An Account of the Surname of Maclean, or Macghillean From the Manuscript of 1751 and A Sketch of the Life and Writings of Lachlan MacLean With other information pertaining to the Clan Maclean Edited by J. P. MacLean The Aldine Publishing House Xenia, Ohio 1914 INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS The first published account of the Clan Mac Lean, of any moment, was that printed in London in 1838, under the title : "Account o)f the Clan MacLean," a book of 358 pages. It is an anonymous work, under the name "Seneachie." The late Alexander Thomas Maclean, Fifteenth Maclean of Ardgour. informed me when I visited him in 1888, that the writer, or compiler was Rev. John Campbell Sinclair, and the expense was borne by Charles Hope Maclean. He went even still further and made uncomplimentary comments on the author. The statement of Ardgour fixes the internal origin of the book, for no one would be more likely to know. After the publication of my history of the Clan, I placed a copy in his hands, and I never heard of his demurring to thei statement, as to the authorship, I made in that work. All histories treating of the Western Isles of Scotland make more or less notice of the MacLeans. Among the earliest works that treat of the origin of the various Clans of Scotland are the Book Ballymote, 1383; the Book of Leccan, 1416; the Skene Manuscript, 1467; and MacFirbis's Book of Genealogies, 1650 to 1666. Among the manuscripts particularly devoted to the Macleans, the oldest known is that of 1716, now in the Advocates Library, Edinburgh, and attached to the Macfarlane MS. I have specially treated this MS. in anotjher work, which was generously published by) our enthusiastic clansman, Colonel John Bayne Maclean of Toronto. The edition is quite limited. Probably the next point of time is that of 1751. This was entirely new to me until November, 1913, when a copy was placed in my hands by John MacLean, chairman of the Great Gathering of the Clan in 1912. It was published in Edinburgh in 1751, being a part of a collection by Thomas Moncrieff, entitled : ''Memoirs concerning the ancient alliance between the French and Scots and the privileges of the Scots in France, faithfully translated from original records of the kingdom of France." It also appears in "Miscellanea Scotica, a collection of tracts relating to the history, antiquities, topography and literature of Scotland," in Volume IV, published in 1819. It is herewith reproduced. It is possible that the Ardgour MS. goes back to as equally as great a date. It is a well known MS. as is also the Pennycross. It is more or less currently reported that there is still another in the Vatican at Rome. Whether or not this has ever been confirmed I am unable to say. Mr. John MacLean, above referred to, in an address, before the Clan MacLean Association, of Glasgow, in February, 1900, made use of this language : "There is in existence an MS. history of the Clan, which was given on loan by the late Mr. Dugald Campbell, banker, Tobermory, to a friend. This history Mr. Campbell had himself on loan : it is in reality the property of our good friend and clansman, Mr. J. A. Maclean, bank agent and solicitor, Forfar. Mr. Campbell received it from Mr. Maclean's grand uncle, Mr. Allen Maclean, schoolmaster, lona. We are anxious that this history be restored to its rightful owner, or to the Association." The late Maclean of Lochbuie, informed me that there was a history of that Sept written by Lieutenant Colonel Murdoch Maclean but it had been loaned from the Charter Chest, and trace of it had been lost. A true clansman must be interested in Lachlan MacLean of Arnabost, Coll. For many years I have attempted to pick up everything I could find pertaining to him. With such efforts as I have made I have been unable to add anything to the paper prepared by the late Henry White, in 1894. Even after careful attempts to secure Lachlan's books, I have been unable to add but five to my collection. All that I have learned of this most worthy Gaelic scholar I have, in this contribution attempted to place the substance in an acceptable form. Such fugitive poems relating to the Mac Leans, as I have observed, not in books, I have included, as also the names of the departed bards, and the patronymics of various Septs or branches of the Clan. AN ACCOUNT OF THE SURNAME OF MACLEAN OR MACGTLLEAN This brave and heroic surname is originally descended from that of Fitzgirald, in Ireland, being once the most potent surname of any other, of English extract in that kingdom. Speed, and other English historians, derive the genealogy of the Fitzgiralds from Seignior Giraldo, a principal officer under William the Conqueror, at his conquest of England, anno 1066. This Giraldo got from the conqueror the lordship of Windsor, from which he was afterwards designed of Windsor, as were his posterity, from his proper name Fitzgiralds, or Giraldsons. Maurice Fitzgirald, grandchild to this first Girald, by orders of Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, with four hundred and ninety men, in the year 1169, went, in aid of Dermud MacMurcho, provincial king of Leinster, to Ireland, being the first Englishman, who, in a hostile manner, invaded that kingdom, whatever Atwood, and other obscure English writers, assert to the contrary : the ground of Fitzgirald's invasion being briefly as follows: In the reign of Roderick Oconer, last principal king of Ireland, the said Dermud took away, by force, Orork, provincial king of Meath's lady, or queen, which injury while Orork endeavoured to resent, he and his party were defeated by the Leinstrians ; in which exigence having recourse to the principal king, he was so effectually assisted by him, as obliged MacMurcho, after some defeats to abandon Ireland, and betake himself to the court of king Henry II of England, to whom, relating his misfortune, he implored his aid for recovering his principality, which, upon being done, he offered to resign in his favor. King Henry being a prince who measured the justice of most causes, if in any way beneficial to him, by the length of his sword, would willingly have complied with MacMurcho's request, had he not been engaged in a war with France. However, he issued out proclamations authorizing any olf ,his subjects, that pleased to adventure in behalf of that justly distressed prince, promising to maintain them in possession of what they could acquire in that kingdom ; upon which Richard Strongbow, earl of Pembroke, a nobleman, no less powerful than popular, in Wales, condescended to go to Ireland with Dermud, upon condition that, upon recovery of Leinster, he should give him the same, and his only daughter in marriage, which being readily agreed to, Pembroke sent first over Maurice Fitzgirald, as already mentioned, and went afterwards himself, with greater forces; and, having defeated the Irish in a conflict, recovered Leinster, and married MacMurcho's daughter. King Henry hearing of his subjects' success, patched up a peace with France, and, in the year 1170, or, as others, 1171, went over into that kingdom, with an army of twenty thousand men, and, by the assistance of the treacherous Leinstrians, obtained a victory over Oconor, the principal king, who in a short time thereafter died. After his death the king 1 of England settled his conquest of that kingdom, as the same has continued ever since, notwithstanding of the many efforts, at divers junctures, used by the native Irish for shaking off that yoke. The family of Strongbow, in a little time, became extinct, to which, in grandeur, succeeded that of Fitzgirald, being divided into two powerful families, the earls of Desmond and Kildare, concerning each of which two I shall relate a certain remarkable passage, ere I proceed to my designed subject. The first is in relation to that of Desmond, of which family were seven brethren, Jn the beginning of the reign of queen Elizabeth, or rather queen Mary, of England, who being accused of some practices against the government, were, by the queen's orders, carried into England, and relying either on their innocence, or the interposition of powerful friends, appeared very cheerful for some hours after they went on board, till at length enquiring at the captain the name of the ship, they were told it was named the Cow; upon hearing of which they all fell a-weeping; the reason of which sudden change being demanded by the captain, he was told there was an old prophecy among the Irish, that seven brethren, the most noble of the kingdom, should be at once carried to England, in the belly of a cow, none of which should ever return, and now, though the thing appeared to be very ridiculous, they were afraid that it would be accomplished ; as accordingly it was, none of them having ever returned, some of them banished, others executed, and their estate forefaulted, so that, in a short time, that flourishing family was ruined. The other, relating to Kildare, is, that in the reign of king Henry VII of England, that earl was very ungovernable, against whom frequent complaints were made to the king, concluding with this, that all Ireland could not govern the earl of Kildare. Then, said the king, shall that earl govern all Ireland. Upon which he sent him a commission for being lieutenant of that kingdom, which unexpected favour had such effect upon him, that he continued afterwards a very dutiful and loyal subject