-''/- "^ 5)1 s DO, so ER% ^lOSANCElfj-^ ;m^ %jiqAiNfimv ^^ '^: %:^..:s ^OFCAllFOff/i^ ^OF CALIFO/?y)j^ awfunivers/a %il30NVS01^ FOft)^ ^OFCAIIFO/?^ ^^WE•UNIVERS/^ ^lOSANCElfj^ o %a3AiNn-3WV ^lOSANCElfX/ o %a3AiNn-3WV ^>;lOS•ANCElfJ> S0\^^ '^/5a3AINn-3WV^ 'ER% ^vWSANCEl% ^lUBRARYQ^ -^^jvlLIBRARY^^^ C3 ^OFCAIIFO/?^ %OJI1VOJO>- >^OFCALIF0ff^. //f.^M^jniWY ^ %MAiNn-3V^^ %ojnvojo^ ^ojnvDjo"^ mm//j vvlOSANCEl% %H?AIN[imV^ ^OFCA1IFO% >;;OFCAllFOff^ ^■ %a3AINfl-3WV** ^lOSANCEl£f^ ^tllBRARYQr v^UIBRARYOc. ^ 1 1 r-^ ^i^OinVDJO^ ^OJUVJ-JO"^ .^,OF-CAIIFO%. oe IV f ^ A S ^0FCAIIF0% ^v^m>^ "^AaaAiNfij^ ^QAavaan# "^(^Aavaaii-^ RARYQr A^tllBRARY-Gr llTllUi;! ^^WE:UNIVE%^ ^lOSANCElfj-^ i^^l I^Tfr-l t'PJ/M ^Mu JjuX'^JUUC ^^ ^trr^ \(>z^ ■xmI ■ 1^ 0J^ 2060744 _ I -e" huL \\ * ^. \f b^-m.'^- iig^j. stack Annex c> TO THE READER. ^ Some years ago, the Publisher solicited the Rev William Mackenzie to write a History of Galloway to be printed at the Publisher's press in Kirkcudbright Mr Mackenzie kind- ly undertook this labour, on condition of being supplied with the necessary books, and having at his disposal those documents^ which the Publisher had collected for the execution of the work. \\'ith the assistance of these and other materials procured during its progress the History has been prepared ; and it i5 now presented to the public in the hope that an attempt to preserve some facts connected with Galloway will meet with indulgence, if not with approbation. It was necessary for the Publisher to enter into an extensive correspondence with several noblemen, and with many gentlemen and clergymen connected with the district— to all of whom he returns his most grateful thanks for the kindness and promptitude with which 2060744 ir TO THE HEADER. they answered his applicatio'^s, and supplied him not only v/itli hooks and manuscripts, hut with some important historical facts, as well as numerous interesting anecdotes, re- lating hoth to individuals and to families. — To Mr Train, in particular, the well known friend and correspondent of Sir Walter Scott, he is under deep ohligations for the valuable information lie gave, and for the warm interest ha took in the work, from- its commencement to its conclusion. lie desires also to make every acknowledgement to his liberal and in- dulgent suhscribers, without whose generous support, the work would have btcn iitither undertaken nor accomplished. The History may not be executed to the entire satisfaction of the learned or of the fastidious reader ; but, if it shall be the means of awakening curiosity and of calling forth an abler production, the labour it has cost "will not be 'looked upon as fruitless. Al- though the principal object has been a sim- ple, perspicuous, and faithful narrative, facts may have been sometimes misconceived, and consequently misrepresented. Amid the contradictory statements ar.d conflicting o- pinions with which the materials for history abound, it is always difficult, and sometimes TO THE EEADER. V impossible to ascertain truth ; but those books have been most carclally consulted, which* from the character of tlieir authors, arc allow- ed to be the most worthy of credit. To those who are familiar with the general history of this country, many of the following' statements may appear unnecesary ; but had the facts relating exclusively to Galloway been told in the narrowest compass, events v/Guld have appeared disconnected, unin- teresting, and, perhaps, even unintelligible. — To those who may censure the narrative as not sufiiciently amp^e, want of space must plead tlic apology ; besides it was thought su- perfluous to enter with more fulness into sub- jects on vvliich Andrew Symson, and Dr. Thomas Murray have exhausted research. In many of the notes, the original language and spelling have been preserved, that the reader may be gratified by judging for him- self of the true import of their statcm.ents. — These notes are marked as quotations, and the names of the writers are placed in capitals immediately below them. ADVERTISEMENT, In consequence of the materials for the following tvork, having accumulated considerably beyond ivhat ivas originally anticipated, the Publisher is under the necessity of advancing the price ; but he trusts that his Subscribers ivill not be dissatisfied, as they tcili see, by referring to the Prospectus, that the increase of the price is not in proportion to the number of ad" ditional pages. In the Prospectus he promised from ninety-five to a hundred pages for one shilling : the price being ticelve shillings, he 7iow gives upwards of a hundred and eighteen pages for the same money. ERRATA. Volume I — Page 38, line 5, for sacrifice, read sacrifices. 77, — 10, '/or at, read in DO, Note 1 /or cemetiy.rfifle? cemetery, i 18 lino 9, for respitp. read a respito. 1 57 27, /or Mitgiius, reari Magnu», King of Norway. 260 — 29. /•);■ Edward, rec(/ the EngUsh. 317 2, for Aicliibnld Douglas, however, reacf Ar. chibuld Douglas, Lord of Galloway, howerer, 328 — 12,/or Vaneuil, rc?aJ Varneuil. 369 15,/jr Bailery, read Bailiery. 383 Note 4, for ordinance, read ordnance. 473 line 3, for army, read enemy. 473 Note for 300. read 350. 493 Note 1, for men, read man, 517 Note 1, /or landed, re«rf landed in Galloway. 528 Note 2, V, also ravages it... The Picts' dyke through Galloway... Rifme relinquishes its British pro- vinces. ..Galloway during the Roman period, a kind of debate- able land... Advantages derived from the Romans... Introduc. tion or diffusion of Christianity ..St. Ninian buried at Whit. horn. CHAPTER III. p. 121. The Saxons land in Britain. ..Establish seven kingdoms. ..The Selgovae and Novantes, &c., foim the^mselves into a community ...Arthur penetiales into Galloway, and is said to have erected a palace in it.. Aiijjlo Saxons obtain ascendency in the district ...The Cruithne of Ireland form a settlement in it... The Danes infest Galloway. ..Galloway yieldo to the sway of Ken. Beth. CHAPTER IV. p. 147 Manners, laws, &c., of the Irish colonists ..The Duke of Normandy invades England. ..Many families in Galloway found, ed by Saxon and Norman refugees... Magnus, King of Norway, lands at the Mnil of Galloway... Earl David obtains the so- vereignty of Galloway ...Coin of home manufacture appears in the district... Ulgric and Dovcnald.,.Galwegians, &c., defeat the EodisK at Clilberow....Battla of the Standard... Galwegians CONTENTS. Ill compose the first line and ronimenre the action... Their chiefs killeil. ..The Gispenses justice in the town of Wigtown... Edward Baliol as- serts his claim to the crown... Acknowledges the King of Eng- land his supeiior Loid.... Crowned. ..Obliged to fly... The Lord of Galloway falls at Halidon hill, where the Scots were defeated.. ..The English King and Bali 1 pass through Galloway, ravaging the country as far as Glasgow.. .The Scots under Davfd defeated near Durham. ..David made a prisoner, to. gether with the Earl of Wii;town.. Edward Baliol takes up his lesidence in Buillle castle. ..Domineeis in that quarter.... Surrenders his kingdom... .David liberated.... Archibald Douglas receives the eastern portion of Galloway. ..Acquires the Earl, dom of Wigtown... Famine... Pestilence... RoliCrt Stewart a. «cends the throne.... Archibald Douglas, Loid of Galloway, goes ambassador to France... The Lord of Galloway ravages England... William Douglas, illegitimate son of the Lord of Galloway, makes descents on Ireland and the Isle of Man... The Earl of Douglas falls in the battle of Otterburn, and the Lord of Galloway obtains his title. ..Builds the castle of Thrieve.., Procures the marriage of his daughter to the Duke of Rolhsay, heir apparent to the crown. ..Dies at an advanced age.. ..Sue. ceeded by his son Archibald ..Tlie Lord of Galloway, with tea thousand men, marches into England. ..Douglas taken piisoner ....Douglas again taken piisoner at Shrewsbuiy.. Liberated... Douglas's son, the Earl of Wigtown, proceeds to France, to assist the French King, and obtains the Lordship of Longue. ville...The Lord of Galloway follows, and is made Duke of Touraine.... Falls in battle.. .Douglas succeeded by his son Archibald, third Lord of Galloway of that name.. ..Douglas imprisoned by the King.... Released. ...Douglas dies,. ..William Ik)uglas succeeds his father.. ..Young Douglas and his brother^ V CONTENTS. invited to attend Parliament... Dine in the castle with the King... Beheaded... William succeeded hy James, Earl of Avon, dale, as Earl of Douglas, and Margaret, William's sister, becomes Countess of Galloway... James dies at Abcrcorn, and his son, William, succeeds... Marries INIargaret, the Fair Maid of Gal- loway... The Earl of Otmond defeats the English at the river Sark... Sometimes attended by 5,000 men.,. Douglas sets out to visit France and Italy... The King, accompanied by a strong military force, marclies into Galloway, ...Razes the castle of Douglas to the ground. ..Douglas returns and is again received into favour... Forrac a league with the Earls of Crawford and Ri)ss...nerries of Tcrregles, taken prisoner by Douglas and executed. ..Douglas beheads the Tutor of Bombie... Invited by the King to Stilling castle... Slain in the castlcp CHAPTER VIII, p, 371, James Douglas, the Earl's eldest brother, declared his sue. cessor...His adherents proclaim the King a perjured traitor, and burn Stirling... A reconciliation takes place between the King and Douglas. ..James Douglas mairies the Countess of Galloway, his brother's widow ..The Lord of Galloway again rebels.. ..Defeated. ...His property forfeited. ...The King visits the town of Kirkcudbright. ...The Lordship of Galloway annex- ed to the crown... Kirkcudbright created a royal burgh... Queen INIargaretof England at tlie ?vIonastery of Lincluden...The young King of Scotland and his mother visit her... Henry of England takes refuge in Kirkcudbright... J.Iargaret sails from Kirkcud. bright to France. ..James grants the Lordship of Galloway to the Queen... Undertakes a pilgrimage to Whi'i,horn...The Earl of Douglas makes an inroad iulo Scolland, and is taken prisoner... Confined in the Abbey of Lindores...Tho nobles rise against James III. ..Collect an army and engage the royal forces,.. The Galwugians in the second line... .The insurgents are victorious... James flees and is assassinated... Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, ap- pointed ruler of Galloway, and keeper of Thiieve castle... Both- well appoints Gordon of Lochinvar bailie of Kirk- Andrews ...The Earl of Douglas dies. ..James IV. often repairs to Whithorn. .Vi. sits Kirkcudbright... Sir John Dunbar of iVIochvum made Steward of the Stevvartry of Kirkcudbright, and keeper of Thrleve castle .. Killed by Alexander Gordon younger of Lochinvar... A feud between the Gordons and Dunbars... The Abbot of Tongland attempts to fly; but falls and breaks his thigh bone... The King and Queen make a pilgrimage to Whithorn, the journev lasting thirty one days... The Earl of Derby, King of Man, makes a do. scent upon Galloway... Cutlar M'Culloch retaliates on the Isla of Man. ..James again visits the town of Kirkcudbright... Con- stitutes Whithorn a joyal burgh... Many Galloway proprietois b y\ CONTENTS. fall in the biittle of Flodflen...LoTd Maxwell procures the Stewardship of Kirkcudbtiyht, and the keepinjr of Thrieve castle ...Gavin Duubnr, prior of Whithorn, conducts the education of the young King... The ilcgent Albany lands at Kirkcudbiight ...Gavin Duidsar appointed Arcbbisiiop of Glasgow... A feud between Maclellan of Bonibie and Gordon of Lochinvar... Gavin Dunbar uvade Lord High Chancellor... Lord Herries, Lord Maxwell, and the Bishop of Galloway appointed Senators of the College of Justice... GHllovvay, the cradle of the Reforma- tion. ..Gavin Dunbar and Lord Maxwell included in the Re- gency. ..Loid Maxwell ambassador to France... The Eail of Gasffillis aiid Loid Maxwell made prisoners at Solway Moss. CHAPTER IX. p. 458. David Painter sent ambassador to the French Court. ..Max. well's castles stormed by the Scottish Regent. ..Gordon of Loch- invar killed in the battle of Pinkie... Kirkcudbright summoned to submit to the Eiigli?h... Besieged, ..The Tutor of Bornbie attacks the besiegeis...The English letuin to Duiafries. .. Andrew Durie, Bishop of Galloway, seut to Fiance to negotiate a marriage between the Queen of Scotland and the Dauphin of France ..David Painter sent to France to negotiate a peace be. tween England and Scotland... The Bishop of Galloway, the F.arl of Cassillis, and Lord Maxwell accompany the Queeu Dowau'er to France ..The Earl of Cassillis nominated Lord Treasurer,.. Sir Johu Gordon of Lochinvar appointed justi. ciary of Galloway... Alexander Gordon, son of the Master of Huutly, nominated Bishop of Galloway... Embraces Protectant opinions... Lord Maxwell thiown into prison... Parish Schools enjoined.. The Bishop of Galloway, Earl of Morton, Master of Maxwell, with the Barons of Garlics and Lochirivar, signed the First Book of Discipline... Cassillis, ISloiton, the Master of Maxwell, and the Laird of Drumlanrig, members of the Regency ... Kuox appointed commissioner to visit the churches in Gal. loway and Kyle... Has a conference with the Master of Max. well, SiC....The Prior of Whithorn offers a disputation,., Jhiry grants the Friars' church at Kirkcudbright to be used as a pa- rish church.., Morton, Cassillis, and Sir Alexander Stewart, at the royal marriage... Knox directed to visit, preach, aird plant Kirks in the south of Scotland.,. Prior of Whithorn assists at the baptism of James VL..The Earl of Cussilis, Lord Herries, and Gordon of Lochinvar, sat in Bothwell's jury ...Lord Herries dissue.des the Queen from marrying Darnly...Bothweirs lands in Galloway forfeited... The bond in favour of the young King signed by many Galloway proprietors... Bishop Gordon accused of negligence, before the General Assembly... Bond in favour of the Queen, signed by many Loi'ds and geutlcmcn of Galloway , .. CONTENTS. VU Mary defeated at Langsidc ..Flies to Galloway.,.. Sleeps at Corra house. ..Visits Tei regies, IlazletielJ, and the Abbey of Dimdrennau... Takes an open boat and sails to England. CHAPTER X. p. 512. The Regent marches into Galloway to chastise Mary's friends ...Arrives at St. John's Clauchan, parish of Dairy... Destroyes Kenmure castle and another mansion... Several gentlemen who had belonged to Mary's party submit at the Water of Urr, and are pardoned... Lord Uerries and Sir John Gordon of Lochuivar, Gavin liamiiton and some others, appear at York as Maiy's defenders... Sir Thomas Maclellan builds a castle at Kirkcudbright... Hamilton of Bothwell-haugh's daughter married to Gavin Hamilton, afterwards Biihop of Galloway... The inha. bitants of Annandale plunder Galloway... .Gordon, Bishop of Galloway, fills Knux's pulpit, during his absence... The King's guard comprises Loid Maxwell, the Masters of Cassillis and Herries, with the Laird of Bombie... Lord Maxwell and Gordon of Lochinvar sat in Morton's jury... Morton's estates in Galloway forfeited, with the castles of Cavens and Wreaths... Lord Max. well declared a rebel. ..Committed to prison for celebrating Mass at Lir.cluden... Retires to Spain. ..Returns home to arm his adherents, and lauds at Kirkcudbright... Maxwell's castles of Thrieve, Carlaverock, and Langholm, surrender to the King... The silver gun is said to have been presented to the Burgh at this time by James VI , when in Kirkcudbright... Spanish armada... Some of the ships wrecked on the coast of Galloway... Lord Max. well wiitesto the King of Spain, advising another invasion of Scotland, the troops to land at Kirkcudbright. ..Sir Peter Young, commeudator of Wigtown, and Sir Patrick Vans of Barnbarroh, sent to the court of Denmark... William iMelville, commenda. tor of Tongland, sent to the King of Navarre... Feud between the Maxwell's and Johnstons.... A conflict at Dryfe.Sands... Henry wishes to introduce Episcopacy... Sir Thomas Maclellan dies... Commeuccmeut of the year changed... James proclaimed King of England. ..Gdvin Hamilton and Andrew Lamb, after- wards bishops of Galloway, accompany him. CONTENTS. APPENDIX, VOLUME FIRST, PAGE. Epitaph on Queen Anne, wife of James VI. . . . 1 Picts,' or Deil's Dyke, . . ^ 2 St. Cuthbert 5 Encomiastic Lines on Alan, Lord of Galloway, . . 10 Conflict at the Steps of Trool, 11 Battle of Glentrool, 13 The Mount of Urr, ,15 Loch Doon, . . . . . . . .17 Deed of Bajiol resigning his kingdom, . . . .19 Enactments of the Scottish Parliament, , . .20 A Bond granted by James Douglas , . . .21 Conversation between the King and William Douglas in Stirling Castle 24 Notices of the castle of Thrieve and Mons Meg, (condensed.) 