Corpus of Modern Scottish Writing (CMSW) - www.scottishcorpus.ac.uk/cmsw/ Document : 13 Title: Proceedings of the General Court Martial Author(s): Mackay, Alexander PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL COURT-MARTIAL, HELD AT MUSSLEBURGH BARRACKS, ON THE 24th, 25th, & 26th days of September last, FOR THE TRIAL OF MAJOR THO. CLARKSON MONCRIEFF, OF THE FIRST, OR BERWICKSHIRE, REGIMENT OF MILITIA, BY ORDERS OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE DUKE OF YORK, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, EDINBURGH: PRINTED FOR W. & J. DEAS, By Abernethy & Walker. 1807. PROCEEDINGS, &c. &c. Return of Officers for the Court-Martial. Col. FRANCIS W. GRANT, Inverness-shire Regt. of Militia, PRESIDENT. BURNET BRUCE, ESQ. DEP. JUDGE ADVOCATE. Lieut.-Col. JOHN WAUCHOPE, Edinburgh Militia. Lieut.-Col. LORD MONTAGU, Dumfries-shire Militia. Major THOMAS GORDON, Royal Lanark-shire Militia. Major HEPBURN MITCHELSON, Edinburgh Militia. Capt. BALLANTYNE, Dumfries-shire Militia. Capt. WILLIAM GRIERSON, Dumfries-shire Militia. Capt. JAMES DUFF MACKAY, Inverness-shire Militia. Capt. JOHN MILLAR, Royal Lanark-shire Militia. Capt. JAMES LASKEY, Kirkcudbright Regiment of Militia. Capt. WILLIAM MACDONALD, Edinburgh Militia. Capt. ALEXANDER CHISHOLM, Inverness-shire Militia. Capt. JOHN DUGUID, Aberdeen-shire Militia. Capt. JAMES ROWAN, Royal Lanark-shire Militia. Capt. JAMES GORDON, Aberdeen-shire Militia. THE Members of the Court and the Judge-Advocate-Depute being sworn in, Major, THOMAS CLARKSON MONCRIEFF was called before the Court, when the Judge-Advocate read to the Court and the Prisoner the charge, as follows: CHARGE preferred against Major THOMAS CLARKSON MONCRIEFF of the Berwick-- shire Regiment of Militia, by order of His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, dated 11th September 1807. FOR not resisting immediately, and endeavouring, as far as in his power, to prevent, the outrage committed in the mess-room on the 30th January 1807; whereby a gross insult was offered, not only to the Major, but every officer present, contrary to his duty as an officer then commanding the regiment, and contrary to good order and military discipline. Adjt. General's Office, Edin. 18th Sept. 1807. (Signed) ALEX. MACKAY, D. Adjt. Genl. (A true Copy.) J. R. MACKENZIE, Brige. Genl. The Prisoner having pled Not Guilty, the Judge-Advocate, as prosecutor, called the following witnesses. 24th September 1807. Capt. ORR* of the 1st, or Berwick-shire Militia, 1st Witness for the Prosecution. Court. — State to the Court what passed in the mess-room on the 30th January, when Mr Nimmo committed the outrage. Answer. — Mr Nimmo entered this room, then the mess-room of the Berwick-shire Militia: he used some very gross expressions, in a passionate manner, calling me a scoundrel and a coward. Mr. Nimmo then made up to me, and struck at me several times with a whip, against which I defended myself as well as I could with one of the chairs, which I took in my hand: After that, I placed the chair between him and me, and walked round to the other side of the * Capt. ORR and all the witnesses were upon oath. table. He again made use of similar expressions towards me, and said he would cane me wherever he met me. Mr Nimmo then offered to make some apology to the gentlemen in the room, when Major Clarkson Moncrieff said, You are disturbing the company; you had better retire, or had better leave the room: and Mr Nimmo immediately left the room. Court. — Was Major Clarkson Moncrieff at that time in the immediate command of the regiment? Answer.— He was. Court. — Was Mr Nimmo at that time an officer in the Berwick-shire Militia? Answer. — He was not. He once was an officer in the regiment, but had been displaced by his Majesty on 11th November preceding. Court. — Where was Major Clarkson Moncrieff sitting at that time, and where was you sitting? Answer. — Major Clarkson Moncrieff was at the end of the table further from the door, and I was sitting near the door. Court. — What length of time intervened between Mr Nimmo coming into the room and leaving it? Answer. — I think nearly two minutes. Court. — Did Major Clarkson Moncrieff appear to be very angry, or to be very much displeased with Mr Nimmo, when he ordered him to retire from the room? Answer. — I do think not. Court. — Did Major Clarkson Moncrieff, in any manner, endeavour to prevent Mr Nimmo from insulting you? Answer. — He did not. Question by Major C. Moncrieff. — As the insult was so sudden, in what manner could Major Moncrieff have prevented it? Answer. — I do not think he could have prevented the first part of the insult, as he was so far from Mr Nimmo and me; but I think he could have ordered the guard out to have laid hold of Mr Nimmo. Major C. Monerieff — Does Capt. Orr think, that Major Moncrieff could have ordered the guard in time to have prevented any part of the insult? Answer. — I don't think he could, as Mr Nimmo was only in the room nearly two minutes, if so much; but I do not think he seemed to wish to do so. Court. — Did you observe Major Clarkson Moncrieff particularly during the time Mr Nimmo was in the room? Answer. — I did not; I rather had my.eye on Mr Nimmo during that time. Court. — Did any of the officers make any attempt to prevent the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo? Answer. — No. Court. — Was you in the room after Mr Nimmo left it? Answer. — Yes. Court. — Did any conversation take place upon the subject of the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo, after he left the room? Answer. — There was not. I observed, as far as I recollect, that I had never witnessed such outrageous conduct; but the gentlemen present seemed to decline the subject, and no conversation took place upon it. Court. — State more particularly, if you can, what were the first words Mr Nimmo made use of immediately on his entering the mess-- room. Answer. — When Mr Nimmo entered the room, he said I beg your pardon for intruding; but I am come to chastise a coward and a scoundrel: or made use of words to that effect, and immediately made up to me, and struck me with a whip. Lieut. WALTER RULE, Berwick-shire Militia, Witness for the Prosecution. Court. — Do you recollect an outrage committed in the mess-room of the Berwickshire Militia in January last? Mention the particulars. Answer. — Some night about the end of January, I do not recollect particularly whether it was the 30th or not, a person, whom I soon perceived to be Mr Nimmo, burst into the mess-room, and after making an apology to the company, he threatened Captain Orr, and repeatedly called him a coward and a scoundrel, and then struck him repeatedly with a whip. Captain Orr got up, and went round the top of the table with a chair in his hand: Captain Orr went behind Major Moncrieff,.and, as nearly as I can recollect, said, Major, Major, I never saw the like of this; upon which Major Moncrieff said to Mr Nimmo, Sir, you have disturbed the harmony of this company, and I desire you will be off immediately. Mr Nimmo then again repeated his threat to Captain Orr, and told him, that