, far the faii^idSi^ tf a, Cellegi in this Celonf "Y^LU'WlMIIVIEI^SflTrY-' 1 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE ' PERKINS FUND 190 2-. Cbf/ Sc7 "^06 ^ij. DL X An Historical Account OF THE Settlements of Scotch Highlanders IN America Prior to the Peace of 1783, TOGETHER WITH NOTICES OF Highland Regiments AND Biographical Sketches BY J. P. MacLean, Ph. Di . Life Member Gaelic Society of Glasgow, and Clan MacLean Association of Glasgow; Corresponding Member Davenport Academy of Sciences, and Western Reserve Historical Society; Author of History of plan MacLean, Antiquity of Man, The Mound Builders, Mastodon, Mammoth and Man, Norse Discovery of America, Fingal's Cave, Introduction Study St. , John's Gospel, Jewish Nature Worship, etc. ILLUSTRATED. THE HELMAN-TAYLOR COMPANY. Cleveland, JOHN MACKAY, Glasgow, 1900. Highland Arms, ct-t ,y So7 To Colonel Sir Fitzroy Donald MacLean, Bart., C. B., President of The Highland Society of London, An hereditary Chief, honored by his Clansmen at home and abroad, on account of the kindly interest he takes in their welfare, as well as everything that relates to the Highlands, and though deprived of an ancient patrimony, his virtues and patriotism have done honor to the Gael, this Volume is Respectfully dedicated by the Author. " There's sighing and sobbing in yon Highland forest; There's weeping and wailing in yon Highland vale. And fitfully flashes a gleam from the ashes Of the tenantless heartji in the home of the Gael. There's a ship on the sea, and her white sails she's spreadin', A' ready to speed to a far distant shore ; She may come hame again wi' the yellow gowd laden. But the sons of Glendarra shall come back no more. The gowan may spring by the clear-rinnin' burnie. The cushat may coo in the green woods again. The deer o' the mountain may drink at the fountain. Unfettered and free as the wave on the main ; But the pibroch they played o'er the sweet blooming heather Is hushed in the sound ot the ocean's wild roar; The song and the dance they hae vanish'd thegither. For the maids o' Glendarra shall come back no more." PREFACE. An attempt is here made to present a field that has not been preoccupied. The student of American history has noticed al lusions to certain Scotch Highland settlements prior to the Revo lution, without any attempt at either an account or origin of the same. In a measure the publication of certain state papers and colonial records, as well as an occasional memoir by an historical society have revived what had been overlooked. These settle ments form a very important and interesting place in the early history of our country. While they may not have occupied a very prominent or pronounced position, yet their exertions in sub duing the wilderness, their activity in the Revolution, and the wide influence exercised by the descendants of these hardy pio neers, should, long since, have brought their history and achieve ments into notice. The settlement in North Carolina, embracing a wide extent of territory, and the people numbered by the thousands, should, ere this, have found a competent exponent. But it exists more as a tradition than an actual colony. The Highlanders in Georgia more than acted their part against Spanish encroachments, yet survived all the vicissitudes of their exposed position. The stay of the Highlanders on the Mohawk was very brief, yet their flight into Canada and final settlement at Glengarry forms a very strange episode in the history of New York. The heartless treat ment of the colony of Lachlan Campbell by the governor of the province of New York, and their long delayed recompense stands without a parallel, and is so strange and fanciful, that long since it should have excited the poet or novelist. The settlements in Nova Scotia and Prince Edwards Island, although scarcely com- viii PREFA CM. menced at the breaking out of the Revolution, are more important in later events than those chronicled in this volume. The chapters on the Highlands, the Scotch-Irish, and the Darien scheme, have sufficient connection to warrant their in sertion. It is a noticeable fact that notwithstanding the valuable ser vices rendered by the Highland regiments in the French and In dian war, but little account has been taken by writers, except in Scotland, although General David Stewart of Garth, as early as 1822, clearly paved the way. Unfortunately, his works, as well as those who have followed him, are comparatively unknown on this side the Atlantic. I was led to the searching out of this phase of our history, not only by the occasional allusions, but specially from reading works devoted to other nationalities engaged in the Revolution. Their achievements were fully set forth and their praises sung. Why should not the oppressed Gael, who sought the forests of the New World, struggled in the wilderness, and battled against foes, also be placed in his true light? If properly known, the artist would have a subject for his pencil, the poet a picture for his praises, and the novelist a strong background for his romance. Cleveland, O., October, 1898. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The Highlanders of Scotland. Division of Scotland— People of the Highlands— Language— Clanship --Lhiefs— Customs— Special Characteristics— Fiery-Cross— Slogan— Mode of Battle— Forays— Feasts— Position of Woman— Marriage— Religious Toleration-Superstitions— Poets— Pipers— Cave of Coir-nan-Uriskin— The Harp— Gaelic Music— Costume— Scotland's Wars— War with Romans- Battle of Largs— Bannockburn-Flodden-Pinkie— Wars of Montrose— Bonnie Dundee— Earl of Mar— Prince Charles Stuart— Atrocities in the Wake of Culloden— Uncertainty of Travelers' Observations— Kidnapping — Emigration ly CHAPTER II. The Scotch-Irish in America. Origin of the name of Scotland— Scoto-Irish— Ulster— Clandonald— Protestant Colonies in Ireland— Corruption of Names — Percentage of in Revolution— ^Characteristics— Persecuted— Emigration from Ulster— First Scotch-Irish Clergyman in America— Struggle for Religious Liberty— Set tlement at Worcester— History of the Potato— Pelham— Warren and Blandford — Colerain — Londonderry — Settlements in Maine — New York — New Jersey— Pennsylvania— The Revolution— Maryland— Virginia— Pat rick Henry— Daniel Morgan — George Rogers Clark— North Carolina— Bat tle of King's Mountain — South Carolina — Georgia — East Tennessee — Ken tucky — Canada — Industrial Arts — Distinctive Characteristics 40 CHAPTER in. Causes that Led to Emigration. Results of Clanship — Opposed to Emigration — Emigration to Ulster — Expatriation of 7000— Changed Condition of Highlanders — Lands Rented — Dissatisfaction — Luxurious Landlords — Action of Chiefs in Skye — De plorable State of Affairs — Sheep-Farming — Improvements — Buchanan's Description — Famine — Class of Emigrants — America — Hardships and Dis appointments 60 CHAPTER IV. Darien Scheme. First Highlanders in America — Disastrous Speculation — Ruinous Leg islation — Massacre of Glencoe — Darien Scheme Projected — William Pater son — Fabulous Dreams — Company Chartered — Scotland Excited — Sub- X CONTENTS. scriptions— List of Subscribers— Spanish Sovereignty over Darien— Eng lish Jealousy and Opposition — Dutch East India Company — Ki*g William's Duplicity— English and Dutch Subscriptions Withdrawn— Great Prepara tions—Purchase of Ships— Sailing of First Expedition— Settlement of St. Andrews — Great Sufferings — St. Andrews Abandoned— The Caledonia and Unicorn Arrive at New York — Recriminations — The St. Andrews — The Dolphin — King Refuses Supplies— Relief Sent — Spaniards Aggressive- Second Expedition — Highlanders— Disappointed Expectations— ^Discordant Clergy — How News was Received in Scotland — Give Vent to Rage — King William's Indifference^Campbell of Fonab — Escape — Capitulation of Dar ien Colony— Ships Destroyed— Final End of Settlers 75 CHAPTER V. Highlanders in North Carolina. ' On the Cape Fear— Town Established— Highlanders Patronized— Ar rival of Neil McNeill — Action of Legislature — List of Grantees — Wave of Emigration — Represented in Legislature — Colony Prosperous — Stamp Act — Genius of Liberty— Letter to Highlanders — Emigrants from Jura — Lands Allotted— War of Regulators — Campbelton Charter— Public Road— Public Buildings at Campbelton — Petition for Pardon — Highland Costume — Clan Macdonald Emigration — Allan Macdonald of Kingsborough — American Revolution — Sale of Public Offices— Attitude of Patriots — Provincial Con gress — Highlanders Objects of Consideration — Reverend John McLeod — Committee to Confer with Highlanders — British Confidence — Governor Martin — Provincial Congress of i77S^Farquhard Campbell — Arrival of the George — Other Arrivals — Oaths Administered— Distressed Condition — Pe tition to Virginia Convention — War Party in the Ascendant — American Views — Highlanders Fail to Understand Conditions— Reckless Indiffer ence of Leaders — General Donald Macdonald— British Campaign — Gover nor Martin Manipulates a Revolt — Macdonald's Manifesto — Rutherford's Manifesto — Highlanders in Rebellion — Standard at Cross Creek — March for Wilmington— Country Alarmed — Correspondence — Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge — Overthrow of Highlanders — Prescribed Parole — Prisoners Address Congress — Action of Sir William Howe — Allan Macdonald's Let ter — On Parole — Effects His Exchange — Letter to Members of Congress — Cornwallis to Clinton — Military at Cross Creek — Women Protected — Relig ious Status 102 CHAPTER VI. Highlanders in Georgia. English Treatment of Poor — Imprisonment for Debt — Oglethorpe's Philanthropy — Asylum Projected — Oglethorpe Sails for Georgia — Selects the Site of Savannah — Fort Argyle — Colonists of Different Nationalities — Towns Established — Why Highlanders were Selected — Oglethorpe Returns to England — Highland Emigrants— Character of — ^John Macleod — Found ing of New Inverness — Oglethorpe Sails for Georgia — Visits the Highland- ers^Fort St. Andrews — Spaniards Aggressive — Messengers Imprisoned — Spanish Perfidy — Suffering and Discontent in 1737 — Dissension Increases Removal Agitated — African Slavery Prohibited — Petition and Counter Pe tition — Highlanders Oppose African Slavery — Insufficient Produce Raised CONTENTS. xl —Murder of Unarmed Highlanders— Florida Invaded— Si. .Aiii^ii.siiiK' Blockaded— Massacre of Highlanders at Fort Monsa— Failure (if l^xpiili- tion— Conduct of William Macintosh— Indians .nnd Caroliiii.iiis Dcsirt— Agent Reprimanded by Parliament— Clan.suion .it Darii'ii— Jdlm M.icl.cdd Abandons His Charge — Georgia Invaded— I lighlandcr.s Defeat the ICnemy —Battle of Bloody Marsh— Spaniards Retreat— Ensign Stewart- Ogle thorpe Again Invades Florida— Growth of t^eorRia— Reconi in Revolution — Resolutions — Assault on British War Ne.sscis— eapture of— County of Liberty — Settlement Remained Highland 146 CHAPTER \"II. Captain L\chlax C.vmpbell's New York Colony. Lachlan Campbell — Donald Campbell's Memorial— .Motives Control ling Royal Governors — Governor Clarke to Duke of Newcastle — Same to Lords of Trade — Efforts of Captain Campbell — Memorial Rejected — Re dress Obtained — Grand Scheme — List of Grantees — A Desperado — Town ship of Argyle — Records of — Change of Name of County — Highland Sol diers Occupy Lands — How .Allotted — Selling Land Warrants — New Hamp shire Grants — Ethan Allan — Revolution — An Incident — Indian Raid — Mas sacre of Jane McCrea — Religious Sentiment 176 CHAPTER VIII. Highl-a.nd Settlement on the Mohawk. Sir William Johnson — Highlanders Preferred — Manner of Life — Changed State of Affairs — Sir John Johnson — Highlanders not Civic Offi cers — Sir John Johnson's Movements Inimical — Tryon County Committee to Provincial Congfress — Action of Continental Congress — Sir John to Gov ernor Tryon — Action of General Schuyler — Sir John's Parole — Highland ers Disarmed — Arms Retained — Highland Hostages — Instructions for Seiz ing Sir John — Sir John on Removal of Highlanders — Flight of Highlanders to Canada — Great Sufferings — Lady Johnson a Hostage — Highland Settle ment a Nest of Treason — Exodus of Highland Women — Some Families Detained — Letter of Helen McDonell — Regiment Organized — Butler's Ran gers — Cruel Warfare — Fort Schuyler Besieged — Battle of Oriskany — Heroism of Captain -Gardenier — Parole of Angus McDonald — Massacre of Wyoming — Bloodthirsty Character of Alexander McDonald — Indian Country Laid Waste — Battle of Chemung — Sir John Ravages Johnstown-;- Visits Schoharie with Fire and Sword — Flight from Johnstown — Exploit of Donald McDonald — Shell's Defence — List of Officers of Sir John John son's Regiment — Settlement in Glengarry — Allotment of Lands — Story of Donald Grant — Religious Services Established 196 CHAPTER IX. Glenaladale Highlanders of Prince Edward Island. Highlanders in Canada — John Macdonald — Educated in Germany — Religious Oppression — Religion of the Yellow-Stick — Glenaladale Becomes Protector — Emigration — Company Raised Against Americans — Capture of American Vessel — Estimate of Glenaladale— Offered Governorship of Prince Edward Island 2;:^ i xii CONTENTS. CHAPTER X. Highland Settlement in Pictou, Nova Scotia. , Emigration to Nova Scotia — Ship Hector — Sails from Lochbroom — Great Sufferings and Pestilence — Landing of Highlanders — Frightening of Indians — Bitter Disappointment — Danger of Starvation — False Reports- Action of Captain Archibald — Truro Migration — Hardships — Incidents of Suffering — Conditions of Grants of Land — Hector's Passengers— Interest ing Facts Relative to Emigrants — Industries — Plague of Mice — American Revolution — Divided Sentiment — Persecution of American Sympathizers — ¦ Highlanders Loyal to Great Britain — Americans Capture a Vessel — Priva teers — Wreck of the Malignant Man-of-War — Indian Alarm — Itinerant Preachers—Arrival of Reverend James McGregor 235 CHAPTER XI. First Highland Regiments in America. Cause of French and Indian War — Highlanders Sent to America — The Black Watch — Montgomery's Highlanders — Fraser's Highlanders — Uni form of — Black Watch at Albany — Lord Loudon at Halifax — Surrender of Fort William Henry — Success of the French — Defeat at Ticonderoga — Gallant Conduct of Highlanders — List of Casualties — Expedition Against Louisburg — Destruction French Fleet — Capture of Louisburg — Expedition Against Fort Du Quesne — Defeat of Major Grant — Washington — Name Fort Changed to Fort Pitt — Battalions of 42nd United — Amherst Possesses Ticonderoga — Army at Crown Point — Fall of Quebec — Journal of Malcolm Eraser — Movements of Eraser's Highlanders — Battle of Heights of Abra ham*— Galling Fire Sustained by Highlanders — Anecdote of General Mur ray — Retreat of French — Officers of the Black Watch — Highland Regi ments Sail for Barbadoes — Return to New York — Black Watch Sent to Pittsburg — Battle of Bushy Run — Black Watch Sent Against Ohio Indians — Goes to Ireland — Impressions of in America — Table of Losses — Mont gomery Highlanders Against the Cherokees — Battle with Indians — Allan Macpherson's Tragic Death — Retreat from Indian Country — Return to New York — Massacre at Fort Loudon — Surrender of St. Johns — Tables of Casualties — Acquisition of French Territory a Source of Danger 252 CHAPTER XII. Scotch Hostility Towards America. Causes of American Revolution — Massacre at Lexington — Insult 10 Franklin — England Precipitates War — Americans Ridiculed — Pitt's Noble Defence — Attitude of Eminent Men — Action of Cities — No Enthusiasm in Enlistments in England and Ireland — The Press-Gang — Enlistment of Criminals— Sentiment of People of Scotland — Lecky's Estimate — Ad dresses Upholding the King — Summary of Highland Addresses — Emigra tion Prohibited — Resentment Against Highlanders — Shown in Original Draft of Declaration of Independence — Petitions of Donald Macleod.. 292 CHAPTER XIII. Highland Regiments in American Revolution. Eulogy of Pitt— Organizing in America— Secret Instructions to Gov ernor Tryon— Principal Agents— Royal Highland Emigrants— How Re- CO.VTENTS. xlil ceived — Colonel Maclean Saves Quebec- Siege of Quebec— Fir.st Battalion in Canada— Burgoyne's Doubts— Second Battalion— SufferiuK'^ of— Treat ment of— Battle of Eutaw Spring.s— Royal Highland Emigrant.^ Dis charged—List of Officers— Grants of I-and— John Bethune— 4Jnd or Royal Highlanders— Embarks for .Xnierica— Capture of Highlanders— Capture of Oxford Transport— Prisoners from the Crawfonl— British Fleet Arrives at Staten Island— Battle of Long Island— .\rdor of Highlanders— Americans Evacuate New York— Patriotism of .Mrs. .Murray— Peril of Putnam— Gal lant Conduct of .Major Murray— Battle of Harlem— Capture of Fort Washington — Royal Highlanders in Xcw Jersey- .-\ttacked at Pisquatiqua — Sergeant McGregor — Battle of Brandywine — Wayne's Army Surprised — Expeditions During Winter of i77^Skirmishing and Suffering— In fusion of Poor Soldiers — Capture of Charleston — Desertions — Regiment Reduced — Sails for Halifax — Table of Casualties — Fraser's Highlanders — Sails for America — Capture of Transports — Reports of Captain Seth Hard ing and Colonel Archibald Campbell — Confinement of Colonel Campbell — Interest in by Washington — Battle of Brooklin — Diversified Employment — Expedition Against Little Egg Harbor — Capture of Savannah — Retrograde Movement of General Prevost — Battle of Brier Creek — Invasion of South Carolina — Battle of Stono Ferry — Retreat to Savannah — Siege of — Cap ture of Stony Point — Surrender of Charleston — Battle of Camden — Defeat of General Sumter — Battle of King's Mountain — Battle of Blackstocks — Battle of the Cowpens — Battle of Guilford Court-House — March of British Army to Yorktown — Losses of Fraser's Highlanders — Surrender of York- town — ^Highlanders Prisoners — Regiment Discharged at Perth — Argyle Highlanders — How Constituted — Sails for Halifax — Two Companies at Charleston — At Penobscot — Besieged by Americans — Regiment Returns to England — Macdonald's Highlanders — Sails for New York — Embarks for Virginia — Bravery of the Soldiers — Highlanders on Horseback — Surrender of Yorktown — Cantoned at ^\'inchester — Removed to Lancaster — Dis banded at Stirling Castle — Summary — Estimate of Washington — His Opin ion of Highlanders — Not Guilty of Wanton Cruelty 308. CHAPTER XIV. Distinguished Highlanders who Served in America in the Interests OF Great Britain. General Sir Alan Cameron — General Sir Archibald Campbell — General John Campbell — Lord William Campbell — General Simon Fraser of Bal- nain — General Simon Fraser of Lovat — General Simon Fraser — General James Grant of Ballindalloch — General Allan Maclean of Torloisk — Sir Allan Maclean — General Francis Maclean — General John Small — Flora Macdonald 377 CHAPTER XV. Distinguished Highlanders in .American Interests. General Alexander McDougall — General Lachlan Mcintosh — General Arthur St. Clair — Serjeant Macdonald 398 CONTENTS. APPENDIX. Note A. — First Emigrants to America 417 Note B. — Letter of Donald Macpherson 417 Note C. — Emigration during the Eighteenth Century 419 Note D. — Appeal to the Highlanders lately arrived from Scotland 422 Note E. — Ingratitude of the Highlanders 426 Note F. — Were the Highlanders Faithful to their Oath to the American-, 426 Note G. — Marvellous Escape of Captain McArthur 430 Note H. — Highlanders in South Carolina .' 442 Note I. — Alexander McNaughton 443 Note J. — Allan McDonald's Complaint to the President of Congress. . . .444 Note K. — The Glengarry Settlers 44.S Note to Chapter VIII 448 Note L. — Moravian Indians 448 Note M. — Highlanders Refused Lands in America 450 Note N. — Captain James Stewart commissioned to raise a company Highlanders 453 List of Subscribers 456 ILLUSTRATIONS. 2 Battle of Culloden Frontispiece Coire-nan-Uriskin ¦ 26 House of Henry McVVhorter 5 View of Batde-Field of .Alamance 55 Scottish India House 90 Barbacue Church, where Flora Macdonald Worshipped 144 Johnson Hall 204 View of the Valley of Wyoming 218 Highland Officer 256 Old Blockhouse Fort Duquesne 281 General Sir .Archibald Campbell 397 Brigadier General Simon Fraser 382 General Simon Fraser of Loval 387 Sir Allan Maclean, Bart 391 Flora Macdonald 394 General Alexander McDougall 398 General Lachlan Mcintosh 402 General Arthur St. Clair 405 Sergeant Macdonald and Colonel Gainey 413 PARTIAL LIST OF PRINCIPAL AUTHORITIES CONSULTED. American Archives. Answer of Cornwallis to Clinton, London, 1783. Bancroft (George.) History of the United States, London, N. D. Burt (Captain.) Letters from the North of Scotland, London, 1815. Burton (J. H.) Darien Papers, Bannatyne Club, 1849. Burton (J. H.) History of Scotland, Edinburgh, 1853. Celtic Monthlv. Inverness, 1876-1888. Georgia Historical Society Collections. Graham (James J.) Memoirs General Graham, Edinburgh, 1862. Hotten (J. C. ) List of, Emigrants to America, New York, 1874. Johnson (C.) History Washington County, New York, Philadelphia, 1878. Keltic (J. S.). History of the Highland Clans, Edinburgh, 1882. Lecky (W. E. H.) History of England, London, 1892. Lossing (B. J.) Field-Book of the American Revolution, New York, 1855. Macaulay (T. B.) History of England, Boston, N. D. McDonald (H.) Letter-Book, New York Historical Society, 1892. Macdonell (j. A-) Sketches of Glengarry, Montreal, 1893. McLeod (D.) Brief Review of the Settlement of Upper Canada, Cleveland, 1841. Martin (M.) Description Western Isles, Glasgow, 1884. National Portrait Gallery of Distinguished Americans, Philadelphia, 1852. New York Documentary and Colonial History. North Carolina Colonial Record. Paterson (J.) History Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Montreal, 1893. Proceedings Scotch-Irish American Congress, 1889-1896. Rogers (H.) Hadden's Journal and Orderly Book, Albany, 1884. Scott (Sir W.) Lady of the Lake, New York, N. D. Scott (Sir W.) Tales of a Grandfather, Boston, 1852. Smith (William) History of New York, New York, 1814. Smith (W. H.) St. Clair Papers, Cincinnati, 1882. Sparks (Jared) Writings of Washington, Boston, 1837. Stephens (W. B.) History of Georgia, New York, 1859. St. Clair (Arthur.) Narrative, Philadelphia, 1812. Stewart (David.) Sketches of the Highlanders, Edinburgh, 1822. Stone (W. L.) Life of Joseph Brant, New York, 1838. Stone (W. L.) Orderly Book of Sir John Johnson, Albany, 1882. Tarleton (Lieut. Col.) Campaigns of, 1780-1781, London, 1787. Washington and his Generals, Philadelphia, 1848. CHAPTER I. The Highl.xnders ok Scotland, A range of mountains forming a lofty and somewhat shat tered rampart, commencing in the county of Aberdeen, north of the river Don, and extending in a south-west course across the country, till it terminates beyond .A.rdmore, in the county of Dum barton, divides Scotland into two distinct parts. The southern face of these mountains is bold, rocky, dark and precipitous. The land south of this line is called the Lowlands, and that to the north, including the range, the Highlands. The maritime out line of the Highlands is also bold and rocky, and in many places deeply indented by arms of the sea. The northern and western coasts are fringed with groups of islands. The general surface of the country is mountainous, yet capable of supporting innumer able cattle, sheep and deer. The scenery is nowhere excelled for \-arious forms of beauty and sublimity. The lochs and bens have wrought upon the imaginations of historians, poets and novel ists. The inhabitants living within these boundaries were as unique as their bens and glens. From the middle of the thirteenth cen tury they have been distinctly marked from those inhabiting the low countries, in consequence of which they exhibit a civilization peculiarly their own. By their Lowland neighbors they were im perfectly known, being generally regarded as a horde of savage thieves, and their country as an impenetrable wilderness. From this judgment they made no effort to free themselves, but rather inclined to confirm it. The language spoken by the two races greatly varied which had a tendency to establish a marked char acteristic difference between them. For a period of seven cen turies the entrances or passes into the Grampians constituted a boundary between both the people and their language. At the 18 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. south the Saxon language was universally spoken, while beyond the range the Gaelic formed the mother tongue, accompanied by the plaid, the claymore and other specialties which accompanied Highland characteristics. Their