two o'clock
It was well known that no blood had been shed at the robbery ; that all the money and effects had been recovered , except a mere trifle ; that Wilson had suffered severely in the seizure of his goods on several occasions by the revenue officers ; and that , however erroneous the idea , he thought himself justified in making reprisals . Besides , Wilson 's conduct had excited a very great sympathy in his favour ; and the crime for which he was condemned was considered very venial at that time by the populace , who hated the malt-tax , and saw no more harm in smuggling , or in robbing a collector of excise , than in any matter of trifling importance . The magistrates of Edinburgh , in order to defeat all attempts at a rescue , lodged the executioner the day previous in the Tolbooth , to prevent his being carried off ; the sentinels were doubled outside the prison ; the officers of the trained bands were ordered to attend the execution , likewise the city constables with their batons ; the whole city-guard , having ammunition distributed to them , were marched to the place of execution with screwed bayonets , and , to make all sure , at desire of the lord provost , a battalion of the Welch Fusiliers , commanded by commissioned officers , marched up the streets of the city , and took up a position on each side of the Lawnmarket ; whilst another body of that corps was placed under arms at the Canongate guard . A little before two o'clock , Porteous came to receive Wilson , the prisoner , from the captain of the city prison . He was in a terrible rage , first against Wilson , who had affronted his soldiers , and next against the mob , who were charmed with Wilson 's generous action in the church , and had favoured Robertson 's escape . They are always on the side of humanity and mercy , unless they are engaged themselves . Porteous was also infuriated because the Welch Fusiliers had been brought to the Canongate , as if he and his guard had not been sufficient to keep down any riot within the city .