September

Septr. 1.
Saturday. — We got up early and set out from Cumbernauld at 6,O'Clock this morning for Stirling - where we arrived at 8,O'Clock. Miss Campbell with her Nephews went to Breakfast with her Aunt Mrs. Fraser and Cousin Mrs. Wingate; and I set out directly in a hired Post Chaise to visit my highly respected and much esteemed old friend and late Commander in chief in India - General Sir Robert Abercromby K.B. at his beautiful Seat at Aithrie, within 4 miles of the Town of Stirling and situated near the Banks of the River Forth. —

I found Sir Robert walking in his Grounds after Breakfast. — He knew me directly, was exceedingly glad to see me, and pressed me very much to stay with him for some days; but I excused myself from doing so on account of my Leave of absence from London being very nearly expired. — Tho' I went with the intention to Breakfast with Sir Robert, I did not tell him so on finding that he had taken his already; but after staying for about an hour with him walking through his Grounds and viewing the inside of his House, both of which are well worth seeing, I returned again to Stirling; promising Sir Robert that the next time I passed this way again, I should certainly do myself the honor of spending a day with him at Aithrie. — Having Breakfasted on my return at the Inn in Stirling, I went to call on Miss Campbell at her Cousin's House; where I renewed my old acquaintance with my relation Mrs. Fraser.

Having remained with them a short time, we returned to the Inn; and at 12,O'Clock, we set out from Stirling for Edinburgh by Falkirk and Lithgow. We halted at Lithgow to dine and change Horses, and then prosecuted our Journey to Edinburgh, where we arrived at 7,O'Clock in the Evening.

Miss Campbell declined going with me to the Hotel; and therefore by her own particular desire I put he down at the House of her Cousin Mrs. Macdonald of Valla, where she and her two Nephews took up their residence for the present; - whilst I proceeded to take up mine at my former Quarters at Dumbreck's Hotel.

Soon after my arrival I went to call on my Cousin Mr. Dond. Maclaine and his Wife at their House in Fyfe Place; and finding from them that my Sisters-in-law Mrs. Morley & Mrs. Scott had arrived at Edinburgh from Angus-shire some few days before agreeably to the arrangement I had made with them, I immediately went to wait upon at their Lodgings in Prince's Street, accompanied by my Cousin Mr. Maclaine. — They were at Supper - and were most agreeably surprised to see me at so late an hour. — I staid [sic] with them till 11,O'Clock - and then took my leave for the Night, promising to go to the English Chapel along with them the following morning. — After leaving the Ladies, I had a long and very interesting talk with my Cousin Dond. about our late Uncle and his Family previous to our Separation at Dumbreck's Hotel. —

Septr. 2.
Sunday. — My Cousins Murdoch and John called on me this morning at the Hotel after Breakfast, and I accompanied them back to Mrs. Macdonald Valle's [sic] to Visit Miss Campbell, whom I was happy to find quite well after her long Journey. — I called afterwards on my Sisters-in-law Mrs. Morley and Mrs. Scott, and accompanied them to hear Divine Service at the Large English Chapel near the Cowgate Port. — I took a walk with them after Church up the High Street as far as the Castle, and from thence home to their Lodgings.

In the course of the day I visited several other friends in Town Vizt., Mrs. Maclachlan Senr and her Daughter Mrs. Campbell Sonachan, and Miss Caroline Campbell Airds, all living in the same House; Mrs. Maclean Torloisk, and her Daughter Mrs. Clephane; Miss Smith; Mrs. Maclean Drimnin and her Family; Mr. Dond. Maclean Drimnin & his family; Mr. Jno. Maclean & his Family; and Mr. Jno. Campbell W.S. St. James's Sqr. — My Sisters-in-law and myself dined with Mr. & Mrs. Dond. Maclaine at Fyfe-Place, and took a long walk in the Evening before we went home. —

Septr. 3.
Monday. — Soon after Breakfast this morning, agreeably to appointments, I ordered the Carriage to be got ready and went in to Miss Campbell's Lodgings, from whence I accompanied her and my two Cousins Murdoch and John out to Musselburgh; leaving Miss Campbell with her sister Mrs. Colonel Campbell, and the two Boys at their former residence at Mr. Taylor's School, having given particular charge of them to Mrs. Taylor - her Husband not being now at Home. — After staying for about an hour at Musselburgh I returned again to Edinburgh. —

I wrote by this Evening's Post to my friend Airds, who is now with his Regt. at Dunbar, to request of him to appoint an early day for meeting the rest of the late Lochbuy's Executors and Trustees in Edinburgh, in order that we might consult together on his affairs and the arrangements necessary to be made for his widow and Family in general. —

I likewise wrote by this Night's Post to my Aunt Mrs. Maclaine Lochbuy, and to my Brother Charles, announcing my safe arrival in Edinr. with Miss Campbell and my two Cousins.

