Sent Ten pounds Sterling to Edinburgh to William in part of payment of his board to Mr Lucas.
There has been an abundant Crop this year but the necessaries of life are still high.
That is it from Dr Lucas. May we thank eveyone who has posted on this blog and who has taken the time to read it. Happy New Year to everyone, may it be a good one for all of you.
John Glass late Provost of Stirling went into a warm bath at Leith and drowned himself. His body was brought to Stirling and Buried in the Churchyard on the 26th…
The latter part of this month was remarkable fine weather and the markets were moderate. The Distillers have begun again to distill Spirits from grain.
Meal at 22/- per Boll but Sugar has got very high being 1/1 per lib.
The Town was Illuminated on account of the recent Victories gained in Spain by Lord Wellington and the Allies in Germany. I was out of pocket 16 shillings for Candles on this occasion. The Mob behaved tolerably well. The Tar barrels were carried about as usuall but no riots were to be seen.
The Frost still continues. Markets are rather Moderate. Sugar is getting up on account of the Markets beginning to be open in some parts of the north of Europe.
The ‘tar barrels’ may refer to the practice of carrying lit barrels as a spectacle of celebration – in this case because of the ‘recent Victories’ which caused the town to be ‘Illuminated’. If that is correct, it appears the news from Europe was publicly celebrated throughout the town and Dr Lucas’ wording suggests it was a fairly common occurence at times of celebration. Some parts of Scotland, particularly Aberdeenshire, continue to carry burning tar barrels at Hogmanay as part of the annual celebration so the practice is still known.
The Bells were rung and the Castle Guns were fired on account of a Great Victory gained by [blank] at Hanau over the French , Forty Thousand French killed wounded and prisoners with hundreds of ammunition wagons taken and destroyed.
The Storm continues. The frost is very intense but little or no snow excepting on the hills.
Dr Lucas appears to have got this entry a mite confused – the battle of Hanau was in fact a tactical victory for Napoleon against Karl Phillip Von Wrede, who led the combined Austrian and Bavarian armies. Napoleon was able to retreat into the relative safety of France despite Wrede’s attempts to stop him.
The Battle of Hanau took place 30-31 October 1813 which again gives us an idea of how long news of this sort took to reach Stirling.
The weather wet with high winds.
The Kirk, the Old and new light seceders, the Antiburgers, the Cameronians all held their Sacraments about this time. The crowds of people who used to attend them are much diminished. Their respective Churches and Meetinghouses contains them now with ease but bigotry is not yet extinguished.
The kirk in Scotland has a long history of dissent, schisms and secessions. This resulted in the formation of various different groups, as indicated by Dr Lucas’ diary entry above. The famous ‘Great Disruption’ of 1843 was still many years off at the time of this diary entry but when it came it was by no means the only ‘disruption’ the kirk had seen nor would it be the last. For more information on the current Church of Scotland see http://bit.ly/16YFLak and here for an indication of the various splits and schisms.
Twenty One Guns were fired from the Castle on account of a very great Victory gained by the Russians Prussians and Austrians over the French in the north of Germany near Leipsic on the 18th and 19th of October.
This refers to the great Battle of Leipzig in which Napoleon was defeated decisively for the first time in battle. The outcome of the battle forced the French commander to retreat back to France. The Allies, acting on the momentum of their victory, invaded France early in 1814. By the spring, Napoleon had been foced to abdicate and was exiled to Elba. Involving over 600,000 troops, Leipzig was the largest battle to be fought in Europe until the First World War.
The Castle guns were discharged on account of the Anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot.
The fair of Down* was uncommonly crowded with Sheep and black Cattle which sold well. It lasted nearly a week.
Doune?,a small town in Kilmadock Parish, Perthshire.
William went to Edinburgh to attend the Medical Classes in the University Viz., the Infirmary, the Theory of Medicine, the Practice of Medicine, the practice of Surgery, Clinical Surgery etc.
The remainder of this month was good weather, the markets were rather on the decline and trade is rather beginning to revive, but Specie, that is silver and gold is not to be found, nothing is in circulation excepting paper money. Banks and multiplied to an excessive number and forgeries of their notes are become very frequent. A Guinea in Gold is not now to be seen and is worth about 28 shillings. Silver is worth six shillings and Eleven pence per ounce.
William is Thomas Lucas’ eldest son.
Jane Campbell daughter of the late Jane Campbell Footagreen eloped with Lieutenant H Palmer of the 75th Regiment and were married at Edinburgh same day by one Fleeming Minister of Lady Yester’s Church.
