Upon the whole if your Memorialist is turned out of the Employment above mentioned, before he is other wise suitably provided for, it will in place of rewarding the important services certified as above, be punishing him in the severest manner Especially as by the wording of the Warrant by which he is to be turned out of that Commission (if that Warrant is allowed to take place) your Memorialist must unjustly be recorded as one unworthy to be continued in that Employment, which is doing all that can be done to ruin him and his Family, and must be attended with worse consequences to them, than if the Rebells had succeeded in the many attempts they made to deprive him of his Life, as they did in taking away his Brothers; or if he had suffered along with the Rebell Peers and others, who could not have been condemned if it had not been for the Evidences he procured against them; Many of whose families and even those who were most active in the Rebellion, enjoy at this Time more of their Estates and Fortunes than he does of his, in proportion to the respective amounts thereof, before the Rebellion, and are themselves caressed and esteemed, whilst your Memorialist and his Family, and that of his unfortunate Brother, are daily harassed, affronted and cruelly persecuted by the Influence of that Party without being Protected, supported, or properly Countenanced by that Government to whom we rendered so many real services, and on which account we are so great sufferers.
All which is humbly submitted, etc., etc.
[Endorsed.—Mr. Grossetts Memorial relating to the Report of S^r Everard Fawkener and Mr. Sharpe upon the account of his Services to the Government.]
Note.—In the Record Office there are two documents, one entitled, ‘A NARRATIVE of Sundry Services performed by Walter Grossett, Esqr., during the course of the Rebellion, etc.’ which is countersigned as true by the Earl of Home and Generals Hawley, Handasyde, Guest, and Cope. The other is entitled ‘An ACCOUNT of Money,’ etc., and is certified by Andrew Fletcher, Lord Justice-Clerk. The Narrative’ is repeated in the ‘Account’ with only slight variations, so that there is no necessity to print both documents, and the ‘Account’ only is given here. Passages which appear in the ‘Narrative’ but have been omitted in the ‘Account’ are replaced here within square brackets.
An ACCOUNT of Money disposed by WALTER GROSETT, Esqr., in the Service of the Government during the late Rebellion, upon Particular Occasions and by Directions hereafter mentioned.
The Rebells upon their arrival at Perth, having formed a Scheme of surprizing the Town of Edingburgh by crossing the River Forth in Boats and Vessells as they had done in the year 1715: Mr. Grosett as a Justice of the Peace, did by direction of the Lord Advocate[590] of the 3rd and 9th September 1745 with the assistance of the Constables and Tide Surveyors, Kings Boats and Crews stationed at Dunbar, Kirkaldy, Leith, Queens Ferry, Borrostouness and Alloa, who by order of the Board of Customs were put under Mr. Grosett’s Directions, Remove all Ships, Boats and vessells from the North side of the Forth to the Harbours of Dunbar, Leith, Queen’s Ferry, and Borrostouness, on the south side of the said River [in so effectual a manner that the Rebells after various attempts, finding themselves disappointed in their Designs were obliged to march their army from Perth round the Heads of the Forth and cross that River at a Ford some Miles above Stirling which gave time to the Kings Troops under Sir John Cope to return from Inverness to the Relief of Edinburgh, had not that Town been shamefully given up to the Rebells.]
| £ s. d. | |
| No. 1 Expended on this Service to the Crews of the King’s Boats and others who were employed Night and Day therein for ten Days and for Intelligence of the Motions of the Rebells and other Expences | 29 10 0 |
| The Rebells having upon the 13th of Septemr. crossed the Forth at a Ford some miles above Sterling; Mr. Grosett by Direction of Lord Justice Clarke removed the Ships and Vessells from the Harbours of Borristounness and Queen’s Ferry, on the south side of the River, to prevent the Cannon, Arms and Amunition on Board of these Sloops and Vessells from falling into the hands of the Rebells to prevent their having any communication with the North side of the River Forth otherwise than by going round the Way they came, and which Mr. Grosett did, though the Rebells had at this time by an advance party taken Possession of the Town of Borristouness, about 12 miles to the West of Edinburgh; Upon Mr. Grosett’s return to Edinburgh, upon Sunday the 15th in the Evening he found General Fowke,[591] who was just arrived from England with Lord Justice Clarke, together with General Guest, and who approved of what Mr. Grosett had done, and sent him with Orders to Colonel Gardiner, to remain that Night with the Troops at Coltbridge, about a Mile to the West of the Town. | |
| No. 2 Expended in this service | 7 12 0 |
| Upon the 16th of September Mr. Grosett was sent out twice in the morning to get Intelligence of the Motions of the Rebells, and to let General Fowkes, who was then posted at Coltbridge, know their Motions, and the last Account he brought was that the Rebells had lain down upon their Arms, about Twelve that Day near Kirklisten, about 6 Miles to the West of Edinburgh, that the Dragoons having soon after this upon the motion of the Rebells towards them quit their Post at Coltbridge and retired in some haste by the North side of the Town about 3 that afternoon, without sending the Party of Dragoons into the Town as had been conserted in the morning of that Day, and Lord Justice Clarke observing that this might give a Handle for justifying the Provest to give up the Town to the Rebells, he sent Mr. Grosett to the Provest, to press the Defence of the Town, and to assure him, that as many of the Dragoons as he pleased to desire should forthwith be sent in, to assist in the Defence thereof, till Sir John Cope, who was then hourly expected by sea from Aberdeen, should come with the Troops to their Relief. But the Provost, declining to defend the Town upon Pretence of the Uncertainty of Sir John Cope’s coming in time to their Assistance, Mr. Grosett returned and acquainted Lord Chief Justice Clarke thereof; and as by this time an Express was arrived from Dunbar with Letters for Lord Justice Clarke, giving an Account of the Arrival of the Troops under Sir John Cope off Dunbar; Mr. Grosett was the only Person who would undertake to go back into the Town with these Letters; but not being able to prevail with the Provost to agree to the Defence thereof, he left it about One in the Morning, and brought Lord Justice Clarke an Account of what had past [narrowly escaped falling into the Hands of the Rebells, who by 5 in the Morning were in full Possession of the Town, the Gates having been opened to them; But the Particulars of Mr. Grosetts Transactions, and the Provosts Behaviour at this Juncture, will more fully appear from a Narrative relating thereto, formerly delivered by Mr. Grosett to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.[592]] | |
