A Short Memorial of the Sufferings of Presbyterians in Scotland, Floating text 1
Of Officers of the Forces.
Col. Dowglas, now Liev: Gen. Dowglas, Brother to the Duke of Queensberry, exacted above 2000 Pounds Scots Money, in Galloway, Nithsdale, Shire of Aire, and other Places.
Liev. Gen. Drumond, besides the Forefaultries of Gentlemen, did also exact moneys of the poor in the Shire of Air.
The Earl of Lithgow, and his Souldiers, spoiled much in Galloway.
The Earl of Airly, and his Troup, in the same Shire
The Lord Balearras, a great Oppressor in Galloway, besides all the Robberies he committed in Fife.
—Graham of Claverhouse, afterwards Viscount of Dundee, with his Brother, and subaltern Officers in Galloway, Nithsdale, and Anandale, exacted by Fines and otherwise, above 13500: pounds Scots money.
Col: Buchan, a most violent persecuter, in Galloway and Shire of Air, by Robberies took from the People upwards of 4000: pounds Scots.
Major Cockburn, a great oppressor in Galloway.
Major White, in Clidsdale and shire of Air, exacted by Fines and otherwise, above 2500. p: Scots.
Major Balfour, now called Liev: Col; Balfour, a great persecuter and Oppressor in Clidsdale.
Captain Strauchan, with his Troup, oppressed and spoiled much in Galloway, & other places.
Captain Inglis with his Troup, did dispossess many Families, and got much spoil in Galloway, shire of Air, and Clidsdale.
Captain Dowglas, in Galloway, committed much outrage and spoil.
Captain Dalzel, harassed much in Anandale.
Captain Bruce in Nithsdale.
—Meldrum in Clidsdale, in several Inroads uplifted from poor Families upwards of 2300 Pounds; besides the vast summes he exacted in Mers and Tiviotdale; with the Earle of Hume, Ker of Gradown, Laird of Hayning, and Blindlee; and in Tweddale, with the Laird of Possa, all great Persecuters.
Liv. Winram, in Galloway, a very vigilant Persecuter and Spoyler.
Liev. Barns also, in the same Shire took much Spoyl.
Liev. Iohn Living stoun, a most violent Persecuter and Exacter.
Liev. Lauder, in the Shire of Air, a most outragious Persecuter and Oppressor.
—Bonshaw, a Borderer, a Highway Man, afterwards an Officer of Dragoons, robbed much from the poor People in Clidsdale.
Duncan Grant, a Creple with a Tree Leg, a very outragious Persecuter, exacted in Clidsdale from poor People, above 1500 pounds.
Of Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Others, in the above-mentioned Shires, the greatest Oppressors and Persecuters of the people, were; In Clidsdale.
—Sommervail, of Spittel Sheriff de. pute. who, besides his other wayes of Persecution wherein he was most Active, drew from the poorest People above 1200 pounds.
The Laird of Halyards, who uplifted more then 8500 pounds.
The Laird of Lachop, a great Persecuter and Oppressor.
The Laird of Bonnytown, and Laird Symme, both violent Persecuters and Exactors.
In the City of Glasgow, Provest Iohnston, Prov. Barns, Bail. Iohn Anderson, Bail: Yuil, Bail. Graham, William Sterling Baron Baylif, great Persecuters, exacted above 20000 pounds.
In Renfrew.
The Earl of Glencairn, by Fines and dispossessing of Families, exacted, partly there, and partly in Clidsdale and Nidsdale, above 2400 pounds.
Lord Semple a Papist, a persecuter.
Alexander Hume in Eglshome, a most violent and vigilant Persecuter and Exactor, with many others.
Mr. Ezechiel Montgomery a great Fine-Monger.
In the Shire of Air
The Earle of Drumfries, exacted above 1000: pounds.
The Lord Craigy, a great persecuter and oppressor.
William Creighton Sheriff depute very violent and active.
Crawford of Ardmillan, a wicked persecuter and spoiler.
Mr. William Crawford, Montgomery of Bozland, Laird of Broyche, Clark Ogilbie, all great persecuters, who sought to make themselves up with the spoils of the poor people.
