Lairds of Glenlyon

VIII.
ROBERT had disposed of the extensive feus he held
in Lorn to the Earl of Breadalbane about 1663.
The noble property of Glenlyon fell into the hands of
Lord Murray in 1684. The only part of the once large
estate remaining in possession of the family at his death
were the jointure lands of his wife, and the small property
of Kilmorich, which had been so settled that he could
not touch it. His extravagance had created many debts,
which were pressing with severity upon his family. But
notwithstanding the hopelessness of the attempt, the first
thought of his son was, how he could recover his father's
inheritance. Iain Buidhe (yellow-haired John) was twenty
years of age when his father died in Flanders. The follow-
ing letter, written immediately on receipt of the news of
his father's death, explains his position and views : —
29th October, 1696.
May it please your Lordship — Being in Caithness when I heard of
my father Glenlyon's death, I made all the heast I could to returne
to wait upon your Lordship, to represent the case of the Earle of
Tullibardine's claim upon my father's Estate. But comeing home, I
understood that your Lordship was gone to London, qich oblidges me
to give you this trouble, humblie begging your Lordship's protectione
in that matter, to prevent the mine of my father's familie, which the
best Lawiers in the Kingdome, and particulate my Lord Advocate,
are of opinione may be yet done, if my friends owne me. In regarde
that any right of the Earle of Tulliebardine has is but of the nature of
a. wadsett, redeimable on payment of the soume therein contained,
which is farr within the treu value of the Estate. And seeing my