Dr. Archibald Cameron, executed 1758
Dr. Archibald Cameron
Lieutenant Colonel Doctor Archibald Cameron, younger brother of Cameron of Lochiel and ADC to Prince Charles Edward Stuart. He cited "Christian loyalty" as his reason for supporting the 1745 Jacobite cause. After Culloden he escaped to France in the same vessel as Bonnie Prince Charlie and was a great help during his wanderings in the West of Scotland. In a letter from Glengarry dated "Boulogne-sur-Mer, 16th January 1750 (Stuart Papers), it gives an account of a visit which Dr Cameron had paid to the Highlands; after all hope of restoration of the Stuart dynesty was abandoned. The letter further states that Doctor Cameron took possession of 6,000 louis-d'ors, out of the large sum which he had concealed near Loch Arkaig; Cluny McPherson being unable to prevent his doing so, though he obliged Cameron to give him a receipt for that sum. With this money, it was said that Dr Cameron was to enter into a mercantile project in Dunkirk. Dr Cameron revisited Scotland in 1751 in an effort, with others, to rekindle the Jacobite cause (Elibank Plot). The attempt was a failure from the start as the spy "Pickle" (believed to be young Glengarry) who reported their movements to the government. In March, 1753 Cameron was taken prisoner while in the house of Stewart of Glenbuckie. He was conveyed to London and was sentenced to die the death of a traitor. His wife came to London from Lille in Flanders to plead for mercy unsuccessfully.
DEPOSITION STATEMENTS & TRIAL
DR. ARCHIBALD CAMERON, BROTHER OF DONALD CAMERON OF LOCHIEL
JAMES BARCLAY - Dr. Archibald Cameron: I saw one who was called Dr. Cameron of Lochiel. I did not know him before the rebellion, but I have seen him at Edinburgh in October, and in Glasgow in the beginning of January last. He appeared as one of the rebels, acted as A.D.C. to the Pretender, and marched with the rebels.
ANGUS MACKINNON - Dr. Archibald Cameron: I knew him before the rebellion. He was A.D.C. to the young Pretender. I saw him act and march all the while with the rebels from October last. I am not sure of his Christian name, but have heard him called Archibald.
Historic Papers1699-1750, 1896, Vol. ii, page 355
Dr. Cameron, while on his examination was asked, 'What had determined him to go to Rome (for that they had heard he had been there0 as it was a long journey, and travelling was expensive?' The Dr. honestly and plainly answered, 'I went to see my old master, and to receive his commands for my young master.' 'Did you see your young master lately?' Answer, 'Yes', 'Where did you see him?' Answer, 'Paris' [Here a considerable pause was made, and orders were given to note down exactly the words of the Dr., they imagined now some mighty discovery to be made by him]. Then it was asked, 'When did you see your young master (as you call him) last in Paris?' Answer, 'In 1748.' They were much inraged at this answer, as they had conjectured the Dr. would have condescended upon some time later, viz. in 1751 or 1752. The Duke of Newcastle, in particular, was so provoked that he stormed furiously and bawled out, 'This is the height of insolence! most insufferable insolence! insolence not to be borne with!, etc. etc. In a word, such was the blustering that Doctor Cameron (as he acknowledged to a particular friend) was almost ready to smile, even in the presence of the Council.
The Lyon in Mourning, 1896, Vol. iii, footnote and the end of page 136
DR. ARCHIBALD CAMERON, BROTHER OF DONALD CAMERON OF LOCHIEL
JAMES BARCLAY - Dr. Archibald Cameron: I saw one who was called Dr. Cameron of Lochiel. I did not know him before the rebellion, but I have seen him at Edinburgh in October, and in Glasgow in the beginning of January last. He appeared as one of the rebels, acted as A.D.C. to the Pretender, and marched with the rebels.
ANGUS MACKINNON - Dr. Archibald Cameron: I knew him before the rebellion. He was A.D.C. to the young Pretender. I saw him act and march all the while with the rebels from October last. I am not sure of his Christian name, but have heard him called Archibald.
Historic Papers1699-1750, 1896, Vol. ii, page 355
Dr. Cameron, while on his examination was asked, 'What had determined him to go to Rome (for that they had heard he had been there0 as it was a long journey, and travelling was expensive?' The Dr. honestly and plainly answered, 'I went to see my old master, and to receive his commands for my young master.' 'Did you see your young master lately?' Answer, 'Yes', 'Where did you see him?' Answer, 'Paris' [Here a considerable pause was made, and orders were given to note down exactly the words of the Dr., they imagined now some mighty discovery to be made by him]. Then it was asked, 'When did you see your young master (as you call him) last in Paris?' Answer, 'In 1748.' They were much inraged at this answer, as they had conjectured the Dr. would have condescended upon some time later, viz. in 1751 or 1752. The Duke of Newcastle, in particular, was so provoked that he stormed furiously and bawled out, 'This is the height of insolence! most insufferable insolence! insolence not to be borne with!, etc. etc. In a word, such was the blustering that Doctor Cameron (as he acknowledged to a particular friend) was almost ready to smile, even in the presence of the Council.
The Lyon in Mourning, 1896, Vol. iii, footnote and the end of page 136
EXECUTION
He was executed on the 7th June 1753 with a degree of firmness and cheerfulness scarcely less than that manifested by Balmerio. The government was greatly blamed for the severity which appeared to be needless. They defended their position in the belief that the death of Doctor Cameron would prevent further attempts to the British throne.
Extracts from - History of the Rebellion of 1745, Chambers, 1840, pages 512-514
He was executed on the 7th June 1753 with a degree of firmness and cheerfulness scarcely less than that manifested by Balmerio. The government was greatly blamed for the severity which appeared to be needless. They defended their position in the belief that the death of Doctor Cameron would prevent further attempts to the British throne.
Extracts from - History of the Rebellion of 1745, Chambers, 1840, pages 512-514
