1 THE SCOTISH GAEL; OR, AS PRESERVED AMONG THE HIGHLANDERS; BEING AN HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF THE INHABITANTS, ANTIQUITIES, AND NATIONAL PECULIARITIES OF SCOTLAND; lions PARriCULARLY OP THE NORTHERN, OR GAKLIC PARTS OP THE COUNTRY, WHERE THE SINGULAR HABITS OF THE ABORIGINAL CELTS ARE MOST TENACIOUSLY RETAINED. BY JAMES LOGAN, FELLOW OF THB SOCIETY OF^NTiqUABlES OP SCOTLAW©. '* Tht most interesting and important of all history is tlie history of manners." WARTOir BOSTON; MARSH, CAP EN & LYON; ALLEN & TICKNOR, AND B. F. GRIFFIN: O, 4b C. CARVILL, new- YORK j GRIGG & ELLIOT, PHILADELPHIA j HUBBARD A. EDMANDS, CINCINNATL 1833. 205021 TO ms MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, WILIilAlfl lY., KING OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND ^c. 6fc. Sfc. SIRE, It is with the deepest gratitude for so distinguished an honor, that I presume to lay these Researches at Your Majesty's feet. The Work relates to a people who have greatly contributed to raise the renown of Your Majesty's arms to the pre-eminence they have attained. The history and character of that people, therefore, deserve the attention of every Patriot; and your subjects, Sire, feel a just pride in being able to call your Majesty a Patriot King. That Your Majesty's reign may be long and happy, must be the ardent wish of every Briton ; and I can say for my countrymen, in particular, that none are more devotedly attached to Your Majesty's Person and Family; and that no portion of Your Majesty's Subjects would more cheerfully venture their lives for the honor and defence of their beloved Sovereign, and for the support of the Constitution under which they enjoy so many blessings. For myself, I rejoice in being so highly favored as to be graciously permitted this public oppor- tunity of expressing the profound respect with which I am, SIRE, Your Majesty's Most devoted and most humble Subject and Servant, JAMES LOGAN. 1. Highland Chiefs, (copper-plate) Frontispiece. 2. Ensign of Scotland, (Vignette) TiUe^agc. 3. Bas Relief, from Trajan's Column Page 19 4. An Ancient Briton - - - - 39 5. A curious inscribed Obelisk - - - 62 6. A remarkable Cromleach - - - C3 7. Various Stone and Metal Implements - 72 8 to 12. Figures illustrating the various an- cient modes of dressing the Hair 38, 73, 84, 85, 101 13. Tinwald, in the Isle of Man 102 14. TheBass of Inverury . - . . 146 15. Stone Circle at Tyrebachar 150 16. A Gallic Female and Celliberian - 151 17. Fragment of a Gallic Mercury 152 18. Bonnets and Purses, (copper-plate) 177 19. A Silver ornamented Brooch 180 20. Small Antique ditto - . . . 184 21. Target, Helmet, and various Weapons 185 22. Helmets of different forms - . - 187 23. Highland Targets, (copper-plate) 190 S4. Shields of various Celtic Auxiliaries in the Roman service, (copper-plate) 195 25. Clubs used in war by the old Britons - 202 26. Stone Weapons, (copper-plate) 203 27, 28. Lochaber Axes . - . . 204 29. Spears and other Weapons - - - 207 30. Ancient British Sword ... 208 31. Two-handed, and Broad Sword - - 213 32. An ancient Dirk, and Sheath with Knife and Fork 219 33. A Curious Belt .... Pagg 219 34. A Highland Pistol - - - - 238 35. Flan of a Caledonian Fortress . . S44 36. Trophy, composed of Highland Arms and Dress ------ 253 37. View of Duri-Troddan inGlenelg - 254 38. Section of Mousa and Dun-Dornghil - 263 39. Do. showing the Galleries - - - 263 40. View of Dun-Dornghil in Strathmore - 269 41. Bas Relief of a Gallic Boar Hunt - 270 42. Horns of the Moose Deer - - - 284 43. Highlander employed at the Cascrom 285 44. Agricultural Implements - - - 315 45. Domestic Utensils ... - 316 46. Snuff Horn and its Appendages - - 360 47. An Ancient Biorlin . _ . - 361 48. 49. British Coins .... 368, 369 50. Funeral Urn and other Vessels - - 380 51. Figures of two Druids - - - - 381 52 to 55. Specimens of Music - - - 413 56. The Royal Arms of Scotland, (copper- plate) 433 57. Reeds of the Bagpipe . , - - 434 58. Harp of aueen Mary - - - - 445 59. Stonehenge restored - - - - 446 60. Plan of the Temple at Classerness in Lewis 489 61. Obelisk, with Hieroglyphic Sculptures 490 G2. Mystical Figura 497 63. Illuminated Capital, from a Gaelic MS. 500 64. Tartan of H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex, (copper-plate) ----- 600 CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. OBJECT OP THE PRESENT WORK AND ACCOUNT OF ITS FORMATION, WITH SOME NOTICE OF ANCIENT HISTORICAL ANNALS, &C. - CHAPTER I. OF THE CELTIC RACE, COMPOSING THE VARIOUS NATIONS THAT FORMERLY INHABITED EUROPE ------ CHAPTER II. BRITAIN THE ORIGIN OF ITS ANCIENT INHABITANTS HISTORI- CALLY DEDUCED - - - - - CHAPTER III. APPEARANCE OF THE COUNTRY EXTENT AND PRODUCTIONS OP THE ABORIGINAL FORESTS ------ CHAPTER IV. CELTIC POPULATION PERSONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF THE CELTS THEIR MILITARY EDUCATION AND INSTITUTIONS ANEC- DOTES OF THEIR BRAVERY AND HEROISM EXPLOITS OF THE ANCIENT CALEDONIANS AND PRESENT SCOTS - - - CHAPTER V. CUSTOMS IN WAR AND MILITARY TACTICS - , - - CHAPTER VI. ON THE DRESS OP THE ANCIENT CELTS, AND COSTUME OF THE PRESENT GAEL - -- -- -- - 6 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII. OP THB ARMS AND MILITARY ACCOUTREMENTS OF THE CBLT8 - 185 CHAPTER VIII OP THE ARCHITECTURE OP THE CELTS ----- 254 CHAPTER IX. OP ANIMALS, AND THE MANNER OF HUNTING - - - - 270 CHAPTER X. OP THE PASTORAL STATE AND OF AGRICULTURE - - - 285 CHAPTER XI. OF THE FOOD OF THE CELTS THEIR COOKERY, LIQUORS, MEDICI- NAL KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH, AND LONGEVITY - - - 316 CHAPTER XII. OP THE SHIPPING, COMMERCE, MONEY, AND MANUFACTURES OP THE CELTS - -- -- -- - ^61 CHAPTER XIII. POETRY AND MUSIC - - - - - - -381 CHAPTER Xrv. RELIGION, MARRIAGE CEREMONIES, AND FUNERAL RITES - - 446 CHAPTER XV. OP THE KNOWLEDGE OF LETTERS AMONG THE CELTS - 490 APPENDIX. TABLE OP CLAN TARTANS ----- - 501 INDEX - - 509 INTRODUCTION. OBJECT OF THE PRESENT WORK, AND ACCOUNT OF ITS FOR- MATION, WITH SOME NOTICE OF ANCIENT HISTORICAL ANNALS, &c. The Scots' Highlanders are the unmixed descendants of the Celts, who were the aboriginal inhabitants of Europe, and the first known colo- nists of Britain. Slowly following the progress of refinement, and assim- ilating with their neighbors, it may soon be matter of unavailing regret, that their language, their singular manners, and peculiar customs, will have become extinct and unknown, save in the traditions of the people or the partial records of the historian. This race, which for so many ages preserved inviolate its Celtic prin- ciples and original habits, has already yielded to the powerful advance of modern civilisation, and has apparently lost more of its distinctive fea- tures within the last century, than during all the previous lapse of time, from its first settlement in Britain. Tenaciously retaining their prim- itive language, social institutions, and established usages, and inhabiting a romantic and picturesque country, in which they so long preserved their independence, the Gael and their territories have become the ob- jects of much curiosity, and the prominent place which they occupy in the national annals, heightens the interest which Scotland has so much excited. After the union of the two kingdoms there was, indeed, a long period of indifference towards this country, and of consequent ignorance of its moral and political state, but emerging from this situation of apparent insignificance, it was destined to attract peculiar regard, and every thing relating to it became an object of the liveliest attention. Various caus- es contributed to effect this change. The rebellions of 1715 and 1745 forced on government the necessity of paying more attention to this part of the kingdom, more particularly to the Highlands, where the conse- quences of the battle of Culloden proved that, even at that late period, the Gael were deemed unworthy of regard, as members of the empire, no laws being thought applicable to them on the suppression of the rebels- lion, but those which were given by a brigade.