The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

The Higkland Monthly.
succeed him, and a committee appointed to examine
Provost Hossack's accounts ; but as these extended over
many years, they were not ready by 23rd January follow-
ing, and the Provost was continued in the management of
the Hospital funds. Again, a year later, on 31st January,
175 1, he was " appointed to continue as Treasurer, until the
affiiirs of the Hospital under his management be transacted
and expcde, so as to enable him to render the accounts
thereof distinct and vouched. He was treasurer during
very troublous times, and finally got his discharge 26th
May, 1752.
The following story is told of him on the authority of a
letter from a gentleman in London to his friend in Bath,
dated 175 1, and reprinted in " Jacobite Memoirs" :— " A Mr
Hossack, who had filled the situation of Provost of Inver-
ness, and who had, under the direction of President Forbes,
performed important services to the Government, having
gone to pay his respects to the Duke of Cumberland "
(immediately after the battle of Culloden) " found Generals
Hawley and Huske deliberating on the inhuman design "
of dispatching any of the wounded of Prince Charlie's
army that might be found still surviving on or near the
field. " Observing them intent upon their object, and
actually proceeding to make out orders for killing the
wounded Highlanders, he ventured to remonstrate against
such a barbarous step. ' As His Majesty's troops have been
happily successful against the rebels, I hope' (obser\-ed
' Hossack) your Excellencies will be so good as to mingle
mercy with judgment.' Hawley, in a rage, cried out
*D -n the puppy! Does he pretend to dictate here?
Carry him away !' Another officer ordered Hossack to be
kicked out, and the order was obeyed with such
instantaneous precision, that the ex-Provost found himself
at the bottom of two flights of steps almost in a twinkling.'
[to be continued.]
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