Series 1 > Journal of the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, 1683-1687

56
JOURNAL OF THE HON.
[APRIL
interrogated where he lodged, with whom he had conversed,
and who had furnished and brought meat to him all the time
bygone ? Answer. I stayed for the most part on the muirs,
and have been thousands of nights without; and my wife
brought me meat where I was. The King’s Advocate enquired
if he had ever been in any company or meeting where they
discoursed or concluded anything anent killing the King,
officers of State, magistrates, or any of us ? He said, ‘ No, not
in the least; and I am clear to swear I never heard any such
thing mention’d.’
The Advocate desired him to petition the Council, and in
it to narrate what services he had done for the King, and
acknowledge how far he had been misled in going alongst with
the late rebellions: but he acknowledged them not to be re¬
bellions, alledging he never designed rebellion by being at
them, yet he said they had now made them rebellion by law.
He had a very unconcerned carriage as to any hazard he was
in, yet grave, being of a good age. He referred himself wholly
to the King. When one who was there said in his face, he
was one of them who had bound him and other two soldiers,
having them in a moss. Answer,—I wonder how you can
come here and lye in my face. I did never see you before,
neither did I or would I have done any such thing.
15^.—I was the most part of this day with my eldest
brother.
There was a proclamation this day against importation of
Irish victual, and beef. Captain Paton was sentenced this day
to be hanged Wednesday next in the Grass Market.
I was waiting on the Exchequer about a business of my
brother’s.
Lady Ann Bruce, second daughter to the deceast Earl of
Kincardine, was married to Murray of Stennop in Twedale-
shire.
17th.—I went into the New Kirk after some of the clergy,
and saw them admitt a young man to the ministry. The
bishop read, and they having books in their hands, whiles spoke
the words after him, frequently kneeling.
18^.—I was waiting on ,the Exchequer for my brother’s
business with Kettlestoun, one part whereof was delayed till the