January

Jany. 1.
Sunday. a Spy was hung this morning in the Publick Bazar. [sic] — He was detected carrying on a correspondence with the Enemy, and in attempting to win and bribe over the Corga Rajah to the interest of Tippoo Saib. — He was a Bramin, [sic] and formerly in the Service of the Bibbee of Cananore, but lately a Servt. with Capt. Reynolds. —

Jany. 9.
I this day gave in my Europe Letters to Mr. Sandiford's Office, to be forwarded to Robt. Taylor Esqr. at Tellicherry; under cover to whom, all of them are sent; and also one for Bengal to Col: Jno. Murray, covering one for Capt. John Campbell of Sonachan, respecting whom I have written to Colonel Murray. I have written the following letters for Europe to be sent Per the Raymond – vizt. Lochbuy, Mrs. Maclean Do., Broyr. Chas., Genl. Maclean, Col. Marsh, Col. Small, Christr. Lundin Esqr., Macquarie of that Ilk, Mrs. Campbell of Sonachan, & Messrs. Cox & Greenwood Agents 77th. Regt. as Actg. PayMr. —

I have in my letter to my Broyr. invited him to come out to India immediately – and have sent a Bill of Exchange for £179.12.10 Str. to enable him to pay for his Passage &c; but desired, if he cou'd spare it, to equally divide amongst my Mother, Sister and Nephew Murdoch, and I have also written to Col. Marsh respecting my Brother succeeding Ensign & Qr. Mr. Stewart in either of his Commissions, for which I have offered to pay Stewart Two Hundred Pounds Sterling.

Jany. 14.
I wrote of this date to my Friend Jas. Allan Park Esqr., London, to go Per the Raymond. The Army changed Ground a few miles to the front, the 2d. Brigade occupying the Ground the 1st. Brigade removed from. —

Jany. 16.
The Army marched forwards from the Poodicherrum Ghaut, and Encamp'd near the Muggle [?] Ghaut, distant about six miles; on Heights near and in front of the cross roads, leading to the Mysore Country. —

Jany. 22.
The Army marched forwards this morning, from their respective lines of Encampment, about ten miles, and Encamped on the Road betwixt Auhmutna, [?] and Sidapore. — The 2d. Brigade by the Genl. Order of yesterday was broke up for the present. — Lt. Col. Peché, with Captains and a strong Detachment of Europeans and Sepoys – from the different Corps of the Army, is left to command the Posts at the head of the Ghauts, and on the communication from thence to Cananore: – it fell most unfortunately to the lot of the 77th. Regiment, to give one of the Captains ordered to this Detachment; and as the Flank Captains were excepted in General Orders, this disagreeable duty fell to the lot of Captain Spry – who is most unhappy and exceedingly mortified indeed at being left behind the Army. —

Jany. 26.
I had a very agreeable ride and walk this day along with my Friend Doctor Anderson, about Four Miles in front; and had the satisfaction of seeing the River Caverie, [sic] or at least one of the principal Branches of it, and walking for two or three miles along the Banks of it, where it runs nearly, East and West; and from appearances cannot be very far from the Sources, as it is fordable and not above Sixty Yards broad as far as we saw it; – the Natives (Coorgs) had small Wicker Boats covered over with Leather in which they cross this River and carry on their little Trade and Traffick [sic] with their Neighbours up and down the River as far as Tritchinopoly. [sic] — We called on several Friends in the Advanced Brigade or Reserve, and return'd home to Dinner much gratified and pleased with our Excursion. —

Jany. 28.
A very awful and serious example was made this Evening in presence of the Advanc'd Corps of the Army, of Lieut. Geo Douglas of H.M. 75th. Regt., who having wantonly and unprovokedly quarrelled with Lieut. Brugh of said Regiment and afterwards kill'd him in a Duel, was tried by a General Court Martial for the 'willful [sic] murder of the said Lieut. Brugh', which not having been clearly prov'd to the Court, he was acquitted of the willful Murder; but found guilty of taking away the life of Lieut. Brugh and in consequence was sentenced to be 'Cashiered in the most publick [sic] and ignominious manner'; this sentence was put in execution in the fullest extent: – his Sentence was read to him by the Judge Advocate in presence of the 75th. and 73d. Regiments, and the Provost Martial broke his Sword and cut his Sash to Pieces; – and was order'd the next morning under a Guard to Tellicherry, from which he was to be sent a Prisoner to England by the first opportunity.

Jany. 31.
On Making up an exact and correct State of my Affairs with the World this day, I find that besides my late remittance made to my Brother Charles, that I am worth four Thousand Rupees, after paying all my Debts at home and abroad.

I had the pleasure of this day receiving letters of date 4. June & 27 July 1791, from Genl. Maclean, and the Agents Cox & Greenwood, which came in the Canada Packet lately arrived at Madras from England.

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No. 1: 15 December 1787 - 24 March 1792.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A768 pp.347-354. [Microfilm Reel CY299 Frames #179-183].