| No. 3 Expended and Lost in this Service, Mr. Grosett in his speedy Return to Edinburgh having lost both his Hatt and Wig and killed one of his Horses | 16 17 0 |
| Sept. 1745 Mr. Grosett having retired with Lord Justice Clarke to Dunbar, and his Lordship having upon the 18th Septemr. received Information that the young Pretender was to be that Night with some of the Chiefs of his Party at the Dutchess of Gordon’s house,[593] about 7 miles to the South-East of Edinburgh on their Road to England, and that the First Column of the Rebell Army was to march that way, Mr. Grosett was sent by Lord Justice Clarke with proper Guides and Assistants in the Night to reconnoitre and send certain Intelligence of their Motions and number; But receiving Information near the Dutchess of Gordon’s House, that they had changed their Resolution he returned and acquainted Lord Justice Clarke thereof; From this time to the Battle of Preston, Mr. Grosett was employed in reconnoitering and procuring Intelligence of the Motions and Designs of the Rebells [narrowly escaped being killed the Night before the Battle, by a Party of the Rebells who lay in ambuscade in a Thicket of Wood on the side of a hollow way, Mr. Grosett had to pass through in going by the Directions of Sir John Cope to observe their motions and numbers, as they were drawing up in front of our army from whence they fired close upon him, as he went along, and from which Place they were drove by our Cañon after Mr. Grosett’s return with an Account of their Situation]; and the Day of the Battle he Lost a Horse and all his Baggage, the servant who had charge thereof being made Prisoner by the Rebells. | |
| No. 4 Expended and lost in this Service | 33 6 0 |
| Sept. and Oct. 1745 After the Battle of Preston Mr. Grosett went from place to place to receive Information and Intelligence of the Motions and Proceedings of the Rebells and so soon as he heard of General Handasyde’s commanding at Berwick sent his brother Captain Grosett, who was Aid-de-Camp to the General, the Intelligence he from time to time procured of the Motions, and Designs of the Rebells, and amongst other services brought Prisoner to Edinburgh Castle with the assistance of Mr. Brown and some Farmers, Spalding of Whitefield[594] one of the Chiefs of the Rebells, with Two others, who were secured as they were returning, thro’ the West of Scotland from the Rebell Army near Carlisle to the North, in order to bring up about 3000 men more from that Country, and for which purpose he had written Orders from Mr. Murray, the young Pretenders Secretary, Duke of Perth, Lord George Murray, and others of the Rebell chiefs: As also the particular Route they were to take with these men until they should join the Rebell Army, who were to halt for them at Carlisle. All which Orders, Route and other Letters and Papers found upon Whitefield and his servant were delivered over with them to General Guest, then in the Castle of Edinburgh. | |
| No. 5 Expended in this Service | 24 8 0 |
| Nov. Upon the 13th Novemr. Mr. Grosett met Lord Justice Clarke at Musselburrow, and returned with his Lordship to Edinburgh,[595] and the Day after General Handasyde[596] arrived there with two Regiments of Foot and the Remains of Hamilton’s and Gardiner’s Dragoons; That the Castle of Edinburgh being at this time in great want of Provisions of all sorts Mr. Grosett by order of General Handasyde of the 16th Novemr. procured and laid in a sufficient supply thereof not only for the Garrison but for the Troops, that should be employd in the Defence of the Town. | |
| No. 6 Expended in this Service | 5 11 0 |
| About this time the Rebells at Perth who were about 3000 in number being reinforced by the Landing of Troops in the North, with Cannon and Stores from France; Therefore in order to prevent the Kings Troops from being surprized, and the Town of Edinburgh falling again into the hands of the Rebells, Mr. Grosett by Direction of Lord Justice Clarke, and Orders from General Handasyde of the 26th and 27th November 1745,[597] went with proper Assistance and removed all the Boats and Vessells that were at that time to be found at the different Ports and Creeks on the Northside of the River Forth, between Kinghorn and Aloa, to the Southside thereof. | |
| No. 7 Expended in this Service | 11 10 0 |
| [Mr. Grosett at this time recovered seized Goods to the value of £1800 which the Rebells had carry’d off from the Kings Warehouse at Leith, and in which he was greatly assisted by Genl. Handasyde.] When the Rebells came to Edinburgh there were of seized and condemned Goods, in the King’s Warehouse at Leith, to the Value of about Ten Thousand Pounds, and as these Goods were all carry’d off by the assistance of the Rebells, and Mr. Legrand Collector at Leith having upon their approach left Scotland, Mr. Grosett at this time saved no Labour or Expense to get Information by whom these Goods had been carried off, and where lodged, found out and secured with the assistance of a Company of the Military which he procured from General Handasyde, as many of these Goods as were sold for about £1500 and procured Information of the Names of the Persons who with the assistance of the Rebells carried these and the greatest part of the other Goods from the Kings Warehouse, and who are now under Prosecution for that offence, as well as for the value of the Goods, that Mr. Grosett did not recover. | |
