On May 21, 1650, James Graham, 5th Earl Montrose, was hung, drawn, and quartered on the gallows of Edinburgh. He was 38 years old.
Montrose was one of the greatest military figures of all time. His battles, fought mostly against the Covenanters of Scotland on behalf of Charles I, were models of brillliant tactics, the use of surprise, and the importance of speed -- the only way he could win, since nearly every battle he fought was against odds of three to one or higher.
This is Montrose's speech upon the gallows, given at approximately 2 P.M. that spring day:
I am sorry if this manner of my end be scandalous to any good Christian here. Doth it not often happen to the righteous according to the way of the unrightous? Doth not sometimes a just man perish in his righteousness, and a wicked man prosper in his wickedness and malice? They who know me should not disesteem me for this. Many greater than I have been dealt with in this kind. But I must say that all G-d's judgements are just, and this measure, for my private sins, I acknowledge to be just with G-d, and wholly submit myself to Him.
But in regard of man, I may say they are but instruments. G-d fogive them, and I forgive them. They have oppressed the poor and violently perverted judgement and justice, but He that is higher than they will reward them.
What I did in this kingdom was in obedience to the most just commands of my sovereign, and in his defense, against those who rose up against him. I acknowledge nothing, but fear G-d and honour the King, according to the commandments of G-d and the just laws of Nature and the nations. I have not sinned against man, but against G-d; and with Him there is mercy, which is the ground of my drawing near to Him.
It is objected against me by many, even good people, that I am under the censure of the Church. This is not my fault, seeing it is only for doing my duty, by obeying my Prince's most just commands, for religion, his sacred person, and authority. Yet I am sorry they did excommunicate me; and in that which is according to G-d's laws, without wronging my conscience or allegiance, I desire to be relaxed. If they will not do it, I appeal to G-d, who is the righteous Judge of the world, and will, I hope, be my Judge and Saviour.
It is spoken of me that I should blame the King. G-d forbid! For the late King, he lived a saint and died a martyr. I pray G-d that I may end as he did. If ever I would wish my soul in another man's stead, it should be in his. For His Majesty now living, never any people, I believe, might be more happy in a king. His commandments to me were most just, and I obeyed them. He deals justly with all men. I pray G-d that he be so dealt withal that he be not betrayed under trust, as his father was.
I desire not to be mistaken, as if my carriage at this time, in relations to your ways, were stubborn. I do but follow the light of my conscience, my rule; which is seconded by the working of the Spirit of G-d that is within me. I thank Him I go to heaven with joy the way He paved for me. If He enable me against the fear of death, and furnish me with courage, and confidence to embrace it even in its most ugly shape, let G-d be glorified in my end, though it were in my damnation. Yet I say not this out of any fear or mistrust, but out of my duty to G-d, and love to His people.
I have no more to say, but that I desire your charity and prayers. I shall pray for you all. I leave my soul to G-d, my service to my prince, my good will to my friends, my love and charity to you all. And thus briefly I have exonerated my conscience.
"There is a tradition that during the morning there had been lowering thunder-clouds and flashes of lightning, but that as Montrose stood on the scaffold a burst of sunlight flooded the street. When he finished speaking, he gave money to his executioner, and prayed silently for a while. His arms were pinioned, and he ascended the ladder with that stately carriage which had always marked him. His last words were: 'G-d have mercy on this afflicted land!'"
"...Shortly after the execution, young Lady Napier send her servants by night to the grave on the Boroughmuir, and had the heart taken from the body. It was skillfully embalmed, and placed in a little egg-shaped case of steel made from the blade of his sword. This in turn was enclosed in a gold filigree box..."
Mike Lovellette and I traditionally mark this day with a drink of Scotch whiskey. We invite you to join.
BACK to the Quddities page.