* It was soon, however, * Culloden Papers. 8 INTRODUCTION. perceived, that from the mountains of Scotland could be drawn an inex- haustible supply of the best soldiers in Europe, and government quickly availed itself of a resource so invaluable. Those who represented the exiled chiefs from the period of the forfeiture of their estates, until the act of grace restored their lands, and permitted them to return to their country, with that hereditary authority, which could not, while the spirit of clanship animated the people, be dissolved or impaired, many of them, without any other income than what was supplied by the benevolence of the clan, were able to raise numerous battalions, with whom they glori- ously fought in support of that constitution which a principle of honor, mistaken loyalty, and the intrigues of France, had so lately led them to endeavor to subvert. The most interesting part of the Scots' nation is the Highlanders, the descendants of the aboriginal Celts, who signalized themselves by a de- termined and effectual resistance, to the utmost efforts of the Romans, who had subdued the inhabitants of the Southern provinces. The nature of their country, wild and mountainous, protected by natural bulwarks, within which, fear and prudence would equally prevent intrusion, and which opposing a barrier to free communication with other parts, served to preserve them for so many ages as a distinct and independent people. Their simple patriarchal manners and government did not lead to much intercourse with strangers, and, except cattle, there was little produce of their country, the disposal of which would have brought them into contact with others. Their habits led to no wants which could not be supplied within themselves. The sea, and numerous lakes and rivers, afforded an abundance of fish, the woods and mountains a variety of fowl and venison, and those who attempted agriculture found the valleys highly productive. Thus secluded, their traditions and songs celebra- ted the exploits of their own nation, and the locality of description fostered the spirit of independence, the lofty notions of their own un- conquered race, and jealous pride of ancestry, so remarkable in the Highlanders. Hence they tenaciously preserved their primitive institu- tions, their costume, language, poetry, music, 8tc., and remained for many ages little known to the rest of the kingdom. The more Southern Scots were, indeed, aware of their existence. The troops and hosts of hardy warriors that often swelled the armies of the king, and were some- times brought down in hostility to his authority, apprized their country- men that they were a considerable people. The fierce and overwhelm- ing forays that necessity or revenge impelled them to make on the plains, informed their Lowland neighbors, in a more unpleasant way, of their vicinity to powerful tribes of different habits, and living under peculiar laws. The civil wars which they had at different times maintained on behalf of the Stewarts, kept alive the recollection of their existence, but it was not until after the remarkable events of 1745-6, that the Northern part of Britain became an object of serious attention to the ministry, and of much curiosity to all. This interest, at first chiefly arising from po- IJNTRODUCTION. 9 litical causes, and the situation of the countrj, was not at that tiine well calculated to produce a favorable or unprejudiced view. The High- landers were even at this period deemed little better than savages. The moderation and orderly conduct of the army of Prince Charles during its success, and the bravery and humanity displayed throughout the affair, that might have vindicated their character from such injustice, were forgotten in the stigma of audacious rebellion. The consequent abolition of the system of government so conducive to their indepen- dence, brought them under more particular notice and observation. The suppression of heritable jurisdictions, the previous formation of the mili- tary roads, and acts for disarming the people and discharging the servi- ces of watching, warding, hosting, and hunting, opened the Highlands to the investigation of the curious, and broke down the chief obstacle to the mixture of the inhabitants in other society — the safeguard against the intrusion of strangers, and the great protection for their primitive simplicity of character. The Gael, who had before this time been so little known, even to many of the more Southern Lowlanders, leaving their native hills, dif- fused a more intimate knowledge of themselves and their country, and by their abilities displayed in the various situations of life, have shown themselves equal to the natives of any portion of the kingdom, and worthy of the respectable station which they have acquired in society. With the loss of much of their distinctive character, they have had but too many opportunities of showing that their military ardor and prowess are yet unimpaired. All Europe has admired the achievements of the Scots' troops, and in the late war they " covered themselves with glory." The history and antiquities of so singular a people opened a copious source of speculation and literary discussion, and the subject could not fail to be generally interesting. The publication of several works gave a stimulus to research, and excited the critical acumen of many writers. The proud and high-minded Highlanders repelled with indignation the slights they received, and the attacks that were so unceremoniously made upon almost every thing which they valued as national. Unfortu- nately, an acrimonious spirit in which some writers indulged begat an animosity but ill suited to calm inquiry. Abuse and recrimination took the place of serious investigation. The elucidation of historical truth was either altogether put aside, or made subservient to the defeat of an opponent, by turning his cause into ridicule; and thus both parties have sacrificed much of the weight that would otherwise have attached to their arguments. While facts were obscured or perverted, error and fiction accumulated, and impartial judgment and unbiassed decision were thereby prevented. Those works were more fitted for the perusal of the antiquary than the amusement of the general reader; but a pow- erful stimulus to the curiosity concerning Scotland has been given by the writings of Sir Walter Scott, one of the most illustrious of her sons, whose works have indeed produced a new era in