Imagens das páginas
PDF
ePub

DUKE OF arrive at Tynemouth to await orders. Two cruisers from MONTROSE. Buchan Ness announce all clear. The Provost of Dundee

informs that on the Thursday or Friday previous, 80 men had landed from three French vessels lying in the mouth of the Spey. Cokburne is in perplexity, as the Justice Court had no power over the peers, some of whom were disaffected; he instances Lords Drummond, Breadalbane, Erroll, Mareschall.

1st April 1708.-Cokburne intimates the inefficiency of putting the oaths to suspected persons, as many of the Justices were Jacobites. The Court receives information that 17 of the Dunkirk Squadron had returned. The peccant lords summoned by the Earl of Leven were coming in. The Stirlingshire lairds were returning, although none could be found but Kippendavie. Some of Cumberland's horse were despatched after McColme, but without success. Personal intercourse was rumoured to exist between Breadalbane, Stormonth, and Nairn. Straloch adheres to his former statement.

Edinburgh, 3d April 1708.-The Lord Justice Clerk shows the feeble condition of Scotland, and the almost marvellous character of its present escape. He exhibits the party spirit at work, and instances the dismissal of Lag. Scot, the lawyer, and Straloch were handed over to Bing to be transported to London; orders for seizure disobeyed, probably because the elections were approaching.

[Copy of part of a letter from the Shire of Murray is enclosed, which states, that on the 20th March a ship came to three vessels in the Moray Firth, when all sailed off, probably round the Point of Caithness. The North people expected a landing on the west. Elgin supplied the ships with saddle furniture. The "King" had been ill with ague; hence the tardiness of the French fleet. At the engagement off Montrose he had been conveyed from his own ship into a smaller one for the purpose of easier escape.] This directs suspicion against Seafield.

Edinburgh, 9 o'clock, 30th October [1708].--Cokburne urges very warmly upon the Duke of Montrose the necessity of his presence in Parliament.

Edinr., 2nd Novr. [1708].--This letter is in the same strain as the last, only more pressing, and expressed in a rather interesting manner.

15th Novr., 2 o'clock [1708].-Another urgent note, with a despatch enclosed.

Edinburgh, 27th Novr. 1708.-Cokburne endeavours to have a Memorial on the Circuits drawn up by the Advocate, which may form the basis of a Bill.

Edinburgh, 14th Decr. 1708.-The Lords of Justiciary discuss with the Lord Advocate a scheme for the Circuits, the President however being averse to the course pursued. A Memorial of the process against the Stirlingshire gentlemen is sent to the Queen and Cabinet while the Lords Commissioners of Justiciary send up a counter one. Cokburne sends one of his own to his son, intended for the Duke of Montrose's inspection.

Cokburne, in an earlier letter, had stated the necessity of English troops in Scotland, and now that two Regiments of Dragoons are expected he, with his usual caution, expresses fear lest they should start Episcopalian Service and alienate the Presbyterians to the Jacobite party.

An Account is given of the examination of the "Tacks"men's" books.

Edinburgh, 21 Decemr. 1708.-The Scheme of the Lord Advocate (revised by the Commissioners of Justiciary) on the Circuits, is sent to the Duke of Montrose. Cokburne declares the old way of making up the Porteous Rolls as "savouring too much of the Inquisition." The Barons of the Exchequer are engaged in considering the claims on the Civil and Military list, in order to state a charge upon the equivalent. Some financial statements are given. The coinage being made good, only some 70,000 pounds of the equivalent would remain for the various Civil and Military expenses. The "charge" of Ingathering is above 10,000, the interest of outstanding debts is five per cent; and the excise revenue is deficient for so many demands.

66

Edinburgh, Janry. 18, 1709.-Great rumour of an invasion again arises, against which Cokburne thinks the only defence is the hard weather." The Synod intrudes Ministers into Churches of Angus, without proper Civil allowance, upon which the Justices of the Peace ordered the preachers to be seized. Two cases are given,-the one an Episcopal Clergyman, who is not legally admitted to be Minister of the Parish of Fordoun, but is otherwise qualified," and prayes for the Queen;" the other, "one Auch"terlony," unqualified, but backed by Sir D. Dalrymple and Lady Janet.

Edinburgh, 29 Janry. 1709.-The Angus and Mearns Justices are denounced to be as bad executors of the law [with reference to ecclesiastical settlements] as those in the shire of Ross.

Edinburgh, 17 Feby. 1709.-Continued despondency

from the want of interest in Scotch affairs shown by the Government.

Edinburgh, 26 Feb. 1709.-Cokburne wrote to the Treasurer and to the Earl of Sunderland about the inconvenience arising from neglect of arrangement concerning the Circuits, and in this letter to the Duke of Montrose very warmly asserts, that "before I suffer such usage I had "much rather they turned me out." Several cases are given of the bad effect of a War Act passed the year before, such as those of the Laird of Meldrum, Sir George Hamilton, and Sir David Arnot, who, to escape caption for debt, enlisted immediately after obtaining a long "fourloff.”

Edinburgh, 8th March 1709.-This letter complains of the great quantity of Scotch business marked in the Journal of the Lords for the 1st March. Approves of the decision that the defence of alibi should not be allowed in the matter of Treason. Complains of " Inglish ignorant forners" eating up the revenue of the customs, chides the Lord Treasurer for expensive offices, while the paltry sum requisite for the Circuits is not forthcoming.

