New Spalding Club > Records of Invercauld MDXLVII - MDCCCXXVIII [1547- 1828]

WOODS AND GRAZINGS.
CORRIEVOUIE.
Marches, rights of grazing, and forest rights, as already noticed,
were a fruitful source of disagreement between neighbouring proprietors,
and sometimes between vassals and the Superiors. Previous to the
beginning of the 17th century, the Earl of Mar had been in the way of
granting properties of small extent for sei^vices rendered and to be
rendered, often also for money lent, or for an annual payment by way of
feu duty. These properties or lands were held on verbal missives, and
there was little wonder that afterwards when written charters were
granted much misunderstanding should have arisen about previous
privileges granted " by word of mouth."
The following letter refers to a dispute of this nature. It would
appear that Charles Gordon of Abergeldie had been chosen arbiter
between the parties, and his finding had by no means given satisfaction
to the Earl of Mar. The letter is characteristic of the imperious if not
bullying temper of the incapable leader of the '15.
Letter from the Earl oe Mar to Charles Gordon of
Abergeldie : —
" Charles,
Since I came here I got yours which indeed surprises me as
much as the deforcement did, for you not only vindicat the action but
says that Invercald has right to the Corivows which he does not himself
pretend as you may remember he acknowledged to me when he made me
that discreat visit at Alloa two years ago.
" As for the grazing his own cattle there I do not controvert, but at
that time he told me he had no right for any other but a mere tolerance
his mother had by word of mouth from my father. The Corivows were
alwise in use to be driven ; and he cannot pretend that I did not discharge
any lowland cattle to be grazed in Braemar this year ; for my order there-
anent was intimat at the Church doors and to every one of the grassers,
tho' Invercald did what he could to hinder it. To make a long tale short,
Charles, this affair is past redding espeatially considering their justifieng
the thing, and either they or I shall be master, for I'm wearie liveing
betwixt hawk and bussard. You may choise as a nighbour wch to join