“The Tullochgorm Memoirs”

Transcription and Editorial notes (2025):

1. Original version written by George Grant, Chieftain of Tullochgorm); this version “transcribed” in 1804 (by his son Captain Alexander Grant of Tullochgorm).
2. The MS was discovered in 2015 by Patrick Grant of Tullochgorm amongst the effects of his forebear Field Marshall Sir Patrick Grant (1804-1895).
3. Alexander was unable to read some of the writing he was trying to copy. He left a space and in the text below this is represented by several underscores thus: ____.
4. Several words are illegible to me; where totally illegible these are in square brackets thus […]; where at least a partial reading/guess can be made then this too is in square brackets. The author did use page numbers which are inserted at the beginning of their page, also in square brackets thus [1].
5. Much of the text is written continuously with scant regard to paragraphing. I have introduced some layout changes in the hope of improving legibility.
6. At the end of the text there are several genealogical tables, but the pages they are written on are badly affected by wear. Of particular interest is a pedigree of part of the Clan Ciaran about which all the other histories available to us have nothing to say. An attempt has been made to reproduce them, but they are presented separately from the main text.
7. Although this document claims to be a “transcription” it is easily seen that it has been updated and heavily edited. The updating is clear from the people and dates which postdate 1752. The heavy editing can be seen by comparing the narrative line taken in these Memoirs compared to that in the “Tullochgorm Text” version of the Monymusk Text. This was to curry favour with the then chief, Sir James. [See discussion in the page on the Tullochgorm cadets.]

The Tullochgorm Memoirs

Memoirs of the Family of Grant
Written in the year 1752 and
Transcribed in 1804

[0] [One may] expect to be charged with imprudence who undertakes to write the General History of any Kingdom, without access to, or consulting the public Records thereof. And it may be thought no less imprudent to attempt to give the history of a particular family without perusing the charters and other writs of it. I confess I might be justly censured, did I attempt to give a full account, historical or genealogical, of the family of Grant, since I have not had access to inspect the writs of it. But I see not how I can be blamed if I have only cast into some order and method such short memoirs as have occurred to me. I am abundantly sensible, that the characters, contracts, dispositions, instruments, contracts matrimonial, testamentary deeds, commissions, and other writs preserved in the family, would have set me right where I may be misinformed, and have furnished me many materials, which without them I could not have access to.

My curiosity has led me to read the manuscript and printed accounts of several ancient Scottish families: and I was not a little surprised that I could find nothing preserved in either way concerning a family so ancient and eminent as this is. And if this imperfect sketch shall fall into other hands than mine, it may possibly awaken some one more capable than I to do justice to the family, to correct my mistakes, and to write a more perfect and exact account.

‘Tis not well possible in a performance of this nature, to escape mistakes, especially in chronology and names. I do not pretend to have hit the precise time in which every representer of the family was born, came into possession, or died; where I am uncertain, if I have mentioned the year, I have done it with a latitude, adding the word, (about). I may have been mistaken in the names and numbers of children. If I have not added the titles of honour, to which many of the ladies married into this family, had a right by their noble birth, it was not out of any disrespect, but to make these memoirs as concise as I could.

I have often named my authors in historical facts, and where I have not done so, I think it is sufficient here to say, that I have been [instructed] by the manuscript accounts of the family of Sutherland, of MacIntosh, of Kilravock, of the Dunbars, of Calder &c., And where the facts I relate are merely conjectural, or founded in tradition, I have not I think failed to declare it. In a word I have not willingly erred in any point, and I shall esteem it a favour to be corrected and set right where I have been mistaken or misinformed.

[1] Memoirs of the Family of Grant

The pleasure and the utility of history is universally acknowledged and the same motives that make it reasonable to record in general history, the memorable transactions of Kingdoms, the descents of Kings and the revelations and fate of Governments, render it no less reasonable to preserve in private and particular histories or memoirs, the genealogy, the actions, and the changes in private families of distinction and eminency.

The sacred writings in the earliest ages of time are a continued series of historical facts and genealogical descents. And the ruder and more barbarous notions, who were unacquainted with letters, and ignorant of refined sciences, preserved the memory of their forefathers in rhymes and songs and instructed their children in the history of their families, by the frequent repetition of these practical composures.

The Romans preserved the distinction of their families by the Jus Imaginis, or a right of using pictures on statues. The people were divided into nobiles, novi and ignobiles, according as their ancestors, or themselves, had borne some eminent office, as, Curule, Odile, Censor, Praetor, Consul. He who had the pictures or statues of his ancestors that bore office, was termed nobilis; he who had only his own, was novus; and he who had neither, was ignobilis. Thus [...] observes of Balbus the Grandfather of Octavius Caesar, “Balbus paterna stirpe aricinus, multis in familia senatoriis imaginibus” &c. And of Vespasian he says, “Gens flavia, obscura illa quidiem, ac sine ullis majorum imaginibus” &c. These little statues they made of wood, brass, marble, &c, and laid them up in a cabinet; and Jus Imaginis among them, was like the right of bearing a Coat of Arms among us; and these little statues, dressed according to the offices they bore, were documents of their family history, and gave rise to our family pictures.

One who considers the many disasters that have befallen records, charters, and other documents of history in Scotland, will wonder if the use and succession of great families cannot easily be traced. The ravages and devastations of the Danes in the ninth and tenth ages, destroyed many manuscripts kept in our monasteries. K Edward I of England in the year 1290 & 1291 and thereafter carried off what records, histories and ancient chronicles he could find in the churches, convents, libraries and archives; some whereof he burnt, and the rest he carried into England. At the reformation from popery, some of our ecclesiastic registers were destroyed, and some carried into popish countries. In the year 1651, Oliver Cromwell carried off what records and public writs had remained with us. And to complete our misfortune, when in the year 1660, K Charles 2nd had ordered our records &c found in London, to be sent back to Edinburgh, eighty five hogsheads packed with them, were lost by sea in the passage. And yet, notwithstanding, these disadvantaged many families in Scotland can trace up their descent for several hundreds of years; among which this family of Grant is one, and may justly be reckoned in the number of our ancient Scottish families.

That I may the more distinctly set down what I have gleaned concerning this family. I shall cast it into the following division -

1. Concerning the original of the name of Grant.
2. The time in which they came into and settled in Strathspey.
3. The geneological [ ] of the family.
4. The descent or succession in the family.
5. The branches of it.

[2] Part 1 - Concerning the Original of the Surname of Grant.

‘Tis generally agreed that in Scotland, surnames were not fixed and commonly used before the Eleventh and Twelfth century. Yet, doubtless, we had before that time, some marks of distinction, by which those of a family or kindred were discriminated from strangers. As proper names are given to distinguish one person from another, surnames are added to names to distinguish one family and descendants from other families, and to make a closer union among the several parts of a family, by binding all those parts together under one name which is not peculiar or proper to a few, but common to them all.

Surnames, super-nomina, or additional names (not Sire names, for patronimics only are such) have various originals. Among the ancient Scots they were either patronimics, as MacDonald, MacLeod, &c. Or taken from the complexion and colour, as Bain, Duff, Roy &c. Or from offices and employments as [ ], Hunter, Stuart, Falconer, etc. Or the name of an eminent ancestor is still retained, as Greme, Keith, Barr, &c. Among the descendants of the Picts and of strangers who have reared up families in Scotland, surnames are generally local; taken from the countries whence they came, as Inglis, Fleming, etc. Or from the places where they fixed their residence, as, Buchan, Calder, Innes, Murray, etc. Or from trees, hills, valleys, promontories etc as Birch, Hill, Wood, Home, Ross, etc. Or names all compounded, as Dunbar, Johnston, Carmichael, etc. It were endless to have out the occasions that gave rise to all the surnames in our country, wherefore I pass directly to speak of the surname of Grant.

‘Tis not easy to determine, of what people the Grants are descended. Whether they were originally Scots, or Picts or if they came into Scotland from some neighbouring Kingdom.

Mr. Nisbet in his Heraldry says, that there is in the advocates library at Edinburgh, genealogical manuscripts written by on Van Basso a Dane, who brings the Grants from Denmark or Norway. Sir George MacKenzie in his manuscript of genealogies, brings them from England. Others will have it, that they came from France. And others fetch them from Ireland, For their descent from Denmark, is pleaded, that the name Suene or Sueno, Alan or Awlan, frequent among the Grants are Danish and that the three Antique Crowns in their arms show that they come from the Northern Countries. In favour of the French original 'tis said that the name Mungo is French, and that the surname Grant or Grande, points to that country. And for an Irish original ‘tis contened that Ciaran or Ceran is an Irish name (thence the Clancheran are called and that the names, Patrick, Donach, or Duncan, John, etc (frequent among the Grants) are Irish names. All these are but mere conjectures and do not challenge a critical examination.

The three opinions that fetch the Grants from England, France and Denmark may, I think, be reconciled, and by a just construction of them work may find a very probable account of the original of this clan. ‘Tis not improbable that they came into Scotland from England and (as the Cumings and Gordons etc did) and that they came into England from France, about the time of William the Conqueror’s expedition in the year 1066, or soon thereafter. ‘Tis certain that about that time, many Surnames came into England from France and from England into Scotland as Cumming, Gordon, Bruce, Baliol, Cheyne, Maule, Sinclair &c and why might not the surname of Grant have come from [3] from France about the same time. And I think it probable, that they came in France, particularly into the Province of Normandy, from Norway or Denmark.

What inclines me to this opinion is:

1. That the Normans in France were themselves descended from Norway and Denmark, and called Norman eg North-man because they came from Scandinavia, or the Northerm countries, and in the year 911, settled in that Province of France (formerly called Neustria) from them called Normandy. (Dan. History of France).

2. That the Genealogical tree kept in the family of Grant, brings the Grants from Norway or Denmark, I am aware and I shall afterwards demonstrate, that there are many inaccuracies and anachronisms or false chronology in that tree. But ‘tis hard to say that there is no truth at all in the account it gives of the original of the Family of Grant. Tho there be something fabulous, there may be a mixture of some truth. It were an unpardonable villanie to forge all the account that is their given and an inaccountable vanity to claim such high antiquite, if there was on truth at all in it, no ground for it. Now, if they were originally Norwegian or Danes as the tree bears, they might have thence come, with their countriemen into Normandy in France.

3. That the names, Suene, Alan, etc so frequent among the Grants, are plainly Gothish names; names that obtained in Normandy but came thither from the Northern Gothish countries, and thus that the people that knew them came likewise from these countries, and

4. That the surname, Grant, appears to me to be French, and not English or Scottish.

This leads me to speak of the surname, Grant. The word may be Saxon, Irish or French. In the Saxon tongue, Grant signifies crooked or bowed, thus Cambridge, the town and University in England so called, signifies a crooked bridge, or rather, a bridge upon Cam-River, or the crooked and winding river. The Saxons called this town Grant-Bridge’ Cam in British, and Grant in Saxon, signifying crooked. So Mons Grampius the Grampian Hill, was called by the Saxons, Grantz-ben, or the Crooked Hill. But I cannot see how from this Saxon word the surname should be honoured. Let us next view it in the old Irish; in that language, Grandha signifies ugly, ill favoured; Grainte signifies hoary and Grant, gray. Now, Grant signifying Gray and Ciar signifying dark or swarthy; Grant and Ciar signifie much the same thing, or are synonimous words; and there bring a tribe of Grants called Clan Ciaran or Chiaran, ‘tis the same as Clan Grant, for if Ciar and Grant are the same, Clan Chiaran and Clan Grant are likewise the same. Thus the surname may have been taken from a progenitor that was Ciar or Grant, that is, a swarthy or Gray hued man (as Duff from Dubh, and Douglas from Dubh-Glass) and the Clan might have at first been called indifferently Ciaran or Grant, tho in time, Grant became the common and prevailing name or surname, yet some always retained the other name viz Ciaran and all called Clan Ciaran, or Clan Chiaran.

The third language in which the word is found, is the French. In that language, Grande signifies great, brave, valorous. I own that I incline to think that the surnamge Grant is taken from the French, Grande, which in the Irish language is pronounced or sounded short, and thereby the letter (d) in the end of the word is changed into (t) Grand into Grant. What inclines me to this opinion is that (as above related) the Grants, probably, came from the North countries, into France, and thence into Britain; and in France, one of them, for his brave actions, might have got the Epithet of Grande, which afterwards became the surname of his descendants. And thus the surname, it seems, was understood above 500 years ago. For Richard Grant, who was made Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 1229, is in Mr Anderson’s genealogical tables, and by others expressly called Richard Grant; But the English Historians of that time, writing in Latin, call him Richard Magnus [4] ie Richard Grande or Great, which plainly shows that they took the name Grant, to be the same with the French Grande, and the Latin Magnus, to which let me add, that in our old writes, the particle, The, is put before the surname Grant. Thus in a bond and contract betwixt the Laird of McIntosh and Sir James Dunbar of Cumnock in the years 1499 (of which afterwards) the Laird of Grant is a witness and Arbiter, and is called John the Grant of Freuchie, and in our language the particle, The, answers exactly to the French, Le, and they would have written Jean Le Grande de Freuchie. Thus I have given my opinion which I entirely submit to the judgment of the reader.

Tho’ thus we fetch the Grants originally from Denmark into France, hence into England, and thence into Scotland, and derive the name Grant from the French, Grande, ‘tis no way inconsistent with the opinion of those who think that they who now are incorporated into the one numerous Clan of the surname of Grant, were in past times, before they lived together in one country and under one master, were, I say, different Tribes, and of different surnames. That the Clan Alan came from Lochaber, and were properly Camerons or Mac Gili-naomhs. And that the Clancheran came from Ireland, when Ciaran is a frequent surname. And the like may be said concerning other Tribes, that now call themselves Grants, such as the Turners, The MacClays, mac Gili Charrichs etc in Strathspey.

Were all this true, ‘tis but what happens in all populous Clans. I question if there be numerous Clan in Scotland, which has not several branches and Tribes following it, that did not originally derive their blood and their surname from the head of the Clan. In lawless and disorderly times, small Tribes who were not themselves sufficient to defend against the violence and injuries of their turbulent neighbours, usually took protection under the patronage of a powerful Clan that would defend them; and finding themselves well used, they at length assumed the surname of that Clan. Of this these are many instances. But with respect to the Clan Allan and Clan Cheran I can see no ground to conclude that the one were originally Cameron’s or the other Irishes. A bare assertion without any proof merits no regard.

It may be thought that the account I have here given of the original of the name of Grant is intended to raise the antiquitie of that name very high. I know that it is a vanity common to almost all Nations and all Tribes and Clans to strive to outdo one another in the antiquitie of their descent. But, I was never fond of running into the dreams and legends of the villanous Monks, or the Fables and fancies of venal Bards. I have given the probable grounds of my opinion and if any one shall establish a different opinion upon more solid grounds, I shall with pleasure embrace it.

I now proceed to.....

Part II - Concerning the Ancient Seats of the Grant in Scotland and the time of their settling in Strathspey.

Here I am sensible of the loss of not having perused the writs of the Family of Grant, which possibly might throw some light upon this point. Without that assistance, I have nothing to guide me but tradition and some probable conjectures. [5] For tho’ we have right early accounts, and well vouched, of gentlemen of distinction of this name, yet our historians give no account of the place of their residence.

Unvaried tradition bears the the Grants resided early in the county of Stratherick and about Inverness, before the Frasers had any possession of that county, nor is this a bare tradition, but supported by the following grounds of probability. The manuscript Genealogy of the Family of Lovat bears that in and before the year 1493, there were many Grants and Ciarans residing in Stratherick. And two hundred years before that time viz in the year 1258 Robertus de Grant was Sheriff (Vicecomes) of Inverness and ‘tis probable that a neighbouring gentleman and not a stranger would have been employed in that office, to which let me add, that when the Grants came into Strathspey, they gave to several places then, the names of the places which they had possessed in Stratherick, as Gartmore, Gartbeg, Dalla Chaple etc, and the lands of Ballachiaraniach in Stratherick, were, doubtless so called from the Ciarans or Clan Chiarans. These hints are sufficient to render it probable what the general tradition bears viz, that the ancient residence of the Grants was in the County of Stratherick and in the neighbourhood of Inverness.

But at what time, and upon what occasion, they removed out of these counties and came into and settled in Strathspey, is not easie to determine. The old writs of their Family of Grant would probably give light in this point, but wanting that help, I shall deliver what to me appears probable.

The author of the Genealogy of Family of Lovat says, that Thomas Lord Lovat married the daughter of Sir Alex Gordon of Achindune and that Earl of Huntly by a formal renunciation in the year 1493, renounced his right to the lands of Stratherick in favour of Lord Lovat. Were this fact, it would no doubt encourage the Frasers to settle in Stratherick and incline the Grants gradually to remove out of it. But ‘tis certain as we shall see, that the Grants were in possession of a part of Strathspey, many years before that time. Besides the history of the Family of Gordon makes no mention of this renunciation. Nor can I find that ever the Family of Gordon had, or claimed right to Stratherick. I own indeed that the Earl of Huntly might have had the administration of these lands for some time as factor for the crown. For I find that in the year 1481, he had the administration of the lands of Urquhart and Glenmoriston, and granted to Kilravock a discharge of the rents of them ([ ] Kilr.). And when in the year 1455, Archibald Douglas , Earl of Murray, was forfeited, and that Earldom (whereof Stratherick was past) came to the Crown. The Earl of Huntly, who was much in favour, might have got the Administration of the Earldom and might have granted a depution to Lovat, to act for him in Stratherick. But the most that this (if fact) can prove is, that the Frasers began then to settle in Stratherick. What is more certain is, that Thomas Dunbar Earl of Murray, married Christine Seaton-Gordon, daughter of Sir Alex Seaton and Elizabeth heiress of Gordon, about the year 1428, and Janet daughter of Earl Thomas Dunbar married the Laird of Lovat at the year 1448, who with her got the Barony of Abertarf (Had. collect.) and thus early might the Frasers begin to settle in Abertarf and Stratherick, and the Grants to move out of these counties. Further it is certain that the Grants had the lands of Freuchie or Balacastle in Strathspey in the year 1479, [6] for in that year Duncan Laird of Grant is designed of Freuchie, as we shall see. And ‘tis probable that Freuchie was not the first land they possessed in Strathspey. I may venture then, to say, that the Grants began to come into Strathspey, about, if not before, the year 1400.

What makes this more probable is, that in the troublesome times of K. Robert 1, David 2 and Robert 2, when lands came in the gift of the crown, either by forfeiture or reversion, these Kings gifted them to their favourites, or granted them as a reward of faithful services. Thus, K. Robert Bruce granted to Sir Gilbert Hay of Errol, the lands of Slains and Buchan, a part of the forfeiture of Cuming Earl of Buchan. To Sir Adam Gordon he granted the Lordship of Strathbogie, forfeited by David de Strathbogie or Cuming. To Sir Thomas Randolf, he granted the Earldom of Murray, (forfeited by Cuming, Lord Badenoch), comprehending all twixt Speymouth and Lorn; whereof Badenoch, a part of Stratherick, Urquhart,etc had belonged to Lord Badenoch. And John Randolf Earl of Moray being killed in the Battle of Durham in the year 1346, leaving no issue, and the Earldom reverting to the Crown K. Robert 2 made John Dunbar second son of the Earl of March (and who married one of the Kings daughters) Earl of Murray. Now we shall see hereafter that Sir John Grant was greatly in favour with K. David 2; He was one of the commanders in the Battle of Hallidon Hill Ao 1333 and thereafter in 1359, he was sent Ambassador to the Court of France. If then, these Kings rewarded their favourites with a gift of forfeited or reverted lands (and I have shewed that they did so) is it not probable, that Sir John Grant, who was so much in favour, would not have been forgotten.

To this let me add that the Grants might the more easily, obtain lands in Strathspey about the year 1400, because the great Estate of the Earls of Fife a part whereof lay in Strathspey, was at that time in the possession of Robert Stuart Duke of Albany, and was soon thereafter forfeited and annexed to the Crown, and Maude the heiress of Grant, was married to Andrew Stewart, Nephew to the Duke of Albany, and first cousin to King James I. This I am aware needs some farther explication. And....

That same lands in Strathspey were a part of the Estate of MacDuff Earl of Fife, is evident from the Register of Murray, which bears this Charter:

"Malcolmus Comes de Fife, universis &c... Secant me Dedisse Deo et Episcopo Moraviensi Ecclesiam beati Petri de Inverhaven cum una davach terrae in Inverhaven quam Bricius tenuit; etc cum omne Parochia totuis Strathaven cum decimis et [...] in perpetuam elemonsnam. Testibus &c." and by another charter the same Earl Malcolm gave "Episcopis Moraviensibus in puram & Perpetuam elemosmam Jus Patronatus Ecclesiae de Cromdale."

These charters must have been granted before the year 1229, in which Earl Malcolm died; and they show that he had lands in Cromdale, Inveraven and Strathaven, and farther, Sir John Skene (de verborum, significatione tit. arage) shows that June 22 1389 “Isabel MacDuff, daughter and Heir of Duncan Earl of Fife, re-signed in the hands of K. Robert, the Baronies of Strathurd etc in Perthshire, the Baronies of Coul and O Neil in Aberdeenshire, the Baronies of Cromdale and Assynt (probably Advy) in Inverness-shire, the lands of Strathornic (Strathavon and Abrondolie, perhaps Arnullie) in Banff-shire. “This resignation were in favour of Robert Stuart (son of K. Robert 2) thereafter Duke of Albany and his son Duke Murdac being forfeited and put to death in the year 1425. The whole estate of the Earl of Fife were annexed to the Crown.

Now Andrew Stuart who married the Heiress of Grant was son of Sir John Stuart, Sheriff of Bute, who was natural son of K. Robert 2, brother of Robt Duke of Albany and first cousin of K. James I. And is it not reasonable to think, that Andrew might claim an easy purchase of lands in Strathspey from his Uncle Duke Robert. Or that when K. James I, gave these forfeited lands to his friends and favourites he should give Cromdale Strathaven and Inveraven to his cousin Andrew Stuart, or to his son at a reasonable purchase; and let me add that the Earl of Murray, Archibald Douglas [7] being forfeited in 1455, the Lordship of Abernethie was annexed to the Crown (Acta Parl. 1455), and this might encourage the Grants to make purchases, or to obtain leases or tacks in Abernethie, for, very often, ‘tis easier to purchase from the Crown than from subjects.