language was one of the oldest and least mongrel types of the great Aryan family of speech. The country in which the Gaelic was in common use among all classes of people may be defined by a line drawn from the western opening of the Pentland Frith, sweeping around St. Kilda, from thence embracing the entire cluster of islands to the east and south, as far as Arran ; thence to the Mull of Kintyre, re-entering the mainland at Ardmore, in Dumbartonshire, following the southern face of the Grampians to Aberdeenshire, and ending on the north-east point of Caithness. For a period of nearly two hundred years the Highlander has been an object of study by strangers. Travellers have written concerning them, but dwelt upon such points as struck their fancy. A people cannot be judged by the jottings of those who have not studied the question with candor and sufficient informa tion. Fortunately the Highlands, during the present century, have produced men who have carefuly set forth their history, manners and customs. These men have fully weighed the ques tions of isolation, mode of life, habits of thought, and wild sur roundings, which developed in the Highlander firmness of de cision, fertility in resource, ardor in friendship, love of country, and a generous enthusiasum, as well as a system of government. The Highlanders were tall, robust, well formed and hardy. Early marriages were unknown among them, and it was rare for a female of puny stature and delicate constitution to be honored with a husband. They were not obliged by art in forming their bodies, for Nature acted her part bountifully to them, and among them there are but few bodily imperfections. The division of the people into clans, tribes or families, under separate chiefs, constituted the most remarkable circumstance in their political condition, which ultimately resulted in many of their peculiar sentiments, customs and institutions. For the most part the monarchs of Scotland had left the people alone, and, therefore, had but little to do in the working out of their destiny. THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND. 19 Under little or no restraint from the State, the patriarchal form of government became universal. It is a singular fact that although Ergli.sh ships had navi gated the known seas and transplanted colonies, yet the High landers were but little known in London, even as late as the be ginning of the eighteenth century. To the people of England it would have been a matter of surprise to learn that in the north of Great Britain, and at a distance of less than five hundred miles from their metropolis, there were many miniature courts, in each of which there was a hereditary ruler, attended by guards, armor- bearers, musicians, an orator, a poet, and who kept a rude state, dispensed justice, exacted tribute, waged war, and contracted treaties. The ruler of each clan was called a chief, who "was really the chief man of his family. Each clan was divided into branches who had chieftains over them. The members of the clan claimed consanguinity to the chief. The idea never entered into the mind of a Highlander that the chief was anything more than the head of the clan. The relation he sustained was subordinate to the will of the people. Sometimes his sway was unlimited, but nec essarily paternal. The tribesmen were strongly attached to the person of their chief. He stood in the light of a protector, who must defend them and right their wrongs. They rallied to his sup port, and in defense they had a contempt for danger. The sway of the chief was of such a nature as to cultivate an imperishable love of independence, which was probably strengthened by an exceptional hardiness of character. The chief generally resided among his clansmen, and his castle was the court where rewards were distributed and distinc tions conferred. All disputes were settled by his decision. They followed his standard in war, attended him in the chase, supplied his table and harvested the products of his fields. His nearest kinsmen became sub-chiefs, or chieftains, held their lands and properties from him, over which they exercised a subordinate jurisdiction. These became counsellors and assistants in all emergencies. One chief was distinguished from another by hav ing a greater number of attendants, and by the exercise of gen- 20 HIGH LA NDERS IN A ME RIC A . eral hospitality, kindness and condescension. At the castle every one was made welcome, and treated according to his station, with a degree of courtesy and regard for his feelings. This courtesy not only raised the clansman in his own estimation, but drew the ties closer that bound him to his chief. While the position of chief was hereditary, yet the heir was obliged in honor to give a specimen of his valor, before he was assumed or declared leader of his people. Usually he made an incursion upon some chief with whom his clan had a feud. He gathered around him a retinue of young men who were ambitious to signalize themselves. They were obliged to bring, by open force, the cattle they found in the land they attacked, or else die in the attempt. If successful the youthful chief was ever after reputed valiant and worthy of the government. This custom being reciprocally used among them, was not reputed robbery; for the damage which one tribe sustained would receive com pensation at the inauguration of its chief. Living in a climate, severe in winter, the people inured them selves to the frosts and snows, and cared not for the exposure to the severest storms or fiercest blasts. They were content to lie down, for a night's rest, among the heather on the hillside, in snow or rain, covered only by their plaid. It is related that the laird of Keppoch, chieftain of a branch of the MacDonalds, in a winter campaign against a neighboring clan, with whom he was at war, gave orders for a snow-ball to lay under his head in the night; whereupon, his followers objected, saying, "Now we de spair of victory, since our leader has become so effeminate he can't sleep without a pillow." The high sense of honor cultivated by the relationship sus tained to the chief was reflected by the most obscure inhabitant. Instances of theft from the dwelling houses seldom ever occurred, and highway robbery was never known. In the interior all prop erty was safe without the security of locks, bolts and bars. In summer time the corhmon receptacle for clothes, cheese, and everything that required air, was an open barn or shed. On ac count of wars, and raids from the neighboring clans, it was found necessary to protect the gates of castles. THE HIGHLANDERS OF SC0T/..1 ND. 21 The Highlanders were a brave and high-spirited people, and living under a turbulent monarchy, and having neighbors, iioi the most peaceable, a warlike character was citlicr developed or else sustained. Inured to poverty they acquired a hardihood which enabled them to sustain severe privations. In their school of life it was taught to consider courage an honorable virtue and cowar dice the most disgraceful failing. Loving their native glen, they were ever ready to defend it to the last extremity. Their own good name and devotion to the clan emulated and held them to deeds of daring. It was hazardous for a chief to engage in war without the consent of his people; nor could deception be practiced success fully. Lord Murray raised a thousand men on his father's and lord Lovat's estates, under the assurance that they were to serve king James, but in reality for the service of king William. This was discovered while Murray was in the act of reviewing them; immediately they broke ranks, ran to an adjoining brook, and, filling their bonnets with water, drank to king James' health, and then marched off with pipes playing to join Dundee. The clan was raised within an incredibly short time. When a sudden or important emergency demanded the clansmen the chief slew a goat, and making a cross of light wood, seared its extremities with fire, and extinguished them in the blood of the animal. This was called the Fiery Cross, or Cross of Shame, because disobedience to what the symbol implied inferred infamy. It was delivered to a swift trusty runner, who with the utmost speed carried it to the first hamlet and delivered it to the principal person with the word of rendezvous. The one receiving it sent it with the utmost despatch to the next village ; and thus with the utmost celerity it passed through all the district which owed al legiance to the chief, and if the danger was common, also among his neighbors and allies. Every man between the ages of sixteen and sixty, capable of bearing arms, must immediately repair to the place of rendezvous, in his best arms and accountrements. In extreme cases childhood and old age obeyed it. He who failed to appear suffered the penalties of fire and sword, which were emblematically denounced to the disobedient by the bloody and burnt marks upon this warlike signal. 22 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. In the camp, on the march, or in battle, the clan was com manded by the chief. If the chief was absent, then some respon sible chieftain of the clan took the lead. In both their slogan guided them, for every clan had its own war-cry. Before com mencing an attack the warriors generally took off their jackets and shoes. It was long remembered in Lochabar, that at the battle of Killiecrankie, Sir Ewen Cameron, at the head of his clan, just before engaging in the conflict, took from his feet, what was probably the only pair of shoes, among his tribesmen. Thus fteed from everything that might impede their movements, they advanced to the assault, on a double-quick, and when within a few yards of the enemy, would pour in a volley of musketry and then rush forward with claymore in hand, reserving the pistol and dirk for close action. When in close quarters the bayonets of the enemy were received on their targets ; thrusting them aside, they resorted to the pistol and dirk to complete the confusion made by the musket and claymore. In a close engagement they could not be withstood by regular troops. Another kind of warfare to which the Highlander was prone, is called Creach, or foray, but really the lifting of cattle. The Creach received the approbation of the clan, and was planned by some responsible individual. Their predatory raids were not made for the mere pleasure of plundering their neighbors. To them it was legitimate warfare, and generally in retaliation for recent injuries, or in revenge of former wrongs. They were strict in not offending those with whom they were in amity. They had high notions of the duty of observing faith to allies and hospital ity to guests. They were warriors receiving the lawful prize of war, and when driving the herds of the Lowland farmers up the pass which led to their native glen considered it just as legitimate as did the Raleighs and Drakes when they divided the spoils of Spanish galleons. They were not always the aggressors. Every evidence proves that they submitted to grievances before resort ing to arms. When retaliating it was with the knowledge that their own lands would be exposed to rapine. As an illustration of the view in which the Creach was held, the case of Donald Cameron may be taken, who was tried in 1752, for cattle stealing. THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND. 23 and executed at Kinloch Rannoch. .Xt his execution he dwelt with surprise and indignation on his fate. He had never coiuiiiit- ted murder, nor robbed man or house, nor taken anything but cattle, and only then when on the grass, from one with whom he was at feud ; why then should he be punished for doing that which was a common prey to all ? After a successful expedition the chief gave a great enter tainment, to which all the country around was invited. On such an occasion whole deer and beeves were roasted and laid on boards or hurdles of rods placed on the rough trunks of trees, so ar ranged as to form an extended table. During the feast spiritu ous liquors went round in plenteous libations. Meanwhile the pipers played, after which the women danced, and, when they re tired, the harpers were introduced. Great feasting accompanied a wedding, and also the burial of a great personage. At the burial of one of the Lords of the Isles, in lona, nine hundred cows were consumed. The true condition of a people may be known by the regard held for woman. The beauty of their women was extolled in song. Small eye-brows was considered as a mark of beauty, and names were bestowed upon the owners from this feature. No country in Europe held woman in so great esteem as in the High lands of Scotland. An unfaithful, unkind, or even careless hus band was looked upon as a monster. The parents gave dowers ac cording to their means, consisting of cattle, provisions, farm stocking, etc. Where the parents were unable to provide suf ficiently, then it was customary for a newly-married couple to collect from their neighbors enough to serve the first year. The marriage vow was sacredly kept. Whoever violated it, whether male or female, which seldom ever occurred, was made to stand in a barrel of cold water at the church door, after which the delinquent, clad in a wet canvas shirt, was made to stand be fore the congregation, and at the close of service, the minister explained the nature of the offense, A separation of a married couple among the common people was almost unknown. How ever disagreeable the wife might be, the husband rarely con templated putting her away. Being his wife, he bore with her 24 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. failings ; as the mother of his children he continued to support her ; a separation would have entailed reproach upon his posterity. Young married women never wore any close head-dress. The hair, with a slight ornament was tied with ribbons ; but if she lost her virtue then she was obliged to wear a cap, and never ap pear again with her head uncovered. Honesty and fidelity were sacredly inculcated, and held to be virtues which all should be careful to practice. Honesty and fair dealing were enforced by custom, which had a more powerful influence, in their mutual transactions, than the legal 'enactments of later periods. Insolvency was considered disgraceful, and prima facie a crime. Bankrupts surrendered their all, and then clad in a party colored clouted garment, with hose of different sets, had their hips dashed against a stone in presence of the peo ple, by four men, each seizing an arm or a leg. Instances of faithfulness and attachment are innumerable. The one most frequently referred to occurred during the battle of Inverkeithing, between the Royalists and the troops of Cromwell, during which seven hundred and fifty of the Mac Leans, led by their chief. Sir Hector, fell upon the field. In the heat of the conflict, eight brothers of the clan sacrificed their lives in defense of their chief. Being hard pressed by the enemy, and stoutly refusing to change his position, he was supported and covered by these in trepid brothers. As each brother fell another rushed forward, covering his chief with his body, crying Fear eil airson Eachainn (Another for Hector). This phrase has continued ever since as a proverb or watch-word when a man encounters any sudden danger that requires instant succor. The Highlands of Scotland is the only country of Europe that has never been distracted by religious controversy, or suf fered from religious persecution. This possibly may have been due to their patriarchal form of government. The principles of the Christian religion were warmly accepted by the people, and cherished with a strong feeling. In their religious convictions they were peaceable and unobtrusive, never arming themselves with Scriptural texts in order to carry on offensive operations. Never being perplexed by doubt, they desired no one to corrob- THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND. 2C orate their faith, and no inducement could persuade them to strut about in the garb of piety in order to attract respect. The rever ence for the Creator was in the heart, rather than upon the lips. In that land papists and protestants lived together in charity and brotherhood, earnest and devoted in their churches, and in con tact with the world, humane and charitable. The pulpit admin istrations were clear and simple, and blended with an impressive and captivating spirit. All ranks were influenced by the belief that cruelty, oppression, or other misconduct, descended to the children, even to the third and fourth generations. To a certain extent tlie religion of the Highlander was blend ed with a belief in ghosts, dreams and visions. The superstitions of the Gael were distinctly marked, and entirely too important to be overlooked. These beliefs may have been largely due to an uncultivated imagination and the narrow sphere in which he moved. His tales were adorned with the miraculous and his poetry contained as many shadowy as substantial personages. In numerable were the stories of fairies,kelpies, urisks, witches and prophets or seers. Over him watched the Daoine Shi', or men of peace. In the glens and corries were heard the eerie sounds dur ing the watches of the night. Strange emotions were aroused in the hearts of those who heard the raging of the tempest, the roar ing of the swollen rivers and dashing of the water-fall, the thun der peals echoing from crag to crag, and the lightning rending rocks and shivering to pieces the trees. When a reasonable cause could not be assigned for a calamity it was ascribed to the opera tions of evil spirits. The evil one had power to make compacts, but against these was the virtue of the charmed circle. One of the most dangerous and malignant of beings was the Water-kelpie, which allured women and children into its element, where they were drowned, and then became its prey. , It could skim along thc surface of the water, and browse by its side, or even suddenly swell a river or loch, which it inhabited, until an unwary traveller might be engulfed. The Urisks were half-men, half-spirits, who, by kind treatment, could be induced to do a good turn, even to the drudgeries of a farm. Although scattered over the whole Highlands, they assembled in the celebrated cave — Coire-nan- Uriskin — situated near the base of Ben Venue, in Aberfoyle. 26 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. "By many a bard, in Celtic tongue. Has Coir-nan-Uriskin been sung: A softer name the Saxons gave, And call'd the grot the Goblin-cave, Gray Superstition's whisper dread Debarr'd the spot to vulgar tread ; For there, she said, did fays resort, And satyrs hold their sylvan court." — Lady of the Lake. The Daoine Shi' were believed to be a peevish, rppining race of beings, who, possessing but a scant portion of happiness, envied mankind their more complete and substantial enjoyments. They had a sort of a shadowy happiness, a tinsel grandeur, in their subterranean abodes. Many persons had been entertained in their secret retreats, where they were received into the most splendid apartments, and regaled with sumptuous banquets and delicious wines. Should a mortal, however, partake of their dainties, then he was forever doomed to the condition of shi'ick, or Man of THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND. 27 Peace. These banquets and all the paraphernalia of their homes were but deceptions. They dressed in green, and took offense at any mortal who ventured to assume their favorite color. Hence, in some parts of Scotland, green was held to be unlucky to certain tribes and counties. The men of Caithness alleged that their bands that wore this color were cut off at the battle of Flod- den ; and for this reason they avoided the crossing of the Ord on a Monday, that being the day of the week on which the ill-omened array set forth. This color was disliked by both those of the name of Ogilvy and Graham. The greatest precautions had to be taken against the Daoine Shi' in order to prevent them from spiriting away mothers and their newly-born children. Witches and prophets or seers, were frequently consulted, especially before going into battle. The warnings were not always received with attention. Indeed, as a rule, the chiefs were seldom deterred from their purpose by the warnings of the oracles they consulted. It has been advocated that the superstitions of the Highland ers, on the whole, were elevating and ennobling, which plea can not well be sustained. It is admitted that in some of these supersti tions there were lessons taught which warned against dishonor able acts, and impressed what to them were attached disgrace both to themselves and also to their kindred ; and that oppression, treachery, or any other wickedness would be punished alike in their own persons and in those of their descendants. Still, on the other hand, it must not be forgotten that the doctrines of rewards and punishments had for generations been taught them from the pulpit. How far these teachings had been interwoven with their superstitions would be an impossible problem to solve. The Highlanders were poetical. Their poets, or bards, were legion, and possessed a marked influence over the imaginations of the people. They excited the Gael to deeds of valor. Their compositions were all set to music, — many of them composing the airs to which their verses were adapted. Every chief had his bard. The aged minstrel was in attendance on all important occasions: at birth, marriage and death; at succession, victory, and defeat. He stimulated the warriors in battle by chanting the glorious deeds of their ancestors ; exhorted them to emulate those 28 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. distinguished examples, and, if possible, shed a still greater lustre on the warlike reputation of the clan. These addresses were de livered with great vehemence of manner, and never failed to raise the feelings of the listeners to the highest pitch of enthusi asm. When the voice of the bard was lost in the din of battle then the piper raised the inspiring sound of the pibroch. When the conflict was over the bard and the piper were again called into service — the former to honor the memory of those who had fallen, to celebrate the actions of the survivors, and excite them to further deeds of valor. The piper played the mournful Coro nach for the slain, and by his notes reminded the survivors how honorable was the conduct of the dead. The bards were the senachies or historians of the clans, and were recognized as a very important factor in society. They rep resented the literature of their times. In the absence of books they constituted the library and learning of the tribe. They were the living chronicles of past events, and the depositories of popu lar poetry. Tales and old poems were known to special, reciters. When collected around their evening fires, a favorite pastime was a recital of traditional tales and poetry. The most acceptable guest was the one who could rehearse the longest poem or most interesting tale. Living in the land of Ossian, it was natural to ask a stranger, "Can you speak of the days of Fingal?" If the answer was in the affirmative, then the neighbors were summoned, and poems and old tales would be the order until the hour of mid night. The reciter threw into the recitation all the powers of his soul and gave vent to the sentiment. Both sexes always par ticipated in these meetings. The poetry was not always of the same cast. It varied as greatly as were the moods of the composer. The sublimity of Ossian had its opposite in the biting sarcasm and trenchant ridi cule of some of the minor poets. Martin, who travelled in the Western Isles, about 1695, re marks : "They are a very sagacious people, quick of apprehension, and even the vulgar exceed all those of their rank and education I ever yet saw in any other country. They have a great genius for music and mechanics. I have observed several of their chil dren that before they could speak were capable to distinguish THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND. 2» and make choice of one tune before another upon a violin ; for they appeared always uneasy until the tune which they fancied best was played, and then they exprcsseil ihcir .satisf.