Tweet
For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
I was interested to see how the death rate compared around the world and went to
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Templa..._pandemic_data and found...
Of course data depends on the number of tests and how the figures are reported. It does however look like the UK and Canada are not doing too well on preventing deaths from the virus. Looking at the UK figures in depth would indicate that the worst figures were from the start of the pandemic but slowed a lot from June onwards for which see...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-...bers_of_deaths
------
I also note in the Scottish News that George Galloway is taking a very aggressive stance with Nicola Sturgeon. I only see these reports in the Express newspaper so thought I'd try and highlight some of his words in the news section. See "George Galloway erupts at English hating SNP" below.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as world news stories that can affect Scotland and all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Covid: Scots children should stay at home at Halloween
The Scottish government has told children to stay at home this Halloween. In guidance issued a week ahead of 31 October, people have been told guising (going door-to-door) and parties are not encouraged.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-54673808
Long Covid: I thought I'd get over this no problem
Rebecca Logan, a fitness instructor and part-time nurse, began to feel unwell in April.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-54658544
Battered sausage roll from Fife chipshop goes viral
A Fife chippy has gone viral with what could be the most Scottish food item yet - the battered square sausage roll.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/people...-viral-3013919
Child sex exploitation in every part of Scotland
The abuse is happening in the islands, rural communities and urban areas, with cases identified in all but five of Scotland's local authorities. The research suggests that the abuse of boys is often overlooked.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-54684638
Water on the Moon could sustain a lunar base
Having dropped tantalising hints days ago about an exciting new discovery about the Moon, the US space agency has revealed conclusive evidence of water on our only natural satellite.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54666328
In praise of the United Kingdom
To live in the United Kingdom is to be blessed. Critics who disparage it forget that they can voice their resentments loudly and publicly without fearing a knock on the door from the forces of law and order.
Read more at:
https://www.thinkscotland.org/todays...ead_full=14307
Commonwealth gives UK key advantage in no deal Brexit with EU in for dead loss
BRITAIN would bounce back quickly if it fails to agree a post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU thanks to historical ties with the Commonwealth - but for Brussels, such a situation would be a dead loss, a French MEP has said.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...l-commonwealth
Coronavirus: ‘Milestone’ in hunt for vaccine - Oxford jab shows strong immune response
HOPES of a coronavirus vaccine breakthrough rose last night after early trials showed a strong immune response in older volunteers. Tests of the Oxford jab also found the over-55s had lower levels of side-effects than younger
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/13...mmune-response
Once upon a second time as Scotland’s Enid Blyton returns to print after her books were lost in the Blitz
Ann Scott-Moncrieff’s Aboard The Bulger, a huge success when it was published in 1934, when the author, only 20, won rave reviews both here and in America. She was on the cusp of international fame when her publisher’s Methuen’s offices next to St Paul’s cathedral were razed to the ground on 29 December 1940 as bombs rained on London.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/once-u...from-the-book/
Israel-Emirates peace: An inside look
Crisscrossing Dubai, journalist Ben Caspit says that his four-day visit to the emirate this week reveals the intense potential that lies in the recent outing of Israel’s covert relations with the United Arab Emirates.
Read more at:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/ori...t-tourism.html
New Lanark is still relevant to Scotland today
New Lanark is situated in a picturesque, stunning location at the Falls of the Clyde. It was opened in 1786 by David Dale as a site for cotton mills with nearby accommodation for workers, and taken over by Welsh-born Robert Owen in 1800.
