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

Vassals of the Lords of the Isles — 1365 to 1493. 49
ing, the Lord of the Isles assembled a large force, captured the castle of
Inverness, and commenced to assert authority over Inverness, Nairn, Ross,
and Caithness. IIow this extraordinary rebellion was suppressed is uncertain.
He was summoned before parliament for treason ; and that on failing to appear,
the process of forfeiture against him was suspended for a time, and he was
allowed to retain undisturbed possession of his estates for about fifteen years.
The treaty of 1462 did not come to light until 1475, when the Scottish gov-
ernment determined to proceed against John as an avowed traitor and rebel.
Commission was given to Colin Campbell, first Earl of Argyle, to prosecute a
decree of forfeiture against him ; and on the appointed day, failing to appear,
sentence was passed upon him. So great were the preparations now made
against him, that MacDonald sued for pardon, and with much liumility surren-
dered to tlie king's mercy. He was pardoned and restored to his forfeited
estates on July 1, 1476. Soon after, the earldom of Ross and the lands of
Kintyre and Knapdale became inalienably annexed to the crown. This
caused great dissatisfaction on the part of Angus, the bastard son of Mac-
Donald, a man who was early accustomed to rebellion. The division of the
lands also divided the vassals of the Lordship of the Isles, the MacLeans,
MacLeods, and MacNeils adhering to John, while the various branches of the
Clan MacDonald made common cause with the turbulent heir of the lordship.
Lachlan Og was called upon to pilot the clan during these troublous times,
being beset bath within and •without. The scanacliaids have recorded but very
little of his life ; but they declare him " to have been a good and pious man."
Enough is recorded to show that he was possessed of rare judgment, and
maintained a peaceful demeanor. He lived and died one of the most peaceful
of his race.
He was married to Catherine, daughter of Colin Campbell, first Earl of
Argyle. His father-in-law and his accomplices were successful in involving
the Lord of the Isles in difliculties, and although he did not scruple to misrep-
resent his son-in-law and brand him as a recreant chief, yet Lachlan's judg-
ment and skill warded off every blow Argyle attempted to inflict.
Unfortunately, the records do not show when he became chief and when
he died. He was living in 1478, for in that year, at Edinburgh, on December
22d, he was witness to a charter confirmed by the king to David, Earl of
Crawford.* He probably died soon after. By his wife, Catherine Campbell,
he had Hector, his heir and successor ; Fionnaghal, who was married to
■ Bey. Mag. Sir/., Lib. IX., No. 15.