Historical memoirs of Rob Roy and the Clan Macgregor

MEMOIR OF ROC ROY. 61
On the other hand, the earl of Argyll, whose family-
had been the scourge of the clan Gregor, not only relaxed
from all severities against that people, but was now willing
to form an alliance with Rob Roy, whose character for
resolute bravery had now become notorious, hoping, from
his local situation, that he would be a source of constant
annoyance to Montrose.
Other motives, certainly more commendable, though
not so probable, have been assigned as the cause of Argyll's
attention to Rob Roy. Argyll, it is said, felt conscious
of the cruelties and injustice his ancestors had exercised
over the clan, and was inclined to befriend Rob Roy,
their descendant, who seemed determined to support the
former consequence of his progenitors. To this he was
also incited from the belief, that out of respect for him,
Rob Roy had assumed the name of Campbell, that of
Macgregor being under proscription ; but Rob Roy,
though he did this in compliment to his mother, and in
compliance with the law, was yet acknowledged in the
country, and by his clan, under no other name than that
cf Macgregor. His signature, however, afterwards ap-
pears to a writ dated in 1703, as " Robert Campbell of
Inversnait."
Though Rob Roy, in common with his clan, was conv
pelled to resign his family name, the wrongs which his
ancestors had sustained still rankled in his bosom, and he
spurned at the overtures of Argyll : but an incident after-
wards took place, that effected an important change in
his sentiments and conduct towards Montrose, and laid
the foundation of a lasting friendship betwixt him and
Argyll, which materially influenced his future destiny.
In his transactions with the marquis of Montrose, Rob
Roy was the active manager. He had carried them on
F