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to be entitled to a considerable degree of importance. Traditions, thus preserved and confirmed, are certainly preferable to the mere conjectures and hypotheses of modern authors, which are not so much founded on any authentic documents, as on the absence of them, and which often vary with the peculiar opinions and preconceived notions of each individual speculatist. The want of written proof may, in many cases, be a good legal objection; but are we warranted, merely from the absence of proof to the contrary, in refusing all credit to what has, for ages, been handed down as the firm belief of our ancestors? These observations I have thought it necessary to offer, as I shall have occasion to refer to many traditions, for which I have neither written nor printed proofs, but which I have every reason to believe are founded on facts, although there may be some little difference in the relation,—not more, perhaps, than we have met with in the accounts given of the same work by the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews.

There is hardly any point of history, far less tradition, in which all men are agreed. Recent as the events are, we have contradictory accounts of the Peninsular campaigns, and of the battle of Waterloo. When, therefore, we every day hear discordant reports and versions of events that occurred within our own memory, cau it be matter of surprise that the affairs of remote ages should be variously related, and can it furnish good grounds for rejecting the whole as fabulous? Many parts of our own na tional history, which we receive with implicit credence, will not perhaps bear that strictness of criticism which calls for present and written proofs. In the same manner, therefore, as I believe that there was a great and overwhelming victory gained at Waterloo, notwithstanding the discrepancy of minute details, so I am likewise willing to give credit to many parts of our traditional story, when these are not opposed to the principles of reason, and well-authenticated facts.

Whatever may be thought of the treaty with Charlemagne, the connection between France and Scotland must be allowed to be of high antiquity, since it is noticed as the " Ancient League," as far back as the reigns of Baliol, Bruce, and Robert, the first of the Stewarts, upwards of five hundred years ago. Now, as it is not disputed, that an amicable communication subsisted thus early, those who disbelieve the alliance be tween Charlemagne and Achaius ought to fix the period of the commencement of that friendly intercourse, which continued uninterrupted till the Kings of Scotland removed to England, and united the rival kingdoms under one Crown. It should also be stated how far back the League must have extended, to have entitled it to the term of" Ancient" bestowed on it in the days of John Baliol, who was declared King of Scotland in the year 1292.

C. Page 26.

THE Memorial begins with Argyleshire, "the country of the Campbells." "Campbells. In Gaelic they are called Clan Guin, or O Duine. The Duke of Argyle is their Chief. He is called in the Highlands Macaillain Mor. On his own property, and on his kinsmen's lands, he can raise above 3,000 men; the Earl of Breadalbane, more than 1,000; and the Barons of the names of Campbell, Ardkinglass, Auchenbreck, Lochnell, Inneraw, and others, 1,000, so that this clan could bring into the field above 5,000 men, besides those barons and gentlemen of the name in Dumbarton, Stirling, and Perthshire, and the Laird of Calder in Nairn. They are at present the richest and most numerous clan in Scotland; their countries and bounds most extensive; their superiorities, jurisdictions, and other de

pendencies, by far the greatest in the kingdom, which makes the family of the greatest importance in North Britain, and has been so since the de cline of the Douglasses, the total fall of the Cummins, the extinction of the Earl of Ross's family, and of the Macdonalds of the Isles.

"Maclean.-In Gaelic called Clan Lein. Sir Hector Maclean of Don art is their Chief. He is called in the Highlands Macil-Lein. This was a very potent clan about 200 years ago, and could have raised 800 men; but now that the Campbells are possessed of their chief's estate, they will hardly make 500, and even many of that number must be brought out of the Duke of Argyle's estate.

"Maclachlan.-In Gaelic called Clan Lachlin. The Laird of Maclachlan is their Chief. He can raise 300 men.

"Stewart of Appin.-The Laird of Appin is their Chieftain. He holds his lands of the Crown, and can raise 300 followers.

"Macdougall of Lorn.-In Gaelic called Clanvickuil. Their Chief is the Laird of Macdougall. He is called in the Highlands Mackuil Lawrin. This was a more potent family of old, but is now much diminished by the Campbells; they can still (I believe) bring out 200 men.

