fold. Tiiis done, we proceeded
immediately to the next Divine institution, and after that per-
fected and consummated all in the truly divine and heavenly
worship, the Christian sacrifice, wherein we are in mercy per- foh 817.
mitted to plead before God, the Father Almighty, the benefits
of the great and all-sufficient atonement, in shewing the Lord''s
death till He come.
To whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the ever-
blessed and adorable Trinity, for this and all other His un-
speakable mercies, be all glory, and honour, and adoration, by
angels and men, and all rational natures, now and to all
eternity. Amen ! Amen !
P.S. — After what hath been above related concerning the
happy conversion of poor Captain Andrew Wood, I must not
forget to add that all his future behaviour was (while I con-
tinued with him) easy and chearful, like a person indeed
thoroughly satisfied in his mind ; and this ease and chearful-
ness, I have good reason to believe, continued with him to the foi. 818.
last moment of his life.
N.B. — Saturday^ March \Wi, 1748. — I received from the 12 March
hands of the right reverend Bishop Keith in the Canongate a
copy of the Narrative of Captain Wood's conversion, from
which I made out the preceding transcript. I asked at Bishop
Keith if he could inform me who the clergyman was that had
converted Captain Wood ; to which he answered that he had
reason to assure me that Bishop Gordon was the clergyman.
This is the same Mr. Gordon mentioned by my Lord Balmerino
in his speech [f. 14]. Mr, Gordon is a Scotsman and a non-
jurant bishop. He resides in London.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
52 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
foi. 819. The Blockade of the Castle of Edinburgh is taken off.
Said Isi-'el's king, divinely wise and mild,
Make nature'^s voice proclaim whose is the child.
Bring forth the sword, with it decide the strife ;
The mother must be tender of the life.
Learn, Britons, hence your judgment how to frame,
By nature"'s standard, which is still the same,
To save ev'n prodigals gives fathers joy.
Who is not father says — ' Go, sword, destroy ! ^
The Sequel, etc.
Ye whigs sing Te Deum ; ye Jacobites fret ;
There ""s excellent news in the London Gazette ;
That stripling invader, the young Chevalier,
Is gone back to the north with a flea in his ear.
2.
Great William advances, the rebels retreat ;
Had the dastards stood still, they had surely been beat.
Such wonders were never performed in this Isle ;
The illustrious youth has retaken Carlisle !
3.
He his courage derives from a valorous stock,
And is a true chip of the German old Block ;
For so noble a siege all thafs needful he got.
And they wanted for nothing but powder and shot.
4.
What muse with such glory shall dare to keep pace !
Strike a medal in gold and reflect his sweet face.
We never deserved such a Prince of our own.
Prepare, ye great artists, your canvass and stone.
1746] VERSES ON THE PRINCKS DEFEAT 53
5.
With ffreen laurels crown'd and immortal renown, f°^' ^^°'
In triumpli returnVl, he revisits the town ;
All liis battles refights, all liis labours renews,
And of mighty exploits brings himself the first news.
6.
When the Scots, like Artaeus, retouched their own earth,
Their courage and vigour revived to new birth ;
Unconscious of flight, they redoubled such blows.
As proclaimed they were only ashamed of their foes.
7.
The flanel-cloatli'd troops were so stunn'd with surprize.
With the rain, and the hail, and the wind in their eyes.
They fled, with great fear and the weather struck blind.
And left all their cannon and baggage behind.
8,
O Hawly ! O Falkirk ! confusion and shame.
Is the fault in the troops, or is Heav'n to blame ?
Prestonpans led the van says that surly old blade.
And Clifton, too, boasts of a late ambuscade.
9.
Great William, who is of his army the soul
To govern, direct, guide and actuate the whole,
On whose crest sits fell terror and horrid dismay,
Dispatches his name and recovers the day.
10.
Again they retreat, again Brunswick pursues,
Pray tell me, ye whigs, is not this joyful news ?
Had you trusted in Heaven, you 'd been left in the lurch,
Then e'en discontinue the prayers of the Church.
11.
With the speed of a stag to the mountains they hye.
But rumour's a jilt that delights in a lye ;
Like the Parthian they fly, then with caution pursue, foi, 821.
For a Scotchman dare fight — give the devil his due.
54 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
12.
Now, sing not a triumph till victory 's got,
Nor make a new law for the hanging a Scot ;
Many things may fall out 'twixt the cup and the lip,
And no mortal knows where a hero may slip.
The Gazette of January 23f7, 1745/6. Versified.
Veniunt ad classica venti.
1.
1 "11 tell you a tale for a groat,
That highly advances our glory.
Of a battle so gallantly fought
As not to be equall'd in story.
To Scotland repairs Chiftain Hawly,
The fiercest of British commanders.
He promised the King he would maul ye,
O ye cowardly rebel Highlanders
t
%
And now all so brave on the green
This hero his army assembled.
Were ever such myrmidons seen ?
O how the blue-bonnet men trembl'd !
But scarce had your fears drove you back.
When aid from the welkin was sent you,
And all on a sudden. Alack !
En veniunt ad classica venti !
3.
foi. 822. Resistance and courage were vain.
The South wind blew louder and louder.
Then down fell a deluge of rain.
Which spoird in a trice all our powder.
'Twas time to give over the fight.
And prudently make a retreat ;
So to Lithgow we came in wet plight.
Where we found not a morsel to eat.
1745] THE BATTLE OF FALKIRK 55
4.
From thence by mere hunger drove out,
To Edinburgh strait we ran on,
The GenVal lookYl sharply about,
And swore he miss'd all his cannon.
Some fancy in traps they were caught.
The Highlanders stole them we say.
But others more justly have thought
By the wind they were blown away.
5.
But think not on what's left behind,
Since our chief, when his army had burn\l all,
That the rebels no shelter might find.
Commanded his tents to be burned all.
Now my tale ye rightly shall ken,
That we kept the field can't be doubted
So that by a handful of men.
The whole Highland army was routed.
A gemdn Dialogue between a gentletooman at Derby and her foi. 823.
maid Jenny ^ in the beginning of December 1745. Taken
Jrom the Chester Journal,
Gen. Jenny, Come here : I 'm told that you have been Dec.
To see this man. Jen. What man? Gen. Why you
have seen
The young Pretender, hussy, at his lodgings.
Is it not so ? Come tell me without dodging.
Jen. Why really. Madam, I was passing by
Thinkino; no harm — not in the least — not I,
And somebody or other that I met.
Gen. What somebody .? Jen. Indeed now I forget —
Said what a handsome man he was — And so,
Begging your pardon, Madam, I did go.
But had no ill intention in the thing,
A cat may look — as folks say — at a king.
Gen. King — do you call him ? Ye rebellious slut.
56 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1745
Dec. Jen. I did not call him so, good madam, but —
Gen. But me ! no butting ! Not another day
Shall any rebel in my service stay.
I owe you twenty shillings, ther 's a guinea,
Pack up — And go about your business, Jenny.
Matters indeed are come to a fine pass.
The next thing, I suppose, you '11 go to Mass.
Jen. To Mass ! What road ? For I don't know the place,
Nor could I tell which way to turn my face.
Gen. Turn ! You '11 turn Papist, and believe black 's white.
Jen. Why, bless me, Madam, I han't lost my sight.
Gen. And then the priests will bid you cut my throat.
Jen. Dear, loving Mistress, how you talk by rote.
I would not hurt a hair of your dear head
Were all the priests in Mass to kill me dead ;
And I don't say it with design to brag.
Since I 've been with you, you han't lost a rag.
I cut your throat ! because I saw the Prince,
And never thought of black or white e'er since.
foi. 824. Gen. Good ! this is you that did not call him king.
And is not Prince, ye minx, the selfsame thing ?
Jen. You are so hasty. Madam, with your snarles,
Wou'd you ha' me call the gentleman plain Charles.
Gen. Prince Charles again ! Speak out your treason-tales,
His Royal Highness, Charles, the Prince of Wales.
Jen. Oh ! Madam, you say more of him than me.
For I said nothing of his pedigree.
Gen. Pedigree ! Fool ! What would the wench be at 'i
What pedigree has any bastard brat .?
Jen. Nay — I 'm no Harold. Be he what he will.
He is a charming man to look at still.
When I was got in there amongst the throng
His Royal Highness Gen. Hussey, hold your tongue.
Jen. You call'd him so yourself but just e'en now.
Gen. Yes, so I did. But then the manner how.
Jen. And will you turn a servant out of doors,
Because her manners ben't so fine as yours .^
Gen. Jenny, I say you had no business neither
To see the creature, or go near him either.
1745] THE PRINCE AT DERBY 57
Jen. Creature ! Nay, pardon, Madam, he is no creature, Dec.
But a sweet comely Christian, evVy feature.
Gen. No creature ! Would you worship him, you dunce ?
Jen. I would you were to see his worship once.
Gen. How can the girl cross questions like a fool ;
Or think that I should go and see the tool ?
Jenny, tho' you have done so far amiss,
I pity such an ignorance as this ;
If you'll go mind your work as heretofore.
And keep at home, I '11 pass the matter o'er.
Jen. Ah! Madam, you're so good. Let me but speak
My simple mind, or else my heart will break,
I've such a strange foreboding in my heart.
If you but saw him once, we should not part.
Do see him once. What harm is there in seeing ?
If after that there be not an agreeing —
Then call me twenty rebel sluts, if you, M. 825.
When you have seen him, ben't a rebel too.
Now whether Jenny did persuade her dame
Has not as yet been trumpeted by fame.
Sometimes there happens to be secret views
That are not put into the publick news.
But by report that private rumor gives.
She'll never part with Jenny while she lives.
Copy of a Letter from Dr. John Burton of York
to me, Robert Forbes.^
Dear Sir, — I am afraid you '11 think me ungrateful in not 24 March
writing to you sooner to return thanks for the many favours I ^'^'^^'
have received from the good ladies at your house and from
yourself. But I hope you will excuse me when I tell you that
I have not been a month returned, having been detained
longer than I expected, a full account of which I have given
^ See ff. 490, 519, 524, 547.
58 THE LYON IN MOURNING [ 1747-8
24 March Dr. Drummond, who can tell you my travels at large, for I am
afraid of filling this too full lest there should not be room for
the letter of the Prince to his father, which I promised to send.
foi. 826. As I have forgot which letter it is that you have I may chance
to send you that. But if that should happen, upon informing
me rio-ht, I shall afterwards send the other. I would send 'em
both now, but that they will be too much for my frank cover,
which o-oes to Miss Flora MacDonald. If I don't mistake, the
copy you have is of the letter after the battle of Prestonpans,^
so this I send is from Perth in the Prince's way to Edinburgh,
as follows -^
10 Sept. Perth, September 10, 1745.
Sir, — Since my landing everything has succeeded to my
wishes. It has pleased God to prosper me hitherto even beyond
my expectations. I have got together 1300 men, and am
promised more brave, determined men who are resolved to die
or conquer with me. The enemy marched a body of regular
troops to attack me ; but when they came near they chang'd
foi. 827. their mind, and, by taking a different rout, and making forced
marches, have escaped to the north, to the great disappoint-
ment of my Highlanders. But I am not at all sorry for it. I
shall have the greater glory in beating them when they are
more numerous and supported by their dragoons.
I liave occasion every day to reflect on your Majesty's last
words to me — That I should find power, if tempered with
justice and clemency, an easy thing to myself and not grievous
to those under me. 'Tis owing to the observance of this rule,
and to my conformity to the customs of these people, that I
have got their hearts to a degree not to be easily conceived by
those who do not see it. One who observes the discipline I
have established would take my little army to be a body of
pick'd veterans, and to see the love and harmony that reigns
foi. 828. amongst us he would be apt to look upon it as a large well-
ordered family in which every one loves another better than
himself.
I keep my health better in these wild mountains than I used
See f. 365. - Printed va. Jacobite Me?fioirs, ff. 32, 35, footnote.
1745] LETTER FROM PRINCE CHARLES 59
to do in the Campagnie Felice, and sleep sounder lying on the lo Sept.
ground tlian I used to do in the palaces at Rome.
There is one thing, and but one, in which I had any difference
with my faithful Highlanders. It was about the price upon
my kinsman's head, which, knowing your Majesty's generous
humanity, I am sure, will shock you, as it did me, when I was
shown the proclamation setting a price upon my head. I
smird, and treated it with the disdain I thought it deserved ;
upon which they flew into a violent rage, and insisted upon my
doing the same by him. As this flowed solely from the poor
men's love and concern for me, I did not know how to be angry
with them for it, and tried to bring them to temper by repre-
senting that it was a mean, barbarous principle among princes, fol. 829.
and must dishonour them in the eyes of all men of honour ;
that I did not see how my cousin's having set me the example
would justify me in imitating that which I blame so much in
him. But nothing I could say would pacify them. Some went
even so far as to say : ' Shall we venture our lives for a man
who seems so indifferent of his own.' Thus have I been drawn
in to do a thing for which I condemn myself.
Your Majesty knows that in my nature I am neither cruel
nor revengeful ; and God, who knows my heart, knows that if
the Prince who has forced me to this (for it is he that has
forced me) was in my power, the greatest pleasure I could feel
would be treating him as the Black Prince treated his prisoner,
the King of France, to make him ashamed of having shown
himself so inhuman an enemy to a man for attempting a thing foi. 830.
whom he himself (if he had any spirit) would despise for not
attempting.
I beg your Majesty would be under no uneasiness about me.
He is safe who is in God's protection. If I die it shall be, as I
lived, with honour ; and the pleasure I take in thinking I have
a brother in all respects more worthy than myself to support
your just cause, and rescue my injur'd country from the oppres-
sion under which it groans (if it will suffer itself to be rescued)
makes life more indifferent to me. As I know and admire the
fortitude with which your Majesty has supported your misfor-
tunes, and the generous disdain with which you have rejected
all offers of forcing assistance on terms which you thought
60 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1745
10 Sept. dishonourable to your self and injurious to your country; if
bold but interested friends should at this time take advantage
foi. 831. of the tender affection with which they know you love me, I
hope you will reject their proposals with the same magnanimity
you have hitherto shown, and leave me to shift for myself, as
Edward the 3d left his brave son when he was in danger of
being oppressed by numbers in the field. No, Sir, let it never
be said that to save your son you injurd your country. When
your enemies bring in foreign troops, and you reject all foreign
assistance on dishonourable terms, your deluded subjects of
England must see who is the true father of his people. For
my own part, I declare once for all that while I breathe I will
never consent to alienate one foot of land that belongs to the
Crown of England, or set my hand to any treaty inconsistent
with its sovereignty and independency. If the English will
foi. 832. have my life, let them take it if they can. But no unkindness
on their part shall ever force me to a thing that may justify
them in taking it. I may be overcome by my enemies, but I
will not dishonour myself. If I die it shall be with my sword
in hand fighting for the liberty of those who fight against me.
I know there will be fulsome addresses from the different
Corporations of England ; but I hope they will impose upon
none but the lower and more ignorant people. They will no
doubt endeavour to revive all the errors and excesses of my
grandfather's unhappy reign, and impute them to your Majesty
and me, who had no hand in them, and suffered most by them.
Can anything be more unreasonable than to suppose that your
Majesty, who is so sensible of, and has so often considered the
fatal errors of your father, would with your eyes open go and
repeat them again ?
Notwithstanding the repeated assurance your Majesty has
foi. 833 given in your declaration that you will not invade any man''s
property, they endeavour to persuade the untliinking people
that one of the first things they are to expect will be to see
the public credit destroyed, as if it would be your interest to
render yourself contemptible in the eyes of all the nations of
Europe and all the kingdoms you hope to reign over, poor at
home and insignificant abroad. They no doubt try to frighten
the present possessors of Church and Abbey lands with vain
1745] LETTER FROM PRINCE CHARLES 61
terrors as if your Majesty"'s intention was to resume tlieui all, loScpt.
not considering that you have lived too long in a Catholick
country and read the history of England too carefully not to
have observed the many melancholy monuments to be seen
there of the folly of those pious princes, who, thinking to
honour religion, have lessened it by keeping superstitious rites
in the Church, whereby they have insensibly rais'd up a power
which has too often proved an overmatch for their successors, foi. 834.
I find it a great loss that the brave Lord Mareshall is not
with me. His character is very high in this country, and it
must be so where ever he is known. I had rather sec him than
1000 French, who, if they should come only as friends to assist
your Majesty in the recovery of your just rights, the weak
people would believe came as invaders.
There is one man in this country whom I could wish to have
my friend, and that is the Duke of Argyle, who I find is in
great credit amongst them on account of his great abilities
and quality, and has many dependents by his large fortune ;
but I am told I can hardly flatter my self by the hopes of it.
The hard usage which his family has received from ours has
sunk deep into his mind. What have these princes to answer
for, who by their cruelties have raised enemies not only to them-
selves but to their innocent children ? fol. 835.
I must not close this letter without doing justice to your
Majesty's Protestant subjects, who I find are as zealous in your
cause as the Roman Catholicks, which is what Dr. WagstafF
has often told me I should find when I came to try them. I
design to march to-morrow, and hope my next shall be from
Edinburgh. — I am, your Majesty's, etc. etc. etc.
We have no news here ; I shall be glad to hear what news 24 March
you have. I doubt not but you have had the account of ^'''^^"
rivers Kirtle, Lyddle, Esk, and some others which run cross
the Island into both seas, and divide Scotland and England,
stopping their course for several hours, leaving fishes upon the
dry ground, etc. Upon the Borders, near the River Esk, there
was also the appearance of an army drawn up in proper order^
consisting of both horse and foot to the amount of 20,000.
One of the corps was very gaily dressed. These were seen by fol. 836.
62 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1747-8
24 March numbers of people, some in front, some in flank and in the
rear, for above half an liour, being a clear sini-shining day
about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Another appearance of the
like kind was seen on Whinmore, betwixt Leeds and this
place. Both before at and after these armies disappeared
great noises were heard in the air.
Pray give my compliments to Mr. Carmichael, and tell him
if he has got any of Betty Burk'^s gowns ready he may send me
6, and I shall remit the money by some safe hand to him.
Pray pay kindest respects to Lady Bruce and the other
ladies with her and to all friends, and believe me to be
sincerely. Dear Sir, your wellwisher and obliged humble ser-
vant,
(Sic subscribitur) J. Burton.
York, March Mth, 1747-8.
P.S. — If that clergyman be returned with the Account of
foi. 837. the cruelties, etc. etc., I should be glad of a copy which I
should pay for, taking with pleasure. I am preparing for the
press. If you have got the Laird MacLeod's letter to Kings-
borough, pray favour me with a copy of it. I had forgot to
tell you that the rivers above mentioned did not all run dry on
the same day ; but at different times, some three weeks after
the others. I am surprized I have heard nothing from Mal-
colm since I wrote to him from Edinburgh. I beg you will
burn this as soon as you have copied the Prince's letter. I
here send you a few lines wrote by a country farmer near this
place upon the last Fast day, which are better for the turn of
thought than for the versification.
1.
Look down on us, poor Whigs, O Lord,
For we are full of trouble.
Thou knows we never pray to thee.
But when afflicted double.
2.
The Gauls with mighty armies great
All Flanders have o'erspread.
*oi. 838. Some of our men are run away.
The rest are knocked o' th' head.
1748] CORRESPONDENCE WITH DR. BURTON 63
3.
Bclioki how we do fast and pray,
Expecting some relief.
With fasting we are full of woe,
Not bellies full of beef.
24 March
4.
But if thou will not hear us, Lord,
And by the French we fall,
We '11 either get another God,
Or have no God at all.
You see what opinion the poet has of their religion, which
like other things they make subservient to their interest. I
expect something from :Dr. Drummond soon, so if you have
anything to send it may come at the same time.^
Copy of a Return to the preceding Letter.
iol. 839.
Dear Sir, — Your kind letter of March 24th reached me in 18 April
due course. Your long silence made me at a loss what to
think. Sometimes I was afraid of your being laid up in the
gout, and at other times I figured you much engaged in the
business of your profession, so that in either case you could
not be writing letters to friends at a distance ; but I never
once imagined ingratitude to be the case with you. However,
at last you have made a sufficient atonement by your long and
obliging letter. I return you my most hearty thanks for the
copy of a letter you sent me, which I had never so much as
heard of before ; for the copy you promised to send me was of
a letter written after the battle of Falkirk. If you have such
a one, be so good as send me a transcript of it.
Mr. Carmichael remembers you kindly, and bids me inform foi. 840.
you that the gowns cannot be ready till about the end of May
^ N.B. — The original of the above in Dr. Burton's own handwriting is to be
found among my papers. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
64 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
18 April or the beginning of June, but that your commission is to be
minded first.
The clergyman you mention lives not hereabouts. His
dwelling-place is at a great distance from this in the High-
lands of Scotland. I know nothing as yet as to what dis-
coveries he may have made.
As to your preparing for the press, suffer me. Dear Sir, to
tell you my opinion plainly and honestly. I am persuaded
your collection is not full enough for that purpose. Besides,
since I had the happiness of seeing you I have been making a
strict inquiry into these matters, and after a leisurely and
impartial examen I can assure you that some facts will not
stand the test in every particular. I say not this with any
intention to discourage you in the attempt, but to suggest
wariness and deliberation. I need not hint to one of your
foi, 841. judgment and experience in the affairs of life that to render
one capable of narrating facts exactly (the proper business of
a historian), especially where many secret interesting incidents
come in the way, must be a work of time and of a long re-
peated enquiry. In a word, things must be sifted to the
bottom and weighed in the ballance of sober reason, that so
the historian may proceed upon sure grounds, and be able to
withstand all the attacks of a partial and criticizing world.
However, if you are determined to appear soon in print, I
must earnestly beg that you would blank some certain names,
the giving of which plainly would tend only to expose those
WORTHIES who had the courage and virtue to despise the
gilded dust to the enfuriate rage of, etc. etc. etc. And surely
no honest man would wish to have the remotest hand in their
ruin and destruction. — Verbum sapienti sat est.
The copy handed about of MacLeod's letter to Kingsborrow
foi. 842. (thousands of which are in London and Edinburgh) is not
genuin, and I have not a true and exact copy of it to send to
you. I lately saw a letter under Kingsborrow's own hand,^
wherein he declares that the copy handed about is not genuin.
You need not be surprized that JMalcolm MacLeod has
never writ to you, when I tell you that Rasay's second son has
1 Seef. 851,
1748] CORRESPONDENCE 65
been loiif^r in a dying condition, which gives great concern to i8 April
all his friends. In every letter I have from Malcolm he re-
members you most affectionately and particularly in one of
date January 13th he complains for want of time to write to
you, and desires me to give his service to you and your lady,
which I could never do till now, that you have afforded me an
opportunity of corresponding with you. He received the
letter you sent him from Edinburgh, which he looks upon as a
great compliment.
You please me much by sending me a copy of the country fol. 843.
farmer's performance which, indeed, is rough and plain enough.
All here join with me in wishing all things good and happy
to you, your lady and young master. Sincerely I am. Dear
Sir, Your friend and humble servant, R. F.
April 18th, 1748.
P.S. — I am sorry I cannot return the compliment of a frank.
I endeavoured to procure one, but could not have it, and I
have not yet seen our friend D d, since the receipt of your
letter. Forgive me then for putting you to the charge of
postage. Adieu.
Copy of a Letter to the Reverend Mr. John /"^ ^44
MacLauchlan in Argyleshire.^
Reverend Dear Brother, — I gladly embrace this oppor- 19 April
tunity to congratulate you upon your safety after being exposed ^^'^
to so much distress and so many dangers. God be thanked
that you are still preserved to do more good.
For some time past I have been doing my best to make up
as compleat a collection as possible of Journals and other
papers relative to the history, but more particularly the
Dangers, Distresses, and Escape of a certain young gentle-
man, and I thank God I have been so successful in my attempts
as to have collected already about fifty sheets. I am well
^ See f. 1 129 for the answer.
VOL. II. E
66 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
19 April apprized that you have been employing your laudable
endeavours in that way. And would you be so good as to
/oi. 845. transmit to me the fruits of your labours by any sure private
hand (for I chuse not to correspond with worthies by post),
I should acknowledge the extraordinary favour with thanks,
and be careful to return your papers with safety,
I am glad it is in my power to desire you to keep up a
good heart. Verhum sajnenti sat est.
That God Almighty may always have you in His holy care
and protection, and may give you all you zcish and allyoxi want,
is the hearty and earnest prayer of, Reverend Dear Sir, Your
most affectionate brother and humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Citadel of Leith, April 19th, 1748.
N.B. — The letter (whereof the above is a copy) I sent off
by the hands of Miss Peggie Callandar who was going into
Argyleshire with Miss Flora MacDonald. I desired Miss
Callandar to burn the letter if she did not meet witli Mr.
MacLauchlan, or did not find a sure way for conveying it to
him. Robert Forbes, A.M.
/b/. 846.
10 June
1746
COPY OF A LETTER TO WILLIAM.
Drumossie, June 10^/i, 1746.
William, to thee this letter comes.
Read, impious man, and say,
Don't thy foul doings rack thy breast,
And tear thy rest away .?
All ages yet to come will curse.
Tyrant ! thy hated name.
Rome had some heroes such as you,
Like theirs shall live thy fame.
Didst thou not, base and Nero-like,
Laugh o'er the bloody scene .?
How could'st thou with a savage joy.
Behold the prisoners slain ?
1746] TO THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND 07
Thus, Viilturinc, thou oav'st the word, 10 June
Ka/o, raze, root out, destroy.
' No pity show to cither sex.
Kill man, maid, wife, and boy.
Make bay''nets wean the sucking child
(Who dares controul my will ?),
Hear, Hally ! Husk ! my orders are —
Go burn, spoil, waste, aiid kill ;
Break down their altars, slay their priests.
To eternize my name.
Let those in child-bed laid be burnt,
And ravisli'd evVy dame.^
Obsequious bovv'd the minion pair; /b/. 847.
Crowds crowded to obey ;
And some ""gainst conscience madly strove.
And sinnM as fast as they.
The hills, the heaths, the woods were scourM ;
Swept were the glens below ;
The paths they took they marked with blood.
And march'd in clouds of woe.
Shrieks piteous, desolation spread
Those that escapM the sword,
Mothers and babes hid beneath straw-
Were by fierce fire devoured.
Horror of horrors ! the poor maids
(O vile detested scene !)
To shun what 's worse than thousand deaths
Rushed 'midst the crackling flame.
The frighted young that screaming strayM
To mountain, moss, or wood
Starving, dropt down, and death"'s cold sleep
Gave them a restful bed.
Those whom great weight of years had bow'd.
Grey hairs, to holes retired.
With uplift hands and eyes to Heaven
Just groaned, and then expired.
What eyes so dry that would not weep foi. 848.
Amidst these various woes ?
68 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
10 June What breast so steel'd that couM approve
Of such unsparing foes ?
A cannibal could well approve,
Or he, whose hardenM heart
Drove wretches on (his will their law)
To act the killing part.
Proud boaster ! think of BabePs king.
Repent e''er 'tis too late.
Lest thou, like him, be made to roam.
Or meet severer fate.
If with a curse thou shalt be sent
To feed 'mongst hoof and horn.
No herd, no flock, will take thee in,
But drive thee off with scorn.
Bereft of owner's care, these flocks.
Now stray from hill to glen.
And mourn, but want the tongue of man,
To speak their loss and pain.
Their lords, alas ! no more are seen ;
No pastor them to guide ;
The one half's banish'd far away,
The other half lie dead.
foi. 849. In field of battle those that fell
(Men for fair fame renown'd).
To witness 'gainst thee, there their bones.
Lie still above the ground.
Forbid was sepulture to them
Who stood for the just cause.
For king, for country — all that 's dear,
For liberty, for laws.
Remember, William, thou must die.
Dread what may be thy doom.
When God shall make these dry bones live
And cover'd be with skin.
View, cruel savage, view thy guilt !
Read what's decreed by Heav'n,
' To those that will no mercy show.
No mercy will be given.'
1748] MACDONALD OF KINGSBURGII 69
.Judgment belongs to God alone, lo June
Nor is it man 's to say
Where, how, or when, 'tis fit for God,
With vengeance to re})ay.
Direful Drummossie ! Cliarles, overcome !
Base William, victor thou !
Albion's true sons to quit the field ! fol. 850.
It kept by William's crew !
Is mystery all. And what the cause
Lies hid from human ken.
Perhaps the darkened why may clear,
Charles, at thy return.
Weak mortals do in vain attempt
The ways of Heav'n to scan,
Our twilight reason sees small part
Of the Almighty's plan.
Who knows, but Heav'n has will'd it thus.
The blood, by ill men spilt.
Shall heal those sores for which it stream'd,
And wash away our weight.^
Copy of a Letter from Mr. MacDonald of Kings- foi. 851.
burgh to me, Robert Forbes.
Reverend Dear Sir, — I received your kind and oblidgeing 25 March
letters,^ and lykewise the Almanack, for which I give you thanks. ^'''*
You may easily beleiv I would be glad of ane opertunity to
oblidge you and doe my freinds justice. But it happens that
I am att such distance from them, except Malcome MacLeod in
Brea, that I can be of no use to you for some tyme, tho' I have
your comands prety much at heart. The copy you sent me is
not genuine, tho' it bears a good deall of the substance of the
originall, which, upon honour, I have not, otherwise a right
coppy should be sent you, I cannot express how much I am fol. 852.
obliged to you for your discretion about that foolish letter,
'5
^ ' Guilt' is the word one would expect here. - See ff. 327, 701, 792.
70 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
25 March which I wish had been let allon, since such proceedings may
hurt me, which serves no end that I can think off but mear
idleness. If you knew how I am made the mark of people's
malice, which the bearer can inform you, you would think as I
doe. Mind me in the kindest maner to your worthy patroness.
Long may she live to do good in her generatione. Mrs. Mac-
Donald joins with me in the offer our dutifull respects to her
and Mrs. Raterry. And ever am, Reverend Dear Sir, your
affectionat h umbel servant,
Sic suhscrihitui\ Alexr. M'Donald.
Kingshorow, March ^5th, 1748.
I have ill will to mangle my feavorit shoes.^
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among my
fol. 853. papers, and was delivered to me by Kingsborrow's own son,
upon Thursday, April 14th, 1748, when he was favouring
me with a visit. At the same time he gave me a pair of
pretty Highland garters in a present from his mother. He
and Rasay's third son (Murdoch MacLeod) joined in telling
that some forces were stationed along the coast from Fort
William to Glenealg to view (as was given out) if any French
ships should appear, they being divided into small bodies of
twenties and twelves at the distance of five, six, or seven miles
from one another. Kingsborrow's son told likewise that he
met a company of soldiers marching into the Isle of Sky to
view its coast. Robert Forbes, A.M.
fol. 854. Copy of a Letter by post from ^Ir. MacPhehson
of Strathmashie to me, Robert Forbes.
16 April Sir, — I hereby own to have receaved the pleasure of your
^^^^^ letter of the 25th February,'^ and to be heartily glad and
sensible of the honour you doe me in proposeing a friendly
correspondence. Tho' I \\\ afraid I cannot to purpose answer
your expectations in contributing to forward the worthy design
^ See ff. 797, 1057. " See f. 799.
1748] MACPHERSON OF STRA^niMASHIE 71
you have taken, I '11 venture upon it, and before now wou\l i6 Apr i
have troubled you with a kind of detail of the facts that consist
witli my knowledge ; but that a proper hand to transmit by is
not yet come in my way, which I must patiently wait for.
Therefore, Dear Sir, till that happens, I beg you excuse me.
I wish you all manner of happiness and success in the laud-
able work you have undertaken, and am with the greatest foi. 855.
esteem and affection, dear sir, your reall admirer and most
faithfuU servant,
Stc subscribitur, John M'Pherson.
Strathmashie, 16th April 1748.
P.S. — If at any time you take occasion of writeing to me by
post, please direct for me ' By Iluthven.''
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among my
papers.^ Robert Forbes, A.M.
Upon Wednesday*'s afternoon, April 13th, 1748, I was /oi. 856.
favoiu'ed with a visit of Murdoch MacLeod, Rasay's third son,^ 13 April
who delivered to me a letter from Malcolm MacLeod with
some papers enclosed, which papers are in the handwriting of
John MacLeod, the young laird of Rasay, commonly called
Rona, and in the handwritinfj of the foresaid Murdoch Mac-
Leod. Exact copies of the letters and the inclosed papers are
as follows :
Rasay, March 22, 1748. 22 March
Reverend Dear Sir, — I hope you'll forgive me for not
writing to you sooner, and perhaps you think that I was not in
my duty because I did not send you that account before this
time. Upon my honour, you need not think so, for I was as
bussy is \sic\ I could, but the people would not give it me. I foi. 857.
sent to John MacKinnon, and he wou'd not send it to me.
Then I went myself in person, but he wou'd not give it to me.
What was is reason for denying it to me that I cannot tell. I
went to tow or three more, and did the very same to me.
Kingsborrow promised me that he wou'd secure Armidils part
of it. I do not chouse to send you anything but what is truth.
1 See ff. 856, 890, 934. - See f. 228.
72 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
22 March What happened in our own island you 'll have soon, and
send a double of it to Doctor Burton, my good friend. I
received your compliments to me and to others to whom I
delivered them as you derected them ; and all of them thanks
you most kindly for your complement. The bearer will tell
you better than I can writ. Send me by the bearer any news
that goes with you in town, and you '11 oblidge, Your most
obedient humble servant.
Sic mbscribitur, Mal. MacLeod.
Make my complement to Lady Bruce.
foi. 858. Howl goQjj Alexander MacDonald of Kingburgh got the
29 June Prince under his care he was at a loss how to dispose of him.
^^'^ But, sending for Donald MacDonald, commonly called Donald
Roy ,2 a Captain in the Prince's army, they concluded that the
best way for his safety was to find out old Rasay and deliver
him to his care. Accordingly Donald MacDonald wrote to
young Rasay, then staying at his sister's house, as he had no
habitation on his own estate then to live in, as they were all
burnt and destroyed, being the only man of his family that
could appear publickly, to meet him at Portree upon some
pressing business. Upon sight of the letter young Rasay came
to Portree, where finding Donald MacDon[al]d, he immediately
descover'd to him that he had the Prince, and was to be there
/oi. 859. that night, and wanted to know where his father, old Rasay, was,
to deliver him to him. Upon which young Rasay told him that
his father was not at all in his own bounds, but that he would
take the Prince under his care till his father would come, and
that he would immediately go back to his sister's house at
Totrome, about three miles distant from Portree, to inform his
brother, Murdo MacLeod, of the matter, who was skulking
there, and still bad of his wounds received at the battle of
Culloden ; and that they should pass over to Rasay in a very
small boat lying in a water loch belonging to his good-brother.
^ Here begins the paper in the handwriting of Murdoch MacLeod, Rasay's
third son. — F.
2 See f, 732, where the whole affair is still more distinctly narrated.— Robert
Forbes, A.M.
I74^>] MURDOCH MACLEOD'S NARRATIVE 73
Archibald MacQueen of Totromc, not being certain if tlicre 30 June
was any boat in the Island of Rasay to execute their design (as
they were all destroyed by the Government troops). And
that they two with Malcolm MacLeod,^ their cousine, captain
in the Prince's army, should come to Portree next night and foi. 860.
receive him tliere. Thus they project the scheme;^ and young
Rasay being very anxious to see him waited for two hours still
expecting his arrivall, but at last, day coming on, was oblidged
to go away for fear of being suspected, and to execute the pro-
jected schemes. Accordingly he directly went to Totrome, his
sister's house, and told his brother of the mater, who was
overjoyed at the news, and said he would risque his body once
more for his Prince. They and some more hands launched the
boat from the water loch to the shore, about a highland mile
of very steep rugged ground, and came to Rasay. Immedi-
ately after landing, Murdo MacLeod, Rasay's son, went and
informed Captain MacLeod, who was then lying in the open
fields for want of lodging, of the secret, and immediatly came
alongs with him where young Rasay was, being in raptures of
joy for what they had in hand. How soon it was dark they M s^^-
three with two servants, John MacKenzie and Donald MacFriar,
having procured a larger boat that was hid in the island, went
directly to Portree, the place appointed, having first sworn the
servants that they never would discover the secret. After
having waited an hour at the place appointed, Captain Mac-
Leod and one of the servants was sent up to the changehouse
to know if the Prince came there, and after having conversed
Donald MacDonald privatly without the house he arrived with
one man ; and after having taken some refreshment in the
house under the name of Mr. MacDonald, Donald MacDonald
informed him of the scheme, and told him the boat was just
ready to carry him to Rasay, to which he agreeably con-
descended. Then the Prince and Donald MacDonald went out
without telling Miss MacDonald or the other man anything of
their design, when he met Captain MacLeod, who was intro- foi. 862.
duced to him. Then they came to the boat, where young
^ See Captain Malcolm MacLeod's Journal, f. 228, etc. — Robert Forbes,
A.M.
- See f. 741.
74 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
I July Rasay and liis brother were introduced to him, but wou'd not at
all allow them to pay him the respect due to him. They then
set ofF for Rasay, having left Donald MacDonald behind
to gather intelligence, or if he could hear any surmise of the
Prince''s coming to Sky, and appointed young Rasay to meet in
three days after at his sister's house to inform of anything he
could hear.^
As they were rowing along in the boat the Prince conversed
to and fro, and frequently said that friends who show'd their
friendship in distress were the reall friends, and that he hop'd
his friends would not have reason to repent for the services
done him, and that he would happyly yet end what he began
or die in the attempt. Then about daybreak they landed at
Rasay, having rowed about two leaggs to the place they
designM to come, and went to a very small hutt in a private
foi. 863. place, where the Prince took some rest, being fatigued the night
before; and young Rasay was sent for fresh victualls, as he was
the only man among them that could appear in publick. In
about an hour or two afterwards he came back and carried a
young kid in his plaid, with which the Prince was much pleased,
and immcdiatly got some of it roasted for him, of which he
eat, and also some fresh cream and butter that was brought
along with the kid; upon which he din\l as agreeably as if he was
born a Highlander, and preferred Highland oat bread to bisket
which he had in company, calling it his own country bread.
After their little repast was over, he began to enquire narrowly
about the damages done in the island. Upon his being told
of all the houses burnt, and of the other great depredations in
the island to which the houses were but a trifle, he seeni'd
foi. 864. much affected, but at the same time told that instead of the hutts
burnt he would yet build houses of stone. Afterwards walking
on a narrow green near the cottage he said that this was a
little hard life, but would rather live ten years in that way than
be taken by his enemys, and seem'd a little surpriz'd himself
how he did bear such fatigues. For, says he, since the battle
of Culloden, I have endured more than would kill a hundred.
See ff. 228-231, 738, 742, 756-764-
1746] THE PRINCE ON RASAV 75
Sure Providence does not design this for nothing.^ I 'ni thus 2 July
certainly reserved for some good. Thus they i)ass\l tlie day,
and after having taken some supper he went to rest with as
great pleasure and in outward appearance as little concerned
as if in the greatest prosperity, after placing the two servants
as centinels without, IVIurdo, Rasay's son, and Captain MacLeod
lying by him in the hut, young Rasay retiring to his own sort
of habitation for fear of any suspicion. Next morning young
Rasay jiroposed to keep his appointment with Donald Mac- foi. 865.
Donald at his sister's house. Upon which the Prince said he
would go along himself and see Mr. MacDonald on the other
side. To this the rest willingly agreed, and fixed the hour of
nine at night for their departure. As they were chatting, one
of the servants, who was spying without in a secret place, came
in and told he saw a chapman as if he was coming towards the hut.
This man was formerly suspected as a spy in the island; and still
suspecting him to be such, the gentlemen proposed if he came in
and saw the Prince, in case he should know him, as he was in liis
own army, that he ought to be put to death for fear of making
any discoveries. To this the Prince would never agree, but
replyed 'God forbid that we should take any poor man's life,
while we can save our own.' But to make all things easy the M- 866.
man luckily passed by.
The hour appointed being come they launched their boat
and went to sea with a pretty high wind, and a very rainy
night. The boat being small and the wind still turning higher,
he seem'd somewhat uneasie, and enquired if there was any
danger. Upon his being told not, he appeared very gay,
desir'd the lads to pull hearty, and began himself to sing a
Highland song.2 Afterwards among other things he said :
'Gentlemen, I hope to thank you for this trouble yet at
St. James's.' After landing safe on the other side, he said,
' God be thanked we are safe here.' Now he had no house to
lodge in that night but a byre for cattle belonging to a
neighbouring gentleman, one Mr. Nicolson, and not knowing
but their might be some people in it, he dispatch'd young
Rasay to see, and himself with the rest walk'd slowly behind. foi. 867.
^ See f. 239. 2 See f. 232.
76 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
2 July Upon his being ask\l what would come of him if there were
people in the house — for certainly you must perish before day
with such a bad night. ' I don't care a button for it,' reply'd
he, ' for I have been without a hundred such nights.' In the
meantime young Rasay return'd with the agreeable news of
the house being quite empty of people. They then went in,
kindled a fire and took some refreshment, and afterwards he
3 July sleep'd by the fire's side. Early next morning young Rasay
went to meet Mr. MacDonald, the Prince sleeping all the
wliile till twelve o'clock.^ Then getting up out of bed, he and
Murdo, Rasay's son, went out and sat on a little hill opposite
foi. 868. i^Q the house where Captain MacLeod and the two lads were
spying. He ordered them to go in and sleep a while, as they
wanted it much, and that he himself should sit there a while.
After they went in he began to converse Rasay's son, and
seem'd anxious for his brother's return, and frequently wish'd
for it, and asked how soon he thought he would arrive, ' for,'
says he, ' I '11 wait him till eight o'clock, and no longer.' But
Donald MacDonald was so late in keeping his appointment
that he did not come till next morning.^ Then he asked Mr.
MacLeod if he could travell well ? He reply'd he could not, for
he was not yet recover'd of his wound. Then he ask'd if
Captain MacLeod, his cousine, could travell well, if he was a
discreet man, or could trust him. Mr. MacLeod reply'd he
was both, and that his royal highness might safely trust him
fol. 869. even with his life.^ He then disclosed to Mr. MacLeod what
he had in view, for, says he, I expect to get a boat on the
other side of Sky to carry me to the Island of Rum, and in
case that fails, you are to go immediatly and make ready
1 See ff. 764, 1564. - See f. 765.
' Here begins volume fifth of Bishop Forbes's Manuscript Collection. It is
entitled : The Lyon in Mourning, or a Collection (as exactly made as the
iniquity of the times would permit) of Speeches, Letters, Journals, etc., relative
to the Affairs, but more particularly the dangers and distresses of . . .
Vol. Sth, 1748.
'Subdittts in solio regis sine legeferocit,
Juraque dat, Ccesar cui tnodo jura dabat ! '
[On the inside of the back board is the following note] : — ' The above are pieces
of one of the lugs of those identical brogs which the Prince wore when dis-
guised in the female dress under the name of Bettie Burk, as handmaid to
Miss Flora MacDonald.' See f. 1057.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] THE PRINCE LEAVES RASAY 77
your six-oar boat you formerly recommended to me as a good 3 J"iy
goer, and bring it in two days to the next town here, where
Captain MacLeod sliall meet you if I am away, and if not I
shall meet you myself. And if it be thought dangerous for us
to pass to the mainland in your boat through the small ferry
that divides the Isle of Sky from the mainland, by reason of
the guards posted there, Donald MacDonald must go to Sleat
and prepare another boat for me there, so that if I miss one
I'll be sure of another. This you nmst take particular care
to manage aright, as it is an affair of great consequence. It
will be a piece of great friendship, for 1 11 never forget the
services my friends do me in distress. I should be very ungrate
if I would. And as for your brother, young Rasay, it should M* 870.
be kept a dead secret, his having any hand in my escape, for
fear it do him harm, for I 'm sure I '11 not tell it. After they
settled this affair, tlie Prince and Mr, MacLeod went in resolve-
ing to stay till eight o'clock. But they were no sooner in
than Captain MacLeod spyed a man coming down the hill side
above the house, at which he was a little alarm'd. But Mr.
MacLeod desir'd him and the Captain to go out, and himself
and the two servants should stay in the house to wait the man
if he should come in. This proposall he immediately embraced,
and carryed out his little bundle and club with him, and as he
was going away he gave Mr. MacLeod his silver spoon,^ knife
and fork, and desired him to keep them till he saw him again.
A little before he went of, he took out the buckles out of his foh 871.
shoes and caused himself to be dressed in the silliest way he
possibly could, and wraping himself in his plaid ask'd if he
lookM like any ordinary man.
^ The said spoon, knife, and fork Mr. Murdoch MacLeod brought to Edin-
burgh to have a new case made for them. Upon Tuesday, April 19th, 1748,
Mr. Murdoch MacLeod supped with my Lady Bruce, when he shew'd the
company the spoon, knife, and fork made of French work. — Robert
Forbes, A.M.
78 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
6 July A genuine Extract of the Prince's Letter to
Young Rasay and his Brother, upon his depar-
ture from Strath to the INlainland.^
' I am, thank God, parted as I intended. My compliments,
along with my thanks, to our friends for what they have done.
Your humble servant,
James Thomson."' ^
/o/. 872. As^ soon as Lord Loudon, etc, came to the Isle of Sky,
April after he was chased out of Southerland, he sent a detatchment
of MacLeod's men, and of Captain MacLeod of Guinneas men,
to carry off all the boats in Rasay to the headquarters at
Kenlochnidale, which they executed, excepting one small one
that was left to young Rasay by Sir Alexander MacDonaWs
intercession with Lord Loudon, and another that Captain
Malcolm MacLeod hid in a house, which served to bring him
to the mainland, and was only away for Inverness the very
night that a second party came from Loudon to apprehend
him. Loudon was not long at Kenlochnidale,* when one Cap-
tain Hay, commander of a tender, came to the Island of Rona,
and slaughtered cows there, and plundered two or three small
villages in the north end of Rasay, before the battle of
Culoden, and made off without any more damage. He (Lord
Loudon) also kept a party of his soldiers in Rasay all the time
1 See f. 1564.
2 This agrees with Malcolm MacLeod's account of the matter [see ff. 233,
247], but it differs from the account given by Donald Roy MacDonald [see
f. 765]. However they all agree pretty exactly as to the contents of the letter,
which is a plain proof that there was such a letter. Who the person may be for
whom the letter was particularly design'd I shall not pretend to determine. But
I take the matter of fact to be this, that as the Prince had made an appoint-
ment with Donald Roy MacDonald, as well as with young Rasay and his
brother, Murdoch, so fit it was that the letter should be communicated to him as
well as to them, that so he might know of the Prince's departure.
^ Here begins the paper in the handwriting of the young Laird of Rasay,
John MacLeod. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
* See ff. 458, 479-
1746] DEVASTATIONS IN RASAY 79
he lay in Kcnlochnidalc, but did no great harm till after the 15 ^^^y
battle of Cullodin ; only disarmed six of the men that came
home before the rest, and robed them of their plaids. About foi. 873.
the fifteenth or sixteenth of May one Captain Ferguson,^ com-
mander of a sloop of war, came to llasay, accompanyed by
some tenders. He ordered one Lieutennant Dalrumple ashore
to execute his vengeance against the island, who brunt Rasay''s
good house to ashes, as also the whole houses upon the island,
excepting two small villages that escaped their sight, with all
the poor people's furniture.^ The number of the houses brunt,
according to a strict accompt taken of them, exceeded three
hundred. They likewise found all Rasay's furniture and silver-
plate hid in a cave about a quarter of a mile from the house,
betrayed by a small boy belonging to the island. Lieutennant
Dalrumple ordered his sailors, marines, and Campbell militia,
to march in three bodys throw the island, two near the shore,
and the third along the hill. They gathered what cattle was
in their way, cows and horses, sheep and goats, and slaughtered foi. 874.
numbers of all kinds, and left many of them dead both in the
shores and hill. The people of the island were then pretty
quiet, only that they were frequently importuned to surrender
their arms, which they at last did, because they were much
confined, being in an island of no great extent, and the people
but few in number to stand out ; till about the beginning of
July, General Campbell and Captain Scott, as soon as they July
found the certainty that the Prince left the Long Island, came
first to the island of Rona in quest of him, where some of their
men ravished a poor girl that was blind, and most unmerci-
fully lashed with cords two men, one of which soon after dyed,
and the other, Malcolm MacLeod, has not recovered, not till
this day. Afterwards they came to Rasay, where they gathered
every man, wife, and child they could find, and what cattle of foi. 875.
all kinds was left them by Mr. Ferguson. In order to trace
out the Prince, they swore all the people if they knew what
came of the Prince, but to no purpose, as they really knew
nothing about him. They likewise lash'd most unmercyfully
a man, Donald Nicolson ^ (since recovered), they found running
* See ff. 201, 216-218, 922. - See f. 305. ^ See ff. 249, 1718.
80 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
16 July away, that was servant to Captain Malcolm MacLeod, who
that day left them just by speed of foot. Some of their
people, I know not their names, ravished two women, the one
called Christian Montgomery, and the other Maron MacLeod,
who walks upon stilts. This visit was infinitly worse than
their first, as they slaughtered many more of their cattle of all
kinds, excepting horses, than they at first did. They so robed
the whole inhabitants both of their bed close ^ and even their
body close, that I am certain there was not the value of two
shillings sterling of close of any kind left to any of the poor
foi. 876. familys upon the island. From that day, which was about the
sixteenth or seventeenth of July, the poor people were daily
harrassed and trod upon till ever the Independent Companies
were broke, which was in the middle of September. As two
companies of the MacLeods, commanded by MacLeod of
Taliskar and MacLeod of Waterstene,- were stationed in the
adjacent parts of Sky to Rasay, they daily made incursion
there, and Avere destroying any poor remainder that was left
that they could lay hold on. But as to the behaveour of these
people to this island, I refer to another time. The exact
accompt of the damages sustained in Rasay as nearly calculated
as possible, and which may be depended upon, is as follows :
The number of the cows slaughtered amounted in all to up-
wards of two hundred and eighty, the sheep upwards of seven
foi. 877. hundred, the horses shot for pleasure did not exceed a score,
and the boats destroyed during these troubles were thirty-two
in number, small and great ; and the houses burnt exceeded
three hundred ; the whole amount of the articles above, with
their furniture, close, and all other necessarys lost, according
to an exact calculation made as the one of them selves would
sell to the other, exceeded twenty-four thousand merks Scots.
Besides all this Rasay himself, including his house, his house
furniture, cattle, and other things, values his loss above fifteen
hundred pounds sterling more ; besides the poor people are at
as much loss again by the want entirely of the two last years'
crops. Tho' the island is of some extent, ten miles long, three
broad in some places, and not even a mile in some parts, yet
1 i.e. cloaths. — F. ^ gee ff. 1722, 1726.
1748] MR. MURDOCH MACLEOD 81
the above losses was very great, and quite ruin'd many of the
poeple. Considering that the number of familys in it was only foi. 878.
betwixt eighty and ninety/ and that the tennant who had
three or four cows was thought to be able to pay his rents,
this number severals of them did not exceed even before they
suffered any losses.
Besides this, the rest of Rasay"'s estate in Sky, tho' it did not
suffer so much by slaughtering of cattle and burning of houses,
yet the damage was very great, as the inhabitants deserted the
lands and fled to their nighbours for shelter, and left the lands
waste, which are so to this day.
N.B. — The original letter from Malcolm MacLeod, and
the papers in the handwriting of Young Rasay and his
brother, Murdoch MacLeod, are to be found among my
papers.
Upon Thursday, April 14th, 1748, Mr. Murdoch MacLeod i4^April
returned to me by appointment, when I took an opportunity
of asking him about the precise day when the Prince set out
with old MacKinnon from the Isle of Sky for the continent. J^°^- ^^^'
He said he could assure me that it was upon Friday, the 4th
of July 1746, so that now I think I have this date well enough
ascertained, when I have got three concurring evidences for it,
viz., Malcolm MacLeod, Donald Roy MacDonald, and Mur-
doch MacLeod." I likewise asked him about the wound he
had received in the action at CuUoden. He told me that the
bullet entred at the left shoulder, and lodged under the right
shoulder blade, and that one Balfour, a surgeon, took the
bullet out the day after the battle.^
Upon the said day (April 14th) I gave Mr. Murdoch Mac-
Leod an exact account of something which I desired him to
narrate to Rasay, senior, Rasay, junior, Captain Malcolm Mac-
Leod, and Mr. Alexander MacDonald of Kingsborrow, leaving
it altogether to their discretion whether or not they would com-
municate the same to any other persons. I took Mr. Mac- ^^^ 880.
Leod"'s parole of honour that he should not mention this subject
to any one whatsomever, but only to the forementioned four
^ This is a mistake. See it rectified in this vol., f. I080. — F.
^ See ff. 247, 262, 763, 767, 1 7 14. ^ See f. 712.
VOL. II. F
82 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
19 April gentlemen. I desired him to return to me upon Tuesday
(April 19th), in order to talk over the subject again, that so I
might know if he remembred all the several parts of it exactly
enough. He kept the appointment accordingly, and I found
upon trial that his memory served him very well. Perhaps
this SOMETHING may have a place yet in this Collection.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 881. A Song in praise of 3Iiss Flora MacDonald, to
the tune of^My Dearie an thou die'
1.
Flora, virtuous, faithful maid,
Thou pointed out by Heav''n !
To guide the hero in his way ;
To thee that trust was given.
Wreckt was our hope, thy charge and thee,
And cruel death the fate ;
Had not a powerful hand sent down
Protection to thy boat.
2.
Sure refuge to great Charles and thee.
And darkness to those men,
Who sought for price the heir to kill.
And watch'd a time to sin.
In state that powerful hand exerts
Its attributes on high,
By secret means works out its ends,
Withdrawn from human eye.
3.
The mist which blinded William's fleet
To you gave safety there.
fol. 882. A ray directive shone for you
And led you where to steer.
1748] MISS FLORA MACDONALD 83
O happy nymph ! thou sav"'(ist the Prince ; ^
Tliy fame be handed down.
Tliy name shall shine in annals fair
And live from sire to son.
FINIS.
Tuesday, Maij 17^/*, 1748. — Being in the Advocate's Library foi. 883.
in Edinburgh, Mr. Walter Goodale, under-keeper of the said 17 May
Library, put into my hands a paper which, he said, he had ^^'^
forgot to deliver to Bishop Keith, as he had promised to do.
After perusing the paper, I asked Mr. Goodale who the person
was wlio had writ it ? He answered, one Mr. James MacKenzie
(an Orkney man), Writer in Edinburgh, who knew these matters
well. I then asked Mr. Goodale if he would trust me with the
paper, and I promised to deliver it carefully to Bishop Keith.
Upon that condition Mr. Goodale gave me the paper, of which
follows an exact copy :
Memorandum for Bishop Keith.
While the Highlanders were assembling at Perth, those of
West Ross (a MacKenzie country) were impatient of the re-
straints they lay under, partly by means of their chief, a man fol. 884.
in the guidance of the late K. Duncan,^ and partly by means
of the Lord Lovat, of whom they had been justly mistrustful
since the year 1715. Week after week (were they told) his
lordship's men were to move, and then were they in a readiness
to follow at his heels. But things, notwithstanding, continued
so long in inaction that the neighbours all about, particularly
those at whom his lordship had a hatred, took occasion from
thence to suspect his sincerity, and to look on his professions
as a bait only to hook them into his power. Not that his lord-
ship was indeed to be mistrusted, for without all doubt he was
a friend of his country. But besides his being too easily gulFd
by the Laird of MacLeod, a man every way unequal to him
^ This line was afterwards changed by the author into the following one : —
' In just applause, illustrious nymph.' — F.
^ Duncan Forbes of CuUoden, who was nicknamed King Duncan.
84 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1745
he sought also to act in the dark, out of a scrupulosity perhaps
of hazarding his estate, which I look on as the cause of his
foi. 885. long inaction, a thing of more detriment to the publick good
than is generally known.
Next to Lovat's irresolution and the general distrust enter-
tained of him on that account, the machinations of the Laird
of MacLeod,^ that great engine of Duncan's plots, were of un-
happy consequence. For when the commonalty were every-
where gathering, and in small parties marciiing away to the
place of rendezvous, tiiis deceiver, disguised like a friend, wrought
on their leaders from time to time to halt for him and the
knight of MacDonald, under a pretence that the MacKenzies
and they, by marching in one body, would bring a credit to
the young man's affairs which would be lost by repairing to
him in divided companies. And when men at last began to
suspect him, both by reason of his studied delays and of his
frequent consultations with Duncan, he sent them a letter in
foi. 886. answer to a remonstrance made to him on these grounds,
wherein he makes profession of his confirni'd purpose of arming
for his country, and concludes with these words: 'For my own
part, I am either at the height of my ambition, or at the foot of
a gibbet"* — a profession, it must be own'd, but too easily trusted,
and so much the more that his fidelity had at first been vouched
for by a messenger sent into these parts by the Young Man in
order to quicken the motion of his friends. For a consultation
being then held at Castle Downy, the traitor so dissembled his
duty that he outwitted tliem all, insomuch that afterwards
when men expressed a distrust of him, by reason of his con-
trivances to keep things back, the messenger (Barrisdale by
name) still gave assurances as if his master had not a truer
friend upon earth. And as the notoriety of his accession to
the call for the Young Man had gain'd him a credit witli his
foi. 887. neighbours from the beffinninar, so these assurances of the messen-
h?
ger, together with his own protestations, botii by word and writ,
served as arguments to encrease the stock of it, till at length cer-
tain leaders submitted themselves to his direction, and then their
eyes never open'd till they saw him with his men at Inverness.
^ See ff. 303, 710.
1745] LOVAT AND THE LAIRD OF MACLEOD 85
In the mean time, Lord Seafort, liaving resigned his will to
K. Duncan, was taught to persuade his clan that Lovat indeed
was arming for the Government, and only watchVl an oppor-
tunity of fiilling into their country wherever he should be
furnished with a pretence for doing it. And as if a design had
moreover been form\l of surprizing Seafort himself, upon that
new stock of disgust betwixt Lovat and him, what does he but
call in the Kintail men to Brahan Castle as it were to be a
guard upon his own person and inland estate, but, in reality, if he
could not wile them over to the gathering at Inverness, yet at M- 888.
least that he might divert their inclinations of repairing to the
other side. And tho' in this matter he with great endeavours
obtained what he aim'd at, yet when they understood his more
concealed designs they twitted him to his teeth and went home
saying, 'They knew but one King, and if they were not at
liberty to light for him they would do it for no other.'
MacLeod's men also serv'd him much in this way after their rout
at Inverary. For when he endeavoured to rally them at Elgin,
they kept him in mind how he had already deceived them by
making them believe they were to serve the Young Man when
he first brought them out of the island; and afterwards how
to hold them together at Inverness he had dissembled with
them, as if he always meant to let them follow their own in-
clinations ; till at last, having led them to Inverury, a just dis- foi. 889.
persion, said they, had there befallen them for his perfidiousness
to the Young Man. And yet (they told him) would he but
still return to his duty, they would not so much as look home,
for haste to go with him ; whereas if he continued obstinate,
they would leave him to a man, which they did accordingly.
N.B. — The above is an excellent paper, and contains a true
and most exact account of things. The particulars contained
in it have been frequently affirmed to me by several persons.
Duncan was very poorly rewarded for all his services, and very
remarkable ones they w ere ; for to his stratagems alone were
owing the small numbers that repaired to the Prince's standard.
In a word, it may be affirmed with great truth that he did
more than all the rest of the Government joined together and
yet he was neglected and despised. After the battle of Cul-
86 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
loden he could not obtain one favour for his poor country.
His opinion of things vanislied into vapour and smoke.^ A
Hawley, a Husk, an Albemarle, or even a Scott or a Lockheart
was preferred to the long-headed, sagacious Duncan,
Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 890. Tuesday, May 10th, 1748. — I had a visit of Mr. Duncan
10 May MacPIierson, Presbyterian preacher at Laggan in Badenoch, who
^^'^ had come up to the General Assembly. He delivered to me a
paper inclosed in a sealed cover, Avithout any direction upon it,
from Captain John MacPherson of Strathmashie,- who had
writ it all with his own hand. Here follows an exact copy of
the said paper, which has no date or subscription.
Sir, — As you desire me give as full and circumstantiall ane
account of the affair of Clifton, etc., as I possibly can, notwith-
standing that I know there were many engaged that could to
much better purpose satisfy you, yet as I take it to be the duty
of every one who loves truth, of those who had the honour to
follow the YorxG gextleman you mention (which and the
/ol. 891. good of their country, I 'm persuaded, was what all the think-
ing part of them had at heart, to show their willingness at
least), especially when you take the trouble to require it of any
one of them ; rather than suffer any reproach on that head I
have, in obedience to your desire, presumed to offer you an
account (such as it is) of that affair, being myself therein
immediatly concerned.
18 Dec. Please know then. Sir, that on the 18th December 1745,^
our regiment (I mean that commanded by Cluny MacPherson)
being at Penrith preparing to be reviewed with the rest of the
army, excepting the Glengarry regiment and the Huzars, who
had not come up with the army, but were escorting a part of
the train and some covered wao-o-ons that were obliged to fall
behind, there arrived an express from them certifying that if
/ol. 892. they were not speedily succoured tliey would be all destroyed.
On which alarm Appin's, with Lochiel's regiment and ours,
were ordered to their relief. In obedience to that order we all
1 See ff. 303, 357, 963, 1342-1347, 1443-1446. - See ff. 799, 836, 1544.
^ See ff. 974, 1 100.
1745] BATTLE OF CLIFTON 87
marched from the town of Penrith to the bridge betwixt that i8 Dec
and Clifton, where we were met by the waggons, and told that
all was quite safe and calm in the rear, and that the escort
would be up immediatly. Being thus stoped, and there being
a fine plain peece of ground, the colonels sent back to the army
to be asked to be reviewed on that ground. However, this
was not granted, and we were ordered back to be reviewed
with the army, who were conveened on the Carlisle side of
Penrith ; on which we immediatly directed our march to
Penrith, on our beginning to enter which there came ane
Huzar up witli us at the gallop, who told that if those of the
escort lately mentioned were not immediatly supported they foi. 893.
would be infallibly cut to pieces. To prevent which (if it
could be) our colonel instantly ordered his regiment to front
from the rear and march directly towards Clifton. To which
place I cannot say we marched, but run like hounds ; but on our .
arrivall, to our great contentment, found the Glengary regi-
ment safe, at the same time that we observed the main army
of the enemy all drawn up in form on a small eminence about
cannon shot of us. Lord George Murray, who allwise since
tiie beginning of the retreat from Derby, commanded in the rear,
was alsoe in Clifton. However, when the Glengarrie regiment
and we met, and that all was safe, thinking as it was soe late
that there would be noe play till the morning, and that the
whole army joined, we begun a march towards Penrith again,
the Glengarry regiment then taking the front, Stewarts of foi. 894.
Appin the center, and ours the rear. But this march was not
much more than begun when there came express orders to us
from Lord George to return to Clifton immediatly, he himself
haveing remained there all tlie time. But the position we were
then in, in marching back towards to Clifton our regiment had
the front, the Stewarts, commanded by Ardsheal, the centre as
formerly, and Glengary the rear, and thus we marched till we
joined his lordship at Clifton, when we found that the enemy
continued in the same order as when we had the first view of
them ; only my Lord, it seems, judged they meaned to
advance towards Clifton. Upon which he, on foot, together
with the colonel at the head of our regiment, marched from
Clifton towards the enemy a little to the left untill he planted
88 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1745
fql. 895. US at the back of ane hedge not quite a gunshot, I tliink, from
18 Dec. Chfton, tlie Appin battahon in the center betwixt us and
Glengarrie's, who lined a stone dyke to the right of Appin's.
In this posture we continued for some minutes, prepared to
receave the enemy, and by this time it was quite night upon
us ; and the Generall, finding it proper that we should break
our then situation by penetrating through our hedge, and
advancing therefrom to another that was situate in a hollow
halfway betwixt us and the enemy, we being both on eminences,
and this hollow interjected, through the hedge we made our
way with the help of our durks, the prictes being very uneasy, I
assure you, to our loose taiFd lads. But before we broke through,
his lordship, suspecting that we might be met with in our way
to the other hedge, said to our colonel : ' Cluny, if such will
happen, I 'll attack on the right of your regiment, and doe you
fol. 896. the same on the left of it, and well advance soe, if you
approve of it. To which Cluny readily answered, he was very
well satisfied to attack when his lordship pleased. The dis-
position thus made, when with great rapidity we were makeing
our way towards the other hedge, the advanced parties of the
enemy, being dismounted dragoons, met us full in the teeth,
who fired upon us, which they scarcely did when they were
answered with the little we had without ever as much as
stoping to doe it, but goeing on in our rapid way ; by which
it soe happened they soon turned their backs to us. The
General, how soon we had given our little fire, ordered us to
draw our broad-swords, which was readily done, and then we
indeed fell to pell-mell with them. But the poor swords
suffered much, as there were noe lesse than 14 of them broke on
fol. 897. the dragoons' skull caps (which they all had) before it seems
the better way of doing their business was found out. Among
those swords there was one given by the K — g in 1715 to a
gentleman ^ of this country with this inscription :
' With this good sword thy cause I will maintain.
And for thy sake, O James ! I'll breathe each vein.'
The gentleman's son,^ who got it, left it at Clifton excepting
^ MacPherson of Dalraddy. ^ Lewis MacPherson.
1745] THE ENGAGEMENT AT CLIFTON 89
the hilt and less than a foot of the blade, which I believe he 18 Dec.
takes care still to keep for the sake of the giver. However, as
for broad-swords, we got plenty, as, in place of 14, the broken
ones, our men took noe less than 50 from the dead dragoons in
their return, which, it seems, was all the plunder they regarded.
What the number of their slain might have been I cannot
really say that any of our side can with any exactness
account for, as the affair happened upon the night, and that
the enemy themselves and their friends were the only persons fol. 898.
who had access to see the field afterwards. But this I can say,
and will avouch, that we saw them in great plenty flat as dead
in our return, after puting the survivors into the heart of the
main body of their army. I can assure you there lay heaps
of them in a ditch they were made to pass, and as for the field,
it was pretty well covered ; and at the time we believed the
carnage to have been pretty considerable. However, they have
their own way of telling stories, and even let them be doeing
with . On our side indeed we may say that God
Almighty himself covered our heads, haveing lost none but one
sergeant and two private men. Ifs true that among the
hedges, or some how or other that we cannot account for, 10 or
11 of our men lost us, that Avere next day taken up by the
country people, as we are told, and delivered up to the enemy, fol. 899.
who sent them to York Castle, where they remained prisoners
for many months, and were in the end sent to the Plantations,
and are now in France. What I think, indeed, must naturally
have contributed much to this our safety was the great hurry
with which we went down towards the hollow upon them, by
which means they were so suddenly mistaken of us that much
of their fire went over our heads, and were at their muzles with
our swords before they got all their fire given, which thereafter
they got noe time to give ; and with their swords, tho' they were
all appointed with such, they did not in the least annoy us, as
heels seemed then to be of more use to them than hands.
There was also a detachment of them sent from tiieir main
body in order to have flanked us on the right ; but it haveing
been their luck to pass by the stone dyke which the Glengarrie
regiment lined, they got such a smart fire from that brave fol. 900.
corps that such as outlived it were fain to make the best of
90 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1745
18 Dec. their way back to their army ; by which means we got none of
their trouble, and to which our safety was in a very great
measure oweing. After we had chaced the swiftest of those
with whom we had to doe in amongst the heart of their friends,
we retired to our own first hedge, where we charged our pieces,
meaning to maintain that post till daylight, when we expected
the whole army would have been up with us for disputing the
main point. But soon we receaved orders by ane aid de camp
from the army to return to Penrith to join them there, which
was accordingly done, and from thence all marched for Carlisle,
where we arrived by daylight, being the 19th of December.
I observed to you before that we had got noe less than fifty
fai. 901. of their swords (and I assure you we might have taken many
more had it been adverted to). In the morning we found they
belonged, not to those of one regimentt, but to detachments
from all the dragoon regiments there, and Cluny himself was pos-
sessed of one that was really a very valuable pretty sword. Who
the master of it was noe one of us can tell. But sure I am that he
that brought it there was left there, as I'm sorry the gentleman
you mentioned it to have belonged to ^ was not, or, if he was,
it seems he found a way to sneak of when all was quiet, as I
make noe doubt but more of them have done.
This, Sir, please accept of as the most circumstantiall account
(according to how my memory just now serves) I can give of
the affair of Clifton. Only, as I am very certain, our brave
Highlands lads, when it came to action, did their parts most
manfully, our General and colonel charg^ed and acted with
conduct, prudence, valour, and resolution.
ivfanuary ^^ *° ^^ battle of Falkirk you are noe doubt well informed
1746 allready of all the circumstances and of how ane opportunity
was lost by some fatal mistakes that might really be termed
noe less than the very ruine of the cause. However in case it
may be otherwise, I iiave recommended to a friend to inform
you of some particulars. Meantime, I tliink it will not be
impertinent to let you know some things relative to the
design you have taken that may more probably be yet unknown
to you ; which are the particulars of some attacks made by
1 See f. 801.
1746] THE HIGHLANDERS IN ATHOLE 91
our regiment in concert with the Athole men upon severall Feb.
garrisons at that in the country of Athole. First then, it's
proper to inform you that when the rest of the army marched
to Inverness we were left in Badenoch ^ to intercept or prevent
any incursions of the enemy the Highland way, which if not
taken care of miglit be of bad consequence. Some time after foi. 903.
the army lay at Inverness, Lord George Murray wrote from
thence to Cluny, showing that he intended to surprize the
Athole garrisons, and in order thereto would march to
Badenoch with the Athole men, from which, joined by Cluny''s
regiment, he was resolved to make his attacks. Upon receipt
of this letter, Cluny found a very principall obstacle likely to
obstruct the success of the enterprise, which was the communi-
cation betwixt Athole and Badenoch, and which if not secured
so as to stop the least notice from goeing to Athole, the whole
design must prove abortive ; and to secure that communication
for noe less than a fortnight, that must have been taken before
the design could be ripe for execution, seem'd noe less than
impracticable, considering the long, wide, and open tract of hill
that lay interjected betwixt both countries ; and as noe country,
sure enough, wanted their Achans, the matter was still the foi. 904.
more impracticable. However to work he (I mean Cluny)
went in planting of his guards and taking all possible precau-
tions he cou'd think of, and he verily had need of all his prudence
and vigilance in manageing his affair, let him have what numbers
he might. At lengtii Lord George arrived in Badenoch, wliere 10 Mar.
they must have been two nights (which rendered what I have
said with respect to the security of the communication still the
more difficult). Towards Athole, on the second day after
Lord George with the Athole men arrived in Badenoch, he
with them and us marched ; and that same night after travel-
ling, most of us, thirty miles through hill and storm, being
regularly divided and detached, the Athole men and \ve mixed
in every party at one and the same time, if I well remember,
betwixt 12 at night and 2 in the morning, made our attacks at
five different places,^ namely, Bun-rannoch, Kynachan, Blair- foi. 905.
phettie, Lood, and Mr. M'Glashan in Blair, his house, betwixt
^ See f. 652. a See f. 567.
92 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
10 Mar. which and Bun-rannoch there is noe less than 10 miles. Kyna-
chan will be six from it, and Blairphettie 3. In all which attacks
we had the good fortune to succeed to our minds, excepting
Mr. M'Glashen's house, those therein having deserted it before
our party ordered there had come up. We killed and wounded
many, I doe not indeed now remember their number, and
■ made above 300 prisoners without loseing one man, tho' briskly
fired upon at the three first mentioned places. In short, they
were all to a man taken dead or alive, tho'' well covered and
fortified. This was indeed a cheap and not to be expected
success, considering their advantageous situation besides ours ;
and was no doubt principally owing to the extraordinary care
taken in securing the communication I have been speaking of
foi. 906. before, by which means we took them indeed much at unawares.
All the prisoners were of the Campbell militia and Loudoun's
regiment, excepting a few of the regulars that were taken at
Lood.
I must observe to you tliat amongst some papers found with
the officers at Kynachan there was ane order subscrived (if I
well remember) by General or Colonel Campbell, setting forth
that it was the D of C d's peremptor orders if they
could meet any party of the rebels whom they could at all
expect to overcome, to engage them and to give them noe
quarter as they would be answerable. That of Kynachan was
the attack assigned me, and this order I saw upon the word of
ane honest man, and coppied, which coppy I kept, but had the
bad luck since to lose it by the iniquity of the times as I did
many more things. But its possible it may come to my hands
foi. 907. y^t. The principall Cluny kept.
The only attack now remaining was that of Blair Castle,
which we proposed to besiege ; but two pieces of cannon we
had,^ being noe more than three or four pounders, could not
make the least impression on its strong walls, soe that we
managed only by blockade for about two weeks. In end we
were called to Inverness with the army, on which we left it, and
marched back to Badenoch where our regiment was left for the
reasons formerly given till the Munday nixt before the fatall
1 See f. 653.
1746] BEFORE AND AFTER CULLODEN 93
Wednesday ; ^ on the evening of which Munday we receaved 14 Apr''
orders by express from our colonel, who was at Inverness, to
repair with outmost expedition to the army, as an engagement
with the D of C d was hourly expected. Tho' this
express arrived only on Munday and the men were quite
scattered we got together and marched with such expedition as
to arrive at Dullmagerry be 12 a clock the 16th April with
2 or 300 more of a force tlian we brought to the field since the foi. 908.
commencement of that affair ; this Dullmagerry being noe more
tlian 'twixt 5 and 6 miles from the fatall Culloden. There we
met our colonell wiio had prepared a refreshment for the men,
after taking of which and beginning to march forward the
dismal news of the fate of that day met us.^
Oh heavens ! In what characters will what follows be writ !
Murders, burnings, ravishings, plunderings ! Ane army of
fiends let loose from Hell with Lucifer himself at their head !
Barbarities unheard of — noe distinctions of sex or age —
cruelties never as much as named among any people who made
profession of or pretended to Christianity, and all, not only
with impunity, but by command. Oh ! , . .
But to resume, as you desired I shou''d give a particular foi. 909-
account of the burning of Clunie*'s house,^ know then that in J^"^
June, 1746, after all was quiet of our side, arms delivered and
submission to the prevailing power given, the Earl of Loudoun,
who lay at Shirroemore (a place about 3 miles distant from
Cluny) with 1000 militia, detached about 300 of them under
the command of Captains Hugh and George M'Kays^ with
orders to burn the house, etc., of Cluny, which orders they did
faithfully execute. For they not only burnt the house itself
with such oflfice-houses as were near it, but all the houses that
they apprehended belonged to it at a good distance from it.
It was a most pretty, regvdar, well-contrived house as any be-
north the river of Tay : double, built in the new way, only
about two years before, pavilion roofd with two pretty M- 910-
pavillions joined to it by colonades, and consisted of eighteen
fire-rooms.
I"'m afraid by the time you have read thus far you'll be
1 See f. 654. 2 See ff. i66, 305, 421, 707, 873. ^ See f. 802.
* Lord Rae's sons.
94 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
wearied of such stuff as I have put together, and of peruseing
such a confused scrible. However, if by a letter I soon
expect from you owning the receipt of this, I find it will be
agreeable, shall trouble you by the next sure hand with
accounts of some sufferings in these times in this and the
neighbouring covnitries. — I am with great regard. Sir, your
most obedient servant.
N.B. — The original of the above, in Strathmashie's hand-
writing, is to be found among my papers.
RoBEiiT Forbes, A.M.