25 Extracts from Pitcairn's Trials, . . . . * 38 Extract from Bishop Gordon's sermon, . . .44 Lines to a Skeleton, in the Vault below the Old Aisle, of the late Church of Kirkcudbright, , . .46 HISTORY OF GALLOWAY CHAP. I. FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD, TO THE INVASION OF THE ROMANS. The early history of th?it part of Nortli Britain now known by the name of Galloway,! remains in-, volvecl in much obscurity. Time, w'hich is daily producino' events, is also daily removing- them be- yond the sphere of our contemplation ; fj^ many of the remarkable incidents of former ages, have been long ago borne away by its silent, though uninter- rupted current, and completely absorbed in the great ocean of oblivion. Occurrences also diminish in importance as they recede from us ; and even when they stand prominently forward on the re- 1 Hollinshe3, in his History of Scotland, says, that liefore the district was known by the name of Galloway, it was called Bri- gantia. In Rlonypenny's Chronicles of Scotland are the follow- ing^ words: " The lands, nov; called Galloway, were then called Brigance." Boethius also mentions, that it was sometimes named Brigaiitia. That the name "Brigantia" was ever anciently applied to Galloway, appears more than (jnestionahle ; for we know frora good authority, that the territories of the Brigantes, a cou- siderable tribe of ancient Britons, lay in England. .g HISTOUT mote horizon of years, tliey are so obscured by the mists of antiquity, as to be but indistinctly visible. They likewise appear isolated, or detacliedj and^ jEonsequently, are less interesting to the common observer. A retrospective survey of past ao-es is like a distant view of a foreign country ; where, indeed, individual mountains, or ranges of moun- tains, present themselves to the eye of the be- holder; but the intervening hills and valleys, the plains and rivers, the woods and lakes, with all their luxuriant beauty, and fascinating accompani- ments, are lost in the shades of impenetrable gloom. But, in Galloway, from peculiar causes, the darkr- ness of ignorance long prevailed ; and little ex- plicit, or instructive, can be said of its history, iat least, until the sun of incipient civilization be-p gan to dispel the clouds of barl)arism, which had long retarded the full illumination of the perfect jday. Men, in the primitive stages nf society, are more bent on satisfying their numerous wants, than on transmitting their achievements to future gener- ations : the present day alone engrosses their thoughts, and they seldom give themselves much concern about the contingencies of futurity, of the welfare and wishes of their remote posterity. Hence, no authentic records are e.xtant of the state of the district before the period of the Roman invasion. Modern Galloway comprchrnds Wigtownsliire f»nd the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. This pro-p- vince is in the south of Scotland, and extends from east to west nearly ninety miles ; Avhilst its greatr est breadth is about forty miles. It is bounded on the north by Ayrshire, on the south by the Sohva^' OF GALLOWAY. ^ Frith, on tlie east by Dumfries-sliire, and on the west by the Irisli channel. Ancient Gal- loway, was much more extensive. Accordini^ to Ritsdri and some other writers, it included, before the eleventh or twelfth century, not only the Stevvartry of Kirkcudbright and Wigtown- sin're, but also Nithsdale, Annandale, Tiviot- dale, Carrick, Kyle, Cunningham, and Renfrew- shire. To ascertain its former boundaries, how- ever, would now be of little importance, as this Work is intended to be aj3plicable to Galloway, only as the term is at present understood. The ori-ag the wide extent of England lay before them., aud- its numerous advantageous situations were unap- propriated, they would have' launched out into ar?. ■ unknown sea, ^yith the view of repairing toau urv-^" HISTORY known land, which lay from the nearest points of England, almost beyond their view. Galloway would have been the first place, from which Ire- land could have been so distinctly seen by the Celts in their prog'ress nortliward, as to be really inviting ; and it was the spot from which a passage could have been most easily effected.l That the inhabitants of both Britain and Ireland are descended from the same source, may be prov- ed almost to demonstration. Julius Csesar and Tacitus both agree in repre- senting the language, the manners, and religion of the people of Britain and Gaul, as remaining the same, when these able and inquisitive writers first directed their penetrating eyes to both countries. " The present age," says the learned Gibbon, " is satisfied with the simple and rational opinion, that the islands of Great Britain and Ire- land were gradually peopled from the adjacent continent of Gaul. From the coast of Kent to tlic extremity of Caithness and Ulster, the memory of a Celtic origin was distinctly preserved in the per- petual resemblance of language, religion, and manners." That the people, not only of North and South Britain, but also of Ireland, spoke nearly the same language, is demonstrable from the names of places, in both countries, v/hich can be proved to have no signification except in the Celtic language. In confirmation of this assertion, we may men- tion, that arran in the Celtic signifies a high place ; 1 The distance from Galloway to the nearest part of Ireland, is about twenty miles ; but Ireland is not much less than double that distance from the nearest point of England. OF GALLOWAY. 13 and we find an Isle of Arran in the Fritli of Clyde, another in Wales, a third on the coast of Donegal, in Ireland, and a fourth in Gulsvay Baj'^, in the same country. Several rivers both in North and South Britain are knov/n bv the name of Avon. or Aven, vvliich signifies, in the ancient Celtic language a river, and the same word is also pre- fixed to the nanies of many streams. There are numerous rivers in Ireland, distinguished by this prefix, such as Aven-bui in Cork, Aven-more ia Sligo, Aven-bannal in the same county, and Aven-. more in iilayo. The word dee, which denotes the dark coloured stream, is ap})lied to two rivers in North-Britain, — the Dee at Kirkcudbright and the Dee at Aberdeen ; — one in N'v^ales ; and one in the county of Louth in Ireland. Esk, meaning a water, is the name of several rivers both in Britain and Ireland. The Ken, in Galloway, forms the Loch of Ken ; and anotl>cr river of this name runs past Kendal and falls irsto the sea in Westmore- land. A river of the name of Ken joins the Ex, in Devonshire. The Nith, formerly Nld, falls in- to the Solway Frith; and the Nid, or Nith, joins the Ouse in Yorkshire : the word denotes a stream that has many windings. Loch is applied to fresh water lakes, or inlets of the sea, in Scotland; antl Lough, or Loch, to similar colleciions of water in Ireland. Ur, in the Gaelic, signifies pure, or fresh ; and we have a river in Galloway named Urr, or Orr; one in llosshire, and another in Wex- ford, called Urrin : there are also an Urie in Aberdeenshire, and an Ore in England. 2 1 Ban in Gaelic signifies Wliite. 2 t'aledonia, &c. 14 HISTOUY From tills comparative view of the names cf rivers in Britain and Ireland, may be deduced tlie mor;d certainty, tliat both countries were peopled by Cekic tribes, who spoke the same language, of dialects of the same language. Hat the fict will farther appear, from the names \diich the first settlers imposed on other great ob- jects of nature. Tiie Gv.eWo beimi, n mountain, ia applied to several heights, such as Ben-Lomond, Benledi, in Scotlatid, Ben-Dubh, Benbulbagh, in Ireland : it is also incorporated with the names of some hills iii Galiovvay, namely, Bencairn, Ben- tudor, Bennan, and Bengray, A considerable num- ber of names are compounded of the Gaelic dun, originally meaning a hill; and, from fortresses be- ing built on hills, secondarily signii^ing a strength ; this word ap{)ear3 in different forms. Car or caer denoting a wall, or mound of defence, a fort, or fortified town, is the prefix, in some of its forms, of many names both in Britain and Ireland. We find in Galloway, Carlinwark, Cardoness, and Kirouchtree.' Heugh is a name given to a great many heights - along the sea-coast of Britain. In Wigtownshire, there are Gar-heugh, in the parish of Mochrum, and Clachan-heugli, on Loch-Ryan. Rinn signifies a promontory, or point of land. Thus Pen-ryn receives its name from standing on a promontory in Falmouth-haven, Cornwall ; the heights above the same town are called llins. Two large pro- montories have received the designation of the llhyns of Galloway; and there is also a point, in 1 Originally Caer Uchtred. OF GALLOWAY. 15 Clackmaniiansliire, named the Illiyn. lihi is ap- plied, likewise, to several points in Ireland, lioss also denotes a point. This word has heen assigned to a point in Berwickshire, to Koss-duyand i\oss- findUiy, two small promontories in Loch- Lomond; and two points, in Galloway, at tiie njonrli of the Dee, are di.-^tingui.'^hed by the apj)ellations of the Lar^e and Little ilosses. Dol or dal signifying a Hat field, or meadow, is fomul incorporated wilh the names of many places ia vssrious quarters, as Doll in Forfarshire, Doll and Dollar in Fifeshire, Dairy in Ayrsliire, Dairy and Dalbeattie in Gal- loway. Various tribes in North and South Britain, and in Ireland, were known by the same Latinized ap- pellation ; namely, the Carnabii of Cornwall, the Carnal'ii of Chesiiire and Shropshire, and the Carnabii of Caithness ; the Cantae of Kent, and the Cantae of Rosshire ; the Damnii of Devon, the Damnii of Ireland, and the Damnii of Clydes- dale, Renfrew, and Ayr; the Novantes of Gallo- way, and the Tri-novantes of Essex and Middle- sex.! Now, the identity of names in both divisions of Britain, and in Ireland, with their identity or exact sim/liarity of signification, leaves no room to doubt of the important fact, that it was the same peoj)le v/ho originally bestowed the same names on similar objects* Great Britain and Ireland, even until the end of the first century, retained a faithful resemblance to Gaul. The people of these countries lield the same religious tenets, and performed the same sacred rights. — Their manners, their customs,'. 1 Culcdonia, - 16 HISTORY their civil polity, their modes of sepulture, were Gaelic ; but above all their language, which is still spoken in some purity' in a considerable portion of Scotland, was a species of Celtic, or Gaelic. The Gaelic language, according to tradition, con- tinued prevalent in many parts of the interior of Galloway so late as the Revolution ; and dialects of the Celtic are still used in a part of Ire- land, in Wales, and in the Isle of Man. Bu- chanan mentions Gaelic as the language of Gallo- way when he wrote his elegant History of Scotland. The people of this district, therefore, must have been of Celtic origin. The inhabitants of Britain, from the name of the island, were called Britons by the ancients. Dio, Tacitus, and Herodian, distinguish the whole inhabitants of the island by the appellation of Britons. North Britain, at an early period, was occupied by twenty-one clans, or tribes, each being inde- pendent of the whole. They renounced their inde- pendence, only when danger threatened, and neces- sity imperiously demanded concentrated authority in a single individual, for the protection of the whole. Two of these primitive tribes held the province, afterwards designated Galloway, between them. The Novantes possessed the portion lying between the Dee and the Irish Sea, extending on the north as far as the chain of hills which now separates Galloway from Ayrshire.^ The Selgovae inha-- 1 Henry's History of Britain. Si Camden supposes the Novantes to have possessed the western division of Galloway, with CiUTick, Kyle, and Cuaning- liam. OF GALLOWAY. IT" bited the eastern part of Galloway, as far as the Dee, which was their western houiKlar}- : they also possessed Nithsdale, Annaiulale, and Eskdale, in DumtVies-shire.l Nature seems to have been peculiarly profuse in its bounties to the Celtic nations. Their per- sons were large, robust, and well-formed ; and they excelled in running, wrestling, climbing, and swimming. Both history and tradition assert these facts; and from t!ie writings of 'J acitus they re- ceiv^e extensive ccrroboralion. Strabo mentions the Britons as taller in stature than the Ga;;ls, and as dillering a little from them in the colour of their hair. " For proof of their ialiness," he says, " I myself sav/ very youths taller, by half a foot, than the tallest men." Bcjiidc?, in some of the se- pulchral remains of the earliest inlsabitants of Nortij Britain, have been discovei'ed human, bones of a large size. In a calm about a mile from Ardoch, in Perthshire, there was found a stone cotHn, contain- ing a human skeleton about seven feet lono-.2 Some ye-ars ago, upon opening a barrow in the pa- rish of Ivirkmabreck, in the Stewartry of Kirkcud- bright, a stone coffin presenteilkself, in which was a human skeleton, much above the ordinary size.3 A sepulchral tumulus was once opened at Elie, in Fifeshire, which exhibited some very large hu- man bones. In the parish of Logic, in Forfar- shire, two tumuli were opened, in one of which, was a skeleton of extraordinary dimensions; the bones 1 The Novantes are supposed to have derived their name from the streamy nature ot' their country ; the Selgovae froai their fondness for liuutiug.. 2 Statistical Account.. 3 Caledonia^ 18 HISTORY were of a dark yellow colour, and very brittle : TLe other tumulus presented four skeletons possessing exceedingly larg-e bones : a black ring was found near tliem, apparently made for a very thick wrist. The Britons, and consequently the primitive in- habitants of Galloway, wore little, or no clothing. According to the testimony of Julius Csesar, they painted themselves with woad^ which imparted a bluish colour to the skin, and a hideous appear- ance to their persons. Herodian says, they dyed their skins in such a manner as to represent the figures of beasts, and wore no clothes. Ovid calls them ^^virides Britannos :" Martial, ^^ Pictos Britaniios : " and Lucan, v/hen speaking of them, uses the words ^^Jiavls Britannis."^ The aborigines of North Britain were capable of bearing cold, hunger, and fatigue, in a remark- able degree. For the* purpose of concealment, they frequently immersed themselves in lakes, rivers, and marshes; and remained in such situa- tions for days, with their heads, or perhaps their faces only, out of the water. They could subsist in. the woods, for a lengthened period, drawing support from the bark or roots of trees. It is be- lieved they possesseil the secret of preparing a certain kind of nourishment, of which if they oc- casionally ate but the size of a " bean," they were enabled to abstain from all other kinds of food, for a period of considerable duration, without feeling tiie excessive gnawings of hunger.- So much were they invigorated by constant exercise, that 1 "We have given t}i(^o words in tlie original, as being raorfr exi)res^sive, tlian in the Eiitcli^h language. 2 liuurj's History of Bjitaiu. Dio, OF GALLOWAY, 19 their stren.^tli never failod in tlie \anTades of the early British tribes. 'i'he ori:iinal inhabitants of Galloway, like other Celtic people, possessed an inherent love of liberty, and a jealousy of independence, which embroiled them in frequent wars with each other, and with the iieiu'hbouring' tribes. To both the Scl^^ovae and Novantes belong-ed many fortlets, particularly along the Dee, the boundary line of their territories. The remains of these forts are still conspicuous in various places. One of the most important was possessed by the Sel^'ovae, and stood on an eminence which bears the name of Drummore, near the eastern influx of the Dee. This fortress may be considered their frontier garrison ; and it was called by Ptolemy Caerhantorlgt(m\ which name signifies, in the an- cient British language, the fort on the conspicuous height. It was of an oval form; and a rampart, composed of stone and earth, with a fosse, sur- rounded it : the rampart and fosse are still appa- rent. At the bottom of the hill was a well, now covered with stones, which is thought to have supplied the garrison with water. This important strength overlooked both the SoKvay Frith,2 and a vast extent of country. Not many years ago, a plate of gold was found near it by some men, en- 1 From Capi- a fort, 1)an conspicuous, and tor a heicflit ; tha termination is Latin. The farm of Torrs probably derived ita name iVom tliis fort. 2 Tlie Solway Frith was originally called the Tan, signifying .what spreads J the Tay derived its uame from the same word. 32 HISTOrvY garrpd in rnakinsf difdies, for \rliic!i they obtained the sum of twenty pounds: tiiis piece ofg'old, how- ever, had prohahly been deposited there long- after the erection of the fort. Near Caerbantorigum, — now called Drummore Castle, — and in the parish of Kirkcudbriijht, once stood many hill-forts, thoiio'h of a sn^.aller size. They are all known to be British strenc^tiis from their circular forms and their peculiar locality. Many other places, on the east side of the Dee, exhibit the remains of forts t'lat once belonged to the first inhabitaiits of this country. In Crossmichael is a remarkable one, on the hill of Halferne. Several circnksr forts yet remain in the parish of Buittle ; and one, called Castle Gower, had been defended by vitrified ram- p^irts. The vitrification must have been efiected by the action of fire. Forts of a similar kind exist in other parts of tiie country.^ Indeed, the v.diole western territories of the iSelgovae seem to have been studded with hill-forts. In the country of the Novantos, on the west side of the Dee, are the evident remains of many British forts, the laro:Gst of v.diich are here called dans. — 1'his word, in the language of the early people, sig- nified a fort. The eminences on which fortifica- tions of smaller, dimensions had been placed, are, in modern language, denominated moats. In the parishes of Tongland, Twynliolm, and Borgue, may be seen several stations that were once oc- cupied by ancient fortresses. British strengths were generally jilaced on such eminences as ap- peared difficult of access; and in some instances 1 StatisticJil Account. OF GALLOWAY. 23 tliey were surrounderl b}'- two, or even three ram- parts, and as many fosses.l Within the areas of several of the British for- tresses are yet to be observed the ruins of rnde &tructnros, that must have served the defenders for habitations, or places of shelter from tiie iiich'mency of the weatlier. In many of them, besides, are yet to be seen vestiges of wells, made no doubt for the use of the g'arrison ; and some of them had dit-works on the side of the hill, probably for the protection of cattle. Now, such forts could have only been the work of the Ciiiisli tribes who residelaces of the early inhabitants of that quar- ter. Some of these ancient places of retreat yet display fire-places and vents for smoke. A number of the singular caves of the British people, were sufficiently capacious to hold fifty men. In the areas of forts have also been observed subterraneous apartments for the protection of stores. The armouries of the Selgovae and Novantes were similar to those of other British tribes, and generally contained shields, spears, swords, battle- axes, and daggers, vrith l>ows and a sufficient store of arrows. At a very early period, their imple- ments of war may have been fewer, and of a ru;ler description than they were, when first inspected by the^ Roman invaders. Previous to any foreio-n iu". vasion, chariots had existed, and their chieS fre- quently fought in them, wearing for the protection of their heads helmets of various kinds.3 Q;. the spear was "an apple of brass, "-f or rather a copper ball, which being shaken at the first onset, produced terror and dismay among their enemies. Many ancient weapons are yet preserved, that 1 Unique Traditions. 2 Statistical Account, 3 Strabo. Tacitus says; " The most honouraWc persons drl.-o the Cha riots, and uiiJjr thcni their followers ii'-Ht " i Dio. B 26 HISTORY were found in the caves, sepulchres, or forts, of the primitive inhabitants. Perhaps the earliest weapons were chiefly made of flint, or stone; warlike instru- ments of this kind havineini:j- ; the immortality of the soul, or, at lea>it, its perpetual transmigration ; the exertion of courai^e; anil abstinence from evil.l The ministers of this reli.i>ion, called Druids, were selected from the principal families in the country, and were of different orders; whilst an Arch-druid presided over the whole. From their birth, connections, and office, the whole commu- nity continually htdd them ifi the hi^i<-hest respect and veneration. Inconsequence of their superior intelligence, they were viewed, not only as the best interpreters of religious truths, but, likewise, as the fittest judges, in civil disputes. Whoever refused cordially to acquiesce in their will, or im- plicitly to obey their dictates, were declared im- pious and accursed.'^ But in adilitioii to the Druids, there were also Druidesses who assisted in the duties, and partici- pated in the honours of the priesthood. When Suetonius invaded the island of Anglesey, a num- ber of these consecrated females ran up and down among the British troops, entreating blessings upon their heads, and invoknig curses upon the invad- ers. This class of females lived in a state of almost total seclusion from the world: and were great pretenders to divination, miracles, and prophecy.3 The garments of the Druids were long; and, 1 Diogenes Laertius, 2 Caesar. 3 Tacitus rccorrls that tho Druids were frequently cor.sulted respecting future events. Aiirelian applied to them to know if the Roman Empire would remain in his family ; and their pre- diction, that Dioclesian would Lecomo P^mperor of Rome, evcH wliilo ho was a common soldier, is well attested. B4 HISTORY when engaged in performing the sacred duties of their office, they appeared habited in a white sur- plice. The oak was considered by them, as the semblance of the Deity, or, at least, as his peculiar residence; and, accordingly, both they and the people, when engaged in performing the solemn ceremonies of religion, wore chaplets of it. The Druids chose for their abodes and temples the inmost recesses of the thickest woods. 