A consistent Conservative all his life, Cluny was ever courteous and tolerant to all who differed from him, whether in Church or in State -- disarming contention, as he frequently, quietly, and happily did, with the remark, "We must agree to differ." A loyal and devoted Presbyterian, he was no sectarian. Men of all Churches and of all ranks honoured him. In the management of his estates the maxim, "Live and let live," which he often quoted, was his ruling principle. During his long possession, evictions or summonses of removal were never heard of, and practically there were no arrears of rent. He, winter and summer, ever loved to dwell "among his own people." It is no exaggeration to say that every tenant and crofter on his estates were familiarly known to him by name. In him were the Scriptural precepts, "Be pitiful, be courteous," beautifully exemplified. He never passed the humblest labourer on his estates without, when opportunity offered, some happy salutation in the old mother tongue, so dear to Highlanders.

      Less than a week before his death he expressed to the writer feelings of the warmest kind towards his clan and tenantry. Among other matters, he spoke about the meeting of Highland proprietors which had been arranged by his kinsman, Lochiel, to take place at Inverness the following week, in connection with the crofter question, observing that he was too old to attend. "You know," he said, "that I am on the best of terms with my tenants and crofters, and I do not consider my presence necessary in any case."

      Encouraging, as he ever did within reasonable and well-regulated bounds, all the innocent and manly pastimes of our forefathers, Cluny was in the habit of annually giving a 'ball play,' or shinty match, to his people. On Christmas Day (old style), five days before his death, the 'ball play' took place as in previous years. The day happened to be very stormy, with blinding showers of snow. The aged Chief would not be dissuaded by loving counsels from attending as usual, remarking that while strength was spared to him he considered it simply his "duty" to be present at all such happy gatherings of his people. Accompanied by the loving partner of his long and happy wedded life, he accordingly drove to the field, and they were both received with the genuine Highland enthusiasm ever evoked by the presence of the venerable pair at such gatherings. In response, Cluny made a happy little speech in Gaelic, expressive of the pleasure it always afforded him to be present with his people, participating, as he had always endeavoured to do, in their joys as well as in their sorrows. Although Cluny's exposure to the piercing blasts on that occasion -- dictated, as such exposure was, by a lifelong regard and consideration for his people -- did not, it is believed, hasten the end, yet that end was very near. Within five days an attack of bronchitis had developed itself to such an extent that on Sunday, the 11th of January, the venerable Chief passed calmly and peacefully to his rest.

           Attended by a large gathering, representative of all classes, embracing many of the greatest historical names in the Highlands, the funeral took place on Saturday, the 17th of January, amid manifestations of the deepest sorrow. The scene was altogether peculiarly touching and impressive. In the spacious hall of the castle lay the coffin, bearing on a brass plate the following inscription:--