Chap XXI Of James I

James, called sometimes “na Creach", i.e. simple (255): and sometimes “Jacobus Rapinorum”, was a singular sort of man in some respect. He married a daughter of the Earl of Mar, namely, Barbara Erskine. Shaw, however, makes his wife a daughter of Ld Forbes. Both the accounts agree in this, that he had one son and one daughter by her. The daughter, by name, Annie, was given in marriage to Cameron of Lochel, the Chief and representative of that Clan. His son was called John of whom in the next chapter.

This James’ sister, mentioned a little above, was married to Gordon of Brackly on Deeside whose death, as follows, was severely revenged by James.

The Baron of Brackly had been murdered, on what occasion I know not, probably at hunting. His friends applied to the Earl of Huntly, his Chieftain, for redress; but he proved dilatory in his measures, which gave rise to the proverb, “If ever I kill a man, he shall (257) be a Gordon”. Therefore, the Baron’s friends applied to Grant of Grant, who, exasperated at the tragical death and untimely end of the Baron of Brackly, his brother-in-law, immediately undertook the task of revenge. The party of his Clan he had mustered, beginning at the head of the country, committed a general slaughter. Huntly, stimulated at last by the active zeal of Grant, took part in the affair. Next day after the slaughter, as the Earl was surveying the dead, he found a great many orphans who were bewailing the hap of their parents, and who must have been reduced to penury and want, the too often fatal attendants of orphancy. Out of sympathie, he ordered these to be brought to his castle at Strathbolgie. They were about 30 or 40 in number. And he caused make a wooden trough to hold meat for them, about which they sat and ate whatever was prepared for them.

James Grant of Grant, happening to come to (259) Strathboggie to visit the Earl, was invited after dining, to a sight of the young ones labbing in their troughs; with which uncommon scene, he was so affected that he expressed himself to this purpose, “I was as active as you in destroying the parents of these little ones; it is, therefore, but reasonable I should be at as much expense in maintaining their children.” With that he swept away the children from one side of the trough; and gave orders for conveying them to Strathspey, there to be brought up. Such of them as lived in Strathspey were called Grants; they who resided at Huntly, Gordons & some Sangsters. To this day, those of them that took the name of Gant, are called "Slick Nammer", that is, "Troughmen"; and for brevity’s sake "Trough Grants". There are several of them in Strathspey, such as McFinlay Roys in Culchoich, Begs and McJamisses in Inverallan. The Grants, at least some of those in Mortlich, are of this tribe; as (261) is also Alex Grant in Muckerach & his son Capt. Grant Rippachie. To this we shall subjoin the following curious anecdote.

James being once, not without reason perhaps, maliciously set against a certain gentleman of rank, was summoned by him to Edinr, whither he was obliged to repair, in order to set Laborrows, that he would give no bodily harm to him, which he dreaded. On appearing, after going thro’ the usual formalities of a court of justice, he bound himself under the penalty of a thousand marks. Finishing his business in town, and ready to take his journey home, he accidently met the man who had put him to the trouble of setting Laborrows, on the street; and, using him as a Hector would have done, he exclaimed, “Sir, I shall now be even with you, for I know the price of your head – a thousand marks.” And so soundly did he beat him that the gentleman was left for dead (263) on the spot. James died in 1553, according to Shaw. The MS I have seen makes it in 1400, which (I cannot say) is perhaps not exact. If he had died (as is no doubt true) in 1553, there are 8 generations or successions in 200 years or little more.

Chap XXII Of John.

John, a man of fine accomplishments and address, commonly known by the name of “Roy”, an appellation given to him on account of his red hair, took to wife Margaret daughter of Stuart Earl of Athol, (265) between whom and him were procreate two sons, and three daughters. Of the sons Duncan was the first born, and representative of the family; Patrick was the 2nd and progenitor of Rothiemurchus, of whom by and by. John was married in 1555.

Of the daughters Isobel was eldest, and died unmarried, Katherine was the 2nd, and married to Collin McKenzie, Laird of Kintail, the Chief of that name, & afterwards Earl of Seaforth. Her son Kenneth was created Lord Kintail in 1609. Roderick her second son became Earl of Cromartie. And she had a daughter married to Simon Frazer Lord Lovat. But the author I am indebted to makes her name Barbara S Peerage printed in 1720. Mary was youngest of the three daughters, and given in marriage to Leslie of Abergeldie.

John, after some years, was left disconsolate by the death of his lady. The melancholy, however, thence arising, being once evaporated, and his spirits revived, (267) he took for his second wife, Isobel Berkley, heritrix and daughter of Towie, by whom he had a son named Archibald, father of the family of Ballintomb, now Sir Archibald Grant of Cullen.

About this time, there came two brothers out of Athol, to shelter themselves, as is supposed, under the protection of the Laird of Grant, by virtue of his being married to a daughter of the Earl of Athol. They lived a long time in Abernethy. Both were skillfull tradesmen; the one, a turner; the other, the forger or blocker of the woods for turning. All the descendants of the former were called Slick an Downer, that is Turners; of the later, Slick Nuiner; that is, Forgers. Of these there are several, in Strathspey, the principal are Correchelly, Aldcharn, McIan Nigi in the braes of Abernethy; as also McPharick Duy in Rasclacksack.