"Macdonalds of Sleate.-Proceeding northward by the coast and Isles, we come to the Macdonalds. Sir Alexander Macdonald is their Chieftain In Gaelic he is called Mac Connel nan Eilan, simply by way of pre-emnence; he has a very large estate which he holds of the Crown. It has in the Isles of Skye and Uist. He can bring out 700 men.

handsome

"Macdonald of Clanronald-In Gaelic this Chieftain is called Mack vic Allain, and in English Captain of Clanronald. He has a very estate, holding most of it from the Crown. It lies in Moidart and Arissig on the Continent, and in the Isles of Uist, Benbecula, and Rum. He can bring out 700 men.

"Macdonell of Glengarry.-The Laird of Glengarry is their Chieftain. In Gaelic he is called Mac vic Allistair. He has a good estate, which be holds of the Crown. It lies in Glengarry and Knoidart. He can bring

out 500 men.

Macdonald of Keppoch.-Keppoch is their Chieftain. In Gaelic he is called Mac vic Raonuil. He is not proprietor of one ridge of land, but himself, kindred, and followers, are only tacksman and tenants, holding the most of their possessions from the Laird of Mackintosh, and the rest from the Duke of Gordon, all being in Lochaber. He can raise and bring

out 300 followers.

"Macdonald of Glenco.-The Laird of Glenco is their Chieftain. In Gaelic he is called Mac-vic-Ian. He holds his lands of Stewart of Ap pin, and can raise 150 men.

"These five Chieftains of the Macdonalds all claim a lineal descent from Alexander Macdonald Earl of Ross, successor and representative of the Macdonalds of the Isles; but none of them have any clear docuIment to vouch the same, so that that great and aspiring family, who waged frequent wars with our Scotch Kings, and who acted as some reigns themselves, and obliged most of the clans to swear fealty to them, is now utterly extinct. The last Earl of Ross had no sons, nor any

near male relation to succeed him.

"Cameron.A very potent clan in Lochaber. The Laird of Lochiel, estate, bot none of it holds of the Crown; the most of it holds of the Duke of Argyle, and the rest of the Duke of Gordon. He can bring out 800 Of old there were several tribes in that country, viz. Macmartin

men.

of Letterfinlay, and others, branches of the Camerons, who faithfully followed their chief.

"Macleods-Were two distinct and very potent families of old; viz. Macleod of Lewis, and Macleod of Harris, but they are both utterly extinct, and their lands possessed by the Mackenzies. The present Laird of Macleod is Chief of the name. He is called in Gaelic Macleod. He has a very considerable estate all holden of the Crown, lying in Glenelg, on the Continent, and in the Isle of Skye. He can bring out 700 men.

"Mackinnons.The Laird of Mackinnon is their Chief; he holds his ands of the Crown, both in the Isles of Skye and Mull, and can raise

200 men.

"I again pass to the south to give an account of the inland chiefs, peginning again in Argyleshire, and proceeding from thence northward. There are several persons of rank, as well as gentlemen, who are chiefains, and who have the command of many Highlanders in Argyle, Monteith, Dumbarton, Stirling, and Perth shires; such as the Duke of Montrose, the Earls of Moray and Bute, also the Macfarlanes, Macneil of Barra, Macnab of Macnab, Buchanans and Colquhouns of Luss, Macaughtons, Lamont of Lamont, &c. They can raise among them 5,400 nen. Besides these there are several border families, those of Kilraick, Brodie of Brodie, Innes of Innes, Irvine of Drum, Lord Forbes, and the Earl of Airley, all of whom are loyal, except the Ogilvies. Few or none of them have any followers, except Lord Airley, from his Highland

estate.

"Duke of Perth-Is no clan family, although the Duke is Chief of a considerable number of barons and gentlemen of the name of Drumnond in the Low country. He is brought in here allenarly on account of his command of about 300 Highlanders in Glenartuie and other glens n the county of Perth.