1 Their altars, they encircled with branches of the oak, or covered with its leaves. The fruit of this favour- ed tree, but more especially the misletoe with which it is sometimes entwined, was held in pe- culiar veneration, as possessing a mysterious virtue; and they, therefore, sought it, on the sixth day of the moon, with persevering, unwearied, and in- tense solicitude. When found, they hailed it with enthusiastic raptures and frantic joy, as a dis- tino-uished gift from heaven. Every thing was then prepared for a solemn sacrifice, and two white bulls were fastened by the horns to the honoured tree. Then the chief Druid, surrounded by a great crowd, ascended the oak ; and, with a con- secrated golden knife, cut, or cropped the misletoe, which he received in his robe, amidst the ecstatic acclamations of the congregated people. After he had secured the sacred treasure, and descended the tree, the bulls were sacrificed, and the blessing of iheir Deity invoked on his own gift, that it might prove efficacious in removing those diseases, — for it was accounted a remedy in all diseases, — in wMch it might be administered.^ 1 Pliny, 2 Caesar. OF GALLO^^AY, 35 The Druids, however, did not content themselves with sacrificing inferior animals, they also immo- lated human victims.' These, indeed, were ge- nerally criminals who had forfeited their lives to the offended laws of the community ; but, when such culprits could not be obtained, tiiey did not hesitate to devote to destruction the innocent in their stead. Sacrifices of this revolting- nature were generally resorted to, on particular emergen- cies ; such as, at the commencement of a dangerous war ; at the time of a great public calamity; or during the indisposition of some eminent chieftain, whose recovery the people eagerly desired; The manner in which the miserable victim was offered up to appease their Deity, was trsdy appalling and distressing ; being enclosed in a hollow frame made of wood, he was cast alive into the sacred fire and burned to death. The sacred groves,2 within the gloomy reces-- ses of which the Druids of old celebrated the darker rites of their bloody superstition, have been de- stroyed ; but the circles of stones remain that en- compassed the space, where, perhaps, some of the more dismal ceremonies were performed; while 1 Stj-abo, &c. 2 From the sacred groves of the Driiirls originated the word cell. Cel or oil signified, in the cehic language, a retreat, or recess. After the introduction of Christianity the same teim was applied to the abodes or chapels of the first saints or mis- nionaries, and afterwards to the cemeteries attaclied to them. Cil or kil is often used as a prefix in the names of churches or parishes, as Kilhride, Kilputrifk. The primitive converts to Christianity sometimes formed tlie sacred inclosures of the Druids into churches ; and, hence, llan which originally signified a small enclosure, came to denote a chmch, or small town having a church. Llan in some places is a common prefix in the names of churches and parishes, as Llaii- bride &;c.s jierhaps, the word clachau is derived from it. Se HISTORY the trembling people stood around, at an awful distance, lest they should pollute, by an unworthy foot, the hallowed ground. The stones in these circles stand in a vertical position, at equal dis- tance^ and vary in number, magnitude, and appear- ance. The areas they enclose also vary in extent, according to the magnitude of the Druidical assem- blies they were intended to contain. Sometimes, however, there are two or three concentric circles, with an intermediate space between each : a stone altar being often fixed in the middle of the interior circle, at which the victim was sacrificed. Many of these altars still remain ; and such is the supersti- tious respect paid to them by the country people of North Britain, that, though they stand in the centre of corn fields, few persons have the hardiliood to remove or molest the venerated objects. Within, or near some circles, is also a large stone, so nicely poised upon another, that the smallest push with the finger, is sufficient to move it from side to side; although the united strength of many men would be required to overturn it, or convey it to a dis- tance. Such stones are supposed, not without probability, to have been used by the Druids, wifh other similar contrivances, for so far imposing on the credulity of a simple people, as to impress them with the conviction, that their priests possessed supernatural power. In many parts of Galloway, there are still Drui- dical remains — the certain relies of the first settlers or their early descendants. On the farm of Airdrie, in the parish of Kirkbean, a Druid temple, con- sisting of a circle of upright stones, continued en- tire until a late period. l In the same parish, a si- l It remalncfl entire when the Statistical Account was writ. ten, and is, perhaps, BtiU in the same perfect state. OF GALLOWAY. 37 milar temple^ was destroyed in 1790. Botli Soutlnvick and Kirkgunzeon exhibit tlie remains of ancient temples. There are the relics of two Druid temples in Rerwick ; and the parishes of Lochrutton, Parton, Kelton, Kirkmabrcck, and Minnigaff display similar monuments of antiquity. Some of these ancient temples had occupied an area of 170 feet in diameter. The western parts of Galloway also contain many Druidical relics. On the side of a hill, in the parish of Kells, is one of the " rocking stones" of the Druids. It consists of an immense block of granite, eight feet nine inches long, live feet one inch in circum- ference : it is supposed to be nearly ten tons in weight. Like a number of stones of the same kind, it is called the Laga)i-tance against so powerful an enemy.: tiiey likewise sent ambassadors to Csesar with of- fers of submission. From North Britain, it is said, 10,000 men marched under the command of " Cadallane, go- vernor of Galloway, I and Donald,2 governor of Argvle,"-^ to put themselves at the disposal of Cassibelanus, prince of the Cassi, who, with the unanimous concurrence of the states, had been jip- pointed commander-in-chief. From the leaders of the Scottish army, it may be inferred that no in^ 1 The Governor of Galloway must have been the chief either of the Selgovae or Novantes; for no portiou of North Britain was then known by the name of Galloway. 2 This chii'f is al^o called Dowall. 3 llolliiished's Chronirles of Srotlanil. Monypenny's Chro- nicles of Scotland. Black Book of Paisley, &c. 46 HISTORY considerable portion of it had been raised in Gallo- way and Argyle.l CsBsar received the British ambassadors M^ith much courtesy and apparent friendship, and sent them back accompanied by Comius, to whom he had given instructions to visit as many states as possible, and persuade tliem to enter into alliance with the invincible Romans : he also desired his envoy to apprize the British Chieftains, that Csesar intended to visit them in person. The season was far advanced when Volusenus returned into Gaul, and communicated the long looked for discoveries to Csesar, who innnedi- ately embarked his infantry at Calais, on board of eighty transports, and gave orders to some cavalry to follow, with as little delay as possible. He then set sail about one o'clock in the morning, and reached the coast of Britain, near Dover, at ten in the forenoon, on the 26th of August, in the 35th year before the Christian era. From untoward circumstances, four days elapsed before the cavalry could sail. Warriors having dailyassembled from all quarters, the British army now amounted to a huge host of brave, though undisciplined troops, who, upon re- ceiving intelligence of Caesar's approach, eager- ly hastened to the coast to oppose his disembark- ation. The Roman soldiers, at first, had many dif- ficulties to encounter. A desperate and bloody struggle ensued; but, at length, the Britons were obliji;cd to retire, and the invading army efi'ected a landing without farther molestation. Discouraged 1 To prevpiit amliiguity, and for the sake of brevity, we shall use, as frequently as possible, modern, instead of ancicut names. , OF GALLOWAY. 47 by this unsuccessful attempt to repulse the enemy, the astonished Britons sued for peace, which Csesar granted them, on the fourth day after his arrival in their country. At this time a storm destroyed or damaged a congiderable port'on of the Roman fleet, which still cop.tained nearly the whole of their stores; and the soldiers became alarmed at seeing themselves deprived of sufficient provisions for their sustenance on the island, aiui of ships for tlieir conveyance from it. The re-enspirited natives took advantage of their invaders' consternation and renewed the war, fondly hoping- totally to annihilate the hostile army; and tlius, by one terrific act of vengeance, eftecttially to preveiitall future attempts upon their country. Their sanonine hopes and daring- exertions, however, were frnstrated by the superior skill and unremitting vigilance of the Roman general; for, after two unsuccessful en- gagements, the Britons were obliged to solicit peace. Caesar, anxious to leave the island before the approach of winter, acceded to their request : lie demanded, however, double hostages for the fulfilment of the terms. The greater part of his fleet being' now refitted, he embarked his troops, and set sail for the Continent, after little more than three weeks' resitlence in Britain. The North British army now returned home, and were wel- comed by their countrymen, with unI)ounded joy, as if their prowess alone had repelled the invaders, and secured the permanent freedom of the island.l No sooner had the indefatigable Csesar arrived in Gaul, than he began to make extensive arrano-e- ments for a new expedition into Britain, at an early '. Monypi'iun 's Clu-onicles. Black Eouk of Paislej'. 48 HISTORY period of the following summer. During- the whole winter his jiidicious and tj^i^antic preparations vi- gorously proceeded. Vessels of a new form, and of a proper size, were built expressly for the in- tended expedition ; and, in spring he found him- self possessed of no fewer than six hundred tran- sports of the improved coijstruction, besides twenty- nine galleys, almost ready for sea. Having order- ed all his ships to rendezvous at. Calais, he marched with his army to that place. Three weeks were here spent in settling the affairs of Gaul ; in em- barking his troops; and in waiting for a favourable wind to accomj)lisii his voyage. At last, in the end of May or beginning of June, he put to sea, with a gallant army of five legions, — 30,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry ; — and next day, at noon, landed in Britain exactly in the same place where he had disembarked the jvre.vious autumn. As soon as the Britons had become aware of the enormous preparations which were in progress for the invasion of their country, they determined to form a powerful confederacy, that they might baffle, if possible, the meditated attack. Emissaries re- paired from the south of England to the different tribes, again to solicit their co-operation in so mo- mentous an emeriency. In consequence of tiiis urgent call, troofis flocked from all quarters for the defence of their coinmoii country against fo- reign aggression. North Britain offered its ori- ginal quota of ten tiionsand chosen warriors, un- der the command of the former leaders ; but, it is eaid, froju ''vain arrogancy"' this liberal assistance was declined. Tiiough no arniy. however, maich- J Mo!iyi)cnnv'3 Curojiitles. Black Book of Paisle/, &c. OF GALLO^^AY. 49 -ed in a body from Galloway ; yet, as the threaten- ed invasion produced a strong sensation in the dis- trict, from the impression that the Romans intend- ed to conquer the whole island, it is not unlikely tliat many, who had joined in the previous ad- vantageous and patriotic campaign, hastened to the south that they might lend their aid in the common cause, or at least ward oif from their own territories the horrors of war, and the danger of slavery. When the Britons beheld the tremendous Roman armada rapidly approaching, they were amazed and confounded : their courage instantly evaporated, — ■ their resolution was paralyzed, — their confidence forsook them; — and, despairing of preventing the disembarkation, they hastily retired from the coast. — Csesar, having landed his army, immediately pursued ; and, after a march of twelve miles, over- took them, posted behind a river, on some very ad- vantageous ground. In spite of every opposition, the Romans effected a passage; and the Britons retreat- ed towards a neighbouring wood, where they took lip their station in a place strongly fortified both by nature and art.i A Roman legion, however, speedily forcing the entrenchments, compelled them to retire ; but, as the night was approaching, and the country unknown to the invaders, no pursuit took place. Early next morning, Csesar was sum- moned to the coast by dismal intelligence con- cerning the ruinous condition of his Heet, which again had sustained almost irreparable damage in a 1 It is thought Canterbury now stands in the sauie situation, C 50 HISTORY storm. Having refitted the ships that were not totally destroyed, he secured all his vessels by draw- ing them unto the shore, and once more hastened to seek the enemy. Several bloody conflicts fol- lowed, which generally ended favourably to the Roman arms. In consequence of these defeats, defections soon began to appear in the British army; and Cassibelan us, perceiving that his forces were not a match for the Roman troops in a pitch- ed battle, determined to withdraw into his own territories, and act upon the defensive. Csesar continued to advance; but the English commander, with 4,000 war chariots, harassed his army to such a degree, that the cavalry durst not move from the protection of their infantry. The Capitid of Cassibelanus being at length taken, several states made peace with the conqueror. The Bri- tish general, who was not yet dismayed by the loss of his Capital, the desertion of his friends, and the success of his enemies, formed the daring and hazardous determination of destroying the hostile fleet. If this judicious measure could have been executed, it would have involved the Roman army in inextricable difficulties, and perhaps, certain ruin. The attempt was made, but it completely failed ; and the brave Cassibelanusfelt himself necessitated humbly to sue for peace from his successful anta- gonist. The Roman leader, heartily tired of this unprofitable expedition, and seriously afraid of commotions in Gaul, granted the Britons favour- able terms, and withdrew his army entirely from the island. After a prosperous voyage, he landed on the opposite shore, during the month of Septem- ber, in the 54us dis- cord began to prevail in tlie Roman ranks, and this disunion soon rendered their name less terrible to the Britons. Galdus, we are told, took advan- tage of their dissensions, and demolished some of Agricola's forts, whick the enemy had been under the necessity of abandoning. Having roused the slumbering energies of his countrymen, he defeat- ed the Romans in several battles, who, it Is said, retired into Galloway. Here, we are informed,! an other battle was fought on the banks of the Cree, in which, as some have affirmed, Galdus was slain, and interred at Cairn-holy.'^ Others assert he was killed in a conflict with the ■ Romans, at Torhouse, near Wigtown, and buried in that place. There are certainly some indications of 1 The Historical events of this period are involved in much vncertaintv. 2 In 1662, Patrick Ilannay Esq. of Kirkdale, published a small volume of miscellaneous poetry, which procured him some celebrity. Among his eulogists are the following individuals, "Edward Leuenthorpe, Robert Hannay, Johannes Dunbar, John Marshall, John Harmcr, J. 51. C. AYilliam Lithgow, Robert Alane.'' As a specimen of the laudatory epistles which were then dedicated to him, we shall insert one, written by I\Ir John Marshall. It proves that Galdus, at this early period, was not considered an imaginary personage ; and that the learned of the land then understood he had been buried at Caii-n-koly.— We give the poem as originally printed. gg HISTORY a battle's having been fought in this locality, which to a certain extent tend to confirm the tra- dition. In the vicinity of Wigtown, are also the remains of an ancient monument, which is suppos- to have been erected to the memory of Galdus. — Buchanan, however, and other historians state, that, having restored the independence of North Britain, he died in peace. His death, we are told-, took place about the year 110, in Galloway, where he gained his last victory ; and from him the pro- vince was afterwards called Galdia,l which ulti- TO HIS MUCH RESPECTED FRIEND MASTER PATRICK HANNAY. Hanny thy worth bewrayos well whence thour't spninge And that that honoiir'd IS'ame tliovi dost not wrong: As if from Sorby's stock no branch coiild sprout. But should with Rip'ning time bear golden fruit : Thy Ancestors were euer worthy found, Else Galdus' graue had grac'd no Hannay's ground. Thy father's father Donald well was knowne To the English by his sword, but thou art showne By pen, (times changing) Hannay's are Active in acts of worth be't peace or wane, Goe on in vertue, Aftertimes will tell, None but a Hannay could haue done so well. King Galdus (that Worthie) who so brau'ely fought with the Romans, lies buried in the lands of Patrick Hannay of Kirkdale in Galloway. Jo: Marshall. For a specimen of ISIr Hannay's poetry, see appendix to this vol. (A.) A copy of his poetical works, which we have in our possession, was lately sold in London for £42 lOs. 6d. 1 " Thus Galdus applieing all his studie and diligence to ad. vance the common-wealth and quiet state of his countrie, lived manie years so hii^hlie in the favour of all his subjects, that the like hath beene but seldome heard of: finailie, to their great griefe and displeasure he ended his life (more deere to them than their owne) at Epiake, in the 35 year of his reigne, which was about the 15 ycare of the empire of Adrian, the 4098 yeare after the worlds creation, and from the birth of our Saviour 131 (110) yeares, and was buried with great lamentation in most pompous maaer, and laid in a goodlie toome which was raisei OF GALLOWAY. 69 mately was changed into Galloway, the modern name. In consequence of repeated defeats^ the Roman army, before its departure from Gallo- way, was reduced from 60,000 effective and well- disciplined warriors, to 20,000 feeble and dispirit- ed soldiers."