to that king. There are divers other good families of this kingdom descended of those two honourable families as the MacKenzies of Colin Fitzgirald, son to the second earl of Desmond, who, for his service at the battle of Largs, against the Danes, anno 1264, obtained from king Alexander III the lands of Kintail, from whose son, Kenneth, the MacKenzies are denominated, by contraction instead of Kennethsons. The Adairs, and divers others, are also descended of the Fitzgiralds ; as are the MacLeans, so termed contractedly, but more properly MacGilleans, Fitzgirald, brother, as some say, to Colin, ancestor of the MacKenzies. But others, with more probability, assert this Gillean to have been a son of the earl of Kildare, and, either at, or in a little time after his cousin's coming, to have come to Scotland, where, falling into great favour with MacDonald, lord of the Isles, he obtained from him the lands of Aros, afterwards in a small time, the whole isles of Mull, Tyree, Coll, and others, being a very large estate, While the family of MacDonald continued in grandeur, MacLean was always his lieutenant in martial expeditions, as in the battle of Harlaw, in which MacLean, and Irwin of Drum, upon account of some ancient quarrel betwixt their families, and having no knowledge of one another till they had got it from their armorial bearings, or coats of arms, painted, as was usual in those times, upon their shields, engaged hand to hand, and died both upon the spot. MacLean, with his name and dependants, was at the battles of Flowdon and Pinky; as was Hector MacLean, and his regiment, consisting of six hundred men, at the conflict of Innerkeithing, in the reign of king Charles II in which he, and his regiment, after a valiant resistance, were killed by the English, few or none escaping. This surname has been known, for some ages bygone, in bravery and loyalty, to be inferior to no other of this kingdom. The laird of MacLean's estate was evicted for debt, by the present duke of Argyll's grandfather, and is now in the duke's hands. Hector, the present laird, is abroad. The principal residence of the lairds of Maclean is the strong castle of Dowart, situated upon the north shore of the isle of Mull. There was another impregnable fort belonging to this family, at a little distance from Mull called Kerniburg. The next to the laird of MacLean, is MacLean of Brolois. The person of best estate now, of that name, is MacLean of Lochbuy, who hath a good castle and estate in Mull. There is MacLean of Coll, being a considerable island at some leagues distant from Mull. There is also, upon the opposite continent to Mull, a gentleman of good account, designed MacLean of Ardgower. He is designed ordinarily MacMhicewin, or the son of Hughson, his ancestor, a son of the laird of MacLean, being properly named Hugh. There are also a great number of other gentlemen of that name in those parts. There is a gentleman, termed MacGuire, of Uluva, being a pretty large isle to the south-west of Mull, of which this gentleman is proprietor, and was a dependant upon the family of MacLean while in a flourshing condition, but since the decline of that family, continues peaceable in his own island, not much concerned with any affairs that occur in any other part of this kingdom. There is in Athole, and other northern places, a sept termed the MacOlays, some of which are in Stirlingshire, termed MacLays, descended also of the family of MacLean. Divided by a small arm of the sea from the west point of Mull, is the isle Jona, or I-colm-kill, famous for the ancient monastery and church situated therein, and no less so upon account of the burial-place of forty-eight of our Scottish kings, with divers of the kings of Ireland and Norway, as also of most of the principal families of our Highland clans. The ruins of these once stately edifices and monuments evince their beauty when in repair. There are two singular kinds of stones to be found there, of which are a great many tombs and crosses, and w r hich composes the very mould round that church, and or which consists a great deal of the more ornamental parts of all these structures; the one of them being of a crimson-red colour, the other white, the nature of which cannot be easily discovered. These stones, in outward appearance, resemble marble, but are much harder, an.d not so brittle, and are somewhat porous, and fully as light as any ivory or ebony. There is none of that kind of stone to be found in any other part of Britain or Ireland, but only in that island, and in another little ruinous church, dedicated to St. Colm, close by the Mule of Kintyre, called Kilchollumkill. The laird of MacLean, for armorial bearing, hath four coats, quarterly. First, argent a rock gules. Second, argent a dexter hand fess-ways, couped gules, holding a cross crosslet fitchee, in pale azure. Third, Or, a lymphad, sable. Fourth, argent, a salmon naiant proper, in chief, two eagles heads erased a fronte, gules. Crest, a tower embattled, argent. Motto, Virtue mine Honour. Supporters on a compartment. Vert, two selchs proper. **Added By The Editor As may be noted the above MS. was written during the lifetime of Sir Hector MacLean, although published a year later, for he died in October, 1750. He never married, and was succeeded in the chiefship by Colonel Allan MacLean, fourth Laird of Brolas Thus Allan became Twenty-second Chief of Clan Gilleain, and Sixth Baronet of Morvern. Sir Allan died on Inch Kenneth, December 10th, 1783, without male issue, and was succeeded by his nearest kin, Hector MacLean, and died without issue November 2nd, 1818. On the decease of Sir Hector his half brother, General Fitzroy Jeffres Grafton MacLean, became Twenty-fourth Chief of MacLean, dying on July 5th, 1847, and was succeeded by his son, Colonel Sir Charles Fitzroy MacLean. Sir Charles died at Folkestone, Fngland, December 27th, 1883, and was succeeded by his son, Colonel Sir Fitzroy Donald MacLean, Bart., K. C. B., who became Twenty-sixth Chief of MacLean, and Tenth Baronet of Morvern. Hence, Sir Fitzroy has reigned Chief of Clan Gillean a period of thirty-one years. Assuming the Clan was founded in 1250; thus from this period to 1914, with twenty-six chiefs, we have an average reign of twenty-five years, covering 664 years. **Additions to the MS. Also, to the above MS. I add certain matters which are of interest. The Septs or branches of the clan were: Macleans of Doward. Macleans of Ardgour, Brolas, Coil, Pennycross, Drimnin, Lehire, Torloisk, Ross of Mull. Macleans of Lochbuy Macleans of Scallasdale, etc. Macleans of Dochgarroch. Kingairloch, Grulin. Macleans of Ardgour Borreray, Treshnish, Inverscaddel Blaich. Macleans of Coll. Muck, Achnasaul, Drimnacross, Totaranald, Crosspol, Gallanich. Among those holding positions in the Clan we find the Rankins were the Chief's pipers, the Beatons his physicians, and the Morisons his standard bearers. Among the Clansmen the heads of Septs had a special patronymic. The Chief of the Clan, in the English language, was often designated "Great MacLean," which distinguished him as being above the various Septs. But among the Highlanders he was known as Mac Illeathian, or Mac Ghilleathain, or the MacLean. Maclean of Lochbuy was called Sliochd Mhurchaidh Ruaidh, or The Race of Red Murdoch, Maclean of Dochgarroch, Clann Thearlaich, or The Clan of Charles. Maclean of Ardgour, Mac Mhic Eoghain, or the son of Ewen's son. Maclean of Coll, Mac Iain Abraich, the son of John Abraich. Maclean of Kingairloch, Mac Mhic Eachain Chinnghearloch, or the son of the son of Hector of Kingairloch. TARTAN The Maclean's had two different plaid's or Tartans, The Hunting (green), and the Dress (red). This hunting is the oldest of any Clan mentioned in the records of Scotland. As either is easily obtained, and at a very moderate rate, it is best to secure the actual pattern. At a nominal sum either, in actual colors, may be had in the form of a postcard,--- six different kinds being reproduced. Probably the best is the dress tartan, showing Duard Castle, the Coat of Arms and the Badge. Another, in dress, gives the Arms, with a view of Loch Lomond in the center. Another dress, gives the Coat of Arms of Brolas in the center. Another, the dress shows the Brolas Coat of Arms in the corner, and in another corner, a map of Scotland, on which is located the ancient home of the Clan. Another in dress, is a streamer giving the Brolas Coat of Arms, and a Highlander with a Loch in the background. The Sixth, in hunting, is a streamer with the Duard Coat of Arms, two Highlanders, and a landscape in the background. COAT OF ARMS The various Septs had their respective devices and their shields, called Coat of Arms. This heraldry I treated at some length in my "History of the Clan MacLean," and gave illustrations. I recurred to it again in my -"Renaissance of the Clan MacLean," and gave ten illustrations with accompanying descriptions. There is only one device that all the members of the Clan are entitled to bear, an illustration of which is here presented. The embattled toaver does not specially belong to the Arms save where used by the Chief's eldest son. In its place the crest having the battle-ax should be used. The crest may be used separately. In the Coat of Arms the seals are used for supporters. The eagles and salmon, as also the hand and cross, and the mountain, rest against a field of silver, while