-iction by the motions of their head and hands. There arc several of them who invent tunes already taking in the South of Scotland and elsewhere. Some musicians have endeavored to pass for first in ventors of them by changing their name, but this has been im practicable; for whatever language gives' the modern name, the tune still continues to speak its true original. * * *. Some of both sexes have a quick vein of poetry, and in their language — which is very emphatic — tliey compose rhyme and verse, both which powerfully affect the fancy. And in my judgment (which is not singular in this matter) with as great force as that of any ancient or modern poet I ever read. They have generally very retentive memories; they see things at a great distance. The unhappiness of their education, and their want of converse with foreign nations, deprives them of the opportunity to cultivate and beautify their genius, which seems to have been formed by nature for great attainments." * The piper was an important factor in Highland society. From the earliest period the Highlanders were fond of music and danc ing, and the notes of the bagpipe moved them as no other instru ment could. The piper performed his duty in peace as well as in war. At harvest homes, Hallowe'en christenings, weddings, and evenings spent in dancing, he was the hero for the occasion. The people took delight in the high-toned warlike notes to which they danced, and were charmed with the solemn and melancholy airs which filled up the pauses. Withal the piper was a humorous fellow and was full of stories. The harp was a very ancient musical instrument, and was called clarsach. It had thirty strings, with the peculiarity that the front arm was not perpendicular to the sounding board, but turned considerably towards the left, to afford a greater opening for the voice of the performer, and this construction showed that the accompaniment of the voice was a chief province of the harper. Some harps had but four strings. Great pains were taken to decorate the instrument. One of the last harpers was Roderick Morrison, usually called Rory Dall, He served the chief of Mac Leod. He flourished about 1650. Referring again to Gaelic music it may be stated that its air * "Description of the Western Islands," pp. 199, 200. 30 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. can easily be detected. It is quaint and pathetic, moving one with intervals singular in their irregularity. When compared with the common airs among the English, the two are found to be quite distinct. The airs to which "Scots wha hae," "Auld Lang- syne," "Roy's Wife," "O a' the Airts," and "Ye Banks and Braes" are written, are such that nothing similar can be found in Eng land. They are Scottish. Airs of precisely the same character are, however, found among all Keltic races. No portraiture of a Highlander would be complete without a description of his garb. His costume was as picturesque as his native hills. It was well adapted to his mode of life. By its lightness and freedom he was enabled to use his limbs and handle his arms with ease and dexterity. He moved with great swiftness. Every clan had a plaid of its own, differing in the combination of its colors from all others. Thus a Cameron, a Mac Donald, a Mac Kenzie, etc., was known by his plaid ; and in like manner the Athole, Glenorchy, and other colors of different districts were easily discernible. Besides those of tribal desig nations, "industrious housewives had patterns, distinguished by the set, superior quality, and fineness of the cloth, or brightness and variety of the colors. The removal of tenants rarely occurred, and consequently, it was easy to preserve and perpetuate any par ticular set, or pattern, even among the lower orders. The plaid was made of fine wool, with much ingenuity in sorting the colors. In order to give exact patterns the women had before them a piece of wood with every thread of the stripe upon it. Until quite re cently it was believed that the plaid, philibeg and bonnet formed the ancient garb. The philibeg or kilt, as distinct from the plaid, in all probability, is comparatively modern. The truis, consisting of breeches and stockings, is one piece and made to fit closely to the limbs, was an old costume. The belted plaid was a piece of tartan two yards in breadth, and four in length. It surrounded the waist in great folds, being firmly bound round the loins with a leathern belt, and in such manner that the lower side fell down to the middle of the knee joint. The upper part was fastened to the left shoulder with a large brooch or pin, leaving the right arm uncovered and at full liberty. In wet weather the plaid was THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND. 31 thrown loose, covering both shoulders and body. When the use of both arms was required, it was fastened across the breast by a large bodkin or circular brooch. The sporan, a large purse of goat or badger's skin, usually ornamented, was hung before. The bonnet completed the garb. The garters were broad and of rich colors, forming a close texture which was not liable to wrinkle. The kilted-plaid was generally double, and when let down enveloped the whole person, tlius forming a shelter from the storm. Shoes and stockings are of comparatively recent times. In lieu of the shoe untanned leather was tied with thongs around the feet. Burt, writing about the year 1727, when some innova tions had been made, sa}s : "The Highland dress consists of a bonnet made of thrum without a brim, a short coat, a waistcoat longer by five or six inches, short stockings, and brogues or pumps without heels * * * Few besides gentlemen wear the truis, that is, the breeches and stockings all of one piece and drawn on to gether ; over this habit they wear a plaid, which is usually three yards long and two breadths wide, and the whole garb is made of checkered tartan or plaiding; this with the sword and pistol, is called a full dress, and to a well proportioned man with any tol erable air, it makes an agreeable figure."* The plaid was the undress of the ladies, and to a woman who adjusted it with an important air, it proved to be a becoming veil. It was made of silk or fine worsted, checkered with various lively colors, two brea counties, and even along the great valley west of the Hliie i^id^^e. It was not, however, until the year 1738 that they entered the valley in great numbers, and almost completely possessed it from the Pennsylvania to the North Carolina line. During the French and Indian wars the soldiers of \irginia were mainly 'drawn from this section, and suffered defeat with Washington at the Great Meadows, and with Braddock at Fort Duquesne, but by their firmness saved the remnant of that rash general's army. In 1774 they won the signal victory at Point Pleasant which struck terror into the Indian tribes across the Ohio. The American Revolution was foreshadowed in 1765, when England began her oppressive measures regardless of the inalienable and chartered rights of the colonists pf America. It was then the youthful Scotch-Irishman, Patrick Henry, in troduced into the \'irginia House of Burgesses, the resolutions denying the validity of the Act of the British parliament, and by Scotch-Irish votes he secured their adoption against the com bined efforts of the old leaders. At the first call for troops by congress to defend Boston, Daniel Morgan at once raised a company from among his own people, in the lower Virginia valley, and by a forced march of six hundred miles reached the beleagured city in three weeks. With his men he trudged through the wilderness of Maine and appeared before Quebec; and later, on the heights of Saratoga, with his riflemen, he poured like a torrent upon the ranks of Burgogne. Through the foresight of Henry, a commission was given to George Rogers Clark, in 1778, to lead a secret expedition against the north western forts. The soldiers were recruited from among the Scotch-Irish settlements west of the Blue Ridge, The untold hardships, sufferings and final success of this expedition, at the Treaty of Peace, in 1783, gave the great west to the United States. The greater number of the colonists of North Carolina was Scotch and Scotch-Irish, in so much so as to have given direc tion to its history. There were several reasons why they should be so attracted, the most potent being a mild climate, fertile lands. 54 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. and freedom of religious worship. The greatest accession at any one time was that in 1736, when Henry McCulloch secured sixty-four thousand acres in Duplin county, and settled upon these lands four thousand of his Ulster countrymen. About the same time the Scotch began to occupy the lower Cape Fear. Prior to 1750 they were located in the counties of Granville, Orange, Rowan and Mecklenburg, although it is uncertain when they settled between the Dan and the Catawba. Braddock's de feat, in 1755, rendered border life dangerous, many of the new comers turning south into North Carolina, where they met the other stream of their countrymen moving upward from Charles ton along the banks of the Santee, Wateree, Broad, Pacolet, En- noree and Saluda, and this continued till checked by the Revolu tion. These people generally were industrious, sober and in telligent, and with their advent begins the educational history of the state. Near Greensborough, in 1767, was established a classical school, and in 1770, in the town of Charlotte, Mecklen burg county, was chartered Queen's College, but its charter was repealed by George III. However, it continued to flourish, and was incorporated as "Liberty Hall," jn 1777. The Revolution closed its doors; Cornwallis quartered his troops within it, and afterwards burned the buildings. Under wrongs the Scotch-Irish of North Carolina were the most restless of all the colonists. They were zealous advocates for freedom of conscience and security against taxation unless imposed by themselves. During the administration of acting Governor Miller, they imprisoned the president and six members of the council, convened the legislature, established courts of jus tice, and for two years exercised all the functions of government ; they derided the authority of Governor Eastchurch; they impris oned, impeached, and sent into exile Governor Sothel, for his ex tortions, and successfully resisted the effort of lord Granville to establish the Church of England in that colony. In 1731, Gover nor Burrington wrote: "The people of North Carolina are neither to be cajoled or outwitted; * * * always behaved insolently to their Governors. Some they imprisoned, others they have drove out of the country, and at other times set up a govern- THE SCOTCH-IRISH IN AMERICA. 66 ment of their own choice." In 1765, when a vessel laden with stamp paper arrived, the people over-awed the captain, who soon sailed away. The officers then adopted a regular system of oppression and extortion, and plundered the people at every turn of life. The people formed tliemselves into an association "for regulating public grievances and abuse of powers," The royal governor, Tryon (the same who later originated the infamous plot ViKw OF Battle Field ok Alamance, to poison Washington), raised an army of eleven hundred men, and marched to inflict summary punishment on the defiant sons of liberty. On May 16, 1771, the two forces met on the banks of the Great Alamance. After an engagement of two hours the patriots failed. These men were sturdy, patriotic members of three Presbyterian churches. On the field of battle were their 56 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. pastors, graduates of Princeton. Tryon used his victory so savagely as to drive an increasing stream of settlers over the mountains into Tennessee, where they made their homes in the valley of the Watauga, and there nurtured their wrongs ; but the day of their vengeance was rapidly approaching. The stirring times of 1775 found the North Carolinians ready for revolt. They knew from tradition and experience the mons trous wrongs of tyrants. When the people of Mecklenburg county learned in May, 1775, that parliament had declared the colonies in a state of revolt, they did not wait for the action of congress nor for that of their own provincial legislature, but adopted resolutions,'* which in effect formed a declaration of in dependence. The power, valor and uncompromisng conduct of these men is illustrated in their conduct at the battle of King's Mountain, fought October 7, 1780. It was totally unlike any other in Ameri can history, being the voluntary uprising of the people, rushing to arms to aid their distant kinsmen, when their own homes were menaced by savages. They served without pay and without the hope of reward. The defeat of Gates at Camden laid the whole of North Carolina at the feet of the British. Flushed with suc cess. Colonel Furgiison, of the 71st Regiment, at the head of eleven hundred men marched into North Carolina and took up his position at Gilbert Town, in order to intercept those retreating in that direction from Camden, and to crush out the spirit of the patriots in that region. Without any concert of action volun teers assembled simultaneously, and placed themselves under tried leaders. They were admirably fitted by their daily pursuits for the privations they were called upon to endure. They had no tents, baggage, bread or salt, but subsisted on potatoes, pump kins and roasted corn, and such venison as their own rifles could procure. Their army consisted of four hundred men, under Colo nel William Campbell, from Washington county, Virginia, two hundred and forty were under Colonel Isaac Shelby, from Sulli van county. North Carolina, and two hundred and forty men, from Washington county, same state, under John Sevier, which as sembled at Watauga, September 25, where they were joined by THE SCOTCH-IRISH IN AMERICA. hi Colonel Charles McDowell, with one hundred aiui sixty men, from the counties of Burke and Rutherford, who had fled before the enemy to the western waters. While McDowell, Slielhy and Sevier were in consultation, two paroled prisoners arrived from Furguson with the message that if they did not "take protection under his standard, he would march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay waste their country with fire and sword." On their march to meet the army of Furguson they were for twenty-four hours in the saddle. They took that officer by surprise, killed him and one hundred and eighty of his men, after an engagement of one hour and five minutes, the greater part of which time a heavj' and incessant fire was kept up on both sides, with a loss to themselves of only twenty killed and a few wounded. The remaining force of the enemy surrendered at discretion, giving up their camp equipage and fifteen hundred stand of arms. On the morning after the battle several of the Royalist (Tory) prisoners were found guilty of murder and other high crimes, and hanged. This was the closing scene of the battle of King's Mountain, an event which completely crushed the spirit of the Royalists, and weakened beyond recovery the power of the British in the Carolinas. The intelligence of Furguson's defeat destroyed all Cornwallis's hopes of aid from those who still remained loyal to Britain's interests. The men oppressed by British laws and Tryon's cruelty were not yet avenged, for they were with Morgan at the Cowpens and with Greene at Guildford Court House, and until the close of the war. In the settling of South Carolina, every ship that sailed from Ireland for the port of Charleston, was crowded with men, wo men and children, which was especially true after the peace of 1763. About the same date, within one ye?ir, a thousand families came into the state in that wave that originated in Pennsylvania, bringing with them their cattle, horses and hogs. Lands were alloted to them in the western woods, which soon became the most popular part of the province, the up-country population being overwhelmingly Scotch-Irish. They brought with them and re tained, in an emiment degree, the virtues of industry and economy, so peculiarly necessary in a new country. To them the state is in- 68 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. debted for much of its early literature. The settlers in the wes tern part of the colony, long without the aid of laws, were forced to band themselves together for mutual protection. The royal governor, Montague, in 1764, sent an army against them, and with great difficulty a civil war was averted. The division thus created reappeared in 1775, on the breaking out of the Revolution. The state suffered greatly from the ravages of Cornwallis, who rode roughly over it, although her sons toiled heroically in de fence of their firesides. The little bands in the east gathered around the standard of Marion, and in the north and west around those of Sumter and Pickens, They kept alive the flame of liberty in the swamps, and when the country appeared to be sub dued, it burst forth in electric flashes striking and withering the hand of the oppressor. Through the veins of most of the patri ots flowed Scotch-Irish blood; and to the hands of one of this class, John Rutledge, the destinies of the state were committed. Georgia was sparsely settled at the time of the Revolution. In 1753 its population was less than twenty-four hundred. Emi gration from the Carolinas set in towards North Georgia, bring ing many Scotch-Irish families. The movement towards the mountain and Piedmont regions of the southeast began about 1773. In that year. Governor Wright purchased from the In dians that portion of middle Georgia lying between the Oconee and the Savannah. The inducements he then offered proved very attractive to the enterprising sons of Virginia and the Caro linas, who lived in the highlands of those states. These people who settled in Georgia have thus been described by Governor Gilmer : "The pretty girls were dressed in striped and checked cotton cloth, spun and woven with their own hands, and their sweethearts in sumach and walnut-dyed stuff, made by their mothers. Courting was done when riding to meeting on Sunday, and walking to the spring when there. Newly married couples went to see the old folks on Saturday, and carried home on Sun day evening what they could spare. There was no ennui among the women for something to do. If there had been leisure to read, there were but few books for the indulgence. Hollow trees sup plied cradles for babies." A majority of the first settlers of East Tennessee were of THE SCOTCH-IRISH IN AMERICA. 69 Scbtch-Irish blood, having sought homes there after the battle of Alamance, and hence that state became the daughter of North Carolina. The first written constitution born of a convention of people on this continent, was that at Watauga, in 1772. A settle ment of less than a dozen families was formed in 1778, near Bled soe, isolated in the heart of the Chickasaw nation, with no other protection than a small stockade enclosure and their own in domitable courage. In the early spring of 1779, a little colony of gallant adventurers, from the parent line of Watauga, crossed the Cumberland mountain, and established themselves near the French Lick, and planted a field of corn where the city of Nash ville now stands. The settlement on the Cumberland was made in 1780, after great privations and sufferings on the journey. The settlers at the various stations were so harrassed by the Indians, incited thereto by British and Spanish agents, that all were aban doned except Elatons and the Bluffs (Nashville). These people were compelled to go in armed squads to the springs, and plowed while guarded by armed sentinels. The Indians, by a well planned stratagem, attempted to enter the Bluffs, on April 22d, 1781. The men in the fort were drawn into an ambush by a decoy party. When they dismounted to give battle, their horses dashed off toward the fort, and they were pursued by some In dians, which left a gap in their lines, through which some whites were escaping to the fort; but these were intercepted by a large body of the enemy from another ambush. The heroic women in the fort, headed by Mrs. James Robertson, seized the axes and idle guns, and planted themselves in the gate, determined to die rather than give up the fort. Just in time she ordered the sentry to turn loose a pack of dogs which had been selected for their size and courage to encounter bears and panthers. Frantic to join the fray, they dashed off, outyelling the savages, who recoiled before the fury of their onset, thus giving the mpn time to escape to the fort. So overjoyed was Mrs. Robertson that she patted every dog as he came into the fort. So thoroughly was Kentucky settled by the Scotch-Irish, from the older colonies, that it might be designated as of that race, the first emigrants being from Virginia and North Carolina. 60 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. It was first explored by Thomas Walker in 1747; followed by John Finley, of North Carolina, 1767; and in 1769, by Daniel Boone, John Stewart, and three others, who penetrated to the Kentucky river. By the vear 1773, lands were taken up and af terwards there was a steady stream, almost entirely from the valley and southwest Virginia. No border annals teem with more thrilling incidents or heroic exploits than those of the Kentucky hunters, whose very name finally struck terror into the heart of the strongest savage. The prediction of the Cherokee chief to Boone at the treaty at Watauga, ceding the territory to Henderson and his associates, was fully verified: "Brother," said he, "we have given you a fine land, but I believe you will have much trouble in settling it." The history of the Scotch-Irish race in Canada, prior to the peace of 1783, is largely that of individuals. It has already been noted that two settlements had been made in Nova Scotia by the emigrants that landed from the five ships in Boston harbor. It is recorded that Truro, Nova Scotia, was settled in 1762, and in 1756 three brothers from Ireland settled in Colchester, same province. If the questions were thoroughly investigated it doubt less would lead to interesting results. It must not be lost sight of that one of the important indus trial arts brought to America was of untold benefit. Not only did every colony bring with them agricultural implements needful for the culture of flax, but also the small wheels and the loom for spinning and weaving the fibre. Nothing so much excited the interest of Puritan Boston, in 1718, as the small wheels worked by women and propelled by the foot, for turning the straight flax fibre into thread. ¦ Public exhibitions of skill in 1719 took place on Boston common, by Scotch-Irish women, at which prizes were offered. The advent of the machine produced a sen sation, and societies and schools were formed to teach the art of making linen thread. The distinctive characteristics which the Scotch-Irish trans planted to the new world may be designated as follows: They were Presbyterians _in their religion and church government; they were loyal to the conceded authority to the king, but con- THE SCOTCH-IRISH IN AMERICA. 