THE MEMOIRS OF

Majr. _Alexander Ramkins_,

A HIGHLAND OFFICER,

Now in Prison at _AVIGNON_.

BEING

An Account of several remarkable Adventures during about
Twenty Eight Years Service in _Scotland, Germany, Italy,
Flanders_ and _Ireland_; exhibiting a very agreeable and instructive
Lesson of Human Life, both in a Publick and
Private Capacity, in several pleasant Instances of his
Amours, Gallantry, Oeconomy, &_c._

_LONDON_: Printed for _R. King_ at the _Queen's-head,_ and
_W. Boreham_ at the _Angel_ in _Pater-noster-row,_ 1719.

Price _1s. 6d._ Stich'd, and _2s._ Bound.


THE PUBLISHER TO THE READER


_I Think it proper to inform the Reader that these Papers were deliver'd
into my Hands by a near Kinsman of the Authors, who lately came from the
Southern Parts of_ France. _His Design in imparting these Memoirs to me,
was (as I quickly perceiv'd) to know my Sentiments of the Performance.
It seems the Gentleman had been sour'd by_ French _Practises, and was
willing that the World should be no longer a Stranger to what was the
ground of his distast. The Author appears very well qualify d for his
Task, and opens a Scene of Politicks which the good natur'd part of
Mankind will scarce think human Race capable of. Those that are
acquainted with the Person of Major Ramkins, assure me, that the late
King fames never had a more active and diligent Servant, and that he was
one never wanting in his Station. If I am of a contrary Opinion to the
Publick in judging these Remarks worthy of the Press, 'tis what I do not
at present find my self convinc'd of. One Benefit at least may be
expected from 'em, that they will induce all true Britains to be
cautious, and not imbark themselves in a foreign Interest for the
future, if not for the sake of their Country, at least for their own
Sakes. I will not anticipate the Contents, but only take the freedom to
acquaint the Reader in General. That it will be one of the greatest
Paradoxes in future Ages to read, that the Court of_ St. Germains
_should have been a Sleep, and impos'd upon for Twenty Eight Years
successively, unless their being trick'd by the greatest of Politicians,
be a Circumstance to take off from the Surprize_.


THE MEMOIRS OF

_Alexander Ramkins, &c._


I was not above Seventeen Years of Age when the Battle of _Gillycranky_
was fought between the Two Highland Generals, the Lord Viscount _Dundee_
and _Mackay_. And being then a Stripling at the University of _Aberdeen_
and understanding that several Clans were gathering into a Body in
defence of King _James_ III sold my Books and Furniture of my Lodgings,
and equipp'd my self to observe the Martial Call, I found my self
prompted with. I arriv'd in a few Days near the Field of Battle, and
joyn'd my self with a broken Body of Men who were making up towards the
Mountains to recover themselves after the Fatigue of Battle. The
Noviceship I went through in the _Highlands_, was no improper Foundation
for the course Method of living I have been since engag'd in for above
Twenty Seven Years; during which Time, I have run through all those
Hardships which are incident to one who seeks a Preferment in Fire and
Smoak.

While I strolled about in the _Highlands_, it was my good Fortune to be
under the Tuition of an old Officer, who let me into many of those
little Secrets which are not unserviceable to such as Design to make the
whole Earth the Theatre of their Life; but what I chiefly valued this
old Gentleman's Conversation for, was the Happiness I had to be a Hearer
of some of his Politick Lessons, of which he was a great Master, having
furnish'd himself by Fifty Years Practice, with the best Idea's of that
kind.

Upon a certain Day when our Party were out, some upon Foraging, and
others to get Intelligence, I being alone in a Cottage with this old
Captain, and being desirous to know his Opinion of the Affairs of
_Europe_ in general, as also what was like to be the Issue of that
Cause we had undertaken. The old Captain willing to satisfy my Curiosity
as far as his Skill would reach, pulled out some Remarks he had made
upon the Year 1640. Observe, _says_ he, Child what I say to you, 'tis a
Maxim never to be neglected among Politicians to keep up Divisions in an
Enemies Country; you may, perhaps, imagine that this will be a short
Game that is a playing, but depend upon it my Grey Hairs will not see an
end of it. I allow the King of _France_ has declar'd himself a Friend to
King _James_ II; He is a very powerful Prince, and if he would turn his
Forces this Way, and be upon the Defensive near Home, a few Months would
bring the War to a Period. But that Monarch has things in his Head which
I must not mention. There will be great Skirmishing in the Dominions of
_Great Britain_, but no decisive Action if _Lewis le Grand_ can hinder
it. He takes Cardinal _Richlieu's_ Conduct for a Precedent. It would
have been no difficult Task for the _French_ to have joyn'd their Forces
with King _Charles_ I. and have made a short Hand of that Contest
between the King and Parliament; but that Politick Cardinal instead of
this Method, had Emissaries in the _English_ Cabinet to exaggerate
Matters between them. The same Method has been observ'd by that Nation
ever since; and if _Lewis le Grand_ does not make a Politick Use of King
_James_ II. without doing him any real Service, I shall be very willing
to correct my self, and cancel that Paragraph in my Observations.