literature. Caledonia 2 10 INTRODUCTION. has offered an ample lield for the creations of poetry and romance, and by interweaving historical personages and events with the details of fic- titious narrative, the gifted author has, in his combinations, preserved with much fidelity the truth of nature, and the people, thus portrayed by the magic pencil of genius, are presented under that view which most strikingly displays their national character. Whilst those and other volumes almost equally fascinating, illustrate Scotish life and history, exhibit the influence of peculiar institutions, and delineate the manners of the inhabitants, they are the most amusing compositions of the age, and by the varied beauties of their recitals, have charmed civilized soci- ety throughout the globe. The sublime and pathetic remains of Ossian and other bards display the ancient Gael in the most imposing colors, and draw forth our admiration by the dignity of their style, and the gran- deur of their imagery. Ramsay, Burns, and other poets, embellish rural life, and raise our ideas of the talents and intelligence of the Scot- ish peasantry, but " the wizard of the north " has environed his subject with a halo of romantic glory, brightening the page of history, and rous- ing an enthusiastic attention to all that relates to this part of the island. In thus, however, expressing what all must feel, it is necessary to observe that novels of this class are not to be received as genuine history; they are not meant for the communication of strict truth, and the remark is only excited by noticing the authoriy which has been conceded to this class of composition. Highly as their authors, especially the writer above-mentioned, are to be admired, and deeply versed as they undoubt- edly are, in all departments of Scotish history, they are, nevertheless, obliged to sacrifice truth for the sake of effect, for which, at the same time, they are not to be censured. Sir Walter, in his various publica- tions, has brought into view many of the ancient customs of the Scots, several of which have long been peculiar to the Highlanders; and the notes to his poetical works, and the recent illustrations of his prose writ- ings, contain the history and description of many curious observances, as well as authentic details of interesting transactions. The present volumes, by elucidating in the sober language of history those manners so beautifully blended with fiction by the novelists, and those circumstances which are introduced with so much effect, and so materially add to the interest Avith which their works are read, afford some claim to the con- sideration of the public. The numerous volumes extant on Scotish history and antiquities may appear to render the present undertaking superfluous, but no publication on the same extensive plan has yet appeared. In a general history par- ticular information cannot be given, and should not be expected — topo- graphical works are partial — tours and essays are superficial — and con- troversial writings, of which the Northern part of the island has been a fertile source, are still less popular, and are often less satisfactory in every respect than the others. JDr. Mac Pherson, in his Dissertations," had a similar view to that INTRODUCTION. 1! ■which led to the production of this work; but his labors are limited, and he chiefly compares the Gaelic customs with those of the Germans. My endeavor has been to illustrate, with impartiality, the manners of the Celtic race, to trace the language, the religion, form of government, and peculiar usages of the Scots to their origin; to show their identity with those of the aborigines of Britain, and their resemblance to those of the remaining branches of the Celtic race, and thence to prove their own descent, and the derivation of the singular manners which so long distinguished them, and to which they yet fondly cling. That all these emanated from the primitive inhabitants of Europe, I trust will be satis- factorily shown. It is justly observed by Dr. Henry, of the Gauls and Britons, that whatever is said of the persons, manners, and customs of the one, may be applied to the other with little variation and few ex- ceptions." I am aware that some of the subjects on which I have ventured to write have been bones of contention between the learned; I have no wish to increase the list of disputants, and should not have obtruded my opinions, opposed, as they sometimes are, to those of others, if I could have withheld them with justice to my design. My reasoning may not always be satisfactory, but I hope it is not intemperate, and can aver that it is the result of long consideration and careful investigation. Most of the Scots' writers have unfortunately used their pens under feelings of heat and indignation, either as the prejudiced but zealous champions of Celtic, Gothic, Irish, or Saxon colonization, — the strenuous advocates and pertinacious opponents of royal and noble genealogies, or the redoubted vindicators and assailants of national independence and ancient glory; yet, whatever warmth may be displayed by individuals, the researches of many in different departments have brought forward and preserved much matter, both curious and important. Numerous local historians, poets, and tourists, have recorded interesting facts, and many literary societies have elucidated national history by their own labors, and by their exertions to promote all kinds of research. Of these, and all other accessible sources of information, I have availed myself; in doing which, and in making personal investigations and inspections of existing remains in both countries, I have spent some years of unwearied labor, and I have been enabled to accomplish this undertaking, if not in a manner so complete as I could wish, yet in a style which may evince my desire to be as correct and satisfactory as possible.* The labor attending the research necessary for the proper execution of a work of so comprehensive a nature as this, can only be appreciated by those who have been engaged in a similar pursuit. The variety of authorities which I have consulted is indicated by the quotations and * Many drawings of Scotish antiquities and accompanying observations have been honored by the notice of different Societies, who have, in several cases, published them in the volumes of their Transactions, the fidelity of the sketches having been acknowledged by members who had themselves seen the objects. 12 INTRODUCTION. references, but numerous works were necessarily perused without ob- taining any thing to repay the trouble. The Celtic race were scarcely less celebrated for their acquirements in arts than for proficiency in military tactics. The studies of all lauda- ble sciences, says Marcellinus, flourished highly in Gaul, being strictly cultivated by the sacred order of Eubages, Bards, and Druids. The former, searching into nature's highest altitude, endeavored to explain its operations; and the Druids, of a more refined imagination, were ad- dicted vv^holly to questions of deep and hidden matters. The Celts, as will be seen throughout the present work, were by no means barbarous, in the common acceptation of the word, but were the inventors of nu- merous useful and ingenious contrivances, for which surrounding nations were indebted to them. "I am tired," says a learned writer on the language of this people, "of always hearing the Romans quoted, when the commencement of our civilisation is spoken of; while nothing is said of our obligations to the Celts. It was not the Latins, it was the Gauls who were our first instructers.""