although he had demeaned himself below the character of a gentleman, he was still willing to give him satisfaction, and that he was to be found, or still to be found; or used words to that effect. After again apologising for his intrusion, Mr Nimmo left the room. Captain Orr afterwards came round to his seat, and continued for some time in the mess-room but no farther notice was taken of what had happened. Court. — What length of time intervened between Mr Nimmo coming into the room and leaving it? Answer. — Nearly two minutes. Court. — When Major Moncrieff ordered Mr Nimmo to leave the room, did Major Moncrieff appear to be very angry or displeased with Mr Nimmo? Answer. — I cannot say, as I did not attend particularly to his countenance at the time. Court. — Did Major Moncrieff endeavour to prevent that outrage in the mess-room? Answer. — No, not till he told Mr Nimmo to be off. Court. — Could Major Moncrieff have prevented Mr Nimmo from committing that outrage in the mess-room? Answer. — I do not think he could have prevented Mr Nimmo from threatening Captain Orr; but I think there was time enough from Mr Nimmo's coming into the room, and striking Captain Orr, to have interfered. Court. — After Mr Nimmo threatened Captain Orr, had Major Moncrieff time enough to have prevented him from striking him? Answer. — I cannot say as to the time very particularly; but I think Mr Nimmo struck him immediately after threatening him. Court. — Did any of the officers present make any attempt to prevent the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo? Answer. — None. Court. — Have you any reason to suppose, that previously to Mr Nimmo's coming into the mess-room, Major Moncrieff could be acquainted with his intention? Answer. — I had no knowledge on the subject. Court. — Did you know any thing of it yourself? Answer. — No. Court. — Do you think Major Moncrieff could have put a stop to the outrage any sooner than he did? Answer. — I think he might have endeavoured sooner. Court. — When could he have endeavoured to do so? Answer. — From the time Mr Nimmo entered the room, till Captain Orr went behind Major Moncrieff 's chair, I think rather more than half the time of Mr Nimmo's-being in the room elapsed; and I think in that time, Major Moncrieff could have endeavoured to prevent any further outrage from being committed. Court. — Did Major Moncrieff, or any other officer except Captain Orr, rise from their chairs during any part of the outrage? Answer. — None of them did to the best of my recollection. Major C. Moncrieff. — Where was I sitting at the table; where was Captain Orr sitting and where was you sitting? Answer. — As far as I can recollect, Major Moncrieff was sitting near the top of the table on the right hand of the president; I think he was next the president; although I am not positive but there might be one person between the president and him: Captain Orr, I think, was about the centre of the table, on the opposite side: I was at the bottom of the table. The door is at the bottom of the room, on the same side on which Captain Orr sat. Major C. Moncrief. — What were the officers doing before Mr Nimmo entered the room, and what were they conversing about? Answer. — It was after dinner, and we were in conversation in the usual way; but I do not recollect what the particulars of that conversation were. Major C. Moncrieff. — Did the intrusion of Mr Nimmo create a considerable degree of surprise among the officers present? Answer. — I was so agitated with the appearance of Mr Nimmo, and particularly with his conduct after he entered, that I could not take particular notice of any body else. Major C. Moncrieff. — When I ordered Mr Nimmo to leave the room, did I not speak with a commanding voice, saying, "Leave the room "Sir; away, Sir; begone, Sir?" Answer. — I do not particularly remember these words which Major Moncrieff now mentions; but I remember when Major Moncrieff used the words I formerly mentioned, "You "have disturbed the harmony of the company, "and I desire you will be off immediately," — he did so with a loud voice. Lieut. ARCHIBALD MONTGOMERY, of the 1st, or Berwick-shire Militia, 3d Witness for the Prosecution. Court. — State what passed in the mess-room when Mr Nimmo committed the outrage. Answer. — On the 30th of January Mr Nimmo came into the mess-room: he opened the door himself, and rushed in, saying there was a scoundrel in this room, whom he wished to chastise. He made up to Captain Orr, saying this is him, and immediately began to horsewhip Captain Orr. Captain Orr got up a chair to protect himself from the blows; but finding they still reached him, he threw down the chair, and ran behind the Major, calling out Major, Major. Major Moncrieff then ordered Mr Nimmo to withdraw immediately. The words he made use of, to the best of my recollection, were, Sir, you have disturbed the harmony of this meeting; therefore I beg, or I desire you will withdraw immediately: Begone Sir. Mr Nimmo then made an apology to the officers for intruding himself, and then withdrew. Court. — How long was Mr Nimmo in the room? Answer. — I think about two minutes altogether. Court. — Did Major Moncrieff, in any manner, endeavour to prevent Mr Nimmo from committing the outrage you have mentioned? Answer. — No further than ordering him to withdraw; which he did. Court. — When Major Moncrieff ordered Mr Nimmo to withdraw, did he appear to be very angry with him? Answer. — Yes. Court. — Could Major Moncrieff have prevented Mr Nimmo from committing that outrage in the mess-room? Answer. — No; I do not think he could. Court. — Could Major Moncrieff have interfered sooner, so as to prevent any part of the outrage? Answer. — He might have spoken sooner. Court. — Have you any reason to believe, that, previously to Mr Nimmo's coming into the mess-room, Major Moncrieff could be acquainted with his intention to do so, and to commit that outrage? Answer. — No. Court. — Had you any reason to believe that Mr Nimmo had any such intention? Major C. Moncrieff objected to this question being put. He stated to the Court, that they must be sensible it could in no shape bear upon the charge preferred against him; but he conceived it a duty he owed to Lieutenant Montgomery, to prevent him from implicating himself, which might probably be the case; and that it was from that motive alone he now objected to the question being put. The Court-room was cleared, that the Court might deliberate upon the objection. Upon the Court being again opened, the President stated, that the Court had determined upon putting the question. The question was again put, and Lieutenant Montgomery answered, I had reason to believe that Mr Nimmo meant to horsewhip Captain Orr; but I did not know particularly when or where it was to be done. Major C. Moncrieff. — On the day on which Mr Nimmo committed the outrage in the mess-- room, do you know that Captain Orr had leave of absence from me, to go to Leith an Edinburgh, to settle about a passage to London, and was his own master for that day; and that he did go accordingly, and was at the mess only by accident, and