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MOVEMENTS OF MONTEOSE AND BAILLIE. 209 as to prevent him from again taking the field. Montrose had advanced as far as Loch Kat- He therefore left Perth during the night of the rine, when a messenger brought him intelli- 7th of April, with his whole army, consisting gence that General Hurry was hi the Enzie of 2,000 foot and 500 horse, with the inten- with a considerable force, that he had been tion of falling upon Montrose by break of day, joined by some of the Moray-men, and, after before he should be aware of his presence ; but plundering and laying waste the country, was Montrose's experience had taught him the ne- preparing to attack Lord Gordon, who had not cessity of being always upon his guard when a sufficient force to oppose him. On receiving so near an enemy's camp, and, accordingly, he this information, Montrose resolved to proceed had drawn up his army, in anticipation of immediately to the north to save the Gordons Baillie's advance, in such order as would en- from the destruction which appeared to hang able hini either to give battle or retreat. over them, hoping that, with such accessions of As soon as he heard of Baillie's approach, force as he might olbtain in his march, united Montrose advanced with his horse to recon- with that under Lord Gordon, he would suc- noitre, and having ascertained the enemy's ceed in defeating Hurry before Baillie should strength and numbers, which were too formi- be aware of his movements.

dable to be encountered with his little band, He, therefore, returned through Balquidder, brave as they were, he gave immediate orders marched, with rapid strides, along the side of to his foot to retreat with speed up Strathearn, Loch Tay, through Athole and Angus, and, and to retire into the adjoining passes. To crossing the Grampian hills, proceeded down prevent them from being harassed in their re- the Strath of Glenmuck. In his march, Mon- treat by the enemy's cavalry, Montrose covered trose was joined by the Athole-men and the their rear with his small body of horse, sus- other Highlanders who had obtained, or rather taining a very severe attack, which he warmly taken leave of absence after the battle of Inver- repulsed. After a march of about eight miles, lochy, and also by Macdonald and his party. Montrose's troops arrived at the pass of Strath- On arriving in the neighbourhood of Auchin- earn, of which they took immediate possession, doun, he was met by Lord Gordon, at the head

and Baillie, thinking it useless to follow them of 1,000 foot and 200 horse. Montrose crossed into their retreat, discontinued the pursuit, and the Dee on the 1st of May, at the mill of retired with his army towards Perth. Mon- Crathie—having provided himself with ammu- trose passed the night on the banks of Loch nition from a ship in Aberdeen harbour—con- Earn, and marched next morning through Bal- tinued his march towards the Spey, and before quidder, where he was joined, at the ford of Hurry was even aware that the enemy had Cardross, by the Viscount Aboyne, the Master crossed the Grampians, he found them within nf Napier, Hay of Dalgetty, and Stirling of six miles of his camp. The sudden appear- Keir, who, along with the Earl of Nithsdale, ance of Montrose with such a superior force Lord Hemes, and others, had escaped from —for Hurry had only at this time about 1,000 Carlisle, as before stated. foot and 200 horse — greatly alarmed him, No sooner had Baillie returned from the and raising his camp, he crossed the Spey in pursuit of Montrose than intelligence was great haste, with the intention of marching brought him that Macdonald, with the 200 to Inverness, where he would be joined by the men which Montrose had left with him, had troops of the garrison, and receive large rein- burnt the town of Coupar-Angus,—that he had forcements from the neighbouring counties. wasted the lands of Lord Balmerino,—killed Montrose immediately pursued him, and fol- Patrick Lindsay, the minister of Coupar,—and lowed close upon his heels to the distance of finally, after routing some troopers of Lord 14 miles beyond Eorres, when, favoured by the Balcarras, and carrying off their horses and darkness of the night, Hurry effected his escape,

arms, had fled to the hills. This occurrence, with little loss, and arrived at Inverness. withdrawing the attention of Baillie from Mon- The panic into which Hurry had been thrown trose's future movements, enabled the latter to soon gave way to a very different feeling, as he proceed to the north without opposition. found the Earls of Seaforth and Sutherland 210 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS. with, their retainers, and the clan Eraser, and trose commanded this wing, he gave the royal others from Moray and Caithness, all assem- standard to Macdonald, intending, when they bled at Inverness, as he had directed. This should get entangled among the bushes and accession of force increased his army to 3,500 dikes, with which the ground to the right was foot and 400 horse. He therefore resolved to covered, to attack them himself with his left act on the offensive, hy giving "battle to Mon- wing; and to. enable him to do so the more trose immediately. effectually, he placed the whole of his horse Montrose had taken up a position at the vil- and the remainder of the foot on the left wing lage of Auldearn, about three miles south-east to the south of the village. The former he

from Nairn, on the morning after the pursuit. committed to the charge of Lord Gordon, re- In the course of the day, Hurry advanced with, serving the command of the latter to himself. all his forces, including the garrison of Inver- After placing a few chosen foot with some can-

ness, towards Nairn ; and, on ajsproaching non in front of the village, under cover of some Auldearn, formed his army in order of battle. dikes, Montrose firmly awaited the attack of Montrose's force, which had been greatly -weak- the enemy.

ened by the return of the Athole-men and Hurry divided his foot and liis horse each into other Highlanders to defend their country from two divisions. On the right wing of the main the depredations of Baillie's army, now con- body of the foot, which was commanded by sisted of only 1,500 foot and 250 horse. It Campbell of Lawers, Hurry placed the regular was not, therefore, without great reluctance, cavalry which he had brought from the south, that he resolved to risk a battle with an enemy and on the left the horse of Moray and the more than double in point of numbers, and north, under the charge of Captain Drummond.

composed in great part of veteran troops ; but, The other division of foot was placed behind pressed as he was by Hurry, and in danger of as a reserve, and commanded by Hurry himself. being attacked in his rear by Baillie, who was When Hurry observed the singular position advancing by forced marches to the north, he which Montrose had taken up, he was utterly

had no alternative but to hazard a general en- at a loss to guess his designs, and though it gagement. He therefore instantly looked about appeared to him, skilful as he was in the art of him for an advantageous position. war, a most extraordinary and novel sight, yet, The village of Auldearn stands upon a height, from the well known character of Montrose,

behind which, or on the east, is a valley, over- he was satisfied that Montrose's arrangements looked by a ridge of little eminences, running were the result of a deep laid scheme. But in a northerly direction, and which almost con- what especially excited the surprise of Hurry, ceals the valley from view. In this hollow was the appearance of the large yellow banner Montrose arranged his forces in order of battle. or royal standard in the midst of a small body Having formed them into two divisions, he of foot stationed among hedges and dikes posted the right wing on the north of the and stones, almost isolated from the horse village, at a place where there was a consider- and the main body of the foot. To attack able number of dikes and ditches. This body, this party, at the head of which he natu- which consisted of 400 men, chiefly Irish, was rally supposed Montrose was, was his first

placed under the command of Macdonald. . On object. This was precisely what Montrose

taking their stations, Montrose gave them strict had wished ; his snare proved successful. injunctions not to leave their position on any With the design of overwhelming at once account, as they were effectually protected by the right whig, Hurry despatched towards

the walls around them, not only from the at- it the best of his horse and all his vet- tacks of cavalry, but of foot, and could, with- eran troops, who made a furious attack out much danger to themselves, keep up a upon Macdonald's party, the latter defending galling and destructive fire upon their assailants. themselves bravely behind the dikes and In order to attract the best troops of the bushes. The contest continued for some time enemy to this difficult spot where they could on the right with varied success, and Hurry, not act, and to make them believe that Mon- who had plenty of men to spare, relieved those BATTLE OF AULDEABN. 211

who were engaged by fresh troops. Montrose, Montrose's mouth, when he ordered his men to who kept a steady eye upon the motions of charge the enemy. When his men were ad- the enemy, and watched a favourable oppor- vancing to the charge, Captain or Major Drum- tunity for mating a grand attack upon them mond, who commanded Hurry's horse, made with the left wing, was just preparing to carry an awkward movement by wheeling about his his design into execution, when a confidential men, and his horse coming in contact with the person suddenly rode up to him and whispered foot, broke their ranks and occasioned consid- in his ear that the right wing had been put erable confusion. Lord Gordon seeing this,

to flight. immediately rushed in upon Drummond's horse

This intelligence was not, however, quite with his party and put them to flight. Mon- correct. It seems that Macdonald who, says trose followed hard with the foot, and attacked Wishart, " was a brave enough man, but rather the main body of Hurry's army, which he a better soldier than a general, extremely routed after a powerful resistance. The vet- violent, and daring even to rashness," had been erans in Hurry's army, who had served in so provoked with the taunts and insults of the Ireland, fought manfully, and chose rather to enemy, that in spite of the express orders he be cut down standing in their ranks than re-

had received from Montrose on no account to treat ; but the new levies from Moray, Boss, leave his position, he had unwisely advanced Sutherland, and Caithness, fled in great con-

beyond it to attack the enemy, and though he sternation. They were pursued for several had been several times repulsed he returned to miles, and might have been all killed or cap- the charge. But he was at last borne down tured if Lord Aboyne had not, by an unneces- by the great numerical' superiority of the sary display of ensigns and standards, which taken from the enemy, attracted the . enemy's horse and foot, consisting of veteran he had troops, and forced to retire in great disorder notice of the pursuers, who halted for some into an adjoining enclosure. Nothing, how- time under the impression that a fresli party of ever, could exceed the admirable manner in the enemy was coming up to attack them. In which he managed this retreat, and the courage this way Hurry and some of his troops, who he displayed while leading off his men. De- were the last to leave the field of battle, as well fending his body with a large target, he resisted, as the other fugitives, escaped from the impend- single-handed, the assaults of the enemy, and ing danger, and arrived at Inverness the fol-

was the last man to leave the field. So closely lowing morning. As the loss of this battle indeed was he pressed by Hurry's spearmen, was mainly owing to Captain Drummond, he that some of them actually came so near hint was tried by a court-martial at Inverness, and

as to fix their spears in liis target, which he condemned to be shot, a sentence which was cut off by threes or fours at a time with his carried into immediate execution. He was

broadsword. 3 accused of having betrayed the army, and it is

It was during this retreat that Montrose re- said that he admitted that after the battle had ceived the intelligence of the flight of the right commenced he had spoken with the enemy. 4 wing; but he preserved his usual presence of The number of killed on both sides has been mind, and to encourage his men, who might variously stated. That on the side of the Cove- get alarmed at hearing such news, he thus nanters has been reckoned by one writer at addressed Lord Gordon, loud enough to be 1,000,5 by another 6 at 2,000, and by a third heard by his troops, " What are we doing, my at 3,000 men. 7 Montrose, on the other hand,

Lord? Our friend Macdonald has routed the is said by the first of these authors to have lost enemy on the right and is carrying all before about 200 men, while the second says that he him. Shall we look on and let him carry off had only " some twenty-four gentlemen hurt, the whole honour of the day? " A crisis had and some few Irish killed," and Wishart informs arrived, and not a moment was to be lost. us that Montrose only missed one private man Scarcely, therefore, were the words out of

Gordon's Continuation, p. 525. Idem. 3 Wisbart, p. 136. Spalding. ' Wishart. 211 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

on the left, aud that the right wing, commanded treat in a similar way the town of Garmoutb, by Macdonald, " lost only fourteen private belonging to the laird of Innes. men." The clans who had joined Hurry suf- While these proceedings were going on, fered considerably, particularly the Frasers, Montrose sent his whole baggage, booty, and who, besides unmarried men, are said to have warlike stores across the Spey, which he him- left dead on the field no less than 87 married self crossed upon the 14th of May, proceeding men. Among the principal covenanting offi- to Birkenbog, the seat of " a great Covenanter," cers who were slain were Colonel Campbell of where he took up his head quarters. He quar Lawers, Sir John and Sir Gideon Murray, and tered his men in the neighbourhood, and, dur- Colonel James Campbell, with several other ing a short stay at Birkenbog, he sent out officers of inferior note. The laird of Lawers's different parties of his troops to scour the coun- brother, Archibald Campbell, and a few other try, and take vengeance on the Covenanters.

officers, were taken prisoners. Captain Mac- When General Baillie first heard of the de- donald and William Macpherson of Invereschie feat of his colleague, Hurry, at Auldearn, be were the only persons of any note killed on was lying at Cromar, with his army. He had,

Montrose's side. Montrose took several pri- in the beginning of May, after Montrose's de- soners, whom, with the wounded, he treated parture to the north, entered Athole, which lie with great kindness. Such of the former as had wasted with fire and sword, and had made expressed their sorrow for having joined the an attempt upon the strong castle of Blair, in ranks of the Covenanters he released—others which many of the prisoners taken at the who were disposed to join him he received into battle of Inverlochy were confined ; but, not his army, but such as remained obstinate he im- succeeding in his enterprise, he had, after col- prisoned. Besides taking 16 standards from lecting an immense booty, marched through the enemy, Montrose got possession of the Athole, and, passing by Kirriemuir and Fetter- whole of their baggage, provisions, and ammu- cairn, encamped on the Birse on the 10th of nition, and a considerable quantity of money May. His force at this time amounted to and valuable effects. The battle of Auldearn about 2,000 foot and 1 20 troopers. On the fol- was fought on the 4th of May, according to lowing day he had marched to Cromar, where Wishart, 8 and on the 9th according to others,9 he encamped between the Kirks of Coull ami in the year 1645. Tarlan till he should be joined by Lord Bal- The immense disproportion between the carras's horse regiment. In a short time he numbers of the slain on the side of the Cove- was joined, not only by Balcarras's regiment, nanters and that of the prisoners taken by but by two foot regiments. The ministers en- Montrose evidently shows that very little quar- deavoured to induce the country people also to ter had been given, the cause of which is said join Baillie, by " thundering out of pulpits," tc have been the murder of James Gordon, but " they lay still," says Spalding, " and younger of Rhiny, who was killed by a party would not follow him." 3 from the garrison of Spynie, and by some of As soon as Baillie heard of the defeat of the inhabitants of Elgin, at Struders, near Hurry, he raised his camp at Cromar, upon the Forres, where he had been left in consequence 19th of May, and hastened north. He arrived of a severe wound he had received in a skir- at the wood of Cochlarachie, within two miles

mish during Hurry's first retreat to Inverness. 1 of Strathbogie, before Montrose was aware of

But Montrose revenged himself still farther by his approach. Here he was joined by Hurry, advancing to Elgin and burning the houses of who, with some horse from Inverness, had all those who had been concerned in the mur- passed themselves off as belonging to Lord der, at the same time sending out a party 2 to Gordon's party, and had thus been permitted to go through Montrose's lines without oppo-

sition. * Montrose Redivwus, p. 73. 9 Spalding, vol. ii, p. 473. Pritane's Distemper, It was on the 19th of May, when lying at p. 127. 1 Gordon's Continuation, p. 525. 2 3 Spalding, vol. ii. p. 474. Spalding, vol. ii. p. 47fi. MONTEOSE EETEEATS BEFORE BAILLIE. 213

Iiirkeubog, that Montrose received the intelli- from which country Montrose could, without gence of BaiEie's arrival in the neighbourhood molestation, draw suppEes of both men and of Strathbogie. Although Montrose's men had provisions. To attack Montrose in his strong- not yet whoEy recovered from the fatigues of hold was out of the question; but, in the hope

their late extraordinary march and subsequent of withdrawing him from it, Baillie encamped labours, and although their numbers had been his army hard by. Montrose lay quite secure reduced since the battle of Auldearn, by the in his weU-chosen position, from which he departure of some of the Highlanders with the sent out parties who, skirmishing by day, and booty they had acquired, they felt no disinclina- beating up the quarters of the enemy during tion to engage the enemy, but, on the contrary, the night, so harassed and frightened them, were desirous of coming to immediate action. that they were obliged to retreat to Inverness, But Montrose, although he had the utmost con- after a stay of a few days, a measure which fidence in the often tried courage of his troops, was rendered stiU more necessary from the

judged it more expedient to avoid an engage- want of provisions and of provender for the ment at present, and to retire, in the meantime, horses. Leaving Inverness, BailHe crossed the into his fastnesses to recruit his exhausted Spey, and proceeded to Aberdeenshire, arriving strength, than risk another battle with a fresh on the 3d of June at Newton, in the Garioch,

force, greatly superior to his own. In order to " where he encamped, destroying the country, deceive the enemy as to his intentions, he ad- and cutting the green growing crops to the vanced, the same day, upon Strathbogie, and, very clod." 4 within view of their camp, began to make in- Having got quit of the presence of Baillie's

trenchments, and raise fortifications, as if pre- army, Montrose resolved to make a descent paring to defend himself. But as soon as the into Angus, and attack the Earl of Crawford, darkness of the night prevented Baillie from who lay at the castle of Newtyle with an army discovering his motions, Montrose inarched of reserve to support Baillie, and to prevent rapidly up the south side of the Spey with his Montrose from crossing the Forth, and carrying foot, leaving his horse behind him, with in- the war into the south. This nobleman, who structions to follow him as soon as daylight stood next to Aigyle, as head of the Cov- began to appear. enanters, had often complained to the Estates Baillie had passed the night in the confident against Argyle, whose rival he was, for his

expectation of a battle next day, but was sur- inactivity and pusiEanimity ; and having in- prised to learn the following morning that not sinuated that he would have acted a very a vestige of Montrose's army was to be seen. different part had the command of such an Montrose had taken the route to Balveny, army as Argyle had, been intrusted to him, which having been ascertained by Baillie, he he had the address to obtain the command immediately prepared to follow. He, accord- of the army now under him, which had ingly, crossed the Spey, and after a rapid been newly raised; but the earl was without march, almost overtook the retiring foe in military experience, and quite unfit to cope Glenlivet; but Montrose, having outdistanced with Montrose. his pursuers by several miles before night came Proceeding through Badenoch, Montrose on, got the start of them so completely, that crossed the Grampians, and arrived by rapid they were quite at a loss next morning to marches on the banks of the river Airly, within ascertain the route he had taken, and could seven miles of Crawford's camp, but was pre-

only guess at it by observing the traces of his vented from giving battle by the desertion of footsteps on the grass and the heather over the Gordons and their friends, who almost all which he had passed. FoUowing, therefore, returned to their country. the course thus pointed out, Baillie came again He now formed the resolution to attack in sight of Montrose; but he found that he Baillie himself, but before he could venture on

had taken up a position, which, whilst it almost such a bold step, he saw that there was an defied approach from its rocky and woody situ-

4 ation, commanded the entrance into Badenoch, Spalding, vol. ii. p. 479. 214 GENERAL HISTOEY OE THE HIGHLANDS. absolute necessity of making some additions the covenanting general was led to believe that to his force. With this view he sent Sir Montrose intended to march to the south, and Nathaniel Gordon, an influential cavalier, into he was, therefore, advised by a committee of the north before him, to raise the Gordons and the Estates which alwajrs accompanied him, the other royalists; and, on his march north and in whose hands he appears to have been a through Glenshee and the Braes of Mar, Mon- mere passive instrument, to pursue Montrose. trose despatched Macdonald into the remoter As soon as Montrose's scouts brought intelli- Highlands with a party to bring him, as speedily gence that Baillie was advancing, he set off by as possible, all the forces he could. Judging break of clay to the village of Alford on the that the influence and authority of Lord Gordon river Don, where he intended to await the might greatly assist Sir Nathaniel, he sent him enemy. When Baillie was informed of tins after him, and Montrose himself encamped in movement, he imagined that Montrose was in the country of Cromar, waiting for the expected full retreat before him, a supposition which reinforcements. encouraged him so to hasten his march, that In the meantime, Baillie lay in camp on he came up with Montrose at noon at the dis- Dee-side, in the lower part of Mar, where he tance of a few miles from Alford. Montrose, was joined by Crawford; but he showed no thereupon, drew up Ms army in order of battle disposition to attack Montrose, who, from the on an advantageous rising ground and waited inferiority, in point of number, of his forces, for the enemy ; but instead of attacking him, retired to the old castle of Kargarf. Crawford Baillie made a detour to the left with the did not, however, remain long with Baillie; intention of getting into Montrose's Tear and but, exchanging a thousand of his raw recruits cutting off his retreat. Montrose then conti for a similar number of Baillie's veterans, he nued his march to Alford, where he passed the returned with these, and the remainder of his night. army, through the Mearns into Angus, as if he On the following morning, the 2d of July, intended some mighty exploit; he, thereafter, the two armies were only the distance of about entered Athole, and in imitation of Argyle, four miles from each other. Montrose drew plundered and burnt the country. up his troops on a little hill behind the village Eaising his camp, Baillie marched towards of Alford. In his rear was a marsh full of Strathbogie to lay siege to the Marquis of ditches and pits, which would protect him Huntly's castle, the Bog of Gight, now Gordon from the inroads of Baillie's cavalry should castle; but although Montrose had not yet they attempt to assail in that quarter, and in received any reinforcements, he resolved to his front stood a steep hill, which prevented follow Baillie and prevent him from putting the enemy from observing his motions. He his design into execution. But Montrose had gave the command of the right wing to Lord marched scarcely three miles when he was Gordon and Sir Nathaniel ; the left he com- observed by Baillie's scouts, and at the same mitted to Viscount Aboyne and Sir William the time ascertained that Baillie had taken up a Bollock ; and the main body was put under strong position on a rising ground above Keith, charge of Angus Macvichalaster, chief of the

about two miles off. Next morning Montrose, Macdonells of Glengarry, Drummond younger

not considering it advisable to attack Baillie of Balloch, and Quarter-master George Graham,

in the strong position he occupied, sent a a skilful officer. To Napier his nephew, Mon- trumpeter to him offering to engagi him on trose intrusted a body of reserve, which was open ground, but Baillie answered the hostile concealed behind the hill. message by saying, that he would not receive Scarcely had Montrose completed his ar- orders for fighting from his enemy. 5 rangements, when he received intelligence that In this situation of matters, Montrose had the enemy had crossed the Don, and was mov- recourse to stratagem to draw Baillie from his ing in the direction of Alford. This was a stronghold. By retiring across the river Don, fatal step on the part of Baillie, who, it is said, was forced into battle by the rashness of Lord

5 " Wishart, p. 145. Balcarras, one of the bravest men of tho ;

BATTLE OF ALFOBD. 215 kingdom," 6 who unnecessarily placed himself the horse, who were engaged with the enemy, and his regiment in a position of such danger to retreat to their former position, in the expec- that they could not be rescued without expos- tation that Baillie's troops would leave their ing the whole of the covenanting army. 7 ground and follow them. -And in this hope When Baillie arrived in the valley adjoining he was not disappointed, for the Covenanters the hill on which Montrose had taken up his thinking that this movement of the horse was position, both armies remained motionless for merely the prelude to a retreat, advanced from some time, viewing each other, as if unwilling their secure position, and followed the supposed to begin the combat. Owing to the command- fugitives with their whole horse and foot hi ing position which Montrose occupied, the regular order. Covenanters could not expect to gain any Both armies now came to close quarters, and advantage by attacking him even with superior fought face to face and man to man with great forces ; but now, for the first time, the number obstinacy for some time, without either party of the respective armies was about equal, and receding from the ground they occupied. At Montrose had this advantage over his adver- length Sir jSTathaniel Gordon, growing impa- sary, that while Baillie's army consisted in tient at such a protracted resistance, resolved part of the raw and undisciplined levies which to cut his way through the enemy's left wing, the Earl of Crawford had exchanged for some consisting of Lord Balcarras's regiment of horse of his veteran troops, the greater part of Mon- and calling to the light musketeers who lined trose's men had been long accustomed to ser- his horse, he ordered them to throw aside their vice. These circumstances determined Baillie muskets, which were now unnecessary, and to not to attempt the ascent of the hill, but to attack the enemy's horse with their drawn remain in the valley, where, in the event of a swords. This order was immediately obeyed, descent by Montrose, his superiority in cavalry and in a short time they cut a passage through would give him the advantage. the ranks of the enemy, whom they hewed This state of inaction was, however, soon down with great slaughter. "When the horse put an end to by Lord Gordon, who observing which composed Baillie's right wing, and which a party of Baillie's troops driving away before had been kept in check by Lord Aboyne, per- them a large quantity of cattle which they had ceived that their left had given way, they also collected in Strathbogie and the Enzie, and retreated. 8 An attempt was made by the being desirous of recovering the property of covenanting general to rally his left wing by his countrymen, selected a body of horse, with bringing up the right, after it had retired, to which he attempted a rescue. The assailed its support, but they were so alarmed at the party was protected by some dykes and enclo- spectacle or melee which they had just witnessed sures, from behind which they fired a volley on the left, where their comrades had been cut upon the Gordons, which did considerable down by the broad swords of Montrose's execution amongst them. Such a cool and musketeers, that they could not be induced to determined reception, attended with a result take the place of their retiring friends. so disastrous and unexpected, might have been Thus abandoned by the horse, Baillie's foot attended by dangerous consequences, had not were attacked on all sides by Montrose's forces. Montrose, on observing the party of Lord Gor- They fought with uncommon bravery, and don giving indications as if undetermined how although they were cut down in great numbers,

to act, resolved immediately to commence a the survivors exhibited a perseverance and general attack upon the enemy with his whole determination to resist to the last extremity.

army. But as Baillie's foot had intrenched An accident now occurred, which, whilst it themselves amongst the dykes and fences which threw a melancholy gloom over the fortunes of covered the ground at the bottom of the hill, the day, and the spirits of Montrose's men, and could not be attacked in that position served to hasten the work of carnage and death. with success, Montrose immediately ordered This was the fall of Lord Gordon, who having

7 8 11 Distemper, 129. Wishait, 147. Wishnrt, 149. flritane's p. p. I p. ,

210 GENEBAL H1STOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

incautiously rushed in amongst the thickest of Some prisoners were taken froLi them, but

the enemy, was unfortunately shot dead, it is their number was small, owing to their obsti- said, 9 when in the act of pulling Baillie, the nacy in refusing quarter. These were sent to

covenanting general, from his horse, having, it Strathbogie under an escort.

is said, in a moment of exultation, promised The brilliant victory was, however, clouded to his men, to drag Baillie out of the ranks by the death of Lord Gordon, " a very and present hini before them. The Gordons, hopeful young gentleman, able of mind and

on perceiving their young chief fall, set no body, about the age of twenty-eight years." 2 bounds to their fury, and falling upon the Wishart gives an affecting description of the enemy with renewed vigour, hewed them down feelings of Montrose's army when this amiable

without mercy yet these brave still r oung nobleman was killed. " There was," he ; men 3 showed no disposition to flee, and it was not says, " a general lamentation for the loss of until the appearance of the reserve under the the Lord Gordon, whose death seemed to

Master of Napier, which had hitherto been eclipse all the glory of the victory. As the kept out of view of the enemy at the back of report spread among the soldiers, eveiy one the hill, that their courage began to fail them. appeared to be struck dumb with the melan- When this body began to descend the hill, choly news, and a universal silence prevailed accompanied by what- appeared to them a fresh for some time through the army. However, reinforcement of cavalry, but which consisted their grief soon burst through all restraint, merely of the camp or livery boys, who had venting itself in the voice of lamentation and mounted the sumpter-horses to make a display sorrow. When the first transports were over, for the purpose of alarming the enemy, the the soldiers exclaimed against heaven and entire remaining body of the covenanting foot earth for bereaving the king, the kingdom, and

fled with precipitation. hot pursuit took r A themselves, of such an excellent J oung noble- place, and so great was the slaughter that very man; and, unmindful of the victory or of the few of them escaped The covenanting general plunder, they thronged about the body of their and his principal officers were saved by the dead captain, some weeping over his wounds fleetness of their horses, and the Marquis of and kissing his lifeless limbs; while others Argyle, who had accompanied Baillie as a praised his comely appearance even in death, member of the committee, and who was closely and extolled his noble mind, which was en- pursued by Glengarry and some of his High- riched with every valuable qualification that

landers, made a narrow escape by repeatedly could adorn his high birth or ample fortune : changing horses. they even cursed the victory bought at so dear

Thus ended one of the best contested battles a rate. Nothing could have supported the which Montrose had yet fought, yet strange as army under this immense sorrow but the pre- the fact may appear, his loss was, as usual, sence of Montrose, whose safety gave them extremely trifling, Lord Gordon being the only joy, and not a little revived their drooping person of importance slain. A considerable spirits. In the meantime he could not com- number of Montrose's men, however, were mand his grief, but mourned bitterly over the wounded, part icularly the Gordons, who, for a melancholy fate of his only and dearest friend long time, sustained the attacks of Balcarras's grievously complaining, that one who was the horse, amongst whom were Sir Nathaniel, and honour of his nation, the ornament of the Scots Gordon, younger of Gicht. 1 The loss on the nobility, and the boldest asserter of the royal side of the Covenanters was immense ; by far authority in the north, had fallen in the flowei the greater part of their foot, and a consider- of his youth." 3 able number of their cavalry having been slain. The victories of Montrose in Scotland were more than counterbalanced by those of the

parliamentary forces in England. Under dif- This incident is extremely doubtful ; it appears to be mentioned only in the Red Bonk of Clanranald, ferent circumstances, the success at Alford while no mention is made of it in Gordon of Sallagb, Wishart, or Gordon of Euthven. 1 Gordon's Continuation, p. 526. Idem. Memoirs, p. 132. BAILLIE AND BALCARRAS RECEIVE A VOTE OE THANKS. 217 might have been attended with consequences occurred in the whole course of Ms campaigns, the most important to the royal cause ; hut the and it may appear strange that Montrose did defeat of the long on the 14th of June, at not attempt to put an end to it; but the tenure Naseby, had raised the hojjes of the Cove- by which he held the services of these hardy nanters, and prepared their minds to receive mountaineers being that they should be allowed the tidings of Baillie's defeat with coolness and their wonted privileges, any attempt to deviate moderation. from their established customs would have been Upon the day on which the battle of Alford an immediate signal for desertion.. was fought, the parliament had adjourned to As it would have been imprudent in Mon- Stirling from Edinburgh, on account of a trose, with forces thus impaired, to have fol- destructive pestilence which had reached the lowed the fugitives, who would receive fresh capital from Newcastle, by way of Kelso. succours from the south, he, after allowing his Thither General Baillie, Lord Balcarras, and men some time to refresh themselves, marched the committee of Estates, which had accompa- to Aberdeen, where he celebrated the funeral nied the covenanting army, repaired, to lay a obsequies of his valued friend, Lord Gordon, statement of the late disaster before the par- with becoming dignity. liament, and to receive instructions as to their The district of Buchan in Aberdeenshire, future conduct. With the exception of Baillie, which, from its outlying situation, had hitherto they were well received. Balcarras, who had escaped assessment for the supply of the hostile particularly distinguished himself in the battle armies, was at this time subjected to the sur- at the head of his horse, received a vote of veillance of Montrose, who despatched a party thanks, and a similar acknowledgment was, from Aberdeen into that country to collect all after some hesitation, awarded to Baillie, not- the horses they could find for the use of his withstanding some attempts made to prejudice army, and also to obtain recruits. About the the parliament against him. But the fact was, same time the Marquis of Hivntly, who had they could not dispense in the present emer- been living in Strathnaver for some time, hav- gency with an officer of the military talents of ing heard of the death of his eldest son, Lord Baillie, who, instead of shrinking from respon- Gordon, meditated a return to his own country, sibility for the loss of the battle of Alford, intending to throw the influence of his name offered to stand trial before a court martial, and authority into the royal scale. But as he and to justify liis conduct on that occasion. might be exposed to danger in passing through To have withheld, therefore, the usual token of countries which were hostile to the royal approbation from him, while bestowing it upon cause, it was arranged between Montrose and an inferior officer, would have been to fix a Viscount Aboyne, who had just been created stigma upon him which he was not disposed to an earl, that the latter should proceed to Strath- brook consistently with the retention of the naver, with a force of 2,000 men to escort his command of the army; and as the parliament father south. This expedition was, however, resolved to renew his commission, by appoint- abandoned, in consequence of intelligence ing him to the command of the army then having been brought to Montrose that the being concentrated at Perth, they afterwards Covenanters were assembling in great strength professed their unqualified satisfaction with at Perth. him. The parliament which, as we have seen, had After the battle of Alford the army of Mon- left Edinburgh, and gone to Stirling on account, trose was considerably diminished, in conse- of the pestilence, had been obliged, in conse- quence of the Highlanders, according to cus- quence of its appearance in Stirling, to adjourn tom, taking leave of absence, and returning to Perth, where it was to meet on the 24th of home with the spoil they had taken from the July; but before leaving Stirling, they ordered enemy. This singular, though ordinary prac- a levy of 10,000 foot to be raised in the coun- tice, contributed more to paralyze the exertions ties to the south of the Tay; and to insure due of Montrose, and to prevent him from follow- obedience to this mandate, all noblemen, gen- ing up his succasses, than any event which tlemen, and heritors, were required to attend 218 GENEEAL HISTOEY OE THE HIGHLANDS.

at Perth on or before that day, well mounted, But the want of cavalry, in which he was con and to bring with them such forces as they stantly deficient, formed a bar to this plan, could raise, under a heavy penalty. 4 and Montrose was, therefore, obliged to defer

On leaving Aberdeen, Montrose took up his Iris project till he should be joined by the quarters at Crabston, situated a few miles from Earls of Aboyne and Airly, whom he expected Aberdeen, between the rivers Don and Dee, soon with a considerable body of horse. In where he remained for some time in the expec- the meantime, Montrose crossed the Tay at tation of being joined by reinforcements from Dunkeld, and encamped at Amulree. The the Highlands under Major-general Macdonald, covenanting army, with the exception of the who had been absent about two months from garrison of Perth, was then lying on the south the army in quest of recruits. As, however, side of the Earn, and a body of 400 horse was these expected succours did not arrive within posted near the town, for the protection of the the time expected, Montrose, impatient of Estates or parliament. delay, crossed the Dee, and marching over the This movement, on the part of Montrose, Grampians, descended into the Mearns, and created some alarm in the minds of the Cove- pitched his camp at Fordoun in Eancardine- nanters, which was greatly increased by a shire. report from their horse, stationed in the neigh- Proceeding on his march through Angus and bourhood of the town, who, seeing some of his

Blairgowrie to Dunkeld, Montrose had the scouts approach it, had fancied that he was

good fortune to be successively joined by his going to storm it. While this panic was at its cousin, Patrick Graham of Inchbrakie, at the height, Montrose, who had no intention of head of the brave Athole Highlanders, and by attacking the town, raised his camp, and took Macdonald, his major-general, who brought up a position in the wood of Methven, about with him the chief of the Macleans, and five miles from Perth. During this movement, about 700 of that clan, all animated by a the town was thrown into a state of the greatest strong feeling of animosity against Argyle and consternation, from an apprehension that Mon-

his partisans. He was also joined by John trose was about to attack it, and the nobility Muidartach, the celebrated captain of the and the other members of the parliament were Clanranald, at the head of 500 of his men; earnestly solicited to secure their safety by a .by the Macgregors and Macnabs, headed speedy flight, but the Estates remained firm, by their respective chieftains; by the Clan- and could not be persuaded to abandon their donald, under the command of the uncles of posts. In order, if possible, still farther, to Glengarry and other officers, Glengarry him- increase the panic in the town, Montrose ad-

self, " who," says Bishop Wishart, " deserves vanced almost to the very gates of Perth with a singular commendation for his bravery and his horse the following day, which, although steady loyalty to the king, and his peculiar not exceeding 100, were made to appear for- attachment to Montrose," 5 having never left midable by the addition of the baggage-horses, Montrose since he joined him at the time of on which some musketeers were mounted. his expedition into Argyle. Besides all these, This act of bold defiance magnified the fears the Stewarts of Appin, some of the Farquhar- of those who were in the town, and made them sons of Braemar, and small parties of inferior imagine that Montrose was well provided in clans from Badenoch, rallied round the standard cavalry. The covenanting troops, therefore, of Montrose. were afraid to venture beyond the gates; and Having obtained these reinforcements, Mon- Montrose having thus easily accomplished his

trose now formed the design of marching upon object, was encouraged, still farther, to cross Perth, and breaking up the parliament which the Earn at Dupplin, when he openly recon- had there assembled, and thereafter of pro- noitred the enemy's army on the south of that

ceeding to the south, and dissipating the levies river, and surveyed the Strath with great deli- which were being raised beyond the Tay. beration and coolness, without interruption. Both armies remained in their positions for

Guthrie's Memoirs, p. 150. Memoirs, p. 155. several days without attempting any thing. MONTBOSE BETBEATS TO DUNKELD. 219 each waiting for reinforcements. During all cautioua in their advances, and caused them to this time, the enemy had been deceived re- resolve upon an immediate retreat ; but the specting the strength of Montrose's horse, but marksmen were so elated with their success having learned his weakness in that respect, that they actually pursued them down into the and the deception which he had practised so plain, " and resolutely attacked the whole party, successfully upon them, and being joined by who, putting spurs to their horses, fled with three regiments from Eife, they resolved to the utmost precipitation, like so many deer offer him battle. Montrose, however, from his before the hunters." 7 In this retreat Montrose great inferiority of numbers, particularly in did not lose a single man. horse, was not in a condition to accept the After giving over this fruitless pursuit, the challenge, and wisely declined it. Accordingly, enemy returned to Montrose's camp at Meth- when he saw the enemy advancing towards ven, where, according to Wishart, they com- him, he prepared to retreat among the neigh- mitted a most barbarous act in revenge of their bouring mountains; but to deceive the enemy, late affront, by butchering some of the wives of and to enable him to carry off his baggage, he the Highlanders and Irish who had been left drew out his army as if he intended to fight, behind. Montrose took up his quarters at placing his horse in front, and securing the Little Dunkeld, both because he was there per- passes into the mountains with guards. While fectly secure from the attacks of the enemy's making these dispositions, he sent off his cavalry, and because it was a convenient sta- baggage towards the hills under an escort; and tion to wait for the reinforcements of horse when he thought the baggage out of danger, which he daily expected from the north under gave orders to his army to march off in close the Earls of Airly and Aboyne. Although rank ; and to cover its retreat and protect it both armies lay close together for several days, from the cavalry of the enemy, he placed his nothing was attempted on either side. The horse, L'ned as usual with the best musketeers, covenanting general had become quite disgusted in the rear. with the service in consequence of the jealousies As soon as Baillie, the covenanting general, and suspicions which it was too evident the perceived that Montrose was in full retreat, he committee entertained of him. His disgust was despatched General Hurry with the cavalry in increased by the sudden return to their country pursuit of him ; but from a most unaccountable of the Eife men, who preferred their domestic delay on Hurry's part in crossing the Pow—so comforts to the vicissitudes of war, but who slow, indeed, had his movements been, that unfortunately were, as we shall soon see, to be Baillie's foot overtook him at the fords of the sacrificed at its shrine. Almond—Montrose had almost reached the At length the Earl of Aboyne, accompanied passes of the mountains before he was over- by Sir Nathaniel Gordon, arrived at Little taken. Chagrined at his easy escape, and Dunkeld, but with a force much inferior in determined to perform some striking exploit numbers to what was expected. They only before Montrose should retire into his fastnesses, brought 200 horse and 120 musketeers, which a body of 300 of the best mounted covenanting last were mounted upon carriage horses. The cavalry set off at full gallop after him, and smallness of their number was compensated, attacked him with great fury, using at the however, in a great measure by their steadiness same time the most insulting and abusive lan- and bravery. The Earl of Airly and his son, guage. To put an end to this annoyance, Mon- Sir David Ogilvie, joined Montrose at the same trose selected twenty expert Highlanders, and time, along with a troop of SO horse, consisting requested them to bring down some of the chiefly of gentlemen of the name of Ogilvie, assailants. Accordingly these marksmen ad- among whom was Alexander Ogilvie, son of vanced in a crouching attitude, concealing their Sir John Ogilvie of Innerquharity, a young guns, and having approached within musket- man who had already distinguished himself in shot, took deliberate aim, and soon brought the field. down the more advanced of the party. This

7 unexpected disaster made the assailants more Wishart's Memoirs, p. 159. 220 GENERAL HISTOKY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Never, at any former period of Lis eventful cliiefs, among whom stood conspicuous the re- career, did the probabilities of ultimate suc- nowned captain of clan Eanald, in himself a cess on the side of Montrose appear greater host. The clans were animated by a feeling than now. His army, ardent and devoted to of the most unbounded attachment to what the royal cause, now amounted to nearly they considered the cause of their chiefs, and 5,000 foot and about 500 horse, the greater by a deadly spirit of revenge for the cruelties part of which consisted of brave and experi- which the Covenanters under Argyle had exer- enced warriors whom he had often led to cised in the Highlands. The Macleans and victory. A considerable portion of his army the Athole Highlanders in particular, longed was composed of some of the most valiant for an opportunity of retaliating upon the cove- of the Highland clans, led by their respective nanting partisans of Argyle the injuries which

Perth in the 17th century.— From Slezer's Thealrum Scotice (1693). they had repeatedly received at his hands, and Baillie, and the defeat or destruction of this thereby wiping out the stain which, as they body now became the immediate object of conceived, had been cast upon them. But for- Montrose. His resolution to attack the enemy tunate as Montrose now was in having such an was hastened by the receipt of information that array at his disposal, the chances in his favour the Fife regiments had left Baillie's camp and were greatly enhanced by the circumstance, that returned home, and that the general himself wnereas in his former campaigns he had to was so dissatisfied with the conduct of the watch the movements of different armies, and covenanting committee, who thwarted all his to fight them in detail, he was now enabled, plans and usurped his authority, that he was from having annihilated or dispersed the whole about to resign the command of the army. armies formerly opposed to him, to concentrate Montrose, therefore, without loss of time, his strength and to direct all his energies to raised his camp, and descending into the Low- one point. The only bar which now stood in lands, arrived at Logie Almond, where he the way of the entire subjugation of Scotland halted his foot. Thence he went out with his to the authority of the king, was the army of cavalry to reconnoitre the enemy, and came in BAILLIE JOINED BY THE MEN OF FIFE. 221

fall view of them before sunset. They made and were ready to fight for the Covenant on no attempt to molest him, and testified their their own soil, yet living for the most part in dread of this unexpected visit by retiring within towns, and following out the sober pursuits of

their Hues. Early next morning Montrose a quiet and domestic life, they had no relish again rode out to make his observations, but for war, and disliked the service of the camp. was surprised to learn that the enemy had Hence the sppedy return of the Fife regiments abandoned their camp at Methven during the from the camp at Methven, to their own coun- night, and had Tetired across the Earn, and try, and hence another reason which induced taken up a position at Kilgraston, near Bridge- Montrose to leave their unfriendly soil, viz., of-Earn. Montrose immediately put his army that they would probably again abandon Baillie, in -motion towards the Earn, which he crossed should he attempt to follow Montrose in his by the bridge of Nether Gask, about eight progress west. miles above Kilgraston. He then proceeded Accordingly, after remaining a night at Kin- forward as far as the Kirk of Dron, by which ross, Montrose, the following morning, marched movement he for the first time succeeded in towards Alloa, in the neighbourhood of which throwing open to the operations of his army the he arrived in the evening, and passed the night whole of the country south of the Tay, from in the wood of Tullybody. The Irish plundered which the enemy had hitherto carefully ex- the town of Alloa, and the adjoining lordship, cluded him. The enemy, alarmed at Montrose's which belonged to the Earl of Mar ; but not- approach, made every preparation for defending withstanding this unprovoked outrage, the earl themselves by strengthening the position in and Lord Erskine gave Montrose, the Earl of which the\r were intrenched, and which, from Airly, and the principal officers of the army, the narrowness of the passes and the nature of an elegant entertainment in the castle of Alloa. the ground, was well adapted for sustaining Montrose, however, did not delay the march an attack. of his army while partaking of the hospitality Montrose was most anxious to bring the of the Earl of Mar, but immediately despatched enemy to an engagement before they should Macdonald west to Stirling with the foot, large raising in to as a be joined by a levy then Fife ; retaining only the horse serve him body- but they were too advantageously posted to be guard. In this route the Macleans laid waste attacked with much certainty of success. As the parishes of Muckhart and Dollar, of which he could not by any means induce them to the Marquis of Argyle was the superior, and leave their ground, he marched to Kinross for burnt Castle Campbell, the principal residence the double purpose of putting an end to the of the Argyle family in the lowlands, in requital Fife levies and of withdrawing the enemy from of similar acts done by the marquis and his their position, so as to afford him an opportu- followers in the country of the Macleans. 8 nity of attacking them under more favourable As the pestilence was still raging in the town circumstances. This movement had the effect of Stirling, Montrose avoided it altogether, lest of drawing Baillie from his stronghold, who his army might catch the infection. He halted cautiously followed Montrose at a respectful within three miles of the town, where his army distance. In the course of his march, Baillie passed the night, and being apprised next was again joined by the three Fife regiments. morning, by one of Baillie's scouts who had On arriving at Kinross in the evening, Mon- been taken prisoner, that Baillie was close at trose learned from an advanced party he had hand with the whole of his army, Montrose sent out to collect information through the marched quickly up to the fords of Frew, about country, under the command of Colonel Na- eight miles above Stirling bridge, and there thaniel Gordon, and Sir William Bollock, that crossed the Forth. Pursuing his march the the people of Fife were in arms, a piece of following morning in the direction of Glasgow, intelligence which made him resolve immedi- he made a short halt about six miles from

ately to retrace his steps, judging it imprudent Stirling, to ascertain the enemy's movements, to risk a battle in such a hostile district. Al-

s though the men of Fife were stern Covenanters, Gutliry's Memoirs, p. 151. GEBEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. and being informed that Baillie had not yet hearing that the rebels were marching towards crossed the Forth, he marched to Kilsyth, Kilsyth. After the upcoming of these regi- where he encamped. During the day, Baillie ments, the Marquis of Argyle, Earl of Craw- passed the Forth by Stirling bridge, and ford, and Lord Burleigh, and, if I mistake not, marching forwards, came within view of Mon- the Earl of Tulliebardine, the Lords Elcho and trose's army, and encamped that evening within Balcarras, with some others, came up. My three miles of Kilsyth. 9 lord marquis asked me what next was to be The covenanting army had, in its progress done. I answered, the direction should come westward, followed exactly the tract of Mon- from his lordship and those of the committee.

trose through the vale of the Devon. The My lord demanded what reason was for this 1

Marquis of Argyle availing himself of this cir- I answered, I found myself so slighted in cumstance, caused the house of Menstrie, the every thing belonging to a commander-in-chief, seat of the Earl of Stirling, the king's secre- that, for the short time I was to stay with tary, and that of Airthrie, belonging to Sir them, I would absolutely submit to their di-

John Graham of Eraco, to be burnt. He, rection and follow it. The marquis desired me moreover, sent an insolent message to the Earl to explain myself, which I did in these parti- of Mar, notifying to him, that, on the return culars, sufficiently known to my lord marquis of the army from the pursuit of Montrose, he, and the other lords and gentlemen then present.

the earl, might calculate on having his castle I told his lordship, (1.) Prisoners of all sorts also burnt, for the hospitality he had shown were exchanged without my knowledge; the Montrose. 1 traffickers therein received passes from others, The conjecture of Montrose, that the Fife and, sometimes passing within two miles of regiments would not cross the Forth, was not me, did neither acquaint me with their busi- altogether without foundation. In fact, when ness, nor, at their return, where, or in what

they arrived near Stirling, they positively posture they had left the enemy: (2.) While I refused to advance further, and excused them- was present, others did sometimes undertake

selves by alleging, that they were raised on the the command of the army: (3.) Without either express condition that they should not be called my order or knowledge, fire was raised, and upon to serve out of their own shire, and that, that destroyed which might have been a re- having already advanced beyond its limits, they compense to some good deserver, for which I would on no account cross the Forth. But their would not be answerable to the public. All obstinacy was overcome by the all-powerful which things considered, I should in any thing influence of the ministers, who, in addition to freely give my own opinion, but follow the the usual scriptural appeals, "told them jolly judgment of the committee, and the rather be- tales that Lanark, Glencairn, and Eglinton, cause that was the last day of my undertaking." 3

were lifting an army to join them, and there- It is here necessary to state, by way of expla- fore entreated that they would, for only one nation, that Baillie had, in consequence of the day more, go out," until that army approached, previous conduct of the committee, resigned when they should be discharged. 2 his commission, and had only been induced, at While the Fife regiments were thus per- the earnest solicitation of the parliament, to suaded to expose themselves to the unforeseen continue his services for a definite period,

destruction which unfortunately awaited them, which, it appears, was just on the point of ex- an incident occurred on the opposite bank of piring.

the Forth, which betokened ill for the future The differences between Baillie and the prospects of the covenanting army. This will committee being patched up, the covenanting be best explained by stating the matter in army proceeded on the 14th of August in General Baillie's own words. " A little above the direction of Denny, and having crossed the park (the king's park at Stirling), I halted the Carron at Hollandbush, encamped, as we until the Fife regiments were brought up, have stated, about 3 miles from Kilsyth.

3 General Baillie's Narrative, Baillie's Letters, vol * Wishart, p. 156. Guthry, p. 15b. ii. pp. 270, 271. ;

BATTLE OF KILSYTH. 223

Deform the arrival of Baillie, Montrose had upon obtaining a decisive victory, which might received information which made him resolve enable him to advance into England and re- to hazard a battle immediately. The intelli- trieve the affairs of his sovereign in that king- gence he had obtained was to the effect, that dom. But while Montrose was thus joyfully the Earls of Cassilis, Eglinton, and Glencairn, anticipating a victory which, he flattered him- and other heads of the Covenanters, were ac- self, would be crowned with results the most tively engaged in levying forces in the west of favourable to the royal cause, an incident Scotland, and that the Earl of Lanark had occurred which might have proved fatal to his already raised a body of 1,000 foot and 500 hopes, had he not, with that wonderful self- horse in Clydesdale, among the vassals and de- possession and consummate prudence for which pendents of the Hamilton family, and that this he was so distinguished, turned that veiy in- force was within 1 2 miles of Kilsyth. cident to his own advantage. Among the Having taken his resolution, Montrose made covenanting cavalry was a regiment of cuiras- the necessary arrangements for receiving the siers, the appearance of whose armour, glitter- enemy, by placing his men in the best position ing in the sun, struck such terror into Mon- which the nature of the ground afforded. In trose's horse, that they hesitated about engag- front of his position were several cottages and ing with such formidable antagonists, and, gardens, of which he took possession. Baillie, while riding along the line to encourage Ins seeing the advantageous position chosen by men and give the necessary directions, Mon- Montrose, would have willingly delayed battle trose heard his cavalry muttering among them- till either the expected reinforcements from the selves and complaining that they were now west should arrive, or till Montrose should be for the first time to fight with men clad in induced to become the assailant ; but his plans iron, whose bodies would be quite impenetra- were over-ruled by Argyle and the other mem- ble to their swords. When the terror of a foe bers of the committee, who insisted that he has once taken hold of the mind, it can only should immediately attack Montrose. Accord- be sufficiently eradicated by supplanting it ingly, early in the morning he put his army in with a feeling of contempt for the object of its motion from Hollandbush, and advanced near dread, and no man was better fitted by nature Auchinclogh, about two miles to the east of than Montrose for inspiring such a feeling into Kilsyth, where he halted. As the ground be- the minds of his troops. Accordingly, scarcely tween him and Montrose was full of quagmires, had the murmurings of his cavalry broken which effectually prevented Montrose from at- upon his ears, when he rode up to the head of tacking him in front, he proposed to take up a his cavalry, and (pointing to the cuirassiers) defensive position without advancing farther, thus addressed his men :—" Gentlemen, these and await an attack. But here again the com- are the same men you beat at Alford, that ran mittee interposed, and when he was in the away from you at Auldearn, Tippermuir, &c. very act of arranging the stations of Ms army, they are such cowardly rascals that their offi- they advised him to take a position on a hill cers could not bring them to look you in the on his right, which they considered more suit- face till they had clad them in armour; to able. It was in vain that Baillie remonstrated show our contempt of them we'll fight them against what he justly considered an impru- in our shirts."4 No sooner had these words dent advice—the committee were inexorable in been uttered, when, to add to the impression their resolution, and Baillie had no alternative they could not fail to produce, Montrose threw hut to obey. In justice, however, to Lord off his coat and waistcoat, and, drawing Ins

Balcarras, it must be mentioned that he disap- proved of the views of the committee. 4 Carte, vol. iv. p. 53S. The author of Britanc's When Montrose saw the covenanting army Distemper (p. 139) says that Montrose ordered every man to put a white shirt above his clothes. It is, approach from Hollandbush, he was exceed- however, highly probable that the narrative in the. ingly delighted, as, from the excellent state of his text is substantially true. Wishart (Montrose fiedivi- vus, 96,) says they were ordered to throw off their army, the courageous bearing of his men, and p. doublets and " affront the enemy all in white, being the advantage of his position, he calculated naked unto the waist all but their shirts." 224 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

sword with the air of a hero, stood hefore his as warmly received by Montrose's musketeers, men, at once an object of their wonder and a who, being protected by the dikes and enclo-

model for their imitation. The effect was in- sures, kept up such a galling fire upon their as- stantaneous. The example thus set hy Mon- sailants as to oblige them to retreat with pre-

trose was immediately followed by the whole cipitation and some loss. army, every man stripping himself to his shirt, A body of about 1,000 Highlanders, who and the cavalry, partaking in the general en- were posted next to Montrose's advanced thusiasm, assured themselves of victory. As guard, became so suddenly elated with this the day was uncommonly hot and oppressive, success that, without waiting for orders from the troops found great relief by disburdening Montrose, they immediately ran up that part of themselves of their clothes, and the infantry the hill where the main body of the covenant- were, in consequence, enabled to display greater ing arnry was posted. Montrose was highly agility in combat. The extraordinary appear- displeased with the Highlanders for this rash ance of Montrose's men after they had ptarted act, which seemed to threaten them with in-

with their clothes, excited the astonishment of stant destruction ; but there was no time for the Covenanters, and as they could only attri- remonstrance, and as he saw an absolute neces- bute such a singular preparation for battle to a sity for supporting this intrepid body, he fixed determination on the part of the royalists stifled his displeasure, and began to consider to conquer or to die, fearful doubts arose in how he could most effectually afford support. their minds as to the probable result of the Owing to the tardy advance of the enemy's

contest in which they were just about to en- rear, it was some little time before the cove- gage. nanting army attacked this resolute body. At In moving to take up the new position length three troops of horse and a body of wlrich had been assigned to it by the com- about 2,000 foot were seen advancing against mittee, the utmost disorder prevailed among them, and in a short time both parties closed tne covenanting army, which the general was upon each other. The Highlanders, as usual, unable to correct. Indeed, so unruly had the displayed great intrepidity, and firmly main- troops become, that some regiments, instead tained their ground; but as it was evident that of taking the stations assigned to them by the they could not long withstand the overwhelm- commander, took up, at the suggestion of ing force opposed to them, the Earl of Aboyne, Argyle, quite different ground, -while others, who, with a select body of horsemen, had been in utter disregard of Baillie's instructions, ac- placed by Montrose at some distance from the tually selected positions for themselves. Thus, main army, taking with him 12 horsemen, at the moment the battle was about to begin, rode forward to see if he could render any Baillie found all his plans completely over- assistance. Seeing the critical position in ruled, and as he now saw how utterly impossi- which the rash Highlanders were placed, he ble it would be for him to carry any of his sent back for the cavalry to advance imme- contemplated arrangements into effect, he was diately, at the same time bravely shouting to necessitated to engage Montrose under the the few followers that were with him, " Let us most unfavourable circumstances. go, Monsieurs, and assist these our distressed The covenanting general, however, might friends, in so great hazard through the foolish have so accommodated himself in the unex- rashness of their commander. "We shall, God pected dilemma in which he bad been placed willing, bring them off, at least in some good as to have prevented the disastrous result order, so as they shall neither be all lost, nor which followed, had not his horse regiments, endanger the army by their sudden flight, from an impression that Montrose had begun whereto they maybe forced." 6 He thereupon a retreat, rashly commenced the action before chaTged the enemy's lancers, who, seeing him onset, retired to the left, all the infantry had come up, by attempting to make such a furious carry the cottages and gardens in which the thus putting the foot betwejn themselves and advanced guard of Montrose was placed. Al-

though they made a violent charge, they were •'' Britane's Distemper, |i 1 10 ;

BATTLE OF KILSYTH.

Aboyne. The latter, without halting, charged became so alarmed at the retreat of the horse, forward upon the foot, until, when within that they immediately abandoned their ranks pistol-shot, he perceived them preparing to re- and fled. On the other hand, the rest of ceive Trim upon, their pikes. He then nimbly Montrose's men, encouraged by the success of turned a little to the left, and charged with such the Ogilvies, could no longer restrain them- impetuosity and suddenness a regiment of mus- selves, and rushing forward upon the enemy keteers, that although they received hi m with with a loud shout, completed the disorder. three volleys from the three first ranks, he The wild appearance of the royalists, added to broke right through them, till he came out to the dreadful yells which they set up, created where his distressed friends were environed such a panic among the astonished Covenanters, with horse and foot, and so sorely straightened that, in an instant, and as if by a simultaneous as to be crying out for quarter. His presence impulse, every man threw away his arms, and caused them to rally, and they took heart as he endeavoured to secure his personal safety by cried with a lusty voice, " Courage, my hearts, flight. In the general rout which ensued, the follow me, and let them have one sound covenanting horse, in their anxiety to escape, charge." " And this he gives with such brave galloped through the flying foot, and trampled and invincible resolution, as he breaks, dis- many of their companions in arms almost to perses, and discourages both foot and horse, death. who seek no more to pursue, but strive to re- In the pursuit which followed, Montrose's tire in order, to the which their commanders men cut down the defenceless Covenanters often invite them, but in vain." They got without mercy, and so great was the carnage, into complete disorder, and began to run for that, out of a body of upwards of 6,000 foot, their lives. What had been begun by Aboyne, probably not more than 100 escaped with was completed by the Earl of Airly, who, at their lives. The royalists were so intent upon the urgent request of Montrose, now came up hewing down the unfortunate foot, that a con- at the head of the Ogilvies to the assistance of siderable part of the cavalry effected their the Highlanders. Montrose had made several escape. Some of them, however, in the hurry ineffectual attempts to induce different parties of their flight, having run unawares into a large of his army to volunteer in defence of the morass, called Dolater bog, now forming a part brave men who were struggling for their exis- of the bed of the Forth and Clyde canal, there tence within view of their companions in arms, perished, and, many years afterwards, the and, as a dernier resort, appealed to his tried bodies of men and horses were dug up from friend the Earl of Airly, in behalf of the rash the bog, without any marks of decomposition men who had thus exposed themselves to im- and there is a tradition still current, that one minent danger. This appeal to the chivalrous man was found upon horseback, fully attired feelings of the venerable earl met with a ready in his military costume, in the very posture in and willing response from him, and after stat- which he had sunk. 6 Very few prisoners ing his readiness to undertake the duty assigned were taken, and with the exception of Sir him, he immediately put himself at the head of William Murray of Blebo, James Arnot, brother a troop of his own horse, commanded by Colonel to Lord Burleigh, and Colonels Dyce and John Ogilvie of Baldavie, who had distinguished Wallace, and a few other gentlemen, who himself in the Swedish service, and rode off received quarter, and, after being well treated with great speed towards the enemy. He in- by Montrose, were afterwards released upon stantly ordered, his squadron to charge the parole, all the officers of the covenanting army enemy's horse, who were so closely pressed escaped. Some of them fled to Stirling, and that they got entangled among the covenant- took temporary refuge in the castle; others ing foot, whom they put into disorder. galloped down to the south shore of the Frith As soon as Baillie perceived that his horse of Forth. Among the latter, Argyle was the were falling back, he endeavoured to bring up most conspicuous, who, according to Bishop his reserve to support them; but this body, which consisted chiefly of the Fife militia, Nimmo's General History of Stirlingshi 2 P 226 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Guthry, " never looked over his shoulder untU, and individuals who afterwards waited on him, after 20 mdes' riding, he reached the South not merely with courtesy but with kindness, Queensferry, where he possessed himself of a and promised to bury all past occurrences in boat again." 7 Wishart sarcastically observes, perfect oblivion, but on the condition that they that this was the third time that Argyle had should return to their allegiance and conduct " " saved himself by means of a boat ; and, even themselves in future as loyal subjects. The then, he did not reckon himself secure till whole country now," says Wishart, "resounded they had weighed anchor and carried the vessel Montrose's praise. His unparalleled magna- out to sea." 8 nimity and bravery, his happiness in devising The whole of the baggage, arms, and stores, his plan of operations, and his quickness in belonging to the covenanting army were cap- executing them, his unshaken resolution and tured by the royalists. The loss on the side intrepidity, even in the greatest dangers, and of Montrose was, as usual, extremely trifling, his patience in bearing the severest hardships

amounting, it is said, only to six or eight men, and fatigues ; Iris faithfulness and strict observ- three of whom were OgUvies, who fell in the ance of his promises to such as submitted, and

charge which decided the fortune of the day. his clemency towards his prisoners ; in short,

The news of this disastrous and melancholy that heroic virtue which displayed itself in all defeat, speedily spread throughout the king- his actions, was extolled to the skies, and filled dom and filled it with mourning. The plague, the mouths of all ranks of men, and several which had devastated some of the most popu- poems and panegyrics were wrote upon this lous of the covenanting districts, was stUl occasion." 9 It is beheved, however, that there carrying on its depopulating career, and the was little sincerity in these professions. spirits of the people, already broken and sub- This submission of the people was accelerated dued under that scourge, were reduced to a by the dispersion of the Covenant nobility, an state almost bordering on despair, when they event that put a temporary end to the govern- received the afflicting intelligence of the utter ment which they had established. Argyle, annihilation of an army on which their only Crawford, Lanark, and others, sought protec- hopes were placed. No alternative, therefore, tion in Berwick, and Glencairn, and Cassilis now remained for them but unconditional took refuge in Ireland. submission to the conqueror, and accordingly, Montrose might now have marched directly deputies were sent to him from different parts upon, and seized the capital, where many of of the kingdom, to assure him of the return of his friends were confined as prisoners; but he the people to their allegiance to the king, to considered it of more importance to march to proffer their obedience to Montrose as his lieu- the west and disperse some levies which were tenant, and to offer him assistance in support there raising. Accordingly, after refreshing of the royal cause. The nobility and other his troops two days at Eilsyth, he dispatched persons of note who had hitherto kept aloof, a strong body under the command of Mac- or whose loyalty had been questionable, also donald, his major-general, into Ayrshire to crowded to the royal standard to congratulate suppress a rising under the Earls of Cassilis Montrose upon the favourable aspect of affairs and Glencairn; and with the remainder of his and to offer their services. army he proceeded towards Glasgow, which he "While at Kdsyth, two commissioners, Sir entered amidst the general acclamations of the Eobert Douglas and Mr. Archibald Fleming, citizens. Here Montrose immediately com- commissary, arrived at Montrose's camp on the menced an inquiry into the conduct of the part of the inhabitants of Glasgow, to obtain leading Covenanters of the city, some of whom favour and forgiveness, by congratulating him he put to death as a terror to others. Mon- upon his success, and inviting him to visit trose remained only a day in Glasgow, and their city. Montrose received these commis- encamped the following day on Bothwell moor, sioners and the other numerous deputations about twelve miles from the city. His object

8 9 7 Memoirs, p. 154. Memoirs, p. 171. Memoirs, p. 174. -

MOXTBOSE CO^TGEATTLAIED OX HIS YICTOP.Y. 227

:•: - in \:zzzz s:. ~as i: in: an eni s me ;i ss . nacy or from the dread of a refusal of pardon,

: : on the part of his Trish and Highland troops, the amhimiies iii n:t seni ~ — s- - --= -. whom, from the precarious tenure of their Montrose, and it was not until a body of the services, and his inability to pay them, he royalist horse appeared within four miles o*" could not venture to control by the severities the city, that they resolved to proffer vheir of martial law.1 And as he was apprehensive submission, and to throw themselves on the that some of life msn might lurk behind, or mercy of the conqueror. visit the eity for the purpose of plunder, he After the battle of ETLsyth, Montrose dis-

: ~ ""' "-- ' ; j".- aii;~eii;ie :: : m a mai L am m: patched his nephew, Archibald, Master of Xapier, and Xathaniel Gordon, with a select

: : 17 i hir-se. :<: ; : n L aim ..mi : : s n-

TlrSr—lS- _'- " 1 1-S "'..— .It S 1 render, to secure its obedience and fidelity, - ani t: -zz a: hierrr the - .- iiismeis, in the meantime. Major-general Maedonald many of whom were confined in the Tolbooth. nrned in Ayrshire, where he was received Should the city refuse to submit, ft was to be with open arms. 33k le-des which had been subjected to fire and sword On his wa raisei in ::_r ~--: :_iiiei-7 lisiSTSr:: .~_. is E-Iim: nmh. h .tie: -ri :.z IT errr his iathei mi

'.::~i ~emi:nr._ :_e m.m= :z _ ssiis mi wife, Stirling of Keir, his brother-in-law, and Glencairn fled to Ireland Hie Countess of sisters, zz ":_ lie - tism :: hmmmm™.

London, whose husband had acted a conspi- i:m miles m.m Limlmth lis- tame t a hail. cuous part against the ting, received Macdon- and waited to see how the citizens would con- ald with great kindness at Loudon castle, duct themsriTes. Lie inhabitants, s;. far from

'- ----.--- 7- -~~~- " m z.zz arms, in :- having any intention of resisting the roval v: ~ -zziz'zz men siieni :m ani msnimmrr: sir army, were in a state of consternation and bmm sent a servant to Montrose to offer her iesiair lest their si":- "ssi:n shmii -:: Le respects to him.2 accepted by Montrose, "accusing themselves ~ — --" -..---*; - = '- -— — -r. -:,— I'mimr 3I:nm se's szaj a: Ini—eii. —ierr ZZIZZZ '~Z he remained till the 4th of September, he was unworthy of that clemency and forgiveness for

—~' r '-"- - waited upon by many of the nobility in person, :a T T ;: anientm tii~t:T _aa .„; a_: ; : to congratulate him upon his recent victory, grovelling and humble manner they besought and to tender their services. Others sent the prisoners, whom not long before they had - ; " \- ~T.i"ri Triil. Larsiaiaess v-.i ::"..eia :. :: zzzzzez-- — : :: ._:_ i: _: ,r!:is ~zj their mien is. The

-' ~ * -"- -- — :~ ~r '---. iii: ~zz~ :z _ im.s. tne Lams :: r- irir ~zrzz~zz li:~~:ss zzzzz-zzz "rimisirr

- ; :.".:_:: : :. . and Annandale, Lords Seton, Drununond, : . : ..z:~ :r.i:v. - - ".::-;. Fleming, Maderty, Carnegie and Johnston, 7Lr :::i"T-.s. la"~~.~ irse . is sr_- Zt . _ ~' ~ were among the first who came forward fr:~ :1t :: ; ::::s ~: .: :-- n::st s s:.:

:-.-. ".-:..::."_: Deputations also arrived from the counties of : --alisis. 1- \.-i. Z..:L .: _:..t :i Tarl 'LizzlLz'z.Z ~. Z-ZZZZZjZ. x.emm™. :.::i A-—. imi zzzz z . .zz. ss _ : . _ Osivie,. . the of Airly's also from the towns of Greenock, Ayr, and son, to wait upon MontroseMont and introduce the

Irvine, to implore forgiveness for past offences, \ zzzzz: z. zzz _:rere hisLis pardon, and tender the -„—---;---- — -;" and to give pledges for their future loyalty. city's humble submissii 71r-- : : .:- Montrose received them all very graciously, men and the deputies and relying upon their assurances, granted zzzi _. ,::;: i-enrnsi iirs them an amnesty. trose, who was unfeigi _:_!> I a: lis

Montrose expected that the city of Edin- si: ..: _ .- v.: :: :i: d and Ogilvie. burgh, which had been the focus of rebellion, The ci^" delegates, : aimiirei :: would have followed the example of Glasgow ZZZZ-.Z. " ~ ilr 1 ±S In :: iim :

-::- humbly iis ii :. ; ..:._ :_e ::_r: ::~mi5: zzzz ~_:-:„er zzzzzz : the town, and d and implored his pardo: ?zi-re-r55. :: :- mising, in name li... .::::.:-. an Bra-net's Memoirs of ike Du&es of Hamffitm, p. 276. 1 ::s>iirii:r i:: il.s lurzre. Guthry's Memoirs, p. 155. ialis r.irli~ ani 228 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. and committing themselves and all their con- appointing Montrose Captain-general and Lieu- cerns to his patronage and protection, which tenant-governor of Scotland, and conferring they humbly entreated he would grant them. on him full powers to raise forces, punish

i p.rlia.tely They promised also, mTn to release all state offenders, and make knights, &c. ; and the prisoners in their custody, and desired him the other authorising him to summon a parlia-

to assure himself that any thing else he should ment to meet at Glasgow, to settle the affairs desire of them should he instantly complied of the kingdom. The bearer of these impor- with. The town, they said, had been almost tant documents was Sir Eobert Spottiswood, depopulated by a dreadful plague, so that no formerly president of the Court of Session, and supplies of men could be expected from it; but who now acted as secretary of state for Scot- they were ready to contribute all they could to land. As a person so well known as Sir defray the expense of what troops he might Eobert could not travel by any of the ordinary

raise in other places. Above all, they most roads without risk of apprehension, he took a earnestly implored him to intercede for them circuitous route from Oxford, passing through with their most gracious and merciful king, to "Wales, and thence crossing over to the Isle of obtain his pity and pardon, and that he would Man, took shipping and landed in the West not condemn the whole city for the crime of Highlands. Erom Lochaber he proceeded down rebellion, in which they had been involved by into Athole, whence he was conducted by a the craft and example of a few seditious men, party of Athole-men to Montrose, at Bothwell armed with power and authority. Montrose Moor. gave them reason to hope for the royal forgive- The instructions brought by Sir Eobert ness; and the only conditions he required of Spottiswood, regarding the holding of a par- them, were, sacredly to observe their loyalty liament and the matters connected therewith, and allegiance to his majesty for the future; were in the meantime superseded by orders to renounce all correspondence with the rebels, from the king of a later date, brought by a whether within or without the kingdom: the more direct route. By these he was directed castle of Edinburgh, which he well knew was to march immediately to the borders, where he then in their power, he required they should would, it was said, be joined by the Earls of

surrender to the king's officers ; and that, as Eoxburgh, Traquair, and Home, and the other soon as the delegates returned to the city, royalist nobility of the southern counties, at all the prisoners should be immediately set at the head of their numerous vassals and tenants, liberty, and sent to his camp." 3 as well as by a body of horse which his majesty Although the commissioners agreed to these would send from England; that, with these conditions, and promised to perform them, the united forces, he should watch the motions of only one they ever fulfilled was that which General David Leslie, who was advancing to stipulated the release of the prisoners, who the north with a body of 6,000 cavalry. In were immediately on the return of the commis- fact, Leslie, who had acquired great celebrity

sioners sent to Montrose's camp. Indeed, it by his conduct in the battle of Marston Moor, was scarcely to be expected, from the character had reached Berwick in the beginning of Sep- of the times, that the citizens of Edinburgh, tember, having been called thither on his road who had all along been warm partisans of the to Hereford by the covenanting nobility, who covenanting interest, would show a readiness had taken refuge there after the battle of Kil- to comply with stipulations which had been syth. extorted from their commissioners under the Montrose reviewed his army on the 3d of circumstances we have mentioned. September, on which occasion Sir Eobert While at Bothwell, Montrose received vari- Spottiswood delivered to him the commission ous communications from the king, who was appointing him his majesty's Lieutenant-gov- then at Oxford. The most important of these ernor for Scotland and General of all his ma- 4 were two commissions under the great seal, one jesty's forces. After this and the other com-

3 Wisliart. ;

MONTROSE CHAGRINED BY DESERTIONS. 229

mission had been read, Montrose addressed his separating at this time must be the occasion of army in a short and feeling speech, in the ruin to them both. But all was to no purpose course of which he took occasion to praise he would needs be gone, and for a reason en- their bravery and loyalty, and expressed great larged himself in reckoning up the Marquis of affection for them. In conclusion, addressing Argyle's cruelties against his friends, who, as Macdonald, his major-general, he bestowed he said, did four years ago draw his father and upon him the tribute of his praise, and, by brother to Inverary upon trust, and then made

virtue of the power with which he had been them prisoners ; and since, (his friends having invested, conferred upon him the honour of retired to the isles of Jura and Rachlin for knighthood, in presence of the whole army. shelter,) sent Ardkinlass and the captain of Little did Montrose imagine, that the man Skipness to the said isles to murder them, whose services he was now so justly rewarding which, (said he,) they did without mercy, had resolved immediately to abandon him, sparing neither women nor children. With and, under the pretence of revenging some in- such discourses he justified his departure, and juries which his friends had sustained at the would not be hindered." Macdonald accord- hands of Argyle four years before, to quit for ingly, after returning thanks to Montrose in a ever the service of his royal master. formal oration for the favours he had received, Montrose's ranks had, before the review and pledging himself for the early return of the

alluded to, been thinned by private desertions Highlanders, departed for the Highlands on the among the Highlanders, who carried off with day of the review, accompanied by about 3,000 them all the booty they had been able to collect; Highlanders, the elite of Montrose's army, and but as soon as Montrose announced his inten- by 120 of the best of the Irish troops, whom tion, in terms of the instructions he had received he had selected as a body guard. from the king, to march south, the Highlanders The desertion of such a large body of men, in a body demanded liberty to return home consisting of the flower of his army, was a sub- for a short time to repair their houses, which ject of the deepest concern to Montrose, whose had been reduced to ruins by the enemy, and sole reliance for support against the powerful to provide a stock of provisions for their wives force of Leslie, now depended upon the pre- and families during the ensuing winter. To carious succours he might obtain on his march induce Montrose to comply the more readily to the south. Under such circumstances a with their request, they promised to return to commander more prudent than Montrose would his camp within forty days, and to bring have hesitated about the course to be pursued, some of their friends along with them. As and would probably have either remained for Montrose saw that the Highlanders were de- some time in his position, till the levies raising termined to depart, and that consequently in the south should assemble, or retreat across any attempt to retain them would be unavail- the Forth, and there awaited reinforcements

ing, he dissembled the displeasure he felt, from the north ; but the ardent and chivalrous and after thanking them in the king's name feelings of Montrose so blinded him, as to for their services, and entreating them to make him altogether disregard prudential con return to him as soon as possible, he granted siderations, and the splendour of his victories them leave of absence with apparent goodwill. had dazzled his imagination so much, as to But when Sir Alaster Macdonald also an- induce him to believe that he had only to nounced his intention to return to the High- engage the enemy to defeat him. lands, Montrose could not conceal his chagrin, Accordingly, on the day following the depar-

and strongly remonstrated against such a' step. ture of the Highlanders, viz., the 4th of Sep " Montrose," says Guthry, " dealt most seri- tember, Montrose began his march to the

ously with him to have staid until they had south ; but he had not proceeded far, when been absolute conquerors, promising then to go he had the mortification to find himself also thither himself, and be concurring with him abandoned by the Earl of Aboyne, who not in punishing them, (Argyle and his party,) as only carried off the whole of his own men, but

they deserved ; and withal told him that his induced the other horsemen of the north, who 230 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS. were not of his party, to accompany him. Sir that these two noblemen had taken no measures Nathaniel Gordon appears to have been the to raise the levies they had promised. He, only individual of the name of Gordon who therefore, resolved to pay them a visit, to

remained behind. The cause of such a hasty compel them to fulfil their engagements ; but proceeding on the part of the Earl of Aboyne, anticipating such a step, they had allowed is not very evident ; but it seems probable, that themselves to be made voluntary prisoners by his lordship had taken some offence at Mon- a party of Leslie's horse and carried to Berwick. trose, who, according to a partisan of the Gordon Roxburgh, whom Wishart calls " a cunning family, arrogated to himself all the honour of old fox," was the contriver of this artful the victories which the earl had greatly con- scheme, which, while it secured him and his tributed to obtain. 5 colleague Home the favour of the Covenanters, The army of Montrose was now reduced to was intended to induce the king to believe a mere handful of men, consisting only of that they were suffering for their loyalty. about 200 gentlemen who had joined him at This act of perfidy opened the eyes of Mon- Bothwell, and 700'foot, chiefly Irish. s Yet he trose to the danger of his situation, and made resolved to proceed on his march, and reached him instantly resolve to retrace his steps, so as Cranstoun-Kirk in Mid-Lothian, on Saturday to prevent his retreat to the north being cut the 6th of September, where he received intelli- off by David Leslie, who had by this time gence that General David Leslie had arrived crossed the Tweed. He, therefore, marched at Berwick with a great body of cavalry. He from Kelso westward to Jedburgh, and from encamped at Cranstoun-Kirk with the inten- thence to Selkirk, where he arrived on the 1 2th tion of remaining there over the Sunday, and of September, and encamped that night in a hearing Dr. Wishart preach ; but having, the wood, called Hareheadwood, in the neighbour- following morning, been put in possession of a hood of the town at the head of a long and correspondence between Leslie and the heads level piece of ground called Philiphaugh, on of the Covenanters, at Berwick, which de- the north bank of the Ettrick. Montrose him- veloped their plans, he quickly raised his camp, self, with his horse, took up his quarters in without waiting for sermon, and advanced into the town. the district of the Gala. A more imprudent The position thus selected by Montrose was step than this cannot be well conceived, as well calculated to prevent his being taken by Montrose threw his little band into the jaws surprise, as Leslie, from the direction in which of Leslie's army, which was lying ready to he had necessarily to advance, could only pounce upon him. In his march along Gala- approach it by coming up the open vale of water, he was joined by the Marquis of Douglas Philiphaugh ; but unfortunately, Montrose did and Lord Ogilvie at the head of a small party, not, on this occasion, take those extraordinary the remains of a larger body which had been precautions which he had been accustomed to diminished by desertion. Montrose was waited do. It had always been his practice hitherto, upon at Galashiels by the Earl of Traquair, to superintend in person the setting of the who professed the most fervent attachment to night watches, and to give instructions himself the king, and promised to obtain information to the sentinels, and to the scouts he sent out,

for him respecting Leslie's movements ; and in to watch the motions of the enemy ; but having proof of his sincerity, sent his son Lord Linton important letters to write to the king, which with a troop of well-mounted horse, who joined he was desirous of sending off before the break him the following day. of day by a trusty messenger, he intrusted From Galashiels Montrose marched to Kelso, these details to his cavalry officers, whom he where he expected to be joined by the Earls of exhorted to great vigilance, and to take care

Home and Roxburgh, and their vassals ; but that the scouts kept a sharp outlook for the on his arrival there, he was surprised to find enemy. Montrose had the utmost confidence

in the wisdom and integrity of his officers,

experience affairs 5 whose long in military he Gordon's Continuation, p. 528. 6 Gutliry's Memoirs, p. 159. had many times witnessed ; and as there seemed BATTLE OF PHILIPHAUGH. 231 to be no immediate danger, he thought that, troop of horse under his son, Lord Linton; for one night at least, he could safely leave the but this is not sufficient, of itself, to warrant direction of affairs to such men. us in charging him with such an act. While occupied during the night preparing But the most extraordinary and unaccount- his dispatches for the king, Montrose received able circumstance which preceded the battle of several loose reports, from time to time, respect- Pliiliphaugh, was, that although Leslie was ing the alleged movements of the enemy, of within six miles of Montrose's camp, neither which he sent due notice to his officers, hut he the scouts nor the cavalry, who are stated to was as often assured, both by the reports of have scoured the country for four miles beyond his officers and of the scouts, that not a vestige the place where Leslie lay, could discover, as of an enemy was to be seen. Thus the night they reported, any traces of him. Did the passed without any apparent foundation for scouts deceive Montrose, or did they not pro- the supposition that the enemy was at hand, ceed in the direction of Leslie's camp, or did and to make assurance doubly sure, some of they confine their perambulations within a the fleetest of the cavalry were sent out at more limited range? These are questions break of day to reconnoitre. On their return, which it is impossible to answer with any they stated that they had examined with care degree of certainty. But what is to be said of all the roads and passes for ten miles round, the cavalry who having made their observations and solemnly averred, that there was not the at day-break, and confessedly several miles least appearance of an enemy within the range beyond the enemy's camp, returned as luckless they had just scoured. Yet singular as the as the midnight scouts? The only plausible fact may appear, Leslie was lying at that very answer that can be given to this question is, time at Melrose, with 4,000 horse, within six either that they had not visited the neighbour- miles of Montrose's camp. hood of Melrose, or that a thick mist which It appears that on the day of Montrose's prevailed on the morning of the 13th of Sep- march from Jedburgh, General Leslie, who tember, had concealed the enemy from their had a few days before crossed the Tweed at view. However, be this as it may, certain it

Berwick, held a council of war on Gladsmuir is that owing to the thickness of the fog, in East Lothian, at which it was determined Leslie was enabled to advance, unobserved, till that he should proceed towards Stirling to cut he came within half a mile of Montrose's head off Montrose's retreat to the Highlands, whither quarters. On the alarm occasioned by this it was supposed that he meant instantly to sudden and unexpected appearance of the retire, for the purpose of obtaining reinforce- enemy, Montrose instantly sprung upon the ments. But the council had scarcely risen, first horse that came to hand, and galloped, off when letters were brought to Leslie, acquaint- to his camp. On his arrival, he fortunately ing him with the low and impaired state of found that all his men, though the hour was Montrose's forces, and his design of marching very early, had risen, but considerable disorder into Dumfries-shire to procure an accession of prevailed in the camp in consequence of pre- strength. On receiving this intelligence, Leslie parations they were making for an immediate abandoned his plan of marching northward, march into Dumfries-shire in terms of instruc- and ordering his army to turn to the left, he tions they had received the previous evening. immediately marched to the south, and enter- The cavalry, however, were quite dismounted, ing the vale of Gala, proceeded to Melrose, some of the officers were absent, and their where he took up his quarters for the night, horses were scattered through the adjoining intending to attack Montrose's little hand next fields taking their morning repast. Short as morning, in the hope of annihilating it alto- the time was for putting his small hand in a gether. Both Wishart and Guthry suspect defensive position, Montrose acted with his that the Earl of Traquair was the informant, accustomed presence of mind, and before the and they rest their conjecture upon the circum- enemy commenced his attack, he had suc- stance of his having withdrawn during the ceeded in drawing up his men in order of night, (without acquainting Montrose,) the battle, in the position which they had occupied 232 GENEKAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

the preceding night. Nothing but self-pre- another, with the most poignant feelings of servation, on which the cause of the king, his regret. He might have instantly retreated master, -was chiefly dependant, could have with safety, but he could not brook the idea of justified Montrose in attempting to resist the running away, and, therefore, resolved not to powerful force now about to assail him. With abandon the post of honour, but to fight to the about 1,000 foot and 500 horse, the greater last extremity, and to sell his life as dearly as part of which was composed of raw and undis- possible. It was not long before he and his

ciplined levies hastily brought into the field, noble band were nearly surrounded by the and lukewarm in the cause, he had to resist enemy, who kept pressing so hard upon him, the attack of a body of about 6,000 veteran and in such numbers, as almost to preclude the troops, chiefly English cavalry, who had dis- possibility of escape. Yet they did not ven- tinguished themselves at the battle of Marston- ture to attack Montrose and his brave asso- moor, and who, though they could make no ciates in a body, but in detached parties, every addition to their laurels by defeating such a one of which was successively repulsed with handful of men, may be supposed to have been loss. As the enemy grew tired of attacking especially desirous of annihilating the remains him, and seemed to be more intent upon plun- of an army which had been so long formidable dering his baggage than capturing his person, and victorious. Montrose saw that the danger was not so great The covenanting general began the battle as he supposed, and therefore he began to reflect

by charging Montrose's right wing, consisting upon the folly of sacrificing his life so long as of horse, with the great body of his cavalry; a ray of hope remained. He had lost a battle,

but so firmly was the charge received by the no doubt ; but in this there was no dishonour brave cavaliers with Montrose at their head, when the disparity of his force with that of that the assailants were forced to retire with the enemy was considered. Besides, he had loss. A second charge met a similar fate. lost few of his men, and the Highlanders, on Thus foiled in their attempts on the right, they whom he chiefly relied, were still entire, and next attacked Montrose's left wing, consisting were ready to take the field as soon as he ap- of foot, which, after a gallant resistance, retired peared again among them. And as to the a little up the face of the hill, where it was effect which such a defeat might be supposed posted, to avoid the attacks of the cavalry. to have upon the adherents of the long, who

While this struggle was going on on the left, were still numerous and powerful, it could bo a body of 2,000 covenanting foot which had easily removed as soon as they saw him again made a circuitous route, appeared in the rear of at the head of a fresh force. That he could only the right wing, which they attacked. The expect to retrieve the present state of affairs by right wing not being able to resist this force, escaping from the present danger and raising

and apprehensive that a new attack would be new troops ; but that if he rashly sacrificed his

made upon them by the enemy's cavalry, and life the king's affairs might be irretrievably that they would thus be surrounded and per- ruined. These reflections being seconded by

haps cut to pieces, fled from the field. The the Marcpiis of Douglas and a few trusty foot who had taken up a position on the side friends, who implored him not to throw away

of the hill, being thus abandoned to their fate, a life so valuable to the king and to the coun-

surrendered themselves as prisoners of war try, Montrose resolved to consult his safety by

after a slight resistance; but horrible to tell, an immediate flight. Putting himself, there- they were afterwards shot by orders of the fore, at the head of his troop, he cut his way

covenanting general, at the instigation, it is through the enemy, without the loss of a single said, of some presbyterian ministers, who de- man. They were pursued by a party of horse, clared that no faith should be kept with such some of whom they killed, and actually carried persons. off one Bruce, a captain of horse, and two

Montrose was still on the field with about standard-bearers, with their ensigns, as prison-

30 brave cavaliers, and witnessed the rout of ers. Montrose went in the direction of Peebles, one part of his army and the surrender of which he entered about sunset, and here he was SEQUENCE TO THE BATTLE OE PHILIPHAUGH. 233 joined by various straggling parties of his men to bring with them all the forces they could who had escaped. muster, to enable him to enter on a new cam- Montrose lost in this engagement very few of paign. his horse, hut a considerable part of his foot As soon as the members of the Committee was destroyed. He carried off, as we have of Estates, who had taken refuge in Berwick, seen, two of the enemy's standards, and fortu- heard of Montrose's defeat at Philiphaugh, they nately preserved his own, two in number, from joined Leslie's army, which they accompanied the enemy. That belonging to his infantry to Edinburgh, and there concocted those mea- was saved by an Irish soldier of great bravery, sures of revenge against the unhappy royalists who, on seeing the battle lost, and the enemy who had fallen into their hands, which they in possession of the field, tore it from the pole, afterwards carried into execution. The first and, wrapping it round his body, which was who suffered were Colonel O'Kean, to whose without any other covering, nobly cut his way distinguished bravery at the battle of Fyvie we through the enemy sword in hand. He over- have already alluded, and Major Lauchlan, took Montrose at Peebles, and delivered the another brave officer. Both these were hanged, standard into his hands the same night. Mon- without trial, upon the Castle-hill at Edin- trose rewarded him for his bravery by appoint- burgh. Perhaps the circumstance of being ing liim one of his life-guard, and by committing Irishmen appeared a sufficient reason in the the standard to his future charge. The other eyes of their enemies for dispatching them so was preserved and delivered to Montrose by the summarily ; but they were, nevertheless, the

Honourable William Hay, brother to the Earl subjects of the king, and as fully entitled to all of Kinnoul, a youth of a martial and enterpris- the privileges of war as the other prisoners. ing spirit. This hatred of the Irish by the Covenanters Montrose passed the night at Peebles, where was not confined to the cases of these indivi- he was joined by most of his horse and part of duals. Having in their march westward to his infantry ; but some of his officers who had Glasgow fallen in, near Linlithgow, with a mistaken their way, or fled in a different direc- body of helpless Irish women and children, tion, were seized by the country people and who, in consequence of the loss of their hus- delivered over to Leslie. Among these were bands and fathers at the battle of Philiphaugh, the Earl of Hartfell, Lords Drurnmond and were now seeking their way home to their own Ogilvie, Sir Robert Spottiswood, Sir Alexander country, they were all seized by orders of the Leslie of Auchintoul, Sir William Rollock, Sir heads of the Covenanters, and thrown head- Philip Nisbet, the Honourable William Mur- long by the brutal soldiers over the bridge of ray, brother to the Earl of Tulliebardine, Alex- Avon into the river below. Some of these ander Ogilvie of Inverquharity, Colonel Na- unfortunate beings, who had sufficient strength

thaniel Gordon, and Mr. Andrew Guthry, son left to reach the banks of the river, were not of the bishop of Murray. 7 Montrose left allowed to save themselves from drowning, but Peebles early the following morning, and, cross- after being beaten on the head and stunned by ing the Clyde at a ford shown him by Sir John blows from the butt ends of muskets and by Dabriel, where he was, to his great joy, joined clubs, were pushed back into the stream, where

by the Earls of Crawford and Airly, and other they all perished. 8 According to Gordon of noblemen who had effected their escape by a Euthven, many of the women who were with different route, he proceeded rapidly to the child were ripped up and cut to pieces, " with north, and entered Athole, after dispatching such savage and inhuman cruelty, as neither the Marquis of Douglas and the Earl of Airly Turk nor Scythian was ever heard to have done into Angus, and Lord Erskine into Mar, to the like." 9 raise forces. Montrose then sent letters to Sir The covenanting army continued its march Alexander Macdonald and the Earl of Aboyne, 8 requesting them to join him without delay, and Sir George Mackenzie's Yind., vol. ii. p. 348. Gordon's History of the Family of Gordon, vol. ii. pp. 490, 491. 7 9 Guthry's Memoirs, p. 161. Dritane's Distemper, p. 160. —

234 GENERAL HISTOKY OF THE HIGHLANDS. to Glasgow, where a convention of the Estates While in Athole, Montrose received pro- was held, to determine upon farther measures. mises both from Lord Aboyne and Sir Alex- To testify their gratitude to Leslie, they granted ander Macdonald, that they would speedily him a present of 50,000 merks and a gold join him with considerable reinforcements ; chain, and they also voted the sum of 25,000 but, growing impatient at Aboyne's delay, he merks to Middleton, the second in command. 1 resolved to proceed north himself to ascertain

in person the cause of it, and to urge that nobleman to fulfil his promise. Crossing, therefore, the Grampians, he marched with CHAPTER XV. great haste through Aberdeenshire, and had an interview with Lord Aboyne, whom he ex- A. d. 1645—1649. pected to rouse from his apathy. Montrose,

British sovereign : —Charles I., 1625—1649. however, soon perceived, that whatever Lord

Huntly refuses to join Montrose—Aboyne joins and Aboyne's own intentions were, he was thwarted shortly deserts him—Executions by the Covenanters by his father, the Marquis of Huntly, who, on —Montrose has an interview with Huntly—Defeat hearing success at Kilsyth, of the Campbells at Callander—Meeting of the cove- of Montrose's had nanting Parliament—Trials and Executions—Move- left his retreat in Strathnaver, where he had ments of Montrose and Huntly— General Middleton's a half in absolute supine- movements —The King escapes to the Scots army passed a year and Orders Montrose to disband his army— Montrose ness, and returned to his own country. The corresponds with the King—Interview with Middle- marquis appears to have been filled with envy ton— Disbands his army—Embarks for the Continent —The Scotch and the King— Proceedings of General towards Montrose, and although, being a royal- Leslie —Defeats Sir Alexander Macdonald—Surren- ist in his heart, he did not care to expose the der of Dunaverty Castle—Leslie in the Western Isles—Apprehension of Huntly— Risings in Scot- crown and monarchy to danger to gratify his land in behalf of the King—Movements of royalists spleen and vanity, yet he could not endure to under Hamilton— Pdsing in the West—Enter Edin- burgh—Capture of Stirling and flight of Argyle see a man whom he looked upon as his inferior Cromwell arrives in Edinburgh Trial and Execu- — in rank, monopolize the whole power and au- tion of the King—Also of Hamilton and Huntly. thority in Scotland. Montrose appeared among his Athole friends " He was," says Bishop Wishart, " a man at a time the most unfavourable for obtaining equally unfortunate and inconsiderate ; and, their aid. Many of them were engaged in the however much he would seem, or was really occupation of the harvest, securing, for the sup- attached to the king, yet he often betrayed port of themselves and their families, the scanty that interest through a pride and unaccount- and precarious crops which were then upon the able envy he had conceived against Montrose, ground, and which, if neglected to be cut down whose glory and renown he endeavoured rather in due time, might be destroyed by unfavour- to extenuate than make the object of his emu- able weather. It was, besides, little more than lation. He durst not venture to depreciate a month since they had left him at Bothwell, Montrose's actions before his own people, who for the purpose partly of repairing the dam- had been eye-witnesses of them, and were well ages which had been committed by Argyle's acquainted with his abilities, lest it might bo men upon their houses, and the interval which construed into a sign of disaffection to the had since elapsed had not been sufficient for king himself. However, he gave out that ho accomplishing their object. Yet, notwithstand- would take the charge of commanding them ing these drawbacks, Montrose succeeded in himself during the remainder of the war ; and inducing about 400 of the men of Athole to in that view he headed all his own vassals, and join him immediately, and to follow him to advised his neighbours, not without threats if the north in quest of additional reinforce- they acted otherwise, to enlist under no other ments ; and he obtained a promise that, on authority than his own. They remonstrated his return, the whole of the Athole Highland- against being asked to disobey the commands of ers would join him in a body. Montrose, who was appointed by the king his deputy-governor and captain-general of all the

1 Guthry, p. 169. forces within the kingdom. Huntly replied, HUNTLY REFUSES TO JOIN MONTROSE. 235 that he himself should in no way be want- Britane's Distemper, endeavour tc defend ing in his duty to the king ; hut, in the mean- Huntly from these charges made against him time, it tended no less to their honour than by Wishart. They assert that Wishart has his own that it should appear to the king and given only one side of the case, and that the whole kingdom how much they contributed Huntly acted as he did from a genuine desire to the maintenance of the war; and this, he to serve the highest interests of the king, and said, could never be done, unless they com- through no envy towards Montrose. They posed a separate army by themselves. He lament that any misunderstanding should ever spoke in very magnificent terms of his own have arisen between these two eminent royalists, power, and endeavoured as much as possible to as it undoubtedly tended materially to preju- extenuate that of Montrose. He extolled im- dice the cause of the king. No doubt Huntly

moderately the glory and achievements of his sincerely wished to serve the royal cause : but ancestors, the Gordons ; a race, worthy indeed we are afraid that jealousy towards Montrose of all due commendation, whose power had for helped considerably to obscure his mental many ages been formidable, and an overmatch vision and prejudice his judgment. 2 for their neighbours ; and was so even at this Among other reasons which induced Mon- day. It was therefore, he said, extremely un- trose to take the speedy step he did of march- just to ascribe unto another, meaning Montrose, ing north himself, was a report which had the glory and renown acquired by their courage, reached him that the king was to send from and at the expense of their blood. But, for England a large body of horse to support him, the future, he would take care that neither the and he was most anxious to collect such forces king should be disappointed of the help of the as he could to enable him to be in a condition Gordons, nor should they be robbed of the to advance to the south, and unite with this praise due to their merit." body. In fact, the king had given orders to Notwithstanding Huntly's reasoning, some Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale to of his clan perceived the great danger to which proceed to Scotland with a body of 1,500 the king's affairs would be exposed by such horse ; but they were, unfortunately, completely

conduct, and they did everything in their defeated, even ' before Montrose's departure to power to induce him to alter his resolution. the north, by Colonel Copley at Sherburn, It was, however, in vain that they represented with the loss of all their baggage. Digby and to him the danger and impropriety of dividing Langdale, accompanied by the Earls of Carn- the friends of the king at such a crisis, when wath and Nithsdale, fled to Skipton, and union and harmony were so essentially neces- afterwards to Dumfries, whence they took sary for accomplishing the objects they had in ship to the Isle of Man. view, and when, by allowing petty jealousies Notwithstanding the evasions of the Marquis to interfere and distract their councils, they of Huntly, Montrose succeeded in inducing the might ruin the royal cause in, Scotland. Earl of Aboyne to join him at Drumminor, Huntly lent a deaf ear to all their entreaties, the seat of Lord Forbes, with a force of 1,500 and instead of adopting the advice of his foot and 300 horse, all of whom appeared to friends to support Montrose, by ordering his be actuated by the best spirit. To remove vassals to join him, he opposed him almost in every unfavourable impression from the mind everything he proposed by underhand means, of Montrose, Aboyne assured him with great although affecting a seeming compliance with frankness, that he and his men were ready to his wishes. Seeing all their efforts fruitless, follow him wherever he should be pleased to

; those friends who had advised Huntly to join lead them that they would obey his orders ; Montrose declared that they would range them- and that his brother, Lord Lewis, would also selves under Montrose's banner, as the king's speedily join him, as he soon did, with an addi- lieutenant, regardless of consequences, and they tional force. kept their word. On receiving this reinforcement, Montrose history The author of the of the family of 2 History of the Family of Gordon, vol. ii. p. 495. Gordon, and Gordon of Ruthven, author of Britane's Distemper, p. 166. ;

236 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

turned his face to the south, and marched allow Aboyne to remain with the army. But towards Mar, where he was to be joined by- all their arguments and entreaties were to no forces which Lord Erskine had raised there purpose. Lord Eeay was so heartily ashamed but he had not proceeded far, when Lord at the failure of Ms mission, that he declined Lewis Gordon, under some pretence or other, to return to Montrose; and Irvine, who brought returned home with a considerable party of some evasive letters from Huntly, frankly horse, promising to return to the army the declared to Montrose, that he could obtain no following clay. The desertion of Lord Lewis satisfactory explanation from his father-in-law had a most pernicious influence upon the of his real intentions, farther, than that he remainder of Aboyne's men, who, before the remained fixed in his resolution that Aboyne army had reached Afford, were greatly dimin- should return home immediately. After declar- ished by desertion. As the remainder showed ing that he parted from Montrose with reluc- great unwillingness to march forward, and as tance, and promising to join him within a the desertions continued, Aboyne requested fortnight with a force even larger than that leave of absence, alleging as his reason, that which he had lately brought, Aboyne left the his father had expressly commanded him to army and returned to his father. return to defend his possessions against a party Montrose then continued his march through of the enemy who were in Lower Mar, and Braemar and Glenshee into Athole, where he who were threatening an attack. The demand obtained an accession of force. He next pro- of Aboyne excited the astonishment of Mon- ceeded to Strathearn, where he was met by two trose, who remonstrated with him, and gave messengers,—Captain Thomas Ogilvie, younger many reasons to induce him to remain. He of Pourie, and Captain Eobert Nisbet,—who showed that Aboyne's apprehensions of danger arrived by different routes, with orders from were groundless, as, with the exception of a the king, desiring Montrose to join Lord George few troops of the enemy's horse quartered in Digby, near the English border, as soon as Aberdeen, there were no other forces in the possible. On receiving these commands, Mon- north which could disturb his father's posses- trose immediately sent the messengers north sions, and that these horse were too weak to to the Marquis of Huntly, to acquaint him with attempt any thing—that by marching south, the king's wishes, in the expectation that the the seat of war would be transferred from the use of his majesty's name would at once induce north country, and that, in this way, the him to send Aboyne south with reinforcements. Marquis of Huntly would be relieved altogether While Montrose lay in Strathearn waiting of the presence of the enemy—that it would for reinforcements, intelligence was brought to be impossible to join the royalist forces, -which him that the Covenanters were about to imbrue were on their way from England, without their hands in the blood of his friends who crossing the Forth, and that it was only by had been taken prisoners after the battle of adopting the latter step that they could ever Philiphaugh. The committee of Estates, which expect to rescue their brave friends from the had accompanied the covenanting army to fangs of the Covenanters, and save their lives. Glasgow, had now determined upon this bold Aboyne did not attempt to answer these and illegal step, for which hitherto, with the reasons, which were urged with Montrose's recent exceptions of O'Kean and Laughlane, peculiar energy, but he requested him to send no example had been set by either of the belli- some persons who had influence with his gerent parties in Scotland since the commence- father to acquaint him with them. Donald, ment of the war. They had wisely abstained Lord Eeay, at whose house Huntly had lived from staining the scaffolds with blood, but during his exile in Strathnaver, and Alexander from different motives. Montrose, in general, Irvine, younger of Drum, Huntly's son-in-law, refrained from inflicting capital punishment, both of whom had been indebted to Montrose and, as we have seen, often released his prison for their liberty, were accordingly sent by him ers on parole. The heads of the Covenanters to the Marquis of Huntly, as the most likely had been deterred by fear alone from carrying persons he could select to induce Huntly to their bloody purposes into execution ; but con- TEIALS AND EXECUTIONS. 237 sidering that they had now nothing to fear, bardine, Alexander Ogilvie of Inverquharity, they soon appeared in their true colours. Sir William Bollock, Sir Philip Nisbet, Colonel Besides the committee of the Estates, a com- Nathaniel Gordon, Adjutant Stewart, and Cap- mittee of the kirk held sittings in Glasgow at tain Andrew Guthry. the same time, which sittings were afterwards Apprehensive, however, that Montrose might transferred to Perth, where, after deposing some still be in a condition to avenge the blood of ministers who were considered disaffected to his friends, the committee did not venture to the Covenant, because they had not "mourned" carry their sentence into immediate execution for Montrose's victory at Kilsyth, they " con- upon any of them ; but hearing of the division cerned" themselves, as Guthry observes, about between Montrose andHuntly,and the desertion "the disposition of men's heads." Accord- of the Gordons, they thought they might now ingly, thinking the committee of Estates remiss safely venture to immolate a few victims at the in condemning and executing the prisoners, shrine of the Covenant. Accordingly three of they appointed Mr. "William Bennet, who acted the prisoners were ordered for execution, viz., as Moderator in the absence of Mr. Robert Sir William Bollock, Sir Philip. Nisbet, chief Douglas, and two others of their number, to of that name, and Alexander Ogilvie, younger wait upon the committee of Estates, and remon- of Inverquharity, a youth not quite 18 years strate with them for their supineness. Guthry of age, who had already given proofs of ability. relates, that the deputation reported on their This excellent young man was sacrificed to return, in his own hearing, that some of the gratify the malignant animosity of Argyle at lords of the committee slighted the desire of the Ogilvies. Sir William was executed at the committee of the kirk, and that they were the market cross of Glasgow, on the 28th of likely to have obtained nothing had not the October, and Sir Philip and Ogilvie suffered at Earl of Tulliebardine made a seasonable speech the same place on the following day. Wishart to the effect, " that because he had a brother relates a circumstance connected with Sir Wil- among those men, it might be that their lord- liam Bollock's condemnation, which exhibits a ships so valued his concurrence with them in singular instance of the ferocity and fanaticism the good cause, that for respect of him they of the times. He says, that the chief crime were the more loth to resolve upon the question. laid to Sir William's charge was, that he had But that, as for himself, since that young man not perpetrated a deed of the most villanous had joined with that wicked crew, he did not and atrocious nature. Having been sent by esteem him his brother, and therefore declared Montrose, after the battle of Aberdeen, with that he would take it for no favour if upon that some despatches to the king, he was appre- 3 i account any indulgence was granted him." > hended by the enemy, and would undoubtedly This fratricidal speech made those members of have been immediately executed, but for Argyle, the committee, who had disliked the shedding who used all his endeavours to engage hini to of blood, hang down their heads, according to assassinate Montrose, and who at length, by Bennet's report, and the committee, thereupon, threatening him with immediate death, and resolved that 10 of the prisoners should be promising him, in case of compliance, very executed, viz., the Earl of Hartfell, Lord Ogil- high rewards, prevailed on him to undertake

vie, Sir Robert Spottiswood, the Honourable that barbarous office, for which, however, he William Murray, brother to the Earl of Tullie- secretly entertained the utmost abhorrence.