66

[ocr errors]

Cokburne also writes: "Tis strange somebody does not move to call over the Elector of Han[over] to be our generalissimo, such a motion would have good consequences. Every day lets us see more the necessity of " it."

Edinburgh, 10th June 1714.-The Lords of the Session met this day, and passed an Act of Sederunt against "Mobs "and Tumults," which was published over the Cross at twelve. It was to the effect that it was "fitt to discourage "mobs and tumults, and that there was too good ground "to believe, when any such thing happened, many who depended on the Session hous were active and accessory, "therefor it might be fitt to pass ane act of sederunt certifying all such of their danger, and that this act "might be publisht."

[ocr errors]

66

Orm eston], 16 Agst. 1714.-The Commission of the Kirk resolved to send a deputation to Court about the middle of September, this late time being pressed on them by Cokburne and others. A motion made in committee by the Earl of Buchan to consider how the Oath for maintenance of the Scotch Kirk was to be administered to the King, was dropped, after some discussion, on the ground that it was "out of the road."

"The affected delay in proclaiming the King at Perth, "and D[uke of] A-l's [Athole's] taking the gout are "childish, and rather to be laughed at than taken other"wayes notice of." Scotland is in perfect peace.

Edinburgh, 16 Septr. 1714.-A large meeting of the Kirk Commission was held, to which non-jurants were admitted as "conferrers," who proposed that of them an equal number with that of jurors should be sent in the deputation of "brethren" to the King. On the second day of meeting (the 16th), five Commissioners were named as deputies (Messrs. Linnen, Hart, Carstairs, Mitchell, and Ramsay), amid a discussion so warm that Cokburne retired. He expresses his opinion that the Government should peremptorily state its resolution to maintain things as by law established; and if that course were taken not more than fifty would refuse the Oath of Abjuration.

Edinburgh, Octr. 12th, 1714.—From Charles Cokburne. - Montrose's Commission has not yet passed the Seal in Scotland. Much crying against Argyle and I[slay both by Whigs and Jacobites over their partial distribution of places, especially to those that have always stuck fast to the Protestant succession.

This letter also contains the following sentence:-"The "letter subscribed by a good many of the Chiftains of the Highland Clans to Earl] Mar, which we have this day "in the post-bag, is thought very odd."

66

Edinburgh, 23 Octr. 1714.-An address sent through Cokburne's son Charles to the King. Everywhere things, politically speaking, look bright. The formerly disloyal Presbytery of Hamilton was now "in the prints for drink"ing His Majestie's health;" Earl Ruglen, who four months before "broak his dry jeasts on the whigs," had on the previous Wednesday a great bonfire, gave a "barrell of "3 pennie," and blazed away with all the small arms about his house; in front of the procession of the Magistrates to the Cross of Edinburgh were Lords Balmerino, Dun, and Couper. Mention is made of a proposed Board of Trade like the Scotch Chamberlainry. The Duke of Athole has called on the King and cleared himself of all aspersions. Nineteen of the Episcopal Clergy in the province of Aberdeen had agreed to sign an address to the King; several at Dundee, on the occasion of a similar meeting had refused to sign, but were expected to come in; some Barons in the shires of Perth, Fife, Stirling, and Edinburgh, hitherto not so, were now becoming qualified. Cokburne thinks a man of influence at Court would accomplish something by his presence in Scotland.

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Octr. 26th 1714.—

DUKE OF MONTROSE.

DUKE OF

Refers to the candidature of so many Campbells (he uses MONTROSE. the word "Campbellish") for election in various parts of Scotland.

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Nov. 9th, 1714.— Notices the arrival of the instrument with the King's Oath for the security of the Scotch Church government. A few copies of the Bishop of Oxford's Coronation Sermon were in circulation. The sermon was much thought of.

Edinburgh, 11th Novr. 1714.-The Commission of the General Assembly met on the 10th, at which it was agreed to call home immediately their deputies. Sir David Dalrymple and the Duke of Montrose were appointed to enquire into the Memoirs, and Cokburne seems to be pretty sure of the guilt and successful impeachment of Lockhart.

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Novr. 13th, 1714.— There is enclosed a letter to the King from the royal burghs. The Tories, eager to be in favour, cry up the King, while the non-juring Jacobites are "desperate and peevish.'

[ocr errors]

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Decr. 7th, 1714. -The Barons stop (or attempt to stop) gifts under the Privy Seal.

[ocr errors]

The Tories in Scotland are encouraged by the delay in dissolving the Parliament, and are spreading the report of a not very successful candidature of the Whigs in England. Edinburgh, 9 Decr. 1714.-A report was widely current that "all Privie Seals being fallen by Her Majestie's death, no salary or pensions are to be paid but from the time "His Majestie shall order a new Privie Seal." Much alarm was also caused by the rumour that no money was to be issued here, but that all was to be paid at the London Exchequer, which would be at least ten per cent. discount, and as a result, Scotland would be entirely drained of agency.

This letter contains a copy of a Memorial from the Lord Justice General, Lord Justice Clerk and Commissioners of Justiciary, to the "Lords Commissioners of His Majestie's "Thesaury of Great Britain," praying for augmentation of the allowance given to defray the expense of the Circuits (which were since 1712 held but once a year), said allowance having been seriously reduced in 1713.

