William Conolly

William Conolly was originally from Londonderry. He was a deserter from the Scot's Fusiliers and was captured following the surrender of Carlisle. .—S.P.D., 81-293. At his trial it was stated that he had formally been in the Scots Fusiliers, and that at Prestonpans he had "advised to kill the redcoats, especially of Lee's Regiment, because they would know him again", and also that he had killed an English soldier. He was convicted and executed. .—S.P.D., 88-42 ; Scots Mag., 1746, 483, 542.

William who was tried and executed at York, was not a rebel of note; but his case illustrates the fact that when the authorities got outside information unfavourable to any one, it prejudiced them greatly against him. In truth they gave it as much weight as if it had been actual testimony made on oath in open court. It was said against Conolly that he had been formerly in the Scots Fusiliers; that while at the battle of Prestonpans he had advised his colleagues to kill all the red coats since they would recognise him as a deserter, and that lastly, he had killed a soldier.

(Ref: “Jacobite Gleanings: from state manuscripts” by J. Macbeth Forbes. Page 14)