A Mr Stuart of Little-wells, who came out of Athol to visit Grant of Grant procured some favours for his country men. And the Bailiff of Cromdale, who was (269) of the name of Stuart, conferred much kindness on them. Some of them retain the name of Stuart to this day; a very honest sort of people.

Before his exit, John became blind, & was represented by his son Duncan. He died (after his son) in 1585.

Sect 1: Grant of Rothiemurchus

On what foundation I know not, but this family arrogated to themselves the name of McAlpin. Some have said, tho’ erroneously, that the first of the Grant family was a son of Alpin, King of Scotland in 831. That the Grants had some hand in the war which he waged against Brudus King of the Picts, is not improbable; or perhaps this Alpin might have had a son, by some of the Grants. Hence perhaps, the tradition current concerning McAlpin. All conjectures however, are vain, at this distance of time.

1. Patrick was the first of this family designed of Muckerach. He built the castle of Muckerach in 1598; and married a daughter of Gordon of Echt, by whom he had Duncan his heir.

2. Duncan had no issue.

3. His brother John succeeded, & had for successor

4. James, who by one of Lurg’s seven daughters for wife, had three sons, Patrick his heir, (271) Colonel William, and John, who died a Batchelor.

5. Patrick married Mary Grant, second daughter to John, second son of John Laird of Grant, by a daughter of Sutherland of Druffus; and had by her three sons, James the eldest, Capt. John who died a Batchelor, and Patrick of Tullochgrue. Major Grant of Tullochgrue was killed in the present war at Ticonderago in laying siege at that place. The Major Gramt killed at Ticonderago was of Tullochgribban. This Patrick of Rothiemurchus assembled his vassals, and beat off the Camerons and McLeans, that, crossing the river, the day after the battle of Cromdale in 1690, attempted to reduce the castle of Lochinelan in Roithiemurchus. Several of the assailants and defendants were killed on the muir of Granick near Aviemore.

6. James had, by his wife Jean Gordon, a daughter of some Glenbucket, commonly called the “white lady”, She died at her House at Dell of Rothiemurchus March 18th 1782 in 95 years of her age, three sons, Patrick, the present in Rothiemurchus, Dr William at London He has lately published a Book “On Fevers” I never saw it; but the monthly Reviewers give him a fine character. Both were bred Doctors, and Mr Alexander a Clergyman in the Church of England.

7. Patrick, (273) by his wife a daughter of the Ld. Elchise, & sister of Baron Grant of the Exchequer, has no issue. Hellen. Ld Elchies had other 3 daughters

Besides all these in the direct line, there are several persons of note sprung from this family in the collateral line, most of them military men, whom I am not acquainted with.

And now it may not perhaps be disagreeable to any, to hear how Rothiemurchus came to this family. There was a noted villain, called John du Garve, who had a mortal hatred and prejudice against Achernick, living in the parish of Knockando: but he had neither the power nor opportunity of gratifying that passion. Sometime after, it happened that Achernick and a priest in Duthel differed. The former was heard to say, in the heat of wrath, that he should be even with the latter. Within a few days after, the priest was found dead in his own house. And Achernick, if not a perpetrator, was suspected for being privy to the murder. The Bishop and clergy, informed (275) of this, made a great noise, and strict search for the murderer. No discovery of who did it could be made: Only it was found out that Achernick had been heard to threaten him with retaliation for some injury received. Therefore, from a maxim in law, "damnum minatum, et malum secutum", they caused apprehend the gentleman, and carry him to the dark prison of Spynnie, where he lay in chains for several months, till at last, worn out with uneasiness by the squalor and stench of the prison, the weight of the manacles, and other discouragements, which the highland spirit could ill brook, even tho’ conscious of innocence, he yielded to Nature’s last call, an innocent but injured man. Meanwhile the villain John du Garve is apprehended for theft, and condemned to die. When the fatal moment came, that he should expire, among other crimes he confessed that he had been guilty of the murder of the Priest. He told that (277) it was not out of any ill will to the Priest, but for his hatred against Achernick, that he had perpetrated the horrid crime, because he knew he had threatened the Priest of Duthel. Thus was Archernick’s innocence thoroughly proved by the confession of the perpetrator. But, on the discovery made, the Chief, highly irritated at the hard usage his friend had met with, conceived great resentment against the clergy. To satisfy him and cool his heated breast, the Bishop thought proper to give him the lands of Muckerach and Belnespick, which, to this day, are church lands. On the forfeiting of Shaw of Rothiemurchus, he got these lands of Rothiemurchus, in exchange for Muckerack.

Section 2: Grant of Ballindalloch

(279) The principal descendant of Rothiemurchus, is the present family of Ballendalloch of which Colonel William, the second son of James the fourth in descent, was the founder Their armorial is 3 ant crowns; Crest a Hand holding a sword pointing upwards”; Motto "Ense et animo",. Ballendalloch, being evicted and brought to sale, was purchased from John Roy by the laird of Grant in the beginning of this century, and given by the Brigadier General, with his sister Anne, to Colonel William. But, besides what is strictly called Ballendalloch, the proprietor has Kilmachlie, Tulloch Carn, Morange, Kirdals, Struthers, etc. The last of which was bought in 1730. His wife was commonly called the “Black Lady”, an appellation she attained from her fine black eyes and black complexion O quantum decus enitet Vultu lacteolo, lux mea candida? Cant Sol. per Kerum. It was universally known that this appellation was peculiar to her - a most amiable woman - of a spotless and worthy character.

