Note 533 — A SHORT NARRATIVE OF MR. GRANT’S CONDUCT DURING THE REBELLION

App. 17. John Grant in Urquhart to Mr. Grant, dated 21st Oct.—The MacDonalds and Glenmoristones came into this Country Saturdays night late, and Sundays morning. And this day we expected the Master of Lovat with 200 men to join the MacDonalds, who were in number six score, in order to spreath [ravage] the Country, if the whole people did not join them. The countrymen were all acquainted to meet this day at Milntown, but few of them attended. And as the Master did not come this day, as he appointed, sent word that he would be here tomorrow morning, so that I am made to understand, that they design to raise all their Cattle, and by that method are of opinion, that the men will come present, and condescend to march directly to the army before their Effects are carried off, but I made the Bearer, who is the only one I could trust in, advise the People to keep at a distance and allow them to carry off their cattle, as I assured them that you would repay them in what damage they might suffer that way. I cannot acquaint you at this Time of the Gentlemens Disposition, but tomorrow I shall send an Express, and give you a full account of our Fate. Belintombs house was attacked; but I procured a party from the Colonel to guard it this night. Is all on haste but that I remain as becometh, Honble Sir your most ob. humble servant.

I am informed they design to march by Inverlaidnan. Barrisdale came this day from the north to this country; but did not bring any men alongst with him.

App. 18. John Grant in Urquhart to Mr. Grant, dated 22nd Oct.—The most of the Countrymen met this day at Bellymore where Barrisdale came with a Commission from his Colonel to them, assuring if they did not join him, that he was fully resolved to spreath the whole Country. They all unanimously replyed that in any Event, they would not disobey their masters orders and his positive commands to them to sit peaceable at home, and swore that while there was a drop of Blood in their Bodys, they would not allow the Macdonalds to carry off their Cattle. In a short Time thereafter the Master of Lovat accompanied with all the Stratherrick Gentlemen came to Milntown, and after a long Conference with Mr. MacDonald of Barrisdale, he agreed that the MacDonalds in the Country might be compelled to join the Colonel, as he was not in readiness to march his men this week, but in the Event that this did not satisfy Mr. MacDonald, he was to come in person with 200 men tomorrow, to prevent their carrying off the Cattle, and secure the rest of the men for his own use, as he believed he had a better Title to them than any MacDonald in life. As they could not agree upon the above terms, Barrisdale went with the Master to Castle Downie to know my Lord’s sentiments, and act accordingly. As this happens to be the case we are as yet uncertain of our Fate, but shall to the outmost of our Power, resist the MacDonalds if not assisted by the Frasers Is all but that I remain as becometh, Honourable Sir, Your most obed^t humble serv^t.