‘S e bliadhna air leth lasanta a bha ann an 1848 air feadh na Roinn Eòrpa, mar sin ’s beag an t-iongnadh gu bheil Fear-tathaich nam Beann – nach do ruith ach eadar 1848 agus 1850 – loma-làn sgeulachdan de strì agus aimhreit. Fiù ’s ged a b’ e foillseachadh sòlaimte spioradail a bha fa-near do a chuid sgrìobhadairean, is iad ceangailte ri Eaglais na h-Alba, bha iad air cur romhpa fhèin cunntas a thoirt air naidheachdan mòra an latha.
San eisimpleir seo, tha am pàiper-naidheachd a’ dèanamh iomradh goirid air aimhreit gu math annasach a thachair ann an Stonehaven mu thoiseach na bliadhna: 5 Faoilleach, 1848.
‘S e aimhreit Ghàidhealach a bha seo, a’ gabhail a-steach suas ri 300 duine – Gàidheil airson na cuid a bu mhotha – a bha ag obair ’nan nabhaidhean air an rathad-iarainn ùr, agus iad a’ cur sèist ri baile Stonehaven. B’ ann a bha na daoine seo feargach airson mar a chaidh prìsean bìdh a chur suas, mar a ghearradh an cuid pàighidh, agus cuid a’ call na h-obrach aca. Thug iad ionnsaigh air muinntir a’ bhaile agus air an taighean. Rachadh uinneagan a bhriseadh, agus daoine a bhualadh mura robh Gàidhlig aca. Aig a’ cheann thall, bha fichead duine air an goirteachadh, agus aon duine na laighe marbh ri linn an dochainn a fhuair e.
Chaidh còignear a ghairm chun na cùirte airson a bhith an sàs anns an fhòirneart. Theich aon duine, thugadh binn prìosain do thriùir dhiubh, agus chuireadh aon duine – Dòmhnall MacDhaibhidh (Donald Davidson) – air fògradh gu Tìr Van Diemen (Tasmania) fad seachd bliadhna (faic na nòtaichean gu h-ìseal).
***
Chailleadh air a bhliadhna chaidh seachad gu h-anabarrach air na slighean iarruinn; ’s e sin r’a ràdh, na “Railroads.” Cha ’n fhoghna’ leis gach aon aig an robh beagan cùl an làimhe, agus mòran aig nach robh sgillinn ruadh, gun cuid de ’n tuiteamas a ghabhail, ’s am fortan fheuchainn ’s na slighean iarruinn; dìreach mar gu’m bitheadh iad a’ dol a chluich air chairtean. Ach coma co dhiu’, ghlacadh iad air a cheann mu dheireadh—chaidh an ceòl air feadh na fìdhle, agus cha robh ach bristeadh thall ’sa ‘bhos. Thainig call an lorg nan gnothuchibh so, nach dùraigeadhmaid innse mar a bitheadh fios cinnteach againn gu robh e fìor. Tha na slighean iarruinn ann an Albainn a mhàin, air a bhliadhna so, ochd muillein ni’s isle ann am prìs na bha iad air a bhliadhna dh’fhalbh; agus eadar Sasunn, Eirin, agus Albainn, ann an ceann a chéile, trì fichead muillein nis isle agus nis lugha am fiach na bha iad mu’n taice so ’n uraidh! Tha cuid da rìreadh air bharail nach do chailleadh an t-suim so gu buileach; nach ‘eil e ach an deigh a chuir fodha car treis; gu’n éirich e fhathast, ’s gun tig pòr mòr air a thàilleamh; ach ’s e ar barail fhéin, gu’m bi e càil-eigin cosmhail ris a bhuntàta; gu’m bi gaoid is fàilneachadh ann, ’s nach bi an cinneachadh uaithe co mòr ’s a tha daoine a smuinteachadh. ‘S e chuid is cianaile da thaobh so, gu’n chuireadh nan tàmh anabar sluaigh a bha faotainn cosnaidh air na h-oibrichibh so; agus ged a bha ’n tuarasdal a bha iad a faotainn mòr, tha eagal oirnn gu’n do chaith iad a chuid bu mho de na fhuair iad ann an òl ’s ann an itheadh; agus ’s duilich leinn a smaoineachadh gu ’n robh na Gaedheil cho struitheil, anameasara, ri Gaill as Eirionnaich. Cha ’n eil fhios againn cia mar ‘thig cuid diu’ suas air an dubh-bhrochan ’s air a mhaorach. ‘S ann le cianalas a th’ againn r’a innseadh gu’n ghiùlain buidheann mhòr de Ghaedhil an taobh tuath iad féin gu anabarrach olc ann an àite àraid ris an canar Stonehaven, taobh na h-àirde deas do dh’Albainn, far an d’thainig iad a stigh le cuaillibh mòra nan làimh, agus na spad iad gu làr a h-uile neach a thachair orra, òg a’s sean, fiorann a’s boireann; agus gun fhios c’ arson! Tha ’n ainm ’s an sloinne againn a ghlacadh ’s a chuireadh anns a phrìosan; agus ’n uair a thig an t-àm ni sinn iad féin ’s an giùlan follaiseach do ’n dùthaich.