I dined today with Colonel Allan Cameron (Eirach) of the 79th. Regt. at the Hotel I live in. — The Colonel is now here raising a 2d. Battn. to his Regt., and is getting on very successfully in this new Levy of his. — My friend General James Balfour arrived this Evening in Town from London; and having called upon me, I have engaged him to dine with me at Dalkeith tomorrow to meet my two Sisters-in-law Mrs. Morley & Mrs. Scott, to whom I have promised a Party to see some few of the beautiful Places in the Neighbourhood of Edinburgh.

Septr. 4.
Tuesday. — After Breakfast, I called on my Sisters-in-law, and accompanied them in the Carriage on our Concerted Party to the Country. — We visited Penny-Cuik-House, and Rosslynne, and after feasting our Eyes with the beauties of these fine romantick [sic] Spots - and the charming Paintings in the former House, we proceed to Dalkeith, and found our friend Genl. Balfour at the Inn ready to receive us. — After we had partaken of a most excellent Dinner, we went out in the Evening to view the Town, and the Palace and fine Grounds of the Duke of Buccleugh in the Vicinity of the Town.

We walked for about an hour in these beautiful Grounds, and then returned through the Town again to our Inn; - where having drank Tea and Coffee, and Settled the Bill, we all returned to Edinburgh; the two Ladies being highly entertained and quite delighted with the Excursion of the Day. —

Septr. 5.
Wednesday. — I paid a number of Visits in Town, and took a long walk with Mrs. Morley & Mrs. Scott this forenoon.

I dined, en famille, with Mrs. Maclean Torloisk and her Daughter Mrs. Clephane.

Septr. 6.
Thursday. — My friend Colonel Campbell Airds arrived in Town this morning, and a meeting of the late Lochbuy's Executors took place this forenoon at the House of John Campbell Esqr. in St. James's Square, consisting of Airds, Mr. Jno. Campbell, Mr. Dond. Maclaine, and myself, the only Executors at present in Edinburgh. — We read over and examined a number of Papers, conversed a great deal on the affairs of the Family; but after all did very little real business. — We agreed however to have another meeting previous to my departure for London. —

I dined today with a numerous Party of Maclean Highland Friends at the House of my relation Mr. Dond. Maclean Drimnin.

Septr. 7.
Friday. — I spent the forenoon in visiting and walking with Mrs. Morley & Mrs. Scott.

I had a Party of a few particular friends to dine with me today at Sommers's Tavern, Vizt. Col: & Mrs. Campbell Airds, Mr. John Campbell W.S., Mr. Dond. Maclean Drimnin, Capt. Gregorson, and my Cousin Donald. —

We broke up early in the Evening, and I accompanied Donald Drimnin to sup with Mrs. Maclean, the young widow of my late friend and relation Kingerloch. She had a large Party of Highland Friends at Supper. —

Septr. 8.
Saturday. — Genl. The Earl of Moira having arrived in Town last night from London, to resume once more the command of the Forces in Scotland, I waited upon him at his House in Queen's Street this morning at 10,O'Clock to pay my respects - and to ask his Commands for London. — His Lordship received me very politely, and invited to dine with him on the following day.

At 11,O'Clock today a second meeting of the later Lochbuy's Executors took place at Mr. Jno. Campbell's House, consisting only of the same Persons who met there on the 6th. Instant. — We sat till 2,O'Clock, and did a good deal of business before we broke up. —

I accompanied Colonel & Mrs. Campbell Airds, after the meeting broke up, to dine with Mrs. Colonel Campbell of Glenfuichan at Musselburgh, where I spent a very pleasant day. — The two Lochbuy Boys dined with us. Miss Campbell Airds had left Musselburgh some few days before on a Visit to her Aunt Mrs. Macdonald at Kelso. —

I took leave of my Friends in Musselburgh, and returned to Town again in my own Carriage at 8,O'Clock in the Evening, and supped with Colonel Cameron at Dumbreck's Hotel. —