Thus I think it not improbably, that the Grants obtained some lands on Speyside in the reign of K. David, or of K. Robert 2, and thereafter from the Duke of Albany and from the Kings James 1 and James 2, and that they generally and gradually removed from Stratherick into Strathspey, betwixt the years 1360 and 1460. Gradually, I say, for surely they did not all leave Stratherick or come into Strathspey, at one and the same time. This is not usual, yea scarcely practicable, except when a Clan is banished their country or by force driven out of it; either of which was not the case of the Grants. And tradition bears, that the Clan Allan and Clan Phatrick came pretty early into Strathspey. But that the Clan Chiaran settled upon the River of Erne, at Dundiess, [ ], and other places, and after some time re-moved into Strathspey. What I have here advanced, concerning the first seats of the Grants, and the since of their settling in Strathspey, is what to me appears probable, and I shall with pleasure yield to better evidence.

If anyone shall ask, what might be the occasion of their leaving their ancient seats, all I can say is that Strathspey is a more wiling county, and when once they got any footing in it, one family would encourage another to come into it. And then other that when the Frasers got any possession in Abertarf and Stratherick, the two clans could not expect to live in friendship in one and the same county. Besides, tradition bears, that one of the Lairds of Grant married the daughter and Heiress of McEarnan [Bo..] of Mulben, with whom he got that Baronie, which would allow some of the Clan to settle therein: but there I give upon the credit of tradition only.

And now I go forward to......

Part III - Concerning the Geneological Tree kept in the Family of Grant

Before I proceed to what I take to be the true Geneology, I shall make a few remarks upon the Genealogical Tree preserved in the Family of Grant. It reckons the decent from father to son, as follows viz:

(1) Uffa a Saxon, who became a King of the Angles Ao.575, and bore six Crowns in his Arms. His son

(2) Hacken lived in Norway. Being one day in the field, and of a sudden attacked by several ruffians, having no weapons at hand he pulled up a young tree by the root, and therewith knocked down the villans. This action gained him the Epithet of Grand, and thence his posterity took the surname of Grant; and for supporters in their arms, have wild men bearing young trees. His son

(3) Grotgart of Ury in Norway, whose son

(4) Hacken, was Earl of Dronthenn, so created by Harold Horfager. Hacken was Protector of Norway and his son

(5) Sigort was Privy Councillor to K Hacken Adelstem of Norway his son was

(6) Hacken, Protector of Norway, whose son

(7) Hemming married to his first wife, Tora, daughter of Hacken Adelstem, first Christian King of Norway, and to his second wife he married Isabella Princess of Dublin. Hemming was burned for professing Christianity. His son

(8) Andlaw or Alan married Mora daughter of Neil MacGregor, descended from K. Gregory of Scotland, and with her he got the lands of Freuchie in Strathspey. His son

(9) Patrick married Fergusia, daughter of Alpin King of Scots Ao.831, by whom he had one son and four daughters, The daughters were - Fergusia, married to Hacken who killed Indulf King of Scotland; Mora married to Waldeve, Earl of March. Collabella married to William de Monte Alto. And Wishilla married to Duncan King of Scots. And the son was

(10) Alan, who married Dervagilla daughter of MacPender Thane of Mearns. His son was (11) Gregor Sheriff of Inverness, who married Mary daughter of Fraser Lord Lovat, and by her had three sons viz. Patrick his Successor, Alan Progenitor of the Clan Alan and Lucas Chiar, ancestors of the Clan Chiaran.

(12) [8] Patrick married Bigla Cyming Heiress of Glenchernich and was father of Maude or Matildis the Heiress of Grant etc. I shall not transcribe any more of this Tree, but make some remarks on this part of it.

Supposing that this account is not forged, nor altogether legendary & fabulous, but has had some foundation either in the history of Norway, or in that of Normandy; yet as ‘tis laid out in this tree, ‘tis done very injudiciously and inaccurately. For

(1) We have no history of Norway that can be depended upon, for 500 years after the time that Uffa is said to have lived. And the best Chronologies cannot raise the beginning of the Kindom of Norway higher than the year of Christ 800. Wherefore the account given in this Tree must be utterly uncertain.

(2) From Uffa to Maude the heiress, there are in the Tree but twelve generations: now Maude having (as we shall afterwards see) lived about the year 1400, from Uffa 575, to Maude Ao1400, are 825 years, which space of time would require 24 generations: for in Geneological descents ‘tis known and approved rule, to allow three generations to a century or an hundred years. This then is a gross inaccuracie.

(3) I shall pass over Hackon’s rencontre as savouring to much of the fable or romance.

(4) Hemming, being to have been banished for professing Christianity, now Hemming being the seventh generation inclusive from Uffa, must have lived about the year 800, allowing but three descents to a cenutrie. But I cannot find that Christianity was known in Norway for a hundred years after that time, and if Hemming was a Christian, he must have been in instructed elsewhere.

(5) Alan the son of Hemming is said to have married the daughter of Neil MacGregor descended of K Gregory and with her to have gotten Freuchie. Here are gross blunders. Alan according to this tree, must have lived about Ao 830; and K. Gregory was not born at that time or was but a very child for he died Ao 893; and yet Alan married the daughter of one descendant of this King, that is he married a woman some years, yea generations, before she could have a being. Next ‘tis certain, that the Grants had not the lands of Freuchie for some hunderds of years after the time that is here attested to Alan. Nor had the MacGregors these lands to give, for they were a part of the heritage of Cuming Lord Badenoch.

(6) Patrick son of Alan is said to have married the daughter of K. Alpin Ao 831, this is very inaccurate; for Patrick must have lived about 860; and if his mother was a descendant of K. Gregory who was contemporary with Alpin’s grandson; and Patrick's wife were Alpin’s daughter, then his mother must have been at least a hundred years younger than his wife.

(7) Fergusia daughter of Patrick is said to have married Hacken who killed K. Indulf. Now K. Indulf was killed Ao 961, and 'tis not tenable that the husband of daughter of Patrick who was married in 831 would be a soldier in battle in 961. But the marriage of the next daughter, viz. Mora, is still more ridiculous. Mora according to this tree must have been marriageable about Ao 860, but Waldeve Earl of Dunbar was not born before Ao 1110, and so she must have been married to him about 250 years before he was born. Nor is the pretended marriage of Wishilla much more tolerable. K. Duncan came to the throne 1034 and his supposed wife must have been dead a hundred years before he was born.

(8) Gregory is said to have married a daughter of Fraser Lord Lovat. Now Gregory according to the tree must have lived about the year 940, which was above 300 years before the ancestor of Lovat married Bisset's daughter or grand-daughter, and upwards of 400 years before Fraser of Lovat was Lord of Parliament.

[9] I might have had made many more remarks upon this tree but these few are sufficient to show how uncertain, injudicious, and inconsistent with history and chronology the composure of this tree is, and that it ought to be either rectified or concealed. I do not mean by this, any way to derogate from the antiquity of the Family of Grant. On the contrary, I shall show in the fourth part of these memoirs that the family can justly claim and instruct a descent and succession for 500 years, and many despise such and account as cannot be justified by any documents of history.

I now proceed to part 4.....

Part IV - Concerning the Succession of the Lairds of Grant

Having delivered what appears to me most probably concerning the origin of this family, and the place of their ancient residence, with a few remarks on the genealogical tree of it, I now come to deduce the succession of the representers or Chiefs of it. And in doing so, I shall quite dispose the first twelve names inserted in the tree, because I have no voucher for, nor can give any account of them. If any regard is to be paid to the first names in that tree, the compiler of it has, in my opinion, thro' mistakes or misinformation placed them in Norway, instead of Normandie, and has placed them by much too high in point of time, in either of these places.

I shall go no higher (tho’ doubtless the family was much more ancient) than to the year 1258. This is no small antiquity, and from this time I shall find sure ground to go upon and shall see the family intermarried with the best families of nobility and gentry in the kingdoms, and which is a higher honour, they were among the first that joined in the reformation of religion, and have ever since continued zealous to maintain the reformation.

To begin with.....

I. Robert de Grant. This gentleman and one Laurence de Grant, is witness in an agreement betwixt Archibald Bishop of Muray and Sir John Bizet of Lovat in the year 1258, the 9th of K. Alexr 3d and Robert designed Vicecomes (sheriff) de Inverness. (Reg of Muray). At that time the Shyre of Inverness comprehended (besides what is so now called) all Ross, Sutherland and Caithness. And it was not till the year 1583 that Sutherland was disjoined. In that year the Earl of Huntly, hereditary Sheriff of Aberdeen & Inverness, disponed to the Earl of Sutherland and Strathnaver, the Sheriffship of Sutherland & Strathnaver, in exchange for the lands of Aboyne in Mar, which were the patrimonial estate of Sir Adam Gordon that married the Heiress of Sutherland. This disposition was confirmed by K. Charles I, Ao1631 and ratified in Parliament Ao 1633 (see the [..] acts of Parl Ao 1661.

Now the Shire of Inverness being of such vast extent when this Robert Grant lived, it required a Gentleman of Judgement, authority, and power to officiate as Sheriff thereof. This one consideration makes it probable that Robt was a man of no small influence and power. And I see no reason to doubt that he was the Chief and Head of the family; from such our Kings of old conferred the most eminent posts and offices, yea and such only could with success discharge these offices.

His enjoying this office makes it likewise probable that his residence was not far from Inverness, the Chief Seat of his jurisdiction and that he was a gentleman of distinction in that countrie. We cannot reasonably suppose that in those licentious times, and in countries so far distant from the Court and the Seat of Justice, a stranger would have been employed in such a high office; To employ such [10] a one, who had no interest in the country, no influence among the people, no force (when there were no regular military to execute his decrees and sentences were to expose the office, and the officer to contempt, and to defeat the ends of the Law & Government.

And since it must be allowed that Robert Grant, being Sheriff, was a gentleman of distinction, influence and power in that country, we must likewise allow that he was not an upstart (or as the Romans called it, Novus Homo) one who had no family or Clan; But rather, that he had an established family and Clan, settled in that country for some generations past, for a numerous family and following, was, in those days, what gave lustre, respect, and influence to a gentleman. I do not find whom this Robert married, what children he had, or in what year he died. But probably his son and heir who succeeded him was...

II. John de Grant. Wm Rymer in his Fud: Angl makes mention of this gentleman upon the occasion following viz: King John Baliol, having imprudently given Battle to King Edward 1 of England at Dunbar in the year 1296; the Scots were defeated by the superior numbers of the English and about 1000 were killed of them. This defeat discouraged the dastardly Baliol so much that he resigned his crown, his Kingdom and his lands to Edward on July 10th that year. And Edward with his victorious army marched northward as far as Elgin, without army opposition. In his return South in the month of August, the great men of Scotland (now without a King as Head) submitted to him at Berwick; and their names were taken down in four large scrolls of Parchment as yet extant and called the Raggman’s Roll.

The far greater part of these he dismissed upon their swearing allegiance to him. But fearing a new insurrection of the Scots, he secured those who were most likely to create disturbance, and sent them to London. Among whom were John Cuming Earl of Buchan, Simon and Richard Frasers, John Earl of Athole, John de Grant, John Cuming Lord Badenoch and many more of the principal nobility and gentry.

Having passed the winter in London, they were dismissed in the year 1297 upon promise that they should return when called, and should serve him in his wars in France. But then gentlemen, upon their arrival in Scotland, considered their promise as forced from them by an invader and usurper and as contrary to their duty to their native country, wherefore they returned no more to King Edward.

I see no reason at all to doubt that this John Grant was son and heir of Robt Grant above mentioned and that he was Chief of the name. The distinguishing marks that King Edward put upon him, and upon the other gentlemen whom he sent to London. shows that from them he feared the greatest opposition, & that they were men of power and influence in their own country. Had this John Grant been a man of no power or interest, Edward should have had nothing to fear from him and he [11] would have dismissed him at Berwick, as he dismissed many others. Yea, had not John been chief of a numerous and powerful Clan, what hurt could he have had done to the English interest? His power must ly in his Clan and following, and by these only he could do service or disservice. And having power of man at his command, to raise commotions and disturbance, his family must have been of a considerable standing, for new reared families are but thin in mean, and weak in power, for some generation. I do not find whom this gentleman married, what children he left, or at what time he died. I find one Robert de Grant likewise mentioned in the Raggman’s Roll, who no doubt was a relation, and possible a younger brother of this John; but ‘tis apparent that he was not of such power and influence as John was, for he was dismissed at Berwick. I incline to think that John’s son & heir was....

III. Sir John Grant. I find this gentleman mentioned once and again upon very honourable occasions. And first as a Commander in the Battle of Halidon Hill. Edward Baliol, by the assistance of England, had been crowned in the year 1332; and had next year lead siege to Berwick. In the mean time K. David 2 being but very young, was in Dumbarton, ready to set sail for France; when the Scots gathered together a great army under the command of the Lord Douglass, who provoked by the treachery of the English at the siege, rashly ventured a decisive battle against very unequal numbers; at Halidon Hill, on the 19th July 1333, the Scots army was 68000 but the English were 100000, and posted on an inaccessible hill on one side. And uhappily for the Scots, how soon they dismounted in order to climb up the hill, their servants villanously ran off with their horses, which gave the English horse such advantage, that the Scots were defeated and among the slain were the Earls of Sutherland, Ross, Carrick, Athole, Lennox and Monteith, besides the brave Douglas the General, and many gentlemen of distinction. In this battle Sir John Grant was one of the commanders in the right wing, under John Randolf Earl of Murray. (Abercr.)

It cannot be doubted, that this gentleman commanded a battalion of his own name and followers in this battle. There were, at that time, no regular forces, no disciplined soldiers. All were militia, and every gentleman or Chief of a Clan was called to attend the Royal Standard, or that of his General, with all his men, and with forty days provision. These gentlemen with their followers (like the Highlanders to this day) made the Battalions or Regiments in our armies. And K Robert Bruce's Charter of the Earldom of Muray (which I have before me) to Sir Thomas Randolf in the year 1313, all the gentlemen and Barons in the earldom betwixt Spey-Mouth and Lorn, “Sequi tenatur vexillium comitis” were bound to follow the Earl's standard. This was the reason why Sir John Grant and his Battalion were in the right wing under John Randolf Earl of Murray.

After K. David 2 returned from England in Spring 1359, so much was this gentleman in favour with him, that he (probably at that time) granted him the Honour of Knighthood, and in the month of May that year, commissioned Sir Robert Erskin ancestor to the Earl of Mar, Sir John Grant & Norman Leslie ancestor to the Earl of Rothes, his Ambassadors to the court of France, in order to renew the ancient league between Scotland and that Kingdom and to negotiate other affairs of state (Rym.). Which embassy they discharged honourably.

I observed above in part 2 that to me it appears probable, that K. David 2, or his nephew and successor K. Robert 2 gave some lands on Spey side to [12] this Sir John Grant, or to his son. The Earldom of Muray, after the death of Earl John Randolf in the Battle of Durham Anno 1346 was in the Gift of the Crown; and so were many of the Cumings Lands, and considering the favour in which Sir John stood with the King, my conjecture will not appear improbable.

- I find no account of Sir Johns marriage, children, or death, but I think it probable that his son and successor was....

IV. Robert 2. As Sir John Grant appears to have been much in favour with K. David 2, so this Robert seems to have been respected by his successor K. Robert 2. For in the year 1385, a war breaking out betwixt France and England, the King of France sent over into Scotland, a supply of men and arms, and 50000 lives of Gold or French crowns to animate the Scots to make an irruction into England, and thereby, make a diversion in favour of France. Of this sum the distribution was as follows viz:

We may think that the moiety given to Robert Grant was small, but let us consider, that the new world of America was not at that time known. The mines of Mexico and Peru were not discovered, Gold was a stranger in our land, the whole sum would appear but small in our day, not £12000 St and how many noblemen and gentlemen no portion at all of it. Let us, I say, ponder these things, and we must own that Robert was a favourite, when any share was allowed to him. Any one that is acquainted with our history, will see in full view, that the distribution was made according as the King favoured and as they who received any portion were capable of serving him with men in the field; for the design of the remittance was to encourage a good army to invade England. And if Robert was not capable of bringing a good body of men into the field, he could expect no share of so inconsiderable a sum. This I think is no unreasonable construction. I find no account of this gentleman's marriage, children, or death. Only, I conjecture, that he left but one surviving child, and that a daughter, who was his Heir viz

V. Maude, or Matildis. My grounds of conjecture that Maude the Heiress was daughter of Robert Grant are, that this is the only [...] of time in which she can be placed consistently with the succession of the Family viz: about the year 1400. The tradition of the family bears, that her son was the first Laird of Grant that had [13] his residence on Spey Side which certainly must have been soon after the year 1400 for his son John Roy, lived and died there about the middle of that century, as we shall see. And what places this beyond doubt is that Duncan Laird of Grant lived in the year 1479, as I shall show by undoubted evidence. Now reckon back from 1479, John Roy the father of Duncan, Patrick Beg his grandfather, and Maude his great grand mother, and it will necessarily carry us up to, if not beyond, the year 1400. To which let me add, that only to this period and to no other, can agree the time in which her husband lived.

Maude the Heiress of Grant is said to have been married to Andrew Stewart son of the Sheriff of Bute. This the genealogical tree bears, and the unvaried tradition of the family, for ought I know, agrees with it; and it coincides exactly with the time in which Andrew Stewart must have lived: For, some time before the year 1390, Sir John Stuart (commonly called the Black Stuart) son of K. Robert 2 was by his father made hereditary Sheriff of the County of Bute, and was ancestor of the Earl of Bute. And his son might have married Maude before the year 1400.

Tis no unusual thing is Scotland, that the Heiress of great families should marry the younger son’s of other families, who should assume the name and arms of the family of the Heiress. Thus Elizabeth Heiress of Gordon married Sir Alexr Seaton, second son of Sir William Seaton of Wintown about Ao 1408, and their son assumed the name of Gordon. Elizabeth Heiress of Sutherland, married Sir Adam Gordon son of Huntly about Ao 1512, and of them the present family of Sutherland is descended. In the last century, the Heiress of Hamilton married a son of the Earl of Douglas, of whom the now Duke of Hamilton is come. And in our own days Elizabeth Dunbar Heiress of Hempriggs married Sir James Sutherland son of the Lord Duffus, and father of Sir William Dunbar now of Hempriggs. And why might not Maude Grant, in like manner, have married Andrew Stuart. I am aware that it is denied by some that there was such an Heiress, or a marriage with Andrew Stuart; and did they give any solid proof of the contrary, I should willingly expunge her name out of the catalogue. But nothing can clear this point, except the ancient writs of the family; untill these are inspected, I must (having no other voucher) follow the genealogical tree, and the constant tradition of the country, and allow her a place in the succession of the family of Grant. I cannot see anything improbable, or inconsistent with history, in the traditional account of this marriage. The young gentleman’s Uncle, Robert Duke of Albany, had lands that time in Strathspey, as I showed in part 2. And this Uncle Alexr, Lord Badenoch, lived in the North, and they both might [...] the match. I suppose that Andrew Stuart died about the year 1420, and was succeeded by his son.

[14]

VI. Patrick. This gentleman being of a low stature and probably the only son of the Heiress, was commonly called Patrick Beg Mac Maulde. He assumed the surname and arms of Grant: and tho ‘tis not improbably that the family possessed lands on Spey Side before his time, yet ‘tis generally agreed, that t he was the first Laird of Grant that fixed his residence in that County, and that many of his Clan came into the County with him.

I cannot be doubted, that when the head of the family fixed his seat on Spey-Side, the branches of the family would soon follow, & incline to live near him. The circumstances of these times, when the Kingdom was in the greatest confusion, thro' intestine division rendered it in a manner necessary for Chiefs, to gather their Clans as closely about them as conveniently they could; for in this lay both their safety and their respect among neighbouring Clans. This consideration would induce Patrick, to bring as many of his kinsmen into the country, as he could find convenient settlement for. Yet it is contrary to the tradition of the Country, that the Clan Alan and Clan Chiaran came along with him. For 'tis said that they left Stratherick before their Chief left it and that the Clan Alan settled first in the lands of Dunan near Balachastle and the Clan Chiaran took up their residence for some time upon the River of Erne, in Dunduff, Ferness Aitnachie and thereafter came into Achnarrow in the Parish of Cromdale.

‘Tis said that the tribes called Sliochd Gil-Charrach, Sliochd Ewan, Dornich and Sliochd Eoin Riaich came into Strathspey in this Patrick's time. The first so called from one Duncan Carrach, of whom was descended the Mores as John Donald, Alexr More, lately in Cromdale. And that their ancestors being expert in rowing the courachs upon the Loch and River of Ness, in going to and from the town of Inverness. They brought the use of that leathern boat into and continued it in Strathspey. The second was so called from one Ewan Dornach ie strong fisted, or perhaps because he was a Native of Dornach in Sutherland. Of him come the MacRoberts who lived in Lettoch and Culchoich in Cromdale and the principal man of them was called Baron Proiss, and themselves Sliochd Bharon Phroiss. The third was so called from one John Riach. This I deliver mainly upon tradition. I know ‘tis usual in all countries, that Gentlemen of fortune accommodated their faithful servants in good possessions and tenements; and of such servants, families may descend who take the surname of their Master and Benefactor, whether they were originally of his name, or were not. This is the rise and origin of some small branches and followers of almost all populous Clans.

The genealogical tree assigns for wife to this Patrick, Bathia or Bethoc, daughter of McDonald Earl of Ross. I have perused genealogy of the family of McDonald, and can find no account of the marriage. [15] I incline rather to the tradition which bears that Patrick was twice married. His first lady was the daughter and Heiress Wiseman of Mulben, with whom he got these lands, and this was an inducement to him to remove his residence to Spey Side. After her death he married the daughter of Mac Lean of Dowart who was killed in the Battle of Harlaw Ao 1411, and she was the mother of his son & successor John Roy. I confess I have no ground for these marriages but bare tradition.

Patrick Beg was reported a gentleman both active and prudent. And ‘tis said, that to increase the fortune of his family, he projected & accomplished the marriage of his son with the Heiress of Cuming of Glenchernich which marriage proved fatal both to the father and the son, tho’ beneficial to the family. The Cumings much provoked thereby, way laid Patrick as he returned from a hunting match, & killed him. The villains fled into the Church of Kinchardin for sanctuary, but were close pursued by Patrick’s friends, who set fire to the church, which consumed the murderers into ashes. This might have happened about Ao1436, I find no account of any children Patrick had except his son and successor....

VII. John 3. Commonly called John Roy. In the short account given of the first four in this series of succession, tho’ I have unquestionably proved that there were such gentlemen of the name of Grant. Yet I have been obligid to suppose, that they were the Representatives of the family, the Chiefs of the Clan, and succeeded one another from father to son. What I have said of the next two viz Maude & her son, depends on the genealogical tree, and tradition; but from this John Roy downward the succession is abundantly clear and connected.

John Roy Laird of Grant is expressly mentioned in the manuscript Genealogy of the Family of MacIntosh, as father of Duncan Grant of Freuchie. The circumstances of this marriage and death, where there are clear documents remaining, lead us directly to him.

