ii2 HISTORY OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES. 



things, that order to which they clung with the conservatism 

 of their race. 



Torquil Macleod was one of the guiding spirits in the 

 plan which resulted in the liberation of Donald Dubh. He 

 was the acknowledged leader in the events which followed 

 the escape. The relationship in which he stood to the 

 young aspirant gave him a claim to act for Donald and to 

 direct the policy of the confederation. The remote Island 

 of Lewis afforded an excellent asylum for the fugitive ; he 

 was safe with his uncle in the Castle of Stornoway until 

 plans were matured for the forthcoming campaign. 



Meanwhile, the King and his Council had not been idle. 

 The escape of Donald Dubh and the consequent ripening 

 of the dangerous situation in the Hebrides called for 

 energetic action. It was evident that as long as Donald 

 Dubh remained at large, so long would the growing 

 disaffection focus around him, and gather in strength if not 

 promptly checked. Torquil Macleod was charged to 

 deliver up his guest, and was warned that non-compliance 

 with the order would lead to his forfeiture. He refused to 

 violate the laws of hospitality ; he declined to hand over 

 Donald Dubh. Charged to appear before the Council to 

 answer for his contumacy, Macleod remained obdurate. 

 He was consequently denounced as a rebel, and his estates 

 were forfeited to the Crown. But with nearly the whole 

 strength of the Hebrides at his back, he could afford to 

 regard his forfeiture with equanimity, for at that juncture, 

 against so powerful a combination, the Crown was unable 

 to enforce its decrees. 



In the Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer, there are 

 certain entries which have a bearing upon the steps taken 

 to bring about the submission of Macleod. On 3rd 

 November, 1501, one Gillepatrick Cor was sent to Lewis 

 " with the Kingis writingis." We know from a proclama- 

 tion of 3rd February, 1 505-6, how, on a subsequent occasion, 

 this messenger was received. One of Torquil's offences on 

 the later date is declared to have been " the treasonable 

 reiving and withholding of his Highness's letters from his 