>/. 911. Saturday, May IWi, 1748. — I had a visit of Lieutenant
14 May James MacDonald, Armadale's son, who delivered to me
1748 ' '
a letter and a paper from Hugh MacDonald of Balshar
in North Uist.^ Both the letter and the paper are in
Balshar's own hand-writing. Here follows an exact copy
of the said letter :
3 March ' SiR, — I \'e herein giv'n ane account of all that lay within
the sphere of my knowledge. What I \e said anent Sir Alex-
ander M'Donald in that small collection, I declare to God for
the sincerity of my truth in 't ; and had he been in life, wou'd
not so much insist on the vindication of his character in this
particular. But if you "11 be so good as mark the passage
relateing to Sir Alexander in your collection, I'll begg you'll
/oi. 912. make no use of my name, as it would look a litle selfish that
one of his own freinds would be the author thereof. There is
ane other passage I must recommend to your judgment, viz.,
Avhither it would be more proper to make use of Sir Alexander's
name in the collection, or Sir James's. If you 'd write to
M'Donald of Glenelidle,^ somewhere about Mudeort, I take
him to be the man that coud give you most exact account of
his travells on the main land. — I am, Sir, Your very obedient
humble servant,
(Sic subscribitu?-) Hugh M'Donald.'
' Balshar, March 3d, 1748.
1 See ff. 784, 797. 2 See f. 576.
1746] IMACDONALD OF BALSHAR^S ACCOUNT 95
Here follows an exact co])y of the forementioned paper
sent me from the said Balshar: —
The way I cam to be acquainted with that young gentle- June
man is this. After the defeat of Coulodn and his coming foi. 913.
to sculk to the hills of South Uist, Lady Margret M'Donald
sent me the gazetts and a letter,^ importing she was affraid
that any that attached to the Long Island of that party
shou\l be apprehended, as they were sending so many com-
panies in to the Isles on each end, and both to meet, which
woud render his escape impossible, I out of compassion
crossd the strands to South Uist, accompany"'d by none, went
to M'Donald of Boistill's hous, where he and I passt the night,
only conversing on the apparent danger. The result of our
meeting was, that next morning wee'd go and see the distressed,
each of us separatly and different ways, to prevent the clamour
of the vulgar. I came to the designed place before Boistill,
the name of the place being Glen Coridile, in South Uist,
where (being a misty day)'- I cam near them before they dis-
covert me, which surprizM them. One of the gentlemen, viz.,
Lieutenent Colonel O'Sulivan, on my approach bespock the
young gentleman in French. Accordingly he ran into the M- 914-
hous.^ One Captain Allan M'Donald in tlieir company who
knew me, advis'd them not be concerned, as they were in no
danger from me. O'Sulivan introduces me to the hutt. He
saluted me very kindly, and told me he was heartily glade to
see the face of an honest man in such a remot corner. His
dress was then a tartan short coat and vest of the same, got
from Lady Clanranald, his night cape linen, all patchd with
suit^ drops, his shirt, hands and face patchd with the same, a
short kilt, tartan hose and Highland brogs, his upper coat
being English cloath. He calld a dram, being the first article
of a Highland entertainment, which being over he calld for
meat. There was about a half ston of butter laid on timber
pleat, and near a leg of beef laid on a chist befor us, all patchd
with suit drops, notwithstanding its being washed tot'ies quoties ; foi. gis-
1 See ff. 714, 715. 2 See f. 587. ^ See ff. 281, 287, 308, 343, 588.
■* I.e. Soot.
96 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
June as wee had don who enterd the hutt, but Boistill,^ who seemd
to be a very welcom guest to the young gentleman, as they
had been together above once befor. Boistill then told him
there was 2 parties com to Bara in suit of him. He ask'd
what they were. Boistill said they were M'Donalds and
M'Leods. He then said he was not in the lest concerned, as
they were Highlanders, and more especially such. I spock to
Boystill anent leaving Glencoridile, as our stay there woud be
of dangerous consequence and of no advantage to him. The
young gentleman told us as it was but seldom he met with
friends he coud enjoy himself with, he wou'd not on any
account part with us that night. Boystill says to me, we
couM not in good manners part with him that night. I
replyed, if he wou'd risque staying himself (all this in High-
joi. 916. lands), that I woud for my part. The young gentleman
advises Edmond'^ Burk, now chairman at Edinburgh, to fill
the boul ; but befor wee'd begin with our boul, Boystill insisted
on his being shav'd first, and then putting on a clean shirt,
which he was importuned to do, and Burk shav'd him. Then
we began with our boul frank and free ; as wee were turning
merry, wee were turning more free. At last I starts tlie
question if his highness wou'd take it amiss if I shou'd tell him
the greatest objections against him in Great Brittain. He said.
Not. I told him that Popery ^ and arbitrary government were
1 See ff. 256, 302, 589.
- So it was in the original paper, but it should be Edward. — F. See ff. 282,
3^6.
^ Captain Donald Roy M 'Donald frequently told me the very same story, and
informed me of a circumstance that renders the freedom still more remarkable,
viz., that he believed his brother (Balshar) was the single Protestant in the
company ; and that with all his art Balshar could not discover anything at all of
the Prince's opinion about matters of religion. The Captain used likewise to
tell me that when in England with the army, he himself took the freedom to
speak to Keppoch and some others about the Prince's joining in Divine ser-
vice with a Protestant clergyman, importuning them to use their influence with
the Prince for that purpose, for that he was persuaded such a measure would do
him much service, especially among the English ; these gentlemen to whom the
Captain spoke, said they had already spoke seriously to the Prince upon that
subject, but that they had got such a return from him as they could not make a
reply to, viz., 'Pray, gentlemen, can you assure that I will not be obliged to
return to foreign parts ? Satisfie me as to this point, and then I will know what
to do.' — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] THE RELIGION OF PRINCE CHARLES 97
the two chiefest. He said it was only bad constructions his June
eneniys pat on't. ' Do you 'no, Mr. M'Donald,' he says, ^° ' ^^'^'
' what religion are all the princes in Europe of?"' I told him
I imagined they were of the same establislfd religion of the
nation they liv^d in. He told me then they had litle or no
religion at all.^ Roystill then told iiim that his predecessor,
Donald Clanranald, had fought seven sett battles for his, yet
after the restauration, he was not ound by King Charles at
Court. The Prince said, Boystill, Dont be rubbing up old
sores, for if I cam liome the case woud be otherwise with me. Z"^- 918.
I then says to him, that notwithstanding of what freedome wee
enjoy'd there with him, wee cou'dVe no access to him if he was
setled at London ; and told us then if he had never so much ado,
he'd be one night merry with his Highland freinds. Wee con-
tinued this drinking for 3 days and 3 nights. He still had the
better of us, and even of Boystill ^ himself, notwithstanding his
being as able a boulman, I dare say, as any in Scotland.
Boystill was telling me they had a meeting at the end of
Loch Boystill, as he cou'd not with safety bring his H to
his hous ; so both of them, only tuo other gentlemen in com-
pany, viz., O'Sulivan and Lachlin M'Donald of Dremsdile, a
cadent of Clan's^ family, drunk in the fields all night on cold fol. 919.
brandy. O'Sulivan and his neighbour quitt the feild. The
Prince and Boystill dragg'd them to the boat, and rou'd the
boat out to tiie entry of the loch, where they cou'd have a view
of any ships that were on the coast. All the time I see'd him
he'd not shift either night or day, and I was told as litle
he did since the defeat of Coulodn till he was for France.
James MacDonald, a cadent of Clans, told me the Prince sent
him with express to Secretary Morou from Uist to Muidort.
As he was going of he askt, in case the English met with him,
1 Here Donald Roy used to say that the Prince added, * Some of them have
good consciences, and some of them have bad consciences.'
Robert Forbes, A.M.
2 Donald Roy MacDonald told me the very same thing, and remarked to me
that Boystill was one of the strongest men at a glass in all the Highlands. He
informed me of all that his brother (Balshar) mentions in his paper, but then I
did not chuse to take it frpm him, as I had the view of getting it from Balshar
himself. See f. 589. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ i.e. Clanranald's.
VOL. II. G
98 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
June what he woud do with the letter. The Prince made it up by
way of suppositer, and desir'd him drive into his fundament.
The fleet and army now flocks about the country. Wee Ve all
obhg'd to seperat. Boistill is taken up by one Captain Dove.^
fol. 920. O'Sulivan is obligM to quitt him, not being able to keep up
with him, so that he was now destitute of all company but a
cuple of men,2 that ran with him up and down the hills. This
was in the beginning of June, and was not one night in the
meanest cottage till he left the country, sleeping all night
among the heather. As Captain Scott and 2 militia com-
panies cam into the country, he was then obliged to com to
Benbecula. Who marches throw our country of North Uist
but Generall Campbell with his retinew to join the rest. The
Prince sends for me to consult how to behave. I was suire not
to advise, lest my advice shou'd turn out to the wors, and that
not only I'd blame me my self, but that all freinds wou'd blame
me if matters wou'd turn wrong. I was obliged to say some-
thing. My advice was this, that as he lay in view of the
fol. 921. chanell, if the chanell was clear of ships he shoud go of in
the afternoon to give him a long night, to keep closs by the
land of Sky, that he might have the opportunity of running
ashore in case of the wors, and desir'd him he shou'd go to
Kulin hills in Sky, where he cou'd get to the Laird of M'Kinon,
who woud see him safely landed on the mainland. He told me
it was impossible for him to recollect the whole without I gave
the direction in write. He had his writeing instruments
about him, and writt the direction as above ; but advis'd him
if he shoud not get to M'Kinon, that he shoud without loss of
time go in to Sir James M'Donald's country of Slet, and apply
to Donald M'Donald of Castletoun, to Hugh M'Donald of
Armidell, to Alexander M'Donald of Kingsborow, to Archi-
bald M'Donald of Tarsquivag, and Rory M'Donald of Camis-
foi. <^22. cross, all cadents of Sir James M'Donald's family. Any of the
above, I was confident, woud see him safe to the mainland.
This was the very day General Campbell crossed our country
1 See f. 302.
" Here Captain O'Neile is forgot to be mentioned, for he certainly was with
the Prince less or more till his Highness was put into the hands of Miss Flora
MacDonald. See f. 524.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
I74<J] THE rillNCE LN BEiNBECULA 99
into Benbecula, Captain Ferguson in company, who was most June
bent of any I heard to take the Prince.^ General Campbell
when at Benbecula was within a quarter of mile of him.
The poor man, tliey came to his hous. Black Dunkan at
Gramstill in Benbecula, sent the young man express that
General Campbell, Ferguson, Captain Campbell of Skippinage,-
and sundry others wer com to his house in suit of him. The
next day General Campbell marcli'd to South Uist, and I
cross"'d to see him [Prince], and met witli him at a lochside.
He was then in kilt with very indifferent plaid, his face black
weather beaten, still night and day in the open fields. He
told me at meeting he was very well in health, but did not
break fast this four and tuenty hours passt. Notwithstanding foi- 923-
of his difficulties, he was very canty and jockose. At last
comes Ranald M'Donald of Torlom, a cadent of Clan's^ a
servant with him with bread, butter, and a rosted hen. The
butter was half salt, as it was what they prepared for cureing
their seabed horses ; no man cou'd Ve tasted it but a starving
man. The bread was hot when he laid on the butter, and was
running it \sic\ all round till he devoured the whole. He then
made an end of his hen, took his bonat and drunk with it out
of the loch. His hose was all brunt betuixt his ankle and
garter. I ask'd him what befell his hose. He told me he
threw it of that morning and was drying it to a heather fire,
and as he was falling asleep it took fire. I \1 be at exchanging
with him, which he would not do, insisting he had another
pair. You '11 observe my advice to him as already mentioned f'^^' 924-
was not followed. He changed resolutions when Miss
M'Donald of Milltoun cam to him. He then thought of going;
to Troternish,^ which he did, and was fir'd at of the point of
Waternish in M'Leod's country, as he was going by.^ How-
ever, on the Sundy, he landed at Mugstot, Sir James
M'Donald's place of residence, where luckily he met with
Alexander M'Donald of Kingsborow, and told him he was
recommended to him by one, Hugh M'Donald of Balshar.
Kingsborow told him he needed be under no apprehensions,
^ Most true indeed.— F. See ff. 20i, 873. - See f. 691.
' i.e. Clanranald's.— F. See ff. 589, 644. ^ gee ff. 138, 531.
^ See ff. 205, 530.
100 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
July he 'd take all care possible of him. Yet tho' through Providence
he landed safe, there was no point or harbour round all Isle
Sky but were guarded, and even the harbour he landed in was
guarded by one, Lieutenant M'Leod, who accidentally that day,
foi. 925. being on Sunday, went to hear sermon. The fellows on watch
were all asleep as he landed. All the time I was in company
he did not seem in the lest concerned. Not only that, he
insisted that he was in no danger of being taken especialy
while he was amono^ M'Donalds.^ After his landing; at Muo;-
stot and meeting with Kingsborow he did not choose himself
to go to the family for fear of bringing the family to the lest
trouble. As I had writ before this to Lady Margret M'Donald
that he was destitute of all necessares of life, she sent him by
Kingsborow 50 guineays.- Kingsborow made him an offer of
the present. His highness told him he returnd her ladyship
foi, 926. thanks, but woud be more obligM to her had she sent him 50
English shillings.^
I May ^g \ ""ill writeing this there coms to my hous a sister of mine
maryed to one Donald Campbell in Scalpay/ alias among
sailors Island Glass. She says as he was going to Storniva
after his first coming to Long Isle, in order to get aboard, he
was five nio'hts in her hous in said isle ; but as some of her
name, viz., M'Donald, told her there was such a man in
company she took the more care of him, and consequently one
the other hand he used the more freedom as he was notified
she was M'Donald. He^'d be on foot every morning before
man or woman stirrd in the hous, woud go to the landlady's
closet and ask what heM have for brakefast the day. Once
this was told, he'd then ask what was for his neighbours. Be
what it will he was still pleased. One morning as he got up
foi. 927. he goes in to the kitchin, where in a cask of seeds he found a
cuple of new laid eggs, with which he coms to the landlady's
1 It is certain the Prince in his difficulties had a particular liking for the
M'Donalds.— F. See ff. 600, 751.
" I heard Kingsborow more than once say that when he was making ready to
go to the Prince upon the shore, Lady Margaret said to him, She had a small
purse of gold at the Prince's service, and by the hands of Captain Donald Roy
M'Donald she actually sent money, etc., to the Prince. See ff. 717, 722, 754,
764. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
3 See f. 752. * See ff. 286, 297.
1746] THE PRINCE IN SCALPA 101
closet, and beggd the favour she \\ allow him the eggs, which May
was done and prepared for hrakefast. After brakefast he and
one Kenneth Campbell, a young boy, the landlord's son, goes a
fishing. The Prince catches a small coad, which he pucli'd and
immediatly went hom, stood by till it was dresst for supper.
But as they were a fishing he and the boy fell a chating. The
boy ask'd from whence they came, or where they design''d for.
He told the boy they had been foreighners, and were wreckd
on the north coast, and were now traveling to see if they coud
meet with a ship for transporting them. The boy askVl the
fisher what burthen the wreck'd ship might be. He told him
about fiftie towns. As the boy had serv'd some time at sea he
judgd right, especialy as braggd of the bulk of the wreckd
ship, told the fisher the vessel was but a very small one. The fol. 928.
fisher seem'd a litle confounded ; but now, as the boy and the
fisher were returning home, there meets them a cow of Mr.
Campbell's boggd. The boy attempted to drive her out, but
woud not do for him. The fisher seeing this threw off his
upper coat, into the ditch with Kenneth Campbell he gets
and trails the cow out of the bog ; got his briches and white
stockines all dirtied.
Its true wee did not stir in the common caus, yet depend
ont, wisht well tilFt, of which the gentleman himself is fully
assured by severall instances. Our cous[in] and chief, Sir
Alexander M'Donald^ (Pm told) is raiPd on over all that
country. But had he been such ane unworthy piece as he 's
calld he wou'd not Ve givn us the instructions he did. He
cam through all our bands and stood so firm as if wee had
been in his service. I was captain of one of his militia com-
panies laying at Slet. When the Laird cam to that country foi. 929.
he sent for me. But before he had come to Slet I was told
that he had a review of his people at Portree, and that the
people denyed rising in arms if Sir Alexander did not go and
join the Prince ; upon which the people were all dispersed.
Now, in our intercourse I told Sir Alexander 1 was vexed at
the Troternish people conveend at Portree. He askt for what.
I told him for disobedience to him in refuseing to take arms by
1 See ff. 754, 776.
lOa THE LYON IN MOURNING [174^
June his orders. He told me to keep silence. It was all by his
private orders, as it did not lay in his way to do him good, he
fol. 930. had no inclination to do him hurt.^ It would be something
strange that he'd be so ill sett against him and his whole clan
so attached to him even in the light of his misfortunes. As
I'm writeing this Fm told that as he was parting with M'Donald
of Kingsborow his nose gush'd blood.^ M'Donald advised him
to turn to his hous till he recovered. He said. Not ; only
wanted he'd direct him to the water, which accordingly he did.
He then washd his nose therewith and the blood immediatly
stop'd. Lachline M'Donald of Dremstill, who supplyed him
and the few with him while at Glencoridile with victulls, tells
me he was the man that attended him still while in the hills
a-hunting.^ He kept plenty of all sorts of fouls in this hutt
fol. 931. be stayd in and deer venison plentifully. But one day as they
happend to go a-hunting the Prince with his feusee in his hand
stood on a hillside and whistled so exact that you coud not
distinguish it from a plover. Some gathered about him, of
which he shot two on wing and two on ground. Lachline
[mc] Dremstill said the art behoove to be witchcraft, for if it
was not so the plovers woud conveen to iiis whistling as to his
highnesses. Dremstill takes the fewsee and falls a whistling,
but tho' he stood there yet no plovers cam to his relief. The
Prince a second time takes the feuzee, whistles and gathers a
croud of the plovers about, and shot a good many. He said
^ See f. 214.
^ I can very easily believe this of Sir Alexander, for I know one to whom he
had a very remarkable expression in Inverness, when he had come there to pay
his court to Cumberland after the battle of Culioden. The expression was this :
' Is it not very hard that I should be obliged to come and bow to that puppy
and to kiss his fingers, whom not long ago I thought to have given a kick in the
breech ? Had I ever imagined that my country would have been so served I
should have shewn them another thing of it, for had I raised my men MacLeod
durst not have stayed at home.' Sir Alexander had interceeded with Cumber-
land for Keppoch's cattle, but after his applying to preserve them they were all
taken and brought to the camp, which he took highly amiss. Sir Alexander's
great fault lay in want of resolution, and his being led so much by Duncan
Forbes and the Laird of MacLeod. I am persuaded Sir Alexander died of
heartbreak. Had Lovat and he raised their men upon the Prince's landing
matters had not gone so as they did. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ See f. 590.
1748] THE PRINCE AND THE PLOVERS 103
he never seed any to paralele with him at the gun, and that June
he'd never risque being starved while he was master of the
feuzee and plenty of amunition. Drenistill tells me as they
were coming away from Glencoridile, and the parties by this foi. 932-
time landed in South Uist, as his highness was crossing a burn
he miss'd his step and fell on his ribs on a pointed ston,
which hurt him severly. He gave a heavy groan and made no
more bemoan. He was all this time very ill of a bloody flux
and sever fits of grinding, yet still was firm in courage, and
insisted he M never be taken while among his Highland freinds.
The bearer hereof, James M'Donald, whose father, Hugh
M'Donald of Armidell, was captain of one of the Militia com-
panies that came first in suit of him, can tell you best what
passt betuixt his father and the Prince.
N.B. — Both the originals of the letter and the paper in .
Balshar's own handwriting are to be found among my
papers. Here I remark once for all that in making out f°^- 933-
transcripts of the letters's and papers I am favoured with,
I observe as exactly as possible the spelling and pointing
of the originals. Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a Letter from Captain John Macpherson foi. 934.
of Strathmashie, in Badenoch,^ to me, Robert
Forbes.
Ruthven^ 91st May 1748. 21 May
Dear Sir, — I wrote you last week by a friend, but soe very ^'^'^
confusedly, that I 'm afraid you was at a loss what to make of
it. It happened that I did not know of his being to set out
till he was just upon the point of takeing journey, soe that I
was obliged to transmit you the very scroll I was determined
to have kept for myself. I therefore beg you excuse the have-
ing been troubled with such a confused scrible, since if I had
taken time to make it more fit for your perusall I wou'd have
lost ane opportunity of sending it, that I did not know when
1 See f. 890.
104 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
21 May such another would cast up. But be assured I have not
foi- 935- advanced the least circumstance but what is altogether con-
sistent with my own knowledge to be fact. I shall be heartily
glad to be favoured with a letter from you acknowledging the
receipt of my former, and if I find it will be agreeable, shall
trouble you yet further with such facts as have come to my
knowledge relative to what you have in hand. I sincerely wish
you all happines, as it will be my very great ambition to be
esteemed, Dear Sir, Your most faithful! humble servant,
{Sic subscrihitiir) John M'Pherson.
NM. — The original of the above to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi 936. Copy of a Letter to Captain John ^Iacpherson
of Strathmashie in Badenoch.
•^\^l^ My dear sir, — Your kind and agreeable favours I gladly
received from the hands of your friend who is pleased to take
the trouble of this. I likewise received from him your letter
of the 21st instant dated at Ruthven.
I am so exceedingly well pleased with what you have already
sent me that I earnestly beg the continuance of your friendly
offices in that way. You needed not to have apologized for
the haste you was put to in writing the narratives, for I had no
difficulty at all in making it out, and the length of it was so
far from being tedious to me that the more I read, the moi-e I
was pleased, and I wish it had been ten times as long. I
should be faulty did I not remark to you that you are by far
foi- 937- the exactest and most expeditious correspondent I have had to
do with as yet in the course of this affair.
As to the bulk of my collection which (very much to my
pleasure) has swelled beyond my expectation, I refer you to
the bearer for information.
Be so good as embrace the first opportunity of a sure private
hand to transmit to me any other narratives you may have
collected ; and be sure to observe the same circumstantial
method of which you have already given me a proof; but
1748] MACPHERSON OF STRATHMASHIE 105
never trust anything by post. The sooner you send me any 25 May
papers still the better, as you '11 easily see by conversing with
your friend. It would be very obliging if, among other favours,
you would allow me your account of Falkirk-battle in your own
handwriting.
You see, I am very free in cutting out work for you which
must put you to much trouble, but I rely upon your goodness M- 938-
to forgive the freedom, and I hope your attachment to the
cause of truth and the importance of the subject will be suffi-
cient to apologize for me at your hands. If ever an oppor-
tunity comes in my way to make you a suitable return for
your singular favours, you may depend upon a chearful com-
pliance. My best wishes attend you and all your concerns.
That God Almighty may have you and all your concerns in
his holy care and protection, and that he may grant you all
you wish and all you want, is the hearty and earnest prayer
of. Dear Sir, Your most affectionate friend and very humble
servant, Robert Forbes.
Citadel of Leith, May 25th, 1748.
P.S. — I had almost forgot to mention that I was likewise
favoured by post with your kind letter of April 16th.
Adieu.
Copy of a Letter to Dr. John Burton at his M 939-
house in York.^
Dear Sib, — To your kind letter of March 24th, I made a 25 May
return of April 18th, which, I hope reached you in due course. ^^'^
This now serves to cover the letter of my friend Mr. Stewart
Carmichael, who takes this opportunity of sending you (accord-
ing to your commission) the printed cloath, which, I hope, will
please the worthy ladies for whose use it is done, I can
assure you it is done exactly according to the original, there
being not one ace of difference in the figure. My best wishes
attend you and all your concerns.
See if. 325, 839.
106 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
25 May I shall be glad to hear of your welfare and ever am, Dear
Sir, Your affectionate friend and humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Citadel of Leith, May 25th, 1748. ■
/o/. 940. Citadel 0/ Leith, Friday, May 21th, 1748.
27 May There are some particulars worth remarking which hitherto
I have neglected to write an account of, being engaged in such
a variety of bussiness and thoughtfulness since the first time I
began to entertain a thought of making this collection ; and
now here follows an exact account of these particulars.
28 Sept. September 28th (18th Sunday after Trinity) 1746.— A party
1746 came to the Citadel of Leith, commanded by Captain Hanley,
of Colonel Lees''s regiment of foot, about 12 o''clock, immedi-
ately after morning prayer was ended. After placing all the
sentries quite round the house of my Lady Bruce,^ to prevent
any persons going out or coming in, Captain Hanley, attended
by a sheriff-officer, entred the house, and searched it most
strictly. Not a chink or a corner did he pass by that he could
foi. 941. discover without peeping into it. When he was in the garrets
he called for a ladder and with a candle in his own hand viewed
all the corners about the couples and in the roof of the house.
It was afterwards found out that all this strict search pro-
ceeded from an information that the Prince was concealed in
or about my Lady Bruce's house, and they certainly thought
to have got him. Mrs. Mary Clarke happened to step into the
garden with a sucking child (Peggie Rattray) in her arms,
when the centries placed on the mount at the back of the
garden cried to her, and swore if she made one step further
they would shoot her dead. The out houses and every corner
of tiie garden (under the cabbages and the gooseberry bushes
not excepted) were searched by the Serjeants.
After searcliing the house and all about it, the Captain told
my Lady he had further orders which were to search all her
papers. This service was likewise done with great exactness.
^ Dame Magdalen Scott, relict of Sir William Bruce of Kinross.
I74<5] SEARCH OF LADY BRUCE'S HOUSE 107
the sheriff-oflicer stanciing- close by tlic Captain all the time, foi. 942.
who, by the bye, had tiie appearance of being a spy upon the 28 Sept.
Captain's motions : for he attended him in every step he made
through the house and nicely viewed every paper the Captain
took into his hands. There was not a single discharge or
receipt in my Lady's custody for more than thirty years that
escaped their notice and reading, which took up much time.
Though the Captain was exceedingly strict and exact in doing
his duty, yet he performed all with civility and discretion.
The sogers had on their spatter-dashes and their knapsacks
upon their backs, having been made to believe before they left
tlie Canongate that they were going upon a march, and they
knew notiiing of the real design till they were fixed in their several
posts round and in my Lady's house ; for sentries were placed
not only at the outer and inner entry to the house but likewise
upon the stair of the house. They went off without finding M- 943-
anything whatsomever.
My Lady Bruce found out afterwards that she owed this
troublesome visit to the indiscreet and intemperate zeal of Mr.
George Lindsay, Presbyterian preacher in North Leith.
It is to be remarked here that though the Presbyterian
preachers (after the battle of Culloden) refused to give in lists
either of the well-affected or of the disaffected,^ yet they held
a private committee once every week in Edinburgh in order to
confer with one another as to what information every one had
got about the rebels and their concerns — a noted instance of
Jesuitism. In one of these meetings the said Mr. George
Lindsay had lodged an information (founded altogether upon
the groundless jealousy of his own mind) anent my Lady f°^- 944-
Brucc's house, and accordingly one of the Mr. Wisehearts in
Edinburgh went to the Justice Clerk and gave him the
informatiim ; upon which the search was ordered. My
Lady Bruce has often assured me of the truth of this dis-
covery she had made, and that she was very certain the thing
had come about in the way above mentioned ; for that an old
friend of hers had waited on tlie Justice Clerk, to whom he
declared his being much surprized how it should come about
See Scots Magazine for June 1746, pp. 272-274.
108 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
28 Sept. that my Lady had met with any such trouble, seeing her lady-
ship was an old woman, much retired from the world and very
remarkable for her polite and neighbourly behaviour through-
out her whole life. The Justice Clerk answered he could not
help it, for that one of the Mr. Wisehearts had come to him
with an information Avhich he had got from Mr. Lindsay in
foi. 945- North Leith, and what could he do after that, seeing he was
obliged by his office to listen to information, especially when
they proceeded from such remarkable friends to the Govern-
ment "i My Lady has hitherto refused to name the gentleman
who went to the Justice Clerk, but perhaps I may yet find him
out for the better ascertaining the fact.
It is certain that the Presbyterian preachers in Scotland were
the best recruiting Serjeants {inore majorum Cromwellianorimi)
and the best intelligencers that Cumberland and his father
ever had ; though, on the other hand, it must be acknowledged
that some of them, both in the Highlands and in the North,
behaved themselves in quite a different way, and were remark-
able for their compassion and seasonable assistance to the
foi. 946. distressed skulking gentlemen, all the several instances of which
I wish I could pick up and have well vouched, for I would
have much pleasure in recording them. Perhaps I may yet
find them out, which indeed will be no easy matter, seeing
these tender-hearted gentlemen must be careful to conceal the
charitable and well-tim'd offices they performed to the dis-
tressed for fear of their over-zealous brethren, who would be
sure to prosecute them for Jacobitism and disaffection before
the Kirk judicatures, could they once discover the part they
had acted. From such doctrines as these furious preachers
vented in their pulpits, particularly after the battle of Culloden,
good Lord deliver me ! Instances of this kind are endless.
But for one see the substance of two sermons preached by Mr.
Alexander Webster in Edinburgh, and printed in the year
1746.
28 Sept. Upon the forementioned day (September 28th, 1746) there
foi. 947. was likewise a search in the house of Mr. Norwall of Boghall,
in the parish of Bathgate, near Linlithgow, by a large party of
dragoons, under the command of their Major, who brought
along with him six or seven horses, to take off the plunder of
1746] SEARCH OF MR. NORWALUS HOUSE 109
Mr. NorwalFs house. For after the searcli was over, the Major 28 Sept.
declared to Mr. Norwall, that if there had been found in or
about iiis house any rebel, or anything belonging to the rebels,
he was to have pillaged tlie whole house.
The Major and his officers dined with Mr. Norwall, and in
time of dinner one of the younger officers complained that they
had met with such a wretched disappointment, for they were
made to think they would have got something worth their
pains. Mr. Norwall's sister asked that young officer what he foi. 948.
expected to have got ? ' The Young Pretender, Madam,' said
he. The young lady spoke very cavalierly to him, alledging if
the young gentleman had been there, she would have fought
for him before she would have suffered him to have been taken.
Some of the other officers made the youngster several broad
looks when they found he was like to discover the reason of the
search ; but he took no notice of them at all, being so full of
the thing, he went on and spoke out his mind, for he was not
a little chagrined at the disappointment.
Mr. Norwall owed this favour to Mr. George Black well,
Presbyterian preacher at Bathgate, which settlement he had
procured altogether by the interest and friendship of Mr.
Norwall, whose tutor, Charles Blackwell (brother to the said
George), had been for some time. They are sons of the late M* 949-
Principal and Professor Blackwell at Aberdeen. They had a
brother, Alexander Blackwell, who lately suffered death in
Sweden.^
Mr. Norwall was carried prisoner by the party to Linlithgow,
but in a day or two was released by an order from the Justice
Clerk. Mr. Norwall had a brother out with the Prince, which
gave great ground of suspicion against him.
Information had been given that the Prince was moving
southwards,'- which was the reason why these two strict searches
happened upon one and the same day. But then it is worth
observing they were searching for him at the time when he
was either landed in France or upon the coast of it. That he
was making his way southwards as speedily and warily as
1 See Scots Magazine for 1747, pp. 235, 338, 391.
- See Scots Magazine for 1746, pp. 391, 392. — F.
110 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
fol. 950. possible when the French ships arrived to take him off is
28 Sept. certain, and he behoved to be pretty far down the country
towards Edinburgh before the arrival of these ships.^
20 Dec. Upon Saturday, December 20th, 1746, there was a strici
search made throughout the Canongate, Leith, and the other
suburbs of Edinburgh, for ladies and other women dressed in
tartan gowns and white ribbands, with express orders both from
the Justice Clerk and from Lord Albemarle, at that time
Commander-in-chief in Scotland, if any such were found to
seize them and make them prisoners, and to bring them before
the Justice Clerk and Lord Albemarle, that so they might be
questioned about that rebellious dress.
Upon the said day sentries were posted at my Lady Bruce's
gate by seven o'clock at night, but no search was made in her
house till about ten o''clock, when Lieutenant John Morgan, of
fol. 951. Colonel Lees's regiment of foot, entred the house and behaved
with very great discretion, making a joke of the farce, as indeed
it did not deserve to be considered in any other light. He
went into some few rooms to see if he could find any tartan-
ladies, whom he said he was obliged by his orders to take along
with him as prisoners if he should find any of them. He was
pleased to shew me the orders both of the Justice Clerk and of
Lord Albemarle, and to allow me to read them at leisure.
The orders of the Justice Clerk were in the following; or the
like terms :
' Whereas certain information has been given from time to
time that several persons, particularly of the female sex, dis-
affected to his Majesty's person and government, have formed
fol. 952. a design, as an insult upon the government, to solemnize the
twentieth day of December as the birtliday of the Young
Pretender, and for that end are resolved to be dressed in tartan
gowns and white ribbands, and to have a ball or dancing in the
house of Widow Morison ^ (or the like name) ^ in Leith ; there-
1 See ff. 180, 635-639.
" There was not a woman of this name in all Leith, and therefore, I suppose.
Widow Norris was the person pointed at, who keeps an Inn upon the shore of
Leith, and is strongly suspected to be a Jacobite. The words ' Widow Morrison '
were filled up with a different hand from that by which the paper had been written.
2 These words, ' or the like name,' were upon the margin of the paper or order.
1746] A RAID ON TARTAN DRESSES 111
fore these are ordering all officers, civil and military, to be 20 Dec.
upon their duty to prevent any such riotous meetings or any
such insult upon the government ; and for tliat effect to search
all suspected houses in the Canongate, Leith, and the other
suburbs of Edinburgh, and to seize the persons of such as they foi. 953-
shall find dressed in tartan gowns and white ribbands, and the
persons of all such as they shall find attending such meetings
or dancings, and to make them prisoners, etc.
' Given at Edinburgh, this twentieth day of December, in the
year, etc. etc. etc.
{Sic subscribitur) And. Fletcher.''
When I had read this order, I could not help laughing, and
Morgan said, it deserved no other treatment ; for he believed
never was an officer sent upon any such duty before, as to
enquire into the particular dress of ladies, and to hinder them
to take a trip of dancing, etc.
The order of Lord Albemarle was in few words, referring to
that of the Lord Justice Clerk, but specifying the article of
making prisoners of all tartan gowns, white ribbands, etc.
The officers put upon this odd piece of duty had lists in their foi. 954-
pockets of all suspected houses. Mrs. Jean Rollo, an old
maiden lady in the Canongate, and sister of the present Lord
Rollo, was the only prisoner according to order, and was
brought before the Justice Clerk and Lord Albemarle, and
after some very silly trifling questions being asked about her
tartan gown she was dismissed.
A party of mounted dragoons continued patroling through
some of the streets of Leith till near 12 o'clock at night, and
sentries were posted at the Watergate, Foot of Leith Wynd,
and head of the Walk of Leith, and other avenues leading to
Edinburgh, so that none could pass or repass without being
strictly examined and giving an account of themselves. At
the Watergate some gentlemen returning from their walk they
had been taking into the country were made prisoners, and
detained to next day in the Canongate prison, because they foi. 955.
made a joke of the thing, and refused to answer some of the
silly questions. Among these gentlemen was Mr. David Ken-
nedy, brother to the present Sir Thomas Kennedy of Cullean,
112 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
20 Dec, and cousin to the Justice Clerk. One of Lord Albemarle's
servants, returning from watering and airing the horses, refused
to answer a centinel that called to him, upon which the centinel
stept forwards and thrust his screwed bayonet into the belly of
Albemarle"'s best horse, so that the fine managed caperer died.
This became the subject of much laughter that the General
should be the only person to suffer in a search for the rebel-
lious TARTAN.
This farce was said to be altogether owing to the folly and
foi. 956. madness of General Husk, who was at that time in Edinburgh.
There never was such a thing devised as a ball or a dancing.
But some people knowing the folly and idleness of the Govern-
ment folks, had spread such a report to try what they would
do ; and indeed the farce afforded diversion enough.
There was on Trapeau, an Irishman, a lieutenant in Bligh's
regiment, who was much blamed for this odd farce. After
the battle of Culloden he became aid de camp to General
Husk, to whom he was sure to whisper every idle, silly story he
could pick up ; and the credulous Husk was ready to swallow
everything down as truth. Tiiis Trapeau was the officer that
posted the sentries at my Lady Bruce's gate ; and though he
had been several times in my Lady''s house, and well entertained
in it, yet he had not the discretion to call for my Lady, to let
fol. 957. her know what was the matter, or to forbid her to be uneasy,
so that she was altogether in a state of suspence till Morgan
appeared at ten o"'clock at night. This Trapeau was among
the officers that did duty upon the prisoners in the Castle of
Edinburgh in the month of February 1746, and was at no
small pains to get into favour with them, particularly the brave
Major Donald MacDonell and Mrs. Jean Cameron. Bligh''s
regiment being ordered to sail from Leith to Aberdeen, where
Cumberland was then lying with his army, the said Trapeau
took care to have recommendatory letters to Keppoch and
Lochiel from Major MacDonell and Mrs. Jean Cameron, for
fear of the worst, as both of them told me and others more
fol. 958. than once. But after the battle of Culloden he was a changed
man indeed, being much for severe measures upon the rebels,
making panegyricks in conversation upon Cumberland, and
callins; all the facts about the cruelties and barbarities damn'd
1746] ESCAPE OF LADY OGILVIE 113
lies, etc., sayiiif^ tliat the brave Duke of Cumberland was not 20 Dec.
capable of entertaining a tliouglit about such doings; that he
had a soul much above these things, etc. etc. etc. etc.
About this time a memorable event happened, which is as
follows : My Lady Ogilvie (who had made her escape out of
the Castle of Edinhurgh in the dress of a servant-maid upon
Friday's evening, November 21st, 1746) and about sixteen
skulking gentlemen met at a fisher"'s house (a very retired hut)
on this side of North Berwick in order to wait a Dutch ship foi. 959.
that was to sail from Leith harbour, the master of which had
agreed to take them off to Holland, and that when he should fall
down the Frith of Forth he would make towards the Bay of
Prestonpans as a signal for them to come on board. They
accordingly had a large boat from Newhaven provided on
purpose, and lying near the fisher's hut. When the Dutchman
set sail such a hard westerly gale blew that he could not (with
all his art) look near Prestonpans Bay, but behoved to set out
to sea directly. This was a sore disappointment to my lady and
the distressed gentlemen ; for they had nothing else for it but to
make their way back again to Edinburgh in as wary a way as
possible. They were about two days or so in the fisher's hut, M 960.
where the accommodation was bad enough, especially for such
a number. Tliey all luckily got into Edinburgh again on the
evening of December 19th; but had they delayed their return
into Edinburgh till next day every one of them had been seized
by the sentries posted for the tartan farce.
Upon Christmas eve my Lady Ogilvie, dressed in men's
cloaths, as a sick gentleman jaunting for health, set out in a
chaise for London attended only by Archibald Hart, merchant
in Edinburgh, who brought her ladyship safe to London.
Upon her endeavouring to get over to Holland from the
English coast she was seized upon by an oiRcer and his party
for the Young Pretender. The gentleman who was with her
(I know not his name) acted his part so well as to get her free ; /<"'■ 961-
for he assured the officer it was a lady of rank in men's cloaths,
who had run herself so deep in debt with gaming that she
behoved to fall upon this shift to get abroad to save herself the
disgrace of being thrown into jayl, and he hoped the officer was
one of more honour and had a greater regard for the sex than
VOL. II. H
114 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
20 Dec. to have a hand in bringing so much misery upon a lady. The
officer said the Young Pretender was represented to him to be
a tall, slender young man such as the person he had now seized ;
but if it could be certified that the prisoner was a woman he
wanted no more, for he would not upon any consideration bring
fol. 962. distress upon a lady. The officer having got some women to
examine into the case and to give their verdict, was satisfied
it was not the Young Pretender, and so let my lady pass
without further trouble. Robert Forbes, A.M.
fol. 963. Friday's Afternoon, June 3d, 1748. — In the room of Captain
3 June . Hugh Clerk above his cellars in South Leith, there was
^^^ a company taking a glass of wine when the conversation
happened very accidentally to turn upon a point well worth
the remarking.
The company consisted of the ten following persons, viz. :
Captain Hugh Clerk, Frazerdale's son, commonly called Lord
Lovat, the Laird of MacLeod, Lady MacLeod, Laird of
MacLeod's two daughters, Mr. William Forbes, AVriter to the
Signet, commonly called Little Willie Forbes, Mrs. Rattray,
wife of John Rattray, surgeon in Edinburgh, and Mrs. Mary
and Helen Clerks, daughters of the foresaid Captain Hugh
Clerk.
fol. 964, A health being asked of the said William Forbes he drank
to ' Scotland that once was.' The health went round in the
same terms, and the Laird of MacLeod said, ' Scotland indeed
can be no more now that the President is dead.' To this
Mr. William Forbes replied, that one day being with the
President when on his death-bed, he (William Forbes) took an
opportunity of regreting with tears in his eyes, what a great
loss his country would sustain by the President's death, and
that the President made this return to him, ' Were I to live
longer, Willie, I could only mourn with you over my country.'
As Mr. Forbes's toast was a home-thrust to the Laird of
MacLeod for his conduct in the late troubles, so his narrating
the President's words on his death-bed was a pointed and
silencing return to the Laird for his compliment to the memory
fol. 965. of the President. The Laird made no remark at all upon the
President's words.
1745] PRESIDENT FORBES ON HIS DEATH-BED 115
The above narration I licard Mrs. Rattray repeat to my 3 June
Lady Bruce and others after her returning to tlie Citadel from ^^"^
the company.
There is one obvious remark to be made from the President's
words to Willie Forbes, namely tliat the President himself has
been very sensible it was not in his power to procure the
smallest favour for his country though he liad done very extra-
ordinary services for the government.^
Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy (exact and faithful) of the Accompts of James foi. 966.
Gib, who served the Prince in station of Master-
Houshold and provisor for the Prince's own
Table.'
1745
October the 30,^ At the Abbay of Holyrood house, Wednesday — 30 Oct.
Sterling. '745
Paid for 46 pound bife at 2d. 2f., . .097
To 4 quarters mutton,
To a dozen hens,
to 2 dozen chickens, .
to 6 dozen eggs,
to 16 pound butter, .
to a whit irine spicerie box,
to two padeloks,
0
7
0
0
10
0
0
9
0
0
1
9
0
10
8
0
6
0
0
1
10
m 15 10
31 At Pinko House in the march to England,
Thursday —
To bread and alle, .....
To onions and greens, ....
0 12 0
0 00 10
1 Seeff. 883-889, 1342-1347, 1443-1446.
- These accounts are printed in yacc^rVe.^/ewoiVj', pp. 145-206. Here, however,
the contracted words have been extended.
^ Compare with Mr. Goodwillie's Journal, f. 1095. — Y.
116
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1745
30 Oct.
to 2 dozen peers,
to a woman in the Citchen,
0 0 6
0 01 0
£„ 14 4
I Nov. November the 1st, At Dalkeith, Friday-
For 4 quarters mutton,
to flower, eggs, and salt,
to 6 limons and a bottle brandy,
to 12 loafs bread,
0 6 0
0 13
0
2
4
£
5?
9
6
7
0
£0
15
t*.'
/
2 At Dalkeith, Saturday —
To 56 pound bife at 2d., .
to 6 quarters mutton,
to 2 quarters veale, .
to 22 pound butter at 7d.,
to spiceries,
to oysters and fish, 2 days,
to 4 dozen loafs,
M 967- more for bread, .
more for buttei-, 19 pound,
to 29| pound English chease at 7d.
for ale, ....
for a sheep,
from Edinburgh 6 geese,
2 dozen chickens,
1 dozen hens,
1 dozen ducks, .
3| dozen limons,
3 bottles vinegar,
2 bottles brandy,
portage from Edinburgh, .
Packe thrid,
Paid Tome, the cook, to accompt of wagges
9
4
9
:i
4
• ,
12
10
7
'5
1
5
6
1
4
0
0
4
0
0
11
1
0
9
10
0
16
0
0
6
0
0
9
0
0
9
0
0
10
0
0
10
0
0
8
0
0
1
8
0
2
8
0
3
0
0
1
0
1
0
6
1745]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
117
to Hugh, the cook, for do.,
to Gibson, to accompt, . . . .
to John, the cook, to accompt, .
3 At Lauder, Sunday —
To 15 pound candels at 8d.,
to bread, .......
to alle,
4 Went to Kelso, Monday.
5 At Kelso, Tuesday —
paid for a bacon ham, weight 16 pound, at
8d. per pound, . . . . .
to 2 mutton hames and a pice of smoackt
bife, .......
150 skivers, ......
paid for 12 toungs, . . . . .
6 At night at Jedburgh, Wednesday.
7 At Heyicke, Thursday —
To a barile of Alle, .....
to 2 pound candles, .....
more for candles, .....
8 At Langham, in Scotland, about 13 or 14
miles from Monro uss, Friday.
9 At Mourouss, in England, 2 or 3 miles
westward of Carlisle, Saturday —
For alle, ....
for 6 pound candles, .
for cheess, ....
for 18 pound suggar at lOd.,
10 At Blacklehall, Sunday—
for alle, ....
for candles,
11 At Bramptoun, Monday — ^
for papper,
to herbs and rootts, .
12 At Bramptoun, Tuesday —
To 4 1 stone bife at 2d.,
1
J»
55
3
55
55
1
4
55
0
10
0
0
6
4
0
12
4
2 Nov.
10 6
55
6
55
3
4
1
1
55
6
6
55
11
55
3
55
5
55
15
55
12
55
2
6
4
3
3
4^
fol. 958.
12
55
^ When the Prince was at Brampton lie went one day to Squire Warwick's
house and dined there.
118
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1745
12 Nov.
fol. 969.
to one sheepe, .
to 11^ stone bife at 2d
to 2 sheepe,
to 10 poulets, .
to two geese,
to five ducks,
butter and eggs,
13 At Brampton, Wednesday — Carlisle be-
sieged by the Duke of Perth and his
regiment.
14 At Brampton, Thursday —
3 cickens,
12 Do.,
4 ducks,
2 hens,
% ducks,
5 hens,
5 cickens,
3 ducks,
3 hens,
9 hens.
„ 6 „
1 10 „
14 „
3 6
2 2
3 4
1
95
i1
1^
??
It
It
?»
99
99
paid for 77| pound butter at 4d.,
paid for 17 pound Do. at 4|d.,
paid for eggs, ....
paid for rootts and herbs, .
paid for washing,
paid for bread from the 11 to the 15,
paid for alle, ....
foul forgott, ....
3 pound candles forgott,
15 \ Friday — Carlisle surrendred to the Duke of
16 >- Perth and his regiment, who would not be
17 3 relieved. The Prince still at Brampton.
Saturday and Sunday.
18 At Carlile, Monday— ^
paid for 4 turkies, . . . . .
59
1
1
1
2
2
6
5
6
3
1
99 2
1 ,9
3 „
2 8
2 8
4
8
8
99
99
99
<^1 4 0
10
4i
2
5
18
10
^ See f. 1097.
1745]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
119
at 4kl.
paid for 2 geess,
for 4 ducks,
for 10 cickens, .
for 2 piggs,
for 12 pound freshe butter
for herbs and rootts, .
for eggs, flowre, and salt,
for 4 cheesses at 14 pence per piece,
for 6 chickens at 8d.,
for apples,
for 7 hens at 8d.,
for a cheess,
for alle, 30 gallons, .
to a chearevvoman,
kitchin,
19 At Carlisle, Tuesday—
To 6 pound butter at 6d.,
to 2 quarters veall,
to 14 chickens, .
to Mark, the cook,
for 15 pound of English cheese at 3d
to a bottle Whit vine,
to 7 pound sacceges at 8d
to one dozen limons, .
bread for 2 days.
t.e
20
to egges,
At Carlisle, Wednesday —
to a haire,
to 30 head of poultrie,
to 12 pound fresh butter,
to 2 hind quarters veal,
to bread, .
to saccegges,
to 6 vine glasses,
to washing table linning,
21 At Carlisle, Thursday— ^
for sacegges,
washino; the
a
pound,
2
11
2
51
5
11
5
ii
4
6
5
8
6
5i
4
8
8
i^
1
3
4
8
1
6
2
11
11
1 8 Nov.
ii
3
fol. 970.
9
ii
tj
11
ii
4
6
i^
7
11
1
a
11
i^
3
9
ii
3
11
»
4
8
1^
2
6
1
17
7
^i
1
6
^^
^y
8
11
15
^^
ii
6
1^
11
6
11
1^
ii
1
li
14
11
^^
1
6
i>
4
8
o
1>
^ See f. 1098.
120
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1745
21 Nov, paid to a chearwoman, ....
to washing, ......
N.B. — The Prince, staying at Carlisle four
days, Mr. Hymer, Attorney, received
twenty guineas for the use of his house,
though he furnished nothing, not so
much as coal or candle ; and every day
he had two dishes of meat at dinner and
as many at supper for himself and his
wife at the Prince's charges. When the
Prince happened to be a night or so in
any gentleman's house, the ordinary
custom was to give five guineas (at least)
of drink money to the servants.
M 971. 22 At Pireth, Friday —
for bread, .......
for 12 pound candles, . . . .
for 2 pound barly, . . . . .
for papper, ......
for 18 yeards cource cloath for touels for
the citchin, . . . . .
for 15 pound chees at 3d. lib., .
for fishe, .......
to 43 pound bife at 2|d.,
to 2 sheep,
to more candles 6 pound, .
23) Saturday, ^^j^^^j^j
24 j Sunday,
25 At Lancaster, Monday.
26 At Preston, Tuesday,
paid for vild foul,
paid for bread, .
pack thrid and peper,
paid Hugh, the Cooke,
27 At Preston, Wednesday—
for fish,
for vild foull,
for chickens,
for fruit, .
J5
1
2
6
j>
5?
U
»5
?1
6
6
??
1
)?
»»
1
>?
51
13
6
??
3
9
?1
2
5?
3
??
5
55
?9
5
55
?»
1
6
1
5
55
»5
7
2
??
7
6
55
8
55
55
3
55
1745]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
121
for skivers, ......
for capers, .......
flower and egges, . . . . .
28th At Wiggan, Thursday—
to a bottle of brandy, . . . .
N.B. — For one night at Wiggan a woman
received ten guineas for the use of her
house, the landlord (a squire) having
gone from home.
29t]i At Manchester, Friday.
30 At Manchester, Saturday —
to veall, 27 pound at 2|d.,
to 2 rabbets,
to 2 geese,
to a pigge and potted widcocks,
to 20 chickens and hens,
to 6 pound saccegges,
to 4 pair piggons,
to egges, flower, and apples,
to wilde fowels, .
to trips of bife, .
to apples, .
to 10 pound butter,
to 18 pound candles,
December 1, At Maccelfield, Sunday —
to 2 tounges,
to a rabbet,
to 6 quarts of alle,
to bread at several times,
2nd, At Macclesfield, Monday —
to 60 pound beef at 2Jd.,
to 2 toungs.
More to 110 pound Do.
to 4 geess, .
to 12 chickens, .
to 15 gallons alle,
to 16 pound butter,
to 2 ducks,
to 6 henns,
„ 11 27 Nov.
5!> "* »
5
"74
55
8 foi. 972
4
?5
9
«
6
8
2
6
3
4
5
6
4
?9
2
3
3
5?
5
?>
9
?5
I Dec.
1
6
If
H
2
5?
12
6
1
6
7
0^
8
?9
4
7?
??
9?
8
99
1
4
3
99
1QO
J. <-Wi-W
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1745
2 Dec.
fol. 973.
»
5
?5
9»
1
6
11
1
4
17 „
13 4
3 „
15 „
T?
•it
1
2
1
?»
9
^
to 26 pound bife at 2Jd., . .. . .,,55
to a side of veall, ......
to rootes and herbes, .....
to flower and egges and salt,
3 At Leek, Tuesday —
4 At Acheborne, Wednesday —
5 Thursday 1 At Derby, and marched no
6 Friday J farther into England.^
paid for bread, .
paid for alle,
for linions, eggs, floure, and root
for veal, ....
for pertriges, foul, and fish,.
to brandy and rume,
to 8 pound butter at 6d., .
to eggs,
to 4 bottles beere,
7 At Leek in the retreat, Saturday —
paid for salt beef 45 at 2|d.,
for a gooss,
for pettates,
to a bottle rume,
8 At Macclefield, Sunday —
Paid for 110 pound beefe at 2|d.
to nuttmuggs, .
to cinemon,
9 At Manchester, Monday —
to 2 woodcocks and a pertrige,
to a gooss,
to apples, ....
to 2 comon cheesses, .
to one dozen limons, .
10 At Wiggan, Tuesday —
to 2 bottles brandy and 2 rum,
to 2 limons,
to charecoall,
11 I Wednesday, p^eston-
12 j Thursday, ^^ "^ '^ "
to 4 wood cocks, . . . . . „ 3
^ See f. 1099.
2
2
3
2
11
»?
8
1
?5
2
6
2
5?
1
3
2
»5
3
?5
9
6
j»
8
0
6
1745]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
123
to 2 pair rabbets, ....
i>
2
8 12 Dec.
to a gooss, .....
?9
2
55
to a leage of veall, ....
JJ
2
8
to apples and salad.
toegges, .....
»i
3
6
to 4 pound suggar,
>?
3
55
to 4 hens, .....
??
2
8
to a dozen limons, ....
?9
3
„ f'}l- 974
to 2 piggs, .....
55
5
55
to 2 turkies, ....
55
7
55
to 6 henns, .....
55
5
55
to a legg of veall, ....
55
6
55
-. ^ > o . 1 At Lancaster.
14 j Saturday,
JHf;"^^^' AtKendaU
16 j Monday,
17 At Shape, Tuesday
to ale, wine, and other provisions, .
4
17
0
the landlady for the use of her house.
2
2
0
N.B. — The landlady a sad wife for imposing.
18 At Penreth, Wednesday — Skirmish by the
Macphersons, etc.^
to bread, .....
55
9
55
to apples, . . .
55
1
55
to 2 pigs, .....
55
4
55
to 3 bottles cherie brandy, .
55
7
6
to a quarter veall, ....
55
3
55
19 At Carlisl, Thursday
to a cheese, weight 24,
55
7
55
to 2 piggs, .....
55
6
55
to poultrie, .....
55
8
55
to 6 limons, ....
55
1
6
to flower, salt, and eggs.
55
4
8
to 10 pound butter.
55
5
55
pork of bife, ....
55
1
55
20 At Carlisle, Friday.^
21 At Annan, Saturday —
paid for 108 pound said bife,
55
18
55
* See f. 1099.
See ff. 890, 891.
»See f. iioi.
124
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1745
21 Dec. to 2 muton hams and tonge,
to bread, .....
to alle, .....
to 2 dozen vine, ....
foi- 97S- 22 At Dumfrich, Sunday —
to eggs, flowre, and roots, .
to a seed cake, ....
to 40 pints alle at 3d,
20 At Drumlenrick, Monday.
24 At Dugless, Tuesday.
25 At Hamilton, Wednesday''s night —
paid for a turkie, ....
to 2 dozen alle, ....
to 3 tounges, ....
^21?;^"/''^^^' At Hamilton.
27 j Friday,
N.B. — Upon the 26th, in place of taking rest,
the Prince went hunting at Hamilton.
28 At Glascoue, Saturday —
to 5 dozen egges,
to a dozen limons,
to spiceries,
limon pill, .
to 2 knifes for the citchin,
to 14 pound suggar, at 9d. the pound,
to poltrie, .
to 32 pound candles,
to 13 dozen eggs,
to fish,
to pickled oysters, .
to a peck of flower,
to 24 pound butter,
to cocombers,
to gooss gibblets,
to rosin,
to 4 piggs, .
to tripes,
to 3 pound fresh butter,
1 See f.
55
95
18
„ 15
2 8
59
It
„ 7 3
„ 18 8
„ 10 1
?5
3
99
99
4
99
99
3
99
9
2
1
9
2
99
9
10
4
9
2
6
9
2
8
9
10
6
9
15
99
9
16
99
9
5
5
9
4
99
9
4
99
9
12
99
9
99
6
9
99
8
9
99
2
9
6
99
9
1
4
9
1
6
1745]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
125
to milkc,
to 23 pound cheess at 31(1.,
29 At Glasgow, Sunday.
30 At Glasgow, Monday —
to 2 gecss, ,
to 10 dozen apples,
to nnlk,
to 2 pound risse,
to rozen,
to 2 piggs, .
to bread,
31 At Glasgow, Tuesday.
to 8 pound butter, .
to candles,
to milk.
1746.
The Prince dressed more elegantly
any
N.B.
when in Glasgow than he did in
other place whatsomever.
January 1, At Glasgow, Wednesday —
to 16 pound butter,
to sacegges,
to nout feet,
to one dozen limons,
to 24 dozen eggs
to tripes,
to 4 galons ale,
to candles,
to 2 pound barley,
to milke,
At Glasgow, Thursday —
to poltrie, .
to a pair pertriges, .
to paper pack thrid,
to flower and salt,
to 8 fowls, .
to 3 woodcocks,
to vinegar, .
to milk,
Q
•)•>
11
T
??
6
^
11
5
11
11
5
11
11
11
6
11
11
8
11
11
2
11
6
11
11
11
00 4 0
0 0 8
11
11
11
11
6 8
2 11
„ 4
2 „
1 4
55
55
6
55
55
8
55
3
55
55
1
55
11
6
11
55
2
6
55
55
8
55
55
6
23 Dec.
fo/. 976.
I Jan.
1746
126
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1746
2 Jan. to salt and vinegar,
foi. 977. to 2 hens and 3 ducks,
3 At Glasgow, Friday.!
4 At Glasgow, Saturday.
N.B. — In the above two days I made up
my accompts.
5 At Kilsyth, Sunday.
6 At Bannockburn, Monday —
1 4
3 11
fol. 978.
to 23 pound butter at 7d., .
"ii
13
5
to 2 chesses.
??
12
55
to 4 pecks flower, .
?5
5
?»
to 30 hens at 8d., .
1
5?
5i
to egges,
?5
7
5?
to 6 sheep and a half",
1
19
9
to 2 coues, .
. 5
55
??
to one do., .
. 2
10
??
to 6f stone butter, .
. 3
3
i?
to 2 stone candles.
5?
14
8
to 14 hens, .
If
9
4
to half a cowe,
??
15
??
to a veale, .
?5
9
")■>
to 42 hens, .
1
7
?5
to a turkie, .
'>')
3
??
to 2 duckes,
•>•)
1
8
7 At Bannockburn, Tuesday.
8 At Bannockburn, Wednesday. This da}
I
some of the clans marched into Stirling.
9 At Bannockburn, Thursday.
to oynons, .
• •
??
??
6
to cinemond,
.
??
5
1?
to a pound of mustard.
.
■)■>
2
?5
to pepper and pack thrid,
.
?>
8
5?
to candles
to foules
10 At Bannockburn, Friday.
11 At Bannockburn, Saturday.
12 At Bannockburn, Sunday.
13 At Bannockburn, Monday.
^ See f. iioi.
1746] THE BATTLE OF FALKIliK 127
14 At Bannockbiirn, Tuesday. 14 Jan.
15 At Bannockburn, Wednesday.
16 At Bannockburn, Thursday.
17 This nif^ht, Friday, the Prince slept in Falkirk, the
battle of Falkirk havinfr been fouglit^ about four oY"lock
in tlie afternoon, when the Prince's army routed General
Hawley and his army. Had this victory been properly
improved it would have made a very great alteration in
affairs ; for Hawley had the flower of the English army
under his command. But, to tell the trutli, it was not
an easy matter to pursue the victory, as dark niglit was
coming on. Besides, the redcoats so soon gave way and
fled with such precipitation that the Highland generals
had reason to suspect a design in it of leading them into
an ambuscade, which may be assigned as tiie principal
reason wiiy the Prince's army did not continue the pur-
suit. Had the Highlanders given a hearty chace to the
red-coats, it is believed very few of tliem would have
escaped into Edinburgh. In this event it would not
have been in the power of the Government to bring
such another army to the field. foi. 979.
In this battle Major Donald MacDonald,^ of Kep-
poch's regiment, had the misfortune of being made
prisoner by a fatal mistake. He happened to pursue
the enemy further than any other person, and after he
had walked about a quarter of an hour up and down
amongst the enemy's field pieces, a man came up to
him and asked what he was doing there ? He answered,
' I am diverting myself looking at these pieces of
cannon.' To which the foresaid man replied, ' I would
have you. Sir, to take care of yourself, for the Campbells
^ From this to line 8th of page 982 I write altogether from my own memory,
having had the account (as I give it) of the battle of Falkirk from severals that
were engaged in it. — R. F.
"^ This narrative I had verbatim more than once from Major MacDonell's own
mouth, when in the castle of Edinburgh. His other fellow-prisoners likewise
remember the several particulars of it well as narrated by himself. It is a
common error (and in print too) that his being taken was his mounting a dragoon
horse which was said to run away with him. To contradict this mistake is the
reason why I have so circumstantially given the above account.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
128 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
17 Jan. and others are rallying at the back of Falkirk to return
to the battle/ Upon this the Major thought proper
to return to his own corps, and in his way happening to
spy a body of men at some distance in a hollow ground
he, through the dusk of the evening, imagined them to
be Lord John Drummond's regiment and the French
foi. 980. picquets. He briskly made up to them with his sword
still drawn and passionately spoke these words, ' Gentle-
men, what are ye doing standing here ? Why don't ye
follow after the dogs and pursue them ? ' Scarce had
he spoke these words when he discovered his mistake
and saw the body of men to be Barrel's regiment which
had never been engaged, as indeed they had not seen
the Highlanders at all, there being a rising ground
betwixt the Highland army and the said regiment.
When the Major, through the fatal mistake, had
rushed in among them a cry was soon raised, ' Here
is a rebel! Here is a rebel!** The Major having
advanced so far that he could not retreat, endeavoured
to screen himself by saying he was one of their own
Campbells, his white cockade being so dirty with the
heavy rain that had fallen and with the smoke of the
firing in time of the action that there was no discovering
the colour of it. However the Major did not succeed
in the stratagem of passing for a Campbell, for General
M 981. Husk (being in Barrel's regiment) swore it Avas easy to
discover what he was by his sword — tlie blade of which
happened to be covered over with blood and hair. Husk
immediately cried out to shoot the dog instantly ; upon
which seven or eight musketeers presented their pieces
to the major's breast to dispatch him. But Lord Robert
Ker generously interposed and saved his life by beating
down the muskets, of which the Major entertained a
most grateful sense. At last the Major, being obliged
to surrender his arms, said as lie himself was an officer,
he would chuse to deliver up his arms to General Husk,
because he appeared to be an officer of dignity ; but Husk
swore he would not do the Major that honour. Upon
which Lord Robert Ker politely stept forwards to receive
1746] CAPTURE OF MAJOR MACDONALD
129
the Major's arms. When the Major was pulling off his 17 Jan.
pistol from his belt he iiappened to do it with such an air
that Husk swore the dog was going to shoot him. To
which the Major replied, ' I am more of a gentleman, Sir,
than to do any such thing, I am only pulling off my
pistol to deliver it up." When the Major at any time foi- 982.
spoke to a friend about delivering up his good claymore
and his fine pistol, he used to sigh and to mention Lord
Robert Ker with great affection for his generous and
singular civilities.^
January 18, Saturday, the Prince at Falkirk, whither he
ordered the corpses of Sir Robert Monro, of Colonel
Whitney, and of some other officers of Hawley''s
army, to be brought and to be buried in the
churchyard. The Prince remaind all night in Fal-
kirk. The said day the Duke of Perth sent a
summons to General Blakeney to surrender the Castle
of Stirling;.
19 Sunday. The Prince returned to Bannockburn.
20 Monday, At Bannockburn.
21 Tuesday, At Bannockburn.
22 Wednesday, At Banockburn.
Paid for a veal,
to hens, 34 at 8d.
to egges, ....
to a stone common candles,
to 24| lumpe suggar,
to oynons,
to 2 pound razins,
to 2 veals,
Begun with Mr. Hay.^
,,
12 „
. 1
2 8
?5
3 „
??
8 „
1
„ 5
11
2 „
11
1 2
1
ss ^s
1 See f. 64.
^ Here I asked at Mr. Gib what he meant by these words. He told me that
he was accountable to Colonel Strickland for debursements, but upon notice of
the Colonel's death at Carlisle he was ordered to give in his accompts to Mr.
John Hay of Restalrig. He likewise told me that from the 9th to the 22nd of
January he had set down his accompts upon a sheet of paper so that none of
these were in his pocket-book, and that he himself was still at Bannockburn,
January 17th, when the Prince was in Falkirk, but on i8th of January he was at
Falkirk wiih the Prince. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
VOL. II. I
130
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1746
fol. 983.
23 Jan.
23 Thursday, At Bannockburn —
to 8 henes at 8d.,
- to one do.,
to one pound butter,
to egges, .
to 2 hens,
to 18 sheep at 6s,,
to 18 galons beer,
to 9 galons ale.
fol. 984.
25 Saturday, At Bannockburn —
to 3 sides of beef from Sachie,
to 2 hens,
to 27 gallons ale,
to 9 gallons do.,
to 2 bolls oate meal,
to 4 hens and a dozen eggs,
to a pecke of flower, .
to a seed cake, .
99 >?
5? 1»
„ 1
5 8
8
7
5?
5
?>
1 4
8 10
4 „
9 „
to 2 ston candles, . . . .
. „ 16
8
to oynons and apples.
. „ 4
6
to gray pepper, . . , .
. „ 1
4
to 24 pound comon cheess at 4, .
„ 8
0
to a quarter pound paper, .
?> »i
8
to 3 pecks salt, . . . . .
. „ 1
6
^1 12
8
24 Friday, At Bannockburn —
to a cowe, ....
. 3 3
j>
to 4 hens, ....
. . „ 2
8
to 4 pecks oate meal,
. . „ 3
?»
to 2 dozen egges,
. . „ 1
8
to pepper and raizens,
. . „ 1
10
to 25 pound barly,
. „ 4
55
3 16
2
3 16
8
„ 1
4
1 16
?j
„ 12
")•>
1 4
55
„ 3
2
„ 1
8
„ 8
6
1746]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
131
to a stone comon candles, .
to a carier for a week's work,
. to 2 bolls flower,
26 Sunday, At Bannockburn.
27 Monday, At Bannockburn —
to 14 hens at 8d.,
2 pound fresh butter,
to 6 dozen esss
to charges
-ftO'^J
to wines from Glasgow,
to sindrie things from do.,
to sindrys from Alio way and charges,
to a boll of meall, ....
to Mr. Don for win, ....
N.B. — Mr. Don, from first to last, got up
wards of fifty £ sterling for wine,
A man at Airth got eighteen JB sterling
for a hogshead of claret,
28 Tuesday, At Bannockburn —
to 2 cowes from Sachie,
to hens, ....
to 14 dozen egges,
to 100 weight barly and portage
to 4 pound butter,
to a copper laddie,
to 5 stone candles from Kilsyth
to sundries from Stirling, .
to barme,
29 At Bannockburn, Wednesday.^
?'
8
3
55
5?
55
2
5
4
25 Jan.
55
9
4
55
1
2
55
2
55
55
12
6
7
5
9
4
17
6
1
4
7
55
12
55
7
10
55
50
18
55 55
5 15 „
55
4
8
55
17
55
55
2
4
55
2
55
2 16
1 17
55
7 6
^ This day (early in the morning) the cannonading against Stirling Castle
both began and ceased, there having been discharged from the battery only 20
or 21 cannon shot. The siege was very poorly managed. There was only one
man killed in the garrison, and there were very few wounded. The Prince lost
(at least) 60 or 70 men in the trenches by the firing from the castle. When the
red-coats came to Stirling they went to the trenches, and, digging up some of the
corpses, did very shocking things to them. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
132
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1746
from
„ 10
,,.12
1 7
„ 13
., 12
1 „
„ 13
3 15
1
3
5
5?
6
9>
30 Jan. 30 Thursday, At Bannockburn —
to 2 days'* bread from Stirling, .
foi. 985. to one boll of meall, .
to 6 turkies and 6 geess, and charges
Alloa, .....
to a veall, ....
to six dozen limons, .
to James Watt for baking,
to 20 hens, ....
31 Friday, At Bannockburn —
to 3 sides of bife from Sachie,
to 3 ston butter,
to 49| gallons of ale,
to 35 dozen egges,
to 27 hens and 4 cickens,
to 3 pecks salt, ....
to bread from Stirling,
to sundries from Glasgow,
to washing, ....
to a boll of meall,
to expenses to Glasgow and Stirling
I Feb. February 1, Saturday. Early in the morning the Prince and his
army begin their retreat from Stirling, Bannockburn,
etc. By an accident the Church of St. Ninians was
blown up, there being a quantity of powder lodged in
it. Some country people and some Highlanders were
killed by the blowing up of the church. At night the
foi. 986. Prince lodged in Drummond Castle, the Duke of Perth's
country seat.
2 Sunday. The Prince at Fairnton, Lord John Drum-
mond''s seat. This day the Duke of Cumberland entered
Stirling about one o"'clock, and rode up to the Castle
and took a view of the works from which he had re-
ceived a royal salute upon his approach. A detachment
of his army had marched into Stirling the night before.
He gave orders to rebuild with wood the arch of Stir-
ling Bridge, which General Blakeney had broke down.
3 Monday. The Prince at Fairnton.
4 Tuesday. The Prince at Castle Weem, Sir Robert
Menzies's house. This day some prisoners in the Castle
6
6
11
1
5
15 3i
15 ,",
12 „
14 6
1746] THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND AT STIRLING 133
of Stirling were, by Cumbcrlantrs orders, sent off under 4 Feb.
a command to the Castle of Edinburgh. They were
taken out of tlie Castle of Stirling at nine o'clock in
the morning, and kept standing on the street of Stir-
ling till betwixt 2 and 3 in the afternoon, as so
many spectacles to be gazed at, though not one of
them had been taken upon or near a field of battle.
Lord Albemarle, coming up to Captain Hamilton of
Hamilton's dragoons, who commanded the party, asked
him who these were that were placed behind the front foi. 987-
ranks ? The Captain answered they were prisoners.
Then Albemarle, with a volley of oaths, asked why they
were not tied with ropes. The Captain replied they
were gentlemen. ' Gentlemen,' said Albemarle, ' damn
them for rebels.^ Get ropes, and rope them immedi-
ately."' Captain Hamilton begged leave to inform him
that they were taken up only upon suspicion, and added
he could venture to say there was not anything to be
laid to their charge. Albemarle still cried to have them
roped, and swore if one of them should happen to escape
Captain Hamilton should pay dear for him. Accord-
ingly they were tied two and two by the arms, the
gentlemen laughing at the farce, and excusing Captain
Hamilton, who declared his being ashamed of such a piece
of duty. While Albemarle was bullying and roaring,
one of the gentlemen spoke these words : 'It is ex-
ceedingly like a Dutchman."* Cornet Eorth (one of the
command) said he was persuaded it was orders. How
soon the gentlemen were out of Stirling, Captain
Hamilton desired them to throw away the ropes !
February 5, Wednesday.^ The Prince at Castle Weem, and M- 988.
went out a hunting.
6 Thursday.
7 Friday.
8 Saturday.
^ This account about the prisoners I wrote from my own eyesight and
experience. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
" Here Mr. Gib is mistaken in his account of days and places. See flF. 993-
996, 1041.
134 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
9 Feb. 9 Sunday.
10 Monday.
11 Tuesday.
12 Wednesday, and
13 Thursday, at the Castle of Blair, one of the Duke of
Athole's seats. During the time of the Prince's
abode at Blair Castle, he spent one day in hunting.
14 Friday. At Dalnacardoch, a public house on Wade's
road.
15 Saturday.
16 Sunday.
17 Monday.
18 Tuesday.
19 Wednesday.
20 Thursday, and
21 Friday. At Ruthven of Badenoch.
22 Saturday. At the house of Mr. Grant of Dalrachny.
23 Sunday. At Moy Hall, the Laird of Macintosh's house.
N.B. — Before setting out from Dalrachny, Mr. Gib,
finding himself run short of bread, ordered his
servants to bake some ; but Lady Dalrachny put a
stop to them, and said she would not allow any
such thing to be done in her house upon a Sunday.
Mr. Gib yielded the point and would not contend
with her. This Lady spoke some imprudent and
impertinent things to Mr. Gib, viz., ' What a pack
ye are. God lat me never hae the like of you in
my house again.' Mr. Gib told her it was the
foi. 989. greatest honour she could come by to have such
company in her house, etc.
24 Monday. At Moy hall.i
N.B. — This is the day in the morning of which Lord
Loudon thought to have surprized the Prince, and
to have taken him prisoner in his bed at Moy or
Moy-hall.2 Old Lady Macintosh, living in Inver-
^ This article is wrong. It ought to be thus : February 17th, Monday— At
Moy Hall, and so accordingly in the others, some preceding and some subse-
quent to this article. See the page immediately preceding, and f. 1041.
2 See ff. 258-260, 380, 648, 1256.
1746] ATTEMPT TO SURPRISE THE PRINCE 135
ness, and getting notice of Lord Loudon's design, 24 Feb.
dispatched a boy (Lachlan Macintosh) about fifteen
years of age, to try if he could get past Lord
Loudon's men, and to make all the haste he could
to Moy to warn tlie Prince of what was intended
against him. The boy attempted to pass by Lord
Loudon and his command, but found he could not
do it without running the risque of a discovery ;
and therefore, as he said, he lay down at a dyke's
side, till all Lord Loudon's men past him, and,
taking a different road, came to Moy about five
o'clock in the morning. And though the morning
was exceedingly cold, the boy was in a top sweat,
having made very good use of his time. He said that fol. 990.
Lord Loudon and his men (to use his own words)
were within five quarters of a mile of Moy hall.
Immediately the Prince was awaked, and having
but about thirty men for a guard, he marched two
miles down the country by the side of a loch, till
his men should conveen. There was not the least
suspicion entertained of any danger, otherwise there
would have been a much stronger guard about the
Prince's person ; and there is no doubt to be made
but that Lord Loudon had got certain information ^
of the small number of men who were to mount
guard upon the Prince that night, which had
induced him to try the experiment. Lady Mac-
intosh (junior) was in great pain to have the
Prince safe off from Moy when she heard of the
alarm. The Prince returned the same night (Mon-
day) to Moy and slept there. Mr. Gib, upon the
alarm, having been sleeping in his cloaths, stept
out with his pistols under his arm, and in the close
^ Monday's forenoon, June 27th, 1748, talking a second time with Mr, Gib
upon this subject, I asked him if he had ever heard who the person was suspected
to be that had given Lord Loudon information about the Prince. Mr, Gib said
that Grant of Dalrachny was strongly suspected to have sent information from
his own house to Lord Loudon about the slender guard the Prince kept upon his
own person. — Robert Forbes, A.M,
136 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
24 Feb. he saw the Prince walking with his bonnet above
toi. 991. his nightcap, and his shoes down in the heels ; and
Lady Macintosh in her smock petticoat running
through the close, speaking loudly and expressing
her anxiety about the Prince's safety. Mr, Gib
went along with the Prince down the side of the
Loch, and left several covered waggons and other
baggage at Moy, about which Lady Macintosh
forbad Mr. Gib to be in the least anxious, for that
she would do her best to take care of them. And
indeed she was as good as her word ; for upon the
Prince's return to Moy, Mr. Gib found all his
things in great safety, the most of them having
been carried off by Lady Macintosh's orders into
a wood, where they would not readily have been
discovered, though Lord Loudon and his men had
proceeded to Moy. But they were most providen-
tially stopt in their march, which happened thus.