Read more at:
https://www.scottishreview.net/GerryHassan544a.html
Ancrum Old Bridge rediscovered beneath the River Teviot
One of the most important structures of medieval Scotland has been rediscovered after being hidden beneath a Borders river for centuries.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...tland-54719266
George Galloway erupts at English hating SNP
GEORGE GALLOWAY lashed out at the SNP and their controversial Hate Crime Bill in a scathing rant.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/13...test-update-vn
Electric Canadian
Situating Nunavut Education with Indigenous Education in Canada
By Heather Elizabeth McGregor (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...tEducation.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday morning - 25th October 2020
By the Rev. Nola Crewe which you can watch at:
hhttp://www.electricscotland.org/show...h-October-2020
Journal of the New Brunswick Society
For the encouragement of Agriculture Home Manufacturers and Commerce throughout the Province instituted at Fredericton, N.B., August 30, 1849 (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...wbrunswick.pdf
Our Words, Our Ways
Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learners. This resource will help classroom teachers and staff better serve the needs of their Aboriginal students. The process of development was one of consultation, information gathering, drafting, more consultation and re-drafting. The contributors to this resource include Aboriginal Elders, teachers and psychologists as well as other members of Alberta’s Aboriginal communities. (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...rstnations.pdf
Kuloskap the Master
And Other Algonkin Poems translated by Charles Godfrey Leland and John Dyneley Prince (1902) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...kapmastero.pdf
Electric Scotland
The Mylne Family
Master Masons, Architects, Engineers, their Professional Career, 1481 - 1876 by Robert W. Mylne (1877) (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/history/nation/mylne.pdf
Musing of a Tank Commander
Part 20 From Wilderness to Gravy Train
You can get to this at: https://electricscotland.com/history...ank/part20.htm
Memoirs with Special reference to Secession and the Civil War
By John H. Regan LL.D. Postmaster-General of the Cofederacy; sometime United States Senator; Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas; President of the Texas State Historical Association edited by Walter Flavius McCaleb, Ph. D., with Introduction by George P. Garrison, Ph. D. (1906) (pdf)
As I've worked on the Scots Diaspora over the years I've also been in the habit of publishing historical texts on the countries they went to. The intention was to let you see the type of conditions they would have experienced when they arrived in their new country.
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/history...rswithspec.pdf
Oration
Delivered in Corinthian Hall, Rochester, By Frederick Douglass, July 5th,1852. What, to the slave, is the Fourth of July?” In 1852 Frederick Douglass asked a question that the entire United States was forced to reckon with in the lead-up to the Civil War—and for generations after. Douglass’ speech is widely regarded as a masterpiece of oration and a crucial historical text. (pdf)
This was profiled on the Internet archive so thought I'd include it here for you to read and you can get to it at: https://electricscotland.com/history...ndelivered.pdf
The Psalms
Their History, Teachings and Use by William Binnie, D.D. (1870) (pdf).
William Binnie, Scottish Presbyterian (August 20, 1823 -- September 22, 1886) was ordained to the ministry in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland by William Symington (author of Messiah, the Prince) in 1849. He served as a Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics at the College in the Craigs of Sterling and later (1875) became Professor of Church History and Pastoral Theology at the Free Church College in Aberdeen.
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/bible/p...eirhistory.pdf
Got in the Scottish Banner
November 2020 issue which you can read at: https://electricscotland.com/familyt...nner/index.htm
Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural Society
Volume 1 (1814) (pdf) https://electricscotland.com/agricul...rsofcaled1.pdf
Volume 2 (1819) (pdf) https://electricscotland.com/agricul...rsofcaled2.pdf
The MacLeods of Scotland
An article by William F. Skene
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macleods.pdf
MacLeod and MacAulay
By The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P.
