Facsimile of first page of MS. Register in the Brodie Family Bible. (From the original in the Edinburgh Municipal Museum.)Facsimile of first page of MS. Register in the Brodie Family Bible.(From the original in the Edinburgh Municipal Museum.)
Writer, and Jean Broun, his 2d spouse, and was baptised nixt day by the Reverend Mr. Freebairn, in presence of the above Ludovick Brodie, John Grant and Allexander Gordon, Writers &c., named after Mrs. Cicel Rentoun, Sister to the Laird of Lamerton.
Edinburgh, the 20th October 1740, We the above Francis Brodie and Cicel Grant was maried in Her Father’s house by the Reverend Mr. Wallace, Minister in Edg. before these witnesses, viz., our two fathers, John, Joseph, and Hellen Brodie’s my Brother’s and Sister, Ludovick Allexander, and Jean Grant’s her Brother’s and Sister, and John Grant, Writer to the Signet, my Uncle and her Cousin.
[Here followed the entry of the Deacon’s birth, which has been cut out of the page, as above mentioned.]
Edinburgh, the 22 September, 1742, was born att 6 in the morning being Wednesday, our Second Son and deied about 11 oclock that Forenoon and was buried that evening in the Greyfriars Church Yard, two double paces to the West side of the narrow road opposite to Harley’s Tomb, where a Great many of his Relations are interred.
Edinburgh, the 18 October 1745, was born betwixt 7 and 8 in the morning, being Friday, Hellen Brodie, our third child, and was baptised that same afternoon by the aforesaid the Reverend Mr. Mathieson, Minister in Edg., in presence of her two Grand Fathers, Hellen Brodie her Aunt, Ludovick Grant her Uncle, and John Grant, Writer, her granduncle, named after Hellen Brodie, her Grand Mother by her Father (who died the 15 December 1725).
The above Hellen Brodie contracted a sore throat, which in a few days occasioned her death on the 13th of August 1746 att 11 oclock forenoon, being Weddnesday, and was buried the nixt day in the evening att the above place beside her Brother. She was 9 months and 20 days old and a very agreeable Child.
Edinburgh, the 1st November 1747, was born 10 minutes after 5 in the morning, being Sunday, Ludovick Brodie, our Fourth Child and was Baptised that same afternoon by the Reverend Mr Glen, Minister in Edinr. in presence of his two Grand Fathers, Hellen Brodie his Aunt, and Ludovick Grant his Uncle, named after Ludovick Brodie his Grandfather.
The above Ludovick Brodie took a Chincouch, which in six weeks occasioned his death on the 14th of August 1748 att 12 oclock Forenoon, being Sunday, and was buried the nixt day in the evening att the above place beside his Brother and Sister. He was 9 month and 14 days old and a very agreeable, Strong Child.
Edinburgh, the 16th Jully 1749, was born half an hour after six in the morning, being Sunday, Francis Brodie, our Fifth and was Baptised that same afternoon by the Reverend Mr Glen, Glen, Minister in Eding., in presence of his Grandfather Ludovick Brodie, Hellen Brodie his Aunt, Ludovick Grant and John Brodie his Uncles, &c. Named after myself.
Edinburgh, the 16th October 1750 was born half an hour after Twelve in the morning, being Tuesday, Ludovick Brodie, our sixtChild and was baptised that same afternoon by the Reverend Mr Wallace, Minister in Eding, in presence of his two Grand Fathers, Hellen Brodie his Aunt, Mrs. Grant his Aunt, and Mrs. Grant his half Aunt, John Grant his grand Uncle, and John Brodie his Uncle, named after Ludovick Brodie his Grand Father.
By Act of the British Parliament, the Gregorian Kallender was introduced in Place of the Jullian, and in consequence of this, the day after the 2d of September (by leaving out eleven days) was the 14th of September, which makes the forementioned events to fall on the following days. viz.—
Francis Brodie (above designed) was born upon the 6 Jully 1708.
Cicel Grant, my Wife, was born the 28 August 1718.
We were married the 1st November, 1740.
Our First Child, William, was born, the 10 of October 1741.
Our Second Child was born and he died the 4 of October 1742.
Our third Child, Hellen, was born the 30 October, 1745 (her Grand Mother by the Father, whom she was named after died the 27 December, 1725) and she died the 25 August 1746.
