MacGregor

by Peter John Lawrie

Chapter 7

  January 1745

  The frost had frozen the ground hard. Even Loch Katrine was frozen around its edges although there was open water farther out. Shortly after dawn, John MacGregor was summoned to the door of Glen Gyle House by an urgent knock.

  "Yes, Alasdair, what is in it then, so early in the morning,” he said to the ghillie.

  "Saighdearan dearga - Red soldiers,” he answered, breathing hard from his haste to warn his chief.

  A party of red-coated militia were on their way from the garrison at Inversnaid. They had followed the track by Loch Arclet to Stronachlachar and round to Loch Katrine. There was very little snow on the ground and the hard frost would make the marching easy. Although they had been observed by ever-watchful spies as soon as they had left the garrison, they would not be far behind the messenger.

  John considered the situation. He had not done anything which would necessitate this action. His father and Rob were away from home, ostensibly on duties connected with their legal Highland Watch and had been for several weeks. His father had conveyed to him title to the estate more than two years earlier. Since then John had kept himself clear of any invovement in illegal activities. He had spent the winter so far peace­ably in Glen Gyle House with his wife and children and his mother.

  "Advise all the tenants to bolt their doors and remain at home,” he instructed the ghillie. "Tell them to hide any weapons. Do not interfere with the soldiers, whatever they do." Quickly he and the others in the household swept up their valuables. His father had previously removed weapons from the house and its out-buildings. Papers were removed from the oak cabinet in the drawing room. Packs were placed on garrons to be taken to safety.

  As the last of the garrons were led out of sight through the woodland to the east of the township, the column of red-coated militia, a half company in strength, could be seen approach­ing the house from the south. They spread out to both sides and encircled the house. At this, John, watching through the window, smiled wryly, "Did they really expect to surprise us?” he said to his mother."

  There was a peremptory rap at the door. John opened it. The officer who stood before him was a regular soldier, English, and in his mid forties. His face was red from the exertion of the march. Another man in civilian clothes stood next to him, mud on his breeches and his wig awry. Behind him stood half a dozen of his men. Their uniforms identified them as Argyllshire militia, John noticed. They looked ill at ease.

  "I have a warrant for the arrest of Mr Graham of Glengyle on suspi­cion of treason. Let him show himself," demanded the officer.

  "I am Mr Graham of Glengyle,” John said. "Show me your warrant"

  The officer motioned two men forward who took John by the arms. Several more were despatched to search the house. "My information is that Mr Graham is an older man than you, where is he?"

  "My father is not at home and I know not where he is. However, I am John Graham, proprietor of this estate and I am known as Glengyle. I demand to know the grounds for your accusations."

  The officer paused. John could see the uncertainty in his eyes. He had a government notary with him as a witness. His instructions had been to lay waste the estate and burn the house provided adequate reason was given by an expected resistance to arrest. Failing resistance, he was to escort Glengyle back to Inversnaid and from thence he would be taken by boat to the Sheriff at Dumbarton. It was clear all was peaceable here and there could be no excuse for violent action.

  "Bind him,” he commanded his sergeant, "Leave all else alone. We shall return to the barracks with him."

  [John spent the next two years imprisoned without trial in Edinburgh Castle. He would not be released until 1747.]