_Castle Carlisle, October 11th, 1746._
_P.S._--Remember me in particular to my dear Mr. Robert Forbes.
* * * * *
_N.B._--Several persons, particularly the lawyers, agents and
writers, insisted much with the Major that he should plead
guilty, that being the only probable chance left him for saving
his life. He resisted all their importunities without the least
wavering. And when they press'd him very hard to comply with
their advice he [Sidenote: _fol._ 80.] boldly declar'd that he
had far rather be taken out and hanged at the Bar, in the face
of those judges before whom he was soon to be tried, than do any
such thing as they desired. Upon which they gave over arguing
with him upon the point, and promis'd to exert themselves to the
utmost to save so valuable a life.
* * * * *
_N.B._--The following narrative is so doubtful that it is not to
be relied upon.[48]
[48] This narrative is accordingly scored through by Mr.
Forbes.
Mr. Burnet of Monboddo, Advocate, talking to one of the judges
at Carlisle, said that he thought the Government should treat
these condemned men with humanity and in a different way
from those who are really downright rebels; because, said
he, they were influenced in the matter by a principle of
conscience, being firmly persuaded in their minds that they
were endeavouring to do right to one that was injur'd, and
whom they look'd upon as their only lawful sovereign, having
no ill design at all against the person, family or estate of
King George, but wishing him to return to his own place; and
therefore their rising in arms could not strictly be look'd upon
as proceeding from a spirit of rebellion. The judge answered:
'Sir, If you design to plead the cause or to soften the case of
your countrymen, you hit upon the worst argument in the world,
for the Government is positively determin'd by all means to
extirpate these folks of principle.' This happen'd in a private
conversation.