Sketch XX

PATRICK GRAEME OF INCHBRAKIE

Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie and Aberuthven, the eighth baron, succeeded his grandfather, Patrick the seventh, whose eldest son George had married Miss Lindsay of Keavil or Cavill, and predeceased his father, when forty years of age; he left a family of children whose lives are recorded in Sketch XIX, and it is his eldest son who becomes the eighth baron in 1740; for the first time after 250 years the alternate succession of lairds called Patrick and George fail, and two Patricks in succession succeed to the Barony of Inchbrakie!

By dint of hard work and friendly help from Graeme of Balgowan, his grandfather had cleared the estates sufficiently to take up all outstanding mortgages, and young Patrick enters on his estates, yielding all their rental; he finds too, a modern house replete with such comforts as were considered necessary at that date. At the time of his succession he was serving with the Dutch Brigade in Holland with Colonel Colyear’s Regiment, so he handed over to his uncle Captain Patrick, a factorship of the estate. This gentleman transacted his nephew’s affairs, overlooking the bailiffs on the different parts of the estate. This uncle Patrick had retired from his profession and lived with his wife (Helen Pierson, a niece and namesake of the "Leddy" of the seventh baron) at Inchbrakie; this arrangement continued until the young laird married in 1748, (after taking a quiet part in the 1745,) when Captain Patrick Graeme and his lady went to live at Orchill, making room for the eighth baron and his bride at Inchbrakie.

Inchbrakie had not money to take the prominent part in the 1745 that his friend of Gask did, whose estates had never been impoverished during the civil wars of the preceding century, and though a strong adherent of the Prince Charles Edward, Patrick could not find it in his heart to throw into the balance all that his grandfather had so lately redeemed; a balance that his cool head and clear judgment probably saw was so little guarded by strong support, as to make it almost a foregone conclusion that the cause would be lost.

He did not however remain in Holland as has been supposed, but obtaining permission to retire from the Dutch Brigade in 1744, he returned home the following year, and joined the Squadrons of Perthshire Cavalry, simply as Peter Graeme, "cousin to Gorthy", and took his part with the rest of the loyal lairds.

Then when all was lost, he married his friend’s sister Margaret Oliphant of Gask, and settling down at Inchbrakie kept close touch with the Gasks (both old and young Jacobite lairds were now exiles in France) and he and his wife form the Oliphant’s link of communication on all points connected with their family and the estates.

When the doom falls on the Oliphants and the Gask Barony is attainted and put up for public sale, then Inchbrakie comes forward and takes a prominent part in buying in with other friends the Gask estate for his outlawed father and brother in law.

Inchbrakie is loyally joined by Oliphant of Condie, Graeme of Orchill and Graeme of Balgowan, with Campbell of Monzie (a descendant of a daughter of Gask); in this task all unite in retaining for the Oliphants their old home and the house where Prince Charlie has been entertained and where his table, chair, his cap and slippers, cockade, garters and lock of hair were all so carefully preserved by the Honourable Amelia Nairne (Mrs Oliphant of Gask) in the "Auld Hoose" for her descendants; and now, 150 years later, are treasured in the more stately mansion of modern Gask.

For nearly twenty-five years, Inchbrakie and his wife lead an untroubled life, rearing a blooming family of three sons and three daughters, most of whom see active service, or form satisfactory marriages and are a pride and pleasure to their parents.

Then between 1781 and 1783, heavy anxieties darken the parents’ lives; uncertain rumors as to the death of their two youngest sons in the very midst of their gallant careers; rumors vaguely confirmed by the silence of the boys who had never failed to send a letter home when opportunity occurred, and then confirmed only too certainly by official accounts; but we must retrace our steps awhile and bring the eighth laird up to this point of his life.

Patrick’s grandfather died in 1740; previous to this date, beyond the record of the eighth baron’s birth in 1717 at Gorthie House, we know but little. His parents dwelt at Ryecroft, and he became fatherless in 1737. Previously, in 1735, a MS. Note states that his uncle Patrick witnessed his indenture. It is not very clear what this can refer to, unless an attempt had been made, as Inchbrakie soldier fathers were apt to do, to tie their sons to desks in the hope that a fortune might be made!

At this time Patrick was 18 years old, and though not already joined, must have been on the point of taking his service with the Dutch Brigade.

In the "Scotts Brigade in Holland" we find several times the mention of his name, not however during the earlier years of his service; apparently Patrick had to return to his regiment after his grandfather’s death, and as before stated his uncle Patrick superintends his affairs. We find during the years 1743-1746 receipts and accounts signed and overlooked by him; in these it is always stated "signed for Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie by Patrick Graeme his uncle".

A legal document called a factory is drawn up by Mr John Rutherford of Perth, the family lawyer, in which it is stated by Patrick that being resolved to leave Scotland for sometime, and being satisfied of the fitness of his uncle "Patrick Graeme at Inchbrakie", he constitutes him commissioner and factor of his whole estates lying within the parishes of Auchterarder, Crieff and Foulis wester. He is empowered to collect the rental of 1743 and arrears of 1742 and should Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie remain absent over two years, his uncle shall then be entitled to deduct all expenses of courts to which he may be put.

The young laird also undertakes to grant him 100 loads of coals for which Inchbrakie is to pay at the pit’s mouth and his tenants are to cart to him at Inchbrakie, and "which premium my said factor by occupation hereof accepts in full for all pains, trouble and charges he shall be put to for my affairs."

This document signed at Inchbrakie on the 3rd May, shows us Patrick is on the point of rejoining his regiment.

Before Patrick starts in 1744 for Holland, a careful inventory is made up of the contents of Inchbrakie House, where his uncle and his wife will reside during the laird’s absence. Nothing very out of the way is mentioned in it; the usual furniture, secretaries, oval folding tables, silver work and a drawer of silver, table linen, etc. china bowls, vases, etc. The Great Montrose glass and frame; also five spinning wheels are specially mentioned!

The remarks at the end state this inventory of the plenishing of the house of Inchbrakie is committed to the care and custody of Inchbrakie’s uncle, now resident at Inchbrakie, and to be forthcoming to the laird on his demand. It adds two of the pages have been written by Mr John Rutherford, and the remainder by George Bryce, Steward Clerk of Strathearn; this document bears the same date as the factorship, 3rd May 1744.

In 1745 an account shows the following items amonst others:-

A year's allowance to your sister, £400

By entering the Auchterarder mort. closet £3, 8s.

Deals and planks for the girnel and drinks to the folk, £43, 14s.

Oak timber for ditto., £3.

By Mrs Graeme's funeral charges, £145, 2s.

Money advanced to pay her small debts, £37, 19s. 3d.

These show that Jean Pierson, the bride of fourteen in 1691 has died; her grandson is on his way home, and her second son Patrick, the boy that was born at Ryecroft (just before she left the country with her husband the seventh great baron) buries his mother; she was only about sixty years of age.

This account was not countersigned by the eighth baron until just before his marriage in 1748 as the rent of most Scotch estates were a few years in arrears.  It is written out and atested to by David Graeme, but is not in Orchill's handwriting; probably a young cousin whom Captain Patrick is employing as his under bailie or factor.

