June

June 1.
Friday! — I called early this morning on Doctor Home of Sackville Street to shew him my Uncle's Case; and to take his opinion and advice respecting him. — He gave me his opinion and advice in writing as to the mode Lochbuy's Disease should be treated in its present stage, together with a Flexible Gum Cathetor [sic] to be sent along with his opinion.

I wrote by this same day's Post to Doctor Allan Maclean enclosing him Doctr. Home's written opinion, requesting of him to put it in practice; and informing him that I had forwarded the Cathetor [sic] by the Mail of this day to Edinburgh, with directions to my Cousin Donald to forward it from thence to Mull by an Express to be hired on purpose. —

I wrote to my Aunt Mrs. Maclaine also by this day's Post, enclosing her my Letter to Doctr. Maclean, which I have left open for her perusal. —

June 4.
Monday! — There was a most brilliant and crowded Drawing-Room held this day at St. James's in honor of the Queen's Birth-Day - and which I had the honor to be present at. — His Majesty was not able to attend - being still indisposed; But the Queen, Princes, and Princesses, were all there, excepting The Prince of Wales and Duke of Clarence. — It was the finest Drawing Room I have yet seen.

June 7.
Thursday! — I this day received a Letter from my Aunt Mrs. Maclaine of Lochbuy giving me still more alarming accounts of my poor dear Uncle - whom she apprehends now to be in great danger; and therefore requests of me to lose no time in coming to see him for fear of the worst.

This I have resolved to do the moment the present Round of Reviews are over, which they will be by the 15th. Instant. —

June 9.
Saturday! — After a Brigade Review this day in Hyde Park, at which H. R. Highness the Commander in chief was present, the Earl of Harrington (at my own particular request) was so kind as to ask the Duke of York to grant me a short Leave of absence to visit my Family and friends in Scotland as soon as the Reviews were over, and H. R. Highness was pleased to grant me Two Months Leave of absence for this purpose.

June 11.
Monday! — I sent off my Servant William Stewart early this morning with my Two Horses for Scotland, with orders to make the best of his way to Edinburgh, to endeavour to get there in 12 Days - and to put up at Dumbreck's Hotel in the New Town, where I hoped to arrive by the 22d. or 23d. Instant - and to find him. —

June 12.
Tuesday! — I waited on H. R. Highness The Comr. in Chief at his usual Levee this day at the Horse Guards, to thank him for granting me Leave to go to visit my Family and Friends in Scotland, which H. R. Highness was pleased to observe was but reasonable after an absence of near 17 years from them. — I also availed myself of this opportunity of Presenting to His Royal Highness a Memorial from my Brother Charles, stating his Services, and submitting his Claims to Promotion. — The Duke received the Memorial very graciously, and said he would give it a favorable consideration. — I then took Leave!

June 17.
Sunday!!! — Having yesterday discharged all my Tradesmen's Bills and other Debts in London, and hired a roomy clear Comfortable Post Chaise by the month during my Trip to Scotland; I set out this morning at 7,O'Clock from London in company with my sister in law Mrs. Scott - and Miss Carnegie, the Sister of Sir David Carnegie of Southesk Bart., in my own Post Chaise alluded to, on our Journey to Scotland. —

June 22.
Friday! — Arrived at Dumbreck's Hotel in the New Town of Edinburgh at 10,O'Clock this morning, after an easy and pleasant Journey of Five days from London. — We Breakfasted at Dumbreck's immediately on our arrival; and leaving my two fair Fellow Travellers to take care of themselves at the Hotel, I sallied out as soon as I had dressed to call on some Friends in Town. — I met my friend Major John Campbell (of Airds) of the Argyleshire Regt. of Militias, now Quartered in the Castle, coming to call upon me; and from him I learnt the melancholy tidings of my poor dear good Uncle Lochbuy's being at the point of Death, there being now not the least hope of his recovery. — Airds also informed me that his Sister Miss Elizabeth Campbell Airds, with her two Nephews (Lochbuy's sons) had set out from Edinburgh for Mull about ten days ago; poor Lochbuy having expressed a strong desire to see his two Boys before he died. — It being Airds's intention to set out for Mull in two days more, we have agreed to travel thither together, and to set off early the day after tomorrow in my Post Chaise. — I must therefore allow Mrs. Scott and Miss Carnegie to perform the rest of their journey to their friends in angus-shire without me; — as I now feel most impatient and most particularly anxious indeed to see and converse with my dear good Uncle before he breathes last. —