Edinburgh, 16 Decr. 1714.-Excitement has commenced among the people "unaccountably." Three men were

committed for insulting the Government this morning in Edinburgh. Such outbreaks Cokburne thinks were made to influence the elections, frequent notices of which are contained in the previously referred to letters of his son Charles. Another Jacobite action is reported, viz., the attack by some gentlemen of people coming from Falkirk market, who were forced by blows to kneel, pray for King James the Eighth, and curse King George. One of these was Thomas Nicolson, and another of them was erroneously supposed to be the Earl of Linlithgow.

The general feeling in Scotland is for the dissolution of the Union, an address to that effect being handed about; candidates for election are to have this put as the decisive question; the non-jurant clergy would fain see the Union dissolved, but think it fair to give King George and his new Parliament a trial. Buchan's presence would do some good, as he has the confidence of the clergy; the Earl of I[slaly should be detained, as probably "at the bottom of "this Union business."

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Decr. 21st, 1714.The Edinburgh ministers and most of the common people are against the Jacobite project, and these clergymen send warning to their friends throughout the country. The Jacobites circulate a letter of Col. Erskine. The Jacobite address started from Dunfermline, and went round Fifeshire. Edinburgh, 23rd Decr. 1714.-Refers to the case of three young men apprehended for drinking King James's health. Bail was allowed, but criminal letters were raised against them before application for bail.

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Decr. 28th, 1714.The excitement in Edinburgh increases. Papers are put up on several public places threatening the Provost and Magistrates if they refuse to sign the address for dissolution of the Union. A reward of 501. is offered for information as to the posters. Cokburne encloses a copy of letter from the Earl of Mar to Mr. H. Maul (circulated with the address), which affirms that the English people are not against the Repeal of the Union if the Scotch go in heartily.

Edinburgh and the surrounding district have suffered from the Union; this fact is magnified by the Tories.

Edinburgh, 28 Decr. 1714.-Two of the Edinburgh prisoners have been released on bail, but the third, Mr. Hog, found no surety, being "craised." The persons who committed the Falkirk riot were the following gentlemen. Sir Thos. Nicolson, Brisbane of Bishoptown, Thos. Nicolson, and their servants.

Cokburne returned to Edinburgh to aid the Provost. Six Scotch peers are reported to have addressed the King for dissolving the Union. Cokburne appoints meetings with various Edinburgh magistrates.

DUKE OF

There are in circulation a number of copies, printed and written, of a letter entitled "A Letter from a Scotch Peer MOSTROSE. "to the Earl of I—y."

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Dec. 30th 1714.Things are taking a turn in Edinburgh. The address is a Tory contrivance. Suspected correspondence with London. The King is reported to have declared to the peers who addressed him (e.g., the Marquis of Annandale and Earl Ilay,) that he left the question of dissolution to the Parliament.

Edinburgh, Decr. 30, 1714.-Much in the same strain as the preceding, and refers to Cokburne's action with the magistrates against the printers. There are circulated a letter of the Advocate and an answer to it.

Edinburgh, 1st Janry. 1715.-An article appeared in the Courant of Dec. 31, to the effect that all the people of the Cupar-Fife district had signed an address for dissolution of the Union. This was a fabrication of a youth, Charles Hamilton, who denied afterwards the truth of the statement. This morning a placard was put up against Dalrymple and Ormestown, the latter being in it declared worse than Esau, and a meeting was invited of "all merchant "tradesmen and inhabitants" to go from the "Land "Mercat to give the Provist his hansell " on Monday morning. Cokburne states that the Provost and Magistrates should receive thanks for their endeavours.

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

Edinburgh, 4th Janry. 1715.-The Lord Justice Clerk complains of the liberality of the Government to Jacobites in continuing their pensions. The Advocate's letter is prohibited to be sold on the streets.

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Janry. 6th, 1715.— This letter mentions the qualification of Earl Rothes, and the earnestness of the Edinburgh ministers against the addresses.

Edinburgh, 11 Janry. 1715.-The Deacon-Convener is finally won over by the Provost and Magistrates to move no more in the matter of the address.

From Charles Cokburne. Edinburgh, Janry. 22d, 1715.— At the beginning of the Winter Session, the faculty of Advocates had held a meeting, when it was resolved to defer the consideration of a congratulatory address to the King. At the anniversary meeting of Jan. 21st, the matter came up, when the Tories proposed an address in favour of the dissolution of the Union. Sir D. Dalrymple (Dean) argued that, from the precedent of 1702, he could not sign any political address; and, after some discussion, it was decided not to address.

Edinburgh, 22 Jany. 1715.-Such was the excitement that wagers were laid on the matter referred to in the preceding. All the churches in Edinburgh held thanksgiving for King George's accession, but none of the twelve or thirteen Episcopal meeting-houses were opened.

66

Edinburgh, 29 Janry. 1715.-"The Jacobites are very uppish, and great things adoeing among them in the "Higlands." The Pretender is expected to be over in March, when a bold stroke is to be made in England. The Jacobite lords and lairds are acting in concert and arms are being cleaned.

The Magistrates of Dysart sent a notice to the Courant of an Address signed by themselves and upwards of a thousand of " very considerable Heretors and burgers in the County," a copy of which is enclosed.

