PART III.--HISTORY OF THE HIGHLAND REGIMENTS.

The HISTORY OF THESE REGIMENTS is to a great extent the HISTORY OF BRITAIN’S BATTLES for more than a century past; and the great military glory which our country has acquired, has been owing, in no small degree, to their UNSURPASSED BRAVERY, PERFECT DISCIPLINE, and HIGH MORALE. In the part of the work devoted to this subject, it has been sought faithfully to record not only the noble services rendered to its country in past times by each regiment in every engagement in which it took part, but also the brave deeds performed by many individual Highland soldiers.

With regard to the later history of the Highland regiments, it has been sought to render this complete and perfectly reliable by applying, for direct information, to the COLONEL OF EACH EXISTING REGIMENT; and in every case the publishers have met with the greatest courtesy and willingness to lend all assistance. In addition to this, of course, every accessible published work on the subject has been consulted, including the host of books called forth by the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny.

* * * * *

From the above statements it will be seen that in no other single publication is it possible to obtain SUCH VARIED and VALUABLE INFORMATION on ALL POINTS OF INTEREST connected with the Scottish Highlands--their HISTORY, their ANTIQUITIES, their CLANS, their LITERATURE, their MILITARY ANNALS. No pains have been spared to make the work ACCURATE, EXHAUSTIVE, INTERESTING, and CONSISTENT with the MOST RECENT INVESTIGATIONS.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Besides clan-tartans, the work will be richly embellished with autographs, seals, armorial bearings, objects of antiquarian interest, and many views and portraits on wood and steel, all taken from original or other authentic sources, and executed in the first style of art.

The publishers have spared no pains to obtain original and genuine portraits, and to have them faithfully and beautifully reproduced; and they owe their sincere thanks to those noblemen and gentlemen connected with the Highlands who have allowed them access to their valuable family collections, in order to obtain copies of such original portraits as were required for the work. Many of these portraits have never before been engraved. The publishers would especially mention here the valuable miniature portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Highland costume, which has been in possession of the Lochiel family for generations, and which has been kindly placed at their disposal by the present representative of the family, Donald Cameron, Esq., M.P. for Inverness-shire. It has the merit of being a faithful likeness, and will be engraved by Holl of London.

Many of the views, illustrative both of the events narrated in the history and of the rich and romantic Highland scenery, are from photographs and drawings taken specially for the work. Others, consisting chiefly of views of towns and fortresses taken at or near the time of the events they are intended to illustrate, are copied from the rare and valuable work of John Slezer, entitled _Theatrum Scotiæ_, published at the end of the 17th century. The facts that Slezer was a military engineer, and that he was appointed by government to survey the chief towns and strongholds of Scotland, are sufficient guarantees of the faithfulness of these views.

CONDITIONS.

This work will be published in Twenty-five parts, price Two Shillings each, size super-imperial 8vo. It will also be issued in Eight Divisions, rich cloth, price 7s. 6d. each. It will form, when completed, Two handsome Volumes, with Thirty specimens of authentic Clan-Tartans, beautifully executed in colour, and Twenty other page plates, including Map of Clan Territories, besides about Two Hundred illustrative wood engravings.

A. FULLARTON & Co., STEAD’S PLACE, LEITH WALK, EDINBURGH; AND 18 NEWGATE STREET, LONDON.

A

HISTORY

OF THE

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

HIGHLAND CLANS

AND

HIGHLAND REGIMENTS

WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE GAELIC LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND MUSIC BY THE REV. THOMAS MACLAUCHLAN, LL.D., F.S.A. SCOT.

AND AN ESSAY ON HIGHLAND SCENERY BY THE LATE PROFESSOR JOHN WILSON

EDITED BY JOHN S. KELTIE, F.S.A. SCOT.

Illustrated WITH A SERIES OF PORTRAITS, VIEWS, MAPS, ETC., ENGRAVED ON STEEL, CLAN TARTANS, AND UPWARDS OF TWO HUNDRED WOODCUTS, INCLUDING ARMORIAL BEARINGS

VOL. I.

A. FULLARTON & CO. EDINBURGH AND LONDON 1875

PREFACE.

No apology is deemed necessary for bringing this History of the Scottish Highlands before the public. A work under a similar title was brought out by the present publishers upwards of thirty years ago, under the care of Dr. James Browne, and met with a sale so extensive and sustained as to prove that it supplied a real want.

Since the publication of Browne’s History, which it is only the simple truth to say had no rival, research has brought to light so much that is new connected both with the general history of the Highlands and the history of the various clans, and so many new laurels have been added to those already won by the Highland regiments during the past century, and the early part of the present, that the publishers believed the time had come for the preparation and issue of a new work.

