The Deadly Feud Between Andro Henderson and the Montgomerys

In the heart of 17th-century Edinburgh, a feud would erupt that would capture the attention of the entire city and eventually lead to a violent and tragic clash between two parties. At the center of this deadly feud were Andro Henderson and the Montgomerys, particularly William and Adame Montgomery. This tale is a saga of bitterness, jealousy, and ultimately, brutal confrontation.

The Origins of the Feud

The feud between Andro Henderson and the Montgomerys had its roots in a tumultuous period in Edinburgh's history. The 17th century was a time when the city was rapidly changing, transforming into a bustling hub of trade and commerce. Edinburgh was known for its thriving merchant class, and among them were the Montgomerys, prosperous and influential merchants.

Andro Henderson, on the other hand, was no stranger to the world of commerce. He was a merchant as well, and he had long held ambitions of matching the Montgomerys' success. However, these ambitions soon gave way to envy and resentment. Henderson believed that the Montgomerys had an unfair advantage, be it through influence, connections, or cunning business tactics.

A Series of Clashes

The first sparks of the feud began with petty clashes. Henderson's jealousy and suspicion led him to believe that the Montgomerys were working against his interests. These minor conflicts escalated over time, as accusations and counter-accusations flew between the two parties. Henderson felt that the Montgomerys were undermining his business dealings and conspiring against him, while the Montgomerys saw Henderson as a competitor who needed to be put in his place.

One of the key turning points in this feud was the involvement of David Johnnestoun, a Bailie (a municipal magistrate) of Edinburgh. Henderson accused the Montgomerys of assisting Johnnestoun in his official duties. In Henderson's eyes, this was a betrayal, as he believed that Johnnestoun had been responsible for some personal grievance he held.

A Violent Encounter

The tension between the two parties reached its zenith on a fateful day in September. Henderson had grown increasingly paranoid and obsessed with seeking retribution against the Montgomerys. He believed that they were responsible for a wrong committed against him, and he decided to take matters into his own hands.

On the evening of that day, as the sun dipped below the Edinburgh skyline, Henderson ambushed the Montgomerys. Armed with a heavy baton and a sword, he lay in wait for them near their home. The Montgomerys, oblivious to the impending danger, walked towards their residence, thinking of nothing more than returning home after a day's work.

As they approached their dwelling, Henderson sprang into action. He lunged at the brothers with his baton, aiming a blow at Adame's head. It was a calculated, brutal attack aimed at revenge. Adame, fearing for his life, drew his dagger in a desperate attempt to defend himself.

The Violent Clash

The situation quickly spiraled into a chaotic, deadly confrontation. Adame Montgomery, armed with a dagger, managed to ward off Henderson's initial attack. In a stroke of luck or divine intervention, he avoided a potentially fatal blow.

Frustrated and relentless, Henderson discarded his shattered baton and drew his sword. He swung it menacingly at Adame, wounding him in the left hand and causing a profuse bleeding of blood. The altercation was violent and gruesome, and the gruesome reality of the situation became evident when it was clear that Adame had lost three fingers from his left hand in the struggle.

The assault on Adame, an unarmed man who had only defended himself, was a heinous act that shook the community to its core. The sight of blood staining the streets and the cries of the injured echoed through the night.

The Legal Proceedings

The aftermath of this brutal encounter was not the end of the story. Henderson, attempting to flee the scene, was apprehended shortly afterward with a bloodied sword. He was taken into custody and incarcerated within the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, a prison of the time.

The legal proceedings that followed were a reflection of the seriousness of the crimes committed. The prosecution, led by Adame Montgomery and supported by his brothers and allies, sought justice for the vicious attack. The charges brought against Henderson included "Hamefuckin and brigancie," which implied violent assault and robbery under the cover of darkness.

The Trial and Verdict

The trial of Andro Henderson was a highly anticipated event. It brought the citizens of Edinburgh to the courtroom, where they eagerly awaited the outcome of this deadly feud. The legal proceedings were conducted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the seriousness of the charges.

The defense argued that the dismemberment had occurred in self-defense. They maintained that Henderson had been set upon by two armed individuals, the Montgomery brothers, who posed a direct threat to his life. The defense claimed that any actions taken by Henderson were in defense of his own life and safety.

In contrast, the prosecution, led by Adame Montgomery and supported by witnesses, argued that Henderson had been the initial aggressor. Witnesses provided accounts that suggested that Henderson had attacked Adame, who had drawn his dagger in a desperate bid to protect himself.

The jury, or Aflyfe, deliberated carefully, taking into account all the evidence and testimonies presented. Ultimately, they returned a verdict of guilty against Andro Henderson. He was found culpable for the dismemberment of Adame Montgomery's hand, a cruel act that had resulted in the loss of three fingers. The conviction was based on evidence suggesting that Henderson had instigated the attack.

The Sentence and Banishment

The verdict was followed by the pronouncement of a severe sentence. The Justice, acting as the judicial authority, decreed that Andro Henderson be banished from the dominion for the rest of his life. He was forbidden from ever returning to the region, with the penalty of death hanging over him should he defy the banishment order.

After the sentence was delivered, Andro Henderson was remanded back to the custody of the city's authorities, who would ensure his confinement until the arrangements for his departure were complete.

The Aftermath

The deadly feud between Andro Henderson and the Montgomerys had finally reached its conclusion, but the scars left by the violent confrontation would long endure. The city of Edinburgh had borne witness to a shocking and brutal clash, and it had meted out a stern punishment against the aggressor.

The Montgomerys, on the other hand, were left to recover from the physical and emotional wounds inflicted during the confrontation. The city's legal system had demonstrated that it would not tolerate such acts of violence and would respond with harsh penalties.

In the end, the deadly feud had brought to light the importance of justice and order in a rapidly changing Edinburgh. The story of Andro Henderson and the Montgomerys became a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the consequences of allowing feuds and personal grievances to escalate to such violent extremes.

The streets of Edinburgh would continue to evolve, but the legacy of this feud would endure as a reminder of the dark and violent side of human nature and the importance of a just and impartial legal system in maintaining peace and order in society.