This document, among other
curious matter, furnishes us with a proof, that the chiefs of clans were
_elective_, contrary to the opinions of modern authors, and more especially
of our modern historical novelists; which latter speak of them as
_hereditary feudal lords_, and even talk of their estates descending to
their daughters; although under the system of clanship, females could not
inherit, and no man could have more than a life interest in his estate.
Here we have an instance of a chief divesting himself of the dignity of
office, and joining in the transfer of it to another, when such transfer
was considered likely to further the interests of the clan. It is also
interesting, as showing the manner in which the English government in
Dublin proceeded in the subjugation of Ireland, by embroiling its septs
with one another.
The _Mac Ranalds_, or _Magranals_, (as the name was usually written,) in
English, Reynolds, the principal parties to the deed, were a clan who
possessed the territory of _Munterolish_, in the county of Leitrim,
subordinate to O'Rourke, who was lord paramount of the county; and the
lords justices having, by this deed, detached them from the interest of the
latter, immediately marched an army into his country.
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