A blacksmith and other four, with loaded muskets
in their hands, were keeping watch upon a muir at
some distance from Moy towards Inverness. As
they were walking up and down, they happened to
foi. 992, spy a body of men marching towards them, upon
which the blacksmith fired his piece, and the other
four followed his example. The Laird of Mac-
Leod's piper (reputed the best of his business in all
Scotland) was shot dead on the spot. Tiien the
blacksmith (Fraser) and his trusty companions
raised a cry (calling some particular regiments by
their names) to the Prince's army to advance, as if
they had been at hand, which so far imposed upon
Lord Loudon and his command (a pretty consider-
able one), and struck them with such a panick, that
instantly they beat a retreat, and made their way
back to Inverness in great disorder, imagining the
Prince's whole army to be at their heels. This
gallant and resolute behaviour of the five, which
speaks an uncommon presence of mind, happened
much about the same time when the boy (Lauch-
1746] HOSPITALITY OF LADY MACINTOSH 137
Ian Macintosh) arrived at Moy to give tlie 24 Feb.
alarm.
When the Prince came first to Moyhall (Sunday,
February 23d), Lady Macintosh (junior) told Mr.
Gib to be at no trouble at all about supper, for
that she was resolved to compliment the Prince
and his houshold with a supper that night, so that
his cooks had the play for one night. Mr. Gib foi. 993.
took care to represent to her ladyship that he
behoved to provide for the servants (the houshold
consisting of about seventy at least), and therefore
he would employ his cooks to dress supper for the
servants. But Lady Macintosh would not allow
that to be done, for she gave supper to the whole
houshold. There were always ten covers upon the
Prince'^s own table, and eight covers upon another
table in the same room for the aid de camps.
Lady Macintosh"'s supper was exceedingly genteel
and plentifull.
Lady Mary Menzies did the Prince the same com-
pliment of a supper to the whole houshold when at
Castle Weem, as also the Dutchess of Perth did
the same at Drummond Castle.
25 Tuesday,! The Prince at Castlehill, his army the same
day entring the town of Inverness,- Lord Loudon ^
1 This article is wrong. It ought to be thus : -February i8th, Tuesday — The
Prince at Castlehill, his army the same day entring the town of Inverness, etc.
See ff. 995, 1041. — F.
2 See ff. 261, 273, 649.
' In comparing Mr. Gib's account of days and of names of places with the
account in the Scots Magazine of February 1746, page 91, 2nd column, I find a
considerable difference betwixt them, no less than a full week. In the Magazine
it is said that in a letter from Lord Loudon to the Duke, dated February 22nd,
an account had been given of the rebels being within eight miles on Inverness on
Sunday, the l6th, that his Lordship had attempted with I500men to beat up their
quarters, but that he had been disappointed in his design by some of his com-
mand firing about thirty shot at four men, etc. ; that upon this it was necessary
to march back to Inverness, and that at last he was obliged to abandon the town,
the rebels entering in at the one end of it, when he and his men were going out
at the other, on Tuesday the i8th, etc. And also that the Castle of Inverness,
Fort George, surrendred to the rebels on the 20th, Thursday, Mr, Gib's
138 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
25 Feb. and his men having abandoned the town when they
saw the Highlanders marching towards it.
foi. 994. February 26, Wednesday, At Castlehill.
27^ At Castlehill, Thursday — Inverness Castle, surrendred.
28 At Culloden House, Friday.
account makes the Prince come to Moy or Moyhall on Sunday, February 23rd,
in the evening of which Lord Loudon formed the design of surprizing the
Prince (Moy being about eight miles from Inverness), and the Prince's army to
enter Inverness, and Lord Loudon to abandon it on Tuesday the 25th, etc.
The articles in the Scots Magazine are taken from the London Gazette. Mr. Gib
had noted down no dates or names of places in his pocket-book from the 31st of
January to the 3rd of March ; and therefore I writ from his memory on
some blank pages of his pocket-book all these omitted dates and names of
places, in giving of which he was very distinct, and was pretty positive that his
memory served him exactly enough, mentioning now and then a token as an
evidence of his remembring well where they were at this or the other time, viz.,
he said he was sure they were at Blair Castle about a week, at Ruthven in
Badenoch a week at least, and that they came from Dalrachny upon a Sunday,
because Lady Dalrachny would not allow the servants to bake some bread in
her house, tho' they had run scarce, for this single reason that it was Sunday.
However, I must remember to represent to Mr. Gib this remarkable difference
betwixt his account and that given in the Scots Magazine, to put particular
questions to him about it, and carefully to remark the terms he expresses
upon the subject when I have an opportunity of conversing with him. [See
f. 1041.]
On Mondays forenoon. June 27th, 1748, I was with Mr. Gib in the New Stage
Coach office in Edinburgh, when (among other things) I took occasion to repre-
sent to him, according to my above resolution, the remarkable difference I had
observed betwixt his account of days and of names of places, and the account
given in the Scots Magazine, etc. I mentioned all the particulars as narrated in
the Magazine, that the account was taken from a letter of Lord Loudon to the
Duke, dated February 22nd, which letter (or part of it) was printed in the
London Gazette, etc. etc. And then I asked Mr. Gib if he could be sure that the
Prince was about a week at Blair Castle, and another week at Ruthven, for
that upon his ascertaining these points (provided he could be certain) depended
the truth of his account. Mr, Gib's answer was, ' I am positive that the Prince
was about a week at Blair Castle, and a week at least at Ruthven ; for a day or
two of odds in either of these places would never make of difference a full week
betwixt my account and that in the Magazine.' These words Mr. Gib repeated
to me again and again. Mr. Gib likewise desired me to remark that tho' Lady
Dalrachny would not allow the baking of bread in her house upon the Sunday's
forenoon before their marching for Moyhall, yet she weighed out meal on the
said Sunday, selling it to the Highlanders and receiving ready money for it. —
Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ This article is wrong. It ought to be thus : February 20. At Castlehill.
Thursday, Inverness Castle surrendred. [See f. 1041.] — F.
1746]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
139
Received from the baker at Inverness, 3
pecks flower, . . . . .
N.B. — The above article taken from the
end of Mr. Gibs pocket-book in a
place by itself, etc. February the 28th.
March 1 At CuUoden House, Saturday.
2 At Culloden House, Sunday.
N.B. — For the above three days at Cullo-
den House ten £ sterling of drink
money to Mr. Stewart, the Presidents
master household, . . . .
3 At Inverness, Monday. — The Prince taking
up his quarters in the house of his
benefactrix, old Lady Macintosh
to 8 dozen egges,
to herrens,
to port[age] of firing,
to 4 salmon,
to greens, .
To extinguishing a
cleaning it,
to Lord Lovet servan
to herbes and rootes,
to poltrie, .
to egges, .
to breead, .
to oatt bread,
to milk,
to salt,
to cinemont,
28 Feb.
chimney on fire and
4 Tuesday, at Inverness —
to poltrie and egges, .
to 2 salmond, .
to herbes and roots, .
to portage of firewood,
to one pound riss.
^3
I March
10 0 0
1
4 fol. 995-
?»
6
5
9
8
6
10
5»
2
?'
o
5?
3
5?
2
5
2
??
14
?»
6
2
0
3
1
?»
3
4
fol. 996.
tf
5?
3
?5
6
5?
2
10
5»
4|
140
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1746
4 March
fol. 997.
to 2 dozen double rum,
to 2000 oysters,
to bread and oatt do.,
Wednesday, At Inverness-
paid for firewood,
to mend the hampers,
to a sahnond,
to 2 casks of brandy, .
to candles since in town,
to 5 hens, .
to 3 muirfoul, .
to bread, .
to oatt bread, ,
6 Thursday, at Inverness —
to a salmon d,
to 3 barels for butter,
to salt and riss, .
to oingons and roots,
to bread and oatt do.,
to 1000 oysters, .
2 2
99
„ 10
99
„ 11
99
^3 15 %\
99
99
6
99
99
6
99
1
6
4
99
99
2
99
99
99
2
1
99
1
99
99
99
6
99
4
6
m 16 1
5
99
3
6
2
4
1
99
7
99
5
99
£\ 3 10
Friday, at Inverness —
to fresh pork,
to 35 hens,
to a salmond,
to riss and pruns,
to herbes and roots,
to bread and oatt do.
w
99
17
6
2
6
1
2
1
4
10
6
£\ 19 0
1746]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
141
8 Saturday, At Inverness
to whit fish,
to egges, .
to poltrie, .
to a load of pitts,
to portage of firing,
to do. by women,
to 4 moorfoull, .
to 8 dozen limons,
to 8 load of pitts,
to bread, 2 days,
to oatt bread, .
to 2 sheep,
9 Sunday, At Inverness-
10 Monday, At Inverness
to 3 salmond,
to whit fishe,
to egges, .
to fresh pork,
to poltrie, .
to roots, oingons,
to 2 pecks salt, .
to 2 sheep,
to bread, .
to oatt bread, ,
to 3 haires,
11 Tuesdav, Inverness—
to 3 salmond,
to poltrie, .
to egges, .
to candles,
to herbes, .
to 25 pound barly,
to 4 bottles vinegar,
to 5 dozen limons,
to 12 load of pitts,
to portage of coals,
8 March
2 6
1 8
4
55
1
55
95
8
1
7
2
55
4
55
5
55
12
55
12
55
14
55
55 55 5
fol. 998.
6
5>
2
55
2
55
14
55
7
6
5
8
2
55
14
55
6
55
4
6
2
3
6
55
8
55
55
10
5
55
55
10
4
55
2
8
15
55
8
55
4
55
142
THE LYON IN MOURNING
do.
4JL
^2
3
7
9.
II March to bread and oat
to a pigge,
March 11 Received from the baker at Inverness,
viz., 5i pecks flower.
do. flower.
do. flower.
do. flower.
do. flower.
N.B. — The above small accompts of flower
taken from the end of Mr. Gibs pocket
book in a place by itself, having the
11th of March for its date.
N.B.—On Tuesday the 11th of March the
Prince set out from Inverness for Elgin,
and falling sick in Elgin, was absent
fol- 999- from Inverness eleven days, including the
day of his departure from and the day of
his return to Inverness ; Mr. Gib being
at Inverness all that time, where like-
wise the greatest part of the household
remained. The Prince was at Gordon
(Castle before he returned to Inverness.
12 Wednesday, Inverness —
to 15 sheep at 7s.,
to 9 pints milk, .
to greens and oynons,
to bi'ead and oat do.
to 6 dozen oranges,
to 8 load of pitt,
to portage of bife,
13 Thursday, Inverness
to a salmond,
to hens and egges,
to salt and greens,
to bread and oatt do.,
to 700 oysters, .
to peper, .
14 Friday, Inverness —
to 7 loads of pitts.
[1746
10 6
„ 6
fj
tj
??
5?
1
6
??
3
>9
5?
10
6
5?
18
?9
?»
5
4
?5
1
?»
?»
2
6
??
7
6
?»
2
5»
?9
7
?5
»
2
4
5?
??
8
»»
4 8
1746]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
143
to 3 turkies,
to herens and fish,
to hens,
to oysters, .
to portage of wattcr,
to egges, .
to a pound of riss,
to salniond,
to a side of bife,
to 6 shipe,
to bread and oatt,
15 Saturday, Inverness —
to 10 loads of pits,
to 1000 oysters,
to 10 hens,
to a lambe,
to 2 hens,
to 2 pound riss, .
to roots and greens,
to 20 pound hogs lard,
to bread and oat [do.]
to a colored pigg,
16 Sunday, Inverness —
Sent to Mr. Murray, Secretary at Elgin,
and not paid yet to Mr. Gib, 3;^ lb. figgs,
hearts horn, ......
N.B. — The above small accompt due by
Mr. Murray taken from the end of
Mr. Gib's pocket-book, in a place by
itself, and having no date.
17 Monday, Inverness —
to a bulock,
to 24 hens,
to 18 dozen egges,
to 21 load of pits,
to 1000 oysters,
to 14 dozen oynions,
18 Tuesday, Inverness —
to 2 salmon,
8
14 March
„ 2
55
„ 4
55
„ 8
55
„ 4
55
5» i?
n
55 5?
^
„ 4
c
„ 16
55
1 18
55
„ 10
6
^ol. 1000.
„ 6
55
„ 4
2
„ 4
2
„ 5
55
„ 1
55
55 ?5
9
„ 1
4
„ 13
4
„ 18
55
„ 5
55
„ 3
3
„ 5
55
3 5
55
55 12
55
,5 3
55
55 14
4
55 4
2
,5 3
6
,5 4
55
144
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1746
18 March
fol. 1001.
to egges,
„ 2 6
to a hen, .....
„ „ 5
to peper, .....
„ „7i
to Gray paper,
„ 1 IJ
19 Wednesday, Inverness —
to fish and oysters, .
„ 10 8
to poltrie, .....
„ 7 3
egges,
„ 2 4
oynions and herbs.
„ 3 „
to barly .....
„ „ 4
to whit bread, ....
„ 10 „
to oatt bread, ....
„ 6 8
20 Thursday, Inverness —
to 20 load of pitts, .
„ 13 4
to a sahiiond, ....
„ 1 6
to poltrie and eggs, .
„ 5 3
to J- pound herts horn,
„ 2 6
to rasens and curens.
„ 1 „
to 2 sauce pans.
„ ^ „
to tining of three,
„ 5 „
to vine glasses and watter do., and a
cruets,
„ 10 6
to 3 pecks saltt,
„ 3 „
to whitt bread and oatt, .
„ 17 6
<£3 6 7
21 Friday, Inverness — The Prince returned
from Elgin,
to poltrie and egges, .
to 2 piggs,
to 2 geess and 2 ducks,
to 16 load pitts,
to 6 pound riss,
to cinemond and corriander,
to a salmond, .
to 5 pints milk,
to a veall,
to portage of watter,
to whitt bread and oat.
5?
18
»»
??
1
11
11
5
3
11
10
6
• •
3
11
11
3
10
.,
1
11
11
1
3
. ^
16
4
11
2
11
1
5
11
0^4
7
8
1746]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
145
22 Saturday, at Inverness —
to poltrio and e<i;<jjs, .
to ICOO oysters,
to whitt fish,
to whit bread and oat,
to greens and roots, .
23 Sunday, at Inverness.
24 JNIonchiy, at Inverness —
to 14 load of'pitts,
to Lady M'entosh sarvant,
to drink money for ale,
to 22 sheep,
to 4 pints milk,
to bread and oatt bread,
to salt and greens,
to eggs, .
25 Tuesday, at Inverness —
to poltrie and eggs, ....
to a salmond, .....
to whit bread, .....
to oatt bread, .....
to 4 kitchen knifes and sharpin table do.
more to hens, .....
Paid for candles since in Inverness,
more paid for do.,
22 March
„ 6
8
» 6
8
„ 2
5?
„ 15
6
?5 '-
3
fol. I002.
„ 9
4
„ 2
5?
„ 2
6
5 1
55
„ 1
55
„ 12
6
„ 1
10
„ 1
8
6
11
10
7
11
1
6
13
55
3
55
4
55
* *9
4
55
1
18
. 5
1
55
1
1
4
6
2
4
26 Wednesday, at Inverness —
to poltrie and eggs, .
to a hogge,
to fresh fish,
to 1600 oysters,
VOL. II.
55
7
6
55
16
55
55
4
55
J5
6
55
K
146
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1746
26 March to 2 pecks salt, .
to 3 loads pitts,
to portage of fountan water,
to 2 pigges,
27 Thursday, at Inverness —
to a lambe,
to 2 salmond,
to 5 loads of pitts,
to poltrie and eggs,
to rootts and herbes,
to bread and oatt bread,
to 5 sheep,
?'
2
?5
?1
2
^5
?9
1
6
V
1
6
2 0 6
3
t-»
>9
3
2
3
4
5
8
1
7
14
??
1
10
0
3 0 9
foi, 1003. 28 Friday, at Inverness —
to 4 salmond, .
to 3 pigges,
to 3 haires,
to 3 moorfouls, .
to poltrie and eggs,
to fish and mussells,
to 8 load of pitts.
29 Saturday, at Inverness —
to Lady M'entoch servant,
to a salmond,
to 1600 oysters,
to fresh fish,
to portage of watter, .
to bread and oatt bread,
to poltrie and egges, .
to rootts and herbes, .
to 10 sheepe,
7
6
1
8
1
6
1
6
4
2
ti
10
5
4
12 6
i5
2
5?
5?
1
8
?i
8
4
??
??
9
??
5
6
1
10
8
59
2
Gh
i?
1
?'
3
0
j»
1746]
HOTTSEIIOLD ACCOUNTS
147
to a bottle of oyle,
• • • •
?5
3
,j 29 March
to a bled to a knife, .
>
1?
1
55
forgott tl
ie28.
to a lambe,
• • ■ •
15
3
55
to 2 quarters weall, .
• • • •
55
8
55
to bread and oatt bread,
• • ■
55
16
55
to roots and herbs,
• • "
55
1
55
1
8
55
brought to this.
1
2
6
2
10
6
30 Sunday, at Inverness —
to a salmond,
to a colored pigge,
31 Monday, at Inverness —
to poltrie and eggs.
to 8 load of pitts,
to Lady Seforths servant,
to the huntsmen,
to roots and herbes, .
to spiceries,
to salt,
April 1 Tuesday, at Inverness —
to poltrie,
to egges, .
to 1300 oysters,
to fresh fish,
to 18 loads of pitts, .
to whit bread and other,
to rootts and herbes, .
to 2 cowes,
Wednesday, at Inverness —
to poltrie and eggs, .
to 15 loads of pitts, .
to 6 sheep,
to 2 lambes,
to whit bread and oat,
c>
2 4
•
55 3 „
• • • •
„ 5 4
„ 3 „
„ 8 6
,,14 foi. 1004
5, 6 5
„ 1 0
I April
55 7 5
,5 3 11
„ 5 5
55 1 6
„ 12 0
,5 18 6
55 2 7
*
4 10 „
„ 11 4
55 10 „
1 16 „
5, 6 6
„ 15 6
148
2 April
tol. 1005.
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1746
to rootts and herbs, . . . . .,,32
3 Thursday, at Inverness —
to poltrie and egges, , . . . ,,,95
to 2 salmond, .
.,,44
to rootes and herbes,
„ 1 8
to 12 load of pitts, .
■>•> 8 „
to a handle for a lampc.
?? ^ ??
to a CO we,
2 10 „
to 5 sheep,
1 15 „
to a lambe,
■>■> 3 «
to 1500 oysters.
„ 6 3
to whit fish,
.,,36
to spiritts of vin,
,, -^ ,,
to whit bread and other.
. „ 18 6
4 Friday, at Inverness —
to poltrie and eggs, .
. „ 14 3
to 2 piggs,
„ 1 3
to 11 load of pitts, .
7
to rootts and herbes.
„ 3 „
to whitt bread and .
. „ 15 6
to milk,
„ '^ „
to 2 sheep.
„ 14 „
5 Saturday, at Inverness —
to 15 load of pitts, .
„ 10 „
to whitt bread and oat,
1 16 8
to 1800 oysters,
.,,76
to fish and salt,
.,,26
to 4 bottle vinegar, .
.,,28
to 7 sheep,
.22,,
to a lambe.
„ 3 „
to rootts and greens, .
„ 2 3
to poltrie and eggs, .
.,,34
to a hair, .
„ „ «^
to a cowe, ,
.22,,
to bread sent to Fort Agustus,
. 1 10 „
6 Sunday, at Inverness.
7 Monday, at Inverness —
to a cowe, . . . . . . 2 14 „
to poltrie and eggs, .
q
5J «^ JJ
1746]
HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
149
to peper,
rootts aiul herbes, ....
to whit bread and oatt,
mor to poltrie, .....
Accompt of Edmistons Cloass —
to 7 ells tartan, .....
to making and lining-,
to 5 yards lining for shirts and making,
A coat to the English bov,
to 7 els of cource cloath, . . . ,
to 7i eles chaper linine,
to a goun and peticoat to the citchen girle,
to 2 shifts,
N.B. — The above small accompt of Ed-
munstouns Cloaths, etc. etc., taken
from a page towards the end of Mr.
Gib's pocket-book, bearing no date.
8. Tuesday, at Inverness —
to a lambe,
to poltrie and eggs,
to roots and herbes,
to portage of fountan watter,
to Lovets servant,
to 12 load of pitts,
to pepper,
to fish,
to 1600 oysters,
to 11 sheep,
to whit bread and oat
„ 2
„ /April
„ 1
5
„ 18
6
„ 3
6
7
„ 8
4
,, 6
4
1 2
3
„ 6
»»
„ 9
4
„ 10
6
„ 13
5
„ 5
5
2 4
8
1 2
3
3 6
11
/o/, ioo6.
. „ 3
6
. „ 5
8
» 1
8
■ ,, 1
6
» 1
5J
„ 8
9?
« 1
2
« 2
5
„ 6
8
3 6
j»
„ 18
6
150 THE LYON IN MOURNING
8 April to 15 capons at 9,
9 Wednesday, at Inverness —
to 12 load of pitts,
to poltrie and eggs, .
to herbes and rootts, .
to winegar and salt, .
to 6 sheep at 5s. 6d.,
to whit bread and oat,
10 Thursday, at Inverness —
to 10 load of pitts,
to a bullock,
to 2 salmond,
to greens and roots,
to 4 pens to windows,
to 600 oysters, .
to milk 6 days, .
to poltrie and egges,
to fresh butter, .
to whit bread and oat,
to candles since the 1st of April
foi. 1007. 11 Friday, at Inverness —
to fresh code,
to poltrie and eggs,
to a cowe,
to a lanibe,
to 2 veals,
to 18 load of pits,
to peper and cloves,
to another lambe,
to whit bread and oatt,
12 Saturday, at Inverness —
to 13 load of pitts, .
to poltrie and eggs, .
to greens, roott, etc., .
to 1800 oysters,
to Ladys Kilrars servant and M
to a hair, ....
to portage of river watter,
ININ
G
[1746
• *
5, 10 9
.
55 8 „
,5 9 4
5, 2 3
„ 1 8
1 13 „
,5 18 6
„ 6 8
1 12 „
55 4 4
,5 1 9
55 4 „
0 «
„ -^ u
55 3 „
„ ^ u
,5 55 G
,5 18 6
1 16 „
. ,5 1 6
. 55 n 4
.45,,
55 3 „
. 01 16 „
55 18 ,5
55 4 „
55 3 „
. „ 18 6
• 55 8 3
. 55 7 51
.,,23
• 5, 7 6
s. Doiiin's (
Jo., „ Z „
.
Q
55 55 ^
.
.,557
»»
99
1746] HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS 151
to 18 load of pi tts, . . . , . „ 12 „ 12 April
to whit and oat bread, . . . . 1 17 „
to candles, . . . . , .10
13 Sunday, at Inverness.
14 Monday, at Inverness —
to 12 load of pitts, . . . . . „ 8
to 3 pecks salt, . . . . . . „ 3
to rootts and herbes, . . , . . „ 1 10
to a glass and 2 padlocks, . . . .,,24
JV.B. — In the evening the Prince marciied
to Culloden house.
15 Tuesday, at Culloden House.
ALB. — At night the Prince and his
army marched towards Nairn to sur-
prize the Duke of Cumberland in his Z"^- ^°°^-
camp, which design misgave.
16 Wednesday, at Culloden House.
N.B.— This day the battle of Culloden
was fought upon Drummossie Muir,
where the Prince and his army were
totally routed.
Received at different times from Mr. Lums- Lib.
dale, viz., .....
From Mr. Cliarles Stuart, 24 12
97 7 „
21
99
99
10
99
99
10
99
99
42
99
99
10
15
99
52
15
99
10
99
10
99
99
72
15
99
12
12
99
85
7
99
24
12
99
152 THE LYON IN MOURNING
i6 April
[1746
72
15
?9
12
12
5J
85
7
?i
24
12
5»
6
6
5?
2
2
55
JJ^llS
55
7
iV^.jB. — The above accompt of cash taken from a page towards
the end of Mr. Gib's pocket-book, having no date.
foi. 1009. Here follows an account how I came by Mr. Gib's pocket-
book containing his accompts, as also an account of
several conversations I had with Mr. Gib at different times.
9 June Thursday, June 9th (betwixt 8 and 9 in the morning), 1748,
1748 J ^yg^g with Bishop Keith in his own house, Canongate, when he
told me he had been accidentally in company in the new Stage
Coach office, Edinburgh, with one Mr. Gib, whom he discovered
to have served the Prince in station of Master-Houshold and
of provisor for the Prince's own table. In course of the con-
versation Bishop Keith said Mr. Gib informed him that he had
been so lucky amidst all misfortunes as still to preserve his
pocket-book, wherein he had writ his accompts. Upon tiiis
Bishop Keith observed to me that as I had been wanting much
to have an exact journal of the Prince's march to and from
England, so now I could be well served with one, ' for,' added
he, ' Mr. Gib's count-book will bear faith in any court or before
any judge in the world.' I told the Bishop that I had often
heard of Mr. Gib, and had likewise seen him, but then I had
foi. loio. always reckoned that he had lost all his papers, seeing I well
knew of his being a prisoner for a long time ; and therefore it
was that I had never entertained any thought of asking
questions about such things at him, or of being particularly
introduced to him, which now I would be exceedingly fond of.
For this purpose Bishop Keith appointed me to meet him at
eleven o'clock in the new Stage-Coach office. Accordingly we
1748] THE PRTNCF;S MASTEIl OF HOUSEHOLD 153
met in the place apjiointed, and I was there introduced to Mr. 9 June
Gib. After conversing with him a little, I told him I was
much pleased to hear that he had preserved his pocket-book,
and then I begged to know if I might see it. Mr. Gib said
the pocket-book was in his room, and he would immediately go
and fetch it, which he did. He brought it to me wrapt about
with his white cockade, the end of which was well fixed with
two seals, so that the book could not be opened without
breaking the seals or cutting the ribband. He broke the seals,
antl taking away the white ribband, he delivered the book to
me. I told Mr. Gib that I had nothing to do with the articles
of his accompts, for all I wanted was to take an exact tran-
script of the dates and of the names of the places contained in foi. ion.
his pocket-book as a journal of the Prince"'s march to and from
England, a thing I had been seeking much after for a long
time, but did never meet with anything till now that could •
satisfie me in that point. After looking into the book, I
observed to Mr. Gib that there were several blanks in it of
dates and of names of places, and desired to know if his
memory could serve him so well as to fill these up. To this
Mr, Gib answered that he very seldom used to set down dates
and names of places but when and where he had bought some
provisions, which point he explained to me more particularly
at another meeting I had with him, as will appear hereafter.
Meantime he assured me he could easily supply all the blanks
I should observe in the pocket-book, some of which I instantly
filled up from his memory, particularly from January 31st, 1746,
to the 3rd of March, etc, [See page [f] 995 in this vol.] In
looking carefully (afterwards) through the pocket-book, I could
observe only three dates and names of places without any
article of an accompt annexed to them, viz, :
' 1745, November —
Ye 23 and 24 at Kendel. In this [volume] page 971.
Drumlenrick, the 23 December.) t j.i • r i i n-zf
' ^ In this [volume] page 975,
Dugless, the 24 Do. ) *- J r t?
I parted with Mr. Gib about 12 o'clock, and told him I foi, 1012.
would take other opportunities of conversing with him. After
returning home I began to reflect how many wicked and
malicious persons had industriously spread a report (affirming
154 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
9 June it as a grand truth) that the Young Pretender and his army
had dealt very much in and had lived altogether by pillaging
and plundering ; and therefore, as Mr, Gib's pocket-book was
an evident and indisputable proof of the contrary, I resolved
upon second thoughts, to transcribe it exactly and faithfully,
every single article of his accompts, as I found them in the
book (all in his own handwriting) without so much as altering
the spelling of a word, etc., and to communicate this my in-
tention to Mr. Gib before I should put pen to paper.
Agreeably to the forementioned false report the common
cry of the mob was : ' Charlie^ king' of the rohhers — Charlie,
prince of the rohhers^ which cry I have had frequently bawled
after me when walking through Leith. And indeed it is not
to be wondered at that the populace should take up such a
cry, and should be led to believe a lie, when with great
foi. 1013. solemnity tliey were frequently taught their lesson from the
pulpit ; for the cant of the Presbyterian teachers in their
sermons, both before and after the battle of Culloden, when
they happened at any time to mention the Prince and his
army, was in the following and the like terms, viz. : — 'Injustice
and oppression — rapine and plunder — bloodshed and murder —
direful misej'y and destruction — shocking barbarities — innocents
robbed, slain, massacred — fire and sword — lawless starving
banditti — bloody house of Stewarts — merciless race — robberies —
thieves and murderers — wild ravages and devastations^ etc.
etc. etc. See plenty of such epithets in the substance of two
sermons preached by Mr. Alexander Webster, Edinburgh, and
printed 1746. This remarkable and extraordinary performance
is just now lying before me when writing these remarks.
These gentlemen, when haranguing their credulous hearers
in such terms as banditti, thieves, robbers, etc., might have had
the good manners to have excepted some of the best blood in
the nation, such as the Duke of Athol, the Duke of Perth, Earl
fol. 1014. of Kilmarnock, Viscoujit of Strathallan, Lord Pitsligo, Lord
Nairn, Lord George Murray, Lord John Drummond, and
many others, who appeared in that cause ; but all of them,
from the highest to the lowest, behoved to be stained with the
same blots of malice and falshood, as indeed decency is quite
out of the question when the sacred rules of truth are trifled
1748] THE ESTABLISHED CLERGY AND PRINCE 155
with, and the consecrated places of God's holy worship arc 9 June
prostituted to the vilest of purposes.
The clergy of the Church of England, as established by law,
and the dissenting preachers in that kingdom, did not come
short of our Scots Presbyterian teachers, for their printed
sermons smell rank of falshood, blood, and cruelty, etc. The
printed discourse of one Wood,^ a dissenting preacher in Dar-
lington, is a master-piece, and truly a monster of its kind.
He has the daring effrontery to put words into the mouth of
God Almighty, and to teach Omnijjotence what to say to the
Duke of Cumberland, in which speech there are some glaring
untruths.^
Even the learned and celebrated Dr. Young could prostitute
his wit to fling a jargon of defaming epithets at the Prince
and his brave followers in the conclusion of his Night f"^- lo^S-
Thoughts, viz. : — ' Pope-hred princeling — replete zoith venom,
— guiltless of a sting — ichistle cut-throats — sucl:''d in malice
xvith his 7nilk — brother robber — ragged 7-uffians of' the north —
savage moimtaineers,'' etc., etc. Poor stuff, not more silly and
mean than false and calumniating, quite unbecoming such a
superior genius, and no less unfit to have a place in one of the
finest pieces of poetry that ever appeared ! No man will call
in question the fine parts and excellent genius of Dr. Young.
But I must beg leave to doubt much if he has been master of
common sense and good manners.^
Notwithstanding all the scandalous and groundless reflec-
tions that have been and still are so plentifully thrown out
against the Prince and his followers, the plain truth is that
never was there an army of voluntiers in any country or at
anv time that behaved with so much good order and discretion
as the Prince's army did ; insomuch that let any one run a /,,/. 1016.
comparison (according to truth and justice) betwixt the Prince
and his Highlanders and the Duke of Cumberland and his
redcoats, and he will soon have reason to look upon the former
as the regular, well-disciplined army, under the influence and
command of a mild and humane general, and upon the latter
^ Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1746. 2 ggg fy_ ^^ ^nd 8.
^ See Scois Alagazine for September 1747, pp. 419, 420, etc.
156 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
9 June as a gang of irregular, undisciplin^l, voluntiering cut-throats,
under the direction of a butcher or a bear. Let the places
through which both armies marched witness the truth of this
assertion.^ Let the houses that were pillaged and plundered
even before the battle of Culloden be evidences of that mildness
and wisdom which some lying sycophants see shining so conspicu-
ously in the character of their adored Cumberland. When he
was in Perth with his army, orders were issued out for pillaging
and plundering the house of Machany, the country seat of the
Viscount of Strathallan, the house of Oliphant of Gask, the
house of Graham of Garrock, etc., which orders were most
strictly put in execution, for the parties spared not the body-
cloaths of the ladies, and they destroyed such provisions as they
^ul 1017. could not either consume or carry oif with them, breaking the
bottles and other vessels full of liquor, etc., as if they intended
that the poor ladies, their children and servants, should be all
starved to death for want of cloaths, meat and drink. Party
after party came to the said houses and took away such glean-
ings as had not been observed by the former party, or any
small stock of provisions the ladies had procured after the first
rummaging bout. Several of Cumberland''s principal officers
lived upon free cost in their marching northward ; as some
families in Perth, in Aberdeen, etc., can well vouch to their
sad experience. These officers would most impudently ask
what was for dinner or supper, and order what dishes and of
what kind tliey pleased, as if they had been to pay for the
whole, and would have brought in with them what other
officers they thought fit to dine and sup with them ; and the
landlord of the house behoved to have plenty of wine and of
other liquors at their command. But all these are only little
doings in comparison, and serve as a prelude to otiiers, more
daring and bold, that will immortalize the memory of a
William the Cruel, and of his whole army, to the latest ages
of posterity.
/o/. 1018. Was it ever before heard of in a Christian country that the
wounded on the field of battle should next day be knocked in
the head by orders ; that some who had got into barns and
^ See f. 1264.
1748] THE TWO ARMIES COMPARED 157
other houses near the field should have their throats cut in the 9 June
places where they were found, or should be taken out and be
set up to a park-wall to be shot at as so many marks of sport and
diversion ; that the ranging parties (both sogers and sailors)
should put poor people to the rack and torture, and should
butcher old men and women and children that could have no
hand in the troubles, etc. etc. etc. My hand trembles when I
write these words, and yet these are the laurels that adorn the
temples of the illustrious leader — the illustrious prince, the
generous hero, etc., Cumberland ! who has been often
blasphemously stiled by some furious preachers — Saviour !
AVill it not be looked on as a romance in after ages that
Englishmen and Christians should have been employed in
burning and destroying chapels and meeting-houses in which
their own prayer-book was used every Sunday throughout the
year, and not only so, but likewise that they made the bibles M- io^9-
and prayer-books accompany one another in the flames 't Great
and loud were the outcries, both in the pulpits and in the
streets, of the danger we were in of being deprived of our
bibles by the Young Pretender and his banditti. But let fatal
experience now teach us against whom these outcries ought to
have been pointed.^
From these few sketches that can be well vouched, let any
one draw the pictures of the Prince and of Cumberland, and I
daresay he will find the picture of the latter more than suffi-
cient to furnish shadowings for that of the former.
For proof of what I have asserted about burning bibles and
prayer-books, I had a letter from the Rev. Mr. James Willox,
dated at Kearn near Elgin, September 18th, 1746, in which
among other things are the following remarkable words :
' Upon receiving this letter I wrote to Mr. Keith to endeavour
to raise that small sum at the Navy Office, and out of it to buy
me some books at London, which I must want, because the
Earl of Ancram had, at the head of his regiment of dragoons, foi. 1020.
come 3 miles off his common road to cause pillage of my house
^ See page 24th of Mr. Webster's forementioned noted and singular perform-
ance.
158 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
9 Jime and burn my poor undeserving books, not sparing three bibles
and several Common Prayer-books.
(Sic subscribitur) Ja. Willox/
The original letter in Mr. Willox''s own handwriting, out
of which I have transcribed the preceding paragraph
verbatim, is to be found among my papers. [See f. 380.]
14 June Tuesday's forenoon^ June \Uh^ 1748.
I had a second meeting witli Mr. Gib in the new Stage Coach
Office, Edinburgh, and was with him from ten to twelve o'clock,
when I informed him that upon second thoughts I had resolved
to transcribe every single article of his accompts. Mr. Gib
very gravely asked me what I meant. After I had told him
my reason at some length (as narrated page 1012) for resolving
so to do, he said he was glad to hear of my design, for that he
could assure me the Prince paid well for everything he got,
and that he always ordered drink-money to be given liberally
where he lodged. He desired me to remark that his pocket-
foi. I02I. book contained only the smaller articles of accompts, it having
been a common practice with him, when he was so lucky as to
meet with any person that could furnish him with a stock of
provisions, to cause such a person draw out a discharged
accompt for money received, which discharged accompt vouched
for Mr. Gib, and the articles of a discharged accompt he never
set down in his pocket-book. He likewise told me when he
came to any place where he could have a butcher, he sent for
the butcher and bargained with him for a stock of provisions,
always directing the butcher to draw out a discharged accompt
for the cash. Mr. Gib said these two remarks served to
account for all or most of the blanks in his pocket-book of
dates and of names of places. It was no small relief to him, he
said, when he happened to get in discharged accompts, for that
he had very little time to spare for writing, as he was engaged
in such a continuous hurry of business that he was afraid it
would have killed him. I asked Mr. Gib what had become of
^oi. 1022. his accompts preceding October 30th, the first date in his
pocket-book ? To this he answered that when in the Abbey
of Halyrood House (where he engaged in the Prince"'s service)
1748] MEETINGS WITH MR. JAMES GIB 159
he set down all his accompts on loose pieces of paper and never 14 June
thought of having a book till lie heard that the Prince had
resolved to march into England, and then it became necessary
for him to have a book.
I then filled up from Mr. Gib's memory some more blanks
of dates and of names of places I had spied out in taking a
more leisurely look of his accounts, and likewise examined
what blanks I had filled up at our former meeting, particularly
from January 31st to tlie 3d of March. I also writ from Mr.
Gib''s own mouth the greatest part of the Nota-hcjies as inter-
spersed throughout my copy of his accompts, particularly these
relating to jNIr. Hymer's house in Carlisle, to Lady Dalrachny''s
conduct, and to Lord Loudoun's plot of seizing upon the
Prince's person at Moyhall. Some of those Nota-henes I writ
upon blank pages of Mr. Gib's pocket-book, and others of
them upon loose pieces of paper. At this second meeting with
Mr. Gib I asked him the following questions which I had foi. 1023.
noted down in a memorandum before I went up to Edinburgh :
Question 1st What day Carlisle was besieged, and by whom ? ■
[See f. 968.]
2nd What day Carlisle surrendred? [f. 969.]
3rd When the Prince was at Brampton, did he
not go one day and dine at Squire War-
wick's house ? [f. 968.]
4th What time Clifton was fought .? [f. 974.]
The answers to these questions are inserted in their proper
places in the forecited pages.
Tuesday's afternoon^ June 9Xst^ 1748. 21 June
TT 1 R
I had a third meeting with Mr. Gib in the new Stage
Coach Office, Edinburgh, and was with him from three to
seven o'clock, when I went through every single article of his
accompts with him the better to prevent any mistakes in
making out my transcript of them ; for I had discovered
several words and figures so hastily writ that I could not well
make them out till I consulted him about them. Mr. Gib
said I might easily understand the hurry he was obliged to in
writing his accompts, when he could assure me that from the
time of leaving Edinburgh till he returned to Glasgow, he had foi 1024.
160 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
21 June never thrown off his cloaths when he was going to sleep but
only once at Manchester, when he happened in the morning to
be a little too dilatory in answering the Prince when he called ;
and when he came into the Prince's presence the Prince told
him he should do as he did, ' Never strip at all,' and then he
would be the sooner ready to answer. In going through the
several articles in the accompts with Mr. Gib I writ down some
more Nota-henes from his mouth, as interspersed throughout
my copy of his accompts. At this third meeting with Mr. Gib
I writ the following particulars from his mouth :
16 April Mr. Gib was on the field of battle [Drummossie Muir] near
^^'^ the Prince's person in time of the action, and says that the
enemy's cannon played smartly upon the spot of ground where
the Prince took his station, and that he himself saw one of the
Prince's own grooms (Thomas Ca) killed by the Prince's side
with a cannon bullet.
After the defeat INIr. Gib rode along with Fitz- James's horse,
keeping sight of the Prince to the Water of Nairn, which they
foi. 1025, crossed about three miles from the field of battle, and then the
horse were desired to go to Ruthven of Badenoch, the Prince
stepping aside to the right, and halting there till he saw them
all go off. Then the Prince went up the water about a mile,
attended by Lord Elcho, Sir Thomas Sheridan, John Hay of
Restalrig, and Alexander MacLeod (one of the aide de camps),
and their several servants, among whom Mr. Gib remembered
particularly to have seen Ned Burk, of whom he speaks excel-
lent things, as a most faithful and useful servant. When they
had travelled about a mile, Mr. John Hay, stepping back a
little, came to Mr. Gib, and desired him to go off and shift for
himself in the best manner he could. Mr. Gib told Mr. Hay
that being quite a stranger in the country he did not know
what to do or where to go, and that he would not quit sight
of the Prince as long as he could keep him in view. To this
Mr. Hay replied, ' You see, Mr. Gib, I myself am not to go
with the Prince ; and therefore your best is to go to Ruthven,
the place of rendezvous, where you shall either see me or hear
from me.' Mr. Gib accordingly went to Ruthven, but never
foi. T026. saw the Prince or Mr. Hay again, nor heard anything about
them. On the Friday, April 18th, Mr. Gib was making ready
1746] AFTER THE BATTLE OF CULLODEN 161
to leave llutliven, hut Colonel John Roy Stewart persuaded i8 April.
him to stay till to-morrow, assuring him that against next
morning they would certainly receive some accounts from
or about the Prince. However, they received no accounts
wliatsomever about the Prince, and then Colonel Roy Stewart
said it was high time for every one of them to do tiie best he
could for himself.
On Saturday morning (April 19th) Mr. Gib left Ruthven 19 April
and made down the country to Braemar, where (on Monday,
April 21st) he luckily met with Richard Morison, one of the 21 April
Prince's valet-de-chambres. They kept close together, and
travelling down the country at great leisure and with much
caution they came safe to the town of Leven upon the coast of
FyfFe, Thursday, May 15th, but had the misfortune to be made 15 May
prisoners next day (Friday) by a gadger, two tide-waiters, and
some of the mob, their own landlady having given information
against them. The people that seized them searched their
pockets in presence of the baillie of Leven, and took every-
thing they found in them, particularly they took from Mr.
Gib sixteen £ and eighteen shillings sterling. But when he M 1027.
was in the Canongate prison he got his money again by the
interest of the Justice Clerk (as will appear hereafter) except
seven guineas, which the people in Leven kept back from him
under a pretence of charges in taking him prisoner and guard-
ing him to Kirkcaldy prison.
Upon Mr. Gib's telling me how roughly he was used and
how strictly he was searched by the people of Leven, I asked
him what method he had fallen upon to save his pocket-book.
To this he answered that in coming down the country he and
Morison had been some days in the Kirktown of Alford (in
Aberdeenshire), where they became happy in the acquaintance
of one William Burnet at Breadhaugh, near the Kirktown, an
honest, valuable man, in whose house they were entertained
with much kindness and discretion. This William Burnet is
brother to the Laird of Campbell. Mr. Gib being much afraid
of the worst asked the said Mr. Burnet if he would be so ffood
as to take his pocket-book and preserve it for him, to which /ol. 1028.
Mr. Burnet very frankly agreed, and Mr. Gib, wrapping his
white cockade round the book and putting two seals upon it,
VOL. II. L
162 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April delivered it into Mr. Burnefs own hands. When Mr. Gib was
at his freedom and things becoming more settled he went north
for the book, and had it safely sent to him. Here Mr. Gib
said he then little imagined that his pocket-book would ever
be of so much use, as that it would be thought worth while to
take a copy of it ; for had he in the least foreseen such a thing,
he should have had it much more exact, and many more things
and remarks in it.
15 May When Gib and INIorison were made prisoners at Leven, they
begged to be allowed the favour of horses, and that they might
not be marclied through the town as spectacles to be gazed at.
But they were obliged to walk on foot to Kircaldy and through
all the publick places, being all the way insulted and abused
by the mob. They were confined in the prison of Kircaldy
from the day they were taken, Friday, May 16th, to Monday,
May 19th, when they were fetched over in a boat from Kircaldy
to Leith prison, where Mr. Gib was confined to Thursday,
foi. 1029. August 14th, on which day he was removed to the Canongate
8 May prison, whei-e lie remained till Friday, May 8th, 1747, when he
was set at liberty by an order from the Justice Clerk, Provost
Couts having given bail for him that he should not leave the town
of Edinburgh for six montiis to come after the said 8th of May.
Here I asked Mr. Gib how he happened to escape being-
carried to Carlisle, especially as his companion, Richard Mori-
son, was sent up there and condemned ? To this he answered
that he escaped being sent to Carlisle by a great accident,
which fell out thus : When the second division of prisoners
was to be carried from tlie Canongate to Carlisle, James Gib,
being in the list, was called again and again, and the prison
rooms were searched for him, till at last one said he believed
that man, James Gib, behoved to be in Leith prison (which
indeed was the case), and that an express should be sent for
him directly. But the officer of the command said he would
not wait so long, seeing his men behoved to stand all the time
fol. 1030. under arms upon the open street, and therefore that man,
James Gib, might be sent to Carlisle by the next command.
However, for Mr. Gib's good luck, his name happened never
to be in any future list, or else his fate would have been either
death or banishment.
1748] THE PRINCE AND DUKE AT FALKIRK 163
At this third meeting Mr. Gib likewise told me that the 21 June
Prince when in Falkirk lodged in the house of one Mr.
Menzies, a private unmarried gentleman, whose servant lad
(he had forgot his name) visited Mr. Gib in the Canongate
prison, and informed him that the Duke of Cumberland lodged
also in Mr. Menzies's house in his march to Stirling, and that
Cumberland appeared to be excessively afraid of liimself, exam-
ining all the doors of the house, and ordering sentries to be placed
at every one of tliem. Cumberland ordered the said man-
servant to sit up all night in the dining-room adjoining to the
bed-chamber where he (Cumberland) slept, with two candles
and a book to keep him (the servant) from sleeping, with
express orders to the said man-servant to awake Cumberland
precisely at four o'clock. Sentries were posted at the door of foi. 1031.
the dining-room where the man-servant sat up all night.
AVhen Cumberland was going off he ordered two guineas for
the house, asking in the meantime at the man-servant how much
the Young Pretender had left when he slept there ? The
servant told Cumberland that the Pretender had left five
Sfuineas. Moreover the man-servant told Mr. Gib that Cum-
berland asked him several questions about his master (Menzies),
allesing; he was a rebel. The servant answered he had served
Mr. Menzies about a dozen of years, and had never seen any-
thinjj about him but that he was an honest man. Cumberland
tlien asked the servant if his master had ever seen the Yomig
Pretender 't The servant replied he could not tell whether his
master had seen him or not, for that he had not a room in his
own house when the Young Pretender was in it. M- 1032-
Monday's forenoon, June 27th, 1748. — I had a fourth meet- 27 June
ing with Mr. Gib in the new Stage Coach Office, Edinburgh,
and was with him from a little after ten to twelve o'clock,
when I put questions to him about the following particulars,
which I had noted down in a memorandum in my own room :
Question 1. To ask Mr. Gib about Lady Dalrachney's imper-
tinent talk which he had slightly mentioned to me in a
former conversation. [See ff. 966, 988.]
% Who was suspected to be the person that had given infor-
mation about the Prince to Lord Loudoun when he formed
the design of taking the Prince ? [See f. 990.]
164 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
27 June 3. If the Prince dressed more elegantly at Glasgow than any
other place ? [See f. 976.]
4. What day Inverness Castle surrendered ? [See f. 994.]
5. If Mr. Gib ever recovered any of his money from the
people of Leven, and by whose interest ? [See ff. 1027,
1035.]
6. By whom was Mr. Gib set free, and how came it about,
seeing he got out of prison before the act of indemnity ?
[See f. 1029.]
fol. 1033. 7. To ask Mr. Gib about the difference 'twixt his account of
time, etc., and that in the Scots Magazine for 1746, page
91. [See ff. 993-996.]
The answers to the preceding seven questions are inserted in
their proper places in the forecited pages.
8. What bed and table linen did Mr. Gib receive for the
use of the Prince, seeing Mrs. Murray of Broughton had
upon that account got several valuable presents of such
from some ladies in and about Edinburgh ?
Answer. — Mr. Gib received nine dozen of table napkins, and
nine table cloaths, and six pairs of sheets, from Colonel
Strickland, at the Abbey of Halyrood House.
Among the table linen there was one dozen of napkins and
the table cloath sowed up in an old napkin, and particularly
recommended to Mr. Gib's care by Mr. Andrew Lumsdane, at
tlie express desire of I\Irs. Murray. Mr. Gib said he had never
the curiosity to look into them (the sowed-up dozen), and
fol. 1034. added he had reason to think that all the foresaid bed and
table linen were taken by the enemy after the battle of Culloden,
as he (Mr. Gib) had them among other things along with him
upon the field of battle in a covered waggon, which he wa&
forced to leave behind him in the open air neer the field.
Here Mr. Gib desired me to remark that in the same hamper
with the foresaid linen there were likewise contained a large
silver soup spoon, two silver ragout spoons, a large silver lamp
for keeping a dish warm upon the table, and the Prince"'s hunt-
ing equipage in a shagreen case, consisting of six silver goblets,
doubly gilt, going into one another, two knives, two forks, and
two spoons, all silver and doubly gilt. Mr. Gib regrets the
loss of the hunting equipage more than that of all the rest, for
1748] THE PRINCESS HUxNTING EQUIPAGE 165
he says it was one of the most curious things he had ever seen 27 June
in any place. The Prince brought it with him from France.
Mr. Gib told me he liad lieard it rumoured that the Prince"'s
hunting ecjuipage should have fsillen into the Duke of Cumber- foi. 1035.
land's hands, and that he had dispatched it from Inverness to
London as a great curiosity, but what truth there might be in
this report Mr. Gib said he would not affirm.
At this fourth meeting Mr. Gib likewise informed me that Jan.
sometime in the first week of January 1747, he was brought ^^^^
before the Justice Clerk, who appeared to be exceedingly kind
and smooth to him, asking if Mr. Gib had yet recovered the
money which the people in Leven had taken from him. When
Mr. Gib assured his Lordship that he had never yet got back
any of that money, the Justice Clerk said he would order
his money to be returned, which accordingly he did ; but the
people of Leven thought fit to keep back seven guineas of it,
as before narrated. Mr. Gib soon found out the reason of all
this kindness, for the Justice Clerk began to ask him many par-
ticular questions about the Young Pretender and his followers,
particularly when at Bannockburn ; and when Mr. Gib would f"^- ^°3^
not answer directly, the Justice Clerk huffed and storm'd at
him. The Justice Clerk in asking the questions used to preface
them tiuis : ' Certainly you know this ; you cannot fail to know
it.' And when Gib refused that he knew anything about these
matters, the Justice Clerk used to say with some emotion,
' AVhat ! will you not answer this .'' will you not do the govern-
ment such a small favour as this is V
Mr. Gib assured me he found the Justice Clerk had got too
good intelligence about many things.
I must here remark that in making out my transcript of 1748
Mr. Gib's accompts, I thought fit to note down the days of
the week which were not in Mr. Gib's pocket-book. The
reason that induced me to do so was not only the better to
ascertain the several dates, but likewise it proceeded from an
experiment I tried in filling up the blanks of dates and of
the names of places in Mr. Gib's pocket-book : for when I
found Mr. Gib at a loss to remember exactly what day of a fol. 1037.
month they came to such a place, I used to ask him if he could
remember the day of the week, and then I could easily fix upon
166 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
27 June the day of the month. Upon trial I found him never at a loss
^^'^ to recollect the days of the week, which served to make matters
distinct and clear. To give a particular instance. When Mr.
Gib affirmed that the Prince was about a week at Blair Castle,
and a week at least at Ruthven, I found him at a loss to
remember the particular days of the month when they left
Blair Castle, when they came to Ruthven, and when they left
Ruthven. Upon this I desired to know if he could fix upon
the precise days of the week, which he very soon did, assuring
me that in marching from Blair Castle they were only one
night at Dalnachardich, and next day came to Ruthven, which
he remembered well to be a Saturday ; that they left Ruthven
fol. 1038. upon a Saturday, slept that night in Dalrachny's house, where
next day the lady would not permit the baking of bread be-
cause it was a Sunday ; that the said Sunday night they slept
at Moyhall, and tiiat next morning (Monday) they were
alarmed with the accounts of Lord Loudon's design upon the
Prince's person. This account of the days of the week, witii a
little thought, served to give me the days of the month exactly.
[See f. 988.]
13 July Wednesday evening, 6 o'clock, July 13th, 1748. — I had the
favour of a visit from Mr. Gib, when I delivered back to him
his pocket-book, desiring him to preserve it carefully.
At this fifth meeting with Mr. Gib I told him that when he
broke the seals of his pocket-book (on Thursday, June 9th),
in order to deliver it to me, I had observed him to open the
book, and to take out of it some loose pieces of paper, and I
begged to know if they were accompts ; for if they were I would
gladly take copies of them, if he would allow me, as I studied
fol. 1039. much to observe the utmost exactness in making up my Collec-
tion of papers, etc. To this Mr. Gib answered, that they were
accompts which he was very desirous to preserve carefully,
because some of them were not yet paid, and he hoped the
time would come yet when payment would be made of them.
He took them out of his pocket (six in number), and told me
I had all freedom to take copies of them. As Mr. Gib was
about going off soon for Ireland in the way of mercliandizing,
he desired me, after I had taken copies of them, to seal up the
accompts in a piece of paper addressed to him, and to deposite
1746] SOME MORE ACCOUxNTS 167
them so sealed in the hands of one Mrs. Mackenzie in Edin- 13 July
buroh, near the new Stage Coach Office, which I promised
faithfully to observe.
Here follow exact copies of the foresaid six accompts, which
accompts (one single article only excepted, as will appear
hereafter) are not in James Gib's own handwriting.
1st. f"^- ^°40.
Acompet of Smith Worke wrought be Alexander Burn in
Banockburn to Princ Charls wagons, 1746.
January 8th for 5 lorn pleats to a wagon, . £Q 03 00 s^J^n.
also two bands to a wagon, . 0 00 08
one lorn carpi n and two stepls, 0 00 06
for 3 cleeks, . . . . 0 00 06
for one paire of lorn liedars to hems,
and mending a paire of hems, 0 01 04
for 6 new shouses to wagon horses, 0 03 00
for 3 sheep heads ^ singing, . 0 00 1^^
At Inverness for mendine; the
0 09 00|
wagon,2 . . . . 0 02 6
0 11 6i
2nd.
Andrew Eraser,^ Dr. to Mr. Gib.
To 4 bolls meale, @ lOsli. 8d, per boll, .
To 23 pecks flower, @ Ish. 4d. per peck,
^2 2
1 10
8
8
3 13
4
1 This article was dash'd out in the original accompt, but so as that I could
read it.
- This is the single article that was in Mr. Gib's own handwriting.
' I asked Mr. Gib what was the meaning of this small accompt ? His answer
was that when at Inverness, the meal and the flour became so scarce, that he
behoved to furnish the baxter, Andrew Fraser, with so much, for which he was
accountable to Mr. Gib.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
168
THE LYON IN MOURNING
[1746
fol. 1041.
23 Feb.
3rd.
Accompt of Liquors sent to his Royal Highness Lodgeings
by Al. Fraser.
1746.
February 22d.i To 3 dozens Claret, . . ^3 „ „
„ 10
To \ dozen Lisbone wine,
To \ dozen Sherry Do.,
55
>?
10
^4
»»
19 March Inverness, 19th March 1746. — Then received payment of
the above Account. {Sic Subscr'ihitur) Alexr. Fraser.
fol. 1042. 4 th.
Accompt, Mr. James Gib, Butler, Master Housald to His
Royiall Hyness, Prince Charles, to Tho. Fraser, Pessterie
Cook.
22 Feb.
To accompt fr
om February the 22 to Febri
lary
the 27,
• ■ • • •
£9, 05 06
March
Merch the 1st.
To on herin passtie,
0 03 06
Merch the 3d.
To 2 cakes short bread, .
0 06 00
To on salmon pastie,
0 04 06
To 13 tairts of several sorts.
0 07 00
Merch the 5th.
To on plain custard.
0 01 00
To short bread.
0 03 06
To on custard.
0 01 04
To on side cake.
0 07 06
To on custard.
0 01 00
^ I wish I had seen this accompt sooner, for the date of it is a plain proof to
me that Mr. Gib is mistaken as to his account of dates and of names of places in
the Prince's marching from Castle Weem to Inverness, and that the account in
the Scots Magazine for 1746, page 91, must be right, because the Prince certainly
has been in Inverness when the above wines were sent to his lodgings, whereas
Mr. Gib's account of days, etc. (see f. 988), makes the Prince to be only at
Dalrachny on Saturday, February 22d. I did not advert to the date of the above
accompt when looking over the six accompts in Mr. Gib's presence, otherwise I
would have taken notice of it to him as a proof that his memory had failed him.
It is likewise worth remarking that the following accompt is of the same date
(February 22nd), which is a second proof of Mr. Gib's mistake, and that the
account of this matter in the Scots Magazine must be right. [See ff. 993-996.] —
Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] SOME MORE ACCOUNTS 169
To short bread,
0 03 00 s March
To on orange pudine,
0 05 00
To short bread.
0 03 06
To on rice pudine, .
0 02 06
To 7 minched pyes of mutton,
0 03 06
To on custard,
0 01 06
To short bread.
0 03 06
^05 03 04
1 17 8
15 6
8 6 6
5th.
Accompt, Mr. Gib, Master Housalld, etc., to his Royiall
Hyness, Prince Charles, D.G. : To Tho. Eraser, Pesstrie
Cook.
h the 18th.
1746. To short bread, . . .
£„ 03 06
To short bread, on caike and 2
Wesstells, ....
„ 04 06
To on Weilldfoull passtie.
„ 05 00
To on side caick, .
„ 07 06
To on Venison passtie of hairs
bonned, ....
„ 05 06
£1 05 06
6th. fo!. 1043.
Accompt, Mr. Gib, Princabill Buttller, etc., to his Royill
Hyness, Der. to Tlio. Eraser, Pessterie Cook.
March the 30th. To 2 kaiks short bread,
April 1st. To on side kaick, .
To on mourffoull passtie,
15th. To 2 sid kaicks, .
„ 04 06
„ 07 06 I April
4 00
?5
„ 15 00
To fy ring and attending 80 dishes, „ 06 08
=^1 17 08
170 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
July At the foresaid fifth meeting with Mr. Gib in my own room,
^'^^ he told me he could inform me of a remarkable instance of
William Burnet (the same person with whom he had left his
pocket-book in the Nortii) his honesty and exactness, if I
thouffht it worth while to write it down. Here follows an
account of it, as Mr. Gib narrated it to me.
May Sometime in the month of May 1748, Mr. Gib happened to
be in company with Deacon William Clerk, taylor in Edin-
burgh, when John Hay of Restalrig was some how or other
spoke of, at the mentioning of whose name Mr. Gib asked if
Mr. Hay's eldest daughter was in Edinburgh, or any of Mr.
Hay's near relations, for that he (Gib) could give an account
of a large portmanteau in tlie North belonging to Mr. Hay.
fol, 1044. Deacon Clerk assured him that Mr. Hay's eldest daughter was
living in Edinburgh with the ladies of March, and that he
(Clerk) could carry any message from Mr. Gib to the young
lady. Upon this Mr. Gib told Deacon Clerk that when Mr.
Hay, at the Water of Nairn, desired Gib to part from the Prince
and to shift for himself, he recommended to Gib's care his groom
and the said portmanteau, containing Mr. Hay's fine Cloaths.
Mr. Gib assured Mr. Hay he would take the same care of the
groom and portmanteau that he would do of himself. In
coming down the country from Ruthven, Mr. Gib began to be
afraid lest he should fall into the hands of some party, and
therefore he left Mr. Hays portmanteau (the more valuable, said
Gib, that it has in it a plaid which the Prince wore for some
time) in the custody of William Burnet at Breadhaugh, near the
Kirktown of Alford in Aberdeenshire, who, he was sure, would
deliver it safe and in good order, provided his house has not
been plundered and pillaged or searched. Mr. Gib told Deacon
/oi. 1045. Clerk that for the greater exactness, they had opened the port-
manteau, and took a note of everything in it, Burnet keeping
one copy and Gib another ; but Gib said he had destroyed his
copy of said note after being made prisoner at Leven. How-
ever he still remembred well the contents of the portmanteau,
and could condescend particularly upon every piece in it.
Deacon Clerk informed Miss Hay of all this affair, and came
again to Mr. Gib, bringing along with him a young man, whom
Mr. Hay had bred as a writer or clerk, in order to be informed
1748] Mil. HAY OF llESTALRIG^S PORTMANTEAU 171
by Mr. Gib how the portniauteau could be recovered. INIr. May
Gib told Deacon Clerk and the young man that he (Gib) would
write a letter to Mr. Burnet, provided they would give him
assurance that the letter should be carefully delivered into Mr.
Burnet's own hands, because otherwise lie (Gib) and others
might be brought to much trouble: and tlierefore he desired
Deacon Clerk and the young man to go and get counsel about
the matter, which accordingly they did, and returned to Mr. fol. 1046.
Gib, assuring him they had found out a very right person
going to Aberdeen, who had undertaken to send the letter
carefully from Aberdeen to Mr. Burnet by a proper hand.
Upon this Mr. Gib writ a letter to the said William Burnet,
desiring him to deliver such a portmanteau to the bearer,
according to the note of the cloaths contained in it, which each
of them had taken in presence of one another. The port-
manteau was brouglit to Edinburgh ; and Mr. Gib told me
that Deacon Clerk and the young man had come to him assur-
ing him that everything was safe in it, and had been kept in
good order. The portmanteau had been in Mr. Burnefs keep-
ing more than two years.
At the same time Mr. Gib told me that the Highlanders
were the most surprizing men he had ever seen. For after
making very long marches, and coming to their quarters, they
would have got up to the dancing as nimbly as if they had not
been marching at all, whenever they heard the pipes begin to foi, 1047.
play ; which made him frequently say, ' I believe the devil is
in their legs.'
Monday, July 18th, 1748. — I returned the six accompts isjuiy
(sealed and addressed as agreed upon, f. 1039) by James
Mackay, wiio happened to meet with Mr. Gib in Edinburgh,
and delivered them into his own hands.
Tuesday's afternoon, August 23d, 1748. — I met accidentally 23 Aug.
with Deacon William Clerk, taylor, upon the High Street in ^^^
Edinburgh, when I asked him about Mr. John Hay's port-
manteau, which had been left in the hands of one William
Burnet in the North, etc. The Deacon told me that the port-
manteau was brought to Edinburgh, with everything in it safe
and sound, etc. Robeut Forbes, A.M.
172 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
foi. 1049.1 Copy of a Letter to the Reverend Mr. James
Taylor, Thurso.^
30 June Reverend Dear Brother, — I beg you ll give me, in your
own handwriting, as minute and circumstantial an account as
possible how you happened to be made prisoner, when and
where, what hardships and civilities you met with, and from
whom, during the time of your tedious and severe confinement ;
for I love truth, let who will be either justified or condemned
by it. As far as your memory can serve, have a particular
attention to dates and to names of persons and of places ; and
omit not to give a particular account how, when, and by whom
your liberation was at last happily brought about. Spare not
words, and after drawing out the history of your distress, let
it lie by you for some time before you dispatch it to me, that
so you may have leisure to reconsider it, and to insert any
thing you may have forgot to mention. Forgive the freedom
I take in giving you such particular directions as to the favour
fol. 1050. J ask of you, for I love a precise nicety in all narratives of
facts, as indeed one cannot observe too much exactness in
these things. Your history is to have a place in my Collec-
tion. Be careful to transmit it to me by some sure private hand.
I have frequently heard narrated a very singular and extra-
ordinary story of one Ross, younger of Priesthill, in your
country. Pray, can you favour me with a genuin and faithful
account of it "^
In complying with these my desires you will singularly
oblige, Reverend Dear Sir, Your sincere friend and humble
servant, Robert Forbes.
Citadel ofLeHh, June SOth, 1748.
fol. 1051. Copy of a paragraph of a Letter to the Reverend
Mr. James Falcon ar, London.^
4 July I beg you 11 give me in your own handwriting as minute
^'^'^^ and circumstantial an account as possible how you happened
1 f. 1048 is a blank page. - See his reply, f. 1054. ^ ggg his reply, f. 1058.
1748] CORRESPONDENCE 173
to be made prisoner, when and where, what liardships and 4 July
civilities you met with, and from whom, during the time of
your tedious and severe confinement. Forget not to mention
Captain John Hay's seeing you and taking no notice of you
in your deplorable distress, and to narrate particularly Mr.
David Ross's singular and unaccountable behaviour towards
you. For I love truth, let who will be either justified or con-
demned by it. As far as your memory can serve, have a
particular attention to dates and to names of persons and
places, and omit not to give a particular account how, when,
and by whom your liberation was at last happily brought
about. Spare not words, and after drawing out the history
of your distress, let it lie by you for some time before you fol. 1052.
dispatch it to me, that so you may have leisure to reconsider
it, and to insert any thing you may have forgot to mention.
Forgive the freedom I take in giving you such particular
directions as to the favour I ask of you, for I love a precise
nicety in all narrative of facts, as indeed one cannot observe
too much exactness in these things. Your history is to have
a place in my collection, which (I thank God) is already
beyond sixty sheets of large paper, neatly bound up in several
8^° volumes. I spare no pains and expence in procuring
genuin and well-vouched accounts of things, and hitherto I
have been successful even beyond my expectations. I wish
you may transmit to me the account of your own distresses,
etc., by the same hand that brings this to you. Donald Mac-
Leod and Malcolm MacLeod ^ afforded me no small pleasure
by informing me that you bore up exceedingly well under all
your misfortunes with great courage and chearfulness, and
that you kept your health while others were dying about you fol. 1053.
like rotten sheep. Mr. Taylor likewise gave me excellent and
agreeable accounts of you. The two MacLeods joined in
giving me a most moving history of the barbarous usage the
prisoners met with when lying upon the Thames opposite to
Tilbury Fort. Let me have your account of that scene of
misery ; for I aim much at having different vouchers for one
and the same fact.
1 See ff. 312-315.
174 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
4 July I lately had a letter from Mr, Taylor, your fellow-prisoner,
who is in good health, and makes mention of you with much
kindness and affection. — I am, Reverend Dear Sir, Your most
affectionate brother and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
CHadel of Leith, Juhj m, 1748.
foi. 1054. Copy of two Paragraphs of a Letter from the
Reverend ]Mr. James Taylor,^ to me, Robert
Forbes.
21 July I kept no diary of what happened to me during my confine-
^^^ ment, but shall endeavour to recollect and write down all the
most noticeable occurrences of that time of distress, and if,
after collecting them, I can judg them proper for your design,
they shall be transmitted to you by some secure, private hand.
I have heard of Priesthill's story, and shall endeavour to
learn the several particulars of it from some persons in Cath-
ness, who have better information than myself, and shall not
fail to acquaint you accordingly. He lives in the shire of
Ross. Sic subscribitur, Ja. Taylor.
Thurso, ^Ist July 1748.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1055. Copy of a Letter from John M'Pherson of
Strathmashie,^ to me, Robert Forbes.
24 July My dear Sir, — I have only time, meeting my friend, the
^^'^^ bierer, on his journey to let you know that I'm alltogether
sensible of your goodness in encouraging me to continue the
freindly correspondence betwixt us, by which I assure you I
1 See f. 1049. 2 See f_ g^g.
1748] CORllESrONDENCE 175
reckon myself Higlily honoured. I well know my way of 24 July
setting a certain affair before you was very far from deserving
the approbation of such a competent judge. When it happens
that I have ane opportunity suitable, will take the freedom of
further troubling you. ]Jut its (juite uncertain when that may
come in my way. You may safely communicate any thing to
this bearer. Doe me the justice to believe that with outmost
sincerity and esteem, I have the honour to be, My Dear Sir,
Your most affectionate and faithful servant while
Sic subsa-ibitnr, John M'pheuson.
Catelei/, 9.Uh Julij 1748.
X.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Fokues, A.M.
Copy of a Letter from Mr. M'Donai.d of Kings- M- ^°s^'
borow, to me, Robert Forbes.
My dear Sir, — Yours ^ of the 26th March came to hand is July
last day ; but non of the presents you was soe good as to send
me and otheres. At the same tyme, they and I has as much
reason to retourn you thanks as tho they had come safe. I am
realy uneassie to have miss"'d anything would be Avorth your
sending on account of the subject and the giver. Pray when
a favourable opertunity offers let me hear from you with ane
acount of the worthy family you are in and all other good
freinds, which will be very agreeable and refreshing. Let me
know what is come of Mr. Ratry, and mind me to his lady.
All your acquaintances in this part of the world are in good
health, tho' deprived of their arms, as they will shortly be of
their cloaths. The letter you wrot me off ^ make noise here as /ol. 1057.
1 Some few lines I sent to Kingsborrow (by one Mackenzie, a skipper of the
Lews) acquainting him that I had sent him, by the same hand, copies of
Mother Grimis Tales, Decade ist and 2nd, for himself and some others in the
Isle of Sky, Isle of Rasey, and the Long Isle, viz. Armadale, Donald MacLeod,
John M'Kinnon, Rasey, senior ; Rasey, junior ; Malcolm MacLeod, Clanranald,
senior; Boisdale, and Balshar.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
2 Seeff. 701, 793, 85 1.
176 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
IS July well as els where, which gives me no pain, for truth will suport
it self in spit of malice. I fancie the authore is not much to
be envyed, which lays out of my way to enquir. Mrs. Mac-
Donald, who is the honest old woman you saw her, is very well,
who desires to be remembered to Lady Bruce, etc. etc. etc.
Receiv inclosed the pice leathere you wrott for some time
agoe,^ which, on my honour, is the reall peice you wanted. I
am with the greatest esteem, Reverend Dear Sir, Your afFec-
tionat humble servant.
Sic subscribitur. Alexr. M'Donald.
Kingsboroio, July 15th, 1748.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among my
papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1058. Copy of a Paragraph of a Letter from the
Reverend JMr. James Falconar to me,
Robert Forbes.
9 Aug. As to the history you mention, I have the materials by me,
^'^'^^ but by reason of scarsity of paper and the inconveniency of
writting when aboard, they are in such confusion that it will
take more time than I can well spare at present before I can
bring them to such an order as would afford any satisfaction
to a person who loves accuracy and perspicuity, which should
allwise be the concomitants of such performances. As to the
dates, I cannot pretend to any satisfactory exactness in them,
for many of the facts happened when I neither had nor could
get a bit of paper ; so was often obliged to wait for several
weeks together before I could take a note of the occurrencys,
which I would otherwise have set down daily as they happened.
If I were to meet with Clanranald, who kept an exact journal
of the most triffling things that happened, to himself espe-
foi. 1059. cially, he might help me out in a good many instances ; but
this I cannot expect at such a distance from his court. He
is a man of sense, but as proud as Lucifer. He was no smalt
1 See flf. 797, 852. 2 See f_ 105 1.
1748] CORRESPONDENCE 177
addition to our sufferings. Rut more of this when we come to 19 Aug.
the IVIemoirs and Voyages of Seignor Falconieri. — I am, Your
own old (Sic suhscribitur) Falconar.
London^ August 19^/i, 1748.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. RoiiEux Foiiiies, A.M.
Copy of a Memorandum for Captain Maculloch.^ /ol 1060.
There is a very singular narrative given out in the name of " ^^s-
. . . 1748
one ]VIr. Ross, younger of Priestliill. If an exact and genuin
account of the said narrative could be procured it would be a
remarkable favour done to, Sir, Your friend and servant,
Robert Forbes.
Citadel of Leitli, August lltJi, 1748.
Copy of a Paragraph of a Letter to the Reverend M 1061.
Mr. John Skinner at Longside.^
I have an indisputable voucher for the singular practice of 22 Aug.
burning bibles and prayer books in Murray-shire. Pray let
me know if any such violation of all that is sacred was done in
your neighbourhood. I could wish likewise to have an exact
account of the plundering and pillaging of your house, and of
any other outrages that were committed within your bounds,^
Robert Forbes.
August 22d, 1748.
1748
1 See ff. 1050, 1054. " See fif. 1019, 1236.
* A gentleman of Ross-shire who had been in the Prince's service during the
time of the Campaign in 1745 and 1746. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
VOL. II. M
178 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
foi. 1062. Copy of a Letter from Dr. John Burton of
York to me, Robert Forbes.
29 June Dear Sir, — The favour of both yours ^ is before me, and the
gowns came safe, and are very much liked. I shall remit a bill
as soon as I can conveniently meet with one. My wife was
going to Harrigate Spaws with my son for a few days, and she
would make a person sit up all night to finish her gown that
she might show it there.
I never saw the letter after the battle of F[alkirk] nor ever
heard of it. I meant the letter of which I sent you a copy.
I have been busy in finishing the account of my persecution
which has been up at London some time, and would have been
published before this time liad not my friend there been so
long in the country. When it is finished I shall send my
friends in the north some of ""em. This, together with my
business, getting fix'd in my house again, etc., has hindered me
from finishing the other affair for the press ; and as you say
some of the facts are not justly related, shall take it as a
foi. 106--. favour if you '11 be so good as to set me right, for I would not
publish a falsehood if I knew it in any case ; but in this I
should be particularly cautious. If I should publish it, I shall
take particular care not to mention names of such worthies as
may be thereby injured. I shall scarce have acted a proper
part hitherto, and tlien afterwards make that public which
would be of little service to my self on one side, and be a great
injury on the other.
Just a little before I received yours, I was favoured with a
line from Miss F[lora] M'D[onaldJ telling me she was just
going to visit her friends in the west, and should not return to
E[ngland ?] till September, when she intended to favour me
with her company at York in her way to London ; and the
longer she makes the visit the more she '11 oblidge my wife,
myself, and friends. For I would have her see our country a
little, and not hurry away too soon.
1 See ff. 839, 939.
1748] LETTER FRO]\I DR. BURTON 179
I have not yet heard from Maleohn, l)ut am olad to find by 29 June
yours that he is well, and can't but have a fellow-feeling for
Raarsa"'s second son''s illness. But I hope he has recover"'d. If
you have heard or may hear from Miss F[lora] M'D[onald]
siiould be glad if you 11 mention it in your next ; which, pray, fol. 1064.
never defer on account of franks, for am always glad to hear
from my good friends, and never give myself concern about
the expence.
I am surprized I have iieard nothing from Dr. D d.^ I
am aff'raid he is either dead, sick, or dissoblidged at me. He
told me he should come southward about this time, and make
me a visit in his way, but I have heard nothing about him yet.
I should be glad of the copy of M'Leod's letter to Kings-
borough when you get it, as also of that of D[uke] of C[um-
berland] which was intercepted.
Notwithstanding the great puffs in the papers about a peace,
I can assure you the most thinking part of mankind, both in
the South and here, can't but think otherways. For they sup-
pose that as soon as the French have got all their outward-
bound ships away, all their homeward-bound ships into harbour,
and all the ships they bought in Sweden safe, and supplied
themselves with all necessaries, that then they will break off all
conferences, and commence hostilities with more vigour than ever.
This seems to be the case, or else why should they remand all /"''■ ^^^S-
the officers who had leave to return to Paris and other places
in France from Flanders to go to their respective corps again,
and raise such number of recruits "^ And why should they buy
up all our large ships and privateers, unless it be to weaken
our naval power and increase their own "^ But a little time
will now discover all.
My wife joins in compliments to all the good ladies with
you, and to you with, Dear Sir, Your sincere friend and humble
servant, {Sic suhscrihiUir) J. B.
June ^m, 1748.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ Dr. Drummond.
180 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
foi. 1066. Copy of a Letter to Dr. John Burton of York.