I called on my cousin Mr. Donald Maclaine at his House at Fyfe Place on Leith Walk, and he as well as his good wife were happy were happy to see me after so long an absence. — He accompanied me afterwards to call on my Agent Mr. Jno. Campbell W.S. in St. James's Square - and several other friends in Town. — My Cousin Donald dined with the two Ladies and myself at Dumbreck's Hotel. — I asked my Friends Airds to make one of our Party - but he was unluckily Preengaged. —

After Dinner we walked out on the Calton Hill - and from thence to Mrs. Maclaine's House at Fyfe Place, where we drank Tea with him and his Wife; after which we returned home to the Hotel.

June 23.
Saturday! — I accompanied my Sister Mrs. Scott and Miss Carnegie, immediately after Breakfast, in my own Chaise to the Queen's Ferry, crossed the Ferry with them, and saw them safely off from the North side of it in a hired Post Chaise of their own for Lindertis in Angus-Shire; having fully explained to them the melancholy cause of my not being able to attend them thither - and with which they are perfectly satisfied. — After seeing the Ladies off I recrossed the Queen's Ferry, and returned to Edinburgh immediately, where I paid a number of visits before Dinner; my first having been to my good old Friend Mrs. Maclean of Torloisk and her Daughter Mrs. Genl. Maclean-Clephane: both of whom were very happy to see. — Poor Mrs. Clephane has very lately had the misfortune to lose her Husband Genl. Clephane, who died of a Fever in the West Indies shortly after his arrival there.

I dined today at my Cousin Donald's with a small Party of particular Friends among whom were Airds and his sister Mrs. Colonel Campbell late of Glenfeachan in Argyleshire. —

June 24.
Sunday! — At 5 OClock this morning Airds and myself set out in my Post Chaise from Dumbreck's Hotel for Mull. — Pass through Linlithgow, Falkirk, Stirling, Callender, Loch-Earn-head &c. , and sleep at Luib House in Glen-Dochart. —

June 25.
Monday. — We set out on our Journey again this morning at 6,OClock from Luib; Breakfast at "Tayndroum", pass over the Black Mount - Dine at the "King's House"; Continue our Journey after Dinner; Pass through Glencoe; and arrive at the Inn of Ballachuillish at 11,O'Clock at Night; where we took up our Quarters till next morning. —

June 26.
Tuesday! — At 6,O'Clock this morning we pursued our Journey from Ballachuillish, along Loch-Lihnn, having a very pretty romantick [sic] ride all the way to Airds-house, in Appin, where we arrived at Ten O'Clock the same morning; and where I was introduced by my friend Airds to his Lady, and her two Sisters Miss Campbells Lochend, and also to his cousin Miss Campbell Sunipole; all of whom we found at Home and just done Breakfast, but another was prepared for us immediately.

Major Campbell having been long from Home found it necessary to remain during the rest of this day at Airds, in order to inspect his late improvements here, and to give directions respecting new ones to be carried on in his absence.

