[300] See ff. 270, 284, 287, 343.
[Sidenote: 25 April]
About 8 o'clock in the morning they arrived upon the 25th of April.
They refreshed themselves there for three days and were visited by
the old Laird of Clanranald. Upon Monday, April 28th, early, they set
sail for the Lews, ilk one of them getting borrowed names, his royal
highness being called young Mr. Sinclair, the son, and O'Sullivan,
old Mr. Sinclair, the father,[301] and Captain Allan MacDonald (the
clergyman as forementioned) being named Mr. Graham, but the crew
retaining their old designations. But it is to be observed that
previous to the parting with old Clanranald it was thought advisable
to advertise the whole company they should give out among the Lews
people that his royal highness, Colonel O'Sullivan, Captain Allan
MacDonald, and O'Neille were the captain, mate, boatswain, etc., of a
merchant ship shipwreckt at the Isle of Tiry, and being straitned how
to get home to their native country, the Orkneys, came to Uist, where
Clanranald's brother, [Sidenote: _fol._ 583.] MacDonald of Boystil,
advised them distrest gentlemen to embrace the company of his men to
the Lews, who were bound for the town of Stornway there, in order to
hire a competent vessel to carry some meal from the Orkneys to supply
the country. And then, if they should succeed in procuring the said
ship, Mr. MacLeod of Gualtergill would land them at their own home in
the Orkneys still under the borrowed names above mentioned.
[301] See ff. 133, 286.
So, after planning their voyage in this order, they set sail for
the Lews as aforesaid upon Monday the 28th, about 6 in the morning,
the wind blowing boisterously from the South-west, and they landed,
Tuesday's morning the 29th, about seven o'clock, at the Isle of
Skalpay, and went to the house of Donald MacEan Oig, _alias_
Campbell, tenant, married to a gentlewoman of the name of MacDonald,
a rigid loyalist. They took their repose that night at Skalpay
whereof they had great need.
[Sidenote: 30 April]
[Sidenote: May]
Upon Wednesday morning, being the 30th of April, they sent off
Donald MacLeod and four Uist people to bespeak a [Sidenote: _fol._
584.] ship at Stornway in order to concert their meal bargain from
the Orkneys, etc. Mr. MacLeod went thereabout with the greatest
expedition and fidelity, though in the meantime his conduct
thereanent did prove unlucky,[302] for after hiring a sufficient
brigg of forty tuns carriage for £100 sterling freight, and settled
all things for sailing off, the master of the ship would by no means
undertake the voyage cheap or dear. Which turn of affairs so far
disordered the whole scheme that they were now more straitned than
ever in their lifetime; for it seems they scented something about
the Prince. However, Mr. MacLeod tried as his last effort to buy the
ship, and engaged to give £300 for it. 'Tis probable the captain
of the vessel, being tempted by this unexpected offer and his own
poverty, was induced to dispose of the vessel, though he could
scarcely want it (the ship). But through avarice he exacted £500,
which Donald MacLeod's necessity obliged him to promise. But then
the exorbitancy of the sum, together with the unlikelihood of Mr.
MacLeod's ability to be master thereof, suggested [Sidenote: _fol._
585.] to the seller it was in favour and behoof of the Prince, which
he formerly suspected. The bargain was made, but immediately he so
far resiled therefrom as to deny he would go himself alongst with
them, but would allow the mate and crew to go; but when these were
brought present, they likewise refused unless the captain would
go also. With this the whole project was blasted at once, and not
only so, but the carrying the affair on thus far did involve them no
greater difficulties and dangers than though they had never broached
it; for all kind of people then began to be of such itching ears
and sharpsighted that his royal highness's being at the Lews began
to blaze abroad. Donald MacLeod, conceiving the imminency and fatal
consequence, without loss of time goes back to his royal highness at
Kildun's house at Arynish and apprized him of the whole story.[303]
Upon this they took the alarm and go streight to the yawl they left
formerly at Loch Seaforth. As they were launching it out Captain
MacDonald (the Popish Clergyman)[304] [Sidenote: _fol._ 586.] asked
some of the country people that followed them to the shore in order
to be gazing at them, if there was any amongst them that would accept
of a reasonable præmium for piloting them to Loch Fraon, an harbour
in the shire of Ross, upon the coast of Seaforth's country, but there
was none that would answer. However the meaning of this question was
to suggest they were bound for that country whereas they were to take
a quite contrary course.
[302] See this affair cleared up, ff. 289, 479.
[303] See ff. 288, 330.