61 sidered him bound as well as themselves to "the Solemn Le.if^tie and Covenant," entered into in 1(143, which ple(lt;ed the support of the Reformation and of the liberties of the kingdom ; the right to choose their own ministers, untrammeled hy the civil powers ; they practiced strict discipline in morals, and gave instruction to their youth in schools and academics, and in teaching the Bible as illustrated by the Westminster .Vsseiiibly's catechism. To all this they combined in a remarkable degree, acuteness of intellect, firmness of purpose, and conscientious devotion to duty. CHAPTER III. THE CAUSES THAT LED TO EMIGRATION. The social system of the Highlanders that bound the mem bers of the clan together was conducive to the pride of ancestry and the love of home. This pride was so directed as to lead to the most beneficial results on their character and conduct: form ing strong attachments, leading to the performance of laudable and heroic actions, and enabling the poorest to endure the severest hardships without a murmur, and never complaining of what they received to eat, or where they lodged, or of any other priva tion. Instead of complaining of the difference in station or for tune, or considering a ready obedience to the call of the chief as a slavish oppression, they felt convinced that they were support ing their own honor in showing their gratitude and duty to the generous head of the family. In them it was a singular and char acteristic feature to contemplate with early familiarity the pros pect of death, which was considered as merely a passage from this to another state of existence, enlivened by the assured hope that they should meet their friends and kindred in a fairer and brighter world than this. This statement may be perceived in the anxious care with which they provided the necessary articles for a proper and becoming funeral. Even the poorest and most destitute endeavored to save something for this last solemnity. It was considered to be a sad calamity to be consigned to the grave among strangers, without the attendance and sympathy of friends, and at a distance from the family. If a relative died away from home, the greatest exertions were made to carry the body back for interment among the ashes of the forefathers. A people so nurtured could only contemplate with despair the idea of being forced from the land of their nativity, or emigrating from that beloved country, hallowed by the remains of their kindred. THE CA USES THA T LED TO EMIGRA TION. 63 The Highlander, by nature, was opposed to emigration. All his instincts, as well as training, led him to view with delight the permanency of home and the constant companionship of those to whom he was related by ties of consanguinity. Neither was he a creature of conquest, and looked not with a covetous eye upon the lands of other nations. He would do battle in a foreign land, but the Highlands of Scotland was his abiding place. If he left his native glen in order to become a resident elsewhere, there must have been a special or overpowering reason. He never emi grated through choice. Unfortunately the simplicity of his na ture, his confiding trust, and love of chief and country, were doomed to receive such a jolt as would shake the very fibres of his being, and that from those to whom he looked for support and protection. Reference here is not made to evictions awful crimes that commenced in 1784, but to the change, desolation and misery growing out of the calamity at Culloden. Notwithstanding the peculiar characteristics of the High lander, there would of necessity arise certain circumstances which would lead some, and even many, to change their habitation. From the days of the Crusader downwards he was more or less active in foreign wars ; and coming in contact with different na tionalities his mind would broaden and his sentiment change, so that other lands and other people would be viewed in a more favorable light. While this would not become general, yet it would follow in many instances. Intercourse with another peo ple, racially and linguistically related, would have a tendency to invite a closer affiliation. Hence, the inhabitants of the West ern Isles had almost constant communication, sometimes at war, it is true, but generally in terms of amity, with the natives of North Ireland. It is not surprising then that as early as 1584, Sorley Buy MacDonald should lead a thousand Highlanders, called Rtdshanks, of the clans or families of the MacDonalds, Campbells, and Magalanes, into Ulster, and in time intermarry with the Irish, and finally become the most formidable enemies of England in her designs of settling that country. Some of the leading men were forced to flee on account of being attainted for treason, having fought under Dundee in 1689, or under Mar in 64 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. 1715, and after Culloden in 1745 quite a hegira took place, rnany of whom found service in the army of France. Individuals, seek ing employment, found their way into England before 1724. Although there was a strong movement for England from the Lowlands, yet many were from the Highlands, to whom was partly due the old proverb, "There never came a fool from Scot land." These emigrants, from the Highlands, were principally those having trades, who sought to better their condition. Seven hundred prisoners. taken at Preston were sold as slaves to some West Indian merchants, which was a cruel proceeding, when it is considered that the greater part of these men were High landers, who had joined the army in obedience to the commands of their chiefs. Wholly unfitted for such labor as would be re quired in the West Indies and unacclimated, their fate may be read ily assumed. But this was no more heartless than the execution in Lancashire of twenty-two of their companions. The specifications above enumerated have no bearing on the emigration which took place on a large scale, the consequences of which, at the time, arrested the attention of the nation. The causes now to be enumerated grew out of the change of policy following the battle of Culloden. The atrocities following that battle were both for vengeance and to break the military spirit of the Highlanders. The legislative enactments broke the nobler spirit of the people. The rights and welfare of the people at large were totally ignored, and no provisions made for their future welfare. The country was left in a state of commotion and con fusion resulting from the changes consequent to the overthrow of the old system, the breaking up of old relationship, and the gradual encroachment of Lowland civilization, and methods of ag riculture. While these changes at first were neither great nor ex tensive, yet they were sufficient to keep the country in a ferment or uproar. The change was largely in the manner of an experi ment in order to find out the most profitable way of adaptation to the new regime. These experiments resulted in the unsettling of old manners, customs, and ideas,, which caused discontent and misery among the people. The actual change was slow ; the innovations, as a rule, began in those districts bordering on the Lowlands, and thence proceeded in a northwesterly direction. THE CA USES THA T LED TO EMIGRA TION. a, iiHlcr In all probability the first slicKk fell by the olaiusincii, tit the new order of things, was the abolishiiij; the aiuieiit el.iii sys tem, and the reduction of the chiefs to the condition of landlords. For awhile the people tailed to realize this new order of affairs, for the gentlemen and common people still continuetl to regard their chief in the same light as formerly, not questioning but their obedience to the head of their clan was independent of legislative enactment. They were still ready to make any sacrifice for his sake, and felt it to be their duty to do what they could for his support. They still believed that the chief's duty to his people remained unaltered, and he was bound to see that they did not want, and to succor them in distress. The first effects in the change in tribal relations were felt on those estates that had been forfeited on account of the chiefs and gentlemen having been compelled to leave the country in order to save their lives. These estates were entrusted to the management of commissioners who rudely applied their powers under the new arrangement of affairs. When the chiefs, now re duced to the position of lairds, began to realize their condi tion, and the advantage of making their lands yield them as large an income as possible, followed the example of demanding a rent. A rental value had never been exacted before, for it was the uni versal belief that the land belonged to the clan in common. Some of the older chiefs, then living, held to the same opinion, and among such, a change was not perceptible until a new landlord came into possession. The gentlemen of the clan and the tacks men, or large farmers, firmly believed that they had as much right to a share of the lands as the chief himself. In the beginning' the rent was not high nor more than the lands woukl bear; but it was resented by the tacksmen, deeming it a wanton injury in flicted in the house of their dearest friend. They were hurt at the idea that the chief, — the father of his people — should be con trolled by such a mercenary idea, and to exercise that power which gave him the authority to lease the lands to the highest bidder. This policy, which they deemed selfish and unjust, naturally cut them to the quick. They and their ancestors had occupied their farms for many generations ; their birth was as good and 66 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. their genealogy as old as that of the chief himself, to whom they were all blood relations, and whose loyalty was unshaken. True, they had no written document, no "paltry sheep-skin," as they called it, to prove the right to theif farms, but such had never been the custom, and these parchments quite a modern innovation, and, in former times, before a chief would have tried to wrest from them that which had been given by a former chief to^ their fathers, would have bitten out his tongue before he would have asked a bond. There can be no doubt that originally when a chief bestowed a share of his property upon his son or other near relation, he intended that the latter should keep it for himself and his descendants. To these tacksmen it was injury enough that an alien government should interfere in their ' domestic re lations, but for the chief to turn against them was a wound which no balm could heal. Before they would submit to these exactions, they would first give up their holdings ; which many of them did and emigrated to America, taking with them servants and sub tenants, and enticing still others to follow them by the glowing accounts which they sent home of their good fortune in the favored country far to the west. In some cases the farms thus vacated were let to other tacksmen, but in most instances the new system was introduced by letting the land directly to what was formerly sub-tenants, or those who had held the land immediately from the ousted tacksmen. There was a class of lairds who had tasted the sweets of southern luxuries and who vied with the more opulent, increased the rate of rent to such an extent as to deprive the tacksmen of their holdings. This caused an influx of lowland farmers, who with their improved methods could compete successfully against their less favored northern neighbors. The danger of southern luxuries had been foreseen and an attempt had been made to pro vide against it. As far back as the year 1744, in order to discour age such things, at a meeting of the chiefs of the Isle of Skye, Sir Alexander MacDonald of MacDonald, Norman Mac Leod of MacLeod, John MacKinnon of MacKinnon, and Mal colm MacLeod of Raasay, held in Portree, it was agreed to dis continue and discountenance the use of brandy, tobacco and tea. THE CAUSES THAT LED TO E.M IGR ATIOX 67 The placing of the land in the hands of aliens was deiilored in its results as may be seen from the following jiortraNal given by Buchanan in his "Travels in the Hebrides," referrinj:; to ahoiil 1780: — "At present they are obliged to be much more suhmissive to their tacksmen than ever they were in former times to their lairds or lords. There is a great difference between that mild treatment which is shown to sub-tenants and even seallags, by the old lessees, descended of ancient and honorable families, and the outrageous rapacity of those necessitous strangers who have ob tained leases from absent proprietors, who treat the natives as. if they were a conquered and inferior race of mortals. In short, they treat them like beasts of burden ; and in all respects like slaves attached to the soil, as they cannot obtain new habitations, on account of the combinations already mentioned, and are en tirely at the mercy of the laird or tacksman . Formerly, the per sonal service of the tenant did not usually exceed eight or ten da\s in the year. There lives at present at Scalpa, in the isle of Harris, a tacksman of a large district, who instead of six days' work paid by the sub-tenants to his predecessor in the lease, has raised the predial service, called in that and in other parts of Scotland, 7;/a«cr;'a/ bondage, to fifty-two days in the year at once ; besides many other services to be performed at different though regular and stated times ; as tanning leather for brogans, making heather ropes for thatch, digging and drying peats for fuel ; one pannier of peat charcoal to be carried to the smith ; so many days for gathering and shearing sheep and lambs ; for ferrying cattle from island to island, and other distant places, and several days for going on distant errands ; so many pounds of wool to be spun into yarn. .And over and above all this, they must lend their aid upon any unforseen occurrence whenever they are called on. The constant service of two months at once is performed at the proper season in making kelp. On the whole, this gentleman's sub-tenants may be computed to devote to his service full three days in the week. But this is not all : they have to pay besides yearly a certain number of cocks, hen, butter, and cheese, called Caorigh-Ferrin, the Wife's Portion, This, it must be owned, is one of the most severe and rigorous tacksmen descended from the old inhabitants, in all the Western Hebrides ; but the situation of his sub-tenants exhibits but too faithful a picture of the sub tenants of those places in general, and the exact counterpart of such enormous oppression is to be found at Luskintire."'" ?Keltic's "History of the Highland Clans," Vol, II, p. 35. 68 HIGHL A NDERS IN A M ERIC A . The dismissal of retainers kept by the chiefs during feudal times added to the discontent. For the protection of the clan it had been necessary to keep a retinue of trained warriors. These were no longer necessary, and under the changed state of affairs, an expense that could be illy afforded. This class found them selves without a vocation, and they would sow the seeds of dis content, if. they remained in the country. They must either enter the army or else go to another country in search of a vocation. Unquestionably the most potent of all causes for emigration was the introduction of sheep-farming. That the country was well adapted for sheep goes without disputation. Sheep had al ways been kept in the Highlands with the black cattle, but not in large numbers. The lowland lessees introduced sheep on a large scale, involving the junction of many small farms into one, each of which had been hitherto occupied by a number of tenants. This engrossing of farms and consequent depopulation was also a fruitful source of discontent and misery to those who had to va cate their homes and native glens. Many of those displaced by sheep and one or two Lowland shepherds, emigrated like the dis contented tacksmen to America, and those who remained looked with an ill-will and an evil eye on the intruders. Some of the more humane landlords invited the oppressed to remove to their estates, while others tried to prevent the ousted tenants from leav ing the country by setting apart some particular spot along the sea-shore, or else on waste land that had never been touched by the plow, on which they might build houses and have an acre or two for support. Those removed to the coast were encouraged to prosecute the fishing along with their agricultural labors. It was mainly by a number of such ousted Highlanders that the great and arduous undertaking was accomplished of bringinp into a state of cultivation Kincardine Moss, in Perthshire. At that time, 1767, the task to be undertaken was one of stupend ous magnitude; but was so successfully carried out that two thousand acres were reclaimed which for centuries had rested under seven feet of heath and vegetable matter. Similarly many other spots were brought into a state of cultivation. But this, and other pursuits then engaged in, did not occupy the time of all who had been despoiled of their homes. THE CA USES THA T LED TO EMIGRA TION. 60 The breaking up of old habits and customs and the forcible importation of those that are foreign must not only engender hate but also cause misery. It is the uniform testimony of all travellers, who visited the Highlands during the latter half of the eighteenth century, especially Pennant, Boswell, Johnson, Newte, and Buchanan, that the condition of the country was deplorable. Without quoting from all, let the following lengthy extract suf fice, which is from Buchanan: "Upon the whole, the situation of these people, inhabitants of Britain ! is such as no language can describe, nor fancy conceive. If, with great labor and fatigue, the farmer raises a slender crop of oats and barley, the autumnal rains often baffle his utmost ef forts, and frustrate all his expectations ; and instead of being able to pay an exorbitant rent, he sees his family in danger of perish ing during the ensuing winter, when he is precluded from any possibility of assistance elsewhere. Nor are his cattle in a better situation; in summer they pick up a scanty support amongst the morasses or heathy mountains ; but in winter, when the grounds are covered with snow, and when the naked wilds afford neither .shelter nor subsistence, the few cows, small, lean, and ready to drop down through want of pasture, are brought into the hut where the family resides, and frequently share with them the small stock of meal which had been purchased, or raised, for the family only ; while the cattle thus sustained, are bled occasionally, to afford nourishment for the children after it hath been boiled or made into cakes. The sheep being left upon the open heaths, seek to shelter themselves from the inclemency of the weather amongst the hollows upon the lee-side of the mountains, and here they are frequently buried under the snow for several weeks together, and in severe seasons durino- two months and upwards. They eat their own and each other's wool, and hold out wonder fully under cold and hunger; but even in moderate winters, a considerable number are generally found dead after the snow hath disappeared, and in rigorous seasons few or none are left alive. Meanwhile the steward, hard pressed by letters from Almack's or Newmarket, demands the rent in a tone which makes no great allowance for unpropitious seasons, the death of cattle, and other accidental misfortunes ; disguising the feelings of his own breast —his Honor's wants must at any rate be supplied, the bills must be duly negotiated. Such is the state of farming, if it may be so called, throughout the interior parts of the Highlands ; but as that country has an extensive coast, and many islands, it may be sup- 70 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. posed that the inhabitants of those shores enjoy all the benefits of their maritime situation. This, however, is not the case ; those gifts of nature, which in any other commercial kingdom would have been rendered subservient to the most valuable purposes, are in Scotland lost, or nearly so, to the poor natives and the public. The only difference, therefore, between the inhabitants of the interior parts and those of the more distant coasts, con- -sists in this, that the latter, with the labors of the field, have to encounter alternately the dangers of the ocean and all the fatigues of navigation. To the distressing circumstances at home, as stated above, new difficulties and toils await the devoted farmer when abroad. He leaves his family in October, accompanied by his sons, brothers, and frequently an aged parent, and embarks on board a small open boat, in quest of the herring fishery, with no other provisions than oatmeal, potatoes, and fresh water; no other bedding than heath, twigs, or straw, the covering, if any, an old sail. Thus provided, he searches from bay to bay, through turbulent seas, frequently for several weeks together, before the shoals of herring are discovered. The glad tidings serve to vary, but not to diminish his fatigues. Unremitting nightly labor (the time when the herrings are taken), pinching cold winds, heavy seas, uninhabited shores covered with snow, or deluged with rain, contribute towards filling up the measure of his distresses ; while to men of such exquisite feelings as the Highlandera generally possess, fhe scene which awaits him at home does it most effectu ally. Having disposed of his capture to the Busses, he returns in January through a long navigation, frequently amidst unceas ing hurricanes, not to a comfortable home and a cheerful family, but to a hut composed of turf, without windows, doors, or chim ney, environed with snow, and almost hid from the eye by its astonishing depth. Upon entering this solitary mansion, he gen erally finds a part of his family, sometimes the whole, lying upon heath or straw, languishing through want or epidemical disease ; while the few surviving cows, which possess the other end of the cottage, instead of furnishing further supplies of milk or blood, demand his immediate attention to keep them in existence. The season now approaches when he is again to delve and labor the ground, on the same slender prospect of a plentiful crop or a dry harvest. The cattle which have survived the famine of the win ter, are turned out to the mountains ; and, havinsT put his domestic affairs into the best situation which a train of accumulated misfor tunes admits of, he resumes the oar, either in quest of herring or the white fishery. If successful in the latter, he sets out in his open boat upon a voyage (taking the Hebrides and the opposite THE CA USES THA T LED TO EMIGRA TION. 71 coast at a medium distance) of two hundred miles, to vend his cargo of dried cod, ling, etc., at Greenock or (ilasgow. The product, which seldom exceeds twelve or fifteen pounds, is laid out, in conjunction with his companions, upon meal and fishing tackle ; and he returns through the same tedious navigation. The autumn calls his attention again to the field ; the usual round of disappointment, fatigue, and distress awaits him ; thus dragging through a wretched existence in the hope of soon arriving in that country where the weary shall be at rest." * The writer most pitiably laments that twenty thousand of these wretched people had to leave their homes and famine- struck condition, and the oppression of their lairds, for lands and houses of their own in a fairer and more fertile land, where independence and affluence were at their command. Nothing but misery and degradation at home; happiness, riches and advance ment beyond the ocean. Under such a system it would be no spe cial foresight to predict a famine, which came to pass in 1770 and again in 1782-3. \\'hatever may be the evils under the clan sys tem, and there certainly were such, none caused the oppression and misery which that devoted people have suffered since its abolishment. So far as contentment, happiness, and a wise re gard for interest, it would have been better for the masses had the old system continued. As a matter of fact, however, those who emigrated found a greater latitude and brighter prospects for their descendants. From what has been stated it will be noticed that it was a matter of necessity and not a spirit of adventure that drove the mass of Highlanders to America ; but those who came, neverthe less, were enterprising and anxious to carve out their own for tunes. Before starting on the long and perilous journey across the Atlantic they were first forced to break the mystic spell that bound them to their native hills and glens, that had a charm and an association bound by a sacred tie. A venerable divine of a Highland parish who had repeatedly witnessed the fond affection of his parishioners in taking their departure, narrated how they approached the sacred edifice, ever dear to them, by the most hallowed associations, and with tears in their eyes kissed its *Keltie's " History of the Highland Clans," Vol. II, p. 42. 72 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. very walls, how they made an emphatic pause in losing sight of the romantic scenes of their childhood, with its kirks and cots, and thousand memories, and as if taking a formal and lasting adieu, uncovered their heads and waived their bonnets three times to wards the scene, and then with heavy steps and aching hearts resumed their pilgrimage towards new scenes in distant climes. * "Farewell to the land of the mountain and wood. Farewell to the home of the brave and the good, My bark is afloat on the blue-rolling main. And I ne'er shall behold thee, dear Scotland again I Adieu to the scenes of my life's early morn. From the place of my birth I am cruelly torn ; The tyrant oppresses the land of the free ; And leaves but the name of my sires unto me. Oh ! home of my fathers, I bid thee adieu. For soon will thy hill-tops retreat from my view. With sad drooping heart I depart from thy shore. To behold thy fair valleys and mountains no more. 