THE relations and negotiations of the rebel
chiefs of the ’15 and the ’45 have properly received much attention from
a number of writers on Scottish History; those of the loyalists are not
less interesting and illustrative of the times.
The advent of the year 1745 found quarrels existing between the loyalist
lords of the extreme north of Scotland — the Earl of Sutherland and the
Lord Reay.
The Lord Advocate of the day (Craigie of Glendoick) attributed their
dissensions principally to their differences at parliamentary elections.
It is possible that other influences were at work. The Dowager Countess
of Sutherland declared that Lord Reay was a 'very cuning man,’ and she
certainly, and a number of the Earl's real or affected friends were much
vexed at the reconciliation between them which followed. But whatever
the causes of the dissensions were, the Government was seriously
concerned at the discord which existed between two chiefs whose
co-operation with each other in the service of King George was so
certain to be required, no one knew how soon.
The steps by which the reconciliation was attained were, according to
the late Sir William Fraser, initiated by the Earl (Sutherland Book)
says, sent Major Hugh Mackay to Tongue on a friendly mission to Lord
Reay, The Major reported to the Earl by letter that Lord Reay’s
sentiments to him were most friendly, ‘that he had the heartiest
disposition to serve the Earl and his family’s Sir William Fraser',
initiated by the Earl.
In the July of that year, the Earl, his real interests on terms equal,
honest and honourable on both sides; and that, while regretting they
were hindered from doing so for some time past, he was now well pleased
that the Earl was disposed to allow them to serve him.’ (Sutherland
Book, i. 403, citing Letter 15 July, 1745, Sutherland Charter Chest).
This letter accurately represents Lord Reay’s sentiments. Lord Reay,
however, had already taken the initial step by addressing a letter to
the Earl in the same strain; and had received from him a friendly reply.
Lord Reay’s letter, dated 1 July, 1745, is printed in vol. ii. of the
Sutherland Book, p. 252. He explains that, considering his loyalty and
friendship with the Earl’s father and grandfather, he had expected to
have shared in their descendant's friendship and confidence as well. The
blame of their estrangement he throws on the Earl. He was ready and
anxious, however, to bury all differences in oblivion, and had gone so
far as to frame certain proposals which, he thought, were equal and
honourable to both parties, and which his son George would present
whenever the Earl pleased.
For a copy of the Earl’s reply, we are now indebted to Mr. P. W.
Campbell, W.S., Principal Clerk of Session.
LETTER—THE EARL OF SUTHERLAND TO LORD REAY.
My Lord,
I have the Honour of vour Lordship’s letter of date the first current,
setting forth the reasons why I have not for some years past shar’d in
your Lordship’s friendship, equallie with my Grandfather and Father, and
as I had done myself formerlie; And at the same time desireing an
oblivion of past differences and also acquainting me that your Lordship
had proposeals readie for my peruseal, as the basis of a reconciliation
and lasting friendship, and such as are equallie honourable, and for the
interest of both our Families. Your son Mr George who you tell me has
these Proposeals, shall be welcome here, and if I find the Terms cquall
and honourable for both of us, I shall agree that mutual confidence take
place of any Differences that might formerlie have subsisted, and I
shall have the pleasure of your Lordship’s friendship, which I shall
value and endeavour to cultivate by all suiteable returns in my power as
my Grandfather and Father did.
I am, My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most humble Servt.,
‘SUTHERLAND.’
It was nine days after this that Major Mackay wrote his report of his
visit to Tongue, above-mentioned.
The result of these negotiations was a contract of mutual friendship and
for mutual action between the Earl and Baron, dated before the expiry of
the month. For the terms of the Contract also we are indebted to Mr.
Campbell.
