...the process against Mr Robert Dalrymple.

'Case of the Synod of Moray in relation to The Process against Mr Robert Dalrymple Appellant.' It is written in preparation for the case and ends with a heartfelt paragraph by the four men who compiled it, they expressing their hope that the Venerable Assembly 'will not gve a sentence in this cause that may be constructed by the irreligious as a sanction rather than a discouragement to licentiousness.' "...... when, in this licentious age, single incontinence is by some deemed no moral evil, and by many but a very small crime: when the life and practice of the Ministers of religion are so narrowly observed, on purpose to discredit their doctrine, which is so little believed or attended to... '

It is easy to imagine a case nowadays being plead with the same heartfelt sentiments by the men who want to shore up their failing churches. Only these days it's more likely to be seminary boys or choir boys, who having been abused are 'coming 'out.' The fornication of a minister doesn't figure nearly so highly on the list of sins committed by men of the cloth that still interest the Daily Mail. Although I believe there was a case of adultery locally that made the nationals.

Now, how do I get to find out the end of the story? It already has flesh on its bones. The document is not at all in the dry legal style of these days. Certainly this weasely minister needed the 18th century book thrown at him, extra heavy with its long s's as it would have been. He had gone down the usual route of the cowardly, weak man who having used a woman, first tries to cover his tracks, then accuses her of being 'of ill repute' (as though that excused him his behaviour anyway?) and finally accused her of 'ruining his life.' So reminiscent of Mr Toad. Men like this don't need anyone else to ruin their lives for them, they can do it all by themselves, but they do need someone to blame.

The claim that Margaret Lee was a woman of 'ill repute' got Mr Robert hoist with his own petard since the father of the poor girl had, rather cunningly remonstrated with Dalrymple for letting her go without a 'character.' As though he knew nothing of the reason. Margaret had at this point left the area without telling anyone but her father had gone after her, found her ten miles away, and persuaded her to return with him to the family home. Thinking she had gone, eager to appease the father and to further expedite her disappearance, Dalrymple wrote a character for Margaret which stated there was no reason known for her departure - that is that she had not been dismissed for misconduct of any sort! Once he had this in his possession the wiley father revealed what that she was home and that he was disteressed to find his daughter pregnant. Dalrymple was forced to fall on this man's mercy to ask for her to be sent away. He offerd £6 (which was more than he had given Maragaret!) promising more in the future when she was set up in Newcastle (why Newcastle I wonder?) This was to be given in sterling; the Scots still having their own currency at this point. He had a friend - Coull, the minister at Edinkillie, who urged him to offer more but Dalrymple seems to have been confident the matter was settled and wrote a triumphant letter to Coull to say that no more would be heard on the subject.