Part 27
The above Ludovick Brodie, our Sixt Child, died the 3d of June 1756 (being Thursday) att four o clock in the morning of the Small Pox, aged 5 years 7 months and 6 days, and was buried in the above mentioned place; he was a beautyfull, genteel boy, had more prudence than most of his age, which, joined to a great deal of vivacity, benevolence, and kindness in his disposition, made him beloved by every one who knew him.
* * * * *
Mr Ludovick Brodie, Clerk to the Signet, my Worthy Father, died of a Fever, att his own house in Edinburgh, the 16 June 1758 att 1 o clock afternoon, aged 86, he was a very long time in business (and before he died was the oldest Clerk to the Signet) and bore a very fair character, being honest in his transactions and benevolent in his disposition, embracing every opportunity of doing good and charitable Actions to mankind in generall and to his Relations and Acquaintances in particular; Religious without ostentation, an affectionate Husband (to my Mother, Hellen Grant, his only wife, who died likewise of a Fever the 27 December 1725. She was a pious woman, a dutifull Wife and an affectionate Mother,) and he was likewise a kind Parent and a constant and sincere Friend. As to his person, of a midle stature, strong, robust, and well proportioned, had an open and manly countenance, was burried the 19th Curt. in the above mentioned place.
* * * * *
Edinburgh, the 2d. February 1759, being Friday att ---- was born our tenth Child and that same day was baptised by the above reverend Doctr. William Wallace, in presence of her Grand Father Mr William Grant, Mr. James Brodie her Uncle by the Father, Mr. Ludovick Grant and Mrs Grant her Uncle and Aunt by the Mother, Mr. William and Hellen Grant’s’ her 2d Cousins by the Father, and named Jean after her Grand Mother and her Aunt by the Mother.
* * * * *
Edinburgh, the 31 of Jully 1760, being Saturday, att 1 in the morning, was born our eleventh Child and that same day was baptised by Doctr. Patrick Cumming, Minister in Edinburgh, in presence of her Grand Father Mr Willaim Grant, Mr James Brodie her Uncle by the Father, Mr Ludovick and Mrs. Grant’s her Uncle and Aunt by the Mother, Mrs Gordon and Mrs Campbell her Aunts by the Mother, and Mrs Hellen Grant her 2d. Cousin by the Father, and named Jacobina after the above Mr James Brodie her Uncle.
* * * * *
Mr William Grant, Writer in Edinburgh, my wife’s worthie Father, died of old age the 18 of January 1762, att 8 oclock in the morning, in the 100 of his age, he was a very long time in business, had a very fair character for honesty in all his transactions. Religious without ostentation, a good Husband, a dutiful Parent, and in his own lifetime did a great many good and Liberall actions, particularly to his Children, Grand Children and great Grand Children, who were very numerous. As to his person, he was of a midle stature, well Proportioned, of a Fair and comely Countenance, and was buried the 21 curt. in the above place.
* * * * *
On the 19th of February 1768, being Frieday, a little after one in the morning, died of a lingering illness, my eldest Daughter, Cicel, wanting 9 days to compleat her 14th year and during the long time she was indisposed, behaved with great Fortitude and Patience, her own distress never making her neglect nor abate that natural affability and good manners which she shewed to all, and particularly to her relations; when in health her person was tall and gentile and her countenance agreeable, her behaviour modest, polite and sensible, her capasity to learn was quick, and had a retentive memory, and as she was sincerely religious (without the least tincture of enthusiesem), there is no doubt that being both Good and Innocent, she is now extreamly, and will be eternally happy in the Celestiall Mansions.
* * * * *
On the 6th of March, 1776, being Weddensday, about seven in the evening, died of a linguring illness my (then) Eldest Daughter, Margaret, being 19 years 9 months and 11 days old, she had a Sollid Understanding, and without ostentation was firmly attached to the Cause of Truth, Virtue and Religion, Kind and Affectionate to her acquaintances but more especially to her Relations, and among her last words expressed her gratitude for the care they had taken of her, I believe her illness originated from a severe cold, which she contracted about 8 months presiding her death. She is now (I hope) enjoying eternall Bliss with her dear sister Cecil.