'Twas there that I woo'd thee, young Flora, my wife. When my bosom was warm in the morning of life. I courted thy love 'mong the heather so brown. And heaven did I bless when it made thee my own. The friends of my early years, where are they now? Each kind honest heart, and each brave manly brow ; Some sleep in the churchyard from tyranny free. And others are crossing the ocean with me. Lo ! now on the boundless Atlantic I stray, To a strange foreign realm I am wafted away, Before me as far as my vision can glance, I see but the wave rolling wat'ry expanse. So farewell my country and all that is dear. The hour is arrived and the bark is asteer, I go and forever, oh I Scotland adieu ! The land of my fathers no more I shall view."— Peter Crerar. *" Celtic Magazine," Vol. I, p. 143. THE CAUSES THAT LED TO EMIGRATION. 73 America was the one great inviting field that opened wide her doors to the oppressed of all nations. The Highlanders hast ened thither; first in small companies, or singly, and afterwards in sufficient numbers to form distinctive settlements. These be longed to the better class, bringing with them a certain amount of property, intelligent, persevering, religious, and in many in stances closely related to the chief. Who was the first High lander, and in what year he settled in America, has not been de termined. It is impossible to judge by the name, because it would not specially signify, for as has been noted, Highlanders had gone to the north of Ireland, and in the very first migrations of the Scotch-Irish, their descendants landed at Boston and Philadel phia. It is, however, positively known that individual members of the clans, born in the Highlands, and brought up under the jurisdiction of the chiefs, settled permanently in America before 1724. * The number of these must have been very small, for a greater migration would have attracted attention. In 1729, there arrived at the port of Philadelphia, five thousand six hundred and filfty-five Irish emigrants, and only two hundred and sixty-seven English, forty-three Scotch, and three hundred and forty-three Germans, Of the forty-three Scotch it would be impossible to ascertain how many of them were from the Highlands, because all people from Scotland were designated under the one word. But if the whole number were of the Gaelic race, and the ratio kept up it would be almost insignificant, if scattered from one end of the Colonies to the other. After the wave of emigration had finally set in then the numbers of small companies would rapidly increase and the ratio would be largely augmented, \ It is not to be presumed that the emigrants found the New World to be all their fancies had pictured. If they had left misery and oppression behind them, they were destined to encounter hardships and disappointments. A new country, however great may be its attractions, necessarily has its disadvantages. It takes time, patience, industry, perseverence and ingenuity to convert a wilderness into an abode of civilization. Innumerable obstacles *See Appendix, Note A, tSee Appendix, Note B. 74 HIGH LA NDERS IN A MERICA . must be overcome, which eventually give way before the indomit able will of man. Years of hard service must be rendered ere the comforts of home are obtained, the farm properly stocked, and the ways for traffic opened. After the first impressions of the emigrant are over, a longing desire for the old home engrosses his heart, and a self-censure for the step he has taken. Time ameliorates these difficulties, and the wisdom of the undertaking becomes more apparent, while contentment and prosperity rival all other claims. The Highlander in the land of the stranger, no longer an alien, grows stronger in his love for his new surround ings, and gradually becomes just as patriotic for the new as he was for the old country. All its civilization, endearments, and progress, become a part of his being. His memory, however, lingers over the scenes of his early youth, and in his dreams he once more abides in his native glens, and receives the blessings of his kind, tender, loving mother. Were it even thus to all who set forth to seek their fortunes it would be well ; but to hundreds who left their homes in fond anticipation, not a single ray of light shone athwart their progress, for all was dark and forbid ding. Misrepresentation, treachery, and betrayal were too fre quently practiced, and in misery, heart-broken and despondent many dropped to rise no more, welcoming death as a deliverer. CHAPTER I\'. THE DARIEN SCHEME, The first body of Highlanders to arrive in the New World was as much military as civil. Their lines were cast in evil waters, and disaster awaited them. They formed a very essential part of a colony that engaged in what has been termed the Darien Scheme, which originated in 1695, and so mismanaged as to involve thou sands in ruin, many of whom had enjoyed comparative opulence. Although this project did not materially affect the Highlands of Scotland, yet as Highland money entered the enterprise, and as quite a body of Highlanders perished in the attempted coloniza tion of the isthmus of Panama, more than a passing notice is here demanded. Scottish people have ever been noted for their caution, frugal ity, and prudence, and not prone to engage in any speculation unless based on the soundest business principles. Although thus characterized, yet this people engaged in the most disastrous speculation on record ; established by act of the Scottish parlia ment, and begun by unprecedented excitement. The leading cause which impelled the people headlong into this catastrophe was the ruination of the foreign trade of Scotland by the English Naviga tion Act of 1660, which provided that all trade with the English colonies should be conducted in English ships alone. Any scheme plausibly presented was likely to catch those anxious to regain their commercial interests, as well as those who would be actuated to increase their own interests. The Massacre of Glencoe had no little share in the matter. This massacre, which occurred Febru ary 13, 1692, is the foulest blot in the annals of crime. It was deliberately planned by Sir John Dalrymple and others, ordered by king 'William, and executed by Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, in the most treacherous, brutal, atrocious, and blood- 76 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. thirsty manner imaginable, and perpetrated without the shadow of a reasonable excuse — infancy and old age, male and female alike perished. The bare recital of it is awful ; and the barbarity of the American savage pales before it. In every quarter, even at court, the account of the massacre was received with horror and indignation. The odium of the nation rose to a great pitch, and demanded that an inquiry be made into this atrocious affair. The appointment of a commission was not wrung from the un willing king until April 29, 1695. The commission, as a whole, acted with great fairness, although they put the best possible construction on the king's order, and threw the whole blame on Secretary Dalrymple. The king was too intimately connected with the crime to make an example' of any one, although through public sentiment he was forced to dismiss Secretary Dalrymple. Not one of those actually engaged in the perpetration of the crime were dismissed from the army, or punished for the butchery, oth erwise than by the general hatred of the age in which they lived, and the universal execration of posterity. The tide of feeling set in against king William, and before it had time to ebb the Darien Scheme was projected. The friends of William seized the oppor tunity to persuade him that some freedom and facilities of trade should be grantd the Scotch, and that would divert public attention from the Glencoe massacre. Secretary Dalrymple also was not slow to give it the support of his eloquence and interest, in hopes to regain thereby a part of his lost popularity. The originator of the Darien Scheme was William Paterson, founder of the Bank of England, a man of comprehensive views and great sagacity, born in Scotland, a missionary in the Indies, and a buccaneer among the West India islands. During his rov ing course of life he had visited the isthmus of Panama — then called Darien — and brought away only pleasant recollections of that narrow strip of land that unites North and South America. On his return to Europe his first plan was the national establish ment of the Bank of England. For a brief period he was ad mitted as a director in that institution, but it befell to Paterson that others possessed of wealth and influence, interposed and took advantage of his ideas, and then excluded him from the concern. THE DARIEN SCHEME. 77 Paterson next turned his thoughts to the plan of settling a colony in America, and handling the trade of the Indies and the South Seas, The trade of Europe with the remote parts of Asia had been carried on by rounding the Cape of Good Hope. Paterson believed that the shorter, cheaper, and more expeditious route was by the isthmus of Panama, and, as he believed, that section of the country had not been occupied by any of the nations of Eu rope ; and as it was specially adapted for his enterprise it should be colonized. He averred that the havens were capacious and secure ; the sea swarmed with turtle ; the country so mountainous, that though within nine degrees of the equator, the climate was temperate ; and yet roads could be easily constructed along which a string of mules, or a wheeled carriage might in the course of a single day pass from sea to sea. Fruits and a profusion of valu able herbs grew spontaneously, on account of the rich black soil, which had a depth of seven feet ; and the exuberant fertility of the soil had not tainted the purity of the atmosphere. As a place of residence alone, the isthmus was a paradise; and a colony there could not fail to prosper even if its wealth depended entirely on agriculture. This, however, would be only a secondary matter, for within a few years the entire trade between India and Europe would be drawn to that spot. The merchant was no longer to expose his goods to the capricious gales of the Antarctic Seas, for the easier, safer, cheaper route must be navigated, which was shortly destined to double the amount of trade. Whoever pos sessed that door which opened both to the Atlantic and Pacific, as the shortest and least expensive route would give law to both hemispheres, and by peaceful arts would establish an empire as splendid as that of Cyrus or Alexander. If Scotland would oc cupy Darien she would become the one great free port, the one great warehouse for the wealth that the soil of Darien would produce, and the greater wealth which would be poured through Darien, India, China, Siam, Ceylon, and the Moluccas; besides taking her place in the front rank among nations. On all the vast riches that would be poured into Scotland a toll should be paid which would add to her capital ; and a fabulous prosperity would be shared by every Scotchman from the peer to the cadie. Along 78 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. the desolate shores of the Forth Clyde villas and pleasure grounds would spring up; and Edinburgh would vie with London and Paris. These glowing prospects at first were only partially disclos ed to the public, and the name of Darien was unpronounced save only to a few of Paterson's most confidential friends. A mystery pervaded the enterprise, and only enough was given out to excite boundless hopes and desires. He succeeded admirably in working up a sentiment and desire on the part of the people to become stockholders in the organization. The. hour for action had ar rived ; so on June 26, 1695, the Scottish parliament granted a statute from the Crown, for creating a corporate body or stock company, by name of the Company of Scotland trading to Africa and the Indies, with power to plant colonies and build forts in places not possessed by other European nations, the consent of the inhabitants of the places they settled being obtained. The amount of capital was not fixed by charter, but it was stipulated that at least one-half the stock must be held by Scotchmen resident in Scotland, and that no stock originally so held should ever be transferred to any but Scotchmen resident in Scotland. An entire monopoly of the trade with Asia, Africa, and America was granted for a term of thirty-one years, and all goods imported by the company during twenty-one years, should be admitted duty free, except sugar and tobacco, unless grown on the company's plantations. Every member and servant of the company were privileged against arrest and imprisonment, and if placed in dur ance, the company was authorized to invoke both the civil and military power. The Great Seal was affixed to the Act ; the books were opened; the shares were fixed at iioo sterling each; and every man from the Pentland Firth to the Galway Firth who could command the amount was impatient to put down his name. The whole kingdom apparently had gone mad. The number of shareholders were about fourteen hundred. The books were opened February 26, 1696, and the very first subscriber was Anne, dutchess of Hamilton. On that day there was subscribed £50,400. By the end of March the greater part of the amount had been subscribed. On March 5th, a separate book was opened in Glas gow and on it was entered £56,325. The books were closed THE DARIEN SCHEME. 70 August 3rd of the same year, and on the last day of subserijDtions there was entered £14,125, reaching the total of £400,000, the amount apportioned to Scotland. The cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, in their corporate capacitv, each took £3,000 and Perth £2,000. Of the subscriptions there were eight of £3,000 each; eight of £2,000 each; two of £1,500, and one each of £1,200 and £1,125; ninety-seven of £1,000 each; but the great majority con sisted of £100 or £200 each. The whole amount actually paid up was £220,000. This may not seem to be a large amount for such a country as Scotland, but as already noted, the country had been ruined by the English Act of 1660. There were five or six shires which did not altogether contain as many guineas and crowns as were tossed about every day by the shovels of a single gold smith in Lombard street. Even the nobles had but very little money, for a large part of their rents was taken in kind ; and the pecuniary remuneration of the clergy was such as to move the pity of the most needy, of the present ; yet some of these had in vested their all in hopes that their children might be benefited when the golden harvest should come. Deputies in England re ceived subscriptions to the amount of £300,000; and the Dutch and Hamburgers subscribed £200,000. Those Highland chiefs who had been considered as turbu lent, and are so conspicuous in the history of the day have no place in this record of a species of enterprise quite distinct from theirs. The houses of Argyle, Athol, and Montrose appear in the list, as families who, besides their Highland chiefships, had other stakes and interests in the country; but almost the only person with a Highland patronymic was John MacPharlane of that ilk, a re tired scholar who followed antiquarian pursuits in the libraries beneath the Parliament House. The Keltic prefix of "Mac" is most frequently attached to merchants in Inverness, who sub scribed their hundred. It is probable that a list of Highlanders who subscribed stock may be of interest in this connection. Only such names as are purely Highland are here sub-joined with amounts given, and also in the order as they appear on the books : 80 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. 26 February, 1696 : John Drummond of Newtoun £ 6(X) Adam Gordon of Dalphollie 500 Master James Campbell, brother-german to the Earle of Argyle 500 John McPharlane of that ilk 200 Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstown 400 Sir Colin Campbell of Ardkinlass 500 Mr. Gilbert Campbell, son to Colin Campbell of Soutar houses 400 27 February, 1696 : John. Robertson, merchant in Edinburgh _^ 300 Matthew St. Clair, Doctor of Medicine 500 Daniel Mackay, Writer in Edinburgh 200 Mr, Francis Grant of Cullen, Advocate 100 Duncan Forbes of Culloden 200 Arthur Forbes, younger of Echt 200 George Southerland, merchant in Edinburgh 200 Kenneth McKenzie of Cromartie 500 Major John Forbes 200 28 February, 1696: William Robertsone of Gladney i 000 Mungo Graeme of Gorthie 500 Duncan Campbell of Monzie 500 James Mackenzie, son to the Viscount of Tarbat i 000 2 March, 1696: Jerome Robertson, periwig maker, burgess of Edinburgh. . 100 3 March 1696: David Robertsone, Vintner in Edinburgh. 200 William Drummond, brother to Thomas Drummond of Logic Almond 500 4 March, 1696: Sir Humphrey Colquhoun of Luss 400 5 March, 1696: James Robertson, tylor in Canonget 100 Sir Thomas Murray of Glendoick i 000 6 March, 1696 : Alexander Murray, son to John Murray of Touchadam, and deputed by him 300 7 March 1696: John Gordon, Captain in Lord Stranraer's Regiment 100 Samuell McLelland, merchant in Edinburgh 500 II March 1696: THE DARIEN SCHEME. 81 Aeneas McLeod, Town-Clerk of Edinburgh, in name and behalfe of George Viscount of Tarbat, and as having commission from him .C i coo 17 March, 1696 : John Menzies, Advocate 200 William Menzies, merchant in Edinburgh i 000 19 March, 1696: James Drummond, W'riter in Edinburgh, deputed by Mr, John Graham of ..Vberuthven 100 Gilbert Campbell, merchant in Edinburgh, son to Colline Campbell of Soutar Houses 200 Gilbert Campbell, merchant in Edinburgh, son to Colline Campbell of Soutar Houses 100 Daniel McKay, Writer in Edinburgh, deputed by Captain Hugh AIcKay, younger of Borley 300 Patrick Campbell, Writer in Edinburgh, deputed by Cap tain Leonard Robertsone of Straloch 100 20 IMarch, 1696 : Alexander Murray, son to George Murray of Touchadam, deputed by him 200 Sir Colin Campbell of Aberuchill, one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice 500 Andrew Robertson, chyrurgeon in Edinburgh, deputed by George Robertstone, younger, merchant in Glasgow 100 Andrew Robertson, chyrurgeon in Edinburgh 100 James Gregorie, student 100 George Earle of Southerland i 000 21 March, 1696: John' McFarlane, Writer to the Signet 200 23 March, 1696: John Forbes, brother-german to Samuell Forbes of Fovr- ain, deputed by the said Samuell Forbes i 000 John Forbes, brother-german to Samuell Forbes of Fovr- ain, SOO James Gregory, Professor of Mathematiques in the Col ledge of Edinburgh 200 24 March 1696: Patrick Murray of Livingstoun 600 Ronald Campbell, Writer to his Majesty's Signet, as hav ing deputation from Alexander Gordoune, son to Alexander Gordoun, minister at Inverary 100 William Graham, merchant in Edinburgh 200 David Drummond, Advocate, deputed by Thomas Graeme of Balgowan 600 82 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. David Drummond, Advocate, deputed by John Drum mond of Culqupalzie . .£ 600 25 March, 1696: John Murray of Deuchar 800 Sir Robert Sinclair of Stevenstoun 400 John Sinclair of Stevenstoun 400 26 March, 1696: Helen Drummond, spouse to Colonel James Ferguson as commissionate by him 200 James Murray of Sundhope 100 John Drummond of Newtoun 400 John Drummond of Newtoun, for John Stewart of Dal- guis, conform to deputation 100 March 27 : Alexander Johnstoune of Elshieshells 400 John Forbes, brother-german to Samuell Forbes of Fov- rain, conform to ane deputation by Captain James Stewart, in Sir John Hill's regiment, Governor of Fort William 100 Thomas Forbes of Watertoun 200 William Ross, merchant in Edinburgh 100 Rachell Johnstoun, relict of Mr. Robert Baylie of Jervis- wood 200 March 28 : John Fraser, servitor to Alexander Innes, merchant 100 Mr. John Murray, Senior Advocate 100 John Stewart, Writer in Clerk Gibsone's chamber 100 Mr. Gilbert Campbell, merchant in Edinburgh, son to Col line Campbell of Soutar Houses 200 Mr. Gilbert Campbell, merchant in Edinburgh, son to Col line Campbell of Soutar Houses, (more), 100 James Gordon, Senior, merchant in Aberdeen 250 Thomas Gordon, skipper in Leith 100 Adam Gordon of Dulpholly 500 Colin Campbell of Lochlan 200 Thomas Graeme of Balgowane, by virtue of a deputation from David Graeme of Kilor 200 Patrick Coutts, merchant in Edinburgh, being deputed by Alexander Robertsone, merchant in Dundie 200 David Drummond, of Cultimalindie 600 John Drummond, brother of David Drummond of Cultima lindie 200 30 March, 1696 : James Marquess of Montrose i 000 THE DARIEN SCHEME. 83 John Murray, doctor of medicine, for Mr, Jaines .Murray, Chirurgeon in Perth, conform to a deputation £ 200 William Stewart, doctor of medicine at Perth 100 Patrick Campbell, Writer in Edinburgh, being depute by Helen Steuart, relict of Doctor Murray 100 James Drummond, one of the Clerks to the Bills, being deputed by James Meinzies of Shian 100 Robert Stewart, Junior, Advocate 300 Master Donald Robertsone, minister of the Gospel 100 Duncan Campbell of Monzie, by deputation from John Drummond of Culquhalzie 100 John Marquesse of Athole 500 John Haldane of Gleneagles, deputed by James Murray at Orchart Milne 100 Thomas Johnstone, merchant in Edinburgh 100 William Meinzies, merchant in Edinburgh i 000 Alexander Forbes of Tolquhon 500 Robert Murray, merchant in Edinburgh 200 Walter Murray, merchant in Edinburgh 100 Master Arthur Forbes, son of the Laird of Cragivar 100 Robert Fraser, Advocate 100 Barbara Fraser, relict of George Stirling, Chirurgeon apothecary in Edinburgh 200 Alexander Johnston, merchant in Edinburgh 100 Sir Robert Sinclair of Stevenstoun, for Charles Sinclair, Advocate, his son 100 The said Thomas Scott, deputed by Patrick Ogilvie of Bal four 400 The said Thomas Scott, deputed by Thomas Robertson, merchant there (i e Dundee) 125 The said Thomas Scott, deputed by David Drummond, merchant in Dundee 100 Mrs. Anne Stewart, daughter to the deceased John Stew art of Kettlestoun 100 31 March, 1696: Sir Archibald Murray of Blackbarrony Soo William Stewart, clerk to his Majesty's Customs at Leith 100 Christian Grierson, daughter to the deceast John Grierson, 100 Jesper Johnstoune of Waristoun Soo Alexander Forbes, goldsmith in Edinburgh 200 Master John Campbell, Writer to the Signet 200 Thomas Campbell, flesher in Edinburgh 200 Archibald Earle of Argyll 1500 James Campbell, brother-german to the Earle of Argyll 200 84 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. William Johnston, postmaster of Hadingtoun £ lOO Sir James Murray of Philiphaugh 500 Andrew Murray, brother to Sundhope 100 William McLean, master of the Revelles 100 John Cameron, son to the deceast Donald Cameron, mer chant in Edinburgh 100 David Forbes, Advocate 200 Captain John Forbes of Forbestoune 200 Afternoon : Sir Alexander Monro of Bearcrofts 200 James Gregorie, student of medicine 100 Mungo Campbell of Burnbank 400 John Murray, junior, merchant in Edinburgh 400 Robert Murray, burges in Edinburgh 150 Dougall Campbell of Sadell 100 Ronald Campbell, Writer to his Majesty's Signet 200 Alexander Finlayson, Writer in Edinburgh 100 John Steuart, Writer in Edinburgh 100 William Robertson, one of the sub-clerks of the Session, . . 100 Lady Neil Campbell 200 Mary Murray, Lady Enterkin, elder 200 Sir George Campbell of Cesnock i 000 7 April : Thomas Robertson of Lochbank 400 Robert Fraser, Advocate, for Hugh Robertson, Provost of Inverness, conform to deputation lOO Robert Fraser, Advocate, for James McLean, baillie of Invernes, conform to deputation 100 Robert Fraser, Advocate, for John Mcintosh, baillie of In vernes, conform to deputation 100 Robert Fraser, Advocate, for Alexander McLeane, mer chant of Invernes, conform to deputation 150 Robert Fraser, Advocate, for Robert Rose, late bailie of In vernes, conform to deputation 140 Robert Fraser, Advocate, for Alexander Stewart, skipper at Invernes, conform to deputation 150 Robert Fraser, Advocate, for William Robertson of lushes, conform to deputation 100 9 April, 1696 : James Drummond, one of the Clerks of the Bills, for Rob ert Menzies, in Aberfadie, conform to deputation. . . . 100 John Drummond of Newtoun, depute by John Menzies of Camock, Advocate 200 Archibald Sinclair, Advocate 100 THE DARIEN SCHEME. 85 Patrick Campbell, Writer in Edinburgh £ loo John Murray, doctor of medicine, for William Murray of Arbony, by virtue of his deputation 200 Colen Campbell of Bogholt 100 William Gordone, Writer in Edinburgh 100 14 Apryle : The said Thomas Halliday, Conform to deputation from William Ogilvie in Todshawhill 100 16 Aprill : Patrick Murray, lawful son to Patrick Murray of Killor, . 