You can read these two essays at: https://electricscotland.com/history...toneessays.htm
Story
Governor Troup, or the McIntosh Family
From The History of Alabama
At the close of our last chapter it was stated that the first American court held in Alabama was at McIntosh Bluff, which is situated upon the western bank of the Tombigby, between its confluence with the Alabama and the town of St. Stephens. Connected with this bluff, there is, to us, a pleasing historical reminiscence. Alabama has the honor of being the birthplace of George M. Troup, late Governor of Georgia, and who is one of the most vigorous and expressive political and epistolary writers of the age. His grandfather, Captain John McIntosh, the Chief of the McIntosh clan, was long attached to the army of West Florida, and his valuable services were rewarded by the King of England, with the grant of McIntosh Bluff, and extensive tracts of land upon the Mississippi. He had a son, who was also a British officer, and a daughter, a native of Georgia. The latter, while on a visit to England, married an officer of the royal army, named Troup. She sailed from England to Mobile, and, arriving at the latter place, entered a barge, and went up the Tombigby river to the residence of her father at McIntosh Bluff, where, in the wilds of Alabama, Governor Troup was born in September, 1780. She had an uncle, named Roderick McIntosh, or "Old Rory," as he was familiarly called, a most extraordinary character, a kind of Don Quixote, old Arab Chief, Scottish and Irish Chieftain, the Saladin and Ceur de Leon of chivalry. He was long an officer of his Majesty's army in Georgia and East Florida. Thus the father, brother, uncle and husband of this lady, the mother of George M. Troup, were all British officers before the commencement of the revolution. Being removed from the scenes of that revolution, none of them may be said to have taken sides against it, except "Old Rory," who during the war was frequently in Georgia and East Florida, and, although far advanced in years, was at all times ready to storm any whig fortress that might present itself. Before he came to America he had been the champion of his native glen in Scotland, and was strongly attached to the Stuart family. In 1777 he was over sixty-five years of age. He was tall; his form was admirably proportioned for strength and activity. His complexion was ruddy, and his hair was white, frizzled and bushy. In walking, or rather striding, his step ordinarily embraced the space of four feet. He was not rich, but lived in ease and comfort, when not engaged in the actual service of the King. He cared nothing for money. During the Spanish occupation of East Florida he sold a drove of cattle in St. Augustine, and receiving payment in specie, placed it in a bag on his horse and rode towards home. On the route the canvas gave way, and many of the dollars fell upon the path. He secured those which were left and pursued his journey, giving himself no concern about those upon the ground. Some years afterwards, being in want of money, he recollected his loss, went to the place, picked up as many dollars as he wanted and returned home. He was fond of dogs. He once laid a considerable bet that he could hide a doubloon, at three miles distance, and that his setter, which he had taught to take his back track, would find it. Luath presently went off on his trail, was gone some time, and returned panting, with his tongue out, but came without the doubloon. "Treason!" vociferated "Rory," and he walked rapidly to the place where he had hidden the money. He turned over the log, and found that Luath had torn up the earth in search of it. A man was seen some distance off engaged in the splitting of rails. Without ceremony "Rory" drew his dirk, advanced upon him, and swore he would put him to death if he did not give up the doubloon. The man, very much alarmed, immediately handed him the coin, observing that, having seen McIntosh put something under the log, he had gone to the place and found the gold. "Rory," tossing him back the money, said, "Take it, vile caitiff; it was not the pelf, but the honor of my dog, I cared for."
In 1778 a portion of the garrison of St. Augustine, under General Provost, marched by land to join a force from New York to attack Savannah, then in the occupation of the whigs. "Rory" was a captain of light infantry upon this expedition. On the march they passed near a small whig fort, commanded by Captain, afterwards Colonel John McIntosh. Early one morning, when "Rory" had made rather free with the morning glass, he insisted on sallying out to summon the fort to surrender. His friends were unable to restrain him, and he presently advanced, with claymore in hand, followed by his faithful negro, Jim. Approaching the gate of the fort, he said, in an audible and commanding tone, "Surrender, you miscreants! How dare you presume to resist his majesty's arms!." Captain McIntosh knew him, and, forbidding any of his men to fire, threw open the gate, and said, "Walk in, cousin, and take possession." "No," said Rory, with great indignation, "I will not trust myself with such vermin, but I order you to surrender." A rifle was fired at him, the ball of which passed through his face. He fell, but immediately recovered. He retreated backwards, flourishing his sword. His servant, seeing his face covered with blood, and hearing the shot falling around him, implored his master to face about and run for his life. He replied, "Run yourself, poor slave, but I am of a race that never runs." In this manner, he backed safely into the lines, flourishing his sword in defiance, and keeping his face to the enemy.
Upon a certain occasion, "Rory" rode from St. Augustine to Savannah, and applied to his friend, Couper, for money to defray his expenses from that place to Charleston. Couper saw that something of an extraordinary character agitated him, and with difficulty learned the cause of his excitement. "That reptile in Charleston, Gadsden, has insulted my country, and I will put him to death." "What has he done?" said Couper. "Why," said Rory, "on being asked how he meant to fill up his wharf, in Charleston, he replied, 'By importing Scotchmen, who were fit for nothing better.' " With great difficulty the friends of Rory prevailed on him to return home.