5 July Dear Sir, — Your kind letter of June 29th reached me on
^'^'^^ July 5th, and no doubt you '11 be thinking me unkind in not
acknowledging the favour sooner. But to tell the plain truth,
I am so straiten*'d in time, and in this corner we are so barren
in subject that as I could not find leisure, so I could have little
or nothing to say. However I gladly embrace the opportunity
of your acquaintance and friend, R. C. (who will certainly call
upon you) to write you a particular return.
I would be glad to be favoured with a copy of the history of
your persecution ; but as I have heard nothing more about it,
I am afraid the publication has been delayed.
You desire me to set you right, etc. ""Tis not in my power
to recollect exactly the several particulars wherein your collec-
tion differs from the precise truth of things — only you 'll please
remark that it was not Cameron of Glenpean, but MacDonald
foi. 1067. of Glenaladale that carried the purse, left it, and found it
again. Besides, though I should know the several particulars,
it would prove a matter of some labour and study to rectifie
them, as you'll easily understand when I assure you that since
I had the pleasure of seeing you I have collected above thirty
sheets of paper ; and though my collection be already about
seventy sheets, yet, so far am I from being done with collecting,
that I am as busy as ever in finding out new materials, and
when I may come to an end I cannot really foresee. From this
you 11 easily see that it must prove a work of time and patience
to make out a compleat collection of all that is necessary to be
known in such a curious and interesting history, and how much
my time and attention are engaged in making as exact and
compleat a collection as possible.
I have never heard directly from Miss Flora MacDonald ;
foi. 106S. but I have heard frequently of her. In crossing a ferry to
Argyleshire she had almost been drown'd, the boat having
struck upon a rock ; but (under God) a clever Highlander
saved her. Miss reached the Isle of Sky about the beginning
of July, and waited upon her mother and the worthy Armadale,
1748] MISS FLORA MACDONALD 181
I believe she may be in Edinburgli some time this month, when s July
I shall take an opportunity of informing her of your kind and
affectionate remembrance of her.
I have never heard anything from or about honest Malcolm
since some time before my last to you. I wish he may be
well.
Your friend, Dr. D d, is just now jaunting among his
friends in the country. He is neither dead, sick, nor dis-
obliged, but, S2ih rasa, I believe he is somewhat lazy.
I have never yet got a genuin copy of M'Leod*'s letter to
Kingsborrow. I find Kingsborrow has delivered the original
into the hands of some friend for the more sure preservation of
it. I have never seen the letter of C[umberland] which was foi. 1069.
intercepted.
Your thoughts concerning the peace are curious, and seem
to have some foundation. Pray let me know what you think
of it now, whether or not it is like to come to a period, or, etc.
Mr. Carmichael is exceedingly pleased to hear that the
gowns are so much liked, and remembers you with much kind-
ness and gratitude.
Copy of a paragraph of a Letter from a gentle- 20 au^.
man in Aberdeen to his correspondent in
Edinburgh, bearing date the 20th of August,
concerning the visionary battle near that place
upon the 5th of the said month of August
1748.
'You have, no doubt, heard before now of the visionary
battle within a few miles of Aberdeen. The thing is real fact
attested by more than thirty eye-witnesses at the same time.
An army in blewish and dark-coloured cloathing, with displayed
ensigns of a white flaa;, crossed with a blew St. Andrew's Cross, foi. 1070.
beat twice on the same spot of ground a red army with the
Union-flag which rallied twice ; but at the third time the red
army was so beat as to be quite routed and scattered. There
182 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
20 Aug. is no momentary variation in the accounts that the different
spectators gave of this visionary engagement, most of them
being within little more than a ridge length of the action, see'd
the colours, smoak, arms, etc., but heard no noise. I forgot to
mention that four hours before the battle the same spectators
observed (about two in the afternoon) in the sky three small
globes of light, which they took for what we call (in the north)
a weather gall ; but gradually increased to the magnitude of
the sun, and that a little before the appearance of the armies
foi. 1071. twelve men in very clean and bright attire appeared to traverse
very carefully, and view most accurately the whole ground
where the action happened, but withdrew before the armies
appeared. This much for amusement, which I would not have
entertained you with if the thing were contested or doubted of.'
Thus have I given you the paragraph exactly as it is in the
original without varying one single word, and shall make no
observation upon it, but leave it to your own thoughts to make
of it what you please. However, I must not leave this subject
without telling you that there are letters from Aberdeen in
Edinburgh, declaring that several of the spectators (about
eleven or twelve) have been sworn before the Town Council of
Aberdeen, and that they were all unanimous in their deposi-
tions much to the same purpose with the contents of the above
foi. icrjz. paragraph.
By this time (I am sure) I have wearied you and therefore I
must bid you farewel.
All here join with me in compliments and good wishes to
your self, your lady and your master. — Sincerely, I am. Dear
Sir, Your friend and servant, R. F.
September 5, 1748.
P.S. — Please accept of the inclosed small present.
The letters on the top are
Memorice Matr'is Carissimce Sanctissimcc Ecclesiw
Scoticancc.^
P See a copy of the following Elegy in Shaw's History of Moray. \ This note
is not in Bishop Forbes's hand.
1748] ELEGY ON THE CHURCH 183
M. M. a S. E. S. fol. 1073.
Siste, Viator, lege et luge
Miraculum Ne([uitise
Sub hoc marmore couduntur reliquice
Matris admodum veneruhilis.
(Secreto jaceat, ne admodum prostituatur !)
Qua3 mortua fult dum viva,
Et viva dum mortua.
O facinus impium et incredibile !
Defensore nequissime orbata,
Tyrannis miserrime oppressa,
Proceribus viciui i-egui iiifulatis (refereiis tremisco !) nefarie obruta,
Aulicis impie afflicta,
Filiis nonnullis perfide deserta
Spurns omnibus pessime calcata, trucidata, ludibrio habita ;
Sacrificium suffragiis tSuv ttoWwv
Ne dicam twj/ Traj/raji/,
Votivum et phanaticorum furore ! f"^- ^°74'
Rogas
Quanan in terra hoc ?
In Insula,
Ubi Monarcha contra monarchiam ,
Ecclesiastici contra Ecclesiam
Legialatores contra Legem,
Judices contra Justiciam
Concionatore.s (Atheistice !) contra veritatem
Milite-s, audacter, impudenter
(^Wilhelmo Neroniano Duce)
Contra honorem, contra humanitatem
Agunt !
Pudet hfiec opprobria nobis ! f'^^- loyS"
Nam propter ex.secrationem, perjurium, luget hcec terra
In cujus testimonium multi equidem sunt testes vivi et recentiores
Apage ! Apage !
^grotavit (proh dolor !) Mater charissima, beatse memoriae
Anno 1G88,
Turn manibus, tum pedibus, (va mihi !) clauda fiebat
Anno 1707.
Tandem permultis ^a^e//w serumnis (Miserere mei Deus !) exhausta
Obiit anno 1748.
Vos omnes seniores, filii filicpque.
Orate pro ea, ut quiescat in pace, et tandem beatam obtineat
Resurrectionein. Amen.
Cum temerata_^rfe*, pietasque inculta jaceret,
Defereretque suum patria nostra patrem :
184 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
Ilia Deum, patriamque suam, patriaeque parentem
Sincera coluit relligione,fide,
Tramite nam recto gradiens, nova dogmata spernens,
Servavit fines quos posuere patres.
Attempted in English.
To the Memory of
that most dear, that most holy Mother, the Church of Scotland.
I Stop, traveller, read and weep over
fol. 1076. This prodigy of wickedness.
Beneath this tomb are interred the sacred remains
Of a most venerable mother.
(O may she lie here concealed rather than be more and more exposed to
the cruelties of the prophane)
Who was dead while alive.
And alive while dead.
Oh, fact accurst and incredible !
Most villainously bereaved of her defender
IMost miserably oppressed by tyrants.
By the mitred peers of a neighbouring nation (I tremble to narrate it)
wickedly thrown down.
By courtiers impiously afflicted,
fol. 1077. By some of her own sons perfidiously deserted,^
And by all the bastards of whatever kind most basely trampled upon,
mangled and insulted.
She at last was devoted a sacrifice by the suffrages of many.
Not to say of all.
And that too by the fury oi fanatics.
Dost thou ask, traveller !
In what country this prodigy of wickedness was perjjetrated .''
In that island
Where the Monai'ch acts against monarchy.
Churchmen against the Church,
Lawgivers against law.
Judges against justice.
Preachers (atheistically !) against truth.
^ Ecclesiastics. — Messrs. Livingstone at Old Deer, Skinner at Longside,
Walker at Old Meldrum, Laing at Alford, and Farquhar at Dumfries. Laics —
All the Scots Members in the House of Commons, all the Scots members in the
House of Peers, and all such as went over either to the wide-throated jurants or
to the unauthorised Presbyterian teachers.
1/48]
ELEGY ON THE CHURCH
185
And where the soldiery, darinfj^ly impudently
(Tuder the command and influence of A\'illiam tlie Cruel)
Run counter to all tlie rules of lionnur aiul liuniniiilj/ ! fol. 1078.
These monstrous doings are a shame and a reproach unto us !
For because of swearing and even perjury the land mourneth !
To evidence which there are indeed many liriiig and recent^ witnesses
Fie for shame ! Fie for shame !
Our dearest mother of blessed memory (Alas !) was smitten with a
consumption
In the year 1()88.
Site became quite lame (\\'oe 's me !) both in hands and feet
In the year 1707.
At last, wore out (Lord, have mercy upon nie !) with many very many
shocks and miseries,
She expired in the year 1748.
O all ye fathers, sons and daughters
Pray for her
Tliat she may rest in peace and at length obtain a happy
Resuurectiox. Amen.
When Faith and piety were both reviled
When perjured men their native king exiled fol, 1079.
Her God, her king, her country, she revei*ed
With true religion and sincere regard.
Scoring new paths, site kept the straight old road.
The sacred course her Y^^owi, fatliers trod.
Thursday's Jbrenoon, September 8th, 1748.
I had a visit of John MacLeod of Rona (i.e. young Rasay),
who told me that in the paper he had sent me up there was a
mistake as to the number of families upon the island of Rasay,
for instead of hetxoixt eighty and ninety (see p. 878) it should
be about one hundred and tzcetdyjcimilies. He informed me that
since sending me the paper he had made a more exact enquiry
into the number of families, I asked him upon Avhat day the
Prince had left the Isle of Sky for the Continent. He an-
fol. 1080.
^ Martin Lindsay, who very narrowly escaped being condemned at Carlisle ;
Robert Seton, who was wounded almost to death in making his escape down the
country from the field of Culloden ; John Fouliss, that old, bald, gray-headed
sinner ; and many others who, contrary to the light of their own minds, glibly
swallowed down the bitter pill of abjuration in the memorable ^RA OF Perjury,
1748.
Quis ialiafando
Tevipcrct a lac ri mis !
3 Sept.
1748
186 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
8 Sept. swered upon Friday, Jidy the 4th (see p. 879). I then begged
to know if he would use his interest with MacDonald of Arma-
dale and John MacKinnon to favour me with their accounts of
matters, as to what they had done for the preservation of the
Prince. He assured me he would do his best to jjratifie me
in my request and doubted not of success in his endeavours.
foi. 1081. He informed me that one Alexander MacLeod (a captain
of Militia) had been useful in consulting the safety of the
Prince while on the Long Isle, and that he would likewise
procure me the said Alexander MacLeod's history in that
matter. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1082. Copy of a postscript of a Letter to the Reverend
Mr. James Hay in Inverness.^
19 Sept. P.S. — Pray will you be so good as to favour me with as exact
and particular an account as possible of what happened in and
about your place as to hardships and cruelties, that can be well
vouched, upon and after April 16th, 1746 .'' Baillie Stewart pro-
mised me such a thing, but that honest man seems to have forgot
it. Forget not to mention particularly the harsh treatment of
Provost Hossack. The more minute and circumstantial you
are in any narrative still the better. I rely upon your com-
pliance and that you '11 send me my request by some sure
private hand that you can trust. — Adieu, R. F.
September 19th, 1748.
foi. 1083. Thursday {twixt 1 and 2 o'clock),
September 29th, Michaelmas Day, 1748.
29 Sept. My Lady Stewart sent a servant to me, desiring me, R. F.,
^'^'^ to wait upon her ladyship immediately after dinner and that
she would not detain me five minutes. Accordingly I went,
and her ladyship, putting a letter into my hands she had that
day received from London by post, desired to know what was
to be done in the matter. After reading- the letter with some
^ See f. 1120.
1748] A NEW ALARM 187
attention I begged leave to suggest that as many honest persons 29 Sept.
as possible should be allowed to take copies of the letter in
order to disperse them through Scotland without loss of time,
that so the alarm might be given, and then let every one judge
for himself as to any danger he might be in. Her ladyship
listened to the ])roposal and immediately made ready to go to fol. 1084.
Edinburgh with the original letter, I begged to be allowed to
take a copy of it instantly, which was granted. I took care to
have six copies the same day put into proper hands. Here
follows a true and exact
Copy of said Lettek, the handwriting of which my
LrAUY knew nothing about.
Knowing well. Madam, your publick spirit and the integrity 24 Sept.
of your heart, I could not recollect a more proper person to ^^"^
acquaint with a dark affair which has lately by accident come
to my knowledge, the truth whereof admits of no doubt.
Make in God's name a proper use of it. Tis this then. There
is a list of 40 or 50 names given into the hands of one or more
messengers of persons who have been engaged in the late
unhappy affair. ^Vith this list, by an order of the regency,
are the messengers coming down to Scotland, attended by a
crew of evidences who had served the Government in the late fol. 1085.
tryals, both here and elsewhere, and had since enlisted them-
selves in several regiments. Tis whispered that these evidences
are to serve before the Justitiary in Scotland in order to con-
vict such as are excepted, and who are to be now surprized
and apprehended.
Believe, me, Madam, this is no vague, idle story. Make
then such use of it as your good understanding and honest
heart shall direct, and the Lord shall bless you. — Adieu.
Sic suhscrihitur C. M.
London^ St. James's, September the ^-iith, 17-48.
N.B. — The cursed Kirk will not suffer the Regency to be
188 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
24 Sept. quiet with tlieir repeated informations and diabolical sugges-
tions.
To Lady Steicart of Burry^ in Quality Street, Leith, Edhi-
hirgh.
foi. 1086. Tuesday s Mornings October Uli, 1748.^
4 Oct. I was favoured with a visit of Mr. Francis Stewart (son
^^■^^ of Baillie John Stewart in Inverness), whom formerly I
* liad bessed the favour of to write dow^n all he knew to be
well vouched of the hardships and cruelties committed in
and about Inverness upon and after the 16th of April 1746.
Accordingly he delivered into my hands a paper consisting
of four 8™ leaves, all in his own handwriting, an exact
Copy of which is as follows : —
18 April To recollect and enumerate all the hardships endured and
^"■^^ cruelties committed in and about Inverness, on and after the
16th of April 1746, is what I cannot pretend to do ; and I
am certain many things were done that very few, if any, can
give any account of. The following facts you have, as I either
foi. 10B7. saw them myself, or was informed of them by others : —
It is a fact undeniable, and known almost to everybody, that
upon Friday, the 18th of April, which was the 2d day after the
battle, a party was regularly detached to put to death all the
wounded men that were found in and about the field of
battle. That such men were accordingly put to death is also
undeniable, for it is declared by creditable people who were
eye-witnesses to that most miserable and bloody scene. I
myself was told by William Rose, who was then greeve to my
Lord President, that 12 wounded men were carried out of his
house and shot in a hollow, which is within very short distance
of the place of action. William Rose's wife told this fact to
creditable people, from whom I had it more circumstantially.
She said that the party came to her house, and told the
^ This paper is printed m Jacobite Memoirs, ff. 232, 236. See also f. 1 121.
2 See ff. 375, 421, 707, 1323, 1376.
174(3] liAllBAlUTIES AFTER CULLODEN 189
wounded men to get iij) that they might bring them to sur- foi. 1088
geons to get their wounds dress't. Upon which, she said, the 18 April
poor men, whom she thought in so miserable a way that it
was impossible they could stir, made a shift to get up; and
she said they went along with the party with a air of chear-
fulness and joy, being full of the thought tliat their wounds
were to be dressed, But, she said, when the party had brought
them the length of the hollow above mentioned, which is at a
very short distance from her house, she being then within the
house, heard the firing of several guns, and coming out imme-
diately to know the cause, saw all those brought out of her
house under the pretence of being carried to surgeons, were
dead men.
Upon the same day the party was detached to put to death
all the wounded men in and about the field of battle, there
was another party detached under the command of Collonell
Cockeen, to bring in the Lady M'Intosh, prisoner, from her
house at Moy. Tho' Cockeen himself was reckoned a most fol. 1089.
discreet, civile man, yet he found it impossible to restrain the
barbarity of many of his party, who, straggling before, spared
neither sex nor age they met with ; so tliat the lady has told
many that she herself counted above 14 dead bodies of men,
women, and children 'twixt Moy and Inverness. There is one
woman still alive who is a sufficient document of the barbarity
of Cockeen^s party ; for she, after receiving many cuts of
swords on the face and many stabbs of bayonets in other parts
of her body, was left for dead on the highway. However, it
has pleased Providence that she still lives to set forth to the
world the monstrous cruelty of those miscreants by a face
quite deformed, and many other conspicuous marks of their
barbarity.^
I had almost forgot to tell you of a most monstrous act of fol. 1090,
cruelty committed by the party before mentioned, which was
detached to the field of action, that is, the burning of a house
near the field, in which there were about 18 wounded men.-
This fact is well vouched by many creditable people. I myself
heard one Mrs. Taylor, a wrighfs wife at Inverness, tell that
1 Seef. 1332. 2 Seef. 1323.
190 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
16 April she went up the day thereafter to the field to search for the
body of a brother-in-law of hers who was killed, and that she
saw in the rubish the bodies of severals of those that had been
scorched to death in a most miserable, mangled way.
The cruelties committed the day of the action are so many
that I cannot pretend at all to enumerate them. Tliat no
quarter was given is a thing certain. There is one instance of
this tliat I cannot ommitt. A very honest old gentleman, of
the name of M'Leod, was pursued by two of the light horse
foi. 1091. from the place of action to the hill near Inverness called the
Barnhill ; and when he came there, and found it impossible to
save his life any further by flight, he went on his knees and
beg'd quarters of tlie two that pursued him ; but both of them
refused his request, and shot him through the head. Several
of the inhabitants of Inverness were witnesses to this fact.
There was another poor man shot by a soldier at the door of
one Widow M'Lean, who lives in the Bridge Street of Inver-
ness, as he was making his way for the Bridge. There was a
most monstrous act committed in the house of one Widow
Davidson in the afternoon after the action.^ A gentleman,
falling sick in town, took a room at her house, being a retired
place. He was in a violent fever the day of the action and
foi. 1092. unable to make his escape, when he was told the Prince and
his army were defeat. Several soldiers coming up in the
afternoon to this Widow Davidson^s, the maid of the house
told them there was a rebell above stairs, upon which they
went immediately, rushed into the room wherein the poor
gentleman lay, and cut his throat from ear to ear. This I
was told by an honest woman, a neighbour of J\Irs. Davidson''s,
who went to the room and saw the gentleman after his throat
was cut.
The proceedings after his royal highness came in to town
were, I'm certain, unprecedented. Many gentlemen were
taken and confined amongst the common prisoners without
any reason given them for their being so used, and after being
confined they were for some time denied the use of both
bedding and provisions, so that some of them have not to this
^ See f. 1315.
I746J INVERNESS AFTER CULLODEN 191
day recovered the cold tliey contracted and the bad usage they April
met with at that time. The women of Inverness did not foi. 1093.
escape his royal highness his notice. Severals of them were
made prisoners and confined to the common guard, amongst
wliom was the Lady Dowager Mackintosh, who was confined
for the space of 14 days, and contracted so violent a cold
during that time that she had almost died of it. The usage
the prisoners in general met with was so monstrous that I am
certain there are few, if any, histories can parallel the like of
it. The allowance of provision for gentle and simple was
\ pound meal each per day, and very often not so much
watter given them as wou'd help them to swallow it. I myself
have gone often by the prison at that melancholy time when I
heard the prisoners crying for Avatter in the most pitifull
manner. Many died at that time of their wounds that were
never dressed nor look't to, in the utmost agony ; and as
none of the inhabitants durst take the least concern in them, foi. 1094.
dead or alive, I have several times seen 3 or 4 dead bodies in
a day carried out of the prisons by the beggars, and brought
all naked through the streets to be buried in the Churchyard.
N.B. — The original of the above in the handwriting of
Mr. Francis Stewart is to be found among my papers.
The said Mr. Stewart is betwixt nineteen and twenty years
of age, and is a modest, sober, sensible youth.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a Short Note to me, Robert Forbes. foi. 1095.
Reverend Sir, — I have sent you my journall. The printed 4 Oct
narrative to which the end of the journall referrs is some way
fallen by that I cannot lay my hand on it. But as there were
so many coppys printed at the time I am hopefull you '1 have
one of them. I am, Reverend Sir, Your most humble servant,
{Sic suhscrib'itur) J. Goodwillie.
October 4^th, 1748.
1 See f. 1316.
1748
I Nov.
1745
192 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
Here follows a copy (exact and faithful) of the foresaid
journal taken from the handwriting of the said John
Goodwillie (Writer in Edinburgh) who, from the battle of
Gladesmuir to April 16th, 1746, had served in Secretary
Murray's office as one of the clerks.
Friday, 1 November 1745.
Marched ^ to Dalkeith, and continued there Saturday the 2d.
Sunday 3d. Marched to Lauder.
Monday 4. Marched to Kelso, and continued there Teus-
day 5.
109c. Wednesday 6. Marched to Jedburgh.
Thursday 7. The column of the army that came this road
marched to Haggyhall in Lidsdale.
N.B. — I and 4 of the guards were sent oft* from the army,
and went to Hawick this night.
Fryday 8. The army marched to llowanburn foot, I this
night to Langholm.
Saturday 9. I joined the army at Langtowne in England,
and marched to Muirhouse, 2 miles west of Carlyle,
Sunday 10. Made a march round Carlisle, and quartered in
several villages to the south of Carlisle, the headquarters being
at Butcherby ; '^ I at Harraby.
N.B. — This day had several volleys of cannon fired at us
from the town and castle of Carlisle, but did no harm.
Monday 11. Marched by Warwick Bridge, and was this day
joined by the column of the army that came by Moft'at, and
went to Brampton, where we sojourned.
Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13, Thursday 14, Fryday 15, and
Saturday 16.
N.B. — Lord Nairn and Lord Ogilvy's men, with Elcho and
Pitsligo's horse, were dispatched to Carlisle, and surrounded
the town so as to cut oft' all communication. Trenches were
fol. 1097.
1 Compare with Mr. Gib's Journal, f. 966.
2 Blacklehall, says Mr. Gib (f. 96S), which I take to be right, as IVIr. Gib has
some articles of accompt set down at this date, and Mr. Goodwillie acknow-
ledc-es that he himself was at another place different from the headquarters.
'^ Robert Forbes, A.M.
1745] JOURNAL OF THE PRINCKS MARCH 193
dug up all night, and carried on all the Thursday, whilst the
town and castle played with their cannon on the trenches,
but without doing any damage other than a private man got
a contusion on the head with a small shot, and one Dalton,
a gunner, killed in the trenches by a canon ball. At 4
this afternoon the town threw out a white flagg, and agreed
to capitulate, dispatches being sent to Brampton to the
Prince, who refused to take the town without the castle,
and gave them to Fryday at 2 afternoon to consider of it.
Then the town and castle surrendered, and were taken posses-
sion of by the Duke of Perth, who had the command of the
siege.
Sunday 17.^ The Prince and the column of the Army that \^ Nov.
was with him marched from Brampton to Carlisle, where
we sojourned.
Monday 18, Teusday 19, and Wednesday 20.
Thursday 21.- Marched to Penrith, and sojourned there
Fryday 22nd.
Saturday 23. Marched to Kendall, and sojourned there
Sunday 24.
N.B. — Sunday morning I was sent off for Lancaster.
Monday 25. The Army marched from Kendall to Lancaster, foi. 1098.
Teusday 26. Marched to Preston, and sojourned there
Wednesday 27.
Thursday 28. Marched to Wigan.
N.B. — This afternoon I was sent off with Pitsligo's horse for
Manchester.
Fryday 29. Army marched from Wigan and Manchester,
where we sojourned Saturday 30th.
Sunday, 1st December. Marched to Macclesfeild, and so- i Dec.
journed there Monday 2nd.
' Here is some small variation from Mr. Gib's account. [See f. 969.] I take
the truth to be that the Prince has been the greatest part of the Sunday at
Brampton, and in the evening has marched into Carlisle.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ Here is some small variation from Mr. Gib's account. [See f. 970.] I take
the truth to be that the day (Thursday) has been pretty far spent before they
have set out from Carlisle to Penrith. 'Tis pity that in such a journal every
hour of beginning a march and every hour of coming to quarters is not marked.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
VOL. 11. N
194 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1745
3 Dec. Teusday 3d. Marched to Leek.
Wednesday 4th. At 1 in the morning Marched for Derby
by Ashborne, being 22 miles.
Thursday 5. Sojourneyed in Derby.
foi. 1099. Fryday 6.^ Began a countermarch, and came to Ashborne.
Saturday 7. Marched to Leek.
Sunday 8. Marched to Macclesfeild.
N.B. — This evening I sent with Elcho's horse for Stockport,
and next morning went to Mancliester.
Monday 9. The army marched from Macclesfeild for Man-
chester.
Teusday 10. Marched to Wigan.
Wednesday 11. Marched to Preston, and sojourned there
Thursday 12.
Fryday 13. Marched to Lancaster, and sojourned there
Saturday 14.
Sunday 15. Marched to Kendall.
Monday 16.^ Marched to Shap.
Teusday 17.^ Marched to Penrith.
foi. iioo. Wednesday 18. About 2 this afternoon got alarm of the
enemys being approached near the town, the army being at
the time reviewing in a muir to the west of the town by the
Prince. Only Cluny^s men and Appin were in town who were
detached out to the assistance of Lochgary's and John Roy
Stewart's men Avho happened to be the rear-guard with the
artillery from Shap. The dragoons appeared to the number
of 2000, and detached a party from their body to line a hedge,
whilst Appin's men and Roy Stewart's and Glengary's men
were placed on the right and left, and the M'Phersons in the
1 Here is a difference 'twixt this and Gib's account. [See f. 972.] I take it
to be that Goodwillie has marched off with the first division of the army, and
that the center and rear have not set out from Derby till Saturday the 7th,
especially as Gib has articles of accompt at Derby upon the Friday.
"^ Here is another difference 'twixt this and Gib's account [see f. 974]; which
may be easily reconciled by the above observation.
^ Here is another difference 'twixt them. I still suppose (as above) that
Goodwillie has marched with the first division. Perhaps the Prince may have
come to Penrith in the evening of the 17th. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1745] FROM CLIFTON TO STIRLING 195
front, who engaged sword in hand, and killed about 60 i8 Dec.
dragoons, beside wounded, and we only lost 10 of the
M'Phersons.^
This evening we marched for Carlisle, where we arrived
about daybreak of the 19.^
Fryday 20. Marched from Carlisle for Annan.' fol. noi.
N.B. — This day at the Water of Esk the army divided,
one column went for Langholm under Lord George Murray's
command.
Saturday 21. iVIarched from Annan for Dumfries,^ where
we sojourned Sunday 22nd.
Monday 23. Marched for Drumlanrigg.
Teusday 24. Marched for Douglas.
Wednesday 25. Marched for Hamilton, where we sojourned
Thursday 26.
Fryday 27.^ Marched for Glasgow, where we sojourned
Saturday 28.
Sunday 29, Monday 30, Teusday 31.
Wednesday, 1st January 1746, and Tuesday 2d. i Jan.
Fryday 3d. Marched for Kilsyth .« '746
Saturday 4. Marched for Bannockburn.^
Monday 6. A summons was sent to the town of Stirling to fol. 1102.
surrender, who returned for answer they were to stand on their
defence, in regard the Prince had not promised them protec-
tion, altho at the same time they did not demand it. Upon
^ For an exact and distinct account of this action at Clifton, see that given by
the MacPhersons themselves. [See f. 899, et set/.}
- This is most distinctly noted down, and had it not been so, it would have
differed from Gib's account. It serves to illustrate and confirm my foregoing
marginal notes. [See f. 974.]
' Here is a difference 'twixt this and Gib's account, but it is easily reconciled
by supposing that the Prince did not leave Carlisle till Friday's afternoon, for
Gib behoved to be always in the same column of the army with the Prince.
* Here is another difference of the same kind with the above.
^ Here is a third difference of the same kind.
* In these two points of difference betwixt Gib and Goodwillie I take Good-
willie to be in the right ; for Gib gave me his two last days at Glasgow and his
stay at Kilsyth altogether from his memory, these three days not being in his
pocket-book of accompts, and in fixing upon the day at Kilsyth I found him not
a little difficultied. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
196 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
6 Jan. this, orders were given to raise trenches and bombard ^ the town
7 Jan. at the east gate. Next day, being Teusday 7, when the town
saw the trenches raiseing, demanded a capitulation and a pro-
tection. In the mean time that the articles of capitulation
were agreeing on, the engineer, having his battery ready, fired
about 30 shot on the town before he got notice of the capitu-
lations being signed, he having had previous notice to fire
when he was ready.
8 Jan. Then on Wednesday the 8th, when part of the army was
going to take possession of the town in terms of the capitula-
tion, the volunteers of the town and militia fired some shot on
our men, but without doing any harm, and refused access, on
foi. 1103. pretence we had broke the capitulation by our firing on the
town the night before. However, when they found tlieir mis-
take, and that we threatened to storm the town, the gates were
opened, and our men took possession of the town this after-
noon.
All this week their ware ships came now and then up the
Firth and canonaded at our batterys that were placed at
Elphinston Pass for guarding the passage to stop any interrup-
tions that might be given to the ferrying over our canon above
that place, but did us no harm, our men being very alert, and
gave them such brisk receptions, made them retire with some
loss. Then they went for the North side in order to land men
and seize our canon, but one battalion of the Camerons were
ferryed over before they had all their men landed, and made
those who had got ashoar embark with far greater hurry than
they landed.
foi. 1104. Thursday the 9th, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, busie in getting
9 Jan. over our canon, which was done with safety. In the interim
our army was increasing every day with our Highland and
North country reinforcements. We being now informed that
Hally, with the army under his command, being got to
Falkirk, and were there encamped under the town, and that he
had positive orders to attack us ;
^ This is a wrong term. It ought to be canonade ; for the Prince's army
had neither shells nor mortars till after the battle of Falkirk, where Hawley left
his mortarpieces and cochorns for the Highlanders.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] ON BANNOCKBURN MUIR 197
Wednesday 15. In the morning our whole army, except Duke 15 Jan.
of Perth's, Lord Ogilvy's, Glenbuckcfs, Collonel John Roy
Stewart, and part of Lord Jolni Drummond's regiments who
were left in Stirling to carry on the seige of the Castle, drew
up in line of battle on Bannockburn Muir, and rested on their
arms till mid-day, and, hearing the enemy was making no
motion, took up their respective quarters.
Thursdy 16. The army drew up in the same place and 16 Jan.
order as on the day preceding, and continued under arms about
the same time, and then for the forsaid reason, went to their M- 1105.
quarters. The trenches for the castle was broke this night.
N.B. — This two days drawing up and expecting an engage-
ment and being disappointed gave great discontent to the
private men, who told their officers if they were drawn out
again they would engage at any event even altho'' without
a commander.
Fryday 17. Early in morning the army drew up in the for- 17 Jan.
said place, and for the journall of this day shall referr you to
the printed narrative hereto subjoined.
Here endeth John Goodwillie's Journal.
A''.^. — By the printed narrative referred to in the end of Mr.
Goodwillie's Journal, and mentioned by him in his short note to
me,^ is meant that newspaper which was printed at Bannockburn foi. 1106.
to give an account of the battle of Falkirk and was called the
Bannockburn Journal^ a copy whereof is in my custody bound
up in an 8vo volume with a collection of the Prince's papers,
etc. It is worth remarking here that James Grant, the quon-
dam author of the Caledonian Mercury (who joined the Prince
before the battle of Gladesmuir), took care when in Glasgow
to have himself provided in types and a printing press, and
brought them along with him to Bannockburn.
In a conversation I had with Mr. Goodwillie before he sent
me his journal he told me that in the retreat from Bannock-
burn and Stirling he marched in that column of the army
which went by Aberdeen, Banff, etc., and that he had taken an
exact journal of said march. But in destroying of papers after
^ See f. 1095.
198 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
the battle of Culloden, when making his way down the country
he had without thought thrown the said journal into the
foi. 1107. flames so that he could never recover it. Mr. Goodwillie was
so lucky in his skulking that he was never seized upon, and
therefore the indemnity set him at liberty to go about his
business as formerly. He skulked for some months in Crail,
where he had some relations. At last he got over in disguise
to Edinburgh where by the favour of a friend he made his
abode for the most part in the Duke of Queensberry's house in
the Canongate. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1108. Thursday, October 13th, 1748. — I was favoured with a visit
of Ranald MacDonald, son of Angus MacDonald of Bora-
dale.
13 Oct. The said Ranald MacDonald ^ informed me that he himself
1748 \yag tj^g fjj-sj- y^^Qxv that went on board the frigate in which the
Prince was when he and his few attendants came first upon the
coast of the continent of Scotland near Boradale. The Prince
then (the better to disguise himself) was in the same dress used
by the students of the Scots College in Paris. As Ranald had
travelled and had been about eight years before this both in
Rome and Paris, so he knew Vizozi Michael (the Prince's
valet) immediately upon seeing him : but the gentlemen would
not allow it to be said that tliere was any such man as one of
that name on board with them, they giving themselves out to
be rich smugglers come upon a jobb of trade. Mr. Buchanan
knew Ranald well, having seen him in foreign parts, and in due
time discovered himself to him. Ranald stared much upon
the Prince, seeing something uncommon about him, but did
not know him, though he had seen him frequently in Rome,
eight years having made a great alteration in the Prince's
looks and person. Ranald began to think they were come
upon some extraordinary business, and Sir Thomas Sheridan
first discovered the matter to him. As the said Lieutenant
Ranald MacDonald had been much with the Prince in his
difficulties along with Glenaladale, I asked liim if he could
^ See ff. 603-611.
1748] THE PRINCE DISGUISED AS A STUDENT 199
give me the names of the famous Glenmoristou nien.^ He 13 Oct.
said he had forgot them, but that he would get them from
Glenaladale and send them to me.^ Robert Fohuks, A.M.
Substance of Lord Tinwald's Speech to the Grand foi. nog.
Jury, met at Edinburgli the 10th of October,
1748.
He introduced his speech with observino; tliat he had but 10 Oct.
1 7d 8
lately come to town and so had not had long time to prepare
himself, and that the present state of his health, together with
his unacquaintedness with the matters that were now to be the
subject of enquiry by the Grand Jury, made him in many respects
perhaps unable to perform his duty in opening the charge to
them. However, as his brethren had done him the honour to
chuse him their prseses, it was incumbent on him to explain to
them such things as were proper and necessary for them to be
made acquainted with. And then he began with observing
that the occasion of their being met together this day was a
very solenm one, viz. to enquire into all treasons and misprisions
of treasons that had been lately commited against his Majesty; /d. mo,
and that it was a particular pleasure and relief to him to find
so many men of honour and probity upon this jury, who
were of known affection to his Majesty ""s government and
attachment to the Protestant religion. After this he took
notice of the many blessings we had and did enjoy at present
under his Majesty's mild and gentle administration, who had
always shown a tender regard to preserve the laws and enforce
their execution. Notwithstanding which happiness, at a time
when we were at war with our natural enemies and struggling
with all the difficulties attending thereon, a rebellion broke
out in this country headed by the Pretender's eldest son, the
particulars of which it was needless for him to enumerate, as
all of them were still fresh in their memory. However, several
battles were fought and many of his Majesty's subjects killed.
1 See ff. 547, 624, 633. 2 See f. 1447.
200 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
10 Oct. as well as several other acts of oppression committed, which
foi. nil. had thrown this country into the utmost confusion and dis-
order; all which had raised a melancholy prospect in the
minds of all persons well affected to his Majesty's government,
as thereby the certain prospect of a Popish prince and arbitrary
government would have necessarily followed had the Rebellion
been attended with success. But the Divine Providence had
mercifully interposed to free us from such evils, by raising up
his royal highness, the Duke of Cumberland, as an instrument
under God to crush such a vile attempt. That therefore
punishment became necessary to chastise such as had been
accessary to these evils brought on their country, and that
after some examples had been made, which was necessary to
satisfie justice, his Majesty was pleased to grant a most
gracious act of indemnity whereby all concerned were pardoned,
foi. 1II2 excepting such as had appeared to be most guilty, and there-
fore least merited a pardon : And that, notwithstanding this
indemnity, a bad return had been made by many of these
deluded people, and even by those who had reaped the benefit
thereof. In these circumstances the Government considered it
as their duty to show these deluded people that they would not
allow such crimes as these to go unpunished or unnoticed, and
that they had resolved to present bills to them against those
that were excepted in order to force them to ask pardon of the
Government for their bypast conduct. And if this step was
not now to be taken, they would obtain their pardon by an
act of King William the 3d, whereby it was statute that all
treasons should prescribe in three years; and that the present^
^ Here begins volume sixth of Bishop Forbes's manuscript collection. It is
entitled : The Lyon in Mourning, or a Collection (as exactly made as the
iniquity of the times would permit) of Speeches, Letters, Journals, etc., relative
to the affairs, but more particularly the dangers and distresses of ... .
Vol. 6th, 1748.
Quis se ita delusum peregrine ab Rege videbit ?
Quisveferet Scotis talia verba dari?
In this volume are two loose papers.
(i) A strip about 6 x 3J inches contains : —
Anglia continuo famulis vexata scelestis
Ancillani dixit des tnihi, Flora, tuatn.
Accipe, Flora inguit, ni me ntea Burkafefellit
Restituet, cito res ilia Puella tuas.
1748] SPEECH OF LORD TINWALD 201
procedure was designed only with this view to barr those people foi. 1113.
from pleading the benefit of that act, and that as no further 10 Oct.
was at present intended, they could not complain of this step
as an hardship. He farther took notice, whatever might be
the motive and considerations influencing the Government to
order this procedure, it did not seem material for the gentle-
men of the jury to enquire into, since the oaths they had taken
and the duty they owed their country were obligations of a
higher nature than any other. You are therefore (continued
he) to consider what accession those persons who are nomina-
tim excepted from the late act of indemnity had to the late
Rebellion, and against whom bills are to be presented, together
with the proof that shall be adduced in support thereof.
Here he observed the present state of our treason laws as they
now stand and wherein they differed from our statutes relating
to treason before the Union ; that before that period his foi. H14.
Majesty ""s advocate had power to prosecute any person who
appeared to be guilty of treason upon a precognition taken of
the facts ; at which time several complaints were made that
persons were frequently harrassed with prosecutions on the
statutes of law ; but that this was now altered by an act of
the 7th of Queen Anne, whereby the treason laws of Scotland
were taken away, and those of England substituted in their
place ; and that by the said laws of England it was necessary
to present bills to a grand jury, and a verdict to be returned
Vexed with bad servants, thus Old England said,
Prithee, Dear Flora ! Let me have thy maid.
Take her, said Flora, If I know my Burk,
She is the girl to do Old England's work.
On the back,
' This is the copy that came from England.' [See at f. 1383.]
(2) A smaller piece about 4X 2 in. contains : —
' This fall the P(rince) was like to gett over a rock was climbing up the
hill Drimchaosie after passing by the camp formed in Glenchosy.'
The above in Glenalladale's own handwriting received on August 3, 1753,
from Donald MacDonald, merchant in Edinburgh, by me, Robert Forbes.
The above is written on the back of part of an old account
for on back is ' John Innes .... 6. 6.
£1^ 17 10. London Journy;^! 2.'
202 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
10 Oct. by them before any person could be brought to a trial. He
likewise spoke of several other parts of English law with respect
to treason, particularly that every treason behoved to be tried
in the county where it was committed, and that this had been
so far altered by an act of the last session of Parliament that
foi. 1115. all the treasons committed in the disarmed counties might be
tried in any county where the Court of Justiciary sat. He
further observed that it was undoubtedly a great security to
the lives and properties of the subject that no officer or servant
of the Crown could bring a prosecution against any person,
since that power was now lodged in the hands of the Grand
Jury, and even twelve of them behoved to concur in finding of
any bill ; and that it was certainly a more just and equitable
law to allow such enquiries to be made in other counties than
where the crime was committed, since thereby disinterested
juries would be more easily got, who were not influenced by
relation or favour, than if they liad been obliged to sit in these
counties where most of the excepted persons were connected
and related.
In the next place, he considered the nature of the evidence
that ougiit to govern and influence them in their conduct,
foi. 1116. and a quotation was mentioned from Lord Chief Justice
Hales, who says that probable evidence is sufficient for a
jury to return a verdict finding a true bill; that other lawyers
seemed to require somewhat further, by maintaining that it
was necessary that the evidence offered to them should be
persuasive. At the same time they generally agreed in this
doctrine that a less accurate evidence was necessary before
a Grand Jury than what ought to be brought before a petty
one, where any person was brought on trial for his life, where
only he could off'er his defences and be allowed council, neither
of which were allowed when the bills of indictment were
presented to them. But at the same time lie added that it
was his own opinion that there should be a reasonable evidence
offered to them in support of each bill, although he did not
foi. 1117. believe there was any necessity in the present case for entring
into such abstract questions. Here he mentioned the law of
Scotland with respect to the manner of laying the circum-
stances of time in all indictments, that with respect to the
1748] CHARLES EIISKINE OF TINWALD 208
circumstances of time it was likewise necessary by the forms loOct.
of the law of England to charge in the bill the day on
which the treason was committed, but that it was not
necessary to prove it ; and that it was likewise necessary to
charge the place where the treasonable fact was done, though
it was not necessary precisely to prove it, providing by the
proof it appeared to be committed in the county within
which the place charged did lie. He further observed from
the above Act of King William that it was necessary that
two witnesses should concur as to the same kind of treason,
although it was not necessary that they should agree as to the
precise place or time, and therefore two witnesses deponing Z'"^- "'^•
against any person as to treasonable facts committed might
be conjoined though they differed in the circumstances of time
and place. That a proof of treason chai'ged to be committed
in Lochabar might be supported by a proof of treason
committed in any part of Great Britain seeing it was all one
treason though carried on in different counties. He concluded
with observing that it was to be iioped that they would
have great regard to the oath they had taken to their King
and country not to give any ground (to the reproach of the
country) for saying that one part of the country had rose in
rebellion and that another part of it had perjured tliemselves
in order to acquit them. And wishing that God might assist
them to finish the work that they were now to undertake,
he ended.
JV.B. — It was observed by those who were present that Lord
Tinwald made several hesitations and stammerings in deliver- /<?/. mg-
ing his speech to the Grand Jury insomuch that they were
afraid his Lordship would have fallen through it altogether.
This same Charles Erskine of Tinwald was once as flaming
a Jacobite as any one whatsoever. He was deeply engaged
in 1708 and 1715, insomuch that he had a meeting at the
Hague with his own brother. Dr. Erskine, physician to Czar
Peter the Great, importuning him (the doctor) to use all his
endeavours with the Czar not to act offensively against Charles
of Sweden so long as he should be acting for the Chevalier,
in which the Dr. proved so successful that the Czar said he
204 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
10 Oct. would not only do no hurt to Charles, but also take care
of his dominions while he should be doinor for James. After
the affair of Glenshiel the Chevalier writ to his friends in,
etc., complaining that in all the attempts there was one great
want, viz., that there was nether a magazine of arms nor
money to purchase such a thing for his service when oppor-
tunity should offer, and therefore advising that a sum should
be raised and deposited in a proper hand. Accordingly the
scheme was complied with, and the then Earl of Eglinton
gave 600£ Sterling, Dame Magdalen Scott, Lady Bruce, gave
lOOiS' Sterling, etc. etc. etc., and all the money was deposited
in the hands of said Charles Erskine ; and very many affirm
strongly to this day that he kept for sweet self 1 SOOTS' Sterling
of said money when making account of it, Mr. David
Kennedy (brother to the Countess of Eglinton) and the above
Lady Bruce, not to name others, were my particular informers.
Juxta se posita magis elucescunt, Robert Forbes, A.M.
foL 1120. Copy of a Paragraph of a Letter (dated October
25th, 1748) from the Rev. Mr. James Hay in
Inverness, to me, Robert Forbes.
25 Oct. Your kind, oblidging letter, September 19th, was most
^^"^ acceptable, etc, — I am doing all I can to answer your desire,
but as the information depends on many cannot promise to be
so soon as I could wish. Assure your self I ""ll lose no time
after the things come to my hand which I want.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
fol. 1121. Monday's Morning, October ^\st, 1748.^
31 Oct. I was favoured with a visit of Mr. Francis Stewart who
narrated to me three particular and remarkable events
that I had never heard of before. I desired the favour of
1748
^ See also f. 1086. This paper is printed \n Jacobite Memoits, pp. 237-241.
1748] STORY OF MURDOCH MACRA 205
him to give me them in his own handwriting, which he 31 Oct.
accordingly did on Thursday morning, November 3rd, in
six 8vo leaves, an exact
Copy of which is as follows.
As you say it will be a favour done you, I give you the
particulars of the three events you mentioned in as far as I
saw them myself or cou''d learn them from others.
1st. As to Murdoch MacRa, the Kintail man, he was, as I
was informed, one that had no concern directly or indirectly
in the late troubles ; but being at the house of MackDonald
of Leek about his private affairs in the middle of May 1746,
he was there seiz\l by a party of Sir Alexander MacDonald's
men and sent with a line from said Alexander to Lord
Loudoun who then lay at Fort Augustus. His Lordship sent foi. 1122.
him under a strong guard to his royal highness, the Duke, then
at Inverness. He arrived there about 8 o'clock in the morning,
and was hanged before 10 the same forenoon on an apple-tree
which grows at the cross, with a written accusation of his
being a spy hung on his breast. I myself happened to be
standing by the cross and to see this poor unlucky man
hang'd. A little after he was hang'd his body was strip't
naked, in which way it hung over the said cross for the space
of 2 days exposed to the whole inhabitants. His royal high-
ness rode by the said cross on his way to Fort Augustus
and the said body thus exposed. It was at last cut down by
the beggars and hurried at the back of the church.
DO
21y. As to Mackvee,^ alias Cameron, his history is a singular
instance of constancy and great courage. He was taken, as I
was credibly informed, in some part of my Lord Seaforfs fol. 1123.
country, and some letters found about him, writt in French,
without either direction or subscription. He was brought to
Inverness, where General Blackney then commanded, being in
September or October 1746, and was put into a vault in the
^ This heroic poor countryman, no doubt, has been going either from or to the
French ship that landed about PoUiew in Seaforth's country. The letters in
French and other circumstances concur to make this probable. [See pp. 175,
626, 1318, 1427.] — Robert Forbes, A.M.
206 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
bridfire of the said town, in order to make him confess who
gave him the said letters or to whom he was carrying them.
But this proving ineffectual, he was carried to the cross where
being strip't naked, he was lash'd by the drumers of both the
resriments then at Inverness from heel to head. In the
interval 'twixt tlie lashes given by each drumer he was alwise
asked to confess, but to no purpose, for confess he would not.
I myself saw him carried up from the vault he w^as kept in
a second time in order to be lash'd ; but by what accident
this second lashing was prevented I can't tell. However it is
certain Mackvee made no confession, for he was sent back
foi. 1124. again to prison, where he died miserably of cold and want after
lying there some weeks. It is remarkable that while he lay in
the prison in the greatest misery he was desired by some
people to save his own life by making a confession, but he
answered that his life signified nothing in comparison of those
his confession might betray.
3dly and lastly. As to Anne M'Kay ; she 's a poor Isle of
Sky woman who happened to be at Inverness the time of the
battle of Culloden, and to live above the cold cellar into which
one Robert Nairn, and jVI'Donald of Bellfinlay^ (two wounded
gentlemen) were put after the battle. She being a wise,
sagacious creature, some of the charitable people in town
thought proper to employ her as the person shou"d convey to
the distressed gentlemen the supplies they intended for them.
foi. 1125. She continued faithfully in this practice from the 18th of
April 1746 till the month of March (if I don't mistake), 1747,
when a plot was laid by some charitable ladies ^ for helping
Nairn to make his escape (IM'Donald not being -able to escape,
being lame). Of this plot the poor Highland woman was
made principal manager, and indeed she managed wonderfully.
For after equiping Nairn in warmest manner he cou'd then be
cloathed in, she decoyed the century of the door of the cellar
into a back close just of it, by which means Nairn slip't out
1 See f. 706.
2 Charitable, indeed, with a witness ! when the many cruelties and barbarities
committed in their hearing and eyesight could not deter them from risquing
their own lives. May God bless and reward these compassionate and couragious
ladies, and the brave poor Anne M'Kay. Amen. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] STORY OF ANNE MACKAY 207
and made his escape. The guard was not alarmed with tliis
accident till next morninn^, when all were in an uproar, but
])articularlie one Collonel Leighton, then lieutenant-collonel of
General Blackney's regiment,^ who ordered immediately this
woman to be seized and her house ruffled. He caused her first foi. 1126.
be brouglit to his own room, and called for one Baillie Fraser
to examine her in the Irish tongue. He first caused ask who
they were used to supply him witli food ; to which she answered
' I no ken dat, for he no pe shentleman; he no pe a M'Leod or
M'Donald or any Mack at all, for he pe Nairn, a fisher, and
deel a mans or womans of dat name in a' dis town.' He then
put 5 guennies into her hand and desired her tell who help''t
Nairn away. But she said, ' I no tak money, I have a pill of
my own,' and with so saying she pulPd out an old bill she had
in her pocket. He then desired she might tell, or he would
confine her in the Bridge hole. To which she answered, ' Lord
pless your honour, no put me in the prick hole.' ^ All methods fol- "27.
proving ineffectual he ordered her to be carried to the gaurd,
and, as a punishment for not confessing, he ordered her to be
kept on her feet without allowing her sit or ly. By this
punishment she contracted a swelling in her legs of which she
is not yet recovered. While she was in the gaurd in this
situation there was an Irish woman, a soldiers wife, sent to the
gaurd with some strong liquors in order to intoxicate her,
that then she might confess. The wife came to her accord-
ingly and offered her a hot pot or some possat, and said she
wou'd drink Prince Charles his health. But she answered, ' I
no pe trink Sharly health. I like de Duke, for I pe a M'Leod,^
and M'Leods no pe like Sharly. But I no trink hot pot or
possat, for I no ken dat ; I pe trink milk and whey.' Every fol. 1128.
method proving ineffectual to extract a confession she was put
into the town's tolbootli, where she was kept for some weeks,
and she was to be drubbed through the town had not interest
been made to get it prevented.
The poor century that was upon Nairn at the hour when he
^ See f. 1322. ^ i.e. Bridge-hole.
' It seems M'Kay (,i.e. the son or child of David) was only the woman's
patronimick name. So said Mr. Stewart to me. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1755
208 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
escaped being discovered (a strict examination having been
made into the matter) was whip'd and received five hundred
lashes.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
13 Sept. Leith, September 12th^ 1755.
Anne M'Kay was with me when I read to her the five pre-
ceding pages, and page 1317, and she declared all concerning
herself was very exactly narrated, only it should be ten in
place of 5 guineas offered by Leighton. She told me that
after her getting out of prison, the soldiers so beat and bruised
her son of 17 years of age that he died three days after.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
/oi. 1 129. Copy of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. John
MacLaclan in Argyleshire^ to me, Robert
Forbes.
My dear Sir, — Yours of Aprile last, 19th, came safe to
hand, but I had not the pleasure of receiving it till the 20th
instant, and I'm affraid this too may be long on the way,
because sent by a private hand whose motions I 'm uncertain
of, tho"" I 'm confident of fidelity.
It gives me much uneasyness that I cannot afford you that
assistance you are pleas''d to ask, and I woud be fond to give if
I couM, to forward your very commendable undertaking. But
my situation was such that after the battle of C[ullode]n I was
obliged to run to Lochbroom, where I sculk'd for about three
months without pen, ink, or paper, or several other conveni-
ences of life. Nay I lurk'd in such a wild place that I saw no
newspaper nor knew but little of what was adoing in the shire I
was in, to wit, Ross-shire. In harvest '46 I creep'd by degrees
towards Dingwal, accompany'd by my brother, Mr. Stewart
1 See f. 844.
1746] SUFFERINGS OF MR. JOHN MACLACHLAN 209
(wliose agreeable conversation did very much alleviate all foi. 1130.
alongst the irksomeness of sculking), but continued still in very
uneasy circumstances, so that I cou'd not think of plying any
business. In Spring ''47, my dear comrade, Mr. Stewart, was
kidnap'd and laid up in prison, upon which I betook myself
(tho every way ill provided, yet to divert melancholy) to write
somewhat of a different nature from what you have in hand, as
our brother, Mr. W. Harper, can inform you, by whom, I
suppose, this will be delivered to you. When the general
indemnity indulged me the freedom of coming to Inverness, I
engaged our brother, Mr. Hay,^ as having been constantly in
Inverness near the main scene of action and centre of intelli-
gence to make up the best collection he couM possibly of all
occurrences and transactions in that shire during the hurry,
and if you fall on a safe way of conveyance I 'm persuaded he
can furnish you somewhat considerable. On my way homeward
last October I employed a gentleman in Lochaber to the same
purpose, but he has not been so kind as to let me hear from fol- 1131-
him as yet.
As to this shire, the Campbells rais'd a powerful militia to
serve the Government, and, I suppose, you 'll not trouble your-
self much about them. But then if you are to insist on
particular persons, I hope you '11 take notice of Collonel Mac-
Lachlan of that Ilk, whom the newspapers and magazines
neglected. 'Tis true he got but few of his clan rais'd, because
most of them are situated amidst the Campbells. However he
attended the Prince at Gladsmuir, and march 'd with him to
Carlyle, from whence he was detach'd by the Prince with an
ample commission and 16 horses to lead on to England the
3000 men that lay then at Perth. But my Lord Strathallan
(who was governour of Perth) refused to comply with the
Prince's orders, tho' the men were willing. The Collonel
join'd us again at Stirlin, and when we retir'd to Inverness,
the Prince made him Commissary of the army. At the battle foi. 1132.
of Cul[lode]n he had a regiment of 300 men, whereof 115
were his own people and 182 were Mackleans, who chose to
be under his command, seeing their chief was not there.
^ See f. 1 120.
VOL. II.
210 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
The said Collonel being the last that received orders from the
Prince on the field of battle, he was shot by a canon ball as
he was advancing on horseback to lead on his regiment, which
was drawn up between the Macintoshes and the Stewarts of
Appin.
If you'll make mention of any of our clergy that were in
that army, I expect you 11 not forget your writing friend who
was the only clergyman at the battle of Gl[adsmui]r, and who
can get several gentlemen to attest that if his project and
example had been followM, neither Cope nor any of his horses
had escaped, which wou'd have made the victory still more
compleat. He attended the Prince to Darby and back again,
was at the battles of Falkirk and Culloden, acted chaplain to
foi. 1133. the Prince, and had a commission to be chaplain-general to all
the loyal clans.
I heartily wish you great good success to your laudable, loyal
enterprize, and begg to hear of your progress from time to
time when a sure, private occasion offers, whereof Mr. Harper
can best apprize you. Make my kind complements to your
colleague, Mr. Law, and to your namesake, our brother in
Fisher-raw. If you can get soon an opportunity, pray acquaint
me what common measure our clergy have concerted to ward
off the thundering force of that Act of Par[liamen]t that is to
bolt out against our mission at Michaelmass next. I live for the
most part now like a hermite, because all my late charge almost
were kilPd in battle, scattered abroad, or are cow'd at home, and
the people of this country are generally so bigot in Whiggerie,
and so insolent on their late success, that it is vastly mortifying
to me to live amongst them. My great comfort is the testimony
foi. 1134. of a good conscience and confidence in a most rigliteous Lord,
who though he be longsuffering, patient, yet will not neglect
to convince the world that He is just. Meantime the pinching
liardships we suffer and are more and more threatened with
make me often recollect that old saying, Man's extremity is
God's opportunity.
Pardon the length and blots of this abrupt epistle, and not-
withstanding my being discouraged by the publick and dis-
countenanc'd by neighbours, assure yourself I shall always
boldly own myself every honest mans faithfull friend, and par-
1748] LETTER FUOINI BAILIE JOHN STEWART 211
ticularly, my Dear Reverend Sir, your most affeetionate brotlicr
and most humble servant,
Sic siihscrihitur, Jo. MacL ....
N.B.—On Sunday, November SOtli, 1748, I received
the original of the above, which is to be found among my
papers. Rokeht Foiibes, A.M.
Copy of a Letter from Baillie John Stewart to foi. 1135.
me, Robert Forbes.
Inverness^ 16 November 1748. 16 Nov.
Reverend and dear Sir, — My last letter to you was by my
dear son, Francis,^ who has since frequently advised me of the
manie great and uncommon civilitys and kindness you showM
him, for whicli I return you my sincere, heartie thanks. I
understand he imbarked and sailed from Leith in Captain
Cowan's ship for London the 7 instant, and as the weather
has proven verie fair, and the winds tollerably so, I doubt not
he gott safe and soon to London, and it was not the smalest
of your favours to recomend him to such ane honest, freindly
man as Mr. Cowan is, to bring him to his designed port, who,
I doubt not, has used him verie discreetly. I should have
wrot you long befor now annent what I could learn with
certainty of the bloodie, barbarous transactions in this country foi. 1136.
for a long time after the memorable batle of Culloden, but as I
was absent at that dismall period I refered to your freind, honest
Mr. Hay, to give you what certain accounts he could gather of
these affairs. And no doubt my son, Francis, has likeways
informed you of manie things hapened then not to [be] known
to ine, as both of them were here on the pleace. But by all I
can learn I may say, without exagerting, that I doe not think
there were ever greater, inhuman barbaritys and cruelties of all
kinds perpetrat in anie countrie, either Cristian or Infidel,
than was in this at that period ; and all by order of the
^ See pp. 1086, 1 121.
212 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
16 Nov. commander, as some of the officers then in that service have
since told me. And those that comitted the greatest bar-
baritys, whither by murder, rape, rapin or fire, have since been
most liberally rewarded and prefered. But God is the Lord to
whom vengeance belongs, righteous in all ways, and just in all
foi. 1137. his judgements, so shall say no more on this subject at present;
but when I can learn anie thing new of these transactions not
commonly known befor I will inform you. Pray give my best
wishes to my worthie freind, Mr. Harper, when you see him,
and my thanks for his kindness to my son Francis, who did not
fail to writ me of the same.
Wee are here in a deprest, confinM condition as to the
publick profession of our religion, tho"' our good, worthie pastor
does all he can. But I dare say matters will not long continue
so. Meantime God grant us patience and resignation to his
unering providence.
My wife joyns me in her prayers for you and all in distress,
and I am sincerly. Reverend and Dear Sir, your much obliged
humble servant, S'lc subscrihitur,
John Steuart.
N,B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
fol. 1 133.
I Dec. Thursday, December 1st, 1748. — I was favoured with a visit
^748 of one Robert Stewart,^ who had been in the Prince's army in
station of a captain under the command of Colonel John Roy
Stewart. As the said Robert Stewart had been engaged in the
skirmish at Keith, he gave me an exact and particular account
of it, and at the same time he repeated to me an epitaph upon
Cumberland composed (as Stewart declared to me) by a High-
lander in Glenlivet. I begged he would favour me with a
narrative of the skirmish, and likewise with a copy of the
epitaph in his own handwriting, which he frankly complied
with, and accordingly made his promise good on Saturday's
evening, December 10th, when he made me another visit, and
delivered to me the papers out of his own hand, exact
^ See other references to Captain Robert Stewart, ff. 1153, 1163, 1385.
1746] THE SKIRMISH AT KEITH 213
Copies of which are as follows : —
Reverent Sir, — Att your desire the underwritten is a true
and distinct account of the skirmis at Keith, fought betwixt a
dctatchnient of the Prince Regent's men and a detachment of f*^^- "39-
tlie Ducke of Cumberland's upon the 20th of March 1746.^
Alexander Campbell, brother of Bircalden, having marched March
from Strathbogie in the evening upon of March 1746
for Keith, being guided by Mr. Campbell, helper at Kirk of
Karnie, with 70 Campbells and 30 of Kingston's leight horse,
all choice men and horses, as an advance guard, having come
tlie length of the burn of Harnie, 3 miles and halfway to
Keitii (that being a very hollow burn with a good dale of
planting in it), the minister thought proper to plaint that men
in ambuish, there to remain till he shou'd go to Keith and see
if any of the Prince's men was there ; which according was
done, and forward he went. Betwixt that and morning the
minister returned with ane account that they might advance
forward, for there were none of the Prince's men before them at
Keith, Captain Campbell then at beginning his march gave
his men precise orders in case ane action should happen that
they shou'd neither give nor take quarters. Then forward f°^- ^^4o.
they marched and entered the toun about daylight with braking
open of shopes and plundering, etc.
The Prince's men at Spey that day having passed the water
about 10 o'clock to Fochabers to refraish themselves, about
12 o'clock an alerm was rumered through Fochabers that
Cumberland's army was upon them, comeing down the burn of
Ault-chace, and wou'd cut them all to pices (that is a burn
which comes betuixt two hills, and they could be within 2 or 3
musquet shote to Spey before they cou'd be observed). Lord
John Drummond, who commanded then at Spey, ordered the
pipes to play and drums beat to arms, and after drawing up
at his order, they began their march down the back of the
town to the waterside to take up ground for action (pro-
viding they had the least prospect for victory ; for upon the
^ Printed in lacobite Memoirs, pp. 1 15-120, footnote.
214 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
March 17th there had come about 3000 of Cumberland's men, com-
manded bj General , to Strathbogie, 12 miles from
Spey or Fochabers, and dispossessed Roy Stewart and Abachie
foi. 1 141. Gordon's batallions, a part of Lord Elcho's troop of guards
and a few of the hussars, amounting in whole to about 500
men, who formed the Prince's advanced guard, and made a
safe retreat without the lose of one man after they were within
musquet shote of the 3000 men), and when they joined Lord
John Drummond at Spey, the whole of them wou'd not have
been above 900 or 1000 men at that time. But to return to
the subject again. The day being a little mistie, and sur-
rounded with hills, they could not see far about them. At
last Cumberland's light horse appeared within less nor a mille
upon the hill of Fochabers patrolling that ground, upon which
the hussars sent out a patrolling to observe if any body of
men was at hand, and returning with accounts that they could
see none, the whole returned to Fochabers again for a 2d
refreshment, after they had standed about 2 or 3 hours under
arms. A detatchment of Roy Stewart's men was order'd to
take the guard under the command of Captain Lodowick
Stewart, representative of Sir Walter Stewart of Strathdown
foi. 1142. and Glenlivet, who examined very strictly all passengers that
passed and repassed. About an hour after the pipes play'd
and drums beat to arms to march to the berracks on the other
side of the Spey. At passing the water Major Glasgow
came to Collonell Stewart by order of Lord John Drummond
and demanded an detatchment of his men to go on an expedi-
tion with him. The Collonel refused by reason they had
undergone a great dale of fatigue by forming the rear guard
on the retreat from Stirling, and had never been relieved from
the advance guard and outposts since they came to that
country, and that it was hard they should undergo so much
fatigue, and the rest having lyn at more ease. The Major
returned to Lord John with this accounts, and obtained a
second order, and in half an hours time he was at the Collonel
again and told that he had Lord John's express order, and
would not ruske the expedition unless he got his detatchment
(the regiment being under a prettie good character). Then
foi. 1143. the Collonel gave orders for 5 men of a company to be turned
1746] THE SKIRMISH AT KEITH 215
out, the whole fifty (which accordingly was done) to be com- March
manded by Captain Robert Stewart, youngei", representative of
the said Sir Walter Stewart of Strathdown and Glenlivet, and
upon his examinen the men's arms and ammunition found them
in a very indifferent order, was obliged to disperse the most
of all his own powder and shote (who keept himself always
well provided on all occasions). Then throwing away his
plaid he desired that every one might doe the like, etc.
Then ordered by the Collonel to march his partie to the cross
of P'ochabers, there to wait for further orders from Major
Glasgow who was to command the whole partie in chief,
upon his marching back to the cross again the inhabitants
seem\l a little surprised ; but to prevent further conjectures,
Captain Stewart called out prettie loud to get the keys of the
guard-house, for he was come to take the guard of the town that
night ; but at the same time disered his sholdiers quaitly, if they
inclined, to take any small refreshment by half duzons, they foi. 1144.
might. He had not been a quarter of a houre at the cross,
when a small body of hussars came ridding down the street on
heast, and told him that Cumberland's leight horse was in the
Fir Park, within rig length of the toun, that they had been
Hreing on one another for some time, that they wanted a partie
of his men to line the horse, and wou'd go into the Park and
attack them. The Captain told them they behived to go to
Major Glasgow, and on getting his order for that effect, as he
commanded above him, they should have them, but not other-
wise ; upon which they went off. This detatchment had waited
upon the street about three quarters of an hour, when in the
duskish of the evening the Major came up with a detatchment of
Lord Ogilvie's men, about 16 of the French and about 20 or 30
horses of different cores. Upon seing the partie before them
the French officer challanced how was there. Captain Stewart
answered it was Collonel Stewart's men. The French officer
replied he was very well pleased to see them there, that was
the brave men. The Major called Captain Stewart, told him foi. 11^5.
to allow the French to go in the frount, and that they would
shew them the way, that Lord Ogilvie's was to follow him in
the rear, which accordingly was done. Away they marched
and entered the Fir Park, the horse commanded by Lieutenant
216 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
March Simpson, surrounding the same and searching it out to the
other end, finding none of the enamie, then sat down very
quite till such time as the horse had patrolled the whole
bounds and returned again, finding none of the leight horse.
Then they began their march again towards Keith ; at the
same time Major Glasgow told Captain Stewart that the
French was to form the advance guard with the horse, that he
was to march at a hundered paces distance (which was pointedly
observed). Then upon their way they got intelligence of their
enamies patroll having passed before them. After 5 miles
marcliing they parted from the Keith road eastward, and
passed by Taremore. They searched it, but found none of their
enamies there, then passed the Water of Ilia at Milln of Keith,
foi. 1146. made a circle round the toun to the tents of Summer-eves fair,
as if they had been from Strathbogie. Then Captain Stewart
was ordered to close up with his partie to the advance guard.
As 12 o'clock at night struck they came near the toun. The
Campbells' sentry challanced how was there. It was answered,
Friends, the Campbells. He replied. You are very welcome,
we hear the enamies at hand. On there coming up to him they
seased his arms, griped him by the neck, and threw him to the
ground. Then he began to cray. They told him if he made
any more noice they wou'd thrust a durk to his heart. Then
Lieutenant Simpson surrounded the toun with the horse, the
Major with the foot entered the toun, marched doun the street
and up to the church yeard, when finding their guard in the
schooll, their main body in the kirk, the French began the
action with a platoon on the guard, and a general huza was
given with these words, ' God save Prince Charles.' The action
continued very bote on both sides about half an houre (the fire
foi. 1 147. from the Campbells coming very hard from the windows of
the kirk). Captain Stewart, turning to the kirk, called out
with these words. You rebells, yield or die. About the middle
of the action Captain Stewart was severely wounded with a
musquet ball through both his shoulders.^ Part of his men
1 i.e. In at the left shoulder and out at the right, for Captain Stewart made me
feel the wound, like a furrow on his back. He told me when he got the wound
he happen'd to be looking about to see if his men were keeping close by him.
This wound prevented his being at Culloden battle.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] THE SKIRMISH AT KEITH 217
observing this secMn'd a little tlisheartened, but he observing March
told them, Gentlemen, no more such things take notice, but
still to act as he commanded. Att the surrendery of the kirk
and guard, the IMajor sent to Captain Stewart desiring that he
might come with a pertie of his men, for he was like to be
overpowred in the streets (for Kingston''s leight horse was
quartered in the toun). Captain Stewart immediately came
down to the street with a partie, where there was a prettie hot
action for some time in the street, vaankished them and made
the whole of them prisoners, carried them over the Bridge,
and sent back a partie to assist bringing up the rest of the foi. 1148.
prisoners. Upon their coming up Captain Stewart began at
the first end of the prisoners, and ranked them two men a
rank, and planting his sholdiers on each side of them, at the
same time giving his men strick charge over them as he went
forward. By this time with the loss of blood that Captain
Stewart had sustained was begining to turn a little wake, was
obliged to put off his arms and take a horse, but there being
accounts amongest them that there was 700 of Cumberlands
horse lodged in the country about, they were a little doubtsom
that they might be attacked by the horse and the prisoners
taken off. For this reason Captain Stewart road in the rear,
keeping too the men, and in due order to prevent any of them
falling into their enamies hands, providing they were attacked.
In this action there was 9 of Cumberland's men killed, a
good number wounded, about 80 taken prisoners, and betuixt
20 or 30 horses, which Major Glasgow with his partie delivered
at Spey a little before Sun rising.
Of the Prince's there was only one Frence man killed, but a
good many wounded, particularly Lord Ogilvie's men, as they
happned to stand in the south side of the kirk yeard, by the fol- 1149-
fire from the windows of the kirk.
Tlie above is a true and distinct account, which at your
desire I have ingeniously reported without favour to one or
another. This with my dutifull respects. — I remain, Reverent
Sir, Your most obliged and humble servant.
Sic suhscr'ihitur Robt. Stewart.
218 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
A 71 Epitaph.
0 ! vile rebellious villian, Death !
To stope our great deliverer's breath,
And leave us sick a sighing spreath
Of whigs to groan
And mourn for our undeemus skeith
Since Willie's gone.
Ohon ! he 's dead ! wha can we trust ?
We did not think our Duke was dust.
Nay ev'n Mess John himself wha wist,
Or else its ode,
Did place him equall, or at least
Ay next to God.
1 wish our saints may not despaire,
For mony a saul will miss him sair ;
We man hae a recource to prayer
And trust in God,
Since he can feight for us nae mair
Heir nor abroad.
fol. 1150. Vow, Sirs ! how well he lik'd our nation
(Witness his acts of generation),
With a"* our women of ilk station.
Our Churches Warden,
For which she gae him wi"* great discretion
Her gracious pardon.
Thy flock't about him like bee hives,
And humbly meant theyd risk their lives,
Or lend their stipends or their wives
To serve his highness ;
Our clergy thus devoutly strives
To do^m a kindness.
But he, O condesension rare !
Accept the boon they best cou'd spair.
And if young loyall Miss come there
And look but trig,
i74<5] ON THE DEATH OF CUMBERLAND 219
He taught her with a courtly aire
A Loutlon jigg.
Now tliink ye was not deatli most fauty
A rogue, too inij)udent and hauglity,
To inidle thus with Dad's ain dauty,
His warhck Willy,
Far dearer to him than dull Feachy,
Or all but Polly.
O cruel death ! Pox on your snout,
You are a rebell without doubt,
To lend our hero sick a clout
Who fought our battles,
And put the rebells to the rout.
What loss is that till 's ?
Vow ! what he did to please pappa, fol 1151-
And us, his true blue creatures a",
Couragiously to brake the law.
Even risk^d's sweet saul ;
And murdered rebells great and sma',
Baith young and auld.
But since our dear deliverer's gone.
The Whios have cause to sioh and moan
Wi mony a douff and dreary groan,
Tis guid their pairfs
The foulest sack cloath to put on
As black 's their hearts.
Yet some who didna like our hero
Compair'd him to that monster Nero,
And said that none in a' our asra
Was sick a butcher.
To murder men and take there gear a'
Without a voucher.
To brake divine and civel law.
And when he fought nae quarters gae.
But slaughtered arm'd and armless a'
Wi' divilish fury,
220 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
And having stript them left the craws
The dead to bury.
He burnt and rob't, undeemus skaith !
And starved the saikless unto death.
He levied them o' baith meat and claith
The bony Duik,
For which he sits now scarce o"" breath
In a heat nook.
foi. 1152. Fan his aspiring saul wan gae,
He try'd to speel up Heavens strate brae.
But O ! what follows maks us wae,
It wouPd no mount,
But heels o'er head to hell, they say
Fell wi' a dunt.
But a' this time he's in a trance.
And dreamt he was to fight wi' France,
Cried Hanley, Make the Scots advance.
G damn them ! Risk them all at once,
I hate the race ;
But mind, Dear Buff, and make our stance
r the safest place.
Old Pluto ferli'd at the dinn, and swore
That sick a bully came neer till 's door ;
Said, Ground your arms and rowst no more
Your stuff wi' ken ;
You got your pack sheets paid before.
Or I mistain.
Young Billy shortly tempered 's cracks,
Cried quarters, quarters, M Saxe,
Or lets but safely show our backs.
And by Hanover,
The Dutch shall a' be bur it like flacks
Ere I come over.
Says Pluto, Sir, I'll undeceive you.
You are Hell's prisoner, and to give you
All Hanover shall not relive you,
Nor a' the gowd
1746] INDIGNITY TO THE SCOTS^ LION 221
Your father stoll sliall licnce retrive you,
An immense sowd.
With devils you must fi^ht and bruly ; foL 1153.
And still like French tliey'il win the tulzie
You '11 find Whigs plenty too ay willye.
But think na odd ;
No chappells here to burn and spuillie,
Nore men o' God.
To take your post, you now retire
To the torrid zone of my empire,
Where you '11 find far more scorching fire
Than that of Titan ;
Or what you raised at my desire
In a' North Britain.
N.B. — Both the original of the above epitaph and that
of the preceeding narrative of the skirmish at Keith as
delivered to me in the liandwriting of Captain Robert
Stewart are to be found among my papers. At parting
the said Captain Stewart gave me his promise that he
would use his endeavours to make up an exact and well-
vouched account of all the cruelties, pillagings, plunder-
ings, etc., that had been committed in Glenlivet, Strath-
down, etc., and to transmit it carefully to me.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
In the morning of Tuesday (December 20th, 1748) the foi. 1154.
Lion, the crest of the Scots arms placed above the outer entry 20 Dec.
of the Parliament house in Edinbnrgh, was found dressed in a ^^^
white wig and a blue bonnet, with a large white cockade on
one of the sides of the bonnet. When this was reported to
the Magistrates, they ordered a party of the town-guard under
the command of one of the captains, to march up to the
Parliament Close and to pull down the blue bonnet and the
wig. For that purpose a ladder was got, and the person who
went up tlie ladder could not with all his strength pull off the
wig and the bonnet, they having been well cemented to the
Lion's head ; upon which he told the captain that he behoved
to have a knife to cut them off. It being some time before a
222 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
20 Dec. knife could be got, the mob (a very numerous one) cried
several times, ' Huzza ! huzza ! the blue bonnet has won the
day ! the blue bonnet has won the day for ever ! ' With the
help of a knife, the business at last was made out.
foi. 1155. In the foresaid morning, it was likewise observed that the
eyes of the picture of the Duke of Cumberland (drawn upon
each side of a sign-post at the Crown Tavern, in the entry of
the Parliament Close) had been scraped out. Upon this the
mob of Edinburgh had a witty saying, viz., ' That Cumberland
had grutten out baith liis een to see the lion better busked
than himsell.'
