Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

174 III. — FAMILY AND DOMESTIC LETTERS. [1745.
they can never enjoy peaceable j>ossession of their lands or cattle if they do not cultivat
friendship with the neighbours. This cou'd by no means be clone at present but by humour-
ing the spirit of loyalty they now are in, which I endeavour'd to do by all means I cou'd
think of. This I was more necessitat to do than others in the heigth of this country, having
no pretensions to the immediat friendship of the neighbouring clans ; but I 'm sure that I
have acted some enormities which might hurt me, had I not the clemency of a good chief to
screen me, who have done nothing but what self preservation oblig'd me to ; being still
mindfull of the promise I made when at Castle Grant, that I'd act nothing on any side of this
critical affair contrair to your will, and this in the main I have and will precisely observe.
I cannot go further on in this method without raising in arms to join the Prince, as all
around are to march to him immediatly ; this is the reason of giving the present trouble.
I came last night from my Lord Lovat's, with whome I was pretty big, cou'd I credit him. I
advertise you that, for certain, his whole clan and the Master of Lovat are next week to
march to join the Prince. My Lord propos'd, as I meant that way, to join him and come
under his colours. I told his Lordship that my own chief had very good colours, and tho' I
was so rash as go without him, that I wou'd not but observe the differ twixt loyalty and
family quarrels, and that I never wou'd bring such a tash on my chief or the clan as join a
person who was thought to be in direct opposition to his intrest. My Lord got in a passion
and order'd I shoa'd be silent in his house, and till the hour of his death he cou'dn't forgive
me, and that he wou'd cause my chief revenge it. This part I have acted, and can answer
but for myself. I also advertise you that the Master of Lovat comes twixt and this day
se'enight to force your tenants with 300 men to join him, in order to be under his banner ;
to prevent which design I run this express, and do think you shou'd send immediatly a
judicious gentleman or two to spirit the people to go over to Castle Grant, where they shou'd
continue in a body with the rest of the name, till any who wou'd dare to insult them wou'd
go off. And if any insult is offer'd the country of Strathspey it will be now, so I think the
whole clan ought to be in a body ; by this method you can discover who are those who wish
well to the honour and standing of your family, and who do not. I ask forgivenes for
troubling you with so long a letter, or venturing to give you any advice ; but I never cou'd
be privy to such imposition without discovery. I beg that no person see this letter, as it
might hurt me without serving you. I beg leave to offer my best wishes to you and Lady
Margaret, my Lord and my Lady Findlater, and Lord Deskfoord, to whome I hope you '11
reconcile me for what transgressions I committed 'gainst you, and believe me sincerely ever
to be, honourable Sir,
Your obedient humble servant,
Alex r Grantt.
P.S. — I never as yet have discover'd my inclination, and no person knows of this letter
or thinks any discovery is made.