It would be an endless task to enumerate all the anecdotes in our possession in relation to this remarkable Highlander, the grand-uncle of Governor Troup. He was often in the Creek nation, and was the father of Colonel William McIntosh, a halfbreed Muscogee, of high character, whom the Upper Creeks killed for his friendship to the Georgians. "Rory" always dressed in the Highland costume. He was perfectly fearless in spirit, while his broadsword, wielded by one of the most powerful arms, caused streams of human blood to flow in many desperate engagements. Although engaged in the rebellion of '45, King George was nevertheless much attached to him, and "Rory" was ready to die for that monarch at any moment.
There was another branch of the McIntosh family--all, however, close connections of Governor Troup, by consanguinity--who were conspicuous whigs in the revolution, citizens of Georgia, and men who occupied high ranks in the army. One of these was General Lachlan McIntosh, who came out to Georgia with Oglethorpe, when a little boy, and the other, Colonel John McIntosh, who also fought for liberty throughout the war. In later times, Colonel John S. McIntosh, one of the same family, became a distinguished American officer, was in the wars of 1813 and 1814, and recently, in the Mexican war, was wounded at Resaca de la Palma, and afterwards at Molino del Rey, and died in the city of Mexico. The McIntosh family was composed of people of marked character, all whom were born to command. The blood always exhibited itself, even when mixed with that of the Indian. After the revolution, the father of Governor Troup established himself in Georgia, became an American citizen, and was much esteemed and respected to the day of his death. His body is interred at Belleville, McIntosh county, and that of his wife in the family vault of General Lachlan McIntosh at Savannah.
END.
And that's it for this week and hope you all have a great weekend and mind and keep your distance, wash your hands and stay safe. Don't be stupid or selfish and instead be considerate of others and wear a mask if going shopping or into a crowded place and consider whether you should indeed go into a crowded space in the first place.
Alastair
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
I was interested to see how the death rate compared around the world and went to
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Templa..._pandemic_data and found...
Of course data depends on the number of tests and how the figures are reported. It does however look like the UK and Canada are not doing too well on preventing deaths from the virus. Looking at the UK figures in depth would indicate that the worst figures were from the start of the pandemic but slowed a lot from June onwards for which see...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-...bers_of_deaths
------
I also note in the Scottish News that George Galloway is taking a very aggressive stance with Nicola Sturgeon. I only see these reports in the Express newspaper so thought I'd try and highlight some of his words in the news section. See "George Galloway erupts at English hating SNP" below.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as world news stories that can affect Scotland and all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Covid: Scots children should stay at home at Halloween
The Scottish government has told children to stay at home this Halloween. In guidance issued a week ahead of 31 October, people have been told guising (going door-to-door) and parties are not encouraged.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-54673808
Long Covid: I thought I'd get over this no problem
Rebecca Logan, a fitness instructor and part-time nurse, began to feel unwell in April.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-54658544
Battered sausage roll from Fife chipshop goes viral
A Fife chippy has gone viral with what could be the most Scottish food item yet - the battered square sausage roll.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/people...-viral-3013919
Child sex exploitation in every part of Scotland
The abuse is happening in the islands, rural communities and urban areas, with cases identified in all but five of Scotland's local authorities. The research suggests that the abuse of boys is often overlooked.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-54684638
Water on the Moon could sustain a lunar base
Having dropped tantalising hints days ago about an exciting new discovery about the Moon, the US space agency has revealed conclusive evidence of water on our only natural satellite.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54666328
In praise of the United Kingdom
To live in the United Kingdom is to be blessed. Critics who disparage it forget that they can voice their resentments loudly and publicly without fearing a knock on the door from the forces of law and order.