* * * * *
On the 22nd September 1777, being Munday night, one quarter after 11 oclock, died of a fever my dear wife, Cicel Grant, aged 59 years and 25 days and married to me 36 years and 325 days (which wants 40 days of 37 years.) She was a Chaste and dutifull Wife, and besides a great many good Qualities, she was equalled by few in the prudent and skillfull management of Her House and Family, was Religious without ostentation, Charitable and good to all, and is buried in the above place (two double paces west of the narrow road opposite to Harleys Tomb) where a great number of my and her Relations lyes interred: and there is no doubt she now enjoys Celestial happiness.
Mr. Francis Brodie, Wright in Edinburgh, my worthy Father, died of the Palsy att his own house in Edinr., the 1st of June 1782, att 5 oclock afternoon in the 74th year of his age. His character was that of an honest man, an affectionate husband, an indulgent parent, a faithful friend, and a generous master.
JEAN BRODIE.
My sister, Jean Brodie, died at her own house on the 22 of August 1821, at 10 oclock at night, aged 62 years and seven months, after a long and severe illness, which she bore with patience. She was a generous and affectionate sister and Aunt, a Sensible and Correct Woman in every respect, and is buried in the above mentioned place.
JACOBINA SHERIFF.
My Eldest daughter, Cecilia Sheriff, died at my house on the 30 of June 1831, at 6 oclock morning, aged 42. She was a humble Christian and dutiful daughter and most affectionate sister, and most faithfull friend. I trust she is now with the Lord, and is buried in the above mentioned place.
JACOBINA SHERIFF.
Her Dear and Affectionate Sister. 1831.
Jane Sheriff.
Jacobina Sherriff, my worthy mother, died at my house after three months illness in the 79 year of her age, she was the most affectionate parent, kind, indulgent in every respect, unopressive to all, humble in her opinion of herself, and I now trust she is beyond the reach of all sorrow.
Jane Sherriff or Molleson
HANG March 23 1839
Sir,
The favour of your Company to attend the Funeral of Mrs. Sherriff, my Mother-in-law from my House here to the Greyfriars Burial Ground, on Thursday the 28th currt. at 2 oclock afternoon, will much oblige.
Sir, Your obedient Servant, JAMES MOLLESON.
HANG Edinburgh, 3 Gloucester Place, March 25th, 1839.
APPENDIX V.
EXCERPTS FROM THE RECORDS OF THE CAPE CLUB, IN THE POSSESSION OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF SCOTLAND.
I.
_Roll of the Knights Companions of The Cape._
Date of Admission.
1775 February 25th.
No. of Diplomas Names of the Knights Titles of Knighthood 232 William Brodie Llhoyd
II.
_Record of Cape Club Petitions, Vol. i._
No. 232.
TO THE SOVEREIGN AND KNIGHTS OF THE CAPE THE PETITION OF WILLIAM BRODIE WRIGHT IN EDINBURGH
Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioner is very desirous to be admitted a Member of The Cape.
May it therefore Please the Sovereign and Knights to admit your Petitioner and shall ever pray
WILLIAM BRODIE
The Candidate is recommended by
GILB. WAUGH JAMES SYME
(Written upon the back of the Petition.)
PETITION OF WILLIAM BRODIE 1775 Grand Cape 25th Feb 1775. Admitted D.S. Secry. Sir Lhoyed.
III.
_Minute of Meeting at which Deacon Brodie was admitted a Knight of The Cape._
Nineteenth Grand Festival of The Cape, held at Capehall in Jas. Mann’s, Craigs Close, 25th Febry. 1775.
Present Sir Stick, Sovereign Sir Westerhole, Depute Sovn. Sir Fox, Treasurer Sir Shirk, Secretary Sir N. & A.,[29] Recorder
Sir Waterhole fifth } Sir Scrape third } Old Sovereigns
Sir Buildings } Hall } Bejing } Councillors Bowl } Stone }
Sir Wager, Chaplain Sir Dive Sir Padlock Brimstone Kipper Silenus Cellar Launce Jawbone Fender Corryarroch Surprise Drawbridge Bolt Toe Forgetful Caltonhill Marriage Pole Finger Porter Wig Blott Laverock Sword Dragon Gutter Pedro Fine
In all 41 Bill £ : :
Sederunt
The following officers were this day duly elected vizt:-- Sir Stick, Sovereign } Sir Westerhole, Depute Sovereign } Sir Fox, Treasurer } Re-elected Sir N. & A., Recorder } Sir Celler, Secretary }
Councillors:--
Sir Tree Sir Bank } Buildings Bowl } Hayloft Stone } Re-elected Flatt Fender } Vote Finger } Be jing Kipper }
The Recorded Protested that as Mr. Auld was irregularly ballotted at this Festival without his knowledge or consent the same shall not preclude him from an Appeal to any after Grand Cape if he chuses to enter the same and took instruments in the Secretary’s hands and craved that this Protest be engrossed in the Minute of Sederunt of this Grand Cape.