While John was yet younger his father projected a marriage for him both Honourable and convenient viz The Heiress of Glenchernich. Cuming Laird of Glenchernich dying without male issue, and leaving only one daughter, his Heir whose lands lay not far from the Barony of Freuchie; Patrick Beg directed his son to make his addresses to her, and he soon gained her affection, but found her friends utterly averse from his intentions, which obliged John to carry her off, and (‘tis said) to marry her clandestinely] without their consent. This Lady (either to her proper name, or on account of her low stature, was called Bigla. And on the North West bank of the River Spey, close by the passage Boat of Gartenmore, there is a green moat or hill, called Tom Bigla, ie Biglas Hill. The River washes the moat on one side, and on the other side are the vestiges of a dry fosse, or ditch, which at that time was commonly about all gentlemens houses, and from this they were called stank houses.

[16] The fosse or trench, being intended for defence, it was usually dug the sides of it faced with stone, and a draw bridge was laid over it. Of these stank houses their are many vestiges as yet in the country, as, on the Castle Hill of Elgin, at Duffus, at Calder, at the red Castle in Abernethy, on the Dun of Rothimurchas etc. Biglas House being within this trench on the bank of the River, ‘tis said, that when the salmon net was cast out in the pool below, a small rope from the net was conveyed to a window of the house, to which a bell was hung, and when a fish entered the net the people in the house were alarmed by the ringing of the bell.

To return from this digression....

The Cumings, who no doubt intended to marry this Heiress to one of their own name who might enjoy her fortune, were much irritated by her marrying the Laird of Grant; and the more so, that already he had possession of a part of the Cuming Lands and Duchus by getting the Lands of Glenchernich, he, or his successor, might gradually root them out of the country. Possessed with such sentiments, they executed their resentment first upon the old gentleman, Patrick Beg, whom they cut off as above related; and [...] sought an opportunity for cutting off his son. But the father’s fate made the son cautious and watchful. Wherefore since they could not reash his person, they wasted his means or lands, disturbed his tenants, and distressed his interest by all the means they could contrive.

John bore these troubles with much patience, and used all mild and prudent means to gain their affections, and to obtain the peaceable possession the Lands of Glenchernich, but all without success. Wherefore he concerted with his Uncle the Laird of MacLean the following expedient viz that MacLean with a good body of his Clan, should come to Glenchernich, raise the hership of the Cumings, that is, carry off all their cattle & moveable effects and that he should not abandon the cattle unless Grant should pursue to recover them; but upon having a signal made to him by Grant he should leave the cattle and retreat. Accordingly MacLean raised the spoil of Cumings Lands, drove the cattle towards Duthil, and the Cumings were too weak to recover them. Grant had, in the mean time, communicated the stratagem to one in whom he could confide, who represented to the Cumings that if obstinacy had bought this distrust upon them, and that he saw no relief, but by their asking the Laird of Grant assist and assuring him of their friendship for the future. To this they agreed and sent a message to Grant, who speedily raised his men, joined the Cumings, pursued the MacLeans, and came up with them about two miles westward of Duthil, at a place called Forigin.

The MacLeans faced about, seemingly to receive them; and the Laird of Grant rushing forward to make the signal agreed upon, one of the MacLeans ignorant of the concert, wounded him mortallie with an arrow; of which wound he died in a few days. In the mean time, the MacLeans fled according to concert, and the Cumings recovered all their cattle and other effects.

[17] Thus died John Roy Laird of Grant and in the place where he fell at Forigin, his Clan raised a cairn or heap of stones, which to this day is known by the name of Carn Eoin Ruaidhe. The Cumings religiously performed their promise, and the peaceable possession of the Lands of Glenchernich made a considerable addition to the estate of Grant. As in memory of that to perpetuate the memory of the seasonable service done by MacLean, John Roys sword was delivered to him, and it was agreed and promised, that when thereafter a Laird of MacLean should die, his sword should be sent to Castle Grant, and when a Laird of Grant should die, his sword should be sent to Dowart Castle, which ceremony was observed for several generations.

John Roy Grant left three sons viz Duncan his Heir and successor. Patrick mac Eoin Roy, who married Janet MacIntosh daughter of Malcolm Beg Laird of MacIntosh, and is said by some to have been the progenitor of the Clan Phadrick, or House of Tullochgorum. And the third son, Donald progenitor of the Clan Donachie or House of Gartinbeg.

But to me ‘tis uncertain, whether Patrick Mac Eoin Roy was the progenitor of the family of Tullochgorum or if that family was more ancient, and came into Strathspey at the same time with the Clan Alan and Clan Chiaran. In this I shall not determine. John Roy was succeeded by his son......

VIII. Duncan. This gentleman was in great esteem in his day as a man of prudence and conduct, as well as valour and courage. His knowledge of business made him be employed in accommodating differences between neighbouring gentlemen, where of I shall give but one instance, viz: a debate happening between Duncan MacIntosh Captain of Clanchattan and Hutcheon Rose Baron of Kilravock, concerning the Duchus of the Barony of Urquhart, it was referred to arbiters in the year 1479, whereof Duncan Grant of Freuchie was one, and by their Decreet arbitral they gave it in favour of Kilravock (pen. Kilr.).

From this authentic voucher it appears, that at this time & question before it, the lands of Grant took the designation of Freuchie, which they continued to use ‘til the late Brigadier Grant's time. Whether the designation was taken from a mote or hillock near to the House of Grant, which being all covered with heath, was called Freichie, i.e. heathery; or if that was the name of the Barony before it was called Balachastle from the castle built upon it by the Cummings, I shall not determine.

In the year 1488, Duncan with the body of his Clan, was of that number that adhered to K. James 3. That unhappy King having discarded his Nobility, in so much that they proposed he should resign the Crown in favour of his son. Provoked by this, the King would by force reduce them to obedience, and unadvisedly gave them battle near Stirling on June 11th that year, wherein his army was routed, and himself retiring from the field was killed in a miln, ‘tis uncertain by whom. Had he delayed fighting, but very few days, he would not have missed of victory, for the Gordons, Sutherlands, Forbes's, Frasers, Grants etc were on their march to assist him.

[18] Duncan married Muriel MacIntosh, daughter of Malcolm Beg MacIntosh Captain of Clanchattan, who brought him two sons and a daughter. The sons were twins, and tradition bears, that when their Mother was in labour, it was perceived that she had twins; and the woman attending her directed the midwife to treat them after the example of Pharez and Zarah, that if both should prove to be male children, there might be no debate afterwards concerning the priority of their birth and Heir of the family. How soon the midwife found a hand present, she speedily tied thread about it as a mark of distinction, but that hand again disappearing, the other child was first born. And tho the father, to whom doubtless it belonged, very justly determined the priority in favour of the child that was first fully brought forth yet ‘tis said, that for several generations the Lairds of Ballindalloch claimed the priority and Chieftaincy, as descended of that child that first presented and had the mark of distinction put upon it.

The first born was named John and was Heir of the Family of Grant and the other was named Patrick, and was progenitor of the house of Ballindalloch. Duncan’s daughter named Catharine, was second wife of Duncan Laird of MacIntosh. Duncan Grant of Freuchie died before the year 1492, and was succeeded by his son.

IX. John. 4th. From his delight in poetry called, the Bard Roy. This gentleman, having served Heir to his father, resigned in the King's hands the Barony of Freuchie and his other lands, and thereupon obtained a Charter of Confirmation under the great seal, in the year 1492. (Had. Collect.). And in that same year he was employed in an expedition against the MacKenzies, on the occasion following viz: Upon annexing the Earldom of Ross to the Crown in the year 1476, the Earl of Huntly got the administration of a part, if not of the whole, of that Earldom. And by his Commission of date 24th June 1482, he committed to Hutcheon Rose of Kilravock the government of the fort of Redcastle, and the administration of the Lordship of Ardmeanach. The constable deputed by Kilravock suffered himself to be surprised, and the Castle to be taken, by Hector MacKenzie son of the Laird of Kintail; and by Kintails instigation, who aimed at the possession of the forfeited Earldom, the Highlanders from Strathglass and Kintail, plundered and ravaged the lands of Ardmeanach. Kilravock prosecuted Hector MacKenzie and obtained decreet against him 12th May 1492; and the Earl of Huntly, Lord Lieutenant of the North, Commissioned MacIntosh, Grant and Kilravock, and others, to march against Kynach Mac Kynach. So the commission [ ] and his son and Clan, with 3000 men; which they did, and severely chastised them, by harrying, burning and slaying. (Hist.Fam. of Kilra.)

In the year 1499, I find this John Laird of Grant on of the arbiters in a contract betwixt Sir James Dunbar of Cumnock and the Laird of MacIntosh. The factions and divisions so frequent, about that time, both in the Court and Country, engaged gentlemen to enter into [19]

mutual bonds and contracts. Some of these were bonds of amity and friendship for mutual defence; and some were bonds of service and manrent, whereby one gentleman obliged himself to preserve another gentleman’s lands free from harm, for a valuable consideration. Such was this bond or contract, of which because ‘tis somewhat curious, I shall give an abstract. viz:

“At Inverness 20th June 1499, Sir James Dunbar of Cumnock Kt and Ferchard MacIntosh Captain of the Clanchattan, have chosen the persons following, to agree them in all points contained in a contract made be umquhile Sir Alexr Dunbar of the Westfield, and Sir James of Cumnock his son and heir under their seals, and Ferchard MacIntosh Captain of the Clanchattan and Duncan and Ferchard his sons under their seals. The said Sir James has chosen Mr Patrick Dunbar parson of Kilmuir and Sir John [Innesly?] parson of Kirkmichael, Chanons of the Cathedral of Ross; Alexr Urquhart of Burdsyards, and Thomas Munro brother Jarman to William of Foulis. And the said Ferchard has chosen Mr John Spens Official of Murray, William Henderson, and Doual Malcolmson; and Andrew Bishop of Murray Oversman. Quilk persons ordain, that Sir James, betwixt & Michaelmas next, shall get a resignation from his brother Davie Dunbar, of the town of Durris with the pertinents, into the Kings hands, and take them be charter and sasine, and give them be charter and sasine heritable to the said Ferchard for service made and to be made; and all this against Michaelmas next. For the whilk, the said Ferchard, at the sasine taking, shall give to Sir James and his Heirs, a letter of Manrent for him and his Heirs, in best form. His allegence to the King Grace and his service to the Archbishop Duke of Ross to the Earl of Mar, to the Bishop of Murray and to the Earl of Huntly as his son Alexr excepted. And Sir James his son shall marry Janet daughter to the said Ferchard, and failing her any other daughter of Ferchard's. And Ferchard's son Duncan and failing him any other lawful son of Ferchard, shall marry the daughter of Sir James, or the daughter of one of his brothers, of [ ] the Dunbar, of Alexr whom God [ ], or David Dunbar. And for payment of the tocher, Ferchard shall give 300 Merks, or so many kye as my Lord of Murray shall ordain. And to take away any controversie that may happen between [20] them, their kin or friends, they have chosen Mr Gavin Dunbar, Dean of Muray, David Dunbar and Minr Urquhart of Burdsyards, on Sir James part, and John the Grant of Freuchie, Hutcheon Ross Baron of Kilravock, and Mr John Spens, on Ferchard's part to the Bishop of Murray oversman. Witnesses Hutcheon Ross Baron of Kilravock, David Dunbar of Durris, and Hutcheon Ross brother to David Ross of Balnagown. (pen. Weals.)

John married Elizabeth Ogilvie daughter of Sir James Ogilvie of Deskford and of Mary Innes daughter of Sir Robert Innes of Innes, by whom he had a son and a daughter, viz John his Heir and successor, and married to Hector MacIntosh son of Ferchard Laird of MacIntosh. He had likewise, by the daughter of Stewart Baron of Kincardine, a natural son called John, who was the Progenetor of the House of Glenmoriston. I find not the time of this Lairds death; but he was succeeded by his son.

X. John 5th. This gentleman at his father’s death was in his minority & under the tutory of his Uncle Patrick Grant of Ballindalloch. His Grandfather the Laird of MacIntosh looked carefully to his education; but when he came to the years of majority, his Uncle and Tutor did not treat him with the respect that was due to him; and it was suspected that he intended if possible to defraud him of the Estate. His cousin William Laird of MacIntosh being informed of this, sent one of his friends to Mullochard where Ballindalloch then resided, to expostulate with him upon it, and to inform himself of the inclinations of the Clan. And he likewise sent Dougal Macgilchalum with 200 chosen men, to join the young Laird, in case Ballindalloch should be any way refractory. Ballindalloch upon this finding the dispositions of the Clan run towards their young Chief, and MacIntosh ready to assist him, made a virtue of necessity, yielded up his intromission, professing all due respect to John, and delivered up to him the Charters and other Writs of the family [Hist. fam. MacIn.]

John married Anne Lesly daughter of the Earl of Rothes (This I take from the genealogical tree having no other authority for it) by her he had three sons, and two daughters. His eldest son was James, who succeeded him. His second was John, of whom are descended the [21]

Grants of Corrimonie, Sheuglie &c in Urquhart. And of the third son ‘tis said is descended Grant of Bonhard in the county of Perth. His eldest daughter, Isabel, was married to Sir Archibald Campbell of Calder about the year 1545. The second daughter (or rather the youngest) Catherine, was married to John Haliburton of Pitcur, and after his death to Hugh Lord Lovat. (Hist. Fam. Lovat.) I do not find in what year this John Grant of Freuchie died; only ‘tis certain that he died before the year 1545, as will afterwards appear; and to me ‘tis probable that he died about the year 1542, and was succeeded by his son.

XI. James. Commonly called Shemuis nan Creach. The humour of these times ran much upon violence and plunder; and when any injury either real or supposed, was done to a gentleman, or to any of his Clan, it was resented by carrying off the cattle and other goods of those who had done the injury. And this James being a bold and daring man, who spoiled and savaged the lands and effects of those who, in any shape, injured his Clan, was therefore called Shemuis nan Creach.

James was, among others commissioned against the Clanchattan in the year 1541. The occasion of which was as follows. Lachlan Oge Laird of MacIntosh having been basely murdered by some of his own Clan in 1524; James Earl of Murray, whose nephew young MacIntosh was, committed him to the care of Ogilvie Laird of Strathnairn. The MacIntoshes constructed this as an imputation upon them, and in resentment spoiled the Earls lands, burnt Ogilvies house of Hallhil (now Dalycil) in Petty, and barbarously murdered twenty four of the Ogilvies. In revenge of this, the Earl, by a royal warrant, apprehended 200 of the MacIntoshes; all of them were sentenced to die; but were one by one offered remission if they would discover where Hector their captain was concealed. Yet all disdained the offers and were hanged. A rare instance of firmness, not unworthy of the Ancient Romans. (Hist. Fam. MacIn.) This execution enraged many of that Clan, and they committed many insolences; among others, they killed several of the tenants, and wasted the lands of James Dunbar of Tarbet, ancestor to Dunphail in Braemoray.

Complaint being made of this, K. James 5th granted commission to the Sherriffs of Kinchardine, Aberdeen, Banff, Murray, Nairn, and Inverness, and to James Earl of Murray Lieutenant of the North, to the Earls of Sutherland and Caithness, Lords Forbes and Lovat, John Grant of Freuchie, John Macay of Strathnaver, John Menzie of Kintail, Hugh Rose of kilravock, William Chisholm of Comar, and Urquhart of Cromarty, to pass against the Clanchattan in [Pettie] and Strathnairn, and to destroy them and their assisters, all, except, Priests, women & children; and to transport in ships, upon the Kings charges the woman & children to Ireland, Friesland, and Norway, remitting them for all they should do in executing their commission. Dated Ao Regni 29 1541. This was a terrible commission, and ‘tis certain it was not executed. A seeming reparation was made by the Lord Lieutenant, to frighten the Clan (which was all that was intended) into obedience to their young Chief, and it had the intended effect. (Hist. Fam. Kilrav.)

[The whole of this paragraph ought to have been inserted in the life of John, the father of James nan Creach.]

[22] In the year 1544 James Laird of Grant and his clan accompanied the Lord Lieutenant into Lochaber, immediately before the Battle of [Ceanloch Lochie], and it will no impertinent digression to give some accounts of that expedition.

Upon the death of King James 5th, Ao 1549, the Kingdom miserably split into factions and parties. This encouraged some Highlanders, in their insolencies. The clan Rannald dispossessed their chieftain (who was sister’s son of Hugh Lord Lovat) of his estate, and killed some of his relations; The Camerons, Glencoemen, and the MacDonalds in the Western Isles, likewise became unruly.

To reduce them to obedience, in the year 1544, the Earl of Argyle was commissioned against the Islanders, and the Earl of Huntly Lietenant of the North against the unruly clans on the Continent. Huntly’s army consisted of the Gordons, Frasers, Grants, MacIntoshes, etc, He restored the Captain of Clan Ranald to his Estate; and after an interview with the Earl of Argyle, in which they received the submission of the guilty clans, Huntly returned home, but (as is the general opinion) sent a private message to the Clan Ranald that they might intercept Lovat in his return. The Clan Chatan and Grants offered to escort Lovat into his own Country, but dreading no danger he refused it. And they marched homeward by Glengloy and Badenoch.

Lovat saw his error too late, being soon informed that the Clan Ranald were upon their march. He sent Bean Clerach before him with fifty men to secure a defile, who missing his way in the hill, did not again join the Frasers. As Lovat came to Kylross at the North end of Loch Lochie, the Clanranald (500 in number) appeared on the descent of the hill from the West. The Frasers were but 300, yet in a council of war, unanimously agreed to fight; and having all stripped to their shirts (by reason of the heat, it being 2nd July 1544, waited for the enemy on the plain at the head of Loch Lochie. The conflict soon began, and after their arrows were spent became separate with sword and buckler. In the head of the action, the master of Lovat (to meet his father) came up with ten men; and rushing with great order into the thickest of the conflict, in order to find out his Father, received a mortal wound. My Lord observing this, became desperate, and both were killed. Night only put an end to the bloody rencontre and if we can credit tradition, only four of the Frasers, and above six of the Clan Ranald remained alive. ‘Tis very remarkable that (as our historians relate), eighty gentlemen of the Frasers who till that day, had left their wifes pregnant, and they all had male children. This action was from the place, called, the fight of Cearloch-Lochie, and from the Frasers fighting in their shirts, it were called blare nan lein. (Hist. Fam. Lovat. Gordonston).

[23] Next year viz 1545, I find a Bond and a Contract of Amnity & Mutual Defence entered into by Sir John Campbell of Calder, and Archibald his son; James Grant of Freuchie, and John his son; John MacKenzie of Kintail, and Keneth his son; Alexr Ross of Balnagown, and Robert Munro of Fowlis, to take part with each other, in all quarrels, claims, and debates, Dated 17th January 1545. John Grant of Culcabock is a witness. (pen. Cald.)

James married Elizabeth daughter of John Lord Forbes and of Catharine Stuart daughter of John Earl of Athol (Crawf) and by her had a son and two daughters. The son was named John, the eldest daughter, Marion, was married to Mr John Fraser brother to Hugh Lord Lovat. And the second daughter, Janet, was married to William Fraser of Strowie Tutor of Lovat (His. Fam. Lov). James Grant of Freuchie died Ao 1553, and was succeeded by...

XII John 6th commonly called Eoin Baold, or Simple not, as I conjecture, from any silliness, or meanness of spirit; for he appears to have been a man of prudence and of a solid judgement. But in these divided and tumultuous times, a gentleman was reputed simple, who was not of a fierce, bold, and boisterous spirit, such as John’s father had been.

I find this gentlemen mentioned in the year 1560, upon a very honourable occasion; for he was a member of the Parliament that year which abolished the Catholick or Roman Religion & established the Protestant Religion in Scotland. (Roll of Parl. 1560). And ‘til much to the Honour of the Family, that ever since that memorable year, they have zealously maintained that Religion which they so early contributed to establish. At that time lived Mr John Grant one of the eminent reforming ministers, before that year openly attached himself to the reformers and in that year 1560, was a member of that committee that framed the first confession of Faith, and the first Bank of Descipline.

Mr Calderwood calls him John Douglas alias Grant, the first name viz Douglas, being probably given him from his dark or swarthy complexion.

I incline to think, that it was this John Laird of Grant who purchased the Barony of Urquhart, for I find his immediate successor in possession of it. But in this I am not Positive since I have not seen the wills of the family. 'Tis certain that that Barony was annexed to the Crown in 1455, and that the family of Kilravok was in possession of it in 1482, and some years thereafter, as I have showed above.

[24] This John or rather some of his Clan had warm debates with the family of Kilravok about the lands of Ferness Aitnach, etc in the Parish of Ardclach. These lands were disponed in [tiend] by Patrick Hepburn Bishop of Murray to Mr John Wood of Tillidivie, from whom Kilravok purchased them. But some of the Grants claimed a duchus, and would not yield peaceable possession to Kilravok. John Roy Grant of Caron acted rationally, and disclaimed all pretensions to them. But his cousin John Grant of Glenmoriston, much disturbed the tenants, and some were killed on either side. At length in the year 1564, the case was brought to an arbitration, And referred to the Lord Lovat and John Gordon of Carnborrow as arbitors; who discerned in favour of Kilravok, and that the Laird of Grant should oblige his Kinsmen to cede to Kiravok's tenants the peacable possession of these lands. (His. Fam. Kilr.)

John was twice married. His first Lady was Margaret Stuart daughter of John Earl of Athol, and of Mary Daughter of Calen, Earl of Argyle: This Lady he married in the year 155x (crawf. office of [..]) and she brought him two sons and two daughters. The eldest son was Duncan; and the second was Patrick, of whom is descended the Family of Rothimurchas. The eldest daughter, Catharine, was married to Colin McKenzie Laird of Kintail; and the second daughter, Mary, was married to Abergeldie.

After the death of his first Lady, he married Isabel Barclay daughter of Barclay of Towie, who brought him only one son, named Archibald, who was the progenitor of the Family of Bellintome.

Duncan, the eldest son of John having died before his Father I shall here speak of him. He is said to have lived at Culnakyle, and was called Donach a Ghuish, because of the pleasure he took in the fir-wood. He married Margaret daughter of William Laird of MacIntosh, by whom he had three sons, viz: John, who succeeded in Grandfather; Patrick of whom the family of Easter Elchies is descended; and Mr James of Ardnellie of whom Moyness & Lurg are come. Duncan died in the year 1581, and his widow thereafter was successively married to Abergeldie, Pitsligo and Duffus (His. Fam. MacInto.)

[25] With John’s first Lady, Margaret Stuart, ‘tis said, came into Strathspey, some of the name of Stuart, of whom are descended the Stuarts in Aldcharn, Corriechulie, Revack and other possessions in Abernethie, commonly called Sliochd an nuadhuire.