Read more at:
https://www.thinkscotland.org/todays...ead_full=14307
Commonwealth gives UK key advantage in no deal Brexit with EU in for dead loss
BRITAIN would bounce back quickly if it fails to agree a post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU thanks to historical ties with the Commonwealth - but for Brussels, such a situation would be a dead loss, a French MEP has said.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...l-commonwealth
Coronavirus: ‘Milestone’ in hunt for vaccine - Oxford jab shows strong immune response
HOPES of a coronavirus vaccine breakthrough rose last night after early trials showed a strong immune response in older volunteers. Tests of the Oxford jab also found the over-55s had lower levels of side-effects than younger
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/13...mmune-response
Once upon a second time as Scotland’s Enid Blyton returns to print after her books were lost in the Blitz
Ann Scott-Moncrieff’s Aboard The Bulger, a huge success when it was published in 1934, when the author, only 20, won rave reviews both here and in America. She was on the cusp of international fame when her publisher’s Methuen’s offices next to St Paul’s cathedral were razed to the ground on 29 December 1940 as bombs rained on London.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/once-u...from-the-book/
Israel-Emirates peace: An inside look
Crisscrossing Dubai, journalist Ben Caspit says that his four-day visit to the emirate this week reveals the intense potential that lies in the recent outing of Israel’s covert relations with the United Arab Emirates.
Read more at:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/ori...t-tourism.html
New Lanark is still relevant to Scotland today
New Lanark is situated in a picturesque, stunning location at the Falls of the Clyde. It was opened in 1786 by David Dale as a site for cotton mills with nearby accommodation for workers, and taken over by Welsh-born Robert Owen in 1800.
Read more at:
https://www.scottishreview.net/GerryHassan544a.html
Ancrum Old Bridge rediscovered beneath the River Teviot
One of the most important structures of medieval Scotland has been rediscovered after being hidden beneath a Borders river for centuries.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...tland-54719266
George Galloway erupts at English hating SNP
GEORGE GALLOWAY lashed out at the SNP and their controversial Hate Crime Bill in a scathing rant.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/13...test-update-vn
Electric Canadian
Situating Nunavut Education with Indigenous Education in Canada
By Heather Elizabeth McGregor (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...tEducation.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday morning - 25th October 2020
By the Rev. Nola Crewe which you can watch at:
hhttp://www.electricscotland.org/show...h-October-2020
Journal of the New Brunswick Society
For the encouragement of Agriculture Home Manufacturers and Commerce throughout the Province instituted at Fredericton, N.B., August 30, 1849 (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...wbrunswick.pdf
Our Words, Our Ways
Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learners. This resource will help classroom teachers and staff better serve the needs of their Aboriginal students. The process of development was one of consultation, information gathering, drafting, more consultation and re-drafting. The contributors to this resource include Aboriginal Elders, teachers and psychologists as well as other members of Alberta’s Aboriginal communities. (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...rstnations.pdf
Kuloskap the Master
And Other Algonkin Poems translated by Charles Godfrey Leland and John Dyneley Prince (1902) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...kapmastero.pdf
Electric Scotland
The Mylne Family
Master Masons, Architects, Engineers, their Professional Career, 1481 - 1876 by Robert W. Mylne (1877) (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/history/nation/mylne.pdf
Musing of a Tank Commander
Part 20 From Wilderness to Gravy Train
You can get to this at: https://electricscotland.com/history...ank/part20.htm
Memoirs with Special reference to Secession and the Civil War
By John H. Regan LL.D. Postmaster-General of the Cofederacy; sometime United States Senator; Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas; President of the Texas State Historical Association edited by Walter Flavius McCaleb, Ph. D., with Introduction by George P. Garrison, Ph. D. (1906) (pdf)
As I've worked on the Scots Diaspora over the years I've also been in the habit of publishing historical texts on the countries they went to. The intention was to let you see the type of conditions they would have experienced when they arrived in their new country.
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/history...rswithspec.pdf
Oration
Delivered in Corinthian Hall, Rochester, By Frederick Douglass, July 5th,1852. What, to the slave, is the Fourth of July?” In 1852 Frederick Douglass asked a question that the entire United States was forced to reckon with in the lead-up to the Civil War—and for generations after. Douglass’ speech is widely regarded as a masterpiece of oration and a crucial historical text. (pdf)
This was profiled on the Internet archive so thought I'd include it here for you to read and you can get to it at: https://electricscotland.com/history...ndelivered.pdf
The Psalms
Their History, Teachings and Use by William Binnie, D.D. (1870) (pdf).