the full-rigged birlinn is against a field of gold. Below the shield is the motto : "Virtue Aline Honour." BADGES Duard, Brolas, Pennycross and Drimnin Crowberry. Dochgarroch, Ardgour and Coll Holly. Lochbuy Blaeberry. SLOGANS, OR WAR CRIES Bas na Beatha "Death or Life." Fear eile airson Eachainn "Another for Hector." PIPE MUSIC CEOL MOR Chief's Salute and Clan March Spaidsearachd Chlann Ghilleathain, or The Macleans' March. The Maclean's Gathering Cruinneachadh Chlann Ghilleathain Ceann na drochaide bige, or The Head of the Small Bridge. The Maclean's Gathering Cruinneachadh Chlann Ghilleathain Ceann na drochmoire, or, The Head of the Large Bridge. (The two tunes are different, but used for gatherings, the first one more frequently). Caismeachd Eachainn Mhic Ailein nan Sop, or Warning of Hector, son of Allan of the Wisp, 1579. Birlinn Thighearna Chola Maclean of Coil's War Galley. Chlaidheamh mor Iain Ghairbh (chola) John Garbh of Coil's Broadsword. Cais air amhich, a Thighearna Chola Maclean of Coll putting his foot on the neck of his enemy. There is also a tune called Ribinn Gorm Chlann Ghilleathain, or Blue Ribbon of the Clan Maclean. LAMENTS Cumha Eachainn Ruaidh nan cath, or Hector Roy Maclean's Lament. Cumha Lachluinn Mhoir Lath a sron a' Chlachain, or Lament for Lachlan Mor Maclean. Cumha Iain Ghairbh Chola, or John Garbh of Coil's Lament. Cumha Sir Iain Mhic Ghilleathain Dhuairt, or Lament for Sir John Maclean of Duart. MACLEAN BARDS. Hector MacLean An Cleireach Beag Coll, 1537. Hector MacLean Eachuinn Bacach, Mull, 1651. Captain Andrew Maclean of Knock Anndra Mac an Easbuig, Mull, 1635. Catherine Maclean. Catrona nighean Eoghoin mhic Lachuinn. Born 1650, Coll. Lachlan Maclean Lachuinn mac mhic Iain, Coll, 1687. John Maclean lain mac Ailein, Mull, 1665 1760. Donald Ban Maclean, Mull, 1715. Margaret Maclean Maireread nighean Lachuinn, mhic Iain, 1700 1750. Rev. John Maclean, Mull. Died 1756. An T-aireach Muileach. Iain mac Thearlaich Gig, Inverscadel, 1745. Eoghain Mac-Ghilleain an Barra. Malcolm Maclean, Calum a Ghlinne, Kinlochewe, Ross-shirt. Died 1764. Archibald Maclean, Gilleasbuig, Laidir, Tiree, Died 1830. Alexander Maclean An Cubair Colach. Went to Australia, 184O Rev. Duncan Maclean, Glenorchy. Born 1796. Died 1871. John Maclean Am Bard MacGhiileain, Tiree and Canada, 1787-1848. Donald Maclean Domhull Cubair, brother to John the poet, 1770-1868. Charles Maclean, son of John the poet, 1813-1880. Lachlan Maclean, Arnabost, Coll, and Glasgow, Died 1848. John Maclean, Waternish, Skye. Died 1878. Rev. Alexander Thomson Maclean, Baillieston, 1832-1882. William Maclean of Plantation, 1805-1892. J. C. Maclean, 1843. Lachlan Maclean Lachunn Eli, Mull. Died 1882. Charles Maclean Aird Meadhomach, Mull. Died 1890. Janet Maclean, Coll. Some of the poetical productions of the above have been preserved in bound volumes, and even, in a few cases, enough poems have been preserved to demand a book of an author. All Maclean volumes of poems, known to me, I have listed in my Bibliography, attached to the "Renaissance of the Clan." A few of the best poems have been preserved in Mackenzie's "Beauties of Gaelic Poetry," and others scattered through various books bearing on the Gaelic language. POEMS CONCERNING THE MACLEANS So far as I know none of the following poems, save the first, are preserved in book form. It is not presumed that this collection embraces all of that class, but only such as I have found in the press. Gaelic poetry has not been included. The poem below I find in Lachlan MacLean's "Native Steam-Boat Companion." Of it he says it was "composed by a clergyman adjacent, a few years ago, on the occasion of the flag of Duart Castle being given to the wind, to summon the surrounding peasantry to chapel or church on Sabbath." THE FLAG ON DUARD CASTLE On the war tower of Duart the banner is spread, But 'tis not the banner of terror and dread; It sends the far summons, o'er mountain and heath, But 'tis not the summons to onset and death. It calls not the chieftain to gird on his might. To send forth the war-cry, and arm for the fight; It calls not each clansman, in hostile array, From his home and his kindred to hasten away. It calls not the mother in anguish to mourn O'er the child of her hope, as if ne'er to return; It calls not the widow, in forebodings of fear; O'er her fatherless offspring to shed forth the tear. For the banner that waves is a banner of peace, And the tidings it bears are the tidings of grace; In the stillness of Sabbath 'tis wafted abroad, To assemble the clansmen to worship their God. Oh! thus may each banner of discord and strife, Yet send forth the tidings of gladness and life; Thus calling on mankind with joyful accord, To appear at his altar and worship the Lord. In July, 1899, Colene MacLean gave the following to the public press: THE CLAN MACLEAN I cannot boast of wealth or power, Of stately halls or treasurers rare; Yet proudly do I own the race, That with the bravest can compare. A clan well known in olden times, And held a proud, exalted name; The highest feather in my cap I'm of the clan MacLean. Then gather, gather clansmen all, And shout aloud the name, Borne by the bravest of the brave, Hurrah! the Clan MacLean. In days of old they bled and died, They know no word as yield The first in chase, in ranks of war. The foremost on the field. They shed their blood for Charlie's sake, Dyed red Culloden's plain, So loyal to "The cause" they stood The gallant Clan MacLean. The clan is scattered o'er the world, Where'er the sun doth shine; But love for the dear old heather land Space ne'er can dim nor time. Oh! clansmen, stand ye side by side, Prove worthy of the fame, That shed a glory o'er your sires The brave old Clan MacLean. Now deer, not men, dwell in the isle From which your fathers sprung, Whose deeds of valor and of might, Fit theme by minstrels sung. Yea, still from out the mists of years, I hear their sweet refrain "Long as the heather climbs Ben More, Shall live the Clan MacLean." All of the following poems were contributed by Duncan MacLean, Clan Bard to the Clan MacLean Association of Glasgow. The first was composed especially for the third annual gathering in October, 1894, and was dedicated to the Chief, Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean, Bart., and was inspired by an act of devotion on the part of seven brothers, at the battle of Inverkeithing, fought July 20th, 1651. In that battle Sir Hector MacLean, Eighteenth Chief of the Clan, took a position where he would not yield. During the heat of the battle, while exposed to the weapons of the enemy, these eight brothers successively covered him and sacrificed their lives in his defence. Each brother as he fell exclaimed: "Fear eile air son Eachuinn," (Another for Hector), and the next in stepping in front answered: "Bas air son Eachuinn," (Death for Hector.) ANOTHER FOR EACHUINN Clans from the rugged Highlands, where the antlered stag is seen, Where the solemn hills in grandeur raise aloft their walls of green, Where the wild and dashing fountains fling their jewels in the air Where the lowly hut and shieling guard the virtue passing fair. Where the eagle from its eyrie looketh down on vales below Where the beauty of the heather bloometh with a radiant glow, Where dear mem'ries bright and golden dwell in corrie, glade and glen, Wreathing with a fadeless glory fearless clansmen of MacLean, 'Tis a story old, my clansmen, yet it thrills me to the core, And I fain would sing in numbers what our lads have done of yore. 'Tis no idle boast of valor, 'tis no empty tale in brief ' I is a story of devotion of our clansmen for their chief; For our clansmen, ever loyal to the chieftain of their clan, Were prepared to rush to battle, win or perish to a man, And, should ere the slogan echo in our Highland vales again, All our clansmen, ever ready, still would follow Chief MacLean. 'Twas at Inverkeithing, Hector, some two hundred years ago, When the god of war was screaming, led his clansmen 'gainst the foe; With their pibrochs loudly playing, and their banners waving free, Sure our sturdy Highland clansmen looked the flower of chivalry; When the war was raging fiercest, and Sir Hector was sore prest, It was then that seven brothers, all in kilts and sporans drest, Dow'red the Highlands with a glory all immortal shall they reign Stimulating every clansman, and an honor to MacLean. Clansmen, how these brothers perished in the thickest of the fight Is emblazoned, now in hist'ry, ever wonderful and bright How they shielded brave Sir Hector from rough Cromwell's warlike men Is a proverb and a watchword prized in every Highland glen. Not a craven heart was 'mid them, as one fell another came, Proud to fight and Hie for Hector, while they blessed his honored name, Seven heroes! noble brothers, though they fell 'twas not in vain- Dying they but did their duty, and enriched the Clan MacLean. Clansmen, all those sons were brothers, nurtured at one mother's breast, Prompted by devotion, gladly 'gainst the hounds of war they prest, Scorning danger, loving Hector, noble Chieftain of their Clan, Seven heroes, god-like brothers, fought and fell right in the van. Proudly did they rush to battle, and tho' grim Death laid them low, Yet their mem'ries cannot perish while the seasons come and go. We admire their dauntless valor, and we've thousands in our train Who would proudly guard our