Columbia (HnitJerjeiitp intlieCitpotBfttjgcrk LIBRARY SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. F.DINBUKGH : I'KINTED BY THOMAS CONSTABLE, FOB EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS. LONDON, . . HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO. CAMBRIDGE, . . MACMILLAN AND CO. DUBLIN, . . . m'gLASHAN AND GILL. GLASGOW, . . . JAMES MACLEHOSE. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS, Cbiefln in tbc probiiuc of ||toran. ILLUSTRATED BY LETTERS AND FAMILY PAPERS. BY E. DUNBAR DUNBAR, (late) captain 21st fdsiliers. THUNDERTON HOUSE. EDINBURGH: EDMONSTON & DOUGLAS. MDCCCLXV. PREFACE. When arranging the family papiTs at Dutt'iis House, Gurdonstun, and Lcsmuvdie Cottage, the residences respectively of my brother, Sir xVrchibald Dunbar, my cousin, Sir Alexander Gordon Gumming, and my kinsman. Captain James Stewart, I occasionally found documents which appeared to me to thrown consider- able light on old social life, or to be otherwise interesting, and wdiich I therefore sent to the local press. Wishino' to oive them a more extensive circulation, I now venture to offer them, systematically arranged, to the public. E. DUNBAK DUNBAR 8ea Pai;k, Jiilii 1S()"). 1(553 13 ^ TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGES I. EDUCATION, . . . . . 1-16 II. MEDICAL, . . . . . 17 -'20 III. PEICES OF PROVISIONS, . . . 30-32 IV. POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS, . . . 33-34 V. TRAVELLING, .... 35-37 VI. TAVERN BILLS, .... 38-41 VII. FIELD SPORTS, .... 42-46 VIII. QUARANTINE, . . . . 47-51 IX. FISHINGS, ..... 52-60 X. IMPRESSING FOR THE NAVY, . . 61-63 XI. SMUGGLING, ..... 64-70 XII. THE FAMILIES OF BURGIE AND OF GRANGE, 71-76 XIIL AN EXTRAVAGANT AND UNDUTIFUL WIFE, 77-79 XIV. OFFICE OF HERITABLE SHERIFF OF MORAY, 80-86 XV. TRANSPORT OF A PRISONER, AND JAIL OF INVERNESS, .... 87-92 XVI. COUNTRY MATTERS, . . . 03 100 XVIL EDINBLTIGH GOSSIP, . . 101-104 XVIII. LETTERS FROM LADIES OF RANK, . 105-127 XIX. GENIAL LETTERS, . . . . 128-137 PAGES 138-143 144-152 153-158 159-174 175-178 \ 1 1 1 CONTENTS. XX. YOUNGER SONS, XXI. WHOLESALE MERCHANTS, XXII. DRINKING-SONG, XXllL ELGIN TOWN-COUNCIL, XXIV. INCORPORATED TRADES OF ELGIN, XXV. AN L^fVERNESS BAILIE'S ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE, . . 179-184 XX VL MERCHANTS' LETTERS, . ■ 185-191 XXVII. RECEIPTS AND ACCOUNTS, . 192-199 XXVIII. POETIC EFFUSIONS AND BEGGING LETTERS, 200-204 XXIX. IN\"ENTORY OF HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, 205-213 XXX. PARLIAMENTARY EXPENSES AND POLITICS, 214-231 XXXI. ECCLESIASTICAL, .... 232-260 XXXn. WITCHES, ..... 261-273 XXXIII. FUNERALS AND FUNERAL LETTERS, . 274-283 XXXrV. WILL OF THE DEAN OF SALISBURY, 1618, 284-291 XXXV. CATTLE-STEALING, .... 292-296 XXXVL JOHN, EARL OF SUTHERLAND : HIS IN- FLUENCE AND POWER, . . 297-304 XXXVII. MILITARY, ..... 305-322 XXXVIIL REBELLION, 1715-1716, . . . 323-335 XXXIX. REBELLIOxX, 1745-1746, . . 336-388 XL. CORONATION OF GEORGE III.: SUBMISSION TO HIS GOVERNMENT, . . 389-392 I. EDUCATION. King's College, Aberdeen, was the University most frequented by the youth of Moray ; and students of the first, second, third, and fourth years' regular attend- ance were known respectively as Bajans, Semies, Tertians, and Magistrands, — designations which, we believe, are still applied. " To Master Archbald Dunbar, of Thundertoun : " To ye care of the Postmaster of Elgin. "King's College, Octr. ye KSth, 1702. " Sm, — If this shall chance to find you out when you ar wandering throudi the north, it is sent to inform you, that (because the Bajan class is fixed in our college) I am to enter with the Semies this eusueing winter ; if therfor in the course of your peregrinations you chance to meet with any who have a mind to save themselves a yeares time and expense at the col- lege, pray be carefull to advise or recomend them to me, who (according to the late laudable custom of other universities) can receive them for Semies, although they have never been Bajans in any college. Parti- cularly I am informed that at the school of Elgin ther A 2 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. is a son of Logic Cumin's and two others who have learned the Greek, but because I have no acquaint- ance of thier parents, and Mr. Tod the schoolmaster is unfriendly to our college, I must recomend them to your management. In a word your Alma Mater and old Master do be tliir presents constitute and ordain you their Factor, sole Actor, and speciall Errand- bearer as to the premisses in all partes and places where you pass in your northern precinct. And if you wil be so kind to let us see you as you go south, you shall have the thanks of the whole house, as weel as the gratefuU acknowledgments of. Sir, your most obsequious servant, AVil. Blak. " James Keith and his wife who ar presently with me drinking your good health, send their service to you, and therwith also my wife bids me give you hers." " King's College, Nor. ye \Qth, 1705. "Sir,— 1 have yours and shall carefully look after that boy you recomend. If in your peregrination through the north you will be pleased to inquire amongst your accjuaintance for such as ar ready to enter Semies this winter and advise them our way, you will do a kindness both to your Alma Mater and old Master, whom upon all occasions you shall ever find. Sir, your most obsequious humble servant, "Wil. Blak." SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 3 " My brother James is not com north, nor (tho' he sajes it) do I expect him this winter. " I hear that Dr. Forbes at Elgin has a son who might be in my Semie cLass this winter : but I have not the fortun to be acquainted with the Doctor, and therfor must put you to the trouble to speak to him. "If any you meet with have Latine enough, tho' they have but a small begining in the Greek, I shall see they can compleat tlieire courses, give them as much (and if they please mor) Greek than ever ^^I'o- bably they may have use for, and that without any hindrance to theire other studies. For my schollars all this winter ar to have one lesson (viz., from the evening to the morning) each day in the Greek, and two each week through all the succeeding yeares," " King's College, May ije 10th, 170S. " Sir, — I have yours of the 1st current and in answer therunto am concerned to acquaint you, that, by ane Act of the last Comission of parliament for visiteing our universities, and the practise of all the colleges in this kingdom (in each whereof one master is now fixed to the Greek class) any student is, and wil be permitted to enter Semie, without being obleidged to enter Bajan, if he understand the Latine tongue, and have a competencie of the Greek, i.e. (as it is every- where now understood), can read the Greek, and 4 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. expound a litle of the Greek New Testament, and have allowance and approbation of the Greek Eegent so to do : which a small compliment for his consent does never and nowhere fail to procure. " If therfore any of your acquaintance in your coun trie about you, have a mind to save theire children's time and expense at colleges the first year, they may cause teach them a litle Greek at home, and so enter them Semies in any college within this kingdom, who will not (nor can legally) refuse them with the qualifications and conditions for said. "And seing matters ar now caryed so in all the colleges of north as well as south Britan ; pray take the paines to advise some of your acquaintance to, Sir, your faithfuU comerade and most obedient servant, " WiL. Blak. " The bearer has imployed his time to very good purpose at our college : and I have made him Master of Arts." Dr. Thomas Kcid, the eminent metaphysician, and author of the Tnqidry into the Human Mind, Essays on the Intellectual Powers, etc., was educated at Marischal College, and in 1752 was elected Professor of Moral Philosophy at King's College, Aberdeen. The Professor gives an account of the adrnmable ar- rangements wliicli he helped to introduce into the SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEK DAYS. 5 latter university, and which ought never to have been discontinued : — " To Arouibald Dunbak, Esq., " of Newton, at DufFus. " King's College, Septr. 4:th, I Too. " Sir, — I did indeed intend, both last vacation and this, to have seen a little of the north country, and in that case should certainly have done myself the honour to wait of you at Duffus ; 1jiit sometimes sickness in my family, and sometimes other accidents, have hindred me hitherto. " Some ambiguity that has happened in a word of the letter you favour me with, makes me uncertain whether your intention is to put Bob to my class this session, which happens to be the jMagistrand class ; or whether you intend that both your sons should enter with the Greek Professor. Give me leave, there- fore, to acquaint you what my class is to be employed in, that you may the better judge how it will answer your intention with regard to Bob, and the progress he has made. One hour in the day, for about two months, in the beginning of the session, will be em- ployed upon Optics and some branches of Mathe- maticks, which I could not overtake last session. All the rest w^ill be employed in the Philosophy of the ]\Iind, Logic, Morals, and PoHtics. If this is what you intend for Bob, you may depend upon it that I shall faithfully and timeously acquaint you G SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. what progress lie makes. If you propose to put him in the Greek class with his brother, this is not at all an unusual thing at this college of late. You may please, in that event, to acquaint him that Charlie M'Ever, his class-fellow, being sensible that he was not well founded in Greek and Latin, and finding the Mathematicks a little too hard for his age, went back last session to the Humanity class, and enters the Greek class this session, and I believe will make a fine scholar ; and CajDtain Fraser's son went back to the Bajan class last session. " Your concern that the behaviour of your sons be narowly looked after is most natural, and what every one that knows the heart of a parent must approve of. I can assure you that in this society we have for some years past been using our best skill and appli- cation for this purpose. While the students were scattered over the town in private quarters, and might dispose of themselves as they pleased but at school hours, we found it impossible to keep them from low or bad company, if they were so disposed. But they are on a very different footing since they lived within the college : we need but look out at our windows to see when they rise and when they go to bed. They are seen nine or ten times throughout the day statedly by one or other of the masters — at publick prayers, school hours, meals, and in their rooms ; besides occa- sional visits, which we can make with little trouljle to .•SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 7 ourselves. They are shut up within walls at nine at night. We charge those that are known to be trusty and diligent with the oversight of such as ^ve suspect to be otherwise ; and I verily l^elieve there are few boys so narrowly lookt after, or so little exposed to temptations to vice, at home as with us at present. This discipline hath indeed taken some pains and resolution, as w'ell as some expense to establish it. It makes our work laborious during the session, and must meet with the common prejudices that every new thino' does. We behoved to be somewdiat difti- dent of it ourselves till we tried it. But now, after the experience of two sessions, we are not only satis- fied that it is practicable ; l)ut have already seen such effects of it, both upon the morals and proficiency of our students, as we hope will at last justify us to the world, in sticking so obstinately to it in opposition to such an union of the two colleges as behoved to have altogether undone it. You may rest assured that I will take a particular concern in your sons, and shall take it upon me to accpiaint you of the opinion their masters have of them. " The board at the first table is 50 merks per quarter ; at the second 40 shillings. Some one of the masters dines always at the second table, as well as at the first. The rent of a room is from seven to twenty shillings in the session. There is no furniture in their rooms, but bedstead, tables, chimney grate. 8 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. and fender — tlie rest, viz., feather-bed, bed-cloaths, chairs, tongs, and bed-hangings, if they chuse any, they must buy or hire, for the session, and indeed the people that let those things are very apt to exact upon them, so that it is much better, especially if one is to be some sessions at the college, to have them of their own, and dispose of them when they leave the college. Whatever they leave in their rooms is taken care of till next session. They provide fire, and candle, and washing to themselves. The other dues are — two guineas to the Master ; to the Professors of Greek and Humanity for their publick teaching, five shillings each. All other perquisites not named, from twelve shillings to seventeen and sixpence, as near as I can remember ; the gxeatest part of which goes to four Oeconomy servants, and four College servants. The Professor of Medicine orders the diet and regimen of those that are valetudinary, and at- tends the Bursars and poorer sort in case of sickness, gratis. Others who are in good circumstances, if they should need the attendance of a physician, may either employ him or any other their parents recommend. " There is an advertisement from this college in the Aberdeen's Papers of Tuesday last, which contains a recommendation to the parents of students. You may please to look into it. I think it would not be amiss if your son should be Ijegun to the Greek Grammar before he comes to town. For everv one here has a SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. -9 place in his class according to his proficiency, from the first to the last ; and when one sets out in an advanced post, it proves a great spur to diligence, that he may at least keep the rank he has got. 1 am, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, Tho. Eeid." The Rev. Lauchlan Shaw, the historian of Moray, considered St. Andrews the best place in many re- spects for a young student : — " To AiicuiBALD Dunbar, Esqr., '• of Xewton at DufFus. " Elgin, Sept. 17, 1703. "DEAPt Sir, — Since the time I was at Dufi'us I have been some days at Rafibrd for my health, which has been lately very much broken — and this was the reason why I did not before now let you know the issue of the commission you gave me. "Mr. Cook (who goes to Forres at Martinmass) has, I find, given you his thoughts about sending your son to the university this ensuing winter. By being in .the Greek class he can have no time to improve in the Latin during the session, and he will need a proper Governor next summer to revise his Latin and Greek. Li my opinion its a loss (and I found it so), to enter into the university before one is well ad- vanced in the Latin, which is the dead language most 10 SOCIAL LIFE IN F(JltMER DAYS. useful and necessary to be understood. With respect to the place — Aberdeen or St. Andrews — if he goes to the first, the Old Town is preferable to the New, a more free air, fewer avocations, and more strict academical regulations, and very sufficient masters, but it is too near to the vanities and diversions of the New Town. " St. Andrews is wholsome, private, far from diver- sions, but they study more the Greek than the Latin. Professor Shaw is dayly expected here, if he comes I shall acquaint you. I sincerely wish that your son may meet with all encouragement in his studies, and may make j)rogress in learning and virtue, and with compliments to your lady and children, I ever am, dear Sir, your obedient obliged servant, " Lach. Shaw." William Falconar, Bishop of Moray, could not con- scientiously recommend a Presbyterian pedagogue, showed how the oath required by the Hanoverian Government could be avoided, and stated the salary of his Episcopalian protege : — " For Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esq., " at DufFus, near Elgin. "Edixr., April 2'Srd, 1754. " Sir, — I would have wrote you by Mr. Baldie, but when he called at my lodgings, I happened to be abroad. After I received your last, I had laid myself SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 11 out to find a proper pedagogue for your sons, and intended, as you proposed, to have sent liim along with Baldie, and for that reason Baldie was detained here some days ; but as I couki not, in so short a time, hit upon a sufficient young man, I thought it was better to allow your son to take his journey than to spend liis time and money here doing nothing. There is a young man, Mr. Alexr. Diack, just now governour to the Master of Elphinston's sons, who is well and fully recommended to me by those who are perfectly well acquainted with him, and, as Mr. Elphinston's sons have finished their home education, Mr. Diack leaves the family at Whitsunday next. He is a good scholar, of modest behaviour, and of a virtuous character. He understands the learned languages, the French, Mathematicks, and writes a fine hand ; so that so far, I think, he will fit your purpose. I believe he has not, nor, as I am informed, will he take the oaths ; but I think you need not mind that qualification, as Mr. Elphinston, who is an officer in the army, made no scruple as to that point, nor docs indeed any gentleman in this country heed it at all, as they make these gentlemen, who perform the part of pedagogues, pass under the name of factor or clerk, or comerade, or what they please. If you like this proposal, you have no more to do but write me directly, and I shall, without loss of time, secure Mr. Diack. He has twelve guineas a year where he 12 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. now serves, and if lie answers the good character I have of him, it will be money well laid out. I cannot in conscience recommend any of our new-fashioned Blades, nor do I think them proper instructors for young gentlemen, and, therefore, if what I have pro- posed is not agreeable to you, I hope you will not take it amiss if I decline the providing you in a Presbyterian dominie or a libertin Whig ; I wish you and your family too well to do you such an ill office. I hope Baldie will do very well. He is young and good-natured, and therefore you must overlook, in some measure, former faults, in hopes of better be- haviour, which time, experience, and good instruction will bring about. With my usual compliments to all your family, I am, dear Sir, your most humble servant, " WiL. Falconar." Certificate in favour of a French master, — his terms, etc. : — " This serves to certifie and inform any gentleman or community, who may have taste or inclination for the French language, that the bearer heirof, Mr. John Brulet, a Native of France, near the City of Rheims, the M : of Champaigne, has lived in my family above three months, with great decency and behaviour, as a French-master. " From his knowledge in the English, as well as his SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 13 skill and metliod in the French, he has in tlie first place, taught his scholars not only to read and thoroughly understand the French grammar, but also, to get by heart such parts thereof, as are necessary for their daily improvement. "And in the second place, he has taught them not only to read and explain many Books of Telemachus, but even to pronounce the French in the most proper manner, ane attainment not to be acc[uired at the hands of any, but those of a true Native of France, which is the peculiar excellence of this man above other French teachers, and had not a seperation in my family, ])een necessary at this juncture, ]\Ir. Brulet had not been parted with so soon. " His fees are of the common sort. Seven shilling's per month, or a guinea per quarter, is what I have paid, but as I had but five scholars to give ; for their sake, and the constant benefit of his conversation with them, I entertained him here, which was no bad part of the bargain for him or them. The pains and atten- tion he gives, and the particular pleasure he takes in the progress made by his scholars, is apparently such, that he, or she, who does not profHt, must be an absolute dunce or a careless idiot. " In short, it is obvious to any person of but toller- able skill or taste in the French language, that there never was, and perhaps never will be, such another man, in his way, in our country, which, at Duffus, 14 SOf'TAT. LTFE TN FOI^MER DAYS. the 20 til Day of Octor. 1755 years, is declared to be tlie liumble o^^inion of Archd. Dunbar." A dancin2j- master's discharofe and oblisfation in 1704, to Mr. James Sutherland, second son of James Lord Dujffus : — " I, William Badhame, danceing master in Edin- burgh, be the tenor hereof, grant me to have received ffrom Master James Sutherland, Advocat, the sum of ffiftie punds Scots money, in full contentation and satisfaction of all due me for danceing, upon acompt of Mistris Elizabeth Sutherland, his sister, preceeding the date of thir presents. And, in like maner l^y thir pre- sents it's provyded that in case the said Mistris Eliza- beth Sutherland shall at any tyme here after happin to come where I the said William Badhame teaches danceing, I oblidge my selfe upon the payment of sixteen puud Scots to perfect her, oblidgeing me and my heirs, &c., to warrand thir presents good valid and effectuall of all that I can ask or clame of the said Mrs. Elizabeth Sutherland, any manner of way, at all hands and against all deadly as law will ; con- sentin thir presents be insert and restrat in the books of Councill and Session, or in any other Judges court books compitent within this realme, therein to remain ad ffuturam rei memoriam, and constituts, SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 15 my prors, &c. In witnes wlierof (wrytin be George Keith wryter in Edinluirgh,) I liave subscribed thir pre- sents at Edinburgh, the eighteent day of Septer., Javij and ffour years. Before witnesss James Donaldson, merchant in Edinburgli, and the said George Keith, wryter hereof. Wm. Badham. " J. Donaldson, ivitnes. " Geo : Keith, ivitnes!' The quahfications and salary of a governess : — '• To the much Honoured the Lady Tiiundp:i{ton — These : " Eanes, Huntly, Jan. SOth 1710. " Madam, — Robert Gordon has writ now twice to my father as (by your Ladyship's desire as I suppose) concerning me, if I be willing and fit for your service. In his last he desires I should writ to your Ladyship to show that I can sow white and colourd seam ; dress head suits, play on the Treble and Gambo, Viol, Virgin- eUes and Manicords, which I can do, but on no other. He desires to let know what fie I wold have, which is threttie pound and Gown and Coat, or then fourtie pound and Shoes and Linnens, which is for a year. If those terms please your Ladyship, I am content to serve for half-a-year conform, to try if I please your Ladyship. I expect an answer with the first occassion, and I am, Madam, your most humble servant, " Jean Chein." 16 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Expenses of the board and education of two young ladies whose father was serving in the Low Countries under Marlborough :— " Eeceived from Joseph Brodie of Milntown in name and behalf of Archbald Dunbar of Thundertoun, the soum of four pund Scots, and that for Alexr. Dunbar of Belmuckedie his two daughters (Meg^ and Ket) their current quarter coUedge fie, as witness my hand at Dyke the twentie-second of Deer. 1709. " Alexr. Nicolson." " Received from the said Millntoun in name and behalf of the said Mr. Archbald Dunbar of Thunder- toun two pound sterline, and that for Alexr. Dunbar of Bermuckitre his two daughters Meg : and Kett : ther quarterly buird, and that by me Jauet Dunbar. In witnes wherof I have subscrybed day and date above written. Janet Dui^bar." 1 "Meg" married Lieut.-Colonel Whitney, of Ligonier's dragoons, who was afterwards killed at the battle of Falkirk when charging at the head of his regiment. 11. MEDICAL. In the early part of the eighteenth century, Dr. Eobert Innes appears to have been the principal physician in Elgin, of which town he was also a magistrate. Gilded pills with ale for the miss, snuflf for the lady in an interesting situation, and plum- cakes to celebrate (we trust) the safe arrival of the babe, must not make us forget that the doctor im- ported his drugs direct from London, and profession- ally attended the Chancellor's (Seafield) Countess. " Memorandum — Baillie Innes, in Elgin, to Mr. Arch- bald Dunbar of Thundertoune, May 28, 1705. " When it pleases God you arrive safely at Edinburgh (and at leasure) please remitt the thirtie-eight pounds sterling twelve shillings, heirwith delivered you, to Mr. Edmund Sheepherd, drugist, at the Eose and Croune on Ludegate-hill, London, and cause gett ane acquittance or discharge for the same to me ; and whatever the current exchange is, I hereby oblidge me to remitt the same to you, on advertisement. Withall, B 18 SOCIAL \A['E L\ FOKMEJ; DAYS. when your conveuu'iicie alloMcs, iiiyud the bill, like- wyes given you now, upon the (Ajuntess of Seafield, and gett payment thereof, all which will be verie oblidmno' to dear Sir, vours veiie affectionatly, '■ Rob : Inne.s." " Eua.N, .sVyy^ •_'_', 1705. " Dear Sir, — After my humble dutie to your lady and sweet self, 1 presume t(j give you the trouble to bestowe the inclosed thre shillings on ane l)Ook for my Jamie's use, which cannot be had nearer than Edin- burgh. Its neam is John Leusden's Collections of the New Testament in Greek, done into thirty-six lessons, with the Analysis. I am told its piyce is twixt half ane croune and fourtie pence ; but although it l)e some more, pray send it ; withall, if you have re- covered payment of the Countess of Seafield, of the twentie shilling she owed me, be pleased likewayes to hwyo, for me, and send me Ijy the bearer, Etmullerus, his works (^ompendised and Englished, the last editione, which I am told is ane most excellent mar- rowish piece of phisik, and is Ixmght for about sev(!n shillings English. I return you most heartie thanks for your last favor done me. Your readiness to serve your freinds is the occasion of this trouble. All your freinds here are in health, and mynd you as oft as we meet ; and I am truelie, dear Sir, your affectionat cusseii and comrad, iioi;. I^'NES." .SOCIAL L1FI-: IX F()ltMi-:i: DAYS. 19 To Thk Jjaikh UK 'rinMiKirroL'N. '■att nutt'iis. ••Elgin, A/>ril> 1711. " Sll{,- ... if yuiir ladys true and full tym l>o foiiiL'. I have sent aiie liysterik eordiall julep which is provoking and whereof she may take a third pairt when it comes, and the other third pairt (if she is not delivered in the tym) two hours thereafter, and what remains two li(jurs after that ; in the meintym left her walk and take snutf or what may provoke snezing. 1 wish her ane happie hour and safe deliverie, and continues still, Sir, yours aft'ectionatly, " Hon. Inxes. ■ •■ Ejaiun, '.id Jlii'l, 1711. " SlK, — 1 liaAe sent the two pkunbcakes, with two small boxes with the suggar bisket Ijy the bearer, as alsoe the mntton : and the baker comes alongst with them, l)ut the plumljcakes, especially the uj)per, must be carefullie taken out, least the glasing or garnishing be spoyled. The baker will assist and direct in this ; and how soon they and the bisket are taken out, they may be put near a fyre, least they grow wett by the dampness of the weather. They are all well done, and 'A'ill jjlease all concerned. I shall be with you, Godwilling, once this afternoon, and see them rightly sett doune tomorrow morning, all the workmen have promised to be with you l)y thrie this afternoon, 1 am, ►Sir, your most oblidged servant, lion: Innes." 20 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. "Elgin, June 28, 1713. "Sir,— Please receive seven small gilded pills in ane little box, whereof your daughter Bettie is to swallow five in the morning by themselves, tumbling them doune her throat with ane mouthful of cold ale, either one by one or two together as she best can ; and if this begin not to work two hours after taking them, lett her swallow doun the other two — observing ane phisical dyet all day, I mein keeping warm and dyn- ing on fresh broath, and when disposed to drink, let it be table ale warmed ; And I am. Sir, yours affec- tionately, Rob: Inxes.'' This account is in Scots money : — " Accompt Laird off Thundertown, since Jan. 22 th, 1719. To Kenneth Mackenzie, Chyr Aporie (Surgeon Apothecary) in Elgin. Jaiir. 22. To ane plaister tor his cook, 171'J. To phlebotomie of liiiii, Febr. 27. To ane bottle bitters for his lady. Mar. 12. To ane bole for his lady, To halfe ane ounce balsam for her. To ane cephahck powder for her. To ane pott of liniment for her, . 15. To the bole repeated for her, 28. To two ounce calamus aromaticus for your si'li'e, .... To two ounces centaury for him, . May 13. To ane vomitory for your sister-in-law, lb. ss. d. 10 12 10 6 13 2 6 6 4 4 10 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 21 To aue stomacliick iiiixtiire for her, To lialfe ane ounce oyle of mace for lier To ane stomacliick plaister for her, 1 4. To ane lottion for her, To three ounces hungary water cam phorat for yourselfe, To ane ounce spirit of win, camphorat for yourselfe, .... 19. To ane mixture for your servant, Robert I^nach, .... To phlebotomie of him, Janr. 29. To materials for mne for your lady, 1720. To ane morning mixture for her, . To therty morning powders for her. To two pound tincture for her, 31. To ane box pills for her, To ane anodyn for her, ffebr. 23. To two pound bitter tincture for Mrs Rebecca, .... To ane ounce tincture of antimony for her, ..... To ane cosmetick for her, . Mar. 7. To materials for ane diet drink for Collin Menzies, .... Apr. 15. To ane bottle julep for your lady. To ane pott of ane elecuary for her, To three masticatory balls for her. To ane bottle juices for her, 22. To ane hypnotick for her, . To ane gargarism for her, . To ane box gilded pills for your daughter To two ounces oxycroceon, . 3 4 18 (J 1!) J 14 8 8 12 18 G J5 00 6 6 J 4 6 2 18 12 18 . 6 6 . 3 4 14 7 6 4 ^ 1 J 16 ;r 18 . 1 00 39 13 0' 22 SOCIAT. LIFK TX FOr.MEr. DAYS. Lord Ecnv encloses two prescriptions :^ — •' To ARciunvrj) DiNnAii, of Tlinndprton, Ks([r. "Tox(;i:f., 1")/// Xor: 1727. " Sir,- -1 send you on the other side Dr. Boorehaves receipt for any pain in the head, eyes, toothack, &c. : — Make a litle basket like a small beehive, open above, and put under it some live coal in a shovel, on which put a snuft-pen full of the powder, cover- ing it with a coarse napkin well warmed at the fire ; tlie smoak will pierce it, and how soon the smoak is over rub your forehead and temples pretty well with the napkin, both at morning and bed time. I foun The proscriptions arc difficult to (Iccijihci- ; and niay lu.t tlicrcforc he correctly copied. SOCIAL lAVK IX FOKMKF^ lUVS. 2'> "I shall add from the same hand the hes^t tliuig 1 ever tryed for my teeth and gums, with whieh 1 nil) them after dinner and sup]^er, — " Sp. AqTia stillatit JJosar, . . . une. xv. S|». ^Nlatricalis l)ynlis, . uut'. ij. Salis (hilcis, .... wuv. ij. Tinct. giimiiis [.nccac. . . iiiie. j. jNlyrne dracli . . uiu'. ij. ]Nr. F. Li([U('r ad dontes ^^engioasinie. "N.B. -If you can't get the Spn. Mat. Fiynlis, take Sp. of Seurygrnss as a Sunedanay." Dr. Graham would have doubtless advoeated Hydro l)athy had it been established in his time. ■ To Sir Al. i:\ANDEU DuN'IS.M!. •• ;it Tliundorton. hv Klirin. " EnTNi'.riuai, Jii/i/ 11/// 177N. "Six days of total abstinence! you are a man — an angel, Sir Alexander — the worst is uow over — you vindicate the dignity of your rational nature- you transform human into divine ! — " I speak from experience Sir ; I have a double right to speak as a physician and as a man, most heartily to congratulate you. It is many years since I tasted one drop of any thing stronger than water — not even in sickn<^ss do I allow myself a vinous or spiritous medicine: wli;it did 1 !^av ^ sickness! I am 24 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. never sick — I am never sorry, I am al)Out your own age. " Go on, Sir Alexander ! as you do. Such little variations as are or may be necessary, your own good sense and observation will point out to you. Take care that the bath is only milk w^arm. " Yes, eat as many greens boiled and raw, and as much ripe fruit, as you find agrees with you. Let no medical rascal lace you up too tight. " Let beef and mutton, kept long after they are killed, be your principal meat. Eat few soups or broth- — prefer, roasting on the spit, and broiling on the gridiron. Yes, yes Sir 1 you may eat fish, and roasted fowls, tame and wild, full grown. " Eat strawberries and sugar, but no milk. " Bathe, now, every other day. Let sweet music — cordial friendship — virtuous love! engage your time and attention. Project and pursue with mode- ration some great, useful, or honourable work. Set up some delightful — some mighty object to your view ; and say / will attain to it — I vaW finish the work — I will reach the goal ! " Go on, too, observing the directions and using the means I had the honour of prescribing to you Sir Alexander, from the first — and if your body and your mind don't sing and dance and rejoice together soon, come to Edinburgh, to Jas. Graham." SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 25 Dr. James Walker not only practised in Elgin and its neighbourhood, but was also an enthusiastic agri- culturist ; and having married the widow of the last hereditary Sheriff of Moray, he carried on extensive farm operations at Westfield, in which property she ("the old gentlewoman") was life rented. " I9lh May 1778. " Doctor Walker s most respectful compliments. " Shall hope the happiness of knowing that Sir Alexander, and Lady Dunbar and ffamily are in good health. " Understands that the widow of John Gordon of Auchinereath is to dwell in a house of Sir Alexander's, which, after months, remains in disrepair. " The Doctor was not asked to accost Sir Alex- ander, and hopes this freedom will be ascribed to the genuin natural motive, and not to the genius of meadling. The Doctor knows the Knight's humanity, and he well knows Mrs. Gordon's puny state, and that plaister and whitewash quite fresh must deeply affect her. " People say that the joiner he employs, chooses to act by a deputy, and the deputy by many sub- stitutes — the thing is undone. They also say the plaisterer would attentively see the whole done. " It is requested the Knight may not take the trouble to write to the Doctor on this subject. The 26 SOCfAL UFE IX FORMET^ DAYS. Doctor only .siioot'sts to tlie Kiiioht what ho ,sup- poses his humanity will draw him to consider as truly as he does the rent. " Deeds of Humanity are never repented." " 19/// Xin-Pinhfi: " The Doctor's respectful compliments. '"' Intended, to morrow, to have sent Sir Alexander a formal accusation, a sour one, concluding neglect of performance upon his own proposals, that the Doctor should hear from him once a week ; but still the sloth of a Lochside Knight cannot allow the mentioning; better or less better of headache, pained sides, w^eari- ness of back, &c., or of ails the good Lady complains of. Is not tlie plan an easy one, my dear Sir ? If all complaints are easier, we are better. " But, in earnest, the Doctor may be bewildered in this general observation. The Doctor finds himself deeply serious. If Sir Alexander thinks that a few shillings excites all this concern, shall not attempt to undeceive him in theory nor scratches of a quill. " This weather persuades the Doctor to change the medicine for the time. It feels ricrid. " Sends a box of small l)alls. Kecomraends that three be swallowed in the morninoj — fastino- • three at mid-day ; and three at bed-time — nine a day. Requests particulars in next that, at least, earnest tryal may l)e made to mend a halnt of body which SOCIAL T,TFr<: TX F(>r.METl PAYS. 27 vexes tlio Doctor, It is ensy to loiith it, and say one is well: I'Ut the Doetov can commend no such ilomos. •' Sini'/aj/, •ITylli Aiiiiiist 1770. "Doctor Walker's respect^;. " Has a rio^ht to foraivenness (whetlier the Knight acknowledges or denys), for giving the troiilile of enquiring how Sir Alexander and Lady Dnnhar an- in this drenching, and now blustering, weather. " Shall be glad to know that the Lady bore her lat(! journy l)etter than is said, and that the Knight has weathered this soaking state, which thi-eatens to bring animal life to a state of slubber. " The Doctor feels it — the old gentle-woman deeply — and only waiiness keeps off extreme hardship. " It is like we have still more to bear, therefore caution.'" "... If you broil over the fire and fiy the backs of your hams, he who mends your chilliness must change the comedians of natural things, so far as you are concerned. " Particular accounts of drugs I always decline. j\[y only interest in them being loss of money. There- fore, request my friends may hereafter excuse it ; but for your satisfaction have caused draw out the parti- 28 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. culars furnished for you. Most respcctfull com]^li- ments to your Lady." " The l^roken vial refurnished. The morning tinc- ture to be continued. " Broths to be prepared secundum artem of the cooks, with beef, mutton, or fowls. " Leek pottage may be read — ' Cock-a-leekie.' . . ." " 27th April 1780. "... Suffer me to enquire how market offers for grain. My acquaintances and the dealers are wondrous wise and deep I think you may rely on me ; I shall blabb nothing from you. " A little stirring offers just now ; but (as you word it) they are very costive. " Do advise me. I have half bear, half oats, in the small parcel." " Wcchj., 25th Sepr., 1782. " Doctor Walker's respectful compliments. " The butter-kitt came here, for which attention the Doctor's thanks to good Lady Dunbar ; but no notice of the price. " A verbal message bade the Doctor have the cask weighed — why ? as it seems it was weighed by the owner. SOCIAL LIFE IN FOIIMER DAYS. 20 " But such are the various numbers of pouuds assigned to a stone weight (from fourteen to thirty- four), the Doctor must beg leave to ask what number of pounds to a stone weight at Thundertown— and what is the price of said stone weight — that he may do himself the pleasure to make thankful payment. " The Doctor proposes to kill a full-fed cow in the beginning of next week. If beef so firm is oft seen, he is imposed on. " Is Sir Alexander disposed to send for a quarter, and which c^uarter ? price threepence per pound, with- out discount ; — a quarter may weigh 80lb. " Notice may Ije sent, if he chooses it, 'twixt and Tuesday first." 111. PRICES OF PROVISIONS. Dkalei;8 ill grain, meat, etc., were not alluwcd to charge except at such rates as had been fixed by legid uuthority. "Att tforres the seviiiteinth day of .May IG'jy. — The Comissioiiers of Siip[)ly of the Sherifdome of Elgin, appoyiited by Act of Ooiuicii, of the date the last day of Marcli last by past, for stateing and setliug the pryces of victual within the said shyre, having several tyiiies met and coiiveeiied at Elgin and tforres, and last of all at ttbrres, this present day having taken true and exact tryall of the pryces of \-ictual for five weeks space preceeding the date of the said Act, and duly considered the said pryces, the forsaid Comis- sioiiers, 1)V \irtue of tlie p(j\ver given and comitted to them by the forsaid Act of Council, have stated and setled, and hereby states and setles, the highest pryces of the best victual and meal to be as follows, viz. : — Tlie best wheat at eighteen pound scots per l)oll : tlie best bear at twelve })ouiid scots per boll : the best oats at ten jioimd pe^r boll : the boll of pise at twelve ■SOCIAL LIFE IN I'OlLMEli DAYS. :> 1 poiiiul : the best oatmeall by weight, beiug eight stone, at twelve pound per boll : the Ijest bearmeall at threitein meiks four shillings six penies per boll : and the forsaid pryces, so setled, are appointed by tlie said Act of Privie Council to be the feer and setled pryces until the first day of September nixt : and none are to presume to sell at higher rates either in mereats, girnels, or otherwayes, within the said sheriffdome of Elgin, under the certification of being pursued as Occurrers or Userers, as the said Act l)ears. And to tlie end the above writen pryces may be published, the said Comissioners ordained, and ordains, thir pre- sents to be published at all the parish kirks of the said shyre, to be read this nixt Lord's day after devine ser- vice ; and doubles therof to be sent to the Magistrates of the burghs within the shyre, to be by them pro- claimed at their mercat-croces : and this present setle- ment of the pryces of the said victuals to be binding and take effect after the puljlication and intimation herof : and ordains the same to ])e recorded in the sederunt-book of the said Comissioners, that none pretend ignorance." " Wee, Sir Thomas Calder of Muirton, Knight Baronet, iind Robert Dunbar (jf Newton, Esquire, Justices of Peace witliin the shire of Elgin, do here- by testify and declare to all concerned tliat the way 32 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. of living in the town of Elgin, within the said shire, for merchandise of all sorts of vivers, victuals, and other necessaries for families, being to be had at low rates is as follows, viz. : — ane carcass of best beef, in the shambles, at eight pund scotts ; Item — ane mutton bulk, at two merks scotts of the best sort ; ane good hen at two shilling scotts, and two shilling sixpenies scotts the dearest ; ffourteen egs for ane shilling scotts ; ffourteen haddocks for ane shilling sixpenies scotts, or two shillings at most ; ffourteen whitings for ane shilling scotts ; ane large cod-fish for four shilling scotts ; ane stone of butter of the best sort at three pund scotts, wherof ther goes twenty- two pund to the stone ; ane stone of the best chese, of the north country make, two merks scotts, or thirty shillings scotts at most, wherof ther is given twenty-two pund to the stone ; ane pint of milk for sixteen peneis scots ; muirfowl and 23artridge at two shilling scotts the j^air ; waterfowl as follows, viz : — ane goose at eight shilling scotts ; duck and drake, wild or tame, at four shilling ; and we declare that the above rates are the comon and ordinarie mercat prices, except in cases of dearth and scarcity : By these given under our hands, at Elgin, the thirtieth of December, one thou- sand seven hundred and ten years. " Thomas Calder. Ro. Dunbar." IV. POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS. Postmaster-General's obligation : — " I, Alex. Smith, post-master generall of this king- dom, doe hereby oblidge myselfe to send to Mr. Archibald Dunbarr of Thundertown ane Flvins; Post, and Edinburgh Gazette, tuice a week from the date hereof iintill Candlemass one thousand seven hun- dretli and one years. In witnes whereof I have written and subscrived ther presents with my hand at Edinburgh, the nynth day of December 1700. " Alexr. Smith." Before the era of naming streets or numbering houses, recourse was had to very grotesque and often complicated addresses. The following are, re- spectively, of dates 1702-3-4 : — "ffor " Mr. Archbald Dumbarr of Thundertoune to be left at Capt. Dumbar's writing Chamber at the Iron revell third storie below the Cross north end of the close at Edinr." 34 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. '•' For " Captain Philip Anstruther off Newgrange att liis lodgeing a litle above the fountain-well south side of the street Edenbrough," " ffor "Mrs. Mary Stowel at Whiteakers in St Andrew Street next door save one to the blew balcony near the sun dyall near long aiker London." The clerks in the General Post-Offi.ce must have been a careless set of fellows. Extract from a letter sent to a Morayshire gentleman : — "Edinburgh, 1 5th Aug., 1755. " There is no news, our Edinburgh mail being re- turned in a mistake for the London mail, and vice vei'sa." V. TRAVELLING. A JOURNEY from Morayshire to Edinburgh must have been, especially in winter, a very arduous under- taking ; it generally occupied five or six days. " ffor Mrs. Dunbar of Thundertoun, " Att Duffus. " Newtotjn of Aberdeen, \1 ffebry., 1708. " My Dear, — After I came to Keith I found bothe road and the weather so bad that I chosed rather to stay ther Saturday all day than venture the hills allone on Sabath-day. By good providence there came three or four gentlemen who designed the same jurney, and after deliberation it was concluded wee should not goe by the Cairn, but l)y this place, where through both e^dl way and weather w^ee are, blessed by God, saifely come this night. We disyne sex milles farder, and so on, as the weather wall allow. Through all the hills nothing but storm appears, and in the valeys, great rains and impetous watter runns. This only wee have left us for comfort, that in this road wee are now in, we have both boats and bridges, so that we will not be put to any necessity of rideing of 36 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. watters. I wrote you ane memoranclam from Keith, to give fFaskau what salt he calls for. Give him like- wise the one half of the harell of figgs, which let be sawn in the midst, which is the best way of devisione. This, with duety, being from, dear Beckie, your " A. Dunbar." " 2 of the cloak, afternoon. We came here about 12. "Adiu." The writer of the following extract flourished in 1783. He seems to have been a bit of a philoso- pher : — '' You will be astonished when I tell you that for as many chaises and horses as are in and about Edin- burgh, and for as high as the duty is, that you must bespeak your chaise eight or ten days at least before you intend setting out, otherwise you can have none, espe- cially when you are going a long journey like mine. But the fulness of luxury, like the corpulency of the body, is a symptom of approaching decay ; and as everything in nature has its different periods as well as the animal and vegetable world, namely, infimcy, maturity, and decay, I am very much afraid that our poor country is at least at the middle period, for you will not know a shoemaker's or a tailor's daughter by her dress, from a lady of the first rank in this place." SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 3 / The fare from Aberdeen to Edinburgh by "The Fly" was two pounds two shillmgs, as we find l»y a ticket, dated 2 5th August 1789, on the back of which there is this printed notice : — NEW BLACK-BULL INN, North Side of the Register Office, Edinburgh. rpHE FLY, sets out from the above Inn, for LON- ^ DON, NEWCASTLE, and GLASGOW, every day, and from Mr. Ibbekson's, George and Blue Boar, Holborn, London, Mr. Broadie's, Turk's Head, New- castle, and ]\lr. Durie's, Black-Bull, Glasgow, every day for Edinburgh— For ABERDEEN, by way of PERTH, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday ; and from Mr. Wilkie's New-Inn, Aberdeen, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for Edinburgh.— Fresh horses e^ery stage. A^.i?.— SETS OUT, as above by way of Cornhill, Newcastle and Borrowbridge, at least twenty miles nearer than by Berwick and York, The ROYAL CHARLOTTE LIGHT POST C^OACH, which, for accommodation and expedition, is not inferior to any that ply the road ; goes from Edinburgh to London in two days and one half, with the agreeal)le advan- tage (by setting out in the morning) of travelling mostly in day-light. Performed bv J. Robertson & Co. VI. TAVERN BILLS. Mr. Dunbar of Kincorth was a younger son of Sir WiUiam Dunbar of Durn, Baronet, and a brother of Anne Countess of Findlater and Seafield. He would be treated as an honoured guest. The money is Scots. " Accompt Wm. Dunbar of Kincorth to Margaret Stewart, spouse to Wm. Brodie, merchant in Elgin. 2 2d Decer. Imprimis by aiie subscribed oblige- 1699. ment, 26 12 6 By another obHgement, . . . 08 05 Janry. 1700. Item with ffaskin, Mr. Archbald Duubar, and John Chalmer four pynts brunt wine, . . . 06 16 Item with Bishopmiln, Newiiouu, and Mr. Archbald Dunbar three pynts brunt wine, . . . 05 02 Item four ounce of sugar to a pynt of sack, . . . . . 00 04 Item a pynt of brunt wine with Mr. Archbald Dunbar and Mr. Read, 01 17 Item for his part of sevin pynts Jaugo is 01 05 Item a p;>mt that he called for after- wards, 00 15 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 39 Item when he went at that tyme to the west, for his own, and his servant and horse, meat and drink, 02 00 Item for his horse therafter for corn and strae, 00 13 Item his o\mi and liis servant's dyet then, 02 00 Item two seckpossets is . . 04 IG When at your court for meat to yourself and servant, and horse corn and strae, . . . . 04 10 Item four pynts brunt aquavite, . 06 13 4 Item for corn and strae to your horse, 01 04 Item meat and drink to youi'self and servant, . . . . 01 10 74 02 10 Item for the cess accomjjt which I took of £7 11 8, ... 07 11 8 81 14 06 Item for your horse sevintein dayes when last here, . . . . 05 02 Item for twenty dayes dyet to your self and servant, . . . 07 08 Item one pynt brunt acquavite with Bailie Stewart, James Wiseman, and others, . . . .01134 95 17 10 Whereof receaved per recept, 16 00 79 17 10" 40 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOllMEPv DAY.S. Copy of a bill paid in 1769 to Robert Gordon, Land- lord of the "British Arms :"-- ELGIN} ^IS, T(J MAGNUM BONUMS, To 35 bottles Claret, 1 6 V To l)ottles Champaign, . >? To l)ottles Ilheiiish, ^ To 1 l)ottles Oporto, 2 To bottles Zerry, . To bottles Frontiniac, . To bottles Mountain, . To bottles Madeira, To bottles Malaga, To 1 bottles Lisbon, 2 To bottles Orange-wine, To 3 mntchkins Punch, . 3 To extraordinary fruit and sugar, To 3 mugs porter, . 1 To arrack, ..... To cyder, To negus, ..... To sack-whey, .... To tea and coffee, marmalade, etc. To drams, To small-beer, .... 3 To pipes and tobacco. To entertainment. 4 To paper, To cards, ' Tlie Royal Arm.s arc sliglitly different in tlie original, wliieli is a l>rintecl form, with the numbers and prices written. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 41 To caclies, . . To hay. To corn, To drink to servants, To the saddler, . To the snuth. To the harljer, . To grease to the horses feet, To the Laundress, To broken. To more wine, . To more punch, . 5 VII. FIELD SPORTS. Hawking was long a favourite sport in the North. The Earl of Buchan appears to have replenished his falconry from the Gordonston stock. " To my honorabcl and loving friucle " Sir Egbert Gordon, geve this. " Bamfe the 10 May, 1619. " Sir, — I have wryten thir fewe lynes to deseir you to doe me the favor as to send me ane facon of this yeir, with this berer, and wharin I can doe you anny pleseur or service you saU find me ever redie to obay your imployments, so hoping you .will grant me this my first sent, I tak my leive and rests your loving frind, to my pouer, Buchane." Having received a couple of hawks from the Earl of Seaforth, the Laird of Brodie asks his friend to get them trained. " To Mr. Archibald Dunbar, " of Thundertoue. "fiFoRKEs &th Aug. 1712. " Sir, — I am glade to hear that you are weeU, and that you are nothing the worse of your fatigue att the .SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 43 Eimns of Lossie, I ani also rejoyscd to hear that you are clever and can voltige and waltt a litle as to your former way, in the meantime this serves to acquant you that I have two halks sent me by my Lord Sea- fort, to witt a Ifalcone and a Terfle Ifalcone of the best aire of the Lewis, and they are full and weell feathered, so if you please take them and breed them by your Jialconar, and when they are bredd I shall give you your clioyse or both, tho I was oblidged to give a great deall of drink-money. I know Kilravock and others would take them, but I incline to give you the first ofFerr, so you will send me ane answer by this express, whither you will send for them or not. If I hade a fFalconar I would have bredd them myselfe, which is all from. Sir, your affectionate and humble servant, Geo : Brodie." The Laird of Newton intimates that he intends to '•' blode" two young dogs ; that is, let them have their first taste of blood. " To Mr. Arcuibald Dunbar, " of Thundertoun. •'Newtown, 24. 2<) To Skipper Cleddess's account of ale and Ijrandy, 1 (» (» To a blacksmith in Coutfield for mak- ing seven knives, . . . . o 1<» G To the coupers for fighting, heading, and packing the sperma on the shoar, () T) u To ten loads of peats l»urnt un the shoar, att Gd. per load, by the watchmen, . . . . . <) T) u To nine days work, of eight men, bar- relling the blubber, at 5sh. 4d. st. per diem, . . . . .280 To thirty-two days attenchmce by Wm. Naughty on the cou])ers and cutters in the Corf-house, att Lsh. st. per diem, 1 12 (I -£23 15 G £4 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 59 A slii}), callcHi " Susaiia of BiirlingtdWii, of tlu' burden of fforty tuns, then lyino; in the liaTl)our oi' Lossie — ffrancis Bulson, master," Avas chartered, at sixteen shillings per ton, to carry the "bluLljer and spermaceti" to London. It was there disposed of by Peter Machattie, factor for the parties. The unskilful manner in which the " speck " was separated from the; "flock'' reduced the expected quantity of oil. Mr. Machattie s communication must have brought dowu the ardour of the lilu1)l»cr co-partuery to the freez- ing-point 1 ■' To Arciiu Drxp.AiiK off Xewtoii, Youngar, '' per Ednbr. to Elgin. "London, Wlh Jnllji, M'M). "Sir, — Keferring to mine of 25th and the 27th past, since have yours of 20th do., with Thundarton's account of cht-arges, amounting to £85, Ills. 5 id., upon tho whales blol)bcr and spermticctta, which sum is more, 1 am afraid, than will be made of the subject in some time. The l)lol)ber is all oyled, and the quan tity thereoff \\ill not exceed six or seven tuns, as is beleived by the boyler, who cannot, as yett, give the true ac(;ount — it being ui)on the water in fatts, ready to be run olf in casks, which 1 hope will be in a day or two's time ; and for the spermacetta it is very littell in quantity, the most of the casks being oyll, and the spermacetta is at present low. However, I am informed it is giving a better price in Holland, to 60 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. wliicli place I have sent ovar a trayall, and att the return of my lettar sliall, I hope, be ealjell to give a satisfactory account thereoff. The reason which is given for the small produce of the blobber is that a great deall of the flock was cut in with the speck, which has consumed the oyll and wested the substance thereoff. There has been such propar measures taken with it, which I hope will appear to be most advan- tageous for the propreiators thereoff, and shall endea- vour to dispose of the same to the best account. Referring till next post, I am, with perfound respectt to Sir Robert and Thundarton, Sir, your most obedient humbell servant, Pet. Machattie." An abstract of account shows that Thunderton's outlay was £8 5, 19s. 5kl. ; Sir Robert's, £55, 8s. 2d. ; Brodie's, £27, 2s. 3d.— total money laid out, £168, 8s. lUjd. The net proceeds are stated at £112, 15s. ll|d. ; showing a dead loss of £55, 1.3s. lid. sterling. Whatever profit may have accrued from cod, sales to Morayshire lairds, it is evident that whales were not in their particular hue ! X. IMPRESSING FOR THE NAVY. In time of war, every sea -coast proprietor was obliged to furnish a certain quota of men to the navy : — '• To Archibald Dunbau. Esqr., of Duffus. •• Elizabeth Texdek, att S2jey mouth, 28fh Sepir. 1761. " SiK, — Being appointed by tlie Honble. Captain George Falconer to receive the quotas of fishermen, for this district, agreeable to his letter to you, I hope you will be so kind as forward this service as fast as possible. " As it is far against iii}' inclination to distress the fisheries of this country, I beg you will favour me with a list of your fishermen, with their age and descriptions, and your method of delivering up your quota, that I may immediately grant protections to the remaininor fishermen, and the Government not be long under the expense of a vessel and forty men attending this duty that is wanted in another station. I am. Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, A. Baillie."' 62 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Captain Falconer's printed circular, to w liicli Lieu- tenant Baillie called attention, intimates, that Ijy authority of the C'Ommissioners of the Admiralty, the fishermen would l)e protected from impressment during the present war on tliis condition, " that you immediately furnish one man to the navy out of every six of them, and deliver them to the naval officer of your district to ])e approved.'" The circuhir pro(;eeds thus :- - " Upon delivering your proportion, you will please give in to the said Naval Officer a full list of the remainder of your fishers, subscribed by you as Pro- prietor, containing their Names, Ages, Size, Com- plexion, or other description, so as five Protections may be delivered for every man so furnished to the Navy ; and which Protections, by the aforesaid Autho- rity, 1 do assure you, will eiiectuall}' j^revent the \)0S- sessors of them from being impressed during the present war ; or if, through mistake, they should at any time be ' impressed, upon application to me, or the commanding Officer for the time, they will be immediately discharged. " This moderate demand, on such assurances of security for the future, I flatter myself will 1)e chear- fully and immediately complied with by all concerned. Rut if, contrary to expectation, the proposal should be rejected by any, they may depend on it, their fisher- SOCIAL LIFE !