^ In endeavouring" to shake off a foreign yoke, the inhabitants of Galloway used the most strenuous exertions ; and their determined bravery powerfully contributed to produce this cheering state of affairs.3 The transactions which we have previously nar- rated, — though looked upon by many as fabulous, or at least as little better than historical romance, — 4 we have considered it necessary to notice in a work of a local nature. The Roman writers, in this instance, it is true, cannot be adduced as authori- ties, but they do not contradict the statements we have made. Although time, and the unfortunate with miglitie huge stones, having a great nimibor of obelisks set up ronnd abont it, according to the maner. Further more, to the end Ids memorie should ever iudure, the countrie where he fought last with the Romans was called Galdia, after his name, which by the addition of a few letters is now called Galloway, and before that time Brigantia, as the Scots do hold." Hollinshed's Chronicles of Scotland, vol. i. page 104, See vol. ii, of this work, page 56, 1 Buchanan. 2 Hollinshed. Carruthers, &c, 3 Guthrie. 4 Caledonia. It is said by very old people, that in their youth the following Jiomely popular rhyme existed relating to this subject. Below these stanes Lie Galdus' banes A man beloved by gi'eat and sma' But now he's dead And low's his head Amang the braes o' Gallowa'." 70 HISTORY destruction of the early records of the kingdom, have thrown an obscuring veil over primeval events; yet enough can be gleaned, even from the Roman writers themselves, to prove, if not the certainty, at least, the probability of the trans- actions we have recorded. Authors, in general, are not fond of decrying the martial deeds of their countrymen, or of dwelling on their mis- fortunes in war. But, even from the dark hints given by the Roman historians, may be collected the following particulars ; the demolition of Agri- cola's forts, — the progressive advance of Galgacus into the provinciated districts which had not been entirely subdued, — and the vigorous endeavours of this illustrious chief to induce his countrymen to assert their independence. After the death of the renowned Galgacus, for- tune still continued to smile upon the British arms ; and the Romans were, at last, reduced to a state of almost total impotence and despondency, by the recall of some of their best troops, with many of the most skilful commanders, to assist the Emperor Adrian, or Hadrian, in his Jewish wars. The im- perial army had been likewise forced into a state of turbulence and insubordination, by the insolence and rapacity of its superior officers, now relieved, in a great measure, from the watchful eye of su- preme authority, and wholesome superintendence. The Roman affairs in Britain seemed at this time fast hastening to a crisis, but this consummation was prevented by the unwearied exertions, and personal presence of the Emperor himself. Having col- lected and disciplined an army with astonishing despatch, he visited Britain, and, landing at York, instantly commenced preparations for re-conquer- OF GALLOWAY. 71 ing Scotland : these preparations, however, he dropped, upon hearing the opinions of a few of Agrieola's old soldiers respecting the difficulties and dangers, which would attend the undertaking ; and he contented himself with building a wall of de- fence against the Maeatee,! as the people who inha- bited the south of Scotland began now to be called. This wall, or rampart, was composed of earth, and extended from the mouth of the Tyne, on the east, to the Solway, on the west. Some writers have imagined, that Adrian, by the formation of this wall, resigned to the natives all the island to the north of it ; but we know from inscriptions, thafe the Romans still continued to possess several for- tified stations in Scotland, and amongst others, Caerbantorigum in the country of the Selgovae. But as the M^ata; were not now eaffioiently over- awed by the presence of Roman troops among them, this rampart v/as made to prevent their sud- den irruptions into the subclued and provinciated districts. Adrian dying on the 10th cf July, 188, the new Emperor, Antoninus Pius, appointed Lollius Urbicus to the government of Britain. This general defeated th? Mseatse in numerous battles, and recovered the country as far as the Friths of Forth and Clyde : thus Galloway once more par- tially reverted under foreign domination. To secure his conquests, L. Urbicus strengthened the forts built by Agricola ; and, in imitation of Adrian, he joined them together by a wall which reached from 1 Tlie term is equivalent to Midlanders. The five nations namely, the Selgovae, Novimtes, Ottadeni, Gadeni, and Damnii, — ivho inhabited the district within tlie line of forts, erected by A^icola, and the wall of Adrian, were called the Mseatt*. >J'2 HISTORY Carriden,! on the Fritli of Forth, to Dunglas, on the Clyde ; the whole length being about thirty six English miles. Its foundation was of stone, and a large ditch lay on the outside. In the inside was a paved military way, extending from one end of the wall to the other : this rampart was called the wall of Antoninus. The power of the Romans was now at its great- est height in Britain ; and, for the purpose of en- suring submission by facility of communication, they formed suitable roads in the country of the M8eatae."2 From one of the Roman roads which in- tersected Nithsdale, proceeded a branch, that en- tered the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, and passed 1 Can-idcn was at one time written Caer-Eden, which sis:iu- fies, " the Castle on the wing," the outwork ; for here stood the first of the Roman forts. 2 "All cities were connected with each other, and with the ca- pital, by the public highways, which issuing from the Forum of Rome, traversed Italy, pervaded the provinces, and were termi. nated only by the frontiers of the empire. If we carefully trace the distance from the wall of Antoninus to Rome, and from thence to Jerusalem, it will be found that the great chain of com- munication, from the north-west to the south-east point of the empire, was drawn out to the length of foiu- thousand and eighty Roman miles. The public roads were accurately divided by mile-stones, and ran in a direct line from one city to another, with very little respect for the obstacles either of nature or pri, vate property. Mountains were perforated, and bold arches thrown over the broadest and most rapid streams. The middle part of the road was raised into a terrace which commanded the adjacent country, consisted of several strata of sand gravel, and cement, and was paved with large stones, or in some places, near the capital, with granite. Such was the solid construction of the Roman highways, whose firmness has not entirely yielded to the efforts of fifteen centuries. They united the subjects of tha most distant provinces by an easy and familiar intercourse; but their primary object had been to facilitate the marches of the legions; nor was any country considered as completely subdued, till it had been rendered, in all its parts, pervious to the arms and authority of the conqueror." Gibbon's Roman Empire. OP GALLOWAY. 73 throngli the lands of Altry, in Dalr}', and tlie estate of Holm, in Carspliairn. It then proceeded across the ridge of Polwhat to the north-west extremity of the same parish, v/here it left Galloway and entered Ayrshire, which country it traversed, past Dalmellington, to the Frith of Clyde. 1 The authority of L. Urhicus ceased witli the death of the Emperor A. Pius, who expired on the 7th of March, 161. The Mseatse^ now showed a strong tendency to revolt. The Caledonians broke through the wall of Antoninus, and having joined tlie Mseatse, attacked the Roman territories ; but they were defeated in several battles by Ulpius Marcellus. The successors of Marcellus proved unwortliy of their station. Part of the Roman forces were withdrawn from Britain to the Continent, to assist their commander, Clodius Alnitius, in an open rebellion against Severus, the Roman Em- peror ; and the island became the scene of great disorders. The Mseatse and Caledonians, observ- ing the unprotected condition of the Roman ter- ritories, penetrated far to the south. Severus, having gained a complete victory over his ambitious rival, despatched Virius Lupus, his lieutenant, into Britain. This general found the army dispirited, disorganized, and unmanageable; and he wrote to the Emperor, that nothing but his personal presence could retrieve the desperate 1 Caleclonia. The author of Caledonia was indebted to the ingenious Mr Train for this information respecting the Ro- man road. 2 In giving the history of the Mseatss, we are giA'ing the Lis. tory of the people of Galloway at this period. D Ti HISTORY State of affairs. Severus, unwilling to lose any part of his dominions, though old and infirm, hastened to the scene of danger. Upon his arrival, he marched northward with a larger army than the Romans had ever possessed in the island. The ter- rified Selgovae and other Mseutse sued for peace; but he dismissed their ambassadors without giving them any satisfactory answer, and proceeded on Lis march. After the imperial army had pnssed the wall of Adrian, it encountered many difficulties and nu- merous obstructions. For want of necessary re- pairs, the roads had got into a wretched state, and the progress of Severus was much retarded. He found, besides, the natives of the south of Scotland a much more potent and dangerous enemy than he had anticipated. They were, indeed, too weak and unskilful to meet their adversaries in pitched battles ; but, according to their custom, they at- tacked detached companies, and annoyed the Ro- mans by perpetual skirmishes. They even placed cattle and provisions in suitable situations, near the route of the hostile army ; and, lying in ambush, rushed unexpectedly from their hiding places, and totally destroyed the straggling parties, who were engaged in removing the suppos(>d booty. Exhaust- ed by this harassing and des*ructive system of war- fare, in a coiMitry almost completely covered with wood, and abounding with rugged mountains, deep tnarshes, extensive lakes, and rapid rivers, the Ro- man soldiers abandoned themselves so entirely to despair, that many of them entreated their compa- nions to end their existence, and thus relieve tbena from the intolerable hardships, and the appalling dangers iu which they were involved. In this OF GALLOWAY. *75 saourderous march, we know from the best autho- rity, that the imperial army sustained the amazing loss of 50,000 men. At length the Roman eagle penetrated into the heart of Caledonia, and the desponding natives humbly entreated the Emperor to stop tlie carnage, and grant them peace.l Experience had now convinced Severus of the reckless daruig, and determined valour of the North British tribes. Upon his return into England, he perceived that Adrian's rampart of earth would prove but a slender biirrier against an enemy so wily, desperate, and persevering; and he resolved to build a wall of solid stone, twelve feet high, and eight feet thick, to be strengthened by turrets, castles, and forts, at proper distances. This stupendous wall, which was parallel to, and only a few yards distant from, that of Adrian, extended about sixty eight miles in length. It was accompanied by a deep and broad ditch on the one side, and an excellent military wdy on the other, by which the troops could be concentrated or speedily removed to the place of assault. The soldiers were engaged in this great work for the space of two years. The Empe- ror Severus died at York on the 4th of February, in the year 211. After the death of this Emperor, little is known of the Selgovae and Novantes for a period of very considerable duration. The Romans, we have every reason to believe, confined themselves to the south of Severus's wall, and the Mseatse, consider- ing it impregnable, rejoiced in their freedom, and made no attempts to break through it. In the year 292, the empire of Rome was divid- 1 Horodlan. — Dia, 76 HISTORY ed between Dioclesian and Maximianus; and up- on their resignation of the imperial authority, on the 1st of May, 305, their two Ceesars,! Constantius and Galerius, were deehired Emperors. In the division of the empire, Britain was assiu:ned to Constantius who visited it in 306. This prince reduced the Caledonians and " other picts" to a state of subjection to his authority. This is the first time that the Picts are mentioned in history. It has long been the suliject of Antiquarian dis- cussion, whether the Picts were a foreign, or a British people. But all the Roman authors who had occasion to mention them, speak of them as natives of the island. Eumenius, the orator, in a panegyric to Constantius, calls the Caledonians Picts ;2 and the same writer, in another oration, pronounced in the presence of the Emperor Con- stantine, in the year 308, says expressly that the Caledonians were Picts. Besides, language often unfolds a nation's source; and it is evident the Picts and south Britons originally used the same lan- guage. Innes, who wrote a Critical Essay on the ancient inhabitants of Scotland, takes the same view of the matter, and thus proceeds to sum up his argument. *' From all this it seems clearly to follow^, that the people, who began first, in the end of the third century and beginning of the fourth, to be called Picts by the Roman writers, were not new inhabitants of the island, but the ' I At first, Csesar was a family title, which denoted power. It afterwards came to signify the person who was assumed into a share of the government during tlie life of the Emperor, and was destined to succeed him in the empire 2 The words of Eumenius are : " Culedoucs aliique Picti," and again; Caledouum alioiaimque Pictoruni, OF GALLOWAY. 77 ancient inhabitants of those Northern Provinces, so well known in former ages, by the name of Caledonians." The learned Camden also makes the Picts " g-enuine Britons, distinguished only by an accidental name," and llitson supports their Celtic lineage. Much discussion has, likewise, taken place re- specting the origin of the term. To us, however, it does not seem involved in much obscurity. All Britons, at an early age, painted some parts of their bodies, I and were, therefore, in the true sense of the word, " Picti" or Picts.2 The tribes in the south of Britain, from their constant intercourse with the civilized Romans, early laid aside this primitive practice ; but the remote Caledonians long continued it. This peculiarity served as a mark of distinction between them and their pro- vinciated countrymen ; and, hence, they received the appropriate designation of Picts. The un- conquered inhabitants in some parts of the interior of Galloway, despising foreign innovations, and bi- goted to the o!)servances of their forefathers, also continued this grotesque and repulsive practice : they were, therefore, long denominated Picts.3 1 The Picts punctured the skin in such a manner as to repre- sent birds, beasts, and other objects ; they then rubbed a colour, ing substance upon it, and the figures became indelible. The chiefs had the greater number of figures. 2 Camden and some other writers suppose the island, which was pi-eviously called Albion, to have leceived the name of Bri- tain from this practice of its inhabitants ; the Celtic word brith signifying painted, and the Greek word tania signifying count«-y ; thus Britannia, or Britain, really denotes the country of the painted. 3 Camden. Picti qui vulgo GaUveyenses dicuntur. It has been supposed that the people of Galloway, did not re- ceive the appellation of Picts until the 9th century ; but ws 78 HISTORY Constant! US, dying at York, was succeeded m his dominions by Constantiiie, afterwards surnara- ed the Great, whose mother is said to have been a British Princess. The new Emperor staid some time in Britain after his accession to the imperial dig-nity, to establish peace and order on a solid basis. This peace continued uninterrupted in the island until liis demise, which happened in the year 337. Constantino was succeeded by his three sons Constantine, Constans, and Constantius. Constan- tine, the eldest, received Britain as a part of his inheritance ; but Constans afterwards seized it, and became master of the whole western world. — This Prince visited Britain to chastise some of the northern tribes for their hostile attempts on the Koman provinces, and slaughtered great multitudes of the enemy. Galloway, we have some reason to believe, participated in the effects of his seve- rity. After his return to the Continent, by com- pletely neglecting public duties, and incessant- ly pursuing guilty pleasures, he disgusted his army, and soon lost both his dominions and his life. Constantius, Emperor of the east, youngest son of Constantine the Great, now gained undis- puted possession of the whole Roman empire. While Constantius was engaged with the Per- sians ; and Julian, his Csesar, had full occupation in defending the frontiers of Gaul against the Germans, the tranquillity of Britain was disturbed have seen nothing to induce us to coincifle in this opinion. — Chalmers thinks the Picts derived their name from the British word Peithi, which moans the people of the open country — those who are out or exposed, — and that this word was ap. plied to the Caledonians because they lay beyond tlie Northern wall. From the habits of this people their name became a term of reproach^and was ajjnost syuouymouB with the word^/«nJerer«. OF GALLOWAY. "^9 by the incursions of the Scots and Picts. The year 360 is remarkable for bein j^ the period, when notice is first taken of the Scots of North Britain in the his- torical writinirs of classic authors. 1 Ainmianus, who mentions them, represents them as unitinjj; with the Picts in making iru-oads into the territories of the Romanized Britons. The same author alludes to them, about seven years afterwards, as a wan- dering people, who spread horror and devastation by their predatory excursions. The origin of this people has been long the subject of controversy among the learned. Some antiquaries have main- tained, that they were a tribe of indigenous Bri- tons. Others have asserted that they came into Scotland from Ireland, but that Scylhia was their original country, and, hence, they were called " Scyths," which word, by frequent changes, at last became Scots. A third class of writers strenuously contend that they came into Ireland from Spain, and took their name from Scota, Pharaoh's daughter, who, with her husband (iathelusand his followers, had removed into that distant land. A part of this colony, it is said, afterwards emigrated to Ireland, and took the name of Scoti, or Scots, from their former Queen. It is also believed by some that Ireland received the name of Hibernia from Hi- berus, the son of Gathelus. Such are the conflicting 1" Among the writers, indeed, whose works have been transmitted to us, the'first who mentions ihu Scots is Porphyry, luth.! tliird century as lie is quoted by Hieroiiymus (Episl. ad. Ciesiphontenj Pelawium.) ' N. itlu-r says lie did Bntaiu, a country Iruitlul of princes, or th« nations of the Scots and the barbarous people round them, as tar as llie ocean, Icnow any thing of Moses and the prophets.' H nice it appaars in the opinion of Porphyry, that Scothmd was not a recent nation wlien he wrote A. D. 2(37." — Goodall's Introduction to the History and Antiquities of Scot- land. Edin. Edit. 1773, pp. 64. 63. 