It's your Electric Scotland newsletter meaning the weekend is
nearly here :-)
You can view what's new this week on Electric Scotland at
http://www.electricscotland.com/update.html and you can unsubscribe to
this newsletter by clicking on the link at the foot of this newsletter.
See our Calendar of Scottish Events around the world at
http://www.electricscotland.com/familytree/calendar_help.htm
CONTENTS
--------
Electric Scotland News
Scotland on TV
The Flag in the Wind
The Scottish Nation
New Statistical Account of Scotland (1845)
Good Words - Edited by the Rev Norman MacLeod
Poetry and Stories
Book of Scottish Story
History of Ulster
Reminiscences and Reflections of an Octogenarian Highlander
Sketches of The Character, Manners, and Present State of the Highlanders of
Scotland
Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland 1881
Household Encyclopaedia
Scottish Tradition in Canada
Ontario Genealogical Society
Winter Scenes by David Hunter
ELECTRIC SCOTLAND NEWS
----------------------
Happy New Year and hope this will be a great year for you :-)
I'm to be interviewed for a radio show next week on the 11th for The Celtic
Corner with host, David McNabb, on NPR station, KJZA, 89.5 FM, which airs on
Sat. 6-7 PM, and replays Sun. 1-2 PM and reaches Central & No. Az. and So.
Ut. I believe this means it will be aired the following Saturday. So any of
you in this area of the US might be interested in listening in :-)
In the next few weeks I'll be posting up the book "The Scottish Tradition in
Canada" which was published in 1976. This book is now out of print and it
would appear that the copyright holder, a Canadian Government department, is
now defunct. I have made a number of enquiries and it would seem that I am
able to post this book up on the site.
I am posting up the Editor's Introduction to this book below as I believe it
will be of interest to you. While it deals with Scots in Canada it seems to
me it somewhat mirrors what Scots got up to in the USA, Australia and New
Zealand. Also at a time when ethnic issues are dominant around the world it
shows a genuine effort to explore those ethnic ties in relationship to
Canada. I think the whole project could be one that other countries could
aspire to.
For our Canadian readers I thought I'd mention that I did some shopping
today in Sobeys and found to my astonishment Mrs Bridges Potato Scones,
Scotch Pies and Steak only pies. Not sure if that means all Sobeys stores
have them but if you enjoy those kinds of food well worth a visit. And also
while I was in that section I also noted that they were stocking English
Double Devon Cream. I've found it hard to find a thick cream in Canada so
was delighted to discover this :-)
Not sure how many of you are reading the various publications I'm posting up
but must confess to enjoying almost everything that is going up right now.
There is just so much excellent reading that I really don't know how you
find the time to read it all and am just glad it's my full time occupation
:-)
From the "Sketches of The Character, Manners, and Present State of the
Highlanders of Scotland" we're now in the middle of the army campaigns in
Europe and America and so if military history is your thing you've got to be
enjoying this. From Reminiscences and Reflections of an Octogenarian
Highlander we're learning what social life was like in Scotland in the 19th
century with some rememberences from earlier times.
The Book of Scottish Story shows what people in Scotland liked to read in
the 18th century down to the 16th century and beyond.
Good Words is giving us a view of Christian life in the 19th century and
remember that in those days religion played a major part in people's daily
life.
The new Scottish government have now made it compulsory for Scottish
children to learn Scottish history at school and there will be examinations
at all grades on Scottish history. I think that is absolutely fabulous and
hope Electric Scotland can play a part in that process.
We are also hoping that Christina McKelvie MSP will soon start her regular
weekly diary with us as she seems to have forgotten us over the Christmas
season. This will give us an insight into the working life of a member of
the Scottish government.
ABOUT THE STORIES
-----------------
Some of the stories in here are just parts of a larger story so do check out
the site for the full versions. You can always find the link in our "What's
New" section at the link at the top of this newsletter and pick up poems and
stories sent into us during the week from Donna, Margo, Stan, John and
others.
Scotland on TV
--------------
Visit their site at
http://www.scotlandontv.tv
A Very Happy New Year from Scotland on TV!
One of the many things that Scotland does so well is to celebrate the new
year, and this Hogmanay was no exception. We hope you had a great time,
wherever you are in the world.
Throughout the country, there are similarities in the way that the year end
is celebrated and we’ve looked into some of those traditions, such as First
Footing, the singing of Auld Lang Syne at the bells, and the origins of the
word ‘Hogmanay’.
http://www.scotlandontv.tv/scotland_on_tv/video.html?Channel=Exp%20Events&vxClipId=1380_SMG1624&vxBitrate=300
We’ve also investigated some of the more unusual celebrations, such as the
annual Hogmanay celebrations in the town of Stonehaven, originally an iron
age fishing village, in Aberdeenshire. Every 31st of December, at midnight,
the town centre plays host to a massive fireball-swinging procession, which
passes through the streets and down to the harbour where the fireballs are
thrown into the sea. The balls each weigh 16 pounds and are held on
five-foot long wire ropes. Once alight, these balls are whirled above the
heads of the marchers creating a wonderful spectacle. It’s believed that the
ceremony is based upon a festival celebrated by fishermen of the 19th
century, although many believe it to date back further than that to pagan
times. Take a look at the fireballs in action
http://www.scotlandontv.tv/scotland_on_tv/video.html?Channel=SeeScot%20Places&vxClipId=1380_SMG1622
We’re looking forward to bringing you even more of Scotland over the coming
year. If there’s anything you know of and would like us to cover, please do
let us know –
website@scotlandontv.tv In the meantime, all the very best for
2008 from all of us here.