>; FOUiMEIl DAYS. 63 nu'ij, where ever foiuul, either on sea or hiiid, will be impressed ; nor will any solicitations on their behalf be listened to by their Lordships, and much h^ss liy 3'our most obedient humble servant, " George Falcon ek. " Edinburgh, ■ This will be forwarded you bv- to whom please send your answer." There was difficulty both at Findhorn and iUirolicatl in o'cttino- men to serve. •' i^Dii, His Majcsti/s Scrricf.) •■ To AuciiiiiALD Dlnb.vk of NewtoH, Es(|., '• at his house at l)utl"us. " FoRiiES, 2(1 Mfircli \~t",. " SiK, — I am surprised you have neither performed your own promise nor complyed with my orders and advice, I know, and am informed your nundjcr of fishers (distinctly from Sir R(jl)ert Gordon's) is not under twenty men, out of which the King must have three young men; and I know as well as yourself that those that are fittest for me are Alexr. Sutor, Andrew Grote, and James Neilson, and if }'ou do not quickly send me those men, the Brough sh;dl (juickly run the same fate with Findhorn : and 1 am, Sir, your humble servant, " Iv. Hay, Lieideiiaiit. XL SMUGGLING. The duty uii wine and brandy was tliought so high, that constant attempts were made to smuggle them into the country. Extract from a letter to Dunbar of Thunderton, in 171U, written l)y William Sutherland, merchant in Elgin : — "... I have ventured to order Skipper Watt, how soon it pleases God he comes to the firth, to call at Caussie, and cruise betwixt that and Burgh-head, until you order boats to waite him. He is to give the half of what I have of the same sort with his last cargoe, to any having your order. Its not amiss you secure one boat at Caussie as well as the buro;li boats. The signall he makes will be all sails furled, except his main topsaile ; and the boats you order to him are to lower their saile when within muskett sliott, and then hoise it again : this, least he should be surprised with catch-poles. He is to write you before he sails from Bordeaux, per Elgin post." . . . SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 65 When the chief magistrate countenanced such pro- ceedings, we cannot hhime the " Vintner :" — " 'lltJi Aprik 17 IG. " Alexr. Erskiiie, Collector of the Customs att In- verness, protests against Archbald Dunbar of Thun- derton, Provost of Elgine, ffor all damage and loss that has happened to seven hogsheads of rede wine, imbezled without payment of duty, and seized by Alexr, Cummine, tydsurveyor att Inverness, in the sellar of "William Crombie, vintner in Elgine, one of the keys of the said sellar being in custody of the said Archbald Dunbar, and delivered to him by Alexr. Cummine fForesaid, which key he refused to me, the said Alexr. Erskine, on the 26 th att night, and next morning the hanging lock of the said sellar of w^hich the said collector had the key, was brock ofif, and the other lock of which Thunderton had the key was -intire and close lockt up, which he himself opened, and upon tapping, the fforesaid seven casks was found with nothing in them but water, a little coUoured with wine, whereas they w^ere all left l)y the ftorsaid Alexr. Cummine ffuU of good and sufficient rede wine upon his delivering up the key to the said Archbald Dunbar, and thereffor protests that he shall be lyable in the ffull value of the fforsaid seven hogsheads of rede wine, conforme to eighteen pound per hogshead ; and also protests against the fforsaid William Crombie, E 6G SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. vintner, flor tlie value of said wine being imbezled l)y him and taken in without paying the duty, and also carried out of his said sellar and the cask ffiUed up with water. Alexr. Erskine." " Alexr. Erskine, Collector of the Customs att In- verness, protests against Archbald Dunbar of Thunder- ton, Provost of Elgin e, and Justice of the Peac of the County of Murray, ffor refusing to me a warrant to search such houses, kilns, barns, &c., of the town of Elgine and adjacent places in that countie, and refus- ing to giv me a constal)le to goe along with me to search ffor wine imbezled out of the sellar of William Crombie, vintner in Elgine, and other uncostonied goods, confforme to a write of assistance produced to him. Alexr. Erskine." Charles Eyre, Es(j., Solicitor for H.I\I. Customs in Scotland, took the matter up, but as he was fond of good wine, it was agreeably settled by Ludovic Brodie, W.S., who writes thus : — "... Your aifair with the Exchequer has bein advysed, and the bills are ordered to be re-delyvered, you peaying the officiers' costs who seized the ^\^ynes. Now the costs to them, according to the rules of Court, will be ]>ut about three or four guineas, besyde SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 67 what may be claimed for information getting, as to which Mr Erskin seems not to demand anything for himself ; but to referr himself to your discretion, , . . This matter has stood the most drinking (and also some considerable charges) that ever I drunk in any other, for tho Eyre be a gentlemanie prettic litle fellow, yet he drinks lyke a d — 1, and I have had many sore heads with him. . . . Wyseman will not deny but I desyred him to cause buy or make such a brydle as would please you : if you do not plague him with your tongue, you are in wrong to yourself and me, for he would not loose ane hour's drinking for all the bussieness in the world." In November 1744, William Gordon, Master of the ship " Betty," belonging to Portsoy, ran a cargo of wine, brandy, tobacco, etc., into the harbour of Spey, and from thence sent boats which landed part at various places along the Moray Firth. The Commis- sioners of Customs ordered a precognition to be taken by the local Justices, and a report to be sent to them. The majority of the Justices, however, said they could not legally compel parties to depone by way of pre- cognition, especially when they refused to say any- thing in a matter which might eventually be brought against them. At an adjourned meeting of the 68 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Justices, held at Elgin cm 13tli January 1745, the chairman read the following letter from Duncan Forbes, Lord President of the Court of Session :— " Dear Sir, — The Christmas holy-days, which have emptied the town, and adjourned the Board of Cus- toms, have prevented my being able to w^ite you on the sul)ject of your smuggling, as I once thought I should ; but lest what I may write upon consultation with others should come too late for your meeting on the 15th iust., I have taken the part in the mean time of dropping you this line. " I have not been more surprized for a great while, than when I heard that a majority of Justices, at your last meeting, putt off the precognition on a doubt whether they law^fully could take information from the witnesses upon oath, and thereby, however inno- cent their intentions were, flung some cold water at least upon the inquiry. " As to the doubt itself, I confess I am at a loss to guess on what it is founded ; precognitions have at all times been taken on oath in Scotland, and hence the established practice in the Court of Justiciary, of can- celling, at the trial, the oath formerly emitted on the precognition, before the witness emit his deposition in Court, if he desire it. No occult crime, however dangerous to the common weal, or to the Crown, could be detected or punished, if witnesses were in SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 69 tlie least backward, without a powei', in those whose duty it is to enquire, to examine upon oath. And if the practice of England is enquired into, no Justice can commit, as they may in Scotland, upon a signed information only. The Justice must examine the informant upon oath before he can issue his warrant, so that, as I apprehend the scruple is without aiiy just foundation, I doubt not at your next meeting, after gentlemen have had time to inform themselves duely, it will evanish. " I cannot suffer myself to suspect that, considering the notoriety of the mischief that smuggling does to this poor imhappy country, and the forwardness lately shown, l)y all ranks of men, to express their detesta- tion of it, and to bind themselves to one another and to the publick, by resolutions and engagements of honour, to discourage that villanious traffick, any gentleman or number of gentlemen, will in broad day light, and in an open Court (whatever their connec- tion with, or tenderness for the unhappy smuggler be), be so impudently profligate as to attempt to screen the cut throats of their country, and thereby expose themselves to the universal contempt and abhorrence of mankind. Sucli an attempt requires more than an ordinary degree of courage and Avickedness ; tlie guilty person cannot hope to remain unknown, the Minutes of the Court must record his infamy, nor is it to be expected by him that the character, whicli by 70 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. such practices he may piircliase, shall remain confined to his own country : the common post can, by an Extract of the Minutes, convey his fame to Edin- burgh, from whence it may be communicated to the whole kino-dom. " Now tho', for these reasons, I hope you will l)e unanimous at your next meeting, yet, if contrary to my expectations, and very much against my wish, the smugglers should find protection, and the national justice, as well as interest, should l)e defeated, I hope you will be so good as to transmit the Minutes, dis- tinguishing how each Justice voted, that, besides fur- nishing me as a private gentleman with information who I ought to detest and avoid as a scoundrell, I may be able to inform my fellow-subjects, as far as that may be done within the laws, whom they ought to look upon as enemies to their country. Other rebukes they may possibly meet with, liut it is not necessary to speak of that at present. I write, you see, with great freedom, as I am very much in earnest ; but what I have said are the dictates of my heart, and you are at full liberty to make w^hat use you please of what I have wrote. This mean, shameful course to destruction must be prevented, or our unhappy country must be undone. Make my compliments to every one who can lay his hand on his heart and say he does not deserve the title of Rascal, and believe me to be, &c., Dun. Forbes." XII. THE FAMILIES OF BURGIE AND OF GRANGE. Egbert Dunbar sold the estate of Bnrgie, about the year 1660, to his cousin, Thomas Dunbar of Grange, in whose family it continued until the death, in 1827, of his descendant and male representative, Lewis Dunbar Brodie. Although he had parted with the estate, RoI)ert still retained the designation " of Burgie," which was also assumed l)y his descendants, who, on subsequently acquiring property near Elgin, made the Dean's manse, now North College, their chief seat. The last so designated Laird of Burgie, John Dunbar, got into difficulties, sold his estates, wdiich we have shown were in the vicinity of Elgin, and is supposed to have emigrated about 1756 to Caroliu;), where his brother Robert had previously settled. These particulars are given, because, on a compe- tition by claimants for the estate of Burgie, in 182 7, time and money were wasted by pei'sons wJio did not attend to the fact, that the later proprietors of that estate were not the " Dunbars of Ruroic," but the " Dunbars of Grange." 72 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. The Earl of Moray's letter had the desired effect. The King s authority was vindicated by the expulsion of " young Burgie," " For the Right Honorable my Lord Chancellor, and remanent Lords of his Majesties most honorable Privie Cocnsell : " Castle Stewart, 2Sf.h May, 1668. " Eight Honorable, — I am treuly sory that ther should such a necessity ly upon me as to give your Lordship notice of any rude and illegal disorders falling out in the place of my residence ; but that your Lordship in your wisedome may both punish and redress this and obviat the lyke, I find myself oblidged to give your Lordship ane accompt of what has past upon some civil transactions betwixt the Lairds of Grange and Burgy. Burgy did give Grange possession of his hous and estate, and did dispone the same unto him for very onerous causes ; and whilst Grange, his wife, and family were settled and living in the hous of Burgy, young Burgy did, on the six- teenth day of May inst., with armed men, enter the hous, and eject Grange, his servants and family, and possess himself of the hous, plenisliing, trunks, papers, and whatever was in the hous, and plants a garrisone in it. Upon notice whereof I \\rot to the actor by a messenger, and required him in the King's Majesties name, and your Lordship's, to disband these armed men, and retire himself, repossess Grange to the hous SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 73 and goods wliicli he had wrongfully invaded ; l)ut instead of yielding, he did with great contumacy re- fuse either to render the hous or restore the goods, as the letters and instruments thereupon will make appear to your Lordship. Upon which high contempt and violation of his Majesty's laws and peace of the kingdom I could not be silent, but give your Lord- ship an accompt theirof, that you may in your justice vindicate the King's authority and laws from such barbarous contempt, and tak some speedy and sum- mare way to reduce and punish this insolency, to the terror of others, and encouragement of his Majes- ties good subjects, w^ho place ther safety from violence in the shaddow of his Majesties laws and Goverment. The partie grieved will apply himself to your Lord- ship for redress, whose just cause and the peace of the countrey I crave leave to present to your Lordship's favour ; and that his Majesties service may prosper in your hands is the constant desyre of, Eight Honorable, your most humble servant, Morray." " These are to empower macers of the Justice Court, or messengers of arms, or town officers, within the tow^n of Edinburgh, to apprehend the persons of Robert Dunbar of Burgie, elder, and of Alex. Petrie, and to recjuire all Magistrates to concurre with them, 74 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. aud to seize the saids persons till they find caution to appeare when they shall be cited, and that they shall demean themselves in the interval peaceablie. Given at Edinburgh the sixteenth day of June sixteen hun- dred thrie score eight. Rothes, Chancellor^ " I, Sir Charles Araskine of Cambo, Knight Baronet, Lyon King at Amies, Wheras be ane act of the Privie Counsell, dated the eighteinth day of June instant, given in favours of Thomas Dunbar of Grainge against Robert Dunbars elder and younger of Burgie and their complices, wherupon letters ar raised direct to me, you, and our remanent brethren heraulds, to pass with ane coat of amies displayed and sound of trumpet, and in our Soveraigne Lord's name and authoritie to charge the said Robert Dunbar, younger of Burgie,! and his complices speciallie named in the said act, to compear beforr the Lords of Privie Coun- sell upon the threttie day of July next to come, for the causses at length contained in the said act and ^ In tracing the history of north country families, it were well to bear in mind that the designation of an estate added to a person's name, does not necessarily prove the ownership of such estate ; of this we coidd give numerous examples, let one, however, suffice. Archibald Dunbar sold the lands of Thunderton, in Aberdeenshire, in 1712, to Charles Gordon of Buthlaw, yet during the remainder of his life, he (Archibald) was designed "of Thunderton;" and his successors in the estate of DufFus, though never possessed of an acre of the Thunderton estate, were for upwards of a century ct)mmnnly so designated. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 75 letters : These ar therforr oidaiiieing yon, Herome Spence, Rothsay Herauld, with aue trumpeter in your compauie, conform to the tenor of the said act and letters, to cite and charge the said Robert Dunbar, younger of Burgie, and his complices, and to do all otlier things requisit and necessar prescrybed l)e the said act and letters, conform to the tenor of the samen, and this my order and warrant to you for that effect in all points. Given under my hand at Edinburgh the tuentie third day of July 1668, and sealled with my seaP of office. " Char. Askine, Lyon!' The Laird of Burgie's License, 1665. " We, William Lord Bellenden of Broughton, Lord Thesourer Deputt of the Kingdom of Scotland, dooth hearby give libertie and lisence to Robert Dumbear of Burgie, and all such as ar of his family, or shall accom- pany him att table, to eatt flesh in this forbidden tym of Lent, and on all other forbidden dayes, till Lent nixt, in the yeir 1666, without any trouble or penaltie to be incuri'ed be him or them for the samyen, notwithstanding of any Acts made, or to be made, in the contrary. Dated Edinburgh the 20 th daye of Febuary. Bellenden." ^ A cupy of this seal will Ije fouiul in Mr. Laiiig's Catalogue of Scottish Seals, about to issue from the pross. 76 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. The widow of Ross of Pitcalnie was proud of her descent from the house of Burgie. •" To Alex. Dunbar, Esq. "Edinburgh, 20;/; July, 17GI. "Sir, — 111 answer to yours of the 13th, threatening me with caption, I can only repeat what I wrote when you acquainted me in yours of the 4th, that you was obhged to raise horning on my bill. Therefore I re- fer to what I then wrote, and shall only add that your father may put his caption in execution against me. I can go to prison ; the affront won't be mine, and before I come out, the Fifteen Lords shall know the merits of the cause that laid Burgie's daughter and Pitcalnie's widow in such quarters. " Not in the least iinding fault with your conduct, which I verily believe is much against your inclina- tion, I am, dear Sir, your affectionate cousin, and very humble servant, Naomi Ross." XIII. AN EXTRAVAGANT AND UNDUTIFUL WIFE. Inhibition proclaimed at the market-crosses of Elein and Forres :— o " Charles, be the Grace of God, King of Great Brittane, ffrance, and Irland, Defendar of the faith, to our Lovits, Messingers, our Shrefs in that pairt, conjimctlie and severalie speciahe constitute, greiting. fforsnameikle as it is Immhlie meined and shown to us be our lovit James Dunbar of Inshbrok, that where Katharine M'Kenzie, his spous, having casten off the fear of God and that conjugall respect and reverence that she owes to the said complainer, her lawfuU husband ; and havino' betaken hirselfe to the councill and ad- vyce of certain evill disposed and ungodlie persones, who haunts with hii', she daylie spends, abuses, and waists, the said complainer his substance with the said persones ; and contracts and takes on debts and sowmes of money, which the said complainer is alto- gither unable to pay ; and makes, blocks, and bargains for merchancl weir ; sels and hypothecats his houshold plenishing, inshight goods and geir ; and ther are some persones who furnish liiv with merchand wair, aill, 78 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. wine, l)read, baken meats, and lend bir mone}-, wbieli tbe said complainer is altogitber unaljle to pay, and wbilk will tend to tbe mine of bim, bis wife, and children, and tbe litle fortune wbilk it bas pleased God to bestow upon bim, witbout remeid be provyded as is alledged. Our will is theirfor, and we cbarge you straitlie and comand tbat, incontinent tbir our letters seen, ye pass, and in our name and autboritie, inbibite and discbarge tbe said Katberine M'Kenzie, tbe said com- pliner bis spous, tbat sbe on nawayes sell, aualyie, dispone, bypotbecat, nor put away any of bis said bousbold plenisbing, goods, geir, insbigbt, aludzie- ments, nor otbers pertaining to bim ; nor yet contract nor ontake debts, sowmes of money for mercband wair, wine, aill, bread, baiken meats, or otbers, wbere- by tbe said complainer may be driven in del^t or compelled to pay tbe same ; nor yet contract, l^lock, nor bargin witb any persone for tbat effect ; and sicklyke, tbat ye, in our said name and autboritie, inbibite and discbarge all and sundrie, our leidges and all otbers whom it effeirs, be open proclimation at tbe mercat croses of our burghs of Elgin and Forres, and otber places neidfull, witbin tbis our kingdome, tbat tbey, nor none of tbem presume, nor take upon band, to take or receave, be dispositione or bypotbecatione, nor pledge, fra tbe said Katharine M'Kenzie, any of tbe said complainer's bousbold plen- SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 79 ishing, goods, geiu, inshiglit, abiilziements, or others pertaining and l^elonging to liim ; nor yet lend to hir sowmes of money upon band, ticket, acompt, or other way es ; nor yet furnish to hir merchand wair, wine, aill, aquavit^e, brandie, l^aiken meat, nor other hquors, whereby the said compkiiner may be driven in debt ; nor yet contract, Ijlock, nor bargin with hir, any maner of way, to the said complainer his pre- judice : certifieing them, and ilk of them that fiulzies and does in the contrair, the samen shall be decerned to be null and of no availl. And the said complainer shall not be holdin to pay any deljts, sowmes of money, or others, furnished to his said spous, eftir the publicatione of thir presents conform to the lawes and practiqe of this kingdome in all points. And that ye cause registrat thir our letters, with the exe- cution therof, within fourtie dayes nixt eftir the execution of the samen, conform to the act of parha- ment, according to justice, as ye will answear to us therupon : the wliilk to do we committ to you, conjunctlie and severalie, our full power be thii' our letters, delyvering them be you, duelie execute and indorsit again to the bearer. Given under our signet, at Edinburgh the third day of September, and of our reigne the threttie lift yeii^, 1683. " Ex deliheratione dominorum Concilij. " And : Young." XIV. OFFICE OF HERITABLE SHERIFF OF MORAY. SiE Alexander Dunbar of Westfield was, about the year 1446, created Heritable Sheriff of Moray, and the office continued witli tlic descendants of his eklest son, who either acted themselves or by depute, for nearly three hundred years. Order to the Sheriff regarding the County Mem- ber :- — " To The Higu Sheriff of the Shire of Elgin, " Free. " Fkom the House of Commons, ''the 22d of May 17'21. " Sir,- — I am comnumded by the House of Commons to acquaint you that you are immediately, upon re- ceipt of this, to summon the Representative of your Shire to attend his service in Parliament on Monday the ffifth day of June next, and you are to give me an account of the receipt of this, and what you have done thereupon, uj)on pain of incurring the displeasure of the said House, — I am. Sir, your humble servant, "Sp: Compton, Speaker!' SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 81 Even the ducal house of Gordon paid deference to the Sheriif of Moray. Thomas Miller had been assaulted by dependants of the Duke, who wished to settle the matter in his own Regality Court. The delinquents were, however, seized and imprisoned by the Sheriff:— '' Mr. James IFrasek, Sriff-Clrk. of " Elgine and ifforres, " Elgine. "Gordon Castle, 2Sd June, 1720. " Sir, — The Sheriffs of Murray have always observed a strict decorum and a neighbourly way with the Duke of Gordon, with reguaiixl to his and their juris- dictions, which is cumulative. The present Duke, my master, will cultivat frindsh}"p and good correspond- ence with the present Sheriff of Murray, not doubting but he will receive just returns. "A little, fantastick, nonsolvent, and troublesome animal, Thomas Miller, no weaver, no prentise, no inhabitant, yet maliciously takes upon him to raise vexatious processes against some of my master's ser- vants : I humbly expect my Lord Sheriff will deal tenderly in this matter. I dare not pre-limit his judg- ment, but I say to you that the matter pursued ought to be remitted to the judge ordinary of the place. — I am your most humble servant, " Alexr. Abercromby." 82 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. Ludovic Dunbar of Westfield, in 1724, being in reduced circumstances, sold the jurisdiction for two thousand pounds to the Earl of Moray. Against this sale Thomas Dunbar, D.D., Vicar of Little Bustead, Essex, the nearest heir-male, had entered an inhibi- tion, but it was found that " Westfield," the seller, was " absolute ffiar, and under no prohibitory, irritant, or resolutive clauses, by the rights and infeftments of the estate and office, to bar him from selling." To his kinsmen in Moray, who wished him to redeem the property and to prevent a sale, Thomas Dunbar sent an answer which proves that he could feel, act, and write like a scholar and a gentleman : — " London, July 29, 1723. "Gentlemen, — I received your favour of the 20th of May, by the hands of the Right Honble. the Lord Lovat, for whose generous condescention and kind concern and endeavours I have the greatest defiference and regard. But as to the subject matter of your letter, (not to trouble you with the unkind treatment I mett with from those of your name I had the honnor to bo presented to, and particularly from the present Shereff's father when I was in that countrey,) I must beg leave to enquire what power the late Sheriffis James, or his brother, had to lay so great a burthen of debts, as you mention, upon an entailed estate ; and who they were that encouraged, countenanced, or con- nived att their so doing ; for I have seen an instru- SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 83 ment of resignation by which their father, Alexr. Dimhar of Westfield, seems to limite that estate, and the inheritance of it, to his heirs male, and for each of such to his heirs female, with certain conditions and restrictions, as the kind bearer hereof will inform you more at large. Now, if yonr law, (to w^hicli I am pretty much a stranger,) notwithstanding such entail, leaves it in the power of every prodigal or extravagant heir to confound an estate which has been so lono- in a family, and descended to him in a regular line of succession, surely this can be no inducement to any tollerrably discreet person to improve or augment, but much less to redeem such an estate. But this you seem to have intirely given up, or to acquiesse in, and I doe confess it is not now my business, but the pre- sent Sheriffe's, to consider, and I wish it may long be so. Tho' if it should be my fate to survive, which I by no means desire, the purchasers must expect to be called to account. But that the office should be liable to the same fate, is so prodigiously shocking that I hardly know how to declare myself upon that head with any toUerable temper and decency {ohstupui, steterimtqiie comce, et vox faucibus licesit)} That it should be in the power of any one sherifFe, without the consent of heires presumptive or in reversion, to dispose of, or allienate, an office whicli, in all the in- 1 " I was amazed, ami my hair stood on end, and my voice clung to my jaws." 84 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. struments J have seen, and l^y what I have heard, was evfir called and esteemed hereditary. The argument you are pleased to make use of, in justification of so rash and bold an attempt, is that without the sale of this valuable branch of the SherifFe's inheritance, his family must want subsistence. But I pray, gentle- men, give me leave to aske how his family would have been subsisted if his predecessor had lived. And can you thinke it reasonable, that I (who am threat- ened to be excluded, disinherited, ;i,nd finally cut off, from a reversion to whicli, in my turn, I am entitled by l)irt]i, l^y Idood, and l)y all tlio l;i\vs of God, of nature, and I hope of my countrey) should straiten myselfe or lessen that small fortune, which, by the blessing of God, I owe entirely to my own industry and application, to the affluence of a person who has so shamefully prostituted all the rules of honour and justice ? That I have a due regard to the character and dignity of that ancient family, you will observe by the steps and measures I have taken, and (by God's permission) am steadfastly purposed to maintain, and pursue at the expence of all I am worth, even to the dernier resort,^ and therefore, caveat emptor.^ "And now, gentlemen, though I have expressed my- selfe with some warmth in an affair which not only affects me, Ijut yourselves, and, as you justly observe, ought to hav(3 very great weight with all that bear the 1 Tlic last resort. 2 L^t the ijurcliaser beware. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 8o name of Dunbar, or that have the remotest connection with it ; yet I doe most sincerely acknowledge your goodness, in the kind concern you express for the support of an ancient family, and all the honour you have done me in this application. I pray God have you all in his good care and protection, and am, with greatest regard and esteem, your affectionate kinsman and most obedient hum])le sei-vant, " Tho. Dunbar. " I had once some thoughts of giving my selfe the pleasure of visiting my native country this summer ; Ijut the loss of my dear and only brother, and the difficulties I have been involved in on that account, render such an absence impractical )lc att present. iJut if it should please God to spare my life and health another year, I will not despair of that satisfac- tion, nor of an opportunity of waiting upon you att your several scats, and making a personal acknow- ledfjement of this favour nnd condescention." It is remarkable that of the Westfield family, which for centuries was of great importance, there should be difficulty in finding out the heir-male. The Vicar of Little Bustead predeceased Ludovic Dunbar, whose death and succession are thus alluded to in letters 86 SOCIAL LIFE IK FORMER DAYS. from Ludovic Brodie, W.S., to William King of New- miln, Elgin : — " Edinburgh, 25 Apr'dc 1744. " I return you many thanks for your early intelli- gence of that unhappy and melancholy accident which terminated the life of poor Dunbar of Westfield. I should he glad to know whether he hath left, signed by him, any deed of settlement of his estate in favours of the Lady Hemprigs, nearest heir of line, for other- wise I am afraid, as it is provided to heirs male what- soever, it may be difficult to find them out ; and if they are found out, that Lady, Avho is the heir of line, may be in a great measure cut oflf." " Edinburgh, 5th May 1744. " I see by a letter from Sir AVilliam Dunljar of Hemprigs to BaiUie George Dunbar, merchant here, that he hath found among AVestfield's papers a dispo- sition of his estate in favours of Sir William's Lady, daughter to Alexander Dunbar of Westfield, which will prevent disputes about the succession." XV. TEANSPORT OF A PRISONER, AND JAIL OF INVERNESS. Country people, such as farmers and their servants, had to act as guards in the transport of prisoners. The unhappy woman was accused of child-murder : — " A list of the guard for conveying the person of Jean j\Iill from the Tolbooth of Elgin to Nairn, to be delivered over to the Sheriff of Nairn there, in terms of the principall warrand from the Lords of Justiciary herewith sent : — " Alexr. M'Kimmie, in Overtowu, (j. John Allan there, ah. George Ogilvie in Houme, g. John Cook in Barnhill, g. 5 Thomas Murdoch in Westhill, g. Alexr. Murdoch in Achtirtyre, ab. Duncan Grant in Green of Manbean, g. Alexr. Grant in Coxtown, g. James Gallan in Inshaniach, g. 1 Andrew Couban in Mostowie, g. George Kynnoch in Inerlochty, g. Jolm Allan in jSIostowie, g. William jMurdoch in Crossley, g. James Brander, elder in jMiltown, g. 88 S0C1A.L LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 1 5 James Brander, younger there, g. George Imlacli there, or his servant, (j. James Sim in Miltown, rj. Alexr. Gilzean in Inverlochty, g. John Skeen, there, g. 20 John Eobb, there, g. James Douglas, there, or a servant, g. Alexander Glass in the Coledge of Elgin, g. " These are warranting Alexander Pitriken, officer, to summond the above persons to compear before the Shirriff of Murray, his deputes or substitutes, within the Tolbooth of Elgin, upon Thursday next, the twenty-fifth of Aprile instant, at nine o'clock in the morning, to carry and convey the person of Jean Miln, presently prisoner in the Tolbooth of Elgin, from the said Tolbooth to the town of Nairn, to be delivered to the Shirriff of the shire of Nairn, and from thence to be carried by a party from the said shire to the Shirriff of Inverness, to be incarcerated within the Tolbooth of Inverness untill the tryall of the said Jean Miln before the Lords Commissioners of Justiciary at their Circuit, the first of May next, con- forme to the warrand directed to me, Shirriff-Depute of this shire of Elgin and fforres : And I hereby nominate and apoint the said John Grant to be Cap- tain of this Guard, and each person to appear, under the penalty of twenty punds Scots money. Given at Elgin the twenty- third day of Aprile 1745 years. " Will. King." SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 89 "Elgin, 25 Ajyrile 1745. — The SherifF-Depute fines and amerciates John Allan and Alexander Murdoch, t\A'o absents, marked in the within list, in the sum contained in the within warrant, each of them payable to the ffiscal of Court. " Will. King." " Nairn, 26th Aprile 1*745. — Then received by me, Sherrift' Deput of Nairn Shire, the person of therein named Jean Mill, in order to be transported to Inver- ness, as the Lords' warrand under mentioned directs, together with the said Act and w^arrand it self, and that from Alexander Grant, Captain, appointed by the Sheriff of Elgin and fi'orres, for commanding the party that brought her, the said Jean Mill, here. " Da. Cumyng." The Court-house and the " holes" in which pri^ soners were incarcerated at Inverness, were truly dis- graceful : — " Inverness, lltli March, 178G. " Memorial for the Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council of Inverness, for themselves and the community, to the Heritors and Commissioners of Supply, and Magistrates of Burghs, in the Counties of Inverness, Ross, Moray, Sutherland, 90 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. Caithncris, Nairn, Cromarty, Orkney, and Zet- land : " Sheweth, " That the Circuit Court of Justiciary for the northern district, comprehending the aljove-mentioned counties, has been invariaT)ly held at Inverness. " Til at the present court-house, which is very antient, having been Iniilt only for the town and county, is very inadequate to the proper accommoda- tion of the Lords of Justiciary and other members of the court, the sheriffs, and the number of gentlemen who are called upon to attend as assizers. " That the jail, which is adjoining to the court- house, consists only of two small cells for criminals, and one miserable room for civil debtors, and is often so crowded with prisoners from the different counties as to render their situation truly deplorable ; to give , some idea of whi(;li it is only necessary to mention that there are at present, and generally, about thirty persons confined in these holes, none of which is al)ove thirteen feet square. " That the court-house and jail are now so much decayed as to render it necessary immediately to repair or rebuild them. " That the memorialists have long anxiously wished to rebuild them on an enlarged plan, so as to afford ample accommodation for the Circuit Court, and to SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS, 91 soften the rigour of confinement to unfortunate pri- soners, by removing the necessity of having them so crowded together as they are at present. " That with this view they have lately purchased, at a consideral)]e expense, a piece of ground, adjoin- ing to the present jail, fully equal to the purpose, and have procured a proper plan and estimates to be made. " That the sum necessary for carrying their plan into execution will Ijc aljout fifteen hundred pounds sterling, which they are utterly unable to advance from the funds of the community over which they preside, and must, of course, abandon the idea, unless liberally assisted by the difi'erent counties and burghs connected with the Northern Circuit, and who are so very materially interested in promoting this necessary work. " The memorialists, therefore, relying on the pul)lic spirit, generosity, and humanity of the gentlemen of the northern counties and burghs, do now call upon them for liberal aid towards erecting a Court-house, in which their accommodation as assizers will l)e a principal object, and providing for such criminals as they may send for trial : a prison decent and secure will be particularly attended to. " The memorialists, while soliciting the assistance of others, think it incumbent on them to declare the extent to which they wiU go for carrying this useful 92 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. work into execution, and they have resolved on Jive hundred pounds sterling, being a sum equal to the utmost stretch of their ability as a community. If, then, contrary to their hopes, the present appHcation should fail of success, they claim that the want of accommodation in their Court-house, or smallness of their jail, may never be charged against them in future, " Signed by appointment of the Magistrates and Council, " William Macintosh, Provost." XVI. COUNTEY MATTERS. Befoke the general introduction of coal into ]\Ioray, so necessary was a supply of peat, that it almost in- variably formed an item in the rent of farms. " 11//; Juhj, 1732. " Wee, John Watson, William Gilzean, and John Laing, all tennents in Ardgy, do hereby certify and declare that sixty loads of peats or therby (when filled by our own servants, and lede by our o^x\\ horses), was usually applyed for makeing up a leet of peats, fourteen foots scjuare, carried up seven foots high, and rooffed in to fourteen foot from top to bottom ; and, accordingly, wee the declarants, and the other tennents of Ardgy, were in use to cast, winn, lead, and stack, for behoof of the heretors of the lands and barronie of Duffus, upon their and our proper charges and expences, certain leets of peats, conform to our re- spectif possessions at the dimentions above-writen, and that yearly ; and failzieing of the saids peats, we paid ten pounds Scots money for each leet. " I. W. William Gilzean. John Laing." 9-i SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. From Sir Harie Innes, Convener of the County : — " To Archibald Dcnbar, Esq., " of Newton, at Duffus. "Elgin, Fehry. 2\st, 1747. " Sir, — Provost DufF wrote me tins morning com- plaining of the distress the inhabitants of this to^^^l, and military, are reduced to for want of peats being brought to town : that the soldiers must be supplied some how or other is without doubt, and to do with- out ground of complaint there is a necessity of a meetino; of the Justices of Peace. I wrote Sir Kobert Gordon to this purpose, and if Monday w^ill suit both your conveniences, you will be expected that day to concert what is proper to be done. I am, Sir, your most humble servant, Harie Innes." Many estates, and even royal burghs, were, to a recent date, "thirled" to particular mills, — that is, the tenants and inhabitants were obliged to send their grain to the established mill of the barony or burgh, to be ground, and to pay a proportion of it as " multure." The town of Elgin was " thirled" to " Oldmilns," which had formerly belonged to the Prior of Pluscardine. Greyfriars was the seat of Mr. King of Newmiln ; it is now within the Parlia- mentary bounds of Elgin. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 95 " Archbald Dunbar, Esquire, " of Newtoim, Dufliis. " Grayffriars, near- Elgin, 30 Decer. 1736. " Sir, — I had yoiir's this day, iiiquireiDg mc anent what multure I payed att Oldmihis. ffor answer, know that I am not thirled to that miln, or doe I live, or have I any land within the thirlage ; but being informed that they ground wheat better att the Oldmilus than att my own miln, I sent my servant, the last year, with two boles of wheat to the Old- milns, and after he returned I asked him what multure they had taken from him. He told me a peck out of each bole, and that they would take uoe less, although he scrupled the giveing it. And when John Naughtie, one of the millers, came asking me ten shileing Scots for each bole of the wheat I had ground att the Old- milns, as the millers wages, which I payed him, and quarrelled him for taking so much multure, and so much money from me that was out suckeu, and noe wayes bound to them, he told me they made noe dis- tinction, but tooke the same multure from evrie one that came to them whither out or insucken ; upon which I told him that I should take care of ever grind- ing afterwards att their miln — which is all I know of their multures, and am yours W. King." Just as poultry now belongs to the lady's depart- ment in the management of a country house, so in 96 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. former days did the breeding and rearing of young horses. Honi soit qui mal y pense. " To ARCmBALD DUNBAK, " of Newton, Esquire, at DuflFos. " Arndilly, nth June 1756. " Dear Sir, — You may think I have been ungrate, as I have not thanked you before this time, for the use of your fine stalion to one of my chaise mares last year, and that you was at so great trouble as to keep the mare and servant for some days. That mare has this year a pretty stood fole from your horse. I cannot at present tell how I can return so great a favour, but when it falls in my husband's power or mine, our inclination is great, and the im- ploying us will be a compUment. I would gladly have a pair of horses from your fine horse, therefore I have ventured to send my other mare to be served by him, if you will be so good as to grant me tliis second favour. My husband is pretty much reco- vered. I am heartily sorry I did not see the young gentlemen as they went to Edinburgh. My husband and I present you, Lady Newtown, and all the young family with our deutie, and intreats you will allow me the honour to be, dear Sir, your most afiectionate cousin and obedient humble servant, " Jean Grantt." " P.S. — We was made happy by Mr. Cohan's in- SOCIAL LIFE L\ FOKiJEK DAYS. i'T formation that your lady designs to see us at Arndilly tins summer. Tarn intends you a visite, in a. week or two, that she may deli^•er the Cairngorm stone she promised." The wao-es of servants, as mven in a document dated 1760. " Eegulations of Fees for Servants in the coiuity of Bamff :— £ s. ./ That the best man ser\'ant mIio drags the ware, and is capable to big and sow corns, shall havo^ '27 That the second man servant who fills the side of the ware horse, threshes the side of the barn, lays on loads, and is a good h(»- able, shall have l(t o G 98 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. (/. That tlie host man lionk wIki ciui Iii'l;' and Imid corns, shall have . . , 10 In | That the second sort of men liook.s shall have . (i That the Lest woman hook, who stays out the harvest, shall have 5 That the second sort of woman hooks shall have -i 10 That hirds according to their charge shall have from £0 to £l, 10s. every half-year. "xVud which respective fees iire declared to l)e in satisfaction to men and women servants, of all that can be asked or given to them for their year's services ahove inscribed, in name of fees, shoes, or any other l)onnties whatever ; and where the master gives, or where the servant receives, any higher or greater fees, under an}' pretence whatsoever, such feeing shall not only 1)0 void, l)ut the master and servant who shall (.'ontraveen the premesses be fined therefor." The moral Grieve got, when at Kilcoy, " five pounds in money, twenty shillings for shoes, eight bolls of meal, and a cow's grass annually:" — " Wee, the Justices of the Peace hereto subscribing, do certify and declare, that the bearer hereof, George Calcler, from the county of Aberdeen, served Lady Kilcowie in station of a grieve, behaved himself hon- estly and moraly for the course of ffive years in her SOCTAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 99 service, and may Ijc recciveJ into any Christian society ; and the same is attested by us, two of the Justices of Peace of the county of Ross, and united parishes of Suddie and Kihnuir Waster, where the said Georo^c C*akler resided for the time a])Ove mentioned. At ADangrange, this 1st of June 1767. " Rod. Mackenzie], J.1\ Geo. Mackenzie, /.P." The certificate by tlie Minister of Langl)ryde is of recent date, but too aniusino- to l)c omitted : — " To all his Majesty's loving subjects who can feci for a fellow-sinner in distress, I beg to certify that the l)earer, W. J , is the son of my old bellman, a man well known in this neiglil>ourhood for his honest ])Overty and excessive sloth, and the son has inherited a full share of the father s poverty and a douljle por- tion of his indolence. I cannot say that the l)earcr has many active virtues to boast of; but he is not altogether unmindful of scriptural injunctions, having striven, and with no small success, to 'replenish the earth,' tliouo;h he has done but little to subdue the same. It was his misfortune to lose his cow lately, from too little care and too much ])ere chaff; and that walking skeleton, wliieli lie calls his 'horse,' lia\ing 100 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. ceased to 'hear the oppressor's voice, or dread the tyrant's load,' the poor man has now no means of repairing his loss but the skins of the defunct and the generosity of a benevolent public, whom he expects to be stimulated to greater liberality by this testi- monial from- theirs, with respect, &c., " Will. Leslie." XVII. EDINBURGH GOSSIP. John Sutherland was the Edinburgli agent of the gentleman to whom he wrote : — " Akohibald Dcnbau, Esqr., of Newton, •• at Duifus. "Edinburgh, 2d Fehy. 1749. " Dear Sir, — I hope you receive your news papers safe. Receive enclosed this weeks three Mercuries. " There is nothing here new, only a very comical piece of humour, said to be done by the Duke of Mon tague. It was advertised in London that a man was to go into a chopin bottle and there play on the fiddle ! — a curious piece of necromancy, you will say ; but lo ! when a numerous cloud of spectators are convened, at half-a-crown each ticket, a man appears on tlie stage, and, addressing himself to the audience, says, ' If you will but double the above sum, the man will appear in a pint (that is a, mutchkin) bottle ; ' upon which they discovered the trick : among the rest the Duke of Cumberland, wlio in a furious passion drew his sword, wliirh was presented by the Queen of Hungary, 102 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. valued at ten tliousand [k»iiii(1.s, and Montague alone took the deceiver's part, lait yet lie was not able to withstand the fury of the spectators, who were now- turned actors, and they tore and broke everything in the house and set fire to it. During the squabble the Duke's sword was thwarted out of his hand, and he, thinking it to be some of his friends, did not mind it during the fray, but upon enquiry f(jr the sword it was gone, and now one hundred pounds premium is offered for restoring it. " A few nio-hts after, the same man is alleofed to have, at a masquerade, employed another to go through the masquerade with a sheath and sword, and call, in a hurry, near where the I^^uke was, 'A fine sword ; a fine sword; who lost a fine sword?' The Duke, comming in a surprise to look at it, said, ' It was the Duke,' meaning himself, and upon looking at it, it was found to Ije a piece of stick in a white paper sheath. I wish you would be so friendly as to signify if such collections be troublesome or agreeable to you, and 1 shall continue or desist, as you please. I am, dear Sir, your niucJi obliged and obedient servant, "John Sutherland." Such collections being " agreeable," Mr, Suthei'land w as iXMjuested to continue them. \\^' gi\e extracts : SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 103 " 2?>d Fcbij. 1749. — AVc jire here in a great liubbul) about settling tlie poors'-rates. Tlie Merchant (Com- pany luive agreed to pay seven per cent., and the Faculty of Advocates have refused to assess them- selves with anything, after a long del)ate, when it carried. No — seventy-two against five." "20fA AiDvile 1749. — You will observe a letter in this day's paper anent a ploy which Avas occasioned by about thirty or forty officers jumping on the stage, when in the last part of the act King Henry says, ' Hence, let rebelHon be for ever quashed.' Upon this one of the officers called to the fiddlers to play ' C'ul- loden Reel,' and then the gallery people hissed, and tln-ew potatoes, &c., at them, which is to let you into the rise of that stir." " 1st June 175G. — The Edinl)urgh Banks have sent gome of their directors with twenty-five thousand pounds of Glasgow notes to get specie for them, which may crack some of them." "13?A March 1759.— The Duke and Dutchess of Douglass are, alas ! parted, through faults on ])oth sides, as is alledged. Two very handsome fellows were this day found guilty of a robbery, and will pro- bably string, and the only defence their councill urged, it were better send them to Martinico or Guardulope than to the gallows." " 9^// Octohcr 1759. — George Baillie, your cousine, married 29th September last, and from superalmnd- 104 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. ance of complaisance set out next day with aiiotlicr lady for this place, where he presently is, and i had the pleasure of saluting him on the happy event this day." " 15f/i Octr. 1-759.— I congratulate you upon the reduction of Quebeck, and consequently the empire of North America ; but amidst our joy we are enjoined prudence and caution, for it is certain Thurot is sailed, and the Solebay Man of War says he sailed through his fleet (under French colors), consisting of six war ships nnd twelve transports, and Admiral Boyes with eleven ships in quest of him, steering northwards, either to the Murray (where I pray God Tlmrot may never come) or Pentland firths. This afternoon Boyes is anchored in Leith road, drove up l)y a nore-east gale, and, so soon as the wind permits, and he pro- vided- with a little provisions and pilots, is to proceed on towards the north. We have expresses from Eng- land, two or three a day, and it is rumoured the Brest fleet is out. May Hawk fly and catch him." "2d July 1760. — By this night's news Mineer Dutchman seems to try us in that country ; but, in the true sense of the word, they ' catched a Tartar,' for their seven ships of war are all taken, six hundred of twelve hundred are killed, the rest prisoners, and the Governor of Batavia, who sent them, acknowh'dges his fault, and pays, beside begging pardon, a hundred ;ind twenty thousand yjounds." XVIII. LETTERS FROM LADIES OF RANK. IsoBELL, Countess of Seaforth, widow of Kenneth, third Earl, was daughter of Sir John Mackenzie of Tarbat, and sister of George, first Earl of Cromarty, Her Ladyship's daughter, Margaret, married James, second Lord Duffus, who, having killed William Ross of Little Kindeace in the year 1688, fled to Eng- land, where he remained until influential friends pur- chased a remission from the Crown. The writing of the Countess is large and well formed ; that of Lady Duflus is very inferior. " For my Lord Duffus - They : " Ohanori, 8 Apri/ll IG8S. " My deae Duffus, — We are mightily afrayed of your health, and has sent this expres to conjure you to be cairfull of yourself As for what is done, Lord pardon you the sin of it ; but no man thinks ye (!ould have done less, or that ye could have born with what ye met with. 1 pray you Jiave a cair of yourself, [ind goe on to doe your business, and let us know wlier or 106 SCKTIAL LIFE I>" FOFJJXE DAYS. to whom we shal derect your leters whil ye are at Court ; I think to my Keny/ when ye are at London. Te may writ to ^lege with every ocation, to give her asurance of your heidtL which she will still he doubt- ing. We all think, and Siddyr who has lietter skill in such afairs. that after al the provoaitions ye met with, yet that it was in your own defence what ye did, for eertinly ye had been killed if it had not fallen out as it did ; so your busines will not cost you much trubel to get it don. Be cairfall of yourself for Megg's caws and the babys. Mtmy a man has falen in such ane accedent warse than your cireimistanc-es wtis. yet has l^ein at peace with God and all the world, and lived very happily for all : * The Lord's peace be with you, and derect you ..^ . ^ reserve you fn:»m all ilL- — I am your affectionat mother, " ISOBELL SeaFOET." • Cbjlsoei. rJk ISUk of ApraiU 16SS- *• Deaeest Hert, — I can slip no ocation but I most wrait you, knowing you will be earnest always to hear how I am, which, I bhs the Lord for it, is very well, and so is all your childrin and all fiinds heare : and now it is my greatest trubiQ the fear of your wrong- ing your own helth, which I hop you will considir how much it will ofend God. and what a sref it will ^ Her £. „ tooith Earl - Mackeaiie oi S«ddj. SOCIAL LIFE IN FOmrEK DAYS. lOT 1)0 to ni(\ so 1 expek to hear good iieiisc from vou. and writ to mo ase oft as ycui liave ocaticnL No nior at tlic taiiii, Itut tliat the Lord may Mis you, and diix'k you and [)rotek yon, is the earnest prayer of yonr own till death. M. DuFFUS. '' ^ly T.ady presents hir res}>ecs to yon." Henrietta Duchess of Gordon, wife of the sec(uid Duke, was a daughter of the eelel)rated Earl of Peter- horough. Her Grace had sutlicient influence to iuduci^ the ducal family to renounce Popery and embrace the Protestant faith. The writing of the Duchess is par- ticukrly good and distinct. The lady to whom her Grace sent the following letters was then unmarried. She was daughter of the deceased Alexander Dunhar of Westfield, and she resided with her maternal uncl(\ Sir Thomas Calder of JNIuirton, JJaronet : — " To Mrs. Elizauktii Dlnhak at ^luirtoii. "Gordon Castlk, Aufiust the. 20th, 172'2. " My deare Freind, — It being now just ten days since I had the pleasure (^f hearing from you, which to me is a tedious age, I scud the bearer on purpose to In'mg me acounts of your health, and of all I have a consern for with you : and 1 send you and Lady Muirton sum of the tlowered i>ainted satin which you commended in the winter, havinii; had an occasion t<» 108 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Holland. I l)elive the thirty ynrds will make each a night gownd, and the tea is, I belive, a litle l)etter than the ordinary that is sold ; the imperiale will doe well to mix with, the green. You will, I hope, forgive me this libertie I take in hopeing you will, without any uneasiness, except from your freind sueh a trifle, since I hope you are truly convinced that nothing can be so agreable to me as the hopes I have of enjoying the vast satisfaction in the most entire freindshijDp that is possible for two hearts so sincere and so simpathising as, I belive and hope, ours are. " This is all the July flowers that are as yet blown, and the very first, which I belive are the best ; but if Lady Muirton wants more, next week she may have as many as she pleases. " I have also sent tw^o more trajedies. There is two lady's and one man's character in the ' Imperial Captives,' that I belive will please you ; and also 1 am sure the oddness of the lives of the misfortunate paire in this litle book will move your jjity, as it did mine. It is a strange mixture of prodigeous love and penitence for a fault, where the strugle of our frnil nature, and the glimerings of divine grace, apear in a very naturale mannei' ; and though it is not quite so well as in the French, yet, if you have not already seen it, you cannot but 1)6 entertained with it, for it is a litle out of the common method of our days, where vice hardly makes sutch a penitent end. I hope it will not b(.' many days SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 109 before I liave the pleasure of seeing you ; and belive me, where ever I am, my kindest thoughts will ever be with you, and I shall never be so well pleased as when I enjoy the charming company of my dearest freind, from wlioes and your aunt's aquaiiitance I shall ever begin the date of my satisfaction and happyness in this country. " Wishing you all the prosperity that this world can aford, I continue with the greatest esteem, my dearest, your most faithful! and most affectionate freind and sarvant, H. Gordon. " Just now 1 hear Generale Sabin and the Earle of Kothes are gone back to the south, so that as soon as my Lord returns from Badenoch, I hope to see you. My kind sarvice to Lady Muirton and Sir Thomas. Henri and Betsy ofler ther kind sarvice to you all." " Gordon Castle, Octbr. 9th. " My dearest Freind, ... I am glad the Art of Love pleases you ; 1 thought it very prety, and did not imagine a subject of that nature could have been quite so modestly expressed as to be of so good use to us ladys as it realy is. You may keep any book of mine that is in your hands as long as you please, and be asured nothing will ever be more agreable to me than to have any oportunity to contribute, any manner 110 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOUMKK DAYS. of ways, to your fellicity and plcasiivc. 1 have a good many late editions, with sum additions, of sum books that may please you, particulaiiy sum translated out of the French, which I sent for on purpose for you ; but I belive, with what you liave already, and the time you are so justly to employ in the care of your good aunt, you will want no more, till we have the pleasure and happyness to meet here, and then you shall chuce what ever pleasses you best. Since I knew you I can- not find the way to make my houres ily but in youi- charming dear companey, although you are alwa3's present in my kindest thoughts, which makes up the most agreable time of, my dearest, your most faithfull and ever affectionate freind and sarvant, " H. Gordon. " My most kind sarvice to all at IMuirtc^n. I shall shortly answer Sir Thomas's letter." "GoKDOx Castle, frijda)/ noon. "My dearest Freind,— This morning I had the favour of your oblidgeing letter by which I was very sorry to hear of good Lady Muirton's loss. ]\ly two godchildren have had such badd luck that I can scars expect Lady Muirton will venture to make choice of me for a third, but if she does me that favour, I hope I shall have better fortune, since none can be better pleased to have any opportunity of SOf'IAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Ill doeing lier aiiy kind of sarvice. I was once fearing Sir Thomas's absence would ol)lidgc Lady JMiiirton to goe and oversee the hering feshing, and so our cumming on Teusday might be unseasonable ; but now since you expect him so soon, I hope notliing will happen to me to deprive me of that pleasure which I long veiy mucli for. As to the manages talked of, 1 Ijelive this day, by Sir Thomas or Walter Hamilton, we shall know if there is any trutli in them. I saw lately two letters from Brodie, since his return from Berwick, wherein he says his jorney there was only to make a visit to the Earle of Deloraine, but tells they had him at Edin Ijurgh maried one week to Mrs. Stuart of Camila, and the next, to Mi-s. Slye, but adds that he was then confined to liis chamber, his eye being almost as badd as when at London, and the same kind of operations to be again made, except the boreing his nose ; so 1 fear it will ])e yet a time before he enter the state of matrimony. By wliat he says of Sir Robert Gordon, it looks very proba1)le his affair may succeed since it apears he is in earnest, l)ut how farr the lady's father may be engaged will take a htle time to know, for it is possible there may in time be a very great fortune, if Innernighty make his peace. I hear nothing of Sir- Hary's progress, ])ut we are every minute expecting to see Sir Thomas, who will tell us all the news. " By all those who pretend to skill, I heai' tlie herring fishing has all apearance (jf l)eiiig very good. 112 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMEK DAYS. wliicli 1 must heartily wish for th(.' good of all con- cerned, but more particularly for my freind Sir Thomas. When that atiair is over, I hope you will all be at leisure to cum here for sum days, which wdll be a \eiy great pleasure to me, wdio always am, with utmost esteem, my dearest, your most faithfull and most aH'ectionate freind and sarvant, " H. GOEDON. " All here make their compliments to you and Lady Muirton." " March '2Stk. "My dearest Feeind, — It is impossible for you to imagine how very great my disapointment was on Tuesday night, wdien I had wdth so much pleasure expected to hear from my dear friend, and found myself balked, the cause of which I could not com- prehend, and in my heart I can never suspect you of the very smallest neglect or unkindness to any, but specialy to one who, next my own, will ever love and value you above all things in the w^orld ; so after passing some anxious hours, my Lord in the morning sent my charming freind's letter to me, which he had forgot, which gave me unspeakable pleasure, and I shall promise you hereafter never to trouble you again with any excuse of any kind ; 1 )ut I truly was so hurried and balled upon by my Lord, to see a dyeing SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 118 gentleman, that I realy fancy I writte nonsense, but kind nonsense I ]io[)e it was, " Yon will now, 1 beliv(^, my dearest, be very agre- ably surprized to hear from Lady Muirton the parti- culars of a treaty of peace, formarly proposed sum houres after we parted with Sir Thomas on Sunday last, which was happyly concluded last night. J term it my forth wedding night, and am hopefull it will be the last 1 shall ever have. As there are many good things, I hope, may attend this reconcilement, there is none, I asure you, more agreable to me than two per- sons l)eing united ^^'llo, I am sure, wish you as well as it is possible ; for my part, ther is no pleasure to me that surpasses what 1 enjoy in the very hopes of being sum time in a pussibility of doeing you the least sarvice— judge you then, my dearest, Avhat would be the eflects if my ^^•ishes coidd turn to a reality. " I have just dune with these two vollumes of novells. You will, I asure you, find the most of them very prety, and as I fancy you wnll not have mutch time to spare that way before Easter, I shall only disier you to read, till that is over. The Force of Freindshipp, which I am sure you will like. I read wdth great pleasure all I can com at upon that sub- ject, that 1 may know^ if any surpasses me in the notions I have of that happy state I am so deeply engaged in with you, without which 1 always must H 114 SOCIAL LIFE iy FORMER DAYS. think life a great burden. The next I would recomend to your reading is The Princess of Cleaves, which you will be charmed with, and where there is admirable examples for all the maried ladys who live in the temptations of this corrupted age. The heroine of this novel] goes through all the strugles, and I think more, than ever Heloise did, and made not the least fallen stepp ; and her Imsljand's is also a most ad- mirable charactar. The next that should follow should be Don Carlos, it being a part of the historys of France and Spain of the same ages. When you have had the pleasure of reading these, I think you will have a mind to begin and read them in course. The first is very prety, but there being many adventures, perhapps you would think it a litle tedious at the first, so I have recomended those I fancy will please your tast, and be a litle diverting, which is what I belive all of uss, in this part of the world, want at times ; but I asure you, as odd as a good part of my life has been since I came to this contrey, I never thought the time apeared tedious to me till I had the happyness of your acquaintance, and the charming satisfaction of enjoying so dear a freindshipp. But judge how it is possible in nature to be content with so very litle of what one loves so very much, but as providence has, no douljt for sum wise and nessesary end, alloted to me a life of mortifications, so belive me this last is a most sensible one ; but I must still live in hopes the SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 115 time will shortly come when we may with more ease and fredom enjoy the pleasures that must tlow from so entire a freindshipp, which will be, my dearest, a happyness beyond expresstion to your most affec- tionate and ever foithfull freind and humble sarvant, '• H. Gordon." '• GoKDON Castle, September \xf.. ■ "My dearest Friend,- You will easily belive how sensibly 1 regret any thing that prevents our meeting, which [ find is put off, 1 believe, to this dav fortnight, if you can at that time part with Lady ^luirton for a litle start, or else it must be sooner, but Lady Thun- derton will l)e j)leased to hear a sermon, and her peats and harvest will be prety well over by that time. By her servant, the bearer of this, 1 send the KiiiM- of Sweden's picture frame, and a litle box with two fidleing new fashioned tipits and a faun, ^vhich 1 hope you will doe me the favour to except. 1 have sent Mrs. Elizal)eth Dunbar of Duffus a f tun a litle more gaudy, but 1 like the Godcss Diana best, so sent it to you : had you been here, you should have chose youi-- self. You know, my dearest, what must always please me best, when you are absent from the person \\\\o loves and values as I doe, so be kind and fail not to lett me hear from you, as often as it is not troublesum to you, I also think Lady Muirton, if she has occa- 116 SOCIAL LIP^E IN FUEMER DAYS. stion to writte, must use the fredom to make use of you for her secretary ; for it is not convenient she doe any thing now that is the least trouble to her. I fancy, before now, you have heard the comicall adven- ture that had like to have happened to us, a litle after I parted from you, occastioned by Captain Gumming haveing made Ned drink at King Edward :^ he came home in the chaise with Arundele in it, to hold him, and his soun to drive, and we ride home in the dark at great leasure, but, thank God, no accident hap- pened ; but when you come here you will laughf at a more particular acount, since I was very like to have had my lodgeing in the fine green place that night. My dearest, you must know with what kindness and tenderness I shall always think of you and look upon your picture : till we meet next I fear I shall not, with my will, part with it, till I get Mr. Alexander to draw an other. I continue, as long as life, my dear, your most faithfuU and ever afiectionate freind and sarvant, " H. Gordon. " My kind sarvice to Sir Thomas. All here send there complements to you all at Muirton." Miss Anne Stuart, niece of Charles, fifth Earl of Moray, dates her letters from Dunibristle, Fifeshire. ' Now called Kinnedar. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 117 She was probably dangliter of Francis, who succeeded, as sixth Earl, on the death of his brother Charles. Lady Anne Stuart, daughter of the sixth Earl, married Stewart of Blairhall, so, on our hypothesis, the lady did not change her name, — a subject on which she had expressed doubts when writing to her friend. " To Mrs. Dunbar, at Muirtou : " To the care of the Postmaster of Forres. " DuNiBRiSTLE, Jan. 28, 1723. " My dear Spouse, — You needed not have given me half so many reasons for your long silence, for I was perswaded it was not forgetfullness in you, but some cause which I waited with impatience to know, and I am so rejoiced when I get a letter from you, that it takes all thoughts away of accuseing you of un- kindness. My Lord has had a fit of the gout, and is not perfictly recovered yet. I hear nothing of our going north this summer, which I am very sorry for. Duke Hamilton is to be married the ()th of Februaryj it being Lady Anne Cochran's birthday ; she is to be married in white velvet trimed with silver. I hear Bracco is going to be married to Lady Mary Mont- gomery, but some say he is going to London. Earle Rothes, it is said, is to marry Lady Isabella Scot, and is to get thirty thousand pounds sterling with her : I wish it may be true, for he wants the money and very well deserves it. Lord Deskford's marriage with. 118 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Drummelier's daughter Is still talked of. They have got an assembley at Edinburgh, where every Thursday they meet and dance from four o'clock to eleven at night : it is half a crown the ticket, and whatever tea, coffee, chocalate, biscuit, &c., they call for, they must pay as the managers direct ; and they are the Countess of Panmure, Lady Newhall, the President's Lady, and the Lady Drummelier. The ministers are preaching against it, and say it will be another horn order : it is an assembley for dancing only. Lord Crighton gave a ball lately, where there was a vast many ladys — Peggie Bell was queen. My fingers are so cold that I cannot hold the pen, as you may see by my write ; so I add no moi'o but that I am, my dear s])0use, your most faithfull affectionate huml)le servant, " Anne Stuart. '* My mother gives her Iiumble service to my Lady Calder. I do the same to all friends at Muirtoun, especially Jamie, my young lover." " DvNiBRiSTLE, May 1, 1723. " My dear Spouse, — I doubt not but by this time you think me very much to blame that has not answered the kind and oblidging letter you write to me about a moneth since, but I declaire solemnly I received it only a few days ago. It is, I believe, the SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 119 carelessness of the post at Aberdeen that occasions our letters to be so long ere we get them. I reckon, my clear spouse, all the ladys in the north have got cocades of willow green for the rich laird : were I not in mourning for Earl Panmure, I would certainly give good example to those in our neighbourhood. This marriage will make me very cautious who I talk slightingly of, least they fall in my own lap, for you may remember I told you what past betwixt that young lady and I at Castle Grant. She did indeed use a good deal of freedom with his person, but I fancy London has given him a better air, together with the possesion of seven thousand pounds a year, which is a very genteel thing, and has a great deal of beauty in it. I suppose you have heard of the death of Earl Linlithgow, Countess of Errol, and Countess of Strathmore. Earl Panmure dyed of a plurasie, which is not ordinary for a man of his age — he was sixty-eight. The Duchess of Hamilton is with child, so is the Countess of Wigton. Lord Crichtoun is making his adresses to Lady Susan Hamilton, but the Duke does not seem to favour it. Lord Blantire is to be married to Lady Catherine Cochran. I am ex- treamly glad of the good agreement in the Duke of Gordon's family ; I wish it may be always so. One would think a man could not wish greater happy- ness than he may find in that fine lady ; and the Duke, in conversation, seems very agreable, but, alais ! 