80 HISTORY opinions entertained by various writers, respecting the lineage of the Scottish people, and the origin of the Scottish monarchy.l That the Scots came from Ireland is certain. — 1 Fordun. — Black Book of Paisley. — In monasteries two books were kept, iiamel_v, the Charlulari/ and the Black Book. The Chavtiilar)' contained a record of tlie charters, donations, and rights of the Institution. The Black Book comprised the annals of the country. Such records were first kept at lona, and afterwards at Scone, Paisley, Pluscaruine, &c. From these materials, Veremund, arch deacon of St. Andrews^ compiled a history of Scotland in 1076, and Turgot, bishop of St. Andrews, soon after published a similar history. Notwith- standing Edward I. of England removed or destroyed many of the Scottish records, still some were preserved. From these documents, and tlie histories already in existence, John de For. dun, a priest, composed bis Scotichronicnn about the year 1376»^ In order to accomplish his laborious undertaking, he searched all the public and private records of the religious houses in Scotland, and likewise travelled into England and Irelrjid, endeavouring if possible, to recover some historical fragments v/hich had es. caped Edvv'avd's destroying hand. Fordun has often been called the father of Scottish history. Though his lijstory contains much that is fabulous, it is still a valuable work. John Major, or Maire, a celebrated professor of philosophy in the beginning of the sixteenth century, wrote also a valuable history of Scot- land, with which he blended the affairs of England ; he was a florid writer, and esteemed credulous. Hector Boethius, or Boece, immediately followed. This historian had obtained a great many original manuscripts from lona, or Icolmkill ; he was a dry succinct writei*. His history, though valuable, contains nu. merous fictions. Buchanan wrote soon after, and had before him, when he prepared his elegant history, the Black Books of Paisley and Pluscardiue, with all the other authorities we have previously mentioned Hollinshed, whom we have some, times cited as an authority, published the first edition of his Chronicles in 1570. He is said to have been a man of con. siderable parts and learning, of an impartial disposition, and possessed of that discernment which peculiarly fjualificd him for being a writer of history. The erudite ISlr Chalmeis puljlished, in 1807, the first volume of Caledonia — a work which displays much profound knowledge, patient investigation, and nice discriminrrtion. To him North Britain is much indebted for tlie able manner in which he performed his laborious task. Such are some of the authors whose writings we have consulted in the early part of this work. OF GALLOWAY. 81 The contemporaries of Ammianus mention them as a transmaiine people that had emij^rated from Ireland. Indeed, if we may credit Orosiiis, who flourished about the beginning of the fifth century, they had become, long before that period, so pre- eminent in Ireland, as to have given theirname to the whole country, which continued to be called indiscriminately Hiberniu or Scotiu until the end * of the sixth, or beginning of the seventh century.l The next question that occurs is, — Were the Scots, in Ireland, a foreign or a native tribe? That they were not from Spain, as some manufac- turers of history maintain, is obvious from the great distance between the two countries. Where could they have procured suitable vessels for so long a voyage? Where could (hey have got pilots to direct their course ? The same difficulties would have attended their passage from Scythia. But we know that in early ages migrations were almost always marie by land ; for the best of all reasons, they could not be accomplished by sea. The Scots are supposed to have removed to Ire- land nearly a thousand years before the Incarna- tion; and, at that time, undoubtedly, their vessels must have been poorly fitted for launching out in- to the wide expanse of the Atlantic, or navigating the German Ocean. The origin of a people, as previously observed, is often most accurately dis- 1 Orosius says expressl)-; " IliLeraia insula inter Biitanniain et Hispaiiiian sita : — et a Scotorura geiitibus colitur." Such expressions as the following are also used bj'' early- writers. " Du Scotorum insula veuicntes." — " De Scotia venit in Britanniam." " Scotia radem et Ibcrnia." — " Iherniam Scoto. rum gens incolit." Scotia, quae et Ibeinia dicitur. " Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis lerue." CL.VUDIANU3. 82 HISTORY" covered from their language. The Scoto-Irish used the conimon speech of the islarul, and required no interpreters when conversin<^ with the aborigines: they spoke Gaelic, and not Teutonic ; they must therefore have been a Gaelic, and not a Gothic people. 1 Whatever theorists may affirm, there does not appear to us even the shadow of proof that the Scots come from a foreign land. Cam- den, after much fertility of conjecture and sound- ness of argument, concludes, that the Scots were the descendants of the Britons, who inhabi- ted Ireland, when it was first known to the Romans. As the Scots were not a foreign people, neither, in all prol)abi!ity, was their name of foreign derivation. They acquired it, as is thought, from the word sceite, which signified in their own language dispersed, or scattei-ed ;'^ because they were fond of roving in quest of adventures.^ To discover the true period at which this wan- dering people first settled in North Britain has also formed the subject of learned investigation. — Many different opinions have been entertained on the subject. Amidst the great discrepancy of evi- dence and contrariety of statement, it is difficult to unveil the truth. From what can now be learn- ed, may be extracted the following facts. The Scots of Ireland early assisted the Caledonians in their wars against the Romans; and even a few of them may have been domiciled in North Britain before the epoch of any foreign invasion. After every friendly visit, some of these Irish combatants, 1 Caledonia. 2 Gibbon's Roman Empire. 3 Amraiauus, when spenking of them, uses the words, " Scoti vangiintes." The word Swi was also a term of reproach. OF GALLO^VAY. 83f wishing to amalgamate with the inhabitants, re- mained behind, though without a chief; until about the commencement of the tliird century, when they made a formal and permanent settlement. This colony gradually increased by fresli arrivals. The pure native Caledonians became alarmed ; and, in the fourth century, formed the resolution of totally expelling them from their acquired territories. — The Irish King, Neall, assisted his countrymen, and the Caledonians, or Picts, were obliged to grant them quiet possession of a part of the countryl in the province of Argyle. To the district allotted to the Scots, the name of Scotland was applied; and, when this people had encreased in number and importance, they entailed their name on the northern section of the whole island, including that portion of it, to which our attention is more parti- cularly directed. Before this permanent settlement of the Scots, the condition of South Britain had been much ameliorated by the knowledge, example, and in- dustry of its foreign residents. The people had laid aside many of their barbarous customs, and were acquiring an embryo taste for the comforts, and even the luxuries of life. The fame of their wealth and advantages had reach- ed the ears of their ruder countrymen, who now wished to participate in the fruits of this tempting prosperity. Having discovered, in the year 367, that the wall of Severus was not impregnable, the Mseatae, with the Scots, Picts, and Attacots- forced their way into the Roman dominions, and penetrat- 1 O' Halloran. 2 The Attacots are sometimes mentioned aa joining in such 84 HISTORY ed, in spite of all opposition, as far as London^ then called Augusta. To free his territories from such bands of ruthless plunderers, the Em- peror Valentinian appointed Theodosius, one of his ablest generals, to proceed to Britain, with a considerable army, and assume the chief command. Upon his arrival, Theodosius found the country in a deplorable state of wretchedness, and the enemy in possession of a multitude of prisoners of both sexes, with a vast mass of booty. Having attack- ed the rapacious intruders, he instantly put them to flight, and seized the plunder, M'hich, in their terror they had abandoned. He then entered Lon- don in triumph, and was hailed by the populace as their providential deliverer. Theodosius soon drove the enemy beyond the wall of Severus, which, for a considerable time, had been viewed as the limit of the empire on that side. But he did not rest satisfied with this acquisition; he pursued the terrified invaders until they sought gafety beyond the rampart of Antoninus Pius, which he repaired, that it might once more become the northern boundary of the Roman possessions in Britain. He then formed the district between the walls into a Unman province ; and, in honour of the Emperor Valens, lie named it Valentia.l Thus were the inhabitants of Gallov;ay raised to the rank of Roman citizens, and incorporated with the "lords rapacious inroads. They were a savage and -warlike tribe of Biitoas who inliabited the countiy fiom Lock-Fine to Loch- Lomoad. Attacotti bellicosa hominum natio. Ammian. 1 Gibbon's Roman Empire, OF GALLOWAY. 85 of the world."l By tlie judicious mensures of this meritorious olFicer, the Il(»man territories in the is- land were soon broni^lit from a state of anarchy and misery to the enjoyment of tranquillity and com- fort. When recalled hy the Emperor to he raised to higher honours, Theodosius was followed to the place of his embarkation by multitudes, who had participated in the benefits of his excellent admi- nistration, pouring blessings on his head, and offer- ing up prayers for his safety and prosperity. After the departure of Theodosius, the Roman provinces in Britain enjoyed undisturbed repose for several years. The Scots and Picts were so over- awed by the imperial authority, that they made no attempts upon the northern frontier. But though they remained at peace with the Romans, dissen- sions prevailed among themselves. Maximus, the Roman commander, perceiving this encreasing enmity, resolved to profit by it, and extend his influence over the whole island. To effect so important an end, he proposed to the Pictish ruler, that a league should be formed between them for the purpose of subduing and extirpating the Scottish people, who had always been the disturbers of public harmony, and the inveterate enemies of both Romans and Picts. Iliergustus, the Pictish King, joyfully acceeded to this proposal. Maximus, having thus succeeded in his artful device, despatched an envoy to Eu:;enius, the Scot- tish prince, demanding satisfaction for injuries done to the Pictish people, and desiring the individuals who had committed the outrages to be delivered 1 Before this period tlic Emperor Caracalla, son of Sevenis, had raised the iuhubitants of the provinces to tlie runk of Romaa vitizens. S5 HISTORY ap for immednte punisliment. Tlie raesseng'er was commanded to state, thiit if the request were refused, the Scottish people vvouhl be looked upon as the avowed enemies of the Roman empire. The Scottsh ruler, astonished at this strange communication, replied ; that he was not conscious of any injury which his nation had done to the imperial o;overnmenr, or the British people under its protection ; that he was not aware of any bene- fit which the Picts had rendered to the Romans which should induce Maximus to declare war against a people who had never vvrono^ed him : but that, if the Romans, with their new iillies, should capricious ly make war upon him and his unoffending people, lie would exert his whole energy to protect his country and maintain its liberty. This magnanimous answer exactly coincided with the anticipations and wishes of tlie Roman general, and he instantly set his legions in motion. After passing throiiij^li Westmoreland, Annandale, and Nithsdale, he entered Galloway in a hostile manner; for many of the inha'iitants of this wild district had long writhed under the supposed disgrace of foreign domination, and had readily embraced every feasible opportunity of regaining their primary barbarous in- dependence. Eugenius, having collected as large an army as possible, met the combined forces of the Ro- mans and Picts on the banks of the Cree, near Kir- ouo-htree. An awfully destructive bittle ensued. The slaughter was so excessive on both sides — if we may believe the averinen:s of some historians — that the river became discoloured with the blood of the wounded, and almost choked up with the bodies of the slain. I 1 Holliushed CaiTuthers, &c. The Rev. James Carrutherv OF GALLOWAY. 87 At length, the Scots and their allies were over- powered, and fled from the field. The exulting and victorious Romans vigorously pursued, but were soon encountered by a reinforcement from ' Argyle on their way to join the Scottish army. — The fuiritives rallvinor, combined with the fresh 11 troops. Another desperate encounter took place ; and the vanquished were on the point of becoming the victors, M'hen night drew its curtain around tlie combatants, and put an end to-the frightful carnage. Neither army, next day, was in a fit state tore- new the conflict. Eugenius retreated into Car- rick; a!id Maximus, having heard of commotions iu Kent, hastened thither, leaving, however, a part ot his army in Galloway to garrison some forts,! and overawe the inhabitants who had espous- ed the Scottish cause in the late war. Dumfries, a native of Galloway, and hrother to Bishop Car. ruthers, pnblished a History of Scotland iu 1826 Though the work has not been much heai d of, it evinces considerable learns ing, research, and elegance of diction. 1 We are informed by Tacitus, that in Agricola's fifth cam- paign, he placed several garrisons in that part of Britain which is opposite to Ireland; and it is hkely some of them were at the following ports or stations mentioned by Ptolemy. Rerijomus Sinus, now called Loch Ryan, is still a safe station for vessels. Upon the south east side of this bay is an istlimus, or neck of land, which separates it from the Abravaims Sinus, or Bay of Luce. At the distance of sixteen miles from this bay, is Ptolemy's Jtnce ^sluarium, on the west side of wliich, the town of Wigtown now stands. East from this estuary, at the distance of about seventeen miles, is the JDeua JEstuanum, where the town of Kirkcudbright is situated. About twenty six miles to the east of the river Dee, is the Nidua Flurins, or river Nith, near the nuuith of which, and probably at a short distance from tha town of Dumfries there seems to have been a Roman post. We cannot assert that all these were made ports by the celebrat. ed Agrirola, I'ui thev were all ports during the period the Ro- mans remained in Galloway. Sir Robert Susbald's Historical Inquiries concerning tta Roman Monuments and Autic^aities in Scotland. 8S HISTORY Embittered hostilities still continued to rao;e be- tweei! the Scots and the Picts, and they seemed intent on nothing less than mutual destruction — 'on accomplishing each other's total extermination. The former entered the territories of the latter, and ravaged the country with fire and sword. Al- though the Roman general was secretly delighted with this desolating warfare; yet, next year, under the pretence of avenging the injuries done to his allies, he marched a numerous and powerful army against the Scottish chief. Eugenius mustered what forces he could raise ; and, according to an ancient custom, availed himself, we are told, of the enthu- siastic service of females in his ranks.l This army, amounting to 50,000 warriors, who were resolutely bent on obtaining either a glorious death or an honourable victory, assembled in Kyle, to which place the enemy was approaching. Maximus had already reached Galloway, where, it is said, he com- mitted many acts of wanton cruelty. As soon as he learned that the Scottish army had encamped in Kyle, he marched against it, but remained during the night in a suitable situation to refresh his men, and make preparations for the approaching conflict. At this time, intelligence reached Eu- genius, that Maximus was only a few miles dis- tant, with a larger army than had ever appear- ed in Galloway. 2 The sudden and alarming news caused some uneasiness in his camp; but he endeavoured to rouse the drooping courage of his soldiers by an animating speech, whicli produced 1 Buclianan. — Ilollinslied — Canutliers. 2 It may seem strange how Nortli JJutfiin, at iliis early pe- riod could muster such uumaroui armies : it must be remember- ed, however, that cveiy male was a soldier. or GALLOWAY. 