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Letter to Dr. Franz Fischler 17 May 2003 from John J.G. McGill, FSA Scot.
There are many people trying to do the right thing for Scotland that we never hear of. That being the case I offer you this letter from the Secretary, The Scotland-UN Committee to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Commission of the European Union.
As you likely know due to the workings of that EU Commissioner Scotland's fishing industry was devastated.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...EUfischler.htm
PDF Files on the site.
A couple of points about pdf files.
Firstly, I do put up a lot of pdf files on the site but pretty well all of them have a web page which gives further information on them. The problem is when you use our site search engine it will often offer a link to the actual pdf file. That of course won't give you any additional information about it. To get around this issue when you do a search you can add to the end of the search term -filetype:pdf which would then exclude pdf files from the search results.
The second point is due to receiving a phone call where I was told viewing these double page scans makes them difficult to read. As pdf files have been around a long time I'd assumed everyone would know how to use the program but obviously not. In the case of double page scans you can select the "view" menu where you can select :Page Display" and from that 'Single Page Continuous" and that will let you read them much easier. From the same menu you can then select the size to zoom in so if the text is too small to read you can select 150 or 200 so the text will fill your screen.
Hope this helps.
Electric Canadian
A Short Account of the Emigration from the Highlands of Scotland to North America and the Establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Upper Canada with Appendix (1839)
It was in the year 1772, that the first Emigration from the Highlands of Scotland to North America took place, from the estates of Lord Macdonell, in the lsle of Skye, and of Lord Seaforth; from Kintail and Loch Broom. These Emigrants went to South Carolina—they were all Protestants. In the year 1773, Macdonald, of Clanranald, began to display some hostile feeling against Catholics. His factor, John Macdonald, of Glen Aladale, who was a Catholic himself, wishing to relieve the Tenants of Clanranald from the hard usage they experienced from their Landlord, sold his property in order to assist them to emigrate, and took a ship load of them to Prince Edward’s Island, then called St. John’s Island. But not meeting with proper encouragement, many of these Emigrants removed to Acadia, on the main land of Nova Scotia, where they remained, until the breaking out of the Revolutionary War in 1774. The whole of them, that is to say all capable of bearing arms, then joined the Royal Standard, some under Captain Macdonald himself, and others under Major Somali, and were called the 84th Regiment. This corps was formed with the addition of another body of Highlanders, under General McLean.
In the year 1773 another large party of Highlanders emigrated from Glengarry and Knoidart, at the invitation of the celebrated Sir William Johnston.
You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/pion.../glengarry.htm
Kamloops, BC
A wee history and a couple of videos which you can read and view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/bc/kamloops.htm
Business Directory of the District of Saskatchewan
Together with Brief Historical Sketches of Prince Albert, Battleford and the Other Settlements in the District. (1888)
The intention of this publication is not only to give as accurate a list as possible of the settlers of the District of Saskatchewan, but also to make known the advantages it offers as a field for settlement, with the hope that some at least. of the many who are in search of a suitable place to settle may cast their lot in our midst, and thus share in the prosperity which is attending the pioneers of this district. With that end in view brief sketches are also given of the history of Prince Albert, Battleford, and the other settlements. Had circumstances permitted more space would have been devoted to this latter subject. Advertisements of the different business interests in the District are also included, and reference is made to the ranching and other industries.
You can view this directory and the histories at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist.../directory.htm
Narative of the Canadian Red River Exploration Expedition of 1857
and of the Assimiboine and Saskatchewan Exploring Expedition of 1858 by Henry Youle Hind M.A., F.R.G.S. in 2 Volumes (1860).
The objects for which the Explorations described in these volumes were undertaken, necessarily involved a more minute topographical examination than would be thought necessary in a general survey of a comparatively unknown country.
It was desirable to ascertain the practicability of establishing an emigrant route between Lake Superior and Selkirk Settlement, and to acquire some knowledge of the natural capabilities and resources of the Valley of Red River and the Saskatchewan.
A substantial account which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...redriverex.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Margaret Hamilton where she has an article on Independent Thinking were she mentions Obama's intervention in the Scottish Referendum. There is a Synopsis with this issue.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
Alexander Murdoch (1841-1891)
A Scottish Engineer, Poet, Author, Journalist
Added a third book called "Scotch Readings: Humorous and Amusing" and we're breaking this down into individual chapters for you to read. We've added two more chapters, ""Tammy Gibb's Lan' O' Houses" and "Shirt Washing in a Twopenny Lodging-House" which you can find at the foot of the page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
Thomas Dick Lauder
Hope you are enjoying this book. Started on Volume 2 and you can find these at the foot of the page at:http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm where we've added another couple of chapters now up to Chapter 10.
As this book was published in 1825 it is a great example of what interested Scots way back some 190 years ago.
The Book of Scottish Anecdote
Humorous, Social, Legendary and Historical edited by Alexander Hislop, eighth edition.
Added pages 602 to 651. You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/anecdote
Alan Cunningham
This distinguished poet entered the world under those lowly circumstances, and was educated under those disadvantages, which have so signally characterized the history of the best of our Scottish bards.