in coloured cloaths? Answer. — I did know it. Court. — Did you know where Mr Nimmo's residence was at that time? Answer. — I did not; but the night previous to committing the outrage in the mess-room, I believe it was at Tranent, about four miles off. Court. — Did any of the officers present, make any attempt to prevent the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo? Answer. — None except Major Moncrieff, as I have formerly stated. Major C. Moncrieff. — Do you think, in the situation I was in the mess-room, that I could have prevented the blows given by Mr Nimmo to Captain Orr? Answer. — No; I do not think you could. Major C. Moncrieff. — Could I by my speaking have prevented any part of the outrage sooner than I did? Answer. — No. I think Mr Nimmo was in such a violent passion, that nothing but personal strength could have prevented him from doing what he did. Captain JOHN BELL, Berwick-shire Militia, 4th Witness for the Prosecution. Court. — Do you remember an outrage committed by Mr Nimmo in the mess-room, on the 30th of January? Answer. — I do. Court. — How long was Mr Nimmo in the room? Answer. — I suppose about a minute and a half. Court. — Did Major Moncrieff do any thing to prevent the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo? Answer. — After Mr Nimmo had been some time in the room, Major Moncrieff ordered him out of it. Mr Nimmo then made an apology to the mess; and the Major again said, Off, off, or words to that purpose; upon which Mr Nimmo left the room. Court. — Do you think Major Moncrieff could have prevented any part of the outrage, by interfering sooner than he did? Answer. — I think he could not have prevented Mr Nimmo from striking Captain Orr; but I think he could have ordered him out of the room sooner than he did. Court. — Do you think Major Moncrieff's ordering Mr Nimmo out of the room sooner would have had any effect; and that he would have gone? Answer. — I can't tell that. Court. — Did Mr Nimmo appear to be in a violent passion when he came into the room? Answer. — I am not sure whether I saw Mr Nimmo first, or heard his voice; and I was so much surprised with his coming into the room, that I could not take particular notice; and it was candle-light at the time, and I had my back towards him. Court. — Have you any reason to believe, that, previously to Mr Nimmo's coming into the mess-room, Major Moncrieff was acquainted with his intention to do so, and to commit that outrage? Answer. — I have no knowledge of that. I had no knowledge myself that Mr Nimmo intended to do so; and I do not know that any of the other officers knew of it. Court. — When Major Moncrieff ordered Mr Nimmo out of the room, did he speak in an angry manner? Answer. — He spoke loud, but I did not take particular notice. Lieut. MONTGOMERY again called by the Court. Court. — Did you ever mention to Major Moncrieff, that you believed Mr Nimmo meant to horsewhip Captain Orr? Answer. — Never, to the best of my recollection. Court. — Do you know if any of the other officers were acquainted with Mr Nimmo's intention to horsewhip Captain Orr? Answer. — I do not think any of the officers in the regiment at present were; but one officer, Mr Lourey, who has now left the regiment, knew it. Captain HENRY HAIR, Berwick-shire Militia, 5th Witness for the Prosecution. Court. — Do you remember an outrage committed in the mess-room about the end of January last? Answer. — I do. Court. — Do you think that Major Moncrieff endeavoured, as far as was in his power, to prevent that outrage? Answer. — The outrage was committed so very suddenly, that I do not think the Major could prevent it; but I think he interfered to stop it as soon as he had time to recollect himself. Dr JAMES KEITH, Berwick-shire Militia, 6th Witness for the Prosecution. Court. — Do you remember the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo in the mess-room in the end of January? Answer. — I do. Court. — Do you think that Major Moncrieff endeavoured immediately, as far as in his power, to prevent that outrage? Answer. — I did not think so. Court. — State to the Court your reason for thinking so. Answer. — I think Major Moncrieff might have ordered Mr Nimmo out of the room as soon as he knew what was to happen. Court. — What length of time was Mr Nimmo in the room? Answer. — I think his stay did not exceed two minutes. Court. — Did Mr Nimmo commit the outrage immediately on his entering the room? Answer. — No, he did not. Adjourned till to-morrow. 25th September. Mr KEITH called in. Court. — State to the Court what you recollect relative to the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo. Answer. — One evening about the end of January, I believe it was the 30th, about six o'clock in the evening, or between that and seven, the door of the mess-room was suddenly opened, and a person entered, who I soon perceived to be Mr Nimmo, formerly a Lieutenant in the regiment. When he came in, he made an apology to the company: he said he was come to chastise a person in the room, making use of very opprobrious terms towards him. After he had told what he was going to do, he laid a whip over Captain Orr immediately, or almost immediately. Captain Orr, after suffering this without making any resistance, rose and took up a chair to ward off the blows: After this, Mr Nimmo struck at him again, and Captain Orr retired behind the Major, who was sitting on the right of the President, and addressed the Major, saying, he had never seen the like of this before, or words to that purpose. At this time Captain Orr laid down the chair. Mr Nimmo spoke some words also, and the Major ordered Mr Nimmo to leave the room, which he did, after making an apology, and saying, that if Captain Orr wished to meet him honourably, he could find means to find him. To the best of my recollection, this was every thing that happened. Court. — How long do you think Mr Nimmo was in the room before he struck Captain Orr? Answer. — It is difficult to say precisely, but I think the time would not exceed a quarter of a minute or thereabouts. Court. — State, if you can, distinctly, what were the words Mr Nimmo made use of, immediately on his entering the mess-room? Answer. — I cannot recollect distinctly all the particulars; but, as far as I can recollect, after making an apology to the mess, he said he was come to chastise a scoundrel and a rascal; and going up to Captain Orr, said, Here he is. He said more than this, although I cannot recollect all the particulars. His apology to the mess was pretty full, and he also said a good deal to Captain Orr. Court. — Did Mr Nimmo remain at the door during the time he used these words? Answer. — I think he came near to the bottom of the table, when he began his apology; and when he had made his apology, or while he was making it, he walked up to Captain Orr, who was sitting about the middle of the table. Court. — When Mr Nimmo came into the room, did you take particular notice of Major Clarkson Moncrieff? Answer. — No, I think I kept my eye upon Mr Nimmo. Court. — After Mr Nimmo had gone away, did Major Moncrieff express any surprise at his