Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-05-06
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ed his greatness, and from thence forth de-
vised his destruction, to facilitate which,
he gave out mat that gentleman had been
too familiar with bis lady. This, he thot
was precious pretext, and sufficient
ground of quarrel. He now waited a ia
vorable opportunity Of executing his de-
sign. which be soon accomplished, by sur
rounding this gentleman's castle of Toma'
FUR. "a short mile from his own residence
of Blair Atholl J in the silent hour of mid
night, and massacred the whole family.
sleeping securely in their beds, suspecting
no harm. This done, he seized upon his
possessions, which were the most exten
sive of any gentlenian's in that country.
Near this murdered gentleman's place
lived an old man, who held a small piece
of land of him, for which he only paid a
bonnet yearly. His master always gave
him bis old bonnet when he received the
new one-for which that peice OF land is
still calledthe Bonnet Croft, and the tenant
thereof was called Bigstone earle, because
he built his house beside large stone,
which served as side or gable end to his
house.-The above old man wondered
how his masters place could be 80 quiet,
and, perceiving no smoke in the morning
after the slaughter. went at last to know
the cause. He no sooner entered than ne
saw some of their mangled bodies lying
life,ess on the floor. Astonished at such
shocking spectacle, he examined them all
over, in expectation Of finding some remain
of life, but in vain. Overwhelmed with
grief, he turned up the cradle inl search OF
an infant, who was known by the
name of Dwindling Hugh, and, to his no
smalljoy found him alive, but almost crush.
ed to death with the weight Of the cradle
and clothes. He eagerly seized the child
and carried him to his grandfather by the
mothers side, Macglashan OF Innervach,
who sent him to near relation in Argyll
shire, of the name Of Campbell, in order
to be out OF Cummings way, where he was
carefully brought up.-The old man who
carried him thither came often to see
him, but on account of the greatness
of the Cummings every where in Scotland,
it was thought prudent to conceal his birth
from him, until he was of age to make head
against them. Though he was long weak
ly, he at length recovered and grew up to
manhood, was very promising youth and
an excellent bowman, which made his a.
ged conductor entertain hopes of his be-
ing some time or other able to revenge the
murder of his family. Coming one time TO
see him and perceiving his dexterity at hit
ting the mark, he told him, that the breast
of the man who killed bis father was much
broader--which greatly surprised the
youth, who knew nothing of it before.
The old man Immediately informed him.
with all the feelings of an old servant and
dependant Of the family, ofhis birth and
misfortune. The young gentleman list
ened with the utmost concern, and, being
sensbly touched at the barbarous treat
ment of his parents he burst out into
tears, and poured out his soul in the bo-
som of his faithful guardian. Being now
fully acquainted with what had happened,
he grew impatient for the recovery of his
birth-right, and the punishment of the per-
petrators of the massacre. 1t is scarce credi-
Bile what pleasure the old man felt at find
ing the dear object of his care now ready to
accompany him to his own country They
both solicited his relations for select
band of warriors to march against his enc
my, who were soon prevailed upon to
grant their request.
Accordingly "a able men, well armed,
were raised, who Immediately set out and
arrived at his srandfsther's, who Joined
them with oth.reight. From thence they be-
took themselves to the wood of Little Urard,
where they remained very quiet until they
had received intelligence from Hugh's
nurse. Calling at her door, she asked who
il was at such late hour. He replied that
be was Hugh Macintosh, 1t is like your
voice, says she, but if you'll breathe in thro'
the key hole, I'll know for certain whether
you are my Hugh, which he instantly did,
and she, knowing his breath, immediate
ly let him in, and congratulated him on his
safe arrival. His nurse was sent to learn
something of Cunning, and returned with