In this volume, Amos J. Wright Jr. compiles and presents the source materials relating to the lives and careers of Laughlin McGillivray and Alexander McGillivray. The volume represents tweny years of meticulous detective work, during which the author has ferreted out details previously unknown, has clarified some of the problems raised by previous research, and has righted several current misconceptions. There is much here that is of genealogical interest, bearing on such matters as the relationship between the McGillivray and McIntosh clans in Scotland, and the fate of Alexander McGillivray’s son who was sent to Scotland after the death of his father. Among the many conclusions and carefully weighed opinions offered in these pages, the author has included a consideration of Alexander’s cause of death, as he was rumored to have been poisoned by a Spaniard. Publication of these source materials is sure to further our scholarly understanding of these fascinating individuals who were born into fascinating times.

AMOS J. WRIGHT, JR. (1927-2003) has been a member of the Alabama Historical Society (winning the Award of Merit and the Distinguished Service Award), the Alabama Archaeological Society (winning the Outstanding Member Award and holding the offices of President, Chairman of the Archives Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors), and the Alabama DeSoto Commission (1985-1990). He has published articles in numerous journals, including the Journal of Alabama Archaeology and the Tennessee Archaeologist.