Got all the potatoes lifted. They turned out to be a good Crop. Same day the Justiciary judges came into town. They were escorted to and from the Justiciary Court Room by the Magistrates and a part of the Veterans who form the Garrison of the Castle. One Munro was sentenced to six months imprisonment for altering a Minute of Tack of Land. One O’Neal was sentenced to a twelve months imprisonment for resett of Theft. Two others were sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for theft.
On the second day there was also three races, which were tolerable good ones. The company were not numerous but there was the ordinary number of Whiskey tents, Wheel of fortune men, blind fidlers, Ballad singers etc etc etc. The weather was rather soft and inclined to rain. In the evenings there were Suppers and balls at the two Inns, but none of the Ladies and Gentlemen belonging to the town went to them.
Our races commenced. The first day there were three races one of which was rode by hackhorses and keenly contested.
This entry refers to the horse racing that was held annually over two days in King’s Park.
Went to Buchlyie to view a farm called Oxhill on which Mr McNaughton of London intends to advance £1000 on heritable security. The harvest in that part of the country is not so much advanced as it is in the Vicinity of Stirling.
Fine weather but there is still much of the crops to be got in.
Our Magistrates were chosen. Deacon of the Taylors named Stirling received a very considerable sums in bribes to vote for the party of the town Council who favoured General Campbell of Monzie our present Member of Parliament. One or two more of the Deacons were also suspected of receiving money for the same purpose. General Campbell’s party have got into the Magistracy, and General Maitland’s party are completely out. Wm Anderson the bookseller is elected Provost.
Our guest Blogger today is Mike Robbins, Provost of Stirling. Provost Robbins writes: –
Dr Lucas was not alone in his suspicions of corruption in Stirling’s local government at this time. 1813 was only 40 years after the notorious ‘Black Bond’ episode that darkened the name of Stirling Burgh Council in 1772. This bond or agreement was between three men in positions of trust and responsibility within the Town; the Provost, Dean of the Guildry and one of the Bailies or Magistrates. In it, the three men agree to run the Town for their own profit and that of their friends, to take bribes and to influence the outcome of parliamentary elections. When it was discovered, Stirling lost the right to govern itself for 6 years, the responsibility being given to Commissioners appointed by the Court of Session in Edinburgh. It is interesting that two of the Commissioners were local physicians, evidently trusted for their honesty. It is clear that in 1813 Dr Lucas believes that corruption still continued in the local corridors of power.
Documents relating to the ‘Black Bond’ and other aspects of local government at this time, all fascinating stuff, can be seen at the Council Archives.
The Deacon of the Shoemakers, the Deacon of the Taylors and the Conveenor he being of the Butchers are sent to Campbells of Monzie (our Member of Parliament) to be out of the way, least they might be stole away by the other party and not able to Cote at the ensuing Michaelmas Election of the Magistrates and town councill.
NB These Villains are the same men that took bribes at General Campbell’s election.
Fine weather, the harvest two thirds over.
Received a letter from London, from Uncle Walter.
The weather very Tempestuous with wind and rain. The Wheat is all cut down and put into the Barnyards but the Oats will be liable to be shaken with the wind.
The Second Tryst of Falkirk. The number of black cattle, sheep and horses were very considerable and sold well.
Comment from guest blogger, local historian and author, Marie Gibb:
The Falkirk Tryst (or “meeting place”) was a famous cattle fair held throughout August, September and October each year. During the 18th and 19th centuries the Tryst was held in several locations in the area surrounding Falkirk town, eventually settling in Stenhousemuir.
Sheep and other livestock were also sold, but the main commodity was cattle. Huge numbers were herded along ancient drove roads, tended by men not only capable of negotiating hundreds of miles on foot, keeping their charges fed, watered, rested and in good condition, but also able to negotiate some shrewd buying and selling on behalf of their Highland laird. On a cold, wet night, with no inn nearby, they thought nothing of staying out in the field with their charges, wrapped only in their plaids and sustained by a makeshift supper of oatmeal and water.
Where possible, drovers deliberately avoided towns and villages, choosing instead more isolated routes on better drained higher ground. Low-lying bog, marsh and mud slowed progress considerably, and could lead to hoof infections. Less populated tracks had the added bonus of avoiding delays at toll gates on turnpike roads – together with their associated fees.
The growth of the railway system in the 1840s saw a steady decline in the drovers’ trade, however, as cattle could now be transported quickly and in better condition. This coincided, too, with available grazing land becoming harder to find.
