Origins of the 'Forty-five

by Unknown

LETTERS AND ORDERS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF WALTER GROSSETT

I

The Lord Advocate to Walter Grossett and others

By the Hon^l Robt. Craigie Esq^r His Majesties Advocate General

These are ordering and requiring you and each of you to concur in sending all Vessells of whatever kind upon the North and Southsides of the Firth from Stirling to Kinghorn to the Harbours of Leith and Borristounness and in case of resistance you are to use force in making the Order effectual Given under my Hand at Edinburgh this ninth day of Sepr 1745 yeare.

Rob: Craigie.

To all Sherriffs Justices of Peace Magistrats of Burghs and all others his Majesties Leedgeses.

Mr. Grosett the Coll. at Alloa has Special Directions to See this order put in Execution.

Rob: Craigie.

II

Lieutenant-General Handasyde to Walter Grossett

By the Hon^ble Roger Handasyde Esq^r Lieutenant General and Commander in Cheif of All His Majesty’s Forces, in North Britain etc.

Whereas it has been found Injurious to His Majesty’s Service that any Boats shou’d pass from Leith to Kinghorn or from Kinghorn to Leith, These are therefore Requiring All Magistrates, Justices of the Peace, Constables and Others concerned to be Aiding and Assisting to you in bringing all the Passage Boats and Yauls from Kinghorn and all other places on the North Side of the Forth to the Harbour of Leith where they are to be kept till His Majesty’s Service shall allow of their being returned to their Respective Ports.

Given under my hand at Edinburgh this 26^th Novem^r 1745.

R: Handasyde.

To Walter Grosett Esq^r Collector of His Majesty’s Customs.

III

Lieutenant-General Handasyde to Walter Grossett

By the Hon^ble Roger Handasyd Esq^r. Leut^t General and Commander in Chief of all His Maj^s Forces in North Brittain.

Whereas it has been found Injurious to His Majesties Service that any Boats should pass from the North or South sides of the Forth or that any Vessells whatever should be allowed to remain upon the North side of the said River These are therefore requiring all Magistrats, Justices of the Peace, Constables and others concerned to be aiding and assisting to you in Stoping the said passage and removeing all Boats and Vessells whatever from the North to the South Side of the Forth from Kinghorn to Stirling Bridge and in case of resistance or refussall to Burn or otherwise Destroy such Boats and Vessells as shall after due Intimation made be found upon the North Side of the said River.

Given under my Hand at Edinburgh this 27^th November 1745.

R: Handasyde.

To Walter Grosett Esq^r, Coll^r of His Majesties Customs at Alloa, and one of His Maj^s Justices of ye Peace.

IV

The Commissioners of Customs to Walter Grossett

Mr. Grosett.

Inclosed We send You for Your Government and Direction, a Copy of a Letter from the Lord Justice Clerk and General Guest Commander in Chief of His Majestys Forces in Scotland, Containing an order and Instructions for bringing over all Ships, Vessels, Boats and Yoals of all sorts and sizes lying in the Harbours and Creeks betwixt Stirling Bridge and S^t Andrews inclusive on the North side of the Frith with their Apparel and Furniture, and for laying them up in the several Harbours therein Specified on the South side of the Frith, and in the Execution of these Directions and Instructions, all Officers whatsoever under Our direction, are to give You their utmost assistance when required so to do, as they will answer the Contrary at their Peril, and You are particularly to apply to the respective Officers in the several Ports and Precincts for their Aid and Information. The General having given proper orders to the Captain of the Milford Man of war to concur and assist You in this Servise, You are to meet and Concert with him proper measures for the Effectual Execution thereof. We are,

Your Loving Friends,

Co: Campbell.
Alex Arbuthnott.
Rd. Somers.

Customho Edinbr 8th Decemr 1745.

}

Coll^r Alloa.

Enclosure to No. IV.

Edinb^r Decem^r 9^th 1745.

