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wild and distracted he then appear ed meditating a deed of sin-she rush ed towards him, and, clasping him in her arms, dragged him backwards, just as he was about to precipitate himself into the gulph below.

"Overcome by bodily fatigue, and agitation of mind, they remained for some time in a state of insensibility. The brother first revived from his stupor; and finding her whose image was pictured in his soul lying by his side, with her arms resting upon his shoulder, he believed for a moment that he must have executed the dreadful deed he had meditated, and had wakened in heaven. The gentle form of the lady is again re-animated, and slowly she opened her beautiful eyes. She questioned him regarding the purpose of his visit to that desolate spota full explanation took place of their mutual sensations, and they confessed the passion which consumed them.

"The sun was now high in heaven the clouds of the morning had ascended to the loftiest Alps-and the mists, into their airy elements resolved, were gone.' As the god of day advanced, dark vallies were suddenly illuminated, and lovely lakes brightened like mirrors among the hillstheir waters sparkling with the fresh breeze of the morning. The most beautiful clouds were sailing in the air-some breaking on the mountain tops, and others resting on the sombre pines, or slumbering on the surface of the unilluminated vallies. The shrill whistle of the marmot was no longer heard, and the chamois had bounded to its inaccessible retreat. The vast range of the neighbouring Alps was next distinctly visible, and presented, to the eyes of the beholders, ' glory beyond all glory ever seen.'

"In the mean time a change had taken place in the feelings of the mountain pair, which was powerfully strengthened by the glad face of nature. The glorious hues of earth and sky seemed indeed to sanction and rejoice in their mutual happiness. The darker spirit of the brother had now fearfully overcome him. The dreaming predictions of his most imaginative years appeared realised in their fullest extent, and the voice of prudence and of nature was inaudible amidst the intoxication of his joy. The object of his affection rested in his arms in a state of listless happiness, listening

with enchanted ear to his wild and impassioned eloquence, and careless of all other sight or sound.

"She too had renounced her morning vows, and the convent was unthought of, and forgotten. Crossing the mountains by wild and unfre quented paths, they took up their a bode in a deserted cottage, formerly frequented by goatherds and the hunters of the roe, On looking down, for the last time, from the mountain top, on that delightful valley in which she had so long lived in innocence and peace, the lady thought of her departed mother, and her heart would have died within her but the wild glee of the brother again rendered her insensible to all other sensations, and she yielded to the sway of her fatal passion.

"There they lived, secluded from the world, and supported, even through evil, by the intensity of their passion for each other. The turbulent spirit of the brother was at rest-he had found a being endowed with virtues like his own, and, as he thought, des titute of all his vices. The day dreams of his fancy had been realized, and all that he had imagined of beauty or affection was embodied in that form which he could call his own.

"On the morning of her departure the dreadful truth burst upon the mind of her wretched husband. From the first arrival of the dark-eyed stranger, a gloomy vision of future sorrow had haunted him by day and by night. Despair and misery now made him their victim, and that awful malady which he inherited from his ancestors was the immediate consequence. He was seen, for the last time, among some stupendous cliffs which overhung the river, and his hat and cloak were found by the chamois hunters at the foot of an ancient pine.

"Soon too was the guilty joy of the survivors to terminate. The gen tle lady, even in felicity, felt a load upon her heart. Her spirit had burned too ardently, and she knew it must ere long be extinguished. Day after day the lily of her cheek encroached upon the rose, till at last she assumed a monumental paleness, unreliev ed save by a transient and hectic glow. Her angelic form wasted away, and soon the flower of the valley was no more.

"The soul of the brother was dark, dreadfully dark, but his body wasted

not, and his spirit caroused with more fearful strength. • The sounding ca taract haunted him like a passion.' He was again alone in the world, and his mind endowed with more dreadful energies. His wild eye sparkled with unnatural light, and his raven hair hung heavy on his burning temples. He wandered among the forests and the mountains, and rarely entered his once beloved dwelling, from the windows of which he had so often beheld the sun sinking in a sea of crimson glory.

