Trials of James, Duncan, and Robert M'Gregor, three sons of the celebrated Rob Roy

in
Highlands with reference to the Government,
not only during the long career of faction and
turbulence which preceded the Union of the
Kingdoms — but almost down to our own
times — no man at all versant in the history
of the country will venture to deny. — The
Highlanders had long before given convincing-
proofs of their steadiness and valour; but it
was not till after the Rebellion in 1745, when
their rude and undisciplined energy in a bad
cause, had well nigh shaken the most legiti-
mate and powerful Government in Europe,
that their merits and fortune attracted the
regard of the Legislature. Since that period,
indeed, they cannot complain that they have
been either neglected or despised. They in-
stantly became the objects of Legislative care
and protection — their grievances were re-
dressed, and their fidelity appreciated — enact-
ments were made to relax the more austere
and dangerous parts of their original institu-
tions — to liberate the mass of the population
from the fetters of an immemorial despotism —
and to assimilate the manners of the moun-
taineer to those of his fellow countrymen,
without breaking his spirit, or insulting his
prejudices His countrymen, as if zealous to
atone for their former neglect, have ever since
occupied themselves with eager and curious