Barron, E. M. 1930. Inverness and the MacDonalds. Inverness: Robert Carruthers & Sons.
Hopkins, P. 1986. Glencoe and the End of the Highland War. Edinburgh: John Donald Publishers LTD.
McBane, D. The Expert Sword-Man's Companion (Glasgow, 1728), pp.75-7.
Roberts, J.L. 2000. Clan, King and Covenant: History of the Highland Clans from the Civil War to the Glencoe Massacre. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Information on Sources & Publication
The battle of Mulroy is well documented in both primary and secondary sources, though no rigorous modern assessment of the battlefield has been attempted. The background to the conflict is well illustrated with legal documents relating to the quarrel of tenancy between Mackintosh and the MacDonalds of Keppoch. These include Mackintosh's original writ of fire and sword as well as the reinstated commission of 1688, petitions by Coll MacDonald, records of the involvement of the Privy Council, etc. As to reports of the battle action, there are letters written by those involved, such as Lachlan Mackintosh and Captain Mackenzie. These particularly deal with the events immediately prior to the battle. Gaelic poems and ballads were written about the engagement, passed on through oral tradition and transcribed by later antiquarians and scholars. These, however, have been embellished with details and speeches of dubious veracity (ie Reverend Mackintosh Mackay's account in the National Library Scotland, MS 874 fos.325-39).
Primary Sources
Drummond (of Balhaldie), John, Memoirs of Sir Ewen Cameron of Locheill, Chief of the Clan Cameron, ed, ed. J. MacKnight (Edinburgh: Abottsford Club, 1842), 229-31
McBane, D. The Expert Sword-Man's Companion (Glasgow, 1728), pp.75-7.
Archive/Library: National Archives Scotland
15th November 1688. Bond by Ronald M'Donald of Ferset. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, third series, vol. XIII (1686-1689), p. 354.
19th November 1688. Bond by John Cameron of Glen Nevis and others for keeping the peace. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland.
Act annulling the commission of the Earl of Moray to hold courts in Lochaber, as the said commission prejudices the hereditary stewardship of Lachlan M'Intosh of Torcastle. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, third series, vol. III (1669-1672), p. 403
Appointment of a commission to execute letters of fire and sword against certain of the name M'Donald. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, third series, vol. VII (1681-1682), pp. 191-2 [a similar act in much the same wording appears, pp. 194-96.]
Breadalbane Collection, GD 112/1/612. Bond by Ronald MacDonald of Fersatt and Donald MacDonald in Inverey, uncle of said Ronald, as cautioners for Alexander and John MacDonald, brothers of said Ronald, tacksmen of 3 merkland of Drumleard
Breadalbane Muniments, GD 112/39/144/2, Carwhin to Breadalbane, 18 Aug. 1688 [Former Ref: GD 112/40/3/56-7]. Langwell's bargain; Ardchattan's affair; conflict with McIntosh is great news at present; proposal for a garrison in Lochaber; despatch of troops under command of Captain Straitown for reducing the rebels; sends a bottle of ink.
Breadalbane Muniments, GD 112/39/144/3, James, 4th earl of Perth, Edinburgh, to Breadalbane, 22 Sep. 1688.
Breadalbane Collection, GD 112/39/146/5. Petitions recipient to remember what passed at their meeting, since he is now going to London; wishes advice and protection; is content to receive his capitulation and submit to the present government. Dated 8 Sep 1689.[Former Ref: GD112/39/1209]
Breadalbane Muniments, GD 112/39/155/10, Breadalbane, Glenurchy, to Carwhin, 14 Nov. 1691.
Campbell of Barcaldine, GD 170/629/10, Breadalbane to Barcaldine, 24 Aug. 1688.
Campbell of Barcaldine, GD 170/670, Coll Macdonell of Keppoch, Dated at Keppoch 1692, January 17.
Campbell of Barcaldine, GD 170/3327, Attestation that Coll MacDonald of Keppoch has sworn allegience to King William and Queen Mary, dated 13 Dec., 1691.
Drummond (of Balhaldie), John, Memoirs of Sir Ewen Cameron of Locheill, Chief of the Clan Cameron, ed, ed. J. MacKnight (Edinburgh: Abottsford Club, 1842), 229-31
Fraser-Mackintosh Collection, GD 128/21/1. Recommendation by Privy Council to General Douglas to reinfoce Capt. Suddie's company lately 'affronted' by MacDonalds in Braes of Lochaber, while 'assisting' Macintosh, 9 August 1688.
Hume of Polwarth Earls of Marchmont, GD 158/1063/3. Duncan Forbes of Culloden to Marchmont, 14 August 1694.
