Letters, mainly from our MacGregor family in Scotland, to Neil (Niel, Niell) MacGregor (Macgregor, McGregor) who came to Canada. The letters, dating from the 1830s on up through the 1850s, are heirlooms now [2024] held by Colin MacGregor Stevens. My editorial and explanatory notes comments are in [square brackets.] Note that “ss” in those days looks like “fs” to us. Letters are posted to preserve the history and enable people to examine them in detail.
March 18, 1831 letters of reference for Niel MacGregor
TRANSCRIPT: That the Bearer Niel McGregor is a Native of this part of the Parish of Fortingall, in which he resided for the most part from his infancy: is about fifteen years of age; is well known to us; is inoffensive and obliging in his manners and has always maintained an excellent moral character free of every scandal and ground of Church Censure so far as is known to us, is Certified at Kinloch Rannoch this 18th. March 1831 by
John McDonald Minr [Minister]
John Forbes Elder [I.e. a Church Elder]
John Cumming Elder
D Campbell SepClk [? Clk = Clerk]
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March 18, 1831 letter of reference from Niel McGregor’s Schoolteacher, Dun(can) Campbell
TRANSCRIPT: The bearer Niel McGregor received his education in the school under my charge in this place, and it affords me much sincere pleasure in being able to testify that he is a young boy of excellent natural parts, of quick capacity, of amiable disposition, always obedient to his teacher, agreeable and obliging towards his schoolmates, and guided in his whole conduct by principles strictly honest, upright and honourable. Kinloch 18th March 1831 ~ Dun. [Duncan] Campbell, SocGSchoolmr. [?] [CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN THE ABBREVIATED TITLE OF MR. CAMPBELL? i.e. SocG Schoolmaster]
Ref: “The Old Church of Rannoch” – A short history by Duncan McDonald Sinclair (1990) states in the Foreword “The suspension in 1838 of the Session Clerk (local Schoolmaster Duncan Campbell) pending a paternity claim promised to be a little more intriguing – but nothing was ever proved, so far as I could see.”
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1832-03-24 LETTER FROM DUNCAN CAMPBELL, SCHOOLMASTER, TO NIEL MACGREGOR (typed transcript follows each page photo)
TRANSCRIPT
[Page 1- Duncan Campbell letter to Niel MacGregor, 24 March 1832] Neil’s Uncle James travelled back and forth between Scotland and Canada, so he delivered the Bible and this letter.
Kinloch Rannoch, 24 March 1832.
My Dear Niel
As business over which I had no control + no possible way of postponing
called me from home so that I had it not in my power to see you at your depar-
ture for America, wither to bid you farewell or offer you a parting advice,. I beg
you will allow me to address you in this way, and to beg your acceptance of,
and attention to, a few hints which I would have offered you had I had
the painful pleasure of being one of your company on your passing Kinloch Bridge for
America. And to begin as I then would, let me in the first place request your
acceptance of a Gaelic Bible. Keep it for my sake. Use it. Read it. Look therein
for the direction of your future conduct which I ought when you were under my
charge sought to give you. Let it supply my lack of Service. May, in the absence
of your earthly parents, and your unworthy [?] Teacher, Your Heavenly Father, who is
ever present, ever with you, abundantly, blessit [blessed?] for your Conversion and sanci
fication, and maker of the means of making you wise into Salvation.
As your Uncle James McGregor is to be the Bearer it is needless for
me to give you any Country news. He will give then you. You will
instead of news allow me therefore to give you a few directions for your
future Conduct. And here, as example is more powerful than
precept, let me point out to you the excellent example of your Uncle
with whom you are, and strongly recommend it to you to follow it. The
years are not many, nor long gone by, when he left Rannoch under far
more unfavorable circumstances than you last year did, and
you see what industry diligence and perseverance had done
for him. We are not to overlook the fact that the hand of Providence in his advancement.
[go to page 2]
[TRANSCRIPT Page 2- Duncan Campbell letter to Niel MacGregor, 24 March 1832]
ment, but not withstanding this he prospered by his own exertion +
not through the interposition of any miracle. He becometh poor that
dealeth with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent maketh rich
saith [sayeth or so said] Solomon. – In order you may prosper as your uncle has done
you will therefore permit me to press upon you to follow his steps.