I find inscribed on the Burial place of thie Family of Grant in Duthel, The Arms of Grant and of Stuart of Athol, per pale, by way of Baron and Femme; and the letters D. G. 1581, M. S. 1555, and J. G. 1585. Showing that Duncan died in the year 1581. That John married his first Lady, Margaret Stuart in 1555, and that John died in 1585. He was succeeded by his Grandson...

XIII. John 7th. Tho’ for several generations past the Chiefs of the Family took the designation of Freuchie, yet this gentleman was peculiarly called, and to this day took nown by the name of John of Freuchie. I find him much employed in Publick affairs, and yet very attentive to the interest & fortune of his family.

Upon this discovery of the Popish Plot, carried on by the Earls of Huntly, Errol, and others, in the year 1589, King James 6th marched into the North in April that year, in order to apprehend the traitors. But the Popish Lords raised a Force of 3000 men, and encamped at the Bridge of Dee, to stop his Majesties passage. Yet when he came in view, tho’ but with 1000 men, they thought fit to retire and disperse. The King pursued & at Tenisoule in Strathboggy Huntly rendered himself prisoner, but was soon released. All this was thought to be but a farce, contrived betwixt the King and Huntly; for it was well known that His Majesty favoured the Roman Catholicks. Be that as it will. Upon the Kings return to Aberdeen, many gentlemen, and among other the Lairds of MacIntosh and Grant, were made to grant Bond for securing the peace. (Cald. Hist.) And next year viz 1590, the Privy Council having passed an Act for Apprehending and punishing Jesuits, Popish priests & excommunicated persons; a committee of noblemen & gentlemen was named for executing that Act, of which John Grant of Freuchie was one. (Cald. Hist.)

[26] In that year 1590, some discords arose betwixt the families of Gordon and Grant, which occasioned no small trouble to both. The widow of John Grant of Ballindalloch complaining that Justice was not done her in the payment of her jointure; Her nephew James Gordon of Lismore sought to accommodate the differences, but could not agree with the Tutor of Ballindalloch. Soon thereafter the widow was married to John Gordon, son of Thomas of Clunie; and in the year 1590, a discord happened about her jointure wherein a servant of John Gordon was killed. This was warmly resented, and the Tutor of Ballindalloch was prosecuted before the privy council, and not appearing was outlawed; and Huntly was required to apprehend him and present him to Justice. Huntly came to Ballindalloch Nov 2nd with an armed force, and took the house, but John Grant the Tutor found means to make his escape.

The case then became a Clan quarrel and the Lairds of Grant and MacIntosh entered into a strict Bond offensive and defensive dated at Forres 12th Nov 1590. (pen. McIntosh) And calling the their assistance the Earl of Murray, the Earl of Athole then residing at Balvanie, and the Dunbars, they agreed to curb the power of the Earl of Huntly. In the mean time, Huntly (with a view to disunite the Grants and MacIntoshes) summoned some of them who were his vassals to compear before him and upon their refusal, had got them outlawed. This inflamed the wound. And the confederates met at Forres to concert their measures. Huntly informed of their meeting, and that they had but few attendants, rode to Darnway, the Earl of Murray’s Seat,and approaching too near to the house in a bravade John Gordon who had married the widow of Ballindalloch, was killed by a shot from the house. The confederates being dispersed from Forres before Huntly came up. Then the Gordons returned home.

Next year (viz 1591) Huntly gathered his Forces to attack the Earl of Murray, and that Earl assisted by the Earl of Athole, the MacIntoshes, and Grants, prepared to receive him. But the King interposed, and commanded the Earl of Athol to abide at home; And that Huntly, or his men should not go to the West of the River Spey, nor Murray, or his followers, to the East of the River Findorn. Yet this Royal command, rather smothered for a season than extinguished the flame. For by the barbarous murder of the Earl of Murray on the 7th July 1591-2, at his seat of Dunibirsel, the fire broke out with greater violence. It were two tedious, to descend into all the circumstances of that murder, many whereof are not very favourable to his Majestys character. But Sir James Melville in his memoirs furnishes a key (and no other author had better access to know it) to explain and decypher the tragedy. Huntly did not incline a reconciliation with the Earl of Murray, but purposed to cut him off. The Chancellor furnished Huntly with all the advantages he would desire; and the King clothed him with power and a commission, which might be strained to warrant the fact.

[27] The unmanly tragedy was detested by all men, except the King and the Chancellor, whose behaviour both before and after it, abundantly showed that it gave them small concern. But the MacIntoshes and Grants, knowing that it was partly on account of the Earl of Murrays joining them in 1590, that Huntlys wrath was so much inflamed, warmly resented the death of their friend, and for two years made the county a scene of violence and blood. In revenge of this, Huntly brought down the Clan Ranald upon Strathspey in Autumn 1592, who killed eighteen of the Grants, but were driven back with considerable loss, and retuned no more. In that and the next year, by the barbarities and devastations (in which the Grants had no share, & therefore I enlarge not on them) committed by Huntly in Pettie, Strathnairn, and Strathan, and by the MacIntoshes in the Carbrach, Huntly, Strathaven, and Strath-Dee some hundreds of innocent people were killed, thousands were reduced to starving, and whole countries were laid desolate, and tho’ the Earl of Angus, as the Kings Lieutenant, came North in November 1593, ‘tis probably that hostilities would not have ceased, if the plot, wherein Huntly was deeply concerned, had not been discovered.

This plot is at large related by Spotswood and Calderwood. The Earls of Huntly, Errol, and Angus, Sir Patrick Gordon of Achindun &c corresponded with the court of Spain, to invade Scotland, & to reestablish the Roman Catholick religion. Yet, tho’ the King at first, declared, that the crime was above the reach of his power to pardon it, it was observed, the he showed a partial favour to the Popish Lords. But by the importunity of the Queen of England, and of the clergy of Scotland, he was prevailed upon to forfeit them, & to grant commission to the Earls of Argyle and Athol, to march with an army against them. But they declined it, ‘till the King in person should take the field. This stopped the expedition, ‘till the clergy prevailed with Argyle to accept the commission - a very improper choice: a youth only of nineteen years of age; but the clergy would trust none else, and he prepared for the expedition. The Earls of Athol & Tullibardin, the Campbells, MacLeans, MacNeils, MacIntoshes, MacKenzies, Grants, MacGregors, Frasers, Munros, Forbeses, Irvines, and the Leslies of Balquhan, were commanded to join him; and the King promised, in person to follow him with another army from the South.

The rebel Lords had particular intelligence of what was intended, & were no way afraid. They knew the Kings favour towards them, & that he would make no hast to come in person against them. And not doubting, but the favours of youth, the want of experience, and the clamour of the clergy, would hurry Argyle on, to offer battle before the clans could all join him, and knowing that his army were undisciplined fool. They prepared to meet him with a fine body of horse, and a few field-pieces.

Argyle marched about the middle of September, and on the 27th of that month arrived in Badenoch, and laid siege to the Castle of Ruthven. But the MacPhersons, Huntlys vassals & tenants, defended it so bravely, that he soon raised the siege, and marching through Strathspey, came to Drummin in Glenlivate Oct 2nd. Huntly and Errol (for Angus had not come up) marched into Murray, and having no intelligence of Argyl's [28] motions, returned from Elgin to Strathbogie. Thence, having got certain information, they marched Oct 1st to Carnborrow, & next day to Achindown. Oct 3rd very early they set forward through Glenrinnes, and halted in the head of the Glen, untill they should reconnoitre Argyle's army.

In a council of war called by Argyle it was proposed to delay battle untill the King should arrive, because, without the Kings presence many of the army who were Roman Catholics, would not fight vigorously against their fellow subjects of the same religion. At least, that he should wait untill the Forbeses, Irvines and Leslies should come up with their horses. The Forbeses & Irvines were on their march with a fine body of horse, when, under night a shot of a pistol wounded a gentleman of the name of Irvine mortally which occassioned such confusion, dissidence and jealousie, that immediately they separated and returned home. But of this Argyle knew nothing.

Argyle having intelligence early on October 3rd that the enemy approached, resolved to fight. And decamping from Drummin, crossed the water of Livate marched up about two miles, and chose for the field of battle, the declivity of the hill betwixt Glenlivate & Glenrinnes not steep, but somewhat stonie; The MacLeans commanded by the Chief, and MacIntoshes by Angus of Aldaurie, stood on the right and were flanked by a steep rock. The Grants, MacGregors, & MacNeil made the left wing; and the other clans the centre.

The numbers on either side are not agreed upon. MacQuaire makes Argyle have 12000, and Huntly but 900. Straloch gives Argyl 10000 and Huntlye 1320. Spotswood allows Argyle 10000, and Huntly but 1400 and Calderwood makes Argyles army 5000, and Huntlys 1400. This total is, by much, the most probable account. For, the Forbeses, Irvines, Leslies, MacKenzies, or Frasers, had not come up. And allowing that the Campbells, MacLeans, Grants, MacIntoshes, MacGregors, MacNeils, Munros, Athole, and Tullibardine, were each of them a full battallion of 500 men (which is too liberal an allowance) they would not make 5000 in all. The numbers, however, were very unequal; but so were likewise the quality of the men. Huntly’s army were all gentlemen, well-[...] whose life and fortune depended on victory. Whereas, many on the other side were indifferent about the fate of the day, and not a few of them were Roman Catholics who would be neither faithful nor hearty.

The battle began about noon Oct 3rd and Huntlys three field pieces being conveniently planted and well served, played upon the Highlanders at a distance & did considerable execution, before they could advance within bow or musket shot of the lowlanders. For having never before seen cannon they threw themselves flat on the ground at every discharge, and the horse had fair access to charge them before they could use and recover their ranks. Campbell of Lochinell being killed among the first, all his men fled, which must dishearten the army and put them into disorder. The right wing stood firm; and when Errol, with some squadrons marched about them to take them in flank or rear, he received some wounds, could make no impression and would have been killed, had not Huntly come speedily to his relief. Had this right wing been sustained, MacQuaire owns that they would have carried the victory; and when the rest fled, these retreated safe and in good order.

[29] Argyle attempted to rally his men, but in vain. The fight lasted about two hours. And of Argyles army were killed about 500, besides MacNeils of Barra, & Archibald Campbell of Lochinel and James his brother. Of the enemy were killed, Sir Patrick Gordon of Achindun and 12 more says MacQuaire, 20 says Burnet, 14 says Gordonston, a number says Calderwood. And indeed ‘tis scarcely credible, that in a close fight of two houses, with bows, swords, and spears, there should not have been more killed. All agree that very many of the Gordons were wounded. The battle was fought 3 Oct 1594, and is indifferently called, The Battle of Glenlivate, or of Glenrinnes or of Aldchoinlachan.

The author of the history of the Family of Gordon affirms, “That John Grant of Gartinbegg, one of Huntly’s vassals, had concerted with Huntly, before hand, that he should command the Grants, that he should place them in the left wing and that how soon the action should begin, he should wheel about, charge Argyl’s main body, and put them in disorder; all which he performed." If this were true, it would sufficiently account for the loss of the battle, and Spotswood, Calderwood, Grdonston, Burnet, Stralock, would not fail to take notice of it; and yet, no one of them mentions it, nor does MacQuaire who was personally present. An unpardonable ommission were the fact true! Besides the author of that late history of Gordon, is of no character.

Therefore I conclude there was no truth in his assertion. And the rather, that Huntly and John of Freuchie were not, at that time, yea seldom were at any time, in true friendship.

I find John of Freuchie and Thomas Fraser of Knockie were curators to the Laird of Calder in the year 1598 (pen. Cald.) And the year 1614, John was one of the Jury that passed upon, & condemned Patrick Stuart Earl of Orkney. (Spots.)

There was never any one of this family who maintained the honour & increased the fortune of it more than this gentleman did. The purchase of the Barony & Estate of Lethin in Muray, was a valuable acquisition. The [ ] now of Hawkerton, were long the proprietors of that Barony. In an estimation of the yearly rent of the Barony’s of Kilravok and Geddes, in the year 1295, Dovenaldus Thamus de Kalder, Williemus Thanus de Moythes, Robertus Falconarius are members of the inquist. (pen. Kilr.) From them John of Freuchie bought it, and in the year 1613 built the Castle of Lethin. He likewise purchased the lands of Rothimurchus, which he gve to his brother Patrick, in exchange for the lands of Muckerach. He acquired the lands of [ ] in Rothes, and bestowed them on his brother Mr. James. He exchanged with the Earl of Huntly, some lands in Strathavon and Glenlivate, for the lands of Tullich, Rymore, Gartinmore, Tullochgorum, Clurie and Cour which were a part of the sixty davochs of the Lordship of Badenach. And in the Deed of excambion Huntly reserved a servitude upon that part of the wood of Abernethie, which lies westward of the Hill of Ryemore. And this servitude affects it only for repairing the Houses of Gordon Castle and Blairfindie. Likewise, John being affected with the portion of his Aunt the Lady of Kintail, he paid it in the manner following viz: MacDonald of Glengarry, having joined Ewan MacAlan of Lochiel in plundering & burning the lands of Urquhart, John of Freuchie adjudged Glengary's lands, which adjudication he assigned to Kintail.

John married Lilias Murray daughter of John Earl of Tullibardine & of Catharine daughter of Lord Drummond: and K. James 6th & his Queen [30] honoured the marriage with their presence. This Lady brought him one son viz John, and four daughters viz Janet, married to Sutherland of Duffus. Mary, to Sir Lachlan MacIntosh of that Ilk. Lilias, to Innes of Balvanie. And Catharine, to Ogilvie of Kincairn. In this Laird's time, the Cruikshanks and Lawsons are said to have come to Strathspey. John of Freuchie died in the year 1622, leaving an opulent and free estate to his son.

XIV. Sir John 8th. Who entered upon the possession of the estate with all the advantages that a gentleman would wish for. His fortune was rich and opulent, and without any incumbrances of debt; His lands well situated fertile & capable of further improvement; and his numerous clan attached to him by the double tie, of being at once their Chief & their Master. And yet by his profuse & grand living, his frequent attendance at court, & residing for the most part at Edinburgh, he much impaired his fortune, and greatly burdened what remained of it. He sold the porperty of the Barony of Lethin to Alexr Brodie son of the Laird of Brodie; and thus disposed of the Winter dwelling of the family, where his Father had built a large and convenient house. He transferred the wadset of Glenluy and Locharkeg to the family of Lochiel as we shall soon see. He feued a part of the lands of Urquhart; and mortgaged the greater and the better part of the lands of Strathspey; and besides this, he burdened the estate with a great sum of personal debt. In a word, his profuse living was such that he was commonly, and not unjustly, called Sir John Sell the Land.

Amid this profuseness, Sir John made one small, but profitable, purchase; I mean a dac=voch or two of land in the braes of Abernethie.

The Earl of Tullibardine, with some English men, had come into the North in order to purchase some Fir-Wood; and having viewed the wood of Abernethie, they pitched upon a parcel proper for their design. But this happened to be a part of the wood growing upon the Earl of Murray’s lands. Sir John, hoping to make a lucrative bargain with the English, waited on the Earl of Murray, and, without imparting to him the offer made by the English, purchased the Earls lands in Abernethie at 22000 marks Scots (for that Earl James was, like Sir John, very profuse and sold a great part of his estate) and then he sold the wood to good advantage, at least to the amount of the purchase money of both the land and the wood.

Tho’ this small purchase was profitable to the family of Grant, it was hurtful to the family of MacIntosh. Sir John Grant was Tutor to Wm Laird of MacIntosh; and of all the Firr-woods that Tullibardin & the Englishes had viewed, MacIntoshes in [...] or Locharkeg pleased them most, and lay most convenient for carriage to the sea at [Inver...]. They offered such a bargain as would greatly disburden MacIntosh’s estate of the debt where with it was incumbered, if Sir John would become Bail & Cautioner for MacIntosh; but this he refused, from the selfish motive of drawing the English to buy his own wood as above related. Besides Sir John did no small dis-service to his Pupil in other respects. For John Cameron son to Lochiel had been incarcerated at Edinburgh, at the instance of Sir Lachlan MacIntosh, till Lochiel should secure the peace, and make reparation for the damages he had done to MacIntosh’s estate. Yet one of the first acts of Sir John’s administration as Tutor, was to liberate John Cameron, in the year 1622, without asking or receiving any satisfaction. And which was most to MacIntosh’s prejudice, John of Freuchie had got him Sir Lachlan Macintosh a wdset of the lands of Glenluy and Locharkeg and Sir John transfered and assigned the wadset to the said John Cameron, without his Pupil's knowledge. By this MacIntoshes enemies acquired a legal possession of the lands, which till then they never had, & they could not be dispossessed for above [31] thirty years thereafter. Sir John likewise suffered the minor debts to increase, tho’ they might have been easily purged off. Thus was Sir John’s management hurtful both to himself and others.

The most memorable incidents in the life of Sir John were, the bloody and fatal quarrels betwixt his kinsmen of the house of Ballindalloch and Carron; which, because they are a remarkable piece of private history, not well known in our day, I shall open up as particular as I can.

The family of [Ballindalloch], was in some generations powerful in men, rich in possessions, & of a high spirit that could not bear control in so much that their Chiefs and they had frequent discords. And John Roy Grant natural son of Glenmoriston, having settled in Carron in the neighbourhood of Ballindalloch, debates arose about their marches, and were maintained with too great warmth on either side. In these debates, the Laird of Grant was said to have discovered a partial favour for Carron, and to have showed that is would not disoblige him if Ballindalloch was humbled. This emboldened Carron, and confident of his Chiefs favour he would yield no point in debate, upon which several scuffels happened with no great loss on either side, till in one of them, about the year 1588, John Grant of Ballindalloch was killed. This occasioned much trouble to both families and sowed the seeds of lasting discords betwixt them.

The memory of Ballindalloch's death, and the lust of revenge, was awakened after many years in the manner following. James Grant, son of John Roy of Carron (commonly called James an Tuim, because he resided on the farm, or hill of Carron) being with his brother Thomas at a public fair in the town of Elgin, in the year 1615, Thomas was wounded in a tumult, by one of the house of Ballindalloch which so provoked James, that he pursued that man and killed him. Ballindalloch resented the death of his friend, & prosecuted James for the murder, and, upon his not presenting got him fugitate and outlawed and tho’ his Chief interceeded for him, Ballindalloch would not be reconciled to him.

James an Tuim, irritated by this, gathered a company of desperate fellows and being himself daring and cruel in his temper, they, like a parcel of banditi, distressed Ballindalloch’s tenants and friends, and struck terror into all that would not submit to them. Ballindalloch employed several parties to apprehend James, but in vain. And the Earl of Murray, being made Lieutenant of these Counties in the year 1624, was specially required by the Privy Council, to apprehend him and bring him to Justice, and sent out several detachments for that purpose. All which had no other effect, but to exasperate James still the now against the family of Ballindalloch in so much, that suspecting that James Grant of Delnabo and John Grant of Tomavoulin were employed as spies to discover him, he cut off their heads, and escaped all the snares that were laid for him.

Ballindalloch understood, that James was secretly encouraged & protected by his brother Patrick of Carron, wherefore he resolved to deprive him of that refuge. And in the year 1630, Carron with his servants, and Alexr Grant a gentlemen in his neighbourhood, having gone to Abernethie, to cut wood for building his house; John Grant Younger of Ballindalloch with sixteen men, followed him. They pretended to have come in search of the outlaw James an Tium, and finding Carron in the village of Rothiemune, they awakened the old guard, and in a sharp skirmish Carron was killed and some of his servants wounded. And on Ballindalloch’s side, Thomas Grant of Dalvey & Lachlan MacIntosh of Raigmore were killed. Thus the two families came to an open rapture and sought to destroy one another.

The Earl of Murray, Lord Lieutenant, favoured Ballindalloch, & having represented the code to his Majesty in the most favourable light, obtained remission for him. The Marquis of Huntly, in opposition to Murray, secretly favoured the family or Carron, and it was [that] that Sir John Grant did so likewise. In the mean time, James an Tuim, who had absconded for some time past, appeared again; and confiding in the favour of these great men, became quite insolent. On Dec 3rd 1630, he came with his associates to Pitkaish, where young Ballindalloch resided, and assaulted his house in the night. The gentlemen had a sufficient guard of thirty men, and maintained the house; but did not chose to come out in the dark to these desperado’s. Wherefore James set fire to his corns and office houses, and burnt or killed all his cattle. And on the 7th day of that month, he burnt and destroyed all the houses, barns & cattle in the lands of Tuilchan, and miserably ravaged Ballindalloch’s other lands. And the melancholy tragedy of burning the Viscount of Aboyne & others in the house of Frendraught, having happened in little before that time, James marched down with two hunderd and [32] forty men, to resent the quarrel of his friends the Gordons; and if the Marquis of Huntly had not stopped him, he would have utterly wasted all Frendraught's lands.

The people now loudly & justly complained that they were oppressed & impoverished, and that the Lord Lieutenant, who ought to protect them afforded them no relief nor redress. To silence these clamours, the Earl of Murray, finding the parties hitherto employed by him insuccessful, sent a message to the intercommuned MacIntoshes, offering them peace on condition that they would bring James an Tuim to him, dead or alive. They, to purchase their own peace & liberty gladly accepted the offer. Here I must make a short digression, in order to explain the case of these MacIntoshes.

The MacIntoshes in Petty had been all, in the year 1620, warned out of their possessions by the Earl of Murray, thro’ the instigation of the Marquis of Huntly. They thought it ungrateful in the Earl to treat them, considering what service they had done to him after the murder of his Father by the Gordons in the year 1591-2; and they judged it hard to relinquish their Duchus after a possession of some hundreds of years. Yet the Earl served them with a legal ejection; and they continuing in the violent possession, he brought 300 highlanders out of Monteith and Balqhidder, in the year 1623, in order to drive them out. But highlanders are too fond of Duchus, to fight against those where only crime it is to maintain it and so these did him no service. Next year the Earl marched into Petty with a considerable body of horses, but the MacIntoshes absconded, & upon his return, they possessed their own dwellings, for no man could be got to take their tenements. This provoked the Earl so much, that he go them outlawed and intercommuned in the end of the year 1624; This exasperated them the more and for near six years they maintained their violent possessions, and levied & spent the Earls rents, yet all that time they shed no blood, & injured none of their neighbours. At length about the year 1629, the Earl and the Marquis of Huntly discorded, and he was reconciled to, and relaxed all the intercommuned, excepting forty of the principal men; and these were they to whom he proposed to apprehend James an Tuim.

Lachlan MacIntosh of Coribruch, William MacIntosh of Kylachie & George Dallas prepared for the undertaking. They knew that James kept a company of daring and desperate men, and that he haunted much the county of Strathaven. Wherefore they divided their forty men into these parties, and entered Strathaven by these different roads. On December 18th 1630, they found James in a house inAchnahyle, attended by ten men & his bastard son. Coribruch came up first and immediately assaulted the house. James maintained it bravely till the other two parties were arrived. Then finding himself overpowered by numbers, he rushed out; and attempting to make his escape into the hills, four of his men were killed, only his son escaped. He himself and the other Six were made prisoners, after he had stood to his defence until he had received eleven wounds.