THE FLAG IN THE WIND
--------------------
This weeks Flag is compiled by Jim Lynch and he provides us with lots of
interesting wee snippets.
In Peter's cultural section he tells us...
Over the years traditions change – some die out and others begin. One such
new tradition is the annual Celtic connections Festival in Glasgow which
does much to brighten up the dark days in January and early February with a
feast of music and song. Under Director Donald Shaw, the 15th Celtic
Connections will run from Wednesday 16 January to Sunday 3 February 2008
over 14 venues in Glasgow. This year there is a massive Gaelic contribution
to Celtic Connections 2008 as reflected in The Scotsman heading of 24
November 2007 – ‘Gàelic gu leòr aig Celtic Connections’. A galaxy of Gaelic
singers and musicians, including Julie Fowlis, Donnie Munro Christine
Primrose, will add much to the 19 days entertainment. One of the main ‘hits’
of the Festival will surely be a performance by the BBC Scottish Symphony
Orchestra and a chorus assembled by Scottish Opera of ‘Praise of Ben Dorain’
by composer Ronald Stevenson. There will also be an opportunity to try
Gaelic song on 20 January. Visit
http://www.celticconnections,com for full details of an outstanding
programme of events to suit all musical tastes. You can toast the success of
Celtic Connections 2008 with this week’s recipe – Apple Jack.
Apple Jack
Ingredients: 50ml Whisky; apple juice
Method: Pour the Whisky into a glass with ice cubes and add apple juice to
taste. Garnish with a slice of apple. Tak aff yir dram!
You can read the Flag, listen to the Scots Language, enjoy the Scots Wit and
lots more at
http://www.scotsindependent.org
The Scottish Nation
-------------------
My thanks to Lora for transcribing these volumes for us.
We are no won the Mac' with MacAlister, MacAlpin, MacArthur and M'Aulay
Here is the account of M'Aulay...
M’AULAY, the name of a minor clan, claimed as one of the seven great
branches of the Siol Alpin, undoubtedly the purest and oldest of the Gael.
Their badge of distinction was the pine. It was held at one time that the
M’Aulays derived their origin from the ancient earls of Lennox, and that
their ancestor was Maurice, brother of earl Maldouin and son of Aulay, whose
name appears in the Ragman Roll as having sworn fealty to Edward I. in 1296.
According to Skene, (Highlanders, vol. ii. page 164,) these Aulays were of
the family of De Fasselan, who afterwards succeeded to the earldom.
The M’Aulays consider themselves a sept of the clan Gregor, their chief
being designed of Ardincaple from his residence in Dumbartonshire. That
property was in their possession in the reign of Edward I. They early
settled in the Lennox, and their names often occur in the Lennox chartulary,
hence the very natural supposition that they sprung from that distinguished
house. In a bond of manrent, or deed of clanship, entered into between
MacGregor of Glenstrae and M’Aulay of Ardincaple, of date 27th May 1591, the
latter acknowledges his being a cadet of the former, and agrees to pay him
the “calp,” that is, a tribute of cattle given in acknowledgment of
superiority. In 1694, in a similar bond given to Sir Duncan Campbell of
Auchinbreck, they again declared themselves MacGregors. “Their connexion
with the MacGregors,” says Mr. Skene, “led them to take some part in the
feuds that unfortunate race were at all times engaged in, but the protection
of the earls of Lennox seems to have relieved the M’Aulays from the
consequences which fell so heavily on the MacGregors.”
Mr. Joseph Irving, in his ‘History of Dumbartonshire,’ (p. 418), states that
the surname of the family was originally Ardincaple of that ilk, a name
absurdly said to signify in the Gaelic “the promontory of the mare,” but in
this he is wrong, as it, truly and correctly means “the chapel in the wood,”
arden signifying trees, and caple the slightly changed form of the Latin
capella. He adds, “A Celtic derivation may be claimed for this family,
founded on the agreement entered into between the chief of the clan Gregor
and Ardincaple in 1591, where they describe themselves as originally
descended from the same stock, M’Alpins of auld,’ but the theory most in
harmony with the annals of the house (of Ardincaple of that ilk) fixes their
descent from a younger son of the second Alwyn, earl of Lennox.” Alexander
de Ardincaple, who lived in the reign of James V., son of Aulay de
Ardincaple, was the first to assume the name of M’Aulay, as stated in the
Historical and Critical Remarks on the Ragman Roll (Nisbet, vol. ii. App.),
“to humour a patronymical designation, as being more agreeable to the head
of a clan than the designation of Ardincaple of that ilk.”
His son, Walter M’Aulay, after the battle of Langside, was one of the
subscribers to the bond for the government being carried on in the name of
the infant James. Walter’s son, Sir Aulay M’Aulay, was the chief who entered
into the alliance with the clan Gregor above mentioned. When the MacGregors
fell under the ban of the law, he became conspicuous by the energy with
which he turned against them, probably to avert suspicion from himself, as a
bond of caution was entered into on his account on Sept. 8, 1610. He died in
Dec. 1617, and was succeeded by his cousin-german, Alexander.
Walter M’Aulay, the son of Alexander, was twice sheriff of Dumbarton. He was
cautioner, along with Stirling of Auchyle, that Alester Macgregor, of the
house of Glenstrae, should keep the peace.
With Aulay M’Aulay, his son and successor, commenced the decline of the
family. He and his successors indulged in a system of extravagant living,
which compelled them to dispose, piece by piece, of every acre of their once
large possessions. Aulay’s son, Archibald, was nominated a commissioner of
supply in 1615. He was also a commissioner of justiciary for the trial of
the Covenanters of the district. Although, however, attached to episcopacy,
he was by no means a partisan of James VII., for in 1689 he raised a company
of fencibles in aid of William and Mary.