You would yourself be ambitious to do this rather were you
in Rannoch since he came home, and to mark the respect
which as from high and low been paid him. – Perhaps few
if any have left this Rannoch in our day, who have returned
to see their friends more universally respected than he has been
nor could the case have been otherwise. He has not only had the
appearance of the accomplished gentleman in his dress and manners
but there something so affable [i.e. likeable], so kind and inviting about
him, that the esteem of others cannot but be attracted.- Do
then learn of him. And for this purpose study particularly to
reverence [?] him, to obey him, and to please him. – Depend upon
it that unless you by disrespectful conduct towards him or by
behaving yourself unworthy forfeit his friendship, he will
in all things seek your good; and though you cannot sometimes
see how or why he acts so and so towards you, and though you
may fancy that he does not really seek your good, yet be
always submissive and respectful. – You have excellent parts
then be advised to make the proper use of them. In your
conduct toward the world be circumspect, and always upon your
[GO TO PAGE 3]
[R+TRANSCRIPT Page 3 – Duncan Campbell letter to Niel MacGregor, 24 March 1832]
guard. Never do any unworthy action because only yourself or a friend
is privy to it; but always act as if your the whole world were lookers on.
Be not too ready to reveal your own business, much less your secrets. Keep
in mind that you live in a treacherous world and your friend today may
be your enemy tomorrow. But when I say this, I would not have you
to cherish a narrow, boggling, timorous [i.e. timid], and oversuspicious disposition. There
is a modicum in things. Though I would have you make yourself secure. I would
not have you shut yourself within a castle. – Be kind and afforable, be
courteous and obliging’ – avoid a haughty, supercilious, arrogant and
petulant temper.- This mars all other good qualities; and while you
study to please others, avoid doing it at the expense of virtue. There
are many so complacent towards others as to become their own ruin.
Some of whom you have heard it said in Rannoch ‘Ma that coire ann’sann da
fein.[Gaelic] Than this there cannot be a more ruinous conduct. Such first
meet the pity, but soon after the contempt of the f world, and between
contempt and hatred there is but half a step. Avoid this character.-
In one word where-ever you see a good or great man, be virtuously
ambitious to excel him. Try to do what you engage in better than others
do; be not content to be in the second. but endeavour in all honest
matters and pursuits to be first into the first class. Endeavour to be
wha5t Adino the Ezrite (2d Saml 23.8) [Bible reference] was among Davids worthies, even the
first among the first three.- Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure
lovely of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, thing on. +
follow these things.- My paper draws to an end.+ I must therefore close.
I shall thank you to write me often. I shall be happy to hear that you
are well and doing well.- We are all in health, often think + often speak
of you. Accept our united good wishes + believe me always to be
Dr [dear] Niel your sincere best wisher. D Campbell
[GO TO PAGE 4]
[Page 4 – Duncan Campbell letter to Niel MacGregor, 24 March 1832]
Mr Niel McGregor
Napanee Mills
America
Hand [?] by Jas McGregor Esq
[Note by Jame or Niel]
Letter
Duncan Campbell Esqr [Esquire]
Kinloch 24th March 1832
==============================================================================1832-03-27 LETTER FROM KATHERINE MACGREGOR TO HER GRANDSON NEIL MACGREGOR
This letter is especially significant as it was written by my 4th Great-Grandmother. She was born Katherine McDIARMID in 1767 and died in 1839. (1767-04-26 to 1839-11-28) TRANSCRIPT OF THIS LETTER Letter Mrs. Catherine McGregor Kinloch March 27th, 1832 [Label apparently added by Niel Mcgregor upon receipt of the letter.] Kinloch March 27, 1832 My Dear Niell After receiving your letter I was sorry to learn that you was attacked by the Eague [meaning “ague”?] and fever although Mr McPherson mentioned in his letter to your Uncle that you got quite full [?] of it. Still I am uneasy as you did not write me as your mother. [Apparently Neil MacGregor’s mother was out of the picture, perhaps deceased.] I have found the Gospel Catechism which I am to in close [enclose] to you in hopes that you will study it and your Bible all the leisure hours you will have. Especially on the Lord’s Day and I trust that you will never forget the Rule that I have set before you in bowing the knee Morning and Evening to that Great God before you must ___annese [?] one later give account of all your Doings in the next place I request you to be obedient to your Uncle and endeavour to please him and be advised by him as you know that it is on him that you Depend for be sure to avoid bad company +c [et cetera Latin for and so on] PAGE 2 I have found your Black knife and Have sent by your Uncle how [who] will [This would be Neil’s father’s brother, James McGregor who came to Canada.] Tell you all the news of this Country Tommy Robertson is a wonder full Scholar He is reading the Colladon [?] And the Galek [Gaelic] Testament you are as fresh in his memory as Mrs Day your partner will miss and when ever you write be sure to remember that family above all others I wish to hear [?] from [?] you and ____[account?] of this I must conclud [sic – conclude] wish all the happiness that ____[these?] words ________[?] Duncan Robertson [?] his wife and Johnny joins me in love to you. I remain your Affet [Affectionate] Grand Mother Katherine McGregor [Note she spells her name with a K whereas Niel titles letter with a C for Catherine. Note also that this is Niel’s GRANDMOTHER McGregor, so she would be Duncan MacGregor’s mother and he, Duncan, died 1852. Duncan’s son Niel was born 1816.] ================================================================================1835-03-30 LETTER FROM D (DUNCAN) MACGREGOR TO HIS SON NEIL MACGREGOR
Paisley 30 March 1835
My Dear Son
On the 2d current your Uncle Gregor
received a letter from our friend Patrick dated
Kingston 3 Febry. [February] Communicating the Death of
my Brother James which has grieved our friends
here + in Perthshire very much. Sometime ago
we heard that he intended coming home +
we were all in hopes of again seeing him
but in this we have been disappointed.
