families; therefore they earnestly begged a short furlough; and, as an inducement to obtain it, they solemnly promised to return in less than forty days in greater strength and numbers. Montrose, perceiving that they were fully resolved to leave him, and that it was not in his power to detain them, as they were all volunteers, and served without pay, thought it most expedient to dismiss them with a good grace, in order to ingratiate himself the more with them, and encourage them to return. He praised the bravery of the soldiers, and in the King's name returned his thanks to the officers for their services; and entreated them to be as expeditious in settling their domestic affairs as possible, so that they might return against the appointed day, under the conduct of Alexander Macdonald, whom, at his own earnest desire, he appointed their captain. Macdonald, in a formal oration, returned thanks in all their names to the Lord-Governor for his great condescention, and gave his solemn promise as a security for their speedy return. However, he had secretly resolved not to return, and actually never after saw Montrose. He carried off with him above three thousand Highlanders, all very brave men, and the flower of the army; and not satisfied with these, he privately seduced a hundred and twenty of the very best of the Irish, and carried them along with him also as a life-guard."* After the army was disbanded in May 1645, and peace made with the Scottish army at Newark, the Committee of Estates instructed General Middleton to grant remission on certain conditions to those who still held out. Among these was Clanranald, who refused to accept the terms offered; but retired sullenly to his stronghold of Castletirrim, where, although General Leslie and the Marquis of Argyll over-ran and wasted the greater portion of the adjoining country, he was left undisturbed. Here he for a time remained "firmly attached to his Sovereign, whose son he had afterwards the happiness to see restored to the throne of his ancestors." When the Earl of Antrim, in October 1646, proposed a new levy by the Royalist leaders for the rescue of the King, Clanranald pledged himself to raise 1300 men, of the proposed army of 30,000.+ On the 15th of August 1645 Clanranald entered into a bond of fidelity with Allan MacAlastair, Laird of Morar, who bound and obliged himself, his heirs and successors, to be bondsman and true servant to Clanranald, "fiar of Moydart," and to obey any of his heirs and successors, while Clanranald and his son, on the other hand, bound and obliged themselves and their heirs and successors "to stand be him in any where he will cause do, as his chief should do." Shortly after the landing of Charles II. at Garmouth, in Moray, on the 23d June 1650, John went and paid his respects to him, after which he retired to his Island possessions in Uist, where he continued to reside for the remainder of his life. John married Moir, or Marion, daughter of Sir Roderick Macleod of Macleod, known as "Ruari Mor," and by this alliance terminated a feud which arose out of a previous marriage, and long existed between the two families. By her he had issue 1. Donald, his heir. 2. Moir, or Marion, who married Lauchlan Maclean, eighth of Coll. 3. Catharine, who married Macneill of Barra, * Memoirs of Montrose, pp. 137-138. + Macdonells of Antrim, p. 274. 4. Anne, who married Ranald Macdonald, second of Benbecula, whose son Donald, afterwards, on the failure of John's male issue, succeeded as head of the house of Clanranald. He died in 1670, at a very advanced age, in the Island of Eriska, South Uist, and was buried at Tomar, when he was succeeded by his only son, XVIII. DONALD MACDONALD, eleventh of Clanranald, with whom the reader is already acquainted, he having taken, during his father's life, a prominent and distinguished share in the wars of Montrose. After the disastrous battle of Philipshaugh, Montrose returned to the North. The Earl of Antrim soon after landed at Kintyre, where he met Montrose. Many of the clans, among others the Clanranald, agreed to join him, but the King's order to disband the army put an end to further proceedings at that time. Donald was instructed by his father to proceed to Isla, and dispossess the Campbells. He was at the same time invited by the Earl of Antrim to join him in assisting the troops of King Charles in Ireland; whereupon, Donald, with 300 men, embarked at Uist in 1648; proceeded through the Sound of Mull to Colonsay, and thence to the Sound of Isla, where he captured a large vessel belonging to the Estates of Scotland, laden with barley. He then proceeded to Ireland, and quartered his men at Kilkenny, where he met Glengarry and a large body of Highlanders, who afterwards took part in several engagements, including the capture of Belfast, Knockfergus, Coleraine, and Londonderry. In all these proceedings Donald of Clanranald, who held high rank in the Highland regiment, took a distinguished share. He remained with the King's army until its final overthrow, when both Clanranald and Glengarry were taken prisoners and sent to Kilkenny. Here they were kept in durance for a considerable time. They, however, ultimately secured their liberty through the influence and intercession of the Duchess of Buckingham, who was married to the Earl of Antrim, after which they returned to the Highlands; Clanranald, in due course, landing safely in Uist. Soon after the death of his father he made up titles to the property, but the part he and his family had taken in the recent wars involved him deeply in debt, in consequence of which he was obliged, to raise money, to grant a wadset of Moydart and Arasaig to Sir James Macdonald, for 4000 merks. It was, however, afterwards redeemed. On the 9th of January 1674, he passed a signature of resignation and confirmation of the lands of Arasaig, Moydart, Skirrough, Benbecula, and the Island of Eigg, on which a charter afterwards followed. In April 1684 he obtained, from the Bishop of Lismore, a charter of the Island of Canna, in the signature to which he designated himself "Donald Macdonald of Moydart, Captain and Chief of ye family of Clanranald." In the charter itself he is described as "Capitano seu principi familiæ de Clanranald.” He married his cousin, Moir, or Marion, daughter of John Macleod, XIV. of Macleod, and sister of Roderick Macleod, XV,, and of John Macleod, XVI. of Macleod, all three of whom followed each other in succession as Chiefs of Macleod. By her he had issue— 1. John, who died in infancy. 