Our Fourth Child, Ludovick, was born the 13 November 1747, and died the 26 of August 1748.
Our Fifth Child, Francis, was born the 28 Jully 1749.
Our Sixt Child, Ludovick, was born the 28 October, 1750.
Edinburgh, the 7th November 1752, betwixt 12 and 1 in the morning (being Tuesday) was born our Sevenths Child, and that same forenoon was baptised by the forementioned Mr. William Wallace, in presence of his two Grand Fathers, Mr. John Grant his Grand Uncle, Mr John and Mr James Brodie’s his Uncles by the Father, Mr. William and Mr. Ludovick Grant’s his Uncles by the Mother, and Mrs. Hellen Brodie his Aunt by his Father, named after John Brodie his Uncle.
The above John Brodie, upon the 15th January, 1753, (being Monday) took a Sudden illness and deied betwixt 6 and 7 in the morning and was buried in the before mentioned place. He was a very lively, well proportioned, well loock’d and thriving Child, to appearance, and was 9 weeks and 6 days old.
Edinburgh, the 28 February 1754, betwixt 2 and 3 in the morning (being Thursday) was born our Eight child, and that same day was baptised by the forementioned Mr. William Wallace in the presence of her two Grand Fathers, Mr John Grant her Grand Uncle, Mr James Brodie her Uncle by the Father, Mr William and Mr Ludovick Grant’s her Uncles by the Mother, and Mrs. Hellen Brodie (now Mrs. Rintoul) her Aunt by the Father, named Cicel after her Mother.
Edinburgh, the 26 May 1756, ten minutes after two in the morning (being Wednesday) was born our ninth Child, and that same day was baptised by the Reverend Mr David Rintoul, one of the Ministers in Kirkcaldie, in presence of her two Grand Fathers, Mr John Grant her Grand Uncle, Mr James Brodie her Uncle by the Father, Mrs. Rintoul her Aunt by the Father, &c., named Margaret after her Aunt in Law Mrs Grant, spouse to Mr Ludovick Grant her Uncle by the Mother.
The above Ludovick Brodie, our Sixt Child, died the 3d of June 1756 (being Thursday) att four o clock in the morning of the Small Pox, aged 5 years 7 months and 6 days, and was buried in the above mentioned place; he was a beautyfull, genteel boy, had moreprudence than most of his age, which, joined to a great deal of vivacity, benevolence, and kindness in his disposition, made him beloved by every one who knew him.
Mr Ludovick Brodie, Clerk to the Signet, my Worthy Father, died of a Fever, att his own house in Edinburgh, the 16 June 1758 att 1 o clock afternoon, aged 86, he was a very long time in business (and before he died was the oldest Clerk to the Signet) and bore a very fair character, being honest in his transactions and benevolent in his disposition, embracing every opportunity of doing good and charitable Actions to mankind in generall and to his Relations and Acquaintances in particular; Religious without ostentation, an affectionate Husband (to my Mother, Hellen Grant, his only wife, who died likewise of a Fever the 27 December 1725. She was a pious woman, a dutifull Wife and an affectionate Mother,) and he was likewise a kind Parent and a constant and sincere Friend. As to his person, of a midle stature, strong, robust, and well proportioned, had an open and manly countenance, was burried the 19th Curt. in the above mentioned place.
Edinburgh, the 2d. February 1759, being Friday att —— was born our tenth Child and that same day was baptised by the above reverend Doctr. William Wallace, in presence of her Grand Father Mr William Grant, Mr. James Brodie her Uncle by the Father, Mr. Ludovick Grant and Mrs Grant her Uncle and Aunt by the Mother, Mr. William and Hellen Grant’s’ her 2d Cousins by the Father, and named Jean after her Grand Mother and her Aunt by the Mother.
Edinburgh, the 31 of Jully 1760, being Saturday, att 1 in the morning, was born our eleventh Child and that same day was baptised by Doctr. Patrick Cumming, Minister in Edinburgh, in presence of her Grand Father Mr Willaim Grant, Mr James Brodie her Uncle by the Father, Mr Ludovick and Mrs. Grant’s her Uncle and Aunt by the Mother, Mrs Gordon and Mrs Campbell her Aunts by the Mother, and Mrs Hellen Grant her 2d. Cousin by the Father, and named Jacobina after the above Mr James Brodie her Uncle.