The Duffs, about the time that Colonel William purchased Ballendalloch, &c. were much in the humour of (281) buying land. That they might not get any footing in the parishes commonly comprehended under the name of Strathspey, the Colonel and his brother-in-law, the General Sir Alexander, conspired together in order to buy up what should happen to be brought to sale. Hence the cause of the following verse, said to have been composed by Delrachny, Grant.

Faith and Truth joined hand in hand
With highland Will, that Lurdan
To hold Hae hae man from buying land
Above the Craig of Surdan.

Faith and Truth is the general; highland Will, the Colonel, who from the epithet Lurdan being added, may be thought to have been a daring man; Hae hae man is Duff of Braco.

Col. William got a patent from King William III with whom he was much in favour, for raising a battalion or Regiment of his Clan, to suppress villainy (283) in the Highlands, and guard the country. He raised them for this very purpose: And they were embodied under the name of the “Black Watch” to be paid and maintained on the same footing as other British Regiments. He raised only part of the Regt. They were in different companies; but at last embodied in one. However, I cannot say, but I think it was Col. William that got the command of them. This I know, that, when Gen. Wade was reviewing them in Badenoch, one of Col. Grant's Company and one of Lovat’s differed; and that in the squabbles which ensued, Ensign James Grant, natural son of Col William, foisting himself in between the two, was, (whether designedly or not) shot through the head. This Ensign Grant was said to be a clever lad and much in favour with Gen Wade. He was born in 1725.Their Designation implies in it the business in which they were to be employed. Tho’ the other patent was not so qualified that they should be obliged to serve abroad, like other Regiments; yet being composed of the choicest of the country, of the prettiest highlanders, the fame of them rumoured abroad soon reached the ears of the King, George, before whom they were called to be reviewed. He sent them across the seas: but many went reluctantly, pleading the articles of Patent for excuse, not any want of courage, a charge never laid to my countrymen by the most inveterate enemies.

They were reviewed, all in the native dress (285A) of their country, before George the King at London. All the officers, commissioned and non-commissioned, and most of the private men were gentlemen. None but such, (and not even these without interest) got in to it. They were complimented by the King, who called them the prettiest Regiment under the Crown, - consequently, the prettiest in Europe. Formed by nature for daring enterprises, when abroad the Commanders of his Majesty’s forces, sent them out on every desperate affair. Hence the inevitable destruction of that brave Corps, which is now known by the name of the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment of Foot… And this ought to be remembered.

That, in imitation of Colonel William’s plan, in all the wars since they were embodied, it has been the practice, not only to raise as many highland levies as possible, but also to equip the men in general in the highland dress, that they might (285C) at least wear the outward appearance of highland men. And so conspicuous is their character, and so well acknowledged, that the late Ld Chatham, like a man truly noble, exclaimed in the House of Peers, “I glory that I have brought men from the mountains of the north, to carry victory with them, and conquer in every part of the globe”! a brave & hardy race. Parl. Deb.

I have not access to know the wars in which Col William was engaged; but I know that he was a great favourite of General Wade. He was not only learned, which is peculiar to the present family, but also a patroniser of learning. He was a contributor for life to the Marischal College in the University of Aberdeen, where his name is inscribed, in the number of that honourable list, on the partition in a small room or rather lobbie that disjoins the Divinity from the Common Hall. The Elegy written on his death is to be seen in the Scotch Monthly Magazine for the year 1742 or 3. I have not access to the performance at present, or I should transcribe it.

His wife, we already said, was Anne Grant, (287) daughter of Sir Ludovick, by whom he had two sons, Alexander, and James; and three daughters married respectively to Forbes of New, Brodie of Lethen, and McPherson of Innershie in Badenoch. At his lady’s funeral, I have heard it said, there were 40 cousins in one room: and none but cousins in it.

2. Alexander succeeded his father in his estate. He was a Capt. in his Majesty’s service. He was Captain in the Scotch Royal, and stood the battle of Fountenoy – where he received a wound by a ball which thrust the seal of his watch in to his groin. He was also at the taking of Ghent; and commanded a division of the Scotch Royal, when it was retaken by the French, to whom the friends of that people opened the city gates in the night.Among other marks that distinguished his days was Thomas Frazer, who was a recruiting sergeant for a long time to him. He was enlisted for the ordinary levy money, whereof he gave 30 shillings to bury his mother: by his recommendation, he was made Ensign by the Duke of Cumberland. And, by mere dint of merit, he is now Lt Colonel of the first Battalion of the Scotch Royal, and Brigadier General in the West Indies.

I have learned little with respect to the Capt. only that he was a man of strict justice & (289) impartiality in the affairs of the country round about him, possessed of a high sense of honour, not given to excess. He took to wife his own cousin, Penuel, the present Lady Ballindalloch, daughter of Sir James Grant of Grant, who bore to him only one son, William, to whom he gave a most liberal education.

