Blair Collection > Celtic magazine > Volume 5

HISTOEY OF THE MACDO^ALDS. 371
to take their advice in regard to any of his reckless and insane proceed-
ings, and at length, taking the matter boldly into their own hands, they
determined to apprehend him and deliver him up to the Eegent. He,
however, discovered their meditated designs, and managed to effect his
escape ; but both his brothers were made prisoners by Lachlan Cattanach
Maclean and Macleod of Lewis, the two leaders who had hitherto been
most conspicuous in supporting Sir Donald in his defiance of the Govern-
ment. Tliey had now, however, turned against him, became his most in-
veterate enemies, proceeded to make submission to the Eegent, and to
palliate their rebellious conduct in support of the Island Chief.
In 1517 the Earl of Argyll, the Macleans of Duart and Lochbuy, and
Macleod of Harris, presented petitions to the Privy Council, making
certain offers and suggestions regarding the affairs of the Isles and Sir
Don^ld Gallda ; and, although the petitions are separate and distinct,
they are uniform in advocating the suppression of Sir Donald and his
rebellion. Argyll demanded, first, that he " should be invested with very
high powers over the the men of the Isles ' for the honour of the realm
and the common weal in time coming.' He desired a commission of
lieutenandy over all the Isles and the adjacent mainland on the ground of
the vast expense he had previously incurred, of his ability to do good
service in the future, and of his liaving broken up the confederacy of the
Islanders," which commission Avas granted to him for a period of three
years, with the exceptions that those parts of Lochaber belonging to the
Earl of Huntly, the Clanchattan, and Ewin AUanson, and the Islands of
Arran and Bute, were excluded from it. Second, " He claimed and ob-
tained authority to receive into tlie King's favour all the men of the Isles
who should make their submission to him, and become bound for future
good behaviour — to promise them remission for former oflences, and to
engage for the restitution, not only of their heritage, but of such Crown
lands as they previously held in lease, upon proper security being given
for payment of the accustomed rents and duties, by the delivery oi
hostages and otherwise ; the last condition being imperative, ' because the
men of the Isles are fickle of mind, and set but little value on their oaths
and written obligations. ' Sir Donald of the Isles, his brothers, and the Clan
Donald were, however, specially excepted from the benefit of this second
article. The Earl likewise demanded and received express power to
pursue and follow the rebels with fire and sword, to expel them from the
Isles, and to use his best endeavours to possess himself of Sir Donald's
castle cf Strone, in Lochcarron. Particular instructions were given to
him to demand hostages from the Clan Ian Vor, or Clandonald of Isla,
and their followers, who were now the principal supporters of Sir Donald ;
and, in the event of their refusal, to pursue them Avith the utmost severity ;
while, on the other hand, if they should submit, their leaders, the sur-
viving sons of the late Sir John Cathanach of Isla, were to receive Crown
lands in the Isles, to the annual value of one hundred merks, to enable
them to live without plundering the King's lieges, and to keep rule in
time to come — they being now without lieritage, owing to their father's
forfeiture."
Lachlan Maclean of Duart in his petition makes the following de«
mands : — First, " A free remission of all offences to himself and his
assoeiates; and particularly to his 'kin, men, servants, and partakers,