Chieftain, gallant Chieftain of MacLean. Clansmen from the rugged Highlands, ye all bear an honored name, Shrined in song and deathless story, blazoned on the scroll of Fame, And tho' war no more is screaming and peace dwells in ever3 T hall, Emulate your worthy clansmen they but died at Duty's call. Cherish well our old traditions, guard and shield our honor bright, Fight and conquer every falsehood, spurn the wrong, cleave to the right, Keep untarnished all the glory, thrill Sir Fitzroy's heart again With a fealty all undying for the Chief of Clan MacLean. This poem was given in praise of the Chief at one of the gatherings. The Chief presided at the meeting. THE PRIDE 0' MACLEAN Tune "Bonnie Dundee." Let the pipers a'skirl wi' a lilt b' the best, In praise o' the clansmen brave sons o' the West; An' lang may oor Chieftain be spared to remain The head o' oor Clan an' the pride o' MacLean. CHORUS MacLeans ha'e a name that wis honored o' auld, When oor forefathers fought, like warriors bauld, An' what they did ance, we can a' dae again, For the old Highland honor is dear to MacLean. We come frae the Highlands sae rugged an' steep, We come wi devotion that's steady an' deep, Brave laddies an' lasses, wi mirth in oor train, To welcome Fitzroy an' cry, "Here's to MacLean!" The pages o' hist'ry can tell you an' me, Oor clansmen frae danger wad aye scorn to flee, An' oor foemen oft fell, ne'er to rise up again 'Fore the wild slashing blows that were struck by MacLean. The North Pole, we ken, has been hunted for lang, But they're on a gowk's errant I'll tell hoo they're wrang, They sud send for a chiel wi' a boat o' his ain, Then the Pole will be oor's sing hurrah for MacLean. The sons o' oor clansmen ye'll find far an' near, But yet to their hearts the auld hame is aye dear, As tonight we are wafted on mem'ry again To the Highlands o' Scotia, dear, dear to MacLean. My clansmen, my brothers, let oor escutcheon shine, As bright as it did in the days of lang syne; An' lang may God spare Fitzroy to remain The head o' oor clan an' the pride of MacLean. For the fifth anniversary gathering-, October, 1896, Duncan sent the following poem dedicated to the Chief : A SONG OF WELCOME From the glens and from the mountains, Where the heather bloometh free, Where the wind and dashing fountains, Shower their diamonds o'er the lea, We come tonight and muster, True devotion in our train, Like a bunch of grapes we cluster Round our vine Fitzroy MacLean. CHORUS Hurrah, hurrah, for our Clansmen! Three cheers for our Chieftain once again And may no cloud of care, Dim the lads who do and dare The kilted, plaided Clansmen of MacLean. From the straths and from the Highlands, Where sweet beauty builds her nest, From the lochs and mist capp'd Islands, From the wild and rugged West, We have come with tartan streaming, While our pipers skirl again A rich welcome with love" teeming To our Chief, Fitzroy MacLean. Then, Hurrah, etc. From the vales all shrined in glory With a hundred deeds of old ; Where our clan by tarn and corrie Fought with valor true and bold, We have come with hearts high beating, Fresh as flowerets after rain To salute, and give a greeting To our Chief, Fitzroy Mac Lean. From the glens all steeped in Beauty, Where the thistle wags it head, From the homes where love and duty, Are to one another wed. We have come tonight, and muster, Swearing fealty once again, While like grapes we fondly cluster Round our vine Fitzroy MacLean. The following poem was submitted to help in celebrating the eighth annual gathering the last Friday evening in October, 1899 : BARD AND HIGHLANDER BARD Highlander ! Highlander! steady and strong, Deathless in glory, in valor and song: Why are you marshalled tonight in your pride? Why are you garbed in the kilt and the plaid ? Why have you come from the Highlands afar ? Is it to answer the summons of war ? HIGHLANDER No ! Peace, like a dove, now follows our train, While joy fills the bosom of every MacLean. BARD Then why, may I ask, are you marshalled tonight? And why does the pibroch skirl loudly and bright? Why do your maidens smile sweetly on all ? Why do your ladies stand firm as a wall? Why are your clansmen, from sheiling and glen, Clustered together the flower of brave men? HIGHLANDER Oh! proudly we answer the call to a man, To welcome with fervor, the Chief of our Clan. BARD Highlander! Highlander! Come tell me now, Why does your Chief set your heart in a lowe ? HIGHLANDER Simply because he is honest as steel, With brain that can plan, and heart that can feel ; Because he admires each corrie and ben Each mountainous steep, and beautiful glen; And deemeth a brother, each man in his train, That's why Fitzroy's cherished by every MacLean. BARD Highlander! Highlander! proud is thy lot. What tho 1 thy home is a lonely thatched cot ? Thou hast a guerdon, that's better by far, Than a sparkle of gem, or gleam of a star ; The love of your Chief is a treasure untold, That cannot be purchased or bartered for gold. But, Highlander, tell me, does nothing remain That maketh your soul misdoubting complain ? HIGHLANDER Nothing; no, nothing, remaineth to tell, My heart is as light and bright as a bell. My Chief I admire, with devotion so true; But fain would I listen his praises from you. BARD Highlander! Highlander! gladly I sing, Fitzroy the fearless, brave Chieftain and king ; Loved by his Clansmen and cherished by all Whether in palace, in sheiling, or hall. Long may his lady, so flower-like and sweet, Bask in the blessings the pure in heart meet. And long may Fitzroy the love of his clan, The nearest, the dearest, ambition of man. And long may your Clansmen, and Clanswomen, too, Stand up for their Chief, right steady and true ; May God in His mercy, shower blessings like rain And dower with long years the Chief of MacLean. The ninth annual gathering of the Clan, presided over by the Chief, was held on the last Friday evening in October, 1900, when the Clan Bard presented HAIL TO THE CHIEF When Scotland, in the days gone bye, Fought with a courage true, The kilted clans would never fly When there was work to do. And history's page full plainly shows, When blood fell thick as rain, The Gael to fight for freedom's right Was ever the MacLean. When Scotland wanted martial men, Ere you and I were born, Our kilted lads came from each glen At breaking of the morn, The pibroch skirled, the banners flew ; And none were called in vain ; The lad who knew devotion true Was ever the MacLean. Now Scotland lives at peace, but still The chivalry of old Reigns in each glen, and on each hill Are heroes brave and bold. And should our loved an^ gracious Queen Call for Recruits again, The first I know to meet the foe Would still be the MacLean Old Scotland ! How I love the name ! It thrills me thro' and thro'; Shrine of our fathers' deathless fame, Home of our clansmen too. Leal clansmen are we, one and all, Not likely to complain, While Fitzroy, true to you and you, Is ever a MacLean. We meet to-night to honour him, The foremost of our race ; Our cup is full, aye, to the brim, While joy is on each face. We hail our Chief and lady fair ; Long may they proudly reign, To show each within our clan The grace of the Maclean. The Clan Bard dedicated the following poem to the Chief, which was read at the tenth annual gathering, the last Friday evening in October, 1901. LET THE MINSTREL RAISE A SONG Let the minstrel raise a song, Dower'd with honor, virtue strong ; Praise the Chieftain of our race, Set him in the foremost place. 'Tis no fulsome praise we bring, 'Tis no empty song we sing ; Since the world takes up the strain, "Honor Fitzroy, Chief MacLean." White-haired Clansmen in the glen, Shepherd by the bleating pen ; Stalwart youth, erect and true, Winsome maid with eyes of blue ; Wrinkled granny, bent and frail, Smiling sweetly in the vale ; All re-echo once again, "Honor Fitzroy, Chief MacLean." Donald 'mid Canadian snow, Ronald 'neath an Indian glow ; Sandy from Australia far, Duncan from the seat of war, When a hardy Scot is found, When a clansman tills the ground- Leaps a wild exulting strain, "Honor Fitzroy, Chief MacLean." From the cities where we strive, Keeping all our hopes alive ; From the clachan and the hill, When the pibroch soundeth shrill ; From the rugged Highland glen, From the throats of kilted men, Comes the chorus once again, "Honor Fitzroy, Chief MacLean." And to-night our hearts are still Tingling with a magic thrill ; And our voices all go out, In a grand exultant shout ; As with fervor we proclaim, That his worth is more than fame ; While we sing with might and main, "Honor Fitzroy, Chief MacLean." Keep the honor of our race, All unsullied from disgrace ; Keep the virtue of our Clan, Ever foremost in the van, Help the poor, lift up the weak, And the Scottish language speak, Then unite and sing again, "Honor Fitzroy, Chief MacLean." LACHLAN MACLEAN OF ARNABOST, ISLE OF COLL. LACHLAN MACLEAN Sketch of his Life. The zenith of the literature of the Scottish Gael appears to have been reached from 1870 to 1880. Since then the decline has been rapid. From 1830 to 1840 there was a very rapid increase, but the decrease since 1900 has been quite marked. The publication in 1860-62 of Campbell's "Tales of the West Highlands" radically changed the tone, so that more has been learned of the life and inner thought of the Highlander. Toward this development the impetus was started by James