3. William Baptised June 4th 1748 Sess. Recordswas taught, not in foreign Academies, whither men of fortune are sometimes want to send their children to acquire a fine taste, just as if travel could inspire a genius, but in the University of Edinburgh, the metropolis of the nation where he excelled in every branch of science, especially in the learned languages, of which he became a perfect master. The Latin tongue, in particular, he acquired so thoroughly, that he spake it, in a manner, with as much ease, elegance and quickness, as one would do his mother tongue; and (291) with that fluency too that would have done honour even to a Roman. He was a man of fine face, & handsome make; rather tall; of an exquisitely fine taste; and possessed of the shining talents, which we admire, as well as of the qualities we love. He was benevolent and frank; the friend most true: beloved by his tenants, while alive; mourned over and lamented by them, when dead.

It is said that he would have played one spring, whistled another, and danced to a third, at one and the same time.

He rose to the rank of a Major I could not acertain whether he got his Majority in a Dragoon or Foot Regt, tho’ I think the latter, as he was first Major. He raised a Captaincy in the 89th last war; but favoured Knockando with them; then he purchased a Cornecy in either Howard’s or the Grey Horse: and soon got a company. in (I think) either the Grey horse or Sir Geo. Howards Dragoons; and died ere he had passed the prime of life. He served in Germany last war

4. James, second son of Col. William, succeeded his nephew, in 1770; a man for all the virtues that constitute the friend, the benefactor and companion, truly an ornament to society: and in the scenes of (293)of public life, he has acted a part on the theatre of the world, which will endear his memory to generations yet to come, and whereby those talents that form the citizen and patriot, the counsellor and heroe have shone transcendently. So that he has not only been active in the defence of king and country in many critical moments, but may also be ranked among the greatest Generals of the age. And it is to be remarked that he was born in 1720, He was baptised, Nov 5th 1720. Records of the Parish the year after his uncle General Sir Alexander Grant died, as if nature had ordered it so that the nephew should fill up the place of the uncle.

He received a great part of his education in school at Dalkeith, where he was taught the languages. And I have it from the authority of a clergyman, then residing there with his pupil, that, at a period of life, when (295) the spirits are high, and the mind ready to be attracted by every the least alluring pastime, he spent his puerile days in the right improvement of his understanding, by tracing, in the annals of antiquity, examples of the most perfect characters to model his own by. The same authority leads me to affirm, he did not only plod on these authors, and often recur to him for assistance; but that his endeavours were crowned with success. The culture of the mind is indeed the first essential thing: learning and science are the only distinguishing characteristics of nations & individuals; & without that, whatever their other qualities be, they are little in the main. For (says a very judicious author), “Prius, quam incipias, consulto, et ubi consulueris, mature facto opus est: tum demum periculo atque negotus (297) compertum est, in bello plurimum ingenium posse” Sall pincipio Cata.Well then and judiciously did the General lay the foundation, whereon the glorious superstructure hath been reared.

Before the eruption of the war that preceded the last, namely that in 1740, he studied law three years at Edinburgh. But, no sooner was the theatre of war opened, than he displayed those inclinations for the field of honour, that have since been demonstrative of the greatest abilities. Like all his race, he was, it seems, ultimately ordained for the sword. And, gifted by nature with fine talents, he has not napkined them up; but has added active virtue to true patriotism.

He was, when Captain, one of Gen. Sinclairs Aid-de-camps, at the Court of Vienna. The General, was attached at that early period of his life so much to him, that he pointed him out as the properest person whom he knew, to take the tour of Europe wither the late Earl of Sutherland, who, at his death in 1766, left him tutor to his daughter, the present Countess of Sutherland, the first noble family in Scotland. Thus he became still more and more acquainted with the Continent of Europe.

In 1747 he accompanied General Sinclair in his expedition into Brittany in France.

He arrived soon at the rank of Captain; and was called Capt. Roy, which he attained, it would appear, from natural criterion. (299) I have had the luck to fall in with gentlemen, who served with him, that all speak with the utmost respect towards him, and pride themselves on calling him “their good old friend”. His ability as a Counsellor early appeared, has often been put to the test: and in this it is that every General is most valuable. So truly then in this respect, are the words of Cicero applicable, “ubi consilium de est” (I forget what follows, but it is to this purpose), “success cannot be expected”. His courage is more an object of sense, and repeatedly put to the test. How naturally then may we adduce the words of the Biographer Plutarch in characterizing the famous Carthaginian General, Hannibal, "Plurimum audaciæ ad capienda pericula, et plurimum consilie". He was, I am told, (tho’ I cannot aver it) that he was Lieutenant when he stood Fountenoy with his brother.

In last war, by which time he had arrived (301) at the rank of Major, if not of Lt Colonel in the 40th Regt. of Foot, he behaved in Canada, and thro’ all the continent of North America, in a manner every way worthy his country and worthy his Clan. And when sent to the West Indies, in character of Aid de Camp to the Earl of Abermarle, his conduct was, in an eminent degree, meritorious. The troops under that General’s command landed on the Island of Cuba, July 7th 1762. But when the time intervening between that and 10th or 11th of August had elapsed, and the hopes of the alluring conquest were almost dissipated, in so much that despair of success predominated, the General’s Aid de Camp proposed in council a scheme no less demonstrative of his skill in the art of war, than in engineering. He demanded only a certain number of artificers of different descriptions: and to prevent as much as possible the enemy’s (303) getting intelligence of what was going on, to avoid the scorching fervour of a vertical sun, he executed the scheme in the silence of the night. Whatever the works were, sure it is, the guns were erected by break of day, and ready to play upon Fort Moro. Here it was, where his extraordinary skill in tactics, particularly Engineering and Fortification above his fellows shone so transcendently, that the reduction of that important fortress was entirely owing to him. Nor did the brave Albermarle study to bury it in oblivion. He not only rewarded his merit by, many signal marks of favour; but he recommended him also as the pattern of military conduct, and the object of Britain’s care.