We're now adding his "The Songs of Scotland" in 4 volumes which we're going to serialize. This week we added Songs of Scotland.
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/musi...gham/index.htm
The Northern Highlands in the Nineteenth Century
Some years ago I published the 2 volumes in this set. Well I have now found a third volume is now available and so have started to work on this.
Added the issue for 1847...
The year 1847 is a melancholy year in the annals of the United Kingdom, and left very painful memories, as well as distressing problems, in the Highlands of Scotland. The disaster of the potato famine first fell on Ireland, beginning in 1845; but the failure of 1846 was almost equally complete in the Highlands, and the full weight of the misfortune was experienced in 1847. Our columns in the early months of that year furnish reading of the most painful type. In the Western Highlands and Islands the distress was universal; on the east side not so universal, but in many cases bad enough. Riots to prevent the export of grain were common, and in several cases the military had to be called out.
We must refer readers for details to the extracts given below. In this place we may give the following passage from Mr Spencer Walpole’s History:—“Nothing even in Ireland was more pitiful than the distress which was desolating the West Highlands; and to add to the misery of the Highlanders their own misfortunes were for some time overlooked because the Irish were more numerous and more noisy. Yet the lairds of Western Scotland showed the Irish landlords an example which the latter might have followed with advantage. In too many cases the absentee Irish landlords remained either in London or abroad, and allowed their agents to take advantage of the crisis to clear their holdings and eject their tenantry. They clamoured for Government aid, and they protested against the injury to their own estates by the application of a poor law to Ireland. The Scotch laird, on the contrary, submitted to his own ruin in a vain attempt to save his people, and when he applied to the Government sought no relief for himself, but only demanded help for his tenantry.”
The calamity in Ireland was unparalleled. In March it was stated that 734,0000 persons were employed on relief works, and that 240,000 had died. The Government found that the machinery of relief works could not be kept up with advantage, and relief committees were organised throughout Ireland. “At one moment no less than 3,000,000 persons received daily rations under the scheme, and a population was in this way kept alive till the harvest, and the operations which the harvest occasioned enabled society to resume its ordinary aspect. At the same time bills were carried suspending the duty which Peel had still left on foreign corn, and relaxing the regulations of the Navigation Laws, which prevented its importation in vessels which were not British and which were not manned by British seamen.”
In course of the summer Parliament was dissolved. The state of parties in the new House of Commons is given as follows: — Liberals, 333; Peelites, 120; Protectionists. 202. This gave the Government a majority of only 11 over the other two parties combined, but the Peelites on important questions supported the Government. Mr Gladstone was returned for Oxford after a severe contest. Macaulay lost his seat for Edinburgh, chiefly on account of his Maynooth vote and speeches. In the autumn session a bill was passed for the repression of crime in Ireland, which had assumed startling proportions. A new Poor Law bill was also passed for Ireland.
On the 8th of February, Daniel O'Connell addressed the House of Commons for the last time, but “the voice which formerly shook the hall was now sunk to a whisper.” O'Connell went abroad, and died at Genoa on 15th May. According to his instructions, his heart was embalmed and taken to Borne; his body was brought home and interred in Glasnevin Cemetery, followed by a procession of 50,000 persons. The discovery of the planet Neptune was a scientific incident of the year.
In the latter part of the year there was a great commercial crisis, arising from overspeculation in railways and extraordinary fluctuations in the corn trade. The Bank Act had to be suspended.
You can read this issue (No. 6) at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/highlands/
Henry Dryerre
Compositor, Poet, Journalist and Musician.
Now added the following stories...
"Scheme" Anderson
John Bridie
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...erre/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
John sent in a new song, Wartime Banknock
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel541.htm
Poets and Poetry of Scotland from the earliest to the present time
Comprising characteristic selections from the works of more noteworthy Scottish poets with biographical and critical notices. By James Grant Wilson (1876)
Now up to page 268.
You can read all about them at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/poets/
Memoirs and Adventures of Sir William Kirkaldy of Grange
Knight, Commander of French Horse, Lord of the Secret Council, and Governor of the Castle of Edinburgh for Mary Queen of Scots (1849)
In Chapter XX we read...
As a reward for his important services, on the 5th September Kirkaldy was appointed governor and captain of the castle of Edinburgh—a fortress every way of the first rank in the kingdom.
Sir James Balfour, of Pittendreich had received that office from his patron Bothwell, and until the battle of Langside had retained it in his hands; but for a sum of money, and a gift of the Augustinian priory of Pittenweem, and on Kirkaldy pledging his word for his safety, he gave up the fortress with its stores to the regent. Kirkaldy with his family immediately repaired to the important stronghold, where they continued to reside during the remainder of his troubled career.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...aldy/index.htm
Samuel Smiles
Newspaper Editor, Author and Social reformer has been added to our Significant Scots page.
This is another biography we're adding. I've added this week...
Chapter V - Surgeon in Haddington
Chapter VI - A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss
He really does a great job of telling about the special characters he meets up with.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...les_samuel.htm
Book of the Old Edinburgh Club
We have acquired copies of 12 volumes of this club's publications and we're going to add one a week.
Now added volume 3 which includes...