2. Allan, who succeeded his father as XIIth of the family. 3. Ranald, who succeeded his brother Allan as XIIIth chief. 4. Margaret, married Donald Macdonald, third of Benbecula, who afterwards became head of the clan, and succeeded to the estates as XIV. of Clanranald, and nearest male heir, on the death of Ranald. 5 and 6. Marion and Janet, both of whom died without issue. Donald died in 1686 in the Island of Canna, and was buried at Tomar. He was succeeded by his second and eldest surviving son, XIX. ALLAN MACDONALD, twelfth of Clanrauald, who was only about sixteen years of age when his father died. He was placed under the tutorship of his brother-in-law, Donald Macdonald of Benbecula, who was at the time nearest male-heir to Clanranald, after Allan himself and his brother Ranald. Benbecula, afterwards known as Tutor of Clanranald, spared no pains in the education of his ward, whose natural sympathies in favour of the Stuarts were strengthened by the traditions of his house and the personal influence of Benbecula, himself a firm supporter of the Stuart succession, and a young man otherwise of great ability and judgment. Both tutor and ward came to meet Viscount Dundee when, in May 1689, he joined Macdonald of Keppoch at Inverness, and there offered their services. These being joyfully accepted, they returned home and raised their vassals. Dundee proceeded to Lochaber with Keppoch, where he was joined by Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat and his eldest son, with 500 Skye Macdonalds. Proceeding from thence to meet General Mackay at Blair-Athol, he was joined on the way by Clanranald, by his Tutor, and a body of 700 men. These were formed into a regiment under the Tutor's command, with the rank of Colonel. They took a leading part in the victory of Killiecrankie, in which "the Highlanders threw away their plaids, haversacks, and all other utensils, and marched resolutely and deliberately in their shirts and doublets, with their fusils, targets, and pistols ready, down the hill on the enemy, and received Mackay's third fire before they pierced his line, in which many of the Highland army fell, particularly Lord Viscount Dundee, their General, the terror of the Whigs, the supporter of King James, and the glory of his country. Then the Highlanders fired, threw down their fusils, rushed in upon the enemy with sword, target, and pistol, who did not maintain their ground two minutes after the Highlanders were amongst them; and I dare be bold to say there scarce ever were such strokes given in Europe as were given that day by the Highlanders. Many of General Mackay's officers and soldiers were cut down through the skull and neck to the very breasts; others had skulls cut off above their ears like night-caps; some soldiers had both their bodies and cross-belts cut through at a blow; picks and small swords were cut like willows."* Other particulars of this campaign have been already given under SLEAT and GLENGARRY,+ and they are otherwise well known to the reader. The Proclamation issued by the Government, offering protection in their persons and property to all who had been in arms, if they would surrender and take the oath of allegiance, before the 1st of January 1692, was spurned by Clanranald, who proceeded, with his brother Ranald, to France, where he completed his education, under the eye of James VII., and became one of the most accomplished gentlemen of his age. Having resided for some time at the Court of St Germains, he obtained a commission in the French service under the Duke of Berwick, and soon acquired a distinguished reputation as a brave and gallant officer. When peace was restored he returned to St Germains, and was * Memoirs of Dundee, by an Officer in the Army, 1714, pp. 19-20. + Celtic Magazine. glad to learn that, through the influence of his Tutor, Donald Macdonald of Benbecula, and other influential friends in Scotland, his estates had been preserved to him. While in France Clanranald made the acquaintance of Penelope, a daughter of Colonel Mackenzie, who had been Governor of Tangiers under Charles II. "This young lady was not more distinguished by the beauty of her person than by the brilliancy of her wit and sweetness of temper. She was universally admired at a Court famed for the beauty of its women, and her prudence added not a little to the lustre of her charms. With such a person, possessing such a mind, it cannot be doubted that she had various offers of marriage, but she preferred Clanranald to all others, and satisfied that, with such a man, happiness could be obtained anywhere, she at once agreed to marry, and accompanying him to his native hills," They soon returned to Scotland, and arrived safely in South Uist, where, though remote from society, "Yet so completely did their tempers accord with each other, that their uniform hospitality, polite attention, and affable manners, drew company