Historical and genealogical account of the principal families of the name of Kennedy

PREFATORY NOTICE. v
which the elder Auchindrayne was concerned; so much indeed, that
the Editor was at one time convinced, that the work had been penned in
the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, by that extraordinary man, as a relaxation
and amusement during the long confinement which preceded his trial. In
favour of such theory it might be urged, that the letters and speeches of
Auchindrayne, given in the course of the History, savour much of the
dry and caustic humour of the author. The author omits no opportunity
of giving a favourable gloss, even to the most indefensible parts of Auch-
indrayne's conduct, in every affair in which he has occasion to name him.
He always assigns him a very prominent part in every feud, &c, and stu-
diously amplifies in all instances which relate to him ; and he acts the part
of a professed apologist of all his actions. He is uniformly present, as an
eye-witness and auditor, at every conference, however secret, and details the
very words uttered, excepting in the case of the diabolical plot to waylay
and murder the Tutor of Cassillis, where he incautiously says, " quhatt
wordis was amangis thame, I will not repeitt it" — evidently inferring, that
he was present, or was perfectly aware of all that passed, from the best
authority. The narrative terminates most abruptly, at the period of the
public accusation of Auchindrayne and his son, as being guilty of the
lad Dalrymple's murder.
These circumstances, however, are in themselves but slender and un-
satisfactory. But it may confidently be asserted, that the author was a
person of family, and of considerable influence in Carrick — that he was
most intimately connected with the leading actors — and that he was bu-
sily engaged in the various events which he so admirably records.