In preparing it, the editor has done all in his power to make it complete and accurate. The object of Dr. Browne’s work was to present in one book all that is interesting and valuable concerning the Highlands and Highlanders, a great deal of information on this subject having lain scattered in various quarters inaccessible to the general public. In the preparation of the present work this object has been kept steadily in view; and it may be said of it, with even more force than of Browne’s, that it is a _collectanea_ of information concerning the Scottish Highlands of an extent and kind to be met with in no other single publication.

The general plan of Dr. Browne’s work has been adhered to. In the First Part, that dealing with the General History of the Highlands, which, from the nature of the case, is more a chronicle of clan battles than a homogeneous history, it has been found possible, as might have been expected, to retain much of Browne’s text. This, however, has been subjected to a careful revision and comparison with the original authorities, as well as with the many new ones that have been brought to light during the past thirty years. Moreover, many portions throughout this section have been rewritten, and considerable additions made. One of the largest and most important of these is the continuation of the General History from 1745 down to the present day. The editor felt that, so far as the social history of the Highlands is concerned, the period embraced in the past hundred years was of even more importance than any previous time; he has therefore attempted to do what, so far as he knows, has not been done before, to present a sketch of the progress of the Highlands during that period. For this purpose he has had to consult a multitude of sources, and weigh many conflicting statements, his aim being simply to discover and tell the truth. Such matters have been gone into as Depopulation, Emigration, Agriculture, Large and Small Farms, Sheep and Deer, Fishing, Manufactures, Education, &c. It is hoped, therefore, that the First Part of the work will be found to contain a complete account of the Highlands, historical, antiquarian, and social.

An original and important feature of this part of the work is a history of the Gaelic Language and Literature, by the well known Celtic scholar, the Rev. T. Maclauchlan, LL.D., F.S.A. Scot.

In the Second Part, relating to the History of the Highland Clans, it will be found that, in the case of every clan, modifications and additions have been made. In some instances the histories have been entirely rewritten, and several border clans have been included that were not noticed in Browne’s work. The history of each clan, has, as far as possible, been traced from its founder through all the branches and offshoots down to the present day; the part it took in the various clan strifes, in the disputes between the Highlands and Lowlands, and in the general wars of Scotland, being set forth. In the case of most of the clans, gentlemen who have made a special study of particular clan histories have kindly revised the proofs.

The Third Part, the History of the Highland Regiments, occupies a prominent place in the present work. Of these regiments one-half have had their complete history published now for the first time, and in the case of the others so many changes and additions have been made, that this part of the work may be considered as entirely new. The history of each of the nine regiments which now rank as Highland has been gone into from its embodiment, and the trustworthiness of this unique body of military history may be inferred from the fact, that, in the case of every regiment, it is founded upon the original Regimental Record, supplemented in many instances by the diaries and recollections of officers; and in two cases, at least, as will be seen, by materials collected by officers who have made a special study of their regimental histories. The general reader will find this part of the work of very great interest.

With regard to the Illustrations, the publishers feel justified in alluding to them with considerable pride. No attempt has been made to make the present work a mere picture-book; it will be invariably found that the numerous plates, woodcuts, and clan-tartans either add interest to the text, or throw light upon it. Every effort has been made to secure authentic portraits and original views, and to have every illustration executed in a thoroughly artistic style; and it is hoped that, in these respects, the exertions of the editor and publishers have been crowned with success. The specimens of clan-tartans represent in every case those recognised by the heads of the various clans. The illustrations, therefore, will be found both historically and artistically valuable.

Throughout this work the editor has endeavoured to acknowledge the authorities which he has in any way made use of. Were he to mention the names of the numerous individuals to whom he has been indebted for assistance during its preparation, it would add very considerably to the length of this preface; in his own name and that of the publishers, he expresses sincere gratitude to all who have in any way lent a helping hand. Special thanks, however, are due to the Duke of Athole for assistance in various ways, and particularly for permission to engrave the portrait of Lord George Murray; to Lady Elizabeth Pringle for the portrait of the first Earl of Breadalbane, and to Mrs. Campbell of Monzie for that of the “Gentle Lochiel,”--all published in this work for the first time. As mentioned in the text, the beautiful miniature of “Prince Charlie” is copied from the original in possession of Donald Cameron, Esq. of Lochiel, who has also lent assistance in other ways. The originals of other valuable illustrations, as will be seen, have been kindly placed at the publishers’ service by the Duke of Sutherland, the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Strathmore, the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, The Mackintosh, The Chisholm, Duncan Forbes, Esq. of Culloden, David Laing, Esq., LL.D., James Drummond, Esq., R.S.A., and many others.

