Blair Collection > Celtic monthly > Volume 5, 1897

44
THE OELTIO MONTHLY
" Dr. Avint,
As 1 have been in a surt of a Iwrry
ever since 1 parted with you, and there was no
occasion ofl'erd for my writing you, nor had I any-
thing to say that was of such conseqence as was
worth while sending a purpose, I hope you'l therefor
execuse my neglecting it till now, I am just now
busy paying my visits in this country, for as I have
fixed the month of October for my going south, i
have but little time to lose. My father and 1 was
lately at Kilraick, where we found Lad\' Geddes
bedfast, and was so most part of the time we stayd.
I made your compliments and apology to her ; we
hear that she is now nmch better. I should be
glad your visiting at Castle Downie and Moyhall
happened at a time with mine, as I intend being at
both place soon, for I must make the best use of
my time I can. But if it was never so short I shall
endeavour to see you and ask your commands, as it
was not only my promise, but is mj' inclination.
When you see Fairfield next, if he talks to you of
the subject you spoke to me about when last at
Budgate, which I then told you my plain and
positive sentiments of (as I did himself before) that
you might put a stop as soon as possible, to a
thing it was to no purpose to follow, and which I
thought was enough to hinder his pursuing or
entertaining any thoughts of that kind, nor can I
say anything plainer or stronger ; without being
rude or uncivil ; which is what I shoud be sorry
be forced to, as 'tis what I do not incline being to
any gentleman ; and if he do, let him blame himself
for I have done all I can to prevent it ; and you
may assure him from me that be needs never
expect a better answer from me than what he has
already got, nor will I ever talk of any particular
objections, for that would be entering on a subject
that I would scarce know where to begin or end ;
so that the sooner he gives over any thoughts of
that kind, he will certainly find it the better for
himself— make my compliments acceptable to
Duncan and believe me to be,
Dr. Aunt,
Your all'c. niece, and humbl sert ,
^, Eliz. Cami'i:kll.
Chines, Sept. 22ad, 174:!,"
"This I hope you'l have occasion to call bein.'
over cautious (after what I before told you) in
stopping what is already ended, but there can be
no harm in what I write to you, so you may make
what use of it you please. "
The Mac(Jillivray.s fell in .sc'ore.s at Culloden
including of officers, at least, one Colonel, our
Major, two Captains, and one Lieutenant.
The niismauagemeut oi; the Prince's side was
dreadful. Although the Camerons were jmt on
the right, the Macdonalds instead of sulkino- and
allowing themselves to be shot down, ouf-tit to
have behaved like Malcolm, 10th MackCitosh
at Ilarlaw. He was much displeased at beiui^
displaced from the right, but iu acceptin"- the
position ot left, de<>lared he would make the left
the real right in course of the action, and did so
fighting with his followers like heroes
" Wherever Mackintosh sits, th„f is the'liead of
tlie table.
Then again the pooi' Mackintoshes were in
the centre at Culloden, and kept back, notwith-
stamliiig a galling fire, until in desperation they
broke forwaitl in fierce charge, too late to be of
material service ; the commanders well knowing
that with Ilighlauders, victory only followed an
eaily and impetuous attack on their part.
IX. — William MacUillivray, a minor, succeeded
his brother, Alexander, and to a very embarrassed
estate. William Mackintosh, younger of Holm,
took charge, and even a new suit of clothes for
the boy required grave consideration. He
afterwards, through the interest of Lady
Mackintosh, got a Captaincy in the Gordon
regiment commanded by Colonel Staats Long-
Morris, and though a vassal, was most meanly
prevented by the Earl of Moray in 1757 from
raising, if he could, recruits out of the Lordships
of Petty and Strathearn. He saw a good deal
of service at home and abroad, and was a most
kind-hearted man iu his family. He got Cask
and Lairgs converted into feu holdings, acquired
Paillie from Captain Macbean, and the half of
Inverarnie, originally part of the Kilravock
estate, but occupied for generations by the
Macphails. His three brothers, John, Farquhar,
and Donald had to make their way in the world,
and the two younger died without issue. John,
who died at sea in the end of 11S7, amassed a
considerable fortune, which ultimately fell to
John the 10th, and set up the family in a strong
position. Neither of the three sisters, Anne,
Elizabeth, or Catherine married, the eldest,
Anne, managing the involved affairs of her
brother and nephew up to her death in June,
17911, with great shrewdness and determination.
( i'o if cuni limed.)