"He was found dead in that same pass in which he had met his sister among the mountains; his body bore no marks of external violence, but his countenance was convulsed by bitter insanity." P. F.

ACCOUNT OF A MS. HISTORY OF SCOTLAND; BY SIR GEORGE MACKENZIE OF ROSEHAUGH.

Communicated by the Rev. DR M'CRIE.

MR EDITOR,

AT your request, I send you an account of a MS. which lately came into my possession, and which I consider as part of a history of Scotland, by Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh. The fact of Sir George having left such a history is already known. It is mentioned in the following advertisement prefixed to the second volume of his works:→→→

Whereas, in the list of the Author's manuscripts, there is mention made of an History of the Affairs of Scotland, from the restauration of King Charles II., 1660, to the 1691, which subscribers might have readily lookt for in this second volume, but that manuscript being in the hands of some of the author's relations, who think it not ready for the press until it be carefully revised, they have reckoned it more proper to have it printed by way of appendix to this second volume, how soon they have it revised and transcribed by a good hand."

This is the only notice of the work that I have met with. It does not appear that the author's relations carried their design of printing it into execution; and I have not, upon inquiry, been able to learn that a copy of the manuscript exists in any library, public or private.

I literally found the MS. which I mean to describe to you,

-in vico vendentem thus et odores; and unfortunately it had suffered to a considerable extent before I rescued it

from the hands of the merchant, who had purchased it as waste paper. It is a quarto volume, bound in vellum, and written in a fair hand about the beginning of the eighteenth century. Nearly 300 pages of it remain. It is entitled, "The Historie of Scotland from the year 1660; begins with an account of the "happie restauration" of Charles II.; and ends with a letter, dated 27th October 1677, from the Privy Council to the Earl of Glencairn and Lord Rosse, preparatory to the calling in of the Highland Host upon the western shires. The remaining part of the history, extending from 1677 to 1691, is of course a-wanting. In consequence of the mutilations before referred to, there is a large chasm in the MS. including the history from 1663 to 1669. There are also a number of blanks left for the insertion of public papers.

My reasons for thinking that this MS. forms part of Sir George Mackenzie's history are entirely of an internal kind, but they are such as leave no doubt on my mind. This might be presumed from the circumstance of its detailing, with great minuteness, those transactions in which Sir George was personally concerned, and giving at length the speeches which he delivered in Parliament. But there is more direct evidence. In the introduction, the author says:

"I may without vanitie promise, that no man hath wrote ane historie who knew more intimatelie the designes, and observed more narrowlie all the circumstances, of these actions he sets down, than myself, having been either actor in, or witnes to, all the transactions which I mention ; es pecially since ye year 1677, at qch time I was made his Majestie's advocat."

Now, it is known that Sir George Mackenzie became Lord Advocate in the course of that year. It is unne cessary to quote other passages, in which the author is described in a manner which cannot be easily mistaken, although in terms less precise than the above. I shall therefore merely add, that there are a number of marginal alterations, in a handwriting different from that of the rest of the manuscript; and from a comnatures of Sir George, preserved in parison of these with letters and sigthe Register House, it appears that they were written with his own hand: so that the MS. in my possession was corrected by the author himself.

The sentiments which Sir George Mackenzie entertained on the public

transactions of his time are well known.

But it may be proper to state, that in the history he expresses himself with greater freedom and impartiality than in his Vindication of the Government in Scotland during the reign of King Charles II. He does not scruple to condemn several of the court measures, and exposes the selfish and mercenary disposition of some of the chief statesNot having seen the latter part of his history, I cannot speak of the manner in which he has related transactions during the period in which he held an important situation under go

men.

vernment.