Having thereby obtained his life and liberty, 3 Memoirs, 164. p. he returned straight to Montrose and disclosed 4 This report fortunately appears to he belied by the following entries in Balfour's Annals, 17th and the whole matter to him, entreating him, at the 10th January, 1646. "The earl of Tulliebardine same time, to look more carefully to his own humbly petitions the House that they would be pleased

to pardon his brother, William Murray's life, in respect safety ; as it could not be supposed that he, he averred on his honour, that he was not compos Sir William, was the only person who had in.enl.is, as also within age." "The earl of Tulliebar- dine again this day gave in a humble petition to the been practised upon in this shameful manner prolonging the sentence House for execution of that or that others would equally detest the deed, pronounced against his brother." Vol. iii. pp. 362, 363. but that some persons would undoubtedly be 238 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

found who, allured with, the hait, would use and descent ; a man of the greatest uprightness their utmost industry and pains to obtain the and integrity, and of a most happy genius, promised reward. 5 Another instance of fanati- being, as to his skill in the sciences, equal to

cism is related by Guthry, of David Dickson his father and grandfather, who were famous the " bloody preacher," who, on witnessing the all the world over for their knowledge in philo- execution of Nisbet and Ogilvie, was heard to sophy and mathematics, and in the doctrine of utter the barbarous expression—" The work civil prudence far beyond them." Montrose goes bonnyly on," an expression which after- had been accustomed from his earliest years to wards became proverbial. look up to this gifted nobleman with feelings About the time this tragedy was performing, of reverential and filial awe, nor were these

Montrose crossed the Forth and entered Len- feelings impaired as he advanced in life. He nox with a force of 300 horse and 1,200 foot, was interred in the Kirk of Blair with becom- and took up his quarters on the lands of Sir ing solemnity by Montrose. John Buchanan, an ardent Covenanter, whence When Montrose arrived in Athole, he there he sent out his cavalry every day, who hovered found Captain Ogilvie and Captain Nisbet, who about Glasgow, and plundered the neighbour- had just returned from the north to give an ing country without opposition, although the account of their embassy to the Marquis of Covenanters had a force of about 3,000 cavalry Huntly. They reported that they found him in Glasgow and the neighbourhood. When quite inflexible in his determination not to Montrose heard of the execution of his friends, send assistance to Montrose, that he had spoken his heart was filled with the most poignant disdainfully to them, and even questioned the grief, and he longed for a suitable opportunity authenticity of the message which they brought to avenge their deaths, but he was too weak from the king. It was truly grievous for Mon- to venture upon an immediate attack. He trose to see the cause for which he had fought sent repeated messengers from his present head- so long, and for which he had encountered so quarters to Sir Alexander Macdonald to join many personal risks, thus endangered by the him ; but after hovering several weeks about apparently wilful and fatal obstinacy of an

Glasgow, like a hawk ready to pounce upon its individual who had abandoned his country and quarry, he had the mortification to find, that his friends in the most trying circumstances, Macdonald had no intention of ever again and skulked in Strathnaver, without showing returning to him, and that his expectations of any inclination to support the tottering throne being joined by the Earl of Aboyne were to be of his sovereign. But Montrose did not yet equally disappointed. despair of bringing the marquis to a due sense

Under these untoward circumstances, there- of his duty ; and as he considered that it was fore, and as the winter, which turned out more expedient, in the present conjuncture, to unusually severe, was far advanced, Montrose endeavour to soothe the wounded pride of the resolved to retire into the north where he could marquis than to use the language of menace, remain undisturbed. "With this view he began he sent Sir John Dalziel to Huntly with a his march from the Lennox on the 1 9th of No- message of peace and reconciliation ; intending, vember, and crossing the bills of Monteith, if necessary, as soon as circumstances permitted, which were covered with snow to a consider- to follow him, and enforce by his personal able depth, he entered Strathearn, and crossing presence, at a friendly conference, which Sir the Tay, marched into Athole. Here Montrose John was requested to ask from 'the marquis, received the melancholy news of the death of the absolute necessity of such a reconciliation. his brother-in-law, Archibald Lord Napier of As Dalziel was quite unsuccessful in his Merchiston, whom he had left behind him in mission, and could not prevail upon Huntly

Athole on account of indisposition ; a man, to agree to a conference with Montrose, the says Bishop Wishart, " not less noble in his latter hastened to put into effect his inten- personal accomplishments than in his birth tion of paying a personal visit to Huntly, " that nothing might be unattempted to bring

6 Wishart p. 223. him to a right way of thinking," and " by MOYEMEXTS OF MOXTROSE AND HUXTLY. 239

heaping favours and benefits upon him, force been collected together by Campbell of Ard- him even against his will, to a reconciliation, kinlass to the number of about 1,200, and had and to co-operate with him in promoting the attacked the Macgregors and Macnabs for king's affairs." 6 Montrose accordingly left favouring Montrose. Being joined by the Athole with his army in the month of Decem- Stuarts of Balquidder, the Menzieses, and other ber, and marching into Angus, crossed the partisans of Argyle, to the number of about Grampians, then covered with frost and snow, 300, they meditated an invasion of Athole, by rapid marches, and arrived in Strathbogie, and had advanced as far as Strathample, with before Huntly was aware of his movements. the intention of carrying their design into To avoid Montrose, Huntly immediately shut execution, when intelligence was brought to himself up in his castle of Bog of Gicht, on Inchbrakie of their approach. Inchbrakie and the Spey, but Montrose having left his head- Balloch had by this time collected a body quarters with a troop of horse, unexpectedly of 700 able-bodied men, and, with this force, surprised him very early in the morning before they immediately proceeded to meet the Camp- time to secrete himself. Instead of bells. These laid siege to Castle he had had Ample ; reproaching Huntly with his past conduct, but, on being apprised of the advance of the Montrose spoke to him in the most affable Athole-men, they retired to Monteith, whither manner, and apparently succeeded in removing they were hotly pursued by the Athole-men, his dissatisfaction so far, that a plan for con- who overtook them at Callander, near the ducting the future operations of the army was village of Monteith. After crossing the river agreed upon between them. The reduction cf Teith, they halted and prepared for battle, the garrison of Inverness, which, though strong having previously stationed a large party of and well fortified, was but scantily stored with musketeers to guard the ford. provisions, and an attempt to induce the Earl Having ascertained the strength and position of Seaforth to join them, were the leading parts of the Campbells, Inchbrakie ordered 100 of of this plan. Accordingly, while Montrose his men to advance to the ford, as if with the was to march through Strathspey, on his way intention of crossing it, in order to draw the to Inverness, it was agreed that Huntly should attention of the Campbells to this single point, also advance upon it by a different road along while, with the remainder of his men, he the sea-coast of Morayshire, and thereby hem hastened to cross the river by another ford, in the garrison on both sides. higher up, and nearer the village. This move- In prosecution of this design, Montrose pro- ment was immediately perceived by the Argyle- ceeded through Strathspey, and sat down before men, who, alarmed at such a bold step, and Inverness, waiting for the arrival of Huntly. probably thinking that the Athole-men were TThen marching through Strathspey, Montrose more numerous than they really were, aban- received intelligence that Athole was threat- doned their position, and fled with precipitation ened with a visit from the Campbells—a cir- towards Stirling. As soon as the Athole party, cumstance which induced him to despatch stationed at the lower ford, saw the opposite Graham of Inchbrakie and John Drummond, bank deserted, they immediately crossed the younger of Balloch, to that country, for the river and attacked the rear of the retiring purpose of embodying the Athole Highlanders, Campbells. They were soon joined in the who had remained at home, in defence of their pursuit by the party which had crossed the country. The inhabitants of Argyle, on hear- higher ford ; but, as the Athole-men had per- ing of Sir Alexander Macdonald's arrival in formed a tedious march of ten miles that their country, after the battle of Kilsyth, had morning, they were unable to continue the fled to avoid his vengeance, and concealed pursuit far. About 80 of the Campbells were themselves in caverns or in the clefts of the killed in the pursuit They loitered about rocks ; but being compelled by the calls of Stirling for some time in a very pitiful state,

hunger to abandon their retreats, they had till visited by their chief, on his way to Ireland, who, not knowing how to dispose of them, led

6 Wishart, p. 227 them into Renfrewshire, under the impression —

240 GENEEAL HTSTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. that as the inhabitants of that district were and to do justice on delinquents and malig- friendly to the Covenant, they would be well nants ; showing that their dallying formerly received ; but the people of Renfrewshire, had provoked God's two great servants against instead of showing sympathy for these unfortu- them—the sword and plague of pestilence nate wanderers, threatened to take arms and which had ploughed up the land with deep

cut them down, unless they departed immedi- furrows : he showed that the massacre of Kil- ately. The marquis, thereupon, sent them into syth was never to be forgotten, and that God, Lennox, and quartered th^ni upon the lands of who was the just Judge of the world, would Lord Napier and other " malignants," as the not but judge righteously, and keep in remem- royalists were called. 7 brance that sea of innocent blood which lay The support of General Leslie's army being before his throne, crying for vengeance on these heavily felt by the people, complaints were bloodthirsty rebels, the butchers of so many made to the Committee of Estates for retaining innocent souls. He showed, likewise, that the such a large body of men in Scotland, without times required a more narrow and sharp look- any necessity, and whose habits and mode of ing into than formerly, in respect, that the living were so different from those of the house of parliament was become at this present inhabitants of North Britain. The Committee like to Noah's ark, which had in it both foul and sent Leslie back to England, retaining only a clean creatures, and therefore he besought the small brigade under General Middleton, to Estates there now convened by God's especial watch the motions of Montrose. permission and appointment, before that they The Covenanters, emboldened by recent went about the constitution of that high court events, had summoned a parliament to meet of parliament, that they would make a serious at St. Andrews, which accordingly assembled search and inquiry after such as were ears and on the 26th of November, 1645 ; and, that the eyes to the enemies of the commonwealth, and ministers might not be behind their lay did sit there as if there was nothing to say to " brethren in zeal for the blood of the malig- them ; and, therefore, he humbly desired that nants," the general assembly of the church also the house might be adjourned till to-morrow met at the same time and place. It is truly at two o'clock in the afternoon, and that the humiliating to find men, no doubt sincerely several Estates might consider what corrupted believing they were serving the cause of reli- members were amongst them, who had com- gion, demanding the lives of tbeir countrymen plied with the public enemy of the state, either as a sacrifice which they considered would be by themselves or by their agents or friends." 3 yet, well-pleasing to God ; whilst every unpre- On the 4th of December, a petition was judiced mind must condemn the fanaticism of presented to the parliament from the prisoners

the Covenanters, it must be remembered that confined in the castle of St. Andrews, praying to the unconstitutional attempts of the king to be tried either by their peers, the justice-general, force Episcopacy upon them—a system which or before the whole parliament, and not by a

they detested,—the severe losses which they committee, as proposed ; and they very properly had sustained from the arms of Montrose, and objected to Sir Archibald Johnston's sitting the dread of being subjected to the yoke of as a judge, he having already prejudged their " prelacy, and punished for their resistance, had case ; but the house, in one voice," most aroused them to a state of frenzy, over which iniquitously rejected the petition, reserving,

reason and religion could have little control. however, to the prisoners still to object to Sir As a preparative for the bloody scenes about Archibald before the committee, " if they had to be enacted, Sir Archibald Johnston of War- not any personal exception against his person." 9 riston, on the day the parliament met, addressed As the ministers considered the parliament the house in a long harangue, in which he tardy in their proceedings against the royalists, entreated them to " unity amongst themselves, the commissioners of the general assembly pre- to lay all private respects and interests aside,

8 Balfour, vol. iii. pp. 311, 312. 7 9 Guthry, p. 172. Balfour, vol. iii. p. 323. TEIALS AND EXECUTIONS. 241

sented, on the 5th of December, a remonstrance, for condemnation, viz., Colonel Nathaniel Gor- praying them " for justice upon delinquents don, Sir Eobert Spottiswood, the Honourable and malignants who had shed the blood of William Murray, and Captain Guthry. It their brethren," and on the same day,- four appears from the parliamentary register of Sir petitions and remonstrances to the same effect James Balfour, that these four prisoners pleaded

were presented to the parliament, from the exemption from trial, or rather from condemna- provincial assemblies and from Fife, Dumfries, tion, on the ground of "quarters;" but after Merse, Teviotdale, and Galloway, by a body of three hours' debate, on the 10th of January,

about 200 persons. The parliament, says the parliament overruled this defence ; and the Balfour, by their president, answered, that committee having, of course, found them all they had taken their " modest petitions and "guilty of high treason against the states of seasonable remonstrances very kindly, and the kingdom," they fixed the 16th of that rendered them hearty thanks, and wished them month for taking into consideration the punish- to be confident that, with all alacrity and dili- ment to be inflicted upon them. gence, they would go about and proceed in The first case taken up on the appointed answering the expectations of all their reason- day, was that of Colonel Nathaniel Gordon, able desires, as they might themselves perceive who, after a debate of three hours' duration,

in their procedure hitherto ; and, withal, he was sentenced to be beheaded at the cross of entreated them, in the name of the house, that St. Andrews, on Tuesday, the 20tb of January, they would be earnest with God to implore at twelve o'clock, noon, and his lands and and beg his blessing to assist and encourage goods were declared forfeited to the public. them to the performance of what they de- The lord chancellor declined voting. Similar manded." 1 sentences were pronounced upon the Honour- Notwithstanding the entreaties of the minis- able William Murray and Captain Guthry, by ters to proceed with the condemnation of the a majority of votes, a few of the members prisoners, the parliament postponed proceedings having voted that they should be imprisoned

till the 17th of January, 1646; but, as a peace- during life. Mr. Murray's brother, the Earl of offering, they ordered, in the mean time, some Tulliebardine, absented himself. These three Irish prisoners, composed partly of those who fell under an act passed the preceding year, had been taken at Pkiliphaugh, and who had declaring that all persons who, after having escaped assassination, and partly of stragglers subscribed the Covenant, should withdraw from who had been picked up after that battle, and it, should be held as guilty of high treason. who were confined in various prisons through- But the case of Sir Eobert Spottiswood, who out the kingdom, especially in those of Selkirk, had not subscribed the Covenant, not falling Jedburgh, Glasgow, Dumbarton, and Perth, to within the scope of this ex-post-facto law, the be executed without trial, " conform to the committee had stated in a special report the treaty betwixt both kingdoms." 2 A more ille- grounds on which they found Sir Eobert guilty gal act it is scarcely possible to conceive, but of high treason, namely, 1st, that he had ad- in these times even the forms of justice were vised, docketed, signed, carried, and delivered set aside. to Montrose the commission appointing him The Committee of Estates, when sitting in " lieutenant-governor and captain-general" of Glasgow, had condemned the Earl of Hartfell all his majesty's forces in Scotland; and 2dly, and Lord Ogilvie to death, along with Sir that he had been taken in arms against the William Pollock, Sir Philip Nisbet, and Alex- country at Pliiliphaugh. After a lengthened ander Ogilvie; but, for some reason or other, debate, the parliament decided that both these their execution was deferred. So that, with charges were capital offences, and accordingly the exception of Adjutant Stuart, who escaped Sir Eobert was condemned by a large majority while under the charge of General Middleton, to lose his head. 3 there remained only four persons of any note It was the intention of the parliament to

1 3 Balfour, vol. iii. p. 325. Ibid. p. 341. Balfour, vol. iii. pp. 356— 61. ; ;

242 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. have ordered the Earl of Hartfell and Lord he was absolved from the sentence of excom- Ogilvie to be executed along with the other munication. He died expressing great sorrow prisoners; but on the evening of the 10th of for the vices and follies of his youth ; but vin- January Lord Ogilvie effected his escape in the dicated himself for the part he had taken in following way. Pretending sickness he applied the troubles of his country, professed the most for, and obtained, though with considerable unshaken loyalty to his king, and declared that difficulty, liberty to his mother, wife, and sister, if there were any thing in the instrument he to visit and attend hiin in prison. On entering had signed which might be construed as dis- his chamber the sentinels retired out of respect honourable to the king, or repiignant to his to the ladies; and, as soon as the door was authority, he completely disowned it. shut, his lordship jumped out of bed, and Colonel Gordon was followed to the scaffold attired himself in his sister's clothes, who, on by Sir Eobert Spottiswood, a man of spot- undressing, took the place of her brother in less integrity, and one of the most profound bod, and put on his night-cap. After spending scholars of the age. He was the eldest son of some time together to prevent suspicion, the Archbishop Spottiswood, and had, by his rare two other ladies and his lordship, after oponing endowments and great merit, been noticed with the door ajar so as to bo seen by the guards, distinction by King James and his successor protended to take a most affectionate and pain- Charles. James conferred on him the order of ful leave of the unfortunate bed-ridden prisoner, knighthood, and made him a privy councillor, and drawing the door after them, passed the and Charles promoted him to the high situa- sentinels without interruption. This happened tion of lord president of the court of session about oight o'clock in the evening; and as and, upon the desertion of the Earl of Lanark horses had been prepared for Iris lordship and to the Covenanters, the king appointed him two companions who were waiting to escort principal secretary of state for Scotland instead him, he immediately mounted, and was out of of that nobleman. This appointment drew all danger before next morning, when the de- down upon him the hatred of the leading ception was discovered. The escape of Lord Covenanters, but still there were some among Ogilvie highly incensed Argyle, who hated the them who continued to respect him on account

Ogilvics, and who, it is said, longed for the of his worth and shining talents; and when death of his lordship. He could not conceal the vote was taken in parliament whether he the chagrin ho felt on the occasion, and even should suffer, the Earls of Eglintoun, Cassilis, had the audacity to propose that the three Dunfermline, and Carnwath, voted that his ladies should be immediately punished; but life should be spared; and the lord chancellor the Hamiltons and Lord Lindsay, who, on ac- and the Earl of Lanark, by leave of the house, count of their relationship to Lord Ogilvie, declined voting. " Though many liked not were suspected of being privy to his escape, his party, they liked his person, which made protected them from his vengeance. The him many friends even among the Covenanters, escape of Lord Ogilvio was a fortunate occur- insomuch, that after his sentence was read, rence for the Earl of Hartfell, for whose life it some of the nobility spoke in his behalf, and is alleged the Hamiltons thirsted in their turn entreated the house to consider the quality and and to disappoint whom Argyle insisted that parts of that excellent gentleman and most just the earl's life should be spared, a concession judge, whom they had condemned, and begged which he obtained. 4 earnestly his life might be spared. But an Of the four prisoners, Colonel Nathaniel eminent knowledge and esteem, which, in Gordon, " a man," says Wishart, " of excellent other cases, might be a motive to save a crimi- endowments both of body and mind," was the nal, was here only the cause of taking an inno- first that suffered. He had been long under cent man's life—so dangerous is it, in a corrupt the ban of the church for adultery; but on age, to be eminently constant and virtuous. signing a paper, declaratory of Ms repentance, The gentlemen who spoke were told that the authority of the established government was

1 Wishart, p. 238; Guthry, p. 168 not secure while Sir Robert's life was spared. ;

EXECUTION OF SIE ROBEET SPOTTLSWOOD. 243

Whereupon the noblemen who presided at the fire, or pestilence; that for the sins of the meeting of the estates at Glasgow, and in the people God had sent a lying spirit into tho parliament at St. Andrews, openly declared, mouths of the prophets." This answer raised when they signed the respective sentences, that tho fury of Blair, who assailed Sir Eobert with they did sign as preses, and in obedience to tho most acrimonious imputations, and reviled the command of tho estates, hut not as to their the memory of his father by tho most infamous particular judgment." 5 charges; but Sir Eobert was too deeply ab-

After he had mounted the scaffold, still sorbed in meditation to regard such obloquy. reeking with the blood of Colonel Gordon, Having finished his devotions, this great and Sir Eobert surveyed the terrific scene around good man, after uttering these words, " Merciful him with singular composuro, which, added Jesus ! gather my soul unto thy saints and to his naturally grave and dignified appear- martyrs who have run before me in this race," ance, filled the breasts of the spectators with laid his neck upon the fatal block, and in an a feeling of compassion. Sir Eobert had instant his head was severed from his body. intended to have addressed the people, and After Sir Eobert Spottiswood's execution, had prepared a written speech for tho occasion Captain Guthry, son of tho ex-bishop of Moray, but on turning round to address the spectators, was next led to the scaffold. The fierce and he was prevented from proceeding by the pro- unfeeling Blair, who had already officiously vost of St. Andrews, formerly a servant of Sir witnessed, with the most morbid complacency, Eobert's father, who had been instigated to the successive executions of Colonel Gordon impose silence upon him by Eobert Blair, one and Sir Eobert, not satisfied with reviling of those ministers who, to the scandal of reli- the latter gentleman in his last moments, gion, had dishonoured their profession by call- and lacerating his feelings by heaping every ing out for the blood of their countrymen. sort of obloquy upon the memory of his father, Blair's motive in occasioning this interruption vented the dregs of his impotent rage upon the is said to have arisen from a dread he enter- unfortunate victim now before him; but Guthry tained that Sir Eobert would expose tho bore all this man's reproaches with becoming designs of the Covenanters, and impress the dignity, and declared that he considered it an bystanders with an unfavourable opinion of honour to die in defence of the just cause of their proceedings. Sir Eobert bore the inter- his sovereign. He met his death with the ruption with the most unruffled composure, fortitude of a hero and the firmness of a and, as lie saw no chance of succeeding, he Christian. threw the manuscript of his speech amongst In consequence of an appHcation to the par- the crowd, and appHed himself to his private Hament by tho Earl of Tulliebardine, the exe- devotions. But here again he was annoyed by cution of his brother, "William Murray, was the officious impertinence of Blair, who rudely delayed till the 23d of January. The case of asked him whether he (Blair) and the people this unfortunate young man excited a strong should pray for the salvation of his soul? To feeling of regret among the Covenanters them- this question Sir Eobert answered, that ho selves, and some writers have not scrupled to indeed desired the prayers of the people; but blame tho earl as the cause of his death, that knowing the bloodthirsty character of the man he might succeed to his patrimony. Somo he was addressing, who had come to tease him countenance is afforded to this conjecture from in his last moments, he told him that he the circumstance that tho earl not only made " would have no concern with his prayers, no exertions to save his brother from condem- which he believed were impious, and an nation, but that he even absented himself from abomination unto God ; adding, that of all the parliament the day that his brother's case came plagues with which the offended majesty of to be discussed, when, by his presence or his God had scourged the nation, this was certainly vote, he might have saved his brother's life. by far the greatest, greater than even tho sword, Nor is this supposition, it is contended, in any

'' Life prefixed to Sir Robert's work, entitled Prac- ticles, folio, printed in 1706. ;

244 GENEBAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. shape weakened by the attempt he afterwards considerable difference of opinion prevailing as made to get off his brother; for he must have to the nature of the punishment to be submitted known that the parliament had gone too far to to parliament in the proposed overture, the retract, and could not, without laying itself moderator asked David Dickson what he open to the charge of the grossest partiality, thought best to be done with the prisoners, reprieve Mr. Murray, and allow their sentence who answered " in his homely way of speaking, to be carried into execution against the other 'shame them and herry (plunder) them.'" This prisoners. If true, however, that the earl proposal, being adopted, was made the subject delivered the speech imputed to him by Ben- of an overture, which was accordingly presented net, there can be no doubt of his being a par- to parliament ; and to meet the views of the ticipator in the death of his brother, but, it ministers, a remit was made to a large com- woidd be hard to condemn him on such ques- mittee, which was appointed to meet at Lin- tionable authority. To whatever cause it was lithgow, on the 25th of February, to fix the owing, Mr. Murray was not, during his last amount of the fines to be imposed upon the moments, subjected to the annoyances of Blair, different delinquents. nor was he prevented from delivering the While the proceedings before detailed were following speech to the persons assembled to going on at St. Andrews, Montrose was ineffec- witness his execution. He spoke in a loud tually endeavouring to reduce the garrison of " tone of voice as follows : I hope, my country- Inverness, the acquisition of which would have men, you will reckon that the house of Tullie- been of some importance to him. Had the bardine, and the whole family of Murray, have Marquis of Huntly kept his promise, and this day acquired a new and no small addition joined Montrose, its capture might have been of honour ; that a young man, descended of effected ; but that nobleman never made his that ancient race, has, though innocent, and in appearance, and as Inverness was thus left the flower of his age, with the greatest readi- open on the side which it was intended he ness and cheerfulness, delivered up his life for should block up, the enemy were enabled to his king, the father of his country, and the supply themselves with provisions and warlike most munificent patron and benefactor of that stores, of which they stood in great need. family from which he is sprung. Let not my Huntly, however, afterwards crossed the Spey, honoured mother, my dearest sisters, my kin- and entered Moray with a considerable force dred or my friends, lament the shortness of my but instead of joining Montrose, who repeatedly life, seeing that it is abundantly recompensed sent for him, he wasted his time in fruitless by the honour of my death. Pray for my soul, enterprises, besieging and taking a few castles and God be with you." 7 of no importance.

Many prisoners, but of less note, still re- As Huntly probably did not think that the mained to be disposed of; but the parliament, capture of a few obscure castles was sufficient either averse to shed more blood, or from other to establish his pretensions as Montrose's rival, considerations, took no steps against them. he resolved to seize Aberdeen, and had advanced The committee of the kirk, however, being on his way as far as Kintore, where he was actuated by other motives, pressed the parlia- met by Ludovick Lindsay, Earl of Crawford, ment to dispose of some more of the " malig- who had retired from the Mearns, where he nants ; " but the bloody zeal of these clerical had been stationed with Montrose's horse, on enthusiasts was checked by the better sense of hearing of the approach of the parliamentary the parliament ; and in order to get rid of army under the command of General Middle- their importunities for blood, a suggestion was ton towards Aberdeen. This intelligence was made to them by the leading men in parlia- quite sufficient to induce the marquis to desist ment to lay before them an " overture," propos- from his enterprise. Lindsay then marched ing some more lenient mode of punishment. into Buchan, and burnt the town of Fraser-

The " godly " brotherhood soon met, but a burgh. He, thereafter, went to Banff, but was compelled to retire hastily into Moray with

7 Guthry, p. 245. some loss in February 1646, by a division of GEAT EEAL MIDDLETON'S MOVEMENTS. 245

Middleton's army under the eonimand of Lieu- and had no intention to pass the river; he, tenant^Colonel Montgomery and Major David therefore, advised them to cease watching, and Barclay. 8 having invited them to the castle where they About this time intelligence was brought to were sumptuously entertained by him, plied

Montrose that General Middleton had arrived with wine and spirits, and detained till such at Aberdeen with a force of 600 horse and 800 time as Lord Middleton had crossed the Spey foot. He now renewed his entreaties to Huntly with a large army of horse and foot, and pene- to join him immediately, that they might trated far into Moray, he dismissed his guests either reduce Inverness or march jointly upon with these jeering remarks—" Go, return to

Aberdeen and attack Middleton ; Huntly, how- your general Montrose, who will now have ever, refused to accede to Montrose's request. better work than he had at Selkirk." Gordon

This refusal exasperated Montrose to such a of Euthven, however, contradicts this ver}r im- degree that he resolved to have recourse to probable story, and attributes Middleton's force to compel compliance, as he could no unmolested crossing of the Spey to the negli- longer endure to see the authority of the gence of the troops who guarded the passage; sovereign, whose deputy he was, thus trampled asserting that Lord Lewis knew nothing of it upon and despised. As he had already brought till Mortimer, one of the captains in command over to his side the Earl of Seaforth, who had of the troops, appeared at Eothes to tell him induced the heads of some of the principal that Middleton was on the other side of the clans to form a confederation for obtaining a Spey on his way to Inverness. Moreover such national peace, he was fully in a condition to a statement carries its own condemnation upon have reduced Huntly to obedience. Montrose the face of it, for even supposing that Mon- having got a new commission, sent a copy of it trose's officers had acted the stupid part im- to Huntly, and, as governor and general of the puted to them, they would certainly not have royal forces, charged him to come without forgotten their duty so far as to order their delay, with his whole force to Inverness, and men to abandon their posts. there receive further orders. Huntly appears It was in the month of May, 1646, that to have made preparations for complying with General Middleton left Aberdeen at the head this order, but Middleton's sudden advance on of his army, on his way to Inverness. He left Inverness induced him to alter his purpose. 9 behind him in Aberdeen a regiment of horse, Wishart relates rather an incredible story and another of foot, for the protection of the respecting an alleged piece of treachery on the town, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel part of Lord Lewis Gordon on this occasion. Montgomery. Middleton made a rapid march, He states that, as Montrose had no reliance and arrived in the neighbourhood of Inverness on Huntly, and as he began now to think it on the 9 th of May, driving before him the few high time to look more carefully to his own troops of horse which Montrose had stationed safety, lest Huntly's malice might at last carry on the Spey to watch his motions. On being him the length even to betray him, he sent warned of Middleton's approach, Montrose three troops of horse to the fords of the Spey drew his troops together, and took up a posi- to watch the motions of the enemy, with orders, tion at some distance from the town; but if they approached, to send him immediate having ascertained that Middleton was strong intimation of their movements. This body, it in cavalry, he hastily crossed the river Ness. is said, occupied the most convenient stations, Middleton, thereupon, despatched two regi- and watched with very great diligence for some ments of cavalry after him, who attacked his time, till Lord Lewis, who then kept the castle rear, cut off some of his men, and captured of Eothes, having contrived his scheme of two pieces of cannon and part of his baggage. villany, assured the officers who commanded Montrose continued his retreat by Beauly into the horse, that the enemy was very far distant, EosR-shire, whither he was pursued by Middle- ton, who, however, suffered- some loss in the pursuit. As Montrose's forces were far inferior, Gordon's Continuation, p. 531. Brilane's Distemper, p. 182. in point of numbers, to those of Middleton, he 2-46 GENEBAL H1ST0EY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

avoided coming to an engagement, and as Deeside to Inverury, where he appointed a Seafortk's men, who had joined Montrose at general rendezvous to be held on the 10th of Inverness, under their chief, began to desert May. Colonel Montgomery being aware of his

him in great numbers, and ' as he could not motions, beat up his quarters the same night at depend on the population by which he was Kintore with a party of horse, and killed some surrounded, Montrose turned to the right, and of his men. But Montgomery was repulsed by passing by Lochness, marched through Strath- Lord Lewis Gordon, with some loss, and forced glass and Stratherrick to the banks of the to retire to Aberdeen. The marquis appeared Spey. Middleton did not follow Montrose, at the gates of Aberdeen at 12 o'clock on the but went and laid siege to the castle of the following day, with a force of 1,500 Highland

Earl of Seaforth in the canonry of Eoss, which foot and 600 horse, and stormed it in .three he took after a siege of four days. He behaved different places. The garrison defended them- towards the Countess of Seaforth, who was selves with courage, and twice repulsed the within the castle, with great politeness, and assailants, in which contest a part of the town restored it to her after taking away the ammu- was set on fire; but a fresh reinforcement nition which it contained. having entered the town, under Lord Aboyne. The absence of Middleton from Aberdeen the attack was renewed, and Montgomery and afforded Huntly an opportunity of accomplish- his horse were forced to retire down to the ing the design which he formerly entertained, edge of the river Dee, which they crossed by till prevented by the approach of Middleton swimming. The covenanting foot, after taking from the south, of taking Aberdeen, and ac- refuge in the tolbooth and in the houses of the cordingly he ordered his men to march from Earl Marischal and Menzies of Pitfoddles,

'"•rw:? BOSSES*

in 17ti i. Old Aberdeen the Scotia ( . 693).

craved quarter and surrendered at discretion. ticularly of the name of Forbes ; but they wen; Although the city of Aberdeen had done no- all released next day on their parole of honoui thing to incur Huntly's displeasure, he allowed not to serve against the king in future. There his Highlanders to pillage it. About twenty were killed on the side of the Covenanters, officers were taken prisoners, among whom Colonel "William Forbes, Captain Lockhart. were Colonels Hurry, Barclay, and David son of Sir James Lockhart. of Lee, and three Leighton; besides Sir William Forbes of captains of foot, besides a number of privates ; Craigievar, and other country gentlemen, par- but Huntly lost only about twenty men. —

MONTROSE OEDEEED TO DISBAND HIS ARMY. 247

As Huntly's force was considerably reduced on the 10th of September, and the defeat of by the return of the Highlanders, who had the royalists at Chester, on the 23d of the same

accompanied him, to their own houses, with month, completed the ruin of the king's affairs. the booty which they had collected in Aber- Having shut himself up in Oxford, for the last deen, and, as he was apprehensive of the im- time, in November following, Charles, after mediate return of Middleton from the north, the discovery of the secret treaty with the he remained but a short time in Aberdeen. Catholics of Ireland, which had been entered Marching up the north bank of the Dee, he into by the Earl of Glamorgan, endeavoured to encamped in Cromar; but the sudden appear- negotiate with the English parliament in the ance of Middleton, who, on hearing of Huntly's expectation that if he could gain either the advance on Aberdeen, had retraced his steps presbyterians or independents over to his side, and re-crossed the S]3ey, made him retire into by fair promises, he would be enabled to get Mar. Middleton, after pursuing him for a the upper hand of both.'1 That negotiation, short distance, returned to Aberdeen, which however, not succeeding, another was set he found had suffered severely from Huntly's on foot, through the medium of Montrevil, visit. the Erench envoy, with the Scots army be- After an ineffectual attempt by Montrose to fore Newark, the leaders of which offered obtain an interview with Huntly at the bog of an asylum to the king on certain condi- Gight, whither he had gone after Midclleton's tions. At length Charles, undetermined as to return to Aberdeen, Montrose resolved to make the course he should pursue, on hearing of the a tour through the Highlands, in the hope that approach of the parliamentary army, under lie would be able, by his personal presence, Fairfax, left Oxford at midnight, on the 27th and by promising suitable rewards, to induce of April, 1646, in the disguise of a servant, the clans to rise in defence of their sovereign; accompanied by Mr. Ashburnham and Dr.

but with the determination, in case of refusal, Hudson, a clergyman, . and, after traversing to enforce obedience to his commands. This the neighbouring country, arrived at South- resolution was not taken by Montrose, without well on the 5th of May, where he was intro- the concurrence of some of his best friends, duced by Montrevil to the Earl of Leven, the who promised to aid him by every means in commander of the Scots army, and the officers their power, in carrying it into effect. In pur- of his staff. The arrival of the king seemed to suance of his design, Montrose was just about surprise the officers very much, although it is setting out on his proposed journey, when, on generally supposed that they had been made the last day of May, a messenger arrived with previously aware of his intentions by Hudson, a letter from the king, requesting him to dis- who had preceded him, and they treated him band his forces, and to retire, himself, to with becoming respect, the commander tender- France, where he would receive " further direc- ing his bare sword upon his knee; 5 but when tions." After the disastrous battle of Naseby, Charles, who had retained Leven's sword, indi- which was fought on the 14th of June, 1644, cated his intention to take the command of the between the English royalists and the parlia- army, by giving orders to the guard, that crafty mentary forces, the campaign in England, on veteran unhesitatingly thus addressed him: the part of the king, " presented little more "I am the older soldier, Sire, your majesty than the last and feeble struggles of an expiring had better leave that office to me." The king party." 3 The king had been enabled, in con- was, in fact, now a prisoner. As soon as the secpience of the recall of the horse, which had intelligence reached the capital, that the king reached Nottingham, on their way to Hereford, had retired to the Scots camp, the two parlia- under General David Leslie, after the battle of mentary factions united in accusing the Scots Kilsyth, to drive the parliamentary infantry of perfidy, and sent a body of 5,000 horse to back from the siege of Hereford; but the sur- watch their motions ; but the Scots being de- render of Bristol to the forces of the parliament, sirous to avoid hostilities, raised their camp

4 Lingard, vol. vi. p. 543. 3 5 6 Lingard, vol. vi. p. 53^, 4to. Kirktoti. Rnshwortli. vi. 248 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. before Newark, and hastily retired to New- him, sent Sir John Hurry and Sir John Innes castle, carrying the king along with them. to Huntly, to invite him to attend the proposed On arriving at Newcastle, the king was meeting, and that there might be no appearance waited upon by the Earls of Lanark and Cal- of dictation on the part of Montrose, the time lander, and Lord Balmerino, who paid their and place of meeting was left to Huntly's own respects to him. As Callander was understood choice. But this nobleman answered that he to be favourably inclined to the king, Lanark himself had received orders similar to those and Balmerino were desirous to get rid of him, sent to Montrose, which he was resolved to and accordingly they prevailed upon his majesty obey immediately, and, therefore, he declined to send Callander back to Edinburgh with a to attend any meeting on the subject. letter, which they had induced his majesty to In this situation of matters, Montrose con- write to the Committee of Estates, expressive of sidered that his best and wisest course would his desire to comply with the wishes of the be to keep his army together till he should Scots parliament, and containing instructions receive another communication from the king, to them to order Montrose, Huntly, and Sir in answer to a letter which he sent by a messen- Alexander Macdonald to disband their forces. ger of his own, in which he begged his majesty

And it was also at the desire of these two to acquaint him with the real situation of noblemen that the king wrote the letter to matters, whether he considered his person safe Montrose already referred to. in the hands of the Covenanters, and if he After Montrose had read this letter he was could be of any farther service to him. Mon- filled with deep amazement and concern. All trose begged also to be informed by the king, those visionary schemes for accomplishin g the if he persevered in his resolution to disband great object of his ambition, which a few minutes an army which had fought so bravely in his before had floated in his vivid imagination, were defence, and that at a time when his enemies, now dispelled. He was now placed in one in both kingdoms, were still under arms ; and of the most painful and difficult situations it if so, he wished to be instructed by his majesty is possible to conceive. He had no doubt that as to the course he should pursue, for the pro- the letter had been extorted from the king, yet tection and security of the lives and fortunes he considered that it would neither be prudent of those brave men, who had encountered so nor safe for him. to risk the responsibility of many dangers, and had spent their blood in disobeying the king's orders. Besides, were his defence, as he could not endure the idea of he to attempt to act contrary to these instruc- leaving such loyal subjects to the mercy of tions, he might thereby compromise the safety their enemies. 7 The king returned an answer 8 of the king, as his enemies would find it no to this letter, by the former messenger, Ker, in difficult affair to convince the army that Mon- which he assured him that he no less esteemed trose was acting according to private instruc- Ms willingness to lay clown arms at his com- tions from the king himself. On the other mand, " for a gallant and real expression " of hand, by instantly disbanding his army, Mon- his zeal and affection to his service than any trose considered that he would leave the royal- of his former actions ; but he hoped that Mon- ists, and all those friends who had shared his trose had not such a mean opinion of him, that clangers, to the mercy of their enemies. In for any particular or worldly respects he would this dilemma, he determined to convene a suffer him (Montrose) to be ruined,—that his general meeting of all the principal royalists, only reason for sending Montrose out of the to consult as to how he should act—a resolu- country was that he might return with greater tion which showed his good sense, and kind glory, and, in the meantime, to have as hon- and just feeling towards those who had been ourable an employment as he (the king) could induced by his means to risk their lives and confer upon him,—that Ker would tell him fortunes in the cause of the king. Notwith- the care he had of all Montrose's friends, and standing the many slights which had been put his own, to whom, although he could not upon him by the Marquis of Huntly, Montrose,

7 8 anxious to preserve a good understanding with Wishart, p. 262. June 15, 1 646. MONTEOSE COEEESPONDS WITH THE KING. 249

promise such, conditions as he "would hare compel Montrose to lay down his arms in com- wished, yet they would be such, all things pliance with the orders of the king, he imme-

considered, as were most fit for them to accept. diately resolved to disband his army. " Wherefore," continues his majesty, " I renew As Middleton had been intrusted by the my former directions, of laj-ing down arms, Committee of Estates with ample powers to unto you, desiring you to let Huntly, Crawford, negotiate with the royalists, and to see the Airly, Seaforth, and Ogilvy, know, that want conditions offered to Montrose implemented of time hath made me now omit to reiterate by him in case of acceptance, a cessation of my former commands unto you, intending that arms was agreed upon between Montrose and

this shall serve for all ; assuring them, and all iliddleton ; and in order to discuss the condi- the rest of my friends, that, whensoever God tions, a conference was held between them on shall enable me, thejr shall reap the fruits of the 22d day of July, on a meadow, near the their loyalty and affection to my service." river Isla, in Angus, where they " conferred

These ' conditions,' which consisted of several for the space of two hours, there being none articles, and in the drawing up of which the near them but one man for each of them to

king probably had no concern, were far from hold Iris horse." 1 The conditions agreed upon satisfactory to Montrose, who refused to accede were these, that with the exception of Mon- to them. He even refused to treat with the trose himself, the Earl of Crawford, Sir Alex-

Covenanters, and sent back the messenger ander Macdonald, and Sir John Hurry, all to the king to notify to him, that as he had those who had taken up arms against the acted under his majesty's commission, he would Covenanters would be pardoned on making admit of no conditions for laying down his their submission, and that Montrose, Crawford, arms, or disbanding his army, which did not Hurry, and Graham of Gorthy, shoidd trans-

come directly from the king himself ; but that port themselves beyond seas, before the last if his majesty imposed conditions upon him, day of August, in a ship to be provided by the he would accept of them with the most implicit Estates. This arrangement was ratified by the submission. The king, who had no alternative committee of Estates, but the committee of the

but to adopt these conditions as his own, put kirk exclaimed against it, and petitioned the

his name to them and sent back the messenger Committee of Estates not to sanction it. with them, with fresh instructions to Montrose Preparatory to disbanding his army, Mon-

to disband his army forthwith under the pain trose appointed it to rendezvous at Eattray, in of high treason. Besides Ker, the king the neighbourhood of Coupar-Angus, at which despatched another trusty messenger to Mon- place, on the 30th of July, he discharged his trose with a private letter 9 urging him to men, after addressing them with feeling and accept of the conditions offered, as in the event animation. After giving them due praise for of his refusal to break up his army, his majesty their faithful services and good behaviour, he might be placed "in a very sad condition," told them his orders, and bade them farewell, an such as he would rather leave Montrose to event no less sorrowful to the whole army than

guess at than seek himself to express. From to himself ; and, notwithstanding that he used this expression, it would appear that Charles his utmost endeavours to raise their drooping

already began to entertain some apprehensions spirits, and encourage them with the flattering about his personal safety. These commands prospect of a speedy and desirable peace, and of the king were too peremptory to be any assured them that he contributed to the king's longer withstood, and as Montrose had been safety and interest by his present ready sub- informed that several of the leading royalists, mission, no less than he had formerly done

particularly the Marquis of Huntly, Lord by his military attempts ; yet they concluded, Aboyne, and the Earl of Seaforth, were negoti- that a period was that day put to the king's ating with the Estates in their own behalf, and authorhy, which would expire with the disso- that Huntly and Aboyne had even offered to lution of their army, for disbanding which,

1 July Iff, 16-J6. Guthry, p. 1"9. 250 GENERAL HISTORY OE THE HIGHLANDS. they were all convinced the orders had heen his native country they regarded as the death- | extorted from the king, or granted by him on blow to then hopes. purpose to evite a greater and more immediate Upon the dissolution of Montrose's army, evil. And, upon whatever favourable condi- the Scots officers and soldiers retired to their tions their own safety might be provided homes, and the Irish troops marched west- for, yet they lamented their fate, and would ward into Argyle, whence they embarked much rather have undergone the greatest fatigue for their own country, being accompanied and hardships than be obliged to remain inac- thither by the Earl of Crawford, who from tive and idle spectators of the miseries and thence went to Spain. Montrose, along with calamities befalling their dearest sovereign. the few friends who were to follow him abroad,

Neither were their generous souls a little con- took up his abode at his seat of Old Mon- cerned for the unworthy and disgraceful opin- trose, there to wait the arrival of the vessel ion which foreign nations and after ages could destined to convey them to the continent. not fail to conceive of the Scots, as universally The day fixed for Montrose's departure was dipt in rebellion, and guilty of defection from the 1st of September, and he waited with the best of Icings. Their sorrow was likewise impatience for the arrival of the expected considerably augmented by the thoughts of vessel ; but as the month of August was fast being separated from then brave and success- expiring without such vessel making its appear- ful general, who was now obliged to enter ance, or any apparent preparation for the into a kind of banishment, to the irreparable voyage, Montrose's friends applied to the com- loss of the king, the country, themselves, and mittee of the Estates for a prorogation of the all good men, at a time when they never had day stipulated for his departure, but they could greater occasion for his services : And falling obtain no satisfactory answer. down upon their knees, with tears in their At length, on the last day of August, a vessel eyes, they obtested him, that seeing the king's for the reception of the marquis entered the safety and interest required his immediate harbour of Montrose, in which he proposed departure from the kingdom, he would take immediately to embark, but he was told by the them along with him to whatever corner of the shipmaster, " a violent and rigid Covenanter," world he would retire, professing their readi- that he meant to careen his vessel before going ness to live, to fight, nay, if it so please God, to sea, an operation which would occupy a few even to die under his command. And not a days. In the course of conversation, the ship-' few of them had privately determined, though master bluntly stated to his intended passen- at the evident risk of their lives and fortunes, gers, that he had received express instructions to follow him without his knowledge, and to land them at certain ports. The behaviour even against his inclination, and to offer him of the captain, joined to the information he their service in a foreign land, which they had communicated, and the fact that several could not any longer afford him in their own English ships of war had been seen for several distressed native country." 2 days off the coast, as if watching his embarka- Such is the account of the affecting farewell tion and departure, created a strong suspicion between Montrose and the few remaining brave in Montrose's mind that a plan had been laid and adventurous men who had shared with for capturing him, and induced him to consult him all the dangers and vicissitudes of the his own safety and that of his friends, by seek- battle-field, as related by a warm partisan of ing another way of leaving the kingdom. The

fallen royalty ; yet there is no reason for sup- anxiety of Montrose and his followers was posing that he has given an exaggerated view speedily relieved by the arrival of intelligence, of the feelings of the warlike and devoted band that a small vessel belonging to Bergen, in at parting, under existing circumstances, with Norway, had been found in the neighbouring

their beloved commander who had so often led harbour of Stonehaven ; and that the master them to vijtory, and whose banishment from had engaged, on being promised a handsome freight, to be in readiness, on an appointed day,

- Wishart, pp. 264-5. to sail with such passengers as should appear. THE SCOTCH AND THE KING. 251

Accordingly, after sending off Sir John the Marquis of Huntly could raise in the north. Hurry, John Drunimond of Balloch, Graham In pursuance of this design, his majesty, about of Gorthy, Dr. Wishart, and a few other friends the middle of December, sent Bobert Leslie, by land to Stonehaven, on the 3d of September brother of General David Leslie, with letters 1646, he himself left the harbour of Montrose and a private commission to Huntly, by which in a small boat, disguised as the servant of he was informed of his majesty's intentions, James Wood, a clergyman, -who accompanied and Huntly was, therefore, desired to levy

him ; and the same evening went safely on what forces he could, and have them in readi- board the vessel, into which his friends had ness to take the field on his arrival in the

embarked, and setting sail with a fair wind, north. On receipt of his majest3r's commands, arrived in a few days at Bergen, in Norway, Huntly began to raise forces, and having col- where he received a friendly welcome from lected them at Banff, fortified the town, and Thomas Gray, a Scotsman, the governor of the there awaited the king's arrival. 5 But the castle of Bergen. 3 king was prevented from putting his plan into

It is beyond the province of this history to execution by a premature discovery, and was give a detailed account of the transactions thenceforth much more strictly guarded. which took place between the Scotch and Eng- After the delivery of the king to the Eng- lish concerning the disbanding of the Scottish lish, on the 28th of January, 1647, the Scots army and the delivery of the king to the army returned to Scotland. It was thereupon English parliament. Although the Scotch are remodelled and reduced, by order of the parlia- certainly not free from blame for having ment, to 6,000 foot, and 1,200 horse; a forc« betrayed their king, after he had cast himself which "was considered sufficient not only to

upon their loyalty and mercy, still it must be keep the royalists in awe, but also to reduce remembered, in extenuation, that the king was the Marquis of Huntly and Sir Alexander merely playing a game, that his giving himself Macdonald, who were still at the head of some

. up to the Scotch army was his last desperate men. The dispersion, therefore, of the forces move, and that he would not have had the under these two commanders became the least scruple in outwitting, deceiving, and even immediate object of the parliament. An at- destroying his protectors. In September, 1646, tempt had been made in the month of January, an agreement was come to between the Scotch by a division of the covenanting army stationed commissioners and the English parliament, that in Aberdeenshire, under the command of Major tire army should be disbanded, on the latter Bickerton, to surprise the Marquis of Huntly

paying .£400,000 as payment in full of the at Banff, but it had been obliged to retire with

arrears of pay due to the army for its services. loss ; and Huntly continued to remain in his

There was no mention then made of the delivery position till the month of April, when, on the of the king, and a candid examination of the approach of General David Leslie with a con- evidence on both sides proves that the one siderable force, he fled with a few friends to transaction was quite independent of the other. the mountains of Loehaber for shelter. Leslie " That fanaticism and self-interest had steeled thereupon reduced the castles belonging to the

the breasts of the Covenanters against the more marquis. He first took that of Strathbogie, generous impulses of loyalty and compassion, and sent the commander thereof, the laird

; may, indeed, be granted but more than this of Newton-Gordon, to Edinburgh ; then the

cannot be legitimately inferred from any proof castle of Lesmore ; and lastly, the Bog of 4 furnished by history." Gicht, or Gordon castle, the commander of While the negotiations for the delivery of which, James Gordon of Letterfurie, and his the king were pending, Charles, who seems to brother, Thomas Gordon of Clastirim, and have been fully aware of them, meditated the other gentlemen of the name of Gordon, were design of escaping from the Scots army, and sent to Edinburgh as prisoners. Leslie next putting himself at the head of such forces as took the isle of Lochtanner, in Aboyne, which

: Wishart. * Lingard, vol. vi. 5 Gordon's Continuation, p. 536. 252 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

had been fortified by Huntly. 6 Quarter was assailants having carried a trench at the bottom given to the men who garrisoned those different of the hill which gave the garrison the com- strengths, with the exception of the Irish and mand of water, and in the storming of which deserters, who were hanged immediately on the besieged lost 40 men, the latter craved a their capture. 7 parley, in consequence of which Sir James Having taken these different places, Leslie, Turner, Leslie's adjutant-general, was sent to in quest of the marquis, next marched into confer with the garrison on the terms of sur- Badenoch, where he captured the castle of render. Leslie would not grant " any other

Euthven. Thence he proceeded into Lochaber, conditions than that they should yield on dis- and took the fortress of Inverlochy. Huntly cretion or mercy. And it seemed strange to disbanded his forces in Badenoch, reserving me," continues Sir James Turner, " to hear the only a few as a body-guard for himself and his lieutenant-general's nice distinction, that they son ; " showing them that he was resolved to should yield themselves to the kingdom's live an outlaw till provident heaven should be mercy, and not to Ms. At length they did so, pleased to change the king's fortune, upon and after they had come out of the castle, they whose commandments his life and fortune were put to the sword, every mother's son, should always depend." 8 The covenanting except one young man, Maccoul, whose life I general, thereupon, marched to the south with begged to be sent to France, with 100 fellows a part of his forces, leaving the remainder in which we had smoked out of a cave, as they the north, under the command of Middleton, do foxes, who were given to Captain Campbell, and encamped in Strathallan, he himself taking the chancellor's brother." 1 This atrocious act up his head-quarters in Dunblane. Here he was perpetrated at the instigation of John Nave remained till the middle of May, when he was or Neaves, " a bloody preacher," - but, accord- joined by the Marquis of Argyle, and ordered ing to Wodrow, an " excellent man," who to advance into that nobleman's country to would not be satisfied with less than the blood drive out Sir Alexander Macdonald. Accord- of the prisoners. As the account given by Sir

r ingly, he set out on the 17th of Maj , and James Turner, an eye-witness of this infamous arrived at Inverary on the 21st. Sir Alexander transaction, is curious, no apology is necessary

Macdonald was at this time in Kintyre, with for inserting it. " Here it will be fit to make a force of about 1,400 foot and two troops of a stop, till this cruel action be canvassed. horse, which would have been fully sufficient First, the lieutenant-general was two days to check Leslie, but he seems not to have been irresolute what to do. The Marquis of Argyle aware of the advance of the latter, and had was accused at his arraignment of this murder, taken no precautions to guard the passes lead- and I was examined as a witness. I declared, ing into the peninsula, which might have been which was true, that I never heard him advise successfully defended by a handful of men the lieutenant-general to it. What he did in against a considerable force. Having secured private I know not. Secondly, Argyle was these difficult passes, Leslie advanced into but a colonel then, and he had no power to do Kintyre, and after skirmishing the whole of it of himself. Thirdly, though he had advised the 25th of May with Macdonald, forced him him to it, it was no capital crime ; for counsel to retire. After throwing 300 men into a for- is no command. Fourthly, I have several tress on the top of the hill of Dunaverty, and in times spoke to the lieutenant-general to save which "there was not a drop of water but what these men's lives, and he always assented to it, 9 fell from the clouds," Macdonald, on the follow- and I know of himself he was unwilling to shed ing day, embaiked his troops in boats provided their blood. Fifthly, Mr. John Nave (who for the occasion, and passed over into Islay. was appointed by the commission of the kirk Leslie, thereupon, laid siege to the castle of to wait on him as his chaplain) never ceased

Dunaverty, which was well defended ; but the to tempt him to that bloodshed, yea, and threatened him with the curses befell Saul for

7 6 Gordon's Continuation, p. 537. Gnthry. 9 1 8 Britane's Distemper, p. 200. Turner's Memoirs. Turner's Memo G uthry. PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL LESLIE. 253

sparing the Amalekites, for with, them his Leaving Islay, Leslie " boated over to Jura,

theology taught him to compare the Dunaverty a horrible isle," says Sir James Turner, " and a

men. And I verily helieve that this prevailed habitation fit for deer and wild beasts ; and so most with David Leslie, who looked upon from isle to isle," continues he, "till he came to

Nave as the representative of the lurk of Scot- Mull, which is one of the best of the Hebrides. land." The fact of Sir James and David Here Maclaine saved his lands, with the loss Leslie's repugnance to shed the hlood of those of his reputation, if he ever had any. He gave

defenceless men is fully corroborated by Bishop up his strong castles to Leslie, gave his eldest Guthry, on the authority of many persons who son for hostage of his fidelity, and, which were present, who says that while the hutchery was unchristian baseness in the lowest degree, was going on, and while Leslie, Argyle, and he delivered up fourteen prettie Irishmen, who Neaves were walking over the ancles in hlood, had been all along faithful to him, to the lieu- Leslie turned out and thus addressed the latter: tenant-general, who immediately caused hang

—-"Now, Llr. John, have you not once got them all. It was not well done to demand your fill of hlood 1" The sufferers on this occa- them from Maclaine, but inexcusablie ill done sion were partly Irish, and partly belonging to in him to betray them. Here I cannot forget the clan Dougal or Coull, to the castle of whose one Donald Campbell, fleshed in blood from his chief, in Lome, Colonel Robert Montgomerie very infancie, who with all imaginable violence now laid siege, while Leslie himself, with a pressed that the whole clan Maclaine should

part of his forces, left Kintyre for Islay in be put to the edge of the sword ; nor could he pursuit of Macdonald. be commanded to forbear his bloody suit by On landing in Islay, Leslie found that Mac- the lieutenant-general and two major-generals ; donald had fled to Ireland, and had left and with some difficulty was he commanded Colkittoch, his father, in the castle of Dun- silence by his chief, the Marquis of Argyle. niveg, with a force of 200 men to defend the For my part, I said nothing, for indeed I did island against the superior power of Leslie. not care though he had prevailed in his suit, The result turned out as might have been the delivery of the Irish had so irritated me anticipated. Although the garrison made a against that whole clan and name." brave resistance, yet, being wholly without While Leslie was thus subduing the Hebrides, water, they found themselves unable to resist, Middleton was occupied in pursuing the Mar- and offered to capitulate on certain conditions. quis of Huntly through Glenmoriston, Bade- These were, that the officers should be entitled noch, and other places. Huntly was at length to go where they pleased, and that the privates captured by Lieutenant-Colonel Menzies, in should be sent to France. These conditions Strathdon, in December, 1647. Having re-

were agreed to, and were punctually fulfilled. ceived intelligence of the place of the marquis's Old Colkittoch had, however; the misfortune retreat, Menzies came to Dalnabo with a select

not to be included in this capitulation, for, body of horse, consisting of three troops, about before the castle had surrendered, "the old midnight, and immediately entered the house man, Coll," says Sir James Turner, " coming just as Huntly was going to bed. The marquis foolishly out of the house, where he was was attended by only ten gentlemen and ser- governor, on some parole or other, 3 to speak vants, as a sort of body-guard, who notwith- with his old friend, the captain of Dunstaffnage standing the great disparity of numbers, made castle, was surprised, and made prisoner, not a brave attempt to protect the marquis, in without some stain to the lieutenant-general's which six of them were killed and the rest honour. He was afterwards hanged by a jury mortally wounded, among whom was John of Argyle's sheriff-depute, one George Campbell, Grant, the landlord. On hearing that the from whose sentence few are said to have marquis had been taken prisoner, the whole of escaped that kind of death." his vassals in the neighbourhood, to the num- ber of between 400 and 500, with Grant of 3 Spalding says that Col Kittoch came out of the Carron at their head, flew to arms to rescue castle to treat for a surrender on an assurance of per- sonal safety. him. Lieutenant>Colonel Menzies thereupon 254 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

carried the marquis to the castle of Blairfindie, in Glenlivet, about four miles from Dalnabo, where the latter received a notice from Grant and his party by the wife of Gordon of Munmore, that they had solemnly sworn either to rescue him or die to a man, and they requested him to give them such orders to carry their plan into effect as he might judge proper. But the marquis dissuaded his people from the intended attempt, and returned for answer that, now almost worn out with grief and fatigue, he could no longer live in hills

and dens ; and hoped that his enemies would

not drive things to the worst ; but, if such was the will of heaven, he could not outlive the sad fate he foresaw his royal master was likely to undergo ; and be the event as it would, be doubted not but the just providence of God would restore the royal family, and his own 4 along with it. Besides the gentlemen and servants about Huntly's person, there were some Irish who were quartered in the offices about Dalnabo. These were carried prisoners by Menzies to Second Marquis of Huntly. — From a rare print in the Strathbogie, where Middleton then was, who collection of W. F. Watson, Esq., Edinburgh. ordered them all to be shot. In consequence of an order from the committee of Estates at duly paid to Menzies by the Committee of Edinburgh, Menzies carried the marquis under Estates. 6 a strong guard of horse to Leith, where, after There appears to he no doubt that Argyle being kept two days, he was delivered up to was highly gratified at the capture of Huntly.

the magistrates, and incarcerated in the jail of It is related by Spalding, that taking advan- the city. The committee had previously de- tage of Huntly's situation, Argyle bought up

bated the question whether the marquis should all the comprisings on his lands, and that

be immediately executed or reprieved till the he caused summon at the market-cross of meeting of parliament, but although the Argyle Aberdeen by sound of trumpet, all Huntly's faction, notwithstanding the Marquis of Argyle wadsetters and creditors to appear at Edinburgh withdrew before the vote was taken, and the in the month of March following Huntly's committee of the church did every thing in imprisonment, calling on them to produce their their power to procure the immediate execution securities before the lords of session, with

of the marquis, his life was spared till the certification that if they did not appear, their meeting of the parliament by a majority of one securities were to be declared null and void. vote. 5 The Earl of Aboyne and Lord Lewis Some of Huntly's creditors sold their claims to Gordon had the good fortune to escape to the Argyle, and having thus bought up all the

continent. The first went to Erance, where rights he could obtain upon Huntly's estate at he shortly thereafter died—the second took a small or nominal value, under the pretence refuge in Holland. A reward of £1,000 ster- that he was acting for the benefit of his nephew, ling had been promised to any person who Lord Gordon, he granted bonds for the amount should apprehend Huntly, which sum was which, according to Spalding, he never paid.

4 6 Gordon's History of the Family of Gordon, vol. ii. Sec the Act of Sederunt of the committee in the p. 546. appendix to Gordon's History of the family of Gordon, 5 Guthry, p. 207 vol. ii. p. 537. MOVEMENTS OF EOTALISTS UXDEE HAMILTON". 255

In this way did Argyle possess himself of the people, and instead of raising 40,000 men, marquis's estates, which he continued to enjoy he found, to his great mortification, that, at

upwards of twelve years; viz., from 16-18, till the utmost, he could, after upwards of three the restoration of Charles II. in 1660. months' labour, only bring about 15,000 men "When the Mug, who was then a prisoner in into the field, and that not until several insur- Carisbrook castle, lieaid of the capture of rections in England, in favour of the king, had Huntly, he wrote a letter to the Earl of Lan- been suppressed. ark, then in London, earnestly urging him to It was the misfortune of Hamilton that with do all in his power in behalf of the Marquis. every disposition to serve the cause of his The earl, however, either from unwillingness royal master, he had neither the capacity to or inability, appears to have paid no attention conceive, nor the resolution to adopt bold and to this letter. decisive measures equal to the emergency of Shortly before the capture of the Marquis of the times. Like the king, he attempted Huntly, John Gordon of Innermarkie, Gordon, to act the part of the cunning politician, but younger of Xewton-Gordon, and the laird of was wholly unfitted for the performance of Harthill, three of his chief friends, had been such a character. Had he had the address to taken prisoners by Major-General Middleton, separate old Leslie and his nephew from the and sent to Edinburgh, where they were im- party of Argyle, by placing the direction of prisoned. The two latter were condemned to military affairs in their hands, he might have die by the Committee of Estates, and although succeeded in raising a force sufficient to cope their friends procured a remission of the sen- with the parliamentary army of England ; but tence from the king, they were, notwithstand- he had the weakness, after both these generals ing, both beheaded at the market-cross of had joined the kirk in its remonstrance to the Edinburgh. parliament that nothing should be done with- "While the hopes of the royalists, both in out the consent of the committee of the general England and Scotland, seemed to be almost assembly, to get himself appointed commander-

7 extinguished, a ray of light, about this time, in-chief of the ami} , a measure which could darted through the dark gloom of the political not fail to disgust these hardy veterans. He horizon, which they fondly imagined was the failed in an attempt to conciliate the Marquis harbinger of a new and, for them, a better of Argyle, who did all in his power to thwart order of things ; but all their expectations Hamilton's designs. Argyle went to Fife and were destined to end in bitter disappointment. induced the gentry of that county not only to The Duke of Hamilton, who had lately formed oppose the levies, but to hold themselves in an association to release the king from his readiness to rise on the other side when called captivity, which went under the name of the upon. He was not so successful in Stirling " Engagement," prevailed upon the parliament, shire, none of the gentlemen of that county which met in March, 1648, to appoint a com- concurring in his views except the laird of mittee of danger, and to consent to a levy Buchanan, Sir Wilhani Bruce of Stenhouse. of 40,000 men. The bulk of the English and a few persons of inferior note ; but in population, with the exception of the army, Dumbartonshire he succeeded to the utmost had grown quite dissatisfied with the state of of his wishes. After attending a meeting with matters. Their eyes were now directed towards the Lord Chancellor, (Loudon,) the Earls of Scotland, and the news of the Scots' levy made Cassilis and Eglinton, and David Dick and them indulge a hope that they would soon be other ministers, at Eglinton's house, on the enabled, by the aid of the Scots auxiliaries, to 29th of May, Argyle went home to raise his throw off the military yoke, and restore the own people. king on conditions favourable to liberty. But Several instances of opposition to the levy

Hamilton, being thwarted by Argyle and his took place ; but the most formidable one, and party, had it not in his power to take advantage the only one worthy of notice, was in Ayrshire, of the favourable disposition of the English where a body of armed insurgents, to the 256 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

number of 800 horse and 1,200 foot according general, had invested Carlisle, and Hamilton to one writer, 7 and 500 horse and 2,000 foot was induced by the English royalists, contrary according to another, 8 headed by several minis- to his own views, to march upon Carlisle, and

ters, assembled at Mauchline ; but they were force Lambert to raise the siege. That general, defeated and dispersed, on the 10th of June, who had received orders from Cromwell not to

by Middleton, who had been appointed lieu- engage the Scots till he should join him, accord- tenant-general of horse, with the loss of 80 ingly retired, and Carlisle was delivered up men. next day to Hamilton by the English royalists, There are no data by which to ascertain the who also put him in possession of Berwick.

number of men raised in the Highlands for It is unnecessary to enter into details con-

Hamilton's army ; but it must necessarily have cerning this mismanaged and unfortunate

been very inconsiderable. Not a single man expedition, the result of which is well known was of course raised in Argyleshire, and scarcely to every reader of English history. Sir Mar- any in the adjoining part of Inverness-shire, maduke Langdale was defeated by Cromwell to which the influence or power of Argyle at Preston on the 17th of August, and on extended. The Earl of Sutherland, who had entering the town after the defeat, was morti- been appointed a colonel of foot in his own fied to find that his Scotch allies had aban-

division, declined the office, and Lord Reay doned it. Langdale having now no alternative was so disgusted with " Duke Hamilton's but flight, disbanded bis infantry, and along failure," that he took shipping at Thurso in with his cavalry and Hamilton, who, refusing the month of July, and went to Norway, 9 to follow the example of his army, had re- where he was appointed governor of Bergen, mained in the town, swam across the Ribble. and received the colonelcy of a regiment from The Scotch army retired during the night the King of Denmark, whom he had formerly towards Wigan, where it was joined by the served. The only individual who Gould have duke next morning, but so reduced in spirits benefitted the royal cause in the north was the and weakened by desertion as to be quite Marquis of Huntly, but by a strange fatality unable to make any resistance to the victorious the Duke of Hamilton, who could have easily troops of Cromwell, who pressed hard upon procured an order from the parliament for Ms them. The foot, under the command of liberation from prison, allowed him to continue Baillie, continued to retreat during the day, there, and merely contented himself with but were overtaken at Warrington, and, being obtaining a warrant for changing the marquis's unable either to proceed or to resist, sur- place of confinement from the jail to the castle rendered. The number which capitulated of Edinburgh. amounted to about 3,000. Upwards of 6,000 In consequence of the many difficulties had previously been captured by the country which occurred in collecting his troops, and people, and the few who had the good fortune providing the necessary materiel for the use of to escape joined Munro and returned to Scot- the army, the duke was not able to begin his land. These prisoners were sold as slaves, and

march till the 8th of July, on which day he sent to the plantations. put his army in motion towards the borders. The duke, abandoning Baillie to his fate,

His force, which amounted to about 10,000 carried off the whole cavalry ; but he had not foot and 4,000 horse, was composed of raw proceeded far when his rear was attacked by and undisciplined levies, and he had not a the parliamentary army. Middleton made a single field-piece. He entered England by the gallant defence, and was taken prisoner; but western border, where he was met by Sir the duke escaped, and fled to Uttoxeter, fol- Marmaduke Langdale and a body of 4,000 lowed by his horse, where he surrendered brave cavaliers, all devotedly attached to the himself to General Lambert and Lord Grey of king. At this time Lambert, the parliamentary Groby, who sent him prisoner to Windsor. The Earl of Callander, having effected his escape, went over to Holland, disgusted at the Baillie. 3 Guthry. Gordon's Continuation, p. 541. conduct of the duke. THE EAEL OF LAXARK HEADS THE ROYALISTS.

As soon as the news of the defeat of Hamil- siderable bodies of men might not have been ton reached Scotland, the Covenanters of the expected west hegan to bestir themselves, and a party Before the defeat of Hamilton's army, Lan- of them, under the command of Robert Mont- ark had raised three regiments of horse, which gomery, son of the Earl of Eglinton, attacked were now under his command These, with a troop of Lanark's horse, quartered in Ayr- the accessions of force which were daily arriv-

shire, killed some and routed the rest. The ing from different parts of the kingdom, were Committee of Estates, apprehensive that the quite sufficient to have put down the insurrec- spirit of insurrection would speedily spread, tion in the west; but instead of marching immediately ordered out all the fencible men thither, Lanark, to the surprise of every person, in the kingdom to put down the rising in the proceeded through East Lothian towards the west A difference, however, arose in the eastern borders to meet Sir George Munro, who committee in the choice of a commander. was retiring upon Berwick before the army of The Earl of Lanark and the Earl Marischal CromwelL The people of the west being thus were proposed by their respective friends. relieved from the apprehensions of a visit, Lanark's chief opponent was the Earl of Rox- assembled in great numbers, and taking advan- burgh, who, (says TYishart,) " in a grave and tage of Lanark's absence, a body of them, to modest speech, earnestly entreated him, for the the number of no less than 6,000 men, headed sake of their dear sovereign and their distressed by the chancellor, the Earl of Eglinton, and country, not to insist in demanding that dig- some ministers, advanced upon the capital, nity, which was extremely unseasonable and which they entered without opposition, the ill-judged at that time." 1 Roxburgh's remon- magistrates and ministers of the city welcoming strance had no effect upon Lanark, who, on a their approach by going out to meet them. vote being taken, was found to have the ma- Bishop Wishart describes this body as " a jority, and so anxious was he to obtain the confused rabble, composed of farmers, cow- command of the army that he actually voted herds, shepherds, coblers, and such like mob, for himself 2 He had even the indiscretion to without arms, and without courage," and says, declare, that he would net permit any other that when they arrived in Edinburgh, " they person to command in his brother's absence. were provided with arms, which, as they were This rash and imprudent behaviour on the part unaccustomed to, were rather a burden and of Lanark so exasperated Roxburgh and his incumbrance than of any use,"—that "they friends, who justly dreaded the utter ruin of were mounted upon horses, or jades rather, the king's affairs, that they henceforth with- which had been long used to the drudgery of drew altogether from public affairs. labour, equipped with pack saddles and halters, As soon as Lanark had been appointed to in place of saddles and bridles." 3 This tumul- the command of the new levy, he set about tuary body, however, was soon put into proper raising it with great expedition. For this order by the Earl of Leven, who was invested purpose he sent circulars, plausibly written, to with the chief command, and by David Leslie, every part of Scotland, calling upon all classes as his lieutenant-general, and presented a rather to join Vn'm without delay. These circulars formidable appearance, for on Lanark's return had the desired effect The people beyond the from the south, he did not venture to engage

Forth, and even the men of Fife, shewed a it, though his force amounted to 4,000 or disposition to obey the call The Earl of Sea- 5,000 horse and as many foot, many of whom forth raised 4,000 men in the Western Islands were veterans who had served in Ireland under and in Ross-shire, whom he brought south, Munro. and the Earl of Morton also brought into In thus declining to attack Leslie, Lanark Lothian 1,200 men from the Orkneys. In acted contrary to the advice of Munro and

short, with the exception of Argyle, there his other officers. According to Dr. "Wish-

were few places in Scotland from which con- art. Lanark's advanced guard, on arriving at

2 1 Memoirs, p. 311. Guthry, p. 327. Memoirs, p. 316. 2k 258 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Musselburgh, fell in with some of Leslie's out- before Argyle's men were aware of his approach. posts, who defended the bridge over the Esk, Argyle, as formerly, having a great regard and Lanark's advanced guard, though inferior for his personal safety, immediately mounted in number, immediately put them in great his horse, galloped across Stirling bridge, and disorder, and killed some of them without never looked behind till he reached North sustaining any loss. This success was reported Queensferry, where he instantly crossed the to Lanark, and it was represented to him, that Frith in a small boat and proceeded to Edin- by following it up immediately, while the burgh. Nearly 200 of Argyle's men were enemy continued in the state of alarm into either killed or drowned, and the remainder which this affair of outposts had thrown them, were taken prisoners. he might, perhaps, obtain a bloodless victory, A negotiation for peace immediately ensued and secure possession of the city of Edinburgh between the two parties, and on the 15th of and the town of Leith, with all the warlike September a treaty was entered into by which stores, before sunset. the Hamilton party agreed to refer all civil Leading his army along the base of the matters in dispute to a Parliament, to be held Pentland hills, Lanark proceeded to Linlith- before the 10th of January, and all ecclesias- gow, which he entered on the evening of the tical affairs to an assembly of the kirk. It 11th of September, where he almost surprised was also stipulated that both armies should be the Earl of Cassilis, who, at the head of 800 disbanded before the 29th of September, or at horse from Carrick and Galloway, had taken farthest on the 5th of October, that the ad- up his quarters there for the night ; but a herents of the king should not be disturbed, notice having been sent to him of the Earl and that all the prisoners taken in Scotland of Lanark's approach by some friend, he should be released. Munro perceiving that fled precipitately to Queensferry, leaving the the king's affairs would be irretrievably ruined supper which was cooking for hfm and his by this compromise, objected to the treaty, men on the fire, which repast was greedily and would have stood out had he been backed devoured by Lanark's troops. by the other officers ; but very few seconding Ever since Lanark's march to the borders to his views, he addressed the troops, who had meet Munro, the Marquis of Argyle had been accompanied him from Ireland, in St Ninian's busily employed in raising men in his own church, and offered to lead back to Ireland territory to assist the insurgents, but it had such as were inclined to serve under their old been so much depopulated by the ravages of commander, Major-General Eobert Munro; but Montrose and Macdonald, that he could scarcely having received intelligence at Glasgow that muster 300 men. With these and 400 more that general had been taken prisoner and sent which he had collected in the Lennox and in to London, he disbanded the troops who had the western part of Stirlingshire, he advanced followed him thither, and retired to Holland. to Stirling, entering it upon the 12th of According to the treaty the two armies were September at eleven o'clock forenoon. After disbanded on the appointed day, and the assigning to the troops their different posts in " Whigamores," as the insurgents from the the town, and making arrangements with the west were called, immediately returned home magistrates for their support, Argyle went to to cut down their corn, which was ready for dine with the Earl of Mar at his residence in the sickle. Argyle's men, who had been taken the town. But while the dinner was serving prisoners at Stirling, were set at liberty, and up, Argyle, to Iris infinite alarm, heard that a conducted home to their own country by one part of Lanark's forces had entered Stirling. of Argyle's officers. This was the advanced guard, commanded by The Marquis of Aigyle, Loudon the chan- Sir George Munro, who, on hearing that Argyle cellor, the Earls of Cassilis and Eglinton, and was in possession of the town when only others, now met at Edinburgh, and formed within two miles of it, had, unknown to Lanark, themselves into a body under the title of the who was behind with the main body of the Committee of Estates, and having arranged army, pushed forward and entered the town matters for the better securing their own TEIAL AND EXECUTION OF THE KING. 259

influence, they summoned a parliament to meet my peace with him, and shall undergo without on the 4th of January. In the meantime, fear whatever he may suffer men to do to me. Oliver Cromwell, who, after the pursuit of My lords, you cannot but know, that in my Munro, had laid siege to Berwick, was waited fall and ruin you see your own, and that also upon by Argyle, Lord Elcho, and Sir Charles near you. I pray God send you better friends Erskine, to compliment him upon his success than I have found. I am fully informed of at Preston, and after making Ludovick Leslie the carnage of those who plot against me and

deliver up Berwick to him, they invited him mine ; but nothing affects me so much as the and Lambert to Edinburgh. Cromwell took feeling I have of the sufferings of my subjects, up his residence in the House of Lady Home and the mischief that hangs over my three in the Canongate, where he received frequent kingdoms, drawn upon them by those who, visits from Argyle, Loudon, the Earl of Lothian, upon pretences of good, violently pursue their Lords Arbuthnot, Elcho, and Burleigh, and own interests and ends." 5 As soon as the the most noted of the ministers. It is said, commissioners and Hammond had quitted the that during these conferences, Cromwell com- island, Fairfax sent a troop of horse and a com- municated to his visitors his intentions with pany of foot, under the command of Lieutenant- respect to the king, and obtained their consent. 4 Colonel Cobbett, to sefze the king, who received

In the meantime the Independents were notice of the approach of tliis body and of its to English disguise doing their utmost induce the object next morning from a person in ; parliament to bring the king to trial for high but although advised by the Duke of Rich- treason. They, having in the meantime been mond, the Earl of Lindsay, and Colonel Coke disappointed in their views by the presby- to make his escape, which he could easily have terians, prevailed upon Fairfax to order Ham- accomplished, he declined to do so, because he mond, the governor of the Isle of Wight, to considered himself bound in honour to remain attend him at Windsor, and to send Colonel twentj"- days after the treaty. The consequence Eure with orders to seize the king at Newport, was, that Charles was taken prisoner by where he was conferring with the commis- Cobbett, and carried to Hurst castle.

sioners, and imprison him again in Carisbrook The rest of this painful tragedy is well

castle ; but Hammond having declined to known. After the purified house of commons

allow Eure to interfere without an order from had passed a vote declaring that it was high the parliament, Eure left the island without treason in the king of England, for the time

attempting to fulfil his instructions. Ham- being, to levy war against the parliament and mond, however, afterwards left the island with kingdom of England, his majesty was brought the commissioners, and committed Charles to trial before a tribunal erected pro re nata to the custody of one Major Eolfe, a person by the house called the high court of justice, who, only six months before, had been which adjudged him "as a tyrant, traitor, charged with a design on the life of the murderer, and public enemy to the good people ldng, and who had escaped trial because only of the nation, to be put to death by the sever- one witness had attested the fact before the ing of his head from his body," a sentence grand jury. which was carried into execution, in front of The king seemed to be fully aware of the Whitehall, on the 30th of January 1649. danger of his present situation, and on the The unfortunate monarch conducted himself morning of the 28th of November, when the throughout the whole of these melancholy pro- commissioners left the island, he gave vent to ceedings with becoming dignity, and braved his feelings in a strain of the most pathetic the terrors of death with fortitude and resig- -emotions, which drew tears from his attend- nation. ants; "My lords," said he to the commissioners, The Duke of Hamilton, who, by his incapa- " I believe we shall scarce ever see each other city, had ruined the king's affairs when on the

again, but God's will be done ! I have made

Appendix to Evelyn's Memoirs, vol. ii. pp. 128, 4 Outhry. 390. Clarendon, vol. iii. p. 234. 260 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. point of being retrieved, was not destined long to survive his royal master. In violation of CHAPTEE XVI. the articles of his capitulation, he was brought a. r>. 1640—1(550. to trial, and although he pleaded that he acted under the orders of the Scottish parliament, and was not amenable to an English tribunal, he was, under the pretence that he was Earl Negotiations with Charles II. —Proceedings of Mon- trose—Pluseardine's Insurrection—Landing of Kin- of Cambridge in England, sentenced to be nonl and Montrose in Orkney—Montrose's Declara- beheaded. He suffered on the 9th of March. tion—Montrose advances southwards—Is defeated at Carbisdale Montrose captured and sent to Edin- The Marquis of Huntly had languished in — burgh—His reception there—Trial and Execution. prison since December 1647, and during the life of the king the Scottish parliament had While the dominant party in England were not ventured to bring him to the block ; but contemplating the erection of a commonwealth both the king and Hamilton, his favourite, upon the ruins of the monarchy they had just being now put out of the way, they felt them- overthrown, the faction in Scotland, with Ar- selves no longer under restraint, and accord- gyle at its head, which had usurped the reins ingly the parliament, on the 16th of March, of government in that country, in obedience to ordained the marquis to be beheaded, at the the known wish of the nation, resolved to market-cross of Edinburgh, on the 22d of that recognise the principle of legitimacy by acknow- month. As he lay under sentence of ecclesias- ledging the Prince of Wales as successor to tical excommunication, one of the " bloody the crown of Scotland. No sooner, therefore, ministers," says the author of the History had the intelligence of the execution of the of the family of Gordon, " asked him, when king reached Edinburgh, than the usual pre- brought upon the scaffold, if he desired to be parations were made for proclaiming Charles

; absolved from the sentence " to which the II., a ceremony which was performed at the marquis replied, " that as he was not accustomed market-cross of Edinburgh, on the 5th of to give ear to false prophets, he did not wish February, with the usual formalities. to be troubled by him." And thereupon turn- This proceeding was contrary to the policy ing " towards the people, he told them that he of Argyle, whose intentions were in exact was going to die for having employed some accordance with those of the English Inde- years of his life in the service of the king his pendents ; but, as the melancholy fate of the master ; that he was sorry he was not the first king had excited a feeling of indignation in of his majesty's subjects who had suffered for the Scottish nation, he was afraid to imitate his cause, so glorious in itself that it sweetened the example of his English friends, and dis- to him all the bitterness of death." He then sembling his views, adopted other measures declared that he had charity to forgive those without changing his object. At the instiga- who had voted for his death, although he tion of Argyle it was agreed in parliament to could not admit that he had done any thing propose certain conditions to the prince as the contrary to the laws. After throwing off his terms on which alone he should be entitled to doublet, he offered up a prayer, and then sway the sceptre of Ins father. These were, in embracing some friends around him, he sub- substance, 1st, that he should sign the Cove- mitted his neck, without any symptoms of nants, and endeavour to establish them by his emotion, to the fatal instrument. authority in all his dominions ; 2d, that he should ratify and confirm all the acts of the Estates, approving of the two Covenants, the directory, confession of faith, and the cate- chism, that he should renounce episcopacy and

adopt the presbyterian form of worship ; 3d, that in all civil matters he should submit to the parliament, and in things ecclesiastical to the authority of the general assembly; and, NEGOTIATIONS WITH CHAELES II. 2G1

lastly, that lie should remove from, his person Their address to the king was introduced with and court the Marquis of Montrose, " a person abundance of deep sighs and heavy groans, as

excommunicated by the church, and forfaulted if they had been labouring, as Virgil says of by the parliament of Scotland, being a man the Sibyl, to shake the ponderous load from most justly, if ever any, cast out of the church off their breasts, after which they at last of God." exhibited their papers, containing the ordinan- These conditions, so flattering to popular ces of the Estates, and acts of the commission prejudice and the prevailing ideas of the times, of the kirk, and pretended that the terms appear to have been proposed only because demanded in them were moderate, just, and Argyle thought they would be rejected by the reasonable, and absolutely necessary for set- youthful monarch, surrounded as he then was tling the present confusions, and restoring the by counsellors to whom these terms would be king; with which, if he complied, he would particularly obnoxious. To carry these propo- be immediately settled upon his father's throne sitions to Charles II., then at the Hague, seven by the unanimous consent of the people." 7 commissioners from the parliament and kirk The king, after vainly endeavouring to in- were appointed, who set sail from Kirkcaldy duce the commissioners to modify the condi- roads on the 17th of March, 6 arriving at the tions to which his acceptance was required,

Hague on the 26th. His court, which at first and to declare publicly their opinions of the consisted of the few persons whom his father murder of his father, to which they had made had placed about him, had been lately increased no allusion, declined to agree to the terms by the arrival of the Earl of Lanark, now proposed. He at the same time stated, that as become, by the death of his brother, Duke of he had been already proclaimed king of Scot- Hamilton, the Earls of Lauderdale and Callan- land by the Committee of Estates, it was their

der, the heads of the Engagers ; and by the duty to obey him, and that he should expect subsequent addition of Montrose, Kinnoul, and the Committee of Estates, the assembly of the

Seaforth. The following graphic sketch is kirk, and the nation at large, to perform their given by Dr. Wishart of the appearance and duty to him, humbly obeying, maintaining, 8 reception of the commissioners : —" When these and defending him as their lawful sovereign. commissioners, or deputies from the Estates The commissioners having got their answer on

were admitted to their first audience of the the 19 th of May, returned to Scotland, and king, their solemn gait, their grave dress, and Charles went to St. Germain in France, to dejected countenances, had all the appearance visit Queen Henrietta Maria, his mother,

imaginable of humility ; and many who were before going to Ireland, whither he had been not acquainted with the temper and practices invited by the Marquis of Ormond to join the of the men, from thence concluded that they royalist army.

