Bond of Confederation between the Frasers of Foyers and the McTavishes of Stratherrick.
The following document, extracted from the History of the Frasers of Lovat (1896,
p.697), by Alexander Mackenzie (1838-98), was reprinted in the article on Simon Fraser
of Ste. Anne’s (c1760-1839) by W.S. Wallace, Transactions of R.S.C., Series 3, Vol.
28, 1934, p. 54, 55]
“At Bellaloin, the 5th day of April, 1721, it is contracted, agreed, and finally
determined: betwixt the parties following, viz.: - William Fraser of Foyers, James
Fraser, Younger thereof, Hugh Fraser of Boleskine, William Fraser of Kinmonavie,
John Fraser of Drummond, William Fraser of Dalcraig, John and Thomas Fraser, his
sons; Thomas Fraser of Kinbrylie, John Fraser, son to Dunchea; John, Thomas, James
and Donald Fraser, sons to the deceased Garthmore; John and Alexander Fraser, Simon’s
sons in Dalchapel; John Donn Fraser in Forbeg, Alexander Fraser, in Knockie, and
John Fraser, his son; Thomas Fraser, son to Bunchegavie; John Fraser, now of Bunchegavie;
Alexander and Hugh Fraser, his sons; and Alexander Fraser, son to John Fraser in
Bellaloin; Alexander Fraser in Mussadie, and William Fraser in Gortuleg, for themselves
and in name and behalf and as burdens taken on them for their several friends and
relations of the said family of Foyers, commonly called CLAN WILLIAM, and their respective
servants and followers, on the one part; and for John McTavish of Little Garth, Tavish,
his brother, John Mactavish, portioner of South Migavie, Tavish Mactavish of North
Migavie, Duncan Mactavish in Kenmure, his brother, and Duncan Mactavish of Croachie,
for themselves, and in name and behalf and as taking burden on themselves for the
several friends and relations, commonly called CLAN TAVISH; and Ronald Macdonald
of Achindich, John and Alexander Macdonalds, his brethren, for themselves and their
friends and relations, and all of them as undertakers for their several tenants,
servants, dependers and followers, on the other part in the manner following: THAT
IS TO SAY, forasmuch as for several years past frequent jealousies and animosities
were created and entertained on small causes, and sometimes without any grounds at
all which oftentimes ended in great mischief, and sometimes in bloodshed on either
side, to the scandal of relation, and that harmony and good correspondence that should
have been maintained betwixt so near neighbours and friends, who are so frequently
bound to one another by the ties of consanguinity and affinity, therefore, and for
the preventing the consequences of such jealousies for the future, the said William
and James Fraser, elder and younger, of Foyers, and the said other persons of his
family for themselves and in name and behalf, and as taking burden on them as aforesaid,
on the one part, and the said party as contractors for themselves, etc on the other
part, faithfully engage, bind, and oblige themselves, and promise their heirs and
successors forever, to live in the strictest amenity, friendship, and good neighbourhood,
and to maintain, defend, and assist one another in all actions, causes, pleas, and
controversies, of what nature and degree whatsoever, whether civil or military, against
all other clans, people or nature, or quality, soever, the King’s Majesty alone excepted.”
The alliance between the Frasers and Mactavishes of Stratherrick was reflected later
in the North West Company of Canada. From Stratherrick came, on the one hand, Simon
McTavish, William McGillivray, Duncan McGillivray, Simon McGillivray, Donald McTavish,
and most of the other relatives of Simon McTavish in the fur-trade, and on the other
hand probably most of the Frasers in the fur-trade. That the Frasers entered the
North West Company appears to have been due chiefly to the clannishness of