Aulay M’Aulay, the 3d in succession from Archibald, was a commissioner of
supply of Dumbartonshire in 1764. This the 12th and last chief of the
M’”Aulays, having seen the patrimony of his house sold, and his castle
roofless, died about 1767. Ardincaple had been purchased by John, 4th duke
of Argyle, and now belongs to the Argyle family.
About the beginning of the 18th century, a number of M’Aulays settled in
Caithness and Sutherland. Others went into Argyleshire, and some of the
MacPheiderans of that county acknowledged their descent from the M’Aulays.
You can read the other entries at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/nation/index.htm
New Statistical Account of Scotland (1845)
------------------------------------------
The first volume I am dealing with is the one on Aberdeenshire. There are
some 85 parishes in this volume and a write up on each.
This week have added...
Parish of Inverury at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/statistical/inverury.htm
Parish of Kintore at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/statistical/kintore.htm
I might add that when I first put up the Parish of Kintore the account was
incomplete and thanks to one of our regular visitors for pointing this out I
got up the full account.
Here is some information on the Parish of Inverury...
Situation, &c.—Inverury, or, as it was sometimes formerly written, Ennerurie,
lies between the Don and Ury, and, extending to the confluence of these
rivers, thence derives its name. It is bounded on the west, by Chapel of
Garioch; on the south, by the Don ; and on the north and east, by the Ury.
Its length from east to west is nearly 4, its breadth from north to south
something more than 2 English miles; and it contains fully 5100 imperial
acres.
Topographical Appearances.—The vale of Inverury, in which the town stands,
and the haughs and lower grounds along the river's side, embrace about 1000
acres of light fertile loam incumbent chiefly on sand. The ground gradually
rises towards the west, and terminates in three hills within the parish,
almost equidistant from each other, and separated by straths or valleys;
that on the south is called the hill of Manar, the middle hill is named
Knockinglew, that on the north the hill of Drimmies.
II.—Civil History.
Perhaps the first mention made of Inverury is in the short narrative of King
Eth. It is noticed in a charter, of date about 1178, by David Earl of
Huntingdon, brother of King William the Lyon, By this charter he conveys to
the rich Abbey of Lindores, "ec-clesiam de Fintrichi (Fintray) cum omnibus
pertinentiis suis; et ecclesiam de Inveruriu cum capella de Monkegin et
omnibus aliis pertinentiis suis; et ecclesiam de Durnach (Durns) et
ecclesiam de Prame (Premnay) et ecclesiam de Inchemabarim (Insch) et
ecclesiam de Culsamuel (Culsamond) cum terris et decimis," &c. (Archaeologia,
Vol. xiii. p. 177.) These churches came into the hands of Earl David, then
probably the richest Lord in Britain, as part of the Lordship of the Garioch
conferred on him by his royal brother. Prior to this time, a castle existed
at Inverury, for, in 1180, Norman, son of Malcolm, Constable of the Castle
of Inverurin, witnesses a charter, preserved in the Advocates' Library. It
was situated near where the Bass now stands, and is the first fortified
place in Aberdeenshire on record,—the Castles of Aberdeen and Kildrummy
dating no higher than the thirteenth century. In the Advocates' Library,
Edinburgh, there is an MS. entitled, A View of the Diocese of Aberdeen, by
an unknown author. It appears to have been written about the year 1726. In
reference to Inverury the author says, "The families here are reckoned about
80, (so, if allowing six to a family), the inhabitants cannot be above 480."
The Edinburgh Magazine for 1760 contains a notice of Inverury and the
country of the Garioch, written by a Rev. Mr Forbes about 1738. Inverury was
not improbably the head burgh of the Garioch as early as the days of William
the Lyon. Its original charter appears to have been lost, for it is, by a
novodamus, created anew by Queen Mary, June 22, 1558; and, on the 17th
September 1663, on the petition of John Earl of Marr, it was appointed to be
the head burgh of his Lordship's regality of the Garioch. "The Parliament
appoints the burgh of Innerauray to be the place where all courts of justice
and all executions belonging to the regalitie of Garioch, as hornings,
inhibitions, &c. shall sit and be used." (Acts of Parl. of Scotl. Vol. vii.
App. 97.) Its representative at that time was Mr William Ferguson of
Badifurrow, the ancestor of the Fergusons of Pitfour in 1669. It was
represented by Mr James El-phinstone.
The Bruce lay at Stonehouse, in the south end of Inverury, before his great
battle with the Cummings. He had been carried in a litter from Sliach in
Strathbogie in a very sickly condition, and was thought to be at the point
of death. Hearing, however, of the insolent daring of his adversaries, who,
relying on his weakness, had approached his very camp, he suddenly roused
himself, called for his sword, and, riding out at the head of his troops,
now inspirited beyond measure by the sight of their beloved leader, whom
they looked on as almost miraculously restored to them, he pursued the
Cummings across the Ury, and encountered their main body between Barra and
Old Meldrum, where he gained his great and decisive victory. This is happily
alluded to by Arthur Johnstone, who, though born on the other side of the
Ury, being a native of Keithhall, links himself with Inverury in the
beautiful lines subjoined.
You can read the rest of this account at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/statistical/inverury.htm
On the index page of this volume you can see a list of the 85 parishes and
also a map at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/statistical/volume12.htm
Good Words - 1860 Edition
-------------------------
Edited by Rev. Norman MacLeod
You should note that as this is a weekly publication you'll find larger
articles are continued week by week.
This week have added articles on...
Recollections of Professor Wilson (Pages 263-267)
Aspects of Indian Life during the Rebellion (Pages 268-271)
Good Words for Every Day of the Year (Pages 271-272)
Here is how "Recollections of Professor Wilson" starts...