| No. 8 Expended in this Service | 68 14 0 |
| Dec. 1745 That after the Removal of the Boats and Vessells as above others having arrived, and some of those that had been removed gone back, and that it was found absolutely necessary for the Service, that all Boats, Ships, and Vessells whatsoever on the North Coast betwixt Kinghorn and St. Andrews down the River as well as those formerly ordered to be removed betwixt Kinghorn and Alloa up the River should be removed to prevent the Rebells from getting across with their Cannon, and as this cou’d not be done without the assistance of some Ship of Force to secure a Retreat in case of being surprized by the Rebells who were in possession of that Part of the Country; and as the Captain of the Milford Man of War was ordered to concert proper measures with and assist Mr. Grosett therein; Mr. Grosett by Order of Lord Justice Clarke and General Guest the 8th Decemr. 1745 went with the Custom House Boats and other proper Assistance and performed what was required above. | |
| No. 9 Expended in this Service for Intelligence | 6 10 0 |
| Dec. 1745 Mr. Grosett by Warrant of Lord Justice Clarke and General Guest[598] of the 16th Decemr. 1745 removed with the Assistance of the Kings Boats and Happy Janet armed Vessell, all the Boats and Vessells at the Creeks on the South side of the Forth betwixt Borristouness and Sterling to the Harbour of Borristouness to prevent their being forced from these Places by the Rebells. As also from Alloa a Quantity of large Loggs of Wood and long Planks to prevent the Rebells making Floats thereof to cross with their Cannon at Alloa, with which they proposed to attack Sterling Castle. | |
| No. 10 Expended in this Service | 22 9 0 |
| Dec. 1745 Lord Justice Clarke having received Intelligence that the Rebells from the North were to force their Passage across the River Forth at Haigens and Carsy Nooks in flat bottomed Boats they were bringing over Land from the Water of Earn, to prevent which Mr. Grosett by Directions of his Lordship the 19th Decemr. 1745[599] went and got that Part of Sterling Shire which lies next to the River put in arms to defend the Banks thereof, and by Order of General Guest of the same Date engaged and stationed the Pretty Janet armed Vessell with proper Hands, which he procured at Borristouness to defend the Passage at Haigen’s Nook and the Jean armed Sloop that at Carsey Nook which effectually prevented the Designs of the Rebells at this Juncture. | |
| No. 11 Expended in this Service | 17 4 0 |
| Dec. 1745 To prevent the Rebells, upon their crossing the River Esk in their Return from England into Scotland, having it in their Power to secure a ready communication between them and their friends in the North, and to get from thence the Cannon and other Military Stores that had been landed there by the French; Mr. Grosett by order of Lord Justice Clarke and General Guest of the 21st December 1745[600] was directed instantly to remove all Vessells and Boats of whatever Size out of the Harbours of Borristouness, Queens Ferry or any where else upon the South Coast of the Forth to such Places as he should think most proper for his Majesty’s Service at so critical a juncture and who accordingly removed all Boats and Vessells whatever that could be floated [to the Roads of Queens Ferry and Borristouness under the command of the armed vessells lying there, which effectually frustrated the Designs of the Rebells.] | |
| Expended in this Service | 8 6 0 |
| Expended in forwarding from Borristouness Powder, Ball, Grape Shot, and other ammunition sent thither from the Castle of Edinburgh for the use of the Castle of Sterling: Pretty Janet armed Vessell stationed at Haigens Nook and the Jean armed Sloop at Carsy Nook to prevent the Rebells crossing at these Ferries by order of General Guest of 22nd Decemr 1745[601] | 3 12 0 |
| Upon the Return of the Rebells from England to Scotland Orders being given to the two Regiments of Foot Prices and Ligoniers, and to the Glasgow Regiment and three Paisly Companies,[602] to march from Sterling to Edinburgh for the Defence of that Place, Intelligence being then received that the Rebells were at Moffat, in their Road to Edinburgh which City was at this time (by the Retreat of the two Regiments of Dragoons from thence to Haddington in their way to Berwick) left without any other Force but the Edinburgh Regiment[603] and as it was probable, that the Rebells might in this situation attempt to intercept the Troops in their March from Sterling to Edinburgh; Mr. Grosett was Dispatched, with Orders from Lord Justice Clarke and General Guest[604] for hireing and pressing a number of Boats and Ships, for embarking if necessary the Troops at Borristouness, at which place they were expected from Sterling that night; that Provisions should be laid in for Berwick but that they should stop at Leith Road for Orders. Mr. Grosett having agreeable to these Directions saved no Expense and Labour in a service of so much Importance had Ships and Boats at Borristouness for embarking and transporting the Troops by the time they came there which was about Twelve at Night. By these means the Troops and the Glasgow and Paisly Militia, about a Thousand in Number, who unable to continue their march being embarked at Borristouness with the Baggage belonging to the whole. They arrived on the morning of the 24th Decemr. in the Road of Leith much about the Time that the other Troops, who were forwarded by Horses from Linlithgow, arrived at Edinburgh; and who upon their Arrival at Leith were ordered to disembark there, and by that Means and the Number of Volunteers One Thousand and upwards whom Lord Justice Clarke got to take up Arms in the Neighbourhood of Edinburgh, and march immediately into the Town. The Rebells being deterred from coming forward to Edinburgh took the Road to Glasgow, where they arrived the 25th Decemr. 1745. | |
| To forward this Service Mr. Grosett got from General Guest 100 gunners and expended therein | 74 8 0 |
| To Charges sending from Borrostownness and destroying two Boats by Order of Lord Home 23d Decemr. 1745[605] which the Friends of the Rebells had got privately concealed, and made use of for carrying Intelligence, and Dispatches to and from their friends on the opposite side of the Forth the one at Newton Pow and the other at Carron Water | 2 16 0 |