conduct, or any indignation against him, or did he seem to feel or shew a just sense of the insult offered to himself, and the mess? Answer. — I rather think he said nothing on the subject, after Mr Nimmo left the room. Major Moncrieff objected to the above question as irrelevant, as it referred to what happened after the outrage was committed. Court. — Did the President of the mess that day, make any attempt to prevent the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo? Answer. — No, he did not. Court. — Who was President? Answer. — Ensign and Assistant Surgeon Nicoll. Court. — Had any member of the mess any knowledge of Mr Nimmo being in the neighbourhood that evening, before he came into the mess-room? Answer. — I did not know at the time that any of them had; but I have heard it spoken of since, but have personally no knowledge on the subject. Court. — Who have you heard speak of it since? Answer. — I think I heard Lieutenant Montgomery say so yesterday, after he had given his evidence. Major C. Moncrieff. — Do you think that I could have prevented the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo before he struck Captain Orr? Answer. — I think it might have been attempted. I do not know if it would have had the effect. When Mr Nimmo entered the room, every body must have known it to be for no good, as he did not belong to the mess; and when he had told what he was going to do, I think it might have been attempted to have been prevented, by ordering him out of the room. Major C. Moncrieff. — Were you living in habits of intimacy and friendship with Captain Orr, before and at the time of this outrage being committed? Answer. — I was on very good terms with Captain Orr. Major C. Moncrieff. — Did you know of any personal quarrel betwixt Captain Orr and Mr Nimmo? Answer. — I know that they had differed once or twice. Major C. Moncrieff — Why did not you interfere in attempting to stop the outrage at the time it was committed? Answer. — When I saw Mr Nimmo enter the room, being a junior officer, I did not think it my business to interfere; and when I saw Captain Orr allow himself to be struck, without making any resistance, I did not think it my business to interfere, more especially as I saw nobody else inclined to interfere. Major C. Moncrieff. — Could you have interfered so as to have prevented the blows given by Mr Nimmo? Answer. — When Mr Nimmo entered the room and made his apology, I had a pretty good idea what he was going to do. I don't say I could have prevented it, but I think it might have been attempted. Major C. Moncrieff. — Where was you sitting at table? Answer. — Nearly about the middle of the table, on the opposite side from Captain Orr. Major C. Moncrieff. — Were you nearer the foot of the table, and nearer to Mr Nimmo than Major Moncrieff was? Answer. — I was. Major C. Monerief. — Was you a good deal surprised and agitated by Mr Nimmo bursting into the room? Answer. — I certainly was a little surprised, but I think I was pretty cool and collected. Major C. Moncrieff. — Did Mr Nimmo follow Captain Orr when he ran round the room behind Major Moncrieff, or did he retire towards the bottom of the room? Answer. — I do not positively recollect, but I think he followed Captain Orr up the room a little, and then came back again. Major C. Moncrieff. — Was Major Moncrieff the only person who interfered at last to stop the continuance of the outrage? Answer. — He was the only person. Court. — Are you sure it was not till after Captain Orr came behind Major Moncrieff, and said the words you have stated, that Major Moncrieff ordered Mr Nimmo out of the room? Answer. — To the best of my recollection it was not. Court. — After Mr Nimmo left the regiment, were any of the officers in the habit of associating with him? Answer. — I did not know at that time that any of them were; I have understood since that some of them had seen him. Court. — Had you any reason to suppose, that Major Moncrieff had any previous knowledge of the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo? Answer. — Not the smallest. Assistant Surgeon and Ensign NICOLL, of the Berwick-shire Militia, 7th Witness for the Prosecution. Court. — Was you present in the mess one evening about the end of January, when Mr Nimmo came into the mess-room, and committed a violent outrage? Answer. — I was. Court. — Do you remember where Major Moncrieff was sitting on that occasion? Answer. — I do perfectly well; he was next to me, on my right hand. Court. — Did Major Moncrieff endeavour immediately, as far as in his power, to prevent that outrage? Answer. — He did not speak immediately when Mr Nimmo entered the room, and it was impossible to prevent the first part of the outrage, which was the gross language used by Mr Nimmo, because it was done immediately when he entered the room; nor do I think he could have prevented the first lash given to Captain Orr, as that was done immediately, but perhaps he might probably have prevented some part of it. Court. — Do you think Major Moncrieff endeavoured, as soon as in his power, to prevent the outrage, or any part of it? Answer. — He certainly did interfere; but I am not to judge of Major Moncrieff, if he did it as soon as it was in his power. Court. — You said you conceived Major Moncrieff could not have prevented the first lash. Was there time during the time Mr Nimmo was striking at Captain Orr, for Major Moncrieff to have interfered? Answer. — I should conceive there was time enough to have interfered, if Major Moncrieff had presence of mind enough; not personally or by force; but if he had had presence of mind enough to have spoken and ordered Mr Nimmo to retire, as he did afterwards. Court. — From Mr Nimmo's manner at the time, do you think that could have had any effect? Answer. — From his manner at the time, and his temper, I do not think it would. Court. — Did you take particular notice of Major Moncrieff at the time? Answer. — I did not. Court. — After Mr Nimmo had gone away, did Major Moncrieff express any surprise at his conduct, or any indignation against him, or did he seem to feel or shew a just sense of the insult offered to himself and the mess? Answer. — Major Moncrieff made use of no language relative to Mr Nimmo's conduct, and I did not pay particular attention to Major Moncrieff's countenance or manner, so as to discover his sentiments; but the mess, from being happy, seemed to feel very much; the conversation stopped; and the officers went away individually in about half an hour or an hour, which was much earlier than their usual time of breaking up. Court. — Do you know if Major Moncrieff had any previous knowledge of the intended outrage? Answer. — I had no knowledge. Major C. Moncrieff. — How long do you think Mr Nimmo was in the room altogether? Answer. — About a minute and a half, or possibly not so much, I cannot say exactly, but it could not possibly be more than a minute and a half. Major C. Moncrieff. — How long was Mr Nimmo in the room before he struck Captain Orr? Answer. — It is very difficult to answer that question, because he rushed into the room, and immediately