Mr William Grant, Writer in Edinburgh, my wife’s worthie Father, died of old age the 18 of January 1762, att 8 oclock in the morning, in the 100 of his age, he was a very long time in business, had a very fair character for honesty in all his transactions. Religious without ostentation, a good Husband, a dutiful Parent, and in his own lifetime did a great many good and Liberall actions, particularly to his Children, Grand Children and great Grand Children, who were very numerous. As to his person, he was of a midle stature, well Proportioned, of a Fair and comely Countenance, and was buried the 21 curt. in the above place.
On the 19th of February 1768, being Frieday, a little after one in the morning, died of a lingering illness, my eldest Daughter, Cicel, wanting 9 days to compleat her 14th year and during the long time she was indisposed, behaved with great Fortitude and Patience, her own distress never making her neglect nor abate that natural affability and good manners which she shewed to all, and particularly to her relations; when in health her person was tall and gentile and her countenance agreeable,her behaviour modest, polite and sensible, her capasity to learn was quick, and had a retentive memory, and as she was sincerely religious (without the least tincture of enthusiesem), there is no doubt that being both Good and Innocent, she is now extreamly, and will be eternally happy in the Celestiall Mansions.
On the 6th of March, 1776, being Weddensday, about seven in the evening, died of a linguring illness my (then) Eldest Daughter, Margaret, being 19 years 9 months and 11 days old, she had a Sollid Understanding, and without ostentation was firmly attached to the Cause of Truth, Virtue and Religion, Kind and Affectionate to her acquaintances but more especially to her Relations, and among her last words expressed her gratitude for the care they had taken of her, I believe her illness originated from a severe cold, which she contracted about 8 months presiding her death. She is now (I hope) enjoying eternall Bliss with her dear sister Cecil.
On the 22nd September 1777, being Munday night, one quarter after 11 oclock, died of a fever my dear wife, Cicel Grant, aged 59 years and 25 days and married to me 36 years and 325 days (which wants 40 days of 37 years.) She was a Chaste and dutifull Wife, and besides a great many good Qualities, she was equalled by few in the prudent and skillfull management of Her House and Family, was Religious without ostentation, Charitable and good to all, and is buried in the above place (two double paces west of the narrow road opposite to Harleys Tomb) where a great number of my and her Relations lyes interred: and there is no doubt she now enjoys Celestial happiness.
Mr. Francis Brodie, Wright in Edinburgh, my worthy Father, died of the Palsy att his own house in Edinr., the 1st of June 1782, att 5 oclock afternoon in the 74th year of his age. His character was that of an honest man, an affectionate husband, an indulgent parent, a faithful friend, and a generous master.
Jean Brodie.
My sister, Jean Brodie, died at her own house on the 22 of August 1821, at 10 oclock at night, aged 62 years and seven months, after a long and severe illness, which she bore with patience. She was a generous and affectionate sister and Aunt, a Sensible and Correct Woman in every respect, and is buried in the above mentioned place.
Jacobina Sheriff.
My Eldest daughter, Cecilia Sheriff, died at my house on the 30 of June 1831, at 6 oclock morning, aged 42. She was a humble Christian and dutiful daughter and most affectionate sister, and most faithfull friend. I trust she is now with the Lord, and is buried in the above mentioned place.
Jacobina Sheriff.
Her Dear and Affectionate Sister. 1831.
Jane Sheriff.
Jacobina Sherriff, my worthy mother, died at my house after three months illness in the 79 year of her age, she was the most affectionate parent, kind, indulgent in every respect, unopressive to all, humble in her opinion of herself, and I now trust she is beyond the reach of all sorrow.
Jane Sherriffor Molleson
March 231839
Sir,The favour of your Company to attend the Funeral of Mrs. Sherriff, my Mother-in-law from my House here to the Greyfriars Burial Ground, on Thursday the 28th currt. at 2 oclock afternoon, will much oblige.Sir,Your obedient Servant,James Molleson.Edinburgh,3 Gloucester Place,March 25th, 1839.
Sir,
The favour of your Company to attend the Funeral of Mrs. Sherriff, my Mother-in-law from my House here to the Greyfriars Burial Ground, on Thursday the 28th currt. at 2 oclock afternoon, will much oblige.
