98 THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. 



The interview between the people and the officers con- 

 tinued near an hour and a-half. The conversation was carried 

 on in Gaelic. It would appear that every advice given to 

 the crofters to receive the writs was lost upon them ; they 

 apparently did not know what the papers were, what they 

 meant, or what the receiving of them would result in 

 beyond the taking from them of Benlee. It is said they 

 had been advised to receive the writs by two ministers and 

 others ; and in the afternoon we were shown the following 

 telegram which had been handed in at Inverness at 4.52 

 P.M., Monday, and which had been received in Portree at 

 5 P.M. : 



" From Dean of Guild Mackenzie, Inverness. 



" To Mr. Neil Buchanan, or any of the Braes Crofters, 

 near Portree. 



" Sheriff-officers, with body of County Police, left to-day 

 with writs for Braes crofters. Be wise. Receive sum- 

 monses peaceably. Trust to support of public opinion 

 afterwards." 



But the unfortunate crofters declined the counsel thus 

 given. They regard Benlee as belonging to their holdings, 

 and Benlee, and nothing but Benlee they would have. 



There were heads of families in the crowd, and these 

 were pointed out to the messenger-at-arms by the ground- 

 officer. The messenger-at-arms then endeavoured to effect 

 the service of the writs, but his efforts were of no avail. 

 The officer tried them over and over again, but in vain. At 

 length, he said he would go to the houses, and lodge the 

 papers there. He endeavoured to go, but women rushed 

 to intercept him, carrying stones and sticks, and all indi- 



