The Birkenburn MS [NLS MS 3568] Part IIe

Chapter XXIII: Of Duncan

(351) This Duncan, because of his delight in fir trees and hunting, was called “Duncan Gluish, a man not so polite as his predecessors, nor of so refined a turn; his manners harsh; his address rough. His father not dying till 1585, he was obliged to live all his life in Culnakyle, where he married Margaret, daughter to the Laird of McIntosh, with whom he had four sons. 1. John, his heir; 2.Patrick, of whom is Easter Elchies; 3. James, Laird of Moyness, of whom is Loggie in Ardclach; 4. Robert, of whom is Lurg. In some MSS. Duncan, is said to have had 3 daughters also: but they are only his sisters, are those mentioned in the last chap. He was only 24 years old when he died; heis being married in 1555, & he dying in 1581.

(353, written 253) During the Regency of Mary of Guise, Queen Dowager of Scotland, the highlanders, the Clan Ronald, Clan Cameron, those of Moydart and Knoydart, in hopes of impunity, attempted to dispossess Ronald, son of Donald Glass of Moidart, a nephew of Ld Lovat; and to set up John McRonald in his room. Lovat resented the affront offered to his nephew, replaced him and dispossessed MacRanald. Lesly, whom Buchanan quotes, (26 cap. Lib 15) says that the above Clans stripped both Grant and Lovat of their lands, and that George Earl of Huntly marched, accompanied by the Laird of Grant & his Clan, May 1544, to quell the rioters. This Lovat is called a brother-in-law of Grant; so that it is probable James na Creach had more than one daughter, else Anne said above to have been married to Cameron of Lochel, must have been married to Hugh Frazer Ld Lovat. So Grant’s lands and Lovat’s were restored; for, when the Grants and Huntly came to Lochaber, the differences were seemingly composed. The Grants with their allies the McIntoshes, conveyed Lovat to Gloy, now called Nine-mile-water. Lovat, suspecting no more danger, made the (355) Grants and McIntoshes return A MS history of the family Lovat affirms that in the 15th century there were many Grants & Kerans in Stratherrick. But, soon after, he found out his mistake: for the hostile bands on both sides were so posted, that neither could, however willing to, decline battle. Lovat had only 300, who stript to the shirt, the day being exceedingly hot, 2nd July 1544; the enemy 500. Night put an end to the battle. The slaughter on both sides was great: and Lovat and his son were both killed. Lesly & others

Duncan died in 1581. But this story ought to have been related in the last chapter. His father died not until 1585.

Grant of Easter Elchies

(357) Patrick, the second son of Duncan Gluish by a daughter of McIntosh, was ancestor of his family. These Grants possessed Elchies for more than 150 years, - for the space of six generations, the last of whom John Grant, Baron of his Majesty’s Exchequer, sold it in 1758 to Ld Findlater.

In the beginning of the present century, Capt. John Grant, proprietor of Easter Elchise, purchased the Barony of Rothes from Norman Lesly, to whom it had come with his wife, the heiress of Watson of Rothes, in the reign of Alexander III. Capt John’s son, Patrick, was Senator of the College of Justice (359), and called Lord Elchies. He was a good speaker, and as able an Advocate as ever put on the long robe. After he was called from the bar to the bench, he was no less conspicuous for the discharge of his office as a Judge. His son, Rob. Grant Esqr was made a Lieutenant in the Navy, April 1741. Rob. was his 2nd son. He died Capt of a Man of War. His 3rd son was (Yyy), Clerk to Lord Cullen, whose son was Bailiff Alexander Grant of Edinr, & I am told there is a son of his in Edinr. His 4 son was David, whose family are in Antigua. His son, John Grant, Baron of Exchequer, sold the Baronies of Rothes, Easter Elchies, and Edinvilly, to James Earl of Findlater & Seafield. A sister of the Baron's is married to Patrick of Rothiemurchus.

In the battle of Cromdale, Capt. Grant acquired never fading laurels. The Grants of Glenmoriston joinedly made up a Regiment in Col. Buchans rebel choir. They are the only branch of the family that can be branded with that opprobrious name of rebel! 'Tis true the rebel party, I knew not when nor on what occasion, composed the following false and ill-natured stanza, which however, by being applied (& reversed) to the other party, must be allowed to be their true character.

“The gripping, greedy, godless Grants;
“Breakers of all covenants:
(361) “False to God, untrue to their King;
“And perjured in every thing.

Reverse that, and it will be their character truly drawn by the opposite side.

“The generous, frank, and godly Grants;
“Keepers of all covenants;
“True to God; faithful to their king;
“And honest men in everything.

There is a curious anecdote of the present Patrick Grant of Glenmorison, whose son (Yyy) Grant is Captain in the Royal Highlanders, with respect to the degeneration of the Nature of human species. “My great grandfather was a very big man; his son was a great deal less; his son, again, my father was still less; I am much less, than was my father; and you see, that my son is much less than I am. Now, in a few years, if this mode of progression and degradation go on, what sort of beings, with regard to bulk, shall we end in?” The beauty of the tale is that the present Glenmoriston is a big man; so, what kind of men must his progenitors have been?