were about to implore of his majesty a general During the captivity of Charles I., Montrose oblivion and pardon for what was past, and to used every exertion at the court of France to promise a perfect obedience and submission in raise money and men to enable him to make a

time coming ; and that they were ready to descent upon the coast of England or Scotland,

yield every thing that was just and reasonable, to rescue his sovereign from confinement ; but

and would be sincere in all their proposals of his endeavours proving ineffectual, he entered peace and accommodation. They acted in a into the service of the Emperor of Germany, double capacity, and had instructions both who honoured him with especial marks of his from the Estates and from the commission of esteem. He had been lately residing at Brussels the kirk, in both of which the Earl of Cassilis engaged in the affairs of the emperor, where was the chief person, not only in what they he received letters from the Prince of Wales, were charged with from the Estates, as being then at the Hague, requiring his attendance to

a nobleman, but also from the commission of consult on the state of his father's affairs ; but Ihe kirk, of which he was a ruling elder. before be set out for the Hague, he received

6 Balfour, vol. iii. p. 393. Memoirs, p. 351. Balfour, vol. iii. p. 405. 262 GENEBAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS the news of the death of Charles I. He was the garrison, and demolished and razed the so overwhelmed with grief at this intelligence, walls and fortifications of the town. The pre- that according to Bishop "Wishart, who was an text put forward by Mackenzie and his friends eye-witness, he fainted and fell down in the was, that the parliament had sent private com- midst of his attendants, and appeared for some missioners to apprehend them ; but the fact time as if quite dead. "When he had suffi- appears to be, that this insurrection had taken ciently recovered to give full vent to his feel- place at the instigation of the king, between ings, he expressed a desire to die with his whom and Pluscardine a correspondence had sovereign, as he could no longer enjoy, as he been previously opened. 9 General David Leslie said, a life which had now become a grievous was sent to the north with a force to suppress and heavy burden. But on Wishart remon- the insurgents, who, on his approach, fled to

strating with him upon the impropriety of the mountains of Eoss ; but he was soon entertaining such a sentiment, and informing obliged to retrace his steps, in consequence of him that he should be rather more desirous of a rising in Athole under the direction of Lord life that he might avenge the death of his royal Ogilvie, General Middleton, and others, in master, and place his son and lawful successor favour of the king. Leslie had previously upon the throne of his ancestors, Montrose made terms with Urquhart, Munro, and Fraser, replied with composure, that in that view he but as Mackenzie would not listen to any " should be satisfied to live ; but," continued accommodation, he left behind him a garrison he, "I swear before God, angels, and men, that in the castle of Chanonry, and also three troops I will dedicate the remainder of my life to the of horse in Moray under the charge of Colonel avenging the death of the royal martyr, and Gilbert Ker, and Lieutenant-colonels Hacket re-establishing his son upon his father's throne." and Strachan, to watch Pluscardine's motions. On arriving at the Hague, Montrose was But this force was quite insufficient to resist received by Charles II. with marked distinc- Pluscardine, who, on the departure of Leslie,

tion. After some consultation, a descent upon descended from the mountains and attacked Scotland was resolved upon, and Montrose, the castle of Chanonry, which he re-took. He thereupon, received a commission, appointing was thereupon joined by his nephew, Lord him Lieutenant-governor of Scotland, and com- Eeay, at the head of 300 well-armed able- mander-in-chief of all the forces there both by bodied men, which increased his force to be- sea and land. The king also appointed him tween 800 and 900. his ambassador to the emperor, the princes of Having suppressed the rising in Athole, Germany, the King of Denmark, and other Leslie was again sent north by the parliament,

friendly sovereigns, to solicit supplies of money accompanied by the Earl of Sutherland ; but and warlike stores, to enable Mm to commence he had not proceeded far, when he ascertained the war. Thus, before the commissioners had that Mackenzie had been induced by Lord arrived, the king had made up his mind as to Ogilvie and General Middleton, who had lately the course he should pursue, and being backed joined him, to advance southward into Bade- by the opinion of a man of such an ardent noch, with the view of raising the people in temperament as Montrose, the result of the that and the neighbouring districts, and that communing between the king and the com- they had been there joined by the young missioners was as might have been expected. Marquis of Huntly, formerly Lord Lewis Gor- Connected probably with Montrose's plan don, and had taken the castle of Euthven. of a descent, a rising took place in the Leslie thereupon divided his army, with one north under Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscardine, part of which he himself entered Badenoch, brother of the Earl of Seaforth, Sir Thomas while he despatched the Earl of Sutherland to Urquhart of Cromarty, Colonel John Munro the north to collect forces in Eoss, Sutherland, of Lumlair, and Colonel Hugh Fraser, who, at and Caithness, with another part, consisting the head of a number of their friends and of five troops of horse, under the command of followers, entered the town of Inverness, on the 22d of February, expelled the troops from See Appendix to Wishart's Memoirs, p. 440. ;

MOVEMENTS OE MONTEOSE. 203

Ker, Hacket, and Strachan. To hinder the light, and who, although they considered the royalists from retiring into Atliole, Leslie enterprise as one not without considerable risk, marched southward towards Glenesk, by anticipated its success. Such, at least, were which movement he .compelled them to leave the sentiments of some of the king's friends Badenoch and to march down Spey-side before the insurrection under Mackenzie of towards Balveny. On arriving at Balveny, Pluscardine had been crushed ; but it is very they resolved to enter into a negotiation with probable that these were greatly altered after

Leslie, and accordingly Fluscardine and Mid- its suppression. The failure of Pluscardine's dleton left Balveny with a troop of horse to ill-tinied attempt was indeed considered by meet Leslie, leaving Huntly, Eeay, and Ogilvie, Montrose as a great misfortune, but a misfor- in charge of the forces, the former of whom tune far from irreparable, and as he had invi- sent his brother Lord Charles Gordon to the tations from the royalist nobility of Scotland, Enzie, to raise some horse. requesting him to enter upon his enterprise, While waiting for the return of Pluscardine and promising him every assistance in their and Middleton, the party at Balveny had not power, and as he was assured that the great the slightest idea that they might be taken by body of the Scottish nation was ready to surprise ; but on the 8th of May at day-break, second his views, he entered upon the task they were most unexpectedly attacked by the assigned him by his royal master, with an horse which had been sent north with the Earl alacrity and willingness which indicated a of Sutherland, and which, returning from Eoss, confidence on his part of ultimate success. had speedily crossed the Spey. Seizing the In terms of the powers he had received from royalist sentinels, they surprised Lord Eeay at the king, Montrose visited the north of Europe, the castle of Balveny, where he and about 900 and obtained promises of assistance of men, foot were taken prisoners and about 80 killed. money, and ammunition, from some of the

Huntly and Ogilvie, who had their quarters at northern princes ; but few of them fulfilled the church of Mortlach, about a mile from their engagements in consequence of the in- Balveny castle, escaped. Colonel Ker at once trigues of the king's enemies with the courtiers, dismissed all the prisoners to their own homes who thwarted with all their influence the on giving their oaths not to take up arms measures of Montrose. By the most indefati- against the parliament in time coming. He gable industry and perseverance, however, he sent Lord Eeay along with some of his kins- collected a force of 1,200 men at Gottenburg, men and friends and Mackenzie of Eedcastle about 800 of whom had been raised in Holstein and other prisoners of his surname to Edin- and Hamburg, and having received from the burgh ; all of whom were imprisoned. Huntly, Queen of Sweden 1,500 complete stands ot Ogilvie, Pluscardine, and Middleton, on giving arms, for arming such persons as might join security to keep the peace, were forgiven by his standard on landing in Scotland, he re- Leslie and returned to their homes. Colonel solved, without loss of time, to send off this Ker afterwards returned to Eoss, took Eed- armament to the Orkneys, where, in con- castle, which he demolished, and hanged the sequence of a previous arrangement with the persons who had defended it. Thus ended this Earl of Morton, who was favourable to the premature insurrection which, had it been king, it was agreed that a descent should be delayed till the arrival of Montrose, might have made. Accordingly, the first division of the been attended with a very different result. J expedition, which consisted of three parts, was

The projected descent by Montrose upon despatched early in September ; but it never

Scotland, was considered by many persons as reached its destination, the vessels having a desperate measure, which none but those foundered at sea in a storm. The second quite reckless of consequences would attempt division was more fortunate, and arrived at but there were others, chiefly among the ultra- Kirkwall, about the end of the month. It royalists, who viewed the affair in a different consisted of 200 common soldiers and 80

officers, under the command of the Earl of

1 Gordon's Continuation, p. 517, etscq. Kinnoul, who on landing was joined hj his 2G4 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

uncle the Earl of Morten and by many of the Montrose himself, with the remainder oi

Orkney gentlemen. Kinnoul immediately laid the expedition, still tarried at Gottenburg, in siege to the castle of Birsay, which was soon the expectation of obtaining additional rein-

surrendered to him ; and he proceeded to raise forcements or of procuring supplies of arms levies among the Orcadians, but was checked and money. It appears from a letter* which in his progress in consequence of a difference he addressed to the Earl of Seaforth, of the with Morton, who claimed the privilege, as date of 15th December, that he intended to

superior of Orkney, of commanding his own sail for Scotland the following day ; but owing vassals, a claim which Kinnoul would not to various causes he did not leave Gottenburg

allow. Morton felt the repulse keenly, and till about the end of February 1650. He died soon thereafter of a broken heart, as is landed in Orkney in the beginning of March, believed. His nephew, perhaps hurt at the with a force of 500 men, accompanied by Lord treatment he had given his uncle, speedily Erendraught, Major General Hurry, and other followed hini to the grave. gentlemen who had attached themselves to The news of Kjnnoul's landing reached his service and fortunes. Edinburgh about the 14th of October, when To prepare the minds of the peoj>le of Scot- land for the enterprise he was about to under- take, Montrose, about the close of the year,

had circulated a " Declaration " in Scotland, as " Lieutenant-governor and Captain-general for his Majesty of the Kingdom of Scotland," in which, after detailing the proceedings of those whom he termed " an horrid and infamous faction of rebels within the kingdom of Scotland," towards his late majesty, he declared that his present majesty was not only willing to pardon every one, with the exception of those who upon clear evidence should be found guilty " of that most damnable fact of murder of his father," provided that imme-

diately or upon the first convenient occasion, they abandoned the rebels and joined him, and therefore, he expected all persons who had " any duty left them to God, their king, country, friends, homes, wives, children, or would change now at last the tyranny, violence, and oppression of those rebels, with the mild and innocent government of their just prince, or revenge the horrid and execrable murdering General David Leslie. of their sacred king, redeem their nation from General David Leslie was despatched to the infamy, restore the present and oblige the ages north with seven or eight troops of horse to to come, would join themselves with him in watch him if he attempted to cross the Pent- the service he was about to engage." land Erith ; but seeing no appearance of an This declaration which, by order of the enemy, and hearing of intended commotions Committee of Estates, was publicly burnt at the among the royalists in Angus and the Mearns, market cross of Edinburgh, by the hands of he returned to the south after an absence of the common hangman, was answered on the fifteen days, 2 having previously placed strong 2d of January, by a " declaration and warning garrisons in -some of the northern strengths. s of the commission of the General Assembly,"

* Balfour, vol. iii. p. 432. 3 4 Gordon's Continuation, p. 551. Appendix to Wishart's Memoirs, p. 441. "

MONTEOSE IN OEKNEY AND CAITHNESS. 265 addressed to " all the members of the kirk and extremity of Caithness, in the immediate vicin- kingdom," which was followed on the 24th of ity of John o'Groat's house. On landing, he the same month, by another " declaration displayed three banners, one of which was from the Committee of Estates of the parliament made of black taffeta, in the centre of which of Scotland, in vindication of their proceedings was exhibited a representation of the bleeding from " the aspersions of a scandalous pamphlet, head of the late king, as struck off from the published by that excommunicate traitor, James body, surrounded by two inscriptions, "Judge

Graham, under the title of a ' Declaration of and avenge my cause, O Lord," and " Deo et James, Marquis of Montrose.'" The last of victricibus armis." Another standard had this these documents vindicates at great length, motto, " Quos pietas virtus et honor fecit ami- and apparently with great success, those whom cus." These two banners were those of the Montrose had designated the " infamous faction king. The third, which was Montrose's own,

•of rebels," not because the committee thought bore the words, " Nil mediivm," a motto strongly

" it worth the while to answer the slanders significant of the uncompromising character and groundless reproaches of that viperous of the man. 6 Montrose immediately com- brood of Satan, James Graham, whom the pelled the inhabitants of Caithness to swear Estates of parliament had long since declared obedience to him as the king's lieutenant- traitor, the church delivered into the hands of governor. All the ministers, with the excep- the devil, and the nation doth generally detest tion of one named William Smith, took the and abhor;" but because "their silence might oath, and to punish Smith for his disobedience, be subject to misconstruction, and some of the he was sent in irons on board a vessel. 6 A weaker sort might be inveigled by the bold number of the inhabitants, however, alarmed assertions and railing accusations of this im- at the arrival of foreign troops, with whose pudent braggard, presenting himself to the presence they considered carnage and murder view of the world clothed with his majesty's to be associated, were seized with a panic and authority, as lieutenant-governor and captain- fled, nor did some of them stop till they reached general of this kingdom." These declarations Edinburgh, where they carried the alarming of the kirk and Estates, backed as they were intelligence of Montrose's advance to the par- by fulminations from all the pulpits of the liament which was then sitting. kingdom against Montrose, made a deej) im- As soon as the Earl of Sutherland heard of pression on men's minds, highly unfavourable Montrose's arrival in Caithness, he assembled to him ; and as the Committee of Estates all his countrymen to oppose his advance into discharged all persons from aiding or assisting Sutherland. He sent, at the same time, for him under the pain of high treason, and as two troops of horse stationed in Eoss, to assist every action and word of those considered him, but their officers being in Edinburgh, friendly to him were strictly watched, they did they refused to obey, as they had received no not attempt, and had they attempted, would orders. Being apprized of the earl's move- have found it impossible, to make any prepa- ments, and anticipating that he might secure rations to receive hirn on his arrivaL the important pass of the Ord, and thus pre- Such was the situation of matters when vent him from entering Sutherland, Montrose Montrose landed in Orkney, where, in conse- despatched a body of 500 men to the south, quence of the death of Morton and Kinnoul, who obtained possession of the pass. The next little progress had been made in raising troops. step Montrose took, was against the castle of He remained several weeks in Orkney, without Dunbeath, belonging to Sir John Sinclair, exciting much notice, and having collected who, on Montrose's arrival, had fled and left about 800 of the natives, which, with the the place in charge of his lady. The castle addition of the 200 troops carried over by Kin- was strong and well supplied with provisions, noul, made his whole force amount to about and the possession of it was considered very 1,500 men, he crossed the Pentland Frith in a ii of boats collected among the islands, amber 5 Balfour, vol. iii. p. 440. and landed without opposition at the northern G Gorton's Continuation, p. SS2. 2 L 266 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. important by Montrose, in case ire should be preparations were made to send north troops obliged to retreat into Orkney. The castle, to meet him. David Leslie, the commander- which was defended by Sir John's lady and in-chief, appointed Brechin as the place of a few servants, surrendered to General Hurry, rendezvous for the troops ; but as a considerable after a short resistance, on condition that time would necessarily elapse before they persons and property should be respected. could be all collected, and as apprehensions Hurry put a strong garrison in the castle, were entertained that Montrose might speedily under the command of Major Whiteford. penetrate into the heart of the Highlands,

Having secured this important strength, where he could not fail to find auxiliaries, Montrose marched into Sutherland, leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Strachan, an officer who Henry Graham, his natural brother, behind had been particularly active in suppressing him with a party to raise men for the service. Pluscardine's insurrection, was despatched, in While in Caithness, the only persons that the meantime, to the north with a few troops proffered their services to Montrose, were of horse, for the purpose of keeping Montrose Hucheon Mackay of Skoury, Hugh Mackay of in check, and enabling the Earl of Sutherland, Dirlet, and Alexander Sinclair of Brims, whom and the other presbyterian leaders in the north he despatched to Strathnaver, to collect forces, to raise their levies. These troops, which but they appear to have neglected the matter. were those of Ker, Hacket, Montgomery, and On the approach of Montrose, the Earl of Strachan, and an Irish troop commanded by Sutherland, not conceiving himself in a condi- one Collace, were joined by a body of about tion to resist, retired with his men, and put- 500 foot under the Earl of Sutherland, Eoss ting strong garrisons into Dunrobin, Skelbo, of Balnagown, and Munro of Lumlair, all of Skibo, and Dornoch, and sending off a party whom were assembled at Tain when Montrose with cattle and effects to the hills to be out of encamped at Strathoikel. This movement the reach of the enemy, he went himself into brought the hostile parties within twenty miles Eoss with 300 of his men. Montrose continued of each other, but Montrose was not aware to advance, and encamped the first night at that his enemy was so near at hand. Strachan, Garty and Helmsdale, the second at Kintred- who had early intelligence brought him of well, and the third night at Ehives. In passing Montrose's advance, immediately called a coun- by Dunrobin, a part of his men went between cil of war to deliberate, at which it was re- the castle and the sea, some of whom were killed, solved that the Earl of Sutherland should, by and others taken prisoners, in a sortie from the a circuitous movement, throw himself into garrison. On the following day, Montrose Montrose's rear, in order to prevent a junction demanded the prisoners from William Gordon between him and Henry Graham, and such of the commander of Dunrobin, but his request the Strathnaver and Caithness men as should was refused. Montrose encamped at Eian in attempt to join him. It was resolved that, at Strathfieet the fourth night, at Gruidy on the the same time, Strachan with his five troops fifth, and at Strathoikel on the sixth. He of horse, and the Munroes, and Eosses, under then marched to Carbisdale, on the borders of Balnagown, and Lumlair, should march directly Eoss-shire, where he halted a few days in expec- forward and attack Montrose in the level coun- tation of being joined by the Mackenzies. try before he should, as was contemplated, retire While reposing here in fancied security and to the hills on the approach of Leslie, who was calculating on complete success, he sent a noti- hastening rapidly north with a force of 4,000 fication to the Earl of Sutherland to the effect, horse and foot, at the rate of thirty miles a-day. that though he had spared his lands for the It was Saturday the 27th of April, when present, yet the time was at hand when he Strachan's officers were deliberating whether- would make his own neighbours undo him. they should move immediately forward or wait

Little did Montrose then imagine that his own till Monday, " and so decline the hazard of fate was so near at hand. engaging upon the Lord's day," 7 when notice As soon as intelligence of Montrose's descent was received in Edinburgh, the most active 7 Balfour, -ol. iv. n. 3. ;

MONTEOSE DEFEATED AT CAEBISDALE. 267 being brought that Montrose had advanced the trick, was thrown quite off his guard, and from Strathoikel to Carbisdale, a movement alarmed at the sudden appearance of successive which brought him six miles nearer to them, bodies of cavalry, he immediately gave orders they made arrangements for attacking him for a retreat to a wood and craggy hill at a

r without delaj . Strachan advanced without short distance in his rear ; but before Mon- observation as far as Fearn, within a mil e trose's men could reach their intended place of and a half or two miles of Montrose, where retreat, they were overtaken when almost he concealed his men on a moor covered with breathless, by Strachan's troopers, who charged broom, whence he sent out a party of scouts them violently. The foreign troops received under Captain Andrew Munro, son of Munro the charge with firmness, and, after discharging of Lumlair, to reconnoitre Montrose. Munro a volley upon the horse, flew into the wood soon returned and reported that Montrose had but most of the Orcadians threw down their sent out a body of 40 horse to ascertain their arms in terror and begged for quarter. The. movements. In order to deceive this body, Munroes and Eosses followed the Danish Strachan ordered one troop of horse out of the troops into the wood and killed many of them. broom, which being the only force observed by 200 of the fugitives in attempting to cross the Montrose's scouts, they returned and reported adjoining river were drowned. to Montrose what they had seen. This intel- Montrose for some time made an unavailing ligence threw Montrose completely off his effort to rally some of his men, and fought guard, who, conceiving that the whole strength with his accustomed bravery ; but having his of the enemy consisted of a single troop of horse shot under him, and seeing it utterly horse, made no preparations for defending impossible longer to resist the enemy, he himself. mounted the horse of Lord Frendraught, which In the meantime, Strachan formed his men that young and generous nobleman proffered into four divisions. The first, which consisted him, and galloped off the field ; and as soon as of about 100 horsemen, he commanded him- he got out of the reach of the enemy, he dis- self; the second, amounting to upwards of 80, mounted, and throwing away his cloak, which was given in charge to Hacket ; and the third, was decorated with the star of the garter, and also horse, to the number of about 40, was Ms sword, sought his safety on foot. led by Captain Hutcheson. The fourth divi- The slaughter of Montrose's men continued sion, which was composed of a body of muske- about two hours, or until sunset, during teers belonging to Lawer's regiment, was com- which time ten of his best officers and 386 manded by one Quarter-master Shaw. 8 common soldiers were killed. The most con- The deception which had been so well spicuous among the former for bravery was practised upon Montrose by Strachan, in con- Menzies younger of Pitfoddles, the bearer of cealing the real amount of his force, might the black standard, who repeatedly refused to not have been attended with any serious effect receive quarter. Upwards of 400 prisoner? to Montrose, but for another stratagem which were taken, including 31 officers, among whom Strachan had in reserve, and which proved were Sir John Hurry and Lord Frendraught,

Montrose's ruin. Strachan's scheme was first the latter of whom was severely wounded. to advance with his own division to make it Among the prisoners taken were two ministers. appear as if his whole strength consisted of This victory was achieved almost without only 100 horse, and while Montrose was im- bloodshed on the part of the victors, who had pressed with this false idea, to bring up the only two men wounded, and one trooper other three divisions in rapid succession, and drowned. After the slaughter, the conquerors thus create a panic among Montrose's men as returned thanks to God on the open field for if a large army were about to attack them. the victory they had obtained, and returned to This contrivance was crowned with the most Tain, carrying the prisoners along with them. s complete success. Montrose little suspecting For several days the people of Eoss and Suther-

8 Balfour, vol. iv. p. 9. 8 Gordon's Continuation, p. 555. 208 GENEEAL H1STOKY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

land continued to pursue some unfortunate of Montrose, but they could not fall hi with stragglers, whom they despatched. The result him. " At last," says Bishop Wishart, " the was most calamitous to Orkney, as appears laird of Assynt being abroad in arms with some from a petition and memorandum by the gentle- of his tenants in search of him, lighted on him men of Orkney to Lord Morton in 1662, in in a place where he had continued three or

which it is stated, that there was scarcely a four days without meat or drink, and only one gentleman's house in that country " hut lost man in his company." The bishop then states, either a son or a brother." 1 that " Assynt had formerly been one of Mon-

Montrose, accompanied by the Earl of Kin- trose's own followers ; who immediately know- noul, who had lately succeeded to the title on ing him, and believing to find friendship at the death of his brother, and six or seven com- his hands, willingly discovered himself; but panions, having, as before stated, dismounted Assynt not daring to conceal him, and being from his horse and thrown away his cloak and greedy of the reward which was promised to sword, and having, by the advice of his friends, the person who should apprehend him by the to avoid detection, exchanged his clothes for the Council of the Estates, immediately seized and 3 more homely attire of a common Highlander, disarmed him." This account differs a little wandered all night and the two following from that of the author of the continuation of days among bleak and solitary regions, without Sir Eobert Gordon's history, who, however, it knowing where to proceed, and ready to perish must be remembered, represents the Earl of under the accumulated distresses of hunger, Sutherland and his friends in as favourable a fatigue, and anxiety of mind. The Earl of light as possible. Gordon says, that it was one Kinnoul, unable, from exhaustion, to follow of Macleod's parties that apprehended Mon- Montrose any farther, was left among the trose, and is altogether silent as to Assynt's mountains, where it is supposed he perished. having been his follower ; but both writers When upon the point of starvation, Montrose inform us that Montrose offered Macleod a large was fortunate to light upon a small cottage, sum of money for his liberty, which he refused where he obtained a supply of milk and bread, 2 to grant. Macleod kept Montrose and his com- on receiving which he continued his lonely panion, Major Sinclair, an Orkney gentleman, and dangerous course among the mountains of prisoners in the castle of Ardvraick, his princi- Sutherland, at the risk of being seized every pal residence. By order of Leslie, Montrose hour, and dragged as a felon before the very was thence removed to Skibo castle, where he man whom, only a few days before, he had was kept two nights, thereafter to the castle of threatened with his vengeance. Braan, and thence again to Edinburgh. In the meantime, active search was made In his progress to the capital, Montrose had after Montrose. As it was conjectured that to endure all those indignities which vulgar he might attempt to reach Caithness, where his minds, instigated by malevolence and fanati- natural brother, Henry Graharn, still remained cism, could suggest ; but he bore every insult with some troops in possession of the castle of with perfect composure. At a short interview

Dunbeath, and as it appeared probable, from which he had with two of his children at the the direction Montrose was supposed to have house of the Earl of South Esk, his father-in- taken, that he meant to go through Assynt, law, on his way to Edinburgh, he exhibited Captain Andrew Mvmro sent instructions to the same composure, for " neither at meeting Neil Macleod, the laird of Assynt, his brother- nor parting could any change of his former in-law, to apprehend every stranger that might countenance be discerned, or the least expres- enter his bounds, in the hope of catching Mon- sion heard which was not suitable to the great- trose, for whose apprehension a splendid reward ness of his spirit, and the fame of his former was offered. In consequence of these instruc- actions. His behaviour was, during the whole tions, Macleod sent out various parties in quest journey, such as became a great man ; his countenance was serene and cheerful, as one 1 Vide the document in the Appendix to Peterkin's Notes on Orkney and Zetland, pp. 106, 107. 2 8 Gordon's Continuation, p. 555. Memoirs, p. 377. —

ATTEMPTS TO EESCUE MONTEOSE THWAETED. 209

Castle of Arilvraiuk. who was superior to all those reproaches which gives the following characteristic account of they had prepared the people to pour out upon this affair : him in all the places through which he was to " It was at this ladye's house that that party pass." 4 of the Covenanters their standing armie, that At Dundee, which had particularly suffered gairded in the Marques of Montrose, efter his from his army, a very different feeling was forces was beat and himself betrayed in the shown by the inhabitants, who displayed a north, lodged him, whom this excellent lady generosity of feeling and a sympathy for designed to sett at libertie, by procureing his fallen greatness, which did them immortal escape from her house ; in order to this, soe honour. Instead of insulting the fallen hero soon as ther quarters was settled, and that she in his distress, they commiserated his misfor- had observed the way and manner of the place- tunes, and prevailed upon his guards to permit ing of the guairds, and what officers commanded him to exchange the rustic and mean apparel them, she not only ordered her butlers to let in which he had been apprehended, and which, the souldiers want for noe drink, but she her- to excite the derision of the mob, they had self, out of respect and kyndnesse, as she compelled him to wear, for a more becoming pretended, plyed hard the officers and souldiers dress which had been provided for him by the of the main-guaird, (which was keeped in her people of Dundee. The sensibilities of the owne hall) with the strongest ale and acquavite, inhabitants had probably been awakened by a that before midnight, all of them, (being for bold and ineffectual attempt to rescue Mon- the most part Highlandmen of Lawer's regi- trose, made by the lady of the laird of Grange, ment) became starke drunke. If her Stewarts at whose house, in the neighbourhood of Dun- and other servants had obe}'ed her directions dee, he had passed the previous night. The in giving out what drinke the out-gairds should •mthor of the Memoirs of the Somervilles have called for, ivndoubtedly the business

had been effectuat ; but unhappily, when the

1 Memoirs, p. 380. marques had passed the first and second cen- ;

270 GENEKAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. tinells that was sleeping upon their rnusquets, livery, with his hat on, to the jail of Edin- and likewayes through the rnain-gaird, that was burgh, and thence to be brought to the parlia- lying in the hall lyke swyne on a midding, he ment house, and there on his knees to receive was challenged a little without the outmost sentence of death. It was resolved that he guaird by a wretched trouper of Strachan's should be hanged on a gibbet at the cross of troupe, that had been present at his taking. Edinburgh, with the book which contained This fellow was none of the guaird that night, the history of his wars and the declaration but being quartered hard by, was come ram- which he had issued, tied to his neck, and melling in for his bellieful of drinke, when he after hanging for the space of three hours, that made this unluckie discovery, which being his body should be cut down by the hangman, done, the marques was presently seized upon, his head severed from his body, fixed on an and with much rudenesse (being in the ladye's iron spike, and placed on the pinnacle on the deaths which he had put on for a disguize) west end of the prison; that his hands and legs turned back to his prisone chamber. The lady, should also be cut off, the former to be placed her old husband, with the wholl servants of over the gates of Perth and Stirling, and the the house, were made prisoners for that night, latter over those of Aberdeen and Glasgow and the morrow efter, when they came to be that if at his death he showed any signs of challenged before these that had the com- repentance, and should in consequence be mand of this party, and some members of that relieved from the sentence of excommunication wretched Committee of Estates, that satt which the kirk had pronounced against him, allways at Edinbrough (for mischief to the royall that the trunk of his body should be interred interest,) which they had sent for the more by " pioneers " in the Gray Eriars' churchyard security, to be still with this party, fearing the but otherwise, that it should be buried by the great friends and weill-wishers this noble heroe hangman's assistants, under the scaffold on the had upon the way he was to come, should Boroughmuir, the usual place of execution. 5 either by force or stratageme, be taken from The minds of the populace had, at this time, them. The ladie, as she had been the only been wrought up to the highest pitch of hatred contryver of Montrose's escape, soe did she at Montrose by the ministers, who, during a avow the same before them all ; testifying she fast which had lately been held in thanksgiving was heartily sorry it had not taken effect for his apprehension, had launched the most according to her wished desyre. This confi- dreadful and bloody invectives against him, dence of hers, as it bred some admiratione in and to this circumstance perhaps is to be attri- her accusors, soe it freed her husband and the buted the ignominious plan devised for his servants from being farder challenged ; only reception. they took security of the laird for his ladye's On the day following the passing of the act, appearing before the Committie of Estates Montrose was brought up from Leith, mounted when called, which she never was. Ther on an outworn horse, to the Water Gate, along worships gott something else to thinke upon, with 23 of his officers, his fellow-prisoners, then to conveen soe excellent a lady before where he was met about four o'clock, p.m., by them upon such ane account, as tended greatly the magistrates of the city in their robes, to her honour and ther oune shame." followed by the " town guard," and the com- The parliament, which had been adjourned mon executioner. Having been delivered by till the 15th of May, met on the appointed his guards to the civic authorities, whose duty day, and named a committee to devise the mode it now was to take charge of his person, Mon- of his reception into the capital and the manner trose was, for the first time, made acquainted of his death. In terms of the committee's report with the fate which awaited him, by one of the an act was passed on the 17th of May, ordaining magistrates putting a copy of the sentence into " James Graham " to be conveyed bareheaded his hands. He perused the paper with com- from the Water Gate (the eastern extremity of posure, and after he had read it he informed the city) on a cart, to which he was to be tied with a rope, and drawn by the hangman in his Balfour, vol. iv. pp. 12, 13. MOXTEOSE'S EECEFTION IN EDINBUEGH. 271

the magistrates that lie was ready to submit the city, and threatened them with the wrath to his fate, and only regretted, " that through of heaven. him the king's majesty, whose person he repre- But displeasing as the humane reception of 6 sented, should he so much dishonoured." Montrose was to the clergy, it must have been Before mounting the vehicle brought foT his much more mortifying to Argyle, his mortal reception, Montrose was ordered by the hang- enemy, who, contrary to modern notions of man to uncover his head; but as the mandate decency and good feeling, surrounded by his was not immediately attended to, that abhorred family and the marriage party of his newly- instrument of the law enforced his command wedded son, Lord Lorn, appeared publicly on with his own hands. He thereupon made a balcony in front of the Earl of Moray's house 8 Montrose go into the cart, and placing him on in the Canongate, from which he beheld un- a high chair fixed upon a small platform raised daunted the great Montrose, powerless now to at the end of the cart, he pinioned his arms do him personal harm. To add to the insult, close to his sides by means of cords, which either accidentally or on purpose, the vehicle being passed across his breast, and fastened which carried Montrose was stopped for some behind the vehicle, kept him so firmly time beneath the place where Argyle and his fixed as to render his body immoveable. The party stood, so that they were able to take a other prisoners, who were tied together in leisurely view of the object of their hate and pairs, having been marshalled in front of the fear, and it would appear that they took cart in walking order and uncovered, the hang- advantage of their fallen foe's position tc man, clothed in his official attire, mounted one indulge in unseemly demonstrations of triumph of the horses 7 attached to the cart, and the and insult. Eor the sake of humanity and the procession thereupon moved off at a slow pace honour of tender-hearted woman, we would fain up the Canongate, in presence of thousands of disbelieve the statement that the Marchioness spectators, who lined the long street, and of Argyle had the effrontery to vent her hatred filled the windows of the adjoining houses. toward the fallen enemy of her house by spit- Among the crowd which thronged the street ting upon him. Whatever were the inward to view the mournful spectacle was a great workings of Montrose's soul, he betrayed no number of the inferior classes of the com- symptoms of inquietude, but preserved, during munity, chiefly females, who had come with this trying scene, a dignified demeanour which the determined intention of venting abuse is said to have considerably discomposed his upon the fallen hero, and pelting him, as he triumphant rival and his friends. proceeded along the street, with dirt, stones, Although the distance from the Water Gate and other missiles, incited thereto by the to the prison was only about half a mile, yet harangues of the ministers on occasion of the so slow had the procession moved, that it was late fast; but they were so overawed by the almost seven o'clock in the evening before it dignity of his demeanour, and the undaunted reached the prison. When released from the courage of soul which he displayed, that their cart Montrose gave the hangman some money feelings were at once overcome, and instead «of for his services in having driven so well his covering him with reproaches, they dissolved "triumphal chariot," 9 as he jocularly termed into tears of pity at the sight of fallen great- the cart. On being lodged in jail, he was ness, and invoked the blessings of heaven upon immediately visited by a small committee the head of the illustrious captive. A result appointed by the parliament, which had held so totally unlooked-for, could not be but ex- an extraordinary meeting at six o'clock in the ceedingly displeasing to the enemies of Mon- evening. Balfour says, that the object of the trose, and particularly to the ministers, who, committee, which consisted of three members on the foUowing day (Sunday), denounced and two ministers, was to ask " James Grahame

the conduct of the people from the pulpits of if he had any thing to say, and to show him

6 Wishart, p. 385. 7 According to Montrose Redivivus, p. 181, the Now the Free Church Normal School. cart was drawn t>y four horses. Wishart, p. 386. 272 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS. that he was to repair to the house to receive Agreeably to the order of parliament, Mon- his sentence." The house remained sitting till trose was brought up by the magistrates of the return of the deputation, who reported that Edinburgh on Monday at ten o'clock forenoon

Montrose had refused to answer any of the to receive sentence. As if to give dignity and questions put to him till he was informed importance to the cause for which he was upon what terms they stood with the king, about to suffer, and to show how indifferent and whether they had concluded any agreement he was to his own fate, Montrose appeared at with him. In consequence of this information, the bar of the parliament in a superb dress the parliament delayed passing sentence till which he had provided for the purpose, after Monday the 20th of May; and, in the mean- his arrival in Edinburgh. His small clothes

time, appointed seven of their members to wait consisted of a rich suit of black silk, covered upon the marquis and examine him on some with costly silver lace, over which he wore a points respecting "Duke Hamilton and others;" scarlet rochet which reached to his knee, and and to induce him to answer, the deputation which was trimmed with silver galloons, and was instructed to inform him, that an agree- lined with crimson taffeta. He also wore silk ment had been concluded between the com- stockings of a carnation colour, with garters, missioners on the part of the estates and his roses and corresponding ornaments, and a majesty, who was coming to Scotland. 1 Mon- beaver hat having a very rich silver band. 4 trose, however, excused himself from annoyance Having ascended " the place of delinquents," by stating, that as his journey had been long, a platform on which criminals received sen- and as " the ceremony and compliment they tence, Montrose surveyed the scene before him had paid Mm that day had been somewhat with his wonted composure, and though his wearisome and tedious," he required repose; 2 countenance was rather pale, and exhibited in consequence of which the deputation left him. other symptoms of care, his firmness never for Montrose meant to have spent the whole of a moment forsook him. Twice indeed was he the following day, being Sunday, in devotional observed to heave a sigh and to roll his eyes exercises suitable to his trying situation; but along the house, 6 during the virulent invectives he was denied this consolation by the incessant which the lord-chancellor (Loudon) poured out intrusions of the ministers and members of upon Mm, but these emotions were only the parliament, who annoyed him by asking a indications of the warmth of his feelings while variety of ensnaring questions, which he having suffering under reproaches which he could not refused to answer, they gave vent to the foulest resent. reproaches against him. These insults, how- The lord-chancellor, in rising to address ever, had no effect on him, nor did he show Montrose, entered into a long detail of his the least symptoms of impatience, but carried " rebellions," as he designated the warlike himself throitghout with a firmness which no actions of Montrose, who, he said, had invaded menaces could shake. When he broke silence his native country with hostile arms, and had at last, he said that " they were much mis- called in Irish rebels and foreigners to his

taken if they imagined that they had affronted assistance. He then reproached Montrose with him by carrying him in a vile cart the day having broken not only the national covenant,

before ; for he esteemed it the most honourable which he had bound himself to support, but and cheerful journey he had ever performed in also the solemn league and covenant, to which

his life ; his most merciful God and Redeemer the whole nation had sworn ; and he concluded having all the while manifested his presence by informing Montrose, that for the many to him in a most comfortable and inexpressible murders, treasons, and impieties of which he manner, and supplied him by his divine grace, had been guilty, God had now brought him to with resolution and constancy to overlook the suffer condign punishment. After the chan- reproaches of men, and to behold him alone for cause he suffered." 3 whose 4 Balfour, vol. iv. p. 16, note to Khkton's Church History, p. 124. Relation of the execution of James 2 1 Balfour, toI. iv. p. 14. Wishart, p. 386. Graham, London, 1650. 3 5 Wishart, p. 387. Balfour, vol. iv. p. 16. TRIAL AND SENTENCE OF MONTEOSE. 273

cellor had concluded his harangue, Montrose This speech was delivered without affecta- requested permission to say a few words in his tion or embarrassment, and with such firmness own vindication, which being granted, though and clearness of intonation, that, according to not without some difficulty, he proceeded to a cavalier historian, many persons present were vindicate his conduct, showing that it was the afterwards heard to declare, that he looked result of sincere patriotism and devoted loyalty. and spoke as he had been accustomed when at " He had," he said, " not spilt any blood, the head of his army. 7 The chancellor replied not even that of his most inveterate enemies, to Montrose, in a strain of the most furious " but in the field of battle ; and that even in the invective, punctually proving hini," says greatest heat of action he had preserved the Balfour, "by his acts of hostility, to be a person

lives of many thousands ; and that as he had most infamous, perjured, treacherous, and of

first taken up arms at the command of the all that this land ever brought forth, the most king, he had laid them down upon his orders, creuell and inhumane butcher and murtherer without any regard to his own interest, and of his natione, a sworne enimy to the Covenant had retired beyond the seas. and peace of his countrey, and one quhosse " With regard to his late invasion, he said, boundlesse pryde and ambition had lost the he had undertaken it at the command and by father, and by his wicked counsells done quhat the express orders of the present king, (to in him lay to distroy the sone lykwayes." s whom they all owed duty and allegiance, and Montrose attempted to address the court a for whose long and happy reign he offered his second time, but was rudely interrupted by sincere and earnest prayers,) in order to accel- the chancellor, who ordered him to keep erate the treaty which was then begun betwixt silence, and to kneel down and receive his him and them—that it was his intention, as sentence. The prisoner at once obeyed, but soon as the treaty had been concluded, to lay remarked, that on falling on his knees, he down arms and retire at the call of his majesty; meant only to honour the king his master, and and such being his authority and determina- not the parliament. While Sir Archibald tion, he might justly affirm, that no subject Johnston, the clerk-register, was reading the ever acted upon more honourable grounds, nor sentence, Montrose kept his countenance erect by a more lawful power and authority than he and displayed his usual firmness. " He be- had done in the late expedition. haved all this time in the house with a great " In conclusion, he called upon the assem- deal of courage and modesty, unmoved and blage to lay aside all prejudice, private ani- undaunted." 9 The execution was fixed for mosity, and desire of revenge, and to consider three o'clock the following day. him, in relation to the justice of his cause, as The feelings of humanity and the voice of a man and a Christian, and an obedient subject, religion, now demanded that the unfortunate in relation to the commands of his sovereign, prisoner should be allowed to spend the short which he had faithfully executed. He then time he had to live, in those solemn prepara- put them in mind of the great obligations tions for death, enjoined by religion, in privacy

which many of them were under to him, for and without molestation ; but it was his fate having preserved their lives and fortunes at a to be in the hands of men in whose breasts time when he had the power and authority, had such feelings were stifled, and whose religion he inclined, of destroying both, and entreated was deeply imbued with a stern and gloomy them not to judge him rashly, but according fanaticism, to which charity was an entire to the laws of God, the laws of nature and stranger. However, it would be unfair and nations, and particularly by the laws of the uncharitable to look upon the conduct of land—that if they should refuse to do so, he these men as if they had been surrounded with would appeal to the just Judge of the world, all the advantages of the present enlightened

who would at last judge them all, and pro- age. We ought to bear in mind their recent nounce a righteous sentence." 6

Hist, the Monteith's of Troubles. &c , p. 51 6 9 Wishart, p. 391. Annals, vol. iv. p. 15. Idem, p. 16. 2m — "

274 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. escape from tlie most iatolerant of all religions, infamous notoriety in the annals of criminal of whose persecuting principles they had not jurisprudence. This incestuous wretch, who yet got rid ; the hard treatment to which they laid claim to superior godliness, and who had been subjected by the late king and his pretended to be gifted with the spirit of prayer, father; and the fact that they really believed of which he gave proofs by many extemporary they were doing their duty to God and effusions, gave Montrose great uneasiness by serving the best interests of true religion. It smoking tobacco, to the smell of which he is indeed difficult to be charitable to the had, like Charles I., a particular aversion. uncharitable, tolerant to persecutors. During the night, when free from the in- No sooner had Montrose returned to prison, trusion of the ministers, Montrose occupied than he was again assailed by the ministers, himself in devotional exercises, and even who endeavoured to induce him to submit to found leisure to gratify his poetic taste, the kirk, no doubt considering the conversion of by composing the following lines which he such an extraordinary malignant as Montrose, wrote upon the window of the chamber in as a theological achievement of the first impor- which be was confined. tance. To subdue his obstinacy, they mag- " Let theiu bestow on every airth a limb, nified the power of the keys, which they said Then open all my veins, that 1 may swim had been committed to them, and informed To thee, my Maker, in that crimson lake, Then place my parboiled head upon a stake ; him that unless he reconciled himself to the Scatter my ashes, strow them in the air. kirk and obtained a release from the sentence Lord, since thou knowest where all these atoms are, I'm hopeful thou 'It recover once my dust, of excommunication which had been pro- And confident thou'lt raise me with the ju»t. nounced against him, he would be eternally damned. But Montrose, regardless of their On the morning of the 21st of May, 1650, threats and denunciations, remained inflexible. the city of Edinburgh was put into a state of Besides the ministers, he was frequently waited commotion by the noise of drums and trumpets, upon by the magistrates of the city, with whom which was heard in every quarter of the city. he entered into conversation. He told them The sound attracted the notice of Montrose, that he was much indebted to the parliament who inquired at the captain of the guard the for the great honour they had decreed him, cause of it. The officer told him that the that he was prouder to have his head fixed parliament, dreading that an attempt might be

upon the top of the prison, than if they had made by the mob, under the influence of the decreed a golden statue to be erected to him malignants, to rescue him, had given orders to " in the market-place, or ordered his portrait to call out the soldiers and citizens to arms. Do " be placed in the king's bed-chamber,—that so I," said the marquis, who was such a terror far from grieving for the mutilation which his to these good men when alive, continue still body was about to undergo, he was happy that so formidable to them, now that I am about the parliament had taken such an effectual to die? But let them look to themselves ; for method of preserving the memory of his even after I am dead, 1 will be continually loyalty, by transmitting such proofs of them present to their wicked consciences, and to the four principal cities of the kingdom, and become more formidable to them than while he only wished that he had flesh enough to I was alive." have sent a piece to every city in Christendom, After partaking of a hearty breakfast, Mon- as a testimony of his unshaken love and fidelity trose entered upon the business of the toilet, to his king and country.' But annoying as to which he paid particular attention. While the visits of the ministers and magistrates in the act of combing his hair, he was visited the clerk-register, undoubtedly were, Montrose was still farther by Sir Archibald Johnston, inveterate foes, doomed to undergo the humiliation of being one of his most who made impropriety, placed under the more immediate charge of some remarks on the as he dreadful Major "Weir, who afterwards obtained an thought, of a person in the situation of the marquis, occupying some of the precious moments he had yet to live in frivolous atten- 1 Wishart, r. 393. MONTEOSE ON THE SCAFFOLD.

tions to his person. The marquis, who knew wicked, and often to the wicked at the hands well the character of this morose man, thus of the good— and that just men sometimes addressed him with a smile of contempt, perish in their righteousness, while wicked " While my head is my own, I will dress and men prosper in their villanies. That he, adorn it; but to-morrow, when it becomes therefore, expected that those who knew him yours, you may treat it as you please." well would not esteem him the less for his About an hour before the time fixed for his present sufferings, especially as many greater execution, Montrose was waited upon by the and more deserving men than he had under- magistrates of the city, who saw him conveyed gone the same untimely and disgraceful fate. to the scaffold on the same vehicle on which Yet, that he could not but acknowledge that he had been carried into the city. In all the judgments of God were just, and that addition to the dress which he wore on that the punishment he was about to suffer was occasion, he was now habited in a superb scar- very deservedly inflicted upon him for the let cloak, ornamented with gold and silver many private sins he had committed, and he lace, which Ids friends had provided him with. therefore willingly submitted to it;—that he Long before his removal from prison, an im- freely pardoned his enemies, whom he reck- mense assemblage of persons had congregated oned but the instruments of the Divine will, around the place of execution in the High- and prayed to God to forgive them, although street, all of whom were deeply affected on they had oppressed the poor, and perverted Montrose's appearance. As he proceeded along, judgment and justice. he had, says TVishart, " such a grand air, and That he had done nothing contrary to the so much beauty, majesty, and gravity appeared laws of the kingdom, and that he had under- in his countenance, as shocked the whole city taken nothing but in obedience to the just at the cruelty that was designed him; and commands of his sovereign, when reduced to extorted even from his enemies this unwilling the greatest difficulties by his rebellious sub- confession, that he was a man of the most jects, who had risen up in arms against him— lofty and elevated soul, and of the most un- that his principal study had always been to shaken constancy and resolution that the age fear God and honour the king, in a manner had produced." agreeable to the law of God, the laws of nature, It had always been the uniform practice in and those of his own country; and that, in Scotland to permit all persons about to suffer neither of these respects, had he transgressed the last penalty of the law to address the as- against men, but against God alone, with whom sembled spectators, and on mounting the scaf- he expected to find abundant mercy, and in fold Montrose was proceeding to avail hims elf the confidence of which, he was ready to ap- of this privilege; but the magistrates, who proach the eternal throne without terror—that probably had received their instructions from he could not pretend to foretell what might the parliament, refused to allow him to harangue happen, or to pry into the secrets of Divine the multitude. His friends, however, anti- Providence; but he prayed to God that the cipating this, had hired a young man, skilled indignities and cruelties which he was that in stenography, who, having stationed himself day to suffer might not be a prelude of still near the scaffold, was enabled to take down greater miseries which would befall his afflicted the substance of some observations which country, which was fast hastening to ruin. Montrose was permitted to make in answer to That with regard to the grievous censure of questions put by some persons who surrounded the church, which he was sorry some good him. people thought it a crime in him to die under,

He began by remarking that he woidd con- he observed, that he did not incur it from any sider it extremely hard indeed if the mode of fault of his own, but in the performance of his his death should be esteemed any reflection duty to his lawful prince, for the security of upon him, or prove offensive to any good religion, and the preservation of his sacred Christian, seeing that such occurrences often person and royal authority—that the sentence happened to the good at the hands of the of excommunication, so rashly laid upon him ;;

GENERAL HTSTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. by the clergy, gave him much concern, and persuasion and partly by threats, to induce that he earnestly desired to he released from Montrose, to yield to the kirk by acknowledg- it, so far as that could he done, agreeably to ing his own criminality ; hut he denied that the laws of God, and without hurting his con- he had acted contrary to religion and the laws science or allegiance, which, if they refused, of the land, and, of course, refused to accept he appealed to God, the righteous judge of the of a reconciliation upon such terms. Finding world, who, ere long, was to he his impartial him inflexible, they refused to pray for him as judge and gracious redeemer. he desired, observing, that no prayers could be In answer to the reproaches of some persons of any avail to a man who was an outcast from who had endeavoured to destroy the marquis's the church of God. Being desired to pray by character and reputation by spreading a report himself apart, he told them that if they would that he had laid the whole blame of what he not permit the people to join with him, his had done upon the Icing and his royal father, prayers alone and separately before so large an he observed that such a thought had never assembly would perhaps be offensive both to once entered into his breast—that the late them and him—that he had already poured king had lived a saint and died a martyr, and out his soul before God, who knew his heart, he prayed to God, that as his own fate was not and to whom he had committed his spirit. unlike his, so his death might he attended He then shut his eyes, and holding his hat with the same degree of piety and resignation before his face with his left hand, he raised for if he could wish his soul in another man's his right in the attitude of prayer, in which stead, or to be conjoined with it in the same posture he continued about a quarter of an condition after this life, it would be his alone. hour in silent and fervent prayer. He then requested that the people would As the fatal hour was fast approaching when judge charitably of him and his actions, with- this unfortunate nobleman was to bid a last out prejudice and without passion. He de- adieu to sublunary things, he desired the sired the prayers of all good men for his soul executioner to hasten his preparations. This for his part, he said he prayed earnestly for gloomy functionary, accordingly, brought the

Ihem all; and with the greatest seriousness, book of Montrose's wars, and his late declara- submission and humility, deprecated the ven- tion, which, by the sentence, were ordered to geance of Almighty God, which had been so be tied round his neck with a cord. Montrose long awakened, and which was still impending himself assisted in carrying this part of his over his afflicted country—that his enemies sentence into execution, and while the operation were at liberty to exult and triumph over the was performing, good-humouredly remarked, perishing remains of his body, but the utmost- that he considered himself as much honoured indignities they could inflict should never pre- then by having such tokens of his loyalty vail on him, now at his death, to swerve from attached to his person as he had been when that duty and reverence to God, and obedience his majesty had invested him with the order and respect to the king, which he had mani- of the garter. 3 fested all his life long. " I can say no more," Hitherto, Montrose had remained uncovered; concluded the marquis, " but remit myself to but, before ascending the ladder that con- ygjvr charity, and I desire your prayers. You ducted to the top of the gibbet, which rose to that are scandalized at me, give me your charity the height of thirty feet from the centre of the

I shall pray for you all. I leave my soul to scaffold, he requested permission to put on his God, my service to my prince, my goodwill to hat. This request was, however, refused. He my friends, and my name in charity to you all. then asked leave to keep on his cloak ; but I might say more, hut I have exonered my this favour was also denied him. Irritated,

r." 2 conscience ; the rest I leave to God's mercj probably at these refusals, he appears for a A party of ministers who occupied the lower moment to have lost his usual equanimity of end of the scaffold now attempted, partly by temper, and when orders were given to pinion

3 ' Wishavt, p. 399. Balfour, vol. iv. p. 22. Wishart, p. 400. —

EXECUTION OF MONTKOSE. 277

bis arms, he told the magistrates that it' they Thus died, at the early age of thirty-eight, could invent any farther marks of ignominy, James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, who had he was ready to endure them all for the sake acquired during a short career of military glory

of the cause for which he suffered. greater reputation than perhaps ever fell to the On arriving at the top of the ladder, which lot of any commander within the same compass he ascended with astonishing firmness, Mon- of time. That partisans may have exaggerated trose asked the executioner how long his body his actions, and extolled his character too " was to be suspended to the gibbet. Three highly, may be fairly admitted ; but it cannot hours," was the answer. He then presented be denied that Montrose was really a great the executioner with three or four pieces of commander, and that there were noble and gold, told liim he freely forgave him for the generous traits about him which indicated a part he acted, and instructed him to throw high and cultivated mind, in many respects far him off as soon as he observed him uplifting superior to the age in which he lived. But how- his hands. The executioner watched the fatal ever much the military exploits of Montrose signal, and on the noble victim raising his may be admired, it must never be forgotten that hands, obeyed the mandate, and, it is said, his sword was drawn against his own country- burst into tears. A feeling of horror seized men in their struggles against arbitrary jaower, the assembled multitude, who expressed their and that although there was much to condemn disapprobation by a general groan. Among in the conduct of the Covenanters, subsequent the spectators were many persons who had events, in the reign of the second Charles and indulged during the day in bitter invectives James, showed that they were not mistaken in against Montrose, but whose feelings were so the dread which they entertained of the extinc-

overpowered by the sad spectacle of his death tion of their religious liberties, had Charles I. that they could not refrain from tears. 4 Even succeeded in his designs. the relentless Argyle, who had good feeling Among Montrose's officers five of the most

enough to absent himself from the execution, distinguished were selected for execution, all of

is said to have shed tears on hearing of Mon- whom perished under ' the Maiden,' a species trose's death, but if a cavalier writer is to be of guillotine, introduced into Scotland by the believed, his son, Lord Lome, disgraced him- Regent Morton, to which he himself became 5 self by the most unfeeling barbarity. the first victim. The officers who suffered were Sir John Hurry, Captain Spottiswood, 4 Montrose Redivwus. 5 "'Tis said that Argyle's expressions had some- History of the Church of Scotland, note, p. 125 ; edited thing of grief in them, and did likewise weep at the by the late C. K. Sharpe, Esq. rehearsal of his death, (for he was not present at the After the restoration, the trunk was disinterred, execution). Howsoever, they were by many called and the other remains collected, and on 11th May, crocodiles' tears, how worthily I leave to others' judg- 1651, were deposited with great solemnity by order of ment. But I am sure there did in his son, Lord Charles II., in the family aisle in St. Giles' church. Lome, appear no such sign, who neither had so much The remains of Sir Francis Hay of Dalgetty were tenderness of heart as to be sorry, nor so much paternal honoured with a similar mark of respect on the same wit as to dissemble, who, entertaining his new bride day. For an account of the ceremonial, see Nos. 27 (the Earl of Moray's daughter) with this spectacle, and 28 of the Appendix to Wishart's Memoirs. mocked and laughed in the midst of that weeping 6 Hurry was at first condemned by the parliament assembly ; and, staying afterwards to see him hewn to perpetual banishment, "but the commission of the in pieces, triumphed at eveiy stroke which was kirk voted he should die, and thereupon sent ther bestowed upon his mangled body." Montrose Redi- moderator, with other two of their number, to the vivus, edition of 1652. Note to Wishart's Memoirs, parliament house, who very saucilly, in face cf that p. 401. great and honourable court, (if it had not been then a The dismembered portions of Montrose's body were body without a head) told the president and chancellor disposed of in terms of the sentence. Lady Napier, that the parliament had granted life to a man whom the wife of Montrose's esteemed friend and relation, the law had appointed for death, being a man of blood, being desirous of procuring his heart, employed some (citing these words of our blessed Saviour to Peter, adventurous persons to obtain it for her. They accom- ' All they that take the sword shall perish by the

this object ; ) it all plished on the second day after the execu- sword ' whereas, was very weill kuoune, the tion, and were handsomely rewarded by her ladyship. blood that that unfortunate gentleman had shed in The heart was embalmed by a surgeon, and after being Scotland was in ther quarrell and defence, being but enshrined in a rich gold urn, was sent by her to the then engaged in his master's service, when he was eldest son of the marquis, then in Flanders. The taken prisoner, and executed at the kirk's instigatione. family of Napier possess a portrait of Lady Napier, in "The parliament was sae farre from rebuking ther which there is a representation of the urn. —Kirkton's bold intruders, or resenting those acts of the commis- — — — —

278 GENERAL H1ST0EY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

younger of Dairsie, Sir Erancis Hay of Dal- He was a man of determined mind ; but his getty, Colonel William Sibbald, and Captain health being much impaired by wounds which Charteris, a cadet of the ancient family of he had received, he had not firmness to resist Amisfield. All these met death with extraor- the importunities of his friends, who, as a dinary fortitude. Sir Francis Hay, who was means of saving his life, as they thought, a Catholic, " and therefore," as a cavalier prevailed upon him to agree to make a public historian quaintly observes, "not coming within declaration of his errors. This unhappy man, the compass of the ministers' prayers," r dis- accordingly, when on the scaffold, read a long played in particular an intrepidity worthy of speech, which had been prepared for him by his name and family. s After a witty meta- the ministers, penned in a peculiarly mournful phorical allusion to "the Maiden," he kissed strain, in which he lamented his apostacy from the fatal instrument, and kneeling down, laid the Covenant, and acknowledged " other things his head upon the block. Colonel Sibbald which he had vented to them (the ministers) exhibited a surprising gaiety, and, " with an in auricular confessicm." 1 Yet, notwithstand- undaunted behaviour, marched up to the block, ing the expectations which he and his friends as if he had been to act the part of a gallant were led to entertain that his life would be in a play." 9 An instance of the unfeeling spared, he had no sooner finished Ms speech levity with which such melancholy scenes were than he was despatched. witnessed, even by those who considered them- selves the ministers of the gospel, occurred on the present as on former occasions. Captain CHAPTER XVII. Spottiswood, grandson of the archbishop of that name, having on his knees said the a. D. 1650—1660. following prayer : —" Lord, who hath been Commonwealth, 1(349— 16(30. graciously pleased to bring me through the wilderness of this world, I trust at this time Arrival of Charles II. — Cromwell invades Scotland Attacks the Scotch army near Edinburgh— His you will waft me over this sea of blood to my further movements—-The Dunfermline Declaration heavenly Canaan ;" was rebuked by a minister —Retreat of Cromwell—Battle of Dunbar—Decla- ration and Warning of the kirk—Flight of the king who was near him in the following words : from Perth—Insurrections in the Highlands —Pro- "Take tent (heed), take tent, sir, that you ceedings of Cromwell—Conduct of the western army —Cromwell marches north—Enters Perth—Scotch drown not by the gate !" (way). Spottiswood army invades England— Battle of Worcester—Oper- replied with great modesty that " he hoped he ations of Monk in Scotland — Administration of affairs committed to him— Earl of Glencairn's insur- was no Egyptian," an answer which forced the rection in the Highlands— Chiefs of the insurrection base intruder to retire among the crowd to submit to Monk—Cameron of Lochiel— State of the country Restoration of Charles II. conceal his shame. — The execution of Captain Charteris (the last Having arranged with the commissioners the who suffered) was a source of melancholy regret conditions on which he was to ascend the Scot- to his friends, and of triumph to the ministers. tish throne, Charles, with about 500 attendants,

left Holland on the 2d of June, in some vessels sion of the kirk, now quyte besyde tlier master's com- furnished him by the Prince of Orange, and missione, as they will have it understood, and ther after a boisterous voyage of three weeks, during owne solemne professione not to meddle in secular daily in danger of being captured affairs, that they rescinded their former act, and which he was passed a sentence of death upon him, hereby imitating by English cruizers, arrived in the Moray ther dear brethren, the parliament of England, in the frith, disembarked at Garmouth, a small caice of the Hothams. " Memoirs of the Somerville and Family. village at the mouth of the Spey, on the 23d 7 Wishart, p. 412. s " His constancy at death show well he repented nothing he did, in order to his allegiance and Ma- 3 Wishart, p. 413. —The practice of auricular con- jesty's service, to the great shame of those who fession seems to have existed to a considerable extent threatened him with their apocryphal excommunica- among the Covenanters. It is singular that had it tions, to which he gave no more place than our Saviour not been for the evidence of the minister of Ormiston, to the devil's temptations." Relation of the True to whom the noted Major Weir had communicated his Funerals of the Great Lord Marquesse of Montrose. secrets in auricular confession, he would not have been « Wishart. convicted. —See Arnot's Criminal Trials. CEOMWELL INVADES SCOTLAND. 279

of that month. Before landing, however, his party. Fairfax was appointed commander- Charles readily gave his signature to the Cove- in-chief, and Cromwell lieutenant-general of

nant, which subsequent events showed he had the army destined for this purpose ; but as no intention of observing longer than suited Fairfax considered the invasion of Scotland as his purpose. a violation of the solemn league and covenant The news of the king's arrival reached Edin- which he had sworn to observe, he refused, burgh on the 26th of June. The guns of the notwithstanding the most urgent entreaties, to castle were fired in honour of the event, and accept the command, which in consequence the inhabitants manifested their joy by bonfires devolved upon Cromwell. and other demonstrations of popular feeling. The preparations making in England for the The same enthusiasm spread quickly through- invasion of Scotland were met with corre- out the kingdom, and his majesty was wel- sponding activity in Scotland, the parliament comed with warm congratulations as he pro- of which ordered an army of 30,000 men to ceeded on his journey towards Falkland, which be immediately raised to maintain the inde- had been fixed upon by parliament as the pendence of the country. The nominal com- place of his residence. The pleasure he re- mand of this army was given to the Earl of ceived from these professions of loyalty was, Leven, who had become old and infirm ; but however, not without alloy, as he was obliged, David Leslie his relative, was in reality the at the request of the parliament, to dismiss commander. The levies went on with con- from his presence some of his best friends, siderable rapidity, but before they were as- both Scotch and English, particularly the Duke sembled Cromwell crossed the Tweed on the of Hamilton, the Earl of Lauderdale, and other 22d of July at the head of 16,000 well " engagers," who, by an act passed on the 4th appointed and highly disciplined troops. On pf June against " classed delinquents," were his march from Berwick to Musselburgh a debarred from returning to the kingdom, or scene of desolation was presented to the eyes remaining therein, " without the express war- of Cromwell, far surpassing anything he had rant of the Estates of parliament." 2 Of the ever before witnessed. With the exception of English exiles the Duke of Buckingham, Lord a few old women and children, not a human Wilmot, and seven gentlemen of the household being was to be seen, and the whole country were allowed to remain with him. 3 In fact, appeared as one great waste over which the with these exceptions, every person even hand of the ruthless destroyer had exercised suspected of being a "malignant," was care- its ravages. To understand the cause of this fully excluded from the court, and his majesty it is necesssary to mention, that, with the view was thus surrounded by the heads of the of depriving the enemy of provisions, instruc- Covenanters and the clergy. These last tions had been issued to lay waste the country scarcely ever left his person, watched his between Berwick and the capital, to remove words and motions, and inflicted upon him or destroy the cattle and provisions, and that long harangues, in which he was often re- the inhabitants should retire to other parts of minded of the misfortunes of his family. the kingdom under the severest penalties. To The rulers of the English commonwealth, induce them to comply with this ferocious aware of the negotiations which had been command, appalling statements of the cruelties going on between the young king and the of Cromwell in Ireland were industriously

Scots commissioners in Holland, became appre- circulated among the people ; that he had hensive of their own stability, should a union given orders to put all the males between 16 take place between the Covenanters and the and 60 to death, to cut of the right hands of

English Presbyterians, to support the cause of all the boys between 6 and 16, and to bore the king, and they therefore resolved to invade with red-hot irons the breasts of all females

4 Scotland, and by reducing it to their authority of age for bearing children. Fortunately for extinguish for ever the hopes of the king and his army Cromwell had provided a fleet in

s - Balfour, vol. iv. p. 42. Idem, p. 77 * Whitelock. p. 465. ;

280 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. case of exigency, which kept up with him in some hatteries near Leith. Cromwell retired his march along the coast, and supplied him to Musselburgh in the evening, where he was with provisions. unexpectedly attacked hy a body of 2,000 The English general continued his course horse and 500 foot, commanded by Major- along the coast till he arrived at Musselburgh, General Montgomery, son of the Earl of where he established his head-quarters. Here Eglinton, and Colonel Strachan, which had he learnt that the Scots army, consisting of been despatched at an early part of the day upwards of 30,000 men, had taken up a strong by a circuitous route to the right, for the position between Edinburgh and Leith, and purpose of falhng on Cromwell's rear. If had made a deep entrenchment in front of Balfour is to he credited, this party beat Crom- their lines, along which they had erected well " soundlie," and would have defeated his several batteries. Cromwell reconnoitered this whole army if they had had an additional force position, and tried all his art to induce the of 1,000 men; but an English writer informs 7 Scots to come to a general engagement ; but as us, that the Scots suffered severely. Accord- Leslie's plan was to act on the defensive, and ing to the first-mentioned author the English thus force Cromwell either to attack him at a had 5 colonels and 500 men killed, while the considerable disadvantage, or to retreat hack latter states the loss of the Scots to have into England after his supply of provisions been ahout 100 men, and a large nuniher of should be exhausted, he kept his army within prisoners. On the following clay, Cromwell, their entrenchments. prohably finding that he had enough of mouths As Cromwell perceived that he would be to consume his provisions, without the aid of soon reduced to the alternative of attacking prisoners, offered to exchange all those he had the Scots in their position, or of retracing his taken the preceding day, and sent the wounded steps through the ruined track over which his Scots back to their camp. army had lately passed, he resolved upon an These encounters, notwithstanding the ex- assault, and fixed Monday the 29th of July pectations of the ministers, and the vaunts of for advancing on the enemy. By a singular the parliamentary committee of their pretended coincidence, the king, at the instigation of the successes, inspired some of Leslie's officers with Earl of Eglinton, hut contrary to the wish of a salutary dread of the prowess of Cromwell's his council and the commanders, visited the veterans. An amusing instance of this feeling army that very day. His presence was hailed is related by Balfour in the case of the earl of with shouts of enthusiasm by the soldiers, who W. (he suppresses the name) who " being indulged in copious libations to the health of commandit the nixt day (the day after the last their sovereign. The soldiers in consequence mentioned skirmish) in the morning, to marche neglected their duty, and great confusion pre- out one a partey, saw he could not goe one 5 untill vailed in the camp ; but on the approach of upone service he had his brackefaste. Cromwell sufficient order was restored, and The brackefaste was delayed above four hours they patiently waited his attack. Having in getting until the L. General heing privily selected the centre of the enemy's position, advertissed by a secrett frind, that my Lord near a spot called the Quarry Holes, ahout was peaceahly myndit that morning, sent him halfway between Edinburgh and Leith, as expresse orders not to marche, to save his repu- appearing to him the most favourable point tation. One this, the gallants of the army for commencing the operations of the day, raissed a proverbe, 'That they wold not goe Cromwell led forward his army to the assault out one a partey until they gate ther bracke- but after a desperate struggle he was repulsed faste.'" 8 with the loss of a considerable number of men Eor several days Cromwell remained inactive and horses. 6 Cromwell renewed the attack in his camp, during which the parliamentary on the 31st, and would prohably have carried committee subjected the Scots army to a purg- Leslie's position but for a destructive fire from ing operation, which impaired its efficienc}',

Balfour, vol. iv. p. Idem, p. Wlritelock. Balfour, vol. iv. p. 87. PUEGATION OF THE SCOTS AEMY. 281

and, perhaps, contributed cliiefly to its ruin. out his army. Both armies surveyed earh As the Solemn League and Covenant was con- other for several days, but neither attempted sidered by the Covenanters a sacred pledge to bring the other to action. As he could not, to God, which no true Christian could refuse from the nature of the ground which lay to take, they looked upon those who declined between the two armies, attack his opponents

to subscribe it as the enemies of religion, with with any probability of success, Cromwell

whom it would be criminal in the eye of again returned to Musselburgh with his army Heaven to associate. Before the purgation on a Sunday, that he might not be harassed commenced, the king received a hint, equiva- in his march by the Covenanters, who never lent to a command, from the heads of the fought but on the defensive on that day. Covenanters to retire to Dunfermline, an order Although the king before his landing had which he obeyed "sore against his own mind," subscribed the Solemn League and Covenant, by taking his departure on Friday the 2d and although they had purged the army to of August, after spending the short space of their heart's content, still Argyle and his party two hours at a banquet, which had been pro- were not satisfied, and they, therefore, required vided for him by the city of Edinburgh. No his majesty to subscribe a declaration "for the sooner had the king departed than the purging satisfaction of all honest men." On the 16th process was commenced, and on the 2d, 3d, of August, after some hesitation and with and 5th of August, during which the committee slight modification of the terms, Charles was

held their sittings, no less than SO officers, all induced to sign a most humiliating declaration, men of unquestionable loyalty, besides a con- which reflected upon the conduct of his father, siderable number of common soldiers, were lamented the "idolatry" of his mother, pledged expelled from the army. 1 him to renounce the friendship of all who were Cromwell retired with his army to Dunbar unfriendly to the Covenant, establish Presby- on the 5th of August. Here he found the few terianism in England, in short, made him a inhabitants who had remained in the town in mere tool in the hands of the extreme Cove- a state of starvation. Touched with commiser- nanters. ation, he generously distributed among them, Although every sober and judicious person on his supplies being landed, a considerable must have perceived that there was little pro- quantity of wheat and pease. - bability that such a declaration would be While the ministers were thanking Cod regarded by the young monarch when released " for sending the sectarian army (for so they from his trammels, yet so greatly important designated the Independents) back the way was his majesty's subscription to the instru- they came, and flinging such a terror into their ment considered by the Covenanters, that they hearts, as made them fly when none pursued," 3 hailed it with the most lively emotions of joy Cromwell suddenly re-appeared at Musselburgh, and gratitude; and the ministers who, only and thus put an end to their thanksgivings. two days before, had denounced the king from Seeing no hopes of the Scots army leaving the pulpits as the ro^t of malignancy, and a its entrenchments, and afraid that farther delay hypocrite, who had shown, by his refusal to might be injurious to him, Cromwell made a sign the declaration, that he had no intention movement on the 1 3th of August to the west, to keep the Covenant, were the first to set the as far as the village of Colinton, three miles example. The army, excited by the harangues south-west from Edinburgh, where he posted of the ministers during a fast, which they pro- the main body of his army. The Scottish claimed to appease the anger of heaven for the general thinking that Cromwell had an inten- sins of the king and his father, longed to meet tion of attacking him in his rear, raised his the enemy, and it required all the influence camp and marched towards Corstorphine, about and authority of General Leslie to restrain two miles north from Colinton, where he drew them from leaving their lines and rushing

upon the "sectaries;" but, unfortunately for the Covenanters, their wish was soon to bo Balfour. Balfour, vol. iv p. 89. Whitelock. Idem, p. 483. gratified. 2 N vgo GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

It does not appear that the chiefs of the which he reached in the evening. With the Covenanters were actuated by the same enthu- intention of cutting oif his retreat, Leslie drew siasm as the ministers and the common soldiers, off his army to the south towards the heights or that the generals of the army were very of Lammermuir, and took up a position on sanguine of success. They were too well aware Doon hill. Having at the same time secured of the composition of Cromwell's veteran host, an important pass called the Peaths, through to suppose that their raw and undisciplined which Cromwell had necessarily to pass on his levies, though numerically superior, could meet way to Berwick, the situation of the latter the enemy in the open field ; and hence they became extremely critical, as he had no chance deemed it a wise course of policy to act on the of escape but by cutting his way through defensive, and to harass them by a desultory the Scots army, which had now completely warfare as occasion offered. This system had obstructed his line of retreat. Cromwell per- been so successful as to embarrass Cromwell ceived the danger of his situation, but he was greatly, and to leave him no alternative but too much of an enthusiast to give way to a retreat into England—a course which he despair; he deliberately, and within view of the was obliged to adopt more speedily, perhaps, enemy, shipped off the remainder of his sick than he would otherwise have done, in conse- at Dunbar, on the 2d of September, intending, quence of extensive sickness in his army. No should Providence not directly interpose in his indications of any movement had appeared up behalf, to put his foot also on board, and at to the 29th of August, as on that day the the head of his cavalry to cut his way through 5 Committee of Estates adjourned the meet- the Scots army. But as, in an affair of such ing of parliament, which was to have then importance, nothing could be done without assembled, till the 10th of September, "in prayer, he directed his men to "seek the Lord respecte that Oliver Cromwell and his armey for a way of deliverance and salvation." 6 A of sectaries and blasphemers have invadit this part of the day was accordingly spent in prayer, Idngdome, and are now laying within the and at the conclusion, Cromwell declared, that 1 bosome thereof." while he prayed he felt an enlargement of On the 30th of August, however, Cromwell heart and a buoyancy of spirit which assured collected his army at Musselburgh, and having him that God had hearkened to their prayers. 7 put all his sick on board his fleet, which lay While Cromwell and his men were employed in the adjoining bay, he gave orders to his in their devotional exercises, a council of war army to march next morning to Haddington, was held by the Scottish commander to deli- and thence to Dunbar. He made an attempt berate upon the course to be pursued in the to obtain the consent of the Committee of present crisis. As Leslie considered himself Estates to retire without molestation, promis- perfectly secure in his position, which could ing never again to interfere in the affairs of not be assailed by the enemy without evident

Scotland ; but they refused to agree to his risk of a defeat, and as he was apprehensive proposal, as they considered that they would of a most formidable and desperate resistance be able to cut off his retreat and compel him should he venture to attack the brave and to surrender at discretion. enthusiastic Independents, who were drawn Next morning Cromwell's army was in full out within two miles of his camp; he gave as retreat towards Haddington. The Scots army his opinion that the Scottish army should not followed in close pursuit, but with the excep- only remain in its position, but that Cromwell tion of some sHght skirmishing between the should be allowed to retire into England on advanced guard of the Scots and Cromwell's certain easy conditions. The officers of the rear, nothing important took place. Cromwell army concurred in the views of the general, halted during the night at Haddington, and but this opinion was overruled by the Com- offered battle next day ; but as the Scots mittees of the Estates and kirk, who, anxious declined, he continued his retreat to Dunbar,

5 6 Balfour, vol. iv. p. 97. Cromwelliamd, p. 4 7 Balfour, vol. iv. p. P6. Burnet's Otim Times, vol. i. p. 54. BATTLE OF DUNBAE. 283

to secure their prey, lest by any possibility it with the evident intention of preventing the migbt escape, insisted that the army should English from effecting an escape. To this descend from the heights and attack the "army point, therefore, Cromwell directed his attack of sectaries and blasphemers," which they fully with the main body of his horse, and some expected the Lord would deliver into their regiments of foot, with which he endeavoured hands. to obtain possession of the pass; but they In pursuance of the orders of the Committees were charged by the Scottish lancers, who, to attack Cromwell early the following morn- aided by some artillery, drove them down the ing, Leslie drew down his men on the evening hill. Cromwell, thereupon, brought up a of the 2d of September from the heights reserve of horse and foot and renewed the which they occupied to the level ground below, attack, but was again repulsed. He still per- that he might be ready to commence the attack severed, however, and the cavalry were again before the enemy should be fully on their giving way, when just as the sun was emerg- guard. But nothing could escape the pene- ing from the ocean, and beginning, through trating eye of Cromwell, who, though pon- the mist of the morning, to dart its rays upon dering with solicitude upon the difficulties the armour of the embattled hosts, he exclaimed of his situation, was not inattentive to the with impassioned fervour,— " Let God arise, let enemy, whose motions he personally watched his enemies be scattered." In a moment with the utmost vigilance and assiduity. He Cromwell's own regiment of foot, to whom was about retiring for the night, when looking his exclamation had been more particularly through his glass for the last time that evening, addressed, advanced with their pikes levelled,

lie perceived, to his infinite joy, the Scottish the cavalry rallied, and the Scottish horse, as

army in motion down the hill. The object of if seized with a panic, turned their backs and

this movement at once occurred to him, and in iled, producing the utmost confusion among " a rapture of enthusiasm he exclaimed, They the foot, who were posted in their rear. are coming down;—the Lord hath delivered As soon as the Scots perceived the defeat them into our hands." A strong spirit of and flight of their cavalry, they were seized religious enthusiasm had in fact seized both with a feeling of consternation, and throwing armies, and each considered itself the peculiar away their arms, sought their safety in flight. favourite of heaven. They were closely pursued by Cromwell's Unfortunately for the Scots their movements dragoons, who followed them to the distance were considerably impeded by the state of the of many miles in the direction of Edinburgh, weather, which, during the night, became very and cut them down without mercy. Out of a rainy and tempestuous. Confident in their force of 27,000 men, who, a few hours before, numbers, they seem to have disregarded the had assured themselves of victory, not more ordinary rules of military prudence, and such than 14,000 escaped. 3,000 of the Scots lay was the slowness of their movements, that lifeless on the fertile plains of East Lothian, they found themselves unexpectedly attacked and about 10,000 were taken prisoners, of at the dawn of day before the last of their whom not less than 5,000 were wounded. s forces had left the hill where they had been All the ammunition, artillery, and baggage of stationed. Cromwell had, during the night, the Scots army fell into the hands of the advanced his army to the edge of a deep conquerors. The loss on the side of Cromwell ravine which had separated the advanced was trifling, not amounting to more than 30 posts of both parties, along which his troops men killed. The battle of Dunbar took place reposed waiting in deep silence the order for on the 3d of September, 1650, and was long attack. As soon as Cromwell was enabled by familiarly known among the Scots by the the approach of day to obtain a partial view name of " the Tyesday's chase." of the position selected by the Scots, he per- Cromwell spent the following day at Dunbar ceived that the Scottish general had posted a writing despatches to the parliament. He Lirge body of cavalry on his right wing near

to i pass on the road from Dunbar to Berwick, 8 Whitelofk, p. -171. 284 GENEEAL HTSTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

ordered all trie wounded to be taken particular he opened up a correspondence with Huntly, care of, and after their wounds were dressed Moray, and Athole, and other chiefs; but they were released on their parole. The re- before matters were fully concocted, the nego- mainder of the prisoners were sent to England, tiation was disclosed to Argyle, who took

where about 2,000 of them, died of a pestilen- immediate means to defeat it. Accordingly, tial disease, and the rest were sent as slaves to on the 27th of September, the Committee of

the English plantations in the West Indies. Estates ordered the whole cavaliers who still Cromwell, of course, now abandoned his inten- remained about the king's person, with the tion of returning to England. In furtherance exception of three, one of whom was Bucking- of his design to subject Scotland to his ham, to quit the court within 24 hours, and authority, he marched to Edinburgh, which he the kingdom in 20 days. entered without opposition. As Charles was to be thus summarily In the meantime, the Scottish horse and deprived of the society and advice of his the few foot which had escaped from the friends, he took the resolution of leaving slaughter of Dunbar were collected together Perth, and retiring to the Highlands among at Stirling. Here the Commissioners of the his friends. Accordingly, under the pre- General Assembly held a meeting on the 12th tence of hawking, he left Perth about half- of September, at which they drew up a past one o'clock in the afternoon of the " declaration and warning to all the congrega- 4th of October, accompanied by five of his tions of the kirk of Scotland," exhorting the livery servants, and rode at full gallop, until people to bear the recent disaster with becom- he arrived at Dudhope near Dundee, which he ing fortitude, and to humble themselves before did in an hour and a half. He then proceeded God that he might turn away his anger from to Auchter-house along with Viscount Dud- them ; at the same time ordaining a " soleme hope, whence he was conveyed by the Earl publicke humiliatione upone the defait of the of Buchan and the Viscount to Cortuquhuy, armey," to be kept throughout the kingdom. the seat of the Earl of Airly. After partaking

It is probable that this " declaration and of some refreshment he proceeded the same warning" had little effect upon the minds night up the glen, under the protection of 60 of the people, whose enthusiasm had been or 80 Highlanders, to a poor cottage, 42 miles somewhat cooled by Cromwell's success, and from Perth, belonging to the laird of Clova. although they did not, perhaps, like their Fatigued by such a long journey, he threw unfortunate countrymen, who were taken cap- himself down on an old mattress, but he had tives on the 3d of September and sent into not enjoyed many hours repose when the house England, curse the king and clergy for insnar- was entered, a little before break of day, by ing them in misery, as Whitelock observes, Lieutenant-Colonel Nairne, and Colonel Bayn- they could not but look upon the perpetual ton, an Englishman, who had been sent by meddling of the ministers with the affairs of Colonel Montgomery in quest of him. Shortly the State, as the real source of all the calamities after Montgomery himself appeared, accom- which had recently befallen the country. As panied by the laird of Scotscraig, who had to the king he had become so thoroughly dis- given him information of the place of his gusted with the conduct of the Argyle faction, Majesty's retreat, and Sir Alexander Hope whose sole object seemed to be to use him as bearing one of the king's hawks. This party a tool for their own purposes, that he regarded advised the king to get on horseback, offered the recent defeat of the Covenanters in the to attend him, and promised to live and die light of a triumph to his cause, which, by with him if necessary. destroying the power of Argyle, would pave Perceiving their intention to carry him back the way for the due exercise of the royal to Perth, the king told Montgomery that he authority. had left Perth in consequence of information

The king now entertained the idea of form- he had received from Dr. Fraser, Iris physician, ing a party for himself among the numerous that it was the intention of the Committee of royalists in the Highlands, for which purpose Estates to have delivered him up to the Eng- ;

INSURRECTIONS IN THE HIGHLANDS. 285

lish, and to hang all Ids servants : Montgomery General Leslie hastened to Perth from Stirling, assured his Majesty that the statement was and crossed the Tay on the 24th, with a force false, and that no person but a traitor could of 3,000 cavalry, with which he was ordered have invented it. While this altercation was to proceed to Dundee and scour Angus. At going on, Dudhope and the Highlanders who this time General Middleton was lying at attended the king strongly advised him to Eorfar, and he, on hearing of Leslie's advance, retire instantly to the mountains, and they sent him a letter, inclosing a copy of a " bond gave him to understand that a force of 2,000 and oath of engagement" which had been horse and 5,000 foot was waiting for him entered into by Huntly, Athole, Seaforth, within the distance of five or six miles ready Middleton, and other individuals, by which to execute his orders ; but before his Majesty they had pledged themselves to join firmly had come to any resolution as to the course he and faithfully together, and neither for fear, should adopt, two regiments of covenanting threatening, allurement, nor advantage, to horse appeared, on observing which, says Bal- relinquish the cause of religion, of the king and four, "Buchan, Dudhope and ther begerly of the kingdom, nor to lay down their arms guard begane to shecke ther eares, and speake without a general consent ; and as the best more calmley, and in a lower strain." The undertakings often did not escape censure and king thereupon gave his consent to return to malice, they promised and swore, for the satis- Perth, whither he was accordingly conducted faction of all reasonable persons, that they by Montgomery at the head of his horse. 9 would maintain the true religion, as then This attempt of the king to escape (familiarly established in Scotland, the National Cove- known by the name of " the Start") produced nant, and the Solemn League and Covenant a salutary effect upon the Committee of Estates, and defend the person of the king, his preroga- and they now began to treat him with more tive, greatness, and authority, and the privi- respect, admitting him to their deliberations, leges of parliament, and the freedom of the and even suspending the act they had issued subject. Middleton stated that Leslie would ordering the English cavaliers to leave the perceive from the terms of the document kingdom. inclosed, that the only aim of himself and As a considerable part of the Highlands was friends was to unite Scotsmen in defence of now up in arms to support the king, the com- their common rights, and that the grounds on mittee induced him to write letters to the chief which they had entered into the association leaders of the insurrection desiring them to lay were precisely the same as those professed by down their arms, which correspondence led to Leslie himself. As the independence of Scot- a protracted negotiation. An act of indemnity land was at stake, and as Scotsmen should was passed on the 12th of October, in favour unite for the preservation of their liberties, he of the people of Athole, who had taken up proposed to join Leslie, and to put himself arms ; but as it was couched in language which under his command, and he expressed a hope they disliked, and contained conditions of that Leslie would not shed the blood of his

" which they disapproved, the Earl of Athole countrymen, or force them to the unhappj1 and his people presented a petition to his necessity of shedding the blood of their majesty and the committee, craving some alter- brethren in self-defence. 1 The negotiation ation in the terms. thus begun was finally concluded on the 4th In order to enforce the orders of the king of November at Strathbogie, agreeably to a to the northern royalists, to lay down their arms, treaty between Leslie and the chief royalists, Sir John Brown's regiment was despatched to by which the latter accepted an indemnity and the north ; but they were surprised during the laid down their arms. night of the 21st of October, and defeated by Cromwell did not follow up his success as a party under Sir David Ogilvie, brother to might have been expected, but contented him- Lord Ogilvie. On receiving this intelligence, self with laying siege to the castle of Edin-

9 Balfour, vol. iv. p. 115. 1 Balfour, vol. iv. p. 12!). 286 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. burgh, and pushing forward his advanced posts objections against the line of conduct pursued as far as Linlithgow. by the Committee, and, till these were removed, Among the leading Covenanters both in par- they refused to unite " the western army," as liament and the church, there were some whose this new force was called, with the army under political ideas were pretty similar to those of Leslie. Cromwell, aware of this division in Cromwell, respecting monarchical government, the Scottish army, endeavoured to widen the and who had not only approved of the execu- breach by opening a correspondence with tion of the late king, hut were desirous of Strachan, who had fought under him at Pres- excluding his son from the crown of Scotland. ton, the consequence being that Strachan soon This party, though a minority, made up for its went over to the English army with a body of numerical inferiority, by the talents, fanati- troopers. Leslie complained to the Estates of

cism, and restless activity of its partisans ; hut the refusal of the western forces to join him, formidable as their opposition in parliament and solicited to be recalled from his charge ; was, they found themselves unable effectually but they declined to receive his resignation, to resist the general wish of the nation in and sent a deputation, consisting of Argyle, favour of the king, and yielded to the force of Cassilis, and other members to the western circumstances. By excluding, however, the army, " to solicit unity for the good of the royalists from the camp, and keeping the king kingdom." 2 So unsuccessful, however, was in a state of subjection to their authority, they the deputation in bringing about this desired had succeeded in usurping the government, "unity," that, on the 17th October, an elabor- and had the disaster of Dunbar not occurred, ate paper, titled, " the humble Remonstrance might have been enabled to carry their designs of the Gentlemen-Commanders, and Ministers

against the monarchy into effect ; hut not- attending the forces in the west," addressed to withstanding this catastrophe, they were not the Committee of Estates, was drawn up and discouraged, and as soon as they had recovered presented by Sir George Maxwell to them at from the temporary state of alarm into which Stirling, on the 2 2d. The compilers of this the success of Cromwell had thrown them, document proposed to remove from the pre- they began to concert measures, in accordance sence of the king, the judicatories and the with a plan they now contemplated, for making armies, the " malignants," whom many of the themselves altogether independent of parlia- committee were accused of having received ment. For this purpose, under the pretence " into intimate friendship," admitting them to of opposing the common enemy, they solicited their councils, and bringing in some of them and obtained permission from the Committee to the parliament and committees, and about of Estates to raise forces in the counties of the king, thereby affording " many pregnant Dumfries, Galloway, Wigton, Ayr, and Ren- presumptions," of a design on the part of some frew, the inhabitants of which were imbued of the Committee of Estates, " to set up and with a sterner spirit of fanaticism, and there- employ the malignant party," or, at least, giving fore more ready to support their plans than " evidences of a strong inclination to intrust those of any other parts of Scotland. By them again in the managing of the work of bringing in the exhortations of Gillespie and God." 3 The Committee of Estates paid no others of the more rigid among the ministers regard to this remonstrance, a circumstance to their aid, they succeeded in a short time in which gave such umbrage to Warriston and raising a body of nearly 5,000 horse, over the leaders of the western army, that they which Strachan, Kerr, and two other colonels, drew up another, couched in still stronger

all mere tools of the party, were placed. language, on the 30th of October, at Dumfries, As soon as the leaders of this faction, of whither they had retired with the army on a whom Johnston of Warriston, the clerk-register, movement made by Cromwell to the west. In was chief, had collected these levies, they began this fresh remonstrance the faction declared to develop the plan they had formed of with- that as it was now manifest that the king was drawing themselves from the control of the

3 Committee of Estates by raising a variety of - Balfour, vol. iv. p. 123. Idem, p. 152. EESOLUTIONERS AND PROTESTERS. 287

opposed to the work of God and the Covenants, a distinction which was kept up for several and cleaving to the enemies of both, they would years. not regard him or Ms interest in their quarrel Nothing could be more gratifying to Crom- with the invaders; that he ought not to be well than to see the Scots thus divided among intrusted in Scotland with the exercise of his themselves, and keeping up two distinct armies

power till he gave proofs of a real change in in the field, mutually opposed to each other. his conduct; and that an effectual course ought He had by negotiation and intrigue contributed to be taken for preventing, in time coming, to increase the irritation between the two " his conjunction with the malignant party," parties, and had even succeeded in sowing the and for investigating into the cause of his seeds of dissension among the leaders of the late night; and that the malignants should be western army itself. Strachan, his old friend, rendered incapable in future of hurting the had resigned the command which had been work and people of God. 4 conferred on Kerr, who was by no means A petition having been presented to the hearty in the cause. In this situation of Committee of Estates on the 9th of November, matters Cromwell resolved, in the meantime,

requiring a satisfactory answer to the first to confine his attention to the operations of the remonstrance, a joint declaration was issued by western army, with the intention, if he suc-

the king and the committee on the 25th, ceeded in defeating it, of marching north with

declaring " the said paper, as it related to the the whole of his forces, and attacking the royal

parliament and civil judicatories, to be scandal- army. As the castle of Edinburgh was still ous and injurious to his majesty's person, and in the hands of the Covenanters, Cromwell prejudicial to his authoritjV The commission could only spare a force of about 7,000 horse, of the General Assembly having been requited which he accordingly sent west about the end to give their opinion upon the remonstrance, of November, under Lambert, to watch Kerr's

in so far as it related to religion and church motions. Intelligence of this movement was judicatories, acknowledged that, although it received by the parliament then sitting at contained " many sad truths," nevertheless, Perth, on the 30th of November, in conse- the commission declared itself dissatisfied with quence of which Colonel Eobert Montgomery

the remonstrance, which it considered apt to was despatched with three regiments to support breed division in kirk and kingdom." 6 This the western army, the command of which he

declaration of the commission was not only was requested by the parliament to take ; and, approved of by the General Assembly, but to enforce this order, the committee on military what was of equal importance, that venerable affairs was directed to send a deputation tc body passed a resolution declaring that in such a the western forces to intimate to them the perilous crisis all Scotsmen might be employed command of the parliament. Before the arrival to defend their country. An exception of however, of Montgomery, Kerr was defeated persons " excommunicated, forfeited, notori- on the 1st of December, in an attack he made ously profane, or flagitious, and professed ene- on Lambert at Hamilton, in which he himself mies and opposers of the Covenant and cause was taken prisoner, and the whole of his forces of God," 6 was no doubt made, but this exemp- dispersed. 7 This victory gave Cromwell quiet tion did not exclude all the " malignants." A possession of the whole of Scotland, south of breach was now made in the unity of the the Clyde and the Forth, with the exception

Scottish church, and the nation was split into of Stirling, and a small tract around it ; and two parties—a division which paved the way as the castle of Edinburgh surrendered on the for the subjugation of Scotland by Cromwell. 24th of December, Stirling castle was the only The party which adhered to the king was fortress of any note, south of the Forth, which distinguished by the name of Resolutioners, remained in the possession of the royalists at and the other was denominated Protesters, the close of the year. A considerable time, however, elapsed before

Balfoir, vol. iv. p. 136. •"' Idem, p. 175. Woodrow, Introduction, iii. 288 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Cromwell found himself in a condition to the laird of Lochaber, the tutor of Maclean, commence his intended campaign beyond the Lochiel, Macneil of Barra, Lauchlane Mackin-

Forth. His inactivity is to he ascrihed partly tosh, and the laird of Jura. 8 to an ague with which he was seized in Febru- Argyle and his party made several attempts, ary, 1651, and which had impaired his health afterwards, to check the rising influence of the so much that in May he obtained permission Hamiltons, by opposing the different plans to return to England to recruit his debilitated submitted to the parliament for rendering the constitution ; but a sudden and favourable army more efficient, but they were outvoted. change having taken place in the state of his The finishing blow was given to their hopes health, he gladly remained with the army, by the appointment of the king to the chief which he put in motion towards Stirling on command of the army, and by the repeal of the 3d of July. the " act of classes," which excluded the royal- The Scottish parliament was fully aware of ists from having any share in the administra- the impending danger, and made the necessary tion of the affairs of the kingdom, and from preparations to meet it, but the Engagers and serving their country. the party of Argyle did not always draw In expectation of Cromwell's advance, the the address, his raised, spring, together ; yet the king had by Scots had during the strong accommodating and insinuating behaviour, to fortifications along the fords of the river Forth, smooth down many differences, and thus to obstruct his passage, and had entrenched prepared the way for that ascendency which his themselves at the Torwood, having the town friends, the Hamiltons, afterwards obtained. of Stirling at their back, in which position The coronation of the king took place at Scone, Cromwell found them when he advanced west on the 1st of January, 1651, in pursuance of in July. As he considered it dangerous to an order of the parliament. His conduct on attempt to carry such a strong position in the that occasion added greatly to his growing face of an army of about 20,000 men, (for popularity. The first trial of strength, to such it is said was the number of the Scots), he borrow a modern parliamentary phrase, which endeavoured, by marches and countermarches,

took place in the parliament, was on the 23d to draw them out ; but although they followed of December, 1650, on the nomination of his motions, they took care not to commit colonels to the different horse and foot regi- themselves, by going too far from their lines ments then in the course of being raised. A of defence. Seeing no chance of bringing them

list of them had been submitted to the house to a general engagement, Cromwell adopted on the 20th, which contained about an equal the bold plan of crossing the Frith of Forth number of royalists and Covenanters. This at Queensferry, and of throwing himself into gave rise to a long debate, but the list was the rear of the Scottish army. While there-

finally approved of. fore, he continued, by his motions along the Among the colonels of foot, were the Earls Scottish lines, to draw off the attention of the of Athole and Tulliebardine, and the Master of Scottish commanders from his plan, he, on the

Gray for Perth ; the lairds of Maclean and 20th of July, sent over Lambert, with a large

Ardkinlass for Argyle and Bute ; the laird of division of his army in a number of boats Grant and the sheriff of Moray for Nair'ne, which had been provided for the occasion.

