Complex sentence: MacIain had satisfied the spirit of the oath, and was confident there would be no action against him or his people, however, elements of the government saw an opportunity to make an example of the MacDonalds, and to eliminate these enemies in one stroke.
Split into simpler sentences: MacIain had satisfied the spirit of the oath, and was confident there would be no action against him or his people. However, elements of the government saw an opportunity to make an example of the MacDonalds, and to eliminate these enemies in one stroke.