Folios 44-45. Major Rich [Richard] Bowles to W [William] Bowles MP, his brother,...

Folios 44-45. Major Rich [Richard] Bowles to W [William] Bowles MP, his brother, concerning James Stewart, [Jacobite] prisoner in New Gaol at Southwark [Surrey], under sentence of death for treason. Asking his brother to lend his support to Stewart's case, since he saved the major's life during the Battle of Prestonpans. Dated at Presonpans [East Lothian]. Filed with:

Folio 46. The petition for mercy of James Stewart, stating that he was a 'menial servant' of the Duke of Perth [John Drummond], was compelled to follow him when he joined the [Jacobites], and claiming to have protected prisoners taken by the rebels.

Folios 47 - 49. Report concerning the case of James Stewart, under sentence of death for high treason. States that he was a servant of the Duke of Perth for 10 years before the [Jacobite] rebellion. He tried to dissuade his master from joining the rebels, but was forced to accompany the Duke to tend him in ill-health. The report includes testimony from several of the prisoners he helped rescue: Richard Bowles; Richard?Stubbins, servant to Sir John Cope; Lieutenant David Drummond; Cornet Andrew Jacob; John Red; Mr Cunningham and Mr Burrows; Lieutenant Colonel Hen [Henry] Wright; Wm [William] Trotter, surgeon; David Murray, inn-keeper, Edinburgh; Robt [Robert] Drummond, tradesman, Leith [Midlothian]; Robt [Robert] Campbell, merchant, Stirling [Stirlingshire]. Also mentions Mr Cheap's house at Preston Pans [East Lothian].