Gentlemen—We think it absolutely necessary for the Good and Service of the Government at this Conjuncture, that all the Ships, Vessels, Boats and Yoals of all sorts and Sizes, with their Apparel and Furniture, in all Harbours and Creeks etc. betwixt Stirling Bridge and S^t Andrews inclusive on the North side of the Frith of Forth, be brought over and Moord in the several Harbours of Dunbar, Leith, Queensferry and Borrowstoness, and these on the South side of the said River, betwixt Cramond and Eymouth be Carried to Leith and Dunbar, as the Persons to be Employed by You in the Execution hereof, shall Judge to be most Conveneint, all to remain in these respective Harbours untill further orders; We therefore earnestly recommend it to You as proper Judges, to Nominate and Appoint such of Your Officers under Your Direction and Government to Execute our Orders as You shall think most fit to be Employed for the doing of so necessary a Duty, And as some former Orders of this Nature have not been observed and obeyed so punctually as Directed for want of other proper Assistance, We do therefore hereby direct and ordain all Magistrates of Burghs Justices of the Peace, Constables etc. within the respective bounds aforesaid, laying aside all Excuses whatsoever, to be aiding and assisting to the Person or Persons that are possessed of Copys hereof, and of Your Instructions given by You to them, as they will be answerable upon their highest Peril; and in Case any of the Proprietors or others Concerned in said Ships etc. as abovement^d shall not forthwith Comply with these Our orders, Then the Persons so Employed are hereby ordained to burn and Destroy the same, where any objections or refusals are made to obey and Comply herewith, and the aforesaid Copys hereof with your Instructions as above, shall be to them a Sufficient Warrant for destroying of the above Ships etc. not doubting of Your Compliance and Concurrence, We are,

Sign’d	{	And: Fletcher.
		Jos: Guest.

N.B.—Buys Boat who has been often Employed in transporting of Rebels frequently, should be burnt out of hand.

Hon^ble Comm^rs of the Customs Ed^r.

V

Lieutenant-General Guest to Walter Grossett

Edenburgh December the 15^th 1745.

Sr,—I agree to your hiring the Borrowstness Ship at the Rate you mention, provided the owners dont insist on my Insuring her from the Enemy, for that I cant consent to—if they comply, you’l immediatly station her at Higgins Nook, and Nicol at Carse’s Nook, or wherever they can be best placed for His Majestys Service. You’l give them positive Derections to be very carefull, in watching both sides the River, and sending immediat Intelligence to the L^d Justice Clerk, on discovering any Motions of the Enemy.

You’l consider the Ship is not ensured now, and is in as much, or more danger than when employd by his Majesty.—I am S^r your most Obed^t humble Servant,

Jos: Guest.

VI

Walter Grossett to the Commissioners of Customs

Hond. Sirs,—In Obedience to your directions of the 8^th Instant Inclosing an Order and Warrand from Lord Justice Clerk and General Guest Commander in chief of the Forces in Scotland, for bringing over all Ships, Vessells and Boats, lying in any of the Harbours or Creeks, betwixt Stirling and S: Andrews on the North side of the Firth, to the Harbours therein specified on the south side thereof, and for Burning or destroying the ships and Vessells etc., of such of the Proprieters thereof as should refuse to comply with these Orders; I have with the assistance of the Kings Boats at Queensferry and Borristounness, and two Boats Crews belonging to the Happy Janet stationed off Queensferry, removed, disabled, or destroyed, all Boats and Vessells that lay betwixt Stirling and Aberdour. But as the doing of this, would not have hinder the Rebell Army from geting a Cross the River, while Boats and Vessells were allowed to remain at the severall Creeks in Carron Water, and at Hargens Nuik Airth, and Elphingstone, and other Creeks on the south side of the Forth betwixt Borristounness and Stirling; I therefore proceeded to these places, and prevailed with severall of the Proprieters of Boats and Vessells there, to remove them from thence, but as some of them refused to comply, by reason of their not being included in the Order and Warrand above mentioned, I am therefore Humbly of Opinion, that Lord Justice Clerk and General Guest should be applyed to, for a Warrand for the removing or destroying of them. And as there are at this time at Alloa, a considerable quantity of Deals and Learge Loggs of Wood, of 30 or 40 feet in Length, of which Floots may not only easely be made, for the Transporting of Men, Horses etc.; from the one side of the River to the other, but upon which Flooting Batteries may be reased, to move from place to place, to play upon such of His Majesties Forces or others, who may be employed in Defending the Banks of the River, to prevent the Landing of the Rebells. It is therefore Humbly submitted, how far it may be thought proper at this Juncture, to have these Deals and Loggs removed from Alloa. If this is approven off, what I would propose as the easiest method of removing them, would be to put them on Board of Vessells, to ly at Borristounness till the danger is over. With this view I spook to several shipmasters of my acquaintance, (who I knew to be good Whiggs and well wishers to the common Cause) on Tuesday last at Borristounness, and who at my request, readily agreed to take them on Board their Vessells, upon their only being paid the Charges they should be put to in going to Alloa to Load and unload them. All which is Humbly Submitted by Hon: Sirs Your Ho^rs Most Obed^t Hum^l Serv^t

Wat: Grosett.

