Yes, it's true. Recent research suggests we are not the vicious killers that historians have painted us as. For those of you muttering, "Oh, boy, there he goes again," do not delete this. Here's some background (taken from a Scottish newspaper article):
"For almost 317 years the entire Clan Campbell has borne the stigma not only of massacre but of the worst possible breach of the Highland code of hospitality. Early in the morning of 13th February in 1692, thirty eight members of the MacDonad clan were murdered without warning, as they slept, by Campbells lodging in their homes in the Glen; and forty more perished in blizzard conditions when they fled for their lives.
The signal for their murder was triggered by their Chief’s tardiness in taking the oath of allegiance to the then English King, William of Orange. The revulsion of other Highlanders - and of history - for this action leaves the name Campbell, even today, often accompanied by an inward shudder in the uttering. But a research publication, Glencoe: The Infamous Massacre 1692, written by John Sadler, a historian from Newcastle University, claims to present a different version of these events - and one relieving the pressure of this dark legacy on the Campbell name."
Well, I feel better already.
The new book admits that Campbells did the killing, but not as Clan members, but rather as soldiers of the English King. OK, maybe a technicality, but there's more. It appears the Campbells first warned the McDonalds. Not sure how that worked: "Angus, could you pass the mutton? Thanks. And by the by, we'll be getting up in the wee hours of the morning, and if you're still here, and happen to be sleeping, we supposed to kill you."
For those of you who want to know more (yes, Mike and Lee, you can read more), I'll attach a link. Personally, I feel somewhat vindicated, and I suspect the feeling is shared by Mom, Seth, Brigham and Jake. Did I miss anyone?
http://forargyll.com/2009/02/has-the-campbells-role-in-the-glencoe-massacre-been-painted-blacker-than-it-was/
10 March 2009
Campbell Name Cleared!
Posted by Stuart at 1:27 PM
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3 comments:
Those McDonalds had it coming. But how did Ronnie, Mayor McCheese and the Hamburgler survive?
I for one am very relieved that this has finally been settled. It has bothered me for years and everywhere I went people were always commenting about how blood thirsty we were. I do feel a bit sad for the 'old farmer' who had all those anaimals on his farm; but there are casualties in any skirmish.
Now let's do some research on those sweet, lovable, spreading goodness wherever they travelled 'Norwegian Vikings'. That will be a story worth reading.
And to think that I felt bad having Stuart spend time on my contract when he could have been playing Matlock/Columbo& Magnum PI to solve this ancient tale? That is impressive use of the world wide web Stuey! So what else do you do in your spare time? Any research coming on the orgigins of Kookala Fran and Ollie? Or what the "HR" in HR Puff& Stuff really stands for? I will say this- Stuart is one thorough barrister!
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