66

[ocr errors]

Edinbr., 1st Febry. 1715.-Notice is given of the apprehension, through Cokburne, of Colin Campbell, younger, of Glenderrual, who had been traversing the Highlands with two addresses for signature, one to King George, the other to the Pretender. Among his papers, only the former was found, very dutiful in its tone and making no mention of the Union. He was set at liberty. This address is evidently advised by Mar "to show his interest in the Highlands, "and that he and not [the] D[uke of] A[rgy]le, can manage the clans." Edinbr., 11 March 1715.-Warm but vague accounts of preparations for the Pretender. Report that 35 battalions were subscribed for. Lord James A[tho]ll denied his connection with this party, but was in favour of addressing against the Union. He had been offered money but refused. At a meeting of the Kirk Commission a proposal to send up new Commissioners was rejected, and ultimately even a proposal to send up an address on their grievances fell to the ground. A discussion was held about the "Lords Spiritual."

66

Edinburgh, 14 March 1715.-Glenderrual had left a fortnight before for Drummond. Frazer's news about the Jacobites had reached the "Club." Montrose is requested to knight the Edinburgh Provost. Edinburgh was not so ill-provided since the invasion of 1708, actually containing no more than 24 hours' provisions.

Edinburgh, 15 March 1715.-Encloses a Memorial on the University of Aberdeen. Brigadier Grant had left Castle Grant under the charge of his two brothers with 50 men, and proposed that a regiment should lie at Inverness.

[blocks in formation]

66

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

There is enclosed a note to the Duke of Athole, which intimates to his grace that reports were current that "these "restless people were making proposals to him, and that he sided with them. Rob Roy has been "listing me and "par❜larly one Gregore Murray, son to Alexr. Murray, alias McGregore. In Coinachan in Glenalmond Wester. "this Gregore Murray has been concerned in buying a parcell "of arms and a barrell of pouder ('tis true he names it Liquor)." One Blair, of Glasdun, has been enquiring after ammunition. These cases are in the Duke of Athole's grounds, and therefore to be investigated by him. In the letter to the Duke of Montrose, " a very foolish "and unmanerly Com'edie" is mentioned as having been acted on the previous Xmas at the Earl of Traquair's residence, composed by a priest, in which the King, Prince, and Princess were represented by the meanest of the servants, and a swine was "brought up to lye a bed with the K"all night."

g

Edinburgh, 26 March 1715.-The third son of Grierson, of Lag, is seriously implicated in the falsifying of the stamps. Cokburne wishes to leave out the charge of false coining, as the British Act of Parliament had ordered a new method of trial for this crime, which was regarded as treason.

From William Cockburn. Dundee, the 30th March 1715. -Black Colonel Freskin has undertaken to procure from the Scotch Presbyterians an address for dissolution of the Union, and is acting industriously. The Jacobites are expecting an early landing of the Pretender at Dundee or Berwick, and he is said to have attending him 24 Scotch ships. About eight days before, one of his bedchamber left Edinburgh after 20 days' residence there.

66

[ocr errors]

Edinburgh, 9 April 1715.-Notices the apprehension of Rodolph Kien, who reported himself as nephew of King William's closet-keeper. Nothing to give ground for detention was found among his papers. A meeting was to take place on the Thursday previous at Rannoch for the settlement of a difference between the Camerons and Robertsons. The Jacobites were likely to secure Earl "Marschall. He must be a weak man and easylie imposed upon, his goeing in to the Election and voting. The "List made the Jacobites so angry that they wisht for "what has happened, and now they will gett him intirely " and he will be the head of that pairty (now that Errol's good for nothing) to his own and his family's ruine." Edinbr., 12 April 1715.-Informs the Duke of Montrose of Malcolm Murray, alias McGregor of Marchfield, who trafficked a good deal in arms brought to him from Edinburgh by the Dumblane carriers.

66

There is inclosed the Duke of Athole's letter to Cokburne, along with the deposition of Gregor Murray, in which he denies the charge made against him. The Duke, to prove to the Lord Justice Clerk his loyalty, wishes him to come during the May Circuit to Perth, in order to view the action of the Jacobites in that quarter, and solicits him to summon to trial Mr. Robertson, a clergyman at Logierait in Atholl, who never prayed for the King by name, and who had been settled there by the interest of Nairn, his eldest son, and the Viscount of Strathallan. The Duke mentions his being aware that Rob Roy Campbell is Colonel, lives mostly in Argyllshire, and knows much of the transactions in the Highlands.

Edinbr., 19 April 1715.-Reports the arrival of a shipmaster, Dalzell, at Fraserburgh, a man "well-known both "in England and here. He did much mischieff to our "merchants." This information was lodged by the Aberdeen Magistrates, who for their loyalty were insulted sometimes by the Students, "too much caried on by some of the "Masters." •

Edinbr., 19 April [1715].-Cokburne is persuaded that Dalzell is 66 Spy and Intelligencer," and writes the Aberdeen magistrates to secure the crew. The Rannoch affair did not end in an agreement of the parties although they held five or six hours' intercourse, and it was generally reported that this was something more than a kinbutte.

Strowan Robertson had been at St. Germain, but had obtained a remission through the Earl of Portmore.

Ormestown, 26 April 1715.-Cokburne is privately informed that the Pretender is to come with a thousand men, all his own subjects, to be conveyed in two ships without the French King's knowledge.

Edinbr., 6 May 1715.-The Assembly met, with Mr. Carstairs (highly spoken of by Cokburne) as moderator. Much discussion was held upon an address on grievances,

DUKE OF

but the keen Lord Justice Clerk, who had returned from Ayr to be present, remarks on the final decision of the MONTROSE. Committee on Overtures, that a Select Committee should receive the instruction of Presbyteries to their members for arrangement, "this must take time, and com'only hott "Liquor cools moving from Cup to Cup."