Next day they carried the prisoners to Balindalloch, and from there to the town of Elgin, where six of them were incarcerated; but James was brought to Darnaway, the seat of the Earl of Murray; and his wounds were so festered with cold that he lay near to a year under care. It would appear that Doctor Johnston was his Physician; who in an epigram addressed to the Privy Council, threatened to waste him over the Stygian Lake by a dose, if they did not pay him his fees.

Aut etarte qua moraid Johnstonus promia Patres

Aut Stygias hanabel Grantius ante diem

When he was fully recovered, he was carried to Elgin on 25th Feb 1632 and the MacIntosh’s were employed to convey him and his men to Edinburgh which they did, and upon delivering them, the MacIntosh’s obtained their peace, and returned home in friendship with their Master the Earl of Murray, after several years outlawry. James’s six associates were soon tried and hanged. But he himself was committed to prison in the Castle Hill till the King's pleasure concerning him should be known. He wanted not friends who interceded for him; and he was not kept so close, but his wife had frequent access to him and conveyed a small rope to him, in a roll of sweet butter, by [33] means whereof he made his escape over the wall, on the 15th October 1632, after he had been confined above eight months. Being unknown in the Western counties, he found means to get over into Ireland. The Privy Council made search for him in and about Edinburgh, & promised a reward to any one that should apprehend him; they likewise after examined his wife, but she could make no discover. He remained in Ireland for a year; and then tho’ he knew that a price was set upon his head, yet he ventured to return to his native county, and appeared openly in Strathspey in November 1633, and frequently visited his wife, who lived in a small hutt in the Lands of Carron.

James an Tuim's return vexed Ballindalloch not a little, and so frightened his tenants, that few of them would remain in his lands. The gentleman would willingly have employed the MacIntosh’s to apprehend him again. But tho’ to obtain their own peace, they had formerly undertaken that employment yet now they refused to meddle in the quarrels of another Clan. Wherefore Ballindalloch applied to the Privy Council who gave warrant to Patrick [Ger] MacGregor, an outlaw, and brother to the Laird MacGregor, and he undertook with a party of that Clan, to bring James to Edinburgh dead or alive. One outlaw being thought the fittest to catch another, in order thereby to ransom his own life; Patrick with a numerous gang came into Strathspey. The laid out their intelligence; and sixteen of them, with Patrick [Ger] at their head, surrounded in the night, the hutt in Carron where James lay, with his son and one other man. In the attack, Patrick [Ger] was mortally wounded, & while his party were employed in taking him up, James and his companions made their escape. The MacGregors returned disappointed, & their Captain died of his wounds.

For some time after this, James kept concealed. He had for some months carried on a private correspondence with Ballindalloch about a reconciliation, & was greatly provoked by his employing the MacGregors against him. However, the correspondence was continued that under the colour of it, for might the the more effectually execute his revenge. An interview was appointed to be holden at the Miln of Pitchaish, on the night of December 7th 1634, where they might commune freely with one another. As Ballindalloch was at supper that night in his house of Pitchaish, James’s wife came in and whispered to him. He instantly went out, armed with sword and target, & discharged any one to follow him, yet his Lady went quickly after him. Upon a signal made as agreed upon, James alone appeared, and after a short communing James whistled & twelve men rushed out of the Miln, and made both Ballindalloch and his Lady prisoners.

They carried them about two miles down the River Side to Coulchoich where they dismissed the Lady. Then they blindfolded Balindalloch, carried him through the River, and led him about through so many traverses, that he could not possibly conjecture where he was, or what would be his fate; and before they dawning of next morning, they brought him to the house of Thomas Grant, three miles East from Elgin, and near to the village of Urquhart. There they lodged him in the Furnace of a kiln, constantly guarded by two of their members, and in this miserable place he remained about three weeks, oppressed with hunger & cold, and anxious but uncertain about the event.

Upon Dec 24th James had gone abroad into the Country, & left only five men to guard the prisoner. It was the lot of Leonard Lesly (son in law to Robert Grant brother to James) and of one Mac Guirman, that day to be in the kiln-furnace. Ballindalloch is despair, & knowing nothing of James’s absence, spoke to Leonard in Latin, promising an ample reward if he should favour his escape. Leonard, either out of compassion or of avarice, told him where he was, and that James was gone into the Country, and that if he could knock down Mac Guirman, & spring out, he should favour him. Ballindalloch took the hint, gave Mac Guirman a violent blow, & leaped to the door of the furnace. Leonard made as if he would catch him, and purposely fell across the door, which so far stopped Mac Guirman that Ballindalloch got out of the kiln, & made towards the village of [34] Urquhart. All the five men pursued close, but he had got into the village, whether they durst not follow, except Leonard Lesly, who from that time detached himself from James, and kept close with Ballindalloch. From Urquhart they were conveyed that night to the house of Innes, and next day, which was Dec 29th 1634, into the town of Elgin. James upon his return was obliged to abscond, & the rather because Leonard Lesly could discover all his haunts & [abbattors].

How soon Ballindalloch had made his escape, he removed his family to Edinburgh, knowing that they could n ot be safe in the country. And this put him to great charges. He obtained a commission to apprehend James, Thomas Grant and his son, Patrick Anderson and others. James had a safe retreat in the Margins of Huntly’s lands, and could not be found. But Thomas Grant and four more were apprehended and incarcerated in Elgin. Two of them made their escape out of prison; Thomas, in where kiln Ballindalloch had been kept was hanged, and the other two were banished.

In the mean time the MacGregors, commanded (after Patrick [Ger's] death by Gil-roy (commonly called Gilderoy) and John Dow [Ger], failing in all the attempts they made upon James an Tuim, and thereby forfeiting the favours promised by the Privy Council, committed all manner of villanies. They stole, robbed, ravished women, murdered innocent people etc. They so wasted the land of Innes of Balvanie, and put him to such charges, that he never recovered it. They ravaged the lands of Frendraught. They fell down upon the Estate of Doctor Forbes of Corse, and plundered it. In a word like the Saxons whom the Britons called in to defend them from the Scots and Picts, but proved greater enemies than those against whom they were employed; the MacGregors became a greater nuicance than James an Tuim whom they came to apprehend.

These villanies moved the Privy Council, in the year 1635, to take caution of all Chiefs of Clans, Heritors of Land, Heads of Families, etc in term of the general Bond (see this Bond in Act. Part. 159) that they should be answerable for their clans, tenants, servants etc. In pursuance of this, Sir John Grant was required, either to bring James an Tuim to Justice or to drive him out of his lands and to do the same with the MacGregors. These last skipped from one Country to another, and it was not easy to apprehend them. The Stewarts of Athole brought eight of them to Edinburgh; the Lord Lorn apprehended Gilroy and three of his gang; and one John Stuart in Brae-Mar catched some more of them. All these were hanged at Edinburgh in July 1636. But John Dow Ger infested the Country till the year 1639. In Nov that year he came with a gang of twenty villains, to the house of William Stuart at Speymouth, and demanded a contribution in money from the inhabitants of Germach, on pain of burning their houses. They gave him fair words untill the neighbour was alarmed. Perceiving this, he seized on the boats, and got with his men into an Island in the River from whence he exchanged some shots with the people on shore; And Alexr Anderson in Germach shot him dead on the spot, and then his gang fled.

James an Tuim, who had absconded since Ballindalloch’s escape, appeared openly in April 1636; and since Ballindalloch was out of his reach he vented his malice upon his relations. His first attack was upon the House of Thomas Grant, brother to Patrick of Coulchoich, and missing the gentleman, he destroyed his cattle. Soon thereafter, he found Thomas and his bastard brother in bed in a neighbour’s house, and dragged them out by the heels, and cut off their heads on a block at the door. Thence he passed into Glenlivet and cut off the heads of other two of Ballindalloch’s friends. Then moving towards Strathboggie, he chanced to enter into the common hangman's house, not knowing it to be his. The poor man fled and alarmed the Bailif, who soon beset the house with a party. James had only [ ] men with him, and killed two of the assailants, and wounded others and maintained the house, till by the favour of the night, he and his brother Robert made their escape, but his bastard son, John, and one Forbes were taken, and were hanged at Edinburgh with Gil-roy in July 1636.

[35] James returned to Strathspey, and there lived openly. His Chief Sir John Grant, having failed to drive either James, or the MacGregors out of his lands, in terms of Law, thereby gave ground to suspect that he too much favoured them. There were indeed but few MacGregors harboured. Gregor MacGregor who then resided in Tullochgrue in Rothiemurchus and thereafter settled at Dellavorar in Strathaven was a peaceable and industrious man. But with respect to James an Tuim, he was too much countenanced and shelter’d in his Chiefs lands, and on that account Sir John Grant was committed to prison at Edinburgh in January 1637, and being soon liberated, died in the month of April thereafter.

From that time James an Tuim lived undisturbed until he obtained remission. In the year 1639, when Lord Aboyne landed at Aberdeen with a commission of Lieutenancy, and called the Highland Clans to meet him at the toun of Strathbogie in the month of June; among others who came to his standard were James an Tuim with twenty men, and John Dow Ger MacGregor with four and twenty; such outlawed banditi, [...] and robbers were, it seems, thought good men to march against the covenanters. I have spoken of John Dow Ger's fate; and, probably, it was on account of this eminent piece of loyalty, that James an Tuim obtained his Majesty remission in that year 1639.

Thus a turbulent and bloody man, after an outlawry of above twenty years, often having committed many villanies, escaped many dangers, and brought the families of Ballindalloch and Carron so low that they never recovered their former splendor and power, this man, I say, obtained his peace. In him we have a specimen of the Justice of these times; and in these two families, a warning both to private persons and to opulent families, to guard against bloodshed and not to indulge in revenge.

Sir John Grant married Mary Ogilvie, daughter of Walter Lord Ogilvie and of Marion daughter of William Earl of Morton. She brought him a beautiful and numerous family of eight sons and three daughters. His eldest son and his successor was James.

The second son, John entered young into the military, and was soon advanced to the rank of a Colonel, and died a Batchelor.

The third son, Patrick, was Tutor to his nephew Ludovick Laird of Grant. He was likewise a Colonel in the time of the Civil wars. He married first, a daughter of Sutherland of Duffus, but whom he had three daughters viz Mary married to Patrick Grant of Rothiemurchus, [Xxx] married to Fraser of Belladrum, and Anne, married to William Grant of Dellay. After this Lady’s death, he married to his second wife, Sybilla MacKenzie, widow of the Tutor of Lovat, by whom he bad no issue. He had a natural son viz Robert Grant of Cour, who married the widow of James Grant of Auchterblair.

The fourth son, Alexander, married Elizabeth Nairne daughter of Nairne of Morinsh in Glenlivate, and by her had two daughters.

The fifth son, George, having served for some years in the military, and being advanced to the degree of Major, was by K. Charles 2nd made Governor of the Castle of Dumbarton, in which post he died a Batchelor. There had been such intimacy betwixt him and John the last Laird of Buchanan, that Buchanan (in order to disappoint his kinsman Buchanan of Arnprior who had disobliged him) dispon’d his Estate to the Major, reserving the liferent, and the reversion to his own Heirs whatsoever, failing issue of the Major's body by Buchanan’s daughter whom he was to marry, and to assume the name & arms of Buchanan. But the Majors marriage with the young Lady not taking place, & Buchanans affair being much embarrassed by Arnprior's resentment, the Major gave back the disposition (H B).

[36] The sixth son, Robert, married the daughter of Dunbar of Binnagefield, and by her was Father of Robert Oge of Milntown of Muckerach.

The seventh son, Mungo, of Kinchirdie, of whom are descended the Grants of Tomdow, Knockandow, Kinchidie and Tullochgribban of whom afterwards

The eighth son, Thomas of Balmacaan in Urquhart, married Mary Campbell daughter of Colin Campbell of Clunies, son of Sir John Campbell of Calder (Gen. Fam. Cald.) by whom he had Ludovic of Achnastank and Mary married to Mungo Grant of Mullochard.

Sir John’s daughters were-

Mary married in 1644, to Lord Lewis Gordon, who after his Father's death (and his elder brother George Lord Gordon being killed in the Battle of Alford 1645) became Marquis of Huntly, and father by her of George Duke of Gordon. Lewis having died in 1653, she married the Earl of Airly & lived to a great age, having died about the year 1712.

Anne, the second daughter, was married in the year 1640 to Kenneth MacKenzie of Gerloch. And

Lilias, the third daughter, was married to Sir John Byres of [Cotts], father by her of John and Mary.

I have above showed, that Sir John, having had a more liberal education than his ancestors, spent too much of his time at Court, and not finding in his own country that modish and polite converse which he affected, removed his family to Edinburgh, much to the prejudice of his fortune, and there died in the month of April 1637, and was interred in the Abbey Church of Holyroodhouse where, I think, his Father, John of Freuchie had been interred.

XV James 2nd entered upon the possession of his fortune in a time of the greatest confusion and convulsions both in the church and state. In the Summer after his father’s death, when the troubles began on account imposing a publick liturgy & canons on the church. It could not be expected that Grant should be allowing (as, indeed, few if any were) to stand neutral. The noblemen who had joined in promoting the National Covenant wrote to him 26th March 1638 desiring that he might meet at Inverness on the 25th of April thereafter, with the commissioners whom they had appointed to meet there with the Earl of Sutherland, Lord Lovat & Berridale, Kilravock, Balnagown and others where they should be informed of the state of affairs. This letter was subscribed by Montrose, Boyd, Home, Loudon etc. (His. Fam. Kilv).

Every one must own, that neither King nor Clergy have any right founded in reason or revelation to impose articles of Faith or a form of Divine Worship upon a free Christian people; for Religion (if anything at all) ought to be a free and voluntary service. And it is certain that the commissions and troubles of those times were not on account of Religion only, tho’ Religion, as the most justifiable cause, was made the most specious pretence. The nation had, at that time, a set of Nobility and Gentry of as great abilities as ever in any other age; and did these but withdraw their countenance and concurrence, the clergy must necessarily have come to a compromise. But the design of making the government a [bookite] begun by James 6th and more jealously prosecuted by his son, under the influence of a bigotted Roman Catholick queen, flattering courtiers, and ambitious prelats, had enflamed the nation; and [..wide] and imprudent steps taken, in order to accomplish their design, were too manifest, and called for a speedy check.

The Laird of Grant came into the National Covenant. As in the year 1639, when both the King and the Covenanters had begun to levy forces, Montrose and Sir Alexr (thereafter General) Lesly marched into the North in order to observe Huntly’s motions; and on April 28th that year, Lovat, Grant, Innes, and others, with 1600 men, met at Turriff in order to concert some measures; but the meeting was adjourned to the 20th of May thereafter. In the mean time, Montrose returned to the South, carrying [37] The Marquis of Huntly prisoner to Edinburgh. And on May 13th the Forbeses, Frasers of Philorth, and others to the number of about 1200, met at Turriff. The Gordon’s, joined by Drum, Pitfoddals, Banff etc, being apprised of the meeting, marched from Strathboggy at ten at night, 800 horse under the command of Sir John Gordon of Haddo and Sir George Ogilvie of Banff, and arrived at Turriff by the dawning of the day May 14th. The covenanters, dreading no harm, were most part in bed, and the rest quite unprepared to receive the enemy; they formed however on the street as soon as they could. The Gordons had some field-pieces conveniently planted and played with them so well, that the covenanters were put into discord & obliged to flee; yet the enemy thought not fit to pursue them. The loss was only one man of the Gordons and two of the other side killed. (Spald.)

This was called, The Trot of Turriff and it so alarmed the tables at Edinburgh, that by the 28th of May that year, the Earls of Montrose, Athole, Kinghorn, Perth etc with 4000 men and thirteen field pieces met at Aberdeen. And 4000 more consisting of the MacKenzies, Grants, Frasers, MacAys, Rosses, Innesses, Brodies, were assembled at Elgin. The Gordon’s and their associates, having speedily raised 1000 foot, and 300 horse, marched under night & came to Longbryde within two miles of Elgin. Had their intelligence or conduct been good, they might have surprised the nobility and gentry who lodged in the town of Elgin, but had their forces cantoned and dispersed in the country. The covenanters, sensible of their error in lying so secure, dispatched the Laird of Innes to Longbryde, who persuaded the Gordons to return home, and to promise that they should not again come to the West of the River Spey, nor should the covenanters to to the East of it. This being agreed upon, the Gordon’s returned and the covenanters commanded by Seaforth, encamped at Spey-side untill the pacification was intimated to them in the end of the Month of June that year 1639.

Tho’ the Laird of Grant had thus openly joined the covenanters in the year 1638 & 1639, and therefore subscribed the solemn league and covenant in the year 1643, yet it seems that he afterwards favoured the royalists, and laid himself open to the censures of the church. The Marquis of Montrose, having forsaken the covenanters in whose cause he had been very jealous, and having taken arms against them, forced many people to subscribe a bond or declaration, renouncing the covenant and promising to appear for and adhere to the King's cause; and the Marquis of Huntly (who had been set at liberty by the pacification in 1639) extorted likewise such a bond from many. Upon this, both these noblemen were excommunicated. And in the year 1645, when Montrose was totally routed at Philiphaugh and Huntly obliged to abscond, the church appointed, that all who subscribed these bonds or aided and assisted these excommunicated noblemen, or sought protection from them, or conversed with them or their adherents, should be censured according to the degree of their crime. And I find in the records of the Provincial Synod of Muray met in October 1647, an execution for a summons given to the Laird of Grant to appear before the Synod and to answer for his compleance with these excommunicated rebels, and his excusing himself by his letter. Whereupon the moderator was appointed to commune with him; and at the next meeting of Synod, viz in April 1648, the Presbytery of Aberlour reported, that he had given them satisfaction. What the degree of his compliance, or the measures of his satisfying was, I find not.

I question not, tho’ I cannot affirm it, that there was a Batallion of the Grants in the expedition into England, called the Duke's engagement in the year 1648, and likewise in the Battle of Worcester in the year 1651. For, as all the clans in Scotland were called by K. Charles 2nd into this last expedition, so all, who were not rigid covenanters, joined in the first.

In the year 1640, James Laird of Grant married Mary Stuart daughter of James Earl of Murray and Anne daughter of the Marquis of Huntly. Of this marriage there were two sons & three daughters, that [38] arrived at mature age. The eldest son, Ludovic, succeeded in the Estate. The second son Patrick, founded the family of Wester Elchies. Of the daughters, Mary was married to Ogilvie of Boyne; Margaret was married to Sir Alex Hamilton of Haggs; and Anne was married to Roderic MacKenzie of Redcastle.

Had this Laird of Grant lived better times he would have made a brighter figure, as a gentleman of a solid judgement, a firm friend, a true patriot, and a good economist. But having found his estate greatly impaired and burdened by the profuse living of his Father, he could not shun, to add to this burden through the troubles of the time. Besides that his Mother’s jointure, and the portions of a numerous family of brothers and sisters, was a heavy weight upon him, and his own Lady, a bigotted Roman Catholick, brought no small trouble on him, upon the score of her religion, and a great waste and expence by her high living. He lived to see the restoration of K. Charles 2nd and was a member of the parliament that met in January 1661. In the year 1663, he went to Edinburgh to see Justice done to his Kinsman Alan Grant of Tulloch, in a criminal prosecution against him for manslaughter; and tho’ he preserved the life of his friend, he could not prolong his own life, but died there in that year, and was buried in the Abbey Church of Holy-rood House.

XVI. Ludovic, at the death of his Father, was a Minor, and came under the inspection of his Uncle Colonel Patrick Grant as Tutor. The gentleman was faithfull to his trust, and true to his pupil in the management of his fortune. He gave him the benefit of as liberal education as was usually among gentlemen in that age, at public schools and universities. But tho’ it might be expected, that the minority of the Heir should contribute to the improvement of his estate. Yet so heavy was the burden of debt, that little could be done by the Tutor to remit it.

This moved the friends of the family to advise Grant, how since he came of age, to think of marrying. And they directed him to a choice, that proved a very way comfortable to himself and advantagous to his family, viz. The daughter and only child Sir Alexr Brodie of Lethin. This marriage not only brought him a handsome portion that extinguished considerable incumbrances; But he and his Lady living for several years with her father at Lethin, he was thereby enabled to sequestrate a part of his free rent towards the cancelling of debt. And, which was no small advantage to him in his young & unexperienced years, the lord Brodie accepted & Managed a Trust of the Estate of Grant. The gross of the debt of the family lay in mortgages, to [ ] so much that almost all the lands of Strathspey were mortgaged; and the mortgagers or wadsetters having lucrative bargains, and yet refusing to do any favour to the family; Lord Brodie served them with a legal premonition, whereupon, rather than that their wadsets should be redeemed, they granted an annual composition of 4000 Marks.

Upon the demise of the Laird of Lethin, Grant had a legal right to his succeeding which was not disputed. And he likewise claimed the estate of Lethin in right of his Lady. This occasioned no small debate betwixt him and the Heir male of that family, which, after considerable challenge on either side, were compounded in the manner following, viz: Lethin and his Lady Elizabeth Cuninghame, were of Presbyterian principals, & great favourers of the distressed & persecuted after the restoration.

[39] Upon this account he was fined in the year 1685, in £40,000 Scots, of which he could obtain no abatement; but the fine was gifted by K. James 7 to the Scots College at Douay in France, and Mr Lewis Innes Rector of that college came to Scotland to receive the payment. This fine affecting the executry, the remainder falling due to Grant could be but small. Wherefor, Lethin's Heir, paid to Grant the sum of £6000 Scots burdened with the fine. And Grant, having paid £20000 to Mr Lewis Innes in ready cash, got from him a discharge of the whole fine.

To the family of Lethin Grant likewise owed the valuable purchase of the Barony of Pluscarden and Oldmilns within the parish of Elgin. Pluscarden was a priory founded by K. Alex 2nd Anno 1230, for Monks of the Order of ........ of which there were but other two Convents in Scotland, viz: at Brechin in Ross, and at Ardchattan in Lorn. It appears from the books of [assumption], that in the year 1563, the revenues of this priory were £525 [...] money1 chalder wheat, 51 Charder, 4 bolls 3 [...] 1 peck of barley meal and malt. 5 chalders 13 bolls of oats, 9 Chald. 11 bolls of dry multure. 30 [...] of Salmon. Besides [...] coin, customs &c. In the year 1565, Alexr Seaton (son to Lord Seaton) was made Commendator of Pluscarden, who is 1595 disponed that Barony to Kenneth MacKenzie of Kintail. In 1663 George brother and heir to the said Kenneth Macklenzie disponed it to his brother Thomas; from his Sir George MacKenzie of Tarbit evicted it in 1649 and sold it in 1662, to the Earl of Caithness and Major George Bateman. In 1664 the Earl sold his part of it to the Major; and the major disponed the whole Barony to Ludovic Laird of Grant in the year 1677, who in 1709, resigned it in favour of his son James. The purchase and making it was intended for Grants’ second son, and Lethin paid the whole purchase money.