In Galloway.
The Laird of Lag Grierson, a most wicked persecuter there, and in Nithisdale, exacted above 1200: pounds.
The Laird of Elie, Lidderdale, and Canon of Merdrogat, all diligent persecuters and Intelligencers, together with the then Collectors.
In Nithsdale.
The Duke of Queensberry and his Sons oppressed much.
Iohn Alison Chamberlain to the Duke of Queensberry, who when dying, said, He had damned his Soul for the Duke his Master. And George Charters, another of the Dukes Factors, who vaunted, he had made 26: journeys in one year in pursuite of the Whiggs.
Iohn Dowglas of Sten-house, a Papist, exacted above 5000: p:
The Laird of Closburn, above 700: pounds.
Sir Robert Dalzel, upward of 400: p: of a few poor Families.
Sir Robert Lawrie of Maxweltoun, an oppressor and persecuter.
In Anandale.
The Lord Anandale, dispossessed and harassed many Families, and persecuted much in Galloway.
The Laird of Westerhall, a great Per: exacted upwards of 1000: p:
Sir Patrick Maxwel of Sprinkell a very active and violent persecuter and oppressor.
The Lairds of Powdeen, Castlemilk, Robert Caruthers of Ramaskells, Thomas Kennedy of Heybeiths, most violent persecuters of poor People.
The Summes here charged upon these Gentlemen, are collected from the Minutes the Writer had by him, which he is certain are computed within the extent of the several Summes. The rest here named did also extort Considerable Summes, to their own gain and the poor Peoples loss; but because the forsaid Minuts do not give a Particular account of the Quotas therefore they are not supplied.
Next for the Forefaulted Gentlemen and Heretors, we shall not meddle with them: Hoping they shall give a good account of themselves.
And as for the number of such as have been forced to a Voluntary Exile to Forreign Countries, we think it Impossible to come to any reckoning of them: Nor of these that have been Imprisoned these 30. Years for Nonconformity, of whom it cannot be told how many have died in Prison, or contracted their Death in Prison, which spedily did follow upon their Liberation. Nor of the many extorted vast Sums, and Robberies of prisoners by Iaylors.
Of the Banished, deported into other Countries, for the Cause of Adhering to the Covenant and Work of Reformation, it may suffice to give this account Besides the 6. or 7. Ministers that were banished, and went to Holland: and 7. or 8. Country People to France; Several others to Barbados, before Pentland. Since the Year 1678. there have been banished and sent away Slaves, of Men and Women, for the same Cause, 700. viz. anno. 1678. To Virginia, 60. whereof 3. or 4. were Ministers, who were all by the Mercy of God delivered at London.
Anno. 1679. Of the Prisoners taken at Bothwel, were banished to America, 250: who were taken away by Paterson Merchant in Leith, that transacted for them with Provost Milns, Laird of Barntown; the Man that first did burn the Covenant; whereof 200: were drowned by Shipwrack, being shut up within the hatches, 50 escaped.
Afterwards were banished to Flanders, 7. men.
Thereafter were taken away in Banishment, by one Robert Maloch, 14. men.
Then by Walter Gibson, Late Provest in Glasgow, to Corolina 30.
Anno. 1685. in the time of Queensberries Parliament of Men and Women were sent to Iamaica 200.
That same Year, of the Prisoners in Dinotter with others were taken away by Pitlochie, to Newgersie 100. whereof 24. were Women.
That same Year, 13. more were sent to Barbados.
Anno. 1687. after the Toleration 21. Men and Women were sent to Barbados.
As for the Number of the slain at the several Skirmages at Pentland Bothuel, Airdsmoss, &c. They amount too about 400. and some odds.
The Number of such as have been executed to Death on Scaffolds, under collour of Law, from Mr. Iames Gutherie the first, to Mr. Iames Renwick, is about 140, whereof some were Women.
The list of those that were killed in cold Blood, without Tryal, Conviction, or any colour of Law, by the persons under written, followeth.