Sir,Your obedient Servant,James Molleson.
Edinburgh,3 Gloucester Place,March 25th, 1839.
Excerpts from the Records of the Cape Club, in the Possession of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
I.Roll of the Knights Companions of The Cape.Date of Admission.1775 February 25th.
II.Record of Cape Club Petitions, Vol. i.No. 232.To the Sovereign and Knights of The CapeThe Petition of William Brodie Wright in Edinburgh
Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioner is very desirous to be admitted a Member of The Cape.
May it therefore Please the Sovereign and Knights toadmit your Petitioner and shall ever pray
William Brodie
The Candidate is recommended by
Gilb. WaughJames Syme
(Written upon the back of the Petition.)Petition of William Brodie1775Grand Cape 25th Feb 1775.Admitted D.S. Secry.Sir Lhoyed.
III.
Minute of Meeting at which Deacon Brodie was admitted a Knight of The Cape.
Nineteenth Grand Festival of The Cape, held atCapehall in Jas. Mann’s, Craigs Close, 25thFebry. 1775.
Sederunt
The Recorded Protested that as Mr. Auld was irregularly ballotted at this Festival without his knowledge or consent thesame shall not preclude him from an Appeal to any after Grand Cape if he chuses to enter the same and took instruments in the Secretary’s hands and craved that this Protest be engrossed in the Minute of Sederunt of this Grand Cape.
The re-elected Sovereign after having taken the accustomed obligations to promote the Harmony of the Society was solemnly Crowned in the Chair of State with all the usual formalities and with the other officers taking their proper places, the public business of this Festival was most harmoniously concluded.
Excerpts from the Guild Registers of the Burgh of Edinburgh.
Edinr. 15th October 1735.
Sederunt
Francis Brodie, Wright, compearing is made burges of this burgh as prentice to John Antonious, Wright, burges yrof. And gave his Oath &c. having payd for his duety to the Dean of Gild 13 Sh. 4 pennies & watches 24sh:——Brodie B £1·6·7d.
Edinr. 9th February 1763.
Sederunt
Francis Brodie, Wright, burges of this Burgh, Compearing is made Gildbrother thereof by right of Cecil Grant, daughter of William Grant, Writer, burges and Gildbrother thereof, his spouse and paid his dues and gave his oaths.——Brodie G £1·10·9d.
William Brodie, Wright, compearing, is made burges and Gild Brother of this Burgh by right of Francis Brodie, Wright, burges and Gild brotherthereof, his father, and paid his dues and gave his oaths.——Brodie B & G £2·12·11½.
Excerpts from the Records of the Edinburgh Town Council, Referred to in the Introduction to the Trial.
Edinburgh the tenth day of September Onethousand seven hundred and eighty threeyears.
Sederunt
ExtraryDeacons:—William Richie, William Young, William Inglis, Thomas Hunter, WillmForrester.
The Chamberlain produced in Council his Cash Book whereby it appears there is a ballance due him of £306:13:10, Ballance due to Bankers £5417:14:3, and paid in to the City’s Cash Accompt with the Royal Bank £2385 Sterling.
Bailie Dickson from the first Bailie’s Committee reported that they having examined the following accompts, vizt. an accompt due to William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the different public markets of the City, from Twentieth November seventeen hundred and eighty two to third July last, amounting to Sixty seven pounds, eighteen shillings and one penny; Item an accompt due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the Parliament House, Exchequer, &c., from twenty fifth September Seventeen hundred and eighty two to the eleventh of June last, amounting to Nine pounds, one shilling and four pence; Item an Accompt due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the Tolbooth and sundry other parts belonging to the City, from the fourteenth August seventeen hundred and eighty two to the seventeenth February last, amounting to Ten pounds, twelve shillings and two pence; Item an Accot. due to the said Willm. Brodie for Wright work done by him in making windows for St. Andws. Church, amounting to One hundred and twenty pounds, seven shillings and nine pence; Item an Accot. due to thesaid William Brodie for wright work done by him in making doors for the stalls in the New Flesh Markets and fitting up the new Veal Market, &c. from eighteenth November seventeen hundred and eighty two to seventeenth July last, amounting to One hundred and seventy six pounds, twelve shillings and five pence; Item an accot. due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the College, from ninth September seventeen hundred and eighty two to twenty first April last, amounting to Five pounds, eighteen shillings and nine pence; Item an accompt due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the different Churches of the City, from the twelfth of September seventeen hundred and eighty two to twenty fourth August last, amounting to Sixty six pounds, two shillings and one penny; Item an Accompt due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the Flesh Market, City Clerk’s Chambers, and sundry other parts belonging to the City, from fourteenth September seventeen hundred and eighty two to twentieth July last, amounting to Fifty nine pounds, sixteen shillings and eight pence, all Sterling money, Did find the said Accompts right summed, calculated and sufficiently instructed, and therefore were of opinion the City Chamberlain should be authorised to pay the same, as the respective Reports under the hands of the said Committee bears—Which being considered by the Magistrates and Council, They approved of the said Reports, and authorize and appoint accordingly.