Edinbr., 12 May 1715.-Mr. Black's case was brought up on the 11th. He was minister at Lesmahagow, and laboured successfully for a time, but his parishioners were for the most part displeased with his adherence to the Protestant Succession and desired his removal. This was

granted by the Assembly.

Many Jacobites were in Scotland passing themselves as non-jurors of the Established Church.

A scurrilous pamphlet which had been affixed on the Cross at Lanark was in circulation. Cokburne directed Baillie Duncan to have the oaths put to the Deacon Convener.

Edinbr., 17 May 1715.-The Assembly closed to-day, "the angryest and most peremptor ever I saw," but very satisfactory considering the influences that were at work "from above."

Edinbr., 18 May 1715.-The Deacon Convenor made objection to the Magistrates against taking the Oaths, but Cokburne sharply enjoined them to have a plain answer. He went about during the General Assembly with a printed Address for dissolution of the Union.

Edinbr., 2d June 1715.-Records the trial at Perth of Guthrie, an Episcopal clergyman, who intruded into a church, not praying for King George, nor keeping the Thanksgiving for His Majesty's accession, but "going to "the Curling that day," and drinking James's health on his birthday.

Edinbr., 4 June 1715.-The Magistrates at Inverness attended the Judges to Church, then went themselves to a meeting-house where the Episcopal service was used, and whose minister (a non-jurant) did not pray for the King.

Cokburne has learnt from the Duke of Atholl that the Highlanders have frequent meetings and much intercourse with Bar-le-Duc, that one Drummond of Bawhilly (an agent of Lord Drummond) had lately returned, that the apprehension of Rob Roy would open up all the intrigues, that his Grace had been asked by Balmerino to go in for the Address, that the Pretender had a directing Council in Edinburgh whose chief members were the late Bishop of Edinburgh and Mr. Harry Maule. Cokburne is of opinion that "Rob [Roy] imposes upon both partys.'

[ocr errors]

Edinbr., 7 June 1715.-Kilmaronock and Luss have been diligently procuring subscriptions to an Address against the Union, and Cokburne is longing for the Secret Committee's Report, hoping it will "quiet the unruly spirit "that rages in too many places."

Edinbr., 9 June, 1715.-The Magistrates of Dundee have been cursing the King, and showing other marks of disaffection. Cokburne points out the evil of judgment being disallowed in criminal cases not sent up to the Circuit Courts by Justices of the Peace, Magistrates of burghs, &c., as there would then be an 66 adieu to the Circuits in the "North."

Edinbr., 11 June 1715.-After eleven at night on the 10th, some slight appearances of mobs were cleared off, a few idlers apprehended, including one Lieut. Boswald, who chalked up "J. R. 8," and a Highlandman, Stewart by name, who brandished his sword for King James.

Edinbr., 18 June 1715.-Encloses a letter from Aberdeen, which attributes the Jacobitism of the district to the influence of the college masters, and to the presence of so many gentry. The troops patrolled the streets there throughout the 10th, which was the Pretender's birthday. There was much drinking of King James's health, shooting, and bonfires. More soldiers are recommended to be quartered as a check to Jacobitism. The loyalty of the Magistrates is commended.

Edinbr., 21 June 1715.-An Aberdeen Magistrate appears before Cokburne, pressing the necessity for the soldiers remaining there if the Magistrates were to be secure.

Edinbr., 25 June 1715.-Letters issued against two servants of the Earl of Southesk for drinking King James's health on the 10th. The Deacon-Convener (John Dunbar, a glover) refuses to take the Oath, and the Lord Justice Clerk takes out a certificate against him.

Edinburgh, 5 July 1715.-The Lord Justice General holds Act VI. of Queen Anne not in force, and Cokburne declares the " Jacks" and non-jurors will soon be more insupportable than ever. He encloses information of the trial of the Dundee Magistrates (the General being absent from the trial, and Lord Dun opposing the other Lords), when John Oliphant, Alexander Watson, William Ramsay, bailies, William Lyon, treasurer, and Thomas Wilson, vintner, were found guilty of disloyalty, having drunk to the health of James VIII. at the foot of Dundee Cross,

DUKE OF

and thereafter thrown their bottles in the air, and John MONTROSE. Oliphant having cursed King George at the foot of the Steeple on the twentieth of January.

[ocr errors]

Edinburgh, 7 July 1715.-Since the meeting of the Royal Burghs, evening clubs have been freely discoursing about dissolving the Union. Hope of Rankeillor, and his brother are active Jacobites. The troops have left Aberdeen, and the mobs have threatened the magistrates and entered the warehouses. An enclosed note intimates daily meetings of the clans.

Edinburgh, 12 July 1715.--Notices the trial of Gibbs, the publisher of Leslie's letter to the Bishop of Sarum. Cokburne prosecutes Leslie. Suspicion of the officers of the troops lying at Montrose, during the extraordinary doings there on May 29th and June 10th.

Earl Findlater from fear has come to Edinburgh. Cokburne urges on the Magistrates to revise the Courant and Gazette before being printed.

Edinbr., 19 July 1715.-Arms have been landed at Aberdour, and Auchterhouse has received a parcel of arms from Dundee. The Jacobites' hopes in the North are growing every day; the Duke of Berwick is to land in Britain with 15,000 or 20,000 men, while a second army lands in Ireland. A note has come to Cokburne from Kilraick, Foulis, &c., showing the necessity of a body of troops at Inverness from its central position.

