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On the part of those who
instituted similar improvements, in which so few of the people were to
have a share, conciliatory measures, and a degree of tenderness, beyond
what would have been shown to strangers, were to have been expected
towards the hereditary supporters of their families. It was, however,
unfortunately the natural consequences of the measures which were
adopted, that few men of liberal feelings could be induced to undertake
their execution. The respectable gentlemen, who, in so many cases, had
formerly been entrusted with the management of Highland property,
resigned, and their places were supplied by persons cast in a coarser
mould, and, generally, strangers to the country, who, detesting the
people, and ignorant of their character, capability, and language,
quickly surmounted every obstacle, and hurried on the change, without
reflecting on the distress of which it might be productive, or allowing
the kindlier feelings of landlords to operate in favour of their ancient
tenantry. To attempt a new system, and become acceptable tenants,
required a little time and a little indulgence, two things which it was
resolved should not be conceded them: they were immediately removed from
the fertile and cultivated farms; some left the country, and others were
offered limited portions of land on uncultivated moors, on which they
were to form a settlement; and thus, while particular districts have
been desolated, the gross numerical population has, in some manner, been
preserved. Many judicious men, however, doubt the policy of these
measures, and dread their consequences on the condition and habits of
the people. The following account of their situation is from the
respectable and intelligent clergyman of an extensive parish in the
county:-
"When the valleys and
higher grounds were let to the shepherds, the whole population was drawn
down to the sea-shore, where they were crowded on small lots of land, to
earn their subsistence by labour (where all are labourers and few
employers) and by sea-fishing, the latter so little congenial to their
former habits. This cutting down farms into lots was found so
profitable, that over the whole of this district, the sea-coast, where
the shore is accessible, is thickly studded with wretched cottages,
crowded with starving inhabitants. Ancient respectable tenants, who
passed the greater part of life in the enjoyment of abundance, and in
the exercise of hospitality and charity, possessing stocks of ten,
twenty, and thirty breeding cows, with the usual proportion of other
stock, are now pining on one or two acres of bad land, with one or two
starved cows, and, for this accommodation a calculation is made, that
they must support their families and pay the rent of their lots, which
the land cannot afford. When the herring fishery (the only fishery
prosecuted on this coast) succeeds, they generally satisfy the
landlords, whatever privations they may suffer, but when the fishing
fails, they fall in arrears, and are sequestrated, and their stock sold
to pay the rents, their lots given to others, and they and their
families turned adrift on the world. The herring fishery, always
precarious, has, for a succession of years, been very defective, and
this class of people are reduced to extreme misery. At first, some of
them possessed capital, from converting their farm stock into cash, but
this has been long exhausted. It is distressing to view the general
poverty of this class of people, aggravated by their having once enjoyed
abundance and independence; and we cannot sufficiently admire their meek
and patient spirit, supported by the powerful influence of religious and
moral principle. There are still a few small tenants on the old system,
occupying the same farm jointly, but they are falling fast to decay, and
sinking into the new class of cottars."
This mode of sub-dividing
small portions of inferior land is bad enough certainly, and to propose
the establishment of villages, in a pastoral country, for the benefit of
men who can neither betake themselves to the cultivation of the land nor
to commerce for earning the means of subsistence, is doubtless a
refinement in policy solely to be ascribed to the enlightened and
enlarged views peculiar to the new system. But, leaving out of view the
consideration that, from the prevalence of turning corn lands into
pasture, the demand for labour is diminished, while the number of
labourers is increased, it can scarcely be expected that a man who had
once been in the condition of a farmer, possessed of land, and of
considerable property in cattle, horses, sheep, and money, often
employing servants himself, conscious of his independence, and proud of
his ability to assist others, should, without the most poignant
feelings, descend to the rank of a hired labourer, even where labour and
payment can be obtained, more especially if he must serve on the farms
or in the country where he formerly commanded as a master.