Soon after his arrival in Holland, Inchbrakie applied for permission to retire which was afterwards granted; though not until he had finished recruiting a new company for the regiment.

His retirement is signed by Colonel Halkett and is dated November 20, 1744, enabling "Captain Patrick Graeme to retire from the 6th Regiment of the Dutch Brigade, General Colyear’s regiment, but he remained until the conclusion of the recruiting for the new companies in February 1745.

In February 1745 he was captain of one of the eighth new companies of Colonel Colyear’s regiment in the Dutch Brigade; each of these captains were permitted, on paying for their replacement, to take three suitable subjects from their regiments to assist them in the matter of raising the company; one of these to accompany their lieutenant, and two for themselves. Captain Patrick with two other captains of Colyear’s regiment, Robert Graeme and David Graeme, make their "rendezous" at Bar le Duc.

General Colyear, who was afterwards Lord Portmore, was a connection of the Graemes and Oliphants, being a Robertson of Strowan; some authorities suggest that he was a second son of the Strowan who married Margaret Graeme, daughter of the third Great Baron. Killing his man in a duel, and after hiding in a coal pit, he was obliged to fly from the country, and made his escape in a collier’s vessel; on arriving in Holland he took the name of Colyear and attained to great distinction.

Patrick Graeme seems to have rejoined with a strong leaning towards retirement, in order to come home and serve in the Jacobite cause; all pointed to help him. The factorship arrangements kept his property preserved and in order; his departure for Holland would prevent any suspicion of his return (which the residence of his uncle Patrick at Inchbrakie would bear out) in the minds of any neighbouring Whig lairds; his brother John was the adjutant in the Perthshire troop of horse (Lord Strathallan was its Colonel and Gask senior, Lieutenant-Colonel) and urging him strongly to "come out") Patrick’s heart was doing the same for it was hard and fast in the keeping of Miss Oliphant of Gask, than whom no stauncher Jacobite lived, to serve her Prince! And Jacobite "Meg" would never give her hand to any one who should not serve the man she deemed her rightful king.

Margaret’s father (the elder Jacobite Laird of Gask) had married Amelia daughter of the second Baroness Nairne and Lord William Murray her husband, Amelia Nairne (grand-neice of Black Pate of Inchbrakie; daughter of a father and mother; and grand-daughter of a grandfather and grandmother; whose lives had been devoted to the Stuarts, each generation in turn spending years of imprisonment in the Tower) could not fail to be a Jacobite. A pearl amongst women in heart-felt devotion to her husband, in love of his children, in capability to manage and regain his lost estates, she brought to the house of Gask just what it wanted to make it perfect to more Celtic hearts, for she brought a devotion to the royal cause which crowned her strong family affections and a clear judgement to work their weal as well.

Was it likely with father and brother risking their lives and all else for their prince, that Margaret Oliphant would have become the wife of a Whig or even of a man who lay neutral? "Meg" was in the van of the whole movement; the young hostess of her prince, nay her king; meeting him at every festivity, and dancing with him at the great ball in Edinburgh, dressed in the lovely robe designed and decorated by her little hands; the robe was like the famous gates of Traquhair never to be used again except when worn to meet her king.

We meet her first staying with her uncle, Lord Nairne; he himself is writing from Stanley on 3rd September to his brother-in-law Gask, and invites the whole party to meet the Prince at Nairne House, specially mentioning his sister and nieces.

Margaret is on fire! Her heart will not contain her loyalty; she must sit down and write.

"So much a Briton that he scorns to roam

To foreign climes, to fetch his hero home,

Conscious that in these scenes is clearly shown,

Britain can boast true heroes of her own"

"I am a woman, not designed for war; yet could this hand (weak as it is thought) nerv’d by my heart’s companion, resolution, display the royal banner in the field, and shame the strength of manhood in this cause.

Let Charles encounter with a host of kings,

And he shall stand the shock without a terror

Our glorus prince was sixteen days at sea, and lay on deck all the time, not being convenancy in the cabin for to hold his royal highness and his friends, because he chose to be in a friget which was accompanied by the Elizabeth man of War. The elector had passed an act for his men of war not to take up their time with these small ships, but alwise to attack the ships of forse, this saved the friget for the Lion man of War coming up with them atackt the Elizabeth and shattered her so much that she was fords to return to Brex."

Miss Oliphant continues to relate in detail much that she must have heard from the mouth of the Prince himself that evening at Nairne; how he landed at Lochaber on St James’ day, July 25th, 1745, his progress from the west to Blair (the home of her great grandfather, the Duke of Atholl), from that to Perth and Stirling and on to Edinburgh, where it "was contrived so that a coach came down the street and cried to open the port to the Provest’s coach, upon which they opened the gate and in rushed 900 of the Highlanders and took posesin of the town," and so on the pages.

It is delightful the direct cut our great grandmother took in the past tense in her verbs; I envy her courage in doing away with that unnecessary E!

Inchbrakie on his retirement from Colyear’s Regiment, made straight for Perth, and under a quiet guise, though retaining his own name, joined the Perth Squadron. The old Laird of Gask gives him on the list as joining on its return to Perth from the south, he is placed in "Lanrick younger his troop" designated as "Mr Peter Graeme" (Gorthy’s cousin) with him he takes "John McLairen", a faithful servant.

Early in the following year Margaret’s heart must have ached and feared for those she loved; her squadron is hard beset; Lord Strathallan is killed, the Jacobites had attacked the enemy at Culloden, which largely outnumbered them without waiting for reinforcements. Gask brought what were left of them out of action, you Lawrence sees his Prince off the field and riding back snatches the colours "so lately mended from a comrade’s hand," and faces the triumphant foe!

Margaret sets down a sad little note.

"from L.O. 16 April 1746.

No help for it. God is all powerful Who can give us the victory another day."

So said the Prince to young Gask as his aide-de camp saw him out of danger.

So the fighting, and the hardships and the loss of life continues, and Margaret Oliphant copies her brother’s letters, probably there are messages in them we do not hear.

Then comes the worst, and all hope of success is gone! How we can fancy Meg’s bitter tears of impotent woe and dismay, that the cause she had loved and clung to must be realized as a hopeless failure.

All this time her lover’s sisters, Annie and Jean, are with her in the "Auld Hoose" and Miss Annie Graeme rescues young Gask’s fine archery coat, while Maggie writes her accounts of what passes, and her mother is busy trying to arrange her husband’s affairs, and to collect his rents, for he made her "factor" before going out for Prince Charlie. Lady Gask has hard work but partially succeeds.

The two Gasks sail for their wanderings with many comrades and bear the names of "Mr Whytt" and "Mr Brown" for many years. A full journal of the elder tells us how they landed at Gottenburg on Novmber 10^th 1746 and while delayed there by his son’s illness, Gask starts curling on the river; he had found good stones with great difficulty, and had then "handed!"

Old Gask writes his wife in 1747, "young Inchbrakie was very lucky in not being at Bergen op Zom where so many of our countrymen were lost in the Dutch service."