Hume of Polwarth Earls of Marchmount, GD 158/1104/2, Mackintosh of Torcastle to Marchmount, 7 Jan. 1697. Invernes. On his criminal libel against Coll MacDonald, and 'those rebellious and most vicked crew of the Brea Lochaber men', anent murder of Captain Mackenzie of Suddie; wishes a commission of fire and sword.
Jacobite Papers and Letters, 'Information of the grounds of differences betwixt'Macintosh and Keppoch', MS 295, ff. 1-2
Mackay, M. MS 874 fos.325-39: Rev. Mackintosh Mackay, from oral tradition.
Mackenzie, K. 1688. Letter from Kenneth M'Kenzie to General Douglas. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, third series, vol. XIII (1686-1689), pp. 299-300.
Mackenzie, K. 1688. Letter from Kenneth M'Kenzie to Sir William Paterson. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, third series, vol. XIII (1686-1689), p. 299.
Mackintosh, L. 1688. Letter from L. Macintosh of Torcastle to the Earl of Perth. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, third series, vol. XIII (1686-1689), p. 352.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/582. Letter from Archibald, 9th Earl of Argyll, to Lachlan Mackintosh [McIntosh] of Torcastle, dated at Glenurchy [Glenorchy], 30th May 1679.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/593. Petition by Lachlan Mackintosh [McIntosh] of Torcastle to the Lord High Commissioner and Estates of Parliament to be put in possession of his lands of the Brae of Lochaber and office of Steward thereof; and for a Commission of fire and sword against the MacDonalds [MacDonalds] there; dated on the back, 1680.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/603. Letter from Lachlan M'Intosch [McIntosh], dated at Contulich [Contullich], 3d September 1682, to his nephew, William M'Intosh [McIntosh] of Torcastle.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/606. Articles of Agreement between the Marquis of Huntly and the Laird of Mackintosh [McIntosh] at Inverness, 23d February 1683.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/615. Two Petitions by Lachlan M'Intosh [McIntosh] of Torcastle to the Privy Council, in 1685.
Mackintosh Muniments GD 176/624. Three Acts by the Privy Council of Scotland following supplications by Lachlan Mackintosh of Torcastle (1) to put in force the commission of fire and sword by them on 20th September 1681. 8th August 1688.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/629 [UFP]. Letter from Viscount Dundee to the Laird of Mackintosh [McIntosh], urging him to take a stand for the King.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/656. Petition by Lachlan Mackintosh [McIntosh] of Torcastle against the intended release of Coll MacDonald [MacDonald], son of the deceased Archibald MacDonald [MacDonald] 'my tenent' in Keppoch, c. 1700.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/641 [UFP]. Paper of Information and Advice as to the sale of Lochaber, dated February 1693.
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/659. Commission by Lachlan M'Intosh [McIntosh] of Torcastle, narrating that a license has been granted to him by the Lords of Privy Council to treat with Coll M'Donald [MacDonald].
Mackintosh Muniments, GD 176/668. Agreement between the friends of the Laird of Mackintoshe [McIntosh] on the one part, and Coll Mackdonald [MacDonald] of Keppoch with Sir Donald Mackdonald [MacDonald] of Slait [Sleat] as his cautioner on the other part, made in presence of Brigadier Maitland, governor of Fort William, at Fort William on 22d May 1700.
MacPherson of Cluny Papers, GD 80/168, Copy Letters directed to the Lyon King-at-arms for summoning Coll MacDonald of Keppoch, Martin Mcmartine, elder of Letterfindlay, Duncan Mcphersone of Cluny, Lachlan Mcintosh of Strowan, etc., to appear before the Privy Council on 11 Dec 1684.
MacPherson of Cluny Papers, GD 80/217. 1689, May 10. Copy Commission by Committee of Estates to Duncan MacPhersone of Clunie.
MacPherson of Cluny Papers, GD 80/276. 1695, May 31. Commission by Lachlan McIntoshe of Torcastle to Muriach Mcphersone of Clune as his stewart-depute of the Lordship of Lochaber.
Papers of the Shairp family of Houston, West Lothian, GD 30/2079. Receipt by David Gourly [Gourlay], servitor to Sir William Patersone [Paterson], to Ensign Sharp, for scarlet cloak and other apparel belonging to the late Kenneth McKenzie of Suddie (Scots Fusiliers).
Papers of Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, GD 103/2/316. (Part of) Agreement between John Ferqwharsone of Innercald, William McIntoshe, elder, of Borlum, and others, as trustees for Lachlan McIntoshe, elder, of Torcastle, and Coll MacDonald, son of deceased Archibald MacDonald of Keppoch, as to the lands of Braelochaber.
PC (Privy Council) 1/50, ff. 107-08. Letter from the Councill to the King anent the Laird of Mcintoches losses.
PC 1/50, f. 219. Protectiones Cameron of Locheill and MacDonald of Keppoch.