100 Walter Murray, servitor to George Clerk, junior, mer chant in Edinburgh, deputed by Robert Murray of Levelands 1 50 John Campbell, Writer to the Signet, for Alexander Camp bell, younger of Calder, conform to deputation 500 Captain James Drummond of Comrie 200 April 21 : James Cuming, merchant in Edinburgh 100 James Campbell of Kinpout 100 James Drummond, Lander-Clerk to the Bills, depute by Archibald Meinzies of My In of Kiltney 100 Robert Blackwood, deputed by John Gordon of Collistoun, doctor of medicine 100 Robert Blackwood, merchant in Edinburgh, deputed by Charles Ogilvy, merchant and late baillie of Montrose. 200 James Ramsay, writer in Edinburg, commission at by Dun can Campbell of Duneaves 100 Captain Patrick Murray, of Lord Murray's regiment of foot 100 May 5, 1696. John Haldane of Gleneagles, conform to deputation from Thomas Grahame in Auchterarder 100 John Drummond of Newtoun, depute by David Graeme of Jordanstoun 100 Samuel McLellan, merchant in Dundee, conform to deputa tion from William Stewart of Castle Stewart 100 May 14, 1696. Andrew Robertsone, chirurgeon in Edinburgh, conforiu to deputation by George Robertsone, Writer in Dun blane 100 May 21, 1696. John Drummond of Newtoun, for Lodovick Drummond, chamberland to my Lord Drummond 100 86 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. May 26, 1696. Thomas Drummond of Logic Almond £ 500 June 2, 1696. Robert Fraser, Advocate, by virtue of a deputation from Robert Cuming of Relugas, merchant of Inverness. . 100 Robert Fraser, Advocate, in name of William Duff of Dyple, merchant of Inverness 100 Robert Fraser, Advocate, in name of Alexander Duffe of Drumuire, merchant of Inverness 100 June 4, 1696. John Haldane of Gleneagles, depute by John Graham, son to John Graham, clerk to the chancellary 100 Adam Drummond of Meginch 200 18. Agnes Campbell, relict of Andrew Anderson, his Majesty's printer . lOO July 10. John Drummond of Newtoun, for Dame Margaret Gra ham, Lady Kinloch 200 John Drummond of Newtoun 200 James Menzies of Schian ? 100 Mungo Graeme of Garthie 200 21. Sir Alexander Cumyng of Culter 200 Mr. George Murray, doctor of physick 200 Patrick Campbell, brother to Monzie 100 August I. James Lord Drummond i 000 Friday, 6 March, 1696. John Drummond of Newtoune i 125 Saturday, 7 March, 1696. John Graham, younger of I 000 Daniel Campbell, merchant in Glasgow i 000 George Robinsoune, belt-maker in Glasgow 100 John Robinsoune, hammerman in Glasgow 100 John Robertson, junior, merchant in Glasgow 500 Munday, 9 March, 1696. Mattheu Cuming, junior, merchant in Glasgow i 000 William Buchanan, merchant in Glasgow 100 Marion Davidson, relict of Mr. John Glen, Minister of the Gospel 100 James Johnstoun, merchant in Glasgow 200 Thomas Johnstoun, merchant in Glasgow 200 THE DARIEN SCHEME. 87 George Johnston, merchant in ( ilasgow £ 200 John Buchanan, merchant in Glasgow kxd John Grahame, younger of Doug Capt John McLeod *Ibid, pp, 594-603. +See Appendix, Note H. 136 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. i8 Capt Thos, Wier 19 Capt John McKenzie 20 Lieut John Murchison 21 Kennith McDonald, Aid de Camp to Genl McDonald 22 Murdock McLeod, Surgeon 23 Adjutant General John Smith 24 Donald McLeod Quarter Master 25 John Bethune Chaplain 26 Farquhard Campbell late a delegate in the provincial Congress — Spy and Confidential Emissary of Governor Martin."* ¦ Some of the prisoners were discharged soon after their ar rest, by making and signing the proper oath, of which the follow ing is taken from the Records : "Oath of Malcolm McNeill and Joseph Smith. We Mal colm McNeil and Joseph Smith do Solemly Swear on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God that we will not on any pretence whatsoever take up or bear Arms against the Inhabitants of the United States of America and that we will not disclose or make known any matters within our knowledge now carrying on within the United States and that we will not carry out more than fifty pounds of Gold & Silver in value to fifty pounds Carolina Cur rency. So help us God. Malcolm McNeill, Halifax, 13th Augt,, 1776. Joseph Smith." f The North Carolina Provincial Congress on March 5, 1776, "Resolved, That Colonel Richard Caswell send, under a sufficient guard. Brigadier General Donald McDonald, taken at the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, to the Town of Halifax, and there to have him committed a close prisoner in the jail of the said Town, until further orders,"! The same Congress, held in Halifax April 5th, "Resolved, That General McDonald be admitted to his parole upon the*fol- lowing conditions : That he does not go without the limits of the Town of Halifax ; that he does not directly or indirectly, while a prisoner, correspond with any person or persons who are or may be in opposition to American measures, or by any manner or means convey to them intelligence of any sort; that he take no draft, nor procure them to be taken by any one else, of any place or places in which he may be, while upon his parole, that shall */*«¦- sion, October 13, 1735. He was appointed by the directors of the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge (from whom he was to receive his annual stipend of £50) "not only to officiate as minister of the Gospel to the Highland families going ?Oglethorpe's letter to the Trustees, Feb. 13, 1736, in " Georgia Hist. Coll.," Vol. Ill, p. 10. HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 151 hither," and others who might be inclined to the Presbyterian form of worship, but "also to use his utmost endeavors for prop agating Christian knowledge among natives in the colony." The Trustees were greatly rejoiced to find that they had se cured so valuable an acquisition to their colony, and that they could settle such a bold and hardy race on the banks of their southern boundary, and thus establish a new town on the Florida frontier. The town council of Inverness, in order to express their regard for Oglethorpe, on account of his kind offers to the High landers, conferred on him the honor of a burgess of the town, through his proxy. Captain George Dunbar. Besides the military band, others, among whom were Mac- Kays, Bailies, Dunbar s, and Cuthberts, applied for large tracts of land to people with their own servants; most of them going over themselves to Georgia, and finally settling there for life. Of the Highlanders, some of them paid their passage and that of one out of two servants, while others paid passage for their servants and took the benefit of the trust passage for themselves. Some, having large families, wanted farther assistance for serv ants, which was acceded to by Captain Dunbar, who gave them the passage of four servants, which was his right, for having raised forty of the one hundred men. Of the whole number the Trustees paid for one hundred and forty-six, some of whom be came indentured servants to the Trust. On October 20, 1735, one hundred and sixty-three were mustered before Provost Has sock at Inverness. One of the number ran away before the ship sailed, and two others were set on shore because they would neither pay their passage nor indent as servants to the Trust, These pioneers, who were to carve their own fortunes and be come a defense for the colony of Georgia, sailed from Inverness, October 18, 1735, on board the Prince of Wales, commanded by Captain George Dunbar, one of their own countrymen. They made a remarkably quick trip, attended by no accidents, and in January, 1736, sailed into Tybee Road, and at once the officer in charge set about sending the emigrants to tneir destination. All who so desired, at their own expense, were permitted to go up to" Savannah and Joseph's Town. On account of a deficiency in 152 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. boats, all could not be removed at once. Seven days after their arrival sixty-one were sent away, and on February 4th forty-six more proceeded to their settlement on the Alatamaha, — all of whom being under the charge of Hugh MacKay. Thus the ad vanced station, the post of danger, was guarded by a bold and hardy race; brave and robust by nature, virtuous by inclination, inured to fatigue and willing to labor : "To distant climes, a dreary scene, they go. Where wild Altama murmurs to their woe. Far different these from all that charmed before, The various terrors of that distant shore ; Those matted woods where birds forget to sing. But silent bats in drowsy clusters cling ; Those poisonous fields with rank luxuriance crown'd, Where the dark scorpion gathers death around, Where at each step the stranger fears to wake The rattling terrors of the vengeful snake, Where crouching tigers wait their hapless prey, And savage men, more murderous still than they. Far different, these from every former scene." — Goldsmith. On their first landing at Savannah, some of the people from South Carolina endeavored to discourage them by saying that the Spaniards would shoot them as they stood upon the ground where they contemplated erecting their homes. "Why then," said the Highlanders in reply, "we will beat them out of their fort and shall have houses ready built to live in." The spot designated for their town is located twenty miles northwest from St, Simons and ten above Frederica, and situated on the mainland, close to a branch of the Alatamaha river, on a bluff twenty feet high, then surrounded on all sides with woods. The soil is a brackish sand. Formerly Fort King George, garrisoned by an indepen dent company, stood within a mile and a half of the new town, but had been abandoned and destroyed on account of a want of supplies and communication with Carolina. The village was called New Inverness, in honor of the city they had left in Scot land; while the surrounding district was named Darien, on ac count of the settlement attempted on the Isthmus of Darien, in 1698-1701, Under the direction of Hugh MacKay, who proved HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 153 himself to be an excellent officer and a man of executive ability, by the middle of February they had constructed a fort consisting of two bastions and two half bastions, which was so strong that forty men could maintain it against three hundred, and on it placed four pieces, which, afterwards was so enlarged as to de mand twelve cannon; built a g^uardhouse, storehouse, a chapel, and huts for the people. One of the men dying, the rest joined and built a house for the widow. In the meantime Oglethorpe had sailed from London on board the Symonds, accompanied by the London Merchant, with additional emigrants, and arrived in the Tybee Road a short time after the Highlanders had left. He had never met them, and desiring to understand their ways and to make as favorable an impression on them as possible, he retained Captain Dunbar to go with him to the Highlanders and to instruct him fully in their customs. On February 22d he left St. Simons and rowing up the Alatamaha after three hours, reached the Highland settlement. Upon seeing the boat approaching, the Highlanders marched out to meet him, and made a most manly appearance in their plaids, with claymores, targets and fire-arms. Captain MacKay invited Oglethorpe to lie in his tent, where there was a bed with sheets — a rarity as yet in that part of the world. He excused himself, choosing to lie at the g^ard-fire, wrapped in his plaid, for he had on the Highland garb. Captain MacKay and the other gentlemen did the same, though the night was cold. Oglethorpe had previously taken the precaution, lest the Highlanders might be apprehensive of an attack by the Spaniards, Indians, or other enemies, while their houses were in process of construction, to send Captain James McPherson, who com manded the rangers upon the Savannah, overland to support them. This troop arrived while Oglethorpe was yet present. Soon after they were visited by the Indians, who were attracted by their costume, and ever after retained an admiration for them, which was enhanced by the Highlanders entering into their wild sports,, and joining them in the chase. In order to connect the new settlement with direct land communication with the other colonists, Oglethorpe, in March, directed Hugh MacKay, with a 154 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. detachment of twelve rangers, to conduct Walter Augustin, who ran a traverse line from Savannah by Fort Argyle to Darien, in order to locate a roadway. It was during Oglethorpe's first trip to the Highland settle ment that he encamped on Cumberland island, and on the ex treme western point, which commands the passage of boats from the southward, marked out a fort to be called St. Andrews, and gave Captain Hugh MacKay orders to build it. The work com menced immediately, thirty Highlanders being employed in the labor. On March 26tli Oglethorpe, visiting the place, was aston ished to find the fort in such an advanced stage of completion; the ditch was dug, the parapet was raised with wood and earth on the land side, and the small wood was cleared fifty yards round the fort. This seemed to be the more extraordinary because Mac Kay had no engineer, nor any other assistance in that way, except the directions originally given. Besides it was very difficult to raise the works, the ground being a loose sand. They were forced to lay the trees and sand alternately ,^the trees preventing the sand from falling, and the sand the wood from fire. He returned thanks to the Highlanders and offered to take any of them back to their settlement, but all refused so long as there was any dan ger from the Spaniards, in whose vicinity they were now sta tioned. But two of them, having families at Darien, he ordered along with him. The Highlanders were not wholly engaged in military pur suits, for, to a great extent, they were engaged in making their settlement permanent. They engaged in the cultivation of Indian corn and potatoes; learned to cut and saw timber, and laid out farms upon which they lived. For a frontier settlement, con stantly menaced, all was accomplished that could be reasonably expected. In the woods they found ripe oranges and game, such as the wild turkey, buffalo and deer, in abundance. But peace and prosperity were not their allotted portion, for their lines were now cast in troubled waters. The first year witnessed an appeal to arms and a struggle with the Spaniards, which eventually re sulted in a disaster to the Highlanders. Deeds of heroism were now enacted, fully in keeping with the tenor of the race. HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 156 The Spaniards, who had their main force at St. Augustine, were more or less aggressive, which kept the advanced posts in a state of alarm, John Mohr Macintosh, who had seen service in Scotland, was directed by Oglethorpe to instruct the Highlanders in their military duty, and under his direction they were daily ex ercised. Hugh MacKay, with a company, had been directed to the immediate command of Oglethorpe. Disputes early arose between the English colonists and the Spaniards regarding the frontier line between the two national ities, and loud complaints were made by the latter on account of being harrassed by Indians. Oglethorpe took steps to restrain the Indians, and to the Spaniards sent friendly messengers, who were immediately seized and confined and at once took measures against the colonists. A Spanish warship sailed by St. Simon's island and passed Fort St. Andrews, but was not fired upon by the Highlanders because she answered their signals. She made her way back to St. Augustine when the report gained currency that the whole coast was covered with war boats armed with cannon. On June 8th the colonists were again threatened by a Spanish vessel which came close to Fort St. Andrews before she was dis covered; but when challenged rowed away with the utmost pre cipitation. On board this boat was Don Ignatio with a detach ment of the Spanish garrison, and as many boatmen and Indians as the launch could hold. It was at this time that a Highland lad named Fraser distinguished himself. Oglethorpe in endeav oring to meet the Spaniards by a flag of truce, or else obtain a conference with them, but unable to accomplish either, and being about to withdraw, saw the boy, whom he had sent forward, re turning through the woods, driving before him a tall man with a musket on his shoulder, two pistols stuck in his girdle, and further armed with both a long and short sword. Coming up to Oglethorpe the lad said: "Here, sir; I have caught a Spaniard for you." The man was found to have in his possession a letter from Oglethorpe's imprisoned messengers which imparted cer tain information that proved to be of great value, \ The imprisoned messengers were ultimately released and sent back in a launch with commissioners to treat with Oglethorpe, 156 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. In order to make a favorable impression on the Spaniards, the Highlanders, under Ensign MacKay, were ordered out. June 19th, Ensign MacKay arrived on board the man-of-war Hawk, then just off from Amelia island, with the Highlanders, and a de tachment of the independent company, in their regimentals, who lined one side of the ship, while the Highlanders, with their clay mores, targets, plaids, etc, did the same on the other side. The commissioners were very handsomely entertained on board the war vessel, and after dinner messages in writing were exchanged. While this hilarity and peace protestations were being indulged, an Indian brought the news that forty Spaniards and some In dians had fallen upon a party of the Creek nation who, then de pending upon the general peace between the Indians, Spanish and English, without suspicion, and consequently without guard, were surrounded and surprised, several killed and others taken, two of whom, being boys, were murdered by dashing out their brains. To the people of New Iverness the year 1737 does not ap pear to have been a propitious one. Pioneers were compelled to endure hardships of which they had little dreamed, and the High land settlement was no exception to the rule. The record pre served for this year is exceedingly meagre and consists almost wholly in the sworn statement of Alexander Monroe, who de serted the colony in 1740. In the latter year he deposed that at Darien, where he arrived in 1736 with his wife and child, he had cleared, fenced in and planted five acres of land, built a good house in the town, and made other iniprovements, such as garden ing, etc; that he was never able to support his family by culti vation, though he planted the said five acres three years and had good crops, and that he never heard of any white man being able to gain aj living by planting; that in 1737 the people were reduced to such distress for want of provisions, having neither corn, peas, rice, potatoes, nor bread-kind of any sort, nor fish, nor flesh of any kind in store; that they were forced to go in a body, with John Mohr Macintosh at the head, to Frederica and there make a demand on the Trust's agent for a supply ; that they were relieved by Captain Gascoigne of the Hawk, who. spared them two bar- HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 167 rels of flour, and one barrel of beef ; and further, he launches an indictment against John Mohr Macintosh, who had charge of thc Trust's store at Darien, for giving the better class of food to his own hogs while the people were forced to take that which was rotten.* While this statement of Monroe may possibly be true in the main, and that there was actual suffering, yet it must be borne in mind that the Highlanders were there living in a changed condi tion. The labor, climate, soil, products, etc., were all new to them, and to the changed circumstances the time had been too short for them to adapt themselves; nor is it probable that five acres were enough for their subsistence. The feeding of cattle, which was soon after adopted, would give them a larger field of industry.- Nor was this all. Inevitable war fell upon the people; for we learn that the troop of Highland rangers, under Captain MacKay, held Fort St. Andrews "with thirty men, when the Spaniards at tempted the invasion of this Province with a great number of men in the year 1737."! Drawing the men away from the settlement would necessarily cause more or less suffering and disarrange ment of affairs. The record for the year 1738 is more extensive, although somewhat contradictory, and exhibits a strong element of dissen- tion. Oglethorpe admitted the difficulties under which the people labored, ascribing them to the Spanish alarms, but reports that John Mohr Macintosh, pursuant to orders from the Trust, had disposed of a part of the servants to the free-holders of Darien, which encouragement had enabled the settlement to continue. "The women were a dead charge to the Trust, excepting a few who mended the Cloaths, dressed the Victuals and washed the Linnen of the Trustees Men Servants. Some of the Soldiers who were Highlanders desiring to marry Women, I gave them leave upon their discharging the Trustees from all future Charges arising from them."t ?Georgia Hist. Society, Vol. II, p. 115. '^Ibid, Vol. Ill, p. 114. Ogle- thorpe to H, VereUt, May 6, 1741. iOglethorpe to H. Verelit, Dec. 21, 1738, Georgia Hist. Society, Vol. Ill p. 67. 158 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. The difficulties appear also to have arisen from the fact that the free-holders were either unable or else unwilling — which is the more likely — to perform manual labor. They labored under the want of a sufficient number of servants until they had pro cured some who had been indentured to the Trust for passage from Scotland. The Reverend John MacLeod, who abandoned the colony in 1741, made oath that in the year 1738 they found by experience that the produce from the land did not answer the expense of time and labor, and the voice of the people of Darien was to abaridon their improvements, and settle to the northward, where they could be free from the restraints which rendered incapable of subsisting themselves and families.* The declaration of Alexander Mon roe is still more explicit : "That in December, 1738, the said inhabitants of Darien find ing that from their first settling in Georgia, their labors turned to no account, that their wants were daily growing on them, and being weary of apprehension, they came to a resolution to depute two men, chosen from amongst them, to go to Charleston, in South Carolina, and there to make application to the government, in order to obtain a grant of lands to which the whole settlement of Darien to a man were to remove altogether, the said John Mc intosh More excepted ; but that it being agreed among them, first to acquaint the said Colonel with their intentions, and their rea sons for such resolutions, John Mcintosh L. (Lynvilge) was em ployed by the said free-holders to lay the same before him, who returned them an answer 'that they should have credit for pro visions, with two cows and three calves, and a breeding mare if they would continue on their plantations.' That the people with the view of these helps, and hoping for the further favor and countenance of the said Colonel, and being loth to leave their lit tle all behind them, and begin the world in a strange place, were willing to make out a livelihood in the colony; but whilst they were in expectation of these things, this deponent being at his plantation, two miles from the town, in Dec, 1738, he received a letter from Ronald McDonald, which was sent by order of the said Mcintosh More, and brought to this deponent by William, son of the said Mcintosh, ordering him, the said deponent, im mediately to come himself, and bring William Monro along with ?Georgia Hist. Society, Vol, II, p. 113. HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 169 him to town, and advising him that, 'if he did so, he would be made a man of, but, that if he did not, he would be ruined for ever.' That this deponent coming away without loss of time, he got to the said Mcintosh More's house about nine of the clock that night, where he found several of the inhabitants together, and where the said Mcintosh More did tell this deponent, 'that if he would sign a paper, which he then offered him, that the said Colonel would give him cattle and servants from time to time, and that he would be a good friend to as many as would sign the said paper, but that they would see what would become of those that would not sign it, for that the people of Savannah would be all ruined, who opposed the said Colonel in it.' That this de ponent did not know the contents of the said paper, but seeing that some before him had signed it, his hopes on one side, and fears on the other, made him sign it also. That upon his con versing with some of the people, after leaving the house, he was acquainted with the contents and design of said paper, which this deponent believes to be the petition from the eighteen, which the trustees have printed, and that very night he became sensible of the wrong he had done; and that his conscience did thereupon accuse him, and does yet."