In 1748 Gask is hoping to have his wife and girls with him, many instructions are sent about their journey, and Jenny, his youngest, is not to forget her flute (Jenny married afterwards W. Macgregor Drummond of Balhaldie, near Dunblane; he was chief of the Macgregors, forced to take the name of Dummond; she died two months after the birth of her baby), and sends his rememberances to Captain Peter Inchbrakie and others; while Maggie is to bring a "right copy" of Allan Ramsay’s songs with her; but Gask is counting without his son-in-law! Lady Gask will not hurry the young couple, but shortly after she writes to Grance news of the engagement; Gask is delighted and pronounces Graeme "to be a hawk of the right nest."

The wedding takes place at once, and in June 1748, they are married. Lady Gask and her younger daughter do not join the Laird till September 1749, having stayed in route in London, with Mr Andrew Drummond, a great friend of the family.

So Patrick and Margaret settle down at Inchbrakie after the late eventful times, and in their peaceful happy life for the next twenty years the comrades and relations of those past days are ever with them in thought.

Patrick makes a further settlement on his sisters Jean and Anne. He is engaged looking over affairs which for so long have been out of his hands, collecting what papers are left in the charter chest after the buring of Inchbrakie in 1644 and Ryecroft in 1715. All are sorted, arranged and docketed in his handwriting, and amongst them he finds an interesting old service to the lands of Steelheugh or Haillheugh, a piece of land upon the Riger Earn. The service has been verified to George the sixth Baron; it is almost unnecessary to add that the lands had been purchased by the third Baron, Patrick, from the Earl of Atholl, Lord Innerneath, in 1604, but were sold by George, sixth Baron to Thomas Hay (a Kinnoul).

The docket on the service copy in the handwriting of the eighth baron states: "The within service is to be found in Lord Kinnoul’s charter chest, who, having purchased the Steelhaugh from George Graeme, received it, as a right to the ground; which his lordship very kindly made offer to me. Pat. Graeme"

In 1750 his father-in-law, Gask, writes to his wife and to Patrick from Versailles, under his pseudonym of Mr Whytt, for Mrs Oliphant of Gask in the May of that year goes over to Scotland for six months, and stays at Inchbrakie with her "Meg". Many interesting matters are tot ake place. First, no doubt, is the birth of a baby in July, not a little boy as was expected, but: Amelia comes

This little lady was, in after years to be wife for six months to Campbell of Monzie, and then settle down at Orchill, as Mrs William Graeme.

While Mrs Graeme is engaged with her nursery duties, Mrs Oliphant is taken round the estate by Inchbrakie, and sees many improvements which she reports in her letters to Gask. He replies and addresses the letter for purposes of disguise to Mrs Graeme of Inchbrakie (my wife).

Versailles, July 27^th 1750

Dearest Madam

It gives me the greatest pleasure to know by yours of the 5^th, that your daughter was delivered of a girl, that the child was well and strong, and the mother in a fair way of recovery, and that her labour was not so severe as we expected. We here joyne in wishing all of you much joy in the happy event. Tell the Captain as he has now gone the way of transplanting, let him goe on the prosper. Since the concern of your daughter was the chief reason of your journey hence, your friends expect you’ll be using all your endeavours to return soon, and hope you will arrive before the 20^th of Sept. I am glad you find your factor in so good humour. Recommend to him that he would give strict orders about taking of the planting, and hedges and to keep up the Park dykes, which several of the taxmen were liable for their leases.

As we are weary of the noise about where we are lodged, and Jenny still bit bu bugs, we have been looking our for a house to be quite by ourselves, and have found one, but are not fully agreed about the conditions. It is not so good as that Mr Leigh is getting for himself at your expense. That ingrate man’s actings have tried my patience. More than all that has happened to me. If we agree about this house, water is to be brought in pipes to the kitchen, which will be a great conveniency, and save the buying it.

They, with our good wishes and services to all friends, dear Madam.

"Mr Whytts" (Gask) hopes of seeing his wife in September were not be verified; still more important duties than the birth of the Laird of Inchbrakie’s daughter detained her; the famous Gask Trust was to be formed, and Lady Gask would not move till she saw it all set in motion. She did not return to her husband until November 1750. On September 11^th the old Laird of Gask writes to Inchbrakie, rejoiced to hear that his daughter Maggie is well and about again, and the little daughter in a thriving way.

He encloses an (copy?) old paper for Inchbrakie to see; he is sure he will not grudge the trouble of delivering to Anthony of Dollary (Murray) viz: the Instrument of King Edward of England, in which he renounces all claim to the superiority over Scotland.

Gas was always hunting the Record offices abroad for the old charter of the Lords Oliphant, and must have come across this document, most interesting to all Scotchmen.

He concludes his letter with kind remembrances to Dollary and friends, and a message to his wife, saying he has had to letter since August 1^st, and is anxious to hear from her. By November Lady Gask has joined her husband at the new house at Corbeille.

The day after Christmas Lady Inchbrakie writes a long letter to her mother; it is addressed to Mr Whytt, Merchant, care of Mr Whately, Banker in Paris; this gentleman readdresses it to Mr Oliphant de Gask, Versailles.

Inchbrakie, Dec. 26th, 1750.

Dear Madam,

I had yours of Decbr 7th, by which I am glad to know your knees are better, and Mr Brown in a fair way, and other friends well, which is the greatest satisfaction I can get at this distance from them.  Whenever yours came to hand, Mr G. wrote to Lord Monzie and enclosed Mr Wh's note to him to see to prevent their claims being sustained.  I went in search of the papers myself, and took along our Chris. goos and shared it with Ma.  I found them all as distinct as could be and is to send what is necessary of them to Lord Monzie, then by a letter from Mercer Lindsay, he says all that affair is just now at a stand on account of Lord Mon's illness.  I got the little paper you wanted in the Chist shot thro' the string of a book seld up in paper.  I'm so particular about this because my dear Ma was angry at me and thought I had put it out of its place.  I likeise got your ribons laying in a shelf of the closet but their was no gloves, but three pair of half foul ones in the drawers, I want to know if I should send the ribons and paper with Pettar Graeme so if he will take them. . . . Mrs Graeme told me of your seeing her daugh which she took for a great complet and I recon contributed to my good respton, really a good dinner.  We are but lately come to our room it looks exceedingly well as do the window curtains I have got covers of the same for the chair and it is really a very complit room excepting the good old orange bed.  You will be surprised to hear that my woman never arrived as you directed, I gave her directs about eight days befor the time you wrote me she wrote by him she was much surprised how I come to think she was to come with a carter and if I would not send horses she would not come which she told you accordingly.  I wrote by the post that very night that she might either hire horses or I would send which she liked best, but till I wrote again I had no answer to my letter, when her answer was that I needed not give myself any further trouble for she had gone to other service.  Mr G. was so provoked that he wrote to Mr Leard to persue her for her fee, but she was a little too old for us, when he went to the place directed Gordon denyed he knows any thing about her, and so it remains. . . . I am sorry for the Marich; I always flattered myself  he was to do us a good turn.

