Comments in refutation of pretensions advanced for the first time, and statements in a recent work "The Stirlings of Keir and their family papers"

iv PREFACE.
In acquiring the Cadder property in 1541 (by what means will be
afterwards shown), the Stirlings of Keir became possessed of the Cadder
charter-chest, rich in muniments and writs illustrative of the history
and descent of that ancient family, and, doubtless, containing evidence
that would at once confirm the Drumpellier claim on the one hand, or,
on the other hand, set it aside. In either case — while it was natural and
just to all to secure every means of information — the matter might thus
ehgibly be settled, and legal proceedings avoided ; and, with this view,
Mr William Stirling undertook the task of obtaining permission to in-
spect the Cadder writs, which, from what had passed between him, Mr
Charles Stirling, the brother of the then Keir, and the Keir agent, he had
entertained hopes might have been granted ; but he here was doomed
to disappointment, as will appear by the Correspondence in Chapter
II. of this work.
An amicable accommodation, therefore, so sincerely sought by Drum-
pelher, being thus out of the question, the only alternative now left him
in support or vindication of his geutilitial or preferable Cadder claims,
was to betake himself to Law ; of which resolution Keir forthwith,
who had besides peremptorily announced his intention of opposing
them to the utmost, was courteously apprised. And, accordingly, the
writer, in pursuance of such object, was instructed to arrange and prepare
a legal case for Drumpellier, which, in 1818, was duly submitted to and
discussed by two legally constituted Courts. How triumphantly he then
succeeded in establishing his desired Drumpellier-Cadder status and
rights, wUl be seen in the course of the Exposition.
Nor is it the least striking feature of the case that, notwithstanding,
as stated, the bold and peremptory threat of opposition by Keir against
Drumpellier, he yet refrained from taking any step on these- occasions,
and actually, now conscious of the untoward dilemma into which he
had brought himself by attempting what was ultra vires, cahnly allowed