Edinbr., 21 July 1715,--This is a note probably to his son, enclosing one to the Duke of Montrose, in which the excitement of the English Jacobites and the action of the Irish Dissenters in favour of altering the Oath of Abjuration are expected to influence the Scotch Jacobites.

Edinbr., 23 July 1715.-Frequent meetings are held in Galloway and Kirkcudbright; horses and furniture are being bought up. A suspected gentleman staying with the Earl of Nithsdale. Application of the people of that quarter to stop the letters of the Jacobites, to open a correspondence, and to receive a supply of powder.

Edinbr., 24 July 1715.-Cokburne, on the arrival of the London packet, sends despatches to Glasgow, the governors of Dumbarton, Fortwilliam, Blackness, and into Ayrshire, Galloway, and Nithsdale. He intends to secure 2,990 bolls of meal at Leith. Lord Drummond has been traversing the Highlands, and the clans are prepared to rise at a few hours' notice, some of the chieftains not even lying at home.

Edinbr., 26 July 1715.-The Jacobites are waiting on the Pretender's arrival before beginning action. He is said to be at sea, having sailed from Brest with 9 ships.

Edinbr., 29 July 1715.-The Jacobites are acting against the loyal people of Aberdeen, Perth, and Dundee. Asks for 1,000l. of annual pension to secure the Duke of Atholl. He prints the Act about Riots. On the previous Wednesday a Highland Hunting was to be held in Aboyne forest, where, among others, were to be Earls Mareschal, Seaforth, Southesk, and Lord Drummond, with other chieftains, really for political purposes.

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

From Charles Cokburne, Edinburgh, Aug. 3rd, 1715.The inhabitants of Edinburgh had offered their services to the Government through the Lords of the Session.

From John Cokburne [no date, but probably about 10th Septr. 1715].-Notices the Edinburgh Castle affair, and intimates his father's bad relation to the Duke of Argyll, which keeps the former from sending to the latter his news. Argyll is hinted to make " the public subservient "to his own narrow designs."

Edinbr., 6th Septr. 1715-The Laird of Innernytie tells that an understanding existed between the Pretender and Admiral Bing [Byng] that the Pretender should be allowed to cross without interruption. "This is a tender point, I "writt it to no body save yourself." The Dundee rebels have written to the Pretender by Glasgow, stating that, if he do not come with assistance, they will submit to the Government on an indemnity.

Tippermuir, near Perth, to be Mar's place of rendezvous. Edinbr., 12 Septr. 1715.-The Earl of L-n's dependants and the Governor of the Castle are implicated. The Jacobites expecting news by Friday at 12 o'clock. Money again asked to secure Atholl.

There is enclosed a letter from Perth (Monday, the 11th), stating that the Badenoch men were quartered on the 10th, and that Mar, with the North-country men was, on 12th or 13th, to be in the Moor of Blairgowrie. One Henderson of Coupar-Angus had orders from Braemar for 60 bolls of old corn and other victuals.

From Charles Cokburne, Edinburgh, Septr. 17, 1715.About noon of the 16th, the disaffected in Perth with 100 horse took possession of that town, preventing Rothes who had been assembling his Fife men some 6 or 7 miles from the city. Argyle and Roxburgh are making for Stirling. Earl of Winton is expected to engage in battle. Colonel

Hay (Kinnoul's son) is reported to have the command in Perth.

Edinbr., 22 Septr. 1715.-The "Jacks " report that the Pretender has landed at Liverpool in order to encourage the Clans and others who desist from action till his arrival. Mar is coming into the "Low Country," expecting many horse from the counties north of York if he succeed in passing the Forth. An attack is intended on Edinburgh by a body of horse from both sides of the Border. Brigadier Preston has been appointed in room of Colonel Stewart of the Castle, who was committed to the Tolbooth (22 Septr.) by Cokburne, who declines such military orders for the future on account of Islay's action toward him in this matter.

[ocr errors]

From Charles Cokburne, Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1715.None of the Clans seem to have joined Mar, who, with “dis"affected nobility and gentry, together with the men he "could bring along with him from Brae of Mar, and those "that they can get to joyn them in the country as they come along, is advanced the length of Locheret and Moulin "Blair of Atholl and Dunkell," burning houses where the people will not attend him, picking up men one day who desert the next. The Duke of Atholl has refused to surrender Blair Castle at the summons of Mar. It is illprovisioned. The Militia in the Lowlands are untrained and in need of arms.

From Charles Cokburne, Edinburgh, Sept. 23, 1715.— An excursion was made on the 22nd by 50 horse of Earl Leven in search of arms concealed in a barnyard of the Earl of Winton at Seaton House, information of which had been lodged by Cokburne. Seventy-three firelocks were found, and afterwards Winton's house was searched.

[The beginning of October 1715.]-The enemies have descended on the coast of Fife with the greatest part of their foot, with boats seized and ready to carry them across. The men-of-war fired the day before into the harbour of Burntisland on the Highlanders, who retreated East to the

66

Weyms." All the boats are sent out of Burntisland. Extravagant contributions are levied north of the Forth.

Edinbr. 19, October 1715.—On Thursday the 13th, early in the morning some of Mar's men landed at North Berwick and thereabouts, arrived within a mile of Haddington by eight o'clock, whence the Marquis of Tweeddale retreated with his ill-armed militia to join a party of 200 he had despatched to Edinburgh Castle on the 12th for arms, and also called for a party of 50 who were ordered to defend Seaton House, but had no provisions laid in, neither coal nor candle, and not two shot of lead for each.

