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The Wodrow Correspondence of 1715, an appendix to The Loch Lomond Expedition Edited by Peter Lawrie The correspondence in the Wodrow Manuscript originally published by James Dennistoun in 1834 |
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EXTRACTS from the WODROW CORRESPONDENCE. [ 1 ] |
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[item_1} 1.— Inverary, Sept. 26, 1715.—Yesternight I had accounts that a small detachment of Glengarie’s men came to the Braes of Glenurchie, upon the 24th at night; that Glengary himeself and Keppoch were following in a full body, and within 4 miles of this party; that the whole clanns were to have a generall rendevouse in Glenurchy upon the 29th; and that, upon the 4th of October, they were to be at Buchanane: which I thought propper to signifie to you. [item_2} 2__Rosdoe, Sept. 27.—I have sent my servant express to acquaint you, that this night I have certain intellegence, that the clanns above us are on their march; and were last night at Achachalader, which is above 20 miles from the head of our loch. Which way they design to march from thence I don’t know; but as I shall get intelligence, you shall not want information thereof. We are here to morrow to rendevouse our men, and to putt ourselfs in the best posture of defence we can, since danger threatens. [item_3} 3.—Buchanan, Sept. 27__I hereby acquaint you, that we have certain information of the clanns being on their march to the northern army. Lochnell with his men, together with the laird of Lochiell att the head of the clann Camerone, are said to be the lenth of Glenorchie on Sabbath last. It’s certain they have been ferrying men out of the far Ille's these 10 days past. This day the clann Grigor in this bounds marched off. Any of that name, who made any demure of riseing, were threatned with present death if they refuised. The laird of Bohaddie, Rob Roy, and Glengyle [ 2 ] review them this day at Corerclett. I hear they threaten many of the Duke of Montrose men to joyn them, but none of them as yet have stirred, except some of the McGrigors, who have gone off with the rest of their friends. I hear that there was a public intimation att Luss Kirk ordering all Lusse’s men to rendevouse to morrow, for what end I know not, tho’ we fear the worst, in regaird their was an expresse at that place from the camp on Sabbath last, who was ferrying over Loch Lomond [at] Rouerdennan in the morning. Breadalbin men are all one foote; my Lord Drummond men are all marched north. Its said here that scarceity of victualls will oblige the northern camp to march south this week; besides they expect to be so numerous against that time, as not to fear any resistance. I have had advertisement from severall hands, that a party of Highlandmen design to be in this country some time this week, to take away all the horses they can gett; but I am hopefull they shall come ill speed, hearing that Buquhan, Lieut. Napeir, and some horsemen from Stirling are come to Drumekell to watch their motions. [item_4} 4.—Glasgow, Sept. 28. * * * [ 3 ] Argyle has sent ane order for Dugalston, Kirkton, James Graham of Kilmanan to rendevous the paroches of Campsy and severall others at Bochlyvie, where they will get orders. H. C. [item_5} 5.—Sept. 28. * * * Dumbartonshire is ordered to meet at Bochlivie, I forgett the day, by order from Argyle, with 40 days’ provision. It’s thought strange the west makes not more dispatch considering the danger. [ 4 ] [item_6} 6. D. B. This day’s news are very alarming from Mammore and three ministers, giving an account that the clans are some of them come the length of Buchanan, and have taken the boats on the water of Enrick; but we can have no account of their numbers. What influence this shall have on our designed march to morrow I know not, or if we shall be ordered to the water of Kelvin I know not. Send in my pouny with the bearer. I remember dear Peggy and the children, and am D. B. Yours, [W. W.] [item_7} 7.—Sept. 30. * * * From Dumbarton we find that these people are nestled in the island of Inchmurren, and are reckon’d to be 9 score of men; and it’s said there are a great many in the heads of Munteith waiting to joyn Marr. * * * Cardrosse is garrison’d by the countrey men. I inclyne because of those alarms to keep the pouny here. * * * W. W. [item_8} 8.—Sept. 30.—We had surprising accounts this day in the morning, of great numbers of men in the town of Dumbarton; but it would seem to prove nought, only some of Rob Roy’s party seeking for armes, and plunder the chief of their game. * * * As the Duke of Douglase passed to Stirling this day, they mett a brother of Bardowe’s, formerly a lieutenant in a man of war, [who] it seems, on his seeing of them, went of the road; which some suspected, and went after him, and it's said they have carried him to Stirling with them. J. C. [item_9} 9.—Oct. 1. * * * We had alarums here yesterday, that the Highlanders were in great numbers in Dombritton Muir, which proved to be Glengyle, with some say 110, some 180 men, who had taken out of Abberfoyle 19 guns of the Government's only, (but took not the old ones the people had,) and 3 out of Buchanan ; and it seems, advancing towards Dombrittan, the drums beat, bells rang in Bonill, and they retired to Inshmerry isle. That of their securing the boats on Forth, or taking up forts of Drummikill, &c., proved false. Upon Sabbath last Drummond's men, who are of the Barony of Garnasky or such a name, came to press Drummond’s men of the Barony of Calendar, where Mr. M‘Callum is minister, and prest and drew out of their seats about 40 men, some by the hair of the head, who were most unwilling. This, one who had it from Mr. Forbes told me, that he had the accountt from Mr. M‘Callum. Buchan went hence yesterday early, upon the false alarm of seezing the boats of Forth and Castles, &c., and returned to day at one o’cloack. The Generall’s orders I hear is writtin for this day at 8 in the morning, to order or desyre men for the castles and forts ; and I hear that 300 of Aire, Irwin, &c., of the west country may march tomorrow, but Ducathall will inform better anent this. * * * H. C. [item_10} 10.—Oct. 1.—All I can say is, that Thomas Hamilton has writ from Sterling, that this place need no be affraid of that flying party in the West Highlands; for they only come abroad a litle way in the day time, and retire to Inchmurrin all night, and most of what they seek is arms. * * * [item_11} 11.—Oct. 2.—Yesterday before day, we had a great alarum of the Highlanders having come to plunder Strablane and Campsy, and expresses from these parts, but it proved not so. However the west country men went out, and arryved at Drummikill some of them: and I saw just now at 8 in the morning, a lieutenant of the Hamilton company, who rode along with Earl of Kilmarnock and Buchan, and about 15 gentlemen, that all went also with the foot; which lieutenant sayes that the foot stood all night in their arms, because they were as near some of the Highlanders on the braes, as from my shope to the West-port, but did not attack, but went away. They have possest the Castle, and the rest were this morning disposing to other parts. This I could hear him say on horseback. * * H. C. [item_12} 12.