| Dec. 1745 The Castle of Edinburgh being at this time crowded with a great Number of Prisoners, and particularly with those taken by Captain Hanway of the Milford Man of War, near Montrose, on Board the Lewis a French Transport from Dunkirk;[606] and as the keeping them there was looked upon to be at this time dangerous Mr. Grosett by Order of Lord Justice Clarke and General Guest hired to Transports and shipt off these with other Prisoners at Leith for Berwick the 26th Decemr. 1745 with a Company of Foot on Board each Transport as a Guard. | |
| No. 16 Expended in this Service | 6 4 0 |
| Jan. 7, 1745-6 Lord Justice Clarke having received Intelligence that the Rebells at Glasgow, being reinforced by their Friends from the North were preparing to March from that to attack Edinburgh Mr. Grosett was thereupon sent with a Warrant from his Lordship and from General Guest of the 1st Janry.[607] to take and bring from Borristowness or from on Board the Shipping lying in the Road of that Place all the Cannon he could meet with to be placed upon the Walls of the City of Edinburgh for the Defence thereof. The Rebells upon their going into England, having carried off or destroyed all the Cannon that were formerly placed there for that purpose: Mr. Grosett went accordingly and provided them, and brought them in a vessell to Leith; But the Troops under General Hawley[608] arriving by this time at Edinburgh, it was then not thought necessary to bring them to that Place. | |
| No. 17 Expended in this Service | 12 13 0 |
| Jan. 1745-6 Lord Justice Clarke having received certain Intelligence,[609] that the Rebells were erecting considerable Magazines at Alloa and that they proposed bringing their Cannon to that Place, as the most convenient for getting them across the River Forth, in order to their laying siege to Sterling Castle; His Lordship acquainted Generals Hawley and Husk thereof and Scheme was thereupon formed for getting Possession of their Cannon or at least retarding their getting them across the River, till the General should be ready to march with the Army to the Relief of Sterling; In Order thereto two Sloops of War were sent up the River, and Transports got ready by Mr. Grosett, to take on Board Troops at Leith, [where a Regiment lay ready to be embarked upon an hours warning]. Matters having been thus prepared, and Lord Justice Clarke having saved no expence in procuring Intelligence had twice a day at least certain Accounts from Alloa and other Places in that Neighbourhood giving the whole Proceedings of the Rebells and having early in the Morning upon the 8th of Janry. ‘received sure Information that Lord John Drummond and Lord George Murray with the whole of the Cannon, with which the Rebells proposed to attack Sterling Castle were to be that Night at Alloa escorted only by about 200[610] of the Rebells they being under no apprehensions of meeting with any Disturbance on that side of the River, the Bridge of Sterling being Cut and the Rebell Army betwixt them and the Kings Troops; His Lordship and General Husk came thereupon to Leith and got 300 of the Troops that lay there immediately embarked on this Expedition to be commanded by Colonel Leighton,[611] and conducted by Mr. Grosett. As the Rebells at Alloa could have no Intelligence of their Designs, the Passage across the Forth, being for some time before this stopt everywhere, and as the Wind when they sailed proved favourable they thought themselves sure of surprizing the Rebells that Night at Alloa. But as by the time they had got one third of the way thither, the Wind turned flat against them it was one o’clock next Day before they got to Hegins Nook three Miles below Alloa and where they were stopt from proceeding farther by the Ebbing of the Tide. Upon their Arrival there Mr. Grosett having received Intelligence from Alloa that the Rebells were shipping their cannon on Board of a Vessell, with a Design to proceed in the Night, and to land them on the opposite side of the River about two Miles above that Place so soon as the Tide would admitt of the Vessell’s floating and Sailing from that Harbour; and as Mr. Grosett was perfectly well acquainted with the River and every Corner of the Country, to prevent this, Fifty Soldiers and as many armed Sailors were put on board one large and two smaller Boats with orders to pass privately in the Night to the Rebells Batteries at Elphinstone and Alloa and lye at a Place appointed about a mile above Alloa, where the Vessell with the Cannon was to pass, and where they could not be observed, either from Alloa, or even from the Vessells on Board of which they had shipped their Cannon ’till they were just upon them, by reason of the windings and Turnings of that River and as Mr. Grosett had procured proper Pilots for that purpose, they got to the Place appointed, without being observed either from Elphingstone or from Alloa; and as the same Flood Tide and Depth of Water, that would have carry’d the Vessell with the Cannon from Alloa could have carried the Sloops of War there, they could not in this situation have failed, in securing the Vessell and Cannon: But the Commander of the largest Boat, being seized with an unreasonable Pannick, could not be prevailed with to stay at the place appointed tho’ there was much less Danger in remaining there than in returning: For as in their Return they alarmed the Rebells at Alloa by one of the Boats taking the Ground near that Place, they had a continued Fire to get thro’ as they past Alloa and Elphingstone Batteries; But Mr. Grosett having by order of Lord Justice Clarke taken 200 Matts of Flax from on Board a Dutch ship in the Road of Leith,[612] and placed these along the sides of the Boats there was only one man killed and another wounded on this Expedition, and which answered the end so far as to keep the Vessell from Sailing, and the Rebells from getting their Cannon at this time across the River, as they had projected; Mr. Grosett receiving at this Juncture Information from Alloa that the Rebells there were not even at this time above 200 strong: they upon the Return of the Boats landed the Troops at Kincairdin about three miles below Alloa, with