[304] This is a mistake, for he was left at Scalpay and returned to
South Uist. ff. 287, 343.--ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
[Sidenote: 5 May]
They made off late, about six o'clock upon the 5th of May, those
upon the shore noticing their course, but the darkness of the night
favoured them to disappear, and the wind blowing contrary for their
purpose (though favourable for the place given out to the Lews folks)
obliged them to skulk that night under the covert of a hollow creek
in a small Island,[305] at the very foot of the loch called Loch
Shelg, where they were necessitated by a contrary storm to lurk for
three nights, having both the comfort and mortification of seeing
some Lews vessel passing by pretty near them, bound for Loch Fraon in
pursuit of his royal highness.
[305] Probably Erwin, f. 291.
[Sidenote: 8 May]
[Sidenote: 9 May]
Upon Thursday 8th May the wind chopt about to the north and they
were that night on sea. They landed Friday's morning [Sidenote:
_fol._ 587.] at Rairnish, near Rossinish in Benbecula, belonging
to Clanranald. They went from Rairnish to Rossinish, where old
Clanranald and his lady came to pay them their respects with all
the accommodations the place could afford. It was consulted there
whether his royal highness could venture to spend his short time at
old Clanranald's house or not.[306] But, being voted by a plurality
in the negative, it was determined the Forrest house in Glen
Coridale should be repaired for his use, a remote private place, yet
centrical, both to maintain a free communication betwixt him and his
Uist friends and by its advantageous situation facilitating his ready
access either to take sea or hill, in case alarmed upon the coming of
an enemy, by the advertisement of their out spies who were planted
on all arts of them. For there was still a boat and skippage in
[Sidenote: _fol._ 588.] readiness for his reception in case obliged
to take sea, as also good guides to conduct him through the mountains.
[306] Captain Alexander MacDonald, Ned Burke, and Miss Flora
MacDonald agree in telling me that the name of Clanronald's house
in Benbecula is Ballinnagallioch, _i.e._ the Carl's house, about
five miles from Rossinish, which is a kind of a harbour. I told
the said Captain Alexander MacDonald that I had asked at several
Highlanders about the derivation and meaning of the word Benbecula,
but I could never meet with any one that could give me an answer. I
then begged him to satisfie me as to that. He answered that he looked
upon Benbecula as a corruption of the original, which in Erse was
Beinnmhaol (as to the true just spelling) but Beinviol (as to the
vulgar way of spelling), _i.e._ a hummle or bare hill, there being
such a hill in the island of Benbecula.--ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
[Sidenote: 10 May]
About the 10th of May 1746, his royal highness with his small retinue
and as little grandeur, repaired to his famous palace of Coridale
(the house in the forest) in South Uist, attended constantly by
Captain Allan MacDonald (Popish clergyman),[307] Colonel O'Sullivan,
Mr. O'Neill, the two Rorie's, and Alexander and John MacDonalds, all
formerly his royal highness's officers in Clanranald's regiment, with
a dozen of other sturdy clever fellows that served as guard, and
running several incident errands back and forward. These were all the
people that stuck constantly to his royal highness at Coridale.[308]
[307] This gentleman, no doubt, has joined the Prince upon his
returning again to South Uist.--R. F.
[308] At this time 'tis to be presumed from what follows that Donald
MacLeod was upon his errand on the continent, f. 301.--F.
[Sidenote: 10 June]
[Sidenote: _fol._ 589.] In the Forrest house the Prince (when resting
himself) used to sit on a fail-sunk, _i.e._ an earthen seat, having
some fog and plaids under him, and would step into a by-chamber,
which served as a pantry, and (when he stood in need of it) put the
bottle of brandy or whiskie to his head and take his dram without any
ceremony. Upon the 10th day of June MacDonald of Boystil,[309] Hugh
MacDonald of Bailshair in North Uist, of the family of Slate, James
and Lauchlan MacDonalds, brothers of the often mentioned Captain
Alexander MacDonald, and Ranald MacDonald of Torulum of Clanranald's
family, visited the Prince in his Forrest palace,[310] to pay him
the compliments of the day. Their drink was only cold brandy out of
a clean shell without any mixture at all, and the Prince stood it
out better than any one of them in drinking the health of the day.
The foresaid Hugh MacDonald of Bailshair is that gentleman whom Miss
MacDonald pitched upon as the Prince's guardian[311] for his greater
safety, but who refused the important trust from [Sidenote: _fol._
590.] fear of the great dangers attending it.
[309] As to Boystil's seeing the Prince at Coridale and being merry
with him, see f. 462.
[310] The Prince had different kinds of palaces, f. 300.--ROBERT
FORBES, A.M.
[311] Referred to at ff. 188 and 526, but his name now given.
The island of South Uist is reckoned the only country best for game
in all Scotland, where all species of wild fowls are in great plenty
besides deer, etc.[312] His royal highness was pretty oft at his
diversion through the mountain, papping down perhaps dozens in a day
of muircocks and hens, with which this place abounds; for he is most
dextrous at shooting all kinds of fowl upon wing, scarce ever making
a miss.