—Oct. 3. * * * Eight of the horsemen that went with the western forces went 6 miles into the enemies' ground, and met with nothing but wifes and children crying to spare their lives, of which ther was no ground of fear. The country gives out there are 2 thousand of Highlanders, but it’s not found upon best information above 110 has appear’d. Whether they will keep their designed muster, in the muir of Burchanan [the] 4th instant, is doubted. * * * H. C. [item_13} 13.—Oct. 16. * * * The expedition against Lochlommond was carried on thus: [ 5 ] Some flat bottom’d boats were drawn up the water of Leven by horses, and the ship’s crews went on board these. And tho’ the captain of the men at Dumbarton got a leter with a great deall of discouragement, magnifying the numbers and strength of the rebels, yet he put that in his pocket, and let non see it; but marched with his men, and cover’d the boats on the Loch lommond, till they had burnt all the rebels boats. I hear not of any they got prisoners, but they got some plaids, and banished the rogues the Loch. * * * A. A. [item_14} 14.—Oct. 17.* * * Mr. Finlason is return’d from the Highland expedition, and I heard him say they brought out of the Loch 13 boats; had broak 5, and taken security of the ouners for other 5 to be brought to Dumbarton; which 5 the owners had sunk. * * * [item_15} 15. Inverary, [ 6 ] Oct. 23, 1715. I received yours. Our news here are that Clanronnel, Glengary, M‘lean, Apine, Clenmorison, Rob Roy with the Mc Grigors, [ 7 ] the people of Glenco, making up to the number as was thought 16 or 1700, came within 2 gunshots of this place, Thursday last about 12 of the clock. They plac’d their sentries on a hill above this place, near a gun shot from it. We haveing intellegence of their design to come hither, Ila [Lord Islay] put all the men to build up a dyke; quhich they began on Tuesday last, and ended on Thursday about 10 of the day. This surrounded the town. We were about 2000 men, besides 500 near this place, but [these] want armes mostly; the 2000 are right well armed. All our men, having been divided into battalions, and having their several officers appointed them, had each company their poste assigned them about the dyke to defend. They were ordered to this, so soon as the enemy were on their march near us, and continued so night and day mostly to this time; especialy in the night all were on their watch. We were still papping shots on the foresaid hill, where we heard 2 were wounded, (of which Rob Roy was one,) and nearer to us was one kill’t. One of Lochnel’s men coming to us was apprehended, with whom they sent a letter directed for him and Colonel Finab, to which they returned answer. They exchanged thus letters frequently; at last they went out half way betwixt us and the enemy, and there they met with Clanronnel and Glengary. What were the articles propos’d on either side is a misterie as yet. Some would alleadge they propos’d the coming in and proclaiming the Pretender King; others, freedom as to the forfiture: those, to whom they plainly in so many words propos’d the first, told me of it. However it be, after their return, and communicatin of the matter with Ila and others, they return'd answer on Friday at night. About 8 that night their outwatches fired upon ours without orders, as we found afterwards by him that was out with our letter. We, being all at our posts, immediately took the alarm, and fired all round; at which they were mightily struck, all their fires put out, their victuals thrown by which they were eating, all to their armes in great confusion, thinking we were just upon them. We continued firing half ane hour, so hote and closse that some fired 14 shots, and that in so good order that 2 lieutenants, prisoners with them, would not be perswaded but we had red coats here: there were 6 of their men wounded. They stood to their armes the most of that night. Next morning, [having] sent in answer to our last, they went down the countrey 3 miles, and there catch a ferry boat, being about 300 of them. Thereafter giving a sign, a boat coming with provision to this place came into them, not thinking that they were the enemy. They payd for all they took thus; committed no hostilities all the way as we hear, but payd for every thing. On Saturday we continued shoting by our out guards, with no losse we hear. At night or this morning early, we hear the Lady Clanronnel came to them, giving account that 4 or 5 men of war were come to the isles, and would ruine them. After this they got all ready, and began their march about 7 this day. They all are out of our sight, and it’s sayd they are to be 8 miles out of this place at night. We have a company of voluntiers of which most are gentlemen, and Lochnel is captain. All our men were very desirous to be out at them, but Ila would not allow of this, as was said to detain them here the longer from joining Mar. Grenock was mightily in hazard the night of the firing; he at the time was without our walls, and was obliged to clap close to the shoar to the sand there, with 20 others with him, the balls some falling hard by, others flying past over them. We had six of his small guns here he sent for. * * * Just as I am writing this line, I see they on their march have set some houses on fire, about a mile off. Give my kind service to your spouse, to James, and the rest of your children. I am, R. Dr. Sr. Your most humble and obedient Servant. [item_16} 16.—Dec. 8.—* * * Yesternight about 7, we had ane accountt from one of our townsmen, [who] had been 5 miles in the countrey the paroch of Baldernock, that 3 or 400 of the clans, foreruners of the body coming, had at Drummen near Drumikil proclaimed the Pretender; but no accountt to us from these places, nor from Sterling. Our magistrats sent fitt men at 8 yesternight for full information, and can hardly return till afternoon, if they have access to the 3 garrisons, quhich they are I hear ordered to goe to. To-day I hear by report, without sufficient authority, that it's the M‘Grigors cam with a party, proclamed the Pretender, tore the exciseman's book, and went away. H. C. [item_17} 17.—Dec. 10.—Yesternight about 10 I had express from Dumbarton, to advise that on Wednesday Rob Roy with 80 came to Drymen, proclaimed the Pretender, rifled the gauger's house. On Thursday he cross’d the Loch, came to the minister of Luss’s house who escaped; they rifled it: they went to Auohengan, where Humphrey Noble of Kyppermynshock lives, took a horse and mare from him, and carried off his half brother and his wife’s brother, at reprysals for the 4 in Dumbarton prison; afterward to the toune of Luss, where they took some linins, arms, &c. They were commanded by Rob Roy and McGregor of Marchfield. They threatned Darlieth’s house, but its pretty strong, and therfor the tenents run into it. It appears that all the boats were not destroyed at the Loch Lomond expedition. * * * A. P. [ 8 ] [item_18} 18.