I walked about with the Ladies, and spent a very pleasant [word missing] at Airds. — I went to look at a very pretty new Gravel Walk planned by and executed under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Campbell of Airds, when she lived here lately before his marriage, and when he was with his Regiment in the Low Country; it is a very pleasant walk, round a Point of Land jutting into the Sea, and called the "Black-Rock"; and shews the good taste of this Young Lady for ornamental improvements of this kind. —

Airds, altogether, is a very pretty Seat for a Gentleman's Residence, and has very beautiful Prospects of Land and Water: the Isles of Mull and Lismore, the opposite Coasts of Morven, Ardgour, and Kingerloch, Loch-Lihnn, and the beautiful Sound of Mull, form the principal grand objects of this most beautiful Landscape from the Windows of Airds-House! —

Mr. John Stevenson from Oban arrived at Airds just as we were sitting down to Dinner. — He had only come over from Mull the night before having been there to see Lochbuy; whom he says he left in the utmost Danger, and tells us that it is not expected he can possibly live many days. —

Airds and myself have made all our arrangements for crossing over to Mull tomorrow in his Barge - in which we shall proceed direct to the Head of Loch-spelve. — My Chaise being of no further use to me at present, I leave it at Airds in the mean time. —

June 27.
Wednesday! — We Breakfasted with the Ladies at Airds-House, and at Ten O'Clock Airds and myself set sail in his Barge for Mull. — We had a fine clear dry day and delightful weather, but the Wind being rather Scant, we made rather slow progress in our Voyage across from Appin to Mull, and did not arrive at Lochspelve-Head till about 3,O'Clock in the afternoon; when I was rejoiced to find on going on shore, that my poor dear Uncle was still alive. — From Lochspelve-Head Airds and myself walked to Lochbuy House, where we arrived at 4,O'Clock, and were most cordially received by poor Mrs. Maclaine and her lovely and numerous young Family, consisting of Two Sons and Nine Daughters! - to all of whom I was introduced, collectively and individually; — and all these dear young relatives appeared quite rejoiced and happy to see me amongst them. —

In a few minutes after my arrival in the House, my being there was announced by my aunt to my poor dear Uncle, who desired to see me immediately - and I went to his Bed-side accordingly. — He knew me directly, and embraced me with the greatest ardour and affection, holding me in his arms for some moments, and testifying his joy and happiness at seeing me once more before he died. — His Brother-in-law, Airds, came to his Bedside soon after me, and Lochbuy knew him directly also; conversing with both of us very rationally for a considerable time. — Thus I had the consolation of finding and overtaking my dear good Uncle not only alive - but still in perfect possession of all his senses and faculties as much as ever. — I felt however very deeply affected, at seeing so near a relation for whom I have naturally and justly so strong an affection, thus labouring under a mortal disease; and my sorrow is greatly increased by the deep distress of his amiable good wife and fine family of young Children, at the near prospect of his dissolution - and their consequent irreparable loss of a kind Husband, and tender affectionate Parent and Protector!

Having remained above a Quarter of an hour with my Uncle in conversation, we all left him to his repose; fearing to fatigue him too much by talking to him any longer at this first mournful interview. — From my Uncle's Room we all adjourned to Dinner, at which all the Family was collected. — I found my worthy good Friend Colonel Maclean of Coll at Lochbuy-House, whither he had come ten days before my arrival to visit his old much esteemed friend Lochbuy; and finding him in such eminent danger, Coll was so kind as to remain here with Mrs. Maclaine and the Family, to comfort them until his old friend's final fate should be determined. —

I also found Miss Elizabeth Campbell of Airds here, who had lately arrived from Edinburgh with Lochbuy's two sons; and who had come here on purpose (tho' just then on the eve of going up to London on a Visit to her Aunt Mrs. Campbell of Corwhin) from the benevolent generous motive of affording all the consolation and assistance in her power to her Sister Mrs. Maclaine and her young Family in their present great distress. — I had the pleasure of being introduced to this very amiable young Lady by her Sister Mrs. Maclaine previous to our sitting down to Dinner. — Doctors Donald Maclaine, and Allan Maclean, were both here attending my Uncle on my arrival. —

I was much grieved, however, not to find my dear Brother Charles at Lochbuy whom I hoped would have arrived here before now from Ireland; his Uncle being particularly anxious to see him - and is every moment inquiring after him. —

In the Evening before we broke up from Table, my old friend and Relation Mc.Quarie arrived at Lochbuy - and whom I was very happy to see. —

June 28.
Thursday! — My Uncle had a tolerable easy Night - and appears refreshed and composed this morning. — I went into his room early this morning, and conversed with him for some time; remaining with him till Breakfast was announced.

