Manuscripts and Special Collections
Ne C 1708/1 : Letter from Brigadier William Blakeney [later 1st Baron Blakeney], Stirling Castle [Scotland], to Henry Pelham; 18 Oct. 1745
resent the ill treatment they have met with from the
Rebells, and wanting all necessarys, I take care to furnish
them with linnen, shoes, stockings, and watchcoats, the
weather being very Cold and Wet, a particular account
shall be kept of what each man has had.
The draught of the several Dispositions S[ir] John Cope
made with his Army I had from a very Intelligent Clergy
man who rode over the field of Battle, and was well informed
of everything that happened. In my opinion, had S[i]r John
Cope placed his right at Preston panes and his left at
Cockenzie his Foot and Cannon on the right and left, and
the Dragoons in the Center, he certainly would have
defeated the Rebells, for they never could have surprised
him, nor make him alter his Disposition so often as
he did; besides, it is a maxim in the art of War, not
to place Horse on any Wing of an Army that is near woods
or Inclosures, from whence they may be anoyed by Infantry
without being able to offend them.
I have desired Captain Wilson to wait upon you for
your Orders how I shall be supplied with money. I am
with great respect
Sir
Your most faithfull and
Most obliged servant
Will. Blakeney
Right Hon[oura]ble Henry Pelham Esq[ui]r[e]