* Some of the ancients had the candor to make the same confession. Aristotle declared that philosophy was derived by the Greeks from the Gauls, and not imparted to them. So far is it from true that the Celtas were "totally unable to raise themselves in the scale of society," as the author of the "Enquiry" boldly asserts, that numerous individuals obtained high and well deserved honors in the Roman empire. The race was, in fact, remarkable for superiority of mental endowments, which is proved by the list of cele- brated individuals of Celtic origin. Spain alone produced Seneca, Lu- can, Collumella, Martial, Quintillian, &c. whilst the Egyptians and other people, subjected by the Romans, furnished none of any note. The Gauls were truly " of sharp wit and apt to learn," and they were even excelled by the Britons, j the knowledge of whose priesthood was so profound, that the youth of the continent came hither to study and com- plete their education, by a course of no less than twenty years' proba- tion. This learning was not confined to the Southern tribes, but equal- ly pervaded those of the North. Coil, surnamed Sylvius Bonus, main- tained a poetical correspondence with Ausonius. Celestius, Pelagius, St. Patrick, and others, who flourished in the fourth and fifth centuries, were Scotsmen, not to mention those who are believed to have lived about the period of the Roman invasion, and even before that event, if we can credit Bale, Leland, Dempster, &c. In the reign of Charlemagne the Scots were renowned on the conti- nent, their learning and probity recommending them to situations of trust and honour. Hericus, in his Life of St. CfEsar, dedicated to this prince, says, the whole Scotish nation, almost "despising the dangers of the sea, resort to our country with a numerous train of philosophers." The professors of Paris and Padua were then Scotsmen, and Charles's pre- * Julius Liechtlen. t Tacitus' Life of Agricola, c xxi. INTRODUCTION.' 13 ceptor, Alcuin, is also believed to have been one. Paulns iEmilius, speaking of Charlemagne, says he bestowed the honors and magistra- cies of the nation especially upon the Scots-, whom he greatly esteemed for their fidelity and valor; and Eginhart writes, that the kings of Scot- land were much devoted to him, which their letters to him, then extant, confirmed.* Whether he sent to King Achadh, or Achaius, requesting the assistance of learned men, as some affirm, it may be immaterial to inquire, but that a friendship subsisted between the two nations is cer- tain; and Charles himself, in a mandate concerning the Scots' church of Honaugia, speaks of them as having obtained the particular favor and protection of the kings of France before his reign. The Scots were indeed most zealous and indefatigable missionaries, and taught the Christian religion to several nations, founding many churches and reli- gious houses in Germany, France, and Italy itself, distinguishing them- selves by their piety, and a strict adherence to the primitive rites from which the Church of Rome had departed. Lest I should be classed with those vain and prejudiced Scotsmen, who are represented as maintaining what is called the national honor, against all reason and historical facts, fable and conjecture bqing thought the only support for their assertions, it may be well to adduce some proofs, in order to show that Scotland must have possessed very ancient documents, and men well qualified, as well as solicitous, to frame and preserve such records. The violent heat — nay, rage, with which many Scots' antiquaries have vindicated the former glories of their country, has often subjected them to reproach and ridicule, and has unfortunately detracted from the merit of their works. It is generally believed that the Druids committed nothing to writing, and that, in fact, their profession forbade the use of letters; but while this is true, as far as respects their mythology and religious rites, there is every reason to believe that they composed books or tracts on other subjects. The bards, who were the professors and conservators of his- tory, appear to have been under no restraint in committing their partic- ular knowledge to writing; and it is reported that collections of the Brehon laws of high antiquity, and in their peculiar law language, still exist. At li, or lona, the chief seat of the Druidical order in Scotland, Columba is said to have burned a heap of their books; and in Ireland, St. Patrick was no less severe, committing, according to the Leccan records, no less than 180 tracts to the flames. The assertion so often repeated in the Ossianic controversy, that no Gaelic MSS. were in ex- istence, was generally believed until the investigations of the Highland Society proved its falsity. If the reader consult the last Chapter of this work, he will be satisfied that the Scots had the use of letters in the most early ages; but as it seems here necessary, to show what reliance may be placed on the statements which are subsequently introduced, and * Vita et Gestae KaroU Magni, p. 138, ed. Francofurti. 14 INTRODUCTION; to vindicate the authenticity of several of the authorities which it has been necessary to quote, some account of the early state of literature in the British Isles shall be given. The Bards occasionally wrote in the first ages of Christianity, but we are told they did not make it a practice to commit their poems to literary record before the fifth century, and the distractions which so long af- flicted the country occasioned the loss, either by destruction or removal, of most of their productions; and hence Gildas, who wrote in the middle of the sixth century, for want of those " records left by his own country- men, which were either destroyed by the enemy at home, or carried by exiles into other parts," was obliged to apply for the most part to foreign writers. Nennius, who flourished in 858, tells us he compiled his his- tory "from the Roman annals, the chronicles of the holy fathers, and the writings of the Scots and English; also from the traditions of the ciders, which, by many learned men and librarians, had been reduced to writing, but either from frequent deaths, or the devastations of war, were then left in a decayed and confused condition." The remains of British history were collected by Walter Calenius, Archdeacoq of Oxford, and were finally translated, interpolated, and published by Geofl^ry of Monmouth. The author of the Life of Ninian, Bishop of Galloway, says he made use of a book, " De vita et miraculis ejus, barbaria Scriptus;" and the Chronicon Rhythmicum, a Scotish record, was copied from "Chronica Scripta." The ancient tract enti- tled "De situ Albanioe," quotes British histories and chronicles, and acts and annals of the Scots and Picts. The original register of St. Andrews also quoted Pictish books; yet Pinkerton maintains that those people did not know the use of letters, his proof being that all their churchmen