Salt-foot controversy

6 LETTER OF CANDIDUS.
distinguished, but as a matter of justice to a family,
which certainly is at the head of one of the most
ancient branches of the House of Stewart.
The feud, it seems, which subsisted between the
Stewarts and the Somervilles, was of very ancient
standing, probably originating in some of those pre-
datory excursions, or personal quarrels, which occu-
pied the leisure, while they inflamed the passions, of
a warlike race of men. Sir Walter Stewart and
Somerville of Camnethan, it appears, had inherited
the antipathies of their respective houses. Unlike
each other in temper and pursuits, their animosity was
imbittered by their religious prejudices, and by their
political and parish disputes. For, while Sir Walter
supported, with all his might, the solemn league
and covenant * (the popular doctrine of the times),
* [In the Pedigree of Allanton in the New Edition of the
History of Renfrewshire, there is also this Anecdote of the Knight
taken from the same authority, the MS. History of the Family.
" It is recorded, that Oliver Cromwell, in 1650, after the
battle of Dunbar, in his progress through Lanarkshire, halted
with a few attendants at Allanton House, where he was hospita-
bly entertained by Lady Stewart, and where he passed the night.
Sir Walter, being a royalist, took care to be out of the way. On
the Protector's arrival, as it is said, some choice Canary and
other refreshments were presented, but he would suffer nothing
to be touched untill he himself had first said grace, which he
fervently did for more than half an hour, to the great edification
of the Lady. He then courteously enquired after Sir Walter,
and on drinking the health of the Family, observed that his
mother was a Stewart j and that he always felt a kindness for
the name !" This and several other characteristic anecdotes of
the visit are still preserved. Hist. p. 475.}