120 SOCIAL LIFE TN FORMER DAYS. they don't see the ehavms tliat is in one another. My Lord and Lady Moray gives you tlieir most kind ser- vice. Pray let me know what is become of JNIrs. Cummin. Give my humble service to all friends at Muirtoun. I ever am, my dear spouse, your's most affectionatelv, Anne Stuart." " Jcni. 10, 1725. "My dear Spouse, — Your kind letters are always most acceptable to me, but none was ever more so than the last, for I very much wanted such a cordial. My spirits were as low as you can immftgin, which you will not be surprised at when I tell you my Lady Morray was so ill at the time, I knew not whether she would dye or live. I am sure you would pitty me on such occasions, did you know my anxiety, and I flatter myself you would sympathize with me, not only out of regard to my Lady, but from friendship to myself. Blissed be God, she is now perfictly well, but she was for many weeks she did not stirr out of her room ; and I must do her the justice to say she never com- plains without reason, nor keeps her room longer than is absolutely necessary : her greatest fault is that she is not carefull enough of her self. There arises great vexations to me from my Lady's bad state of health. The long tract of years she has enjoyed without the lest indisposition, till within this little time, gives me SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 121 the greatest fear \\lieii she takes this fitts of ilhiess, and I were the most iinorratefull creature on earth if my conscern for her were not prodigeously great, for she has been to me, from my cradle, liker a mother than ane uncle s wife ; and the fears of my being dis- apointed of my so much wishd for journey to the north is a vast affliction. I dare not let myself ex- pect that j(Hirney will hold unless my Lady's health were better established, though still my Lord talks of it as a thing certain. You see, my dear, I tell you all my grievances, Init I hope it will go no fiirther, for it is a su1)ject I would write on to no mortal but your- self. Any news I have, I doubt not but you have heard before no\^', unless it be J\lr. Hay Drummelier's marriage with my Lord Blantire's sister. The IMaster of Stormont and Lmernity's daughter are to be married this week ; so of four of five Anne Stuarts that wei'e last winter in town, there remains but me, and 1 know not whither to be ashamed of being behind with those ladys, or proud of keeping memory of that name ; some say the latter, and that I ought to continue so to do, and not follow the example given me, Init I am not as yet positive to follow that advice, and I believe you will think I should not be rash in my resolutions. I rekon you have got a pai'ticulare acount of Major Erskin's marriage, which was the most magnificent that has been in Edinburgh of a great while. The most rcmai'kablc of the bride's cloaths were a crimson 122 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. velvet smoke petecoat, trimecl with a silver or gold arras (I have forgot which), and a cherry sattin hoop. She had three sute of cloaths, viz., a white sattin, a blue podesoy trimmed with scollopt open silver lace above the knee, and a green stuff with gold flower, all very pretty. At Lady Cristian Hamilton's marriage with Sir James Dalrymple, they were all prodigeously fine : Lord Binny's cloaths were fine yellow cloath, richly laced with open silver, wliich was, I think, a comical choice. Mr. Keith, Colonel Keith's son, and Mrs. Peggy Cunninghame have made a runaway mar- riage. I am affraid his fortune is not so good as she might have got, I have been longer in writing to you than I designed, but I waited for Mr. Russle's being the bearer, because that was a surer way than the post. I heartily wish you, and all the good com- pany where you are, a happy new year, and am, my dear Spouse, most sincerely your's, " Anne Stuart." Mrs. Ann Dunbar was known as " Lady Dykeside." Her husband's father had sold Dykeside, in the parish of Birnie, but the family retained the designation. " The Lady Thunderton, '' att DuflFus House. "FoRRTSS, 17 Sept. 1745. "Madam, — I hope the tea came safe as ordered, three pound bohea, one green. The rock indigo was SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 123 all sold to a man in this town before I knew it was come home. There is no news in town. Now for trifels. Mrs. Caiitown and I are very great already. It was a mistake when I wrote you no new fashions ; she has severals, all of which I am to have the look- ing att, and patterns when next we meet. The morn- ing caps are worn extremely full in the border, and full behind. The hair and wiggs still curled. Lady Force's cap, last from Edinburgh, the flowered lawn, the very newest fashion att London. All plain silk night-gowns, worn with different coloured sattens sewed on the breast and sieves, almost like Miss Brodie's yallow gown, but not pucked. Velvet clokes, laced round with black lace, and made a little longer than they are here, and newer than capuhins. Lady Force, Miss Brody, Captain Gumming, and Mr. Sinclair was in this kirk Sunday. They called here, spent an hour agreeably, and all remembered you. The Lady is to be to visit Mrs. Carltown soon. I continue to be, with great regard, dear Madam, your Ladyship's most obedient humble servant, "Ann Dunbar." " To Miss Xkllv Dunbar. " att Duffus House. " FoRRis, 25 December. " My dear Miss, — I rejoice to hear you and all the family are well, and that you are happy in having 124 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. your brother with you this holydays. I long to see every one of you, and assure you, when I have not that pleasure, I often think of you. J\Iay every one of you be as happy as I wish you, and your Papa live to see itt. AVe shall drink all your health att eating the fine goose and pears you send ; in the mean time accept our thanks. Tell your papa that Miss Brodie is to be married, on New Year's day, to Maclod younger, whoe she seems really to be fond of, which surprises every body, as he is not the most charming person in the world, and, till folks saw with their own eyes, everybody supposed itt a match that had more of prudence than love. He is absolutely the ugliest chield I ever saw. They were in town in company with the Lyon, his lady, Sir William Dunbar, and all the Roses, Miss Forbes, the Master of Forbes, Captain Gumming, Jack Sutherland, Grange, Birds- yards, his familie, Tannachie and his, Kinsteary and his. Captain Beekworth and his, and your humble servant, att a grand ball given by an officer here. Miss Brodie looked at her intended spous, not only with liking, but ^\^ith rapture, which all the company observed, pleased to see her happy against their ex- pectations. Ask papa if he will even do us the favour to take a ride this lenth, and tell him none would be fonder to see him. Make offer of our joyned com- pliments to him and all the famiHe. Deliver the en- closed paper carefully to him, and return him thanks SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 1 25 in Mr. Dunbar's name and mine for aJl liis favours. Say we wish liim, and every individual lie has any concern with, a series of happy New Years, and be- lieve me to be, with the greatest affection, my dear little Elfe, your most obedient humble servant, "Ann Dunbak." Margaret Countess of Moray, wife of James, seventh Earl, was daughter of the Earl of Wemyss, and sister of the Countess of Sutherland. " To Miss DuxBAR, " at Mrs. Glase's, Edinburgh. " DuNiBRisi'LE, 21th Maxj 1763. " Dear Nelly, — You have been much more mind- full of my commissions than I have been, for which 1 thank you, for I did not say a word to you by Lady Jane to-day, who is by this time in town ; but my woman Jenny will be in town this week, and then I shall rectifie all mistakes. In the meantime bespeak from Mrs. Fife as much of the green and purple as will trim a gown. She will know the usual quantity, but as I am of the broad and tall growth, she will make and send six yeards more than the comen quantity, \A'ith a dozen and a half or two dozen of tassels. 1 would not have any gimp in them, but just the green and purple silk mixed. Now the sooner this is done the better; and as I will have 126 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOllMEli DAYS. frequent opertunityes of folks in town, I shall always make them call at you. My Lord was (jiute vexed about the very bad day you got. He and 1 hopes you felt no bad effects from it, and will be glad to hear that all at Duffus are well ; and mind our compli- ments to your brother Sandy, who we hope to see when he is at leisure. " I hope Lady Jane Hoine and Mrs. Ratterie and you will continue your acquaintance. They are sen- sible good people both of them ; their cleverness in coijversation, and little turn to railerie, has given them some enymies, but every body that knows them as I do, must like them and will be their friends ; for their smartness is more for funn than mischief, but ever}^ body has not good nature enough to understand them on the right side. A long long intimacie makes me speak from experience of their merits, and the longer you know them you will have the better opi- nion of them. I assure you I have not failed in recommending you to them. " I remember, when here, you mentioned about ride- ing cloaths, and I have made inquirie what has the preference amongst the young ladys that are really riders. I find it is a plain cloth ^^dth a small rope or twist of gold or silver, for tho" the white fustion is cool and pretty for summer they soon loose their good looks, and to have as manny as to wash other, which is the way necessary, comes to more expense than the SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 127 price of the plain cloath one. If I hear of any body that wants a maid I shall certainly not forget J\Irs Glase's friend. The character yon gave nie of hei-, and the good esteem the world allows her, shall always make me very willino- to do aDythino- that is oblieino- to Mrs. Glass, and I shall thank you for puting it in my powei'. Yon tell me of another strong claim to my civillitys, in being related to the Sinclair famih'-, for I assure you I am as clanish as if I had been born be-north the Grampion hills. " I have returned the pretty patterns. They are very neat and well done. I have keept a very little bit of each, in case of any further whims about this said trimino-. " Now, dear Nell, adieu, and bellieve me ever your sincere friend, M : Moray. " Now if my two good friends takes more libertie with you than would come in the way of strangers, remember it is in and through me, for I always think young folks the better of being in an intimate state with elder folks than themselves, even though they do not spare their complexions sometimes. " If your flower-maker has any flowers on hand that you think would suit my wild taste, I will be glad to purchase a few. You may send me a sight of them by the carrier, and the prices, for the incourage- ment of industry." XIX. GENIAL LETTERS. One of the Presbyterian ministers of Elgin was such an enemy to keeping holidays that he searched houses, to prevent the owners from having a Christmas goose — to this Sir Harrie alludes. Mess Jon was pro- bably the Episcopalian clergyman. '• Mr. Archibald Duxbar, " oft' Thundertou, att Elgin. "Innes, Deer. 2.3, 1702. " Dear Archie, — I am not so greatt a fooll as to make ffeasts that wise men may eat them, nor yet so greatt a presbeterian but I can eatt a leg of a goose, and play at umber on yool-day. If you will come out here on Thursday's night, the doctor and you and I shall be as merry as we can, and if you bring Mess Jon with you to be ffool in the ffamilie, and make us laugh, you shall have a revenge off your lost fifteen shilhngs, and mightily oblidge, your obliged friend and humbell servant, Harrie Innes/ " Send me your news 1)y this days post. 1 The Duke of Roxburghe is the direct male desoendoiit of Sir Harrie. The hospitalities of Inne% have been transferred to Floors. SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 12*J " If you have any commands fFor Edinburgh, T am to send ane expresse which will be dispatht this night.'" John Forbes, of Culloden, elder brother of the cele- brated President, was familiarly known as " Squire Bumper." "Sept. 20th, 1705. " Dear Thoundertoun, — I pray God be with you and your distrest lady, which I am fforced to do in this maner, being straitnd with tyme — tyde being be- twixt nyne and ten aclock. If you intend I should have your horse att the pryce I ofifered you last night, viz., a ginea dead arles, and my note fFor ffive hunder marks, payable att Whitesenday seventeen hundred and six, you may take my horse ffrom my boy and send doun yours to Leith, and if other wayes you desyre to dispose off him I wish you good markett, being your intyrely affectionate comrade and most humble servant, Jo. Forbes." " Innes, a iKjust Int, 1711. " Dear Archie, — Culloden and I bid you heartyly welcome home. " I thank you ffor your care of my letters, but wish you had made this your rod. Were my side reco- vered of my horse-fall, and my own, I had seen you I 130 .SOCIAL LIFE JN FOKMEK DAYS. this day ; which also hindered my seeing your chil- dren when I desio-ned. O " CoUoden and I do most earnestlie beg you to take your morning drams with us here Monday morning ; and it is hard to say but either, or Ijoth of us, will convey you a pairt of the way home, if l)otli be able, and perhaps the whole length home. In the mean- tyme satisfie us if there be a battle in fflanders, or not, because it is so told, and, if so, who won, and what other of news you please. We are, dear Archie, your obliged and affection att comrades to serve you, " Hakrie Innes. Jo. Forbes." William Dunl)ar, W.S., w\as a younger son of the Laird of Boath, Nairnshire. " To Alexander Dundar, Esquire, Advocate, " To the care of Ehind and Warren, " Merchants, London. "Boath, Wednesday, Ith SepttmlM-r 1708. " Tho' I have been days in the country, yet an un- interrupted course of visits and card-playing has put it beyond my power to pay that tribute which I owe to you, not only in virtue of a solemn promise, but from the ties of gratitude and esteem which I shall o always endeavour to hold sacred. It is true, indeed, I might have scrawled a few lines in the interval of a rubljer when I happened to cut out, Ijut I know that SUClAl, LIFE IN FUKMKi; DAYS. 131 would not l»e .such u letter as you would expect ; 1)e- side.s, it would Ije shamefully overrated at the value of tenpence. I am afraid even this one will fall undei- that condemnation, for I am not vain enough to imagine that anything, the produce of this Northern clime, can so much as engage the attention of a gen- tleman encii'cled by the splendid allurements of a capital where pleasure springs under every footstep. My sober ambition is to know that you pass your time agreeably, and allow me to assure you I shall feel veiy sensible satisfaction to learn that your pur- poses are fully answered. "Mr. Cosmo Gordon, Jock Lines, and I travelle«l together. I parted from them at the Bridge of Dy, and prosecuted my intentions of joining my friends at Kemnay. During the course of our journey I made repeated observations of the learned counsel, which would not be in any degree new to you, as they were only such as I have often heard you remark formerly. They confirmed my opinion that the designation in the list of jurymen was no less true than droll. The remaining part of my journey furnished nothing- worthy of notice, except Miss Mary Burnett, who, 1 will venture to say, would l)e accounted handsome even at Vauxhall or 'Raneleigh' — (I fear not right spelled). At Hatton Lodge I fell in with young Knockando, accompanied by an old college acquaint- ance of your's called Bean. This gentleman went out 132 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOllMER DAYS. to IndLa in 1761, and is already said to have accumu lated ten thousand pounds sterling ; notwithstanding of which I thought him a i)uppie, and d forward in prating. We found tlie noble family at Cullen House emerged from the cloud of melancholy whicli lately hung upon them. Lord Deskford appeared to me like the ghost of Tenducie — tall, meagre, feeble. Were he like the Italian in every respect, Te Deum might be sung in Erse along the banks of the Spey ; but that prospect seems to have evanished, as it is thought a short while will restore the young Loi'd to health and vigour, after which it will be necessary that he marry. I had the honour of a second inter- view with our Advocate -Depute on my getting on to Fochabers. I touched the lips of his fair sisters, and ate some very good bread and butter. Dr. Levingston of Aberdeen is in attendance at Gordon Castle to in- troduce to the world a young Marquis or a Lady, perhaps both — for the Duchess is prodigiously l)ig. The young Commissary and his Clei-k were tlie only acquaintances I saw at Elgin. Many enquiries were made al)out you. Chittock's fame and intrepidity were extoled at great length l)y the young Provost, and he said his father had no doubt l)ut that your's would be restored to perfect health, and return to pass his days in tranquility at Dufi'us. " I saw George Ogilvie, Advocate, at Nairn yester- day, on his way to Inverness. There is no other SOCIAL LIFE IN FOlt.MEK DAYS. 133 youngster upon this Circuit, and. for ought that I can learn, very little business. All the prisoners made their escape from the jail at Inverness, so the Lord Pitfour will have the trouble only of ffugitation, and reprimanding the magistrates. Ogilvie told me there would be one trial on criminal letters, where it seems the prisoner had been liberate on bail. He is to figure away to the jury, and begged I might go with him, but I declined. Never were such speeches, it is said, as this young counsel made about the end of last Session, and yet you or I heard nothing of them, although then upon the spot. However, they were echoed to the North by the I^ords Kaims and Pitfour in letters to. Lord Finlater. His Lordship asked me at Cullen what I thought of Mr. Ogilvie's appearance. I answered I had heard of no public appearance, but defending his annexa. My Lord looked surprised. I was no less so. How the hero behaves at Inverness shall be the subject of another letter, as I intend to go in to-morrow. " I hope it is quite unnecessary for me to assure you with what readiness I would execute any com- mands you may have in this or the eastern part of the country. I have time and horses at command, and you know I will not be wanting in inclination. Believe me to be, with the greatest regard, and affec- tion, my dear kSandie, your sincere friend and obedient servant. Will. Dunbar. l.'U SOCIAL LIFK IX FOi;.MI::U DAYS. " N.B. — JMiiiiit you not iiivc iiic an ordur for one (»r otlicr of your pointers 'i 1 will not make a demand on Brcjdir, not even for the |)rivileay you and her Ladyship my personal respects. But, if I li\e, I am determined it shall not l)e full three years. " I have at last read over tlie proof, and am oljliged to allow our friend, the bailie, all possible merit as a partisan in the predatory war, which he has had the conduct of, and in which, had not Providence been upon our side, I plainly perceive my Regulars must have been totally discomfitted, both from the natural difficulty of the ground, and their not having so thorough a knowledge of the country. Indeed, by SOCIAL LIFE IN FOIIMER DAYS. 135 my health not permitting me to be present, my opo- nents ]iad every advantage they could have wished or desired, though after all, I think it will not niueli avail them, as the main points I go for, are fully estab- lished, and I cannot help thinking that Mr. will find, in the end, that before he broke ground he should have sent me a friendly summons to ca].)itulate, in which case I would have surrendered upon mucli easier terms than can now be expected. ' I grant his foreign imports firesh ami fair, Wiiat I comijlaiii of is his honiesjjnn ware — His manners, principles, and length of ear, Which make him prey on those he should re\('r('. To take a goose or duck were no great matter ; But this marauder steals both land and water. If such a fox your toils should come within, Would you not hang him first — tlien stuff his skin I When thus prepar'd — he — wc a nuisance call — Might serve to gi'ace the portal of a hall.' " I thought these few Imes, which I lately found in an old manuscript, were not inapplicable to the pre- sent subject, and might help to warm and divert my Mend in one of his cold fits. " Wishing ti3 know that Lady Dunbar is on the way of recovery, I remain, dear Sir, your most obedient and much obliged humlile servant, " Will. Gordon." 13G SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Glowing description : — " Sir Alexandeu Dunbau. Bart. " Banff, 2mh Beer. 1783. " Sir, — Mr. Reid called on me this evening with a proposal of letting you see my violin, and on terms of parting with her. I have sent her, per the bearer, from the consideration that it were pity not to gratify a musical genius of your extensive knowledge with such an easy granted request. " She is an old one — Italian — and the original price, as I am informed, was ten pounds. She has been well cared for. The breast has been oflf, from what cause I know not — but ever since, she has sustained a very good character. From Wales I got her for another violin, and a considerable balance, as he stood in need of a little ready cash. Perhaps the new tenor and treble may not (merely on account of the newness) at first touch emit such a fine liody of tone, but a few strokes of the bow will remove that inconveniency. The counter has never pleased me like the counter I first got her with, which was very mellow. We have no assortment of strings here. Her present counter is mis-sized, but you can try her with another size if you have any by you. " I shall say nothing more as to the merits of the instrument ; your own knowledge of music will per- fectly well enable you to ascertain her value ; — and tho' I would not choose to part with her under value, SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 13' yet if you wish to have her, you would let me know what you would willingly give for her. I own she came to me under her original value, but not a very great deal ; and as I esteem her for being w^U- toned and mellow, as well as for being easy to stop, you may believe I will be the more reluctant to part with her. " I fancy you play the psaltery too. Sir. I have got an uncommon (I believe I may call it new invented, as I was the first in this country who thought of get- ting such an instrument made,) instrument, which, by partaking lioth of the nature of the violin and psaltery, becomes a kind of psaltero-violin. Its strings are therm — tuned thus — E A E A E o o to m CD •I— I and is capable of producing a most prodigious variety of chords, owing to the manner of compounding the open strings. " Now, Sir, you may please let me hear from you per the bearer ; and I am, Sir, most respectfully, your most obedient humble servant, AVill. Smith." XX. YOUNGER SONv'^. Before the acquisition of onr Indian Empire, [ind our numerous Colonial conquests, it was thought by no means derogatory to the diguity of families that younger sons should enter into trade, and even per- form, in some instances, manual labour. Sir Ludovic Gordon, the Premier Baronet of Scot land, as grandson paternally of the Earl of Sutherland, was a direct descendant of the Princess Margaret,^ daughter of King Robert the Bruce : — " Thir Indentors, made at Edinburgh the tfour- teentli day of August Jajvic thre scoir twell yeirs (1672), in themsells proports, and beh's leill and south- fast witnessing that it is appoynted, agreed, and fiinalhe ended betwix the pairties following — to wit, Mr. Robert Blaikwood, merchand burges of Edinburgh, on the ane pairt, and George Gordoun, sone laufull to Sir Lodovick Gordoun of Gordounstoun, Knight Bar- ronett, with the speciall advyse and consent of his said ^ The rrincess married Willi.im. fourth Earl of Sutherland. SOCIAL LIFE [X FORMEK DAYS. 139 father, and the said Sir Lodoviek Gordoim for himselti'. and takand the burthen in and upon him for the said George Gordoun, and as caiitoner and suertie for him for fullfilling of his pairt of tbir present indentors underwrettcn, on the other pairt ; in maner, forme, and effect as efter foHowes : That is to say, tlie said George Gordoun, with ad\yce and consent forsaid, is l)ecome, and, ])e the tenor heirof, becomes bound prenteise and servand to the said Mr. Eoljert Bhiik- wood to his airt aixl trade of merchandizeing, and tiiat for all the dayes, space, yeirs, and terms of ffyve yeirs nixt and immediatly following his entrie tlierto, which shall l)e, and, God willing, Ijegin the day and date hereof ; dureing the which space the said George Gordoun binds and obleisses him, be the faith and trueth of his bodie, to serve the said Mr. Eobert Blaik- wood, his master, leallie and truelie, night and day, holyday nnd workday, iii all things godlie and honest ; and shall not know nor heire of his said masters skaitli dureing the space forsaid, but shall reveill the samen to him and remied it to his power ; and shall not absent himselif from his said masters service, at noe tyme dureing the space contained in thir indentors, without the speciall lisence of his said master had and obtained to that effect ; and if he does in the contrar, he obleisses him to serve his said master tuo dayes, for ilk daye's absense, efter the expyreing of thir in- dentors ; and shall refund, content, and pay to his said 140 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. master tuo pennies for ilk pennies loss that bis said master beis damnified, in bis default, dureing tbe space forsaid : and if it sball bappen tbe said George Gor- doun (as God forbid) to coniitt tbe filtbie crymes of fornicatione or adulterie at any tyme during tbe space conteined in tbir indentors, in tliat case be faitbfuUie binds and oljleisses bini to serve tbe said JNIr. Rol)ert Blaikwood, bis master, tbre yeares, efter tbe expyreing of tbir indentors, in tbe same estate as if be wer bound prenteise as said is : and for tbe said George Gordoun bis lawfulie remaineing and fuUfiUing of tbe premisses, the said Sir Lodovick Gordoun, be the tenor hereof, becomes bound and obleissed as cautoner and suertie for him. Lykeas the said Mr. Robert Blaikwood faitb- fuUie binds and obleisses him to ken, learne, teatch, and instruct the said George Gordoun, his prenteise, in all tbe poynts, pratiqes, and ingynes of bis said airt and trade of merchandizeing, and that alsweill without as within the cuntrie ; and shall not byd nor conceill no poynt nor pratiqe thereof from him, but sball doe bis utter and exact diligencie to caus him conceave, learne, and understand the samen, in so far as be is able or can doe himselfi"; and shall furnish and sustain tbe said George Gordoun, his prenteise, suffecentlie at bed and boord dureing the space mentioned in tbir inden- tors, according to the estate of siclyke ane prenteise ; and also the said Mr. Robert Blaikwood binds and obleisses bim to send, or take with him, tbe said 80(J1AL LIFE IK FUilMEU DAYS. 141 George Gordoiin, his prenteise, once to London and once to Holland befor the expyreing of thir inden- tors, and that upon the said Mr. Robert his own proper charges and expensses. For the whilks causses the said Sir Lodovick Gordoun has instantlie con- tented payed, and thankfullie delyvered, to the said Mr. Eobert Blaikwood, in name of prenteise ffie with the said George Gordoun, ane certane soum of money, wherof the said Robert grants the recept and holds him Weill satisfied, and, for him and his airs and suc- cessors, exoners and simplie discharges the saids Sir Lodovick and George Gordouns, their airs, executors, and all uther whom it effeirs, therof for ever, re nuncand all exceptiones whatsomever in the contrar. And finallie, the said Mr. Robert Blaikwood binds and obliesses him to book the said George Gordoun his prenteise in the Gild Court books of Edinburgh, within fourtie dayes nixt efter the date of thir inden- tors, under the paines conteined in the act and ordor of the Counsill, of date the first daye of ffebruary 1656 yeirs. Consenting thir presents be insert and registrat in any register compitent, that letters of horning on sex dayes, and other executione neidfull in forme as effeirs, may pas therupon, and for that effect constituting thir prors. In witnes wherof (wrettin be Thomas Pirrie, writter in Edin- burgh,) both pairties have subscryved thir presents with their hands, day, month, place, yeare of God 142 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. forsaid, liefor tliir witnesses, Mi*. R(jbert Gordoiii), brotlier-german to the said ISir Lodovick Gordoun, John Trotter, merchand burges of Edinburgh, and th(^ said Thojnas Pirrie. R. Blackwood, George Gordon. " Ro. Gordone, witnes. Lodv: Gordon. To. Trotter, wittnes. T. Pirrie, ivifiie.'^.'" From his not having served the three additional years, we infer that it did not " hnj^pen the said George Gordoun to comitt the filthie crymes" men- tioned in the " indentors." " Be it keind to all men by these presents that wheras the within written Georg Gordon did truly and faithfully serve me the whole time of the within written indentors, and perform the haile oblessments therof; therforr wit me to halve exonared and dis- charged (lykas I he the tennor lieirof exouors and dis- charges) him of the said indentors, and Sir Lodovick Gordon of Gordonstouu, his hither and cautoner, for now nnd ever. In witnesse wlierof I have wretten and subscryved this, at Edinburgh, this fourth of De- cember Jajvic seventie eight yeares (KITS). •' R. Blackwood." SOCIAL LIFE IN F01{ME1{ DAYS. 14?) Guineas and Cadi toll were two of the ])rin('ip;il families of the Macleod clan. The Dumbreaks long possessed the estate of Orton on the banks oi the Spey. • To Mr. Akcuhald Dinhai;, ■' of Thundertouii, at Duffus. "iNVEKNliS, 28/// X<>'\ 171-2. " Sir,— The bearer, William M'Leod, a joiiu^r to his imployment, burges and frieman heir, that lived at this place about a year and half, following his trade, that served his apprentesship at Edinburgh, and thrie yeares a journeyman at London; he is a brother of Donald M'liCod of Geanies, and coosein german of Catbolls, and, as I understand, is in tearmes of mari- adge with our coosin Christian Dumbrek, and goes east your lenth of purpose to have your consent and countenance, and proposes nothing else, as he tells me, but a good wyfe and friends by her. This is all I have to trouble you with, not doubting of your ci\dlitie to him ; and, with the tender of my (nvn and spouse's humble duty to yourself and children, I i\t main, Sir, your atiectionat cooseine and obleidged servant, Ja. Dunbae." XXI. WHOLESALE MERCHANTS. The export and import trade of tlie Nortli of Scot- land, about two hundred years ago, was very consider- able. An Elgin firm, consisting of Sir James Calder of Muirtown, William King of Newmiln, and others, carried on a most extensive business. So early as 167G, we find them exporting bear and malt to Bor- deaux and Drontone, and from thence importing large quantities of wine and brandy — the postage connected with the outward and homeward voyage amounting to twenty-five shillings sterling. Good bills on Elgin and Invernees were, in 1692, remitted from Rotterdam, where " our country product, viz., best Aberdeins pladin, Elgin pladin, allmed letlier, salmond, tallow, winter foxes, otters, old brass, and old copper," were gener- ally in demand. To more fully elucidate the business transactions of the firm, we give copies of several of their papers. Charter party, 1685 : — " At Findhorn, the eighten day off" February Jajvjc and eightie fyve yeirs (1685). It is condescended .SOCIAL LIFE K\ FOUMEll DAYS. 145 betxt the parties rtuloiiiiig, that is to .say, 1)0 James C^alder of j\riui-toiiii, and AVilliam Kino;, inarchauts in Elgin, on the one pairt, an, 002 lb. cloves; 2 lb. nutmuggs. Pack the V)lack piper, mace, cloves, nuttmugs, and cannell in ane cask, with some suggar and anise seeds. 100 111. rice, such as uses to come to this countrey, packt in ane cask. A hundered thousand couutrey needles, of the greatest sort, about fourteen sty^•ers the thousand. Three peece niuslen, wherof one fyne stript about thirty six gilders the peece ; one peece at thirty ; anotlier at twenty-eight. 50 lb. weight camels' hair, wlierof 30 lb. black, 1-") 11). wliite, and 5 lb. gold colour. Four peeces mowrning creapp, about four styvers the Dutch elne. Five dozen hatts of the newest fashione, and of severall sizes, all black ; the one half about three gilders the peece, and the other half at three gilders three styvers; all packt in ane tuht cask, flour alms white Eenish wine, not exceeding seventeen dollars per alme ; and lett it be of the last yeares vintage. Six hogsheadds good clear hard Seek, of ane good bodie, in strong casks. Six casks tobacco, that is good and fresh for this conn trey's use, in the largest cask yee can ; have none of them under nine hundred weight. Hour barrells single pypes. Mynd the ffrench wynes, according to our letter. Mark all the casks and matts thus, WK, numbrcd that we may know, be the number, what goods is in each cask. Wee doe earnestlie intreat you send us good casks, that they may bo off use to us afterwards." 150 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. Printed bill of lading, 1694. It is embellished by a shield, with armorial bearings, below wliich notice is given that such forms were " Sold at Rotterdam by the Widdow of Mathijs Wagens, dwelling upon the Blaeck by the Fischmarket : " — " Shipped, 1)y the grace of God, in good order and wel conditioned, 1)y [William King, Sir James ('alder, and Partners^ |, in and upon the good sliip called the [Ludovick and William of fHndhorne], whereof is master, under God, for this ])resent voyage, [James Young], and now riding at ankor in the [river of ffindhorne], and, l)y God's grace, bound for [the har- bour of Camphere in Zealland], to say [the number of three hundred and n3meteen barrels of l)eefF, ffyve barrells of tongues, and fourtie three and a half bar- rells tallow], being mai'ked and numbred ns in the margent, and are to be delivred in the like good order and well conditioned, at the aforesaid port of [Cam- phere in Zealland], the danger of the seas only ex- cepted, unto [the said Sir James Calder and William King], or to [thir] assignes, lie or they paying fraight for the said goods, [according to the charter partie], with primage and avarage accustomed. In witnesse whereof, the master or purser of the said ship hath affirmed to three bils of lading, all of this tenor and date, the one of which three bils being accomplished, ' Tin; words within ln-at-ki^ts were written. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 151 the other two to stand void. And so God send the good shipp to her desired port in Stafety, Amen. Dated in [ffindhorne, the 20 day of February 1694 yeares]." The Custom-dues on wine and salt :~ " I, William King, Provist of Elging, grant me be thir presents to be justlie resting and owing to Sii" Archbald Muire of Thorntoun, Sir John Shaw of Grin- ock, and John Howstone, younger of that like, prin- cipal tacksmen of his Majesties Custom es and foraigne excise, the soum of two thousand one hundred and sixtie eight punds Scots mouie, and that for the excise of five hundred and sixtie boals bay salt, Litligow meassur, and twentie nine tuns elarat and white wine, imported be me, and partiners, in the Prophat Jonas of Lunden, Cristian Andersone, master, from St, Abastins, conform to my two subscrived entries, for cargo and portadge, att ffindhorn the seventeeth of June last, which sowme of two thousand one hundred and sixtie eight punds Scots fforsaid, I bind and obledge me, my aires, exektors, and successors, to content, pay, and deliver to the saids Sir Archbald Muire of Thorntoun, Sir John Shaw of Grinok, and John Howston, younger of that like, their aires, exektors, or asigns, or to John Crauford, the collecter att Invernes, precislie againe li"2 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. the .seventeen day of DecemlxT nixt to come, anno present, l)ut longer delay, with the sownic of seven hundred and twentie pinids, monie forsaid, of liquidat expenss in caise of failie, and annua Irent after the said tearni of payment during the nly begg leave, for my own defence and vindication, to justifie my conduct in severall of the contraverted articles ; liopeing your justice will agree tlierto, when I give reasonable evi- dence therfor, '•' The first article contraverted, being the manten- ance of the horse and servant at Elgin, it is answered that the raesone of my stay at Elgin for some time after the Council's Act, was not only the long time wliich the writting of the letters took up, but also ane excessive storme which for many weeks lay at that time, and the horse, being bought immediatly upon the Councils Act, behooved to be maintained and to have a servant to take care of him, since it is not to be supposed 1 could waite on him my selfe. " To the nixt article of the boot of the horse ex- changed, it is answered that the exchanging of the horse w^as meer necessity and not choise, for, by sick- ness, he was turned so low he would not serve my turne, wherby I behooved to have another. The articles of the saddle, comb, l)rush, and clockbag, these were, all, things which could not be wanted to a journeying man, and are readie to be given in to the Town's use, since they were bought and used for their service. " As to tlie servant's wages and cloathes, I answer there was a necessity for mee to have a servant to runn with me in such ane indirect journey, and I 168 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. could not but give servant-fees and cloatlies, so that I am pers waded upon second thoughts that article will be found als resonable as any in all my accompt. " As to the writting and number of the letters so much quarrelled, I answer that that method was judged be the, then, Magistrates to be the most pro- per way to address noblemen and gentlemen, and I humbly conceive that the Magistrates signing these letters, does sufficiently vindicate mee from any fault in that point ; and that I paid the whole money charged, is clear by Alexr. Christie's recept ; and since I could not carry the whole number of letters my selfe, was oblidged to send part therof he Alexander Bawer, to Edinburgh, before mee. " My charges at Banff was no wayes unnecessary, beino; occasioned throuoh the waitino- on the Mao-is- trates there, and staying for Mr. James Urquhart, who was out of town. " To the three quarreled articles of my stay at Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, I answer as fol- lows, viz. : — when I came to Aberdeen I made appli- cation to the Provost, who promised to aquaint the Councill of my busines, first Councill day, but, before that hapned, the oath of abjuration being enacted by the Parliament did stumble severall of the members, so that for severall weeks there was no meeting of o Councill, which forced mee to a tedious attendance there ; and when the Councill mett I could procure SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 169 nothing from their puhlick, but tooke another method of accosting particuhir persons by the means of my friends, and soliciting the Deacons, which consumed a great deal of time ; and tlio the event did not anser expectation, it was not for want of dilligence and apHcation on my parte. " My stay and time at Glasgow was occasioned by the diversity of persons in publick trust, to whom I behooved necessarly to address myselfe — namely, first, to the Provost, who advised me to speak to each Baillie and Councellor, which I accordingly did, and my liusines was not determined the first Council-day ; nixt, I was advised by the Dean of Gild, in my appli- cation to the merchants house, to speak severally to the members before they mett, which I did ; and, lastlie, was advised by the Deacon Conviner to speak to the Deacons old and new, who took very much time to consult with their severall trades. So all this beino- o ])ut })reparative to the receiving of money, was the most prudent and profitable way I could take, which made the receiving of the money take up but litle time afterwards. " My stay at Edinburgh was occasioned by these causes : first, it was three weeks' time before the Council's order could be procured on the Chamber- lau ; and, nixt, it was many dayes after, e're he payed the money. I was at much paines, not only with the Dean of Faculty and advocats, 1)ut with the trades, 170 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. as Mr. Coiiper and Deacon Anderson know very well ; and I left no stone unturned to come speed there, and, I believe, Mr. Couper's letter, written to the Councill, doetli sufficiently justifie my management while at Edinburgh. " It would 1)0 tedious to putt into wiitt the causes of my stay at Montrose, Aberbrothock, and Dundee, but I am ready to satisfie the Council l)y word of mouth. " My returne to Aberdeen was no wayes unneces- sary ; for, first, I could not cross the Cairn, for snow ; and, nixt, I received money from the Old Town Col- ledge and from my Lord Daskford, in my return that way ; as also, returned ane letter, from the Magistrates of Banff, containing ane assignment to a collection of theiis here ; and some others subscreivecl my book, which is yett to be seen. " In generall, I answer, to the haill other articles, that my charges were no Avayes extra wagant, and are what, I belive, few privat men could trawell cheaper ; and if it be considered what circles and turns I was obhged to make in such a journey, — sometimes stopt by bad weather, other times by sickness, and very often by disappointments, and the confusion occasioned by the Invasion, it will not be wondred the affair took up so much time. "And wlieras the report of the Committee doetli allow mee no charges, where I stayed at ane gentle- SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. I7l man's house all uiglit, I answer it is only stated for the expense of that day, and that, whither I lived gratis at night or not, I behooved to have something all day." Mr. Eobertson gave in his petition about the year 1715, we think : — ■ " To the Honourable the Provost, Bailies, and Councell of Elgine, the Petition of Mr Wiliam Robertson, Master of the Grammar School of Elgine : " Humbly Sheweth, " That 1 have been two severall presbytry dayes (;on veined before the presbytry of Elgine, to subscribe the Confession of Faith ; and, although at the first presbytry, they allowed me a time to advise there- anent, yet, at the last presbytry, when I offered to give in, in write, some scruples I had against severall articles of the said Confession, which I could not com- ply with in point of conscience (and so till they should satisfe me thereanent, 1 could not subs(nibe the said Confession of Faith as the confession of my faith, unless I had acted the part of a very great hypocrite), they would not hear any of my scruples, nor enter upon giving me satisfaction thernent, but would pro- ceed as far as they could to depose me from being schoolmaster. And seeing the presbytry of Elgine are dealing more rigorously with me than with any of 172 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. my predecessors, sdioolmasters here (neither of whom ever subscribed the said C^onfession of Faith), and that, I am informed, they are to use the utmost of their power and law to get me deposed from being schoolmaster of Elgin, therefore, and for preventing of the Honourable the Magistrals and Councel of Elgme their being at pains and expenses, in main- taining and defending me in the possession of the school of Elgin and benefices thereof, I do by these, (with all deference and love to the Honourable Burgh, and hail members thereof, and with regret that I should have been placed amongst so good and worthie a society, and yet oblidged to leave them when, in conscience, I cannot comply with that which I think not just) willingly and freely, from this dale for- ward, renounce all interest and right I have or had, as l)eino; schoolmaster of Elo;in, to and in favours of the Magistrals and Councell of Elgine and their successors in office. " May it therefore please your Honors to accept of this my renounciation, and provide for yourselves such a qualified schoolmaster as may please the Burgh, and presbytry, of Elgin ; and I ever am, " Right Honourable, " Your most obedient humble servant, " Wm. Robertson." SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 173 Free trade not approved of by the Elgin autliu- rities : — '' To Arcuibald Dunbar of Newtou, Esq. " Elgin, 'IWk March 1738. " Sir, — There is a comphiint given in to us, by onr ffiscall and taxman of our pettie Customs, against the fishers in Burghsea, Cousea, and Stotfield, for their selling of lish without bringing the same to the fish mercate of Elgin and making off'er of them to the Guildry ; and, as our predecessors in ofiice have been, time out of mind, by virtue of charters firom the Crown, in use and wont to judge in such complaints, either at Burghsea, Cousea, or Stotfield, so we have wrote you this, to acquaint you that wee are to judge in this complaint upon Wednesday next, the twenty- second current, and to hear partys therupon at Burgsea, when and where you will be very wellcome to see your people gett justice. We are. Sir, your most humble servants, the Provost and Baillies of Elgin, " Ja : Innes. James Stephen. Will. Anderson. George Wilson, Senior. George Wilson, Junior." 174 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Preventive measures :■ — " To Sir Alkx. Dunbar, Baronett, Duifus. " Elgin, 1th January 1783. " Sir, — At tlie desire of tlie Magistrates, Council, and Incorporations of Elgin, and l)y their authority, I use the freedome of applying to you for your farms,^ for the support of the inhabitants of Elgin, as there is appearance of scarcity in the country, and they wish to secure some supplys, and guard against any want. They therefore request, that you will say, nearly, what quantity of meal, hear, or oats you can spare them ; and the lowest price ; and your payments shall be good I have the honour to be, for the magistrates of Elgin, Sii*, your most obedient and most humble servant, Geo. Brown, Provost." 1 The word " farms" ofteu meant the grain paid as rent to the jjro- jnietor of an estate. XXIV. INCORPOKATED TRADES OF ELGIN. The tradesmen, or crafts, in Elgin, were long kept in a kind of serfdom by the Magistrates of the town. About the year 1675, however, they placed the regula- tion of their affairs in the hands of " Deacons" chosen by themselves : — " For their much honored and very loving neighbour!;;, The Provost and Bailzies off Inverness. " ElCxIN, 25th October 1675. " Much honored and loveing nighbours, — Yours we received, dated the twentie-third of October in- stant, ^^•llairin you desyre the double of ane condi- scendance, past betwixt the CounseU and the crafts of the said burgh, anent deaconrie ; as also, ane double of ane late condiscendance, and the back bond from them to the Counsel!, upon their deportment to the Magis- trates and Counsel]. As for anser theirto, you shall know their was never any generall, or particular, con- discendance, betwixt us and them, that might doe pre- judice to magistracie or gildrie in any burgh, far less to us. Only, in respect of the multiplicitie of crafts- men, inhabiting within this burgh, which are our 176 SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. greatest numbers (we haveing no great trade of mer- chandising be sea or land), we passied to lett them have some order amongst themselves for regulating of their crafts ; who hitherto have carried so civillie, that in all their just interests they have not been troublesome to us, which is the only true accompt we can give to you, much honored. " Your loveing freinds and neighbours to serve yow, " The Provost and Bailzies of Elgin. " Subscryved be our Clerk of Court at our command (the Provest being unweill). " Jo. Chalmers, Clh" " Much honored, — I am ordered to show you that any articles of agriement that first was made with the crafts, was shortlie therafter declared null, be reason of some miscariages of theirs, and no agrement past since that tyme. Jo. Chalmers, Clk." Probably on account of the " miscariages," the crafts were prevented from holding meetings where the Pro- vost and Bailies had jurisdiction. The old kirk at the Greyfriars, still a beautiful ruin, seems not to have been repaired. It was converted into a mausoleum by William King of Newmiln, who purchased the property from the heirs of John Patersone, Bishop of Koss. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 177 "Att Elgin the twentie-two day of fFel^ruaiy six- teen hiuidered and scventie-six yearcs, in presence of James Clialmer, younger, Deacon Conveener of the Crafts of the said burgh, Gavin Watsone, deacon of the glovers, Walter Smith, of the hamermen, Alex- ander Winchester, of the talzors, Thomas Geddes, of the square wrights, John Purse, of the wyvers, and Leonard Peddie, deacon of the shoomakers of the said burgh. " The said day the Deacon Conveener and deacons of the crafts, above named, having obteined for them- selves, ther respective crafts, and their sucessors, ffrom the Eight Reverend ffather in God, John, be the mercie of the same. Lord Bishop of Posse, here- table proprietar of that mannor-place, with the per- tinents therof, lyaiid on the south syde of the burgh of Elgin, comonlie called the Grayffriars, the libertie, use, and attolerance of the old Kirk, pertining to the said mannor, called the Grayfriar Kirk; with power to the said crafts to build and repau' the same, or anie part therof, as they shall find niedfull, and to make use of the same for their counscll and meeting place, to all intents and purposes relating to civill affaires onlie, as the attoUerance granted be the said reverend father to the said crafts, of the date the fortenth day of ffebruary instant, in itselfe at more length beares. And becaus the said Reverend ffather has, out of his Lordship's meere kyndnes, favor, and M 178 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. guiclwill, grantedtlie forsaid attoUerance to the forsaid crafts, therfore they obleise them, and ther sucessors, to remove from, and leave void and red, the forsaid kirk, called the Grayfrier Kirk, in alse guid case as the same is at present, and that at any tyme or terme it shall please the said reverend father, or his Lord- ship's aires, assinees, and sucessors, to require them to that effect, upon ffourtie dayes premonitione. "Extract out of the book of the crafts and ordi- nances of the Deacon Conveener of the Crafts of tlie Ijurgli of Elo'in. "Ja. Chalmer, Conveener. Jo. Muirsone, Clk. to the Crafts of Elgin." XXV. AN INVERNESS BAILIE'S ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE. Caution on the delicate subject of a j)r()jected matrimonial alliance : — ■ For liis Worthic, Estciued, Good ffriud, " Jami:;s Dlnu.vk, Mcrchand inii Tiivcrncss. " RosEUALL, this 1th of Januarii 1070. "Bailie James, — Knowing ye are my frind, and presuming upon experince of former curtisis, I mak bold with yow to requist this favor off yow, in behallff of a frind of myn, that ye wold tak your owen secret and prudentiall way, to be trewly informd how James Robertson was lefft be his umqll (late) father ; what liis father was ; whither what he had was his owcii pur chas, or lefft him by liis parants ; iff he was in burding when he deied, aitlier by his owen contracting or cationre for frinds ; how he lefft his wyff and childring provoyded ; who exersd the ofece off executor, and how it is discharge! ; how^ this yowng man hatli de- mend himselff since his father's deth ; wdiat childring ther is besyds himsellff ; what he was realy lefft to be his father, and how he hath iniproven it since his detli ; 180 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. what his mother lyff- rents, and iff shee l)e securd and satisfyd therin, and of the points off movabls ; what her nem is, and who's dochter ; iff he hath beine in sute of aney other Ijefor, and what terms was offred or desird ; what his father, and also him sellff, folowd in ordinary imployment and treding ; what thos tenne- ments ar that he hath, and how they ar imployd ; what thcr rent may be worth besyd what is his mother's lyff- rent ; what is reported he hath besyds, and off his owen pmxhas, and how he is to bestow it or lay it forth. Bailie, its likly ye know much of this yer sellff, but what ye know not, I pray you, in as grytt secresie as can be, inform yer sellff, and be at pains to give me ane particidar acompt. I doe not quistion but the young man mit l)e ingeneus to satisfye me him sellff", and I could trust his owen word ; but not thinking it fitt to intertine him with interagats, and heaving the happenes of yor good acquantance, resolvid, for my owen and others, hir frinds, satisfaction, to lay the truble heroff upon you; knowing, as ye are wise, will wisly goe about it. Be intreted, lett no bodey know off it ; butt when ye heave perusd the leter l3urn it. The young woman he seeks for is Lilias, my wyff's sister's dochter, that is with, dear Bailie, yor afecteonat reall frind, Will. Bailie. " Pray let not the bcrer know his erand to you, and dispatch him so sune as posible. If ye wold favor me SOCIAL LIFE IN FOIIMER DAYS. 181 with what ye know of his iiatiual iiiclinatioDS, his Cristian way, and conyorse, ye wold giytly oblidg me, for if that be good, some want as to the other wold he the easir past." Answer to the above : — " Invernes, 26th Januanj 1G7G. " Sir, — Yors I rcceayed, and has considered the con- tents therof. For answer, I cannot in ane short tyme give yow so particullar and exack acompt of that gen- tleman as you desyre, onlie of what I know, I shall, as foUowes :— Ist, His father dyed one of the bailies of tills brugh, ane gentleman of good credit and respect, and most of what he haid was his owin purchass, as I am informed. 2d, As to his burdin when he dyed, I heard litle or nothing of it, of his owin contracting ; and as cationcr for his freinds, I know no freind heir he would engaidge for, but such as were in good con- ditione, so that he nor his could suffer no loss therby. 2>d, As to the provisione of his wyf and children, and how they were left, of that I cannot give ane accompt, but, as I am informed, ther was no provisione to the children but what James pleases , and as to his wyfe, she is infeft Imt in one tenement of land. Uldie, Know that James did enter det, and how it is dis- charged I know not. 5thlie, As to his cariadge since his father's death, I know nothing, nor heard, but that lie has demend himself Christianlie and soberlie, and 182 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. is of ane frugall and vertous dispositione. Gthlie, As to the cliildren, they are two hoys besyds him, but no daughters. 7thlie, As to his mother's name, it is Margrat Patirsone, daughter to ane tonne's man heir, whom 1 did not know. Sthlie, As to his being in suite of ane other befor, that I heard nothing of. 9thl{e, as to what was his father's, and his owin, ordi- nare imployment, his father was ane merchent, and therafter turned ane labourer, wictuall luiyer, and keeped ane malt kilne, which implojonent liis sone followeth, being the onlie best with uss in this place. lOthlie, as to these tenements he hath, I cannot give ane particular accompt what they are worth or what rent they pay, but sure I am they are consideral)le, and he improvs them to the best, llthlie, As to what he has besyds, as to that I cannot give ane accompt, only that he is in credit and folows his imployment. This is the greatest acompt I can give at the time ; only that, in my judgement, ane gentlewoman may like Weill to be his wyfe, havcing the blissing of God. I add no forder, but that I am, &c., " James Dunbar." We trust that the " Captin " sent a handsome tokin" to his sister : — "Inverness, 28 Ju7ie 1678. " Afemoixinduni. — William Ross, buro-es and drumer SOCIAL LIFE IN FOIIMER DAYS. 183 iu Inverness, as fFollowes to James Dunhar, elder, mer- chant tlier : — Item, pleases God to send }-ou to London, ye wil be pleased to buy, for my use, — Item, two po}'nts stoups of the best tin. Item, two cliapin stoups of the best — conform. Item, two quarter nnichkm stoups — conform. Item, three hansum candlsticks of brese. Item, two peires drum cords, conform to the sample heer inclosed. " And be pleased to receave three pair white plaids, and sell the same to the best vantage. And if yee meet Captin James Dunbar, my good brother, be pleased to present my respects, and my wyfs respects to him ; and if yee meet Captin James Dunbar, if he send a tokin to his sister, I recomend it to yor self ; and if ther be any superplus in the pryce of the plaids, buy a pettiecoat to my wyf, and what shall be dew^ by me to you, efter compt, it shall be payit — thankfuUie payit be yor lowing freind to serve you, to my power. The reverend author's book has not come down to posterity : — " For Jamks Dunb.M!, Baily of Inverne.ss and Laivd of Dalcross — These : " Inveknes, nth October ICO.'i. " Cousin, — Lest you should pretend ignorance (which your words did insinuate last night) of my 184 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. errand to Lonclou, I thought fit to acquaint you that my business there, at this time, is a design T ha\^e to offer my book to be printed, since I cannot get it done here, the poverty of our nation not allowing our printers to cxj^end money and be out of it for a con- siderable time, though the prospect were never so great, and that they should have it again with centuple profit. I dare not, I will not urge you to do anything against the grain ; Itut once for all, I think it would be worth your while to right me so far at least, at this juncture, as to advance my money a forthnight before the time, which was so often kept from me fortnights after the term. Remember, cousin, it is God's business that I am about, and your errand may come His way yet. Truly, if you laid out the whole sum necesarry, you are far more beholding to Him. As for me, whatever you do, I hope His will shall be mine. It may be, if I should go up in this ship, I may come back again, re iiifecta, and so blemish my repute, and wound my purse. As for this last, look to Psal. xxxvii. v. 3,^ which is the charter that God has given me in (I had almost said miraculously) a great strait. And as for the first, the old saying will salve all. In magnis voluisse sat est. " Your affectionate cousin and humble servant, " Egbert Dunbar." 1 " Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and vei'ily thou shalt be fed." XXVI. MERCHANTS' LETTERS. A London built carriage arrives, iu -January 17 17, at Fiucllioni. " To tlie Much Ilououred " The Laird of Tiiundehtoun, " att DufFes. Per Exsprcss. " ffoRKES, Jan. Atli, 1717. "]\TucH Honoured Sir, — The shipe I expected from London arrived at ffindhorn yesterday morne- ing. At night, I went down and found your chereoat placed on the decke, soe that noe work can be don either in 'liverino; or loadino- uiitill she be teaken away ; for that cawse, would intreat yow will send horses, to-morow, for cearyeing it off. If your con- veneancie could allow, its proper yow be their your self, I understand the chereoat is very fine. If you will come to fiindhorn, to-morow, aquent me, and I will meake it my bussness to wait of you. " I am, with my most dewtyfull respects. Sir, your most oblidged servant, " Will. Dawson." 186 SOCTAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " To the Laird of Tiiundektoun, " at Duffus. "Edinburgh, December 11 ili, 1719. "Dear Sir,— Yoiir's of the I7tli curent I reeved by the bearer, with a bill of forty pounds sterling ou Sir Thomas Calder, whieh he sayes lie will pay. I had likeways yours in course, by post, with l)ill of fifty pounds sterling on Mr. Arbuthnott, which is paid. Shall wait your orders for both. Noe word of the Shereff as yet. Shall wait on him when he comes. Eeceive the scarlet cloatli and gold lace. There is uoe scarlet stockings with a gold-coloured gushett, to be had at this place ; nor noe scarlet stock- ing that is fine, to be had here, either with or without a coloured gushett ; for what wee have here is not above six shillings from London, which cannot be fine, for scarlet. I had the ofier of two or three pair with white gushett, Imt they were small sised, and you desire them large, so did not send them, both for the sise and gushett. Sir Thomas Calder sent a sadle for you, with his own things, more than six weeks ago. Nellie is very wcill, and both she and Jaessie has their humble service to ladie and selfe ; and many happie new years to ladie, selfe, and familie, is the constant wish of both, and of your most humble servant, Tho. Gordon." " Inclosed is a letter from Bailie Grordon, with a SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 187 l)i]l (^f a Imnder pound sterling, on Sir Robert Gordon, from his brother Lewis, which is sent for acceptance, " I have given the bearer eightein pence, so comit accordinghe, " I have sent a pair of stockings at venture. If does not please, may dispose of them to a mistress." •• The Much Honoured ■' Mr. Archibald Dunuah, •• off Thundertouu. "ffoRTROsE, 2(\fh Scpir. 