PC 1/51 (Acta Sep 1696-Jul 1699), Recomednatione to the Lord Advocat to draw two acts fore McIntosh. Act Renewing McKintoshes Commission of Fire & Sword against Coll MacDonald & others. Commission ' the Laird of McIntosh against MacDonalds & others. Coppie Letters of Councurrance & Intercommuning the Laird of McIntosh against MacDonalds. Letter from Keppoch to the Vicount Tarbat. Warrand to Brigadier Maitland to allow men to the Laird of McIntosh for maintaining his possession against Keppoch.
Regarding the feudal dispute between MacDonad of Keppoch and Mackintosh: commission of fire and sword and petitions. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland.
Supplication by Coll M'Donald, son of the deceased Archibald M'Donald of Keppoch, for warrant to the magistrates of Inverness to release him their tolbooth, where he is illegally warded by the Laird of M'Intosh. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, third series, vol. VIII (1683-1684), pp. 36-37.
Warrant to the Earl of Murray, sheriff of Inverness, to hold courts in Lochaber. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, third series, vol. III (1669-1672), p. 222
Archive/Library: National Register of Archives Scotland
Acts of Parl. 1690, c. 43, i.x, pp. 190-91, reign of William and Mary. ACT in favours of the Laird of McIntosh anent his Cefs.
Atholl Papers. Information for Col MacDonald the Laird of Keppoch against the Laird of Macintosh, dated 1695 (same as NLS, Jacobite Papers and Letters, 'Information of the grounds of differences betwixt'Macintosh and Keppoch', MS 295, ff. 1-2?)234/Box 42/1/1/40, Atholl Papers
234/Box 42/1/1/41, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/1/138, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/8/48, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/8/84, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/9/104, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/9/258, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/9/281, Atholl Papers, Keppoch to Tullibardine, 12. Aug 1697. [cited as Blair Atholl MSS, Box 29 I (9) 281, Keppoch to Tullibardine, 12 Aug. 1697]
234/Box 29/1/9/340, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/10/9, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/10/27, Atholl Papers
234/Box 29/1/10/29, Atholl Papers
Archive/Library: British Library
Mackenzie Papers, Add 39200 ff. 2-8, William Mackintosh of Borlum to Duke of Gordon, 17 Aug. 1688 + 19thc. Copy of British Library Additional Manuscript 39200, folio 3, being part of the collected papers of Mackenzie of Suddie. Note: Folio 2 is the original document of 1688 and folio 3 an 1883 transcript. What follows was copied from folio 3 and doubtful handwriting was checked against folio 2.
Cartographic & Illustrative Sources
Roy, W. 1747-55. Military Survey of Scotland. Available digitally at geo.nls.uk/roy/ [Last accessed 19/3/2010].
Secondary Sources
Barron, E. M. 1930. Inverness and the MacDonalds. Inverness: Robert Carruthers & Sons.
Creichton, J. & Swift, J. Memoirs of Captain John Creichton, Swift, Miscellaneous and Autobiographic Pieces, ed. H. Davis (Oxford, 1962), 160-1.
Gregory, D. 1881. The History of the Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland, from AD 1493 to AD 1625, with a Brief Introductory Sketch from AD 80 to AD 1493. Second Ed. London: Hamilton and Glasgow: Thomas D. Morison.
Groome, F.H. (ed.). 1882-1885. Ordnance gazetteer of Scotland : a survey of Scottish topography, statistical, biographical and historical. Edinburgh : T. C. Jack. Shelfmark: Atlas Bibliog JQ 1882-O vol. 1-6. Also available in National Library Scotland and British Library, along with various subsequent editions. Original can be accessed digitally via SCRAN.
Hopkins, P. 1986. Glencoe and the End of the Highland War. Edinburgh: John Donald Publishers LTD.
Mackintosh, A. M., The Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan, 262, 274-86, esp. 281-2.
Mackintosh of Kinrara, 'Epitome of the Origin and Increase of the Mackintoshes' in Macfarlane's Genealogical Collections, vol. 1, 395-7.
Maclean, J.A. 1939. The Sources, particularly the Celtic Sources, for the History of the Highlands in the Seventeenth Century. Unpublished University of Aberdeen Ph.D.
Roberts, J.L. 2000. Clan, King and Covenant: History of the Highland Clans from the Civil War to the Glencoe Massacre. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Innes, C. (ed.), The Black Book of Taymouth, With Papers from the Breadalbane Charter Room (Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1855), pp. 261-2.
Nether-Lorn, 'Last Clan Battle in Scotland,' Oban Times, no. 2334 (19 Aug 1899), 3.
'The Battle of Glenroy,' Northern Chronicle, no. 204 (12 Nov., 1884), 3
RCAHMS. Mulroy Battlesite. Site number NN28SE 1. canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/23789/details/maol+ruadh/ [Last accessed 18/3/2010].
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