Business records of plaid manufacturer William Sandeman, 1756-1763

[Jeffrey]

Background:

After extensive research on possible Scottish clothing manufacturers who provided plaid for the two newly raised Highland regiments, 1756-1763 (Col's Montgomery and Fraser's First and Second Highland Battalions), I'm now of the opinion that job was filled by William Sandeman, a Perthshire linen manufacturer, who operated a bleachfield in nearby Luncarty. Surviving records of the 42d Foot indicate he supplied them with plaid as early as July 1757. [1]

In a letter dated 21 January 1773, William Sandeman provided correspondence to the House of Commons indicating his clothing operation at the height of the war [1759-60?] consisted of 200 weaver looms, but by this time he was down to 30 in total. [2]

Contingent upon the premise only half his machinery (100 looms) was in operation at the time of furnishing plaids to the 42d Foot, in 1757, with each loom averaging a daily production of just five yards of cloth his business may have produced 3500 yards weekly. This output would ensure a regiment of 1000 men could be clothed in about four weeks based on 12 yards per plaid. [3] 1000 men x 12 yards = 12000.


Question:

I'm now at a loss as to a possible location of William Sandeman's (potential) business records during that period, and gladly welcome any suggestions as to where I might look.

Places I have checked thus far include:

- British Library
- William Sandeman Library, Perthshire
- National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh
- The National Archives, UK
- Highland Archive Centre, Inverness

Thank you in advance.

Jeffrey

Sources:

1.[John Rylands University, Manchester University; Bagshawe Muniments, I-XI. Correspondence and Papers, V. Lord John Murray (d.1787) and his wife Mary, nee Dalton (d. 1765), 5/1/1-460. Correspondence, 1-408. Bound manuscript volume of copies of letters and regimental orders concerning the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment (1756-57)].

2. Reports From Committees of the House of Commons, Vol. III.

3. Calcraft, John. Regulations of Cloathing for a Highland Regiment, 1757. James Grant of Ballindalloch papers, 1740-1819. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; Calcraft was a British Army agent representing both the 42d and 77th Foot Regiments.