making an apology to the mess, struck at Captain Orr. Major C. Moncrieff — What did Captain Orr do upon being struck? Answer. — At first he did nothing, but seemed to take two or three lashes very coolly: he was passing the decanter at the time, which he set down, and took up a chair to ward off the blows, and then he ran round to the right of the table, and said, Oh, Major, Major, I never saw the like of this; or used words to that purpose. Major C Monerieff. — Did Mr Nimmo follow Captain Orr when he ran round the room? Answer. — He did not. Major C. Moncrieff. — What did Mr Nimmo do upon that occasion? Answer. — After making an apology to the mess, he retired from the room, being ordered to do so by Major Moncrieff. Court. — Was it before or after that apology to the mess, that Major Moncrieff ordered Mr Nimmo to leave the room? Answer. — To the best of my recollection, I think he made the apology previously to being ordered out of the room; but I am not certain which. Court. — When Major Moncrieff ordered Mr Nimmo to leave the room, did he express himself as if very much displeased, or as very angry with Mr Nimmo? Answer. — He certainly spoke in a very commanding manner. Major C. Moncrieff. — As you have said that the whole passed in a minute and a half, what part of that time was taken up in the strokes given by Mr Nimmo to Captain Orr? Answer. — To the best of my recollection, I think it would take up half a minute. Lieutenant LEITCH, Berwick-shire Militia, 8th Witness for the Prosecution. Court. — Do you remember an outrage being committed by Mr Nimmo in the mess-room, about the end of January? Answer. — I do. Court. — Did Major Moncrieff, on that occasion, endeavour immediately, as far as in his power, to prevent that outrage? Answer. — No. Court. — State to the Court your reason for thinking that Major Moncrieff did not do so. Answer. — Major Moncrieff did not endeavour to put Mr Nimmo out of the room till after the outrage. I think he might have said as much to Mr Nimmo before the outrage was committed, as he did after; and I think he would have been supported by the officers; at least he would have been supported by me, if he had done so. Court. — How long was Mr Nimmo in the room altogether? Answer. — I think about two minutes, or nearly two minutes. Court. — How long was he in the room before he began to commit the outrage? Answer. — It could not be above half a minute. Court. — State to the Court Mr Nimmo's manner of coming into the room and committing the outrage; and at what time you think it could have been prevented. Answer. — When Mr Nimmo came into the mess-room, he said he was sorry to intrude upon the company, but he was come to chastise a scoundrel, and he was happy to find that that scoundrel was here: he then immediately went up to Captain Orr, and struck him with a whip. I think the Major might have interfered when he said he was come to chastise a scoundrel. He might then have desired him to go out of the room. I do not know if he would have gone; but he might have desired him. Court. — From Mr Nimmo's manner at the time, do you think the Major ordering him to leave the room would have had any effect? Answer. — I cannot say indeed whether it would or not. Court. — How long do you think Mr Nimmo was in the room before Major Moncrieff interfered? Answer. — Fully a minute. Court. — When Major Moncrieff did interfere, did he appear to be very angry with Mr Nimmo, and very determined to put him out of the room? Answer. — I cannot say from Major Moncrieff's manner that he was very angry at Mr Nimmo. He said he had intruded on the company, and begged him to go out of the room; but I cannot say he appeared in any great rage. Court. — After Mr Nimmo left the room, did Major Moncrieff seem to feel any particular indignation against Mr Nimmo, for the outrage and insult he had offered to him and to the mess? Answer. — I cannot say that I perceived that he did. I was only a few minutes in the mess-- room after Mr Nimmo left it. Court. — During the time Mr Nimmo was in the mess-room, and afterwards till you left it, did you pay particular attention to Major Moncrieff's conduct? Answer — I did not. Court. — Did you at that time know any thing of Mr Nimmo's being in the neighbourhood, or of his intention to commit the outrage in the mess-room? Answer. — No. Court. — Do you know, or have you any reason to believe, that Major Moncrieff knew of Mr Nimmo's being then in the neighbourhood, or of his intention to commit that outrage in the mess-room? Answer. — No. Court. — State to the Court the names of the officers then in the mess-room. Answer. — Major Clarkson Moncrieff, Captain Bell, Captain Hair, Dr Keith, Lieut. Montgomery, Lieut. Rule, Ensign Nicolls, Ensign Lourey, who has since left the regiment, Captain Orr, and myself. Major C. Moncrieff. — Where did you sit at the table? Answer. — On the left hand of the President. Major C. Moncrieff. — Who was next you? Answer. — Captain Orr, on my left hand. Major C. Moncrieff. — Where was I sitting? Answer. — On the President's right hand. Here the Prosecution was closed. Adjourned till to-morrow. 26th September. Major MONCRIEFF read the following Defence. DEFENCE for Major THOMAS CLARKSON MONCRIEFF, of the 1st Regiment of Militia. THE charge, as now preferred against me, is for not resisting immediately, and endeavouring, as far as in my power, to prevent the outrage committed in the mess-room on 30th January 1807; an outrage whereby, as it is stated, a gross insult was offered to myself, and every officer present; and the offence wherewith I am charged, is said to have been committed, contrary to my duty as an officer then commanding the regiment, and contrary to good order, and military discipline. I hope to make it appear, that this charge is not well founded in point of fact. From the circumstances under which the outrage was begun, it was totally out of my power to prevent its commencement; but I resisted it immediately, and took the best means which my situation afforded me, of stopping its continuance. From the evidence that has been adduced in support of the prosecution, and from that to be adduced in my defence, I trust it will be fully established, to the satisfaction of this Court-- Martial, that I was ignorant of Mr Nimmo's intention to insult Captain Orr; that I did not improperly delay to interfere; and that I did as much to repel it, as the circumstances of so very singular a case admitted of. If the Court-- Martial shall be of a different opinion, I hope that any failure on my part may be imputed to that momentary surprise and confusion, which so sudden, and extraordinary an attack, must have produced, and which it appears to have produced on the other gentlemen who were present when it happened. On 30th January last, ten officers of the regiment dined together at the mess, which was held in the room where the Court now sits: Ensign and Assistant-Surgeon Nicoll was in the chair, and I sat on his right hand. After dinner, about six o'clock, while we were at table, and a great deal of conversation was going on in high good humour, Mr Nimmo burst into