Glencoe and the Indians

I bought this book out of a fascination of the Glencoe Massacre and my love of Scottish history. I understood this book compared the Highland clearances and the treatment of the clans to the clearances of the Native Americans of the Western United States a generation later. I did not realize that this book would have a more personal meaning to me. Mr. Hunter tells this tale via the McDonald family who were survivors of the Glencoe Massacre and 4 generations later were involved in the Nez Perce war of 1877 and Chief Joseph fame. The book centers on the life and career of Angus McDonald, a Scottish highlander of the Glengarry and Glencoe branches of the clan MacDonald. He leaves his home in Scotland and joins the Hudson Bay Company in North America and rises through the ranks. During his life as a fur trader in the American West he marries a Nez Perce woman, raises a large family and eventually retires in what is now the Flathead Reservation in Montana. He has numerous children, this story primarily focusing on Duncan McDonald, who being part Nez Perce is drawn into the Nez Perce war and gives his perception of the treatment of the Native Americans, particularly the Nez Perce War. Growing up in Eastern Washington in Kettle Falls, I knew of Archibald (Angus's Great Uncle) and Angus McDonald of the old Hudson's Bay Fort Colville . I did not realize Angus spent over 20 years running the Fort Colville and raising his family there. I grew up on the bluff overlooking the old site and have walked among the old Fort Colville foundations when the Columbia River is drawn down. I have seen a small hint of the former glory of the falls that were fished by the tribes from miles around. Mr. Hunter does a great job in comparing the plights and mistreatment of two peoples who tried to defend an ancient way of life. Unfortunately the modern world would leave no room for their way of life. Angus McDonald's family experienced it all, yet many of his descendants continue to survive and pass on their story and what an incredible story it is. This book is a must for any fan of Scottish History, readers of the life and times of the fur traders of the American west or those interested in the trials of the American Indians. Mr. Hunter has woven a master peace. I would give this book 6 stars if I could.