The re-elected Sovereign after having taken the accustomed obligations to promote the Harmony of the Society was solemnly Crowned in the Chair of State with all the usual formalities and with the other officers taking their proper places, the public business of this Festival was most harmoniously concluded.
APPENDIX VI.
EXCERPTS FROM THE GUILD REGISTERS OF THE BURGH OF EDINBURGH.
I
Edinr. 15th October 1735.
Sederunt
James Simpson, Old D.G. Patrick Manderson James Sime John Clerkson
Francis Brodie, Wright, compearing is made burges of this burgh as prentice to John Antonious, Wright, burges yrof. And gave his Oath &c. having payd for his duety to the Dean of Gild 13 Sh. 4 pennies & watches 24sh:----Brodie B £1·6·7d.
II.
Edinr. 9th February 1763.
Sederunt
Patrick Lindsay, D.G. John Robertson Thomas Hepburne William Good William Mylne Charles Howison
Francis Brodie, Wright, burges of this Burgh, Compearing is made Gildbrother thereof by right of Cecil Grant, daughter of William Grant, Writer, burges and Gildbrother thereof, his spouse and paid his dues and gave his oaths.----Brodie G £1·10·9d.
* * * * *
William Brodie, Wright, compearing, is made burges and Gild Brother of this Burgh by right of Francis Brodie, Wright, burges and Gild brother thereof, his father, and paid his dues and gave his oaths.----Brodie B & G £2·12·11½.
APPENDIX VII.
EXCERPTS FROM THE RECORDS OF THE EDINBURGH TOWN COUNCIL, REFERRED TO IN THE INTRODUCTION TO THE TRIAL.
I.
Edinburgh the tenth day of September One thousand seven hundred and eighty three years.
Sederunt
Lord Provost John Grieve
Bailies
James Dickson James Gordon John Spottiswood
D.G.
Thomas Cleghorn
Tr.
William Thomson
O.P.
David Stuart
O.B.
William Galloway Francis Shaw
Old D.G.
Archibald M‘Dowall
Old Tr.
James Hunter Blair
M.C.:
Thomas Cleghorn, jr. William Gillespie David Willison.
T.C.
Thomas Simpson William Jameson
C. Deacons
William Fraser, Cr. William Brodie James Robertson John Douglas George Chalmers Robert Wemyss
Extra^{ry} Deacons:--William Richie, William Young, William Inglis, Thomas Hunter, Will^{m} Forrester.
* * * * *
The Chamberlain produced in Council his Cash Book whereby it appears there is a ballance due him of £306:13:10, Ballance due to Bankers £5417:14:3, and paid in to the City’s Cash Accompt with the Royal Bank £2385 Sterling.
Bailie Dickson from the first Bailie’s Committee reported that they having examined the following accompts, vizt. an accompt due to William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the different public markets of the City, from Twentieth November seventeen hundred and eighty two to third July last, amounting to Sixty seven pounds, eighteen shillings and one penny; Item an accompt due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the Parliament House, Exchequer, &c., from twenty fifth September Seventeen hundred and eighty two to the eleventh of June last, amounting to Nine pounds, one shilling and four pence; Item an Accompt due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the Tolbooth and sundry other parts belonging to the City, from the fourteenth August seventeen hundred and eighty two to the seventeenth February last, amounting to Ten pounds, twelve shillings and two pence; Item an Accot. due to the said Willm. Brodie for Wright work done by him in making windows for St. Andws. Church, amounting to One hundred and twenty pounds, seven shillings and nine pence; Item an Accot. due to the said William Brodie for wright work done by him in making doors for the stalls in the New Flesh Markets and fitting up the new Veal Market, &c. from eighteenth November seventeen hundred and eighty two to seventeenth July last, amounting to One hundred and seventy six pounds, twelve shillings and five pence; Item an accot. due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the College, from ninth September seventeen hundred and eighty two to twenty first April last, amounting to Five pounds, eighteen shillings and nine pence; Item an accompt due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the different Churches of the City, from the twelfth of September seventeen hundred and eighty two to twenty fourth August last, amounting to Sixty six pounds, two shillings and one penny; Item an Accompt due to the said William Brodie for Wright work done by him in the Flesh Market, City Clerk’s Chambers, and sundry other parts belonging to the City, from fourteenth September seventeen hundred and eighty two to twentieth July last, amounting to Fifty nine pounds, sixteen shillings and eight pence, all Sterling money, Did find the said Accompts right summed, calculated and sufficiently instructed, and therefore were of opinion the City Chamberlain should be authorised to pay the same, as the respective Reports under the hands of the said Committee bears--Which being considered by the Magistrates and Council, They approved of the said Reports, and authorize and appoint accordingly.