Septr. 9.
Sunday. — After Breakfasting with Colonel Cameron, I called on my Sisters-in-law Mrs. Morley and Mrs. Scott, to announce to them my intention to set out for London the following day, and they promised to be ready to accompany me at any hour that I pleased to appoint. — After having walked with my two Sisters as far as the High-Kirk, to which they went to hear Divine Service, I returned Home to write Letters to my Aunt Mrs. Maclaine Lochbuy, Cousin Margaret, and my Brother Charles, to go by tomorrow's Post. —

I then called to take of all my friends in Town previous to my departure; and made arrangements with my Cousin Donald for leaving my Boy George behind me here at School, in some Country Village in the Neighbourhood of Edinburgh for five or six months. —

I had the honor of dining today with the Earl of Moira and his amiable young wife the Countess of London, whom he has lately married. — There were a large Party, and an elegant Dinner. —

Septr. 10.
Monday! — I got up very early this morning to write Letters and to pay and settle all my Accounts. — I wrote to my friend Airds of this date, recommending to his notice and Patronage John Mc.Quarie (-the son of Lachn. Mc.Quarie of Kilvicheoan - [sic]) who is a Private Soldier in the Argyleshire Militia, and whom I have requested Airds to get Promoted; being solicited to do so by his Brother the Parson. —

Hector Mc.Quarie (- the Eldest son of Lachn. Mc.Quarie before mentioned), now a Seceding Divine in Edinburgh, called on me a second time this morning, and delivered me a written memorandum, soliciting my Patronage and Protection for his two younger Brothers John and Malcolm: — the former a Soldier in the Argyleshire Militia, and the latter a Soldier in the 2d. Battn. of the 26th. Regt. — I told him in reply to his application, that, I had it not in my power to do any thing for them now; but that if they proved deserving, I should be glad to avail myself of any opportunity that offered hereafter of doing them a service; with which the poor Parson was perfectly satisfied and took his leave. Having made the different arrangements preparatory to my departure for London, and given my faithful good Servant Stewart his instructions to follow me thither at his leisure with my Horses; I ordered the Carriage to be at the door of my Sisters Mrs. Morley & Mrs. Scott's Lodgings at Noon, and soon afterwards repaired thither myself accompanied by my cousin Donald Maclaine, who went to take leave of the Ladies. —

At half past 12,O'clock, Mrs. Morley, Mrs. Scott, and myself, got into our Carriage and set out on our journey for London; and as we came down from thence by the Eastern Road - via York, Newcastle, and Berwick; we resolved now - for the sake of a little variety - to travel back by what is called the Western Road - through Dumfries-shire and by Carlisle &c. &c. —

From Edinburgh we passed through Middleton, Bankhouse, and Selkirk, and Slept at a tolerable good Inn at Hawick, with tolerable accommodation.

Septr. 11.
Tuesday. — We pursued our Journey early this morning from Hawick, and travelling through Moss-Paul, Langholme, Longtown, Carlisle, Penrith, we slept at a very good clean Inn at the village of Shapp.

Septr. 12.
Wednesday. — Set out early in the morning from Shapp, and travelling through Kendal, Burton, Lancaster, Garstang, and Preston, we slept at a more excellent Inn in the own of Over-Hulton, with neat accommodation.

Septr. 13.
Thursday. — We started very early this [this] morning, and travelled the great manufacturing Town of Manchester; where we Breakfasted, and stopt [sic] for a couple of hours to visit some of the principal manufactories; and then prosecuted our Journey again through Stockport, Macclesfield, and Leek, and slept at an excellent Inn at Ashborn. —

Septr. 14.
Friday. — Set forward again on our Journey at an early hour from Ashborn, and travelling through Derby, Kegworth, Loughborough, Mount Sorrel, Leicester, Market-Harborough, Kettering, we Stopt [sic] to pass the Night at a very bad Inn in the Village of Thrapston. —

Septr. 15.
Saturday! We started very early this morning from our very indifferent Night's Quarters at Thrapston in Huntingdon-shire, and having passed through the Town of Huntingdon, we arrived at Cambridge between 9, and 10,O'Clock, in time enough to Breakfast at our former good Inn there — It being determined that we should remain here all this day to rest ourselves, we sent a Post Chaise immediately for Mrs. Scott's Son Alexander - (who is now attending this University - and who lives about three miles out of Town -) to come to spend the Day with us. — He accordingly came and joined us soon after our arrival. — We spent a very pleasant day at Cambridge in walking about the Town, and in visiting the different Churches and Colleges of this ancient and celebrated University. — We had a most excellent Dinner at the Inn, and after drinking Tea, we walked out again till Supper-time; and having gone through that form, we retired at an early hour to Bed. —

Septr. 16.
Sunday! — We took an early Breakfast, and went afterwards to visit the Grand Library and other Chambers in the University, which we had not an opportunity of seeing in the course of our Perambulations yesterday. — We then returned to the Inn, and after paying and settling our accounts there, and taking Leave of Alexr. Scott, we set out at 11,O'Clock on our Journey to London.

