_July 29th, 1746._
Copy of some Paragraphs of a Letter
to Mr. DEACON'S Father, said to be written by the nonjurant
clergyman that used to visit Mr. DEACON, etc.
[Sidenote: _fol._ 283.] Their behaviour at divine worship was always
with great reverence, attention, and piety. But had you, sir, been
present the last day I attended them, your soul would have been
ravished by the fervour of their devotion.
From the time of their condemnation a decent chearfulness constantly
appeared in their countenances and behaviour, and I believe it may
truly be said that no men ever suffered in a righteous cause with
greater magnanimity and more Christian fortitude. For the appearance
of a violent death, armed with the utmost terrour of pain and
torments, made no impression or dread upon their minds. In a word,
great is the honour they have done to the Church, the K[ing], and
you, and themselves, and may their example be imitated by all that
suffer in the same cause.
This short but faithful account of our martyred friends will, I hope,
sir, yield great consolation to you and poor Mrs. Syddal. Poor,
dear Charles bears in a commendable manner [Sidenote: _fol._ 284.]
his great loss and other afflictions, and behaves like a man and a
Christian in all his actions.
Copy of a Letter from SIR ARCHIBALD PRIMROSE of Dunipace,[172] to his
sister, etc.
[172] He was son of George Foulis of the Ravelston family, who, on
inheriting the estate of Dunipace from his grandfather, assumed
the name of Primrose in terms of the entail. Taken in the north
of Scotland he was first imprisoned in Aberdeen, thence sent to
Carlisle, where he was tried, and pleading guilty, was sentenced to
death, and executed there on 15th November 1746.
[Sidenote: Nov^r.]
MY DEAR SISTER,--I have endeavoured to take some small time, from a
much more immediate concern, to offer you a few lines, and to let
you know that this day I am to suffer, I think, for my religion, my
prince, and my country. For each of these I wish I had a thousand
lives to spend. The shortness of the intimation will not allow me
much time to write to you so fully in my vindication for what I did
that I know concerns you. But I heartily repent of the bad advice
I got even from men of judgment and sense. And what I did by their
advice in my own opinion was no more than acknowledging I bore arms
against the present government, for my lawful, undoubted prince, my
religion, and country; and I thought by my plea to procure some time
longer life only to do service to my poor [Sidenote: _fol._ 385.]
family, not doubting but yet in a short time that glorious cause will
succeed, which God of His infinite mercy grant.
I repent most heartily for what I did, and I merit this death as my
punishment, and I trust in the Almighty for mercy to my poor soul.
As I am very soon to leave this world, I pray God to forgive all
my enemies, particularly Mr. Gray,[173] who did me all the injury
he could by suborning witnesses, and threatening some which was my
terror. Particularly there is one poor man[174] to suffer with me
that had an offer of his life to be an evidence against me, which he
rejected.
[173] William Gray, commonly called Duntie Gray, foreman to Lord
Shualton.--(F.)
[174] Patrick Kier, late wright at Moultrie Hill, near
Edinburgh.--(F.)
Much more I could say, but as my time is short, I now bid my last
adieu to my dear mother and you, my dear sister, and I intreat you'll
be kind to my dear wife and children; and may all the blessings of
Heaven attend you all. Live together comfortably and you may expect
God's favour. My grateful acknowledgments for all your favours done
and designed.
Remember me kindly to my Lady Caithness,[175] Sauchie, and [Sidenote:
_fol._ 386.] his sisters, and all my friends and acquaintances.
May the Almighty grant you all happiness here, and eternal bliss
hereafter, to which bliss, I trust, in His mercy soon to retire; and
am for ever, dear sister, your affectionate brother,