Copy of Gray, the highland Drover, his Examination before the House of Commons in 1746
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Copy of Gray, the highland Drover, his Examination before the House of Com-
mons in 1746
Forbes
Copy of the Examination of John Gray of Rogart, a highland Drover in 1746.
Steuart
Copy of Gray, the Highland Drover, his examination before the house of Commons in 1746
Paton
Examination of John Gray of Rogart, a Highland drover, in 1746
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Forbes
Vol. 8, 1764—1775Paton
Vol. 3, 144—152Credits
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N. B. Saturday, Febry 16th, 1754. the preceeding Copy taken from a Copy in the Custody of the R. Rd Bp Keith.
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| Date | 1746 |
| Person | John Gray of Rogart |
| Place | St Stephen's Chapel |
remediation
in Forbes
Transcription
Copy of the Examination of
John Gray ^of Rogart, a highland Drover
in 1746.
Mr Gray being called to the
Bar of the House of Commons.
Bar of the House of Commons.
Mr Speaker.
What is your Employment?
Gray.
I have a little Estate of my own.
Sp.Speaker
Do you know any Thinganything about the Earl
of Kelly?
of Kelly?
Sp.Speaker
What did you see him do there?
Gr.Gray
I saw him drunk in the Streets, &and in
the Coffee-house forcing People to
play with him at Back-gamonBackgammon, but could
get none.
the Coffee-house forcing People to
play with him at Back-gamonBackgammon, but could
get none.
Sp.Speaker
Do you know WmWilliam, Viscount Strathallan?
Gr.Gray
I am sure, he had not highland CloathsClothes
on; &and as to a white Cockade, I am not posi-
tive whether or not.
on; &and as to a white Cockade, I am not posi-
tive whether or not.
Sp.Speaker
Why did they commit you to Prison?
Gr.Gray
They told me no Reason nor Law for it,
Sp.Speaker
Withdraw, Sir.
Gray withdraws.
Speaker
1765
(1765)
Speaker asks if any here knew
this Man? To which SrSir John Gordon
of Invergordon answered, if General
St Clare were here, he knew him
very well; for he was Agent for him
at two Elections in 1740. For his
own Part, he was not well acquaint-
ed with him.
this Man? To which SrSir John Gordon
of Invergordon answered, if General
St Clare were here, he knew him
very well; for he was Agent for him
at two Elections in 1740. For his
own Part, he was not well acquaint-
ed with him.
Gray was called in a 2dsecond time.
Gr.Gray
The Inhabitants &and Burgesses were in their
own houses for any thinganything I know; but there
were a great many Men in highland CloathsClothes
going &and coming to &and from the Place, while
I was a Prisoner.
own houses for any thinganything I know; but there
were a great many Men in highland CloathsClothes
going &and coming to &and from the Place, while
I was a Prisoner.
[S]p.Speaker
What time was you Prisoner there?
[Gr].Gray
About Christmas last.
[Sp].Speaker
Do you know Lord Elcho?
[G]r.Gray
Very well.
[S]p.Speaker
Where did you see him?
[S]p.Speaker
But I ask you, did you see him among the
Rebels?
Rebels?
[Gr.Gray]
I do not.
[S]p.Speaker
Did you see Simon Fraser, Master of Lovat,
there?
there?
[G]r.Gray
I know very little about him.
[S]p.Speaker
Little as it is, let me hear it.
[G]r.Gray
As to the Person called the Master of Lovat,
I never saw him before I came to Perth. But a 1766 (1766)
a Friend of mine told me, he would in-
terceedintercede with the Master to get me en-
larged. And when I was set at Liberty,
I addressed a young Lad in the Streets,
&and thanked him; but I do not affirm that
Person to be the Master of Lovat.
I never saw him before I came to Perth. But a 1766 (1766)
a Friend of mine told me, he would in-
terceedintercede with the Master to get me en-
larged. And when I was set at Liberty,
I addressed a young Lad in the Streets,
&and thanked him; but I do not affirm that
Person to be the Master of Lovat.
Sp.Speaker
What said that Person to you?
Gr.Gray
He said, I was welcome.
Sp.Speaker
Had he Arms on?
Gr.Gray
I cannot condescend on any Arms but a
CutlaceCutlass by his side.
CutlaceCutlass by his side.
Gr.Gray
He is not their Head, till his Father
die; for My Lord Lovat is their Head
or Chief. It is true, he is My Lord’s el-
dest Son.
die; for My Lord Lovat is their Head
or Chief. It is true, he is My Lord’s el-
dest Son.
Sp.Speaker
But you seem to have a Doubt, That the
Master of Lovat was the Person you thank-
ed for your Liberty. And how could you
address such a person, when you are not
certain it was he?
Master of Lovat was the Person you thank-
ed for your Liberty. And how could you
address such a person, when you are not
certain it was he?