Omitting the account of Finlay, murdered by General Dalzels orders at Air, because he could not discover who was at the appearance at Pentland, in the year 1666; And of Iames Davie in Bathgate paroch, and several others, at several times, in several places, whose blood was mingled with their sacrifice at Sermons in the Fields, before Bothwel-bridge; And of Thomas Ker of Heyhope, brother to the Laird of Cherrie trees, who was forced to flee for shelter into the English Borders, and there killed by Col: Struthers, anno 1678; And of Henry Hall of Haughead, apprehended at Queensferrie by Midletoun Governour of Blackness, and after several wounds, at length knocked on the head by Tho: George Waiter at Queensferrie.
A short hint of those that have been Murdered since the Year 1682. may suffce.
Iohn Graham of Claver house, Viscount of Dundee, in the Year 1682. with a party of his Troup, pursued William Graham in the parish of in Galloway, making his escape from his Mothers house, and overtaking him, instantly shot him dead.
Item, The said Claver house, together with the Earl of Dumbarton, and Liev: Gen: Dowglas, caused Peter Gillis, Iohn Bryce, Thomas Young, (who was taken by the Laird of Lee,) William Fiddison, and Iohn Buiening, to be put to Death upon a Gibbet, without Legal Tryal or Sentence, suffering them neither to have a Bible, nor to pray before they died, at Mauchlin, anno 1685.
Item, The said Claverhouse coming to Galloway, in answer to the Viscount of Kenmures Letter, with a small party surprised Robert Stuart, Iohn Grier, Robert Ferguson, and another, and instantly shot them dead, at the water of Dee, in Gallaway, December 1684. Their Corps being buried, were at his command raised again.
Item, The said Claverhouse in May, 1685: apprehended Iohn Broun in priest-hill, in the parish of Moorkirk, in the Shire of Air, being at his work, about his own house, and shot him dead before his own door, in presence of his Wife.
Item. the said Claverhouse Authorised his Troop to kill Matthew Mckel wrath, without any Examination, in the Paroch of Camonel in Carrick, Anno 1685.
Col. Iames Douglass, now Liev. General, Brother to the Duke of Queensberry, together with Liev: Iohn Livingston, and a Party with them, surprised 5: men in a Cave at Inglestoun, in the parish of Glencarn, being betrayed by Andrew Watson now prisoner in Drumfreis; their names were Iohn Gibson, Robert Grierson, Robert Mitchel, Iames Bennoch, and Iohn Edgar, all which were at the command of the said Col: Dowglas brought forth & immediately shot dead, without giving them so much time as to recommend their Souls unto GOD. One Iohn Ferguson, sometimes a profest Friend, thrust one of them through; supposing he was not dead: This was done in the Year, 1685.
Item, the said Col: Iames Douglas and his party, shot to Death Iohn Hunter for no alledged Cause, but running out from the house at Corchead, the same year, 1685. Item, The said Col: or Liev: Gen: Iames Dowglas, with Liev: Livingston, and Coronet Iames Dowglas, surprised six Men at Prayer at the Calduns, in the parish of Minigaf; viz: Iames Dun, Robert Dun, Andrew Mickale, Thomas Stevenson, Iohn Macklude and Iohn Stevenson, in Ianuary 1685.
Item, The said Col: or Liev: Gen: Iames Dowglas caused take Adam Macquhan out of his bed, sick of a Fever, and carry him to Newtoun of Galloway, and the next day shot him dead, the foresaid year, 1685.
Item, The said Col: or Liev: Gen: Dowglas commanded Thomas Richard, an old Man of 70: years, to be shot in the time of prayer; (he was betrayed and taken by Peter Ingles) anno 1685. at Cumnock in Kyle.
Item, The said Col: or Liev: Gen: Iames Dowglas, together with the Laird of Lag, and Capt: Winram, most illegally condemned, and most inhumanely drowned at Stakes within the Sea-mark, two Women at Wigtoun; viz: Margaret Lauchlan, upward of 60: years and Margaret Wilson, about 20: years of age, the foresaid fatal year, 1685.
Captain Dowglas finding one Mowat, a Taylor, meerly because he had some pieces of lead belonging to his Trade, took him, and without any further trial shot him dead, between Fleet and Dee in Galloway.
