THE AUTUMN CAMPAIGN. 103 



Lord Macdonald's agents having published their letter, as 

 above, in the Inverness Courier of 2nd November, Dean of 

 Guild Mackenzie wrote them another letter in the course of 

 which he said : 



Referrring to the second paragraph of my letter of yesterday, permit 

 me to express my opinion that a favourable opportunity has now 

 arrived to compromise the question in dispute advantageously to both 

 parties, and if I can in any way aid in that object, nothing will give me 

 greater satisfaction. I have had no communication either direct or in- 

 direct with the Braes people since the recent trial, except the telegram 

 which has appeared in the papers ; but if a desire is expressed for an 

 amicable arrangement, I shall be glad to visit them and do what I can 

 to bring such about. I believe if a proposal were made to appoint an 

 independent valuator connected with the West, and one in whom the 

 people might fairly place confidence as to his knowledge of the country 

 and the climate, the question might be settled in a few days. This 

 valuator should value the crofts and Benlee together, and name one 

 sum for the whole. Though I have no authority for making this pro- 

 posal, I believe it could be carried out to the satisfaction of all concerned, 

 and it would extricate the authorities and Lord Macdonald from a most 

 unenviable position. 



To these letters no reply was received. 



Mr. Malcolm Mackenzie followed up his telegram of 28th 

 October with a letter, of the same date, at once published 

 in almost all the newspapers in Scotland, in the course of 

 which he said : 



On reading in the Inverness Courier an account of the proceedings 

 of Tuesday last against the Braes crofters, I thought that something 

 might be done to take everybody out of a difficulty, and wired you the 

 following message : " Tender by telegraph to Lord Macdonald's agent 

 all arrears of rent due by Braes crofters, and to stay proceedings. I 

 write by post, and send securities for one thousand pounds on Monday." 



I trust that Lord Macdonald will be advised to accept payment of 

 arrears, and to leave the people of the Braes in peace until the Govern- 

 ment of the country can overtake measures to judge between him and 

 them. It will be a heavy responsibility and a disgrace to call soldiers 

 to Skye at the present time. Her Majesty has more important work to 



