ADVERTISEMENT. IN contemplating the history of past ages, the mind of man has uniformly felt an interest proportionate to the magnitude and importance of the subjects narrated. Whether the object of our studies be the records of foreign nations, famed for gallantry and high achievements, or the annals of a distant people, self-degraded and ruined by indolence and vice, we feel not that keenness of pity or that amount of sympathy which would be ours, if local associations and ties created an interest in our hearts. Who, that has read the Histories of Greece and Rome with any degree of attention, but must have glowed with admiration of their patriotic struggles for freedom, and sorrowed when, prostrated by vice, and enervated by luxury, these nations became the prey of intestine faction and hostile inroad. Emotions of admiration, mingled with astonishment, are excited, while we read of their deeds of daring and devotion for their country, emotions of no common character, and no brief duration. But the history of our own country carries along with it a charm ever attractive, and calls up associations which lie dormant while we peruse the history of any other country. Though our opinions in politics and religion should differ from those entertained by our ancestors, this difference, instead of neutralizing the effects of locality, but stimulates our research, and heightens our curiosity. The portion of Scottish History here presented to the public embraces a period of twenty-two years, and gives in detail a mass of interesting local information, connected with a time when the lives and liberties of our forefathers were in most imminent danger. The Publisher is aware, that a difference of opinion exists regarding the sentiments of the Author, and the spirit which he has manifested in this Work. This can be a matter of little moment to the unbiased; for the period which this Work regards, was one when our forefathers were struggling for liberty of thought; and that different sides should have been adopted, and different views of the same subject presented, was naturally to be expected. We cannot, then, quarrel with one who, an eye-witness of the facts which he relates, occasionally gives his own opinions but by hearing both sides we obtain the truth. This Edition is printed from the copy, in two volumes, published in 1792, from the MS. of Mr. SPALDING, the title page of which runs thus:-The History of the Troubles and Memorable Transactions in Scotland, from the Year 1624 to 1645; containing an interesting Narrative of the Proceedings of the great Families in Scotland during that Period; Rising of the Highland Clans in Arms; Origin and Progress of the Covenanters, their Battles, Sieges, &c.; and many other remarkable Particulars of the Troubles in the North of Scotland, not contained in any other History. This Edition is printed in the same style as the original. It was deemed more proper to retain the old orthography. Towards the latter part of the former Edition, an attempt had been made to modernize some of the words, but, for the sake of uniformity, these have been altered to correspond with the orthography used in the first part; and a Glossary, explanatory of the words and terms used, and an Index, carefully collected, have been subjoined. The Publisher acknowledges, with gratitude, the patronage of those Noblemen and Gentlemen who have encouraged the Work, by adding their names to the Subscription List. He feels sorry that the publication has been delayed longer than was anticipated; and begs to assure them, that it arose from circumstances which he could not control. He now commends this Work to the patronage of the public; assured that few can read it without being interested, and all may read it with profit. 36, St. Nicholas Street, March, 1829. |