Item, The said Captain Dowglas and his Men finding one Auchenleck, a deaf man, for not making answer, through defect of his hearing, instantly shot him dead off Horseback, near Carlinwark, anno 1685.
Sir Robert Dalzel and Liev: Stratoun, having apprehended Daniel Mackmichel, and detained him 24 hours Prisoner, took him out and shot him at Dalveen, in the parish of Durisdeer in Nithsdale, Ian: 1685:
Item, The said Captain Dalzel, and Liev: Stratoun, with their men, found William Adam hiding in a Bush, and instantly killed him, at the Walwood in Kyle, Feb: 1685.
Captain Bruce, Capt: of Dragoons apprehended Iames Kirko, at the intelligence of one Iames Wright, carried him to Drumfreis, detained him prisoner one night, next day brought him forth to the watersands, and without any process, shot him dead. The dying Man desired a little time to make his peace with GOD; The Captain answered, oftner than once or twice, Devil a peace ye get more made up. Some Gentlewomen coming to beg his Life, were hindred by one Iohn Craik of Stewartoun; the foresaid Dalzells 2d. son was one of them that shot him, tho without command, Iune 1685.
Item, The said Captain Bruce surprised in the Fields, and instantly shot three Men in the parish of Kirk-patrick in Galloway, viz. Iohn Wallace, Edgar, and another, Feb. 1685.
Item. The said Captain Bruce and his Men, took out of his bed Thomas Mckhaffie, sick of a Feaver and shot him instantly, in the Paroch of Strat…un in Carrick, Ian. 1686.
Iames Dowglass Coronet of Dragoons, commanded to shot Iohn Semple, Eslaying to escape out of his Window, in the Paroch of Dellie, Anno 1685. Kilkerron shot him.
Item. The said Coronet Douglass Apprehended Edward Mckcen, and by search finding a Flint stone upon him, presently shot him, without any further Tryal, Feb: 1685.
Liev. Gen. Drummond commanded without any Process or Tryal Iohn Murchie, and Daniel Mckilwrick, to be immediatly shot, after they were taken, in the Paroch of Camonel in Carrick, Anno, 1685.
At the same time, his Souldiers did shoot dead Alex. Lin.
Captain Inglis, and his Dragoons pursued and killed Iames Smith, at the Burn of Ann in Kyle, 1684.
Peter Inglis his Son, killed one Iohn Smith in Cunningham, 1685.
Item. The said Peter or Patrick Inglis killed one Iames White, struck off his head with an Ax, brought it to Newmills, and plaid at the Foot ball with it, he killed him at Little-black wood, the foresaid year, 1685.
Item. The said Peter Inglis shot Iohn Barrie, with his Pass in his hand, in Evandale, April, 1685.
Major Balfour, together with Captain Maitland and their Party, Apprehended at their Work, Robert Tam, Iohn Vrie, and Tho: Cook, and instantly shot them. at Pomadee, near Glasgow, May, 1685.
Col. Buchan, with the Laird of Lee, and their men shot Iohn Smith, in the Paroch of Lesmahago, Feb: 1685.
Liev: Lauder shot to death William Shillilaw, at the Wood head in the Water of Air, Anno, 1685.
Liev: Nisbet and his Party shot to death Iohn Ferguson, George Whiteburn, and Patrick Gemmil in the parish of Finnick, in the said year, 1685.
Liev. Murray, now Prisoner in Edin. with his party, Shot one Iohn Broun, after quarters given at Blackwood in Clidsdale, Mar. 1685,
Liev. Crichton, now prisoner in Edinburgh, did most barbarously after Quarters, shoot David Steel, in the parish of Lesmahego, Decem: 1686.
The Laird of Stenhouse, Sir Kobert Laurie of Maxueltoun and Iohn Craik of Stewartoun, did instigate and urge Coronet Bailie his party of Dragoons to shot William Smith in Hill, after he had been prisoner one night (it was the day of Maxueltouns daughters Marriage,) who also refused to let him be buried in the Church-yeard.
