Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

204 III. — FAMILY AND DOMESTIC LETTERS. [1745.
doe anie rash thing by engageing with the other partie. Achoynanie I know will give you
all the intelligence he can. Pray run me ane express upon receit of this, and let me [have]
all the news you have further received. Believe me, sincerelie yours, etc.,
Lud. Grant.
To William Grant, younger of Burnside, att Mulben.
300. Sir Harry Innes of Innes to Ludovick Grant of Grant — Action at Inverury.
Elgin, December 24th, 4 afternoon, 1745.
Dear Sir, — This forenoon twenty of MacLeod's men came here, giving an account that last
night twixt 5 and 6 there was a kind of action between the MacLeods and Lord Lewis
Gordon at Inverury. The jiarticulars we have not as yet, but it is most certain that they
have got the worst of it, for the men are coming in in numbers, and Macleod and all the
officers expected here to-night. I have got no account of the killed on either side, but 'tis
said there are men lost upon both. It is further said that Lord Lewis Gordon examined one
Steuart, a hirer of this town, last Friday, if your men were along with the MacLeods, and
that he should have ask'd particularly how they were armed, and if they had broad swords
and targets. When the fellow answered in the affirmative, his Lordship should have swore
they could not stand it, and thought it was best to separate ; but immediatly upon your
withdrawing your men, it seems they have taken a different resolution. I believe no person
that thinks well, and is rightly informed, will lay this miscarriage to your charge; however,
I can assure you that you will be blamed by some, and the Jacobites here, as I am told, think
themselves obliged to you.
I don't know if you received a letter from me by Provost Murison's servant, in which
I told you the danger you run of being blamed whatever part you acted. This moment I
have a letter from MacLeod, which I inclose you, another for the President, that I am
dispatching by exj>ress. I can give you no further particulars than that they were surprised,
and one of Culkairn's men, who delivered me this, says if the Grants had been with them
this had not happened, or had they marched a day sooner into Aberdeen, they had carried
their point. As you have the Earl of Finlater and Lord Deskford with you, they are
more capable than I to give you advice. So shall conclude, with your sister's compliments
and mine to Lady Margaret and all with you, and wish you a happy Christmass, for I am,
dear Sir, yours, Harie Innes.
Their baggage and money is taken, except Culcairn's clock bag, and he with 600 men
and their officers are to be in town this night.
To the Honourable Lodovick Grant of Grant, Esquire, at Castle Grant.