It is not easy for those
who live in a country like England, where so many of the lower orders
have nothing but what they acquire by the labour of the passing day, and
possess no permanent property or share in the agricultural produce of
the soil, to appreciate the nature of the spirit of independence which
is generated in countries where the free cultivators of the soil
constitute the major part of the population. It can scarcely be imagined
how proudly a man feels, however small his property may be, when he has
a spot of arable land and pasture, stocked with corn, horses, and cows,
a species of property which, more than any other, binds him, by ties of
interest and attachment, to the spot with which he is connected. He
considers himself an independent person, placed in a station in society
far above the day labourer, who has no stake in the permanency of
existing circumstances, beyond the prospect of daily employment ; his
independence being founded on permanent property, he has an interest in
the welfare of the state, by supporting which he renders his own
property more secure, and, although the value of the property may not be
great, it is every day in his view ; his cattle and horses feed around
him.; his grass and corn he sees growing and ripening; his property is
visible to all observers, which is calculated to raise the owner in
general consideration; and when a passing friend or neighbour praises
his thriving crops and his cattle, his heart swells with pleasure, and
he exerts himself to support and to preserve that government and those
laws which render it secure. Such is the case in many parts of the
world; such was formerly the case in Scotland, and is still in many
parts of the Highlands. Those who wish to see only the two castes of
capitalists and day-labourers, may smile at this union of independence
and poverty. But, that the opposite system is daily quenching the
independent spirit of the Highlanders, is an undoubted fact, and gives
additional strength to the arguments of those who object to the
reduction of the agricultural population, and regret their removal to
the great towns, and to the villages in preparation in some parts of the
country.
It is painful to dwell on
this subject, but as information communicated by men of honour,
judgment, and perfect veracity, descriptive of what they daily witness,
affords the best means of forming a correct judgment, and as these
gentlemen, from their situations in life, have no immediate interest in
the determination of the question, beyond what is dictated by humanity
and a love of truth, their authority may be considered as undoubted.
The following extract of
a letter from a friend, as well as the extract already quoted, is of
this description. Speaking of the settlers on the new allotments, he
says:-
"I scarcely need tell you
that these wretched people exhibit every symptom of the most abject
poverty, and the most helpless distress. Their miserable lots in the
moors, notwithstanding their utmost labour and strictest economy, have
not yielded them a sufficient crop for the support of their families for
three months. The little money they were able to derive from the sale of
their stock has, therefore, been expended in the purchase of
necessaries, and is now wholly exhausted. Though they have now,
therefore, overcome all their scruples about leaving their native land,
and possess the most ardent desire to emigrate, in order to avoid more
intolerable evils of starvation, and have been much encouraged by the
favourable accounts they have received from their countrymen already in
America, they cannot possibly pay the expense of transporting themselves
and their families thither."
It has been said that an
old Highlander warned his countrymen "to take care of themselves, for
the law had reached Ross-shire." When his fears were excited by vague
apprehensions of change, he could not well anticipate that the
introduction of civil order, and the extension of legal authority, which
in an enlightened age tend to advance the prosperity as well as promote
the security of a nation, should have been to his countrymen either the
signals of banishment from their native country, or the means of
lowering the condition of those who were permitted to remain. With more
reason it might have been expected that the principles of an enlightened
age would have gradually introduced beneficial changes among the ancient
race; that they would have softened down the harsher features of their
character, and prepared them for habits better suited to the cultivation
of the soil, than the indolent freedom of a pastoral life. Instead of
this, the new system, whatever may be its intrinsic merits or defects,
has, in too many cases, been carried into execution in a manner which
has excited the strongest and most indignant sensations in the breasts
of those who do not overlook the present inconvenience and distress of
the many, in the eager pursuit of a prospective advantage to the few.
The consequences which have resulted, and the contrast between the
present and past condition of the people, and between their present and
past disposition and feelings towards their superiors, show, in the most
striking light, the impolicy of attempting, with such unnatural
rapidity, innovations which it would require an age, instead of a few
years, to accomplish in a salutary manner, and the impossibility of
effecting them without inflicting great misery, endangering morals, and
undermining loyalty to the king, and respect for constituted authority.
A love of change,
proceeding from the actual possession of wealth, or from the desire of
acquiring it, disturbs, by an ill-directed influence, the gradual and
effectual progress of those improvements which, instead of benefiting
the man of capital alone, should equally distribute their advantages to
all. In the prosecution of recent changes in the north, it would appear
that the original inhabitants were never thought of, nor included in the
system which was to be productive of such wealth to the landlord, the
man of capital, and the country at large,—and that no native could be
intrusted with, or, perhaps, none was found hardy enough to act a part
in the execution of plans which commenced with the ejectment of their
unfortunate friends and neighbours. Strangers were, therefore, called
in, and whole glens cleared of their inhabitants, who, in some
instances, resisted these mandates (although legally executed), in the
hope of preserving to their families their ancient homes, to which all
were enthusiastically attached. These people, blameless in every
respect, save their poverty and ignorance of modern agriculture, could
not believe that such harsh measures proceeded from their honoured
superiors, who had hitherto been kind, and to whom they themselves had
ever been attached and faithful. The whole was attributed to the acting
agents, and to them, therefore, their indignation was principally
directed; and, in some instances, their resistance was so obstinate,
that it became necessary to enforce the orders "vi et armis," and to
have recourse to a mode of ejectment, happily long obsolete, by setting
their houses on fire. This last species of legal proceeding was so
peculiarly conclusive and forcible that even the stubborn Highlanders,
with all their attachment to the homes of their fathers, were compelled
to yield.
