The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-02-06

|. n1tn time, but every time that he cam
to Completion he always gave Mackin
, ven call, and insisted on paying hin
: for the boots.
Oh, he was free-handed man was th
Laird, and be never forgot kindnessl
\ THE LAIRp's COMING OF AGE.
Among the chief proprietors in Soutl
J Argylishire are the Campbells Of Saddel
Castle. An old inhabitantof Dalintober
Campbelton, was an eyewitness of ant
partaker in the festivities attendant upol
the coming of age of a Laird'of Saddell
and, as the account that he gave me O.
the days proceedings presents truthfu
picture of a West Highland festivals
seen from his own particular standpoint
will quote from my informant's own
words. ~ 81 .s.a,t s.a's
at is now very many years since Col
Donald Campbell lived at 6addell. He
was the proprietor of Saddell Glen, Rows,
Craigs, Balegreggan, Drumore, Dalinto-
Der, Lochend, Dalaruan and other fine
properties. He married an amiable lady
Of the Largie family, sister to the great
Sir Alexander Mcdonald Lockhart, Bar
onet, proprietor of Largie, Lee, Carran.
Colonel Campbell was in the East India
Company's service, and fought in many
battles against the Great Megul. He
came home very wealthy, and lived in
Saddell Mansion-house, which is built
very near to the old Castle and close to
the seashore. The glen divides the two
buildings, and there is a fine bridge over
the glen leading from the house to the
Castle. Colonel Campbell and his lady
were exceedingly atfectionate towards
each other; they might be seen
constantly walking together along
the shore, or in the garden and
grounds, and were seldom seen separate.
But they did not long enjoy each others
society, for death came and laid them
low in the silent dust. In the burial
ground at Saddell, on the site of the old
monastery, is tomb of exquisite work
manship, erected to their memory
They left behind them one only child, an
infant boy, who was carefully educated
according to his rank and position, Nand
became an accomplished gentleman. His
personal appearance was peculiarly at-
tractive; he was robust, and few could
excel him in horsemanship and field
sports When this young laird came to
his majority there was laid up for him
0,000, along with the estates.
There were brave doings on that day
for all the people on Saddells estate were
invited by him to great feast at Sad
dell; and the people from Dshntober,
Lochend, Dalaruan, and other places,
were early afoot and off to Saddell, to
congratulate the young Laird. The
number became very large, for all who
came to Saddell were made welcome,
whether they we're invited or no. Great
preparations had been made on the beau
tiful green in front OF the Mansion-house,
looking over Kilbrannan SoundDto the
Isle Of Arran. To get to this green the
crowd had to cross the bridge over the
river near the old Castle; and on this
bridge stood the servants of the young
Laird, with jugs in their hands, and
large store Of Highland whisky at
their command; and they pressed
"a jugful Of the beverage
on everyone who crossed the
bridge. As no other way was opened to
the scene of action, all the people had to
cross the bridge, and all tossed off the Jug
of whisky by way of paying toll There
were no teetotallers on that day, and
the sight Of the jugs cheered the hearts Of
the thirsty, so that the crossing of the
bridge was the most happy exercise Of
the day. Some got the art of crossing
and recrossing, and crossing again, get
ting themselves mixed up in the crowd
but never losing sight Of the jugs, until
they lay down, like dead in battlefield,
vanquished by General Alcohol
after the people had amused them
selves for some time about the Mansion
house, and along the beautiful white
sandy shore, they got orders to cross the
bridge, and to view the old Castle. The
bridge was again crossed, the jugs being
in active service, and the people waxed
extremely loquacious, if not eloquent; 80
that there were many speakers and few
listeners. The strong men then went to
work in putting the stone, and in leap
ing and tossing the caber, while the din
ner was being prepared on the green.
The command was then given to come to
dinner, and SaddelPs piper blew up his
pipes, and marched proudly forward to
marshal the way. But the bridge had to
be crossed again, and the jugs, handled;
for that was the order of the day, to let
the people have drink of spirits while
they crossed the water. The scene about
the bridge was truly ludicrous those
who went by the name of temperate
men. lying under the strong hand of
Highland whisky. But all who had any
appetite got sumptuous dinner, includ-
ing ale and porter had from England for
the special occasion. 'a-fTrj 't
after dinner, the young Laird made
his appea rance and had real Highland
welcome, the pipes screaming, and the
people leaping for joy. A very sturdy
Highlander was Saddell, with his stately
thick legs and forid countenance, Righ
Fuingal himself, or any other Of his
great ancestors, could not have received
more honor from his clan. \Some Of the
strong men prepared to apprehend him