MacPherson, while a romance was thrown over the whole by Sir Walter Scott. However much Scott may have accelerated the speed yet there was a work he was unable to perform, which must be done by natives who were imbued by race thoughts and race ties, yet rising above their surroundings, and catching a foregleam of a brighter day. Among those who performed yeoman service, and arose to become one of the four great masters of Gaelic prose, was Lachlan MacLean. Though he lived during the period of struggle, he saw a brighter day breaking along the horizon. From 1830 to 1848 he saw not less than two hundred and seventy volumes devoted to the Gael, besides five journals in his native tongue. Among the Gaelic speaking people, in his day, his name was a household word, yet, less than fifty years after his death, what could be learned of him, outside of his writings, was very meagre. But when it is considered that he moved in a lirrjited circle, devoting his life to his business profession, and giving his spare moments to literature, striking attitudes would hardly be presented. As a writer Lachlan MacLean was singularly gifted. He had thoroughly learned the art of commanding language. He spoke the Gaelic as though he knew no English, and spoke the English as though he knew no Gaelic. During the year 1893 there was a revival of interest in the life and Avritings of Lachlan MacLean. The late Henry White, (Fionn), took a deep interest in the matter, and after diligent inquiry submitted the result of his efforts to the Clan MacLean Association of Glasgow. This address forms the basis of this sketch. Lachlan MacLean was born in 1798, at Arnabost, Isle of Coll, Argyleshire, Scotland. The following is the entry in the baptismal register for Coll, now deposited in Edinburgh: "1798, June 2, Jno. MacLean and Flory MacLean, Arnabost, a son Lachlan." At the close of his "History of the Celtic Language" he gives his own genealogy as follows : Mac Iain mhic Lachin mhic Iain Mhic Dhomhuil mhic Ruari mhic Eachin Mhic Neil mhic Challum mhic Lachin Mhic Iain Gairbh This shows he was eleventh in direct male descent from John Garbh, First MacLean of Coll, who was third son of Lachlan Bronnach, Seventh Chief of Clan MacLean. John Garbh had two sons, John Abrach, his successor, and Lachlan. Lachlan's grandfather, (Lachlan, son of John, son of Donald), married Catherine Campbell, and his father married Flora MacLean. Lachlan received his education in Coll, under Ebenezer Davidson, who proved to be an excellent instructor. Afterwards he received instructions in Hebrew, in Glasgow, from a Jewish Rabbi. About the year 1821 he left Coll and settled permanently in Glasgow, and received employment from Daniel Cook, a native of Arran, who had a hosiery store at 23 Argyle street. Mr. Cook died in 1829, when Lachlan purchased the business and carried on the same till 1841. He not only sold hosiery, but also manufactured it keeping a number of Highland women knitting and weaving for him. In the "Cuairtear nan Gleann" for June, 1841, the following notice occurs : "L. Maclean, Manufacturer of Hosiery, 23 Argyll Street, begs leave respectfully to acquaint his friends and the public, that having disposed of his interest in that Establishment to Mr. A. R. Thomson, he will, on the 28th day of May, current, commence business as Clothier in all its branches, in that large and commodious shop 92 Queen Street, nearly opposite the Royal Exchange, under the firm of MacLean & Picken, with a Fresh and Fashionable Stock of Goods selected by his co-partner, Mr. James Picken, for several years a Cutter to first-rate Establishments in London, and at present of the firm of Morrison & Picken, Exchange Square. L. MacLean, in offering his friends and the public very grateful thanks for former favors, would respectfully solicit a continuance of the same kind patronage in his future line of business, satisfied that nothing on his own part, nor on that of Mr. Pickens, shall be wanting to merit the same." This notice was repeated in the "Cuairtear" for the following month, (July, 1841), with this additional paragraph: "N. B. MacLean & Picken. at the recommendation of several of the Gentlemen frequenting the Royal Exchange, will keep a select assortment of Gentlemen's General Hosiery, including Dundee and French Gloves, Dress Stocks, Braces, Underclothing, &c., &c. ; to which department Mr. MacLean from 18 years' experience therein, may be expected to do ample justice. MacLean & Picken, 92 Queen Street." This partnership did not prove profitable and ended in 1843. Mr. MacLean's health now began to fail him, and concluded that the book trade might be of benefit. So he started a little shop in the ArgyleArchade, but it proved to be an unsuccessful business. Through the intercession of Rev. Dr. Norman MacLeod, of St. Columba Church, and Messrs. MacGregor and Hastie, members of Parliament for the city, Lachlan obtained a position in the general post office. The record shows he was appointed letter carrier in February, 1848, and clerk in the money order department on April llth, 1848. Between his appointment and November 6th, 1848, he was absent on sick leave thirty-six days. His health gave way shortly after he entered the postal service, and he died at his own residence, 49 Oxford street, Glasgow, November 22d, 1848, and was buried in the Southern Necropolis, Glasgow. Lachlan MacLean was married to Miss Agnes Ashmore, daughter of a schoolmaster ia Perth. Tn November, 1850, the wife died at Lochgilphead, where she kept a school. Their family consisted of one son and four daughters. The son, Norman MacLeod MacLean, emigrated to Australia, where he died about 1892. Two of the daughters, Agnes and Jane, also went to Australia, where both are still living. Agnes, (Mrs. McNeill), lives in East Melbourne, and Jane, married to J. C. Kearney, lives in N. Warrnabool, Victoria. PERSON AND CHARACTER. In person Lachlan MacLean was slightly under the ordinary standard, rather square and thick set, with a very pleasant open countenance, frank, free and hearty in his manner, and a most genial and amusing companion. He had a ready wit and a keen sense of humor. His daughter, Mrs. Jane R. Kearney, writing of him, says: "My father's love for the Highlands and Highlanders amounted to an absorbing passion * * * He was such a bright, genial, noble spirit, full of sparkling wit, yet gentle and harmless as a child." Rev. Dr. James Dodds, formerly of St. George's Glasgow, says of him: "We became acquainted, I think, about 1844, when I was a youth of 13, and he a man of about 48, I should think. Fie lived in a small cottage near us at Roseneath, and we took greatly to each other. We were both enthusiastic swimmers and used to go down to the pier in the early morning, dive from it, and take long swims in company. I shall never forget his kindly, warm interest in me and my work, and his desire to interest me in the Gaelic language, traditions and people. If he was proud of anything, it was of being a MacLean, and a native of Coll. In order to impress his own belief that Gaelic is, if not the original language, one that is founded on nature, he used to cite animal sounds and the names of natural objects, and showed how wonderfully the Gaelic names reflected these. He was continually engaged in some literary work prose or poetry and his poetry was of no mean order. He did a great deal of work for old Dr. Norman Macleod, the father of Norman of the Barony, and the Gaelic Dictionary was mainly his doing. I do not think he got the credit he deserved for his patient industry." The bent of Lachlan's mind would naturally turn him to connect himself with congenial institutions. When Dr. Norman MacLeod was minister at Campsie he instituted in 1831, the Glasgow University Ossianic Society for the benefit of Highland students. Lachlan was made an honorary member and at once took an active interest in its deliberations. During the turmoils which preceded and succeeded the disruption of the Scottish State Church in 1843, the Society became practically defunct, but Lachlan became a main leader in its resuscitation, and to his patriotic efforts at this time is doubtless due the fact that the Ossianic Society is still perpetuated. One of the rules of this society was that all its sessions must be conducted in Gaelic. It was at one of these meetings that Dr. MacLeod designated him as "Lachlan nan Osan," and by this name he was familiarly known among his friends. On account of Lachlan's work on the "History of the Celtic Language" he was made an honorary vice-president of the "Institute D' Afrique'' of Paris. A copy of the French letter which was sent to him along with his diploma is printed with a whole page of opinions of the press and individuals in the advertisement sheet of "Cuartear nan Gleann," April, 1841. It is related that the Gaelic recipient sent a characteristic acknowledgment which the "Institute D' Afrique" had some difficulty in unraveling. Lachlan was the first man to advocate the founding of a Keltic Chair and a Gaelic Professorship. This has been realized, although not established in his beloved lona, as he so much desired. As might be anticipated Lachlan Mac Lean was a profoundly religious man, but with a decided leaning towards the assertion of his own individuality, which, however, is not unique, for a history of the Kirk would demonstrate that this was a recognized