This was the first Politick Lesson I was entertain'd with by my old
Master; which, though at that time my want of Experience did not permit
me thoroughly to comprehend, yet since, a Resemblance of Circumstances
has often reviv'd it my Mind; nor could I ever be well reconcil'd to
that Piece of Morality, That it was a laudable Practice to set People by
the Ears together.

The hopes of being releas'd, is the best Support to Men in Misery, and
our small Body of Three Hundred Men wou'd not have remain'd so long
under Discipline, if Expectation had not been nourish'd with daily
Alarms of Assistance from _France_. Our commanding Officer was
Romantickly Loyal, and look'd upon every little Hill we scrambled over,
as an impregnable Fortress, from whose Summit he often took occasion to
Harangue us, as if the Eyes of all _Europe_ were upon us, and the Fate
of the Three Kingdoms hung at our Swords Points. But the Truth was, I
believe, we were unknown to all Mankind, and if those Villages we
march'd by you'd but secure the Cattle from us, the State was in no
great Danger from our Quarter.

As for the Hopes of being assisted from _France_, though our Commander
neglected no Pains to instill such a Belief into the Generality of the
Soldiers, in order to prolong his Reign in that honourable Post he
enjoy'd, yet I read it plainly in my old Captain's Forehead, that
_France_ was not accustom'd to open their Treasures in countenancing
Chimerical Adventures, and that the most we could expect from thence,
would be a small _Dunkirk_ Privateer, with a Hogshead or two of Brandy
to keep the Cause alive, while he was pushing on his Conquests in other
Parts of the Globe, in which the Glory and Interest of _France_ was more
immediately concern'd. For my own Part, as I was resolv'd to pursue my
Fortune in the way of Arms, and finding that there was no appearance of
_Scotland's_ being a Place of Action, so I advis'd with my old Master
what course I should steer to answer the Ends of my Call. The old
Gentleman, though he might have deterr'd me from such an Undertaking, by
proposing himself as an Instance how little you'd be gain'd that way,
having nothing to show for near Sixty Years Service in the War, but a
Bundle of Politick Remarks drawn from the false Steps he and others have
made in endeavouring to make their Fortune, yet since every Man must
spin out his Thread of Life one way or other, and that that was most
likely to succeed well to which a Person found himself most inclinable,
so he humour'd my present Dispositions; but at the same time, counsell'd
me to Transport my self over to the Continent, where I might meet with
something worthy my Curiosity. Islands, _says he_, are commonly won and
lost in a Day, nor will they afford you that variety of Stratagems which
will make you perfect in the Art of War. After this I only waited for a
fit Opportunity to quit the Service I was in, for though I was no
farther engaged than in the Quality of a Gentleman Volunteer, yet a
Strain of Honour would not permit me to forsake my Companions, unless
some more plausible Reason occurr'd to me than what I could invent at
that Time. But it was not long before an occasion offered it self to put
my Project in Execution. By moving too and fro our little Army, I was
within Twenty Miles of my Mother's House, (for my Father had been dead
some Years) having therefor first communicated my Design to my old
Master, whom I intended to invite along with me, if he approv'd of my
Undertaking.

In conclusion, Things were order'd so, that the old Captain, with
myself, and another, were detatch'd out towards the Coast to get
Intelligence, and that Night about Eleven we agreeably surpriz'd my
Mother who had for several Months been lamenting the Loss of her darling
Son, whom she suppos'd to be kill'd at the Battle of _Gillycranky_; for
she had not justly inform'd herself of the precise Time I ran away from
the College at _Aberdeen_.

I had Two elder Brothers, who both inherited the martial Spirit of our
Family, had been a long time absent from Home; one of them was prefer'd
in the Emperor's Army in _Hungary_, the other belonging to the Guards of
King _James_ II follow'd his Fate into _France_ and _Ireland_, and
afterwards was kill'd in _Ireland_. My father had three small Lordships,
which we were equally to be Sharers of, allowing proportionably for my
Mothers maintenance, with a Thousand Pounds to be rais'd to marry our
only Sister.