Edinburgh 16^th Dec^r 1745.

Endorsements.

16^th Dec^r 1745.

Mr. Grosett to wait upon the Justice Clerk and Gen^l Guest with this Lre. and to Report their Opinion.

W. H. for the Sec^ry.

The Board approve Mr. Grosetts Conduct and Zeal in this whole Affair and his proposal is agreed to if the Lord Justice Clerk and Gen^l Guest think proper.

W. H. for the Secretary.

VII

The Commissioners of Customs to Walter Grossett, forwarding approval of Lord Justice Clerk and General Guest

Edinburgh 16^th Dec^r 1745.

We approve of Mr. Grosetts Conduct and proposalls and desire the Board of Customs may give him the proper directions for puting the same in Execution and for which end a proper Warrant shall be granted by us.

And Fletcher.
Jos: Guest.

Mr. Grosett

Having considered the above Approbation of the Lord Justice Clerk and General Guest, We heartily agree with the same and direct you to proceed accordingly, having first obtained their Warrant for the purposes as mentioned in Your Letter of this date.

Co: Campbell.
Alex^r Arbuthnott.
Rd. Somers.

Custom H^o Edinburgh
16^th December 1745.

VIII

The Lord Justice Clerk to Walter Grossett

(Holograph but not signed)

Pray forward the Inclosed, and get all Stirling shire in Arms immediately, If L^d Home approves G. Blackney will give arms—raise y^e Hue and Cry—Cause the Sherriff distribute y^e papers y^t comes w^t y^s bearer.

Go on and prosper.

Ed^r 19^th Dec^r 1745.

I have paid none of the Expresses yt they may make more hast but given every one two shills. wch is not to be deducted out of yr hire if they make Speed.

IX

Lieutenant-General Guest to Walter Grossett

Joshua Guest Esq^r Lieut. General and Commander in Cheif of all His Majesty’s Forces, Castles, Forts and Barracks in North Britain etc.

His Majesty’s Service Requiring that all Vessells and Boats of whatever Size be instantly removed out of the Harbours of Borrostouness, Queensferry, Leith or any where else upon the South Coast of the Forth betwixt Leith and Stirling, Those at Borrostouness and Queensferry to the Road of Borrostouness or Such other place or places as you shall think most for His Majesty’s Service at this Juncture; those at Leith to the Road of Leith or such other place as you shall judge most proper for said Service; These are therefore Authorizing and Empowering you to put the said order in Execution, and to which purpose the Commanders of His Majesty’s Ships of War or others employ’d in the Kings Service, are hereby Required to give you their Utmost Assistance, as are all Magistrates, Justices of the Peace, Constables, and all other Persons, Civil or Military whom these may Concern. A Copy hereof sign’d by you shall be a sufficient warrant to any Person required or empower’d by you in the Execution hereof as they will answer to the Contrary at their highest Peril.

Given at Edinburgh the 21^st day of Decem^r 1745.

Jos: Guest.

To Walter Grosett Esq^r Collector of His Majesty’s Customs.

X

Lieutenant-General Guest’s Directions

Directions for the Master of the Boat that goes to Borrostouness.

Edinburgh 22^d Decem. 1745.

He is to sail directly for Borrostouness, lye out in the Road of that place and send in his Boat or yawl, to Collector Grosett who is there and get directions from him how he is to dispose of his Cargo, part of which is to go to Stirling Viz. the 9 pounders Cannon Ball, Spunges, etc.

The Pouder and small Cannon Ball is for the use of the Jean of Alloa, and Pretty Janet, that are stationed near that place or at Higgens Nuik. The Biscuit which is to be taken in at Leith from Mr. Walker is to be disposed of at Bosness as Mr. Grosett will direct. In case of any accident of your not meeting with Mr. Grosett, I desire Cap. Knight of the Happy Janet may forward im̅ediately the 9 pound Cannon Ball, Spunges etc. to Stirling, where General Blakeney has present occasion for them.

Jos: Guest.

To the Master of the Boat Order’d to sail for Borrostouness.