—Dec. 13. * * * The clan M‘Gregors upon Saturday’s night last came to John M‘Lachlen of Achintroig’s house, brother in law to young Kepedorroch, hes taken him and his two sons with them, and 20 cows and his horses. I am grieved for them, they are honest people: old Kepdarroch, who lives with them, chancest to be at his son’s at that tyme. The country does not oppose these banditti, for they are either of their interest, or indifferent generally. I hear Culcreuch was expecting them at his house, and was to goe to Stirling to represent and seek remedy for the case. I hear they have 3 Presbyterian ministers prisoners, quhairof Mr. Neill Campbell of Rosneath one; but this anent the ministers prisoners I hear not for certain, though I fear it. * * * [item_19} 19.—Dec. 13. * * * 100 mariners came yesterday to Dumbarton, to be joyned by some of the militia, to goe in quest of Rob Roy and his banditti, who, besyde the two I mentioned in my last, have taken M‘Lauchland of Auchentroig and his son, in the parish of Drymen; which is all that I remember of. A. P. [item_20} 20.—Dec. 17. * * * Rob Roy has dismissed Mr. Lecky and Boyd, whom he took in the parish of Luss: he took the former’s ready penny and watch. He has also return’d 48 of Auchintroig’s sheep, some cows, and 4 horse; and taken bond to present himself at 4 days’ warning. It’s said that Rob Roy and his gang are summoned to Perth. Mr. Anderson in Dumbarton preached at Stirling on 14 Gen. v. 20. * * * A. P. [item_21} 21.—17 Jan. 1716. * * * Yesterday we had a report that Rob Roy and his garison at Faulkland [ 9 ] was surprised, diverse killed, and himself made prisoner, but this day it's said that he had sent out a party to plunder some gentlemen’s houses; which Sir R. Muntgumerie hearing of sent out a party, killed 4 or 5, and took the rest prisoners. * * * A. P. [item_22} 22. L[eslie,] Jan. 20, 1716. D. B. I recived yours this evening, but I find you have ben quit mistaken about our condition. You datt our freedom and libertie from the rebels long befor it's commencement, and for profe, take the folowing acompt of what past heir these last 10 days. Upon the 4 instant, Rob Roey with 150 men cam to Fackland, and took posesion of the palace for a garison; from which they com through the countrie side, and robs and plunders, taking cloaths and victuals, and evrey thing that maks for them, non to oposs them; till this day eight days, the 6 instant, ther coms 32 highland men (I had almost said devils) to Leslie; we saw them at Formand hils and resolved to resist, and so man, wife and child drew out. The men went to the east end of the town, and met them in the green with drawn swords in their hands, and we askt them what they were for; they said they wanted cloaths and money; we answeard they should get neither of them heir: at which they stormed and swor teribly, and we told them if they wer com for mischief they should have their fill of it; at which ther was some blows. But they seing us so bold, they began to fear that we should fall upon them, and so they askt libertie to march through the town; which we granted, but withall told them, if they went into the least house in the toun, ther should never a man of them go back to Fackland to tell news, tho we should die on the spot: and so they marcht through the toun, and got not so much as the kise of a cap. And they wer so afraid that they did not return, but went down over the Hauk hill, and east to the ministers land; and their they faced about, and fired 10 shot in upon the peple that wer loking to them, but glory to God! without doing the least hurt. And so they went of to the Formand hils, and plundred all they could carey or drive, and threatned dreadfully they should be avenged on Leslie and burn it. We sent of 2 expreses, on to Dunfermling to Rothes, and on to Burntisland: my iord ordered 250 of Dutch and Switzers from Burntisland for our relife. The Sabath proved stormie, so that neither they nor the enimie could com at us, but on Munday morning the kings forces cam most seasonably; for Rob Roey was on his way to us, on the head of ane 100 men, and when they heard of our help they returned. Upon Tusday the forces wer for marching back to Burntisland, and so we wer in worse case than befor; but we almost forct them to leav 50 Switzers with us, which they did: and the next day Rothes cam with ane troup of hors and 200 foot, and turned back thos of Burntisland, so that then we began to think our selvs safe. They stayed 2 nights and 2 days, but upon sight we are cast doun, ther coms ane expres to my lord to march back to Dunfermling with his men, which he did yesterday morning; it was a sorowfull parting. He left 70 men with us, and caled in the fencibl men round about us for our help, which they doe very readily. We have 400 men this night besid the toun. All abov was writen on the 13. On the 14, ther is a garison of the king’s forces plact at Burligh: upon 16, sevrall parishes heir was warned to go ther, among which I was on, wher 100 volantiers engadged to asist that garison. Upon the 18, I was oblidged to go to Burligh again, with candle for the use of that garison, and did wad to the boot tops for the most part of the way among snow; and was in hazerd of my life, and the man that was with me, by a terible tempast that arose on us by the way. The rebels have plact a garison in Balvard, on in Naughten, on in Samford, and this day on in Balgonie, about which take the folowing mealancholy acompt. This garison of Leslie thought to have prevented them, and this morning they early-detached 12 Switzers, 25 Kirkaldie men; and when they cam to Markingh, ther is 150 rebels in the toun, which they knew nothing of till they ar in among them; who presently sorounded them, and took them all prisoners, and carried them to Balgonie with them. Severall Kirkaldie men is wounded, on of them is mortaly wounded, and two Switzers dying in ther wounds at Balgonie; balie Key has a son among the wounded: its thought they will all be caried to Perth tomorow. Its said there are maney of the rebels wounded, but we know not what number; so if spedie relife com not, this countrie will be full of garisons of rebels, and so will be the seat of war: so that our circumstances is not so good as you think. If we could get fleed, I would remov all my family from this; but the storm is so great that it is not posible, and we are in constant expectation of the enemie. All friends are in ordinar health, and desirs the simpathie of all friends with you, at the thron of grace. I rest Your afectionat brother, G. To Alexr. Archer, candlemaker, in Hamiltown. [item_23} 23. L[eslie,] Feb. 9. [1716.] D. B. Just now I had yours of the 3 instant, and having presentlie ane ocasion, I have given you this short answear. Know then that sine my last we wer in continuall fear till the 30th of January, upon which day we got the dolfull news of the burning: ( Of Auchterarder, Blackford, &c. ) and we having always been threat with the same fate, we looked for no less, and our fear was no greater than there was cause. For Rob Roey had a comision to burn Leslie, and all betwixt it and Perth. We having inteligence of it got all to arms; the Swiz and Dutch being all gon, we had a mind to stand for our defence, and so all the men in the toun, and severals of the countrie that cam in for our asistance, stood in arms that wholl night: but so it was that the time of our extremitie was God’s opertunity; for about 2 a’cloak in the morning, we hade the good news that Roey and all his men were fleed to Dundie. And his fleing was after this maner, about 12 a’cloak at night, he had all his men save a few drawn out befor