Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-07-22

kind, she so far reduced her estate, that her
vassals being no longer able to pay their rents
or till the ground, she was Obliged 10 have re-
course to her wealthy neighbors, by soliciting
presents from them, which practice in Scotland
goes by the name of thigging. After thigging
the country in search of presents, she Iod her
husband what success she met with among tier
friends, and that the great Macintosh OF lir-
ME had given her twelve COWS and bull
This piece of generosity, instead of making him
thankful for such a.valuable present,only tended
10 excite his envy at the opulence OF his neigh
Dor. He dreaded his greatness, and from thence
forth devised his destruction, to facilitate which,
he gave out that that gentleman had been too
familiar with his lady. This, he thought, was
specious pretext, and sufficient ground OF
quarrel. He now waited favorable opportu-
nifty Of exec.,ing his design, which he soon &C
complished, by surrounding this gentlemans
castle Of Tomafuir, "a short mile from his own
residence Of Blair Athol.) in the silent hour OF
midnight, and most cruelty massacred the whole
family, sleeping securely in their beds suspect
ing no harm. This done, he seized upon his
possessions, which were the most extensive Of
any gcntleman's in that country.
Near this murdered genllcman's place lived
an old man, who held small piece of land Of
him, for which he only paid bonnet yearly
His master always gave him his old bonnet
when he received the new one; for which rea-
son that piece Of land is still called the Bonnet
Croft, and the tenant thereof was called the
Bigstone Garlic because he built his house be-
side large stone, which served as side or
gable to his house. The old man wondered
how his masters place could be so quiet, and
perceiving no smoke in the morn!ng after the
slaug hter, went at last TO know the cause. He
no sooner entered, than he saw some OF their
mangled bodie s lying lifeless On the floor. As
toniShed al such u shocking spectacle, he exa-
mined them all over, in expectation of finding
some remains Of life, but in vain, Overwhelm-
ed with grief, he turned up the cradle in sealth
OF an Infant, who was known by the name OF
Dwindling Hugh, and to his TO small Joy found
him alive, but almost crushed 10 death with the
weight of the cradle and clothes. He eagerly
seized the child, and carried him 10 his grand
father by his mothers side, Macg lashan Of In
nervoch, who sent him TO near relation in Ar
gyleshire, of the name of Campbell, in orderto
be cut Of Cummings way, where he was careful
ly 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, il was thought prudent 20 Conceal his
birth from him, until he was Of age to make
head against them. though he was weakly, he
at length recovered and grew up to manhood;
was very promising youth, and an excellent
bowman, which made his aged conductor enter
tain hopes of his being sometime or other able
TO revenge the murder OF his family. Coming
one time TO see him, and perceiying his dexteri-
ty al hitting the mark, he told him, that the
breast of the man who killed his father was
much broader, which greatly surprised the
youth, who knew nothing of ii before. The
old man Immediately informed him, with all
The feeling of an old servant and dependant Of
the family, of his birth and misfortune The
young gentleman listened with the utmost con-
Germ, and being sensibly touched at the barbar-
Gus treatment of his parents, he burst out into
tears, and poured out his soul in the bosom Of
his faithful guardian. Being now fully ac
quanted with what happened, he grew impa-
tiCnt for the recovery Of his birthright, and the
punishment OF the massacre. II is scarce Gre
dible what pleasure the old man felt al finding
the dear object of his care now ready to accom-
pany him to his own country. They beth soil
cited his relations for a select band Of warri-
ours to march against bis enemy, who were
soon prevailed upon to grant their request.
Accordingly, tweniy-four able men, well arm
ed, were raised, who Immediately set out, and
arrived at his grandfather's, who Joined them
with eight others. From thence they bslook
themselves 10 the wood Of Lutte Uvrard, where
they remained very quiet until they received
Intelligence from Hugh's nurse. Calling at tie
door, she asked who it was at such late hour.
He replied that he was Hugh Macintosh. Ii is
like your voice, says she, bu, fyou'll breathe
through the key-hole, III know for certain
whether you are my Hugh;-which he instantly
did, and she knowing his breath Immediately
let him in, and congratulated him on his safe
arrival His nurse was sent TO learn something
Of Cunning, and returned with the news of his
going to the bridge of Tilt, about mile off, to
divert himself with his troop-upon this intor
mation thew set out in two divisions, one Of
which being commanded by Macglashan, went
to keep him from returning to his castle; and
the other, commanded by Hugh, accompanied
by the old man, went in search Of him. As soon
as they we're perceived by Cunning 10 be enc
mics he fed towards the castle, when he was
met by the other division, who after killing sew
eral about the castle walls, pursued them up
narrow valley called Glen Tilt, killing and
wounding many in pursuit, the nose Of one be-
ing shot off at rivulct bearing his name; an
other was shot through the belly at Altna Ma
rag, e. "he pudding rill, because his entrails
came out. While they were thus holly pur-