XI

Captain Knight R.N. to Walter Grossett

Sir,—Having Sent 7 pounds of powder, 20 Sheets fine paper made in Cartridges and 15 pounds Musquet Shot to be used, if occasion required it, by my people in preventing the Rebells passage at Higgens-Nook, which I understand you gaue to John Peirson Master of the Pretty Jennett, I desire you will be pleased to procure an Order from General Guest to me for supplying these Ordnance Stores to him, with his Ricept to Alexander Wedderburn Master of the Armed Vessel under my Command of the Same, and to transmit both to me at this place with the first opportunity.—I am Sir, Your very humble Servant,

Jn^o. Knight.

Happy Jennett Queensferry Road
22^d December 1745.

Walter Grosett Esq. Collector of his Maj^ts Customs at Alloa.

XII

Lieutenant-General Guest to Walter Grossett

Joshua Guest Esq^r Lieut. General and Commander in Cheif of all His Majesty’s Forces, Castles, Forts and Barracks in North Britain etc.

His Majesty’s Service Requiring that a number of Vessells and Boats be hired for Transporting of His Majesty’s Forces, These are therefore authorizing and Empowering you to hire such a number of Vessells and Boats and make such agreement with them as you shall judge necessary at this Juncture, and I hereby oblige myself to make good such agreement, for which this shall be your Warrant. Given at Edinburgh this 22^d December 1745.

Jos: Guest.

To Walter Grosett Esq^r Collector of His Majesty’s Customs.

XIII

The Earl of Home to Walter Grosset

Linlithgow Dece^r 23 1745.

Sir,—Having receiv’d information That John Liddel in Haugh of Dalderse lying in Newtown Pow hath a Boat, and that there are another Boat upon Carron Watter belonging to James Simpson on the west side of John Liddels in the Pow about the Slyde bank bridge, I desire you’l order them to be immediatly secured or destroyed as you think proper.—I am Sir Your Humble Serv.

Home.

XIV

Lieutenant-General Guest to Walter Grossett

Edinburgh 23^d Decem. 1745.

Sir,—There being a necessity for the Forces who are this night to be at Linlithgow and Borrostouness, to march in here tomorrow morning by Ten o’clock if possible, which I have sent them orders to do, I therefore desire the favour of you to hire all the Ships that are loose that lye at Borrostouness or Contiguous, and in the first place, I hereby empower you to employ the Vessells that are in His Majesty’s Service and stationed at Higgens Nuik or elsewhere near you (Excepting the Happy Janet who is to continue in her Station) In order to put aboard the said Vessells or Boats the Baggage and Sick or more Men as the Commanding Officer of these Forces shall direct, which Vessells are to proceed to Berwick, You will cause lay in what meal or other provisions can be got for the men that are in these Vessells. If this Service cannot be performed without the assistance of the Happy Janet I have sent an order for that purpose.—I am S^r Your most hum^b Sert.

Jos: Guest.

P.S.—The Boat with Biscuit etc. cou’d not Sail last night, nor this day the wind being contrary, but it shall be sent or meet the Vessells as they come opposite to Leith.

XV

Lieutenant-General Guest to Captain Knight R.N.

Edinburgh 23^d Decem^r 1745.

Walter Grosett Esq^r has directions from me to be assisting to the Forces that are this night to Quarter at Linlithgow and Borrostouness in which I also desire you will do your Utmost, either in Transporting them eastwards or Otherways as he will give you directions from the Commanding officer, and you will return to your Station as soon as possible. I am S^r, Your most hum^ble Ser^t.

Jos: Guest.

To Cap^t Knight of the Happy Janet.

XVI

The Lord Justice Clerk to Walter Grossett

Ed^r 23^d Dec^r 1745.

Sir,—I refer you to y^e Generalls orders Now is the time to Exert your self at a dead pull. Home will shew you mine and the necessity of the troops moveing to Hadinton too Morrow, either on Horseback or put aboard—now Dr. Sr. Exert and get the Volunteers to exert in getting in the Horses, and theyll get full payment for their hire you must not notice[635] their march further yn yt place, else perhaps theyll not be so ready to give yr Horses. I am your Slave.

A. F.

If you bring up y^e rear youll haue the post of Honour.

You shall have intelligence all right.

XVII

The Lord Justice Clerk to Walter Grossett

(Holograph but not signed)

Ed. 23 Dec^r 1745.