the palace of Fackland in arms, to com to Leslie for its ruin; and just when he is coming off, ther coms two expreses to him that the king’s armey was aproaching Perth. Upon which he changed his resolution, and presentlie went of for Dundie; as did all the garisons of rebels in Fife, so that I supose in 24 hours ther was not a hiland man left in Fife; and ever sine we have been in peace and quiet, and all the kings garisons in Fife are given up, save Burntisland. f Of Auchterarder, Blackford, . And to let you see how uneasie this countrie has been under thess rebels, I shall give you but on instance. Thes in Fackland continued ther about a month, and for ordinar they wer but about 150 at most; in that time they eat and destroyed three thousand sheep, in Fackland and the ajacant parishes next to it. But we in this place have much to remark of the preventing mercey of God. Our case was lookt upon as most desperat by all sine this rebelion began, and yet we, of all the places in Fife by east Dunfermling, have been the easiest. Our ministers are now returned to their charges, and once more we have the gosple in purity and plentie. O for grace to improv it! I have nothing to writ about the rebels flight, for I supos you will have the acompt as soon as we; only we hear ther is maney of them disperst, and some have ffot into the castell of Dennoter, and ther is 9 pice of canon gon from Perth by Argil’s order, to that place. I must leave particulars about the rebels conduct heir till meeting, for I desring to see you if once my talo wer made up: my trade for ordinar is as good in Jun and July, as it has been thes 2 months past. I am surprised to hear of your coton; I strange how aney man could send it out so: I have not got mine yet, but it is like it will com to me after the same manner. All friends are in ordinar health: my wife and I give our respects to you and your wife, and to your brother ; we expect he will be seeting his face homeward now. I rest Your afectionat brother, G. To Alexr. Archer, candlemaker, in Hamiltown. [item_24} 24. Leslie, Mar. 28, 1716. D. Friend, By this I humbly greet you, your honest wife and children. George Greig told me you desired a relation of the rebell’s discretion and civility in this countrey. I wish you would imploy some that did more exactly notice what they saw, and likewayes recorded, or at least kept in minde, what they ether saw or hard, better than I can possibly signifie to you as yet. I believe first when they took the field, there was some tiling like an evening I cannot say morning twilight of discretion among some of their heads, with respect to their paying what they call’d for of meat and drink; but as to the commons, yea, the most of all their inferior officers, they nether did nor would pay one farthing wherever they went, through ether countrie or towns, if it was not in Perth. And yet if they had done noe more skaith than taking meat and drink free, there had been ether non or but few complaints; but we thought there was but little discretion in breaking up doors, and takeing from honest people what of bodie or bed cloths, belonging ether to men, women or children, they got their rapacious claws upon; linin, harn, tycken, or whatever cloath, made or unmade, linin yairn, or woolen; yea, takeing the cloaths of the people’s very backs, plaids from women, and seting men down and taking their shoes off their feet, and their cravats from their necks, and telling them they were civily dealt with to be allowed to go home, or escap so for being Whigs. And all wayes spung’d them for money. Some times they would offer what they had taken from them for money: and when the honest folk had their own gear offered them, it may be for half, or perhaps for the 3d of what it was worth, they thought better to give it than want them altogether ; and as soon as they delivered them the mony they kept both. I need not instance particulars, for that would take me to go through the whole shyres and families so treated by them; but I cannot but instance their irreligion as well as barbarity. On a Sabbath day, marching from Perth towards Dunfermling or Innerkeithing, as they marched by the kirk of Arngask, where Mr. James Gilespie is minister, and was preaching at the time; [he] proceeded in preaching till the highlanders were within less than a short quarter of a myle of the kirk, not thinking they wold come off the way, the kirk being about two bow draught at most out of the rod; and so they kept themselves closse in the kirk, till they saw a detatchment sent off to the kirk, and then the honest people began to break off; but the highlanders mete them, (the body of them halting with their commanders, and look on, and feeding their eyes with the godless and profane sport the whole time,) and rob’d them of of plaids, bibles, shoes and money; yea, came in to the kirk befor the half got out, and took their cloaths off, and their bibles from them in the very kirk: yea, one of their commanders rod about the kirk, crying to the people to stand; and a person asking him what he wanted, he said he wanted shoes to his men; he was ansred why he was so rude ? he swoar dreadfull oaths he should have shoes to his men, for, said he, I see many good shoes here, and my men are going barefoot. Let non take this as a misreport, for it is true matter of fact; and to confirm the truth of it, my wife’s cousine german Joanet Balfour, when she saw them going to lay hands on her husband William Scot, tenent in Fordel, to take his shoes, fearing they had wrong'd her husband he being valetudinar and indispos’d at the time, prayed them to hold their hands off her husband, and they should get his shoes, which she loosed with her own hands and threw them at them: the minister escaped with a bonnet on his head. Among some others, judge what highland discretion this was. Some of them that deserted from the cost side when M‘Kintash went over, as they came back through the countrey, were rude enough in some places, threatening and robing as they went. They came two into Thomas Bogie’s barn in Achmoutie, and set down his man and took the shoes off his feet. They came to the wester Coniine, and as a young lad John Kinaird (who was once a scholar at my school) was bigging corn in the wain, lay still, and the lad who was forking to him scour’d off, they went up upon the wain, and pull’d his shoes off his feet. And yet this was but little in respect of what they did in loosing peoples horses out of the wains, out of carts and ploughs; stop’d their labour; yea, put some honest men out of a capacity to labour, by dryving away all the oxen, as well as their horses; witness Balinbreigh, where they got not their wheat sown this year, they were so rob’d and spoil’d. And yet the honest men could not get their houses kept after they had don all this, driven away and kill’d the most part of their sheep, obleidging them by open proclamation to carry so many loads of coals to Perth every week; others carried them to Newburgh, others to Falkland and Balvaird, where they kept their garesons. Double cess on all dissaffected persons to them; and after all that, ten firlots of meal on every plough or four oxengoing of land, besides corn and straw and hay to their magazins; and all this payed by a bit of paper, with two