In the evening of the said day, a large bonfire was kindled
on that point of Salisbury Craigs which is exactly opposite to
the Castle of Edinburgh. The bonfire flamed briskly for more
than three hours, and several persons were seen dancing and
skipping round it. The bonfire was seen by the inhabitants of
Edinburgh, Leith, and of the places adjacent.
Throughout the whole night of the said day, December
20th, all the streets of Edinburgh were crowded with cabals
and processions of people, insomuch that it was dangerous for
a redcoat to appear on any street. There was one company
consisting of about [40] or 50, who marched in great order
down all the Canongate to tlie Abbay gate, most of them
foi. 1156. being dressed in blue bonnets, with white cockades and in
tartan cloaths. They marched up the Canongate again in the
same order as they had marched down, one marching on the
head of them, and another immediately at his back, and all
the rest advancing in their several ranks at a proper distance
from each other. In the center they had white colours dis-
played, the tops of the standards being decked with ribbands
flying like streamers of a ship. They huzzaed several times in
their marching up and down. No riot or squabble happened
on any of the streets of Edinburgh throughout that whole
night.
10 June It is likewise worth remarking that in tlie morning of June
10th (Friday), 1748, a large white rose was seen fixed in the
paw of the foresaid lion. A detachment of the town-guard
was ordered to pull down the rose, and Provost Drummond
honoured the action with his presence. Severals of the soldiers
1748] JACOBITE JOKERS IN EDINBURGH 223
struck the rose (wliicli was of paper or cambrick), with long lojune
poles and Lochaber axes, but to no purpose ; and at every foi. 1157-
stroke the mob huzzaed. At last a ladder behoved to be got,
and the man who went up the ladder found enough of diffi-
culty to pull the rose out of the Lion's paw, for it was strongly
fixed and wrapped about with brass wire.
lloBEUT Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a paragraph of a Letter (dated January foi. 1158-
4th, 174f), from the Reverend Mr. George
Innes in Forress to me, Robert Forbes.^
Tho' I doubt not but you will still entertain the same 4 Jan.
-_ . Q
notion of me you expressed formerly, viz., ' that I am the most
sauntering, dilatory correspondent you ever met with,' yet I
cannot allow you to drop me altogether ; at least I resolve, if
possible, not to drop you. I must, therefore, tell you that
after a number of disappointments, too many to relate here, I
have at last drawn up what I think a well-vouch 'd narrative of
the facts relating to your process from the time it was brought
back to this country to the day when the fatal interlocutor
was pass'd, which I have had by me for some time, waiting in
vain for a proper bearer to transmitt it to you. But what I
chiefly wanted I have never yet been able to procure, viz., a
full and particular account of what was done in consequence of
tliat interlocutor. Of this I say I have only got a few hints,
which, however, I think may be depended upon as genuine. >■'• "59-
But now, 1 'm afraid all these will come too late to be of any
use to you ; and, therefore, unless you bid me, I shall not
trouble you with them. Please then to signify your mind to
me soon after the receipt of this, as I expect to find a proper
bearer in a few weeks.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ Printed at p. 275 oi Jacobite Memoirs.
224 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
Copy of a paragraph of a Letter (dated January
16th, 1749), in return to the preceeding para-
graph.^
16 Jan. I still retain the old opinion of you, that you area very
dilatory correspondent ; but then (my friend) what is well done
is soon done. Pray lose no time in sending me by some sure
hand what you mention, for it will be most acceptable. Cor-
respondents can never superabound with me in that point. I
must own I liked much your caution and scrupulosity, for
everything should be as well vouched as possible.
Robert Forbes.
fol. 1160; N.B. — In the end of 1746 or in the beginning of 1747 the
foresaid Mr. George Innes had (altogether of himself) made a
promise to his own cousin, the Revd. Mr. George Cheyne,
deacon, that he (Innes) would use his endeavours in making
up as exact a narrative or journal as possible of the Prince's
affairs in the North before, at, and after the battle of CuUoden,
and that he would transmit the said journal to me. As the
promise proceeded altogether from Mr. Innes's own goodwill
without any the smallest suggestion from me, I therefore ex-
pected the more exact and faithful performance of it. After
waiting a long time to no purpose at all I at last writ him
several short notes, wherein I used him with much freedom
and plainness. We made choice of writing in a dark way
calling the matter a process of mine, because letters were
frequently opened in the post offices.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
fol. 1161. Saturday's afternoon, January 28^A, 1749.
28 Jan. John Goodwillie and Alexander Stewart ^ were with me in
^^"^^ the Citadel of Leith, the former of whom had served in Secre-
tary Murray"'s office as one of the clerks, and the latter had
served in the Prince''s household as one of his footmen. I told
Printed at p. 276 oi Jacobite Metnoirs. ^ See ff. 1095, 1176.
1749] WAS TITE PRINCF/S HORSE SHOT? 225
tliem that in conversing with James Gib ^ I iiad asked him 28 Jan,
about tlie trutli of the rrince"'s having a horse shot under him
on the field of CuHoden, and that Gib had assured me he
himself was near the Prince all the time of the action, viz.,
in the Prince's rear, and that it was not true that the Prince
had a horse shot under him. Meantime, I remarked that I
had not committed to writing Gib's assertion, suspecting that
he might be mistaken, especially as Mr. John Cameron and
Captain O'Neille^ had affirmed in their journals that the
Prince had a horse shot under him. I then asked Goodwillie
and Stewart how they were stationed on the field of Culloden,
and if they could affirm anything about this point ? Mr.
Goodwillie answered that he himself had his station on the fol. 1162,
Prince's right hand, not above five or six paces from the
Prince's person ; and Stewart answered that he himself was on
the Prince's left hand, not above five or six paces from the
Prince's person, and both of them agreed in affirming that the
Prince had not a horse shot under him upon the field of
Culloden, and that he was mounted that day on a grey
gelding, which he had received in a present from Dunbar of
Thunderton. Moreover, Stewart added that he himself accom-
panied the Prince from off the field of battle, and parted with
the Prince at the side of the Water of Nairn, about two miles
from the field, and that he left the Prince still riding on the
foresaid grey gelding. Both of them likewise affirmed that
the bullets continued flying very thick about their ears upon
the spot where the Prince was, and that they saw Thomas
Ca's head blown off with a canon-bullet very near the Prince's
person.^ Robert Forbes, A.M.
Captain Robert Stewart * sent me a letter (dated Craighead >'• "63.
of Milton, 16th January 1749), to which he had added a 16 Jan.
postscript concerning the taking away the Highland dress, in
the following words : —
I had almost forgotten to tell you that it is clipping time ^
with use in this country already, and the most of our wodders
1 See f. 966. - See ff. i6i, 1S2, 674. ^ See f. 1024. * See f. 1138.
^ By this the Captain means the taking away the use of the Highland dress. — F.
VOL. II. P
226 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
16 Jan. are already barebacked. We expect wool will be plentie this
year since clipping has begone so earlie.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among my
papers. Robeet Forbes, A.M.
/oi. 1164. Copy of a paragraph of a Letter from Mrs.
Magdalen Clerk (London, January 23d,
174|), to Mrs. Rachel Houston at the Citadel
of Leith.
23 Jan. I don't know if you have heard of a squabble that happened
^^^^ here. Last week a man put out an advertisement that he was
to go into a quart bottle,^ and to do several odd things else.
The people were all very fond to go. The day came, and there
was a crowded house. He had 7 shillings a head, and from
some a crown. When all the folks were gathered together,
Cumberland among the rest, the man disappeared, after he had
got about 200 pounds. Cumberland was the first that flew in
a rage, and called to pull down the house, which in ten minutes
was done. He drew his sword, and was in such a passion that
/<?/. 1165. some body or other got slipt in behind him and pulled the
sword out of his hand, which was as much as to say ' Fools
should not have chapping sticks.' This sword of his has never
been heard tell off, nor the person who took it. Thirty
guineas of reward are offered for it. I am sure I wish he may
never get it. They say it is a valuable one. Monster of
Nature ! he was well roasted at the Masquerade last week,
and a good squeeze he got from me, I could not get the fat
sides of him to go out of the way. He stared at me and spoke.
I bid him go out of the way and let people pass.
Here ends the paragraph.
^ See f. 117s ; also Scots Magazine for January 1749, pp. 19, 49, 5°-
I74S] TUF. DUKE OF CUMBERLAND 227
Upon the above Jrom the London Evening Post, January/ 24.
The Haymarlcet Conjurer.
This bottle scheme was deep. Who sees it not ?
On less occasions some have smelt a plot :
However 'tis happy peace was well restored
Before the General lost his cutting; sword.
Bt/ a gentleman after the battle of Val. A Whig hymn for foi. 1166.
Will Plunder, to the tune of Nero.
In the dread day of battle, Lord,
Cover his Highness head !
Mess John bawls out, and thumps the board
With fervency indeed.
These prayVs were heard. A head-piece was
Bestow'd on Plunder Will.
His heels it was that from death's jaws
Saved him. Pray so be 't still !
And the same way secure his rump !
May 't never come to pass
That ball go through the royal lump !
From shot preserve his
On tree in teather hoise him high,
If not the length of Heav'n ;
At least such mercy with him try
As he gave at Culloden.
By a gentleman when the Dutch were bestowing high and Jul- foi. 1167.
some encomiums upon the Duke of Cumberland before the
election of the Stadtholder.
As Isr'el once a golden calf did frame.
And Moses did to powder pound the same.
Just so the British do collect their ore.
Of it to make what Israel made before.
fol. 1168.
228 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
A Duke or calf, it makes no diffrence which
The Dutch will worship, if the idol's rich.
But when Count Saxe descends into the plain,
The calf he '11 bruise, was first erect on Mayne,
And Britain free from all that Vit'line race
Under their vine that all may dwell in peace.
Copy of a Letter directed to Donald Jacobite in
the North- West parts of Scotland.
3 July Friend Donald, — Great is thy faith, O thou Jacobite.
1745 Thou puttest thy trust in every man who says I am a lover
of James. But verily I say unto thee that many in these days
of evil shall come in sheep's cloathing and will be ready to
deceive thee. But thou shalt know the tree by its fruit, and
so may est be able likewise to judge of the fruit by looking
upon the tree, for it is rare to find fair stems and wholesome
fruit spring from a soure, rotten-hearted stock. Nevertheless
thou leanest to every broken reed. I warn thee to beware of
those who have sworn to maintain George upon the throne.
Beware of those, I say, who have abjured James and his little
ones ; for they have vow^ed and promised to deceive thee, as
fol. 1169. often as thou shalt put thy trust in them. Accompany not at
all with them, nor walk thou with them in the way. Have
they not in times of old disappointed thy hopes ? And
although some of them have fallen into the snare they laid
for others, put thou no trust in their sincerity. They may
send out their babes and sucklings to bear thee company,
whom they think by their interest they shall be able to
protect at all hazards, go things right or wrong: but their
designs are to do thee no good but evil all the days of their
life. They are made up of gall and bitterness, yet is their
seed grown mighty upon earth. Verily, verily I say unto thee,
these men have sworn in their hearts to destroy James and
frustrate all his designs. Their iniquity is waxen hot, and the
sin of their corruption descends from generation to generation.
It is a true saying that the tree is known by its fruit, and so
1749] CAPTAIN MACDONALD OF BELFINLAY 229
may the fruit by the lotten-lieartcd stump from whence it foi. 1170.
comes. xVnd, friend, I tell thee that oaths were made palHate 3 July
untruths : but Ay, Ay, and Nay, Nay, express to the full the
sentiments of an upright heart ; for whatsoever is more than
these Cometh of evil. Be thou therefore like unto one of us.
Swear not at all and have thou nothing to do with those who
have sworn to their hinderance. But be thou wise and no
more foolish, but take this kindly instruction in good part
from. Thy friend
Sic suhscrihitur^ Abraham Quacking, A.S.P.
Plaintnith hall, Srd July 1745.
Wednesday's Evening, February \st, 1749. foi. 1171.
I had the good luck to be in company with Captain i Feb.
MacDonald of Bellfinlay ^ in the house of James MacDonald, ^^^'^
joiner in Leith. Captain MacDonald owned that he had sent
me by the hands of Captain Donald Roy MacDonald a short
narrative in his own handwriting.^ Belfinlay likewise declared
that he lay naked on the field of battle about twenty, or
one and twenty hours, without any manner of sustenance, and
that several of the sogers in marching off from the field of
battle gave him knocks upon the head and shoulders with the
club ends of their muskets. He was only eighteen years of
age when lying in the utmost misery upon Drummossie Muir.
He promised to be with me on Saturday, February 4th, in the
Citadel of Leith. Robert Forbes, A.M.
Saturday, February 4^th, 1749. M "72
MacDonald of Bellfinlay was with me and dined with my 4 Feb.
Lady Bruce, I had but little conversation with him upon
particulars, as there was a goodly company at table and as
several persons called for me in the afternoon. However
several questions were asked at Bellfinlay to which he made
distinct answers. He said that the night he lay (naked and
wounded) upon the field of battle, which was a very slushy
muir, he was exposed to the inclemency of rain, sleet, and frost
by turns, that he crawled a little sometimes from place to
1749
^ See ff. I2i2j 1230, 1234, 1324, 1369, 1403, 1441. ^ See f. 707.
230 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
17 April, place till at last the skin came off from his knees and the
palms of both his hands ; that he endured an excess of pain
in the jolting of the cart to Inverness and that with the
jolting he heard the bones of his legs rubbing and jirking
against one another. He said he believed he himself was the
single person that had been saved on the field of battle when
the wounded were put to death (by orders) in cold blood ; but
that some others who had got off the field had been saved
foi. 1173. through the clemency of particular officers. He observed to
the company that the big bones of his legs were broken and
shattered a little above the ankles, but that the small bones
had received no fracture, which had preserved his legs from
shrinking up and growing shorter, and that out of one of his
legs a piece of iron had been extracted, he having received his
wounds from small shot out of the belly of a cannon ; and
that from first to last there had been no fewer than four-and-
twenty splinters of bones taken out of his legs. After being
brought into Inverness he never had the good luck to see
his benefactor, Lieutenant Hamilton, who had saved his life
when others about him were knocked in the head, but he
wishes much to have the happiness of seeing Hamilton again.
Bellfinlay said that Robert Nairn was among the wounded
who had got off from the field of battle, Nairn's legs being
quite safe, but one of his arms was almost cut off with wounds ;
that the said Nairn was his fellow-prisoner in the same room
with him, and that Nairn (when pretty well recovered) made
foi. 1174. his escape out of the said room. Bellfinlay added that Mr.
Nairn had almost died of a mortification in his back, when
bedrid in his wounds, and he believed Mr. Nairn would never
have the right use of his wounded arm. The ladies in and
about Inverness were exceedingly kind and beneficent to
Bellfinlay and Mr. Nairn in their woeful confinement and
distress. Bellfinlay has recovered the use of his legs so well
that in his journey to Edinburgh he walked from his own
house to Inverary, being no less than sixty long miles ; but he
is still afraid that there are some more splinters of bones to be
taken out. He is a tall, strapping, beautiful young man, but
has contracted a delicacy of constitution with his sufferings.
Robert Fokbes, A.M.
1 749] IMEMORIAL BY ALEXANDER STEWART 231
Copy of an Advertisement inserted in Old England foi. 1175.
or The Constitutional Journal.
Found intangled in a slit of a lady's demolished smock-
petticoat a gilt handle sword of martial temper and length,
not much the worse of the wearing, with the Spey curiously
engraven on the one side and the Scheld on the other :
supjjosed to be taken from the fat sides of a certain great
general in his hasty retreat from the battle of Bottle-noddles
in the Haymarket. Who ever has lost it may enquire for it
at the sign of the Bird and Singing cane in Potter's Row. ^
Upon Wednesday, January 25th, 1749, I happened to meet fol. 1176.
with Alexander Stewart (see f. 1161) and after some conversa- 25 Jan.
tion about his imprisonment, banishment, etc., I desired to
know if he would draw out in his own handwriting an exact
account of all the hardships he had undergone. He frankly
agreed to the proposal and accordingly delivered the said
account to me on Monday, January 30th, an exact copy of
which is as follows : —
A Memorial.
Ane account of the misfortins that hapned to me after the
murder of Culloden, the 16th of Aprile.
After his royal highnes came over the Water of Nairn, 16 April,
after the battel, escorted by a partie of the Fitze James's horse, ^"^^ '
his highnes went to the right of the highway that leads to
Ruthven of Badenoch. I having the cantains behinde me, I
went a little of the highway after his highness, and asked his
highness if he would be pleased to take a refreshment of any
thing, as he hade not eate nor drunk any thing that day. His fol. 1177.
highness reply to me was, 'Stewart, no meat no drink ;' but
desired me to go on the highway to Ruthven of Badenoch and
the Fitze Jamess horss would escorte us, which I went, but
1 Seef. 1 164.
232 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
16 April with a soriefull heart to parte with my royal Prince and
master, and arived at Ruthven about on o''clok the next
morning, and stayed there till about two aclok in the after-
noon, that his Grace, the Duke of Perth, and Lord John
Drummond cam upe to us. So they consulted that everie
man should doe for himself and God for us all, which accord-
ingly we all disperseed, and everie on took his own way, and I
went southward till I came to Mr. Rattrays of Craighall,^ on
Saturday the nineteenth about six o'clock at night, where I
stayed for five or six dayes, till on Reid, a Justice of the peace,
came their to dine, and beged of Mr. Rattray that he would
foi. 1178. not give quarters or entertainment to any of those men called
rebells, for which Mr. Rattray came and told me after dinner
that he was not safe to keep me any longer about his house.
So I went directly away to Mr. Rattray's of Rannegoolen,
which is about a mile of from Craighall, where I found Sir
James Kinloch with his two brothers at Mr. Rattrays, and
theire I stayed for on night, till a countrie woman came the next
day and invited me to come and stay at here liouse, where she
said I should be verie safe. Which accordingly I went that
night and stayed their for two nights. But unhapely her
husband hapned to fever, to my great misfortune, for the
countrie people comming in to see the seek man, I could no
longer be conceled, so that I was forsed to remove from that
29 April on the evening of the twentie ninth, and came back to Mr.
Rattrays of Rannegoolen in Perthshire. And about two
fol. 1179. o'cloke in the morning Sir James Kinloch and his two brothers
and Mr. Rattray and his brother in law and three servants of us
was all taken by a pairtie of the Queene of Hungaries hussares,
commanded by a Cornell, a Pollander he was, but I never
could know his name, of which they robed the two ladys and
' ^ Alexander Stewart told me out of his own mouth that at this time he
delivered to Mr. Rattray of Craighall in trust a silver flask (belonging to the
Prince) containing about a chopin, upon this condition that Craighall should
deliver back the said flask to Alexander Stewart when it should please God that
he (A.S.) should call for it again. The flask (as Stewart himself told me) had a
cup that slipt on upon the bottom of it, and he said that to the best of his
knowledge the Prince brought the said flask along with him from France, I
saw the cup and flask at last. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
I74<5] JACOBITES TAKEN IN rERTHSHIRE 233
gentlemen of all their money and watches. And from tiiat we 30 April
was taken away to Couper of Angus, where we dined in on
Clerks, a vintner their, where I served the table the time of
dinner, and the Cornell, when he asked a drink or bread in
French, I went and gave it to him directly. For so doing he
tooke me to be a Frenchman, because I served him so readily ;
for which he asket Sir James what I was, or if I was a French-
man ? and Sir James told, without asking me, that I was a
servant to i\Irs. Murray, the Secretares lady ; and he told Sir
James to tell me in English to call for any sort of liquor, and
doe not want as long as we wer in his custode, for which I f"^- i^^o.
made his bill amount to on pound five shillings sterling money.
And after dinner their was horsses prepared for the gentlemen
and a cart for us three servants, and from that we was cairried
away to Perth, and taken to the Prince of Hess quarters, and
was examened by him and the Duke of Athol and the Earle of
Crafoord, and several other gentlemen that I did not know ;
but on of them that they called Cornell Stewart, who came upe
to me and asket what was my name. I told my name was
Stewart. So, says he, my lad, you dont think proper to deny
your name for all thafs done. I have done nothing as yet.
Sir, says I, dishonourable but served my master, for which I
have no reason to deny my name. And he went away sueir-
ing and lughing to the dor, and the Prince of Hess say to him,
' Poor gentlemen, I am sorie for their misfortunes."' At the
same time I asket a pass frome the Earle of Crafoord to cairrie /<^^- "Si.
me to Edinburgh, and his Lordship was pleased to swer be his
soul I was not bleat to aske a pass from him, for I would make
a good evidence. So I told his lordship that the day that I
turned evidence, I should make a verie good one. ' Then, Sir,'
says he, ' you shall be hanged."" Then I told his lordship that I
should hang nobody but myself. Then we were all cairried
from that to Mr. Hicksons untill George Miller, that common
hangman, the sheriff clerk of Perth, should be found, because
he was out of the way at the present ; and their we stayed about
a quarter of ane hour, and then Miller came and we were all
taken away to the Councell chamber, and the said Miller
examened us all, and then we were all put upe into prison by
his orders, and remained their in Perth goal untill the ninth
234 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
9 Aug. of Agust following. And from that we were taken to Falkland
on the ninth of August, and from that to the Cannongate in
fol. 1182. Edinburgh on the tenth, and rested their till the tvvelth. But
I have omitted our examenations while at Perth, which is this.
After our being confined we was taken on by one and examened
to see if any of the nintie that was in the prison knew the
Earle of Cromerty, of which their was non found but one,
David Toshack, a butcher in Perth, who was made turnkey
over the Hazarde Sloop's men who was taken by the Prince men,
and Miller put the fellow in prison for that, and he hapned
to say before Miller that he saw Lord Cromarty in the street
called the Watergate mustring his clan in order to go to Fife
to gather upe the sess and leva money, for which Miller told
him that he behoove to go to London to be ane evidence against
the Earle of Cromerty, for which the fellow seemed very fond
of for some time, because they promised to give him a birth in
a stage coach to London. But the fellow being poor and
loved a dram verie weel in the morning, there was three or four
fol. 1183. of US keept a dram for taking in the morning, and before this
hapned we never used to take on to our selves, but we gave
this fellow Toshack a dram. But after we found out that he
was to go for London ane evidence, we dropt our correspond-
ence with him, which the fellow took notis of and asked what
was the reason of it, for which we told him that we was verie
sorie to see on of his birth degrad his fathers family so much
as to go and satisfie Miller to go to London. But for all this
coxing I really was informed that he and his family was come
of the greatest blackgaird in all Perth, and we told him that
instead of a coach he would be shure of a coal cart, at which
the fellow repented of what he had done. So we told him if
he hade repented we would use him as formerly, and so told
if he would deny all that he hade said to Miller befor the
Justice Clerk that he would give him a pass and send him hom
again. So the day of Davids departer from Perth to Edin-
fol. 1184. burgh was fixt, and as we said, it hapned that a coal cart and
two horses in it came to atend Mr. Toshack instead of a
coach, for which reason the fellow fell a weeping, and told us
he should deny to the Justice Clerke what he said to Miller
when he went to Edinburgh ; which he did, and got his pass
1746] JACOBITES IN Pl'.llTII PRISON 235
from the Justite Clerke, iind came directly hom af;^ain, and c. July.
Miller told him he should mind him for what he hade done in
denying befor the Justice Clerk what he said to him. But
all this time their had been several ladys of quality and others^
soliciting the Prince of Hess, Brigadeer Mordaunt, and the
foresaid Miller to send me into Edinburgh that I might be
cxamened by the Justice Clerk, and he was to drop me in
order that I might get off'. But after this we were frequently
taken out to the Council Chamber and examened again. But
their was on, John Neish,^ who was on of the Prince''s groomes,
who was much oftener taken out and examened then any of all M- "85.
the rest, and on day after he came in to the prison again I
hapned to aske Neish what was asket at him by Mordant and
Miller, and his reply to me was, that they asked him nothing
but granting him libertie to go out to a roome in the toun
because of his health. But after all he told them I asked him
what Mordant and Miller said to him, for which Mordant and
Miller said I (Stewart) should not be sent to Edinburgh to
the Justice Clerke, petition for me who will, but I should go
to Carlisle and hang, supose all the rest should go free. So
last of all Mr. David Bruce, commenly called Judge Advocate,
came to Perth, and we was all called on by on and examened
by him. When I hapned to be called out (theire was about
twentie or thirtie called before me), Bruce asked me if I knew
him.? No, I told him I did not know him. Says he, I ame
verie much surprized at that for he hade verie often ben about
Provest Collhouns where I hade been serving at the same time.
Bruce and Miller told me certenly I behoove to on of the most
stupeed servants that ever they knew to follow a gentleman or M xi86,
lady. I told them I could not help those things. Then asked
me if I knew any of those men that was standing their "i I
told them I hade the misfortune to know them too weel since
they and me hade been in prison together, but never befor.
' Weel,"" says Bruce, ' you will not know on another heir, but I
^ Particularly by Lady Elphinston, junior [Jean Rattray], who writ to the
Prince of Hesse in favour of Stewart. Her Ladyship received a very polite
return from the Prince, which I myself saw and read.
^ This Neish turned out to be an evidence as Alexander Stewart declared
again and again to me. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
236 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
9 Aug. shall cause cairrie you to Carlisle, and caus the on of you hang
the other.' I told him I would defye him or any one to doe
so, for if I was to be hanged I should hang no man but myself.
However he said he would try for it, which accordingly he dide
to the fatal experience of many a brave fellow. After all thiss
there was a great many petitions put in both to Bruce and
Miller in my behalf, for which they both gave their words of
honour that I should not go past Edinburgh, and when wee
came their I found neither honour nor honesty. So we all
marched from Perth on the ninth of Agust following, tyed with
rops two and two, and came to Falkland that night and stayed
foi. 1187. all night. On the tenth we went to the Cannongat goal and
stayed their till the twelth, and during our stay in the Cannon-
gate I hapned to fall bad, with several others of us, for which
Mr. John Douglas and Old Cunningham, both surgeons, wer
apointed by tlie Justice Clerk to see who was fit for travel or
not, and them that was not fit to be keept behind, for which
Mr. Douglas told them that I was not fit for travel, for I was
feverish, and Cunningham said I was not feverish, and might
go verie weel. So Mr. Douglas was rejected and Cunningham
sustained. So a cart was got for two of us, and to Carlisle we
must go. So, the twelth, we marched to Lintoun that night,
and on the thirteenth to the Kirk of the Beild, and on the
fourteenth to Moffat, and on the fifteenth to Lockerbe, and on
the sixteenth to Gratne Green, and on the seventeenth, being
Sunday, about ten a clock, to Carlisle, and about twelve a
foi. n88. clock all the prisoners from Stirling came upe, and about two
a clock in the afternoon ^ a rascall of the name of Gray, Solici-
ter Hume's man from Edinburgh, with his hatfull of tickets,
and Miller and Soliciter Web from London, with this fellow
Gray, presented the hat to me, being the first man on the right
of all the twentie that was to draw together. I asked Gray
what I was going to doe with that, and he told me it was to
draw for our lives, which accordingly I did, and got number
fourteen. So he desired me to look and be shure. I told him it
was no great mater whether I was shure or not. So among the
twentie that stood upe from Stirling there was on Huchison,
^ See f. 385.
1746] DK AWING LOTS FOR TRANSPORTATION 237
one of the Princess groomes, who had cirawen and was safe for 17 Aug.
transportation, but a little boy belonging to the town of
Carlisle came in by and touched Web on the arme and told
him that Hucliison was one of the Princess groomes, for he
knew him verie weel, for he used to get a ride from him when
he was watring his horsses ; for which, upon that same words,
Web went with his own hand and pulVl back Huchison from out
among the rest after they wer all dispersed thorou the Castle M- "89.
yard, and said to him that he hade got account that he was
one of the Pretender's groomes, as he was pleased to call him,
for which he behoved to go to the Castle and be put in irons,
and get a tryall before the judges, which accordingly was done.
So ther was no less then two sentancess past on that on lad.
And bctuixt five and six a clock at night Web, ]\Iiller, and
Gray, and on Henderson, came all out to the yarde, where we
was sitting on the grass, with a verie large paper like a charter,
and read so much of it to us as they thout proper, and told
us that it was to petition their king for mercy to us, and that
it was to go of that night for London, and as soon as it came
back we probably might get hom, or els transportation, which
would be the worst of it ; and that we behove to put down our .
names at the foot of it, and them that could not, and some
that would not. Miller did it for them, and told me that I
might be verie glade to doe it ; for such mercy that was but to
hang only one of twentie and let ninteen go for transportation, foi. 1190.
pointing to me in particular with his fingar, and told me if
that Popish spairk had cairried the day he would have hanged
nineteen of them and only let the twentieth go free. And
about eight a clock at night we was all cairried to the countie
goal that was for transportation, and during the time of the
judges sitting it was the business of Miller, Gray, and Hender-
son, two or three times everie week, to come in to the goal
yard to se if they could make any more evidences out among
the transporters. And one day in particular, IVIiller, and on
Campbell, who was interpreter from the Justice Clerke at
Edinburgli to the judges for the Highlandmen, and they
brought a list of the prisoners names that was in the Castle
and read them over to us, on by on, to se if we knew any of
them, and it would be a great service done the government, be-
238 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
Aug. sids the releasment of our selves, but tliey found non. And
then they asked me if I knew my Lord Traquere or Sir John
Douglass of Killhead. Thiss Campbell asked me, ' How doe ye
fol. 1191. doe, Sanders?' I begged him pardon, he hade the advantage
of me. ' O,' says he, ' don't you mind since you hade me
prisoner at Bannockburn ? ' I told him I could not say that
ever I had the honour to take a prisoner in my life. ' I ame
not saying you,' says he, ' but your men.' I told him I never
hade the honour to have any men. ' Not your men,' says he,
' but your Prince men. And don't you mind that you brought
me some verie good beef staks, half a thripenne loaf, and a
quart of good beer ? ' ' That may be. Sir,' say I, ' but I doe not
minde of it, if it was so.' ' For you mind,' says he, ' you hade
on scarlet cloths that day, and was verie kind to me.' And
this was the reward that I got of the gentleman for my
entairtining him, for which Miller said to me that it would be
a mean to afront him, Miller, for giving upe my name as
Mrs. Murray of Broughtons servant, for if he had known
the truth of it befor, I had gone to the Castle and gotten my
fate of the gallows with the rest. This was the friendshipe
fol. 1192. that Miller was to doe me after all his fine promises. If he
had known a little beforehand, by the advice of his assistant,
Mr. Campbell, who made it his business to come back frome
Scotland after all the judges were all gone from Carlisle, to
see a friend, as he said, and came to see me, pretending that
he hade a hand in transporting of the prisoners, and that he
would endevar to have me freed if possable he could, and any
favour that he could doe me it should not be wanting as far as
in his power lay, but he gave me two drams. So he asked me
if I knew Sir John Douglas of Killhead, or if I saw him either
with the Prince, or in his army, or speaking to any of them.
He would be shure to take me of, even supose I was on shipe
board. So I told him I did not value him, for he hade done
me evill for good already, and for the feuter I expected non
from him, so that I would take my fate with the rest of my
bretherin ; and then he paide his two drams and went his way.
So we continued in Carlisle from the seventeenth of August
fol. 1193. till the 24th of Aprill 1747, that we went to Pennerith, and
on the 25th to Kendall and lay their till the 27th, that we
1747] THE VIRGINIA PLANTATIONS 239
went to Lancaster, and the 28th to Preston, and on 29th to 27 April.
Orrom Kirk, and the 30th and last day of Aprile, 1747, to
Liverpool, about ten of the clock that day, and went directly
a board, all of us Carlisle prisoners. The names of tlie two
ships was the Gillder and JohiisUmn^ both belonging to
Gillder, member of parliament for Liverpool, and their was
eighte eight of us in the shipe called the Gillder, Richard
Holms, captain, and Robert Horner, supercargor, a Yorkshire
byt. When we went aboard we wer all stript and searched
that we hade no armes about us, or any instrument for taking
of our irons, and thene we put on our cloths again, and then
we was desired to go aft to the steirreg until we got on the
Hanoverian pleat on our leags, and went to se the apartment
where we was to ly. And the shipe lay till the 14th of May
befor we sailed from the Bay of Liverpool, and in going past
the Isle of Man their was eight sail of ships alltogether bound fol- "94
for sea, and their came of from the island a poillot boat with
several casks of brandy to see if we would need any befor we
went to sea. So they came aboard of us and we bought two
of them, and the Captain asked at the master of the boat if
their was any privatiers lying out, and he said their was two
lying in the mouth of the Channel. So our captain spoke all
the rest of the ships with the trumpet, and they consulted
what to doe, but all returned in again save two that went on.
And we lay in the Bay of Liverpool till the fifteenth of May,
and from that they went till they came to Bellfast Loch in the
north of Irland, and their we cast ancor on the same evening
of the fifteenth, being Fryday. And on Saterday afternoon
their came in a verie large Dutchman in to the loch and
ancored verie nigh to us, and our Captain spoke him with the
trumpet and asked him if he had seen any privatiers in his
way, and he said he had meet with two in latutid 58, and had
waited so long for us prisoners that they hade spent all their fol. 1195.
provision, and they had taken all the Dutchman's provisions
from him which brought him to ane ancor. And one the
Sunday afternoon their came in ane other Dutchman, and our
Captain asked him if they wer gon, and he said they wer so.
On Munday, about twelve o'clock, we weied our ancors and sait
sail and away for sea, and all the four ships for four days kept
240 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1747
18 May together till a most violent storm separat us, and we never
meet again the whole voyage, and so we proceeded on our way
till we came in sight of Cape Charles and Cape Henre, which
are the two remarkable placess on right and left as we entred
in the river between Virginia and Maryland. Cape Charles is
on the right, and Cape Henre on the left ; and we was not
one leag within the capes when Don Pedro appeared in
purshout of us, but could not come within the Capes after us.
foi. 1 196. So this was our misfortune, for if we hade but two hours more
play at sea we had been all his own. So being got within tlie
river, our supercargor and the Doctor went to take their rest,
and our Captain came and sat down on the trap that came
down between dakes and discoursed us, and asked us what we
was to doe now when we was near our journey's end. So we
told him we was to depend on Gods providence and him, for
which he said he would make all the intrest for us that in his
power lay. Which certainly he was as good as his word.
So when we came upe forgainst St. Maries, the Captain ^ went
ashore, it being the pleace where the Custom hous was, that
he might enter us all their, and in two or three hours time he
came aboard again, and caused the carpenter go and take of
all our irons, which accordingly was done. I was the first that
foi. 1197. got them on, and ray comerad (James Strachan)^ and me the
last that got them of. And that night being Sunday the
19th of Jully 1747, we came to ane ancor at the port called
Wecomica, where we was to be put ashore at, and as soon as
the shipe came to ane ancor, we was all ordred below dake,
for Robert Horner, the supercargor, wanted to speak a queet
word to us, which accordingly went all doun between daks,
and Horner came doun and made a verie fine speach concern-
ing the goodness of the countrie that we was going to ; and if
we would atest for seven years, the men that would by us, if
we pleased them weel, would probably give us doun two years
of our time, and a gun, a pick and a mattock, and a soot of
^ Who was a Roman Catholick, as Stewart himself informed me.
2 This James Strachan, having been bred at one of the Colleges in Aberdeen,
was engaged (for a term of years) to be tutor to a gentleman's children in Mary-
land, in which family (as Stewart told me) Strachan was used exceedingly well
with much kindness and respect.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
17471 JACOBITES IN VIRGINIA 241
clotlis, and then wc was fre to go tliorou any place of the 19 July
illand wc ])lcased. So I told him that it was quct usless to .
direct all his discourse to me, for I was to answer for non but
myself, for what he should doe was to go and bring doun the
list of all our names tluit he hade and reade them over, and foi- 1^98.
them that was willing to answer yes, and them that was not
willing to answer no. Whicli accordingly he did, and they all
asked me what I would doe. I told them they might doe as
they pleased, but for mee I would sign non for no man that
ever was born, though they should hang me over the yard
arme. Then says they, We will sign non neither. So I told
them, Gentlemen, stand by that, then. So they said they
would, which accordingly they all did. By this time Horner
was come back with the list of all our names, and began to
read them ; and they unanimosly called out. No — no. I thank
you, Stewart, say Horner, If you would not doe yourself you
nedded not hindred others to have done. Thene he shoed us
two letters ; he said the one was from their King to the
Duke of Newcastle, and the other from the Duke of Newcastle
to Mr. Gillder, the merchant who hade the transportation of
us ; and if we would not assign, those letters impowered him
to go to the Governor of Maryland and Virgine (the Gover-
nour's answer to Horner was, the law had passed on us before
we cam from England, and he could not pass any mor upon foi, ngg.
us till we made a new transgration) and get a sufficient guard
to keep us all in prison untill we all should sign. I told he
might doe so, but we did not value his guards, for we hade
the misfortune to be under better guards the time past then
that countrie was capble to put upon us, so he might doe his
pleasure. And so away ashore with the Captain he went that
night, for our Captain^s wiffe lived about a mill and ane half
from the shipe, and from that Horner hade about ninteen milles
to go where the Governor lived to Annapolis ; and the time
he was there our Captain sent letters to all the Roman
Catholick gentlemen ^ and others, who was our friends, so that
^ Alexander Stewart assured me that there is a great number of Roman
Catholicks in Maryland, and that they have a bishop residing amongst them in a
pretty country seat, and that his character as a bishop is well known in the
country. Stewart told me the bishop's name, but I have forgot it. Stewart
himself is a Protestant.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
VOL. II. %
242 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1747
22 July we might not fall in the common buckskin's hand, for so the
foi. 1200, people that are born their are called so. And upon Wednes-
day, the twentie second of Jully, Horner returned back and all
the buckskins in the countrie with him, and Cornel Lee, a
monstrous big fellow, in order to bulle us to assign ; and this
Lee said to us he would make us sign. And we told him God
Almighty hade made us once, and he neither could nor should
make us again, for which he said no mor. So as I told you
befor that Captain Holms acquanted all the gentlemen of
three or four counties of the province of Maryland to atend
on board the day of tiie sale, which hapned one the 22d of
Jully 1747, after the shipe came to ane ancor at Wecomica,
in St. Mary's countie, Maryland, which all the following
gentlemen did atend, viz. : — Jestinian Wharton, Mr. Edward
Digs, Mr. John and Joseph Lancasters, and on Mr. Thomson,
all of St. Marys countie, and Mr. William Digs, commis-
sioned by a great many more gentlemen out of Prince Georges
countie, Maryland, who bought all the eightie eight that was
aboarde of our shipe except thre or four that went with two of
foi. I20I. the common buckskins, them that are born in the countrie,
for so they are called, and would not take advice to go allong
with the above gentlemen. Doctor Stewart and his brother,
William, both living in Annopolis, and both brothers to
David Stewart of Ballachalun in Montieth, Scotland, who
were all my loyal masters fast friends, and paid the nine
pound six shillings sterling money that was my price when
sold to Mr. Benedict Callvert in Annopolis, who is a verie
pretie fellow, and on who hade my being set at libertie at
heart as much as any man in the province. And now being
at my owen libertie, ^ I came down the countrie from Anno-
polis, and got the len of a horse from Mr. Callvert, 26 miles
down, to Mr. Ignasious Digs in Prince George countie, and 2
horss and a servant from Mr. Digs, 17 miles down to Mr.
Henre Neils, and from Mr. Neils two horss and servant, 10
^ Alexander Stewart told me that all of them (after being purchased) were
asked one by one at a proper time, whether or not he would take service in
Maryland, if a servant, or follow his occupation, if a tradesman, or if he would
chuse rather to go to his own country again ? He told me also that a tradesman
sold at a higher price than a servant. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1748] STEWART RETURNS TO SCOTLAND 243
miles down to Portobaco to on Mr. Collen Mitchell, who January
keeps a o^rcat ins their, who used me verie sivale, and never ■''' ' ^^"^'
would take anythino- from me, neither in passing nor repass-
ing ; and their I meet with my good friend, Mr. John Mushet,
and his brother, Doctor Mushet, where I stayed when I had
the ague, and wanted for nothing that hous and shopes could
afFoord me. These two Mushets ar sister sons of old Lend-
ricks in Stirlingshire, Scotland. And from that I went twenty
miles down to on Viddow Neils, who was as kind a motherly
woman as ever I meet with in all my travels, and her sone-in
law, Mr. Edward Digs, who was on of the gentlemen that
assisted in purchasing my freedom ; and I stayed their untill
Mr. John Mushet found out ane honest man, a captain of a
shipe (called the Peggie of Dumfries) bound for Dumfreece,
one David Blair, who was lying at Matticks in Virgine oposite
to Mrs. Neils, where I was staying, only seven miles of Poto-
mock river to cross; and the 11th of January 1748 I took my
livee of all my friends, and went aboard ^ on the 13th of the foi. 1203.
said month, but our cargo not being all got ready so soon as
was expected, it was the 28 befor we set saill to fall down the
river towards the Capes, and being within 3 leags of the Capes
we was obliged by ane easterly wind to put in to Hampton
Road and their we dropt our ancors and lay for 12 days, and
on the 13th of February 1748 about two in the morning we
got cleare of the Capes and put to sea and befor daylight we
got out of the sight of land, and in 27 days we saw the Irish
land ; and yet because of contrary winds we sailled back and
for in St. Georg Channel till the 24th of March that we was
oblidged to put in to Campbell toun ^ in Argyle shire, being
Fridays afternoon. I sheaued the Captain and two or three
more merchants that was comming for Scotland, and because it
was a verie long way to travel by land to Edinburgh I begged
1 After getting money in his pocket (as Stewart himself told me), some of
which he had still as a reserve when he came to Leith from Campbellton, for
he showed me a broad piece of silver coin which he got in Maryland. — Robert
Forbes, A.M.
- I asked Alexander Stewart if he knew any other person that returned home .
at the same time. He answered, Only one, Duncan Macintosh, a man well
advanced in years, but not in the same ship homewards with Stewart. — Robert
Forbes, A.M.
U4> THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
24 March the favoui" of the Captain if he could hear of any fishing boats
/oi. 1204. going to Air or Irven or Saltcots, which accordingly he found
on Mr. Knight going for Saltcots on the Monday morning by
four of the morning, but he had all his lines to fish before we
went in, and we catched 80 fine cod in our way. But to return
to my Captain's kindness. He could have used me no better
if I hade been the best in Scotland, for I eated and drunk as
good rume punch allong at his own table, and we eated not a
mouthful of salt provisions all the voyage. And then I asked
him what my passage was to be. So he told he would make a
present of that till he would see me in France, and then we
shall speake about it. But your verie welcum, says he, till
then. And he spoke to Mr. Knight not only to cairrie me
over to Saltcots, but he begged the favour of him that as he
the said Blair had made me a present of my passage from
Maryland, hoped that he would doe the same from Campbell-
toun to Saltcots, and he would doe him the like favour if he
asked it. To which Knight agread to, for, say Blair, Mr.
Knight, I give my word for it, supose he has been trans-
foi. 1205. ported, it was for no bad action but for loyaltie to his king
and his countrie. So says Knight, was it for that, then Cap-
tain, says he, If it was for that affair I would give hime or
any of his master"'s men their passage ten times farther then
that supose it hade not been by your desire. So on Monday,
28th of March 1748, by four in the morninge we set out to
sea, and after we fished our lines, sailled for Saltcots, and
arived their about sun seet. And the verie first thing that
presented me on the peer was six or seven of Hamilton's
dragowns that we hade prisoners at Gladsmoor. However,
Mr. Knight and I went away into the town and went to our
quarters, and the morning of the 29th he not only comple-
mented me with my passage but he cleared my quarters in
the morning and went a mille on the way with me, but
lamented verie much that he hade not sold his cod fish, other-
ways he would a given me money, and having no more upon
him but seven pence, he would have me take it. So we parted,
/oi. 1206. and I came on my way, but does not mind the names of the
placess that I quartred in between Saltcots and Glasgow. So
on Thursday, being the last of March, I came to Livestoun
1748] A HARBINGER OF THE RESTORATION 245
and stayed their all night ; and Friday being the first day of i April
Aprile, I came to the Coltbridge about 12 oclock of the day
but thouirht it over soon to come in to toun, but I tooke a
bottle of ale to myself to pass of the day. I would a have
drunk more, but I hade no mor small money about me. So I
was oblidged to make a turn towards Breads hills till night,
and about nine a dock at night the first of Aprile, I came safe
in to Edinburgh from my long and teadeous journey. And
this is fact as neare as I can remind. While I was among
strangers and being; come to Edinburoh I hade the honour and
good fortune once more to see my royal Princes good and faith-
ful friends and mine, where I was verie grashiously received by
my good friends as ane emblem of the restoration on the first
day of April 1748.
Vivat Rex.
Jestinian Wharton
Edward Digs
Jolni Lancaster /<?/. 1207.
Joseph Lancaster
Mr. Thomson
Ignashious Digs
William Digs
Doctor Stewart
William Stewart
John Mushet
Doctor Mushet
Collin Mitchell in Portobacco
who were all concerned in my releasement.^
SiR,^ — To the best of my knowledge in the morning of the 17 Feb.
13th or 14th^ of February 1746, as I can remember his royal ^'^'^
highness being in the house of Lochmoy belonging to the
Laird of M'Intosh, it being the headquarters for that
1 When Stewart had done with his own history I desired him to recollect
himself and to note down exactly all he could remember of the design of sur-
prising the Prince and of making him prisoner at Macintosh's house, because I
knew that Stewart was in Macintosh's house that night. [See ff. 258, 648, 989.]
Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ This letter is printed in Jacobite Memoirs, pp. 102, 103.
3 It should be 17 th.
246 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
17 Feb. night, Lord Loudon and M'Leod intended from Inverness to
surprize his royal highness, befor he could get upe, with the
numbers of about 17 hundred or two thousand men, whereas
fol. 1208. his royal higlmess hade not above fiftie ^ men of a guard that
night, but what was all quartred some little way off". And as
soon as Lord Lowdon and M'Leod set out from Inverness their
was a little boy - about twelve or fourteen years of age that
set out along with them in order to alarme the Prince, but for
the space of two or three milles he never could have the
opportunity of passing by them, and at last he got cleare of
them and made the best of his way for Moy that he could and
gave the cry as soon as he came to the Closs where the guards
was standing and call'd out the enamie was withine a mille of
us. And then he came into the kitchen wher I was lying on
the table head asleep and awakned me by pulling and hailing
at my greatcoat, and desired me for Gods sake to go and
fol. 1209. waken the Prince, which accordingly I went upstairs and meet on
of the guard comming down from the Princes roome dore and
I asked him if the Prince had made him answer and he said he
hade, for which his liighness heard us speaking and calFd out
who was their. Upon which I made answer, and he desired me
to call the piperach, for which I did and his highness went
down stairs and his feet in his shooes by^the way of slippers, and
buckled them in the Closs. Upon which my Lady M'Intosh
and her sister and me went to the roome where he slcept and
took all the most vaulable things that were in the roome where
lie lay and went upe to the garrats and hide them in fether
stands that was almost full of feathers, and my Lady was always
calling at me to follow with the curtains for I would stay till
they would take me by the neck, for by this time the Prince
was more than a mile of toward the southwast end of the loch
thorrou a wood. Then I went after and overtook them all at
fol, I2I0. the other end of the loch and by that time Locheal and all his
^ About thirty men, says Gib. [See f. 990.]
2 Lauchlan Macintosh, says Gib, who (as he himself told me) was very kind
to the boy and took him into the kitchen. I asked Stewart if he remembered
the name of the boy, but he told me he did not remember it. Stewart's agree-
ment with the other accounts of this matter is the more remarkable that I did
not let him know anything of them. — Robert Forbes, A,M.
1746] THE ATTEMPTED SURPRISE AT MOY 247
men was comming, and when he came we was to go no farther 17 Feb.
but stand it if they came upe. Rut in the mean time that they
wer all taking a dram their came ane express from my Lady
M'Intosh acquanting his royal highness to return back again
for the five spies that she sent out the night befor was come
back and had hapncd to surprize Norman M'Leod (the Laird)
who was upon tlie advance guard with about 70 men with him
lying in a iiollow not knowing what to doe by reason of the
flashes of lightning from the heavens,^ that was confounding
all their desines : for which a blacksmith, on of the five men
that my Lady M'Intosh sent out as spies, fired upon them and
killed M'Leods pyper hard by his side and wounded another
of them, and tlien they all tooke the flight and returned to
Inverness, hailing tlie pyper after them till they got a horse fol, 1211.
and cart to cairrie him of. And so his highness returned back
to Moy and stayed another night and marched the next day
for Inverness. And this is truth as far as I have wrot you,
but I knowe no more of the mater, by
Sic suhscribitur Alex. Stewart.
Leith, January SOth, 1749.
N.B. — Upon the foresaid 30th of January I went through 3° Jan.
the Memorial with Alexander Stewart and in his presence, and
by his direction, I interlined (with my own hand) some few
words to make the narrative somewhat plainer. The Memorial
in the handwriting of the said Alexander Stewart in seven
jiages folio is to be found among my papers.
Once more I remark here that in making out transcripts of
letters and papers I am favoured with I observe as exactly as
possible the spelling and pointing of the originals.^
Robert Forbes, A.M.
Saturday''s afternoon., February \^th, 1749. foi. 1212.
Rellfinlay was with me in the Citadel of Leith when I read 18 Feb.
in his hearing the transcript of the paper I had got from Cap-
^ This is a circumstance not mentioned by any other as yet, but whether true
or not farther information may happen to discover. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
- See f. 933-
248 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
18 Feb. tain Donald Roy MacDonald in Bellfinlay's own handwriting.^
Bellfinlay owned the narrative to have proceeded from his own
hand and affirmed again the truth of all contained in it. Then
I read to Bellfinlay the three particular events given me by
Mr. Francis Stewart,^ and Bellfinlay owned he had heard the
two first (when lying in his wounds in Inverness) at the times
when they happened, much in the same manner as narrated by
Mr. Stewart. As to the tiiird and last concerning Nairn's
escape and the management of it by poor Anne Mackay he
said it consisted with his own knowledge, and that it was so
justly and exactly represented by Stewart, that he (Bellfinlay)
had nothing to add to it and as little did he see anything in it
fol. 1213. that needed to be corrected. Then I read to him the two
short conversations I had had with him, and Bellfinlay ^ said I
had done him all justice, for that he owned every word I had
noted down. He remarked withal that he did not remember
anything else he had to inform me of except only that when the
Highlanders were retreating from Drummossie Muir, Donald
Roy MacDonald passed by him (Bellfinlay) lying in the field,
that Donald Roy spoke to him and expressed his concern for
him, but that he could give him no assistance as he himself had
received a bullet through one of his feet.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1214. Copy of some Sentences of a Letter (dated January
31st, 1749) from INIrs. Leith in Inverness to me
R. F.
13 Jan. I have been still in this place from the begining of the
'^'^^ troubles, in wich I had some share, the effects of wich I now
severly feel. I have this twenty monthes been so distresst
with the reumatising in my limbs that I can hardly make a
street lenth at any time.
When once I have a letter from you I shal give you a history
of my adventurs in time of the common calamity. — Adew.
Sic subscribitur, Anne Leithe.
^ See f. 707. 2 See f. 1121. * See f. 1171.
1749] Ll^TTERS FROM AND TO MRS. LEFriT 249
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Foubes, A.M.
Copy of a Paragraph of a Letter (dated February
28th, 1749) in return to the above.
You will oblige me much by transmitting to me by some 28 Feb.
sure private hand (and not by })ost) what you mention. And ^^'^'^
if you would increase the obligation by giving me all that con-
sists with your own knowledge, and all that you can have well /"'■ 1215.
vouched from others I will deem it as the greatest favour you
can do me. Be as minute and circumstantial as possible, even
though the narrative should take up several sheets. I know I can
rely upon your veracity, and therefore it is that I am so earnest
upon the subject. Take time and perform it with the utmost
exactness. Pray remember me kindly to my friend and brother
Mr. Hay and his family, and tell him I long very much to
hear from him. Perhaps he may find out a private bearer
when you intend to write me. You '11 understand my meaning
well enough. Robert Forbes.
Saturday''s afiernoon, February 18^/t, 1749. Z^^- ^^16.
When Bellfinlay was with me I was favoured with a visit of ^^ ^^^•
. ,. 1749
the Rev. Mr. William Bell, and Mr. James Elphinston, both
from Edinburgh, who witnessed what passed between Bellfinlay
and me. Mr. Elphinston informed me that when in London
he had got several scrapes of journals from Mr. John Walking-
shaw, who had desired him (Elphinston) to be at pains to put
them together in a coherent, chronological method, whicli at
last he said, he had made out at his leisure hours, and that he
had brought it to me that I might compare it with my collec-
tion. Accordingly he delivered it into my hands. It bore
this title :
' A Genuine Account of the Prince's escape from the time
of the battle of Culloden to the 11th of July 1746.'
It was all in the handwriting of the said Mr. James Elphinston
250 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
and was contained in 21 pages folio with a pretty large margin
on every page.
foi. 1217. Monday, Marcli 6th, 1749. — I read and considered the said
6 March account at some leisure, and compared it with the several
journals of the foresaid period of time in my collection. Upon
this comparison I found the said account pretty exact and true
(some few things excepted) in its contents. But then the per-
son or persons who had taken the scrapes of journals down in
writing had been in too great a hurry, for they (the scrapes)
had not contained scarce one tenth part of what might have
been inserted in them from the mouths of those who had been
personally concerned in the escape, and who were carried
prisoners to London. If I bring into the reckoning Kings-
borrow's part of the history, Donald Roy MacDonald's Account,
the journal drawn up by young Clanranald, Glenaladale and
Captain Alexander MacDonald, etc. etc. etc., all which the
people in London could know very little or nothing about,
then indeed the foresaid account is very lame and imperfect.
fol. 1218. The said account ended with Captain John MacKinnon''s part
of the management, along with the old Laird of MacKinnon,
an exact copy of which is as follows :
1746 At 6 they put off for the mainland, whither the Prince would
have had his late trusty guide to accompany him.^ But
Malcolm excused himself, alledging that as he had been four days
absent, it miglit create suspicion, and prove dangerous to the
Prince's own safety. The Prince therefore suffered him to take
his leave, but not till after generously forcing upon him a
good share of what money he had, though Malcolm absolutely
refused it for sometime, having even brought a small supply
with him, in case the Prince had wanted. The Prince, having
promised to meet Dr. MacLeod at Camisdinuck the Monday
following, before he went into the boat with the MacKinnons,
wrote him the followins; line :
' God be thanked I parted as I intended. Give my service
to all friends, and thank them for their trouble. — I am, Your
humble servant, James Thomson.' -
'Ellagol, July 4, 1746.'
4 July
See f. 246. 2 See ff. 871, 879, 1219.— F.
1746] FROM SKYK TO THE MAINLAND 251
The Princci and his company arrived next morning about 4 fol. 1219.
on the south side of Loch Nevis, near little Mallack,^ where 5 Ny
they landed and lay three nights in the open air. The Laird
and one of the men (John M'Guincs) having gone the fourth
day to seek a cave to lie in, the Prince, with John MacKinnon
and the other 3 rowers, took to the boat, and rowed up Loch
Nevis along the coast. As they turned a point they s})ied a
boat tied to the rock, and five men with red crosses over their
bonnets standing on the shore. These immediately called out,
demanding whence they came. John MacKinnon's people
answered, ' From Slate,' whereupon they were ordered ashore.
But not complying with this summons, the five red crosses
jumped into their boat, and set 4 oars agoing in pursuit of them.
During the parley the Prince insisted more than once to be
put on shore ; but was absolutely refused by John, who told
him that he commanded now, and that the only chance they
had was to pull away, or if they were outrowed, to fire at the fol. 1220,
fellows, there being four fire arms on board. Upon this John,
taking an oar himself, plied it so manfully, and so animated
his fellow-tuggers, that they outrowed their blood-thirsty
pursuers, turned quick round a point, and stood in towards
the shore, which they had no sooner reached than the Prince
sprung out of the boat, and attended by John and another,
mounted nimbly to the top of the hill. From hence they
beheld tiie boat with the militia returning from their fruitless
pursuit, and John congratulating his young master upon his
escape, asked pardon for having disobeyed him. The Prince
replied that he had done well ; that his reason for desiring to
go ashore was, ' that he would rather fight for his life than be
taken prisoner, but that he hoped God would never so far afflict
the King, his father, or the Duke, his brother, as that he should
fall alive into the hands of his enemies."'
On tliis eminence the Prince slept three hours, and then
returning down the liill, lie re-imbarked and crossed the loch fol. 1221.
to a little island about a mile from Scotus's house, where Clan-
ranald, to whom he sent a message by John MacKinnon, then
^ From this point, with some variations, this narrative is printed in Jacobite
Metnoirs, p. 4S8. . ^ See f. 600.
252 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
. s July was. Upon John's return they repassed the loch and landed
at Mallack, where having refreshed themselves, and met with
Old M'Kinnon and servant, they set out for M'Donald of
Moran's ^ seat, which was about 7 or 8 miles distant. As they
passed a sheiling (a cottage) they spied some people coming
down towards the road. Whereupon the Prince made John
fold his plaid for him, and throw it over his shoulder, with his
knapsack upon it, tying a handkercliief about his head, the
better to disguise himself. In going along John was asked if
that was his servant, to which he answered in the affirmative,
adding that as the poor fellow was not well he intended to
leave him at Moran's. So after receiving a draught of milk
from Archibald MacDonald, son of Ranald MackDonell, son of
foi. 1222. Scotus, they pursued their journey, and came to another sheil-
ing belonging to old Scotus, where also they bought a draught
of milk and procured a guide (the night being dark and the
road bad) to shew them how to take the ford near Moran"'s
6 July house. A little before day they arrived at Moran's borthe^ or
hut, his house having been burned by Captain Fergusson.
M'Kinnon went in alone, and Moran immediately getting out
of bed, they both hasted to the door to introduce the strangers.
This done, Moran's first care was to dismiss all the children and
servants, keeping only his lady, wlio is Lochiel's daughter.
She knowing the Prince at first sight, he saluted her, and the
meeting was extremely tender, the lady bursting into a flood of
tears. After having some refreshment of cold salmon warmed
again, but no bread, the travellers left the borthe, and were
conducted by Moran to a cave, where they slept ten hours,
Moran being in the meantime dispatched in quest of young
fol. 1223. Clanranald. About noon Moran returned with accounts that
Clanranald was not to be found. So it was resolved to part
with old M'Kinnon and Moran, and in the evening to set out
with a boy for the house of Aneas or Angus M'Donald of
Burghdale,^ in Arisaig, which was the first house the Prince
was in when he came to the continent. Here they arrived
before day, found the house burned by Captain Fergusson, and
^ It should be Moror. See f. 600. — F.
" It should be bothie or bothy. See f. 323. — F.
^ It should be Boradale. See ff. 600-603. — F.
1746] THE PRINCE IN INIOROR 253
Mr, M'Donald himself with two men at a borthc hard by. 7jiiiy
John M'Kinnon went in abruptly, desiring that unfortunate
gentleman to rise. Angus MacDonald at first was surprized,
but presently knowing John's voice, he got up and went to the
door, having thrown his blankets about him. Then John
asked him if he had heard anything of the Prince. Aneas
answered ' No."" What would you give for a sight of him?
says Jojni. Time was, returned the other, that I would have
given a hearty bottle to see him safe, but since I sec you I
expect to hear some news of him. Well then, replies John,
I have brought liim here, and will commit him to your charge, joi. 1224.
I have done my duty. Do you yours. I am glad of it, said
Angus, and shall not fail to take care of him. I shall lodge
him so secure that all the forces in Britain shall not find him
out ; which he accordingly did, till he delivered him safe off
his hands. John M'Kinnon stay\l only to eat a little warm
milk ; but here he met again with old M'Kinnon, w ho was taken
next morning in Moran's borthe. John escaped at this time,
having lain near the boat, and went home under cloud of night
(being the 11th). He no sooner landed than he was made
prisoner at his own shieling in Ellagol ^ by a party of militia,
under the command of Lieutenant Hope, who used him with
great civility, but was obliged to carry him to Kilmory, where
was Captain Fergusson.^ This barbarous man examined him,
and two of his rowers, who were taken with him. One of
these, John MacGinnis, he caused to be stripped naked, tied to
a tree, and whipped with the cat and nine tails ^ till the blood
gushed out at both his sides, threatening John M'Kinnon with foi. 1225.
the same usage and with irons, if he did not discover where the
Prince was, and swearing bloodily that when he got him on
board, Barisdale * and the cat and nine tails should make him
squeak. When John M'Kinnon was put aboard the Furnace
he was examined by General Campbell, to whom he maintained
that he knew nothing about the Prince, that he had not con-
ducted him a gunshot from the shore, and had left him with a
1 See f. 242. 2 See f 207.
^ Kingsborrow witnessed this scene of cruelty, as he himself frequently de-
clared to me. [See f. 1579.] — Robert F"orbes, A.M.
* Meaning Barisdale's machine.
254 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
July little boy they met accidentally, who had gone along with him
as his guide. From that ship he was turned over to the
Thomas, which lodged him on board of a transport. He was
first put ashore at Tilbury Fort ; from thence he was removed
to the new goal, and discharged the 3 of July 1747,
When the Prince and he were about to part, John asked
fol. 1226. him if ever they might hope for the happiness of seeing him
again. To which the Prince made answer, that if ever it
pleased God that he should reach the Continent, though he
should 2:0 and beg; assistance of the Grand Turk, he would not
suffer the usurper to sit easy or quiet on the throne.
(Here ends the Journal.)
N.B. — If ever John MacKinnon favours me with an account
of his own history as to the part he acted in the preservation
of the Prince in his great dangers, I then can compare that
with the preceding account. I have several times attempted
to procure such an account from John's own hand, but still to
no purpose as yet.^ — Robert Forbes, A.M.
25 April Nota bene. — Saturday, April 25, at 11 o'clock forenoon,
^76^ 1761, I was with said John MacKinnon in the
Infirmary in Edinburgh, he being lame from the tops
of his thighs down, and read in his hearing the above
account upon which he very frankly gave me his
corrections and additions. [See f. 1831.]
fol. 1227. Copy of a Paragraph of a Letter (dated London,
March 3rd, 1748-9) from Ralph Bigland to
Alexander Macmorland, peruke-maker in
Leith.
3 March I believe I forgot to tell you that the gay world at Bath
^^'^ "^ and other parts of England seem very fond of white rosed
buttons, plaid or tartan. Some of the very horses furniture
is so. So you see what a humour prevails. I have since I
came here been lately two or three times at the play and what
invited me most was to see a new dance called the Scotts
1 Seeff. 313, 856, 1080.
1749] SCOTTISH FASHIONS IN LONDON 255
dance consisting of about 20 lads and lasses dress'd after the 3 March
Highland fashion. The scene represents a very romantic,
rocky, or mountainous country seemingly, at the most distant
view you behold a glorious pair (which far surpass all the
other actors) sitting among the rocks, while the rest are
dancing below among groves of trees. Some also are repre-
senting with their wheels a spinning ; all the while the music
plays either Prince Charles's minuet or the Auld Stewarts
liack Again. At last descends from the mountains the glorious fol. 1228.
pair which to appearance is a prince and princess. Then all
the other actors retire on each side while the royal youth
and his favorite dance so fine, in a word that the whole
audience clap their hands for joy. Then in a moment the
spinning wheels are thrown aside and every lad and lass joyn
in the dance and jirk it away as quick as possible while the
music briskly plays — Over the water to Charlie, a bagpipe
being in the band. In short it is so ravishing seemingly to
the whole audience that the people to express their joy clapp
their hands in a most extraordinary manner indeed. By this
you '1 have an idea of it, if you have not heard it before ; but
in order to save the opportunity of Captain Dick who I am
told is just a going I write in such a hurry that I have
only time to say that I am with great respect to you, your
family, and all friends that know me. Your most humble
servant. Sic suhscrihitur, R. Biglaxd.
N.B. — The above transcript I made out from the origi-
nal letter which Alexander Macmorland favoured foi. 1229.
me with the use of on Tuesday, March 28th, 1749.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
=5
Copy of a liETTER to JNIr. MacDonald of Bell-
finlay,^ for the present in the Canongate,
Edinburgh.
My dear Sir, — Lest you should happen to set out upon 29 March
your return to the Highlands at a time when I may have ^^"^^
1 See ff. 1171, 1212.
256 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
29 March little leisure to write is the reason why I so soon give you
the trouble of this as a memorandum, which I hope you will
allow to have a particular place in your attention.
I have been frequently well informed that Mr, MacDonald
of Boisdale had a long and particular conversation ^ with a
CERTAIN YOUNG GENTLEMAN immediately after his landing in
the Island of Eriska upon the subject of his intended expedi-
foi. 1230. |-JQ,^ about which they happened to differ widely in their
sentiments, and that in consequence of this conversation an
express^ was dispatched to Sir Alexander MacDonald. I beg
you ll employ your good offices with Boisdale to transmit to
me in writing an exact and circumstantial account of the said
conversation, which (to omit other considerations at present)
would serve as a proof of the Young Gentleman's bold and
enterprizing genius, and of Boisdale's sagacity and penetration
foi. 1231. if the conversation was really such as has been represented to
me by several persons. I never chuse to take matters of fact
at second-hand if I can by any means have them from those
who were immediately interested in them, and therefore it is
that I have the greater anxiety to see this set in a true light
by Boisdale himself, who must know best all the particulars
that passed in that interview.
I am likewise well apprized that Clanranald kept an exact
journal^ of all the hardships and distresses which he himself
1 See ff. 256, 302.
^ In conversing one day with Bcllfinlay upon this subject he told me that
young Clanranald was the person dispatched by the Prince to Sir Alexander
MacDonald, but that this happened after the Prince's landing upon the con-
tinent ; that young Clanranald (after returning from Sir Alexander in Sky) was
much shaken in his former resolutions from the reasoning that had passed
between him and Sir Alexander, who actually insisted upon having a promise
from young Clanranald not to join the Prince, and that young Clanranald
accordingly declared his backwardness to join in the expedition. However,
Clanranald's followers on the Continent, after seeing the Prince, declared their
resolution of running all hazards with him, whatever should be the event, and
whether their young chieftain should head them or not. This soon determined
young Clanranald to lay aside his backwardness and to take the command of
his resolute clan. I well remember that Ranald MacDonald (Boradale's son)
gave me the very same account of this matter. See a remarkable and well
vouched instance of Sir Alexander MacDonald's inconstancy and want of
resolution, see ff. 253-256.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
3 See f. 1058.
1749] CORHESPONDENCE 257
and his fellow-prisoners endured when on board a ship of war. 29 March
If Clanranald can be prevailed upon to transmit to me a copy
of his journal, it would be extremely obliging and a service
done to truth.
I have enquired at several persons about the names of the
Glcnmoriston men ^ that proved so trusty and useful in a certain
period of danger and distress, but could never yet meet with f''^- ^232-
any one to give me them. When I had the happiness of seeing
Boradale''s son here I begged the favour of him to get the
names of these men - from Mr. MacDonald of Glenaladale,
who must know them, because he was engaged in the same
scene of difficulties with them. But I have never yet been
favoured with any return as to this point. Pray then. Dear
Sir, be so good as to procure the names of these famous
guardians in writing from Glenaladale, and transmit them to me.
Make an offer of my most respectfull compliments and best
wishes to all the foresaid gentlemen, and assure them tbat
whatever journals or accounts they are pleased to honour
me with they shall be as dead secrets as ever till a proper and
seasonable opportunity offer.
I will not allow myself to doubt of your readiness in using
your endeavours to procure me all the well vouched accounts fol 1233.
you can of facts during the late troubles. I will gladly em-
brace every right opportunity of maintaining a frequent cor-
respondence with you, than whom none can be more welcome
to any place where I can pretend to have the smallest interest.
I sincerely wish you all health and prosperity, and that
you may have a happy and comfortable meeting with your
lady (to whom I beg to be remembered in the kindest
manner), is the hearty and earnest prayer of, My Dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Leith, March mh, 1749.
Saturday^ AjJril \st (10 oclock forenoon\ 1749. foi. 1234.
I paid my respects to Captain MacDonald of Bellfinlay at i April
his lodgings in the Canongate, Edinburgh, he being then con- ^^^^
1 Seeff. 547, 623. 2 See f. 1108.
VOL. II. E
258 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
1 April fined to his room with two splinters that were pointing out
in his right leg. In tlie course of the conversation I told him
that I had heard a very odd story, which it was in his power
to clear up to me either as to the truth or falshood of it,
and it was this : — That the Countess of Finlater (daughter
of Lord Hopeton) should in her coach and six have driven
over the field of battle, Drummossie Muir, while the corpses
were lying on the field. ' O Sir,"' said Bellfinlay, ' did I never
mention that to you ? I wonder much if I liave not told you
of it.'* 'No,*' answered I, 'you never mentioned one word of
that subject to me.' 'Then,"" continued he, 'I can assure you
that in the afternoon of the day of battle, after that Cum-
berland and his army had marched from the field into Inver-
ness, and when I was lying on the field stripped of all my
cloaths I saw a coach and six driving over the field towards
Inverness, and approaching so near the spot where I was lying
foi. 12315. that I begun to be afraid they would drive over my naked
body, which made me stir a little and look up, and then in
their passing I saw ladies in the coach, but I dare not say from
my own proper knowledge that it was the Countess of Fin-
later's coach. Only I heard afterwards that the Countess of
Finlater"'s coach was the only one that had been there at that
time, so that I have it only by report that it was her coach
which I saw driving over the field of battle and which came so
near me, that the coachman made a lick at me with his
whip as if I had been a dog. However I suffered no harm
by it, for the point of the lash touched my head but slightly."*
Upon this I could not help remarking to Bellfinlay it was a
very strange employment for any of the sex to be driving
over a field of battle immediately after an action when the
bodies of the dead and wounded were lying on the field naked
and bleeding. Unaccountable doings indeed !
Robert Forbes, A.M.
1749] PLUNDEllLXG OF ]\IR. SKINNER^S HOUSE 259
Copy of a paragraph of a Letter (dated April lltli, >/. 1236.
1749) from the Revd. Mr. John Skinner, at
Longside in Aberdeenshire.
The story of the pUmdering my house take as follows, n April
When our meeting was burnt the officer of dragoons came to ^^'^
my liouse in quest of me, but mist me. After that I was often
iilarni'd, but never in danger till July 29 that Hardy ^ and 6 of
Loudon's regiment came to my house. I was that day at Rora
baptising a child or so, and came not home till pretty late
when to my surprize I found 7 armed men at my wife's bedside
who had lien in about 10 days before, and had not yet left her
bed. I ask'd the fellow, Hardy, what he wanted here, on which
in great confusion he told me I was the King's prisoner and
behovM to go to Aberdeen. This was Tuesday night, and I /oi. 1237,
was oblig'd to go under two screw'd bayonets to Mr. Brown's
for a letter to Hardy to let me stay at my own house till
Friday. Brown, it seems (our Presbyterian Teacher), was in
the plot, and, as I'm inform'd, he and other two of them had
receiv'd Hardy with great kindness and hounded him out in
search of me. You may believe it was no small mortification
to me to apply to my enemy for a favour. But what could I
do ? It was my wifes condition that prevail'd with me, not my
own fears, and I'm confident had I been carry'd off that night,
as they threaten'd, I had lost her. While I was at Brown's
they had packed up all my shirts and stockings, most of my
books, with several other bits of portable furniture, and 10
shillings sterling of money, and carry'd it off to Brown's, where
they deposited all as in a place of shelter. Thus I was left
naked except what was on my back, and Brown, like a good
Christian and clergyman, resetted chearfully all that the ruffians
^ This was a low mean fellow of whose doings I have been informed by many.
He lived in Kintore and was exceedingly active in being guide to the redcoats
(after Culloden battle) to discover the hiding places of the distressed gentlemen
and to show them the houses of reputed Jacobites for pillaging. He it was who
guided the party that seized Mr. Gordon of Terperse. However, Hardy at last
became as much neglected and despised in his own country that he was obliged
to enlist as a recruit in the Dutch service. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
260 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
II April plundered me of. Hardy went down to Pitsligo, where he
foi. 1238. stay'd 12 days, and on his return, because I was a missing,
threatened to burn my house, wife, bairns and all, to which
good action Brown piously advisM him. But Providence dis-
appointed all these and delivered me,^ etc.
N.B. — The original of the proceeding paragraph is to be
found among my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1239. An Account of the Signal Escape of John Fraser
taken from the Copy Printed at Edinburgh.
1746. John Fraser, Ensign in the Master of Lovat's^ regiment,
was shot through the thigh by a musket bullet at the battle of
CuUoden, and was taken prisoner, after the battle, at a little
distance from the field, and carried to the House of Culloden,
where a multitude of other wounded prisoners lay under strong
guards. There he and the other miserable gentlemen (for
most of them were gentlemen), lay with their wounds undressed
for two days in great torture. Upon the third day he was
18 April carried out of Culloden House and with other eighteen of his
fellow prisoners flung into carts, which they imagined were to
carry them to Inverness to be dressed of their wounds. They
were soon undeceived. The carts stopt at a park dyke at
some distance from the house ; there they were dragged out of
the carts ; the soldiers who guarded them, under command of
foi. 1240. three officers, carried the prisoners close to the wall or park
dyke, along which they ranged them upon their knees, and bid
them prepare for death. The soldiers immediately drew up>
opposite to them. It is dreadful to proceed ! They levelled
their guns ! They fired among them. ]\Ir. Fraser fell with
the rest, and did not doubt but he was shot. But as those
gentlemen who proceeded thus deliberately in cold blood had
'- [Note in another hand, dated 1 806.] The above Mr. Jo. Skinner is still
alive ; his son is a bishop at Aberdeen, and his grandson is now coming from
Forfar to Edinburgh for Mr. J. Webster's Chapel. Mr. Skinner prayed for George-
the 2d sometime before the 1745 ^O"^ 2 Sundays only. He does it now every day
altho' past 80. He is an excellent poet ; he composed TuUochgorum, John oil
Badenyon, and many others. * See ff. 1326, 1372, 1429.
1746] STORY OF ALEXANDER ERASER 261
tl)t'ir orders to do nothing by lialves, a party of them went 18 April
along and examined the slaughter, and knoeked out the brains
of such as were not (juite dead ; and observing signs of life in
Mr. Eraser, one of them with the butt of his gun struck him
on the face, dashed out one of his eyes, and beat down his
nose flat and shattered to his cheek, and left him for dead.
The slaughter thus finished the soldiers left the field. In this
miserable situation. Lord Boyd, riding out that way with his
servant, espied some life in Mr. Eraser, who by that time had M 1241-
crawled to a little distance from his dead friends, and calling
out to him, asked what he was. Eraser told him he was an
officer in the Master of Lovafs corps. Lord Boyd offered him
money, saying he had been acquainted with the Master of
Lovat, his colonel. Mr. Eraser said he had no use for money,
but begged him for God's sake to cause his servant carry him
to a certain mill and cott house, where he said he would be
concealed and taken care of. This young Lord had the
humanity to do so, and in this place Mr. Eraser lay concealed,
and by God's providence recovered of his wounds, and is now a
living witness of as unparallePd a story in all its circumstances
as can be met with in the history of any age,
Mr. Eraser is well known and his veracity attested by all the M- 1242.
Inverness people.
A^.^.— Mr. David Ciiisholm, Presbyterian Minister at Kil-
morack in the shire of Inverness, when in Edinburgh at the
General Assembly in May 1758, told that said Eraser or
]\laclver still lives at a place called Wellhouse in said parish of
Kilmorack, that his name is Alexander and not John, and that
he himself (Mr. Chisholm), is a blood relation to said Alexander
Eraser's wife (See f. 1619). Robert Eraser, A.M.