During the Reign of the Royal brothers’ tho’ Grant (who was much averse from this arbitrary and persecuting measures) conducted himself with the utmost caution, yet he could obtain no favour at Court. Yea, because his Lady favoured the distressed presbyterians, and kept a Chaplain of that persuasion when she could do it with safety, therefore he was fined in the year 1685 in £42500 Scots. But tho’ he could not obtain either a discharge or an abatement of that fine, yet he delayed from time to time the making payment, untill the Revolution came on: and these persecutors, in stead of distressing others were at a loss how to provide for their own safety.

He was a member of K. James’s Parliament in 1685; but with several other firm Protestants and patriots, refused to gratify the king in repealing the penal statutes against Popery. In that year he marched a Batalion of his Clan in the expedition commonly called Argyle’s Host. But after the Duke of Gordon Lord Lieutentant had march’d with a considerable force, the length of Athole, the news of Argyle’s being apprehended reached him, and they were dismissed and returned home.

The less that Grant was in favour under these two reigns, he was the more regarded of the Revolution. When the Prince of Orange called the Convention of Estates to Scotland to most on the 14th of March 1689, Grant was a member of it, and was one of the committee nominated by the Estate for settling the government. His attachment to Liberties of his Country, and to those principals on which the Revolution was founded appeared [40] in his leaving a Regiment for the service of the Government. K. James having landed in Ireland and K. William meeting with much opposition in England, a force would not be spared sufficient to reduce the malcontents in Scotland, and to keep the Country in peace. Wherefore some brave spirits offered in the Convention to buy some Regiments for the public service. The Earl of Angus raised a Regiment of 1200 foot, called the Communion Regiment, and which behaved with the utmost bravery at Dunkeld in the Autumn of that year. Argyle Mar, Glencairn, Strathnaver, Blantyre, and [...] raised such a Regiment of 600 men; and the Laird of Grant likewise raised a Regiment of 600, and was the only Commoner that did so. They were all to have regular pay upon this being reviewd & formed complete. (Act of Convent. 1689). And what service Grant did to the Government next year by the Battle of Cromdale, appears from the acts following.

In the Battle of Kylicrankie 16th July 1689, Viscount Dunder had 4000 foot, and 100 horses, and mac-ay 4000 foot, and four troops of Dragoons. The Dragoons fled, scarce once firing, and the foot were defeated; but the greatest slaughter was made by 1200 Athole men, who had promised to join Mac-ay, but betrayed him, and planking themselves in the narrow defiles, cut off Mac Ay’s forces in their retreat.

Yet the Viscount Dundee being killed in the battle, it proved the ruin of K. James’s affairs; for Colonel Canon, who assumed the command, had 300 of his men cut off at Perth in the month of August, and tho’ in that same month, he with 3000 men attacked Colonel Clelland with the Cameronian Regiment of 1200 at Dunkeld. Yet Clelland had so advantageously planted his men in the Church and house, that Cannon was beat back with the loss of about 400 men. The Comameronian’s loss was inconsiderable, except that of their brave Colonel Clelland who was killed August 21st. Colonel Cannon retired into Lochaber and there wintered. In Spring 1690, Colonel Buchanan came over from Ireland with about 40 officers and took the command. And in April, Buchan with 1500 men, of MacLean, Camerons, MacDonalds of Glengary and Keppoch, MacPhersons, and Grants of Glenmoriston, marched towards the Lowlands, to amuse and fatigue the Kings troops, untill the seed time should be closed, and the Highlanders should raise greater force. In their march thro’ Strathspey they miserably pillaged the Country driving away their cattle, corns, furniture; and passing towards Strathboggie where they expected to be joined by the Gordons, they burnt the house of Edinglassie, and ravaged that gentleman’s lands because he was a Revolutioner. Having intelligence there that the King’s forces were in pursuit of them, they returned towards the Highlands. But Mr Gordon of Edinglassie made himself some amends by hanging eighteen of them that he had apprehended.

All the Laird of Grant could do against such a superior force was to garrison his own house, and then to pressure the best effects of his Country untll he should be joined by some regular troops. How soon he heard that Sir Thomas Livingston was at Inverness with a regiment of foot, six troops of Dragoons, & two of horse, he sent some gentlemen to him with intelligence, advising that he should make a forced march and join his regiment at Castle Grant, that they might intercept the enemy in their return thro’ Strathspey. Livingston lost no time, but marched on April 30th with his horses and dragoons leaving the foot to follow; and, conducted by Captain John Grant of Easter Elchies & other gentlemen, he came by the dawning of May 1st 1690. to the [..] within view of Castle Grant and that he might not be discovered he was directed to march down through the calley of Achinnarrow and to cross Spey at the Ford below Dellachaple. The enemy had come to Cromdale on April 30th and choosing to keep near the hill, they planted a guard of sixty men in the Castle of Lethindie besides some outguards, and the body of their army encamped in the face of the hill betwixt Lethindie and Coulmourde. As the Kings forces were fording the river, the enemies advanced guards discovered them, & gave the alarm by a warning fire. Upon this several of the Grants mounted the dragoon horses and led the way, and all the horses, dragoons, & gentlemen of the [41] Grants made quick (the Grants on foot following, the distance being about a mile, and the road leading partly thro’ a birch-wood) and surprised the enemy before they could all get into their clothes. They were pursued about half a mile, and then they faced about and made a faint fire in defence, but observing, Grants foot come up, they retreated precipitately. Above 200 were killed and had not the Hill of Cromdale been so near, and so steep that the horses could not pursue, few would have escaped. The Garrison of 60 men in the Castle of Lethindie were made prisoners. Of the King’s forces few, if any, were killed. A party of the MacLean’s and Camerons had next day fallen down thro’ Abernethy, and crossing the river, pursued their retreat homeward, but were attacked by some troops of Dragoons on the Muir of Granish near Aviemore, where some of them were killed, & the rest found shelter in the rocks of Craigelachie.

It deserves to be here remarked, that Coll MacDonald of Keppoch (who was ever jealous for plunder, but never one fought for his King) would not on April 30th encamp with the rest at Lethindie, but lay with his men in the Garvline, near an half mile from the camp, and thereby escaped next morning without any loss. Marching thro’ the braes of Abernethy, he came on May 3rd to Lochinelan in Rothiemurchus. The lands of Rothimurchus had seen much plundered & by the rebels a few weeks before. This moved the people to convey their remaining cattle of all sorts into distant hills, with some men to attend them; and their house furniture, grain, meal, and what else was valuable, they put into the Island in that Loch, with their wives, children, & maids, and Rothimurchus himself with 24 men kept garrison in the Island. Keppoch demanded a contribution from them, upon pain of military execution; and being denied, they fired at one another for a whole day, but without any loss. At night, Keppoch detach’d a party, and brought a boat from Loch Inch in Badenoch, which he manned and ordered to attack the garrison. Rothimurchus, about the dawning of the morning, observing the boat, suffered it to approach pretty near to the Island, and then his own boat well manned, attacked it under a brisk fire from the Island, & seized the Rebels boat and made all in it prisoners. These prisoners would have been kept, but that unhappily Dalraddie's and Balnespick's wives (who had effects in the Island, and knew nothing of Keppoch's attack) came with their maids to the Loch-side, and were apprehended. Keppoch caused ropes be put about their necks, & threatened to hang them up if his men were not liberated: this obliged Rothimurchus to release the villains in order to save the women. And then Keppoch despairing to take their island, withdrew homeward. This was the last appearance the Highlanders made in favour of the abdicated King.

The Laird of Grant was a member of the parliament in 1690, and one of the committee appointed by that parliament to visit the universities, colleges, and schools, and to purge out all insufficient, immoral & disloyal teachers. He was likewise one of the Lords commissioners for plantation of Kirks and valuation of tynds. (Acts Parl. 1690) And so zealous was he to have loyal Ministers planted in his lands, that he removed Mr John Stuart at Cromdale, Suene Grant at Duthel, and James Grant at Abernethy, and shut up their churches in the year 1690 or 1691.

[42] A zealous attachment to and appearance for the revolution, his levying a regiment of 600 men and keeping them a full year in pay upon his own charges, his long and close attendance in Parliament, and the loss sustained by his tenants who had their substance carried off by the rebels, in so much that many of them could not pay their rent. For redress of these he applied to the Parliament, and was referred to the committee for rescending fines & forfeitures, with respect to Lethin's fine; and had an Act made in his favour with respect to his dammages and losses. (Act. Parli. 1690) Yet these were but a blind; the fine paid to the college of Douay could not be recovered, and his other losses were never recovered. K. William being always engaged in war abroad, and a Jacobite party in court and Parliament always hanging as a weight upon his government, and embarassing all his measures: he was seldom in a condition to do Justice, far less to confer favours upon, his friends. And all the recompence that Grant could obtain in that or the following reign was, that his sons and several of his clan were preferred to commissions in the military service.

One advantage he obtained to his county was a Jurisdiction of Regality. In the two former reigns his tenants had been much distressed by the Sheriffs of Inverness and Murray upon the score of the penal statutes. To ease them of this slavery, he, in the year 1690, got all his lands erected in a free Regality, with all the power and priveleges of that jurisdiction. And this continued in the family, untill all hereditary jurisdictions were abolished and annexed to the Crown by act of Parliament in the year 1748. At which time £900 st. were paid as a compensation for this jurisdiction of regality.

After the publick Government was fully established, Grant lived privately for some years in his own countrie he purchased from his kinsman John Grant of Ballindalloch, the lands of Advie, but redeemable by Ballindalloch at £1000 Sterling. He added much to both the beauty and the conveniency of his house of Castle Grant, by pulling down the tower, called the Cumings Tower, and building a new wing, to the body of the house, with convenient apartments. And for the pleasure of passing a part of the Summer at Culnakyle in Abernethy, he built a convenient house of wood there, consisting of about twelve firerooms, well finished after the manner of such houses. And as an embellishment he lined the wall of the dining-room (a large room ceiled to the top of the house) with some hundreds of deer’s heads, and a buffalo’s head hung in the middle of the room by way of a horse, having several sackets of candlesticks fixed upon it. At length about the year 1711, Grant removed with his family into the South, and lived privately at the Shank, a country seat about several miles South from Edinburgh, where he passed the remainder of his days.

He was twice married. His first Lady was Janet Brody, daughter and only child of Alex. Brodie of Lethin whom he married about the year 1674, and who brought him a beautiful family of four sons, and four daughters that survived their parents. The eldest and the second sons viz Alex. and James, came to represent the family, and shall be afterwards spoken of.

The third son Major George Grant entered into the military in his younger years, and was soon preferred to be a Captain & thereafter a Major in a regiment of foot: [43] And having, for many years, served in these commissions, he was appointed governor of Fort George at Inverness in the year 1743. But that Fort having been destroyed by the rebels in the year 1746, the Major now lives upon his own fortune at Coulbin and Moy in Murray.

The fourth son Colonel Ludovic, likewise chose the military life, wherein his merit was so far regarded, that he was soon advanced to the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel, and was one of those brave men that were sent to the West Indies in the end of the year 1740, under the command of Lieut General Lord Cathcart; and at the unsuccessful attack upon the town of Carthagena in the beginning of next year, he died of the disease of the climate with a hot raging fever. The loss was great to the publick, but especially to the family of Grant, to which had he lived, he would have been an ornament. He had a little before that expedition, purchased the lands of Dunphail in Braemuray (which lands had been the heritage of a branch of the Dunbars for about 300 years) which upon his demise came to the family of Grant.

Of the daughters of Ludovic Laird of Grant, Elizabeth, the eldest, was married in the year 1704 to Hugh Rose, now Baron of Kilravok, and she died in the year 1712. Anne, the second daughter, was married about the year 1710 to Colonel William Grant of Ballindalloch, and died about the year 172 _. Janet the third daughter, was married to Sir Roderic MacKenzie of Scatwell. And Margaret the fourth daughter, was married in the year 1717, to Simon Lord Fraser of Lovat, and died in the year 172 _. All these daughters have brought heirs to the several families into which they were married.

Janet Brodie Lady Grant, was a gentlewoman of a solid judgement and consumate prudence, adorned with unfeigned piety and religion. Her affable and pleasant behaviour towards the gentry; her justice and equity towards tenants, with her tender care towards their support out of their rents. Farms of the family, during the troubles at the revolution, and thereafter in time of death and scarcity of grain; and her charity towards the poor rendered her a public blessing to the Country. Her pious, virtuous & prudent education of her children and economy of her family, made her a comfort to her husband, in so much, that in his pleasant humour he was want to say, God guides Janet, and Janet guides the Laird. As she lived in the hottest times of persecution, she maintained her principals with an unshaken firmness of mind, and encouraged, relieved and protected the distressed: yet always conducted herself with such prudence and caution, as to give no just occasion of offence to the public government. She lived to see and to rejoice in the re-establishment of Religion and liberty; and having lived about twenty one years in a married life, she finished her days in peace on the 27th day of February 1697. Vivit post funera virtus.

Some years after the death of Janet Brodie, Grant married Jean Houston, daughter of John Houston of Houston, and widow, first of Dundas of that Ilk, and next of Lockhart of Lee. By the death of her former husbands, to whom she brought no issue, she had a jointure of about £800st. Grant had no child by her. She survived him some years. I shall have occasion afterwards to speak of her conduct as Lady Grant.

The character of Ludovic Laird of Grant appears, in the great lines of it, from the few hints of his life already given. In his publick quality as a member of the state, he was much averse from the [s..] and the [44] arbitrary measure o the two royal brothers. And being a true friend to liberty, he cheerfully fell in with the revolution in 1688, and was much regarded by King William and the true friends of his government. With respect to his religious sentiments, he was a fine protestant & presbyterian, and enemy to persecution and severity on the score of conscience, he very much encouraged the clergy after the revolution in planting these parishes wherein he had any interest, strengthened their hands in the exercise of discipline, and erected public schools for the education of youth in the parishes where his lands lay. As a chief he was rather too indulgent to his clan than any way [mo..] and severe. As a master, he was easy and gentle, just and faithful to his tenants. In the management of his estate, he was somewhat too indolent, and allowed too much power to such as were not deserving of it, particularly to his second Lady. In so much that as he found, so he left his fortune greatly burdened. I have already hinted at some causes of this burden and I may add, that he affected grandeur in his living, kept race horses, seldom travailed in his own Country under a retinue of sixteen horses; and his second Lady having no issue, did no appear to make the prosperity of thes family any part of the care. He was, however, a common father of his clan, keeping always some of the young gentlemen about his hand, giving them a genteel education & employing them in business. Having spent about six years of a private life in the South, he there died in the year 1718, in the 66th year of his age, and was buried, with some of his ancestors, in the Abbey Church of Holy-rood House. Besides the lawful children above mentioned he had a natural daughter, Elizabeth, married first to James Grant of Auchterblair and after his death to Robert Grant of Coure.

XVII. Alexander. Tho’ the gentleman lived but a year after his father’s death, yet I shall look back, and view him in some scenes of his life. He had in his younger years a virtuous and liberal education at school; and after a course of academical studies, he passed some years abroad in studying the Civil Law and the Law of Nations, and visiting some foreign Countries and Courts. His after conduct showed, that he did not spend these years, as too many young gentlemen do, in vanity & extravagance; but laid in early a stock of useful knowledge and these principles of virtue which shone so brightly in his after life.

His genius leading to a military life, he obtained the command of a Regiment of foot, and was thereafter advanced to the rank of a Brigadier, and during the cause of the war in Q. Anne’s reign, he served with the greatest applause. He was the almost inseparable companion of that great general and patriot, John late Duke of Argyle, and had the same fate with him, both in the dangers of the field, & in the smiles or frowns of the court.

[45] In the year 1711, when the Duke was divested of all his posts & commissions on account of his attachment to he Hannover Succession; the Brigadier was, on the same account, deprived of his Regiment. When, upon King George’s accession, his grace was received into favour, so also was the Brigadier, and his Regiment restored to him. In the year 1715, when in the beginning of the rebellion an attempt was made to surprise the Castle of Edinburgh, and Colonel Stuart Deputy Governor was committed to prison, for his negligence or his disaffection or both, no man was judged so worthy of that important trust, in such a critical conjuncture, as Brigadier Grant; and he had the Government of the Castle committed to him untill Brigadier Preston, who was preferred to it, should arrive. In the middle of October thereafter, when 1500 of the rebels had landed in East Lothian, and marched up to Leith, the Brigadier as a volunteer attended the Duke in driving them out of that place of defence; and in Nov. that year he went alone with him into the battle of Sherriffmuir, altho’ his regiment was not in that action. Thereafter, when in 16 and 17, the squadron came into power, and the Duke was discounted, the Brigadeir fell under the same eclipse of the Royal favour.

Nor was he less zealous and faithful in the senate than he was in the field. His love to his Country , and his knowledge of the Government and interest of it, brought him early into the parliament. And such an esteem had the ministry of his capacity and integrity, that he was one the commissioners nominated, in the year 1706, to treat of an union betwixt the two Kingdoms. In which capacity he was zealous in drawing up that plan of an incorporating union which was afterwards approved, he clearly discerned, that the form of religion in Scotland could not be secured, that the courts of judicature could not be preserved incorrupt, that trade could not flourish, that the public peace could not be maintained, nor could the protestant succession in the family of Hannover be secured without such an union. And next year, when £20,000st was distributed among the members of the Scots Parliament, in order to facilitate the passing the Union into a Law, he accepted no share of it, being disposed to advance the welfare of his Country without any mercenary views. When the union was enacted, he was named by the Parliament of Scotland a member of the first Parliament of Great Britain. In that and the subsequent Parliaments, he went heartily along with the court as long as he found them faithful in the interest of their Country. But when in the year 1710, a Jacobite Ministry was set up and the interest of Versailles and St Germains was more pursued than that of Britain, he disdained to come into those treacherous and destructive measures.

His love to his Country, and his firm attachment to the Protestant succession appeared further in the year 1715, when an open rebellion was carried on in favour of a popish-pretender. Tho’ the Brigadeir was with the regiment in the South of the Kingdom, yet he laid his command on his brother, Captain George, to raise his men, and to employ them in the service of the Government, and pay them duly out of his rents. Accordingly 800 men were raised and well armed; a garrison, commanded by Colonel Grant of Ballindalloch, was placed in Balvanie, & kept the Gordon’s in awe; about 400 men joined in reducing the town of Inverness and driving the rebels out of it. These march’d thereafter, into Muray, in order to prevent the Marquis of Huntly, upon his return after Sherriffmuir, from disturbing that County. And the Marquis having submitted, they joined the Earl of Sutherland Lord Leiutenant, in order to reduce Seaforth, which he prevented by submitting to the government, tho’ afterwards he revolted, how soon he heard of the pretender's landing in Scotland.

The Brigadier likewise appeared a true friend to his countrie in the execution of his office as justiciary. The insurrections at and after the Revolution, [46] the disloyal practices of the malcontents in the North, and the death and scarcity of grain in the end of K. William’s reign, encouraged outlaws, bankrupts, and vagabonds, in so much that theft, and robery became barefaced; and companies of bandits under their leaders (such as, Glendye, Angus McDonald called the Hawked Steir, Alister More, Peter Brown oppressed the lieges and even the countrie of Strathspey harboured not a few rogues. In order to cut off this nuisance, and to protect the countrie, Brigadier Grant was appointed Judiciary in the counties of Inverness, Murray, and Banff, and Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonston in the Northern counties. The Brigadier was so active and successful, that in a short time, he not only purged his own lands of such villains, but he likewise so surprised these Captains & Leaders of robbers, that being either cut off or dying in misery, and their gangs dispersed, the people dwelt in safety, and looked on him as the Guardian Genius of their Country.

Such was Brigadeir Grant’s conduct in his public character. But in his private affairs, with respect to his own Estate and fortune, he met with several discouragements and incumbances. About the time of his marriage in 1698, his father allowed him the rents of the Countrie of Urquhart for his table; and some years thereafter, he put him in fee of the whole Estate reserving to himself the liferent. Upon this the Brigadier, knowing the burden of debt that lay upon the Estate, and that he could not himself leave the public service and live in the Countrie, nominate some trustees to act in his name. But he met with insuperable difficulties. His father now advanced in years, gave himself up wholly to the management of his Lady Jean Houston, a woman of a masculine spirit, impatient of contradiction or control, and a slave to her passions, and insatiably avaricious. She grasped the management of the Estate, oppressed the tenants, perverted justice, carried the best furniture and plate of the family out of it, and discovered no affection for the children, or concern for the welfare of the family. And in all these measures she found (as those in power will always) proper tools to serve her purpose.

It could not but grieve the Brigadier to see his family and Countrie thus used. And the more that all the writs and charters of his Estate were in the hands of a woman of ungovernable passions and a revengeful temper, who not only refused to deliver them up but openly threatened that she would destroy them. In this strait, the trustees, fearing lead if they used a legal prosecution for recovering the evidents, she might execute her threatening, employed some men to endeavour to carry them off out of the Charter-house in Castle Grant, but it could not be done. Wherefore, they next used a desperate course, and detached about forty men, who took forcible possession of the house, secured the writs and furniture and obliged the old gentleman to quit the house. And to colour & varnish if possible this treatment of Ludovic Laird of Grant, they pretended that there were several legal captions against him, and messengers at hand to execute them. This made him remove to the South, from whence he never again returned to his own native Country.

This way of taking possession was thought by many both hard & unnatural while others excused it as altogether necessary for the preservation of the family, and that in the mean time there was an entire affection betwixt the father and the son. Be this as it will, the Lady Grant could not digest the indignity, and she prevailed with her husband to prosecute criminally the Brigadier and several others. These on the other hand, raised a recrimination upon several grounds. The prosecution with many witnesses on either side were brought up from Strathspey to Edinburgh. At length an accommodation was brought about, and the mutual processes disclaimed and dismissed, to prevent (as was said) a sentence which should be fatal to the Lady Grant.

The Brigadier being now in peaceable possession, & his father having restricted himself to an annuity, the trustees in a few years cancelled £8000st of debt. But the management came soon into other hands, and the debt swelled of new; And tho’ the Brigadier had [47] laid rational schemes for paying his debts, and improving his Estate, yet he lived not to put them in execution.

