Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

1745.] JOHN EARL OF LOUDOUN. 209
possession of London. This blind will not doe long, and tlieir eyes must be opened. Two
men from this country, who were allong with you at Keith and Strathboggie, wentur'd down
the length of Peterhead last week. Their errand was to visite one of their fathers, who is a
Highland man, and dwells there. They were in Highland cloths, and arm'd with sword,
pistole, and durk. In their return, about a mile from Turrof, they were attack'd by a
serjant and two soldiers of Lord John Drummond's regiment, who had been sent from
Inverury to Buchan to quarter for cess, and nothing wou'd please the serjant but make
them prisoners, as he knew they belong'd to Lord Loudon. They told him they were none
of Loudon's men, but belong'd to the Laird of Grant, whose men wou'd not be made
prisoners, and directly fell to luggerheads. Your two men defeat the three, left them lying
on the spot so as they cou'd not crawl, took from them their arms, yea, their cockadoes ; the
serjant's I send you here inclosed, being a piece of curiosity. We have their guns, which are
French, and none of the Brittish arms. This must be conceall'd, in case they return to
Strathboggie, because they might resent it on the lands of Achoynanie, when they discover
that any of my people had used them so. You may judge how far superiour the Strathspey
men are to these people, when two of this country defeats three of them. The inclos'd I
gote last night late from the Tutor of Gordon, which may be depended on. God direct you
right, and I am, honourable Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Thomas Grantt.
2d January 1 745.
This letter Mr. Grant sent by express to the Earle of Louden, with renew'd assurances
of his ready ness to act under his Lordship for the service of the Government, and added
that this measure of the rebells gave rise in his mind to severall advantages for the countrey
and Government that might be made of it; but would not presume to dictate to his
Lordshipe, as he was much better judge, only he beg'd leave to suggest if this was not a
proper oportunity to hem them in much more than hitherto they had been.
In this Mr. Grant meant to join if allowed in the execution.
To the Honourable Ludovick Grant of Grant, Esquire, Castle Grant.
[Indorsed :] Achoineny to Mr. Grant, and Mr. Grant to Lord Louden.
307. John Earl of Loudoun to The Same — That he was filing off troops
to the eastward.
Inverness, January 4th, 1745-6.
Sir, — Yesterday I had the honour of yours of the 2d ; that of Mr. Grant of Grantsfield did
not arive till just now. I am extramly obliged to you for the intelligence you are so good
VOL. II. 2 D