Now, as it was my Intention to Travel and gain Experience in the World,
so my old Captain put it into my Head to raise a Sum of Money upon the
Credit of my Land, assuring me it would prove my best Friend upon all
Occasions, for that the World had but a very mean Opinion of Merit when
strip'd of other Advantages to recommend it. This Affair took up more
Time than my warm Temper could well bear, and the Lawyers threw in so
many Delays, that had not the old Captain (who was well acquainted with
Business) been at my Elbow to forward Things, I might have lost my
Vocation of being a Soldier before any Agreement cou'd have been made.
But after two Months were expir'd, I found my self Master of fifteen
Hundred Pound, the Price of my share of Land after the Deductions made
for my Mother and Sister; Twelve Hundred Pounds I lodg'd with a Banker
at _Amsterdam_, the other Three was employ'd for an Equipage, and to
supply my Necessities in the Tour I design'd to take. The old Captain I
intended to take along with me to be my Guide as well as Adviser; for I
saw so many Perfections in him, which the ungrateful World had
neglected, That I judg'd it would be an honourable Omen in one that was
beginning the World, not to let him leave the Stage of Life unrewarded:
But as his Years had render'd him incapable to attend me in my Rambles,
so Death came in to release him, and this worthy Person was taken from
me about Ten Days before the Time I had fix'd for my Travels. However, I
must not let his Memory die, but give the World an Account of him as far
as I cou'd gather from the Gentleman when he was disposed to Answer to
Questions concerning himself, in which he always behaved himself with a
well guarded Modesty.

I learn'd from him, That his Father was the Head of a Clan which was one
half cut off by _Oliver Cromwell_, and the other half Transported into
the _West-Indies_, with the fifteen Hundred _Scots_, that were condemn'd
thither to Slavery by the Protector. My Friend being at that time about
Twelve Years old, chose rather to share his Fathers Fate, and view the
Western parts of the Worlds, than fall into the Hands of a Person who
would stain the Beauty of his tender Mind, by giving him an unsuitable
Education. After he had buried his Father in _Virginia_, he took the
Opportunity of a _French_ Vessel to pass over to _Brest_, and so to
_Paris_, who by the Assistance of a _Scotch_ Nobleman, who was
acquainted with his Family, he pick'd up a liberal Education, and made
himself Master of the _French_ and _Latin_, and having it in his
Election whether he wou'd engage himself to the Church or follow the
Camp, he chose the latter, and after some Months spent in the Academy,
he enter'd himself among the _Gens d'Arms_, and made very useful
Observations in two or three Campaigns in _Germany_, in the last of
which he was taken Prisoner and seduc'd into the Emperors Service by
some of his Countrymen, who persuaded him the _Germans_ were more
accustom'd to advance Strangers than the _French_. In a little time he
was observ'd by his Colonel to be a Person of Parts and Resolution, and
so was gradually advanc'd from a Cornet to a Captain of Horse; and as a
Man of Spirit and Action never wants Opportunity to shew himself, so
this Gentleman met with many brave Adventures in the way of Soldiery,
which some time he would occasionally recount to me, but they would be
too tedious to insert in these Remarks. When King _James_ II came to
the Crown of _England_, he desired to throw up his Commission, it being
suggested to him, that the Prince stood in need of some old experienc'd
Officers to model an Army he was raising. Upon this Prospect he pass'd
over to _England_, but being destitute of Acquaintance he loiter'd about
the Court, till one of the Duke of _Berwick's_ Retinue, who had heard of
him at the Siege of _Buda_, made the King acquainted with him. So he was
order'd down into _Scotland_ with the Promise of a Colonels Commission,
but the Revolution following soon after, he acted only as a Captain of
Foot at the Battle of _Gillycranky_.

But to cut short this Digression, the time now drew near that I was to
undertake my intended Ramble, and indeed it was high time; for it being
whisper'd about in the Neighbourhood that I had been in Arms for King
_James_ II. _Home_, as the saying is, _was too hot a Place for me_; so I
sent my Servant to enquire for a Conveniency to pass over to _Flanders_,
and in two Days I was provided with a _Roterdam_ Vessel, and so with
very little Ceremony took leave of my Mother, who though she was
unwilling to part with me, yet she prefer'd the lesser Danger to the
greater, and rather wish'd me expos'd to the Waves, than to the Insults
of my Enemies at Home.