He was twice married. His first Lady was Elizabeth Stuart (eldest daughter of James Lord Doune & of Catharine daughter of Sir Lionel [Talmash] & Elizabeth Murray Countess of Dysart) whom he married in Dec 1698, but she brought him no surviving issue. During her husband’s serving abroad in the army, she resided for the most part at Ballindalloch, not regarded as either her quality, or her husband’s Lady [Challenged]. She died about the year 1712, and was buried at Duthel. He next married in the year 17 __ Anne Smith daughter of John Smith Esq. Speaker to the House of Commons, and a maid of honour to Queen Anne; and she died in the year 17 __ big with child, and left no issue.

I am not so vain as to attempt to draw a full character of Brigadier Grant. I may without flattery say, that he was one of the finest gentlemen of our Nation in his day. A gentlemen equally qualified for the camp and for the court, and alike incorrupt & faithful in both. He filled the several offices & posts, wherein he served as Member of Parliament, Military Officer, Justiciary, Sheriff, Lord of Regality, with universal applause. No one could be a more affectionate husband, or more upright master, or a more steady friend. And as a chief, he maintained his authority, but so tempered it with benevolence & kindness, that he was at once revered and beloved. He despised the numerous retinues & empty graneur so much in fashion and chose rather to enjoy a few select companions than to be crowded with numerous attendants. And which added a superior [...] to his other qualities, he was a man of strict virtue and honour and a manly, rational, & undisguised religion. A firm protestant, a true member of the Church of Scotland, an enemy to all vice, a close attendant upon the publick ordinances of divide worship, and an encourager of virtue & piety religion and learning.

He lived but little at home after he came to the possession of his estate; and in that short time he began that policy of planting about his seat, which now so much beautify it. And he laid the foundation of a private library of books in all sciences, which is a great benefit to the country. At length, the death of his Lady, & the loss of all hopes of issue, together with some other discouragements, sunk his spirits into deep melancholy, and on his way from London to his own Country, he died at Leith, in the month of August 1719, in or about the 40th year of his age; and was buried in the Abby Church of Holy-rood house. More et meminisse relictum est. He was succeeded by his brother.

XVIII. Sir James, the third of that name. James Grant of Pluscarden, second son of Ludovic Laird of Grant, had as liberal education an Scotland could afford; and being, by the indulgent care of his grandfather Alex Brodie of Lethin, provided to a handsome fortune, when he came of age, his inclination led him to a country life, and he married in 1702, Anne Colquhone, daugher and heir of Sir Humphry Colquhone of Luss and of Jean Houston daughter of Houston of that Ilk.

The family of Colquhone was an honourable family of considerable antiquity in the county of Lenox; and Sir Humphry being Chief of that name, it was specially provided by the marriage articles, that Pluscarden should (as is usual in such cases) assume the surname & arms of Colquhone; and that, if he should success to the Estate of Grant, in that case his eldest son should bear the name of Grant, and his second son the name of Colquhone. It cannot be denied but this marriage was honourable, but it did not appear very profitable, for the Estate of Luss was for the most part, mortgaged or [impognarated]; yet, since it was [48] redeemable & that a sale of the lands of Pluscarden might recover it, the marriage was agreed to and accomplished.

The Barony of Pluscarden and Oldmiln having been purchased as formerly mentioned, the lands of [Glenlatriach] were thereafter purchased from Francis Brodie of Milntown, and the lands of Easter Kelless Farquharson of Kelless. And the Barony of Pluscarden being affected with two chalders and nine bolls of barley, (besides vicarage tiends) to the Church of Elgin; By a decree of revaluation of the Teynds and stipend of that Church, these lands were eased of the two chalders & nine bolls of Barley in the year 1714, because Kenneth MacKenzie of Kintail had obtained a charter of the Barony, bearing a novo damus, of date 12th March 1607, "Cum omnibus et singulis decimis garbalibus totarum et integrarum terrarum et Baronia cum suis pertinented qua s stipite se slck carundum ninquam. Separato ferme et quori prior et conventus eorumque Praedecessores on possessione omnibus temporibus pro leritis exstitere"

This case of stipend made the purchase the more valuable, and Brigadier Grant proposed to acquire it. And the rather that the rents of Pluscarden and Oldmiln being sure, might be a supply of grain to the countrie of Strathspey in case of a death or scarcity. But William Duff of Diple being informed of this proposal, offered a higher price and purchased the lands before the Brigadier was acquainted; This occasioned a discord betwixt the two brothers in so much that the Brigadier threatened to disinherit his brother of the Estate of Grant, failing issue of his own body. But the breach between them was thereafter happily made up.

Upon the death of Sir Humphry Colquhone, Pluscarden entered upon the possession and assumed the Title of Luss, with the surname and arms of that family. And the honour of Knight Baronet being hereditary in the family of Luss, and his Lady being Heiress, he used the honours of the family, and was called Sir James during the lady’s life. But upon her demise Colquhone of Tullichewan, Heir male, assumed the honours, and Sir James, unwilling to lay down a title of Honour he had so long used, obtained a Patent of Knighthood . This I think (tho’ I will not affirm it) was the way in which assumed an honour, which his ancestors never affected, otherwise they might have easily obtained it. I am informed; that Sir James Grant took out a Patent for himself, if so his sons title is unquestionable.

Upon the demise of Brigadier Grant, Sir James succeeded him, and reassumed the surname of Grant; and next year (1720) removed his family from his seat of Rossdoe in Lenox to Castle Grant:- having the charge of both estates during the minority of this second son; but being considerably burdened, his own family increasing, and the portions of some of his sisters remaining still aa growing debt, it could not be expected, that he should do much towards the disburdening either of the two fortunes, yet by regular ecomony, and some improvements he did considerable service to both.

The lands of Advie had been, for some time, in the possession of the family of Grant, but redeemable for £1000st. And John Grant of Ballindalloch being in straitened circumstances, was ready to grant the reversion of three lands to another gentleman, for the poor complement of ten pounds sterling. But Sir James prevented this by the help of some friends who came to the knowledge of it, and gave Ballindalloch fifty pounds sterling, and thereby secured these lands to the family of Grant, by an ample discharge of the clause of redemption, and a new disposition and right.

Sir James likewise, improved his fir-woods of Abernethy to good advantage. Brigadier Grant had laid down the plan of improving that valuable [...], but lived not to execute it, excepting only the cutting of some woods for ships, and transporting them to London. But Sir James contracted the the York Building Company for a lease of a part of his woods to be manufactured into planks and dealboard, and for charcoal to carry on an iron forge [49]

in purusance of this, saw-milns were built, an iron work was set [...] & the lands of Culnakyle were leased to the company. Very good iron was wrought, plenty of iron ore was found, and had the managers for the company conducted their affairs with prudence, it might have turned out to good accounts. But by their impudence and extravagance, they ran the company greatly into arrears and gave up their undertaking. The contract, however, was fulfilled to Sir James, and by this and his other woods, of Fir, Birch etc, he made considerable advantage.

While I am upon this article, I cannot but observe, that in the month of May 1746, the fir-wood of Abernethy was set on fire in several places at once. The fire began near the upper or South end of the wood to the East of the lands of Raigmore, and a South wind blowing, it burnt so violently that all the efforts of hundreds of people to extinguish it, were insuccessful. The conflagration lasted for some days, untill all the wood, from where the fire began to the lower end of it near to the river, was consumed. Whether this was done by the rebels, or by sheep-herds kindling a muir-burning, or a fire to warm them, is uncertain. But thereby incomparably the best fir-wood in the Kingdom about four miles in length and two in breadth, and consisting of many millions of trees, is lost, to the great detriment of the family of Grant.

Sir James was always a member of parliament; and in the vacation between the sessions, he lived privately at his country seat, and added considerably to the policy and planting, which his brother had begun. But after the death of his Lady, and of his eldest son, he chose to retire from business and to lead a private life. In order to this, he disponed his estate in favour of his son, Ludovic, reserving to himself an annuity, upon which, together with an annual portion of £400st from the government, he lived some times at London, and sometimes at his seat in Strathspey, during the remainder of his life.

Sir James married (as already observed) Anne Colquhone Heiress of Luss, who brought him a family of five sons and five daughters.

Humphry, the eldest son, lived to the age of twenty years or upwards. But by what failing in his education or error in his conduct, I know not. He disobeyed his father and friends, in so much, that they suffered him to be taken with caption and incarcerated in the town of Fores, where he died in the year 1732. What the cause was of their neglecting the eldest son of the family, it is not my business to enquire.

Ludovic, the second son, assumed the name of Colquhone as Heir of the family of Luss. And after a course of liberal education, both at home and abroad, in order to qualify him for the bar, he admitted advocate in the year 1728, but upon the death of his older brother, he of course became heir apparent of the family of Grant; and his father devolving upon him the whole care and burden of the estate, he laid down the practice of the law and is now Laird of Grant.

James, the third son, entered young into the military, and was in the year 17 __ preferred to the rank of a Captain in _____ Regiment. In 17__ he was advanced to the rank of Major of that regiment. But his brother Ludovic becoming Heir of the estate of Grant, James succeeded him in the estate of Luss, returned from the army, and in the year 17__ married Hellen, sister to the Earl of Sutherland, and lives upon his fortune.

Major James Colquhon of Luss has, in this year 1752, assumed the honours of the family of Luss. John Colquhon of Luss was, upon the 30th July 1695, made Knight and Baronet by patent, as son of the late Lady Grant Heiress of Luss; as does likewise Captain George Colquhone of Tullichewen as heir male of that family. Whether the patent runs, [ More dibus quibus.... or heredibus masculis] I know not. But I am told, that Sir Humphry Colquhon, some time after his daughters marriage with James Grant of Pluscarden, resigned the honours of Knighthood in Queen Anne’s hands, and obtained a new patent in favour of the said James Grant and his heir. In virtue of this new patent, the late Sir James Grant very justly used these honours as long as his elder brother. The Brigadier lived, and he himself used the name of Colquhon. But the Brigadier dying, & Sir James succeeding him in the estate & taking the name of Grant, it may be questioned, if it was proper for him as Laird of Grant to use these honours.

[50] For, supposing the new patent was taken expressly in his name, yet ‘tis reasonably to think, that the intention of it was that he should use the honours only as long as he was Laird of Luss, & that upon his becoming Laird of Grant, they should devolve upon his son that succeeded him in the estate of Luss; and yet Sir James continued to use them during his life time.

Upon Sir James’s succeeding to the estate of Grant, his second son Ludovic, became Laird of Luss, and assumed the name of Colquhon, and then, one might think, he should have used the honours likewise. But it was not proper that in this he should interfere with his father. And yet upon the death of his father, and when he himself was Grant and not Colquhon, he assumed and continued to use them. Sir Ludovic might find sufficient ground to bear him up in this, since (as I am told) the patent runs, to Sir James and (heredibus masculis) his heirs male, not mentioning whether they were Lairds of Luss and bore the name of Colquhon, or not. This, I say, might warrant Sir Ludovic if the honours were such as should make it worthy of the Laird of Grant to contend for them.

Upon the death of Humphry, the eldest son of Sir James Grant, Ludovic the second son became heir apparent of the estate of Grant, and Major James the third son, became Laird of Luss, and assumed the name and arms of that family, and now uses the honours likewise. He may be induced to do so by considering, that tho the new patent runs to heirs male, yet at the time when it was granted Brigadier Grant was in life, and might have issue of his own body to inherit the estate of Grant and therefore the patent was not [...] with such restrictions & limitations, as the changes that have happened in the family (but which could not at that time be foreseen) might render proper. And be the stile and form of the patent as it may, yet it is apparent, that the intention of Sir Humphry Colquhon in the resignation was that the honours might continue in the descendants of his daughter, the Lady of Luss, and afterwards Lady Grant, and might not devolve upon Colquhon of Tullichewen the heir male of the family of Luss. As this must have been Sir Humphry’s intentions (and ‘tis unreasonable to think he should have had any other design) it necessarily follows, tho’ he intended the honours should belong only to those descendants of the daughter that should enjoy the estate of Luss, and use the name and arms of Colquhon; and therefore, that by the new patent they belong only to Major Colquhon.

Captain George Colquhon of Tullichewen, in assuming those honours, might go upon the grounds following: The honour of Knight & Baronet is hereditary, & descends to the lawful male heir of the first patentee; And being a military honour never granted to the females, it ought not to descent to heirs female, and never descends but to heir male, as is approved from universal custom. It was the possession of this, that moved Sir Humphry Colquhon to resign, and to take out a new patent, since without this, the honours, without dispute, must devolve upon Tullichewen. But such a resignation & new patent can have no foundation in custom, or in reason, nor is it consistent with the institution of the Order of Knights Baronets. A nobleman or a Knight may disuse or may renounce & throw up his patent of honour, but he cannot sell, dispone, or convey it as he can do his lands and estates; nor can he resign it, with a view to deprive his heir male of it, & to wed another with it, because the heir male has a jus terty of which he can not deprive him. Nor can the soverign (tho’ the fountain of honour) deprive the heir male of his right, if he is not guilty of a crime by which he, in law forfeits it. And with respect to the institution of the order, it cannot be alleged, that it warrants such resignations or novo damus’s. Upon these and the like grounds might Tullichewen go, in using the honours of the family of Luss.

I do not, by what I have here said, pretend to affirm, that these are the grounds upon which the gentlemen, who use these honours, do severally found; I only mean, that the grounds I have mentioned may appear not improbable; tho’ I confess, there are dificulties in them which it is not my business to enter upon. Nor should I at all have touched this point, were it not, that the fact being notorious viz That these three gentlemen do use the honour of Knighthood; and that they all found, in one respect or another, upon the honours of the family of Luss; It would appear somewhat odd to mention such a fact and not to attempt in any measure, to account for it. If I am misinformed, or have mistaken the case in any point, it will do me a pleasure to be set right.

[51] Francis the fourth son, likewise inclined to a military life, and was made a Captain in the year 17__, and upon his brother James retiring he was advanced to be major in his room. And

Charles, the fifth son (and youngest) went into the sea service where after a proper course of education he was made Lieutenant of Man of War, & thereafter a Captain.

Of the daughters, Jean, the eldest, was married in the year 1722, to William Duff now Lord Braid. Anne, the second was married in 1727, to Sir Harry Innes of Innes. Sophia, the third, is unmarried. Peniel, the fourth was married in 1739 to Captain Alexr Grant of Ballindalloch. And Clementina, the fifth and youngest daughter was married in 173_ to Sir William Dunbar of Durn Bt.

Anne Colquhon Lady Grant, lived always worthy of her birth & fortune. Much beloved by her husband, honoured by her children, & respected by her friends and acquaintances. She was a pattern of motherly affection worthy of imitation; suckling her children with her own breasts, & not exposing them to strangers; and tenderly careful of their virtuous education, as long as they were under her immediate inspection. In the economy of her family she was frugal, yet genteel and hospitable, To her tenants and servants, just and kind. And highly esteemed by all, except those whose vices made them dread her just resentment. She died at Castle Grant in the month of July 1724, and was buried at Duthel.

Sir James Grant was justly esteemed, respected and honoured by all ranks. His natural temper was remarkably sweet & mild, composed & equal. His social conduct was full of benevolence & goodness. To his clan, he was indulgent, if not to a fault, and to his tenants always just and kind. A most affectionate husband & delightful father. Sober, temporal, just, and peaceable. An encourager of religion & learning. A boon of all virtuous & good men, yea a lover of mankind. In a word, I know not any one vice to which he was addicted, save that in his virtuity he indulged what, in our day, will scarcely be called a vice. Upon his returning from publick business (excepting his attendance on parliament) he spend a part of his time in reading & augmented considerably the library which his brother had begun, and brought into it several mathematical instruments & rarities both of nature and of art. Being at his seat of Castle Grant when the rebellion broke out in the year 1745, he gave proper directions to his son for is conduct in that conjuncture, and then wisely retired from the storm of London. He had been for some years afflicted with a gout in his stomach, whereof he at length died at London, on the 16th day of January 1747, in the ___ year of his age. And was succeeded by his son.

XIX. Sir Ludovic 2nd who upon the death of his elder brother, succeeded him as apparent heir of the family of Grant, when his father retired to London 1745, & the whole business of the family devolved upon Sir Ludovic, he had a difficult province to manage; during the rebellion in 1745 & 1746, he himself, and his brothers, James, Francis, and Charles, stood firmly attached to the protestant succession & resolution intent; But I choose to draw a veil over the conduct of his uncle Major George Grant & the bulk of the clan; and yet when the war commenced in 1756, and the late Duke of Argyle had persuaded the King to take the Highlanders into his army, great numbers entered into the military, in the sea and land services, both as officers & private soldiers, & behaved with fidelity & bravery. The intrepidity of Major Francis Grant, in their attack upon Ticonderoga, & his conduct in reducing Martinique and the Havana, justly gained him the rank of a Lieut Colonel; and the conduct of Captain Charles Grant, especially in the expedition to Manila, merited just applause.

Sir Ludovic, about the year 1759 sold the lands of _____ to the East of _______ , reserving the superiority; and to strengthen the protestant interest of his family, he granted to Sir Archibald Grant of Monimusc the free holding of Bellintome and superiorities, by which he is a baron in the County of Murray; and to Alex Grant of Arntullie he gave the free holding of that land & superiorities, which make him a Barron in the County of Banff. He likewise granted to James Grant of Carron the free holding of Alachies.

[52] By these means he got great sums of money, & by the death of his Uncles, Ludovic in 1741, & George in 1755, the lands of Dunphail & Moy came to the family of Grant, so that the yearly rent of the estate was £5000 sterling, & yet by Sir Ludovic’s living too much at London, and by his hospitality (or rather dissipation) the debt of the family increased much.

Sir Ludovic married (I) Miss Dalrymple, daughter of Sir Robert Dalrymple of North Berwic, and had a daughter that died young & (II) Lady Margaret Ogilvie, daughter of James Earl of Finletre. This Lady died in January 1759 and left one son and six daughters viz. James, Mariana, Hope, Sophia, Mary, Helen & Elizabeth. Sir Ludovic served in Parliament from the year 17__ to 1761; and now his son being of age, and having had a liberal education, both in Britain and in Geneve, he was in 1761 elected to represent the County of Moray in Parliament. Mr. Grant being the only son of the family, his father judged it prudent to settle him in marriage, and January 14th 1763, he married Miss Jean Duff, the only child of Alex Duff of Hatton, and of Lady Anne eldest daughter of William Earl Fife, with a fortune of about £12000 sterling. And to encourage the marriage, Sir Ludovic put his son in fee of the whole estate (with the burden of the debts at that time affecting it) except the lands of Moy and Dunphail, & a few more.

Master Grant entered upon business with character, ruling the Country with discretion, governing his family with strictness, encouraging religion, & in his own person inhibiting a pattern of piety. In the year 1767 having a daughter ____ born in 1765, and a son Lewis Alex born in 1767, and his Uncle Colonel Frances (who in 1763 married Miss Cox, daughter of Joseph Cox Esq of Stanford) having a growing family, Mr Grant gave his interest in the approaching election for parliament for the County of Moray, in favour of the Colonel, and made James Grant of Caron Baron of Maldery; and Sir Ludovic purchased, from Capt Thomas Dunbar, the Barony of Westfield and his lands about Forres at 9000 guineas.

Sir Ludovic died at Castle Grant March 18th 1773, and was buried at Duthel the burial place of the family.

XX. Sir James, the fourth of that name.

[55] Part V Concerning the Branches of the Family of Grant.

I have in the fourth part occasionally mentioned the branches sprung from this family, as in course I treated of these lairds from whom they immediately descended. But besides these, some will have it, that the MacGregors, MacKinnons, and the Ruthvens are descended of this family, but upon what grounds they assert this, I cannot find.

With respect to the MacGregors, it seems to be a mistake. These derive themselves from Alpin King of Scots, and are called Shiol Alpin, and so can have no male consanguinity with the Grants who are of a Danish extract unless ‘tis said, that a descendant of K. Alpin went to Denmark, and became the progenitor of the Grants, which cannot be instructed.

As to the MacKinnons of the Isle of Skie, of MacFinghons, as some will have them called. Tis uncertain if these two surnames are the same. MacFinghon is a well known Irish name; but these of the Isle of Skie call themselves MacInnons. And yet Mr. Martin, in his description of the West Isles, gives us this inscription upon MacKinnon’s tomb Ycolumkele viz: "Hic est abbeis Lachlane MacFingone filius Abbatis de Yotalis in Domino MCCC Ann"

This makes it not improbable, that they were MacFingons. Be this as it may, I cannot learn the connection betwixt them & the Grants. I own, that there has been a friendship, of a long standing betwixt the Grants and these two clans, founded probably, in good offices mutually done to one another; which might have been without any consanguinity. Far less can I understand, what connection there is, or has been, betwixt the Grants and those of the name of Ruthven.

Passing these uncertainties, I shall speak of the branches that cannot be controverted. I do not mean to enlarge upon these. Nor can I pretend to trace them all from the present time to their first progenitors. All I intend is, to give some general account of them. And....

I. The Clan Alan, or house of Achernoch. These are three branches that are said to have come off from the stock or principal family before they left Stratherick. viz The Clan Allan, the Clan Chiaran, and the Clan Phadrick. And begin with the Clan Alan, I knew not, which is the oldest, or which is the youngest.

[56] I do not regard what some allege, viz, that the Clan Allan were originally Camerons, and that Allan Cameron, commonly called [na foid], was their progenitor, and came from Lochaber into Strathspey. For this I see not so much as a presumption, nor any reason to doubt that they originally descended from the family of Grant.

‘Tis the tradition of the Country, that their first seat in Strathspey was the Barony of Dunan, Eastward of Castle Grant, where the principal family of them resided for some generations; and that the Dunan being continuous to the manor of Castle Grant, they exchanged it for the Lands of Achernak in Abernethy. Grant of Achernak had, for some time, a plentiful fortune, being proprietor of a great part of that parish, and several gentlemen of distinction in the country are descended of him. I shall not attempt to trace up this house beyond six or seven generations, viz, to Alan Grant of Achernak, who must have lived about the year 1500. His son, James of Achernach, commonly called James MacAlan, had nine sons, of whose order of seniority I am ignorant, but I shall set them down as follows, viz

1. Duncan of Achernak, of whom the present Achernak, Lettoch, Delnabo etc descended.
2. Gregor of Gartinmore. Reymore is a branch from him.
3. John Dow of Lethendie, ancestor to Burnside
4. James [Auir] of Auchterblair, ancestor to Captain Ludovic Grant of Caron
5. Alan of Mullachard
6. Mungo of Conigess
7. Robert of Blairfindie in Glenlivate
8. _____ of whom is Nevie in Glenlivate. And
9. Andrew, Grandfather of John MacEoin Vc Andrew in Abernethie, who died in 1741.

I could instruct most of these by authentic vouchers, but ‘tis unnecessary. For their descendants see table 2.