1723, N.S. " Sir, — In obedience to your desyre, doe send you one hogshead claret, and one half hogshead wliyte wine ; two els cambrick ; six l)arreLs containing five bolls Spanish salt; with two loafes of fine sugar, weighing eleven pounds one ounce, and two loafes course, weighing thirteen pounds seven ounces ; there is neither brandy or iren to be hade in this place. In- closed you have the skyper's receipt for the goods. " Sir Kenneth Mackenzie off" Cromerty is here, and des5rres you may send him over your servant with the horse, you promised him, and by the same servant he will send you his horse. I received, in pairt payment ofi" the above goods, three pound fifteen shillings in cash, with Inchcoulter's bill for seven pound seven shillings sterling. Iff in anything I can serve you, freely remind me. My wife and I makes offer off our most humble duty to yourself and good lady, and 1 188 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. most respectfully am, Sir, your most obedient and very much obliged humble servant, " William Tolmie. " P.S. — The bearer desyred one hundred weight of sugar, but not knowing whether it was fine or course you wanted, made me send yon two loafes of each kynd. " Sir William is, this night, here, and is to be, to- morrow, at Kessock, upon a tryst. I cannot miss to tell you that he is alarmed with a ffoolish information off a landing in the Highlands. This story proceeds from Culkairn, who went with it to Inverness, and theirfrom forwarded ane express about it to London. 1 hear Sir William's tryst, to-morrow, is in order to take affidavits upon the contrary, the story being actually falss, f(jr we are ashured that there is no such thingf." Mrs. Fraser was in an "interesting situation;" hence the fear " that she would liver her loading." " Arcuibald Dunbar of Duffus, Esq., " To the care of William Belcher, " at Elgin. "Inverness, 2lst Aug. 1741. " Sir, — I sent last night, aboard Alexander Prott's boat, twelve ston Initter, contained in your own cask and an anker of my wife's. She choosed it, and is SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER I>AYS. 189 the best cam to our fair, but the dearest ever bought at a Martimas market. It cost seven merks the ston, all owmg to some Murray lairds' servants sent here, who stood at no price ; and the extravagance of it made my wife and me not buy any for your mother, as you can supply her till next mercat, when, I am persuaded, it will be mu(;h cheaper, as the most of the commissions from the cast, if not all, are answered. The fellow refused to bring your timber with him, after sending it to the shore, so must wait the first occasion of a boat. Mr. Ingiish is to send your goods with other peoples by a boat, this night or to-morrow. My wife desires that your lady cause repack the butter in a closs cask, w^th a rum head, with an aimed skin 'twixt the head and cask, and take out a ston at once, to prevent often opening or winding it. I expected, that night she came from the mercat, that she would liver her loadmg. She joins me in offering our best respects to you and your lady, and I am your most obedient servant, Willm. Fraser. " P.S. — I received seven pounds by the post, and I shall send you, by next or following post, accompt of what was given out, and either remitt you, or retain, the balance for buying the remainder of the butter at next mercat. The boatman by whom you wrote would neither wait butter or timl^er," 190 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " To Aruiiihald Dunhai;, " of Newton, Es(i., at Duffus. " fiMjiioRNE, ](jth January 174L " Honored Sir, — I was obliged to come here, this day, and be here, the morrow, all day, setHng accompts of consequence. However, as I promised in my hist, I now run you this express, showing I am still satis- fied to give you eight pound Scots per l)oll of your bear, and eight pounds for the boll of your victuall oats, to the extent of fFour hundered bolls of each, all good, and sufficient well diglit, wholesome victuall, deliverable to me on the shear of ffindhorne, any time 'twixt the date hereof and fifteenth Aprile next, wind and weather serving ; tho' I will take it sooner if the winde permit. And I hereby oblige myself to pay you the one half the value at Whitesunday next, the other half at Martimas thereafter ; and to give you a hogshead claret, the first I bring home, at prime cost and charges. Your answer will deter- mine me, and this shall be binding on me as if on stampt, I say, as if on stampt paper. If you think this not so full, make out a copy, and I shall write over same and return it you, Munday next, since I must be at Blackstob, then and Tuesday, at a roup, and to take possession of Baker's land and mill by instrument. Believe me, for certain, that grain is falen, and dayly falling in England, and if you don't see the niercat fall, after this month and next, I will SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 191 perrill my ear. I make ofier of my compliments to Mrs. Dunbar ami self, and am, honored Sir, your most obedient Inimble servant, " John Fpjgge. " Send a servant to my house, on Munday, for a peck aples, fflanders, for Mrs. Dunbni-." XXVII. RECEIPTS AND ACCOUNTS. These merchant tailors speak as if their firm were older than the globe which we inhabit :— " Bee it knowne imto all men 1.)y the is presents that wee, Henry Ashhurst and Nicholas Gregson of London, citizens and merchant taylors, do by theis ])resents, remise, and release and discharge Alexander Dunbar of, and from, all bills, bonds, reckinings, ac- compts, and demands, whatsoever, from the l^egining of the world to the day of the date of theis presents. In witnesse whereof, we, the said Henry Ashhurst and Nicholas Gregson, have hereunto, interchangably, put our hands and scales, this twentith day of July 1GG2, and of Rex Carolus Secundus, decimo quarto. Sealed and delivered in the presence of " H. Ashhurst. Ni. Gregson. " Rich. Salvonsvall. Hen. Ashhurst, junior," SOCIAL LTFE IN FORMER DAYS. 193 Printed schedule filled in by Mr. Dumbrako, whose treasure may have been in heaven : — "Received from Alexr. Dumhrake, in ffocliahers, no ivife, no stock, no trade, in Bellie parish in ^a?i^-shire, the sum of six shilling Scott, being the pole-money as he has classed him-s,eli, as witness my hand at Jfoch- ahers, the ^fifteenth day oi December 1694. " ThO : TURNBULL." A yearly pensioner : — " I, Mr. Hew Dalrymple of North Berwick, advocat, grant me, be thir presents, to have received from Wil- liam Innes, ^vriter in Edinburgh, in name and behalf of Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstoun, ten guineas in gold, and that as a year's pension, due by him to me, as his advocat from the first day of January instant, to the first of January nixt, 1698; and therefor I, be thir presents, discharge the saids William Innes, Sir Robert Gordon, and all others whom it efieirs, of the said year's pension, for now and ever. In witnes wherof I have subscrived thir presents (writen be John Crawford, my servitor), with my hand, at Edin- burgh, the twentieth eight day of January jay vie, nynty seven years (1697), before these witness, Thomas Ingles, also my servitor, and the said John Crawfurd. " Hew Dalrymple. " Tho. Inglis, witnes. Jo. Crawfurd, witnes. N 194 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " Wee, John Crawfurd and Thomas Ingles, servitors to Mr. Hew Dalrymple of North Berwick, advocat, grant ns to have received from William Innes, writer in E(linbiir2;h, six rix dollars, in name and behalf of Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstouu, and that as an allowance granted by him to us yearly, from the first of January instant, to the first of January nixt to com, as attendins: and manaojino; his afi"airs under the said Mr. Hew, our master ; and therefor wee, be tliir presents, discharge the saids William Innes, Sir Eobert Gordon, and all others whom it efieirs, of the samen, for now and ever. In witnes wherof we have sub- scryved thir presents (writen be the said John Craw- furd), with our hands, at Edinburgh, the twentieth eight day of January jay vie, nynty seven years (1G97). " Jo. Crawfued. " Tho. Inglis." General assortment : — " The Laird of Tlmnderton, his account to William Dawson, Forres : — • 1709. Then delivered you wlieu in company Oct. 12. with Myiiand, ane loafe double re- fined shougar, weighteing five pound four ounce, at eighteen pence per pound, is . . . . .£0 7 10 1710. Aprill 11. To ane pound of green tea, is . .15 To ane fine silk napkine, is . .056 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 195 1712. July 1 6. Theu sent two oacken plaukes, at live shillings per piece, . . .£0 10 At the same time, four and a half pound wheat soape, at sixteen pence per pound, is . . . . G Aug. 1 7. Then sent you ane pound coffie bens, is 7 1714. Ane quare fine ^\Titiug paper, . . 10 May 18. To ane English Cheasser cheess, weighteing twenty five and three quarter pounds, at five pence per pound, is .... . At the same time, ane ancor brandy, . To four botls fair drops. 10 8 3 10 4 0'^ Items from an Elgin tailor's account (the money is Scots) : — " Accompt — The much Hon. the Laird of Thunder- toun to William Blennshell. Janoary 1719. To making an scarlet clok to yer Laidy, . To making an stiched night-goun to hir Leship, To turning goun and coat of silk stuff to hir, . To covering of ane fui'red cloak to hir. To silk to the two cloks and two gouns and coat. To five els riben to the foot of the above coat, To making over again ane caligo goun and coat to Mrs. Betie, 01 04 To making over again goun and coat to Mrs. Eebeca, 01 10 lb. sh. d. 01 10 01 00 01 16 00 IG 01 08 00 15 196 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 2 00 2 00 00 00 12 00 18 To tlired to Mrs. Bettie's, and silk to Mrs. lie- lb. sh. d. beka's goun and coat, . . . . 00 18 March 1719. To making an pair stiched stees to Mrs. Bettie, To making an pair stiched stees to Mrs. Eebeca, To making an pair stiched stees to Mrs. Nell, To making an mid coat to yer Laidy, mth gold leace, ....... May 1719. To making an blak and whyt night-gonn to yer Laidy, ...... Agust 1719. To widning of an mid coat to yer Laidy, . To ten ells wad to hir clok and night-goun, To turning of an big coat to yer self, To an ell bnkrum and three unces hare, . To the working of the buttons. To the altering of the sieves of Mrs. Bettie's and Mrs. Eebeca's blak and whyt gound, and silk to do it, . To making an scarlet west to yer self, with silk and mul, ...... To the widening of an scarlet coat to yer Laidy, To the turning of an silk goun and coat to Mrs. Bettie, . 00 08 . 03 00 . 02 08 . 01 12 . 00 17 6 00 18 00 12 00 06 01 10 Janury 1720. To dying of threttie els of sairg red, with thrie pair stokins, ther being nineteen pund weight of it, and wTfiiig and pressing, . 1 8 00 To muilds and stey teps, . . . . 00 08 To an pair lether breches to Thomas Shaw, . 01 04 0" SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 197 Shoemaker's account : — " Accompt — Mr. Archbakl Dunbar of Thundertun to James Craio-o, 1717. ffeb. Aue pair of boots, yovu" honor, . fOl 00 00 ditto, Ane pair of strong shoes, . . 00 05 OG 1718. Jan. Ane pair of strong, or pair of Mara- ken, shoes with tops, . . 00 10 00 ffeb. Ane pair of seamed Maraken shoes, your Lady, . . . . 00 03 00 Mar. Ane pair of shpers witli heils, . 00 05 00 Aug. Ane pair of button boots, your honor, 00 10 00 ditto, Ane pair of calf leather shoes with tops, 00 05 00 £03 04 06 "Edinburgh, 4:th August 1718. — Receved the above contents, and all precidings, per me, " James Craigo." Saddlers account : — " Laiiu) ok TiiUNDEHTON, Debter, To Patkick Chkichton. 1731. £ *-. d. Sept. 4. Nine ounces of silk freinge, . .17 Lyning for a houzen and bags, and mak- ing them, . . . . . .0140 Six and a half yeards of white silk wating. Oil rist(jl shanks, 1 (J 198 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. A king's hunting saddle, with large stir- rups and leathers, girth and curple, . £1 IG A pellem bridle, .... A pair of houlsters and belte, . A siiitt of neats leather covers for the houzen and bags, A silver-buttond whip, . Sum, ''Edinburgh, *7th Sej)t 1731. — Receved the con- tents, and all preceding^, by me, "Pat. Chrichton." . 4 6 . 5 . 16 . 5 6 . £.5 10 7 We are forcibly reminded of the judicial wig : — " Mk. Dumbak, Dchtcr, To Feancis Jeffkey, Wigmaker. £ sh. d. Jamy. 12th, 1753. To a fair cutt wig, . . . 14 To shaving and dressing, .060 To cutting and dressing Mrs. Dunibar's hair, . . .030 £13 ''Edinburgh, March ISth, 1758. — Received pay- ment of the above, and discharges the same, and all preceedings, by Francis Jeffrey." SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEll DAYS. A Jack-of-all-trades : — 199 The enterprising JMr, Grant rented a billiard-table, " with king and port, ten play clubs, a long club and half long club, t\Yo big bals, and eight alagaire bals," which had been procured, in 1732, from Edinburgh, at a cost of eighteen guineas. No doubt the Elgin gen- tlemen often resorted to the " Garden Chamber," where the table was set up : — To thirteen months of the billiard table. £13 A quarter's sheaving, . £5 5 For apprehending Wm. Jack, . 3 Tor executing summonds, . IG Tor swan's skin. 8 For a letter, . . 4 For oil, . . ■ . . .5 9 18 yj £3 2 " Duffus, the 2d March 1743. — Eeseved by me, John Grant, wigmaker in Elgin, full and complete payment from Archibald Dunbar of Newtoun, of all sheaving preceding the date heirof ; I having paid for the billiard table — all except three pounds two shil- lings Scots, as above. John Grant." XXVIIl. POETIC EFFUSIONS, AND BEGGING- LETTEKS. With some hesitation we give tlie verses and letters contained in this division. They are, however, traits of old social life. The happy event to which Mr. Whytte tuned his lyre took place in 1703 : — " Epithalamium on the nuptials of the much hon- ored Archibald Dunbar of Thundertoune, and the pious, vertuous, and comlie Mrs. Rebecca Adamsonc, etc. Appollo come, and help me up the hill Of Helicon, that I may dip my quile Into its font, the fair Castalian streame ; That I may wreate upon this worthy theame, Upon the nuptials of them — good, gallant paire — Whose qualities are trulie fyne and rare ; For both are sprung from an old honour'd race, Which may be seen by symptoms in each face. He is a sparke — neate, comlie, lovelie, good ; In Albion ther 's non of better l)lood ; Discreet and kynd, true, generous, and free. Prudent and wise, right Immble altho' high : SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 201 His loyale spirit's endued with finest parts, And he hath skill in science each, and arts. iSTow for to speako the due praise of his ladie, Her fame for gooil is broad and wyde alreadie : Shee try'd before what was a niaried lyffe, And blameless liv'd while widow, maid, or wyfe : Her lovlie face, and her sweet pleasantt eyes. The best of men to love her might entice ; Modest and meeke, frugale, wise, tliat is shee. Of common vice being altogether free. Now wdth what joy, what pleasure, and delight May them, brisk paire, goe live both day and night For briske Dunbare, the Laird of Thundertoune, Is a brave sparke, of honour and renoune ; He is a man of prudence, and greate sense, And knows the right of due benevolence. God grant them grow in grace, in peace and love, AVitli progenie to be blest from above. "Will. Wiiytte. " Sir, — I am but latlie informed of your weding, else I hade sent my complement l:)efore this tyme. In the meantime mind the poet, and I shall be a good serviter." " The poet's address to his honljle. and generous Maecenas, &c., anno 1722 :— Most A\orthy Sir, be pleased to excuse This bold address of my aspiring nuise ; Which to your view ambitiously has sent Itude rliyme, for want of better compliment. 202 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Did my hard ffates grant me the happiuess, Some fitter way your virtues to express, Then, out of gratitude, I should allow "Whole Hecatombs, as to your merits due ; But since my state a poet's case doth plead, I hope you'll please to take the will for deed. And drive from me the poet's plague away, Hobgoblin-like, that haunts me night and day. Lo ! at your gates I waiting here attend. Till you to me some consolation send. With hope and fear (like Mah'met in the air), I'm toss'd 'twixt expectation and despair. To kill or cure alike is in your pow'r ; But, ! your clement looks will ne'er devour Your poetaster ; since a small relief "Will ease me of a multitude of grief ; Which if you grant, I'll to the world proclaim Your generous soul, and eternize your name. Long may you live, and prosp'rous be your health. Increasing still in honour, grace, and wealth ! " Suppliciter posuit, " Humillimus tui cultor, " M. Jo. COLME.' We trust that " the good wife" was asked to give poor Groupie a Christmas-box : — " ffor the much honered Mr. Archibald Dunbar " of Thundertoun : These ar — "Elgin, flie 11 th day of December, 1700 year. " Much honored, — As it is my greatt duty to wrett to you and to shoe you that your nephew, SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 203 Archibald, is in verie good health, blessed be God ; and he is verie desiros to hear the like of you, my dear honerbl master ; and likewaise if ye knew the nakednesse that poor Groupie is in, your heart would be sorry for to see his nakednese ; but poor Groupie cannot help it, till it shall please the Lord to bring you weell hom, as I do wish from my heart ; or if it wer your honor's will to writ the good wife or to Mr. Eeid they would not let me be naked, as I am ; and if your honer did nott help and send word to hyd my nakednese, poor Groupie will be in the dust ere ye com hom. And alwise, deer honrble master, I am still keeping the schooll, with Archibald, and, blessed be the Lord, he is lerning werie weell ; and the master is werie weell content with him. No more at pres- sent, but untill death, I am, honored Sir, your humble, and poor, and obedient servant, GroujDie, till death, " A. Groughtly." Although pugnacious, the captive was honest. It was too bad not only to fine him a crown for the nose, but also to impose jailer's fees : — " To Sir Alexander Dunbar, at Duffes, " Elgin, Tolboth, Maye \Sth, 1780. " HoNBLE. Sir, — I had the misforton of giving a chape to a man's nose in this pleace ; he has given me a right to a stout dryy roum, that one drop of reen 204 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. hes not touched me thes tuo clays. This day a Court was hold on me, and fined in five shelings, and jelor- fis, which I am not able to pay. Pray, Sir, be so good as to write any of your aquantanss to relive me, and your servant shall be for ever oblidged. " I shall direckly com a longe with your servant, and worke til you he cleaii'cd of what the damages is, Sir, Gavin Skeoch." XXIX. INVENTORY OF HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. If this " Inventar" may be taken as a correct index of their comforts and conveniences, the Morayshire gentry had no cause of complaint. " Inventar of plenishing in Thunderton's lodging in Duffus, May 25, 1708 :— " Strypt Room. " Camlet hangings and curtains, feather bed and bolster, two pillows, five pair blankets, and an Inglish blanket, a green and white cover, a blew and white chamber-pot, a blue and white bason, a black jopand table and two looking glasses, a jopand tee table with a tee-pot and plate and nine cups and nine dyshes and a tee silver spoon, two glass sconces, two little bowles with a learn stoap and a pewter head, eight black ken chairs with eight silk cushens conform, an easie chair with a big cushen, a jopand cabinet with a walnut tree stand, a grate, shufifle, tonges, and brush ; in the closet, three piece of paper hangings, a chamber box with a pewter pan therein, and a brush for cloaths. 206 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " Closet next the Strypt Room. " Four dislies, two assiets, six broth plates, and twelve flesh plates, a quart flagon, and a pynt flagon, a pewter porenger, and a pewter flacket, a white iron jaculate pot, and a skellet pann, twenty-one timber plates, a winter for warming plates at the fire, two highland plaids, and a sewed blanket, a bolster, and four pillows, a chamber box, a sack with wool, and a white iron driping pann. " In the Fire Closet. " A standing bed with green cloath curtains and slips of silk sewens thereon, a feather bed, bolster, and two pillows, two pair blankets, and a single blanket, a learn chamber pot, and one timber chair. " In the next Closet. " A standing l)ed with green hangings, feather bed, bolster, and three pair of blankets. " In the Green Room. " A sute of stamped green cloath hangings, and a stamped stuff* green bed, two feather beds and a bolster, a couple of pillows, three pair blankets, and a single blanket, and an Inglish blanket, five winscot chairs, a chist of oHve-wood drawers, a table, and two stands, and a looking-glass, a pewter chamber pot, a chamber box and pewter pan therein. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 207 " Irt the Garret. " Two tyks of beds, and two bolsters, and a tyk of a bolster, two feather stands, with a large basket and a deal of feathers, and a frying pann. " hi the fare St Closet. " Seventeen drinking glasses, with a glass tumbler and two decanters, a oil cruet, and a vinegar cruet, a urinel glass, a large blew and white posset pot, a white learn posset pot, a blew and white bowl, a dozen of blew and w^hite learn plates, three milk dishes, a blew and white leam porenger, and a white leam porenger, four jelly pots, and a little butter dish, a crying chair, and a silk craddle. " In the Moyhair Room. " A sute of stamped cloath hangings, and a moyhair bed with feather bed, bolster, and two pillows, six pair blankets, and an Ingiish l)lanket, and a twilt, a leam chamber pot, five moyhair chairs, two looking glasses, a cabinet, a table, two stands, a table cloak, and window hangings, a chamber box with a pewter pann, a leam bason, with a grate and tongs and a brush; in the closet two carpets, a piece of Arres, three pieces lyn'd strypt hangings, three wawed strypt cur- tains, two piece gilded leather, three trunks, and a craddle, a chamber box and a pewter pann, thirty- 208 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS, three pound of heckled lint, a ston of vax, and a firkin of sop, and a brush for cloaths, two pair blankets, and a single blanket. " In the Dyning-Rootn. " A sute of gilded hangings, two folding tables, eighteen low backed ken chairs, a grate, a fender, a brass tongs, shuffle, brush, and timber brush, and a poring iron, and a glass kes. " In my Ladys Room. "Gilded hangings, standing bed, and box-bed, stamped drogged hangings, feather bed, bolster, and two pillows, a pallise, five pair of blankets and a single one, and a twilt, and two pewter chamber pots, six chairs, table, and looking-glass, a little folding table, and a chist of drawers, tonges, shuffle, porrin-iron, and a brush, two window curtains of linen ; in the Laird's closet two trunks, two chists, and a citrena cabinet, a table, and a looking-glass, the dow holes, two carpet chairs, and a chamber box with a pewter pan, and a little bell, and a brush for cloath. " My Ladys Closet. " A cabinet, three presses, three kists, and a spicerie box, a dozen leam white plates, a blew and white leani plate, a little blew butter plate, a white leam porenger, and three gelly pots, two leam dishes, and two l)ig SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMP^R DAYS. 20U timber capes, four tin cougs, a new pewter basson, a pynt, chopen, and mutchken stoups, two copper tankers, two pewter salts, a pewter mustard box, a white iron peper and siiggar box, two white iron graters, a pot for starch, and a pewter spoon, thirteen candlesticks, five pair snutters and snnf dishes con- form, a brass morter and pistol, a lantheru, a timbei- box, a dozen knives and a dozen forks, aiul a carpet chair, two milk cougs, a milk cirn, and kirn staff, a symilk, and creamen dish, and a chesswel, a neprie basket, and two new pewter chamber pots. " In the Nursrie. " A large neprie press, wherein there is six pair Scots lioUand slieits, two pair of fyn linen sheits, ten pair of courser linen sheits, eight pair of straken sheits, twelve holland pillowbers and two little holland pillowbers, twenty-three linen pillowbers and five little ones, six linen top sheits, one dozen of f}Ti Dutch damaz, and two tabel cloaths, two dozen and eight of the rose knot, and two table cloaths, one dozen and four of the levender knot, and one table cloath, two dozen and eleven of the dice about, and three table cloaths, two dozen and five of the wals of troy, and two table cloaths, two dozen and two new rose and dice about, and four table cloaths, two dozen and one of burdseye, and nine of several knots odd, three fyn towels, and five 2i(j SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMEK DAYS. of tlie walls of troy, four of dice about, three rose and dice al)out, three old ones, and two coarse dornick towels. " There is of sheits, coarse and fyn, twenty-six pair, there is of pillowliers, little and mikle, coarse and fyn, fourty and two, there is of neprie coarse and fyn, fifteen dozen, odd ones, four, there is of the hand to\vels, twenty in all, and tAventy coarse liaggabag servits, three pair fyn blankets and three pair coarse l>lankets ; all the above-written is in the press. " Three close beds, and a folding bed. " In Collin's bed, — a feather bed, bolster, and two pair of blankets. " In Beatie's bed, — a feather l)ed, bolster, two pil- lows, and four pair blankets. " In Rebecka's bed,^ — a feather bed, bolster, and three pair blankets and a single blanket. " In Nellie's bed, — a feather bed, bolster, and three pair of blankets. " A hand candle chist, two chairs for the children, three little stools, two coarse learn chamber pots, a pair of tongs, a large fire shuffle, and a pair of bellows, a folding table, a milke stoup, a two-lugged coug, three mikle capes, and six little capes, two pewter bassons, a pair of coUop tongs, and a collop brander, two little wheels, and a check reel, two little pans, a timber ball and brods, a dry rubber, and a wet rubber, and a brush, a craddle and a chaff bed and SOL'TAL LIFE TN FOI!^rEI; DAYS. 1^11 pillow therein, and a single Manket, a salt box, a meal box, and a hanging candlestick, and a goosing blanket. " In Jannet's bed, — a bolster, two pair blankets, and a covering. " In the Stable. " In John Laml:)'s bed, — a feather bed, bolster, and three pair blankets, and a covering. " In William Winchester's bed, — a chaff bed, and feather bolster, and three pair of l)lankets. " In Frank's bed, — two pair of blankets. "1709, to be added, four pair linen sheits, and two pair twidlen shiets, four course harn shiets, and three table-cloaths. " III the Parlour. " Three tables, and five backed chairs. "A Note of Plate. " Three silver salvers, four salts, a large tanker, a big spoon, and thirteen littler sjDoons, two jugs, a suggar box, a mustard box, a peper l)ox, and two little spoons. "In the Kitchey. "■ A hanguig candlestick, six dishes, and two ashcts, eighteen pewter plates, twenty-one timber trenchers, two timber stoups, and a drinking cap, a mustard 212 SOCIAL LIFE IX FOKMP]K DAYS. dish and a bullet ; a sowen kiiii, and a soweii sive, five timber plates and a laddie, a watter stoup, three cies, five pots, and three broads, three panns, and a kettle pann, a driping paun, and a frying pann, two branders, a flesh hook, and flaming spoon, one of pair pot bowls, a cockering iron, five smoothing irt^ns and their stand, a toasting iron, four spits, and a girdle, a chofen dish, a pair of raxes, seven iron scewers, a crook, and a })air tongs. " The BrowJiouHe. " A lead, and fatt, and taptrce, and maskeii shield, a baken table, with a pill, colraik, and maiden. " The Goolhou.se. " Five puncheons, and a waterstand, a cjuicknen bot, eight gallon trees, a four gallon barrel, a twenty pynt barrel, a ten pynt barrel, a timber tinvel, and white iron tinvel, and twenty pyiits barely. A dozen of new pewter trenchers more, fifteen tinil)er trenchers to the kitchey. "Made new — four pair of course linen sheits, and six pair of fyn linen shiets, and nine fyn linen pillow- bers, two pair of twidlen sheits, and two pair of ham sheits, and four single harn shiets, three new dornick table-cloaths, thirty new dornick servitors, and two new washings cloaths. SOCIAL LIFE IN FoItMER DAYS. 2u; ''All Account of Bottles in the Salt '' Of sack, five dozen and one, Of brandie, three dozen and three. Of vinegar and aqua\itie, seven, . Of strong ale, four dozen and four, Of other ale, nine dozen, In the ale cellar, fifteen dozen and ten, In the hamper, five dozen empty, In the wine cellar, nine with Ingiish ale. White wine, ten. Of brandy, three, "With brandy and surop, two, With claret, fifteen, With mum, fifteen, Throw the house, nineteen, There is in all, forty-nine dozen and two. And of mutchken l»ottle.s, tMenty-fi\'e, Cellw the Jir.sf. 1708. 5 f 3 3 7 -f 4 'J 15 10 5 9 10 CI 3 1 1 1 4 9 " Received teii dozen and one of chopeu bottles, full of claret. More received — eleven dozen and one of pynt bottles, whereof there was six broke in the home- coming. 1709, June the 4th, received from Elgin, forty-three chopcn bottles of claret." XXX. PARLIAMENTARY EXPENSES, AND POLITICS. Members of the Scottish Parliament liacl stated allowauces for their services, etc. ; and heritors, wad- setters, life-renters, and other local })arties, were as- sessed for the payment of these allowances. This system continued for a few years after the Union, as appears by the claim for expenses, made, in 1715, by a Scotch member of the British Parliament. " The Laird of MTntosh, his depursements for the shyre of Inverness, at the Parliament in anno 1681: — Item, f(jr fifty-two sitting dayes in l*arliament, and sixteen dayes conieing and goeing, at £ .s-. f Torcastell." ' Worn cat the processions wlien rarliiuuent \\iis udovic is to wait of you this day. He asked niP what day was most convenient for me, when I told liim that Tuesday the 28th of this month would 218 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOllMEK DAYS. suit me best. He then pressed hard for Tuesday next, which I tohl him was not in your ixnver, nor any day before Thursday se'night, the 23d ; and that, as I was to l)e di^unk at Inverness on Wednesday, the 2 2d, I could not be at Elgin the 23d, nor, conveniently, even the 24th ; so that, unless it was absolutely necessary, I could agree to no day sooner than Tuesday, the 28th. Kind compliments to your lady, and Ijelieve me, dear William, yours faithfully, " Alexr. Brodie." At the election for the county of Moray, in 1741, the Honourable Colonel Stuart of Pittendi-eich had been defeated by Mr. Grant, younger of Grant ; Ijut some years afterwards, on the instigation of his brother, James, seventh Earl of Moray, the gallant officer re- solved to again contest the county. The correspond- ence on this subject between Lord Moray and one of his friends is interesting : — '• To Aroiiibalt) DuNHAii, Esq. of Duffus, -" near Elgin, by Edinburgh. " London, Aj'ril Sut if your Lordship is pleased to honour me with your foundation, plan of operations, and hopes of success, I surely will not hurt your interest in thought, word, or deed, and beg you will l)elieve that true regard wherewitli I have the honour to be, my Lord, &c., " Archd. Dunbae." 222 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " London, May lU. 175S. " My dear Archie, — Yours of the 14th of April, ill answer to mine of the 3r(l, is now lying before me, and the oftener I read it over the more am I con- vinced of your friendship. 1 have the satisfaction to find that my ideas and yours hit in more particulars than one ; for Ijy Sir William Dunbar's return to mine, he tells me that he was to send a copy of it to you. Grange, and Kilravock. Every word in your letter is most certainly true. Many changes have hap- pened since the last trj^al, and that will ever be the case in so long a tract of time. It is a common maxim amongst all good Generals to take the field as earlie as one can. That at least prevents your being told ' I am engaged. Had you spoke sooner it might have been otherwise.' Nay, sometimes one is told ' As you did not bestir yourself sooner, I thought you did not intend to do it at all, and therefore, &c., &c., &c.' In such a case as this, it is impossible to say how things will turn out, untill application is made, and, even then, it is difticult to do more than guess, because of the dubiety of the answers ; when people avowedly take a side, it is easie to tell how the bowls will roll. If auxiliary troops of Cossacks and Callmoucks are brought into the play, Pandours and Croats will be found to encounter them. The frequent protestations of regard and friendship I have had from the gentlemen, in the SOCIAL 1,1FE IK FORMER DAYS. 22:^. low coniitry, induce me to put tliem to the touchstone of sincerity, and, as I mentioned to you before, I will have, at least, the satisffiction upon this occasion to know who are my friends from those who only profess themselves to be so. Those who are really sincere will use their best endeavours to Ijriug all they can alono; with tlieni. I have 2;ot no return from Kirk- town, Bishopmill, nor Linkwood. I wrote to Pit- gaveny, but I wish my letter has not miscarryed, as I directed it to Elgin instead of Portsoy. Lord Braco pretends to be angry at my giving the preference to your recommendation for Speymouth. I wrote him, for answer, that your letter was dated the 12th of December and his the 27th said month, though this was only seeking a hair to make a tether of. Tempora mutantur indeed ! I hope when Pittendrich gets into Murray land, his friends will be so kind as to declare openly, and then we shall know upon what ground we tredd. Untill they do that, we must live upon hopes. You will easily guess that your neighbour, Sir Robert, is plumb with me ; and Sir Alexander Grant ; and I am in great hopes of having the Baron likewise. You will l)e better able to form a judgment of those in your neighbourhood than I can possibly do at present, until I hear from them.. As everybody is put upon his guard, it now lyes in the l^reast of every gentle- man to take what side he pleases. I hope to see you soon. I am, what 1 ever have been, and that 224 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. is, my dear Ar(;liie, your most faithful friend and servant, " Moray." The unexpected death of Lord Moray's brother, C*olonel Stuart, hhisted the political prospects : — "Darnaway, Oct. 22, i7<)(). " My dear Archie, — I am truly sorry that you have any complaints, and particularly at this season of the year, because there is no chance of a thorough relief until the mild weather sets in. For some time past, neither my body nor mind is so well as I am very sure you wish them. This stroke is the heaviest my family have felt these twenty years ; but from these dispensations of providence, tlio' our duty call upon us to bear them with patience, our nature almost prompts us to revolt. God's will be done. Amen. " I never doubted of application being made to you from Castle Grant, because I was informed by a friend of mine he was wrote to. My thoughts have been so unsettled since the fatal blow, that I have not been able to think upon any one plan in life. I leave the answer to your own honest friendly heart ; at the same time I could wish that none of my friends were hasty in giving a flat promise. " All happiness attend you and yours. That you SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 225 have the warmest good wishes of all in this family I can assure you of, and that no man can be with more truth and sincerity, my dear Archie, your most devoted humble servant, than Moray." James, second Earl of Fife (an Irish Peer), for some time represented the county of Moray in Par- liament, but, being created a British Peer, he had to reHnquish his seat in the House of Commons. Several of the real freeholders had entered into an " associa- tion "' to annul the "paper votes" by which his Lord- ship had carried his election : — •' To Sir Alexander DuNTiAit, Duffus, Elgin. "Doff House, Jidii I2lh, 1790. " Dear Sir, — As a neighbour, I hope the late mem- ber for the county of Elgin has done away his offiences by retiring, and I hope the next will be more able, I am sure he cannot be more zealous, in serving the country than I was. I waited on }'ou to assure you that I bore no ill-will, and that I only wished my neighbour's spare money might be laid out in planting and cultivating Duffus ; and even if you came not to see me, I shall make personal enquirys after Lady ])unl)ar and you ; remaining, with much regard, dear Sir, your most o1)edient hund^lc servant, " Fife." 226 SOCIAL LIFE IN FuKMKR DAYS. The Baronet's reply : — " DuFFUs, ]4f/i Jnlij I TIM). " My Lord, — Beino; an associator so lono- J was surprised to receive your condescending letter of the 12 th. " Your Lordship will know that at the earliest period of my political race, I was, in a manner, pre- engaged by General Grant's procuring a commission for my In-other ; and since that time I have been fighting with your I^ordship, and vindicating my right as a iireeholder, nltliough, on all occasions, 1 always declared you were the most proper person to represent the county. Your Lordship's letter being calculated to exact something explicite from me, I go on to tell you that my intcrferance for General Grant cost me two hundred pounds sterling ; and my expence as an associator stood three hundred pounds more. " I declare to your Lordship that I never received a single favour from Grant or Gordon, and that I was also tricked out of my reimbursement of the three hundred, foresaid, ])y the finesse, chicane, or, if you please, the address of your agent. " In this situation I presently stand ; but your Lordship may be assured that I consider myself creditor to you in the article of ffriendshiij, and you may depend on an application from me in these presents. I know well that the foregoing declara- SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMLiI DAYS. 22 7 tiou is forward, and perhaps imprudent, nay im- pudent ; but then your Lordship will consider that I have not seen the world for twenty years past, and that your letter encourages me to hope for ex- traordinary indulgence and favour, since I verily believe none of the Association can produce any testimonial of forgiveness or friendship, from your own hand. I forbear saying even a word of our present member, wliom I have seen only once, aljout two years ago. But I observe to you, under silence, that our votes were no more significant in his case than in your Lordship's. I all wise expect and desire a competition, without which the meml)er cannot know ffrends from ffoes. " With your Lordship's permission, my two young- lads shall wait on you when att Innes, or even at Duff- house. I despair of ever being from home, and I relinquish all ambition, save that of being considered as an honest person, under a quick sense of your Lord- ship's notice. My Lord, since I have not frequently an opportunity of addressing you, let me say, in a word, that Rol)ert Guthrie, Cullen-born and young, is lately married to a cousin of mine. She is main ugly, but of great ingenuity, and very low in circumstances. He has only a smattering of the writer business, but dresses in taste, writes a nol^le hand, and figures well. Let me beseech your Lordship to think of these, when all your other petitioners are served, and let me, then, 228 SOCIAL LIFE TN FORMER DAYS. have it to say that I was instrunicntal in procuring bread for one single ffamily. Since it was his J\Ta- jesty's pleasure, and perhaps your own desire, to l^e created an English Peer, he it mine that you sitt as high in another kinordom, wherein there is neither death, nor marriage, nor change. I have the honour to be, &c., Alex. Dunbae." The Peers of Scotland resent interference in their elections :— - " UriiALi,, West Luthiax, Januarii ITT". " Lord Buehan presents his compliments to the Earl of Erroll, and is sorry he is obliged to acquaint his Lordship that, as the Duke of Grafton had the audacity, without the participation of his royall master, to interfeer in his Lordship's election, by writing a letter to the Peers of Scotland (among whom Lord Buehan had not the honour to l)e one), he cannot give Lord Erroll his vote ; though he is very indifferent about the choice of the Peer, whether now or at any other time." Li the contested election for the county of Aber- deen, in 1786, the Lairds of Skene and Pitfour were the rival candidates. The contest was really a trial of strength between the Gordons and the Earl of Fife ; his Lordship's party succeeded, by a very small ma- SOCIAL LIFE IX FOrvMER DAYS. 229 jority, in plucking Skene at the head of the poll " Peer of Irish creation" was Lord Fife ; "Lord of tlie Pro- testant mol)" was Lord George Gordon. " I sing the election of Skene and I'itfonr -- My song shaU be SM'cet thongh my snl)joct l;)e soar ; I'll tell you what Barons and 1)eanties were there, And tell you their characters all to a hair. Derry down, etc. There was a rich Peer of Irish creation — A Commoner here, though a Lord of the Nation ; And, because he could vote without favour or fear, They voted this noble Lord into the chair. And there was a Lord who liad lately succeeded To a troop of new friends, which he very nnich needed ; But, this Lord being old, said not much pro or con, Yet he stdl shook his head as the voting went on. There, too, was the Lord of the Protestant mob, Who came driving like Jehu to help at the job ; And yet, after all, no assistance could grant. For no oath he woidd take but the Old Covenant 1 And there were some Knights of fame and renown, With Generals and Colonels, all mnstered in town ; For, tho' a red-coat be forbid at elections, There are colours besides that will suit all coinple.xions. A Colonel was there from the banks of the Shannon He'd been better at home, looking after his cannon ; For five hundred miles he travell'd in vain, And liad nothing to do but to ride back again. 230 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. And there was an Englishman married, in haste, To an lieiress that suited him just to his taste ; Yet his right of attendance in Court was not clear, 80 they sent liim to fiddle and dance, for a year! And there were the Gordons, of every degree, As stately and gentle as Gordons should be ; But, how many were true or false to their chief, Perhaps I could tell, Init you won't give belief. And there were the Duffs, all ranged on one side, Still true to the Eed Cows, whate'er might betide ; Their chief, they were sure, would always prevail. For ten of majority never can fail. A Gordon there came some folks to reprove. For he, noAv and then, pray'd to a Being above ; But, because he was thought to depend on his Grace, They found he had pray'd in an unentered place! A Duff, too, was there, but I cannot well tell If ever he thought of a heaven or hell ; For, fearing his vote might be cast on that score, He swore he pray'd none, for a twelvemonth and more ! And there were some parsons, of piety rare. Who, with reverence, bow 'd to the preses's chair ; But O what an honour they are to the cloth, When, with fervent devotion, they take the trust oatJi And there were some gentlemen of the loiig robe — With wigs of all sizes, curl'd, long-tail'd, and bol), — The carcage had smelt, tho' cold was the weather. And, therefore, the vultures were gathered together ! SOCIAL LIFE i^' FuKiMEK DAY8. 2ol And there was some bundles of parchments and writes — Had the boys but got them, wliat store of fine kites — Sucli as made for the cause, were rub'd up and sustained. And the rest, they as wisely sent home to be cleaned. And there was prodigious luizzaings, witliout ; The walls of the Court-House re-echoed the sliout ; AVhile the members, within, had their hopes and their fears, When they saw how a noble Lord prick 'd up his ears ! But to know all was there, your patience would fail, — Of Misses and Masters, tag-rag and bob-tail, WTio had all come to toAvn with the pious intent To keep the feast-day on the first day of Lent ! aVnd a joyful day it was, to be sure ; The victuals were good, and the claret was pure ; While the rabble roar'd out, such roaring was never. With Skene and Lord (Jeorge, beer and porter for ever!" XXXI. ECCLESIASTICAL. Many an old woman in Scotland has been heard to say that she cared little for the sense, provided she got " the sough (sound) of the word." The parishioners of Creicli may have been of a dif- ferent opinion : — " J< DoRNACH, the 31 of AiKjmt 1623. " Whilk day Mr. Alexander Duff, present titular of the Kirk of Creich, finding himselff altogether unfitt to serve at the said kirk, becaus of his want of the Yrisch (Gaelic) toung, and the whole peopiU having no other language, frielie dimittes and overgoes all richt and tittell that he has of the said kirk. Lykeas thir present Synod, in respect of his non-residence at the said kirk, and want of the Yrisch language to serve the same, removes and transportes him from the said kirk and cure thairof. And this present Synod, having a cair for the said Mr. Alexander that he be not altogither castin louse, ordaines that he shall imploy his talent at the Kirk of Kilmalie, at the whilk there is some that has the Scotische lan- guage, until the said Mr. Alexander be elswhair planted SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 233 at aiie utlier kirk wlinir lie may fitly serve. And for the iiior corroboratioiie of the said act, and liis con- sent thairto, he has subscryvit the same. " Extract out of the book of our Synod, the fyfteinth day of November 1623. (Signed) " Mr. Alexr. Cuming, " Cleark to the Synod!' Mr. Stuart had not so tender a conscience as the minister of Creich. He was just the man to prosper in those (1688-89) revolutionary times. " Advice — Comissarie Stuart of Morray to Comis- sarie Patersone in Rosse : — " What ! are you niadd ? d(j you intend to go And begg e're you subscrive a lyn or two, And swear as many ? you ar void of sense If you have such a squimish conscience. But I have sworn already, you may say, To be a member of another way. What then 1 and so have many more you see, Men both of eminent and low degree : Think you yourself more wise than those men are ? I'm sure that }ou ar not so rich, by farr. Consider, friend, if you forbear to swear. You lose a place of many pounds by year ; Consider you have neither lands nor rent. And what you do enjoy may soon be spent. Likewise you have a numerous family. 234 SUL'IAL LIFE IX i'OKMEK DAYS. Who, if you do uot swear, must beggars be ; This is au argument which has prevail'd With many men, when other topiks fail'd. But they wlio, in the art of oaths, have better skill. Have, for a purge, prescrived this following pill : Take of new coyn'd distinctions ane ounce, A pound of the nyce quiddities of dounce. Three scruples of The Grievance of the Nation, Two drams of Protestant Equivocation : Of all, well mixd, compose two pills or one, And guild tliem over with Eehgion ; And this will purge a scrouplous conscience. As I have found it by experience. It purg'd me so that I can now digest The Declaration, Covenant, and Test. I, when it served to advance my gain, Jure Divino Bishops did maintain. Treated Jack Presbiter in ridicule, Call'd him tub-preacher, pmitan, and fool : And, for to evidence I was no Whigg, I wh , and drank, and danc'd the other jigg : But then I learn'd for to change my coat, And tune my fiddle to another nott ; Cry'd up the right of Popish princes, and Stood strictly to ther absolute command. But, with the tymes, now I am chang'd again, And learn'd to chant it in another strain. The Pope I call Beast in the Revelatione ; A Popish prince The Greevance of the Nation ; Bishops I call Supporters of the Wh , And helped for to turn them out of door. My only cry is now — The Cause, The Cause, Our sw^eet Religion, Libertys, and Laws ; And, that I may pass for a perfect sanct, .SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 2;-) I cry, alace ! the broken Covenant. 1 never stick at Scripture or tradition ; I'm for religion of the hist edition. I never examine if it be the best, If that it may advance my interest I never scruple on't. Let others stray In the strait passage of the thorny way, I "wil not on my liberty s incroach, ffor I intend to go to heaven in coach. Let him be worried on a dish of broath. Who hath not conscience to digest an oath. I've .sworn already, CJod 1)0 praised. The Test, The New Assurance, also, and the rest Of those sweet oaths of which our land hath plenty And, e're I lose my place, I'll yet swear twenty. I'll scrue my conscience to receive all oaths - Change my religion as I do my cloathes ; In fyne, ere I should forfeit my estate I'd swear allecjence to Mahomet !" Spiritual destitution : " for WiM.iAM KixG off Ncwmiln. " for the presut at Edinburgh. " Elgix, 21 Novt-mbcr IGMD. " Much Honored, — (Jur church being now vaccand, throu laying asyd of the Bishop and minister, we in- treat, while ye are at Edinburgh, that ye inform your selfe how others in our circumstances are carieno- in such caises, and how wee sail behave in order to the planting of the churches; for it is somwhat dificult for us to get ministers to come and preach to us ; 236 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. wherfor wee would the sooner kliow what to doe in the matter, and expects your anser and advyce ther- anent; which will verie much obleidge, Sir, your humble servants, " The Provest and Baillies of Elgin, " Subscryving l:»e our Clerk, at our comand, " Robert Anderson, Clerk. " It is fitt ye supplicat the counsell to get order and warrand to us to choise our owin ministers, for we cannot continow at this rate without preaching," Five years later than the above : — '• ffor the Much Honored William King, " of Newmihi, Provost of Elgiue, " ffor present at Edinburgh, " To the care of John Anderson, wreater ther. "Elgine, 14 December 1(594. " Much Honored, — As to our procedure in order to the calling a minister, wee mett with the Land- ward Heretors, Town Counsell, and Elders, and, at our first meeting, wee sent thrie of our number to speak with Mr. ftbrbes theranent, and to take pains upon him for that effect. But Mr. fforbes refused and declyned to be our minister, and told, positively, that he would not accept of our call ; whereupon wee keept a second meeting, and wee lited severall mini- sters, and then (by plurality of voices) we concluded SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 23 ( to call Mr. Tliomsonc (who was supplying our vaicencie when ye went south), and My. James Oseburne (who was one of the members of the Committee that sat here in summer last), and we oppointed Loggie, Baillie Innes, and Clerk Munro to go to the presbetrie of fForres, to accquaint them therewith, and to take their advyce, in order to the forming and prosecuting of there call ; l^ut, when they had spoke with the pres- betrie therof, they got no satisfactory anser, but only the presbetry insinuate to them, first, that before we liad votted for to call any minister, we ought to have had one of the presbetry present at our meeting ; and, second, we could not expect to get Mr, Oseburne, because he is already called to Aberdeene, nor Mr. Thomson, becaus he is tender and valletudinary, and so not fitt for such a charge ; and, upon these grounds, were not free to give us any farder advyce anent pro- secutione of the said call. Whereupon wee called another meeting, this day, for advysing what methods to take with the presbetry, and anent the forsaid call, or any other ; but neither heritor nor elder keeped the samen, Ijut, allenarly, the Baillies and one or tuo of the Counsell ; and, therefore, wee intreate ye may considdcr therof, and send us your advyse theranent, ffor wee stand in great need of it. As for this year's vaiceand stipend, wee are plagued with Mr. Turnbull (who has already sold all the tynd sheawes), to give him u[) the decreets of locality, and rentall of the tynd 238 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. bolls ; and he has chara:ed us with horninor for that effect. Your bedfellow and her young sone (who is baptized Alexander) are l)otli in health. So, wishing you good health and ane safe journey home, wee con- tinue, much honoured, your most obleidged servants, " The Magistrates of Elgin. " Subscrived at their command l^y "Geo. Chalmee, Clei-l\ " All your family and friends are weill ; and our inhabitants have all payed their pollmoney, and what farder occurrs we shall give you accompt.'* James Gadderer, Bishop of Aberdeen, a prelate pos- sessing great influence, drew up, and introduced into the Service of the Scotch Episcopal Church, that form of "The Communion Office" which has been objected to ])y many members of the Church of England. A burning heart, with the sacred monogram I.H.S., pierced by a cross, and having, on the surrounding- ribbon, "Amor mens Criicijixus,''^ is the beautiful device on the Bishop's seal : — " To WiLLTAM King of Xewmill. Esquiro. •• At Elgin. "Fochabers, Aurjn-:' 4:f/>. 1720. " Dear worthy Sir, — Tho' I have not much spare time, and am ready to leave this place on my way 1 My love crucified. .SO(;lAL LIF1-: IN FURMEK DAYS. 239 homeward, yet I cannot proceed \Yitliout making some acknowledgement of your civilities, first and last. For you, Sir, and my other friends at Elgin have distin- guished yourselves in your friendship and respect for me : all I shall say is, that if it was as much in my power as it is in my inclination, my returns should keep pace with the obligations you lay upon me. You, Sir, have very much refreshed my spirit, by agreeing to my advice as to your future conduct with respect to my worthy brother, Mr. Gordon, your pastor, who is well qualified to direct and assist you in your most im- portant concerns. Your example will much strengthen his hands in the work of the holy ministry, as being the most considerable in his congregation for parts, influence, and fortune, which I hope you are so good as to employ for Gods glory and the service of his Church. As we are united in principle, so ought we to be in affection and charity, that with one mind, and one heart and mouth, we may glorify God, and be glorified together. " I took notice to you of the incompetency of the salary of your minister, and I cannot but recommend to you and to the other worthy managers, to take it into your serious consideration ; and I doubt not but you will easily find ways and means, without being too burdensome to any, to raise it to a comfortable maintenance for him, l\y letting the seats of the meet- ing-house at reasonable rates, and a voluntary stenting 240 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. of yourselves, according to your respective al)ilities and good inclinations ; and to set apart the weekly collections for the relief of the poor, who, I am sorry to hear it, have of late years been very much ne- glected. " I beg you will make my respectful service accept- al)le to your worthy relatione, and to my other friends with you. 1 heartily pray for you all, recommend- ing you to the ]-»rotection, favour, and blessings of Almighty God, and I am, with a particular regard, dear Sir, your most affectionate humble servant, " J A. Gadder AR, " Bishop of Aberdeen. " P.S.—-1 assure you. Sir, it was not Mr. Gordon, but one of yourselves, that prompted me in what I write in relation to him. Adieu." Baptismal regeneration : — " Magdalen, naturall daughter to James King and Janet Gumming, was, as born within the visible Church (without regard to the said parents), the 4th of September jajvijst and thirty-two years (1732), baptized by me, Alexr. Youngson, Minister." A vacancy having occurred in the Kirk of Duffus, June 1736, a dispute arose between Sir Robert Gordon SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 241 of Gordonstou (acting for the Duke of Gordon then a miuor) and Archibald Dunbar of Newton, as to the tight of patronage. The chiini of each party was laid before the Synod of Moray, who decided in favour of Mr. Dunbar ; a decision which, on appeal to the Gene- ral Assembly, was confirmed. The correspondence on this subject embraces letters from the celebrated Simon, Lord Lovat, and there is one, of particular interest, from Ludovic Brodie, W.S., who describes how the clergy were feasted by tlie rival claimants. Henrietta, Duchess of Gordon, to Mr. Dunbar, who eventually presented the Rev. John Bower : — " frORDON Castle, June 27, 17-'>G. " Sir, — I understand the minister of Duifus dyed, Saturday last, and am informed there is one, Mr. William Collie, presently helper to Mr. Hugh Ander- son, minister at Drainie, ane honest sensible man, and weel known to the circumstances of the parish of Duffus, who, it is thought, would be a very fit suc- cessor to the deceased. If you have no particular objection against him, 1 shall desire the favour of your interest in his behalf. My son's ffactor. Doctor Stuart, will meet and commune with you upon this matter, and concurr with you in such joint measures as will be most expedient for this end and the good of the parish. AVee are, Sir, your assured friend to serve you, H. Gordon.'' Q 242 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Keply to the Duchess of Gordon's letter : — " May it please y^our Grace, — I had the honour of your Grace's letter, of the twenty-seventh June, in favours of J\Ir. William Collie, with whom I have hut very little acquaintance ; but, having occasion to see him at the burial of my deceast freind and minister of this parish, he told me with a great deal of honesty and sincerity (which I am not to doubt of), that he never expected to be a successor to the defunct, he never thought, he never heard, nor did he know, directly or indirectly, any manner of application made or to be made for him in that matter by any person whatsoever. " It is yet too early to think of any successor, as the defunct's relict has a legal title to the current half- year's stipend of cropt 1736. And, as my nighbour, Sir Kobert Gordon, is but unkind to me, in regard he has been pleased, for some years j)ast, to cast those lands into ley, out of which his share and proportion of this stipend always was and ought to be paid, and to the teinds of which lands I, as patron, have un- doubted right, (and as I am, therby, deprived of this benefit, the whole, to a trifle, of this stipend falls upon me, which, as it is no less, by decreet of modification, than one hundred and twenty-eight bolls bear, three hundred and fifty merks of money, with sixty merks for communion elements yearly, is a very heavie burden SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 243 upon nie), if J slioukl iind out some freiiid of my own sufficiently qualified for this charge, and acceptable to others as well as to me, I am hopeful your Grace would neither think it offensive nor unreasonable that I should give any interest I have, in favours of such a man, though, I assure your Grace, I would neither present nor recommend my l)rother to the parish, unless he was indued with all the qualifications neces- sary for a minister thereof. — I remain, &c. " ArOHD. DnNBAR." Lord Lovat's letters are written on gilt-edged paper, and enclosed in envelopes : — ■■ Tn the Honourable Akciiibai.d Punbar, Esqr., " At his house at Duffus. " Beaufort, 26^/; March 1737. " Dear Sir, — I had the honour of your letter by your express, late Thursday night, but, as T have been out of order since the beginning of tliis month, and that yesterday was my post day, it was impossible for me to answer your letter till this day. " I am exceeding glad to know that you and your lady are well, and having enquired at the bearer if you had children, he tells me that you have a son, which gives me gTeat pleasure, and I wish you and your lady much joy of him, and that you may have many more, for they will be the nearest relatives I have of any Dunbars in the world, except yr)ur father's 244 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. cliikli'eii ; and my relation to you is not at a distance, as you are pleased to call it, it is very near, and I have not such a near relation betwixt Spey and Ness ; and you may assure yourself that I will always behave to you and yours as a relation ought to do ; and I beg leave to assure you and your lady of my most affec- tionat regards, and my Lady Lo vat's, and my young ones, your little cousins. " I am very sorry that you are oppressed, but I am surprised at nothing of that kind that comes from that airt. You may freely depend upon all the assistance in my power, and I believe I have as much to say with the ministers of that Synod as any one man that you can write to. I have three particular friends, beyond Elgin, that I hope will be useful to you, and that I will strongly solicite for that purpose ; that is old Mr. Gilchrist, and young Mr. Gilchrist, and Mr. Sim of Mortlach, who are three pretty fellows, and they have a great deall to say in the presbyterys that they are in. I shall send my letters to you, to be delivered to them when you think it proper ; and as to the presbyterys of Inverness and Abernethy of Strath- spey, I shall have as much to say there as most men, and I shall solicite them all, and send them a copy of your letter, which describes the affair better than I could tell it ; in short, I shall leave no stone unturned, in my power, to serve you. My cousin, young Ach- nagern, is with me here ; and Mr. Rose, the minister SOCIAL LIFE l.