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

124
JOURNAL OF THE HON.
[JUNE
were, and if they would treat: then Houstoun held up a white
handkerchief in sign of treaty, and Fullerton another sign,
taking two men with him ; but he perceiving five men with
Houstoun, called that he might put two of them back.
Houstoun asked if he might have his safety; which was
granted; when he enquired for what we were come ? To
which Fullerton answered, and put to him a question: then
Houstoun abruptly and without any warning fired upon
Fullerton. After both sides had fired all their shot, the horse
retired, Crawfurd of Cartsburn having lost his hat in the retir¬
ing, and another his plumash.
When they were at this, I was landing with Sir Patrick, and
several other boats; only three of our men and four or five of
theirs fired. We were but a little while landed when the whole
troop went over the hill and left us, tho we when landed were
but a few more than half their number. Then we went into
the town and carried away a large bark and several little boats,
with about 30 bolls of Mr Alexander Heygin’s meal. We
found the men generally averse from going with us, tho some
desired we might make a formality of pressing them, that
their wives and families might be free of hazard from our
enemies when we were gone. We got some this way, and
did press some seamen, and some who had been lurking and
waiting for such an opportunity came willingly. We had
but about 30 in all. Old Greenock,1 tho he was concerned in
all undertakings of this sort for several years, yet he shifted
his coming to us or speaking with any concerned : he spoke
afar off of his good wishes, and so did Cartsburn who appeared
against us in arms: by this we understood the luke warmness
and little zeal that was among some both gentlemen and
people. Young Greenock was violent against us. This night
we left Greenock and went towards Bute, Sir John Cochran
commanded our party.
^th.—This morning when we came near Bute we understood
that my Lord had left Rosay, and carried his men to the point
of Cowall opposite to it near the Castle of . I went to
see him ashore, to know of him what orders he had for our
ship, seeing the men were wearied and not able to cruize upon
Sir John Shaw, Knight.
2 This seems to refer to Castle Toward.