IN THE HIGHLANDS AND IN HIS FAMILY.
The privilege of having for many years enjoyed the constant presence of a
man of true genius can never be forgotten. And if remembrance might recall
much of the wealth of Professor Wilson's great intellect, yet rather does it
boast to acknowledge the "good words," with which, during his sojourn upon
earth, he soothed the sorrows of dependents, or rejoiced the hearts of
children. Nothing was more interesting than some one of those rural rambles
which I had the opportunity of enjoying in his society—days which stand out
from the circle of time as favoured spots in my memory.
No place was more frequently sought or seen than the beautiful mountain-land
of the Highlands, where, for days, by the banks of Loch Awe, John Wilson
would wander in silent meditation with the things of nature. His enjoyment
was then intense; and his countenance, as it lighted up in the presence of a
beautiful scene, was in itself a study. His bright, clear blue eye rested
upon the landscape with an expression of love and gratitude. His own fine
words describe the effect of some such scene upon his own mind—
"The sterner thoughts of manhood melt away
Into a mood as mild as woman's dreams,
And leave the soul pure and serene
As the blue depths of heaven."
Ben Cruachan was an almost constant object of his admiration; and the head
of the Lake at Cladich was the chosen resting-place during his sojourn in
that region. Many were the views he selected as suited for the skill of the
artist; and often he regretted his want of powers to transcribe with the
pencil what he so nobly did with his pen. Although he had an intuitive
knowledge of art, and was led directly, in a picture gallery, to the best
paintings—detecting, even in inferior works those marks of excellence which
an ordinary eye would at once have passed over, and have condemned the whole
as worthless—he exercised a somewhat tyrannical command over any one who
possessed the accomplishment of drawing, not unfrequently insisting upon
impossibilities, and expecting that something in the landscape more than the
art could easily admit should be introduced upon the canvas.
Firm and stately in step, with a free and joyous look would he walk,
anticipating the pleasures of a long summer's day. Entering a boat, a few
moments found it gliding silently over the glassy surface of the water,
among the bays and islands of this fairy place, resting where fancy led him;
alternately gazing on the beautiful scene before him, or reading some
favourite poet, and not unfrequently conversing with the boatman, who was
guide for the day's excursion. One island in particular was a favourite
point of rest, and there he always, for some short time, would wander about,
or, sitting down, with a volume upon his knees, was soon lost to the
recollection of all outward things. Spenser's "Fairy Queen" was the subject
of his mental occupation during this summer's ramble, and an essay upon
which is well known to readers of his works to form one of his noblest
criticisms.
Once, while rambling about this island, a beautiful and picturesque tableau
appeared, passing in solemn and striking effect, which did not fail to call
forth what was ever one of the most remarkable traits of Professor Wilson's
mind, a tender and ready sympathy in the hour of sorrow. Rising from a large
stone which he had selected for his seat, and laying down the volume of
Spenser he had been reading, he stood close to the edge of the island; his
still uncovered head was raised | erect, and he watched, with a sad eye and
grave countenance, the approach of a boat that slowly and silently took its
way across the waters towards a long, bare island, that lay like a green
snake on the face of the lake. "Hush!" said he to his daughter; "it will
pass close by us;" and he bowed with reverence to the heavy, dark boat as it
skirted the edge of the island upon which he stood. It was a funeral party,
bearing to his last home a poor old Highland cottager; there were men and
women sitting on either side of the coffin, which was partially covered with
a tartan plaid, upon which lay a large sprig of heather. At the head of the
coffin stood, with a sad and downcast expression, a young man, brown and
weather-beaten, rough in exterior from hard labour and exposure. He was the
chief mourner; near to him sat a very old woman, too far on her own journey
near the other shores of life to evince any outward expression of grief. But
over the whole company there was visible that decent and grave bearing never
at any time wanting at a Scottish funeral. Each one had doubtless his own
awe-struck feelings awakened by the thought of that "day when he goes down
to the grave to await the judgment of the Lord." Solemnly following the slow
and measured stroke of the oar, the only sound which fell upon the ear at
that moment, he watched the sad-burdened boat, that formed a melancholy
contrast to the broad light of the mid-day sun that gilded every object upon
which its rays fell. While the grassy grave received the last green sod
which was to inclose for ever his aged remains, the warm-hearted Professor,
with words of sympathy linked the inevitable doom of the loftiest and the
lowliest in our common pilgrimage.
You can read the rest of this at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/goodwords/goodwords134.htm
You can read the other articles at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/goodwords/index.htm
Poetry and Stories
------------------
Donna sent in a poem, Home, at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/america/donna/restoration/rest6.htm
and also A Shadow, at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/america/donna/poetry/poem46.htm
John sent in a couple of doggerels...
Dumfoonert Aiburdonians at
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel242.htm
Ye Acht Them [You Owe Them] at
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel243.htm
Book of Scottish Story
----------------------
Kindly sent in to us by John Henderson
The Book of Scottish Story - Historical, Humorous, Legendary, Imaginative
by Standard Scottish Writers Published by Thomas D. Morison, 1896
This week we have...
Bruntfield: a Tale of the Sixteenth Century
from Chambers's Edin. Journal
Sunset and Sunrise
by Professor Wilson [Note: In the Good Words section above you will find a
little account of Professor Wilson]
Here is how Bruntfield: a Tale of the Sixteenth Century starts...
