2-501-191 - The London Archives (City of London)/Heritage Images

Samuel McPherson, Scottish soldier, 1743. 'Samuel McPherson, corporal, in his highland ridgmentals [sic], the most active in the desersion [sic]. The posture in presenting his firelock at Capt Ball in Lady Wood, and was shot at the Tower, July 18 1743'. McPherson was a soldier in the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment). Having been ordered to London, some of the regimant's soldiers deserted after hearing a rumour that they were to be shipped out to America. McPherson was one of three men executed for the desertion.