I got my jelly glases but I might a known they were not your packing for more than the one half are broke and were? F. 5: milk pot (who you say nothing of) the sweetmeat are vastly prity and I return you a thousand thanks for them.  Powes Rollo is maried to the House of Bannockburn, all friends are, God be thanked, well, your little one is a Boking sturdy active Munkey, when one holds up her long cot (coat) she will run like anything upon the carpet, you would winder to see how fast the little legs go and how purpose like, but I am alway afraid she will cool her feet, she has got them so soon.  I shall leave the little remaining for Mr G. to fill up and only add many happy birthdays and New Years may you all see, I am most affect. yours,
 
Mar "Brown."

In another handwriting is

Dear Sir,

As the papers you mention in your last are all found and very distinct I hope there will be a stop put to the worthy gentleman's claim but as a neighbour Lord is seized with a palsy in the right side it will take some time before I can acquaint you what is doing.

My Park dyke is at a stop by reason of winter weather, but I hope it will soon begin again, however I am not idle,  I am buying Pine wood for making a paling for the North side which I intend to hedge the ground being very light.  Mrs Brown will tell you the situation and reason for that trouble.  I succeeded in admiration of appearance of watering, 12 acres of which look as green as May.

Your friend and wellwisher, P. G.

Lady Gask is again at Inchbrakie in the winter of 1752, and she writes the good news to Gask that their son-in-law, Patrick Graeme, has with Orchill, Condie and Mr  Campbell of Monzie, resolved to purchase the Estate of Gask; the 22nd January is the day fixed for the meeting of the "Concert" in Edinburgh to sign formal documents, etc.  Lady Gask is very anxious and nervous lest anything go wrong or the required gentlemen should be prevented attending, vide the letter of David Graeme of Orchill to her in the Sketch of Orchill, No. XXIX.

However, all goes well; Lord Kinnoul kindly promises not to bid for it, and Mr Oliphant of Condie comes forward and undertakes to be present at the sale and buy it in.  So the Great Gask Trust was finally accomplished after many "Concerts" held concerning ways and means.

Lady Gask writes in great spirits in February and April 1753 from Inchbrakie when all is concluded, and remains on to welcome the arrival of her grandson, the little son and heir George, who arrives in the May of that year.

Margaret Oliphant had no portion from Gask; Patrick was well satisfied to win his Margaret, a lovely but penniless bride.  Later on we gather Gask hopes to pay the Lady Inchbrakie her 10,000 merks; and receipts for certain sums appear in 1796, long after Margaret's death.

Her brother, young Gask, is living at this time with the Strathallans at Boulogne;  in one of his letters he mentions two relations of our eighth baron of Inchbrakie ;  "honest father Graeme" (see Sketch X II.), "and George Bryce, who would do very well if he could get a pension from the Court to support his credit."

In February 1755 a second son Patrick comes to Inchbrakie; and in, July 1756 a second daughter Margaret.

At this time Mrs Graeme was feeling much anxiety for, and sympathy with, her sixteen year old sister-in-law, Mrs Margaret (Robertson of Strowan's daughter,) who had married young Gask at Versailles the previous year; she was having a very rough journey from France to London, where her little boy was born in September.  The following month she took her baby into Hyde Park where the troops were assembled. The Seven Years' War had begun.  The little mother did not get much rest; she was tumbled back again to her husband at Corbeille in November, and the following year the baby died, for whom so much commotion, expense and anxiety had occurred, in order that the future heir to Gask might be born on British soil!

While we are hearing so much of France from the Gask journals, let us glance for a few moments at our own customs and incidents in dear old Scotland.  The country is settling down into ordinary life, and lairds are planting and improving, digging and trenching their farms and lands.

Proprietors, especially those in the neighbourhood of towns and villages, were "fencing" their lands for building on.

The Gask Building Company had erected the houses which stood in 1836 west and east of Skinnergate in Perth.  They were laid out in flats or rooms; a few self-contained houses only were held by the richer class, and these stood on the east side of the Watergate.

John Richardson Eyre owned the first, Doctor Wood the second, the third was occupied by Lady Stewart of Urrard, Murray of Dollerie occupied the sixth, the sheriffs clerk's office.  On the north were John Murray's and Tulliebelton's, now (1836) occupied by Mr Condie.

The dress of the period were coats made with very long waists, widening as they fell below the hips, and finished by short tails coming round in front of the thighs, very wide sleeves and cuffs, folded back almost to the elbow, and ornamented with a profusion of very large buttons; neither coat or waistcoat had collars, neck cloths being worn instead in full dress.

The waistcoat was a substantial garment, almost equal, says Mr Penny to a whole wardrobe, descending to the knees with huge pockets; short breeches completed the costume which, in the case of the rich, were made of finer cloths.

A large wig with curls in rows behind and a toupee in front, was surmounted when out of doors with a magnificent cocked hat, and a pike staff reaching to a foot above the head, or a gold-headed cane of the same length, was borne in the hand; the shoes and knees sparkled with large silver buckles.

The first printing press was in 1770 established in Perth.  It was there the Perth Encyclopedia was printed in later years, said to be a lasting honour to the city.

Once more social duties were engaged in, and weddings, balls, and other entertainments enlivened the county ladies, who would not go into Perth, or up to Edinburgh to indulge in them; Patrick and his wife shared in these.  On June 4th, 1750, Lawrence, their youngest son was born (the young naval commander).  Mrs Oliphant of Gask is back in Scotland once again, probably to be with Lady Inchbrakie at this period, who writes to her after her departure in October 1750, mentions forwarding her a letter from Mr Whytt (the elder Gask); they all seem to be well "God be thanked; as for your little one, she is one of the best creatures ever I saw, she will not shed a tear once these days, and laffs and
plays and diverts the whole house" (this is probably AEmilie, her grandmother's namesake, now eight years old).  "Our next neighbour (Abercairny ?) and Lady Murray of Ochtertyre younger, dined here to-day, the Laird was very fond of Miss and gave the nurse half a guinea.  There was a fine ball at Perth, given by Lord John Murray to Lady Mackintosh; and there was Kildars three daughts. and the heris, who after that, was eight days at Aby and then eight or ten gentlemen were all here; we was up seeing the Duke of Perth, intend to be soon at `Mons' (Monzie), where I shall tell what you say about the papers."

Captain and Mrs Graeme are enjoying themselves, they are in the prime of their life; Margaret Oliphant about thirty-two years of age, and her husband just forty; they are full of health and vigour, Margaret's spirit and energy unsubdued, and her accomplishments admirably fitting her to be the life and soul of any society in which she entered.  One more little daughter is given them, Louisa, afterwards Mrs Stewart of Fincastle; she comes in 1760, but it does not appear that Lady Gask comes over for this event; Lady Inchbrakie is by this time experienced in her nursery cares.

Our eighth baron's uncle, the Captain Patrick Graeme who did such good service for him in the matter of tending his estates, 1744 to 1748, is dead in 1760; his widow, Helen Pierson "relict of Mr Patrick Graeme at Orchill" grants her nephew a receipt for her jointure, Sept. 4th.  She still resides at Orchill and the receipt is witnessed by "too servants of the said Patrick Graeme," which shows he had not been dead very long; one of the old friends Gask would miss on his return home a few years later.