a Design to attack them by Land. But Mr. Grosett being soon after acquainted by different Expresses from Alloa that the Rebells had just received a Reinforcement of 300 men they returned and reimbarked the Troops without any Loss. That Day the Vessell with the Cannon sailed from Alloa; But Mr. Grosett having fallen upon a method to get one of the Sailors who knew the River, and whom they had forced out to assist in the conducting of this Vessell persuaded to run her on Ground on some of the Banks in her Passage up the River; Upon receiving Information that the Vessell was accordingly grounded, and that the Rebells had thereupon dismounted their Battery at Alloa, and were transporting all the Cannon they had there by Land two miles above Alloa in order to cross them there. It was thereupon resolved to attack their Battery at Elphingstone, and after silencing the Cannon there to proceed with small Vessells and Boats, and set Fire to the Vessell that lay a Ground, with the Cannon and other Military Stores: The Battery at Elphingstone was accordingly attacked with great Resolution and Bravery by the Captains of the Vulture and Pearl Sloops of War, assisted by the Pretty Janet armed Vessell and Jean armed sloop: And after about three hours close cannonading within less than Musquet Shot of the Battery, all their Cannon but one were silenced: But the Pearl having her cable cut asunder by a Cannon ball, she was forced from her Station by the strength of the Ebb-Tide, and the Two Pilots of the Vulture (one of them a Shipmaster at Elphinstone who at Mr Grosett’s Request came to his assistance in this Expedition) having each of them at this Time Lost a leg by another Cannon ball, and by which Accident they both Dyed; They were obliged to quit the Battery; This attack however so far answered the End as to prevent the Rebells from crossing with their Cannon; For upon making this Attack they brought back their Cannon to Alloa, and placed them upon the Battery, there to prevent the Kings Ships and Troops from procedeing farther up the River, and getting Possession of the Vessell that lay aground above that Place with the Cannon and Ammunition. In this whole affair Two men were killed, Two lost a leg each by which they died and one an Arm by the Cannon from the Batteries, Ten others were wounded, but not disabled; the Chief Engineer and several others of the Rebells were killed and many wounded. Mr. Grosett having on the 11th January received a letter from Lord Justice Clarke with an Order inclosed from General Hawley to Colonel Layton to return with the Troops to join the Army who were then ready to march to the Relief of Sterling Castle, they thereupon returned accordingly; But Mr. Grosett having before he left that country concerted Measures for getting the Vessell burnt that was grounded as above in which the Cannon had been transported from Alloa it was done accordingly without the Rebells knowing how it came about. Lord Justice Clarke in his letter, dated the 10th Janry. 1745/6,[613] having sent Mr. Grosett a Letter from General Hawley to General Blackeney[614] who at that time commanded in the Castle of Sterling with Directions to use all methods possible to get it delivered and answered, as on it depended Matters of the greatest Consequence; Mr. Grosett not only got the Letter safely delivered, but an answer thereto, tho’ the Rebells were at that time in Possession of Sterling and suffered none they could observe to go near the Castle and upon which they kept the strictest Guard. | |
| No. 18 Expended in all these Services, for Provisions, Intelligence, Boats, Pilots, etc. | 39 4 0 |
| Upon the 12th January 1745/6 Mr. Grosett returned to Edinburgh from this Expedition, and upon the 13th was sent early next morning by Lord Justice Clarke to procure Intelligence of the motions of the Rebells for General Husk, who was that Day to march with the First Division of the Army from Edinburgh for Linlithgow;[615] Upon Mr. Grosett’s coming near that place, being informed by some Country People he had sent into the Town, for Intelligence that about Twelve hundred of the Rebells had that Morning taken Possession thereof and given out that they were resolved to dispute their Quarters with the Kings Troops. Mr. Grosett returned and acquainted the General thereof who thereupon made the proper Dispositions. The Town of Linlithgow lying in a Hollow upon the South side of a large Lake which cuts off all Communication with or access to the Town from the North and Mr. Grosett having acquainted the General of this and of the situation of the country The General in order to surprize and cut off the retreat of the Rebells to Falkirk where the Main body of their Army lay sent a strong advance Party forward with orders to halt, and remain upon a rising Ground upon the Road about a mile from the East Gate of the Town, and within Sight thereof, and marched the Main Body round another way; which Mr. Grosett conducted them by the South side of the Town where they could not be observed by the Rebells, till they came near the West Gate thereof; and the Rebells having no suspicion of the Main Body’s advancing upon them, while the Advance Guard stood still in sight, their communication with the Main Body of their Army, would by these means have been cut off, if one of their Friends upon accidentally seeing the King’s Troops marching under cover of a Rising Ground by the South side of the Town, had not rode into the Place and given the Alarm to the Rebells who thereupon fled with such Precipitation that the Troops could not come up with them.[616] Lord [George Murray, Lord Elcho, and others of their Chiefs left their Dinner just as it was going to be set upon the Table. The Dragoons pursued, but not being able to come up with them they took Possession of the Bridge of Linlithgow, over the water Avon, about a mile to the West of that Place, left a sufficient Guard there, and then went into the Town, and eat the Dinner the Rebells had provided, and got ready for themselves.] The Person who gave the alarm was apprehended together with one of the Rebells, and sent Prisoners to Edinburgh, and Mr. Grosett after General Husk appointed proper Places for Out Guards returned to Lord Justice Clarke and General Hawley with an Account of these proceedings. | |