and men of learning were either Welsh or Scots. It is suf- ficient evidence that the Picts were not thus illiterate, could nothing else be advanced, than that Nechtan, one of their kings, wrote to Ceol- frid. Abbot of Wearmouth, in 715, and translated his long letter into the Pictish language; and he was accustomed, we are told, to peruse and meditate on the Scriptures. A fragment of Strathclyde Gaelic, which Lhuyd found, and pronounced of the sixth century, shows that the people of that district were equally educated v/ith their neighbors. Adomnan's Life of Columba was first written in Gaelic, as were most of the books known to have been preserved at lona, several of which, in 1525, were re- moved to Aberdeen, but others were seen torn up for snuff* paper at Inverary. The existence of the historian Veremundus, who has been placed in the list of fabulous authorities by most writers, is ably vindicated in a work by Mr. Tytler. That he and others composed tracts on the national history is certain, if quotations from their writings, and allusions to them by early chroniclers is a valid proof To find historians, therefore, who wrote 1200 or 1400 years ago referring to old records in the same terms now applied to their own works, surely proves the antiquity of writing. To what extent the ancient documents thus referred to may have been, INTRODUCTION. Cannot now be ascertained. John Fordun, in the middle of the 14th century, mentions old chronicles and historical annals which he had consulted. It is, indeed, apparent that he transcribed from authentic materials, and the only desideratum is to know their extent and antiquity. The general belief has always been that our ancient records were de- stroyed by Edward I. of England, but some late writers have opposed this opinion, denying the existence of such documents, and alleging that all those he carried away were returned after they had been ex- amined for the purpose of supporting that king's pretended claim to the supremacy of Scotland. Chalmers says, "he did not destroy those documents, but is answerable for all the derangement and loss they sus- tained; " but his intentions respecting the Scotish crown, and conduct towards the country, justify a strong suspicion that no record inimical to his object was by any means likely to be preserved or restored. Sir George Mac Kenzie has observed that Edward assuredly did not return all the documents he had carried off, giving an instance in the release granted by Richard I. to William, which Rymer has published. The destruction of national archives by the ravages of war and civil dissensions has been lamentable. The Reformation was peculiarly fatal to those preserved in religious houses. Duplicates of the renunciation by Ed- ward III. of all claim to the sovereignty of Scotland, were deposited in each of the cathedrals, and of those only the one kept at Glasgow was saved. The picturesque and singular dress of the Highlanders has been an object of particular remark. To those who seem to have assailed the antiquity of every thing peculiar to this people, more from sentiments of individual aversion than from a spirit of candor or love of truth, it has offered a prominent mark for the display of anti-Celtic feeling. The garb is, in the following pages, described and illustrated in all its varie- ties, as now and formerly worn; and while the arguments of those who assert its recent adoption are overthrown, the constant use of the Brea- can-feile and Feile-beag will be proved from documents of unquestionable authenticity. It will be shown that the ambiguous terms in which this unique and graceful costume has been spoken of, cannot be applied to any other habit, and that the writers were at a loss to describe a dress so different from all others, and so difficult to be comprehended by those who only saw it at a distance, and were ignorant of its arrangement. This will appear the less strange when so few in the present day, after it has become in some degree familiar even to the inhabitants of " Cock- aigne," understand its proper composition; and this nj?f excepting many of the natives of Scotland itself While, howeVei, some authors have written in ignorance, many have done so from a feeling of prejudice and silly jealousy of the Scotish mountaineers; but it will be proved that this primitive costume, so well suited to the warrior, so well adapted for the avocations of the hunter and shepherd, has not only been the invariable dress of the Highlanders from time immemorial, but is to be derived from the most remote antiquity; and that neither their clothing, arms, language. 16 INTRODUCTION. poetry, nor music, has been adopted from any nation whatever, but received from the primeeval people whence they sprang. Their country and pursuits rendering the belted plaid and kilt the most convenient ap- parel, they were not likely to lay it aside for any other. It is still less probable, that had the Trius been worn before the adoption of the Feile- beag, the inhabitants of a cold climate would have denuded themselves of so essential a part of the dress of all other nations. Nor would a people so strongly attached to their primitive customs, and opposed to change, have become so partial to a dress introduced by strangers. All who ever settled in the Highlands, as far as we can ascertain, conform- ed to the manners of their adopted country. I trust that I shall be found to have fulfilled all that was promised in the Prospectus. If any part has been treated superficially, it is the "genealogical dissertations," a subject to which incidental allusions only could be made in such a work. The materials I have, however, collected, are abundant and interesting, and will enable me, should such an undertaking meet with encouragement, to elucidate Clan History in a novel and interesting manner. The ignorance of heralds and geneal- ogists has wofully mystified family antiquities; but my plan is not to de- rive families from the individual whose name is first found in a charter, or other document, as the laborious author of " Caledonia" has done, imagining he had settled their origin by this proof, as if persons of cer- tain names, or even tribes, did not exist before the formation of certain parchment documents! I would, for instance, submit whether the Grants, a clan of equal antiquity with the Mac Alpins, who are tradition- ally considered to be coeval with their native hills, did not more proba- bly take their name from the well-known district in Strathspey, called Griantachd, the country of Grannus, or the sun, than from a certain person called Le Grand. The clan Cliattan do indeed say that they are sprung from, or were connected with, the Cattans of the continent; but the Gordons, the Frasers, the Mensies, and the Ruthvens, have no tradition of their descent from the Gorduni, the Frisii, the Menapii, or the Rutheni, of Gaul, although the similarity of names seems of itself to infer a common origin. I have endeavored to relieve the tedium of the antiquarian and de- scriptive parts with anecdotes, many of them original, illustrative of the different subjects, and I hope my selections may be thought judicious. I have, however, forborne to infuse humor into my recitals, notwith- standing it might have enlivened the drier parts of the narration. The variety of matters which are discussed at length, or briefly allud- ed to in these volumes, will be seen from the Index, in preparing which I have bestowed much care, confident that to no work could it be more necessary. He who, for want of this useful appendage, has been com- pelled to go over a book in search of something, which perhaps after his trouble he may not find, will be able to appreciate this part of the work. The reader will find the Index a faithful assistant to almost every subject INTRODUCTION. 