* The phrase "being weary of oppression" has reference to the accusation against Captain Hugh MacKay, who was alleged to have "exercised an illegal power there, such as judging in all causes, directing and ordering all things according to his will, as did the said Mcintosh More, by which many unjust and illegal things were done. That not only the servants of the said free holders of Darien were ordered to be tied up and whipt ; but also this deponent, and Donald Clark, who themselves were free-hold ers, were taken into custody, and bound with ropes, and threat ened to be sent to Frederica to Mr. Horton, and there punished by him; this deponent, once for refusing to cry 'All's well,' when he was an out-sentry, he having before advised them of the dan ger of so doing, lest the voice should direct the Indians to fire upon the sentry, as they had done the night before, and again for drumming with his fingers on the side of his house, it being pre tended that he had alarmed the town. That upon account of these, and many other oppressions, the free-holders applied to Mr. Oglethorpe for a court of justice to be erected, and proper magis trates in Darien, as in other towns in Georgia, that they might have justice done among themselves, when he gave them for an- *Georgia Hist. Coll. Vol. II, p. 116. 160 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. swer, 'that he would acquaint the trustees with it'; but that this deponent heard no more of it."* One of the fundamental regulations of the Trustees was the prohibition of African slavery in Georgia. However, they had in stituted a system of servitude which indentured both male and female to individuals, or the Trustees, for a period of from four to fourteen years. On arriving in Georgia, their services were sold for the term of indenture, or apportioned to the inhabitants by the magistrates, as their necessities required. The sum which they brought when thus bid off varied from £2 to £6, besides an annual tax of £1 for five years to defray the expense of their voy age. Negro slavery was agitated in Savannah, and on December 9, 1738, a petition was addressed to the Trustees, signed by one hundred and sixteen, and among other things asked was the in troduction of Negro slavery. On January 3, 1739, a counter peti tion was drawn up and signed by the Highlanders at Darien. On March 13th the Saltzburghers of Ebenezer signed a sirriilar peti tion in which they strongly disapproved of the introduction of slave labor into the colony. Likewise the people of Frederica pre pared a petition, but desisted from sending it, upon an assurance that their apprehensions of the introduction of Negroes were en tirely needless. Many artifices were resorted to in order to gain over the Highlanders and have them petition for Negro slaves. Failing in this letters were written to them from England en deavoring to intimidate them into a compliance. These counter petitions strengthened the Trustees in their resolution. It is a noticeable fact, and worthy of record, that at the outbreak of the American Revolution the Highlanders of Darien again protested against African slavery. Those persons dissatisfied with the state of affairs increased in numbers. and gradually grew more rancorous. It is not sup- posable that they could have bettered the condition under the circumstances. Historians have been universal in their praise of Oglethorpe, and in all probability no one could have given a bet ter administration. His word has been taken without question. *Ibid. HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 1(11 He declared that "Darien hath been one of the Settlements where the People have been most industrious as those of Savann.ih have been most idle. The Trustees have had several Servants there who under the direction of Mr. Moore Mcintosh have not only earned their bread but have provided the Trust with such Quanti ties of sawed stuff as hath saved them a great sum of money. Those Servants cannot be put under the direction of anybody at Frederica nor any one that does not understand the Highland language. The Woods fit for sawing are near Darien and the Trustees engaged not to separate the Highlanders. They are very useful under their own Chiefs and no where else. It is very necessary therefore to allow Mr. Mackintosh for the overseeing the Trust's Servants at Darien."* That such was the actual condition of affairs in 1739 there is no doubt. However, a partial truth may change the appearance. George Philp, who at Savannah in 1740, declared that for the same year the people "are las incapable of improving their lands and raising produces as the people in the northern division, as ap pears irom the very small quantity of Indian corn which hitherto had been the chief and almost only produce of the province, some few potatoes excepted; and as a proof of which, that he was in the south in May last, when the season for planting was over, and much less was done at Frederica than in former years; and that the people in Darien did inform him, that they had not of their own produce to carry to market, even in the year 1739, which was the most plentiful year they ever saw there, nor indeed any preceding year; nor had they (the people of Darien) bread-kind of their own raising, sufficient for the use of their families, from one crop to another, as themselves, or some of them, did tell this deponent; and further, the said people of Darien were, in May last, repining at their servants being near out of their time, be cause the little stock of money they carried over with them was exhausted in cultivation which did not bring them a return ; and they were thereby rendered quite unable to plant their lands, or help themselves anyway."! It was one of the agreements made by the Trust that as sistance should be given the colonists. Hence Oglethorpe speaks of "the £58 delivered to Mr. Mcintosh at Darien, it was to sup port the Inhabitants of Darien with cloathing and delivered to the Trustees' Store there, for which the Individuals are indebted to ?Oglethorpe to the Trustees, Oct. 20, 1739. Georgia Hist. Coll., Vol, III, p. 90. tGeorgia Hist, Coll., Vol. II, p. 119. 162 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. the Trust. Part of it was paid in discharge of service done to the Trustees in building. Part is still due and some do pay and are ready to pay."* The active war with Spain commenced by the murder of two unarmed Highlanders on Amelia Island, who had gone into the woods for fuel. It was November 14, 1739, that a party of Span iards landed on the island and skulked in the woods. Francis Brooks, who commanded a scout boat, heard reports of musketry, and at once signaled the fort, when a lieutenant's squad marched out and found the murdered Highlanders with their heads cut off and cruelly mangled. The Spaniards fled with so much pre cipitation that the squad could not overtake them, though they pursued rapidly. Immediately Oglethorpe began to collect around him his inadequate forces for the invasion of Florida. In January, 1740, he received orders to make hostile movements against Florida, with the assurance that Admiral Vernon should co-operate with him. Oglethorpe took immediate action, drove in the Spanish outposts and invaded Florida, having learned from a deserter that St. Augustine was in want of provisions. South Carolina rendered assistance; and its regiment reached Darien the first of May, where it was joined by Oglethorpe's favorite corps, the Highlanders, ninety strong, commanded by Captain John Mohr Mcintosh and Lieutenant MacKay. They were or dered, accompanied by an Indian force, to proceed by land, at once, to Cow- ford (afterwards Jacksonville), upon the St. Johns. With four hundred of his regiment, Oglethorpe, on May 3d, left Frederica, in boats, and on the 9th reached the Cow-ford. The Carolina regiment and the Highlanders having failed to make the expected junction at that point, Oglethorpe, who would brook no delay, immediately proceeded against Fort Diego, which surren dered on the loth, and garrisoned it with sixty men under Lieu tenant Dunbar. With the remainder he returned to the Cow-ford, and there met the Carolina regiment and Mcintosh's Highlanders, Here Oglethorpe massed nine hundred soldiers and eleven hun- ?Oglethorpe to H. Verelst, Dec. 29, 1739. Georgia Hist. Coll., Vol. Ill, p. 96. HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 163 dred Indians, and marched the whole force against Fort Moosa, which was built of stone, and situated less than two miles from St! Augustine, which the Spaniards evacuated without offering re sistance. Having burned the gates, and made three breaches in the walls, Oglethorpe then proceeded to reconnoitre the town and castle. Assisted by some ships of war lying at anchor off St. Augustine bar, he determined to blockade the town. For this pur pose he left Colonel Palmer, with ninety-five Highlanders and fifty-two Indians, at Fort Moosa, with instructions to scour the woods and intercept all supplies for the enemy; and, for safety, encamp every night at different places. This was the only party left to guard the land side. The Carolina regiment was sent to occupy a point of land called Point Quartel, about a mile distant from the castle; while he himself with his regiment and the greater part of the Indians embarked in boats, and landed on the Island of Anastatia, where he erected batteries and commenced a bombardment of the town. The operations of the beseigers be ginning to relax, the Spanish commander sent a party of six hun dred to surprise Colonel Palmer at Fort Moosa. The Spaniards had noted that for five nights Colonel Palmer had made Fort Moosa his resting place. They came in boats with muffled oars at the dead of night, and landed unheard and undiscovered. The Indians, who were relied on by Palmer, were watching the land side, but never looked towards the water. Captain Macintosh had remonstrated with Colonel Palmer for remaining at Fort Moosa more than one night, until it pro duced an alienation between them. The only thing then left for Macintosh was to make his company sleep on their arms. At the first alarm they were in rank, and as the Spanish infantry ap proached in three columns they were met with a Highland shout. The contest was unequal, and although the Highlanders ral lied to the support of Macintosh, their leader, and fought with desperation, yet thirty-six of them fell dead or wounded at the first charge. When Colonel Palmer saw the overwhelming force that assaulted his command, he directed the rangers without the wall to fly; but, refusing to follow them, he paid the debt of his obstinacy with his blood. 164 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. The surprise at Fort Moosa led to the failure of Ogle thorpe's expedition. John Mohr Macintosh was a prisoner, and as Oglethorpe had no officer to exchange for him, he was sent to Spain, where he was detained several years — his fate unknown to his family — and when he did return to his family it was with a broken constitution and soon to die, leaving his children to such destiny as might await them, without friends, in the wilds of America, for the one who could assist them — General Oglethorpe — was to be recalled, in preparation to meet the Highland Rising of 1745, when he, too, was doomed to suffer degradation from the duke of Cumberland, and injury to his military reputation. It was the same regiment of Spaniards that two years later was brought from Cuba to lead in all enterprises that again was destined to meet the remnant of those Highlanders, but both the scene and the result were different. It was in the light of day, and blood and slaughter, but not victory awaited them. The conduct of the eldest son of John Mohr Macintosh is worthy of mention. He was named after his grand uncle, the celebrated Old Borlum (General William Macintosh), who com manded a division of the Highlanders in the Rising of 1715. William was not quite fourteen years of age when his father left Darien for Florida. He wished to accompany the army, but his father refused. Determined not to be thwarted in his purpose, he overtook the army at Barrington. He was sent back the next day under an armed guard. Taking a small boat, he ferried up to Clarke's Bluff, on the south side of the Alatamaha, intend ing to keep in the rear until the troops had crossed the St. M"ary's river. He soon fell in with seven Indians, who knew him, for Darien had become a great rendezvous for them, and were greatly attached to the Highlanders, partly on account of their wild rilan- ners, their manly sports and their costume, somewhat resembling their own. They caressed the boy, and heartily entered into his views. They followed the advancing troops and informed him of all that transpired in his father's camp, yet carefully concealing his presence among them until after the passage of the St. Mary's, where, with much triumph, led him to his father and said "that he was a young warrior and would fight; that the Great Spirit HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 166 would watch over his life, for he loved young warriors," He followed his father until he saw him fall at Fort Moosa, covered with wounds, which so transfixed him witli horror, that he was not aroused to action until a Spanish officer laid hold of his plaid. Light and as elastic as a steel bow, he slipped from under his grasp, and made his escape with the wreck of the corps. Those who escaped the massacre went over in a boat to Point Quartel. Some of the Chickasaw Indians, who also had escaped, met a Spaniard, cut off his head and presented it to Oglethorpe. With abhorence he rejected it, calling them barbarian dogs and bidding them begone. As might be expected, the Chickasaws were offended and deserted him. A party of Creeks brought four Spanish prisoners to Oglethorpe, who informed him that St. Augustine had been reinforced by seven hundren men and a large supply oi provisions. The second day after the Fort- Moosa affair, the Carolina* regiment deserted, the colonel leading the rout; nor did he arrest his flight until darkness overtook him, thirty miles from St. Augustine. Other circumstances operating against him, Oglethorpe commenced his retreat from Florida and reached Frederica July lo, 1740. The inhabitants of Darien continued to live in huts that were tight and warm. Prior to 1740 they had been very indus trious in planting, besides being largely engaged in driving cat tle for the regiment ; but having engaged in the invasion of Flor ida, little could be done at home, where their families remained. One writer! declared that "the people live very comfortably, with great unanimity. I know of no other settlement in this colony more desirable, except Ebenezer." The settlement was greatly decimated on account of the number killed and taken prisoners at Fort Moosa. This gave great discontent on the part of those who already felt aggrieved against the Trust. The discontent among many of the colonists, some of whom were influential, again broke out in 1741, some of whom went to Savannah, October 7th, to consider the best method of presenting their grievances. They resolved to send an agent to England ?See Appendix, Note H. tThomas Jones, dated Savannah, Sept, 18, 1740 Georgia Hist. Coll., Vol. I, p. 200, 166 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. to represent their case to the proper authorities, "in order to the effectual settling and establishing of the said province, and to re move all those grievances and hardships we now labor under." The person selected as agent was Thomas Stevens, the son of the president of Georgia, who had resided there about four years, and who, it was thought, from his connection with the president, would give great weight to the proceedings. Mr. Stevens sailed for England on March 26, 1742, presented his petition to parlia ment, which was considered together with the answer of the Trus tees; which resulted in Mr. Stevens being brought to the bar of the House of Commons, and upon his knees, before the assem bled counsellors of Great Britain, was reprimanded for his con duct, and then discharged, on paying his fees. A list of the people who signed the petition and counter pe- tions affords a good criterion of the class represented at Darien, living there before and after the battle of Moosa. Among the complainants may be found the names of : James Campbell, Thomas Fraser, Patrick Grahame, John Grahame, John McDonald, Peter McKay, Benjamin Mcintosh, John Mcintosh, Daniel McKay, Farquhar McGuilvery, Daniel McDonald, Rev. John McLeod, Alexander Monro, John Mcln- tire, Owen McLeod, Alexander Rose, Donald Stewart. It is not certain that all the above were residents of Da- ripn. Among those who signed the petition in favor of the Trust, and denominated the body of the people, and distinctly stated to be living at Darien, are the names of : John Mackintosh Moore, John Mackintosh Lynvilge, Ronald McDonald, Hugh Morrison, John McDonald, John Maclean, John Mackintosh, son of L., John Mackintosh Bain, John McKay, Daniel Clark, first, Alexander Clarke, Donald Clark, third, Joseph Burges, Donald Clark, second, Archibald McBain, Alex ander Munro, William Munro, John Cuthbert. During the autumn of 1741, Reverend John McLeod aban doned his Highland charge at Darien, went to South Carolina and settled at Edisto. In an oath taken November 12, 1741, he represents the people of Darien to be in a deplorable condition. Oglethorpe, in his letter to the Trustees,* evidently did not think ?Dated April 28 1741. Georgia Hist. Coll., Vol. Ill, p. 113. HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. IC? Mr. McLeod was the man really fit for his position, for he says : "We want here some men fit for schoolmasters, one at Fred erica and one at Darien, also a sedate and sober minister, one of some experience in the world and whose first heat of youth is over." The long-threatened invasion of Carolina and Georgia by the Spaniards sailed from Havana, consisting of a great fleet, among which were two half galleys, carrying one hundred and twenty men each and an eighteen-pound gun. .\ part of the fleet, on June 20th, was seen off the harbor of St. Simons, and the next day in Cumberland Sound. Oglethorpe dispatched two companies in three boats to the relief of Fort William, on Cumberland island, which were forced to fight their way through the fire from the Spanisn galleys. Soon after thirty-two sail came to anchor off the bar, with the Spanish colors flying, and there remained five days. They landed five hundred men at Gascoin's bluff, on July 5th. Oglethorpe blew up Fort W'illiam, spiked the guns and signalled his ships to run up to Frederica, and with his land forces retired to the same place, where he arrived July 6th, The day fol lowing the enemy were within a mile of Frederica. When this news was brought to Oglethorpe he took the first horse he found and with the Highland company, having ordered sixty men of the regiment to follow, he set off on a gallop to meet the Span iards, whom he found to be one hundred and seventy strong, in cluding forty-five Indians. With his Indian Rangers and ten Highlanders, who outran the rest of the company, he immedi ately attacked and defeated the Spaniards. After pur suing them a mile, he halted his troops and posted them to advantage in the woods, leaving two com panies of his regiment with the Highlanders and Indians to guard the way, and then returned to Frederica to await further movements of the enemy. Finding no immediate move ment on the part of his foes, Oglethorpe, with the whole force then at Frederica, except such as were absolutely necessary to man the batteries, returned to the late field of action, and when about half way met two platoons of his troops, with the great body of his Indians, who declared they had been broken by the 168 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. whole Spanish force, which assailed them in the woods; and the enemy were now in pursuit, and would soon be upon them. Not withstanding this disheartening report, Oglethorpe continued his march, and to his great satisfaction, found that Lieutenants Southerland and MacKay, with the Highlanders alone, had de feated the enemy, consisting of six hundred men, and killed more of them than their own force numbered. At first the Spanish forces overwhelmed the colonists by their superior numbers, when the veteran troops became peized with a panic. They made a pre cipitate retreat, the Highlanders following reluctantly in the rear. After passing through a defile, LieutenantMacKay communicat ed to his friend. Lieutenant Southerland, who commanded the lear guard, composed also of Highlanders, the feelings of his corps, and agreeing to drop behind as soon as the whole had passed the defile. They returned through the brush and took post at the two points of the crescent in the road. Four In dians remained with them. Scarcely had they concealed them selves in the woods, when the Spanish grenadier regiment, the elite of their troops, advanced into the defile, where, seeing the footprints of the rapid retreat of the broken troops, and observ ing their right was covered by an open morass, and their left, as they supposed, by an impracticable wall of brushwood, and a bor der of dry white sand, they stacked their arms and sat down to partake of refreshments, believing that the contest for the day was over. Southerland and MacKay, who, from their hiding places, had anxiously watched their movements, now from either end of the line raised the Highland cap upon a sword, the signal for the work of death to begin. Immediately the Highlanders poured in upon the unsuspecting enemy a well delivered and most deadly fire. Volley succeeded volley^, and the sand was soon strewed with the dead and the dying. Terror and dismay seized the Spaniards, and making no resistance attempted to fly along the marsh. A few of their officers attempted, though in vain, to re-form their broken ranks; discipline was gone; orders were unheeded; safety alone was sought; and, when, with a Highland shout of triumph, the hidden foe burst among them with levelled musket and flashing claymore, the panic stricken Spaniards fled in HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. )69 every direction; some to the marsh, where they mired and were taken; others along the defile, where they were met hy the clay more, and still others into the thicket, where they became en tangled and perished; and a few succeeded in escaping to their camp, Barba was taken, though mortally wounded. Among the killed were a captain, lieutenant, two sergeants, two drummers and one hundred and sixty privates, and a captain and nineteen men taken prisoners. This feat of arms was as brillianf as it was successful. Oglethorpe, with the two platoons ,did not reach the scene of action, since called the "Bloody Marsh," until the victory was won. To show his sense of the services rendered, he promoted the brave young officers who had gained it on the very field of their valor. But he rested only for a few min utes, waiting for the marines and the reserve of the regiment to come up ; and then pursued the retreating enemy to within a mile and a half of their camp. During the night the foe retreated within the ruins of the fort, and under the protection of their cannon. A few days later the Spaniards became so alarmed on the appearance of three vessels off the bar that they immediately set fire to the fort and precipitately embarked their troops, aban doning in their hurry and confusion, several cannon, a quantity of military stores, and even leaving unburied some of the men who had just died of their wounds. The massacre of Fort Moosa was more than doubly avenged, and that on the same Spanish regiment that was then victor ious. On the present occasion they had set out from their camp with the determination to show no quarter. In the action Will iam Macintosh, now sixteen years of age, was conspicuous. No shout rose higher, and no sword waved quicker than his on that day. The tract of land which surrounded the field of action was afterwards granted to him. A brief sketch of Ensign John Stuart will not be out of place in this record and connection. During the Spanish invasion he was stationed at Fort William, and there gained an honorable reputation in holdine it against the enemy. Afterwards he be came the celebrated Captain Stuart and father of Sir John Stuart, the victor over General Ranier, at the battle of Maida, in Calabria. 