trait of the people. For some reason he left the National Kirk and joined an order called Haldains or Independents, the congregation being that ministered to by Rev. Greville Ewing. in Glasgow. For this change of position he thought it incumbent upon himself to write a pamphlet defending his course. Whatever may have been his reasons they must have been removed, for when Dr. MacLeod left Campsie in 1837, and came to Glasgow, Lachlan returned to the former fold, and joined the Gaelic Church in Ingram street, that he might worship with the new minister, who made him an elder in due time. When Lachlan lay dying a request was sent to St. Columba Church that he should be remembered in the prayers of the congregation. This favor was intended for the forenoon service which was in Gaelic, but by some mistake the delivery was delayed until the English service in the afternoon. The person to whom the message was intrusted returned in the evening and was asked by Lachlan if he had been prayed for in the Gaelic service. When informed that it was only in the English service he was prayed for, he looked astonished and disappointed, and heaving a heavy sigh, exclaimed: "Cha dean e feum sain bith ! cha dean e feum sain bith !" (It will do no good, it will do no good). When he was so feeble that it was thought he was speechless and unconscious, some one entered the room and spoke in Gaelic, the dying man aroused himself, and making a great effort exclaimed : "Canain mo dhutchcha chula mi' aon uair eile thu." (My native tongue, once more I have heard thee). Recognizing the great services Lachlan MacLean had rendered to the literature of the Gaels the Clan MacLean Association of Glasgow erected over his grave the MacLean cross with a suitable inscription. In discussing the memorial before the Association Henry White stated "that in doing honor to Lachlan MacLean they would be doing honor to themselves as a clan, for he was in his day an outstanding figure in Keltic literary circles, and had contributed not a little to the literature of the Gael." The memorial cross was unveiled June 17th, 1896, by ex-Provost N. MacLean of Govan. There were remarks made by others present. The monument is of Aberdeen granite, the entire height being eight feet six inches. The cross proper is four feet six inches. On one side of the upper stone is the inscription "MacLean Cross, Erected by the Clan MacLean Association, 1896.'' There is also inscribed in Gaelic the following: "In Memory of Lachlan MacLean of the Island of Coll, Author of Adam and Eve, or the genealogical tree of the Gael, and other books. A kindly Gael who had an intense love for his country and for his native language." LITERARY INDUSTRIES Lachlan MacLean was of a literary turn of mind. w r riting both English and Gaelic with equal ease and grace. He not only excelled in prose, but wooed the muse with considerable success. His vein of poetry was inherited from his mother who composed a number of Gaelic songs and poems. He not only contributed to the Gaelic journals but also became an editor. He wrote over different signatures, such as MacTalla, Eoghan Og and Am Buirdeasach Ban. As he wrote over quite a number of other names it is quite difficult to estimate the literary power he contributed to the Gaelic journals of that day. The "Teachdaire Gaelach." which existed 1829-31, contains many interesting articles from his pen. His article on John Knox, which was one of a series, was afterwards published in pamphlet form by the Glasgow Religious Tract Society. Quite recently this article, with one on Sir William Wallace, and another on Sir Walter Scott, were published together in book form. When "Cuairtear nan Gleann" appeared in 1840, and struggled until 1843, he was one of its most energetic and devoted contributors, enriching its pages over such signatures as MacTalla, An Gael anns a' Bhaile, and L. MacL. To this journal he contributed a long and interesting history of Sir William Wallace, and another on Rob Roy MacGregor. Still another article was on "A visit to Brussels and the field of Waterloo." It is related that he was editor of "An Teachdair Ur Gaidhealach," 1835-36, to which he contributed two-thirds of its contents over the pen name of MacTalla, or An Gael anns a' Bhaile. Many of the unsigned articles bear the stamp of his genius. As early as 1828 he edited a small collection of Gaelic hymns for a blind man in Skye, under the title, "Dam Spioradail le Eoin Morrison o'n Eilean Sgiathanach," published in Glasgow by Maurice Ogle. Reid, in his "Bibliotheca Scoto-Celtica" refers to this work as follows : "This was the production of a blind man. They were copied from his mouth by a schoolmaster in the Highlands and sent to Glasgow under the auspices of Rev. D. Ranken, South Knapdale, and the Rev. Dr. MacLeod of Campsie ; but the printer declaring the MS. unreadable, it was given to Mr. Lachlan MacLean, who copied it, and obtained the author's consent to write three hymns viz.: the first two and the last. The first hymn consists of eight verses of eight lines each. It has been claimed that he translated some or all of Dugald Buchanan's hymns, but whether published in book form or in some of the ephemeral literature of that day, cannot be determined. It is also stated that he published an English and Gaelic pamphlet on the condition of the Highlands, but this has not been verified. But, in 1829, he was presented with a handsome silver snuff box, bearing the following inscription : "Prize awarded by the Highland Club of Scotland to Lachlan MacLean, Coll, for the best Gaelic Essay on the Existing Intellectual, Moral and Religions Character of the Highland Population, and of the most likely means that could be adopted for their improvement." This cup fell to the possession of one of his daughters who carried it with her to Australia. The first independent literary venture, of a more permanent class, that appeared to the general public, was Lachlan's "Historical Account of lona," which was published in 1833. The full title page is as follows : A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF IONA FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD BY L. MACLEAN, HONARARY MEMBER OF THE GLASGOW OSSIANIC SOCIETY, ETC., ETC. Mar Ghath soluis do m'anam fein Tha sgeula na h-aimais a dh fhaibh, Ossian. lona has long demanded a volume a book of its own, MacCulloch. EDINBURGH : PUBLISHED BY STIRLING & KENNEY; WHITTAKER & CO., AND JAMES DUNCAN, LONDON ; T. OGILVIE, GLASGOW ; NEILL & ERASER, GREENOCK ; JAMES MILLER, OBAN; K. DOUGLAS, INVERNESS; AND JOHN GUMMING, DUBLIN. 1883. This work had a ready sale, for it was soon followed by a second edition, then by a third, in 1838, and a fourth in 1841. Of these various editions I have only been able to secure the last, the third is said to be materially different from the first, and the fourth a reprint of the third. The fourth edition is a 16 of 135 pages, bound in cloth, with a steel engraving of the ruins of the Cathedral of lona for a frontispiece. The work is divided into eight chapters, with treatment of the following subjects: Introduction definitions description inscriptions Druidical era with some account of that religion landing of Columba and his proceedings in lona list of some of the immediate disciples of Columba. Chronicle of events connected with lona decline of lona lona burnt by the Danes reformation devastation horror murder original documents illustrative of the history of Icolmkill, and the bishoprick of the Isles Urnuigh Phaisdean li lona viewed as a place of sepulture names of Scottish Kings, and the manner of their death kings of Ireland, of Norway brief sketch of the chiefs and chieftains buried there. TOMB OF L. MAC LEAN As the Isle of lona is indissolubly connetced with the history of the MacLeans this little book is of value to every one of the name, and especially so on account of its reference to distinguished members of the ancient clan. On page 103 is the statement that Lachlan prepared a MS. school book for the children living on the island. It is more than probable that it never was published. It is strange that so good a Gaelic Scholar as was Lachlan should misapprehend the meaning of his own name. He says, "The name Maclean is metaphorical. It means the Son of a Lion," page 120, "lona." The book which gave him groat reputation was published in 1837, under the title of : ADHAMH AGUS EUBH NO CRAOBH SHEANACHAIS NAN GAEL LE LACHLAN MAC LEON (QUOTATION IN HEBREW FROM PSALM cxviu, 22) EDINBURGH ; MACLACHLAN AND STEWART SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & CO., LONDON ; AV. R. MC PHIN, GLASGOW. MDCCCXXXVII. The book is a 12 of 107 pp.. bound in half leather, and is mostly in Gaelic. It is dedicated to. Dr. Norman MacLeod of Columba Church, and this inscription is written in the author's best style of Gaelic. The book was written for the purpose of proving that the Gaelic was not only older than the Hebrew, but, in reality was the first language, and that Adam, in naming the animals, had paid attention to the sounds which the various animals uttered. He was thoroughly grounded in his belief for he says, "The author shall die in the true belief that the ( Gaelic was the first language. He shall die in the full hope that it is the language that shall be used in the world to come." LACHLAN MACLEAN 35 The work is mixed with English quotations and remarks, and of