from all parts of the kingdom, and a little Court, well befitting that of a chief, was actually formed," which was favourably spoken of in all classes of society throughout the country. On his return to Uist, Clanranald made up titles to his estates, as his father's heir, by precept, dated 28th of July 1704, and was infefted thereon in November and December 1706. It is generally believed that he was in correspondence with the Court of St Germains before the rising of 1715, for no sooner had the Earl of Mar raised his standard at Braemar, than Clanranald sailed from Uist with his followers, and summoned his vassals of Moydart, Arasaig, and the small isles. He is among the chiefs charged to appear in Edinburgh to give security for his good behaviour, by a certain day, and refusing, he was denounced, with other leaders of the clans, a rebel against the Crown. His reply was at once to declare openly for the Chevalier, in whose service he was appointed a Colonel. He received orders to march into Argyleshire to harass the Earl and prevent the Campbells and other neighbouring clans from joining the Government forces; and while on his way he was joined at Fort-William by a body of Camerons and Macleans, with whom he attempted to surprise the garrison at Inverlochy. In this he failed, but on the 17th of September he captured two redoubts, which, however, he was unable to retain for want of artillery. On the 6th of October he arrived at Strathphillan with about 700 of his own clan, and was joined by Glengarry and several other chiefs with a considerable following, the army on the 16th numbering some 2400 men, with whom on the following day he marched back in the direction of Inveraray, arriving there on the 19th. The town was defended by a large body of Campbells, who refused a demand to surrender made in writing, by Clanranald and Glengarry; but Sir Duncan and Colonel Campbell came out to meet them next morning on a rising ground between the town and the invaders' camp, when the two Macdonald chiefs stated that the Earl of Mar's orders were to respect the country if they disbanded their men, but that, if they kept in arms, it was to be laid waste. Next morning a message was received, Lord Isla (the Earl's brother), who was in command, declining to treat with any one in arms against the Government. The Macdonalds immediately proceeded to waste Kintyre and the Earl's lands in the district, after which they returned to Strathphillan. This raid kept many of the Campbells at home to protect their property and friends, and Clanranald compelled many others to pledge themselves not to move out of the district. This proved of great advantage to Mar. On the 3d of November the camp was broken up, and the whole body marched by Castle Drummond to Perth, where they joined the main army, under the Earl of Mar; and about the same time, Sir Donald Macdonald, Seaforth, the Chisholm, and other Highlanders, made their appearance. On the 9th a council of war was called, at which it was decided to march to Dunblane. The history of this march and the battle of Sheriffmuir are sufficiently well known. All the Macdonalds behaved with their wonted valour and bravery, and no one more so than the gallant Chief of Clanranald, who fell mortally wounded-"a man universally esteemed and respected by foe as well as friend, and whose memory is still cherished in the Highlands with the utmost fondness." Even Patten, the renegade author of "The History of the Rebellion," after stating that the Captain of Clanranald, with 1000 men, all with their chief, were against the Government and in the rebellion, says :-"This clan did act the part of men that are resolute and brave, under the command of their chief, who, for his good parts and genteel accomplishments, was looked upon as the most gallant and generous young gentleman among the clans; maintaining a splendid equipage; keeping a just deference to the people of all sorts; void of pride or ill-humour. He performed the part of one that knew the part of a complete soldier; but a fatal bullet from the King's forces, through the body, disabled him but did not daunt him; so finding a necessity of yielding to the fate of his wound, he withdrew, and told he could do no more; only his well-wishes attended his King and his country. He was lamented by both parties that knew him." It was on this melancholy occasion that Macdonald of Glengarry exclaimed to those who were disposed to mourn over the fallen hero, "Let us have revenge to-day mourning to-morrow"-a suggestion which was instantly acted upon with terrible effect. : As already stated, he married Penelope, daughter of Colonel Mackenzie, Governor of Tangiers, without issue. He was interred at Innerpephry, in the burying-place of the noble family of Perth, when he was succeeded by his only brother, XX. RANALD MACDONALD, thirteenth of Clanranald. During the rebellion of 1715 he was in France. When the news of his brother's death at Sheriffmuir reached him, he determined to set off for the Highlands, but before he could start information arrived that the rebellion was suppressed. He therefore decided to remain until he could hear further particulars from his friends at home. Intelligence soon came that he was among those who had been attainted, and that steps were being taken to deprive him of the family estates. He delayed coming home; but an excellent friend of the family, Alexander Mackenzie, Principal Clerk of Session in Edinburgh, interested himself in Ranald's behalf, purchased large debts which had been accumulated by the late chief and Ranald himself, mainly for prosecution of the Stuart cause, and got them all vested in his own person. He then raised an action of abjudication in |