The Armorial Bearings of the City of Edinburgh By Sir James Balfour Paul, LL.D., Lyon King of Arms With illustrations.
The Black Friars of Edinburgh By W. Mom Bryce With illustrations and a map.
An Account of the Friday Club written by Lord Cockburn, together with notes on Certain other Social Clubs in Edinburgh By Harry A. Cockburn
The Sculptured Stones of Edinburgh III: Miscellaneous By John Geddie With illustrations.
The History of Parliament Square: Being an Historical Notice of the Southern Precincts of the Church of St. Giles, Edinburgh By Ralph Richardson With an illustration.
Lady Stair's House By Thomas B. Whitson With illustrations.
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../edinburghclub
Life of a Scotch Naturalist, Thomas Edward
By Samuel Smiles (1877).
In Chapter X we learn...
Edward had left Banff on the 31st of July, 1846, full of hope; after six weeks, he returned to it full of despair. He had gone to Aberdeen with his collection, accompanied by his wife and family; he returned from it alone and on foot, without a single specimen of his collection, and without a penny in his pocket that he could call his own. He felt ruined, disappointed, beggared—his aims and hopes in life blasted. He was under the necessity of leaving his wife and children at Aberdeen; for they could not travel fifty miles to Banff on foot.
Edward felt terribly crushed on re-entering his desolate home. A strange-like heaviness of mind came over him. The place was drear and lonesome. It was so different from what it had once been. It was no longer enlivened by the prattle of his children, or the pleasant looks of his wife. There was neither fire, nor food, nor money. The walls, which only a few weeks before had been covered with his treasures—the results of the hard labor of years were bare and destitute. The house was desolation itself.
After remaining there for a short time, a neighbor came in and asked Edward to come to his house and get some food. He most gladly assented to the proposal. He afterward went to see his master, and arranged with him as to the re-commencement of his work. This was easily accomplished, as Edward was considered a Don at his trade.
After this had been settled, he went to pay a short visit to a friend at Gardenstown, until his wife and family had returned from Aberdeen. Edward could not bear to remain in his house until they had come back: nor could he yet pay for their journey. But the carrier, who had taken the collection and the family to Aberdeen, cheerfully consented to bring the latter back free.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ward/index.htm
Enigma Machine
Missed this last week so now have up puzzles 63 & 64.
You can get to these at http://www.electriccanadian.com/lifestyle/enigma
The Staggering State of Scottish Statesmen from 1550 to 1650
The "Staggering State" has been reprinted, neither on account of its historical value, nor in evidence of the capacity or learning of its author. It is a work unique of its kind, a performance in which biographical details are blended with that peculiar gossip which is the offspring of envy and all uncharitableness. It is a record of history and calumny—a repository of fireside chit-chat respecting conspicuous persons at a period when, if, on the one hand, statesmen served themselves rather than the State, on the other, evil report proved an intellectual relish to many who were capable of more rational enjoyments. In connexion with the performance, it is not the least remarkable feature that it was composed by one who frequented the first circles, was related to the best families, and was one of the most learned persons in the kingdom. Nay, more, the author was in some matters singularly generous; his benefactions were munificent, and his patriotism equalled his benevolence. Yet he has withal produced a most uncharitable book; and it may be questioned whether Sir Anthony Weldon himself has dealt with Scotsmen after a severer fashion. On the old maxim of the Regent Mar, he has "spoken furth, and spared nocht;" and, like the Scottish Wife of Bath, has given all their dittay, or accusal, without pity and without remorse. He has scattered firebrands, and few of his contemporaries have escaped. He wrote while writhing under disappointment and public wrong. Probably he intended to give vent to his resentment, and then to allow what he had written to perish with the angry passion which evoked it. The "Staggering State" was written when the author had reached his eightieth year. Upwards of other fourscore years it remained unprinted—copies, however, being multiplied in MS. Of these many were incorrectly written.
In 1754 Walter Goodal prevailed on the firm of Walter Ruddiman and Co. to print an edition which he had prepared; this work, in a duodecimo of 190 pages, has latterly become scarce. Mr. Goodal edited carefully; he founded his text on an old MS. which he believed to be contemporaneous, and to contain "additions, and even whole lives, in the author's own hand." That MS. is preserved in the Advocates Library (press-mark, 34, 3, 2), and while its contemporaneity may be doubted, it is unquestionably ancient. Of two other MSS. in the Advocates Library, one, a thin folio (press-mark, 34, 3, i) seems to belong to a date anterior to the MS. used by Goodal. The other is modern. Two MSS., one in the Library of the British Museum, and the other in the University Library, St. Andrews, are of no particular value. Two others, one belonging to the close of the seventeenth, and the other to the beginning of the eighteenth century, have been placed at the editors disposal by Mr. Laing of Edinburgh.
After a careful examination of the various MSS., the editor has not felt justified in making any material alteration on the text arranged by Goodal. That Goodal has modernized the author's orthography may not be overmuch censured, for each transcriber seems to have adopted his own mode of spelling, and when the present editor attempted to restore the original reading, he encountered difficulties which were insuperable. Some of Goodal's notes have been retained; also his "Account of the Great Officers of State," and his "List" of these Officers from the earliest times till the Restoration. For his "List" Goodal has acknowledged his obligations to the collections of Sir James Balfour and Dr. George Mackenzie.