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Tùs: Fear-tathaich nam Beann, Àir. II (AN DARA MIOS, 1848), 63-64. Gun ùghdar ainmichte. (Chuireadh an clò trom ris an teacsa).
A dh’aindeoin na chaidh a ràdh san rosgrann mu dheireadh, cha d’ fhuaireadh iomradh eile air an fheadhainn a bha an sàs anns an aimhreit ann an àireamhan na b’ anmoiche den iris. Ach tha an t-uabhas ri ionnsachadh bho phàipearan-naidheachd Beurla an ama.
1) Seo an cunntas a bha aig an Aberdeen Journal air an aimhreit ann an Stonehaven (12 Faoilleach 1848):
BARBAROUS AND FATAL ATTACK OF THE RAILWAY NAVIES, ON STONEHAVEN.
Since the Railway works in the neighbourhood of Stonehaven were commenced, there have been located in the town a great number of labourers, principally from the Highlands. They have generally lodged by renting small rooms from the people at from 5s. to 6s. a-week, buying in their own provisions. The price of provisions having advanced, as they did everywhere, last winter the Highlanders took it into their heads that this was occasioned by a combination among the provision merchants, and from that time forward they felt as if they owed those people a grudge; and also occasionally made slight assaults on the inhabitants.
About two months ago Mr Forbes, principal contractor of works in the neighbourhood, partly suspended operations when a number of labourers left the place – the others being employed by Mr Forbes at a reduced rate of wages, occasioned by the general depression of trade. It was now expected that the peace of the district would be secured, and for weeks there were no disturbance amongst the navies sufficient to excite them; but it now appears that they had still been harbouring their old grudge.
In the forenoon of Wednesday last the people of the town were alarmed by hearing the bellan call a meeting of the railway labourers on the Square, and soon after between two and three hundred navies had assembled, with bludgeons, knives, and pikes; and as they conversed together in Gaelic, the people of the town did not know their plans. After consultation, a number of those who had no sticks, went to the woods at Dunnottar, where they cut branches from the trees, and about three o’clock the whole entered the Old Town in a body. They made their first attack on Mr Walker, a slater, who had formerly assisted to quell an outbreak, knocked him down with their bludgeons, and smashed a lot of windows in his master’s (Mr Thompson’s) house, who had also been obliged on a former occasion to resist the “navies.” Having beaten Walker, they left him, and proceeded to the Square. Mr Weir, the Superintendent of Police, thought it hopeless to make any attempt to repel the attack, but watched the ringleaders, with a view to their apprehension. About half-past five, the Highlanders marched through the twon in order, shouting, and smashing every window where a light appeared.
