Earls of Cromartie > [NSLBLANK]

THE EARLS OF CROMARTIE.
INTRODUCTION.
THE ORIGIN AND DESCENT OF THE FAMILY OF MACKENZIE OF KINTAIL, THE
ANCESTORS OF THE EARLS OF SEAFORTH, AND OF THE EARLS OF CROMARTIE.
rj7HE Mackenzies of Tarbat, who were ennobled as Earls of Cromartie, are
-*- a branch of the Mackenzies, Earls of Seaforth, an ancient, powerful
and distinguished clan, long in possession of the barony of Elian Donan,
including Kintail and other properties in the county of Eoss, commonly
called the Seaforth estates.
The history of the clan of the Mackenzies is a subject of interest not
merely to the members of the clan themselves, but to all who are connected
with the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. For centuries the Mackenzies
played there a very prominent part ; and in the feuds and conflicts of the
clans fought many a bloody battle with the Macdonalds, Monros, Macleods,
Mathesons, Macleans, and MacNeills, to maintain their position in the ancient
Earldom of Eoss. The clan has produced many brave men, distinguished
statesmen, accomplished scholars, and learned authors and historians.
Their own origin and early history, however, are involved in great ob-
scurity, and have formed the subject of much discussion. Previous to the
h