The editor has in the proper place in the text referred to the assistance given him in connection with the important history of “Clan Chattan” by Alexander Mackintosh Shaw, Esq., whose own history of the clan is nearly completed; the narrative in the present work owes its value almost entirely to his kindness. For assistance in the history of this clan the editor was also indebted to the late Rev. W. G. Shaw of Forfar.

To the Colonels-commanding of all the Highland regiments special thanks are due for hearty co-operation in procuring material for the Third Part of the work. Many other officers have, with the greatest readiness, either volunteered assistance or given it when asked. In this connection special mention must be made of Lieutenant-Colonels Wheatley, Clephane, and Sprot, Captain Colin Mackenzie, and Captain Thackeray.

The large and increasing demand for this work during its publication, and the extremely favourable notices of the press, afford good grounds for believing that it will be found to fulfil the purpose for which it has been compiled. May it ever meet with a kindly welcome from all who are in any way interested in the romantic Highlands of Scotland.

JOHN S. KELTIE.

LONDON, FEBRUARY 1875.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.

PAGE

REMARKS ON THE SCENERY OF THE HIGHLANDS. By Professor WILSON, xiii

PART FIRST.--GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS, 1

CHAPTER

I. B.C. 55.-A.D. 446.--Highlands defined--Ancient Scotland--Transactions of the Romans in the North of Scotland--Roman Remains--Roads--Camps, 1

II. B.C. 55.-A.D. 446.--Early Inhabitants--Roman Writers--Aristotle--Tacitus--Internal History of the Highlands during the Time of the Romans, 16

III. A.D. 446-843.--Early History--Settlement of the Scots in Scotland--Conversion of Picts--Druidism--St Columba --Iona--Spread of Christianity, 32

IV. A.D. 843-1107.--Norse Invasions--Danes--Effect of Norwegian Conquest--Influx of Anglo-Saxons--Table of Scottish Kings, A.D. 843 to 1097, 48

V. A.D. 1107-1411.--Insurrections--Intestine Feuds --Expedition of Haco--Battle of Largs--Robert Bruce --Lord of the Isles invades Scotland--Battle of Harlaw, 59

VI. A.D. 1424-1512.--Policy of James I. to the Highland Chiefs--Disturbances in Sutherland and Caithness--Wise Policy of James IV.--Battle of Flodden, 71

VII. A.D. 1516-1588.--Doings in Sutherland--Dissensions among the Clan Chattan--The “Field of Shirts”--The Queen-Regent visits the Highlands--Queen Mary’s Expedition against Huntly--Unruly State of North, &c., 80

VIII. A.D. 1588-1601.--Strife between Earls of Caithness and Sutherland--Clan Feuds, 102

IX. A.D. 1602-1613.--Feud between the Colquhouns and Macgregors--Lawless Proceedings in Sutherland--Other Clan Feuds, 113

X. A.D. 1613-1623.--Clan Feuds--Reduction and Pacification of Caithness, 128

XI. A.D. 1624-1636.--Insurrections--Disputes--Feuds--First Marquis of Huntly, 148

XII. A.D. 1636-1644.--Charles I. attempts to introduce Episcopacy into Scotland--Doings in the North--Earl of Montrose--Covenanters--Battle of Tippermuir, 165

XIII. A.D. 1644 (September)-1645 (February).--Montrose crosses the Tay, and his movements in the North, till Battle of Inverlochy, 186

XIV. A.D. 1645 (February-September).--Montrose’s movements in the North--at Inverness, Elgin, Banff, Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Perth, Dundee, &c.--Montrose enters Glasgow --Submission of Edinburgh--Battle of Philiphaugh, 200

XV. A.D. 1645-1649.--Huntly refuses to join Montrose --Executions by the Covenanters--Meeting of the Covenanting Parliament--Montrose disbands his Army --Proceedings of General Leslie--Leslie in the Western Isles--Cromwell arrives in Edinburgh--Execution of Charles I., 234

XVI. A.D. 1649-1650.--Negotiations with Charles II. --Proceedings of Montrose--Pluscardine’s Insurrection --Montrose defeated at Carbisdale--Captured, and sent to Edinburgh--Trial and Execution, 260