[312] See ff. 307, 333.
His magnanimous spirit bore all crosses and adversities with the
greatest Christian resignation and manly courage.
[Sidenote: June]
Now his royal highness's greatest danger was an invasion from
Clanronald's continent where then the throng of all his pursuers
encamped. And as the enemy were persuaded he once came to their rough
countries of Clanronald's, viz., Moidart, etc., it was natural for
them to guess he would pass to the outmost recess of his isles as
being environ'd by the sea and consequently a faster refuge. The old
laird of Clanronald being pretty oft in his company, the prudent,
old, reverend sage [Sidenote: _fol._ 591.] did now and then apprehend
the dreadful danger that aye impended his royal highness's constant
abode in an isle, and did (with others) signifie the same to him. But
he would not be dissuaded from continuing in South Uist till farther
account. Upon this old Clanranald thought it advisable to go to the
continent to dive into the doings there, and in case of any apparent
danger to advertise his royal highness; all which he did. The people
of Uist would have prest him more than they did to leave the island,
were it not they feared he might think it was more for their own
safety than for the delivery of him they would be so importunate.
About the latter end of June Captain Ferguson landed at Barra with
some hundreds of red-coats. Three hundred of the MacLeods of Sky
likewise at the same time arrived at Benbecula, all in quest of his
royal highness. General Campbell with a squadron had gone about
to St. Gilda, the remotest of all the western Isles, the Laird of
MacLeod proprietor, and [Sidenote: _fol._ 592.] from thence was to
come to Uist. Besides all this the channel between Uist, Skie, and
Canna was all full of ships and scooners, so that at once his royal
highness and his few adherents were to be attacked from all quarters
environed by sea and land.
It was now full time to concert measures for the evading this
prominent danger; upon which they sent off Lieutenant John MacDonald
(nephew to Captain Alexander MacDonald frequently mentioned) to
the south end of the country to reconnoitre Captain Ferguson's
motions, and sent Lieutenant Rory MacDonald (brother of the said John
MacDonald) to the north end to observe and bring message of the route
of the MacLeods; and appointed that both these messengers should
tryst them at Lochboystil, a centrical place for making use of any
future resolution. The gentlemen came back at the appointed time and
place, and told that these two parties were to march forward from
both the ends of the Isle in search of the Prince till they would
meet in the midst of the country.
The Almighty only knows, and the Divine dispenser of human providence
allennarly knows, what inexpressible perplexity [Sidenote: _fol._
593.] of mind and anguish of soul and body his royal highness and
his small retinue laboured under when taking it into their serious
consideration that they were now encompassed by no less than three
or four thousand bloody hounds, by sea and land, thirsting for
the captivity and noble blood of their Prince, the apparent heir
of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, and that none of the many
thousands that should be in readiness to relieve him at the expence
of their lives were then about him either to protect or advise him,
but only one O'Sullivan, one O'Neille, and twelve MacDonalds, and
that very handfull to be disposed on different posts for fear of
being suspected for such a number. However, Providence directed them
to the top of a hill called Beinchillkoinnich in South Uist, from
whose eminence they might have an ample prospect. They here formed
themselves into a committee to consult for the most expeditious
methods to leave Uist (though late) and it [Sidenote: _fol._
594.] was here they pitched upon the stratagem of getting Miss
MacDonald;[313] and then they severed till they came to the shealling
called Alisary within a mile to Milntoun, where Flora MacDonald lived
as housekeeper to her brother, young Milntoun. At first the young
woman was surprized, but then when spoke to sincerely did condescend
to go with his royal highness through the vast world if it should
contribute in the least to his safety. She goes off to Benbecula
where the lady Clanranald was desired to have suitable cloaths for
Bettie Burk who was engaged in the station of a servant with Flora
MacDonald to go with her to the Isle of Sky.
[313] See f. 524.
[Sidenote: 28 June]
[Sidenote: 26 June]
The Lady Clanranald upon the advertisement of this noble stratagem
provides all necessaries for getting Mrs. Burk cled suitable to
her new servile station, and after getting all things in due order
that were proper for Mrs. Burk and her mistress, they both go off
to Lochuiskava in Benbecula, where his royal highness, Lieutenant
John MacDonald, Rory and Alexander MacDonalds, ensigns, Little
Rory MacDonald (John's brother) [Sidenote: _fol._ 595.] and some
other Uist hands met them with a small shallop of a boat of about
nine cubits, wright measure, in full readiness to take sea. It was
about St. Peter's feast, the 28th of June.[314] The Lady Clanranald
begged of his royal highness to try on his new female apparel, and
after mutually passing some jocose drollery concerning the sute of
cloaths, and the lady shedding some tears for the occasion, the said
lady dresses up his royal highness in his new habit.[315] It was on
purpose provided coarse as it was to be brooked by a gentlewoman's
servant. The gown was of caligo, a light coloured quilted petticoat,
a mantle of dun camlet made after the Irish fashion with a cap
to cover his royal highness whole head and face, with a suitable
head-dress, shoes, stockings, etc. So that about 8 o'clock in the
evening of Thursday, June 26th, his royal highness, etc. moved
towards the boat, where he took leave of the Lady Clanranald most
kindly.