Two regiments were the number employed in erecting, under his eye, the necessary works, whatever they were. And to this alone was owing the reduction of this place. But what enhances his merit in the case is the work of time. We read in the journals of the day (1782), what a conspicuous character the brave and steady Elliot present Governor of Gibralter has, who also got in memorable expedition, never fading laurels. He was called from (opp p309) the planes of Germany to act Second in Command; he has displayed great penetration and perseverance in the siege of Gibraltar; When we ar told that this justly renowned Elliot, 9th son of the late Sir Gilbert Elliot of Stobbs, (as did General Grant), who travelled the circle of Europe, learning in practice, what he had studied in theory, that he, who served as volunteer, first of all in 23 or Royal Welsh Fusiliers, & from them, went into the 2nd troop of horse grenadiers (as adjutant), which learned of him the foundation of that discipline, that has since rendered them the first corps of heavy cavalry in Europe, not even the Hanoverian body Guards, nor Musketeers of France excepted, and, who, when no other could be found to act at Havannah, was sent for from Germany: When we consider all this, I say, and reflect at the same time, that the active talents of an Elliot as second, and the shining genius of an Albemarle as Chief, were both defective, when put to the test on the dry sands of the fortile Cuba; and that that deficiency was made up….. [lacuna because next page missing]

*This happened at Fort Du Quesne on the river Ohio, where he was taken prisoner, the only place that ever stood out against him. His conduct was meritorious; or he could not have been so soon promoted as he was: but his numbers were small; the detachment next sent out under Gen. Forbes was by far more numerous than his. The place was taken and called, in honour of the then Premier Pittsburgh.
[this footnote refers to text on missing page 305]

To save needless circumlocution (for words diminish the lustre of the affair) the consequence was that next day, the Fort was taken, and, the town Havannah necessarily surrendered, August 12th 1762 – the very day then Prince of Wales, heir apparent of the crown, was born – a presage (if people may continue to hint at consequences from omens) that his reign will be distinguished by something grand, and glorious for Britain. And our historians say that the place was taken by storm. When the Earl had got into the harbour, which is of difficult access to an enemy, having a narrow (entrance) …..

(305,307 missing)..

(309) that, in the last war, the new levies were exceedingly young, and of small size: of course, hardly able to carry arms and all the necessary apparatus. Government forseeing this, caused the guns be made of a smaller size than usual, both in bulk and length. Accordingly, if under a certain length, gunners and every smatterer in the motion of projectiles know that the distance to which they carry is not near so far; and the direction of the ball projected, by the impelling force of the unkindled fusile, altered in its course. The General soon perceiving, practically, the consequence; that the French, whose guns continued to be of the ordinary size, did execution at a distance at which our guns did not sent their balls home, ordered the soldiers under his command to march forward with spirit, and not (311) fire a gun till up at their muzzles, as the phrase is. For, otherwise, it was ensuring success to the enemy, killing numbers of his own men, and spending great quantities of ammunition. Unhappily, however, as is the gate of every great action, his conduct in this respect escaped not the envenomed voice of calumny. For detractors, grasping at every handle, have stigmatized him with the opprobrious character of seeking victory at any expence. And this is the true state of the matter.

He was Governor of Florida, where he staid long, and has vast property; but was at last obliged to come home, by reason of his health. On his arrival, Government made him a present of an exquisitely valuable picture of their Majesties, as they do to every Governor of Provinces. This he has set up in (if I remember rightly) his (313) Parlour in Ballendallegh.

On his arrival, or soon after the death of his nephew, he was chosen to be the Representative in Parliament for the Boroughs of Kirwal, Dornoch, Wick, etc. When the celebrated question, “The dependence of America”, was in agitation, he was a great stickler for it. And from his perfect acquaintance with the place, and genius of the people, he exclaimed that he would march thro’ America at the head of 5,000 men; an exclamation which proved the cause of his narrow escape many times since from the Americans, so exasperated were they against them; but an assertion, which all who chuse to speak genuinely will say, might have been realized, had he or any other (even Gen. Murray who sought but 2,000) been sent over invested with proper power, before the sinews of war gathered strength, (about the time of the first (315) affair happened in Massachussets). His looks, after he went thither, would easily distinguish him; but especially his white hair, would direct them to him, as the victim of their vengeance. Hence he had his horse twice, if not three times, shot under him, a fact not to be paralleled in many of the Staff since commencement of the present war. And when the brave Col Grant of Achnahyle, a branch of the family of Easter Elchise fell, thinking, when they heard of Grant, that it was the General, they failed not, in order to keep up the spirit of their people, to publish in their gazettes, that they had got the head of him who boasted so loudly in the House of Commons of Great Britain, at the head of 20,000 instead of 5,000. To add the greater weight to the assertion, that the contagion might spread (317) among the populace and gain credit, they subjoined a very convincing mark, “for”, said they, “his hat was found with some white hairs sticking on it, at a little distance from his body”. And in further testimony of their hatred against the General, the American Congress writers have composed some sort of a play, where they introduce his Excellency in some ridiculous light or other. From the foregoing narration, it would appear to be a tragedy.