His mother in particular has been much
distressed since she heard of his Death. I wrote
her a few days after the sect. (?) of Patrick’s letter
but she has not yet been able to write me
She however caused John to write me + he stated
that he had a letter from Mr. Donald Stewart
announcing Jamess [James’] death. + further adds that
Mr. S. stated in his letter, that you were in his
service, + that he had taken the premises at
Napanee [in Ontario, Canada, near Kingston] lately by James. + that
Mr. Stewart + Mr. Ramsey had entered into
partnership. My Dear Neill. Now that you
are deprived of your Uncle + I presume the
only one in America whom you could call
[GO TO PAGE 2]
[PAGE 2]
your fiend that will now conduct your
=self with Honour, Honesty + integrity. So much
so that you will gain the confidence of
your employers + from what I know of Mr.
Stewart I have no doubt whatever but he
will be a kind + affectionate master if
on the opther hand you are an honest +
well behanved servant which I hope + trust
you will prove yourself to be.
I must say that I have been disappointed
in your neglecting to write me for the last
eighteen months. I hope you will not be guilty
of the like again + that even on rect [receipt] of this .
you will do so.
For the last none months I have been
sending the Perth Courier Newspaper to James
but since I heard of his death I have been add
=ressing these sometimes to you + sometimes
to Patrick Neil’s Cousin Patrick MacGregor, lawyer in Toronto] do you get them regularly.
Your old friend Duncan Robertson [in] Kinlock [Kinloch Rannoch]
die a few weeks ago. For a considerable time
past he has been in a declining state + was \very much palsifyed when I was there in
July last his son John was asking very
particularly enquiries about you
[GO TO PAGE 3]
[PAGE 3]
Your Uncle Gregor + family are all well also your Mother [believed to be his step-mother Esther HENDERSON] Sisters + Brothers all of whom
desire to be kindly remembered to you.
Patrick Neill Stewart, + his family + Mr
Donald Stewart.
I will send this to Greenock today with
instructions to for[wad] it either by the Canada [ship’s name presumably]
or Robertson. Gregor writes to Patrick +
sends by the same conveyance
Trusting that you will write me on
rect [receipt of] + sontinue to do so regularly
I am dear Son
Your Affectionate father]
D Macgregor
Ansd July 20th 1835
Address at Coats Geive + Co.
Orhcard Street
[GO TO PAGE 4]
[PAGE 4 – Exterior]
Letter
My father
Paisley 30th March 1835
SS [?] Canada
Mr. Neill McGregor
Care of Mr. Donald Stewart
Napanee
Kingston
Upper Canada
[Postage price] 1/ 1/2
Postage cancellation circle ink stamp
MONTREAL
20 MY
1835
LC [LC = Lower Canada i.e. Quebec]
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1837-06-24 LETTER FROM D (DUNCAN) MACGREGOR IN SCOTLAND TO HIS SON NEIL MACGREGOR IN CANADA
[1837 March 24]
Letter
My Father
Paisley 24th March
1837 [Note: It was written on Niel’s birthday]
SHIP (stamped ink)
Per Canada Recd [received]18th May (?)
Mr. Niel McGregor
Care of Wm. Duff Esqr. [Esquire]
Chippawa
Upper Canada [now Ontario, Canada]
Postal mark, round MONTREAL MY [MAY] 10 1837
(red wax seal)
I have wrote Patrick by this Conveyance
also Say the Canada .
===
Annexed is an order for five pounds Sterling pay=
=able to your order. I have thought it better to send
this rather as a watch being afraid the Watch might
be lost or damaged . Seeing it would have to be sent
so very far + very likely by various conveyances. five
pounds should be sufficient to purchase a tolerable
good watch. I wrote my Mother sometime ago for an
extract of your Age but it has not yet come to
to (sic) hand. I may however state that you were born
on the 24th March 1816. I had a letter from
My Mother a few weeks ago She still lives
at Kinlock [i.e. Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire, Scotland]. She had an attack of her
old disorder lately that of excessive bleeding at
the nose which left her weak, She is very angry
at you for not writing her. Do so soon as she will
be very glad indeed to hear from you.
The whole of the Glengow (?) [this last word crossed out] Lockhgarry (?) Estate + Kinlock
were to be let this spring but have
not heard the parties who have taken them.