[314] See f. 529.
[315] See ff. 218, 525.
[Sidenote: _fol._ 596.]
It is to be observed that some days before this Donald MacLeod, as
also Captain Allan MacDonald and Colonel Sullivan parted from his
royal highness at the side of Lochboystil. Sullivan dropt several
tears and loudly roar'd when parting with his master. Then all the
company was dismist that could not speak Erse but O'Neille, and
O'Neille himself two days ere they went off to Skie.
His royal highness at parting with the Lady Clanranald thanks her
for her great trouble about him. They[316] go to sea about 8 o'clock
at night, and as they had but a small breeze in their sail they made
but a very little progress; so that about one o'clock afternoon
next day they were inclosed with a prodigious thick fog which made
them think it dangerous to continue rowing for fear they might err
in their course and perhaps unawares approach the coast of Skie,
which they were informed was all hemmed with guards of the enemy to
prevent [Sidenote: _fol._ 597.] his royal highness's landing, and
being safe. So it was thought proper to drop in the oars till the
mist dissipated; and soon afterwards the fog disperst by a feeble
caver (_i.e._ a breeze) of north-easterly wind against them. They
mistook the point of Snod for the point of Watternish; but as they
were obliged to row close to the shore for a shelter from the wind
that blew sidling, they descry pretty near them, about a musket-shot,
a number of men under arms, and to the number of fifty armed men
sallying out of a formall guard-house, all rushing to the shore,
crying vehemently to land upon their peril. Upon this they only
changed their course a little further from the shore and did not much
pull their oars better than before for fear of suspicion.
[316] In this account the honest and trusty Neil MacKechan is
altogether neglected. See ff. 149, 529, 533.--ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
[Sidenote: 29 June]
Lieutenant John MacDonald (nephew of Captain Alexander MacDonald) sat
at the helm, and the other four MacDonalds wrought most strenuously
at the oars, pulling them most industriously but without the least
disorder or hurry. But as the guard saw no appearance of their
obeying orders they let fly a thick volley at them, which made more
noise than harm. [Sidenote: _fol._ 598.] His royal highness rubs
up their courage not to fear the villains. The people replied they
maintain'd no fear upon their own account if Providence should rescue
his royal highness. He repeats no fear of him. Indeed the people were
apt to believe all he could say, God aye working on patent passages
for their safety from time to time. But having seen three[317] boats
on the shore, they were mighty apprehensive they would pursue them.
However, they wrought the boat to the utmost of their endeavours,
doubled the tedious point of Watternish, and by this they left all
MacLeod's country behind them. And though Sir Alexander MacDonald
did not join his royal highness they were sure to meet with greater
favour among the worst of his men than among the cold MacLeods.
Besides that, MacDonald of Kingsburgh was trysted[318] to meet his
royal [Sidenote: _fol._ 599.] highness upon the shore of Modhstot,
Sir Alexander's habitation. They landed upon the 29th of June,
Sunday, at Modhstot Bay, where Kingsburgh met them exactly as soon as
they footed Skie. He directs Miss MacDonald and Mrs. Burk[319] to his
own house; Clanranald's people that brought his royal highness from
Uist were desired by himself to turn home.
[317] See f. 530.
[318] This is an error, for there was no tryst in the case at all,
nor could there be any such thing. It was all a matter of chance,
or rather a wise, unexpected appointment of Heaven, without any
foresight or contrivance of man. This is plain and undeniable from
Kingsburgh's own words and the words of Miss Flora MacDonald. See ff.
145, 210, 533.--ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
[319] Kingsburgh himself went along with the Prince, leaving
Miss MacDonald, etc. who overtook them by the way. See ff. 145,
533.--ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
[Sidenote: 30 June]
His royal highness lodged that night at Kingsburgh. From Kingsburgh
he went to Portree,[320] where Captain Malcolm MacLeod received
him and conducted him to the Island of Raisa, and from thence back
again to Skie, where he delivered him over into the hands of the old
Laird of MacKinnon, who without loss of time provided him in a boat.