It was from the said Committee also reported that they having examined ... an Accompt due to William Brodie for Wright work done by him to the City’s Engines, fire Cocks, &c. from twenty ninth November seventeen hundred and eighty two to twenty fourth May Last, amounting to Forty two pounds, three shillings and four pence Sterl; Did find the said Accots. right summed, calculated and sufficiently instructed and therefore were of opinion the City’s Collector of the Cess and Watch money should be authorized to pay the same....
It was reported from the Committee on the New Gift that they having examined.... Item an Accot. due to William Brodie for Wright work done by him in repairing the Pier of Leith, from first September seventeen hundred and eighty two to Second July last, amounting to Forty nine pounds, nine shillings.... Did find the said Accompts right summed, calculated and sufficiently instructed; But in regard the City’s Duty on Ale, &c. on which the said Accompts is chargeable is so much decreased that it cannot afford payment thereof, were therefore of opinion the City Chamberlain should be authorised to pay the same out of the City’s proper Revenue, to be charged as a debt on the said duty and repaid and made good to the City how soon that fund can admit thereof....
JOHN GRIEVE, Provost.
II.
18th August, 1784.
... Upon a motion made in Council They remit to Convener Jameson, Deacon Hill, and Deacon Brodie to inspect the west wall of the Tolbooth and consider in what manner a Door or passage may be made thro’ the same in order that criminals may be executed there, and to report:
III.
24th November 1784.
... Pursuant to a late remit to the Magistrates to consider as to the manner of fitting up a place adjoining to the Tolbooth of this City for the execution of Criminals, there was produced in Council a plan for that purpose with an estimate by Counr. Jameson of the Mason work amounting to Twenty-five pound two shillings and an estimate by Deacon Hill of the Wright work amounting to Twenty-five pound both Sterling, which being considered by the Council They ordain the work to be executed accordingly.
IV.
11th April 1785.
... An estimate signed by Counr. Jameson and Deacon Hill that the whole expense in rebuilding the shops and parapet at the west end of the Tolbooth shall not exceed in whole the sum of seventy pounds Sterling exclusive of the Wright work for the platform and the machinery for an Execution conform to a former Estimate being considered, the Council removed the shop mentioned in the minute of the eighth curt. and authorised the work to be executed with all possible dispatch.
V.
13th April 1785.
... Appointed the Dean of Guild and his Council to visit the west wall of the Tolbooth and to Report to the Magistrates their opinion if an opening can be made there with safety and without hurting the building for the purpose of executing Criminals on the west side of the Tolbooth, with power to the Magistrates to authorise the same to be done as formerly intended.
VI.
20th April 1785.
... The Magistrates produced the following Report:--“Edinburgh, 13th April 1785. The Dean of Guild and his Council agreeable to the Council’s appointment visited the west wall of the Tolbooth and report their unanimous opinion that an opening can be made there with safety and without hurting the buildings (signed) Archd. McDowall D.G.” and informed that in consequence thereof they had authorised the intended work to be completed.
The Magistrates represented that after the maturest consideration they had appointed the west end of the Tolbooth to be the common place for the public Execution of Criminals and moved that an Act of Council be passed for that purpose in order that Archibald Stewart now under sentence of death may be executed there in pursuance of his sentence, which being considered by the Council They approved of the conduct of the Magistrates and declared the west end of the Tolbooth to be the common place of Execution now and in all time coming.