Tho’ the Glenmoriston race were rebellious, the other Grants were not so; for they joined the royal Standard under Sir Thomas Livingston, and conducted him to the place, where he intercepted the rebels in their return from Huntly. By the dawning of the morn he came, conducted by the Grants, to the Dairiade or hill above castle Grant, May 1st 1690. They directed him down the valley of Achinarrow, in order to cross the Spey below Dellachapple. The enemy (363) had come to Lethendy, and encamped there 30th April. They had some advanced guards at the Kirk of Cromdale, who informed the main body that the King’s army was fording the river. Accordingly a great number of the Grants, commanded by Capt. Grant of Elchise, mounted on horse back, rode quickly thro’ the water, and conducted the whole army, for more than a mile and a half, through a thick birch wood, and surprised the enemy in their beds, before they could get their cloaths, much less their armour, put on. They were obliged to fly precipitately; many quite naked: At the foot of the hill of Cromdale, they faced about, and made a faint resistance; but the rout soon became general. It is said that Capt Grant shot two of the enemy’s sentries with two hulsters, as he was crossing the river. It is unquestionably true that a ball from the enemy grazed along the side of Capt. Grant’s head; and, if it did not sweep away, ruffled the powdered locks of hair. I had the pleasing disagreeableness to see the places, where the advanced guards were shot and buried; and also the ford where Grant, leading the van, crossed the river. On the day of the battle also, it is reported that there was a ball, shot by a gun that is 18 feet long in the barrel, from Castle Grant, which reached the field of battle, three Scotch miles distant: This gun lies in the Vestibulum or trance, as you go up stairs to the (365) Great Hall. After the event of the day, so conspicuous did the conduct of Capt. Grant appear, that it gave occasion to a song entitled “The Haughs of Cromdale”, of which I shall repeat the following stanzas:

“Capt. Grant, he was our guide,
“Foremost thro’ the water he did ride,
“And lighted on them, like a glade,
“Upon the Haughs of Cromdale”.

“Said Elchies Grant “I think it best
“To catch them lurking in their nest,
“And hack them down
“In Cromdale”.

At this time Ludovick was Laird of Grant. He gathered his Clan together. His son was in the king’s Service, tho’ not at Cromdale that day. Twenty nine years after, he died, a Brigadier General, of whom in his proper place.

(367) James Grant of Achnakyle was a brother of Elchies He had 2 sons, Robt & Nathaniel. Nathaniel in Belnagown had Ludovick, & several daughters. Mr Grant in Birchfield, married to a daughter of Achterblair, is son of Ludovick who is Commissary of Moray, Solicitor of the duties etc on windows, & clerk to the Barons of Exchequer.

Robt’s son James was bred to different departments in life; but ultimately ordained for the sword, with which in his hand he fell gloriously in America. He had risen, 'ere the prime of life was passed, to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the 40th Regt of Foot. A brave soldier, shot through the head; a capital scholar, of unaffected good sense; and agreeable companion, beloved by all. When the news of his death was divulged thro’ the rebel camp, it gave occasion to what was taken notice of in Ch22 Sect 2., that General Grant, one of the abettors of the war, was taken off. But he lives as yet, the standing monument of British valour; the daring foe of Britain’s enemies!

He was bred 1st to be a Clergyman then, a Doctor of Physick, in which department, he got a place in one of the British Regts: after that he got a Commission. And, before the fatal day arrived that closed his light; he was Lt Colonel, and commanded the 40th Regt of Foot in America. The battle of Bedford was the last he ever faced: But open sunshine never hurt him. After the battle, he had gone to a few shrubs, or small thicket near the place, where, as he was with his own eye, viewing the shattered forces of America, a blood thirsty ruffian, behind the covert of the wood, murdered him in cold blood, unawares, and listless, by lodging a ball in his head. One of his own men carried him to the Regt. and he was, with the deepest sorrow of those who accompanies, laid in the same grave with a young English Lord, that had fallen in he engagement.

This is he whose parts attracted the (opp p 369) admiration of fellow soldiers, whose abilities, unaffected good sense, whose learning, whose true courage in the field, whose voice in council were so conspicuous, that the attained, by way of eminence, the appellation of “The Sensible Grant”. His looks, as he was white haired, must have been divinely great. And my information authorises me to say that Col. Grant of Rothiemurchus, before he bad farewell to America, went to visit the shrine that shrouds in night brave Achnakyle, where he vented his grief, and with feelings impossible to be portrayed, and anxious sorrow, bade him adieu, and scarce was able to travel on the way. Had not fate snatched him off so soon, it is a fact, that all his acquaintance believed and said, that he would have one day outstripped in glory and countryman that ever crossed the seas Desiderium magnum reliquit!”

But cruel fate nipped in the bud one of the choicest flowers, that ever put forth to Britain in general, & Strathspey in particular; so that we may say as erst the poet, lamenting the death of a friend

"Quis desiderio sit pudor, aut modus
Tam chari capitis"

…What time can end our morning for so dear a friend

Of this family of Achnahyle was Nathaniel Grant in Balnagown in Abernethie, & his son Lewis Grant, Commissary of Murray; Solicitor General (369) of the duties on Window lights and houses in Scotland, with his son Mr Grant in Birchfield, formerly Coulavoulen, who is married to a daughter of Capt. Grant, Achterblair.

Section 2: Grant of Moyness & Lurg

James, the third son of the laird of Grant was Laird of Moyness, of whom is Loggie in Ardclach. I suppose this James had Ardnellie, from whom John & William of Loggie & Arduie are sprung. John Grant of Loggie, by a charter in 1635, got Loggie, Moyness, Broad lard, & Aldern, erected into a Barony called Moyness, with a weekly market Penes Calder MS

Professor Grant (sometime ago) in St Andrews was one of this family. He was uncle or grand-uncle to the late Revd Hugh Grant Minr at Knockando. And, for the benefit of his country, and the furtherance of learning, besides other legacies, he mortgaged money to maintain two students (Bursars) at that University. These are at the disposal of the Chief of the Clan. There are 3 of these Bursaries. Only two have taken place. The money was sunk when the family of Boyne gave way.

Lurg.

(371) Robert Grant, 4th son, was progenitor of Lurg. The present Robert who was married to a daughter Anna of Colonel Grant of Carron, is the 4th; his son Capt. John the 6th in descent. To this family belongs Isaac Grant of Hilton, Writer to the Signet.

Chapter XXIV: Of John.