Gr.Gray
Would not your Honour thank a Person had
done you a good Office, although you was
not acquainted with him?
done you a good Office, although you was
not acquainted with him?
Sp.Speaker
Do you know the Duke of Perth?
Gr.Gray
Sp.Speaker
1767
(1767)
I do not; but I saw a Person called the Duke
of Perth at Stirling, but would not know
him if I saw him again.
of Perth at Stirling, but would not know
him if I saw him again.
Gr.Gray
I know nothing about him
Sp.Speaker
Did you see Lord Nairn?
Sp.Speaker
Did you see Lord Ogilvy?
Gr.Gray
I saw a person called Lord Ogilvy at Stir-
ling; but if he was here now, otherwise dres-
sed than what he was there, I would not
know him.
ling; but if he was here now, otherwise dres-
sed than what he was there, I would not
know him.
Sp.Speaker
Did you see Lord Lewis Gordon?
Sp.Speaker
To whom did these Men belong?
Gr.Gray
They told me, I would be obliged to wait till
the Lord Lieutenant came from Aberdeen.
So I was kept there twelve Days, but
met with civil treatment, &and was honoured
every Night with a Couple of CentinelsSentinels on
my Lodging.
the Lord Lieutenant came from Aberdeen.
So I was kept there twelve Days, but
met with civil treatment, &and was honoured
every Night with a Couple of CentinelsSentinels on
my Lodging.
Sp.Speaker
Who was this Lord Lieutenant?
Gr.Gray
After I was kept twelve Days, or thereby, at
Huntly, I was carried one Night to the Castle
of Huntly by six armed Men, &and brought into
a Room, where there was a person, called
Lord Lewis Gordon (whether he was actual-
ly that person I cannot say); but he &and those
about him took an Obligation of me, a Copy
whereof they gave me attested. This Copy I 1768 (1768)
I gave in to the Lord Justice Clerk, when
I was carried before him at EdrEdinburgh.
Huntly, I was carried one Night to the Castle
of Huntly by six armed Men, &and brought into
a Room, where there was a person, called
Lord Lewis Gordon (whether he was actual-
ly that person I cannot say); but he &and those
about him took an Obligation of me, a Copy
whereof they gave me attested. This Copy I 1768 (1768)
I gave in to the Lord Justice Clerk, when
I was carried before him at EdrEdinburgh.
Sp.Speaker
What was the Import of that Obligation?
Gr.Gray
So far as I mind, the Import of it was, that
I should not carry Arms against them for
six Months.
I should not carry Arms against them for
six Months.
Sp.Speaker
Against whom?
Gr.Gray
I make no doubt of that.
Sp.Speaker
Did they advise you to join in yrtheir Service?
Gr.Gray
They thought their Labour would be in
vain; so gave me no trouble that way.
vain; so gave me no trouble that way.
Sp.Speaker
What do you know of Lord John Drummond?
Gr.Gray
I saw a Man at Perth, called Lord John
Drummond, &and also at Aberdeen. Whether
he was Lord or Laird I cannot be positive.
Drummond, &and also at Aberdeen. Whether
he was Lord or Laird I cannot be positive.
Sp.Speaker
What CloathsClothes had he on?
Gr.Gray
He had a short blue Coat trimmed wtwith silver
&and a blue Bonnet on.
&and a blue Bonnet on.
Sp.Speaker
Did you never see him give any Orders
to the Rebels?
to the Rebels?
Gr.Gray
I never did.
Sp.Speaker
Did not he sign a Declaration of War
against his Majesty?
against his Majesty?
Gr.Gray
So he might unknown to me.
Sp.Speaker
Recollect your selfyourself as to this Declarao—nDeclaration.
Gr.Gray
I saw a Declaration in print at Aberdeen,
&and John Drummond printed at it; but whe-
ther he sign’dsigned it or not I can’t tell.
&and John Drummond printed at it; but whe-
ther he sign’dsigned it or not I can’t tell.
Sp.Speaker
Sp.Speaker
1769
(1769)
Did you see SrSir WmWilliam Gordon of Park?
Sp.Speaker
But did not you see him?
Gr.Gray
I saw at Stirling a person called Sir
William Gordon.
William Gordon.
Sp.Speaker
Did you see that Person do any Acts
of Hostility?
of Hostility?
Gr.Gray
No.
Sp.Speaker
Do you know John Murray of Broughton?
Gr.Gray
No.
Sp.Speaker
Did you see John Gordon of Glenbucket?
Gr.Gray
Yes.
Sp.Speaker
Where?
Sp.Speaker
What was he doing?
Gr.Gray
He was coughing. He is a very old
Man.
Man.
Sp.Speaker
Do you know Cameron of Lochiel?
Sp.Speaker
Did you see Donald MacDonald
of Clanronald, junior?
of Clanronald, junior?