\ FOUMEK DAYS. 245 of Nairn, was Ijoni in Achiiagerns laud, and has a dependence upon liim, and I have Legged of my cousin to solicite him strongly in your favours, which I hope will have a good effect ; and I make no doubt but you will carry your affaii- at the synod. I am sure I shall use all my endeavours for that effect, more than if it was for a settlement in the parish that I live in. You may expect letters from me for the two Mr. Gilchrists and Mr. Sim in eight or ten days, and I will send an express with letters to all my friends of the presbytery of Inverness and Strathspey, and send a copy of your letter in every one of my own letters, since it is the best account I can give of the matter. I am sorry that our cousin, Bailie Robertson, is so much con- cerned about his late loss that he is not in condition to go about for you; however, I think you should write to him, for you know he is an active pretty fellow. " I beg you give my most humble duty to your honest father and his family ; and I am, with a very sincere esteem and respect, dear Sii', your most affec- tionate cousin, most obedient and most humble ser- vant, LOVAT. " I will write to my friend Dalrachanie, and to my other allys in Strathspey, to ride about for you, on my account, among all the ministers in that country, and I will write, myself, to every one of them that I am acquainted with." 246 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " Beaufokt, 9tk Ai>r'dt 1737. " Dear Cousin,— This moment I got your express from Inverness, and I wish you had done me the honour to come out tliis morning, that we might con- cert matters about your minister, since I have now the matter at heart as much as you have, in order to serve you. I beg you may do me the honour to come out, to-morrow morning, with my cousin, Bailie Eobert- son, and dine with me. I offer my dear Tom my most sincere respects. I am heartily sorry for his loss,' and if I had been in condition to go abroad, I would have gone to her burial, without a call. I have been writing, these three days past, to severall ministers about your affair ; and if it could do you service, I would write to all the ministers in Scotland, that I am acquainted with. I have written the inclosed two lines to Mr. M'Bean, and other two lines to my cousin, Mr. Eraser. I cannot attack Mr. Baillie of Inverness, because I am informed that he is, already, on the other side of the question ; in short, if you will be so good as to come here, we shall concert what is to be done, so far as I have interest ; for you may assure yourself that I am, without reserve, with a sin- cere esteem and respect, my dear cousin, your most obedient and most humble servant, Lovat." ' Thoin;i.s Robertson, ]);iilie of luvt'iiiess, \v;is a meuibei' of the lushes family ; he had lost his wife. SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 247 "Beaufokt, AptUe \il/i, 17;{7. " Dear Sir, — I did expect to liave bad the honour to see you in this house, when you "was at Inverness, and I was a little surprised when I did not see you nor hear from you, after I sent you my letters for ]\Ir. H. M'Bean and Mr. Fraser, but I suppose you have gone away in a great hurry. I beg leave to assure you, and your lady and young son, of my most affectionate respects, and my Lady Lovat's, and my young ones, your cousins. I have sent you, enclosed, three letters for three as pretty fellows, in my opinion, as is of the clergy, and they are my three intimate friends, and I am very sure they will serve me in any afiair that is not against tlieu^ conscience. You will be so kind as to send them the letters, or de- liver them out of your own hand, with a copie of your case. I find your adverse party have been very busy making great interest against you everywhere, but I believe that the final decision must be by the General Assembly, where I will use my utmost endea- vours to do you all the service in my power. I have written to all the ministers of my acquaintance in the presbytery of Inverness, and in the neighbouring presbyterys of Strathspey and Badenoch, and sent them a copie of your first letter to me. You may assure yourself of any service in my power, for I am, with unalterable esteem and respect, dear Sir, your most affectionate cousin, and most obedient hum])le servant, " LOVAT." 248 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMEE DAYS. " BEArFORT. ]6(h April'' 1737. " Dear Sir, — I had the honour of your letter, with the state of your case as to the settlement of your minister. I do assure you that, in all my life, I never took so much pains in any ecclesiastick affair, and if J\lr. Bowar was my brother I would do no more for him. I wrote to every minister, of my acquaint- nnce, betwixt this and Keith. I had favourable answers from most of them, and I had a letter last night from my good friend Dalrachanie, who is to be at Forres as a ruling elder ; he gives me good encouragement from tlie ministers of Strathspey, and, as he is married to my Lord Elches's sister, I am sure you will find him very assisting. I have beged of Mr. Thompson, who delivers you this letter, to let you know the disposi- tions of all the ministers of his particular acquaint- ance ; he has promised me to be for your man if it is not directly against his conscience. I do not doubt but you will carry your affair at the synod. I wash you good success at the General Assembly. I have some leading men of the Church, that are in the first posts in the nation, who, I think, are the prettiest men in the Church, who are my very good friends ; and when you think it necessary that I should write to them, I shall do it in the strongest terms that I can think of to serve you. " I offer you, and your lady and son, my most affec- tionate respects and my Lady Lovat's ; and I am, with SOCIAL LIFE IM FORMER DAYS. 249 a very particular esteem, and a very sincere regard and attachment, my dear Sir, your most afiectionate cousin, and most obedient humble servant, " LOVAT." ]\Ir. Brodie's report : — " Archibald Dcnbar, Esq. of Newton. Elgin. "Edinburgh, 20 May 1737. " Sir,- -The appeal about the settlement of the parish of DufFus was, yesterday, determined, after a very long and full hearing which lasted from near twelve till five o'cloak at night, in favours of Mr. Bower. The votes were, for affirming the sentence of the synod, a hundred and twenty-two ; not affirming, about thirty-two ; nonliquots, about twenty ; and, for all this plurallity upon your side, there was never a call wherein greater pains was taken than Sir Eobert used against you. His Lady went to the west country ; but he himself stayed in town, w^ent and visited the Commissioner, made himself apparently very great with him, and addresst all the members personally, w^hether acquainted with them or not, Avith the greatest earnestness. He was, since the Assembly sat down, always in the forenoons travelling amongst them ; and I believe his great assurance did him no service in the cause. " Mr. Geddes left Lord Elchies at Aberdeen, and 250 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMEK DAV8. came up here himself, and did all was possible for ]\Ir. Bower. Your friend, Mrs. Peggy Dunbar, her sister, and Mr. Baillie, were very active for you, especially Mrs. Dunbar, who went tln-ough all her acquaintances, members of the Assembly, and engaged a multitude of ladys in your favours, to whom she destributed above a hundred cases, and was as anxious and carefull about this matter as she could have been in any of the greatest importance. She had a multi- tude of ministers every day at tea with her, particu- larly Mr. Gordon of Alloa, who, notwithstanding the letter sent him, and all .^he could say, was strongly your opposite. Sir Eobert kept open table at Mrs. Herdman's for the clergy always, at dinner ; and they were bidden resort there, for breakfast, and call for what they pleased, on his account. AVe, on the other hand, invited and intertained as many ministers as we could find, for three or four successive nights, at supper in a tavern, which comes to no small expens ; but since so much hath been wared on this cause, and now that it was to receive a final decision, I thought it was a pity to lose for this. Mr. Bower's personal acquaintance got him almost all the members for Fife, and some for Perth. I wrote to Provost Hay of Aberdeen, who got us Professor Lumsden who spoke strenuously, Provost Stewart (a ruling elder), and Mr. Hay, minister at Crimon. Lord Lyon wrote to the Commissioner, to Mr. Gordon of Alves, to Mr. Win- SOCIAL LIFK IX FOKMEK DAYS. L'51 Chester, &c. Mr. Winchester was of oood service to your cause. I also spoke to Mr. Gordon very roundly ; but he was immovable, and, with Squaii', were con- stant attendants of Sir Robert's, and strong soUicitors among the ministers. The express came very time- ously here, on Wednesday night, with the certificate and ministers' declaration about your being qualified, which was the strongest argument they had against you. Wee concealed the certificate of declaration till the cause was pled, and Sir Robert's lawyers having spoke a great deal upon it. In answering their debate, Mr. Ffraser's certificate was produced, and read in open Assembly. In the reply for Sir Robert, his lawyers pled everything that was derogatory to Mr. Ffraser's character, and produced not only a certificate from Burdsyards/ absolutely bearing that you had never been qualified by him or his su1)stitutes ; they also produced a complaint of Thomas AVatson's before the session against James Fraser, with two wrong ex- tracts of the fiars and the Lords' proceedings ther- ' The original certificate from IJoljert Urquliart of Burdsyanls, Sheriti- Depute of the shire of Elgin and Forres, is among these paper's. It " certilies and declares that Archibald Dunbar, younger of Newton, never did quality'' to Government, before him (jr his substitute, since his taccession to his estates ; yet it is certified by the two ministers of Elgin (Rev. Laohlan Shaw and Hev. Mr. Irvine), that they had read in the SherifF-Coiirt book that Mr. Dunbar had so qualified himself before the said Robert Urquhart, and that they had seen his signature to the cus- tomary oaths, ou a parchment in tlic hands of the Sheriff-Clerk ; ;iiid that he had trnlv subsciil)ed the same. 252 -SOCIAL LIFE IN FUltMLli DAYS. upon, which they had sent an express for to the house where Mr. Watson was, that he might order his ser- vant to deliver them. The lawyer for you, to disprove these, insisted that the clerk was the proper officer in law, and produced the certificate by the Ministers, Provost, and Baillie of Elgin, which being read in open Assemblie, did fully convince the members that the certificate produced l)y Burdsyards was false. Sir Robert had for lawyers, Mr. Archibald Murray, Mr. Michael Menzies, and Mr. Charles Gordon. I had imployed only, for you, Mr. Patrick Ilaldane ; and could get no other fit lawyer in town to add to him. I gave him, for drawing the case, and, at another time, for making remarks on this case, and for his attend- ance in the Assem1)ly, six guineas. I must say he did acquit himself very handsomely and to advantage. Mr. Gordon of Alves was the first of the clergy that spoke against you, very warmly, for upwards of an hour, and took great offence at a passage, of the re- marks, reflecting upon him and the Committee for Moderation, as partial for refusing sixteen to sign by proxy at the Moderation without any just cause. He said all he could in his defence, as if he had been preaching, and sweat heartily at it ; but his vindication of himself, and all he could say, had no influence. Then Mr. Squair spoke, but I never heard him speak so ill ; what he said was perplexed and confused, scarcely intelligible. Next to him Mr. Miln and Mr. SOCIAT, LIFE IN FOmiER BAYS. 253 Syme of Mortlidi. ^Ir. Miln spoke long ; but Mr. Syme spoke, though to very good purpose, but sliort, because at this time the Assembly were wearied and anxious to have the cause determined. The Synod of Murray being put out, except the Laird of Grant and Duff of Crombie, who, being absent from the division, were allowed to stay iii, there was then a great con- test about the state of the vote. It carry ed 'Affirm the sentence of the Synod of Murray or Not V Grant voted ' Proceed ; ' ]\lr. Crombie ' Affirm.' Sir Eobert, while the Synod of Murray and the parties were out, intertained with a glass of wine some of his opposites, such as ^Ir. Haldon, Mr. Syme, &c., in a tavern ; but when partys were called in, to hear the sentence intimat to them. Sir Robert, being informed that he had lost the cause by so great a majority, did not return to the Assembly to hear the interloquiter published, and, I believe, will not be at the Commissioner's levee this day, as he usually was iK'fore. " This is a long narrative of the proceedings ; much more might be said upon it, but I shall send you doubles of the prints, on both sides ; and for further information I remitt you to the ministers when they come home. It was moved in Assembly to write a letter of apology to the Duchess of Gordon (who had wrote a great many letters to several of the members of the Assembly), in name of the Assembly, and was agreed to ; but whether upon second thought they will 254 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. write this letter or not, 1 know not ; the thing is of no great importance to yon. I am, Sir, your most humble servant, LuD. Brodie. '•■ P.S. — You should return letters of thanks to jMrs. Dunbar and Mr. Baillie, and separately acknowledge the favours ; also to Lord Lyon and Mr. AVinchester, &c. I shall send you an extract of tlie Assembly's sentence, by next ; and, instead of the ten pounds you designed, you must remit at least twenty pounds, per first." Sir Robert Gordon never forgave Mr. Bower his success : — " To Mr. Arciiiiuld Dunbar, younger " of iN'ewtoii, att Duffus. " Majjse of Duffus, \st Septr. 1740. " Sir, — You may remember I waited off you, a day or two after Sir Kobert had been here, and shewed you the paper he had w^rite anent what his tennants were resting, and told you he threatned me by calHng me, several times, a Lyar, and that his doer att Edin- burgh had said I was a Fool in taking out a caption against him, at random, as he accounted it. I was then, you may remember, very uneasie with the re- mainder of the cholliak, I had been under att Rothes, and not able to endure either his threats or- long com- SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 255 paiiy ; and, tii be free of liini, 1 wrote a sort of letter to liim, wherein I declared, that tliongii I had caused Evan Macbain, messenger, inthnate to him the caption I had against him and the rest of the heritors for my stipends that were impayed, yet I designed not to execute that caption against him or the other heritors, till the Lords should give sentence anent a locality. This was the contents of the letter he gott, as, when it is seen, it will show, I shall be heartily sorrow if it any wise prejudge you ; I can assure I never designed it, nor, by no threats, would have been driven to it, if I had thought so. — I am with all regard. Sir, your most obliged humble servant, " Jo : BowEE." On the death of Mr. Bower, in 1748, several candi- dates applied for the kirk. One offered to marry " any particular friend or relation;" another promised "to demit" when required by the patron : — " To Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esq.. " at Duffus. " Maxse of Duffus, March 8, 1748. " Sir, — It is very reasonabel that you should please your self, as well as the parish of Duffus, in the choice of a minister, so I am sensibel that applications have been and are making to you, as patron, by several 256 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. candidates to fill that vacant church ; and, if ye will be pleased to prefer me, by granting a presentation in my favours, so as I may be settled before Michaelmas next, which will entitle me to that half-year's stipend next after expiration of the ami. at Whitsunday first, then, and in that case, I shall hold this lasting favour of your goodwilling, with more grateful acknowledg- ments than are usually paid, during all the days of my life. And as ye may have necessary use for seques- trating the first half-year's stipend, above-mentioned, for any particular pious use or other just intention of your own, I hereby promise and oblige myself, after ingathering of the same, to grant you my bond for the value, bearing interest and payable yearly, in such manner, and for such use and behoof as you shall be pleased to appoint, either for the encouragement of a schoolmaster, or any other use, so as I shall be no more than the debtor, borrower, and user of the said principal sum, for payment of the ordinary legal annual rent, till such time as I shall think myself in condition, and judge it proper for me, to pay up the same, so as that it may l)e lent out upon interest to any other person for the uses you may intend. And if ye shall judge it proper to bestow any particular friend or relation of yours upon me as my wife, I also hereby promise not only to keep my affections free, but also, with God's assistance, to accept of her, pre- ferably to any other person whatever, as my future SOCIAL 1,TFE IX FORME?. DAYS. 25 7 spouse; aiul for this effect I also lierclty promise to take and re-enter (at least) the twenty pound sterling- class in the Widow's funds, as the same is established by Act of Parliament ; and I shall always considei- that, along with your relation, you ha^'e also given me one thousand })Ounds Scots yearly to maintain her. These concessions and promises as they are cheerfully and voluntarily made, with a sincere and faithful in- tention of being performed, so I leave them with what else you judge proper to l)e added, to your serious perusal and consideration ; and, in the meantime, I beg they may be secreted from the world. — I am, Sir, your very huml)le servant, A. B." Extract from a letter from Rrodic^ of Brodie, '• Spynie" was grandfatli(H" of Elisabeth, last Duchess of Gordon : " London, AprUe 9th. " I hear Mr. Bower is past recovery ; so, if he dies, I recomend James Brodie to you, as a man cut out to your own mind — a good preacher, and a modest, civil, obliging, obedient fellow, with whom you can be quite easy ; nay, you cannot find such a man for your pur- pose in the island. Nay, further, Spynie and I can become bound he shall deiuit whenever you are tired of him. R 258 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " Accept of all our kind compliments to you, Nellie, ;ind the bairns ; and believe me, yours faithfully, " Alexr. Brodie. " The doing; of this would have no other bad conse- quence than piquing the Laird of Gordonstown." Two certificates addressed to the patron, in favour of the Rev. Alexander Murray, the successful candi- date. Mr. Godsman was a Koman Catholic priest. " ACIL4.NASY, Jiuie 5th, 174S. " Sir, — Being told that IMr. Alexander Murray, some time ago helper in the parish of Keith, is by his enemies accused of having informed against the poor gentlem-cn in distress after the battle of Cul- loden, I, who lived in the same parish, and was in distress, do certify that he was so averse from such ways of doing that, as far as it consisted with his own safety, he was willing to aid or assist them; so that he is aspersed most maliciously, and ^^'ithout any grounds, by his enemies ; and you may have this for a certain truth. I am. Sir, your most humble servant, " Alexander Godsman." "Keith, June 1th, 1748. " Sir, — Though we have not the honour of your acqu;iintance, yet justice to Mr. Murray's injured SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 259 cLaracter, who, wu hoar, i>s represented to you as an ill-natured man and a notorious informer against those in distress after the battle of Culloden (and especially against us and Mr. Simpson, who is at pre- sent out of the country), liath obliged us to trouble vou with this, assurino- that although we had the misfortune to fall into the hands of the King's forces, or at least to suffer by them, and altho' we are con- scious to ourselves that if ]\lr. ]\[urray had been such a man as he is represented, he had cause of resent ment, yet he was so far from informing, or taking the advantage of our distress, that, so far as his inter- est could goe, and safety permitt, he was usefull to us ; and we can farther assure that Mr. Simpson looked upon him as the chief instrument of his lil)cration; and instead of iK'ing in any shape an ill-natured man, we always found him most agreeable, and, in every thing, to act suitable to his character. As we find his name hath been so unjustly traduced, we think it a piece of material justice, so far as we can, to vindicate him from these malicious and invidious aspersions ; which we hope you will be so good as excuse from, Sir, your most obedient humble servants, " Will. Pateeson. William Stodhart." 2G0 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. We have no means of knowing how Sii- Eobert Gordon behaved to Mr. Murray, Imt the reverend gentleman, in January 1751, thus informed the patron of the Baronet's state of health : — " There has been for some time past a good deal of sickness amongst the country people here, and seve- rals are daily dicing, so that we sometimes l)ury at the rate of three a-day. Your friend Sir Robert, 1 am told, was like to have gone to the Elisian fields, but has so far recovered as to be able to thrash John Gow's wife for traveling on his forbidden ground. 1 am, dear Sir, your most obliged and humble servant, " Alexr. Murray." XXXil. WITCHES. As a belief in witeliciaft long prevailed in Scotland, we are tempted to give some papers, showing liow, in 1704-5, the Magistrates and the Minister of Pitten- weem disgraced themselves. " Unto the Right Honourable the Lords of Her Majesties Privy Gounsell, " The Magistrats and Toun Counsell of Pittenweem, and Minister and Kirk Session theirof " Humhlie Sheweth, " That wher their being att present a great many malifices committed upon the person of Patrick Mor- ton n, son to Patrick Mortonn, smith in Pittenweem, by severall witches now in prison there, wherof the greatest part have already confessed to us their guilt in tormenting the said Patrick, and of their compact with the devill, and renounceing their baptism, wee humbly crave liberty to give your Lordships the fol- lowing representation of the matter of ffact, to the effect your Lordships may grant a commission, to 262 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. such as your Lordships shall think fitt, to take tryall of the })ersons who have confessed, and others against whom there are not only presumptions of guilt but lykwise a clear probation readie to be adduced. " The matter of fact, in short, is as follows :— In the beo'innino- of March last, the said Patrick Mor- toune, about sixteen years of age, and free of any knowen vice, being imployed by his ffather to make some naills to a ship belonging to one of the mer- chants in rittenweem, when he was working in his ffather's smiddie, one Beatrix Laing, who is one of these who have confessed, desired him to make some naills ffor hei", which he modestly refused, in regard he had been already imployed to make the naills ffor the ship, which were in haste, and could not abide any delay. Upon which answer Beatrix did shew a great deall of discontent, and went away, threatning to be revenged, which did somewhat ffrighten him, because he knew she was under a Ijad ffiime, and rej)uted ffcjr a witch of a long time. The next day, when he was passing the door of her house, he observed a timber vessell with some water and a fire coall in it, att the door, which made him apprehend that it was a cliarme layd ffor him, and the effects of her threatning ; and immediately he was seased with such a weakness in his limbs that he could hardly stand or walk, and continued in a languishing condi- tion till the first of May last ; and the phisitians were SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMEK DAYS. 263 imployed ffor his recoveiy, yet iio means they coukl use liad any effect, but still grew worse, liaviiig no appetite, and his bodie strongely emacerated. " About the beginning of May his caice altered to the worse, by haveing such strange and unusuall fitts as did astonish all onlookers. His belly, att sometime, was distended to a great height ; at other tymes his breast and his back were so distended, that the bones, both of his back and breast, did ryse to a prodigious height, and suddenly fell ; and in the mean tyme his breathing was like to the blowing of a bellowes ; att other times his bodie became rigide and inflexible, in so much that neither his amies nor less could l)e bowed or moved by any strength, tlio' frequently tryed ; and all his senses benumned, and yet his pulse in good order. Att some tyme liis head turned quite about, or to his shoulders, and no strength able to turne it back or repone it ; and was many tyme in griveous agonies, and sometimes in soonds ; att other tymes his toungue drawen back in his throatt, espe- ciaUie when he wes telling who were his tormentors ; and when either the mao-istrats or minister did brino- in any of these women, whom he had discovered to be his tormentors, before they came within the door, he cryed out his tormentors were present, and named them ; and tho' severalls present did cover his ftice, and caused severall women touch him (besides those he discovered to be his tormentors) by turnes, yet. 264 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. wlicii these (lid touch him, upon whom he made no complaint, no eftV'ct foihjwcd ; but upon the approach and tou(di of these whom he complained of, his asfonies increased, and cryed out his tormentors were present. " The poor man has beiii in this condition since the beginning of May last, and continues to l)e so, have- ing very short intervalls ; and his condition is much al)Out the same with that of Barcfarran's dauo;liter in the west. " Their are seven imprisoned, viz., Beatrix Laing, Isobell Adam, Nicolas Lawson, and Jane Corseitt, Thomas Brown, Margaret Wallace, and Margaret Jack. The first ifour of these have confessed their being guiltie of a compact with the devil, renunceing their baptisme, and tormenting tlie said Patrick Mor- toun, upon ane examination by us, tlie Magistrats and Minister, in the Tolbuith of Pittenweem ; and the other three are not only loaded by presumptions but fyled by the coiiplents, as not only guiltie of witch- craft l)ut lykew^ayes of the malefecis upon the said Patrick Mortoun. " And seing there is here in the discoveries alreadie made, as to flour of the imprisoned, a plaine confes- sion of there being guiltie of witchcraft and of the raalefeices above represented upon the said Patrick Mortoun, and that consfxU dc corporc delicti; and lykewayes, that the rest are loaded with presump- SOCIAL LIFE IX FoKMEK DAYS. 2()5 tioiis and delate J by the euiiplents as guilty, with themselfes, of witchcraft and torinciitiiig of the said Pati'iek ; as also, seiiio- it would l)e a 2:reat deal of expence to bring so many witnesses, as will be neces- sary to prove the different and distinct points that falls under proljation, llbr convicting of the fornanicd persons, and that the matter will be made more clear tliau if tlic same were cognosied here Ijefore the Lord of Justiciary, " J\lay it therfor please your Lordships, in con- sideration of the premisses, to grant warrand and commission to sucli gentlemen or others, that live in and about the place, as your Lordships shall think fitt, to take cognition and tryall in this matter, and to determine tlierin by a Justiciary power from your Lordships, as has been frequently done in such cases, according to justice ; and your Lordships' servants will ever pray. '" Beatrix Lciing's Confession before the Magistrats and Minister of Pittenweem. " 23 May 1704. " Wherin she acknowledges that she was angry at Patrick Mortoune — the person who is tormented — for refusincf her nails, and that she designed to re- venge it of him l)y uscing the charm of the coall in the wate]', and that the dcvill was with liei', when she 266 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. used the eliarm, and appeired to her first in the lik- ness of a dog, and then in the likeness of a boy, and said to her that lie would help her to destroy the lad ; in order to which she made a pictur, to torment the lad, of whyt wax, and that there was none with her at the makeing of it but Nicolas Lawsou, and that she did putt pinns unto ; and did engadge with the devill about twelve years since, and the cans that moved her to engadG-e was that she should have sue- cess in her merchandise, and that he appeared to her at that tymc in the likeness of a litle man, and the first thing he desyred of her was to renunce her baptisme, which accordingly she did ; and acknow- ledges that she got the devill's mark in her shoulder, which was very painfull at the tyme. " The Corifc'ssione of Nicolas Lawson, aneother of the Witches. " She acknowledo-es that she was at the makeinof of the })ictur, wherwith Patrick Mortoun was tormented, and acknowledges that she put in only ane pin, and there was about twelve pins in it, and that she did renunce her baptism at her first meeting with the devill, for which he promised her a good milk cow, but he never gave it ; and like way es, acknowledges that the devill apperred to her since she came to ])jisone, which was upon Saturday uight, the twen- SUCIAI. LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 267 tietli of Mnv ; and that it was a loiio' time since she engadged in tlie devill's service ; and that she was Kkewayes at tlie meeting with tlie devill in Alex- ander M'Grigory s house, and that ther wer present witli her, Beatrix Laing, Janet Corfortt, Thomas Broun, and Isoljell Adam, and some strangers, that she knew not ; and that the same Thomas Broun did phiy to them on a pype. " The Confession of Isohdl Adam, aneother of tlie Wit ekes. "Confesses that al)out a fourtnight after Mertimess she came to Beatrix Laing's, and that she saw a litle I^Uick man with a hatt and bhiek cloathes, sitting at the board end. and 15>eatrix said ' Heir is a g-entleman that will fie yow, if you will not fie with me ;' upon which she engadged, and the devill kissed her, and told her that he knew she was discontent with her lot, and that in his service she should get riches as much as she could wish ; and that upon New Yeir day therafter, the devill appeired to her in Thomr.s Adam's house, and ther she renunced her baptismo voues ; and like way es acknoledges that she was in M'Grigor's house with Beatrix Laing, Nicolas La^\'- son, Janet Corseitt, and Thomas Broun, upon a de- signe to strangle the said M'Grieror." 268 SO(JiAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. Tlie unhappy fate of one <>f tlie reputed witches is thus described in a letter from a gentleman in Fife :^ •• F,1,r. 5, 170"). " Sm, — I doubt not of your being exceedingly sur- prized with this short and just account, I give you, of a most barbarous murder, committed in Pittenweem, the 30th of January last. One Peter Morton, a black- smith in that town, after a long sickness, pretended that witches were tormenting him ; that he did see them, and know them ; and, from time to time, as he delated such and such women to be Avitches, they were, by order of the magistrates and minister of Pittenweem, apprehended as such, to a, very consider- able number, and put into prison. This man, by his odd postures and fits, which seemed to be very sur- prising at first, wrought himself into such a credit with the people of the place, that unless the Earl of Rothes, our Sheriff, had discovered his villany, and discouraged that practice, God knows how fatal it might have proved to many honest families of good credit and respect. Sir, however, at first many were deceived, yet now all men of sense are ashamed for giving any credit to such a person. But how hard it is to root out bad principles, once espoused by the rabble, and how dangerous a thing to be at their mercy, will appear by the tragical account, I give you, of one of these poor women, Janet Corphar. 80CTAI> LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 1^ ('.'.) " After she was committed prisoner to tlie tolbootli, u})oii a suspicion of her being a witch, slie was well guarded with a number of men, who, by pinching her and pricking her with pins, keept her from sleep many days and nights, threutning her with present death, unless she would confess herself guilty of witchcraft ; which at last she did. This report spreading abroad, made people curious to converse with her upon the subject, who found themselves exceedingly disap- pointed. The Viscount of Primrose, being in Fife, occasionally inclined to satisfy his curiosity in this matter ; the Earl of Kellie, my Lord Lyon, the Laird of Scots Tarves, and the Laird of Randerston, were with his lordship in Pittenweem. Three of the num- ber went to the toll^ooth and discoursed her ; to whom she said, that all that she had confessed, either of herself, or her neighbours, were lies, and cried out ' God forgive the minister ;' and said he had beat her one da}- with his staff, wdien she was telling him the truth. They asked her how she came to say anything that was not true. She cried out ' Alas! alas! I l)e- hoved to say so, to please the minister and the bailies ; ' and in the meantime she beged, for C^hrist's sake, not to tell that she had said so, else she would be mui- dcred. Another time, when the Laird of Glenagies and ^h'. Bruce of Kinross were telling her she needed not deny what they were asking her, for she had con- fessed as much as w^ould infallibly burn her, she cried 270 SOC'IAJ. IJFE IX FORMER DAYS. out ' God forbid!' — mid to one of the two, she said that from which he might rationally conclude she insinuat she had assurance, from the minister, her life should not be taken. " A little before harvest, Mr. Ker of Kippilaw, a Writer to the Signet, being in Pittenweem, Mr. Robert Cook, Advocate, went with him to prison to see this poor woman. Mr. Cook, among other questions, asked her if she had not renounced her baptism to the devil. She answered she never renounced her baptism Ijut to the minister. These were her words ; what she meant by them I know not. The minister having got account of this from Mr. Cook, he sent for her, and in presence of Mr. Cook and Mr. Ker in the church, he threatned her very severely, and commanded the keeper to put her in some prison, by her self under the steeple, lest (as he said) she should pervert those who had con- fessed. The keeper put her into a prison in which was a low window, out of which it was obvious that anybody could make an escape, and accordingly she made her escape that night. " Next day, when they missed her, they made a very slight search for her, and promised ten pound Scots to any body that would bring her back. " Mr. Gordon, minister of Leuchars, hearing she was in his parish, eight miles distant from Pitten- weem, caused apprehend her, and sent her prisoner under custody of two men, on the oOth of Jnnuary, to SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 2Vl Mr. Cowper, minister of Pittenweem, without giving any notice to the magistrates of the phxce. When slie came to Mr. Cowper, she asked him if he had any thing to say to her. He answered ' No.' She could get lodging in no house hut with one Nicolas Lawson, one of the women that had been called witches. Some say a bailie put her there. " The rabble hearing she was in town, went to Mr. Cowper, and asked him what they should do with her ? He told them he was not concerned ; they might do what they pleased with her. They took encourage- ment from this to fall upon the poor woman, those of the minister's family going along with him, as I hear. They fell ui)on the poor creature immediately, and beat her unmercifully, tying her so hard with a rope that she Avas almost strangled ; they dragged her through the streets and alongst the shoar by the heels. A bailie, hearing of a rabble near his stair, came, which made them immediately disappear ; but the magistrates, though met together, not taking care to put her into close custody for her safety, the ralible gathered again immediately, and streached a rope be- twixt a ship and the shoar, to a great height, to wliich they tyed her fast ; after wliich they swinged her to and fro, from one side to another, in the meantime throwing stones at her from all corners, until they were weary ; then they loosed her, and witli a miglity swing threw her upon \]\c hard stones, all about being 2 72 .SOOIAI. \AFE \N FORMER DAYS. ready in the meantime to receive her witli stones and staves, with which they beat her most cruelly. Two of her daughters came, upon their knees, begging to be allowed one word of their mother before she expired ; but that ])eing refused, the rabble threatning to treat them in tbe same manner, they wcint off. The rabble never gave over till the poor wretch was dead ; and, to l)e sure she was so, they called a man with a horse and a sledg;e, and made him drive over her 1 jack ward and forward several times. When they were sure she was killed outright, they dragged her miserable carcass to Nicolas Lawson's house, ^^'here they first found her ; laying on her belly a door of bonrds, niid on it a great heap of stones. " There was a motion made to treat Nicolas Lawson after the same manner immediately, but some of them, Ijeing wearied witli three hours' sport, as they called it, said it would be better to delay her for another day's divertisement ; and so they all went off. " It is said that Mr. Cowper, in a letter to JMr. Gordon, gave some rise to all this ; and Mr. Cowper, to vindicate himself, wrote to Mr. Gordon, whose re- turn says if he were not going to Edinburgh, he would give him a doul)le of his letter. It is strange he sent him not the principal. In the postscript he assures him lie shall conceal it to meetino;. " It is certain that Mr. Cowper, preaching, the Lord's -day immediately after, in Pittenweem, took no SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 2*73 notice of the murder, which at least makes him guilty of sinful silence. Neither did J\Tr, Gordon, in his letter to Mr. Cowper, make any regrate for it ; and this some construe to be a justifying of a horrid wickedness, in both. " We are perswaded the Government will examine this affair to the bottom, and lay little stress upon what the magistrates or minister of Pittenweem will say to smooth over the matter, seeing it is very well known that either of them could have quashed that rabble, and prevented that murder, if they had ap- peared zealous against it. " I am sorry I have no better news to tell you. God deliver us from those principles that tend to such practices. — I am, Sir, your humble servant. Note. — The petition from the magistrates and the minister of Pittenweem, and the confessions of Beatrix liaing, Nicholas Lawson, and Isobel Adam, are copied from an old manuscript. The letter from a gentle- man in Fife is copied from a printed paper. Both documents are at Duffus House, Elgin. XXXIII. FUNERALS AND FUNERAL LETTERS. The lady whose funeral charges follow, was the " Bettie" to whom Dr. Iiiiius of Elgin prescribed the "gilded pills" (see page 20). She died in Edinburgh. ''May 5th, 1732. — Accompt of the funirall charges of Mrs. Elizabeth Dunbar, dispurst in the Grayfriers church yeard, be John Antonius, wright :- For a warrand to break ground, For the mort-cloath, For the trufp. To the bell men, To the grave men, To the recorder. To the poors' box, To the common poor at the lodging. To the common poor and blew-gowns' boxes at Grayfriers, ...... To a hearse velvit pall, with six horses, . Two mourning, and two other plain, coaches. For a fine coffen, with fine polished iron work, and mourning cords, and least with wliite tackets, and kane within by way of sheer cloath, ....... Sterling. £ sh. d. . 01 05 00 . 01 01 06 . 00 10 00 . 00 04 00 . 00 05 00 . 00 01 00 . 00 02 00 . 00 01 00 . 00 01 00 ■I 02 05 00 04 00 00 £09 05 06" SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 275 Torches were used at the funerals of the Nortliern nobility and gentry. "Account — The Earl of Sutherland to Archihald Dunbar of Newton : — 1733. September. To forty-eight flambeaus, furnished at Elgin for his grandfather's funerals, weighing eighty-seven and a half pounds, and appreciat by Bailie Mackenzie, apothecary, and Ludowick Gordon, merchant in Elgin (as two men of skill), at three shillings per pound ; which Mr. Macalister, by his letter (of date 17th January 1734), promises to pay quickly, and com- plains of the cost, else he had paid, before, that de- mand, £13, 2s. Cd. To horse-hyre from Elgin to Burghead, where the l)oat lay. Is. " N.B. — These four dozen of flambeaus were in the house after Lady Thunderton's funerals, and though Mr. Dunbar has no knowledge of the price or value, yet he is apt to think the appretiators have valued them extravagantly, and therefor he submits this article to be reduced to reason." In Morayshire no funeral took place without a hospitable supply of good cheer for those who at- tended, but the expense so incurred was trifling, compared with the present price of provisions. With strong old claret at fourteen pence per bottle, twelve 276 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. chickens for sixteen pence, and eggs at one penny per dozen, there was a wide margin for a sum total of twenty-one pounds, eight shillings, and tenpence sterling, which was the whole expense (including coffin, hearse, gratuity to the poor, expresses with the burial letters, etc., etc.), of the funeral of which two of the accounts are given. " To Eobert Innes, merchant in Elgin, for sundrys furnished to the deceast Kobert Dunbar of Newtowns iFuneralls, viz, : — 1742. £ ,h. a. Sept. 2G. To Zerrey wine, for two botles, the empty botles returned, . To claret, for two botles, . To do. more, for six botles do., . To brandy, for six botles, . 27. To strong old claret, for one dozen, botles being returned, . To two dozen, smaller old claret, botles , being returned, .... 28. To cash, for tliirteen loads of peats to ffuneral house, .... To four dozen more, smaller old claret, botles returned, .... To Zerrey, for one dozen, botles being returned, ..... 29. To new claret, for one dozen, To sugar, for four pounds, twelve ounces, at three pence half penny, 3 4 £6 16 Oi" 2 4 2 G G 14 1 04 04 4| 2 08 14 12 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 2V Mrs. Nairn's account for bakeiug and cooking sh. Six pecks flower, used at Duffus and Elgin, . 8 Five dozen of ale, strong and small, 5 A leg of beef, A side of mutton, ..... G 2 2 Six liens, 2 Twelve chickens, 1 4 Five dozen eggs, ...... 5 Five ducks, 2 C Two tongues, 8 Pigeons, patridges, marrow tarts, and apples, a hare, and cod, ..... anc 5 Two turkeys, A hawm, ....... 2 4 A half ston of butter, ..... 3 Five pounds moulded candles, 2 6 £2 13 7 The funeral of the Duchess of Buckingliam is thus alluded to in a long letter, dated 9th April 1747, from Brodie of Brodie, then in London attending his Parliamentary duties : — " The fracka of the Dutches of Buckingham's parade through the streets you will see in the prints. "Yesterday was a very cold day, and she kept many thousands waiting the show, by which she killed more since her death, than she did while alive with all her charms. For the effigie of her, taken in wax work, and carried on the pall above the coffin, 2 78 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. was iiiinieiitly beautifull, according to lier orders, although that figure was taken while on her death- bed. At that time she sent to the Dutches of Marlboro for a sight of the pall used at the Duke's burial ; to which her Grace made answer that she would not, since she believed she intended it as a pattern for her own, and it did not become her Grace to be buried with the same magnificence as the Duke of Marlboro. To which Dutches Buckingham re- turned, for answer, she only wanted to see it that hers might not be of the same fashion with her father's Page. In short, the many idle, vain, ridiculous storys we hear of her Grace, just now, would fill a quare of paper." The practice, now so common, of hiring experienced waiters, to hand the wine, etc., is not of yesterday : — " To the Relict of the Minister " of Duffus. " Elgin, 2Sth Juli/ 1736. " Mrs., — I wrote to you before, with John Forsyth, to send me my wages for the attending your hus- band's funerals, and for receaving the wins, and comming alongst with them to Duffus, which your servant cann tell you ; and for serving that day till after dinner. I told you, in my last letter, what was the ordinar I used to gett in Elgin ; and for my comeing to Duffus, I did referr to your selfe. If you SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 279 do uot seiid me payment by the berar, I will cause Deacon Blenshell pay me, wlietlier lie will or not, because he imployed me for that purpose. I know you do not understand the matter, uthcrwayes I would been payed or this time. I expect your an- swer, by this berar, whither or not, in wreating ; and I am, Mrs., your most humble servant, when called, " John Hay." Funeral letters were, generally, written on foolscap paper having a small edging of black, and sealed with the family arms. The large size of the paper formed a striking contrast to the brevity of the contents. The Countess was wafe of Alexander, fourth Earl of Moray, and daughter of Sir William Balfour of Pitcullo. " For James Dunbar of Inchbrok. " From Castlestewart, January 5lh, 1683. " Sir, — I doe intend the funerall of the Countess of Morray, my mother, upon Wednesday the 1 7th of January instant, to which I intreat your presence, be eleven a clock, att Darnuay, from thence to her buriall place in Dyke ; and this last Christian duty shall verrie much obleidge, Sir, your assured to serve you, " DOUNE." 280 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Though much cast down by his wife's death, the r>aird of Barmuckatie Avished to have fashionable linens, holster-tops, and hose. He also determined that the invitations to the funeral should be sealed with his own coat-of-arms : — " For Mr. Archibald Dunbar of Thundertoiin, To the care of George Sutherland, Master of the Eoyall Cofe-lious, Edinburgh — Heast. "Inverness, Decembfir 31, 1700. " Loving Brother, — On Sabothday's night last I cam here, which was the night after Barmukaty's lady expired, who, as I am informed, dyed weall and per- fect. Ye know his present condition is such that he canot write to you l^y reason of his great affliction, onlie desires ye may reade, seall, and deliver the in- closed to his ffaither, and keepe him in mind of the contents thereof. Ye will write to Barmukaty by the first, and acquaint him of the fashion of linings proper to be worn, with the fashion of holster-topes and lious. Ye will likeways buy ane steell seall, for his use, and cause cut his name and airmes thereon, which ye will send, whousoon ready; and at meeting ye will be satis- fied ; therfor leat all be dispached to the caire of Mr. Blak, regent, or Mr. William Smith, who will fordward them here by our post. I expect to here from you myselfe with the occurranse ; which is all, with our servise, and I ever am your afiectioned brother, " R Dunbar." SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 281 Robert Gibson of Linkwood, writer of the following- letter, eventually " turned furious," and, for lack of a more suitable asylum, was confined in the jail of Elgin, where, " for preventing of harm to the neighbourhood," he remained, for many years, till his death : — " ffor Mr. Arciiii!Ald Dunbar of Tliundertovin. "Elgin, 23d October 1701. " Sir, — Your sometyme landslord and my nybur has takin his eternall fftiirweill of you, and is inttered this day betwixt two and thrie aclok. I hope ye will be so Creistianlie inclyned as to weip fourtie dayes weip- ing and walling ffor him, because of his lionestie. All your uther ffreinds heir ar in good helth, for ought I knowe. I wislie you ane merrie Cusenmess.— I ame, Sir, your affectionat cusin, Robert Gibson." We can, unfortunately, give no information about "the Laird" who borrowed the black suit : — " ffor The Laird of Tiiunderton. " Much Honoured, — The Laird is gone to my Lord Balantirs buriall, this morning, and your black cloaths ai- on him as yet, but you will have them, to-morrows morning be seven a clock. This is all att the tyme, and I am, as becomes, much honoured, your most obe dient and ever obliged servant, " Alexr. Spens." 282 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Tliimdciton House, in which Lord Huntly wished to entertain the company, attending the funeral of Alexander, second Duke of Gordon, was a noble- looking mansion, with a square tower and balcony. We much regret its demolition in modern times.^ " The Much Honoured " The Laird of Tuondertoun. "Gordon Castle, Deer, dth, 1728. " Sir, — I shall have occasion for a house in Elgin, to entertain the company at my father, the late Duke of Gordon's, buriall. As none in that toun is so fitt for me as yours, I expect, from the friendship which has been between this family and you, that you will allow me the use of it for some days, and that my friend the Lady Thundertoun will consent to take some trouble on this occasion. I offer her ladyship my kind service ; and I am, Sir, your humble ser- vant, " Huntly." 1 It Avas, we believe, origmally known as "The King's House." In IGOl it belonged to the thi'ee daughters of the deceased James Dunbar of Westfield (as heirs of their father, and of their great-grandfather, Sir Alexander Dunbar, Sheriff of Moray), and was designated " The Sheriff's House." We are unable to say when the Earl of Moray became pos- sessor of the house, but he sold it in 1653 to Lord Duffus, who bound the Earl, hoAvever, to defend him against all claims from the heirs of John Dunbar of Westfield. About fifty years thereafter, it became the property of Archibald Dunbar of Thunderton, and, after nearly a centurj^, it was sold, in 1800, by Sir Archibald Dunbar, to John Batchen, who took down the greater part of the house, and feued out its grounds, — now forming Batchen Street and adjacent lanes. See Vignette. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 283 Mr. humming of Logic seems to have borne liis loss with much resio-uatiou : — o " To The Laikd of Newton, Younger, " At Duffus. " LoGGiE, Jamiarij ISth, 1734. " Sir, — As it hath pleased God, in his wise provi- dence, to remove my dear wdfe, I am determined to bury her, Tuesday next, since the body can keep no longer. I therefore intreat the honour of your pre- sence here, by ten a'clock that day, which will veiy much obledge. Sir, your most humble servant, "Alexr. Gumming." The presence of Mr. Forbes under such circum- stances was not desirable : — " To Archibald Dunbar of Duffus, Esqr., " Elgin. " Tuesday, 28th Sept. 1742. " My dear Sir, — I told you that I could not doe myself the honour to witness the interment of your worthy father. This is to tell you that I have been drinking, this whole day, with our Magistrats and Town Councill (God bless them), and am, just now, almost unfitt for your conversation ; and therefor choose to goe home rather than expose my self ; which I hope you will approve off. 1 hope you will ever believe that I am, with the greatest faith and truth, ray dear Sir, yours to serve you, Will. Forbes." XXXIV. WILL OF THE DEAN OF SALISBURY, 1G18. John Gordon, Dean of Salisl)ury, was a son of Alexander, Bisliop of Galloway, only brother of that Earl of Huntly who was slain at Corrichie. He died, 3d September 1619, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and was buried at the plaee pointed out in his wiU. His widow, Dame Geneviev Petaw (a French lady), died at Gordonston, 6tli December 1643, in the eighty-third year of her age, and was buried at Kin- nedder in the county of Moray. Louise, only child of the Dean, married Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonston, second son of the Earl of Sutherland, on the 16th February 1613. Of this marriage there are numerous descendants. I " A/ino Domini 1C18, Die 16, Menss Scptemhris. N THE Name of God the Eteenall, called in THE Hebrew, JEHOVAH ELOHIM, one in substaun(;e or essence, and three in subsistence or personc, I, Jean Gordon, borne in Scotland, of the SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 285 House of Hiiiitly, Doctor of Diviiiitic, and Deaiie of the Catliedmll Church of Salisburie, being in health of body and of minde, now of the age of seventy-four years, beginning the ffirst of September last past, prayes the said Eternall and Allmightie to direct my minde by His Holy Spirit, that 1 may make this my latter will ajid testament, in such a manner as shall be agreeable and conforme to His Divine Majesties will. Imprimis, I give thankes to the saide God, all f)Ower- full and all bountifull, that He made me to bee in- structed and taught, from my youth up, in scholes and collidges, as well in Scotland as in ffraunce, in all good discipline and liljerall arts and sciences, and in the knowledge of the Greeke and Hebrew languadges, and other Orientalls ; and, by that meanes, called me from the invocation and adoration of creatures in- feriors to the saide Holy and Blessed Trinitie, practised in the now Romaine Church, and other new erronious doctrines of trans-substantiation and adoration of the hostiamissalis exercised therein ; and hath called mee to the reformed Church of England, Scotland, and Ireland ; protesting by me, before the Eternall and Allmightie God, and before the celestiall powers, arch- angells, angels, cherubins and seraphines, and all other His ministeriall spirites, that by the grace of God and the assistaunce of His Holy Spirit, that 1 shall con- stantly persevere and continue, unto the seperation of my soule from my ])ody, in the doctrine of salvation, 286 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. now preached in the said Church, 1 give also thankes to the said Holy Trinitie, who, after I had l3ine gentle- man of three Kinges chambers in ffrance, to wit, Charles the Ninth, Henery tlie Thirde and Fowerth, in the flower of my adge, and there was assailed with many corruptions, as well spirituall as temporall, and many dangers of my life, that my said Lord and Saviour did miraculusly preserve me and deliver me from all the said daunger, and called me by King James, my dread soveraigne's gratiosness, to this habi- tation in Ingland, and to this holy ministerie, being then fifty-eight yeares of adge ; and that from that time the said most gratious God hath opened to me, all though unworthy, the intelligence, in such a mea- sure as hath pleased His Godly Majestic, of His Holy Scriptures, and of the high and deepe mysteries of life eternall ; most humbly craving from His gratiousnesse that He will be pleased to augment in me, His un- worthy servant, the knowledge of the saide misteries ; and, that I may leave to posteryty all the bookes that I have written, both in Latine and also in Inglish, in matters of religion, praying ernestly Sir Robert Gor- don of Sudderland, my soone-in-lawe, that if God shall call mee to His hevenly kingdome before I may publishe the saide bookes, that he will be carefull of them, that they that are in Inglishe l)e published in Scotlande, and these which are in Latine, beyond the seaes, so that the greate and long labors and paines. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 287 tliat I, by the grace of (iod, have bestowed in compos- ing the saide l)ookes, be not loosed. Now, because the Apostell, Heb. ix. ver. 2 7, hath taught me and all Christians that Statutum est hominihus semel movi, jmst autem hoc judicium, — It is ordained to men once to die, and that after that is judgment, — I beheve con- stantly and firmly in Christ's saying, in St. John's Gospell, chap. v. ver. 24, Qui verhum meum audit, et credit ei qui misit mc, hahet vitam eternam, et in judicium non venit,sed transiuit a morte invitam; — He that heareth my word and beeleveeth in Him who hath sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not com into condemnation, luit is passed from death unto life ; — and therefore (seing that God hath given me an assured and stedfast faith that the Eternall Father hath sent His Eternall Sonne in this worlde, for to redeeme, from Satan, hell, and condemnation, all faithfull beeleevers, acording to His eternall forknowledge, purpose, elec- tion, predestination, effectuall vocation, and viuificant justification and sanctification), that I, beeing of the number of them, by His only grace and mercy, shall, after the seperation of my soule from this corruptible body, receive glorification, ffirst in my soule, and after- ward in my body, when, at the time apointed in God's eternall councell, the bodyes of all men shall be resus- citated and immortallised, and rejoyned with their soules ; that as we beleeve in the Holy Trinity, and are baptised and speritually regenerated by water 288 SOCIAL L[FE IN FORMER DAYS. jind the Holy (Thost, by the which we are made the adopted soniies of God, and allso our bodyes are iiiirr- ished and fedd l)y participation and communion with the spirituall fleshe and blood of Christ, the which is in our Iwdyes a seede of imortalitie, l)y the which, as Christ promised, our bodyes shall bee resuscitated to injoy with our soules eternall life ; that as wee glorifie and worshipp the Holy Trinitie in this worlde with our bodyes and soules united in one person, called man, that evin so we shall after this life and the resurrec- tion, we l)eeing made perfet men, wee shall worshippe and glorifie Him eternally in His triumphant Church, with sperituall hymnes and songes, prayses and thankesgiving, in the society of all His holy archangels and angels ; and, seeing that sinne and death was brought in this worlde by Satan, and by it death, and that the Eternall Sonne of God did suffer death, in His human nature, to deliver and save all faithfull beeleev- ers from eternall death, and not from the first and corporall death, I confesse that all wee of this ellected flocke must suffer the death of our bodyes, and therby are partakers of the sufferinges of Christ ; and that thearby wee, persevering to the end in true faith, working by charitie, shall be pertakers of His glory ; and I protest before His Divine Majestic that I have a firmc faith and hope, by His grace to attaine to that selfsame glorification, beeing purged from all my sinnes by the unspeakable suffraunces of my Lord, SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 289 my God, and Saviour, renouncing to all merites of myself, or any others, angels or men, xVllso, because I am bound to be carfull of my wife and familie, and to dispose to their profitte the goodes, landes, and possessions which God hath liberally and miraculusly given me, I refer the dispositions of all that I have in fFraunce, to the donation which I have made heartofore to Geneviev Petaw, my loving wife, and to Sir Robert Gordon, and Lucie Gordon, my only childe, his wife ; praying them all that they will end- vor themselfes to be righted against the wronges that I have suffered, by my absence from ffraunce, against all the lawes and customes of that kingdome. As for my goodes and moveables, and house situat in the Close of Sarum, my will is that they be sould, and that the one halfe of the money shall hee for the use of my wife her life during (the which shee shall leave after liir to my saide sonne and daughter), the which moietie, with the other that I give by this my will to them, shall be by them injoyed theire life- during, and then shall leave both the saide moities to the children gotten and to be begotten of them ; and, to that effect, both the saide moities shall be employet in leases or other purchises, which my wife and they shall injoy (as said is) theire Hfe-during, and shall leave the proprietie thereof to theire saide chikb-en ; to the performaunce wheareof I charge them, in the name of God, as they shall awnsweare to God at the fearfull T 290 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. (lay of judgment. My will fillso is that the gouhl and money that shall be found in ray possession, or shall bee due to mee by bandes or billes at the time of my death, shall remaine to my saide wife only, whome I do charge with the costes of my l)uriall (and not my Sonne and daughter), and with the doles that shee may give to the poore at the time of my buriall ; willing my body to be buried before my seate in the quier, and I refer to my saide wife the forme and manner of my saide buriall. To my loving wife allso I give the some of forty poundes to bee laide in a stocke, and that the use of the said stocke shall be kept for the maintenaunce of poore boyes of the choristers, for the space of three yeares, during the which they may be provided other ways, and that after they goe from the quier, (not comprehending in this guift those boyes who have parents to meintaine them, to whome, at theire going forth, shall be given, every one, forty shillinges) ; and this stocke be put in Chamber of the C'ittie, which shall be bound to pay yearly the use thereof to such one that shall be appointed by the Deanc and Chapter of Sarum, to whome he shall ren- der accoumpte. I give allso to my servantes, men and women, a yeare of theire wadges and hire, during fower termes that shall fall out after my death. I give to the library of the church the tomes of the Annates of Barronius, togither w^ith such bookes as I have or shall have the day of my deaceas, to the use SOCIAL LIFE TN FOKMEK DAYS. 291 of them that will stnddie on them in the snide library. I ordayne that the debtes which I may l>e owing, the day of my death, in this kingdome of Ingland, bee payed on my annus post mortem, and especially, if God call mee before the hearnestes of my personadges, that wliicli shall be re|3aied to the baylife of them for the termes of Christmas, the Annuntiation, and Mid- somer, if they have paid them or any of them during my life, and that the rest of the saide annus post mortem remayne to my saide lovinge wife only, who shall paye the saide debtes to the concurrens and vallues of the said annus. I doe make and ordayne my saide loving deare wife to bee the whole execu- trix of this my saide last will, referring all other thinges to her conscience and discretion. In witnesse wheareof I have written with my ownc hand, and have subscrivit with my ordynary singe, this my will, the day and year above-mentioned. " J. Gordon." XXXV. CATTLE-STEALING. The plains c»f Moray were siiljject to constant incursions by the Highlanders, who " lifted cattle," took whatever fell in their way, and returned to their hills with the booty. Cluny Macpherson thus writes to the Baronet of Gordonston : — " Cluny, 6 Novr. 1G76. " Kytt Honorible, — I received ane lyne from you directed to Nuid^ and me, showeing that you are in- formed the Claneranald are in some place in the Breay of Murray, wliich if they be, treuly it is unknowen to me ; but it is wery probabile they may be their or els wheir at this tym. Therfor it is my advice to your honour, that you cawse your people of Dollase look well to their cattel, and let them waitch, every neiglit, souch of their beasts as ar not housed, aithervayes they may come to misse a pairt of them ; for our con- try watch is, ere now, dissolved for this year. Therfor let your people be caii'fuU, and your honour shall fynd that I shall doe them, on your accompt, all the good service that lyes in the power of, Eyt Honorible, yors asuiredly to serve you, D. M'Pherson. ' Macpherson of Ni\id. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 293 " Sir, — I received in September last your papers againest Drumond, sent to me by Connadge who is coosen germond to Drumond, and before the papers cam to my hands Drumond was putt on his gaird, and eafter sending of ane party horse, I could not get ane sheight of him, but, if I 1x' ane leiveing man, I shall be about with him some one way or another." Some of the Strathspey Highlanders had " lifted'' cattle belonging to Sir Robert Gordon, who, in October 1691, sent a messenger to cite the Laird of Grant as answerable for his clan ; l)ut it was a dangerous enter- prise to enter the Strath on such an errand : — " I, Hugh Tliaine, messenger, lieirby declaire that 1 am not at this tyme able to goe the length of Edin- burgh, Ijy reasone of sickness and unabilitie of body, haveing Ijcine now sex or seven weeks wery unabell, by reasone of the hard usage I mett with in Strath- spey, in the wood of Abernethie ; and therefor I doe heirby dyser, and give full power to, Sir Robert Gordone of Gordonstoun (who did imploy me about executing of Councell leters in that place) to suplicat the Lords of ther Majesties Privie Concill, or any other of ther Majesties Judges to whom it may belonge, that the saids Lords or Judges may, in ther prudence, apoynt some way for reddressing and punishing the abusses 294 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. comittcd, ngaiiist the l;iw and government, upon my persone and those in my company, wliicli wer as foUowith, viz. : — I (having upon the fyftinth of Octo- ber last citted some wittneses, and upon the sextinth therof citted the Laird of Grant, and upon the seven- tinth therof, be eight houres in the morning, as I went about three myles from Ballichastell towards Cuhiakyle, both the Laird's houses, at a phice called Craigemur, at the wood of Abernethie) and three men, called Peter Morison in Fochabrs, John McEdwart in Glenrinnes, and Alexr. Bogtoun in Khieclehik, that were with me, were seized upon be a pearty of armed men, who most maisterfuUie and violently struk me with ther gunnes, gave me a stobbe with a durke in my shoulder, and a stroak with my owen sword ; robbed me of my money, my linnens, some cloathes, my sword and provision, and of the principel Councell leters many coppies therof, and uther papers ; then bound me and my compeny, and allways threatncd me with present death for excecuting the forsaid leters, and examined me on oath whither any of those men did belonge to Gordonstoun, that they might instantly kill him; and ofired his lifFe to any one of our company that wold hange the rest of us ; therafter laid us down and secured us with horse-roaps on the ground within the wood, wher we leay in cold, hunger, and great miseris for four dayes and three nights, threatned hourly with present death. My conditione of healthe is welle SOCIAL LIFE IN FOPtMER DAYS. 295 kiioweii to tlie ministor ami iiiglibours in the })arocli wlier I live, and may be atested l)e tliem if neione.