The Successor of Duncan Gluish was his eldest son John, a man, who for his abilities and prudence, attained, by way of eminency, the appellation of the “Wise Laird” of Grant. He married Lillias Murray, daughter of the Marquis of Tullibardine (from whom his Grace, the present Duke of Athol Ld Privy Seal of (373) the kingdom is descended) in 1587. At this marriage, consummated and probably celebrated in Edinburgh, King James VI. & his Queen were present. By her he had one son, and four daughters. His son he named John: His daughters were, 1. Janet, married to Sutherland of Duffus; 2. Mary, married to Sir Lachlan McIntosh, a gentleman of the bed chamber to Prince Charles, & died in 1622, little more that 2 years, after that prince became king; 3. Lillias, married to Sir James Innes of Balveny; 4. Katharine married to Ogilvie of Kincairn in Keith, whose predecessors came to that parish in or about 1346. Abercromby. She was married to Alexander Ogilvie: Her name, with the Armorial bearing of Grant, is inscribed on the Family desk in the Church of Keith, An. 1628.

As was customary to the ladies of Grant to bring servants along with them, so Lady Lillias brought one called Collin Lawson, and on account of his being of a small size, Colin Beg Lawson. He is progenitor of the Lawsons in Strathspey, (375) who are for the most part red-haired: Their Representative is Lawson, Clashindunan

This Laird of Grant made many additions to his paternal inheritance. He bought Lethen in Nairn shire; Aruntully, Kinminnity in Banff Shire; Allanbuie in Keith; also in Moray Shire. He lived in much repute, & died much regretted in 1623.

It was in the time of this Grant of Grant that the battle of Glenlivet was fought, singular for being gained by the adverse party, owing, as some say, to the perfidy of one John Grant of Gartenbeg, to whom the Laird of Grant had committed the command of 500 of his Clan, which he levied and sent to assist the young Earl of Argyle, only 19 years of age, who was revenging the murder Straloch, Calderwood, Burnet of the Earl of Moray at Dunibristle by the Earl of Huntly. The occasion of it was this: On the widow of Ballendallegh’s marrying, John Gordon, brother of Sir Thomas Gordon (377) of Cluny, and his settling in Strathspey, there arose differences between him and the Tutor of the young Ballendallegh, whose sides were espoused by their respective Chiefs, Grant and Huntly. Gordon urged his Chief, in consequence of his commission as Sherriff of the county, to pursue and imprison the Grants. Accordingly he took the house of Ballendallagh by force. The laird of Grant, well knowing what differences subsisted between the rival houses of Moray and Huntly, & instigated by the persuasions of Sir John Campbell of Calder, who promised to aid him in the plot, prevailed with McIntosh, Chief of the Clan Chattan, to collect his men. Then Grant and Calder sollicited the Earls of Athole & Moray to take part with them. On these flattering prospects, the two Earls conspired with the Grants (who were in fact but seconds in the cause, as the quarrel was between the Earls); and brought over (379) to their party the Dunbars. Huntly hearing of the conspiracy, marched, accompanied by some of his friends, to Forres. On this, Moray and Athole fled to Tornaway The rest were gone to the mountains. And, as the Castle of Tornaway was impregnable, Huntly dissolved his company 24th Novr 1590. Next year, reconciling himself to Chancellor Maitland, who was easily wrought upon, out of hatred to Moray for Bothwells’ sake, Huntly got a commission against Moray: and in 1591, he sent Allan McDonald Duy into Badenoch against the Clan Chattan: McRonald he dispatched to invade the Grants in Strathspey, with whom he had a sharp conflict; & killed eighteen, after laying waste Ballendallegh.

A commission then passed to Lennox and Huntly against those who harboured Bothwell. Moray was the only object of their vengeance, as he was the only one that concealed Bothwell. Huntly went (381) to Tornaway, where Moray dwelt; attacked the castle; and committed some havock: but the Earl escaped out of the house, tho’ pursued and slain by one of the Gordons among the rocks. On his death the Clan Chattan, & Grants, rose in a body to revenge it; they came to Glenmuck & Strathdisse, where they made great devastation. Several rencounters happenned before Huntly, orderedout the highlandmen of Badenoch & Lochaber, the principal of whom were the McRenalds, to spoil laird of Grant’s lands in Strathspey; & McIntosh’s. In 1594, Angus, Huntly, & Errol were forfeited; and the Earl of Argyle appointed Lieutenant in the North, which led the way to him for revenging the Earl of Moray, his brother-in-law’s death. He was joined by several Clans; among these, 500 Grants, under the command of John Grant of Gartenbeg; and arrived at Drummin 2nd Oct. They met Huntly (383) and his men at Aldchonlichan, a small rivulet at the back of Bell-rinnas, where there was a bloody conflict, on the 3rd Oct 1594. The event of the day was in favour of Huntly, and by the writers of the history of that family, unwarranted by any good authority, entirely attributed to the perfidy of John Grant, who, they say, faced about, with Campbell of Lochinell, and fired in the front of their own men. But it is not very probable that the Earl of Argyle’s own cousin should change sides; nor is it more so that the Grants did it, for which there is indeed no voucher that merits credit.

Chapter XXV: Of John

(385)Sir John Grant spent most of his days at court, being more fitted for the scenes of public, than the pleasures of a solitary rural life. Hence the pageantry and pomp which he kept, tended to lessen his fortune. For he sold a great deal of his land: For which reason, as his father was much given to buying land, he was called “Sir John Sell the land”.

About the year 1600, he had a natural son, called Duncan, who became ancestor of Clury. He married Mary Ogilvie, daughter of Finlater, by whom he had eight sons and three daughters.