VII.
4th May 1785.
... Read a letter signed by William Brodie and authorized charter of the lot in Princes Street feued by him last year to be granted to William Pirnie, Mason--William Brodie subscribing the same as consenter thereto.
VIII.
11th May 1785.
... Signed charter in favour of William Pirnie, Mason, with consent of William Brodie Wright, of fifty nine and one half feet in front of the Plot marked E north side of Princes Street agreed to have been feued to the said William Brodie for payment of £3:14:4½ of feuduty commencing at Whitsunday 1785, and £10:13:4½ on the entry of each heir or singular successor. He paid to the Chamberlain Two hundred and eight pound five shillings Sterling of purchase money.
IX.
7th September 1785.
... Authorised Deacon Hill to make a moveable platform for the Execution of Criminals in terms of his estimate not exceeding sixteen pounds Sterling, to be executed at the sight of Baillies Eyre, Blair, and the Dean of Guild.
X.
12th April 1786.
... It was reported from the first Baillies’ Committee that they having examined an accompt due to William Brodie for putting a roof on the new reservoir in Heriots Garden and compared it with the Estimate, found that the same exceeded the sum in the estimate in £2:4:6 but that the additional charge is on account of the building having been raised six inches higher than the original plan and therefore were of opinion the City Chamberlain should be authorised to pay the accompt amounting to £103:10:6 Stg.
XI.
13th September 1786.
... To Thomas Hill for work done by him in making a platform west end of the Tolbooth, Nineteen pounds seventeen 249 shillings and five pence half penny.... To Thomas Hill for erecting a second platform west end of the Tolbooth, Twenty-one pound seven shillings and eleven pence half penny.
XII.
20th September 1786.
... That part of the Sett entitled “Election in Special of Deacons” was read.
Then the said fourteen Incorporations being severally called, the following Persons were presented as their Deacons for the year ensuing:--
Surgeons--Forrest Dewar, Goldsmiths--Willm. Dempster, Skinners--James Brown, Furriers--Willm. Ritchie, Hammermen--John Milne, Wrights--Willm. Brodie, Masons--Robt. Dewar, Taylors--Jas. Richardson, Fleshers--Andrew Wilson, Cordners--Robert Moncur, Websters--Willm. Forrester, Waulkers--Thomas Tibbets, and Bonnetmakers--Adam Brooks.
It was reported that Edward Innes was elected Deacon of the Incorporation of Baxters.
The thirteen persons present were received, Sworn _de fideli_ and authorized in their offices and qualified to Government by swearing the Oath of Allegiance and signing the same with the Assurance.
Then the chapter of the Sett entitled “New Council of Deacons” being read, the Council did proceed to make choice of six Council Deacons to be adjoined to the new Council for the year ensuing and elected the persons followings:--
Skinners--James Brown, Wrights--William Brodie, Masons--Robert Dewar, Baxters--Edward Innes, Fleshers--Andrew Wilson, Waulkers--Thomas Tibbets. All of whom compeared, except the said Edward Innes, who accepted of their offices, were sworn _de fideli_ and qualified to Government by taking the Oath of Allegiance and signing the same with the Assurance.
JOHN GRIEVE, Provost.
XIII.
28th March 1787.
... On representation from William Forbes, Authorised Deacon Brodie to make a timber press for the use of the City Clerk in the office kept by the said William Forbes.
XIV.
31st October 1787.
... Read letter from Professor Andrew Dalzell addressed to the Lord Provost, that in the course of the night of the thirtieth current the College Library was broke into and the University Mace was stolen from thence. Ordered an advertisement to be published offering a reward of ten guineas to be paid by the City Chamberlain for discovering all or any of the Persons guilty thereof, or any person in whose possession the said Mace shall be found.
APPENDIX VIII.
ADVERTISEMENTS RELATING TO CERTAIN OF THE ROBBERIES COMMITTED BY DEACON BRODIE.
(From the _Edinburgh Evening Courant_.)
1786.
On Friday evening last (the 12th August) the lock of the outer door of the compting-house of Johnston and Smith, bankers in the Exchange, was opened by some wicked persons, as supposed by a counterfeit key, and eight hundred pounds Sterling stolen out of their drawers, in the following bank notes, viz:--