now engaged principally in preserving and improving his possessions,
until the return of David II. from England, 1357-8, when Murdoch
laid before the King a complaint against the Earl of Ross for the
murder of his father, and claimed redress but the only satisfaction he
ever obtained was a confirmation of his rights previously granted
by the King to "Murdo filius Kennethi de Kintaill, etc.," dated
"Edinburg 1362, et Regni Domini Regis VI., Testibus Waltero Senescollo
et allis." [MS. History of the Mackenzies.]

Of Murdoch Dubh's reign, the Laird of Applecross says: "During
this turbulent age, securities and writs, as well as laws, were
little regarded; each man's protection lay in his own strength."
Kintail regularly attended the first Parliament of Robert II.,
until it was decreed by that King and his Privy Council that the
services of the "lesser barons" should not be required in future
Parliaments or General Councils. He then returned home, and
spent most of his time in hunting and wild sports, of which he
was devotedly fond, living peaceably and undisturbed during the
remainder of his days.

This Baron of Kintail took no share in the recent rebellion under the
Lord of the Isles, who, backed by most of the other West Highland
chiefs, attempted to throw off his independence and have himself
proclaimed King of the Isles. The feeble and effeminate Government of
David II., and the evil results consequent thereon throughout the
country, encouraged the island lord in this desperate enterprise, but,
as Tytler says, the King on this occasion, with an unwonted energy of
character, commanded the attendance of the Steward, with the prelates
and barons of the realm, and surrounded by this formidable body of
vassals and retainers, proceeded against the rebels in person." The