Chap XVII: Of John 1

(185) John Grant of Freuchy and Ballachastle was a man endued with some eminent virtues; but full of principles that, in some measure counterpoised these. Note if the order of succession were altered, we might make this the Sir John mentioned in the debates concerning Baliol & Bruce. Part.1 Ch.2. So Shaw’s account would agree better with the facts. For 12 years after his public appearance, he had his son Duncan, who is said to have been born in the end of the 13th century. But Sir Archibald Grant who had better opportunities of knowing than Shaw had, agrees with my MS in which Bigla’s husband is called Patrick, not John. Soon after his father’s death, he had a son, whom he named Duncan the same is progenitor of the family of Gartenbeg: and his descendants are called Clan Donachie, Cart. penes Kilravock, of whom there are several families in Strathspey; the principal are Inverlaidnan , afterwards Dalvey, and Grant of Delrachry in Duthel. The representative of the Clan is, at present, Sir Lewis Grant of Grangegreen, whose brother the late Grange-green succeeded the late Sir Alex. Grant of Dalvey, the last of that family in the direct line.

The same was sent as one of the hostages to Edward & released on bail 1297. And possibly, he it was that is called John Grant Baron whom with his brother Radulphus, King Edward sent from Berwick to (187) London in 1296. See Part1

John Laird of Grant took to wife Florence, daughter of McLean, laird of McLean, by whom he had a son called Duncan, his heir, who, Shaw says, he is the first he met with designed of Freuchy, in 1479; but he seems to have mistaken: for tho’ he might have found him designed so then, they possessed it before that time. There are many more circumstantial evidences which will not agree with Shaw’s chronology: any one who has leisure, may examine them: such as the time of Baliol & Bruce’s competition; immediately after the death of Alexander, the time of the Sherriff of Bute.

Grant was still at daggers drawing with the Cumings. He was much given to visiting and company. So, happening to lodge a night in Baron Lamb’s in Tulloch-Carn in the parish of Inveraven, he found means to get himself conveyed to his daughter in the night-time. The effect of this nocturnal interview was, that he had a child, whom he named Patrick: the same is ancestor of the family of Tulloch-Gorm, whose offspring are called (189) the “Clan Phadrick”. And, of all the tribes of the Grants, there is not one sticks so closs to their original inheritance, their Duchus, as it is called, or Daugh of land as the family of Tulloch-Gorm. For, tho’ not an extensive estate, yet that family, from father to son, have enjoyed it for several hundred years.

The name seems to be a compound of Tulloch and Carn for Carrow; or rather Tulloch-carn wholly borrowed from the place where Lamb lived, which now belongs to General Grant of Ballindalloch, tho’ corruptly pronounced Tulloch-Gorm.

Section 1: Of the families of the Clan Phadrick

Those, sprung from the family of Tulloch-Gorm (191), & belonging to the Clan Phadrick are Milntown of Duthel; Grant of Inverlochy & Grant of Genlochy in Strathaven; John of Grot in Caithness; and it is said, Grant of Chrichy; with several of Gen Grant’s tenants, as Auldich, Phonas.

Section 2: Of ridiculous fabulous Stories

Here I cannot omit mentioning a thing, which, to this day, gains credit among the vulgar; and that is, that families, instead of tutelary saints, had particular demons that haunted them. The one that frequented the family of Tulloch-Gorm, or Clan Phadrick, was Mag Molach or Phronach, a little hairy creature in the shape of a female child. The meaning of the name is "one with the left hand all over hairy”. Perhaps it is improper to call her a demon or Bolach, because her conduct, if we (193) consider the stories told of her, has a great resemblance to that of a tutelary saint. For I have heard say that she warns those over whom she presides, of incumbent danger; discovers things hidden, and discloses theft, and the like. And, what is very extraordinary, the synod records of Moray order the Presbyteries of Aberlour and Abernethie once and again to enquire into the truth of Mag Molach’s appearing. And Shaw, with the credulity peculiar to him, says, “The result of this enquiry was one or two men declared they once saw in the evening a young girl, whose left hand was all over hairy, and who immediately disappeared”. Moreover I have argued the matter with old residenters, that believed in Mag, and endeavoured on the principles of reason to convince them of the absurdity of such a notion. But all to no purpose, so riveted is the opinion of them.

