Highland events of the ‘15 continued

As the fight raged throughout Scotland, so it continued in Inverness. The Mackintoshes marched south to join the Earl of Mar leaving Sir John Mackenzie of Coul in charge of the garrison in Inverness. It is likely that the magistrates of the town council had Jacobite
sympathies - certainly they took no action to remove the garrison, angering Hanoverian
supporters. Hugh Rose of Kilravock, John Forbes of Culloden and Duncan Forbes threatened that if the situation was allowed to continue the magistrates would be viewed as “traitors and open enemies” of the King and would run the risk of being prosecuted with “fire and sword and the utmost vigour of war”. No action was taken by the magistrates...

An image of a handwritten manuscript page in dark brown ink on aged paper. The writing is in dense, slanted cursive with prominent loops and flourishes typical of early modern handwriting. The excerpt appears to be part of a formal declaration or council record. Visible phrases include: “Restreening you, that if ye ommitt or faill in any Article of the premisses, Wee will look upon and demeain you, as underytrefors, maintainers and comforters of rebellion, and as traitors and open enimies to our Soveraignty…” Near the end of the text, the date “this fifth day of November” can be seen, followed by several large, elaborate signatures written with sweeping pen strokes. The background shows the textured surface of the historic paper, with slight discoloration and natural aging.

Inverness Burgh Town Council Minutes

...or force or constrain him and them to relinquish and abandon your said Castle. Certifying you, that if you omit or fail in any article of these premises, we will look upon and demain you as aiders, assistors, maintainers and comforters of rebellion and as traitors and open enemies to our sovereign King George and as such will annoy and prosecute you with fire and sword and the utmost vigour of war…. Given at Culloden this fifth day of November One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifteen Years. H Rose, Jo, Forbes, Dun. Forbes.

The 13th and 14th of November were to prove pivotal days for the 1715 uprising across the country. At Sheriffmuir forces under Argyll and Mar faced each other in battle; in Preston Brigadier William Mackintosh fought desperately against government troops; in Inverness matters came to a head. Angered by a lack of response from the magistrates Forbes of Culloden, Lord Lovat and Hugh Rose of Kilravock planned to surround the town and force out the Jacobite garrison. This plan, however, did not suit the hasty temperament of Hugh Rose’s brother Arthur who, on the night of 12th November seized a sentry guard and forced his way into the Tolbooth to attack the rebels. His element of surprise was short-lived as he was betrayed by his guide and fatally wounded.

A painted portrait showing the upper body of an individual dressed in historical clothing. The person is wearing a dark blue outer garment with a row of small buttons running down the front edges. Beneath it is a light‑coloured, vertically textured shirt fastened at the neckline with a small red tie or cord. The sleeves of the blue garment are wide and smoothly painted, and the fabric appears heavy and structured. The background is dark and plain, placing emphasis on the clothing and upper torso. A dark head covering or cap is also visible at the top of the image.

Arthur, brother to Hugh Rose of Kilravock

An image of a handwritten historical letter written in flowing, cursive script with brown ink on aged paper. The handwriting is dense, slanted, and features pronounced loops and flourishes typical of early 18th‑century correspondence. Lines of text fill the width of the page, with words running closely together. Visible phrases include references to military actions, movements through a “barrack yard,” and encountering resistance. The ink varies slightly in tone, suggesting natural fading and pressure differences in the writing. The paper shows subtle texture and light discoloration consistent with an old manuscript.

Letter by John Hossack to the Laird of Auchnagairn

...Mr Arthur Rose who commanded his brother’s men and was ordered to line the Chapelyard and cover the prospects against a sallie from the town from a great deal of zeal and courage neglecting his charge ran fast to his fate, for he ran up the street, his people followed him and attacked the Tolbooth, having in his way been encouraged by seizing the Captain of the Guard, where in the entry he received the fatal ball that in 4 hours after gave a period to his life. His death is regretted by all honest men as well as his friends

The death of Arthur Rose brought about the end of the Jacobite garrison in Inverness. So enraged was Hugh Rose at the loss of his brother that he threatened to reduce Inverness to ashes if the Jacobites didn’t surrender. The garrison surrendered the next day and the Hanoverian supporters took over the town. The 1715 rising dissolved and a potentially perfect opportunity for the Jacobites was lost.

A close-up view of a handwritten manuscript dated “Inverness 8 December 1715.” The text is written in dark ink with slanted, tightly spaced cursive script typical of early 18th‑century minutes or ecclesiastical records. The visible passage begins with a reference to prayer and names several individuals involved in the meeting. It then records that the moderator reported the town of Inverness had been retaken from the rebels on the “twelfth day of November last” with assistance from government supporters. The entry notes that the “battle of Sheriffmuir” caused such disturbance and unrest in the region that safe travel was not possible, preventing the presbytery from meeting sooner. The paper shows the natural grain and slight discoloration of aged historical documents.

Inverness Presbytery Minutes

Inverness 8 December 1715...The Moderator reported that although the town of Inverness was retaken from the rebels the twelfth day of November last by my Lord Lovat and other friends of the government with him, yet the battle of Sheriffmuir did occasion such a looseness and break in the country that there was no safe travelling so that he could not call the presbytery before this day