The Inchbrakie and Gask MSS. have now long gaps with little of general interest in them.  Again in 1762 there is the prospect of an heir to Gask, and once more Mrs Graeme's young sister-in-law, Mrs Lawrence Oliphant, comes home with Lady Gask for the event.  This time they were to go to Gask, and the young wife's fatigue was greatly lightened by the kindness of Dr William Hunter (one of the Princess Charlotte's consultants) who placed a post-chaise at the disposal of the two ladies for their use from London to Gask, thus avoiding the fatigue of the sea voyage from
London to Leith.  This kind gentleman's letter and Lady Gask's reply are worth reading.

On October 28th, the month following their arrival, Miss Jeannie Graeme has gone to stay with the young wife; she was the sister of Graeme of Inchbrakie, and was evidently a very active, brisk lady, for though about six-and-thirty, young Gask writes his wife : "I hope you are running about through the fir Park down to the denn, up to the barns and byers, or perhaps playing at hide and seek in the Serpentine walk and thicket with Lady Bunzian and Miss Jeany Graeme";  he sees Jeannie as he left her sixteen years ago! Margaret has been over to see her young sister-in-law; the reports on the arrival are written him from Gask, for in his letter to his mother he begins by saying it was a good fancy of Meg's to date her part of the letter from the good old Hall.  He sends messages to "Black Pate? and Claud (Inchbrakie and Garvock, L. G.).

"An acquaintance at good distance from this" (third Lord Nairne, Mrs Graeme of Inchbrakie's uncle, L. G.) "desires to know what reparations are being made at Stanley and Nairne."

Rather unpleasant replies would reach Lord Nairne, who was in failing health, for the Duke of Atholl bid for the Nairne estates, as was believed for his cousin Lord Nairne, so no bid was made against him.  When the estates became his, he pulled down the House of Nairne! A week before the Laird of Gask dated the above letters, his wife had given birth to a little daughter; we cannot help admiring the unselfishness and sweet temper shown in all the letters written by Margaret Graeme's brother, her husband must have been a happy man, did she but share part of the bright brave spirit her brother showed.

Suffering miserable health from the exposure and hardship of the 1745, an exile from his beloved home, parted from his wife at trying periods of her life, unable to introduce her to their Scottish home with all its haunts and dells of childhood's memories, one never reads a grumble or complaint throughout his letters, even when hearing that a daughter, and not the wished-for son and heir has come, he writes as cheerily as possible, commending her for "a clever wife!"

He alludes to the fact that young Mrs Oliphant is accompanied in her rides, she had always been a good horsewoman, by her small nephew, George Graeme (Inchbrakie's son), now nine years old, and adds, "And Mouse, I should have liked much to see your young conductor on his powny, pray remember his Auld Uncle to him who will come over soon enough to be his Esquier, but in the meantime let him sit straight and turn in his toes, and if the horse is canny, trotting up and down without stirops will give him a firm seat. I think you have been lucky folks in such companions and kind neighbours, many thanks to them all."

Happy Margaret Graeme would often be a witness of these riding lessons (from the twenty-two year old wife of Gask,) to her eldest born George, the future ninth Great Baron of Inchbrakie, and colonel of the Perthshire Fencible Cavalry, as the pair scampered merrily amongst the pines and hollies of Gask woods.

At Inchbrakie matters were improving much about the new house, "The Parks and trees will be making a figour now at Inchbrakie"; it had been very bare when Oliphant saw it last, the new house had only been erected ten years.

In 1763 the news came home of Captain John Graeme's death in an attack of the Indians in America, he was brother to the Laird of Inchbrakie and Miss Annie and Jean Graeme, and was killed while serving with the 42nd.

In 1764 the Gasks are all at home again, and many are the visits and great the intercourse between Inchbrakie and Gask. Only three years did "Mr Whytt," the dear old laird, enjoy his home; in 1767 his daughter Mrs Graeme, is in deep mourning at Inchbrakie, and her mother's grief must be too deep for words to express; it is the first knell in Lady Inchbrakie's life, and others follow now, alas, only too quickly!

In 1770, James, the only son of the second Duke of Montrose was thirty years of age, an unmarried man and had no heir to the titles and estates.  On his succession to the honours, our eighth baron would become heir-presumptive, and it became necessary that full proof be registered of this fact. Accordingly an "Inquest" was arranged for, and on the 24th October 1770, Thomas, Earl of Kinnoul, sat as the Chancellor.

As frequently stated, many of the Inchbrakie papers had been burned in 1644 and 1715, and as in the same manner, many records of the nation had disappeared (those from the Lyon Court had been lost at sea in the middle of the seventeenth century when Cromwell bore them off to London for safety) this Court was assembled in order that any missing documentary links might be filled up on oath.

The principal witness was James Moray of Abercairny, over sixty years of age; he swears to the identity generally of the Inchbrakies and to the writing on the genealogical tree produced, being that of James Graeme of Newton.

James Graeme's son, David Graeme of Abernute, produces the tree.  The eighth Great Baron's account for the expenses of this matter show that six depositions were made; unfortunately only one is found, and it may be interesting to give it in full.

James Moray of Abercairny one of the inquest, aged sixty years and upwards, being solemnly sworn and examined deposes:

That the Deponents Grandmother was daughter of Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie who was a contemporary of the first Marquis of Montrose; that the deponent was acquainted with Patrick Graeme last of Inchbrakie, the claimants Grandfather and with George Graeme of Inchbr  younger the Claimants Father who died in the lifetime of the said Patk Graeme last of Inchie; and depones that the said Patk was habit and repute lineal heir male of his Father Geo. Graeme of Inchbr and his father who was habit and repute lineal heir male of his Father Patrick the Contemporary of the 1st Marquis of Montrose and the deponent has always heard from relations of the family at Inchbrakie that the family of Inchbrakie was descended from the family of Montrose in the direct line of male descent and that the names of the heads of the family of Inchb were always Patrick and George alternately: and depones he was intimately acquainted with Mr James Graeme of Newton and his handwriting and depones that the jottings on the Tree produced and mentioned in the deposition of Mr David Graeme Advocate are of the handwriting of the said Mr James Graeme, and what he has deponed is truth as he shall answer to God.  signed Jas Moray.

Another proof brought forward at the inquest was one which reached Patrick Graeme's hands in a curious manner.

In 1747 Mr Stuart Threipland, like many of his countrymen, was a wanderer abroad. Whilst staying at Boulogne he was entertained by Father Graeme, the son of Patrick of the Town Guard, and grandson of the real "Black Pate" of Inchbrakie, the hero of Auldearn and Kilsyth.