After Breakfast I delivered to my Aunt, her three eldest Daughters (Jane, Margaret, & flora) and Miss Campbell Airds, the little presents I brought Home from India for them, with which they were very much pleased.

I forgot to mention in its proper place that when at Airds, I had done myself the pleasure of Presenting Mrs. Campbell of Airds with an Indian Shawl, and a Cornelian Necklace.

I sat for two full hours this forenoon with my dear good Uncle, at his Bed-side, both my hands clasped in his during a part of the time; and during which I had a great deal of very rational, sensible, and interesting conversation with him about his Family, and the general state of his affairs. — He very frequently repeated that he had the greatest confidence in the affection, friendship and attachment of myself and my Brother Charles, that he trusted every thing to us, and that he was convinced that he left his young helpless Family in good hands, and that we would take care of them.

I repeatedly assured him that we would, and begged of him to make himself on that important head; - for that his wife and young Family would be taken every possible care of as long as either of us lived - that we would both render them at all times every Service and assistance within our power to give them; and that one at least - if not both of us - would certainly settle permanently in Mull, on our own Estates, as soon as the present War should be at an end; it being impossible for us to do so sooner consistently with our characters as Officers and Military Men. — My poor Uncle was made extremely happy with these assurances - and was sensibly affected by them - frequently repeating that he was happy! - happy! - happy! and embraced me more than once wit the greatest fervour and affection. He still continues, however, extremely anxious and impatient to see my Brother Charles, inquiring constantly if he is yet arrived from Ireland! — I gave him hopes of Charles arriving in a day or two more at farthest, and that he could only be detained by contrary winds.

In my poor Uncle's present dangerous state, and the doctors not believing it possible he can live many days, I cannot think of leaving him - or this distressed Family, to go to see my dear good Mother at Oskamull, until such time as his fate is decided; and have accordingly relinquished for the present all thoughts of visiting my Mother; tho' being now so near her, without being able to go to see her - after a separation of near 17 Years, give me very great concern. —

June 29.
Friday! — I Visited my Uncle as soon as I had dressed, and was happy to find him tolerably easy and composed this morning. — I staid [sic] talking to him till Breakfast time. — He still continues anxiously inquiring if my Broyr. Charles is arrived yet from Ireland! —

Coll, Airds, Mc.Quarie, and myself alternately visit and sit with my Uncle, who cannot bear to be left alone. — Poor Mrs. Maclaine is almost constantly with him both Day and night, and hardly ever leaves his Bed-side; - and her amiable good Sister Miss Campbell generally sits with her in Lochbuy's Room; so that he is never left alone for a moment. — One of the two doctors sits up all Night with him. —

June 30.
Saturday! — My Uncle was very low this morning, having had a very bad restless Night. — He suffers great pain and hardly takes any nourishment at all now. — In the afternoon he was a good deal easier and more composed. — Airds myself sat with him for a great while, and towards Evening, we were able to prevail on him to sit up for half an hour in an Arm-Chair; during which time he allowed himself to be shaved and shifted, and his Bed was fresh made. — He conversed very rationally with us - but is now reduced so much in his strength of Body and Speech, that it gives him evidently a great deal of pain to speak long at a time; and therefore we do not address him often.

Source
MACQUARIE, Lachlan Journal No. 5 [12 September 1801 - 14 July 1804]
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A770 pp. 317-341 [CY Reel 300 Frames #214-227].