1. James was first born and heir.

2. Col. John, who was tutor to his brother’s children, and married a daughter Anna of Sutherland of Duffus, with whom he had three daughters; 1. Janet, married to Frazer of Belladrum,; 2.Mary, to Patrick Grant of Rothiemurchus; 3. Anna, the youngest, to William Grant of Dealay. After the death of the first wife, he married Sybilla, daughter of McKenzie (387) Earl of Seaforth & Ld Kintail; but had no children by her. The only male Representative of the tutor of Grant was Robert Peter Grant, Carr, whose inheritance lately fell to Lt James Grant, in Ballintomb, Inverallan, who, by his wife, a sister of Major Duncan Urquhart of Burdsyards Now Colonel Duncan in 102nd Regt, has a numerous & beautiful family. Colonel John died in Holland.

3.Colonel Patrick, the third son, had no male issue.

4. Nor had Alexander the fourth any male heirs; but, by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Nairn of Morange, Representative of the Baron of Cromdale, he had two daughters, one married to Bailiff George Cuming of Recletick, and mother to Mrs Grant Tommoir; and the other, to Leslie then of Buchrom. After Alexander’s death, his wife Elizabeth was espoused by Gordon of Litchieston in the Enzie.

And, like the three former, George, commonly called Major George, Governor of Dumbarton, had no issue (389). John, 3rd of that name, and 22nd Laird of Buchanan, owing to his father’s prodigality, was obliged before his entering on the estate, to compound, (by no means of David Lord Cardross), with his creditors. After the death of Mary, his first wife, he wanted a new progress, and new rights: Mary left him only one daughter. Soon after, he made address to a daughter of Sir John Colquhoun of Luss. But, before the marriage could be concluded, the family and Knight of Luss insisted that he should have Achman’s right of mutual tailzie or entailwith Buchanan annulled, before he would grant his consent to the match. Accordingly Buchanan had interest enough to get Auchmar prejudged: and, besides that, he got power to sell the estate, if he pleased, or the right of Entail broken. But, unluckily before this was done, Luss’s daughter died. Then he married Mrs Jean Pringle. And, for the friendship and regard he had to Major George Grant, foreseeing that he was not in a way to have male issue himself, he disponed his estate to him, (391) with this provision, that the Major or Governor (call him which you will) should marry his daughter by his first wife, and assume the name and arms of Buchanan, reserving, at the same time, his own life rent and lady’s jointure. The Governor, according to Achmor, author of the history of the Clans, paid court to the lady, but was rejected, he says, with indignation. He adds, moreover, “that the Governor generously gave up all his rights before he died” which he might have saved himself the trouble of affirming; forasmuch as the marrying of the daughter was the onerous part of the contract, which unfulfilled as that part was, became of course null and void. So that it is liker to truth, that the Major Buchanan’s beloved friend, did not pay court to the daughter.

6. Robert, the sixth son, who married a daughter of Dunbar of Bennagefield, had one son, Robert, progenitor of Milnton of Muckerach, and two daughters Mary and Elizabeth.

7. (393) Mungo, the 7th son, (Shaw makes him the sixth) married Barbara Gordon, daughter of the Laird of Strathdown, by whom he had two sons; John, the eldest designed, “Of Tomdow”; and James “of Gellovy”. Of James came Knockando, as in the next section. After Barbara Gordon’s death, Mungo married Elizabeth Grant, daughter of Gartenmore, with whom he begat two sons, and several daughters; the eldest son, Robert Grant, Kincherdie; the youngest Patrick Grant Docharn Tullochgriban.

8. Thomas Grant, eight son of the Laird of Grant, designed, "Of Bellmackin” married Margaret Frazer, widow of Glenmoriston, who had no children to him: she dying, however, he took to wife Mary Campbell, daughter of Yyyy and had two sons, Ludovick and Patrick, and one daughter Mary. Capt. Thomas Grant in Achnastank, Knockando, is the representative of the eldest son of Ludovick. Mary was married to Grant, Mullachard, whose son is Rob. Grant of Ruthven.

The daughters of Sir John of Freuchie were 1. Mary In the peerage she is called Isobel. London 1720 married to Lewis Marquis of Huntly, first; & afterwards to Ogilvie (395) Earl of Airly; 2. Margaret, to John McKenzie of Gorloch; 3. Lillias, to Burges of Cults.

Sir John spent most of his days in public service; and, considering the numerous family he reared to the rank each of them attained, no wonder, he was obliged to lessen his fortune. He died at Edinr, where he happened to be in defence of his kinsman Allan of Tulloch (and killed a highlandman that lay in wait for Allan’s life), anno 1637.

Section 1: Grant of Clury

Duncan, son of Sir John “Sell the land”, was the first of this family about 1600. As I know not the genealogy downwards, I shall only extract the following feat performed by James, a brother of the present Clury, George George of Cloury purchased Listin, and is married to a Miss Foster, only daughter of an opulent gentleman in the County of York from (397) the Gazette, in which it appeared.

It happened at St Omers in the French Netherlands, between Mr James Grant, a son of Clury, a young gentleman of only 17 years of age, who had gone thither, merely for his education, and a Russian Officer. They met in mixt company, where the conversation turned on England and English men. The Officer, confining himself for some time to general invectives, was answered by Mr Grant in general terms. But at last he came so close to home, that he attacked Grant personally, insisting that he could not fight more than a cow.

Mr Grant very coolly took him aside, and told him that, as they were not in a proper place for finally putting him to the test, if he would do himself the pleasure & meet him next morning, at a certain hour and place, he should convince him that a Briton, which was much the same with an Englishman, could fight as well as any Russian who ever drew a sword. But (399) the stripling, who had not the necessary implements for entering the lists with a son of Mars, laid his case before a French Major, that not only gave him the use of his sword and pistols, but also attended him to the scene of action.

The gentleman met, and preliminaries settled, each fired without doing execution. The second shot, however, from the Russian, swept off a piece of the knee of Mr Grant’s breeches, & wounded him slightly: on which he fired, and lodged his ball in his antagonist’s thigh which seemed to be serious. The Russian being still unsatisfied, Grant insisted on his loading again; but the seconds interfered and separated them.