Eriday, April 21st (afternoon), 1749.— I was favoured with a fol. 1243.
visit at my house in the Paunch Market in Leith of John 21 April
Goodwillie,^ with whom I had some conversation about Prince ''"^^
Charles's bond granted to Hepburn of Kingstoun. Mr. Good-
willie told me he himself had the original of the said bond in
his hands, and that if I pleased I might have a sight of it, I
^ See ff. 1095.
262 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
21 April heartily accepted the kind offer, and for that end invited Mr.
Goodwillie to dine with me on Tuesday next (April 25), when
he accordingly kept the appointment and brought the original
paper along with him. He told me that the way by which
this bond had become so public was this. Hepburn of Kings-
toun being dead, his heirs had found the said bond among his
papers, upon which they raised a process before the Lords of
fol. 1244. Session in order to fix it as a debt upon the Laird of Mac-
Lauchlan his estate, because he (MacLauchlan) had been the
receiver and the deliverer of the cash. After dinner I begged
the favour of Mr. Goodwillie immediately to make out a tran-
script of the bond for my use, at the foot of which transcript
two gentlemen then present would, I said, subscribe witnesses,
all which was instantly done. Mr. Goodwillie assured the
company that he himself delivered the pen out of his own
hand to the Prince to subscribe the bond, and that he (Good-
willie) accordingly saw the Prince subscribe the bond, an exact
copy of which is as follows : —
17 Oct. (7~~^ We, Charles Prince of Wales, etc., Regent of the king-
1745 \^^ doms of Scotland, England, France, and Ireland, and
the dominions thereunto belonging. Whereas Patrick Hep-
burn of Kingstoun in the County of Haddington hath advanced
fol. 1245. to us by the hands of Collonel Lauchlan M'Lauchlan of that
Ilk the sum of seven hundred and fourty pounds sterling in
numerate money of Britain, we therefore hereby authorise and
appoint our Treasurer for the time to repay the aforsaid sum of
seven hundred and fourty pounds to the said Patrick Hepburn,
his heirs and assigneys whomsoever, and that how soon we shall
arrive at our Palace of St. James, London, our Royall Father
settled upon the throne of our royall ancestors, and our said
kingdoms in peace and tranquillity, under our government.
Given at our Palace of Holyroodhouse, the seventeenth day of
October, 1745. (Signed) Charles P. R.
Hodc est vera copia ita testamur. Johannes Benevole,
Scriba.^
"I Robertus Ross, testis.
Sic suhscrihitur j . -^r . ,•
Alexander Mitc;hell, testis.
^ i.e. Locus sigili. — F.
^ So Goodwillie chose merrily to subscribe his name. — F.
1748] HEPBURN OF KINGSTON'S BOND 263
N.B. — John Goodwillie's transcript, attested from which I foi. 1246.
writ the preceding copy, is to be found among my papers. Mr.
Goodwillie informed the company that the original bond was
in the handwriting of Mr. Andrew Lumisden, son of Mr.
William Lumisden, Writer in Edinburgh.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copi/ of a Ode {taken from a copy printed in London^ 1749) foi. 1247.
composed in the year MDCCXX, on the Birth of a great
Prince.
Tu modo nascenti
Casta fave Lucina.
Virg-. Eclog. 4.
Wrapt in one common wish three nations lay,
Liv'd on desire, and liop'd th' auspicious day ;
At last kind Heav'n liath heard each loyal pray'r,
And with a royal babe hath bless'd the royal pair.
Just as the sun had finishVl his career.
And mounted fresh to gild the Latian year,
When Clementina's sliarper throes begun
To promise Britain a more glorious sun,
A radiant host around th' Eternal stood,
An host solicitous for human good,
To whom th' Almighty — Seraphs ! guard my care !
Protect the infant, and preserve the fair.
Th' adoring Seraphs bow'd,
Then swift as fleeting thought they wing their way
Through the vast ocean of empyreal day ;
Down from th' immortal verge of purple light
They waft on ^Ether with angelic might.
Now in one glorious ])oint contracted fly
(A radiant orb !) along the nether sky.
Then all around the royal couch they stand
An angel-guard — a bright celestial band.
Britannia's lovely nymphs (a royal train !) foi. 1248.
Assist their sov'reign, but assist in vain.
No mortal aid, no skill suffic'd on earth.
Where Heav'n alone must guide th' auspicious birth.
264 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
The Fatlier's guardians haste (a shining throne !)
To ease the mother and preserve the son.
Ambrosial odours spread around the fair,
And in a moment brings Britannia's heir.
Hail ! royal infant ! Hail ! divinely great !
Kind Heav'n's best gift and last reserve of fate !
See, See, Britannia! what majestick grace
Dwells on each infant-feature of his face !
Here all the Stewart mercifully sliines,
And Sobieski fills the stronger lines !
Great Sobieski !
The trembling Muse starts at the awful name,
And only wonders at the mighty theme.
She thinks she sees the crimson crosses fly.
And swarming crescents waft along the sky.
She tliinks she sees the hero from afar
In glitfring terrors lead the shining war.
Just ere Vienna''s nymphs had falPn a prey
To rage, and lust, and barbVous cruelty.
Just as Vienna's nymphs, in floods of tears.
At once to Heav'n prefer'd their ardent prayVs,
Great Sobieski thundered on the plain
O'er streams of blood and mangled heaps of slain.
Vienna saw the hero as he stood.
In storms of death and floating tides of blood.
Vienna saw her liberty restored,
And owes that freedom to his conquering sword.
Immortal hero ! may thy glories be
Transmitted whole to thy posterity !
foi. 1249. May those famed laurels Sobieski won
Descend all green to Clementina's son !
So shall it be. — The muse-prophetick sees
Thus Heav'n hath doom'd, and thus kind fate decrees.
Hail ! royal babe ! But see the Martyr smiles
From Heav'n on this vast blessing of his Isles.
See how he smiles auspicious on the boy,
And Albion lies dissolv'd in cloudy joy.
1749] BIRTHDAY ODES 265
Hail ! lloyal Charles ! Kind Hcav'n shall send the day
When joy shall brighten, and our clouds give way.
It must be so.
Aloud I heard the voice of Fame
Th' important news relate ;
While Echo caught the pleasing theme,
And did the sound repeat.
Mute when she spoke was ev'ry wind,
The zephyrs ceas'd to blow.
The waves in silent raptures stood,
And Thames forgot to flow.
While thus in early bloom of time,
Forth from an revVend oak,
In sacred and inspired rhime.
An ancient Druid spoke.
An hero from fair Clementine
Long ages hence shall spring,
And all the gods their powVs shall join
To bless the future king.
Venus shall give him all her charms foL 12^0.
To win and conquer hearts ;
Rough Mar shall train the youth to arms,
Minerva teach him arts.
Great Jove shall all his bolts supply.
Which taught the rebel brood
To know the ruler of the skv.
And trembling own their God.
Fixis. [Price Two-pence.]
A Song hy Mr. C s. foi, 1251.
The Queen of Hungary, as fame doth report,
To heighten the splendor of Cumberland's court,
Hath sent him some beasts of a wonderful sort.
Which nobody can deny.
266 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
She knew such a present his higlniess would suit,
And therefore her wisdom let no one dispute,
In sending a parcel of beasts to a brute.
Which nobody can deny.
Her Majesty 's sure by this means to succeed.
From beasts of oppression her country has freed,
Who all were suspected of Hanover breed,
Which nobody can deny.
AVhen Billy their landing at first understood.
His chiefest concern was the choise of their food,
Which at length, like his own, he resolv'd to be blood,
Whicli nobody can deny.
The cause of this present, as some people tell.
Was his zeal in promoting her interest so well,
And for what she obtainVl by tlie peace at Chapelle,
Which nobody can deny.
But others, whose judgment I chuse not to quote,
Insist that the boar, and the owl, and the goat.
Are emblems intended for persons of note,
Which nobody can deny.
fci. 1252. But here, I declare, 'tis not my intent.
To say whom the boar and the goat represent,
So to judge for yourselves you must e''en be content,
Which nobody can deny.
Yet the hornified owl, which remains for the other.
If true, was intended for Fecky, his brother.
The which he resembles far more than his mother,
Which nobody can deny.
But the lion of England, when freed from his den.
Shall chase to the forests these bloodhounds again.
Which that Heav''n soon grant, let us all say. Amen !
Which nobody can deny.
Then charge to the brim, since 'tis wine gives a spring,
Let us join heart and hand, and merrily sing
To the speedy and happy return of the King,
Which nobody can deny.
1749] POEM OX DRUMMOSSIE MUIR 267
A poem hij a gentleman.^ occasioned hy licaring St. Peter's foi- 1253-
Bell at Exeter rung on the 16th of April IT^O.
IVIurder will speak, immortal Shakespeare sung,
With marvelous organ, the' deprivM of tongue.
Thy peals, this truth, O Peter ! do proclaim,
Compeird to celebrate Britainiia's shame.
Culloden's field thy ill-tun\l sounds renew,
And ope fresii scenes of horror to our view.
Remorseless fury raging o'er tlie plain,
Wide-wasting massacre, and thousands slain.
In his mind's eye each Briton sees again.
The baleful Tyrant of Imperial Rome,
Whose lifted dagger ript his mother's womb,
Outdone in blood, to Cumberland shall yield.
The modern butcher of Culloden field,
AVhose heart, unmov'd, cou'd smile at widows' tears.
And broach the sprawling orphans on his spears.
Nor sighs, nor pray'rs avail'd to stay his hand.
While swift destruction blaz'd this half the land.
Edgeless for ever be thy sword in fight !
Still owe thy safety to ignoble flight !
The pangs of guilt, like Richard, may'st thou find!
Still see the air-drawn dagger of the mind !
Haunted, like him, with murder's vengeful cry.
Like him, unpitied, may'st thou fall and die !
Copy of a Letter from the Revd. JNIk. Gecjkge M 1254.
Innes in Forres to me, Robert Forbes.^
Reverexd Dear Brother, — As I wrote you some time ago,
I expected to have found a bearer from this country, whom I
could have trusted with a pacquet for you, viz., your acquaint-
ance, Miss Peggy Gedd, who at that time intended to have
been soon in Edinburgh. But her journey being so often put
^ Frintedin the yacodite Memoirs, p. 277.
268
THE LYOxN IN MOURNING
[1748
15 March off, I begin now to think that she will not go before Whitsun-
day ; and therefore must defer sending you some of the things
you want till some other cast up. ]\Ieantime I send you two
sheets of a narrative which, when you liave perus'd, I shall be
glad to have your opinion of; and would have sent you more,
but did not care to risque the whole at once, especially by a
bearer that I am not well acquainted with. Let me know if
you think by the inclosed that tlie rest will be worth sending
you. I have been much troubled these several months past
with sore eyes, which renders writing very uneasy to me, there-
fore beg you 11 return me these scrapes when you can, as I have
not a correct copy of them.
foi. 1255. There is a little performance in imitation of Dr. Arbuthnots
upon Charteris, said to be done in this country about the time
of the battle of Vail, at which time indeed I saw it, which you
may call for from IMiss Gedd's sister at Edinburgh, to whom
she is to send it. I wish you a happy Easter, and ever am,
Reverend Dear brother.
Yours very affectionately.
Sic suhscribitur, Geo. Ixnes.
15 March 1748.
Copy of the Two Sheets of a Narrative mentioned
in the preceding Letter.
February
1746
When the Prince's retreat from Stirling came to be known
at Inverness, Lord Loudon and the President made a shew as
if they intended to maintain themselves in that important
place. Tlie Laird of M'Leod and Monroe of Culcairn had
taken up their quarters at Forres from the time of their defeat
at Inverury, and had pretty well recruited their respective
corps. 200 of Sir Alexander M'Donald's men had likewise
join'd them ; but upon the news of the Prince's march they
foi. 1256. Avere all calPd in to Inverness, where with the Grants,
INI'Kenzies, Gunns, Loudon's regiment and others, they made
up in all a body of about 2000 men. The Duke of Cumber-
land did certainly expect that tiiese wou'd have been sufficient
1746] ATTEMPT TO SEIZE THE PRINX'E AT MOY 269
to have clone tlie business in the north, for a letter from him February
was intercepted at Huntly, telling Loudon that he had dis-
persed the rebels, and that it was his positive orders to make
liead against them in case they shou'd attempt anything more.
But Loudon and the President knew better how the case
stood. They did not trust their own men, and had sure
enough intelligence that the Prince's army was not so much
dispersed as was given out. Therefore they causVl throw up
some sham intrenchmcnts on one side of the town ; but their
main design seems to have been the surprizing of the Prince's
person,^ which wou'd not only have ruin'd his cause, but wou'd
likewise have entitled them to the oC30,000. For this purpose,
when he came to M'Kintosh's house, within a few miles of
them,- the whole forse march'd out of Inverness very secretly
in the night ; and had it not been for the care of his female foi. 1257.
friends, 'tis very probable they might have succeeded in their
attempt. Some of these at Inverness dispatch'd a messenger
to inform him of his danger ; and at the same time, his land-
lady, without knowing anything of the design, had order'd one
Eraser, a blacksmith, a trusty stout fellow, who liv'd hard by,
and knew all the roads, to keep a sharp look-out the whole
night, as there were but a very few of the Prince's people with
him at her house. Accordingly it happen'd that Eraser dis-
cover'd the enemy, upon whom he immediately fir'd his piece,
and had the presence of mind to cry out, as if he had had a
party near, to advance, for the dogs were coming up, which so
allarm'd them that immediately they turned tail, and made
the best of their way to Inverness. But tho' they miss'd
catching the Prince's person, they hurt his health very much
by this attempt. For upon getting the allarm he run hastily
out of bed to call up his men, and as it was a keen frost con-
tracted thereby such a cold as stuck to him very long, and I
may ev'n say endanger'd his life, which was one great reason /v. 1258.
of his staying so much at Inverness afterwards, to the great
detriment of his affairs in other places. However, he ad-
vanced next day, and no sooner came in sight of Inverness
1 The exact agreement in the several accounts of this affair by persons who
could not compare notes with one another is truly remarkable. [See ff. 648,
989, 1207.]— Robert Forbes, A.M. - See f. 258.
270 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
February than Loudon and his party retreated in a great hurry by the
ferry of Kessack to Ross, and afterwards to Sutherland ; ^ and
in a few days after, Major Grant surrendered the castle, which
Avas of no considerable strength, and was garrisoned only by
one company of regular troops, and 2 or 3 companies of the
above mentioned militia, wlio had neither skill nor inclination
to defend the place. Yet the Governour was afterwards tried
by a Court-martial and discharged the service, one of the
officers who were evidences against him having sworn, what
was not only false but impossible in fact, viz., that he saw the
Highlanders drawn up at the IVIarket cross, and wou'd not
allow to fire on them ; whereas the whole streets except a
little of the Kirk Street were entirely covered, and not a man
upon them could be seen from the Fort. Meantime Lord
foi. 1259. George ]Murray came up witli the other division of the army
by the way of Aberdeen, and a detachment was immediately
sent off to besiege Fort Augustus, which they soon took, and
afterwards laid siege to Fort William, Lochiel and all the
Highlanders being very anxious to have the country cleared of
garrisons which would have engaged the clanns in those parts
young and old to turn out. But they were not provided with
the necessaries proper for attacking so strong a place, and so
were obliged to raise the siege with the loss of several brave
men. At the same time the Duke of Perth went in pursuit
of Lord Loudon 2 and the President, and having got boats
from the Murray side, very narrowly miss'd surprizing them all
at Dornoch, where ]\Iajor M'Kenzie and some others were
taken. But Loudon, the President, IM'Leod, and Culcairn got
off, and went most of them to the Isle of Skie where they
remained till after the battle of Culloden. Lord George
IVIurray likewise marched to Athole ; ^ but I am not well in-
formed of the particulars of that expedition. ' Tis said that
joL 1260. lie urgM the Prince very much to send him a reinforcement of
1000 Highlanders, promising on that condition to give a good
account of the Hessians. But that proposal was overruled, it
seems, by those at Inverness, who were quite bent upon reduc-
ing all in the north, in order to bring out the clanns, and
o
1 See ff. 261, 273, 649, 993. 2 See f. 655. ^ See f. 902.
1746] EVENTS IN THE NORTH 271
leave no enemy behind them. About this time some of Fitz March
James's dragoons landed at Aberdeen; and 'twas said a good
many more were then upon the coast, but did not know where
to put in, as they expected to have found the Prince in the
South of Scotland. And within a few days thereafter the
Duke of Cumberland arrivM there with his army, upon which
the parties of the Highland army in tiiat country retreated
first to Huntly, and afterwards, upon the coming up of some
regiments from Aberdeen, to Fochabers. A small detachment
of Kingston's light horse and of the Campbells advanced as
far as Keith, where they were surpriz'd in the night, some of
them kiird and the rest taken prisoners ; ^ most of whom were
sent to France aboard a small vessel from Find horn. Mean-
time money grew very scarce in the Highland army, which foi. 1261,
oblig'd them to disperse themselves up and down the country
to raise the levy money, cess and excise, and to get in grain
and meal for their subsistence. The Hazzard Sloop, which
had been sent to France,^ was unluckily forc'd ashore by a man
of war upon Lord Rhea's country, where a few gentlemen
landed with a considerable sum of money, most people say
10,000 pounds, all which, together with those that had the
charge of it, was immediately taken by a posse of the M'Kays
sent out by Lord Rhea for that purpose. The Earl of
Cromarty and his son w^ere sent to Caithness to raise what
money and friends cou'd be got there. But they never re-
turn'd, being taken at Dunrobin ^ in their way back to Inver-
ness, much about the time of the battle of Culloden. And
here I cannot but observe that Lord Cromarty was the only
person in the Highland army I ever heard of who caus'd burn
a gentleman's house upon any pretence whatsoever. It be-
long'd to Gordon of Carrol, factor to the Earl of Sutherland,
wiio, having promis'd to pay the levy money, etc., against a pi, 1262.
cei'tain day, instead of that went off in a boat to Aberdeen,
whereupon Lord Cromarty gave orders to burn his house,
which was of no great value, and everything in it was carefully
taken out and put into the office-houses for the owner's
^ See a particular account of this whole affair in this vol. f. 1138, etc. —
Robert Forbes, A.M. 2 gee f. 656. ^ See ff. 156, 657.
272 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April behoof. However, this procedure was very much condemn'd
at Inverness, and I believe is the only instance of that kind
can be given. [Since writing this, I am informed that Carrol
lays the whole blame of his house being burnt upon Barris-
dale.]
The Earl of Findlater's factor being likewise ordered to pay
his proportion of the levy-money, there came a very arrogant
epistle from the Earl himself, then at Aberdeen, directed
either to his factor or to the Presbyterian minister at Cullen
(I don't well remember which), insulting the whole Highland
army, and particularly Lord John Drummond, who then com-
manded the forces at Spey, and forbidding to pay the levy
money or anything else. This letter being publish"'d, did so
irritate IMajor Glasgow that he went with a party and pillag'd
a good many rooms of Lord Findlater''s house. 'Twas at first
given out that this was done by Lord John Drummond's
orders by way of reprisal for the innumerable things of the
foi. 1263. kind that had been and were daily done by the Duke of
Cumberland's orders, and to try if the finding their own friends
treated in the same way wou'd put a stop to such practices for
the time to come. But a gentleman of honour assures me
that he heard Lord John refuse the haveing given any such
orders, and Glasgow take the whole of it upon himself.
Soon after this the Duke of Cumberland began his march
from Aberdeen, and was actually at Banff eVe any sure intel-
ligence was got of his motions. For he had stayed so long at
Aberdeen, and so many false reports of his having march'd
had been raised formerly timt at last his enemies turned quite
secure. As a prelude to what was to happen afterwards, he
caused hang a poor innocent man at Banff and another at
Boindy, within a mile of the former, on pretence of their being
spies, tho' such as knew them affirm they had scarce wit
enough to do their own country business, far less to play the
spy. There likewise the army destroyed a fine chappel belong-
ing to the Episcopal congregation, cutting down the roof,
burning the seats, the books, pulpit and altar, and breaking
fol. 1264. the organ in pieces. And this was their constant practice all tlie
way they march'd, with this difference, that in country places
they stayed not to take anything out, but burnt houses, bibles,
1746] PROGRESS OF THE DUKE'S ARMY 273
prayer-books, and all, as at New Durn, Clyn hill,^ Keam of April.
Duffiis, and many others. And many, both officers and
soldiers, have since declared that all this was done at the
instigation of the Presbyterians, and was indeed a genuine
new edition of their father Knox''s first Reformation. The
houses of a great many gentlemen that were with the Prince
were likewise pillag'd ^ with the greatest rigour. And indeed
facts of this kind were so many and notorious that it were
quite superfluous to condescend on particular instances. From
Banff the Duke march'd to Cullen, where I 'm assur'd he was
lodg'd by the worthy Countess in the room of the house that
had suffered most to shew their distress and plead pity.^ And
next day he cross'd the river Spey without the least opposition,
to the great amazement of ev"'ry body, who knew how deep
and rapid that river was. For tho"* it was fordable ev'n by the
foot, yet ' tis certain a very little opposition must have put his •
army into great confusion.
Let us therefore take a view of the other army that we may foi. 1265.
the better judge whence the misconduct happened. And
certain it is that the unfortunate Prince laboured under
innumerable difficulties at that time, many of which were
alone sufficient to have ruiu'd his affairs. For, not to mention
the private dissentions that had unhappily arisen among some
of the great folks about him,^ he was in great want both of
money and intelligence. Several Aberdeenshire gentlemen,
who were confident that it was impossible for the Duke to
move thro"* their country without their being informed of it,
were nevertheless within an ace of being surprizM, drinking in
a gentleman''s house in the Enzie, by the enemies advanced
guard, which was within a few miles of them eVe they had the
least notice of what was doing. This want of intelligence
was of very bad consequence, for they who guarded the Pass
of Spey under the command of Duke of Perth and his brother
were obliged to march off' in such a hurry that it both
frightened and fatigued the men very much. And the Athole fol. 1266.
brigade with Roy Stuart's regiment, who were posted farther
up the river towards the Grants' country, had scarce time
1 See f. 1019. ■ 2 See f. 1016. » See f. 1234. ^ See f. 659.
VOL. II. S
274 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April enough to get clear off. There was indeed a design of bring-
ing the whole Highland army towards Spey, in order either to
attack that body of the enemy which lay at Huntly, or to
dispute the passage of the river with them, shou'd their whole
army advance, and a part of the Erasers were actually on their
march for that purpose. But the Duke of Cumberland had
so good intelligence from his friends in Murray that before
the scattered parties of the clanns couFd be got together, he
made a quick march, pass'd the Spey, as I have already told,
on the Saturday, march''d to Alves on the Sunday, and from
that to Nairn on the Monday, where he rested Tuesday the
15th. There he gave an uncommon proof of his mercifull
disposition ; for a poor fellow, having been hang'd up as a
spy, upon assurances of his innocency and at the solicitation
of the Presbyterian minister,^ he graciously ordered him to be
foi. 1267. cut down, time enough to save his life.
Mean time those under the Duke of Perth, being join''d by
the other parties who were canton'd in Moray, made a con-
siderable body at Nairn upon Monday, and stay'd there till
the Duke's army came pretty near. But wanting the clanns,
in whom their chief confidence lay, they continue their march
in good order towards the house of Culloden, having Fitz-
James' horse, the guards and the hussars covering their rear,
and skirmishing sometimes with the Campbells' light horse and
dragoons, who had been sent to harrass them. Notwithstand-
ing the many expresses that had been sent to hasten their
joining the Prince at Inverness, the clanns were at that time
so scatterd that it was Monday night, the 14th, e're the
Camerons arriv'd at the camp, and of them came only about
half the number that had appeared at Falkirk, it being impos-
sible to get such of them as liv'd in the neighbourhood of
Fort William, to turn out till that place shou'd be reduc'd.
On Tuesday Keppoch's MackDonalds came up, as much
reduc'd in proportion as the former. ClanRannald had but
a mere handful of his people.^ Clunie was still in Badenoch
^ Mr. Rose, who (when in Edinburgh at the General Assembly in 1748)
owned the truth of this fact in all its parts to several persons who asked him
about .it.— Robert Forbes, A.M. * See ff. 654, 907.
1746] THE PRINCKS ARMY BEFORE CULLODEN 275
with about 800 men. The MacKenzies were with Lord foi. 1268.
Cromarty in Sutherland, as were the M'Greggors, the M'Kin- ^'^'
nons, and a party of the M'Donalds with Barrisdale ; and the
half of the Frazers were only on their march with their young
chief at the very time of the engagement ; so that ' tis certain
the Prince wanted upwards of 2000 of his very best High-
landers, ev"'n upon Tuesday evening when his army was at the
best. However, upon Monday night he ordered them to form
and rest on their arms in and about Culloden Parks, while the
artillery and ammunition was (brought)^ carried out of Inver-
ness. On Tuesday morning the whole army was drawn up to
Culloden muir, and there form'd in order of battle, consisting
of a front and second lines, with a small reserve. All the men
seeni'd to be in great spirits, expecting the enemy evVy
moment. The Prince (who was dress'd in a tartan jacket and
buff vest) rode with his aid-de-camps from right to left, and
addressM each diiferent corps with a chearful smile and salute,
which they returned with loud huzzas, especially when any of
the scouts came in with an allarm, and the allarm was given
several times on purpose to animate them. Thus past the fol. 1269,
Tuesday till towards the evening when a general council of
war was call'd, in which after some disputes^ it was resolv'd to
march all night, and attack the enemy in their camp at Nairn,
which was at about ten miles distance. It was agreed upon
that the army shou'd be divided into two columns, the one
consisting of the clanns commanded by Lord George Murray,
was to advance about a quarter of a mile before the other in
order to surround the town of Nairn,^ and form their attack
on the east and north sides of the Duke"'s camp, whilst the
other column, consisting of the French and Lowland regi-
ments, commanded by the Duke of Perth, was to attack them
upon the south and west sides, all at one time. The night
was dark and somewhat foggy, which no doubt gave great
numbers an opportunity to desert, and the ground through
which they marcli'd was very rough and unev'n. However,
they went on till the first column was almost at a place call'd /'"^* ^^70.
Killdrummie, within two miles of the Duke^^s camp, when all
^ This word interlined [Ed.] 2 ggg ff, 430, 659. ' See f. 440.
276 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
16 April of a sudden they were ordered to wheel about and return to
Culloden.^ Who or what it was that occasioned this unlucky
retreat, I shall not pretend with any certainty to determine.
But common report and even the best authority I have yet
met with fixes it upon Lord George Murray.^ Some alledge
that the column he commanded had gone a little out of the
way, and that being afraid he shou'd not be able to reach the
enemy before daylight, he advis'd with the gentlemen who
commanded under him, and gave it as his opinion that they
shoul'd retreat, to which "'tis said they unanimously agreed.
' Tis likewise said that they heard the dragoons at Auldearn,
two miles eastward of Nairn, beating their drums for saddles
and bridles, whicli they took to be an allarm in the Duke's
camp. Others give out that Lochiel was the first who pro-
posal their marching back on account of the great desertion
fol. 1271. he found among his men. But be that as it will, certain it is
that the Prince was not consulted, and tho' master of his
temper beyond thousands, "* tis impossible to express the con-
cern he was in upon meeting the Duke of Perth's regiment in
their way back. Some positively say that he cry'd out, ' I am
betray'd. What need I give orders when my orders are dis-
obeyed .P ' He caird for the Duke of Perth, who came soon up
to him, and informed liim that the other column had retreated,
and that Lord George had sent orders to him, viz. the Duke
of Perth, to return to Culloden. He was very keen for send-
ing orders to Lord George to return ; but being told that
Lord George was already so far on his way back that it would
be impossible to bring up the army time enough to execute
the intended plan, he said with an audible voice, ' ' Tis no
matter then. We shall meet them and behave like brave
fellows.' So back they march'd, and arriv'd at Culloden about
sev'n o'clock in the morning. The fatigue of this night's
fol. 1272. march, join'd to the want of sleep for several nights before
and the want of food, occasion'd a prodigious murmuring
among the private men, many of them exclaiming bitterly
1 See ff. 158, 441, 661.
2 As to the mistakes and aspersions thrown out against Lord George Murray,
see this affair cleared up [f. 667 et seq.l; and see the whole of Colonel Ker's
Account [ff. 648, 670] and the letter [ff. 429, 457]. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] PREPARATIONS FOR THE BATTLE 277
ey'ii in the Prince's hearino-, which affected him very much. 16 April
Many of them fell asleep in the parks of Culloden and other
places near the road, and never waken'd till they found the
enemy cutting their throats. Great numbers of them went to
Inverness and other adjacent places to look for some refresh-
ment, so that when certain intelligence was brought of the
enemys being hard at hand, Fm assured there were not above
a thousand men ready to appear on the field of battle, and
this obliged them to draw up about a quarter of a mile farther
back than they had done the day before,^ and on a much less
convenient spot of ground, Svich as were at a distance acted
as their different inclinations led them. Many of them, no
doubt, endeavour"'d to provide for their safety by slipping off
as fast as they cou'd, whilst the rest hurried to the field of
battle. About twelve o'clock the lines were brought to some
confus'd form. On the right of the front line were the Athole
brigade, Camerons and Stuarts, commanded by Lord George
Murray. In the centre were the M'Kintoshes, Farquharsons, /oi. 1273.
M'Leans, M'Laughlans and Chisholms commanded by Lord
George Drummond ; and on the left were the Erasers and
M'Donalds of Keppoch and Clanrannald, commanded by the
Duke of Perth. The second line, commanded by Roy Stuart,
was made up of Lowlanders, French, Perth's and Glen-
bucket's regiments, and the reserve of Ogilvies. The right
wing was flank'd by the life guards, and the left by
the hussars, which, except 40 or 50 French dragoons, ill-
mounted, was all the Highland cavalry. But quite different
was their appearance this day from what it had been the day
before. The men were nodding with sleep in their ranks, and
at least 1500 fewer in number. Ev'n the Prince himself, in
spite of all his endeavours to the contrary, was not able to
conceal that damp which his last night's disappointment had
cast upon his spirits, and it is said that he strongly suspected
his designs had miscarried thro' treachery. On the other hand,
the Duke's army posted themselves on an advantagious ground,
making three lines, cover'd with cannon in the front and /ol. 1274.
dragoons on the right and left. They had likewise a reserve
1 See ff. 157, 443, 663.
278 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
16 April of dragoons, and some of these with the Campbells had taken
possession of a park upon the Highlanders' right, in order
to flank them either when they shouM advance or retreat.
Some of Stoniewood's regiment assert that Colonel Baggot had
advis'd to post them along the outside of that park dyke,
which probably wou'd have prevented a good deal of the
mischief these Campbells and dragoons afterwards did,^ but
that Lord George Murray wou'd not hear of it. Both armies
being now within cannon shot of one another, the Highlanders
took off their bonnets, and gave a great shout, which the
enemy answered with a huzza. Then the Prince's cannon fir'd
twice from right to left before the Duke's, but did little or no
execution, only the dragoons on tlie left were observ'd to reel
a little. Immediately after that the Duke's cannon began and
fir'd without intermission the whole time of the action, and
tho' many of the balls went quite over the Highland lines, yet
foi. 1275. there 's no doubt but such a long and uninterrupted fire kill'd
a good many, especially after the cannon were loaded with
grape shot, which was done upon the Highlanders advancing
nearer. Matters looking thus but very gloomy, the Prince
call'd a short general council of war, in which some propos'd
to retreat a little to the hills till Clunie, the M'Donalds of
Glengarie and Barrisdale, the M'Kenzies, Frazers, and the
other absent Highlanders, shou'd conveen, these being a great
part of the flower of the Prince's army. It was argued that
engaging with regulars so advantageously posted and com-
pleatly form'd, and so far superiour in numbers, was a very
desperate and unadvisable attempt.- That there were not
above 5000 of the Highland army on the field, whereas the
other army, consisting of 15 regiments of foot and of horse,
besides a part of Loudon's regiment, the Campbells, and other
volunteers, cou'd not be much under 10,000, and was given out
fol. 12^6. to be ] 5,000 strong. That their whole cause depended on the
issue of this battle, and therefore that they ought not to engage
without some probability of success. It was likewise proposed
to continue the cannonading for some time, untill a detatchment
which Roy Stuart ofter'd to lead shou'd march privately about
1 See ff. 160, 445, 664. » See ff. 128, 447.— F.
1746] THE BATTLE OF CULLODEN 279
by the Water of Nairn, and attack the enemy in the rear, i6 April
whilst the main body advanced and attacked them in front ;
that this wou'd not only distract the enemy, and be apt to
throw them into confusion, but wou'd likewise deprive them
in some measure of tlie great advantage they then had by
having the wind and weather in their backs, which at that
very time was exceeding stormy. But notwithstanding all
these overtures and arguments it was carried to attack without
hesitation, to leave their cannon behind, and to rush in sword
in hand, as the only chance they had to discomfit the regulars,
whom they had so often defeated in that way. The Prince
was quite against fighting ; ^ and the only time it was that
ever he appeared to be of that opinion. But he behoovM to
yield, and accordingly orders were given to the respective foi. 1277.
officers to cause the men keep up their fire till they cou'd do
certain execution, and then upon the first fire to throw away
their guns and attack sword in hand. The Highlanders were yet
at a considerable distance, and the enemies cannon playing
upon them all the time with ball. But when they came within
300 yards, the regulars loaded their cannon with grape shot,
and kept a continued running fire of their small arms upon
them so long, that 'tis surprizing they did no more execution.
In advancing, Lord George Murray had inclined a good deal
to tbe right, probably to avoid being flanked by the dragoons,
but this occasioning a gap towards the left, the M'Donalds
were in danger of being surrounded, which made them stop
till the Duke of Perth's and Glenbuckefs regiments were
drawn forward from the 2d line to make up the line. Mean-
time the right beino; batter'd with cannon and small arms in
the front, and by the Campbells from the park dyke in the flank,
fell into disorder and went off, and suffered more in their retreat fol, 1278.
than they did in advancing. The center of the Highlanders
at the same time fell in with a part of the enemie's left, broke
Barrel's regiment, and drove all before them, and took two ot
their cannon.^ But the right wing having fled, and the left
^ Tiiis appears to me not to be true. [See ff. 159, 662, 673.] — Robert
Forbes, A.M.
^ This, I believe, is a mistake, for the right wing it was (under Lord George
Murray's command) that broke the left of the enemy, and took two of their
280 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
having stopt till the two regiments above mentioned shou'd
come up, another regiment came up to the support of Barrel's,
and the center of the Highlanders was almost surrounded.
Then all went to wreck.
[Here end the two sheets of a narrative in the hand-
writing of the Revd. Mr. George Innes.]
The Revd. Mr. George Innes was with me in Leith from
Thursday night, August 24th, to Friday forenoon, Sep-
tember 1st, 1749, when (at my request) he allowed me to
keep the two sheets of a narrative in his own handwriting
above-mentioned. [See in this vol. fF. 1280, 1281. J
Robert Forbes, A.M.
[In another hand there is added on this page]
The late Glenaladale told the Revd. D. Mackintosh, that
he saw the Major of tlie Mackintoshes a gun-shot past the
enemy's cannon at Culloden muir. The Major's name was
John MacGilvrae.
fol. 1279. Copy of the Performance {mentioned in Mr. Innes's Letter) in
imitation of Dr. Arhuthnofs upon Charteris.
1.
Here continueth to stink
The memory of the [Duke of Cumberland] ^
Who with unparalleled barbarity.
And inflexible hardness of heart,
In spite of all motives to lenity
That policy or humanity could suggest.
Endeavoured to ruin S d
By all the ways a T 1 cou'd invent.
Nor is he more infamous
For the monstrous inhumanity of his nature,
Than fortunate in accumulating
Titles and wealth ;
cannon, as appears from other accounts. [See ff. 129, 160, 446, 665-674.J
— Robert Forbes, A.M. ^ See f. 1245.
1749] ON THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND 281
For
Witliout merit,
Without Experience,
Witliout military skill,
He is created a Field M 1 and Captain General,
Has the profits of two regiments,
And a settled revenue of 40,000 a year.
He is the only man of his time
Who has acquired the name of a heroe
By the actions of a butchering Provo't ;
For having with 10,000 regular troops
Defeated half that number of famisli'd and fatigu'd militia.
He murdered the wounded,
Hang'd or starv''d the prisoners.
Ravaged the country with fire and sword.
And having rioted in cruelty, posted off at last in triumph fo^' 1280.
With the supposed head
Of a brave unfortunate Prince.
4.
O ! loyal reader !
Let not his success tempt thee to despair!
Heaven that punisheth us for our sins.
Cannot overlook such crimes as these.
Having once filPd up the measure of his iniquity,
His glory will vanish like the morning dew.
And they who now adore him as a hero and a God,
Will at last curse him
As a madman and a devil.
Copy of my Return to the Revd. Mil. George
Innes, at his house in Forres, by post.
Dear Sir, — Your kind favours of March 15th reached me 29 April
only this day, and had come from Crieff by post. I highly
1749
282 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
29 April value your present, and shall be glad of the continuance of
your good offices in the same shape, when a proper opportunity
comes in your way, which I wish may be soon. Pray let me
have your particular favours by some sure private hand.
Verbum sapienti sat est. In due time your present shall be
/oi. 1281. returned. Yesterday I had your present in imitation of Dr.
Arbuthnot's, etc., which is exceedingly well done with life and
spirit, and according to truth and justice. In haste, but with
much sincerity, I am. Dear Sir, your humble servant,
Thomas Smith.
April '29th, 1749.
N.B. — Mr. Innes^s letter to me was directed thus :
To Mr. Thomas Smith, to the care of the Revd. Mr.
Robert Forbes at Leith.
The above direction was according to my desire ; for
when Mr. George Cheyne went north in the beginning
of 1747, I desired him to tell his cousin (Mr. Innes) to
direct his letters to me as above, wlien he had anything
of consequence to transmit to me, especially when he
was not very sure of his bearer. Mr. Innes''s letter to
me is to be found among my papers, as also the copy of
the performance (in Mr. Innes's handwriting) in imitation
of Dr. Arbuthnot's upon Charteris. The two sheets of
a narrative in Mr. Innes's handwriting I keep by me till
a right opportunity offer to return them.
KoBEiiT Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1282. (^QpY of some parts of a Letter from the Rev. Wil-
liam Abernethie (London, May 16th, 1749),
to me, R. F.
6 May I was yesternight at the meeting of the Independent electors
^749 Ij-, Westminster, but I don't think I shall be there again. It
seems to be greatly on the decline. None of the peers or
commoners were present, nor indeed did I see anybody almost
of fashion except the chairman, Sir Thomas Dykes. I passed
1749] INDEPENDENT ELECTORS' MEETING 283
a few hours, however, pretty merrily, as every health was sue- 6 May.
ceeded by 3 loud huzzas and a long clap with feet and hands.
The 1st toast was prosperity to Ch and King ; the 2d to
the Prince; the 3d to the Independent Electors of Westminster.
May their example be followed by every city and county in
liritain, and thereby endeavour to save their sinking country.
The 4th toast was to the P again ; the 5th success to the
next Royal visitation ; the 6th and 7th were private healths,
and the last that I witness\l was in these words : May the late
ridiculous undertaking of fireworks illuminate the minds of
every true Briton. Betwixt the toasts we were entertain"'d
with some songs, such as the ' Highland Ladie,' ' A Hero foi. 1283.
from fair Clementina,"* 'The Character of a Whig,"" etc. The
last verse of every song was sung twice over, and a glass drunk
witliout naming any toast. N.B. — At every health the com-
pany, which was about 67, stood up. The meeting is the first
Friday of every month, and anybody who will pay 1 shilling at
his entry may go to it.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found amon^-
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
South Leith, April 27th, 1749. — I received by the joi. 1284.
hands of Mr. Alexander Leith, two letters and a narrative 27 April
from his mother,^ all in her own handwriting. One of ^''"^^
the letters and the narrative were written on the same
paper, and took up eleven folio pages without any date
or direction. Here follows a copy of the first letter and
narrative : —
Sir, — -Your agreeable leter I received with pleasor, but not
a litle surprised at sight of the berer, who was only four weeks
and four days from this place when he returned again, Avich
indeed was too weel performed by a foot traveler.
I delivered your compliments to Mr. Hay, who promised to
writ you.
And now that I most proceed to give you m^' history I shal
refer what ellss I have to say to another time, and am. Sir,
yours aff'ectionatly, Sic subscrih'itur., A. L.
^ See f. 1214.
284 THE LYON IN MOURNING [174S
2 Aug. August the Second, 1745. — I left Strathbogie and came to
^^'^^ this place with ane intention to make no longer stay then to
fitt out my son I had in this place for going with me to
foi. 1285. Aberdeenshire ; but being detained two or three weeks in that
time came General Coup with the army under his command,
the beginning of so much confusition in the country that it
was impracticable for me to travel ; so that I resolved to
setle for some time. I then took rooms in a convenent place
of the town, putt my boy to school, and so composed myself ;
but that composer I did not long injoy. For my nearest
relations, who are some of them tlie most conspikous persons
in town, and wer then my freends, soon became my greatest
enemies. They hapen, all of them, to be of ane opisit way of
tliinking, and at that time it was no easy matter for one to
conseal ther real sentements, nor indeed had I policy enough
to do so, for then my hops wer very great. Som weeks
theraffter was Lord Lovat brought in prisoner, and it so
hapened that his Lordships lodgeings and mine was under the
same roofF. My apartment had so near a comunecation with
his Lordship's bedchamber that I could hear every word spoke
ther, and indeed at that time knew his greatest secrets. I had
/oL 1286. the lionour to be his Lordship's relation, my grandmother
being a daughter of that faimly. My sentements also runing
in a chanel with his Lordships no wonder I should be ready to
serve hime. It 's no secret that he then made his escape from
Lord Louden, whose prisour he was. In this I was only
thus far assisting. Ther is a door opens from my apartment
to the room he sleept in wich for the convenencey of difFrent
faimalys had been shut up a very long time, but upon this
urgent occation was mad open, wich could not be don without
my knowledge. So that justly suposeing me a frend it was
found convenent to trust me with the secret, wich with the
wise conduct of others and my smal concurance was prety
weel performed. Ther was only one pair stairs frome me in
to a gardin, of wich I had the keye, wich gardin has a pass
door to the bak part of the toun wher ther was a caireage
prepaird with frends to atend — he had been all the whil in
areast in a privit house upon parole of honour. In the after-
noon of that day they suspected his Lordship, and placed
T745] ESCAPE OF LORD LOVAT 285
double sentinals upon the hous wich entred by a stair from tlie A/. 1287.
street, but luckely my part of the house was witliin a close
gate wich was not suspected until about six hours affter he was
gone, whcrin that proverbe was veryfyed that shuting the
stable when the steeds stolen.
He went of at 5 aclok in the evening, and was not mist
until ten acloke nixt day, but they did me the honour to plant
a guard upon my ladyship at ten at night, wicii indeed
deverted me a litle, and at ten acloke nixt day was the
discovry when Lord Louden coming to pay his euswal comple-
ments to his prisoner found him not.
Then a general search over all the toun, but to no effect,
only Mrs. Leith suposed guilty, wherupon the landlady of the
house wher the prisour was was carryd by a guard of
sixty men to the Castle and ther exaimend and let out upon
bail, but I was allowed to keep my own house with a guard
upon me twenty-four hours, then slightly exaimend and came foi. 1288.
off with flying coulerss, wich was owing to my being nearly
intrested in some of the leading men in toun strickly atached
to the Government. Meantime I got the spite of a great
many who stil keep up a grudge against me.
Some months thei-affter when the most ameiaable of men February
came to this place I hade the good fortunn to see a great num-
ber of freinds, relations, and the best aquaintances I had in the
sevrel places of my residence wich, together with the hops I
had at that time, put me in tope spirits. But ah ! how soon
the scene was changed. I had bitter for sweet, but I had
indeed mor then feanial courage at that time, for on the morn-
ing of the fatale day about three of the clock I put myselfe in
disguise and went only accompanyed by your old handmaid,
Eppy, to the place wher our freends lay, wher, alass, many of
them wer in a starving condition. I carryed with me such
succors for some of my freinds as strenthned and suported
them a litle in ther extremity. I hade the pleasor to hear
some time affter these my freends say that undr God this
seasonable refreshment contributed much to ther coming saffe fol. 1289.
out of the feild. But litle did I thinke of the unhappy event
beins so near at hand when I set out on this adventer.
Nothing then but scenes of horor every moment, every day
286 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
17 April and hour fresh alarms of some freinds being taken til at last
ther wer so many that I knew not whom to have most at heart.
All the prisons wer fil ; but of all the prisoners those in the
French servise had the greatest liberty granted them, I mean
such in the French servise as wer natives of our oune country,
amongst wich ther was several pretty gentlemen of my
acquaintance, and some my relations, in particular a brother of
Castlehils, Collenel Cuthbert. He was then Captain in Lord
John Drumond's regement. He is now Leuttenant-collenel
of the same, and Lord Lewes, Collenl in cheife. Ther was
allso one Captain Gray, a gentleman of a smal estate in
Sutherland, who has been a few yearss only serving in France.
foi. 1290. This gentleman confided much in my freendship as being ane
olde courteir of mine, and indeed at this time wod wilingly
renewed his claime. Ther was also a gentleman in the Spainish
servise, one Collenel Kendela, one of the best men I ever was
aquaint with. It was he that cam to the Islland of Bara in the
North Hylands, and landed the arms that were found ther.
These gentlemen had all a very great right to any favor I
could doe theme in ther destress. Nevertheless ther felow
prisoners depended as much upon my poor offices of freindship
as they did. In short from the 17 of Appril until the 29 of
July theraff'ter I never was two hours at a time in my own
house but while I sleept, stil going from prison to prison, and
from one great person to ane other soliciting favors for the
destrest. And indeed I was for some time very successful
therin. This Colonel Cuthberts, my relation, whom I men-
tion befor, was very intimat with Lord Lewis Drumond and
the French ambasader, whom we durst not at that time stile
so, but when we spok of him call him the Maurqekes. Thos
foi. 1291. two great men wer only prisoners at large, but our countrymen
wer confined in the keeping of the greatest tyrent in the whol
army, one Captain Aires, so that when at any time this cruell
man put them under any hardsiiip, wich he off'ten did, then I
hade recourss in ther name to Lord Lewis and the Ambasedr,
who did not fail in applying to Lord Albemarle, Lord Carcart
and others bearing command, demanding the eusage due to
prisoners of war. This procured the prisoners better treat-
ment, but mad this wicked man my great enemy, so that he
1746] MRS. LEITH AMONG THE PRISONERS 287
and others in power at that time took all occations of April
accusmg me.
It's true at that time non ells wod have ventured as I did.
Ther was neitiier man or woman in this place wold have
venturd to visit ther nearest relation in prison ; people wer so
chikoiiharted and so much afraid of ther intrest, that they
wold not visit even a brotlier. And indeed no wonder, as ther
was nothing but persecuting of everybody suposed to have a
good wish to that cause.
And so it hapened to me. As I was one day passing in the foi. 1292.
street, in my way to visit my destrest freinds, I was seased and
caryed prisoner by this Captain Airs, atended with some
screwed bynots, wich he told was by General Husk's orders.
Then I was narrowly searcht for letters or other papers, but
luckly non about me. I had no accses to my relations, having
forfiete tlier favor by my sentements, nor did I give them any
trouble on this occation ; but I found means to convoy a letter
to a true freend of our oune side, and not suspected. This
freend waited upon General Huske, and represented the un-
justice of Captain Airs proceeder, and told I was only a privat
widow gentlewoman, who had neither husband nor son capable
of rebellion, and that I only visit some of my relations who
wer prisoners of ware. Huske gave orders I should be released,
and protested he knew nothing of it ; so that at that time I
was soon liberat. But affter this I was three diffrent times
taken up again, but not confined above four hours at a time.
Lord Lewis Drumond took it very ill that I was so eused on
account of doing good to his distrest officers. By this time I fol. 1293.
had the honour of being pretty well acquainted with his lord-
ship. He was then very bad of his wounds, but his good
nattur stil allowed of being spok with on all occations. He
had very litle English, and I no French, but thr was allways
some gentlemen about him wich interpret betwixt us, and he
was so tuched with what I suffered, that he made intrest with
Lord Albermarle, and got my antagonest. Captain Aris, sus-
pendeed from his officse. He had the care of all the prisons in
toun, and surveyed them at all hours, but from this time had
no mor charge of them until the 29 of Jun, that they wer all
shipt for London to take ther tryal, and then he was sent along
288 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April. with them, to ther great greeff. But the prison houses were
no sooner emtyed but they were all ful again ; numbers taken
every day, amongest wich was Glenbueckit, younger, I mean
the blinde man. This gentleman was my husband's relation,
/oi. 1294. and I liad a very great concern about him ; his case called for
pitty. When he was taken he had neither mony nor servants to
take care of him, nor could he take care of himselfe, being blinde.
At his desire I went to every person in toun whome he had
formerly any trust in, but to no purpose ; for in this adversse
state non wod com near him, nor do him the least servise.
However, I got him som mony upon my oun credit, and I did
all that was in my power for him and those that wer in com-
pany with him. Ther was M'Kneal of Barra, a brother of
Loch Moidarfs, three Popish preists, and two of our tounsmen
taken up on suspicion, all in tlie same room, but they being
rebele prisoners, as they called theme, I hade not such free
accses to them as to the French officers. This was in the
month of July. The grand army was all at Fort Agustus.
Only tuo regments lay in toun, Blakeny''s and Battraw''s.
Genrel Blakny then commanded hear, a very strict man ;
he wod not allow any person to have the least intercourss with
prisoners. But ther was one Captain Collinwood, now Governor
of Fort Agustus, who luckely was an old acquaintance of Glen-
bucketts ; this gentleman mad intrest with Genrcal Blakny to
have me priviliged to visit the prisoners at all bowers that were
fo/. 1295. seasonable. I was said to be Glenbucketts relation, and he at
that time was in a very bade state of health. By this I had
the honour to be marked in their orderly book, and every day
as the gaurd was changed, the officer that mounted recived my
name, with orders to let me pass and repass, and allso my
servent, wich I most take the liberty to say was a great bless-
ing to the prisoners, wich many of them hes returned with
ingratitude.
Tho I have suffered in my health by the extraordinary fatigue
I had, and in my circomstance as far as it was capable of being
hurt ; but blessed be God, not in my caracter, save only that I
was commonly called the Grand Rebel. And altho I got many
enemys on this account, yet I hop I did only what was pleasing
to God and good men.
1746] NARRATIVE BY MRS. LEITII 289
My situation at this time was something better tlian it had July
been for some time before — Jun, fortyfive, when my unkle sent
for Sandy e, he was so good as send me forty e pounds ster-
ling to fitt him out, and to put me in some litle way of taking
care of the other. This litle mony I was indevouring to turn fol. 1296.
to the best advantage by trading a litle in a privat way, but
in a very short I reduced myself to my former straits by suport-
ing those I liave allready mentioned.
July the 29d. — All the prisoners then in toun wcr shiped 29 July
of again for London, so that the house was cleansed a second
time, and was emty for a night or therabouts. But as ther
was closs search everywher, ther was no day passed but ther
was some taken, and I stil had the misfortun to have some
acquaintance amongest them, and by being acquainted with one
or two of a number I always became a slave to the whole.
But now that the hurry was a litle over, maliciouse people had
the mor time to inspect the conduct of such as wer not of their
oune oppinion. Ther was some in place who mad it ther chief
business to inform againest every bodey they suposed to have
the least good wish to any that suffered in that cause, so that
ther was a plot laid againest me that was somwhat deverting.
Ther was one. Captain Dunlope, a Scotish man, who to his
shame be it spoken, was a very great persecuter. He belonged fol. 1297.
to Blakny's regment, and the GenraFs great companion. Ther
is also one, Mr. Cahoun, who is Fort-major in this place, a very
great vilan. This Cahoun told Dunlope that notwithstanding
my rebelliouse principels, that I was a sea officers widow, and
that I had a yearly pension of the Government. It seems they
had been told I was nece to Comisinary Geddess. They went
to severals in toun to learn from these if my husband died in
the Navy serviss, but they hapened to go to such as could not
rightly informe theme, wich oblidged theme to com to my selfe
to aske the question, wherupon I tooke occation to aske for
what reason they disyred to know in what servise my husband
died.
Dunlope told me he was sent by Genrel Blakeney, who hade
ane order frome the Crown to know if I was alive and in this
place, in order that he might draw my pention, as my name was
found in the list of the pentioner widows. I imediatly knew fol. 1298.
VOL. T1. ' T '
290 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
foi. 1298. it was stratagem, and truly I had the ill nattur to keep theme
in the darke, by making them a return in the following words :
I am indeed the person you inqueir about. I return you
thanks for the trouble you hav taken, and shal be mucli
obliedged to General Blakny when he maks good my pention,
as I need it very much.
Being then secure, as they thought, of working out their
desine, they straightway drew up ane information againest me,
wich they put in the hands of Genral Blakeny. The contents
of it was, that from the day of Culloden I had gon on in a
courss of treasonable practices ; that I was aiding and assisting
to the rebels who wer sculking about, and also conversing withe
such of them as wer prisoners ; that I had a pention frome the
Government, and that I passed for a widow, but was certanly
marryed to a French officer, and that I recived letters from the
prisoners at London, Carlile, and other places, with privat
intelligence for others. This information was sent to Lord
Albermarle, who then commanded at Edenbrough. His Lord-
ship sente it to London. In short ther was orders sent to the
Naveye offices to look the books for such a persons name, in
fol. 1299, order they suposed to have me cutt out of my pention, but
ther could be no such name found ther. So that finding out
ther mistake, my adversarys was the more incensed, and stil
sought occation againest me. General Blakeny sent to the
Post Office, stopt all letters derected to me, read them, some
of them they keept, others they sent me when they had pereused
them, wich I send you for ane amusement. Those youl see
subscribed John Gray, from Southwarke Goail, is the gentle-
man I mentioned befor who willingly wod have made me his
compainon for life. Those youl see subscribed Ultan Kindelan
is the Spainish gentleman I likways mentioned, one of the most
religious men I ever was aquainted with — ane Englishman
born.
But at last ther was an order to search my keepings, that is
trunks, or such like, for letters, but non found that I valowed
much, only a letter frome a particwaler freend, wrott in Lord
Seeforths house, but no name subjoyned, a coppy of wich I have
sent you, datted December lid., 1746, from the Land of For-
foU 1300. getfulness, as youl see. Ther was then an order given out that
I74<5] AMONG THE PRISONERS IN INVERNESS 291
no man, woman, nor child should be admitted to visit any Dec. .
prisoner, nor was any sargent nor corpcral allowed to keep the
keys of the prison as formerly, no, nothing less thane ane officer ;
and if those wer to disobey orders, it was to be at the perrel of
ther commission.
This order was strikly obeyed for some time, wich added
much to the miesery of the poor sufferers. But as it hapened
ther was a gentleman, ane officer of one of those regments I
mentioned befor, was my particular freind and welwisher, this
freind wod go any Icnth to serve me, and indeed he suffred
much u{)on my account. This gentleman is natturly good
humored, a mane of great parts, allways disposed to doe good
offices, and in fine a common welwisher to mankind.
His oun good disposition with his wilingness to serve me
occationed him to com to much trouble. He did all he could
to acomedat the poor gentlemen prisoners when it was his
turn to command the gaurd and to obleidge theme he off'ten foi. 1301.
mounted gaurd when it was not his turn on purpose to make
them easey ; also provided them in pen, inke, and paper wich
was expressly forbid them. By this means they comunicat
ther minds to me for I was stil ther soliciter genrel, and when
any of the weldisposed people of the town or country had a
mind to administer to the relieff" off* the poorer sort who wer
off'ten in great want, then it was sent privatly to my hand to
be delivered to theme. And when any of the poor gentlemen
wanted to see me, if it was once or twice a week, then this
freend of mine still ventered to bring me ther till at last it
was discovered.
Captain Dunlope, whom I have mentioned in the forgoing
leaves, bore him a very great spite for no other reason then
that he coresponded with me, so that he wached my frends
steps each day he had the gaurd so closs that one night when
we wer coming down the prison stairs my frend, Avho was then
officer of the gaurd was imediatly put under areast by the fd 1302.
Genrel's order, and then was tryed by a general Court Marshal.
He was suspended three months and was prisoner two, and
had he not had good freends he had certanly lost his commis-
sion. His tryal was sent to the King, and he stil prisoner
until the return therof. All the time of his confinraent I
292 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1747
e. March myselfe was very bad. You may beleve it gave me unexpres-
sable eonsern that any gentleman should suffer so much on my
account; altho** indeed he submitted to his tryal with so much
easeyness and greatness of soul that it was stil the mor shock-
ing to me ; for the extrem greeffe I was under gave him mor
pain then any rusk he run in loss of his comission, and all the
while durst not be known to corespond with me — that was
treason. Nevertheles we exchanged letters every day but with-
out any date or name ; but hou soon he was at liberty and
had his sword restored him he then visit me avowedly as
formerly ; and we stil corespond by letters. Some of these
short nots he wrot me in his confinment I send to you by way
foi. 1303. of voucher. Ther was also ane other officer of Blaknys rege-
ment, one Mr. Fraser, was brought to tryel on the same
acount, but upon examination was found inocent. I never had
the least aquaintance of him, nor did he ever admit me to visit
the sufferers. Therfor his prosecution was easey and he was
liberat in a fortnight.
Now about two months affter this came the order for liberat-
ing all the prisoners in general, wich gave me great pleasor, tho'
too late. I was now out of danger. But had my enemys got
ther desyr I had certaingly got the honour confered upon me
of being carryed to London state prisoner.
You may beleeve my unkle, who is on of the present comis-
sionarys of the Navy could not miss to be surprised at my
name being searcht for in the Navye books, as he wel knew I
had no right to that as my husband had never served in the
Navy ; wherupon I thought it advisable to writ hime least he
fol. 1304. should intertain any mistake to my disadvantage, told him
that I was called upon by General Blakeneys order, the ques-
tion was put to me if I was his neece and such a mans relict,
that they told me they had ane order frome the Crown to aske
about me wich mad me suspect they had some bade desine
againest me, it being a time that no person of the least charit-
able disposition could escape being taken notice of; that I
knew myselfe guilty of nothing but what was incumbent upon
me either by relation, frendship or gratutude ; that visiting
the poor prisoners was all they had to accuse me with, wich
was a duty upon every Cristiane, and that by reason of my
1749] NARRATIVE BY MRS. LEITH 293
narow circomestance I coukl not doe theme any material ser- May
vise ; yet the meanest person of any had it in their power
to doe some offices of kindness to those in destress wiche is
all that my persecuters can justly lay to my charge ; and that
if it was a crime it was such a one as he, I hopt wold easeyly •
forgive. However from that day until this I never received
one letter frome hime alltho I have wrot hime many, wich to f°^- ^305-
be sure is a very great loss to me — for at the time he sent for
Sandy he wrot to my Lady Braco that he intended to setle
sonithing upon me yearly, for he put to her ladysliip wither
she thought it fitt that he should give me a certain sum of
mony to put me in the way of busieness or give me so much
yearly. This letter my Lady Braco sent to me to consider of.
Allso he proposed taking all my sons hou soon they wer fitt
to be put to business, as you '1 see by my Ladys letter to me
when at Strathbogie, wich I have sent you, not that I doubt
your beleefe of what I say, but that youl be the mor certan
of the realty of what I have here wrot.
Ther is allso a letter of Glenbuckets since he cam home to
liis own place, wich youl see is wrot in a very gratful strain.
But this gentleman acts a quit contrary part. Not that I
disyred any of his favors, but have not yet got one shiling of foh 1306.
what I advanced for him, nor doe I beleeve I ever wil. It is
uncrediable what unjustice I have met with by many of theme
I did most for at that time. But I hop God will reward me.
Ther is nothing mor certan then that the maledy I now
labour under was brought upon me cheefly by the fatigue I
took upon me at that time, wicli I am afraid I never will get
the better of. Gods will be don.
The few verses youl see marked for and against was done by
the same person who was auother of the letter frome the Land
of Forgetfulness.
Copy of the other Letter from Mrs. Leith.
Dear Sir, — I have sent you what you disyrd but am afraid 29 March
it wil give you trouble to read it. But you know I am a very ^^49
294, THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
29 March bad pen-womaii, and indeed I did not chuse to have it done
by ane other hand. It goes by Sandy.
I shal be somwhat uneasey until I know hou these bafFels I
send come to your hand. They are not directed to any body.
fol 1307, Ther are not one sentence therin contained but real truth.
This with my blessing, wising you all maner of happyness, I
am, Dear Sir, Your most afFectionat humble servant
Sic suhscrihitur^ Ane Leith.
Inverness^ March 29, 1749.
P.S. — This being the shurest berer I could get in the world
mad me writ those sheets with the greater bury. Therfor I
hop youl excuse errors.
N.B. — Tlie originals of the two preceeding letters and
of the narrative from Mrs. Leith are to be found among
&
my papers. Robert Fokbes, A.M.
Copy of the Letter from the Land of Forgetfull-
ness, mentioned by JNIrs. Leith in her Narrative.
From the Land of For get fulness,
December the W, 1746.
II Dec. Youl easyly percive by our epistles that ther is neither
^74 grammer, Dictioner, nor spelling books in this venerabl Castle.
But without consulting Dictioners its known all over the world
that Astrea was overpowered Spring last, and fled a land un-
worthy of her who spurnd the bless that courted them.
Mrs. Leith's epistle mad me dream last night of tlie saccred
fol. 1308. person againest wich ther is no Act of Parlement, I hop.
Methought I saw Astrea descend from the fair feilds of light
to remount her forfathers thron wich was suported by law and
loyalty upon wich she satte by the love of her piople and held
the silkin reines of goverment, and with benevolence and
clemency began to weild the septer of vertue and honour,
while wisdome derected her hand to reward merit and punish
vice. Beneath her sway flourised liberty, wealth, peace, truth
and love. Content and joy appeared in every face, — when by
1746] COIIRESPONDENCE WITH MRS. LEITH 295
Astrea, bribery, corruption, foctious strife, falshood, luxery n Dec.
and every licencious vice was banished fur from her court,
wher wrongs was redress'd and the afflicted found a freind ;
wlier the widows tears were dryed and the orpahan found a
father.
But Ah ! how soon the scene was changed when Astrea with
her faithful few took the feild againest her enemys, and spite of
a stout resistance was defeat, and forssed to fly befor the arme
of un justice. Then murder, rapin, ruin and desolation ensued.
The fatal moment no age nor sex escape. Ane universal misery
deluge all. When Astrea with a few that escaped the genrall
wreck fled to the mountains, and being the peculiar care of
heaven, was preserved for happyer days undaunted amidest f"^- 1309-
adversity and great in their sufferings ; secur in this that
Haven is just and they are but tryed, not punished ; and wil
one day shine forth a glorious example to bless her piople. I
could have wished to have slept til I had seen her restored to
her throne but was unluckily awaked by breakfast bell. I
disyr no more folioues of blank paper eles I wil send my evil
genious to haunt your apartment, and you shal have no peace
at hom nor satisfaction broad. Adew.
N.B. — The copy of the above in the handwriting of
Mrs. Leith is to be found among my papers. I received
all the letters mentioned by Mrs. Leith in her Narrative
as sent to me, and they very fully instruct her great care
and concern for the distressed gentlemen, and her season-
able acts of compassion and pity performed to them.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a Letter to Mrs. Leith at Inverness, m 1310.
Scotland.
Dear Madam, — After a tedious passage wee arrived here 28 June
the twenty-first instant at Southwarke Goall, wher your friend ^^"^
the Collonell, Mr. Glasgowe, and two more French offichers
and I are confined in lusty fetters that may weigh fourty
pounds each. Wee are at a loss to learne the reason whey wee
296 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
28 June have thus harss treatment more than our brother offichers who
are lodged in the Marshalley prisson unfetterd. Meenwhile
its the current oppion the Court will hold the cartell unviol-
able with France. I feell now the loss of such a valuable
friend as you in my present distres.
Wee suspect Captain Earess recommend us to have thus
ussage.
Im most uneassy to know your present state of health wich
will infinitly relive, Dear Madam, Yow weell wisher and sin-
cere friend, Sic subscribitu?; John Guay.
London, 28 Jun 1746.
foi. 1311. Copy of a Letter to Mrs. Leith, to the care of
the Postmaster of Inverness, Scotland.
20 Sept. Dear Madam, — Last Munday I was favoured with yours of
1746 the 5 instant.
God be praised, Im now pretty weell recovered as to my
health, only my fetters and the toothache does frequently
exercize my patience, and were I of the oppinion of Fithagorus
as to the transmigration of souls I shud thinke my former
station behived to be no less than Sovereaigne of Turkic, or
some dispoticke Assiaticke monarch. Such is my hard treat-
ment in my present station. With the first opportunity shall
make your complements to your coussin the CoUonell. Mr.
Olephant desires to be kindly remembered to you as doth.
Dear Madam, Your most obedient humble servant.
Sic subscribitur, John Gray.
Southwarke Goall, 20 September 1746.
N.B. — I thought fit to make out the two preceeding tran-
fol. 1312. scripts (the originals of which are to be found among my
papers) as vouchers of the treatment some of the French
officers met with when brought to London. For it is worth
remarking that (after all the harshness used against them) they
were at last exchanged, even Captain Hay not excepted, upon
whom sentence of death was passed at Carlisle.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 297
Copy of a Letter to the Revd. Mr. John
MacLachlan in Argylesliire.^
My dear Sir, — Your kind and obliging letter of August 19 May
24tli I received not till November 20tli, and till now I could ^^"^^
never meet with an opportunity of acknowledging the favour.
Herewith you '11 receive a book in a present which I have
had lying by me for a long time, till a proper bearer should
cast up, and at last (being wearied with waiting) this honest
cock " came in my way, who was my fellow prisoner.
I must beg leave still to importune you to favour me with a
narrative of such facts (within a certain period of time) as you foi. 1313.
can have well vouched. For you cannot readily fail at last to
make up a collection of remarkable occurences, as your place
of abode is well situated for such a purpose. But be sure to
let me have your commands by some sure private hand, and
not by post ; for they still have the custom of making open
letters at post offices. I am as busy as ever in making up a
collection, and am still meeting with a fresh pacquet from one
correspondent or another. But when I may come to an end of
collecting I know not.
We have really no news here that one can depend upon, and
therefore they are not worth mentioning.
I heartily thank you for your kind remembrance of me, and
sincerely am. Reverend Dear Sir, Your most affectionate
brother, and very humble servant, Robert Forbes.
May \Wi, 1749.
By the forementioned Mr. Alexander Leith I received a foi. 1314.
letter from the Revd. Mr. James Hay at Inverness,^ a
copy of which is as follows : * —
Reverend dear Sir, — Silence cannot be my fault since its 14 March
owing, I do assure you, to a disapointment. I applyed, timely, '''^^
^ See f. I129. ^ Archibald MacLachlan,
^ See ff. 1 120, 1284. ■* Printed xa. [acobite Memoirs, p. 244.
298 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
14 March to one, wlio hase, I am told, a greater stock of materials than
any, who, and several times since, promised what I wanted.
The last return I got was that my orders should be soon
obeyed, when you may expect all the return in my power.
Let me know if I can send them with the common post.
All your friends mind you with great esteem. I ever am
yours. Sic subscribitur, Ut Ante.
March Uth, 1749.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
/ol. 1315. According to the promise contained in the preceding
letter I received by a private hand (Mr. Patrick Baillie) a
large pacquet on Friday, May 12th, 1749, from the
foresaid Revd. Mr. James Hay, which pacquet contained
15 pages (quarto) in the handwriting of said Mr. Hay,
and 11 pages (folio) in the handwriting of some other
person whom I knew nothing about. But (perhaps) he
may be the one mentioned in the preceding Letter.
Here follows an exact copy of the 15 pages (4to) in
Mr. Hays's own handwriting.
16^ April One of the dragoons who came first into Inverness after the
battle of Calloden oblidged a servant maid to hold his horse in
a closs and then he followed two Low Country men into a
house where he hash'd them with his broad sword to death.
The maid heard their lamentable cryes, and when he came out
he was all blood. Poor men ! they had no arms.
At the same time some of these dragoons found a gentleman,^
/oU 1316. who was highly distressed with a fever, not able to stur from
his bed, and there they cut his throat. He and the other two
were sometime unburied, for none durst venture to do it. Ther
was a poor beggar killed on the street.
The prisoners were in a most miserable condition, being
stripped of their cloaths when taken. They were sent to
prisons, and some had not wherewith to cover their naked-
^ This is more circumstantially narrated by Mr. Francis Stewart, vol. v.
f. 1091, e( sej. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] THE PRISONERS AT INVERNESS 299
ness. No regard had to the cryes of the wounded or to the i6 April
groans of the dying. No surgeon allow'd to apply proper
remedies for their care or recovery, and when any of these
were in the same unhappy circumstances their instruments
were taken from them that they might give no relief It
was reckon'd liighly crimenal and very dangerous to give them
anything, even water. The servant maids had more then
common courage. They did (men and boys being allowed to
go to the prisoners, but the guards were dischargd upon their
peril to let any of them out) all that was possible for them,
tho"* they were sure of maletreatment. And Anna M'Kaye,^ a
poor woman, descended of very honest substantiall people in
the Isle of Sky, who had her house and effects of a consider- M 1317-
able value burnt, as was attested by the best in that island,
made it her chief bussiness to get for and carry to the prisoners
every thing that possibly slie could; so that she was justly
called the prisoners"' nurse. When Mr. Nairn made his escape,
sad and dismall was the treatment she met with. Poor woman !
what small effects she had got (she being in town sometime
before) was taken from her, and she was carried to the guard
among a house full of sogars, and the orders were that she
should not be allowed to sitt or ly down, and in that condition
she was keept for three days and three nights. The common
language she was intertaind with she will not nor cannot
express. She was at five court martialls, had many promises
and many threatings, such as scourging to tell who had a hand
in Mr. Nairn''s escape. She was keept seven weeks thereafter
in common prison and contracted a swelling in her legs that
she 11 never get the better off,
Murdoch M'Raw was taken in or near Fort Augustus,^ who fo^- 1318.
had no concern in the Highland army. (He was nearest rela-
tion to the chieftain of that name.) Being sent prisoner to
1 See f. 1 1 24, where this story is more minutely told. The agreement or
sameness of circumstances in the narratives of Mr. Hay and Mr. Stewart is the *
more remarkable, as I never allowed Mr. Hay to know that I had got anything
from Mr. Stewart, who went from Leith to London and from London to Caro-
lina, so that Mr. Hay and he had no opportunity of comparing notes together —
an undeniable proof of the truth of the facts. I take the same fact from ten
different hands if I can have it from so many. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
■^ Seef. 1 121.
300 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April Inverness, where he was not above one hour, when he was
hang'd at the Cross on the Apple tree. The only thing they
alledgM against him, that he was a spy, which he positively
deny'd and when they put the rope about his neck, he believing
they did it for diversion said, You have gone far enough, if
this be jest. He was keept hanging there naked a night and
the most of two days. He appeared all the time as if he had
been sleeping, his mouth and eyes being shut closs, a very un-
common thing in those who die such a death. Sometimes they
coverd, at other times they uncoverd his secret parts and
whiped the dead body for their diversion.
Eavan M'Kay^ was taken in the Highlands by a whig teacher
with letters in French or cyphers, and was sent into town where
he was most barbarously and inhumanly treated. Being asked
from whom he had and to whom he was going with the letters,
to which he giving no answer, got five hunderd lashes, being
foi. 1319. ty'd to a stake, and then sent to prison again. Some days
after he got five hundered more, and they threatn'd to whip
him to death if he would not discover what they wanted.
None durst go nigh him while in the pit with any necessary ;
and when they threw down a pound of meal, which was all the
allowance given to any one of the prisoners, it was found un-
touch'd, he being sickly, full of sores, and most barbarously
struck by one of the sogars with the butt of his gun in the
breast, of which he complain'd while he lived. At last he was
carryed to the Tolbooth. One there said to him that he was
a great fool not to discover what he knew, to which he gave a
noble return : You are the fool. It signifies nothing what
they can do to me (Let them do the worst) in respect of what
could be done to those from whom I had and to whom I was
going with the letters. Their deaths would be great loss, but
mine will be none. His father and he had considerable effects,
and all were taken, and the poor father was begging in the
foi. 1320, town that very time, but durst not say that he was his son. A
charitable person, when he died, sent word that if they would
allow his body one hour to lie unburied a coffin and grave
cloaths would be got ; but that was refused. Being carryed
^ Mackvee, says Stewart, f. 1122.
1746] TREATMENT OF JACOBITE PRISONERS 301
to the grave by two or three beggars a sogar went and thrust April
liis bayonet several times into the body to try (as he said) if
the rebell was dead.
Jo. Eraser, then present provost/ was taken from denncr by
an officer and musquetiers to Cumberland's stable, where he
was orderd to clean it. He said lie never cleand his own.
He was oblidged to gett men to do it, and there stay for some
hours untill they had done.
Provest Hosack, with the majestrates, having gone to the
levie to pay their complements, hearing orders given to shut
the ports that no rebell might escape, and that the meeting
house should be burnd and the man who preaclid in it, said he
hoped they would mix mercy with judgment. Upon which
they said, 'D n you puppie, do you pretend to dictate here."'
They orderd him to be kickd down stairs. Accordingly he was
tossd to the stair head from one to another, and there one of a foi. 1321-
considerable character gave him a toss that he never touchd
the stair untill he was at the foot of the first flate of it. These
two gentlemen were ill rewarded,^ for none could be more
attached to the Government than they were. But they had
compassion on the distressed and oppressed which was then ane
unpardonable crime of the deepest dye. When the orders
about the meeting house were given by Halley, Husk said that
it should be taken down and the timber given for the ovens,
which was done.
Its not possible to find out the certainty of the poysoned
bread. I was told by a person of credite, that a woman in
great want saw them burying bread, which afterwards she took
a part of, and she and her two children did eat of it and all the
three were dead within 24 hours. One of C d's sogars said
there were some wagons with poysoned bread, and ane gentle-
man belonging to his army told the same, for he would not, he
said, midle with there bread. This is all I can learn about it.
A gentleman who was long prisoner in Inverness told me foi. 1322.
that he saw an officer, winter '46, when it was excessively cold
1 See ff. 380, 1378.
2 Lucky indeed ! for I had it from one of Inverness that lists of the disaffected
were made up, but this treatment prevented any information of the kind. —
Robert Forbes, A.M.
302 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April and the fireing so scarce that the inhabitants had the greatest
difficulty to get any at the greatest price, when the prisoners
many times were crying that they woidd sterve with cold, give
half a crown to the sogars to go in a very cold night and
extinguish the prisoners fire and light, which they did accord-
ingly. All the officers of Blackney's regement, except three,
were extremely cruel, but none exceeded Captain Dunlope,
who occasioned the prisoners much misery ; he being Black-
ney's advicer, who being a man of a timorous disposition,^ was
affraid to leave undone what he, Dunlope, thought proper to
be done. Collonell Leightown was like an infernall fiand when
Mr. Nairn made his escape, and was one of poor Anna M'Kayes
greatest persecuteors, who sometimes offerd her severall guineas,
and promisd to do great things for her if she would tell who
assisted Mr. Nairn, and who were in the knowledge of his
foi. 1323, escapeing. At other times he threatnd her in a terrible
manner with severall punishments, particularly scourgeing.
But all proved in vain.
