Chapter XV: Part 15

[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.

[Sidenote: No. 28]

Expended in this Service 6 9 0

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: 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

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: No. 30]

Expended in this Service 6 4 0

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: No. 32]

Expended in this Service 12 18 0

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: No. 34]

Expended in this Service having rode about Two
hundred miles therein. 11 18 0

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: No. 35]

Expended in this Service 5 15 0

[Sidenote: 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]

[Sidenote: No. 36]

Expended in this Service, and for Boats
to embark the men in the Road of Leith. 6 10 0

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: No. 38]

Expended in this service 4 8 0

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: 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.

[Sidenote: 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._

‘I do certify that Mr. Grosett was employ’d by me in the service
of the Government in the several matters above mentioned, and
also on other occasions and was zealous and active in the
Execution of whatever was committed to his care.

‘(Signed)
AND. FLETCHER,
_Lord Justice Clarke_.’

_N.B._--These Services ... forth and Certify’d in a Pap ... Cope,
the Generals Guest, ... syde and Hawley and by Lord Home.

Nothing charged for trouble and loss of time, etc.

[_This postscript is too torn to decipher accurately but it refers to the_ ‘Narrative’ _which bears this docquet_]:--

We have perused the above Narrative, and do hereby certify that
the same is true so far as regards us respectively,

R. HANDASYDE.
HOME.
H. HAWLEY.
JOS. GUEST.
JNO. COPE.

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.

Customh^o Edinb^r }
8^{th} Decem^r 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_

Ed^n 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--Rob^t 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._

A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLES OF PRESTON, FALKIRK, AND CULLODEN; BY ANDREW LUMISDEN, THEN PRIVATE SECRETARY TO PRINCE CHARLES; BY A GENTLEMAN WHO WAS IN THESE ACTIONS

OF THE BATTLE OF PRESTON, OR GLADESMUIR,

FOUGHT SEPTEMBER 21^st, 1745

Intelligence having been brought to the Prince, that Lieutenant General Cope, commander in chief of the government forces in Scotland, was landed at Dunbar, with the troops he embarked at Aberdeen, and was joined by Hamilton and Gardiner’s dragoons, he resolved to march directly and attack him.

Accordingly on the 20th September, in the morning, the Prince put himself at the head of the army at Dudingston, and presenting his sword said--‘My friends I have flung away the scabbard.’ This was answered by a chearful huzza.

The army marched till they gained the top of Carberryhill, from whence we observed the enemy drawn up on the plain below, in order of battle. We continued the march along the brow of the hill, till we were opposite to the front of, and at half a miles distance from the enemy. Here the Highlanders gave a shout, by way of defiance, and nothing less than authority could restrain them from coming immediately to action.

Several officers were sent, particularly Colonel Ker of Gradane, to reconnoitre the enemy’s camp. They reported that General Cope had got into a fastness, where it was impossible to attack him, without risking the loss of the whole army: That his right was drawn up to the high walls of the gardens of Preston, where he had made several breaches to retire into, if needful: The house of Seton and a small morass on the left: An inclosure not half a gun shot over, surrounded with a ditch three or four feet deep, and five or six broad, covered his front; which made two ditches of that breadth and depth to pass: And the sea was in his rear, at no great distance from him: His canons and coehorns were planted on a high way that led to Tranent, between the above inclosure and morass. Thus his front was to the south, his rear to the north, his right to the west, and his left to the east.

In this situation what was to be done? It was about two o’clock in the after-noon. The Prince made several movements to amuse the enemy, and placed guards on the several roads that led to their camp. In the mean time General Cope discharged several canon at us, but without effect.

At twilight the Prince drew off his men, and marched to Tranent. From hence he detached Lord Nairne, with 500 men, to guard the road that led from Preston to Edinburgh, to prevent Cope from marching thither. On the other hand General Cope, afraid that the Prince should have directed his march eastwards, altered his disposition, and faced east, having now the morass in front; and his troops were thus disposed. General Hamilton’s dragoons were on his right, and Colonel Gardiners on his left. The regiment of Lascelle’s and Murray, with five companies of Lees and four of Guises formed the center. And his second line consisted of three companies of the Earl of Loudun’s regiment, two of Lord John Murray’s, a body of Monros, and a great number of recruits for regiments abroad. Amounting in all to about 2000 foot, and 700 dragoons.

As it was now dark, the Prince ordered the army to march and to take possession of the ground on the south east of the morass which they did, at about half canon shot of the enemy. We continued under arms in the order of march, observing the greatest silence, so that Cope did not perceive where we were.