Father Graeme  (another Patrick) PŠre Archange, as he was known in the monastery, had drawn up a family record of his descent to prove his birth, entitling him to hold so important a position as Superior of a Capuchin Convent; this tree he places in the care of Stuart Threipland.  By some means, either that he did not return sooner to Scotland than 1770 or that it escaped his memory, the tree had not left his hands when the service of 1770 recalls it to mind, and he at once hastens to hand it to the pseudo  "Black Pate" of the 1745; it bears the following attestation of authenticity on the back.

This tree of the family of Inchbrakie I received at Boulogne sur mare in the year 1747 from Patrick Graeme commonly called Father Graeme which he gave me on account of the relation by his mother Anna Smyth and now delivered by me to Pat. Graeme of Inchbrakie, when he was served heir maile of line to William, the first Earl of Montrose on the 24th of Octbr. 1770.

It is a large sheet of parchment drawn out and illuminated with some care and skill.

So in the indices to the Services of Heirs in Scotland we find the eighth baron of Inchbrakie served heir and male and of line general 24th Oct. 1770 to his great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie.

In 1773 Margaret's brother, now Laird of Gask, goes abroad for the sake of his wife's cough, taking their little Marjory who had been the new baby when her cousin, George Graeme, received his riding lessons from the young Lady Gask, her mother: she is eleven years old now, and has inherited the ready pen of her family; she writes from Londo : "We saw our names sakes the Elephants at Buckingham House, they are monstrous creatures indeed; they would about stand in the high diningroom at Gask." While they roamed in Spain, Amelia Nairne, the widowed Lady Gask, and mother of Margaret Graeme of Inchbrakie, was taken "Home": she had been superintending the care of the five children left behind; her sister Mary the "dear Ma" of Margaret Graeme's letter dies at the same time, and there is mourning and lamentation indeed at Gask and Inchbrakie.
Patrick Graeme takes the place of a son and buries Lady Gask at Auchtergaven, where she was laid beside her father and mother, Lord and Lady Nairne.  Amongst the Inchbrakie Papers is the receipt from Oliphant of Gask for the money paid at the time she was buried, on the 23rd of March 1774.

Gask and his wife hurried home from Spain; a six weeks' stormy voyage ruined Mrs Oliphant's weak health, and in November she followed her mother-in-law.

Gask writes in 1775 that they had a gathering at Old Christmas, Mrs Rollo, her sister Mrs Drummond, Kelty, Garvock, and Mr G.; Margaret Graeme and Inchbrakie intended to join her brother, but the Laird's rheumatism delayed them.

In 1777, soon after New Year's Day, there is much bustle and gaiety and frolic at Inchbrakie.  Margaret Graeme lays aside her mourning for her beloved mother and sister-in-law, the ladies Gask.  The six cousins and the uncle too will come over to be present at the wedding of their cousin AEmelia, to Campbell of Monzie; the bride is very handsome and twenty-seven years old; the boys are all at home to send her off with ringing cheers.

Fate's hand seems heavy on the Laird of Inchbrakie's family; they do not doff their mourning long, for in less than six months the bride is a widow, and must come home for a while.  We wonder what manner of girl she was; for one brief year she mourned her husband, and then hies away once more a bride! this time across the Strath to Orchill, in September 1778, where Mr William Graeme, the younger of Orchill, has won her.

London, 19th Feb. 1778.

To Patrk. Graeme, Esqre.,
at Inchbrakie,
by Perth, N.B.

Dear Sir,

By Monday's post I revd the favour of yours of the 9th.  I was glad to find that my letter to Lord Barrington to introduce your son to his Lordp had been attended with success.

I mentioned where your other two sons were, in His Majesty's Service believing that it might be of use to them.

He called on me Tuesday last and said he was to set out the next morning for Manchester, also that his friend Mr Henry Drummond was endeavouring to procure him a Company; of which he said he had some hopes; I hope he will be successful, as at once it would put him upon a footing.

I am very infirm and helpless. But always with esteem, Sir,
Sincerely yours,

Montrose.

This friendly epistle was from William, second Duke of Montrose; he died the following year and was succeeded by his only son, then unmarried so that from that year 1779 until 1799, when the third duke's son was born, the Barons of Inchbrakie were heirs presumptive to the Earldom of Montrose.

The old Nova Scotia Baronetcy, Graeme of Braco, created 1625, goes to heirs male whatsoever, while the title of Marquis of Montrose, Earl of Kincardine and Lord Graham of Mugdock, goes to heirs female of the Duke.  The Mr Henry Drummond mentioned in the Duke's letter was the youngest of the four sons of William, fourth Viscount Strathallan, by his wife, the Honourable Margaret Murray (or Nairne, as these ladies were called in the eighteenth century), daughter of the second Baroness Nairne, and her husband Lord William Murray, and sister to AEmelia Nairne, Lady Gask, Lady Dunmore, etc., etc.

Thus James the attainted, and fifth Viscount, and William, Robert and Henry Drummond (mentioned in the above letter) were all first cousins to Mrs Graeme of Inchbrakie and her six children.  No family with whom these gentlemen were connected ever failed to find the warmest friendship and help, both practical and substantial, if they turned to them for assistance.  The pages of the Jacobite Lairds of Gask (the younger was their first cousin) ring with it, and a few pages further on we shall read of their endeavours, when Patrick Graeme and his wife were in deep sorrow, to help them about their missing boys.

Here already we have the evidence of Mr Henry Drummond's assistance to the eldest of his young cousins.

Robert and Henry were the founders of the great banking house in London, and staunch friends they and their descendants have proved to kinsfolk.

In 1779, a letter from Thomas Graham, afterwards Lord Lynedoch, shows that Patrick Graeme had been trying to interest him to use his influence to obtain an appointment for one of the young Drummonds.  Graham replies he has a great respect for the family, they are excellent men; he cannot help wishing success to a gentleman who married a relation of the family, and who has a large number of children, but he fancies he will have really little say in the matter.

In February 1783, we read a long letter from Anthony Murray of Dollerie, a neighbour; the tone is very friendly, and it bears throughout, the downright expressions, so common in Scotland. At present the connection was too distant to be counted, but in the following generations it was to be more closely cemented.

"I have been pestered the whole of last summer," writes the Laird of Dollerie, " with the clamour of two Cottar wives, complaining that a Cottar of yours, that he has destroyed my trees on the dyke sides, though I believe the truth was they grudged him for letting his cows eat the grass upon the highway, while it is an equal chance that their own beasts spoilt the trees."  Dollerie goes on to say, however, that meeting the man cutting broom off his land, he has threatened him with the Sheriff, should he do so again, and he now only troubles Inchbrakie with a letter to assure him that anything in his power to "accomadate even your cat or your dog in" would give him the greatest pleasure that Inchbrakie should demand it.  But as the cottar's manner was "Fier and dŠine," he took occasion to tell him he meant to enforce what he said. Should the cottar complain to Inchbrakie, he can tell him he could have "gotten the broom from Dollerie if civilly asked for, its value not being the nineteenth part of a plack"

There are several rather interesting old accounts from various tradesmen. We should be surprised nowadays to see in our shoeing smith's bill the name of our horses, or failing that, their description.