the room. I did not immediately perceive Mr Nimmo, who was in coloured cloaths; and besides, the candles were so placed, as to prevent my seeing him so soon as I might otherwise have done. Hearing Mr Nimmo's voice, I looked up, and saw him, on the other side of the table, strike at Captain Orr several times with a horsewhip. The surprise of every person present was extreme; but it was impossible to interfere, so as to prevent the blows, as the whole was done in the space of a few seconds. From the situation in which I sat at table, I could not have interfered personally to prevent the outrage, as I was at the most distant corner from the door at which Mr Nimmo entered, and on the opposite side of the table from Captain Orr. While the scuffle lasted, it was in vain to call out to Mr Nimmo; and it was so quickly over, that there was no time to give orders, or even to think of what orders to give. I saw Captain Orr, on being attacked by Mr Nimmo, lay hold of a rush-bottomed chair, and endeavour to defend himself from the blows with it; but he immediately set it down, and ran towards me, calling to me as if for my interference. Whilst Captain Orr was coming towards me, Mr Nimmo retired to the bottom of the room; at the same instant I was ordering Mr Nimmo to quit the room, upon which he attempted to apologise for his intrusion, but, without listening to him, I called to him again in a loud and stern voice, to be gone, saying, Leave the room, Sir; begone, Sir; away, Sir; or making use of such short expressions; upon which he bowed to the company, and retired. The whole time that he remained in the room, did not, as I should suppose, exceed a minute or a minute and a half. When he was gone, it was evident that the company had been extremely shocked by what had passed; for instead of the high spirits and mirth that had prevailed before Mr Nimmo made his appearance, there was a total silence, all of the gentlemen seeming to feel as I did, very deeply on the occasion; and they soon after separated, at an earlier hour than usual. I conceive, that in ordering Mr Nimmo to quit the room, in the manner I did, that I shewed my decided disapprobation of his conduct, and that I did every thing that was incumbent on me, in the circumstances of the case. I hope that a very short consideration of the subject will satisfy the Court, that I did not improperly delay to interfere, and that I could have done nothing more effectual than I did; to resist the outrage committed by Mr Nimmo. It is completely established, that Mr Nimmo's continuance in the room, from the time that he burst in unexpectedly until he retired, did not exceed the space of two minutes. But it cannot be supposed, that on such an occasion any gentleman would measure the time by his watch. I have already stated, that, according to my computation, Mr Nimmo's stay could not have exceeded a minute or a minute and a half. But, at all events, it is indisputable, that, from the extreme shortness of the time of Mr Nimmo's stay, sworn to by the witnesses, every circumstance that happened before the outrage, while it lasted, and after it was over, must have passed with the utmost rapidity. Notwithstanding this, some of the witnesses have given an opinion, that I did not interfere so soon as I might have done. None has said, that I could have interfered with effect, so as to prevent the blows, or that I could have interfered in any way but by speaking or calling out to Mr Nimmo to desist or to leave the room. But some of the witnesses seem to think, that I might have attempted to prevent or stop the outrage, by speaking sooner than I did. It is necessary that the Court should attend very minutely to the circumstances of the fact upon which that opinion is founded. It seems to be proved, that during almost one half of Mr Nimmo's stay in the room, Captain Orr having gone behind me, I was interfering by calling to, or ordering Mr Nimmo to quit the room; and the blame that seems imputed to me is, that I did not interfere during the first minute of Mr Nimmo's stay in the room. It is admitted, that I did interfere afterwards, and that I was the only person in the company who did so. But if the history of that first minute of Mr Nimmo's stay in the room is duly considered, I hope that I shall not be blamed, for having done nothing with effect, in that space of time. It should be recollected, that in sitting with my brother officers, enjoying their conversation after dinner, without the least suspicion of any unpleasant interruption, I was naturally to the same degree off my guard, as every man must be in that situation. I did not perceive Mr Nimmo come into the room. I was attending to a conversation, from which my attention was with difficulty diverted. Mr Nimmo's conduct was so extraordinary, and so unexpected by me, that it was some instants before I could believe my senses. Certainly, before it was possible for me to recover from the astonishment and confusion into which I was thrown, by what I saw and heard, the scuffle ended, and Captain Orr came running to me. I then called out to Mr Nimmo, in a most peremptory tone, to leave the room. That I could not have personally interfered, and that I could not have prevented the blows, is clearly proved, though, in the opinion of some, I might have spoke sooner. But though there was no physical impossibility of speaking sooner, yet, considering that I did not observe Mr Nimmo at first, and could hardly be aware of his design, till the blows were given, (when I could not have spoke with any effect,) I hope it will be thought, that, although I might have spoke sooner, yet that I was not to blame for not having spoken sooner. Before I was fully aware of the extraordinary scene before me, it was over, and Mr Nimmo was retiring to the door, apologising to the company for his conduct. If I had been forewarned, that Mr Nimmo intended to pay such a visit to the mess, I should have been ready to start up the moment I heard his voice, or saw him, because I should have been on my guard; but being so entirely unaware as I was, that the quiet of the mess was to be disturbed in a manner so extraordinary, I humbly think, that an allowance of a few seconds for recollection should be given me. It is due to human imperfection. I am apt to suspect, that if Mr Nimmo had in the same manner attacked my dearest friend, I should have been prevented, by momentary confusion, from acting in any other way than I did. I may even affirm, that no man, in an hour of complete relaxation, can in an instant recover a tone of mind to enable him to decide and act in any difficulty. I cannot pretend to say, with absolute precision, what passed in my mind, during the few seconds or half minute, which some of the witnesses seem to think afforded me an opportunity of interfering sooner than I did. But I may be permitted to remark, without meaning the smallest reflection on other gentlemen, that if I had been seated next to Captain Orr, I would have interfered instantly upon the threatened attack, to prevent it to the utmost of my power. It is not unlikely, that some expectation that