I cannot say that this manuscript contains much information which can properly be called new. It does, however, state facts which I have not found elsewhere; and it certainly throws light upon the transactions which it relates. A history of that period, by a person of such intelligence and opportunities of information as Sir George Mackenzie, must deserve to be preserved and consulted. In general, the view which the author gives of the characters of the principal statesmen in Scotland after the Restoration, of their intrigues for supplanting one another, and of the causes of their elevation and their fall, agrees with that which has been given by Bishop Burnet. Considering the wide difference between the principles of the two writers, this coincidence corroborates the truth of the Bishop's statements. Sir George is more favourable to Middleton than Burnet is. He gives the same view of Lauderdale's vices; but his narrative sets the talents of that statesman in a stronger light. I shall now furnish you with a few extracts from the work, which will be more satisfactory than any description of its contents. Having shewn how th principal offices of state were filled up at the Restoration, the author says,

"Bellenden was created Thesaurer De pute in place of Sir Daniel Carmichael, who got that employment in anno 1649, but was fallen in some disgust with his Maj. because he had refused to advance the king some. inconsiderable soume in 1650. Whereas Cranstoun M'Gill was continued a Senator of the Colledge of Justice, because he assisted his Maj. in his necessities at that time. Sir John Fletcher, because of his alliance to Middleton, was employed to be his Maj.

Advocat; which drew upon both of them the odium of the ablest lawyers, who, because of their senioretie and abilities, thought it their owne dew; and upon that accompt all that societie, whose friendship in ScotMiddletoun's interest was much opposed by land, especiallie dureing parliament, ought to be much valued. Sir William Bruce gott the office of the Clerk of the Bills by the favour of Sir Robert Murray; and in the nomination of the Colledge of Justice, each great man was allowed a friend or two, till the list was compleat. But because the Earle of Lauderdale charges Tarbet with ingratitude, for opposing him who had prefer'd him to one of these chairs, I thought fitt to tell that he was nominated by the Earle of Rothes. The greatest number of rivalls were those who sought for the place of Clerk of Register. But Sir Archibald Prymrose, then Clerk to the Council, did openlie profess that none but himself was able to serve in that employhe told me, that this was the surest method ment during parliament; and I remember in competitions of that nature; and it did reallie advance much his designe at that time, for no lawyer was on the list with him, and no gentleman was sufficientlie qualified for it. But to secure his clame, he payed doun a considerable soume to Sir Wm Fleeming, who had a grant of it from his Maj. dureing his exile, and hee swore a constant dependance upon the Earle of Midletoun."

Of the passing of the Act Rescissory the author gives the following account:

"The Commissioner (Middleton), insti gated by Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbet, who was a passionat Cavaleer, resolv'd to rescind all the parliaments since the year 1640, because they were but a series of repleased the Commissioner, yet Tarbet urg'd, that without rescinding these parliaments, they would never secure his Majestie's prerogative in calling and dissolving parlia ments; and since this parliament had declar'd that to have been his Maj. preroga...” tive, it followed necessarily, that these parliaments which state after his Maj. had sioner, were unlawfull. The force of which dissolv'd them, and without his Commisargument prevail'd with Midleton to send Mungo Murray, brother to Atholl, to consult his Maj. in this affair. But how soon Chancellor Hyde did read his letters, he dispatch'd immediatlie ane express to Midletoun, chiding him for scrupling to pass that act, and entreating him to pass it immediatlie, as most conducive for his Maj. interest. How soon it was inform'd that the Commissioner had intended to urge this act rescissorie, Mr James Wood, professor of divinitie in St Andrews, did, out of ane indiscreet zeal, go to the Commissioner, and told him, that if he offer'd at it they would let loose the people upon them. But it

bellion.-Albeit at first this overture dis

displeas'd not only the fanaticks, but even such as had gloried much in the engadge ment 1648; for that parliament fell under the same condemnation. And some of the best affected, but moderate Cavaleers, did not approve it; for they thought it dishonourable for the memorie of that incomparable king to have that parliament, 1641, wherein he sate, rescinded, as they judg'd it a dangerous preparative to rescind all that had past in a time when the people were made to believe that these parliaments were warranted by his Maj.; but to satisfie these, it was provided by ane express salvo, that all such privat persones as had obtained privat rights or securities from any of these parliaments, or any deryving power from them, should be secure, except they were particularlie questioned before the act of indemnitie. Only the parliament 1649 was absolutlie rescinded without any such salvo, because they had no warrand even by the bill of trienniall parliaments, as is clear by the historie of these tymes."

