WILLIAM AND MABY.
7
was considered as fair prize. Their territory was invaded by aparty of Camerons: a skirmish took place: some blood was ■shed; and many cattle v r ere carried off to Dundee’s camp,where provisions were greatly needed. This raid produced aquarrel, the history of which illustrates in the most strikingmanner the character of a Highland army. Among those whowere slain in resisting the Camerons was a Macdonald of theGlengarry branch, who had long resided among the Grants, hadbecome in feelings and opinions a Grant, and had absentedhimself from the muster of his tribe. Though he had beenguilty of a high offence against the Gaelic code of honour andmorality, his kinsmen remembered the sacred tie which he hadforgotten. Good or bad, he was bone of their bone: he wasflesh of their flesh; and he should have been reserved for theirjustice. The name which he bore, the blood of the Lords of theIsles, should have been his protection. Glengarry in a ragewent to Dundee and demanded vengeance on Lochiel and thewhole race of Cameron. Dundee replied that the unfortunategentleman who had fallen was a traitor to the clan as well as tothe King. Was it ever heard of in war that the person of anenemy, a combatant in arms, was to he held inviolable on ac-count of his name and descent? And, even if wrong had beendone, how was it to be redressed? Half the army must slaughterthe other half before a finger could be laid on Lochiel. Glen-garry went away raging like a madman. Since his complaintswere disregarded by those who ought to right him, he wouldright himself: he would draw out his men, and fall sword inhand on the murderers of his cousin. During some time hewould listen to no expostulation. When he was reminded thatLochiel’s followers were in number nearly double of the Glen-garry men, “No matter,” he cried, “one Macdonald is worthtwo Camerons.” Had Lochiel been equally irritable and boast-ful, it is probable that the Highland insurrection would have
CHAP
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