| No. 19 Expended in this Service | 4 5 0 |
| The Army being in great want of Gunners and other proper persons for the Artillery which was to march the 15th; but could not get forward ’till these were provided Mr. Grosett by order of Lord Justice Clarke and General Hawley went to Borristownness, and brought from thence nine or Ten Sailors for that purpose who had been Gunners on Board of Men of War. | |
| No. 20 Expended in this Service being obliged to advance money to each of them to subsist their Families in their Absence before they would agree to go upon this service | 16 8 0 |
| Lord Justice Clarke having on Thursday the 17th January in the morning received Intelligence of Importance relating to the Motions and Designs of the Rebells; Mr. Grosett was immediately dispatched by his Lordship, to acquaint General Hawley thereof. After the Battle which happened that day, Mr. Grosett was sent back to acquaint Lord Justice Clarke what had happened but more especially to let his Lordship know that the Kings Troops had at last beat the Rebells from and kept the Field of Battle ’till obliged to leave it for want of Provision, and leave Seven of their Cannon on the Field for want of Horses to carry them off. This Account gave the greater Joy to Lord Justice Clarke, and the other good Friends of the Government at Edinburgh, as before that time they had, by the Flight of the Troops to that Place, been much alarmed with the Accounts they gave of the Defeat of the Kings Army:[617] As the Troops in their Flight to Edinburgh occasioned those that had been sent from theme with Provisions for the Army to return towards that place. Mr. Grosett therefore by Order of Lord Justice Clarke returned immediately on fresh Horses to force them all back to Linlithgow there not being a Morsel of Provision to be had on any Consideration there for the Troops, who had all of them been obliged to retire to that Place for want thereof, and who by that means were well supply’d. But as the General did not think it advisable to remain there with the Troops, he sent Mr. Grosett back to Lord Justice Clarke to get Quarters provided for the whole Army against their Arrival at Edinburgh and which was done accordingly by the time they got there which was about Four in the afternoon. | |
| No. 21 Expended in this Service and for Assistance to get forward the Provisions to Linlithgow | 5 14 0 |
| Jan. 1745/6 Lord Justice Clarke having formed a Scheme to release the Officers of the Kings Troops, who had been made Prisoners at the Battle of Preston, and bring them by force from the respective places to which they were upon their Parole confined in that Part of the Country of which the Rebells had at that time Possession. In order thereto (after those at Glames were brought to Edinburgh) a Company of the Argyleshire Highlanders were (by Order of Lord Justice Clarke and General Hawley [to Colonel Campbell][618] of the 20th January) put under Mr. Grosett’s Directions who crossed the Forth with them in the Night at Queens Ferry, and with their assistance secured and brought safely to Edinburgh from different Parts of the Shires of Fyfe and Perth, Colonel Halket, Captains Stewart, Cochrane, and Dundas who at that time were prisoners with the Rebells in these Countries.[619] | |
| No. 22 Expended in this Service for Boats, Freight Horse hire | 6 11 0 |
| Jan. 1745/6 Lord Justice Clarke having on the 25th January about Eight at Night received Information that the Rebells had formed a Design of surprizing the Kings Troops that night at Edinburgh, and in particular the Argyleshire Highlanders, who were the Advance Guard to the Kings Army, Mr. Grosett accompanied by Lieutenant Campbell of the Edinburgh Regiment, went by His Lordships Orders, and acquainted Colonel Campbell, and the other officers thereof who commanded the advance parties some miles from the Town, to put them upon their Guard, and at the same time employed proper Persons to patrole the Country the whole of that Night, to give timely Notice of the Motions and Approach of the Rebells, and who finding out had got Information of their Design came no farther than Linlithgow. | |
| No. 23 Expended in this Service | 1 10 0 |
| Upon the 29th January 1745/6 Mr. Grosett was sent by Lord Justice Clarke and General Hawley to meet the Duke and acquaint His Royal Highness that the Troops were ready to march and that the Guards, Coaches, and Relays of Horses were at the proper stages for forwarding His Royal Highness in the most expeditious manner to Edinburgh. | |
| No. 24 ... and in getting Coach | 1 4 0 |
| Jan. 1745/6 The Duke upon his arrival into Scotland[620] found it necessary for the Service to send two armed Vessells and 100 of the Troops along the Coast of Fife with Sundry Warrants which were only to be shewn and put in execution as things Cast up; These Troops were accordingly embarked by Mr. Grosett, and as His Royal Highness was upon the Recommendation of Lord Justice Clarke pleased to direct that he should have the conducting of this Expedition, and executing of these warrants as occasion should require: The following Order to Captain Coren[621] the Commanding Officer of that Party was with the Warrants therein referred to delivered to Mr. Grosett, viz:— ‘You are to be assisting to Walter Grosett Esq. one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in executing divers Warrants which he will shew you when proper.’[622] In consequence thereof Mr. Grosett upon the 30th January sailed in the evening from Leith, with the said Vessell and Party, and proceeded to different places on the North Coast betwixt St. Andrews and Alloa, secured all the Magazines of Provisions, which the Rebells had on that Coast, returned the Provisions (being Oatmeal) to the Persons from whom it had been taken by the Rebells, as they were all of them well affected to the Government, and secured nine of the Rebells and sent them by Order of the Duke prisoners to Sterling, His Royal Highness being at this time there with the Army. | |
| No. 25 Expended in this Service for Boats Freight, and other Charges in embarking the Troops, Landing and reimbarking them from time to time as occasion required, subsistence to them and for Information, Guides, etc. | 28 4 0 |
|
Feb.
