Lairds of Glenlyon

VII.
THE first glance we have of Robert Campbell, as the
soldier of King William, is obtained from the
following letter, addressed " ffor the Laird of Glenlyon, one
of the Captains of the Earle of Argyle's Regiment, present
Commandant at Drunnolich, for their Maties. Servce."
Loving Coussine. — I receaved yours, and as to what my unkle says
anent his Boats, you may wreitt too him and tell him, that I would
follow his Inclinations in it ; but I have a certain use for the Boats
before wee open the campaigne, which I shall satisfie him of at
metting. I shall need no Boats, but such as can goe the length of Inder-
lochie. He knows I am lazie to wreitt, so will excuse my not wreitting
too him. I desyre to have my battalion your lenth on Tuesday ; you
would contryve how my Regiment may be Quartered as near Drun-
nolich as possible, in Barns or otherwyse. — I am, you Loving
Coussine,
* * * * Campbell.
Inverary, September 28th, 1690.
The name is unfortunately effaced, and I have no means
of ascertaining who was the writer. Campbell spent the
next two years with his regiment in Argyleshire, without
being engaged in any particular service. His wife and
family at home were struggling against the severest
poverty. After their lands had been harried by the
M'Donalds, it was impossible for them, for want of means,
to re-stock them immediately. The meal obtained from
Sir Patrick Murray to keep the wolf — hunger — from the
door, when the term came, could not be paid. Letters of