Elgin, and " Grant's Lands ; " the lairds of He landed without opposition, and proceeded Pluscardine, Balnagowan, the master of Lovat, immediately to fortify himself on the hill and the laird of Lumlair, for Inverness and between the North Ferry and Tnverkeithing.

Ross ; Lord Sutherland and Henry Mackay of General Holburn was immediately despatched

Skowrie, for Sutherland and Strathnaver ; the with a large force to keep Lambert in check,

master of Caithness for Caithness : and Dun- and though the Scots fought with great bravery, can Macpherson for Badenoch. The clans in they were defeated. A body of Highlanders the Highlands and the Isles were to be com- particularly distinguished themselves. The manded respectively by Macdonald, the tutor

8 of Macleod, Clanranald, the tutor of Keppoch, Balfour, vol. iv. pp. 210—212. SCOTTISH AKMY INVADES ENGLAND. 289

loss of the Scots was considerable ; and among he had not the most distant idea, when he the slain were the young chief of Maclean and threw himself so abruptly into their rear, that about 100 of his friends and followers. This they would adopt the bold resolution of march- victory opened a free passage to Cromwell to ing into England. As soon, however, as he the north of Scotland. He immediately, there- had recovered from the surprise into which fore, crossed the Forth with the remainder of such an alarming event had thrown him, he his army, and proceeded to Perth, of which he despatched letters to the parliament, assuring took possession on the 2d of August. them of his intention to follow the Scottish While the Scottish leaders were puzzled how army without delay, and exhorting them not to to extricate themselves from the dilemma into be discouraged, but to rely on his activity. He which they had been thrown by the singular also sent Lambert with a force of 3,000 cavalry change which had lately taken place in the to harass the rear of the Scottish army, and for- relative position of the two armies, the king warded orders to Harrison, who was then at alone seemed free from embarrassment, and at Newcastle, to press upon their flank with a once proposed to his generals, that, instead of similar number ; and, in a few days, he himself following Cromwell, or waiting till he should crossed the Forth with an army of 10,000 men, attack them, they should immediately invade and proceeded along the eastern coast, in the England, where he expected to be joined by direction of York, leaving Monk behind him numerous royalists, who only required his with a force of 5,000 horse and foot to com- presence among them at the head of such an plete the reduction of Scotland. army, to declare themselves. Under existing The Scottish army reached "Worcester on circumstances, the plan, though at once bold the 2 2d, and on being mustered the king and decisive, was certainly judicious, and, found that he had at his command only 14,000 therefore, it is not surprising that it should men, 2,000 of whom were Englishmen. To have received the approbation of the chiefs of attack this force, large bodies of parliamentary the army. Having obtained their concurrence, troops were concentrated at Worcester, and on the king immediately issued a proclamation the 28th of August, when Cromwell arrived to on the 30th of July, to the army, announcing take the command, the army of the republic his intention of marching for England the amounted to upwards of 30,000 men, who following day, accompanied by such of his hailed the presence of their commander with subjects as were willing to give proofs of their rapture. The two armies met on the 3d of loyalty by sharing his fortunes. This appeal September, the anniversary of the battle of was not made in vain, and Charles found him- Dunbar, and the disastrous result is well self next morning in full march on the road to known, it being out of place here to enter into Carlisle, at the head of 11,000, or, as some details. The king himself, at the head of the accounts state, of 14,000 men. Argyle, as was Highlanders, fought with great bravery : his to be expected, excused himself from accom- example animated the troops, and had he been panying the army, and obtained permission to supported by Leslie's cavalry, as was expected, retire to his castle. 9 the issue of the struggle might have been

Although Cromwell was within almost a different. As it was, the royal army was day's march of the Scottish army, yet, so completely defeated, and the king had to pro- sudden and unexpected had been its departure, vide for his personal safety by flight. and so secretly had the whole affair been This battle, which Cromwell admits " was

managed, that it was not until the 4th of as stiff a contest for four or five hours as ever August that he received the extraordinary he had seen," was very disastrous to the

intelligence of its departure for England. royalists, 3,000 of whom were killed on the Cromwell was now as much embarrassed as spot, and a considerably larger number taken the Scottish commander had lately been, for prisoners, and even the greater part of the cavalry, who escaped from the city, were after- detachments of the 9 wards taken by enemy. Leicester's Journal, p. 110. Whitelock, p. 501. Clarendon, vol. iii. p. 397. The Duke of Hamilton was mortally wounded 290 GENEKAL H1STOKY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

in. the field of battle; the Earls of Derby, The townsmen gave no aid to the garrison, and Lauderdale, Koth.es, Cleveland and Kelly, when the republican troops entered the town, Lords Sinclair, Kenmure and Grandison, and they found the greater part of them lying Generals Leslie, Middleton, Massey and Mont- drunk in the streets. The carnage was stayed, gomery, were made prisoners after the battle. but not until 800 males, including the greater When the king considered himself free from part of the garrison, and about 200 women immediate danger, he separated, during the and children, were killed. Among the slain, darkness of the night, from the body of cavalry was Lumsden the governor, who, although he which surrounded him, and with a party of had quarter given him by Captain Kelly, was 60 horse proceeded to Whiteladies, a house nevertheless shot dead by Major Butler as belonging to one Giffard a recusant and royalist, Kelly was conducting him along the street to at which he arrived at an early hour in the Monk. Besides the immense booty which morning, after a ride of 25 miles. After a was in the town, about 60 ships which were series of extraordinary adventures and of the in the harbour of Dundee with their cargoes, most singular hair-breadth escapes, he landed fell into the hands of the English. 1 in safety at Fecamp in Normandy, on the 17th The capture of Dundee was immediately of October. followed by the voluntary surrender of St. "While Cromwell was following the long Andrews, Montrose and Aberdeen. Some of through England, Monk proceeded to complete the Committee of Estates who had been absent the subjugation of Scotland. He first laid from Alyth, held a meeting at Inverury, to siege to Stirling castle, into which he threw deliberate on the state of matters, at which the shells from batteries he had raised, the ex- Marquis of Huntly presided, and at which a plosion of which so alarmed the Highlanders motion was made, to invest him with full who composed the garrison, that they forced authority to act in the absence of the king, the governor to surrender. All the records of but the meeting broke up on hearing of the kingdom, the royal robes, and part of the Monk's approach. The committee retired regalia, which had been locked up in the castle across the Spey, but Huntly went to Strath- as a place of perfect security, fell into the don along 'with his forces. Monk did not hands of the captors, and were sent by Monk proceed farther north than Aberdeen at this to England. He next proceeded to Dundee, time. which was strongly fortified and well gar- The Marquis of Argyle, who had given great

risoned, and contained within it an immense offence to Cromwell, by his double dealing, quantity of costly furniture and plate, besides seeing now no chance of opposing successfully a large sum of money, all of which had been the republican arms, made an attempt at lodged in the town for safety. Monk, hearing negotiation, and sent a letter by a trumpeter that the Committees of the Estates and of the to Monk, proposing a meeting at some con- kirk were sitting at Alyth in Angus, sent a venient place, " as a means to stop the shedding company of horse, who surprised the whole of more Christian blood." The only answer party and made them prisoners. which Monk gave to the messenger, who When the necessary preparations for an arrived at Dundee on the 19th of October, assault had been completed, Monk sent a sum- was, that he could not treat without orders mons to Lumsden, the governor of Dundee, to from the parliament of England. This refusal

surrender, but he rejected it with disdain. on the part of Monk to negotiate, was a sore The obstinacy of Lumsden exasperated Monk, disappointment to Argyle, as it disappointed who ordered his troops to storm the town, and the hopes he entertained of getting the English to put the garrison and all the inhabitants, government to acknowledge a debt which he without regard to age or sex, to the sword. claimed from them. 2 The town was accordingly carried by assault Monk now turned his whole attention to on the 1st of September, and was followed by 1 Balfour, vol. iv. p. 315. Echard, p. 698. all the horrors which an infuriated soldiery 2 Heatn, pp. 304, 308, 310, 313. Whitelock, pp. could inflict upon a defenceless population. 514, 534, 543. —

OPERATIONS OF MONK IN SCOTLAND. 291

the state of matters in the North, where speedily to retrace their steps, amid the jeers

some forces were still on foot, under the and laughter of the Highlanders. 5 command of the Marquis of Hvmtly and Lord The administration of the affairs of Scotland Balcarras. "With the former he concluded an was committed to Monk, than whom a more agreement on the 21st of November, under prudent person, and one better calculated to which Huntly consented to disband his feelings of the Scots at men ; disarm the indignant and on the 3d of December, a similar treaty their national degradation, could not have was entered into between Balcarras and Colo- been selected. But as it was evident that nels Overton and Lilburn. Shortly after the order could not be restored, or obedience en- English army crossed the Spey and entered forced, as long as the clergy were allowed to

Inverness, where they planted a garrison; so continue their impertinent meddling in state af- that before the end of the year, the whole of fairs, he prohibited the meetings of the General the Lowlands and a part of the Highlands had Assembly, and, in one instance, dispersed that submitted to the arms of the republic. 3 To body by a military force. In doing so, it was complete the destruction of the independence afterwards admitted by some of the clergy of Scotland, a destruction accomplished less themselves, that he had acted wisely, as the by the power of her enemy than by the per- shutting up of the assembly tended greatly to versity of her sons, and to reduce it to a allay those fierce contentions between the pro- province of England, the English army was testers and resolutioners, which, for several augmented to 20,000 men, and citadels erected years, distracted the nation, and made them in several towns, and a long chain of military attend more to the spiritual concerns of their stations drawn across the country to curb the flocks. 6 The spirit of dissension was not, inhabitants. All the crown lands were declared public property by the Enghsh parliament, and 5 Alluding to Lilburn's expedition, Balfour says, "The Frassers came in to them, and condiscendit to the estates of all persons joined who had in pay them cesse; bot Glengarey stood out, and in effecte the English invasions, under the king and the the heighlandmen fooled them home agaiue to the

lowlandes ; some with faire wordes ; others stoode to Duke of Hamilton, were confiscated by the ther defence ; and the Inglishe finding nothing same authority. A proclamation was issued, amongest them save hunger and strokes, were glad, (ther bisquet and cheesse being all spent, and ther abolishing all authority not derived from the clothes worne, with ther horsses out-tyred, ) to returne,

English parliament : all persons holding public cursing the heighlandes, to ther winter quarters." He says that General Dean "lost some few men and appointments, whose fidelity to the new order horsses in viewing of the heighlanders. " But Overton of things was suspected, were dismissed, and encountered the greatest danger; for, says the same writer, "If my Lord Marquesse of Argyle had not their places supplied by others of more subser- protected him, he and all that wes with him had vient principles; the supreme courts of justice gottin ther throttes eutte. So, weill laughin at by the heighlanders, he wes forced to returne with penurey were abolished, and English judges appointed aneuche, werey glade all of them that ther lives were to discharge the judicial functions, aided by a saved."— Vol. iv. pp. 349-50. 6 few natives. i "And I verily believe there were more souls con- verted to Christ in that short period of time, than in As several bodies of Highlanders still re- any season since the Reformation, though of treeple mained under arms in the interior of the High- its duration. Nor was there ever greater purity and plenty of the means of grace than was in their time. lands, Monk directed three distinct parties to Ministers were painful, people were diligent ; and if a cross the mountains, simultaneously, in the man hade seen one of their solemn communions, where many congregations mett in great multitudes, some su mm er of 1652. While Colonel Lilburn dozen of Ministers used to preach, and the people advanced from Inverness towards Lochaber on continued, as it were, in a sort of trance, (so serious were they in spiritual exercises,) for three days at one side, General Dean led his troops from least, he would have thought it a solemnity unknown Perth in the same direction on the other, and to the rest of the world. " Kirkton. " It is not to be forgotten, that from the year 1652 Colonel Overton landed in Kintyre with a to the year 1660, there was great good done by the force from Ayr. But they were all obliged preaching of the Gospell in the west of Scotland, more than was observed to have been for twenty or thirty years before; a great many brought in to Christ Jesus 3 Balfour, vol. iv. p. 345. Gordon's Continuation, by a saving work of conversion, which occasioned p, 561. through ministers preaching nothing all that tyme 4 Whitelock, pp. 528, 542. Leicester's Journal, p. but the gospell, and had left off to preach up parlia- 129. Journals, Nov. 19. ments, armies, leagues, resolutions, and remonstrances, —

292 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

however, confined to the clergy, but extended comparative prosperity and happiness, a com- its withering influence to many of the laity, pensation in some degree for the loss of her who, to gratify their revenge, accused one liberties. The interruption alluded to took another of the most atrocious crimes before the place in the year 1653, on the departure of newly constituted tribunal. The English Monk from Scotland to take the command of judges were called to decide upon numerous the English fleet. acts alleged to have been committed twenty or In the month of August, 1653, a meeting thirty years before, of which no proofs were was held at Lochearn, which was attended by offered, but extorted confessions in the kirk, Glencairn, the Earl of Athole, Lord Lorn, and no less than sixty persons were brought eldest son of the Marquis of Argyle, Glengarry, before them accused of witchcraft, who had Lochiel, Graham of Duchray, Donald Mac- been tortured into an admission of its practices. gregor tutor of Macgregor, Earquharson of All these cases were dismissed, and the new Inverey, Eobertson of Strowan, Macnaughton judges administered the laws throughout with of Macnaughton, and Colonel Blackadder of an equity and moderation which was almost Tullyallan. At this meeting, which continued unknown before in Scotland, and which formed several days, it was ultimately agreed that the a singular contrast with the disregard of justice, persons present should assemble their vassals and the extreme violence which had of late and dependents with as little delay as possible, disgraced the Scottish tribunals. and place themselves under the command of With a short interruption, occasioned by an Glencairn, who was to wait in the neighbour- insurrection, under the Earl of Glencairn, in hood of Lochearn till the different parties should collect and bring together their respec- tive forces. Six weeks were, however, allowed to expire before any assemblage took place,

during all which time Glencairn roamed through the neighbouring mountains, attended only by

one companion and three servants. The first who made his appearance was Graham of Duchray, at the head of 40 men. He was followed, in two or three days, by the tutor of Macgregor, and 80 of that clan. With this force he went to Duchray house, in Stir- lingshire, near Loch Ard, where he was joined by Lord Kenmure, and about 40 horsemen, and by Colonel Blackadder, with 30 more from Eife. The Laird of Macnaughton also arrived with 12 horse, and a party of be- tween 60 and 80 lowlanders, under the com- mand of Captain Hamilton, brother to the laird of Milntown. The earl's force thus amounted to nearly 300 men. On hearing of the assemblage of this body, Colonel Kidd, the governor of Stirling castle, William, Ninth Earl of Glencairn. at the head of the greater part of a regiment towards the Highlands, Scotland now enjoyed tranquil- of foot, and a troop of horse, marched Aberfoyle, which was within three miles of lity till the restoration of Charles II., and Glencairn's camp; but having received notice which was much in use before, from the year 1638 till of his approach, the earl took care to secure that time 52, which occasioned a great number of to hypocrytes in the church, who, out of hope of prefer- the adjoining pass. He posted his foot the ment, honour, riches, and worldly credit, took on the best advantage on both sides, and he drew up forme of godliness, but wanted the power of it." in the centre. Law's Memorials. the horse under Lord Kenmure EAEL OF GLENCAIEN'S INSTJEKECTION. 293

Although Kidd must have perceived the great by the darkness of the night. He thereafter risk he would run in attempting to carry the returned to Aberdeen. pass, he nevertheless made the attempt, but Glencairn passed about five weeks in Cromar his advance was driven back at the first charge and Badenoch, waiting for additional rein- by the lowlanders and Duchray's men, with forcements; and as Lord Lorn had not yet whom they first came in contact, with the loss joined him, he despatched Lord Kenmure with of about 60 men. The whole of Kidd's 100 horse into Argyleshire to urge him to hurry party, thereupon, turned their backs and forward the levies in that quarter. Lorn soon

fled. They were hotly pursued by Glen- arrived in Badenoch with 1,000 foot and about cairn's horse and foot, who killed about 80 of 50 horse; but he had not remained above a them. fortnight in the field when, on some pretence The news of Kidd's defeat, trifling as it was, or other, he (January 1st, 1654) clandestinely raised the hopes of the royalists, and small left the army, and carried off his men along parties of Highlanders flocked daily to Glen- with him, taking the direction of Euthven caim's standard. Leaving Aberfoyle, he castle, which was then garrisoned by English marched to Lochearn, and thence to Loch troops. Glencairn was greatly exasperated at Eannoch, where he was met by several of the Lorn's defection, and sent a party of horse, clans. Glengarry brought 300, Lochiel 400, under the command of Glengarry and Lochiel, and Macgregor about 200 men. The Earl of with instructions either to bring him and his Athole appeared at the head of 100 horse, and men back to the army, or, in case of refusal, brought also a regiment of foot, consisting of to attack them. Glengarry followed the about 1,200 men, commanded by Andrew Campbells so hard that he came up with them Drummond, brother to Sir James Drummond within half a mile of the castle. Lord Lorn of Mechaney, as his lieutenant^colonel. Sir escaped, and was followed by his horse, of Arthur Forbes and some officers, with about whom about 20 were brought back by a party 80 horsemen, also joined the royal army. sent in pursuit by Glengarry; the foot halted Having despatched some officers to the low- on a hill, and offered to return to the camp. lands, with instructions to raise forces, Glen- Glengarry, who had had a great antipathy to cairn marched north to join Farquharson of the whole race of the Campbells ever since Inverey, who was raising a regiment in Cromar. Montrose's wars, would, contrary to his in- In the course of his march, several gentlemen structions, have attacked them; but Glencairn of the adjoining country joined him. Morgan, fortunately arrived in time to prevent blood- the English general, who was lying at the time shed, and having ordered Graham of Duchray in Aberdeen, being apprised of Farquharson's to acquaint them that he could not receive any movements, collected a force of 2,000 foot and proposals from them with arms in their hands, 1,000 horse, with which he advanced, by forced they delivered them up. Glencairn, along marches, towards Cromar, and a brisk attack with some officers, then rode up to them, and upon the outposts of Glencairn's army was the having addressed them on the impropriety of first intelligence they received of Morgan's ap- their conduct, they all declared their willing- proach. In the situation in which Glencairn ness to serve the king and to obey him as their thus found himself unexpectedly placed, he commander, a declaration which both officers had no remedy but an immediate retreat through and men confirmed with an oath. Their arms a long and narrow glen leading to the forest of were then restored to them, but they all de- Abernethy, which he was enabled to reach serted within a fortnight. 7 chiefly by the bravery of Graham of Duchray, About this time Glencairn was joined by a who, at the head of a resolute party of 40 small party of English royalists, under Colonel men, kept in check a body of the enemy who Wogan, an enterprising officer, who had landed had entered the glen before the royalists, and at Dover, and having raised a body of volun- prevented them from securing the passes. Morgan pursued the fugitives through the glen 7 Graham of Deuchrie's Account of Glencairn's Ex- very closely, and did not desist till prevented pedition. 294 GENEKAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. teers in London, traversed England under the lowed Glencairn, between whose rear and Mor- banners of the commonwealth, and entered gan's advanced guard many warm skirmishes Scotland by Carlisle. took place. Notwithstanding the desertion of the Camp- Glencairn and his men crossed the river hells, Glencairn's army was so increased by Ness, eight miles above Inverness. The earl daily accessions of force that he considered having placed guards along the northern bank himself in a condition to cope with the enemy, of the river to watch the approach of the and, by the advice of his officers, resolved to enemy, hastened to Dornoch to meet Middle- descend into Aberdeenshire, and beat up the ton. In a few days a grand muster of the quarters of the English. Another reason army took place, when it was found to amount which urged him to leave the Highlands was a to 3,500 foot, and 1,500 horse. Glencairn scarcity of provisions in the districts which then resigned the command to Middleton, in had been occupied by his army, and which presence of the army, and, riding along the could no longer afford to support such a large lines, acquainted the troops that he was no body of men. Descending by Balvenj', he longer their general, and expressed a hope that took up his quarters at Whitelums, near the they would find themselves happy in serving castle of Kildrunimie, belonging to the Earl of under such a commander as Middleton. The Mar, then garrisoned by the English. After troops expressed great dissatisfaction at this lying about a fortnight at Whitelums unmo- announcement by their looks, and some, "both lested, Glencairn raised his camp, and marching officers and soldiers, shed tears, and vowed into Morayshire, took possession of Elgin, that they would serve with their old general where he established his head quarters. Here in any corner of the world." 8 he was joined by the Marquis of Montrose, After the review, the earl gave a sumptuous Lord Forrester, and some country gentlemen. entertainment to Middleton and the principal

After spending a month at Elgin, where, officers of the army, at which an occurrence according to Graham of Duchray's narrative, took place which soured the temper of the offi- the army had " very good quarters, and where cers, and sowed the seeds of new divisions in they made themselves merry," the earl received the camp. On the cloth being removed, Glen- letters from General Middleton, who had some cairn proposed the health of the commander- time before made his escape from the tower of in-chief, whom he thus addressed : —" My lord London, where he had been imprisoned after general, you see what a gallant army these the battle of Worcester, announcing his arrival worthy gentlemen here present and I have in Sutherland, with a commission from the gathered together, at a time when it could king, appointing him generalissimo of all the hardly be expected that any number durst meet royal forces in Scotland. Some dissensions together : these men have come out to serve his had existed among the royalists respecting the majesty, at the hazard of their lives and all that chief command of the army, which had been is dear to them : I hope, therefore, you will give finally conceded to Glencairn; but neither he them all the encouragement to do their duty

nor the nobility who were 'with him, were pre- that lies in your power." Scarcely had these pared to expect that the king would have ap- words been uttered when Sir George Munro, pointed, to such an important charge, a man who had come over with Middleton from France so much their inferior in station as Middleton. to act as his lieutenant-general, started up from The intelligence was accordingly received with his seat, and addressing himself to the earl, discontent; but, as the king's commission could swore by G— that the men he had that day not, without serious injury to the royal cause, seen were nothing but a number of thieves and be disputed, in the present juncture they robbers, and that ere long he would bring a

stifled their displeasure, and Glencairn, in very different set of men into the field. These

terms of the instructions lie had received from imprudent observations called up Glengarry, but Middleton to march north, put his army in he was restrained by Glencairn, who said that motion. Morgan, the English commander, having drawn together a body of troops, fol- 8 Graham. ;

GLEXCAIBX WITHDRAWS EBOM THE ARMY. 295

lie 'was more concerned in the affront put upon taken that night, of which offer Gleneairn, the army by M"imro than he was, and, turning though distrustful of Macleod, agreed to accept

to Munro, he thus addressed him : —" Tou, Middleton indeed sent a party in pursuit, but

Sir, are a base liar ; for they are neither thieves they did not come up with Gleneairn, who nor robbers, but brave gentlemen and good reached Evintail the following day, where he soldiers." A meeting took place in conse- was well received by the Earl of Seaforth's quence early next morning between Gleneairn people. He remained there a few days, and

and Munro, about two miles to the south of afterwards traversed the Highlands till he Dornoch, when the latter was severely wounded. arrived at Killin, at the head of Loch Tay, The parties then returned to head-quarters, where he was successively joined by Sir George when Gleneairn was put under arrest in his Maxwell, the Earl of Selkirk, and Lord For- chamber, by orders of Middleton, and his rester, each of whom brought a small party of sword taken from him. horse along with him, by which additions The partiality thus shown to Munro, who his force was increased to 400 horsemen. The was the aggressor, and who had sent the chal- earl now appears, for the first time, to have lenge to Gleneairn, was exceedingly mortifying seen the impropriety of his conduct in with- to the earl, which being followed by another drawing from the army ; but as he could not affair which soon took place, and in which the endure the idea of returning himself, he endea- same partiality was displayed, made him resolve voured to make some reparation by sending to retire from the army. The occurrence was this body north to join Middleton, and sought this : —A dispute having taken place on the a retreat with the laird of Luss at his castle of merits of the recent quarrel between a Captain Eosedoe, when he despatched some officers to Livingston, a friend of Munro, and a gentleman raise men in the lowlands for the king's service. of the name of Lindsay, who had accompanied In the meantime Monk had returned to Lord Xapier from the continent, in which Scotland, and had brought along with him a Livingston maintained that Munro had acted strong reinforcement of troops from England, properly, and the contrary insisted upon by with which he joined Morgan in the north, and Lindsay; mutual challenges were given, and marched directly into the Highlands in search the parties met on the links of Dornoch to of Middleton. It was the intention of the decide the dispute by the sword. Lindsay, latter to have remained for some time in the being a superior swordsman, run Livingston Highlands, to have collected all the forces through the heart at the first thrust, and he he possibly could, to make occasional descents expired immediately. Lindsay was immedi- upon the lowlands, and by marches and ately apprehended, and although Gleneairn, countermarches to have distracted the enemy backed by other officers, used every exertion to but the advance of Monk into the verv save him, he was brought to trial before a court- bosom of the Highlands, with a large armv, martial, by order of Middleton, and condemned frustrated his design. Middleton soon found to be shot at the cross of Dornoch, a sentence himself sorely pressed by his able adversary, which was carried into execution the same day. who brought forward his army in separate These unfortunate disputes divided the offi- divisions, yet not so isolated as not to be able cers of the army into two parties, and afforded to support each other in case of attack. In but a sorry prognostic of the prospects of the an attempt to elude his pursuers, Middleton royalists. Gleneairn, no longer able to curb was surprised in a defile near Lochgarrv, by liis displeasure, slipped off about a fortnight one of these divisions under the command of after Lindsay's death, with his own troop of Morgan. His men were either slain or dis- horse, and a few gentlemen volunteers—100 persed, and he himself escaped with difficulty. horse in all—and took the direction of Assynt The chiefs of the insurrection immediately The laird of Assynt, who had betrayed Mon- made their peace with Monk, who treated trose, on the arrival of Glencairn's party on them with gTeat lenity. 9 his lands, offered to assist him to secure the passes, so as to prevent him from being over- 9 Duchray's Narrative. ;

296 GENEKAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

There was one chief, however, whom Monk on with their swords, and laid about with could neither bribe, cajole, nor threaten into incredible fury. The English defended them-

submission ; this was the brave and intractable selves with their musquets and bayonets with Sir Ewen or Evan Cameron of Lochiel in the great bravery, but to Uttle purpose. The north-west of Argyleshire, now about 25 years skirmish continued long and obstinate : at last of age. Having been left an orphan, he was the English gave way, and retreated towards brought up till his 18th year under the care the ship, with their faces to the enemy, fight- of the Marquis of Argyle, who, endeavouring ing with astonishing resolution. But Lochiel, to instil into him the unsavoury principles of to prevent their flight, commanded two or three the Covenanters, put him to school at Inverary of his men to run before, and from behind a under the guardianship of a gentleman of his bush to make a noise, as if there was another own principles. " But young Lochiel preferred party of Highlanders to intercept their retreat. the sports of the field to the labours of the This took so effectually, that they stopped, school," and Argyle finding him totally intrac- and animated by rage, madness, and despair, table and utterly disgusted with covenanting they renewed the skirmish with greater fury principles, allowed him to return to Lochaber, than ever, and wanted nothing but proper to head his clan in the 18th year of his age. In 1(551, Charles II. having written to Lochiel inviting him and his clan to take arms and come to the aid of his country and his sovereign, he, early in spring 1652, was the first to join Glencairn's expedition. Monk left no method untried to induce Lochiel to submit, but, in spite of his friends' entreaties, he refused to lay down his arms. Monk, finding all his attempts useless, resolved to plant a garrison at Inverlochy, (now Fort William,) in order to keep the country in awe and the chief at home. Lochiel resolved that Monk should find it no easy matter to accomplish his task, and took up his station at Achdalew, 3 miles west of Inverlochy, on the north side of Loch Eil. He kept spies in and around the garrison, who informed him of all that was going on. Lochiel, having been in- formed that the governor was about to despatch 300 of his men, in two vessels, westward, to cut down wood and carry off cattle, resolved the that they " should pay well for every tree and Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel.—From a rare print in collection of W. F. Watson, Esq., Edinburgh. every hide." He had at the time only 38 men repent of his stratagem. beside him, the rest having been sent off to arms to make Lochiel however, forced to give way, secure their cattle and other goods. In spite of They were at last, their heels; the the disparity of numbers, he resolved to watch and betake themselves to chin deep in the sea and attack the governor's men at a favourable Camerons pursued them English, and of, opportunity. 138 were counted dead of the " The Camerons being some more than 30 in the Camerons only 5 were killed. himself had number, armed partly with musquets, and "In this engagement, Lochiel escapes. In the retreat of partly with bows, kept up their pieces and several wonderful English, one of the strongest and bravest arrows till their very muzzles and points almost the behind a bush, when he touched their enemies' breasts, when the very of the officers retired Lochiel pursuing, and seeing him first fire took down above 30. They then laid observed CAMERON OF LOCHIEL. 297 unaccompanied with any, he leaped out, and the pursuit was carried on to the very walls of thought him his prey. They met one another the garrison. The officers were the only with equal fury. The combat was long, and persons who resisted, and not one of them doubtful. The English gentleman had by escaped. far the advantage in strength and size ; but Lochiel, in this manner, continued for a Lochiel exceeding him in nimbleness and long time to harass the garrison, frequently agility, in the end tript the sword out of his cutting off small detachments, partly by strata- hand : upon which, his antagonist flew upon gem and partly by force, until the garrison him with amazing rapidity ; they closed, and became so wary that they ultimately gave him wrestled till both fell to the ground in each few opportunities of pouncing upon them. other's arms. The English officer got above Even after Middleton and the other chiefs had

Lochiel, and pressed him hard ; but stretching capitulated and come to terms, Lochiel refused forth his neck by attempting to disengage to give in. At last, however, after long himself, Lochiel, who by this time had his cajoling, the obstinate chief was induced to hands at liberty, with his left hand seized him come to terms, the Marquis of Argyle becoming by the collar, and jumping at his extended his surety. He was asked simply to give his throat, he bit it with his teeth quite through, word of honour to live in peace, on which and kept such a hold of his grip, that he condition, he and his clan were allowed to brought away his mouth full ; this, he said, keep their arms as before the war broke out. was the sweetest bite he ever had in his life Reparation was to be made to Lochiel and his time. Immediately afterwards, when continu- tenants, for whatever losses they had sustained ing the pursuit after that encounter was over, from the garrison, and an indemnity was he found his men chin deep in the sea ; he granted for. all past offences. In fact, the quickly followed them, and observing a fellow treaty was a very liberal bribe to Lochiel to on deck aiming his piece at him, plunged into be quiet. All that was demanded of Lochiel the sea, and escaped, but so narrowly that the was, that he and his clan should lay down hair on the back part of his head was cut, and their arms in the name of Charles II., before a little of the skin ruffled. In a little while a the governor of Inverlochy, and take them up

similar attempt was made to shoot him : his in the name of the Commonwealth, no mention

foster-brother threw himself before him, and being made of the Protector ; promising at the received the shot in his mouth and breast, same time to do his best to make his clan preferring his chief's life to his own." 1 behave themselves. 2 After Lochiel had joined General Middle- It would be out of place in a History of the ton, he heard that the governor of Inverlochy, Highlands to enter into a detailed account of taking advantage of his absence, was cutting the general history of Scotland during the down the woods and collecting all the pro- Commonwealth, and of the various intrigues

visions he could lay hold of. Middleton for the restoration of Charles II. There allowed liim to return to Lochaber, but with appears to have been no events of any impor- only 150 men. He soon found that the infor- tance during this period in the Highlands, mation was quite correct, and in order to which at that time were so remote and obtain revenge, on the day after his arrival, he inaccessible as to be almost beyond the influ- posted his men in different parts of a wood, ence of the many wise measures introduced about a mile from the garrison, to which the by Cromwell for the government of Scotland, soldiers resorted every day, to cut down and as well as the by no means beneficial strictness bring in wood. Lochiel soon observed upwards of the presbyterian clergy. Baillie 3 thus sadly of 400 approaching the wood, and at the most describes the state of some of the noble families " favourable moment gave his men the signal of of Scotland about this time : The country

attack. A terrible slaughter ensued among lies very quiet ; it is exceeding poor ; trade is

the governor's men ; 100 fell on the spot, and

- Pennant's Tour in Scotland, vol. i. Appendix. 3 1 Pennant's Tour in Scotland, vol. i. pp. 353-355. Letters and Journals, vol. iii. p. 387. — —

298 GEKEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

nought ; tke English, has all the moneys. Our a half, dissolved itself by its own act, on the noble families are almost gone : Lennox has lGth of March, 1660. A new parliament, in little in Scotland unsold ; Hamilton's estate, which the cavaliers and moderate presbyterians except Arran and the Baronrie of Hamilton, is had the majority, met on the 25th of April, sold; Argyle can pay little annual rent for and carried out the wishes of the nation, by seven or eight hundred thousand nierks ; and inviting his majesty to come and take posses- he is no more drowned in deht than public sion of his inheritance. The king was not hatred, almost of all, "both Scottish and long in obeying the invitation. He was re-

English; the Gordons are gone ; the Douglasses ceived at Dover by Monk, at the head of the little better; Eglintoun and Glencairn on the nobility, whence he proceeded to London, brink of breaking ; many of our chief families which he entered on the 29th of May, 1660, estates are cracking ; nor is there any appear- amidst the acclamations of the citizens. ance of any human relief for the time. What is become of the king and his family we do not know." Nicoll 4 writes in the same strain: CHAPTEE XVIII. 7 " The condition of this nation of Scotland yet remains sad, by reason of poverty and heavy Highland Manners, Customs, &e. —Character of an- cient Highlanders—Highland Dress—Superstitions burdens." "At the same time," says Dr. —Kelpies — Urisks — Daoine Shith — Practices in 6 Chambers, "that so great poverty prevailed, the Western Islands Deis-itt.il — Second-sights Weddings—Social duties—Courage—Love of Coun- there was such a protection to life and pro- try—Bards—Highlanders' feeling with regard to perty as had never before been known. It death — Hospitality — Clans — Creachs — Cearnachs or Cathevans Chiefs Relation of the Clans to was not we believe without cause, that the — — their Chiefs—Appendix on Highland Dress. famous Colonel Desborough, in a speech in the House of Commons (March 17th, 1659), made "We shall take advantage of the breathing- it a boast for his party, that a man may ride space afforded us here, before entering upon over all Scotland, with a switch in his hand the stirring events of the next century, in and a hundred pounds in Ms pocket, which he which the Highlanders played a most impor- could not have done these five hunched years." tant part, to notice such objects connected In some of the letters sent home by the English with the ancient state of the Highlands, and soldiery, we get a slight glimpse into the con- the character and condition of the inhabi- dition of the Highlands at this time, which tants in former times, as may be considered shows that the people generally had made but interesting either in a local or national point little advance in civilization. Their houses, of view. It will be seen that our observations we are told, were built of earth and turf, and do not apply to the Highlanders of the present were so low that the horsemen sometimes rode day, as these have lost many of the peculiari- over them ; the people generally, both men and ties of manners, speech, dress, &c, which women, wore plaids about their middles ; they characterized their ancestors. The Highlands were " simple and ignorant in the things of have undergone considerable change during the God," and some of them as brutish as heathens; last century and a half, and the alteration, in a nevertheless "some did hear the English social point of view, has been on the whole for preachers with great attention and groaning." 6 the better. The Highlands now are generally By the tact and management of General as accessible as the lowlands; the manners, Monk, who gradually detached himself from speech, and occupations of the inhabitants are the cause of the parliament, and espoused that becoming more and more assimilated to those

of the exiled king, and a few other royalists, of their lowland neighbours, and to all appear- the Long Parliament, now reduced to a " Eunip," after having sat nineteen years and 7 For much of the matter in this chapter we must confess ourselves indebted to General Stewart's admir- 4 Quoted in Chambers's Domestic Annals, vol. ii. p. able and interesting Sketches of the Highlanders, a 248. well-stored repository of information on all points 5 Bom. Annals, vol. ii. p. 249. connected with the ancient manners and customs of 6 Idem, vol. ii. p. 218. Whitelocke's Memorials. the Highlands. ;

CHARACTEE OF ANCIENT HIGHLANDERS. 299 anco, in a very short time, there will remain such modes of life, and such habits of thought. little or nothing to distinguish the Scottish Feeling themselves separated by Nature from Celt from the Saxon. Although this change the rest of mankind, and distinguished by has by no means been altogether to the advan- their language, their habits, their manners, tage of the Highlander,—although many of the and their dress, they considered themselves vices as 'well as the virtues of civilization have the original possessors of the country, and re- heen forced upon him, still, for the sake of the garded the Saxons of the Lowlands as strangers community at large, the change cannot he re- and intruders." 7 gretted, and it is only to he desired that the Like their Celtic ancestors, the Highlanders lowlanders in turn may be brought to admire were tall, robust, and well formed. Early and imitate the noble virtues of their northern marriages were unknown among them, and it neighbours, their courage, fidelity, reverence, was rare for a female who was of a puny sta- self-respect, and love of independence. ture and delicate constitution to be honoured The early history of the Highlanders presents with a husband. The following observations us with a bold and hardy race of men, filled of Martin on the inhabitants of some of the "with a romantic attachment to their native western islands may be generally applied to mountains and glens, cherishing an exalted the Highlanders:—"They are not obliged to spirit of independence, and firmly bound to- art in forming their bodies, for Nature never gether in septs or clans by the ties of kindred. fails to act her part bountifully to them; per-

Having little intercourse with the rest of the haps there is no part of the habitable globe world, and pent up for many centuries within where so few bodily imperfections are to be the Grampian range, the Highlanders acquired seen, nor any children that go more early. I a peculiar character, and retained or adopted have observed several of them walk alone habits and manners differing widely from those before they were ten months old: they are of their lowland neighbours. " The ideas and bathed all over every morning and evening, employments, which their seclusion from the some in cold, some in warm water; but the world rendered habitual, — the familiar con- latter is most commonly used, and they wear templation of the most sublime objects of nothing strait about them. The mother gener- nature,—the habit of concentrating their affec- ally suckles the child, failing of which, a nurse tions within the narrow precincts of their own is provided, for they seldom bring up any by glens, or the limited circle of their own kins- hand: they give new born infants fresh butter men,—and the necessity of union and self- to take away the meconium, and this they do dependence in all difficulties and dangers, for several days; they taste neither sugar, nor combined to form a peculiar and original cinnamon, nor have they any daily allowance character. A certain romantic sentiment, the of sack bestowed on them, as the custom is offspring of deep and cherished feeling, strong elsewhere, nor is the nurse allowed to taste ale. attachment to their country and kindred, and The generality wear neither shoes nor stockings a consequent disdain of submission to strangers, before they are seven, eight, or ten years old formed the character of independence; while and many among them wear no nightcaps be- an habitual contempt of danger was nourished fore they are sixteen years old, and upwards; by their solitary musings, of which the honour some use none all their life-time, and these are of their clan, and a long descent from brave not so liable to headaches as others who keep and warlike ancestors, formed the frequent their heads warm." 8 theme. Thus, their exercises, their amuse- As a proof of the indifference of the High ments, their modes of subsistence, their mo- landers to cold, reference has been made to tives of action, their prejudices and their their often sleeping in the open air during the superstitions, became characteristic, permanent, severity of winter. Burt, who resided among and peculiar. them and wrote in the year 1725, relates that " Firmness and decision, fertility in re- he has seen the places which they occupied, sources, ardour in friendship, and a generous 1 Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. pp. 7, 8. enthusiasm, were the result of such a situation, 8 Martin's Western Islands, 2d edit. pp. 194, 195. soo GENEBAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

and which were known by being free from the claim to considerable antiquity. For these snow that deeply covered the ground, except extracts we are indebted to the admirable pub-

where the heat of their bodies had melted it. lication of the Iona club, entitled Collectanea The same writer represents a chief as giving de rebus Albania's.

offence to his clan by his degeneracy in forming The following is a description of the various

the snow into a pillow before he lay down. parts of the Highland costume : —The Breacan- " The Highlanders were so accustomed to sleep feile, literally, the variegated or chequered in the open air, that the want of shelter was of covering, is the original garb of the Highland- little consequence to them. It was usual be- ers, and forms the chief part of the costume ; fore they lay down to dip their plaids in water, but it is now almost laid aside in its simple by which the cloth was less pervious to the form. It consisted of a plain piece of tartan wind, and the heat of their bodies produced a from four to six yards in length, and two yards warmth, which the woollen, if dry, could not broad. The plaid was adjusted with much afford. An old man informed me, that a nicety, and made to surround the waist in great favourite place of repose was under a cover of plaits or folds, and was firmly bound round thick overhanging heath. The HigManders, the loins with a leathern belt in such a manner in 1745, could scarcely be prevailed on to use that the lower side fell down to the middle of tents. It is not long since those who fre- the knee joint, and then, while there were quented Lawrence fair, St. Sair's, and other the foldings behind, the cloth was double markets in the Garioch of Aberdeenshire, gave before. The upper part was then fastened on up the practice of sleeping in the open fields. the left shoulder with a large brooch or pin, The horses being on these occasions left to so as to display to the most advantage the shift for themselves, the inhabitants no longer tastefulness of the arrangement, the two ends have their crop spoiled, by their ' upthrough being sometimes suffered to hang down ; but neighbours,' with whom they had often bloody that on the right side, which was necessarily contentions, in consequence of these uncere- the longest, was more usually tucked under the monious visits." 9 belt. In battle, in travelling, and on other As to the antiquity of the picturesque High- occasions, this added much to the commodi- land costume, there has been considerable dis- ousness and grace of the costume. By this cussion. Till of late years the general opinion arrangement, the right arm of the wearer was was that the plaid, philibeg, and bonnet, formed left uncovered and at full liberty ; but in wet the ancient garb of the Highlanders, bat some or very cold weather the plaid was thrown writers have maintained that the philibeg is of loose, by which both body and shoulders were modern invention, and that the truis, which covered. To give free exercise for both arms consisted of breeches and stockings in one in case of need, the plaid was fastened across piece, and made to fit close to the limbs, was the breast by a large silver bodkin, or circular the old costume. That the truis is very brooch, often enriched with precious stones, or ancient in the Highlands is probable, but it imitations of them, having mottos engraved, was chiefly confined to the higher classes, who consisting of allegorical and figurative sen- always used it when travelling on horseback. tences. x Macculloch, we think, in his jaunty

At p. 4 of this volume, fig. 2 shows a very off-hand way, has very happily conjectured early form of Highland costume ; and although what is likely to have been the origin of this rude, it bears a strong resemblance to the more part of Highland dress. " It does not seem 2 modern belted plaid. Tn an appendix to this very difficult," he says, "to trace the origin chapter will be found a collection of extracts of the belted plaid ; the true and characteristic from various writers, reaching back to a very dress from which the other modifications have early period, and containing allusions to the been derived. It is precisely, as has been peculiar form and pattern of the Highland often said, the expedient of a savage, unable dress, proving that, in its simple form, it lays

1 Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 74. 9 2 Logan, vol. i. pp. 404, 405. Highlands, vol- i. p. 180. HIGHLAND DRESS. 301

or unwillin g to convert the web of cloth which says that he visited a well-educated and polite he had procured, into a more convenient shape. Laird, in the north, who wore neither shoes Rolling one extremity round his body, the nor stockings, nor had any covering for his remainder was thrown over his shoulder, to be feet. A modern writer observes, that when used as occasion should require, in covering the Highland regiments were embodied during the rest of his person." It indeed appears the French and American wars, hundreds of to be a well authenticated fact that the kilt the men were brought down without either or philibeg, as distinct from the belted plaid, stockings or shoes.

is a comparatively modern article of dress The stockings, which were originally of the in the Highlands, having been the invention same pattern with the plaid, were not knitted, of an Englishman who, while superintend- but were cut out of the web, as is still done in ing some works in Lochaber about 1728, the case of those worn by the common soldiers induced his workmen to separate that part of in the Highland regiments; but a great variety the ancient garment which came over the of fancy patterns are now in use. The garters shoulder, and which encumbered their move- were of rich colours, and broad, and were ments, from the part which surrounded the wrought in a small loom, which is now almost loins, retaining only the latter. laid aside. Their texture was very close, As the breacan was without pockets, a purse, which prevented them from wrinkling, and called sporan by the Highlanders, was fastened displayed the pattern to its full extent. On or tied in front, and was made of goats' or the occasion of an anniversary cavalcade, on badgers' skin, sometimes of leather, and was Michaelmas day, by the inhabitants of the neither so large nor so gaudy as that now in island of North Uist, when persons of all ranks use. People of rank or condition ornamented and of both sexes appeared on horseback, the their purses sometimes with a silver mouth- women, in return for presents of knives and piece, and fixed the tassels and other appen- purses given them by the men, presented the dages with silver fastenings ; but in general latter "with a pair of fine garters of divers the mouthpieces were of brass, and the cords colours." 7 employed were of leather neatly interwoven. The bonnet, of which there were various The sporan was divided into several compart- patterns, completed the national garb, and ments. One of these was used for holding a those who could afford had also, as essential watch, another money, &c. The Highlanders accompaniments, a dirk, with a knife and fork even carried their shot in the sporan occasion- stuck in the side of the sheath, and sometimes ally, but for this purpose they commonly car- a spoon, together with a pair of steel pistols. ried a wallet at the right side, in which they The garb, however, differed materially in also stowed when travelling, a quantity of quality and in ornamental display, according meal and other provisions. This military knap- to the rank or ability of the wearer. The sack was called dorlaeh by the Highlanders. short coat and waistcoat worn by the wealthy,

The use of stockings and shoes is compara- were adorned with silver buttons, tassels, em- tively of recent date among the Highlanders. broidery, or lace, according to the taste of the Originally they encased their feet in a piece of wearer or fashion of the times, and even untanned hide, cut to the shape and size of the " among the better and more provident of the foot, and drawn close together with leather lower ranks," as General Stewart remarks, thongs, a practice which is observed even at silver buttons were frequently found, which the present day by the descendants of the had come down to them as an inheritance of Scandinavian settlers in the Shetland islands, long descent. The same author observes, that where they are called rivelins; but tins mode the reason for wearing these buttons, which of covering the feet was far from being gen- were of a large size and of solid silver, was, eral, as the greater part of the population went that their value might defray the expense of a barefooted. Such was the state of the High- decent funeral in the event of the wearer falling landers who fought at Killiecrankie; and Burt, who wrote in the early part of the 18th century, 7 Martin's Western Islands, 2d edit. p. 80. —

302 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS in battle, or dying in a strange country and at head bare, the hair being tied with bandages a distance from Ms friends. The officers of or some slight ornament, after which they Mackay's and Munroe's Highland regiments, wore a head-dress, called the curch, made of who served under Gustavus Adolphus in the linen, which was tied under the chin; but wars of 1626 and 1638, in addition to rich when a young woman lost her virtue and buttons, wore a gold chain round the neck, to character she was obliged to wear a cap, and secure the owner, in case of being wounded or never afterwards to appear bare-headed. Mar- taken prisoner, good treatment, or as payment tin's observations on the dress of the females for future ransom. 8 of the western islands may be taken as giving Although shoe buckles now form a part of a pretty correct idea of that worn by those of the Highland costume, they were unknown in the Highlands. " The women wore sleeves of the Highlands 150 years ago. The ancient scarlet cloth, closed at the end as men's vests, Highlanders did not wear neckcloths. Their with gold lace round them, having plate but- shirts were of woollen cloth, and as linen was tons set with fine stones. The head-dress was long expensive, a considerable time elapsed a fine kerchief of linen, strait about the head. before linen shirts came into general use. We The plaid was tied before on the breast, with have heard an old and intelligent Highlander a buckle of silver or brass, according to the remark, that rheumatism was almost, if not quality of the person. I have seen some of wholly, unknown in the Highlands until the the former of one hundred merks value ; the introduction of linen shirts. whole curiously engraved with various animals.

It is observed by General Stewart, that There was a lesser buckle which was worn in " among the circumstances which influenced the middle of the larger. It had in the centre the military character of the Highlanders, their a large piece of crystal, or some finer stone, of peculiar garb was conspicuous, which, by its a lesser size." The plaid, which, with the ex- freedom and lightness, enabled them to use ception of a few stripes of red, black, or blue, their limbs, and to handle their arms with ease was white, reached from the neck almost to

and celerity, and to move with gTeat speed the feet; it was plaited, and was tied round when employed with either cavalry or light the waist by a belt of leather, studded with infantry. In the wars of Gustavus Adolphus, small pieces of silver. in the civil wars of Charles I., and on various The antiquity of the tartan has been called other occasions, they were often mixed with in question by several writers, who have main-

the cavalry, affording to detached squadrons tained that it is of modern invention ; but the incalculable advantage of support from they have given no proofs in support of their infantry, even in their most rapid movements." assertion. In the appendix to this chapter it

" I observed," says the author of ' Memoirs of will be seen that, as far back as the years 1538 a Cavalier,' speaking of the Scots army in and 1597, mention is made of this species of

1640, "I observed that these parties had cloth ; and in the account of charge and dis- always some foot with them, and yet if the charge of John, Bishop of Glasgow, Treasurer horses galloped or pushed on ever so forward, to King James III. in 1471, the following

the foot were as forward as they, which was entries occur : an extraordinary advantage. These were those "An elne and ane halve of blue tartane they call Highlanders; they would run on foot to lyne his gowne of cloth of gold, £1 10 6

with all their arms, and all their accoutrements, ' ' Four elue and ane halve of tartane for a and kept very good order too, and kept pace sparwurt ahun his credill, price ane with the horses, let them go at what rate they elne, 10s., 2 5 " would." Halve ane elne of duble tartane to lyne collars to her lady the Quene, price The dress of the women seems to require 8 shillings." some little notice. Till marriage, or till they arrived at a certain age, they went with the It is not at all improbable that Joseph's well-known "coat of many colours" may have

8 nature as tartan Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 78. been somewhat of the same ; —; ; ;

SUPERSTITIONS—KELPIES—TJKISK S. 303

and the writer of the article Tartan in Cham- which the thunders and lightnings, and tem-

bers's Encyclopaedia says, " this is probably pests, and rains, of heaven, exhaust their

the oldest pattern ever woven ; at all events terrific rage, wrought upon the creative powers the so-called shepherd's plaid of Scotland is of the imagination, and from these appearances, known to have a very remote antiquity amongst the Highlanders " were naturally led to ascribe the eastern nations of the world." It has been every disaster to the influence of superior proved by Logan, from Diodorus, Pliny, and powers, in whose character the predominating other ancient writers, that variegated cloth was feature necessarily was malignity towards the in common use for purposes of dress among human race." 1 the continental Celts. The most dangerous and most malignant When the great improvements in the pro- creature was the Jcelpie, or water-horse, which cess of dyeing by means of chemistry are was supposed to allure women and children

considered, it will appear surprising, that with- to his subaqueous haunts, and there devour out any knowledge of this art, and without them. Sometimes he would swell the lake or

the substances now employed, the Highlanders torrent beyond its usual limits, and overwhelm should have been able, from the scanty materials the unguarded traveller in the flood. The which their country afforded, to produce the shepherd, as he sat upon the brow of a rock in beautiful and lasting colours which distinguish a summer's evening, often fancied he saw this the old Highland tartan, some specimens of animal dashing along the surface of the lake,

which are understood still to exist, and which or browsing on the pasture-ground upon its retain much of their original brilliancy of verge. colouring. " In dyeing and arranging the The urisJcs, who were supposed to be of a various colours of their tartans, they displayed condition somewhat intermediate between that no small art and taste, preserving at the same of mortal men and spirits, "were a sort of time the distinctive patterns (or sets, as they lubbary supernaturals, who, like the brownies were called) of the different clans, tribes, fami- of England, could be gained over by kind lies, and districts. Thus, a Macdonald, a attentions to perform the drudgery of the farm Campbell, a Mackenzie, &c, was known by and it was believed that many famili es in the his plaid ; and, in like manner, the Athole, Highlands had one of the order attached to

Glenorehy, and other colours of different dis- it." 2 The urisks were supposed to live dis- tricts, were easily distinguishable. Besides persed over the Highlands, each having his those general divisions, industrious housewives own wild recess ; but they were said to hold had patterns, distinguished by the set, superior stated assemblies in the celebrated cave called quality, and fineness of cloth, or brightness Goire-nan-Uriskin, situated near the base of and variety of the colours. In those times, Ben-Venue, in Aberfoyle, on its northern when mutual attachment and confidence sub- shoulder. It overhangs Loch Katrine "in sisted between the proprietors and occupiers of solemn grandeur," and is beautifully and faith- land in the Highlands, the removal of tenants, fully described by Sir "Walter Scott. 3 except in remarkable cases, rarely occurred and, consequently, it was easy to preserve and 1 Graham's Sketches of Perthshire. - Idem. perpetuate any particular set or pattern, even 3 " It was a wild and strange retreat, As e'er was trod by outlaw's feet. among the lower orders." 9 The dell, upon the mountain's crest, The Highlanders, in common with most Yawned like a gash on warrior's breast Its trench had staid full many a rock, other nations, were much addicted to supersti- Hurl'd by primeval earthquake shock tion. The peculiar aspect of their country, in From Ben-Venue's grey summit wild, And here, in random ruin piled, which nature appears in its wildest and most They frowned incumbent o'er the spot, romantic features, exhibiting at a glance sharp And formed the rugged sylvan grot. The oak and birch, with mingled shade, and rugged mountains, with dreary wastes At noontide there a twilight made, wide-stretched lakes, and rapid torrents, over Unless where short and sudden shone From straggling beam on cliff or stone, With such a glimpse as prophet's eye 9 Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 76. Gains on thy depth, Futurity. ;

304 GENEKAL H1STOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Tlie urisks, though generally inclined to are supposed to enjoy, in their subterraneous mischief, were supposed to relax in their pro- recesses, a sort of shadowy happiness, a tinsel pensity, if kindly treated by the families which grandeur, which, however, they would willingly they haunted. They were even serviceable in exchange for the more solid joys of mortals." 4 some instances, and in this point of view were Green was the colour of the dress which these often considered an acquisition. Each family men of peace always wore, and they were sup- regularly set down a bowl of cream for its posed to take offence when any of the mortal urisk, and even clothes were sometimes added. race presumed to wear their favourite colour. The urisk resented any omission or want of The Highlanders ascribe the disastrous result attention on the part of the family ; and tradi- of the battle of Killiecrankie to the circum- tion says, that the urisk of Glaschoil, a small stance of "Viscount Dundee having been dressed farm about a mile to the west of Ben-Venue, in green on that ill-fated day. This colour is having been disappointed one night of his bowl even yet considered ominous to those of his of cream, after performing the task allotted name who assume it. Mm, took his departure about day-break, utter- The abodes of the Daoine Shi' are supposed ing a horrible shriek, and never again returned. to be below grassy eminences or knolls, where, The Daoine Shith, or Shi' [men of peace), during the night, they celebrate their festivi- or as they are sometimes called, Daoine matha ties by the light of the moon, and dance to (good men), come next to be noticed. Dr. notes of the softest music. 5 Tradition reports Graham considers the part of the popular that they have often allured some of the superstitions of the Highlands which relates human race into their subterraneous retreats, to these imaginary persons, and which is to consisting of gorgeous apartments, and that this day retained, as he observes, in some degree they have been regaled with the most sump- of purity, as " the most beautiful and perfect tuous banquets and delicious wines. Their branch of Highland mythology." females far exceed the daughters of men in

Although it has been generally supposed beauty. If any mortal shall be tempted to that the mythology of the Daoine Shi' is the partake of their repast, or join in their plea- same as that respecting the fairies of England, sures, he at once forfeits the society of his as portrayed by Shakspeare, in the Midsummer fellow-men, and is bound down irrevocably to Night's Dream, and perhaps, too, of the Orien- the condition of a Shi'ich, or man of peace. tals, they differ essentially in many important "A woman," says a Highland tradition, "was points. conveyed, in days of yore, into the secret The Daoine Shi', or men of peace, who are recesses of the men of peace. There she was the fairies of the Highlanders, " though not recognised by one who had formerly been an absolutely malevolent, are believed to be a ordinary mortal, but who had, by some fatality, peevish repining race of beings, who, possess- become associated with the Shi'ichs. This ing themselves but a scanty portion of happi- acquaintance, still retaining some portion of ness, are supposed to envy mankind their more human benevolence, warned her of her danger, complete and substantial enjoyments. They and counselled her, as she valued her liberty, to abstain from eating or drinking with them

No murmur wak'd the solemn still, Save tinkling of a fountain rill 4 Graham's Sketches. But when the wind chafed with the lake, 6 The belief in Fairies is a popular superstition A sullen sound would upward break, among the Shetlanders. The margin of a small lake With dashing hollow voice, that spoke called the Sandy Loch, about two miles from Lerwick, The incessant war of wave and rock. is celebrated for having been their favourite resort. Suspended cliffs, with hideous sway, It is said that they often walk in procession along the Seem'd nodding o'er the cavern grey. sides of the loch in different costumes. Some of the natives used frequently, when passing by a knoll, to Grey Superstition's whisper dread, stop and listen to the music of the fairies, and when Debarred spot to vulgar ceased, they would hear the rattling the tread ; the music of the For there, she said, did fays resort, pewter plates which were to be used at supper. The And satyrs hold their sylvan court, fairies sometimes visit the Shetland bams, from which By moon-light tread their mystic maze, they are usually ejected by means of a flail, which And blast the rash beholder's gaze." the proprietor wields with great agility, thumping Lady of the Lake, c. iii. s. 26. and thrashing in every direction. — " — —

THE DAOINE SHITH. 305 for a certain space of time. She complied Duchray. " Go," said he to him, " to my with, the counsel of her friend ; and when the cousin Duchray, and tell him that I am not period assigned was elapsed, she found herself dead ; I fell down in a swoon, and was carried again upon earth, restored to the society of into Fairy-land, where I now am. Tell him, mortals. It is added, that when she had that when he and my friends are assembled at examined the viands which had been presented the baptism of my child—for he had left his to her, and which had appeared so tempting wife pregnant—I will appear in the room, and to the eye, they were found, now that the that if he throws the knife which he holds in enchantment had been removed, to consist his hand over my head, I will be released, and only of the refuse of the earth." restored to human society." The man, it Some mortals, however, who had been so seems, neglected for some time, to deliver the unhappy as to fall into the snares of the message. Mr. Kirk appeared to him a second Shi'ichs, are generally believed to have obtained time, threatening to haunt him night and day a release from Fairyland, and to have been till he executed his commission, which at restored to the society of their friends. Ethert length he did. The day of the baptism arrived. Brand, according to the legend, was released They were seated at table. Mr. Kirk entered, by the intrepidity of his sister, as related by but the laird of Duchray, by some unaccount- Sir Walter Scott in the fourth Canto of the able fatality, neglected to perform the pre-

Ladv of the Lake : scribed ceremony. Mr. Kirk retired by another

" door, and was seen no more. It is firmly She crossed liim thrice that lady hold : He rose beneath her hand, believed that he is, at this day, in Fairy-land.

The fairest knight on Scottish mould, Another legend in a similar strain is also Her brother, Ethert Brand ! given as communicated by a very intelligent

A recent tradition gives a similar story, young lady : " except in its unfortunate catastrophe, and is A young man roaming one day through thus related by Dr. Patrick Graham in his the forest, observed a number of persons, all " Sketches of Perthshire." dressed in green, issuing from one of those

The Eev. Eobert Kirk, the first translator round eminences which are commonly accounted of the Psalms into Gaelic verse, had formerly fairy hills. Each of them, in succession, called been minister at Balquidder, and died minister upon a person by name, to fetch his horse. of Aberfoyle, in 1688, at the early age of 42. A caparisoned steed instantly appeared ; they His gravestone, which may be seen near the all mounted, and sallied forth into the regions east end of the church of Aberfoyle, bears the of the air. The young man, like Ali Baba in inscription which is given underneath. 6 He the Arabian Nights, ventured to pronounce the was walking, it is said, one evening in his same name, and called for his horse. The steed night-gown, upon the little eminence to the immediately appeared ; he mounted, and was west of the present manse, which is still soon joined to the fairy choir. He remained reckoned a Dun-shi'. He fell down dead, as with them for a year, going about with them was believed ; but this was not his fate : to fairs and weddings, and feasting, though unseen by mortal eyes, on the victuals that " It was between the night and day, When the fairy king has power, were exhibited on those occasions. They had, That he sunk down (but not) in sinful fray, one day, gone to a wedding, where the cheer And, 'twixt life and death, was snatched away, was abundant. During the feast the bride- To the joyless Elfin bower." groom sneezed. The young man, according to Mr. Kirk was the near relation of Mr. the usual custom, said, ' God bless you.' The Grahame of Duchray. Shortly after his funeral, fairies were offended at the pronunciation he appeared in the dress in which he had sunk of the sacred name, and assured him, that down, to a mutual relation of his own and of if he dared to repeat it they would punish him. The bridegroom sneezed a second time.

He repeated his blessing ; they threatened 6 RoBERTUS KlHK, A. M., LlNGUJE HlBERNIl(c)/E LUMEN, OBIIT, &C. more than tremendous vengeance. He sneezed 2 Q "

306 GENEEAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

a third time ; lie Messed him as before. The thing that was done, any where in her presence, fairies were enraged ; they tumbled him from by the deceptive art of the order. One day, a precipice, hut he found himself unhurt, and amidst a throng of people, she chanced to was restored to the society of mortals." observe the Shi'ich, or man of peace, in whose The Shi'ichs, or men of peace, are supposed possession she had left her child, though to to have a design against new-horn children, every other eye invisible. Prompted by and women in childbed, whom, it is still maternal affection, she inadvertently accosted universally believed, they sometimes carry off him, and began to inquire after the welfare of into their secret recesses. To prevent this her child. The man of peace, astonished at abduction, women in childbed are closely thus being recognised by one of mortal race, watched, and are not left alone, even for a sternly demanded how she had been enabled single moment, till the child is baptized, when to discover him. Awed by the terrible frown the Shi'ichs are supposed to have no more of his countenance, she acknowledged what power over them. 7 she had done. He spat into her eye, and The following tradition will illustrate this extinguished it for ever. branch of the popular superstition respecting The Shi'ichs, it is still believed, have a great the Shi'ichs : A woman whose new-born child propensity for attending funerals and weddings, had been conveyed by them into their secret and other public entertainments, and even abodes, was also carried thither herself, to fairs. They have an object in this ; for it is remain, however, only until she should suckle believed that, though invisible to mortal eyes, her infant. She one day, during this period, they are busily employed in carrying away the observed the Shi'ichs busily employed in mix- substantial articles and provisions which are ingredients in a boiling cauldron exhibited, ing various ; in place of which they substitute and as soon as the composition was prepared, shadowy forms, having the appearance of the she remarked that they all carefully anointed things so purloined. And so strong was the their eyes with it, laying the remainder aside belief in this mythology, even till a recent for future use. In a moment when they were period, that some persons are old enough to all absent, she also attempted to anoint her remember, that some individuals would not eat eyes with the precious drug, but had time to any thing presented on the occasions alluded apply it to one eye only, when the Daoine Shi' to, because they believed it to be unsubstantial returned. But with that eye, she was hence- and hurtful. forth enabled to see every thing as it really As the Shi'ichs are supposed to be pre- passed in their secret abodes ; she saw every sent on all occasions, though invisible, the object, not as she had hitherto done, in decep- Highlanders, whenever they allude to them, do tive splendour and elegance, but in its genuine so in terms of respect. This is, however, done colours and form. The gaudy ornaments of as seldom as possible ; and when the Shi'ichs are the apartment were reduced to the naked walls casually mentioned, the Highlanders add some of a gloomy cavern. Soon after, having dis- propitiatory expression of praise to avert their charged her office, she was dismissed to her displeasure, which they greatly dread. This own home. Still, however, she retained the reserve and dread on the part of the High- faculty of seeing with her medicated eye, every landers, is said to arise from the peevish envy and jealousy which the Shi'ichs are believed to 7 The Fairies of Shetland appear to be holder than entertain towards the human race. Although the Shi'ichs of the Highlands, for they are believed to believed to be always present, watching the carry off young children even after baptism, taking care, however, to substitute a cabbage stock, or some- doings of mortals, the Shi'ichs are supposed to thing else in lieu, which is made to assume the appear- be more particular in their attendance on ance of the abstracted child. The unhappy mother must take as much care of this phantom as she did of Friday, on which day they are believed to her child, and on no account destroy it, otherwise, it possess very extensive influence. They are is believed, the fairies will not restore her child to her. "This is not my bairn," said a mother to a neighbour believed to be especially jealous of what may who was condoling with her on the wasted appearance be said concerning them ; and if they are at of her infant, then sitting on her knee, — "this is not

! my bairn—may the d—1 rest where my bairn now is all spoken of on that day, which is never THE DAOINE SHITH. 307

done without great reluctance, the Highlanders the saint was interrupted at the castle of the uniformly style them the Daoine matha, or king (of the Picts), in the discharge of his good men. religious offices, by certain magi;" a term, by According to the traditionary legends of the the bye, applied by Pliny to the order of the Highlanders, the Shi'ichs are believed to he of Druids. The following passage from an 9 both sexes ; and it is the general opinion among ancient Gaelic MS. in the possession of the the Highlanders that men have sometimes Highland Society of Scotland, supposed to be

cohabited with females of the Shi'ich race, of the 12th or 13th century, is conjectured to who are in consequence called Leannan Shi'. refer to the incident noticed by Adamnan. These mistresses are believed to be very kind " After this, St. Columba went upon a time to to their mortal paramours, by revealing to the king of the Picts, namely, Bruidhi, son of them the knowledge of many things both Milchu, and the gate of the castle was shut

present and future, which were concealed from against him ; but the iron locks of the town the rest of mankind. The knowledge of the opened instantly, through the prayers of

medicinal virtues of many herbs, it is related, Columb Cille. Then came the son of the has been obtained in this way from the king, to wit, Maelchu, and his Druid, to argue Leannan Shi'. The Daoine Shi' of the other keenly against Columb Cille, in support of sex are said, in their turn, to have sometimes paganism."

held intercourse with mistresses of mortal race. Martin relates, that the natives of South- This popular superstition relating to the Uist believed that a valley called Glenslyte,

Daoine Shi', is supposed, with good reason, to situated between two mountains on the east have taken its rise in the times of the Druids, side of the island, was haunted by spirits, or rather to have been invented by them after whom they called the Great Men, and that if the overthrow of their hierarchy, for the pur- any man or woman entered the valley without pose of preserving the existence of their order, first making an entire resignation of themselves after they had retreated for safety to caves and to the conduct of the great men, they would the deep recesses of the forest. This idea infallibly grow mad. The words by which receives some corroboration from the Gaelic they gave themselves up to the guidance of term, Druidheachd, which the Highlanders these men are comprehended in three sentences, apply to the deceptive power by which the wherein the glen is twice named. This author men of peace are believed to impose upon the remonstrated with the inhabitants upon this senses of mankind, " founded, probably, on " piece of silly credulity," but they answered the opinion entertained of old, concerning the that there had been recently an instance of a magical powers of the Druids. Deeply versed, woman who went into the glen without resign- according to Csesar's information, as the Druids ing herself to the guidance of the great men, were, in the higher departments of philosophy, "and immediately after she became mad; which and probably acquainted with electricity, and confirmed them in their unreasonable fancy." various branches of chemistry, they might find He also observes, that the people who resided

it easy to excite the belief of their supernatural in the glen in summer, said, they sometimes powers, in the minds of the uninitiated heard a loud noise in the air like men speaking. 1 vulgar." 8 The influence of this powerful The same writer mentions a universal custom order upon the popular belief was felt long among the inhabitants of the Western Islands, after the supposed era of its extinction ; for it of pouring a cow's milk upon a little hill, or was not until Christianity was introduced into big stone, where a spirit they called Brownie, the Highlands, that the total suppression of was believed to lodge, which spirit always the Druids took place. Adamnan mentions appeared in the shape of a tall man, with very in his life of St. Columba, the mocidruidi, (or long brown hair. On inquiring " from several sons of Druids,) as existing in Scotland in the well-meaning women, who, until of late, had time of Columba; and he informs us, "that 9 MS. No. IV. noticed in the Appendix to the Report on the Poems of Ossian, p. 310. 8 Graham's Sketches. 1 Western Island?, 2d ed. p. 86. 308 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. practised it," they told Martin that it had company was employed to turn the spit, and been transmitted to them by their ancestors, when in the act of turning, one of his compa- who believed it was attended with good for- nions would ask him, what are you doing? tune, but the most credulous of the vulgar had He answered, I roast this cat, until his friends then laid it aside. answer the question, the same as that proposed It was also customary among the " over- to the man inclosed in the hide. Afterwards curious," in the "Western Islands, to consult an a very large cat was said to come, attended by invisible oracle, concerning the fate of families, a number of lesser cats, desiring to relieve the battles, &c. This was done three different cat turned upon the spit, and answered the ways; the first was by a company of men, one question. And if the answer turned out to be of whom being chosen by lot, was afterwards the same that was given to the man in the carried to a river, the boundary between two hide, then it was taken as a confirmation of

villages : four of the company seized on him, the other, which in this case was believed and having shut his eyes, they took him by infallible. 3 the legs and arms, and then tossing him to A singular practice called Deis-iuil existed and fro, struck his posteriors with force against in the Western Islands, so called from a man the bank. One of thern then cried out, "What going round carrying fire in his right hand, is it you have got here? Another answered, A which in the Gaelic is called Deas. In the log of birch wood. The other cried again, Let island of Lewis this fiery circuit was made his invisible friends appear from all quarters, about the houses, corn, cattle, &c, of each and let them relieve him, by giving an answer particular family, to protect them from the to our present demands ; and in a few minutes power of evil spirits. The fire was also carried after, a number of little creatures came from round about women before they were churched the sea, who answered the question, and dis- after child-bearing, and about children till appeared suddenly. The man was then set at they were baptized. This ceremony was per- liberty, and they all returned home to take formed in the morning and at night, and was their measures according to the prediction of practised by some of the old midwives in their false prophets. This was always prac- Martin's time. Some of them told him that tised at night. ' the fire-round was an effectual means of pre- The second way of consulting the oracle was serving both the mother and the infant from by a party of men, who first retired to solitary the power of evil spirits, who are ready at such places, remote from any house, and then times to do mischief, and sometimes carry away singling out one of their number, wrapt him the infant; and when they get them once in in a large cow's hide, which they folded about their possession, return them poor meagre liim, covering all but his head, in which pos- skeletons; and these infants are said to have ture they left him all night until his invisible voracious appetites, constantly craving for friends relieved him by giving a proper answer meat. In this case it was usual with those thus to the question put ; which answer he received, who believed that their children were as he fancied, from several persons he found taken away, to dig a grave in the fields upon about him all that time. His companions quarter-day, and there to lay the fairy skeleton parents returned to him at break of day when he com- till next morning ; at which time the

municated his news to them, which it is said went to the place, where they doubted not to " often proved fatal to those concerned in such find their own child instead of this skeleton. unlawful inquiries." 2 Some of the poorer sort of people in these The third way of consulting the oracle, and islands long retained a custom of performing which consultation was to serve as a confirma- rounds sun-wise, about the persons of their tion of the second, was this: The same com- benefactors three times, when they blessed pany who put the man into the hide, took a them, and wished good success to all their live cat and put him on a spit. One of the enterprises. Some were very careful, when

3 '- 112. Martin, 2d ed. p. 112. Martin, 2d ed. p. PEACTICES IN THE WESTERN ISLANDS. 309

(hey set out to sea, that the boat should be this subject. " A gentleman of my acquaint- first rowed about sun-wise; and if this was ance, for the space of a year, could not have a neglected, they were afraid their voyage would drop of good ale in his house; and having

prove unfortunate.' complained of it to all that conversed with A prevailing superstition also existed in the him, he was at last advised to get some yeast Western Islands, and among the inhabitants from every alehouse in the parish; and having of the neighbouring coast, that women, by a got a little from one particular man, he put it certain charm or by some secret influence, among his wort, which became as good ale as could withdraw and appropriate to their own could be drank, and so defeated the charm. use the increase of their neighbour's cow's After which, the gentleman on whose land this milk. It was believed, however, that the milk man lived, banished him thirty-six miles from so charmed did not produce the ordinary quan- thence." 4 tity of butter usually churned from other milk, A singular mode of divination was some- and that the curds made of such milk were so times practised by the Highlanders with bones. tough that they could not be made so firm as Having picked the flesh clean off a shoulder-

other cheese, and that it was also much lighter blade of mutton, which was supposed to lose

in weight. It was also believed that the butter its virtue if touched by iron, they turned produced from the charmed milk could be dis- towards the east, and with looks steadily fixed covered from that yielded from the charmer's on the transparent bone they pretended to own milk, by a difference in the colour, the foretell deaths, burials, &c.

former being of a paler hue than the latter. The phases or changes of the moon were

The woman in whose possession butter so dis- closely observed, and it was only at particular tinguished was found, was considered to be periods of her revolution that they would cut guilty. To bring back the increase of milk, it turf or fuel, fell wood, or cut thatch for houses,

was usual to take a little of the rennet from all or go upon any important expedition. They

the suspected persons, and put it into an egg expected better crops of grain by sowing then- shell full of milk, and when the rennet taken seed in the moon's increase. " The moon," as from the charmer was mingled with it, it was Dr. Johnson observes, " has great influence in

said presently to curdle, but not before. Some vulgar philosophy," and in his memory it was women put the root of groundsel among their a precept annually given in one of the English cream as an amulet against such charms. almanacs, " To kill hogs when the moon was In retaliation for washing dishes, wherein increasing, and the bacon would prove the milk was kept, in streams or rivulets in which better in boiling."

trouts were, it was believed that they prevented The aid of superstition was sometimes re- or took away an increase of milk, and the sorted to for curing diseases. For hectic and damage thus occasioned could only be repaired consumptive complaints, the Highlanders used by taking a live trout and pouring milk into to pare the nails of the fingers and toes of the its mouth. Lf the milk curdled immediately, patient,—put these parings into a bag made this was a sure sign of its being taken away by from a piece of his clothes,—and after waving

trouts ; if not, the inhabitants ascribed the evil their hand with the bag thrice round his head,

to some other cause. Some women, it was and crying, Deis-iwil, they buried it in some affirmed, had the art to take away the milk of unknown place. Pliny, in his natural history, nurses. says that this practice existed among the Magi A similar superstition existed as to malt, the of his time. virtues of which were said to be sometimes To remove any contagious disease from imperceptibly filched, by some charm, before cattle, they used to extinguish the fires in the being used, so that the drink made of this surrounding villages, after which they forced

malt had neither strength nor good taste, fire with a wheel, or by rubbing one piece of while, on the contrary, the supposed charmer dry wood upon another, with which they had very good ale all the time. The following

4 curious story is told by Martin in relation to Western Islands, p. 122. 310 GEJSTEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

burned juniper in the stalls of the cattle that that very day. If in the evening, perhaps the smoke might purify the air about them. that night; if after the candles were lighted, When this was performed, the fires in the the accomplishment would take place by weeks,

houses were rekindled from the forced fire. months, and sometimes years, according to the Shaw relates in his history of Moray, that he time of night the vision was seen. personally witnessed both the last-mentioned As the appearances which are said to have practices. been observed in visions and their prognostics Akin to some of the superstitions we have may prove curious to the general reader, a few noticed, but differing from them in many of them shall be here stated, as noted by Martin. essential respects, is the belief—for supersti- When a shroud was perceived about one, it tion it cannot well be called—in the Second was a sure prognostic of death. The time was Sight, by which, as Dr. Johnson observes, judged according to the height of it about the " seems to be meant a mode of seeing, super- person. If not seen above the middle, death added to that which nature generally bestows," 6 was not to be expected for the space of a year,

and consists of " an impression made either by and perhaps some months longer; and as it the mind upon the eye, or by the eye upon the was frequently seen to ascend higher towards mind, by which things distant or future are the head, death was concluded to be at hand perceived, and seen as if they were present." 6 within a few days, if not hours.

This "deceptive faculty" is in Gaelic called If a woman was seen standing at a man's

Taiblise, i. e. a spectre, or a vision, and is nei- left hand, it was a presage that she would be ther voluntary nor constant, but consists " in his wife, whether they were married to others, seeing an otherwise invisible object, without or unmarried at the time of the apparition. any previous means used by the person that If two or three women were seen at once

sees it for that end; the vision makes such standing near a man's left hand, she that was a lively impression upon the seer, that they next to him would undoubtedly be his wife neither see nor think of any thing else, except first, and so on, whether all three, or the man,

the vision, as long as it continues: and then were single or married at the time of the vision they appear pensive or jovial, according to the or not. object which was represented to them." 7 It was usual for the Seers to see any man It has been observed Toy lookers-on, that that was shortly to arrive at the house. If those persons who saw, or were supposed to unknown to the Seer he would give such a see, a vision, always kept their eye-lids erect, description of the person he saw as to make and that they continued to stare until the him to he at once recognised upon his arrival. object vanished. Martin affirms that he and On the other hand, if the Seer knew the person other persons that were with them, observed he saw in the vision, he would tell his name, this more than once, and he mentions an in- and know by the expression of his counte- stance of a man in Skye, the inner part of nance whether he came in a good or bad whose eye-bids was turned so far upwards humour. during a vision, that after the object disap- The Seers often saw houses, gardens, and peared he found it necessary to draw them trees, in places where there were none, but in dpwn with his fingers, and would sometimes the course of time these places became covered employ others to draw them down, which he with them. indeed, Martin says, "found from experience To see a spark of fire fall upon one's arm to be the easier way." or breast, was a forerunner of a dead child to The visions are said to have taken place be seen in the arms of those persons. To see either in the morning, at noon, in the evening, a seat empty when one was sitting on it, was or at night. If an object was seen early in a presage of that person's immediate death. the morning, its accomplishment would take There are now few persons, if any, who place in a few hours thereafter. If at noon, pretend to this faculty, and the belief in it is

almost generally exploded. Yet it cannot be Journey to the Hebrides, p. 166. Id. 7 Martin, p. 300. denied that apparent proofs of its existence ; ;

SECOND-SIGHT—WEDDINGS. 311 have been adduced which have staggered Among the various modes of social inter- minds not prone to superstition. When the course which gladdened the minds and dissi- connexion between cause and effect can be pated the few worldly cares of the Highlanders, recognised, things which would otherwise have weddings bore a distinguished part, and they appeared wonderful and almost incredible, are were longed for with a peculiar earnestness. viewed as ordinary occurrences. The impos- Young and old, from the boy and girl of the sibility of accounting for such an extraordinary age of ten to the hoary-headed sire and aged phenomenon as the alleged faculty, on philo- matron, attended them. The marriage invita- sophical principles, or from the laws of nature, tions were given by the bride and bridegroom, must ever leave the matter suspended between in person, for some weeks previous, and rational doubt and confirmed scepticism. The included the friends of the betrothed parties strong-minded but superstitious Dr. Johnson living at the distance of many miles. appears, from the following passage, to have When the bride and bridegroom had com- been inclined to believe in the genuineness of pleted their rounds, the custom was for the the faculty. " Strong reasons for incredulity," matrons of the invited families to return the says Dr. Johnson, " will readily occur. This visit within a few days, carrying along with faculty of seeing things out of sight is local, them large presents of hams, beef, cheese, and commonly useless. It is a breach of the butter, malt, spirits, and such other articles as common order of things, without any visible they inclined or thought necessary for the reason or perceptible benefit. It is ascribed approaching feast. To such an extent was only to a people very little enlightened ; and this practice carried in some instances in the among them, for the most part, to the mean quantity presented, that, along with what the and ignorant. To the confidence of these guests paid (as they commonly did) for their objections it may be replied, that by presum- entertainment at the marriage, and the gifts ing to determine what is fit, and what is presented on the day after the marriage, the beneficial, they presuppose more knowledge young couple obtained a pretty fair competence, of the universal system than man has attained which warded off the shafts of poverty, and and therefore depend upon principles too even made them comfortable in after-life. complicated and extensive for our comprehen- The joyous wedding-morning was ushered sion ; and that there can be no security in the in by the notes of the bagpipe. A party of consequence, when the premises are not under- pipers, followed by the bridegroom and some stood : that the Second Sight is only wonderful of his friends, commenced at an early hour a because it is rare, for, considered in itself, it round of morning calls to remind the guests involves no more difficulty than- dreams, or of their engagements. These hastened to join perhaps than the regular exercises of the the party, and before the circuit, which some- cogitative faculty ; that a general opinion of times occupied several hours, had ended, some communicative impulses, or visionary repre- hundreds, perhaps, had joined the wedding sentations, has prevailed in all ages and all standard before they reached the bridegroom's nations ; that particular instances have been house. The bride made a similar round among given, with such evidence as neither Bacon, her friends. Separate dinners were provided nor Bayle, has been able to resist; that sudden the bridegroom giving a dinner to his friends, impressions, which the event has verified, have and the bride to hers. The marriage ceremony been felt by more than own or publish them was seldom performed till after dinner. The that the Second Sight of the Hebrides implies clergyman sometimes attended, but the parties only the local frequency of a power which is preferred waiting on him, as the appearance no where totally unknown ; and that where of a large procession to his house gave addi- we are unable to decide by antecedent reason, tional importance and eclat to the ceremony we must be content to yield to the force of of the day, which was further heightened by 8 testimony." a constant firing by the young men, who supplied themselves with guns and pistols, 5 Journey to the Western Islands, pp. 167, 168. and which firing was responded to by every — ;

312 GENEEAL HISTOEY OE THE HIGHLANDS.

hamlet as the party passed along ; " so that, generally prolonged to a late hour, and during with streamers flying, pipers playing, the the whole day the fiddlers and pipers never constant firing from all sides, and the shouts ceased except at short intervals, to make sweet of the young men, the whole had the appear- music. The fiddlers performed in the house, ance of a military army passing, with all the the pipers in the field; 1 so that the company noise of warfare, through a hostile country." alternately enjoyed the pleasure of dancing On the wedding-day, the bride and bride- within and without the house, as they felt groom avoided each other till they met before inclined, provided the weather permitted. the clergyman. Many ceremonies were per- No people were more attached to the fulfil- formed during the celebration of the marriage ment of all the domestic duties, and the sacred rites. These ceremonies were of an amusing obligation of the marriage vow, than the High- and innocent description, and added much to landers. A violation thereof was of course of the cheerfulness and happiness of the young unfrequent occurrence, and among the common people. One of these ceremonies consisted in people a separation was almost unknown. untying all the bindings and strings about the Earely, indeed, did a husband attempt to get person of the bridegroom, to denote, that rid of his wife, however disagreeable she might nothing was to be bound on the marriage day be. He would have considered his children but the one indissoluble knot which death dishonoured, if he had driven their mother only can dissolve. The bride was exempted from the protection of his roof. The punish- from this operation from a delicacy of feeling ment inflicted by the ecclesiastical authority towards her sex, and from a supposition that for an infringement of the marriage vow was, she was so pure that infidelity on her part that "the guilty person, whether male or could not be contemplated. female, was made to stand in a barrel of cold To discontinue practices in themselves inno- water at the church door, after which, the cent, and which contribute to the social delinquent, clad in a wet canvas shirt, was happiness of mankind, must ever be regretted, made to stand before the congregation, and at and it is not therefore to be wondered at, that close of service the minister explained the a generous and open-hearted Highlander, like nature of the offence. 2 Illicit intercourse General Stewart, should have expressed his re- before marriage between the sexes was also of gret at the partial disuse of these ceremonies, or rare occurrence, and met with condign punish- that he shoidd have preferred a Highland wed- ment in the public infamy which attended ding, where he had himself " been so happy, such breaches against chastity. and seen so many blithe countenances, and eyes This was the more remarkable, as early sparkling with delight, to such weddings as that of the Laird of Drum, ancestor of the the white of the eye, served for the ceremony." —Stewart's Sketches—Memoirs of the SonimerviUe Lord Sommerville, when he married a daughter Family. 9 1 " of Sir James Bannatyne of Corehouse." Playing the bagpipes within doors, "' says Gen- eral Stewart, "is a Lowland and English custom. The festivities of the wedding-day were In the Highlands the piper is always in the open air and when people wish to dance to his music, it is on

the green, if the weather permits ; nothing but ne- 9 "On that occasion, sanctified by the puritanical cessity makes them attempt a pipe-dance in the house. cant of the times, there was one marquis, three earls, The bagpipe was a field instrument intended to call two lords, sixteen barons, and eight ministers present the clans to arms, and animate them in battle, and at the solemnity, but not one musician ; they liked was no more intended for a house than a round of six- yet better the bleating of the calves of Dan and Bethel pounders. A broadside from a first-rate, or a round —the ministers' long-winded, and sometimes non- from a battery, has a sublime and impressive effect at sensical graces, little to purpose—than all musical a proper distance. In the same manner, the sound of instruments of the sanctuaries, at so solemn an occa- bagpipes, softened by distance, had an indescribable sion, which, if it be lawful at all to have them, cer- effect on the mind and actions of the Highlanders. tainly it ought to be upon a wedding-day, for diver- But as few would choose to be under the muzzle of tisement to the guests, that innocent recreation of the guns of a battery, so I have seldom seen a High- music and dancing being much more warrantable and lander, whose ears were not grated when close to pipes, far better exercise than drinking and smoking tobacco, however much his breast might be warmed, and his wherein the holy brethren of the Presbyterian (per- feelings roused, by the sounds to which he had been suasion) for the most part employed themselves, with- accustomed in his youth, when proceeding from the out any formal health, or remembrance of their friends, proper distance. Sketches, App. xxiii. a nod with the head, or a sign with the turning up of 2 Dr. M 'Queen's Dissertation. SOCIAL DUTIES. 31J

marriages were discouraged, and the younger Nor were the Highlanders less alive to the sons were not allowed to marry until they principles of honesty and fair dealing, in their obtained sufficient means to keep a house and transactions with one another. Disgrace was to rent a small farm, or were otherwise enabled the usual consequence of insolvency, which to support a family. was considered ex facie criminal. Bankrupts The attachment of the Highlanders to their were compelled to undergo a singular punish-

offspring, and the veneration and filial piety ment. They " were forced to surrender their

which a reciprocal feeling produced on the part all, and "were clad in a party-coloured clouted of their children, were leading characteristics garment, with the hose of different sets, and had in the Highland character, and much as these their hips dashed against a stone, in presence mountaineers have degenerated in some of the of the people, by four men, each taking a hold other virtues, these affections still remain of an arm or a leg. This punishment was almost unimpaired. Children seldom desert called Toncruaidh.'''* their parents in their old age, and when forced Such was the confidence in their honour and to earn a subsistence from home, they always integrity, that in the ordinary transactions ol consider themselves bound to share with their the people, a mere verbal obligation without the parents whatever they can save from their intervention of any writing, was held quite "wages. But the parents are never left alone, sufficient, although contracted in the most as one of the family, by turns, remains at private manner, 5 and there were few instances home for the purpose of taking care of them where the obligation was either unfulfilled or in terms of an arrangement. " The sense of denied. Their mode of concluding or confirm- duty is not extinguished by absence from the ing their money agreements or other transac- mountains. It accompanies the Highland tions, was by the contracting parties going out soldier amid the dissipations of a mode of life into the open air, and with eyes erect, taking to winch he has not been accustomed. It Heaven to witness their engagements, after prompts him to save a portion of his pay, to which, each party put a mark on some remark- enable him to assist his parents, and also to able stone or other natural object, which their work when he has an opportunity, that he ancestors had been accustomed to notice. may increase their allowance, at once preserv- 4 Stewart's Sketches. ing himself from idle habits, and contributing 5 Two remarkable instances of the regard paid by the Highlanders to their engagements, are given by to the comfort and happiness of those who ' General Stewart. ' A gentleman of the name of gave him birth. I have been a frequent wit- Stewart, agreed to lend a considerable sum of money to a neighbour. When they had met, and the ness of these offerings of filial bounty, and money was already counted down upon the table, the borrower the channel through which they were commu- offered a receipt. As soon as the lender (grandfather nicated, and I have generally found that a of the late Mr. Stewart of Ballachulish) heard this, he immediately collected the money, saying, that a threat of informing their parents of miscon- man who could not trust his own word, without a duct, has operated as a sufficient check on bond, should not be trusted by him, and should have none of his money, which he put up in his purse and young soldiers, who always received the inti- returned home." An inhabitant of the same district mation with a sort of horror. They knew that kept a retail shop for nearly fifty years, and supplied the whole district, then full of people, with all their not only the report would grieve their rela- little merchandise. He neither gave nor asked any tions, but act as a sentence of banishment receipts. At Martinmas of each year he collected the amount of his sales, which were always paid to a day. against themselves, as they could not return In one of his annual rounds, a customer happened to home with a bad or blemished character. he from home ; consequently, he returned unpaid, but before he was out of bed the following morning, Generals M'Kenzie, Fraser, and M'Kenzie of he was awakened by a call from his customer, who Suddie, who successively commanded the 78th came to pay his account. After the business was settled, his neighbour said, "You are now paid; I Highlanders, seldom had occasion to resort to would not for my best cow that I should sleep while any other punishment than threats of this you wanted your money after your term of payment, and that I should be the last in the country in your kind, for several years after the embodying of debt." Such examples of stern honesty are now, 3 that regiment." alas ! of rare occurrence. Many of the virtues which adorned the Highland character have disappeared in the vortex of modern improvement, by which the 3 Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 86. country has been completely revolutionized. 2 R —

314 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Accustomed, as the Highlanders were, to The Highlanders, like the inhabitants of interminable feuds arising out of the preten- other romantic and mountainous regions, always sions of rival clans, the native courage which retain an enthusiastic attachment to their coun- they had inherited from their Celtic progeni- try, which neither distance of place nor length tors was preserved unimpaired. Instances of of time can efface. This strong feeling has, cowardice were, therefore, of rare occurrence, we think, been attributed erroneously to the and whoever exhibited symptoms of fear before powerful and lasting effect which the external a foe, was considered infamous and put under objects of nature, seen in their wildest and the ban of his party. The following anecdote, most fantastic forms and features, are calculated as related by Mrs. Grant, shows, strongly, the to impress upon the imagination. detestation which the Highlanders entertained No doubt the remembrance of these objects towards those who had disgraced themselves might contribute to endear the scenes of youth " and their clan by an act of poltroonery : There to the patriotic Highlander when far removed was a clan, I must not say what dan it is, who from his native glens ; but it was the recollec- had been for ages governed by a series of chiefs, tion of home,—sweet home ! —of the domestic singularly estimable, and highly beloved, and circle, and of the many pleasing associations who, in one instance, provoked their leader to which arise from the contemplation of the days the extreme of indignation. I should observe, of other years, when mirth and innocence held that the transgression was partial, the culprits mutual dalliance, that chiefly impelled him to being the inhabitants of one single parish. sigh for the land of his fathers. Mankind These, in a hasty skirmish with a neighbouring have naturally an affection for the country of clan, tb inking discretion the best part of their birth, and this affection is felt more or valour, sought safety in retreat. A cruel chief less according to the degree of social or com- would have inflicted the worst of punishments mercial intercourse which exists among nations. —banishment from the bounds of his clan, Confined, like the Swiss, for many ages within which, indeed, fell little short of the curse their natural boundaries, and having little or of Kehama. This good laird, however, set no intercourse with the rest of the world, the bounds to his wrath, yet made their punish- Highlanders formed those strong local attach ment severe and exemplary. He appeared ments for which they were long remarkably himself with all the population of the three distinguished; but which are now being gradu- adjacent parishes, at the parish church of the ally obliterated by the mighty changes rapidly offenders, where they were all by order con- taking place in the state of society. vened. After divine service, they were Firmly attached as they were to their coun- marched three times round the church, in try, the Highlanders had also a singular pre- presence of their offended leader and his as- dilection for the place of their birth. An sembled clan. Each individual, on coming amusing instance of this local attachment is out of the church door, was obliged to draw mentioned by General Stewart. A tenant of out his tongue with his fingers, and then cry his father's, at the foot of the mountain audibly, ' Shud bleider heich,' (i. e.) ' This is Shichallion, having removed and followed his the poltroon,' and to repeat it at every corner son to a farm which the latter had taken at of the church. After this procession of igno- some distance lower down the country, the old miny, no other punishment was inflicted, ex- man was missing for a considerable time one cept that of being left to guard the district morning, and on being asked on his return " when the rest were called out to battle. . . . where he had been, replied, As I was sitting

It is credibly asserted, that no enemy has seen by the side of the river, a thought came across the back of any of that name (Grant) ever me, that, perhaps, some of the waters from since. And it is certain, that, to this day, it Shichallion, and the sweet fountains that is not safe for any person of another name to watered the farm of my forefathers, might now mention the circumstance in presence of one be passing by me, and that if I bathed they of the affronted clan." 6 might touch my skin. I immediately stripped,

