| Citation |
PG-P.746.010
1 May 1746:12 (907)
Stirling [Scotland], Jan. 9. On Thursday, January 2, the
rebels approach'd this town; on which the gates were order'd
to be shut, and the militia, volunteers, and townsmen, out
under arms, for its defence. On Sunday the 5th instant at
nine at night, the rebels sent a drummer to the east gate of
the town with a message, demanding the town to surrender to
them on terms of capitulation; but the centinels, ignorant
of the forms of war, fired several times at the drummer,
upon which he hollow'd aloud, I am but a messenger; and then
run away with all speed, leaving his drum at the gate, which
the town's people towed up the walls, and brought unto the
town. On Monday morning the 6th instant, the rebels sent
another person with the same message; upon which the P--v---
st called a council, to see what was fit to be done; when
he, with a few of the council, were for capitulating, but
the majority were for defencing the town. . . [21 lines,
General Blakeney addressed the guards:]
Gentlemen, be true to your religion, King and country, and
defend your posts to the last extremity; and if you are
overpower'd by the rebels, make a handsome retreat, and I
will keep an open door for you.
On this the Conveener caused the drum to beat to arms,
upon which above 900 men, well armed, drew up in the market-
place before the General, who desired all those who were for
defending the town to give three huzza's, which was
immediately done. . .
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