It was from the said Committee also reported that they having examined ... an Accompt due to William Brodie for Wright work done by him to the City’s Engines, fire Cocks, &c. from twenty ninth November seventeen hundred and eighty two to twenty fourth May Last, amounting to Forty two pounds, three shillings and four pence Sterl; Did find the said Accots. right summed, calculated and sufficiently instructed and therefore were of opinion the City’s Collector of the Cess and Watch money should be authorized to pay the same....
It was reported from the Committee on the New Gift that they having examined.... Item an Accot. due to William Brodie for Wright work done by him in repairing the Pier of Leith, from first September seventeen hundred and eighty two to Second July last, amounting to Forty nine pounds, nine shillings.... Did find the said Accompts right summed, calculated and sufficiently instructed; But in regard the City’s Duty on Ale, &c. on which the said Accompts is chargeable is so much decreased that it cannot afford payment thereof, were therefore of opinion the City Chamberlain should be authorised to pay the same out of the City’s proper Revenue, to be charged as a debt on the said duty and repaid and made good to the City how soon that fund can admit thereof....
John Grieve, Provost.
18th August, 1784.
... Upon a motion made in Council They remit to Convener Jameson, Deacon Hill, and Deacon Brodie to inspect the west wall of the Tolbooth and consider in what manner a Door or passage may be made thro’ the same in order that criminals may be executed there, and to report:
24th November 1784.
... Pursuant to a late remit to the Magistrates to consider as to the manner of fitting up a place adjoining to the Tolbooth of this City for the execution of Criminals, there was produced in Council a plan for that purpose with an estimate by Counr. Jameson of the Mason work amounting to Twenty-five pound two shillings and an estimate by Deacon Hill of the Wright work amounting to Twenty-five pound both Sterling, which being considered by the Council They ordain the work to be executed accordingly.
11th April 1785.
... An estimate signed by Counr. Jameson and Deacon Hill that the whole expense in rebuilding the shops and parapet at the west end of the Tolbooth shall not exceed in whole the sum of seventy pounds Sterling exclusive of the Wright work for the platform and the machinery for an Execution conform to a former Estimate being considered, the Council removed the shop mentioned in the minute of the eighth curt. and authorised the work to be executed with all possible dispatch.
13th April 1785.
... Appointed the Dean of Guild and his Council to visit the west wall of the Tolbooth and to Report to the Magistrates their opinion if an opening can be made there with safety and without hurting the building for the purpose of executing Criminals on the west side of the Tolbooth, with power to the Magistrates to authorise the same to be done as formerly intended.
20th April 1785.
... The Magistrates produced the following Report:—“Edinburgh, 13th April 1785. The Dean of Guild and his Council agreeable to the Council’s appointment visited the west wall of the Tolbooth and report their unanimous opinion that an opening can be made there with safety and without hurting the buildings (signed) Archd. McDowall D.G.” and informed that in consequence thereof they had authorised the intended work to be completed.
The Magistrates represented that after the maturest consideration they had appointed the west end of the Tolbooth to be the common place for the public Execution of Criminals and moved that an Act of Council be passed for that purpose in order that Archibald Stewart now under sentence of death may be executed there in pursuance of his sentence, which being considered by theCouncil They approved of the conduct of the Magistrates and declared the west end of the Tolbooth to be the common place of Execution now and in all time coming.
4th May 1785.
... Read a letter signed by William Brodie and authorized charter of the lot in Princes Street feued by him last year to be granted to William Pirnie, Mason—William Brodie subscribing the same as consenter thereto.
11th May 1785.