At the bottom of Ann Street they met Wm. Murray, a young man, who had just come in from the country to see his friends, whom they knocked down and left lying on the road. They then went to the Commercial Inn, where they smashed all the windows and attempted to force the house, but were unable. They next attacked the Mill Inn, broke several windows, and attempted to gain admission, but Mr Melvin and the other inmates were able to keep them at bay. Passing from the Mill Inn, they met with one of Mr Melvin’s sons, who was maltreated, but though dreadfully bruised, was able to make his escape. The mob now went direct to Mr Knox, the sadler’s, another of the doomed houses, and here they broke open the door, smashed the windows, frames and all; and but for the determined resistance of Mr Knox, his sons, and a party who happened to be in the house, the consequences would in all probability have been of the most fatal character. It being hopeless to effect an entrance here, they again betook themselves to parade the town, assaulting every person they met who could not speak Gaelic; and breaking, as before, every window in which there was light.
About nine o’clock the Highlanders dispersed, and there was quietness for the night.
The unfortunate man, Murray, already alluded to, was found lying in a state of insensibility by a girl who was passing, and on being carried to Mr Milne’s in the Old Town, it was found that his back was broken, and his skull fractured. He was only able to say “I am murdered, and the navies have done it,” when he died.
John Hobb, who was also struck in the street, was dangerously bruised, but is recovering. Altogether, about twenty people were maltreated, and for anything the mob cared, were in some instances left for dead in the streets; but they are now out of danger. Throughout the town, the cries of murder were heart-rending, and the scene appears to have been one which can scarcely be described; indeed, such was the state of the town, that no man was safe to leave his house, and consequently no official steps could be taken by the local authorities. Early on Thursday a special meeting of the Justices of the Peace was held, when it was resolved to send an express for a detachment of the military to Aberdeen, and Captain Barclay and Mr Graham Monro were charged with the commission. On Thursday evening twenty soldiers of the 93rd Highlanders, under the command of Capt. Leith Hay, arrived in Stonehaven, and since then, there has been no further disturbance.
Eleven of the ringleaders have been apprehended, and will speedily be brought to trial.
Gu h-àrd, tha mi air clò trom a chur air dà eisimpleir àraid de chleachdadh na Gàidhlig. Chaidh a chumail a-mach gun deach an cànan a chur gu feum airson coinneamh a ghairm agus a’ ghràisg eagrachadh; agus gun tugadh ionnsaigh air daoine gun Ghàidhlig sa bhaile, mar dhòigh air sgaradh soilleir a dhèanamh eadar muinntir a’ bhaile agus luchd-obrach eile a dh’fhaodadh a bhith às a’ Ghàidhealtachd.
Thoir fa-near, cuideachd, gun tàinig buidheann de shaighdearan bho Rèisimeid Chataibh (na 93rd Highlanders) airson an t-sìth a ghleidheadh sa bhaile. Chan urrainn dhuinn a bhith cinnteach, ach dh’fhaodadh gun robh Gàidheil – à Cataibh no à ceàrnaidhean eile – nam measg. Gu h-ìoranta, dh’fhaodadh gum b’ iad Gàidheil a bha annta sin a chaidh a ghairm airson Gàidheil eile a smachdachadh.
2) Tha an uair sin fiosrachadh ùidheil againn bhon tuairisg a thugadh air a’ chùis-chùirte. Tha na h-earrannan a leanas bho ‘Circuit Court of Justiciary’, The Aberdeen Journal (12 Giblean, 1848).
Tuesday, March 11.
The Court was opened this day at a quarter to ten o’clock and proceeded to the trial of the following prisoners.
MOBBING, RIOTING, AND MURDER.
The diet was first called against Donald Davidson, William M‘Donald, John M‘Kinnon, Donald M‘Kenzie, and Colin Munro, who stood charged with the crimes of mobbing, rioting, malicious mischief, assault and murder.
The indictment set forth that the prisoners had, on or about the 5th of January last, at Stonehaven, formed part of a mob, or great number of riotous and evil-disposed persons, being armed, all, or in part, with pickshafts, sticks, and stones, or other weapons and missiles, wickedly and feloniously assembled in a riotous, violent, and tumultuous manner, for the unlawful purpose of destroying property and life.
M‘Kenzie did not answer to the charge, and was outlawed.
