September 30th 1746

Abercairney's factor saves the day

The battle of Culloden marked the end of a dream for Prince Charles Edward, but the end of life itself for those who died in the battle and for many who were hunted down in the months following.

Many of the nobles who supported the Prince were lucky enough to escape to France though their estates were seized by the Crown. Some were even more fortunate. John Ramsay of Octertyre relates the story of the Laird of Abercairney, near Crieff.

“In autumn 1746 Clerk Miller of Perth, a very able but unpopular man, much trusted by the king's servants at Edinburgh, seeing Mr Anderson, factor to James Murray of Abercairney, beckoned to him.

'Anderson, do you not remember being in this town a year ago when the Highlanders were here?'
'Really George, my memory is not as good as it has been,' said the other.
'I will refresh it. Do you remember carrying one thousand guineas to the Prince and making a speech to him in your master's name?'

Mr Anderson who was a shrewd worthy man got away as soon as he could and mounting his horse galloped home. On hearing what had passed, Abercairney said. 'Let my horses be got ready; I will set out directly for France or Holland.' 'That I hope will be unnecessary,' said his factor. 'Take to your bed and play the part of a sick man, to which your friend Dr Smith of Perth will give countenance, and leave the rest to me.'

The good doctor entered readily into the plot and pronounced his patient to be in great danger. Meanwhile, Abercairney directed George Miller to be sent for in great haste. On his entering into the bedchamber, the supposed sick man addressed him thus in a trembling voice. 'My dear George, thinking myself a dying man, it is most proper that I should settle my worldly affairs. In your abilities and integrity I have full confidence; let bonds of provision to the younger children and a nomination of tutors and curators be drawn as soon as possible. I mean to make you factor on the estate until the heir be of age. Nor shall it be in the power of the tutors to remove you from that office.' The deeds were drawn up for which Miller received 50 guineas and then went home.

In a competent time the laird recovered and it may well be thought that for some months George was a frequent and welcome guest at Abercairney. Anderson judged soundly, Miller who was sheriff as well as town-clerk and supposed to be officious and over harsh, took no steps to investigate Abercairney's conduct in September 1745.

When the Act of Indemnity passed, in which he was not an excepted person, he sent for his friend Miller. After giving him a good dinner and plenty of wine, he loaded him with abuse and kicked him to the door. When taxed with this story Abercairney laughed. 'Hypocritical scoundrel. He said no man ever used him so ill as I did.'”