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

120
JOURNAL OF THE HON.
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the Lowlands, many of whom had fled thither upon the account
of religion, and did now join from that principle, with a few
others, and not as others only upon Argyle’s account. Of all
the men who did voluntarly enlist themselves at Gillirow in
Illay, who were about 80, there was now scarcely twelve left
present, so little to be trusted are many of the Highlanders.
9,5th.—We had news from Mr. Barclay that people there
were longing for us, and could get about 1000 horse in a few
days, and that some companies of our enemies that lay in
Glasgow, were in such fear that they fled to the Castle and
Tolbooth, and that Monmouth had set up his standard in
England, and had a great army, his Declaration being at Air
already, while ours was scarcely one mile off this, being but
presently printed. When this news came people were yet more
displeased at our staying here longer, when we were getting no
more men, but losing those we had, and might probably lose
many in the Lowlands. This night I went aboard of the Anne
to go by sea to Tarbet, Sir Patrick Home being in her, and a
company of men divided among the three ships to defend them
in case of opposition, beside about twelve fishing boats we
carried from Campbelltoun.
26^.—This morning we loosed from Loch Kilkeran, at
Campbelltoun, my Lord and Sir John Cochran and others
having gone by land, that they might get such men as were
upon the way to Tarbet to join with them, there being with
them three Illay companies, but not compleat there.
9&th.—I went ashore with severall others, being sent for.
There was a resolution agreed upon betwixt my Lord, Sir John
Cochran, Sir Patrick Home, and others present, that my Lord
should stay here in his own country, and keep with him all the
forces he had (that with them he might assault those under
Athol that possessed Inveraray, who were about five hundred
men) except the two companies of Lowland men that came
from Campbelltoun, with the troop of horse that came from
that place, tho the horse were but good for dragoons, with all
that came from Holland, if they were willing, who were to
make an infall into the Lowlands upon Carrick, or where it
should be thought most fit. There was six who came from
Holland who were not positive presently to make a descent