lines of a recept under such a man’s hand for so much meal, corn, &c. One of which recepts I saw yesterday, subscrivit by Greiger MckGreiger governour in Falkland, whose sub deputy Rob Roy was; whose men on a Saturdayes night, after they went out of Leslie town, 36 well armed with sword, gun, durk and target, drave 123 sheep from two of my lord’s tenents in our very vew, threatening (because the town of Leslie that night resisted, and dar’d them to their very faces) to return with a better back, and to spoil and burn the whole town. Now Sir, this is a short epitome of their highland, jacobitish, antechristian, and hellish discretion and civility through Fyfe, besides what they design’d ; and indeed a very little time would have discovered both more of their hellish barbarity, and more to take part with them, had not the Lord remarkably, and in mercy to the poor countrey, dissappointed them. For Rob Roy told George Swan they behov’d to set fire to the countrey, if they were not more loyall and obedient to them. This he said to George when he came in to Falkland, seeking back two good horse they took from him, and that after he had payed his sess; yet this exeem’d him not, and George told me, had it not been Rob Roy that pleaded for him, they had laid him in prison. And yet he heard honest Robine say, that he never desired a more pleasant and satisfying breakfast every morning, than to see a Whigg’a house in flames; and yet George told me he was the fairest and most discreet among them that he saw, and so I leave any unbyassed person to judge of the rest. But I say what they designed was to crown all: for you may take that popish and devilishly invented cruelty they executed on Ochterairder and towns about, preliminary and proof of these antechristian locust’s purposes; a little and short narrative whereof, from Mr. Stedman minister in Ochterairder, in [a] letter to me the 61 instant, take as follows: “ The bearer’s hast that brought me yours allowes me not to be so full upon the melancholy subj ect you writte anent, as ether you desire, or I incline. In short, from the first time they came to these bounds untill they were forc’d to leave it, I know non can tell of their discretion, but such as were and are of there own kidney. The only way the clans were imployed, while they lay here, was in traversing the hills, shooting and driving away all sheep, kine and horse they could get their hands upon, without ever asking the price; nor did they spare the very nolt that were for ploughing the ground, nor the cowes of poor folk that were giving milk for nurishing their poor young infants; but these were brought into this town, wherever they could finde them, to the slaughter; nor were the rest of the rebells much better, taking poor people’s corns out of their stacks, and what provision they found in people’s houses, without so much as a promise of payment, except by and to a very few. For mine own part, we had, beside other dammages too many to be here narrated, the whole of our corns eaten, and fewel burnt, in the space of about 16 dayes, without receiving one farthing’s payment therefor. But not to inlarge, that which compleated all their other barbarities was their burning of the towns of Ochterairder, Dunning, Muthel, Creif, Aberuthven, and several other places about, [ 10 ] What way they managed this popish and savage work elsewhere, I shall not trouble you with an account of, but you may take the following account of their managment in this place, as a swatch of what they did elswhere. Clanranald went to Ochterairder with about 300 men with him, at 3 a’clock in the morning in a very snowie and stormy night, and instead of warning the people of their designe, never carried more friendly and kindly like than they did till they began to put it in execution; and the first advertisment they gave of it was Clanranald’s orders to his men, to kindle straw and fall to their work, which immediatly was don, so that the people had noe time allowed them to carry out their effects. But any thing they got preserved was, for the most part, with the hazard of their lives, which was the occasion of one Joanet Mailer her death. There was not one house in all the town but what was set on fire, except one or two, and very few of thes got preserved.” This is a very short but plain account of what I had from that honest minister of the gospel. I think fit to add what one Thomas Mitchel, who dwels near the town of Ochterairder in the paroch, and who was eye witness to the burning there and thereabout, told me, that the laird of Aberuthven got so many hands that he left nothing in his house befor they set it on fire; but the highlanders left not one prin’s worth to him, but threw the very plenishing, chests, tables &c. into the flames. This Mr. Clow confirms, having it from the laird’s own mouth; for Mr. Clow went up to see his mother, who dwelt in Aberuthven, and has the mill in farming, whose house was every stob burnt, and her corns; and [they] would not suffer her to take some corns that were in both the barn and kill out of the same, but told her if she offered to take them out, they would throw them in again. Moreover this Thomas Mitcheld told me, that the highland men at Dunin helped the people to ty some of their effects in bundles, and to carry them out, but afterward, knowing what and where the best of the people’s effects were, rob’d them of the most part of them. What men they were I know not, but Lord George the Duk of Athol’s 2d son headed them, and supp’d in Mr. Wm. Reid’s house, whom they were necessitat to bury that very night, having died some hours befor. And yet Lord George would not spare the honest minister’s house, to shelter his sorrowfull and mourning widdow and children ; yea they assert he said, viz. the said Lord George, that he was sorrie he got not the old dog’s bons to birsle in the flames of the house. Furthermor the said Mitchel told me, those that burnt Muthel would not allow the house to be spared, but for some minutes, where Mr. Hally, who is minister there, his wife’s grandmother was just a dying; tho’ the minister went out and told them that the old woman was just in the jawes of death, intreating them to spare the house only some minuts till she was expyred, and they would carry her out. But not one minut would they delay, but set flames to the house, so that they were necessitat to carry the old dying woman in sheets and blankets out of the house, who dyed in the fourth- carrying ; and they laid her down on the snow and striked her, where the minister’s wife her oye sat beside her ; and the highland men pull’d the blankets, which were lying beneath the old woman upon the snow, from beneath her, and took them with them. Sir, this is true matter of fact, and confirmed by persons dwelling in the bounds. These are but a very few of the St. Germans measures, yea, but meer lenitives I am persuaded : besides that, he was to set his antiechristian locusts and popish janizaries on, had he and they got their designe. But dear Sir I am wearied, and therefor I will not fatigue myself with writting, and you with reading, what would make Turks blush to hear; only to make you smile I’ll tell you a merry passage of them. When they were on the east cost, about Crail and Enstruthers where they