Greg

A pal just forwarded this link to me. See what you think.

The man himself explains

This came at the same time:Highlanders in the American South seldom overcame the practices and values of slave-holding society, however. Their slaves, being members of a Highland community, also spoke Gaelic. Lady Liston, wife of the British minister in Washington, wrote in the late eighteenth century, "The Gallic language is still prevalent amongst them, their Negroes speak it, and they have a clergyman who preaches in it." John Sinclair wrote in 1872, "I have met with a number of coloured people who speak the Gaelic as well as if they had been raised in any of the Hebrides." Sinclair himself was minister to the freed slaves of Harnett County, and some black churches continued to use Gaelic in religious services well after the abolition of slavery. Some African musicians were acknowledged masters of Highland music, such as fiddler John "Jack" McGeachy who lived in Robeson County, North Carolina from 1769 to 1869.

This is an extract from a text presented at the Highland Settlers Conference Virginia Historical Society and University of Richmond November 6, 2003 by Michael Newton.


Re: Fiona's post

Everyone,

If you've not come across Fiona before...She is a real font of quite extraordinary knowledge on Gaelic music, with access to the best sources and musicians in the Highlands today. And a lovely lady with it.

She really does meant when she says get in touch if you need information. You'll do no better!   

SM