Note 563 — A SHORT NARRATIVE OF MR. GRANT’S CONDUCT DURING THE REBELLION
Reading edition
App. 43. Sir Harry Innes to Mr. Grant, dated 28th Dec.—The desertion among all the Companys has been so great that M‘Leod is resolved to march to Forress, and for ought I know to Inverness. This will lay this Town and Country open to the Insults of the Rebells. Therefore the Magistrates have writ you and have desired me to do the same, desiring you may march Such a body of your Men here as will secure the Peace of the Country and Town; but as you are best Judge of this.—I am, Dr Sir, etc.
P.S.—We had yesterday the accounts of the Highland Armys being totally routed and dispersed betwixt Manchester and Preston betwixt the 13th and 14th. The Prince as he is called flying in great haste with about 100 horse. The Duke of Perth amongst the Prisoners. If M‘Leod marches I must with him or go to you, but I think I shall go to Inverness for I am not liked at present by many.
Sir Harry Innes to Mr. Grant, dated 28th Dec., probably from Innes House.—I wrote you this forenoon from Elgin, which I suppose would or will be delivered to you by one of the Council of Elgin. As M‘Leod was then resolved upon Marching here, they were determined to apply to you for some Relief and Support for their Town and Country in General. I have and must do M‘Leod Justice. He is far from loading you with any share of their late unlucky disaster, and would willingly act in Concert with you for the Common well, but to his great Surprise when he came here, he found that his men who had deserted in place of going to Inverness had mostly past from Findorn to the Ross side. So he does not know when or where they may meet. This has hindered him from writing to you to desire you to bring your men to Elgin in order to act with his. Altho he had desired this from no other authority, or any Reasons, but your doing the best for the common Cause, but this unlucky passing of his men at Findorn has prevented his writing as he told the Provost of Elgin he was to do. For these Reasons I run you this Express that you may think how to act. I go to Lord Loudon and the President tomorrow, and will return to M‘Leod Monday forenoon.—My Complements, etc.
P.—The President writ me that Lord Deskfoord is gone for London in the Hound and that they sailed the 25th.