the many references only eleven are in Gaelic. Evidently the work was intended for those who could understand both languages. Such a book must of necessity provoke controversy, hence an anonymous tract at once appeared called. "Some Brief Animadver- sions on a Book in the Gaelic Language, entitled Adam and Eve: Glasgow, 1837." This production was put forth by one who was more or less conversant with Hebrew, for several mistakes are pointed out in the use of that language. However the book must have been received with favor, for it was rewritten and greatly en- larged and published with the following title : THE HISTORY OF THE CELTIC LANGUAGE: WHEREIN IT IS SHOWN TO BE BASED UPON NATURAL PRINCIPLES, AND, ELEMENTARILY CONSIDERED. CONTEMPORANEOUS WITH THE INFANCY OF THE HUMAN FAMILY: LIKEWISE SHOWING ITS IMPORTANCE IN ORDER TO THE PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CLASSICS, INCLUDING THE SACRED TEXT, THE HIEROGLYPHICS, THE CABALA, ETC., ETC. BY L. MACLEAN, F. O. S., AUTHOR OF "HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF IONA, SKETCHES OF ST. KILDA, ETC., ETC. LONDON : SMITH, ELDER AND CO. J EDINBURGH : MC LACHLAN, STEWART & CO.; GLASGOW : DUGALD MOORE. MDCCCXL. This edition, the most pretentious of any of Lachlan's contri- butions is a 12 of 288 pages, bound in cloth, with frontispiece show- ing an illustration of the ancient constellations from the Farnese LACHLAN MACLEAN 37 globe, comprising the theogony or divining of the ancients. It con- tains eleven chapters with an appendix. In the latter he attempts to show the advantage a Keltic scholar possesses over others, inas- much as in course ot his reading he sees the object or action in the term employed, because of the descriptiveness of the language. In the sixth chapter he draws a pleasing picture of the first days Adam and Eve spent together. It is a very curious production. The book proves that the author delved into the past and was well acquainted with the occult, as known at that period. I have no recollection of ever seeing a quotation taken from any work in this book. I have always suspected my copy of this work was the one used by the author, owing to the numerous marginal notes, which only an author would be likely to make, although I never saw any of his script. He was noted for marginal notes. His copy of Logan's Scottish Gael abounded in them. In the copy of his Celtic Lan- guage, the notes are entirely of a critical nature, while those in Logan are more of the nature of comment. A book very rarely met with and found in none of the libraries of Scotland is Lachlan MacLean's "Sketches of the Island of St. Kilda," published in 1838, with the addition of his journal from Glasgow to that distant Isle. The book is based on the experiences of Rev. P. MacKenzie, who was long a minister of that lone island. Among those with the author on that voyage were Dr. Norman MacLeod and his son. The Communion Service was administered during the visit of the party and Lachlan officiated as an elder of the church. The people of this Isle have been specially written about by many different authors. I have been fortunate enough in securing nearly all that I am cognizant of. In 1840 our author published a Gaelic translation of a popular anti-popery tract called, "Andrew Dunn an Insh Catholic." This work had been previously translated by P. Macfarlane and published in 1829. Whether Lachlan was not pleased with the labors of the former, or the edition had been exhausted, cannot be ascertained. But as he calls it an "improved" edition it is probable he thought justice had not been done to the author ; and, also, he must have approved of the sentiment therein enunciated. To this edition Lachlan added a Gaelic translation of Pope's "Messiah," by Ewen McLachlan of Aberdeen. In the year 1845 appeared JLachlan's pocket manual of Etiquette, in Gaelic, called 38 LACHLAN MACLEAN MAIGHISTIR NA' MODHANNAN; NO LEABHAR POC A GHAEIL O.IG AIR A THAGHADH SAIR EADAR THEAUGACHADH BHOU BHEURLA LE L. MACILLEAIN UGDHAR ADHAIMH AGUS EUBHA, ETC., ETC., (Gaelic quotation from Philip. II, 3) EDINBURGH : MAC LACHLAN, STEWART & CO. 1845 The introductory chapter is excellent in style and well written. There are thirteen chapters to the work. During the same year Lachlan Mac Lean published a work anonymously, entitled THE NATIVE STEAM-BOAT COMPANION EMBRACING THE NAMES, ETYMONS, AND ANTIQUITIES OF EVERY OBJECT OF NOTE ON THE ROUTES FROVI GLASGOW TO STAFFA, IONA, SKYE, FORT-WILLIAM, GLEVCO, GLEN-FINAN THE SEAT OF PRINCE C. E. STUART'S MONUMENT, GLEN-ALBIN. INVERNESS, ETC AND EMBODYING A NEW AND MOST MINUTE HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF I CO! M-KILL, OR IONA EDINBURGH : QUENTIN DALRYMPLE, 29 FREDERICK STREET : LONDON : SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & CO. GLASGOW I SMITH & SON. OBAN : JAMES MILLER INVERNESS : JAMES SMITH MDCCCXLV Second Thousand 40 LACK LAN MACLEAN This book is a 16 of 218 pages bound in cloth, with a steel en- graving of lona Cathedral for a frontispiece, and a folding map of the west coast of Scotland, and the Western Isles inserted at the close of the volume. It is divided into nine chapters. To any one of the name of MacLean this little work is exceedingly valuable. Any future history of the Clan MacLean must receive much in- formation from this source. Chapter three notices the battle of Trai-Grin-aird,' where in 1598 Sir Lachlan Mohr, "one of the bravest men that ever drew sword," by treachery lost his life, but was soon avenged by "the Macleans, assisted by a number of their kindred of Macleods, McNeils, and Camerons, and in turn wellnigh exterminated the McDonalds." Chapter four is largely devoted to the MacLeans. The stories and legends concerning Lachlan Catanach, chief of the Clan, are gently brushed away. "The mock funeral is not credited, nor did it form any part of the tradition of the country, till Miss Baillie conjured it up" * * * To our larboard is the veritable Caisteal Du'aird, i. e. the fortress of the black enemies, the seat of the redoutable Maclean in question, and of many heroes of a different calibre before and after him. * * * "The lofty scenes around our sires recall, Fierce in the field and generous in the hall ; The mountain-crag, the stream, the waving tree, Breathe forth some proud and glorious history." "The history of this castle for upward of eight hundred years past, taken in connection with that of its puissant chiefs, would make an interesting volume. Its possessors, with one exception, were proverbial for bravery, loyalty, and exalted honor. So recently as 1513 they were the most powerful of the Island Chiefs * * the de- cline of the house" * *dates back to 1674, for in that year it chroni- cles "the Earl of Argyle raised a caption and decreet of, moving against the possessions and tenants of the lands of Duairt, and that a party of troops, under Captain Middleton, was sent to enforce the laws. The Maclean, it would appear, set this party at defiance, con- cluding from the following complaint against the Clan, viz. 'they, in high contempt of our authority and laws, did forcibly and vio- lently refuse and resist; they having garrisoned the castle, and having fixed swords, guns and hagbats. At the same time, the better to strengthen, encourage, and fortify those within the castle of Duairt, in their rebellious opposition, Maclean of Brolas, and his complices, to the number of seven score armed men, arrived, sword *Letters of Treason, 1764, and Memorial of John, Duke of Argyle, 1777. LACHLAN MACLEAN 41 and target in hand, in a posture ready to fight, with their tartan plaids thrown from them, standing and drawn up hard by the Castle of Duairt, and in readiness to oppose the execution of our laws, who did boldly and insolently intimate so much to Captain Middleton and his party.' " The castle of Aros was sold in 1845 by Maclean of Coll. ''The true story" of the destruction of the Florida, of the Spanish Ar- mada, in 1588 is given. And near the bay, Tobermory, Maclean of Coll erected a mansion, which with its improvements, cost $100,000 and this was probably the beginning of the end of the loss of the isle of Coll. Not far from Tobermory is a remarkable projection on the bold precipitous coast, called Mhic Illeain," or MacLean's nose. The island of Cearnburg, is mentioned in chapter five, where existed an angular or four-cornered fortress for upwards of a thousand years. It is out in the ocean twelve miles from the nearest island. For several years it was occupied by Lachlan Catanach, Chief of MacLean, who there received visits from his neighboring chiefs and others. It is also the scene of one of the unfortunate exploits of his son Ai-lean-nan-sop. The MacLeans still possessed it in 1715, and during the rebellion of that year was taken and re- taken. The only landing-place is by a narrow passage out of the rock: "Hewn in the rock, a passage there, Seeks the sea fortress by a stair, So straight, so high, so steep, With peasant's staff one valiant hand Might well the puny pass have man'd, 'Gainst hundreds armed with spear and brand, And plunged them in the deep." Chapter six is a recapitulation of the author's work on lona. POETICAL FACULTY In the Gaelic periodicals there appeared in poetry translations in the Gaelic from the English, from the pen of Lachlan. He would translate poetry also from the Gaelic into English. From his pen came original poems in both languages. In the "Teachdaire Gaelach," is a lament for the daughter of the Laird of Coll, who died in 1830. It is composed of forty lines. 