Inchbrakie receives his as follows:

Nails & shoes to Luie     4 foot to the saddle mare.
  "  to the Pownie.            4 to Luie.
4 Shos to Sheltie.           4 to the Black Horse.
To the Gray Mare.         4 to the Black Mare.
To the Brown Horse.     To the Bay mare.
To the Gray Horse.        4 work Horse.
To the Saddle Horse.

Included there are eighteen sets of shoes, the cost 27s.

The Inchbrakie family were all great riders, from the children upwards. Oxen were used for farm work, the above are all kept for saddle and carriage horses.

The tailors' bills show a variety of garments:

"Scarlett coatt, vest and breeches.
"A bag Coatt.
"A short coat to Mr George Graeme" (he was twenty years old).
"Breeches and covering the busts of twa red vests.
"Coatt, vest and breeches for Mr Laurie"

Various riding habits, and a "Berg Cloak to Mrs Graeme," are contained in Mr M'Kisack's account.

I peck Shortbread, 1s. 6d.
12 Cuckies, 6d.
1 Giblet Pie, Is. 8d.

are items in the baker's ; while evidence is not wanting that accomplished Margaret Grame and her daughters do not neglect the still-room duties by 6 gross of corks in the year for the various home-made wines ; 4 lbs. of sugar costing 3S. 8d. per lb.  

The ladies spin too, and in 1780, 32 yards of table-cloths are charged for at 2s. 10d. a yard for the working, while the warping and dressing cost 5s. Muslin cost 8s. a yard. Linen, 3s. 6d. a yard.  Cambric, 1Is. a yard.

Patrick Graeme orders a wine filler in silver from Ebenezer Oliphant; Mr Oliphant is an uncle of Mrs Graeme, and brother to the Jacobite Laird, a renowned "Deacon" of the Goldsmith's trade in Edinburgh.  The wine filler weighs 3 ozs. 3 ds., and with making is 30S.  The boots of the servants cost from 15s. to 18s. 8d. a pair.

Postage of letters are no small item in the family accounts; the majority are all good correspondents, and George Graeme's letters to Gibraltar, where he is now quartered, cost 2s. 2d. each, a goodly sum 125 years ago.

And now the peaceful days of the children's early years are over for Patrick and Margaret Graeme.  George, the eldest boy, is besieged at Gibraltar.

Patrick is on his way to India with his regiment, the famous "Black Watch" raised by Graeme of Duchray, whose line dying out from Menteith, was said to be renewed by a cadet of Inchbrakie.

Laurie, the youngest son, the mother's darling (if she had one dearer to her than another), her bright sailor boy, has started in his ship to join Lord Rodney's fleet in the West Indies.

Little did the loving parents and sisters know that their darling Pat and Laurie were never more to receive their loving welcome home!  In 1781 they received their last news of Patrick.  A long letter comes from the Cape Verde Islands, describing his voyage and giving detailed accounts of brushes with the French fleet en route.  His last words are, that if his destination is known in Britain by the time they receive this letter "do write me."  Alas! to his destination can no letter be addressed, no loving message sent!

For a time nothing alarms the family; letters from America and India do not travel quickly in the eighteenth century.

Meantime news of and from Laurie cheer Margaret Graeme's heart; in April 1781 her first cousin Henry Drummond writes her from London.

Dear Madam,

In case your son Laurie has forgot to write to you and his friends in Scotland, I have a letter from him dated St Astabra (?) March 2nd, in which he says Sir George Rodney has appointed him to the command of the Sylph and that he is very well.

Mr Drummond adds his belief that Sir George Rodney will make him post-captain before long, and sends kind messages and congratulations to all at Inchbrakie.

But Laurie has not forgotten to write; a letter comes to the proud mother the same summer acknowledging home epistles.  He writes with all the importance and pride of a young officer in a responsible position.

"I have had an action with two French men and thrashed them as Britons always duo."

The boy is just twenty-one!

In April 1782 a letter from Captain Drummond to Mrs Haldane mentions that his uncle has received a letter from Laurie Graeme who is in the Island of Barbadoes in pretty good health, but a prisoner; Captain Drummond regrets it deeply, but all in the power "of our friends here" is being done to get him exchanged; he is such a very great favourite and such a fine young fellow.

Mrs Haldane forwards this letter to Mr Graeme of Inchbrakie with a few sympathetic words; this is followed by a letter from Laurie himself (his February letter has been lost) not in good spirits.

There is no word of Patrick, and the mother's heart grows very fearful from time to time; she sends the sailor boy's letter to her brother Gask, and on August 22nd, 1782, he replies:

Dear Sister,

Many thanks for the reading of my dr nephew's letter which gives me particular pleasure, such sentiments which his practise verifies, will make him a comfort to his familie and bring a blessing on himself; pray re-member me kindly to him when you write.

May and Amelia carry this to Orchill.  I wish the Dr little man and all his conserns happy days.  I beg my love to Mr Graeme and Most affec am yours

Dr Sister,

Lau. Oliphant.

Mrs Graeme is staying with her eldest daughter, Mrs William Graeme, her little grandchild sometimes soothing her anxieties away.  On her return her heart is lightened for a time of its load, for there comes a brief note in dashing spirits from her sailor.

Ville de Paris. July 18th, 1782.

Dear Mother,

You must excuse me for I have only time to say that I have command the Ville de Paris and that I sail tomorrow for England in perfect health Yours L. Graeme.

There are two Captains, Wilkinson and myself.

On receiving this letter the Graemes ride over to Machany to convey the good news of his young friend Laurie to their cousin, the Honourable Henry Drummond; the family are out, the Henry Drummonds are only paying a flying visit; he writes on 2nd October to Inchbrakie and after expressing regret at missing them, he states that Lady Elizabeth (his wife, daughter of George, fourth Earl of Northampton) would have been over to Inchbrakie, but they are obliged to leave Scotland the following day.

"We are all very glad to hear your son Laurence has been so successful and hope his being made Post Captain will be confirmed to him which I shall endeavour to do should there be any doubt. I also have a letter from Laurence mentioning the same appointment to me.

"I am, dear Sir,
"Your most obt,
"Henry Drummond."

For a while the parents are able to rejoice, and anxiety is lulled; though ever and anon the continued silence from Patrick lies heavy at their hearts.

On 17th January 1783, his sister Amelia hears the fatal news of Patrick's death in a letter to her husband, Mr William Graeme of Orchill, from the agent, and on the 29th Margaret Graeme has a letter from her uncle, Mr Ebenezer Oliphant, which shows that the Orchill family on receiving the intelligence, went over to stay with the sorrowing parents.  Mr Oliphant writes a kind sympathetic letter on the loss of his great-nephew, cut off in the prime of life.

The worst is known, and the suspense ended, but not for the mother; she craves, like a starving woman, for the details of her son's illness and death.

The following letter best tells her story, and we read between the lines, that (in spite of assurance to the contrary) hope is lingering in her heart! The copy bears no address or date, but is written on the wrapper side of a letter addressed to Mrs Major Graeme of Inchbrakie, and bearing date 1783.