(195) There are several facts with regard to these demons, handed down to us by tradition; but so much partake they of the ludicrous, that they deserve no better credit, than to be treated with contempt. Therefor I shall take no more notice of them. Only take this along, that besides Tulloch-Gorm, there are other families said to be followed by dignified demons: such as Rothiemurchus, by Botach an Dun, that is, the ghost of Dune; the Baron of Kincardine’s family, by Red-Hand; Garten-beg, by Botach-Garten; Glenlochie, by Brownie.

Sectin 3: This history of John continued

John, laird of Grant, with the utmost sagacity (197) and prudence, fell upon the following plan, in order to alleviate the wrath of the Cumings of Glenchernick, which they still harboured against the Grants, for the marriage of Bigla. He ordered his father-in-law, the laird of McLean, to come and drive away with him all the cattle belonging to the Cumings; and told him that in the meantime he was to go in person, and turn them back himself. At last McLean came, as he had been desired, and drove away the cattle. The Cumings, reduced to the last extremity, went to Grant before he thought it time to come & sollicited him with the strongest protestations of friendship and respect for the future, if he would lend them his aid and that of his Clan to retrieve and bring back the cattle thus driven away. This promise of friendship, and the profession of effacing from their breasts the memory of all past transactions, and the prospect of harmony (199) and peace for the time to come, was all that Grant had in view. He forthwith pursued the McLeans, one of whom, who had not been let into the secret, and was not privy to what passed between the two Chieftains, levelled his bow at the laird of Grant, and unfortunately wounded him in the ankle, by which he lost so much blood, that he soon after died. They buried him in Forrikin in the parish of Duthel, a place remarkable for a large heap or cairn of stones, called “Carn Ian Ruay” for he himself was called John Roy.

The practice of collecting Cairns in the Highlands of Scotland is well known; and has engrossed the attention of not a few eminent antiquaries. The motives that induce the builders to rear them, were according to the learned Dr McPherson of Slate, “the advantage of the stones, and a desire of exciting the traveller’s admiration & devotion: and I may add the love of perpetuating the memory of any great event, and marking the place, on which it was performed”. The intention of these Cairns is, as the learned Doctor (opp p201) judiciously conjectures, was to preserve as burial places, the memory of heroes slain in battle. But whether this Laird of Grant was entombed in the manner in which the antiquary says, in the centre in a barrow, with his nearest relations & most trusty friends around him, I know not; nor can this be found out, unless the Cairn were carried away, and the bottom examined by being digged up. McPhers. Disser: p.288 Dub Edit.

Grant dead, and the cattle retaken, so enraged was McLean at the fate of his son-in-law, that he caused the perpetrator be immediately hung up on a gibbet tree, and remain there till dead, in presence of the Grants and McLeans. His posterity were ever after called Miliconie ie spoilers or breakers of trust. JG’s MS Aber.

But in testimony of the friendship of Grants, he received out of their hands the Chieftain’s sword, (201) vowing on both sides, that while the families remained, they should exchange swords, by giving the sword of the deceased to the surviving Chieftain; which custom was religiously observed for some time, but how long, I know not, by the families of Grant and McLean. A practice common in the days of old Troy.

Thus ended the days of John I Laird of Grant, who was succeeded by his son Duncan. Between Duncan, his brother, progenitor of the Clan Donachie, and Patrick, ancestor of the Clan Phadrick, there was so strict an alliance entered into, that which of them soever violated it, should be stigmatized with a curse; such as “Sit ulula inter aves”, et “fucus inter apes” as an owl among birds or a drone among bees…

Chapter XVIII: Of Duncan

(203)Duncan Grant of Freuchy, Sheriff of Inverness, was married to Muriel, daughter of Malcolm, laird of McIntosh. She continued long childless; but at last it was ordained so that she conceived and brought forth twins, John heir and successor, and Patrick progenitor of the late family of Ballendallegh. A circumstantial detail of facts, relating to the delivery of the mother, will serve to illustrate a point, long ago agitated among the Grants, but now entirely sopite.