42 LACHLAN MACLEAN Among Lachlan's English poems the two following given, which appeared originally in broadside, copies of which I have. The older was published in 1844, anonomously. He visited Rosneath in that year, and desired to praise its varied beauties : CURSORY REVIEW OF ROSNEATH. BY A CELTIC SOJOURNEH. "A contrast of fertility and savage views." Pennant. Awake, my Muse ! Remov'd from civic strife, Sing long and loud the joys of rural life ; Hark, how each bush with Nature's music rings, A free will offering to the King of kings ; Hark, how the larks in concert heavenly vie, Up-buoy'd by song to mate the gladdening sky. Silence is charm'd to hear the hum of bees, The thrush and blackbird on their various keys, Take thou a lesson; join them for the wreath, The subject be the glories of Rosneath. For whilst thou sing'st this picturesque abode, Thou sing'st in substance still the varied God. Behold that basin, with its flower-clad shore, The mirror of the brave Mac-Caillean mor, * Where from the ducal castle, eve and morn, Himself he glasses, with the noble Lorn f The noble Lorn, and youthful Eve-like bride, The clansman's leader and the clansman's pride. God bless the couple ! Let their seed abound Duncuaich ! Dunrobin ! echo forth the sound : Where fragrant zephyrs passing yachts regale, For joy they veer and flap their snow-white sail ; Compar'd with this not else is found beneath. Not e'en in Wight or Windsor ! Sweet Rosneath ! Another basin ! nobler still, I deem The race-course of great Napier famed for steam : Lochgair its name, reflecting fifty groves, Where native naiads pledge their faithful loves ; Reflecting, too, the planetary host, Led by the moon to please th' admiring coast. See ! how th' eternal Highland hills upheave Their giant vastness, the swift clouds to cleave ! The haunts of gods to mortal man they seem, Whence flow each blessing with each nightly dream : The clouds repose each eve upon their breast, Each morn they wake, and mount in decent haste ; The shadows take their place the live-long day, To cheer the shepherd and inspire his lay. *The patronymic of the House of Argyle. fThe marquis, LACHLAN MACLEAN 43 List! for methinks, yon mountain is the van Sounds forth the warlike Gathering of a Clan ! The dread Macgregor, and the great Colquhoun, Are met, to feel the merits of that tune. I see the fray from sylvan sweet Rosneath, Glenfruin bleeds Colquhoun lies low in death ! Where now 1 sing what happy contrast reigns ; Where reverend Story takes angelic pains To win to glory the attentive swains ; Where classic Dodds sans bigotry or cant Directs the tender, the 'aspiring plant ; Where Vulcan Donald beats to ploughs and hooks Old swords, and weapons of most deadly looks ; Where brawny Charon t plies the pliant oar. With fashion laden, making for the shore. Thou venerable aisle of stately trees, With perfume loading every passing breeze, From "Clachan" leading to kind Campbell's dome, The stranger's welcome and the Christian's home ; Should I o'erlook thee in my humble song ? Sure, if I did the stones would have a tongue. Ascend we higher, and behold ! a new, Sublime, expansive, panoramic view ! In prospect sits proud Ailsa, beacon tried To guide the commerce of soft-tripping Clyde : Whilst to the left, Dumbarton stands to guard With thick set cannon, and dread Wallace sword, The winged castles, which, instinct with soul Convey our treasure to and from each pole : Lochlong, Lochgoil, the Kyles exchange one meet, In harmony Divine, beneath our feet ; Port-kill house basking on the jutting coast, (Thy paradise, kind Lorn, though generous host,) With golden harvest waiving round and round, In Mountain richness Ceres blessed the ground Hesperean fables are here proved true ; Hesperean poets had Portkill in view. Ye powers that rule ! O grant me this one prayer, My days be peaceful, foreign to Despair ; My sand-glass run, let me depart in faith, And gather'd be in sylvan, sweet Rosneath." August, 1844. JThe polite lessee of Rose Ferry. The universally beloved Chamberlain, Lord Campbell, Esq. In August, 1849, Lachlan visited his nephew, D. T. MacDonald, then resident of Inverary, but late of Calumet, Michigan. While LACHLAN MACLEAN 45 there he composed the following poem in praise of the sylvan beauty which surrounds that residence, which was published as a broadside, August 20, 1848 : ON REVISITING INYERARY. BY L. MACLEAN "All hail again ! sublime retreat ! Romantic, classical, and sweet Of chieftain chivalry the seat, In days of old, My pulse to battle-time would beat Thee to behold. The genius hour of bardship past, Seems in thy mountain mist to rest, Breathing in Celtic numbers best, His epic story ; The burden of his song confess'd, Departed glory ! My country broken-hearted land Where is thy sceptre of command ? Thy clansmen, still a noble band, Are chang'd for cattle, Expatriated by oppression's hand, With death to battle! Their loyalty has no reward, Their mountain language is abhor'd That emanation from the Lord, And hence undying, Which brav'd the test of fire and sword, Yea h 11 defying ! My Pegasus, suppress thy flight ; Let us on present times alight, Behold the Clans' reviving might In yonder man, A chief ordain'd to noble fight, In wisdom's ban. What tho' he shows no bossy shield ? What tho' the blade of death not wield ? He shakes the senate, not the field In virtue's cause ; Nor will he with his life-blood yield, To wrongous laws. 46 ~ LACHLAN MACLEAN Hope points with a triumphant smile To thee, her favorite son Argyle ! When kingdoms and their nations boil, And thrones go ettle We, Clans, will up in ancient style, Thy cause to battle. Let clanship shift his old abode, Acquire a settlement abroad, His language and his father's God, Attend him still. We'll find him THERE at Britain's nod To save or kill. On Nature's chart where shall we find Of varied view so much combined, A landscape-picture of thy mind, Mac Calain Morr In which the virtues are conjoined. The famous Four. * How grand the sight ! each Linn and bay, With salmon sporting with the spray, Or joining with the flies in play, Tho' man be near. A walking forest seems each brae. With branching deer. Thy walks, how beautiful with trees, Half yielding to the honeyed breeze ; Whilst song of birds and hum of bees Transport the heart, All sheltered by a Pyrenees The nobler part ! Why should the garden be forgot, Where choicest fruit I found unbought ; Where nobles on their children doat, And on each other, When Argyle seeks his Ducal grot, With beauteous "Mother." All hail ! again, sublime retreat ! Romantic, classical and sweet Of chieftain chivalry the seat, In days of old. My pulse to battle-time would beat, Thee to behold!" * The cardinal virtues. 48 LACHLAN MACLEAN RELATIVES OF LACHLAN MAC-LEAN In tracing out the relatives of Lachlan MacLean and locating them I have been only partially successful. As the family became widely scattered over the globe, interest in the same waned. We know a sister married a MacDonald, and their son, D. T. MacDonald, Ultimately removed to Calumet, Michigan. Even of the brother, John O., whose family settled in the United States, I have but few particulars. John O. MacLean was born on the Isle of Coll, Scotland, April 2d, 1804, and there married Miss Mary MacLean, in 1834. She was born May 1st, 1814. In 1848 the family removed to Brampton Gore, near Melbourne, Province of Quebec, and engaged in farming, but in 1868 moved to Louisiana, Missouri, and from there, in 1889 to Wichita, Kansas, where Mr. MacLean died September 6th, 1892. The family returned to Louisiana, where Mrs. MacLean died No- vember 28th, 1904, leaving three sons, five daughters, fifty grand- children and fourteen great grandchildren. This couple reared to the years of maturity eleven chidlren. Of these children Lachlan died on his way to the Klondike, aged 63. Thomas K., a large railroad contractor died in Wichita, aged 56. W. D., now retired from business, resides in St. Louis, Missouri. He left Canada in 1862, entered the Union army as a Captain and served throughout the remainder of the War. Flora, the eldest daughter was born May 2d, 1841, and married David Lester November 29th, 1867. She was the mother of nine sons and daughters. Lives in Pueblo, Colorado. John W., born on Coll, came to the United States in 1865, and for forty years has lived in Chicago. Is in the wholesale egg and butter business, 221 N. Dearborn street. He has always been an active member in all Scotch Societies ; ex-Chief of the Chicago Highlanders, and is a Knight Templar and Shriner of the Masonic order. Sarah was born on the Isle of Coll, August 1st, 1846; graduated from Gra- ham College, Richmond, Canada ; taught school in Canada and Missouri; married Wilson Templeton, December 22d, 1870; mother of nine children, and resides in Louisiana, Missouri, as does also her sister, Mrs. Agnes Lake. Murdoch lives in Medford, Oklahoma, as also does Mrs. Bradalbine Deyer. Mrs. Mary M. McLeod, is a native of Canada, and lives in Cripple Creek, Colorado ; assiduous in Church work, Past-Grand Matron of Colorado Order of the Eastern Star and Vice President of Twentieth Century Literary Club. Names of John O.'s children, dying before reaching maturity, not given.