He never makes himself the subject of his discourse, nor repeats any of his transactions abroad. However an officer belonging to his own Regiment authorises me to say, that he tells the following uncommon omen: “That, on the morning of the day, on which his first horse was shot (319)under him, all the stablers and grooms belonging to the Staff Officers were not able to take his horse from the stall; and that in consequence thereof he was obliged himself to go to take out the horse, whose head, in going up, was carried away by a six-pounder.” It is added indeed that the other Officers of the Staff desired him not to go out that day, but that he should decline it.

In the only piece of Generalship displayed in America, namely the march of the troops from Philadelphia back to New York, he had his own share, when he sustained the attack of a strong body of the enemy in a narrow defile, about or on the top of a hill. And what is very remarkable, we find him allways entrusted with the baggage, and military chest, his courage being so steady, his heart (321) so incorruptible. Nor does he merit less applause at the battle of White Plains, where his horse’s head was shot away, and where he commanded the Grenadiers. And many take it on them to say that if the Staff had been of one mind with the General (Grant) and pursued the enemy, they might have been conquered that day, and the war all over: but this by the bye. Waving the rest of his conduct on the continent, where he had local rank; we shall trace him to the West Indies, where he effectually Chesapeaked the French.

After the French Admiral, Count D’Estaing, was repulsed at Rhode Island, he returned to Boston to refit and sailed to the West Indies 4th Nov 1778. A large body of troops, under the command of Gen Grant, embarked on board transports at New York & sailed same day for the same place, escorted by Commodore Hatham, with 5 men of war and some frigates, and arrived at Barbadoes 10th Decr. Having joined Adm. Barrington’s fleet, they sailed on the 12th on an expedition against St Lucia,
(opp p323) where they arrived next day and landed troops without much opposition.

The English fleet lay in the great harbour, Cul de Sac, and the land forces raised strong batteries round the harbour, with great labour and fatigue, but with the most profound prudence, so as to avert the strong power of the soon to be encountered French. After this Gen. Grant caused them advance, and take possession of the Governor’s house; the hospital and all the military stores.

Mons. De Micond, the Gallic officer, was obliged, on seeing Grant’s train, to fly from post to post, after making all the resistance he could. Then the commander in Chief ordered Gen. Meadows, second in command, to occupy the strong port of the Vigie, whereby they got the command at the Carenage harbour; and another party to guard the principal landing place but always, with the utmost foresight and diligence taking care to keep up the communication between (opp p 325) the army, and the fleet, lest, in case of a repulse, their retreat should have been cut off, and the gallant Grants exposed to the certain fury of inveterate foes.

D’Estaing arrived at Martinico, 8th Decr. He immediately embarked 6000 troops, and made the best of his way to St Lucia. He appeared off the Carenage 15th, and with 12 ships of the line, bore down upon Barrington, before Cul de Sac. But Gen Grant’s newly erected batteries round the harbour gave him such a reception as might have been expected from Ballendalloch & the brave Meadows, and which made him slunk away. In the afternoon, however, same day, he made a second attack, but was forced to retire with much damage. Day after that the Count landed 9000 men, and on the 18th made three spirited efforts at the Carenage. But Ballendalloch had ordered matters so well & was so bravely seconded by the gallant Meadows (opp p327)that, notwithstanding the superiority of the French troops in number, he was driven back with the loss of 400 killed, and 1100 wounded, most of whom dangerously. And, to shew the superior skill of the British General, he had only 10 killed, & 130 wounded in this bloody action. After remaining on the island several days, the Count embarked all his forces, and returned (29th Decr) to Martinico, leaving the island, even in sight of his grand Armada, to capitulate. The capitulation was signed 30th: The garrison made prisoners of war, & sent to Martinico, on condition of not serving till exhanged. In the island were found 60 pieces of cannon, with a vast quantity of military stores.

And, after Byron had come from New York and taken the command from Ad. Barrington, D’Estaing made different attempts to recover St Lucia, but in vain. As to the particulars of the capture, with the intended expedition against another island, they may be seen, either in (opp p 329) Gen Grant’s letters to the Secretary of State or the Admiral’s to the Secretary of the Admiralty.