Sir Iames Iohnstoun of Westerhall, caused apprehend Andrew Hislop in the parish of Hutton in Anandale delivered him up to Claverhouse, and never rested untill he got him shot by Claverhouse his Troupers; Claverhouse would have delayed it, but Westerhall was so urgent, that Claverhouse was heard say, This Mans blood shall be upon Westerhall, May 1685.
Sir Robert Grierson of Lag, having the command of a part of Claverhouses Troop & Strauchans Dragoons, surprised Io. Bell of Whiteside, David Haliday portioner of Mayfield, Andrew Macrabeit, Iames Clement, and Robert Lennox of Irlintoun, and barbarously killed them after Quarters, without time allowed to pray; when Iohn Bell of Whiteside begged a little time to pray, Lag answered, What Devil have you been doing? Have you not prayed enough these many years in the hills? and so shot him presently in the parish of Tongland in Galloway, Febr. 1685.
Item, The said Laird of Lag having Alexander Mellubie and Iohn Gordon Prisoners, at the Miltoun of Orr, without any Assiise or Tryal, caused them to be hanged on a tree at the Kirk of Irongray, and there left them hanging.
Item the said Laird of Lagg, with the Earle of Anandale, having Command of some Troups of Heretors, pursued another David Halyday and George Short, and apprehended and shot them, under the cloud of Night, in the Paroch of Wynhame in Galloway, Anno, 1685.
The Laird of Culyean, for that time Captain of a Troup of Militiae and Heretors, killed William Mckergur at Blairquhan Milne, Anno, 1685.
Item the Laird of Culyean, with the Laird of Ballochmilne, shott Gilbert Mcadam, in the Paroch of Kirkmichel, Iuly, 1685.
A party of Highlanders killed Ioseph Wilson, David Dun, Simeon Paterson, and other two, near the Water of Kill, in a Moss in Kile, Anno 1685.
The Laird of Ironkeple commanding a party of Highlandmen, killed Robert Lochart and Gabriel Thomson, about that time also.
Likewise, William Paterson was shot ot Strevin, uncertain by whom, 1685.
Also Iohn Mclorgan was killed at Drummellians House in the night time not known by whom.
Iohn Reid belonging sometimes to Craigies Troup, who was this last Summer in Rebellion in the Highlands, did under Cloud of Night, kill by a Shot, one George Wood, about 16 Years old, without asking one Question at him, at Tinkhorn hill in Kyle, Iune 1688.
In summ their Number amounts to 78.
The chief Contrivers and Authors of all these Slaughters and Mischiefs were, they that enacted and Subscribed the Edicts for them in Council, principally the E. of Perth Chancellour. Duke of Queensberry, Marq. of Athol, and particularly the Viscount of Tarbat, who invented this Murdering Device, wherein yet he carried so Cunningly, that he procured the dispatch of the Act to the King, with such suddenness, that he found a way to shift his own Subscribing of it.
Having thus, in a Compendious and Cursory Glance, given this short Memorial of our Grievances and Sufferings under the former Governments, with a particular Specimen of some Instances, discovering some, and but a few of the Actors and Instruments of these Evils; whom we have specially mentioned, selected out of the Copious store of many others of that Character that might be specified, not out of a Principle of Revenge, or humor of Reproach, but from a Principle of Zeal for Justice, the Honour of the King, and Happiness of the Kingdom; We desire (in the sense of the Necessity, and in the Hope that the King and Parliament will see the Expediency of removing the former Tools of Tyranny from Power and Trust under this Government, and from a Capacity of driving their old Trade) that among others a Remark may be put upon the abovementioned Persons. We shall in the next place Condesend upon some of our present Grievances, which, instead of the Redress of the former, we are of new made to Groan under; whereby our Expectation have been in a great Measure disappointed, and the Comforts of our present Quiet and reviving in our Bondage (which yet we desire to be Thankful to God for, and to the King as his Honoured Instrument) are much Imbittered.