% " He believes he might have heard the Earl say that he would cause hang or put Thundertoun to death, and carry him to London and try him for his life, as being a rel^el and guilty of treason ; but depones tliat he did not hear the Earl threaten and SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAY,'^. 303 menace liim with mine and destruction upon account of the write mentioned in the interrogators. " InterrogaLor. " AVhether or not after the said Earl's menaces and tln-eatenings against Thundertoun, and the Earl's message to him, ordering him to grant the said dis- charge of the said Lord Strathnaver's oblidgment aforsaid (or an oblidgment to deliver up the same to be cancelled), had been told and communicate to Thundertoun as the only means to procure his safety and liberation, and after your Lordship had used a great many arguments with him to that purpose, was not Thunderton at last, with great difficulty, pre- vailed upon to say that he would subscribe any writing the Earl should demand of him for his libera- tion, rather than undergo the dangers and hardships threatened to him ? " Depones, " He believes Bailie James Dunbar might have said to him that Thundertoun said he had a great deal of difficulty in granting tlie write demanded of him, but that he would sul)scril)e any write rather than be con- fined to the Castle of Inverness or such a bad prison as it was ; and that this negotiation of my Lord Lovat's was without the participation of the Earl of 304 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Sutherland or the Lord Strathnaver, to the best of his memory. " Interi'ogator. " If, immediately after Thimdertoun had su])scribcd the said writino; or deed, which the Earl desired and insisted for, he, the said Thundertomi, was not re- leased and sett at liberty, and allowed to return home 1)V the Earl's order ? " Depones, " Immediately after signing the said write Thunder- toun was sett at liberty and allowed to go home ; and that the deponent did not see Thundertoun under any guaird or restraint at signing of the wiite. All of which is truth to the best of the deponent's memory, as he shall answer to God. " Sic Scrihr. " LOVAT, Evan Baillie. Donald Mackqueen, (7/^." XXXVI 1. MILITARY. The city of Perth was in IGHl invested l)y Oliver Cromwell, when, to avoid a general assault, the Go- vernor, Lord DufFus, capitulated. In the following- year, the English made demands which the Magis- trates considered unwarrantable, by the terms of capitulation, and therefore his Lordship, the late Governor, was applied to for the original deed. " flFor our verie honoblc -Lord. •' Tho Lord Duffus — Theis : " rKUTii, the laxt of Marche Hi'yl. " JVTosT Noble Lord, — The Great and Eternal dis- poser of al things, having so by providence ordered it, that when this l)urghe vv^as in great strait and eminent inevitable mine, your Lordship was honored (and to the future and liappie memorie of your honorable familie he it recordit) by the Lord to be instrumental in our delyverance, and of ane as honest as necesser surrender of this place to the Inglishes, who ar now urging and putting us to such ingagments upon oaths, u 3 0G SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEll DAYS. as in coiiscieijce or in resson we cannot nndergoe, having such condition in the capituhition to he ex- eemed of oath ; and being confident of your Lordship's dispositione to men straitted in this nature, besyd your never-to be-forgottine cariage in honor and ho- nestie, actit and concludit here for us, we haif sent this bearer, William Grant, merchand of this burghe, expresse to your Lordship, liuml)lie to des\T your Lordship wold yit add this favour to former, as to send us that Principal Caj)itulatione, subscryved be Lord Oliver Cromwel, that our hard-to puttings, and sad condition wherunder we ar now lying, may be the more constantlie and conditionallie resisted ; and, whenever your Lordship sal haif use to mak of the sam again, we doe ingadge upon our honor and credite to restore tlie samen, upon demand, to your Lordship. The tyme limited, be the Inglishe Commissioners, to this burghe for our positive nnser to thair so hard proposals is so short, that we, with pardon, creave humblie your Lordship's tymous dispatche of the bearer, that naked men, wanting al means of schelter (as now our condition is), may have that support (all glorie to God and praise to the instruments) whiche we ar assured may be produced to us be that capitu- lation. And, by your Lordship's condescendence to this, as God sal be honored, your supplicants preserved from perjurie and guilt, so your Lordship sal ever SOCIAL LIFR IN FOKIMEK DAYS. oUT obleidgo, my r.ord, your Lordsliip'ft most liuniLlc ser- \-aiits, the ]\Iao^istrates of the toune of Perth. "An. Geant, Provost. JoHNE Conqueror, BaiUic. Na. Batesson, Baillic. Henry Grey. Pa. Ross." Prices of proYisions iu Inverness ^vhell held ]»y ( )U\fi' rromwell's troops : — " By Collonell Thomas Fitch, Governor of Invernes, with tlie aprobation of the Gentlemen of the Countrey and the Provost and Baylifes of this Brough, September the 15, anno 1054 : " Whereas their hath bene diverse complaints made to me by the souldery of the garrisson and the townes people, of the increase of the prices of all sortes oi provissions, conceivinge themselves verie much in- jured by the sellers therof ; and the countrey people, (jn the other side, oftentimes coniplaines tht^y have not a price answerable to the worth of their pro- vissions that they bring to the market. " For the prevention, therfore, of fforther differences in the like kind, the several prices of all sortes of pro- visions are agreed upon by the countrey gentlemen and baylifes of the brough, that soe the buyer and ;08 SOCIAL LIFE TN FOEMER DAYS. 00 IS 00 00 04 OG 00 03 04 00 00 OU seller may for the future avoid all differences of that nature, by oljservinge the prices of all sorts of pro- visions as underwriten, viz. : — £ s. (I. A good slaughtering cow, betwixt the first of^ August and the last of October, upon footc, > 01 00 08 is wortli . . . . . . .^ The karkase of such a cow niay be sold lV)r Muton upon foote, of the best sort, betwixt the last of May and the last of October, is worth The karkase of such muton, dureinge that time, The pound of such muton, dureing that time, . A beefe of the best sort, loaden upon foot, l)e- 1 ^^^ ,^ twixt Janury and iVIay, . . . . j The karkase of such a beefe, during that time, . 01 IG 00 A pound of such beefe, during the said time, . 00 00 02 A veale of about 1 month or G weeks old, the "I ^^^., karkase, . . . . . . . i The countrev veales that comes to market, the ) •^ yOO 01 04 best, J Henns, a peece, good, . . . . . 00 00 05 Caponns, a piece, good, 00 00 OGf Comitrey market kids, beinge good, . . 00 01 06 Lambes of the best sort, 00 01 OG Eggs, per dozen, 000002 Geese, a peece, 00 01 02 Cockes, a peece, 00 00 0.5 Porke, per pound, 00 00 02 Bakon, per pound, . . . . . .000004 Eead dried liearons, three for . . . . 00 00 01 Milke, the Scotch pint, 00 00 02 Beare, a Scotch pint, good, . . . . 00 00 Ol^- Ale, if good, a Scotch pint, . . . . 00 00 Olf Killinge fish, of the greatest, a peece, . . 00 00 OG SOCIAL LIFE IN FOllMEll DAYS. 3()il Tlic lesser sort of iish, . Haddock, ane dozen of tlie greatest sort, . Salmond of the greatest sort, a peece, The lesser sort of salmond, The girsle, a peece, ..... The salmond, per ponnd. White bread, a loafe weighing j\ of a ponnd, the bowle costing within twenty shillings sterling, ...... The loafe weighing 18 ounces, white bread, The loafe weighinge 3^^ lb., ditto bread, The loafe weighinge 6if lb., ditto bread, . The loafe Aveighing 13| ounces, brown bread. The loafe of ditto bread, 5^\ lb., The loafe of ditto bread, 1 0-f^s lb.. The loafe of oaten bread, weighing 1 d ounces, when it costs within ten markes Scotch the bowle, ...... Salt hearons, liarrehl, four for . . . . . 00 00 04 00 00 0.^) 00 01 08 00 01 00 00 00 OG 00 00 01 00 00 01 00 00 02 00 00 OG 00 01 00 00 00 01 00 00 OG 00 01 00 •00 00 01 00 00 01 " It is liearby fortlicr ordered and required that uoe person or persons wdiatsoever, in or Lelonginge to thi.*^ garrisson, presumes to buy or selc any of the before- said provissious l:>efore it come into tlie market jdaee, under penaltie of confiscatinge the provi.ssions soe bought or sold ; and that ny me att Eeims, in Champaine of fFranee, the twenty-seventh of October seventeen hundred and twelve years, befor these wit- nesses, Ensigne WiUiam Brodie of 8u' James Wood's Reeement, and James Brodie, hiwfull sone to John Brodie of Windiehills, and gentileman carryeing airmes in the said regement." '■ Att Chalon Sur Saune in Burgone, Xovr. Idth, N. Stijll, 1712. " 1 am prisoner. Our coosen, Collonell Brodie, is gone to Brussells, for his health ; and Captain Brodie is att Dijon, within twelve liom^s of this place ; and his nephew, Earnsyde's sone John, dyed at Reims. Direct for me, A. Monsieur — Monsieur Dunbar, J^ieutenant du Regement Chevalier Wood, Ecosses, — Prisonier du guerre — A. Chalon Sur Saune." " Brussells, 4^/t May, N. S., 1717. " I am now putt to that extremity, that I am ob- leidged to sell my cloaths, and everything else I hade, to mantaine myself from starveing. I now, for the last tyme, let you know that our regement is broken, and that the States will give us no pensions, and wee arc obleidoed to s;oe for London to solicite for halfe pay. Pray be so kynd as to aquant Ensigne Dunbar, Boath's brother, of this newes." SOCIAL LIFE IX FOliMER DAYS. 319 '' To IMr. AuciiiHALD Dunbar of Tluuidertoun, " att Edinburgh, Britain. "Camp att Werwiciv, the Sth August ITOS. " Sir, — Your cussin, Barmukety/ is att last made Jiiie officer ; and a man that comes from carrying armes to be ane officer, is one of the poorest creatures in the work], if he have not some other ressource than the pitifull pay of eight guilders a week, which our masters generousely bestow upon ane Ensigne. You remem ber, when you and I were last together, you desyred we should endeavour to purchase him a commission att your expenss. Now that providence hath thrown a small bitt of bread in his way, it were a reflection on us who have interested ourselves for him, if he were not drawn out of the difficultyes he lyes under ; in order wherto I have advanced him money to equippe him, and he hath given me n, l>ill on you for twenty pounds sterling, which I have indorssed to Mr. John Lillie att the Hague. I duubt not your punctuall payment, and if you find me capable to render you service in any maner, you may very freely command, Sir, your most humble servant, Al. Brodie." ' His daughters are mentioned at page IG, and the death of his wife forms the subject of the letter given at page 280. He had Lcgim life with bright prospects, having inherited the estate of Barmuketie from his maternal grand-uncle, under whose auspices, as Provost of Inverness, the bridge over the Ness was, in 1G81, commenced, and by whom the stately old building, still known in tlie capital of the Highlands as '• Dunbar's Hospital, " had been, in IGGS, founded and endowed. 320 SOCIAL LIFE TX FORMER DAYS. Letter from the Adjutant of a regiment quartered in Majorca. " Arohd. Dunbar, Esqr. of Duffus, near Elginc, " by Edenburgh, North Bretain. " PoETMAUux, Amjust Oth, 1742. " Dear Sir, — -This is the first time I have liade an opcrtunety of writting to you since my hist, wliich I think was dated from Spithead, June 1st, which was tlie time we sait saile for this place, where we arived June 30th, having made the voayage in thirty days, which is something not common at this time of the year, when calmes are very frequent on the Spanish coast. I was in great hopes that we should have called at Gibralter, which would have been something to my advantage, as I had a little Ijussiness there ; 1)ut, to my great disapointment, the man-of-war who was our convoy, lay too untill such time as shee seed the regiment who arc to relive the other regiment there, safe into the bay, and so proceeded imediatly on our voayage without coming to ancker. " Although I have been about a month in this place, yet I can give you but very small account of it, as my time has hitherto been taken up with the aff"airs of the regiment. There are five difierent places in this island, where the King's troops are (piartred, viz., St. Phillips, Malion, C'itydilla, AUyhore, and fi"ornellas Castel ; but in case of any invasion, St. Phillips is the only place of refuge to which all the SOCIAL LIF^ IN FORMER DAYS. 321 regiments must retire, as beiug the only fortiti(3ation upon this island, the others being small places \yithout being capable of making much dsffence, " The island seems to be provided naturely with eveiy necessary of life, and prety plenty , but as a squaderon of ships of war has been in these seas for some yeare past, it occasions every thing to be dear. " We have no particular newes here, further than what, I presume, you may have heard by this time by the news papers, viz., Admiral Mathews having burned five Spanish gallies in a French port, and afterwards had the modesty to demand ti^ ruins of the five ships from the French governour. VTo have at this time five hundred men detatched from the «everal regiments upon this island, under the command ot Admiral Mathews, which are now encamped and mainteaning a narrow pas near Villa Francia, in the teretorys of his Sardinian Majesty. " We have had several Neapolitan prizes brought in to this place, within this few days, so that we now seem to be in earnest. " The English fleet are now crouzing off the bay of Taloon, where the French and Spanish fleets lay. " I have had the honour to dine several times with General Anstruther (since I have been here), who is Lieut.-Governour of the island, and who seems to be prety complacent to us strangers. I am sorry I was X 322 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKi^ER DAYS. not wise enougli before I left England, to apl}' to you for a recomeudation to liim, since probably you might have had it in your pouer to have procured me one. " Thi? letter comes to England by the transport ship that brought me here ; but there is a paquet that goes from this to Marsella, and through France to England some times, and allthough it is not above seventy leagues from this to Marsells, yet as they ol3lige the packet to ride quarantan, it is some times five moneths before we can kave a site of a letter in that manner, so that unx^ess in cases of necessity it is not worth while +^ write by the packet ; however, in case ti*^^*e should be any necessity to write in that manner, I will acquant you per next, in what manner you are to answer per paquet. " When you have an inchnaiioii to write to me, you will direct to William Dunbar, Adjutant to Colonel Graham's Regiment, to the care of William Adair, Esqr,, at his house in Pall Mall, London. Mr. Adair is our Adjent. " I had ane opertunuty of puting my wife ashore at Gibralter, without goeing myselfe ; so that she is now there. — I continew, dear brother, yours most affectionatly. Will. Dunbar." XXXVIII. REBELLION, 1715-lG. The exactions laid on the town of Elgin by the Earl of Sutherland and Lord Lovat, both then in the Hanoverian interest, and the pillage made by their Lordships' retainers and by the Rebels, amounted to three thousand eight hundred and sixteen pounds, thirteen shillings, and eight pence, Scots money. In the list of their losses, a document too long for in- sertion here, it appears that the towns-people were deprived of " sixty-three guns, fourty-five muskets, thirty-two small swords, twenty-one broad swords, four Dane's axes, three carbines, two halberds," and a great number of pistols. The county gentlemen, also, even those in the Hano- verian interest, had to give up their horses and arms for the use of Government. " For the Honourable " TiiK TiMRi) OF Orange. " Graingehill, Fehry. 5th, 1716. " Dear Sir, — I receved your horse, sadle, bridle, hulsters, pistolls, and broad sword. I truly know not the value of those things, but I have sent you a 324 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. recept which you may fill up at your own pleasure, as you think them worth. I would gladly irabrace any oppertounitty of doing a greater faivor to the young ladies of your familie, than not to allow them the use of your own horse, and, if the truce is prolonged, he shall be sent. I have two niegbours that are very well provided in horses, but does not incline to give them for the service of the Goverment ; but, I am sure, if any of the ladys with you made but the lest application to ether of them, they could not refuse them a horse. I have taken a womitte this day, and I am not wery well, other way es I had not made use of ane other's hand. I am, most sincerely. Sir, your most obliged servant, EoB. Dunbar. " I have filled up the recept in the same terms other gentlemen have gote ; if it does not please you, it shall be altered. " Pray cause Windiehills^ have his horse early here to-morrow, for I have had no account of the cessa- tion's l>eing prolongued." " I, Robert Dunbar of Graingehill, Commander of the Murray horse, be vertue of the authority and commission given to me by the Eight Honourable John, Earl of Sutherland, Lord-Lieutenant of the six ^ John Brodie of Windyhills, now Miltou-Brodie. SOCIAL LIFE IJS rOKMEll DAYS. 325 uortliei']! counties, grants nie to have reeeved IVoin Lodvick Dunbar of Grainge, a horse, sadle, bridle, hulster cases, a pair of pistols, and a broad sword, for the use of the Goverment ; which he declairs, upon his word of honour, are all together worth the sume of fiveteen pounds sterling, which is to be re- payed to him by the Goverment, in the terms of the Act of Parliament. Subscribed by me, at Grainge- hill, the sixth day of February IVIG. " Rob. Dunbail" " Wee, John Grant, merchant in Elgin, James and John Burgesses, and Alexander Forbes, gunsmiths there, and John Anderson, armourer there, five per- sones appointed by the Deputy Lieutenants of the shire of JMurray, to receive and value the amies within the said shire, pursuant of the late Act of Parliament, made anent secureing the peace of the Highlands of Scotland, doe hereby acknowledge and declair that we received from Ludovick Dunbar of Grange (who is ane faithfull subject to his JNTajesty King George, his person, and government, and did continue the same the time of the late rebellion), tlie amies after specified, and did value the same u[)on oath to the sums following ; viz., from the said Ludovic Dunbar, twelve guns, estimat att twelve punds Scots each ; in all, one hundred and fourty- four })unds Scots. Item, received from ditto, three 320 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. giiiLs more, ustinicit at fourty-two puuds. Item, re- ceived from ditto, three guns, estimat at twenty-three }»unds Scots money. Item, received from ditto, three guns more, estimat at twenty-tlii'ee punds Scots money. Item, received from ditto, four guns more, estimat at twenty punds Scots money. Item, re- ceived from ditto, one pistole, estimat at six punds Scots money ; amounting in haill, the amies of this recept, to the number of twenty-five guns, and one pistole ; and the values thereof, to two hundred and fifty-eight punds Scots money ; which amies we lodged in the Tolbooth of Elgin for his Majesty's use. " The above valuation is just and true, as we shall answer to God ; as witness our hands, at Elgin, the last day of October Jayviic and sixteen (1716) years. " Alexander Forbes. John Anderson. Jo. Grant. James Burges. John Burges." " Wee, Alexander Dunbar of Bishipmln, Sherifi" of Murray, and David Dunbar of Dunphail, Deputy Lieutenants of the shire of Elgin, be virtue of the powers given us by the late Act of Parliament aiient secureing the peace of the Highlands of Scotland, doe hereby require and command you, James Wiseman, SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEll DAYS. o'li collector of the land tax for the tshire of Elgin, upon sight hereof, to pay out of the first and readiest of the land tax, that now is or hereafter shall be in your hand, to the above designed Ludovick Dunbar (whom wee certifie to be a true and loyall subject to his Majesty King George, his ])erson, and government, and continued loyall to his Majesty dureing the late rebellion), the values of his amies, amounting to the sum of two hundred and fifty-eight punds, Scots money. Given under our hands, at Elgin, the last day of October one thousand seven hundred and sixteen years. Alexr. Dunbae. David Dunbar." Lord Lovat's letter was written in February 171G. Notwithstanding the King's thanks and rewards, his Lordship afterwards, in 1745-6, espoused the cause of Prince Charles Edward, for which he was executed on Tower-Hill :— '' The much honoured " The LauIU ok TlIUNDEUTOUN, " Al Brodie, on heast, the I'ltli. " My dear Thundertoun, — I thought to have had the pleasure of seeing you here, and at Duffus to pay my duty to your worthy lad}^, whom I heartily salut. 1 heer you and Mr. Wiseman have got a great many horses of the Rebells, for almost nothing. I in treat 328 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. you give me that niaik of your ffhendship as to ob- lidge Mr. Wiseman to give me six of those horses at fifty per cent, profit, which I ofer and will pay to your cusing James Dunbar, or any other at Inverness. I got the kindnest letter imaginable from Argyl. The King both thanks me and rewards my services. " I am, with love and respect, your own " LOVAT." Keceipt by Major Fraser of Culduthel, on the back of the above letter : — " Gatesyde, in ffchry. 1716. — Keceaved fiive horses, which I am to deliver to my I^ord Lovat. " Eeceaved by me James ffraser." General order : — " Joseph Wightmau, Esqr., Major-General conmiand- ing His Majiesties Forces in the North of Scot- land etc. : " Whereas I have been informed that several of the Rebells' horses and armes are hidden in the town and countrey of Elgen, and that several arms and horses have been bought up contrary to law, this is to require you to make such search for any such persons, horses, and armes as are hidden, and give me constant ac- SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS 329 couuts of the same, at Inverness or elsewhere, in order to be disposed on for His Majesties service. — Given under my hand, att Elgen, the twenty-first day of Februay 1716. J. Wightman. " To the Honorable Lokd Provost of Elgkn, his Bailiffs or under Macistrats." AViUiam Dawson, afterwards Provost of Forres, had a narrow escape for his fife : — " To the much hououred the Laikd of Thundkktoun, " Provost of Elgine. " FoKKES, Febr. 11 th, 1710. " Much honoured Sir, — You will be surprised to here of my treatment at Inverness, all occasioned by your freind James Dunbar, whoe I most say is the most reveno-able man on the face of the earth. I rave baill for two thousand pounds sterling, yet this morne- ing ther cam thirty or forty of Fowls men whoe is cearyeinge me prisoner to Inverness this moment, upon a signed information James Dunbar heas procured from Shiper Hume, beareinge that I imported airms in his shipe, for the use of the Raibls ; yet I declair, upon all that is good, I never imported or exported any kind of goods in his shipe, nor did I ever import any airms, or any other, but what was for the use of Brodie and Culloden. " Mr. Dunbar heas mead me odiouse to the Earle of 330 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Sutherland, and to my Lord Lovat, by nieakinge tlieiii belive a thousand leise ; in short, he represents me to be the worst man in the world. I am sadlie affraid of the conciconce of this, soe doe intreat you will writ a leter to my Lord Lovat or any other freind, and doe me justice. I would likways lieav you writ to Mr. Dunbar, and send your leters with the bearer, my servant, whoe comes directely after me to Liverness. I would heav you notice that my baill is given upe, and I am impeatched for Hy treason. God is witness if 1 be guilty. I am hurried of with a p[irtie, soe shall say noe nior, only my humljlc duty to y()urself and lady, and belive me that I ever am, Sir, your most obe- dient and hum1)el servant, Will. Dawson." Forage was charged at the rate of eight shillings per boll of "single oats," and three halfpence per stone of straw. Each horse was allowed daily half a peck of oats and a stone of straw. ''March '12(1, 171G. — Accompt of straw and oates delyvered out by William Douglass, keeper of the Magazine at Elgin, to the regimentile officers and troups of Generall Carpinter's Dragouns, conform to their particular receipts and otherwise, preceiding the twentie second inclusive. SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 331 " Imprimis, to tlie Geucrall's trou]), per receitt from Jolm Parquett, sergant : — Stous of Straw. Uates. I?. F. r. 08 1 07 1 u The iiimiber of . . . .259 Item, to Collonell Guest's trou}), . 235 With ane peck of malt. Item, to the said Collonell, for the )^ , „.^-i OS 2 use of his own horses, . . i With ane boll of malt. Item, to Collonell ffoUey's troop, .220 07 3 1 Item, to Collonell ffolley's own horses, 124 04 2 o Item, to him, ane ffirlott malt. Item, to Captain Broun's troup, . 234i 07 1 1 Item, to the said Captain, one peck malt. Item, to Captain Mullen's troop, Item, to the said Captain, ffyve pecks one lipie of malt. Item, to Captain Reid's troop, . Item, to Liveteuant Dupoyes's horse, 016 Item, to Quartermaster Kelly's horse, 002 It (Mil, to Coronett Ilenly, 2671 09 3 2 247 07 2 21 016 00 2 002 00 31 002 00 2 17391 61 2 ^ A " groan" from the Presbytery of Elgin : — ^'Att Elgen, September 11, 1710. " The which day, the Presbytery of Elgen, taking to their serious cousideratione the many illegal and oppressive iucroachments made upon their ministry 332 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. by Episcopal preachers, and that upon day of May they had appointed tuo of their number to represent to the Lifetenant-deputs of the shire of Murray, some of those grievances the Presbytery hiy under, and that nothing could be then got done, the Presbytery did unanimously agree and aj)point that an Informatione be given in to the Lifetenant-deputs, that are to meet at Elgen on the accompt of the Toun Elections ; and likewais that a copie of the said In- formatione be given to the Advocate-depute, as fol- lowes : — " May it please, — It is with a depth of sorrow we behold that after such a signal delyverance as God wrought for us of late, when we expected law should take place and we should be rescued from oppres- sione, their ar so many open violations of law, to the prejudice of the interest of the gospel, and the cherish- ing of disaffectione to his Majesties just and lawfull athority in our parishes, without restraint ; and con- ceave we cannot discharge the duty incumbent upon us without acquainteng you with some of these things, which ar in your pouer to redress. " Prima, Mr. John 8te\vart, who preaches in a meet- ing-house in the parish of Duifus, did never befor the late Kebellione, pray for his IMajestie King George and the royal family, in terms of law, but in October last, did pray in publick for the Pretender (under the name SOCIAL lAFK IN FORMER DAYS. 333 aiiddesigiuitioiic of our gracious Soveraigii King James) and severall of the heads of the Rebells, such as the Duke of Marr, Lifeteuant-General Gordon, Brigadeer M'Intosh, etc., and continued this liis practise untill the Rebells wer driven from Perth ; as can be wit- nessed by all who were his ordinary hearers, such as Mr. Arcliibald Dunbar of Thoundertoune, Justice of Peace and Provost of Elgen ; Thomas Sutherland, fewer in Kame ; William Sutherland of Roshach ; Alexander Petry, fewer in Starwood ; Alexander Andersone, tenant in Buriisyde ; Andrew Naughty, tenant ther ; John Rin, tenant in luskeel ; James Rin, tenant in Kame ; William Rin, tenant in Rosyle ; etc. " Secundo, Mr. Beroald Innes, who lives in Instelly, in the parish of Alves, for ordinary keeps public wor- ship without praying for King George, Prince or Princess of Wales, in terms of law ; frequently marries and baptises, which shall be made evident by compe- tent witnesses, when required. " Tertio, My. Alexander Smith, in the parish of Belly, kept a meeting-house in the toune of Focabus, and officiat as chaplain to the Marqueness of Huntly, every Sabboth, but did not pray for King George, Prince or Princess of Wales, in terms appointed by law ; and did frequently marrie and baptise in that and other neighbouring parishes ; and, about the be- ginning of the late unnaturall Rebellione, did intrude openly into the kirk of Gartely, wdiicli was settled l)y 834 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. ti minister of the present Estal)lishment, and con- tinowed so to do, animating and encurageing the people to rebellione ; and, when they took arms, went with them and preached to them in the church of Cupar of Angus, where he prayed in express terms for the Pretender, under the name of King James, and continowed with them till after the Rebells were de- feate at Dumblane ; and since his return, is employed as chaplain to the Marchoness of Huntley, but prays not for King George, id supra ; all which can be proven by famous witnesses, when required. " Quarto, Alexander Robertsone, Avho kept a meet- ing-house, dureing the time of the late Rebellione, in the toune of Focabus, did intrude into the church of Raphane, and, both ther and at Focabus, prayed in express terms for the Pretender, under the name of King James ; and continowes yet to keep meeting- house at Focabus. " Quinto, Mr. James Gordon, l)rother to Classtirum, Mr. Patrick Frazer, Mr. Reid, Mr. Duglas, Mr. John Irvine, priests, doe keep publick meetings for worship in the toun of Focabus, in the said Mr. Irvin's house, which can be proven l)y competent wit- nesses, when required. " These ar some of the grievances we groan under, and we lay them before you, as persones not only clothed with authority to give us redress, but whom we suppose to have a due regard for the support of a SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 335 gospel interest, the maintiiiaiiee of his Magesties law and authority, and a simpathy with us ; and intreat your efFectuall interpositione for our relief." The Presbytery mind their own affairs : — " To Mr. Arciibald Duxbar of Thimdertoun. "Elgin, 24th Decrmhcr 1717. "Much Honoured, — Mr. Alexander Anderson, minister of Duffus, wrotte a letter to this Presbitry, bearing that about the beginning of the late Rebellion he gave you, by the hands of Mr. James Tower, the silver bason and two silver cups belonging to the parish of Duftus, and that for more safe custody ; and though he hade at severall times since, written to you and required those pieces of plate back again, you hade not honoured him with any returns. Withall he entreats the Presbitry may concern themselves in that matter and entreat you may return that plate to him again. The Presbitry thought his desire reason- able, and they have appointed me, in their names, to entreat you may deliver up these Church utensils, that are now in your hand, to Mr. Alexander Ander- son. This, in name and by the appointment of the Presbitry, is subscryved by, Mucli Honoured, your most oblidged humble servant, " Tho : Macculloch, Modei^ator." XXXIX. EEBELLION, 1745-46. So early as 1722, a second rising in favour of the Stuarts was expected. " For the Laird of Thundertottn, Sherive Principall of Murray, and the rest of the Deputy- Lievtennants of the said County, For the King's speciall service. — Elgin. " HoLYRUD House, I5th of May 1722. " Gentlemen, — The King having nothing more att heart than the good and weelfare of his subjects, hav- ing receaved repeated and unquestionable advices that severall of his subjects, forgetting the allegiance they owe to his Majestic, as weel as the love they ought to bear to ther country, have entred into a wicked con- spiracie in coniiert with traitors abroad, for raising a rebellion in this kingdom in favour of a Popish pre- tender, but without the concurrance or aid of any fForign power. It is therefor necessary for all his Ma;jesties dutifull and faithfull subjects to txke care to disapoint the designs of his enimies, by having a watchfuU eye over them, and sufering noe raballings or meetings amongst such as ther is reasin to belive are disaffected, and to disarm them ; and if any at- tented persons come now into the country, or any SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 337 strangers, that they be immedeatly secured, with ther papers, and the Lord Justice Clarke and Mr. Dundas, his Majesties Advocat, aquanted of the same, that they may be disposed of according to ther order. Your ready complyance in this, as it will Ijee a mark of your zeal and aifectione to the King and Govern- ment, is not only expected, but earnestly entreated by, gentlemen, your most humble servant, " Sutherland." Sir John Cope commenced his useless march to the Hidilands on the 20th Auoust 1745, and arrived on the 2 7th at Inverness. The defenceless state of Edin- burgh demand ino- his immediate return to the shores of Lothian, he marched to Aberdeen, embarked his troops on transports, and, under escort of a ship of war, sailed on the 10 th September. " To the SiiiREF- Depute or Sucstitute of the " Shire of Elgin and Forres. Per express. Haste ! " Inverness, Sept. 2, 17-45. " Sir,- -As his Majesty's troops are to march through the county of Murray, you will immedeatly upon re- cept of this, give the proper orders for horses and carriages to be in readiness to perform that service. As the troops are to march from this on Wedensday, they will probably get your length on Thursday, so that they must be all in readiness to perform that service. They are to be payed confoiiu to the Instruc- Y 338 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. tions^ herein enclosed. As this is a matter that will admit of no delay, I do not douljt of your assiduity. I have wrote to my chamberlain to have all my people ill the Forestry of Dai'iiwiiy in readiness, and likewise to acquaint the Lyon, that they may be ready to meet them upon the confines of Murray. Your diligence in this affair will greatly oblige, Sir, your most humble servant, Moray. " The original Instructions I keep, signed by tlie Crown lawiers." Two letters fiom the Lord Lyon — Brodie of Brodie — the first unsigned, but in his handwriting. C^ope's army was then encamped at Merry toun, on the estate of Boatli :-— " To William King of Newmill, Esq., " 81iirrieff Deputy of Elgin and Forres. Haste ! liastc ! " Nairn, Tuesday, Sepfr. the 4fh, in the Evenlmj. " Sir, — This is by order of Sir John Cope, Com- mander in-C^hief of his ]\Lajesty's Forces in North Brittain, to acquaint you that he is to encamp with the troops under his command, to-morrow's night, in the neighbourhood of the town of Elgin, and that he ' According to the "Instructions" enclosed in the Earl of Moray's letter, the Sheriff had to provide " horses and carriage, for the transi)ort of baggage, at three halfpence per mile ; straw for the tents, and firing for the soldiers' kettles, at the ordinary rates," etc. etc. His Loi-dship was then Slieriff Principal of the county of Moray. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 339 will have occasion for four hundred horses and carts to cany his baggage ; which horses and carts must be in the camp to-morrow's night, because they will begin their march next morning by daylight. "You are also, immediately on receipt of this, to order the l)akeino; of as much Hour and meal into biscuit for officers and soldiers, as your town can possibly bake on so short advertisement, for whic.'h you will be paid in ready money; so let me beg of you to set all hands to work in pul)lick and private houses. " You are also to provide one hundred and fifty load of straw for the men to lye on, as they all lye in camp ; of all which you are to acquaint the Magistrates of the town, that they may be aiding and assisting to you. " You are also to provide iireing for the troops to make ready their meat in the camp. " The straw to be provided must be two hundred and fifty load, I haveing mistaken it on the other page. " Beds will be wanted in the town for the General and some of the officers. — I am, Sir, your most humble servant, ." " To William King of Newmill, Usqr., " Sherrieff-Deputy of Elgin. " BiiODlE-HousE, luiif-an-lioiir past tiix. " Sir,— Yours I did not receive till this moment, directed to the Earl, who is not yet come from Inver- ness. Meantime, I answered your letter before 1 re- ceived it. 840 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " They will encamp probably on tliis side of the town, near the water of Lossie ; and Major Caulfield, the Quarter- Master-General, will be with you before the troops, and will mark out that piece of ground he likes best, whether it be corn or heath ; and some field of corn must be sacrificed for the maintainance of their own and baggage horses ; l)ut then they give an order foi- the value of the field, upon the Collector of Supply, or rather the Sherrief Deputy gives it by their direc- tion, according as four sworn birley men shall apprise it. This was done at Inverness, and last night at Nairn. " You and the Provost, or some of the Magistrates, must attend the Quarter-Master Caulfield and the Adjutant Loudon (who go before the General), as well as the General, to receive his directions. Beef and mutton will be wanted, but what quantity I know not, only they have a butcher that goes l)efore to provide for the officers. " This, with my letter last night by my Lord Find- latcr's servant, is all, till meeting, necessary from. Sir, your most humble servant, " Alexr. Brodie. " P.S. — Enquire at Kobert Inness and the rest of the merchants in your town, what money they can give Lord Loudon, for bills on his agent at Edin- burgh." SOCIAL LIFE IN FUKMEK DAYS. 341 Fnmi the Earl's secretary : — " To Wm. King, Esqr. of Newmiln. "ffrom the Annie at il'oRRESs, ijtk September 1745. " SiK, — It is my Lord Moray's desire that as man}- boats, as can possibly be got, be had together, to cnrrie over Sir John Cope and the arniie, at the Boat of B(ig.' You will, therefor, immediately upon receit of this, take n\\ the necessary measures to effectuate it. Your diligence in this will much oblige my Lord Moray and your most humble servant, John Stuakt." His Excellenc}- ought to have written Forres and C\dlen : — " By the Honble. Sir John Cope, (Jommander-in -Chief of his Majesties Forces in Scotland, &c. " These are to certify, that his Majesties forces under my command halted at Forrest, the 5 th Sep- tember 1745, where some small damage was done. I therefore recommend it to the Sheriff of the county and his Deputys to have an estimate made of that damage, according to the directions given by the Lord Advocate and Solicitor-General thereon. — Given under my hand, at Collen, this 7th day of September 1745. Jno. Cope." ' The feiTy at the Spey near Fochabers. 342 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. " By the Honble. Sir John Cope, Commander-in-Chief of his Majesties Forces in Scothuid, &c. " These are to certify, that his Majesties forces under my command lay encamped at Elgin, the 5th of September 1V45, at night, where damage was ne- cessarily done to corn, &c. I therefore recommend it to the Sheriff of the county and his Deputys to have an estimate made of those damages, according to the directions given by the Lord Advocate and Solicitor- General thereon.—Given under my hand, at Collen, this 7tli day of September 1745. Jno. Cope." So soon after Cope's defeat and the occupation of the capital of Scotland by Prince Charles Edward, Mr. Sutherland, an Edinburgh lawyer, considered it prudent not to add his signature : — " To Arohbald Dunbak of Newton, Esqr., ''at Duffus, noai' Elgin. " Edinburgh, \3th Novr. 1745. " Sir, — Keceivc inclosed this day's Currant. We have, thir ten or twelve days bygone, been quite free of the Highlanders, who have marched towards Eng- land ; and this day the Lord Justice-Clerk and several others of the Lords of Session and Justiccary, who had been at Berwick, came to town with a good many attendants, and the Governour of the Castle did them SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 343 the honour to fire a round of tlie great guns as a token of their welcome. Whether we shall have a Session or not this winter, is uncertain, because it will depend in a great measure upon the success of the King's armies against tlie Highlanders and others in the Rebellion ; for it is said they are endeavouring to shun General Wade and his army, and so pass by him the western road further up into England, where they expect ^ to join them ; and, on the other part, no ques- tion but General Wade and the King's army will en- deavour, all they can, to meet and attack them. We know little here of both armies, only what is in the Courrant, and we have little to expect untill a battle happen, which, it is probable, will be very bloody and obstinate. " You will know what the postage of this will be. Each print is, of jDrime cost, three halfpence. The Mercury is not yet come out this day. — 1 am. Sir, your most humble servant, ■ . " You are happy to have peace and quiet in your country so long continued, whereas we in this town (while the Highlanders were among us), and the coun- try round us, have been greatly distressed by them and their roberies, and we have been frighted by fre- quent canonading from the Castle, used for dislodging them from sundrie houses where they kept guard, ' Torn out in opening the original letter. 344 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAY8. wliicli have been demolished by cannon-ljall, and there- after ])n]-nt ; and, particularly, the west side of the Weyhouse is demolished down to the ground, and I have been obliged to remove my papers, for fear of fire, which now I have brought back." Ludovic Brodie, W.S., announces that the snuff is to be sent, and that Carlisle has surrendered : — " For Arciibalb Ddnbar of Newton, Esq., " Elgin. " Ebinbuegh, 221/ N(/>yr. 1745. " Sir, — I shall take the first opportunity to send the snuff you desire. If you have this day's Mercury sent you, it contains an account of the surrender of Carlile to the Rebels. It is thought, if the bad weather and roads have not hindered, Marshal Wade's army will be by this time near that country, and that the Eebels will offer him Ijattle, which, if it happen, will certainly be a very l^loody one. The bulk of the Rebel army being Highlanders, are resolved to overcome or die in the l)attle, because they reckon it a more ignominious death to die by a judicial sentence for rebellion, and be hanged, which they have just reason to expect in case they should escape and be afterwards taken. I have nothing more to write you, but am. Sir, your affectionate and humble servant, " LuD. Brouie." SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEK DAYS. 345 Sent lioni Elgin to Duffus, about lOtli December 1745 :— " Tiler luis been no beef in toun since this day fortnight, except one cow of Linkvvood's, which was dear and not very good. I believe ther will be none this day neither, at least I see no appearence of any. Ther is not one word of news ; the post that came yesterday could tell nothing, not s(j much as if Lord Lewis was at Aberdein, but that ther is a great many of his men at Strathbogie. " They say the Maclouds, with Louden and a great many more men, are to l)e here this week, l)ut their intentions are not known, and some does not believe that they are comming. " You are obliged to Lady Newmiln for the candle- wicks, for if she had not had them they were none in toun." From Mr. Brodie of Windyhills : — " To Arciibald Dunbak of Newton, Esqr., " at Duffus. " EL(UNr, D(cr. I3lh, 1745. " Sir, — Keceve, inclosed, Mr. Brodie's bill discharged on the back. As for news, I chuse to deal little in them, as I think little crcdite is to be given to most things told. One side tells us of landings, every day ; and, this day or two, we arc amused with a defeat of 346 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. tlie Brest squadron (though I do not beleive it), and Lord John Drumond prisoner at Leith, with two hundred French. The first part of that I suppose false, the hist may be true. " Macload came here yesterday with four hundred of his men, and Gineas the day before with his men. How long they remain here, or what there intent is, 1 know not, though it is supposed they are to visite Aberdeinshire. One of there Captains, lodged with me, says there rout is here to remain till further orders. He tells me also that eight hundred men went to visit Lovat the same day they came from Inverness. I think we know little of the result of this visite as yet, only it is said Lovat is to give security for the peace of his people, and give u}) all there arms. So you have it as I have it, which, with compliments, is all from yours, Alex. Brodie." From J\lr. King of Newmiln : — " Archbald Dunbar of JN'ewtoun, Duifus. "Elgin, lith Dtcr. 1745. " Dear Sir, — My wife was at church Sunday last in the afternoon, but has not been abroad since, being- troubled with rheumatick pains. She was expecting the pleasure of seeing you and your lady here, in this fine weather, where you would had the opportunity of seeing a fine little armie of five hundred Mackleods, SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMP^R DAYS. 347 commanded by tlieii- Cliiff and Macleod of Guineas : and I hear wee are to have eight hundred more with Loudon, on Munday, who went out with these men and Lyon with him (as the MacLeods marched here), and apprehended and brought in your friend, Lovat, [irisoner to the castle of Inverness, and fourty stand of armes. I hear they are all to march towards Aber- dein nixt week, and that the Grants are at Milnben, ready to join them in their march. The men that are here seem to be very good discreit civill men, and behave very discreitly where they are quarterred in town, and the people reckon themselves very bappy they are civill ; and this is all I can tell you, which, with our compliments to you and lady, I am, &c. " W. King. " I hear the Lyon and Sir LLirrie march with them, as volentiers, to Aberdein ; how far fardcr they goe 1 know not." From the Sherifi-clerk : — " To Archbald Dunbar of Newtown, Esq. "Elgin, ]6fh Dec: 1745. " Sir,— 1 shall try to get a man to take the bill on Edinburgh, and wry te you therof betwixt and Thursday night, if I get a good hand to take it. As for news, we have none certain ])Ut that the Laird of M'Leod, 348 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORxVIER DAYS. witli his men, about five hundred, past Spey yester- day without oposition. Culkeni and Bailie William M'Intosh are just now come in heir with two hundred men more, and Lord Loudon is expected with five hundred more the morow. He also is to bring in three field-peices. " I am told Lord President's son and the Master of Ross are come by sea t(j Liverness, and bring some great news ; but as neither time nor place, nor any particular, is told, I look on it as a fable till I heir more certainly. I ofi'er my compliments to your self and lady, and remain, Sir, your most humble servant, " John Duff." Two letters, chiefly relating to the battle of Falkirk.^ To the first there is no signature ; but the other, signed " Read and Burn," is from George Gumming of Altyre, lieutenant in Naizon's Dragoons, who, in con- sequence of his horse falling, was taken prisoner by the victors. Both letters were written on the 13th February 1746, and probably at Altyre, where Gum- ming seems to have been, on parole : — '' Archibald Dunbar, Esqr. of Nevvtou. " Dear Sir, — I am just now favoured with yours, which contains more queries than is in my power to ' Fought in January 174(3. SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 349 solve, nor am I miicli wiser, or l)ut little more learned ill history, than when I saw you last, for the best accounts of the late battle seems to agree in sul)stance with the short narrative I carried with me from your t'lid of the country. The Highlanders were certainly the agressors, as they marched seven miles that morii- ino- with a design to attack the regular troops, who had no intention to engage till next morning l)y day- light; only when they saw the Highland army comeing on, they were then obliged to draw up in form, and the horse ordered to march in front and attack the Prince's army. iVs to the numbers on both sides I cannot truley inform you. Som.e says the Highlanders in the field were about nine thousand strong, but not one-half of them engaged. The other side, I am told, were eleven thousand regular troops, besides militia. It is aoTeed that the numbers killed on the Govern- O ment side were not under six hundred, but not so many prisoners. The siege continued until they were forced to abandon it upon the Duke of Cumberland's comeing with a powerful army to its relief; by which it would appear their comeing to the North was rather force than choise. What succours they hope for God only knows, but T shall refer what I have lieard for a conversation ; but you know T am an infideal. " We are informed (only by common report) that the Prince with his army are within seven miles of 350 SOCIAL ltfp: in foemer days. Inverness ; and, though you tell me nothing of it, part of the horse and foot comeing to this country, under the command of Lord John Drummond, are expected this night in your nighbourhood. A friend of mine who accompanyed the prisoner^ to this place, will be readie (as far as in his power) to oblige, if there is occasion. He is gone from here this day to Elgin. I shall not trouble you with any history of the Captain,^ as he has wrote you himself. As to young Keam," I am told he is well, but still a prisoner, " It is expected and lookt for that the Duke of Cumberland is to follow the chase hot to this country ; but it is beUeved, before he can possibly come up, Inverness yields. What your politicians and Cabinet Councilemen are a doing, I know not. The M'Leods and all others att Forres got a sudden call from the west, Sunday evening last, and they marched early next morning, so that there is no body to hinder letters from being delivered. I am, with real regard, dear Sir, yours, — — ." " Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esqr. " The \Wi. " Dear Sir, — As the unfortunate person to whom you wrote to-day is deprived of the use of pen, ink, ' George Cummiug of Altyre. - Mr. Sutherland, younger of Keani. SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMEK DAYS. 351 and paper, as well as of every other necessary or com- fort of life, lie is oblidged to answer your kind letter I)y an amanuensis. In the first place, it is not till now that he has been convinced of the sincere ifriend- ship of you and your good lady, whom, though he desires to see as much as any on earth, yett he can not hope for that pleasure at present, it Ijeing abso- lutely necessary you remain at home, till the Prince's army passes, and where, if occasion require it, I have begged a ffriend to attend 3'uu for the preservation of your house, &c., in case of moraders, which is all my situation can permitt me to do were you my ffather ; but I hope you are so farr from all roads that there will be no occasion for it. My unfortunate and cruel story must be the subject of a conversation which I am as anxious to give so real a ffriend, as you are to hear it, but common prudence, nay, my own safety, absolutely debarrs my ventureing on it any other way. What you have allready beared is so far true, that, in less than five minutes, your firiend, with about fifty l)roadswords and daggers at his breast, ready to cutt him in pieces, was stripped of his cavalry arms, furni- ture, baggage of every sort, and field-equipage, to above three hundred and fifty guines value ; nay, of the very things and cloaths about himself, down to his hatt, perwigg, and spurrs ; since when he has been mostly in a dungeon, without fire, light, or straw, among the comon prisoners, oblidged to ease nature 352 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMED DAYS. where tliey satt or lay ; nor has he mounted a horse since his unfortunate fall in the battle, the cause of all his woe. After beeing taken from gaol, upon hard and unheard of conditions, he came on foot here, over mountains of snow and rivers of water, at the rate of twenty-five or thirty miles a-day, subsisted only on whisky and tobacco — for nothing else could mony purchass — and only straw or heather to ly on. It is certain, from undoubted authority, that Ligonier's Dragoons begun the attack a great deal too soon, and charged with their swords in their hand at a full trott, till they came to the muzles of three thousand of their enemy, by which means, and Hambelton's regiment flying and breaking in on their flank, tlie former was cutt to pieces. The occasion of this precipitate charge and over heasty attack was to wipe off the dust and odium of Gladesmoor, whicli their enemys allow they did with great honour. The prisoner is confined here, lyable to be recalled at a moment, though in great distress of body, and in want of every necessary thing — the smalest regrete of those that want freedome. The rest of your fiiiends here are ffaithfuUy yours, and, thank God, as well as can be expected. When the crowd is past, by you a visit will be charity, if I am allowed to stay ; but come not without the worthy goodwife, whom I am most anxious to see, and then I shal promise you the most amazeing history you ever heard or read. Young Keam I saw often, wlio SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEll DAYS. 353 is as well and happy as any person ever was in con- finement. I can say no more; but God bless you and yours. You will guess from whom this comes. Adiu. " Read and Burn." The measures adopted by the followers of Prince Charles Edward were most oppressive. Gordon of Carnousie and Maelachlan of that Ilk were not to be trifled with :- '■' To James Robertson, Groom to Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstown. " Gordonstoivn, 2Zdffebry. 1746. — I have seized for his Royal Highness' service, and for his own proper use, from Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstown, a young large black horse, switch tailed ; a bay mare, rel back'd ; a large black draught horse, short dock'd. You will care for, and keep, these tliree horses, and deliver them to no person untill called for by me, under the pain of military execution against Sir Ro- bert Gordon, his person and effects, besides what punishment his Highness may think proper to cause inflict upon yourself for disobedience. " Arthur Gordon." ;^54 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. " To all officers, Civil and Military, &c., employed in his Royal Highness's service. " By Collonell Lauclilan M'Lachlan of that Ilk, Commissary-General of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent's Army. " These do order and require the heritors, and their ffactors, tacksmen, and subtenants of and on the lands of DufFus (belonging to the Duke of Gordon and Mr. Dunbar of Newton), Sir Robert Gordon of Gordons- town, Brodie's lands of Kinnedder, the lands of Find- rassie, the lands of Westfield, Coutfield, and Ardgy, forthwith to send into the granary at Forres one thousand bolls of wheat, flour, oatmeal, and bear, less or more, that may be presently stord up in girnels, houses, barns, or milns ; and, for ascertaining the number of bolls the said lands can presently afford, these do authorize and impower you. Captain James Stewart, Commissary, to call for and march a partie of fourty men, with their proper officers, to the grounds of the said lands, and throw open all girnels, houses, barns, milns, and other places of store, and make up an exact account of the number of bolls of each kind may l)e found in tlie said places, and give the samen, duely subscribed, to the commanding officer of the said partie, who is to lodge on free quartering untill the full of any such accompt be transported and car- ried to the granary of Forres : And, in case of not SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 355 compliance within fourteen hours after making up the said accompt, these do irapower and strictly charge the commanding officer of the partie to begin and go through the severest military execution, by Ijurning their barns and barn-yards, and making the proprietors prisoners to the town of Inverness. All which you are to do, as you shall be answeral)le to his Royal Highness or his General Officers. — Given at Elgin, this sixtli day of March 1746. L. jVI'Lauchlane." " To Donald Macklauchlane, Serjent. " You are to march immediately to the house of Sanchor and lands of Burdsyards, there to remain ill free quartering till the above sum^ be paid to his Royall Highness's receiver at this town of Forres. With certification, in case of contempt or refusall, you are to begin the severest military execution, by burning their houses and driving away their cattle, but still allowing discompt for what victuall is already payed ; and in case of not payment of the above sum before ten of the clock this night, you are to force the tennents to load and carry to the granary at the foot of Lochness, one hundred liolls liear and thirty l)olls meall, and that by ten of the clock to-morrow. — Given at Forres, the twenty-sixth day of March 1746. " L. M'Lauchlane, C. G." ' The sum ik'niauded was " two terras' cess" with £60 on each £100 of valued rent, amouutiug in all to £089, 43., Scots money. 356 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. The Baronet of Gordonston had cause of com- plaint : — " MemoriaUfor Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstoivn. " Upon 16th ftebruaiy 1746, the Eebells came into the shire of Murray, wliere great numbers of them remained until the 11th Aprill thereafter, both in- clusive. " During this space severall outrages were com- mitted by them ; most people were harrassed and op- pressed, but none so signally as I and my tenneuts. " Upon the very day of their coming, I had ane order upon me, signed by ffrancis Gordon, for no less than one thousand stone weight of hey, twenty cart loads of straw, and ten bolls of oats. " I had a very large pease-stack in my corn-yard, and it was the practice of \\\q Rebells, when they brought their horses to carry away loads from Gor- donstown, to put their horses to eat at this pease- stack ; and as above sixty horses could have conve- niently eaten at this stack at one and the same time, and that they were at different times put to, and did eat at the stack, it necessarily follows that I thereby suffered damages. o " The Rebells not only signally harrassed my ten- nents by free quartering upon them, &c., whilst their officers quartered within the house of Gordonstown, but also they locally quartered witliin that liouse above SOCIAL LIFE IN FOllMER DAYS. 357 thirty piiviit lueii, besides their commanders, and who remained within that house for ten or twelve days. " The Kebells destroyed my pigeons at Gordons- town, by shootmg the doves ; and, in the evening, when it was to be presumed the doves had entered the dovecott, they first stoped the dovecott that tlie ])igeons could not get out, then broke open the door, and entering the dovecott destroyed the doves within. " They also destroyed my dovecott of Bellormy. " The Rebells carried myself prisoner from Gordons- town to Elgin, where I was detained for ten days, and from thence canyed prisoner to Inverness. " The Rebells forced Lady Gordon and her children and ffamily to leave the house of Gordonstown, after my being carried away prisoner. " After the ffamily were obliged to leave the house of Gordonstown, and that the doors were shut, the Rebells entered the house at the windows, threatened to destroy the servants who were about the town, as they had also threatened my oflicer before, and carryed away pork, hams, dry ffish, books, &c., out of the house. " As my servants were threatened, and 1 w^as ob- liged to secrete my labouring horses,^ so a part of the lands in my natural possession suffered damage by • The stable where Sir Robert concealed his horses may yet Ijc seen at Covesea. It is a natural cavo in a rock facing the sea, and was then probably within Hood-mark. 358 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. being mislaboured, and otlier parts l)y not being at all laboured, which damage is ascertained to amount to forty-four bolls. " They also carryed away from me, out of Dollas, ffive mares with fFoal, and two horses. " The Rebells broke open the doors and windows of my house of Rininner, and carryed away and de- stroyed severall things within the house. " The Rebells killed and carryed away a large sow from Dollas. " They tied my herd at D(jllas, and kept him pri- soner untill a cow was drowned. " The Rebells exacted from Lady Gordon a term's cess, being one hundred and thirty-two pounds sixteen shillings Scots. " The haill particular damages above mentioned were done to myself personally ; and, besides those, my teunents were severely harrassed. They were not only obliged to maintain numbers of the Rebells, for the far greatest part of the time they were in the country, in bed and dyet gratis, Init were also robed of money and other effects, bodily abulziements, corns, carts, sacks, and horses, whereof they can bring evi- dence. One tennent was, without offence, beat in his own house, and afterwards carried to Elgin, and made prisoner, where he was detained, untill he paid money for being put at liberty ; and the servant of another tennant was causless shot to death, without any ])ro SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEi; DAYS. 350 vocation o-iveii, and, tlioiioii the (:;riiniiial was ai>i)ro- liended and the murder represented, n(^ redress Avas had. " The Kebell otKcers who put up at the house of Mr. Dunbar of Newtown, my next neighl)our, sent their horses from thence to l)e maintained in my stables at Gordonstowu, though, sametime, it is ffact true that Mr. Dunbar had abouiidance of corn, straw, and hey of his own ; whence it may l)e presumed the horses were not sent to my stable Init out of pique, and very probably upon Mr. Dunl)ar's recommendation. " But i\Ir. Kinsf of Newmiln did not act so much behind the curtain ; ffor two witnesses declare, that about the beginning of March 174G, Newmiln, in a coiiversation with a company of Eel)els in his own Close (particularly one called Captain Wood of Glas- gow), said to the Rebells 'That they would find horses for their purpose at Gordonstowu, and failling that at Drainy, for that I had thirty horses very fit for their hussars.' Thus far one of the witnesses cieclares, and the other says somewhat further, ' That he heard New- miln order a ]>arty of the Eebells, who were going out to seize liorses, to go to Gordonstown and Drainy, where they would find good horses, for tliat I never wanted thirty horses fit for their hussai-s ; and that he heard Newmihi caution the Rebells whom he informed, not to let liiin be seen in the matter.' " 360 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Sent from Elgin to Diiffus, on Sunday, 13th April 1746 :— " The Rebels went from here last night. The Duke ^Yith his army came past this day ; did not stop here. They say they are to encamp near Alves. " I don't know if they will need forrage, but they have prodigious quantities of that and all provisions along with them. We saw the Master of fforrbes here, and spoke to him ; and I saw the Lyon, Kinstery, Spynie, and Sir Harrie, on the street. Nobody can tell their numbers, but certainly they are very numer- ous — they say eighteen thousand." The list is in the handwriting of the Master of Forbes : — " List of Eebcll Officers and men killed at the Battle of Cullodden, April 16th, 1746. " Killed. " Mr. Macgillev>'^rey of Drumnaglass, Colonel to the Macintoshes. Mr. Macbain, Major to do., and twelve more of their officers. Mr. Maclachlan, Chief of the clan Maclachlan. Macdonald of Keppoch, \ These three we are not Macdonald of Clanronald, > sure of their being Stuart of Ardshiel, J killed. Lord Strathallen. SOOIAL LIFE IN FORMEll DAYS. 361 Mr. Fraser, young Inveralachy, Lieutenant-Colonel to the Frasers. Captain Farquharson of the Farquharsons. And a great many of their officers whoe's names arc not known. " Wounded. " Cameron of Locheil and Gordon of Blelak, with several more. " Taken. " Lord Cromartie and Lord M'^Leod his son ; Lord Kilmarnock, Lord Balmirino, Major Glasgow of Lord Ogilvie's, Major Stuart of Perth's, Colonel Farquharson of Monaltrie, Colonel Cuthbert, and many more of the Rebell officers. " All the French, both officers and privates, surren- dered at Liverness ; twenty-four piece of cannon, ten set of colours, and two standards ; above three thou- sand muskets ; two thousand five hundred of the Rebells killed ; and, including the French, about two thousand prisoners in all. " The King's army lost, — " Four Captains, viz., Lord Robert Kerr of Barrells, Captain Simpson and Captain Grossett of Prices, Cap- tain Campbell of Lord Loudens ; and two subalterns, viz.. Ensign Dally of Monro^.., Ensign Campbell of the Campbells ; forty-nine or fifty killed on the spot ; and about two hundred wounded, including officers ; and tAvclvc since dead of their wounds." 