1745/6 No. 26 Expended in providing Boats at Leith and Horses at Kinghorn for carrying with the utmost Expedition a Quantity of Ammunition for the Army at Perth by Order of Lord Justice Clarke of the 8th February | 1 15 0 |
| Upon the arrival of the Hessian Troops in the River Forth the 8th February: The Prince of Hesse having sent Colonel Steuart[623] to Lord Justice Clarke to know where they were to disembark; Mr. Grosett was thereupon directed by His Lordship to proceed with the utmost expedition to the Duke then at Perth to acquaint His Royal Highness thereof,[624] and to know his Pleasure, [whether they should disembark at Leith, or be ordered to the North]; And Mr. Grosett having by three in the morning received his Royal Highness’s Directions to prepare for disembarking them at Leith he immediately returned to Lord Justice Clarke with these Directions. | |
| No. 27 Expended in this Service for Boats Freight to and from Kinghorn, and for Horses from that to and from Perth, and Coach Hire betwixt Leith and Edinburgh | 2 15 0 |
| [As Aberdeen, Montrose, Inverness, and the other Places in the North, through which the Army was to march are supply’d with Coals for fireing from the Ports in the River Forth, and as no Coals were allowed to go there while the Rebells were in Possession of these Places they were in that Country in so great want of fireing that the Army under the Duke could not march from Perth till this Want was supply’d, and] As those who were employed to provide the Army with Coals had in vain endeavoured it, and the Duke having directed Lord Justice Clark to be acquainted with the difficulties they were in Mr. Grosett together with Mr. Henry[625] were thereupon sent by his Lordship’s Directions of the 11th February[626] to all the Ports and Creeks upon the River Forth, and got immediately a considerable Number of Ships and Vessells loden with Coals, and sent them to the different Ports and Places in the North where the Army was to be, and who by these means were instantly well supply’d, and enabled to March, when and where his Royal Highness thought proper. | |
| No. 28 Expended in this Service | 6 9 0 |
| Feb., 1745/6 The Duke having ordered Blyth’s Regiment[627] with about Four hundred Men of different Corps to be sent by sea from Leith to join the Army in the North; Mr. Grosett by Direction of Lord Justice Clarke of the 23rd February got proper Transports prepared for that purpose, shipt the necessary Provisions, and embarked the men, and which was oblig’d to be done in the night by sending them three Miles in Boats from the Harbour to the Road of Leith to prevent the Transports being neaped in the Harbour. | |
| No. 29 Expended in this Service and sending the Horses of the Regiment from Leith to Kinghorn by water, they being ordered to go from thence by Land to the Army | 8 8 0 |
| March, 1745/6 The Transports being put back after they had sailed, and got near their Port and being detained by contrary Winds in the Road of Leith Mr. Grosett got them supply’d by order of Lord Justice Clarke with additional Stores of Provisions and Boats for bringing on shore such of the recovered Men of the different Corps as had fallen Ill by their confinement. | |
| No. 30 Expended in this Service | 6 4 0 |
| March, 1745/6 The Duke having ordered a considerable Quantity of Biscuits to be sent him to the North in order to their being carry’d along with the Army as they marched into the Highlands Mr. Grosett by Direction of Lord Justice Clarke of the 6th March got a sufficient Quantity for that purpose from the Castle put up in proper Casks and Baggs, and immediately sent off in to Vessells from Leith, which he had provided for that Service. | |
| No. 31 Expended in this Service | 4 13 0 |
| The Duke having sent Directions to Lord Justice Clarke to provide 10 Boats of 20 and 30 Tons Burthen to attend the Army with Provisions and other necessaries as they marched along the Coasts, and as they were immediately wanted: Mr. Grosett by his Lordships Order of the 11th March[628] went to the proper Places where these Boats and small Vessells were to be had and sent them directly away to his Royal Highness, under the care of Mr. M‘Gill Commander of one of the Kings Boats at Leith to whom Mr. Grosett by order of Lord Justice Clarke gave Ten Pounds towards paying his Expenses. | |
| No. 32 Expended in this Service | 12 18 0 |
| March, 1745/6 The Transports with the Troops for the North being put back a second time and a great number of the recovered men falling sick again by their confinement the Duke ordered them to be taken o’shore and sent across the Forth from Leith to Kinghorn in Boats and to march from that by Land, which Mr. Grosett did accordingly on the 14th March. | |
| No. 33 Expended in this Service | 4 3 0 |
| Lord Justice Clarke having received an Express from his Grace the Duke of Newcastle with a letter from General Price at Berwick dated 16th March[629] acquainting His Grace that he had received Information from a sure hand that Corn from Northumberland and the adjacent Counties were carried to Wooler a Town 14 Miles from Berwick, and from thence Westward between Stirling and Dumbarton Castle, and privately embarked on the River Clyde, and sent thro’ the Western Islands to Lochaber for the use of the Rebells; Mr. Grosett was thereupon desired by Lord Justice Clarke to go to Sterling and from thence across the Country to Dumbarton Castle, and along the coast to all the Ports and Creeks on the River Clyde as well to enquire particularly into the Truth of this Information as to leave proper Orders and Directions at the Places above mentioned to prevent Provisions of any sort being carried from thence to the Rebells and which Mr. Grosett did accordingly, but did not find that any provisions had gone that way. | |