6 On the Superstitions of the Highlanders. and, from the pleasure I felt in being sur- BAUDS—FEELING WITH KEGAED TO DEATH. 315 rounded by the pure waters of Leidna-breilag attending the clans to the field, and exhorting (the name of the farm) I could not tear myself them before battle to emulate the glories of away sooner." But this fondness of the High- their ancestors, and to die if necessary in de- lander was not confined to the desire of living fence of their country. The appeals of the upon the beloved spot—it extended even to bards, which were delivered and enforced with the grave. The idea of dying at a distance great vehemence and earnestness, never failed from home and among strangers could not be to arouse the feelings; and when amid the din endured, and the aged Highlander, when absent of battle the voices of the bards could no from his native place, felt discomposed lest longer be heard, the pipers succeeded them,, death should overtake him before his return. and cheered on their respective parties with To be consigned to the grave among strangers, their warlike and inspiring strains. After the without the attendance and sympathy of termination of the battle, the bard celebrated friends, and at a distance from their family, the praises of the brave warriors who had fallen was considered a heavy calamity; and even to in battle, and related the heroic actions of the this day, people make the greatest exertions to survivors to excite them to similar exertions carry home the bodies of such relations as on future occasions. To impress still more happen to die far from the ground hallowed deeply upon the minds of the survivors the by the ashes of their forefathers. 7 This trait honour and heroism of their fallen friends, the was exemplified in the case of a woman aged piper was employed to perform plaintive dirges ninety-one, who a few years ago went to Perth for the slain. from her house in Strathbrane in perfect health, From the associations raised in the mind by and in the possession of all her faculties. A the great respect thus paid to the dead, and few days after her arrival in Perth, where she the honours which awaited the survivors who had gone to visit a daughter, she had a slight distinguished themselves in the field of battle, attach of fever. One evening a considerable by their actions being celebrated by the bards, quantity of snow had fallen, and she expressed and transmitted to posterity, originated that great anxiety, particularly when told that a magnanimous contempt of death for which the heavier fall was expected. Next morning her Highlanders are noted. While among some bed was found empty, and no trace of her people the idea of death is avoided with

could be discovered, till the second day, when studious alarm, the Highlander will speak of

she sent word that she had slipt out of the it with an easy and unconcerned familiarity, house at midnight, set off on foot through the as an event of ordinary occurrence, but in a

snow, and never stopped till she reached home, way " equally remote from dastardly affecta- a distance of twenty miles. When questioned tion, or fool-hardy presumption, and propor- some time afterwards why she went away so tioned solely to the inevitable certainty of the

abruptly, she answered, " If my sickness had event itself." 9 increased, and if I had died, they could not To be interred decently, and in a becoming

have sent my remains home through the deep manner, is a material consideration in the

snows. If I had told my daughter, perhaps mind of a Highlander, and care is generally she would have locked the door upon me, and taken, even by the poorest, long before the

God forbid that my bones should be at such a approach of death, to provide sufficient articles distance from home, and be buried among to insure a respectable interment. To wish Gall-na-niaehair, The strangers of the plain." s one another an honourable death, crioch Among the causes which contributed to onarach, is considered friendly by the High- sustain the warlike character of the High- landers, and even children will sometimes landers, the exertions of the bards in stimulat- express the same sentiment towards then- ing them to deeds of valour in the field of parents. " A man well known to the writer

battle, must not be overlooked. One of the of these pages was remarkable for his filial most important duties of the bard consisted in affection, even among the sons and daughters

7 8 Stewart's Sketclies, vol. i p. 82. Id. Stewart's Sketches. —

316 GENERAL H1ST0EY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

of the mountains, so distinguished for that they called Bieyta'v, i. e. Ocean meat. Sir

branch of piety. His mother being a "widow, Eobert Gordon informs us that it was a custom and having a numerous family, who had mar- among the western islanders, that when one ried very early, he continued to live single, was invited to another's house, they never

that he might the more sedulously attend to separated till the whole provision was finished;

her comfort, and watch over her declining years and that, when it was done, they went to the with the tenderest care. On her birth-day, he next house, and so on from one house to an- always collected his brothers and sisters, and other until they made a complete round, from all their families, to a sort of kindly feast, and, neighbour to neighbour, always carrying the in conclusion, gave a toast, not easily translated head of the family in which they had been last from the emphatic language, without circum- entertained to the next house along with them. 2 locution, An easy and decorous departure to The removal of the court by Malcolm Can-

my mother, comes nearest to it. This toast, more to the Lowlands was an event which was which would shake the nerves of fashionable followed by results very disastrous to the delicacy, was received with great applause, the future prosperity of the Highlands. The in- old woman remarking, that God had been habitants soon sunk into a state of poverty, alwa}Ts good to her, and she hoped she would and, as by the transference of the seat of die as decently as she had lived, for it is government the administration of the laws thought of the utmost consequence to die became either inoperative or was feebly en- decently. The ritual of decorous departure, forced, the people gave themselves up tc and of behaviour to be observed by the friends violence and turbulence, and revenged in person of the dying on that solemn occasion, being those injuries which the laws could no longer fully established, nothing is more common redress. Released from the salutary control of than to take a solemn leave of old people, as if monarchical government, the Highlanders soon they were going on a journey, and pretty much saw the necessity of substituting some other in the same terms. People frequently send system in its place, to protect themselves conditional messages to the departed. If you against the aggressions to which they were are permitted, tell my dear brother, that I have exposed. From this state of things originated merely endured the world since he left it, and the great power of the Chiefs, who attained that I have been very kind to every creature he their ascendancy over the different little com- used to cherish, for his sake. I have, indeed, munities into which the population of the heard a person of a very enlightened mind, Highlands was naturally divided, on account seriously give a message to an aged person, to of their superior property, courage, or talent. deliver to a child he had lost not long before, The powers of the chiefs were very great. which she as seriously promised to deliver, They acted as judges or arbiters in the quarrels with the wonted salvo, if she was permitted." 1 of their clansmen and followers, and as they In no country was " the savage virtue of were backed by resolute supporters of their hospitality" carried to a greater extent than in rights, their property, and their power, they the Highlands, and never did stranger receive established within their own territories a juris- a heartier welcome than was given to the guest diction almost independent of the kingly who entered a Highland mansion or cottage. authoritj'. This hospitality was sometimes carried rather From this division of the people into clans too far, particularly in the island of Barra, and tribes under separate chiefs, arose many of where, according to Martin, the custom was, those institutions, feelings, and usages which that, when strangers from the northern islands characterised the Highlanders. " The nature went there, "the natives, immediately after their of the country, and the motives which induced landing, obliged them to eat, even though they the Celts to make it their refuge, almost neces- should have liberally eat and drank but an sarily prescribed the form of their institutions. hour before their landing there." This meat Unequal to contend with the overwhelming

5 Genealogical History of the Earldom of Suther- 1 Mrs. Grant's Superstitions of tlie Highlanders. land, p. 189. —

CLANS. 317 numbers, who drove them from the plains, one clan to another, or by individuals of differ- and, anxious to preserve their independence, ent clans. and their blood uneontaminated by a mixture Although the chief had great power with his with strangers, they defended themselves in clan in the different relations of landlord, those strongholds which are, in every country, leader, and judge, his authority was far from the sanctuaries of national liberty, and the absolute, as he was obliged to consult the lead- refuge of those who resist the oppressions and ing men of the clan in matters of importance the dominion of a more powerful neighbour. —in things regarding the clan or particular Thus, in the absence of their monarchs, and families, in removing differences, punishing or defended by their barrier of rocks, they did redressing injuries, preventing lawsuits, sup- not always submit to the authority of a distant porting declinin g families, and declaring war government, which could neither enforce obe- against, or adjusting terms of peace with other dience nor afford protection." 3 clans. The various little societies into which the As the system of clanship was calculated to Highland population was, by the nature of the cherish a warlike spirit, the young chiefs and country, divided, having no desire to change heads of families were regarded or despised their residence or to keep up a communication according to their military or peaceable dispo- with one another, and having all their wants, sition. If they revenged a quarrel with another which were few, supplied within themselves, clan by killing some of the enemy, or carrying became individually isolated. Every district off their cattle and laying their lands waste, became an independent state, and thus the they were highly esteemed, and great expecta- Highland population, though possessing a com- tions were formed of their future prowess and munity of customs and the same characteristics, exploits. But if they failed in their attempts, was divided or broken into separate masses, they were not respected ; and if they appeared and placed under different jurisdictions. A disinclined to engage in hostile rencontres, patriarchal 4 system of government, " a sort they were despised. 5 of hereditary monarchy founded on custom, The military ranks of the clans were fixed and allowed by general consent, rather than and perpetual. The chief was, of course, the regulated by laws," was thus established over principal commander. The oldest cadet com- each community or clan in the persons of the manded the right wing, and the youngest the chiefs. rear. Every head of a distinct family was As a consequence of the. separation which captain of his own tribe. An ensign or stand- was preserved by the different clans, matri- ard-bearer was attached to each clan, who monial alliances were rarely made with stran- gers, and hence the members of the clan were 6 Martin observes that in the Western Islands, generally related to one another by the ties of "every heir, or young chieftain of a tribe, was obliged give a public specimen of his valoui consanguinity or affinity. While this double in honour to before he was owned and declared governor or leader connexion tended to preserve harmony and of his people, who obeyed and followed him upon all with good will among the members of the same occasions. This chieftain was usually attended a retinue of young men of quality, who had not clan, it also tended, on the other hand, to excite beforehand given any proof of their valour, and were signalize a bitter spirit of animosity between rival clans, ambitious of such an opportunity to them- selves. It was usual for the captain to lead them, to whenever an affront or injury was offered by make a desperate incursion upon some neighbour or other that they were in feud with, and they were obliged to bring, by open force, the cattle they found 3 Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 22. on the lands they attacked, or to die in the attempt. 4 The power of the chiefs over their clans was, Alter the performance of this achievement, the young from political motives, often supported by the govern- chieftain was ever after reputed valiant, and worthy ment, to counteract the great influence of the feudal of government, and such as were of his retinue acquired system which enabled the nobles frequently to set the the like reputation. This custom being reciprocally authority of the state at defiance. Although the used among them, was not reputed robbery, for the Duke of Gordon was the feudal superior of the lands damage which one tribe sustained by this essay of the Tield by the Camerons, M'Phersons, M'Donells of chieftain of another, was repaired when their chieftain

Keppoch and others, he had no influence over those came in his turn to make his specimen ; but I have clans who always obeyed the orders of lyoehiel, Clunie, not heard an instance of this practice for these sixty Keppoch, &c. years past." Western Islands, 2d edit. pp. 101, 102. 318 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. generally inherited his office, which had "been before them, they seized her and drew blood usually conferred on an ancestor who had from her forehead. distinguished himself. A small salary was The Cuid-Oidhche, ot night's provision, was attached to this office. paid by many tenants to the chief ; and in Each clan had a stated place of rendezvous, hunting or going on an expedition, the tenant where they met at the call of their chief. who lived near the hill was bound to furnish When an emergency arose for an immediate the master and his followers a night's entertain- meeting from the incursions of a hostile clan, ment, with brawn for his dogs. the cross or tarie, or fiery-cross, was immedi- There are no sufficient data to enable us to ately despatched through the territories of the estimate correctly the number of fighting men elan. This signal consisted of two pieces of which the clans could bring at any time into wood placed in the form of a cross. One of the field ; but a general idea may be formed of the ends of the horizontal piece was either their strength in 1745, from the following burnt or burning, and a piece of linen or white statement of the respective forces of the clans cloth stained with blood was suspended from as taken from the memorial supposed to be the other end. Two men, each with a cross drawn up by the Lord President Eorbes of in his hand, were despatched by the chief in Culloden, for the information of government. different directions, who kept running with It is to be observed, however, that besides great speed, shouting the war-cry of the tribe, the clans here mentioned, there were many and naming the place of rendezvous, if differ- independent gentlemen, as General Stewart ent from the usual place of meeting. The observes, who had many followers, but being cross was delivered from hand to hand, and as what were called broken names, or small tribes, each fresh bearer ran at full speed, the clan are omitted. assembled with great celerity. General Stewart says, that one of the latest instances of the Argyle, 3000 fiery-cross being used, was in 1745 by Lord Breadalbane, 1000

Breadalbane, when it went round Loch Tay, a Loclmell and other chieftains of the distance of thirty-two miles, in three hours, Campbells, 1000

Macleans, . 500 to raise his people and prevent their joining Maclauchlans, 200 the rebels, but with less effect than in 1715 Stewart of Appin, 300 when it went the same round, and when 500 Macdougals, 200 men assembled in a few hours, under the Stewart of Grandtully, 300 command of the Laird of Glenlyon, to join the Clan Gregor, 700

Earl of Mar. Duke of Athol, . 3000 Every clan had its own war-cry, (called in Farquharsons, 500 Scottish slogan,) to which every clansman Duke of Gordon, 300 Grant of Grant, 850 answered. It served as a watch-word in cases Mackintosh, 800 of sudden alarm, in the confusion of combat, Macphersons, 400 or in the darkness of the night. The clans Frasers, 900 were also distinguished by a particular badge, Grant of Glenmorriston 150 or by the peculiar arrangements or sets of the Chisholms, . 200 different colours of the tartan, which will be Duke of Perth, . 300 fully noticed when we come to treat of the Seaforth, 1000 history of the clans. Cromarty, Scatwell, Gairloch, and other "When a clan went upon any expedition they chieftains of the Mackenzies, 1500 Laird of Menzies, 300 were much influenced by omens. If they met Munros, 300 an armed man they believed that good was Rosses, 500 portended. If they observed a deer, fox, hare, Sutherland, 2000 or any other four-footed beast of game, and did Mackays, . 800 not succeed in killing ft, they prognosticated Sinclairs, 1100 eviL If a woman barefooted crossed the road Macdouald of Slate, 700 CLANS. 319

Macdonald of Clanronald, 700 mandates could neither stop the depredations Macdonell of Glengary, 500 of one clan against another, nor allay their 300 Macdonell of Keppoch, mutual hostilities. Delinquents could not, Macdonald of Glencoe, 130 with impunity, be pursued into the bosom of Robertsons, 200 a clan which protected them, nor could his

Camerons, . 800 judges administer the laws in opposition to M'Kinnon, 200 Macleod, 700 their interests or their will. Sometimes he The Duke of Montrose, Earls of Bute strengthened his arm by fomenting animosities and Moray, Macfarlanes, M'jSTeils among them, and by entering occasionally into of Barra, M'Nabs, M'Naughtons,- the interest of one, in order to weaken another.

Lamonts, &e. &c. . . . . Many instances of this species of policy occur in Scottish history, which, for a long period, was unhappily a mere record of internal

6 There is nothing so remarkable in the violence." political history of any country as the succes- The general laws being thus superseded by sion of the Highland chiefs, and the long and the internal feuds of the clans, and the author- uninterrupted sway which they held over their ity of the sovereign being insufficient to repress followers. The authority which a chief exer- these disorders, a perpetual system of warfare, cised among his clan was truly paternal, and aggression, depredation, and contention existed he might, with great justice, have heen called among them, which, during the continuance the father of his people. We cannot account of clanship, banished peace from the High- for that warm attachment and the incorruptible lands. The little sovereignties of the clans and unshaken fidelity which the clans uni- " touched at so many points, yet were so formly displayed towards their chiefs, on any independent of one another ; they approached other ground, than the kind and conciliatory so nearly, in many respects, yet were, in system which they must have adopted towards others, so distant ; there were so many oppor- their people ; for, much as the feelings of the tunities of encroachment, on the one hand, and latter might have been awakened, by the songs so little of a disposition to submit to it, on and traditions of the bards, to a respect for the other ; and the quarrel of one individual the successors of the heroes whose praises they of the tribe so naturally involved the rest, that heard celebrated, a sense of wrongs commit- there was scarcely ever a profound peace, or ted, or of oppressions exercised, would have perfect cordiality between them. Among their obliterated every feeling of attachment in the chiefs the most deadly feuds frequently arose minds of the sufferers, and caused them to from opposing interests, or from wounded attempt to get rid of a tyrant who had rendered pride. These feuds were warmly espoused by himself obnoxious by his tyranny. the whole clan, and were often transmitted, The division of the people into small tribes, with aggravated animosity, from generation to and the establishment of patriarchal govern- generation." 7 ment, were attended with, many important The disputes between opposing clans were consequences affecting the character of the frequently made matters of negotiation, and Highlanders. This creation of an imperium their differences were often adjusted by treaties. in imperio was an anomaly, but it was, never- Opposing clans, as a means of strengthening theless, rendered necessary from the state of themselves against the attacks of their rivals, society in the Highlands shortly after the or of maintaining the balance of power, also transference of the seat of government from entered into coalitions with friendly neigh- the mountains. The authority of the king, bours. These bands of amity or manrent, as though weak and inefficient, continued, how- they were called, were of the nature of treaties ever, to be recognised, nominally at least, of offensive and defensive alliance, by which except indeed when he interfered in the dis- clans. such occasions putes between the On G Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 30 7 his authority was utterly disregarded. " His Idem, vol. i. pp. 30, 31. 320 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. the contracting parties bound themselves to lating. Superstition added its influence in assist each other ; and it is remarkable that exasperating animosities, by teaching the clans- the duty of allegiance to the king was always men, that, to revenge the death of a relation acknowledged in these treaties,—" always ex- or friend, was a sacrifice agreeable to their

cepting my duty to our lord the king, and to shades : thus engaging on the side of the most our kindred and friends," was a clause which implacable hatred, and the darkest vengeance, was uniformly inserted in them. In the same the most amiable and domestic of all our manner, when men who were not chiefs of feelings,—reverence for the memory of the clans, but of subordinate tribes, thus bound dead, and affection for the virtues of the themselves, their fidelity to their chiefs was living." 9 always excepted. The smaller clans who were As the causes out of which feuds originated unable to defend themselves, and such clans were innumerable, so many of them were or families who had lost their chiefs, were trivial and unimportant, but as submission to included in these friendly treaties. 8 Under the most trifling insult was considered dis- these treaties the smaller clans identified them- graceful, and might, if overlooked, lead to

selves with the greater clans ; they engaged in fresh aggression, the clan was immediately the quarrels, followed the fortunes, and fought summoned, and the cry for revenge met with under the greater chiefs ; but their ranks, as a ready response in every breast. The most General Stewart observes, were separately glaring insult that could be offered to a clan, marshalled, and led by their own subordinate was to speak disrespectfully of its chief, 1 an chieftains and lairds, who owned submission offence which was considered as a personal only when necessary, for the success of com- affront by all his followers, and was resented bined operations. Several instances of this accordingly. union will be found in the history of the It often happened that the insulted clan was clans. unable to take the field to repel aggression or

As the system of clanship, by ignoring the to vindicate its honour ; but the injury was authority of the sovereign and of the laws, never forgotten, and the memory of it was prevented the clans from ever coming to any treasured up till a fitting opportunity for taking general terms of accommodation for settling revenge should arrive. The want of strength then differences, their feuds were interminable, was sometimes supplied by cunning, and the and the Highlands were, therefore, for ages, blackest and deadliest intentions of hatred and the theatre of a constant petty warfare destruc- revenge were sought to be perpetrated under tive of the social virtues. " The spirit of the mask of conciliation and friendship. This opposition and rivalry between the clans per- was the natural result of the inefficiency of the petuated a system of hostility, encouraged the laws which could afford no redress for wrongs, cultivation of the military at the expense of and which, therefore, left every individual to the social virtues, and perverted their ideas of vindicate his rights with his own hand. The both law and morality. Eevenge was ac- feeling of revenge, when directed against rival counted a duty, the destruction of a neighbour tribes, was cherished and honoured, and to a meritorious exploit, and rapine an honour- such an extent was it carried, that there are able occupation. Their love of distinction, well authenticated instances where one of the and their conscious reliance on their courage, adverse parties has been exterminated in the when under the direction of these perverted bloody and ferocious conflicts which the feuds notions, only tended to make their feuds more occasioned. implacable, their condition more agitated, and As the wealth of the Highlanders consisted their depredations more rapacious and deso-

" Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. pp. S3, 34. 8 General Stewart says that the families of the name 1 "When a quarrel begins in words between two of Stewart, whose estates lay in the district of Athole, Highlanders of different clans, it is esteemed the very and whose chief, by birth, was at a distance, ranged height of malice and rancour, and the greatest of all themselves under the family of Athole, though they provocations, to reproach one another with the vices were themselves sufficiently numerous to raise 1000 or personal defects of their chiefs, or that of the par- " fighting men. ticular branch whence they sprung — Burt's Letters. CEEACHS AND CEARNACHS. 321

chiefly in flocks and herds, " the usual mode where more than ordinary honour was to be of commencing attacks, or of making reprisals, acquired; but, in process of time, they were was by an incursion to carry off the cattle of employed in the degrading and dishonourable the hostile clan. A predatory expedition was task of levying contributions on their Lowland the general declaration of enmity, and a com- neighbours, or in forcing them to pay tribute mand given by the chief to clear the pastures or black mail for protection. Young men of of the enemy, constituted the usual letters of the second order of gentry who were desirous marque." 2 These Creachs, as such depredations of entering the military profession, frequently were termed, were carried on with systematic joined in these exploits, as they were con- order, and were considered as perfectly justi- sidered well fitted for accustoming those who fiable. If lives were lost in these forays, engaged in them to the fatigues and exercises revenge full and ample was taken, but in incident to a military life. The celebrated general personal hostilities were avoided in Robert Macgregor Campbell, or Rob Roy, 3 was these incursions either against the Lowlanders the most noted of these freebooters. or rival tribes. These predatory expeditions The cearnachs were principally the borderers were more frequently directed against the Low- living close to and within the Grampian range, landers, whom the Highlanders considered as but cearnachs from the more northerly parts aliens, and whose cattle they, therefore, con- of the Highlands also paid frequent visits to sidered as fair spoil at all times. The forays the Lowlands, and carried off large quantities were generally executed with great secrecy, of booty. The border cearnachs judging such and the cattle were often lifted and secured irruptions as an invasion of their rights, fre- for a considerable time before they were missed. quently attacked the northern cearnachs on

To trace the cattle which had been thus carried their return homewards ; and if they succeeded off, the owners endeavoured to discover their in capturing the spoil, they either appropriated foot-marks in the grass, or by the yielding of it to their own use or restored it to the owners. the heath over which they had passed ; and so It might be supposed that the system of acute had habit rendered their sight, that they spoliation we have described, would have led frequently succeeded, in this manner, in dis- these freebooters occasionally to steal from one covering their property. The man on whose another. Such, however, was not the case ; for property the tract of the cattle was lost was they observed the strictest honesty in this held liable if he did not succeed in following respect. No precautions were taken—because out the trace or discovering the cattle ; and if unnecessary—to protect property ; and the usual he did not make restitution, or offer to com- securities of locks, bolts, and bars, were never

pensate the loss, an immediate quarrel was the used, nor even thought of. Instances of theft

consequence. A reward, called Tasgal money, from dwelling-houses were very rare ; and, with was sometimes offered for the recovery of stolen the exception of one case which happened so

cattle ; but as this was considered in the light late as the year 1770, highway robbery was of a bribe, it was generally discouraged. The totally unknown. Yet, notwithstanding the Camerons and some other clans, it is said, laudable regard thus shown by the freebooters bound themselves by oath never to accept to the property of their own society, they such a reward, and to put to death all who attached no ideas of moral turpitude to the acts

should receive it. of spoliation we have alluded to. Donald Besides those who took part in the Creachs Cameron, or Donald Bane Leane, an active there was another and a peculiar class called leader of a party of banditti who had associated Cearnaclis, a term of similar import with the together after the troubles of 1745, tried at Catherans of the Lowlands, the Kernes of the Perth for cattle-stealing, and executed at Kin- English, and the Catervce of the Romans. The loch Rannoch, in 1752, expressed siu'prise and Cearnaclis were originally a select body of men indignation at his hard fate, as he considered employed in difficult and dangerous enterprises 3 For an account of this notorious individual, see the history of the clan Macgregor in the second part 2 Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 35. of this work. 2 S " —

322 GENEBAL HISTOKY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

it, as he had never committed murder nor among his clansmen. He generally resided robbery, or taken any thing but cattle off the among them. " His castle was the court where grass of those with whom he had quarrelled. rewards were distributed, and the most envi- The practice of " lifting of cattle " seems to able distinctions conferred. All disputes were have been viewed as a very venial offence, settled by his decision, and the prosperity or even by persons holding very different views poverty of his tenants depended on his proper of morality from the actors, in proof of which, or improper treatment of them. These tenants General Stewart refers to a letter of Field- followed his standard in war—attended him Marshal Wade to Mr. Forbes of Culloden, in his hunting excursions—supplied Ms table then Lord Advocate, dated October, 1729, with the produce of their farms—and assembled describing an entertainment given him on a to reap his corn, and to prepare and bring visit to a party of cearnachs. " The Knight home his fuel They looked up to him as and I," says the Marshal, " travelled in my their adviser and protector. The cadets of his carriage with great ease and pleasure to the family, respected in proportion to the proximity feast of oxen which the highwaymen had pre- of the relation in which they stood to him, pared for us, opposite Lochgarry, where we became a species of sub-chiefs, scattered over found four oxen roasting at the same time, in different parts of his domains, holding their great order and solemnity. We dined in a lands and properties of him, with a sort of tent pitched for that purpose. The beef was subordinate jurisdiction over a portion of his excellent; and we had plenty of bumpers, people, and were ever ready to afford him their not forgetting your Lordship's and Culloden's counsel or assistance in all emergencies. " health ; and, after three hours' stay, took leave Great part of the rent of land was paid in of our benefactors, the highwaymen, 4 and kind, and generally consumed where it was arrived at the hut at Dalnachardoch, before it produced. One chief was distinguished from was dark." 5 another, not by any additional splendour of Amid the violence and turbulence which dress or equipage, but by being followed by existed in the Highlands, no appeal for redress more dependants, and by entertaining a greater of wrongs committed, or injuries sustained, number of guests. What his retainers gave could be effectually made to the legal tribunals from their individual property was spent of the country; but to prevent the utter amongst them in the kindest and most liberal anarchy which would have ensued from such manner. At the castle every individual was a state of society, voluntary and associated made welcome, and was treated according to tribunals, composed of the principal men of his station, with a degree of courtesy and regard the tribes, weTe appointed. A composition in to his feelings unknown in any other country. cattle being the mode of compensating in- This condescension, while it raised the clans- juries, these tribunals generally determined the man in his own estimation, and drew closer amount of the compensation according to the the ties between him and his superior, seldom nature of the injury, and the wealth and rank tempted him to use any improper familiarities. of the parties. These compensations were

called Erig. 6 This was noticed by Dr. Johnson. He thns de- Besides these tribunals, every chief held a scribes a meeting between the young laird of Coll and some of his "subjects:"— " Wherever we roved, we court, in which he decided all disputes occurring were pleased to see the reverence with which his sub- jects regarded him. He did not endeavour to dazzle them by any magnificence of dress, —his only distinc- 4 General Stewart observes, that the Marshal had tion was a feather in his bonnet; but as soon as he not at this period been long enough in the Highlands appeared, they forsook their work and clustered about

' to distinguish a cearnach, or ' lifter of cattle, " from him : he took them by the hand, and they seemed a highwayman. " No such character as the latter mutually delighted. He has the proper disposition

then existed in the country ; and it may be presumed of a chieftain, and seems desirous to continue the he did not consider these men in the light which the customs of his house. The bagpiper played regularly word would indicate,—for certainly the Commander- when dinner was served, whose person and dress made in-chief would neither have associated with men whom a good appearance; and he brought no disgrace upon he supposed to be really highwaymen, nor partaken the family of Eankin, which has long supplied the of their hospital ity. lairds of Coll with hereditary music." Journey to th*. 5 Culloden Papers. Western Islands. HIGHLAND CHIEFS. 323

He believed himself well born, and was tauglit express to Logierait, and order Donald Stewart, to respect himself in the respect which he presently under sentence, to be instantly set at showed to his chief; and thus, instead of com- liberty." 8 plaining of the difference of station and fortune, The authority which the generality of the or considering a ready obedience to his chief- chiefs exercised, was acquired from ancient tain's call as a slavish oppression, he felt con- usage and the weakness of the government; vinced that he was supporting his own honour but the lords of regality, and the great barons in showing his gratitude and duty to the and chiefs, had jurisdiction conferred on them

generous head of his family. ' Hence, the by the Crown, both in civil and criminal cases, Highlanders, whom more savage nations called which they sometimes exercised in person and savage, carried in the outward expression of sometimes by deputy. The persons to whom their manners the politeness of courts without they delegated this authority were called their vices, and in their bosoms the high point bailies. In civil matters the baron or chief

of honour without its follies.'" 7 could judge in questions of debt within his It cannot, however, be denied, that the barony, as well as in most of those cases known authority of the chief was naturally arbitrary, by the technical term of possessory actions.

and was sometimes exercised unduly and with And though it has always been an established

great severity; as a proof of whieh, there is rule of law, that no person can be judge in his

said to exist among the papers of the Perth own cause, a baron might judge in all actions family, an application to Lord Drummond between himself and his vassals and tenants, from the town of Perth, dated in 1707, re- necessary for making his rents and feu-duties questing an occasional use of his lordship's effectual. Thus, he could ascertain the price executioner, who was considered an expert of corn due by a tenant, and pronounce sen- operator, a request with which his lordship tence against him for arrears of rent; but in

complied, reserving, however, to himself the all cases where the chief was a party, he could power of recalling the executioner when he not judge in person. The criminal jurisdic- had occasion for his services. Another curious tion of a baron, according to the laws ascribed

illustration of this exercise of power is given to Malcolm Mackenneth, extended to all crimes by General Stewart. Sometime before the except treason, and the four pleas of the Crown,

year 1745, Lord President Forbes dined at viz., robbery, murder, rape, and fire-raising. Blair castle with the Duke of Athole, on his Freemen could be tried by none but their way from Edinburgh to his seat at Culloden. peers. "Whenever the baron held a court, his A petition was delivered to his Grace in the vassals were bound to attend and afford such course of the evening, on reading which, he assistance as might be required. On these thus addressed the President: "My lord, here occasions many useful regulations for the good is a petition from a poor man, whom Commis- of the community were often made, and sup- sary Bisset, my baron bailie (an officer to whom plies were sometimes voluntarily granted to the chief occasionally delegated his authority), the chief to support his dignity. The bounty

has condemned to be hanged; and as he is a of the vassals was especially and liberally be- clever fellow, and is strongly recommended to stowed on the marriage of the chief, and in mercy, I am much inclined to pardon him." the portioning of his daughters and younger " But your Grace knows," said the President, sons. These donations consisted of cattle, " that, after condemnation, no man can pardon which constituted the principal riches of the but his Majesty." " As to that," replied the country in those patriarchal days. In this Duke, " since I have the power of punishing, way the younger sons of the chief were fre-

it is but right that I should have the power to quently provided for on their settlement in pardon." Then, calling upon a servant who life. was in waiting, his Grace said, " Go, send an The reciprocal ties which connected the chief and his clan were almost indissoluble.

7 Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 46, &c- -Dalrymple's 8 Memoirs. Stewart, vol. i. p. 50. 324 GENERAL H1ST0EY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

In return fur the kindness and paternal care John Macnaughton, a native of Glenlyon in bestowed by the former on the latter, they Perthshire. 9 yielded a ready submission to his authority, The obedience and attachment of the High- and evinced a rare fidelity to his person, which landers to their chiefs, and the readiness they no adversity could shake. Innumerable in- displayed, on all occasions, to adopt, when stances of this devoted attachment might be called upon, the quarrels of their superiors, given, but two will suffice. In the battle of did not, however, make them forget their own Inverkeithing, between the royalists and the independence. When a chief was unfit for troops of Oliver Cromwell, 500 of the followers his situation, or had degraded his name and of the Laird of Maclean were left dead on the family, the clan proceeded to depose him, and

field. Sir Hector Maclean being hard pressed set up the next in succession, if deserving, to by the enemy in the heat of the action, was whom they transferred their allegiance, as successively covered from their attacks by happened to two chiefs of the families of Mac- seven brothers, all of whom sacrificed their donald of Clanronald and Macdonell of Kep-

lives in his defence ; and as one fell another poch. The head of the family of Stewart of came up in succession to cover him, crying, " Another for Hector." This phrase, says 9 A picture of the horse was in the possession of General Stewart, has continued ever since a the late General Stewart of Garth, being a legacy bequeathed to him by the daughter of Mr. Menzies. proverb or encounters watchword, when a man "A brother of Macnaughton, " says the General, "lived any sudden danger that requires instant suc- for many years on the estate of Garth, and died in 1790. He always went about armed, at least so far cour. other instance is a The that of servant armed, that when debarred wearing a sword or dirk, of the late James Menzies of Culdares, who he slung a large long knife in his belt. He was one of the last I recollect of the ancient race, and gave a had been engaged in the rebellion of 1715. very favourable impression of their general manner Mr. Menzies was taken at Preston in Lanca- and appearance. He was a smith by trade, and although of the lowest order of the people, he walked shire, was carried to London, where he was about with an air and manner that might have become tried and condemned, but afterwards reprieved. a field-marshal. He spoke with great force and fluency of language, and, although most respectful to This act prevented him from turning out in those to whom he thought respect was due, he had an

1745 : but to show his good wishes towards appearance of independence and ease, that strangers, ignorant of the language and character of the people, Prince Charles, he sent him a handsome might have supposed to proceed from impudence. As charger as a present, when advancing through he always carried arms when legally permitted, so he showed on one occasion that he knew how to England. The servant who led and delivered handle them. When the Black Watch was quartered on the the horse was taken prisoner and carried to banks of the rivers Tay and Lyon, in 1741, an affray and Carlisle, where he was tried and condemned. arose between a few of the soldiers some of the people at a fair at Kenmore. Some of the Breadalbane Every attempt was made, by threats of im- men took the part of the soldiers, and, as many were mediate execution, in case of refusal, and armed, swords were quickly drawn, and one of the former killed, when their opponents, with whom was promises of pardon, on giving information, to Macnaughton, and a smith, (to whom he was then an extort a discovery from him of the person who apprentice,) retreated and fled to the ferry-boat across the Tay. There was no bridge, and the ferryman, on sent the horse, but in vain. He knew, he seeing the fray, chained his boat. Macnaughton was said, what would be the consequence of a the first at the river side, and leaping into the boat, followed by his master, the smith, with a stroke of his that his life disclosure, and own was nothing broadsword cut the chain, and crossing the river, fixed in comparison with that which it would en- the boat on the opposite side, and thus prevented an immediate pursuit. Indeed no farther steps were danger. Being hard pressed at the place of taken. The Earl of Breadalbane, who was then at execution to inform on his master, he asked Taymouth, was immediately sent for. On inquiry, he found that the whole had originated from an accidental those about him if they were really serious in reflection thrown out by a soldier of one of the Argyle supposing that he was such a villain as to companies against the Atholemen, then supposed to be Jacobites, and that it was difficult to ascertain who betray his master. He said, that if he did gave the fatal blow. The man who was killed was an what they desired, and forgot his master and old warrior of nearly eighty years of age. He had been with Lord Breadalbane's men, under Campbell his trust, he needed not return to his country, of Glenlyon, at the battle of Sheriffmuir ; and, as his for Glenlyon would be no home or country for side lost their cause, he swore never to shave again. He kept his word, and as his beard grew till it reached him, as he would be despised and hunted out his girdle, he got the name of Padric-na-Phaisaig, of the glen. This trusty servant's name was ' Peter with the Beard." ; "

FIDELITY OF CLANS TO THEIE CHIEFS. 325

< larth, who, on account of his ferocious dis- that the man who betrayed his trust was con- position, was nick-named the " Fierce Wolf," sidered unworthy of the name which he bore, was, about the year 1520, not only deposed, or of the kindred to which he belonged."

but confined for life in a cell in the castle of From this principle flowed a marked detes- Garth, which was, therefore, long regarded by tation of treachery, a vice of very rare occur-

the people with a kind of superstitious terror. rence among the Highlanders ; and so tenacious The clans even sometimes interfered with the were they on that point, that the slightest choice of the chiefs in changing their places of suspicion of infidelity on the part of an indi- abode, or in selecting a site for a new residence. vidual estranged him from the society of his The Earl of Seaforth was prevented by his clan, who shunned him as a person with whom

clan (the M'Kenzies) from demolishing Brahan it was dangerous any longer to associate. The castle, the principal seat of the family. In case of John Du Cameron, better known, from the same way the Laird of Glenorchy, ancestor his large size, by the name of Sergeant Mor, 1 of the Marquis of Breadalbane, having some affords an example of this. This man had time previous to the year 1570, laid the been a sergeant in the French service, and foundation of a castle which he intended to returned to Scotland in the year 1745, when build on a hill on the side of Lochtay, was he engaged in the rebellion. Having no fixed compelled, or induced, by his people, to change abode, and dreading the consequences of hav-

liis plan and build the castle of Balloch or ing served in the French army, and of being Taymouth. afterwards engaged in the rebellion, he formed

From what has been stated, it will be per- a party of freebooters, and took up his resi- ceived that the influence of a chief with his dence among the mountains on the borders of clan depended much on his personal qualities, the counties of Perth, Inverness, and Argyle, of which kindness and a condescension, which where he carried on a system of spoliation by admitted of an easy familiarity, were necessary carrying off the cattle of those he called his

traits. Captain Burt, the author of ' Letters enemies, if they did not purchase his forbear- from the North,' thus alludes to the familiarity ance by the payment of Back mail. Cameron which existed between a chief and his clan, and had long been in the habit of sleeping in a the affability and courtesy with which they barn on the farm of Dunan in Bannoch ; but " were accustomed to be treated : And as the meanest among them pretended to be his 1 The following amusing anecdote of this man is relations consanguinity, they insisted on by related by General Stewart : — " On one occasion he the privilege of taking him by the hand when- met with an officer of the garrison of Fort-William on the mountains of Lochaber. The officer told him ever they met him. Concerning this last, I that he suspected he had lost his way, and, having a once saw a number of very discontented coun- large sum of money for the garrison, was afraid of

meeting the sergeant Mor ; he therefore requested tenances when a certain lord, one of the chiefs, that the stranger would accompany him on his road. endeavoured to evade this ceremony. It was The other agreed ; and, while they walked on, they talked much of the sergeant and his feats, the officer in the presence of an English gentleman, of using much—freedom with his name, calling him robber, high station, from whom he would willingly murderer. ' Stop there,' interrupted his companion, ' he does indeed take the cattle of the whigs and you have concealed the knowledge of such seeming Sassanachs, but neither he nor his cearnachs ever shed familiarity with slaves of wretched appearance innocent blood ; except onee,' added he, 'that I was unfortunate at Braemar, when a man was killed, but and thinking it, I suppose, a kind of contra- I immediately ordered the creach (the spoil) to be diction to what he had often boasted at other abandoned, and left to the owners, retreating as fast

! ' as we could after such a misfortune ' You, ' says times, viz., his despotic power in his clan." ? ' the officer, what had you to do with the affair ' 'I From the feeling of self-respect which the am John Du Cameron, I am the sergeant — Mor ; there is the road to Inverlochay, you cannot now urbanity and condescension of the chiefs natu- — mistake it. You and your money are safe. Tell your rally created in the minds of the people, arose governor to send a more war}' messenger for his gold. Tell him also, that, although an outlaw, and that honourable principle of fidelity to superi- forced to live on the public, I am a soldier as well as himself, ors and to their trust, which we have already and would despise taking his gold from a defenceless noticed, " and which," says General Stewart, man who confided in me. ' The officer lost no time in reaching the garrison, and never forgot the adven- " was so generally and so forcibly imbibed, ture, which he frequently related. —

326 GENEKAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. having been betrayed by some person, he was Andrew Wyntoun (1420), referring to the combat apprehended one night when asleep in the on N. Inch, says, barn, in the year 1753, by a party of Lieu- At Sanct Johnstone beside the Freris, tenant (after Sir Hector) Munro's detach- All thai entrit in Barreris Wyth Bow and Ax, Knyf and Swerd, ment. He was carried to Perth, and there To deil amang them their last werd. tried before the court of justiciary for the John Major (1512). murder alluded to in the note, and various From the middle of their thigh to the foot they acts of theft and cattle-stealing. Being found have no covering for the leg, clothing themselves with guilty, he was executed at Perth in 1753. It a mantle instead of an upper garment, and a shirt was generally believed in the country that dyed with saffron. They always carry a bow and Cameron had been betrayed by the man in arrows, a very broad sword with a small halbert, a whose barn he had taken shelter, and the large dagger, sharpened on one side only, but very sharp, under the belt. In time of war they cover circumstance of his renting a farm from govern- their whole body with a shirt of mail of iron rings, ment, on the forfeited estate of Strowan, on and fight in that. The common people of the High- advantageous terms, strengthened the suspi- land Scots rush into battle, having their body clothed cion; but beyond this there was nothing to with a linen garment manifoldly sewed and painted confirm the imputation. Yet this man was or daubed with pitch, with a covering of deerskin. ever after heartily despised, and having by Ill another place he speaks much to the same various misfortunes lost all his property, which purport. obliged him to leave the country in great In the accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of poverty, the people firmly believed that his Scotland, in August 1538, we find the following entries regarding a Highland dress made for King misfortunes were a just judgment upon him James V., on the occasion of that monarch making for violating the trust reposed in him by an a hunting excursion into the Highlands : unsuspecting and unfortunate person. Item in the first for ii elnis ane quarter elne of Such were some of the leading character- variant cullorit velvet to be the Kingis Grace ane schort istics of this remarkable race of people, who Heland coit price of the elne vilib summa xiiilib x s. preserved many of their national peculiarities Item, for iii elnis quarter elne of grene taffatys xs till a comparatively recent period. These, to lyne the said coit with, price of the elne sum- ma ...... xxxiia vi'd. whoever, are now fast disappearing before the Item for iii elnis of Heland tartane to be hoiss to march of modern improvement and civiliza- the Kingis Grace, price of the elne iiiis mid sum- tion and are sorry to add that the vices xiiis. ; we ma • . which seem almost inseparable from this new Item for xv elnis of holland claith to be syde of the elne state of society have found their way into some Heland sarkis to the Kingis Grace, price viiis summa ...... vilib. parts of the Highlands, and supplanted, to a Item for sewing and making of the said sarkis ixs. certain extent, many of those shining virtues Item for twa unce of silk to sew thame . x». which were once the glory of the Gael. Item for iiii elnis of rubanis to the handis of s thame ...... ii . Letter written by John Elder, a Highland priest to Henry VIII. (1543). APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XVIII., Moreover, wherefor they call us in Scotland Iiedd- shankes, and in your Graces dominion of England, Containing notices by contemporary writers, from the roghe footide Scottis, Pleas it your Maiestie to under- 11th century downwards, of the dress and arms of the of all people can tollerat, suffir, and Highlanders ; extracted from the Iona Club publica- stande, that we tion, Collectanea de rebus Albanicis. away best with colde, for boithe somer and wyntir (exeepte when the froest is most vehemonte), goynge Magnus Berfaet's Saga. alwaies bair leggide and bair footide, our delite and wolfes, A.D. 1093. It is said when King Magnus returned pleasure is not onely in huntynge of redd deir, from bis expedition in the west, that he adopted the foxes, and graies, whereof we abounde, and have costume in use in the western lands, and likewise greate plentie, but also in rynninge, leapinge, swym-

and thrawinge of dartis : therfor, many of his followers ; that they went about bare- mynge, shootynge, legged having short tunics (W. kyrtles), and also in so moche as we use and delite so to go alwaies, the gentillmen of Scotland call us Redd- upper garments ; and so many men called him Eare- tendir delicatt legged or Barefoot. shankes. And agayne in wynter, whene the froest U — — —

APPENDIX—HIGHLAND DEESS AND AEMS. 327

niooste vehement (as I have saide) which we can not their enemies' hands if they chanced to fall into such suffir bair footide, so weill as snow, whiche can never a strait. Their clothing was made for use (being hurt us whene it cummes 'to our girdills, we go a chiefly suited to war), and not for ornament. All, huntynge, and after that we have slayne redd deir, both nobles and common people, wore mantles of one we flaye of the skyne, bey and bey, and settinge of our sort (except that the nobles preferred those of several bair foote on the insyde therof, for neide of cunnyge colours). These were long and flowing, but capable shoemakers, by your Graces pardon, we play the of being neatly gathered up at pleasure into folds. I

sutters ; compasinge and mesuringe so moche thereof, am inclined to believe that they were the same aa as shall retche up to our anclers, pryckynge the upper those to which the ancients gave the name of braehal. part therof also with holis, that the water may repas Wrapped up in these for their only covering they when it entres, and stretchide up with a stronge would sleep comfortably. They had also shaggy rugs, thwange of the same, meitand above our said ancklers, such as the Irish use at the present day, some fitted

so, and please your noble Grace, we make our shoois : for a journey, others to be placed on a bed. The rest Therfor, we usinge such maner of shoois, the roghe of their garments consisted of a short woollen jacket hairie syde outwart, in your Graces dominion of Eng- with the sleeves open below for the convenience of

land, we be callit roghe footide Scottis ; which maner throwing their darts, and a covering for the thighs of of schoois (and pleas your Highnes) in Latyne be the simplest kind, more for decency than for show or called perones, whereof the poet Virgill makis men- a defence against cold. They made also of linen, very cioun, sayinge, That the olde auncient Latyns in tyme large shirts, with numerous folds and wide sleeves, of warrs uside suche maner of schoos. And althoughe which flowed abroad loosely to their knees. These, a great sorte of us Reddshankes go after this maner in the rich coloured with saffron, and others smeared our countrethe, yeit never the les, and pleas your with some grease to preserve them longer clean among Grace, when we come to the courte (the Kinges Grace the toils and exercises of a camp, which they held it our great master being alyve) waitinge on our Lordes of the highest consequence to practise continually. and maisters, who also, for velvettis and silkis, be In the manufacture of these, ornament and a certain at- right well araide, we have as good garmentis as some tention to taste were not altogether neglected, and they of our fellowis whiche gyve attendaunce in the court joined the different parts of their shirts very neatly every day. with silk threads, chiefly of a green or red colour. Their women's attire was very becoming. Over a John de Beaugue, a Frenchman, who wrote a gown reaching to the ancles, and generally em- history of the campaigns in Scotland in 1549, broidered, they wore large mantles of the kind already printed in Paris in 1556, states that, at the siege described, and woven of different colours. Their chief of Haddington, in 1549, "they (the Scottish army) ornaments were the bracelets and necklaces with were followed by the Highlanders, and these last which they decorated their arms and necks. go almost naked ; they have painted waistcoats, George Buchanan (pub. 1582, thus translated by and a sort of woollen covering, variously coloured." Monypenny 1612). Lindsay of Pitscottie (wrote about 1573) : They delight in marled clothes, specially that have The other pairts [of Scotland] northerne are full of

long stripes of sundry colours ; they love chiefly pur- mountaines, and very rud and homlie kynd of people ple and blew. Their predecessors used short mantles doeth inhabite, which is called the Reidschankis or

or plaids of divers colours sundry waies devided ; and Wyld Scottis. They be clothed with ane mantle, amongst some, the same custome is observed to this with ane schirt saffroned after the Irisch manner,

day ; but for the most part now they are browne, going bair-lsgged to the knee. Thair weapones ar more nere to the colour of the hadder ; to the effect bowis and dartes, with ane verie broad sword and ane when they lie amongst the hadder the bright colour dagger scharp onlie at the on edge.

of their plaids shall not bewray them ; with the which, John Lesley, Bishop of Ross, who published his rather coloured than clad, they suffer the most cruel

work De origine, moribus et rebus gestis Scotorum tempests that blow in the open field in such sort, that

at Rome in 1578, thus describes the arms and dress under a wrythe of snow they slepe sound. . . . of the old Scots, which were still in his time used Their armour wherewith they cover their bodies in time of werre, is an iron bonnet and an habbergion by the Highlanders and Islanders : side (long) almost even to their heeles. Their weapones In battle and hostile encounter their missile weapons against their enemies are bowes and arrowes. The were a lance and arrows. They used also a two-edged arrows are for the most part hooked, with a bauble on sword which, with the foot soldiers was pretty long, either side, which once entered within the body can- and short for the horse both had it broad, and with ; not be drawn forth againe, unlesse the wounde be an edge so exceeding sharp that at one blow it would made wider. Some of them fight with broad swords easily cut a man in two. For defence, they used a and axes. coat of mail, woven of iron rings, which they wore over a leather jerkin, stout and of handsome appear- Nicolay d'Arfeville, Cosmographer to King of ance, which we call an aeton. Their whole armour France, pub. 1583, a vol. on Scotland, speaks was light, that they might the more easily slip from thus : —

328 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

They [wild Scots] weir like the Irish, a long large and their followers ; all and every man in generall, in and full shirt, coloured with saffron, and over this a one habit, as if Licurgus had been there, and made

garment hanging to the knee, of thick wool, after the lawes of equality. For once in the yeere, which is the manner of a cassock. They go with bare heads, and whole moneth of August, and sometimes part of allow the hair to grow very long, and they wear neither September, many of the nobility and gentry of the stockings nor shoes, except some who have buskins kingdome (for their pleasure) doe come into these made in a very old fashion, which come as high as Highland countries to hunt, where they doe conforme their knees. Their arms are the bow and arrow, and themselves to the habite of the Highland men, who,

some darts, which they throw with great dexterity, for the moste part, speake nothing but Irish ; and in and a large sword, with a single-edged dagger. They former time were those people which were called the are very swift of foot, and there is no horse so swift as Red-shanks. Their habite is shooes with but one sole

to outstrip them, as I have seen proved several times, apiece ; stockings (which they call short hose) made both in England and Scotland. of a warme stuff of divers colours, which they call tartane. As for breeches, many of them, nor their In 1594, when Red Hugh O'Donnell, Lord of forefathers, ever wore any, but a jerkin of the same Tirconall in Ulster, was in rebellion against Queen stuffe that their hose is of, their garters being bands Elizabeth, he was assisted for some time by a body or wreathes of hay or straw, with a plaed about their of auxiliaries from the Hebrides. These warriors shoulders, which is a mantle of divers colours, much are described in the following terms in the Life of finer and lighter stuffe than their hose, with blue flat Hugh O'Donnell, originally written in Irish by caps on their heads, a handkerchiefe knit with two Peregrine O'Clery, and since translated by the late knots about their necke ; and thus are they attyred. Edward O'Reilly, Esq. Now, their weapons are long bowes and forked arrowes, The outward clothing they (the auxiliaries from the swords and targets, harquebusses, muskets, durks, isles) wore, was a mottled garment with numerous and Loquhabor-axes. With these armes I found colours hanging in folds to the calf of the leg, with a many of them armed for the huntjng. As for their girdle round the loins over the garment. Some of attire, any man of what degree soever that comes them with horn-hafted swords, large and military, amongst them, must not disdaine to weare it ; for if over their shoulders. A man when he had to strike they doe, then they will disdaine to hunt, or willingly

with them, was obliged to apply both his hands to the to bring in their dogges ; but if men be kind unto them, haft. and be in their habit, then are they conquered with kindnesse, and the sport will be plentifull. This was John Taylor, the Water Poet, made an excursion the reason that I found so many noblemen and gentle- to Scotland in 1618, of which he published an men in those shapes. But to proceed to the hunting. amusing account under the title of The Pennylesse My good Lord of Man' having put me into that Pilgrimage. describes the dress of the High- He shape, I rode with him from his house, where I saw landers in the following account he gives of his the mines of an old castle, called the castle of Kin- visit to Braemar for the purpose of paying his droghit. It was built bj' king Malcolm Canmore (for respects to the Earl of Mai and Sir W. Moray of a hunting house), who raigned in Scotland when Abercairney. Edward the Confessor, Harold, and Norman William

; it, it the Thus, with extreme travell, ascending and descend- raigned in England I speak of because was

last I in ; for I was the ing, mounting and alighting, I came at night to the house that saw those parts of after, I either house, place where I would be, in the Brae of Marr, which space twelve dayes before saw corne-field, for creature, deere, is a large county all composed of such mountaines, or habitation any hut wild like creatures, that Shooters hill, Gads hill, Highgate hill, Hamp- horses, wolves, and such which I seene a stead hill, Birdlip hill, or Malvernes hills, are but made me doubt that should never have house mole-hills in comparison, or like a liver, or a gizzard againe. under a capon's wing, in respect to the altitude of their Defoe, in his Memoirs of a Cavalier, written tops, or perpendicularite of their bottomes. There I about 1721, and obviously composed from authentic saw Benawne with a furrd'd mist upon his mount materials, thus describes the Highland part of the snowy head instead of a night-cap ; for you must Scottish army which invaded England in 1639, at understand, that the oldest man alive never saw but the commencement of the great civil war. The the snow was on the top of divers of those hills, (both Cavalier having paid a visit to the Scottish camp in summer as well as in winter). There did I find to satisfy his curiosity, thus proceeds : the truely noble and Right Honourable Lords John Erskine, Earle of Marr, James Stuart, Earle of I confess the soldiers made a very uncouth figure,

Murray, George Gordon, Earle of Engye, Sonne and especially the Highlanders : the oddness and barbarity heire to the Marquise of Huntley, James Erskin, of their garb and arms seemed to have something in Earle of Bughan, and John, Lord Erskin, sonne it remarkable. They were generally tall swinging and heire to the Earle of Marr, and their Countesses, fellows ; their swords were extravagantly and I think with my much honoured, and my best assured and insignificantly broad, and they carried great wooden approved friend, Sir William Murray, Knight, of targets, large enough to cover the upper part of their

Abercarny, and hundred of others, knights, esquires, bodies. Their dress was as antique as the rest ; a cap — ; ; ; : ;

APPENDIX—HIGHLAND DRESS AND AEMS. 329

on their heads, called by them a bonnet, long hang- the mantles our painters give their heroes. Their ing sleeves behind, and their doublet, breeches, and thighs are bare, with brawny muscles. Nature has stockings, of a stuff they called plaid, stripped across drawn all her strokes bold and masterly; what is red and yellow, with short cloaks of the same. covered is only adapted to necessity—a thin brogue on the foot, a short buskin of various colours on the leg, William Cleland, Lieutenant-Colonel to the Earl tied above the calf with a striped pair of garters. of Angus's regiment, who was killed whilst gal- What should be concealed is hid with a large shot- lantly defending his post at Dunkeld, against a pouch, on each side of which hangs a pistol and a party of Highlanders, soon after the Revolution, dagger, as if they found it necessary to keep those the of the wrote a satirical poem upon expedition parts well guarded. A round target on their backs, Highland host in 1678, from which the following a blue bonnet on their heads, in one hand a broad-

extract is taken : sword, and a musquet in the other. Perhaps no

Their head, their neck, their legs, their thighs nation goes better armed; and I assure you they will Are influenced by the skies, handle them with bravery and dexterity, especially Without a clout to interrupt them the sword and target, as our veteran regiments found They need not strip them when they whip them to their cost at Killiecrankie. Nor loose their doublet when they're hanged. The following minute description of Highland But those who were their chief Commanders, dress is contained in Martin's Western Isles of As such who bore the pirnie standards, Scotland — Who led the van, and drove the rear, first habit wore by persons of distinction in the Were right well mounted of their gear The With brogues, trues, and pirnie plaides, islands, was the leni-croicli, from the Irish word lent, With good blew bonnets on their heads, which signifies a shirt, and crock, saffron, because

Which on the one side had a flipe their shirt was died with that herb : the ordinary Adorn'd with a tobacco pipe, number of ells used to make this robe was twenty-

With durk, and snap work, and snuff mill, four; it was the upper garb, reaching below the knees, A bagg which they with onions fill, and was tied with a belt round the middle ; but the And, as their strik observers say, islanders have laid it aside about a hundred years ago. A tupe horn fill'd with usquebay They now generally use coat, wastcoat, and breeches, A slasht out coat beneath her plaids, as elsewhere, and on their heads wear bonnets made A targe of timber, nails and hides ; of thick cloth, some blew, some black, and some gray. With a long two-handed sword. Many of the people wear troivis. Some have them As good's the country can affoord. very fine woven like stockings of those made of cloath; some are coloured and others striped; the latter are as . . . . they're smear'd with tar, Which doth defend them heel and neck, well shap'd as the former, lying close to the body from Just as it doth their sheep protect. the middle downwards, and tied round with a belt above the haunches. There is a square piece of cloth William Sacheverell, governor of the Isle of which hangs down before. The measure for shaping Man, made an excursion in 1688 through the Isle the trowis is a stick of wood whose length is a cubit, of Mull, and thence to Icolmkill. An account of and that divided into the length of a finger, and half this he published in 1702, in which he describes a finger; so that it requires more skill to make it, from observation, the dress, armour, and appearance than the ordinary habit. of the Highlanders. The shooes anciently wore, was a piece of the hide During my stay, I generally observed the men to of a deer, cow, or horse, with the hair on, being tied be large-bodied, stout, subtle, active, patient of cold behind and before with a point of leather. The gener- and hunger. There appeared in all their actions a ality now wear shooes having one thin sole only, and certain generous air of freedom, and contempt of those shaped after the right and left foot ; so that what is trifles, luxury and ambition, which we so servilely for one foot, will not serve the other. creep after. They bound their appetites by their But persons of distinction wear the garb in fashion necessities, and their happiness consists, not in having in the south of Scotland. much, but in coveting little. The women seem to The plad wore only by the men, is made of fine have the same sentiments with the men; though their wool, the thread as fine as can be made of that kind habits were mean, and they had not our sort of it consists of divers colours, and there is a great deal breeding, yet in many of them there was a natural of ingenuity requir'd in sorting the colours, so as to beauty and a graceful modesty, which never fails of be agreeable to the nicest fancy. For this reason the attracting. The usual outward habit of both sexes is women are at great pains, first to give an exact the pladd the ; women's much finer, the colours more pattern of the plade upon a piece of wood, having the lively, and the squares larger than the men's, and put number of every thread of the stripe on it. The in of me mind the ancient Picts. This serves them length of it is commonly seven double ells; the one for a veil, and covers both head and body. The men end hangs by the middle over the left arm, the other wear theirs after another manner, especially when going round the body, hangs by the end over the left designed for ornament: it is loose and iowiDg, like arm also. The right hand above it is to be at liberty 2 T —

330 GEKEKAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. to do any thing upon occasion. Every isle differs engaged under Marshal Wade on the military roads from each other in their fancy of making plaids, as to through the Highlands, begun in the year 1726: the stripes in "breadth and colours. This humour is as different thro' the main land of the Highlands, The Highland dress consists of a bonnet made of insofar that they who have seen those places, is able thrum without a brim, a short coat, a waistcoat, at the first view of a man's plaid, to guess the place of longer by five or six inches, short stockings, and his residence. brogues, >or pumps without heels. By the way, they When they travel on foot, the plaid is tied on the cut holes in their brogues, though new made, to let breast with a bodkin of bone or wood, (just as the out the water, when they have far to go and rivers to spina wore by the Germans, according to the descrip- pass : this they do to preserve their feet from galling. tion of 0. Tacitus ;) the plaid is tied round the middle Few besides gentlemen wear the trowze, —that is, with a leather belt ; it is pleated from the belt to the the breeches and stockings all of one piece, and drawn knee very nicely ; this dress for footmen is found much on together; over this habit they wear a plaid, which sasier and lighter than breeches, or trowis. is usually three yards long and two breadths wide,

The ancient dress wore by the women, and which is and the whole garb is made of chequered tartan, or yet wore by some of the vulgar, called arisad, is a plaiding : this, with the sword and pistol, is called a white plade, having a few small stripes of black, blew, full dress, and, to a well-proportioned man, with any and red; it reached from the neck to the heels, and tolerable air, it makes an agreeable figure; but this was tied before on the breast with a buckle of silver, you have seen in London, and it is chiefly their mode or brass, according to the quality of the person. I of dressing when they are in the Lowlands, or when have seen some of the former of an hundred marks they make a neighbouring visit, or go anywhere on value ; it was broad as any ordinary pewter plate, the horseback ; but when those among them who travel whole curiously engraven with various animals, &c. on foot, and have not attendants to carry them over

There was a lesser buckle which was wore in the the waters, they vary it into the quelt, which is a middle of the larger, and above two ounces weight ; it manner I am about to describe. had in the center a large piece of chrystal, or some The common habit of the ordinary Highlanders is finer stone, and this was set all round with several far from being acceptable to the eye : with them a finer stones of a lesser size. small part of the plaid, which is not so large as the

The plad being pleated all round, was tied with former, is set in folds and girt round the waist, to a belt below the breast; the belt was of leather, and make of it a short petticoat that reaches half way several pieces of silver intermix'd with the leather like down the thigh, and the rest is brought over the a chain. The lower end of the belt has a piece of shoulders, and then fastened before, below the neck, plate about eight inches long, and three in breadth, often with a fork, and sometimes with a bodkin or curiously engraven ; the end of which was adorned sharpened piece of stick, so that they make pretty with fine stones, or pieces of red corral. They wore nearly the appearance of the poor women in London sleeves of scarlet cloth, clos'd at the end as mens when they bring their gowns over their heads to vests, with gold lace round 'em, having plate buttons shelter them from the rain. In this way of wearing set with fine stones. The head dress was a fine the plaid, they have sometimes nothing else to cover kerchief of linen strait about the head, hanging do.wn them, and are often barefoot; but some I have seen the back taper-wise ; a large lock of hair hangs down shod with a kind of pumps, made out of a raw cow- their cheeks above their breast, the lower end tied hide, with the hair turned outward, which being ill with a knot of ribbands. made, the wearer's foot looked something like those

The ancient way of fighting was by set battles, and of a rough-footed hen or pigeon : these are called for arms some had broad two handed swords, and quarrants, and are not only offensive to the sight, but head-pieces, and others bows and arrows. When all intolerable to the smell of those who are near them. their arrows were spent, they attack'd one another The stocking rises no higher than the thick of the with sword in hand. Since the invention of guns, calf, and from the middle of the thigh to the middle they aere very early accustomed to use them, and of the leg is a naked space, which, being exposed to carry their pieces with them wherever they go : they all weathers, becomes tanned and freckled. This likewise learn to handle the broad sword, and target. dress is called the quelt ; and, for the most part, they The chief of each tribe advances with his followers wear the petticoat so very short, that in a windy day, within shot of the enemy, having first laid aside their going up a hill, or stooping, the indecency of it is upper garments ; and after one general discharge, they plainly discovered. attack them with sword in hand, having their target I have observed before that the plaid serves the on their left hand, (as they did at Kelicranky) which ordinary people for a cloak by day and bedding at soon brings the matter to an issue, and verifies the night : by the latter it imbibes so much perspiration, observation made of 'em by our historians, that no one day can free it from the filthy smell ; and

Aut mors cito, aut victoria lseta. even some of better than ordinary appearance, when the plaid falls from the shoulder, or otherwise requires The following is taken from Letters from a to be re-adjusted, while you are talking with them, Gentleman in the North of Scotland, written by toss it over again, as some people do the knots of their Captain Burt, an English officer of Engineers, wigs, which conveys the offence in whiffs that are in- — — ; —

APPENDIX—HIGHLAND DEESS AND AEMS. 331 tolerable ; —of this they seem not to be sensible, for it 5. A tartan pair of stockings, ditto, with yellow is often done only to give themselves airs. garters.

The plaid is the undress of the ladies; and to a 6. Two pair of brogs. genteel woman, who adjusts it with a good air, is a 7. A silver-mounted purse and belt. becoming veil. But as I am pretty sure you never S. A target with spear. saw one of them in England, I shall employ a few 9. A broadsword. words to describe it to you. It is made of silk or fine 1 0. A pair of pistols and bullet-mould. worsted, chequered with various lively colours, two 11. A dirk, knife, fork, and belt. breadths wide, and three yards in length ; it is brought over the head, and may hide or discover the face ac-

cording to the wearer's fancy or occasion : it reaches to the waist behind ; one corner falls as low as the ankle on one side ; and the other part, in folds, hangs CHAPTEE XIX. down from the opposite arm. A. d. 1660—16S9. The ordinary girls wear nothing upon their heads until they are married or have a child, except some- BRITISH sovereigns:— times a fillet of red or blue coarse cloth, of which they are very proud ; but often their hair hangs down over the forehead like that of a wild colt. If they Trial wear stockings, which is very rare, they lay them in and Execution of the Marquis of Argyle—His character Feud between the Earl of Argyle and plaits one above another, from the ancle up to the — the Macleans—The " Highland Host "—The Test- - calf, to make their legs appear as near as they can in Trial and Condemnation of the Earl of Argyle— the form of a cylinder ; but I think I have seen some- Argyle escapes—Argyle and Monmouth's invasion thing like this among the poor German refugee women Execution of Argyle—Unconstitutional proceedings of the Designs of the Prince of Orange Pro- and the Moorish men in London. King— — ceedings of King James— Landing of the Prince of Orange—State of feeling in Scotland—Flight of the Mr. Gough, in his additions to Camden's Britan- King—The Duke of Gordon—Convention of Estates nia, gives the following accurate description of the —Dukeof Gordonholds Edinburgh Castle—Viscount Highland dress and armour, as they were to be Dundee. found in the district of Breadalbane previous to the The news of the king's arrival was received proscription of the dress : in Scotland with a hurst of enthusiasm not The dress of the men is the brechan or plaid, 12 or 13 yards of narrow stuff wrapped round the middle, quite in accordance with the national charac- and reaching to the knees, often girt round the waist, ter; 2 but the idea that the nation was about and in cold weather covering the whole body, even on to regain its liberties made Scotsmen forget the open hills, all night, and fastened on the shoulders their wonted propriety. Preparatory to the with a brooch ; short stockings tied below the knee parliament, truish, a genteeler kind of breeches, and stockings of assembling of the Scottish which one piece ; cxLeranen, a laced shoe of skin, with the was summoned to meet at Edinburgh on the hairy side out, rather disused; kilt or fillibeg, g. d. 1st of January, 1661, Middleton, who had little plaid, or short petticoat, reaching to the knees, lately been created an earl, was appointed his substituted of late to the longer end of the plaid ; and majesty's commissioner ; the Earl of Glencairn, lastly, the pouch of badger or other skins, with tassels

; Lauderdale, secretary hanging before them...... chancellor the Earl of The women's dress is the kerch, or white linen of state ; the Earl of Eothes, president of the pinned round behind like a hood, and over the fore- council ; and the Earl of Crawford, lord-trea- heads of married women, whereas maidens wear only surer. a snood or ribbon round their heads ; the tanac or plaid fastened over their shoulders, and drawn over = accident in the their heads in bad weather ; a plaited long stocking, "I believe there was never world altered the disposition of a people more than that (the called ossan, is their high dress. king's return) did the Scottish nation. Sober men The following detail of the complete equipment observed, it not only inebriat but really intoxicate, and made people not only drunk but frantick; men did of a Highland chief was communicated by a High- not think they could handsomely express their joy land gentleman to Charles Grant, Vicomte de except they turned brutes for debauch, rebels, and T Vaux, by whom it was printed in his Memoires de pugeants; j ea, many a sober man was tempted to ex- ceed, lest he should be condemned as unnatural, dis- la Maison de Grant, in 1796 : loyal, and unsensible. Most of the nobility, and many of the gentry, and hungry old souldiers, flew to Lon- No. 1 . A full-trimmed bonnet. don, just as the vulture does to the carcase. And 2. A tartan jacket, vest, kilt, and cross-belt. though many of them were bare enough, they made no 3. A tartan belted plaid. bones to give 15 of the 100 of exchange."— Kirkton, 4. pair of hose, made up [of cloth]. p. 65. 332 GENEBAL IIISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

It would be quite apart from trie object of tunately for that nobleman, they had recovered this work to detail the many unconstitutional some letters which he had written to Monk acts passed by this " terrible parliament," as it and other English officers, in which were found

is well named by Kirkton ; but the trial of the some expressions very hostile to the king ; but Marquis of Aigyle must not be overlooked. as these letters have not been preserved, their That nobleman had, on the restoration of the precise contents are not known. Argyle was king, gone to London to congratulate his ma- again brought before parliament, and the letters jesty on his return; but on his arrival he read in Ms presence. He had no explanation was immediately seized and committed to the to give, and his friends, vexed and dismayed, Tower. He petitioned the king for a personal retired from the house and left him to his fate. interview, which was refused, and, to get rid He was accordingly sentenced to death on the of his importunities, his majesty directed that 25th of May, 1661, and, that he might not he should be sent back to Scotland for trial. have an opportunity of appealing to the clem-

Being brought to trial, he applied for delay, ency of the king, he was ordered to be beheaded till some witnesses at a distance should be within forty-eight hours. He prepared for

examined on commission ; but this also was re- death with a fortitude not expected from the fused. He thereupon claimed the benefit of timidity of his nature ; wrote a long letter to the amnesty which the king had granted at the king, vindicating his memory, and implor

Stirling. This plea was sustained by desire of ing protection for his poor wife and family ; on the king ; but as there were other charges the day of his execution, dined at noon with against him, arising out of transactions subse- his friends with great cheerfulness, and was quent to the year 1651, to which year only the accompanied by several of the nobility to the amnesty extended, the trial was proceeded in. scaffold, where he behaved with singular con- These charges were, that he had aided the stancy and courage. After dinner he retired a English in destroying the liberties of Scotland short time for private prayer, and, on return- —that he had accepted a grant of £12,000 ing, told his friends that " the Lord had sealed from Cromwell—that he had repeatedly used his charter, and said to him, ' Son, be of good defamatory and traitorous language in speaking cheer, thy sins are forgiven.' " When brought of the royal family—and, lastly, that he had to the scaffold he addressed the people, pro- voted for a bill abjuring the right of the royal tested his innocence, declared his adherence to family to the crowns of the three kingdoms, the Covenant, reproved " the abounding wick- which had been passed in the parliament of edness of the land, and vindicated himself

Eichard Cromwell, in which he sat. Argyle from the charge of being accessory to the death denied that he had ever given any countenance of Charles I." With the greatest fortitude he or assistance to the English in their invasion laid his head upon the block, which was imme- of Scotland ; but he admitted the grant from diately severed from his body by the maiden. Cromwell, which he stated was given, not in This event took place upon Monday, the 27th lieu of services, but as a compensation for of May, 1661, the marquis being then 65 years losses sustained by him. He, moreover, denied of age. By a singular destiny, the head of that he had ever used the words attributed to Argyle was fixed on the same spike which had 3 him respecting the royal family ; and with re- borne that of his great rival Montrose. gard to the charge of sitting in Eichard Crom- Argyle was held in high estimation by his well's parliament, he stated that he had taken party, and, by whatever motives he may have his seat to protect his country from oppression, been actuated, it cannot but be admitted, that and to be ready, should occasion offer, to sup- to his exertions Scotland is chiefly indebted port by his vote the restoration of the king. for the successful stand which was made against This defence staggered the parliament, and the unconstitutional attempts of the elder judgment was postponed. In the meantime Charles upon the civil and religious liberties Glencairn and Eothes hastened to London, to of his Scottish subjects. He appears to have lay the matter before the king, and to urge the 3 State Trials, vol. v., 1369—1508.—Kirkton, 100 necessity of Argyle's condemnation. Unfor- —i. "

CHAEACTEE OF THE MAEQUIS OF AEGYEE. 333

country sincerely at heart, and that he took the means he thought best calculated to maintain freedom, and, what he thought, true religion in the land. As he himself said in a letter to the Earl of Strafford,4 he thought " his duty to the king would be best shown by maintaining the constitution of his country in church and state." On the whole, he appears to have been a well- meaning, wrong-headed, narrow-minded, clever politician. Mr. Grainger, in his Biographical History of England, justly observes, " The Marquis of Argyle was in the cabinet what his enemy, the Marquis of Montrose, was in the field, the first character of his age for poli- tical courage and conduct." Had he been tried by impartial judges, the circumstances of the times would have been considered as afford-

ing some extenuation for his conduct ; but it was his misfortune to be tried by men who were his enemies, and who did not scruple to violate all the forms of justice to bring him to the block, in the hope of obtaining his vast possessions.

The Scottish "Maiden."—Now in the Edinburgh The execution of Argyle was not in accord- Antiquarian Museum. 3 ance with the views of the king, who, to show been naturally averse to physical pain, deficient his disapprobation of the death of the mar- in personal courage, the possession of which, quis, received Lord Lorn, his eldest son, with " in the times in which Argyle lived, covered favour at court ; from which circumstance the a multitude of sins," and the want of which enemies of the house of Argyle anticipated was esteemed by some unpardonable. We that they would be disappointed in their expec- believe that it is chiefly on this account that tations of sharing among them the confiscated his character is represented by his enemies and estates of the marquis. To impair, therefore, the opponents of his principles in such an these estates was their next object. Argyle unfavourable light, contrasting as it does so had obtained from the Scottish parliament a strikingly with that of his great opponent, the grant of the confiscated estate of the Marquis brave and chivalrous Montrose. That he was of Huntly, his brother-in-law, on the ground an unprincipled hypocrite, we think it would that he was a considerable creditor, but as be difficult to prove ; genuine hypocrisy, in a Huntly was indebted to other persons to the man of his ability, would have probably gained extent of 400,000 merks, the estate was bur- for its possessor a happier fate. That he was dened to that amount on passing into Argyle's wary, cunning, reticent, and ambitious, there possession. Middleton and his colleagues im- cannot be any doubt ; —such qualities are al- mediately passed an act, restoring Huntly's most indispensable to the politician, and were estate free of incumbrance, leaving to Huntly's more than ordinarily necessary in those times, creditors recourse upon the estates of Argyle especially, considering the men Argyle had to for payment of their debts. Young Argyle deal with. We believe that he was actuated was exasperated at this proceeding, and in a all along by deep but narrow and gloomy re- letter to Lord Duffus, his brother-in-law, ex- ligious principle, that he had the welfare of his pressed himself in very unguarded terms re- specting the parliament. This letter was inter-

3 This is the veritable instrument devised by the cepted by Middleton, and on it the parliament Itegent Morton, and by which were beheaded the Marquis and Earl of Argyle, " and many more of the 4 noblest blood of Scotland. Strafford's Letters, vol. ii. pp. 1S7-290. 334 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

grounded a charge of verbal sedition, or leasing- in which he landed at three different places making, as the crime is known, in the statutory without opposition, although the Macleans had law of Scotland, an offence which was then 700 or 800 men in the island. The Macleans capital. Upon this vague charge the young had sent their cattle into Mull for safety, a nobleman was brought to trial before the par- considerable number of which were killed or

liament, and condemned to death. The ene- houghed by Lord Neill, brother to the earl, at mies of the house of Argyle now supposed that the head of a party of the Campbells. The the estates of the family were again within islanders at once submitted, and the earl hav-

their grasp ; but the king, at the intercession ing obtained possession of the castle of Duart, of Lauderdale, the rival of Middleton, par- and placed a garrison therein, left the island. doned Lorn, released him from prison after Although the Macleans had promised to pav about a year's confinement, restored to him the their rents to the earl, they refused when ap- family estates, and allowed, him to retain the plied to the following year, a refusal which title of EarL 5 induced him to prepare for a second invasion After the suppression of Glencairn's short- of Mull. In September, 1675, he had collected lived insurrection, the Highlands appear to a force of about 1,500 men, including 100 of the have enjoyed repose till the year 1674, when king's troops from Glasgow, under the command an outbreak took place which threatened to of Captain Crichton, and a similar number of involve the greater part of that country in the militia-men, under Andrew M'Farlane, the horrors of feudal war, the occasion of which laird of M'Farlane, the use of which corps had was as follows. The Marquis of Argyle had been granted to the earl on application to the purchased up some debts due by the laird of Council. The Macleans, aware of their danger,

Maclean, for which his son, the earl, applied had strengthened themselves by an alliance for payment ; but the laird being unwilling or with Lord Macdonald and other chieftains, unable to pay, the earl apprised his lands, and who sent a force of about 1,000 men to their followed out other legal proceedings, to make aid ; but Argyle's forces never reached the the claim effectual against Maclean's estates. island, his ships having been driven back In the meantime the latter died, leaving a son damaged and dismantled by a dreadful hurri- under the guardianship of his brother, to whom, cane, which lasted two days. 6 on Maclean's death, the earl renewed his appli- This misfortune, and intelligence which the cation for payment. The tutor of Maclean earl received from the commander of Duart stated his readiness to settle, either by appro- castle that the Macleans were in great force in priating as much of the rents of his ward's the island, made him postpone his enterprise. lands in Mull and Tirey as would be sufficient With the exception of 500 men whom he re- to pay the interest of the debt, or by selling or tained for the protection of his coasts, and conveying to him in security as much of the about 300 or 400 to protect his lands against property as would be sufficient to pay off the the incursions of the Macleans, he dismissed debt itself; but he required, before entering his forces, after giving them instructions to re- into this arrangement, that the earl would re- assemble on the 18th of October, unless coun- strict his claim to what was justly due. The termanded before that time. The earl then earl professed his readiness to comply with the went to Edinburgh to crave additional aid tutor's offer ; but the latter contrived to evade from the government; but receiving no en- the matter for a considerable time, and at couragement, he posted to London, where he length showed a disposition to resist the earl's expected, with the help of his friend the Duke demand by force. of Lauderdale, to obtain assistance. Lord Mac- The earl, therefore, resolved to enforce com- pliance, and armed with a decree of the Court 6 " A rumour went that there was a witch-wife named Muddock who had promised to the M'Lains. of Session, and supported by a body of 2,000 that, so long as she lived, the Earle of Argile should of his tenants and vassals, he crossed into Mull, not enter Mull ; and indeed many of the people im- puted the rise of that great storme under her paction with the devil, how true I cannot assert.".—Law's 6 Kirkton, pp. 143, 166. Memorials, p. 83. THE " HIGHLAND HOST "—THE TEST. 335

donald and the other friends of the Macleans, from blood, as it has been correctly stated that hearing of Argyle's departure, immediately fol- not one whig lost his life during the invasion lowed him to London, and laid a statement of of these Highland crusaders. 8 After remaining the dispute before the king, who, in February, about eight months in the Lowlands, the High- 1676, remitted the matter to three lords of the landers were sent home, the government having Privy Council of Scotland for judgment. The no further occasion for their services, but before earl returned to Edinburgh in June following. their departure they took care to carry along A meeting of the parties took place before the with them a large quantity of plunder they had 9 lords to whom the matter had been referred, collected during their stay. but they came to no decision, and the subse- After the departure of the Highlanders, the quent fate of Argyle put an end to these differ- Covenanters again appeared upon the stage, ences, although it appears that he was allowed and proceeded so far as even to murder some to take possession of the island of Mull with- soldiers who had been quartered on some land- 7 out resistance in the year 1680. lords who had refused to pay cess. The assas- Except upon one occasion, now to be noticed, sination of Archbishop Sharp, and the insur- the Highlanders took no share in any of the rection of the Covenanters under a preacher public transactions in Scotland during the named Hamilton, followed by the defeat of the reigns of Charles the Second and his brother celebrated Graham of Claverhouse at Drum- •James. Isolated from the Lowlands by a clog on the 1st of June, 1679, alarmed the mountain barrier which prevented almost any government ; but the defeat of the Covenanters intercourse between them and their southern by the king's forces at Bothwell bridge, on the neighbours, they happily kept free from the 22d of June, quieted their apprehensions. contagion of that religious fanaticism which Fresh measures of severity were adopted against spread over the Lowlands of Scotland, in con- the unfortunate whigs, who, driven to despair, sequence of the unconstitutional attempts of again flew to arms, encouraged by the exhorta- the government to force episcopacy upon the tions of the celebrated Richard Cameron,—from people. Had the Highlanders been imbued whom the religious sect known by the name of with the same spirit which actuated the Scot- Cameronians takes its name,—and Donald Car- tish whigs, the government might have found gill, another enthusiast ; but they were defeated it a diffi cult task to have suppressed them ; but in an action at Airs-moss in Kyle, in which they did not concern themselves with these Cameron, their ecclesiastical head, was killed. theological disputes, and they did not hesitate To check the diffusion of anti-monarchical when their chiefs, at the call of the govern- principles, which were spreading fast through- ment, required their services to march to the out the kingdom under the auspices of the dis- Lowlands to suppress the disturbances in the ciples of Cameron, the government, on the western counties. Accordingly, an army of meeting of the Scottish parliament on the about 8,000 men, known in Scottish history 28th of July, 1681, devised a test, which they by the name of the " Highland Host," de- required to be taken by all persons possessed scended from the mountains under the com- of any civil, military, or ecclesiastical office. mand of their respective chiefs, and encamped The parties taking this test were made to de- at Stirling on the 24th of June, 1678, whence

spread themselves over Clydesdale, Een- 8 they Law's Memorials, pp. 80, 1, 2, 3, 94, 159. frew, Cunningham, Kyle, and Carrick, and over- 9 "But when this goodly army retreated homeward, you would have thought by their baggage they had so effectually, that they did awed the whigs been at the sack of a besieged city; and, therefore, not attempt to oppose the government during when they passed Stirling bridge every man drew his sword to show the world they hade returned conquer- the stay of these hardy mountaineers among ors from their enemies' land; but they might as well them. According to Wodrow and Kirkton, have showen the pots, pans, girdles, shoes taken off country men's feet, and other bodily and household the Highlanders were guilty of great oppression furniture with which they were burdened; and among and cruelty, but they kept their hands free all, none purchast so well as the two earles Airly and Strathmore, chiefly the last, who sent home the money, not in purses, but in bags and great quantities."— 7 Note to Kirkton by Sharpe, p. 391. Kirkton. pp. 390—1 —

336 GENEKAL HTSTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. clare tlieir adhesion to the true Protestant re- received the approbation of the Duke of York, ligion, as contained in the original confession to whom the earl had submitted it. The earl of faith, ratified by parliament in the year 1560, then subscribed the test in presence of the coun- to recognise the supremacy of the king over all cil, and added the following explanation : persons civil and ecclesiastical, and to acknow- " I have considered the test, and am very de- ledge that there " lay no obligation from the sirous of giving obedience as far as I can. I am national covenant, or the solemn league and confident that the parliament never intended to covenant, or any other manner of way whatso- impose contradictory oaths : Therefore I think ever, to endeavour any alteration in the govern- no man can explain it but for himself. Accord- ment in church or state, as it was then estab- ingly, I take it so far as it is consistent with lished by the laws of the kingdom." 1 itself and the Protestant religion. And I do The terms of this test were far from satis- declare, that I mean not to bind myself, in my factory to some even of the best friends of the station, in a lawful way, from wishing and en- government, as it was full of contradictions and deavouring any alteration which I think to the absurdities, and it was not until the Privy advantage of Church or State, and not repug- Council issued an explanatory declaration that nant to the Protestant religion and my loyalty. they could be prevailed upon to take it. The And tills I understand as a part of my oath." Dukes of Hamilton and Monmouth, however, This declaration did not please the council, but rather than take the test, resigned their offices. as the Duke appeared to be satisfied, the matter Among others who had distinguished them- was passed over, and Argyle kept his seat at selves in opposing the passing of the test, was the council board. the Earl of Argyle, who supported an amend- Although the Duke of York had been heard ment proposed by Lord Belhaven, for setting to declare that no honest man could take the aside a clause excepting the Duke of York, test,—a declaration which fully justified the brother to the king, and the other princes of course Argyle had pursued,—yet the enemies the blood, from its operation. The conduct of of that nobleman wrought so far upon the Argyle gave great offence to the duke, who sat mind of his royal highness as to induce Mm to as commissioner in the parliament, and encour- think that Argyle's declaration was a highly aged his enemies to set about accomplishing his criminal act. The earl, therefore, was required ruin. The Earl of Errol brought in a bill re- to take the test a second time, without explana- viving some old claims upon his estates, and tion ; and having refused, he was committed a the king's advocate endeavoured to deprive prisoner to the castle of Edinburgh, and on the of him of his hereditary offices ; but the Duke of slight foundation a declaration which had York interposed, and prevented the adoption been sanctioned by the next heir to the crown, of these intended measures. To gratify his was raised a hideous superstructure of high enemies, however, and to show the displeasure treason, leasing-making, and perjury. of the court at his recent opposition, Argyle Argyle was brought to trial on Monday, the was deprived of his seat in the Court of Session. 12th of December, 1681, before the High Court But this did not sufficiently appease their re- of Justiciary. The Earl of Queensberry, the sentment, and, anxious for an opportunity of justice-general, and four other judges, sat upon gratifying their malice, they hoped that he the bench, and fifteen noblemen acted as jurors. would refuse to take the test. Accordingly, The absurdity of the charges, and the iniquity the attempt to deprive a nobleman, had, he was required to subscribe it : he hesitated, of who and craved time to deliberate. Aware of the even in the worst times, shown an attachment plot which had been long hatching against to the royal family, of his fortune, his honours, him, and as he saw that if he refused he would and his life, were ably exposed by the counsel be deprived of his important hereditary juris- for the earl ; but so lost was a majority of the dictions, he resolved to take the test, with a judges to every sense of justice, that, regardless declaratory explanation, which, it is understood, of the infamy which would for ever attach to them, they found the libel relevant; and on

1 Scots Ads, 1681, c. vi. the following day the assize or jury, of which —

THE EAEL OF AEGYLE'S CONDEMNATION AND ESCAPE. 337

the Marquis of Montrose, cousin-german to In exculpation of their infamous proceedings, Argyle, was chancellor, found him guilty. In- the persecutors of Argyle pretended that their telligence of Argyle's condemnation was imme- only object in resorting to such unjustifiable diately sent to the king, hut the messenger was measures, was to force him to surrender his anticipated in his arrival hy an express from extensive hereditary jurisdictions, which, they the earl himself to the king, who, although he considered, gave him too great authority in the gave orders that sentence should he passed Highlands, and the exercise of which in his

against Argyle, sent positive injunctions to family, might obstruct the ends of justice ; and

delay the execution till his pleasure should be that they had no designs either upon his life

known. Argyle, however, did not wish to or fortune. But this is an excuse which can- trust to the royal clemency, and as he under- not be admitted, for they had influence enough stood preparations were making for his execu- with the Crown to have deprived Argyle of tion, he made his escape from the castle of these hereditary jurisdictions, without having Edinburgh, disguised as a page carrying the recourse to measures so glaringly subversive of train of Lady Sophia Lindsay, his step-daugh- justice. ter, daughter of Lord Balcarres, whose widow The only advantage taken by the king of Argyle married. 2 He went to London, where Argyle's forfeiture was the retention of the he lay some time in concealment, whence he heritable jurisdictions, which were parcelled went over to Holland. On the day of his out among the friends of the court during escape, being the 21st of December, he was pleasure. Lord Lorn, the earl's son, had the proclaimed a fugitive at the market cross of forfeited estates restored to him, after provision Edinburgh, and, on the 24th, the Court of Jus- had been made for satisfying the demands of ticiary passed sentence of death against him, his father's creditors. ordered his arms to be reversed and torn at the During the latter years of Charles II., a market cross of Edinburgh, and declared his number of persons from England and Scotland titles and estates forfeited. had taken refuge in Holland, to escape state prosecutions with which they were threatened.