The Memoir of Sir John Scot has, as a whole, been prepared from original sources of information. The details of his life cause a regret that his name should be associated with the gossip of "The Staggering State." He was one of the most enterprising Scotsmen of his age—he exercised an independent judgment on all questions ecclesiastical and civil; and though desirous of retaining the emoluments of office, he devoted a portion of his wealth to the interests of the State and the welfare of his countrymen. In his old age, writhing under disappointment, he dipped his pen in gall and smote everywhere. Happily, from the universality of his attacks, none have suffered materially. It would be ridiculous that any descended from the sufferers should now utter a complaint.
Better is it to reflect that we live in times when men differ on public topics without cherishing mutual hate, and when calumny more frequently recoils upon the utterer than reaches its victim. The editor regrets that the Earl of Morton has had no leisure to furnish copies of several of the authors letters preserved in his Lordship's repositories. The readiness of the Duke of Portland to furnish information has been creditable to his Grace, both as Sir John Scot's representative and as a member of the Peerage. To Mr. David Laing, Mr. M. F. Conolly, and others who have rendered most essential assistance, the editor's best acknowledgments are due.
Snowdoun Villa, Lewisham, S.E.
Feb., 1872.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/book...staggaring.htm
Scott of Buccleuch
Added this 2 volume publication by William Fraser which you can get to at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...toz/scott.html
The Manuscripts of his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch of Queensberrym K.G., K.T.
Preserved at Drumlanrig Castle.
I added a link to download this book at the foot of the page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../buccleuch.htm
A History of the Great War
By John Buchan in 4 volumes
This work in its original form appeared in twenty-four volumes between February 1915 and July 1919, and was therefore written and published for the most part during the progress of the campaign. Begun as an experiment to pass the time during a period of enforced inaction, its large sales and the evidence forthcoming that it met a certain need induced me to continue it as a duty, and the bulk of it was written in the scanty leisure which I could snatch from service abroad and at home. Any narrative produced under such conditions must bristle with imperfections. It will contain many errors of fact. The writer cannot stage his drama or prepare the reader for a sudden change by a gradual revelation of its causes. His work must have something of the apparent inconsequence of real life. He records one month a sanguine mood and a hopeful forecast ; three months later he will tell of depression and of expectations belied. He must set out interim judgments, and presently recant them.
After much reflection I decided to revise—and largely rewrite—the book in order to give it perspective and a juster scale, and I was moved to this decision by my view of the value of contemporary history.
You can read the rest of this Preface and download the volumes at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...g/greatwar.htm
School Days of Eminent Men
Extracted a few Scots from this book which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...schooldays.htm
The Working Life of Christina McKelvie MSP
Got in her column for 10th June 2014. which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/140610.htm
Willie McRae
An article about him which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...coteumcrae.htm
Clan Leslie Society of New Zealand & Australia
Got in a copy of their Jul, Aug, Sept 2014 newsletter which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...slie/index.htm
And Finally...
More from the Book of Scottish Anecdote...
A FISHER'S PRAYER
It is said the fisher·folk of Footdee, like the poor fisherman of Sanday, used to indicate their desire for the spoil of stranded vessels in this fashion, "God send anither ship ashore, an' a' hands safe."
A SCOT'S ANSWER
A Scot who had taken himself to live in an English city, where he had made his way and prospered, was one day sneeringly asked by an Englishman, the usual question why Scotsmen in England never think of going "bock" to Scotland. "Weel , ye see, man," replied Sandy, "when we come to Englund, we find the folk here sae muckle cleverer than oursel's, that we canna get a chance to gang back!"
SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE
It is related of a certain divine, whose matrimonial relations are supposed not to have been of the most agreeable kind, that one Sabbath morning, while reading to his congregation the parable of the supper, in which occurs the passage - "And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore cannot come,"-he suddenly paused at the end of this verse, drew off his spectacles, and, looking on his hearers, said with emphasis- "The fact is my brethren, one woman can draw a man further away from the kingdom of heaven than fifty yoke of oxen."
A BOLD COLONEL
Colonel Cameron raised the regiment which, under the title of Cameron Highlanders, has contributed so extensively to the glory of the British army. A few years after its formation it was quartered in the Isle of Wight, where Colonel Cameron learned that it was the intention of the Duke of York to transfer the private soldiers to different regiments. He lost no time in going over to Portsmouth, where he had a stormy interview with his royal highness. The duke admitted that Colonel Cameron had been rightly informed. The gallant Highland chief sturdily maintained that to "draft" the regiment would be in violation of the letters of service, and protested most strongly against the measure, winding up with "Neither You nor your royal father daur draft the regiment." The duke, enraged at this opposition, rejoined "The king, my father, will certainly send it to the West Indies." Cameron was not, however, to be daunted by this threat, and burst out with "The king, your father, may send the regiment to h-l, and I will go at the head of it, but you daurna draft it." Cameron carried his point for the time, and the regiment was not drafted, but was sent to the West Indies as a punishment to the colonel for standing up for his own rights and those of his men.