At its height, though, the Tryst would have been quite a spectacle – around 200 acres filled with tens of thousands of bellowing cattle, barking dogs, sideshows, fast-food sellers, entertainers, and hawkers of every commodity.
They say that at the battle of Waterloo, several soldiers from Falkirk watched in open-mouthed amazement as vast legions of troops and horses poured into the field to take up their positions.
One lad wondered out loud what this spectacle reminded him of, to which his companion warmly replied “just o’ the last Tryst o’ Falkirk” …[1]
Further reading:
For a comprehensive account of drovers and their way of life, see:
Haldane, A.R.B, The Drove Roads of Scotland, Birlinn, 2008.
Toulson, Shirley, The Drovers, Shire Publications, 2005.
Related web pages: (accessed 08/09/2013)
http://www.falkirklocalhistorysociety.co.uk/home/index.php?id=26
http://www.fife.50megs.com/scottish-drovers.html
[1] The Naval and Military Magazine, Vol 3, 1828; Miscellany, p (i); T.Clerk Smith, London.
The lamps put up for the Season.
To those of us in a world with the benefits of electricity we have instant light and heat literally at the flick of a switch. For Dr Lucas, and indeed everyone else until relatively recently, as the September evenings began to draw in, getting the lamps up and filled was an annual event and no doubt marked the start of the autumn. Many homes did not enjoy the convenience of gas lighting until the later 19th century and electricity was often installed as late as the 1950s in some rural areas.
Heavy rains with high winds at North east.
Anderson has taken a Shop opposite the Open in the Baxters Wynd, he has got some drugs and bottles from Down* which belonged to a Mr McAnsh and attempted to open shop here four years ago.
*[Doune? ].
Fine weather, the Harvest is well advanced.
Having got the Medcines [sic] and shop fixtures inventoried and Valued the Copartnery betwixt George Anderson and myself was finally disolved. I took possession of my shop as formerly and paid Anderson the Sum of 75 pounds nine shillings and sixpence as his share of the medicines, shop, utensils etc etc etc.
Received also thirteen pounds five shillings and sixpence out of the common stock as shop rent etc.
NB Anderson for the first year behaved himself with propriety, but during the last two and a half got puffed up with pride and entirely forgot himself, became proud, self conceited, Vain and boasted of his abilities, told lies in abundance, and would not even speak to his brothers or his own mother. His mother complained to me of it and wished that I should admonish himto [sic] alter his conduct. He entertained company, was extravagant in dress and got into debt out of which he will not soon extricate himself.
Janet Lucas returned to Edinburgh.
The weather fine and the Harvest general. Several of the farmers are getting their Wheat into the Barnyards.
Many strangers passing and repassing through the town, some on business others on parties of pleasure but the rage or madness of going to see the Trossachs this year seems to be much abated. The ramaining [sic] part of this month the weather was excellent and the Harvest was rapidly advancing but the markets were not fallen to the extent that was expected.
Sent two Kipper fish to London to Mr McNaughton by Hosey to Leith and from thence to London by the Edinburgh & London Shipping Company’s Smack.
Dry weather with strong winds at W and W b N [i.e. West and West by North]
The cattle did not sell fast at the tryst. The high prices formerly given were rather on the decline but Wool fetches a good price this season.
Received £54.18.1 from George Anderson together with the interest thereon being the amount of his half of the Medcines [sic] and in the Shop at February 1 1813.
George Anderson behaved in a very rude manner to Walter without the least provocation received and turned him out of the Shop with Violence twice broke his umbrella and behaved in a most outrageous and insulting manner to him.
The weather has been hotter this month than it has been for many years past and very pleasant, with frequent showers.
The Markets still keep high.
There has been a Schism or disagreement in this town council. One party met to choose a Provost and a Baillie in the Room of Provost Conel and Baillie Sutherland. The other party would not attend however William Anderson Bookseller was chosen provost and Robert Gilles Craigs was chosen a Baillie. The Town Clerk refused to act. Stirling has a most pitiful low set of Magistrates and town council for several years past. The more respectable citizens seem to despise being concerned with government of the Town.
New potatoes, Currants, pease, Gooseberries selling in the Hucksters shops.
The minutes of Stirling Town Council, including details of local elections, are available to search at the Council Archives.
The first division for the 16 Regiment came into town. They are on their rout [sic] for Ireland via Port Patrick. They are about 700 strong and look well.