Grant, mean while, suspecting what came to pass, that the Russian would avail himself of a practice common in France, that entitles the one challenged to call out his adversary a second time, if he thinks not himself (401) satisfied, applied as a Fencing master. In the space of a month after, the expected challenge arrived. They met; they drew their swords; they pushed; Grant receives a scratch in the sword arm, which roused him to turn to more vigorous exertions. He threw the Russian off his guard; and, entering his sword between two of his ribs, asked him in that situation, whether he thought that an Englishman could fight as well as a Russian? And, my mercifully sparing his life, Grant convinced him that courage, honour, and humanity are the inseparable companions of a true Briton. See the Aberdeen Journal of March 12 1781

Section 2: Grants of Knockando

1. Mungo of Kincherdie had James, his eldest son (403) by Barbara Gordon, designed “of” Tomdou”, who was first of this family. He purchased Knockando from Sir Ludovick Grant of Grant.

2. James was father of Ludovick who died in 1751, and Capt Alexander Grant of Grants field, He was made Sheriff of Aberdeenshire in April 1741, the representative of whom, Major Lewis Grant, in the East India Company’s service, died at Calcutta, January 7. 1781 (3) Ludovick was father of (4) James, whose son by Lady Grace, 3rd daughter of Charles Gordon, 2nd Earl of Aboyne, is (5) Ludovick, the present proprietor. He married Miss Guyon, daughter of Charles Guyon Esqr. of Hampstead in Middlesex, An. 1773; by whom he has two daughters. Ludovick was a Captain in Morrie’s Highlanders, the late 89th, employed under Brigadier Draper, at present Lt Governor of Minorca, and Admiral Cornish in 1762, at the reducing of Manilla or Luconia.

Chap XXVI: Of James

(405) James, son and successor of Sir John, married Mary Stuart, daughter to the Earl of Moray, by whom he had several children. The only surviving were two sons and three daughters. The son was Ludovick, representative of the family; the youngest was, progenitor of Wester Elchies, of whom by and bye.

The daughters were 1. Mary, the eldest married to Patrick Ogilvie of Boyne; the second Anna, to Sir Alexander Hamilton of Haggs; Margaret, the third, to Roderick McKenzie of Redcastle.

James contracted his last illness at Edinbr where he died and is buried in the Abbey Church, 1663.

Section 1: Grant of Wester Elchies

1. (407) Patrick, 2nd son of James of Grant, 2nd of that name, was the first of this family, by a daughter of the Earl of Moray. He purchased the lands from a Mr Lachlan Gant, to whom they belonged in 1620. He married Janet Forbes, daughter of Newton, by whom he had a son, James of Wester Elchies.

2. James married Margaret Ogilvie, daughter of the Laird of Kincairn, by whom he had Ludovick his heir, and Betty who died unmarried. Capt Jas. Grant of Wester Elchies was esteemed by all who knew him, to be a polite, well-educated gentleman, and a friend of the muses: He died Oct 1740. Scotch Month Mag

3. Ludovick married a Miss Ogilvie, daughter of Mrs Gordon of Glengearack & Collecter Ogilvie, and had by her (4) James, who sold Elchies to James Grant of Carron; and Ludovick, in Jamaica.

Chapter XXVII: Of Ludovick

(409) He came to be Grant of Grant in 1664; a man of spirit in public life. He married Janet Brodie She died, February 27. 1697. And was succeeded a few years after by Jean Houston, daughter of the Laird of Houston, as Lady Grantonly child of the Laird of Lethen, with whom he had four sons Tullochgriban was (lacuna) to the late Sir Ludovick Grant, and father of the Major Grant, who fell at the siege of Ticonderago, and the late R’d Pat Grant, Minr of Cromdale, who was married to a daughter of Knockando and as many daughters. Of the sons, Alexander was eldest; James, second; George, commonly called Major George, the third; He was Governor of Inverness Castle, which, when in the year 1745 the rebels had undermined, he was obliged to surrender, tho’ in a subsequent trial, he was (whether justly or unjustly every body knows) dismissed the service by the Duke of Cumberland. He purchased Moy near Forres, which now belongs to Col. Hugh Grant, a son of Shogley. Lewis was the fourth son: he rose to the rank of Colonel, and fell before Carthagena with his friend Carron, in 1741. At his death, the lands of Duniphail, purchased by him in 1738, (411) came to his brother Sir James.

The daughters were 1. Elizabeth, the eldest, who married Hugh Rose of Kilravock, Chief of that name, in 1703 He died in 1755; 2. Anna, (who, on account of her fine black hair and black complexion, as was anticipated in the Section concerning Ballendallegh, attained the appellation of the “Black Lady”), was married to Col William Grant of Ballendallegh, Rothiemurchus’ second son. At performing the funeral obsequies of this Anna, there was a phenomenon, no less curious than true, scarce perhaps to be paralleled in any age; and that was, “There were no less than forty cousin-germans – all present – who all dined together in one room” 3. Janet, the youngest daughter, was given in marriage to Ld Lovat (the third Simon, and 14th in descent, son of Thomas by Sybilla, a daughter of McLeod) who was executed on Tower-hill, April 9. 1747, for being (413) engaged in the rebellion of 1745. He left issue by his lady Simon, who commanded a Regt in last war in America, & served also in Portugal, and died at London Febry 8th 1782, Colonel of the 71st, and Lt General of his Majesty’s Forces. He was restored to his estate in 1774; but the honours, according to the articles of the Union, are forever dormant. He had also Alexander, consul at Algiers, the present Lovat; and two daughters, Janet, married to McPherson of Clury & Sybilla. 4. Margaret, the fourth daughter, was married to McKenzie of Scatwell.