Innerhadden is also to let the old Laird died
in January last. Mother _+ the children are all well
[i.e. Duncan McGregor’s 2nd ? wife Ester / Esther HENDERSON, his second wife and their children, not Neil’s Mother.]
join me in Kind love to you also Gregor + his
family. Dont neglect to write on rect [i.e. receipt of this money order and letter] to your
Affectionate father D. Macgregor
[NOTES:
Innerhaddon means Beginning of the Fight. Located near Kinloch Rannoch.
Dalchosnie means Field of Victory. Located near Kinloch Rannoch.]
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1837-08-24 LETTER FROM D MACGREGOR IN SCOTLAND TO HIS SON NEIL MACGREGOR IN CANADA
Paisley , 24 Augt. 1837
My Dear Son
On the 24th March last I wrote you
inclosed [sic] a draft for Five pounds Sterling
which I hope you are in possession of, long
ere this time. I had expected to have heard
from you acknowledging receipt of the same
before before this time. + if you have not done so
I trust you will do so on receipt of this
I saw a person yesterday who saw my
Mother last week She was in her usual
health.
I should have stated that my letter of 24th
March referred to above was sent by the ship
Canada + I wrote Patrick by the same conveyance
Uncle John and his family were all well five
weeks ago. This you can communicate to
Patrick as I do not write him at this time.
Uncle Gregor + his family are well + also
my own all of whom join me in
PAGE 2
[Page 2]
in s [?] and kind love to Patrick + yourself.
Trusting to hear from you in reply
to this if not sooner
I am Dear Neill
Your Affectionate father
D. Macgregor
[PAGE 3]
PAGE 3
[Page 3 : outside addressed portion]
Pr Sophia
[Probably the name of the shipm carrying the mail.]
1/6/2 [?]
[1 pound, 6 shillings and 2 pence?]
[Postage cancellation stampings: “??????? LETTER MONTREAL” and “MONTREAL ??? 28 1837 LC “[for Lower Canada, now Quebec ].
Mr. Neil McGregor
Care of Wm. Duff Esqr.
Chippawa
Upper Canada
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1841-12-30 LETTER FROM D MACGREGOR IN SCOTLAND TO HIS SON NEIL MACGREGOR IN CANADA
26 Orchard Street Paisley 30 Decemr. 1841 Dear Neill, The last letter I had from you, Is dated, Chippawa 9th March 1838. + on That letter, I have two Memorandums, stating That I had written you, on the 3d August 1838. + the 28th March 1839. I would have written you, again had I known your address but the Conclusion I came to, was, that you had either, left that place, or have gone , to that land from whence no traveller returns. Seeing that you did not, answer either of my letters refered [sic] to above. I was delighted a few days Since, in Receiving a Note, Dated Edin. 18th cert. [?] from A Mr. Thomas C. MacKland Stating that he Knew you, that you were in the employ of A brother of his, at Niagara + that he had a Letter from you, that day, in which you stated Your wish, that he should call upon me, +which he states, he would have done before now (page 2) but that he, was under the Necessity, of going to Dublin but on his return, I expect to have a call from him, he gave me his address in Dublin, + I have written to him there. I can assure you, My Dear Son, that it Has given me, a great deal of pleasure thus, to Hear of you, + as one of the American Steam Packets, is to sail from Liverpool on the 4th proxmo I cannot delay writing you, before I have the pleasure of seeing Mr. MacKland You may perhaps expect, that I should com- =municate, some Rannoch News to you, but I at present recollect of very little in Connection with that quarter, that can be at all interesting to you. Did you hear that My Mother Died in Novr. 1839. She was complaining , + was weakly for sometime, before her death but was able to be out of bed, a little every day. The very day she died, she was down stairs. + the immediate cause of her death was an overflowing of Blood to the Head. [Brain aneurism presumably] Your uncle Johns family live in Lesegan [Leragan?] his Son Patrick has been attending the College at Edinr [Edinburgh, Scotland[] every Season, since he returned from Canada + sailed from this for New York in August Last, + there has been a letter from him announc- cing his arrival there. He has gone to the States with (page 3) the intention of pushing his fortune, as a Learned Man, before he left this, he promised to me, that he would write, to some of his old acquaintances, in Kingston, in order to get, information respecting you + I have no doubt, but he has done so _ so soon as he gets your address, he will also write you. Have you seen in the Newspaper, or heard otherwise, Of the great distress, which (?) has prevailed here, for the last 4 months, amongst our working population. We have had upwards of forty failures, in that time, amongst our Merchants, + Manufacturers the consequence of this has been, the throwing idle of many Thousands of our artisans + they have for Sometime past, been wholly dependant upon The “cold Hand of charity” for support great exertions, Have been made, throughout the country, to rise (sic) money, for Their relief by preaching Sermons, lectures, Balls, Concerts + ___? + upwards of [Pounds Stirling symbol] has been raised, in this way + by subscriptions, here in London here in London, Edinr + other places but this affords, but a scanty relief to 12,000 individuals who are depending upon this fund for a subsistence. From the State that business, has been in her___ =time part, I have thought more, or Emigrating to America, than I ever did before + if I were free of bus= =iness, + had a few hundred pounds left. I do believe that I would go, either to the Canadas or the States + turn farmer. I intend giving up my