The Wind blew very fresh, but tacking about too much to the _North
East_, it drove us upon Shore with that violence that we were oblig'd to
put in twice to Land, once at _Scarborough_, and again at _Yarmouth_.

At this latter Place, a Pragmatical Searcher came aboard us with an Air
of Authority as if he design'd to visit my Trunks; but one of the
Sailors informing me that this was stretching his Commission, for he
ought not to search after any Goods unless the Cargo was design'd for
that Port, so I ridded my self of this Spark with a Half-Crown Piece;
for I had no mind to enter much into a Parley with him lest he might
discover my _Highland_ Expedition, for Fear never wants Apprehensions.
After two Days stay in this Port, the Wind proving favourable, we were
not very long in making a Trip to _Roterdam_, where I only refresh'd
myself a few Hours, and pass'd on to _Amsterdam_ to visit my Bank, and
settle a Correspondence as to Returns of money.

I met with nothing in this City that made any Impression upon me to
stay any longer than settling the small concern of Money I lodg'd there.
The hurry of Business was too Mechanical an Entertainment, for one whose
Head was filled with high Flights of Honour, Sieges, Battles, and other
such like Sports. The _French_ Army at this time lay upon the _Rhine_,
and my Design was to make that Way. When I arriv'd there, I found they
had surrounded _Mentz_ in order to Besiege it. I was glad to begin my
first Campaign with so glorious an Undertaking, not doubting, but a
great deal of Bravery would be shown where the Flower of the Houshold
was design'd for Action; but before I could make any Advantage of this
Occurrence, I was to make my self known to some Person of Character who
might introduce me so as to be a Spectator of that noble Siege. At last
I met with a _Scotch_ Gentleman, who rid in among the grand Molquetains,
who being fully inform'd of my Warlike Dispositions, assur'd me he would
put me into the readiest Method he cou'd to gain Experience; but when he
inform'd me that I must not pretend to great Things on a sudden, and
that I had at present only two Things in Election, either to carry a
Musquet in a Common Foot Regiment, during the Siege, or which he wou'd
rather advise me to (in case I had Money to be at that expence) to go to
_Strasburgh_ and put my self under Discipline for six Weeks or two
Months among the _French_ Cadets.

I must confess this was a great balk upon a double account: It not only
depriv'd me of the Satisfaction of seeing the Siege carried on, but it
was a sensible check to my aspiring Humour, to think what Drudgery I was
to undergo before I could be regarded by the World; but when I reflected
on what I had often heard the old Captain (I buried in the _Highlands_)
say upon this Head, it made me easier under the Disappointment, and the
next Day I went on to _Strasburg_, and enter'd my self among the Cadets.
'Tis in the Nature of a College, where young Gentlemen are instructed in
the Rudiments of War.

During my stay at _Strasburg_ I omitted no opportunity of improving
myself as to the _French_ and _High Dutch_ Fortifications, and other
Parts of the Mathematicks which were useful in War. I was also present
at some Lectures of Politicks which were given to those more advanc'd
in Years, in which they handled the Interest of Nations, and brought
down their Reflections to the present Times. This I look'd upon as an
excellent Method of educating young Officers; for it qualify'd them to
be serviceable to their Country under a double Capacity; that is, as
well to Argue as to Fight for it, and defend it equally with their
Tongue and Sword.

I remember an Antient Marquis who had a Superintendency over this
Academy, entertaining us one Day with the Motives of the present War,
and running up the Cause to its Original, laid it before us in this
manner: _That the Monarchs of France wou'd look upon themselves as
injur'd by the rest of the Princes of_ Europe, _till the imperial Diadem
was restor'd to_ France, who were _first Possessors of it in the Person
of_ Charles the Great; _that they had made several pushes in all Ages to
recover it, but without Effect; that while the_ English _had footing in_
France, _they were too lazy to extend their Conquests upon the Empire of
the_ West; _and when they had chased out the_ English, and were rid of
that _Incumbrance, the House of_ Austria, _by the vast Acquisitions of
the_ Low Countries, _and joint Power of_ Spain, _sat so hard upon 'em,
that_ France _was not in a Capacity to make any Advances towards
recovering their Right to the Empire: What therefore they had been upon
these latter Years, was to make a strong Party among the Electoral
Princes, and by degrees secure a Majority in the Imperial Diet, in order
to set aside the House of_ Austria, _and settle the Imperial Crown upon
the_ French _Line, as it was in the Beginning_. To this he added, _That
this invincible Monarch,_ Lewis XIV, _had made considerable Advances of
late Years, especially in bringing over several Electors, and now the
Chapter of_ Cologn _to chuse Cardinal_ Fustenberg _for their Archbishop,
who though a Native of Germany, yet was a_ Frenchman _by Interest_, and
_had given his Word to be very Industrious in settling the Imperial
Dignity upon the House of_ Bourbon. _And this Election of Cardinal_
Fustenberg _being contested by the Emperor and Pope Innocent_ XI. _was
the Motive of the present War; for they put up the Duke of_ Bavaria's
_Brother in opposition against him_.