Ludovick, Laird of Grant, furnished all the wood necessary for rebuilding the High Church of Elgin, at his own expense, by a voluntary deed. The Church had fallen, in the interval of public worship, June 22nd 1679, the very day the battle of Bothwell bridge was fought. It was built anew, and finished in 1684.

He got a power of Regality over all his (415) vassals in 1690 McKenzie’s heraldrythe year in which the battle of Cromdale was fought, and gained by the help of the Grants commanded by Capt John Grant of Easter Elchies. And soon after, when the powers of Regality were resigned into the hands of the crown, he asked £5,000 but he got only £900.The jurisdiction Act then took place, whereby Scotland was delivered from that imperfect polity, (so long prevailent in Europe, & in some parts of it still) which was founded on the Feudal System, introduced at first by the Franks, Lombards, Goths, Vandals, and the other northern nations, that over-ran the Roman Empire in the 4th & 5th centuries.

In the reign of James VII, this Ludovick Grant of Freuchie was prosecuted at Elgin for keeping in his house a Chaplain, that had not received orders from the Bishop; and for his wife Janet Brodie, because she had been present, hearing a Non-conformist pray, and, I believe, preach, in her father’s house at Lethen and had not been at their own parish kirk for some years Woodrow’s history. He was fined in the sum of forty two thousands pounds Scotch money: and the fine was given to the Romish Chapel at Doway.

Chapter XXVIII: Of Alexander

(417) Brigadier General Alexander succeeded his father in 1718. Of all who merit applause for bringing the more uncultivated highlanders to perfect civilization; for standing forth in the hour of danger in defence of what is most sacred, the existence of one's country; for all the shining talents that render the man conspicuous; personal abilities: Of all these, he may justly be ranked among the foremost. He was engaged in all Queen Anne’s wars: and distinguished himself at the battle of Milplaquet & siege of.

Everybody, almost, must have heard the following stanza.

"The laird of Grant, that highland saint
(His Mighty Majesty)
Did plead the cause of Peter Brown;
Let poor McPherson die."

During the slackness that prevailed in the Courts of Justice, Brown and McPherson were the ring leaders of a banditti that infested the country for some time, but were at last apprehended and cast into jail. Brown was servant to the laird of Grant and attended him at the Battle of Mil-plaquet, where the Gen. had all his money taken from him, & was hard put to it, till Brown supplied him with some that he had preserved. (opp p419) Besides that, he had no doubt been useful to Sir Alexander in many dangers in the field. Some say he was Grant’s servant after his reprive; & it may be so: but whoever knows his character in civilizing the highlands, will say that he would not harbour such a wretch. The question turns on this hinge, “Is Injustice or ingratitude the most inexcusable?" and then shall the General be cleared of the imputation of what is wrong; for “ingratitude is the very worst sort of crimes.

(419) He was nominated, on account of his singular abilities, as one of the Arbitrators on the part of Scotland at the Union And his name is subscribed to it; and represented the county of Inverness in the first Parliament of Great Britain holden at Westminster Records of ParliamentBut I shall say no more of him in a public capacity as I have had no opportunity as yet of better information than vague report.

For personal strength, and courage, there were few equal to him in his day. For, a ragamuffian that had been stealing cattle, happening to stop to rest himself on the hill above the Castle Grant, he was challenged by a young man belonging to the family of Grant, whom the thief shot thro’ the heart. The atrocious crime the General had a mind to punish. The perpetrator was obliged to seek refuge here today and there tomorrow. In winter, he put on shoes inverted, or having the heels on the toes, that people might be (421) led the wrong way, when in pursuit of him. The Brigadier, accompanied by one man happened to fall in with his tract, which he followed to the place where he was lodged, in some subterraneous cavern. The General drove up the door, and entered in: before he got to the place, where the fellow slept, a conscious guilt, ever kept awake by a trouble conscience, had apprised the murderer, who had snatched his gun, and had well nigh shot his Excellency. But he clasped him in his arms, tho’ a strong man; and by assistance afforded by the other gentleman, brought him bound to the Pit at Castle-Grant, where he lay till tried and sentenced to die. In the interval between the passing and execution of the sentence, he was, no doubt, permitted to see his friends. But when the fatal moment arrived, that he should be brought up stairs from the Pit, he would not move (423) a fit, till the General should come down, that he might have a private word with him. The General, it is said, would have gone; but that he was prevailed with the importunities of his friends, aware of danger, not to go. And to make the fellow come up, after everything was previously ready and I suppose, the shackles off, they threw some dry combustible stuff down and kindled it about him which made him ascend. On searching the Pit afterwards, there was found in it a Durk or dagger, conveyed to him by some of his friends, with an intention to stab the General.

He married Elizabeth Stuart, eldest child of James Ld Dow; but had no children by her. A woman of a meek engaging temper and suitable parts. He died in 1719, “magnum sui apud omnes desiderium linguens” much regretted by all. (425) The following Latin verses are applied to him.

“Sæpe, sicut dictum, contingit: sic tibi semper;
Conveniunt rebus nomina sæpe tuis.
Nomen Alexander tibi dicit ??e??? [Alexis] & ???? [Anehr]
Cognomen Grandis grandia sæpe facit;
Artibus ut grandis, sic es tu nomine grandis:
Charus es et justus! Quis tibi comparerit?

Imitated

“Full often, as ‘tis said, follows the event;
Hand in hand your name and actions always went:
The first a Bulwark means, and heroe bold;
Alexis that and Anehr this (so ‘tis told
By Greeks in modern days). Likeways, as you’re Grand
By name, these will (your actions) stand
The test of ages yet to come; for thy bear
To that a close alliance. And no less dear
Than just, while burned the vital flame, to mankind
Now dead, Where shall we to all an equal find?”