After great labour, an arm of one of the boys appeared. The midwife tied a bit of red thread round the wrist. Soon after the child’s arm disappeared; and the other child came first into (205) the world. In the meantime, after delivery being wrought, the women in waiting, began to dispute amongst themselves, which of the children should be heir. There were zealous advocates on both sides of the question. And the debate was warmly prosecuted; tho’ their division could have done little in the matter. The father interposed. He decided as the nature of the case directed him, in favour of the first born, to whom he assigned Ballachastle: and to the other he gave Ballindalloch. This phenonemon, and the debate it occasioned spreading thru’ the country, gave rise to the claim which the late family of Ballendalloch made for being Chieftain, or Head of the Clan. And this ambitious claim they maintained, till the time of Ludovick in 1668, when, tho’ encouraged (207) by the alluring compliments of favourites, they dropped it as ill founded.

Section 1: Of the late family of Ballandalloch, and their descendants

In the Church yard of Inverallen, I read a monumental inscription on the Ysle where the remains of their family of Ballnadallegh are interred, in these words (engraved in Saxon characters, but so worn out, that I should not have been able to do it without the assistance of a gentleman resident there)

“In my defence, God me defend
And bring my Soul to an happy end”

These are circumscribed about the Arms of the Grants and Gordons, (he was married to a daughter of Lesmoir) empaled, with the Initials PG and MG.

At the top of the Arms are there words PG bigt this Ysle in 1586 or 1568, I don’t remember which. The crest is a Deer’s head & ense & animo Motto

The Grants sprung from Patrick of Ballendalloch are, in general, called the “Clan Crochkan”, a name borrowed from a rock or Craig situated some hundred yards above the Manor, on the banks of Aven. I cannot tell the precise time when this family commenced: My author makes it fall in with 1320; but that can hardly be true. I know not the genealogy of the family; but this I know that the direct line is extinct to one man, Patrick Lesly Grant of Balquhain; (209) & that the first and nearest heir is Grant in Dellmoar and his sons.

He was a grand child of John Roy of Ballendalloch, and got the lands of Balquhain, by means of David Orme, who gave him money and acted his agent gratis, till he made out his rights. Upon making out his title, he gave a lease of the whole estate, computed according to an old roll, at one thousand pounds Sterling, to his friend Orme at present, writer to the Signet. And the lands I suppose, belong now to Duguid, first “of Achin-hive”, another grand child of Ballendalloch.

Peter Grant was an officer in one of the Scotch regiments serving in Holland according to treaty.

To this family belong several families of character: such a Grant late in Tommoir, a very worthy honest man, and serviceable of the Grants. When Baron Gant of his Majesty’s Exchequer in Scotland, sold Easter Elchiese, with the Baronies of Rothes and Edinvilly, to the Earl of Findlater, and the Grants were whetting their wrath at him for not giving them the opportunity of purchasing these, Robert Grant Tommore very facetiously said, “Forgive him for this fault; he’ll not play the like again,” for he had sold all.

The epitaph on his tombstone in the Ysle where the late family of Ballendallegh ly interred, in the Church yard of Inveraven, is as follows:

Robert Grant
of
Tommore
Died 4th April 1773, aged 90
(opp p 211) With
Uncommon sagacity,
Unaffected good sense
And
Acknowledged integrity
He
Transacted business
Removed difficulties
Promoted agriculture
And
Friendship with hospitality
Ascertained his benevolence.
After a life thus employed,
His remains are interred
At the foot of this monument
By his mournful widow
Margaret Cuming
Auctore Joan. Grant Pastore apud Dundunus

Grant of Phonas was also of this family. His wife a daughter of Ballendallegh maintained his house against scouting parties of flying armies, during the disturbances given either by Carron or Huntly. She used the gun, like any other virago.