This Account of the occasion of the present War, vary'd very much from
the Idea we in _Scotland_ had of Affairs. We were made to believe, That
the King of _France_ being a zealous Roman Catholick Monarch, had
engag'd himself in a War against the Allies, meerly upon a Religious
Motive, to re-establish King _James_, who was dethron'd upon no other
Account but because he was a Roman Catholick. But I have since found by
comparing Matters, that the Revolution in _England_ was not the
Occasion, but the Consequence of the War between the _French_ and the
Allies; for the Emperor, _&c._ understanding that King _James_ II. was
drawn into a Scrape by the _French_ King, and that he made a Property of
him to carry on his Ambitious Designs; 'tis not to be wonder'd at, if
they prefer'd the general Good of _Europe_, and immediate Safety of
their own People to the private Good of King _James_ II, who had been so
indiscreet as to expose himself to Ruin by giving into a _French_
Project. However this unpolitick Management proved very lucky to
_France_ upon a double Account; for tho' they had begun a War upon the
disedifying bottom of Ambition, it was afterwards consecrated in mny
Peoples Thoughts, under a Colour of justifying a dethron'd Roman
Catholick Prince, besides the Advantage of causing a considerable
Diversion by fomenting a War in the Three Kingdoms of _Great-Britain_;
for as for re-establishing that unfortunate Prince in his Throne, though
I was a long Time of Opinion _France_ really design'd it; yet since I
have been convinc'd by undeniable Arguments, that it neither was his
Interest to bring it about, nor that he ever seriously attempted it. I
must own it was never very Intelligible to me, not even in my very
darkest State of Bigottry for the _French_ Interest, that the Emperor,
the King of _Spain_, and Duke of _Savoy_, with many other Roman
Catholick Princes, nay, the Pope himself should all fail in their Duty
and Zeal for Religion, and the King of _France_ (who was remarkable upon
other Occasions for sacrificing it to Politick ends) should be the only
one in _Europe_ that wou'd stand up for it. It was not so in the Infancy
of the _Dutch_ Republic, when _France_ concurr'd with the Seven
Provinces to have them torn from the _Spanish_ Monarchy, and by the same
Assistance, enabled 'em to make head against the Church. It was not so
when a Frown of _Oliver Cromwell_ cou'd oblige _France_ to lay aside the
charitable Maxim of Royal Protection, and send _Charles_ II. and his
Brother the Duke of _York_, out of their Territories by an Infamous
Condescension. But _James_ II. had forgotten the Affronts offer'd to
the Duke of _York_, and I suppose had a Mind to make a second Tryal of
_French_ Hospitality, and whether they would be more obliging to him in
his old Age, than they had been in his Youth. Neither is this plausible
Pretence of defending a Prince injur'd upon the Score of Religion, very
consistent with their Conduct, in regard of the _Turk_. To maintain a
Catholick Prince at St. _Germains_, and support the Enemy of
Christianity at _Constantinople_ with great Remittances of Moneys, and a
constant Supply of Engineers; is a piece of State Casuistry above my
Comprehension, and Prince _Eugene_ had a great deal of Reason to knock
his Breast, and hold up his Hands to Heaven, when he saw _French_
Engineers dragg'd out of _Turkish_ Mines in _Hungary_ with _Agnus
Dei_'s, and Relicks about their Necks as Ensigns of _Lewis_ XIV's
Christianity, and Zeal for the Church.