Chapter XXIX: Of James

James, designed “Of Pluscardine”, had married Anna Colquhoun only surviving child of Sir Hmphrey Colquhoun of Luss by his Lady, a daughter of the Laird of Houston. Pluscardine and Oldmills, held by the (427) Laird of Grant as tutor for his son, were sold by him to William Duff of Dipple, 2nd son of Hellen Grant heiress of Allachie and Alexr Duff Keithmore Shaw, who trusts, I suppose to the Records of the County of Moray

On the death of the General without heirs of his own body, James succeeded. He served four returns in the united Parliament of Great Britain. In the year 1741 May, he represented Elgin, Cullen; and at the same time Sir James’s son, Ludovick, then junior, was Member for the shire of Elgin. He was returned for said Boroughs for four Parliaments successively. See Records of Parliament & the List on the Scotch Mag. For 1741, pag 419 He had by his lady five sons and five daughters. The eldest son was Humphrey, so called from his grandfather, the Laird of Luss; Ludovick, was second, designed at first Sir Ludovick of Luss; James, at present, Sir James Colquhoun of Luss, was the third; Francis was the fourth, Colonel of the 63rd Regt of Foot, and Lt General of his Majesty’s forces; Colonel Charles of Cothall was the fifth.

General Francis married an English lady and had several children. A daughter of his was lately married to Lord George Murray, brother to the Duke of Athol. This General served in several parts, and behaved with undoubted gallantry, and displayed courage enough in every action. He represented the (429) Boroughs of Elgin, Cullen, County of Elgin &c sometime ago in Parliament; but retired voluntarily. He died at his seat at Windmill-hill near London, 30th December 1781.

(opp 427) He stood at Fontenoy, & was through all America. If not above, he was full 6 feet high, an excellent officer of distinguished bravery and conduct. He was Lt Colonel (opp p 429) Commandant of the Royal Highlanders at the reduction of Martinico under the Gen. Monkton in 1762; and Brigadier General in the West Indies. At the taking of Havannah he behaved most gloriously. He commanded the 42nd also at the Siege of Ticonderago, the most fatal place his Regt ever saw; for here they were cut in pieces, under Gen. Abercrombie, who, thro’ the persuasion of Engineer Clerk, that had mistaken a strong fence for brush wood, made the attack too soon and too inadvisedly. Here Gen. Francis and some other officers had no little merit, in grasping in arms the unfortunate Abercrombie, tearing, like a child, at the loss of so many men, and attempting in the midst of despair to rush in among the thickest, that he might sacrifice his life along with the men, and not survive so dark a day. However the attack at Lake George, in 1758 (opp p 431) cost the Highlanders dear, tho’ and easy prey to Gen Amherst 24th July 1759, when the 42nd also graced his detachment

The daughters were Jean, the eldest, married in the 18th year of her age, to Duff of Braco, (afterward Earl of Fife in 1758) and is still alive, but in a very infirm state of health; Anne, the 2nd, married in the 17th year of her age to Sir Henry Innes of Innes, of whom are two sons, James of Norclif, & Robert who went to the East Indies, with five daughters, Anne, Jean, Margaret, Sophia, and Ludovica; Sophia, the third daughter, who died unmarried; Penuel, the fourth, who was married to Capt. Alexander Grant of Ballendallegh, still alive; the fifth (I suppose Margaret) married to Sir William Duncan of Durn.

Chapter XXX: Of Humphry

(431) The next order should have been Humphry; but he, dying before his father, who died in 1747, was succeeded by Ludovick his brother, who should have otherwise been Luss. In consequence of this, James the third son of Sir James, became “of Luss”.

Chapter XXXI: Of Ludovick.

He succeeded in 1735. And he married first (433) a daughter of Sir Hugh Dalrymple of N Berwick, Lord President of the Session, by whom he had only one daughter; but after her death, marrying Lady Margaret Ogilvy daughter of the Earl of Seafield and Findlater, he had the present James, and several daughters. There is one of his daughters married to Cuming of Altyre, Chief of that name. There is one of them married to a Mr McKenzie writer to the Signet Ednr; one, to an English Clergyman

In 1745, the Laird of Grant, notwithstanding his being situated in the heart of the rebels, continued faithful to government. And among others, who waited on his Royal Highness, the Duke of Cumberland, at Aberdeen, he attended with his father–in-law; and made a tender of his service. The Grants arrived at Spey-side before General Bland, at the sight of whom the rebels were struck with terror History of the rebellion; hence

When the Grants came down the hill
The Enzie shook for fear, man.

(435)He mustered also 500 of his Clan, and sent them commanded by his son to assist; but a fault too glaring in almost every war, namely contempt of the enemy, was the cause why these highlanders, after they had gone as far from their habitations as Huntly, were not employed. They knew not whether to go, nor what to do. In consequence of which they returned home: and the king's men, the McLeods, marched forward not suspecting any danger, to Inverury; the Monroes, along the coast, to Old Meldrum, where they were quartered. Early next morning, a detachment of the rebel army came unexpectedly from Aberdeen, and cut in pieces the McLeods, who had not time to be all assembled, when they alone would have been sufficient to cope with the enemy, even without the assistance of the Monroes, who were three miles distant.

(437) Considering these facts, and the laying them all together, there is no reason for belching out those bitter invectives that detractors took the opportunity of throwing out against the Grants. For that the Monroes, in the King’s pay, should not be blamed which indeed they did not deserve; and that the Grants should be stigmatised with opprobrious names, when they did not so much as know any danger, are things so repugnant to reason and common sense, that no one who is not destitute of both, would betray such a narrowness of soul, as to impute the ill consequences which followed, (as the causes were unknown, could not be foreseen) to the cowardice of the Grants, or even to their negligence. Hence we preclude the virulence they have been treated with in this affair; and the artless rhymes of the new-bred bards.