Robert Grant died in the 90th year of his age, and left behind him only one son William, an amiable and accomplished young gentleman, whose manners and conduct attracted the notice of every body, but most of all, men of genius (211), especially the learned Dr Beattie, Professor of Moral philosophy and Logic in the Marischal College, Aberdeen, who daily corresponded with him. If a generous soul, and frank heart can be carried to an extreme, it was his only failing which led him to be rather lavish. Gen. Grant upon the reduction of the Island of St Lucia in the West Indies, in 1779, made him Comptroller of Customs, an office worth little less than £800 sterling per year. But, unfortunately, he did not enjoy it much longer than a year; and now his mother spends the close of her days, a disconsolate widow, and a broken hearted parent!

To this family belong also Grant Deskie, with the late minister of Kirkmichael, & his sons ministers at Cromdale and Calder.

The proprietors of Ballendallegh were generally called Roys from their red hair; and there is a tradition, current among the name of Roy, who all lived or live on Spey side, that the first of the name was a son of Ballendalleghs.
Wester Boggs is of this family: his son was a popish Bishop. Ailloch head in Rothes also, whose representative in Robt Grant Esq of Warwick Court London.

Grant, (213) laird of Kirdals was likeways a branch of this family, and now extinct. He was ruined by a lawsuit with Gordon of Birkenburn, which lasted twenty-seven sessions at Edinburgh. Birkenburn’s fortune was much lessened by the poor fray which originated from the killing of a dog. Kirdals, however, was very profligate. I have heard a daughter of Birkenburn’s, a grand daughter of his who had the suit with Kirdals, say that she has heard her father tell he had a paper several years long on that affair, that cost him five hundred marks. Which would have been as many pounds now-a-days.

Grant of Dalvey was another branch of this family. Robert of Dalvey purchased Dunlugas in 1680, and sold Dalvey to James Grant of Gartenbeg, lineally descended from (215) Duncan the first of the clan Donachie, Hence the origin of part of the McKonachies, who was created a Baronet in 1688. He dying soon after the revolution; and his brother Lewis dying in 1698, both without legitimate issue, the lands of Dalvey came to Patrick of Inverlaidnan Chief of the Clan Donachie; and they now belong to the laird of Grant. But Sir Lewis Grant, Bart of Dalvey Bart is representative of that numerous tribe. He was married to Margeret Innes daughter of Sir Robert Innes of Orton by a daughter of the late Gen. Bisset. She died 1782. He succeeded his brother Sir Alexander, who represented the Boroughs of(lacuna)

He has five sons and three daughters: The sons are James, Peter, Robert, Charles, Lewis; and he had one daughter married first to Major William Grant of Ballendalloch, - from whose uncle, Gen. Grant, who brought up her jointure, she got five thousand pounds, and five hundred in a present to buy a gown, because she accepted his first offer. She married (217) next Burnet of Countless-Wells near Aberdeen. He has his second daughter Marjory married to Mr. Duncan McDonald of Glengary; and a third unmarried.

(opp p215) Note: About the beginning of the present century Grant of Dunlugas had 3 sons, whereof John was youngest. After the expulsion of Professor Meston from the Marischal College in the University of Aberdeen, for being engaged in the rebellion in 1715, he erected an Academy first at Elgin, then at Turriff, whether the first families of the country at that time, sent their children to be under his tuition, so great was his character as a teacher of the languages. Among others who came to his College, were the above John Grant and (opp p217) Sir John Gordon of Embo. During the interval allotted for recreation and amusement after the hours of study, these, whether owing to the pride of emulation or that of family or the fray that commonly occurs among young people, is not very certain, quarrelled. Sir John Gordon, it would appear, had more bodily strength than John Grant, which of course gave him the advantage. Grant being mastered, while his antagonist pressed him to the ground, stabbed Gordon with his pen-knife, which proved mortal (if I remember rightly). The particulars may be seen in the introduction to Meston's poems. John Grant, therefore, tho but a boy, being obliged to fly his country, to avoid the punishments which by law denounces, went over to Russia, after picking up some recommendations to the late General Keith.