committed a great deal of spoyl, [ 11 ] they came to St. Minnin’s paroch, where they were very busie ; and coming to an honest husband man and his servant at work before the barn door, they pul’d of both the old man’s shoes and his servant’s; the old man said “gentlemen, is that the way of doing bussiness?” whom they made noe anser: but his son was in the barn, and seeing his father’s shoes pull’d of, thought it was time to secure his own; so quickly pull’d them off his feet, and hid them in the heap of corn threshen beside him. So at last two of the crew came into the barn, and cryed “sheen, sheen, I profess,” said he, “ye are too long in coming, for look to my feet, you may see my shoes gon already.” So they thinking there had been others of their company there befor them, they sought no further but scour’d off, and so the honest lad got his shoes preserved. I shall tell you another in the other papper, and so conclud; and it’s this. Some of the highland men going through Kenevie, one went in to a house a little above the town, and sought some meat. The honest wife [thought] it was very much he was so civil, and gave bread and eggs. And so he rose to go off, and said “cood wife, tanks to you; will you pay a pony pook ?” and so he pull’d out of his bosom a very bony guilded pocket bible, and said “pay tat cood wife.” Said the good wife “I have not so much money as to buy it.” Said he “fait her nainsel will sell it fery sheap, will you kive me a shilling for it cood wife, tat is a twel shilling?” Said she “I have not so much.” Said he “fow meekle hafe you?” She said “seven shillings scots.” Says he “hae, tare its, kive me tat sefen shilling.” So the good wife gat the book out of his hand, and gave him his money out of her purse; and indeed there was no more in it, as I suppose. So he took the money and put it up, and stood a little looking to the good wife with the book in her hand; and at last he sayd “cood wife let her nainsel see te pook.” The woman thinking he had been only to look to it gave it out of her hand; and so he took it and looked to it a little, and turn’d it over several times, saying “cood fait its owrer sheap; her nainsel noe sel it so sheap; fait her nainsel will ket mair fo it; her nainsel will een keep it; it is a fery pony pook; fait she noe sell it afa and with that he up in his bosom again with it, and out at the door he runs, with the honest woman’s mony and all, and so scour’d off. Gave my service to your honest wife and children, and to Robert Walker and Pegie Does, Ann Loudoun and all other acquaintances; which will obleidge me to subscrib myself Your very obleidged servt. and well wisher, J. Row. To Alexander Archer, candlemaker, at Hamiltoun. [item_25} 25.—I recived yours, and was glade to hear of your wealfare; and that you may know I have not altogither forgoten you, take the following account of the rebel’s cariage during there abode hear in Perth. The beakers durst not expose there bread to seall, by setting [it] to there doors, becaus the highlanders imeadiately ran away with it: neither durst they carie it from the beakehous openly in baskets to there own hous, becaus the clans attacked them by the way, and robed them of it. They seized likewise upon the flesh in the publick mercats, and ran away with it; so that we had quickly been deprived of al mercats, had not Mar and Balfour set a gaird every mercat day upon the flesh. They drank several barels of ale to the brewers, and payed nothing for it. They shot and killed the countrie peopl’s sheep, and sold there skins good cheap, and as many poultry as they could catch becam there prey. They violently robed people both of there bead and bead cloths. A. A. [item_26} 26.—April 9.—Last week we had a report of a skirmish betwixt a party of the regular forces and Rob Roy’s men; 8 of the former are said to be killed and as many wounded, and of the latter 14 killed; the forces burnt Rob’s house. * * * A. P. [item_27} 27.—August 4.—I hear that some of the Mcgrigors are levying contributions about Montieth. [ 12 ] A merchant had been at Stirling selling wool, who luckily left his money in Stirling except 10 or 12 shillings for his pocket: he was attacqued in his way by the son of Alester Dou Mcalester and his gang, who took his ready penny, and afterward wrot him a pass. I hear that John Spreul’s son who was lost is got. * * A. P. [item_28} 28.—Sept. 29.—* * * Upon Wednesday a strong party went from this place [Glasgow] towards Drymen, and were to be joyned by one from Finlarig, and another from Stirling. It’s said they were to goe in quest of the Mcgrigors: we hear nothing from them as yet. [ 13 ] * * A. P. [item_29} 29.—Nov. 23.—* * * I doubt not but ye've heard that Rob Roy has carried off young’ Killairn and 470 merks of Montrose’s money, and wished he had gotten James Graham. * * [item_30} 30__Nov. 26.—* * * This day Capt. Brandon has made an acknowledgment to Shawfield, and a second time to the magistrates. Killairn is released on parole that he will use his endeavour with Montrose to get reparation to Rob Roy for his loss at the late expedition, upon which Rob will repay the first money that he ows to the Duke, and the second money which he has taken. * * * A. P. [item_31} 31. Edr. 4 June, 1717. Rev. Sir, I have no London news to tell you; I had nothing to say the 2 last posts, and so did not write. All I have to say now is, that two gentlemen just now told me they came over with the Duke of Athole’s gentleman in a boat, crossing the ferrys today. He is come to town just to tell the Justice Clerk that Rob Roy has surrendered himself to the Duke, who has secured him in a castle 6 miles from Dunkeld; he had six men with him, but put them off when he surrendered. ’Tis to be feared there is some bad mischief lurking under it. We expect news tomorrow, and if I get them, you shall not want them on Thursday. This in haste from your own [D. Erskine.] Proceedings of the Commissioners of Supply for Dunbartonshire during the Rebellion. [item_32} 32. We, the Justices of Peace, Deputy Lieutenants, and Commissioners of Supply of the shyre of Dumbartan under subscriveing, considering that the takeing and secureing the boats upon Loch-lomond will be a great security to the whole shyre, againest the insolence and depredationes of the rebells now in armes, and that the samen cannot be done without a considerable number of armed men, doe hereby desire Alexander M'Caulay collector of the supply of Dumbartan-shyre, to advance to Walter Grahame of Killmardinie, a sum not exceeding ten pound sterling, to be depursed by him for defraying the expenses of the said expeditione. Which sum, or soe much of it as shall be advanced by the said Walter Grahame his receipt, we oblige us either to get allowed to the said Alexander M‘Caulay out of the next tearm’s supply, or otherways to repay the same to him. Reserveing releif to us from the rest of the shyre who are not subscriveing to thir presents ; which is subscrived at Dumbartan, the eighth of October jm viic and fifteen. [1715] John Campbell [of Mamore.] Ard. M‘Aulay [of Ardincapill.] Ard. Buchanan [of Drumhead.] Jo. Campbell [of Carrick.] J. Spreull [of Miltoun.] Geo. Naper [of Kilmahew.] Ro. Bontein [of Ardoch.] John Stirling [of Law.] Will. Campbell [of Succoth.] Jo. Culhoun [of