The old Laird and four of his men, viz., John MacRory VicLauchlan,
Calum M^cEan Yairs, etc., ferryed his royal highness over from Skie
to a place called Buarblach in Glengary's lands. He was but two
or three nights upon the MacKinnon's lands. Here it is [Sidenote:
_fol._ 600.] to be observed, though he happened to be landed upon
Glengarie's lands, that he would by no means go to Knoydart, which
was very near him, nor to Lochabar, but chused to strike directly
to Clanranald's[321] continent to a place called Cross in Morror,
from whence he was received and conveyed by Angus MacDonald of
Boradale,[322] the first house he entred in the Highlands at his
first landing upon the continent.
[320] See f. 228.
[321] It appears the Prince had a particular affection for the
MacDonalds in his wanderings. See ff. 214, 538.
[322] See f. 281.
Veir mi niosh a chorrahimain yuit
fein, gos a faidh mi tuillad Gaosid.
_i.e._ I leave you the Thrawcrook
till I get more hair.[323]
[323] In the original Journal here ended the handwriting of Captain
Alexander MacDonald, and then immediately began the handwriting of
young Clanranald.
[Sidenote: 10 July]
The night before the 10th of July,[324] his royal highness set
sail from MacKinnon's country, accompanied by old MacKinnon,[325]
and another gentleman of MacKinnon's name (viz., John MacKinnon, a
captain in his royal highness's service before), with the crew, and
landed by daybreak next morning, being the eleventh, at a bay in
Glengary's Morror, where he stayed all that day and the following
night. There are two Morors, the [Sidenote: _fol._ 601.] one
belonging to Glengary and the other to Clanranald.
[324] This is a wrong date. See the true state of the case in ff.
247, 262, 1218, 1224.--ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
[325] See ff. 244-247, 1664, 1831.
[Sidenote: 12 July]
[Sidenote: 13 July]
[Sidenote: 15 July]
Early in the morning upon the 12th, MacKinnon parting with him, he
(the Prince) sailed into Loch-Naives,[326] when, as he was turning at
a point he was met by some of the Slate militia, who put the ordinary
questions. From whence they came? Where they were bound? And they
undauntedly answering suitable to the time, the militia let them pass
without taking further notice. His royal highness pursued farther
into the loch, and how soon he got out of sight of them, he landed,
and travelling the remainder of the day and the following night
through hills and woods, he arrived upon the thirteenth of July in
that part of Clanranald's estate called Moror, where being received
by the Laird of Moror (MacDonald, of the family of Clanranald, and
lieutenant-colonel of the Clanranald regiment) in a small hut, where
he lived for the time, his own houses being burned by the enemy
sometime before, and having refreshed himself there that night and
the next day as well as these troublesome times could afford, he set
out the night [Sidenote: _fol._ 602.] betwixt the 14th and 15th,
accompanied by Captain MacKinnon and a guide, and arrived before
day at Boradale,[327] the place of his first landing, and was there
received by Angus MacDonald of that place, who, having his houses
burnt and effects destroyed by the troops under General Campbell's
command, was obliged to remove with his royal highness to a hut in a
neighbouring wood, where he refreshed him the best way he could for
three days.
[326] See ff. 1219-1226, 1831.
[327] Four times at this place, see f. 573.--R.F.
[Sidenote: 18 July]
Upon the 18th of July his royal highness wrote a private letter
(by John MacDonald, junior, son of the foresaid Angus MacDonald of
Boradale, and a lieutenant formerly in Clanranald's regiment) to
Alexander MacDonald of Glenaladale, major to Clanranald in his royal
highness's service, and who was well known to his royal highness
before, commanding his attendance at the foresaid place to concert
measures for his royal highness's safety.
Angus MacDonald of Boradale had two sons of the name of John, viz.,
John, senior, and John, junior, the former of whom was killed at
Culloden battle.[328]
[328] See f. 280.
Immediately after sending off the above-mentioned express [Sidenote:
_fol._ 603.] his royal highness got an account of MacKinnon's being
taken, which made it, he judged proper, for his royal highness to
remove, upon the 18th, four miles to the eastward to an inaccessible
cave (known to very few of the country people), accompanied by the
said Angus MacDonald of Boradale and his son (Ranald, formerly
lieutenant to Clanranald's own company), where he was to stay till
Glenaladale should join him.
[Sidenote: 20 July]
On the 20th of July at night, Glenaladale met with the foresaid Angus
Macdonald at the place they had formerly agreed upon, from whence he
was conducted to his royal highness. On the 21st, Angus MacDonald
got a letter from a son-in-law of his own, acquainting that it was
whispered about the country that his royal highness was with them,
and representing how dangerous it was for them to stay any longer
there, and making an offer of a place he had prepared, where they
might be more secure for some time. Accordingly Ranald MacDonald
[Sidenote: _fol._ 604.] was sent to reconnoitre the place.