17 The gracious permission to dedicate this work to his present Most Excellent Majesty, is a renewal of the distinguished honor intended me by his lamented predecessor. The Highland Society of London, ever ready to promote objects of national importance, promptly declared their resolution to encourage my design. In addition to what has been said on some subjects, the few farther observations which follow may not be inappropriate. In page 97 are some remarks on the population of the Highlands and Isles. The whole population of Scotland will be ascertained by the census of May, 1831. It having appeared to me desirable to obtain an accurate statement of the numbers of the Highlanders, dividing them into clans or districts, I had the honor of corresponding with Sir John Sinclair and others, who entered into my views on the subject. Con- vinced that a census taken in this manner would be of national utility, in putting government in possession of the real strength of each clan, and thus enabling it to determine what regiments could, in case of emergency, be raised in certain parts, and recruited from the same dis- trict, I took the liberty of communicating my sentiments to Mr. Rick- man, who was charged with the execution of the Population Acts of 1801, 1811, and 1831. My object was not deemed capable of being accomplished; but the following letter from a gentleman long in the army, and on the recruiting service, will, perhaps, show that its adoption might have been attended with advantage. "DearSir, -31st August, 1830. " With respect to taking the census by clans in the Highlands of Scotland, I think it would be of importance in many points of view, but particularly with respect to military levies and national defence. When a regiment is raised from one clan, the men consider themselves as much at home, wherever they serve, as though they had not left their native valley. The youth enlist into such regi- ment with alacrity, and the more it distinguishes itself, and the harder its services, the more eager will they be to gain a name among their kindred. Had the 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, and 75th regiments been the clan regiments of the Mac Don- alds, the Mac Intoshes, the Grants, the Mac Phersons, &c. the government had never found it necessary to change their dress, and wrap their thighs in a blan- ket, as the few Highlanders we had then in the 75th emphatically called breeches of white coarse cloth. I conceive, that although heritable jurisdictions have very properly been abolished, it would be advantageous to government to keep up among the Gael as much of the spirit of clanship as possible. If they have sacrificed so much to mistaken loyalty, what may not be expected from their devotedness to a better cause, if in the course of events it should require their support. In short, if the clan system had been more fully adopted during last war, I have no doubt there would have been at Waterloo, for every High- lander who fought there, at least two. and his Grace of Wellington can best tell what would have been their value on such an occasion. The plan alluded to would put the government in possession of the number of each clan, and in the case of raising local forces, or troops for general service, they would fix upon those clans whose numbers would enable them to complete their levies in the shortest time. Upon this point it would create a useful feeling among the chiefs, of retaining the tenantry upon their estates, for he that has nothing but sheep on his grounds could never expect a colonelcy. 3 18 INTRODUCTION. I have been a great part of my life a diligent observer of the character andf manners of the Highlanders, and I have uniformly found, that preserving them in a body is the only means of preserving their character from degenerating. The reason of this is clear ; if a man commit an unworthy action while serving abroad, his friends at home are sure to be informed of it, and he looks upon himself as a banished man, who must never revisit his native land. I am, dear Sir, yours sincerely, To Mr. James Logan. Donald Mac Pherson." In support of the opinions here stated, it may be observed, that at Waterloo, of 454 Scotsmen in the 42nd regiment, their were only 17 men of the name of Campbell, and not one Gordon. The former join their friends in the 79th and 91st. The latter serve in their own clan corps, where also the Mac Phersons chiefly enrol themselves. In like manner the Macrces, Munroes, Rosses, Sec. join the Mac Kenzies in the 78th, and the Mac Kays go into the Sutherland regiment; this, how- ever, is no proof of the indifference of individuals to the feelings of clan- ship; they only, when entering the army, select the regiment where they can associate with those who are from the same parts of the country. The inference is, that were Highlanders able to serve in a battalion of their own clan, they would enter the service with more alacrity. In stating that the sword which belonged to Gordon, of Bucky, is believed to be the oldest specimen of the basket hilt, I had not seen a weapon which has been an heir loom in the family of Sir Charles Forbes, of New, and Edinglassie, in Aberdeenshire. This curious sword is very broad, but not of great length, and bears an inscription, " The Cuttie of New. Alexr Forbes, 1513." If the cliabh, or basket, is an original part, it appears to be the most early specimen. The names of the letters given in the Gaelic Alphabet, are chiefly from the Dictionary published under the sanction of the Highland Socie- ty, and I have stated that the Irish idiom has been adopted. It is to be regretted that the learned gentlemen employed in this great work did not give the native appellations of the letters, several of which differ from those in the sister dialect. The compilers had not the same object in view which I have in speaking of the Tree system in the above place, but some more attention to the letters, the materials of which their whole work is composed, might have been more satisfactory. The sub- ject of Letters and Language, discussed in the Introduction and last chapter, deserves a more extended dissertation than the present design could admit of. " There is room," says Gibbon, " for a very interest- ing work, — to lay open the connexion between the language and man- ners of nations." 19 CHAPTER L OF THE CELTIC RACE, COxMPOSING THE VARIOUS NATIONS THAT FORMERLY INHABITED EUROPE. Europe, in the most early ages, was inhabited by one race of men, whose antiquity is enveloped in inscrutable darkness. From the first memorial of their existence, they are distinguished by the name of Celt^, but the origin of this remarkable people was utterly unknown; to themselves. They had no idea of having ever occupied any other country than that in which they found themselves; and the Druids, the depositaries of their traditional knowledge, maintained that they were aborigines.