- " He was lying a prisoner in Edinburgh castle in Among the Scottish exiles, besides Argyle, daily expectation of the order arriving for his execution, were Sir James Dalrymple, afterwards Earl of when woman's wit intervened to save him, and he owed his life to the affection of his favourite step-daughter, Stair, the celebrated Fletcher of Salton, and the sprightly Lady Sophia, who, about eight o'clock in Sir Patrick Hume of Polwarth,—all of whom, the evening of Tuesday, the 20th of December, 1681, effected his escape in the following manner, as related as martyrs of liberty, longed for an opportunity to Lady Anne Lindsay, by her father, Earl James, — of vindicating its cause in the face of their Lady Sophia's nephew : ' Having obtained permis- sion to pay him a visit of one half-hour, she contrived country. The accession of James II., in 1G85, to bring as her page a tall, awkward, country clown, to the crown of his brother, seemed an event with a fair wig procured for the occasion, wdio had ap- parently been engaged in a fray, having his head tied favourable to their plans, and at a meeting up. On entering she made them immediately change which some of the exiled leaders held at Bot- clothes; they did so, and, on the expiration of the half- hour, she, in a flood of tears, bade farewell to her sup- terdam, they resolved to raise the standard of posed father, and walked out of the prison with the revolt in England and Scotland, and invited most perfect dignity, and with a slow pace. The senti- of also exile, and the nel at the drawbridge, a sly Highlander, eyed her the Duke Monmouth, an father hard, but her presence of mind did not desert Earl of Argyle, to join them. 3 Monmouth, her, she twitched her train of embroidery, carried in was then living in retirement at Brussels, those days by the page, out of his hand, and, dropping who " it in the mud, Varlet," cried she, in a fury, dashing spending his time in illicit amours, accepted it across his face, "take that—and that too," adding the invitation, and having repaired to Eotter- a box on the ear, " for knowing no better how to carry your lady's garment. " Her ill-treatment of him, and dam, offered either to attempt a descent on the dirt with which she had besmeared his face, so con- England, at the head of the English exiles, or founded the sentinel, that he let them pass the draw- 4 bridge unquestioned.' Having passed through all the to go to Scotland as a volunteer, under Argyle. guards, attended by a gentleman from the castle, Lady The latter, who had never ceased since his Sophia entered her carriage, which was in waiting for her; 'the Earl,' says a contemporary annalist, 'steps flight to keep up a correspondence with his up on the hinder part of her coach as her lackey, and, coming forgainst the weighhouse, slips off and shifts 3 Hume's Narrative, pp. 5-9. '" 4 for himself. Lives of the Lindsays, vol. ii. p. 147. Hume's Nay., p. 15. AVellwood App., p. 323. 2 u 338 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS. friends in Scotland, had already been making the Duke of York to the throne, It declared preparations, and by means of a large sum of that the object of the invaders was to restore

money lie had received from a rich widow of the true Protestant religion, and that as the Amsterdam, had there purchased a ship and Duke of York was, from his religion, as they arms, and ammunition. He now also repaired to supposed, incapable of giving security on that

Rotterdam, where it was finally arranged that head, they declared that they would never enter two expeditions should be fitted out,—one for into any treaty with him. The earl issued, a England, under Monmouth, and the other for few days thereafter, a second declaration, from Scotland, under the command of Argyle, who Tarbet, reciting his own wrongs, and calling was appointed by the council at Rotterdam upon his former vassals to join his standard. captain-general of the army, " with as full Messengers were despatched in all directions, power as was usually given to generals by the bearing aloft the fiery cross, and in a short free states in Europe." 5 time about 800of his clan, headed by Sir Dun- On the 2d of May, 1685, the expedition can Campbell of Auchinbreck, rallied around under Argyle, which consisted of three ships their chief. Other reinforcements arrived, and about 300 men, left the shores of Holland, which increased his army to 2,500 men ; a and reached Cairston in the Orkneys on the force wholly insufficient to meet a body of 6th, after a pleasant voyage. The seizure, by about 7,000 militia and a considerable number the natives, of Spence, the earl's secretary, and of regular troops already assembled in the west of Elackadder, his surgeon, both of whom had to oppose his advance. incautiously ventured on shore, afforded the Although Argyle's obvious plan was at once government the necessary information as to the to have dashed into the western Lowlands, strength and destination of the expedition. A where the spirit of disaffection was deeply pre- proclamation had been issued, on the 28th of valent, and where a great accession of force April, for putting the kingdom in a posture of might have been expected, he, contrary to the defence, hostages had been taken from the advice of some of his officers, remained in Ar- vassals of Argyle as sureties for their fidelity, gyle a considerable time in expectation of hear- and all persons whose loyalty was suspected ing of Monmouth's landing, and spent the pre- were either imprisoned or had to find security cious moments in chasing out of his territories for their fidelity to the government ; but as a few stragglers who infested his borders. Amid soon as the council at Edinburgh received the the dissensions which naturally arose from this intelligence of Argyle's having reached the difference of opinion, the royalists were hem- Orkneys, they despatched troops to the west, ming Argyle in on all sides. Whilst the Duke and ordered several frigates to cruise among of Gordon was advancing upon his rear with the "Western Isles. After taking four Orca- the northern forces, and the Earl of Dumbarton dians as hostages for the lives of his secretary with the regular troops pressing him in front, and surgeon, Argyle left the Orkneys on the the Marquis of Athole and Lord Charles Mur- 7th of May, and arrived at Tobermory in the ray, at the head of 1,500 men, kept hanging on isle of Mull on the 11th, whence he sailed to his right wing, and a fleet watched his ships to the mainland, and landed in Kintyre. Here prevent his escape by sea. In this conjuncture he published a declaration which had been Argyle yielded to the opinion of his officers, drawn up in Holland by Sir James Stuart, and, leaving his stores in the castle of Allan- afterwards king's advocate, full of invective greg, in charge of a garrison of 150 men, he

against the government, and attributing all the began his march, on the 10th of June, to the

grievances under which the country had la- Lowlands, and gave orders that his vessels boured in the preceding reign to a conspiracy should follow close along the coast. The com- between popery and tyranny, which had, he mander of the castle, on the approach of the observed, been evidently disclosed by the cut- king's ships under Sir Thomas Hamilton, aban-

ting off of the late king and the ascension of doned it five days thereafter, without firing a single shot, and the warlike stores which it con-

5 arms and Hume's Nar., pp. 9, 12-14, 15-18. tained, consisting of 5,000 stand of CAPTURE AND EXECUTION OF ARGYLE. 339

300 barrels of powder, besides a standard bear- ment which had been pronounced against ing the inscription " Against Popery, Prelacy, Argyle, after his escape from the castle of and Erastianism," fell a prey to the royalists. Edinburgh, was still in force, no trial was con- The vessels also belonging to Argyle were taken sidered necessary. He was beheaded accord- at the same time. ingly on the 26th of June, evincing in his last On the 16th of June Argyle crossed the moments the fortitude of a Roman, and the

Leven near Dumbarton, but finding it imprac- faith of a martyr. " When this nobleman's ticable, from the numerous forces opposed to death," observes Sir Walter Scott, " is con- him, and which met him at every point, to sidered as the consequence of a sentence passed proceed on his intended route to Glasgow by against him for presuming to comment upon the ordinary road, he betook himself to the and explain an oath which was self-contradic- hills, in the expectation of eluding his foes tory, it can only be termed a judicial murder." during the darkness of the night; but this His two sons, Lord Lorn and Lord Neill desperate expedient did not succeed, and next morning Argyle found his force diminished by desertion to 500 men. Thus abandoned by the greater part of his men, he, in his turn, deserted those who remained with him, and endeavoured to secure his own safety. Dis- guised in a common dress he wandered for some time in the company of Major Fullarton in the vicinity of Dumbarton, and on the oppo- site side of the Clyde, but was at last taken prisoner by a few militiamen in attempting to reach his own country. 7 About 100 of the volunteers from Holland crossed the Clyde in boats, but being attacked by the royalists were dispersed. Tims ended this ill concerted and unfortunate expedition. 8 Argyle was carried to Glasgow, and thence to Edinburgh, "where he underwent the same ignominious and brutal treatment which the brave Montrose had suffered on being brought to the capital after his capture. As the judg

Hume's Narrative, pp. 46-56. Gazelle, 2044. Ninth Ear] of Argyle. 7 He was attacked by two troopers who were ignor- ant of his quality, till the exclamation "Unfortunate Campbell, were banished. Monmouth, who Argyle," uttered as he fell, betrayed him. "The clanoftheRiddells," saysDr Burns, editor of Wodrow, did not land in England till the 11th of June, "have taken the honour, or the disgrace of having fur- was equally unfortunate, and suffered the nished one of these two militiamen. A person of this name from Lochwinnoch, within forty years ago, had death of a traitor on Tower Hill on the 1 5th gone to the Balloch fair, near Dumbarton, in the capa- of July. city of a horse-dealer. The Campbells from Argyle- shire heard his hated name, which called up to their The ill-fated result of Argyle's expedition, imaginations one of the principal murderers of their and the suppression of Monmouth's rebellion, ohief, and they were preparing themselves for a feudal clan battle, when the companions of the Lowlander enabled James to turn the whole of his atten- interposed and prevented bloodshed by a cunning tion to the accomplishment of an object more device or ruse de guerre, transforming his name from Riddell to Bidet."— "The spot where Argyle was valuable, in his opinion, than the crown itself taken [commonly said to have been near Inchinnan —the restoration of the Catholic religion. In in Renfrewshire] is marked out by a stone, which passes among the country-people by the name of furtherance of this design, the king adopted a

Stone.'" Mist. , 'Argyle's &c. torn. iv. p. 297. series of the most unconstitutional and impoli- 8 Hume's Narrative, pp. 56-67. Wodrow, vol. ii. pp. 533-537. Gazette, 2045. tic measures, which destroyed the popularity '

310 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

lie had acquired on liis accession, and finally years writhed under the lash of persecution, ended in his expulsion from the throne. these proclamations were received with great

It was not, however, till the Scottish parlia- satisfaction ; and at a meeting which was held ment, which met on the 28th of April, 1686, at Edinburgh of the Presbyterian ministers,

and on the obsequiousness of which the king who had assembled from all parts of the coun- had placed great reliance, had refused to repeal try to consider the matter, a great majority the test, that he resolved upon those desperate not only accepted the boon with cheerfulness, measures which proved so fatal to him. This but voted a loyal address to his majesty, thank- parliament was prorogued t>y order of the king ing him for the indulgence he had granted on the 15th of June, and in a few months them. Some there were, however, of the more thereafter, he addressed a succession of letters rigorous kind, who denounced any communi- to the council,—-from which he had previously cation with the king, whom they declared removed some individuals who were opposed " an apostate, bigoted, excommunicated papist, to his plans,—in which he stated, that in under the malediction of the Mediator yea, ; requiring the parliament to repeal the penal heir to the imprecation of his grandfather," statutes, he merely meant to give them an and who found warm abettors in the clergy of opportunity of evincing their loyalty, as he the Episcopal church in Scotland, who dis- considered that he had sufficient power, hy played their anger even in their discourses virtue of his prerogative, to suspend or dispense from the pulpit.

with those laws ; a most erroneous and dan- Although the Presbyterians reaped great ad- gerous doctrine certainly, hut which could vantages from the toleration which the king had

never he said to have heen exploded till the granted, by being allowed the free and undis- era of the revolution. In these letters the turbed exercise of their worship, and by being,

king ordered the council to allow the Catholics many of them, admitted into offices of the state, to exercise their worship freely in private, to yet they perceived that a much greater propor- extend the protection of government to his tion of Catholics was admitted to similaremploy- Protestant as well as Catholic subjects, to ments. Thus they began to grow suspicious of receive the conformist clergy in general to the king's intentions, and, instead of continuing livings in the church, and to admit certain their gratitude, they openly declared that they individuals whom he named to offices in the did not any longer consider themselves under state without requiring any of them to take any obligation to his majesty, as the toleration the test. 9 had been granted for the purpose of introducing But these letters, though disapproved of in Catholics into places of trust, and of dividing part hy the council, were merely preparatory to Protestants among themselves. These appre- much more important steps, viz., the issuing hensions were encouraged by the Episcopal of two successive proclamations hy the king party, who, alarmed at the violent proceedings on the 12th of Fehruary and the 5th of July of the king against the English universities, in the following year, granting full and free and the bishops who had refused to read his toleration to Preshyterians, Catholics, and proclamation for liberty of conscience in the Quakers, with liberty to exercise their worship churches, endeavoured to instil the same dread in houses and chapels. He also suspended of popery and arbitrary power into the minds the severe penal statutes against the Catholics, of their Presbyterian countrymen which they which had been passed during the minority of themselves entertained. By these and similar his grandfather ; hut he declared his resolution means discontent spread rapidly among the to preserve inviolate the rights and privileges people of Scotland, who considered their civil of the then established (Episcopal) church of and religious liberties in imminent danger, and Scotland, and to protect the holders of church were, therefore, ready to join in any measure property in their possessions. which might be proposed for their protection. By the Presbyterians who had for so many 1 Wodrovv, vol. ii. p. 624, App. 187, 192, 104. 195. Fountainhal], State Trials, vol. x p. 785, vol. xi p. 5 Foimvamhall, p. 1177. 1179. Balcairas's Account, p. 3. DESIGNS OF THE PRINCE OF ORANGE. 341

William, Prince of Orange, who had married all couched in favourable terms, which encour- the Princess Mary, the eldest daughter of James, aged him to send Zuleistein, another agent, into

next in succession to the Crown, watched the England to assure his friends there that if progress of this struggle hetween arbitrary James attempted, with the aid " of a packed power and popular rights with extreme anxiety. parliament," to repeal the penal laws and the He had incurred the displeasure of his father- test act, he would oppose him with an armed in-law, while Duke of York, by joining the force. 3 party whose object it was to exclude James Although the king was aware of the prince's from the throne, by the reception which he intrigues, he could never be persuaded that the gave the Duke of Monmouth in Holland, and latter had any intention to dispossess him of by his connivance, apparent at least, at the his crown, and continued to pursue the despe- attempts of the latter and the Earl of Argyle. rate course he had resolved upon, with a per- But, upon the defeat of Monmouth, William, tinacity and zeal which blinded him to the by offering his congratulations on that event, dangers which surrounded him. The prepara- reinstated himself in the good graces of his tions of the prince for a descent on England father-in-law. As James, however, could not went on in the meantime with activity ; but a reconcile the protection which the prince af- temporary damp was cast on his hopes by re- forded to the numerous exiles from England ports of the pregnancy of the queen, an event and Scotland who had taken refuge in Holland, which, if a son was the result, might prevent with the prince's professions of friendship, he the accession of his wife, the Princess Mary. demanded their removal ; but this was refused, On the 10th of June, 1688, the queen gave through the influence of the prince with the birth to a prince, afterwards known as the Pre- States, and though, upon a hint being given that tender. a war might ensue in consequence of this refusal, It was not till the month of September, they were removed from the Hague, yet they when James was on the verge of the preci- still continued to reside in other parts of Hol- pice, that he saw the danger of his situa- land, and kept up a regular communication tion. He now began, when too late, to attempt with the Prince. Another demand made by to repair the errors of his reign, by a variety of the king to dismiss the officers of the British popular concessions ; but although these were regiments serving in Holland, whose fidelity was granted with apparent cheerfulness, and ac- suspected, met with the same evasive compli- cepted with indications of thankfulness, it was

ance ; for although William displaced those evident that they were forced from the king

officers, he refused commissions to all persons by the necessity of his situation, and might be whom he suspected of attachment to the king withdrawn when that necessity ceased to exist, or the Catholic faith. The wise policy of this an idea which appears to have prevailed among proceeding was exemplified in the subsequent the people. conduct of the regiments which declared them- Being now convinced that the Prince of selves in favour of the prince's pretensions. 2 Orange contemplated an invasion of England, Early in the year 1687, William perceived James began to make the necessary prepara-

that matters were approaching to a crisis in tions for defence. In September, 1688, he sent England, but he did not think that the time down an express to Scotland to the members had then arrived for putting his intended de- of the Privy Council, acquainting them with sign of invasion into execution. To sound the the prince's preparations, and requiring them to dispositions of the people, he sent over in Feb- place that part of his dominions on the war ruary, that year, Dyckvelt, an acute statesman, establishment. The militia was accordingly who kept up a secret communication with those embodied, the castles of Edinburgh, Stirling, who favoured the designs of his master. Dyck- &c. provisioned, and orders were sent to the velt soon returned to Holland, with letters from chiefs of the Highland clans to be ready to Eeveral of the nobility addressed to the prince, assemble their men on a short notice. Many

3 Dalryinple, up. 200—210. 342 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS. persons at first discredited the report of an march early in October, in two divisions. The invasion from Holland, and considered that it first, consisting of the foot, at the head of which was a mere device of the king either to raise was General Douglas, brother of the Duke of money or to collect an army for some sinister Queensberry, who had the chief command of purpose ; hut their suspicions were allayed by the army, took the road to Chester ; and the intelligence being brought by some seamen second, consisting of the horse, under the direc- from Holland of the warlike preparations which tion of Graham of Claverhouse, as major-gen- were making in th e Dutch ports. The j ealousies eral, marched by York. These detachments, which were entertained of the king's intentions on their arrival at London, joined the English were dissipated by the dread of a foreign inva- army under the command of the Earl of Fevers- sion, and addresses were sent in to the Privy ham, about the end of October. Council from the different towns, and from the To supply the absence of the regular troops, country gentlemen, with offers of service. 4 and to prevent the disaffected from making "Whilst the Privy Council were engaged in the capital the focus of insurrection, a large fulfilling the king's instructions, they received body of militia, under the command of Sir an order from his majesty to concentrate the George Munro, was quartered in Edinburgh regular army, and despatch it without delay and the suburbs ; but no sooner had the army into England. This force, which did not ex- passed the borders, than crowds from all parts ceed 3,000 men, was in a state of excellent of the kingdom congregated, as if by mutual discipline, and was so advantageously posted consent, in the metropolis, where they held throughout the kingdom that any insurrection private meetings, which were attended by the which might break out could be easily sup- Earls of Glencairn, Crawford, Dundonald, and pressed. As the Prince of Orange had many others. The objects of these meetings were adherents in Scotland, and as the spirit of dis- made known to the council by spies, who were

affection to the existing government in the employed to attend them ; and although they western counties, though subdued, had not were clearly treasonable, the council had not been extinguished, the Privy Council con- the courage to arrest a single individual. sidered that to send the army out of the king- Among other things, the leaders of these meet- dom under such circumstances would be a most ings resolved to intercept all correspondence

imprudent step ; and they, therefore, sent an between the king and the council, a task express to the king, representing the danger of which Sir James Montgomery undertook to such a movement, of which the disaffected see accomplished, and which he did so effec- would not fail to avail themselves, should an tually that very few despatches reached their opportunity occur. They proposed that the destination. 5 army should remain as it was then stationed, For several weeks the Privy Council, owing and that, in lieu thereof, a body of militia and to this interruption, was kept in a state of a detachment of Highlanders, amounting to- painful uncertainty as to the state of the gether to 13,000 men, should be despatched to king's affairs in England ; but at last an express the borders, or marched into the north of Eng- arrived from the Earl of Melfort, announcing land, to watch the movements of the king's the important intelligence that the Prince of enemies in that quarter, and to suppress any Orange had landed in England with a con- risings which they might attempt in favour of siderable force, and that his majesty had gone the prince. But, although the Council were to meet him at the head of his army. unanimous in giving this advice, the king dis- The landing of the prince, which was regarded it altogether, reiterated the order he effected without opposition on the 5th of had formerly given, and intimated, that if any November 1688, at Torbay in Devonshire, of them were afraid to remain in Scotland, they excited the greatest alarm in the mind of the might accompany the army into England. king, who had entertained hopes that a well

Accordingly, the Scottish army began its appointed fleet of thirty-seven men-of-war, and

4 5 Balearras, p. 9. Idem, p, 10. ;

PROCEEDINGS OF KING JAMES. 343 seventeen fire-ships which had heen stationed Lord Churchill and others, had entered into

off the Gun-fleet under the Earl of Dartmouth, a conspiracy to seize him and carry him a an old and experienced commander, would prisoner to the enemy's camp, he summoned a have intercepted the prince in his voyage. council of war, at which these officers were Unfortunately, however, for the king, the present, and without making them aware that cruisers which the admiral had sent out to he was in the knowledge of such a plot, pro- watch the approach of the enemy had been posed a retreat beyond the Thames. This pro- driven hack by the violence of the wind, and position met with keen opposition from when the fleet of the prince passed the Downs Churchill, but was supported by the Earl of towards its destined place of disembarkation, Feversham, his brother the Count de Roye, the royal fleet was riding at anchor abreast of and the Earl of Dumbarton, who commanded the Long-sand, several miles to leeward, with one of the Scottish foot regiments. The pro- the yards and topmasts struck; and as twenty- posal having been adopted, Churchill and some four hours elapsed before it could be got ready other officers went over to the prince during to commence the pursuit, the commander, on the night. 7 the representation of his officers, desisted from The army accordingly retired behind the the attempt. Thames, and the king, without leaving any As soon as the king had recovered from the particular instructions to his officers, proceeded panic into which the news of the prince's to London, to attend a council of peers which arrival had thrown him, he ordered twenty he had summoned to meet him at Whitehall. battalions of infantry and thirty squadrons of The departure of the king was a subject of cavalry to march towards Salisbury and Marl- deep regret to his real friends in the army, and borough, leaving six squadrons and six batta- particularly to the Earl of Dumbarton, and lions behind to preserve tranquillity in the Lord Dundee, who had offered to engage the capital. 6 The prince, who had been led to enemy with the Scots troops alone. This offer expect that he would be received with open his majesty thought proper to decline, and in arms by all classes on his arrival, met at first a conference which Dundee and the Earl of with a very cold reception, and he felt so dis- Balcarras afterwards had with him in London, appointed that he even threatened to re-embark when he had made up his mind to retire to his army. Had James therefore adopted the France, he gave them to understand that he advice given him by the King of France, to meant to intrust the latter with the administra- push forward his troops immediately in person tion of his civil affairs in Scotland, and to and attack the invader' before the spirit of appoint the former the generalissimo of his disaffection should spread, he might, perhaps, forces. by one stroke, have for ever annihilated the In the Scottish Privy Council there were hopes of his son-in-law and preserved his several persons who were inimical to the king, crown; but James thought and acted differ- and who only waited for a favourable oppor- ently, and he soon had cause to repent bitterly tunity of offering their allegiance and services of the course he pursued. Owing to the open to the Prince of Orange. These were the defection of some of his officers and the secret Marquis of Athole, the "Viscount Tarbet, and machinations of others, the king soon found, Sir John Dalrymple, the Lord-president of the that with the exception perhaps of the Scottish Court of Session. The two latter, in conjunc- regiments, he could no longer rely upon the tion with Balcarras, had been appointed by fidelity of his army. On the 20th of Novem- the council to proceed to England, to obtain ber he arrived at Salisbury, and reviewed a personally from the king the necessary instruc- division of the army stationed there ; and tions how to act on the landing of the prince intended to inspect the following day, another but on some slight pretext they declined the division which lay at Warminster ; but being journey, and Balcarras, a nobleman of un- informed that General Kirk, its commander, doubted loyalty, was obliged to go alone, and

7 James' Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 222. &c. Burnet, 6 Barillon. vol. iii. p. 316. 344 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS. had the meeting with his majesty to which stances, but the marquis and his party suc- allusion has heen made. These counsellors ceeded in carrying a short address, drawn up were duly apprised of the advance of the in general terms. Lord Glammis was sent up prince, the defection of some of the king's with it, but it was so different from what the officers, and of his return to London ; hut as Prince expected, that it met with a very cold the result of the struggle seemed still to be reception. dubious, they abstained from openly declaring The fate of the unfortunate monarch had by themselves. In order, however, to get rid of this time been decided. Before his return to the chancellor, the Earl of Perth, and get the London a great defection had taken place government into their own hands, as prelimi- among the officers of the army, and he had at nary to their designs, Viscount Tarbet proposed last the mortification to see himself deserted that, with the exception of four companies of by his son-in-law, Prince George of Denmark, foot and two troops of horse to collect the and by his daughter the Princess Anne, the " revenue, the remainder of the troops should be wife of the Prince. God help me ! my very disbanded, as he considered it quite unneces- children have forsaken me ;" such was the sary to keep up such a force in time of peace, exclamation uttered by the unhappy monarch, the Prince of Orange having stated in a decla- his countenance suffused with tears, when he ration which he had issued, that that was one received the afflicting intelligence of the flight of the grievances complained of by the nation. of Anne from Whitehall. "When the king The chancellor, not foreseeing the consequen- saw he could no longer resist the torrent of ces, assented to the proposal, and he had the popular indignation, and that an imperious mortification, after the order for dismissal had necessity required that he should leave the been given, to receive an intimation from the kingdom, his first solicitude was to provide for Marquis of Athole and his party, who waited the safety of the queen and his son, whom he personally upon him at his lodgings, that as managed to get safely conveyed to Prance. they considered it dangerous to act with him The resolution of the king to quit the king- and other Catholic counsellors who were incapa- dom was hastened after a fruitless attempt at citated by law, they meant to take the govern- negotiation with the Prince of Orange, by the ment into their own hands in behalf of the appearance of an infamous proclamation against king, and they demanded that he and his party Catholics, issued under the signature of the should retire from the administration of affairs. prince, and which, though afterwards disowned The Duke of Gordon and the other Catholic by him, was, at the time, believed to be genuine. members of the council, on hearing of this Having, therefore, made up his mind to follow proceeding, assembled in the chancellor's house the queen without delay, the king wrote a to consult with him as to the nature of the letter to the Earl of Feversham, the commander answer which should be given to this extra- of the forces, intimating his intention, and ordinary demand. As they saw resistance after thanking him and the army for their hopeless, they advised the chancellor to submit, loyalty, he informed them that he did not and, probably to avoid personal danger, he wish them any longer to run the risk of resist- retired immediately to the country. ing " a foreign army and a poisoned nation." The Marquis of Athole called a meeting of Shortly after midnight, having disguised him- the council, and proposed an address of con- self as a country gentleman, he left the palace, gratulation to the Prince of Orange, strongly and descending by the back stairs, entered expressive of gratitude to him for his generous into a hackney coach, which conveyed him to undertaking to relieve them from popery and the horse-ferry, whence he crossed the river, arbitrary power, and offering a tender of their into which the king threw the great seal.

services ; but this address was warmly opposed Having arrived at Emley ferry near Fevers- by the two archbishops, Sir John Dalrymple, ham by ten o'clock, he embarked on board the Sir George Mackenzie and others, and was custom-house hoy, but before she could be got finally negatived. They even opposed the ready for sea the king was apprehended, and voting of anv address under existing circum- vdaced under a strong guard. ; —

AEEEST OE THE KING. 345

When the king's arrest was first reported in of bells, and other popular manifestations of London, the intelligence was not believed joy, a remarkable proof of the instability and lmt all uncertainty on the subject was removed inconstancy of feeling which actuate masses of by a communication from James himself in people under excitement. the shape of a letter, but without any address, As James conceived that the only chance he which was put into the hands of Lord Mul- now had of securing the confidence of his sub- grave by a stranger at the door of the council jects and preserving his crown, consisted in chamber at Whitehall. A body of about thirty giving some signal proof of his sincerity to peers and bishops had, on the flight of the act constitutionally, he made the humiliating king, formed themselves into a council, and offer to Lewis and Stamps, two of the city had assumed the reins of government, and aldermen, to deliver himself up into their hands many of these, on this letter being read, were on receiving an assurance that the civil authori- desirous of taking no notice of it, lest they ties would guarantee his personal safety, and might, by so doing, displease the prince. Lord to remain in custody till parliament should Halifax, the chairman, who favoured the pass such measures as might be considered prince's designs, attempted to quash the matter, necessary for securing the religion and liberties by adjourning the meeting, but Mulgrave pre- of the nation. But Sir Eobert Clayton dis- vailed on the members of the council to remain, suaded the common council from entering into and obtained an order to despatch the Earl of any engagement which the city might possibly Feversham with 200 of the life-guards to pro- be unable to fulfil, and thus a negotiation was tect the person of the king. ilropt, which, if successful, might have placed On the arrival of Eeversham the king re- William in a situation of great embarrass- solved to remain in the kingdom, and to return ment. 8 to London, a resolution which he adopted at But although James did not succeed in his the urgent entreaty of Lord Winchelsea, whom, offer to the city, his return to Whitehall had on his apprehension, he had appointed lord-lieu- changed the aspect of affairs, and had placed tenant of Kent. James was not without hopes William in a dilemma from which he could that the prince would still come to terms, and only extricate himself by withdrawing alto- to ascertain his sentiments he sent Eeversham gether his pretensions to the crown, or by to Windsor to invite the prince to a personal driving his uncle out of it by force. William conference in the capital, and to inform him considered that the most safe and prudent that St. James's palace would be ready for his course he could pursue would be to force reception. The arrival of the earl with such a James to leave the kingdom ; but in such a proposal was exceedingly annoying to William manner as to induce the belief that he did so and his adherents, the former of whom, on the freely and of his own accord. Accordingly, to supposition that the king had taken a final excite the king's alarms, a body of Dutch adieu of the kingdom, had begun to act the guards, by order of the prince, marched into part of the sovereign, while the latter were Westminster, and, after taking possession of already intriguing for the great offices of the the palace of St. James's, marched with their state. Instead of returning an answer to the matches lighted to Whitehall, of which they king's message, William, on the pretence that also demanded possession. As resistance, Eeversham had disbanded the army without owing to the great disparity of numbers, was orders, and had come to Windsor without a considered by the king to be .unavailing, he, passport, ordered him to be arrested, and com- contrary to the opinion of Lord Craven, the mitted a prisoner to the round tower, an order commander of his guards, who, though eighty which was promptly obeyed. years of age, offered to oppose the invaders, At Eochester, whence he had despatched ordered the guards to resign their posts, of Eeversham, the king was met by bis guards, which the Dutch took possession. This event and thence proceeded to London, which he

1 entered on the 6th of December amidst the 8 James (Memoirs), vol. ii. p. 271. Great Britain's acclamations of the citizens, and the ringing Jitst Complaint, p. 8. 2 X — —;

3iG GENEBAL HTSTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. took place late on the evening of the 16th of nessed with sorrow the humiliating spec- December. 9 tacle. 1 The king now received orders from William The king arrived at Eochester the following to quit Whitehall by ten o'clock next morning, day from Gravesend, where he had passed the a,3 the latter meant to enter London about previous night. Having remained four days noon, and that he should retire to Ham, a at Eochester, he, accompanied by two captains house in Surrey belonging to the dowager in the navy, his natural son the Duke of Ber- duchess of Lauderdale, which had been pro- wick, and a domestic, went on board the Eagle vided for his reception. The king objected to fireship, being unable to reach, on account of Ham as a residence being uncomfortable, but the unfavourable state of the weather, a fishing stated his willingness to return to Eochester. smack which had been hired for his reception. Fermission being granted by the prince, James On the following morning he went on board left Whitehall about twelve o'clock noon, after the smack, and after a boisterous voyage of taking an affectionate adieu of his friends, two days, arrived at Ambleteuse, in France, on many of whom burst into tears. He embarked the 25th of December, and joined his wife and on board the royal barge, attended by Viscount child, at the castle of St. Germain's, on the Dundee and other noblemen, and descended 28th. Thus ingloriously and sadly ended the the river, surrounded by several boats filled reign of the last of the unfortunate and seem- with Dutch guards, in presence of an immense ingly infatuated royal race of Stuarts. concourse of spectators, many of whom wit- Considering the crisis at which matters had arrived, the course which the king pursued, of 9 "A day or two after his return, Karl Colin (of Bal- withdrawing from the kingdom, was evidently carras) and his friend Dundee waited on his Majesty. the most prudent which could be adopted. Colin had been in town but three or four days, which lie had employed in endeavours to unite his Majesty's All his trusty adherents in England were with- friends in his interest. ' He was received affection- out power or influence, and in Scotland the ately, ' says his son, ' but observed that there were none with the king but some of the gentlemen of his Duke of Gordon was the only nobleman who bed-chamber. L— came in, one of the generals of — openly stood out for the interests of his sover- his army disbanded about a fortnight before. He in- formed the king that most of his generals and colonels eign. He had been created a duke by Charles guards had assembled that morning upon of his II. James had appointed him governor of observing the universal joy of the city upon his the castle of Edinburgh, and he had been return ; that the result of their meeting was to appoint him to tell his Majesty that still much was in their thereafter made a privy-counsellor and one of power to serve and defend him ; that most part of the army disbanded was either in London or near it the lords of the treasury. Though a firm and and that, if he would order them to beat their drums, conscientious Catholic, he was always opposed they were confident twenty thousand men could be got together before the end of next day. —'My lord,' to the violent measures of the court, as he was says the king, ' I know you to be my friend, sincere afraid that however well meant, they would and honourable ; the men who sent you are not so, turn out ruinous to the king ; not indeed that and I expect nothing from them.'—He then said it was a fine day—he would take a walk. None attended he did not wish to see the professors of the him but Colin and Lord Dundee. When he was in faith himself the the Mall, he stopped and looked at them, and asked same with enjoy same civil how they came to be with him, when all the world privileges as were enjoyed by his Protestant had forsaken him and gone to the Prince of Orange ? countrymen, but because he was opposed to Colin said their fidelity to so good a master would j ever be the same ; they had nothing to do with the the exercise of the dispensing power at a time Prince of Orange, —Lord Dundee made the strongest — when the least favour shown to the professors professions of duty ; 'Will you two, as gentlemen,

? '— say you have still attachment to me ' Sir, we do.' of the proscribed faith was denounced as an 'Will you give me your hands upon it, as men of introduce popery. The king, ? — attempt to influ- honour ' they did so, ' Well, I see you are the men

I always took you to be ; you shall know all my enced by some of his flatterers, received the intentions. I can no longer remain here but as a duke coldly on his appearance at court in cypher, or be a prisoner to the Prince of Orange, and you know there is but a small distance between the March, 1G88, and curtailed some of his rights

and the graves of kings ; therefore I go for prisons and privileges over the lands of some of his France immediately ; when there, you shall have my instructions, —you, Lord Balcarres, shall have a com- vassals in Badenoch. Even his fidelity appeared mission to manage my civil affairs, and yon, Lord " Dundee, to command my troops in Scotland.' Lives 1 cf the Lindsays, vol. ii. pp. 161, 162. James, vol. ii. pp. 265— 207. ;

DUKE OF GOKDON HOLDS EDINBURGH CASTLE. 347

to be questioned, by various acts of interfer- lute men he could find on his lands ; but, on ence with the affairs of the castle, of which he their arrival at Leith, a hue and cry was disapproved. He resented these indignities raised that the duke was bringing clown by tendering his resignation of the various Papists and Highlanders to overawe the Pro- appointments he held from the crown, and testants. To calm the minds of the people, demanded permission from the king to retire the duke ordered these men to return home. 4 beyond seas for a time; but James put a nega- As soon as the news of the arrival of the tive upon both proposals, and the duke returned Prince of Orange in London, and the departure to his post at Edinburgh. 2 of the king, was received in Edinburgh, an

Notwithstanding the bad treatment he had immense concourse of persons, " of all sorts, received, the duke, true to his trust, determined degrees, and persuasions," who " could (says to preserve the castle of Edinburgh for the Balcarras) scrape so much together" to de- king, although the Prince of Orange should fray their expenses, went up to London, obtain possession of every other fortress in the influenced by motives of interest or patriot- kingdom. He requested the privy council to ism. The Prince of Orange took the wise lay in a quantity of provisions and ammunition, expedient of obtaining all the legal sanction but this demand was but partially attended which, before the assembling of a parliament, to, for though the garrison consisted only of could be given to his assumption of the ad-

120 men, there was not a sufficiency of ma- ministration of affairs in England ; obtaining terials for a three months' siege. The duke the concurrence of many of the spiritual and shut himself up in the castle, and invited the temporal peers, and of a meeting composed of Earl of Perth, the chancellor, to join him some members who had sat in the House of but the earl declined the offer, and, in attempt- Commons during the reign of Charles II., ing to make his escape to the continent, was as also of the Lord-Mayor of London, and 50 of seized near the Bass, in the Frith of Forth, by the common council. He now adopted the same some seamen from Kirkcaldy, under a warrant expedient as to Scotland, and taking advantage from the magistrates of that burgh, and com- of the great influx into the capital of noblemen mitted to Stirling castle, where he remained a and gentlemen from that country, he convened close prisoner for nearly four years. 3 A few them together. A meeting was accordingly days after the duke had retired to the castle, held at Whitehall, at which 30 noblemen and an attempt was made by some of the prince's 80 gentlemen attended. The Duke of Hamil- adherents to corrupt the fidelity of the garri- ton, who aimed at the chief direction of affairs son, by circulating a false report that the duke in Scotland, was chosen president. At this meant to make the whole garrison, who were meeting a motion was made by the duke that chiefly Protestants, swear to maintain the a convention of the estates should be called as Catholic religion. A mutiny was on the eve early as possible, and that an address should of breaking out, but it was detected by the be presented to the prince to take upon him vigilance of some officers. The duke, there- the direction of affairs in Scotland in the upon, drew out the garrison, assured them that meantime; but this motion was unexpectedly the report in question was wholly unfounded, opposed by the Earl of Arran, the duke's eldest and informed them that all he required of son, who proposed that the king should be them was to take the oath of allegiance to invited back on condition that he should call the king, which was immediately done by a free parliament for securing the civil and the greater part of the garrison. Those who religious liberties of Scotland. This proposi- refused were at once dismissed. To supply tion threw the assembly into confusion, and a the deficiency thus made, the duke sent notice short adjournment took place, but on resuming to Francis Gordon of Midstrath to bring up their seats, the earl's motion was warmly op- from the north 45 of the best and most reso- posed by Sir Patrick Hume, and as none of

- Gordon's Mist, of the Family of Gordon, vol. ii. 4 ]ip. 585, 586. Gordon's Hist, of the Family of Gordon, vol. ii. 3 IJalcarras, p. 29. pp. 587, 588. GENEEAL HISTOEY OE THE HIGHLANDS. the members offered to second it, the motion armed men into Edinburgh, some of whom was consequently lost, and the duke's being were concealed in cellars and houses, ready to put to the vote, was carried. act as occasion might require. The first trial A convention of the estates, called by circu- of strength between the two parties took place lar letters from the prince, was accordingly on the election of a president. To the Duke appointed to be held at Edinburgh, on the of Hamilton the adherents of the king opposed 14th of March, 1689, and the supporters of the Marquis of Athole, who, in consequence of the prince, as well as the adherents of the being slighted by the prince, had promised his king, prepared to depart home to attend the support to the royal party; but the duke was ensuing election. But the prince managed to elected by a considerable majority. This vote detain them till he should be declared king, sealed the fate of the Tory party, and many that as many as might feel inclined might seal who had hitherto wavered in their allegiance their new-born loyalty by kissing his hand; now openly abandoned the cause of James. but William had to experience the mortifica- The consequence was, that within a few days, tion of a refusal even from some of those whom the number of the adherents of the king was lie had ranked amongst his warmest friends. greatly reduced. The Earl of Balcarras and Viscount Dundee, The first act of the convention was to send the former of whom had, as before mentioned, the Earls of Tweeddale and Leven, with an been invested by the king with the civil, the order to the Duke of Gordon to deliver up the latter with the military administration of affairs castle within twenty-four hours. The duke, in Scotland, were the first of either party who overcome by the smooth and insinuating beha- arrived in Scotland, but not until the end of viour of Tweeddale, reluctantly yielded, and February, when the elections were about to promised to surrender the castle next morning commence. On their arrival at Edinburgh at ten o'clock. When this answer was brought they found the Duke of Gordon, who had to the convention, Balcarras and Dundee were hitherto refused to deliver up the castle, though alarmed, and immediately despatched a confi- tempted by the most alluring offers from the dential servant to the duke reminding him of prince, about to capitulate, but they dissuaded Iris promise to hold out, and imploring him him from this step, on the ground that the not to give way. The duke wavered, but on king's cause was not hopeless, and that the obtaining a writing which he required under retention of such an important fortress was of the hands of these noblemen that the retention the utmost importance. of the castle was absolutely necessary for the The elections commenced. The inhabitants success of the king's affairs, and being visited of the southern and western counties (for every the following morning by Lord Dundee, who Protestant, without distinction, was allowed to impressed on him the importance of holding vote), alarmed for the extinction of their reli- out, he resolved to break with the convention. gious liberties, and excited by the recollection To prepare matters in the north he despatched of the wrongs they and their forefathers had thither the Earl of Dunfermline, his brother- suffered, gave their suffrages to the popular in-law, to whom he granted a written commis- candidate, and the adherents of the king soon sion, authorising him to raise his friends and perceived that the chances were against him. vassals in support of the king. 5 Yet, when the convention met, a respectable In consequence of the refusal of the duke minority seemed, notwithstanding, to be in to deliver up the castle, he was, by order of favour of the king, but they had neither the the convention, summoned by the heralds at courage nor address to oppose the popular the gate of the castle to surrender, and a pro- current. To overawe, as is supposed, the clamation was read at the same time prohibit- friends of the king, or to prevent the conven- ing all persons from having any communication tion from being overawed by the troops in the with him, and promising a reward of six castle, the Duke of Hamilton and his friends, a few days before the meeting of the conven- 6 Balcarras, pp. Jl — 2. Gordon's Jlist. of ihe tion, introduced a considerable number of Family of Gordon, p. 592. VISCOUNT DUNDEE. 349

mouths' pay to the Protestants in the garrison he had overheard a conversation the day before who should seize him and deliver him and the among some persons of their intention of mur- castle up to the convention. The duke ad- dering him and Sir George Mackenzie, and dressed the heralds from within the gate, and Binnie offered, if a warrant were granted him, told them, that he kept the castle by commis- to apprehend them. Dundee immediately sion from their comm on master, and would went to the convention and applied for protec-

defend it to the last extremity; and after tion, but they refused to act in the matter, and handing them some guineas, which he re- passed to the order of the day. "Whether this quested they would spend in drinking the affair was the device of the Whig party, as has king's health, and the healths of all his loyal been supposed, to get quit of two individuals subjects, he facetiously advised them not to particularly obnoxious to them, there are no proclaim men traitors with the king's coats on means of ascertaining; but when the circum-

their backs till they had turned them. Upon stances of the times, and the opinions then the departure of the heralds, the duke drew held by many of the people are considered, the

out the garrison and gave them their option, design of assassinating them is far from im either to remain in the castle and share with probable. 7

him the dangers that awaited them, or to But be this as it may, Dundee resolved to depart. Upwards of a third of the garrison remain as short as possible in a place where took advantage of the permission to depart, he might be every moment exposed to the

and left the castle on that and the following dagger of the assassin; and, accordingly, he day. 6 and his friends fixed on Monday the 18th of As the king's friends saw that an}- efforts March for their departure for Stirling. "With they could make in the convention would be the exception of Dundee, they all assembled quite unavailing, they agreed at a private at the appointed place of rendezvous in the meeting which they held on the 17 th of city at the hour which had been fixed; but as March, to repair to Stirling and there hold a the Marquis of Athole, who had promised to convention by themselves. This resolution accompany them and to protect them on their was adopted agreeably to the wish of the king arrival at Stirling with a body of his vassals,

himself, who had sent a written authority, wished them to postpone their departure till dated from Ireland, empowering the Arch- the following day; they consented to remain, bishop of St. Andrews, the Earl of Balcarras, and were in the act of dispersing and proceed- and Viscount Dundee, to call a meeting of ing to the convention when Dundee made his the estates at Stirling. Balcarras and Dundee appearance. Such an unexpected resolution received an assurance from the Marquis of greatly surprised him, but he told Balcarras, Athole, who, ever since the cold reception he that whatever were the views of his friends, had met with from William, had been won- he would not remain another day in Edinburgh. derfully loyal, that he would accompany them, Balcarras remonstrated with him, and repre- and a similar promise was obtained from the sented, that his departure would give the

Earl of Mar, governor of Stirling castle. alarm to their enemies, who would not fail to Athole, however, began to waver, a circum- take advantage of the discovery; but he re- stance which deferred the departure of the plied, that as he had a select body of between king's friends. forty and fifty troopers ready mounted and Here it may not be improper to notice a prepared to start, he would not remain any circumstance which probably had its weight in longer within the city, but would clear the the deliberations preceding the departure of walls with his party and wait without for such Dundee. On the morning of 16th March, friends as might choose to join him. Dundee just as Lord Dundee was on the point of going accordingly left the city at the head of his

to the convention, he was waited upon by troopers, to go, as he is said to have emphati- James Binnie, a dyer, who informed him that

7 P.alcarrns, p. -Minutes of Conrtiilimi, Ifltr. e Gordon's Husl. of the Family of Gordon, pp. 503 4. ilarcli. — —

350 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

cally replied to a friend who put the question of his departure, and proceeded to his residence to him, wherever the spirit of Montrose should of Dudhope, near Dundee, to ruminate over direct. After passing the Nether Bow port, he the events which had just passed, and to turned to the left down Leith Wynd, and after concoct his plans, under the new and extra- clearing the suburbs of the Calton, he faced to ordinary circumstances in which he was placed, the west, and proceeded along the line of road for the restoration of James. known at the time by the name of the Lang- gate, and which now forms the splendid terrace of Princes' street. On arriving opposite the CHAPTER XX. castle, Dundee ordered his men to halt, and alighting his horse, clambered the from he up March to July, 1689. steep precipice on the west side of that fortress, British sovereign i—William III., 1(388—1T03. and from the bottom of the wall held a con-

ference with the Duke of Gordon, who stood Viscount Dundee— Proceedings of the convention General Attempt to apprehend in an adjoining postern gate immediately above. Hugh Mackay— Dun- dee, who retires to the north—Mackay follows Dun- No account has been preserved of the nature dee—Dundee joined by Keppoch—Movements of of the conversation which passed between the two commanders—Movements of Colonel Ram- say— Disaffection among Mackay 's troops —Buthven these two devoted adherents of the king, but Castle surrenders to Dundee—Mackay retreats down Strathspey Followed by Dundee Retreat of Dun- it is understood that the viscount entreated — — dee, who disbands his forces—Mackay returns to the duke to hold out the castle as long as he Edinburgh— Probabilities of success—Dundee soli- could, and that he woidd endeavour to raise cits aid from Ireland—Preparations of Mackay Lord Murray and the Athole-men—Departure of the siege as soon as he had collected sufficient Mackay to Perth —Dundee marches into Athole forces. 3 Battle of Killieciankie—Death and character of Dundee. The convention despatched a Major Bunting with a party of horse in pursuit, but although Before giving the details of Dundee's insur- he overtook Dundee, he had not the courage rection, the following short sketch will not be to attack him, alarmed by. a threat with which, out of place. John Graham, Viscount Dun- it is said, Dundee menaced him, that he would dee, descended from the royal line of the send him (Bunting) back to the convention, in Stuarts by the marriage of William, Lord a pair of blankets, did he dare to molest him. 9 Graham of Kincardine, his ancestor, with the Dundee crossed Stilling bridge the second day Princess Mary, second daughter of King Robert III., was the eldest son of Sir William 8 It is to this interview that Sir Walter Scott of in or Forfar- alludes in his well-known and stirring ballad of Graham Claverhouse Angus " Bonnie Dundee." shire, and was born in 1643. Besides a royal — descent, Viscount Dundee also claimed to he " The Gordon has asked of him whither he goes ?

' Wherever shall guide me the soul of Montrose ! descended, through the family of Morphy in Your grace in short space shall have tidings of me,

Or that low lies the bonnet of Bonnie Dundee ! Mearns, from the illustrious house of Montrose, and was also allied to the noble family of ' There's lands beyond Pentlaud, and hills beyond Forth, If there 's lords in the South-land, there 's chiefs in the Northesk by his mother, Lady Jean Carnegy, North, And wild dunnie-wassels three thousand times three, who was fourth daughter of the first earl.

Will cry hoigh ! for the bonnet of Bonnie Dundee ? Young Graham entered the university of St.

' Away to the hills, to the woods, to the rocks Andrew's in the year 1660, where, according Ere I own an usurper I'll couch with the fox; biographer, So, tremble, false Whigs, though triumphant ye be, to his partial he made "very For ye 've not seen the last of my bonnet or me !' considerable progress " in " Humanity and

He waved his proud arm and the trumpets were blown, Mathematics." He was chiefly remarkable for The kettle-drums clashed, and the horsemen rode on, his enthusiastic predilection for Highland Till by Ravelston craigs and on Clermiston-lea Died away the wild war-note of Bonnie Dundee. poetry and the established order of things.

— left university in 1670 and went to ' Come fill up ray cup, come fill up my can, He the Come saddle my horses and call up my men, France, where he entered as a volunteer. He Fling all your gates open and let me go free, !'" For it 's up with the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee afterwards transferred his services to Holland,

u Life of Dundee. and received the commission of a cornet in PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION. one of the Prince of Orange's troops of guards. at Stirling, was immediately abandoned on He distinguished himself at the battle of the departure of Dundee from the capital. Seneffe, in 1674, by saving the life of the The Marquis of Athole, whom the adherents prince, who had been dismounted, and carrying of the king had chosen for their leader, showed him off upon his own horse. Having been no disposition to follow Dundee, and the Earl refused the command of one of the Scottish of Mar, who to save his loyalty made a feint regiments in the employment of the States, he to escape by the only guarded way, was appre- left the Dutch service and returned to Scotland hended, not unwillingly, as is supposed, by in the year 1G77, and was appointed by Charles the sentinels, and brought back, but was re

II. captain of one of the regiments then raising leased on giving his parole that he would not in Scotland for the suppression of the Whigs, leave the city without the permission of the in which service he acquired from the unfor- convention. The ambiguous conduct of these two noblemen tended to cool the ardour of the few remaining adherents of the king, some of whom resolved to support the new order of things, whilst others, less pliant, absented themselves wholly from the convention. That assembly, after approving of the conduct of the

ft English convention, in requesting the

Il| Prince of Orange (now declared King of England) to take upon him the adminis- tration of the affairs of that kingdom, acknowledged their obligations to him as the assertor of their liberties, and also entreated him to assume the manage- ment of the affairs of Scotland. Popular as the steps were which the convention were about to take for settling the government of the nation, with the great body of the people, they were not insensible to the probability of a formid- able opposition being raised to their plans by a determined band of royalists in the north, who, headed by such a warlike and experienced commander as Dundee, might involve the whole kingdom in a civil war. To prepare, therefore, against such an emer- Johu Graham, Viscount Dundee. gency, the convention before proceeding Strathmore. From Original Painting in possession of the Earl ot to the important business for which it tunate Covenanters, on account of his sever- had assembled issued a proclamation, requiring

ities, the unenviable appellation of " the blood}' all persons from sixteen to sixty, and capable of Clavers." The confidence which Charles had bearing arms, to put themselves in readiness

bestowed on Captain Graham was continued by to take the field when called upon • they

his successor James, who, after promoting him deprived all militia officers suspected of attach- successively to the ranks of brigadier and ment to the king of their commissions, and major-general, raised him to the peerage under filled up the vacancies thus occasioned by the title of Viscount Dundee, on the 12th of others on whom they could rely. Sir Patrick November 1688, seven days after the invasion Hume, who lay under an attainder for the part of the Prince of Orange. he took in Argyle's rebellion, was appointed The idea of setting up a counter convention to the command of the horse militia, and the 352 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Earl of Leven was nominated to the command lated by the convention. The commissioners of a body of 800 men, raised for a guard to were introduced to then- majesties at Whitehall, the city of Edinburgh. on the 1 1th of May, and were of course well Backed by these, and by about 1100 men received, but on the coronation oath being pre- or the Scotch brigade from Holland, which sented to them by the Earl of Argyle, William, arrived at Leith from England, on the 25th of who was rather disposed to support episcopacy

March, under General Maekay, as major-general in Scotland, demurred to take it, as it appeared of all the forces in Scotland, * and by a force of by a clause which it contained, importing that 200 dragoons which were also sent from Eng- their majesties should root out heresy, and all land; the leaders of the convention proposed enemies to the true worship of God, to lay him that a committee of eight lords, eight knights, under an obligation to become a persecutor. and eight burgesses, should be appointed to This difficulty, which it is evident was well prepare and report upon a plan of settling the founded, was however got over by the com- government. missioners declaring that such was not the The throne having been declared vacant, the meaning or import of the oath. convention, on the motion of the Duke of The convention having thus completed the

Hamilton, appointed the committee to draw object for which it was assembled, adjourned up an act for settling the crown of Scotland to the 21st of May, not however till it had upon William and Mary, and they were also passed an act at utter variance with those prin- instructed to prepare an instrument or declara- ciples of constitutional liberty, which it pro- tion for preventing a recurrence of the griev- fessed to establish. By this act the Duke of ances, of which the nation complained. The Hamilton was vested with full power and Earl of Argyle on the part of the lords, Sir authority to imprison any person he might James Montgomery for the knights, and Sir suspect of disaffection to the new government, John Dalrymple for the burghs, were there- a violent and arbitrary measure certainly, which upon despatched to London to offer the crown nothing but the extraordinary circumstances of to William and Mary, on the conditions stipu- the times could justify. The Earl of Balcarras and Viscount Dundee were marked out as the

first victims of this unconstitutional law. The 1 General Hugh Maekay, third son of Colonel Hugh Maekay of Scowry, was born about 1640. Soon after latter had been already proclaimed an outlaw the Restoration in he obtained an 1660, ensign's com- and a rebel by the convention, for absenting mission in the Royal Scots, now the Scots Greys, and accompanied it to France on that corps being lent by himself from its meetings, but he had hitherto Charles II. to the French king. In 1669 he entered made no movement, in consequence of instruc- the Venetian service, in which he distinguished him- self. Leaving the service of that republic, he again tions from the king, desiring him not to take went to France, where he obtained a captaincy in the field till a force of 5,000 foot, and 300 Douglas's regiment. After serving under Marshal Turenne, in the campaign in the Netherlands, in 1672, horse, which he promised to send him from Captain Maekay offered his services to the Prince of Ireland, should land in Scotland. Orange, who gave him the commission of Major in one the of the Scotch regiments, then serving in Holland. These instructions having come to know- After reaching the rank of Colonel in the Dutch ser- ledge of Hamilton, hastened his determination vice, Maekay was invited to England by James II., Dundee. Balcarras was from whom, on the 4th of June, 1685, he received the to arrest Balcarras and appointment of major-general, or commander in chief, seized at his country seat, carried to Edinburgh, of the forces in Scotland; and was admitted a member and imprisoned in the common jail, from which of the Scottish Privy Council, by virtue of a warrant from the king, dated the 18th of the same mouth. he was afterwards transferred to the castle But disliking the arbitrary proceedings of James, or after its surrender; but Dundee, who had re- preferring the service of his son-in-law, Maekay re- signed his commission in 1686, and returned to Hol- ceived notice of the approach of the party, re- land. The prince raised him to the rank of Major- tired from his house at Dudhope and took general, and gave him the command of the British regiments, with which he invaded England. By a refuge in the mountains. warrant signed by William and Mary, dated from The favourable reception which James had Kensington, 4th January, 1689, Maekay was appointed "Major-general of all forces whatever, within our met with in Ireland, and the discovery which ancient kingdom of Scotland." Maekay was raised to the adherents of William in Scotland had mado the rank of Lieutenant-general in 1690, and was killed at the battle cf Steinkirk, 3d August. 1692. of his intention to land an army in Scotland, —

GENERAL HUGH MACKAY. 353

.joined to the fact that the great body of the for detaching the chiefs from the cause of Highlanders, and almost the whole of the James, some of whom he averred were not so episcopal party in the north, were hostile to the inimical to William nor so attached to James, recent change in the government, could not as was supposed; but who, jealous of the power

fail to excite alarm in the minds of the parti- of Argyle, were justly apprehensive that if, as zans of the new dynasty. The hrilhant achieve- appearances indicated, that nobleman acquired ments of Montrose had shown how inadequate an ascendency in the national councils, he the peaceful inhabitants of the south, though woidd make use of his power to oppress them, impelled by the spirit of religious fanaticism, and would obtain a revocation of the grants of were to contend with the brave and hardy certain lands which belonged to his family, and mountaineers of the north; and as Dundee, as which had been forfeited in the reign of they were aware, was desirous of emulating his Charles II. Besides these reasons, there was great predecessor, and was engaged in an active another which was supposed to influence others correspondence with the Highland chiefs, they in their determination to restore the fallen must necessarily have looked forward to a long dynastjr, and thereby crush the rising power of and bloody, and perhaps a doubtful contest. Argyle, viz. that they were greatly in arrears As Dundee possessed the confidence of the to him as their superior. Tarbat, therefore, Highland clans, 2 and as he looked chiefly to suggested to General Mackay, that an attempt them for support in his attempt to restore the should be made, in the first place to obtain exiled monarch, Yiscount Tarbat, one of the the submission of these last by making them ablest politicians of the period, proposed a plan an offer to discharge Argyle's claims against their lands, which he computed would amount to £5,000 sterling, and that a - "To the regular trained officers, such au army as separate offer lie commanded was as unstable ami capricious as a should be made to the chief of the Macleans giddy mob. If he did not study the peculiarities of to make good a transaction which had the race, and of each individual clan, some untoward been in accident was ever occurring to vex his disciplinarian part entered upon between him and the late spirit, and make him suspect that the cause was earl for adjusting their differences. This plan ruined; and if he did not at once recognise and yield to the peculiarities as they occurred, a trifle might was approved of by the English government, readily sacrifice the army or the cause, —for the High- but the affair is said to have been marred by land soldier's immediate cause was his leader or his clan. The succession to the crown of Britain, or the the appointment of Campbell of Cawdor as preservation of the constitution were distant and negotiator, who was personally obnoxious to secondary objects, to be sacrificed without hesitation to any question of precedence or etiquette."—Burton's the chiefs. Mackay attempted to open a cor- Scotland from the Revolution, vol. i. 101 103. pp. — respondence with Cameron of Lochiel on the " If anything good was brought him (Dundee) to eat, he sent it to a faint or sick soldier. If a soldier was weary, subject, but could obtain no answer, and Mac- he offered to carry his arms. He kept those who were donell of Glengary, to whom he also made a with him from sinking under their fatigues, not so much by exhortation, as by preventing them from at- communication, heartily despising the bribe, tending to their sufferings. For this reason he walked advised the general, in return, to imitate the on foot with the men; now by the side of one clan, and anon by that of another. He amused them with conduct of General Monk, by restoring James. 3 jokes. flattered them with his knowledge He of their Dundee crossed the Dee, and entered the genealogies. He animated them by a recital of the deeds of their ancestors, and of the verses of their Duke of Gordon's country, the inhabitants of bards. It was one of his maxims, that no general which were friendly to the cause of James, and should fight with an irregular army, unless he was acquainted with every man he commanded. Yet, with where he was joined by about 50 horse under these habits of familiarity, the severity of his dis- the Earl of Dunfermline, who, as has been cipline was dreadful. The only punishment he in- stated, was sent north by the flicted was death. ' All other punishments,' he said, Duke of Gordon ' disgraced a gentleman, and ail who were with him to raise his vassals in support of his royal were of that rank; but that death was a relief from master. Whilst Dundee was occupied rais- the consciousness of crime.' It is reported of him, in that, having seen a youth fly in his first action, he ing forces in this district, Mackay was de- pretended he had sent him to the rear on a message. spatched from Edinburgh with a considerable The youth fled a second time. He brought him to the front of the army, and saying, ' That a gentleman's body of troops in pursuit. Mackay appointed son ought not to fall by the hands of a common exe- cutioner,' shot him with his own pistol.' "—Dalrymple's Memoirs, part ii. p. 47. 3 Mackay's Memoirs. 354 GENEKAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

the town of Dundee as the rendezvous for his that brought by the Master of Forbes may be troops, heing the best station he could select supposed to have been under these circum- for keeping the adjoining country, which was stances, Mackay, who had been accustomed to disaffected to the new government, in awe, and the finest troops in Europe, considered that whence he could send parties to the north to they would be of no service to him, as, accord- watch the motions of Dundee. On arriving at ing to his own account, they were " ill armed," Dundee, Mackay, leaving a part of his troops and appeared "little like the work" for which there under the command of Lieutenant-colonel they were intended. He therefore declined Livingston, proceeded north with a body of the services of the Forbeses in the meantime, about 500 men, consisting chiefly of dra- and after thanking the master for having goons, in quest of the viscount. At Brechin brought them together, he ordered him to dis- he received intelligence that Dundee, ignorant miss them to their homes, with instructions of course of Mackay's movements, was on his that they should re-assemble whenever a neces- return to his seat of Glenogilvie in the braes sity occurred for defending their own country of Angus, that he had already passed the against the inroads of Dundee. Cairn-a-mount, and that he was expected to Having received intelligence of Dundee's pass the night at Fettereairn, only a few miles route through Stratkdon towards Strathbogie, north from Brechin. The viscount, however, Mackay continued his march in that direction having been apprized of Mackay's movements, through Aberdeenshire and Moray. On arriv- recrossed the Dee. ing at Strathbogie, lie was informed that As soon as Mackay was informed of this re- Dundee had crossed the Spey with about trograde movement, he resolved to pursue 150 horse without opposition, although Mac- Dundee, and, if possible, to overtake him be- kay had given particular instruction to the fore he should have time to collect any con- laird of Grant, while in Edinburgh, to oc- siderable body of forces. "With a small but cupy all the fords of that river. Mackay select body of horse and foot, therefore, he also learned, on the following day, by a letter crossed the Dee at Kincardine, in the expecta- sent to him by the magistrates of Elgin, which tion of being joined in the course of his march had been addressed to them by Dundee, that by some country gentlemen who had given the viscount was at Inverness, that he had him assurances of support before leaving Edin- been there joined by Macdonald of Kep- burgh. In this expectation, however, he was poch at the head of 1,000 Highlanders, and sadly disappointed, for, with the exception of that he intended to make Elgin his head the Master of Forbes, who met him after he quarters preparatory to an attack upon Mac- had crossed the Dee, with a party of 40 kay. The accession of the Macdonalds was of gentlemen of his name on horseback and a immense importance to Dundee, and was as body of between 500 and 600 men on foot, seasonable as unexpected. A deadly feud had chiefly raw peasantry, not one of them showed for some time existed between Macdonald and any inclination to join him. The fact was, Mackintosh, arising out of certain claims by that, with few exceptions, the people resid- the former upon the lands of the latter; and to ing to the north of the Tay, were either in- such a pitch of armed violence did Keppoch different to the course of events, or were op- carry his pretensions, that James II. felt him- posed upon principle to any change in the self called upon to interfere, by issuing a com- hereditary succession to the crown, which mission of fire and sword against him as a many of them considered an infraction of the rebel. Keppoch, taking advantage of the un- Divine law, and which they believed no mis- settled state of the government, renewed his conduct on the part of the king could justify. claims against Mackintosh; and having de- No man knew these things better than Dun- feated the Mackintoshes in battle, he had ad- dee, who calculated that by means of this feel- vanced to Inverness, the inhabitants of which ing he would soon be able to arouse the war- had supported the Mackintoshes against him, like north against the more peaceful south. and was threatening to wreak his vengeance But valuable as such a body of auxiliaries as upon them if they did not purchase forbearance GENEEAL HUGH MACKAY. 355 by paying him a large pecuniary fine. It was that Dundee intended to have advanced upon at this critical moment that Dundee arrived, Elgin, and to have engaged Mackay, but he who, anxious at once to secure the aid of Kep- was counteracted in his design by the refusal poch and the friendship of the citizens of In- of a party of Camerons, who were under Kep- verness, who had only a few days before pro- poch, to march without the consent of their claimed the Prince of Orange, interposed be- chief, their real motive apparently being that tween them and their exasperated foe, and they were desirous of securing what booty they satisfied the latter's supposed claims by collect- had taken. Mackay continued his march to ing the amount of his demands by subscription Inverness, where he was joined by 500 of the among the inhabitants. 4 Mackays, Grants, and Bosses. From Inver- The news of the junction of the Keppoch ness, he despatched couriers to the adherents Highlanders with Dundee, and of their inten- of the new government in the north to join tion to march to the south, was exceedingly him; and at the same time sent an express to disconcerting to Mackay, who had advanced Colonel Balfour at Edinburgh, to despatch into a hostile country with a handful of troops Colonel Eanisay north with a select body of quite incapable of resisting the powerful force 600 men to be drawn from the Dutch regiments. now opposed to them. The obvious and ap- To effect as speedy a junction with him as parently most prudential course which pre- possible, Mackay directed that Eamsay should sented itself, was, on the approach of the march through Athole and Badenoch. These enemy, to make a sure and as slow a retreat as transactions, Burton 5 thinks happened pro- possible, and to bring up the forces which he bably about the beginning of May. had left behind him; but Mackay, rightly Dundee, on the other hand, was no less busy judging that a retreat, besides giving Dundee in his preparations for the ensuing campaign. the command of a large tract of country favour- He never ceased to carry on an active corre- able to his views, might create an impression spondence with many of the Highland chief- that his adversary was much stronger than he tains whose confidence he possessed; and on really was, resolved not only to stand firm, his march through Badenoch he received the but even to cross the Spey, and take posses- most gratifying assurances of support from the sion of Elgin before Dundee should arrive gentlemen of that country, with the exception there. Accordingly, after despatching a courier of Mackintosh, who had taken offence at Dun- to bring up his reserves from Brechin without dee. Having fixed upon Lochaber as the most delay, he crossed the Spey and advanced upon central and convenient district for mustering

Elgin, with his dragoons at a hard trot, fol- his forces, Dundee appointed the friends of lowed by 200 veteran foot, who were so King James to assemble there on the 18th of desirous of coming to action that they kept up May, and in the meantime he descended into with the horse the whole way from the river Athole, with a body of 150 horse, where he to the town. From Elgin, Mackay despatched met with a cordial reception from Stewart of messengers to some of the principal Whig pro- Ballechan, factor or steward to the Marquis of prietors in Moray, Eoss, and Sutherland, de- Athole, and from the other vassals of the siring them to prepare themselves for joining marquis. Whether Stewart and the other him as soon as they should receive his orders. gentlemen of the district, in taking this decided Mackay lay a few days at Elgin in expecta- part, acted from a private understanding with

tion of Dundee's advance ; but as the latter did their chief, who still remained at Edinburgh, not appear, Mackay, who had just received a where he had given in an equivocal adherence reinforcement of horse from Brechin, left Elgin to the government, or whether they were yet and took the road to Inverness. When he ignorant of the course he meant to follow, are reached Forres, he ascertained that Dundee questions which, for want of information, do bad left Inverness, and had crossed the heights not admit of solution. The omission on the

of Badenoch on his way to Athole. It is said part of the marquis to send instructions to

4 Memoirs of Dundee.—Burton's Scotland from the

1 Revolution, vol. i. p. 112. Scotland from Revolution, vol. i. p. 114. —

356 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Stewart to raise a body of 400 Athole High- seizure of the capital, it was naturally supposed, landers, to oppose the passage of Dundee would be the first object of the invaders, the through his bounds to the south, should be embarkation of Ramsay's detachment, which

attempt it, to which effect he had pledged in such an event would be necessary for its de- himself to Mackay, before the latter left Edin- fence, was countermanded; but in two or three burgh for the north, raises a suspicion that the days the fears of the government were dispelled,

gentlemen of Athole acted agreeably to the by having ascertained that the fleet in question understood wishes of their chief. 6 consisted of a number of Dutch herring vessels Being informed that the lairds of Blair and which were proceeding on their annual voyage Pollock were lying in Perth with a troop of to the fishing stations on the northern coast. horse, which they had raised for the service of This delay occasioned great embarrassment to the government, Dundee determined to sur- the operations of Mackay, and almost proved prise them, and accordingly left Athole, and fatal to him, as Dundee was thereby enabled proceeded with celerity during the night to- to throw himself with a large force between wards Perth, which he entered unawares early Mackay's and Ramsay's corps, and to threaten next morning, and seized both these gentlemen both with annihilation. and two other officers in their beds, carrying In terms of his instructions, Ramsay, after them off prisoners. He also took away 30 reaching Perth, proceeded through Athole, on horses, and a sum of 9,000 merks of the public his way to Inverness. Though the Athole- revenue which he found in the office of the men, many of whom he found armed, offered collector. Leaving Perth, Dundee ranged no opposition to his march, yet as every thing through Angus, augmenting his cavalry, and around him assumed a warlike appearance, and after an ineffectual attempt to surprise Lord as reports were continually brought to him Eollo, who was raising a troop of horse, he that Dundee had placed himself between him appeared before the town of Dundee, then and Mackay, with a very large force, he grew guarded by two troops of Livingston's dragoons. alarmed, and so strong had his fears become Their commander, unwilling to encounter Dun- when within a dozen of miles of Ruthven in dee, shut liimself up in the town, and the vis- Badenoch, that he resolved to return to Perth. count, after spending two nights at Dudhope, He had previously despatched a letter to Mac- his country seat, returned to the Highlands, to kay, informing him of his advance, and ap- meet his friends at the appointed place of pointing a meeting at Ruthven on a given rendezvous. day, but he neglected to send another express During all this time, Mackay remained at acquainting Mackay of his design to return to Inverness, waiting for the arrival of Ramsay's Perth. The retreat of Ramsay was disorderly, detachment from the south, which he had long and some of his men deserted. The Athole- and anxiously looked for. In conformity with men, who kept hovering about him, were de- Mackay's orders, Colonel Balfour immediately sirous of attacking him, but they were pre- put the troops under Colonel Ramsay in readi- vented, though with difficulty, by the gentle- ness to march, but just as they were about to men of the district. Mackay having received pass across the Erith of Forth, from Leith to Ramsay's despatch, was so anxious to form a Burntisland, an alarm was created by the ap- speedy junction with the latter's detachment, pearance of a large number of vessels at the that he left Inverness the following (Sunday) mouth of the Erith, which were at once sup- morning, taking with him only two days' pro- posed to be a French fleet with troops on visions. When about half-way between In- board for the purpose of making a descent verness and Ruthven, he received an express upon the coast in support of Dundee. As the from the governor of the castle, informing him of Ramsay's retreat, and that Dundee acting 6 '• Tarbet, aud Lord Breadalbane, Lord Athole, Lord on information contained in an intercepted men of great power in the North, were prevailed upon entered to give him no disturbance : The two first because despatch of Mackay's, had Badenoch they thought themselves neglected by the new govern- on Sunday morning, (the morning of Mac- ment; the last to make himself necessary to it." Dalrymple's Memoirs, Part ii. p. 45. kay's march from Inverness,) with an im- MOVEMENTS OF MACKAY AND DUNDEE. Wt

mense force, and was within a few miles of the which he could not maintain if he returned to castle. Inverness.

The first person who had met Dundee in Accordingly, after despatching an express to Lochaher on the appointed day was Glengary, Inverness, apprising the garrison of his inten- who had with him a body of between 200 and tions, and promising assistance, should Dundee 300 men. He was followed by Macdonald of venture to attack the town, Mackay began a Morer, at the head of nearly 200 of Clan rapid march towards Strathspey, which he Ranald's men, and by Appin and Glencoe, continued during the night, and did not halt with about the same number. Dundee had till he had descended a considerable way down been subsequently joined by Lochiel (now 60 that vale. Dundee, who had closely pursued years of age), who had 600 men under him, him, afraid of exposing his men to the attacks and by Keppoch, at the head of 200 ; but Sir of Mackay's cavalry, did not follow him after Alexander Maclean, who had promised also to he had gained the flatter part of the Strath, but attend, failed to appear. kept aloof at the distance of some miles in a The intelligence communicated by the com- more elevated position where he encamped. mander of Euthven castle was exceedingly Notwithstanding his inferiority in point of perplexing to Mackay, who must have felt numbers, the revolutionary general determined keenly the disappointment of Bamsay's flight. to endeavour to allure Dundee from his strong- He saw himself with a handful of men sur- hold by offering him battle, and having re- rounded by a warlike and hostile population, freshed his men, wearied by a long march of and within a short march of a powerful force, twenty-four hours, he advanced next morning which he could not singly resist—with few to within a mile of Dundee's camp, and, after friends on whom he could place much reli- reconnoitring the position of the enemy, made ance. He had, in the unfortunate situation preparations for receiving them ; but Dundee, in which he was placed, only a choice of secure from danger, by the nature of the ground evils before him. To have proceeded on his he occupied, showed no disposition to engage. march with the view of cutting his way It is probable that, in acting thus passively, through the enemy, would have been, even if he was influenced by the conduct of the High- practicable, an imprudent and very dangerous landers, who were averse to engage with step, and to have taken up a position in a cavalry, and some of whom (the Camerons, district where he would have been exposed to according to Mackay,) fled to the neighbouring be surrounded and cut off from his resources, hills on Mackay's approach. Seeing no hope would have been equally rash. He had, there- of drawing the viscount out of his trenches, fore, no alternative which he could prudently Mackay returned in the evening to his camp, adopt, but either to fall back upon Inverness, which he removed the following day to Colm- or retire down the vale of the Spey. He pre- nakill, about six miles lower down the Spey, ferred the latter course ; for, although such a where he considered himself more secure from movement would leave Inverness quite exposed any sudden surprise or attack, and where he to Dundee's army, that disadvantage would be was speedily joined by two troops of Living- more than counterbalanced by the protection ston's dragoons from Dundee. The ground which would be thereby afforded to the laird occupied by Mackay was a spacious plain, of Grant's lands, near the borders of which bounded on the south by the Spey, which effec- Dundee was now hovering, and by the obstruc- tually protected his rear, whilst his front was tion which the interposition of Mackay's troops covered by a wood and some marshes which would present to any attempt on the part of skirted the plain on the north. The right of Dundee to recruit his army in the Duke of Mackay's position was protected by a small Gordon's country. Besides, by making Strath- river with a rough and stony bottom. The spey the scene of his operations, Mackay general himself took up his quarters at Bel- expected to be able to keep up a communica- castle, a summer-house in the neighbourhood tion with the south through Angus and Aber- belonging to the laird of Grant, whence he deenshire, and the adjoining parts of Moray, despatched ten or twelve of Grant's tenants, 358 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

selected by Grant himself as the most intelli- accusation gave place to an opposite impression gent and trustworthy, to watch and bring him when, after ordering the deserters to be con- notice of Dundee's motions. These scouts fined in Belcastle, and threatening them with

kept up a constant communication with exemplary punishment should it turn out that Mackay, who received a report from one or they were spies sent by Dundee, they expressed other of them almost every alternate hour. themselves quite satisfied to abide the result In the meantime, he kept his whole army of any investigation he might institute. under arms, and to prevent surprise, small Mackay, though now satisfied that there parties of horse and dragoons patrolled the were traitors in his camp, took no steps to

neighbouring woods, and some foot were sta- secure them, but continued to remain in his

tioned along the banks of the little river position waiting for the arrival of Barclay's on the right. But these precautions would dragoons and Leslie's foot from Forfar and probably have been unavailing, if the govern- Couper Angus. Mackay might have retreated ment general had not thneously been made down the river, but he was advised to remain acquainted with the fact, that there were at Golmnakill by Sir Thomas Livingston and

enemies in his camp who were watching an the laird of Grant ; because by retaining his opportunity to betray him. ground, his expected succours would be every For some time, a report had been current day drawing nearer to him, and every day that Livingston's regiment of dragoons was thus spent would be lost to Dundee, who was

disaffected to the government ; but as Mackay prevented, by his presence, from communicat- could not trace the rumour to any authentic ing with those places in the low country from

source, he disbelieved it, and to mark his con- which he expected reinforcements, particularly

fidence in its fidelity, lie had ordered the in horse, of which he stood in most need. two troops which were stationed at Dundee to Besides, by retiring, Mackay considered that join him in the north. But two days after he might probably be forced to recross the two deserters from Dundee's camp informed Grampians before the two regiments could join

Mackay that, with few exceptions, all the him, in which case he would leave the whole dragoon officers had entered into a conspiracy of the north exposed to Dundee, who would to betray him. They said that they had heard probably avail himself of the opportunity to Dundee frequently assure the chiefs of the raise a force too formidable to be encountered. clans that he could depend upon the dragoons, In the meantime, Dundee sent a detachment

and heard him inform the chiefs, that till he of his army to lay siege to the old castle of saw a favourable opportunity for requiring the Euthven, in which Mackay, on his arrival services of the dragoons, he would allow them at Inverness, had placed a garrison of about to remain in the enemy's camp, where they 60 of Grant's Highlanders, under the command might be useful to him. The deserters like- of John Forbes, brother to Culloden. The wise informed Mackay that they had not left garrison being in want of provisions, capitu- Dundee's camp altogether of their own accord, lated on the condition that their lives should but partly at the instigation of the lairds of be spared, and that they should be allowed to Blair and Follock, who had been carried about return to their homes on their parole. While by Dundee as prisoners ever since their capture conducted through Dundee's camp, Forbes at Perth, and who were anxious to prevent observed all the horses saddled, and his army Mackay from engaging, under these circum- preparing as if for an immediate march. In stances, with such a small party of troops as proceeding towards Colmnakill, he met, at the he then had. distance of about a mile from Dundee's lines, This information, though calculated to shake two men on horseback, one in a red, the other the general's confidence in the fidelity of these in a blue uniform. The latter immediately chal- dragoons, was too vague and unsatisfactory to lenged him with the usual parole, "Qui vivef

be reHed upon. Mackay appears at first to on which Forbes returning the " Vive le Eoi have had some doubts of the truth of the state- Guilleaume," as indicative of his loyalty to the

ment ; but his unwillingness to believe the existing government, the man in red informed MACKAY EETEEATS DOWN" STEATHSPEY. 359 him that they had been despatched from Mac- into two bodies, one of which, consisting of kay's camp to obtain intelligence of the enemy. Major and Captain Balfour's companies, he Captain Forbes then cautioned the men of the placed in the rear, and the other four companies risk they would run if they proceeded farther, commanded by the disaffected officers he placed but regardless cf his advice, they rode forward in the front, that he might overawe them by in the direction of Dundee's camp. Forbes his own presence. Immediately before the having mentioned this occurrence to Mackay two troops of dragoons which formed the rear- the same day, the latter immediately sus- guard, Mackay placed 200 foot, chiefly grena- pected that the officers of dragoons were in diers of the three Scoto-Dutch regiments, and communication with Dundee, as he had next to them the English horse, then scarcely given no such order as the man clothed in 70 men strong, and between those horse and red had pretended. He, thereupon, desired the four companies of dragoons which were inquiry to be made if any dragoons had been led by Sir Thomas Livingston, he posted 200 sent out, and by whom ; and as blue was the of Lord Eeay's and Balnagowan's Highlanders, uniform of Livingston's men, he desired them having previously dismissed Grant's men, to be instantly mustered to ascertain if any whom he had informed their chief he would were absent ; but the general had scarcely leave behind to protect their own country from issued these instructions, when some of his Dundee's stragglers. scouts brought him intelligence that Dundee's There were three ways by which Mackay army was moving down the Strath towards could retreat,—either towards Inverness, or Cohnnakill. This movement, combined with through Strathdown and Glenlivet, a move- the information which had been communicated ment which would bring him near his expected to him by Forbes, left no doubt of the treachery reinforcements, or down Strathspey. Of these of the dragoons. routes Mackay would have preferred the south-

Under these circumstances, Mackay had no ern ; but as the popidation of Strathdown and alternative but an immediate retreat. Calling, Glenlivet was Catholic, and of coiirse hostile to therefore, his commanding officers together, he him, and as the ground in those districts was ordered them to put their men under arms, and unfavourable to the operations of cavalry in to form them upon the plain in marching case of attack, he resolved to march down order. He next addressed himself to the laird Strathspey. But as he was desirous to con- of Grant, and after expressing his regret at the ceal his route from Dundee, he did not begin step he was about to take, by which Grant's his march till nightfall, at which time Dundee lands would be left for a short time exposed was within three miles of his camp. In his to the ravages of Dundee's army, he requested course down Speyside he passed by the house him to order his tenants to drive their cattle of Grant of Ballindalloch, who was serving down the country out of the reach of the under Dundee, and arrived early the following enemy, who would probably overlook them in morning at Balveny, where he halted to refresh their anxiety to follow him in his retreat. his men and procure a supply of provisions. Grant listened to this advice with becoming There he met Sir George Gordon of Edin- attention, but to show how little he regarded glassie, from whom he obtained some men to his own personal interest, as opposed to what he act as intelligencers. Some of these he de- conceived his duty to his country, he observed, spatched back in the direction he had come, that though he might lose every thing by to ascertain if Dundee still remained in the

Dundee's invasion of his country, he would not Strath ; but apprehensive that Dundee would take one step prejudicial to the government. take a southerly course, by crossing the Strath, In fixing the order of his retreat, Mackay with the view of throwing himself between adopted the plan he had been accustomed to Mackay and his reinforcements, he sent off follow, that he might not excite the jealousy others in that direction. These scouts soon of the dragoons, or make them suspect that returned with intelligence that Dundee was he was distrustful of them. Accordingly, as still in Strathspey. This information was was his usual practice, he divided the dragoons satisfactory to Mackay, and relieved him from ;

3G0 GENEKAL HTSTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

a state of the most painful anxiety ; but lie bank to protect the passage of the foot, who was still greatly perplexed by the want of pro- in their turn also formed till the baggage was visions, which, though hourly expected, had not brought over. It was now after sunset, but yet arrived. the viscount continued to advance. Mackay, Desirous, however, to wait for supplies as who was nearly two miles behind his rear long as consistent with safety, he again de- thereupon began to ride off with his party, but !" spatched some of Gordon's men in the direc- he had not proceeded far when a cry of "halt tion he supposed Dundee would take, and at met his ears. On turning round he observed the same time sent a sergeant with a party of galloping after him, Major Mackay, who,

1 2 dragoons back by the course he had marched, having observed a party of horse which he to bring him notice of Dundee's motions. supposed to belong to Dundee, moving along

Mackay waited with the greatest impatience the face of a hill to the General's left, and till about five o'clock in the evening for the which from the twilight appeared more nu- return of the dragoons, without any signs of merous than it really was, had hastened to their appearance, a circumstance which alarmed acquaint the General of the circumstance. It him so much, that although a quantity of pro- turned out, however, that this party which visions and oats had just reached his camp, he had occasioned such alarm was no other than would not allow time for baking bread or feed- the sergeant with the 12 dragoons of Living ing the horses, but gave orders for an imme- ston's regiment which had been sent out by diate march. Accordingly, the whole party Mackay in the morning to reconnoitre. It moved off in the same order as before, and was afterwards ascertained that this sergeant passed a small river about a mile above the was concerned in the plot, and that he was the place where they had been encamped ; but same individual in blue, whom Captain Forbes they had scarcely advanced half a mile when had met with within a mile of Dundee's camp. Sir Thomas Livingston, who happened to be a This man pretended, however, that he had run little behind, observed the enemy on the other great danger of capture ; and that he had taken side of the river they had just passed, march- such a round-about way merely to avoid the ing towards the ford by which Mackay's men enemy, though he and his party had been had crossed. On being informed of this, Mac- with Dundee the whole day, and had con- kay, after ordering Lieutenant-colonel Living- ducted him over the ground which Mackay ston, who was at the head of the vanguard, to had passed on the preceding day. The continue at a pretty quick pace ; galloped to government forces continued their march all the rear, and having despatched Sir Thomas night till they crossed the river of Bogie, Livingston to the front to lead the party, with where, from pure exhaustion, they halted at instructious to keep up a constant pace, but four o'clock in the morning. The General without wearying the troops, he posted himself then ordered the provisions which had reached upon a rising ground with about 50 or 60 the camp previous to his retreat, to be distri- horse and dragoons in view of Dundee's army, buted among his troops, and desired the horse- where he was joined by the Master of Forbes men to lead their horses into an adjoining with about 50 horse. corn-field and feed them. When the men When Dundee observed the party of dra- were refreshing themselves Mackay received goons drawn up on the hillock he immediately the agreeable intelligence that Barclay and baited, drew in his stragglers, and marshalled Leslie's regiments would join him that day, his men into battalions, keeping up the usual but " to play sure game," as he himself says, distinction of the clans. In the meantime after allowing his men two hours' rest, he Mackay sent off his nephew, Major Mackay, marched three miles further down towards his to a hill which lay about a quarter of a mile succours, and took up a position at the foot of

to his left, from which he could obtain a nearer Suy-hill upon the common road from the south and more correct view of Dundee's force and to the north, by which he expected the two his motions. The viscount's horse immedi- regiments would march. ately passed the river, and drew up along the Having sent a pressing order to Barclay and KETEEAT OF DUNDEE. 361

Leslie to hasten their march, Mackay had the and drive them away; but iSir Thomas having satisfaction of heing joined by the former at been previously informed that the laird of twelve o'clock noon, and by the latter at six Grant was sorely pressed by the retiring forces o'clock in the evening, after a long and fatiguing of Dundee, had anticipated the general's orders, march. Eesolved that no time shoidd be lost and had advanced two miles beyond the river in turning the chase upon Dundee before he with a greater force, in pursuit of a body of should be aware of these reinforcements, Mac- Highlanders. These were, according to Bal- carras, Sir John Maclean's men, who were on their way to join Dundee, and who, alarmed at the appearance of such a large number of dra- goons, threw away their plaids and betook

themselves to an adjoining hill, where they formed. They are stated by the last-mentioned author to have amounted only to 200 men, but Mackay, in his memoirs, 7 states the number at 500. Mackay observes, that but for the indis- cretion of Livingston's adjutant, who by riding a quarter of a mile in advance, gave the High landers timeous notice of the approach of the dragoons, not one of them woidd have escaped, but being thereby enabled to gain the top of the hill before the dragoons came up witli them, they sustained a loss of only 80 or 100 men. In this skirmish, a captain of Barclay's regiment and six dragoons were killed, and some wounded. Having been joined by Eamsay's detach- ment, which during the occupancy of Strath- spey by the hostile armies, had, unknown to Mackay, penetrated through Athole and Baden- och and reached Inverness, Mackay continued General Hugh Mackay oE Scourie. to pursue Dundee into Badenoch; but as the kay put his army in marching order, and ad- latter retired into Lochaber, Mackay gave over vanced towards him after ten o'clock at night. the pursuit on learning that Dundee had dis- But his designs were made known to Dundee missed the greater part of his forces. Mackay, by two dragoons who had been despatched by thereupon, marched to Inverness with Living- their officers. These men, on the departure of ston's dragoons, Leslie's foot, and a party of Dundee, were discovered in a wood, and the Leven's and Hastings' regiments, and 200 general being satisfied that the sergeant before Highlanders, and sent Barclay's regiment to mentioned had had a conference with Dundee, Strathbogie, and the three Dutch regiments to and the two dragoons having confessed nearly Elgin. From Inverness, Mackay despatched as much themselves, he immediately put Lieu- an express to the Duke of Hamilton, urging tenant-colonel Livingston and the other sus- upon him the necessity of placing " a formi- pected officers under arrest. He thereupon dable garrison " at Inverlochy, and small ones continued his march, and arrived at Balveny in other places in the north, without which he

that night ; and on the following day reached considered that it would be utterly impossible Colmnakill, which he had left only five days to subdue the Highlanders, who, on the ap- before. Here having received notice that a proach of an army, for which a fortnight's sub- party of Dundee's men was on the other side sistence could uot be found in their mountain- of the adjoining river, he sent orders to Sir

Thomas Livingston to cross with 200 dragoons 7 P. 38, of Bunnatyne-club edition. 362 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. eras regions, could easily retire to difficult with the failure of the enterprise. On receiv- passes and other places inaccessible to regular ing this intelligence, Mackay, although he had troops. He, therefore, requested that his grace not a day's bread on hand, and was in great and the parliament would consider the matter haste to reach Edinburgh, " to put life in the "before the season was farther spent, and pro- design of Inverlochy," turned off his course vide the necessary means for carrying such a and crossed the hills towards Braemar, with design into effect against his arrival in the his foot, after giving directions to Barclay's south, whither he intended to proceed in a few dragoons to march up Deeside. Einding Brae- days. mar house destroyed, and the vaults of it in- On his way to the south, Mackay despatched capable of holding a garrison, Mackay, after

50 horse, as many of Barclay's dragoons, and burning Inverey's house and laying waste all 60 foot, to take possession of the house of his lands, descended the river to Abergeldie, Braemar, into which he intended to place a where he left a detachment of 72 men as a garrison to keep the Braemar men in check, check upon the Farquharsons. And having and to cover the county of Aberdeen; and he placed the other troops which he had brought ordered the captain of dragoons, after putting from the north in quarters farther down the 20 of his men into the house, to march for- Dee, he posted off to Edinburgh, where he ward, without halting, before break of day, to arrived in the beginning of July, about a fort- the house of Inverey, about three miles farther night after the surrender of the castle of Edin- off, for the purpose of seizing Inverey and some burgh, which capitulated on the 14th of June, other gentlemen who had lately been with after a siege of three months. Dundee. But, fortunately for Inverey and his On his arrival at Edinburgh, Mackay was guests, the officer trifled off his time in Brae- exceedingly mortified to find that no steps mar house, refreshing his horses, till the dawn whatever had been taken by the government for of the morning, and the approach of him and putting Ms design into execution, of erecting his party being perceived, Inverey and his a fort at Inverlochy. As the season was now friends escaped in their shirts to a neighbour- too far advanced to collect materials for such ing wood. Disappointed of their prey, the an erection, he proposed that a body of 1,500 party retired to the house of Braemar, where, pioneers should be levied in the northern after setting their horses loose to graze, they counties, each of whom should be obliged to laid themselves down to repose; but they were carry a spade, shovel, or pickaxe, along with soon wakened from their slumbers by some him, and that a month's provisions of meal, firing from a party on a rock above, which had with horses to carry it, should be furnished, so alarmed the horses that they were found along with a force of 400 men. But this plan, galloping to and fro in the adjoining fields. the general himself confesses, " considering the

As soon as the dragoons had caught their inability, ignorance, and little forwardness of horses, which they had some difficulty in the government to furnish the necessary in- doing, they galloped down the country. The gredients for the advance of their service, was party on the rock was headed by Inverey, who built upon a sandy foundation, and much like had collected a number of his tenantry for the the building of castles in the air." 8 As an purpose of expelling the dragoons from his instance of the slowness and irresolution of bounds, and who, on their retreat, set fire to government, Mackay mentions, that after his Braemar house, which was consumed. return from the north, they took three weeks The party of foot, which, having charge of a to deliberate upon the mode of conveying a convoy of provisions and ammunition for the fortnight's provisions for 400 men ; by which intended garrison, had not yet arrived, on delay he says he lost the opportunity of pre- hearing of the retreat of the dragoons, shut venting Dundee from occupying Athole, Baden themselves up in a gentleman's house, to secure och, and other parts of the southern Highlands. themselves from attack, and the commanding The return of Mackay to the capital, after a officer sent an express after Mackay, who was then on his way to the south, acquainting him 8 Memoirs, p. 46. —

DUNDEE SOLICITS AID FEOM IBELAND. 363

fruitless and. exceedingly harassing series of he sent expresses to the other chiefs who had marches and countermarches, seems to have not yet joined him to hasten to the approach- abated the ardour of some of the supporters of ing muster. 9 the government, who, disappointed in their About the same time he despatched a letter expectations, and displeased at the preference to the Earl of Melfort, in which, after advert- shown by the court to others they considered ing to various circumstances, he advises him to less deserving than themselves, had become send over from Ireland a body of 5,000 or either indifferent about the result of the strug- 6,000 men to Inverlochy, which he considered gle, or secretly wished for a restoration. That the safest landing-place that could be selected such an event might occur was indeed far from as being " far from the enemy," and whenco improbable. James was already in possession, an easy entrance could be obtained for an army with the exception of two cities, of all Ireland, into Moray, Angus, or Perthshire. On the and William was by no means popular in return of the transports from Inverlochy, England. To give, therefore, a decided and Dundee advised Melfort to send over as many favourable turn to James's affairs in Scotland, foot as he conveniently could to the point of nothing was wanting but to aid Dundee imme- Cantyre, on hearing of whose landing he would diately with a few thousand men from Ireland ; but although the necessity of such a step was a The following letter to Macleod of Macleod shows Dundee's notion of his prospects at this time : urged by Dundee in his communications with " For the Laird Macleod.* the exiled monarch, the latter did not, unfor- of tunately for himself, consider the matter in the "Moy, Jun23, 1689. " same light. The expectation of such a rein- Sir, —Glengaire gave me ane account of the sub-

stance of a letter he receaved from yow : I shall only forcement, they confidently for, which looked tell yow, that if you heasten not to land your men, I had, however, its due effect upon the minds of am of opinion yow will have litle occasion to do the

king great service ; for if he land in the west of Scot- the Highlanders, who gladly endured during land, yow will come too late, as I believe yow will the recent campaign all those painful priva- thinck yourself by the news I have to tell yow. The Prince of Orange hath wreaten to the Scots councell tions which necessarily attend an army scantily not to fatig his troops any more by following us in provided with the means of subsistence. No the hills, but to draw them together in a body to the

west ; and, accordingly, severall of the forces that man was better fitted by nature than Dundee were in Pearthshire and Angus, are drawn to Edinr., for command under such difficulties, and at and some of Mackay's regments are marcht that way from him Some of the French fleet the head of such troops. Whilst by his open- hath been seen amongst the islands, and hath taken ness, frankness, and disinterestedness he ac- the two Glasgow frigats. The king, being thus mas- ter sea and land, hath nothing to do but bring quired an ascendency over the minds of the by over his army, which many people fancy is landed chiefs, he was equally successful by attending alraidy in the west. He will have little to oppose personally to their wants, by mixing frequently him there, and will probably march towards Eng- land ; so that we who are in the graitest readiness among them, and by sharing their privations will have ado to join him. I have received by Mr. and fatigues, in securing the obedience of the Hay a commission of lieutenant-general, which mis- cairied by Breidy. I have also receaved a double clans. But valuable and important as the of a letter miscairied by Breidy to me, and a new services were of such a bold and devoted band, letter, dated the 18th of May ; both which are so kind, that I am asham'd to tell. He counts for great it evident that without was a sudden and services, which I am conscious to myself that I have powerful diversion from Ireland, or a consider- hardly done my deutie. He promises not only to me, but to all that will join, such marks of favor, as after able rising in the lowlands, it would be impos- ages shall see what honour and advantage there is, in sible for Dundee, from the paucity of his forces, being loyall. He sayes, in express terms, that his favours shall vy with our loyalty. He hath, by the and the want of cavalry, to carry the war into same letters, given full power of councell to such the south with any possible chance of success. eouncellors here, as shall be joined in the king's service, and given us power, with the rest of his As the Irish reinforcements were daily ex- freends, to meet in a convention, by his authority, to pected, Dundee enjoined the chiefs of the counteract the mock convention at Edinr., whom he hath declaired traitours, and comanded all his loyall clans, who, with their men, had taken a tem- subjects to make warr against them ; in obedience to porary leave of absence on the departure of which, I have called all the clannes. Captaiu of

Mackay, to rejoin him as soon as possible, and * The original of this letter, which is addressed to John Macleod of Macleod, is in possession of the present Laird of from his head-quarters at Moy, in Lochaber, Macleod, his descendant. — — ";

advance as far as the neck of Tarbert to meet succeeded, as Dundee informs Melfort, that them, and that on the junction taking place, the government forces were afterwards with- Dundee would march " to raise the country," drawn from Cantyre. 1 and afterwards proceed to the passes of the Whilst Dundee was thus maturing his plans, Forth to meet the king, who, it was supposed, preparatory to another campaign, Mackay was would follow the expedition. To deceive Mac- urging the privy council to supply him with a kay and the Scottish council, and to induce sufficient force, for carrying into effect his them to withdraw their forces from the north, 1 "For the Earl Melfokt. * and thus leave hini at greater liberty to or- of " in ganize it, Dundee industriously circulated a Moy Lochabek, June 27, 1689. report that the forces from Ireland would land After exculpating himself from a charge made against him by the Earl, of his name having been altogether in some quarter south of the Clyde. ' made use of for carrying on designs against the Earl,' To give an appearance of certainty to the Dundee thus proceeds : "When we first came out I had but fifty pounds of rumour, he wrote a letter to Lady Errol, a powder; more I could not get, all the great towns warm supporter of James's interest, acquainting and seaports were in rebellion, and had seized the powder, and would sell none. But I had one advan- her of the expected landing in the west, and tage, the Highlanders will not fire above once, and

to prevent suspicion of any ruse being intended, then take to the broadsword . . . The advocate t is gone to England, a very honest man, firm beyond he inclosed some proclamations, which, it is belief; and Athol is gone too, who did not know what presumed, he intended to issue when the Irish to do. Earl Hume, who is very frank, is taken prisoner to Edinburgh, but he will be let out arrived. As wished and anticipated, this on secu- rity. Earl Breadalbin keeps close in a strong house despatch was intercepted and sent to Edin- he has and pretends the gout. Earl Errol stays at burgh. The device appears to have in part home; so does Aberdeen. Earl Marshall is at Edin- burgh, but does not meddle. Earl Lauderdale is right, and at home. The Bishops, I know not where Glenrannald * is near us these severall days ; the laird they are. They are now the kirk invisible. I will of Barof is there with his men. I am persuaded Sir be forced to open the letter, and send copies attested Donald + is there by this. M'Clean g lands in Morven ** to them, and keep the original, till I can find out our to-morrow certainly. Apen, || Gleneo, Lochell,ff primate. The poor ministers are sorely oppressed Glengaire, |± Keppoch, gg are all raidy. Sir Alex- all. They generally stand right. ander and Largo*** have been here with there over Duke Queens- || |! berry was present at the cross, when their new mock men all this while with me, so that I hope we will go King was proclaimed, and I hear, voted for him, out of Lochaber about thre thousand. Yow may not for the throne vacant. His brother judge what we will gett in Strathharig, Badenock, though the Lieutenant General, some say is Earl. Athol, Marr, and the duke of Gordon's lands, besides made an He has come down to Edinburgh, and is gone again. the loyall shires of Bamf, Aberdeen, Herns, Angus, up He is the old man, and has abused me strangely, for Perth, and Stirling. I hope we will be masters of he swore to me to make amends. Tarbat is a great the north, as the king's army will be of the south. I villain. Besides what he has done at Edinburgh, he had almost forgot to tell you of my Lord Broadal- has endeavoured to seduce Lochiel, by offers of nione}', f- I ban, -f—f— who suppose will now come to the feelds. is under his hand. is Dumbeth, with two hundred hors and eight hundred which He now gone up to secure his faction, which is melting, the two Dalrymples and foot, are said to be endeavouring to join us. My L. others against Skelmarly.t Polwart, Cardross, Eoss, Seaforth t}i will be in a few dayes from Irland to rais and others now joined with that worthy prince, Duke his men for the king's service. Now, I have layd the Hamilton. M. Douglas is a great as whole business before yow, yow will easily know what now knave, well as beast; as is Glencairne, Morton, and Eglinton, is fitt for yow to do. All I shall say further is, to and even Cassillis is gone astray, misled by Gibby. repeat and renew the desyre of my former letter, and § Panmure keeps right, and at home, so does Strath- assure yow that I am, "Sir more, Southesk, and Kinnaird. Old Airly is at Edin- under caution, so is Balcarras " Your most humble servant, burgh and Dunmore. "DUNDIB. Stormont is declared fugitive for not appearing. All these will break out, and many more, when the King "Yow will receave the king's letter to yow." lands, or any from him. Most of the gentry on this side the Forth, and many on the other, will do so too. * Allan Macdonald, captain of Clanranald, then under age. But they suffer mightily in the mean time; and will Ronald Macdonald of Benbeeula, his tutor, attended him. forced to submit, if there be not relief t R. Macneil of Barra. be sent very t Sir Donald Macdonald of Slate. soon. The Duke of Gordon, they say, wanted nothing Maclean Dowart and Morven. § Sir John of for holding out but hopes of relief. Earl of Dunferm- Stewart of Appin. II constantly ** Alexander Macdonald, or Maclan of Glencoe. line stays with me, and so does Lord Dun- It Sir Ewen Cameron of Loeheil. kefl, Pitcur, and many other gentlemen, who really younger It Alexander Macdoncll, of Glengary. deserve well, for they suffer great hardships. When Dundee "used to call him Coll of the Cowes, because he §3 the troops land there must be blank commissions sent found them out when they were driven to the hills out of the way." Deposition of Lieutenant Colt in appendix to acts of par- for horse and foot, for them and others that will join. liament, 1690. Marlean of Otter. * HII Sir Alexander This letter "/as printed by Macpherson from the Nairne *** Alexander Macdonald of Largo. papers,

lit John, first Earl of Breadalbane. t Sir George Mackenzie. t Sir James Montgomery. lit Kenneth, fourth Earl of Seaforth. § Dr. Gilbert Burnet, the historian. LORD MUEEAY AND THE ATHOLE-MEK 3G5

favourite plan of erecting a strong fortifica- castle ; Stewart telling him that he held the tion at Inverlochy. This leads to trie sup- castle for behoof of King James, by order of position that "the General," a term by which his lieutenant-general. The failure of Lord Mackay distinguishes himself in his memoirs, Murray's mission could certainly occasion no had not taken the bait which had been pre- disappointment, as it was not to be imagined pared for him by his artful rival, for it is im- that a body of men who had all along been probable, had Mackay believed the story in- distinguished for their attachment to the ex- vented by Dundee, that he would have insisted iled family, were, at the call of a young on carrying such a large force as 4,000 men, man, who by marriage, and the disagreement the number he required, into Lochaber, so with his father, may be supposed to have very remote from the scene of the threatened made himself obnoxious to the men of Athole, invasion. all at once to abandon long-cherished ideas and Having collected his forces, Mackay made to arm in support of a cause in which they felt the necessary preparations for his departure, no interest. but he was detained nearly a fortnight in About the period of Lord Murray's arrival Edinburgh, be}'ond the time he had fixed for in Athole, intelligence was brought to Dundee his march, by the delays of the government, in that a body of 500 Irish troops, under an furnishing meal for his troops, and horses for officer of the name of Cannon, had reached transporting it. In the meantime he was in- Mull. The viscount immediately proceeded to formed by Lord Murray, eldest son of the Inverlochy to give orders respecting their land- Marquis of Athole, that Stewart of Ballochin, ing, but, although they all reached the main- his father's chamberlain, and other gentlemen land in perfect safety, the ships which carried of the county of Angus, had taken possession their provisions being unnecessarily detained of the castle of Blair Athole, belonging to at Mull, were all captured by some English the Marquis, and were fortifying it for behoof frigates which were cruizing amongst the west- of King James. Lord Murray offered to go ern islands. The loss of their stores was a immediately to Athole, and do everything serious evil; and it embittered the disappoint- in Ids power to obtain possession of the castle ment felt by Dundee and the chiefs, to find of Blair, before Dundee should arrive. As that instead of an efficient force of 5,000 or Lord Murray's wife was known to be very 6,000 men, as they had been led to expect, not zealous for the presbyterian interest, and as his more than a tenth part had been sent, and lordship and the Marquis his father, who was even this paltry force was neither properly secretly hostile to the government, were at disciplined, nor sufficiently armed ; so that, variance, Mackay gave a ready assent to the according to Balcarras, their arrival did " more proposal, and pressed his lordship eagerly to harm than good." Such also was the opinion depart for Athole without loss of time, inform- of Mackay at the time, as expressed in a letter ing him that all he required from him, was to to Lord Melville. 3 prevent the Athole-men from joining Dundee. 2 Having given the necessary orders for bring- Lord Murray accordingly proceeded to ing up the Irish troops, Dundee returned to Athole, where he arrived about the beginning Strowan, where he had fixed his head quarters. of July, and lost no time in summoning his Here he received a letter which had arrived father's vassals to meet him. About 1,200 of during his absence at Inverlochy, from Lord them assembled, but no entreaties could induce Strathnaver, eldest son of the Earl of Suther- them to declare in favour of the government, land, couched in very friendly terms, and ad- nor could a distinct pledge be obtained from vising him to follow the example of the Duke them to observe a neutrality during the im- of Gordon, as the course he was following, if pending contest. His lordship was equally persisted in, would lead inevitably to Ms ruin. unsuccessful in an application which he made But Dundee was not the man who would allow to Stewart of Ballochin, for delivery of Blair his personal interest to interfere with the