Dear Sir,—I re^d yours about 7 at night, and you have done Exceeding well, if you bring up the Rear right I think you should Command those that command you now. I have no notion of shipping any Horses, they are in no danger, the men may be landed at Northberwick Dumbar or Heymouth[636] as the wind serves, or even at Holy Island if they cannot land Sooner wt Safety, but yt is only my private opinion, the ordor of y^e proper Officers is the Rule.

The Shipping was chiefly designed for the Baggage seek and weak, and the Ships may be employed to bring Oats etc. for G. Wades Armye.

XVIII

The Earl of Home to Walter Grossett

Linlithgow tuesday Morning
24th Dec^r near One O clock 1745.

The three Companys being Warm’d with the Same Zeal with those of Glasgow are willing to Share the Same fate with them and have March’d to Borrostouness to go on board, So I must desire you to have them put on Board with all expedition, and I dont doubt of your doing every thing in your power for the accomadation of Men who deserve it So well. I am in haste Yours

Home.

I have not had any farther accounts.

To Mr. Groset.

XIX

Lieutenant-General Guest to Walter Grossett

By Joshua Guest Esq^r. Lieut. General of His Majesty’s Forces etc. etc.

I desire you will go to Borrostouness and take whatever Cannon you may find in that Town or aboard the Ships in the Harbour, and send them here for the Defence of this City, and your Receipt for what number you Receive shall be Allowed by me, for doing whereof this shall be to you and all Concerned a sufficient warrant.

Given at Edinburgh the 1^st January 1745.

Jos: Guest.

To Walter Grosett Esq^r Collector of His Majesty’s Customs.

XX

The Lord Justice Clerk and Major-General Huske to Walter Grossett and others

Leith 8 Jan. 1746.

Whereas Some Matts of Flax are requisite for his Majestys Service You are hereby authorised to take aboard of the Transports now employed in his Majestys Service Such a number of Matts of Flax from aboard of a Dutch Sloop laying in the road of Leith for wch you are to give your Receipt, as you judge necessary for his Majestys Service. Given day and date forsaid.

And Fletcher.
John Huske.
To the Officer Commanding the Troops
or the Comander of y^e Transports
now employed in his Majestys Service
or Walter Groset Esq^r.

XXI

The Lord Justice Clerk to Walter Grossett

Sr,—I re^d your Letter of yesterday noon off the nuik, I am sorry you came so late, however as you have done something, and if you meet wt no loss, all is well. The inclosed from G. Hawley to Coll. Leighton is wt orders to return in case nothing of importance can be done wt Safety. The oyr for Genll Blackney from Gn^ll Hawley, we wish could be delivered and an answer got as upon it depends matters of great Consequence, So I do not question youll exert your Invention. Matters are prepareing for a March. My Compliments and best wishes to all freinds wt you. Yours etc.

A. F.

Edinb^r Friday 12 aclock 10^th Jan^y 1746.

XXII

Lieutenant-General Hawley to Major-General Blackeney.

Edinborow 10^th Jan: 1745-6.

Sr,—I had a verball message from you by a man this morning desyring reliefe. I am getting the foot, who are come up, repaired as soone as possible, for withe the nine days marche, after all things others they are good deale harrased butt in good spiritts.

I shall move towards you, if possible a Sunday, in the meantime let me know by the bearer or some other way, how long you can hold out, no more now but that I am sinceerly yrs.

H. C. Hawley.

XXIII

Permit from Lord Justice Clerk for Walter Grossett

Edenburgh the 26 Jan^r 1746.

Permitt Mr. Grosert and oyrs with him to pass and repass at the west port of Ed^r the Same being for his Majestys Special Service.

And Fletcher.

To all Officers Civill and Military.

XXIV

Warrant from Lord Justice Clerk to all Officers of the Law

Edinb^r 30 Jan^r 1746.

Whereas I am informed that James Drummond of Drummond commonly called the Duke of Perth with oyrs concerned in the present Rebellion are in or about y^e House of Lundie in Fife These are therefore Granting warrant to all Officers of y^e Law wt yr Assistants to search the said house of Lundie or any oyr houses they have reason to Suspect y^e said persons are and them haveing found to seize and apprehend them and detain them in sure Custody till thence Liberated by due Course of the Law, for wch this shall be to all and Sundry Concerned a Sufficent warrant.

