Anonymous

“ WE all in one Voice find it proven. That the said JOHN PORTEOUS Pannel, fired a Gun among the People assembled at the Place of Execution, and Time libelled; As also. That he gave Orders to the Soldiers under his Command to fire, and upon his or their so firing, the Persons mentioned in the Indictment were killed and wounded. And find it proven, That the Pannel and his Guard were attacked, and beat by several Stones of a considerable Bigness, thrown amongst them by the Multitude, whereby several of the Soldiers were bruised and wounded. ”

“ To these it was answered, That tho' it were true that the Magistrates upon just Apprehension of a violent Rescue of the Criminal, had ordered Powder and Ball to be distributed to the Guard, had directed the Pannel at all Hazards to support the Execution, and prevent a violent Rescue; and had even told him in case of Necessity, he was to repel Force by Force, it will not in the least follow that these Orders could in any degree justify him, exccept in case of Necessity, and an Attempt made towards a violent Rescue ”

“ Charles Husband Servant to Paul Husband Confectioner in the Abbay of Holy-rood house, Archibald Balantyne Son to John Balantyne younger Dyster in Dalkeith, John Anderson Son to George Anderson in Craighead Drover, Alexander M'Neal Son to Edward M'Neal Indweller in Mortonhall, Margaret Gordon Servant to William Ogilvy Taylor, Henry Graham Taylor in Canongate; and for grievously maiming and wounding the following Persons, to the great Danger of their Lives, viz. ”