Fine warm weather with mild showers, attended with some thunder and Lightning.
Two rural Clergymen or itinerant ministers are preaching daily in the streets. They lay down their hats to receive the Voluntary offerings of their auditors, but it appears that they are but poorly paid for their Sermons.
The weather cold and dry. Hay harvest is become general. Cherries and red currants are sold in the Hucksters Shops and at their Stalls.
For four days past the weather has been very warm and sultry. The Thermometer in the Shade was generally from 70 to 75 and vegetation is beginning to suffer severely by it, the wind being generally at East.
A shower from the eastward which has cooled the air very much. The Markets this month are very high. Beef from 8 to 10d per lib. Butter 1/6 to 1/8. Oatmeal £3.10 per Load and other articles in proportion. The rate of postage of Letters is also Augmented. A Letter from London is ½. One from Edinburgh is 7½d.
A Person of the Name of Bachop went into the Water of Teith to bathe but going beyond his depth was drowned.
Mr Robert Lucas’s son Alexander was killed by a fall from a rock in the King’s Park of Edinburgh. He was in search of a birds nest. The Western Regiment of Local Militia left the town, they were on the point of breaking out into Mutiny on account of their Shoes and other necessaries not being given to them, but the Shoemakers being applied to furnish the Shoes, they were them satisfied and dispersed quietly.
The King’s birthday was not observed here as formerly. The Castle guns were fired but there was no public Guzzle as usuall by the Magistrates and their friends, perhaps owing to the death of the Provost and one of the baillies and another being sick on account of irregular living, and not on account of the King’s insanity.
Was the May fair. The town was very throng, the day was fine. There was a few quarrels as usuall, some broken heads and Black eyes.
The Cattle Market in the morning was considerable and the Horse Market was also well attended. Horses and cows fetched high prices.
The latter part of the month was very fine warm weather but markets are still very high, the Butcher meat in particular being as high as 9½ per lib.
The East Stirling Shire Local Militia came into the town Commanded by Colonel Simpson of Plean. Severall young men of the town have got commissions in them. They are about 500 strong mostly young men. They are to be in training here for one fortnight. Mrs Whitehead left James Melles’s and went to reside with Mrs Campbell her daughter at St Ninians.
A considerable confusion in the town as usuall on account of people removing from one house to another, severall roups* of furniture on that account. Houses this season are not letting to Advantage there being not a few uninhabited.
(A ‘roup’ is a selling or letting by auction).
Planted the last of the Potatoes. Have planted this Season about 14 pecks viz. 2 Early and 12 late.
The Justiciary Judge sat here. One woman was tried for concealing pregnancy and not calling for assistance was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. A collier from the Plean was tried for a rape and acquitted.
Our Chief Magistrate J Sutherland died of a mortification in his foot occasioned by sotting and drinking.
The weather cold and dry with some frost.
Some riotous vagabonds broke severall of the public Lamps and the Windows of the Grammar School and the English School taught by Mr Bell besides the windows of severall private people and have hitherto escaped detection.
The weather wet and cold.
The Medicines that had been on board of Hosies packet since the 25 of last month were got safe into the Shop.
The box sent to William at last reached him. It had been kept up through the innatention of the Carrier.
Very serious disturbances happened at Perth. The Renfrew and Fife regiments of militia mutinied. They imagined that they had been only inlisted for ten years and wanted their discharge, but by the steadiness of their officers and some regular troops being sent for they were soon convinced of their mistake, and quietly returned to their duty. Ten of the ringleaders however were sent to Edinburgh Castle, where no doubt they will be brought before a court martial and punished. ‘Tis a pity that the Acts of Parliament were not more clearly worded.
Our guest blogger, Mr Andrew Muirhead gives more insight into the events that Dr Lucas refers to:
During the Napoleonic Wars, militia regiments were raised for home defence. Prior to being in Perth, the Renfrewshire Militia had been helping to protect Portsmouth. A private named Hally used some leave to go round that regiment and the Fife Militia fomenting trouble. It was rumoured that he had been imprisoned so some of the men set out to release him. On the way to the prison in Perth they spotted him walking free so the riot lost some of its point. The two regiments were marched from Perth to Dundee and from Perth to Crieff. On the way back from Dundee the Renfrewshire Militia were surrounded by other regiments and disarmed until they gave up some of the ringleaders of the trouble. In total about 10 or 14 men were marched off to be court martialled and that was the end of that mutiny.
The Dr Lucas Diaries 