rning, expresses were sent to the
Earl of Nithsdale, the Viscount of Kenmure, and others of their friends
in those parts; the Earl himself went down that same day to meet them,
in order to forward their measures; and after some time spent in
preparing others, whose inclinations they knew, to embark with them in
that bloody project, they repaired to Lothian; and 'twas then given out,
that they were gone to a hunting in the north. This was indeed a
plausible pretence for their getting to the Highlands, and the more that
the Earl of Mar, to cover his design, too black to be owned at the
first, in calling the chiefs of the clans together, had proposed a
hunting in his own country. Accordingly, in a few days after he arrived
at Brae-Mar, he was there attended by a great number of gentlemen, of
the best quality and interest of all his party: And particularly at
their Great Council, which was held about August 26, there appeared the
Marquis of Huntley, eldest son to the Duke of Gordon; the Marquis of
Tullibardine, eldest son to the Duke of Athol; the Earls of Nithsdale,
Marischal, Traquair, Errol, Southesk, Carnwath, Seaforth, Linlithgow,
and several others; the Viscounts of Kilsith, Kenmure, Kingston and
Stormount; the Lords Rollo, Duffus, Drummond, Strathallan, Ogilvie and
Nairn, with a good many gentlemen of interest in the Highlands, amongst
whom were the two Generals, Hamilton and Gordon, Glenderule, Auldbair,
Auchterhouse, Glengary, and others from the clans....

... Moreover, we are told, that he shew'd them the letters he had
received from Lorraine, under the Pretender's own hand, promising to
come over to them in person, and put himself upon the valour and
fidelity of his Scots subjects; and that in the mean time, they should
be sure of ships, with arms, ammunition, and all military stores, with
officers, engineers, and volunteers, as soon as they could give him an
account to what port they would direct them to be sent: As also, that he
shew'd them his commission under the Pretender's own hand, appointing
him Lieutenant-General, Commander in Chief, and Director of the War; and
assur'd them, that he was furnish'd with money, and would, from time to
time, be supplied with sufficient sums to levy men, and to pay the
troops regularly that should be raised; so as no gentlemen should be at
any expence to subsist their men, but that both they, and the country
should be eased of all such burthens.

With these and other such