362 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. From the Lord Lyon : — " To Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esq., " att Duffus. " Free. — A : Brodie. " Inverness, Sunday's nhjltt. " Dear Archie, — I have yours, and as to a pass to Mr. Inness, mine cannot carry him ovei' the ferrys ; and if I should ask one of General Hawlcy, who alone gives land passes, his only question is this, ' Do you know the man to be a Whig (that is an honest man), and will you answer for him 'V and if I answer in the affirmative, then the pass is granted. But as I cannot say Mr. Inness is a Whig, nor can I answer for his loyalty, since I do believe him to be a Jacobite, I neither can nor will ask a pass for him, and I do think he may be satisfied to be allowed to stay at Jiome with his liberty ; for if it had not been for my informations of the loyalty of ]\Iurray, all the sus- pected persons had been in jayl long before now ; therefore, if they are not taken notice of, I beg you may not interest yourself for any of your Jacobite friends ; for I know Mr. Inness to l^e one, and there- fore I must not burn my fingers with improper appli cations for such people. As to our friend, George Gumming, he has egregiously misbehaved in not attending the Duke at Fories or Nairn, and if he suffers at present, be has his own imprudence alone to blame, for he was so self-sufficient that he would not SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 3G3 take my advice iii comcing here, or going to the regi- ment, or attempting to do it. You liave only heard his story, hut not the strong allegations against him, which I wish he may clear himself of.^ " William Fraser is with you before now about your forage. Tell A\'illiam to write a note by each boat, directed to Mr. Laurenc Dundas, signifying the quan- tities of hay sent, &c., which will serve for a pass or permit to come through the fleet. Your answer to Ancrum was a right one. All our compliments t(i Nellie. — Adieu, dear Archie, yours faithfully, " Alexk. Brodie. " F.S. — For Godsake help us to some hens, capons, (»r chickens; for the Duke and our mess &c. have no fowl of any sort ; we grudge no price." Commissariat arrangements : — '' To the SlIIRREKF-DErUTE " of the Comity of Murray. "Elgin, 27 April 1746. " Sir, — It will be necessary, ffor the service of his Majesty's fforces, that a small magazine of fforrage be laid up in your place, wherefor I beg you may meett with the Justices of the Peace and others concerned, about your place, and concert measures Avith them so ' He was, Ity order of tin- Duke of Cuiuberland, tried Ijy a court- martial, at Stirling, l)ut was acquitted. 364 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. as to get brought into some proper place in the town, about a thousand stones straw, and twenty bols oats ; and when any part of that is made use of by the troops, cause as much more be brought in, that the above quantity may be always ready on hand. You may also secure five hundred or a tliousand stones more straw, and about twenty bols more oats, so that, if it is wanted, it may also be brought on any emergency. Please cause inform the country people that they shall be honestly paid ffor all they send in, and if they are backward in doeing it, they will have themselves to blame if it is taken ifrom them without weight, measure, or price. I am, Sir, your most humble servant, " KoBERT Gardiner, Deputy-Commissary." From the Lord Lyon : — " Upon Hii> Majesty's Service. " To Sir Hary Inness of Inuess, Baronet, " at Elgin. " Free. — A. Bkodie. " Inveeness, Mai/ 4th, 17-4(). " Dear Knight, — Though you was angry for my recomending my Lord Ancrum to where he could get forage, I hope you will not be angry if I intimate to you the Duke's orders anent sending him five hun- dred baggage horses to carry straw to Lochend, to be put on board the galley ; and all sorts of provisions, SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 365 to Fort Aumistus. There are two hundred called for from the county of Nairn, five hundred from Ross- shire, and live hundred from this neighbourhood. " Tullybardin is taken or surrendered att Dunliar- toun. I send you Newmills letter, inclosed, that you may assist him as a Justice of the Peace, and I do think you should send directly for Sir Rolx'rt, and Archie Dunbar, to assist you. " My family join in compliments to my Lady, and 1 am, yours, &c., Alexr. Brodie. " F.S. — I would really be glad to find out the use of sending me an express to tell me the inconvenieucy of sending back forage to Fochabers, after that neigh- bourhood had been drained of it ; since you could not think you would have rheterick enough to persuade Ancrum to obey you rather than the Duke." " To the SniERIFF-DEPDTE " of the County of Murray. "Inverness, the 3il Maij 1746. " Sir, — I am ordered to acquaint you that the ser- vice of his Majesty's troops, under the command of his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, will require from the county of Elgin and Forres five hundred cari'ige horses, with such carrige graith as they carry their straw. You will therefore order the above numl)er of horses to be at the shoar of Inver- ?>C)C> SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER PAYS. iicss on Thursday the eighth currant, without faile. 1 am, Sir, your most humble servant, " Laur. Dundas, Co7nmisrij." Mr. Hall was probably the Quartermaster of the troop : — ■ '■ To the Honble. Sru Henry Innks, Bart., " at Elgin. " Gordon Castile, Mmj the 9. " Sir, — As I am informed by the Duke of Gordon, you sent an order to Mr. King to send forrage to Focabers for the troop of dragoongs, beg you will l)e so good as deliver the enclosed to him. We have not forrage to serve the troop till to-morrow^ night, so must depend upon relief from your goodness. I am, Sir, your most obedient homble sarvent, " G. S. Hall." " To William King, Esqr., " Sheriff-Dept. " Gordon Castile, 9. " Sir, — After an order sent you to provide the troop of dragoongs at Focabers, it surprises us much that you have had no regard to it ; but asure you, if you do not imediately comply with it, shall aquaint his Royal Highness that your assistance has been desired, but you did not honour us with due obe- dience as we have not forrage for to-morrow ; expect (^001 AT, IJFE TX FOEMEK DAYS. 367 you will send a sutHcicnt (jiiantity to sarve for some time, to-moiTow night. I am, Sir, your obedient sar- vant, G. S. Hall." Answer to the above : — "Elgin, lOth May 1T4G. " Sir, — I received yours of yesterday's date this forenoon, and was surprised that you acquainted me, thereby, that there was an order sent me for providing the dragoons at ffochabers, there having never any such order come to my hand, cither by word or write. It is true I had ane order from Mr. Gardiner, Com- missary-Depute to the troops under his Royall High- ness the Duke of Cumberland's command, desireing me to lay in a magazine of fforrage at Elgin, for the use of the troops as they passed and repassed here, which I accordingly did, to the extent of eight or nine hundred stone of straw, and some small quantity of corn ; and secured the quantity of straw, you have in the inclosed list, for the use of the troops, which was to be brought in to Elgin as the magazine there turned empty. There being litle or no other fforrage left in this county, who have severely suffered by the Rebells in corn, fforrage, and otherways, except what was carryed to ffindhorn to be transported to Inver- ness, for the use of his Majesty's troops there ; and as there is no part of the county of Murray on the other side of the water of Spey (except the town of 368 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. ffocliabers, belonging to his Grace the Duke of Gordon, and the hmds of Mulben and ]\Iulderie, beloiioino; to the Laird of Grant, and the lands of Cairnty, from which there was no forrage demanded to this county where these lands ly), it has always been the practice that the Sheriff of Banffe supplyed the troops that lay at ffocliabers, with fforrage and other provisions ; and much more ought it to be so at this time, when they suffered so litle, in these commoditys, by the Eebells, in resj^ect of the part of the county of Murray on this side the water of Spey. " However, to show my willingness and readiness that the troops should be served, I have sent an order (the copy whereof you have inclosed), and caused intimate the same by a sliirriff ofEcer this day, that you may be served accordingly ; which I hope you will be this night, in terms of the order ; tho' I could have vdshed that, as wee are scarce of fforrage in this country for serving his Majesty's troops, you could have been provide by the Sherriff of Banff, where, as I am told, there is plenty of corn and straw in seve- rall parishes that are within that county in your neighbourhood, such as the parish of Boharm, Bo- triphney, and Aberlour, Keith, Grange, Belly, and Raffin. And if you have not occasion for the quantity in the list I have sent you, I begg you will be so good as acquaint me of the quantity thereof you have use for, that I may secure the remainder for the use of SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEll DAYS. 369 liis Majesty's troops, as they shall have occasiou for it, att this place or any where else ; which is all from. Sir, your most obedient humble servant, " W. King." Sir Eobert Gordon gives his sentiments : — '• To The Lord Lyon. " GORDONSTOWN, May 14, 174(). " My Lord Lyon, — You may be sure I would very gladly contriljute my best endeavours towards settle- ing the peace of the country, l)y giving you any hints which I could imagine would be of use ; l)ut I can hardly think what to say on such a subject, unless that I had some hint of the scheme proposed. In generall it was, and still is, my oppinion that the Highland dress should 1 )e al jsolutely forl)id ; that no Highlanders should be allowed to have or use arms ; that no man should be suffered to live in the thievins; country s, but such as are registred by heritors, who should be oblidged to produce such registred persons, under proper penalties ; that a body of the regular troops should be stationed in proper places, to appre- hend such persons as shall dare to disobey the laws, or interrupt the course of justice ; that the Crown should be at the expence of prosecuting criminals, at least before the Court of Justiciary, and tlic expence of all criminal prosecutions should be regulate and made very moderate, and high penalties ]>ut <>n witness wlio 2 A 3 70 80CIA1. LIFE TN FORMER DAYS. do not appear. Forts in many places will, I dare say, be found necessary. " I wish your Lordship a good journey to London, and shall be extreamly glad to find that such measures are taken, as may effectually prevent the Highlanders having it in their power for the future to disturb the peace of the State or of their neighbours ; though in our parts Lord Pitslego, with the Aberdeen and BamfFshires Lairds (a very few excepted) and their people, did more harm since this Rebellion, than all the High- landers put together. — I am, my Lord Lyon, your most humble servant, Robert Gordon." From the Commissary-General : — " To William King of Newmill, Esq., " ShierifF-Deputy of the County of Murray. " Inverness, the 20t?i May 1740. " Sir, — The troops here begin to be in want of straw, for the supplying of which, I am ordered by his Royall Highness the Duke of Cumberland to acquaint you that it will be absolutely necessary to send through the different parts of your county ; that what straw is may be furthwith sent to the shoar of Findhorn, Avhere proper persons are appointed to recieve and pay what is delivered there. " You will signifie to me the recieving of this letter, and that you are to comply with the above order, that SOCIAL IJFE IN FORMER DAY.S. 37 I I may make a report of what is to l)c expect('(l IVojii youi" comity. — T am, Sir, your most hum1)lc servant, " Lawr. Dundas, Commissry.'^ On tlie morning of the 2 2d of May 174G, the Duke of Ciimljerland, witli the whole army, except four regiments (left encamped), mar(^hed from Inver- ness to Fort Augustus : — •• To the SiiiURiFF-DEruTE of the County of Mul•ra3^ "Innerness, 23d May. " Sir, — It is absolutely necessary for his Majesties service that you send ffrom your county to this place, by Monday's morning next, five o'clock, at least two hundred horses, to transport provisions ftrom this to Lochend, which is to goe from that by watter to ftbrt Augustus, for the army's use. And it is expected that no stop or delay will happen in this demand, as it is of the greatest consequence to the army. — I am. Sir, your humble servant, " Robert Gardiner, Deputy Commissary." Answer to the above : — " Elgin, 25lh May 174G. "Sir, — Yours of the 23cl current came only to my hand, between seven and eight o'clock this morn- 372 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. iiig, desireing to send up to Inverness two liinidreJ horses, to be there again the niorrowe morning at ffive o'clock, a thing morrally impracticable, as it would take up all this day and the morrow, before they could be acquainted, or the gentlemen of the county conveened for ordering out their respective quotas of horses ; besides that, I had an order from Commissary, Dundas, Thursday last, and had, in con- sequence therof, issued out orders for carr3ring any straw that was in this county to ffindhorn, yesterday and the morrow, to be transported from thence to Inverness, for the use of the troops there ; and any horses that could be ordered from this county, upon so short advertisement as yours, are the horses from the towns of Elgin and fforress, wliich are but few in number, and the only horses at hand for transporting the troops' bagage in their marches, and are to be employed this night, or by two of the clock the morrow morning, for carrying from this the baggage, &c., of Collonell ffleeming's regiment towards Aber- deen. " I sent you up formerly from this county five hun- dred horses for transporting bagage, &c., from Inver- ness to Kilmhuiman, and at that time the horses were so low and weak that it cost them two days journey before they got to Inverness, and some of them were keept only one day ther, and others of them ten, and some of those horses never returned ; and complained SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 3 73 they got no liii-o for tlioii' labour or lioises, iis \va« })romiscd " Tlie only gentleman in tlii.s county that is at hand, and that 1 had time to communicate yours to, Ijefore writting hereof, is Sir Hary Innes of Innes, and he was of opinion, as I am, that unless there had been time for conveening the gentlemen of the shire, as there was formerly, when the horses were last sent up, it was impossible to send up horses to Inverness to- morrow morning, to lie there again ffive o'clock, as you appoint, which they could not have done had they been all ready yoaked in their carts when yours came to hand ; and the horses here are now much weaker than when last with you, occasioned by their frequent carriages and labouring, which is not over here, and the most of them employed in other car- riages for the benefite of the troops every other day ; and they have scarcely meat to support them, the straw being almost quite out here, and the grass not got up by reason of the great di'ought ; and seA^eralls of them in this county have forty-two miles to travell to Invernes, so that w^hen you want any horses and car- riages from this, you would need to acquaint, three or four days at least before, for it took up the most of that time before they were all acquainted, the last time the horses were sent up. "The gentlemen of this county have always, on all occasions, shown their willingness and readyness to 3 74 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. accommodate and serve his Majesty's troops in every thing, as far as in tlieir power, as they are still willing and ready to doe ; and there is none more willing and ready, as far as in my power for serving and accommo- dating them, than I am ; Init have wrote you honestly and plainly the state and condition of the county, as it presently is, and how the horses in it are just now employed ; wdiicli is all from, your most ol)edient humble servant, W. King." Government enlisted the services of the Established Church. Andrew Fletcher was Lord Justice-Clerk : — " Et. Honble. the Earl of Mokkay, Shcriif of Murray, and his Dcputys. " Edinburgh, Maij Srd, 174:(). "My Lord, — I have subjoined such a letter as 1 desire your Lordship would write to every minister within your bounds. As this is for his Majesty's special service, and by direction of his Eoyal High- ness the Duke of Cumljerlaiid, I am perswaded you will use all dispatch possil^le in forwarding these letters, aetinfr and returnino; the answers. — I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, " And. Fletcher." SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 8 75 Copy of the letter which was suhjoiiiecl : — ' ' May 1 74G. "Reverend Sir,— xVs you must l)e best acquainted with those in your parisli who have not been con- nected in this wicked and unnatural Rebellion, that none of them from any unjust suspicions may suffer any hardships, I am ordered 1)y the Lord Justice- C/lerk to desire you will make up lists of all those in your parish who have not been concerned in this Re- bellion, either l)y carrying arms or otherways ; includ- ing in that list not only residenters of all ranks, but likeways heritors and liferenters though not residing. " Send under my cover tw^o several copies of such lists, sealed up, one directed to the Lord Justice-Clerk, the other t(j the Honourable Sir Everard Fawkener, Secretary to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumber land. As you have lists of your parish, an answer will l)e expected in a few days," Some of the answers sent by the clergy to the Sheritf-Depute at Elgin : — "Alves, May -lath, 1746. " Sir, — In answer to yours of this day's date, I re- ceived inclosed a print signed l)y his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, the desii-e of which shall l)e honestly obeyed l>}- me when required ; and, w ith respects to the lists in my parish of those who Jiave 376 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. not been concerned in this wicked and inniaturall Re- bellion, by riseing in arms, I must give almost a whole list of my parish, there not being a husholder in the parish, l)ut one poor grassman, that took up arms against the Goverment in any time of this Reljellion, and a very few young thoughtless servants who in- gaged in this wicked attempt. I shall in a few days, send ane answer as desired. — I am. Sir, your most obedient humble servant, Geo. Gordon." '' Uaffork, May 2(jth, 174(5. " Sill, — I had your's, and, inclosed, his Royal High- ness's order concerning the Rebels, &c. Whatever is proper to be done l)y us as ministers, I dare say will not be wanting, and more than that I hope will not be expected. I wish every minister had as little to do as I. If that w^as the case, the matter would be soon ended, and little disturbance or confusion in their parishes. — I am. Sir, your most humble servant, " ROBT. LOGAX." "Dyke, May 21th, 174G. " Sir, — I have just now yours liy Lord Justice-Clerk's order, with the Proclimation l)y his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland inclosed, and shall soon sett about makeing the proper return, though, our situation with the Rebels not allowing me to make the ordinary SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 377 course of \asitation and examination, it will take some clays to do it exactly ; though I have reason to be thank- ful that, so far as I know, there will be no place for giveing any one resedenter within my parish trouble. — I am, Sir, your very humble servant, " Egbert Dunbar." "Knockando, Map 2SfIi, 174(). " Sir, — I have just now received yours requiring lists of all those not concerned in the wicked and unnatural Rebellion ; with ane enclosed print. Though I am imme- diately much distrest \^dth the gravel, I shall lose as little time as possible in making up these lists, and transmitting them to you as you direct. — I am, Sir, your most humble servant, Hugh Grant." " Cromdale, 28//i May 174G. " Sir, — Yours of the 26th instant, requiring lists of all those in my parish who have not been concerned in this wicked and unnatural Rebellion (with a print inclosed), came to hand this day. I shall, how soon my liealth will aUow, send two copies of said lists under your cover, as directed. It is with great difficulty I write you this, being at present confined to my bed. — Witli compliments to your lady, I am, Sir, your most humble servant, Francis Grantt." 378 SOCIAL LTFE IN FORiMEK DAYS. From the Eevd. Laiiclilaii Shaw to an Episcopalian. The Historian of Moray was a large-hearted CUnis- tian and a true gentleman : — " To AiiciuBALD DuNBAH of Newtouii, Esqr., " Duffus. '• Elgin, June 6t/i, 1746. " Dear Sir,^ — I have writen to Aberdeen for this year's magazines to you, Ijut have not as yet got them ; their posts go no farther than to Dundee, and they cannot get home books or pamphlets but by carriers, who are not frequent. " The Lord Justice Clerk's letter is so general and undetermined, that we cannot but differ about the meaning of it. We in this town, and others around us, send up the names of all our own hearers, who, upon conversing with our elders, we have ground to believe had no concern in the Rebellion, We omit and leave out the names of some of our hearers, be- cause their character is not clear, and they ly under suspition ; and we leave out all the hearers^ in the meeting-house, because they are no part of our proper charge ; their attachment to these meetings makes them to be reputed Jacobites, and we have not had that access to know their conduct, which we have had with respect to our own people. All this we wrote as a docquet to our lists ; if it answers the design, it is good, if not, the general terms of the letter must 1 Ej>iscopalians, SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 379 he blamed. It cannot be justly inferred, that all who are not in onr Hsts are gnilty ; the natural infer- ence from it is, that we are not proper judges of the moral conduct of those who do not submit to our ministry. What methods slial be used to discover the guilty I know not. Sheriffs and magistrates are re- quired to send up lists, and so, I think, are the officers of the Custom and Excise. "Yon have no doubt heard of M — ^j — r G t's doom, and that he now lives at home. The Kebels in Strathavin and Glenlivat are delivering up their arms, and casting themselves on the Eoyal clemency. If others were wise they would do so. I have received one man's arms this day. The money, brandy, and arms landed in Moydart, make the unhappy men there l)ackward to submit, which will provoke the Duke to destroy their countries. Glengarrie's and Lochiel's houses are burnt, and all that country, houses and woods, will soon run the same fate, if they submit not. Glenbucket and John Roy are in the braes of Strath- avin. The Strathspey hostages went south last week. The loss done to the wood of Abernethie is very great. — I am, L. S. " P.S. — If I get not your magazines, I shal send per next ni}' own, which are now lent out." 380 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. We suspect that the solemn Fast was, iii the High- laud parishes, but a solemn mockery : — " To the SuERiFF and his Deputs " of the Shire of Elgin. "Edinburgh, l'2th December 174G. " Sir, — Some clays ago there were transmitted to you a few copies of proclamations by His Majesty in Council, for keeping a solemn Fast on the 7th day of January next to come ; and it being necessary that a copy of the said proclamation be transmitted to each parish, I send you inclosed ten copies, de- siring you to transmit one of them to each parish minister within your jurisdiction, with your con- veniency, in such time however that they may reach the ministers so as to be read from the pulpit on the Sabbath before the Fast is to be observed. " It is likeways desired, that when you send these proclamations, you will take the trouble to acquaint, by a letter, each minister, that a good many persons, of the lower rank, who served in the Eebel army, upon their having been lately taken up, have pro- duced certificates from ministers in different places in the country, bearing that they had delivered up their arms to the ministers to whom they surren- dered ; and that the Earl of Albemarle desires that all ministers who received any such arms, may forthwith deliver them up to the commanding officer of the army who is quartered nearest to them, and to take a receipt SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 381 from such commanding officer, expressing the number and quality of the arms so delivered, and transmit the said receipts, severally, to the Eight Honourable the Earl of Albemarle at Edinburgh. I am, Sii', your most humble servant, Pat : Haldane." Concluding part of a letter from the Lord Lyon : — "London, March 14, 1747. " Lovat's tryal you will see accounts of in the news- papers. His own secretaries, and the Pretender's, have said enough to hang him without any other evidence, of which you shall have particulars m my next ; but this has been a heavy week of fatigue upon us of the two Houses of Parliament, attending this trial, insomuch that I have no time to write any letters this week, for we have been kept four days of this week, in West- minster Hall, till six or seven at night. — j\Iy kind compliments to Nelly, and believe me, dear Archie, yours faithfully, Alexr. Brodie." The clergy and members of the Episcopal Church of Scotland, who refused to take the oaths to Govern- ment, were designated Nonjurors. " To the Shirriff-Deput of Murray. "Edinburgh, 17 th Octoher 1747. " Sir, — His Majesty having lately received accounts of the insolent behaviour of the Jacobites, and that in 382 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. many parts of Scotland, the true friends of the Govern- ment, and those who have most meritoriously distin- guished themselves in the support of it, have been on many occasions oppressed and insulted by the Jacobites and their adherents ; and that some of the persons attainted of high treason have returned from abroad ; and that many of the most notorious Rebels are known to be lurking about in different places ; and that the acts for suppressing Nonjuring meeting-houses have not been duly executed by the officers of the law, at least that they have not been diligent in observing and discovering the attempts that have l^een made to defeat the intention of these wise and neces- sary laws. " AVhereupon I have had the honour to receive his Majesty's commands, by a letter from his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, his Majesty's princijDall Secretary of State, to desire and require that you would imme- diately make the strictest enquirey into these matters, and exercise the utmost force of the law for suppress- ing all practices whereby the quiet of his Majesty's government may be in danger of being disturbed, and for bringing to punishment those who are concerned in such treasonable proceedings; and, particularly, that you would use your utmost endeavour to discover and secure any persons that may he lurking within your bounds, who either were attainted of high treason or were concerned in the late Rebellion, and are either SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 383 excepted hy name or under some general description in the late Act of Indemnity ; and that you would make particular enquiry into the conduct of the Jacobites, and whether there are any indications of a design to give any disturbance to the Government ; and that you take particular care that the Acts for suppressing Nonjuring meeting-houses be com- plyed with, according to the true intention of the same, and for that purpose that you enquire carefully into all attempts that have been made to elude the design thereof; and it is his Majesty's particular orders that you should transraitt to me constant ac- counts of what you shall do in consequence of these orders. " Give me leave, on this occasion, to advise you not to show or communicate the orders you have now^ received, to any person whatever, except so far as is necessary for putting them in execution, lest it may be interpreted by some persons to be done to dis- appoint the execution of them ; and, in the next place, when you get information that any of his Majesty's good subjects, who have meritoriously distinguished themselves in support of his Majesty's Government, have been, or may be, oppressed and insulted by the Jacobites and their adherents, you are not to give over your enquiry u[)on hearing that the matter is transacted l)y the privat partys, because it is not in the power of any privat subject to remitt the injury 384 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. done to the publick ; and lastly, that in searching for Rebels you are not to confine yourself to suspected places, because it is not impossible that in some of his Majesty's subjects, not disaffected, an ill-judged tender- ness may have got the better of their duty to their king and country. — I am, Sir, your most humble servant. And. Fletcher." Answer to the aliove : — " Elgin, Uh Norr. 1747. " My Lord,— I was honoured wdth your Lordship's commands of the I7tli past, and have the pleasure to acquaint your Lordship, in answer thereto, that wee liave the happiness in this county, to have neither attainted or excepted person within the same ; or doe I hear, or can I learn, upon the narrowest inquirie, of any insolent behaviour from Jacol^ites, dissafected per- sones, or their adhearants, to his Majesties duitfull subjects within our bounds, but all quiet and in good neighbourhood ; or can I learn, after the strictest inquiry, of any Rebels being returned from abroad, or sculking in this county, or is there any such thing as a Nonjureing meeting within the samen ; or can I dis- cover that ever any of the Nonjureing ministers have atempted to preach since the batle of Culloden, but that some of them, as they happened to be in a pri- vate family on Sundayes, have read prayers to that family and four single persones, and noe more ; I)ut for SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 385 publick places of worship, they have none, they being- all formerly burnt and distroyetl, and noe new ones set up. "My Lord, if any thing worth your Lordship's nottice, as to either of the subjects which were men- tioned, happens in this county, or as far as I can learn from any other, I shall obey your Lordship's commands, and acquaint you thereof, from tyme to tyme ; but wee have reason to be thankfull to Almighty God, that this county had litle or noe concern in the late wicked and unnaturall Eebellion, which few counties in the north can boast of except ourselves. " Wee, indeed, in this place mett with a great insult in the begginning of October last, from a pairty of St. George's Dragoones that were quartered here, who were werie civillie used all the tyme they lay att this place, but upon the Saturday att twelve a'cloack att night, the night imediatly before they marched, they comitted great insults by breaking with stones severalls of the windows of the inhabitants, and the publick schoole- house windows, and some of the magistrates' windows, and our worthy good minister, Mr. Shaw's windows, where they threw so many and big stones, that not onley the glass but the haile timber of his windows was driven in, so that it was onley the good j^rovidence of God that preserved his braines from being knocked out, for they drove in the stones with such furie that, 2 B 386 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. hard ]jy liiiii, they knocked a cadge to pieces, aiid killed a maves in it, and broke tlie plaister of the wall on the other syde of the room, and severall of the stones fell on his wife in her bed sleeping, untill her husband awoake her, and de^yred her get up fov fear of her life ; and they ro arched of only on the Sunday es morneing. The magistrates took a precognition of some of the facts next day, and put it after their Lieutennant-Collonell, who was very angiy at his men's ('onduct, and ordered the payment of damnadges done ]jy breaking the windows, so that the prosecution intended for such an insult is droped, but then I thought proper to acquaint your Lordship thereof, that in caice that corps should be guilty of any such prac- tises ill any other place where they lye, your Lordship may give them a (.-aution, for 1 can assure your Lord- ship they would need it from their conduct here, for they were suspected mostly of being Popish — the pri- vate men of them — and therefor it seems they poured out a great deal of their wrath, att their way-going, upon our worthy pastor, without any manner of pro- vocation ; and such insults upon his Majesties best subjects are insuferable from any sort of people.— - AVhich is all from, my Lord, your obedient humble servant, " Wm. King." SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 387 Verses wliicli were printed, and i)rivately circulated amono' Jacobite families : — " The Birthday Odk. « How loug shall Rage o'er heav'ii-boru Truth prevail, And stem Oppression hold Astnea's scale ? Must Charles's name, to ev'ry Briton dear, Be still remembered with a sigh or tear ? Air. " Sprung from kings in story great, For thee we hope, for thee we mourn ; To thy throne and ancient state, Royal Exile, soon return. " Ah ! to see that happy day May each loyal Briton bmii ; Tune, ye bards, the lofty lay, Royal Exile, soon return. When on Culloden's plains, in William's form Inhuman Slaughter led the rising storm, The murder'd infants sunk beneath his rage, And mangled Beauty fell with hoary Age, How 'scap'd my Prince the fury of tlie day WTiat God, what angel, led tliee on thy way ! Yet new Affliction points her viper's stings. Disloyal subjects, and unfaithful kings, Alas, you found, nor sunk beneath the weight, Tho' wrong'd, triumphant, and in bondage, gTcat. 3 88 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Air. " We'll brace the drum, the clarion soimd, And, starting from our trance profound, In shining mail appear ; While France shall, at our squadrons nigh, Faint, tremble, drop her arms, and fly, And own an Edward near. " Can aught thy just resentment charm ? Can aught resist thy conqu'ring arm ? Can aught thy strength withstand ? Yes ; when you see a prostrate foe, You turn aside, nor strike the blow ; Hear this, proud Cumberland." " Mehlix. Wlien a sharper shall fly from his merit, a cord, And see his son swell with the title of lord ; Wlien a Pelham shall end wdiat a Wcdpole begun, And, excising the earth, lay a tax on the sun ; When a peer, in his dotage, the privilege claims Of bellowing for George, as he hollow'd for James ; When possess'd of vast wealth, and abundance of spite, A scribe is made out of a thing that can't write ; When Episcopal lords are all aw^'d with a nod, And for Brunsivich do more than they'd do for their God ; Then Justice, indignant, shall snatch up her sword, The times shall be changed, and the King be restored." XL. CORONATION OF GEORGE III. : SUBMISSION TO HIS GOVERNMENT. The gentleman who "seed" his Majesty "annointed with the holy oill," held a situation in the Lyon Office :— " To AiiciriBALD Dunbar, of Newtoun, Esquire, at his House at Duffus, per Elgin, North Brittain. "LoNDOx, '2&th. Septr. 1701. " Dear Sir, — Yon will be surprised to read a letter from me in this city. I was called by the Lords Commissioners of the Court of Claims to walk at the procession of his Majesty's Coronation, and was ap- pointed grand new rol)es from the wardrop, with gold collar and chains with the Order of St. Andre w" in gold, sett in azure and green ribben ; and accordingly I have performed that service, and had a full view of the glory that this world can afford in its perfection. It would take some sheets of paper to describe you the glory of that day. I neither know how to begin or how to end. Wee surrounded the throne in the quire of Westminster Abbey, and, as I was upon the third step of it, and so near his Majesty that I took hold of liis roltc with my hand, T seed liim annointed with 390 SOCIAL LIFE rX FOEMER DAYS. the holy oil], tak(,-Ji, IVom the goldeu ciiglc;, in a golden spoon, and after this the crown putt upon his head with shoutings inexpressahlo, [ind then invested with the scepter and or];. But what 1 thought was the solemnest part of the whole ceremony, and what took my fancie most, was, immediatly after he was crowned, the whole Peers of Great Brittain putt on their crowns and immediatly went and laid their crowns at the King's feet, uud paid their hommage to him Ijy kissing the scepter, w^hich wlien done, he allowed them all to kiss his hand. Never was there a greater exhibition of earthly glory. 'J'iio' the Peeresses were not ;illow(id any diamonds in theii' crowns, they fell upon a method to supply this defect, by filling their heads so full of them that their crowns disappeared amongst them. The grandeur of the ladies in the gallery, both in Westminster Aljbey and in the Hall, as well as on all the scaffoldings in the streets, with the innumerable diamonds they were decked with, is past description. — I am, respectfully, dear Sir, your obedient humljle servant, Jos. Strachane." After the death, in January 1788, of Prince Charles Edward, whose brother and representative, Cardinal York, could leave no lawful descendant, tlie Bishops felt that they could conscientiously recognise the Hanoverian government : — social life in former days. 391 " Intimation •'To the Clergy and Laity of the Episcopal Church in Scotland. " The Protestant Bishops in Scotland having met at Aberdeen, on the 24th of April 1788, to take into their serious consideration the state of the Church under their inspection, did, upon mature deliberation with their clergy, unanimously agree to comply with and sul)mit to the present Government of this king- dom, as vested in the person of his Majesty King- George the Thiixl. They also resolved to testify this compliance by uniformly praying for him by name in their public worship, in hopes of removing all suspicion of disaflfcction, and of obtaining relief from those penal laws under which this Church has so lono; suffered. At the same time they tliink it their duty to declare, that this resolution proceeds from principles purely ecclesiastical ; and that they are moved to it by the justest and most satisfying reasons, in discharge of that high trust devolved upon them in their Episcopal character, and to promote, as far as they can, the peace and prosperity of that portion of the Christian Church committed to their charge. " For ol )taining of tliis desirable end, they therefore appoint their clergy to make public notification to theii- respe<;tive congregations, upon the eighteenth 392 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. day of May next, that upon the foUowing Lord's day, nominal prayers for the King are to be authoritatively introduced, and afterwards to continue in the religious assemblies of this Episcopal Church ; and they beg leave to recommend, as to their clergy whose obedi- ence they expect, so likewise to all good Christian people under their Episcopal care, and do earnestly in- treat and exhort them, in the bowels of Jesus Christ, that they will all cordially receive this determination of their spiritual fathers. " If any of them wish for farther information on this subject, the Bishops hereby direct them to apply to their respective pastors ; and conclude this address Avith their hearty prayers to, and stedfast dependence upon, their gracious Head and Master in Heaven, that He would be pleased to bless, sanctify, and prosper the pious resolutions and endeavours of His servants upon earth, to the advancement of His glory, the edification of His Church, and the quiet and wel- fare of the State in all godliness and honesty. " Egbert Kilgour, BishojJ and Primus. John Skinner, Bishop of Aberdeen. Andrew Macfarlane, Bishop of Ross and Moray. Wm. Abernethy Drummond, Bishop of Edinburgh. John Strachan, Bishop of Brechin." APPENDIX. In many cases in this Volume, ])ersons are designated by territorial appellations. An Explanatory List is there- fore "iven : — Designation. Achnagern, Surname. Fraser. Ai-undele, Grant. Asleisk, Brodie. Barmuckatie, Dunbar. Birdsyards, Bisliopmihi, Boath, . "La-qnhart. Dunbar. Dunbar. Bracco, . Brodie, . Duff. Brodie. Burgie, . Dunbar. Cadboll, ]\Iacleod. Classtinun, Gordon. Clava, . Eose. Cloavs, . Dunbar. Connadge, Mackintosh Coulnn, Kiiiuaird. Coxtoii, Innes. Culkern, Munro. Dalrachanie, Grant. 394 APPENDIX. Designation. Lady Drnininelzier, Dnnnmoiul, Duffus, . Dunkentie, Eaniside, Easterbin, ffaskin, Lady Force, Fowls, Gleiibucket, Glengarrie, (xrange, Graugeliill, Grant, . Guineas, Lady Hemprigs, Innernity, . Innes, . Kilboyak, Lady Kilco^yie, Kilrayock, Kincortli, Kinstery, Kirkton, Knockando, Leathen, Lencliars, Linkwood, Lochiel, Logie, . Surname. Mrs. Hay. Mackintosh. Sutherland. Innes. Mackenzie. Dunbar. Gordon. j\Irs. Sutherland. Sir Eobert INTunro. Gordon. Macdonell. Dunliar. J )unbar. Grant. Macleod. Lad}" Dunbar. Ste^vart. Innes, Bart. Dunbar. Mrs. Mackenzie, liose. Falconer. Sutherland. Spense. Grant. Brodie. Innes. Anderson. Ganieron. t'umniino;. APPENDIX. 395 Designation. Macleod, ^lacintosli, Milutoune, Muirton, Lady ]\riiirton, Myrland, Lady Newliall, Newmilii, Lady Newmihi, Xewtoiiii, Lady Newtoun, Pit four, Pitgaveii}', Rosbaugh, Skene, . Spyni (at page 48), Spynie, Tanachi, Thundertouii, . Lady Tliimdertoii, Woodhead, Surname. Macleod. Macintosh. Brodie. Calder, .l>ait. Lady Calder. Dunbar. Mrs. Forbes. King. ]SIrs King. Dunbar. Mrs. 1 )unbar. Ferguson. Bremner. Sutherland. Skene. Doubtful. Brodie. Tulloch. Dunbar. j\Irs. Dunbai-. Spense. The signature of each of the two Baronets of Innes, several of whose letters appear, was Harie Innes — not Harric, as printed by mistake. "The Lyon" was the usual designation of Alexander Brodie of Brodie, Lord Lyon King-at-Arms. By Lord Lovat, however, who disliked him, tliis very popular Laird was called " The King-of- Beasts." The Vignette on tlie title-page is copied from a sketch taken before the tower was pulled down. INDEX. Aberckomby, Alexander, hopes that the | Sheriff of Moray will allow the Duke of Gordon to settle T. Miller's case in his Grace's Court of Eegality, 81. Aberdeen, John Sinclair collecting for Lossie Harbour at, 168, 170; King's College, 1-5; Old Town preferable to New for student, 10; plaiding exported, 144. Abernethie, wood of, messenger attacked in, 293 ; loss done to, 379. Abjuration, oath of, how received at Aber- deen, 168. Abstinence, total, for six days, 23. Achnagern, Laird of, 244. Achtirtyre, 87. Adair, William, Esq., army agent, London, 322. Adam, Isobel, Pittenweem witch, 264 ; her confession, 267. Adamson, Mrs. Rebecca, her marriage in 1703, 200. Addresses, complicated before streets were named or houses numbered, 33. Adjutant for troops joining Duke of Gordon, in 1685, 311. " Advice," a poetic exhortation, useful in revolutionary times, 233-235. Advocate, Lord, in 1709, letter on quaran- tine, 49. Advocate to Sir Robert Gordon, yearly pen- sion paid to, in 1697, 193. Advocates, Faculty of, refuse to assess them- selves fur poor's-ratcs in 1749, 103. Ale to be taken with gilded pilis, 20 ; price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277 ; at Inverness in 1654, 308. Alexander, Mr., a portrait painter, 116. Allacants, a kind oldrink, 161. .Vllan, John, in Mostowie, 87 ; fined, 89. .Vlmonds and raisins, price of, in 1689, 160. Allyhore, Majorca, 320. A! tyre, 348. Alum imported, 148. Alves parish, 48, 49 ; letter about rebels, 375. America, the reduction of, in 1759, 104. Ancrum, Lord, 363 ; forage for, 364. Anderson, Re V. Alexander, minister of Duffus, secures communion plate during rebellion of 1715-1716, 335. Alexander, tenant in Burnsyde, 333. Christian, master of a ship, 151. Deacon, 170. John, writer in Edinburgh, 236. John, armourer, Elgin, 325. Rev. Hugh, of Drainie, 241. Robert, Clerk of Elgin Town Council, 160,163, 165,236. William, Bailie of Elgin, 173. Anise seeds imported, 148. Anodyne, price of, in 1720, 21. Anstruther, Captain Philip, of New Grange, lives near the Fountain-well, Edinburgh, 34. General, Lieut. Governor of Majorca, 321. Antimony, tincture of, its price in 1720, 21. Antonius, John, an Edinburgh undertaker in 1732, his account, 274. Apples, Flanders, 191. Aquavitse, burnt, price of, in 1700, 39. Araskine or Askine, Sir Charles, of Cambo, Bart., Lyon King-at-Arms, 74. Archbishops of Canterbury and York written to by King James ii., 313. .\rdgy, 93; tenants of, to send in provi- sions, 354. .\rgyle, Duke of, inlliience of, at an election, 217. Arndilly or Arundele, 96, 97 ; laird of, 116. 398 INDEX. "Art of Love," a Look sent to a young lady by Diicliess of Gordon, 109. Ashliurst, Henry, merchant tailor, London, 192 ; Henry Ashhurst, junior, 192. Asleisk, Laird of, also Laird of Brodie, 317. Assemblies for dancing, etc., at Edinburgh in 1723, particulars about, 118. Association of freeholders in Moray to annul " paper votes," 225, 227. Aughteendales, 148. Bacon, price of, at Inverness in 1654, oU8. Badenoch, 49 ; braes of, 296. Badham or Badhame, William, dancing- master in Edinburgh, discharge and obli- gation from, in 1704, 14. Badon, John, Findhorn, 152. " Baron. The " (Mr. Gordon of Cluny), 223. Bail for Laird of Thunderton in 1716, 209. Baillie, Mr., of Inverness, 246, 250. Lieut. A., letter from, 61. Evan, 304. George, his marriage, 103. William, letter to Bailie Dunbar of Inverness, 179-181. Bailly, Mr., Sheiiff-depute to Lord Ijovat, 301. Baily, Rev. Mr., Inverness, 300. Bajans, students of first year, 1, 3. Baker's land and mill, 190. Balantir, Laird of, his funeral, 281. Baldie (contraction for Archibald), 10, 12. Balfour, Captain, 161. Sir AVilliam, of Pitcullo, his daughter, wife of fourth Earl of Moray, 279. Ballichastell belongingto Laird of Grant, 294. Balls (pills), masticatory, price of, in 1720, 21 ; box of small, sent by Dr. Walker, 26. Balmerino, Lord, a prisoner at Culloden, 361. Balsam, price of half an ounce in 1719, 20. Baltic sea-ports, ships from, under quaran- tine in 1709, 50. Banks of Edinburgh in 1756 send Glasgow notes to get specie for them, 1 03. Banff, servants' wages in county of, in 1760, 97 ; Magistrates of, interested in Lossie Harbour, 170 ; plenty of corn and straw in, for use of King's army, 368. Baptism of a natural daughter, 240. Barmuckatie or Barniukety (also spelt Bel- nmkedie and Bermucktere), Laird of, his daughters' board and education, 16 ; his wife's death, 280 ; serves as a volunteer, 315-318 ; made an officer, 319. Barnhill, 87. Baronius, Annals of, and other books, be- queathed by the Dean of Salisbury to the Library of the Cathedral, 290. Batavia, Governor of, pays £120,000 to the British, and begs pardon, 104. Batchen, .John, feus grounds of Thunderton House, 282. Batesson, Na., Bailie of Perth in 1652, 307. Bath recommended, 24. Bawer, Alexander, 168. Bean, Mr., 131 ; made fortune in India, 132. Bear, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 30 ; meal, price of, for Elgin in 1099, 31; five bolls of, given for a dog, 46 ; a boll of, its price in 1708, 55 ; bear and malt exported from Elgin to Bordeaux andDrontone in 1676, 144; and to Eotterdam in 168.5, 145. Beaufort, seat of Simon Lord Lovat, 243, 246, 247, 243 ; Thomas Eraser of, 310. Beef, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; barrels of, in 1694, 147 ; sent to Zealand, 150 ; price of, in 1742, 277 ; price of, at In- verness in 1654, 308 ; scarce in Elgin in December 1745, 345. Beekworth, Capt., 124. Beer, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. Belcher, AVilliam, of Elgin, 188. Bell, Peggie, Queen at Lord Crighton's ball, 118. Bellenden, William, Lord of Broughton, Lord Treasurer Depute of Scotland, 75. Bellie or Belly Pari.sh, 193, 333. Bellman, Laugbryde, son of, his certificate, 99- Bellormy, dovecot at, destroyed by rebels, 357. Benefices to be given only during pleasure of Bishop, 314. Benzion, 22. Berwick, Earl of Deloraine visited there by Laird of Brodie, 111; Lords of Session and .Justiciary return from, to Edinburgh on its evacuation by the Highlanders, 342. Bill of Lading in 1694, 150. Billiard table at Elgin in 1732, price of, 99. "Birley men," 340. Biscuit, sugar, sent from Elgin, 19; why sent, 17. INDEX. 399 Bisbopmill, Lainl of, 38, 223, 317, 326. Bisliops of Episcopal Church iu Scotland submit to Government, 391. Bitters, charge for a bottle of, in 1719, 20. Blackstob, 190. Blackwood or Blaikwood, Eobert, merchant in Edinburgh, a son of Sir L. Gordon, Bart, apprenticed to, 138, 142. Blak, James, 3. Wil., Professor at King's College, Aber- deen, letters from, 1-4 ; some things sent to his care, 280. Blantj're, Lord, married to Lady Catherine Cochrane, 119; his sister married to Mr. Hay of Drummelier, 121. Bleeding for a cough, 21(3. Blennshell, AVm., tailor in Elgin, his account in 1719-1720, 195, 19G. " Blode," two dogs to have, 43. Blabber of whales, charges for procuring and carriage, 57. Board of young ladies in 1709, 1(3; of students at King's College, Aberdeen, in 1755, 7. Boat of Bog, a ferry on the Spey, 341. Boath, Laird of, younger son of, 130; brother of, an ensign, 318. Bocrhaave's, Dr., receipt for pain in head, etc., 22. Bogg, 49. " Bogsie," ^^'illiaul Sutherland, merchant in Elgin, so called, 153. Bogtoun, Alex., in Khieclehik,'294. Bole (a bolus), price of, in 1719, 20. Books wanted by Bailie Innes of Elgin, 18 ; lent by Duchess of Gordon, 108, 109, 113, 114; bequeathed to Library of Salisbury Cathedral, 290. Bordeaux, 64 ; export to, of bear and malt in 1676 by an Elgin firm, 144. Bottles in salt-cellar at Duffus in 1708-1709, 213. Bower, Rev. John, presented to Duftus Kirk, 241 , 248 ; becomes minister of Duffus, 249, 250 ; letter from, 254 ; his death, 255. Boyes, Admiral, pursuing Thurot, 104; his anchoring, Oct. 1759, in Leitli Roads, 1(14. Bracco or ISraco, his reported marriage to Lady 3Iary Montgomery, 117 ; Lord, 223. Brander, James, cider in Miltown, 87. James, younger, 88. Brandy not to be had at Fortrose in 1723, 187 ; price of, in 1714, 195 ; in 1742, 277. Brass, old, 144. Bread, prices of, at Inverness in 1654, 309. Breeches, leather, price of, in 1720, 196. Brest fleet pursued by Admiral Hawke, 104; squadron defeated, 346. Brewhouse at Duffus, its contents in 1708, 212. Brodie, Alex., of Brodie (Lord Lyon), whale speculation, 57 ; gossip about his being married. 111 ; letters on politics, 216, 217 ; recommends an obedient fellow as a preacher, 258 ; on funeral of Duchess of Buckingham, 277, 278; letter to Sheriff about furni.shing baggage-horses and provisions for the use of Cope's army, 338, 339; a volunteer, 347; will not ask a pass for Mr. Innes after battle of Culloden, 362; letter to Sir H. Innes, Convener of the county of Moray, to send 500 horses, 364 ; at Lovat's trial in West- minster-Hall, 381. Miss, of Brodie, her yellow gown, 123 ; to be married to the young Laird of Mac- leod, 124. Alex., of Tillieburies, 146. Alex., of Windyhills, letter from, 345. Capt., at Dijon, 318 ; his letter from Werwick, 319. Col., in Brussels, 318. George, of Brodie, letter from, about the training of hawks, 42. James, son of J. Brodie of Windiehills, 318. — — Rev. James, recommended for Dufl'iis Kirk, 257. John, ofWindiehill.s, 318, 324. Joseph, of Milntown, 16. Laird of, 49, 134. Lewis Dunbar, of Burgie and Grange, 71. Ludovic, W.S., drinks to excess with Mr. Eyre, 67 ; letters about succession to Westfield, 86 ; about settlement of vacancy of Duffus Kirk, 249-254 ; about surrender of Carlisle in 1745, 314. Major, his company in Tullibardine's regiment, 316. 400 INDEX. Brodie, William, ensign iu Sir James Wood's regiment, 318. William, merchant, Elgin, an account rendered by Lis wife in 1700, 38. Broun's, Captain, troop at Elgin in 1716, 331. Broune, Mr., 161. Brown, Provost George, of Elgin, his letter about grain for the inhabitants, 174. Thomas, with Pittenweem witches, 264. Bruce, Mr., of Kinross, 269. Brulet, Mr. John, a French master from neighbourhood of Kheims, 12. Buchan, Earl of, in 1619, his letter to Sir Eobert Gordon for a falcon, 42. Earl of, in 1770, bis note to Earl of Errol, 228. Buckingham, Duchess of, account of her funeral, 277, 278. Bugdaline, nails and deals for, 56. Bulkes-head, 56. Bulson, Fi'ancis, master of ship " Susana," 59. Burdsyards or Birdsyards, Laird of, 251 ; and family, 124 ; lands of, to be quartered on, 355. Burges, .James and .John, gunsmiths at Elgin, 325. Burgess of Elgin, entertainment at making of, 160. Burgh-head, or Burgh sea, quarantine at, 50 ; letter from fishermen at, 54 ; whales stranded at, 57, 58 ; threatened by a lieutenant of the Navy, 63 ; complaint against fishermen of, 173. Burgie sold to Dunbar of Grange, 71 ; house of, seized in 1668 by young Burgie, 72 ; and Grange, families of, 71-76. Burnett, Miss Mary, of Kemnay, handsome, 131. Burnside, 333. Butcher-meat, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; at Inverne.ss in 1654, 308. Butter, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; at Inverness in 1741, 189; at Elgin in 1742, 277. Butter-kit sent to Dr. Walker, 28. Cadboll or Catboll, Laird of, 143. Cairn, The {one of the Grampian Mountains), 35 ; not to be crossed on account of snow, 170. Cairngorm-stone, 97. Calamus aromaticus, charge for 2 oz., 20. Calder, Bailie, of Wick, beef, tallow, and hides bought from, 146, 147. George, grieve at Kilcoy, 98. Sir James, of Muirtown, partner of an Elgin firm, 144, 145, 148, 150. William, brother of Sir James, 146. Sir Thomas, of Muirton, Knight Ba- ronet, settles prices of provisions in Elgin in 1710, 31 ; his niece, 107 ; his interest in a herring -fishery, 112 ; bill on, 186. Cambrick, two els of, 187. Camels' hair imported, 149. Cameron of Lochiel wounded at Culloden, 361. Camila, Mrs. Stuart of, 111. Campbell, Captain, of Lord Loudon's, killed at Culloden, 361. Ensign, killed at Culloden, 361. Mr., of Delnies, his daughter, 221. Mr. James, of Moye, 49. Camphere, traffic with, in 1694, 148, 150. Candles, price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277. Candlesticks, brass, from London, 183. Cannell imported, 149. Cap Lacken, thirty guiklers to be paid iu name of, 145. Capers imported from Holland, 53. Capitulation of Perth in 1651, 306. Capons, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308- Caption against Sir Robert Gordon, 254, 255. Capuhins, a lady's dress in 1745, 123. Carpenter's, General, dragoons at Elgin in 1716, 330. Carlisle, surremler of, in 1745, 344. Carltown, Mrs., and the new fashions in 1745, 123. Carolina, John Dunbar of Burgie emigrates to, 71. Carriage-horses, etc., wanted fiom county of Elgin for Duke of Cumberland's army, 365. Carstairs, Alexander, merchant in Itottcr- dam, 148. Casks that may be of use afterwards, 149. Castledowney, seat of Lord Lovat, 302. Cattle-stealing, 292-296. Caulfield, Major, Quartermaster-General of Cope's army, 340. INDEX. 401 Causi or Causy (now Covesea), boats of, 47, 49, 64. Centaury, charge for two ounces of, 20. Cephalic powder, charge for, in 1719, 20. Certificate, of a French master, 12 ; of a grieve, 98; of a bellman's son, 99. Chein, Jean, a governess, her qualifications and salary in 1710, 15. Chaise had to bo bespoken in Edinburgh in 1783, eight or ten days before it was ■wanted, 36. Chalmer, George, clerk to Magistrates of Elgin, 238. James, younger. Deacon Convener of Crafts, Elgin, 177, 178. John, 38. Chalmers, John, clerk to Magistrates of Elgin, 176. Chalon sur Saune, Lieut. Dunbar, a prisoner at, 318. Chanori or Chanry, 57 ; Lady Seaforth writes from, 105 ; Lady Duffus writes from, 106. Chapin stoups from London, 183. Chariot from London arrives at Findhorn in 1717, 185. Charles, James, Bailie of Elgin, imprisoned by Earl of Sutherland, 300. Charles-Edward, Prince, birthday ode in honour of, 387. Charles ix. of France, Dean of Salisbury once Gentleman of Chamber to, 286. Charlton, Esquire, not pardoned after Mon- mouth's Rebellion, 313. Cheese, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; Cheshire, its price at Forres in 1714, 195. " Chittock," a person in Elgin so called, 132. Chrichton, Patrick, saddler, Edinburgh, his account in 1731, 197, 198. Chickens, price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277. Christie, Alexander, 168. Chyr-aporie, Mackenzie, of Elgin (i.e.,cliirur- geon-apothecary), his account, 20, 21. Cinnamon waters, 160. Circuit Court of .Justiciary had not proper accommodation at Inverness in 1786, 89- 92. Citydella, Majorca, 320. Clanranald engaged in cattle-lifting, 292. 9 Claret, price of, in 1769, 40; in 1742, 277. Classtirum, Laird of, 334. Clava, Laird of, 55. Clergy feasted by rival claimants for patron- age of DufFus Kirk, 241, 250. Cleveland, Captain, 160. Cloavs, Laird of, 44. Cloth, scarlet, and scarlet stockings, 186. Clove gillifloor, synip of, 161. Cloves imported, 149. Cluny M'Pherson, letter to Sir L. Gordon, Bart, in 1676, 292. Coach, The lioyal Charlotte Light Post, took two and a half days to run between Edinburgh and London in 1789, 37. Cohan, Mr., 96. Cochran, Lady Anne, birthday, 6lh Feb. 1723, her wedding dress, 117. Lady Catherine, to be married to Lord Blantyre, 119. Cock-a-leekie, 28. Coquet, 147. Cod-fish, price of, in 1708, 55 ; in 1710, 32. Cotfee-beans, price of, in 1712, 195. College servants. King's College, Aberdeen, 8. Collie, Mr. William, hslper at Drainie, 241, 242. Colnie, M. Jo., poetic begging-letter from, 201. Colt, Major, 50. Commissariat arrangements after Culloden, 363. Commissioners of Supply for Elgin fix prices of grain in 1699, 30. Committee of the shire of Elgin on Quaran- tine, July 1647, 47. Communion Office of Scotch Episcopal Church introduced by Bishop Gadderer, 238, Communion-plate of DufFus Kirk, 335. Compton, Spencer, Speaker of House of Commons, to High Sheriff of Elgin, 80. Comrie, Patrick, Surveyor of Inverness, 152. Confession of Faith, Mr. Eobertscm has scruples about subscribing to, 171. Conqueror, John, Bailie of Perth in 1652, 307. Controversial subjects to be avoided by clergy, 314. Cook, Mr., 9. John, in Barnhill, 87. 2 C 402 INDEX. Cook, Robert, Advocate, and the Pittenweeni witch, 270. Cope, Sir John, his march to HighhmJs, 337 ; encamps near Elgin, 338 ; provisions for encampment, 339 ; letters about damage done by his army halting at Forres and Elgin, 341, 342. Copper, old, 144. Cordecitron, a sweetmeat, 160. Corf house, loads of whale-blubber taken to, 57. Corn and straw for a horse, price of, at Elgin in 1700, 39. Corphar, Janet, 2G8, 269 (see Corseitt) ; her miserable murder, 272. Corseitt, Jane, Pittenweem witch, 264 (see Curphcn-). Cosmetic, price of a, in 1719, 21. Cottise (now Cotts), Loch of, 45. Couban, Andrew, in Mostowie, 87. Coubin, Laird of, 49. Country matters, 93-100. Couper, Mr., 170. Coutfield, blacksmith in, 58 ; tenants of, to send in provisions, 354. Courant, Edinburgh liJveving, 134; of 13tli Nov. 1745, with news of rebels' move- ments, 842, 343. Covesea, fishermen of, complaint against, 173; cave at, where horses were con- cealed, 357. Cow, Dr. Walker proposes to kill a full-fed one, its price per pound, 29 ; price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. Cowper, Eev. Mr., of Pittenweem, 271, 272. Coxton, also Coxtoune or Coxtown, 87 ; Laird of, 52, 317. Craigemur, Wood of Abernethie, 294. Craigo, James, shoemaker, Edinburgh, his account in 1718, 197. Crafts in Elgin, order for regulation of, in 1675, 176. Crape, mourning, imported, 149. Crawford, John, collector at Inverness, 151. John, servitor to Mr. Dalrymple, Advo- cate, 193 ; receipt of, 194. Creich, Kirk of, 232. Crighton or Crichtoun, Lord, gives a ball, 118; pays his addresses to Lady Susan Hamilton, 119. Criticism, on a tragedy, by Duchess of Gor don in 1722, 108 ; on novels, by the same, 113, 114. (Jroniarty, 57. George, first Earl of, 105. George, third Earl of, a prisoner at Culloden, 361. Crombie, Wm., vintner in Elgin, 65. Cromdale parish, letter about rebels, 377. Cromdell, Alex. Gordon of, 295. Cromwell lays siege to Perth, 305 ; his troops at Inverness, 307. Crooknioor, 45. Crossley, 87. Croughtly, alias " Croupie," his begging letter, 202, 203. Crowns of Peers laid at feet of George iii. at coronation, 390. Cucumbers from Holland, 53. Cullen House, 132. CuUen, Cope writes from, 341 . Culkairn or Culkern, Laird of, sends express to London in 1723 about landing of High- landers, 188 ; anivcs at Elgin, 348. Culloden, allusion to report of Eev. Mr. Murray having informed against parties who were at, 258, 259 ; list of rebel officers and njen killed at, 360 ; officers of King's array killed at, 361. " Culloden Reel," an officer in the Theatre at Edinburgh in 1749 shouts to the fid- dlers to play it, 103. Culnakyle belonging to Laird of Grant, 294. Cumberland, Duke of, loses his sword, and trick on him, 102 ; his army, 22d May 1746, 371; pursuing rebels, 350; his cruelty at Culloden referred to in Jacobite verses, 387. Cumin, Logic, son of, at Elgin school, 2. Cuming, Rev. Alex., clerk to Synod, 233. Cummin, Mrs., 120. Cummine, Alex., tide-surveyor at Inverness, 65. Gumming, Alex., of Logic, his wife's death and funeral, 283. Janet, 240. Capt., comical adventure caused by, 116 ; at Forres Church, 123, 124. Lieut. Geo., of Altyre, made prisoner at battle of Falkirk, 348, 351-353 ; not in favour with Lord Lyon, 362 ; acquitted at Stirling, 363. INDEX. 