Historical memoirs of Rob Roy and the Clan Macgregor

MEMOIR OF ROB KOY. 107
dreaded at Dumbarton, that the inhabitants alarmed on
account of their approach, removed their most valuable
effects ; as reports were circulated that Rob Roy's men
intended to descend in the night, murder the military,
and set fire to the town. The ferment which this occa-
sioned, was excessive. The friends of government deter-
mined to act on the offensive, and by speedy measures to
overawe the children of the misty Ben-Lomond. Several
armed boats from the men of war in the Clyde, made their
way into Loch- Lomond, considerable numbers of militia,
lairds and their tenants, assembled and united in a mass.
This multitude secured the boats belonging to the Mac-
gregors, who, being dislodged from the islands of the lake,
joined a camp of Highlanders from other quarters in
Strathfillan ; but not till after many struggles with the
king's troops, different detachments of which they de-
feated.
The progress of the earl of Mar with his army of dis-
affected Highlanders, greatly alarmed the government,
and immediate orders were transmitted to Edinburgh, to
secure such suspected persons as were thought inimical to
the king, and among others, Rob Roy Macgregor was
specially named. He, however, conducted himself with
some caution on this occasion ; and waited to observe the
complexion of matters before he should proceed farther,
as his friend Argyll had espoused the part of king George,
a circumstance which greatly distressed him. In a state
of considerable indecision, he proceeded to the Lowlands,
and hovered about both armies prior to the battle of Sheriff-
muir, without making any declaration or offer to join
either ; and during that event he remained entirely inac-
tive. This unexpected conduct arose from two motives,
equally powerful, — a wish not to offend his patron, the