Contract of Mutual Friendship in the ’45
CONTRACT OF MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP BETWIXT THE EARL OF SUTHERLAND AND LORD
REAY,At Tongue and Dunrobin the
Eighteenth and Twenty Sixth days of July Seventeen hundred and fotty
five years, It is mutually agreed and condescended upon berwixt rhe
Parties following, viz., The Right Honourable William Earl of Sutherland
on the one Part, and the Right honourable George Lord Reay, on the other
Part, As follows, That is to say, Forasmuchas some differences and
disputes have arisen between us to our mutual lesion and prejudice, on
occasion of the late Election of Members to serve in Parliament for the
Shire of Sutherland, and for the District of Northern Burrows; And now
seeing We are on both parts very sensible that the honour and interest
of both our families will be better promoted and secured by our acting
in concert and mutual agreement, than by our pursuing opposite or
separate political courses, And considering especially how highly
necessary it is that there should be a firm union and confidence between
our families in the event of any public disturbance by an Invasion or
Rebellion, either or both of which calamities there are hut too just
grounds to apprehend from the restless malice of foreign and domestic
enemies in the present critical conjucture of the affairs of Europe,
Therefore and to secure our acting with mutual harmony and uniting the
whole strength of both our families and adherents, so as tn he able in
any public danger to render the more considerable and effectual service
to his present Majesty King George the Second, for supporting the
succession in the Protestant Line of his most illustrious house, and for
securing the present happy Establishment in Church and State, and for
defeating the designs of his Majesty’s enemies both open and secret, We
do for these and man)' other weighty-considerations Mutually agree and
by the sacred tie and pledge of our word and honour on both sides Bind
and Oblige ourselves and our families and friends and followers to each
other in manner and to the effect aftermentioned To Wit Primo, That from
henceforth we shall bury in everlasting oblivion ail differences ami
misunderstandings that may have unhappily taken place between us before
the date of these presents and we promise from and after this date to
cultivate a firm ami inviolable friendship for the mutual support of the
honour and interest of both our families for the future in conjunction
with the defence of the present Government in Church and State, And in
order to perpetuate such mutual friendship we do agree and promise to
each other That in the event of any jealousies or differences arising
for the future betwixt us or our successors and families from whatever
cause or occasion, and on whatever points of honour or interest, that in
such case neither party shall act upon surmise and suspicion to the I
prejudice of the other, but on the contrary that rhe party thinking
himself aggrieved shall communicate the whole matter of his jealousy to
the other, and that both parties sincerely endeavour to have all
suspicions of one another and all differences removed in the way of
friendly communing and correspondence, and if any difference shall
happen to subsist
J. H. Stevenson
(Sgd.)
Hugh Mackay, Witness Geo. Mackay, Witness Jam. Gilchrist, Witness Hugh
Mackay, Witness Jam. Gilchrist, Witness
(Sgd.) SUTHERLAND.
REAY.
and that method of removing it is attempted in vain, that then it shall
be submitted to the arbitration of friends hinc inde. Secundo Whereas by
an Act of Parliament Anno Primo Regis Georgii primi Entitulcd an Act for
the more Effectual Securing the peace in the Highlands of Scotland, We
the said George Lord Reay are freed from all services commonly called
personal attendance, hosting, watching, warding, etc., that were
formerly due and prestable by us to the Family of Sutherland by virtue
of nur Charters from them, Yet considering That in the event of any
public disturbance the said Noble Earl and We with our vassals and
tenants and adherents would be in condition to render more considerable
service to his present Majesty, as well as better promote and secure the
mutual interest of both our families, by acting in concert and agreement
with one another than by taking separate measures in the prosecution of
those ends as is above observed, Therefore We, the said George Lord Reay
do by these presents bind and oblige ourselves and successors, that in
the events above mentioned, we shall raise all our vassals and tenants
and others capable to hear arms on our estate, and employ them in
conjunction with the said Noble Earl, and his successors and their other
vassals and friends and tenants and adherents for the defence of His
Majesty, King George the Second and his successors and the present
Establishment in Church and State and for the mutual defence and support
of both the families of Sutherland and Reay, and our several properties
and legal interests, Tertio, It is mutually agreed upon by us the said
William Earl of Sutherland and George Lord Reay, and we solemnly promise
one to another for ourselves and for our successors and our friends and
adherents, that we shall employ' our influence and use our best
endeavours in all future elections of Representatives in Parliament in
the way of mutual concert and agreement among ourselves so as best to
answer the foresaid ends of promoting and securing the mutual interest
of both our families in conjunction with our duty to His Majesty and
successors and our subserviency to the present Establishment in Church
and State In Testimony whereof both parties have subscribed these
presents at the places and tunes after written Before these witnesses
rexive vizt., To the subscription of us the said George Lord Reay at
Tongue the said Eighteenth day of July and year foresaid Major Hugh
Mackay of General Ogilthorp’s Regiment, Master George Mackay our second
lawful son and Mr James Gilchrist Minister of Thurso, writer hereof,
witnesses also to the subscription to the marginal note on page third:
And to the subscription of us the said Earl of Sutherland at Dunrobin
the said Twenty sixth day of July and year forcsaid the said Major Hugh
Mackay and Mr James Gilchrist, witnesses also to his Lordship’s
subscribing the marginal note on the preceding page.
Contract of Mutual Friendship in the ’45
Before the Contract was concluded, the Earl had a letter from the Lord
Advocate—
‘I received with much pleasure the account you send me of the thorow
reconciliation between your Lordship and the Lord Rae at the same time I
hope
you’ll forgive me to observe that I do not think it was quite proper
that your aggreement touching the elections should have been reduced
into writeing especially in the way of contract.’ (22 Aug., 1745,
Sutherland Book, ii. 253). It was possibly this same provision which
offended some of the Earl’s friends.
Lord Reay on 24 August writes again to him— "1 reckon the many letters
your lordship is pleased to acquaint me you get against your joining in
friendship with me a double tye on me to exert myself all in my power on
every occasion to make you as easy as I can, to convince you of my
sincerity and readyness to support your honour and interest, and thereby
to shew others how far they are mistaken, for your lordship will still
find me your fast friend" (Sutherland Book, ii. 254).
J. H. Stevenson. |
