Scotland/Scots > Reminiscences of a Highland parish

THE OLD STONE COFFIN.
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self by the powerful and unexpected aid of the
Spaniards, he failed to implement his bargain
with them, and shortly afterwards, whether through
treachery or not is uncertain, the “ Florida ” was
blown up. The body of a female was washed
on shore and buried in a stone coffin in the conse¬
crated ground of “ the parish.” She has ever
since been dignified by the name of “ the Spanish
Princess.”
Again, Oliver Cromwell sent a ship to the High¬
lands, commanded by a Captain Forrest, to coerce
some of the rebellious Highland Popish chiefs.
This vessel was wrecked upon a rock opposite
Duart, and only a few years ago the spot was ex¬
amined, in which, according to tradition, Forrest’s
body was buried, when human remains were dis¬
covered. Some of the guns of the vessel have also,
I believe, been seen.
So much for true history:* now for the High-
* In the year 1740, Spaldin, the diver, was sent by the British
Government to regain some of the treasure which was supposed to
have been sunk in the “ Florida.” He succeeded only in obtaining
ten of the guns, which are now at Inverary Castle. I myself
have a portion of one of the black oak planks which was raised at
the time.
Mr Gregory, in his learned and accurate History of the Highlands,