present business + will be clear of it by next May. Now would you advise me to go to Canada. What would a farm of 30 acres with 10 clear ___? Of it + a House upon it. Cost in a good situation + not (page 4) very remote, what part of Upper Canada, do you think the most healthy. Or would you advise, an Emigrant to Settle in, + what is the best Season, of the year for arriving there. I mean for one who is to be a farmer. I believe that climate there, differs a good deal, from what it is here, that it is a great deal Colder, in Winter + that in Summer the Heat is oppressive. [ADDRESS AREA OF LETTER] I should like to have your opinion, candidly upon this subject, + that immediately. I have heard, that our friend Neill Stewart, is now quite “Independent” tho I believe that he has worked (?) very hard + been very industrious since he went to Canada do you ever hear from or see him. Uncle Gregor + his family are well + so is my own. I have four children 2 Boys + 2 Girls viz Esther + Katherine Patrick + James. You have seen them all except Katherine. They are + their Mother join me in kind love to you + Believe me to be your affectionate Father D. Macgregor [ADDRESS AREA INFO] from Liverpool pr. Mail Steamer 4th Jany. [January] 1842 Mr. Neil MacGregor Care of Messrs. James MacKland + Co Niagara Falls Upper Canada Recd 7th July Ansd [Answered] 14th do. [ditto i.e. same month] 1842 Wrote to him 22d. April 1842 Mail cancellation rectangle “PAISLEY DE 30 1841” written. [Wax seal.] [Round cancellation] NIAGARA FEB ?? 1842 [NO MAIL STAMP] ===============================================================
1842-05-13 LETTER FROM D (DUNCAN) MACGREGOR IN SCOTLAND TO HIS SON NEIL MACGREGOR IN CANADA
Paisley 13 May 1842 My Dear Son Your letter of the 14th feb, I received on the 21st April, you will observe, that it had not reached Halifax, in time for the March Mail Steamer. I had a call from Mr. MacKlem, early in January last, on his return from Ireland, but have not heard anything of him since. I am obliged to you, for the information, you give me, respecting Canada. I shall be happy, to hear from you, on this subject again. I Cannot yet say, whether, I will go there or not at all events I cannot go this year for I have a Nasty Stock of Manufactured fancy Goods, still on hand which I must get quit of from the State of our Markets here it is not easy, to accomplish this, except by sacrificing them. A great many emigrants have Sailed from the Clyde this season, both for the Canadas + the States + about 600 of these are from this Town + Neighbourhood. + are Mostly of the [Page 2] poorer classes + Many more, would have gone if they had the Means. Do you Know Anything, of my Aunt, the widow of the late Peter Campbell, Glenlyon, who went to Canada, three or four years ago. Some of her family went there before her, I think they are somewhere about Perth. The Trade of this place has improven (sic) but little, Since I wrote you last. There are still a great many of our Weavers, that cannot get work + it is the Same in Glasgow, + in all the other Manufacturing districts, both in Scotland + England. You say you were to go to Brantford, to rent a mill, is this on your own account or on your masters. I understand, there have been letters, from our friend Patrick, lately he has got a Situation as Teacher of one of the Public Schools, at New= =York, with a Salary of 600 Dollars for the first year + he expects an advance at the end of the first year. have you had any letters from him, before he left this, he promised to me, that [Page 3] he would write to some of his old friends to enquire for you, as I could not give him your address. I would have written you, by the Steamer of The 4th but was in London, for about Ten days, at that time. 16th May. I have this morning received,yours of the 22 April + feel thankful for the (?) infor=mation it contains. From what I have stated on the other side, you will observe, that this year, I cannot emigrate, were I to dispose of the stock [merchandize in his store] I hold, I would not get, one half of the Cash price at present. I have therefore made up my mind, to see (?) it by piecemeal (?) rather than in lots + as there are a good many Articles in it, in winter Colours. These will not be Saleable for some months to come. How far is Brantford from Chippawa + in what Direction, does it lye (sic) from it + in going to Brantford from Quebec what is the proper Route. I have a letter this Morning from your Uncle John, in which he states that friends in the North are well + I am happy to say that Uncle Gregor + his family are well also my own all Of whom join me in the kindest love to you+ Believe me to be, dear Neil Your affectionate father D. Macgregor
[Page 4]
I shall be most happy, to hear from you frequently as we must now shake up the arrears we fall into for the last five years. Uncle Gregor is one of those who thinks that they have as good a chance in their own Country as in America + will stick to it “to the last” [POSTAL ADDRESS AREA] Is Donald Stewart Dalchalloch (?) still in Napanee I heard sometime ago that Ramsay + he had failed + that Donald was coming home. [POSTAL INFO]Pr. Mail Steamer via Liverpool 19 May 1842 P. P. Mr. Neil MacGregor Car [care of] of O.(?) T. (?) MacKlem Esqr [Esquire] Chippawa Upper Canada N.A. [North America] Wrote to him 14th Feby [February] 1843 [Rectangular postal cancellation] “PAISLEY MY 16 184_” Postage note seems to be 1/2 1 shilling, 2 pence ? ==========================================================================1842-05-17 LETTER TO NEIL MACGREGOR IN CANADA FROM AN UNNAMED FRIEND
Edinburgh, 82 George Street
May 17th 1842.