Mackay s Memoirs. 3 I No. 14 of Appendix to Maokay's Memoirs, p. 245. 3(36 GENEBAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. allegiance which he considered he owed to his he would join Dundee they would follow him exiled sovereign, and while in his answer he to a man; but if on the contrary he refused, expressed a deep sense of the ohligation he lay they would all leave him. His lordship re- under to his lordship for his advice and offers monstrated with them, and even threatened of service, which he imputed to his lordship's them with his vengeance if they abandoned

" sincere goodness and concern" for him and him; but regardless of his threats, they left his family, he assured him that he (Dundee) him to join Dundee, having previously filled had no less concern for him, and that he had their bonnets with water from the rivulet of been even thinking of making a proposal to Banovy, in the neighbourhood of Blair castle, him, hut delayed doing so till his lordship and pledged themselves to King James by should see things in a clearer point of view. drinking his health. 4 At Strowan, Dundee was made acquainted In the meantime the government general by Stewart of Ballochin, with Lord Murray's was busily engaged at Edinburgh, making the proceedings, and with a demand made by his necessary preparations for his march. He ap- lordship for possession of Blair castle, a de- pointed his troops to rendezvous at Perth, and mand to which Ballochin had given the most after completing his arrangements at Edin- decided refusal. The possession of this place burgh, he went to Stirling to inspect the castle, was of vast importance to Dundee, as it com- so as to make himself acquainted with its manded the entrance into the southern High- means of defence. In a letter 5 dated 24th lands, and lay in the line of Mackay's intended July, written to Lord Melville on his arrival route to Inverlochy. To reward his fidelity, at Stirling, Mackay alludes to the distracted and to counteract Lord Murray's influence in state of the government in Scotland, and the Athole, Dundee sent a commission to Ballochin, difficulty he would experience in executing the appointing him colonel of the Athole-men. commission which the king had given him, to The appointment, however, would probably keep the kingdom peaceable, in consequence of have been conferred on Lord Murray, to whom the divisions which existed even between the Dundee had, on the 19th of July, two days adherents of the government. The removal before the date of Ballochin's commission, de- from office of Stair the president of the court spatched a letter, stating the happiness which of session, and his son, who had rendered he felt on hearing that his lordship had ap- themselves obnoxious to the ultra whig party, pointed a rendezvous of the Athole-men at by their attempts to stretch the royal preroga-

Blair, and expressing a hope that he would tive too far, appears to have been considered by join the viscount with his men; but, instead that party of more importance than keeping

of answering this letter, his lordship sent it to Dundee in check. So high did the spirit Lord Melville, the secretary of state for Scot- of party run, that the Earl of Annandale and land. Such also was the fate of other letters, Lord Eoss, who had just been appointed which Dundee sent to Lord Murray. Along colonels of two newly raised regiments of

with the last, which was written on the 25th horse, refused to accompany their regiments, of July, Dundee despatched Major Graham and offered to resign their commissions rather and Captain Eamsay for the purpose of obtain- than quit the parliament. This state of matters ing a personal interview with Lord Murray; was highly favourable to James's interests in

but he declined to see them, or to give any Scotland, and if Melfort had followed Dundee's answer to Dundee's communication. It ap- advice, by sending over a large force from Ire- pears that up to this time the Athole-men, who land, the cause of his royal master might have had, at the call of the son of their chief, as- triumphed, but with that fatality which at- sembled to the number of about 1,200, were tended the unfortunate monarch in all his ignorant of Lord Murray's intentions; but undertakings, he allowed to slip away the when he refused to receive Dundee's officers, golden opportunity which was here offered they at once began to suspect his designs, and him, of recovering his crown.

demanded with one voice an immediate ex- 4 Balcarras, p. 68. Stewart's Sketches, vol. i. p. 62. planation, intimating at the same time, that if 5 No. 15 of Appendix to Mackay's Memoirs, p. 246. MACKAY MAKCHES INTO ATHOLE. 307

From Stirling Mackay proceeded to Perth, duly weighed, it is difficult to see how he after ordering the troops of horse and dragoons could have acted otherwise than he did. of the expedition to follow him. On arriving There can be no doubt, that had he been as at Perth, a letter was shown him from Lord successful at Killiecrankie as he was unfor- Murray, from which he learned, that Dundee, tunate, he would have been applauded for the who had been solicited hy Stewart of Ballochin exercise of a sound discretion, and regarded as to hasten into Athole, was already marching a tactician of the highest order. through Badenoch, and so anxious was he to On the 26th of July, Mackay left Perth at the anticipate Mackay's arrival in Athole, that he head of an army of 4,500 men. Of this force,

had left behind him several chiefs and their notwithstanding that the four troops of dra-

men, whose junction he daily expected. Lord goons and two of horse already alluded to, had Murray added, that if Mackay did not hasten not yet arrived, a fair proportion consisted of his march so as to reach Athole before Dun- cavalry. At night Mackay encamped opposite dee, he would not undertake to prevent his to Dunkeld, and here, at midnight, he received men from joining the viscount. As Mac- an express from Lord Murray announcing the kay informs us, that before leaving Edinburgh alarming intelligence, that Dundee had entered

he had begun " already to have very ill Athole, in consequence of which event he thoughts of the expedition in gross," and as informed him that he had retreated from on reaching Stirling, the idea that he would before the castle of Blair, which he had for

be straitened for provisions haunted his mind, some time partially blockaded ; and that al- this information was assuredly by no means though he had left the narrow and difficult calculated to relieve these fearful apprehen- pass of Ealliecrankie between him and Dundee, sions. He had gone too far, however, to retrace he had posted a guard at the further extremity his steps with honour, and although four troops to secure a free passage to Mackay's" troops of dragoons and two of horse had not yet through the pass which he supposed Dundee joined him, he resolved, for reasons that to had already reached. Mackay seems to have him, in the position in which he was then doubted the latter part of this statement, and placed, seemed most forcible, to proceed imme- his suspicions were in some degree confirmed diately on his march to Athole. by the fact, that Lieutenant-colonel Lauder, The last and perhaps most important reason whom he despatched with a party immediately

given by himself for this step, is that, as the on receipt of Murray's letter, to secure the possession, by Mackay, of the castle of Blair, entrance into the pass from the vale of Blair, was in his opinion the only means of keeping did not see a single man on his arrival there. in awe the Athole-men, (who, from their num- Discouraging as this intelligence was, Mac- bers and strict attachment to the house of Stew- kay still determined to persevere in his march,

art, were more to be dreaded than any other and having despatched orders to Perth to body of Highlanders,) and preventing them hasten the arrival of the six troops of cavalry from joining Dundee, he had no alternative he had left behind, he put Ins army in motion but to allow Dundee to roam uncontrolled next morning, July 27th, at day-break, and through the disaffected district of Athole, proceeded in the direction of the pass, the gathering strength at every step, or to attempt entrance to which he reached at ten o'clock in to gain the important fortress of Blair. the morning. Here he halted, and allowed Such were the grounds, as stated by Mackay his men two hours to rest and refresh them in his own exculpation, which made him selves before they entered upon the bold and resolve upon marching into Athole, and which, hazardous enterprise of plunging themselves he observes, " more capable commanders might into a frightful chasm, out of which they readily be deceived in." Those who make might possibly never return. To support the unfortunate result of this movement the Lauder in case of attack, the general, on halt- rule of their judgment, will be apt to condemn ing, despatched through the pass a body of Mackay's conduct on this occasion as rash and 200 men under the command of the Lieuten- injudicious, but when his own reasons are ant-colonel of the Earl of Leven's regiment, 368 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

whom he instructed to send him any intelli- giment and the other troop of horse. Mackay gence he could obtain of Dundee's motions. then ordered Lieutenant-colonel Lauder to ad- A short way below the pass Mackay fell in vance with his 200 fusileers and a troop of with Lord Murray, who informed him, that horse in the direction he supposed Dundee with the exception of 200 or 300 men, who might be expected to appear. Lauder had not

still remained with him, the whole had gone advanced far when he discovered some parties to the hills to secure their cattle, an answer of Dundee's forces between liim and Blair. which Mackay, with the open and unsuspect- Being immediately apprised of this by Lauder, ing generosity of a soldier, considered satis- Mackay, after giving orders to Colonel Balfour factory, and made him, as he observes, "not to supply the troops with ammunition, and to so apt to judge so ill of Murray as others did." put them under arms without delay, galloped Having received a notice from Lauder that off to the ground, from which Lauder had the pass was clear, and that there was no espied the enemy, to observe their motions be- appearance of Dundee, Mackay put his army fore making choice of the field of battle. On again in motion, and entered the fatal pass. arriving at the advanced post, Mackay observed

Hastings's regiment (now the 1 3th), and Annan- several small parties of troops, scarcely a mil e dale's horse were placed behind to protect the distant, marching slowly along the foot of a baggage, from an apprehension that Dundee's hill in the direction of Blair, and advancing Highlanders might make a detour round the towards him. Mackay, thereupon, sent orders hill to attack it, or that the country people to Balfour to advance immediately up to him might attempt to plunder it if not so guarded. with the foot. But these orders were no sooner The idea that no opposition would be offered despatched than he observed some bodies of to their passage through this terrific defile, Dundee's forces marching down a high hill which seemed to forbid approach, and to warn within a quarter of a mile from the place where the unhappy soldier of the dangers which he stood, in consequence of which movement, awaited him should he precipitate himself into he immediately galloped back to his men to its recesses, may have afforded some consolation countermand the order he had just issued, and to the feelings of Mackay's troops as they to put his army in order of battle. 5

entered this den of desolation ; but when they Dundee, who had been duly advertised of found themselves fairly within its gorge, their Mackay's motions, had descended from the imaginations must have been appalled as they higher district of Badenoch into Athole on the gazed, at every successive step, on the wild previous day, with a force of about 2,500 men, and terrific objects which encompassed them of whom about one-fifth part consisted of the on every side. They however proceeded, at Irish, which had lately landed at Inverlochy the command of their general, on their devious under Brigadier Cannon. Some of the clans course, and finally cleared it, with the loss of which were expected had not yet joined, as the only a single horseman, who, according to ari day appointed for the general rendezvous had

Athole tradition, was shot by an intrepid not then arrived ; but as Dundee considered it adventurer, named Ian Ban Beg MacEan, who of paramount importance to prevent Mackay had posted himself on a hill, from which he from establishing himself in Athole, he did not fired across the rivulet of the Garry and hesitate to meet the latter, whose force num- brought down his victim. A well, called in bered about 4,000. 8 Gaelic, Fuaran u trupar,—Anglice, the "Horse- On his arrival at the castle of Blair, in- man's well,"—is shown as the place where the telligence was brought Dundee that Mackay horseman fell. had reached the pass of Killiecrankie, which

As soon as the five battalions and the troop 5 Mackay's Memoirs, p. 51. of horse which preceded the baggage had de- 6 " Mackay's force was certainly not double that of his adversary; hut had it borne a far bouched from the further extremity of the pass, greater propor- tion, the trained warriors and command of the ground, they halted, by command of the general, upon when in the hands of one well fitted to use them, were advantages outweighing a large numerical preponder- a corn field, along the side of the river to await ance."—Burton's Scotland from Revolution, vol. i. the arrival of the baggage, and of Hastings's re- p. 131 BATTLE OF KILLIECEANKIE. 309 lie was preparing to enter. Dundee, against the localities in the immediate neighbourhood the advice of most of Ms officers, resolved to of the pass, and of the suitableness of the allow Mackay to enter the pass undisputed. ground for the operations of such a force as his, He appealed to the feelings of the Highlanders, he advanced at double-quick time from Blair whose ancestors, he said, acting upon their along the present line of road, and on arriving

national . maxim never to attack a foe who at the river Tilt, turned off to the left round could not defend himself on equal terms, would the back of the hill, and crossed that river have disdained to adopt the course proposed, near its confluence with the rivulet of Ald- (and in saying so he did not, he observed, Cliluan. This movement will account for the mean to insinuate that the persons he addressed sudden and unexpected appearance of Dundee had degenerated from the honour and courage on the face of the high hill on Mackay's right. of their ancestors). One principal reason Immediately above the ground on which stated by Dundee for allowing Mackay to ad- Mackay had halted Ms troops is an eminence, vance through the Pass unmolested, was the the access to which is steep and difficult, and great advantage they would gain by engaging covered with trees and shrubs. Alarmed lest him on open ground before he should be joined Dundee should obtain possession of tMs emi- by his English dragoons, who, from their being nence—which beingwithin a carabine shot from so formidable to the Highlanders, would, if the place on wMch Mackay stood, would give allowed by him to come up, more than com- Mm such a command of the ground as would pensate for any accession of force which Dun- enable him, by means of his fire, to force Mac- dee might receive. 7 Another reason not less kay to cross the river in confusion—he, im- important was, that in the event of Mackay sus- mediately on Ms return from the position oc- taining a defeat, his army would probably be cupied by his advanced guard, " made every ruined, as he could not retreat back through battalion form by a Quart de Conversion to the the Pass without the risk of evident destruc- right upon the ground where they stood," 9 tion, whereas should the Highlanders suffer a and then made them march each in succession defeat, they could easily retreat to the moun- before him up the hill till they reached the tains. He added, that in anticipation of Mac- eminence, of which they took possession. kay's defeat, he had already given orders to Within a musket shot of tMs ground is another his friends in the neighbourhood, to cut off the eminence immediately above the house of few remaining stragglers that might attempt to Urrard, which Dundee had reached before escape. 8 Mackay had completed his ascent, and on The forces which had been descried by wMch he halted. Lauder, appear to have been a body of 400 At tMs conjuncture, neither Hastmgs's regi- men under the command of Sir John Maclean, ment nor Annandale's troop of horse had yet whom Dundee, on learning that the advanced come out of the pass, but Mackay, nevertheless, guard of Mackay's army, after traversing the at once proceeded to arrange Ms men in fight- pass, had taken up a position near its northern ing order on a plain between the edge of the extremity, had despatched from Blair castle to eminence and the foot or commencement of the keep them in check. But his scouts having ascent to Dundee's position, which, from its shortly thereafter brought him notice that the extent, enabled him to form his men in one whole of Mackay's army was preparing to enter line along the eminence. In making Ms dis the pass, he resolved to make a detour with positions, Mackay divided every battalion into the main body of his army round the hill on two parts, and as he meant to fight tlrree deep, which the castle of Lude stands, in the vicinity he left a small distance between each of these of the pass, and fall upon Mackay as soon as sub-battalions. In the centre of his line, how he should clear that defile. Having made ever, he left a greater interval of space, beMnd himself acquainted, by inquiries among the wMch he placed the two troops of horse, with most intelligent of the country people, with the design, when the HigManders, after the

7 Balcarras, p. 69. * Dalrymple's Memoirs, part ii. p. 56. Memoirs, p. 51. 3 A J70 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

fire of the line had teen spent, should ap- way to avoid ruin was to stand firm to their

proach, to draw them off hy this larger interval, posts, and, like brave men, to fight to the last and flank the Highlanders on either side, as in defence of their religion and liberties,

occasion should offer. Mackay assigns as his against the invaders of both, to secure which,

reason for placing his cavalry in his rear till and not the desire of a crown, was the sole

the fire should he exhausted on hoth sides, a reason which had induced his majesty to send dread he entertained of exposing them to Dun- them on the present service.

dee's horse, with whom it could not he sup- Whilst Mackay was thus occupied on the posed that these newly -raised levies could lower platform, his gallant rival was equally cope. Hastings's regiment, which arrived after busy flying about on the eminence above, Mackay had taken up his ground, was placed ranging his men in battle array. He was par- on the right; and, for greater security, there ticularly distinguished amongst his officers by

was added to it a detachment of firelocks from a favourite dun-coloured horse which he rode, each hattalion. On the extreme left on a hillock and by his plated armour, which glittered in covered with trees, Lieutenant-colonel Lauder the sun-beams. Dundee, who had arrived was posted, with his party of 200 men, com- upon the higher platform about the same time

posed of the elite of the army. Mackay having that Mackay had gamed the ground he now been recognised by Dundee's men busily em- occupied, ranged his men in one line in the ployed riding along his line, from battalion to following order : —On the right, he placed Sir battalion, giving orders, was selected by some John Maclean, with his regiment divided into

of them for a little ball practice; but although two battalions. On the left, he posted the "their popping shot," which wounded some of regiment of Sir Donald Macdonald, commanded his men, fell around him wherever he moved, by the young chief and Sir George Barclay, he escaped unhurt. and a battalion under Sir Alexander Maclean. After his line had been fully formed, Mackay In the centre were placed four battalions, con- rode along the front, from the left wing, which sisting of the Camerons, the Macdonells of he committed to the charge of Brigadier Bal- Glengary and Clanranald, and the Irish regi- four, to the right, and having ascertained that ment, with a troop of horse under the command every thing was in readiness to receive tbe of Sir William Wallace, who had early that enemy, he addressed the battalions nearest him morning produced a commission, to the great in a short speech. He requested them to displeasure of the Earl of Dunfermline and reflect that their own personal safety was in- other officers, appointing him colonel of a volved in the issue of that day's contest; and horse regiment which the earl commanded. 1 assured them that if they maintained then- It may be observed, that neither Mackay nor ground, and kept firmly and closely united Dundee placed any body of reserve behind together, their assailants would quickly flee their lines. before them for refuge to the hills—that the The great extent of Mackay's line, which reason for which the Higldanders stript them- reached considerably beyond Dundee's wings, 2 selves almost naked before battle was rather compelled the latter, to prevent the danger of to enable them to escape, than from any hopes being outflanked, to enlarge the intervals be- they entertained of pursuing their foes. Should, tween his battalions. A general movement however, his men unfortunately give way be- from right to left accordingly took place along fore the rabble of Highlanders whom they saw Dundee's line. Before Dundee's left halted, marshalled on the adjoining heights—an event Mackay, imagining that the object of the which he by no means expected—there was an movement in that quarter was to get between absolute certainty, as these naked mountaineers

1 were more nimble-footed than they were, and Macpherson's Original Papers, vol. i. p. 369. 2 Mackay's army is said to have outwinged Dundee's as all the Athole-men were in arms, ready to by nearly a quarter of a mile, "which obliged the latter take advantage of their defeat, that few or to leave large intervals between each clan. On this account there was a deficiency of troops in Dundee's none of them would escape with their lives. centre. —Memoir of Dundee in Miscellanea Scotica, In conclusion, he warned them that the only vol. iii. ;

BATTLE OF KILLIECKANKIE. 371 him and the pass, for the purpose of cutting less find no place, but the great majority of his off all communication between him and Perth, troops consisted of newly raised levies, who made his line make a corresponding movement had never before seen the face of an enemy. to his right, but on observing that Dundee's Mackay himself, though an old and experi- left wing halted, Mackay brought his Line to a enced officer, and a brave man, was not stand. These different movements necessarily without his misgivings ; and as the evening occupied a considerable time, and both armies advanced without any movement on the part being now finally arranged, they gazed upon of Dundee to commence the action, his uneasi- each other with great composure for the space ness increased. Nor were his apprehensions of two whole hours. likely to be allayed by the reply made by the During this interval of care and anxious sus- second son of Lochiel, who held a commission pense, the feelings of both parties—their hopes in his own regiment of Scots fusileers, in answer or their fears—would probably be tinctured by to a question put to him by Mackay. " Here a deeper hue of confidence or despondency as is your father with his wild savages," said they reflected on the events of former days. Mackay to the young man, on seeing the stand- Though more than forty years had elapsed ard of the Camerons, putting on at the same since the brilliant achievements of Montrose, moment an air of confidence, " how would you the Highlanders, 3 naturally brave, had lost none like to be with him?" " It signifies little," of their military ardour, and the descendants of answered the son of the chief, " what I would the heroes of Tippermuir, Aldearn, and Kilsyth, like, but I recommend to you to be prepared who now stood in battle array on the upper or perhaps my father and his wild savages may plain, whence, with a scowl of scorn and defi- be nearer to you before night than you would ance, they looked down upon the Sassenaehs like." 4 The apparent irresolution of the High- below, calling to mind the recital of the heroic landers to begin the battle was considered by deeds of their fathers, to which they had Mackay as intentional, and he supposed that listened with wonder and enthusiasm in their their design was to wait till nightfall, when, childhood, would burn for the moment when, by descending suddenly from their position, at the command of their chief, they should and setting up a loud shout, according to then- measure their broad swords with the bayonets usual custom, they expected to frighten his of their Lowland foes. On the other hand, men, unaccustomed to an enemy, and put them Mackay's men had no such recollections to in disorder. As Mackay could not, without inspire confidence or to cheer them in their the utmost danger, advance up the hill and perilous enterprise, and when they beheld the commence the action, and as the risk was Highland host ready at a moment's notice equally great should he attempt to retreat to burst like a mountain torrent upon their down the hill and cross the river, he resolved, devoted heads, and called to mind the tales at all hazards, to remain in his position, they had heard of the warlike prowess of the " though, with impatience," as he observes, till Highlanders, they could not but recoil at the Dundee should either attack him or retire, idea of encountering, in deadly strife, such which he had better opportunities of doing determined antagonists. There were, it is true, than Mackay had. To provoke the Highland- many men in Mackay's army to whom the ers, and to induce them to engage, he ordered dangers of the battle field were familiar, and three small leather field pieces to be discharged, in whose minds such reflections would doubt- but they proved of little use, and the carriages being much too high, broke after the third 3 "The night before the battle, Dundee having re- firing. flected that the Highlanders had not been tried in close of the general actions since the battle of Philiphaugh, which Towards the evening, some of had been fought 40 years before, and being desirous Dundee's sharpshooters, who had kept up, dur- to put their courage to the test, gave an alarm, and ing the day, an occasional fire in the direction caused a false attack to be made upon his own camp. In an instant he found every man at his post and in which they observed Mackay moving, by firm in it. The event of the stratagem removed the diffidence of the general, and confirmed the confidence 4 ." Sketches, vol. i. of the soldiers —Dalrymple's Memoirs, part ii. p. 57. Stewart's p. 63. — ;

372 GENEEAL HISTOEY OE THE HIGHLANDS. which, they had wounded some of his men, as gion, and your country. Behave yourselves, already stated, took possession of some houses therefore, like true Scotsmen, and let us by upon the ascent which lay between the two this action redeem the credit of this nation, armies, for the purpose of directing their aim that is laid low by the treacheries and cowardice with surer effect. But they were immediately of some of our countrymen, in making which dislodged by a party of musketeers despatched request, I ask nothing of you that I am not by Mackay's brother, who commanded the now ready to do myself. And if any of us general's regiment, and chased back to their shall fall upon this occasion, we shall have main body with some loss. This skirmish the honour of dying on our duty, and as Mackay supposed would soon draw on a general becomes true men of valour and conscience engagement, and his expectations were speedily and such of us as shall live and win the battle, realized. shall have the reward of a gracious king and

It was within half an hour of sunset, and the praise of all good men. In God's name, the moment was at hand, when, at the word then, let us go on, and let this be your word of command, the Higlilanders and their allies —Bang James and the church of Scotland, were to march down the hill, and with sword which God long preserve!" 6 in hand, fall upon the trembling and devoted A pause now ensued, and a death-like silence host below, whom, like the eagle viewing his prevailed along the line, when, on a sudden, destined prey from his lofty eyry, they had so it appeared in motion, marching slowly down long surveyed. Having determined, as much the hill. The Highlanders, who stript them- to please his men as to gratify his own inclina- selves to their shirts and doublets, advanced, tion, to lead the charge in person, at the head according to their usual practice, with their of the horse, Dundee exchanged his red coat, bodies bent forward, so as to present as small which he had worn during the day, and by a surface as possible to the fire of the enemy, which he had been recognised by Mackay's the upper part of their bodies being covered troops, for another of darker colour, to conceal by their targets. his rank, and thereby avoid the risk of being To discourage the Highlanders in their ad- singled out by the enemy. Dundee, after the vance by keeping up a continual fire, Mackay manner of the ancient Greek and Boman had given instructions to his officers command- generals, is said to have harangued his men in ing battahons, to commence firing by platoons, 4 the following enthusiastic strain : at the distance of a hundred paces. This order " Yon are come hither to fight, and that in was not attended to, as Balfour's regiment, and the best of causes ; for it is the battle of your the half of Eamsay's, did not fire a single shot, king, your religion, and your country, against and the other half fired very little. The the foulest usurpation and rebellion. And Highlanders, however, met with a very brisk having therefore so good a cause in your hands, fire from Mackay's right, and particularly

I doubt not but it will inspire you with an from his own battalion, in which no less than equal courage to maintain it ; for there is no 16 gentlemen of the Macdonells of Glengarry proportion betwixt 103'alty and treason, nor fell; but, undismayed by danger, they kept should there be any betwixt the valour of steadily advancing in the face of the enemy's' good subjects and traitors. Eemember that fire, of which they received three rounds. to-day begins the fate of your lung, your reli- Having now come close up to the enemy, they halted for a moment, and having levelled and 4 Among the papers of the exiled prince's secretary discharged their pistols, which did little execu- is a very well composed document, called "Lord Dundee's speech to his troops before the battle of tion, they set up a loud shout and rushed sword in Killiecrankie," which he certainly never delivered, hand upon the enemy, before the latter had time for the excellent reason that not a tenth of his audi- ence could have understood a word of it, and he was to screw on their bayonets to the end of their a tempted either by capacity or inclination not man muskets. The shock was too impetuous to be to the useless composition of flowing sentences." Burton's Scotland from Revolution, vol. i. p. 132. long resisted by men who, according to their Burton, however, thinks we may readily believe General Mackay's statement as to the few homely sen- 5 tences which he says he dropped to his men. Macpherson's Original Papers, vol. i. p 371. BATTLE OF KILLIECKANKTE. 373

own general, " behaved, with the exception of them to follow him, and putting spurs to Hastings's and Leven's regiment, like the vilest his horse galloped through the enemy, but cowards in nature." But even had these men with the exception of one servant whose horse been more stout-hearted, their courage would was shot under him, not a single horseman not have availed them, as their arms were in- attempted to follow their general. When he sufficient to parry off the tremendous strokes had gone sufficiently far to he out of the reach of the axes, and the broad and double-edged of immediate danger, he turned round to ob- swords of the Highlanders, who, with a single serve the state of matters, and to his infinite blow, either felled their opponents to the earth surprise he found that both armies had disap- or struck off a member from their bodies, ai d peared. To use his own expression, " in the at once disabled them. While the work of twinkling of an eye, in a manner," his own death was thus going on towards the right, men as well as the enemy were out of sight, Dundee, at the head of the horse, made a having gone down pell-mell to the river where furious charge on Mackay's own hattalion, and his baggage stood. The flight of his men broke through it, on which the English horse must have been rapid indeed, for although the which were stationed behind, fled without firing left wing, which had never heen attacked, had a single shot. Dundee, thereupon, rode off to begun to flee before he rode off, the right wing attack the enemy's cannon, hut the officer (Sir and centre still kept their ground. "William Wallace) who had that morning pro- Mackay now stood in one of the most extra- duced his commission as colonel of the horse, ordinary predicaments in which the commander appears to have misunderstood Dundee, who, of an army was ever placed. His whole men on arriving near the enemy's cannon, found had, as if by some supernatural cause, disap- himself alone. He, therefore, gave the horse peared almost in an instant of time, and he a signal to advance quickly, on which the Earl found himself standing a solitary being on the of Dunfermline, who then served only as a mountain side, not knowing what to do, or volunteer, overlooking the affront which had whither to direct his course. Whether had been put upon him, rode out of the ranks, fol- they had the courage to follow him, the timid lowed by 16 gentlemen, attacked the party troop would have turned the tide of victory in who guarded the cannon, and captured them. his favour, may indeed be wrell doubted; hut

As soon as Mackay perceived that Dundee's it is obvious that he adopted the only alterna- grand point of attack was near the centre of tive which could render success probahle. his line, he immediately resolved to attack the Judging from the ease with which he galloped Highlanders in flank with the two troops of through the Highlanders, who made way for horse which he had placed in the rear of his him, he thinks that if he had had hut 50 reso- line, for which purpose he ordered Lord Bel- lute horse such as Colchester's, he "had cer- haven to proceed round the left wing with his tainly," as he says, " by all human appearance own troop, and attack them on their right recovered all," for although his whole line had flank; he ordered at the same time the other begun to give way when he ordered the horse troop to proceed in the contrary direction, and to follow Mm, the right of the enemy had not assail them on their left. Mackay himself led then moved from their ground. 6 While rumi- round Belhaven's troop, but it was scarcely nating upon the " sad spectacle " which he in front of the line when it got into disorder, now beheld, his mind preyed upon "by the most and instead of obeying the orders to wheel for gloomy reflections, he fortunately espied to the the flank of the enemy, after some confused right, " a small heap of red coats," which he firing it turned upon the right wing of Lord immediately galloped for, and found it to con-

Kenmure's battalion, which it threw into dis- sist of a part of the Earl of Leven's regiment, order, and which thereupon began to give way. mixed with a few stragglers from other regi- At this critical moment Mackay, who was ments who had escaped from the swords of the instantly surrounded by a crowd of High- Highlanders. The Earl himself, his Lieuten- landers, anxious to disentangle his cavalry,

6 eo as to get them formed, called aloud to Mcmiirs, p. 57. —

374 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

ant-colonel, the Major, and most of the other he was not yet aware of the fate of Lauder's

officers of the regiment, were with this body. corps, which was among the first that fled, he Mackay perceived a part of Hastings's regiment supposed that the body he had observed might marching up to the ground it had occupied at either be that party or another body of his the commencement of the action. Having men who had retired to the wood on the rode up to this party, he was informed by the descent of the Highlanders, and he therefore Colonel that he had left his ground in pursuit rode off to reconnoitre them, after directing of the enemy, a detachment of which had at- his officers to endeavour to put their men in a

tempted to outflank him, but having wheeled condition to fire one discharge, at least, if

to the right upon them with his pikes, they attacked. Mackay approached the party suffi- abandoned the idea of attacking him, and ciently near to discover that they were Dun- repaired to their main body, which they ob- dee's men, and having turned his horse's head served among the baggage at the river-side. he walked slowly back, that he might not The plunder which the baggage offered was excite the apprehensions of the Highlanders. too tempting a lure for the Highlanders, whose The ground on which Mackay stood with the destructive progress it at once arrested. It wreck of his army, amounting to scarcely 400 was in fact solely to this thirst for spoil that men, was the farthest removed of any other Mackay and the few of his men who escaped part of the position he had selected in the owed their safety, for had the Highlanders morning, from the point to which he was continued the pursuit, it is very probable that necessarily obliged to direct his retreat, and not a single individual of Mackay's army over the intervening space he could not but would have been left alive to relate their sad expect to fall in with parties of the Highland- disaster. 7 ers, who would fall upon him, and kill or As soon as Mackay had got up Hastings's disperse his tired followers. But he extricated battalion and joined it to that of Leven's, he himself from the difficulties which beset him, despatched his nephew, Captain Mackay, with considerable adroitness. He advised who, though he had received eight broad-sword them on no account to show any inclination wounds on Ms body, was still able to ride his to run, as it could not add to their personal horse,—in quest of such of his officers as safety, but, on the contrary, might endanger might be within his reach, about the bottom it the more, as the Highlanders, observing of the hill, with orders to collect as many of their terror, would certainly break in among their men as they could, and join the general. them, and pursue them with the greater

This mission was totally unsuccessful, for avidity. When about to retire down the hill although he had fallen in with several officers, the party was joined by Lord Belhaven, and a few of them took any notice of him ; and all few other horsemen, who proved very service- who had survived the battle were now scattered able as scouts during the retreat. Mackay far beyond Mackay's reach. While receiving then led his men slowly down the hill, and this afflicting intelligence, Mackay descried in evaded the enemy so completely that he did the twilight, a large body of men, who appeared not meet with the least interruption in his to form themselves along the edge of a wood march. He retired across the Garry without on Balfour's left, where Lieutenant-colonel molestation, and made a short halt to ascertain Lauder had been posted with 200 men. As whether he was pursued. Seeing no disposi- tion on the part of the Highlanders to follow 7 In a conversation respecting the battle between him, he began to think of the best of General Wade and an old Highlander, who had fought way at Killiecrankie, the latter is reported to have spoken retiring out of Athole. All his officers advised lightly of Mackay as a commander, calling him a great him to return to Perth through the pass of fool, because he did not put his baggage in front of his army at Killiecrankie. Wade dissented, of course, Killiecrankie, but he saw proper to reject this but the old man insisted that the baggage should advice, and resolved to march several miles up have been placed before the line, in which case Mac- kay, he observed, would have gained the battle, as Athole and cross over the hills to Stirling. the Highlanders would have first attacked the baggage. Giving orders, therefore, to his men to and would have thus fallen an easy prey to Mackay's a] my. march, he proceeded to the west along the BATTLE OF KTLLIECEANKIK 'ilb

Pass of Killiecrankie in last century. From an old crayon drawing. bank of the river, and had the satisfaction, person arming in favour of King James. The when about two miles from the field of battle, people of Strathtay alarmed at the approach to come up with a party of about 150 fugitives of Mackay's men, whom they took to be High- almost without arms, under the command of landers, and considering their houses and Colonel Ranisay, who was quite at a loss what cattle in danger, set up a dreadful shout, direction to take. Mackay then continued which so frightened Mackay's men that they his march along the edge of a rivulet which began to flee back to the hills under an appre- falls into the Garry, till he came to some little hension that the Highlanders were at hand. houses. Here he obtained from one of the Mackay and some of his officers on horseback, inhabitants, information as to the route he by presenting their pistols and threatening the meant to follow, and having made himself fugitives, succeeded in rallying them, but acquainted, as far as he could, by an examina- owing to the thickness of the morning more tion of his map, with the situation of the than 100 escaped, all of whom were killed, country through which lie had to pass, he stripped, or taken prisoners by the country crossed the stream and proceeded across the people. Mackay continued his march with lulls towards "VVeem castle, the seat of the very little halting all that day, being Sunday chief of the clan Menzies, whose son had been the 28th, and arrived late at night at Drum- in the action with a company of 100 High- mond castle, in which he had a garrison. landers he had raised for the service of the Next clay he reached Stirling with about 400 government. After a most fatiguing journey, men. he reached the castle before morning. Here On the morning after the battle—for night he obtained some sleep and refreshment, of had thrown its curtain over the horrors of the which he stood greatly in need, having since scene, before the extent of the carnage could his departure from Dunkeld, on the morning be ascertained—the field of battle and the preceding, marched about 40 miles. ground between it and the river, extending as The news of Mackay's defeat had preceded far as the pass, presented an appalling spec-

his retreat ; and on his march during the tacle in the vast numbers of the dead which following day, he found the country through strewed the field, whose mutilated bodies at- which he passed in an uproar, and every tested the savage and unrelenting ferocity with "

37G GENEBAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

which. Mackay's men had been hewn down by But as the importance of a victory, however the Highlanders. Here might be seen a skull splendid in itself, or distinguished by acts of which had been struck off above the ears by a individual prowess, can only be appreciated by stroke from a broad-sword—there a head lying its results, the battle of Killiecrankie, instead near the trunk from which it had been severed of being advantageous to the cause of Xing —here an arm or a limb—there a corpse laid James, was, by the death of the brave Dundee, open from the head to the brisket; while inter- the precursor of its ruin. After he had charged spersed among these lifeless trunks, dejectaque at the head of his horse, and driven the enemy membra, were to be seen broken pikes, small from their cannon, he was about to proceed up swords and muskets, which had been snapt the hill to bring down Sir Donald Macdonald's asunder by the athletic blows of the Lochaber regiment, which appeared rather tardy in its axe and broad-sword. 9 motions, when he received a musket shot in

II the importance of a victory is to be his side, through an opening of his armour, the reckoned by the comparative numbers of the ball probably passing out in front through the slain, and the brilliant acliievements of the centre of his breastplate (See Plate of Dundee's victors, the battle of Killiecrankie may well Armour). 1 He attempted to ride a little, but stand high in the list of military exploits. was unable, and fell from his horse mortally Considering the shortness of the combat, the wounded, and almost immediately expired. 2 loss on the part of Mackay was prodigious. The loss on the side of Dundee was never pro-

Not less than 2,000 of his men were either perly ascertained, but is supposed to have been killed or captured. Among the slain were about 900.

Lieutenant - colonel Mackay, brother of the 1 Balcarras. General, Brigadier Balfour, and several other 2 The authenticity of the letter alleged to have been written by Dundee after he received his wound, may officers. Highland tradition reports that Bal- well be doubted. 1st. No contemporary writer men- four was cut down by the Beverend Bobert tions its existence. 2d. It is probable that Dundee Stewart, a Catholic clergyman, nephew to died as stated in the text. King James says, that "when crossing over the plaine to give some orders Stewart of Ballochin, for having contemptu- on the left where the enemy made the most opposition, ously refused to receive quarter when offered lie was most unfortunately killed by a random shot.

Clarke's James II. , vol. ii. p. 352. See the authorities tradition relates him by the priest. The same referred to by Mr Smythe of Methven, in a note on that Stewart, who was a powerful muscular the letter in the Bannatyne collection of Dundee's letters. These are supported by the following note, in their flight man, followed the enemy down written on a copy of Balcarras's Memoirs, in the Library to the river, and towards the pass, wielding a of Christ Church, Oxford, upon the passage relative to a bundle of papers found lying near Dundee on the tremendous broad-sword, with which he cut field. down numbers of the fugitives, and so much "N.B. —I spoke with some that were at that fight, and saw the Viscount of Dundee's corpse naked upon did he exert himself in the use of his fatal the ground, and was of the number that wrapt it in a weapon, that, at the conclusion of the carnage, pladd, and brought it off the field to the Blair of

Athole ; they said they saw no papers, nor was there his hand had swollen to such an extent, that any such rumour among them." .... it could only be extricated from the basket-hilt His Grace the Duke of Athole has kindly sent us the following note on this matter. "Lord Dundee is of his sword, by cutting away the net-work. reported to have been watering his horse at a spring within gunshot of Urrard House, aud at the same time directions. 9 la allusion to this battle, the author of the me- lifted his left arm to point or give some window through moirs of Viscount Dundee, (in Mis. Scot., vol. iii.,) At this instant he was shot out of a breast- says, " Then the Highlanders fired, threw down their the chinks of his armour, i.e. between back- and side of fusils, rushed in upon the enemy with sword, target, and plates, which must have gaped open. The left pistol, who did not maintain their ground two minutes the breastplate, inside, is stained apparently with blood, have passed out from back to front after the Highlanders were amongst them ; and I dare and the ball must be bold to say, that were scarce ever such strokes through the hole in the centre (See Plate). An old given in Europe, as were given that day by the High- woman who died near here (Blair) within the memory of landers. Many of General Mackay's officers and persons still living, used to relate how her grandfather soldiers were cut down through the skull and neck to was skulking on the hill above and saw Lord Dundee his brother, who was the hostler at the inn the very breast ; others had skulls cut off above their fall; and ears like night-caps; some soldiers had both their at Blair, saw him carried in there, aud said that Lord at Dundee died in the middle room, upstairs, of the inn. bodies and cross-belts cut through one blow ; pikes and small swords were cut like willow's; and whoever I think I have seen it stated elsewhere that he was doubts of this, may consult the witnesses of the taken to the Castle, but I should be inclined to believe tragedy." the country tradition." — —

DEATH AND CHAEACTEE OF DUNDEE. 377

Among the slain, Alister Dhu (black Alex- In the Viscount Dundee, King James lost ander) the chief of Glengarry, who, at the head the only man in Scotland possessed of all the of his battalion, mowed down two men at qualifications necessary for conducting to a every stroke, with his ponderous two-handed successful issue the great and important charge sword, had to lament the loss of a brother, which had been committed to him by his several other relatives, and still nearer and sovereign. Educated in the strictest principles dearer to him, of his son, Donald, surnamed of toryism, he could never divest his mind of Gorm, from the blueness of his eyes. This the abstract ideas of passive obedience and vouth, who had exhibited early proofs of hereditary right, and to him, therefore, any bravery worthy of his name, and the race attempt to resist the authority of the sovereign, whence he sprung, killed, it is said, 18 of the no matter how far that authority was abused, enemy with his own hand. No less than five appeared highly treasonable. Though a sincere cousins of Sir Donald Macdonald of the isles Protestant Episcopalian, the heresy of the suc- fell, together with the tutor of Macdonald of cessor of Charles II. as the religion of James Largo and his sons. Colonel Gilbert Eainsay, must have appeared to him, in no respect altered and the brave laird of Pitcnr, " who, like a his ideas of implicit fidelity to the sovereign, moving castle in the shape of men, threw fire nor did his views undergo any change when the and sword on all sides," 3 were also numbered arbitrary and unconstitutional proceedings of with the dead on this eventfid day. 4 James seemed to the leading men of the nation to have solved the great political problem, when The alleged letter from Dundee to the King is as resistance should commence and obedience follows:— end. 5 In his eye, therefore, the "Sir, revolution ' ' It hath pleased God to give your forces a which drove the unfortunate James from his great victory over the rebels, in which three-fourths throne, was a great national sin, which could of them are fallen under the weight of our swords. I might say much of the action, if I had not the honour only be atoned for by restoring to him his to command it; but of 5,000 men, which was the best crown, an object, in the accomplishment of computation I could make of the rebels, it is certain there have not escaped 1,200. We have not lost full which, he conceived all good men were bound out 900. This absolute victory made us masters of to lend a helping hand. These ideas ingrafted the field and enemy's baggage, which I gave to the soldiers ; who, to do them all right, both officers and upon a temperament peculiarly sanguine, made common men. Highlands, Lowlands, and Irish, be- him an enthusiast in favour of hereditary right, haved themselves with equal gallantry to what I ever saw in the hottest battles fought abroad by disciplined and his appointment by the fallen monarch as and this 'Kay's old soldiers felt on this armies; M the chosen one by whose instrumentality his occasion. I cannot now, Sir, be more particular ; but take leave to assure your majesty the kingdom is restoration was to be effected, imparted a disposed to your service, and generally impatiently charm to his enthusiasm which dispelled every wait for your coming; and this success will bring in the rest of the nobility and gentry, having had all sword, or cover him from the shot of the enemy. their assurance for it, except the notorious rebels. Soon after the battle began, the chief missed his friend Therefore, Sir, for God's sake, assist us, though it be side, and turning round to with such another detachment as you sent us before, from his look what had become of him, saw him lying on his back, with his especially of horse and dragoons ; and you will crown pierced by an arrow. hardly our beginning with a complete success, and yourself breast He had breath expired to tell Lochiel, with an entire possession of your ancient hereditary before he that, seeing an a Highlander in General Mackay's kingdom of Scotland. My wounds forbid me to en- enemy, army, aim- ing at him with a bow and arrow from the rear, large to your Majesty at this time, though they tell he sprung behind him, and thus sheltered him from me they are not mortal. However, I beseech your instant death. This is a species of duty not often Majesty to believe, whether I live or die, practised, perhaps, by an aid-de-camp of the " I am entirely yours, present DUNDEE." day." Stewart's Sketclies. 5 " He became a fanatic of the order he found him- "The letter is so happily expressed as to be a self in, —the order of the cavalier who is devoted to

forgery on its face ; for it is not to be imagined that his monarch and his monarch's allies, aristocratic he who vainly struggled after grammar with all his and hierarchical. His fanaticism was that of the senses with him, would command it when mortally gentleman. It is not common, perhaps, to associate

' wounded, and utterly unfit for that species of com- the reproachful term, fanatic, ' with a word so ex- mand with which he was familiar." — Burton, vol. i. pressive of estimable social qualities as this word ; ' p. 134. gentleman ' but as there is no hesitation in apply- 3 Memoirs of Dundee. ing it to religious opinions carried to excess, surely * " In this battle Lochiel was attended by the son there can be no desecration in applying it to social of his foster-brother. This faithful adherent followed qualities when they become offensively prurient."

him like his shadow, ready to assist him with his Burton's Scotland from Revolution, vol. i p. 99. —

378 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

difficulty that appeared to obstruct the grand kay's army had been destroyed. In the stato object of his ambition and his hopes. With of disorder and confusion which prevailed, the an inflexibility of purpose, which no tempta- Duke of Hamilton, the Commissioner to the tion could overcome, he steadily pursued the revolution parliament, summoned a meeting of course which the duty he conceived he owed the privy council, at which orders were issued to his sovereign and the natural inclination of to raise all the fencible men in the west, and his own mind directed him to follow. But to concentrate all the forces in the south at Dundee had not merely the will, but, what was Stirling, to which point it was supposed Dundee of no less importance, the ability, had he lived, (of whose death they were not aware) would

to have executed the commission intrusted to be rapidly hastening ; and on the supposition him, one of his highest qualifications for such that Maekay was either killed or made prisoner, a purpose—considering the fickle and unruly Sir John Lanier was ordered west to take the bands he had to command—being that he command. stood unrivalled among his contemporaries in During two entire days the ferment continued the art of gaining the affections of his troojis, in the capital, and every hour added to the and communicating to them a full measure of fears of those who had most to dread from a the spirit which animated liimself. His death, counter-revolution. At length, when the minds therefore, was a fatal blow to James's prospects, of men were wrought up to the highest pitch and with him the cause of the Stuarts may be of terror and dismay, intelligence was received said to have perished. Dundee and his friend of the death of Dundee, and shortly thereafter Pitcur were interred in the church of Blair- a despatch from General Maekay, giving an Athole. " Never vaulted roof or marble monu- account of the battle, and of his safe retreat to ment covered the last abode of a more restless Stirling. An event so unlooked for and so and ambitious heart than that which has slept important as the death of the only man in in this quiet spot amidst peasant dust." whom the hopes of King James rested, and from the decision of whose character the sup- porters of the revolution settlement anticipated CHAPTEE XXI. the most fearful consequences, was hailed by the Duke of Hamilton and his friends with

d. 1689—1691. A. transports of joy. They had indeed good rea-

British sovereign :—William III., 1688—1703. son to rejoice, for although the battle had been disastrous to their forces, the loss which King Maekay's movements—Advances to Perth — Colonel James had sustained in the person of Dundee Cannon marches north and is joined by several clans —Followed by Maekay—Cannon returns south was irreparable. The Cameronians at Dunkeld—Movements of Mae- On arriving at Stirling, Maekay met Sir kay—Major-General Buehan arrives from Ireland and marches north—Skirmish at Cromdale—Mae- John Lanier, who communicated to him the kay marches to Inverloehy —Erection of Fort- orders that had been issued by the govern- William—Movements of Buehan and Cannon Maekay marches to the north—Earl of Seaforth ment on receiving the news of his defeat. So imprisoned Cessation of hostilities Departure of — — decisive had the battle of Killiecrankie ap- Dundee's officers for France. peared to them that they had given up all The news of Mackay's defeat reached Edin- idea of maintaining a position on the north of burgh on Sunday the 28th of July, the day the Eorth, all the country beyond which they after the battle, and threw the partizans of the meant to abandon to the victorious arms of government, who were there assembled, into Dundee, and to confine their operations to a the greatest consternation. In the absence of defence of the fords of the Forth, and the pass official details, the most gloomy accounts were and bridge of Stirling. In pursuance of this given by a few terrified stragglers who arrived design orders had been sent to Barclay's regi- in the capital, and who gave out that, with ment, which was quartered in the county of the exception of themselves, the whole of Mac- Aberdeen, to retire upon Dundee, and Lanier had despatched an express to his own regiment,

c Burton, vol. i. p. 131. which lay partly at Alnwick and partly at MACKAY ADVANCES TO PEETH. 379

Morpeth, to hasten down to Scotland. This follow him. On his way he could obtain plan, however, was disapproved of by Mackay, no intelligence respecting the motions of the and he, therefore, as he says, " resolved to enemy, as he found the houses mostly deserted alter these measures, knowing how hard a pull by their inhabitants, who had taken up arms we would have, if he left the north, which are and had gone to join the standard of King absolutely the best men of that kingdom for James. On approaching the river Earn, how- the war, to the discretion of the enemy, where ever, Mackay's scouts, who, to prevent notice he would not only get great numbers to join of his approach, kept only a musket-shot in him, but also take possession of towns and advance, were saluted with a loud " qui vive" seize upon the public revenues, whereby they by two horsemen. The scouts, four in num- could form a fashion of government, and so ber, answered this challenge by a discharge have more plausible ways, not only to main- from their carabines, which brought down the tain but also to engross their party, than ever two horsemen, one of whom was shot dead. they have had." 7 The other was mortally wounded, and though Eor these reasons Mackay determined to he spoke a few words, was not able to answer take the field again without delay, and to give, some questions put to him for eliciting infor- as he observes, " some eclat to the service, and mation. As Mackay conjectured from tins hinder the disaffected of the shires of Perth occurrence, that the main body of the enemy and Angus to rise in arms against the govern- was not far off, he altered his line of march, ment," he resolved to march direct to Perth and crossing a pretty steep hill to the north, with the forces which were at hand, and place reached the field of Tippermuir, a few miles a garrison there. Fortunately some of the west from Perth. troops which the privy council had ordered to Having been informed at Tippermuir, that rendezvous at Stirling were already there, and the enemy lay encamped at Dunkeld, and that others were at hand. Preparatory to his a party of their horse and foot was in Perth march he sent Sir John Lanier to Edinburgh for the purpose of carrying off some meal to hasten the advance of his own regiment, which had been sent thither by the touncil for

consisting of nine troops of horse, and also of the use of Mackay's army, the general drew oil Hayford's dragoons, consisting of eight troops, his men to the left to throw himself between and ordered eight troops of horse, and four of Dunkeld and Perth, and thereby cut off the dragoons, both of which had been newly party. He himself marched down upon Perth, levied, and Lord Colchester's regiment of but on corning within sight of the town was

horse, not above 500 men in all, to join him disappointed to observe that about 30 of the

at Stirling of enemy's horse had already r on the morning Wednesday, the crossed the Taj , 31st of July. Many thousands of men in the and were beyond his reach. He proceeded on western counties were now assembling of their his march, and when within half a mile of the own accord in consequence of Mackay's defeat; town observed the foot party, which consisted but disliking such auxiliaries, " whose preten- of about 300 Athole-men, approaching. The sions," he says, " appeared already exorbitant Highlanders, who had not the most distant enough," and who, if employed, might think idea that there was a single enemy nearer than that the government could not be maintained Stirling, were almost petrified with horror without their assistance, he intimated that he when they beheld such a large body of cavalry would not require their services, and ordered ready to pounce upon them, and for a time them to return to their homes. they stood quite motionless, not knowing what The horse and dragoons having come to to do. Apprehensive that they might attempt Stirling as directed, with these he departed for to escape by a ford near the place where they

Perth at two o'clock in the afternoon, giving stood, Macka}r despatched four troops of dragoons orders to a newly-raised battalion of foot, con- at full gallop to prevent their passage. The sisting of Mar and Bargeny's regiments, to Athole-men seeing that their retreat would be

cut off, threw themselves into the Tay, whither

' Memoirs, p. 62. thev were followed by the horse and dragoons, 380 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

who cut them down in the water without of the kingdom, and to leave Mar and Bar- mercy. About 120 of the Athole-men were geny's regiments and six troops of cavalry in

killed and 30 made prisoners. In this affair garrison at Perth ; but on hearing of Cannon's Mackay lost only one man, who had impru- movement to the north he abandoned his inten- dently pursued to a distance a small party of tion, and after despatching orders to Sir John 8 the Highlanders. Lanier to proceed to Perth with all possible This disastrous skirmish, whilst it raised haste along with the horse and dragoons which the expectations cf the revolutionists, threw were expected from England, he crossed the a damp over King James's supporters, and Tay with his whole cavalry force, consisting augured ill for the success of Colonel Cannon, of nearly 1,500 men, leaving two battalions of who had assumed the command of James's foot behind, and advanced towards Coupar- army on the death of Dundee. This officer, Angus. At Coupar he received intelligence (hough a faithful adherent of his royal master, from some prisoners who had been taken at was altogether unfit for the command of such Killiecrankie, and who had escaped on the an army. He seems to have possessed none march north, that Cannon had marched as far of Dundee's genius, and his regular military as Glen Isla, about eight miles from Forfar, experience rendered him totally unfit to deal where he had encamped. Mackay in conse- with such an irregular and capricious race as quence continued his march to Forfar, where were the Highlanders, with whose habits, he learned that Cannon had made another feelings, and dispositions, he was totally unac- movement to Clova.

quainted. Had Dundee lived he would pro- After passing two nights at Forfar, he re- bably have carried his victorious army across ceived notice that Cannon had crossed the the Forth, seized upon the capital and dispersed mountains and entered Braemar. As Mackay the government; but his successor did not considered that these movements of Cannon know how to take advantage of the victory were intended by him as a ruse to draw him which had been obtained, and instead of north, and that when Cannon had accomplished marching instantly south, he merely advanced his object he meant immediately to recross the to Dunkeld, about 16 miles from the field of mountains and enter Angus, where he expected the recent battle, where he remained encamped some reinforcements to join him, Mackay sent for several days, when the party he had sent orders to Lanier to advance to Forfar, to serve to Perth was attacked and almost destroyed as a check upon Cannon should he again enter by the dogged and steady Mackay. Angus, and proceeded himself to Aberdeen, At Dunkeld, Cannon was joined by the which he reached the second day, to the great Stewarts of Appin, the Macgregors and the joy, he says, of most of the inhabitants, who Athole-men under Lord James Murray, of were in dread of a visit from the Highlanders which circumstance Mackay was informed soon that very night. 9 after his arrival at Perth. In the meantime On arriving at the Braes of Mar, Cannon he took care to secure the town against attack was joined by the Farquharsons, the Frasers, by erecting pallisades, and sent out patrols the Gordons of Strathdown and Glenlivet, and during the night to bring notice of the enemy by 200 of the Macphersons. Keppoch and should they approach the town. Cannon, young Lochiel also met him. l At Aberdeen, however, made no attempt to disturb Mackay, Mackay received an express from the Master and after passing several days at Dunkeld in of Forbes, informing him that Cannon had inactivity, he raised his camp and proceeded taken up a very strong position upon his northwards along the skirts of the Grampians father's lands, having the Highlands at his with a force of about 3,000 men. It was the back and a wood to cover him in front; the posi- intention of Mackay to have returned to Edin- tion being so well chosen that he coidd keep up burgh to considt with the privy council as to a free communication with his friends in the the best means of speedily settling the peace lower parts of the shires of Aberdeen and Banff.

9 Mackay, pp. 63, 6i. Memoirs, p. Memoirs of Dundee. —

CANNON FOLLOWED BY MACKAY. 381

Judging that Camion's object in selecting such hazarded was put to the vote, the clans who a position was to strengthen himself in horse were for fighting Mackay immediately, found from the adjoining low country, of which species themselves in a minority. This was followed of force he stood in most need, Mackay, with by a resolution to return to Athole. As the view of obstructing his levies, ordered Sir matters stood, the chances of victory on either Thomas Livingston to leave the command of side may be considered to have been pretty the forces at Inverness with Sir James Leslie, fairly balanced, but subsequent events showed and to repair immediately to Strathbogie with that Cannon in the present instance omitted his regiment of dragoons, with instructions, the best opportunity he was ever destined to should the enemy appear in that quarter, to have of gaining a victory which might have march farther to the left across the low country, decided the fate of Scotland. and to send him despatches from time to time, Although Mackay's men were almost worn announcing the state of matters. At the same out with extreme fatigue, being kept under time he ordered Sir John Lanier to send Hay- arms every night for a considerable time, and ford's regiment of dragoons to Aberdeen to only allowed an occasional repose by turns strengthen him. during the day-time, the general resolved to

After remaining a day at Aberdeen, Mackay follow Cannon with all possible despatch. marched up Dee-side to beat up Cannon's " The cause of Cannon's movement was owing quarters, but learning on his march that the to the following circumstances. The privy Highlanders had left Lord Forbes's lands and council wishing to obtain possession of the had gone north in the direction of the Duke castles of Blair and Einlarig, had sent a letter of Gordon's territory, he drew off his men next to Mackay at Strathbogie with instructions to morning at break of day towards Strathbogie, proceed to these places before the rainy season for the purpose of covering Livingston's march. should set in, for the purpose of reducing Mackay having nothing but cavalry, got the and putting garrisons into them. Mackay, in start of Cannon, and reached Strathbogie answer, stated his inability to undertake such before Cannon arrived at the castle of Auchin- a service in the face of the formidable force doun, where he intended to fix Iris head which lay so near him, and that he did not quarters. At Auchindoun, Cannon was in- conceive there was any necessity for being in formed that Mackay was already at the castle such a hurry, as, from the proximity of these of Strathbogie, a distance of about six miles. castles to the low country, he could make him- He, thereupon, called a council of war to dis- self master of them at any time if sufficiently cuss the expediency of giving battle to Mac- strong. But he observed, that if the council kay. A preliminary question was agitated by was bent upon the undertaking, they might the Highland chiefs as to the right of the direct Sir John Lanier to order some foot and Lowland officers to sit in the council, the former Barclay's regiment to join him from Forfar, contending that as none of these officers had and with these and three battalions of the any troops under their immediate command, Dutch regiments, then at Perth, and which and were wholly unacquainted with the disci- had not been at the battle of Killiecrankie, pline of the Highlanders and their mode of execute that piece of service. Upon receiving fighting, they had no right to deliberate on the Mackay's answer, the council ordered the Earl subject, and were unable to form a correct of Angus's regiment, known by the name of judgment on the question they were called the Cameronian regiment—a band of stern, upon to discuss. The decision of this point fearless, religious enthusiasts from the west lay with Cannon, who, by the advice of the to advance to Dunkeld, with the view, it is Earl of Dunfermline, decided the question supposed, of supporting Lanier. Mackay was against the Highlanders. A judgment more quite averse to the employment of these men, unfortunate to the cause of King James could and disapproved of the plan of posting them not have been pronounced, as it gave rise to so near the Highlands, the effect of which, jealousies and strifes among the officers, and he observed, would be, that they would be when the question whether a battle should be instantly attacked, " because the enemy had —

382 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. not such prejudice at any of the forces as at began to entrench themselves within some this regiment, whom they called the Cameron- inclosures about the Marquis of Athole's house ian regiment, whose oppression against all such at Dunkeld. The country people, in parties as were not of their own sentiments, made of ten and twenty, appeared during the morning them generally hated and feared in the north- on the neighbouring hills, and about four in ern counties." 2 Accordingly, no sooner had the afternoon a body of about 300 men drew they encamped at Dunkeld, than some of King up on a hill to the north of Dunkeld, whence James's friends in Athole resolved to put them they despatched a messenger, who carried a

off, and a notice was sent to Cannon to return halbert surmounted by a white cloth as a flag south with that view, in consequence of which, of truce, with a letter without any subscription, he raised his camp and proceeded suddenly addressed to Lieutenant-colonel Cleland, the

towards the Dee, as already mentioned. commanding officer, of the following tenor : Mackay followed him, and on arriving at " We the gentlemen assembled being informed Aberdeen, warned Sir John Lanier of the that ye intend to burn the town, desire to advance of Cannon, and to prevent the High- know whether ye come for peace or war, and landers from making any inroads, he sent out do certify you, that if ye burn any one house, small parties of his men to scour the neigh- we will destroy you." To which communica- bouring country. When Lanier was informed tion Lieutenant-colonel Cleland replied as

of Cannon's approach, he left Forfar, where he follows : —" We are faithful subjects to King was posted with his own and Barclay's regi- William and Queen Mary, and enemies to their

ment, for Brechin, near to which town the enemies ; and if you, who send these threats, enemy had advanced. Some skirmishing took shall make any hostile appearance, we will place between the advanced posts, with loss burn all that belongs to you, and otherwise on both sides. The Highlanders, thereupon, chastise you as you deserve." retired to the hills, and Lanier, who was ignor- On the first alarm of the Highlanders' ap- ant of the object of Cannon's march, returned proach to Dunkeld, Colonel Eamsay sent up to Forfar. Here he received orders from the some troops of horse and dragoons under Lord privy council to march to the castles of Blair Cardross to assist the Cameronians in case of and Finlarig, in consequence of which he pro- attack. This party arrived at Dunkeld on ceeded to Coupar-Angus the following day, Tuesday morning, but the Highlanders not where intelligence was brought him from being yet sufficiently numerous, showed no Colonel Eamsay, that the Highlanders were disposition to attack the Cameronians that day. marching upon Dunkeld. He was informed at At night, Cleland received intelligence that the same time that the Cameronian regiment, the fiery cross had been sent round, and that a which was disadvantageously posted, would considerable gathering had taken place, and assuredly be defeated, if not immediately sup- next morning the Highlanders began to appear ported. Instead of sending any instructions in large parties among the hills, between whom to Eamsay, who required his advice, Lanier and some detached parties of horse and foot

delayed forwarding an answer till he should which Cleland sent out to scour the country, arrive at Perth the following day, " in which some brisk skirmishing took place during the interim," says Mackay, " if the providence of day. The Highlanders having retired, Cle- God had not blinded Cannon, and disheartened land's forces returned to Dunkeld in the even- his Highlanders from continuing their attack, ing, where Lord Cardross received an order the regiment had certainly been lost, for they from Colonel Eamsay to return instantly to had two full days' time to carry them, and all Perth, from an absurd apprehension that the their defence was but low gardens, in most cavalry could be of little use in defending the places not above four feet high." 3 position occupied by the Cameronian regiment. On Sunday morning, the 18th of August, When Cleland, who appears to have been a the Cameronians, in expectation of an attack, determined, sensible, clear-headed enthusiast of about 30 years of age, was informed of this

Memoirs, p. 69. Idem. extraordinary mandate, he remonstrated with THE CAMERONIANS AT DUNKELD. 383

Cardross in the strongest maimer against com- cathedral and steeple, and in Dunkeld-house.

plying with it, as the safety of his regiment The remainder of his men he disposed behind might be involved in the result; hut his lord- the walls of the adjoining gardens and parks, ship pleaded his instructions, which gave him and along some ditches which he caused to be no discretionary power, and he departed for thrown up to extend his line of defence. All Perth the same evening, leaving the Cameron- these arrangements were completed before 7 ians to the tender mercies of their bitterest o'clock in the morning, about which time the enemies, the Highlanders. Cleland's obvious Highlanders appeared moving down the hills course was to have followed the cavalry, but towards Dunkeld. Desirous to gain possession though the danger was imminent, he disdained of the town, to dislodge the Cameronians, or to abandon the post which had been assigned to draw off their attention from the points him, and easily prevailed upon the Cameron- where he meant to direct his main attack,

ians to remain and meet the enemy at all Cannon despatched a small train of artillery 4 hazards. Burton truly says that it is difficult down a little hill near the town, accompanied to imagine a position more dangerous for a by 100 men clad in armour, who were followed

Lowland force than the little village of Dun- by a party of Highlanders on foot. To pre- keld, being deep sunk among hills commanding vent the Cameronians from escaping by the

it, and cutting off retreat, while a rapid river ford across the Tay, he sent two troops of horse forms the diameter of their semicircle. round the town, who took up a position be- The parties which had appeared during the twixt the ford and the church, while two other day consisted entirely of Athole-men, whose troops were placed at the opposite end of the numbers probably did not exceed 500 or GOO; town. When the party arrived at the bottom but in the evening they were joined by the of the hill, they were opposed by a small body whole of Cannon's force, amounting to nearly of men whom Cleland had posted behind a 4,000. To the great surprise and dismay of stone wall, but after some smart firing, this the Cameronians, this formidable body ap- body was obliged to give way and to retire to peared at six o'clock next morning, "Wednesday Dunkeld-house. Another party of the Came- the 21st of August, on the hills about Dunkeld ronians, which had been posted at the other formed in order of battle. The situation of end of the town, was obliged also to retire. the Cameronians was now critical in the ex- Having forced the outposts, the whole body of treme. They had no alternative but to fight the Highlanders rushed furiously into the or surrender, for retreat was not in their power. town, which they entered at four different A capitulation would have been the obvious points at once. The Cameronians, however, course, but the great abhorrence in which the firmly maintained their ground within the Cameronians were held by the Highlanders, enclosures, from which they kept up a galling gave faint hopes of obtaining the usual terms and destructive fire upon the Highlanders, who of civilized warfare from the inveterate host in vain attempted to dislodge them. Finding which hung over them on the surrounding their broad-swords of little avail against the heights. They, therefore, adopted the des- pikes and halberts of an enemy protected by perate resolution of defending themselves to stone walls, the Highlanders retired to the the last extremity, and they hoped, that by houses, and some to the heights near the town, posting themselves advantageously behind the from which they kept up a sharp though inef- walls and enclosures adjoining the village and fectual fire upon the Cameronians, who returned

Dunkeld-house, they would be able to keep the it with much better effect. The Cameronians, Highlanders in check till some relief might however, soon sustained a heavy loss in the arrive. death of Cleland, their brave commander, who, The' Cameronian commander accordingly in the act of exhorting his men to stand firm made the necessary preparations for defence. to their posts, was, within an hour after the He first posted parties of his men in the engagement commenced, mortally wounded by two bullets, one of winch pierced his liver, the

4 Scotland, vol. i. p. 111. other entering his head at the same instant 384 GENEEAL HISTORY OE THE HIGHLANDS.

Dunkekl ill the 17th century. — From Slezer's Thcatrum iScotua.

Aware of his fate, lie attempted to gain Dun- enveloped the unfortunate sufferers. To add keld-house, lest his men, seeing him expire, to the calamity, the pikemen had coolly locked might become dispirited; but he was unable the doors of such of the houses as had keys to reach the threshold, and expired in their standing in them, and the unhappy intruders presence. being thus cut off from escape, perished in the During three hours an incessant firing was flames. No less than 16 Highlanders were, in kept up on both sides, which might have con- consecpaence, burnt to death in one house. tinued for several hours longer without pro- With the exception of three houses, possessed ducing any definite result, unless, indeed, the by the Cameronians, the whole of the town ammunition of either party had become ex- was consumed. hausted. Probably from the dread of such a The Highlanders finding their ammunition contingency, which would have been fatal to all spent, 5 and seeing that they could no the Cameronians, Captain Munro, to whom, longer maintain their position among the ruins on the death of Cleland, the command had of the town, began to retire to the hills about fallen, resolved to attempt to dislodge the eleven o'clock, after having sustained a loss of Highlanders from the houses by setting the about 300 men. The Cameronians, whose loss town on fire. He accordingly sent into the was trifling, on seeing the Highlanders depart, town several small parties of pikemen with set up a loud shout, threw up their caps, beat burning faggots upon the points of their pikes their drums, and waved.their colours in token to set fire to the houses in which the High- of triumph, demonstrations which must have landers were posted. This order was exe- been exceedingly galling to the feelings of the cuted with such promptitude, that in a short Highlanders, who only four hours before had time the whole town was in a conflagration. assured themselves of an easy conquest. It is The scene which the town now presented was stated in the Cameronian account of the battle, one of the most heart-rending description. that an attempt was made by Cannon to induce The din of war was indeed no longer heard, the Highlanders to renew the attack, but they hut a more terrific sound had succeeded, from declined, for this reason, that although still the wild shrieks of despair which issued from

the dense mass of smoke and flame which Balearras. — — —

BOOT) OF HIGHLAOT3EKS—MOVEMENTS OF MACKAY. 385

-eady to fight with men, they would not again In the meantime Mackay left Aberdeen for encounter devils. G To show their gratitude to the purpose of joining Lanier, leaving behind God for " so miraculous a victory," the Cam- him Sir Thomas Livingston, with his regiment eronians spent a considerable part of the after- and nine troops of cavalry, to keep the adjoin- noon in singing psalms of praise and thanks- ing northern counties in awe. At Brechin he giving. learnt that Lanier had received an order from The Highlanders were greatly discouraged the privy council to march into Athole, in by the repulse which they sustained at Dun- consequence of which information he joined keld, and they attributed the misfortune to the him at Perth on the 26th of August. He incapacity of Cannon, in whom they conse- thereafter lert Perth, with the greater part of quently lost all confidence. Perceiving that the forces which he found there assembled, they could no longer keep the field with any and took the route to Blah. It was clearly probability of success under such a commander, the interest of James's part}r to have burned

I they retired to Blair, and after entering into a the castle of Blair, so as to prevent Mackay

bond of association to support the cause of from placing a garrison in it to overawe the

King James, and for mutual protection, they neighbouring country ; but if such was the departed for their homes, leaving Cannon and intention of the Highlanders, they were de-

Iris Irish troops and the few lowland gentle- terred from putting it in execution by a mes- men to shift for themselves. Cannon went to sage from Mackay, who threatened, in the Mull, and resided with the chief of Maclean. 7 event of the castle being burnt, to raze every house in Athole to the ground, and to burn Life and Diary of Colonel Blaekader. and destroy all the corn in that district. Mac- 7 "We, Lord James Murray, Patrick Stewart of at castle of Blair, Ballechan, Sir John M'Lean, Sir Donald M'Donald, kay remained ten days the Sir Ewen Cameron, Glengarie, Benbecula, Sir Alex- ander M'Lean, Appin, Enveray, Keppoch, Glencoe, to the whole; for instead of telling us what good Strowan, Calochele, Lieut.-Col. M'Gregor, Bara, Christians, men of honour, good subjects, and good Large, M'Naughten, do hereby bind and oblige our- neighbours, ought to do, you tell us in both your selves, for bis Majesty's service and our own safeties, letters, that his Majesty has hot wars in Ireland, and to meet at the day cannot in haste come to us, which, though it were as of September next, and bring along with us true as we know it is not, is only an argument from fencible men. That is to say, Lord James Mur- safety and interest. And that yon may know the ray and Ballechan Sir John M'Leau sentiments of men of honour, we declare to you and 200, Sir Donald M'Donald 200, Sir Ewen Cameron all the world, we scorn your usurper, and the indemni-

200, Glengarie 200, Benbecula 200, Sir Alexander ties of his government ; and to save you farther trouble M'Lean 100, Appin 100, Enveray 100, Keppoch 100, by your frequent invitations, we assure you that we Lieut.-Col. M'Gregor 100, Calochele 50, Strowan 60, are satisfied our king will take his own time and way punish Bara 50, Glencoe 50, M'Naughten 50, Large 50 ; but to manage his dominions and his rebels ; and in case any of the rebels shall assault or attack any of although he should send no assistance to us at all, we the above-named persons betwixt the date hereof and will die with our swords in our hands before we fail in the said day of rendezvous, we do all solemnly promise our loyalty and sworn allegiance to our sovereign. to assist one another to the utmost of our power, as Judge, then, what effect Duke Hamilton's letter has witness these presents, signed by us at the castle of you have got an honourable father for upon us ; but Blair, the 24th of August, 1689 years.—Al. Robertson, this story from Ireland, and although we can better D. M'Neil, Alex. M'Donald, Do. M'Gregor, Alex. tell you how matters go iu Ireland, and that we pity M'Donell, D. M'Donald, D. M'D. of Benbecula, Al. those on whom such stories have influence, yet we

M'Donald, Tho. Farqrson, Jo. M'Leane, E. Cameron have no orders to oiler conditions to any rebels ; we of Lochiel, Al. Stuart." Records of Parliament. allow them and his grace to believe on and take your measures by your success, till his Majesty's farther Seven days before the date of this bond, these asso- orders. Sir, We thank you for the good meaning of ciates, and other friends, sent the following character- your invitation, (though we are confident you had no istic letter to Mackay, in answer to a friendly invita- hope of success.) And we will shortly endeavour to

tion from him to lay down their arms : give you a requital—and those of us who live in islands have already seen and defied the Prince of "Birse, 17th August, 16 Orange his frigates. We are, Sir, your affectionate "Sir, and humble servants. Jo. MacLeane, E. Cameron of

' We received your letter from Strathbogy, Lochiel, C. M'Kenzie, D. Mackdonald, John Grant and we saw that you wrote to Brigadier Cannan from of Balnadaloch, Pa. Steuart, J. M'Nachtane, Alexr. St Johnstoun, to which we gave a civil return, for by M'Donald, A. M'Nachtan, Jo. Cameron, Tho. Farqr- telling that you support yourselves by fictions and son, H. M'Lean of Lochbuye, Alexr. M'Donell, D. stories (a thing known all the world over), is no rail- M'D. of Benbecula, E. MacSeill of Bara, D. M'Neill, ing. The Christian means (as you say in j'our last) Ra. M'Donald, J. M'Donald, Alexr. Maclaine. We you make use of to advance the good cause by, is have returned your letter from Duke Hamilton,' evident to all the world, and the argument you use to because you have more use for it than we." Parlia- move us to address your government, is consequential mentary Records. 3 c 386 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

during which time many of the Athole people Mackay had now grown heartily tired of the took advantage of an indemnity which he service, and as his plans for the subjugation of offered them, and delivered up their arms. the Highlands had been treated with indiffer- Having placed a garrison of 500 men in the ence or neglect by the government, he became castle, and given orders to raise a pallisade and desirous to resign his commission, and retire

breast-work round it, he was forced to return to Holland, his adopted country, there to spend to Perth in consequence of continual rains, the remainder of his days in peace. There which made him also forego a resolution he was certainly nothing in the situation of his had entertained of marching to the head of native country at the period in question to Loch Tay, and placing a garrison in the castle induce him to remain. An unpaid, disorderly,

of Finlarig, belonging to the Earl of Breadal- and mutinous army ; an oppressed people, a bane, who, according to him, was " one of the discontented nobility, a divided parliament " chiefest and cunningest fomenters of the and council ; church divided into two more trouble of that kingdom (Scotland), not for irreconcileable factions, though both calling love of King James, but to make himself themselves Protestants, than Eome and Ge- 8 necessary to the government." The subse- neva," matters deemed of so little importance by

quent conduct of this nobleman fully corro- the first reformers as scarcely to be mentioned borated this opinion. After the rains had sub- in their writings, preferred by the " religious sided, a detachment of 200 men under Lord zealots " of those days to the well-being of the Cardross, took possession of Einlarig castle, not- whole Protestant church, the Episcopal minis- withstanding that the proprietor bad, shortly ters who had been ejected preaching " King before, taken the oaths to the government, James more than Christ, as they had been and found bail for his allegiance. accustomed to take passive obedience more While the death of Dundee seemed to give than the gospel for their text : "—these con- stability to the government in Scotland on the siderations all tended to disgust a man of a one hand, its safety appeared to be endangered moderate and conciliating disposition like Mac- on the other, by the jealousies and dissensions kay, and made him " look upon Scotsmen of which agitated the parliament. Among the those times in general, as void of zeal for their persons who had been instrumental in bringing religion and natural affection, seeing all men about the revolution, there were some extreme hunt after their particular advantages, and Presbyterians, who, seeing that their expecta- none minding sincerely and self-deniedly the tions were not to be realized, and that all the common good, which gave him a real distaste

offices of trust were monopolized by a few of the country and service ; resolving from favourites about court, became factious and that time forward to disengage himself out of

impatient, and were ready to seize the first it as soon as possible he could get it done, and opportunity that offered of overturning the that the service could allow of." 9 Mackay, government. Sir James Montgomery was at however, failed in obtaining even a temporary the head of this disaffected party, which, leave of absence during the winter, by the during the ensuing winter, held several private intrigues of Lord Melville and Viscount Tar-

meetings. The result was, that a most extra- bet, who, as he says, suspecting an interview ordinary and unnatural coalition took place with William, who was then in Holland, to be between the Jacobites and the discontented the object of his proposed visit thither, were Presbyterians for the restoration of King afraid that he would induce William to adopt James. By uniting their votes in parliament a system different from that hitherto followed they expected to embarrass the government, in the management of Scottish affairs. and make it odious to the people, and thereby Mackay finding that he would not succeed pave the way for the return of the exiled mon- in his application for leave of absence, began

arch ; but their designs were disconcerted by a to apply himself with great perseverance to

discovery of the plot. accomplish his long-desired project of erecting a

9 Memoirs, p. 77. ;

MAJOR BUCHAN ARRIVES FROM IRELAND. 387

fort at Inverlochy, capable of containing 1,000 and a report purposely circulated by Mackay,

or 1,200 men, to keep the western Highlanders that it was much larger than it actually was, in check. In a communication which he made having reached the Highlands, had the effect to King William on the subject, he requested of preventing many of the Islanders and the to be supplied with three frigates of about 30 inhabitants of the adjoining mainland from guns each, 10 or 12 ships of burden, and 3 joining Major-general Buchan, who took the or 4 dozen of large boats, 3,000 muskets, 400 field in April 1690.

cJievaux de frise, and 2,000 spades, shovels, Before the arrival of this officer, the High- and pickaxes, with money sufficient to purchase landers had resolved to place themselves under two months' provisions for 3,000 or 4,000 the command of Sir Ewen Cameron of Loch- men. On receiving these supplies he proposed iel, having, in consequence of their defeat at to march with this force through Argyle about Dunkeld, lost confidence in Cannon as a com- the end of March, as far as Dunstaffnage, mander. After that disaster, Lochiel and the where he meant to embark his men in the other Jacobite chiefs had represented to James ships, and thence proceed to Inverlochy, and the precarious state of his affairs in Scotland, land them under the protection of the guns of and the necessity there was for sending them the ships of war. No notice, however, was aid ; but James was too much occupied with taken of this proposal either by William or his preparations for resisting a threatened invasion ministers, notwithstanding that its importance of Ireland, by his son-in-law, to attend much was urged in repeated letters from Mackay, to his Scottish concerns. He, however, sent who, in consequence, grew quite impatient, and over a vessel with some clothes, arms, ammu- threatened to throw up his commission. At nition, and provisions, and a few Irish officers, length the privy council having, at his request, among whom was Major-general Buchan, with written a letter to the king on the subject, he a commission, as commander-in-chief of all the ordered the frigates to be sent down, with Jacobite forces in Scotland. some arms and ammunition, and implements for On Buchan's arrival, a meeting of the chiefs commencing the work ; but the required supply and principal officers was held at Keppoch, of money was not forthcoming, without which to deliberate upon the course they ought to the expedition coidd not be undertaken. pursue. As no reinforcement had arrived from Anxious, however, to get the fort erected with Ireland, and as the plot between the Jacobites as little delay as possible, Mackay offered to and the disappointed chiefs of the Presby- the privy council to proceed to Inverlochy terians, which had raised the expectations of with a select detachment of 600 men, provided King James's partizans, had been discovered, they would give him provisions for three the meeting was divided in opinion, upon the months ; but although a sum of five or six expediency of renewing hostilities. Some, hundred pounds would have almost sufficed for thinking the cause quite desperate, proposed this purpose, the council pleaded the impossi- to submit to the government, which they knew bility of raising the money. l In this emer- was quite disposed to grant them the most gency he applied to the city of Glasgow, the favourable terms; but this proposition was magistrates of which undertook to hire vessels warmly resisted by Lochiel, who had great for transporting the detachment, and to furnish influence with his fellow chiefs. He stated him with the necessary provisions, and such that he had adhered to the cause of Charles articles as he might require for completing the II. at a time when it was more desperate than fort, in addition to those sent down from Eng- that of his royal brother now was, who was 2 land. Major Ferguson, who was appointed to still at the head of an army in Ireland, and this expedition, repaired to Britain, command Glasgow ; who had many friends in ready to de- but he was detained there about five weeks wait- clare themselves, when a fit opportunity offered ing for the provisions. The news, however, that under these circumstances, he considered of such an armament being in preparation, they would disgrace themselves, if they aban- doned the cause they had pledged themselves

1 ' for Maekay's Mcmoi Idem, page ! to defend, and that his own part he would —

383 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

neither listen to terms from the government, with a select body of 1,200 men, consisting of nor lay down his arms, without an express his own regiment, which amounted to 300 men, order from King James himself. In conse- 400 of Leslie's regiment, a company of 100 of quence of this declaration, the meeting unan- Lord Eeay's Highlanders, 300 of Grant's

imously resolved to continue the war; hut as Highlanders, and two troops of hoi 3e. * the lahours of the spring season were not over, On receiving Livingston's despatch, Mackay

they postponed the muster of the clans, till sent orders to the different detachments which those should be completed; and in the mean lay at Stirling, Glasgow, Dundee, and other time directed Major-general Buchan, to employ places, amounting together to 3,000 men, to the interval in beating up the enemy's quarters, assemble without delay at Perth, that they along the borders of the lowlands, for which might be in readiness, should a general rising purpose a detachment of 1,200 foot was to be in favour of King James take place in the placed at his disposal. 3 north, to support Livingston, and to serve as When Mackay heard that Buchan had taken a check upon the southern Highlands. He, at the field, he ordered Sir Thomas Livingston, the same time, directed Lieutenant -colonel whoni he had despatched north from Aberdeen Buchan, brother of King James's general, who to Inverness, with his regiment, in the month commanded the forces in the city and county of January, to watch the motions of the High- of Aberdeen, consisting of a battalion of Eam- landers,—to keep a sharp outlook after Buchan, say's regiment, the Cameronian regiment, and who, it was supposed, woidd probably make a five troops of horse and dragoons, to march descent upon the lowlands of Moray or Banff. upon any point Livingston should direct. 6 Sir Thomas had at this time, besides his own In the mean time Major-general Buchan was regiment of dragoons, three regiments of foot, advancing through Badenoch with the design and some troops of horse, under his command, of marching down Speyside into the Duke of posted in and about the town of Inverness. Gordon's country, where he expected to be Hearing that Buchan was marching through joined by some of the vassals of that nobleman. Lochaber and Badenoch, Livingston made two At Cuhiakill he held a council of war to deter- successive marches up the country, in the mine whether to take up a position in that direction Buchan was said to be advancing, neighbourhood, where they would be secure but on both occasions, from the great difficulty from the attacks of Livingston's cavalry, or lie experienced in obtaining provender for his proceed farther down the Spey. As Buchan's horses, and provisions for his troops, he was force did not exceed 800 men, and as they obliged to return to Inverness without seeing were aware that a large force of horse and foot Buchan, or hearing anything concerning him. lay at Inverness, the Highland officers were Having ascertained that the feeling of hostility unanimously of opinion that they should noi towards the government was rapidly extending, advance beyond Culnakill, but should march and that it had even reached the clans, who the following day to Glenlochy, and encamp had hitherto, in appearance at least, shown among the adjoining woods. Buchan, who themselves favourably inclined to the revolu- appears to have been as incapable of conduct- tion, Livingston, thereupon, despatched a letter ing a Highland force, and as ignorant of the to Mackay, acquainting him of the circum- mode of warfare pursued by the Highlanders stance, and stating that if Buchan was not as Cannon, his predecessor, now second in speedily opposed, he was afraid that by far the command, rejecting the Highland officers' ad- greater part of the northern counties would vice, on the following day inarched down the join him. That he might obtain early intelli- Spey as far as Cromdale, where he encamped 6 gence of Buchan's motions, and avoid the diffi- on the last day of April. culties he had experienced in his former marches for want of provisions, Livingston 4 Mackay 's Memoirs, p. 93. Maekay's account took up a position eight miles from Inverness, says, "six companies of Grant's regiment, making about 800 men,"—an evident error. 5 Maekay's Memoirs, p. 94. 6 Memoirs of Dundee. ; ;

SKUiMLSH AT CEOMLALE. 380

Livingston was, at this time, lying within of their encampment at Cromdale. Such being eight miles of Strathspey, on the grounds of the case, the commander of the castle advised the laird of Grant, where he received notice him to attack the Highlanders without delay, the same day from a captain in Grant's regi- and he himself offered to conduct the troops ment, who, with a company of men, held pos- into the plain. This proposition having been

session for the government of Balloch, now acceded to, the troops were allowed half an Grant castle, in the vicinity of Cronidale, that hour to refresh themselves, after which they Buchan was marching down Strathspey. De- marched down through the valley of Auchin- sirous of attacking him before he shoidd have arrow to the river. Finding a ford below an opportunity of being joined by the country Dellachaple, guarded by 100 Highlanders, people, Livingston marched off towards the Livingston left a detachment of foot and a Spey, in the afternoon, and continued his few dragoons to amuse them, while, with his

march till he arrived within two miles of main body, led by some gentlemen of the

Balloch castle. As it was already dark, and name of Grant on horseback, he marched to the night far advanced, and as a difficult pass another ford through a covered way, a mile lay between him and the castle, Livingston farther down the river, which he crossed at the proposed to encamp during the night; but not head of three troops of dragoons, and a troop of finding a convenient place, he, by the persua- horse, a company of his Highlanders forming sion of one of his officers who was acquainted the advanced guard. After he reached the with, the pass, and who undertook to conduct opposite bank of the Spey, he perceived the

him safely through it, renewed his march, and Highlanders, who had received notice of his arrived at the top of the hill above the castle approach from their advanced guards at the at two o'clock in the morning. Buchan's men upper ford, in great confusion, and in motion were then reposing in fancied security near towards the hills. He thereiipon sent orders Lethindie, on the adjoining plain of Cromdale, to a part of his regiment, and another troop

and the fires of their camp, which were of horse to cross the river and join him pointed out by the captain of the castle to but, without waiting for them, he galloped off Livingston, showed him that he was much at full speed towards the hills, so as to get nearer the enemy than he had any idea between the fugitives — the greater part of of. Mackay says, that had Livingston been whom were almost naked—and the bills, and aware that the Highlanders were encamped so intercept them in their retreat. The cavalry near the pass, he woidd not have ventured were accompanied by the company of High-

through it during the night, having little con- landers which had crossed the river, and who fidence in the country people; nor would the are said to have outrun their mounted com- enemy, had they suspected Livingston's march, panions, a circumstance which induced the left their former station and encamped upon flying Highlanders, on arriving at the foot of

an open plain, a considerable distance from the hill of Cromdale, to make a stand ; but, on any secure position, "just as if they had been the approach of Livingston and the remainder led thither by the hand as an ox to the of his dragoons and horse, they again took to slaughter.'' 7 their heels. They turned, however, frequently As several gentlemen of the adjoining coun- round upon their pursuers, and defended them- try had sought an asylum in the castle on selves with their swords and targets with great hearing of Buchan's advance, the commander, bravery. A thick fog, which, coming down in order to prevent any knowledge of Living- the side of the mountain, enveloped the fugi-

ston's approach being communicated to the tives, compelled Livingston to discontinue the Highlanders, had taken the precaution to shut pursuit, and even to beat a retreat. According

the gates of the castle, and to prohibit all egress to Mackay, the Highlanders had 400 men so that the Highlanders were as ignorant of killed and taken prisoners, while Livingston Livingston's arrival as he had previously been did not lose a single man, and only 7 or 8

horses ; but Balcarras states his loss at about 100 killed, and several prisoners; and the 390 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS. author of the " Memoirs of Dundee " says, that importance, 1 ' —to avoid an engagement in a 8 many of Livingston's dragoons fell. A party country full of defiles and difficult passes till of the Camerons and Macleans, who had in he should join the forces in the north under the flight separated from their companions in Sir Thomas Livingston, he resolved to march arms, crossed the Spey the following day, but, towards Strathspey, and thence through Bade- being pursued by some of Livingston's men, noch into Lochaber. To conceal from the were overtaken and dispersed on the moor of enemy his design of marching north, after Granish near Aviemore, where some of them entering Athole, he made a movement as if he were killed. The rest took shelter in Craig- intended to enter Badenoch by the nearest elachie, and, being joined by Keppoch and his route, and then turning suddenly to the right, Highlanders, made an attempt to seize the took the road to Strathspey. Having joined castle of Lochinclan in Rothiemurchus, but Livingston in Strathspey on the 26th of June, were repulsed with loss by the proprietor and the united forces, after a day's rest, marched his tenants. 9 towards Badenoch. The news of the disaster at Cromdale was The Highlanders who, after their dispersion received with feelings of dismay by the parti- at Cromdale, had returned to their homes, had of King James at Edinburgh, who began re-assembled on hearing of Mackay's approach sans ; to regret that they had not embraced an offer but, from the fewness of their numbers, they which had been made by King William for a made no attempt to obstruct his passage cessation of arms. On the other hand, the through Badenoch. Being informed that they friends of the government were elated with had taken possession of a strait and difficult Livingston's success, and hastened the long pass through which they expected him to delayed expedition to Inverlochy, under Major march, he, on the 1st of July,—the very day Ferguson, which accordingly set sail from on which the celebrated battle of the Boyne Greenock on the 15th of May, Having ob- was fought,—made a feint with four troops of tained the consent of King William to march horse and dragoons as if he intended to pass into Lochaber, Mackay made preparations for that way, for the purpose of deceiving the

the expedition ; and, although the Earl of enemy ; after which he suddenly changed his Melville, the commissioner to the Scottish march to the left. After traversing mountains parliament, gave him notice of some dangerous and bogs, he entered Lochaber by Glenspean plots against the government both in England the same night, and arrived at Inverlochy on and Scotland, which might require the pre- the 3d of the month. 1 sence of a large force in the lowlands to check, The site of the old fort, which had been

yet, as he considered the subjugation of the erected by Oliver Cromwell, did not please Highlands of primary importance, he resolved Mackay, as it was commanded by a neighbour-

to proceed on his expedition ; and, accordingly, ing hill ; but, as a more eligible one could nut on the 18th of June, marched from Perth at be found, he commenced the work on the 5th the head of about 3,000 horse and foot. As of the month, and, in eleven days the wall his route to Inverlochy would bring him within was raised to its full intended height of twenty a short day's march of the enemy, and as he was feet from the bottom of the fosse, and pallisaded desirous—agreeably, as he says, to a military round with a chemin convert and glacis. Hav- maxim, " without necessity, to put nothing to ing finished the fort, which was named Fort- an apparent hazard when the success is of great William, in honour of the king, he was about proceeding to send a detachment into Mull to

8 Shaw (History of Moray) says that above 100 of reduce that island, but received despatches Buchan's men were killed, and about 60 made prison- from the privy council announcing the defeat ers, who were found in the castle of Lethindie and the

mill ; and he adds, as a thing deserving of remark, of the English and Dutch fleets, and requiring "Colonel Maedonald of Keppoch, who was ever that his return to the South as soon as possible, with keen for plunder, had never once fought for his king, would not encamp with the other rebels, but with his as many of his forces as could be spared, in con- men quartered at Garvlin, half-a-mile distant, and thereby escaped without loss." 9 1 Shaw's Moray. Memoirs, \\. 98. MOVEMENTS OF BUCHAN AND CANNON.

sequence of an expected invasion from France. which Mackay still kept a garrison. They lie therefore marched from Inverlochy for the were at first opposed on their descent into the South on the 18th, leaving behind him 1,000 low country, by the Master of Forbes, and men in garrison in the new fort. He arrived. Colonel Jackson, with eight troops of cavalry, in Badenoch on the 20th by easy marches, and which was fully more than sufficient to have leaving his army in camp the whole of the repulsed in a level country, any body the

21st to rest themselves, he went with a party Highlanders could then bring into the field. of 150 horse and dragoons to inspect Euthven Buchan, however, having purposely magnified castle which the Jacobite forces had burnt the the appearance of his forces, by ranging his preceding year. Here he left the company of foot over a large extent of ground, and inter- Lord Reay's Highlanders with instructions to spersing his baggage and baggage horses among the commander to raise a breastwork round an them, inspired the Master of Forbes and Jack- old square wall, within which the garrison son with such dread, that they considered it might remain secure against surprise or attack. prudent to retire before a foe apparently so He then descended into Athole, and arrived formidable in appearance, and their fears in- at Perth on the 26th of July, being little more creasing after they had begun their retreat, than five weeks since he set out on his long they set off towards Aberdeen at full gallop, projected expedition. and never looked behind, till they had entered During his absence Major-general Buchan the town, after a race of upwards of 20 miles. - and Colonel Cannon, each at the head of a Buchan, who had no immediate design upon select body of cavalier horse, had been scour- Aberdeen, followed the alarmed cavalry, and ing the low country. The latter, in particular, such was the effect of the retreat upon some with 200 horse, had attacked Lord Cardross's of the neighbouring noblemen and gentlemen, dragoons who were stationed in Meuteith, and that they joined Buchan in the pursuit. The had pursued them down as far as the park of inhabitants were thrown into a state of the Stirling. On his arrival at Perth, Mackay greatest alarm at this occurrence, and the being informed of the proceedings of Can- necessary means of defence were adopted, but non's party, sent orders to the troops at Buchan made no attempt to enter the town. Stirling to march out in quest of them, while When Mackay received intelligence of this he himself, after receiving a supply of biscuit " disorder," as he terms the flight of Forbes from Dundee, resolved to march from Perth and Jackson, he instantly despatched Colonel with a detachment for the purpose of inter- Cunningham with 300 men, and two troops of

cepting them ; but Cannon had passed through cavalry, to the north to join Jackson ; but the heights of Athole towards Braemar before Cunningham was unable to effect a junction, the troops at Stirling left that town. Mackay as Cannon lay encamped between him and followed after them for two days with a force Jackson. As the fears of a French invasion of 1,000 men, but was unable to overtake had subsided, Mackay, on hearing of Cunning- them. Being unprovided for a longer march, ham's failure, marched north himself in such

lie returned on the third day to Stirling, haste that he carried neither baggage nor pro-

whence he despatched three troops of Car- visions along with him ; but on his way north, dross's dragoons, and one of horse, to support he learned that Buchan had left the neigh- the Master of Forbes who was guarding Aber- bourhood of Aberdeen, and was marching deenshire. southward. On hearing of Mackay's advance, Buchan and Cannon having united their Buchan drew off his men to the right, and

forces, and being joined by Farquharson of crossed the hills. On arriving at the Dee, he

Inverey, at the head of 500 or 600 of the Brae- left Cunningham with a detachment at the mar Highlanders, descended into the adjoining 2 "His mastership (of Forbes) understanding the low parts of Aberdeenshire, Mearns, and Banff, word of command, wheel, better than advance, turned

to unite themselves to some of the country the. battle into a race, and won ; for lie was first at Aberdeen, and alarmed the town with a frightful out- Jacobite gentlemen, leaving behind them a cry, The enemy, the enemy's coming."— Memoirs of body of 160 men, to block up Abcrgeldie, in Dundee. —

395 GENEEAL HISTOEY OE THE HIGHLANDS. castle of Aboyne, and proceeded with his own which it was stipulated, that the earl should division to raise the siege of Ahergeldie. In deliver himself into Mackay's hands, to be the course of this march, a party of 60 dra- kept as a prisoner at Inverness, till the privy goons, under Major Mackay, fell in among the council should decide as to his future disposal; lulls, with a body of 200 Highlanders, under and to conceal this arrangement from the Inverey, all of whom were either killed or Jacobite party, it was farther agreed that the made prisoners. The chief himself made a earl should allow himself to be seized as if by very narrow escape, having been trampled surprise, by a party of horse under Major under the horses' feet, and left for dead on the Mackay, at one of Iris seats during the night. field. Mackay also laid waste the fertile coun- The earl, however, disappointed the party sent try about Abergeldie, to the extent of twelve out to apprehend him, in excuse for which, miles round, and burnt from 1,200 to 1,400 both he and his mother, in letters to Mackay, houses, by way of reprisal, for having blocked pleaded the state of his health, which they up the garrison. 3 alleged would suffer from imprisonment. The

Having united all his forces in the north, earl cannot certainly be blamed for having with the exception of those which lay at demurred placing himself at the unconditional Inverness, Mackay marched as far north as disposal of such a body as the privy council of Strathdon, where he was told that the greater Scotland, some of whom would not have hesi- part of the north was hostile to the govern- tated to sacrifice him, if by doing so they could ment, and was ready to rise in arms, which have obtained a share of his estates. information made him at once resolve to Mackay was so irritated at the deception proceed north with all possible haste in which had been practised upon him, that he order to get Buchan's force dispersed, before resolved to treat the earl's vassals " with all any general rising should take place. Leav- the rigour of military execution." Having, ing therefore his foot behind, he proceeded however, a warm feeling for the earl's friends, north with his cavalry in great haste, and in on account of their being " all Protestants, and the course of his march was informed that none of the most dangerous enemies," as he Buchan was not only on his way north, but says, and being more desirous to obtain pos- that he expected to be joined by several session of the earl's person than to ruin his thousand Higldanders. He, therefore, con- friends, he caused information of his intentions tinued his march with great celerity, allowing upon the earl's lands to be sent to Seaforth's his men no more time than was absolutely camp, by some of his own party, as if from a necessary for refreshing their horses, and ar- feeling of friendship to him. Contrary to rived within four hours' march of the enemy, Mackay's anticipations, Seaforth surrendered before they received any notice of his approach. himself, and was committed prisoner to the Buchan had reached Inverness, and was only castle of Inverness. 4 About this time the waiting for the Earl of Seaforth's and other 4 " I believe it shall fare so with the Earl of Sea- Highlanders, whom he expected to join him forth, that is, that he shall haply, (perhaps) submit, in attacking the town; but on hearing of when his couutrey is ruined, and spoyletl, which is the character of a true Scotsman, wijse behmde the Mackay's advance, he crossed the river Ness, hand!" Letter to tlie Privy Council, 1st Sept. 1690. and retired along the north side of the Loch. Appendix to Memoirs, No, 73. Mackay was directed by the privy council, by warrant, dated 7th Oct. 1690, The Earl of Seaforth, afraid of the conse- "to transport the person of Colin, Earl of Seaforth, quences which might result to him personally, with safety from Inverness to Edinburgh, in such way and manner, as he should think fit." In consequence for the part he had acted, sent his mother, the of this removal, he was entered a prisoner within the Countess Dowager of Seaforth, and Mackenzie castle of Edinburgh, on 6th Nov. following, whence he was liberated on 7th Jan. 1692, on finding caution of Coul, to Mackay, to inform him that he to appear when called upon. He was bound not to woidd accede to such conditions as might be go ten miles beyond Edinburgh. He was again im- agreed upon between them and Mackay. An prisoned, but made his escape, and was apprehended at Pencaitland, on 7th May 1692, and again kept in agreement was accordingly entered into, by close confinement, within the castle of Edinburgh. He was afterwards liberated, on giving security for his peaceable behaviour. — Records of the Privy 3 Mackay's Memoirs, p. 101. Council. CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES. 393

Earl of Argyle—who had fled to Holland in about £15,000 or £20,000 had been placed 1685, on his father's execution, hut returned by King William. They, however, declined with the Prince of Orange, and was reinstated to come to any definite arrangement at this by the— Convention in his father's estates and time, and requested liberty to send Sir George title "with a force of 1,900 foot, and 60 dra- Barclay and Major Menzies to France, to obtain goons, invaded Mull, the inhahitants of -which the sanction of King James, to enter into a took the oaths of allegiance to the government, treaty with the government, a request which and delivered up their arms. He was, how- was reluctantly granted. After learning from ever, from the state of the weather, obliged to these officers the miseries to which the clans leave the island, before effecting the reduction were reduced, and the utter hopelessness of of Duart castle, and left 300 men behind him attempting another campaign under existing to keep it in check. Maclean himself, with a circumstances, James allowed them to make few of his friends, took refuge on Carnburrow, the best terms they covdd with the government. an inaccessible rock near Mull. Accordingly, and in terms of a proclamation King James's affairs had now become utterly issued by the government on the 27th of desperate in Scotland, and his defeat at the August, 1691, promising an indemnity to all battle of the Boyne, on the 1st of July, 1690, persons who had been in arms, and who should almost annihilated his hopes in Ireland. Un- take an oath of allegiance to the government able to collect any considerable body of men before the 1st of January 1692 ; all the chiefs, together, Buchan, after wandering through with one unfortunate exception, which wdl be

Lochaber, dismissed the few that still re- afterwards noticed, gave in their adherence, mained with him, and along with Sir George and took the oath within the prescribed time.