... Signed charter in favour of William Pirnie, Mason, with consent of William Brodie Wright, of fifty nine and one half feet in front of the Plot marked E north side of Princes Street agreed to have been feued to the said William Brodie for payment of £3:14:4½ of feuduty commencing at Whitsunday 1785, and £10:13:4½ on the entry of each heir or singular successor. He paid to the Chamberlain Two hundred and eight pound five shillings Sterling of purchase money.
7th September 1785.
... Authorised Deacon Hill to make a moveable platform for the Execution of Criminals in terms of his estimate not exceeding sixteen pounds Sterling, to be executed at the sight of Baillies Eyre, Blair, and the Dean of Guild.
12th April 1786.
... It was reported from the first Baillies’ Committee that they having examined an accompt due to William Brodie for putting a roof on the new reservoir in Heriots Garden and compared it with the Estimate, found that the same exceeded the sum in the estimate in £2:4:6 but that the additional charge is on account of the building having been raised six inches higher than the original plan and therefore were of opinion the City Chamberlain should be authorised to pay the accompt amounting to £103:10:6 Stg.
13th September 1786.
... To Thomas Hill for work done by him in making a platform west end of the Tolbooth, Nineteen pounds seventeen 249 shillings and five pence half penny.... To Thomas Hill for erecting a second platform west end of the Tolbooth, Twenty-one pound seven shillings and eleven pence half penny.
20th September 1786.
... That part of the Sett entitled “Election in Special of Deacons” was read.
Then the said fourteen Incorporations being severally called, the following Persons were presented as their Deacons for the year ensuing:—
Surgeons—Forrest Dewar, Goldsmiths—Willm. Dempster, Skinners—James Brown, Furriers—Willm. Ritchie, Hammermen—John Milne, Wrights—Willm. Brodie, Masons—Robt. Dewar, Taylors—Jas. Richardson, Fleshers—Andrew Wilson, Cordners—Robert Moncur, Websters—Willm. Forrester, Waulkers—Thomas Tibbets, and Bonnetmakers—Adam Brooks.
It was reported that Edward Innes was elected Deacon of the Incorporation of Baxters.
The thirteen persons present were received, Swornde fideliand authorized in their offices and qualified to Government by swearing the Oath of Allegiance and signing the same with the Assurance.
Then the chapter of the Sett entitled “New Council of Deacons” being read, the Council did proceed to make choice of six Council Deacons to be adjoined to the new Council for the year ensuing and elected the persons followings:—
Skinners—James Brown, Wrights—William Brodie, Masons—Robert Dewar, Baxters—Edward Innes, Fleshers—Andrew Wilson, Waulkers—Thomas Tibbets. All of whom compeared, except the said Edward Innes, who accepted of their offices, were swornde fideliand qualified to Government by taking the Oath of Allegiance and signing the same with the Assurance.
John Grieve, Provost.
28th March 1787.
... On representation from William Forbes, Authorised Deacon Brodie to make a timber press for the use of the City Clerk in the office kept by the said William Forbes.
31st October 1787.
... Read letter from Professor Andrew Dalzell addressed to the Lord Provost, that in the course of the night of the thirtieth current the College Library was broke into and the University Mace was stolen from thence. Ordered an advertisement to be published offering a reward of ten guineas to be paid by the City Chamberlain for discovering all or any of the Persons guilty thereof, or any person in whose possession the said Mace shall be found.
Advertisements Relating to Certain of the Robberies Committed by Deacon Brodie.
(From theEdinburgh Evening Courant.)
1786.
On Friday evening last (the 12th August) the lock of the outer door of the compting-house of Johnston and Smith, bankers in the Exchange, was opened by some wicked persons, as supposed by a counterfeit key, and eight hundred pounds Sterling stolen out of their drawers, in the following bank notes, viz:—
It is entreated that every honest person will give the Magistrates of Edinburgh, or Johnston and Smith, notice of any circumstances that may fall under their observation for discovering the offenders; and farther, the said Johnston and Smith will give the informer a reward of Five Pounds Sterling for every hundred pounds sterling that shall be recovered in consequence of such information. As some smith may very innocently have made a key from an impression of clay or wax, such smith giving information, as above, so as the person who got the key may be discovered, shall be handsomely rewarded.
By Order of the Honourable the Magistrates of Edinburgh.
