This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: DennisDavidson72 Surnames: Davidson/Davison/Davisson Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.davidson/4813/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Check this story out about the Jacobite Prisoners. I just found this on the net. There were three Davidsons that I have were deported. William,Owen & this now this James that I just found. 3, 500 prisoners were taken at the Battle of Culloden in 1746; including many men, women and children who were regarded as supporters of the Jacobite cause even though they had taken no part in the actual fighting. Some of these prisoners were put on seven transport ships bound for London. When they reached Tilbury, the prisoners remained on board the ships, which were anchored in the river. They were guarded by soldiers from the fort. The conditions on the ships were appalling for both the prisoners and their guards. By 11th August 1746, 268 prisoners had been brought into the fort; 45 of these died in the first month. Typhus had broken out on the ships and so all of the prisoners were brought into the fort by December 1746 bringing the total number of prisoners held at Tilbury to 303. The prisoners were kept in the powder magazines. They were forced to draw lots when it was decided that 1 in every 20 should stand trial for their life. Those not selected to face trial and t! he near-certainty of execution remained at the fort until their fate was decided; a few remained until 1750. Most of those who survived were transported. A few were released, including James Davidson, age 14 a 'very wicked boy' Has anyone ever made any legidament connection to any of these men. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.