The Macphersons also kept
aloof, and the Macleods. Mackay's invitations were received with the
same indifference. Some of the Grants, whose chief had suffered under
the late Government for his allegiance to Argyle, joined him; and from
the northern shires of Ross and Sutherland a few Mackays came to fight
for a captain of their own blood. But the two sources on which the
Government had mainly relied for help were both found wanting. The
Campbells had suffered so severely from the invasion of Athole in the
previous year that Argyle found it impossible to rally them in time to
be of service in the present campaign. The Covenanters, though hailing
the rule of William as a deliverance from the rule of James, were
persuaded by their ministers that it was a sin to take military service,
even against the abhorred Dundee, with men whose orthodoxy was, to say
the least, not above suspicion. Seaforth, Lovat, Breadalbane, and the
other great lords of the east and south Highlands, would not bid their
vassals arm for either side. Athole had indeed once more professed
allegiance to the new order, but while affairs were still in an
uncertain state he would not commit himself to any decisive action. It
was clear to Mackay that the name of William was no name to charm with
in Scotland, and that the most he could hope to effect was to prevent a
general rising of the clans for James.
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