Manuscripts and Special Collections
Ne C 1839 : Letter from Morpheus Landlowper, Edinburgh [Scotland], to Henry Pelham; 10 Dec. 1746.
decent to halt a day or two first to rest the weary'd troops 2d not to
tempt Providence by too much Security.
When we came to Sterling methought I heard a general
Order issued for every Soldier to deliver up his Sword and leave it in
the Castle. This to me tho a young Warriour appeared a very extraordinary
Step. But many reasons in Conversation were given for it; some said
that Swords were cumbersome and fatiguing to the Men in their March
and of no Use in an Engagement, others said it was done to distinguish
the private Men from the Officers, for as we were a marching into a barbaroud
Countrey no one thought it worth his while to change his Linnen or put
on a better Coat than that of a private Centinel, our ruffled Shirts
fine Cloaths and Brocade Waistcoates being carefully pack'd up in our
Scrutores and Chests from the Inclemency of the Togs that perpetually
infest these Mountainous Countreys. But the Sword was a proper
Mark of Distinction and pointed out the Patrician from the Plebeian
Blood to the Ladys and Gentlemen we should happen to pass upon
the Road. While others again insisted that it was done because there
was more Safety in our Heels than in our Swords. But be th[a]t as it
will I thought it my Duty to given implicite Faith in the superior
Understanding of my Commander and so I thought no more of the
Matter till I saw the Consequences at the Battle of P-n [Preston, i.e. Prestonpans] which
I shall relate to you in the Sequel of my Dream.
As we were entering into the town of Creif methought I spyd a
very pretty black Ey'd Wench and my Mouth watered to be at her. When
I came to the Inn I ordered my Man directly to powdder my Wig well
knowing that in Matters of Gallantry there comes by many Degrees
more Rhetorick from a good Frontispeice than from the Inside of the
best Pericranium. Powder your Wig Master says he, By God I have
neither white Powder nor Black Powder, But if your Honour pleases
I'll borrow some Powder for your Honours Wig, I know where to get it.
But as for your Hounours Gun there your Honour must shift for it yourself
for I ask'd but tother day of Mr Loggerhead's Servant, Mr Scatterbrains
Servant and Mr Frizleheads Servant and I dont no how many more
but for as much Gun Powder as to shoot as Pidgeon, and ne'er a one
of 'em had any and I question if there is any in the Army. But to
pass over the Wit I engrafted on the Wit of my Footman, the Mirth
of the whole Army and the Raptures I had in my Sleep, procured by
the pondering of my Periwig, with the pretty little Rogue I mentioned
to you above, An Embassy is sent back to the Governour of Sterling
Castle for a fresh supply of Arms and Ammunition. Arms and
