Red Tam Harkness

[sonofthom]

The Dumfries Harkness family were well known Covenanters, and Thomas Harkness was executed in the Grassmarket in Edinburgh in 1684.  I have just been reading James Hogg's "A Tale of the Martyrs" a short story which starts with the killing of Red Tam Harkness "east from the farm-house of Locherben". Locherben was the home of the actual Harkness family. So was Hogg writing a fictionalised account of the death of someone he admired or is Red Tam another member of this illustrious family? Are there any Hogg fans or Harkness experts who can fill out the details of this intriguing mystery?

Alex.

[jwharkness]

Not directly an answer to your query but according to my papers James Hogg worked at Mitchellslacks farm (Locherben) for a while - as a shepherd. No doubt he would have been regaled with the story of Captain James Harkness and the ambush at Enterkin Pass (1684). Hogg was there in about 1801-06.

from (a different) James Harkness

[sonofthom]

Thanks for these comments.  Hogg was a great admirer of the Covenanters and I am sure that the tale of Thomas the Martyr would be one that he heard often. Like most oral history the tale would have changed a bit over the years with retelling which would probably explain the differences in Hogg's account from what actually happened.

Interestingly I have subsequently discovered an eyewitness account of the execution of Thomas, in the journal of the honourable John Erskine of Carnock. Also Hogg's reference to him as Red Tam is borne out by the fact that his grandson, who moved to the Dunoon area, apparently had red hair.

[RJ_Paton]

In the Book "Scottish Covenanter Stories - Tales from the Killing Times" by Dane Love he describes the brothers James and Thomas Harkness as farmers from Locherben and Mitchellslacks (implying a Harkness connection to both farms). A third brother Adam was also reputed to have been involved.
There is a little more information - James later escaped from custody using a robe smuggled inside a cheese but some time later was recaptured by Graham of Claverhouse. Again James managed to escape along with 25 others and fled to Ireland where he remained until the Revolution

[Janice M]

Just came across all of this information.

Thomas "The Martyr" Harkness was my 8 times great grandfather, and now I have some information to on.

I truly do appreciate this. Thank you.

Janice M