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1817.]

Gaelic Dictionary.

259

pretty well. Mr Angus M'Neil, South Uist, is a genteel man, and the language around him is fine: his father too, Mr M'Neil of Watersay, in Barra, knows more of the language, antiquities, manners, and customs, of that country, than any man I know; being a very old man, of great reading and sense, and endowed with a very retentive memory. He has also many fragments of the famous family of MacMhuirich's poems,^[1] who were hereditary poets to the family of Clan-Ranold for many generations, were regularly sent to Ireland for their education, and of consequence wrote poems in that dialect; insomuch, that had not the authors been known, and their names to the pieces, both Scots and Irish would have sworn them to be really Irishmen; and whether this is not really the case with other compositions, I shan't say. Mr M'Auley, minister of Barra, you may see at next assembly, and offer him my compliments.

The person who told you that I had a Marine Vocabulary, forgot; for I only told him, I begged some of my acquaintances to get me such a thing, as being most wanted of all; wherein if I succeed, you shall have a copy. The few things I collected you shall have in another letter; but they are little to what you must have from that part of the world, and must be strictly examined before inserted. I have got a variety of songs^[2] in different places, and of different degrees of merit; but as the expense of time and postage would be great, as I am now situated, you can procure them more easily by means of some of your own members, and others at home. However, if you mention any particular ones which I, and not they, have, I shall send them, with whatever else is in my power; only let me hear now and then what you would have me do; and if you would let me know a little of your success in your laudable undertaking, it would be a spur, if at any time my zeal should flag. With my whole soul I wish you life and health to see your design executed, and to enjoy the satisfaction and advantages of it. And am in sincerity, D^r. Sir, your most obedient servant,

James M'Lagan.

To John M'Naughton, Esq.
Preses of the Galic Society, Edin.

Note A.—In reference to the late Dr M'Lagan's letter, it may be mentioned, that the compilation of a Gaelic dictionary and grammar, which was projected by some gentlemen at Edinburgh, who, it would seem, had formed themselves into a society for these and relative objects, does not appear to have been prosecuted at the time: from what cause it was dropped is not known,—probably from want of funds. The design was not, however, relinquished. Some time afterwards a considerable number of the clergy of Highland parishes, and some other gentlemen conversant in the Gaelic language, resolved upon the publication of a proper dictionary. For this purpose each of them had one, two, or more letters of the alphabet assigned to him, the words under which he was to contribute. Their several contributions were to be afterwards revised, corrected, and enlarged, by a committee of their number, previous to publication.—Among those principally concerned in the undertaking, were the Rev Dr Stewart of Luss; the late Dr Smith at Campbelton; the said Dr M'Lagan, then minister of Blair-Athol; Dr Stewart of Strachur; the Rev. Mr M'Nicol, Lismore; Mr Campbell, Kilrinichan; Mr M'Queen, and Mr M'Intyre of Glenoe, &c. Several of the contributors to the work made considerable progress in the parts assigned to them; but from want of funds, the death of some of those concerned, or other causes, the desirable object in view was not attained.

When the Highland Society of Scotland came to the resolution to have a dictionary of the Gaelic language upon a comprehen-

↑ Mr Campbell, when collecting materials for his interesting work, entitled, "Albyn's Anthology," in Autumn 1815, was informed by different persons, that all these "fragments," &c. were left in the possesssion of Clanranald, grandfather of the present chieftain. It is not known what has how become of them.
↑ Dr M'Lagan was himself both a poetical and musical composer, and is supposed to have left behind him many valuable and curious materials, together with the "variety of songs" above-mentioned. These, it is hoped, are still extant, in the possession of his family; and his son, the Rev. James M'Lagan, is well qualified to estimate their value, and to make use of them to the best advantage. Mr Campbell has in his possession one original melody, with appropriate verses, composed by Dr M'Lagan in honour of the exploits of the gallant 42d regiment in Egypt, which will appear in the second volume of his Anthology, now printing. At the time he wrote this letter from Belfast, Dr M'Lagan was chaplain to the 42d, then commonly called the Black Watch. He was successor in this office to the celebrated Dr Adam Ferguson.

[1] Mr Campbell, when collecting materials for his interesting work, entitled, "Albyn's Anthology," in Autumn 1815, was informed by different persons, that all these "fragments," &c. were left in the possesssion of Clanranald, grandfather of the present chieftain. It is not known what has how become of them.

[2] Dr M'Lagan was himself both a poetical and musical composer, and is supposed to have left behind him many valuable and curious materials, together with the "variety of songs" above-mentioned. These, it is hoped, are still extant, in the possession of his family; and his son, the Rev. James M'Lagan, is well qualified to estimate their value, and to make use of them to the best advantage. Mr Campbell has in his possession one original melody, with appropriate verses, composed by Dr M'Lagan in honour of the exploits of the gallant 42d regiment in Egypt, which will appear in the second volume of his Anthology, now printing. At the time he wrote this letter from Belfast, Dr M'Lagan was chaplain to the 42d, then commonly called the Black Watch. He was successor in this office to the celebrated Dr Adam Ferguson.

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