The war carried on in Scotland, by the friends and enemies of Queen Mary,
after her departure into England, was productive of an almost complete
dissolution of order, and laid the foundation of many feuds, which were kept
up by private families and individuals long after all political cause of
hostility had ceased. Among the most remarkable quarrels which history or
tradition has recorded as arising out of that civil broil, I know of none so
deeply cherished or accompanied by so many romantic and peculiar
circumstances, as one which took place between two old families of gentry in
the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. Stephen Bruntfield, laird of Craighouse, had
been a zealous and disinterested partisan of the queen. Robert Moubray of
Barnbougle was the friend successively of Murray and Morton, and
distinguished himself very highly in their cause. During the year 1572, when
Edinburgh Castle was maintained by Kirkaldy of Grange in behalf of the
queen, Stephen Bruntfield held out Craighouse in the same interest, and
suffered a siege from a detachment of the forces of the Regent, commanded by
the laird of Barnbougle. The latter baron, a man of fierce and brutal
nature, entered life as a younger brother, and at an early period chose to
cast his fate among the Protestant leaders, with a view of improving his
fortunes. The death of his elder brother in rebellion at Langside enabled
the Regent Murray to reward his services with a grant of the patrimonial
estate, of which he did not scruple to take possession by the strong hand,
to the exclusion of his infant niece, the daughter of the late proprietor.
Some incidents which occurred in the course of the war had inspired a mutual
hatred of the most intense character into the breasts of Bruntfield and
Moubray; and it was therefore with a feeling of strong personal animosity,
as well as of political rancour, that the latter undertook the task of
watching the motions of Bruntfield at Craighouse. Bruntfield, after holding
out for many months, was obliged, along with his friends in Edinburgh
Castle, to yield to the party of the Regent. Like Kirkaldy and Maitland of
Lethington, he surrendered upon a promise of life and estate; but while his
two friends perished, one by the hand of the executioner, the other by his
own hand, he fell a victim to the sateless spite of his personal enemy, who,
in conducting him to Edinburgh as a prisoner, took fire at some bitter
expression on the part of the captive, and smote him dead upon the spot.
You can read the rest of this story at
http://www.electricscotland.com/books/story/story28.htm
The index page of the book where you can read the other stories is at
http://www.electricscotland.com/books/story/index.htm
The History of Ulster
------------------------------
Have now started on volume 3 of this 4 volume set and have added this
week...
I. The Mutterings of the Approaching Storm
II. The Bursting of the Storm-cloud
III. The Horrors of Civil War
This is how Chapter 1 starts...
The trial and death of Strafford belong rather to English than to Irish
history, but so commanding a personality cannot be permitted to disappear
from these pages without any reference to the fate that awaited the
Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland on his arrival in London. The Long Parliament was
opened on the 3rd of November, 1640, and one of its first acts was the
impeachment of Strafford. Many of the charges against him related to his
Irish administration, but the most serious of them, in the eyes of the
Puritans, were his attempts to establish the arbitrary power of the Crown
and his enrolment of an army of Irish Papists, which he was accused of
intending to bring over to support the King against his subjects in England.
A deputation from the Irish Parliament, which had so recently lauded him,
arrived with a remonstrance of grievances against him; and he was convicted
of offences amounting in the aggregate to constructive treason. The King
made a faint attempt in the House of Lords to save his faithful servant, but
the Bill of Attainder was passed on the 8th of May, 1641; on the loth,
Charles signed the Bill by commission, and on the 1 2th, Strafford was
beheaded on Tower Hill.
It must be admitted that Strafford's rule in Ireland, though vigorous and
able, was far from just; and while Ulster benefited thereby to the extent of
the establishment of one of her most staple industries, the linen trade, it
was accompanied, in the southern districts especially, by wholesale
spoliation, galling oppression, terrorism, religious proscription, and even
national degradation. The sowing of such dragons' teeth as these must of
necessity produce a plentiful crop of armed men, and such proved to be the
case.
Of the armed Irishman Strafford himself had a wholesome dread. Even in the
early days of his viceroyalty he wrote on this subject a warning letter to
the King when Charles contemplated raising an army in Ireland. It had been
the safer for your Majesty to have given liberty for the raising five times
as many here in England; because these could not have been debauched in
their faith, where those were not free of suspicion, especially being put
under command of O'Neill and O'Donnell, the sons of two infamous and
arch-traitors, and so likely not only to be trained up in the discipline of
war, but in the art of rebellion also. Secondly, as your Majesty's Deputy I
must tell him, if the state of this kingdom were the same as in Queen
Elizabeth's time, I should more apprehend the travel and disturbance which
two hundred of these men might give us here, being natives, and experienced
in their own faculty as soldiers, being sent to mutiny and discipline their
own countrymen against the Crown, than of as many more Spaniards, as they
sent in those days to Kinsale for relief of the rebels.
You can read the rest of this chapter at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/ulster/vol3chap1.htm
The previous 2 volumes can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/ulster/
Reminiscences and Reflections of an Octogenarian Highlander
-----------------------------------------------------------
By Duncan Campbell (1910)
This week we've added the following chapters...
Chapter XXXIII.
A Scramble for Higher Education
PART II. THE SCHOLASTIC PERIOD.
Chapter XXXIV.
Kerrumore School
Chapter XXXV.
Cargill
Chapter XXXVI.
An Unexpected Event
Chapter XXXVII.
Fortingall
Chapter XXXVIII.
A Population of many Surnames
Here is the chapter on "Emigration"...