William Binnie, Scottish Presbyterian (August 20, 1823 -- September 22, 1886) was ordained to the ministry in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland by William Symington (author of Messiah, the Prince) in 1849. He served as a Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics at the College in the Craigs of Sterling and later (1875) became Professor of Church History and Pastoral Theology at the Free Church College in Aberdeen.
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/bible/p...eirhistory.pdf
Got in the Scottish Banner
November 2020 issue which you can read at: https://electricscotland.com/familyt...nner/index.htm
Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural Society
Volume 1 (1814) (pdf) https://electricscotland.com/agricul...rsofcaled1.pdf
Volume 2 (1819) (pdf) https://electricscotland.com/agricul...rsofcaled2.pdf
The MacLeods of Scotland
An article by William F. Skene
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macleods.pdf
MacLeod and MacAulay
By The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P.
You can read these two essays at: https://electricscotland.com/history...toneessays.htm
Story
Governor Troup, or the McIntosh Family
From The History of Alabama
At the close of our last chapter it was stated that the first American court held in Alabama was at McIntosh Bluff, which is situated upon the western bank of the Tombigby, between its confluence with the Alabama and the town of St. Stephens. Connected with this bluff, there is, to us, a pleasing historical reminiscence. Alabama has the honor of being the birthplace of George M. Troup, late Governor of Georgia, and who is one of the most vigorous and expressive political and epistolary writers of the age. His grandfather, Captain John McIntosh, the Chief of the McIntosh clan, was long attached to the army of West Florida, and his valuable services were rewarded by the King of England, with the grant of McIntosh Bluff, and extensive tracts of land upon the Mississippi. He had a son, who was also a British officer, and a daughter, a native of Georgia. The latter, while on a visit to England, married an officer of the royal army, named Troup. She sailed from England to Mobile, and, arriving at the latter place, entered a barge, and went up the Tombigby river to the residence of her father at McIntosh Bluff, where, in the wilds of Alabama, Governor Troup was born in September, 1780. She had an uncle, named Roderick McIntosh, or "Old Rory," as he was familiarly called, a most extraordinary character, a kind of Don Quixote, old Arab Chief, Scottish and Irish Chieftain, the Saladin and Ceur de Leon of chivalry. He was long an officer of his Majesty's army in Georgia and East Florida. Thus the father, brother, uncle and husband of this lady, the mother of George M. Troup, were all British officers before the commencement of the revolution. Being removed from the scenes of that revolution, none of them may be said to have taken sides against it, except "Old Rory," who during the war was frequently in Georgia and East Florida, and, although far advanced in years, was at all times ready to storm any whig fortress that might present itself. Before he came to America he had been the champion of his native glen in Scotland, and was strongly attached to the Stuart family. In 1777 he was over sixty-five years of age. He was tall; his form was admirably proportioned for strength and activity. His complexion was ruddy, and his hair was white, frizzled and bushy. In walking, or rather striding, his step ordinarily embraced the space of four feet. He was not rich, but lived in ease and comfort, when not engaged in the actual service of the King. He cared nothing for money. During the Spanish occupation of East Florida he sold a drove of cattle in St. Augustine, and receiving payment in specie, placed it in a bag on his horse and rode towards home. On the route the canvas gave way, and many of the dollars fell upon the path. He secured those which were left and pursued his journey, giving himself no concern about those upon the ground. Some years afterwards, being in want of money, he recollected his loss, went to the place, picked up as many dollars as he wanted and returned home. He was fond of dogs. He once laid a considerable bet that he could hide a doubloon, at three miles distance, and that his setter, which he had taught to take his back track, would find it. Luath presently went off on his trail, was gone some time, and returned panting, with his tongue out, but came without the doubloon. "Treason!" vociferated "Rory," and he walked rapidly to the place where he had hidden the money. He turned over the log, and found that Luath had torn up the earth in search of it. A man was seen some distance off engaged in the splitting of rails. Without ceremony "Rory" drew his dirk, advanced upon him, and swore he would put him to death if he did not give up the doubloon. The man, very much alarmed, immediately handed him the coin, observing that, having seen McIntosh put something under the log, he had gone to the place and found the gold. "Rory," tossing him back the money, said, "Take it, vile caitiff; it was not the pelf, but the honor of my dog, I cared for."
