|
PREFACE
HAVING in 1764, been led
through curiosity, to view the rude magnificence or the Highs of
Scotland, my attention was soon attracted by the less pleating scenes of
human misery in all its Shapes; unalleviated by the cheering rays of
hope, or any of the comforts which the lower ranks of mankind inhabiting
richer foils, enjoy in a certain degree. Succeeding journies over the
various districts; of those mountainous wilds, served only to disclose;
similar distresses; and curiosity, the primary impulse, gave way to
serious investigation. By hearing the complaints of those unhappy
people; by comparing their various relations with each, either, and with
my own observations, I was enabled to ascertain those facts which form
the ground-work, of the following narrative.
A tract of land, that compasses a fifth part of Britain, appeared; with
some exceptions, to be in a state of nature a great body of people, and
these the most virtuous of our island, were dragging out a wretched
existence, perishing through want, or forced, through wild despair, to
abandon their country, their kindred, and friends, and to embark,
moneyless and unknown, the indented slaves to unremitting toil and
drudgery, in boundless deserts, at the distance of 3000 miles.
The result of these observations, was an enquiry whether the improvement
of the country, and the relief of the people, were practicable; to what
extent these objects could be carried; whether merely to soften local
distress; or in doing this humane duty, whether a permanent and valuable
colony might not, at the same time, be established in those outskirts of
Britain, to the great benefit and security of the centre.
But such was the disposition of the times, that it seemed a useless
labour and expence to introduce the subject on either side of the Tweed.
Some few lines, however, found their way to public observation, between
the years 1770 and 1776, wherein the fidelity and bravery of the
Highlanders were applauded, and the utility of permitting them to resume
their favourite dress was warmly recommended.
Thus stood matters, when a train of events, the most unexpected and
humiliating, contributed, in their operation and consequences, to
exhibit, more than ever, the value of the Highlanders, and the
importance of the country that gave them birth.
Emboldened by these considerations, and seeing no regular plan of policy
proposed, relative to that country, I arranged the various memorandums
and papers which I been collecting on these subjects, during a score of
years; stated the distresses of the people, and the causes of these
distresses; attempted the outlines of a plan whereby Some
inconveniencies would be removed, others mitigated, the country
improved, the fisheries, and nursery for seamen greatly extended; and
resolved, in humble deference, to lay the same before the public.
I have, throughout the whole, avoided all chimerical theories, and
tiresome conjectures, founded merely upon report, or collected from the
very erroneous representations of old writers. It was my wish to propose
a plan, adapted, in all its parts, to the natural state of the country,
the genius, qualifications, and relative situation of the inhabitants;
practicable, expedient, and within the abilities of government.
These observations were printed in the Spring 1783; and some sheets were
privately circulated in both kingdoms, in the hope that gentlemen of
rank or influence would lay the same before administration, as a
stimulus to objects of greater importance to the strength and opulence
of this island than is generally imagined. During a journey through part
of Scotland in the Summer ensuing, I was fully convinced that the
calamitous situation of the Highlands had not been misrepresented in
the. narrative; and it was from the affecting relations of the people,
that I drew up and annexed some particulars respecting the famine, which
had not then fully subsided.
Many of the arguments which had occurred in treating of the Highlands,
seemed applicable to Scotland in general. This opened a new, and more
extensive field of enquiry. If the revolt of some colonies, the conquest
of others, and the then apparent danger of losing the remainder, gave
the Highlands additional consequence, the improvement of the kingdom at
large appeared equally expedient. The same idea admitted of being
extended even to England itself, a country more indebted to nature, and
the industry of individuals, than to the attention or assistance of its
government, as will evidently appear to any person who shall take the
trouble of considering the matter in a general view.
Thus the whole island seems to have been, in a greater or lesser degree,
neglected, and its real interests sacrificed to expensive schemes of
conquest and empire, which, without effecting any valuable purpose,
brought it to the verge of ruin and bankruptcy.
There are, however, many persons, who, notwithstanding that the events
and consequences of the late war have disarranged the old delusive
system of politics, and shewn its inefficacy, still adhere to ‘opinions,
which cannot be defended on any principle of justice, humanity, or
national expediency.
To such persons particularly I have, with greater zeal than abilities,'
addressed the following sketches relative to the ancient and present
state of Great Britain; being fully convinced, that the objects of the
greatest value to society, may be obtained at less expense or treason,
and without involving the innocent multitude in the complicated,
indescribable distresses of war.
Some of the table calculations, and estimates, are inserted from
authentic documents; others, upon miscellaneous authorities; and some
upon probable conjecture. Any errors that may have escaped notice,
amidst so many figures, will be corrected; the same attention will be
given to any mistakes in opinion, as soon as they shall be discovered;
or pointed out.
The writer must disclaim any pretentions to literary embellishments,
grounding his hope of approbation, merely on the application, fatigues,
and expense, which have been unavoidable through every stage and
department of the business; and if any of the grievances stated in these
pages shall be redressed or mitigated, he will also derive additional
satisfaction, in the feelings of his own breast.
Richmond, Surrey,
April, 1784.
ElectricScotland Note:
Due to this document being published in the late 1700's the letter s
is substituted by the letter f and so is a little challenging to read.
The Preface above has corrected this spelling to make it easier for you
to read.
A view of the British
Empire, more especially Scotland; with some proposals for the
improvement of that country, the extension of its fisheries, and the
relief of the people.
By John Knox (1785) (pdf) |
