Document of the Month March 2009
Statement by Alexander Annand regarding his involvement in the Jacobite rebellion, 1746
© Aberdeen City Council (Aberdeen City Archives reference Parcel L/I/8)
This month's featured item is a statement by Alexander Annand, butcher in Aberdeen, regarding his part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 - 1746. A transcription of the document can be found
here.
The Jacobites were strong in the North East of Scotland during Bonnie Prince Charlie's attempt to reclaim the throne. However, in Aberdeen, though there were pockets of support for the Young Pretender, the City was, in the mid-1740s, under the control of the Duke of Cumberland. Once the Jacobites were defeated at Culloden on 16 April 1746 some supporters were arrested in Aberdeen and imprisoned at the Tolbooth.
Alexander Annand was one. He says in his statement that though he may have been with the Jacobite army, it was only because he had been 'trapanned' into it, or in other words, tricked or trapped. He says he managed to escape after the Battle of Falkirk, which took place on 17 January 1746 but that the rebels found him hiding in Aberdeen and once again forced him to go with them.
Though he does not seem to have been directly involved in fighting at the Battle of Culloden as he seems to have been instructed to look after bags instead, he does say that he fled the area once it became clear the Jacobites were not going to win. He went to Ruthven, and says that on his way there the Young Pretender passed by him with around 100 horse, and that Lord Ogilvie and Gordon of Halhead were also in the party.
By mentioning Lord Ogilvie and Gordon of Halhead, Alexander Annand was naming two men who were known Jacobite supporters. Lord Ogilvie was Alexander Ogilvie of Auchiries in the parish of Cruden, and he, along with his brothers, fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie. George Gordon of Halhead and was described in Lord Rosebery's list of rebels as having 'carried arms the whole Rebellion and was Secretary to Lord Pitsligo', who Alexander Annand later sees at the Bridge of Garden.
Bridge of Garden is presumed to be Bridge of Gairn, just north of Ballater, with Tullich a couple of miles east. Alexander Annand was arrested on his return to Aberdeen and imprisoned in the Tolbooth.
More information about Alexander Annand can be found by visiting the The Tolbooth.
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