403 Cumying, Dm., Sheriff-depute of Nairn, 89. Cunningham, Miss Peggy, her .runaway marriage with Col. Keith's son, 122. Cupar of Angus, Eev. i\Ir. Smith preaches to rebels in church of, 334. Custom-house charges in 1708, 56. Cuthbert, Col., a prisoner at Cullotlcn, 3G1. Dally, Ensign, of Monroes, killed at Cul- loden, 361. Dalrachanie, Grant of, 24.l) ; writes to Lord Lovat, 248. Dalrymple, Sir James, marries Lady Chris- tian Hamilton, 122. Hew, of North Berwick, advocate, receipt for year's pension, 103. Damage to corn by Cope's army at Forres, 341 ; at Elgin, 342. Dancing-master's dischai'ge and obligation in 1704, 14. Danzick, ships from, under quarantine in 1709, 50. Darnaway, people of forestry, ready to assist Cope, 33S. Dawson, William (afterwards Provost of Forres and Laird of Hempriggs], captain of " Seven Brethren," 55 ; letter about a chariot having arrived at Findhorn from London in 1716, 185 ; his account in 1709- 1714, 194 ; accused of importing arms for rebels in 1716, 329; imprisoned by Earl of Sutherland, 300. Dean's manse, Elgin, 71. Death, the punishment for breaking quaran- tine at Covesea, 48. Deloraine, Earl of, Laird of Brodie visits at Berwick, 111. Demurrage on detention of ships, 145. Denoon, David, makes foot-mantle for Laird of Mackinto.sh, 215. Deskford, Lord, reported marriage with Laird of Drummelzier's daughter, 118; like the ghost of Tenducie, 132 ; gives money for Lossie Harbour, 170. Designation of estate to a person's name does not necessarily prove ownership of estate, 74. Diack, Mr. Alexander, recommended as a tutor in 1754, his qualifications and terms, 11. Diamonds not allowed in crowns of peeresses, how they supplied the defect, 390. Dieppe, invoice of ship from Findhorn bound for, 56. Diet, physical, what it was in 1713, 20. Diet-drink, 21. Dining-room furniture at Duffiisin 1708, 208. Dinkinty, or Dunkenty, Innes of, 300, 317. Dipple, Duff of, 299. Dogs, two young, to be tried at sport, 43 ; " Grossie " and " Spottie Boug," valuable animals, 46. Dollas or Dollase, 292 ; depredations of rebels at, 358. " Don Carlos," a novel sent by Duchess of Gordon, 115. Donaldson, James, merchant In Edinburgh, 15. liobert, writer, Covenant Close, 134. Dornoch, 232. Douglas, Duke and Duchess, separation of, in 1756, 103. .James, 88. William, keeper of magazine at Elgin in 1716, 330. Eev. Mr., a priest, 334. Doune, Lord, funeral of his mother, the Countess of Moray, in 1683,279. Dragoons, St. George's, breaking windows at Elgin, 385. Drainie, parish of, 241. Drainy, horses at, kept by Sir R. Gordon, 359. Drinking habits in 1742, curious iliustra tion, 283. Drinking-song in 1725, 153-158. Drontone, traffic of Elgin firm with, in 1676, 144. Drugs imported in 1705, by Dr. Innes of Elgin, direct from London, 17. Drum cords from London, 183. Drummelier or Drummelzier, Lady, a pa- troness of the assemblies at Edinburgh in 1723, and daughter, 118. Drummer of Elgin, petition from, 162. Drumnochter, Lord Strathnaver issues orders from, 311. Drummond, Laird of, pursued by Cluny M'Pherson, 293. Lord John, reported to be a prisoner at Leith, 346, 350. ■404 INDEX. Drummoml, William Abernethy, Bishop of Edinburgh, submits to Government, 392. " Drunk at Inverness," Lainl of Brodie writes that he is to be, 218. Duckanddrake, priceof, atElgiiiinl710, 32. Dues paid by students at King's College, Aberdeen, in 1755, 8. Duff, Rev. Alexander, demits title to Kirk of Creich in 1623, the reasons why, 232. Provost, of Elgin, writes about scarcity of peats, 94. AVilliam, of Dipple, 299. ]\Ir., of Crombie, 253. Duff House, seat of Earl of Fife, 227. Duffs, at an election, 230. Duffus, 45; Kirktown of, 48 ; Laird of, 48; jmrish of, 49 ; vacancy in kirk, 240 ; teinds, 242 ; letters from Lord Lovat about the patronage, 243-249 ; Mr. Bower settled as minister, 249 ; applications in 1748 for vacant church, 255-257 ; letter to minis- ter's widow from an Elgin waiter, 278. Alexander, Lord, possesses Thunderton House in 1653, 282 ; Governor of Perth in 1651, 365. James Lord, 14 ; kills Ross of Little Kindeace in 1688, 105. Margaret, Lady, letter from, in 1688, 106. Dambrake, Alexander, his pole-money, 193. Dumbrek or Dumbreak, Christian, 148. Dunbar, Alexander, of Barmuckalie, serves under Duke of Marlborough, 16, 315; extracts from his letters, 316-318 ; a pri- soner at Chalon, 318 ; has to sell his clothes, 318. Alexander, of Bishopmilne, Sheriff of Moray, 326. Alexander, of Westtield, 83. Sir Alexander, Bart., letter to Earl of Fife, 226-228. Sir Alexander, of Westfield, heritable Sheriff of Moray, 80, 282. Archibald, of Newton, certificate in 1755 to a French master, 14; letters to James, seventh Earl of Moray, 219-221 ; letter to Henrietta Duchess of Gordon, 242, 243 ; rebel officers put up at his house, 359. Archibald, of Thunderton, letter to his wife, describing a journey in 1708, 35 ; whale speculation, 57 ; countenances smuggling, 64, 65 ; sold Thunderton in 1712, 74; Deputy-Lieutenant in 1722, 297, 298 ; imprisoned by Earl of Suther- land, 298-304 ; attends a meeting-house, 333 ; Sheriff-Principal of Moray, 336. Dunbar, Sir Archibald, sells Thunderton House to John Batchen, 282. Bailie, George, merchant, Edinburgh, 86. Captain, his writing-chamber near the Cross, Edinburgh, 33. Captain John, 316. David, of Dunphail, Deputy -Lieutenant of Elginshire, 326. .lames, 48. James, what he said to Lord Lovat, 303 ; gets information about W. Dawson having assisted rebels, 329. James, merchant, Inverness, letters to, 179-183 ; answer to first letter, 181 ; could have been a witness, 300. James, of Inchbrok, his undntiful wife, 77 ; funeral letter from I/ord Doune to, 279. .James, of Westfield, his three daughters possessed Thunderton House in 1601, 282. James, Sheriff of Moray, 82. John, of Burgie, emigrates to Carolina, 71. Ludovic, of Grange, his horse, etc., re- quired for Government, 325 ; value of arms received from, 327. Ludovic, of Westfield, sells jurisdic- tion of Sheriffdom of Moray to the Earl of Moray, 82 ; his death, 86. Robert of Burgie, 49, 73. Robert, of Grangehill, commander of the Moray Horse in 1716, 324. Robert, of Newton, settles price of provisions in Elgin in 1710, 31 ; two notes to his brother Archibald, 43, 44 ; letter about funeral of wife of Laird of Barmukaty, 280. Robert, younger, of Burgie, cited by Lyon King-at-Arms, 74. Rev. Robert, wants to get a book pub- lished in Ijondon, 184. Rev. Robert, of Dyke, letter about rebels, 377. TXDEX. 405 Dunbar, Thomas, of Grange, 71. Eev. Thomas, D.D., Vicar of Little Bustead, Essex, letter about the sale of the SheriftUom of :Moray, 82-85. William, AJjntaiit, letter from, dated Port Mahon, 320, 322. William, of Kincorth, account ren- dered to him for entertainment at Elgin in 1699-1700, 38. Willian], W.S., letter from, 130-133. Sir William, l>art. of Durn, 38. Sir William, of Hemprigs, 86, 124, 221, 222. Mrs. Ann, letters from, 122, 123. Mrs. Elizabeth, letters to, from Duchess of Gordon, 107-116. Mrs. Elizabeth or Bettie, how she is to take pills, 20 ; receives a fan from the Duchess of Gordon, 115 ; her funeral ex- penses, 274. Mrs. Peggy, an active partisan, 250, 2o4. Janet, gets £2 sterling, as quarterly board for two young ladies, 16. Meg and Ket, daughters of A. Dunbar of Belmuckedie, their board and education in 1709, 16. Dunbar's Hospital, Inverness, founded in 1668, 319. Dundas, Mr., Lord Advocate in 1722, 337. Dundas, Laurence, Commissary-general, 363 ; order from, for carriage-horses, 365 ; for straw, 370. Dunibristie, Fifeshire, seat of Earl of Moray, 117. Dupoye's, Lieutenant, horse at Elgin in 1716, 331. Duradounes, or cross dollars, current at Liege and in Scotland in 1705, 316. Dutch ships taken in 1760, 104. Dyke, parish of, 48 ; Countess of Moray buried at, in 1683, 279 ; letter about rebels, 376. Dykeside, Lady, or IMrs. Anne Dunbar, 122. Eakxside, Laird of, his son dies at IJheims in 1712,318. Ecclesiastical matters, 232-260. Edinburgh, gossip in, 101-104; dancing as- semblies in 1723, 118 ; Guild Court, books of, 141 : .lolin Sinclair collecting for Lossic Harbour, 169; gallant defence of Castle in 1686, by Duke of Gordon, 314. Education in former days, 1-16. Eggs, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; in 1742, 277 ; at Inverness in 1654, 308. Elches or Elchies, Lord, 249 ; his sister married to Grant of Dalrachanie, 248. Election, for county in 1747, and election trick, 216, 217; correspondence, 218-228 ; song, 229-231. Elecuary, an, for Lady Thunderton, 21. Elgin, school of, 1 ; High-Sheriff of, written to in 1721 about representation of shire, 80 ; plaiding exported in 1692, 144 ; Town Council, tavern account in 1693, 159-161 ; town-officer's petition for fees due, 164; Presbytery of, and Mr. William Robertson, in re Confession of Faith, 171, 172 ; Greyfriars Kirk, repair of, 176, 177 ; church vacant in 1689 and 1694, letters about, 235, 236 ; jail used as lunatic asylum, 281 ; exactions on, in 1715 by Earl of Sutherland and Lord Lovat, 323 ; Sir John Cope encamps near, 338 ; rebels at, in April 1746, 360. " Elizabeth," a tender at Speymouth in 1761, why there, 61. Elphinston, Master of, his sou's tutor passes as factor, etc., 11. Episcopalians, after Eebellion of 1745-1746, reputed Jacobites, 378. Episcopalian ministers complained of by Presbytery of Elgin in 1716, 331-335. Errol, Countess of, her death in 1723, 119. Erskine, Alexander, Collector of Customs at Inverness, protests against the Provost of Elgin for converting w ine into water, etc., 65, 66. Major, magnificent marriage of, 121. Esterbin, Laird of, 49. " Etmullerus, his Works Compendised and Englished," a book wanted by Dr. Innes of Elgin, 18. Exactions on Elgin during Rebellion of 1715-1716, 323. Excise, on wine and salt in 1695, 151. Inverness disjoined from Ross in, 214. Express, to be sent to Edinburgh, 129. Eyes, pain in, receipt for, 22. Eyre, Charles, Solicitor for H.M. Customs in Scotland, 66 ; a bard drinki'r, 67. 406 INDEX. Fair drops, price of four bottles, 1 95. Falcon, Earl of Bucban writes for one, 42 ; Laird of Brodie sends two to be " bredd," 43. Falconar, William, Bisbop of Moray, letter from, about a pedagogue, 10- 12. Falconer, Hon. Captain George, CI ; bis printed circular about men for the navy, 62. Fare from Aberdeen to Edinburgh in 1789, 37. "Farms, "Provost of Elgin writes about, 174. Farm-servants' wages in 17G0, 97. Farquharson, Colonel, of Monaltrie, a pri-' soiier at Culloden, 361. CVptain, killed at Culloden, 3G1. Fascan or Faskin, Laird of, 35, 38. Fashions in 1745, ladies' caps, etc., 123. Fast, solemn, January 17, 1747, ordered by Government, 380. Faun (Fan) sent by Henrietta Duchess of Gordon, 115. Fawkener, Sir Edward, Secretary to Duke of Cumberland, 375. Fees of a French master in 1755, 13 ; of a governess in 1710, 15; of servants in 1760, 97. Fenton, James, Bailie in Findborn, 146. Festivities of Town Council of Elgin in 1693, 1.59, 160. Fiddich, 49. Field-sports, 42-46. Fife, James, second Earl of, M.P. for Moray, 225 ; created an English Peer, 228. Mrs., an Edinburgh milliner and dress- maker, 125. Bailie of Elgin, io9. Figs and prunes imported, 148. Findborn to be secured from infection, 48 ; letter to skippers of, and their answer, 54. Findlater and Seafield, Earl of, 133, 340. Anne, Countess of, 38. Findlay, Thomas, skipper in Findborn, 54. Finrassie, lands of, to send in stores, 354. Fish, exported to Continent, 52 ; price of salted, in 1713, 54 ; price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308, 309. Fishermen, protections for, 61, 62. Fish-market of Elgin, Magistrates would have fishennen of Burghsea, etc., first offer their fihh in, 173. Fishings, records of, 52-60. Fitch, Colonel Thomas, Governor of Inver- ness, his order about price of provisions in 1654, 307-309. Flambeaux at funerals, 275. Flanders, news of battle in, July 1711, 130. Fleet, English, off Majorca in 1742, 321. Fleming, Colonel, baggage of his regiment, 372. Flesh, license granted in 1665 to eat it in Lent, 75. Fletcher, Andrew, Lord Justice-Clerk, letter from, in 1746, 374 ; letter to Sheriff-depute of Moray about the Jacobites, 381. Flock of whales, 60. Flowers, artificial, 127. Fly, The, fare from Aberdeen to Edinburgh by, in 1789, 37. Flying Post, a newspaper in 1700, 33. Fochabers, 132. Folley's, Colonel, troop at Elgin in 1716, 331. Forage in 1716, price of, 330 ; to be laid up at Elgin in 1746, 363. Forbes, Alexander, gunsmith, Elgin, 325. Dr., of Elgin, son of, 3. — — Duncan, of Culloden, Lord President, letter to local Justices against smuggling, 68-70; alluded to, 216, 217 ; Lord Advo- cate, 299. .John, of Culloden, called " Squire Bumper," 129, 299. Master of, 124 ; list of rebels killed at Culloden, in his haudwriting, 360. Kev. Mr., would not accept call to Elgin, 236. -^ — ^ William, cannot attend funeral as he has been drinking all day with Magis- trates of Elgin, 283. Force, Lady, her new cap, 123. " Force of Friendship," a novel so called, recommended by Duchess of Gordon, 113. Fornella's Castle, Majorca, 320. Forres, Commissioners of Supply for Elgin, meeting at, 30 ; parish of, 48 ; Bailies of, 49 ; Presbytery of, consulted, 237 ; Cope's army at, 341. Forsyth, John, 278. Fort Augustus, 301, 365, 371. Fountainwell, Edinburgh, 34. Foxes, winter, in demand at Kotterdam, 144, INDEX. Frasers, influence of, at an election, 217; of Stratliemck, 310. See Lovat, Lord. Fraser, Captain, Lis son goes back to Bajan class, 6. Lieutenant-Colonel, younj^er of Iiiver- alacliy, killed at Culloden, 3(31. James, Sheriff-ckrk of Elgin and Forres, 81 ; liis certificate, 251. Major James, cf Culdutliel, receipt of, 328. Mr., 24G, 247. Eev. Patrick, 334. Thomas, of Beaufort, 310. William, his instructions about forage after Culloden, 3(i3. William, merchant in Inverness, letter from, 188, 189. Free trade in fish, Magistrates of Elgin in 1738, will not allow, 174. French master, certificate in favour of, 12 ; his terms in 1755, 13. French surrendered at Culloden, 361. Frigge, John, letter from, offering a price for grain, 190, 191. Funeral charges in Edinburgh in 1732, 274 ; funeral letters, 279-283. Furniture of Students' rooms, King's Col- lege, Aberdeen, in 1755, 7; Dr. Thomas Keid suggests it should be their own, 8 ; inventory of household, in 1708, 205-213 Gadderei!, Bishop, of Aberdeen, his beau- tiful seal, 238 ; letter from, 238-240. Gaelic, want of knowledge of, causes Mr. Duff to resign the Kirk of Creich, 232. Gallau, James, in Insliarnach, 87. Gambo, governess can play on, 15. Gardiner, Robert, Commissary-Depute, order for forage, 3(34-369; for horses, 371. Gargarism for Lady Thundertoun, 21. Garmouth, 52. Gartely, Rev. Alexander Smith, intruded into parish of, 333. Gazette, Edinhirgh, for 1700-1701, 33. Geddes, j\lr., 249. skipper, Burghead, 58. Thomas, Deacon of Square Wrights, Elgin, 177. William, fi.sherman, Burghead, 54. General of Artillery for troops joining Duke of Gordon in 1685, 311. Genial letters, 128-137. George in., his coronation, 389 ; Scotch Episcopalians recognise his authority after the death of Cardinal York, 391. Gibson, Robert, of Linkwood, became in- sane, letter from, in 1701, 281. Gilchrist, Rev. Messrs., 244. Gilzean, Alexander, 88. William, tenant in Ardgy, 93. Gimp, Countess of Moray does no: want, 125 Ginger, green, imported, 148. Girds, 147. Girnels, 31, 354. Gladesmoor, how the odium of defeat was wiped off, 352. Glasgow, city of, bank notes in 175(3 and the Edinburgh Banks, 103 ; John Sinclair collecting at, for Lossie Harbour, 169. Major, of Lord Ogilvie's, a prisoner at Culloden, 3G1. Glass, Alexander, 88. Alexander, musician, 165. Mrs., 127. Glenagies, Laird of, 2*39. Glenbucket, Laird of, in braes of Strathavin, after battle of Culloden, 379. Glengarrie's house burnt, 379. Glenlivat, rebels in, delivering up arms, 379. Glenmoristoun, Grants of, 310. Godsman, Rev. Alexander, Roman fJatholic priest, was in distress after Culloden, 258. Goolhouse at Duffus, its contents in 1708, 212. Goose, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; at Inverness in 1654, 308. Gordon, Alexander, first Duke of, order for men to join his army in 1685, 310; his gallant defence of Edinburgh Castle, and fees of Commission, 314, 315. Alexander, second Duke of, pays defer- ence to Sheriff of Moray, 81 ; did not agree with the Duchess, 119, 120; his funeral, 282. Cosmo-George, third Duke of, 241. Henrietta, Duchess of, letters from, 107-116, 241; did not agree with her husband, 119, 120. Jane, Duchess of, her approaching confinement, 132. Lord George, 229. Lord, breaks his thigh, 301. 408 INDEX. Gordon, Sir Eobert, of Gordonston (1st Baro- net), letter to, from Earl of Buchan, 42 ; President of Committee of Supply, Elgin, 49 ; son-in-law to Dean of Salisbury, who leaves to him the care of publishing his works, 286 ; order to join Duke of Gordon in 1G85, 310. SirLudovic, of Gordonston (2d Baronet), binds his son George apprentice to an Edinburgh merchant, 138 ; letter to, from Cluny M'Pherson, 292. Sir Eobert (3d Baronet), entertained by Elgin Magistrates, 159, 160; yearly pension paid to his advocate, 193; some of bis cattle stolen, 293, 295. Sir Robert (4th Baronet), whale specu- lation, 57; projected marriage of, 111; feasts clergy, 250 ; tells a clergyman that he is a liar, 254 ; thrashes a woman, 260 ; damage done to him b}' the rebels in 1746, 356-359 ; letter to the Lord Lyon after Culloden, 369. Sir William, of Gordonston (6th Baronet), letter from, ]34<, Louise or Lucy, wife of Sir Eobert Gordon of Gordonston, 284, 289. Alexander, Bishop of Galloway, 284. Alexander, of Cromdell, 295. Alexander, of Ardoch, 298. Arthur, seizes horses for use of Prince Charles Edward, 353. Mr. Charles, 252. Charles, of Buthlaw, buys Thunderton from Archibald Dunbar in 1712, 74. Cosmo (younger of Cluny), 131. Francis, order for 1000 stone weight of hay, 356. Eev. George, of Alves, 250; his speech, during which he " sweat heartily," 252 ; letter about those engaged in rebellion, 376. George, son of the Pi-emier Baronet of Scotland, becomes apprentice of E. Blaik- wood, merchant, Edinburgh, 138, 142. Rev. James, a priest, 334. Sir John, advocate, 315. John, of Auchinereath, his widow, 25. John and William, merchants in Camp hire, 148. Lodovic, brother of Sir E. Gordon, letter to, from Macdonald of Keppoch, 295; answer by, 296. Gordon, Ludovick, merchant, Elgin, 275. Robert, landlord of " British Arms," Elgin, his bill, 40. Robert, brother to Sir L. Gordon, 142. Mr. Thomas, W.S., 315. Thomas, merchant, Edinburgh, letter from, 186. Thomas, 214. William, master of ship "Betty," runs a cargo of smuggled goods into Spey- mouth, 67. Rev. Dr., Dean of Salisbury, his will, 284-291. Rev. Mr., of Leuchars, and Pittenweem witch, 270. Rev. Mr., Episcopalian minister, Elgin, his salary incompetent, 239. Rev. Mr., of Alloa, 250. of Blelak, wounded at Culloden, 361. Mr., of Haughes, 22. Gordonstown, rebels at, their conduct to Sir Robert Gordon and his family, 357. Governess in 1710, qualifications and salary of, 15, Gow's, John, wife thrashed by Sir R. Gordon, 260. Gowns, night, in 1722, quantity of satin to make two, 108. Grafton, Duke of, interferes with election of Peers of Scotland, 228. Graham, Dr. James, letter from, 23. Graham's regiment in Majorca, 322. Grahame, Major, entertained b}' Town Council, Elgin, 159. Grain, price of, in 1699, 30-31; in 1741, 190. Grangehill, Laird of, 49. Eobert Dunbar of, 324 ; letter from, 323. Grange, Dunbars of, 71. Laird of, 124, 221, 222, 317. Grant, Alexander, in Coxtown, 87, 89. Sir Alexander (of Dalvey), 223. An., Provost of Perth in 1G52, 307. Grant, Castle, 119,224. Duncan, in Green of Manbean, 87. Rev. Francis, of Cromdale, letter about rebels, 377. General, 226. Captain George, 300. INDEX. 409 Grant, Kev. Hugh, of Knockamlo, letter about rebels, 377. John, captain of guard for transport of .Jean Mill, S8. John, mercluuit, Elgin, 325. John, wigmaker, Elgin, a jack-ofall- trades, 199. Laird of, his children made burgesses of Elgin, 160; at General Assembly, 253; cited by Hugh Thaine, messenger, 294. Major, at home after rebellion, 379. Major, votes for M'Leod, 217. Mr., younger of Grant, elected fur Moray in 1741, 218. William, merchant, sent by magistrates of Perth to Lord Duffus in 1652, for the deed of capitulation signed by Cromwell, 306. Mrs. Jean, of Arndilly, letter from, re- turning thanks for the use of a stallion, 96. Grants of Glenmoristoun, 310. at Milnben, 347. of Urquhart, 310. Greek, lessons in, 3 ; New Testament, 4. Greek-regent, a small compliment to be given to, by students entering Semie class, 4. Greens, boiled and raw, recommended by Dr. Graham, 24. Gregson, Nicholas, merchant-tailor, Lon- don, 192. Grey, Henry, magistrate of Perth in 1652, 307. Greyfriars, near Elgin, 94, 95; crafts of Elgin permitted to repair kirk of, 176-178. Grieve's wages at Kilcoy in 1767, 98. Grilses and salmon, 52, 63 ; price of, at Banff in 1716, 53; exported, 55, 56; price of, at Inverness in 1654, 309. Grossett, Captain, of Price's, killed at Cul- lodcn, 3fjl. " Grossie," a valuable hunting dog, 46. Grote, Andrew, 63. Guadaloupe, a place of banishment in 1759, 103. Guard for conveying Jean ^lill to Nairn, 87. Guest's, Colonel, troop, at Elgin in 1716, 331. Guineas or Giueas, Macleod of, 143, 346, 347. (tuthrie, Robert, Cullen, his wife very plain, 227. Haddocks, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; at Inverness in 1654, 309. Haldane, Mr. Patrick, a lawyer, his fee, 252 ; sends proclamation of solemn fast to Sheriff of Elgin, 380. Hall, G. S., writes to Sir H. Innes, Bart., and to W. King, Esq., about forage for horses, 366. Ham, price of a, at Elgin in 1712, 277. Hamilton, Duke of, married, 6th February 1723, 117. Duchess of, in family- way, May 1723, 119. Lady Christian, her marriage to Sir James Dairy mple, 122. Lady Susan, courted by Lord Crich- toun, 119. Walter, 111. Hamilton's regiment, misconduct of, at battle of Falkirk, 352. Hair-dressing in 1753, charges for, 198. Hats imported in 1694 by an Elgin firm, 149. Hatton Lodge, 131. Haughes, Mr. Gordon of, 22. Hawke, Admiral, pursuing Brest fleet, 104. Hawking a favourite sport in the North, 42. Hawks, training of, for falconry, 42, 43. Hawley, General, only person who could grant land-passes after Culloden, 362. Hay, George, town-drummer of Elgin, his petition, 162. John, waiter at funeral of minister of Duffus, 278. Lieutenant R., letter from, 63. of Drummelier, Mr., marriage to Lord Blantyre's sister, 121. Rev. Mr., of Crimon, 250. Provost, of Aberdeen, 250. Headache, receipt for, 22. Head-suits dressed in 1710 by agoverncss, 15. Hempriggs, W. Dawson of, 300. Hem prigs. Lady, 86. Henly, Cornet, at Elgin in 1716, 331. Henry in. and iv. of France, Dean of Salis- bury once Gentleman of Chamber to, 286. Hens, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; 410 INDEX. in 1742, 277 ; at Inverness in lGo4, 308. Heralds, power of, in 16G8, 74, 75. Herdman, Mrs., clergy feasted at lier house by Sir Robert Gordon, 250. Herring-casks for floating whales, 57. Herrings, price of a last, 55 ; of a barrel, 56 ; of red dried, at Inverness in 1654, 308 ; of salt, 309. Herring -fishery, overseeing of, by Sir Thomas Calder, 111, 112. Hides in 1694, price of, 147. Highland dress to be prohibited, Sir B. Gordon's oj^inion, 869. Highlanders, obedient only to their chief- tains in 1685, 310; commence attack at battle of Falkirk, 349 ; their march from Edinburgh, 342, 343 ; take Carlisle, 344. Holster-tops and hose proper for mourning in 1700, 280. Holland, oil and spermaceti command a better price there than in London, 59 ; merchant's apprentice in Edinburgh to go to, 141. Home, Lady Jane, 126. Horse, seventeen days' keep of one, in 1700, 39 ; sale of, in 1705, 129. Horses, breeding and rearing of, part of duty of lady, 96 ; for use of Government in 1716, 324 ; of rebels, sold for little, 327 ; concealed iu a cave at Covesea, 357. Houme, 87. Howstone, John, younger of Howstone, 151, 1.52. Hume, skipper, arms imported in his ship, 329. Humour, piece of, said to be by Duke of Montague, 101. Hungary water camphored, 21. Huntly, Earl of, killed at Corrichie, 284. Marquis of, in 1707, at sport, 45. Marquis of, in 1728, his letter about getting a house in Elgin, to entertain com- pany, at funeral of Duke of Gordon, 282. Marchioness of, her chaplain, 333, 334. Hypnotic for Lady Tlninderton, 21. Imlacii, George, 88. "Imperial Captives," a tragedy sent by Duchess of Gordon, 108. Impressing for the navy, 61-63. Incorporated Trades of Elgin in 1675-1676, 175. Indigo, rock, 122 ; imported, 149. Inerlochty or Inverlochty, 87, 88. Infection, measures taken to prevent, 47. Inglis, Thomas, servitor to Mr. Dalrymple, advocate, 193 ; receipt of, 194. Inhibition against wife of James Dunbar of Inshbrok, 77. Innemighty, or Innernity, Laird of. 111; his daughter marries the Master of Stor- mont, 121. Lines, Laird of, 49, 317. Alexander and George, letter from, 45. Bailie, 237. Rev. Beroald, in Instelly, does not pray for King George, etc. in 1716, 333. George, of Dunkinty, imprisoned by Earl of Sutherland, 300. Sir Harie, of Innes, letter about shoot- ing, 44 ; letters about salmon-fisheries, 52, 53 ; genial letters, 128, 130; bail for Laird of Thunderton, in 1716, 299. Sir Harie (son of above), letter about supply of peats for Elgin in 1747, 94 ; opinion about demand fur horses, 373. James, Provost of Elgin, 173. James, son of Dr. Innes, Elgin, 18. J., 131. Mr., cannot get a pass after Culloden, 363. Dr. Robert, physician, and bailie of Elgin, memorandum from, in 1705, 17 ; letters from, 18-20. ^— Robert, Elgin magistrate, 161, 162. Robert, merchant, Elgin, expenses for wine at funeral of Robert Dunbar of New- town, 276 ; Lord Loudon wants him to cash his bills, 340. William, writer in Edinburgh, 193, 194. Inns, New Black Bull, Edinburgh, 37; Black Bull, Glasgow, 37 ; New Inn, Aberdeen, 37 ; George and Blue Boar, Holborn, London, 37 ; Turk's Head, Newcastle, 37. Insharnach, 87. Inskeel, 333. Instelly, 333. Inverness, 52, 56; memorial from magis- UN BEX. 411 trates about condition of court-liouse and jail, 89-92 ; escape of prisoners, 133; prices of provisions wlicn held by troops of Oliver Cromwell, 307-309 ; Dunbar of Thunderton prisoner in the Castle, 303 ; Lord Lovat prisoner, 347. Fron not to be had at Fortrose in 1723, 187. Irvine, Rev. Mr., 251. Rev. John, a priest, 334. Jack, Margaret, Pittenweem witch, 2G4. William, price for apprehending, 199. Jacobites, Andrew Fletcher on, 381; verses privately circulated by, 387. Jailer's fees exacted at Elgin in 1780, 203. " Jannet of Belfast," a ship chartered for Dieppe, the invoice, 56. Jango, a sort of drink, price of, in 1700, 38. Jeffrey, Francis, wigmaker, Edinburgh, in 1753, 198. Juices, a bottle of, 21. Julep, a hysteric cordial, one for Lady Thunderton, 19; a bottle of, 21. July flowers (jelly-flowers) sent by Ducliess of Gordon, 108. Justices of Peace, meetings of, at Elgin, 49, 08. Kajie or Keaji. 333 ; young Laird of, 350, 352. Kames, Lord, 133. Kear, Robert, Elgin town-oflicer, 1(34. Keith, town of, 35. George, writer in Edinburgh, 15. James, 2. Mr., and Miss Peggy Cunninghame's runaway marriage, 122. Kellie, Earl of, 209. Kelly's, Quartermaster, horse, at Elgin in 171G, 331. Kemnay, 131. Ker, Mr., of Kippilaw, and the Pittenweem witch, 270. Kerr, Robert Lord, of Barrell's, killed at Culloden, 361. Kessock, 188. Kid, price of a, at Inverness in 1654, 308. Khieclehik, 294. Ivilbyoak, Laird of, 149. Kilcowie or Kilcoy, Lady, 97, 98. Kilgour, Robert, Bishop and Primus of Epi- scopal Church in Scotland, submits to Government, 392. Kilmalies, kirk of, 232. Kilmarnock, Lord, aprisoner at Culloden, 361. Kilnihuimau, 500 horses sent to, 372. Kilmuir, Wester, 99. Kilravock, Laird of, 43, 55, 222. Kincorth, Laird of, 49. W. Dunbar of, his tavern account in January 1700, 38. Kinach, Robert, 21. Kindeace, Little, 104. King, William, of Newmiln, Provost of Elgin, and member of a firm there, 144-152 ; converted Greyfriars Kirk, Elgin, into a mausoleum, 176. King, William, of Newmiln (son of above), Sheriff-Depute of Moray, warrant for re- moval of prisoner, 88 ; political letters to, from Brodie, 216-218; instructions from the Earl of Moray and the Ijord Ijyon as to Cope's army, 338-341 ; letter from, about I'orces in Elgin in December 1745, 346, 347 ; directs rebels to where they could find horses belonging to Sir R. Gor- don, 359 ; answer to Mr. Hall about forage, 367-369 ; to Deputy-Commissary about horses, etc., 371-374; to the Lord Justice-Clerk about Jacobites, 384-386. King, Mrs., and her infant son Ak-xander, 238. King, Magdalen, her bnptismal regeneration, 240. King-Edward (now Kinnedar), parish of, 49 ; village of, IIC). King's College, Aberdeen, 1. King's House ; Thunderton House, Elgin, supposed to have been so called, 282. Kiukine (small cask) of tarmaluk fur dyeing, imported, 148. Kinneder, widow of Dean of Salisbury, buried there in 1643, 284; tenants of Brodie there, to send in provisions, 354. Kinsteary or Kinsterie, Laird of, 55, 360 ; and family, 124. Kirktown, Laird of, 48, 223. Kitchen furniture at Duffus in 1708, 211. Knives for flensing whales, 58. Knockando, young Laird of, l.'Jl ; letter fi-o'ni minister of, about rebels, 377. Kyligo, for mantle to I^aird of IWacintosh 412 INDEX. when Member of Parliament in 1G85, 215. Kynnocli, George, in Inerloclity, 87. Lac, tiDcture of, 23. Ladies, of rank, letters from, 105-127 ; young, expenses of board and education of, in 1709, 16. Laing, Beatrix, a Pittenweem witch, 2(32, 264; her confession, 265. John, tenant in Ardgy, 93. Lamb, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. Langbryde, minister of, amusing certificate from, 99. Latin must be undei-stood before students can enter Semie class, 3 ; students should be well advanced in, before entering a University, 9. Lawson, Nicolas, Pittenweem witch, 264 ; her confession, 266; her treatment, 272. Leathen, Laird of, 221. Leather alamed, 144. Lemon peel, 160. Lent, license granted to eat flesh in, 75. Leslie, Colonel, 160. Eev. William, minister of Langbryde, 99, 100. Leucliars strong ale, 46. " Leusden's Collections of the New Testa- ment in Greek," a book written for by Dr. Innes of Elgin, 18. Levingstou, Dr., of Aberdeen, 132. Lewis, falcons of the, 43. Lewis Gordon, Lord, supposed to be at Aberdeen early in December 1745, 345. License to eat flesh in Lent, 75. Liege, letter from a volunteer there in 1705, 316. Ligonier's Dragoons, Col. Whitney of, his marriage to Meg Dunbar, 16 ; the regi- ment began attack at battle of Falkirk too soon, 352. Lillie, Mr. John, Hague, 319. Liniment, pot of, charge for, in 1719, 20. Linkwood, Laird of, 223 ; beef from, 345. Linlithgow, Earl of, in 1723, his death, 119. Lisbon, "Seven Brethren" charteredfor, 55. Lisbon-wine, price of, in 1769. 40. Lisle, letter from an officer there iu 1708, 317. Lochiel's house burnt in 1740, 379. Locliness, granary at, for use of Duke of Cumberland's army, 355. Logan, Eev. Kobert, of Puifford, letter about those engaged in rebellion, 376. Logic, Laird of, 2, 237. Alexander Cumming of, his wife's funeral, 283. London, merchant's apprentice in Edinburgh, to go to, 141. Longacre, Loudon, 34. Lord Justice-Clerk in 1722, 337. Lord's-day to be strictly observed in 1 686, 3 1 3. Lossie, Eunns of, 43. Lossiemouth purchased in 1698 by town of Elgin, from Brodie of Brodie, 166. Lotion, price of, in 1719, 21. Loudon, Adjutant, 340. Lord, arrests Lord Lovat, 347 ; ex- pected at Elgin, 348. Lovat, Simon, Lord, letters about patronage of Kirk of Duffus, 243-249 ; letter and ex- amination as to imprisonment of Dunbar of Thuuderton, 300-304; letter in 1716 for horses, 327 ; thanked and rewarded by the King for services in 1715-1716, 328 ; brought as a prisoner to Inverness, 341 ; to give security for the peace of his people, 346; his trial, 381. " Ludovick and William" of Findhorn, ship, 145, 150. Lumsden, Professor, 250. Lyon, Lord, 124, 250, 254, 269. See Brodie. Mace, price of half an ounce of oil of, in 1719, 21 ; imported, 149. Macbain, Major, killed at Culloden, 360. Evan, messenger, 255. M'Bean, Mr. H., 2-16, 247. Macculloch, Eev. Thomas, Moderator of Presbytery, Elgin, letter from, 335. Macdonald ofKeppoch at Culloden, 360. of Clanronald at Culloden, 360. Coll., ofKeppoch, letter from, in 1693, 295. M'Edwart, John, Glcnrinnes, 294. M'Ever, Charlie, at King's College, Aber- deen, 6. Macfarlane, Andrew, Bishop of Eoss and Moray, submits to Govei'nment, 3'.r2. AI'Gillivray of Drumnaglas killed at Cullo- den, 360. INDEX. 413 JIachattie, Peter, letter from, about blubber and spermaceti, 59, 60. Mahon, Majorca, 320. Mackintosh or Macintosh, Laird of, his Parlia- mentary expenses in 1681 and 1685, 214. William, Provost of Inverness, 92. Bailie William, at Elgin with men in 1745, .348. M'Kay, Major Eneas, made a burgess of Elgin, 160. Mackean, John, schoolmaster, Elgin, 159. Mackenzie, of Suddy, skilled in hostile en- counters, 106. George and Rod., certificate to a grieve, 98, 99. ■ Sir John, of Tarbat, his daughter the Countess of Seaforth, 105. Sir Kenneth, of Cromarty, 187. Kenneth, Bailie of Elgin, his account for spirits and wine to Town Council of Elgin, 159-161. Kenneth, surgeon-apothecarj^ Elgin, his account in 1719-1720, 20, 21 ; bailie in 1733, 275. Katharine, wife of James Dunbar of Inshbrok, 77, 78. M'Kimmie, Alexander, in Overtown, 87. Maclachlan, chief of the clan, his peremptory order for provisions to be stored at Forres, 354 ; another order, 355 ; killed at Cul- loden, 360. Donald, Serjeant, order for him to quarter at Sanchor, 355. Macleod or M'Leod, Lord, son of Earl of Cromarty, a prisoner, 361. Laird of, a candidate for the county of Inverness, 217 ; with his men at Elgin in 1745, 345-347 ; passed the Spey, 348 ; sudden march from Forres in 1746, 350. young Laird of, very plain, intended marriage to Miss Brodie of Brodie, 124. William, a carpenter in Inverness and brother of Macleod of Geanies, 143. Mackmichan, John, master of sliip "Janet of Belfast," 56. M'Pherson, D., of Cluny, letter from, in 1676, about cattle-lifting, 292. Macqueen, Donald, clerk, 304. Magazines for year 1746, difficulty of for- warding, 378, 379. Magistrands, students of fourth year, I ; Professor Eeid's class in 1755, 5. Mail, mistake in sending, 34. Majorca in 1742, .321. Manbean, Green of, 187. Manicords, governess can play on, 15. Mantle worn at opening, etc., of Parliament, 215. March of troops joining Duke of Gordon in 1685, rules for, 312. Maraken shoes, price of, 197. Margaret, Princess, daughter of King Robert the Bruce, married fourth Earl of Sutherland, 138. Marischal College, Aberdeen, Dr. T. Reid educated at, 4. Marlborough, Duchess of, refuses sight of the Duke's pall to Duchess of Bucking- ham, 278. Marnoch, John, skipper, Findhorn, 55. Marriage-dress, magnificent ones described in 1725, 122. Marrow-tarts at luncral, 277. Marseilles, qiiarantine at, 322. Marshal, the, of Elgin, flogs a woman, 162. Martinique, a place of banishment in 1759, 103. Master of Arts, Professor Blak makes a student, 4. Masticatory balls (pills), price of, in 1720, 21. ]\Iastich, 22. Mathews, Admiral, burns iive Spanish galleys, 321. Matricalis, Bynlis, spirit of, 23. Matrimonial alliance projected in 1676, correspondence regarding, 179-182. Maxwell, Earl of, not pardoned after Mon- mouth's Rebellion, 313. Medical practice in former days, 17-29. Meeting-houses of non-jurors to be put down, 382. Menzies, Colin, 21. Mr. Michael, 252. Merchant-Company, Edinburgh, and poor's- rates in 1749, 103. ^Merchants, wholesale, 144-152. Merchants' letters, 185-191. Mercury, Caledonian, referred to in Novem- ber 1745, 343, 344; sent to Duffus in 1749, 101. 414 INDEX. Menytoun, Boatli, place where Cope's army encamped, 338. "Mess John," episcopalian clergyman, 128. Milk, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; at In- verness in 1654, 308. Militia, Elgin, men pressed for, 164. Mill, Jean, accused of child-murder, es- corted from Elgin to Inverness, 87-89. Miller, Thomas, sues for an assault, 81. Mills, rights of, in olden times, 94, 95. Miln, Eev. Mr., 253. Milnben, Grants at, 347, Milntoune, Laird of, 16, 317. Milton Brodie, formerly Windyhills, 324. Miltown, 87, 88. Minister wanted for Elgin, 335, 336. Ministers in 1723 preaching against Edin- burgh dancing assemblies, 118. Mixture, stomachic, its price in 1719, 21 ; morning, 21. Moncrief, Mr., 161. Monmouth Rebellion, episode in, 310; gene- ral pardon after, 813. Montague, Duke of, trick devised by, 101 ; crowd angry at, 102. Montgomery, Lady Mary, 117. Moray, youth of, frequented King's College, Aberdeen, 1 ; office of Heritable Sheriff of, 80-86; Brae of, 292. Alexander, fourth Earl of, letter in 1668 about Lairds of Grange and Burgle, 72 ; to be Commissioner in 1686, 314. Charles, fifth Earl of, 116-120. Francis, sixth Earl of, 117. James, seventh Earl of, letters from, political, 218-223 ; on death of his brother, 224 ; to Sheriff of Elgin to supply horses to Cope's army, 337. Countess of, in 1683, her funeral, 279. Countess of, in 1725, bad health of, 120, 121. Margaret, Countess of, wife of .James seventh Earl, letter from, 125. Mordaine's, Lord, regiment, 316. Morison, Peter, Fochabers, 294. Mortoun, Patrick, Pittenweem, under in- fluence of witchcraft, 261-268. Mostowie, 87. Mourning clothes borrowed, 281. Moydart, men at, unwilling to submit to Government, 379. Muir, Sir Archibald, of Thornton, 151, 152. Muirfowl and partridges, price of, at Elgin in 1710, .32. Muirsone, John, clerk to the crafts of Elgin, 178. Muirtown, Laird of, 55. Lady, July flowers sent to by Duchess of Gordon, 108 ; loses a child, 110. Mulben, 368. Mulderie, 368. Mullen's, Captain, troop, at Elgin in 1716, 331. Multures paid at mills, 95. Mumbire, a kind of drink, 16<*. Munro, clerk, 237. Munto (Minto), Lord, waited on by Lord Lovat, 301. Murdoch, Alexander, in Achtirtyre, 87 ; fined, 89. Thomas, in Westhill, 87. William, in Crossley, 87. Murray, county, Sheriff of 48, 49. ^S'ee Moray. Kev. Alexander, 258 ; letter on Sir Robert Gordon's health, 260. Mr. Archibald, 252. Mu.sical accomplishments of a governess in 1710, 15. treat given by Elgin Magistrates, 165. Muslin, Holland, 53 ; imported, 149. Mutchkin stoups from London, 183. Mutton, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; in 1742, 276 ; at Inverness in 1654, 308. Myrland, Laird of, 50. Myrrh used for teeth and gums, 23. Nairn, county, Sheriff of, 216. " Mrs., account for baking and cooking, 277. Naizon's dragoons, G. Cumniing of Altyre, a lieutenant in, taken prisoner, 318. Napkin, silk, price of, in 1710, 194. Naughty, Andrew, tenant, Burusyde,333. William, Burghead, 58. Naughtie, .John, miller at Oldmilns, 95. Needles, a hundred thousand imported by an Elgin firm in 1694, 149. Neilson, James, 63. Ness, bridge over, commenced in 1681, 319. Newcastle, Duke of. Secretary of State, 881. INDEX. 415 Newhall, Lady, a patroness of tlie assemblies at Edinburgh in 1723, 118. Newmiln, Lady, sends candle-wicks, 345. News in 1749, 1756, 1759, and 1760, sent from Edinburgh to a gentleman in Moray, 101-104. Newton or Newtown, R. Dunbar of, 38, 43. Nicholson, Alexander, at Dyke, receipt for a quarter's college-fee for two young ladies in 1709, 16. Nisbet, John, 315. Nonjurors, Episcopal clergy and laity who would not take oaths to Government, 381. North College, Elgin, became the chief scat of the Dunbars of Bnrgic, 71. Novels, sent by Duchess of Gordon, 1 13, 114. Nuckell, James, Elgin town-ofSccr, 164. Nuid, IM'Pherson, laird of, 292. Nuptials of A. Dunbar and Eebecca Adam- son, Epithalamium on, 200, 201. Nursery furniture at Duffus in 1708, 209. Nutmegs imported, 149. Oak planks, price of, in 1712, 195. Oatmeal, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 31. Oats, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 30. (Economy servants. King's College, Aber- deen, 8. Ogilvie, Bailie, 160. George, advocate, 132, 133. George, in Houme, 87. Oil, from whale blubber, 59 ; holy, at coro- nation of George iii., 390. Oldmilns, to which Elgin was " thirled," 94. Olibanum, 22. Ombrdd mathcr imported, 148. Oppressive measure of rebels in 1746, 353. Orange peel, 161. (^rton, Dumbreaks of, 143. Osebiirnc, Mr. James, 237. Overtown, 87. Oxycroceon, price of two ounces, 21. Pan.mure, Earl of. Miss Stuart in mourning for, 119; his age and cause of death, 119. Countess of, a patroness of the assem- blies at Edinburgh in 172.5, 118. Pauu brass imported, 148. Pan ton. Master, nmsical treat given to, by Elgin magistrates, 165. Paper, writing, price of a quire in 1712, 195. Pardon, conditions of, after Monmouth's Re- bellion, 313. Parish ministers to give in lists of such as were not engaged in rebellion, 375 ; some of their answers, 375-377. Parliament of 1721, repiesentative for Elgin, summons to, 80. Parliamentary, Laird of Mackintosh's ex- penses in 1681 and 1685, 214, 215. Commission for visiting U^niversities, and the practice in 1708 of all the Col- leges, 3 Parquett, Sergeant, a dragoon, 331. Partridges, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32. Paterson, Margaret, mother of James Robert- son, 182. William, was at Culloden, 259. Patersone, John, Bishop of Ross, 176. Patronage, right of, to Kirk of Duffus, 241 ; curious case in 1748, 256, 257. Pease, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 30. Pease-stack used by rebels, 356. Peats, horses of Sir Harie Innes at hill for, 53 ; burned on shore at Burghead during whale-blubber getting, 58; supply of, by tenants of farms, 93; distress at Elgin in 1747 for want of, 94 ; price of, in 1742, 277. PeJdie, Leonard, Deacon of the Shoemakers, Elgin, 177. Pellem bridle, its price in 1731, 198. Pepper, black, imported, 149. Perth, invested bj' Oliver Cromwell in 1651, 305; demands made on, in 1652, by the English, 366. Peterborough, Earl of, his daughter the Duchess of Gordon, 107. Petaw, Dame Geneviev, widow of Dean of Sahsbury, 284, 289. Petrie, Alexander, 73. Petry, Alexander, feuar, Starwood, 333. Petticoat, crimson velvet smoke, 122 ; from London, 183. Philp, Alexander, writes for men and arms to keep boats, of ships under quarantine, from landing at Burghead, 50. Phlebotomy, charge for, in 1719, 20, 21. Pigeons at Gordonstown destroyed by the rebels, 357. Piliegrcst imported, 148. 416 INDEX. Pills, gilded, to be taken with ale, 20 ; charge for a box of, in 1720, 21. Pint stniips from London, 183. Pipes imported, 149. Pirrie, Thomas, writer in Edinburgh, 141. Pitcalnie, Ross of, letter from his widow, 7G. Pitcullo, Sir William Balfour of, 279. Pitfour, Lord, 133. Laird of, lines on, 229. Pittgaveny, Graystone of, a place of rendez- vous, 45 ; Laird of, 223. Pittendreich, Col. Stuart of, 218, 219, 223; his death, 224. Pittenweem, Magistrates and Minister of, disgraceful treatment by, of so-called witches in 1704 1705, 261-273. Pitriken, Alexander, 88. Pitsligo, Lord, Sir E. Gordon's opinion of his conduct in the rebellion, 370. Plaid, Highland, wanted by a A'olunteer at Liege in 1705, its price, 316. Plaids, three pair of white ones, sent from Inverness in 1678 to be sold, 183. Plaidings, Aberdeen and Elgin, exported in 1692, 144. Plaster, charge for a, in 1 7 1 9, 20 ; a stomachic one, 21. Plumb-cakes sent from Elgin, 19; why sent, 17. Pluscardine, Oldmilns belonged to prior of, 194. Podesoy, blue, part of marriage dress, 122. Poetic effusions and begging-letters, 200- 204. Polwarte, Captain, 161. Poor's-rates, hubbub about, in Edinburgh in 1749, 103. Pork, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. Port, price of, in 1769, 40. Porter, price of, in 1769, 40. Portmahon, Majorca, 320. Postat Aberdeen in 1723, dilatoriness of, 119. Postage to and from Bordeaux and Drontone in 1676, 144. Postal arrangements in former days, 33, 34. Postmaster-General's obligation to send Fill- ing Post and Edinburgh Gazette in 1700, 33. Pott, a celebrated pool in the Spey, 52, 53. Poultry, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308 ; wanted after battle of Cullodcn, 363. Powder, gun, imported, 148. Powders, morning, price of thirty in 1719, 21. Precognition in case of smuggling, 67 ; Lord President Forbes on, 68- Presbyterian, dominie not approved of by Bishop of Moray, 12 ; minister of Elgin an enemy to holidays, 128. Presbytery of Elgin, their complaint in 1716 of encroachment on their parishes by Episcopal preachers, 331-335. President, Lord, his son, 348. Pretender, rising in favour of, expected in 1722, 336. Price's regiment at Culloden, 361. Primrose, Viscount, 269. Prince Charles-Edward and his army re- ported to be near Inverness, 349. " Princess of Cleaves," a novel recommended by Duchess of Gordon, 114. Printers, poverty of, in Scotland in 1695, 184. Printing a book in London, Rev. Robert Dunbar writes about, 184. Prisoner, transport of, from Elgin to Nairn, 87 ; G. Cumming of Altyre taken by rebels at battle of Falkirk, 350-353. Proclamation at market-crosses of Elgin and Forres, about an extravagant wife, 77-79. Professors' and masters' fees. King's College, Aberdeen, 8. " Prophet Jonas," a ship, in which twenty- nine tuns of claret, etc., were imported bj' an Elgin firm in 1695, 151. Prot, John, fisherman, Burgliead, 54. Prott, Alexander, his boat, 188. Protections for fishermen against impress- ment, 62. Protestants, Gordon ducal family become, 107. Provisions, prices of, in Morayshire in for- mer days, 30-32 ; in Inverness during occupation by Cromwell's troops, 307-309 ; to be stored at Forres, March 1746, 354. Prunes, impcn'ted, 148. Psaltery, 137. Psaltero-violin, a musical instrument, 137. Punch, price of, in 1769, 40. Purse, John, Deacon of the Weavers, Elgin, 177. INDEX. 417 Quarantine, in former days, 47-51 ; at Marseilles in 1742, 3J2. Quartermaster-General for troops joining Duke of Gordon in 1685, 311. Quebec, reduction of, in 1759, 104. Raffert or Eafford, parish of, 48 ; letter about rebels, 37 G. TIaick, a celebrated pool in the Spey, 52, 53. Eaisins, imported, 148 ; and almonds, price of, 160. Randerston, Laird of, 269. Ranes, Hnntly, letter of a governess from, 15. Raphane, church of, Mr. Robertson prays for the Pretender in, 334. Ratterie, Mrs., 126. " Read and Burn," letter so signed by Lieut. George Gumming of Altyre, giving account of his being made prisoner at battle of Falkirk in 1746, 350. Reay or Rae, Lord, sends a letter with two prescriptions in 1727, 22 ; at Inverness in 1715, 300. Rebellion of 1715-1716, 323-335. of 1745-1746, 336-388. Receipts and accounts, 192-199. Recruiting in Scotland for Low Countries, 317. Red wine, smuggling of, 65. Reid, Dr. Thomas, Professor of Moral Philosophy, King's College, Aberdeen, 4 ; letter from, 5. Rev. Mr., a priest, 334. Reid's, Capt., troop at Elgin in 1716, 331. Rent of room in King's College, Aber- deen, in 1755, 7. Bevell, The Iron, part of address on a letter, 33. Riiiiid, William, merchant in Elgin, 145. Rice imported, 149. Riding cloathes for ladies, fashion of, in 1763, 126. Rin, James, tenant, Kame, 333. John, tenant, Inskeel, 333. William, tenant, Rosyle, 333. Rindes, mouth of the, a place of rendezvous, 45. Rininner, depredations of rebels at, 358. Roasting and broiling meat recommended by Dr. Graham, 24. Robb, John, 88. Robertson, Rev. Alex., prays for the Pre- tender in churches of Fochabers and Raphane, 334. James, seeking Lilias in marriagi-, ques- tions and answers as to his means and character, 179, 182. James, groom to Sir R. Gordon, receipt for horses taken by rebels from his master, 353. Robertson, J. and Co., Edinburgh, innkeepers and coach proprietors, rate of travelling in 1789, 37. Bailie Thomas, of Inverness, cousin to Lord Lovat, 246, 300. • Wm., master of the grammar-school, Elgin, compelled by the Presbytery to resign, 171. Rogues, or able-bodied vagrants, wanted as recruits, 317. Rose, Rev. Mr., of Nairn, 244. William, Treasurer and Dean of CUiild, Elgin, 161, 162, 164, 165. Roses, the family visits Forres, 124. Rose-water, distilled, 23. Roshach or Rosehaugh, Laird of, buying fish, 54 ; attends a meeting-house, 333. Ross, Bishop of, John Patersone, 176-178. Master of, in 1745, 348. Alexr., W.S., 298. Naomi, widow of Ross of Pitcalnie, 76. Pa., magistrate of Perth in 1652, 307. • William, of Little Kiiideace, killed in 1688 by Lord Dufl'us, 105, 106. Wm., burgess and drummer in Inver- ness, his memorandum in 1687, 182, 183. Rosyle, 333. Rothes, 6th Earl of. Chancellor of Scotland, order for apprehension of R. Dunbar of Burgie and A. Petrie, 73. 7th Earl of, returns south, 109 ; Sheriff of Fife, 268. 8th Earl of, reported marriage to Lady Isabella Scott, 117. Rotterdam, traffic between it and Findhoru in 1685, 145; commission to merchants at, 148 ; bill of lading printed at, 150. Roxburgh, Duke of, direct male descendant of Sir Harie Innes, 128. 2 D 418 INDEX. Roy, John, in Braes of Strathaviii, after battle of Culloden, 379. Russell, Jo., Elgin magistrate, 162, 163. Sabin, General, 109. Sack-possets, price of two, 39. Sack wine, imported, 149 ; price of, 16U. Saddler's account in 1731, 197. Salary of Episcopalian clergyman at Elgin in 1726 was incompetent, 2:59. Salisbury, Dean of, in 1618, his will, 284- 291. Salmon, 144 ; price of, at Inverness in 1654, 309 ; and grilse, great take of, 52 ; relative prices in 1708, 55 ; in 1717, 56. Salt, 36 ; horses to carry to Badenoch, 49 ; for curing fish, 52 ; price of peck in 1713, 55 ; excise on, 151 ; Spanish, 187. Salvonsvall, Richard, 192. Sanchor, house of, to be quartered on, 355. Sarum, Close of, house of Dean of Salisbury in, 289. Satin, flowered painted, sent by Duchess of Gordon, 107. Scarcity of grain at Elgin iu 1783, 174. Scots-Tarves, Laird of, 269. Scott, Lady Isabella, her dower iu 1723, 117. Scurvy grass, spirit of, 23. Seafield, Countess of, bill on, in 1705, 18. Seaforth, Kenneth, 4th Earl of, sends Laird of Brodie two hawks from the Lewis, 43 ; at London in 1688, 106. Isobel, Countess of, widow of 3d Earl, her letter to Lord Duffus, 105. Seal of Bishop Gadderer, device on, 238. Semies, students of second year, 1-3; how they may enter the University at once, 4. Serge, dyeing of red, 196. Servants' wages in 1760, 97. " Seven Brethren," a ship chartered at Find- horn for Lisbon, the invoice, etc., 55. Shaw, Sir John, of Greenock, 151, 152. Rev. Lauchlan, the historian of Moray, letters from, 9, 378, 379 ; certificate from, 251 ; his mavis killed, and his windows broken, 385. Professor, 10. Sheepherd, Mr. Edmund, druggist, 17. Sheriff of Elgin, instructions for, 338. Sheriff of Moray, office of, heritable, 80- 86. Sheriff's House ; Thunderton House, Elgin, so called in 1601, 282. Sheriffmuir, battle of, allusion to, 157. Sherry, price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277- Shipping, charges for, in 1708, 56. Shoemaker's account in 1717-1718, 197. Siddy or Suddy, Mackenzie of, skilled in hostile encounters, 106. Signal to be made by a smuggler, 64. Sim, James, 88. or Syme, Rev. William, of Mortlach, 244, 245, 253. Simpson, Captain, killed at Cidloden, 361. Mr., was at Culloden, 259. Sinclair, Mr., at Forres church, 123. John, collects money for Lossie har- bour, 166. Skeen, John, 88. Skene, Laird of, M.P. for Aberdeen in 1786, lines on election of, 229-231. Skeoch, Gavin, his letter to Sir A. Dunbar to get him out of Elgin tolbooth, 203-204. Skinner, John, Bishop of Aberdeen, submits to Government, 392. Skirdastan, 49. Slye, Mrs., gossip about her being married to Laird of Brodie, 111. Smith, Alexander, Postmaster-General, obli- gation in 1700 to send Flying Post and Edinhurgh Gazette, 33. Rev. Alexander, did not pray for King George, etc., 333. AV alter. Deacon of Hammermen, Elgin, 177, William, letter from, about his violin, 136. Smookes, 45. Smuggling in former days, 64-70. Snuff, Lady Thunderton to take, 19; pur- pose of, 17. Soap, importation of, 148; price of, in 1712, 195. Solebay man-of-war in 1759, 104. Soldiers in Elgin, very riotous, 164. Speck, or blubber of whale, 57. Spence, Robert, Elgin town-officer, 164. Spens, Alexander, his letter about a borrowed suit of black clothes, 281. Spermaceti, 58 ; sent to London, 59. INDEX. 419 Spey, water-nioutli of, 49 ; liavboiir of, 67 ; a feiTy at, called Boat of liog, 341. Speymoutli, " Elizabeth " tender at, and why, 61. Spinle moore, a hunting-ground near Alves, 44. " Spottie Boug," a dog, his price, 46. Spynie, Laird of, 48, 257, 360 ; parish of, 49 ; Loch of, 44, 45 ; attempt to prevent drainage of, 134. Squair, Eev. Mr., 251 ; speech in Assembly, 252. " Squire Bumper," name applied to .Tolin Forbes of Culloden, 129. St. Abastins, ship from, 151. St. Andrews, University of, Greek more studied than Latin, 10. St. Andrew Street, London, 34. St. Phillips, the only fortification in Majorca in 1742, 321. Starwood, 333. Stays, stitched, price nf, in 1719, 196. Steel imported, 148. Stelline, deals and nails for, 56. Stephen, James, Bailie of Elgin, 173. Stewart, Bailie, 39. of Blairhall, marries Lady Anne Stuart, 117. James, Elgin Magistrate, 161, 165. Captain James, Commissary, order to, from Colonel M'Lachlan, 354. Kev. John, at Duffus, accused of pray- ing for rebels, 332. Provost, 250. Stockings sent on venture, 187. Stodhart, William, was at Culloden, 259. Stone-weight, various numbers of pounds assigned to, 29. Stormont, Master of, and daughter of Laird of Innernity, to be married, 121. Stotfield, complaint against fishermen of, 173. Stowel, Mrs. Mary, her direction in London in 1704, 34. Strachan, John, Bishop of Brechin, submits to Government, 392. Strachane, Joseph, his letter on the corona- tion of George ni., 389, 390. Strathallan, Lord, killed at Culloden, 360. Strathavin, rebels in, delivering up arms, 379. Strathbogie, Lord Tiewis Gordon's men at, 345. Stratherrick, country belonging to Lord Lovat, 301 ; Erasers of, 310. Strathmore, Countess of, her death, 119. Strathnaver, John, Lord, order for troops to join Duke of Gordon in 1685, 310. Lord, minor title of Earl of Sutherland, 297. Straw for nsc of Cope's army, 339. Stronoch, Wat., a fisherman, in one forenoon catches eighteen luiiulred salmon and grilses, 52. Stuart, of Ardshiel, at Culloden, 360. Commissary, lines from, to Commis- sary Paterson in 1688, 233. Dr., factor to Duke of Gordon, 241. Hon. Colonel, of Pittendreich, defeated at election in 1741, 218; again proposed, 218-224; his death, 224. John, secretary to Earl of Moray in 1745,341. Major, of Perth's, a prisoner at Culloden, 361. four Anne Stuarts married, 121. Lady Anne, marries Stewart of Blair- hall, 117. Miss Anne, niece of Charles, fifth Earl of Moray, letters from, 116-122. ilrs., of Camila, talked of as the bride of Laird of Brodie, 111. Students at King's College, Aberdeen, their behaviour narrowly looked to, 6. Styra3-Calamit, 22. Suddie, parish of, 99. Sugar, price of, in 1700, 38; Mellis, im- ported, 148 ; fine and coarse, in loaves, 187, 188 ; price of, in 1709, 194 ; in 1742, 277. Surnames of the Lairds and Ladies whosi; territorial designations are given in this work. >See Appendix, 393-395. ■' Susana of Burlington," a ship, the cargo and charges, 59. Sutor, Alexander, 63. Sutherland, John Earl of, his influence and power, 297-304; Lord-Lieutenant of six northern counties, 324 ; writes from Holy- rood House, to Sheriff of Jloray, about likelihood of rebellion in 1722, 336, 337. Earl of, in 1733, expenses for torches at his grandfather's funeral, 275. 420 INDEX. Sutherland, William, Earl of, married Prin- cess Margaret, 138. George, of the Eoyal Coffee-house, Edinburgh, 280. Mr. James, advocate, second son of James Lord Duffus, pays his sister's dancing-master, 14. Jack, 121. John, an Edinburgh agent, letters from, 101-104; writes from Edinburgh in No- vember 1745, after Highlanders had mai-ched towards England, 342. Thomas, feuar in Kame, 333. Will., letter from, in 1707, 45. William, merchant, Elgin, extract of letter in 1710, 64; drinking-song and humorous degree, 153 158. William, of Roshach, 333. Mr., younger of Keam, 350. Anne, innkeeper in Burghead, 58. Mrs. Elizabeth, daughter of Lord Duffus, her dancing account in 1704, 14. Swan's skin, 44, 45, 199. Sweden, King of, picture-frame sent by Duchess of Gordon, 115. Swine for Lonl Eeay, 22. Sword presented by Queen of Hungary to Duke of Cumberland, reward offered for restoration of, 102. Tailor.9, discharge of, in 16G2, 192 ; worked for ladies in 1719-1720, 126. Tallow, 144 ; price of, in 1694, 147 ; sent to Zealand, 150. " Tam," (probably) Miss Grant of Arndilly, 97. Tanachi or Tannachy, Laird of, 49 ; and family, 124. Tarbet, Laird of, his land in Alves, 48. Tarbot, Master of, troops under, lor Duke of Gordon in 1685, 310. Tavern bill in 1699-1700, 33; at British Arms, Elgin, in 1769, 40. Tea, imperial and green, sent by Duchess of Gordon, 108 ; four pounds sent to Lady Thundcrton, 122 ; price of, in 1710, 194. Teeth and gums, receipt for, used by Lord Reay, 23. Teinds of Elgin, 237. Tenducci, referred to, 132. Tenpence, price of a letter from Nairnshire to London in 1768, 131. Terfle falcon, sent to a friend, 43. Tertians, students of third year, 1. Territorial designations of persons, See Appendix, 392-395. Thaine, Hugh, messenger, meets with hard usage in Strathspey, 293. Theatre of Edinburgh in 1749, scene in, 103. Thirled to mills, 94, 95. Thorn, Gilbert, skipper, Findhorn, 55. Thompson, Mr. 248. Thomson, Rev. Mr., called to Elgin, 237. Thores, David, 214. Thundertoun, also Thunderton or Thunder- town, Laird of, 55 ; Archibald Dunbar, still called of, though he had sold the estate to C. Gordon, 74 ; incarcerated by the Earl of Sutherland in the Tolbooth of Elgin and the Castle of Inverness, 299; threatened to be carried in irons on board the king's yacht to London, 302. Thundertoun, Lady, wants a governess in 1710, letter from one, 15; pleased to hear a sermon after securing her peats and harvest, 115; requested to assist at funeral of Duke of Gordon, 282. Thunderton House, Elgin, its history, 282. Thurot, sailing of, 104. Tippets, new-fashioned, sent by Duchess of Gordon, 115. Tobacco imported, 149. Tod, Mr., schoolmaster at Elgin, 2. Tolmie, AVilliam, merchant at Fortrose in 1723, letter from, 187, 188. Tongues exported, 147, 150 ; price of, in 1742, 277. Toothache, receipt for, 22. Torcastell, L. Mackintosh of, 215. Torches used at funerals of nobility and gentry, 275. Trade, export and import, of North of Scot- land, in former days, 144. Tradesmen, incorporated, of Elgin, 175-178. Tragedies sent to a young lady in 1722 by Duchess of Gordon, 108. Travelling in former days, 35-37. Treble, governess can play on, 15. Trick upon sight-seers, a man in a chopin- bottle, 101. Trotter, T., 142. -^ INDEX. 421 Tullibardine, Marquis of, liis regiment of foot with Marlborough, 31G. taken at Duubarton, 3G5. Turkeys, price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277. Turnbull, Thomas, Fochabers, 193. Mr., 237. Twine imported from Hdllauci, 53. Tyack, TJie, a small stream near Elgin, 162. Umbue ; Sir Ilarie Inncs, though a Pres- byterian, could play it on Yule-d.ay, 128. Urquhart, Grants of, 310. James, 168. Robert, of Burdsyards, 251. Veal, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. Villa Fi-aucia, a pass in Majorca, 321. Viol, governess can play on, 15. Violin, praises of one oflered for sale, 136. Virginelles, governess can play on, 15. Vomitory, charge for, in 1719, 20. Wade, General, rebels trying to evade, 343. Wagens, Mathijs, bis widow, dwelling near the fishmarket at Rotterdam, sells printed bills of lading, 150. Wager about sport, 44. Waiters at funerals, 278. Walker, Dr. James, of Elgin, letters and notes in 1778, 1779, 1780, and 1782, to Sir Alexander Dunbar, 25-29. Wales, Mr., sells his violin, 136. Wallace, Margaret, Pittenweem witch, 264. Ware, and ware horse, 97. Water-drinking recommended by Dr. Graham, 23. Watson, John, tenant in Ardgy, 93. Thomas, 251, 252. Watsone, Gavin, Deacon of Glovers, Elgin, 177. AVatt, skipper of a smuggling ship, what signal he is to make, 64. Weighhouse, Edinburgh, its west side de- molished in 1745, 344. Wemyss, Earl of, his daughter the Countess of Motay, 125. Westfield, tenants of, to send in provisions, 354. Westhill, 87. Westminster Abbey, coronation of George the Third in, 389. Westminster Hall, Lord Lovat's trial in, 381. Whales stranded in November 1729, on sands of Burghead, 57 ; loss on outlay, 60. Wheat, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 30. Whig tutor not approved of by Bishop Falconar, 12. Whipping John Young's wife, in 1693, 162. Whiteacres, St. Andrew Street, London, 34. Whitings, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32. Whitney, Lieut.-Colonel of Ligonier's dra- goons, married Meg Dunbar, and was killed at battle of Falkirk, 16. Whytte, William, his poetic effusion on a marriage in 1703, 200, 201. Wife, an extravagant and undutiful, 77-79 ; minister will marry one, a friend or rela- tion of patron, to get church, 256. Wigmakers' charges in 1753, 198; for oil and for shaving in 1743, 199. Wightman, Jlajor-General Joseph, his order about rebels' horses and arms hidden in Elgin, 328. Wigton, Countess of, in family-way, 119. Will of the Dean of Salisbury in 1618, 284- 291. William ni. and Mary proclaimed at Elgin, 159. Willow-green, cockades of, an expression for " setting caps at," 119. Wilson, George, sen. and jun., Bailies of Elgin, 173. Winchester, Alexander, Deacon of Tailors, Elgin, 177. Rev. Mr., 251, 254. Windiehills, John Brodie of, 318, 324. Wine, spirits of, camphored, 21 ; price of, in 1700, 38 ; in 1769, 40 ; and brandy, smuggled, 64, 65 ; Rhenish, imported, 149; French, 149; twenty-nine tuns im- ported by an Elgin firm in 1695, 151; claret and white, sent from Fortrose, 187 ; claret and sherry, price in 1742, 276. Wiseman or Wyseman, James, Justice of Peace Clerk, Elgin, 39, 50 ; Commissary Clerk, 46 ; fond of drink, 67 ; letter of, showing the power of John Earl of Suther- land, 298-300; Collector of Land-tax in 1716, 327. Witches in Scotland : Pittenweem case, 261-273. 422 INDEX. Wood's Regiment, Lieutenant Dunbar of, a prisoner of war, 318. WoodheaJ, Laird of, 49. Yellow clothes worn Ly Lord Binny at marriage, 122. York, Cardinal, lastbeir-male of Stuarts, 390. Young, Captain, his Company in Tullibar- diue's Eegiment, a volunteer promoted to be Ensign in, 316. Young, Alexander, Elgin town-ofiScer, 164. ' Andrew, inhibition signed by, 79. James, master of ship " Lodovick and AVilliam" of Findliorn, his "charter party" in February 1685, 145, 150. John, his wife whipped, 162. Younger sons, 138-143. Youngson, Rev. Alexander, 240. Zealani>, 150. EDINBDRfiH : T. CONSTABLE, PRINTER TO THE QUEEN, AND TO THE I'NIVEnslTV. This book is due two weeks from the last date stamped below, and if not returned at or before that time a fine of five cents a day will be incurred. ■ HAD f^ in/vt MAR 311992 ' •941.1 Mt3 ^Tii^^Y :D5( 341. 1 ma 1D3I , COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 0026780208 '