Country code |
GB |
Repository code |
234 |
Organisation |
NAS |
Repository |
National Records of Scotland |
Reference |
GD1/993 |
Title |
Letter about Defeat of Government Troops at Inverurie, December 1745 |
Dates |
24 Dec 1745 |
Access status |
Open |
Description |
Letter from Jean Baylie, Keith, to Thomas Grant of Achoynanie at Airndilly. H.D.S. Yesternight I understood Our Minister had a letter from Mr Irvine Minister at Elgin shewing that the Princes party was defeated in England, the Lords Elcho and Nairn taken, together with 300 of the Princes Guards and the Whole artillery and that he was retreated to Carlisle, and that the English were killing them like Dogs on the Highway. This news came by a ship from Leith, who heard the Castle firing just as he set sail; Gen: Campbell is at Stirling with 6000 men and Gen: Wade is ordered with his whole Army for Scotland.
This morning [...] re ala-med with the affecting news that the Lord Drummond with a body of 2000 men attacked the McLeods and Monroes at Inverury at 5 a clock yesternight beginning with the Guard who I fear were mostly killed as I'm informed there were only about 400 Men in Town who all engaged, the rest were quartered in the country who upon the first notice of the fire for the most part fled. And some were at this Place by two or Three a clock in the morning, most of the McLeods and Monroes as did Colcairn and McLeod passed this place by nine or ten aclock in the morning in Great Disorder, Generals have come dropping up Since, in great fear, hiring horses, fearing the Enemy at their Heels. Of those that past many were wounded, but coming off in hurry and confusion could give no Distinct account of the Loss, only Some that I talked with, who were in the heat of the Action told me they Lost many Men and that he saw the Princes Men upon the first Platoon fall in Heaps, they speak very bitterly against Lord Loudon that he did not come to their Assistance and also against Grant, And McLeod himself was heard to exclaim against him they talk of gathering their Scattered officers at Elgin, and calling up Loudon to make head against the Enemy, who are coming up flushed with Victory, and We hear that there are Billets demanded at Huntly this night for 3000 Men. What will come of this poor place God only knows We hear it reported that Avachies Men suffered much, and that the McLeods fired desperatly from their Windows in their Quarters, and did considerable execution, And several of the Towns people and women are killed. In this hurry I have Scarcely left room to congratulate yourself and Lady upon the Safe arrival of your Son, and wish all honour and happiness to yourself and Family and am with the Utmost Respect and Gratitude H.D.S. Your most obliged Servant. |
Level |
Fonds |
Format |
Text |
Language |
English |
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