Whereas, on Sunday night last, the 14th inst. there was laid down or dropped at the door of the Council Chamber of this City, the sum of two hundred and twenty-five pounds sterling in bank notes, wrapped in a piece of grey paper, which was found by Robert Burton, a porter, and immediately after delivered by him to one of the Magistrates: This is to give notice, that the above sum is now sealed up, and in the hands of the City Clerks, and will be delivered to any person who shall prove the property thereof, with deduction of a reasonable allowance to the porter who found it.
1786.Shop Broke Into, and RobbedIn Parliament Square, Edinburgh.
Whereasbetwixt the night of Monday the 9th, and Tuesdaythe 10th of October current, the shop of Mr. James Wemyss, Goldsmith in Edinburgh, situated betwixt the Goldsmiths’ Hall and the Council Chambers of said City, was broke into and the following articles carried off, viz. 26 gold rings, some set with diamonds and the rest with stones; 24 plain gold rings; 5 seals set in gold; 1 gold broatch; 2 silver set broatches; 2 set crosses; 3 set ear-rings, one of them gold; 4 cut shank silver tea spoons, and one old plain silver do; 10 new silver table spoons; 1 silver tureen spoon, and the mouth of a dividing spoon; 2 silver punch spoons; 12 silver tea spoons, not quite finished but ready for burnishing; 1 silver seal with a ship on it, and one seal block; 12 silver stock buckles; 36 pairs silver shoe buckles; 3 single silver shoe ditto; 46 pairs of silver knee buckles, and four single knee ditto.
As the public, as well as the private party, are greatly interested that this daring robbery be discovered, it is requested that all Goldsmiths, Merchants, and other Traders through Scotland, may be attentive, in case any goods answering to those above mentioned shall be offered to sale, and to enquire how the persons who may offer them to sale came by them, and to get them examined before a Magistrate, and secured in prison, in case they cannot give a good account of themselves, and prove how they came by the said goods.
Letters containing information may be addressed to Mr. William Dempster, deacon of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in Edinburgh, or to Mr David Downie, Goldsmith there, treasurer of said Incorporation, or to Mr William Scott, procurator-fiscal of the shire of Edinburgh; and in order that the person or persons guilty of the said robbery may be discovered, the Incorporation of Goldsmiths hereby offer a reward ofTen Guineasto any person who shall make such discovery, to be paid by Mr. Downie, their treasurer, upon conviction of the offender or offenders.
A Shop Broke.Sheriff Clerk’s Office, Edinburgh.Dec. 28, 1786.
Between Sunday night and Monday morning last, a Hardware Shop here was broke into, and the following articles carried off:—A lady’s gold watch, enamelled back, figure offering up a gift to Hymen—A large plain gold watch, caped and jewelled—A small secondhand gold watch; makers name of these three J. J. Jackson, London—One small single cased watch, maker’s name Innes—Two silver watches, name Armstrong—Several gold rings, breast pins, and lockits, plain and set round with pearl for hair devices—A few pairs set knee and shoe buckles—Two lancet cases full of lancets, makers name Lavignie—All the rings, breastpins, lockits, and set buckles, are marked, in the under side with a sharp nail, the initials of the shop mark, and the selling price plain figures; so that if any attempt is made to erase any of these marks, it will easily be noticed.
Whoever will give such information, within three months from this date, to William Scott, procurator-fiscal of this County, as shall lead to a discovery of the person or persons who committed the above theft, shall, upon conviction of the offenderor offenders, receive a reward ofTwenty Guineas, and the informer’s name, if required, concealed.
William Scott, Proc. Fiscal.
N.B.If any of the above articles are offered to sale, it is requested they may be stopped, and the person offering them detained till notice is given as above, for which a handsome reward will be given, besides all charges paid.
1787.Shop-breaking.
That in the Night betwixt Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th of August instant, the Shop of John Carnegie, Grocer, at the foot of St. Andrew’s Street, Leith, was broke into, and about 350 pounds of fine black tea stolen and carried off.
Whoever will give such information to William Scott, procurator-fiscal of the County of Edinburgh, within three months from this date, as shall lead to a discovering in the premises, will receive from him a reward ofTen Guineas, on conviction of the offender or offenders and the informer’s name (if required) concealed.