MY predecessor and namesake, who drifted south to Lesrnahagow, left the
Fortingall school in an excellent condition. During the months of vacancy
its teaching was carried on by the parish minister, Mr Stewart, assisted by
Duncan Macgregor, Don-nachadh Ruadh, who had been one of the best pupils of
my predecessor. On taking possession of the dwelling-house, which was
connected with the schoolhouse, I found that when it was unoccupied all the
rats of the village had made it their stronghold and nursery. It was no easy
matter to overcome the rat nuisance, for they had drains and a space under
the schoolroom floor to take refuge in, and to resort to poison produced
another trouble when they died and rotted in their secret places of abode. I
never saw a brighter school than the one at Fortingall. During my nearly
eight years of labour there three of its pupils passed out of it to become
ministers, four to become doctors, two bank agents, and half-a-dozen or so
to become schoolmasters. Others drifted south to enter into commercial life
and various business callings. There was a responsiveness of youthful
eagerness between the teacher and the taught that made work enjoyable. On
the occasion when the Celtic Society of Edinburgh sent down a heap of books
to be competed for by the schools within the Presbytery of Weem, my pupils
made me very proud, for they nearly carried all before them. But it was said
for the other schools that the competition was scarcely fair to them,
because their pupils were younger than several of the Fortingall
prize-winners. To some extent that was the truth, but the juniors in
Fortingall ranked up pretty closely with their seniors.
In winter it was the custom in Fortingall to send back to school lads and
lasses above fourteen years of age who had other employments during the
outdoor working season, and these came back very eager to advance after
having pondered on what they had learnt before when at other work. Owing to
this habit the schoolhouse was overcrowded with about a hundred and forty
pupils in the winter months. This number diminished to seventy or eighty in
summertime. In the winter season the scholars were far too many for one
teacher, and I often had prickings of conscience in regard to the younger
children, who had to be left to the teaching of advanced pupils whose fees
were remitted. Their income debarred parish schoolmasters from getting any
help from the Government Grant, and were it otherwise the space of the
Fortingall schoolroom was insufficient in winter, according to the
regulations of the Education Department. Perhaps there should have been less
strict space regulation for the country than for the town schools; for
although inconveniently crowded, the Fortingall schoolhouse did not appear
to have a bad effect on the health of the pupils, a good number of whom came
from places three or four miles distant. The little ones were brought fairly
well forward on the lower steps of the ladder of learning by the hearty
efforts of my upper class assistants. But there was no need for their being
sent to the parish school at all until they had learned to read easy books,
and to do a little writing and arithmetic, for there were three salaried
dame-schools in the district, in which infants were taught English as well
as sewing; and this double work was well done at the Keltneyburn and
Tynayare dame-schools.
The rest of this chapter can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/octogenarian/chapter37.htm
The other chapters added so far can be read at the index page of the book at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/octogenarian/index.htm
Sketches of The Character, Manners, and Present State of the Highlanders of
Scotland
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
by Major-General David Stewart (1822)
This week we've added...
Section 4
Operations under General Amherst in North America in 1760—Expedition under
General Wolfe—Battle of the Heights of Abraham—Death of General Wolfe—Battle
of Quebec—Fraser's Highlanders
Section 5
Montgomery's Highlanders—Dominique taken in 1761—Martinique in 1762—Havannah
taken in 1762
Section 6
Fraser's, Montgomery's, and Royal Highlanders—St John's Newfoundland,
1762—Bushy Run, 1763—Fort Pitt, 1764 —Ireland, 1767—Scotland, 1775
Section 7
Highlanders embark for America in 1775—Battle of Brooklyn, 1776—Battle of
White Plains—Capture of Fort Washington, 1777—Hessians surprised at Trenton—Pis-quatua—Battle
of Brandy-wine—General Wayne surprised—Attack of German Town—White
Marsh—Battle of Monmouth, 1778—Rhode Island—Verplanks—Stony Point—Detachment
of Recruits from London—Consequences—Charlestown taken, 1780—Some
Highlanders deserted [in 1783—Stationed in Halifax, 1786—Embark for England
in 1789—Return to Scotland in 1790
Section 8
Duties of the Regiment in Scotland—Disturbances in Ross-shire in 1792—Embark
for Flanders in 1793—Join the Allied Army at Menin—Relief of Nieuport—Return
to England—Embark for the Coast of France—Embark for Flanders in June 1794—Nimeguen—Distressing
March to Bremen—Return to England—Regiments augmented by Drafts from the
newly raised Corps
Section 9
Embark for the West Indies in 1795—Fleet scattered in a succession of
Gales—One Division of the Highlanders driven back, the other reaches
Barbadoes—Attack on St Lucia and St Vincent in 1796—Porto Rico, 1797—Return
to England, and thence sail for Gibraltar—Expedition against Minorca in
1798—Expedition against Cadiz in 1800—Malta
Here is how Section 7 starts...
On the 14th of April, the regiment embarked at Greenock along with Fraser's
Highlanders. After some delay, both regiments sailed on the 1st of May,
under convoy of the Flora, Captain Brisbane, the Royal Highlanders being
commanded by Colonel Stirling. Four days after they had sailed, the
transports separated in a gale of wind. Some of the scattered transports of
both regiments fell in with General Howe's army on their voyage to Halifax;
and others, having got information of this movement, followed the main body,
and joined the army in Staten Island, where Sir William Howe had returned,
and landed on the 5th of August 1776.
Immediately on the landing of the three Highland battalions, a grenadier
battalion was formed under the command of the Honourable Major (afterwards
General Sir) Charles Stuart. [As a mark of regard to the 42d, the
Commander-in-Chief took all the staff appointments of the grenadier
battalion from the Highlanders.] A light infantry corps was also formed, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave appointed to the command.
