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

100 History of the Clan MacLean.
to the sanguinary Angus, who fell from his horse on the very eve of their in-
tended execution.
In the meantime, Raonuill MacColla,* an individual of rank and a near
liinsman of Angus, and another prominent MacDonald, had been taken pris-
oner by the MacLeans, and were now confined in Duard Castle. On learning
this, Angus was disposed to come to some terms ; so he at once agreed that
the chief of MacLean should return, and the release of John Dubh MacLean
should immediately follow the restoration of the two MacDonalds confined in
Duard Castle; and for the fulfillment of certain conditions, to which Lachlan
was forced to subscribe, he must have placed in his hands the following
hostages : Hector MacLean, Duard's eldest son ; Alexander, brother of William
MacLeod of Dunvegan ; Lachlan and Neill, sons of Lachlan MacKinnon of
Strathordell ; John and Murdo, sons of Ruari MacNeill of Barra ; Allan, son
of Ewin MacLean of Ardgour ; and Donald, son of Hector MacLean, consta-
ble of Cairnburg. This decision was also hastened from the action of the
king, who, hearing of these atrocities, employed the chiefs of the Campbells,
who governed the earldom of Argyle during the minority of the seventh earl,
to mediate between the contending clans. Angus also demanded, through the
king's agents, free pardon for his crimes.
A few days after MacLean had been released, Maclan of Ardnamurchan
came to MacDonald and informed him that, as soon as Lachlan had arrived in
Mull, he caused the two imprisoned MacDonalds to be executed; upon which,
and within an hour, and without deliberation, Angus caused John Dubh to be
beheaded. Lachlan Mor, in the meantime, made all haste to liberate his
captives, who reached their homes the day the murder of John Dubh of Mor-
vern was committed.
A son of John Dubh (Allan of Ardtornish), a stripling of the age of six-
teen years, upon learning that MacDonald of Ardnamurchan was instrumental
in the death of his father, immediately mustered his followers, and entering
that chieftain's possessions, seized upon such portions of his estate as lay
nearest his own ; and with such severity did the young warrior pursue his
avenging course, that Maclan was at last glad to purchase peace with him at
the expense of a considerable part of his estates ; and believing it best to
make the reconciliation lasting, gave 3'oung Allan his daughter Una in
marriage.
■•"This establishes the fact that MacLean had not originally demanded hostages, and the
version of Spotliswoode is correct, though I have followed versions less favorable to Sir Lachlan
Mdr.