My Dear Mac:
“Crack-eye-Cob”! but you will think I have been
Afther [sic] takin [sic] my own (and no body elses!) time, to answer your very kind
And equally acceptable letter of October last. It is nevertheless
Mac, as evidend [evidenced? ], I hope, that I have taken every body else’s time (and
Not my own.) to answer the purport of your letter. If I am but
Now answering your letter, to yourself, it is as true, that I answed [sic]
It to your Father, the day I received it, and in such a manner too,
That if you did not immediately receive a letter from home, there
Must be no thread to my senew [? sinew? ] , and I’m no cider-prep! [?]
Then, this is the 4th letter that has sprung from the rich [?] seeds of
Your tartan, of 18 hundred and no particular time, at all , 1st ____[?],
To your Father , 2nd Your Father’s reply , 3rd Your Father’s to yourself,
And 4th and lastly, this miserable, writched [sic – wretched?], dried-up, and hasty crop [?]
And certainly, this murder not only speaks well for the quality of your seed, but also serves
PAGE 2
(page 2)
To satisfactorily prove the richness of the soil, in which it has been
sown � not forgetting that we are chiefly indebted to the venerable
trunk, (your kind Father.) upon which I so successfully engrafted (sic?)
the fruit of your seed, and which I so speedily (?) took and so kindly
grown [?], for your comfort, the long-looked for and much desired
production , (a letter from your Father, which you have, long over [?] this, happily tasted.)
But to the less metaphorical, a more minute [?], I received
Your favor in good time, i.e. in 7 weeks and 5 days from (one)
Date , (it has some half dorycu [?] dates however, and I have selected the eldest,
As the probable ____ to the letter.) It found me in bed, having been confined
To the house for some time previous, and having the day before,
(I believe) imported into the very bowels of my constitution, for the
Well-being thereof, grains of Calomel, However I read, marked,
Learned, and externally digested, your very amusing letter, which
Was indeed to me a feast, a rich repast , yes! It was to my
Happetite, [sic – appetite] a whole dinner-party, and consequently, to my
Health, a whole grainery of calomel, or jalop [?] either! Well, as
I above said, or tried to said, (sic) I received and read your friendly
Lines, in bed, and before the evening of the same day, had
Dispatched a letter to paisley, in which I said all I could say,
(na-more!) (sic) toward the gratification of a wish, as desirable and
Natural, in you to feel, as it certainly is sincerely gratifying to
Me, to be able to at all assist in having granted.
Your Father immediately, and in the kindest possible manner,
Replied to my letter, and in about 3 weeks after, I had the
Happiness of calling upon him in Paisley . He was very
glad to see me , was very anxious I should spend the evening
with him , take a tumbler of Toddy (?) +c, which I would have given
much to have done, but which I will soon do, or my name
is not Jehosiphat! He made 10 hundred million thousand enquiries
about you, and the country you have adopted , and I am happy in
PAGE 3
PAGE 3
The persuasion (what a pen!) that I gave liberal and satisfactory
Replies to all these enquiries , And thus after a shirt, but
very pleasant visit. I said goodbye, delighted to find your
kind Father had already written to you, and very much gratified
to see that you still possess as much of a father’s fondness
and affection as you could have possessed, even when
highest in parental favor. You must explain all your unkind
Canadian Kingston Friends ill behaviour to you, if you Father
should require it, or if you think he would like it. For I am
not sufficiently prepared to do it properly.
I ever much regretted being obliged to leave Canada , without
again seeing you, Mac, but the receipt of your letter gave
me additional cause for regrets at so unfortunate circumstance.
But my dear Fellow, go a-head, and now tell me all. By mail,
that you would have told me in person, had we been so fortunate
as to have again met in America before I left, and rest assured
my good Friend, that aught my present position can enable me to
do for you, will be done, with the greatest happiness. Then Mac, do not hesitate, if I can be of the least further use to you , do
not delay, I say, to immediately write, and before I leave
Scotland , let me know if I can possibly serve you, in
Any way while here, and believe me, you have no Friend
who were (?) happier to do all he can for you. I will gladly
[more to follow)
==================================================================
1843-03-30 LETTER TO NEIL MACGREGOR FROM HIS FATHER DUNCAN
[PAGE 1 of 4]
Paisley 30th March 1843
my Dear Son,
Your letter of 24th inst. [?] I duly received +
can assure you that I perused it with much
pleasure both with respect to your personal position
+ also as to your future intensions. It is highly
gratifying to me to know that you have cond-
ucted yourself in such a becoming manner
that your employer is anxious for your con
-tinuing in his service.