Barclay, Lieutenant-colonel Graham, and other Buchan and Cannon with their officers, in

officers, took up his abode with Macdonell of terms of an agreement with the government, Glengary, Cannon and his officers retiring to were transported to France, to which country

the isles, under the protection of Sir Donald they had asked and obtained permission from Macdonald. In their retreats, these officers their royal master to retire, as they could no who had displayed the most heroic attachment longer be serviceable to him in their native to the cause of the unfortunate king, under land. the most trying circumstances, still continued We are sorry that it is beyond the province to cherish some distant hopes of his restora- of the present work, even did space permit, to tion, and were prepared to enter upon any ser- give a detailed account of the heroic and almost vice, however hazardous, which might lead to quixotically chivalrous conduct of Dundee's such a consummation. officers, after their emigration to France. In At length, seeing no chance of making a order that they might not be a burden on their successfid effort in favour of James, they, in royal master King James, they entered the connexion with the chiefs, sent over the Earl French service, forming themselves into a of Dunfermline to France in the spring of company of " private sentinels " or common 1691, to represent to him the state of matters, soldiers, four of their number being appointed and to receive his commands. Having received officers, whose conduct gives "no opportunity instructions from his majesty to enter into a of speaking well of them." 5 They numbered negotiation with the government, a meeting of only about 150, and so effectively performed the principal officers and the Jacobite chiefs their duty in the service of France, that,

was held at Achallader in Glenorchy on the unsuited as they were for the hard life of com- 30th of June, which was attended by the Earl mon soldiers, and cheated by their heartless of Breadalbane on the part of the government, officers of the few comforts provided for them, at which a cessation of hostilities was agreed in a very short time "the earth closed over

upon till the 1st of October. To get the the last remains of the gentlemen-adventurers chiefs to submit to the government, money

and other inducements were held out to them 5 For details, see An Account of Dundee's officeis by Breadalbane, at whose disposal a sum of after they went to France in Miscellanea Scotica. 3d 394 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

6 who followed the hanner of Dundee." They attempts ; and the Highlanders especially bore all their hardships with cheerfulness and proved a galling and distracting thorn in the even gaiety, winning the tears and love of the side of the government. As early as 1690, women wherever they passed, and the respect Lord Tarbet, (subsequently Earl of Cromarty,) of their French comrades. The following inci- proposed a scheme for the quieting of the High- dent must suffice as an example of their fear- lands, which Lord Breadalbane offered to less hardihood. carry into execution ; but it was at the time " The Germans had made a lodgement in an abandoned. In 1691, however, negotiations island in the Rhine (near Strasburg). The were again renewed, and, as has been seen, French, from an opinion that the river was Breadalbane was intrusted with a sum of impassable Without boats, had ordered a num- money to distribute among the chiefs, or rather ber for the passage. Among other troops to buy up the claims which Argyle and other intended for the service, this company was superiors had over their feudal vassals, and ordered to keep a station opposite to the island until the boats should arrive ; but finding, upon examination, the ford, though difficult, not impassable, they, according to the custom of the Highlanders in wading through rivers, joining their hands together, and entering the. river in a line with its current, the strongest men in the upper part, and the weaker in the under, so that those who were highest up the stream broke all its force, and tying their arms and clothes on their shoulders, passed to the island in sight of both armies on the opposite bank, and drove ten times their number from the lodgement. The French cried out in admi- ration, ' A gentleman, in whatever station, is still a gentleman.' ' Le gentilhomme est tou- joui's gentilhomme.' The place is called Vide. (TEcosse to this day.""

CHAPTER XXII.

a.d. 1691 — 17l2.

First Earl of Breadalbane. British sovereign :—William 111., ItiSS—1703. From Original Painting in possession of Lady Elizabeth Priiigle. Negotiations with the Highland chief's— Massacre of Glencoe—Master of Stair—King William—Subse- which was the real cause of the strife and dis- quent enquiry—State of Highlands during William's satisfaction existing in the Highlands. The reign—Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat. Secretary of State, Sir John Dalrymple, known 1690 and 1691 the Jacobites caused During as the Master of Stair, son of the Earl of trouble and anxiety by the government much Stair, appears latterly to have been at the plotting to get an insurrec- their ceaseless up bottom of the scheme, and was certainly most which they were to be assisted by tion, in anxious that it shoidd be successfully and men, professedly supplies from France. Many speedily carried out, having at first apparently from various loyal to King William, gave, no thought of resorting to measures of cruel secret countenance to these motives, their severity. Not much appears to have resulted from the B Burton's Scotland from Revolution, vol. i. p. 153. winch Breadalbane had with the chiefs 7 Dulrymplc's Memoirs, vol. i. part ii. p. 61 meeting ;;

GLENCOE'S TARDY SUBMISSION" TO THE GOVERNMENT. 39E

at Achallader ; indeed, lie showed very little of August 1691, requiring them to take the oath an earnest desire for conciliation, as his threat- of allegiance before the 1st of January 1692, ening conduct induced Alexander Macdonald, threatening all those who did not comply with or Maclan, of Glencoe, to leave the meeting " letters of fire and sword." Tins had the abruptly for his own safety. Between Bread- proper effect, as, one by one, the chiefs swore albane, who was a Campbell, and Macdonald fealty to the government, Macdonald of Glen- much bad blood appears to have existed coe, from pride or some other reason, being indeed, nothing but the bitterest hatred was the last to comply with the terms of the pro- cherished by the whole tribe of the Macdonalds clamation. The difficulty in getting the chiefs to the Campbells, as the latter had from time to come to terms, and thus allowing the gov- to time, oftener by foul than by fair means, ernment to pursue its other schemes without ousted the former from their once extensive pos- anxiety, seems at last to have irritated Sir John sessions. The Macdonalds of Glencoe especi- Dalrymple so much against them, that latterly ally, still considered the lands and property of he eagerly desired that some, and especially the Campbells as their own, and without hesita- the various tribes of Macdonalds, might hold tion supplied their wants out of the numerous out beyond the time, in order that an example herds of the latter. It was some recent raid might be made of them by putting into execu- of this sort which roused the wrath of Bread- tion the penalty attached to the non-fulfilment

albane ; and on poor Macdonald's head lighted of the terms of the proclamation. In a letter all the blame and the punishment of the to Breadalbane of Dec. 2d, he thinks "the ineffectual negotiation. What became of the clan Donald must be rooted out and Loehiel," money has never been clearly ascertained and is doubtful whether the money " had been but much can be inferred from Breadalbane's better employed to settle the Highlands, or to answer when asked afterwards by Lord Not- ravage them." In another written on the tingham to account for it, " The money is following day he mentions •with approval spent, the Highlands are quiet, and this is the Breadalbane's " mauling scheme," artfully rous- only way of accounting among friends." ing the latter's indignation by speaking of the Like many of his contemporaries, Bread- chiefs' ungratefulness to him, using at the same albane attached himself openly to King time the significant phrase delenda est Car- William's government only because it was thago. He and Breadalbane seemed however for the time the winning side ; while at likely to be cheated of their vengeance, for the same time he professed secretly to be even the obstinate and hated Mac Ian himself, attached to the interest of the exiled King after holding out to the very last day, hastened James. He told the Highland chiefs that to fulfil the requirements of the proclamation, in urging them to enter into terms with and thus place himself beyond the power of the government, he had their own interests the strong arm of the law. and those of King James at heart ; for there On the 31st of December, 1691, Glencoe being then " no other appearance of relief, he made his way to Fort-William, and presented thought they could not do better than sue for himself to Colonel Hill the governor, asking a cessation, which would be a breathing to him to administer the required oath of allegi- them, and give them time to represent their ance. The Colonel, however, declined to act, circumstances to King James." 8 A contem- on the ground, that according to the proclama- porary characterises him as being " cunning as tion, the civil magistrate alone could admin- a fox ; wise as a serpent ; but as slippery as an ister them. Glencoe remonstrated with Hill eeL No government can trust him but where on account of the exigency of the case, as 9 his own private interest is in view." there was not any magistrate whom he could As the chiefs did not seem in any hurry to reach before the expiration of that day, but come to terms, a proclamation was issued, in Hill persisted in asserting that it was out of his power to act in the matter. He, however 8 138. Carstares' Papers, p. advised Glencoe to proceed instantly to Inver- 9 Memoirs of Mackay's Sea-el Services, p. 199. Quoted by Burton. ary, giving him at the same time a letter to ;

396 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Sir Colin Campbell of Aid kin glass, sheriff of the council with Glencoe's certificate " delete Argyleshire, begging him to receive Glencoe and obliterate." as " a lost sheep," and to administer to him Whether this was done at the instigation of the necessary oaths. Hill also gave Glencoe Secretary Dalrymple, it is impossible to say a letter of protection, and an assurance that but it is not improbable that this man—who, no proceedings should be instituted against a few weeks before, had exulted 1 that as the him under the proclamation, till he should winter was the only season in which the High- have an opportunity of laying his case before landers could not escape, they could easily be the king or the privy council. destroyed " in the cold long nights "—was not Glencoe left Fort-William immediately, and an indifferent spectator to Campbell's proceed- so great was his anxiety to reach Inverary with ings. In fact, it appears that the secretary as little delay as possible, that although his contemplated the total extirpation of the clans, way lay through mountains almost impassable, for, in a letter to Sir Thomas Livingston, com- and although the country was deeply covered mander of the forces in Scotland, dated Janu- with snow, he proceeded on his journey with- ary 7th, he says, " You know in general that out even stopping to see his family, though he these troops posted at Inverness and Inver- passed within half a mile of his own house. lochie, will be ordered to take in the house of On arriving at Inverary, Sir Colin Campbell Innergarie, and to destroy entirely the country was absent, and he had to wait three days till of Lochaber, Lochiel's lands, Keppoch's, Glen- his return, Sir Colin having been prevented garie's, and Glencoe," and he adds, " I assure from reaching Inverary sooner, on account of you your power shall be full enough, and I the badness of the weather. As the time hope the soldiers will not trouble the govern allowed by the proclamation for taking the ment with prisoners." The Macdonalds were oaths had expired, Sir Colin declined at first chiefly marked out by him for destruction, and to swear Glencoe, alleging that it would be of after saying, in a letter of the 9th, that he " no use to take the oaths ; but Glencoe having could have wished that they had not divided" first importuned him with tears to receive from on the question of taking the oath of indem- him the oath of allegiance, and having there- nity, he expresses his regret to find that Kep- after threatened to protest against the sheriff poch and Glencoe were safe. When he heard should he refuse to act, Sir Colin yielded, and two days after from Argyle, that Glencoe had administered the oaths to Glencoe and his not managed to take the oaths within the time attendants on the 6th of January. Glencoe, prescribed, he expressed a joy which might be thereupon, returned home in perfect reliance called fiendish, and set himself busily to take that having done his utmost to comply with proper advantage of the opportunity." 2 De- the injunction of the government, he was free lenda est Carthacjo. from danger. That no time might be lost in enforcing the Shortly after this, Campbell transmitted to penalties in the proclamation, now that the Colin Campbell, sheriff-clerk of Argyle, who time allowed for taking the oath of allegiance was then in Edinburgh, the certificate of Glen- had expired, instructions of rather an equivocal coe's oath on the same paper with other certifi- nature, signed and countersigned by the king on cates, sending at the same time the letter the 11th of January, were sent down by young which he had received from Hill. Campbell Stair to Sir Thomas Livingston, enclosed in a showed this paper with Hill's letter to several letter from the secretary of same date. By privy councillors, among whom was the Earl the instructions, Livingston was ordered " to of Stair, all of whom were of opinion that the march the troops against the rebels who had certificate could not he received without a not taken the benefit of the indemnity, and to warrant from the king. Instead, however, of destroy them by fire and sword ;" but lest such laying the matter before the privy council, or a course might render them desperate, he was informing Glencoe of the rejection of the 1 Letters to Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, &c. 1st certificate, that he might petition the king, and 3d Dec. 1691. 2 Campbell gave in the paper to the clerks of Burton's Scotland, 1689—1748, vol. i. p. 161). ;

MASSACEE OF GLENCOE. 397 uttuwed to " give terms and quarters, but in sent at the same time by Secretary Dairymple T this manner only, that chieftains and heritors, to Colonel Hill, the governor of Fort-T\ illiam, or leaders, be prisoners of war, their lives only with a letter of an import similar to that sent safe, and all other things in mercy, they taking to Livingston. From the following extract it the oath of allegiance, and the community would appear that not only the Earl of Bread- taking the oath of allegiance, and rendering albane, but also the Earl of Argyle, was privy their arms, and submitting to the government, to this infamous transaction. " The Earls of are to have quarters, and indemnity for their Argyle and Breadalbane have promised that lives and fortunes, and to be protected from they (the Macdonalds of Glencoe) shall have no the soldiers." As a hint to Livingston how retreat in their bounds, the passes to Bannoeh to act under the discretionary power with would be secured, and the hazard certified to which these instructions vested him, Dalryinple the laird of Weems to reset them ; in that case says in his letter containing them, " I have no Argyle's detachment with a party that may be great kindness to Keppoch nor Glencoe, and it posted in Island Stalker must cut them off." is well that people are in mercy, and then just Preparatory to putting the butchering war- now my Lord Argyle tells me that Glencoe rant in execution, a party of Argyle's regiment, hath not taken the oath, at which I rejoice. to the number of 120 men, under the command

It is a great work of charity to be exact in of Captain Campbell of Glenlyon, was ordered rooting out that damnable sect, the worst of to proceed to Glencoe, and take up their quar- the Highlands." ters there, about the end of January or begin- The purport of this letter could not be mis- ning of February. On approaching the Glen, understood; but lest Livingston might not feel they were met by John Macdonald, the elder disposed to imbrue his hands in the blood of son of the chief, at the head of about 20 men, Glencoe and his people, additional instructions who demanded from Campbell the reason of bearing the date (in Stair's handwriting) of his coming into a peaceful country with a January 16th, and also signed and counter- military force; Glenlyon and two subalterns signed by King William, were despatched to who were with him explained that they came Livingston by the Master of Stair, ordering as friends, and that their sole object was to him to extirpate the whole clan. In the letter obtain suitable quarters, where they could con- containing these instructions, Dairymple in- veniently collect the arrears of cess and hearth- forms Livingston that " the king does not at money,—a new tax laid on bjr the Scottish all incline to receive any after the diet but in parliament in 1690,—in proof of which, Lieu- mercy," but he artfully adds, "but for a just tenant Lindsay produced the instructions of example of vengeance, I entreat the thieving Colonel Hill to that effect. They thereupon tribe of Glencoe may be rooted out to purpose." received a hearty welcome, and were hospitably Lest, however, Livingston might hesitate, a entertained by Glencoe and his people till the duplicate of these additional instructions 3 was fatal morning of the massacre. Indeed, so familiar was Glenlyon, that scarcely a day 3 These instructions are as follow:

William 1!. 16th January, 1692. in that case we leave it to your discretion to give 1. The copy of the paper given by Macdonald of Glengarry the assurance of entire indemnity for life Aughtera to you has been shown us. We did formerly and fortune, upon delivering of the house and arms, grant passes to Bnchan and Cannon, and we do autho- and taking the oath of allegiance. In this you are to rize and allow you to grant passes to them, and ten act as you find the circumstances of the affair do re- servants to each of them, to come freely and safely to quire; but it were much better that those who have

Leith ; from that to be transported to the Nether- not taken the benefit of our indemnity, in the terms lands before the 15th of March next, to go from within the diet prefixt by our proclamation, should be thence where they please, without any stop or trouble. obliged to render upon mercy. The taking the oath 2. We doe allow you to receive the submissions of of allegiance is indispensable, others having already Glengarry and those with him upon their taking the taken it. oath of allegiance and delivering up the house of 4. If M'Ean of Glencoe and that tribe can be well

Invergarry ; to be safe as to their lives, but as to their separated from the rest, it will be a proper vindication estates to depend upon our mercy. of the public justice to extirpate that set of thieves. 3. In case you find that the house of Invergarry The double of these instructions is only communicated cannot probably be taken in this season of the year, to Sir Thomas Livingston. with the artillery and provision you can bring there W. Ret 398 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS passed that lie did not visit the house of sent orders to Hamilton, forthwith to execute Alexander Macdonald, the younger son of the the fatal commission. Accordingly, on the chief, who was married to Glenlyon's niece, same day, Hamilton directed Major Robert the sister of Rob Roy, and take his " morning Duncanson of Argyle's regiment to proceed drink," agreeably to the most approved practice immediately with a detachment of that regi- of Highland hospitality. ment to Glencoe, so as to reach the post which

H Secretary Dalryruple imagined that Liv- had been assigned him by five o'clock the fol- ingston was disinclined to follow his instruc- lowing morning, at which hour Hamilton pro- tions he was mistaken, for immediately on mised to reach another post with a party of receipt of them he wrote Lieutenant-colonel Hill's regiment. Whether Duncanson, who Hamilton, who had been fixed upon by the appears to have been a Campbell, 4 was averse secretary to be the executioner, expressing his to take an active personal part in the bloody

satisfaction that Glencoe had not taken the tragedy about to be enacted, is a question that

oath within the period prescribed, and urging cannot now be solved; but it may have been him, if he wished to approve himself to the from some repugnance to act in person that government, to execute his commission with immediately on receipt of Hamilton's order, he the utmost rigour, and " not to trouble the despatched another order from himself to Cap- government with prisoners." In the meantime, tain Campbell of Glenlyon, then living in the Master of Stair was taking every precaution Glencoe, 'with instructions to fall upon the that the deed should be done suddenly and Macdonalds precisely at five o'clock the fol- effectively, and accordingly, on the 13th of lowing morning, and put all to the sword January he wrote two letters, one to Living- under seventy years of age. 6 ston, and the other to Hill, urging them on. 4 See note at 165, vol. i. of Burton's Scotland, Addressing the former, he says, " I am glad p. 1689—1748. Glencoe did not come in within the time pre- 5 Colonel Hill's Order to Lieut.-Col. James fixed; I hope what is done there may be in Hamilton.

earnest, since the rest are not in a condition to "Fort William, 12th Feb., 1692. "Sir, draw together help. I think to harry (plunder) " You are, with 400 of my regiment, and their cattle and burn their houses is but to the 400 of my Lord Argyle's regiment under the com- Duncanson, to march straight to render them desperate lawless men to rob their mand of Major Glenco, and there put in due execution the orders you neighbours, but I believe you will be satisfied, have received from the commander-in-chief. Given hand at Fort William, the 12th February it were a great advantage to the nation that under my 1692. thieving tribe were rooted out and cut off; it "J. Hill." must be quietly done, otherwise they will " To Lieut.-Col. James Hamilton"

make shift for both their men and their cattle." Order from Lieut.-Col. Hamilton, to Major Kobeiit And in his letter to Hill he says, " Pray, when Duncanson. " Ballechylls, Feb., 1692. the thing concerning Glencoe is resolved, let it 12th " Sin, be secret and sudden, otherwise the men will " Persuant to the commander-in-chief and shift you, and better not meddle with them my colonel's order to me for putting in execution the King's commands against those rebels of Glenco, than not to do it to purpose, to cut off that wherein you with the party of the Earl of Argyle's regiment command, are to be concerned nest of robbers who have fallen in the mercy under your ; you are therefore forthwith to order your affair so, as is force oppor- of the law, now when there and that the several posts already assigned you be by you tunity, whereby the king's justice will be as and your several detachments fain in activeness pre- cisely by five of the clock to-morrow morning, being conspicuous and useful as his clemency to Saturday ; at which time I will endeavour the same others. I apprehend the storm is so great that with those appointed from this regiment from the other places. It will be most necessary you secure for some time you can do little, but so soon as well those avenues on the south side, that the old fox, possible I know you will be at work, for these nor none of his eubbs get away. The orders are, that none be spared of the sword, nor the government false people will do nothing, but as they see troubled with prisoners ; which is all until I see you you in a condition to do with them." from, "Sir, In pursuance of these fresh instructions from " Your most humble Servant, the secretary, Hill, on the 12th of February, "James Hamiltoune. " MASSACKE OF GLENCOE. 399

Glenlyon appears to have been a man equal extraordinary preparations at such an early to any kind of loathsome work, especially hour. The anxiety with which young Mac-

against a Macdonald ; one who donald pressed his question, indicating a secret distrust on his part, Campbell endeavoured by " Could smile, and murder while he smiled." professions of friendship to lull his suspicions,

With tliis sanguinary older in his pocket, and pretended that his sole design was to and with his mind made up unhesitatingly and march against some of Glengarry's men. As rigorously to execute it, he did not hesitate to John Macdonald, the j'ounger son of Glencoe, spend the eve of the massacre playing at cards was married to Glenlyon's niece, that crafty with John and Alexander Macdonald, the knave referred to his connexion with the sons of the chief, to wish them good night at family of Glencoe, and put it to the young parting, and to accept an invitation from man, whether, if he intended any thing hostile Glencoe himself to dine with him the follow- to the clan, he would not have provided for ing day. Little suspecting the intended the safety of his niece and her husband. Mac- butchery, Glencoe and his sons retired to rest donald, apparently satisfied with this explana- at their usual hour; but early in the morning, tion, returned home and retired again to rest, while the preparations for the intended mas- but he had not been long in bed when his sacre were going on, John Macdonald, the servant, who, apprehensive of the real inten- elder son of the chief, hearing the sound of tions of Glenlyon and his party, had prevented voices about his house, grew alarmed, and Macdonald from sleeping, informed him of the jumping out of bed threw on his clothes and approach of a party of men towards the house. went to Inverriggen, where Glenlyon was Jumping immediately out of bed he ran to the quartered, to ascertain the cause of the un- door, and perceiving a body of about 20 usual bustle which had interrupted his noc- soldiers with muskets and fixed bayonets com- turnal slumbers. To his great surprise he ing in the direction of his house, he fled to a found the soldiers all in motion, as if preparing hill in the neighbourhood, where he was joined for some enterprise, which induced him to in- by his brother Alexander, who had escaped quire at Captain Campbell the object of these from the scene of carnage, after being wakened from sleep by his servant.

" Please to order a guard to secure the ferry, and The massacre commenced about five o'clock boats there ; and the boats must he all on this side in the morning at three different places at once. the ferry after your men are over. " For their Majesty's service. Glenlyon, with a barbarity which fortunately

" To Major Robert Duncanson oftlie for society has few parallels, undertook to Earl Argyle's of Regt." butcher his own hospitable landlord and the

Order from Major Duncanson to Captain Robert other inhabitants of Inverriggen, where he and Campbell of Glenlyon. a party of his men were quartered, and de- *'12th Feb., 1692. spatched Lieutenant Lindsay with another "Sik, " You are hereby ordered to fall upon the party of soldiers to Glencoe's house to cut off rebells the Macdonalds of Glenco, and put all to the the unsuspecting chief. Under the pretence sword under seventy. You are to have a special care that the old fox and his sons do not escape your hands; of a friendly visit, he and his party obtained you are to secure all the avenues that no man escape. admission into the house. Glencoe was in This you are to put in execution at five of the clock bed, and while in the act of rising to receive precisely; and by that time, or very shortly after it, I will strive to be at you with a stronger party. If I his cruel visitors, was basely shot at by two of do not come to you at five, you are not to tarry for me the soldiers, and fell lifeless into the arms of but to fall on. This is by the king's speciall com- mands, for the good and safety of the countrey, that his wife. The lady in the extremity of her these miscreants be cut off, root and branch. See anguish leaped out of bed and put on her that this be put in execution without fear or favour, or you may expect to be dealt with as one not true to clothes, but the ruffians stripped her naked, king or government, nor as man fit to carry commis- pulled the ringf> off her fingers with their teeth, sion in the king's service. Expecting you will not fail in the fulfilling hereof, as yon love yourself, I and treated her so cruelly that she died the subscribe this with my hand at Ballychvlls, the 12th following day. The party also killed two February, 1692. men "Rohert Duncanson." whom thev found in the house, and wounded -ion GENEEAL HISJTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

a third named Duncan Don, who came occa- ran his dagger through the body of a boy who sionally to Glencoe with letters from Braemar. had grasped Campbell by the legs and was While the butchery was going on in Glen- supplicating for mercy. coe's house, Glenlyon was busily doing his A third party under the command of one bloody work at Inverriggen, where his own I Sergeant Barker, which was quartered in the host was shot by his order. Here the party village of Auchnaion, fired j upon a body of seized nine men, whom they first bound baud nine | men whom they observed in a house

and foot, after which they shot them one by I in" the village sitting before a fire. Among one. Glenlyon was desirous of saving the life ! these was the laird of Auchintriaten, who was of a young man about twenty years of age, i killed on the spot, along with four.niore of the but one Captain Drummond shot him dead. party. This gentleman had at the time | a pro-

The same officer, impelled by a thirst for blood, I tection in his pocket from Colonel Hill, which

he had received three months before. The of age ; in all, 38 persons were slaughtered. remainder of the party in the house, two or The whole male population under 70 years of three of whom were wounded, escaped by the age, amounting to 200, would in all likelihood back of the house, with the exception of a have been cut off, if, fortunately for them, a brother of Auchintriaten, who having been party of 400 men under Lieutenant-colonel seized by Barker, requested him as a favour not HamUton, who was principally charged with to despatch him in the house but to kill him the execution of the sanguinary warrant, had without. The sergeant consented, on account not been prevented by the severity of the of having shared his generous hospitality ; but weather from reaching the Glen till eleven when brought out he threw his plaid, which he o'clock, six hours after the slaughter, by which had kept loose, over the faces of the soldiers time the whole surviving male inhabitants, who were appointed to shoot him, and thus warned of their danger and of the fate of their escaped. chief and other sufferers, had fled to the hills. Besides the slaughter at these three places, Ignorant of this latter circumstance, Hamilton, there were some persons dragged from their on arriving at the pass, appointed several beds and murdered in other parts of the Glen, parties to proceed to different parts of the among whom was an old man of eighty years Glen, with orders to take no prisoners, but to ;

MASTEE OF STAIE. 401 kill all the men that came in their way. They and to pacify the people he dismissed the had not, however, proceeded far when they fell Master of Stair from his councils, and appointed in with Major Duncanson's party, by whom a commission of inquiry to investigate the affair. they were informed of the events of the morn- As for the Master of Stair, at whose door ing, and who told them that as the survivors the chief blame of the infamous transaction was had escaped to the hills, they had nothing to laid by the commission of inquiry, and who is do hut to burn the houses, and carry off the popularly considered to have been a heartless cattle. They accordingly set fire to the houses, and bloodthirsty wretch, he could not under- and having collected the cattle and effects stand the indignant astonishment expressed on in the Glen, carried them to Inverlochy, all hands at what he considered a most patri- where they were divided among the officers of otic, beneficial, and in every respect highly the garrison. That Hamilton would have commendable proceeding. He considered that executed his commission to the very letter, is he had done his ungrateful country excellent evident from the fact, that an old man, above service in doing a little to root out a band of seventy, the only remaining male inhabitant of pestilential banditti, whom he regarded in as the desolate vale they fell in with, was put to bad a light as the Italian government of the death by his orders. present day does the unscrupulous robbers who After the destruction of the houses, a heart- infest the country, or as the American gov- rending scene ensued. Ejected from their ernment did the bloodthirsty Indians who dwellings by the devouring element, aged ma- harassed the frontiers. Letters of " fire and trons, women with child, and mothers, with sword " against the Highlanders were as com- infants at their breasts and followed by child- mon, in the days of the Stewarts, as warrants ren on foot, clinging to them with all the for the apprehension of house-breakers or forgers solicitude and anxiety of helplessness, were to are at the present day. They were looked be seen wending their way, almost in a state upon as semi-civilized aborigines, characterised of nudity, towards the mountains in quest of by such names as " rebellious and barbarous some friendly hovel, beneath whose roof they thieves, limmers, sorners," &c. ; and the killing might seek shelter from the pitiless tempest of a Highlandrnan was thought no more of and deplore their unhappy fate. But as there than the killing of a " nigger " was in the were no houses within the distance of several slave-states of America. In various acts of the miles, and as these could only be reached by privy council of Scotland, the clan Gregor is crossing mountains deeply covered with snow, denounced in the above terms, and was visited a great number of these unhappy beings, over- with all the terrors of " fire and sword." come by fatigue, cold, and hunger, dropt down " Their habitations were destroyed. They were and perished miserably among the snow. hunted down like wild beasts. Their very While this brutal massacre struck terror into name was proscribed." 6 We have already the hearts of the Jacobite chiefs, and thus so referred to, in its proper place, a mandate from far served the immediate object of the govern- King James V. in 1583, against the clan ment, it was highly prejudicial to King Wil- Chattan, in which he charges his lieges to liam. In every quarter, even at court, the invade the clan " to their utter destruction by account of the massacre was received at first slaughter, burning, drowning, and otherways with incredulity, and then with horror and and leave no creature living of that clan, except indignation ; and the Jacobite party did not priests, women, and bairns." Even Captain fail to turn the affair to good account against Burt, in the beginning of the next century, the government, by exaggerating, both at home writes of the Highlanders as if they were an and abroad, the barbarous details. The odium interesting race of semi-barbarians, many of of the nation rose to such a pitch, that had whom would cut a man's throat for the mere the exiled monarch appeared at the head of a sake of keeping their hands in practice. 7 In few thousand men, he would, probably, have 6 Ma.itland Club, vol. containing Papers on the succeeded in regaining his crown. The minis- Condition of the Highlands, 1686—1696. Preface. try, and even King William, grew alarmed, 7 Letters from a Gentleman w, the North. 3 E ;

402 GENEBAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. a letter of the 5th March, 1692, after referring discuss the question on the ground of rational to the universal talk in London ahont the probabilities." 8 transaction, Dalrymple says, " All I regret is, Though the nation had long desired an

that any of the sort got away ; and there is a inquiry into this barbarous affair, it was not necessity to prosecute them to the utmost." until the 29th of April, 1695, upwards of three Again, writing to Colonel Hill in April of the years after the massacre, that a commission same year, he tells him that " as for the people was granted. A commission had indeed been of Glencoe, when you do your duty in a thing issued in 1693 appointing the Duke of Hamil- so necessary to rid the country of thieving, ton and others to examine into the affair, but you need not trouble yourself to take the pains this was never acted upon. The Marquis of to vindicate yourself. When you do right, Tweeddale, lord high chancellor of Scotland, you need fear nobody. All that can he said and the other commissioners now appointed, is, that, in the execution, it was neither so full accordingly entered upon the inquiry, and, nor so fair as might have been." Indeed we after examining witnesses and documents, drew think that any one who examines into the up a report and transmitted it to his majest}'. matter with unbiassed and cool mind, which The commissioners appear to have executed is difficult, cannot fail to conclude that neither their task, on the whole, with great fairness, private spite nor heartless bloodthirstiness actu- although they put the very best construction ated him in bringing about the transaction on William's orders, and threw the whole but that he sincerely thought he was doing his blame of the massacre upon Secretary Dal- country a service in taking the only effectual rymple. means of putting down a public pest and a The report of the commissioners was laid hindrance to progress. before the parliament of Scotland on the 24th Had the clan been proceeded against in open of June, which decided that the execution of and legitimate warfare, resulting in its utter the Glencoe-men was a murder, resolved nemine extinction, the affair might have occupied no cordradicente, that the instructions contained more than a short paragraph in this and other in the warrant of the 16th January, 1692, did histories. There can be no doubt that what not authorise the massacre. After various gives the deed its nefarious stamp, is the sittings on the subject, " the committee for the fiendishly deliberate and deceitful way in security of the kingdom " was appointed to which it was accomplished, in violation of draw up an address to the king on the subject laws of hospitality winch are respected even of the massacre, which being submitted to by cutthroat Arabs. And after all it was a parliament on the 10th of July, was voted and blunder. approved of. As to whether King William knew the full No active measures in the way of punishing significance of the order which he signed, either principals or subordinates, however, and what was the extent of his knowledge were taken in consequence of the findings of of the circumstances, are points which can the commission and the recommendations of never be ascertained. It is mere meaningless parliament, except that Breadalbane, who they declamation to talk of it as a foul and indelible found had laid himself open to a charge of blot on his character and reign. " The best high treason, was imprisoned for a few days that can be done for the cause of truth, is to in Edinburgh castle. A curious and interest- give the facts abundantly and accurately. The ing incident came out during the sitting of the character of the revolution king is one of the commission, tending to show that Breadalbane questions which political passion and partizan- was conscious of a very large share of guilt, ship have not yet let go, so that reason may and was fully aware of the heinous and nefari- take it up. And with those who believe that, ous character of the bloody transaction. Some by his very act of heading the revolution which days after the slaughter, a person sent by drove forth the Stewarts, he was the man to Breadalbane's steward waited upon Glencoe's order and urge on the murder of an interesting

8 and loyal clan, it would be quite useless to Burton's Scotland, 1639—1748, vol. i. p. 174. "

STATE OF THE HIGHLANDS DUEING WILLIAM'S REIGN. 403 sons, and told them that if they would declare hushed up, and it now lives in the page of his- that his lordship had no concern in the tory as a sad and somewhat inexplicable blun- slaughter, they might be assured that the earl der, which has rendered the memories of those would procure their "remission and restitution." who contrived it and those who executed it, for As the surviving Macdonalds, who on their ever infamous. 1 humble petition and promise of good behaviour These measures of the government, concilia- were allowed to return to the glen, had been tory and threatening, seem to have had the reduced to great poverty and distress by the effect for the time of suppressing open hos- destruction of their property, and as they had tility at least among the Highlanders ; but conducted themselves with great moderation from the nature of that people, and the method under their misfortunes, the estates solicited in which government treated them, we can his majesty to order reparation to be made to readily believe that their obedience was none them for the losses they had sustained in their of the heartiest, and that they would be glad properties. Whether the " royal charity and any moment to join in an attempt to oust King compassion " invoked by the estates in behalf William and restore "Kin g James. During the of these unfortunate people were ever exercised whole of Wilham's reign his peace of mind does not appear ; but it is highly probable, that was being continually disturbed by rumours this part of the address was as little heeded as and discoveries of plots, and by threats of a the rest. 9 In fact, the whole matter was hostile descent on this country from France.

In all these the Highland chiefs had their fair 9 The following extraordinary anecdote is given by share, and were ready to receive with open General Stewart (Sketches, vol. i. ) in reference to the punishment which, in the opinion of the Highlanders, arms any hostile expedition which might be awaits the descendants of the oppressor. "The belief fortunate enough to effect a landing that punishment of the cruelty, oppression, or mis- on their couduct of an individual, descended as a curse on his coasts. children to the third and fourth generation, was not The stirring events of the last fifty years, in confined to the common people. All ranks were influ- enced by it, believing that if the curse did not fall which the Highlanders played a conspicuous upon the first, or second generation, it would inevi- part, appear to have been the means of draw- tably descend upon the succeeding. The late Colonel Campbell of Glenlyon retained this belief through a ing their attention somewhat away from their course of thirty years' intercourse with the world, as hereditary clan-quarrels, and thus rendering an officer of the 42d regiment, and of marines. He was grandson of the laird of Glenlyon, who commanded then' destructive internal strifes less frequent. the military at the massacre of Glencoe ; and who lived But now that there was no external outlet for in the laird of Glencoe's house, where he and his men were hospitably received as friends, and entertained their belligerent propensities, they appear again a fortnight before the execution of his orders. He to have resumed their old clan feuds. " To be was playing at cards with the family when the first shot was fired, and the murderous scene commenced. at peace, unless they were disarmed and over Colonel Campbell was an additional captain in the 42d awed, was not in their nature ; and neither the regiment in 1748, and was put on half pay. He then entered the marines, and in 1762 was major, with the brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel, and commanded 800 fingers, and clapping his hand to his forehead, he ex- of his corps at the Havannah. In 1771, he was claimed, ' The curse of God and of Glencoe is here, I ordered to superintend the execution of the sentence am an unfortunate ruined man.' He desired the of a court-martial on a soldier of marines, condemned soldiers to be sent to the barracks, instantly quitted to be shot. A reprieve was sent, but the whole cere- the parade, and soon afterwards retired from the mony of the execution was to proceed until the crimi- service. This retirement was not the result of any nal was upon his knees, with a cap over his eyes, reflection or reprimand on account of this unfortunate prepared to receive the volley. It was then he was to affair, as it was known to be entirely accidental. The be informed of his pardon. No person was to be told impression on his mind, however, was never effaced. previously, and Colonel Campbell was directed not to Nor is the massacre and the judgment which the inform even the firing party, who were warned that people believe has fallen on the descendants of the the signal to fire would be the waving of a white principal actors in this tragedy, effaced from their re- handkerchief by the commanding officer. When all collection. They carefully note, that while the family was prepared, and the clergyman had left the prisoner of the unfortunate gentleman who suffered is still on his knees, in momentary expectation of his fate, entire, and his estate preserved in direct male succes- and the firing party were looking with intense atten- sion to his posterity, this is not the case with the tion for the signal, Colonel Campbell put his hand family, posterity, and estates, of those who were the into his pocket for the reprieve, and in pulling out principals, promoters, and actors in this black affair. 1 the packet the white handkerchief accompanied it, Report of Commission on Glencoe : Carstare's and catching the eyes of the party, they fired, and the State Pajters : Gattienus Redivivws : Dalrymple's Me- unfortunate prisoner was shot dead. moirs and Appendix : Papers on the Condition of the "The paper dropped through Colonel Campbell's Highlands in Maitland Club. —

404 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. law nor the military power of the nation was the Highland chiefs should be ordered to raise then on a scale sufficient to have accomplished a body of 4,000 men, who would be so dis- these ends. "We even find those chiefs who ciplined that they would be ready to be called had ingratiated themselves with the govern- out when required, and who were to be com- ment, ohtaining, though not so readily as for- manded by " some principal man in the High- merly, the writs known by the savage name lands," who would have the pay of a general of 'letters of fire and sword' against their officer. This "principal man," Breadalbane enemies. These were licenses for civil war, doubtless meant to be himself, as he suggests giving the sanction of government aid and that the second in command should be Lochiel, encouragement to one side in the conflict. who he said was ambitious to serve his majesty,

They authorised the favoured clan to burn, and was a Protestant. Forty subordinate offi- waste, and slay, far and wide, within the terri- cers were to be appointed, Breadalbane wisely tory of their enemies, setting forth—such were suggesting that these should be of Highland the words of style used by the clerks of the extraction, and that the soldiers themselves privy —council who prepared these terrible docu- should be allowed to use their own apparel, ments ' that whatever slaughter, mutilation, their own arms, and to be disciplined after blood, fire-raising, or other violence' may be their own fashion. As will be afterwards seen, done by the persons holding the letters, shall government appears to have acted on this or be held ' laudable, good, and warrantable ser- some similar proposal, and organized a few vice to his majesty and his government.' independent Highland companies. We give

There is little doubt that the readiness with below the number of men which, according to which these warrants were issued in earlier Breadalbane's estimate, each of the chiefs to

times, arose from the view that it was a good which the proposal referred could raise. It is thing to encourage the Highlanders in slaying probably considerably below the number of each other, and doubtless, even for a few years men capable of bearing arms, who were at the after such an event as Glencoe, such a feeling command of the various chiefs named. 3 would linger in the usual official quarters. 3 List of chieftains to which the proposals relate : Though it was professed that no one could

obtain letters of fire and sword but a litigant The Earl of Seaforth, 200 who could not enforce his just claims, it would The Viscount of Tarbat, 50 Lord Lovat, 150 be generally a vain task to examine the relative The The Earl of Sutherland, 100 sides, merits of the two expecting to find one The Lord Beay, . 50 Laird of Ballingoun, 100 of them in the right. Any mitigation which The The Laird of Fouls, the horrors of such a system may have received The Laird of Straglasse, Glenraoristo 30 in later times, would be from the garrison of The Laird of The Laird of M'Intosh, 100 Fort-William being associated in arms with M'Pherson of Clunie, the holders of the letters." 1 The Laird of Kilravock, 150 The Laird of Grant, 200 The materials for the internal history of the The Laird of Balindaloch, 20 Highlands at this period are scanty; doubtless The Duke of Gordon, 300 The Earl of Mar, 200 strifes carried there were many petty on be- The Marquis of Atholl, 300 tween hostile clans, and many cattle-lifting The Laird of Ashintullie, 30 The Laird of Weem, 50 the Highland borderers upon raids made by The Laird of Garntully, 50 their lowland neighbours, but no records of The Laird of Strowan, The Earl of Perth, these appear to have been kept. The Earl of Murray, 100 Shortly after the Glencoe massacre, a scheme The Earl of Monteath, 100 The Marquis of Montrose, 150 appears to have been proposed to the king by The Laird of Luss, 50 Breadalbane 2 for utilizing the Highlanders The Laird of Macfarlane, 30 The Earl of Argyle, 500 " in case of any insurrection at home, or inva- The Earl of Breadalbane 250 sion from abroad." The gist of it was that The Laird of Calder, 100 The Laird of M 'Lean, 100 1 Burton's Scotland, 1689—1748, vol. i., pp. 175, 176. The Laird of Lochiel, 150 Dalrymple's Appendix, vol. ii., part ii. p. 217. The Captain of Clanronahl, 100 .

SIMON FEASEE, LOED LOVAT. 405

It is about this time that the famous Eobert commission, that it was only that " he might Macgregor, better known as Eob Roy, first have a regiment well trained and accoutred to emerges into notice. The details of his life join King James in a descent he had promised will be found in the account of the Clan Mac- to make in the ensuing summer." While in gregor, in Part Second of this work. Lord Murray's regiment, he, in 1696, entered During this reign, and shortly after the into a plan for surprising Edinburgh castle, hushing-up of the Glencoe affair, there came and holding it in the interest of James, but into prominence another character, destined to this was stifled by< the decisive victory at La play a far more important part in the history Hogue. of the Highlands and of the country generally, In 1696, Simon accompanied his cousin than Eob Eoy, whom he resembled in the un- Lord Lovat, who appears to have been of a scrupulous means he took to attain his ends, " contracted understanding," and Lord Murray, but whose rude but genuine sense of honour to London, and while there, endeavoured to and sincerity he appears to have been entirely worm himself into the colonelcy of his regi- devoid of. This was the notorious Simon ment, but was checkmated by Murray, whom,

Eraser, so well known afterwards as Lord with the house of Athole, he thenceforth re- Lovat. He was born, according to some garded as his enemy. authorities, in the year 1670, but according to Lord Lovat died in September 1696, imme- himself in 1676, and was the second son of diately after his return from London, on which

Thomas Fraser, styled of Beaufort, near Inver- Thomas of Beaufort assumed the family title, ness, fourth son of Hugh, ninth Lord Lovat. and Simon that of Master of Lovat. To render Simon's mother was dame Sybilla Macleod, his claims indisputable, Simon paid his ad- daughter of the chief of the Macleods. He dresses to the daughter of the late lord, who was educated at King's College, Aberdeen, had assumed the title of baroness of Lovat, where he is said highly to have distinguished and having prevailed on her to consent to himself, and to have taken the degree of Master elope with him, would have carried his design of Arts. 4 " One can easily believe that Simon, of marrying her into execution, had not then- with his brain ever at work, and his ambition mutual confident, Fraser of Tenechiel, after ever on the stretch, would let no one outstrip conducting the young lady forth one night in him. . . . His subsequent full and free such precipitate haste that she is said to have use of the French indicates an aptitude for walked barefooted, failed in his trust, and re- languages seldom equalled, and his tone of stored her to her mother. The heiress was writing and speaking was that of a scholar, then removed out of the reach of Simon's arti- always when he thought fit that it should be fices by her uncle, the Marquis of Athole, to 5 so." In 1695, he was induced to leave the his stronghold at Dunkeld. Here it was deter university, just as he was about to enter upon mined that to put an end to dispute, she should the study of law, and accept a company in a be married to the son of Lord Saltonn, the regiment raised for the service of King William, head of a branch of the Fraser family in Aber- by Lord Murray, son of the Marquis of Athole, deenshire. As Simon saw in this match the whose daughter was married to the then Lord ruin of all his hopes, he determined at all

Lovat, Simon's cousin. Simon, who pretended hazards to prevent it. As Saltoun and Lord the most inviolable loyalty to the exiled King Mungo Murray were returning, October, 1697, James, gives as his excuse for accepting this from Castle Dounie, the residence of the late lord's widow, they were met at the wood of Sir Donald M'Donald, of Sleat 100 Bunchrew, near Inverness, by Simon and his The Laird of M'Leod, 100 followers, and immediately disarmed and carried The Laird of Glengary, 100 The Laird of M'Finzone, 30 to Fanellan, a house of Lord Lovat's, before M'Donald of Keppoeh, 50 the windows of which a threatening gallows The Laird of Appin, 50 The Tutor of Appin, 30 was erected. They were detained here about The Laird of Loehhuv, a week, when, on a report that Lord Murray Anderson's History of the Frazcrs, 5 the red coats were coming against him, Burton's Lord Lovat, p . 9 and 406 GENEEAL HISTOEY OE THE HIGHLANDS.

Captain Eraser sent the fiery cross and coronach threats into execution. " On the whole, the through the country of Ms clan, and immedi- force brought against him cannot have been

ately had at his command a body of 500 armed very large ; but in Simon's own history of his men. With this small army, Eraser, accom- conflicts and escapes, the whole affair assumes panied by his prisoners, proceeded to Castle the aspect of a very considerable campaign, in Dounie, of which they took possession, senti- which his enemies, spoken of as 'the several nels being placed in all the rooms, particularly regiments of cavalry, infantry, and dragoons,'

Ladj7 Lovat's. The prisoners, after being de- are always defeated and baffled in an unac-

tained for some time in the Island of Angus in countable manner by some handful of Frasers. " ° the Beauly river, were dismissed. There does not appear to have been any down- Burton very justly remarks, that the whole right skirmish, the only approach to such a

of these wild acts were evidently the result of thing being a meeting that took jflace at Strath- a series of impulses. What followed appears errick between the Erasers and the Athole- to have been equally unpremeditated and the men under the two Lords Murray, in which result of pure impulse. Simon determined to the latter threw themselves on the mercy of atone to himself for the loss of the daughter Simon, who made them, after the manner of by forcibly wedding the mother, whom he the ancient Eornans, pass through the yoke, himself describes as a widow " old enough to and at the same time swear by a fearful oath be his mother, dwarfish in her person, and never again to enter the Lovat territories. deformed in her shape." 7 Eor this purpose her In June, 1698, proceedings were commenced three waiting maids were carried by force out in the court of justiciary against Fraser and of the room, and about two in the morning one Ms accomplices, and in September they were of them was brought back and found her lady condemned, in their absence, to be executed as " sitting on the floor, her hair dishevelled, her traitors. head reclining backwards on the bed, Donald In 1699, died old Fraser of Beaufort, at the Beaton pulling off the lady's shoes, and the house of his brother-in-law Macleod of Dun- Captain holding burning feathers and aqua- vegan Castle M Skye, and Ms son thenceforth vitae to her nose, her ladyship being in a assumed the title of Lord Lovat. He appears swoon." A mock marriage was performed for some time to have led a wandering life, between Simon and Lady Lovat, by a wretched subsisting on pillage and the occasional contri- minister of the name of Munro, and the lady's butions of the attached mountameers. J Tired clothes having been violently pulled off her, of this kind of life, he, at the recommendation her stays being cut off with a dirk, she was of Argyle, who had endeavoured to secure tossed into the bed, to have the marriage con- favour for him at head-quarters, sued for a summated with violence. Notwithstanding pardon, wMch King William granted for all that the bagpipes were kept playing in the Ms proceedings except the rape. He was next room, the poor lady's cries were heard willing to stand trial on tMs last head, and for outside the house. 8 In the morning the lady this purpose appeared in Edinburgh with a was found to be so stupified with the brutal small army of 100 followers as witnesses; but treatment she had received that she could not as the majority of the judges were prejudiced recognise her dearest friends. against Mm, he found it prudent again to take These violent proceedings caused much con- refuge in his mountains. He was outlawed, sternation in the country, and the Athole and finding Ms enemies too powerful for Mm, family immediately set about to obtain redress, he fled to France in. 1702, and offered Ms or rather revenge. Letters of fire and sword services to King James. and of intercommuning were passed against These details show, that amid the growing the whole of the Erasers, and the Marquis of civilization and rapid progress of the country Tulliebardine organised a force, to carry these generally, the HigManders were yet as barbarous

and lawless as ever ; the clans still cherishing u Lovat, p. 27. ' Memoirs, p. 62. 8 Pitcairn's- Trials, p. ). Anderson's Fraser n 38. Anderson, 130. Family, p. 121. Burton's Lovat, p. —

THE DARIEN SCHEME. 407

of Scottish tlie same devotion to their chiefs, and the same Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat—Meeting Parliament — Union with England — Ferment in readiness, in defiance of law, to enter into an Scotland against it—Hooke's Negotiation—Prepara- exterminating mutual strife. The government tions in France to invade Scotland—Unsuccessful result of the expedition—State of Scotland— Pro- appears to given up in despair all hopes have ceedings of the Jacobites—Death of Queen Anne. of making the Highlanders amenable to the ordinary law of the country, or of rooting out In the meantime, December 28, 1694, had from among them those ancient customs so died Queen Mary, to the great grief of her inconsistent with the spirit of the British con- husband and the sincere regret of the nation stitution. All it apparently aimed at was to generally. confine the lawless and belligerent propensities We are not required to enter here into a of these trotiblesonie Celts to their own country, history of the Darien scheme, which originated and prevent them from taking a form that in 1695, and was so mismanaged as to involve would be injurious to the civilized Lowlanders in ruin thousands of families formerly in com- and the interests of the existing government parative opulence. It appears to have had generally. " From old experience in dealing little influence on the Highlands, for although with the Highlanders, government had learned a few natives took part in the expedition out a policy which suited temporary purposes at of dissatisfaction with William's government, all events, however little it tended to the the great mass of the Highlanders were too far general pacification and civilisation of the behind the age to resort to such a roundabout people. This was, not to trust entirely to a means of aggrandizing a fortune. Lowland government force, but to arm one The attitude assumed by King William and clan against another. It seemed a crafty de- the government to the Darien expedition exas- vice for the extermination of these troublesome perated the Scottish nation so much that there tribes, and a real practical adaptation of Swift's seemed to be some danger of a counter-revolu- paradoxical project for abolishing pauperism, tion. To the bitterness of disappointment by making the poor feed upon each other. succeeded an implacable hostility to the king, But practised as it had been for centuries, who was denounced, in pamphlets of the most down from the celebrated battle of the anta- violent and inflammatory tendency, as a hypo- gonist clans on the Inch of Perth, yet it never crite, and as the deceiver of those who had seemed to weaken the strength or abate the shed their best blood in his cause, and as the ferocity of these warlike vagrants, but rather author of all the misfortunes which had be- seemed to nourish their thirst of blood, to fallen Scotland. One of these pamphlets was make arms and warfare more familiar and in- voted by the House of Commons a false, scan- dispensable, and to add every year to the dalous, and seditious libel, and ordered to be terrors of this formidable people, who, in the burned by the common executioner, and an very bosom of fast civilizing Europe, were as address was voted to his majesty to issue a little under the control of enlightened social proclamation for apprehending the author, institutions, and as completely savage in their printer, and publisher of the obnoxious publi- habits, as the Bosgesman of the East, or the cation. The king was so chagrined at the Black-foot Indian of the "West." 2 conduct of the Scotch that he refused to see Lord Basil Hamilton, who had an address to present to his majesty from the company, CHAPTEE XXIII. praying for his interference on behalf of their servants who were kept in captivity by the A. B. 1695—1714. Spaniards.

r '-i n-Ti =OYr.nr.l<:N In direct contradiction to the House of Lords, the Scottish parliament voted that the The Darien Scheme—Hopes of the Jacobites —Death colony of Darien was a lawful and rightful of James II. — Death of King William—Accession settlement which they would support; a reso- of the Princess Anne—The Scottish Parliament lution which induced the Duke of Queensberry,

2 Burton's Life of Lord Lovaf, p. 36. the commissioner, to prorogue the session 408 GENEKAL HISTOKY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

But this step only tended to increase the dis- mitting his son to reign while he (James) was

contents of the nation; and, to show the king alive, he would, in fact, be held as having re- that the people would he no longer trifled nounced his crown, and that the Prince of with, an address to Ms majesty, containing a Wales would also be held as having resigned detail of national grievances, and representing his own right, if he accepted the crown as the necessity of calling an immediate meeting successor to the Prince of Orange. As James of parliament, was drawn up and signed by a had now given up all idea of a crown, and was considerable number of the members; and a wholly engrossed with the more important

deputation, with Lord Eoss at its head, was concerns of a future life, it is probable that he appointed to present the address to the king. received the proposal of his friends in a very His majesty, however, evaded the address, by different spirit from that he evinced when informing the deputation that they would be made by William. made acquainted in Scotland with his inten- The designs of the Jacobites, however, were tions; and, as if to show his displeasure, he frustrated by the intrigues of the Princess ordered the parliament to be adjourned by Sophia, Electress and Duchess Dowager of

proclamation. Hanover, grand-daughter of King James I., The Scottish nation was now fully ripe for who had for several years contemplated the a rebellion, but neither James nor his advisers plan of getting the succession to the English had the capacity to avail themselves of passing crown settled upon herself and her heirs. An events, to snatch the tottering crown from the act was accordingly passed by the English head of the illustrious foreigner, who was des- parliament in June, 1701, at the desire of the tined to be the happy instrument of placing king, whom the princess had prevailed upon the liberties of the nation upon a more sure to espouse her cause, declaring her to be the and permanent footing than they had hitherto next in succession to the crown of England, been. The hopes of the Jacobites were, how- after his majesty and the Princess Anne, in ever, greatly raised by the jarrings between default of issue of their bodies respectively, the king and his Scottish subjects, and an and that after the decease of William and event occurred, about this time, which tended Anne respectively without issue, the crown still farther to strengthen them. This was and government of England should remain the death of the young Duke of Gloucester, and continue to the Princess Sojmia and the the only surviving child of the Princess Anne, heirs of her body, being Protestants. This act, on the 29th of July, 1700, in the eleventh which, by one swoop, cut off the whole Catholic

r I., 3 ear of his age. As the Jacobites considered descendants of James of whom there were that the duke was the chief obstacle in the fifty -three alive, all nearer heirs to the crown way of the accession of the Prince of Wales to than the princess, gave great offence to all the the crown, they could not conceal their plea- Catholic princes concerned in the succession. sure at an occurrence which seemed to pave The act of settlement in favour of the the way for the restoration of the exiled family, Princess Sophia and her heirs, was a death- and they privately despatched a trusty adhe- blow to the Jacobite interest, but still the rent to France to assure King James that they hopes of the party were not extinguished. As would settle the succession upon the Prince of James had given up all idea of dispossessing Wales. Such a proposition had indeed been William, and even discountenanced any at- made by William himself at an interview he tempt to disturb the peace of the kingdom had with Louis XIV. in 1697, when a prospect during his own life-time, the partisans of his opened of James being elected king of Poland family had given up every expectation of his on the death of John Sobieski; but this pro- restoration. But the death of King James, posal was rejected by James, who told the which took place at St. Germains on the 16th king of France, that though he could bear with of September, 1701, and the recognition of his patience the usurpation of his nephew and son by Louis XIV. as king, were events which son-in-law, he would not allow his own son to opened up brighter prospects than they had commit such an act of injustice ; that by per- yet enjoyed. The unfortunate monarch had, DEATH OF JAMES II. AND OF KING WILLIAM. 409 for several years, taken farewell of worldly The accession of the Princess Anne gave objects, and had turned his whole attention to satisfaction to all parties, particularly to the the concerns of eternity, dying ardently at- Jacobites, who imagined, that as she had no tached to the creed which, from principle, he heirs of her own body, she would be in- had embraced. Of the arbitrary and unconsti- duced to concur with them in getting the suc- tutional conduct of James, at the period pre- cession act repealed, so as to make way for her ceding the revolution, it is impossible for any brother, the Prince of Wales. At first the lover of genuine liberty to speak without feel- queen seemed disposed to throw herself into ings of indignation; but it must not be for- the hands of the Tory faction, at the head of gotten that in his time the prerogatives of the which was the Earl of Eochester, first cousin crown were not clearly denned, and that he to the queen, who was averse to a war with was misled by evil counsellors, who advised France ; but the Earl, (afterwards the celebrated him to violate the existing constitution. Duke) of Marlborough, his rival, succeeded, Nothing but the prospect of an immediate through the intrigues of his countess, in alter- war with England could, it is believed, have ing the mind of her majesty, and war was induced Louis to recognise, as he did, the accordingly declared against France on the 4th Prince of Wales as king of England, Ireland, of May. and Scotland. William remonstrated against The Scottish parliament, to which the Duke this act of the French king, as a violation of of Queensberry was appointed commissioner, the treaty of Eyswick, and appealed to the met on the 9th of June; but before his com-

King of Sweden, as the guarantee for its ob- mission was read, the Duke of Hamilton ob- servance; but Louis was inflexible, and main- jected to the legality of the meeting, the par- tained in the face of all Europe, that he was liament having been virtually dissolved, as he not debarred by the treaty from acknowledging maintained, by not having met within the the title of the Prince of Wales, to which he statutory period; and having taken a formal had right by birth. He admitted that by the protest against its proceedings, he withdrew fourth article of the treaty he was bound not from the house, followed by seventy-nine mem- to disturb William in the possession of his bers of the first rank in the kingdom, amidst dominions, and he declared his intention to the acclamations of the people. The seceding adhere to that stipulation ; but this explanation members, thereupon, sent up Lord Blantyre to was considered quite unsatisfactory by William, London with an address to the queen, but she who recalled his ambassador from Paris. The refused to see him. This refusal highly dis- conduct of the French king excited general pleased the people, whose resentment was still indignation in England, and addresses were farther increased by a prosecution raised by sent up from all parts of the kingdom, expres- the lord advocate against the faculty of advo- sive of attachment to the government. The cates, for having, by a vote, approved of the English parliament passed two separate acts of secession and address. Several acts were attainder against the pretended Prince of passed by the parliament, one of the most im- Wales, as the son of James was termed, and portant of which was that authorizing the the queen, his mother, who acted as regent. queen to name commissioners for negotiat- Great preparations were made for entering into ing a treaty of union with England. An a war with France, and William had concerted attempt was made by the Earl of Marchmont, with his allies the plan of a campaign, but he the lord-chancellor, (better known as Sir did not live to see the gigantic schemes which Patrick Home of Polwarth) without any in- he had devised for humbling the pride of structions from his colleagues, and even con- France put into execution. He expired at trary to the advice of the commissioner, to Kensington on the 8th of March, 1702, in con- alter the succession, by bringing in a bill simi- sequence of a fall from his horse about a fort- lar to that which had passed in England for night before, which fractured his collar-bone. abjuring the Prince of Wales, and settling the He had reigned thirteen years, and was in the succession on the Princess Sophia and her fifty-second year of his age. heirs; but as the ministry had no instructions 3 p 410 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS. from the queen, the bill was not supported. the elections into the scale of the government. It is not improbable that Marchmont intended, The parliament, however, which met on the by the introduction of this measure, to sound 6th of May, was not so pliable to ministerial the disposition of the queen in regard of her dictation as might have been expected, for brother. although the royal assent was refused to what The queen, by virtue of the powers conferred was called the act of security for limiting the on her by the parliaments of England and power of the crown, " this session of parlia- Scotland, named commissioners to treat about ment," to use the words of Lockhart, " did more a union, who met at the Cockpit, near White- for redressing the grievances and restoring the hall, on the 22d of October; but after some liberties of the nation than all the parliaments of preliminaries r 1660." 4 the had been adjusted, the since the j ear It was in this parlia- conference broke off, in consequence of the ment that the celebrated patriot, Fletcher of

Scottish commissioners insisting that all the Saltoun, first distinguished himself. The Earl rights and privileges of the Darien company of Marchmont again brought in his bill for should be preserved and maintained. settling the crown of Scotland upon the house

A partial change in the Scottish ministry of Hanover ; but such was the indignation having taken place, the queen resolved upon with which it was received by the house, that calling a new parliament, in the spring of some of the members proposed that the bill 1703, previous to which she issued an act of should be burnt, while others moved that the indemnity in favour of every person who had proposer of the measure should be committed taken any part against the government since to the castle of Edinburgh. On a division the the revolution, and allowed such of them as bill was thrown out by a very large majority. were abroad to return home. Under the pro- After the prorogation of the parliament, the tection of this amnesty many of the Jacobites courtiers and the heads of the cavaliers repaired returned to Scotland, and took the oaths to to London to pay court to the queen, who the government, in the hope of forwarding the received them kindly, and conferred marks of interest of the Prince of "Wales. At this time her favour upon some of them. The Marquis Scotland was divided into three parties. The of Athole, in particular, who aspired to be first consisted of the revolutionists, who were leader of the Jacobites, was made a duke, and headed by the Duke of Argyle. The second invested with the dignity of a knight of the of what was called the country party, who order of the Thistle, which she had just revived were opposed to the union, and who insisted to enable her to extend the royal favour. Her on indemnification for the losses sustained in policy seems to have been to gain over all the Darien speculation, and satisfaction for parties to her interest ; but she was soon made the massacre of Glencoe and other grievances to believe that a conspiracy existed against her suffered in the late reign. The Duke of Hamil- among the cavaliers to supersede her, and to ton and the Marquis of Tweeddale took place her brother upon the throne. The mov- the direction of this party. The last, called ing spirit in this plot, known as the Scotch Mitchell's club, from the house they met in, Plot, was the now notorious Lovat. was composed entirely of the Jacobites or " An indemnity having been granted to those Cavaliers. These were headed by the Earl of who had left the country with the exiled court, Home. 3 The two latter parties, by coalescing on condition of their returning within a time at the elections, might have returned a majority limited, and taking the oaths, it was observed favourable to their views ; but the Earl of Sea- with alarm, that many persons were taking field, who had succeeded the Earl of March- advantage of this opportunity to return, who mont as chancellor, had the address to separate were among the most formidable of the the Jacobites from the country party, and, by Jacobite leaders, and who could not be sup- making them believe that he was their friend, posed to be sincerely disposed to support the prevailed upon them to throw their interest at Protestant line of succession. Among these

3 4 Loclchwrt Papers, vol. i. p. 58. Idem, vol. i. p. 71 SIMON FEASEE, LOED LOVAT. 411

ominous apparitions were Lovat himself, the warded in gold, through a Dutch commercial two Murrays, Sir John Maclean,— Eobertson house, to persons of importance in Scotland." 4 of Struan the poet chieftain, ' a little black Lovat had the address before leaving France, man, about thirty years old,' as he was de- by imposing upon Louis, to whom he was scribed by those who kept their eyes on introduced by the pope's nuncio, to obtain him ; and David Lindsay, secretary to the from the widow of King James, acting as re- Pretender's prime minister, Middleton. The gent for her son, a commission of Major-general, fiery Lord Belhaven had just paid a visit to with power to raise and command forces in his France. He was an opponent of English behalf. As the court of St. Germains had ascendency, and a cadet of the house of Hamil- some suspicion of Fraser's integrit}', Captain ton ; and Ms mission could, of course, have no John Murray, brother of Mr. Murray of Aber- other object but to offer the allegiance of that cairney, and Captain James Murray, brother of house to the young prince. Political intriguers, Sir David Murray of Stanhope, were sent over such as the renowned Ferguson, looked busy to Scotland, under the protection of Queen and mysterious. Mis. Fox, whose name was Anne's indemnity, as a check upon him, and connected with the plot for which Sir John to sound the dispositions of the people. Fenwick suffered, had ventured over to Britain, On arriving in Scotland, he set off for the under a feigned name ; and sundry young men Highlands, introduced himself into the society of good birth, whose avowed mission to France of the adherents of the exiled family, and, by had been to study medicine, had, either in producing his commission of major-general, vanity or carelessness, allowed it to transpire induced some of them to give him assurances that they had been at the court of St. Ger- that they would rise in arms when required, mains, and had seen those royal personages though they regretted that such a character who created so dangerous an interest through- should have been intrusted with so important out the country. The general movement of a command. Others, however, apprehensive these parties was northwards, and was accom- of his real designs, refused to hold any inter- panied by incidents such as those which hap- course with him on the subject of his mission. pened to Lovat. Captain Hamilton, an officer On Lovat's return to Edinburgh, late in stationed at Inverness, wrote to Brigadier- September, he contrived to obtain an interview general Maitland, governor of Fortwilliam, on with the Duke of Queensberry, High Commis- the 23d of July, that a great hunting match sioner to the Parliament of Scotland, and had been planned for the 2d of the month, at revealed to him the whole affair, drawing con- which many of the Highland chiefs were to siderably on his own fertile fancy for startling assemble their vassals. facts. He also produced a letter, purporting

" ' The Duke of Hamilton is to be there, the to be from the ex-queen, signed with the initial

Marquis of Athol : and our neighbour the M., addressed to the Duke of Athole. Its Laird of Grant, who has ordered 600 of his words were, " Tou may be sure that when my men in arms, in good order, with tartane coats, concerns require the help of my friends, you are all of one colour and fashion. This is his one of the first I have in my view. I am satis- order to his people in Strathspey. H it be a fied you will not be wanting for any thing that match of hunting only, I know not, but I may be in your power according to your pro- think it my duty to acquaint you, whatever mise, and you may be assured of all such may fall out of any such body of men in arms, returns as you can expect from me and mine. particularly in our northern parts.' The bearer, who is known to you, will tell you " It will be remembered that this was exactly more of my friendship to you, and how I rely the form in which the Earl of Mar raised the on yours for me, and those I am concerned for." standard of rebellion at Braemar, in 1715; and Queensberry was delighted with this apparent we appear to owe the suggestion to the inven- discovery, and immediately sent the letter tive genius of Lovat. At the same time, the unopened to the queen. Lovat, however, by British ambassador at the Hague received some

mysterious intimations about large sums for- 4 Burton's Life of Lovai, pp. 76, 77. 412 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

his plotting had made the country too hot to the existence of a plot, he maintains that " it hold him, and a day or two after his letter had was all trick and villany." Meanwhile Fraser, been sent to the queen, letters of fire and for his imposition upon the French king, was sword were issued against him, so that he now committed a prisoner to the Bastile, in which set himself to get safely back to France. He he remained several years. 6 managed to obtain from Queensberry a pass to It was discovered that the address on tht London, to which place the duke himself was letter from the ex-queen was forged by Lovat

bound, and after a few more secret interviews himself, she having addressed it to no one, in London, with another pass which he con- although it is supposed to have been meant trived to obtain, he safely quitted England for the Duke of Gordon. Lovat had also to about the middle of October. 5 implicate the Duke of Hamilton, and as he " When this so-called conspiracy became pub- regarded both these noblemen as " impostors

licly known it excited considerable sensation, and enemies of the exiled family, he considered and the House of Lords immediately resolved that his conduct, in thus attempting to ruin that a committee should be appointed to inquire them, " far from being a real crime, ought to

into the matter ; but the queen, who was be regarded as a good and essential service to

already well acquainted with the circumstances, the king (James III.), and the sincere, politi- sent them a message, intimating, that as the cal, and ingenious fruit of his zeal, for his

affair was already under investigation, she was project, and the interests of his sovereign." 7

desirous that the house should not interfere, Such is a specimen of the morality of this and she promised in a short time to inform extraordinary personage, who, in his correspon them of the result. Accordingly, on the 17th dence with the revolution party, always pre- of December, she went to the House of Peers, tended to be a friend to the revolution settle- and made a speech to both houses, informing ment. them that she had complete evidence of evil According to Lockhart, the Duke of Queens- practices and designs against her government, berry was at the bottom of this sham plot, but carried on by the emissaries of France in Scot- he appears really to have been entirely inno- land. The peers, however, proceeded in the cent, and to have acted all along for what he inquiry, and after considerable investigation thought the best interests of the government. they agreed to the following resolution, " that " He was, to use a common but clear expres- there had been a dangerous conspiracy in Scot- sion, made a fool of." s Although he had

land toward the invading that kingdom with managed to clear Mniself of all blame, still as a French power, in order to subvert her the affair had rendered him very unpopular in majesty's government, and the bringing in the Scotland, he was dismissed from his situation

pretended Prince of Wales ; that it was their as one of the Scottish secretaries of state, and opinion nothing had given so much encourage- the Marquis of Tweeddale was appointed to ment to these designs as the succession of the succeed him as lord high-commissioner to the crown of Scotland not being declared in favour Scottish parliament, which met on the 6th of 9 of the Princess Sophia and her heirs ; that the July, 1704. queen should be addressed to use such methods From the temper displayed in the Scottish

as she thought convenient, for having the parliament, it was obvious that without enter- succession of the crown of that kingdom settled ing into a treaty with Scotland, it would be

after that manner ; and that being once done, utterly impossible for the English ministry to then they would do all in their power to pro- carry the question of the succession in Scotland. mote an entire union of the two kingdoms." To accomplish this the English parliament Mr. Lockhart asserts that the lords thus inter- authorised the queen to nominate commis- fered at the instance of the Duke of Queens- sioners to treat with commissioners from Scot-

beny, as he knew that the "Whigs would bring 6 Lockhart, vol. i. pp. 78—83. him off, and although they were so clear as to 7 Memoirs of the Life of Simon, Lord Lovat Written by himself, p. 179. 8 Burton's Lovat, p. 90. s " JIacpherson's Papers. Burton's Lovat. Lockhart, vol. i. p. 98. MEETING OF SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT. 413 land; but the conduct of the parliament was alleged plot, but by advice of the Cavaliers, by no means calculated to allay the jealousy who insisted that such a proceeding would be entertained by the Scotch, of the interference a violation of the agreement entered into be- of England in imposing a foreign sovereign tween them and the Duke of Queensberry's upon them. Instead of simply empowering friends, they desisted for a time. But the the queen to appoint commissioners, the Eng- duke having prevailed upon such of his friends lish parliament, instigated by the Scottish as had voted with the Cavaliers in the be- ministry, directed the Scottish parliament in ginning of the session, to join the court party, the choice of its commissioners, and they even the subject was introduced before the house in prohibited their own commissioners to meet the shape of a motion, to know what answer and treat with those of Scotland unless the the queen had sent to an address which had parliament of Scotland allowed the queen to been voted to her in the preceding session, to name these commissioners herself. Moreover send down to Scotland against the next session all Scotsmen not settled in England, or in its such persons as had been examined respecting service, were declared aliens, until the succes- the plot, and the papers connected therewith. sion to the crown of Scotland should be settled The Dukes of Hamilton and Athole vindicated on the Princess Sophia and her Protestant themselves against the charge of being accessory heirs. Several prohibitory clauses against the to Fraser's proceedings, and the latter particu- trade of Scotland were also inserted in the act, larly, in a long speech, reprobated the conduct which were to take effect about eight months of the Duke of Queensberry, whom he openly thereafter if the Scottish parliament did not, accused of a design to ruin him Neither the before the appointed time, yield to the instruc- duke nor his friends made any answer to the tions of that of England. charge, and Athole and Hamilton conceiving To strengthen the government party the that they had cleared themselves sufficiently, Scottish ministry was changed, and the Duke allowed the subject to drop. The most im- of Queensberry was recalled to office, being portant business of the session was the measure appointed to the privy seaL The Cavaliers, of the proposed union with England, an act thus deprived of the aid of the duke and his for effecting which was passed, though not friends, applied to the Marquis of Tweeddale without considerable opposition. —who, with his displaced friends, had formed Before the state of the vote upon this mea- a party called the squadrone volante, or " flying sure was announced, the Duke of Athole, " in squadron" — to unite with them against the regard that by an English act of parliament court; but he declined the proposal, as being made in the last sessions thereof, entituled an inconsistent with the object for which it was act for the effectual securing England from the said to be formed, namely, to keep the con- dangers that may arise from several acts passed tending parties in parliament in check, and lately in Scotland, the subjects of this kingdom to vote only for such measures, by whatever were adjudged aliens, born out cf the allegiance party introduced, which should appear most of the queen, as queen of England, after the beneficial to the country. 25th of December 1705," protested that, for Notwithstanding the exertions of the court saving the honour and interest of her majesty party, the Scottish ministry soon found them- as queen of Scotland, and maintaining and selves in a minority in the parliament, which preserving the undoubted rights and privileges was opened on the 28th of June, 1705, by the of her subjects, no act for a treaty with Eng- Duke of Argyle as commissioner. The motion land ought to pass without a clause being added of Sir James Falconer, which had hitherto thereto, prohibiting and discharging the com- remained a dead letter, was again renewed; missioners that might be appointed for carrying but although the ministry was supported by on the treaty from departing from Scotland the " squadron" in opposition to the motion, until the English parliament should repeal and the Cavaliers carried it by a great majority. rescind the obnoxious act alluded to. To this The Dukes of Hamilton and Athole were now protest twenty-four peers, thirty-seven barons, desirous of pushing on the inquiry into the and eighteen of the burgh representatives ad- *

414 GENEEAL HISTOKY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

hered. Wlien the state of the vote was an- the independence of the nation ; and when nounced, the Duke of Hamilton, to the sur- the Scottish parliament met for the purpose of prise of the cavaliers and the country party, ratifying the treaty, considerable rioting took moved that the nomination of the commis- place in different parts of the country, and sioners should he left wholly to the queen. large bodies of armed men threatened to march From twelve to fifteen members immediately upon the capital, and disperse the assembly. exclaimed that the duke had deserted and Numerous addresses were sent to the parlia- basely betrayed his friends, and ran out of the ment from every part of the kingdom against house in rage and despair. A warm debate the Union, and considerable opposition was then ensued, in which Hamilton was roughly made by the Dukes of Hamilton and Athole, handled, and the inconsistency of his conduct Lord Belhaven, Fletcher of Saltoun, and others, exposed ; but he persisted in his motion, which but the court party, having obtained the sup- was carried by a majority of eight votes. Had port of the " Squadron," carried the measure the other members remained he would have by a great majority. The treaty was, however, found himself in a minority. The Duke of after strenuous opposition, ratified by the Scotch Athole protested a second time for the reasons as well as the English parliament, and ulti- contained in his first protest, and twenty-one mately completed on May 1st, 1707. peers, thirty-three barons, and eighteen burgh As the restoration of the son of James II. representatives adhered to his second protest. now appeared to the Scottish nation necessary

The protesters consisted of most of the cavaliers to preserve its independence, various combina- and the country party, and the whole of the tions were entered into among the people

" Squadron." The protesters, however, were to effect it. The inhabitants of the western not discouraged, and they succeeded so far as shires, chiefly Cameronians, formerly the most to obtain an order of the house prohibiting the determined supporters of the Protestant govern- Scottish commissioners from treating until the ment, all at once became the most zealous clause in the English act, declaring the subjects partisans of the exiled family, whose Catholi- of Scotland aliens, should be repealed, a reso- city they showed themselves disposed alto- lution which had the desired effect, the English gether to overlook. Preparatory to more active parliament rescinding the clause before the measures for accomplishing their object, the time fixed for its operation arrived. ringleaders among them held several meetings, In terms of the powers vested in her by the divided themselves into regiments, chose their parliaments of England and Scotland, the officers, provided themselves with horses and queen nominated commissioners, who met in arms, and, notwithstanding the religious asper- the council chamber of the Cockpit, near ity which had long existed between them and Whitehall, on the 16th of April, 1706. Dur- the inhabitants of the northern shires, offered ing their sittings they were twice visited to unite with them in any measure which by the queen, who urged them to complete might be devised for accomplishing the restora- with as little delay as possible, a treaty tion of the young prince, who had now assumed which, she anticipated, would be advantageous the title of the Chevalier de St. George. 2 The to both kingdoms. By the second article of court of St. Germains, fully aware of the strong the treat}', it was declared that the succession national feeling which existed in favour of the to the monarchy of the United Kingdom of prince, sent, in concert with the French king, Great Britain, in default of issue of the queen, one Hooke into Scotland to obtain intelligence, should remain and continue to the Princess and to treat with the people for his restoration. Sophia and her heirs, being Protestants. This gentleman had been one of the Duke of When the terms of the treaty became pub- Monmouth's chaplains when he invaded Eng-

licly known in Scotland, a shout of indignation land ; but after the execution of that unfortu- was set up in every part of the kingdom, at a nate nobleman, Hooke went to France, where

measure which, it was supposed, would destroy he became a Catholic, and entered into the

1 s Lockhart, vol. i. pp."131, 132, 133, 137, 140. Lockhart, vol. i. p. 103. —;

HOOKE'S NEGOTIATION. 415

French, service, in which he rose to the rank of France, was drawn up, and signed by several of Colonel. He had been in Scotland in 1705 noblemen and gentlemen, in which they stated on a mission to the heads of the Jacobite chiefs that the greater part of the Scottish nation and the country party ; but though a man of had always been disposed for the service of sense, he conducted himself -with such indis- " its lawful king " ever since the revolution cretion, that he could only obtain general but that this disposition had now become promises, from the parties he consulted, of universal, and that the shires of the west, their readiness to advance the prince's interest. which used to be the most disaffected, were The cavaliers, however, sent Captain Henry now zealous to serve him. That to reap the Straton, a gentleman in whom they placed benefit of so favourable a disposition, and of great confidence, to France, in July the follow- so happy a conjuncture, the presence of the ing year, to ascertain the extent of the aid they king (the Chevalier) would be absolutely might expect from Louis. necessary, the people being unwilling to take Hooke, on this occasion, landed in the north arms without being sure of having him at their of Scotland, about the end of February or head—that the whole nation would rise upon beginning of March, 1707, and took up a tem- his arrival—that he would become master of porary abode in Slains Castle, the seat of the Scotland without opposition, and that the exist- Earl of Errol, high-constable of Scotland, where ing government would be entirely abolished he was waited upon by the countess-dowager, that of the numbers that they would raise, the mother of the earl, her son being then the memorialists would immediately despatch absent from home. Instead of consulting, as 25,000 foot, and 5,000 horse and dragoons he should have done, the principal chiefs upon into England, while the other peers and chiefs the subject of his mission, Hooke at first con- would assemble all their men in their respective fined himself to interviews with some gentle- counties, and that the general rendezvous of the men in the counties of Perth and Angus, by troops on the north of the river Tay should whom he was received with great favour and be at Perth, those of the western counties hospitality, and looked upon as a person of no at Stirling, and those of the south and east at ordinary importance. The attention thus paid Dumfries and Dnnse. As to the subsistence him, flattered his vanity, in return for which of the troops, they informed his majesty that he made them his confidents, and proceeded, they would require nothing from him, as the in concert with them, to deliberate upon the harvests of two years were to be found in the mode of accomplishing a restoration. This granaries, and that so great was its abundance, party, however, had not the wisdom to conceal that a crown would purchase as much flour the negotiation with Hooke, whose presence in as would maintain a man two months—that the country became consequently generally there was also great plenty of meat, beer and known. The result was, that the Duke of brandy in the kingdom, and cloth, linen, shoes Hamilton and others, conceiving themselves and bonnets, sufficient to clothe a considerable slighted, and alarmed at the imprudence of number of troops. The principal articles they Hooke's friends, declined to correspond with stood in most need of were arms and money. him, and entered into direct communication Of the former, the memorialists begged his with the court of St. Germains itself. majesty to send them as many as would equip As the French king was desirous of ascer- 25,000 foot, and 5,000 horse or dragoons, taining the exact situation of the affairs in together with a proportionate quantity of am- Scotland, M. de Chamillard, his minister of munition, and also some pieces of artillery, war, had furnished Hooke with a paper of bombs, &c. Of money, of which the country instructions, in the shape of questions, to which had been almost drained by the Darien specu- he was desired to obtain distinct answers, to lation, by five years of famine, and by the enable his majesty to judge of the extent of constant residence of the nobility at London, the assistance required from him, and the they required a remittance of 100,000 pistoles, probability of success. In answer to these to enable them to march into England, and piestions, a memorial, addressed to the king also a regular monthly subsidy during the war. 416 GENEEAL HISTOEY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

In addition to these demands, they required land, the greatest exertions were made to meet that the Chevalier should he accompanied to the threatened danger. Beth houses of parlia- Scotland hy a "body of 8,000 troops, to protect ment joined in an address to the queen, in his person against any sudden attempt hy the which they pledged themselves to defend her government forces. The memorialists con- with their lives and fortunes against the cluded, hy assuring his most Christian Ma- "pretended Prince of Wales," and all her jesty of their resolution to hind themselves by other enemies. They suspended the habeas

the strictest and most sacred ties, to assist one corpus act, and passed a bill enacting, that all another in what they deemed a common cause, persons should take the oath of abjuration

to forget all family differences, and to concur under the pain of being held as convicted

sincerely, and with all their hearts, " without recusants. They also passed another bill, jealousy or distrust, like men of honour in so releasing the Scottish clans from all vassalage just and glorious an enterprise." 3 to those chiefs who should appear in arms Having finished his negotiation, Hooke re- against her majesty; and "the Pretender" turned to France in the month of May, after and his adherents were declared traitors and

assuring his friends that "the Pretender" rebels. A large fleet was equipped and as- would land in Scotland about August follow- sembled at Deal with extraordinary prompti- ing. On arriving at the court of St. Germains, tude, and despatched towards Dunkirk under Hooke gave the most flattering account of his the command of Sir John Leake, Sir George reception, and of the zeal of the people in be- Byng, and Lord Dursley, and transports were half of the Chevalier, and accused the Duke of engaged to bring over ten British battalions

Hamilton and the other persons who had from Ostend. When this fleet, which the refused openly to commit themselves, of luke- French had supposed to be destined for Lisbon, warmness in the cause. The armament, pro- appeared off Mardyke, they were greatly sur- mised by the king of France, should have been prised; and the embarkation of their troops, ready in August; but the court of Versailles which had commenced, was immediately coun-

contrived to put it off, from time to time, termanded. The French admiral represented under various pretences. The fact appears to to his court the danger of proceeding with the be, that Louis was indifferent about the matter, expedition; but he received positive orders to and, although he pretended that his object was finish the embarkation, and to sail with the

to place the Chevalier upon the throne of his first favourable wind. The Chevalier de St. ancestors, his real object was to create a diver- George, at taking farewell, was presented by sion in his own favour by embroiling Great Louis with a sword studded with costly Britain in a civil war. His reverses at Bamil- diamonds, and sumptuous services of gold and

lies and Turin had induced him to send silver plate, rich dresses, and other necessaries Hooke into Scotland to obtain information, becoming his high station. but, having afterwards defeated the allies at While the embarkation was going on, Mr. Almanza, he was in hopes that he would be Fleming and a gentleman of the name of able to retrieve his affairs without the aid of Arnott were separately despatched for Scotland the intended descent on Scotland. from Dunkirk, on the evening of the 6th of To hasten the enterprise, the cavaliers sent March, 1708, in two frigates, with instructions the Honourable Charles Fleming, brother of from the Chevalier to the Jacobite chiefs. the Earl of Wigton, over to France with letters Fleming arrived on the northern coast on the to his most Christian Majesty and the Cheva- 13th, and, when about two leagues off the lier, in consequence of which, preparations for land, entered a fishing boat which landed him the expedition were commenced at Dunkirk, at Slains castle, where he met the Earl of where a squadron was collected under the Errol, who received the intelligence of the ex- command of the Chevalier de Forbin. When pedition with great pleasure. On perusing the news of these preparations reached Eng- the Chevalier's instructions, he immediately despatched a messenger to Mr. Malcolm of 3 Secret History of Colonel Hooke's Negotiation in Scotland in 1707.— Edm. 1700. Pp. 69—75. Grange, in Fife, with orders to have a boat

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