And Fletcher.

XXV

The Lord Justice Clerk to Captain Coren

Sir,—I desire you will be assisting to Walter Grosert of Logie Esqr. one of his Majesties Justices of the peace in Executeing divers warrands wch he will show you when proper. Sir I am Your most Obedient humble Servant,

And Fletcher.

Edinburgh the 30th Jan^r 1746.

To Captain Coren or the Commanding officer of the party to go aboard the Bylander[637] at Leith.

XXVI

The Lord Justice Clerk to Walter Grosett

Edr., 1^st Febr. 1745/6.

Sir,—You are to proceed with the Bylander towards Higgins neuk and allowa and there assisted by Captain Coren and y^e party you are to Search for Suspected persons, ammunition and provisions belonging to the Rebells of wch you have particular Notice, for wch this shall be sufficient warrand.

And Fletcher.

To Walter Grosert of Logie one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace.

P.S.—You are to acquaint Gen^ll Hawley of what Success you have and take your further directions from him.

XXVII

Lieutenant-General Hawley to ——

Stirling 2^d February 1745/6.

Sir,—As to the eight or nine persons you have Prisoners of the Rebells, you’l deliver them to the Corporal Who gives you this. The Meal, Bread, and Money etc. which the Rebells Left at Alloa you’l immediatly Secure for His Majesties use, for the Doing of which this Shall be to you a Sufficient Warrant.

H. C. Hawley.

P.S.—If you can Secure the person who Released the Officer Send him prisoner hither.

XXVIII

The Lord Justice Clerk to Walter Grossett

Edⁿ the 8 Feb^r 1746.

Sr,—I desire yuell go wt y^e utmost Expedition to give his Royall Highness an actt of the prince of Hesse’s arrival with the Hessians, they came from Williamstad^t on Tuesday last, they have the Hazzars aboard, and you are to desire to know the Dukes directions where they are to be landed, as none of them can be landed this night, ys actt I have from Coll. Stewart who is just arrived. Mentione every thing is prepareing for the Reception of the prince, and getting bread and forrage for the troops. I am Yours etc.

And Fletcher.

To Walter Groset Esqr. at Leith.

The ammunition is gone by Stirlinge.

XXIX

The Same to the Same

Ed^r 11^th Feb^r 1746.

Sr,—Upon receipt of this I desire yeull visite all the ports on the Forth where Coals are shipped, and agree for Coals being transported for the use of y^e army by Sea to Montrose, and to report to me by Express what agreements you make and to what extent wt y^e ships name and masters names. I am S^r Your most humble Servant,

And Fletcher.

To Walter Groset Esq^r Collector of the Customs at Allowa.

XXX

The Lord Justice Clerk to Walter Grossett

Edinburgh 11^th Mar: 1746.

Sir,—You or any having your Authority are hereby Impowered to Contract with any persons you think proper for Ten boats to be employed in His Majestys Service in carrying provisions and other necessarys to the Army, and for which you shall have the proper protections.

And Fletcher.

To Walter Grosett Esq^r, Collector of the Customs at Alloa.

XXXI

Brigadier-General Price to the Duke of Newcastle

My Lord,—I have the honour to acquaint Your Grace that I received an Information from I think a pretty sure hand That Corn from Northumberland and the Adjacent Countys which formerly was brought to this Market is now carryed to that of Wooler a Town fourteen miles from hence and immediatly bought there which if my intelligence is right carryed westward between Stirling and Dunbarton Castle for the use of the Rebels. Of this I last post sent notice to Major General Blackney at Stirling how it is carryed forward from thence My Information does not say but I supposed to be embarked on the River Clyde and sent through the Western Islands to Lochaber which may easily be prevented by small arm’d boats crusing there or if sent in boats by Lockloman and so conveyed into the hills may be prevented by the Argyle and Breadalbine people doing their duty. I am now looking out for a trusty person to be employed about Wooler in hopes to trace this matter to a Certainty which as soon as I can do shall not faile of acquainting Your Grace with it.

I should be mighty glad to receive Your Grace’s Commands how to proceed in this affair It wou’d give me the greatest pleasure Could I be Instrumental in bringing these Villanous Banditte to their Condign punishment. I am etc.

Jn^o Price.

Berwick Sunday
March the 16^th 1745/6.