other gentlemen who were nearer to Captain Orr would give him that assistance which I could not give him, prevented me during these few seconds from interfering. To those who witnessed the scuffle, it would not readily have occurred, that my calling out to Mr Nimmo from the place where I was, could have stopt or interrupted him. One of the witnesses swears, that nothing but personal strength could have done so; that no words could have had any effect on him at the time. If indeed there were any room from the facts to suppose, that I wished to encourage Mr Nimmo, or that I did not heartily feel disgust at such an outrage, or that I was lukewarm in my endeavours to prevent it, there might be room for casting blame upon me in the transaction. But I hope the Court will be satisfied, that no such imputations can justly fall upon me, and that I acted to the best of my power, as an officer who conceived it to be his duty, and whose wish it was, to put a stop to so disgraceful a scene. I have only to add, that I sincerely regret, that his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, should have conceived, that it was in my power to have prevented the outrage from taking place; at same time, I cannot but feel highly gratified, that by ordering this Court-- Martial, his Royal Highness has afforded me an opportunity of removing any unfavourable impression this most singular transaction may have made upon him, in regard to myself, or the officers present. It is above forty-six years since I entered his Majesty's service as an officer; and until this occurrence, I trust that the smallest blame was never attached to me. (Signed) THOs. CLARKSON MONCRIEFF, Major, 1st or Berwick-shire Regt. MAJOR CLARKSON MONCRIEFF called the following Witnesses in his Defence. Captain ORR, 1st witness for Major MONCRIEFF. Major C. Moncrieff. — Was you in coloured cloaths in the mess-room the day the outrage was committed? Answer. — I was. Major C. Moncrieff. — State to the Court how that happened. Answer. — I happened to walk to Edinburgh, either after breakfast, or after the morning parade, I am not sure if I was at the morning parade, and walked back to dinner, and of course had very little time to change my cloaths. Major C. Moncrieff. — Did not Major Moncrieff, as commanding officer of the regiment, apply for, and obtain to you, six weeks leave of absence, from the 1st of February, to go to London, which you did? Answer. — Yes. Major C. Moncrieff. — On that day on which the outrage was committed in the mess by Mr Nimmo, had not you Major Moncrieff's leave to go to Edinburgh, to arrange some matters about going to London? Answer. — I had. Major C. Moncrieff. — Did not you accordingly go to these places, and was you restricted to return any other time that day than what was convenient for yourself? Answer. — I do not recollect being restricted at all. Major C. Moncrieff. — During the time the Berwickshire regiment of militia were quartered here, prior and at the time the outrage took place, were there sentries stationed, at the mess-- room door, and field-officers room? Answer. — There were no sentries at the mess-- room door; but I am not sure if there was a sentry at the field-officers door or not. Major C. Moncrieff. — What was the nearest guard to the mess-room? Answer. — The opposite side of the barrack-- yard, about fifty yards off. Major C. Moncrieff. — It being the 30th of January when that outrage was committed, do you not think that the guard would be sitting in the guard-room round a comfortable fire? Answer. — I think they would all be in the guard-room except the sentries. Major C. Moncrieff. — Were there any personal difference between you and Mr Nimmo before he left the regiment? Answer. — Mr Nimmo insulted me, which I reported to Colonel Lord Hume, and that it was on that account that Mr Nimmo was displaced from the regiment. Major C. Moncrieff. — Had you any apprehension that Mr Nimmo intended to insult you, after his being displaced from the regiment? Answer. — I apprehended he would insult me, when his being displaced was notified to him; but after he left the barracks next morning, I thought he would go away quietly. Major C. Moncrieff. — In the interval between the time when Mr Nimmo was displaced, and the time when he made the attack upon you, had you any apprehension that he was to insult you? Answer. — I believed, that if he met me any where he would insult me. Major C. Moncrieff. — Had you any apprehension that he would come to the barracks to insult you? Answer. — For a few days I had; but after he allowed about two months to elapse, I gave up all apprehension of it. Major C. Moncrieff. — Had you any reason to believe, that I had any apprehension that Mr Nimmo would come back to the barracks to insult you? Answer. — I certainly had. Major C. Moncrieff. — State to the Court your reasons for thinking so. Answer. — My reason was shortly this: From Major Moncrieff's intimacy with Mr Lourey, who has since been displaced from the regiment and Mr Lourey's correspondence with Mr Nimmo, at least I believe he had such a correspondence: and from Mr Lourey having the charge of Mr Nimmo's baggage for several months after Mr Nimmo was displaced from the regiment. Major C. Moncrieff. — Can you state no more particular reasons for the belief you have now mentioned to the Court? Answer. — I had also another reason; there was another officer who had a great deal of intimacy with Mr Lourey and Major Moncrieff. Major C. Moncrieff. — Have you any other reason than what you have stated, for supposing that I apprehended that Mr Nimmo would come and insult you in the barracks? Answer. — I have not. Major C. Moncrieff — Describe Mr Nimmo's person, his size, age, and temper. Answer. — He was nearly six feet tall, pretty stout, very active; I suppose he was about twenty years of age; and in his temper, I think he was quarrelsome and vitious. Court. — When you went to Edinburgh on 30th January, was it your intention to return to dinner; and if so, did you mention it to any person? Answer. — It certainly was my intention, but I do not recollect mentioning it to any person. Major C. Moncrieff. — You said you reported to Colonel the Earl of Hume Mr Nimmo's insult to you: Did not you first report it to me, as commanding officer of the regiment, and apply to me to put Mr Nimmo under arrest, which I immediately did? Answer. — Certainly; and you put him under arrest accordingly. Captain BELL, 2d Witness called by Major MONCRIEFF. Major C. Moncrieff: — Do you remember on the night of the outrage, before Mr Nimmo entered, if we were not all sitting round the table, pleasantly and in good humour, and in conversation with each other? Answer. — I think we were. Major C. Moncrieff. — After Mr Nimmo left the room, did the company recover their former mirth and spirits? Answer. — No, I don't think we did. Major C. Moncrieff. — Did the company appear shocked with the outrage after Mr Nimmo left the room, and did they remain in silence for some time? Answer. — I was so much surprised myself, that I did not pay particular attention to the looks of the