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
Letter to Dr. Franz Fischler 17 May 2003 from John J.G. McGill, FSA Scot.
There are many people trying to do the right thing for Scotland that we never hear of. That being the case I offer you this letter from the Secretary, The Scotland-UN Committee to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Commission of the European Union.
As you likely know due to the workings of that EU Commissioner Scotland's fishing industry was devastated.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...EUfischler.htm
PDF Files on the site.
A couple of points about pdf files.
Firstly, I do put up a lot of pdf files on the site but pretty well all of them have a web page which gives further information on them. The problem is when you use our site search engine it will often offer a link to the actual pdf file. That of course won't give you any additional information about it. To get around this issue when you do a search you can add to the end of the search term -filetype:pdf which would then exclude pdf files from the search results.
The second point is due to receiving a phone call where I was told viewing these double page scans makes them difficult to read. As pdf files have been around a long time I'd assumed everyone would know how to use the program but obviously not. In the case of double page scans you can select the "view" menu where you can select :Page Display" and from that 'Single Page Continuous" and that will let you read them much easier. From the same menu you can then select the size to zoom in so if the text is too small to read you can select 150 or 200 so the text will fill your screen.
Hope this helps.
Electric Canadian
A Short Account of the Emigration from the Highlands of Scotland to North America and the Establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Upper Canada with Appendix (1839)
It was in the year 1772, that the first Emigration from the Highlands of Scotland to North America took place, from the estates of Lord Macdonell, in the lsle of Skye, and of Lord Seaforth; from Kintail and Loch Broom. These Emigrants went to South Carolina—they were all Protestants. In the year 1773, Macdonald, of Clanranald, began to display some hostile feeling against Catholics. His factor, John Macdonald, of Glen Aladale, who was a Catholic himself, wishing to relieve the Tenants of Clanranald from the hard usage they experienced from their Landlord, sold his property in order to assist them to emigrate, and took a ship load of them to Prince Edward’s Island, then called St. John’s Island. But not meeting with proper encouragement, many of these Emigrants removed to Acadia, on the main land of Nova Scotia, where they remained, until the breaking out of the Revolutionary War in 1774. The whole of them, that is to say all capable of bearing arms, then joined the Royal Standard, some under Captain Macdonald himself, and others under Major Somali, and were called the 84th Regiment. This corps was formed with the addition of another body of Highlanders, under General McLean.
In the year 1773 another large party of Highlanders emigrated from Glengarry and Knoidart, at the invitation of the celebrated Sir William Johnston.
You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/pion.../glengarry.htm
Kamloops, BC
A wee history and a couple of videos which you can read and view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/bc/kamloops.htm
Business Directory of the District of Saskatchewan
Together with Brief Historical Sketches of Prince Albert, Battleford and the Other Settlements in the District. (1888)
The intention of this publication is not only to give as accurate a list as possible of the settlers of the District of Saskatchewan, but also to make known the advantages it offers as a field for settlement, with the hope that some at least. of the many who are in search of a suitable place to settle may cast their lot in our midst, and thus share in the prosperity which is attending the pioneers of this district. With that end in view brief sketches are also given of the history of Prince Albert, Battleford, and the other settlements. Had circumstances permitted more space would have been devoted to this latter subject. Advertisements of the different business interests in the District are also included, and reference is made to the ranching and other industries.
You can view this directory and the histories at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist.../directory.htm
Narative of the Canadian Red River Exploration Expedition of 1857
and of the Assimiboine and Saskatchewan Exploring Expedition of 1858 by Henry Youle Hind M.A., F.R.G.S. in 2 Volumes (1860).
The objects for which the Explorations described in these volumes were undertaken, necessarily involved a more minute topographical examination than would be thought necessary in a general survey of a comparatively unknown country.
It was desirable to ascertain the practicability of establishing an emigrant route between Lake Superior and Selkirk Settlement, and to acquire some knowledge of the natural capabilities and resources of the Valley of Red River and the Saskatchewan.
A substantial account which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...redriverex.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Margaret Hamilton where she has an article on Independent Thinking were she mentions Obama's intervention in the Scottish Referendum. There is a Synopsis with this issue.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
Alexander Murdoch (1841-1891)
A Scottish Engineer, Poet, Author, Journalist
Added a third book called "Scotch Readings: Humorous and Amusing" and we're breaking this down into individual chapters for you to read. We've added two more chapters, ""Tammy Gibb's Lan' O' Houses" and "Shirt Washing in a Twopenny Lodging-House" which you can find at the foot of the page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
Thomas Dick Lauder
Hope you are enjoying this book. Started on Volume 2 and you can find these at the foot of the page at:http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm where we've added another couple of chapters now up to Chapter 10.
As this book was published in 1825 it is a great example of what interested Scots way back some 190 years ago.
The Book of Scottish Anecdote
Humorous, Social, Legendary and Historical edited by Alexander Hislop, eighth edition.
Added pages 602 to 651. You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/anecdote
Alan Cunningham
This distinguished poet entered the world under those lowly circumstances, and was educated under those disadvantages, which have so signally characterized the history of the best of our Scottish bards.