We travelled by Chesterford, Hockerell and Epping Place, and arrived in London at 8,O'clock at Night. —

Having set down my Sisters-in-law Mrs. Morley and Mrs. Scott at the House of the latter in Wigmore Street, I drove afterwards to Ibbetson's Hotel in Vere Street, where I took up my quarters for the present; sending my Carriage back to the Owner from whom I had hired it for the Trip to Scotland; it being now as strong and sound as when I set out.

Septr. 17.
Monday. — Immediately after Breakfast I called to enquire after my Travelling Companions - and was happy to find them both quite well after their Journey. —

I then proceeded to wait on and pay my respects to my commanding Officer General The Earl of Harrington and his amiable Family. — His Lordship received me in his usual gracious kind stile; [sic] after staying for about an hour with him, I proceeded to report my arrival at the Adjutant General's office at the Horse Guards. — I called afterwards upon my friend the Honble. Lt. Col: Blaquiere (who officiated for me as Asst. Adjt. Genl. during my absence) - and several other particular friends and acquaintances in Town. — I had the honor of dining today - by special invitation - with Lord Harrington and his charming Family - all of whom were pleased to express their satisfaction at my return. — I spent a most pleasant and very agreeable Evening with them.

Septr. 18.
Tuesday. — Employed in paying Visits all this day - and dined at the Hotel by myself. —

Septr. 19.
Wednesday. — I paid my remaining visits this day - and dined at the Hotel with a small Party of Friends. —

Septr. 20.
Thursday. — I quitted Ibbetson's Hotel this morning, and removed to my former Lodgings at No. 34 Duke Street St. James's. — I had the honor of dining again this day at Lord Harrington's.

Septr. 21.
Friday! — This being His R. Highness The Duke of York's regular Levee Day, I did myself the honor of waiting upon him at his office at the Horse Guards at 3,O'Clock, and was very graciously received by him: - His R.H. having asked me several questions and conversed with me for about five minutes at this audience. — I was agreeably surprised to find on my return Home to my Lodgings in the Evening that my Servant Stewart had just then arrived from Edinburgh with my Horses, quite fresh and in high condition.

I dined this day with my friend the Honble. Brigadr. Genl. Lumley and his young Wife, whom he has lately married. —

I went with them to the Play in the Evening. —

Septr. 22.
Saturday. — Having now settled in my old Quarters, and my Horses being arrived in town, I resumed this day my Duty as Asst. Adjt. General of the London District - and had the same notified in Orders. —

Septr. 23.
Sunday. — I dined at Mrs. Doig's. —

Septr. 25.
Tuesday. — I accompanied my Sisters in law Mrs. Morley and Mrs. Scott this forenoon to Caroline Mount, in a Post Chaise, to dine there with Colonel and Miss Cook - with whom we spent a very pleasant agreeable day returning Home again at Night. —

Septr. 26.
Wednesday! — I had the honor of dining this day at the Earl of Harrington's in company with H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Clarence - and the Duke [of] Sussex, besides a number of other People of Distinction, to whom His Lordship gave a sumptuous Entertainment.

The Prince was in high spirits and sat at Table till a very late Hour. — His Royal Highness was pleased to address a good deal of his discourse to me, and did me the honor to ask me several Questions respecting Mull and [the] those Parts of the Highlands through which I had lately Travelled. — We did not break up from Table till 12,O'Clock, when the Prince and the rest of the Company joined Lady Harrington & the Ladies. —

Septr. 29.
Saturday. — The Earl of Harrington having this forenoon Reviewed the Brigade of East India Volunteers, His Lordship and Staff, together with all the Field Officers of that Brigade, dined with Major Genl. Grosvenor, who gave his [word missing] a most elegant Entertainment.

Septr. 30.
Sunday. — I had this day the pleasure of Dining with my old Bombay friend Mr. Philip Dundas M.P. and his young wife - whom he lately married.

Source
MACQUARIE, Lachlan Journal No. 6 [15 July 1804 - 16 March 1807]
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A770 pp. 107-136 [CY Reel 300 Frames #295-310].