gentlemen; and I believe there was very little said for some time. Major C. Moncrieff. — State to the Court Mr Nimmo's person, temper, and age. Answer. — He was a tall, thin lad, I suppose about five feet eleven inches, handsome and well made; about twenty years of age; and of a violent and hot temper. Court. — On what terms of intimacy were Major Moncrieff and Captain Orr, previous to the outrage happening? Answer. — I believe they were not remarkably intimate: I believe there was rather a dryness between them. Court. — On what terms of intimacy were Major Moncrieff and Mr Nimmo before he left the regiment? Answer. — I believe they were on very good terms. Court. — On what terms were you with Major Moncrieff at that time? Answer. — On very good terms. Court. — On what terms were you and Captain Orr? Answer. — On very good terms. Court. — Do you know if there was any intercourse between Major Moncrieff and Mr Nimmo, after Mr Nimmo left the regiment? Answer. — I don't know. Lieutenant RULE, 3d Witness called by Major Moncrieff. Major C. Moncrieff. — Previous to the outrage being committed, and at that time, were there sentries at the mess-room door, and at Lord Hume's door? Answer — There were no sentries at the mess-- room door: I cannot charge my memory with regard to Lord Hume's door. Major C. Moncrieff. — Was you at times acting as adjutant, when the adjutant was out of the way? Answer. — I was. Court. — On what terms of intimacy were Major Moncrieff and Captain Orr, previous to the outrage being committed? Answer. — I neither saw any particular intimacy, nor any particular coolness between them; and I saw them at times conversing together. Court. — On what terms of intimacy were Major Moncrieff and Mr Nimmo, before Mr Nimmo left the regiment? Answer. — I conceived there was a particular intimacy between Major Moncrieff and Mr Nimmo. Court. — Do you know if there were any intercourse between Major Moncrieff and Mr Nimmo, after Mr Nimmo left the regiment? Answer. — I know of none. Major Clarkson Moncrieff here closed his defence. Major Moncrieff stated, that as it had been proved, that be was intimate, and on good terms with Mr Nimmo, he wished that it should appear in the proceedings, that Mr Nimmo had been recommended to him by Major Irving, a Captain in the regiment, who was Mr Nimmo's relation. At his desire, Major Moncrieff procured Mr Nimmo's commission, and undertook to watch particularly over his conduct. This necessarily occasioned the appearance of intimacy. Major Moncrieff could easily prove these circumstances, though at present the evidence of them is not at hand. The Court-room was then cleared; upon being opened again, Lieut. MONTGOMERY was called by the Court. Court. — Do you know if there was any intercourse between Major Moncrieff and Mr Nimmo, after Mr Nimmo left the regiment? Answer. — No, I do not. Court. — Do you know, or have you reason to think, that Major Moncrieff knew of Mr Nimmo's being in the neighbourhood about the time the outrage was committed? Answer. — No. Court. — Did you acquaint any person with your knowledge of Mr Nimmo's being in the neighbourhood? Answer. — No; I do not recollect that I did. Court. — Did you see Mr Nimmo about that time, previous to his coming into the mess-- room and committing the outrage? Answer. — I do not choose to answer that question. Lieut. LEITCH called by the Court. Court. — Do you know upon what terms of intimacy Major Moncrieff was with Captain Orr, previous to the outrage? Answer. — I always thought they were not on the best footing. Court. — On what terms were you with Major Moncrieff and Captain Orr? Answer. — I was on very good terms with them both. Major C. Moncrieff: — Did you not see, that when Captain Orr and I met, or were together, either in the mess-room, or any where else, we conversed together? Answer. — Yes; I have seen them join in conversation in the mess-room, and out of it; but I still thought there was a dryness between them. Captain ORR called by the Court. Court. — Previous to the outrage being committed in the mess-room, on what terms of intimacy were you with Major Moncrieff? Answer. — I was on very good terms with him, I understood. GENERAL ORDER. Adjutant-General's Office, Edinburgh, 28th October 1807. THE letter, of which the following is a copy, has been received from His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, addressed to Lieutenant-General Campbell, commanding his Majesty's forces in North Britain, dated Horse Guards, 22d October 1807. 'SIR, HAVING laid before the King the proceedings of a General Court-Martial, held at Mussleburgh-Barracks, on 24th September 1807, and continued by adjournments to the 26th of the same month, for the trial of Major Thomas Clarkson Moncrieff, of the 1st, or Berwickshire Regiment of Militia, who was arraigned upon the under-mentioned charge, viz. "For not re"sisting immediately, and endeavouring as far "as in his power to prevent, the outrage com"mitted in the mess-room on the 30th January "1807; whereby a gross insult was offered, "not only to the Major, but to every officer "present; contrary to his duty as an officer "then commanding the regiment, and contra"ry to good order and military discipline." Upon which charge the Court came to the following decision: "THE Court having maturely deliberated on "the evidence, both in support of the prosecu"tion and defence, and whole proceedings, is "of opinion, That it was not in the power of "the prisoner, Major Clarkson Moncrieff, to "have prevented or resisted the beginning of "the outrage committed in the mess-room on "the 30th January 1807, namely, Mr Nimmo "bursting into the room, and making use of a"busive language to one of the members of "the mess; but the Court is of opinion, that "he did not by any means take the earliest op"portunity of resisting the outrage, and that "he did not do the utmost in his power to pre"vent the continuance of it. "It not being proved, however, to the Court, "that his not doing so proceeded from any "want of inclination, on his part, to prevent "the insult offered to himself, and the other "officers present, but may have proceeded from "his surprise and agitation at the time: The "Court, therefore, in virtue of the power and "authority vested in it by the Articles of War, "does only sentence him to be severely repri"manded, in such manner as the Commander "of the forces in North Britain shall be plea"sed to direct." 'I am to acquaint you, that His Majesty was pleased to approve of the opinion of the Court, and to command that the sentence should be carried into effect. (Signed) FREDERICK, Commander in Chief. It is Lieutenant-General Campbell's order, That the foregoing letter from His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, containing His Majesty's approbation of the sentence of the General Court-Martial, held on Major Thomas Clarkson Moncrieff, of the 1st, or Berwickshire Regiment of Militia, shall be read, and the sentence put in execution, by the Colonel, or Officer commanding the Berwickshire regiment of militia, in presence of the officers. (Signed) ALEX. MACKAY, Dep. Adjt. Genl.