I look forward very much to seeing your work and Billy’s drawings in print. A chap-book is an excellent idea. I am sure we will be able to find the funds to buy some as Christmas gifts from the parish if it is published by then. I will send you the first of Billy’s artistic endeavours very soon.

With very best wishes,

Susannah Elmhirst

Donald Cameron of Lochiel to Lady Margaret

Donald Cameron of Lochiel to Lady Margaret

Rome, 28 August 1867

Dear Margaret,

What times we live in! I know you are not much interested in politics, but the passing of the Second Reform Act is such a momentous event, I felt I must mention it. The number of people who can vote in the next election will be more than doubled—and, yes, I know that they are all men, for Mr. Mill’s amendment to include the female sex failed dismally, but still it represents significant progress. At the risk of sounding like the rather staid gentleman you once assumed me to be, I find myself increasingly drawn to the idea of taking a more active role in politics, and am contemplating standing as a member of Parliament. At the grand old age of thirty-two, I have a hankering to end my sojourn on the Continent and return home to settle down.

My home is the Achnacarry Estate in Invernesshire, near the little village of Spean Bridge, and just north of the town of Fort William. The land is rugged, with some fine woods, and the castle itself sits low on the terrain, not far from Loch Arkaig, where I am thinking of building a new pier to allow a steamer to berth. The lands were forfeited after the ’45 was lost at Culloden, for my family fought for the Young Pretender. It was my grandfather and my namesake who had them restored, and who laid the foundations of the “New Achnacarry.” Alas, he was profligate, and when he died he left my father with a half-finished home and a mountain of debts. My father completed the house but continued the tradition of spending beyond his means, which is why I have had to make my own way in life. But I have prospered, enough to turn my mind to improving the estate and making a home of it. The castle is in the Scots baronial style. I think you would like it, Margaret. I know that I would very much like to show it to you one day.