(439) Of all the Chieftains among the Grants, or Highlanders in general, few were equally adapted for that rank; and few have displayed, on every public as well as private occasion, such unrivalled magnificence, and unparalleled pomp. His voice was the voice of the North; so winning his deportment; so endearing his every art.

When the Hebridean Chiefs and captains, among whom we rank the ancestor of Grant, returned home after a successful expedition, they summoned their friends and Clients to a grand entertainment. Bards and Senachies flocked in from every quarter; pipers and harpers had an undisputed right to appear on such public occasions. The bards sung, & the young women danced. The old warrior related the gallant actions of his youth, & struck the young men with ambition and fire. The whole tribe filled the Chieftain’s hall. The young learned of the old, and were proud to imitate their ancestors, whence that regard for antiquity, and the veneration every family in the Highlands has for the actions and history of their predecessors. Then whole deer and beeves were roasted and laid before them on rough boards & hurdles of rods wove together. The pipers, as in some places to this day, played while they sat at table. After the feast they had ludicrous entertainments, & the females retired, & the Sliga Crechin went round – drinking shell.

There is a story told of him, (tho’ I am apt to believe, it was done by one of his predecessors) “That, on visiting the Duke of Buccleuch and his Grace transcending the bounds of decorum in praising some very fine candlesticks he had got, he laid a bet with him, that he should shew him at Castle Grant candlesticks, in comparisons of these, exceedingly finer. “Very well:” On hearing that the Duke, some time after, was coming to visit him, Sir Ludovick sent notice to four of the prettiest “gentlemen (441) of the name to attend in their highland dress”, at Castle Grant, on a night appointed. Then, placing one in every corner of the Great Hall with a candle in their hands, He asked the Duke, whether he had such candle sticks as these, at his house?

His character is finely pourtrayed, and no less truly in the Scotch Magazine for March 1773, 10th day of which year and month he died at Castle Grant. I shall therefore give it as there drawn page 154.

"Graved on the heart, thy virtues long shall live
Thro’ years and ages undecayed survive.
For thine each morning, each endearing art,
That or attracted or beguiled the heart;
Charm’d sense of pain could anx’ous thought beguile
(443) Bid festive mirth and pleasure round thee smile;
Bid rising comfort glad the pensive brow;
And joy illume the languid face of woe.

In Private

" There thou wert all that cheers or softens life;
The fondest husband of the loveliest wife;
The tenderest parent, past a parent's name;
Whose breast ere kindled with that sacred flame;

The kindest master, and the friend most true;
By time unmoved – changed by no partial view;
The frankest landlord, gave the gen’rous bowl;
The best companion breathed a social soul.

Nor here alone beamed thy diffusive mind,
But, raying wide, embraced the human kind,
For others’ bliss that joying learned to glow,
For others’ sorrows bad the tear to flow.

Chear’d from thy table, from thy liberal door,
(445)Rejoicing hied the stranger and the poor.
Oft were they heard along the road prefer, &
With grateful hearts, for thee the ardent pray’r,
That on thy house Heav’ns’ blessings might descend,
And guardian angels still thy race attend."

Chapter XXXII: Of James

He is married to the only daughter and heir of Duff of Hatton, by whom he has a growing family. As yet he has but two sons, Ludovick, heir apparent and Master of Grant; and James: with several daughters, who have before them to imitate, the example of pious and virtuous (447) parents.

Finis coronat opus
Apud Birkenburn, Kal Junii 1782

Of the family of Luss

(449) To the foregoing history we shall adjoin the genealogy of the family of Colquhoun of Luss, whereof not a few great men have appeared on the stage of Scottish history.

I. Humphry, the first of this name, was so called from the lands of Colquhoun, given him by Malduin, Earl of Lennox. Before that, Humphry was called Humphry Kilpatrick.
2. Ingram, who first assumed the name of Colquhoun, which means a (sea coasting corner or point).
3. Robert, who got a charter of confirmation in King Robert’s 1st days, from Malcolm Earl of Lennox.
4. Robert 2nd of that name: he got charters from two different Earls of Lennox.
(451) 5. Humphry, who married Godfrey heiress of Luss in 1394: next year, Humphry is designed Humphry Colquhoun “of Luss".
6. Sir John who married a daughter of Ld Erskine: In old registers, he is called Sir John Colquhoun “of Luss and Sauchy”.
7. John, who married Lord Boyd’s daughter.
8. Humphray married to a daughter of the Laird of Houston. This Humphray’s 2nd son was Patrick of Glyn: he had a daughter married to Murray of Tullibardine to whom she bore seventeen sons.
9. John, married to the Earl of Lennox’s daughter.
10. John his successor, and James, ancestor of Kilmardinny. John married to the Earl of Monteith’s daughter, & had
11. Humphray, who by Lord Hamilton’s daughter, had a daughter married to Campbell of Carrick.
12. Alexander, Humphray’s brother succeeded, & married Hellen, daughter to the Laird (453) of Buchanan, by whom he had five sons, James, his heir, Humphray of Balvey, Alexander of Glens, Walter and George.
13. James, by the Earl of Montrose’s daughter, had
14. John, who had, by Miss Bailie of Lochend, 3 sons who died, & 8 daughters.
15. James, brother of John succeeded.
16. Humphray, who married the Laird of Houston’s daughter, of whom no issue survived, but Anne, married to: (17)
17. James Grant of Pluscardine afterward, “of Grant”. Then his 2nd son
18 Ludovick became the Laird of Luss: but on the death of his elder brother, his brother
19 James succeeded. He has a great family.

The seat

of the family is at Rosdu, in a pleasant peninsula, on the South side of Loch Lomond, parish of Luss & Shire of Dumbarton.

Armorial

“a Saltyre engailed, Sable.

Supporters

Two hounds sable, collared Argent.

Crest

A Hart's head, Coupee, Gules.

Motto

"Si je puis". “If I am able”