170 HIGHL A NDERS IN A MERICA . In 1757 Captain Stuart was taken prisoner at Fort Loudon, in the Cherokee country, and whose life was saved by his friend, Atta- kullakulla. This ancient chief had remembered Captain Stuart when he was a young Highland officer under General Oglethorpe, although years had rolled away. The Indians were now filled with revenge at the treachery of Governor Littleton, of Caro lina, on account of the imprisonment and death of the chiefs of twenty towns; yet no actions of others could extinguish, in this generous and high-minded man, the friendship of other years. The dangers of that day, the thousand wiles and accidents Cap tain Stuart escaped from, made him renowned among the Indians, and centered on him the affections and confidence of the southern tribes. It was the same Colonel John Stuart, of the Revolution ary War, who, from Pensacola, directed at will the movements of the Cherokees, Creeks, Chickasaws and Choctaws, against all, save Georgia. That state suffered but little from Indian ag gression during the War for Independence. Nor was that feel ing extinct among the Creeks for a period of fifty years, or until they believed that the people of Oglethorpe had passed away. The year 1743 opened with fresh alarms of a new invasion, jointly of the French and Spanish. The Governor of Cuba of fered to invade Georgia and Carolina, with ten thousand men, most of whom were then in Havanna. Oglethorpe, with his greatly reduced force, was left alone to bear the burden of defend ing Georgia. Believing that a sudden blow would enhance his prospects, he took his measures, and accordingly, on Saturday, February 26, 1743, the detachment destined for Florida, consist ing of a portion of the Highlanders, rangers and regulars, appear ed under arms at Frederica, and on March 9th, landed in Florida, He advanced upon St. Augustine, and used every device to de coy them into an ambush, but even failed to provoke the garrison. Having no cannon with him, he returned to Frederica, without the loss of a man. This expedition was attended with great toil, fatigue and privation, but borne cheerfully. A few slight erup tive efforts were made, but each party kept its own borders, and the slight conflicts in America were lost in the universal confla gration in Europe. HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 171 The Highlanders had borne more than their share of the bur dens of war, and had lost heavily. Their families had shared in their privations. The majority had remained loyal to Ogle thorpe, and proved that in every emergency they could be de pended on. In later years the losses were partially supplied by accessions from their country-men. With all the advantages that Georgia offered and the induce ments held out to emigrants, the gp-owth was very slow. In 1761 the whole number of white inhabitants amounted to but sixty-one hundred. However, in 1773, or twelve years later, it had leaped to eighteen thousand white and fifteen thousand black. The reasons assigned for this increase were the great inducements held out to people to come and settle where they could get new and good lands at a moderate cost, with plenty of good range for cat tle, horses and hogs, and where they would not be so pent up and confined as in the more thickly settled provinces. The Macintoshes had ever been foremost, and in the attempt to consolidate Georgia with Carolina they were prominent in their opposition to the scheme. Forty years in America had endeared the Highlanders of Darien to the fortunes of their adopted country. The children knew of none other, save as they heard it from the lips of their parents. Free in their inclinations, and with their environments it is not surprising that they should become imbued with the prin ciples of the American Revolution. Their foremost leader, who gained imperishable renown, was Lachlan Macintosh, son of John Mor. His brother, William, also took a very active part, and made great sacrifices. At one time he was pursued beyond the Alatamaha and his negroes taken from him. To what extent the Darien Highlanders espoused the cause of Great Britain would be difficult to fathom, but in all probabil ity to no appreciable extent. The records exhibit that there were some royalists there, although when under British sway may have been such as a matter of protection, which was not uncommon throughout the Southern States. The record is exceedingly brief. On May 20, 1780, Charles McDonald, justice of peace for St. Andrew's parish (embracing Darien), signed the address 172 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. to the King. Sir James Wright, royal governor of Georgia, writ ing to lord George Germain, dated February i6, 1782, says: "Yesterday my Lord I Received Intelligence that two Partys of about 140 in the whole were gone over the Ogechee Ferry to wards the Alatamaha River & had been in St. Andrews Parish (a Scotch settlement) & there Murdered 12 or 13 Loyal Subjects."* The Highlanders were among the first to take action, and had no fears of the calamities of war. The military spirit of their ancestors showed no deterioration in their constitutions. Dur ing the second week in January, 1775, a district congress was held by the inhabitants of St. Andrew's Parish (now Darien), at which a series of resolutions were passed, embodying, with great force and earnestness, the views of the freeholders of that large and flourishing district. These resolutions , six in number, expressed first, their approbation of "the unparalleled moderation, the de cent, but firm and manly, conduct of the loyal and brave people of Boston and Massachusetts Bay, to preserve their liberty;" their approval of "all the resolutions of the Grand American Con gress," and their hearty and "cheerful accession to the associa tion entered into by them, as the wisest and most moderate mea sure that could be adopted." The second resolution condemned the closing of the land offices, to the great detriment of Colonial growtn, and to the injury of the industrious poor, declaring "that all encouragement should be given to the poor of every nation by every generous American." The third, animadverted upon the ministerial mandates which prevented colonial assemblies from passing such laws as the general exigencies of the provinces re quired, an especial grievance, as they affirmed, "in this young colony, where our internal police is not yet well settled." The fourth condemned the practice of making colonial officers de pendent for salaries on Great Britain, "thus making them inde pendent of the people, who should support them according to their usefulness and behavior." The fifth resolution declares "our disapprobation and abhorrence of the unnatural practice of slav ery in America," and their purpose to urge "the manumission of our slaves in this colony, upon the most safe and equitable footing ?Georgia Hist, Coll., Vol. Ill, p. 370. HIGHLANDERS IN GEORGIA. 173 for the masters and themselves." And, lastly, they thereby chose delegates to represent the parish in a provincial congress, and instruct them to urge the appointment of two delegates to the Continental Congress, to be held in Philadelphia, in May, Appended to these resolutions were the following articles of agreement or association : "Being persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liber ties of America depend, under God, on the firm union ot the in habitants in its vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the necessity of preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend the dissolution of the powers of government, we, the freemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the province of Georgia, being greatly alarmed at the avowed de sign of the Ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in the Massachusetts Bay, do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to become slaves ; and do associate, under all the ties of religion, honor and love of coun try, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution, whatever may be recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provincial Convention that shall be appointed, for the pur pose of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary and oppressive acts of the British Parlia ment, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on constiti^tional principles, which we most ardently desire, can be obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of our general committee, to be appointed, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and gooa order, and the safe ty of individuals and private property." Among the names appended to these resolutions there may be selected such as: Lach. Mcintosh, Charles McDonald, John Mcintosh, Samuel McClelland, Jno. McCulloch, William McCullough, John McClel land, Seth McCullough. On July 4, 1775, the Provincial Congress met at Tondee's Long Room, Savannah, Every parish and district was repre sented. St. Andrew's parish sent : Jonathan Cochran, William Jones, Peter Tarlin, Lachlan Mc intosh, William Mcintosh, George Threadcroft, John Wesent, Roderick Mcintosh, John Witherspoon, George Mcintosh, Allen Stuart, John Mcintosh, Raymond Demere. 174 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. The resolutions adopted by these hardy patriots were sacred ly kept. Their deeds, however, partake mor.; of personal nar ration, and only their heroic defense need be mentioned. The following narration should not escape special notice : On the last of February, 1776, the Scarborough, Hinchin- broke, St. John, and two large transports, with soldiers, then ly ing at Tybee, came up the river and anchored at five fathoms. On March 2nd, two of the vessels sailed up the channel of Back river. The Hinchinbroke, in attempting to go round Hutchinson's island, and so come down upon the shipping from above, ground ed at the west end of the island, opposite Brampton. During the night there landed from the first vessel, between two and three hundred troops, under the command of Majors Grant and Mait- land, and silently marched across Hutchinson's island, and through collusion with the captains were embarked by four A. M., in the merchant vessels which lay near the store on that island. The morning of the 3rd revealing the close proximity of the enemy caused great indignation among the people. Two companies of riflemen, under Major Habersham, immediately attacked the grounded vessel and drove every man from its deck. By nine o'clock it became known that troops had been secreted on board the merchantmen, which news created intense excitement, and three hundred men, under Colonel Mcintosh, were marched to Yamacraw Bluff, opposite the shipping, and there threw up a hasty breast-work, through which they trained three four-pound ers to bear upon the vessels. Anxious, however, to avoid blood shed. Lieutenant Daniel Roberts, of the St. John's Rangers, and Mr, Raymond Demere, of St. Andrew's Parish, solicited, and were permitted by the commanding officer, to go on board and demand a surrender of Rice and his people, who, with his boat's crew, had been forcibly detained. Although, on a mission of peace, no sooner had they reached the vessel, on board of which was Captain Barclay and Major Grant, than they were seized and detained as prisoners. The people on shore, after waiting a sufficient length of time, hailed the vessel, through a speaking- trumpet, and demanded the return of all who were detained on board; but receiving only insulting replies, they discharged two HIGHLANDERS IN GEORdlA. 176 four-pounders at the vessel; whereupon they solicited that the people should send on board two men in whom they most con fided, and with them they agreed lo negotiate. Twelve of the Rangers, led by Captain Screven, of the St, John's Rangers, and Captain Baker, were immediately rowed under the stem of the vessel and there peremptorily demanded tlie deputies. Incensed by insulting language. Captain Baker fired a shot, which im mediately drew on his boat a discharge of swivels and small arms. The batteries then opened, which was briskly answered for the space of four hours. The next step was to set fire to the ves sels, the first being the Inverness, which drifted upon the brig Nelly, which was soon in flames. The officers and soldiers fled from the vessels, in the utmost precipitation across the low marshes and half-drained rice-fields, several being killed by the grape shot played upon them. As the deputies were still held pris oners, the Council of Safety, on March 6th, put under arrest all the members of the Royal Council then in Savannah, besides men acing the ships at Tybee. An exchange was not effected until the 27th.." As already stated, Darien experienced some of the vicissi tudes of war. On April 18, 1778, a small army, under Colonel Elbert, embarked on the galleys Washington, Lee and Bullock, and by 10 o'clock next morning, near Frederica, had captured the brigantine Hinchinbroke, the sloop Rebecca and a prize brig, which had spread terror on the coast. In 1779 the parishes of St. John, St. Andrew and St. James were erected into one county, under the name of Liberty. In March, 1780, the royal governor, Sir James Wright, at tempted to re-establish the old government, and issued writs re turnable May 5. Robert Baillie and James Spalding were re turned from St. Andrew's parish. The settlement of Darien practically remained a pure High land one until the close of the Revolution. The people proved themselves faithful and loyal to the best interests of the common wealth, and equal to such exigencies as befell them. While dis asters awaited them and fierce ordeals were passed through, yet fortune eventually smiled upon them. CHAPTER VII. Captain Lauchlan Campbell''s New York Colony. The fruitful soil of America, together with the prospects of a home and an independent living, was peculiarly adapted to awaken noble aspirations in the breasts of those who were inter ested in the welfare of that class whose condition needed a radi cal enlargement. Among this class of Nature's noblemen there is no name deserving of more praise than that of Lauchlan Campbell. Although his name, as well as the migration of his infant colony, has gone out of Islay ken, where he was born, yet his story has been fairly well preserved in the annals of the prov ince of New York. It was first publicly made known by Will iam Smith, in his "History of New York." Lauchlan Campbell was possessed of a high sense of honor and a good understanding; was active, loyal, of a military dispo sition, and, withal, strong philanthropic inclinations. By plac ing implicit confidence in the royal governors of New York,- he fell a victim to their roguery, deception and heartlessness, which ultimately crushed him and left him almost penniless. The story has been set forth in the following memorial, prepared by his son : "Memorial of Lieutenant Campbell to the Lords of Trade. To the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of Trade, &c. Memorial of Lieut. Donald Campbell of the Province of New York Plantation. Humbly Showeth, That in the year 1734 Colonel Cosby being then Governor of the Province of New York by and with the advice and assent of his Council published a printed Advertisement for encouraging the Resort of Protestants from Europe to settle upon the Northern Frontier of the said Province (in the route from Fort Edward to Crown Point) promising to each family two hundred acres of unimproved land out of 100,000 acres purchased from the In dians, without any fee or expences whatsoever, except a very moderate charge for surveying & liable only to the King's Quit LAUCHLAN CAMPBELL'S NEW YORK COLONY. 177 Rent of one shilling and nine per.ce farthiu'j per hundred acres, which settlement would at that time have been iif the utmost util ity to the Province & tnese proposals were looked upon as so ad vantageous, that they could not fail of having a proper effect. That these Proposals in 1737, falling into the hands of Cap tain Lauchlin Campbell of the Island of Isla, he the same year went over to North America, and passing through the Province of Pennsilvania where he rejected many considerable offers that were made him, he proceeded to New York, where, tho' Governor Cosby was deceased, George Clarke Esqr. then Governor, assured him no part of the lands were as yet granted; importuned him & two or three persons that went over with him to go up and visit the lands, which they did, and were very kindly received and greatly caressed by the Indians. On his return to New York he received the most solemn promises that he should have a thousand acres for every family that he brought over, and that each fam ily should have according to their number from five hundred to one hundred and fifty acres, but declined making any Grant till the Families arrived, because, according to the Constitution of that Government, the names of the settlers were to be inserted in that Grant. Captain Campbell accordingly returned to Isla, and brought from thence at a very large expense, his own Family and Thirty other Families, making in all, one hundred and fifty-three Souls. He went again to visit the lands, received all possible respect and kindness from the Government, who proposed an old Fort Anna to be repaired, to cover the new settlers from the French Indians. At the same time, the People of New York proposed to maintain the people already brought, till Captain Campbell could return and bring more, alledging that it would be for the interest of the Infant Colony to settle upon the lands in a large Body; that, covered by the Fort, and assisted by the In dians, they might be less liable to the Incursions of Enemies. That to keep up the spirit of the undertaking. Governor Clarke, by a writing bearing date the 4th day of December, 1738, declared his having promised Captain Campbell thirty thousand acres of land at Wood Creek, free of charges, except the ex- pence of surveying & the King's Quit Rent in consideration of his having already brought over thirty families who according to their respective numbers in each family, were to have from one hundred and fifty to five hundred acres. Encouraged by this declaration, he departed in the same month for Isla, and in August, 1739, brought over Forty Families more, and under the Faith of the said promises made a third voyage, from which he returned in November, 1740, bringing with him thirteen Families 178 HIGHLANDERS IN AMERICA. the whole making eighty-three Families, composed of Four Hun dred and Twenty Three Persons, all sincere and loyal Protest ants, and very capable of forming a respectable Frontier for the security of the Province, But after all these perilous and expen sive voyages, and tho' there wanted but Seventeen Families to complete the number for which he had undertaken, he found no longer the same countenance or protection but on the contrary it was insinuated to him that he could have no land either for him self or the people, but upon conditions in direct violation of the Faith of Government, and detrimental to the interests of those who upon his assurances had accompanied him into America, The people also were reduced to demand separate Grants for them selves, which upon large promises some of them did, yet more of them never had so much as a foot of land, and many listed them selves to join the Expedition to Cuba. That Captain Campbell having disposed of his whole For tune in the Island of Isla, expended the far greatest part of it from his confidence in these fallacious promises found himself at length constrained to employ the little he had left in the purchase of a small farm seventy miles north of New York for the subsistence of himself and his Family consisting of three sons and three daughters. He went over again into Scotland in 1745, and hav ing the command of a Company of the Argyleshire men, served with Reputation under his Royal Highness the Duke, against the Rebels. He went back to America in 1747 and not longer after died of a broken heart, leaving behind him the six children be fore mentioned of whom your Memoralist is the eldest, in very narrow and distressed circumstances." All these facts are briefly commemorated by Mr. Smith in his History of the Colony of New York, page 179, where are some severe, though just strictures on the behavior of those in power towards him and the families he brought with him, and the loss the Province sustained by such behavior towards them. That at the Commencement of the present War, your Me moralist and both his brothers following their Father's principles in hopes of better Fortune entered into the Army & served in the Forty Second, Forty Eighth and Sixtieth Regiments of Foot dur ing the whole War, at the close of which your Memoralist and his brother George were reduced as Lieutenants upon half pay, and their youngest Brother still continues in the service ; the small Farm purchased by their father being the sole support of them selves and three sisters till they were able to provide for them selves in the manner before mentioned, and their sisters are now married & settled in the Province of New York. LA UCHLAN CAMPBELVS NEW YORK COLONY. 179 That after the conclusion of the Peace, your Memoralist considering the number of Families dispersed through the Prov ince which came over with his Father, and finding in them a gen eral disposition to settle with him on the lands originally prom ised them, if they could be obtained, in the month of February, 1763, petitioned Governor Monckton for the said lands but was able only to procure a Grant of ten thousand acres, (for obtain ing which, he disbursed in Patent and other fees, the sum of two hundred Guineas), the people in Power alledging that land was now at a far greater value than at the time of your Memoralist's Father's coming into the Province, and even this upon the com mon condition of settling ten Families upon the said lands and paying a Quit Rent to the Crown. Part however of the Peo ple who had promised to settle with your Memoralist in case he had prevailed, were drawn to petition for lands to themselves, which they obtained, tho' they never could get one foot of land before, which provision of lands as your Memoralist apprehends, ought in Equity to be considered as an obligation on the Prov ince to perform, so far as the number of those Families goes, the Conditions stipulated with his Father, as those Families never had come into & consequently could not now be remaining in the Province, if he had not persuaded them to accompany him, & been at a very large expence in transporting them thither. That there are still very many of these Families who have no land and would willingly settle with your Memoralist. That there are numbers of non commissioned Officers and Soldiers of the Regiments disbanded in North America who notwithstanding His Majesty's gracious Intentions are from many causes too long to trouble your Lordship with at present without any settlement provided for them, and that there are also many Families of loyal Protestants in the Islands and other parts of North Britain which might be induced by reasonable proposals and a certainty of their being fulfilled, to remove into the said Province, which would add greatly to the strength, security and opulence thereof, and be in all respects faithful and serviceable subjects to His Ma jesty. That the premisses considered, particularly the long scene of hardships to which your Memoralist's Family has been ex posed, for Twenty Six years, in consideration of Ms own and his Brothers' services, & the perils to which they have been exposed