We are but a poor People, and therefore our Grievances are the less regarded: Nor were they indeed to be so much respected, if they were peculiar to us, but being of Common Extent, and Grievous to the greatest Body of the Nation (tho' a great part are so accustomed, Issachar-like to Couch under all Burdens, in silent and stupid Submission, that their Grievances are heavier than their Groaning; and others through frequent disappointments are become so heartless in their hopes of Redress, that they have given over Complaining, except in their private Murmurings, or secret Mournings before the Lord of Heaven and Earth) we have the more Confidence to speak out what others think, and Choose rather (if it shall come to that) to suffer Once for speaking than to Continue Languishing under growing Grievances for not speaking. For our former Grievances we do not plead merit to obtain a Redress: Yet we take the Confidence to say, that as our former Sufferings, under the former Governments, should have Conciliated Compassion; so what we have endeavoured to do in evidencing our Zeal for this; might have had some Consideration. We are represented by the Viperous Curates, and other Malignants, who alwayes sought our Ruine, as Antipods to all Mankind, Enemies to Government, and incapable of Orders: But as their Order and Cause is toto Diametro opposite unto the Institutions and Cause of Christ, and it were the Interest of all in this Hemisphere to have such a Generation of Viperous Reproachers; and their lying Lybells Banished to the Antipods; so they must have little witt, and less Honesty, who will entertain their Reproaches, who are as great Rebells to this Government, as we avowed our selves to be to the former. Our Sufferings for declining the Yoke of Malignant Tyranny and Popish Usurpation are before hinted and generally known; and all that will be pleased to know, and consider our Carriage since the King did first appear in his Heroick Undertaking, to Redeem these Nations from, Popery add Slavery, will be forced to acknowledge we have given as good Evidence of our being willing to be Subjects to King William, as we gave proof before of our being unwilling to be Slaves to King Iames. For upon the first Report of the Prince of Orange's Expedition we owned his H. Quarrel, when as the Prelatick Faction were in Armes to Oppose his Coming to Help Us. We Prayed openly for the Success of his Armes, when in all the Churches the Prayers were for his Ruine. We Associated our selves to Contribute what we could to the promoting of his Interest; and were with the first that Declared a desire to Engage for him, and under him at our Renewing the Covenants, when they were Associating with and for his Enemies. Accordingly for that effect, after we had gone to Armes, upon the noise of Kircudbrights Burning, we modelled our selves in Companies; whereby we were in Readiness to offer, and had the honour to be admitted to guard and defend the Honourable Meeting of Estates, against all Attempts of the D. of Gordoun, Vicount of Dundee, or other Enemies. And thereafter understanding the Government required the raising of Forces, for the defence thereof against the intestine Insurrections, and Forreign Invasions of the Late King Iames, his Complices within or without the Land: Upon the first occasion, we were the first that offered to furnish a Regiment for his Majesties Service, and accordingly made up the E. of Angus's Regiment, all in one day, without beat of Drum, or expence of Levy money; having first concerted with the Liev: Colonel Clevland such Conditions and Provisions, as we thought necessary for securing and clearing our Conscience, Liberty and Safety; That all the Officers of the Regiment should be such, as in Conscience and Prudence, might with cordial confidence be submitted unto & followed; Such as had not served the Enemy in destroying, nor engaged by Oaths and Tests, to destroy the cause, now to be sought for and defended; But that they should be well affected, of approven Fidelity, and of a sober conversation. Having also declared, That the cause they were called to appear for, was the service of the Kings Majesty, in the defence of the Nation, Recoverie and preservation of the Protestant Religion, and in particular, the work of Reformation in Scotland, in opposition to Popery, Prelacy and Arbitrary Power, in all its Branches and Steps, until the Government of Church and State, be brought to their Lustre and Integrity established in the best and purest times. Upon these terms, we offered to compleat two or three more Regiments, if it had been accepted. But, before we offered to be Souldiers, we had first made an offer to be Subjects; And because we did not look upon our selves as Subjects to the Late King, who treated us as Enemies, We made therefore a voluntary Tender of our Subjection, in a peculiar Petition by our selves▪ which we purposed to have given in to the Meeting of Estates at their first sitting down. We shewed it to several Honourable Members, but by their Advice it was delayed, until the Meeting prevented the purpose of it, by Proclaiming the King and Queen. The Tenor whereof here Follows.