But to proceed to my own concerns. As soon as the Time was expir'd, I
propos'd to my self to stay in the Academy at _Strasburgh_, I provided
my self with the Equipage of a grand Musketeer, and for a Present of 50
Pistols, and the strength of good Recommendation from my Countrymen, I
was admitted to ride among 'em. But here I had a fresh Difficulty to
struggle with. My Countrymen finding me pretty flush of Money, and that
I was very generous, was as observant as a Spaniel, and so very
Officious both early and late, that I found it impracticable to steal an
Hour of Privacy to recollect my self, in order to model my Conduct after
the best Precedents I met with in the course of the Day; and what made
me yet more uneasy, he was not content to visit me alone, but had often
a second or third with him; who as they were very obliging in informing
me of the Methods of living in a Camp, so they was always very _adroit_,
and gave me the Preference upon all Occasions; but then as I engross'd
all the Ceremony of the Day, so I was thrown into unavoidable
Circumstances of paying them for their Attendance. This constant Charge,
though in Time it would have made me weary of acting the Grand Signior,
yet I could better have bore with it, had I not smelt a Design they had
to strip me of my Bank I had at _Amsterdam_; for I was so unguarded in
my Conduct as to have acquainted my Countrymen with my Money concerns,
which he and his Associates had already devour'd in their Imagination,
and wanted but a fit Opportunity to draw me in at Play, and so at once
put me upon a Level with themselves and other Soldiers of Fortune: But
being aware of the Trap that was laid for me, my whole Study was how to
disengage myself from this Gang, so as to give no Suspicion that I
understood their meaning; for this I imagin'd might be the ground of a
Quarrel, and to perhaps have worse Consequences than if they really had
strip'd me of my Substance. Arm'd with this Caution, I receiv'd 'em in
the usual manner, but still kept off when a Motion was made either of
high drinking or playing deep; for no Man is secure, when either Liquor
or Passion gains the Ascendent over him. But this State of Violence
could not continue long, sometimes I was at a loss for an Excuse to
baffle their Importunity, other times I found them dispos'd to represent
me as of an uncomplying Temper, so that there was no way left but either
to draw or withdraw, for I saw plainly that if I staid among them a
Quarrel would ensue. This Consideration, with the unheard of Devastation
I saw in the Palatinate made by the _French_ Troops, gave me a Surfeit
of the _Rhine_. I am not Ignorant that no Part of the World is free from
Sharpers, but I thought in another Place I might better resist their
first Onset, and let them gain no ground upon me, while Rule I here
neglected for want of Experience. And now I was oblig'd to make a Call
upon my Banker at _Amsterdam_ for Two Hundred Pounds, resolving not to
break the remaining 1000 Pound Bulk, unless upon some extraordinary
Emergency. I had sometime before intimated to my Officers and Comrades
the Design I had to quit the Service upon the _Rhine_, assuring them it
was not out of any Disobligation, having experienced their obliging
Temper upon all Occasions; but as I understood King _James_ was at the
Head of his Army in _Ireland_, so I look'd upon my self in some Measure
inexcusable if I serv'd in a foreign Army, when I might contribute more
immediately to succour my Prince. My Reasons were applauded, and I not a
little content to depart without giving Disgust. Without delay therefore
I posted to _Paris_, where I design'd to make no very long stay, only
what was necessary to recover my self from the Fatigue of the Campaign,
and satisfy my Curiosity in taking a View of that noble City. I was
happy in one thing during my stay here, that I was agreeably surpriz'd
with the fight of my only Sister, whose Husband being under some
malignant Court Influence, was oblig'd to withdraw with his Family out
of _Scotland_. _Paris_ is a Place like all other great Cities, where
Persons of all Conditions and Characters may spend their Time agreeably,
if that useful Trifle call'd Money be not wanting. Hitherto I had no
occasion to be Melancholly upon that Score; for though I was not
furnish'd to make any extraordinary Figure, yet being only a single
Person, and as yet never launch'd out into any Extravagances, so within
my narrow Sphere, I made a decent Appearance. But as no Man is
prosperous at all Times, so it was not long before I found my self
engag'd in an Affair which very much troubled my Repose, and which I
would willingly have compounded for with my _Amsterdam_ Bank. The
Business was this, my Eldest Brother before he went with King _James_
into _Ireland_, made some stay at _Paris_ and _St. Germains_, where he
was order'd to collect some Recruits of the Three Nations, which he was
to conduct over in the Quality of a Route-Captain. Now as he was a
Person who had seen very much of the World, and was somewhat addicted to
Gallantry and Intriguing with the Fair Sex, so he could not remain long
in a Place without Publishing some Marks of his Vocation that way. It
happen'd that a young Lady who lodg'd in the same House with him, had
occasion to pay a visit to her Acquaintance; my Brother observing her in
a Posture to go out of the House alone, offer'd to usher her to the
place she design'd for. The Lady with the usual _French_ Freedom and
obliging Air, made him a Courtsey, and accepted the Offer. When he
