Reports of claims preferred to the House of Lords in the cases of the Cassillis, Sutherland, Spynie, and Glencairn peerages

60
alteration of the legal succession, which I think is
to be presumed to be in favour of the heir-male.
Resolved, It is the opinion of this committee that
Sir Thomas Kennedy has a right and title to the
dignity of Earl of Cassillis, as heir-male descended
of the body of David first Earl of Cassillis ; and
also has a right and title to the dignity of Lord Ken-
nedy, as heir-male descended of the body of Gilbert
the first Lord Kennedy.
Upon the 27th January 1762, the " Lord Wil-
loughby of Parham reported from the Lords Com-
mittees of Privileges, to whom it was referred, to
consider of the petition of William Earl of March
and Ruglen, claiming the titles and honours of Earl
of Cassillis and Lord Kennedy, and also the peti-
tion of Sir Thomas Kennedy of Colzean, Baronet,
claiming the same titles and honours, with his Ma-
jesty's reference thereof to this House : That the
Committee had met and considered the matter to
them referred, and have heard counsel for the peti-
tioners upon their respective claims ; and after de-
bate and full consideration, heard what was offered
and produced in evidence by the counsel on either
side, their Lordships are of opinion that the peti-
tioner, Sir Thomas Kennedy, hath a right and title
to the honour and dignity of Earl of Cassillis, and
that he hath also a right and title to the honour and
dignity of Lord Kennedy, as heir-male of the body
of Gilbert the first Lord Kennedy.
" Which report being read twice by the Clerk, was
agreed to by the House.