Historical and genealogical account of the Clan Maclean

VI11 PREFATORY ADDRESS.
particularly on a subject which from my earliest
years I had so much at heart. Yes, ever since
reason dawned upon me it has been my most
ardent wish to see a printed record of the noble
deeds of your ancestors, and have only waited
from year to year in the hope to see some more
competent hand engaged in the duty ; but
having now delayed so long, and fearing that
the present generation might pass away, and that
my own race might run without seeing my wishes
gratified, I could not avoid yielding to the
suggestion of one by whom I had been most
kindly as well as most liberally encouraged, and
I at length resolved on committing myself to the
undertaking ; an incompetent but a very en-
thusiastic instrument. If, however, I cannot
boast of talent, I can boast of a sincere devotion
to the subject, for never yet did a writer take
pen in hand with a more ardent desire to render
his labours acceptable ; and my hopes are san-
guine that I shall herein succeed, because the
sources whence I have obtained the subject-
matter of the following pages may be depended
upon as authentic. This, to the Clan at least,
must render this little volume acceptable ; and if
they find that I am not greatly versed in the set
phrases of the accomplished historian I shall at