Gr.Gray
I might see him; but I would not
know him by any other Man.
know him by any other Man.
Sp.Speaker
Did you see none of the MacDonalds?
Sp.Speaker
Where did you see him?
Gr.Gray
Sp.Speaker
1770
(1770)
Going into a House near where I
lodged.
lodged.
Sp.Speaker
What Commission had he?
Gr.Gray
I heard, that he was once in Loudon’s
Regiment a Lieutenant.
Regiment a Lieutenant.
Sp.Speaker
But don’t you know of any other Commis-
sion he had?
sion he had?
Gr.Gray
He never shewedshowed me his Co-missionsCommissions.
Sp.Speaker
Did you not hear?
Sp.Speaker
Did you see Evan MacPherson of Cluny?
Gr.Gray
I never did.
Sp.Speaker
What do you know of Lachlan MacLach-
lan of Castle-Lachlan?
lan of Castle-Lachlan?
Gr.Gray
Nothing.
Sp.Speaker
What do you know of George Lockheart,
younger of Carnwath?
younger of Carnwath?
Gr.Gray
Very little.
Sp.Speaker
Little as it is, let us hear it.
Gr.Gray
I was in the prison of Stirling after the
Battle of Falkirk with Major Lock-
heart of Cholmondley’s Regiment,
who was there Prisoner at the same
Time. I saw a young Man speaking
with the Major. And after this Man
parted with him, I asked him, who ytthat
was? He told me, it was young Carn-
wath. I never saw him before nor
since; nor would I know him, if he
was standing here now.
Battle of Falkirk with Major Lock-
heart of Cholmondley’s Regiment,
who was there Prisoner at the same
Time. I saw a young Man speaking
with the Major. And after this Man
parted with him, I asked him, who ytthat
was? He told me, it was young Carn-
wath. I never saw him before nor
since; nor would I know him, if he
was standing here now.
Sp.Speaker
What do you know of Laurence Oli-
phant of Gask?
phant of Gask?
Sp.Speaker
From whom had he his Commission, as
you heard?
you heard?
Gr.Gray
From the Lord Strathallan. I never
saw his Commission.
saw his Commission.
Sp.Speaker
Had he highland CloathsClothes?
Sp.Speaker
Did you see Mr Graham of Airth?
Gr.Gray
I never saw him.
Gr.Gray
I have been acquainted with him,
when he was Quarter-master in
some of the Dragoons.
when he was Quarter-master in
some of the Dragoons.
Sp.Speaker
Did you see him among the Rebels?
Sp.Speaker
What CloathsClothes had he on?
Gr.Gray
He goes always very gay. Sometimes
he had highland CloathsClothes, &and othertimesother times
long CloathsClothes on.
he had highland CloathsClothes, &and othertimesother times
long CloathsClothes on.
Sp.Speaker
What did you see him do?
Gr.Gray
I saw him in the Streets.
Sp.Speaker
Do you know Monaltery?
Gr.Gray
No.
Sp.Speaker
Do you know AlexrAlexander Macilvray of
Drumnaglass?
Drumnaglass?
Gr.Gray
I can’t say, that I know him; for I ne-
ver saw him but once at the Laird
of Macintosh his House of Moyhall
in 1741.
ver saw him but once at the Laird
of Macintosh his House of Moyhall
in 1741.
Sp.Speaker
Gr.Gray
1772
(1772)
Did you see him in the Rebellion?
Gr.Gray
I saw a Man, called Drumna-
glass, one night in Perth. I am
not positive if it was him or not;
nor do I think I would know him,
if I saw him again.
glass, one night in Perth. I am
not positive if it was him or not;
nor do I think I would know him,
if I saw him again.
Gr.Gray
There was such a Mixture of Peo-
ple, that I could not distinguish
which was which.
ple, that I could not distinguish
which was which.
Sp.Speaker
But was Drumnaglass at the head
of them?
of them?
Gr.Gray
I’m not positive.
Sp.Speaker
What CloathsClothes had he on?
Sp.Speaker
What Arms had he on?
Gr.Gray
I cannot condescend on any Arms.
Gr.Gray
Yes; I am very well acquainted with
him.
him.
Sp.Speaker
Did you see him at Perth?
Gr.Gray
Yes.
Sp.Speaker
What had he on?
Sp.Speaker
Had he any Arms on?
Gr.Gray
I know not.
Sp.Speaker
Did he speak to you?
Gr.Gray
Yes.
Sp.Speaker
What did he say to you?
Gr.Gray
He kissed, &and saluted me, &and seem’dseemed
1773
(1773)
hurried. He said, he would at great-
er leisure speak &and drink with me.
hurried. He said, he would at great-
er leisure speak &and drink with me.
Sp.Speaker
Are you acquainted with Malcolm
Ross of Pitcalny?