When an account was given that there were many wounded
in houses on the field of batle the orders given were that the
houses should be burnt and all within them, and if any ofFerd
to come out that they should be shot. Its impossible to know
what number suffered. There were three tennants' houses
and all their office houses. The first that venturd to go near
that place saw most shocking sights, some of their bodies boil-
ing and others lying with the marks of their rufFels, which
when they touched they went into ashes.^
Orders were given on the Fryday to ane officer, Hobbie, or
such a name, that he should go to the field of batle and cause
carry there all the wounded in the neighbouring houses at a
miles distance, some more, some less, and kill them upon the
field, which orders were obeyed accordingly. When these
foi. 1324. orders were given at the levie, an officer who was well pleased
1 Not only so, but likewise of a most peevish, tyrannical disposition, to my
certain knowledge and experience, of which I may come to give some instances
when I have more leisure [see fF. 1125, 1296].— Robert Forbes, A.M.
- I well remember that Mr. Frances Stewart in conversing with me upon these
dismal matters, mentioned this circumstance of the ruffels and their turning into
ashes when touched [see also ff. 1087, 1090, 1376].— Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] BARBARITIES AFTER CULLODEN 303
told it to his comrades. One of tliem replyd, 'D m him April
who had taken that order.' He could not do ane inhumane
thing, tho no mercy should be shewn to the rebels.
An officer was heard more than once say that he saw that
day seventy-two killed, or, as he termed it, knocked in the
head. He was a young captain.
An officer upon his return from seeing the field of batle
told he saw a beautiful young man ^ cjuite naked and mortally
wounded, who begged of him that he might shoot him, which
shockd the officer who said, ' God forbid, how can you imagine
that ? ' He replyed that he had seen seventeen shot by an
officer and those who were orderd by him. The officer gave
^ Upon reading this paragraph I plainly saw that MacDonald of Bellfinlay
behoved to be the person meant in it [see ff. 707, 1171, 1212, 1234], and, there-
fore, I waited upon Bellfinlay in the Canongate (he being still confined with the
sore leg), at 12 o'clock on Tuesday, May 23d, 1749, when I read in his hearing
the above paragraph, and asked him particular questions about all the circum-
stances contained in it, to which he gave me plain and distinct answers. Bellfinlay
said that he himself behoved certainly to be the wounded person meant in the said
paragraph, but that it was not literally true that he (Bellfinlay) desired the officer
(Hamilton) positively to shoot him, for that he earnestly begged Hamilton io
have pity upon him or to dispatch him. To which Hamilton answered, ' Be not
afraid. I don't believe the sogers will shoot you.' To this Bellfinlay replied,
' How can I expect that they will spare me more than those whom they are now
dispatching? ' But Bellfinlay mentioned not seventeen or any particular number.
Then it was that Hamilton gave Bellfinlay a cordial dram (as Bellfinlay himself
termed it), and interposed for his preservation. After this Bellfinlay was put
upon a horse (not like a sack, but) astraddle, and was carried to a tenant's
house in the neighbourhood where there were wounded redcoats, etc. From
this house he was taken next day in a cart, and on his way to Inverness he fell
in with Robert Nairn in another cart, and both of them were thus driven to the
door of the Church in Inverness, where there were many prisoners confined.
But the sentry would not allow them access, telling that his orders were ' to allow
access to no person whatsomever.' Then they were driven (being still quite
naked) to the hospital, where the nurse received them with great tenderness,
making a bed for them near the fire, as she looked upon them to be of Cum-
berland's army ; but next day when the surgeons came their round and took a
note of their names, then the nurse became very surly and ill-natured, and re-
pented of her kindness to them. The surgeons reported them to some principal
officer, who immediately gave orders to remove them out of the hospital (where
they had been only one night), and one, Captain Sinclair, of General Ruth's
regiment, who had been in the hospital before them. All the three were carried
to a cellar below Anne Mackay's house, and orders given to take the blankets
from them which they had gotten in the hospital. In three weeks Sinclair was
removed to a room, having only a slight flesh wound. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
304. THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April him a dram, which he greedily took, and no wonder, and put
[him] Hke a sack upon a horse and carryed to an house where
there were wounded redcoats, who were most disagreeable
neighbours to him. From that he was carryed to an hospitall,
and therafter to Anna M'Kays house where there were very
poor intertainment, but she did all she possibly could for him.
By her care he was preservd, and is now healthy and strong.
foi. 1325. When the redcoats wounds were dressd by ane surgeon
one of the P 's men beggd he might dress him ; to which
foi. 1326. he replyed that he would willingly do it, but it was to no
purpose for he would be shott the morrow, which made the
poor distressed crawl ^ in the night on his fours an incredible
distance, by which means he escaped.
Its most surprising, and never can be accounted for how the
wounded, quite naked, and without any kind of nourishment,
lived so long in the open fields, the season being very cold.
One instance is most remarkable of one - who was disabled in
botii legs, and sadly wounded in many other places, particularly
a sogar struck him on the face with the butt of his gun which
dung out his eye. When the generall massacre was he lay as
if dead, and on the Saturday an officer viewing the field
cryed were there any of them in life, to which he answered.
The officer gave him half crown, and orderd him to be carryed
to an house, where the redcoats mockd and ridiculed him, sur-
prised to see such a sad spectacle, gave him halfpenny at
parting. But the inhumane, ungenerous, most barbarous
canibells rob'd him of all he got. After staying some dayes
there he was carryd to his friends, and is now going on
crutches.
foi, 1327. As it is very wonderfull that these men sadly wounded, lying
in the open air without any nourishment for so long a time,
its no less wonderfull that when any of the bodies were coverd
some dayes after their death, for none durst do it in a proper
■^ This I have before heard of by report, and that this particular instance
happened on the field of battle, from which the poor wounded man crawled by
favour of the dark night.— Robert Forbes, A.M.
^ Here, no doubt, is meant the singular instance of John (Alexander) Fraser
whose story is more exactly narrated than above at ff. 1239 and 1372.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
1746] BARBARITIES AFTER CULLODEN 305
time, or carry them away, — I say its wonderfull that one was c AprH
taken up twenty dayes after, and another twenty-eight dayes,
and were without any corruption or smell in the least, as if
they had dyed only tliat day they were taken up. But one
exceeds all very much. A country man at the distance of two
miles from the field, who had no concern with the Prince, was
shot standing at his own door, where they were oblidg''d
to dig the ground and lay him, for none durst carry him to
his burial place. Many months thereafter his wife was dis-
turbed in her sleep with a voice crying, Take up my body and
burry it. This she told to her friends the first and second
time, for which they mocked and upbraided her. But the
third time she told them she would do it if she should carry
the corps on her back, and about Christmas he was taken up
fresh, and carryd to his grave. This being very strange, thought fol 1328.
it proper to acquaint you. She was never disturbed since.
A young gentleman of distinction mortally wounded lying
on the ground was enquired at by Cumberland to who he be-
longd ? To which he replyd, To the Prince. Then he orderd
one of his great men to shoot him, which he refusd to do ; and
then another who said he would not, nor could not do it.
Then he applyd to a common sogar, who obeyd him.
No doubt you have heard of a woman in the Highlands when
in labour of child with 9 or 10 women. A party acquainted
their commander of it, who orderd that the house should be
burnt with all who were in it. This, when told by a Collonel,
who was there but had not the command, cryed and shed tears
that such a barbarous action should be committed by any who
were called Christians.
M'Gillavryof Delcrombie, whowas not ingag'd with the Prince,
being at two miles distance from the field of battle without any
arms, was attacked by dragoons, who oblidged him to cast of
all his cloaths and give them to them to prevent their dis- fol. 1329,
mounting, his cloaths being too good for them to part with ;
and then they shot him dead. If they had had but swords and
he one, he would have given 2 or 3 of them enough of it.
The men of Glenmoristown and Urquhart ^ were advised to
1 See ff. 1678, 1680.
VOL. II.
306 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
c, April go to Inverness and deliver up their arms upon solemn promises
that they should return safe with protection, which incourag'd
also those who were not ingag'd to go. How soon they went
there they were put into a church, keept there closs prisoners
for a few dayes, and then put into ships for London. The few
that liv'd with their sad treatment were sent to the Planta-
tions. To whom the breach of this promise is owing lyes a
secret betwixt the mercifuU generalP and beloved knight,^
for the one asserted he had allowance to do so, and the other
refused, so that every body will be in a strait which of these
good men's words they can doubt of.^
The horses, cowes, and calfs, ewes and lambs, goats and kids,
fol. 1330. were taken out of my Lord Lovafs country, the Aird and
Glenmazerin,* and keept sterving and crying, which was not
agreeable to hear or see. The common treatment they mett
with was a stroak from the sogars, with D — m your soul, you
rebells. These poor creatures deserved to suffer, being highly
criminall, and if any of them were sent with the great flocks
from the Highlands, they (like the ill-gotten penny) infected
and consumed all their kind in England, and no wonder, for
many innocent persons were deprived of their all.
Six or seven weeks after the battle of Culloden the party
commanded by Major Lockart in Glenmoriston shot two old
and one young man, a son of one of the former, when they
were harrowing and expecting no harm.
Grant of Daldrigan, who took no concern with the Highland
army, was ordered by Lockart (his house being surrounded by
sogars) to gather his own and all the cattle in one part of the
country while Lockart was berrying and burning the other
part ; which being impossible for him to do against the time
that Lockart came back, he orderd him to be bound in hand
and foot, erecting a gallows, stript him naked, and would not
allow his nakedness to be coverd, and carried him to the foot
fol, 1331. of the gallows with the three corps of the men they had killed
the day before, like sacks across on three horses, and hung the
^ Here, no doubt, Mr. Hay means the Duke of Cumberland.
2 Here Mr. Hay certainly means the Laird of Grant, who is highly blamed in
this particular affair. [See f. 312]. — ROBERT Forbes, A.M.
3 See f. 1489. * See ff. 1680, 1682.
1746] BARBARITIES AFTER CULLODEN 307
three bodies by the feet in tlie gallows, and they at the c. April
same time would have killed Daldrigan had not Captain Grant
in Lowden's regiment prevented it. They would hardly allow
his wife time to take her rings of her fingers, but were going
to cutt of her fingers, having stript her of her cloaths, her house
and effects being burnt. And in the braes of Glenmoriston
a party there ravishd a gentlewoman big with child, and
tenants' wives, and left them on the ground after they were
ravishd by all the party. And Lockart on his way to Strath-
glass shot a man widing a water, with the Whig teacher's pro-
tection in his hand to shew him, without speaking one word.
And the whole party ravishd there a woman big with child,
and left her on the ground almost dead. All these are certain
facts which may be depended upon, being known by a person
of good credite.
Campbell, an officer of militia, who was a chamberlain to
Seaforth, with a party went to Eraser of Kilbokies,^ who was fol- 1332-
not with the Highland army, and burnt all his houses and
effects they could not take with them, and took 13 score of
catle with many horses of the best kind. His loss was valued
at 10,000 merks. And his wife being brought to bed 14 dayes
before, they forc'd her to fly with a daughter in fever to the
open fields where they lay that whole night being very cold.
For severall days they killed man, wife, and child many miles
from the field of batle. At 5 miles distance ane honest poor
woman on the day of batle who was brought to bed Sunday
before, flying with her infant, was attacked by 4 dragoons, who
gave her seven wounds in the head thro one plaid which was
eiffht fold and one in the arm. Then one of them took the
infant by the thigh, threw it about his hand and at last to the
ground. Her husband at the same time was chased into a
moss so far that one of the horse could not come out where his
rider shott him. The young infant who was so roughly male-
treat is a fine boy, and the mother recovered and is living.
Three days after the batle, at 4 miles distance, the sogers
most barbarously cut a woman in many places of her body, fol. 1333,
particularly in the face.^
1 See f. 1682.
2 This appears to be the same story with that in vol, v, f. 1089.
308 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
c. April I am promised some more facts in few dayes, but I did not
incline to lose the opportunity of this bearer.
Tho the running naked ^ be commonly reported I have not
got an account of the certainty. I beg you may let me know
when this comes to your hands.
Here ends the 15 pages (4to) in the handwriting of the Rev.
Mr. James Hay in Inverness.^
Here follows an exact copy of the 11 pages (folio) in the
handwriting of some unknown person.^
Sir, — It was out of no disregard to your desire that I was so
long wanting in performing my promise ; butt to tell the
truth, partly from laziness, but more from the reluctancey I
hade to renew my memory with that part of the tragedy I
fol. 1334, saw acted on the retreat from the batle of Culloden. Towards
which place severalls as well as me were goeing to bee only
spectators, and I am quite sure my innocencey would have
brought me to that sudden death that many came by in the
same way, not suspecting that there was a generall massacre
appointed. For as I was not concernd on either side I was
under no fear whither to meet the troops or Highlanders, and
accordingly I was resolved to goe forward. Butt luckly Grant,
on of the P ""s principall engineers, with whom I was well
accquanted, beggd of me to returne, as the cheass was pretty
near. And as it was by the speed of his horse he came off,
that he made his observe when att some distance, and saw
them distroy all and give no quarters, and as this is indisput-
ably true, its as certain that those orders were only given by
their generall when victory was determined on that side and
mercey claimed on the other — ane unparalleld instance among
the heroes of the wery heathens. And yet to shew that men
in a low rank may be possessd with great soulls when dirt and
mudd wear the starr, and that it was by such people of mag-
foi. 1335, nanimity and clemency the few that were preserved owed their
1 This refers to a story I have heard frequently reported, viz., that the
soldiers' wives and other women in the camp at Fort Augustus should (quite
naked) have run races, sometimes on foot, and sometimes mounted astraddle on
Highland shelties, for the entertainment of Cumberland and his officers. See
Scots Magazine for June 1746, p. 288, ist col, —Robert Forbes, A.M.
» See f. 1425. s See f. 1315.
1746] HUMANITY OF THE COMMON SOLDIER 309
lives, I cannot butt mention on singular and particullar instance c April
of it which I hade from one Mackenzie, serveing John Grant of
Whitera in Strathspey, att least stayes in the family, where he
has been for 12 or 14 years now, only fitt for herding or
running errands, occasiond by ane imposthume in his hands,
and as an idler followd the P "'s armie as they past that
county, and stayd with them at Inverness till the day of the
batle, att which time he was employd in takeing care of some
people's horses or baggage ; but in the retreate some of the
dragoons came up with him to whom he cryd for mercey and
protection, extending his hands, to which one of them answerd,
I see, my friend, thou art more ane object than a fighting man,
therefore I will preserve your life as my prisoner. So loose
that belt that's about your middle and runn it about your
hand by the buckle, which when done, he took hold of the
other end, and leading him in that way a good distance, some
of his commrads came up with him in the time, calling him by fol. 1336-
name, which I might remember, as its Scotish, 'D m,
whey doe you preserve the life of a rebell contrair to orders ?'
And when some of them attempted the takeing of it he calld
that non should, butt at the expense of his, seeing that he was
his prisoner, and that he would account for his conduct ; and
at the same time telling that he committed no murder that
day, for which he thanked his God, butt that when the affair
was in dispute he fought as well as any of them, and that if he
was the D of C d hee would ashume more honour and
glory in takeing no life butt what was killd on the field of
batle.
Now, as to the generalls, thers a circumstance as odd with
respect to their tyrrany which I hade from no worse author
then a favourite of the generall, and a partizan in that cause,
and quartermaster to SempiFs regiment, that as he hade a
command that day upon horseback he was concernd in the
cheass ; that about two miles from the feild of batle he came
with a gentleman staggaring in his wounds, to whom he spoke
the language of his dress. On which the poor gentleman tooke fol. 1337.
hold of the skirt of his coat, wheer he shewd me his blood, and
then earnestly beggd he would protect his life, which, in
consequence of his wounds, could not last long, butt that he
310 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
16 April would use that time in recommending'^his soull to God. Butt
that a certain generall came up att the time, nameless as he
termd him, cryd out, — ' D m you, Shaw, doe you mean to
preserve the life of a rebell ? ' Upon which he found it
necessarrie to give the spurr to his horse, and forsake his
suplicant, whom he saw in ane instant cutt to pices. The
i8 April third day after the batle I intended to have gone the lenth of
the feild, butt on travvelling litle more than a mile I Avas so
chockd with the dismall sight I saw in that distance of the
carnage made on both sexes that I returned. And prety near
fol. 1338. Stonyfeild I saw a beggar,^ with his meall pock about his neck,
and att a half miles distance from that a woman stript and
laid in a wery undecent poustour, some of the other sex and
their privites placed in their hands. On my returne I came by
the King's Milns and discoursd some of that people att whose
doors there were 12 or 14 corpse lying all stript, and some of
them laid in undecent powsters. And when I, under my
breath, or with a low voice, said that it was an ugly sight, I
was answerd that it was as much as their lives were worth to
disaprove of it. Nor was it butt the smalest part of the crewell
scenes their eys and ears were disturbd with for upwards of
24 hours. For as they were eywitnesses to the massacre made
one these unlucky people, they were likewise unhappy in hear-
ing their crys and groans for a whole night and a good part of
the next day when they could not offer or give the assistance
some of them wanted and called for, and that both officers and
soldiers desird they should ly there and die in paine and
fol. 1339. missery. They at the same time told me that they hade a
wounded woman in one of their housess, and ane infant whom
they found at his mother's breast when she was dead, and
when the soldiers killd her that they hade carried the infant
severall yards from the dead body, butt that it hade crawld
afterwards to it. I saw twixt the Kings Milns and John
Clark's park a boy betwixt 10 and 12 years of age and his
head clowen to his teeth. I was told by some of the Strath-
spey men, or Grant's militia, that on their way to Inverness,
severall days after the battle, particularly by Grant of Miln-
^ Some word must be omitted here. It was so in the original.— R. F., A.M.
1746] BARBARITIES AFTER CULLODEN 311
town, that he observed ane old beggar, pretty near the Watter April
of Nairn, and not farr from the common road, his fingers
chopt oft', and severall cutts in his head, lying dead unstript,
because all tlie cloaths he hade were not worth twopence for
any use, and that he belived he was upwards of fourscore. As
he hade neither tooth in his head, and litle or no hair on it,
and that owino; to his a^e as he belived. Hee likewise observed fol- 1340-
a dead woman, and according to the best of my memory, it was
eiglit (lays after the batle he observed these corps.
I was committed to the D — — gaurd, where I lay eight days
and even in that bounds I saw enough of tyrrany and oppres-
sion, a part of which was acted against a widow gentlewoman,
a young lady sent from the country to her education and
boarder with the woman, and the servant maid, all three lying
in the common gaurd room for 12 or 14 dayes exsposd to all
the ruddness these polite people inclind to shew, for they hade
not as much as the benefite of a place for the ordinary private
conveniency. I was from thence transported to their maine
gaurd, and then to the Provo's, where I lay about four weeks
on ane information that I was disaffected, and assisting the
rebells. Butt bee the time I was committed to this last prison
they were a good deall fallen from their raige and furry, so fol. 1341.
that tlie unluckie people that were quite stript hade gote some
duds to cover a part of their nakedness, such as soldiers old
vests and britches, which indeed made them very happy, par-
ticullarly one Linsay,^ a young man from Perth, who was
decked up in a wery odd dress, all of his own spinning, for he
hade not a thread left on him either of wooll or linnen cloath,
so that he very artificiely coverd himself with ropes wrought
of straw, and indeed I can never think of it without laughing.
And no wonder, for those in the most dejected condition coud
not forbear smilling at the sight of this uncommon dress.
No physician or surgeon were admitted for some weeks to fol. 1342.
any of the geoalls where the wounded lay,^ and altho Lauther
^ I know this gentleman. His name is James, second son to Lindsay of
Dowhill. He was a shoemaker in Perth, and joined Lord Strathallan's corps.
He was carried to London, where he was condemned, but at last he obtained a
remission, and is now living in London following the business he was bred to, and
he meets with great encouragement. — Robert Forbes, A.M. ^ See f. 1316.
312 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
May and Rattrie ^ of Edinburgh were prisoners in the same house
with me where wee hade some gentlemen miserably wounded,
particullarly on Cammron of Callard, yet these two gentlemen
were at the perrill of their lives discharged to give the least
assistance or direction about the dressing of any mans wound.
I was at last sent on board one of the shipps where I saw every
foi. 1343. one in the most deploreable condition, particullarly the com-
moneality who amounted to about 4 score or 100, all confined
to the hold, lying and sitting on the bare stones that were
ballast, all of them in a most sickly condition, and some dicing
every day. There was a ladder to carrie up such as were able
to step and discharge nature in the common way thafs used
aboard, butt there were a great many that coud not attempt
the ladder with weakness, and severalls that did come up hade
greet defficulty to performe the journey, throw the same infir-
^ John Rattray, brother to Craighall, and surgeon in Edinburgh. After the
fatiguing march towards Nairn and back again to Culloden, Mr. Rattray had
gone to Inverness, and thrown himself upon the top of a bed, and was asleep
when the action began. Some persons upon hearing the cannonading awaked
Mr. Rattray, who made all the haste he could towards the field, but in his way
he met Sir John MacDonald (an Irishman), to whom he said, ' Sir John, I need
not ask you a question, for I see by your countenance how affairs have gone.
If you think I can be of any use I will go forward to the field of battle.' To
which Sir John answered, ' For God's sake, Mr. Rattray, go not, for they are
hewing down all before them, and are giving no quarters, and it is not possible
you can be safe. You had therefore best return with me to Inverness, for as I am
a French officer I have nothing to fear, and I am to give myself up as their prisoner.
And as you attended the army only as a surgeon, you have as little to fear, and
therefore you may deliver yourself up with me.' Mr. Rattray did so, and when
standing on the street of Inverness my Lord Cathcart (Mr. Rattray's acquaint-
ance) passing by, looked at him, and wagging his head, said, ' Mr. Rattray, I am
sorry to see you there; I am afraid it will go hard with you.' This made Mr.
Rattray lay his account with the worst. Several of the officers came up to Mr.
Rattray and upbraided him saying, ' By G Sir, or D n, you, Sir, we know
well what you are, the Pretender's physician. If any one hang, you shall.' At
last he and Mr, George Lauder were put into the Church of Inverness where
many wounded and naked prisoners were ; but all their instruments and every-
thing that could be useful to the wounded were carefully taken from them. This
bore hard upon Rattray and Lauder, for they had the mortification to witness
the groans and moaning of the wounded, who stared them in the face and cried
for help from them when it was not in their power to give them the smallest
relief. Mr. Rattray and Mr. Lauder were removed from the Church to some
other prison in Inverness. When President Forbes came from Sky to Inverness
•he made his addresses to Cumberland on behalf of Mr. Rattray. At last with
1746] PRISONERS SHIPPED FOR LONDON 313
mity. There was a century placed on deck att the mouth of c. June
the hold, and when any of tlie prisoners attempted to come upp
the ladder to ask any necessarie without live ask'd and given or foi, 1344.
if as much as their nose appearVl for the benefite of the air, the
centurie made use of his ropes, or rather terme it catt with nine
tails, to such perfection, and with such crewelty that I have
seen them fall from tiie topp on the bare stones, where they
would ly for some time moaning, which gave fine diversion to
the soldiers and commander, for I have often heard him cry
out att the end of the tragedy : ' Well done, by G — d. Doe
your duty.'
When I got aboard I was orderd to get down to the hold,
which indeed frightnd me, butt upon strong solicitation I was
indulgd the fore castle, where a few that were taken up on the
same footing with me were indulgd too. And even there wee
coud not keep ourselves free of the vermin that the poor
much difficulty the President got a present of Mr. Rattray to do with him what
he pleased ; but Cumberland soon took his word again. Upon Rattray's libera-
tion Lauder was in excessive distress to be left behind his companion, which
affected Rattray so much that he would not leave Culloden house till he should
see what could be done for Lauder. The President paid his levee a second time
in the way of request and procured Lauder's liberation. N.B. — The liberation
of Rattray and Lauder was the only favour the President ever received for his
extraordinary services, and yet he was soon affronted even in this matter. Mr.
Rattray came to Edinburgh on the i8th or 19th of May 1746, Mr. Lauder
having come to it some days before him. When Mr. Rattray was in Culloden
House, the President asked him many questions about the Prince, as to his
person, his looks, his manner, etc. At last the President spoke these words,
' Well, John, say on, as to his courage. ' Mr. Rattray in a surprise looked at the
President and answered, ' Courage, my Lord, I never thought his courage could
be called in question.' Soon after Rattray's and Lauder's arrival at Edinburgh,
a messenger was dispatched by Cumberland to make them prisoners once more,
and to carry them to London. Accordingly they set out for London on May
28th, 1746, and continued prisoners in a messenger's house till about January 7th
thereafter. The President in his way to Edinburgh got notice of their being
made prisoners a second time, which shock'd him not a little. After their
coming to London they found they were to be set upon to become evidences
and agreed between themselves that Rattray should speak all, Lauder being a
very free commoner. However the courtiers happening to say it was necessary
that there should be evidences, the Government could not be served without
them, there was nothing in it, etc. George could not hold his tongue. He said,
* Ay ! very true ! it is necessary to have a hangman, but who the devil would be
it ? ! ' A most pat saying and much to the purpose.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
314. THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
foi. 1345. people were overcome with. This and the dismall state they
c. June were in with respect to the want of health and even the
necessaries of life, for they hade no more then half pound
meall allowd each in the 24 hours for 4 or 5 weeks, which the
master and mariners declared that they belived not a man of
those poor people butt woud have died if they were keeptt 10
dayes longer on the same alloweance, and that accordingly he
and some of the other shippmasters hade represented this, and
that likewise they woud desert their own shippe rather then
soe many die throw famine. Upon which there was half pound
more meall allowed. I assure you theres nothing of this repre-
sented by me worse then it was, nor woud I belive that they
were soe wery ill if I hade not seen it with my eys. I was not
many minutes aboard when I begann to informe myself about
what treatment I might expect, and when I askd what they
did with the bodies of those people that were dicing, they told
me that I woud soon see that, for as there was one man in my
foi. 1346. sight almost dead and some others dicing, that the dead body
and liveing person woud probably be tyed together and thrown
ower. I was accordingly askd that evening to see this peace
of crewelty,^ butt as I hade not the resolution to witness it I
have taken that part on the testimonie of some wery honest
men aboard, such as one John Hossack of Fochabers, etc., who
were one board all the time the shipps lay here. I forget the
masters name, butt the shipp where he and I was, was the
Thaine of Fife.
Here end the 11 pages in folio.
N.B. — Both the original of the 15 pages in 4to and that of
the 11 pages in folio are to be found among my papers. They
have no date or subscription. Robert Forbes, A.M.
fou 1347. Copy of a Return to the Revd. JNIr. James Hay in
Inverness,^ by post.
13 May My dear Sir, — It is now high time to acknowlege my obli-
gations to you for the several repeated enquiries you have
lately made about me and my concerns.
1 See f. 1786. 2 See £.1425.
1749
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 315
Your kind letter of March 14th by Sandie licith I received 13 May
on April 7th and yesternight I was favoured with another
singularly obliging instance of your friendship, for all which I
return you my most hearty thanks, begging you may continue
the same friendly way of corresponding with me as occasion .
offers. I can assure you it adds to my happiness to have the
agreeable accounts of your own welfare and that of Mrs. Hay
and of the young family, and therefore indulge me in this
pleasure as frequently as you please.
Pray remember me in the kindest manner to all those with
you who are pleased to remember me.
My wife heartily joins with me in wishing all things good
and happy to you, Mrs. Hay, and the bonny bairns.
With much esteem and gratitude, I ever am, Reverend Dear
Sir, your most affectionate brother and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Leith, May 13^A, 1749.
Copy of a Letter to Mr. MacPherson of Strath- foi. 1348.
mashie. ^
Dear Sir, — It gave me pleasure to hear by the gentleman ^ 29 May
who will put this into your hands of your welfare and that of ^"^^^
all your worthy friends.
In my last to you,^ if I rightly remember, I begged the
favour of you to send me your account of the battle of Falkirk,
and of anything else worth remarking that happened to come
in your way. And now I renew my request, hoping you'll
comply with my desires by the first sure, private hand you
meet with.
When Breackachie did me the honour of a visit last summer
he was so good as to promise to give me a journal of a Certain
Young Gentleman's abode in Badenoch for about fourteen
days before his imbarkation for foreign parts. I flatter myself
1 See f. 890.
2 Mr. Duncan MacPherson at Laggan, a member of the General Assembly
for a second time. — Robert Forbes, A.M. * See f. 936.
316 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
29 May with the hopes of having this from him at his own leisure,
which I will look upon as a singular obligation. I wish
Breackachie can call to mind the day on which the Young
Gentleman came to Badenoch, and the day on which he left
"■oi. 1349. it, for I aim much at having dates fixed as precisely as possible.
I could likewise wish to have the names of those who accom-
panied the Young Gentleman, and took care of him during
the time he was in Badenoch ; what different places he took
up his quarters in from day to day ; how he passed his time,
what were the topicks of conversation, etc. etc. etc. ; for a
minute and circumstantial exactness ought to be carefully
observed in a history so singular and surprizing, that justice
may be done to every one, and that no part of the truth may
be omitted.
Present my most respectful compliments to Breackachie and
all other worthy friends ; and believe me ever to be, with
much sincerity and esteem, my dear Sir, Your most affectionate
friend and very humble servant, Robert Forbes.
Leith, May 29^/i, 1749.
foi. 1350. Copy of a Letter to the Right Reverend Mr.
Andrew Gerard, Aberdeen.^
3 June Right Reverend Dear Sir,^ — There is a story that I have
^749 heard narrated (oftener than once) as a fact, the truth or fals-
hood of which it is in your reverence's power to ascertain to
me, and it is this, that the Duke of Cumberland during his
abode in Aberdeen for six weeks lived in the house of Mr.
Alexander Thomson, Advocate, and made use of every kind of
provisions he found in the house, coals, candles, and the milk
of the cow not excepted, that when he was about marching
from Aberdeen he left two guineas of drink money to the
servants of the house without paying one farthing to Mr.
Thomson for the use of his house or for the provisions (the
property of Mr. Thomson) which he and his followers had
^ This is printed m Jacobite Memoirs, p. 207. ^ See f. 1380.
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 317
consumed ; that upon his marching from Aberdeen the said 3 June
Mr. Thomson should have found in one of his drawers a bag
containing an hundred guineas which the Duke of Cumberland
or some of his domesticks had forgot to take along ; that
immediately Mr. Thomson dispatched one of his own servants fol. 1351.
with the bag (express) ; that the servant delivered the bag safe
and sound to a principal officer in presence of the Duke of
Cumberland, and that the servant got not one farthing of
drink money for his pains.
Can your reverence give me any information about the
poisoned bread, which (as common report would have it) was
baked in Aberdeen .?i
I want much to have an exact account of the skirmish at
Inverury. I am persuaded that my old friend, Mr. Daunie
(to whom and his wife I beg to be kindly remembred), is one
of the fittest to gratifie me in this particular, as he was engaged
in that action. It is my wish to have every narrative as
minute and circumstantial as possible.
I have been for some time past making up a collection
of facts within a certain memorable period of time, and
have succeeded so well as to be already possessed of about one
hundred sheets, and I hope still to increase my stock of fol. 1352,
materials. I never yet attempted a correspondence in any
corner of the country but I happily (God be thanked) made
it out and accomplished my design, and frequently too with
persons whom I never looked in the face.
My wife joins with me in best wishes to your reverence and
Mrs. Gerard.
I beg to be favoured with your benediction and prayers, as
I have the honour to be, right reverend Sir, Your reverence''s
most affectionate son and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Le'iih., June Sd, 1749.
^ Aberdeen may have had an ill reputation for folk of this kind. There is a
case on record of a Spanish ship captain, in 1623, complaining to the Scottish
Privy Council of some of the inhabitants of this town endeavouring to bribe a
baker to poison him and his ciew. —[J?e^isier of the Privy Comicil, vol. xiii.
p. 169.]
318 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
foi. 1353- Copy of a Letter from Dr. Burton at York, to
me, Robert Forbes.
17 Sept. Dear Sir, — The favour of yours by our friend R.C.^ came
^"^^ safe to hand, for which I think myself obliged to you. I am
sorry I should be out of town the night our friend arrived, by
which I lost the pleasure of his company, except a little in the
evening before he went, when he did me the favour to sit
about an hour with me at my house ; and we were to have met
next morning, which I fancy he forgot, and by this means was
deprived of that opportunity of sending Mr. Carmichael the
money for the gowns. I went to seek him, but he was just
gone. I am sorry I lost that opportunity, because Mr. Car-
michael will thiuK me negligent ; but shall take the first
opportunity, or shall send to desire a person at Edinburgh to
pay him. I have an order for three more of the finer sort ;
but they must each contain seven yards, which please desire
him to send as soon as possible with the charge, which I shall
foi. 1354. faithfully remit with the other.
The history of my persecution is not yet published, the
delay being occasioned partly by the neglect, and partly by the
absence from London, of the person to whom it was sent. But
now I shall soon expect it, and shall directly send you some
down into Scotland.
I have here sent you the only things I think there can be
any, even the least, dispute of the truth off as mentioned in the
Prince's escape.
The facts mentioned from the last battle till the Prince's
return to the continent of Scotland I take to be all true as
represented, coming from the very persons concerned. What
happened from that time till the Reverend Mr. John Cameron's
Journal (I mean that part of it from his own knowledge)
begins, are the only facts to be disputed. I have therefore
herein mention'd the material facts, and if they be not true
1 Seef. 1066.
1748] DR. BURTON OF YORK ' 319
shall be glad to be set right, because I would not give the 17 Sept.
enemies to justice cause to find fault.
The first material thing which happened the Prince after his
return to the continent was the story told me by Mrs. M i35S'
C n while the Prince was conducted by Glenpane, and had
like to have fallen down the precipice in the fog.
The 2d is where Glenaladale lost the purse, etc.
The 3d is when the Prince got into Glenmoriston when he
went into the hut wherein were the six thieves, etc.
The 4th is when Roderick M'Kenzie was murdered.
The 5th is where one of the Glenmoriston men shot the
hart in Lochabar.
If any of these vary from truth as stated when I had the
pleasure of being with you, I shall be oblidged to you to be
set right. At the same time I shall be oblidged to you for
the heads of the 30 sheets you have received since I came
south, i.e., whether they relate to any particular action, battle
or the like ; or whether they give accounts of what pass'd after
the battle of Culloden.
From the materials I already have met with I have drawn
as full an account of things as could not but by my means foi. 1356.
have been got together. I have shewn it to three friends of
learning and judgement, who are so pleased with it that they
have set a croud of persons upon my back to have it published
out offhand, because it showed things in their proper colours,
and was so much a fuller relation of facts than what had yet
appear'd. A printer is agreed with, and we shall begin to
work very soon in order to have it published as soon as possible.
And if you have got anything worth mentioning, tho"' I durst
not print it, yet it will answer for that copy which is to go
abroad, and to be translated into French and be there pub-
lished, and then it will find a way into Brittain in that language.
We are all heartily sorry for poor Flora's fright, but rejoice
much that she is safe. Pray as soon as she shall arrive at
Edinburgh desire her to let me know.
I am affraid poor Malcolm is ill or dead ; or else he would
certainly have wrote to you or me before this time. I was
glad to hear Dr. D d was well. I wonder what is become
of Mr. Boyd.
320 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1748
foi. 1357. I am obliged to you for the copy of the paragraph ^ of the
17 Sept. letter from the north. I have taken care to propagate the
contents to several different parts of the country, as well as
this city, and I hope to good effect. The inclosed, I think,
well done, and is much approved by others.
• ••••••
I shall be glad to know in your next whether the picture of
the Prince which was drawn by a young man in Edinburgh,
and was very like, be yet done on a copper plate. If it be
finished, and like the original, pray send me some, with the
charge.
Please to give my grateful acknowledgements to Lady Bruce,
to whom and the other ladies, my wife joins in respects, as
well as to you, with. Dear Sir, Your sincere friend and well-
wisher. Sic subscribitur, J. Burton.
York^ September 17, 1748.
N.B. — The original of the preceding letter is to be
found among my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1358. Copy of a Return to the preceding Letter.
e Nov. Dear Sir, — Your kind letter of September 17th I gladly
1748 received, and would have writ you a return before this time,
but that I don't chuse to correspond with any one by post, as
a practice prevails of opening letters in post-offices, and there-
fore I beg not to receive letters by post. Mr. Carmichaers
gowns were all sold off before your letter came to hand, and
the season being gone he had not time to answer your com-
mission, which he is sorry for. However, if the ladies will
^ Here begins volume seventh of Bishop Forbes's Manuscript Collection. It
is entitled The Lyon in Mourning, or a Collection (as exactly made as the
iniquity of the times would permit) of Speeches, Letters, Journals, etc
relative to the affairs, but more particularly, the dangers and distresses of. . . .
Vol. 7th, 1749.
Talia si pathnur, cives, viajora feremus
Principis ibit iners in niala multa titnor.
1748] CORRESPONDENCE 321
have patience till next summer he will provide them. He s Nov.
desires to know if the ladies will have them next season.
Pray let us have the history of your persecution. It is not
in my power to gratifie you in your request for some time be-
fore receipt of yours. I was obliged to secret my collection, foi. 1359.
having been threatened with a search for papers. I have
therefore put ray collection out of my own custody into the
keeping of a friend where I cannot have access to it without
some difficulty, and I resolve to keep it so, that so I may defie
the Devil and the Dutch. However, I am still collecting in
scrapes as fast as ever. Being in haste, I am obliged to have
done sooner than I incline. All here remember you and yours
kindly.
The copper plates you mention were all sold off long before
you writ me. One cannot be had for any price.
Farewelt,.
November 5th, 1748.
Copy of a Letter from Dr. Burton in York to
me, Robert Forbes.
Dear Sir, — Your favour I receivM by the young lady ^ who 26 Jan.
was so obliging as to stay two nights at my house. She got ^'''^^"^
well up to London.
I have sent some of my pamphlets, which my lawyer has /ol. 1360.
altered and curtaiPd in the shape it now appears in on account
of the King's Bench ; for according to them you are to submitt
to every thing and not tell it, and its being true is the greater
crime. 0 tempora ! O inores !
I beg the favour of your acceptance of one of ""em, and to
whom else you think proper to give any to, pray do, because
you are a better judge than me. Mr. Gordon will let you
have "'em.
I have got a most minute account of the Prince being seiz''d
at Paris, etc., from that place. It you have not had one, I'll
^ Miss Flora MacDonald, by whom I sent my letter of November 5th.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
VOL. II. X
322 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
126 Jan. send you a copy. It is very particular and long. I would
have sent it now, but have not time to write it, as the carrier
is just going out.
Pray give my best compliments to the good ladies.
If any more of the copperplates be struck off I shall be
glad to have 6.
I can now add no more than that I am. Your sincere friend
and wellwisher. Sic subcribitur, J. Burton.
York, January 26, 1748-9.
fol. 1361. F.S. — My pamphlet has answered my end in making those
here mad, whom I would not please.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a Letter from Mr. William Gordon,
Bookseller, Edinburgh, to me, Robert Forbes.
13 Tune Reverend dear Sir, — The inclosed came to hand by last
post ; yours opened while I was unsealing the cover adressed
to me. I make no doubt but you will approve of the intention
of reprinting, and likewise you will think amendements and
alterations necessary. The sooner they can be done the better,
and as it will take you some time I would be content to have
sheets as you correct them, that the printing may be going on.
• ••••••
I am. Reverend Dear Sir, Yours to command.
Sic subscribitur^ Wm. Gordon.
Edinburgh, June \^t}i.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
fol. 1362. Copy of an Answer to the preceeding Letter.
16 June Sir, — Long ago I writ to Dr. Burton ^ not to be rash in
appearing in print on a subject of so much delicacy and
^ See £f. 837, 1062, 1358.
1749] DR- BURTON^S PUBLICATIONS 323
danger, intrcating him patiently to wait for a more seasonable 16 June
opportunity when severe truths might be told with safety to
the worthies concerned, and plainly informing him that he was
far from having a sufficient stock of materials for writing such
a singular and interesting history. Now that I have seen his
performance I can assure you that not one half (I might venture
to say not a third) is told ; so that there is not so much need
of amendments and alterations as of additions.
I decline having any hand in this affair for reasons obvious
enough to Scotsmen, whatever Englishmen may think, though
not one would be more ready to throw in his mite than I, were
a seasonable opportunity offering. However, I should not do
justice to the honest Doctor did I not remark that there is not
a single fact (as to the escape) that can be called in question, foi. 1363.
though the circumstances are not narrated so fully and exactly
as they might have been, and even some are altogether omitted,
which I am sure the Doctor has in his Collection, and such
too as are exceedingly curious, and have no danger attending
the publication of them. This indeed surprizes me not a
little. But I am afraid there has been too much hurry in
preparing for the press. There are many wrong spellings of
proper names, both of persons and places, and there is one
wrong date.
If you intend to reprint (about which I chuse not to give
any opinion), pray mind me with a copy. I am persuaded
there will be a great run upon it. If you have not a copy
acquaint me, and I shall send you the one I have.
Were I to see you I could say much more, and condescend
upon particulars. I am to write to the Doctor soon, and
shall use him with freedom, as I have frequently done. In haste,
I am, Sir, your humble servant, R. F.
June \^th, 1749.
Copy of the Letters from Dr. Burton (mentioned in foi. 1364.
Mr. Gordon's Letter), to me, Robert Forbes.
Dear Sir, — In January last, by the carrier, I sent a few 10 June
books of my Persecution to Mr. Gordon, Bookseller, to be ^^'^^ .
324 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
10 June given to you, and to whom you thought proper, etc., but I
never heard whether he got 'em or not. I now send you the
Journal of the Prince's Escape, which is printed, and will
soon be published at London, where a few particular good
judges have approved it. I fancy Mr. Gordon will think it
worth while to have it reprinted with you, which will be a
great advantage, as you can amend it, and make some material
additions.
The history of the whole affair has been perused by the
eminent Mr. Cart, the historian, and some other of the best
judges, who have paid me no small compliments upon the
exactness and true account I have given, which they insist
upon publishing as soon as it can be done.
I heard of Miss Flora lately. She was very well but thin.
She intends for Scotland in this month, and goes to Spring-
foi. 1365. kell to Sir William Maxwell's ; promises to let me have the
pleasure of her company here for ten days.
We have had no farther account of the Prince than that he
is or was in Poland. Our Court seems to be affraid of a plot
from the north, for they are going to send a fleet to the
Baltick.
« • « •
When it suits your convenience I shall be glad to hear from
you, which I assure you will always give the greatest pleasure
to. Dear Sir, Your very obliged humble servant.
Sic suhscrlhitur^ J. Burton.
York, June 10th, 1649.
P.S. — Pray send me Mr. Frazier's printed account of the
usage he met with.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of an Answer to the preceding Letter.
Dear Sir, — Your kind letters, the one of January 26th,
19 June the other of the tenth instant, I received in due course, and
foi. 1366. am not a little surprised that Mr. G. had never advised you of
1749] DR. BTJRTON^S PUBLICATIONS 325
the receipt of the copies you sent him of your Persecution. 19 June
Had I thouglit he would have been so negligent I can assure
you I would not have failed to acknowledge your favours with
thanks, but I depended upon him to inform you in every point
about them. I received 7 copies, one for myself, and the other
6 I gave in presents to Clanranald, Boisdale, Glenaladale,
Kingsborrow, Bellfinlay, and Malcolm Macleod. As Bellfinlay
was to take care of the copies for his friends I could not fail
giving him one for himself.
I have perused your late performance and must own that
there is not a single fact (as to the escape) that can be called
in question ; but then the circumstances are not so fully and
exactly narrated as they might have been. For instance, how
have you happened to omit Donald MacLeod's comical answer
to General Campbell about the priesfs praying for the Prince
when in danger of being drowned ; Kingsborrow's noble and
heroic return to Sir Everard Faukener at Fort Augustus about
the iC30,000 ; the Prince''s falling so deep into a bogue that
Malcolm MacLeod had much ado to help him out of the foi 1367.
mire, which made them stand in much need of the washing
bout, etc. etc. etc. ? There are several wrong spellings of
the proper names both of persons and places, and there is one
w rong date ; for (upon strict enquiry) I have at last found that
the day of parting with Malcolm MacLeod was Friday the
4th of July in the evening when the Prince embarked with
old Nestor, etc., for the continent. The wrong spellings and
the mistaken date are to be corrected in the reprinted copies,
one of which you are to have (as Mr. G. assures me) in a frank
by post immediately from the press without any loss of time,
so that you may happen to have it once this week and then
you'll see the few alterations that are made. I have not made
any material additions as indeed it would have required too
much time (more than I can well spare) to make up all the
omissions. Besides, to be free and plain with you I am still far
from being satisfied as to the seasonableness of such a publica-
tion, and therefore I did not chuse to have any hand in the
matter at all. It may do well enough in England, but it
cannot fail to breed ill blood among severals in Scotland. To foi. 1368,
omit other instances at present which might be pointed out,
326 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
19 June How much will it expose honest old Palinurus to the utmost
rage and fury of the Laird who already entertains no small
grudge against the old Trojan ? However, though I have the
misfortune to differ from you in my own opinion as to this
particular I am persuaded there will be a very great run upon
your performance, as indeed it is the only valuable piece that
has ever yet appeared upon the subject, and wants not any-
thing else to recommend it (Forgive my freedom, Dear Sir,)
but a seasonable opportunity to render the whole narrative as
safe and well-timed as it is true and indisputable. All this I
mean of the Escape and of those concerned in it ; for I pretend
not to be judge of the other particulars insisted upon in the
pamphlet.
As I esteem your person and revere your honest zeal for
truth, so I am sorry (Dear Sir) that our correspondence
should be so unfrequent. And yet I know not well how this
can be remedied, seeing I am unwilling to correspond by post,
because a custom still prevails of opening letters now and then
at post offices, and I chuse not to have my trifles exposed at
fol. 1369. any rate : for I am not afraid of anything I write, as I abhor
the very thoughts of treason. You have for once made me
get the better of this backwardness by your kindness in sending
me a frank, which I have made the proper use of as speedily as
possible. May we not correspond by your carriers from York ?
Just now a limner is busy about an original picture at my
desire upon which he is to draw the following description :
Ranaldus MacDonald de Bellfinlay in Benbecula in prcelio
Cullodino (^Etat : suae 18) multo vulnere saucius, nudatus,
sub dio circiter horas 22 restabat ; sed tandem humanitate
(tunc temporis admodum singulari) cujusdam Hamiltonij,
vicarij de legione Cholmondlyaca salvus evasit dum vulne-
ratos commilitones (referens tremisco) consulto mactatos,
miserrime jugulatos undique videbat; adeo ut contaminata
esset terra csedibus.
Monstrum ! — Horrendum ! — Ingens !
The limner assures me he is determined to work off a plate
of it with the same inscription not to cost above a shilling ster-
ling per copy. As it \h an historical and undeniable proof of
fol. 1370. a certain barbarous and shocking scene, so I doubt not but
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 327
it may circulate far and near. Pray, Dear Sir, be at pains to 19 June
count noses and see what demand may be for such a com-
modity in your corner. You may have as many copies as you
please and you are sure there can be counterfeit when the plate
is to done instantly from the original picture.
Herewith you have a copy of Eraser's Escape which I was
afraid it would not be in my power to procure for you.
All your friends here are glad to hear of your welfare, and
make a return to your compliments with much kindness. I
ever am. Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and humble servant,
Donald Hatebreeks.^
TartanlialL 19^/t Jtme 1749.
Copy of a Letter.^ M ^yj^-
Inverness^ 24 March 1749.
Sir, — When at the same time I indulge you with an answer 24 March
to your letter concerning the particulars you mention therein,
I hope neither you or your friends, who may have seen the
account I am now to give of these particulars, will impute my
conduct to disaffection to the Government, or out of resent-
ment to particular persons. I assure you the case is otherwise.
I do it to satisfie your curiosity, and furnish you with indis-
putable facts, which I find are greatly aggravated in your good
town to the disadvantage of our army in generall, and to the
reputation of persons of distinction in particular. At the
same time every person who wishes well to our happy constitu-
tion must, with regret, think the proceedings of our army in
this country schocking and unprecedented. I think so myself,
and as my station and employment under the Government, and
my endeavours to support it in the late times of danger puts it
out of the reach of malice to traduce me in the modern way foL 1372.
with the name of a Jacobite, which appellation the wrong
heads and bad hearts never miss to bestow on those that dare
speak truth and difffer from them, and give their dissent to all
that 's oppressive and illegall, I shall therefore proceed and give
you a brief account of what you desire to be informed of, so
^ See f. 1418. ^ Printed at p. 270 oi Jacobite Memoirs.
328 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April far as consists with my knowledge, and shall begin with the
remarkable escape of John (Alexander) Fraser, commonly called
M'lver,^ This man was an officer of the Master of Lovats
regiment. He was very early shott through the knee at the
battle of Culloden. He was carried off in the heat of the
action, and left at a dike side pointing towards Culloden
House. Some hours after the defeat of the Highland army, he
with other seventeen wounded officers of that army (who were
either carried or made their escape towards a little plantation
fol. 1373. of wood near to the place where Fraser lay) were carried to the
closs and office houses of Culloden, where they remained for
two days wallowing in their blood and in great torture, without
any aid from a doctor or surgeon, tho' otherwise kindly enter-
tained by Mr. Thomas Stewart, chamberlain and chief house-
keeper to the late Lord President, and this he did to some
at the hazzard of his life. The third day Fraser and the other
sevinteen wounded officers were by a party of soldiers, under
the command of a certain officer, put on carts tyed with ropes,
and carried a little distance from the house to a park dike, and
there placed against the wall or park dike, when the officer
who commanded the party ordered Fraser and the other
prisoners to prepare for death, and all who were able bended
their knees, and began to pray to God for mercy to their souls.
In a minute the soldiers who conducted them were ordered to
foU 1374. fire, which they did, and being at tlie distance only of two yards
from the breasts of the unhappy prisoners most of them all
expired in an instant. But such was the humanity of the
commanding officer, as thinking it right to put an end to so
many miserable lives, that he gave orders to the soldiers to
club their musketts and dash out the brains of such of them as
he observed with life, which accordingly they did. And one
of the soldiers observing John Fraser to have the signs of life
after receiving a shott, he struck him on the face with the butt
of his muskett, broke the upper part of his nose and cheek-
bone, and dashed out one of his eyes, and left him for dead.
In this miserable situation a certain young nobleman riding
out by the house of Culloden and park dike, he observed some
1 See ff. 1239, 1326, 1603, 1642.
1746] STORY OF ALEXANDER ERASER 329
life in Eraser, and calling out to him asked what he was. He April
told liim that he was an officer in the Master of Lovat's regi-
ment. This young Lord offered him money, saying he had M- 1375-
been acquainted with his Collonel. Upon which Eraser told
him he had no use for money, but begged for God's sake either
to cause his servant put an end to his miserable life or carry
him to a coat house which he mentioned at a little distance.
This the young Lord had the humanity to do, and Eraser being
put in a corn kilnlogie, where he remained for three months,
and with the assistance of his landlord is so far cured as to
be able to step upon two crutches, and is now a living object
and witness of what I here relate to you. There is something
further remarkable in this man's case. Upon his return to his
country he found his wife and children stript of all their means
and effects by the army, and preparing to beg from house to
house. He received a letter that his wife's brother, who was a
surgeon to his trade, had dyed in Erance, and by his will, which
he had left in the hands of his trustees at London, he. Eraser, foi. 1376.
in right of his wife, was entitled to upwards of four hundred
pounds sterling as her share of her brother's effects, and which
sum he accordingly received in the month of May 1748, and
which you may easily believe in some measure supports him in
his present miserable state of body, deprived of the use of his
limbs, his arm, and one of his eyes.
And with respect to what you want to be informed of con-
cerning the crueltys used the first and second days after the
battle of Culloden on the field of battle, I find there are several
things aggravated even in that particular. It is certain that a
resolution was taken that it was not proper to load or crowd
this little town with a multitude of wounded and incurable
men of our enemys,^ and therefore a party was ordered to the
field of battle, who gathered all the wounded men from the
different corners of the field to one or two parts, and there on foi. 1377.
a little rising hillock or ground properly planted they were
finished with great dispatch. And this you and every body
else must own was as to them performing the greatest act of
humanity, as it put an end to many miserable lives remaining
1 See ff. 375, 421, 707, 1087, 3231.
330 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
April in the outmost torture without any hopes of relief. The house
you mention M'as no other than a little coat house where goats
or sheep used to shelter in cold nights, and to this hut, which
is about a quarter of a mile's distance from the field of battle,
many of the wounded men crawled in the night time, and being
there found by the soldiers, the door of the hut was shutt, and
a fire put to the different corners of the hut, and every person
there to the number of thirty-two, including some beggars,
who flocked to the field of battle for plunder, perished in the
flames.
I find you have a j ust account of the usage our two provosts
foi. 1378. mett with.^ The one received kicks upon kicks, and the other
was forced to execute the servile office of mucking his own
stable for the conveniency of the dragoon horses. And the
waggs of our town distinguish them by the names of the Kick,
the Muck or Dirt Provosts. I am, etc.
17 June N.B. — Saturday afternoon, June 17th, 1749. — Mr. William
^^"^^ Gordon, Bookseller in Edinburgh, called for me, when he
received from me Dr. Burton's performance (page [f.] 1364), in
which I pointed out several omissions of circumstances which
the Doctor actually has in his Collection ; but I refused to fill
them up. At the same time Mr. Gordon delivered to me a
copy of the preceeding letter from Inverness, he allowing me to
take a transcript of it for my own use, and I promising to
return his copy as soon as possible, which accordingly I did on
Friday, June 23, by the hands of James Mackay, servant to
fol. 1379. my Lady Bruce. I know not as yet who is the author of the
letter, for Mr. Gordon did not mention him to me, and I did
not ask him about the author of it.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
fol. 1380. Copy of a Letter ^ from the Right Reverend
Bishop Gerard in Aberdeen to me, R. F.
20 June Reverend dear Sir, — In answer to your last, please know
^ that the truth of the story you have often heard is, that the
^ See ff. 380, 1320.
^ Printed in facobite Memoirs^ p. 209 ; see also f. 1350 of this Collection.
1746] DUKE OF CUMBERLAND AT ABERDEEN 331
Duke of C d, during his six weeks stay here, lived in the March
house of Mr. Thomsone, Advocate ; tliat his retinue or servants
made use of every kind of provisions they found in the house,
coals, candles, ale or other liquors in the cellars, and the milk
of his cow, bed and table linnen, which were (you may be sure)
very much spoiFd and abused ; tliat they broke up a press in
wliich Mrs. Thomsone had lodg'd a considerable quantity of
sugars, and wherof they took every grain weight ; that when
about to march from Aberdeen, he left six guineas to the three
servants of the house, a boy and two women, one wherof had
wash'd and dress'd the D ""s linen while he stay'd ; but did
not make the least compliment or requital to Mr. Thomsone
for the so long and free use of his house, furniture, and pro-
visions, nor so much as call for his landlord or landlady to give
them thanks. This you may depend on as the true matter of fol. 1381.
fact known to every body in Aberdeen. The story of the bag
with an hundred guineas is, that it was left in one of the
drawers in Sir Everard Falkner's room, which he had the use
of whilst he stay'd, and after his going away, found there by
one of Mr. Thomsone''s maids, which she gave to her master,
and he immediately sent her with it to Judge-Advocate Bruce,
to carry and deliver it to Sir Everard, whom he was about to
follow ; and the maid got two guineas from Bruce for her
honesty and care. Upon missing the money, the Under Secre-
tary wrote back from Bamf to Mr. Thomsone about it, who in
answer informed how his servant had found the bag, and by
his order given it to Bruce. This is the true fact.
As to the other story of the p. b d [poisoned bread],
I can give no certain information about it, having heard
nothing but the common report. Before they left Aberdeen,
above a hundred portable copper ovens were wrought and pre-
pared by all the workmen in and about the town ; but what
use was made of them I can't tell. I have not yet seen Jo.
Dounie, but when he comes to town shall acquaint him of foi. 1382.
what you desire and expect from him. I'm persuaded there
are several persons in or about Leith or Edinburgh who can
informe you sufficiently about the Inverury affair. However, I
shall put John upon gratifying you how soon I can see him. It
is lucky that Providence has so favoured you in your laudable
332 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
June design, wherin, and in all your publick spirited attempts, I
heartily wish you the most desirable success. . . . I am,
Reverend Dear Sir, very affectionately yours, etc.
Aberdeen, June 9,0th, 1749.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers.
The treatment Mr. Thomson and his wife met with is the
more remarkable as Mr. Thomson is a Whig, and was
always firmly attached to the present Establishment.
— Robert Forbes, A.M.
jamdudwn
perpetud
foi. 1383. Anglia continuo famulis vexata scelestis
Ancillam, dixit, des mihi, Flora, tuam.
Accipe, Flora inquit, ne me mea Burka fefellit,
Restituet cito res ilia puella tuas.
VexM with bad servants, thus old England said.
Prithee, dear Flora ! let me have thy maid.
Take her, says Flora, If I know my Burk,
She is the girl to do Old England's work.
Or rather thus —
Long with bad servants vex'd, Old England said, etc.
foi. 1384. To the Author of the Caledonian Mercury
and
To the Author of the Evening Courant,
July 5th, 1749.
iEre perennius.
Some time last month died at Gualtergill, in the Isle of Sky,
aged 72, Donald MacLeod, of late so well known to the world
by the name of the Faithful Palinurus. In the decline of
life he gave a strong proof how much he despised the gilded
dust, that idol of the times.
1749] RTTMOURED DEATH OF PALINURUS 333
0 had I VirgiTs or great Homer's pen, 5 July
1 \1 sing the praises of the wondrous man.
Firm as a rock he stood the shocks of fate,
And bravely scorn'd to be a tool of state.
N.B. — The publishers of the Evening Courant (Kincaid
and Fleming) refused to insert the above character unless
half a crown should be given ; but the publishers of the
Caledonian Mereury did insert it without any hire or
bribe. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
jV.5.— Wednesday, September 6th, 1749.— Mr. Mac-
Leod, younger of Rasay, was with me, and assured me that
the above Donald MacLeod, Palinurus, was alive and in
good health. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a Letter from Captain Robert Steavart^ /oi. 1385.
to me, Robert Forbes.
Reverent Sir, — I acknowledge myself to be much out of 27 June
my dutie in not writing sooner to you, but you may believe I ^"^^^
am not unmindfull of any service wou'd lay in my road that
wouM be usefuU to you. The following is a summary of
certain desolations made betwixt the rivers of Spey and Dee
in the year 1746. In Badenoch was burnt Clunie M'Phersons
house and Garvamores ; in Strathdown, Glenbuckits ; at
Cambetel bredgit, Donald Pharqurson's of Auchriachans ; at
Glenconlass his house, and John Grant in Innerlochies ;
James Grant, miller in Inchnachape, and Lachland Dooll in
Easter Jaslick, their dwelling houses ; in Glenlivet, Bowchel
Hall, and Scallan, the whole houses ; John Gordons in Clasnoir
his dwelling house, the house and Chappie at Tombae, and
Blairphinie his house, and a poor mans house at Upper
Downen; in Skuirdustan, Gordon, younger of Aber-
loure's at Culquich ; in Glenrinas, the whole toun of Bragach ; foi. 1386.
1 This letter is printed in Jacobite Meinoirs, p. 346. See other notices of
Captain Robert Stewart in this Collection, ff, 1 138, 11 53, 1163,
S34 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
27 June in Cabrach, John Roy, innkeeper, his house ; in Strath Diveran,
the Chappel at Shanvel and parson's house ; in Dumbenan,
Mr. Tulloch"'s, the whole toun ; in Kineathmont, the raillery's
house of Miln a Smiston all burnt ; the Chappies of Robiston
and Rossary thrown down ; the Chappies of Tullochs, Hornie,
Cleenhill, Newdurn, and one near Kinmundie, all burnt, that
one by order of Lady Kinmundie ; on Dee side, Gordon of
Blellacks house. As for the plunderings and herships com-
mitted in the countrys, etc., it is impossible to give a
discription of them. ... I remain, Reverent Sir, Your most
affectionate and humble servant,
(Sic suhscribitur) Robt. Stewart.
Crooks mill, 27 June 1749.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among my
papers — Robert Forbes, A.M.
>/. 1387. Advertisement taken out of the London Evening
Post 1749.
1749 This day is published — Standing armies standing evils, and
proved to be foreign to the nature, spirit, and genius of the
old English constitution, and absolutely contrary to the prin-
ciples of the famous Revolution and the liberties of Mankind.
Written by that divine patriot, John Trenchard, Esqr. To
which is added The Englishman^'s Prayer, addressed to that
worthy patriot prince whose name and fame will shine through-
out the Earth. What are we to expect, if in a future age an
ambitious prince should arise with a dissolute and debauched
army, a flattering clergy, a prostitute Ministry, a bankrupt
house of Lords, a pensioner House of Commons, and a slavish
and corrupt nation ?
foi. 1388. Copy of a Letter to Mr. Alexander MacDonald
of Glenaladale.
10 July My dear Sir, — I gladly embrace the opportunity of Bell-
^'^^^ finlay's returning home, to write you some few lines, and to
tender you my best wishes.
1749] LETTER TO GLEN ALAD ALE 385
There arc two particulars relative to a certain Young lojuly
Gentleman'^s singular distresses, about the truth of which I
have some doubts, as they happen not to be mentioned in that
excellent and accurate Journal drawn up by young Clanranald
and you, with the help of honest Allastar MacDonald (Dalely's
brother), from whom I had the favour of the Journal.^
The first particular is this, that Donald Cameron of Glen-
pean informed the Prince ' that there was a pass with a hollow
to go down over a high rock, which was exceeding hazardous,
but was the only place he could advise the Prince to attempt.
Upon this they went to the said precipice, being then dark
night, and Donald Cameron went first over the pass, and the
Prince followed ; but as he was coming down the hill to the top
of the rock where the pass was, his foot slipped, and the hill
being so steep, he tumbled to the very top of the rock ; and
would certainly have fallen one hundred fathoms perpendicular foi. 1389.
over the rock, had he not catched hold of a tree on the very
top of the rock with one of his legs after his body passed the
samC; and which he kept hold of betwixt his leg and his thigh,
till the next person that was following him catched hold of
him by the breast, and held him till the said Donald Cameron
returned back and came to them, and recovered both. At
last they got over this so dangerous pass, by which they passed
the first line of the troops, and different nights after this they
passed the other four lines of the troops, creeping on their
hands and feet betwixt the sentries.'
The other particular is the story of ' Ha ! Dougal Mac-
Cullony, I am glad to see thee ! '' ^ as narrated in Dr. Burton''s
late performance, page 51 and 52.
Now, Dear Sir, as you certainly was with the Prince when
these things should have happened, so you can best tell what
truth there is in them. I beg therefore you may let me know
the truth or falsity of them by any sure private hand that
comes in your way. Favour me likewise with the number and
names of the faithful Glenmoriston men who proved so service-
able to the Prince and you. Perhaps they used to call the foi. 1390.
Prince, Dougal MacCullony, which might give rise to the story
1 See ff. 571, 576. ^ See ff. 547, 624.
336 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
10 July in Burton's pamphlet.^ In your Journal you mention * the
pursuing your way (Donald Cameron being guide) through
roads almost impassible even in daylight," which indeed makes
it very probable that the Prince has slipt a foot, and thereby
has been in danger of loosing his life over the precipice. But
then I want much to have it affirmed in plain terms by you
under your hand if true. For my great desire is to have every-
thing as well vouched as possible.
Is it possible to get any certain account of the way and
manner in which Mr. Mackenzie suffered death in his skulk-
ing?" This affair you 11 find likewise narrated in Dr. Burton's
pamphlet, but How .? truly is the great point. There is indeed
a great degree of probability in the matter, but then that can
never amount to an evidence requisite for ascertaining a matter
of fact.
Whatever plunderings and pillagings, burnings and murders
you can have well vouched after the memorable 16th of April
1746, you will oblige me much by transmitting to me true and
foi. 1391. exact narratives of them.
After perusing the inclosed please seal it, and (with your
conveniency) deliver it to my good friend honest AUastar, to
whom I heartily wish better days, for I sympathize with him
in all his distresses.
That all things good and happy may ever attend you, your
lady and family, is the sincere and earnest prayer of. My Dear
Sir, Your most affectionate friend and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Le'itli, July lOth, 1749.
See Glenalledeirs return to the foregoing letter in this
same volume, f. 1447, etc.
foi. 1392. Copy of a Letter to Mr. Alexander MacDonald,
brother to Dalely.
10 July My dear Sir, — Yesterday your son did me the favour to
^7^^^ call for me and to dine with me. I was much pleased to hear
1 Seef. 611. 2 seef. 146.
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 337
from him tliat by the last accounts he had from you he was lojuiy
iutbrmoil that you and your family had <ijot safe to Glenco. I
hope before tliis time you arc safely arrived at the place where
you intend to take up your residence.
You know well how I employ much of my time, and how
anxious I am to make up as compleat and exact a collection as
possible of some certain memorable events, etc. And therefore
I hope I need not to use many words to prevail with you to
give me all the assistance in your power. You told me you
intended to take up your abode in Egg or Canna, which if you
do, then it will be in your power to make up an exact account
of the severe pillaging and plunderings that were committed
in these islands. You know I like much to have everything fol. 1393-
minutely and circumstantially narrated. Forget not then to
give the names of those who were principally concerned in
pillaging Egg and Canna, such as officers of sogers, commanders
of ships, sloops, or yachts. Be mindful likewise to make as
exact a calculation as you can of the damages sustaind by the
inhabitants of these two islands. In a word, send me an account
of everything you can have well vouched. I need not point
out particulars to you ; for well do you know what I want and
what will suit my taste.
Remember me to Dalely and Laig when you happen to see
them. It will at all times add to my happiness to hear of
your welfare and that of your family, to whom I wish every-
thing that is good. I ever am. Honest AUaster, your most
affectionate friend and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Le'itli, July 10th, 1749.
Saturday afternoon, July 8th, 1749. — Mr. John Goodwillie fol. 1394.
called for me and delivered to me a copy of letters and 8 July
orders about burning Clesteron's house in 1746, which ^^'^^
he had promised to procure for my Lady Stewart. Here
follows an exact copy of letters and orders anent burning
Clesteron's house in 1746.
Sir, — I have just now received intelligence from John 1746
Riddoch, stewart-deputy of the Orkneys, that twelve persons
VOL. II. Y
338 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1746
disguised and masked and in sailors habit ^ did last night cross
over from the mainland or Pomona to the island of the Shap-
inshire, supposed to be some chiefs of the rebel army, who are
designed to make their escape from the northern isles of
Orkney to some place beyond sea. I hereby require and direct
you to take under your command the boats belonging to his
foi. 1395. Majesty "'s ships, sloops, and armed vessels, Glasgoio, Try all
sloop, Salamander and Happy Janet, armed vessels, and to
proceed to Alwick in the island of Shapinshire, and to take
and destroy any person you can find who have been in rebellion
against his Majesty's person or government, or their abettors,
and likewise to destroy by fire, etc., the house of James Fea of
Clesteron in the said Island of Shapinshire, he being a notorious
rebel ^ against the present government ; and to do all other
acts of hostility to annoy any traitorous persons, and to proceed
under the direction of Mr. Doos, according to Commodore
Smith's order.
Addressed to Captain Jeffreys of his Majesty's ship Scar-
borough, Orkneys.
Wrote on the back thus : —
5 May Westminster, May 5th, 1749. — This is the copy of the order
^^■^9 to which my oath of this date relates (signed), Cha. Meader.
Ja. Fraser, J.P.
foi. 1396. Sir, — I have inclosed you a copy of a letter I received last
10 May night. Captain Haldane and Captain Millbank was then with
1746 nie. I sent for j\Ir. Doos. We all thought it proper to send
our boats mann'd and armed, as it was very thick weather and
could not go to sea. I gave the command of boats to Captain
Haldane. They put off about ten and returned this morning
at eight. They were told at Mr. Fea's house that such people
as described was landed, but they did not hear of there being
come to that island. As that Fea is a notorious resell,
Captains Haldane and Millbank and Mr. Doos with my con-
^ This was a downright and manifest falsehood, as I myself heard Clesteron
and my Lady Stewart both declare in one and the same company.
Robert Forbes, A.M.
" It is worth remarking here that Clesteron was not out with the Prince, nor
did he make any publick appearance at all. Robert Forbes, A. M.
1746] BURNING OF CLESTERON'S HOUSE 339
sent, before they went on that duty, thought it our duty to loMay
destroy the said Fea's house, wliich would not only alarm the
country, but hinder the rebells from attenijitiiig to come this
way, which was accordingly done by burning it to the ground.
It is now a thick fog and calm. AVe lye short, and will sail
the first opportunity and join the Sca^'horough at Stromness,
according to Captain Jeffreys' order, which I received yesterday
afternoon. So soon as I join Captain Jeffreys, and should the •
wind be out of the way or calm, I hope we sliall be able to fol. 1397-
serve Sir James Stewart the same trick. Had Mr. Doos been
here before they would all been demolished long before now.
It is a great way by water from hence to Sir James's house, but
little way from Stronniess. I had account that Sir James
Stewart wants to take up two men which he ordered on board
a Spanish ship in January last as pilots from hence to Peter-
head, who had men, money, and arms for the rebells, witli an
intent to send them out of the way or destroy them in some
shape or other that they may not appear as evidence against
him should he be taken up. I have wrote to Captain Jeffreys,
and likewise to the Sheriff to apprehend the said men if possible
and put them on board any of his Majesty's ships, wiiere they
may be found when wanted to condemn the said Sir James.
He is reckoned a very cunning man and keeps a sharp look-
out ; but I hope to have him or at least destroy wliat he has,
if time will permitt. I remain, with great respect. Sir, Your fol. 1398.
most obedient humble servant, (Signed) J. Loyde.
Glasgoza, Dee)- Sounds May the 10th, 1746.
N.B. — The way that the preceeding letters and orders anent
burning Clesteron's house came ever to appear, is as follows : —
Mr. Fea of Clesteron commenced a process before the Lords of
Session against those concerned in the burning of his house in
1746. After attending several sessions, at last Clesteron in the
Summer session, 1749, made out a clear proof against those who
burnt his house, who in their own defence did plead that what
they did was by express orders from a superiour officer, and
therefore that the said orders were sufficient to make out their
exculpation. Accordingly the defendants were obliged to
produce the said orders or an authentic copy of them upon
340 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
foi. 1399. oath, and to lay them before the Court of Session in Scotland,
and an authentic copy upon oath, as above, was at last trans-
mitted from London to Edinburgh some time in Summer 1749.
The letter signed J. Loyde was addressed to Commodore
Smith. Robert Fobres, A.M.
fol. 1400,
Copy of a Letter to Mr. John Goodwillie,
Writer in Edinburgh.
1749^ Dear Sir, — My Lady Stewart thanks you kindly for the
favour in procuring for her a copy of the letters and orders
anent burning Clesteron's house in 1746. But in order to
make the favour compleat her ladyship begs you '11 be so good
as to procure for her a copy of Commodore Smith's letters and
orders relative to the same affair which (she says) are still more
full and express as to Sir James Stewart and his concerns.
Your compliance in this will likewise be a singular favour done
to. Dear Sir, Your friend and servant, Robert Forbes.
Leith, July 12th, 1749.
fol 1401. Copy of a Letter to Bellfinlay, directed thus : To
Mr. Ranald JNIacDonald off Belffinlay, to the
care of Mr. Ranald INI'Donald, mer*\ opiside
to the Tron Kirk, Ednb^
14 July Dear Sir, — I was much surprized when your freind Valay
^''49 told me of your being at Edenburgh since you were expected
home at May. I am verie glade to hear you are turning strong,
and hopes to have the pleasure to see you soon in Uist. Please
let me know if you heard latly from the countrie, and how
soon you intend to leave that citty ; lickways how your
freind s does in the Castle, and when sett at liberty. The
news worth while ; or if you shall go along with me by sea,
who expectes to leave Clide nixt weeke.
fol. 1402. I have nothing new, but your freinds in the Long Isle are
still well, and that I have drunk severall times with one of
your saviours, who drank your health preetty oftne.
1749] LETTERS TO BELLFINLAY 341
From whom you have the inclosVl, and on the receipt 14 July
hereof send me the answer inclos'd with your commands for
the countrie. Since I am short of money, and cant go tliere
with empty pockets, and much afraide youll not come this rod,
and beleive that I am with the greatest reguard, Dear Sir, Your
most affectionat servantt,
(Sic suhscribitur) Donald MacNeill.
GlasgUiO, the 14^/i Jidij 1749.
Please remember my complement to Ranald M'Donald to
hows care I direct this, and let him know I am much surprized
he hase not sent me a return of my letter, and wants it on the
receipt of this. Direct to the care of Mr. George Black, mer-
chantt here.
Copy of the Letter (mentioned in the preceeding ^^/ ^^03
letter) to Bellfinlay, directed .thus : To Mr.
Ranald MacDonald of Beulffinlay, by Inver-
ness.
Newry in the north of Ireland, 1749.
Dear Sir, — The bearer, Mr. M'Neile, tells me that your
alive and well. I assure you that I never did anything in all ^^'^'^
my life that gives me more pleasure then the thoughts I have
of beeing a mains of saveing your life. I hope you never will
bee consernd in another rebellion.
I have maid an excliange with a halfpay officer, and am on
half pay, and I have got a sume of money diference. I have
not had good success in the army. I intend settleing within
two mills of Antrim. One Mr. ONeile, a gentleman of a good
fortune and a friend of mine, has promised me a lace,^ and I fol. 1404-
hope on good terms, and I must do my best tho' I cant say I
under 2 much of farming. So I now must turn my sword into
a plougshare.
^ Lease.
- So it was in the original letter, but no doubt Mr. Hamilton designed
understand.' — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1749
342 THE LYON IN MOURNTNG [1749
After the battle of Colledon I was orderd on a party, which
was the reason I did not see you after I tuck you out of the
field, Poore Captain Trapound is ded, which gave me great
concern, Notliing would give me more pleasure than to see
you in Ireland. Pray favour me with a letter. Direct to me
here as I belive I shall not be able to get in to the farm
befor next January as I have some things to provide to stock
it. I am, Dear Sir, very truly, Your most humble,
(Sic subscr'ihitur) Ja:mes Hamilton.
foi. 1405. N.B. — Friday, July 21st, 1749. — Bellfinlay gave me the
2i}uiy two original letters from which I faithfully transcribed
the two preceding copies. I returned the two original
letters (according to promise) to Bellfinlay on Saturday,
July 22d, 1749. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1406. Copy of a Letter to Dr. John Burton at his
house in York.
24 July My dear Sir, — To your kind favours of June 10th ^ I writ
/^"^ a long and particular return on the 19th, which I hope you
received in due course, as I dispatched it by post in the frank
you sent me.
This will be put into your hands by my Lady Gask, sister
to Lord Nairn, who goes for London about business of no
small importance that very nearly concerns herself and the
family she is connected with, I leave it altogether to her
ladyship to give you her own history, which indeed is inter-
esting enough to every heart that is not proof against all
the tender feelings of sympathy and compassion. I know you
too well to imagine that I need to use any arguments to prevail
foi. 1407. with you to tender her Ladyship all the good offices in your
power, either by recommending her to proper persons in Lon-
don who are capable of putting her business in the right channel
of application (as in this point alone lies the delicacy of her
case), or by giving her ladyship your best advice as to the
1 See f. 1365.
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 343
method she ought to use in making good her intention, which 24 July
indeed will require no small degrees of dexterity and address.