89 a considerable effect. Next day, tlie two armies met on the baidvs of the Doon. The levies from Gal- loway, Carrick, Kyle, and Cuniiinj^ham, being placed on the left of the Scottish warriors, were opposed by some provincial Britons, with a num- ber of Germans and Gauls, then serviii|L^ in the Roman host. The onset vras terrific. The wings of the Scottish army were almost totally annihi- lated, and the legions fiercely attacked the un- protected centre, which soon giving way, was cut in pieces. When the friends of Eugenius per- ceived that the day was irretrievably lost, tliey ad- vised him to save his valuable life by flight ; but he disdained to survive his country, and fell pierc- ed with many wounds among heaps of slain. — The other leaders, follov.'ing his example, shared his fate. Few of the Scots were left to recount the melancholy transactions of this terrible day ; for even when the servants of the army, who had been left in charge of the baggage, saw the fate of their respected masters, they desperately assailed the vic- torious soldiers; and, burning with the unquench- able thirst of vengeance, sold their lives as dear as possible. When the aged, also, whom solicitude for the fate of their offspring, and anxiety regard- ing the result of the battle, had induced to follow the army at a distance, saw the day was lost, they snatched up the bloody weapons of their fallen countrymen, and, with the ghastly looks and frantic vociferation of wi!d despair, furiously rushed into an unequal conflict with the excited conquerors, and fell iimidst the ruins of their fallen country.l The concussion and confused din of battle were 1 Eo2lliius Hollinsked. — Monypenny Duchancvii. — &c. 90 HISTORY succeeded by sounds no less discordant, proceeding" from those who had lately been engatjed in the struo^gle of mortal combat; for the triumphant shouts of victory were now mino^led with the piercing cries of the wounded, the dismal groans of the dying, and the heart-rending lamentations of the bereaved. As a mark of admiration due to his bravery, the dead body of the vanquished hero, after being long sought for by the victors among the heaps of slain, was found, and interred with princely honours J whilst the Scottish captives were admitted as sub- jects of the Roman empire, and allowed to depart and live in peace. l But the vengeance of the Pictshad not yet been satiated; for they soon induced the Roman general to expel the whole rival nation from North Bri- tain ; and multitudes of the Scots were forced into exile; some seeking refuge in Ireland and the Western Isles; and many retiring into foreign lands.2 Maximus who now considered himself en- 1 Hollinslied says " The same yeare before Eugenius gave battell unto Maximus, manie strange sights were seen in the furthest part of Albion, striking a vvomlerfiill dread in manie mens harts. In the night season in the aire were seene fierie swords and other v/eapons mooving in a long raiike, after com. ming togither on a heape, and being changed into a huge fla.me as it bad been a fire brand, it then vanished awaie. The waters of the river Dnne ran with blood, the banks of the same river flashed as oft times as they had been all on a fire. There were seene allso a number of small birds fall out of the aire so thicke, that it seemed it had rained birds, and incontinentlie came a great number of ravens that devoured up the same." 2 Boethius. — Hollinslied. — Black Book of Paisley — Buchan- an. Mr Aikman in his notes to Buchanan says, " The expulsion of the Scots, with which this book concludes, is now generally allowed, by the most sceptical, to have actually taken place, and, within a few years of the time mentioned by Buchanan, Pink. Enij. vol. ii. p. 88. If we find the grand outlines of the times said to be fabulous, confirmed always wheu iniiuired iuto,. OF GALL OWAT. 91 titled to a place on the imperial throne, determined to seize by force what he could not obtain by fa- vour, and assumed the purple in the Britisli Isle. But the sovereij;nty of the lloman territories in Britain did not loui^' satisfy this ambitious soldier: be soon aspired to more extended dominions — the possession of the whole western empire of Rome. Valentinius II, one of the reijiiiitiy; Emperors, had not yet passed the period of cliihlhood, and his elder brother, Gratian, was an imbecde and detested prince. Maximus eidisted vast numbers of the bravest youths of Britain ; and, in particular, many from Valentia, whose companions had fought so bravely in the Scottish army.l Galloway, in all likelihood, supplied iis quota of valorous auxiliaries. These forces, he transported to the Continent, with his own veteran troops. Success at first attended his arms; but, in the year 338, he was defeated in two battles, taken prisoner, and put to death. The British forces, beinu- leit without a leader in a foreign country, and with enemies on every side, endeavoured to return home, but they wanted ships for that purpose. In this dilemma, they di- rected their course to the north-west point of Gaul, then called Armorica — in expectation of finding' the means of conveyance to Cornwall. Their hopes, however, proved delusive ; but having met with a friendly reception from the inhabitants, they settled although we cannot substantiJature had endowed the Anglo-Saxons with many of her choicest gifts. They were tall, and ele- gantly shaped. The beauty of their countenance and the fine symmetry of their forms have been known to save some English youths from a violent death. St. Gregory, who afterwards ascended the papal throne, was so much struck with the appear- ance of a number of English captives whom he saw in the slave market at Rome, that he exclaim- ed, upon being told they were English, " Non Angli sect Angeli forent, si essent Christlani ; *' they would not be Angles but Angels, had they been Christians;" and from that moment he was seized with an ardent desire to convert this people from Paganism to Christianity. The Anglo-Saxons, however, were fierce, illi- 1 Henry's History of Britain, 126 HISTORY terate, and ambitious. Their religion was gross and irrational, and powerfully tended to debase, or rather brutalize their nature, by inspiring them with a delight in blood and a contempt of death. They possessed great strength of body ami power of endurance, to which the rigorous climate of their native country had been peculiarly condu- cive ; for Canada, at present, exhibits an exact pic- ture of ancient Germany, l Such were the people who settled on the eastern shores of the province of Valentia after the de- parture of the Romans. To them the Gcalwegians are principally indebted for their language, and for some of their institutions. A large portion of the inhabitants of the Lowlands are of Anglo-Saxon extraction. Having defeated the Gadeni and Ottadini, fhe German invaders began to threaten, by their encroachments, the forcible seizure of the whole southern district of NortU Britain, As disunion had at all times been the ruin of the natives, the Selgovae, Novantes, and Damnii, with some fu- gitives from the conquered tribes of the Mseatse, formed themselves into one great community, un- der their own chiefs, for their general defence. This confederacy was often called the kingdom of Strath- cluyd, but sometimes it received the name of ^^ Regnum Cumhrense, or Cambrense" It included Liddesdale, Teviotdale, Dumfries-shire, Galloway, Ayrshire, Renfrew-shire, Lanarkshire, the middle and western parts of Stirling-shire, and the greater part of Dumbarton-shire.2 Alcluyd, which signi- 1 Gibbon, 2 Henry and other historians represent it as comprising also Cumberland and a part of Lancashire. OF GALLOWAY. l^Tf fies in the Britisli language the " Rocky PTeight on the Cluyd," — the ancient name of the Clyde, — was its capital. On the summit of this high rock, the Britons had a very strong fort, named Caer-Cluyd, for the protection of their rulers. This fort received from the Scots the appellation of Dunbriton, which word, by an easy transition, in later times was converted into Dumbarton. 1 The people of this kingdom seem to have been dis- tinguished by the name of Cumbrians or Wai- enses. All who spoke the British language were often designated Welsh.2 As a protection against the increasing encroach- ments of the Anglo-Saxons, a great work, called the Catrail, or " dividing fence, "3 was construct- ed on the eastern confines of the Cumbrian kingdom. This fence extended at least from Galashields, on the north, to Peel-fell, on the south — a distance of about 45 miles, — and passed throug^h the shires of Roxburgh and Selkirk. It consisted of a fosse, with a rampart of earth and stone on each side of it. The fosse seems to have been originally about 26 feet wide. In those places where the larger rampart has been least demolish- ed, it is still about 10 feet high, and 12 feet broad. The hand of time and the labours of agriculture are daily diminishing its dimensions. Along its extensive range, stood several British forts, placed either on the contiguous hills or neighbouring heights, to overawe the Saxons, and check their encroaching propensity. 1 Caledonia, The tide at one time flowed round this rock. 2 Innes. 3 It is also called the Pictsworkditch. 128 HISTORY The first sovereign of the Cumbrian kingdom, noticed in history, is Caw, or Cawn, tlie father of Gildas. This prince, however, was soon expelled from his kingdom by the hostility of the Picts ; but he found an asylum amongst a kindred people in Wales, where his name is still held in high ve- neration. His son Huail, better known by the ap- pellation of Hoei, or Coyle, succeeded him.l This prince was cotemporary with the celebrated Arthur, King of Scotland. Huail had the misfortune to provoke the enmity of this powerful monarch, who penetrated into Galloway,"^ and drove the Cum- brian king from his throne : the discomfited chief fled to the island of Anglesey where he died. Tra- dition asserts that Arthur erected a palace in Gal- loway, though the site of it is not known. He re- tained the allegiance of the Walenses rather by liis wisdom than power ; and at his death, the Cum- brian crown reverted to the family of its former kings. Marken, who is remembered chiefly for his hostility to Kentigern, founder of the bishopric of Glasgow, succeeded to the Cumbrian throne. — The premature death of this sovereign was viewed as an appropriate punishment, for having raised his impious foot against this holy man. After the death of Marken, a severe struggle ensued among the Cumbrian chiefs for the so- vereignty of the kingdom : it ended in favour of Rydderech, the Generous. One of the first acts of 1 Kyle is thouglit to have derived its name from tliis chief. 2 Arthur is described in lustory as having, at this time, reached Penryn-Ryoncth, or doubk> promontory of Ryon, that lias been mistaken for Dumbarton, but which is obviously the Rhyns of Galloway, of which the expression conveys a remarkably accu.. . rate idea. The Galloway Register. . OF GALLOWAY. 129' his reign was to recall Kentigern to his former see. Cotemporary with this prince was Walluain, chief of the Novantes. In the year 547, Ida, one of the most powerful and active of the Saxon leaders, arrived in a fleet of fifty ships, with a vast body of adventurers, and landed at Flamborough unopposed. Up to this pe- riod, the eastern part of Valentia, though over-run, had not been completely subdued. Settlements, indeed, under petty chiefs, had sprung up in various parts of it, but the Saxons rather mingled with the Britons than expelled thera. The bloody struggles in the south, had hitherto rivctted their attention, commanded their energies, and monopolized their exertion. Ida, however, by his talents and success gave a new impulse to their valour and ambition. The Britons of Strathcluyd beheld the advance of Ida with alarm, and endeavoured to arrest it. — The battle of Cattraeth was fought, which declared in favour of the Saxons. Both Ilydderech, the Cumbrian king, and Walluain, chief of the Novan- tes, appear to have been, on this occasion, among the brave defenders of their country. The victo- rious Ida now founded the Northumbrian, or ra-^ ther Bernician monarchy, and soon enlarged its boundaries until it included, not only the present counties of Northumberland and Durham, but also the Merse and three Lothians ; in short, all the eastern coast, from the Tyne to the Forth. ^EUa, another Saxon leader, founded, about the same time^ a small state between the Humber and the Tyne, including Lancashire and Yorkshire, which being subsequently incorporated with the Bernician king- dom rendered it extremely powerful. 1 Ida's career 1 Hume's History of England, J30 HISTORY of conquest was stopped, in 559, by the venge- ful sword of a brave and determined enemy : he fell in battle. The kingdom of Strathcluyd now excited the ava- rice of numerous and powerful enemies ; and it had sometimes to sustain the attacks of the Scots and Picts, and at other times those of the Saxons. — That part of Galloway which lay along the sea coast, or at the greatest distance from the seat of government, was now over-run by the Nor- thumbrian Saxons who made settlements in it. — The farms which are still styled Inglestons are thought to have derived their name from the Angles who then possessed them, and motes seem gener- ally to have been in their vicinity. Those slaves whom they employed in tilling the ground were termed boors, and the places which they inhabit- ed or occupied, are still named Borlands.l The lands called " Carletons" also obtained their name from the Ceorles, or middle class of society among the Saxons ; the thanes being the highest and the slaves the lowest. In 577, Rydderech de- feated Aidan, the Scottish king, on the heights of Arderyth. The site of this conflict is thought to have been at Airdrie, in Lanark-shire. Soon after the battle, the Cumbrian king felt an un- bounded anxiety to learn what fate would ul- timately befall him, and sent a messenger to St. Columba,2 to inquire "whether Rydderech 1 Heron's History of Scotland, Mr Heron was a native of Newgalloway, in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. See Dr T. Murray's Lit. Hist, of Galloway, 2nd Ed. p. 219. 2 St. Columba has been sometimes termed the apostle of Scotland ; and, indeed, he will long be remembered as the bene, factor of North Britain. This holy man was born in Ireland, and descended from a family of rank. Instigated by pious zea). OF GALLOWAY. 131 slioiilcl be slain by his enemies or not." The saint made answer ; " He shall never be delivered into the hands of his enemies, but shall die in his own house upon his pillow." Adamnan, St. Columba's biog-rapher, attests the fulfilment of the prophecy ; for he emphatically adds; " Roderc died an easy death in his own house." This munificent mo- narch expired in the year 601. he foundod several monasteries in his own country. In 565, at the age of forty-two, he abanrloned his native hind with the laud, able design of preacliing tlie Gospel to the Picts. For the site of a monastery, Conal the Scottish King, and his relation, be- stowed upon him the island of lona. Here he settled with his twelve companions. They laboured, during the space of two full years, in preparing huts for their habitations, and in erecting one small and'unsubstantial church. Though the Columbans were called monks, they were a body of regular clergy. For thirty-four years, Columba continued to send out Christian in. structors to various parts of North Britain ; he died on the 9tli of June, 597. Not only North Britain, however, but also England, derived numerous advantages from the ecclesiastical institution in lona. The monastery furnished an asylum and instruction to the Northumbrian princes, and many teachers were despatched from lona to England, to unfold the cheering truths of the Gospel to the Anglo-Saxons, "This famous isle," says Mr Knox in his topogi-aphy, is situated off the south. west point of ]\lull, fi-om which it is separated by a strait now two miles broad; but anciently much narrower, for we are informed, that people could converse across the channel. The islet is, at present, about two miles long, by one bioad; and is rather fer. tile. It contains interesting ruins and tumuli. The primitive name was /, which in Gaelic signifies an isle. By Bede, / was aspirated Ht,'. From its being exposed to the swell of the At- lantic, it is often dangerous to approach its shores, and on that account, it was also called by the Gael, I-thon, ' the isle of waves;' this being pronounced I-on, was Latinized by the monks lona, and aspirated Hyona, as we find it written by Adamnan, in his life of Columba; Adomnan was abbot, in 079. In later times, it was denominated I-colni cille (pronounced Icolmkil,) " the isle of Columba's retreat, or cell." An intimate connection subsisted for some time between the monks of lona and the inhabitants of Galloway who derived much instruction from that learned society. The monastery obtained the patronage of many churches in tills district. 132 HISTORY Not long after the battle of Arderyth, Aidan' the Scottish king, joined the Cumbrians against the Saxons. In 584, their united forces defeated the Northumbrian army on the east border of West- moreland. The Saxons were again vanquished by the allied army in the battle of Leithredh. But in the year 598, the Saxons became the victors, and defeated, in their turn, the Cumbrians and Scots in the battle of Kirkinn. Again in 603, the allied, army sustained a total overthrow on the fatal field of Dawstane. After this disaster, the Cumbrian power became extremely circumscribed, and the Anglo-Saxons obtained a great ascendency in Galloway, though perhaps not the absolute so- - vereignty of the province. Rydderech had left no sons to inherit his king- dom, and for half a century the subordinate chiefs contended for the superiority. At length Owen, or Hoen, ascended the dangerous and unstable throne of Strathcluyd. Again the Cumbrians were involved in war with the Scots, and this pa- triotic sovereign defended his insecure dominions against the insidious Donal-breac, who fell by the hand of the brave Owen, in 642, at the battle of Strath-Carmaic.l Owen's noble achievements did not secure his power to his posterity, for he was succeeded by a series of kings of different families, whose names have almost totally disap- peared from the page of history. The Cumbrians, in addition to the attacks of their former enemies, the Scots, Picts, and Saxons, had now to contend against the northern Irish tribes. — In 681, they repelled an invasion of the CruithnQ 1 Strath signifies a valley. OF GALLOWAY. 1$^ of Ulster,! and slew the son of their king. At this time, we are told, (though the statement does not seem to rest on any sure foundation,) that the bishopric of Candida Casa was re-esta- blished. Octa is mentioned as the successor of Ninian ;2 but it is probable, the Novantes had not the benefit of any episcopal superintend- ence, from the death of their first prelate, un- til the appointment of Saxon bishops to the same see. Bede says, that in 681, Trumwine was made bishop " ad pi'ovinciam Pictorum ; " and Trumwine styles himself " Episcojms Picto- rum" But though Macpherson states, that Trum- wine was " bishop of Quhethern," or of the " Pichts" some writers have maintained that, if he had a particular diocese, Abercorn, and not Whit- horn, was the seat of his bishopric. In '723,3 how- ever, the see of Candida Case was undoubtedly revived by Osric, king of the Northumbrians, and Tecthelme consecrated bishop of it. Before this period, the Saxons had been converted, and were become zealous in the cause of Christianity. Prior to the middle of the 8th century, the Cum- brians were assailed by the Caledonian Picts; and, 1 Cruitlinc, or Cruitlineacli, is an Irish word which denoted Picts. 2 Bede. — Keith. Sec Catalogue of Scottish Bishops, p. 271. 3 " In that year, was Pichtlielme consecrated bishop of Whit- hern. [Bede, \. v, c. 2,*,] And dj'iug, in 736, A. 1)., he was succeeded by Frithwakl. [lb. L v ] And ho dying, in 763. A. D. was succeeded, by Pechtvin : And he dying, in 777, ac. cording to Seville, but according to the chron. of Melros, 776. A. D., was succeeded by iEthelbert, consecrated at York, who attended the coiuicil of Calcluth: And ho dyin,!^% in 790, was suc- ceeded by Eadwulf the fifth, and last, of the bishops of Whithcm. The chronicle of Melros calls him Badulf," CALEDONi^t. Keith calls liim Radvulf, 134 HISTORY in the year 750, the Northumbrian monarch, Ead- bert, having traversed Nithsdale, seized Kyle and Cunningham. By a joint attack of the Saxons and Picts, in 756, the metropolis of the Strathcluydian kingdom, though not the castle, was taken ; but the people remained unsubdued. As soon as the storm of war had passed, the Cumbrian rulers al- ways resumed their authority. Thus did this un- fortunate nation continue pressed on every quarter until the year 779, when, we are informed, their capital was burned by the Scots. At the end of the 8th, or beginning of the 9th century, the Northumbrian dynasty became ex- tinct, and the see of Candida Casa, or Whithorn, fell with it, but the clergy of the diocese submitted to the jurisdiction of the bishop of Sodor and Man.l The Anglo-Saxon population had never been abundant in Galloway, and now their influ- ence or authority was almost annihilated, and they were no longer viewed as a distinct people.2 1 HoUinshed's Chronicles of Scotland. 2 " In an islet in the river Dee which falls into the Solvvaj frith, — or the Vergivian sea, — at Kirkcudbright, is an ancient castle in the Norman fashion, and now ruinous, of which the name is THRiEVE-castle. Adjacent, upon the western bank of the river, is a farm named Thrieve Grange. This castle, re. markable in the history of Lower Galloway, is, however, much more ancient than any record in which it is mentioned. No tradition of the neighbourhood explains the origin of its name. No plausible account of this has been, as yet suggested. Now, I cannot help conjecturing, that this castle, if not itself more ancient than the thirteenth or the twelfth century, stands most probably on the site of a more ancient castle, coeval with the reigns of the Northumbrian Edwin or Oswald, and the seat of the RiEVE, or inferior Anglo-Saxon governor of the countrj'. The original meaning of Grange, is farm : and Thrieve- Grange may have been a possession of the Rieve who resided in the castle. The Anglo-Saxon language has ever since [par. tially] prevailed in this country. Seveiul of the ancient Anglo. OF GALLOWAY. 