Historical account of the family of Frisel or Fraser, particularly Fraser of Lovat

VI PREFACE.
The object of genealogical investigations, is commonly of a na-
ture too confined to obtain for them general regard ; nor am I vain
enough to suppose, that, with the mass of readers, the present
will form an exception. If it contain errors, (inseparable, per-
haps, from such a work,) I would fain trust they may be found
to be neither numerous nor important.
An apology is due for the assumption of a title which may go
the length of implying pretensions to a regular history. With
better abilities, and more extended means of information, I might
have yielded to the flattering hope of making such an attempt.
As it is, I beg to be understood as preferring no other claim for
this, as an historical work, than its being simply the depository of
the connected details of my subject ; occupying a space too ex-
tended for mere annals, and yet too confined in every sense for a
history.
As I have flvailcJ iiij-aclf of ocvfcral manuacripta and works
relating expressly to the subject of which I treat, a brief account
of these may be necessary^
I have frequently quoted an authenticated transcript of a MS.
regarding the Bissets and Erasers of Lovat, written by Mr
James Fraser, minister of Wardlaw, under the title of the
" Wardlaw MS." The labours of the Reverend Author comprise
a period extending from the reign of Alexander I. to the earlier
part of the 18th century. Another MS. which I have been per-
mitted to consult, is to be found in the Advocates' Library, en-
titled, " History of the most Ancient, most Noble, and Illustrious
Family of Fraser, particularly Freser of Lovat, and intended for