He was wounded some months afterwards, and was succeeded by Lieutenant-
Colonel (now General Sir Robert) Abercromby, who commanded during the whole
war. The flank companies of the 42d were attached to these battalions. The
Highland grenadiers were remarkable for strength and height, and considered
equal to any company in the army: the light infantry were quite the reverse,
in point of personal appearance, as the commanding officer would not allow a
choice of men for them. The battalion companies were formed into two
temporary battalions, the command of one being given to Major William
Murray, (Lintrose,) and that of the other to Major William Grant, (Rothiemurchus,)
with an Adjutant and Quarter-Master to each battalion ; the whole being
under the command of Colonel Thomas Stirling. These small battalions were
placed in the reserve with the grenadiers of the army under the command of
Earl Cornwallis. To these was added the 33d, his Lordship's own regiment.
From the moment of their landing, Colonel Stirling was indefatigable in
drilling the men to the manner of fighting practised in the former war with
the Indians and French bushmen, which is so well calculated for a close
woody country. Colonel Stirling was well versed in this mode of warfare, and
imparted it to the troops, by first training the non-commissioned officers
himself, and then superintending their instruction of the soldiers. The
Highlanders made rapid progress in this discipline, being, in general,
excellent marksmen, and requiring only to have their natural impetuosity
restrained, which often led them to disdain the idea of fighting in ambush.
You can read the rest of this at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sketches/highlandsketches22.htm
You can read the other chapters at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sketches/highlandsketchesndx.htm
Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland 1881
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This week added two articles on trees...
On the Border Leicester Breed of Sheep at
http://www.electricscotland.com/agriculture/page54.htm
On Oyster Culture in Scotland at
http://www.electricscotland.com/agriculture/page55.htm
Here is how the account of On Oyster Culture in Scotland starts...
The culture of the oyster has come to be included under the head of
"Agriculture" in the United States, where the vast expansion of this
industry has made it one of the utmost national importance. In this paper we
do not propose to deal to any extent with the history, or natural history,
of this prince of shellfish, but to call special attention to the
exceptional facilities for this species of cultivation to be found in our
well-sheltered Highland lochs, and most extensive foreshores. At the same
time we will give our own experience as a guide to others, both in its
successes and failures.
In the first place, it may be noted as a proof of the suitability of our
waters for the growth of the oyster, that there are very few parts of the
coast of the Western Highlands destitute of representatives, in a more or
less scattered condition. As a rule these are not in extensive beds, but to
a large extent rock oysters, affixed to rocks and stones, and in many
instances covered over with a profuse growth of sea-weed. This situation
renders them inaccessible to the ordinary oyster dredge, and they are only
attainable by the tedious and costly process of lifting them one by one in
calm weather, by means of an iron "graip " in some districts; an instrument
called a hand dredge, shaped like a spoon as to the circumference, but with
a net bottom, in others; or, as in the further north, a pair of pincers
worked with a cord, and directed at the end of a long pole.
This absence of extensive beds, and difficulty of gathering the scattered
oyster harvest, has not only prevented the extension of the trade, but, to a
considerable extent, hidden the fact of their presence from the general
public. The local demand, however, of many parts of the West Highlands is
partly supplied by the "natives," of large size and particularly fine
flavour, obtained from the neighbouring waters. These are mostly the
products of low spring-tides, in which the peasants and cottars can reach
the oysters that have been either driven further inshore by heavy weather,
or have grown up on the rocks and stones accessible at these particular
seasons. All this points to the fact that our seas are thoroughly congenial,
and that only the physical constitution of our commonly rocky and stony sea
bottom prevents the more frequent deposit of extensive dredgeable beds along
our western coast. When the character of the bottom would lead us to hope
for a more successful harvest, it is found that there, as elsewhere in the
kingdom, the beds have been over-dredged, as in Loch Ryan; or completely
cleared, as in some of our small Highland and more accessible lochs. When
this is done, theory has been found to be entirely at variance with
resulting facts. The statement so frequently made that oysters are so
prolific that no bed can be dredged so completely but that sufficient
oysters will be left to replenish it, is never found to hold good in
practice. Allowing that the oyster will throw from 200,000 to one million
spat, the chances seem against its remaining where it is thrown; while on
this point also, our own experience is against the statement that the spat
are then carried away by currents to some bank in the vicinity, if not found
upon and around the parent oyster. Enough that our shores are frequented all
along by oysters, and that our banks have became and remain denuded of them,
and the question is next how to replenish the one, and utilise the
capabilities of the other.
You can read the rest of this chapter at
http://www.electricscotland.com/agriculture/page55.htm
The other articles can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/agriculture/index.htm
Household Encyclopaedia
-----------------------
I have added a few more pages to the B's which you can see at
http://www.electricscotland.com/household/b.htm
The index page of this publication can be seen at
http://www.electricscotland.com/household/
The Scottish Tradition in Canada
--------------------------------
Edited by W. Stanford Reid, Guelph, 1976
The Government of Canada commissioned this study and here is the Editor's
Introduction...
Canadians, like many other people, have recently been changing their
attitude towards the ethnic dimension in society. Instead of thinking of the
many distinctive heritages and identities to be found among them as
constituting a problem, though one that time would solve, they have begun to
recognize the ethnic diversity of their country as a rich resource. They
have begun to take pride in the fact that people have come and are coming
here from all parts of the world, bringing with them varied outlooks,
knowledge, skills and traditions, to the great benefit of all.
It is for this reason that Book IV of the Report of the Royal Commission on
Bilingualism and Biculturalism dealt with the cultural contributions of the
ethnic groups other than the British, the French and the Native Peoples to
Canada, and that the federal government in its response to Book IV announced
that the Citizenship Branch of the Department of the Secretary of State
would commission "histories specifically directed to the background,
contributions and problems of various cultural groups in Canada." This
series presents the histories that have resulted from that mandate. Although
commissioned by the Government, they are not intended as definitive or
official, but rather as the efforts of scholars to bring together much of
what is known about the ethnic groups studied, to indicate what remains to
be learned, and thus to stimulate further research concerning the ethnic
dimension in Canadian society. The histories are to be objective,
analytical, and readable, and directed towards the general reading public,
as well as students at the senior high school and the college and university
levels, and teachers in the elementary schools.