"Robertsons.-The Laird of Strowan is their Chief. They are called n Gaelic Clan Donachie. His lands hold of the Crown, and lie in Rannoch in the Braes of Athole in Perthshire. On his own estate he can raise about 200 men. There are 500 men more of the Robertsons in Athole who never follow their chief, being part of the followers of the Duke of Atholl.

"Menzies.-Sir Robert Menzies of Weem is the Chief. In Gaelic he is called Menairich. He has a very handsome estate, all holding of the Crown, lying in Rannoch, and Appin Dull in Athole, and can raise 300

men.

"Stewart of Grandtully-Has a handsome estate in Strathbrane and Strathtay in Athole, all holding of the Crown, out of which he can raise 300 followers.

"Clan Gregor.-This name was called down by act of Parliament. They are now dispersed under the different names of Drummond, Murray, Graham, and Campbell, and live in the counties of Perth, Stirling, Dumbarton, &c. &c. They have no present Chief, that being elective, and continuing no longer than the current expedition; he is chosen on the principle of delur digniori. They can raise among them 700 men.

"Duke of Atholl.-The Murrays is no clan family, though the Duke of Atholl is chief and head of a number of barons and gentlemen of the name of Murray in the Lowlands; but he is deservedly placed here on account of his extensive following of about 3,000 Highlanders, a good many of them out of his own property, but most of them from the estates of the barons and gentlemen who hold their land of him on account of

his great superiorities in Athole, Glenalmond, and Balquidder. The most numerous of these, and the readiest to turn out on all occasions, are the Stewarts of Athole, in number more than 1,000 men, as also 500 Robertsons, who do not follow their chief; likewise the Fergussons, Smalls, Spaldings, Rattrays, Mackintoshes in Athole, and Maclarens in Balquidder, with other broken names in Athole, are all followers of the Duke of Atholl.

"Crossing the Grampian mountains to Brae Mar.

"Farquharsons.-The only clan family in Aberdeenshire. In Gaelic called Clan Ianla. They can bring out about 500 men. The Laird of

Invercauld is their Chief. He has a very handsome estate holden of the Crown, both in Perthshire and Brae Mar. There are several other barons of the name that have competent fortunes, such as Monaltrie, Inverey, Finzean, &c.

"Duke of Gordon.-The Gordons is no clan family, although the Duke is Chief of a very powerful name in the Lowlands. He has a great posse of cavalry and gentlemen on horseback in Enzie and Strathbogie, but he is only placed here on account of his Highland followings in Strathavon and Glenlivet, which are about 300 men; his extensive jurisdictions and superiorities in the centre Highlands, viz. Badenoch, Lochaber, and Strathspey, do not yield him any followers. The tenants on his own property, as well as those who hold their lands of him in feu, follow their natural-born chief, of whom they are descended, and pay no regard either to the master or superior of their lands. Thus the Camerons follow Lochiel, the Macphersons follow Clunie, and other chiefs are followed and obeyed in the same manner from respect, family attachment, and consanguinity.

"Grant. A considerable name and family in Strathspey. The Laird of Grant is their Chief. He has a handsome and large estate both in Strathspey and Urquhart in the county of Inverness, all holden of the Crown, except Abernethy, which he holds of the Earl of Moray. He can raise out of Strathspey 700 men, and out of Urquhart 150. He has several barons of his name both in Inverness, Moray, Banff, and Aberdeen shires, such as Dalvey, Ballandalloch, Rothiemurchus, Cullen, &c. &c.

"Mackintoshes.-This was one of the most potent clans in Scotland when their residence was at Tor Castle in Lochaber, the ancient seat of their family, (of which country they are still heritable stewards,) but the Camerons having purchased the said estate, their power is much diminished. The Laird of Mackintosh is their Chief; in Gaelic he is called Mackintoschach, and in English Captain of Clan Chattan. He can bring out 800 men, including the small neighbouring clans of Macgillivray, Macqueen, Macbean, &c. who all own themselves his kinsmen. His countries are Brae Lochaber, Badenoch, and Strathnearn in Inverness-shire. He still retains a very competent estate. He holds Brae Lochaber, Moy, and Largs, of the Crown, Badenoch of the Duke of Gordon, and most of his kinsmen hold Strathnearn of the Earl of Moray.