complied with this Piece of Civility, he took his leave, and return'd to
his Lodgings. From this Accident my Brother dated an Intrigue. The
Ladies Carriage (which by the way was nothing but what is customary
there upon a slender Acquaintance) encourag'd him to make Advances; the
next Step he made was to drink Tea with her in her Chamber, and
afterwards he invited her to the _Opera_. But the young Lady as she was
strictly Virtuous, never gave way to none of these Freedoms, but in the
Company of her Landlady or her Daughter, who were both Prudes. In the
mean time a Relation of this Gentlewoman's, who was a Lieutenant in the
Regiment of _Navarre_ came up to _Paris_, and had not been long in Town
before he was inform'd by some busy Noddle, that his Cousin was either
upon the Point of being married, or what was rather suggested to him,
that one Captain _Ramkins_ a _Scotch_ Officer, who lodg'd in the same
House, had dishonourable Designs upon her. Now as Persons never want
Arguments to induce them to take things in the worst Sense, (tho' I will
not avouch for my Brothers Intention) so the _French_ Officer being of a
suspicious and also a fiery Temper, wanted no body to exasperate him. He
took it for granted the Thing was so, and taking Coach he came to his
Kinswoman, and after having attack'd her with a great deal of scurrilous
Language, he waited not for her Reply, but flung away to find my Brother
in order to cut his Throat. My Brother was then at St. _Germains_
receiving his last Orders from the Secretary for his departure for
_Ireland_, but return'd that Night to _Paris_. His Landlady at his
Return gave him a Note, which she said was deliver'd to her by the Post.
The Contents were a double Surprize to him, first a bold and daring
Challenge, and again, he neither knew whom he was to meet, nor upon what
Account, only the Time and Place were mention'd. Thus doubtful with
himself what Course to take, he acquainted his Landlady with the Subject
of the Letter, but she was also at a loss, having neither seen the
Lady's Relation, nor heard that he was come to Town, otherwise it might
have created some Suspicion. But after Supper, according to Custom, she
went up to have an Hours Chat with the young Lady, and among other
Things, mention'd the odd Letter Captain _Ramkins_ had receiv'd that
Evening; the Lady suspecting what the matter really was, gave the
Landlady sufficient Intimation by the Consternation she was in, that she
was not unacquainted with the Occasion of that Letter. In the mean time,
my Brother was gone to consult with some of his Acquaintance how he
should behave himself in this juncture: Some advis'd him to neglect it
as a sham Challenge, whereby some of his Acquaintance being merry
dispos'd had a mind to divert themselves; others judg'd it might be a
Design to Assassinate him upon account of some old Grudge now worn out
of his Memory; in conclusion, 'twas order'd that he should present
himself at the Place mention'd in the Challenge, and in case it was a
real Thing, and that he escap'd with Life, a Horse should be ready to
ride Post to _Brest_, whether he and his Recruits were order'd to take
Shipping. But that he might not Alarm his Lodgings, he spent the
remainder of the Night in the Tavern with his Friends, a fitter
Preparation than praying for the Work he was about. About Five in the
Morning he set out towards the Place of Battle, half a dozen of his
Acquaintance following him at a convenient distance, to wait for the
Issue, and to see Justice done in case he was assaulted against the
usual Method of Duelling. When he came to the Place apointed, he saw a
young Gentleman walking and musing under a Hedge with his Arms a Kimbo,
whom he rightly judg'd to be his Man. When he came within Speech of him,
the _French_ Officer stop'd and ask'd him if his Name was not _Ramkins_,
and whether he had not receiv'd a Note the Evening before upon such an
Occasion? my Brother made no other Reply, but that he took himself to be
the Person, and that he would indite an Answer with the Point of his
Sword; for though, said he, I am a Stranger both to you and the occasion
of this Trouble you have given me, yet as I take you to be a Man of
Honour, so I suppose you think your self injur'd to that degree, that
Satisfaction either cannot or will not be given any other way, and
therefore I am here ready to make up this mysterious Quarrel after the
Method you have made choice of. It sometimes happens that Peace is
struck up between Two Nations Sword in Hand; but my Brother's Antagonist
was too warm to stand a Parley and act the Part of a Plenipotentiary;
upon which, without making the least Reply, he whips off his Cloaths
into his Shirt, and open'd his Breast to show his Adversary he scorn'd
to take any ungenerous Advantage. My Brother was also honourable upon
the same score; for though he wore a short Buff Waiscoat without Skirts
according to the Fashions of those Times, and which might have deadened
a Push, yet he threw it off and put himself upon the Level with his
Adversary in all respects, so to it they went. My Brother found himself
much superior in Strength and Vigour, and that in all probability he
cou'd Command his Adversary's Sword, paried with him a considerable
Time, and put by several Pushes without attempting the Gentleman's Life,
but finding him Resolute, and that one of them must fall, he made one
home Thrust, and drove his Sword quite through his Adversary's Body,
falling upon him at the same time; and thus fell this unfortunate young
Gentleman a Victim to his ungovernable Passion.

