In 1652, the Earl of Glencairn, setting up the Royal standard, received the ready co-operation of Lochiel against the Republicans. Jealousy and distrust estranging the Royalist chiefs, creeping into and distracting their counsels, breaking the bond of union otherwise so mighty an agent to success—Lochiel, keeping aloof from these troubles at head-quarters, acting independently, effectively shielded the Royal army in its consequent weakness, delaying the ruin which ultimately overtook this unfortunate attempt to restore the kingdom to Charles II. His exploits savour of the marvellous and romantic; nevertheless, they in truth displayed the heroism of his character and the genius of a master-mind in the business of war. On one occasion a party of 300 soldiers had been sent to ravage his estates around Inverlochy. Hastily collecting thirty-eight of his clan, with a fearlessness amounting almost to rashness, despite the remonstrances of the sager veterans of his little band, to whose experiences he replied, “If every man kills his man, I will answer for the rest,” he descended upon the unsuspecting troops with the utmost fury, when a desperate and bloody struggle ensued. But nothing, not even superior numbers, could withstand so furious an attack by the Camerons. Steadily fighting, the soldiers slowly retreated to the boats from which they had landed, leaving 138 of their comrades dead on the shore, whilst the loss of the Highlanders only amounted to seven men. By many such deeds of daring, in which he always displayed prodigies of valour, to his foes he appeared a dread avenger, but to his friends he was known as a sure protector. When all other opposition to its rule had been overcome by a victorious Protectorate, Lochiel remained in arms for his King, uncouquered, and seemingly unconquerable. Bribery could not purchase the submission of so noble a spirit, and persuasion failed to gain over the allegiance of so faithful an adherent of the exiled monarch. Fortunately, the good policy of Cromwell effected an honourable compromise, consistent with the dignity of this brave yet haughty chieftain, which put an end to the cruel war which had already exhausted the resources, and if persevered in, must have exterminated the gallant Camerons. Unable to win his alliance, the Protector wisely contented himself with a simple peace.