Letter of Captain Lloyd to Commodore Smith

Sir,

I have inclosed you a copy of a letter I received last night.  Captain Haldane and Captain Millbank was then with me. I sent for Mr Dow.  We all thought it proper to send our boats mann'd and armed, as it was a very thick weather and (we) could not go to sea.  I gave the command of boats to Captain Haldane.  They put off about ten and returned this morning at eight.  The were told at Mr Fea's house that such people as described as landed, but they did not hear of there being come to that island.  As that Fea is a NOTORIOUS REBELL, Captains Haldane and Millbank and Mr Dow with my consent, before they went on duty, thought it our duty to destroy the said Fea's house, which would not only alarm the country, but hinder the rebells from attempting to come this way, which was accordingly done by burning it to the ground.

It is now a thick fog and calm.  We lye short, and wil sail the first opportunity and join Scarborough at Stromness, according to Captain Jeffreys' order, which I received yesterday afternoon.  So soon as I join Captain Jeffreys, and should the wind be out of the way or calm, I hope that we shall be able to serve Sir James Stewart the same trick.  Had Mr Dow been here before they would all (have) been demolished long before now. It is a great way by water from hence to Sir James' house, but little way from Stromness.

I had account that Sir James Stewart wants to take up two men which he ordered on board a Spanish ship in January last as pilots from hence to Peterhead, who had men, money, and arms for the rebells, with an intent to send them out of the way or destroy them in some shape or other that they may not appear as evidence against him should he be taken up.  I have wrote to Captain Jeffreys and likewise to the Sheriff to apprehend the said men if possible and put them on board any of His Majesty's ships, where they may be found when wanted to condemn the said Sir James.  He is reckoned a very cunning man and keeps sharp lookout; but I hope to have him or at least destroy what he has, if time will permitt.

 I remain, with great respect, Sir,

Your most obedient humble servant.
J Lloyd
Glasgow, Deer Sound, May the 10th, 1746

From Orkney Feuds and the '45, R P Fereday, page 93