Dear Sir,

I am far from doubting my poor Petars death never having a letter from him since Ap. 81 from St Iago must convince me of that fatal truth, but I cannot help thinking it very extraordinary that neither the place nor time of his death in all the different accounts we have had should ever be mentioned.

Mrs Graeme quotes from several letters which have from time to time been sent, letters from officers and men with the regiment and ship.  The first is dated December 1781, written by the son of Captain John Pinkerton of Markinch, sent to Lady E. Drummond, January 1783.

Moribet Bay, Arabia.

"We have had a tedious and disagreeable voyage after we left Joanna, becalmed on the hot sultry coast of Arabia, Scurvy and most malignant fevers broke out in the fleet which carried off several officers and 500 men, the names of the officers in the 42nd Regiment, Captain Murray, Lord Wemys, and Mr Stewart, Chaplain" ; strange, continues the mother of Patrick, not to name P. if he died on his passage.  "I need not be more particular," adds the writer from Moribat Bay, "although all of us have been more or less distrest, we are all now restored to good health."  Mrs Graeme continues, I had a letter signed John McDonald, Bombay, March 30th, 1782.  "We set sail four days after our entering the bay for the Island of Johnanna, one of the Comora Islands; on our arrival the sick were all landed and soon recovered from the scurvy, but got much worse desiase from the unhealthyness of the island such as fevers and flux.  Major Graham, Capt. Murray suffered the same fate." Likewise a letter from Colonel Fullerton dated so late as 15th June 1782, in which he says the troops arc all safely landed at Madras, that the officers of the army were all well.

I heard likewise of a letter dated in Feb. '82 from John Spens' (?) son, he was very fond of P., and yet not one word of his death from him; neither does the Agent, or General Meadows, think to name time or place.  To know what he died of, how long he was ill or ailing and every particular about him is the only consolation I can now receive; but in place of that I can neither here when nor where.

Mr Graeme wrote several weeks ago to Mr Drummond but has got no answer.  Mr G. O. (Oliphant ?) has wrote to Generall Meadows but has not had time to get an answer.

The mother never for a moment diminishes her exertions, she writes to this friend and that cousin, never trusting that the queries will be conveyed to each other, Mrs Graeme makes individual application to each and all; it is through the Drummonds that any details will be learned, and there is nothing but the worst to hear.

The letter written to Mr Drummond, referred to by Mrs Graeme in our quotation is answered on the 24th February 1783 to the Laird of Inchbrakie; he has been making every enquiry he could "about your late son, Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Graeme, and it is with unfeigned concarn that I tell you there is no hope of his being in life."  He has been to the agents and learned that a letter from Colonel Macleod at Madras, mentions hearing of young Patrick's death, but as the ship on which he was became separated from that portion of the regiment with which
Lieutenant-Colonel Graeme was, and he landed at Bombay, he can give no details. General Drummond then called on General Meadows, home on sick leave, "Chief in Command of the expedition with which was your son. I did not see himself, but his aide-de-camp, Captain Hart, his report was, that Graeme fell into very indifferent health on the voyage; he was, after leaving the Gulf of Persia, transferred to the Indiaman the Latham, Captain Robertson, the vessel separated, but Captain Hart who was well acquainted with Lieutenant-Colonel Graeme and regrets his loss much, heard that he died of fever a few days afterwards."

General Drummond adds that the Latham is expected to arrive in May, and as Captain Robertson is "a very intimate friend" of his he will glean from him "every minute circumstance relative to his melancholy fate." 

The letter concludes with messages of condolence to the various members of the family at Inchbrakie.

The result of the interview with Captain Robertson is not given amongst any of the family documents or correspondence; it may be owing to it, however, that the family in later generations have been under the impression that Lieutenant-Colonel Graeme's death was owing to weakness from continued mal-de-mer.

Almost immediately on the confirmation of Patrick's death, fresh anxiety and concern again made themselves master of the hearts of Inchbrakie and his wife, for the month saddened by the death of their second son (which had been lightened by the hope of the safe return of their sailor son with the honour due, on his arrival with Lord Rodney's prize ship the Ville de Paris), has dragged on beyond the date when the ship was expected and there is no sign of her.

Early in March 1783, the gravest anxiety was beginning to be felt regarding the fate of the Ville de Paris, and on the 26th a seaman is examined at the office of Sir Thomas Pye, at Plymouth, who declares himself to be the sole survivor of that ship.

By April no question is felt regarding its fate, and Inchbrakie House mourns in the same spring two of her most promising scions.  Letters of condolence reach the family from all parts, the young soldier and sailor were great favourites, and many were the tears that must have fallen at Gask among the fair daughters of that house, whose playmates were both asleep under the waves!

The father's grief is deep and still; the docketed letters show how he loved his boys and how the sympathetic words of praise and condolence helped him.

Yet a deeper sorrow recalling the days of his early happy married life lies before our eighth Great Baron.

In 1785 their only son George becomes engaged to Miss Oliphant of Condie, but before the ceremony of their marriage takes place Patrick's wife, the gallant Jacobite girl, the leader of many a frolic, and many a society coterie, has left him.

The strain and anxiety of two years of suspense as to the fate of her two boys and their termination proving so plainly that in this world they would never meet her again, breaks the bright spirit of Margaret Oliphant of Gask, who has no wish to linger; even to remain and cheer the declining years of the husband of her youth cannot rouse her to take up life again, and at forty-seven years of age her death occurs.

Sunday, May 25th, 1788, is a memorable one amongst the Jacobites of Scotland, for in their Episcopal churches the name of King George III.and the Royal Family was used for the first time when praying for the "King and Royal Family." Hitherto those words had meant to the supplicator, Charles Edward, their "King over the water," but on the 31st January 1788 he had died; no male heir survived of the Royal Stuart race, and so the royal race of Guelph was accepted amidst a little flutter of excitement on the younger part of the congregation, who knew "Bonnie

Prince Charlie" only by name, while the memories of the elders wandered back with mingled feelings to the years of the never-to-be-forgotten 1745.

For nine years longer Margaret's husband lives, but his heavy losses have soured him into gloom and silence; and it is said that when the weekly newspapers brought tidings from the Peninsular, that he would read the leaf through from the commencement before communicating the intelligence to his family, instead of turning at once to that column, when his eager daughters wish to learn the fate of the many friends who were abroad.

This gave him the soubriquet of the "Turk," which has been handed down to his descendants; a foolish name, no doubt originating among the many nephews and nieces who surrounded him.

Looking at his miniature, the clear kind eye, the steady lips and open brow proclaim him no Turk. 

The marriage of his daughter Louisa took place in 1790 to Captain Stuart of Fincastle; another Jacobite alliance.

A severe illness carried Inchbrakie off in 1796, and his only unmarried daughter nursed him tenderly to the last; we may be sure she too saw no "Turk" in her sorrow-laden father.  The pride of his heart was broken by the concurrent death of his boys, and the softening influence of his life had left him, when Margaret Oliphant lay down to rest.

When the eighth Great Baron left his daughter Margaret Graeme, she knew that the man who could not face the war news, recalling as it did the anxious searching of the years from 1781 to 1783, would rejoin their loved ones and be at rest once more.