XVII. A.D. 1650-1660.--Charles II. in Scotland--Cromwell invades Scotland--Battle of Dunbar--Flight of the King--Insurrections in the Highlands--Proceedings of Cromwell--Battle of Worcester--Operations of Monk in Scotland--Cameron of Lochiel--State of the Country --Restoration of Charles II, 278

XVIII. Character of Ancient Highlanders, Manners, Customs, &c. Appendix to Chapter XVIII.--Highland Dress and Arms, 298

XIX. A.D. 1660-1689.--Execution of the Marquis of Argyll --Argyll and Monmouth’s Invasion--Execution of Earl of Argyll--Designs of the Prince of Orange--Proceedings of King James--State of feeling in Scotland--Viscount Dundee, 331

XX. A.D. 1689 (March-July).--General Hugh Mackay--Details of Dundee’s Insurrection till his Death at Killiecrankie--His Character, 350

XXI. A.D. 1689-1691.--General Mackay’s movements--Colonel Cannon--The Cameronians at Dunkeld--Erection of Fort-William--Cessation of Hostilities, 378

XXII. A.D. 1691-1702.--Negotiations with the Highland Chiefs --Massacre of Glencoe--Master of Stair--King William III. --Subsequent enquiry--State of Highlands during William’s reign--Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, 394

XXIII. A.D. 1695-1714.--The Darien Bubble--Death of James II. --Death of King William--The Union--Proceedings of the Jacobites--Death of Queen Anne, 407

XXIV. A.D. 1714-1715.--Proceedings of the Whigs--The Chevalier de St George--Arrival of George I. in England--Jacobite Intrigues--The Earl of Mar, 420

XXV. A.D. 1715.--Measures of the Government--Attempt to surprise Edinburgh Castle--Duke of Argyll appointed to the command of the Government forces--Proceedings of Mar--Rebels march into England--Battle of Preston, 431

XXVI. A.D. 1715-1716.--Earl of Mar--Battle of Sheriffmuir --Dispersion of the Insurgents, 456

XXVII. A.D. 1716-1737.--Trial and Execution of Rebels --Proceedings of General Cadogan in the Highlands--Act of Grace--Disarming of the Highlanders--New Jacobite Conspiracy--Bolingbroke--The Disarming Act--Disgrace of the Earl of Mar--The Chevalier’s Domestic affairs --Death of George I., 476

XXVIII. A.D. 1739-1745.--Foreign Intrigues--Edinburgh Association--Jacobite Intrigues--Prince Charles Edward resolves to invade Scotland, 502

XXIX. A.D. 1745.--Prince Charles’ landing--He raises his standard--Manifesto, 511

XXX. A.D. 1745.--Conduct of the Government--Sir John Cope --Prince Charles at Perth--The Prince marches South --Alarm in Edinburgh--Municipal Intrigues, 527

XXXI. A.D. 1745.--Highlanders Capture Edinburgh--Prince Charles at Holyrood--The Chevalier de St George proclaimed--Battle of Prestonpans, 540

XXXII. A.D. 1745.--Prince Charles’ proceedings at Edinburgh --Resolves to invade England, 566

XXXIII. A.D. 1745.--Plan of the march of the Rebels into England--Composition of the Highland Army--March of Prince Charles into England--Proceedings there --Consternation at London--Retreat into Scotland, 584

XXXIV. A.D. 1745-1746.--Highland Army returns to Scotland --Proceedings of the Jacobites in the North --Proceedings till Battle of Falkirk, 611

XXXV. A.D. 1746.--Duke of Cumberland sent to Scotland --Highland Army’s Retreat to the North--Expedition of Lord George Murray into Athole, 630

XXXVI. A.D. 1746.--Duke of Cumberland marches North--Battle of Culloden--Apprehension of Lord Lovat and others --Suppression of the Rebellion, 648

XXXVII. A.D. 1746.--Prince Charles’ Wanderings and Narrow Escapes--Arrives in France, 683

XXXVIII. A.D. 1746-1747.--Trial of Prisoners--Execution of Lords Kilmarnock, Cromarty, Balmerino, and Lovat--Act of Indemnity, 722

XXXIX. A.D. 1747-1748.--Prince Charles’ arrival in Paris--His Treatment of Lord George Murray--His Advisers, Difficulties, and Plans, 738

XL. A.D. 1748-PRESENT TIME.--Charles visits London--Arrest and Execution of Dr Cameron--Death of the Chevalier --Marriage of Charles--His death--Death of Cardinal York--Descendants of the Stewarts, 753

XLI. Proceedings which followed Culloden--Influence of Clan feeling--Disarming Act--The Old Jacobites--Queen Victoria--Jacobitism at the Present Day, 762

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.