Disputes over women were a frequent cause or excuse for the fighting of duels, and not only among the likes of Basil Lee.

Alan Cameron of Errachd, a young laird, was courting the widow of Cameron of Strone some years after the '45. His frequent visits to the young lady, who was known as A'Bhanntrach Ruadh or "The Auburn-Haired Widow," so irritated her guardian Murshiorlaich that he confronted the boy. An argument ensued, and before long Errachd called Murshiorlaich out, proposing that they meet with broadswords on the banks of the Lochy. Considering that Murshiorlaich was a veteran of the '45, while Cameron of Errachd was an untried and virtually untrained young hothead, the former was reluctant to agree to the fight. He accepted on one condition- that they stop at first blood.

Alan immediately set about preparing for the duel, taking some broadsword lessons from an old retainer of his father's. His weapon of choice for the fight was his father's own sword, with which he had fought at the Battle of Culloden. A few last-minute tips are generally no match for experience, but Alan did have the advantage of youth. He also had another advantage, although he did not understand it. Raised and trained before the '45, Murshiorlaich was reluctant to take human life in single combat, as Highlanders raised under the clan system generally were. He had resolved before hand to act on the defensive. As the fight began, the old man's superior skill was immediately obvious. Although Alan attacked impetuously, he could not get through. His attempts to batter his way through his opponent's guard were all turned aside, almost as if the old warrior was merely playing with him. And yet Murshiorlaich was getting tired. Realizing that he would have to end the fight or else suffer the consequences, Murshiorlaich struck with a sudden thrust, drawing blood on Alan's hand. But in this case his ethical principles cost him his life.

Enraged by the pain of the wound and the sight of his own blood, Alan disregarded their agreement and cut the old man down. Cursing himself for his violent temper, young Alan went on the run, less to escape the officers of the law than Murshiorlaich's kinsmen. He was forced to work for a while as a clerk in an office, but eventually joined the British Army and raised the Cameron Highlanders. This regiment fought with great distinction in the Napoleonic Wars, and Alan Cameron commanded them himself at the Battle of Alexandria, where his impetuous and aggressive qualities could be put to better use.

(Loyal Lochaber and Its Associations Historical, Generalogical, and Traditionary By William Drummond Norie, and Alice C. MacDonell, 1898)

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