XXXII

Walter Grossett to the Lord Justice Clerk

My Lord,—Agreeable to what your Lordship recommended to me with respect to what Brigd^r Price acquainted His Grace the Duke of Newcastle in his Letter of the 16^th Instant, that Corns bought at Wooler was according to his Intelligence, carried Westwards between Stirling and Dunbarton etc. I immediatly set out for Stirling and from that went across the Country towards Dunbarton and Glasgow and from thence by the Banks of the River Clyde to this place. Upon my arrival here I found along with Sir John Schaw, Mr. Hammilton who has the Commission from keeping out the Irish Corns from this Country and who agreeable to your directions to Sir John Schaw, had Just come there from a Survey he had made along the Coast of Galloway, to prevent the Rebels from getting Supply from that part of the Country and from what Mr. Hamilton tells me and I have otherwise Informed my self off I can now assure your Lordship that if Corns have been carried from Wooler Westward, no part of these Corns have been carried to the Rebels, and that they have not been supplyed with Provisions of any sort from this part of the Country. I thought it my Duty to take the first opportunity to acquaint your Lordship of this, and shall without fail be with you again on Munday to receive your further commands. Till then I beg to be allowed the Honour to remain with the greatest respect and Esteem etc.

W. G.

Greenock 30^th Mar. 1746.

XXXIII

Earl of Home to Walter Grossett

Edinburgh 14^th Ap: 1746.

As the Service requires Transports and Provisions for carrying four Hundered Men to Inverness I desire you will with the utmost Expedition provide proper Transports and lay in the usual Provision for four Hundered Men for thirty dayes and the Charges you may on that account be put to I hereby Oblige my self to pay the same to your order.

Home.

To Walter Grosett Esq^r.

XXXIV

Walter Grossett to Masters of Transports

Leith 19^th Aprile 1746.

Sir,—I have Now Imployed your Vessell the of the Burthen of Tons as a Transport in his Majestys Service for which you are to have Ten Shillings p Ton Monthly for one Month Certain and thereafter Proportionaly so long as you are Continued in the Service.

You are therefor to Proceed from the Harbour of Leith with the Recovered Men and Provisions Onboard, Directly to Inverness and there follow the Directions of his Roy^l Highness the Duke of Cumberland or those acting under him as to their Landing, and you are to be free after Landing the Men and Provisions unless Longer continued in the Service by orders as Above. I am, Sir, Yours etc.

Wat: Grosett.

List of the Ships Imployed as Transp^ts

Ann—Thomas Masterman	100	Janet—George Dougall	110
Speedwell—Robt Laurence	81	Jean—John Roxburgh	50

XXXV

Notes of Lieutenant Dickson to the Lord Justice-Clerk forwarded to Walter Grossett

Having received His Royal Highness the Dukes Orders to Apply to Lord Justice Clerk for his Assistance in providing Carriages or other Conveyances for the Cloathing of Maj^r General Wolfe’s Regim^t from Leith to Perth. I have Complied with the Above Order this 13 July 1746.

Wm. Dickson.
Lieu^t in Gen^l Wolfe’s Regim^t.

Would you have the Cloathing carried by Sea or Land?

A. F.

If the Conveyance by Water all the Way to Perth is not uncertain in point of time, it is the most easy and less expensive Method; but if the time of making the passage is uncertain, I must of necessity take the Means of Carriages by Land from Kinghorn.

W. D.

Ed^r 13^th July 1746. 12 at Noon.

Mr. Groset

Sir, pray go to Leith with the above Mr. Dickson and Settle the carriage of the Above Cloathing in the best manner. I herewith deliver you a Letter to Baillie Hamilton in Kinghorn to prouide Carriages; after viewing the Parcells yuell be able to judge what carriages will be wanting which yuell add to my Letter wt y^e time when required and the Carriages may proceed night and day till they arrive at perth. Ys from Sr Your humble Ser^t

And Fletcher.

To Walter Grosett Esq^r.

Extract of the REPORT of Sir Everard Fawkener, Secretary to H.R.H. the Duke, and of John Sharpe, Esqr., Solicitor to the Treasury, to the Right Honble. the Lords Commissioners thereof relating to Mr. Grosett’s Services to the Government in the late Rebellion.

May it please Your Lordships

In obeidience to your Lordships Commands we have Examd. the two Accompts of Walter Grosett Esqr. and from the Certificate of the Lord Justice Clerk and all the Generals who Commanded in Scotland, relating to these Accompts, it appears to us, that Mr. Grosett was employed in the following Service of the Government, from the first breaking out of the Rebellion to the Suppression thereof, Vizt.