Ross of Pitcalny?
Gr.Gray
I have seen him.
Sp.Speaker
Where did you see him last?
Sp.Speaker
Why did you send for him?
Gr.Gray
To see if I could be got out of
Prison.
Prison.
Sp.Speaker
What Interest did you think, he might
have?
have?
Gr.Gray
As he was my Countryman, I thought
he might assist me.
he might assist me.
Sp.Speaker
Did you not know or hear of a Commis-
sion he had?
sion he had?
Gr.Gray
Yes.
Sp.Speaker
From whom?
Sp.Speaker
But you could not imagine, he could
have any Interest that Way at such
a Juncture.
have any Interest that Way at such
a Juncture.
Gr.Gray
There was a great many Officers in
&and about Perth, when I saw him there;
&and I was applying to every oneeveryone I could
see, being so anxious about my En-
largement.
&and about Perth, when I saw him there;
&and I was applying to every oneeveryone I could
see, being so anxious about my En-
largement.
Sp.Speaker
What CloathsClothes had he on?
Sp.Speaker
But did not you see him among the Re-
bels?
bels?
Gr.Gray
I saw SrSir Hary Monroe, Captain Mac-
nab, Lieutenant Andrew Sutherland,
&and several Officers in his Majesty’s
Service, walk the Streets among yethe
Highlandmen, as well as Malcolm
Ross.
nab, Lieutenant Andrew Sutherland,
&and several Officers in his Majesty’s
Service, walk the Streets among yethe
Highlandmen, as well as Malcolm
Ross.
Sp.Speaker
This Man knows nothing.
A Member.
Do not the Sutherland-men
wear highland CloathsClothes? And, are they
not loyal to the present Government?
wear highland CloathsClothes? And, are they
not loyal to the present Government?
Gr.Gray
All the Sutherland-men are most
loyal to a Man, for I ought I know;
&and I believe, they gave Proofs of ytthat
lately, &and they all wear highland
CloathsClothes.
loyal to a Man, for I ought I know;
&and I believe, they gave Proofs of ytthat
lately, &and they all wear highland
CloathsClothes.
AnoyrAnother Member
asks a Question.
Gr.Gray
I’ll answer Mr Speaker.
Sp.Speaker
Did you not hear those people talk
treasonable expressions, while amongst
them?
treasonable expressions, while amongst
them?
Gr.Gray
Altho’Although I had the Misfortune to be taken
Prisoner by them, I was not a Spy to pe-
netrate into their Actions, or dive into
their Secrets. Moreover, I never thought, I 1775 (1775)
I was to be examined before this honblehonourable
House till three days ago, that Soli-
citor Sharp caused serve me with a
Writ. And it is not to be imagined,
that a Person like me, who was about
forty Days Prisoner, would know
much about these PeoplesPeople's Transac-
tions.
Prisoner by them, I was not a Spy to pe-
netrate into their Actions, or dive into
their Secrets. Moreover, I never thought, I 1775 (1775)
I was to be examined before this honblehonourable
House till three days ago, that Soli-
citor Sharp caused serve me with a
Writ. And it is not to be imagined,
that a Person like me, who was about
forty Days Prisoner, would know
much about these PeoplesPeople's Transac-
tions.
Gray withdraws.
Solicitor Sharp says,— We might as well
let you stay out still.
let you stay out still.
Gr.Gray
If you were to torture me to Death, you’ll
get no more of me, &and I told you so,
when you caused charged me before
this House.
get no more of me, &and I told you so,
when you caused charged me before
this House.
N. B. Saturday, FebryFebruary 16th, 1754. the
preceedingpreceding Copy taken from a
Copy in the Custody of the R.Right RdReverend
BpBishop Keith.
preceedingpreceding Copy taken from a
Copy in the Custody of the R.Right RdReverend
BpBishop Keith.
Robert Forbes, A. M.
N. B. It is worth the Remarking, that the
foresaid John Gray, upon coming from
the House of Commons, after said Ex-
amination, to his own Lodging, found
upon his Table a Letter sealed, &and di-
rected to himself; which Letter, when
opened, was blank, but contained a
Bill of fifty Pounds sterling for his
own particular Use.
foresaid John Gray, upon coming from
the House of Commons, after said Ex-
amination, to his own Lodging, found
upon his Table a Letter sealed, &and di-
rected to himself; which Letter, when
opened, was blank, but contained a
Bill of fifty Pounds sterling for his
own particular Use.
Robert Forbes, A. M.
Citation
Forbes, Robert. “Copy of the Examination of John Gray of Rogart, a highland Drover in 1746.” The Lyon in Mourning,
vol. 8,
Adv.MS.32.6.23, fol. 86v–92r. The Lyon in Mourning Project,
edited by Leith Davis, https://lyoninmourning.dhil.lib.sfu.ca/ v08.1764.01.html.