| No. 34 Expended in this Service having rode about Two hundred miles therein. | 11 18 0 |
| April, 1746 Lord Justice Clarke having upon the 4th of April received an Express from Brigadier Genl. Price Governor of Berwick giving an Account that three large and one smaller Men of War had appeared off Holy Island and as they made no Return to the proper Signals that were made them from that place, and King’s Sloops and Boats that were cruizing there they believed them to be French Men of War come to the Assistance of the Rebells and as this Account was confirmed by an Express from Mr. Castlelaw, Collector at Dunbar, and Mr. Fall one of the Magistrates there; and that these ships were come within the Mouth of the Forth Mr. Grosett at the Desire of the Lord Justice Clarke went thereupon in the Night and acquainted the Commanders of the Men of War then lying in the Road of Leith thereof. But as they were of no Force to make head against them, these with the other Ships in the Road prepared to slip their Cables, and proceed farther up the Firth, upon the approach of the Men of War above mentioned; After this Mr. Grosett with the assistance of the Custom House and several fishing Boats, which he forced out from Newhaven in the night went in quest of these Men of War, to know certainly what they were, and next day found them to be Dutch Men of War to whom the proper Signals had not been given upon their leaving Holland. | |
| No. 35 Expended in this Service | 5 15 0 |
| April, 1746 The Duke having sent Orders to the Earl of Home[630] who at this time commanded the Troops that lay at Edinburgh to forward with the utmost Expedition to the North the Four Thousand recovered Men of different Corps that were come there from England, Mr. Grosett at his Lordship’s and Lord Justice Clarkes desire went and provided proper Transports, and saw the men embarked and sent off to his Royal Highness, agreeable to Lord Home’s Order of the 15th April 1746.[631] | |
| No. 36 Expended in this Service, and for Boats to embark the men in the Road of Leith. | 6 10 0 |
| April, 1746 The Transports with these men being detained in the Road of Leith by Contrary Winds, and Doctor Maxwell who had the care of the Hospital, having apply’d to Lord Justice Clarke for an additional Transport, to put the weakest and most sickly of the men by themselves Mr. Grosett, was desired to provide one, and which he did accordingly. | |
| No. 37 Expended in this Service and for Boats employed in removing the men and provisions from one ship to another. | 4 12 0 |
| Commodore Smith[632] upon his Arrival in the Firth of Forth with the Ships of War under his command being ordered to proceed to the Orkneys, with these and the other Ships, and Sloops of War then in the Road of Leith to prevent their getting assistance from France or making their Escape from these Coasts and Islands; and having thereupon apply’d to Lord Justice Clarke to provide him with proper Pilots for each of the Ships that were to go on that Service: Mr. Grosett by his Lordship’s Directions went and got them immediately provided from different Ports. | |
| No. 38 Expended in this service | 4 8 0 |
| April, 1746 The Great Coats, Blankets, Shoes, Shirts, Waistcoats, Gloves, etc., given by different Companies and Corporations in Presents to the Army being sent to the Care of Lord Justice Clarke,[633] Mr. Grosett by his Lordships Directions received and saw them duely forwarded from time to time to the Army. | |
| No. 39 Expended in this Service | 10 5 0 |
| His Royal Highness the Duke having directed Lord Justice Clarke to be apply’d to for his assistance in procuring what should from time to time be found necessary for the Army in general; and in particular for the more speedy embarkation of the Hessian Troops, and the Four British Regiments ordered for Flanders, and in getting the Clothing of Major General Wolf’s Regiment[634] forwarded in the most expeditious manner from Leith to Perth that Regimt. being upon Receipt thereof ordered to march to Burnt Island to embark there with the other British Regiments. Mr. Grosett by his Lordship’s Directions accordingly assisted Colonel Steuart and others in procuring what was from time to time found necessary for these purposes. | |
| No. 40 Expended in this Service | 7 8 0 |
| That besides the services above mentioned Mr. Grosett was during the Course of the Rebellion constantly employed by Lord Justice Clarke in the extraordinary affairs of the Government at this ... to answer all Imergence ... ty for his keeping Horses at different ... and as some of them fell into the hands of the Rebells, and others were lost by hard Riding and other accidents. | |
| No. 41 Expended on this Account and sundry other Services during the Course of the Rebellion not mentioned in the Above Articles. | 110 0 0 |
| Total Money Expended. | 662 11 0 |
| Received of the above Sum from Genl. Guest to Acct. | 105 0 0 |
| Ballance | 557 11 0 |
Wal: Grosett.
N.B.—Mr. Grosett being from the first Breaking out of the Rebellion employed 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 and who on that account took every Opportunity of shewing their Resentment against him, they plundered his House in the Town of Alloa, and in the Country carried off effects to a very great value, drove all the Cattle from off his Estate, forced the Payment of the Rents thereof to them, stript his wife and children of the very cloathes they had on, and used otherways in a most inhuman manner.
‘Brunstane, 4th Septem. 1747.