Sir James Turner commanded them, a man whose natural ferocity of temper was often inflamed by the use of strong liquors.

He went about, and received from the clergy lists of those who absented themselves from church, or were supposed to frequent conventicles.
Without any proof or legal conviction, he demanded a fine from them, and quartered soldiers on the supposed delinquents, till he received payment.

As an insurrection was dreaded during the Dutch war, new forces were levied, and intrusted to the command, of Dalziel and Drummond; two officers who had served the king during the civil wars, and had afterwards engaged in the service of Russia, where they had increased the native cruelty of their disposition.

A full career was given to their tyranny by the Scottish ministry.

Representations were made to the king against these enormities.