76 Henry Riddell on 



In 1798, at the first occurrence of trouble Walter Wilson 

 carried off to Scotland his wife and children and some of the 

 Stewart girls to get them out of the way. Permits for travelling 

 had to be obtained and Mr. Alec Wilson has that issued for this 

 journey by General Goldie. It reads as follows — 



"Permit Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and family Avith Miss 

 Stewarts, who are of Mr. Wilson's familj^ to pass into Belfast, 

 whence they wish to go to Scotland where Mr. Wilson's 

 property is 



Permit Mr. Wilson's baggage to go with him. 



Lisburn. 9th June, 1798. Thomas Goldie, M. General.' 



I quote from the letter written by Helena Stewart to her 

 aunt on her arrival in Scotland. 



"Stranraer, 13th June, 1798. 

 My Dear Aunt, 



We are safe and sound in this town, but, our great 

 trouble is about our friends in Ireland. We have heard 

 good news to-day that Belfast and the County of Antrim is 



all quiet none of us was sick but me and nurse 



and the children. We have met a good many acquaintances 

 here. Mr. and Mrs. Black are staying here now and the 

 Younghusbands. The town is so crowded that it is almost 

 impossible to get any sort of a lodging. We intend to stay 

 here for a few days as it is near Portpatrick and we can 

 hear news from Ireland sooner. I hope you and uncle Avill 

 take care of George ; before we left home he promised to go 

 into Belfast till the country would settle. I trust the Great 

 Guardian will protect him in the hour of danger." 

 George was her brother, 20 years of age, who a year later 



married Matilda Rainey, and family affection between brother 



and sisters was exceedingly strong. 



Three weeks later George is writing from Belfast to his 

 sister Ellen. 