* This belief was not singular, nor more extraordinary than that of many other nations, equally ignorant and credulous, but more polished and refined. The Celtee, on the authority of their priests, de- clared themselves descended from the god Dis, a being identified with the Pluto of Greek and Roman mythology,! but more probably meant for the Earth. This derivation carinot be admitted: the inhabitants of the west lilust have proceeded fi'om Asia, the parent country of all mankind', at a period which neither historical research nor popular tfadition has been able to approach. All history, both sacred and profane, proves this- quarter of the globe to have been the original seat of mankind. * Ammianus Mafcellinus, on' ihe authority of Tinlogenes. t Csesar, de Bello Gallico,- lib. vi. c. 17. Thfe Grermans derived their origiri from Tuisto, apparently the saatie being as the Geltic Dis or Tis^ Tacitus^ de Mor.- Germanorum. 20 THE CELTS In migrating from the east, the human race successively occupied Greece and Italy, and extended themselves from the Euxine to the Atlantic. As their numbers increased, they gradually took possession of the whole country from the Mediterranean to the Baltic, and a scanty population sought the means of subsistence, among the less inviting wastes, from thence to the Frozen Sea. Europe and Celtica were indeed synony- mous:* the sole inhabitants, from the Pillars of Hercules to Archangel, and from the banks of the Euxine to the German Ocean, being Celts, however distinguished by particular names, applied at various times to different tribes and independent communities. The appellation Celtae, which this primitive people acknowledged as their only proper name,t and which at first they received from others, in subsequent times under- went several changes. The ancient Greeks used this term in speaking of them, but it afterwards became transformed into Calatae and Galata3,J and the Roman Galli was itself latterly adopted by some Greek writers.^ Numerous etymologies have been offered for the solution of this word. In all its variations it may, with probability, be traced through the Greek Kelwv to some corresponding term in the Celtic language that no longer exists. It would be a waste of time to enumerate all the conjectures which have been given, and the result would be unsatisfactory. From various circumstances one people may become distinguished from another; but if inquirers were to reflect, that original names cannot arise from national manners, and that it is more natural for nations to become de- nominated from the country they inhabit, than that it should receive a name from its possessors, it would serve to check many romantic and fanciful conceits. An appellation so very ancient, and so extensively bestowed, must have arisen from something independent of country, and appropriate to a numerous race. To derive the term Celtoe from " Hills," or " Woods," or " Waters," or from western or northern position, when the people so designated oc- cupied all parts of an extensive continent, and filled its islands, is mani- festly absurd. How much more likely it is to have arisen from peculiar personal appearance, the first and natural origin of names. It has been supposed that the Greeks applied the term to denote the milky whiteness of the skin; but in this point the difference between the two people seems insufficient to give rise to a designation, which the Celts retained as their own proper name. A striking and a permanent dissimilarity has always existed between the European and the Ethiopian, both in com- plexion and personal conformation. Amid conjectures so various, may we not suppose, that in the infancy of mankind, if I can so speak, per- * Ortellius, " Geographia vetus." t Caesar, ut sup. X Pausanias, who wrote about 165, says they were but lately denominated Gauls, for they had always called themselves Celtae. Descriptio Graeciae, lib. i. c. 3. The term Gauls seems to have been at first applied to those who had obtained a settlement ire Asia, and were long known as Galaiians. § Appian first uses it in the beginning of the second century THE CELTS. 21 haps before they had visited Europe, a name arose expressive of the fair complexion of the white man, compared with the sable negro.* From the primitive language of those who first peopled the country, the Greek Galactoi has been undoubtedly derived, and was afterwards given as the origin of the term, when the most ancient Celtic had become unknown. The practice of distinguishing individuals by personal appearance and qualifications, is still retained by the Scots Highlanders, the Irish, and the Welsh; and, in support of the etymology I have above given, it is worthy of observation, that " Gaelic " has been, by good antiquaries, translated the language of white men. Gealta signifies whitened, and comes from Geal, white. | The similarity of this word to the term Celtae is striking; from it, in all probability, came the Roman Gallus. As the Celtae moved westward, either from choice or the pressure of an increasing population in the east, they carried with them a simple language and mode of life; and as they met with no inhabitants in the land they took possession of, their primitive manners could at first suffer no farther change than what the difference of country and climate would naturally produce. It may be inferred, with probability, that they con- tinued for a considerable time less warlike than nations who obtain a settlement by force of arms, and must of necessity protect their acqui- sition by similar means. The disconnexion of their tribes, a striking characteristic of the race, had an apparent tendency to enfeeble the Celts, and seems to have prevented the formation of any great empire, as among other nations; but the peace in which they lived was favorable to population. Their mode of life, while it cherished a love of freedom, was highly conducive to bodily strength and hardihood; and the princi- ple of division, which separated the people into so many distinct and independent tribes, did not prevent them from uniting in enterprises, by which their power was often felt in various parts of the world. They in- vaded Asia, they overspread Thrace, and enriched themselves with the plunder of the temples of Greece. In the reign of Tarquin the elder, nearly six centuries before the incarnation, J a numerous body of Celtae, both horse and foot, accompanied by multitudes of women and children, left their native seats in search of new settlements. One part of this army followed Belovesus, and surmounting the Alps, which, till then, it ■was believed, had never been crossed, established themselves near the * So the native Americans call themselves the red men, in contradistinction to the whites. t Gaelic Dictionaries. The Pictish Chronicle says, the Albani, who had their name from their white hair, were the people from whom both Scots and Picts were derived. Those who deduced Celtae from flaxen or reddish colored hair, gave a plausible ety- mon : C was often used for G, and seems to have been the most ancient letter. Hence we find the Galatians were also called Calatians ; Gallicia was anciently Calla- cia, &c. t About 570 Bossuet, Histoire Universelle, vol. i. p. 33. Ed. 1706. 