We're now adding his "The Songs of Scotland" in 4 volumes which we're going to serialize. This week we added Songs of Scotland.
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/musi...gham/index.htm
The Northern Highlands in the Nineteenth Century
Some years ago I published the 2 volumes in this set. Well I have now found a third volume is now available and so have started to work on this.
Added the issue for 1847...
The year 1847 is a melancholy year in the annals of the United Kingdom, and left very painful memories, as well as distressing problems, in the Highlands of Scotland. The disaster of the potato famine first fell on Ireland, beginning in 1845; but the failure of 1846 was almost equally complete in the Highlands, and the full weight of the misfortune was experienced in 1847. Our columns in the early months of that year furnish reading of the most painful type. In the Western Highlands and Islands the distress was universal; on the east side not so universal, but in many cases bad enough. Riots to prevent the export of grain were common, and in several cases the military had to be called out.
We must refer readers for details to the extracts given below. In this place we may give the following passage from Mr Spencer Walpole’s History:—“Nothing even in Ireland was more pitiful than the distress which was desolating the West Highlands; and to add to the misery of the Highlanders their own misfortunes were for some time overlooked because the Irish were more numerous and more noisy. Yet the lairds of Western Scotland showed the Irish landlords an example which the latter might have followed with advantage. In too many cases the absentee Irish landlords remained either in London or abroad, and allowed their agents to take advantage of the crisis to clear their holdings and eject their tenantry. They clamoured for Government aid, and they protested against the injury to their own estates by the application of a poor law to Ireland. The Scotch laird, on the contrary, submitted to his own ruin in a vain attempt to save his people, and when he applied to the Government sought no relief for himself, but only demanded help for his tenantry.”
The calamity in Ireland was unparalleled. In March it was stated that 734,0000 persons were employed on relief works, and that 240,000 had died. The Government found that the machinery of relief works could not be kept up with advantage, and relief committees were organised throughout Ireland. “At one moment no less than 3,000,000 persons received daily rations under the scheme, and a population was in this way kept alive till the harvest, and the operations which the harvest occasioned enabled society to resume its ordinary aspect. At the same time bills were carried suspending the duty which Peel had still left on foreign corn, and relaxing the regulations of the Navigation Laws, which prevented its importation in vessels which were not British and which were not manned by British seamen.”
In course of the summer Parliament was dissolved. The state of parties in the new House of Commons is given as follows: — Liberals, 333; Peelites, 120; Protectionists. 202. This gave the Government a majority of only 11 over the other two parties combined, but the Peelites on important questions supported the Government. Mr Gladstone was returned for Oxford after a severe contest. Macaulay lost his seat for Edinburgh, chiefly on account of his Maynooth vote and speeches. In the autumn session a bill was passed for the repression of crime in Ireland, which had assumed startling proportions. A new Poor Law bill was also passed for Ireland.
On the 8th of February, Daniel O'Connell addressed the House of Commons for the last time, but “the voice which formerly shook the hall was now sunk to a whisper.” O'Connell went abroad, and died at Genoa on 15th May. According to his instructions, his heart was embalmed and taken to Borne; his body was brought home and interred in Glasnevin Cemetery, followed by a procession of 50,000 persons. The discovery of the planet Neptune was a scientific incident of the year.
In the latter part of the year there was a great commercial crisis, arising from overspeculation in railways and extraordinary fluctuations in the corn trade. The Bank Act had to be suspended.
You can read this issue (No. 6) at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/highlands/
Henry Dryerre
Compositor, Poet, Journalist and Musician.
Now added the following stories...
"Scheme" Anderson
John Bridie
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...erre/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
John sent in a new song, Wartime Banknock
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel541.htm
Poets and Poetry of Scotland from the earliest to the present time
Comprising characteristic selections from the works of more noteworthy Scottish poets with biographical and critical notices. By James Grant Wilson (1876)
Now up to page 268.
You can read all about them at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/poets/
Memoirs and Adventures of Sir William Kirkaldy of Grange
Knight, Commander of French Horse, Lord of the Secret Council, and Governor of the Castle of Edinburgh for Mary Queen of Scots (1849)
In Chapter XX we read...
As a reward for his important services, on the 5th September Kirkaldy was appointed governor and captain of the castle of Edinburgh—a fortress every way of the first rank in the kingdom.
Sir James Balfour, of Pittendreich had received that office from his patron Bothwell, and until the battle of Langside had retained it in his hands; but for a sum of money, and a gift of the Augustinian priory of Pittenweem, and on Kirkaldy pledging his word for his safety, he gave up the fortress with its stores to the regent. Kirkaldy with his family immediately repaired to the important stronghold, where they continued to reside during the remainder of his troubled career.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...aldy/index.htm
Samuel Smiles
Newspaper Editor, Author and Social reformer has been added to our Significant Scots page.
This is another biography we're adding. I've added this week...
Chapter V - Surgeon in Haddington
Chapter VI - A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss
He really does a great job of telling about the special characters he meets up with.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...les_samuel.htm
Book of the Old Edinburgh Club
We have acquired copies of 12 volumes of this club's publications and we're going to add one a week.
Now added volume 3 which includes...