Camstraddan.] Walter Graham [of Kilmardinny.] Ja. Hamilton [of Barns.] Tho. Calder [of Shirva.] Ja. Duncansone [of Garshake.] [In dorso.] Dumbartane, 2d May, 1717. Then received from William Campbell of Sucoch, of the money remitted to him by his Grace the Duke of Argyle, for reliveing the shyre of the debts contracted by them in the late rebellione, compleat paymentt of the soume contained in the within obligatione. Therefor I herby discharge the haill persones within wryttin layable therefor, and all others whom it effiers. Alex. M‘Aulay. [item_33} 33. Dumbartane, 17 th October, 1715. Sir, Please to pay on demand to the Honorable Mr. John Campbell of Mamoor, or ordor the soume of two hundered and fourty pounds Scots, for furnishing the shyre with ammonitione and drums, and for defrayeing necessary expence of expresses and other incident charges for the security of the shyre. Which soume forsaid we hereby oblidge us either to have allowed to you in the last terms sess payable to you out of the said shyre, or that the same shall be repaid to you by, Sir, Your most humble servants, [Subscribed nearly as the above.] To Alexander M‘Caulay, Collector of the Sess for the shyre of Dumbartane. [2d May 1717, discharged as the above.] [item_34} 34. Dumbarlane, 4 Nov. 1715. Gentlemen, Pay to me Alexander M‘Caulay collector of the sess of the shyre of Dumbartane, or my order upon sight hereof, the soume of ffourty pound sterline, advanced by me to you out of the sess of the said shyre in my hands, for payeing up the bounty money dew to the volunteers listed by you according to his Grace the Duke of Argyle’s proclamation published thereanent. Make thankfull paymentt and oblige Gentlemen, Your most humble servantt, Alex. M‘Aulay. To the Commissioners of the Suply and other heritors of the shyre of Dumbartane. Accepted by us the under subscrivers conjuctly and severally, day and place forsaid:— John Campbell of Mamore. Ard. M‘Aulay off Ardencaple. R. Bontein off Ardoch. Hum. Noble of Kipperminshoch. Tho. Yuille off Darleith. Jo. Campbell of Peettoune. Geo. Naper Kilmahew. James Hamiltone of Hutchsone. Aulay M‘Aulay. Walter Buchanan of Achintoshan. Will. Campbell of Succogh. [2d May 1717, discharged as the above.] [item_35} 35. At Dumbartan the twelfth day of March jm vijc and seventeen years, convened the Commissioners of supply of the said shyre. The Preses acquainted the gentlemen present, that the reason of their being convened at this tyme was, that it hade been represented to the Duke of Argyll the extraordinar expense the shyre hade been att during the late unhappy rebellion, in retaking the boats on Lochlomond taken away by the clan Gregor; by reinforceing the garrison of Dumbartan castle; by raising double militia, and keeping the samin up for sixtie days; all quhich had brought the shyre in considerable debts, which many of the heretors grudged to pay, considering the great expenses the utherwayes hade been att. Whereupon his Grace promised to take the first favorable aportunity of representing to the King the great zeal and forwardnes of this shyre; and in the mean tyme did remitt to William Campbell of Succoch ane certain soume for the use and behooff of the said shyre, that they might be enabled to pay the debts they had contracted without burdening themselvs therwith. The commissioners appoints William Noble of Nobleffairm, Thomas Whytehill of Keppoch, James Hamilton younger of Barns, and Walter Buchanan of Auchintoshan as a committie to inspect the accompts, &c. [item_36} 36.—Dumbartane, 1st May, 1717.— The comitee appointed for revising the shyre’s accompts, having particularly examined and deliberately considered the whole amount of the debts of the shyre with the instructions of each, doe give it as there oppinion that the whole of the saids debts, extending to the soume of ???? was expended in tyme of the late rebellione, for the support of the government and security of the shyre; for buyeing of drums, collors, ammunition, and bayonetts. Of which there is yet resting the soume of ffourty seaven pound ten shilling eight pennies Scots money, not payed up by the shyre ; the said money received advancing to two hunder eighty five pound ten shilling four pennies Scots money. This together with the deficiency was aplyed for paymentt of drums, collors, ammunitione, bayonnetts, clerk and despatches ; and that there is still resting for the subsistance of some subalterns, additionale pay to seijants, whole pay to drummers, the expence of the Lochlowmond expeditione the shyre was putt to in retakeing the boatts from the M‘gregors, coall to the militia in Dumbartane castle, and coall and candle to the militia guards elsewhere, expences in sending up deserters and volunteers to the army, for intelligence from the army and the highlands, the soume of ninety three pound eleaven shillings and ninepence sterline. And farther it is the oppinion of the comittee, that the comissioners of suply att their first generall meetting should recommend to William Campbell of Succoth, to whom His Grace the Duke of Argyle had remitted ane soume of money for payeing of the shyre’s debts that they might not be burdened therwith, to pay the saids debts according to the above wrytten quotas ; and upon his so doeing that he may have ane sufficient declaratione of the shyres debts being so extinguished, to be ane sufficient instructione to the said William Campbell to satisfie his Grace that he had payed the same. Tho. Ewing. Walter Buchanan. [item_37} 37. The Burgh of Dunbarton’s extraordinary expences on account of the Rebellion. In the Tolboothe of Dumbertan the second day of June jm vijc and sixtene years; The magistrats and counsell approves of the severall acompts given in by the thesuerer, anent the expenses debursed be him, since the fyfth of June jm vijc and fifteen to the deat heirof, relating to the extraordinary charges the toune was put to during the leat rebellione, in paying of the men hyred by the burgh for reinforcing of the castell of Dumbartan, and the partie sent out by the burgh; paying of expresses imployed by the burgh for getting intelligence from the severall pairts of the country; and utherwayes as is more particularly mentioned in the minuts sett doune by the committy, appointed for revising the saids acompts. Which acompts being acummulat extends to the soume of - - - lib. 442 : 19 : 6 The magistrats and counsell lykwayes approve the accompt dew be the burgh to Misters Calder, and spent by them upon the electione of the magistrats, and uther gentilmen present with them one that ocasione; and at severall tymes with the deputie lieutenants and gentilmen of the shyre, quhen concerting with them anent the saftie of the toune and countrey ; and for wyne and uther liquors furnished be her to the magistrats, depute liuetenents, and uther gentilmen present with them, at the severall solemnitys for the victories obtaned by his Majisties’ fforces, over the rybells att Sherefmoure and Prestoune. Which acompt extends to the soume of 192 : 10 : 4 Item, Mungw Buchanan’s acompt spent in his house, with the half pay officers of the Lord Mark Ker ' redgiment, and making severall gentillmen burgesses, and about uther affairs of the burgh, - - - - 101 : 1 : 0 Item, the acompt given be Mrs. Colqwhone, since the 20 of August