229. Earl Crawford.
P. 280 a, A, b. b was written down March 25, 1890.
234. Charlie MacPherson.
P. 310. Mr Walker of Aberdeen suggests that Billy Beg in 3 should be Bellabeg, a small property in Strathdon. It will be observed that two other men in the same stanza are named by their estates.
235. The Earl of Aboyne.
P. 311 b, omit the paragraph beginning J, and say: Charles, first Earl of Aboyne, married for his first wife Margaret Irvine of Drum, who died in December, 1662. (The Records of Aboyne, edited by the Marquis of Huntly, New Spalding Club, 1894, p. 552.) The story of the ballad, so far as is known, is an absolute fiction.
In vol. ii of Retours or Services of Heirs, No 4906 (Aberdeen), 17 June, 1665, there is the entry: Domina Anna Gordoun, hæres Dominæ Margaretæ Irving, sponsæ Comitis de Aboyne matris. (Mr Walker of Aberdeen.)
311, V, 270. Mr Macmath has sent me this stall-copy, printed by J. Morren, Cowgate, Edinburgh.
PEGGY IRVINE.
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