Note: Cognomen Grant, sive Grandis, grandia semper facit

He landed on the island of St Lucia, belonging to the French, one of the most fertile of the Caribbee islands, 22 miles long & 12 broad; in planting which the Duke of Montague expended, £40,000 sterling & lost it on account of the island’s falling into the hands of the former (323) possessors. Here some of the flower of the French army were cantoned: but, bravely seconded by General Meadows, after a desperate action, he forced the defendants to yield. During the time of the onset, it is remarkable, that, when the General’s horse was shot, and the rider fallen, all the troops then in motion up the hill stopped short for fear the Commander in Chief had been killed, till they were convinced of the contrary by seeing him wave his hat in the air. He might have said (very a propos) as the Norman Conqueror said, when he fell forward on his face immediately on setting his foot ashore in England, “I thus take possession of the place.” The capture of this island has served the best of ends for Britain; it is a place of general rendezvous, owing to its secure harbour for the fleet. During his stay (325) in the West Indies, he was dignified by the commercial part of Britain, with the appellation of, “The Protector of the islands.” But, fatal reverse, the vicissitudes of fortune have shewed that victory is not peculiar to one. Here also he distinguished several men of merit with particular marks of favour.

But mark his conduct, when traced home in 1779. Then the honest man, the knowing man, the patriot are all at once conspicuously displayed to view. Tho’ well received by his Majesty and Ministers, Antiministerialists attacked him for the disposition made of the troops before he left St Lucia and Antigua, in which, it seems, he broke through his orders. His defence was to this purport, “That he thought it the duty of an officer, when he perceives any thing in his instructions, (the complying with which may be attended with loss; the altering it, with singular advantage) to act (327) in a manner the most consistent, provided he deviate not from the general tenor of his orders; not, when any bad consequences from complying with them ensue, meanly to argue, as a subterfuge, that they did not admit of an alternative; and that an officer on the spot must know better, what disposition should be made, than a Minister at home.”

Immediately on his coming home, the Parliament was dissolved, and a new one summoned to meet against such a day. Notwithstanding the disadvantages he laboured under, as being absent all the last Parliament, and lately arrived, had it not been for illegal steps taken by the adverse party, he had carried the Boroughs of Elgin, Cullen, &c & foiled the combined efforts of the Gordons, and other good Lords. For this there is still depending (329) an appeal to the House of Commons: But, as Col. Sutherland, and some of the best evidences, are gone to eternity, it will perhaps (for nothing else can) be a bar to the matter.

Ever since the General came to this side of the Atlantic, he has displayed unrivalled skill in the affairs of private life; a genius for the pleasures of a rural state, and a taste for the improving architecture and cultivating ground. Nor, like the miser, does he hug his immense treasures of gold; neither does he exhaust him on cobwebs of vanity, like the profuse.

The following genuine story, tho’ little in itself, will serve to show how much honesty is studied by him. “A fellow, happening to purloin one of his neighbours of some small articles, was brought to Ballendallegh, to be tried before a justice of the peace, who adjudged him as a proper person for serving his Majesty. On which, the criminal made a proffer of his services to the General, who was present, and replied, “I am very fond of soldiers, but I take none except honest men into my choir. Accordingly another officer immediately grasped at the prey.

He keeps daily employed, about his villa or country seat; hundreds of people, and thus makes his cash circulate thro’ the neighbouring country. In winter he repairs to the city to his own house in Sackville Street; in summer, when warm zephyrs blow, to the villa, where he is visited by (331) a numerous train of his friends, whom he magnificently regales. He is learned, and a lover of learning; a rewarder of merit; the true friend; beneficent to the needy; not rash, however, in promising, but upon honour in executing; a charming companion. He is also full of dignity, yet not proud as many have imagined of affability without meanness; of courtesy, without deceit. Neither is he ostentatious nor vainglorious. Of a penetrating judgement, with all the talents we admire, as well as the qualities we love; in every thing persevering, yet not obstinate: and, if he split at all, ambition is the rock. Void of censoriousness, he hates it in others; above flattery. But, what is truly great, he is prone to excuse the failings of youth, and the foibles of riper years.

(333) I have dwelt thus much on the present family of Ballendalloch, not from any secret view or secondary purpose, but merely because, born not far from the place, and their time coming near my own, I have had the opportunity of being well informed. But.

Fame, impatient of extremes, decays
Not more by envy than excess of praise.
Pope’s Temple of Fame

Section 3: Grant of Ballnatomb

1. Archibald was the first of this family. He had three sons, Archibald heir and successor, John of Aruntully, and John of Allachie.

2. Archibald had

3. Francis of Cullen in Buchan, who was created a (335) Baronet in1705, and was one of the Senators of the college of Justice. His sons were Sir Archibald of Monymusk, and William of Prestongrange: the former, a bookish man, and a great schemer; the latter was sometime Lord Advocate of Scotland, and Lord of Session and Justiciary – Ld Prestongrange raised criminal letters against Provost Stuart of Edinburgh, charging him with neglect of duty, and misbehaviour in his office as Chief Magistrate, at the time the rebels got possession of Edinburgh, in 1745. He had two daughters, where the eldest Janet was married to Carmichael Ld Hyndford, Plenipotentiary at the Court of Russia, (He was not plenipotentiary at Russia or anywhere else) who had by her a daughter named after the Czarina; but she died young. The second was married to Robert Dundass of Arniston (337) Esqr, at present Ld President of the Session.

4. Archibald, at present, Sir Archibald of Cullen has several children, besides the Master of Monymusk.

The history of this family was published among that of the other great men of Britain, in the “Biographia Britannica”.

Section 4: Grant of Aruntully.

