This case concerns disputed elections for council in the Burgh of Elgin. John Duff, defender, and his group controlled the Burgh council up to the election in the Michaelmas 1770 term. Duff was provost of the burgh, with members of his group serving other positions on the council. In that 1770 election, Thomas Stephen, pursuer, won and became provost of the burgh of Elgin. Stephen was a member of a rival group. In the next election, the Michaelmas 1771 term, Duff and his group won the election and regained their positions on the council. Each group accused the other of resorting to riots, disturbances, bribery, and other improper means to affect the Michaelmas 1771 election.

Locations

Session Papers

Answers

Answers for John Duff Provost, Robert Leslie, John Jamieson and James Anderson, Bailies, George Simpson Dean of Guild, John Clark junior, Treasurer, Alexander Brodie, William Brodie, Adam Watson, Alexander Cook, William Robertson, Counsellors Joseph Wilson Conveener, John Baron and Alexander Gray Council-Deacons; all of the Burgh of Elgin, to the Petition and Complaint of Thomas Stephen Merchant and late Provost of Elgin, John Laing Merchant, one of the late Bailies, and Alexander Brander, sometime Bailie, and late Treasurer of said Burrgh

 		18 Dec 1771
Reply

Replies for Thomas Stephen senior, late Provost; John Laing, late Baillie; and Alexander Brander, late Treasurer, of the Burgh of Elgin, Complainers; to the Answers for John Duff, and others, pretended present Magistrates and Counsellors of the said Burgh

 		4 Jan 1772
Memorial

Memorial for Thomas Stephen, senior, late Provost of Elgin, and others; against John Duff, pretended Provost of that Burgh, and others

 		4 Aug 1772