A covering letter from James Anderson, of the Justiciary Office Edinburgh to the...

A covering letter from James Anderson, of the Justiciary Office Edinburgh to the declarations by prisoners Robertson and Murray. George Murray states that he got very intoxicated and went to bed about 7o'clock. At about 10 o'clock he began to suspect that Joass Robertson might 'carry off a Poney' which he had lately bought from Mr Robert Blair, a money-broker at Montieth, in order to use it for carrying the rags he collected for his business of a gather of rags for the paper mills. Joass Robertson had previously 'used him ill' [Murray] and 'had lately in a sort of jesting manner internated [insinuated?] his intention of riding the poney'. On recollecting this Murray got out of bed and saw Ferguson rolling on the floor with a girl. He did not know who the girl was as it was dark and he was still drunk. Robertson came up and recognised Murray and gave him 6d to buy some whisky. Murray called at the houses of change-keepers, James Bain and William Reid but was refused entry and returned to his house. Robertson and Ferguson were still there when he arrived back. At about 12 o'clock Murray proposed that they should go to Corporal Ivor's house for change, Robertson's sister Helen had joined them and they were given whiskey in exchange for the 6d. Before this time Murray had not known Ferguson. Murray followed Robertson and Ferguson to the back walk and they appeared to be 'loving good friends'. When they got to the walk Roberts asked Ferguson if he had any money, Ferguson said he had only a shilling, which he gave to Robertson, Ferguson asked for more and a fight broke out. Robertson struck Murray, they fell over the fence and Ferguson cut his foot and hurt his arm. When Murray had 'gathered himself' he observed that Ferguson wanted Robertson's coat and vest and Robertson was forcing off Ferguson's breeches. Robertson also demanded Ferguson's stockings. Murray told Robertson 'he had lamed him & almost murdered him to which Robertson answered "damn you for a Buger hold your tongue"'. Robertson then put on Ferguson's clothes. Murray went off home but was caught up by Robertson who told him 'he had given Ferguson a Clout', after he had striped him, with a blackthorn stick. Murray, and Robertson's sister Helen, told Robertson to go back and give back the things he had taken but he refused. Robertson had a watch belonging to Ferguson, which he offered to George Galloway, either on sale or pledge, which he refused. He also offered the watch to George Penney. He noticed the watch was lacking glass and hands. Robertson then stole a horsewhip from Penny's house. Murray intended to go to Alloa to give information to the volunteers to apprehend Robertson but was stopped by Robertson who beat him greatly, swearing that he would kill him. Helen tried to stop her brother hitting Murray and Robertson hit her as well. He went to the Serjeant of the Volunteers at Alloa and told him what had happened and then went on business to the West Country. On coming back he remanded himself and after that Robertson was brought in as well.

Murray also states he served in HM. Army and HM. Navy during the American War. He served aboard a privateer and was last a private in the 36th Regiment of Foot. In the course of his service he was wounded and his left arm was amputated. He receives a Chelsea Pension 'upon the Irish establishment.' Murray has lived in Stirling for 8 or 9 years and was bred to be a white ironsmith but cannot now carry out this trade and now supports his wife and children by gathering rags for the paper mills, by mending china and selling pottery wares. He states he cannot write and the transcript is signed John McGibbon. Robertson states about 5 or 6 months ago he deserted from the Argyleshire Regiment of Fencible Men, commanded by the Marquis of Lorn, for which he was severely punished and sent aboard the Kite Sloop of War, Commanded by Captain Brown, lying at Banff. The prisoners back did not heal, he was discharged and came to Stirling. He met a lad whom he had never seen before when he was in the company of Betty Cuthill and Peggy Carmichael. The man's name was John Ferguson and he belonged to the Militia. He was at the door of James Reid, weaver and Chelsea Pensioner. Other men who were at the door too went away when Ferguson spoke to them. Ferguson sent Murray to the house of James Bain for some whisky and they all sat down at Reid's door and drank it. They then went to Mr Ivor where they drank more whisky. Murray then asked Robertson to dismiss the girls and proposed that he and Robertson take the clothes from Ferguson and give him their own clothes instead. Ferguson and Robertson wanted Murray to leave and go off with the girls, but on hearing of the idea of an exchange of clothes Robertson changed his mind. Robertson asked Murray if he would lend him his clothes to which Ferguson agreed and threw off his coat and they exchanged all clothing. Robertson realised there was money in the clothes and also found a watch in the fob of the breeches. Murray said they did not want clothes, but money. Ferguson said he had no money apart from a shilling. Murray threatened Ferguson before and after removing clothes that if he said anything he would 'be revenged of him' Robertson says that neither he nor Murray struck Ferguson. Ferguson and Robertson were very much worse for liquor and they left Ferguson in the walk and it was after they had left him that they found the watch. They went to Mr Galloway's, a change-keeper, where they drank some more whisky and then to another change-keeper called Tullybody. Murray offered to pawn or sell the watch for 30/- at the change-keepers and to passers-by in the street. A constable saw them doing this and took the watch. Murray took a horsewhip off a nail and gave it to Robertson but the landlord took it from them. Robertson then separated from Murray and slept in a public house, the name of which he could not recall. On the Friday night he slept in a farmer's house near Dunfirmlene where he remained until Monday. Then he went by horse to the house next to John Crawford. From there coming to Alloa he was apprehended at the Toll Bar and brought as a prisoner to Stirling. He is still wearing the clothes apart from the stockings, which he gave to Murray. When he was apprehended he was on his way to Stirling to return the clothing and tell him where his watch was. The document signed John Mc Gibbon. Folios 304-315. See also HO 47/22/33, folios 210-233.