We find at this time a beginning to that system of emigration to America by which the Highlands were so much depopulated during the eighteenth century. ‘The trustees for the colony of Georgia have projected a settlement of Highlanders from this country, and have actually sent round for Inverness and Cromarty a ship commanded by Captain Dunbar, to take in 160 men, women, and children, who are to be settled on the far boundary of the river Alatamaha, who will be a gallant barrier in case of a war with France and Spain. And Mr Oglethorpe, with the other trustees, are applying to the society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge to send a minister along with them who speaks Irish, with proper encouragement; and we are assured the society are so well satisfied with the project, that they have amply instructed their committee of directors to close in with it.’—C. M.
1736. Jan. 19.
‘The annual friendly meeting of the gentlemen of the name of Wilson, was held at the house of Jean Wilson, spouse to Arthur Cumming, periwig-maker, opposite to the City Guard; the Right Hon. Alexander Wilson, Lord Provost of the city, preses. There were present about forty gentlemen and others of that clan, who were served at supper by persons of the name. The entertainment was sumptuous, and choice wines went merrily round.’—C. M.
Jan. 21.
‘A very uncommon chain of events happened here [Lanark] t’other week. Elizabeth Fairy was proclaimed in order to marriage on Sunday, was accordingly married on Monday, bore a child on Tuesday; her husband went and stole a horse on Wednesday, for which he was banished on Thursday; the heir of this marriage died on Friday, and was decently interred on Saturday; all in one week.’—C. M.
Feb. 9.
‘The 4th inst., several young gentlemen of this place [Montrose] acted Mr Allan Ramsay’s celebrated Pastoral Comedy, for the diversion of the gentlemen and ladies of and about this town, with all the dresses suitable, and performed it with so much spirit and humour, as agreeably surprised the whole audience; to oblige whom they re-enacted it and the farce of the Mock Doctor two succeeding nights. The money taken, after deducting the necessary charges, being very considerable, was distributed among the poor.’—C. M.
Mar. 13.
‘This week, several gentlemen laid a wager that a horse, twenty-six years old, belonging to Mr. Pillans, brewer, should not draw 101 stone-weight up the West Bow to the Weigh-house; and yesterday it was surprisingly performed, one of the wagerers riding on the top of all.’—C. M.
July 9.