In 1778 a portion of the garrison of St. Augustine, under General Provost, marched by land to join a force from New York to attack Savannah, then in the occupation of the whigs. "Rory" was a captain of light infantry upon this expedition. On the march they passed near a small whig fort, commanded by Captain, afterwards Colonel John McIntosh. Early one morning, when "Rory" had made rather free with the morning glass, he insisted on sallying out to summon the fort to surrender. His friends were unable to restrain him, and he presently advanced, with claymore in hand, followed by his faithful negro, Jim. Approaching the gate of the fort, he said, in an audible and commanding tone, "Surrender, you miscreants! How dare you presume to resist his majesty's arms!." Captain McIntosh knew him, and, forbidding any of his men to fire, threw open the gate, and said, "Walk in, cousin, and take possession." "No," said Rory, with great indignation, "I will not trust myself with such vermin, but I order you to surrender." A rifle was fired at him, the ball of which passed through his face. He fell, but immediately recovered. He retreated backwards, flourishing his sword. His servant, seeing his face covered with blood, and hearing the shot falling around him, implored his master to face about and run for his life. He replied, "Run yourself, poor slave, but I am of a race that never runs." In this manner, he backed safely into the lines, flourishing his sword in defiance, and keeping his face to the enemy.
Upon a certain occasion, "Rory" rode from St. Augustine to Savannah, and applied to his friend, Couper, for money to defray his expenses from that place to Charleston. Couper saw that something of an extraordinary character agitated him, and with difficulty learned the cause of his excitement. "That reptile in Charleston, Gadsden, has insulted my country, and I will put him to death." "What has he done?" said Couper. "Why," said Rory, "on being asked how he meant to fill up his wharf, in Charleston, he replied, 'By importing Scotchmen, who were fit for nothing better.' " With great difficulty the friends of Rory prevailed on him to return home.
It would be an endless task to enumerate all the anecdotes in our possession in relation to this remarkable Highlander, the grand-uncle of Governor Troup. He was often in the Creek nation, and was the father of Colonel William McIntosh, a halfbreed Muscogee, of high character, whom the Upper Creeks killed for his friendship to the Georgians. "Rory" always dressed in the Highland costume. He was perfectly fearless in spirit, while his broadsword, wielded by one of the most powerful arms, caused streams of human blood to flow in many desperate engagements. Although engaged in the rebellion of '45, King George was nevertheless much attached to him, and "Rory" was ready to die for that monarch at any moment.
There was another branch of the McIntosh family--all, however, close connections of Governor Troup, by consanguinity--who were conspicuous whigs in the revolution, citizens of Georgia, and men who occupied high ranks in the army. One of these was General Lachlan McIntosh, who came out to Georgia with Oglethorpe, when a little boy, and the other, Colonel John McIntosh, who also fought for liberty throughout the war. In later times, Colonel John S. McIntosh, one of the same family, became a distinguished American officer, was in the wars of 1813 and 1814, and recently, in the Mexican war, was wounded at Resaca de la Palma, and afterwards at Molino del Rey, and died in the city of Mexico. The McIntosh family was composed of people of marked character, all whom were born to command. The blood always exhibited itself, even when mixed with that of the Indian. After the revolution, the father of Governor Troup established himself in Georgia, became an American citizen, and was much esteemed and respected to the day of his death. His body is interred at Belleville, McIntosh county, and that of his wife in the family vault of General Lachlan McIntosh at Savannah.
END.
And that's it for this week and hope you all have a great weekend and mind and keep your distance, wash your hands and stay safe. Don't be stupid or selfish and instead be considerate of others and wear a mask if going shopping or into a crowded place and consider whether you should indeed go into a crowded space in the first place.
Alastair