The rebels entered Haddington on the 12th, proclaimed James on the 13th, and then, marching towards Edinburgh as far as Jock's Lodge, turned to the right and seized the Citadel of Leith. Meanwhile Argyll had ordered 200 dragoons under Col. Kerr to lie at Linlithgow, and the people of Edinburgh had been deliberating flight westward on the approach of the rebels from Musselburgh, when news came that Argyll would that night arrive in Edinburgh with the foresaid 200 dragoons, another hundred, and two hundred foot. Next morning (the 15th) Argyll with troops (including volunteers) at least equal in number to the enemy's force, marched to Leith and drew up his forces before the enemy, but retired again to Edinburgh. While

66

our generals were asleep," the rebels marched west to Seaton House, " leaving the pyper playing in the Citadel to "amuse." The rebels lay undisturbed at Seaton on the 18th, the volunteers only being ordered against them to lie at Tranent, the Earl of Rothes's troops being called in after the alarm of a combat on their part with the rebels. The rebels marched from Seaton southwards, pursued by the dragoons, militia, and volunteers. Mar himself left Perth on Sunday morning, and was still at Stirling on Tuesday. On Sunday 200 horse under Viscount Kenmore lay at Hawick, and marched on Monday to Jedburgh. There was great "clamour" in Edinburgh that the rebels should have escaped from the citadel of Leith, the ditches being all filled up, and the three bastions ploughed. The Earl of Mar was at Auchterarder on the night of the 18th. The royal force is too weak to attack Mar, and should simply observe his movements.

Edinbr., 29th Novr. 1715.-Mar, by the consent of all the heads of his party, has sent proposals of peace through Colonel Laurence. The report that Mar would be 18,000 strong in a few days, and that his aim now was to get back his deserters is wrong, Perhaps, however, he is looking after a better bargain, as was the policy of the rebels under King William in 1690. Cokburne hopes "due reguard "will be had to the sufferings of honest people that some reparation may be made them out of the Rebels Estats." Edinbr., 29 Decr. 1715.-Is against leniency toward the rebels, and says: "I could Laye before your grace so many peeces of management which demonstrate there was no " ingenuity with the proposers, that the proposals was worse (if possible) then their Rebellion."

66

[ocr errors]

DUKE OF MONTROSE.

DUKE OF

Edinbr., 7 Jany. 1716.-Cadogan sends a detachment to MONTROSE. Burntisland Castle, under Sir Robert Montgomerie. Earl Rothes receives from Stirling, for the protection of the forage in Fife and to prevent the enemy from obtaining coals, 100 dragoons and 100 foot, with which, and 200 Dutch, he marches to Dunfermline. On Wednesday 300 Highlanders were marched against him from Perth. Squabbling at Perth two weeks before. Strange that none of the cruisers have seen the ships crossing between France and Scotland.

Edinbr., 21 Janry. 1716.-Cadogan is highly commended for his activity in collecting the carts, &c. to be sent to Stirling, viz., 260 carts (3 horses to each), 1,000 baggage horses besides. Two hundred of -Rob Roy's men from Falkland attacked a loyal party at Balgouny, and made all of them prisoners. This party was composed of 10 or 12 Swiss and 20 militia.

Edinbr., 17 March 1716.-[This encloses a curious letter found in possession of a countryman who had been apprehended. States that 70 of those taken at Preston were tortured to death, most sold to be slaves in the plantations, 600 sold for 40 shillings each, and advises emigration to Sweden, Holland, France, or the N. of Ireland, &c.]

Edinbr., 5 May 1716.-The King has wisely prevented the Assembly's motion for a thanksgiving.

Edinbr., 21 August 1716.-Intimates the receipt of the royal order to deliver to Lieut.-General Carpenter all prisoners, without distinction, now in Scotland, who had been committed for high treason, to be conducted for trial to Carlisle.

Edinbr., 15 Decr. 1716.-The Lord Justice General frightened to come by the Stirling Road on account of Rob Roy's kidnapping way.

D.

In a letter from Captain Laurence Drummond, dated at Drummond Ernoch, 21 June, 1715, it is stated that the Highlanders had expected the Pretender in March, a second time before the middle of June, and say they will give over all hopes of him for ever, if he be not "with them before "the hook go into the corne."

Another letter from Drummond Ernoch, 23 July, 1715, says, the Chiefs had ordered their clans to be in readiness on twenty-four hours' warning, and that Captain Drummond had himself scraped up £180 for the service of the King.

There are three letters from George Drummond.

In one, dated Sept. 24th, 1714, he mentions that several gentlemen from the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff had repaired with the Elgin magistrates to Castle Gordon, to consult with the Earl of Huntly; much communication with Gordon Castle from suspicious quarters. Mr. William Mackintosh, younger, of Borlum, who had come in March from Bar-le-duc, was traversing the country from West to East, had prevailed on the Laird of Mackintosh to join the Pretender's cause, and the Laird had held a meeting of his kinsmen at the head of Strathnairn, on April 11th, after which arms had been diligently provided by the tenantry. Several meetings of the Chieftains had been held at Lochiel, at which a "person of distinction" from the Pretender was present, and of which notice was sent to the Earl of Huntly through Wm. Drummond.

In another letter of October 1st, 1714, he states that three weeks before the Laird of Mackintosh had an interview within twelve miles of Inverness with the Laird of Glengarry, Chisholm, of Comer, and others. A few days after another meeting was reported to have been held, at the direction of the Duke of Ath[ol]l, by Glengarry, young Lochiel, &c., at the west side of Lochness in the Braes of Urquhart.

Lord John Drummond, in a letter of October 1st, 1714, gives the Duke of Montrose an account of his brother's escape. Two officers were sent on by the General from Auchterarder to inform him of the General's purpose to take him to Edinburgh. Drummond treated the officers to wine, and escaped; the whole regiment was ordered out for a battue of the district, but was unsuccessful.

Lord Drummond, in a letter, Octr. 3, 1714, complains of the treatment he received when he was living "at home "peaceably with his wife and familie, so fear'd nothing."

A letter which has been supposed to be from Lord Drummond, but is pretty evidently not so (dated from Edinburgh, Agst. 18, 1715), states that a gentlemen had come from Lorraine from the Pretender, and that the writer's " "informers were willing to lose their right hands" if the Pretender were not arrived by the middle of September.

Letters from Sir David Dalrymple (Lord Advocate). Edinburgh, Dec. 2, 1714.-Refers to Lockhart's candidature for election in Clydesdale; mentions that his Memoirs" (for which, according to a former letter, he was

64

to be prosecuted by Major Cunningham), had been read as "useful lectures after supper at Dryden.

Dec. 7, 1714.-States that the competition between the old and new Justices of the Peace is like to raise disorders in some places, that is, between those who were in "posses"sion and acted under Commission in the Queen's time, and "those who were not, but pretend to act under later Com"missions, never intimated or made public till after her "death, and under which consequently nobody qualified "acted."

Edinburgh, Decr. 7, 1714.-Refers to the seizure of a ship loaded with arms, and said to belong to Harry Crawfurd in Crail; the arms 66 were fine, and for the use of the ill"affected gentry of that country."

Edinburgh, Decr. 16, 1714.-Refers to the Falkirk Riot; and argues the privilege of the Castle for Campbell, who, while Storekeeper there (Edinburgh), had been siezed for debt, but retained by the Governor.

Edinburgh, Decr. 18, 1714.-Refers to addresses being handed about against the Union, and says that only by the Crown deciding and acting for Scotland with vigour would the King become "father of all his people." Dalrymple had himself drawn up several memorials, but could never think any one of them would please others.

Decr. 25, 1714.-An Excise officer at Crieff had his ear cut off in bed by 10 or 12 armed men in disguise, certainly Jacobites; he thinks he will secure proof against one by offering the alternative of confession of this, or prosecution for declaring on the day of the King's Proclamation "that his Majesty had no more right to the Crown "than he had."

Mr. Cunningham has requested him to add a preamble to a paper intended to act against the Jacobites. Black Col. Erskine, then at Durham, has written a letter, one paragraph of which handed about is doing much mischief; but a Club, which had heen formed to oppose George's succession, met and held such an address inexpedient. They also purpose to issue a flying paper showing the tergiversation of the Jacobites.

New Hailes, Decr. 28, 1714.-This letter is occupied with legal statements on the Falkirk Riot, whether it is a misdemeanour or treason, and on the Castle Privilege. The address has raised a ferment in the country, but the Clergy are against it; some people go in for it, merely wishing to secure a better basis for the Union.

Edinburgh, Jany. 11, 1715.-He is stating everywhere that it is absurd to say the King is in favour of the dissolution of the Union, and recommends McCallum, the wounded Crieff exciseman to the Government.

Edinburgh, Jan. 27, 1714.--The Dundee Magistrates had complained of a riot on the Thanksgiving day, but it turned out that the Magistrates themselves were disaffected and the people over-loyal. Ramsay, the postmaster, "is a "noted Jack," intercepting "honest people's letters," but all London intelligence to the disaffected is safely delivered; this is a common state of feeling among the postmasters, and changes should be made.

The Dundee Magistrates sat while Mr. Cockburn read the prayers for the Royal Family.

Decr. 5, 1715.-Huntley and others had promised to join the Duke at Stirling, if assured of pardon; for advice, His Grace summoned Sir David and Loudon, and they agreed that the Court should be consulted. Argyle, meanwhile, in an underhand way, is persuading rebels to desert, a thing more easily done, because of the differences in their

camp.

New Hailes, Jan. 4th, 1716.-The rebels, consisting of two parties, High Church Protestants and Papists, are elevated by the arrival of the Pretender. Their camp

is strengthened by the report that the rebels' estates are to be confiscated. They believe their resources are large both at home and abroad. Argyll's people have taken Castle Culehorn and Finlarigg from Breadalbane; the Clan Cameron are awed by the garrison of Inverlochy.

A Memorial was presented by Sir David Dalrymple, in which gentle measures were proposed for dealing with the rebels. Pardon should be given to three classes:-1. To those who were forced into the service of the rebels, many (especially north of the Tay) having, from the strength of the rebels, been dragged from their houses, even out of the churches. Of these many had deserted, while others, from fear, continued to the end of the Rebellion. 2. To those who were under age. 3. To those who, as children and servants, were gently dealt with by Roman law, which declared: Velle non creditur qui obsequitur imperio Patris vel Domini.

This Memorial also shows the impropriety of severe measures with rebel gentlemen, whose flight into France or elsewhere would gather around them many disaffected, as well as those who would escape from the plantations; and further maintains that the expense of a Commission for the

DUKE O MONTRO

« AnteriorContinuar »