As you are a person much versant in the active part of life,
and as you have gone through the fiery trial in more shapes
than one, so you are the better fitted for being useful to this
good lady in laying a right scheme to bring her design to a
happy period. If it shall so happen that her ladyship must
pass through York in haste, I beg you '11 give her the convoy
of a stage or so that you may have the more time to dis-
course over her business fully, and to think maturely upon it. fo^- 1408.
In a word whatever friendly office you do to this Lady I will
take it as done to myself.
The pamphlet upon the Escape is much run upon here, and
has made some converts to the Cause of Truth.
My Lady Bruce and her companions, Mr. Stewart Carmichael,
etc., remember you, your lady and young master with much
kindness. I will be glad to hear frequently from you.
Wishing all things good and happy to you, and all your
concerns, I ever am, with much sincerity and esteem, Dear
Doctor, Your affectionate friend and humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Leith, July ^Mh, 1749.
P.S. — Pray what is become of Miss Flora ? Adieu.
Copy of a Letter from the Right Reverend Bishop M 1409-
Gerard of Aberdeen to me, Robert Forbes.
Reverend Dear Brother, — I hope my last by John Taylor 12 July
came safe to you. What you desired of our friend Jo. ^^'^^
D-n-e you have inclosed, and in his own handwrit. I wish
these accounts may serve your purpose in any measure. There
is, we see, as advertised in the English prints, a history of the
like nature lately published at London, and recommended by a
specious title-page. If you have seen it, let me have your
thoughts of it ; for if it goes upon hearsay stories as I sus-
pect, or be otherwise defective in answering the right and true
design of such a work, I 'le endeavour to diss wade some
344 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
12 July friends, as I have hitherto done, from calling for it till I hope
a better pennyworth (whereof I have given some general remote
liints) comes in their way, and which I have told them may be
soon expected. I was affected with the accounts of honest
Pal-nu-us death by the last newspaper. His chief I 'm affraid
foi. 1410. will go with less honour and less lamented to his grave. . . .
I continue, Reverend Dear Sir, very affectionately yours,
{Sic subscrihitur) A. G.
Jidy Uth, /49.
Copy of John Daunies Account of the Skirmish at
Inverury.
20 Dec. Upon Friday the 20th of December 1745 the Laird of
1745 MacLeod marched from Old Meldrum to Inverurie with 500
men, was joined nixt day by Culkern with 200 Minroos who
were quarterd upon the farmers neerest to that village. They
continowed there in great security untill Munday about four
in the afternoon that there centric in the south end of the
town was surprized with the white flag turning the firpark of
Kethhall in forward march upon the village, upon which he
fir'd his pice to give the alarm, whereupon as the townsmen
say they turned out in great conffusion. (This firpark was
/oi. 1411. within half a mile of the village.) The reason of this security
of theirs might proceed from their freinds at Aberdeen making
them belive they had nothing to fear from Lord Lewis, as he
was preparing to march south. But therein were they
deceived. For upon Saturday came two companies of L[ord]
J[ohn] D[rummond]''s men from Minrose with Elsick's men
from tlie Mearns, so that he might have have numbered about
900 men, part of which were left to keep guard at Aberdeen ;
and upon INlunday about ten did he march by the bridge of
Don with Stonnywood's regiment, Minaltrie's, Elsick's men and
a few Mr. Crichton had raised with the two companies of
Drumond's. Abichie marched his men the Kintore road, and by
that means had Don to cross in sight of the enimie, as Lord
Lewis had Urie. About 60 of the Macleods kept firing upon
1745] THE SKIRMISH AT INVERURY 345
them crossing Urie, wlierby two men were wounded. The 20 Dec
Macleods were drawn up upon the east side of the town,
against whom was sent Colonel Culbert and Stonnywood.
Minaltrie and Blelack entered the town ; Abichie went up the foi. 1412.
west side to scour the yards from which they fired, and galled
Lord Lewis men in their coming up from Urie to form agcnst
the enemie. The action lasted but a few minutes after the
men were formed, and the loss inconsiderable on both sides,
night coming on apace ; they could not be supposed they
could see to levell their pices. Upon the Macleods side was
taken Gordon of Ardoch and GO private men ; on both sides
14 killed and 20 wounded.
N.B. — The original of Bishop Gerard's letter, and the
orio-inal of Mr. Dannie's Account as above are to be found
among my papers. Roijert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a Return to Bishop Geraiid of Aberdeen, foi. 1413
Right reverend Dear Sir, — I am exceedingly much obliged 2 Aug.
to your reverence for your repeated favours. I heartily thank ^''"^^
my good friend Mr. Daunie for the exact narrative he has given
me of the skirmish at Inverury. It answers the purpose very
well.
I can assure your reverence the pamphlet you mention is
well worth your attention and encouragement. It is done by
a correspondent of mine in England, who was long a prisoner
with Miss MacDonald, Malcolm MacLeod, etc., and who came
to Scotland on purpose to make inquiry about some certain
facts. His performance indeed contains scarce a third of what
might be told. But then there is not a single fact in it that
can be called in question, only the circumstances of the facts
are not so exactly and fully narrated as they might have been.
Your reverence mistakes the matter as to my design, for the M- 1414-
late performance has made its appearance contrary to my
earnest and repeated remonstrances. I have resisted many
solicitations, as I am well aware that this is far from being a
proper time for the publication of truths of so much delicacy
346 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
2 Aug. and danger, and therefore (for my own part) I am resolved to
wait for a more seasonable opportunity, and when that may
happen, God only knows.
The death of the faithful Palinurus must affect every honest
heart.
In great haste but with much sincerity, I ever am, right
reverend Dear Sir, Your, etc., Robert Forbes.
August M, 1749.
/oi. 1415. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Thoimas Forbes in
London to me, Robert Forbes, which Letter
came by shipping, and was inclosed in a blank
cover directed to Mr. Thomas Watson, Vintner
on the Shore of Leith.
28 July Dear Sir, — I congratulate you on your marriage, and I
^749 assure you it is not in your power to desire more felicity than
I wish you and your spouse. If you can spare me the small
black edgVl manuscript volumes to help to compleat a work
undertaken by a very honest and sufficient person that will be
of use, you will do a publick good, and shall have what satis-
faction you demand ; and I hope that my haveing a concern in
it will be no stop to your compliance.
Next week I will have a small thing printed with which I
can promise you '11 be pleased, and by the first opurtunity I
shall send you some copies of it. If you agree to let me have the
books, pray send them by the first opurtunity ; and write me
by post at Mrs. Harriss's, near King's Gate Street, Holbourn,
/oi. 1416. London, so I shall know where to call for them. My wife and
I join in our good wishes to you and Mrs. Forbes; and am,
Sir, your most humble servant,
{Sic suhscr'ibitur) Thos. Forbes.
London, 9,8th July 1749.
N.B. — The following words were written on the forepart of
the said letter after sealing; : —
Pray by the first post, after receipt of this send me the
1749
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 347
Exchequer List from the Supplement to the Scots Magazine
of those there enrolPd as attainted for their behaviour in 1745
and 1746. Their names are on two leaves, which take out and
inclose in a letter to me, for I shall want them before you can
send them. The last I had from you were stoln from me.
iV.^. — The original of the above letter is to be found
among my papers. Robert Fouues, A.M.
Copy of an Answer to the preceding Letter. foi. 1417.
Dear Sir, — Your kind letter gave me relief after what I 8 Aug.
had heard about you. I was obliged to buy a supplement in
order to serve you with the inclosed leaves. Your other
request is such that I would not grant it to my father, were
he in life. What you saw me possessed of is very little in
comparison of what I have now ; for I am come to the seventh.
I am sure you cannot have a sufficient stock of materials for
your design, and therefore I wish you would not meddle with
it. I chuse not to give you in this any particular reasons for
my refusal, but had I the happiness of seeing you I could give
you plenty of them. Pray what is become of your old friend .^
I will be glad to hear from you at all times. You are much
in my debt, so you and yours I heartily wish well. Farewel.
August Sth, 1749.
Copy of a Letter from Dr. John Burton of York /o/. 1418.
to me, Robert Forbes, addressed thus (within
a cover) — For Donald Hatebreeks, Esqr., at
Tartanhall, this. ^
Dear Sir, — This comes by my friend, Mr. John Graham, 3 Aug.
who, having business at Edinburgh, has taken my wife along ^''■^^
with him that they may once see your famous capital, which
1 See ff. 1365-1370.
348 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
3 Aug. my wife never had the least curiosity to go to untill the
Prince''s arrival. If it suits your convenience I shall be obliged
to you to go along with 'em to the Castle, where, pray, give
my best compliments to the worthy gentlemen therein con-
fined, and tell ""em they have my hearty prayers for a speedy
deliverance from all their troubles.
I am glad you received the copies of my Persecution, and
that you gave yourself the trouble to dispose of '' em in the
manner you did.
As to the other pamphlet, the omissions you mention were
foi. 1419. left out in my mss., or otherways I should have put ' em in. I
assure you there was a thorougli consultation both here and in
London by the best and ablest heads amongst friends, wherein
everything was seriously considered before it was determined
to have it publishd, and it was thouglit that to be as proper
a time as any, and that no person could be injured by it,
because altho' the world were strangers in general to the facts,
yet those more particularly interested were not, having by one
means or another had all the intelligence they could wish for,
and which tliey wanted to have suppressed. Mr. G. sent me
the Edinburgh edition, which pleased me very well.
I am equally sorry we cannot correspond oftner nor so freely
as we would ; but I think we should be little better by the
carriers, because there would be no small danger of loosing
sometimes a letter, as one and the same carrier does not go
quite thorough. We have indeed opportunities by the return
foi. 1420. of by-coaches sometimes, and also now and then by some friend.
But I fancy by inclosing a letter under cover to a friend at
Newcastle he might see it delivered to the other carrier, and
then it might come safe.
I had spoke to our bookseller about the picture you men-
tion, and he said he would take any number the proprietor
would send upon (what the trade calls) return : that is, they
will be accountable for all they receive, except what they
return to the proprietor, for which they have a fourth part of
the profits. But the poor fellow was killed about ten days
ago. However, if the proprietor has a mind he may send 100,
and such as I dispose off shall remit him Is. for each, and
such as the booksellers take 9d. each for wliat is not returned.
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 349
Had I the 100 now I could dispose of ' em all this week, it 3 Aug.
beincjj our races. Tiie sooner they come the better.
I thank you for F. escape, which I take care to show to all
sides of the question. There is a jiamphlet publisli'd at Edin-
burgh which ])lease to get for me. It was wrote by one
Haddon or some such names. It gives an account of many
cruelties, etc.
I expect some good pamphlets daily from Dublin, and if fol. 1421.
they be not relative to local affairs and will be of public use,
may send you a copy.
My wife will go with Mr. Graham to see my Lady Bal-
merino, whom they know ; and if Lady Bruce be well, will give
her a call to thank her for the civilities shown me at the
Citadel, to whom pray make my best compliments, as also to
all other friends. I am. Dear Sir, Your obliged friend and
humble servant, {Sic suhscr'ibitur) J. B.
August 3, 1749.
P.S. — I have just now received a letter from Sir William
Grierson giveing me an account of the dt^ath of the faith full
Palinurus, which I am sorry for. I think a copper plate from
your picture of him would be very acceptable to the world,
and I am certain he deserves it. But if such a thino; be done
instead of his buff belt, he ought to have something alluding
to his own proper business.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found amoner
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of an Answer to the preceding Letter. foi. 1422.
Dear Sir, — I was favoured with your kind and obliging 19 Aug.
letter by the hands of your worthy friend, Mr. Graham, whom ^^'^^
and the fellow-traveller I highly value. O that all Old Eno--
land were of their sentiments ! Then indeed the solden ao-e
would once more return to poor mortals and fair Astrsea would
gently guide the reins of government. You may be thankful
that ever the fellow-traveller returned to York. You know love
begets love ; and as the fellow-traveller loves Scotland, so I can
assure you, Scotland is much in love with the fellow-traveller.
350 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
19 Aug. You could not fail to be pleased with the Scots edition of
the Journal, etc., as indeed it was more neatly done than the
English impression. How much the performance is valued
here I leave you to judge from the following lines : —
By a gentleman in Aberdeen on reading the Journal, etc.
' When rancour, malice, envy all are dead.
And future ages shall thy story read.
Ten thousand pens shall celebrate thy fame,
And latest ages shall tliy worth proclaim.
M 1423- Nor shall the faithful Flora's mem'ry die.
Till the last trump rend the empyreal sky.'
If another edition of the Journal should ever make its ap-
pearance, I humbly think the above lines should be printed as
a preface to it.
Mr. Robertson, limner, has promised to pack up a hundred
of the prints and send them to you (with a letter from his own
hand) by Mr. Graham, upon the conditions you mention. I
hope you shall have no difficulty in disposing of them, espe-
cially considering the historical part of the print. It ought
to circulate far and near as a glaring proof of the singular,
amazing fact.
Mr. Graham tells me he has already sent you a copy of
Haldane's extraordinary performance, so that he has prevented
me in giving a chearful compliance to your desires which I
would have gladly done.
If you have not already seen the following lines, I know they
will prove an acceptable present to you.
' Anglia, perpetuo,' etc. [as in page (f.) 1383 of this vol.].
I would be as glad as any one to have a copper-plate of old
Pahnurus and have spoke to Mr. Robertson about it. But
then the difficulty is in such a case to procure purchasers in
order, at least, to defray the charges ; for a plate, paper and
working off will cost about 5 ov Q £ Sterling. The following
foi. 1424. character of him was printed in the Caledonian Mercury, and
I wish it could make its appearance in any one of your English
papers as a lesson to the venal age we live in.
' July 5th, 1749.
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 351
JEre percnn'ms.
' Sometime last,** etc., [as in f. 1384 of this volume]. 5 July
If your pamplilets from Dublin be any way valuable or
curious, pray mind me with some of them as you promise.
With much sincerity and esteem I ever am. Dear Sir, Your
most affectionate friend and very humble servant, Duncan
Philibeg.
Floradale, August 19^A, 1749.
Copy of a Letter ^ to the Revd. Mr. James Hay f"^- ^425-
in Inverness, by the hands of the Revd. Mr.
George Innes,^ returning from Leith to Forres.
Reverend Dear Brother, — To your extraordinary favours 28 Aug.
I made a return upon the 13th of May last by post which I ^^"^^
hope you received in due course. I now gladly embrace the
opportunity of a gentleman travelling north, who lives within
twenty miles of you, and who promises to have this letter
carefully delivered into your hands. In my former letter I
used cautious and general expressions such as I hoped you
would easily understand ; but now, being sure of my bearer, I
am to write plainly and openly without any manner of reserve.
I return you my most hearty thanks for the several sheets you
transmitted to me by the hands of honest Mr. Baillie, who
observed great care in delivering them to me. I earnestly beg
you 11 be mindful of the promise you are so good as to make
of sending me more of the same kind, for I am exceedingly
anxious to make my collection as full and compleat as possible.
As I highly value your narratives, they being the most impor- foi. 1426.
tant and of an extraordinary nature, so I could wish they were
most minute and circumstantial. In the sheets I iiave already
received, you have omitted giving the names of some persons
which, in the event of a history, are necessary to be had in
^ Printed in Jacobite Memoirs, p. 302, et seq. - See ff. 1278, 13 14- 1347.
352 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
28 Aug. order to strengthen and fix the facts against all contradiction
and cavilling; for in a point of fact, one can never be too
strict and nice. Suffer me then, Dear Sir, to point out your
several omissions under separate heads in the way of questions,
to which I beg plain and distinct answers, if in your power to
give them. To make you easy where giving of names may be
a point of delicacy and danger, I do assure you of the utmost
secrecy, and that they shall not be mentioned by me in any
shape till a safe and proper opportunity appears of publishing
dangerous truths — and when that may happen — God only
knows. I hope you 11 take my meaning well enough. I keep
my collection in a concealment always, so that I am not afraid
of its being seized by enemies, and it is not every friend I allow-
to see only the bulk and outside of my favourite papers. I
wish I had the happiness of conversing with you face to face,
foi. 1427. and then indeed I could fully satisfie myself as to every single
circumstance and ace of the never to be forgotten transac-
tions in and about your place. But I must even content
myself with a conversation now and then in the epistolary
way.
To come to the purpose in hand.
1. Can you give me the name of that servant-maid that held
a dragoon^s horse in a close in Inverness till the said dragoon
murdered two low country men .^ Can you procure me the
name of the said dragoon and the names of the said two low
country men thus murdered .?
2. Can you give me the name of that gentleman who, con-
fined to bed in a high fever, had his throat cut by some
dragoons, and who the said dragoons were "^ This happened in
Inverness.
3. Ewan M'Kay (as you write the name) has been written
to me by another thus 'Mackvee al\as Cameron.' Which of
these is right, or are both in the right, as Highlanders use
frequently to have different names .? If he was really a
Cameron, of what tribe of the Camerons was he "^ And what
is his father's name ; who now, you say, is reduced to be a
common beggar .? I am the more particular about this Ewan,
^ See ff, 1 122, 13 18.
1749] QUERIES ON SOME BARBARITIES 353
because it plainly appears he has been one of the greatest of 28 Aug.
heroes.
4. Wliat is the name of that one of a considerable character
who gave Provost Hossack such a severe kick or toss at the fol. 1428.
head of tiie stair .?
5. When your meeting-house was burnt ^ were any bibles and
prayer-books burned with Wi This I have had affirmed by
some, but how true you must best know.
6. In one paragraph you write thus : ' I was told by a person
of credit that a woman in great want saw them burying bread,"
etc. Pray, Good Sir, what is the name of that person of credit,
your informer in this particular point .'* In the same paragraph
you say, ' That both one of C s sogers, and a gentleman
belonging to his army did tell, there were some waggons of
poysoned bread.' Now can you find out the names of the said
soger and of the said gentleman, and to whom they made any
such declaration and acknowledgment "^ A discovery of these
particulars would prove of no small use.
7. In another paragraph you write thus : ' A gentleman who
was long prisoner in Inverness told me that he saw an officer,
Winter '46, when it was excessively cold, etc., give half a crown
to the sogers to go in a very cold night and extinguish the
prisoners fire, etc. What is the name of the said gentleman
who told you this, and the name of the officer who hired the
sogers to do such a hardship ?
8. You inform me ' that all the officers of Blakeney's regi-
ment, except three, were extremely cruel,' etc. Pray let me fol. 1429,
have the names of the three that were so singular and cour-
ageous in being good 't
9. You write ' that an officer was heard more than once say
that he saw that day (Friday) 72 killed or, as he term'd it,
knocked in the head. He was a young captain.' Pray, can
this young captain's name be given, and what regiment he
belonged to .?
10. I suppose the beautyful young man, quite naked and
mortally wounded, who received the dram from the officer ^
. . . and who at last was carried to Anna M'Kay's house, to be
1 See ff. 380, 1456, 1576. 2 See f. 1324.
VOL. II. Z
354 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
28 Aug. Ranald MacDonald of Bellfinlay, fellow-prisoner with Mr.
Nairn. Am I right in ray supposition or not ?
11. What is the name of that wounded man who crawled in
the night on his fours (as you word it) an incredible distance,
by which means he escaped ?
12. You blank one's name whom you mention to have been
disabled in both legs and sadly wounded, that a soger struck
him on the face with the butt of his gun, etc., that he still
lives and is now going on crutches. This person so disabled
and wounded I take to be one John (Alexander interlined)
Fraser,^ whose particular history was lately printed at Edin-
buro-h. Am I rig-ht or not ? The said Joini Eraser was taken
/ol. 1430. out of Culloden House with eighteen or nineteen more and
were all set up at a park dyke and shot at by a party of sogers,
etc., and none survived the massacre but the said John Eraser
only. N.B. — Can the said John Eraser give the names of all
or of any of the 18 or 19 that were set up with him at the
park dyke, etc. ? Can he give any account of the party that
performed the execrable deed, as to the regiment they belonged
to, and the names of the officers who commanded the party ?
13. Can you give me the name of that man whose body was
taken up twenty days after being covered, and the name of
that man whose body was taken up twenty-eight days after
being covered, both which bodies were without any corruption
or smell in the least ?
14. Can you give me the name of tliat man who at his own
door two miles from the field was shot dead, though he had no
concern with the Prince, and whose body was buried at the said
door, and was taken up fresh about Christmas at the impor-
tunity of his wife ? I hope you will have no difficulty to find
out the name of this man, and likewise the name of his wife,
both which I am very desirous to have, as also the name of the
place of their abode at the door of which the poor man was
shot ?
foi. 1431. 15. Can you give me the name of that young gentleman of
distinction, who being mortally wounded, lying on the ground
was inquired at by C d to whom he belonged, and upon his
^ See ff. 1239 1326, 1352. 1603.
1749] QUERIES ON SOME BARBARITIES 355
answering ' to the Prince,"' C d ordered the said young 28 Aug.
gentleman to be shot, which accordingly was done by a
common soffer ?
16. Can you name the place where the woman was in labour,
nine or ten women attending her, who were all burnt alive in
the house by orders ? Can you give the name of the said
woman in labour, and the name of her husband ? Can you
find out the party and the name of their commander who per-
petrated the execrable deed ?
17. Can you name the two old men and the young man (a
son of one of the said old men) in Glenmoriston who six or
seven weeks after tlie battle were (when harrowing) shot by
Major Lockheart's party ? As Grant of Daldrigan was forced
in a naked condition to witness the hanging up the corpses of
the said three men by the feet on a gallows, so no doubt he
can give their names.
18. Can you give me the name of that gentlewoman in the
Braes of Glenmoriston who, being big with child, was ravished fi^- 1432-
by a party ? You likewise mentioned tenants' wives ravished
at the same time with the said gentlewoman by all the party.
Can you find out the names of any of the said tenants' wives
and the party who did the monstrous, shocking facts, and the
names of the officers who headed the party ?
19. You say 'Lockheart in his way to Strathglass shot a
man wading a water with the Whig teacher's protection in his
hand to shew him.' Now, what was the name of the said man
thus shot ? You end this paragraph thus, ' And the whole party
ravished there a woman big with child and left her on the
ground almost dead. All these are certain facts which may be
depended upon, being known by a person of good credit.'
Now, Dear Sir, Can you procure me the name of the said
woman who was ravished when big with child ? What is the
name of the said person of good credit to whom the said
certain facts which may be depended upon are known ?
20. What is the name of that woman who being brought to
bed on Sunday before the battle fled on the day of battle with
her infant, and was attacked by four dragoons, who gave her
seven wounds on the head, etc. You mention that one of the
dragoons took the infant by the thigh and threw it about his /ol. 1433.
356 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
28 Aug. head, and that the husband of the said woman was chased into
a moss, etc. Now, what is the name of the said husband, and
what is the name of the place of his abode ?
21. You mention that three days after the battle at four
miles distance the sogers most barbarously cut a woman in
many places of her body particularly in the face. What is
the name of the said woman ? To what regiment did the
sogers belong, and by what officer or officers commanded, when
they so cut said woman ?
I have now done with the paper in your own handwriting
which is in quarto, and I come to the other paper in folio,
which is in the handwriting of some other person.^
22. What is the name of the person who writ the said
paper in folio ? This I want to know because the said writer
(from his own words) appears to have been an eyewitness of
some facts.
23. The said writer says he might remember the name of
the dragoon, as it is Scottish, who saved the life of the poor
lame man (Mackenzie) by causing the poor man take hold of
foi. 1434. one end of a belt and he (the dragoon) taking hold of the
otiier end of the belt, and so leading the poor man on, etc.
Now, I wish I had the name of the said dragoon, for "'tis pity
the few good should not be recorded.
24. The said writer of the folio paper mentions one Shaw,
quartermaster to Semple's regiment, who appears to have been
a generous, human gentleman. I could wish to have the said
Shaw''s Christian name,
25. The said writer tells that when at the King's Milns, the
third day after the battle, discourssing the people there, in one
of their houses they had a wounded woman. Can you give me
the name of the said wounded woman ? At the same time the
people of King's Milns told the said writer that they had
likewise in one of their houses an infant whom they found at
his mother's breast {horresco ref evens!) when she was dead, etc.
Pray is it possible to get the names of the said murdered
mother, and of her poor infant, which infant it seems is still
alive ? I heartily wish I had their names.
^ See f. 1463.
1749] QUERIES ON SOME BARBARITIES 357
26. The said writer mentions a widow gentlew^oman, a young 28 Aug.
lady (boarder with the said widow) and a servant maid, all
three lying in the common guardroom for twelve or fourteen
days, exposed to all the rudeness, etc. Now, can you give me foi. 1435.
the names of the said three women ? for their treatment was
an offence to nature and a violation of common decency.
Thus, Dear Sir, have I with the utmost freedom cut out
work in plenty for you, and I hope you will not grudge your
labour in giving me full and satisfying answers where you can
possibly make them out. I keep a copy of this letter that I
may compare it with your return, which you may write (for the
greater exactness) in the same order of heads as you find herein
observed. You will be heartily tired in reading this scribble,
which I have been obliged to wTite in some hurry rather than
to miss so good an opportunity of conveyance. Fail not to
gratifie me in all my requests, for in so doing you '11 do remark-
able services to the cause of Truth, and lay me under particular
obligations to you. With best wishes to you and yours, I ever
am, with the utmost sincerity and esteem. My Dear Sir, Your
most affectionate brother and very humble servant,
Robert Forbes.
Leith, August 28^A, 1749.^
Copy of a Letter (inclosed in the Letter to Mr. M 1436.
Hay) to Mrs. Leith^ at her house in Inverness.
Mada:\i, — You may be justly surprized at my not writing 30 Aug.
you sooner and acknowledging your favours. But, to tell the
truth, I did not chuse to write to you by post, and till now, I
could never meet with a sure bearer whom I could trust. I
received all the papers you sent me, and I heartily thank you
for them. I assure you I will carefully preserve them, as they
may prove useful in a future history.
I would gladly know the name of that officer, your friend,
who suffered so much upon your account, and because he
1749
1 See ff. 1442, 1456, 1463, 1482, 1573-1575. ■■' See ff. 1284-1312.
358 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
30 Aug. demeaned himself with so much humanity and compassion
towards the gentlemen in distress. I assure you of the utmost
secrecy, and that I shall make no imprudent use of what you
are pleased to inform me about. 'Tis pity that his name
should not be known who had so much courage and resolution
to do good when it exposed him to the utmost malice and
resentment, that so he may be recorded in history at a time
fol. 1437. when it may be safe to publish to the w^orld dangerous truths.
You mention that Dunlop was his enemy and bore him a great
spite, and that he stood a trial and was in no small danger of
losing his commission.
I earnestly beg you 'll favour me by some sure private hand
with more narratives of facts that you can have well vouched.
I will be glad to hear frequently from you, and with much
sincerity am, ]\Iadam, your friend and servant,
Robert Forbes.
Le'itK August 30th, 1749.
M 1438. Copy of a Paragraph to me, Robert Forbes,
from the Revd. INIr. William Abernethy,^ at
Stretton in Bedfordshire, August 28th, 1749.
28 Aug. The security of our property was one glorious motive that
^'''^^ brought about the late happy Revolution. As an instance
how far it has answered that end, take this for an example.
Before November 1688 an estate in this county paid to the
Government £3, 14s. Sterling, and the same estate, without
the least augmentation of rent pays now only the trifling
sum of £600, 6s. This I had from the proprietor and factor,
i.e. steward of the estate, who at the same time told me tliat
their case was not singular, but tliat everybody w'as tax'd in
the same proportion.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.iNI.
^ See f. 1282.
1749] STRANGE INCREASE OF TAXATION 359
CorY of a Return to tlie preceeding Paragraph. uSept.
1749
September 11th, 1749.
Your paragraph about the taxes of a certain estate is truly
surprizing. The odds between £S, 14s. Sterling and ^£"600, 6s.
(per annum, no doubt, you mean) is so very great that I am y^/. 1^3^.
afraid you may have committed a mistake, and therefore I beg
you may inform me once more about this extraordinary piece
of history. Pray forget not to gratifie me in this request. . . .
Copy of a Reply to the above from said Mr. Aber-
NETHiE, October 28th, 1749.
Tiie story of the £600 per annum is literally true.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among M ^440.
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
By a Gentleman on seeing the Prince''s Picture.
The Christian heroe's looks here shine,
Mixt with the sweetness of the Stewart's line.
Courage with mercy, wit with virtue join'd,
A beautous person with more beautous mind.
How wise ! how good when great ! when low, how brave !
Who knows to suffer, conquer, and to save.
Such grace, such virtues, are by Heav'n design'd.
To save Britannia and bless mankind.
Copy of part of a Letter from ^Iai-colm Mac-
Leod (Rasay, September 18, 1749) to me,
Robert Forbes.
I have no news to tell you. Only poor Donald M'Leod is
dead about ten days ago.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among 18 Sept.
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M. ^^'^^
360 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
foi. 1441. Copy of a Letter to me, Robert Forbes, from
Dr. MacDonald, one of Kenloch Moydart's
brothers, and stepfather to Bellfinlay.
Dear Sir, — I had noe opportunity before now to let you
know of our arrivall in the country. We had a most severe
21 Sept. journey off it with most excessive winds and rains which has
^^"^^ cast poor Bellfinlay soe low that alas ! I fear he has not manie
dayes to pass in this world, otherwise you might be sure he had
embraced so fair an opportunity of letting you hear from him.
His illness puts me and whole family in very great confusion,
for I've quit despaired of his recovery.
There is noe countrey news, but a prodigious bad seasone,
and plenty of redcoat pairties, both very bad articles. — I am.
Dear Sir, Your affectionate humble servant,
{S'lc siibscribitur) Jno. Macdonald.
Kenlochmoydart, September 91st, 1749.
foi. 1442. ]^^ — 'j'j^g original of the above is to be found among
my papers. I received Dr. MacDonald's letter from Neil
MacDonald, MacKechan's eldest brother, John MacDonald
MacKechan, who, and Angus MacDonald of Milton (Miss
Flora MacDonald's full brother) made me a visit. They
afterwards told me that they had got notice from the
Highlands that Bellfinlay died on September 28th.i
Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a Letter to me, Robert Forbes, from the
Revd. Mr. James Hay in Inverness.^
20 Oct. Reverend Dear Sir,— Your kind letter, August 28th, came
only to hand last week in Forress, when the bearer was much
^ See f. 1453. 2 See ff_ j^^g^
1749] MR. RATTRAY AND PRESIDENT FORBES 361
distressed witli the ague. As soon as possible I '11 answer the 20 Oct.
contents of the inclosed in the best way I can ; for with pleasure
I'll most frankly embrace any opportunity of doing what may
be agreeable to you. Mrs. Leith is in London, therefore have M- ^443-
returned your letter ... I ever am, yours most affectionately,
{Sic subscrihlUir) Philalethes.
October 9.0th, 1749.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers, Robert Forbes, A.M.
Letth, Noveviher 15th, 1749.
Nota Bene. — When Mr. John Rattray, surgeon, came to 15 Nov.
Culloden House, after his liberation at Inverness, President
Forbes told the said Mr. Rattray that he had obtained his
liberation from the Duke of Cumberland upon condition that
he (Mr. Rattray) should become evidence. This surprised
Mr. Rattray not a little, insomuch that he spoke with some
heat against complying with any such condition. President
Forbes began to reason the matter with him and among other
things was pleased to say ' that there was nothing in being an
evidence."' This provoked Mr. Rattray so much that he told
the President in a passion that he would far rather chuse to /?/. 1444.
give himself up a second time, and to return to the miserable
situation of a prisoner once more than to become an evidence.
In a word Mr. Rattray insisted upon going instantly into
Inverness, and giving himself up. But the President desired
Mr. Rattray not to think of giving himself up again for that
he would use his interest to make things easy for Mr. Rattray
by endeavouring to ward off his being tampered with to be an
evidence. But the issue explained that his Lordship had
very little to say with those at the helm of affairs, notwith-
standing the many great and remarkable services he had done
for this Government.
When Mr. Rattray returned to Edinburgh from the north
he communicated this affair to Mr. Wachope of Niddery in
confidence. Mr. Wachope was so much pleased with Mr.
Rattray's behaviour in the matter, and had such an indigna-
tion at the President for offering to propose any such thing to foi. 1445.
362 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
15 Nov. Mr. Rattray that he [Mr. Wachope] could not forbear talking
to the President upon the subject the first time he met with
the President in Edinburgh ; which so affected the President
(he not imagining that anybody knew anything of that matter
but only Mr. Rattray and himself) that (as Mr. Rattray much
fears) it had bad effects upon the President's health, and even
hastened his death. It is, indeed, a prevailing opinion that the
President died of heart-break.
This narrative is known to very few, as Mr. Rattray chuses
not to mention it even to his best friends, considering the
great friendship that was between the President and him. It
gave Mr. Rattray much concern that Mr. Wachope of Niddery
sliould have even attempted to touch upon the subject with the
President.
I am as much persuaded of the truth of all this as if I had
had it from Mr. Rattray's own mouth, for my information
proceeds from good Mrs. Rattray.
foi. 1446. It is truly matter of great surprise that a party spirit should
have had such an influence upon the mind of the sagacious
Duncan, as to blind the eyes of his understanding and to get the
ascendant of his superior judgment, for certain it is that President
Forbes was a gentleman of very extraordinary and uncommon
parts, and had an extensive knowledge both of men and books.^
Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1447. December 4th (Monday) 1749. — I, Robert Forbes, was
4 Dec. favoured with a visit of Ranald MacDonald, Boradale's son,
when he delivered to me a letter from Major MacDonald of
Glenalledell,^ an exact copy of which is as follows : —
My dear Sir, — I receaved your favour by Balfinlay, which
was most acceptable and agreeable to me, whereby I was
singularly obliged to you for your good wishes tendered
therein ; and I intreat you will be pleased to accept of
mine in the most unfeigned manner in return.
With regard to the particulars relative to the young gentle-
man's distresses, about the truth of which you want to be
1 See ff. 883-889, 963, 1342. 1347. 2 See ff. 1108, 1388.
1749] MACDOxNALD OF GLENALADALE 363
satisfyetl, you judged very right in tloubting them on the
score of not being mentioned in my Journall as I would be
very unjust and negb'gent in either adding to or pareing any-
thing from the truth of matters of fact, ])articularly in anytliing
I was eyewitness to ; and I hope that when your performance
will make its appearance it will in some thing make anything
of the kind that was said yett blush ; whieli I impute more to fol- 1448.
the partiall misrepresentations of tliose who enclined to value
themselves on having a great deall to say that w^ay than to any
fault in the publishers. For my part it was merely to avoid
disoblidging a young lady who desired the favour of me
that I thought on setting pen to paper to relate anything
of the matter, and as I was not well att the time, was
obliued to make our freind honest Alister, Dallile's brother,
my clerk, and he keept a double of what he wrott. Dr.
Burton liimself seems to be in some measure sensible of this
as he did me the favour latly to send me one of his pamphlets
by a friend of mine, intreating I would correct anything I saw
amiss in it, as he has a mind to make up a second edition, and
send it to him.
The first particular you want the truth of is his escape of
falling over the precipice, which I remember very well, and it
was the very night we passed the guards ; and it was in climb-
ing up that hill you 1 find in your Journal called Drymchossey,^
immediatly after passing by a small camp pitched in the fol. 1449.
bottom of the valley or glen of that name, viz.. Glen Chosey,
att tlie foot of the hill we were then ascending, and the
night being very dark, we passed so near that little camp
as to see the soldiers passing betwixt us and the fires, and to
hear the sound of their talk, but not to distinguish what they
spoke. As I said we were climbing up the hill immediatly
above the camp, the night being very dark and the liill very
steep. Donald Cameron being guide was foremost, the Prince
was after him, and I followed in his rear, and my brother and
cousine after me, and crossing a small rivulet that gushed out
of a spring, as I think, and glyded over a precipis att the very
place we crossed it, Donald Cameron crossed first, the Prince
1 See fF. 615, 1494-1497.
364 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
next, and in crossing, missed a step, and 'tis altogether probable
he would fall down the precipis, which we took to be very high,
foi. 1450. if he had not been very full of life, and that I caught hold of
one arm and Donald Cameron of the other and recovered him
in a tryce. But the bight of the precipis we could not discern,
being very dark. But that there was a tree or anything elss
in it is very groundless, for it is so near the tope of the hill
that the winter snovves and frostes would starve any wood
growing there. There was but one line of the troops in our
front, but were planted in little camps pitched in a line from
the head of Loch Uirn to the head of Loch Eil, being 27 in
all, so that once we crossed the one line of these little camps we
had none more near us to cross.^ But as the next morning we
were obliged to travell along that line after crossing it, we
inadvertently next day lodged all day very near the wing of that
line, but we were under no necessity to creep, but when Donald
Cameron and I exposed ourselves to the Ennemys view when
they drove the sheep to the fold to choose out some for
slaughter that we were obliged to creep back again till we
got out of their view.
fol. 145T. The other particular is the story of, ' Ha ! Dougald Mac-
cullonny,"" which is altogether fabelous, as there was no such
thing; for the place where the Glenmorison people joined us
was att the Cave where the fine spring glyded by our bed
sides,^ whereto (upon my sending my brother and our then
guide to them to bring them to ane interview with me, in
order to guide me to Pollieu in Seaforth's country) they
directed us to come to, for Donald Cameron parted with us
three days before ^ to take care of his wife and means. And
when the first three of them came up to us we resolved not to
comitt the secret of the Prince''s person to them unless we
found that they would know him. Yett upon seeing him
they all knew him. For my part, if Mr. Cameron '^ was the
author of that paragraph, I think, if there should be some-
thing of it, whereas I have not the least grounds to suspect
their honesty, I think he should, for the sake of their honesty
1 See f. 616. 2 See f. 623. ^ See ff. 618, 1661.
^ i.e. Mr. John Cameron, I suppose. — Robert Forbes, M.A.
1749] SOME CORRECTIONS 365
and fidelity to a cause he seems so mucli to sett a value upon,
refrain from stigmatizinf^ the poor people with the appellation
of noted theeves^ when of the Glenmorison people's neighbours, foi. 1452.
even Camerons, there might be found those that deserved it as
well. The names of the Glenmorison people are as follows :
viz., John M'Donald," Alexander M'Donald, Alexander
Chissolm, Donald Chissolm, his brother, Hugh Chissolm,
another brother, Gregor M'Gregor, Patrick Grant, and Hugh
M'Millan, who came one day accidentally upon us a little
before we left the Chissolm's country ; and knowing us all, we
kept him with us and proved very faithfull,^
As for the manner of Mr. M'Kenzie's death it is what I can
never gett the certainty of, as I gett so many accounts of it,
which I perfectly know to be palpable untruths, which makes
me give the less credit to any I hear of it, except that he
dyed. But I will be on the search, and if I gett anything
worth transmitting to you, depend upon it I shall send it. As
for plundering, pillaging, burning, and murders, I know cer-
tainly a great deall well vouched. But I am just now hurryed
with other business, and I must begg to be excuised till the
next occasion. But, my friend, the bearer, knows a good deall, fol 1453-
and he'll tell you a good many things, especially what
happened in his own country where everything that was port-
able or drivable was carryed of. 'Tis true I saved everything
I had till the young gentleman's return to the continent when,
as good luck would have it, my wounds were not three days
closed when I had a call to attend, and leaving everything
never saw another sight of anything but my poor wife and
babies.
I have sealled up Alister's letter,* and forwarded it to him.
1 am heartily sorry to have the account of your reall well-
wisher, Balfinlay's death to give you,^ having departed on the
27th September last, much regrated by his friends, among
whom he depended on you as a firm one. I conclude with
wishing you, lady and family, all manner of health and happi-
ness both here and hereafter, and am in all sincerity, with
^ See f. 547. " MackDonell alias Campbell.
2 See ff. 1477, 1660, 1777, 1871. ^ See f. 1392.
^ See f. 1442.
366 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
esteem and affection, My dear Sir, Your most affectionate and
most obliged humble servant,
(Sic suhscrihitur) Alexr. M'Donald.
P.S. — You judged very right as to the story of Dougald
foi. 1454. Macculloney, for there is nothing I remember better than that
some of the party called the Prince ' Dougald,"' but without a
sirname, merely to avoid calling him by his own tittle, which
was the ground of that story for certain.^ That Mr. Cameron,^
who is Dr. Burton's author of that part of the pamphlet after
the Prince's return to the continent, came only along with Dr.
Cameron, LochieFs brother, to visit us only after our return
from Glenmorison, when the guards were removed, and the
heall of the danger was over, so that his part of that history
is prodigious uncorrect, knowing only what we told our friends
by way of discourse when we mett again. Adieu.
N.B. — The original of the preceeding letter is to be
found among my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foL 1455. Copy of a Return to the foregoing Letter.
4 Dec. My dear Sir, — I have the honour of yours by your worthy
1749 friend the bearer, who is in such a haste that I have only time
to acknowledge the receipt of your singular favours. I beg
you may transmit to me (as you have promised) a faithful and
exact account of all tlie plunderings, pillagings, burnings, and
murders that you can have well vouched. I have importuned
the bearer to draw up a narrative in his own handwriting of
all he knows of these matters, and to send it to me. Pray
be so good as to keep him in mind of my request, and to de-
termine him to a speedy compliance with my earnest desires.
Woes me for the deatli of the worthy Bellfinlay, whose
memory I revere.
With my best wishes to your lady and all your concerns, I
^ See f. 1661.
2 i.e. Mr. John Cameron, who (in his own Journal) gives the same account of
his going along with Dr. Cameron. [See f. 173.]. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 367
ever am, my Dear Sir, Your most aff'ectionatc friend, and very 4 Dec.
humble servant, Robert Forbes.
Lclth, December 4th, 174'9.
P.S. — I heartily wish you a happy Christmass and a good
New Year, with large amends. Adieu.
Copy of some parts of a Letter from the Revd. M 1456-
JNIr. James Hay in Inverness to me, Robert
Forbes.^
Reverend Dear Sir, — I returned an answer to your kind 8 Dec.
favours which I had from Mr. Innes. . . . The reason why
I have not answered yours fully is because the gentleman men-
tioned by you base not yet been in town. ... I ever am.
Your most obliged affectionate servant,
(Sic suhscribitur) Philalethes.
December 8th, 1749.
Tho' orders were given by one generall to burn the Meeting-
house, an other answered that as the firing was scarce it should
be taken down, and the timber given for the ovens, which was
accordingly done. No book was burnt here.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
Copy of a Return to the preceding, etc. M 1457-
Reverend Dear Sir, — Your kind letter of the 8th instant 13 Dec.
came to hand just now. I likewise received in due course your
short note, acknowledging the receipt of my long epistle by
Mr. Innes, and though you have not yet had time to make
out a full and particular return to all my queries, I have con-
fidence in your good and laudable intentions that you will
1 See ff. 1433, 1442-
368 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
13 Dec. spare no pains to comply with my earnest requests (if it be in
your power) in every single article I have mentioned to you.
As it affords me a real pleasure to receive the smallest infor-
mation about these particulars, so I return you my hearty
thanks for the paragraph you have given me about pulling
down your Meeting-house, etc. I am truly anxious to have all
the well-vouched accounts you can give me. . . . Pray remem-
ber me kindly to Baillie Stewart, Mr. Shaw, etc., and believe
me ever to be, Your very much obliged friend, and most
humble servant, Philanthbopos.
December \^th, 9 o'clock, night.
foi. 1458. Copy of a Letter from a Gentleman in London,
November 1st, 1749, to his friend in Edinburgh.
Dear Sir, — I was sent a ticket to Lord Mayors Ball last
Monday. It was held at Guildhall, and there was the greatest
crowd of people there I ever saw at any publick place. There
is one room where the Mayor and Aldermen sit and dine,
and where they invite gentlemen of their acquaintance. I
happened to be asked, and had a place accordingly, where I
expected to hear such healths given as are toasted by the
Magistrates of Edinburgh on the Kings birthday, which this
was, but indeed it was quite otherwise. I neither heard king,
prince, princess nor duke toasted, but there was the Duke of
Beaufort, Earl of Orrory, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford and
some others ; after which they went to general toasts, such as
More friends and less need of them ; Success to good inten-
tions. Every one his own, Oppression to all oppressors ; and
the like. At last one Alderman Benn (lately Mayor) rose up
and called out he could drink no longer, but before he went
foi. 1459. off he would give a toast he loved as his soul, and that he
might be heard he stood upon a chair, made all the company
fill bumpers (and I am sure there were some hundreds in the
room), then he roared out. Here is prosperity to the Tory
interest in the City of London. The toast was not only
drank, but they clapt and hussaed for a great while. I was
1749] LORD MAYOR'S BALL AT LONDON 369
struck, and expected some squabble would follow ; but nothing i Nov.
happened except that (soon after the huzza ceased) a man
whom none there knew, and is said to be a spy jumped upon
the table, snatched a glass, and called out, Here is damnation
to all Jacobites ! He had scarce spoke it when there was a
general cry, Kick him out, which (I assure you) was done in
a moment. He was tumbled from the table, and not only
kicked out of the room we sat in, but (what is more), without
either hat or wig, and his cloaths all tore, without any one
appearing on his side. If such a thing had happened with
you on his Majesty's birthday, the loyal cavalier would rather
have been kiss'd than kicked for damning Jacobites. And
indeed I am very much surprised he was so treated here, fol- 1460.
But I assure you it is as true as strange, for I was a witness
to every word I have written.
What I write you of the Ball gives great umbrage at
Court. Parties begin to run mighty high, and both sides
speak with great courage.
I supp'd with a gentleman last night who left the Prince the
8th of October. He would not say where he was, but is come
here with his leave and says he knows where to find him on
the 20th of December. He is very well and safe, wanting for
nothing. This you may believe as the gentleman I speak of
is a man of consequence.
N.B. — Very many copies of the above were handed
about through Edinburgh and other places, so that it
became very common. Robert Forbes, A.M.
1749. The Rape of the Devil. foi. 1461.
A full, true, and particular account of a most horrid and
barbarous rape committed by the Devil and his imps on the
14th of this instant August in Windsor Park upon the body
of a certain ladys maid, as is well attested and affirmed by
severals that saw, looked on, and beheld the dreadfull appari-
tion. So bold is that enemy to mankind (the Devil) grown that,
contrary to custom, he appears in open daylight to perpetrate
the dreadfullest vision that ever was seen or heard of by mortals,
and will be (doubtless) the wonder of this and future ages.
VOL. II. 2 A
370 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
August On the 14th of the instant August, about six o"'clock in the
evening, as a young woman and her sweetheart were walking
out to take the air in Windsor Park, a devil of a monstrous
size, with about five or six lewd fiends like himself, -though not
of so enormous a bulk, came out of the earth suddenly seizing
upon them, and offering the most shocking violence to the
foi. 1462. young woman that tongues can express. The young man, to
be sure, resented such usage, for he really loved her. But,
alas ! wliat could he do against the devil ? who with his fiends
fell on him and beat him most unmercifully, for to be sure no
mercy is to be expected from devils. After they had used him
in a most inhuman manner, and left him on the ground almost
bleeding to death, they then at the command of Beelzebub,
their master, began to perpetrate their brutish lust on the
poor maid. The grand devil being too bulky for the work
himself, was content with holding her down in the most
obscene manner, while the rest executed their most villainous
designs on her. After which, when she was fainting and
almost breatliless on the ground, the grand devil with the
rest of the devils incarnate took her and the young man in
that miserable condition, and flew with them to the water-
side, and seemed to put them into a boat and so vanished.
This dismal, sad, and true relation will, I hope, deter all
good Christians, and make them pray that their daughters
and all modest young women and maid-servants may have the
foi. 1463. grace to keep out of the way and be delivered from this devil
of devils ; and the Lord will look down upon this land, and
particularly Windsor Park, and the adjacent parts thereunto
belonging. So help us God. For without his help we are all
undone.
Printed by F. Jones, near St. Pauls, 1749.
Copy of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. James Hay
in Inverness to me, Robert Forbes.
29 Dec. Reverend Dear Sir, — Yesternight I was inform'd that
James Grant, merchant in Inverness, is at Edinburgh, who
1749] CORRESPONDENCE 871
was the person who sent me the letter that I sent you. Peter 29 Dec.
]Jaillie, our acquaintanec, may find him out; and if you shew
him his own letter he'll deal witli you frankly and answer your
queries as far as he can. He hase not been here this long
time. Lose no time for fear he leave tlie town, and he may
not be here for some time. ... I ever am, My dear Sir, Your M- 1464-
most oblidg'd friend and servant,
{Sic suhscribUur) Philalethes.
December ^h, 1749.
P.S. — If you get acquainted with the old Lady Inches, who
now stays at Edinburgh, she can tell some things if she hase
not forgot them. Mr, Harper is well acquainted with her.
She is a sensible well-accomplished lady,
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
Upon Receipt of the foregoing Letter from Mr.
Hay, I writ a Letter to Mr, Patrick Baillie,
Writer in Edinburgh, an exact copy of which
is as follows : —
Dear Sir, — As you are backward in visiting a friend who 5 Jan.
entertains a sincere regard for you, I find I must give you an
errand to come and see me.
I am well informed that one Mr, James Grant (merchant in
Inverness) is just now in Edinburgh, whom I am very desirous
to see in my house, as he is a gentleman (though I have
not the honour of his acquaintance) to whose character and /oi. 1465.
tenderheartedness I am not a stranger, of which I can shew
him a convincing proof when I have the happiness of seeing
him. Pray then (Dear Sir) be so good as to present my best
wishes to Mr. Grant, and endeavour to prevail upon him to
come along with you to-morrow to dine with me. I know
your zeal to serve a friend too well to deem it needful to say
any more. At any rate, let me have the pleasure of seeing
you to-morrow against one o'clock.
372 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1750
5 Jan. I heartily wish this may turn out to be the best year to you
that ever we have seen ; and am, Dear Sir, Your affectionate
friend and humble servant, Robert Forbes.
Leith, January 5th, 1750.
Copy of an Answer from the foresaid Mr. Baillie.
5 Jan. Reverend Sir, — I received your kind letter from our freind,
^750 jyjj. Mitchel. INIr. James Grant, whom you have so much in
>/. 1466. your eye, has taken his Christmass diner at Inverness. He's
an excellent good lad, and one that merites the character you
gote of him. It would not be in my power (tho' INIr. Grant
was here) to wait of you to-morrow, or on any Saturday in
time of Session, when anything is to doe ; and to-morrow there
is to doe, and therefore those who are bound must obey. Am
in dutie bound to wait of you, and shall doe it without invita-
tion when at freedome, I offer my best respects to ]\Irs.
Forbes and you, with the compliments of the season in their
full extent; and am. Reverend Dear Sir, your most obliged
humble servant, Patrick Baillie.
Edinburgh, 5th January 1750.
^■B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.M.
foi. 1467. Copy of a Letter from Tam Forbes, to me,
Robert Forbes.
^L^f*^' Dear Sir, — The bearer ^ is the man wlio has been longer in
prison than any other for the default of Britons. You know I
^ Alexander MacGrowther at Dalchiuin, in Glenarkney, in the Duke of
Perth's estate, who delivered the letter to me on Friday, January 12th, 1750.
Mr. MacGrowther was made prisoner in Carlisle on December 31st, 1745, and
was (with the other prisoners) carried up to London, where he stood his trial,
and was condemned. After several reprieves he was at last doom'd to be
banished. When the ships were making ready to sail with those that were
sentenced to banishment for life, Mr. MacGrowther was in such a low dangerous
condition with rheumatism, etc., that he could not be moved, and therefore he
was let alone as a dying man. However, when he began to recover, one Smith
1749
1749] LETTERS FROM LONDON 373
am piij;rr .scribcnili, and as I recommend him to you, I hope, I 29 Dec.
should have said am certain, tliat you 11 treat him as an honest
man, and use your interest for him. Many less deserving have
been more taken notice of when our Tavern heroes were in
spirit than he has been now at the end of his captivity, which M 1468.
he would not in all probability have seen had it not been for a
gentleman ^ discharged at the same time with himself. I never
reconnnended a wrong man to you ; and upon conversing with
the bearer you '11 find him ax honest isian, and me not yet a
bad judge. The good wishes of me and my concerns attend
you and yours.
(Sic siibscribitiir) Thom. Philo. Manlius.^
London at large., December 29, 1749.
N.B. — The original of the above is to be found among
my papers. Robert Forbes, A.INI.
't?
Copy of part of a Letteh from London, 17|-|. M 1469-
The most remarkable public news is the reception the 1749-50
House of Commons gave to the Mutiny-desertion Bill, as it
(ihe undertaker for transporting the banished) was not slow in asking questions
about him, and desiring to know if he was ready to set out. But old Mac-
Growther always answered, He was not yet ready. By this time honest Mac-
Growther was much talked of over all London ; and friends (particularly Mrs.
Cheap and Mrs. Magdalene Clerk, daughters of Captain Hugh Clerk in Edin-
burgh) began to bestir themselves for him, and having collected a purse of about
ten guineas they gave it to Smith, who kindly accepted of the present, and
became so complaisant as to forget MacGrowther altogether. Some great per-
sonages (the Sardinian Ambassador, the Duchess of Norfolk, the Countess of
Newburgh, etc. etc. etc., at length interested themselves for MacGrowther in
order to procure his releasement, which accordingly was accomplished without
the common form of a remission, by an order from the Duke of Bedford's office
upon December nth, 1749, MacGrowther being then seventy-six years of age,
but so healthy and welMook'd that people imagined him not to be sixty. He
was likewise made prisoner at Preston in England in 1715, and endured at that
time a confinement of two full years.
^ y^neas MacDonald, banker (brother to Kenlochmoydart), whose company
and facetious conversation contributed much to keep up the spirits of honest old
MacGrowther after all the other prisoners were gone. The banker (tho' a young
man) contracted such a swelling in his legs that immediately after his releasement
he was obliged to go to Bath. But old MacGrowther was of so healthy and
robust a constitution that he had no swellings in his body at all. — Robert
Forbes, A.M. " See f. 141 5.
374 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1749
is called ; and what will be the only circumstance perhaps that
will make it agreeable to a person of your loyal principles is
that few, I believe, will venture to communicate it.
Take it then in substance as follows from one who was an
ear-witness to some of the debates on that occasion.
This Bill put it into the power of the Duke not only to
arrest any officer for taking a few days pleasure out of town
without leave asked and obtained, but also to order him at any
time (whether member of Parliament or not) to his respective
regiment ; and at the same time to appoint any persons whom
he pleased to name (as being Commander in Chief) to examine
into the procedure of a court-martial and to try a man anew,
foi. 1470. though before acquitted by the said Court. These were the
principall articles which hindered it to pass.
The speaker himself was hardly able to preserve his usual
temper. Some of his expressions were : ' that it was the most
insolent and barefaced attempt that ever was made to destroy
British spirit and policy, and to confine our liberties within
the narrow limits of a German government. I repeat it again
(said he), a German Government.' ' While I have the honour
to fill this chair, I will contend for the privileges of the House.
None upon the throne shall with my consent ever stretch the
prerogatives of it to such a length. Nor do I think any
minister that is not stupidly ignorant or monstrously wicked
will exert his influence to favour such an inclination, till he
has as much power at least in this house as he has, I am afraid,
already got in the other."*
In short the Court, though the most numerous, were obliged
to give it up. The Duke, who had arrested an officer, a
member of Parliament, was ashamed of his conduct, and not
foi. 1471. daring to own it, begged another officer to take the matter
upon him.
The House found that to try a man twice over was a piece
of tyranny and arbitrary power, and that they had a right in
tliemselves indispensible of the Crown to command the attend-
ance of their own members.
God save the King, and bless the land.
1750] A TALK WITH MACPHERSONS 375
Copy of part of a Letter to the Revd. Mr. James M- 147=
Hay in Inverness.^
My dear Sir, — I gladly embrace this opportunity, and 19 Feb.
acknowledge your favours of December 29th, upon receipt of
which I immediately wrote to Mr. Baillie, begging him to bring
Mr. Grant to my house, which I would value as a particular
favour. jNIr. Baillie in return writ me that the said Mr. Grant
had returned to Inverness before Christmass. This indeed
proved a great disappointment to me, as I was not a little
Unxious to have an interview with Mr. Grant, to whom I beg
you may present my best wishes, and tell him I will deem it a
singular obligation if he will favour me with a visit any time
he happens to be in or about Edinburgh. By this you see
that the whole burden lies upon you yet, which I am sorry for ;
but I rely upon your goodness to procure all the satisfying
answers you can to my queries, which will prove very useful,
I got acquainted with old Lady Inches long ago, who told
me all she could remember. — With best wishes to you and
yours, most kindly Adieu.
Fehruary 19^A.
February 23d, Friday, 1750. — I dined in Edinburgh with foi. 1473.
John Macpherson of Benchar and Donald Macpherson, younger 23 Feb.
of Breackachie in Badenoch. The said Mr. Macpherson of ^''^°
Breackachie having been provisor for the Prince during the
time of his skulking in Badenoch (which was between two and
three weeks), he narrated several remarkable particulars about
the Prince while in Badenoch. Breakachie said that the Prince
came to Badenoch about the end of August or beginning of
September, and skulked there in three different huts, wliich
were about two miles from one another and six Highland
miles (that is, ten English miles) from Loudon's camp, and yet
there was not the smallest surmise or suspicion of the Prince"'s
skulkinff in Badenoch till after his arrival in France. What
See ff. 1463- 1466.
376 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1750
23 Feb. contributed much to the Prince's safety in Badenoch (said
Breackachie) was this. Lochiel had been crippHng about in
his wounds for several months in Badenoch, and it was known
to several Macphersons that Cluny, Lochiel, Dr. Cameron, etc.,
were together in Badenoch, but then these Macphersons never
once hinted to any person that tliey knew of any such thing ;
and when the Prince came to Cluny and Lochiel in Badenoch,
it was known to none but to themselves and those that were
with them ; even tlie foresaid Macphersons never once suspect-
foi. 1474. ing that the Prince had ever come down the country to Cluny,
Lochiel, etc. None were admitted to see Cluny, Lochiel, etc.,
but young Breackachie, and any such as they themselves ordered
or allowed him to introduce to them. This strictness continued
still to be observed (rather more and more) after the Prince
had come to them, and then none were admitted to them even
by young Breackachie himself till a council was held to con-
sider the necessity or usefulness of having an interview with
this or the other person that Breackachie might happen to
bring them notice of. So that it was scarce possible that a
discovery could be made of the Prince's being in Badenoch.
Breackachie said that the Prince used to tell his attendants
in Badenoch, that wiien Donald Cameron was about guiding
him through the guards, Donald would fall a rubbing his nose,
and would say to the Prince, ' O Sir, my nose is yuicking,
which is a sign to me that we have great hazards and dang-ers
to go through.'' AVhen they had passed through the guards, the
Prince merrily said to Donald Cameron, ' Well, Donald, how
does your nose now.'*"' 'It is better now,' answered Donald,
' but it still yuicks a little.' ' Ay, Donald,' replied the Prince,
' have we still more guards to go through ? ' This plainly
shews how well the Prince kept up his spirits, even when sur-
rounded with the greatest dangers, of which indeed many
instances can be given. ^
foi. 1475. When the Prince was in Badenoch, Cluny and others were
employed in making out a subterraneous house for winter
quarters to the Prince, lest an opportunity should not offer to
take him off to France. In this house they had contriv'd a
1 See ff. 615, 1448.
I750] THE PRINCE WITH LOCIHEL 377
particular room for the Prince, which was to be floored with 23 Feb.
boards, lined with boards and covered within the roof with the
same ; which room was almost finished when intelligence was
brought to the Prince about the two ships on the West
Coast that were ready to take iiim off; to which ships the
Prince travelled on foot, being about 100 English miles, even
though at that very time he was troubled with a looseness or
flux. In walking to the ships, the Prince and his attendants
were frequently obliged to go out of the direct way, and to
travell about to keep themselves as much as possible from
being seen, and to avoid those places where the Prince might
happen to be known, which served to make their journey con-
siderably longer.
There are no Avoods in Badenoch (as Benchar and Breack-
achie told me), but there are mountains, braes, and rocks,
among which, with the help of the three foresaid huts, the
Prince and his then attendants made a shift to keep themselves
very private and safe.
I took an opportunity of telling Breackachie that I was very
desirous to find out the precise day on which the Prince im- foi. 1476.
barked for France,^ for that the several accounts about it dif-
fered. The Scots Magazine and Dr. Burton's pamphlet made it
on September 20th. ^ Some maps of the Prince's whole expedi-
tion (said to be done by the Prince own orders), lately published
in France, had it on September 21st, and Glenalladale's Journal
fixes it to September 28th.^ Upon this I asked Breackachie if
he could name the day of the week when the Prince imbarked,
and then I would find out the day of the month. After think-
ing a little, Breackachie said, ' To the best of my remembrance
we came to the place where the ships lay at anchor upon a
Friday, when Cluny and I took leave of the Prince, and set
out on our return to Badenoch. ' But then ^ (said Breackachie)
' the Prince did not imbark till the day after (Saturday), having
waited at least a whole day for the coming of such as were
desirous to seek for safety in a foreign country. However,"'
added he, ' it is in my power to give you the date of his im-
barkation beyond all dispute ; for the Prince, immediately after
1 See ff. 1559, 1572. 2 See ff. 522, 640. ^ ggg f. 539.
VOL. II. 2 B
378 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1750
23 Feb. his going on board, writ a letter with his own hand, notifying
his having imbarked, which he dispatched by express to Cluny.
This original letter in the Prince's own handwriting,"* said
Breackachie, ' I have in my custody, and when I return home
I sliall transmit to you a copy of the date of the letter/
foi. 1477. I thanked him for his promise, and told him that his per-
formance would be a singular favour. I then importuned
Breackachie (in which Benchar assisted me) to be at some pains,
by consulting with others, to draw out a minute and circum-
stantial account of the Prince's abode in Badenoch, as to what
passed in conversation, etc. etc. Breackachie frankly complied
with my request, and promised to do his best when once he
were at home again.
Benchar told me he was very desirous to see my collection
of papers, and to hear some of them read. For this end an
I March appointment was made on Thursday (jVIarch 1st), when Benchar
and Breackacliie came to Leith in the afternoon and spent
some hours with me. I read in their hearing some of the most
material papers, with which they were much pleased. At this
meeting Breackachie told me that the Prince (when in Bade-
noch) used to tell his attendants that when he was with the
faithfull Glenmoriston men, he observed them frequently to
foi. 1478. make use of the expression Ho, Siax,^ which he took to be the
name of one of them, and that certainly he behoved to be the
principal one among them, as they called so often upon him,
whereas Ho, Siax, signifies Hark you, John, or Hear yon, John,
which expression they had used when discoursing upon this or
the other subject they happened to refer anything to the one
of their number named John, who from this deference paid to
him appears to have been the principal man amongst them.
Breackachie likewise told me at this time that Cluny and he
had taken leave of the Prince without any the smallest notion
of ever receivino; anv letter or note from the Prince's own
hand about his imbarkation ; for that the Prince of his own
inclination and goodwill had, after being on board, writ the
foresaid letter to satisfie friends about his being happily
appointed in two stout ships, well provided in everything
^ Rather, Hose, Ian, or (according to the true spelling of Erse) Acs Eain,
1750] THE PRINCE IN BADENOCH 379
necessary and fit to be had, particularly a sufficient number of i March
good and able sailors.
Ureackachie again renewed his promise to me of drawing up
a particular account of what passed during the Prince's abode
in liadenoch.
I enquired at Breackachie about the time of LochieFs foi. 1479.
recovering; of his wounds. Breackachie informed me that
Lochiel was quite out of all danger as to his wounds when Sir
Stewart Thriepland {iil'ias Dr. Thrcpland) left Badenoch, wliich
was some time in the month of July 1746. ' But then,"" added
Breackachie, ' LochiePs wounds were not entirely closed up,
neither was he free of pain, when the Prince came to Badenoch,^
at which very time Lochiel was not able to walk well about,
but behoved to be removed about from place to place on horse-
back. However, before notice came of the two ships on the
west coast, Lochiers wounds were quite closed up and skinned
over, and he was then fit for travell.'
The above account serves to confirm an assertion of Mac-
Donald of Glenalladale in his Journal,^ and to rectifie a mistake
of mine in a marginal note, which I was led into by an expres-
sion in Mr. John Cameron's Journal,^ which expression of Mr.
John Cameron (it would appear) imports only that Lochiel
was in health and out of danger as to his wounds, but not that
he was altogether sound or quite well recovered.
The foresaid Dr. Threpland (as Breackachie assured me), foi. 1480.
waited on Lochiel after the battle of Culloden, and dressed his
wounds for him, so that when the Doctor left Badenoch,
Lochiel needed only to keep his wounds clean, and to apply
dry dressings to them.
Moreover, Breackachie informed me that Lochiel, after the
battle of Culloden, was very anxious to be out of Lochabar,
and to be in Badenoch, not only for ease and safety to his own
person, but likewise because he w'as not able to stand the
melancholy accounts that were ever reaching his ears about the
cruelties and severities committed by the military upon the
people round about him in Lochabar. And even when Lochiel
^ See a particular and circumstantial account of the Prince's abode in Bade-
noch, etc., in this vol. f. 1544, ei seq.
2 See f. 634. 3 See f. 174.
380 THE LYON IN MOURNING [1750
23 Feb. was in Badenoch, such moving narratives were told liim of the
sufferings of his own people and of others in Lochabar, as bore
very hard upon him. One day, when accounts were brought
to Lochiel in Badenoch that the poor people in Lochabar had
been so pillaged and harrassed, that they had not really neces-
saries to keep in their lives, Lochiel took out his purse and
gave all the money he could well spare to be distributed among
such in Locliabar. ' And,' said Breackachie, ' I remember
nothing better than that Sir Stewart Threpland at that time
took out his purse and gave five guineas, expressing himself in
these words, " I am sure," said Sir Stewart, " I have not so much
foi. 1481. to myself. But then, if I be spared, I know where to get
more, wliereas these poor people know not where to get the
smallest assistance." '
Both Benchar and Breackachie joined in affirming it to be
their opinion that the Camerons (LochiePs following) had
suffered the loss of at least three hundred good men from first
to last. For it was remarkable (said they) that the Camerons
had suffered considerably in every action they happened to be
engaged in — Gladsmuir, Falkirk, Culloden, and in the cruelties
committed after the battle of Culloden. — Robert Forbes, A.M.
Printed by T. and A. Constable, Printers to Her Majesty
at the Edinburgh University Press
^cottist) ^istovv S)Ocietp.
THE EXECUTIVE.
President,
The Earl of Rosebery, K.G., K.T., LL.D.
Chairmmi of Council.
David Masson, LL.D., Historiographer Royal for Scotland.
Council.
J. Ferguson, Advocate.
Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D., Bishop of Edinburgh.
Professor Sir Thomas Grainger Stewart, M.D.
J. N. Macphail, Advocate.
Rev. A. W. Cornelius Hallen.
Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.C.B., M.D., LL.D,
Rev. Geo. W. Sprott, D.D.
J. Balfour Paul, Lyon King of Arms.
A. H. Millar.
J. R. Findlay.
P. Hume Brown, M.A.
G. Gregory Smith, M.A.
Correspo7iding Members of the Council.
C. H. Firth, Oxfoi'd ; Samuel Rawson Gardiner, LL.D.; Rev.
W. D. Macrav, Oxford ; Rev. Professor A. F. Mitchell, D.D.,
St, Andrews,
Hon. Treasurer.
J. T. Clark, Keeper of the Advocates' Library.
Hon. Secretary.
T. G. Law, Librarian, Signet Library.
RULES
1. The object of the Society is the discoveiy and priuting, under
selected editorship, of unpublished documents illustrative of the civil,
religious, and social histoiy of Scotland. Tlie Society will also under-
take, in exceptional cases, to issue translations of printed works of a
similar nature, which have not hitherto been accessible in English.
2. The number of Members of the Society shall be limited to 400.
3. The aflfairs of the Society shall be managed by a Council, consisting
of a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and twelve elected Members, five
to make a quorum. Three of the twelve elected Members shall retire
annually by ballot, but they shall be eligible for re-election.
4. The Annual Subscription to the Society shall be One Guinea. The
publications of the Society shall not be delivered to any Member whose
Subscription is in arrear, and no Member shall be permitted to receive
more than one copy of the Society's publications.
5. The Society will undertake the issue of its own publications, i.e.
without the intervention of a publisher or any other paid agent.
G. The Society will issue yearly two octavo volumes of about 320 pages
each.
7. An Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held on the
last Tuesday in October.
8. Two stated Meetings of the Council shall be held each year, one on
the last Tuesday of May, the other on the Tuesday preceding the day
upon which the Annual General Meeting shall be held. The Secretary,
on the request of three Members of the Council, shall call a special
meeting of the Council.
9. Editors shall receive 20 copies of each volume they edit for the
Society.
10. The owners of Manuscripts published by the Society will also be
presented with a certain number of copies.
11. The Annual Balance-Sheet, Rules, and List of Members shall be
printed.
12. No alteration shall be made in these Rules except at a General
Meeting of the Society. A fortnight's notice of any alteration to be
proposed shall be given to the Members of the Council.
PUBLICATIONS
OF THE
SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY
For the year 1886-1881.
1. Bishop Pococke's Tours in Scotland, 1747-1760. Edited by
D. W. Kemp. (Oct. 1887.)
2. DiARy OF AND General Expenditure Book of William
Cunningham of Craigends, 1673-1680. Edited by the Rev.
James Dodds, D.D. (Oct. 1887.)
For the year 1887-1888.
3. Panurgi Philo-caballi Scoti Grameidos libri sex. — Thl
Grameid : an heroic poem descriptive of the Campaign of
Viscount Dmidee in 1689, by James Philip of Ahiierieclose.
Translated and Edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch.
(Oct. 1888.)
4. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part i.
1559-1582. Edited by D. Hay Fleming. (Feb. 1889.)
Fur the year 1888-1889.
5. Diary of the Rev. John Mill, Minister of Dmirossness, Sand-
wick, and Cunningsburgh, in Shetland, 1740-1803. Edited
by Gilbert Goudie, F.S.A. Scot. (June 1889.)
6. Narrative of Mr. James Nimmo, a Covenanter, 1654-1709.
Edited by W. G. Scott-Moncrieff, Advocate. (June 1889.)
7. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part ii.
1583-1600. Edited by D. Hay Fleming. (Aug. 1890.)
4 PUBLICATIONS
For the year 1889-1890.
8. A List of Persons concerned in the Rebellion (1745). With
a Preface by the Earl of Rosebery and Annotations by the
Rev. Walter Macleod. (Sept. 1890.)
Presented to the Society by the Earl of Rosebery.
9. Glamis Papers: The ' Book of Record,' a Diary written by
Patrick, first Earl of Strathmore, and other documents
relating to Glamis Castle (1684-89). Edited by A. H.
Millar, F.S.A. Scot. (Sept. 1890.)
10. John Major's History of Greater Britain (1521). Trans-
lated and Edited by Archibald Constable, with a Life of the
author by -(Eneas J. G. Mackay, Advocate. (Feb. 1892.)
For the year 1890-1891.
11. The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies,
1646-47. Edited by the Rev. Professor Mitchell, D.D., and
the Rev. James Christie, D.D., with an Introduction by the
former. (May 1892.)
12. Court-Book of the Barony of Urie, 1604-1747. Edited
by the Rev. D. G. Barron, from a ms. in possession of Mr. R.
Barclay of Dorking. (Oct. 1892.)
For tJie year 1891-189^.
13. Memoirs of the Life of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik,
Baronet, Baron of the Exchequer, Commissioner of the Union,
etc. Extracted by himself from his own Journals, 1676-1755.
Edited from the original Ms. in Penicuik House by John M.
Gray, F.S.A. Scot. (Dec. 1892.)
14. Diary of Col. the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, l683-
1687. From a ms. in possession of Henry David Erskine.
Esq., of Cardross. Edited by the Rev. Walter Macleod.
(Dec. 1893.^
rilHLICATIONS 5
ii
For the year ISO^-lSD.'i.
1"). Miscellany ok the Scottlsm Histoky Society, First V^)lumc —
The Library of James vi., I.'ST.'i-H,').
Documents iLLUSTRATiNc. Catholic Polk ^ . 1 .VJfi-fjS.
Letters of Sir Thomas Hope, l(i27-4().
Civil War Papers, KJtS-.OO.
Lauderdale Correspondence, 1 660-77.
Turnbull's Diary, 16.57-1704.
Masterton Papers, 1 660-1 719.
Accompt of Expenses in Edinburgh, 1715.
Rebellion Papers, 1715 and 1745. (Dec. 1893.)
16. Account Book of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston (1671-1707).
Edited by the Rev. A. W. Cornelius Hallen.
(June 1894.)
For the year 1893-1894.
17. Letters and Papers illustrating the Relations between
Charles ii. and Scotland in 1650. Edited, with Notes and
Introduction, by Samuel Rawson Gardiner, LL.D., etc.
(July 1894.)
IS. Scotland and the Commonwealth. Letters and Papers
RELATING TO THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT OF SCOTLAND, Aug.
1651 — Dec 1653. Edited, with Introduction and Notes, by
C. H. FiRTH, M.A. (Oct. 1895.)
For the year 1894-1895.
19- The Jacobite Rising of 1719- Letter Book of James, Second
Duke of Ormonde, Nov. 4, 1718— Sept. 27, 1719- Edited by
W. K. Dickson, Advocate. {In proiircss.)
20, 21. The Lyon in Mourning, or a Collection of Speeches,
Letters, Journals, etc., relative to the Affairs of Prince
Charles Edward Stuart, by the Rev. Robert Forbes, A.M.,
Bishop of Ross and Caithness. 1746-1775. Edited from his
Manuscript by Henry Paton, M.A. Vols, i, and 11.
(Oct. 1895.)
6 PUBLICATIONS
In preparation.
The Lyon in Mourning. Vol. in.
Extracts from the Presbytery Records of Inverness and Ding-
wall FROM l638 TO 1688. Edited by William Mackay.
Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies {continued)
for the years 1648-49, 1649-50, 1651-52. Edited by the
Rev. Professor Mitchell, D.D., and Rev. James Christie, D.D.
Journal of a Foreign}Tour in 1665 and I666 by John Lauder,
Lord Fountainhall. Edited by Donald Crawford, Sheriff
of Aberdeenshire.
Journals and Papers of John Murray of Broughton, Prince
Charles' Secretary. Edited by R. Fitzroy Bell, Advocate.
Sir Thomas Craig's De Unione Regnorum Britannle. Edited,
with an Enghsh Translation, from the unpublished ms. in the
Advocates' Libraiy, by David Masson, Historiographer Royal.
Note-book or Diary of Bailie David Wedderburne, Merchant
OF Dundee, 1587-1630. Edited by A. H. Millar.
A Translation of the Statuta Ecclesi^ Scotican^, 1225-1556,
by David Patrick, LL.D.
Documents in the Archives of the Hague and Rotterdam
CONCERNING THE ScOTS BrIGADE IN HoLLAND. Edited by J.
Ferguson, Advocate.
The Diary of Andrew Hay of Stone, near Biggar, afterwards
OF Craignethan Castle, 1659-60. Edited by A. G. Reid
from a manuscript in his possession.
A Selection of the Forfeited Estates Papers preserved in H.M.
General Register House and elsewhere. Edited by A. H.
Millar.
A Translation of the Historia Abbatum de Kynlos of
Ferrerius. By Archibald Constable.
Documents relating to the Affairs of the Roman Catholic
Party in Scotland, from the year of the Armada to the
Union of the Crowns. Edited by Thomas Graves Law.
FORBES, ROBE .T.
The Lyon in momrning.
DA
.A5
F6'
V.2
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11