22 THE CELTS. river Po; while the other division, conducted by his brother, Sigovesug, passed into Germany, where these emigrants settled, in the vicinity of the Hyrcinian, now the Black Forest.* The numerous armies which the Celtae at times sent abroad, filled with alarm the most warlike and civilized nations of Europe. Their irresistible inroads, and the terror of their name, procured peaceful settlements, and even the payment of heavy annual tribute from powerful states. An army of Gauls, under the command of Brennus, went into Italy against the Hetrusci, 390 years before the advent of Christ. The Romans thought proper to in- terfere in the quarrel, and killed one of the Gallic princes; upon which their army, marching to Rome, defeated the troops who opposed them, laid the city in ashes, and finally received one thousand pounds weight of gold to purchase their retreat, and save the capital from inevitable destruction. Camillus was fortunately able to repulse them, as they lingered in the country, unapprehensive of attack; but they were not deterred by defeat from renewing their overwhelming and destructive invasions. t About 270, A. C, in three great divisions, they made inroads on Pannonia, Thrace, Macedonia, and Illyria. Those who entered Mace- donia routed the army by which they were opposed, and slew Ptolemy the king. Passing into Asia, they filled the inhabitants with terror and dismay, and received from the suffering Bythinians a free settlement in the country, where they were afterwards known as the Galatians, or Gallo-Greeks. The other divisions were less fortunate; but they retreat- ed only to invade Greece with redoubled fury, and a more numerous armament. J The Celtae, notwithstanding the frequent demonstrations of their war-, like powers, were, for a long period, but little known to the more polish- ed nations of Europe, who were able to transmit authentic information concerning so singular a people. Their history and their religion were preserved among themselves; but their rigid adherence to traditional poetry, as the sole vehicle of record, has left posterity in much igno- rance concerning the state of the Celtic nations in earJy ages. Their ferocious invasions too, however they might excite curiosity, were not calculated to induce a personal visit to their territories, or a quiet inves- tigation of their manners and antiquities. When there was, therefore, scarcely any communication with the north and west parts of the conti- nent, it was impossible to acquire accurate information respecting these parts of Europe, or the inhabitants; hence the obscure and contradictory intimations we find concerning both, A people who are spread over a, vast continent, cannot long remain an entire nation. Boundaries, marked out by nature, will divide the in-. * Livius, Historia Romana. lib. v. c. 34, 35. Appian, of the Gallic War, c. 1. t Plutarch, in vita Camilli. Strabo, iv. p. 195, v. p. 213. J Pausanias, x. 19. THE HYPERBOREI. 23 liabitants into separate communities, and local situation will procure an appropriate name, and create a difference in manners. In the lapse of time the dissimilarity is increased, and when, from an obvious and inher- ent principle, every community aspires to an independent existence, the jnost powerful will acquire and retain an ascendency over the others, who, ultimately, become confederates, and are classed as branches or subdivisions of a numerous association. Thus arises a variety of na- tions or tribes that long continue to be regulated by similar laws and customs, and retain their original language, but eventually alter their dialect, and lose the remembrance of a common origin. The Celts, who were the sole inhabitants of Europe in the infancy of time, were at last formed into a number of divisions, distinguished by peculiar names, but retaining, with their national affinity, the general appellation of Celtae. The apparent diversity of the ancient people of Europe, arising, as it should seem, from the confused and indefinite ideas that existed respect- ing the regions of the north and west, has been a prolific source for polemical discussion, and has afforded ample matter for the disquisitions of those who have applied themselves to investigate the origin of nations. An ignorance, so favourable to the indulgence of fancy, has given op- portunity for the introduction of ficticious narration. The Greeks were extremely credulous, and it is often very difficult to understand what people were meant in their dark and traditional relations. The Hyperborei, or those who lived beyond the north wind, appear the most singular of the people of antiquity. So dark are the intima- tions that are handed down concerning them, that we are inclined to consider the whole as the fables or allegories of an obscure theology. According to some historians, si credimus, as Pliny very considerately adds, they dwelt beyond the Riphaean mountains, which were always covered with snow, and from whence the north wind arose: a latitude by no means suitable to the descriptions given by others, of the genial cli- mate, the fruitful soil, and the happy lives of the inhabitants.* The sit- uation of the Sauromatae, with whom the Hyperborei have been identi- fied, does not better justify the appellation. Strabo speaks of the Hy- perborei as those people, whose geographical position could scarcely give propriety to the name. Diodorus Siculus, on the authority of Heca- taeus, a very ancient historian, who wrote, as Herodotus informs us, a volume on the Hyperborei, describes them as inhabiting an island oppo-« site to Gaul, and as large as Sicily; but he does not appear to give much credit to the relation. | These islanders had of long and ancient time a particular esteem for the Greeks, arising from certain religious connexions, to be hereafter noticed. This description appears applica- ble to Britain, if there were not, as Bryant conjectures, a mysterious * Herodotus, lib. iv. Pliny, Hist. Nat. iv. 12. Pomp. Mela, i. 1, &c. Strabo, i. p. 61^ i Diod. Sic. ii. 3, £4 THE CIMBRI. signification in the name. It was certainly suited to vague and unintel- ligible ideas respecting some remote people. When Rome was taken by the Gauls under Brennus, it was reported in the east that his troops were an army of Hyperborei.* These conflicting accounts prove how little was really known of those who dwelt beyond the snowy regions and the north wind. The CiMMERii, who are placed by Homer at old Ocean's utmost bounds," and are otherwise believed to have lived in Italy, near the lake Avernus, I inhabited the country in the vicinity of the Cimmerian Bos- phorus, to which, either this people, or an ancient city gave name. J Eusebius mentions an incursion of the Cimmerii into Greece, 1076 years before Christ. Subsequently, they made inroads on Ionia and Lydia, and took the city of Sardes. § About 600 years before the Christian era they were driven into Asia by the Scyths, where they are all supposed to have perished. They sometimes were called Trerones, from one of their tribes, the Treres, who bordered on Macedonia; || a considerable