Regarding your intention of getting
marriedI am most happy that you have
made up your mind to change your present
mode of living for I am fully convinced that the married
life (if the parties as agreeable) is by far the most
happy + I shall be very happy to hear
[PAGE 2 of 4]
that you have entered into the “bonds of
wedlock.”
I find I must remain here this
season. The stock of Fancy Goods which
I hold + of which I wrote you of before are
still unsold. Were I to dispose of them in the
bulk the loss would be very grreat. I must
therefore endeavour when summer sets in to
get quit of them “peacemeal” [i.e. piecemeal] in the mean-
time I am Manufacturing other fancy
Goods but not to a great extent.
I have had no word from your cousin Pat
since he went back to New York neither did I
know his address. I wrote his father for it +
it is 502 Greenwich Street New York.
I know of no news in connection with Rannoch
that can be interesting to you. I have been there
[PAGE 3 of 4]
only once since you left it.
Thew Trade of this place has improved very much
within the last few weeks + none need now be
idle if they have a wish to work, but it is
feared this state of matters will not last long.
Great exciting are making by many Trademsmen
here + in Glasgow to get as much money raised
as take themselves + family to Canada but I
fear few of them will be able to accomplish
this at present.
I am happy to say that Gregor + his family are all well also my ___ + all of thembeg to be kindly remembered to you
some of my young ones will write
you soon + Gregor says he will do the same. I expect to hear from you ere long
+ say [?] if you have wrote Cousin Pat + if
he has answered it. + Believe me to be
Sear Neil your affectionate Father
D. Macgregor [note he used a small “g” after Mac but this is not signigficant]
[PAGE 4 of 4]
[PAGE 4]
Did I mention to you that Patrick took
a wife (a Native of Badenoch) with him to New York
For Mail Steamer from Liverpool 4th Apl. 43
[rectangular ink stamp] “PAISLEY / MR. 31 / 1843”
Mr. Neil MacGregor
O.T. [?] MacKlems Esqr
Chippawa
Upper Canada
Red sealing wax. Image apper to be a lion’s head (as per MacGregor crestr. Over beloe it appears to have “D. McG” [presumably Duncan MacGregor’s seal]
[Neil MacGregor wrote a not on it]
wrtoe to my father on
the 6th Decr. 1843.
====================================================================
LETTER FROM NEIL’S COUSIN PATRICK MACGREGOR, THEN A LAWYER IN TORONTO
Toronto, 15th August, 1855
[PAGE 1 of 3]
Toronto, 15th August, 1855
I have been here a year, in partnership with Mr. Oliver Mowat, but it
was only a few days ago I leanrned from
his father, while I was at Kingston, where you live.
I went back to New York a month ago,
to attend to several private matters that I
left unsettled there, + visited Kingston + Sheffield, on my way back.
I lived in the State of New York nearly
13 years, of which I spent 8 in New York
city – I married when I first came there,
+ my wife is still alive, although she has
been sickly since we came together, + has
frequently been at the point of death.
We have no children: but the three sur-
viving children of my sister Catherine live
with us. They are a boy + two girls, the
oldest 15. Their parents died at sea, on
PAGE 2 of 3
their passage from Liverpool in the fall of
1853, within a few days of each other, and
their two youngest children died at the same time.
Death has been heavy on our relatives
within the last 11 years. All our grand
father’s family are dead. Your father
was the last survivor, + he died about two
years ago. Your brothers now live at Glas-
gow + are engaged in the mercantile line.
Patrick married about a year ago. Their
mother + sisters live there. I heard lately
that Esther is about to be married.
My mother, my brother Alexander, + my
sisters Jessie & Christina are all dead.
My brother John went to California lately.
His health has not been good; + I
do not expect that he will live long.
My surviving sisters Euphemia, Jane and
Jemima are all in New York City. Jane has
been married, for several years. Jemima is
a teacher in the Orphan Asylum, +
has a good salary. Jessie left two
[PAGE 4 of 3]
daughters, one of whom died of scarlet
fever. The other is now with Jane. Her hus-
band, went to india, shortly after her
death, in 1846, + has not been heard of
for many years, so that we believe he
is dead.
I prefer Toronto to New York, as the
air is better + the place is quieter, while
the mode doing business is less hurried
+ wasting. I succeed as well as I
expected. I had a better chance of ma-
king money in New York: but I live
more pleasantly here. Mr. Mowat acts
towards me with great kindness. + I have
found out several friends + relatives here
+ in the vicinity.
