202 HISTORY OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES. 



between Neil Macleod and the Lowlanders was bound to 

 be evanescent. As soon, therefore, as his expectations 

 were fulfilled, he made a move in carrying out his care- 

 fully-matured plans. Knowing the attachment of the 

 Lewismen to Torquil Dubh and his family, he released 

 Tormod Macleod, and sent him to Lewis, feeling assured 

 that Neil and the islanders generally would rally round the 

 brothers of their old chief and rise in revolt against the 

 colonists. Nor were his hopes disappointed. No sooner 

 had Tormod reached Lewis, than Neil placed his sword at 

 his disposal, and the revolt received a fresh impetus. 

 Commenting on the enthusiasm with which Tormod was 

 welcomed in Lewis by his clansmen, Sir Robert Gordon 

 remarks, "for all these ilanders (and lykwayes the Hie- 

 landers) are by nature most bent and prone to adventure 

 themselves, their lyffs, and all they have, for their masters 

 and lords, yea, beyond all other people.'' Sir Robert has 

 here struck the right nail on the head. For the attributes 

 which he mentions are precisely those which rendered 

 possible the numerous rebellions in the Highlands and 

 Isles already noticed, and those which were to follow. 



Tormod Macleod lost no time in following up the 

 success obtained by Neil. Accompanied by the latter 

 and a strong body of natives, he attacked and stormed the 

 camp of the colonists and burnt their fort. The Low- 

 landers, though taken by surprise, defended themselves 

 stubbornly, and it was not until the greater number of 

 them were killed that the remainder surrendered uncon- 

 ditionally. Tormod, a generous conqueror, was not averse 

 from treating the vanquished colonists with considera- 

 tion. He agreed to set them at liberty on the following 

 conditions, viz. : 



ist. That they should "purchase" from the King a 

 remission for all offences present and past of 

 himself and his followers. 



2nd. That they should resign to him their rights in 

 Lewis. 



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