In the first instances of
this mode of removing refractory tenants, a small compensation (six
shillings), in two separate sums, was allowed for the houses destroyed.
Some of the ejected tenants were also allowed small allotments of land,
on which they were to build houses at their own expense, no assistance
being given for that purpose. Perhaps it was owing to this that they
were the more reluctant to remove till they had built houses on their
new stations. The compensations allowed in the more recent removals are
stated to have been more liberal; and the improvements which have
succeeded those summary ejectments of the ancient inhabitants are highly
eulogised both in pamphlets and newspapers.Some people may, however, be
inclined to doubt the advantages of improvements which called for such
frequent apologies; for, if more lenient measures had been pursued,
vindication would have, perhaps, been unnecessary, and the trial of one
of the acting agents might have been avoided.
This trial was brought
forward at the instance of the Lord Advocate, in consequence of the loud
cry of indignation raised in the country against proceedings
characterised by the sheriff of the county as "conduct which has seldom
disgraced any country." But the trial ended (as was expected by every
person who understood the circumstances) in the acquittal of the acting
agent, the verdict of the jury proceeding on the principle that he acted
under legal authority. This acquittal, however, did by no means diminish
the general feeling of culpability; it only transferred the offence from
the agent to a quarter too high and too distant to be directly affected
by public indignation, if, indeed, there be any station so elevated, or
so distant, that public indignation, justly excited, will not, sooner or
later, reach, so as to touch the feelings, however obtuse, of the
transgressor of that law of humanity written on every upright mind, and
deeply engraved on every kind and generous heart.
It must, however, be a
matter of deep regret, that such a line of proceeding was pursued with
regard to these brave, unfortunate, and well-principled people, as
excited a sensation of horror, and a conviction of culpability, so
powerful as only to be removed by an appeal to a criminal court. It is
no less to be deplored that any conduct sanctioned by authority, even
although productive of ultimate advantage (and how it can produce any
advantage beyond what might have been obtained by pursuing a scheme of
conciliation and encouragement is a very questionable point), should
have, in the first instance, inflicted such general misery. More humane
measures would undoubtedly have answered every good purpose ; and had
such a course been pursued, as an enlightened humanity would have
suggested, instead of depopulated glens and starving peasantry,
alienated from their superiors, and, in the exacerbation of their
feelings, too ready to imbibe opinions hostile to the best interests of
their country, we should still have seen a high-spirited and loyal
people, ready, at the nod of their respected chiefs, to embody
themselves into regiments, with the same zeal as in former times; and
when enrolled among the defenders of their country, to exhibit a conduct
honourable to that country and to their profession. Such is the
acknowledged character of the men of these districts as soldiers, when
called forth in the service of their country, although they be now
described as irregular in their habits, and a burthen on the lands which
gave them birth, and on which their forefathers maintained the honour,
and promoted the wealth and prosperity of the ancestors of those who now
reject them.
But is it conceivable
that the people at home should be so degraded, while their brothers and
sons who become soldiers maintain an honourable character? The people
ought not to be reproached with incapacity or immorality without better
evidence than that of their prejudiced and unfeeling calumniators. If it
be so, however, and if this virtuous and honourable race, which has
contributed to raise and uphold the character of the British peasantry
in the eyes of all Europe, are thus fallen, and so suddenly fallen, how
great and powerful must be the cause, and how heavy the responsibility
of its authors? But if at home they are thus low in character, how
unparalleled must be the improvement which is produced by difference of
profession, as for example, when they become soldiers, and associate in
barracks with troops of all characters, or in quarters, or billets, with
the lowest of the people, instead of mingling with such society as they
left in their native homes? Why should these Highlanders be at home so
degenerate as they are represented, and as in recent instances they
would actually appear to be? And why, when they mount the cockade, are
they found to be so virtuous and regular, that one thousand men of
Sutherland have been embodied four and five years together, at different
and distant periods, from 1759 to 1763, from 1779 to 1783, and from 1793
to 1798, without an instance of military punishment? These men performed
all the duties of soldiers to the perfect satisfaction of their
commanders, and continued so unexceptionable in their conduct down to
the latest period, when embodied into the 93rd regiment, that, according
to the words of a distinguished general officer, "Although the youngest
regiment in the service, they might form an example to all" and on
general parades for punishment, the Sutherland Highlanders have been
ordered to their quarters, as "examples of this kind were not necessary
for such honourable soldiers."
