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.

[davidlpope]

Jeffrey,

Fred Lucas and Peter MacDonald are probably your best bet for assisting in this research.

David

[figheadair]

Jeffrey,

This is very interesting and potentially important research. Can we discuss via email please.
info@scottishtartans.co.uk please.

Peter

[Luke MacGillie]

Hey Jeff, hope all is well with you.

Yes Sanderman was the subcontractor to the regimental agent. He provided plaids, hose cloth, bonnets and Scottish style sword belts, perhaps even pistols, basically all the non English portions of the clothing to the agent.

Ive not had much luck tracking down this book, but it might shed some light. IIRC the family papers are now down in London, but can not remember which institution holds them. But they are IIRC more focused on the brothers port importation business.

https://www.abebooks.com/97809054525...0905452526/plp

[Tomo]

For business records you might get lucky with:

• The Business Archived Council: https://www.businessarchivescouncil.org.uk/ - they promote the preservation of business records of historical importance etc.; or
• Graces Guide: https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/ - online resource for historic company information in the UK.
  

Maybe also worth trying Historic Environment Scotland https://www.historicenvironment.scot/ - they are the custodians of the Stanley Mills which Sandeman was involved with in the 1780s, perhaps they have some archive info on his other business interests or can give you some other ideas...

[Jeffrey]

Hey Jeff, hope all is well with you.

Yes Sanderman was the subcontractor to the regimental agent. He provided plaids, hose cloth, bonnets and Scottish style sword belts, perhaps even pistols, basically all the non English portions of the clothing to the agent.

Ive not had much luck tracking down this book, but it might shed some light. IIRC the family papers are now down in London, but can not remember which institution holds them. But they are IIRC more focused on the brothers port importation business.

https://www.abebooks.com/97809054525...0905452526/plp

Thank you. Hope all is well with you and yours as well.

Nothing yet listed, but I'll keep an eye on www.bookfinder.com for the Sandeman book. Yes, I realize his involvement in supplying the other items, and feel very strongly of his involvement in supply all three Highland battalions with cloth. And with his nearby bleachfield at Luncarty, his ability to remove any middleman could ensure maximum profits.

[Jeffrey]

For business records you might get lucky with:

• The Business Archived Council: https://www.businessarchivescouncil.org.uk/ - they promote the preservation of business records of historical importance etc.; or
• Graces Guide: https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/ - online resource for historic company information in the UK.
  

Maybe also worth trying Historic Environment Scotland https://www.historicenvironment.scot/ - they are the custodians of the Stanley Mills which Sandeman was involved with in the 1780s, perhaps they have some archive info on his other business interests or can give you some other ideas...

Thank you very much for your assistance, these are wonderful leads to pursue!

Jeffrey

[Jeffrey]

Jeffrey,

This is very interesting and potentially important research. Can we discuss via email please.
info@scottishtartans.co.uk please.

Peter

Peter,

Sent you an email as requested entitled, "William Sandeman research."

[Jeffrey]

Jeffrey,

Fred Lucas and Peter MacDonald are probably your best bet for assisting in this research.

David

Thank you, David. It's greatly appreciated. Hopefully we can figure this all out.

Jeffrey