[…]
William Gordon, strapper to Alexander Walker, Blackhills, had occasion to go to Stonehaven on the 5th of January, and when at the south end of the bridge came up with a crowd of railway labourers, who were marching across the bridge. One of them asked if he could speak Gaelic; and on his answering “No,” he was struck down with a stick – had his head cut, and a lump on his eye. Witness identified Donald Davidson as the person who asked if he could speak Gaelic, and then knocked him down.
[…]
Christian or Elizabeth Thain – Identified Davidson and Munro as leaders of the mob on its return from the shore, about four o’clock. Went to the New Town a quarter before five, and saw the navies striking William Gordon. Saw the windows in Knox’s house broken. Saw the mob breaking them. Knew [Brebner’s] shop. Saw William Murray standing on the pavement there with John Carnegie. Witness saw Carnegie struck with a walking-stick. Heard William Murray cry at that moment “Run Carnegie;” and heard Murray then say to the mob, “Ah! fie! ye Highland butchers.” Donald Davidson then came and swore at Murray, and struck him with a stick. The blow was a very severe one. It knocked Murray down. Colin Munro shoved Murray down when he was trying to rise, but he had no stick. Witness said to Davidson, when she saw him strike Murray, “Good God! Donald Davidson, I’ll tell Jamie Reid the nicht.” Davidson then ran away up the street. Colin Munro went away too. Witness then lifted up William Murray. He complained of his head. He was able to walk part of the way to Robert Milne’s. He leant on witness’s arm. While on the way Murray said to witness, “You know the man who struck me and ran away.” Witness said she did. It was Donald Davidson. Witness heard Eliza Cowle, who met them, speak to Murray, who, “I’ve been killed by the navies.” It was darkening at this time. Witness identified Davidson and Munro, but was not certain as to Donald M‘Kenzie.
[…]
The prisoners’ declarations were then read. They denied that any breach of the peace was committed, but simply a slight disturbance. They denied that any organization to injure life and property had been formed; but admitted that they had arranged to make a demonstration, to show the town’s people how powerful the Highlanders were.
Counsel for Davidson called a number of witnesses, to prove that he had taken no particular lead in the riot, though he had been present, and that he had been at home at the time Murray was killed.
[…]
A-rithist, tha mi air clò trom a chur air corra phàirt a sheas a-mach. Tha a’ chasaid – gun deach ionnsaigh a thoirt air duine no daoine gun Ghàidhlig – air a dearbhadh le neach-fianais. Tha co-dhiù dà dheagh eisimpleir de Bheurla Ghallta ga cleachdadh le muinntir baile Stonehaven – a’ comharrachadh an t-suidheachaidh chànanaich a bha ann agus, ’s dòcha, nan sgaraidhean eadar na nabhaidhean Gàidhealach agus daoine san sgìre. Mu dheireadh, tha beagan fiosrachaidh bho na Gàidheil a ghabh pàirt anns an aimhreit. B’ ann a bha iad ag iarraidh an cuid neart a thaisbeanadh do mhuinntir a’ bhaile is iad den bheachd, ma leughas sinn an cunntas na bu tràithe còmhla ri seo, gun robh brath ga ghabhail orra.
Ann an cuid de dh’aithrisean an luchd-fhianais, tha Dòmhnall MacDhaibhidh a’ togail ceann mar cheannard na gràisg, agus air a choireachadh airson murt (no ’duin-mharbhadh’) William Murray. Ach, bha e fhèin ag argamaid nach robh e an làthair nuair a mharbhadh am Moireach. Bu chòir dhuinn an aire a thoirt do na thuirt cuid eile den luchd-fhianais, cuideachd; gun robh MacDhaibhidh uaireannan a’ cur casg air a’ ghràisg bho bhith a’ dol ro fhada. Mar eisimpleir:
James Walker, labourer, [….] I was struck by more than one person; but I do not know them. I was cut on my head, and other parts of the body. I saw Davidson in the crowd; he told the crowd to hold off. […] To Davidson’s exertions I owe it that the men who struck me held off.