[Sidenote: 22 July]
[Sidenote: July]
Upon the 22nd of July, Lieutenant John MacDonald being sent to view
the sea-coast and to learn something of the enemy's motions, he
returned with the news of their seeing a small boat, something like
one of the enemy's tenders, which allarmed that side of the coast.
Upon which his royal highness judged it proper to remove from his
grotto (without waiting the return of the quartermaster he sent the
day before to take up his lodgings) in order to repair to the place
prepared for him in the Glen of Moror. His royal highness, being
accompanied by Major MacDonald of Glenaladale, Angus MacDonald of
Boradale, and his son, John, junior, when they came to a place called
Corrybeinicabir, they were met by Angus MacDonald's son-in-law,
who, as above mentioned, had a place prepared for them in the Glen
of Moror,[329] and who informed that young Clanranald was within a
few miles of them, who had come to where he then was, in order to
conduct his royal [Sidenote: _fol._ 605.] highness to a safe place
he had prepared for him: but his royal highness and his small party
having gone on too far towards their designed quarters, and it being
late to go where Clanranald was or to send for him that night, they
went on, supposing they would have time enough next day to send for
Clanranald. Accordingly they pursued their journey to the Glen of
Moror, and sent Angus MacDonald to provide some necessaries. Upon his
royal highness's arrival at his quarters,[330] an information was
brought that General Campbell, with six men-of-war, well furnished
with troops, had anchored at Loch Naives (the place where his
royal highness landed from Skie in Glengary's country), whereupon
two men were sent off by Loch Moror to Loch Naives to observe
General Campbell's motions. But before they had time to return,
Angus MacDonald came back upon the 23rd early, without waiting for
the necessaries [Sidenote: _fol._ 606.] he went for, and brought
intelligence that Captain Scott had come to the lower part of Arisaig
from Glengary's Moror.
[329] In the original Journal here ended the handwriting of young
Clanranald, and then began the handwriting of Glenaladale.--ROBERT
FORBES, A.M.
[330] In the original Journal here ended the handwriting of
Glenaladale, and then began again the handwriting of young
Clanranald.--ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
[Sidenote: July]
His royal highness and the small company that was with him, finding
upon this information that Clanranald's country was surrounded on
all sides by the troops, and that in all probability there could be
no further security for his person in that country, it was resolved
that his royal highness should leave it with the utmost dispatch,
especially since it was impossible to join young Clanranald,[331]
the enemy being already between them and the place where he was.
Accordingly he sets out, accompanied only by Major MacDonald of
Glenaladale and his brother (Lieutenant John MacDonald), and the
other Lieutenant John MacDonald, junior, Boradale's son, being
obliged to part with Angus MacDonald of Boradale, and his son-in-law
(Angus MacEachine), surgeon formerly to Glengary's regiment, that
they might the more easily pass undiscovered by the guards placed on
their way,[332] and by twelve o'clock they came to the [Sidenote:
_fol._ 607.] top of a hill in the outmost bounds of Arisaig called
Scoorvuy, where having taken some refreshment it was thought proper
to send Lieutenant John MacDonald (Glenaladale's brother) to
Glenfinin, the outmost bounds of Clanranald's country, and Major
MacDonald of Glenaladale's property, as well for intelligence as to
bring two men Glenaladale kept still on guard there, and appointed
them to meet him about ten o'clock at night on the top of a hill,
above Lochharkaig in Lochiel's country, called Scoorwick Corrichan.
[331] See f. 1837.
[332] In the original Journal here ended the handwriting of young
Clanranald, and then began the handwriting of Glenaladale.--ROBERT
FORBES, A.M.
Lieutenant MacDonald being sent off, his royal highness set out,
and by two o'clock came to the top of a neighbouring hill called
Fruighvein, where, observing some cattle in motion, his royal
highness and the other Lieutenant MacDonald stood back, and Major
MacDonald of Glenaladale went to examine what that might mean; who
upon examination found this to be some of his own tenants removing
with their cattle from the troops, who by this time, to the number
of five or seven hundred, [Sidenote: _fol._ 608.] had come to the
head of Lochharkaig, in order to inclose his royal highness in
Clanranald's country, while the search was going on very narrowly
within it. This being the route they were resolved to hold, pretty
much disconcerted their measures. Major MacDonald of Glenaladale
bringing back word to his royal highness of what he had heard, they
resolved to alter their course, and accordingly the Major sent off
one of his own tenants express to Glenfinnan about a mile off, to
call back Lieutenant MacDonald and the guard if he had found them,
and sent another of his tenants to an adjacent hill for one Donald
Cameron of Glenpean,[333] where he had removed with his effects upon
the approach of the troops, in order to learn from the said Donald
Cameron the situation of the forces that were at Fort Augustus, and
if he would undertake to guide his royal highness by their guards, if
possible.
