[Sidenote: 14 Nov. 1746]
Copy of a Letter from CHARLES GORDON of Terperse[191] to his own
lady.
[191] He was 'Younger of Terpersie' in Aberdeenshire, and had
engaged as a volunteer. His father, James Gordon, was an officer
in the Prince's army. In the _List of Persons concerned in the
Rebellion, etc._ (Scot. Hist. Soc., vol. viii.), he is said to have
been _made prisoner at Carlisle_. But a story is told of his having
been captured at his own house, when, after lurking long among the
neighbouring hills, he ventured to pass a night there. His captors,
not being sure of his identity, carried him before the minister of
the parish, but not getting satisfaction from him, they took him to
a farmhouse where his wife and children resided. On his approach his
children ran out and greeted him with cries of 'Daddy! Daddy!' and
so unwittingly sealed their father's fate. He was tried at Carlisle
and executed there on 15th November 1746. As the prisoners taken
at Carlisle were sent to London, and those taken in Scotland to
Carlisle, the story may be authentic.
DEAR HEART,--I now tell you that I suffer death to-morrow for my duty
to God, my king, and country. I bless God I die in charity with all
men. I think my butchered body will be taken care of and buried as a
Christian, by order of Francis Farquharson, who has acted a father
to me, and laid out a good deal of money to and for me, whereof you
may expect a particular account, which I leave you on my blessing
to repay him. I die with the greatest regret that I've been a bad
husband to you, and I beg you'll pardon me in your heart, and that
you'll express your goodness (as you'll answer to God [Sidenote:
_fol._ 426.] and me in the everlasting world) by your care of and
motherly looking to your children's salvation and right putting them
to business in this world. I know not how many are alive; only set
the boys to some right imployment while young, and strive to admonish
the daughters in the fear of God. I herewith send you a note of what
I would have done with the trifles I have a concern in, for you know
the lump of my business.
My dearest,--If I should write till my life ends I would still have
something to say. But to stop that I end with my dying blessing to
you, my young ones, and your poor mother, if alive. Your last from,
your unfortunate husband,