"Macphersons-Called in Gaelic Clan Vurrich. Their Chief is the Laird of Clunie. He can raise 400 men. His whole lands and all his kinsmen's lands hold of the Duke of Gordon, and lie in Badenoch.

"Frasers-Are a considerable clan in the countries of Aird and Stratherrig in Inverness-shire. Their Chief is Lord Lovat; in Gaelic he is called Macimmie: he has a large estate held of the Crown, and can raise 900 men. He has a good number of barons of his name in Inverness and Aberdeen shires.

"Grant of Glenmoriston-Is Chieftain of a branch of the Grants, but

does not follow his Chief. He brings out 150 men. In Gaelic he is called Macphadrick. His lands hold of the Crown. In armaments he frequently joins with the Laird of Glengarry.

"Chisholms.-Their Chief is Chisholm of Strathglass, in Gaelic called Chisallich. His lands are held of the Crown, and he can bring out 200

men.

"Mackenzies.-One of the most considerable clans of one name next to the Campbells in the nation. The Earl of Seaforth is their Chief. In Gaelic he is called Mac Coinich. Out of his countries of Kintail, Lochalsh, Lochbroom, Lochcarron, on the Continent, and in the Isle of Lewis, Call in Ross-shire, he can raise 1,000 men. The Earl of Cromarty, with the Lairds of Gairloch, Scatwell, Killcowie, Redcastle, Comric, &c. &c. can raise among them 1,500 men more.

"Monroes.-Sir Henry Monro of Fowlis is their Chief. His lands hold of the Crown. He can raise 300 men.

"Rosses.-Lord Ross is their Chief. His lands hold of the Crown, and he can raise 500 men.

"Sutherlands.-The Earl of Sutherland is their Chief. In Gaelic he is called Morar Chatto. He can raise 2,000 men.

"Mackays.—The Lord Reay is their Chief. In Gaelic he is called MaHis estate holds of the Crown, lies in Strathnaver, and brings out

caoi.

800 men.

"Sinclairs.-The Earl of Caithness is their Chief. He is called in Gaelic Morar Gallu. He could raise 1,000 men, but many of his followers are now under May, Dunbeath, Ulbster, Freswick, &c. &c."

D. Page 33.

Of the expedients generally adopted by the Chiefs for summoning their friends and followers, it may not be unacceptable to afford the reader some idea. The warlike disposition of the Celtic clans, their jealousy of wrongs, the numerous concurrent causes of irritation and quarrel, and the nature of the country, over a large extent of which they lived scattered and distant from one another, rendered some signal necessary to give the alarm, and assemble the warriors. The principal signal was the Cross Tarie or Fiery Cross, a piece of wood burnt or burning at one end, with a piece of linen or white cloth stained with blood hanging from the other. This symbol served two purposes. It was sent round the country to call the men to arms, and it was meant also to show what were the intentions of the enemy, (that is, to burn and desolate the country,) and what would be their own fate if they did not defend their honour, their lives, and their properties. The cross was sent round the country from hand to hand, each person who bore it running at full speed, shouting as he went along the war-cry of the tribe, and naming the place of rendezvous. At each hamlet a fresh man took it up, so that an alarm was given, and the people assembled with a celerity almost incredible. One of the latest instances of the Fiery Cross being used happened in 1745, when, by the orders of Lord Breadalbane, it was sent round Loch Tay, (a distance of thirty-two miles, in three hours,) to raise his people and prevent their joining the rebels, but with less effect than in 1715, when it went the same round, and when five hundred men assembled the same evening under the command of the Laird of Glenlyon, acting under the orders of the Earl of Breadalbane, to join the Earl of Mar.

The war-cry served as a watch-word to individuals in the confusion of the combat, in the darkness of the night, or on any sudden alarm,

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