It appear'd afterwards, that this _French_ Officer having been often
play'd upon by several in his Regiment, that he had been two Years among
them and never yet made any Experiment of his personal Courage, told
them at his going up to _Paris_, That they should here in a little Time
he had qualify'd himself by killing his Man. Now it is suppos'd he
thought the _British_ Nation, not being fam'd for their Skill in
handling the Sword, he had an excellent opportunity of showing his
Manhood, and the Advantage of making his escape when he had done the
Fact, because little or no Enquiry wou'd be made after a Stranger. My
Brother being convinc'd his Adversary was incapable to Rally, made haste
to gather up his Cloaths, exchanging the Evangelical Advice of _burying_
the dead, to that natural Precept of _Self-preservation_, and I must
leave him pursuing his Journey towards _Brest_, to return to his
Lodgings, and give an account how this Catastrophe came to affect me at
my coming to _Paris_.

The young Lady who was the Innocent occasion of this unfortunate
Accident, took little Rest after she was inform'd of the Contents of the
Note left by her Kinsman, and her Concern grew upon her when she
understood Captain _Ramkins_ was out of his Lodgings all Night; thus she
remain'd under great Inquietudes till Three a Clock the next Day, when
she, with her Landlady and Daughter, took a Coach privately and drove
directly to the Place where the Gentlemen were to meet according to the
Contents of the Letter. They discharg'd their Coach upon a pretence of
taking a Walk in the Fields, and after a small Tour the Landlady's
Daughter put her Foot into a Cake of clotted Blood, but it was so
chang'd, as to the Colour, that she could not well distinguish what it
was, but at a little distance finding a Glove, and several Blades of
Grass ting'd with a Vermillion Dye, being press'd down and ruffled as it
were with some Cattle weltring and tumbling about. They had a strong
Suspicion one of the Gentlemen had ended his Days upon the Spot, and to
clear their Suspicion, they walk'd back into the City till they arrived
at the _Petite Chastelet_, which is a publick Room in the Nature of a
Guard Bed, where all Corps are expos'd to view and whither People
usually go in quest of any of their Friends, or Acquaintance that are
wanting. And here the young Gentlewoman was quickly satisfy'd that her
Cousin's Rashness had brought him to his End. This Accident happening
not long before I came to _Paris_, the Discourse of it was very fresh,
and what occasion'd me to have an account of it at my first Arrival, was
my Lodging at the same House with my Brother, it being the usual
Lodgings for _English_ and _Scotch_. 'Tis true that Landlady and her
Daughter where remov'd to _Orleans_, where they had an _Estate_
belonging to their Family, but the young Lady, Cousin to the deceas'd
Officer, was still in her old Apartment. I had not been above three
Days, but my Name began to be known as well by the Direction of some
Letters I receiv'd out of _Germany_, as by other means there are of
having such Things divulg'd. The young Lady was not so struck with the
Horror of the Name of her Cousins Murtherer, as not to have the
Curiosity to peep at me as I came in and out of my Lodgings, and the
more, because I had so great a Resemblance to him both as to Figure and
Features, that without any extraordinary Skill in Physiognomy, she might
conclude I was either his Brother or some near Relation. Now whether my
Brother's Cavaliers Carriage had left an Idea in the Lady's Head which
she could not conveniently part with, or her Inquisitiveness after me
was only a Female Curiosity, I am not able to determine, but it was very
unfortunate to me to have been so near a Kin to one she admired in case
it was so, or that her Inquisitiveness should make me so publick; for I
had not been in _Paris_ above Eight Days, but the Archers or City Guards
took me out of my Bed at Four a Clock in the Morning, and carried me to
Prison upon strong Suspicion of being that very Captain _Ramkins_ who
had kill'd the _French_ Officer in a Duel. Captain _Ramkins_ I certainly
was call'd at my own Request, having taken that Travelling Name as all
Independent Gentlemen do, who cannot tell well what Title to give
themselves upon the Road. My case had no very good Aspect at the
beginning. There were so many Circumstances to render me suspected, that
though I was satisfy'd my Life was not in Danger, yet it was an easy
Thing to perceive it wou'd be both a troublesome, and also a chargeable

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