(opp p219) On his arrival in that Empire, he soon gained the favour of Keith by his own abilities, more firmly than any recommendations could do. He soon rose to the rank of Capt in that Service, and became one of Gen. Keith’s Aid-de-camps. Mean while, a revolution happening in Russia and the Court pursuing measures which Keith disapproved of whereby he and the late Gen Gordon of Achintoul became odious to that state, the latter, then on command in a part of the empire distant from Court, solicited leave to go to Britain. The Minister did not deny, but evaded his request: He told him his services entitled him to the thing asked, but were nevertheless such and he so able a General, that his absence at that time would be highly injurious to the interest of the State, yet, if he had a mind to persist in his demand, he would do best to come to Court and ask leave personally. But he and Gen Keith, foreseeing the storm that was gathering over their heads, upon a change of men and measures, thought it prudent to slip away where they were, without any formality, the one (the former) to Britain; the latter to Prussia. Such was the consequence of a change at the court of Petersburgh.

Keith, attended by his Aid-de-camp, Captain John Grant, arrived at Berlin, where he was kindly received by the Prince of the country, who, besides assigning him and his Aid-de-camp the respective rank in his service, which they held in the Russian, conferred on them many signal marks of his favour.

Grant was made Aid-de-camp to the King. (opp p221) And a war breaking out between the King and Hungary in which the former was, for the most part, attended with that fortune which marked his days, Capt Grant came twice over to Britain with the news of the success, when he received besides the usual gifts of a sword, and a gold box set with diamonds from the King of Prussia, a gratuity of one thousand pounds at each time from the government of Britain.

The King of Prussia was attacked while he lay in his camp with his whole army, commanded in three divisions by three Generals, of which number Grant had ere then risen to be one. Two of the divisions were defeated; but Grant cut his way thro’ the enemy, and came off victorious with his division. On which the King, desirous of rewarding the merit of the officer, made him Governor of (I think) a city called Newham or Neuburg. Soon after, he was surrounded in his town by a strong body of enemies; but he ordered his measures so, & took such a plan of operation, that he sallied out not only with success in vanquishing a superior force but returned also in triumph adorned by the captive General. Then he was created a Knight of the Black Eagle, an order the first in Prussia. Peace ensuing the Knight came over to visit the British army, during Wade’s Pacific Campaign. He was in this country 1746-7. At his death, which happened when Sir Andrew Mitchel was Ambassador at Berlin, Sir Andrew’s Secretary, Burnet of Kenaid (opp 223) was empowered by letter of Attorney to enquire into and make good his effects; but I believe they died where the owner died on ____

Sir Patrick Grant of Dalvey died in the 100th year of his age: Sir Alexr, planter in West Indies, when he took out his escutcheon at the herald office chose for a Crest “two sugar canes,” with the motto “by these I grew”, supporters, “ two blacks, “by these I stand”. But, when he came down to Inverness after he came home, his countrymen were so displeased with the sight of the savages portrayed on his chaise that they teared the machine almost in pieces.

Of this family of Ballendalloch is Advie and Tochyneil,, and George Grant Minister at Rathven, whose son George is a surgeon on board the Monarque. And Capt Thomas Grant of Hannibal (at present) (219) man of war, a Post Captain in the navy, is son of Tothyneil’s. Grant, Delay, is sprung from Advie.

Grant, Tomnavoulen, and Grant Delmoar, reckon their pedigree from the same stock. It appears from what I can learn, that Rothmaise is sprung from Tomnvaoulen and Tomnavoulen from Dalvey, both originally from Ballindalloch.

A Patrick Grant of Ballindalloch gave his daughter in marriage to Alexr Gordon of Dalquinty, son of Sir Alex Gordon of Strathdown by the Countess of Errol, who was second son of George 5th Earl of Huntly. He was killed as he was hunting in the forest of Strathaven, together with his eldest son. His second son Alex had no issue; & sold Strathaven to the 1st Marquis of Huntly, in 1570. So that the daughter here (221) mentioned must have been married at least about 1530, and born about 1500, or 1510. History of the Gordons.