The Armorial Bearings of the City of Edinburgh By Sir James Balfour Paul, LL.D., Lyon King of Arms With illustrations.
The Black Friars of Edinburgh By W. Mom Bryce With illustrations and a map.
An Account of the Friday Club written by Lord Cockburn, together with notes on Certain other Social Clubs in Edinburgh By Harry A. Cockburn
The Sculptured Stones of Edinburgh III: Miscellaneous By John Geddie With illustrations.
The History of Parliament Square: Being an Historical Notice of the Southern Precincts of the Church of St. Giles, Edinburgh By Ralph Richardson With an illustration.
Lady Stair's House By Thomas B. Whitson With illustrations.
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../edinburghclub
Life of a Scotch Naturalist, Thomas Edward
By Samuel Smiles (1877).
In Chapter X we learn...
Edward had left Banff on the 31st of July, 1846, full of hope; after six weeks, he returned to it full of despair. He had gone to Aberdeen with his collection, accompanied by his wife and family; he returned from it alone and on foot, without a single specimen of his collection, and without a penny in his pocket that he could call his own. He felt ruined, disappointed, beggared—his aims and hopes in life blasted. He was under the necessity of leaving his wife and children at Aberdeen; for they could not travel fifty miles to Banff on foot.
Edward felt terribly crushed on re-entering his desolate home. A strange-like heaviness of mind came over him. The place was drear and lonesome. It was so different from what it had once been. It was no longer enlivened by the prattle of his children, or the pleasant looks of his wife. There was neither fire, nor food, nor money. The walls, which only a few weeks before had been covered with his treasures—the results of the hard labor of years were bare and destitute. The house was desolation itself.
After remaining there for a short time, a neighbor came in and asked Edward to come to his house and get some food. He most gladly assented to the proposal. He afterward went to see his master, and arranged with him as to the re-commencement of his work. This was easily accomplished, as Edward was considered a Don at his trade.
After this had been settled, he went to pay a short visit to a friend at Gardenstown, until his wife and family had returned from Aberdeen. Edward could not bear to remain in his house until they had come back: nor could he yet pay for their journey. But the carrier, who had taken the collection and the family to Aberdeen, cheerfully consented to bring the latter back free.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ward/index.htm
Enigma Machine
Missed this last week so now have up puzzles 63 & 64.
You can get to these at http://www.electriccanadian.com/lifestyle/enigma
The Staggering State of Scottish Statesmen from 1550 to 1650
The "Staggering State" has been reprinted, neither on account of its historical value, nor in evidence of the capacity or learning of its author. It is a work unique of its kind, a performance in which biographical details are blended with that peculiar gossip which is the offspring of envy and all uncharitableness. It is a record of history and calumny—a repository of fireside chit-chat respecting conspicuous persons at a period when, if, on the one hand, statesmen served themselves rather than the State, on the other, evil report proved an intellectual relish to many who were capable of more rational enjoyments. In connexion with the performance, it is not the least remarkable feature that it was composed by one who frequented the first circles, was related to the best families, and was one of the most learned persons in the kingdom. Nay, more, the author was in some matters singularly generous; his benefactions were munificent, and his patriotism equalled his benevolence. Yet he has withal produced a most uncharitable book; and it may be questioned whether Sir Anthony Weldon himself has dealt with Scotsmen after a severer fashion. On the old maxim of the Regent Mar, he has "spoken furth, and spared nocht;" and, like the Scottish Wife of Bath, has given all their dittay, or accusal, without pity and without remorse. He has scattered firebrands, and few of his contemporaries have escaped. He wrote while writhing under disappointment and public wrong. Probably he intended to give vent to his resentment, and then to allow what he had written to perish with the angry passion which evoked it. The "Staggering State" was written when the author had reached his eightieth year. Upwards of other fourscore years it remained unprinted—copies, however, being multiplied in MS. Of these many were incorrectly written.
In 1754 Walter Goodal prevailed on the firm of Walter Ruddiman and Co. to print an edition which he had prepared; this work, in a duodecimo of 190 pages, has latterly become scarce. Mr. Goodal edited carefully; he founded his text on an old MS. which he believed to be contemporaneous, and to contain "additions, and even whole lives, in the author's own hand." That MS. is preserved in the Advocates Library (press-mark, 34, 3, 2), and while its contemporaneity may be doubted, it is unquestionably ancient. Of two other MSS. in the Advocates Library, one, a thin folio (press-mark, 34, 3, i) seems to belong to a date anterior to the MS. used by Goodal. The other is modern. Two MSS., one in the Library of the British Museum, and the other in the University Library, St. Andrews, are of no particular value. Two others, one belonging to the close of the seventeenth, and the other to the beginning of the eighteenth century, have been placed at the editors disposal by Mr. Laing of Edinburgh.
After a careful examination of the various MSS., the editor has not felt justified in making any material alteration on the text arranged by Goodal. That Goodal has modernized the author's orthography may not be overmuch censured, for each transcriber seems to have adopted his own mode of spelling, and when the present editor attempted to restore the original reading, he encountered difficulties which were insuperable. Some of Goodal's notes have been retained; also his "Account of the Great Officers of State," and his "List" of these Officers from the earliest times till the Restoration. For his "List" Goodal has acknowledged his obligations to the collections of Sir James Balfour and Dr. George Mackenzie.
