Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-07-02
COMMUNICATION

Ma. EprroR: Never having seen the following
article in PRINT before, and Knowing that every
thinq connected with the {" Waverly Novels is
read with ayidity, have translated it from
late French paper and now send it to YOU for pub
licaton:
ROB ROY.
The Ron RoYs formerly composed conslde-
rable tribe or clan, and claimed descent from
the ancient Kings Of Scotland: they had very
extensive lands in the Counties of Perth and Ar
gyle-but having been attached to the Earls OF
Irryle and Breadaibarre. they were obliged to
abandon their Inheritance. They reyensed them
selves upon their enemies in cruel manner
led wandering liyes--aud were continually IN
hostility with their cOuntrynen. After the bat
tle of Glenfrain, where they committed several
acts of oruek, they were pursued by an armed
force, their retreats destroyed, and they them
selves outlawed: il was only towards the end of
the 18th Century that the Outlawry was repealed.
The Rob Roy whom Walter Scott has chosen
as the hero of his novel, lived towards the middle
of the 18th century. He followed the trade OF
cattle dealer; but having been cheated by
knayish partner, he vas forced to save himself
BY flight from his creditors: they issued warrants
against him, and from that time he became rob-
Der.
At the era Of the Rebellion, in l715, he rejoin-
ed the insurgents under the command Of the Earl
oSNar; but during the battle of Sherif-muir,
ne prulently held himself, with his people, aluof
from the field of battle. upon neighbOrne hill.
The Commander sent him orders 10 attack.--He
refused. IF they can do nothing without me"
ne said, '.they can do nothing with what succOrs
can bring One Of the Macphersons was 50
enraget. that he drew his claymOre to rush upon
Rob Roy; friends, however, separated them. The
-obber fell to work most vigorously, so soeH as
ne battle was ended; he then pillaged the bag
cages. and stripped the dead, both friends and
but suffered fRa aa5 AAeRREa, ttSSTTstre to Craig Roy
atom. his ancient family seat, situated upon rock
near to Loeb l.emUSd.
During the civil war, Professor James Gregg
~, If the University of Aberdeen, Judged it
prudent to live in harmony with Rob Roy whom
all the country dreaded. He received him in hls
house. and inspired him with sentiments of gra-
titlde. At the moment Of his departure. Rob
Roy said to him" NJ dear host, have a long
:. tine reflected upon the manner in which could
"express my gratitude to you. You have pref
Aty child of eight or nine years of age whom
''you torment with your La'in:-l want to take
''him and make man Of him." The father
was astounded at 4 proposition which would lead
his son TO the sallows, and which he, neverthe-
less, dared not openv reject: he plead the en-
treme youth of the child and his delicate health.
and besought the ofhcioas brgand to wait a year
or two longer before executing his generous pro.
ject. He rid himself of him in that manner
Walter Scott has made use of this anecdote in
his novel, but attributes the circumstance to hap
pen 20 some other family.
Rob ROv died TRANQUILITY in his bed at the Vii
lage of Balankidder, and was Inferred in the VIII
lace burial ground. 1t is related of him. tina;
when upon his death bed they announced to him
the visit of one of his greatest enemies, he i'm
mediatey demanded his claymOre and his pistols
so that 1t might never be said he said that
an enemy had found Rob Roy MacGreg0r un-
armed. Walter Scott has drawn the portrait of
this singular parsonage. He had red hair, was
of extraordinary strength and, thanks to his long
arms, perfect master of the Scottish broadsword:
his arms were so long that he could tie his garters
without stopping.
His pillages were always accompanied with
prudence; and. like Robin Hood of England. |
while he robbed the rich he gave aims TO the poor.
Walter Scott learnt in his youth, from persons
who had known Rob Roy, that he was an agreea- !
Die aud generous man. q So mQgiere. The laws /
had excluded hin from enjoying the benefits of .
society; Rob Roy thought himself then. obliged !
to wage war against all the community.
IN .7borigiaai J.Stice.--Ths following is
handed down as 4 true copy of q warrant isSuad |