II. The Clan Chiaran. or house of Achnarrow and Delachapple. No regard is due to that fancy that would bring the Clan Chiaran originally from Ireland. I know, that there are in Ireland who are called Kiarahs, so called from St Kiaran who is said to have lived in the 5th Century, but a similitude of names in two Countries, is no proof that the one Country had borrowed from the other. A tradition goes among the Grants, that the progenitors of the Clan Chiaran and the Clan Alan were called Lucas Liadh and Amhradh Buidhe. That of Lucas Liadh or Ciar came the Clan Chiaran, and of Amhradh (Humphry) the Clan Alan. Be this as it may, it cannot be doubted that the Clan Chiaran had resided in Stratherick, since some tenements there are still called Bala-chiaranich. Upon leaving Findhorn, at Dundubh and the neighbourhood, from whence they removed into Strathspey, and possessed the Barony of Achinarrow in the parish of Cromdale, from which they were designed, till of late the representative of them took the title of Dellachaple.

I shall not pretend to trace up this clan higher than to Alan Grant of Achnarrow, the seventh inclusive from Robert Grant now of Dellachaple. This clan was father of William of Achinarrow who was father of seven sons viz

1. John Roy of Achinarrow of whom is Delachaple
2. Robert of Glenbeg, of whom came Ailnach, Brinchil, Kerrowba...
3. [57] Thomas.
4. Duncan.
5. James.
6. Alex Roy and
7. Mr Peter Minister of Cromdale.

A further account of these, and of their progeny may be seen in table 3.

‘Tis said, that this Clan Chiaran, being rich and opulent in the time of James, or in the Minority of Ludovic Laird of Grant, entered into a mutual bond (called the black bond) to maintain their respective possessions and not to grant any augmentation of rent; which so provoked their chiefs that the principal men of them were removed out of Strathspey, and they set up in Ailnach, Kerrow, Brinchill &c in the parishes of Ardclach and Edinkyle. But in the same Ludovic’s time, some of them returned into Strathspey and others, as Kerrow, Tombane etc remain in Braemuray.

III. The Clan Phadrick, or house of Tullochgorum. Tho’ some will have it, that the progenitor of their family was Patrick, second son of John Roy 7th Laird of Grant; yet the unvaried tradition of the Country stands against them, and because, that this was one of the tribes that came from Stratherick, before or about the time of the Heiress Maude; and that the Grants of Tullochgorum are one of the most ancient branches of the name.

I am very sorry, that my information does not enable me to trace up the representatives, and account for this descendants, of this house, as I have done in the two former. I can only say, that they have possessed the lands of Tullochgorum (as is universally allowed) for above three hundred years. And of them have descended, the Grants of Glenlochy and Inverlochie, of Milntown of Duthel etc. And those of the name of Grot in Caithness, acknowledge their descent from Tullochgorm's family, and says that about 200 years ago, one of that family being guilty of some crimes, for which he banished his native country, settled in Caithness, and changed his name into Grot, (keeping as near to his true name as he could) that he might not be discovered. The Grots made a purchase of some heritage in that countrie, which, for ought I know, they possess to this day.

Before I leave this family, I cannot but take notice of a piece of superstition, that prevailed long among the credulous vulgar in Strathspey. viz That a familiar spirit haunted the house of Tullochgorum as the demon or good genius of it, called Mag Mhulach, ie the hairy left hand. So called because it appeared in the form of a young girl, clade in green, with fair dischevel’d hair, and the left hand and arm all rough and hairy. This demon was said to have been very serviceable, in discovering what was lost or stollen, warning of approaching danger, chastising disobedient servants etc. I should not have mentioned their idle whim, were if not, that in the year 1648, as I find in the Register of the Provincial synod of Murray, that the synod appointed the prebsytery of Abernethy, to enquire into the truth of the reports current concerning this apparition; and after much inquiry, they found only one man who declared that he had once seen such a girl.

The like demon called Brunie, was said to have haunted the house of Glenlochie. Bodach Ghartin was the tutelar of the house of Gartinbeg; & Bodach Ghuish was the familiar of the house of Rothimurchas. Such reports of apparitions, witches, circles of fairies, enchanted hills called Shians, Tarans etc (the relicts of druidism and popery) were very current. But since the pure light of the gospel has spread, & knowledge increased these false lights have disappeared & are justly rediculed. These there houses are said to have come from Stratherick into Strathspey.

[58] Let me now speak of the order of their family of the branches that have come off from the family of Grant, since they settled in Strathspey.

IV. The Clan Donachie, or house of Gartinbegg. Duncan Grant the progenitor of this tribe, was the son of John Roy the 7th Laird of Grant, about the year 1450. I cannot offer to deduce his successors lineally. But according to my information, about the year 1550, Duncan of Gartinbegg, having been twice married, had four sons by the first [.....]. viz

1. John More, Suene, Alexr and James,
and two sons by the second marriage, viz
2. John Beg and Donald.

John More of Gartinbeg, dying without issue, was succeeded in that possession by his brother of the second [....], viz John Beg. This was the gentleman that commanded a battalion of the Grants in the battle of Aldchonlachan in the year 1594. His son, Suene MacEoin Beg, a gentleman much respected, lived to the age of about 100 years; and was father of Sir James Grant Advocate of Dalvey, who was knighted by K. James 7th 10 August 1688. Sir James purchased these lands from Robert Grant of Dalvey, who had bought the lands of Dunlugas in the county of Banff. Sir James married the daughter of Scot of Scotstarvit, and, having no surviving issue, was succeeded by his brother Mr Lewis Grant of Dalvey, who died a batchelor about the year 1698, and in him the descendants of John Beg became extinct.

Tho’ upon the demise of John More, John Beg succeeded him in the lands of Gartinbeg, yet Suene (the second son of the first marriage) became Chief of the Tribe. Of him in the direct line came Donald Oge of Inverlaidnan, father of Patrick Grant now of Dalvey. This Patrick upon the demise of Mr. Lewis of Dalvey, resigned Inverlaidnan in favour of his cousin John Grant of Delrachnie, and purchased the rights of Dalvey from Suene Grant in Cabrach lineal heir thereof. But after some years, finding the purchase no way profitable, he sold it to the family of Grant. His eldest son Alan went young into Jamaica, where, for several years he carried on trade with good success; and having returned into Britain about the year 1740, he in the year 1750, purchased the Barony of Grangehil in Murray, which he called Dalvey, and now resides at London. His father, the said Patrick Dalvey aged ninety six years, lived upon this acquisition, and is Chief of the Tribe of Clan Donachie.

In the year 1752, the patent of Knighthood granted to Sir James Grant of Dalvey in 1688, being inspected, it was observed, that the honours descended Heredibus Masculis Quibusque & lawyers gave it as their opinion, that Patrick Grant of Dalvey could prove his propinquity to Sir James Grant of Dalvey, he might legally assume the honours; upon this an inquest was called, & met at Edinburgh in summer 1752, who found and declared the propinquity; and Dalvey took the title of Sir Patrick Grant of Dalvey.

Having this propinquity upon his descent from Duncan of Gartinbeg, who lived about Ao 1550; since Sir Jas. Grant was come of the 3rd son of Duncan, ‘tis a question I pretend not not determine, who has the lead right to Sir James’s honours. Dalvey descended of Duncan’s second son, or Gartinbeg descended of his third son.

[59] Sir Alex Grant now of Dalvey, has got a Brief of Confirmation of Baronetship to himself and his heir male from K. George 2nd with additional marks of honour 1758, and so his title is unquestionable (letter Sir Alex Grant 25th January 1759). Of this tribe, viz the Clan Donachie are descended the Grants of Dalvey, Delrachnie, Gartinbeg, Bellamore etc. See table.

V. The House of Ballindalloch, commonly called Craig-a-chrocan. The first of this house was Patrick son of Duncan, the 8th Laird of Grant, & twin brother to John the 9th Laird about the year 1470. I am sorry that I cannot trace down his descendants, or give that distinct and full account of them I would incline to give. I have found the following representations of this family viz

• In 1470, Patrick of Ballindalloch.
• In 1560, John that was killed by Carron.
• In 1630, Patrick, whose sons were John that killed Carron, Patrick, James and Mr. Williams a priest, and his daughters Margaret married to Gordon of [Dunaginly]; Helen married to John Grant of Corimonie; Isabel married to Patrick Grant of Dellay; Anne married to William Grant of Kyrdals; and Barbara.
• In 1644 John.
• In 1654, James Younger of Ballindalloch.
• In 1661 John, whose sons were, George of Kirdels, & Alexander Sheriff Clark of Murray.
• In 1684, John Roy of Ballindalloch.

Several considerable branches have sprung from this house such as Grant of Advie, whose eldest son purchased Dalvey, and it continued with his descendants untill it was lately sold by Robert of Dalvey to Sir James of Gartinbeg, and Robert purchased the lands of Dunlugas in Banff Countie. Of Advie descendant Dellay, Tomavoulin, Ruthven, Knochanriech, etc, Of Dunlugas, came Lochineil. Of Ballindalloch likewise came Kirdels, Delmore, Tommore. Likewise Tulloch in Abernethie parish (called MacJock) which became extinct in the male line, by the death of Ludovic of Tulloch in 1750, who left three daughters, but no male issue.

As this family was fruitful in branches, so, for several generations, it was rich in lands; possessing the Baronies of Ballindalloch, Kirdels, Morinch, Advie, Tulchan etc. The unhappy divisions and bloodshed that ensued upon the killing of Caron of Rothimun in 1630, and whereof I have given some account page 31 etc gave the first shock to the fortune of his family, and obliged them to sell the lands of Tulchan, and thereafter the lands of Advie, as already observed. Yet there still remained a handsome estate, untill it came into the person of John Roy, a man of no economy, but very profuse and imprudent in his living; From whom the family of Grant evicted the estate upon an adjudication.

[60] The debts adjudged for are said, by some, to have swollen to a great sum; but by others to have been no more than £20,000 Scots; and that if accounts had been duly reckoned and balanced, his estate would have remained to him. Be this as it may; in him, that ancient and once flourishing family became extinct; and his son, now in the military enjoys no part of the fortune of it. It was unhappy for that family, that from the very rise of it, they seldom kept upon good terms with their chiefs, which contributed not a little to their fall.

VI. The House of Glenmoriston, calles Sliochd Eoin Mhore. John More Grant, natural son of John the 9th Laird of Grant, founded this house about the year 1500. He purchased the lands of Coulcabock near to Inverness and was designed by them in the year 1545, as may be seen above in page 23. At what time, and upon what occasion he, or his descendants got the lands of Glenmoriston, I pretend not to ascertain. Yet I think it probable that upon the Laird of Grants purchasing the Baronie of Urquhart and Glenmoriston, John More sold Coulcabock, and purchased Glenmoriston. If this was the case, it was certainly a good politick to place this man, who was bold and daring, as a barrier betwixt Urquhart and the MacDonalds. The direct line of this family has continued to this day; and Patrick late of Glenmoriston having appeared against the government at Kylecrankie in 1689, at Cromdale in 1690, and at Sheriffmuir in 1715. His chief interposed in this last case, & preserved his fortune from being forfeited, and now his grandson enjoys it. Of this house are descended the Grants of Carron, of Linechuirn, and of Aviemore in Strathspey, and of Craskie and Duldreggan in Glenmoriston. Let me speak a little more particularly of...

The Grants of Carron, called Sliochd Eoin Ruaidh. John Roy Grant son of John More of Glenmoriston obtained the lands of Carron from the family of Huntly. He it was that in a debate about marches killed John of Balindaloch (page 31) He had four sons, viz Patrick of Carron, Robert in Nether Glen of Rothes, James an Tuim the famous outlaw and Thomas. Patrick's great grandson was Colonel John Grant of Carron, who was killed in the attack upon Fort Lazara near Cartagena in the West Indies in April 1741. This brave gentleman left no son; and of his two daughters Elizabeth the eldest was married to Captain Ludovic Grant of Achterblair, and Anne the youngest to William Grant of Lurg. But the estate falling to the male heir, Robert Grant of Ringorm, grandson to Robert in Nether Glen, claimed it. And upon his dieing before he had constituted his titles, his oldest son Charles claimed it. Yet Auchterblair had such a high claim of debt upon the estate, that Charles compounded with him, accepted of £500st & disponed his right in his favour in the year 1750, and now Auchterblair enjoys the estate & takes the title of Carron. See table.

[61] XII. The House of Easter Elchies. This family descended by Patrick, second son of Duncan Laird of Grant, who died 1581, in a direct line, from this Patrick (commonly called Patrick Beg) was Captain John Grant of Easter Elchies, who a little before his death made a valuable addition to his fortune by the purchase of the Barrony of Rothes; which purchase to the extent of £5000st, his son has cleared. This last gentleman, Patrick Grant Lord Elchies, having studied the law, was admitted Advocate in the year 1712, and in the year 1732, was made one of the Lords of Session. And as a farther reward of his merit, he was in the year 1736, made one of the Lords or Commissioners of Justiciary; in which station he continues. His eldest son John, having admitted Advocate in the year 1744 upon the abolishing of hereditary jurisdictions, and annexing them to the crown in the year 1748, was nominated by his Majesty Sheriff Depute of the counties of Murray and Nairn, with a salary of £150st per ann. in which office he now serves. Of the family of Elchies is descended Grant of Achnahyle. See table.

VIII. The House of Bellintome. The progenitor of this house was Archibald, the only child by the second marriage of John the 12th Laird of Grant, who died anno 1585. From this Archibald have descended some honourable families. He had three sons, viz Archibald, John and Alex. This Archibald’s son was Sir Francis Grant of Cullen and Bellintome, who was created a knight and baronet 7th Dec 1705. He admitted advocate in the year ___ and was made one of the Senators of the college of Justice 17__ in which office he continued ‘till in 1725. He purchased the Barony of Monymusk, and left three sons. His eldest son is Sir Archibald Grant now of Monymusk whose eldest son is a Captain in the British Service. Lord Cullen’s second son is Mr William Grant of Prestongrange Lord Advocate for Scotland. This gentleman having studied the law, admitted Advocate in the year 1722; upon the demise of Mr. John Dundass of Philpston procurator and clerk to the Church of Scotland, Mr. Grant succeeded him in these offices in the year 1734. In the year 1737, he was appointed his Majesty’s Solicitor for Scotland; and in 1746, he was appointed Lord Advocate for that Kingdom, in which office he now serves. He has purchased the estate of Prestongrange in East Lothian, and takes that title. Lord Cullin’s third son is Mr. Francis Grant, who for some years resided in Dantzig as tutor for Scots merchants; and having returned into his native country, he was in the year 1747 made one of the inspectors general of all the forfeited estates in Scotland.

The second son of the first Archibald of Bellintome was John Grant of Arntullie, whom I find so designed in the year 1623. He is lineally represented by Thomas Grant of Achoin... and Aintullie whose only son, Alexr having for some years resided in Jamaica, and carried on an intensive [ ] has acquired an opulent fortune. Of Aintully is descended Grant of [Conrak] and Grant of [Kyle]more etc.

The third son of Archibald of Bellintome was Alex Grant of Allachie whose daughter Helen Grant was married to Alexr Duff of Keithmore, grandfather Wm Duff now Lord Braco.

[62] The lands of Alachie remained a mortgage in the hands of the family of Braco, untill of late they were redeemed by Sir Ludovic Grant. Of Alachie is descended Grant of Boginduie. See table.

IX. The House of Rothimorchus. Patrick Grant of Muckerach, second son by his first Lady, of John the 12th Laird of Grant, who died Ao 1581 was progenitor of this house. Muckerach, ‘tis said is a part of these church lands acquired in manner following viz: Grant of Achernach and the Priest of Duthel, called an Sagart Dubh, being of variance; one John Garve, a notorious robber finding Achernak (to whom he bore a grudge) in Duthel, did, on that same night, barbarously murder the Priest, and spread the report, that Achernak was the murderer. The rumour was easily believed, because of the mentioned variance, and Patrick Hepburn Bishop of Murray apprehended Achernack and incarcerated him in the Castle of S[p]ynie, where he died. Soon thereafter John Garve was apprehended and not only confessed that he was the murderer of the priest, but likewise furnished such a presumptions as were equal to assess. Upon this the Laird of Grant prosecuted the Bishop for the death of his kinsman; and the Bishop, fearing the issue of the process, disponed to the Laird of Grant several church lands in Strathspey, upon which the prosecution was dropped and dismissed. Patrick of Muckerach built the tower thereof in the year 1598, as the date on the entry bears. And in exchange for these lands, he obtained from his brother John of Freuchie, the lands of Rothimorchus and Balnespick.

These lands had been, for many generations, the heritage and property of the Shaws of Rothimorchus; and the last Laird of Rothimorchus of that name, having murdered Dallas of Cantray (who was married to his mother) at a place near the Dune called to this day, Lag-an-Dallasich, for this crime, which was constructed parricide, he was outlawed and forfeited, and the Laird of Grant bought his escheat and forfeiture, & gave Rothimorchus and Balnespick to his brother Patrick, in exchange for the lands of Muckerach.

Rothimorchus was anciently church land, I find in the Chartulary of Muray the following charter, granted by King Alex 2nd.

Alexr Dei gratia Rex Scottorum omnibus probis hominibus salutem sciant presentes et futures me ddisse et hac presenti carta mea confirmasse deio et ecclesia moravienci et Andro Episcopo Moraviae et successoribus suis episcopis Moraviae terram de Ratemorhius per suas reclas divisas et cum justis pertinentys petyl in forrestis nostric viz unam davack [leno] et dimindium in forresta de Invercular apid Galrunden et Belothin et divifdium Davach in landis morgiond [63] et quartam parten inium davach in pluscarden et seme davach in Tarnaway et in eoden foresta dimidium davach ex allar et parte aqua de Trndrum en opposito ecolavis de lagyn etc.

AD 1266

Rothimorchus and Balnespick held feu of the family of Grant, till Brigadier Grant gave the fuhold to Patrick Grant late of Rothimorchus, and now these lands are a free barrony. Of this house is descended.

The present house of Ballindallock. I observed above, that the Barrony of Ballindallock, and other lands belonging to that ancient family came into the possession of the family of Grant. And Colonel William Grant, second son of James Grant of Rothimorchus, having about the year 1710 married Miss Anne, daughter of Ludovic Laird of Grant, her brother Brigadier Grant disponed the lands of Ballindallock, and thereafter the lands of Kilmachlie in their favour. To which the Colonel added the purchase of the lands of Struthers near the town of Forres in Murray, from Dunbar of Grange. Colonel Wm Grant had, for many years, the command of the independent Highland Company raised in Queen Anne’s reign for suppressing theft and depredation; and thereafter had one of the independent companies levied in the year 1724. He died anno 1733. His eldest son Capt Alex Grant, in the fight at [Nelle] near Ghent in Flanders in July 1745, received a wound in the groin, which so broke his constitution that he died on the 17th Jan 1751; leaving only one child viz William Grant now of Ballindallock, about ten years of age at the death of his father. See table.

[64] X. The house of Moyness. Mr James Grant of Ardnellie, third son to Duncan Ghuish Laird of Grant, was ancestor to his family. He purchased the lands of Loggie in Ardclach, and left two sons viz. John of Loggie and Robert of Luig. John Grant of Loggie purchased the lands of Moyness as follows. These lands had been a part of the Earldom of Muray, & were given to Sir Alex Dunbar of Westfield, son of James Dunbar Earl of Muray, about the year 1430. This continued the property of the Dunbars of Westfield, till Sir Alex Dunbar gave them to John Dunbar his son by a second marriage about the year 1570. This John Dunbar and the Roses of Bellival, his immediate neighbours, discorded about marches & possessions in so much, that they ran into mutual plunder, depradation, and bloodshed. And their animosities continued so long, that Dunbar was necessitated to sell his lands.

“By a contract of alienation of the lands of Moyness betwixt John Dunbar of Moyness and Jean Dunbar his spouse, Robert their eldest son and Marjory Dunbar his spouse, Thomas and John Dunbar sons of the said John, and Alex Dunbar eldest son of the said Robert, for their right and interest, on the one part; and John Grant of Loggie on the other part, dated 9th July, and 5th August 1634, these lands were disponed to John of Loggie. The said John Grant of Loggie, claimed a charter of these lands under the great seal, dated 17th March 1635, containing a novo damus, and the erecting Broadland and Auldera into a free Barrony, to have a weekly mercat on Saturday, and a free fair of Michaelmas day to last for eight days, and uniting all his lands in one Barrony with Moyness”

John of Loggie disponed these lands in favour of his son James and Jean McKenzie his wife, daughter of Simon brother to Seaforth, by his disposition dated 19th Feb 1663. And the said James disponed Moyness, Crachies, [Polfoir]. Murraylaws, Leylands, [Earlacol], [Clune], Milnton of Moyness, Boghol, Craighead, Redicoits, to Sir Hugh Campbell of Calder 30th January 1668. (pen Cald)

I am not certain (tho’ I incline to think so) that Robert Grant of Luig was son to Mr James of Ardnellie. Robert’s son, John, called the Bailie More, was Grant's Bailie in Strathspey, and acquired a good fortune. Another son of James of Ardnellie was William of Ardoch. A fourth son of Mr James of Ardnellie was Mr Alex Grant Professor of Philosophy in the University of St Andrews, who having no issue, mortified some burses for students in philosophy in that University, whereof Sir Ludovic Grant is now Rector. See table.

XI. The House of Kinchirdie Mungo Grant of Kinchirdie, 7th son of Sir John Grant. had a numerous issue. By the first wife, he had two sons (see the daughters in the table) viz John of Tomdow, & James of Gallovie. James was for many years factor & bailiff of Strathspey, and purchased the lands of Knockando. He left three surviving sons viz Mungo, Ludovic and Alex. Mungo was a young gentleman, of whom his friends conceived great hopes; but their expectations were blasted by his being seized with an incurable melancholy; and by this means, the estate came to his brother Ludovic, who died 17th January 1751, leaving one son viz James Grant now of Knockando, who in the month of May this year 1759 added to his fortune. The lands of Craigmiln in the parish of Dallas (yielding about £950 Scots of yearly rent) which he purchased [65] from Cumming of Craigmiln. Captain Alex Grant, the third son of Gellovie, after some years spent in the military, married the Countess Dowager of Aboyne. This lady having an opulent dowry from the families of Aboyne and Kinnaird, into which she had been married, Captain Grant managed so prudently, that he purchased an estate in Midmar which he called Grantfield. And having no issue by the Countess, he, after her death, married a daughter of Farquharson of Inverey. Mungo of Kinchirdie had by his second wife two sons viz Robert who succeeded him in Kinchirdie, and Patrick of [Tullochgriban].

XII. The House of Wester Elchies. Patrick, second son of James and brother of Ludovic Laird of Grant, founded his family. He bought the lands of Wester Elchies from John Grant of Elchies, and Rudderie about the year 1670. His only surviving son was James of Elchies, whose son is Ludovic Grant now of Wester Elchies. See table.