N.B.It is presumed the above theft has been committed by some of those who stroll the country under the pretence of hawking tea, and who may have had access to know Mr. Carnegie’s shop. The tea was turned out of the packages, and yesterday several parcels of tea were observed lying at different places on the Bonnington road, as if dropt from a parcel, which is a farther confirmation of the above suspicion, and that the tea stolen is carried to the country for sale by some hawker. If, therefore, any considerable quantity of tea is observed in the custody of any suspicious person or persons, it is intreated they may be secured, and notice given to said William Scott, who will pay all reasonable charges, besides a reasonable gratification for trouble.
Shop Breaking and Theft.Sheriff Clerk’s Office, Edinburgh, Oct. 29. 1787.
That in the night betwixt Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of October Curt. a Shoemaker’s shop in the Royal Exchange, Edinburgh, was broke into, and the following articles stole and carried off therefrom viz:—Ten pairs of Boots—Twenty pairs of Men’s shoes—Three pairs of Men’s slippers, red leather—One pair ditto, yellow—Eighteen pair white silk Queen’s Uppers for shoes, embroidered with gold and silver—A silver watch, maker’s name J. Dare, London, No. 2031—Another ditto, cracked on the outer Case, and having a leather string—A stone ring set in gold, having a man’s head engraved thereon—A Lady’s Pocket-book, of red Turkey leather, shut with a steel lock—Six pair of Men’s silk Stockings, part white and part marled, marked J.C. and numbered—A hard leather Snuffbox, in the shape of a boot—Also, About four pound of bad halfpence, with papers of various kind, and in particular some parchments, and other rights of houses.
Whoever will give to William Scott, procurator-fiscal of this County, within three months from this date, such information as shall lead to a discovery of the person or persons who committed the aforesaid shop-breaking and theft; or will cause apprehend and imprison the said person or persons, shall, upon conviction of the offender or offenders, receive a reward ofTen Pounds, and the informer’s name (if required) concealed.
N.B.If articles similar to the above are offered to sale, or discovered in the custody of any person of a suspicious appearance, it is entreated that the goods may be stopped and the person or persons in whose custody they are found secured, till notice is sent as above, for which a handsome reward will be given, besides all charges paid.
By the Right Hon: TheLord Provost, Magistrates, and Council,of the City of Edinburgh
Whereas, on the night between Monday and Tuesday the 29th and 30th current, some wicked persons did feloniously break open the doors of the Library of the University of this City, and steal theUniversity Mace, a reward ofTen Guineas, to be paid by the City Chamberlain, is hereby offered for the discovery of all or any of the persons above mentioned, or of any person in whose possession the said Mace shall be found.
Edinburgh, Oct. 31. 1787.
1788.Shop-breaking and Theft.Sheriff Clerk’s Office, Edinburgh, Jan. 9. 1788.
That this last night the shop of Mess.Inglis,Horner, & Co., Silk Mercers at the Cross of Edinburgh, was broke into, and the following articles stolen and carried off therefrom, viz.
A considerable quantity of black lutestrings, black armozeens, black florentines, and rasdimore silks, some of them whole, others cut pieces. Most of the armozeens and lutestrings have yellow lists or selveges, with some red threads on the outer edge; others of the lutestrings, and all the florentines have white selveges. All of the silks were rolled on pins or blocks, upon the end of most of which is the following mark I. L. S. with the number of the piece and quantity of the yards in figures. Several pieces of cambric, some whole, some cut—also a piece of plain white sattin. It is more than probable that the said goods may be cut in such a manner as to cause them, when exposed to sale, to have the appearance of remnants.
The value of the above goods is equal to from £400 to £500 Sterling, so far as yet discovered.
Whoever will give to William Scott, procurator-fiscal of this County, within three months of this date, such information as will be the means of leading to a discovery of the person or persons who committed the aforesaid shop-breaking and theft, orwill cause apprehend or imprison the said person or persons, shall, upon conviction of the offender or offenders, receive a reward ofOne Hundred PoundsSterling, and the informer’s name, if required, concealed.
N.B.If articles, similar to those above described, are offered to sale or discovered in the custody of any person of suspicious appearance, it is intreated that the goods may be stopped, and the person or persons in whose custody they are found secured, till notice is sent as above; for which a handsome reward will be given, besides all charges paid.
Shop-breaking and Theft.