Most Canadians belong to an ethnic group, since to do so is simply to have
"a sense of identity rooted in a common origin . . . whether this common
origin is real or imaginary." [Report of the Royal Commission on
Bilingualism and Biculturalism.] The Native Peoples, the British and French
(referred to as charter groups because they were the first Europeans to take
possession of the land), the groups such as the Germans and Dutch who have
been established in Canada for over a hundred years and those who began to
arrive only yesterday all have traditions and values that they cherish and
that now are part of the cultural riches that Canadians share. The groups
vary widely in numbers, geographical location and distribution and degree of
social and economic power. The stories of their struggles, failures and
triumphs will be told in this series.
As the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism pointed out this
sense of ethnic origin or identity "is much keener in certain individuals
than in others." [Ibid. Paragraph 8.] In contemporary Canadian society, with
the increasing number of intermarriages across ethnic lines, and hence the
growing diversity of peoples ancestors, many are coming to identify
themselves as simple Canadian, without reference to their ancestral origins.
In focusing on the ethnic dimension of Canadian society, past and present,
the series does not assume that everyone should be categorized into one
particular group, or that ethnicity is always the most important dimension
of people's lives. It is, however, one dimension that needs examination if
we are to understand fully the contours and nature of Canadian society and
identity.
Professional Canadian historians have in the past emphasized political and
economic history, and since the country's economic and political
institutions have been controlled largely by people of British and French
origin, the role of those of other origins in the development of Canada has
been neglected. Also, Canadian historians in the past have been almost
exclusively of British and French origin, and have lacked the interest and
the linguistic skills necessary to explore the history of other ethnic
groups. Indeed, there has rarely ever been an examination of the part played
by specifically British - or, better, specifically English, Irish, Scottish
and Welsh - traditions and values in Canadian development, because of the
lack of recognition of pluralism in the society. The part played by French
traditions and values, and particular varieties of French traditions and
values, has for a number of reasons been more carefully scrutinized.
This series is an indication of growing interest in Canadian social history,
which includes immigration and ethnic history. This may particularly be a
reflection of an increasing number of scholars whose origins and ethnic
identities are other than British or French. Because such trends are recent,
many of the authors of the histories in this series have not had a large
body of published writing to work from. It is true that some histories have
already been written of particular groups other than the British and French;
but these have often been characterized by filio pietism, a narrow
perspective and a dearth of scholarly analysis.
Despite the scarcity of secondary sources, the authors have been asked to be
as comprehensive as possible, and to give balanced coverage to a number of
themes: historical background, settlement patterns, ethnic identity and
assimilation, ethnic associations, population trends, religion, values,
occupations and social class, the family, the ethnic press, language
patterns, political behaviour, education, inter-ethnic relations, the arts
and recreation. They have also been asked to give a sense of the way the
group differs in various parts of the country. Finally, they have been asked
to give, as much as possible, an insider's view of what the immigrant and
ethnic experiences were like at different periods of time, but yet at the
same time to be as objective as possible, and not simply to present the
group as it sees itself, or as it would like to be seen.
The authors have thus been faced with a herculean task. To the extent that
they have succeeded, they provide us with new glimpses into many aspects of
Canadian society of the past and the present. To the extent that they have
fallen short of their goal, they challenge other historians, sociologists
and social anthropologists to continue the work begun here.
Jean Burnet
Howard Palmer
Ontario Genealogical Society
----------------------------
There is a significant conference in 2008 which may be of interest to some
of our local Canadian readers and also those from the USA that are within
reasonable reach. Here are the details...
Welcome to Conference 2008
hosted by the London and Middlesex County branch
of the Ontario Genealogical Society
We look forward to having you join us at Fanshawe College Residence and
Conference Centre in
London, Ontario from May 30-June 1, 2008. An average of 500–700 participants
attend the annual
OGS conferences. The campus venue and the complimentary computer room will
provide excellent
opportunities to network with fellow researchers. Our main focus will be the
internet and technology as it relates to family research.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher,
Whether you are interested in Ontario or beyond,
Our goal is to provide motivating activities for everyone.
Attendees will thoroughly enjoy the world famous speakers, a most
interesting tour, and the
informative workshops. The phenomenal Marketplace will feature many vendors
displaying traditional
as well as more high tech materials. The banquet team has planned a most
entertaining Saturday
evening with great food and the dynamic speaker Paul McGrath from Ancestors
in the Attic.
We are actively seeking advertisers, sponsors and supporters for assistance
with door prizes, gifts, speakers’ honorariums, and participant supplies
such as pens, pencils, pads and other items for the registration bags and
other promotions. Prizes and gifts will be awarded throughout the
Conference, and we plan to acknowledge our generous sponsors. Please find
enclosed further information regarding sponsorship opportunities. If you can
help us with any of these initiatives, please contact Carol Hall, Promotion
Committee, c/o OGS Conference 2008, 611 Wonderland Rd. North, Suite 271,
London ON, N6H 5N7.
For any queries regarding Conference 2008 and contact details visit
http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference
Winter Scenes
-------------
David Hunter kindly sent in more of his superb photographs of Winter Scenes
in Scotland which you can see at
http://www.electricscotland.com/pictures/hunter/set10.htm
And that's it for now and I hope you all have a great weekend and that 2008
will be a good year for you :-)
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com
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