[333] See ff. 172, 569.
[Sidenote: 23 July]
[Sidenote: 24 July]
While his royal highness and Major MacDonald of Glenaladale, with
Lieutenant MacDonald (Boradale's son), waited the return of both
the expresses, one of the Major's tenant's wives, regreting the
condition she saw him in, and willing to refresh him the best she
could (she suspecting nothing of his [Sidenote: _fol._ 609.] royal
highness being in company with him), milked some of her cattle, and
brought the fresh milk to them. Upon observing the woman coming up
to them, the Prince covered his head with a handkerchief and passed
for one of the Major's servants that had got an ache in his head.
Notwithstanding the refreshment was very seasonable, the day being
excessively hot, they could very well have dispensed with the good
woman's compliment. However, the Major thanked her and used some
policy to dismiss her, having first taken care to have some of the
milk reserved for his royal highness, which he drank with pleasure.
Soon after the express sent to Glenfinnan returned, but could find
neither Lieutenant MacDonald (Glenaladale's brother), nor the two
men, they having run express with intelligence to where they expected
to have found the Major. The said express brought word that a hundred
of the Argyleshire militia had come to the very foot of the hill
where his [Sidenote: _fol._ 610.] royal highness stayed; whereupon
it was thought proper to tarry no longer there; and, as there was
no time to wait for Donald Cameron, their expected guide, trusting
in the great Guide that directs all, his royal highness, full of
courage and confidence, set out about sun-setting with his small
retinue, and travelled pretty hard till about eleven o'clock at
night, when, passing thro' a hollow between two hills, they observed
a man coming down one of the hills. Upon which his royal highness
and Lieutenant MacDonald (Boradale's son), stept aside, and Major
MacDonald of Glenaladale[334] went to the man to examine whether he
might be a friend or a foe, and as Providence would have it, found
him to be their intended guide, Donald Cameron, whom after some short
conversation he conducted to his royal highness. Donald Cameron gave
a relation so far as he knew of the situation of the forces, and
undertook to guide them by the guards. Upon this they [Sidenote:
_fol._ 611.] pursued their way through roads almost impassable even
in day light, and travelling all night they came at four o'clock in
the morning upon the 24th of July to the top of a hill in the Brae of
Lochharkaig, called Mamnynleallum, from whence they could (without
the help of a prospective glass) discern their enemy's camp, being
not above a mile distant. But being informed by the guide that that
hill was searched the day before by the troops, they supposed there
would not be a second search that day, and therefore they resolved
to pass the day there; and choosing the fastest place in the hill
they took a little rest. After two hours sleep the Major, Lieutenant
MacDonald, and the guide got up to keep sentry, and by ten o'clock of
the day they observed a man at a distance, and as the guide (Donald
Cameron) being in his own country, and very near his own place of
residence, knew the inhabitants best, he was sent to converse with
that man, and upon examination [Sidenote: _fol._ 612.] found him to
be Lieutenant MacDonald, Glenaladale's brother, who not meeting his
royal highness at the place appointed and getting no intelligence of
the enemy's being so near till he himself came within sight of their
camp, he turned apprehensive of what might happen to be the case, and
regretting his misfortune in parting with his royal highness, went on
wherever Providence directed him, which (most happily) brought him
directly to the place where the Prince was, who was well pleased to
find the lieutenant safe, as the whole company had given him over for
lost.
[334] As this narrative, proceeds from Glenaladale himself, so it
deserves more credit than that in f. 550, for Mrs. Cameron narrated
the matter only from the best of her remembrance, and that too from
report that had passed from hand to hand.--ROBERT FORBES, A.M.
[Sidenote: 25 July]
His royal highness continued in the top of the said hill all that
day, and about nine o'clock at night set out with his retinue to
the northward, and by one o'clock in the morning of July 25th, came
to a place called Corrinangaull on the confines betwixt that part
of Glengary's country called Knoydart, and that part of Lochiel's
country called Lochharkaig, where the guide expected some Lochharkaig
people to have fled with their [Sidenote: _fol._ 613.] effects, whom
he had confidence in, and which was very much desired, as they had
entirely run out of provisions, excepting a very small quantity of
oatmeal, and as small a remainder of butter, which they could not
dress or prepare in any shape, as they travelled continually (for
the most part) in view of the enemy if in day light;[335] their
camps being (in a direct line pitched from the head of the Lochiel
in Lochiel's country to the head of Loch Uirn, dividing Knoydart of
that part of MacLeod's country called Glenealg), within half a mile's
distance of one another, their sentries being placed within call of
one another, and patrols going about every quarter of an hour to keep
their sentries alert, that so his royal highness might be surely
catched should he attempt to pass through them.