1. (339) John, the first of the family Aruntully and son of Archibald, first of Ballintomb, Married to Margaret Leslie daughter of (lacuna) by whom he had 24 children. At one birth she had once three; at several two. The surviving of the sons were those mentioned. had

2. Walter, who, with other, went to salute king Charles the II when he landed at Gordon Castle. The salutation is no less curious than laconic, “You’re welcome hame, Grat Guid man o’ Scotland”. Walter had two brothers Archibald of Doppin and George of Galliwell: a son of the former lives still at London, & has 3 sons, where of these is one Lieutenant in the guards. The father was a Capt. in the E. India Service. Walter had 2 sons, Thomas, who purchased Achoynanie in Keith, and Robert Kalimore (341), who He was married before to a Miss Annie Urquhart from Buchan, by whom he had 3 sons, Francis, William and John. by his wife, a daughter of Gordon of Heathery field, had a son Robert, and a daughter, Jean: the son drowned (footnote deleted) in Spey, in endeavouring to rescue a servant lad that was going down the stream near Aruntully; the daughter is married to Bailie Duncan Grant in Forres, a descendant of Mulachard’s About the year 1560, James Grant of Achernick had a family of eight sons; whereof Duncan was heir; 2. Gregor founder of Gartenmore; 3. James, ancestor of Achterblair now Carron; 4. John, first of the Grants of Lethindy & Burnside; 5. Allan, progenitor of Mulachard; 6. Mungo of Conguss; 7. Andrew of Nevie; & 8. Robert. Of this clan is also Lettoch. a branch of the Can Allan; and they have _ already, a family of 9 sons and three daughters. 1. Walter, 2. James. 3. Alexr, 4. Archibald, 5. Lewis, 6. Robert, 7. Duncan, 8. Colquhoun; 9. Hugh. 1. Betty, 2. Jean, 3. Mary. He had fifteen children in all by his wife.

3. Thomas He was made one of the gentlemen of the Board of Police in April 1741: had 3 sons and four daughters, by Janet, a daughter of Sutherland of Kinminnity: the sons were Archibald, Alexander and Walter; the daughter were Isobel the eldest, married. 1st to Sutherland of Prancy, 2nd to Dr Gordon, 3rd to Mr Thomson; Wylate, to Anderson of Newton; Jean, to a Capt. Gordon; and Thoma, who died unmarried. (343) Walter died unmarried; and (4) Archibald dying a bachelor was succeeded by (5) Alexander, who had gone to Jamaica at an early period of life, and accumulated an immense fortune, and was Colonel of a Regiment of Militia. He married a lady of the name of Murray, by whom he had only one daughter, heiress of Edinvilly, Aruntully, Popin, Galliwell, Newton, Achmadise etc. a minor: she succeeded her father in 1779, the year he died.

Thomas Grant of Achoynanie, at an election of a M.P. for the county of Moray, when the other electors universally called the candidate, “Sir Ludovick Grant of Grant” said, when asked, “ I vote for the Laird of Grant”. And, being questioned why he altered the designation, he told, “ By the former mode of expression, little more was meant than that he was Knight or so; but, by the latter, he is represented as being Head of a highland Clan.”

(345) This same Thomas, who was an excellent proficient at the sword, tho’ of a small size, chose to have in his Coat of Arms, “Crest; a cock crowing”, & Motto, “audace sans peur”, bold without fear.

Section 5: Grant of Allachie

Alexander, third son of Archibald of Balnatomb, was progenitor of this family. He had an only daughter heiress of Allachie; There were other 2 daughters, whereof one was married to Leslie of Hin-in-way; the other I knew not to whom and a natural son in whom the succession went, and continues in Alexander Grant of Mindole, and his brother Patrick, sons of Robert Grant Bogunduie. He had one daughter Dorothy, married to Robert Anderson of Mudhouse: she died Febry 14. 1763; another to Alexander Grant in Linemore, Mortlick

(347) Hellen Grant, daughter and heiress of John of Allachie was given in marriage to Alexander Duff in Keithmore. She was naturally followed by the Pignus or Woodset of Allachie, the first land the Duffs had, and redeemed by Sir Ludovick Grant of Grant. Besides that and the interest of the Grants, she had more than twenty thousand marks in cash, It was certainly fifty thousand worth then as much as £20,000 sterling now. She was a very corpulent woman. And there is a statue of her & her husband still extant in the Kirk of Mortlick. Of them were born, Alexander Duff of Braco, William of Dipple, and Peter of Craigston. 2. Alexander had 3. William who was succeeded by his uncle (4) William of Dipple, who had (5) William first Earl of Fife in 1750, whose son by Jean, daughter of Sir James Grant of Grant, is (6) James, the present Fife, the 3rd in descent from Hellen Grant. Admiral Duff is a (349) son of Peter Duff of Craigston.

Upon the heiress's removing to Keithmore there came another race of Grants thither from Rothiemurchus, driven from home by the consequence of a quarrel between them & their friends, when, a squabble happening, the progenitor of said race had the misfortune to stab his adversary, and was thence obliged to leave the country, till he recovered. After all he durst not hazard himself in Rothiemurchus; but was obliged to come down as far as Aberlour, where he lived for some time in a very mean way, but at last got hold of the Mains of Allachie, when he & his followers made a very considerable competency of the world (in their station), by honest industry and hard labour. The first of them came originally off the family of Rothiemurchus about the end or middle of the last century.

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