History of the Clan MacLean from its first settlement at Duard Castle, in the Isle of Mull, to the present period

PREFACE,
This record is largely confined to the events that occurred during the
growth and decadence of the clan. There are many questions just as im-
portant and interesting as historical events that are intihiately connected
with the family, and which should be particularly set forth. The origin of
the race, its migrations, manners, customs, and many other characteristics
must be of intrinsic value. Whoever studies or desires to become acquainted
with his ancestry never tires of prying into all the various related subjects.
The very nature of them demands a separate treatise, and as they are neces-
sarily extensive, a volume must be required for their consideration. In order
to. set forth fully these related subjects, I have collected the material, and at
an early day I hope to be able to give it to the reading public ; however treat-
ing it in a more general than special manner.
In the preparation of this work, for a basis I have relied on the "Account
of the Clan MacLean," published in 1838, and the Pennycross and Ardgour
MSS, frequently using the exact language used by their compilers. Donald
Gregory's " History of the Western Highlands " has been of great assistance,
and deserves to be specially mentioned ; for it would be difficult to write con-
cerning the West Highland clans without recourse to this invaluable publica-
tion. I have not depended upon such material as may be found in printed
volumes, but present many important facts heretofore inaccessible to the
public. For a large part of the hitherto unpublished matter, I am greatly in-
debted to Sir Fitzroy Donald MacLean, Bart., the present hereditary chief,
who very obligingly placed at my disposal copies of such parts of the official
state papers of Scotland as bore directly upon the subject. Archibald John
MacLean of Pennycross, not only gave me a complete copy of the Pennycross
MS, but rendered other assistance of much value. For a copy of the Ard-
gour MS, I am indebted to Alexander Thomas MacLean, present laird of
Ardgour. In the mansion house at Lochbuie I spent four pleasant and profit-
able weeks, during which time Captain Murdoch Gillian MacLean of Lochbuie
kindly gave me full access to all the papers in his Charter Room, from which
I made liberal extracts. To him I am indebted for many courtesies. I found
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