Matheson Collection > Macleods of Dunvegan from the time of Leod to the end of the seventeenth century

i66 THE MACLEODS OF DUNVEGAN
MacDonald charter chest. Ian Breac probably brought
it over to show his brother chief, and take counsel with
him as to what action they should take, and possibly
left it behind him accidentally.
James R.
Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. Our former
letters to you shew the entire confidence wee had in you, and
wee are glad to find by the Resolutions, S. Donald McDonald
assures us, you had taken of ioyneing Our fforce when wee
ourselves, or Our intirely beloved naturell son the Duke of
Berwick come there, that wee were not mistaken in the judgment
wee made of you . But considering that Our affaires are already
so far advanced that Our Enemies are in no condition to under-
take anything considerable against us, or hurt any of our
friends, especially such as are at that distance that you are
from them, we do expect that, having as great security as
any other, you should join the rest of the Clans with all the
men you can raise, whenever the officer commanding-in-chief
our forces shall there require it. This is not a time for any
man to make conditions for himself, or consult barely his
own private interest, and for our part, as we never did press
any of our subjects to expose themselves in vain, so we shall
reckon on no man's loyalty that will run no hazard for the
Common Good, when so fair a prospect. of success presents
itself, with so little danger. We are sure you wish your
country and posterity too well not to contribute all you can
to its liberty, and if you all unanimously join, we cannot see
how you can fail of being the glorious instrument of it, which
we wish you may be, and so wish you heartily farewell. Given
at our Court, at Dublin Castle, the 29th day of May, 1690. and
in the sixth year of our Reign. To our trustie and beloved
MacLeod.
On July I, James was defeated at the Battle of the
Boyne, and very soon the surrender of the Bass Rock
finally destroyed the hopes of his friends in Scotland.
As far as I know the only sign of sympathy with James