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

174 THE MACLEODS OF DUNVEGAN
they did so. They were only won over by the entreaties
of the Prince, and the extraordinary magnetic charm
which he exercised over all with whom he came in con-
tact. Sir Alexander and MacLeod were not exposed to
this influence. The Prince did not go to Dunvegan to
ask them to join him. Had he done so he might have
won them over. He sent young Clan Ranald, who found
both Chiefs at Dunvegan. It cannot be wondered at
that they took the same view which Lochiel and Clan
Ranald had done, and, not being influenced by the per-
sonal charm of the Prince, decided to have nothing to
do with the enterprise.
But, it may be asked, was it necessary to take arms
against the Prince ? If they could not join him, might
they not have remained neutral ? They probably
thought that, in the circumstances, it was essential to
their own safety to take one side or the other. In such
a crisis as this both sides would certainly consider that
' he who is not with us is against us,' and that inactivity
was as criminal as action against them would have been.
Thus, if they took a side, that side might win, and there
was a chance of safety. If they remained neutral there
was none. Whether George or James were the future
King, their own ruin was certain. So they decided to
support the Government, and both MacLeod and
MacDonald served in the inglorious campaign which
was carried on under Lord Loudon during the winter
of 1745-6.
They found it very difficult to raise men for the service
of King George. Sir Alexander says in a letter dated in
the autumn of 1745, ' The men are as devoted to the
young gentleman as their wives and daughters are,' and
some of both clans went off, in spite of all their Chiefs
could do, to join the Prince's army.
Among the most devoted adherents of the Prince was
Donald MacLeod of Galtrigil. I am not sure whether