day on which it was to be sent off, took leave and went home. The dispatch was made up by Governor Hill, and sent from Fort William, escorted by an ensign’s company. On the third day’s march, Rob and fifty of his men met the party at Glendochart, and demanded their dispatches. The officer refused; but was told by Rob, that he must either give their lives and the despatches together, or the despatches alone. The despatches were given up: and Rob, having taken out the bond he wanted, begged the officer would excuse the delay he had occasioned, and wished him a good journey. By this bold exploit, many chiefs saved their heads, and forfeiture of their estates.
The spirit of clanship, the dignity assumed by great chieftains, and the profound submission of their vassals, often produced the most iniquitous actions.— Against such acts of violence, though overlooked by the government, Rob Roy M’Gregor manfully and openly drew his sword.
On the estate of Perth, a clansman of Rob Roy’s occupied a farm on lease; but the factor took occasion to break it, and the tenant was ordered to remove. Rob, hearing the story, went to Drummond Castle. On his arrival the first person he met
