“Sir,
“Persuant to the commander-in-chief and my colonel’s order to me for putting in execution the King’s commands against those rebels of Glenco, wherein you with the party of the Earl of Argyle’s regiment under your command, are to be concerned; you are therefore forthwith to order your affair so, as that the several posts already assigned you be by you and your several detachments faln in activeness precisely by five of the clock to-morrow morning, being Saturday; at which time I will endeavour the same with those appointed from this regiment from the other places. It will be most necessary you secure well those avenues on the south side, that the old fox, nor none of his cubbs get away. The orders are, that none be spared of the sword, nor the government troubled with prisoners; which is all until I see you from,
“Sir,
“Your most humble Servant,
“James Hamiltoune.”
“Please to order a guard to secure the ferry, and boats there; and the boats must be all on this side the ferry after your men are over.
“For their Majesty’s service.
“To Major Robert Duncanson of the
Earl of Argyle’s Regt.”
Order from Major Duncanson to Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon.
“12th Feb., 1692.
“Sir,
“You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebells the Macdonalds of Glenco, and put all to the sword under seventy. You are to have a special care that the old fox and his sons do not escape your hands; you are to secure all the avenues that no man escape. This you are to put in execution at five of the clock precisely; and by that time, or very shortly after it, I will strive to be at you with a stronger party. If I do not come to you at five, you are not to tarry for me but to fall on. This is by the king’s speciall commands, for the good and safety of the countrey, that these miscreants be cut off, root and branch. See that this be put in execution without fear or favour, or you may expect to be dealt with as one not true to king or government, nor as man fit to carry commission in the king’s service. Expecting you will not fail in the fulfilling hereof, as you love yourself, I subscribe this with my hand at Ballychylls, the 12th February, 1692.