142 PLUSCARDYX.
the execution of Charles I., in 1649, the Earl retired to Charles II. to Holland.
Subsequently, he was one of those who entered into the Oath of Engagement
in behalf of Charles for the maintenance of the National Covenant and Solemn
League and Covenant. Charles had named him as Secretary of State for
Scotland, but he died early in 1651.
On May 4th, 1649, a proclamation was made at the Market Cross of
Edinburgh, ^^ against the rebellione in the North, calkd Pluscardies** A copy,
" the doubell," is preserved in Balfour's " Annals," where Thomas Mackenzie
is declared to have been found by the " Staits of Parliament " guilty of the
crime of high treason.* On the 22nd Febniary, followed by Urquhart, Eraser,
and Munro, Pluscarden entered Inverness, and demolished its walls and
fortifications. General Leslie having reached the North, Pluscarden's troops
fled, and Urquhart, Eraser, and Munro made terms with the General. No
sooner had Leslie turned his back than Pluscarden was again in arms,
scouring the country, but was soon after again reduced by Leslie, f Laird
Thomas appears at the fatal battle of Worcester in 1651, as Colonel of a
Highland regiment. Before this, however, he had lost Pluscardyn, which Sir
George Mackenzie of Tarbat had acquired in 1649 by a Charter of Appraising,
Sir George's son became, in 1703, first Earl of Cromarty. He was strongly
attached to the civil and religious principles and practices of the House of
Stuart, and under them held almost all possible chief offices of State. In the
DuflF House Charter Chest there is a very long document (paper) of disposition
and ratification, dated 1687, signed by "Colin Mackenzie of Pluscarden,"
stating that he is the son and rightful heir of Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscarden.