That upon the Rebells at Pearth having formed a designe to surprize Edinburgh by getting across the River Forth in Boats and vissibly[638] as they had done in the year 1715, Mr. Grosett with the assistance of the Kings Sloops and Boats stationed at Dunbar, Leith, and Several other places on the Coast, and which were put under his Directions as a Justice of the Peace, removed all the Ships, Boats and Vessells from the North to the South side of the Forth, notwithstanding of the Rebells being at that time in possession of the North side of that River, and thereby prevented their putting in Execution what they had projected as aforesaid.

That he was almost constantly Employed in disapointing the designs of the Rebells, getting inteligence of their motions, and giving inteligence thereof to the Generals Officers both before and after the Battle of Prestonpans.

That he conducted an Attempt for releasing several Officers who were in the Custody of the Rebells, and had been made prisoners at the Battle of Prestonpans, in which he succeeded.

That upon the Rebells sudden retraite from England, Mr. Grosett was employed by Lord Justice Clerk and Genl. Guest, to get the Troops transported in the most Expeditious manner from Stirling, and the Cannon from on Board the Ships at Borrowstonness to Edinburgh, for the defence thereof, the Rebells being at this time within a days march of that Town and by which means they were prevented from getting again possession of that important place.

That he on Several occasions provided Vessells, rais’d the well Affected Country people, embarked Souldiers, and conducted Several Expeditions upon the Forth, to surprize the Rebells and retard their intended Siege of Stirling Castle, in which he succeeded; as also in destroying by the Dukes Command, the Magazines belonging to the Rebells on the North side of the Forth and who on that occasion took several of the Rebells prisoners and sent them to his R.H. then at Stirling.

That he procured several Boats and Vessells to attend ye Army with provisions and other necessary’s as it march’d along the Coaste, to attack the Rebells at Culloden (where his younger Brother Captain Grosett was barbarously murdered) he also procured Pilotts to go with Commodore Smith to the Orkneys to prevent the Rebells there joining these at Culloden, and assisted Lord Justice Clerk in procuring whatever was found necessary for the Army, and for the Service of the Governmt. at the Critical Juncture.

That Mr. Grosett was appointed by His Grace the Duke of Newcastle to transact the Affairs of the Government in Scotland relating to the Rebellion, and to find out and collect the Evidence against the Rebells, and to keep a constant Corespondence with His Grace and Mr. Sharpe in all such matters as might require it, with assurance that the expense thereof, and of the Witnesses sent up to Town shd. be defrayed, and that care would be taken of his having a Suitable Satisfaction for his trouble.

That it appears to us from the Certificate of the Lord Justice Clerk, that Mr. Grosett being employed on behalf of the Governt. from the first breaking out of the Rebelling, and his Acting in so open and remarkable a manner in the Service of the Government, created against him the particular ill will of the Jacobites and their adherents, who on that Acct. took every opertunity of shewing their resentment against him, they Plundered his House in Town and in the Country, and carried of Effects to a very great Value, they drove all the Cattle from of his Estate, forced the payment of the Rents thereof to them, Stript his Wife and Children of the very Cloaths they had on, and used them otherwise in a moste inhumain manner.

That as to the Several Sums charged for Expenses in those Services, Mr. Grosett has not in any of his accompts charged anything for the Extraordinary trouble and fatigue he underwent, but only for the sums he actually expended, and tho’ he has advanced above £5000 in these Services he has not charged the Governmt. anything on the Head of Interest.

Upon the whole it appears to us, that during the late unfortunate rebellion, Mr. Grosett was employed in several services of the greatest trust and confidence, and which required great prudence, resolution and activity in the execution of them, and that he executed the same, with great care, exactness and ability and that he continued his services to the government after the suppression of the rebellion with equal ardour, zeal, activity and dilligence, and in the whole of his behaviour, he appeared to us to be actuated as much by his affection to the government as the duties of his office, and with regard to the articles of his accounts which remain unpaid and which amount to the sum of 3709£ 11s. we apprehend them reasonable, and therefore certify your Lordships that the said sum of 3709£ 11s. appears to us to be justified, due to him for the sums expended by him in the services aforesaid.

(Signed) Everard Fawkener.
John Sharpe.

6th February 1749.