The Memoir of Sir John Scot has, as a whole, been prepared from original sources of information. The details of his life cause a regret that his name should be associated with the gossip of "The Staggering State." He was one of the most enterprising Scotsmen of his age—he exercised an independent judgment on all questions ecclesiastical and civil; and though desirous of retaining the emoluments of office, he devoted a portion of his wealth to the interests of the State and the welfare of his countrymen. In his old age, writhing under disappointment, he dipped his pen in gall and smote everywhere. Happily, from the universality of his attacks, none have suffered materially. It would be ridiculous that any descended from the sufferers should now utter a complaint.
Better is it to reflect that we live in times when men differ on public topics without cherishing mutual hate, and when calumny more frequently recoils upon the utterer than reaches its victim. The editor regrets that the Earl of Morton has had no leisure to furnish copies of several of the authors letters preserved in his Lordship's repositories. The readiness of the Duke of Portland to furnish information has been creditable to his Grace, both as Sir John Scot's representative and as a member of the Peerage. To Mr. David Laing, Mr. M. F. Conolly, and others who have rendered most essential assistance, the editor's best acknowledgments are due.
Snowdoun Villa, Lewisham, S.E.
Feb., 1872.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/book...staggaring.htm
Scott of Buccleuch
Added this 2 volume publication by William Fraser which you can get to at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...toz/scott.html
The Manuscripts of his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch of Queensberrym K.G., K.T.
Preserved at Drumlanrig Castle.
I added a link to download this book at the foot of the page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../buccleuch.htm
A History of the Great War
By John Buchan in 4 volumes
This work in its original form appeared in twenty-four volumes between February 1915 and July 1919, and was therefore written and published for the most part during the progress of the campaign. Begun as an experiment to pass the time during a period of enforced inaction, its large sales and the evidence forthcoming that it met a certain need induced me to continue it as a duty, and the bulk of it was written in the scanty leisure which I could snatch from service abroad and at home. Any narrative produced under such conditions must bristle with imperfections. It will contain many errors of fact. The writer cannot stage his drama or prepare the reader for a sudden change by a gradual revelation of its causes. His work must have something of the apparent inconsequence of real life. He records one month a sanguine mood and a hopeful forecast ; three months later he will tell of depression and of expectations belied. He must set out interim judgments, and presently recant them.
After much reflection I decided to revise—and largely rewrite—the book in order to give it perspective and a juster scale, and I was moved to this decision by my view of the value of contemporary history.
You can read the rest of this Preface and download the volumes at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...g/greatwar.htm
School Days of Eminent Men
Extracted a few Scots from this book which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...schooldays.htm
The Working Life of Christina McKelvie MSP
Got in her column for 10th June 2014. which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/140610.htm
Willie McRae
An article about him which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...coteumcrae.htm
Clan Leslie Society of New Zealand & Australia
Got in a copy of their Jul, Aug, Sept 2014 newsletter which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...slie/index.htm
And Finally...
More from the Book of Scottish Anecdote...
A FISHER'S PRAYER
It is said the fisher·folk of Footdee, like the poor fisherman of Sanday, used to indicate their desire for the spoil of stranded vessels in this fashion, "God send anither ship ashore, an' a' hands safe."
A SCOT'S ANSWER
A Scot who had taken himself to live in an English city, where he had made his way and prospered, was one day sneeringly asked by an Englishman, the usual question why Scotsmen in England never think of going "bock" to Scotland. "Weel , ye see, man," replied Sandy, "when we come to Englund, we find the folk here sae muckle cleverer than oursel's, that we canna get a chance to gang back!"
SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE
It is related of a certain divine, whose matrimonial relations are supposed not to have been of the most agreeable kind, that one Sabbath morning, while reading to his congregation the parable of the supper, in which occurs the passage - "And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore cannot come,"-he suddenly paused at the end of this verse, drew off his spectacles, and, looking on his hearers, said with emphasis- "The fact is my brethren, one woman can draw a man further away from the kingdom of heaven than fifty yoke of oxen."
A BOLD COLONEL
Colonel Cameron raised the regiment which, under the title of Cameron Highlanders, has contributed so extensively to the glory of the British army. A few years after its formation it was quartered in the Isle of Wight, where Colonel Cameron learned that it was the intention of the Duke of York to transfer the private soldiers to different regiments. He lost no time in going over to Portsmouth, where he had a stormy interview with his royal highness. The duke admitted that Colonel Cameron had been rightly informed. The gallant Highland chief sturdily maintained that to "draft" the regiment would be in violation of the letters of service, and protested most strongly against the measure, winding up with "Neither You nor your royal father daur draft the regiment." The duke, enraged at this opposition, rejoined "The king, my father, will certainly send it to the West Indies." Cameron was not, however, to be daunted by this threat, and burst out with "The king, your father, may send the regiment to h-l, and I will go at the head of it, but you daurna draft it." Cameron carried his point for the time, and the regiment was not drafted, but was sent to the West Indies as a punishment to the colonel for standing up for his own rights and those of his men.
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair