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Amelia Volume 1 Chapter 34 |
Trials, &c“1614 Jan. Item to Walter Smith messenger passing with letters to charge the Earl of Enzie, and John Grant of Freuquhte to compeir personally before the Council the 16 day of Feb. next, the said Earl to bring, present, and exhibit with him Duncan Mceandowy and the said Laird of Grant to exhibit John dow McGregor Neill massot : (?) McGregour and Allaster Reoch McGregour, to the effect order may be taken with their rebellion, and conformity to the laws, under the pain of rebellion and putting of the said Earl and Laird to the horn. And such like passing with letters to be published at the market cross of Innerness, Inhibiting the resett, supply or intercommuning, with certain of the McGregours that are declared fugitives and outlaws And likewise passing with letters to be published at the said market cross of Innerness charging whatsumever persons, havears of certain of the bairns of McGregours, who are kept obscure, and quiet, to exhibit them to the Lords of Privy Council within the space of a month after the publication hereof, to the effect, order may be taken with them, for their obedience to the laws, under the pain to be answerable as well to his Majesty as to parties grieved by them. “Item to William Cathro messenger, passing from Edinburgh with letters to charge the Erle of Perth, James Lord Madertie and Mr. of Madertie to compeir, bring, present, and exhibit Robert Abroch McGregour and Gregor gair VcPatrik Coull before the Lords of Secret Council the 17 day of Feb. next to the effect, order may be taken with them for their obedience, as accords, under the pain of rebellion and putting of the said Erle of Perth, Lord Madertie, and his son, to the horn. And such like passing with the said proclamations, the one concerning the fugitives of the McGregours, the other concerning certain of the obscured (sic) boys of the McGregours, to be published at the market cross of Perth. “Item to John Ramsay messenger passing with these two proclamations to be published at the market crosses of Striveling and Dumbartane Jan. 13. John Earl of Mar (by his bond dated at Stirling and ‘Alloway’ 5. and 9. Jan. instant, became pledge and surety for ‘Johnne McFarlane now of Arroquhar’ that he should compeir before the Justiciary of the sheriffdom where he dwells, to underly the law for the attack on [page 429} the house of Banachrea in June 1602. Also ‘for being in company with umqle Allaster McGregour of Glenstra, his kyn, and freinds at ye field of Glenfrone Feb. 1603. &a.’ “Feb. 17. This day being appointed to the Erle of Perth, and Lord of Madertie, and his son, for the exhibition of Robert Abroch McGregour and Gregor Gair, and to the Erle of Enzie for exhibition of Duncan Mceandowy, and to the Laird of Grant, for exhibition of some three or four of the ClanGregour being in his hands, The Lord of Madertie compeired for himself, and his son, and the Erle of Perth compeired by David Drummond his servant, and the laird of Grant was excused in respect of his sickness, and continued till Tuesday next. It was alleged by the Laird of Madertie, that he could take no burden for Robert Abroch, because the Vicount of Haidingtoun had taken a dealing for him, and would find caution to make him furth coming and answerable. And for Gregor gair, it was alleged that he was in Ireland, And so there was no necessity of finding caution for him. To this, it was answered by the Laird of Lundie in name of the Erle of Ergyle, that the said Robert Abroche and Gregor Gair were taken by the Erle of Perth, the Lord of Madertie, and the Master his son, and that they were a long time in their company, and that promise was made in their names to the Council to make them answerable, and forth coming And in this respect it was craved that the Erll of Ergyll might be exonerated, and freed of them The Council being loath to quiet the Erll of Ergyll of them until first they found some other lawful debtor to make them answerable, they have assigned unto the Erll of Ergyll, the 22 of this instant, for proving that the Erll of Perth, the Lord of Madertie, and his son ought to be answerable for the said Robert Abroch and Gregor Gair. “The Erll of Enzie compeired by the gudeman of Buckie, who alleged that the Erll could not, with his honour nor credit, exhibit Duncan Mceanduy, without a condition and surety for his life. Because he, at the special request and desire, of the Erll of Ergyle took the said Duncan, and made promise to him that he should be in no danger of his life. The council thought this no lawful excuse, for the Erll of Enzie, and have ordained letters to be directed to denounce him rebel, for non exhibition of the said Duncan, and have ordained the denunciation to be superceded until the 10. March. - Balfour’s Collections. “Feb. 22. The Laird of Grant compeiring before the council, granted that he had John roy McGregour, son to Duncan Mcean chame, and has acted himself to exhibit him, upon the first council day, of April. This John Roy is that same man for whom there was so much contestation in his Majesty’s presence between the Laird of Grant and Archibald Campbell servitor to the Erll of Ergyle, be has likewise granted two other McGregours, and has taken the 10 of March for their exhibition. - Balfour’s Collections. “Feb. 23. Letter - Argyll to the King. “‘Please your Majesty I have been this long time busy in finding the certainty of [page 430} Grant’s guiltiness, for the receipt of one of the Clangregour, (whom he denied in your Majesty’s presence, as the copy of the article set down before your Highness will testify) and having accused him before your Majesty’s council he is now forced to confess the having of him at divers times, but thinks to free himself of that crime, by procuring your Majesty’s pardon to that rebel, which I most humbly entreat your Majesty not to yield to, until such time as the Laird of Grant suffer his trial, in the rest of the articles, agreed upon in your Majesty’s presence, which I shall go about, with all reasonable diligence, so reposing on your Majesty’s gracious favour in this I rest. Your Majesty’s most humble and obedient subject Argyll. Leith, Feb. 23. 16l4.’ - Balfour’s Collections. “March 12. Ane letter to Gawin Colquhoun in Port, of the escheat of umqle Allaster McGregour Mckean, and speciallie the contractis bandis &a granted be Sr Johnne Campbell of Ardkinglas knight, Johne Graham alias McGregour McKean, to the said umqle Alaster McGreigor, concerning the lands of Auchindowaane, annual rent of £100 from lands of Innerranich miln thereof, and piece of land callit Borriklie, in the King’s hands thro’ forfeiture, and execution of the said Allaster. - Register of Privy Seal. “April 1614. April 2. The Remission of John Murray formerly (alias) called Gregour McGregour. “James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, &a Defender of the Faith. To all his good subjects, to whom these present letters shall come, greeting. Wot ye, that whereas of our special grace, favour, and mercy, we have forgiven and by the tenour of these presents, forgive John Murray formerly called Gregour McGregour VcCoule chere, in lie [1] bray of Balquhidder, All displeasure of our mind, Royal opinion, and all prosecution, which we either intend against him, or may in any way in future have, for art and part of the traitorous burning, and manslauchter, committed at the house and lands of Aberroughle, And for art and part of the degradation and spoiliation of goods in the said house and lands belonging to Colin Campbell brother german of Sir James Campbell of Lawers Kt and for every action and crime, civil as well as criminal, which may follow hereupon or be competent against the said John. “1614. June 23. Robert Abroche McGregour appeared before the council and formerly declared that he had renounced the surname of McGregour and taken that of Ramsay. The council ordained Sir George Ramsay (elder brother of Viscount Haddington, and after wards by creation Lord Ramsay of Dalhousie) to be his surety under penalty of 1000 merks. - Record of Secret Council, Treasurer’s Books. “July 28. The 24. day of August next is appointed to the Erle of Ergyle for making of his last accompt, of the service against the Clangregour, and the haill landlords are written for, to be here that day. - Balfour’s Collections. [page 431} “August 24. Commission for trying the resetters of the Clangregour. Forasmuch as albeit the reset of the rebellious thieves and limmers of the Clangregour, their wives, bairns, goods, and geir, has been prohibited, and discharged by many acts, and proclamations made, and published heretofore; Nevertheless the chief and principal cause which has procured, and still procures, their continuance in rebellion, and which has frustrated, and disappointed the effectual execution, of his Majesty’s service, against them, doth proceed from the reset, supply, protection, and maintenance, which they find among great number of people, as well inhabiting the countries, and bounds next adjacent unto them, as in some other parts of the country, who in outward show and appearance falsely pretending to be unfriends, to the said limmers, do notwithstanding covertly, and obscurely, not only supply all their necessities, and wants, but reset them in their houses, and take their goods, and geir in keiping, to their own use and behoof, so that at all times, when these fugitive limmers are pursued, or any course intended against them, for reducing of them to obedience, their resets, and starting holes, are so sure and certain unto them, as the most part of the courses intended against them, have proved fruitless, highly to the offence, and contempt of his Majesty, and fostering of the said limmers in their insolencies. And whereas bypast experience in the like cases gives clear evidence, that nothing is more forcible, against traitorous rebels and fugitives than to cut them short of their resets, and startingholes, which cannot be well done but by exemplary punishment, to be inflicted upon the resetters; Therefore the King’s Majesty with advice of his Majesty’s Secret Council, has resolved no longer to overlook that proud contempt of his Majesty’s authority in resetting of the said limmers . . . . but to use some exemplary punishment, upon them to the terror of others, to commit the like hereafter And because the probation and trial of their resets, must be by witnesses. And his Majesty and Lords of his Secret Council being loath to weary his Majesty’s subjects, and to draw them to charges and expenses, in coming here to bear witness, in that matter, seeing the probation may be as well led, and deduced, in the particular Sheriffdoms, where the resetters and witnesses dwell. Therefore &a. “Commissions appointed in the shires of Argyll and Bute. “August 24. The Erle of Ergyle and the whole landlords of the Clangregour being written for, to be here this day, to hear the last accompt made by the Erle of Ergyll, of his proceedings in that commission granted to him, against the Clangregour, and to declare their opinion if the service be accomplished, and what farther rests to be done thereintill, the said Erll of Ergyle, and almost the whole landlords compeired this day in the forenoon, and his Majesty’s letter sent down for this business, being read in their hearing, the same was delivered to the landlords, with that catalogue and roll of the names of the Clangregour which was delivered to the Erle of Ergyle, at his acceptation of the service upon him, and in the afternoon to report their opinion what they (thought) anent the accomplishment of the service. In the afternoon they [page 432} compeired, and first verbally declared that they could say nothing, but that the Earle of Ergyle had very worthlie behaved, and carried himself in that service. But anent the accomplishing of that service, they gave in some articles in writing, whereby they alleged that the service was not accomplished that the condition of that service, was to have rooted out that whole race, and name, secondly that none of them should have got remission, nor been admitted to change their names, but such as had done service against their own Clan. Thirdly that some of the cautioners were not sufficient, and last, that those who had found caution, were guilty of the break and violation of sundry acts of council, made against them. To this it was answered by the Erle of Ergyle that he never accepted that service, upon condition to extirpate and root out that whole name, because it was impossible to be performed, and his Majesty did never lay such a matter to his charge, next that none had got remission, but had done service worthy of remission, and that the whole number exceeded not eight persons, and touching those who had changed their names and had found caution, the Erle alleged that no such service was to be laid to their charge, Because they craved no pardon nor favour, but found caution to be answerable, as well for bygones as times to come, upon these points he and the landlords contested, and it was farther alleged by the landlords, that the most part of them who had found caution, were guilty of capital crimes. They being at length heard hereupon they are continued till the morn, and the landlords are ordained to condescend in particular, upon those who are guilty of these crimes. And upon the names of the cautioners who are not sufficient, to the effect order may be taken therewith, as accords. “The Erle of Ergyle and the landlords being of new heard, the landlords proposed sundry demands, first that the whole Clangregour should be transplanted, which was thought unreasonable, and not agreeable to the course of justice, nor well, of the service. Next that the Erll should not be freed of the service, until first some proof were had, of the obedience of those who are under caution. This point was thought reasonable, and the landlords are ordained to charge such as have offended, to appear at several diets, between and the last of February. “The number of outlaws is reduced to eleven persons, and remissions are ordained to be exped, to fourteen persons, who have done service and whose service was qualified, in presence of the landlords. - Balfour’s Collections. “August. Letters sent to the landlords, and Item to a post passing in great haste to William Middilmest constable of Dumbarton. - Treasurer’s Books. “Dec. 9. Letter Dunfermline to . . . . . “ ‘I had John Dow McAllaster, the greatest limmer and brokin man in all the north, and his brother both put out, and the ane execute in this toun, the other with tua of his marrowis, burnt in ane house, because thay would not rander; for this I gave thrie thousand marks, ane other, McGillieworike, I had brought into this toun and execute.’ - Balfour’s Collections. [page 433} “1615. The Lords appoint to the landlords of the ClanGregour any time betwix and the last day of June for charging of the ClanGregour to compeir before them to render them their obedience. - Record of Secret Council. “Feb. 14. At Edinburgh. The Lords Commissioners appointed for managing his Majesty’s rents with advice of Sir Gideon Murray of Elibank knight their depute Ratify and approve a Decreet Arbitral pronounced by arbiters chosen by Argyle and Johnne Grant of Freuchie whereby the latter is decerned to pay 16,000 merks in satisfaction of all such sums of money, as the said Johne Grant his friends and tenants are fined, for their resett, supply, and intercomuning with the ClanGregor. “The same lords on the same occasion approved of an agreement by which Rory McKenzie Tutor of Kintail, Rory McKenzie of Redcastle and Mr. John McKenzie of Dingwell had paid 6000 merks instead of 12,000 in which these had been fined for intercourse with the outlawed Clan, and of an agreement by which John Ross of Holme paid 600 merks instead of 1000 being his fine for the same offence. They also approved of all other agreements by which the favour shewn to the resetters of the said Clan, reduces the fines to not above a fifth of the sums adjudged, so far as his Majesty’s share is concerned. They resolved that the same indulgence be extended to all who complain of the fines being too high; of whom were a number. - Balfour’s Collections.” There are in the Treasurer’s Books many notices of close letters to various individuals who, as appears from this and other public Records, were about this time employed to put the ClanGregor down. The rebellions in the Isles in 1615, and the year following, engrossed almost exclusively the attention of the Secret Council :- “Nov. 26. at Edinburgh. Johnne Buchquhannan of that Ilk and Sir George Muschet of Burnebank became sureties for certain Buchannans and others to compeir on the 6. Dec. and ‘underly the lawis for airt and pairt of the slauchter of umqle Allaster Livingstoun in Corriecrombie.’” The “Black Book of Taymouth” gives some details of the events of this year, which seem closely connected with the various negotiations which have been already recorded in the last few years. Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurchy and the Earl of Argyll seem, one as much as the other, to have done their utmost, both by force and guile, to ruin the whole Clan, for which Argyle and his brothers had the best opportunities by their access to the King, but Argyle was more lenient in some instances than those known as the “Landlords of the Clan.” Amidst the cruel edicts and [page 434} persecution of the children, the generous courage of the resetters stands out in bright relief against the surrounding blackness :- “Item in the monethe of October anno 1615. the Laird of Lawers past up to Londoun and desyrit of his Maiestie thai he wald wreit to the Counsall desyring the Counsall to send for the landislordis of the Clangregour that they wald grant ane contributioun of fyiftie pund out of the merkland, and his Maiestie wald find ane way that naine of the ClanGregour sould troubill aney of thair landis nor posses thame, bot that the landislordis sould bruik thame paceablie, for Laweris luit his Maiestie to understand that, gif his Hines wald grant him that contributioun, that he sould get all theis turnis satled. quhairin trewlie Laweris haid nather pouer nor moyen to do it. The counsall wreit for the landislordis, sic as the Erle of Linlithgow the Laird of Glenurchay the Laird of Weyme, Alexander Shaw of Cambusmoir and Knockhill. The rest of the Landislordis came not. The Chancellor inquyrit of thame that wes present, gif they wald grant to the contributioun, quhilkis all zeildit to, saifand Glenurquhay, quha said he wald not grant thair to, seeing his Maiestie haid burdnit him to concur withe the Erle of Argyle in persewing of the Clangregor, becaus he knew he wald get moir skaithe be the Clangregour nor all the Landislordis wald. Heireftir the Counsall wreit for the landislordis, and desyrit tham to pey the contrabutioun, and his Maiesties will was that it sould be givin to the laird of Laweris. Glenurquhay refuisit be reassoun that he nevir zeildit to the contrabutioun and the rest of the landislordis that wes absent the first counsall day that the contrabutioun wes grantit, refuisit the contrabutioun in lyke maner Sua the Laird of Laweris wes disapointit of the contrabution. Glenurquhay quarrellit the laird of Laweres and his breithrene that he sould haive tain sic interpryses in hand by his advyse, for to perturb the laird of Glenurquhay’s landis seeing that he wes the laird of Glenurquhay’s wassell, and kinsman cum of his hous, and als his sister’s sone, and that quhen Laweres house wald haive wraikitt in Laweris father’s tyme, the laird of Glenurquhay tuik in his mother, his breithrein, and sisteris in his hous, and saivit the hous of Laweris fra rowein and wraik.’ “Item in the moneth of December 1615. the Laird of Laweris socht ane suit of the Counsaill for enterteineing of thrie or four scoir of the bairnis of the Clangregor, and desyrit the Counsall to burdein the landislordis with the sowme of 2000 merkis in the moneth thairfoir. The laird of Glenurquhay desyrit the Laird of Laweris and his brethrin not to truble him with that suit, seeing that they knew he had gottin moir skaithe of the Clangregour nor all the subiectis of the kingdome, and that he had done moir service to his Maiestie nor all the rest in oppressing of the Clangregour. Laweris refuisit that Glenurquhay sould haiv aney curtassie, bot that he sould pey as the rest did, for the enterteinement of the bearnis of the Clangregour . . For the quhilk refuisall [page 435} Glenurquhay mett with the landislordis, sic as the Erle of Tullibardin, the Erle of Linlithgow, the Erle of Perth, My lord of Madertie, and the rest of the landislordis, and they tuk the burding upone thamesells for ane space, to enterteineing the bairnis quhairby Laweris wes disappointit of his tua thousand merkis. “Item, thairefter the Erle of Argyle gatt of his Maiestie the fynns of the receptaris of the Clangregour, and the Laird of Laweris and his Breitherein for the tyme beand, daylie waitaris on upoun the Erle of Argyle gat the fourth pairt of the fynnis to thame selfhs Glenurquhay desyrit the Laird of Laweris and his breithereine that his tennentis sould not be trublit in the fynnis, seand that he and his tennentis haid maid moir service to his Maiestie on the Clangregour, nor all the rest of the subjectis in Scotland, and haid gottin moir skaithe be thame nor thame all, and that it wes no reassoun that his men sould be fynned, seinge his countray wes heallie brint, and sindrie of his tennentis slaine in that service. Laweris and his breithereine ansueris wes that they wald grant no courtassie to Glenurquhay, quhairupone Glenurquhay postit up to Londoun to his Maiestie quhair the Erle of Argyle wes for the present and declareit to his Maiestie how that his tennantis notwithstanding of their good service, and great skaithe, wes pressed to be fynned, quhilk his Maiestie declarit wes no reassoun, and sua wreit doun to the Counsall, desyring (that none) of Glenurquhy’s tennentis or seruentis sould be trublit with oney of the foirsaid fynnis. To conclude the hous of Laweris hes bein verie ungraitfull to the hous of Glenurquhay at all other tymes.” Thus the chief persecutors fell out amongst themselves. From the “Chartulary” :- “1616. April. Item to ane poist passand of Edinburgh for convoying ye man yt wes directit to ye Marques of Huntlie withe ane lurg dog and with cloiss ltres to ye said Marques and Lord Gordoun. £6. 13. 8. Item to ane Ione [2] chenzie to the said dog 40 shilling. - Lord High Treasurer’s Books.” 1617- May 17. The Scottish Parliament met at Edinburgh on occasion of the first and the only visit which King James VI. made to his more ancient Kingdom of Scotland after his accession to the English Crown. - Parliamentary Record. “June 28. Continuation of the Scottish Parliament which at this date made the following Act ‘anent the ClanGregour.’ “Our Soveraine Lord and estates of this present Parliament Remembering how that his sacred Majesty being very justly moved with a hatred and detestation of the barbarous murders and insolencys committed by the ClanGregoure upon his Majesties [page 436} peaceable and good subjects of the Lennox at Glenfrone in the month of February 1603. And how that the ‘bare and simple name of McGregoure maid that haill Clane to presume of their power, force and strength’ and did encourage them without reverence of the Laws or fear of punishment to go forward in their Iniquities upon the consideration whereof His Majesty with advice of (his) Secret Council made divers Acts and ordinances against them especially one Act upon the 3. day of April 1603. whereby it was ordained that the name of McGregoure should be altogether abolished. And that the haill persons of that Clan should renounce their name and take them some other name. And that they, nor none of their posterity, should call themselves Gregor or McGregour hereafter under the pain of death.” Recapitulation of other Acts after which the present Act continues : “And his Majesty and the said estates acknowledging the said Acts having been made upon very good respect and consideration for the peace and quietness of the country, And therewithal considering that divers of that Clan, who renounced their names and found caution for their good behaviour are departed this life, And that great numbers of their children are now rising up and approaching to the years of majority who if they shall take again the name of McGregoure renounced by their parents upon solemn oath the number of that Clan in few years, will be as great, as any time heretofore. Therefore His Majesty with advice of his said estates, ratifies, allows, and approves the Acts above written, of the tenour and dates foresaid, in all and sundry points, clauses, and articles contained thereintill, and conform thereto Declares, statutes, and ordains that if any person or persons of the said Clan who have already renounced their names, or shall hereafter renounce, or change their names, or if any of their bairns, and posterity shall at any time hereafter Assume or take to themselves the name of Gregoure or McGregoure, or if any of them shall keep trysts, conventions, and meetings, with any person or persons calling and avowing themselves to be McGregoures, That every such person or persons assuming, and taking to themselves, the said name, and who shall keep the said trysts, conventions, and meetings shall incur the pain of death, which pain shall be executed upon them without favour, for which purpose his Majesty, with advice of his said estates, ordains and commands the Sherrifs, Stewards, Bailzies of regality, Justices of peace, and their deputes, within their several bounds, where any of the persons contravening this present Act. and remains to take, and apprehend them, and committ them to sure ward therein to remain upon their own expenses ay and order, and direction be given for their punishment as accords.” 1617. In the same Parliament of King James VI. at Edinburgh another Act was passed connected with Highland customs. “June 28. Anent discharging of Caulpes. “Our Soveraigne Lord, and estates, understanding and considering the great hurt [page 437} and skaith which his Majesties Lieges have sustained these many years bygone by the Chiefs of Clans within the Highlands and Isles of this kingdome by the unlawful taking from them, their children, and executors, after their decease, under the name of caulpes of their best aught, whether it be ox, mear, horse, or cow, alledgeing their predecessors to have been in possession thereof for maintaining and defending of them against their enemies and evil willers of old and not only the said Chiefs of Clans will be content to uplift his Caulpe, but also three or four more, every one of them will alleadge better right then other and every one of them after ane other will uptake the same until four or five several caulpes will be taken from one person howbeit never ane of the said Clans have right thereto, or to the lands which the persons occupies, wherefra the caulpes are uplifted And so severe are they that every ane of them after ane other will pull their horses and oxen out of their Plowes and Harrows, in the very time of their greatest businesse and labours so that many of his Majesties subjects which of old were enriched with sufficient store of goods and Bestial and thereby made his Highness and others having right, thankful payment of their mails, kaines and dueties indebted by them yearly to his Majesty and others having right, are now by the extortion of the said Chiefs of Clans and others claiming right to the saids caulpes, and by unlawful raising and uplifting thereof become dessauperate and unable to pay his Majestie and others having good right their just dueties, And seeing there was an Act made heretofore in favour of the inhabitants of Galloway by his Highnesse predecessour King James, IV of worthy memory in his second parliament and eighteenth act or chapter thereof discharging the saids Caulpes and uptaking thereof in all timming coming under the pain of punishment as rebells and be ane point of dittay against them in the justice Aire. Therefore our said Soveraigne Lord with advice of the estates of this present parliament statutes and ordains that in no time coming none of his Highnesse Lieges presume nor take in hand to intromet with nor uplift the saids Caulpes within any part of this Kingdome under the pain aforesaid.” From the “Chartulary” :- “1618. Feb. Item to George Stewart messenger passing from Edinburgh to charge Archibald Earl of Argyle being at Glasgow to compeir personally before the Council and to bring, present, and exhibit with him, Duncan McEwin McGrigor called the Tutor now called Duncan Douglas and Archibald McConnoquhie VcAllaster in Ardlariche now called Archibald Menzies upon the last day of March next to come to the effect the said Lords may know their obedience, certifying the said Earl as cautioner for their entry, that if he exhibit them not that he shall be decerned to incur the pain of 3000 merks for Duncan and one thousand merks for the other. Item to James Law Snawdoun herauld, passing with letters to charge George Lord Gordon as cautioner [page 438} for Duncane McEanduy in Rannache to bring, present, and exhibit him before the Council, the 26. day of March next to the effect he may renounce his name under the pain of 1000 merks certifying the said Lord should he fail that he shall be decerned to have incurred the said pain. “March. Similar Letter sent to George Ramsay brother to Viscount of Haddingtoun to exhibit Robert Abroche McGregour now called Robert Ramsay the last day of March under pain of 1000 merks. “1618. Archibald Earl of Argyle who had so zealously persecuted the ClanGregour, and received the fines against their resetters, in the course of this year, left Scotland for Spain and entered the service of the King of Spain having become a Roman Catholick and distinguished himself in the wars between Spain and Holland. - Taken from Douglas’s Peerage. “April. A messenger sent to charge William McEwin VcGillichelich in Ardlarich, John Dow in Trinafour his brother, and a number of other persons to the number of eightyseven common and notorious slayaris of deir and rae. - Lord High Treasurer’s Books.” From the “Chartulary” :- “ June 4. Amongst a number fined for wearing of hagbuttis and pistolettis and the slaughter of wildfowls, and venisoune occur the names of several persons believed to be MacGregors. Of these Donald McEane VcPatrik in Leargoun Duncan and Johne McEwill VcCondoquhys in Direcamss Finlay Mc Condoquhy Hermitt in Roray. Calum Glas alias McGregor in Lergan. Grigour McCane VcCondoquhy there Allester McAllaster VcJames in Aulich Malcolm McNeill in Fernay. Donald McPhatrik Vacclerich, Edinkeip Johnne McGregour VcNeill in Edinkeip Grigor Roy in Leargane Archibald McCondoquhy VcAllaster in Ardlarich Johne Oig McFrankeine servitor to the Clandaindoney VcAllaster in Downan Calum croch in Findart Johne McPahtrik geir and his son Johne Dow McAchaincasich in Carie and . . . . . Mcachaincasichasich his sone Calum ower, and Patrik McGregour in Findart Johne ower McGillechreist VcInvoir in Camscherachtie all under pretext and colour of thair recreatioun. - Secret Council. [page 439} “June 9. at Edinburgh The Kingis Advocat against the Erll of Ergyll and Sir George Ramsay. “Anent our sovereign Lords letters raised at the instance Sir Will. Oliphant of Newtoun Knt. his Majesty’s Advocate for his Highness’ interest making mention that wherein the course and order taken by his Majesty, and the Lords of Secret Council, for settling of the Clangregour under obedience, it was ordained that they should not only renounce their names, but find caution to be answerable to his Majesty, and his laws, and to find caution for their compeirance before the said Lords so oft as they should be charged to that effect. According whereunto Duncane McEwin McGregour sometime called the Tutor renounced his name of McGregour and took to himself the name of Duncane Douglas upon the 20. day of Dec. 1611 years. And Archibald Earle of Argyll became caution acted in the books of Privy Council for his obedience, and his compeirance, before the said lords upon a fifteen, days warning, under the pain of 3000 merks. And upon the 23 day of July 1612. years Archibald McConnoquhy VcAllaster in Ardlarich under the Laird of Weyme renounced the name of McGregour and took to him the name of Archibald Menzies and the said Earl of Argyll became caution &a. And upon the 23 day of June 1614. years, Robert Abroche McGregour renounced his name and took to him the name of Robert Ramsay, and Sir George Ramsay brother to the Viscount of Haddingtoun, became caution &a. Said cautioners fined for not presenting them. - Record of Secret Council. “1618. July 29. Another set of people accused of wearing arms and of shooting wildfowl. Among them Donald McPhaul Vcaclerach in Edinampull Johne Grahame alias McGregour there Callum bayne McGregour in Ardlarich, Grigor Roy his brother Angus McCondoquhy mic in Ardlarich John McEwin VcEwin in Rannoch Grigour McEane veill VcGillechalluin there Johne McEane dowig there McConneill VcEane roy chamchorrane Archibald McCondoquhy VcAllaster alias McGregour in Rannoch. “Nov. 4. Charter by John Drummond of Innerzeldies to John Campbell of Ardewnaig, of certain lands in the Stewartry of Strathearn, proceeding upon a contract between Drummond with consent of his spouse Anna Murray on one part, and the said John Campbell on the other. These lands had been acquired by John Drummond from John Comrie of that ilk. “Nov. 26. Instrument of resignation by John Drummond of Innerzeldies formerly McGregour, proprietor of one half the said lands and by James Murray of Strowan proprietor of the other half, in favour of John Campbell of Ardewnaig &a.” |
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[1] Appears to come from the French plural definite article “les.” [2] Iron chain. |