to the deat heirof, ffor liquors and uther provisiones, furnished to the partie of burgesses sent from the toune to joyne and assiste those imployed for retaking the boats seased by the Mag rigors in Lochlommont; and spent with the officers and men that came from Pasley, to reinforce the toune when they were threaten’d by the rybells ; and in making of the officers of the severall [redgiments] that went through the toune to Argyleshyre burgesses; including the allowance given by the magistrats to the severall guards, kept in the toune during the continowance of the leat rebellion. Which acompt extends to the soume of . - - - 146 : 19 : 0 Item, Mrs. Buchanan’s acompt, spent in her house at severall tyms with the Earle of Glencairne, and with the captans of the men of warr who were mad burgesses, having assisted the burgh in retaking the boats from the M‘grigors; and spent with Mr. Graham, Shiref, and uther gentillmen, at severall tyms anent the burgh’s affairs; and with the officers of Cournell Edgertoun’s redgement quartered in the town: 109 : 19: 0 Item; the acompt given in be Mrs. Lindsay, and spent in her house by the Magistrats, Justices of the Peace, Gentillmen of the Shyre imployed in the Militia; and spent by the Magistrats on uther ocasions, - - 52 : 9 : 0 Item, the accompt by David Hutchisone, for ane guard rooume in his house for the Officers of the Militie, and Curnel Edgertonn’s redgement, keipping guard in the Tolboth ; and for coall and candell furnished to them in his house, - - - - 20 : 9 : 0 Item, Baily Weir’s acompt, for powther, leade, and flint stones furnished be him,......................................8:8:0 Item, ane acompt by Alex. M'farlane, spent in his house by the Magistrats with the Officers of Edgertoun’s regment, and uther detachments, in demanding bilgats for the detachments, extending to - - - - 4 : 10 : 0 Item, ane acompt be Aulay M‘aulay, spent in his house by the quarter master, in drawing bilgats to the fforces, militie men, and men of war’s crew, 5 : 19 : 0 Item, ane account to Mrs. Buchanan, spent in her house by the magistrats with the officers of the men of warr, with the Pasley men who came to assist the toune in the time of the late rebellion, with the shirriff and gentlemen of the shyre at severall occasions, - 110:19:0 Item, to Andrew Graham clerk, in consideration of his extraordinary pains and charges he was put to upon the toune’s acompt during the rebellion, 8:0:0 Item, the magistrats and councill appoints Gillies Mitchell thesaurer, to pay to the severall from whom the six bagadge horses were bought that were sent to the army, and to dispose of what of the saide horses are now returned to the best advantadge, - 1234 : 12 : 10 [Printed by George Richardson, Glasgow.] |
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[1] Agreeably to the cautious practice of the time most of these letters are unsigned. The index in Wodrow’s handwriting occasionally supplies the names of his correspondents, but more frequently only their initials. The following is a key to these initials in so far as they are known. A. P., Alexander Porterfield in Glasgow; A. A., Alexander Archer, candlemaker in Hamilton; G., George Greig, candlemaker in Leslie; W. W., W. Warner, probably brother-in-law to Mr. Wodrow. who married Margaret, daughter of Patrick Warner, minister at Irvine, by Mary, daughter of Mr William Guthrie, minister at Finwick. [2] Macgregor of Bohaldie and Gregor Macgregor of Glengyle, alias Ghlun-dhu, Rob Roy, the uncle of Glengyle, appears in the beginning of the month, in a list of persons to be cited under the new act of Parliament, along with many of the Jacobite leaders. Graham of Buchlivie is in the same list. On the 29th of March 1716, Rob Roy is mentioned with others in a list for attainder. [3] This is part of a letter which communicates to Mr. Wodrow the news given in the three preceding extracts. Graham of Dougalstoun and Macfarlan of Kirkton are the persons alluded to.
[4]
J “ About which time, the Earl of Kilmarnock had received a letter from the Duke of Argyle, earnestly desiring that the volunteers of the west country would forthwith march towards the Highlands, and take up in garrison the houses of Drumkill, Gartartan, and Cardross in order to curb the insolence of Rob Roy and his Clan of M'gregors, who some days before had fall’n in upon and robbed the country thereabout.
[5]
On the 14th of October, Mar writes thus to the Earl of Breadalbine: “ 1 just now hear from Mon- teith that the Earls Ilay and Bute were certainly in Argyleshire, and that there were two men of war come into Clyde, who were sending their longboats to retake the boats on Lochlomond, which Glengyle had seized. I wish with all my heart this could be prevented.”
[6]
After the Lochlomond expedition, the Macgregors joined the rendezvous of the clans in Strathfillan, and thence their united force marched upon Inverary on the 17th.
[7]
In a compilation avowedly intending to illustrate the proceedings of the Macgregors in the rising of 1715, it would be an omission to leave out the only two official documents, bearing the signature of their leaders, which have been preserved.
[8]
The letter, of which the above is an extract, has been lately published by James Maidment Esq. Advocate, in the Analecta Scotica, a curious rechauffe of antiquarian matter. Another account of the same transaction is added from Donald Govan’s Glasgow Courant.
[9]
Edin. Jan. 9.— We are advised from Fife that Rob Roy, who some time ago plundered the Duke of Montrose’s land, is come with about 150 of his banditti to Fife, and has taken possession of Faukland.— Glasgow Courant.
[10]
¦f The following proclamation, presented to the Society of Scotish Antiquaries, by Mr. Clerk, writer in Auchterarder, while these sheets were passing through the press, shows us the other side of the picture.
[11]
f Feb. 7.—’Tis reported that Col. Campbel of Finab with his men hath catched about 300 of the Highlanders, who were commanded by Rob Roy at Faulkland, and all the brandy which Henry Crawford merchant in Creil had sold to the rebels, who had run it, which is no small booty; the said 300 being all drunk with brandy when taken. [12] Dumbarton, March 23.—Upon Wednesday- night last, seven of the M‘Greigors, under the command of Alester Dou M'Alister, came to the Aber of Kilmaronock, and extracted two shillings sterl. and a peck of meal, of every cottar in that place; and would needs have a bond bearing interest from one Margaret Anderson a widow, who was obliged to compound with them for half a crown.— Glasgow Courant.
[13]
Edin. Oct. 8.—Some days ago a party was ordered from Perth, another from Stirling, and a third from Glasgow, towards the house and haunts of that notorious robber and rebel Robert Roy Mac Gregor, with a design to have surrounded him and his men; but one of the parties being prevented by the waters being out, from coming up in time enough to the rendezvous, the design miscarried; and tho’ our men came within sight of him, he and his clan escap’d to the mountains. Our men shot at them, but ’tis not certain whether any of the rebels dropp’d. They fir’d again and kill’d one of our grenadiers, so that all our men cou’d do was to burn his house, and what was not worth or capable of being carry’d off. |