The Journal had been taken from Ned's own mouth in a [Sidenote: _fol._ 319.] very confused, unconnected way, as indeed it requires no small attention and pains to come at Ned's[146] meaning in what he narrates, because he speaks the Scots exceedingly ill. I therefore desired Ned to be with me in my own room upon Wednesday's afternoon, September 9th, that I might have the opportunity of going through his Journal with him at leisure, and likewise of having an account from his own mouth how he happen'd to be so lucky as to escape being made a prisoner, when so many were catched upon the Long Isle, where he skulked for some time. Ned kept his appointment, as will hereafter appear. [146] Near thirty years old before he could speak English at all.--F. Though Donald MacLeod's history be most extraordinary in all the several instances of it (especially considering his advanced age), yet when he arrived at Leith, he had not wherewith to bear his charges to Sky, where he has a wife and children, from whom he had been absent for at least one year and an half. There was therefore a contribution set on foot for him in and about Edinburgh; and I own I had a great anxiety for my own share to make out for honest PALINURUS (if possible) a pound sterling for every week he had served the Prince in distress; and (I thank God) I was so happy as to [Sidenote: _fol._ 320.] accomplish my design exactly. Donald MacLeod and James MacDonald came from the Links of Leith to my room, as they were to sup that night with my Lady Bruce upon invitation. I then delivered into Donald's own hand, in lieu of wages for his services of ten weeks, £10 0 0 Sterling. _Vide_ page _hujus_ 261, 6 11 0 _Vide_ vol. i. page 73, 37 1 6 -------- In all, £53 12 6 --------- The above sum went through my hands in the compass of about thirteen months and an half. Meantime I have not reckoned up a guinea, half a guinea, or a crown, which I had from time to time from my Lady Bruce, as a necessitous sufferer happened to come in the way. God Almighty bless and reward all those who liberally contributed for the support of the indigent and the deserving in times of the greatest necessity and danger, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen and Amen. [Sidenote: 20 Aug.] At the same time above mentioned, I gave Donald MacLeod the trouble of two letters, copies whereof follow. Copy of a Letter to Mr. ALEXANDER MACDONALD of Kingsburgh in Sky. [Sidenote: 7 Sept.]