135 Tlie Saxons, though long blended with the in- habitants of Galloway, do not appear to have ef- fected a great change in the district. Before their emigration from Germany, they had perhaps at- tained to a better order in civil polity, and the knowledge or exercise of a greater variety ofarts^ than the people of Galloway, but they could not impart much advantageous instruction. After their arrival in the island, they practised agriculture, rearing, at the same time, large flocks and herds* They knew the art of weaving cloth ; for they wore linen garments bearing a slight resemblance to our shirts, over which they frequently threw a robe, in the form of a Scottish plaid. Their houses were similar to those of the an- cient Britons, though rather more comfortable : light was admitted through linen cloth instead of the glass used in modern times ; and they had a greater variety of domestic utensils, many of which M-ere made of metal. They understood, though but imperfectly, the art of tanning the hides of animals into leather which they formed into shoes. Com- modious waggons had been long in use among them for the removal of their effects, in their va- rious peregrinations ; and they formed, of planks, large boats very lofty at each end. Saxon arts and modes of life still subsist here in all their primitive simplicity Through all those parts of the country which lie con- tiguous to the sea-coast, the names of places are geneially Anglo Saxon. Bede, too, an unexceptionable authority, relates, that even in his time, the city of Whithem was in the possession of his countrymen. Kirkcudbright in Lower Galloway appears to have been founded by the Anglo-Saxons, in honour of their il lustrious St. Cuthbert of Liudisfern." Heron's History of Scotland. 1 Henry's History of Britain. Ig^; HISTORY Their warlike weapons consisted of a small wooden sliield, a long spear, pointed with brass or iron, a broad sword, and a bow.l War, hunting, and the noisy merriment of the feast, were the only- employments of the men : the meaner occupations of life devolved upon the women and slaves.2 In England and the southern parts of North Britain, they found numerous specimens of Roman work- manship, which promoted their advancement in the arts and sciences; and whenever they found it necessary, thej^ availed themselves of the knowledge and services of the subjugated Britons. From the date of their arrival in the island, their food, their clothing, their implements, their architecture, and their rural economy, were partly Saxon and partly llom.an. Whatever the Romans had taught the British tribes, the German adventurers eagerly imitated. Two classes of Saxon works still remain in Galloway as monuments of this people, namely, their camps and motes. The Anglo-Saxon camps are easily distinguished from British forts or Ro- man posts. The areas of the Saxon camps were raised by accumulated earth above the level of the 1 " Anuerin, a Welsli Bard wlio flourislied early in the sixtli century, aud fought in person against the invaders, gives this account of the military haLits and weapons of the Saxons. There were present at tlie battle of Cattraeth, ' three hundred waiTiors arrayed in gilded armour, three loricutod bauds with three com- manders wearing golden torques. They were armed with " daggers," white sheathed piercers, and " wore four-pointed (square) helmets, Some of them can-ied spears and shields, the latter being made of split wood. Tlieir leader had a projecting shield, was harnessed in " scaly mail," armed with a slaughter, ing pike, and wore a mantle, the skin of a beast." Planche's History of British Costume, p, 17. London Edit, 1834. 2 Tacitus. OF GALLOWAY. 157' adjacent ground. A ramjjart of earth, with a very wide ditch, surrounded the camp, and an external rampart, enclosing- the whole, separated it from the gurrounding- country. There are still the very distinct remains of an Anglo-Saxon camp at the eastern extremity of the sea-coast, in the parish of Mochrum.l The motes were unfortified mounds, formed for public meeting's or courts of justice. — They are in some places now called duns, (the name in all probability originally bestowed upon them by the British iidiabitants, from their resem- blance to forts,) and in other places, Imvs or Moot- hills :2 a number of these motes may have been used in early ages for warlike purposes. The Saxons had long possession of Whithorn, but left few traces of their residence. When the Anglo-Saxons first settled in Britain, they were ignorant of the use of letters. Their speech, therefore, must have been simple and uncon- nected. Some years after their arrival, they adopted the use of the Roman-British alphabet, and their language ceased to be entirely oral. But when the Roman clergy came amongst them, a considerable impulse was give-n to literature ; for these zealous pastors brought many books from Italy, and in- structed the Saxon youth in the mode of using them. By these means a taste for learning was diffused-^ and numbers of the Saxons soon excelled 1 New Statistical Account. 2 Tliere are two places of this kind In the parish of Kirkcud. bright, one in the town, still called the Mote-brae, and another named the Moot-hill, about a mile from the ancient Caerban- torigum. 3 Heron's History of Scotland, In support of these facts w,e make the following extract from Dr. Johnson's History of the English language. " What was the form of the Saxon^ 138 HISTORY in the art of writing ; many of the manuscripts of that period being executed in a superior style. — One of the most beautiful copies of the Gospels, was then made by a monk of Northumberland, at the request of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. Bede, often termed the wise Saxon, was accounted the most learned man of the western world. Books were so valuable during the seventh century, that as much land could have been obtained for one of those works which were held in the highest esti- mation as could be tilled by eight ploughs. During the prevalence of Saxon superiority in Galloway, the original speech of the natives does not seem to have undergone any very material or extensive transformation. The Anglo-Saxon language, no doubt, came into use in some parts of the province, but it had already undergone some alteration by borrowing, both from the Bri- tish and Scottish dialects of the Celtic, many words which have maintained their ground amidst all the fluctuations of time, and still add force, copi- language, when, about the year 450, they first entered Britain, cannot now be known, lihey seem to have been a people without learning, and very probably without an alphabet ; their speech, therefore, having been always cursory and ex- tenaporaneous, must have been artless and unconnected, with- out any modes of transition or involution of clauses ; which abruptness and inconnection may be observed even in their latex writings. This bai'barity may be supposed to have con. tinned during their wars with the Britains, which for a time left them no leisure for softer studies ; nor is there any reason for supposing it abated, till the year 370, when Augustine came from Rome to convert them to Christianity. The Christian re- ligion always implies or pioduccs a certain degiee of civility and learning; they then became by degrees acquainted with the Roman language, and so gained, from time to time, some know, ledge and elegance, till in three centuries they had formed a language capable of expressing all the sentiments of a civilized people." OF GALLOWAY. 139 oiisness, and ornament to the present language of the Lowlands of North Britain. As the Celtic and Gothic, however, flowed from the same foun- tain, it would now be difficult to analyze, with any degree of accuracy, the modern speech of the south of Scotland. That it rests principally upon a Saxon basis is certain ; for undoubtedly the main fabric of the English language is of Teutonic, or Gothic origin. 1 The Anglo-Saxons, besides, im- posed names on several of the larger or more con- spicuous natural objects in the district.2 The burgh of Kirkcudbright deduced its name, and perhaps its origin from this people. About a 1 Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language. 2 "In the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright," s-ays Mr Chahners, "we may trace a few Saxon names, which correspond with the fewness of the Saxon settlers, till recent times. The Saxon Merse is applied, in some instances, to fenny tracts, which had been pre- viously denominated Carse, by the Britons. The Saxon J3urg a fort, or town, appears in a few names ; usSorg parish, Buryh in Colvend, and Dryburgh, in Crossmichael. There is only one in- stance of the Saxon Berg, a hill which appears, in its English forni of Berry, in RaeZ/eiryhill. There are only two examples of the Saxon 117c, in the names of Warwick, and Southjiv'cA. The Saxon Bye only appears in the name of Bomi/e : And there are only two instances of the Saxon Ham, in Eding/iam, and Twyn- ham. The Saxon Cleugh, a ravine, -appears only in two names. There are a few instances of the Saxon Hleaive, or Law, a hill;, as New-Zf/w, and Nether./aw, in Rerwick, Ward/aw in Balma. clellan, Green. /azr, in Crossmichael, Law, in Minnigaff. Tho only river, which appears, in Galloway to have a Saxon name, is the Fleet, from the Anglo-Saxon Fleot. The Saxons, who domineered in West Galloway, or Wigtonshire, during the 7th and 8th centuries, imposed very few names on places; because having a very inconsiderable population, they formed few set- tlements ; and they became merged among the more rmmerous Britons. A few of the old Saxon names they did impose, during those ages, perhaps: such as Whit/tern, Cunnig-Aawj, Craig. 6o the base of which, on one side, was washed by the sea. The other side, or that next the land, was panion of Wallace, must be equally admitted ; as, under everjr vicissitude of fortune, we find him ranged by his side, eudurini-- his toils, or sharing his triumphs, and true to the end. Kerlie-'s was the last mortal arm that was raised to defend him from the dastardly assassins to whom he was basely sold." 1 He was ancestor of the noble family of Kenmure. 2 The Castle of Cruggleton, which gave its name to the pa- rish in which it stood, was built on the verge of a precipitous part of the sea coast. Nothing now remains of it, save part of an arch, and the foundations of some of the walls; but there is enough to show that, in ancient times, it must have been a place of great size and strength. The spot on which it stood is a kind of promontory, formed by a small bay on each side, and b elevated about 200 feet perpendicular above the level of the sea. The fosse encloses upwards of an acre of ground, and is still quite distinct. It is 183 yards loug. and about 12 yards wid«, ' New Stat. Accoont. 204 HISTORY well fortified and had a draw-bridge for the egress and ingress of the garrison. Having concealed his men from the view of the besieged, Wallace, with two chosen companions, Kerlie and Steven, entered the water and swam unperceived to the bottom of the rock, they then with much exertion clambered up its steep side. The defenders had no suspicion of danger from that quarter ; and had placed no sentinels there upon duty. The intre- pid heroes entered the castle and made their way to the gate unobserved. Wallace immediately seiz- ed the sentinel, stationed there, in his iron grasp, and threw him over the rock. Having opened the gate and lowered the bridge, he blew his horn, when a chosen party of his men who had been plac- ed in concealment, rushed into the fort and slew every individual who offered any resistance. They found in it some valuable stores. 1 The successes of Wallace had a powerful effect in recruiting his army ; for Knighton, an old English historian, informs us, " that the whole followers of the nobility had attached themselves to him, and that although the persons of their lords were with the King of England, their heart was with Wallace, who found his army reinforced by so immense a multitude of the Scots, that the community of the land obeyed him as their leader and their prince." After the Scots had gained a decisive victory at Stirling, the galling power of Edward was com- 1 Henry the llinstrel, commonly called blind Harry. — This author wrote in the reign of James IV., from materials said to have been collected by John Blair, chaplain to Wallace. His history is in metre. It is viewed as rather questionable aiu thority in some of its details. OF GALLOWAY, 205 pletely broken ; and, in a short time, not a castle or fortress remained in the hands of the English. A dreadful famine, the frequent concomitant or consequence of the ravages of war, pressed severely upon Scotland. With the view of finding suste- nance for his troops, and thus saving- the resources of his own country, Wallace took advantage of the panic which had been inspired by the victory at Stirling, and marched into England. Before he set out, he called upon every county, barony, town, and village, to contribute a certain number of fighting men. The levies, however, were but tardily made ; and Wallace found himself under the necessity of adopting severe measures to en- force obedience. Gibbets were erected in various places, and some of the most refractory of the recusants hanged. In consequence of the ex- amples now made, he soon found himself at the head of a numerous army, with which he penetrat- ed into England, as far as Newcastle. An intense frost and a scarcity of provisions obliged him to return after a residence of about three months. Having collected a large quantity of booty in this expedition, he allotted to the Galwegian troops who were with the army their portion of it, and retreat- ed into Scotland.! William Wallace, after returning from England, was elected Regent, or Governor of Scotland, in the name of King John [Baliol,] still an exile, or rather prisoner in England. But his well merited elevation and extensive martial fame soon roused the 1 " Dividentes inter se spolia qucesita, tradiderunt Galira- lensibus partes suas, ct abierunt ia loca sua. " Hemingfokd, p. 136. 206 HISTORY envy of inferior natures ; and men of little mindg began to use every effort to traduce his character, misrepresent his motives, and sow dissension among the powerful adherents of his noble cause. These low minded endeavours were not made in vain. — By fatal jealousy and infatuated disunion, his army sustained a defeat at Falkirk ; and he was obliged to retreat, with the loss of nearly fifteen thousand men.^ After various operations, the victorious King of England marched to Glasgow, from which town he proceeded towards the strong eastle of Ayr, then in the possession of the younger Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick. Upon the ap- proach of the English army, Bruce set fire to the castle and fled. Edward next purposed to march into Galloway,2 with the intention of wast- ing the lands of the refractory barons who had be* longed to the party of Wallace. His army, however, being in want of provisions, he was con- strained to return through the middle of Annan- dale, where he effected the capture of Bruce's castle of Lochmaben : he then proceeded to Carlisle. The brave Wallace, after his defeat at Falkirk, voluntarily retired from his honourable and merited pre-eminence, giving place to that envy which he could not withstand. It is asserted in an ancient manuscript of Fordun, as well as in the biography of Wallace by Henry the minstrel, that he now left Scotland and sailed to France. The place from which he took shipping is said to have been the port of Kirkcudbright in the river Dee. Mac- 1 Tytler, 2 Tytler_It is possible Carrict was here meant which was stills considered a part of Galloway. The words of W. Hemingford are " Cumque fuisset voluntatis Regiae, ut tunc Gallwalliam ir_ grederetur, deficiente tamen pane, defecit et propositum ejus." OF GALLOWAY. 20T lellan, ancestor of the noble family of Kirkcud- bright, with about fifty of the other faithful compa- nions of his toils and dangers, embarked with him^ and forsook their distracted country. On their pas- sage they were attacked by a celebrated pirate, Thomas of Chartres, commonly termed the " Red- Reaver.^ The outlaw's fleet, which consisted of sixteen vessels, had for a considerable time in- fested llie seas. The commander himself boarded Wallace's ship ; but he had a superior foe to en- counter, and was overcome. The Scottish champion received a hearty wel- come from the French King, and soon augmented his great reputation by repeated victories over the numerous rovers who then spread terror and devas- tation over every sea. Thomas of Chartres, we are told, fought under him. So brilliant were his naval exploits, that they are said to have become the fa- vourite subjects of many French songs and ballads. The defeat of the Scottish army produced little solid advantage to the King of England ; for both Galloway and the country beyond the Forth con- tinued free. After the resignation af Wallace, the Scottish patriots, with the general concurrence of the nation, appointed William Lamberton, Bishop of I Henry the Minstrel This author states, that soon after Wallace's return from England, |in 1297, he concUided a peace with that country which was to endure for five years, and sailed to France where he fought against the English. It was at this- time, according to the same author, that he took shipping from Kirkcudbright. We find, however, no authentic record of such a peace. We cannot suppose, be^ides, he would liave left his country at this period; for if peace really existed in Bri. tain, the Regent of Scotland, with a numerous train of foUow. ers, would not have gone into a foreign country to fight against England, and if war prevailed, he could not have been spared from his own army. Wallace's removal to France must have been after the defeat at Falkirk. 209 HISTORY St. Andrews, Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, John Comyn, the younger, of Baden och, and John de Soulis, guardians of Scotland in the name of Baliol. At the intercession of Pope Boniface, the de- throned King of Scotland was conveyed to the continent. Before embarkation, his trunks were searched and found to contain a crown of gold, the great Seal of Scotland, and many vessels of the precious metals, with a considerable sura of money. The crown was retained by Edward, and hung up in the shrine of St. Thomas the Martyr; but the money was returned. Edward also seized the dethroned King's whole English estates, which lay in nine different counties, and some years after- wards bestowed them upon his own nephew, John of Bretagne. John Baliol was conducted to his estates and castle of Bailleul, in France, where he passed his days in obscurity. The restless activity and insatiable ambition of Edward were now strikingly exhibited. To effect the conquest of modern Galloway and other parts of the south of Scotland, all the English nobility and barons, who held of the crown by military tenure, were commanded by royal authority to meet, with their retainers, at Carlisle, on the 24th of June, 1300. The King's mandate was punctually obey- ed ; and about the 1st of July the English army left Carlisle with the intention of commencing its operations, by the reduction of Caerlaverock castle. This army was commanded by the King in per- son, attended by his son, the Prince of Wales, afterwards Edward II., and comprised 87 of the most potent peers and knights of his whole dominions. The men at arms alone, — all chosen warriors, — amounted to no fewer than 3000 ; and this splendid array of chivalry, moving along th& OF GALLOWAY. 