3) Nuair a thàinig e gu h-aon ’s gu dhà, chaidh eisimpleir a dhèanamh dhen cheathrar a bha fo chasaid – ged a tha e follaiseach gun robh tòrr a bharrachd an sàs san aimhreit. Chaidh ceann trom a’ ghnothaich air MacDhaibhidh, ge-tà, agus thugadh binn air gun cuirte e air fògradh fad seachd bliadhna. B’ esan a chaidh ainmeachadh co-cheangailte ri dochann William Murray, dochann a thug bàs dha.
Tha an cunntas gu h-ìseal bho ‘Circuit Court of Justiciary’, The Aberdeen Journal (19 Giblean, 1848).
Wednesday, April 12.
THE STONEHAVEN RIOTERS.
The Court met again this morning at 10 o’clock, when the four prisoners concerned in the Stonehaven riots, viz :- Donald Davidson, William M‘Donald, John M‘Kinnon, and Colin Munro, who were found guilty of the crimes of mobbing, rioting, malicious mischief, assault, and culpable homicide, were brought up to receive sentence. After an impressive admonition from Lord Moncrieff, Lord Cockburn sentenced Munro, to 1 year’s imprisonment, M‘Kinnon and M‘Donald, to 18 months’ imprisonment each, and Davidson, who had been proved to be more culpable than the others, to seven years’ transportation.
4) Dè thachair ri Dòmhnall MacDhaibhidh?
A bhuidheachas dhaibhsan a chuir fiosrachadh bho Chunntasan nan Ciontach air-loidhne, thèid againn air seo a fhreagairt.
B’ ann à Inbhir Nis a bha e – ach a bheil sin le cinnt a’ ciallachadh a’ bhaile fhèin no na siorrachd? Dh’fhàg e a mhàthair, Janet, a bhràithrean, Alex agus William, agus a phiuthar, Ann. B’ e maor-obrach no forman a bha ann don chunnradair John Forbes, air Rèile Obar Dheathain. Mar sin, bhà beagan a bharrachd ùghdarrais aige na bha aig cuid mhòr den luchd-obrach agus dh’fhaodadh gun robh e air fhaicinn mar cheannard. Ach cha deach a dhìteadh airson sìon eile roimhe seo. B’ aithnichear e mar Daniel a bharrachd air Donald a rèir a’ chunntais. Bha e 33 bliadhna a dh’aois nuair a ràinig e Tìr Van Diemen – mu 31 nuair a thachair an aimhreit.
Tha an tuairisgeul seo againn air an duine:
5’4 1/4” tall, reads a little, fresh complexion, brown hair, reddish whiskers, grey eyes, several powder marks on left arm, single, protestant.
Dh’fhalbh MacDhaibhidh am measg 300 prìosanach air bòrd an Nile, air 27 Ògmhios 1850 – feumaidh ’s gun robh aige ri feitheamh cha mhòr dà bhliadhna ann am prìosan an Alba. Ràinig e Tìr Van Diemen (Tasmania san latha an-diugh), 3 Dàmhairt 1850.
Ged nach robh e air a dhìteadh ach fad seachd bliadhna, cha do thill e a dh’Alba a-riamh, agus dh’fhaodadh gum biodh sin air a bhith ro dhoirbh co-dhiù.
Na àite, phòs e tè Margaret Griffin, 18 bliadhna a dh’aois agus na ban-adair, aig Kangaroo Point air 19 Iuchar 1853. Bha e fhèin na fhear-bàta an uair sin. Bhiodh sianar de chloinne aca.
Fhuair Dòmhnall MacDhaibhidh bàs leis a’ ghalar sgamhanach (pneumonia) ann an ospadal an Hobart, Tasmania, 31 Lùnastal 1874. Bha e 57 bliadhna a dh’aois agus air a bhith ag obair na chreagadair (quarryman). Bha e air a bhith na dhuine saor fad 24 bliadhna co-dhiù – a’ cunntadh bho ràinig e, no 26 bliadhna a’ cunntadh bho chaidh a dhìteadh ann an Alba.
Tha deagh theans gu bheil daoine ann an Tasmania, no Astràilia, an-diugh de shliochd MhicDhaibhidh, an neach-aimhreit agus eucorach Gàidhealach.
A’ Cheàrdach 