Annals of the Persecution in Scotland

Annals of the Persecution in Scotland, from the Restoration to the Revolution, is by James Aikman. The contents list summarises, among others, Presbytery, the favourite form of religion in Scotland with the people, opposed by James VI. The text names James Mitchell as the man who made the unsuccessful attempt upon Sharpe, and says a pistol, loaded with three bullets, was found in his pocket.

The text quotes Sir Walter Scott as remarking that it is strange how the ferocity of persecution begets in those who are exposed to it a corresponding obstinacy and pertinacity. The text says it was observed of a man by his fellow prisoners that when engaged in serious conversation, reading, or prayer, he was always very composed, although exceedingly restless at other times. The text relates that two youths, the curate's sons, came with about fourteen or fifteen fellows at their back, who looked sturdily, but after they heard, they looked more soberly.