[335] See f. 1450.
[Sidenote: 26 July]
Being pinched in provisions as above, his royal highness stood back
with the two lieutenants, while Major MacDonald of Glenaladale and
the guide (Donald Cameron of Glenpean) went [Sidenote: _fol._ 614.]
to some shealing huts where they expected to meet some people. But
finding none, they chused a fast place in the face of a hill at the
head of Lochqhuaigh, to which fastness they came about two o'clock
in the morning, having only about a mile in walking to it. After
taking an hour's rest there, the guide and Lieutenant MacDonald
(Glenaladale's brother) were sent off to the hill above them to
furnish some provisions if possible, the Major and his cousin, the
other lieutenant (Boradale's son), standing sentries, while his royal
highness took some rest. When the sun shined they observed distinctly
a camp pitched at the head of Lochqhuaig, and though they did not
like the prospect they waited the return of their provisors, who came
back to them about 3 o'clock, having got only two small cheeses, that
would not be a morsel to the piece of them; and brought intelligence
that about one hundred of the red-coats were marching up the other
side of the hill his royal highness [Sidenote: _fol._ 615.] lodged
in, in order to destroy and carry off such of the poor inhabitants
as had fled to the hill for shelter. Notwithstanding this alarm (the
search for his royal highness being general and very narrow all
around), they stayed in the same place till about eight o'clock at
night, when, setting out, his royal highness travelled stoutly till
it became dark, and climbing a steep hill called Drimachosi to the
top,[336] they observed the fires of a camp directly in their front,
which they could scarcely shun, at Glenqhosy. However, being resolved
to pass at any rate, they came so near without being observed as to
hear them talk distinctly; and ascending the next hill, no sooner
was his royal highness at the top than he and his small party
spied the fires of another camp at the very foot where they were
to descend. But turning a little westward they passed between two
of their guards betwixt one and two o'clock in the morning of July
[Sidenote: _fol._ 616.] 26th. After travelling two miles, as they
judged, beyond them, they came, betwixt two and three o'clock in
the morning, to a place on the Glenealg side of the head of Lochuirn
called Corriscorridill,[337] where having chosen a fast place they
took such refreshment as the exigency of the time afforded them, his
royal highness covering a slice of cheese with oatmeal, which, though
but dry fare, he ate very comfortably, and drank of the cold stream
along with it.
[336] See ff. 1448, 1474.
[337] See f. 1450.
[Sidenote: 27 July]
His royal highness passed the whole day in the above place till about
eight o'clock at night, and the guide (Donald Cameron), knowing
the road no further in the course the Prince intended to hold, he
expected to find some people thereabouts he could trust. Glenaladale
and the guide accordingly went about in order to find them; but no
sooner did they get out of their fasthold than they found they had
lodged all day within a canon-shot of two small camps, and spied a
company of red-coats getting in some muttons to a cot and chusing
out some [Sidenote: _fol._ 617.] for slaughter. Upon which they
brought[338] back word to his royal highness of what they had seen.
Upon this his royal highness set out, and by three o'clock in the
morning of July 27th they came to Glensheil in Seaforth's country.
As they had run out entirely of their last supply of provisions, the
Major and Lieutenant John MacDonald (Boradale's son) were sent off as
well to furnish some as to provide a guide to conduct them to Pollieu
in Seaforth's country, where his royal highness had heard some French
vessels to have been; and coming to the place where the inhabitants
were, the Major bought some provisions, and made application to one
of the inhabitants for a guide, which he undertook to provide. In
the meantime that the Major was talking about the guide, a Glengary
man appears coming towards them who that morning had been chased by
the troops (they having killed his father the day [Sidenote: _fol._
618.] before) from Glengary to Glensheil. Upon seeing this man the
Major knew him, who upon conversing with him found him to have
formerly served in his royal highness's army, and conceiving him to
be a trusty fellow, resolved to make use of him[339] as a reserve in
case they should be disappointed of the intended guide, and would
be thereby obliged to alter their course, though at the same time
Glenaladale did not disclose his mind to the Glengary man.
[338] In the original Journal here ended the handwriting of
Glenaladale, and then began the handwriting of Captain Alexander
MacDonald, which continued to the end of the Journal.--ROBERT FORBES,
A.M.
[339] Who could have thought that the troops would have furnished
the Prince with a guide to make him escape their own clutches at the
very nick of time when they were hunting after him like a partridge
in the mountains? For their chasing the Glengary man proved the means
of bringing him to the place where Glenaladale was. An instance of
Providence most adorably conspicuous that made these very men who
were eagerly panting after his blood, become (quite opposite to their
intention) the principal instruments of the Prince's preservation.