I passed through Chippewa on my way
to New York, + would have visited you,
had I known you were there.
I shall be glad to hear from you soon.
With best wishes, I remain
Yours affectionately
Patrick MacGregor
Mr. Neil MacGregor }
Chippewa }
====================================================================
LETTER FROM NEIL’S COUSIN PATRICK MCGREGOR, THEN A LAWYER IN TORONTO 24 Nov. 1857
Toronto, 24th Nov. 1857. Dear Cousin, The enclosed will inform you that I have commercial business here on my own account, my agreement with Mowat having expired in August, when he withdrew from office practice. If you can throw anything in my way I will feel obliged + I think you will have no cause to regret doing so. While I was Mowats’ partner I had charge of most of his suits + we did not lose more than one in twelve. I also made up many of the opinions required, from different parts of the province, + they stood the test of subsequent lawsuits, in many cases. I was called to the bar “with honors”, which is reserved for those who show an unusual knowledge of law, on their examinations. I have got Augusta Christie with me, the only surviving member of my sister Jessie’s family – + we are all in ordinary good health. Your step-mother died last spring [PAGE 2 of 2] Your brother Patrick was lately married to an English lady – + Esther was afterwards mar ried to a founder in paisley. Patrick + James have given up the commission business at Glasgow + they now carry it on at Paisley exclusively Our cousin Patrick, Gregor’s son, has got the whole dyeing establishment in his own hands now + it is doing well. I was in Stormont county last month, on business + on my return I made some stay at Kingston, Napanee + Sheffield. Thomas Ramsay is now at Kingston bursar (?) to the new Lunatic Asylum there. He is the same old character he ever was. Donald McPherson holds on at the old homestead. + Parr (?) Pringle is a slavering idiot with drink. Niel Stewart + his family were all well. With best wishes to all I remain Yours affectionately Patrick MacGregor Mr. Niel MacGregor} Beamsville} C.W. [C.W. = CANADA WEST, an early name for what is now Ontario, that followed UPPER CANADA) ===============================================================================
NO IMAGE YET
TRANSCRIPTION OF NOTE BY ONE OF MINNIE MACGREGOR’S BROTHERS OR SISTERS after 1866, and as it was to one of Minnie (Mary Maud Macgregor) children born 1877, 1879, 1888 and they were likely old enough to read and understand it, this it was probably written in the early 1900s.
James Couse Macgregor d. 1908
Ann Elizabeth Macgregor d. 1933
Duncan Moses Macgregor d. 1905 in Liverpool, England
Neil Robert Macgregor d. 1929
Albert John Macgregor d. 1923
Charles Stewart Macgregor d. 1894 (NOT likely him)
Archibald Macgregor d. 1865 as an. infant therefore NOT him
Colin Campbell Macgregor d. 1942
Flora Catherine Macgregor d. 1958
Transcribed by Colin Stevens. Original note owned by Dr. Estelle Stevens Probably to William Arnott STEVENS from an AUNT OR UNCLE or possibly his sister Edith who died 1941. Other sister Margaret died 1899, so not likely to her.
2003-04-01
q Mary Maud (“Minnie”Macgregor who married William STEVEN (STEVENS) was born in 1852.
q St. C. = St. Catharines, Ontario.
q ‘Riflo ???? = Probably a family name, possibly abbreviation.
SIDE 1
Your mother was born in St. C. 1852.
The family lived from 53 to 57 in
Beamsville, then in St. C. till 62,
then Niagara from 62 -66. After
which St. C. again. Father was sheriff
or something and was moved about.
When Niagara was the county seat they
lived there, then it was moved to
St. C.
SIDE 2
…
now …
is tough down …
these days, and no chance (?) of (?) …
Had an awful time getting away
from Riflo (?) They “begged + pleaded”
with me to stay all summer and I
know they really love having me
there. I had no definite excuse or
reason for coming away, except that I
don’t believe in staying as [?] long in
…. [people’s ?] houses. After I got back I
… I had come, as all
… was
THIS WEB SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. MORE LETTERS TO COME.
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Our MacGregor Genealogy
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THE HISTORY OF CLAN GREGOR by Amelia Georgiana MacGregor of MacGregor published 1898-1901
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Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Razor
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Our MacGregor Letters (this page)
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Rob Roy MacGregor
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Kinloch Rannoch, Perthsire, Scotland – Main home of my MacGregors
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Killichonan, Perthshire, Scotland – Some of my MacGregors were buried there.
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Fortingall. Perthshire, Scotland – My MacGregors were in the Parish of Fortingall.
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Culloden Battlefield – There were some MacGregors at the battle, including an Aide-de-Camp to the Prince, but most of them had been placed holding a castle or sent on a special mission and thus missed the battle.
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