History of the Siege of Blair Castle
History of the Siege of Blair Castle
In MDCCXLVI
Duke of Athole
Privately printed 1874
Basil Montagu Pickering
£300
Limited to 100 copies, 8vo., (230x145x10mm.), dark red cloth, spine faded with very small loss at bottom, frontispiece sketch of Blair Castle, 52pp, signed and inscribed to Lt. General Murray, a family member, by Duke of Athole 1875, facsimile contemporary letter printed at rear, browning to endpapers and half title, and facsimile, but very good.
A description of the siege in 1745, shortly before Culloden, written by the late 19th. Century Duke of Atholl.
Blair castle was owned by James Murray, 2nd, Duke of Atholl (sometimes spelt Athole), leader of Clan Murray. He was a supporter of King George although most of the clan, under the leadership of the 2nd. Duke’s brother, Lord George Murray were supporters of the Jacobite Rebellion.
Sir Andrew Agnew had been sent by Prince William, Duke of Cumberland to hold Blair Castle at Dunkeld “…and from thence send out such parties as you shall judge proper, to annoy the rebels…If any officer or soldier should refuse to defend the house to the utmost, you will let them know you have my orders and power from me, to inflict punishment, even death, for such disobedience, without a court-martial.”
Having occupied the surrounding outposts, the Jacobites attacked, and demanded surrender. The Duke refused although his garrison was small. However Lord George Murray and his followers were ordered to join with the Young Pretender and the garrison was eventually relieved.
The facsimile letter included in this publication, to the Duke of Atholl, from General Hawley, on behalf of Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, dated 1745/6 explains that the Duke will need to stay a little longer at Blair. He also leaves it up to the Duke to decide which of the locals remaining should be considered for imprisonment.