General Stewart adds the
following in the third edition of his Sketches, published in 1825:--
The great changes which
have taken place in the above parishes of Sutherland, and some others,
have excited a warm and general interest. While the liberal expenditure
of capital was applauded by all, many intelligent persons lamented that
its application was so much in one direction ; that the ancient tenantry
were to have no share in this expenditure ; and that so small a portion
was allotted for the future settlement of the numerous population who
had been removed from their farms, and were placed in situations so new,
and in many respects so unsuitable,--certain that, in the first
instance, great distress, disaffection, and hostility towards the
landlords and government, with adminution of that spirit of
independence, and those proper principles which had hitherto
distinguished them, would be the inevitable result. So sudden and
universal a change of station, habits, and circumstances, and their
being reduced from the state of independent tenants to that of cottagers
and day-labourers, could not fail of arresting the notice of the public.
Anxious to obtain the
best information on this interesting subject, I early made the most
minute enquiry, careful, at the same time, to form no opinion on
intelligence communicated by the people of the district, or by persons
connected with them, and who would naturally be interested in, and
prejudiced against, or in favour of those changes. I was the more
desirous for the best information as the statements published with
regard to the character, capability, and principles of the people,
exhibited a perfect contrast to my own personal experience and knowledge
of the admirable character and exemplary conduct of that portion of them
that had left their native country ; and I believe it improbable, nay
impossible, that the sons of worthless parents, without religious or
moral principle—as they have been described---could conduct themselves
in such an honourable manner as to be held up as an example to the
British army. But, indeed, as to information, so much publicity had been
given by various statements explanatory of, and in vindication of these
proceedings, that little more was necessary, beyond what these
publications afforded, to show the nature of the plans, and the manner
in which they were carried into execution.
Forming my opinions,
therefore, from those statements, and from information communicated by
persons not immediately connected with that part of the country, I drew
the conclusions which appeared in the former editions of these Sketches.
But, with a strong desire to be correct and well informed in all I
state, and with an intention of correcting myself, in this edition,
should I find that I had been misinformed, or had taken up mistaken
views of the subject, in the different statements I had produced, I
embraced the first spare time I could command, and in autumn, 1823, I
travelled over the "improved" districts, and a large portion of those
parts which had been depopulated and laid out in extensive pastoral
farms, as well as the stations in which the people are placed. After as
strict an examination as circumstances permitted, and a careful inquiry
among those who, from their knowledge and judgment were enabled to form
the best opinions, I do not find that I have one statement to alter, or
one opinion to correct; though I am fully aware that many hold very
different opinions.
But however much I may
differ in some points, there is one in which I warmly and cordially
join; and that is, in expressing my high satisfaction and admiration at
the liberality displayed in the immense sums expended on buildings, in
enclosing, clearing, and draining land, in forming roads and
communications, and introducing the most improved agricultural
implements. In all these, the generous distribution of such exemplary
encouragement stands unparalleled and alone. Equally remarkable is the
great abatement of rents given to the tenants of capital—abatements
which it was not to be expected they would ask, considering the
preference and encouragement given them, and the promises they had held
out of great and unprecedented revenue, from their skill and exertions.
But these promises seem to have been early forgotten; the tenants of
capital were the first to call for relief; and so great and generous has
this relief been that the rents are reduced so low as to be almost on a
level with what they were when the great changes commenced. Thus while
upwards of £210,000 have been expended on improvements, no return is to
be looked for from this vast expenditure; and in the failure of their
promised rents, the tenants have sufficiently proved the unstable and
fallacious nature of the system which they, with so much plausibility
and perseverance, got established by delusions, practised on a
high-minded, honourable individual, not aware of the evils produced by
so universal a movement of a whole people. Every friend to a brave and
valuable race must rejoice that these evils are in progress of
alleviation by a return of that kindness and protection which had
formerly been so conspicuous towards that race of tenantry, and which
could never have been interrupted had it not been for those delusions to
which I have more than once alluded, and which have been prosecuted,
within the last twenty years, in many parts of the Highlands, with a
degree of assiduity and antipathy to the unfortunate inhabitants
altogether remarkable. |
