Note 262 — Chapter XIII

Wishart, p. 84.—Stewart’s descendant, the late Robert Stewart of Ardvoirlich, gives an account of the above incident, founded on a “constant tradition in the family,” tending to show that his ancestor was not so much a man of base and treacherous character, as of “violent passions and singular temper.” James Stewart, it is said, was so irritated at the Irish, for committing some excesses on lands belonging to him, that he challenged their commander, Macdonald, to single combat. By advice of Kilpont, Montrose arrested both, and brought about a seeming conciliation. When encamped at Collace, Montrose gave an entertainment to his officers, on returning from which Ardvoirlich, “heated with drink, began to blame Kilpont for the part he had taken in preventing his obtaining redress, and reflecting against Montrose for not allowing him what he considered proper reparation. Kilpont, of course, defended the conduct of himself and his relative, Montrose, till their argument came to high words, and finally, from the state they were both in, by an easy transition, to blows, when Ardvoirlich, with his dirk, struck Kilpont dead on the spot.” He fled, leaving his eldest son, Henry, mortally wounded at Tippermuir, on his death-bed.—Introd. to Legend of Montrose.