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After giving an account of the manner in which the excise of £40,000 sterling annually, granted by Parlia ment to the King during life, was carried, and showing how burdensome this impost was to the nation, Sir George adds:

"Nor did these provisos in the act any way lessen the burden; for it was in vain to think that his Majestie's successores wold not pretend, that because their expenses were equal to his Maj., that therefor the same subsidie should not be deny'd; and subsidies are in this like to the devill, that both are more easily raised than laid. And when the subsequent impositions were craved, and this promise, never to exact any more cess, objected, it was ansuered, that his Majestie did not exact or impose any new cess, but that there were voluntary offers. Pardon me, reader, to intreat thee, that if ever thou become a member of parliament, then consider what curses are day. lie pour'd out by many poor, hungrie, and opprest creatures, upon such as are in accession to the imposing of taxes; for they not only torment poor people for the present, bot they mak way for new ones, and new taxes are the only means of making old ones seeme easie."

The fact of the Duke of Albemarle (Monk) having transmitted, during the trial of the Marquis of Argyle, letters written to him by the Marquis, which led to his condemnation, has been repeatedly called in question, and confidently denied. Sir George Mackenzie was one of Argyle's counsel, and his testimony will, it is presumed, be sufficient to set this controversy

at rest.

"The relevancie of the articles (says he in the MS.) being discussed, probatione was

ledd for proving the late complyance after the year 1651, and his accession to the king's murther, which was excepted out of the letter; and though verie many witnesses were adduced, yet some thought the probation not full. But after the debate and probation was all closed, and the Parliament ready to consider the whole matter, one who came post from London knockit most rudelie at the parliament door; and upon his entrie with a packet, which he' presented to the Commissioner, mad him conclude that he had brought a remission, or some other warrand, in favours of the Marques, and the rather because the beerer was a Campbell. But the packet being opened, it was found to have in it a great many letters, which had been directed by the Marques to the Duke of Albemarle, when he was General in Scotland, and which he reserv'd to see if they were absolutlie necessary; and being by these diligent envoys (Glencairn and Rothes) advertised of the scantnes of the probation, he had sent them post by M'Naughton's servant. sooner were these produced, but the Parlia ment was fullie satisfied as to the proof of forfaulted," &c. * the compliance, and the next day he was

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the proceedings respecting (what was The MS. gives a minute account of called) the billeting act, anno 1662: by which the Parliament declared twelve persons, selected by ballot, incapable of serving his Majesty in any place of trust. At that time we are told

his Maj. wold close the door upon him "Lauderdale was brought so low, that

when he call'd in Tarbat. He was under valu'd by his enemies, and deserted by his friends; and if prosperitie (which, like all rype things, do's soon corrupt) had not betray'd Midletoun and his friends to too much arbitrariness and want of circumspection, his owne misfortunes." Lauderdale had sunk under the weight of

Various instances of Lauderdale's violent and over-bearing conduct ocWhen he was Commissioner in

cur.

The labour which has been taken to wipe off this blot from the character of Monk by Dr Campbell-(Biographie Britannica, art. Campbell [Archibald,] marquis of Argyle) and by Mr Rose (Observations on Mr Fox's Historical Work, pp. 22—26)

is not altogether without its use. The perusal of what they have written on this dangerous it is to rest on what is called nesubject may be of utility, in shewing how gative proof in opposition to positive testimony-and that it is not difficult, or at least not impossible, to bring forward many ingenious and plausible arguments, to prove that a thing could not be, which, after all, turns out to be an undoubted fact.

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1669, great opposition being made in parliament to an act, which he wished to carry, for laying a duty upon salt used in curing fish ;-"at last the Commissioner rose in a passion, and told, that though the Parliament stopt the act, yet they should gain nothing by it; for he wold, by virtue of his Majestie's prerogative, pepper the fishing (as he termed it) with impositions." After a 36. long and deep silence," the debate was resumed, and the act was finally carried by the casting vote of the Chancellor, as president.

The following account is given of the reasons of the act, making parishes liable for the insolencies committed against ministers.

Ministers, to the great contempt of religion, had their houses robbed, and were mightlie persew'd for their lives, in all the western shires; so that they were forced to keep guards, which exhausted their sti pends, and abstracted themselves from their employments: And albeit these shyres pre tended that this was done by highwaymen, who sheltered their insolencies under the pretext of religion, calling themselves presbyterians, and inveighing against the poor ministers, whom they robb'd, in the language of that sort; yet it was concluded, that these insolencies were committed by those of that persuasion who were known to think that all injuries done to Episcopall ministers were so many acceptable services done to God; and it was most probable, that the same zeall which carried them on to plunder, imprisone, and execute, all such as differed from them in the last rebellion, and to shoot at the Bishop of St Andrewes upon the street, might incite them to great outrages, when they were countenanced, as they thought, by authoritie, and under the silence of night, when they might hope for impunitie: Nor was ever the west countrie known to be infected with robbers at other occasions; so that they were connivers at least in these crimes, and therefor deserv'd to be fyn'd upon such occasions. These motives induc'd the parliament to agree unanimouslie to this act, and how soon both acts were past his Grace toucht them immediatlie with the sceptre."

"Yet (adds Sir George) all this outward zeal for Episcopacie could never prevaill with the bishops to believe Lauderdale their friend; nor were the leading Presbyterians terrified at these as marks of his disesteem; because fanaticks were advanc'd to all places of trust, and the friends and servands of the grandees (who could not dissemble so well as their masters) laugh'd at Episcopacie and the malignant party; nor is there any surer mark to know the master's inclinations, than by considering whom he employs, and what these speak."

The Duchess of Hamilton, and Lady

Margaret Kennedy, warmly patronised the Presbyterians for a considerable time. The following anecdote, concerning the last of these ladies, is re lated in the MS.

"Lauderdale had of a long time entertained with Ladie Margaret Kennedie, daughter to the Earle of Cassilis, ane intimacie which had growne great enough to become suspitious in a persone who lov'd

not, as some said, his own ladie. This ladie

had never married, and was alwayes reputit a wit, and the great patron of the Presbyterians, in which profession she was very bigot; and the suspition encreased much upon her living in the Abbey in which no woman els lodged. Nor did the Commis sioner blush to goe openlie to her chamber in his night-goune. Whereupon her friends having challenged her for that unusual commerce, and having represented to her the open reprehensions and railiries of the people, received no other answer than that her vertue was above suspition: as indeed it was; she being a persone whose religion exceeded as far her wit, as her parts exceeded others of her sex."

Bishop Burnet afterwards married this noblewoman, and detached her from her former religious connexions. From the manner in which some of the presbyterian writers have adverted to this alliance, it would seem that they were as much displeased with Dr Burnet, for depriving them of their accomplished patroness, as on account of the controversial writings which he published against them.-Burnet is no favourite with Sir George Mackenzie, who has treated his character with se verity in the course of the history.

I shall only add another fact mentioned in the MS. and which I do not recollect to have seen elsewhere. Previous to 1677, it was customary for the Lord Advocate to give his vote, along with the Judges, on causes in which he was the prosecutor. The passage which states this can afterwards be sent to you, if any of your readers have a desire to see it.

I am not altogether without hopes, that the publication of this letter may lead to the discovery of that part of Sir George Mackenzie's history which I do not possess. And I cannot conclude, without expressing my earnest desire, that individuals who may have in their possession manuscripts relating to our national history, would, through the channel of your miscellany, impart a knowledge of them to the public. I am, &c. THO. M'CRIE. Edinburgh, 12th June 1817.

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