| Description | Journal containing account of his work and personal life.
He discusses his lineage, the fortunes of his parents; his father's experience as a merchant and his generosity to debtors and his mother's kind and sweet religious disposition. He follows by noting various events and passages in his life. He describes his entry into his trade as a squarewright. He discusses the impact of the Jacobite rebellions on his business, both in 1715 and 1745 and in 1746 when his services were required at Fort Augustus. Discusses the births and deaths of his children in the context of his personal religious experience. In 1721 he was appointed to his local kirk session. He also notes his work for local lairds Lords Braco and Saltoun among others. Places mentioned include Longside, St Fergus, Peterhead, Banff, Boyline, Nairn and Strichen. A list and notes regarding the birth and deaths of Alexander Smith's children is provided at the back of the volume.
The depositor has created a typescript partial transcription, which is provided with the Journal. The transcription mainly deals with the events in Alexander Smith's life and omits large passages of religious reflection. Most notably pages 18-71, where he discusses 'conversion' and elevation to the 'elect'.
Please note: Throughout the volume some lines at the bottom of pages have not been transcribed or are illegible. |