And To These
Principles Of Original Command Was Added, For Many Ages, An
Exclusive Right Of Legal Jurisdiction.
This multifarious, and extensive obligation operated with force
scarcely credible.
Every duty, moral or political, was absorbed in
affection and adherence to the Chief. Not many years have passed
since the clans knew no law but the Laird's will. He told them to
whom they should be friends or enemies, what King they should obey,
and what religion they should profess.
When the Scots first rose in arms against the succession of the
house of Hanover, Lovat, the Chief of the Frasers, was in exile for
a rape. The Frasers were very numerous, and very zealous against
the government. A pardon was sent to Lovat. He came to the
English camp, and the clan immediately deserted to him.
Next in dignity to the Laird is the Tacksman; a large taker or
lease-holder of land, of which he keeps part, as a domain, in his
own hand, and lets part to under tenants. The Tacksman is
necessarily a man capable of securing to the Laird the whole rent,
and is commonly a collateral relation. These tacks, or subordinate
possessions, were long considered as hereditary, and the occupant
was distinguished by the name of the place at which he resided. He
held a middle station, by which the highest and the lowest orders
were connected. He paid rent and reverence to the Laird, and
received them from the tenants. This tenure still subsists, with
its original operation, but not with the primitive stability.
Since the islanders, no longer content to live, have learned the
desire of growing rich, an ancient dependent is in danger of giving
way to a higher bidder, at the expense of domestick dignity and
hereditary power.
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