Section 2: Of Grant of Rothmaise

1. John, first of this family, was married to a daughter of Grant of Achernick.
2. He had John his heir, who married a daughter to Duff of Drumuir, by whom he had
3. John his successor. He took to wife eldest daughter of Grant, Blairfindy To this family of Blairfindy belongs Mickle Robert and his son John, Chamberlain in Mulben. John has several sons and daughters. Major Grant of the N Yorks Volunteers killed at the battle of (….)was eldest. The rest, except one, are in Antigua of whom was born
4. John, who by his wife, a daughter of Leith of Leithhall, had
5. John, who married the daughter and heretrix of Rothmaise. By her he had
6. John the (223) present Rothmaise. He got for wife daughter of Leith of Kinguidy in the parish of Bourty, by whom he had
7. John his heir, who resides at Drumminner, and is married to the widow of Forbes of Culloden.

Section 3:

Besides all these, there are sprung from Ballendalloch, Grant in Dollas, of Brackly, & Tulloch in Abernethie, who, I presume, was among the first that came off. Capt. Grant of Artamphort, in Buchan likeways traces himself from Ballindalloch: he has John his heir, in Craquilly near Huntly His son, John Grant, Craquhilly near Huntly; and a daughter married to Mr Bonniman at Kemnay Minister Crichie in Aberdeenshire also.. Mr Thos. Grant at Clay-folds, Banff & his brother John, Kirkston of Forglen belong to this family, also George their brother; (If I am not mistaken, Grant late of Meston Boggs, Enzie is another branch; with the most of these in that country.) Of this Boggs was the late popish Bishop Grant.

Section 4: Of the disturbances given Ballendallegh by the Gordons

(225) John Grant, tutor of Ballendalloch in Strathspey, it is said, meant to injure the young heir of that place, and detain his rents from him. To this family belongs the Roys up and down Spey side, so called, according to a tradition current among that race, from one of the Ian Roys of Ballendallegh.This John Grant, I presume, was one of the Carron family; but I am not certain. However be that as it may, on the uncivility practiced by him to the young man, James Gordon, eldest son of Alexander Gordon of Lesmoir, equipped some of his friends, and marched to Ballendallech, to assist his aunt, the widow of that place.ON his arrival, most of the widow’s due was given her. A scuffle ensuing, the retainers on both sides received some blows. But for this time, they were put asunder. On which Gordon returned home. Soon after the widow married (227) John Gordon, brother to Sir Thomas Gordon of Clunie. His coming to Ballendallegh to live gave great offence to the tutor, as he did not like to have one of that name among his clan. Whereupon he breaks with Gordon, by the persuasion of his Chief, John the “wise laird of Grant”. And coming to blows, one of John Gordon’s servants was killed; at which Gordon was so enraged, that he prosecuted the tutor and such of the Grants, as adhered to him, and got them outlawed. Moreover, he spurred up Huntlie to search after them, by virtue of a commission, as sheriff of that Shire. Huntly besieges the castle of Ballendallegh, and takes it the 2nd day of November 1590: but the tutor escaped. These things, as here represented, gave occasion to what followed in 1591–2, - the murdering of the Earl of Moray - & the battle of Glenlivet, to be mentioned in the account to be given of John, as he was termed, "the wise laird of Grant" See history of the feuds etc. among the Clans published from MS in 1764
(229 blank)

Chapter XIX: Of John 2 of that name

(231) He succeeded his father Duncan. What is the lot of but few, was his peculiar characteristic, to wit, a natural poetic talent: Whence he was called John “The Bard"; on account of some corporeal marks, the epithet Roy was added. And thus he attained the appellation of the “Bard Roy”. He espoused Lillias, daughter of Huntly, for so the author all along referred to says: but I am apt to think she was a daughter, if of that name at all, of some of the collateral branches. Shaw makes her Elizabeth Ogilvy, daughter of Findlater, which may be the case, as there was a daughter of Huntly married to Findlater. By her he had a son whom (233) he named John. The MS makes this fall in with the year 1350. But I doubt that cannot be.

If that were the case, however, we might naturally affirm this John to have been the one present in Hallidon-hill battle, with Allan Grant; in which he commanded the 2nd battalion of the Scotch army in 1333. And admitting this we might just as naturally say that this is the Sir John, who was one of the ambassadors on the part of Scotland sent to France to renew the antient league, An. 1359. Neither of these facts can be true part1 ch2.