209 road to Caerlaverock, presented an Imposing spec- tacle to the astonished peasantry. An ancient poet informs us that they " set forward against the Scots, not in coats and surtouts, but on powerful and noble chargers ; and, that they might not be taken by surprise, well and securely armed. There were many rich caparisons, embroidered on silks and satins ; many a beautiful pennon fixed to a lance, and many a banner displayed. And afar off was the noise heard of the neighino; of horses : moun- tains and valleys were every where covered with surapter horses, and waggons with provisions, and sacks of tents and pavilions ; and the days were long and fine." As soon as this mighty host ap- peared before Caerlaverock castle, it was arranged into three divisions, to each of which separate quarters were assigned by the marshal. The soldiers -then proceeded to erect huts for their lodgings, of which the poet gives a picturesque de- scription. " There might be seen houses built without carpenters or masons, of many different fashions ; and many a cord stretched with white and coloured cloth, with many pins driven into the ground ; many a large tree cut down to make huts ; and leaves, herbs, and flowers, gathered in the woods, which were strewn within ; and there our people took up their quarters." The engines and provisions were conveyed to them by sea. The strong castle of Caerlaverock, containing a gar- rison of 60 men, after a desperate resistance, was taken. The garrison, in consideration of their bravery, were not only pardoned and released with- out ransom by the conqueror, but each of the brave defenders received a new garment upon his departure, i 1 Grose's Antiquities, vol. i. p. 161. 210, HISTORY " It is worth observing" says Pennant, wlnFe speaking of the siege of Caerlaverock, " that it was taken by force of engines, and the English, as late as the time in question, used much the same method of attack as the Greeks and Romans did ; for they drove the enemy from the walls by showers of stones flung, from engines, similar to the CatapuUae of the ancients, and they used also battering rams."l On the 17th of July Edward entered Gallo- way and made his accustomed oblation of seven . shillings in his chapel at Lochrutton.2 He slept during the night in Hills castle, about three miles south west from Dumfries. Having reached Kirkcudbright on the 19th of July, he took up his abode, we have every reason to believe, in the ancient castle of Kirkcudbright,3 and he made his usual oblations in the priory church of that town.* Here he remained with his Queen and court for the period of ten days. In all" likelihood, it was. dfiring Edward's residence in Kirkcudbright, that the Bishop of Galloway endeavoured to mediate a peace. When the Earl of Buchan and John Comyn of Badenoch understood that the laudable exertions 1 Pennant's Tour in Scotland, vol. ii. p. 97. 2 The words of tha original are " 17 die Julii in Oilac' Regis ad Altare in Capella sua apud Loghroieton, 7s." This Chapel was a tent or portable building. 3 The ancient castle of Kirkcudbright, stood on- the eastern eide of the Dee near the tow.n. it overlooked the entrance to the river, and the tide seems to have flowed into its fosse. It was built by the ancient Lords of Galloway ; and on the death of Alan, went to his daughter Dervorgille. Traces of this castle are still apparent, though it was long since demolish. ed. In ancient charters the place is called Castlemains, oi Castle-dykes. (Stat. Account. Grose's Antiquities.) It now belongs to the Eail of Selkirk. 4 The Priory, or convent at Kirkcudbright was founded in the reign of A]<'.\ander II., for Franciscans,, or Grey Friars. — The present castle of Kirkcudbright occupies its site. OF GALOWAY gU of the benevolent Bishop had proved abortive, tliey repaired personally to the King, with whom they had a violent and stormy interview. They de- manded the restoration of John Baliol, their lawful King, and that he should be permitted peaceably to reign in Scotland. They also requested Edward" to pat the original Scottish proprietors in possession of the estates which had been wrested from them, and bestowed upon English lords. The haughty monarch, considering these requests as the insolent demands of avowed rebels, gave a direct aad uncere- monious refusal. The two barons now declared their fixed determination to defend their country to the last extremity, and the parties separated highly, enraged. Whilst the English Sovereign remainea in the town of Kirkcudbright, the Mayor of Drog- lieda sent him a present of eighty hogsheads of wine ; and the King granted to " John de Cnoc- fergus," thirteen shillings and four pence for bringing the wine from Ireland in his vessel.l On the last day of July, Edward left Kirkcud- bright, crossed the Dee, and moved to Twynholm.. Here he received a supply of money from Loch- maben ;2 and we find that, on the 1st of August, he made his usual offering at Twynholm. He was- detained about eight days in this place waiting- for provisions which were to be brought to him by 6ea. From the port of Kirkcudbright, he had 1 As all the particulars connected with this expedition are curious and interesting, we shall mention almost every circum- stance, how minute soever, that history affords. 2 On the hist day of July we find that Edward paid to Wniiam de Rude, a sum not stated, for the hire of four hack, neys, employed two days in carrying money from Lochmaben to. Twynholm a place situated about three miles north west from: Kirkcudbright. 212 HISTORY sent off considerable quantities of wheat, I both to England and Ireland, to be manufactured into flour for the use of his household and army ; the mills at this time existing in Galloway being neither sufficiently numerous nor properly suited for the purpose.2 From the fact now stated, it is beyond a doubt that Galloway annually exported a con- siderable quantity of wheat. Edward, on the 9th of August, advanced with his army to the town of "Flete,"3 [Fleet] in the parish of Girthon, and not far from the modern mansion of Cally. The Galwegians now mustered their forces for the purpose of checking his progress. Their efforts, however, were unavailing against an army so powerful and well appointed ; and, after a few skirmishes, they found themselves compelled to seek shelter in the recesses of their woods and 1 " Wardrobe, Accounts of the year 1300, passim, which show the number of vessels, which he then had employed, in that tran- sport service. Simon Kingsman, the master of the Margaret of Kihaven, was paid 21. 9s. for himself and twelve sailors, from the 2d to the 15th of August, in carrying, in his ship, thirty quarters of wheat from Kirkcudbright to Dublin to be ground; and thence to Ayr, for the King's army there : He was also paid 6s. 8d. for lodmanage, or pilotage, of the said ship. lb. 273.. — Wymond Gegge, master " de la Sauveye" of Teygnemouth, was paid II. 7s. Qd. for himself and nine sailors, from the 5th to the 14th of August, in carrying 143 quarters of wheat frora Kirkcudbright to Whitehaven to he ground ; and thence carried to Ayr, for the king's army. Id. John Horn, the master of the Mario t of Drogheda was employed in the same transport of wheat, from Kirkcudbright, to Workington to be ground, he. Id. Andrew Karliol, the master of the Mariot of Drogheda was employed, in the same service, in carrying wheat from Kirk- cudbright to Whitehaven to be ground, lb. 274. Several other vessels were then similarly employed, lb. passim." Caledonia. 2 The first mills used in the district were querns. 8 It is sometimes termed " Gerton on Flete." There are numerous traces of ancient buildings about a mile to the south, of Cally House, or GALLOWAY. 213 mountains wliich they fortified by placing in the passes rocks and large trees. Edward is thought to have taken up his abode here in a castle which stood in the lands of Enrick. The place is still termed the " Palace Yard." In Girthon he made his usual oblation at the altar, to propitiate the saints for success in his undertaking. On the 10th of August, he sent John de Lawford to Carlisle for money to defray the expenses of his household, and pay his army. Whilst the English King remained in Girthon, he exacted, we are told, from Dame Margaret de Multon, thirteen shillings and fourpence, for the restoration of her liberty. He also fined Henry, tenant of the mill of "Gerton," [Girthon] thirteen shillings and four- pence, for improprieties which he had discovered in this man's conduct, or for some unfair practices which existed in his mill.l The King farther showed his love of justice, by amercing the town of Fleet in the sum of forty shillings for having used deficient measures and illeoal weiofhts. — Edward sent a large detachment from Fleet to Wigtown, which seems to have met with little opposition, though the Galwegians often at- tacked and harassed the detachments or parties of the English army, which were sent to over-run the district : they also watched and slew the stragglers. Accordingly, we observe that allowances were granted for horses which were killed by the Scots at the Dee, on the Fleet, and on the Cree. The commander of the detachment sent to West Gal- loway, gained the friendship and adherence of the M'Doualls, ancient and powerful barons in Wig- 1 Tho water course to this ancient mill is gtiU perceptiUe. It was situated near the town of Fleet, 214 HISTORY townsliire. On the I9th and 20th of August, we find Edward at Crossmichael, retufning through Galloway ; and on the 23rd, he made his accustom- ed oblation in his chapel at Southwick. He reach- ed the Abbey of Sweetheart on the 24.th, and Caerlaverock on the 29th of the same month. About this time the King of England met with a new opponent. Scottish commissioners had been sent to the Pope, at Rome, to complain of the injuries which Edward was inflicting on Scotland, and to solicit the Pontiff's interference. His Holiness, probably influenced by Scottish gold, directed an admonitory bull to Edward, and ordered Winchelsea, Archbishop of Canterbury, to proceed immediately in quest of the English King, and with all due formality deliver the important document into his hands. This prelate obeyed the mandate of his superior, and in the dis- charge of his duty, exposed himself to much per- sonal danger from bands of Scottish robbers that prowled about the country, thirsting for English blood. Having passed, with all his horses and chariots, the dangerous sands of the Solway, he proceeded to Kirkcudbright, attended by his learn- ed dignitaries, clerks, and servants ; but he found that tlie King had previously departed from thafc place. Pursuing the royal route, he at last overtook Edward encamped near Caerlaverock,! and com- municated to him, in presence of the Prince of Wales, the nobles, and whole army, the bull of Pope Boniface VHI., commanding him to set at liberty all ecclesiastics whom he had confined, to stop farther hostile proceedinga against the Scots, and •1 Tytler. OP GALLOWAY. 215 'to relinquish his claim on Scotland, which king- dom, His Holiness affirmed, was a fief belonging to the Papal SeeJ In delivering this imperious mandate, the Arch- bishop added his own observations on the duty of paying implicit and reverential obedience to so high and sacred an authority. Edward heard the injunctions with astonishment and ungovernable rage, and uttering a great oath, exclaimed — " I will defend, as long as I have breath in my nostrils, what all the world knows to be my right." It was dangerous for the King to quarrel with the Pope at this period ; and, after some delay, a truce with the Scots ensued, whidi was to endure till "Whit- sunday 1301, when the season would again permit a renewal of hostilities. From Caerlaverock, Edward proceeded to Dor- nock, east of Annan. During the month of Sep- tember, he remained in the neighbourhood of Holmcultram. On the 16th of October, the King left Carlisler for Dumfries; and on the 17th, he was in that town with his Queen, where he made an oblation in his chapel for good news from Galloway. From Dumfries, John de St. John was sent into the conquered province to receive the submission of the inhabitants, and admit them to the " King's peace." This service occupied him until the 4th of November. Edward returned to England on the 3rd of November, having recalled his troops in detachments from Galloway. During this cam- paign, William de Gretham, a monk of Durham, bX the request of Edward, carried the honoured >1 Hailes' Anaals. 216 HISTORY banner of St. Cuthbert. For tliis service, which lasted fifty three days, he received a remuneration of five pounds. Whilst in Galloway, the English army Avas attended by transports which conveyed provisions of various kinds and other necessaries from England. Bakers were brought from Car- lisle, to make bread of a proper quality for the royal troops and household, whilst in Scotland. Ex- perienced fishermen, with suitable nets, accom- panied the array to procure a constant supply of fish for the royal table. After this campaign, Edward granted allow- ances to private persons for damage done by his troops on their return from Galloway. He present- ed two hogsheads of wine to William de Carlisle, and to Ade, widow of Robert de la Fierte, for injury which their corn at Dornock had sustained from the English troops. The King also allowed William de Carlisle, twenty four pounds for 80 acres of oats destroyed by the royal army, being at the rate of six shillings an acre.l After the expiration of this, and a second truce, which was concluded by the mediation of France, hostilities again commenced ; and Edward having made peace with France, was allowed to direct the whole military force of his kingdom against the in- dependence of Scotland. By arguments, intrigues, 1 Caledonia. — Mr Chalmers when speaking of this campaign makes the following remarks. " In the wardrobe account of Edward I., during the year 1300, which has been puhhshed by the Antiquary Society of London, there are a thousand particu- lars of his campaign, in that year, as well as many curious notices, with regai d to North Britain, her castles, and economy. As history becomes less interesting, as it becomes more general, I will submit to the more curious reader the particulars of Edward's campaigu, ia 1300, fi'om that autlieatic document." Caledo.ma. OF GA.LLOWAY. 217 or gold, he obtained the countenance of the Pope in the prosecution of Jiis ambitious and favourite de- sign of subduing the whole island. Ills Holiness, therefore, addressed the Scottish bishops in terms of reproach, and enjoined them, under pain of his high displeasure, to cultivate peace. The com- pletion of the treaty between England and France proved the harbinger of Scotland's subjugation. Edward's attention and resources were now un- divided. He, accordingly, in 1303, assembled such a force as he judged sufficient to overpower the Scots and command triumphant success. His calculations proved correct; for, in the begin- ning of June, he reached their capital without in- terruption. Wherever he approached, the in- habitants submitted to a power which they could not resist. The whole course of the English army was marked by blood and devastation, — by desolat- ed towns and villages, burning woods, plundered granges, and wasted lands. The Governor, Corny ii, the late Guardian, William Wallace, who had returned from France to assist in the defence of his country, and Sir Simon Eraser, were com- pelled to withdraw into the wilds and fastnesses of the interior IVom which they sometimes issued and annoyed the English convoys. Edward having reduced the castle of Brechin, prepared to lay siege to Stirling castle. Oliphant, the gallant Governor, though without any sanguine liopes of final success, nobly refused to capitulate. Comyn, aware of its importance, as the only re- maining place of refuge in the kingdom, assembled his forces to afford it protection. To make the last effort in behalf of national liberty, he posted 2\S HISTORY his army on the south margin of the Forth. The King intended to pass the river by the bridge, but he found it had been destroyed. His genius, how- ever, readily discovered a ford which enabled him to pass in safety ; but the Scots now fled as if they had been taken by surprise, and Comyn, with his ad- herents, submitted to Edward. Some the conqueror allowed to retain their estates, whilst others he banished from his dominions. Prior to this event, Bruce had surrendered himself to John de St. John the English warden of the western march. 1 William Wallace and Sir Simon Eraser, with the garrison of Stirling, were declared outlaws. The siege of this stubborn fortress now commenced, and was conducted with much ardour and vigorous perseverance. Even the King himself, though advanced in years, emulated the activity of the youngest of his officers, and exposed his per- son, wherever danger was most conspicuous. For three months the castle baffled all his exertions. At length, when several breaches had been made, the faithful Oliphant oifered to capitulate. Edward, however, rejected the proposal with contempt; arid the survivors of the garrison were forced to sur- render at discretion. To evince his high sense of their heroism, the conqueror spared their lives, and exempted them from the ignominy of being bound in chains.2 Scotland was now subdued ; but one man remain- ed determined to be free. This was the renowned William Wallace, who under all circumstances had refused to barter the liberties of his country fov personal safety. Whilst this individual lived, 1 Redpath's Border History. % Tytler Hailes, &c. OF GALLOWAY. 219 Edward could not persuade himself that his con- quests were complete, or his ascendency in Scotland secure. Unbounded enmity, ambitious policy, and an inordinate thirst of vengeance, rendered the Kins: of Enu'land intensely solicitous to hunt the patriot down and gain possession of his person. Ralph Halliburton, a prisoner taken at Stirling, ob- tained his liberty and was hurried down to Scotland to aid in discovering Wallace's retreat. What Hal- liburton effected is unknown ; but it is certain that the hero was betrayed, or taken by Sir John Menteith, Sheriff of Dumbarton-shire, in wliose integrity, it is said, he had placed implicit, though unmerited reliance. Wallace's fate was soon decided. After he had been conducted in chains to London by the orders of the vindictive Edward, he was arraigned of treason and put upon his trial at Westminster. Wallace indignantly repelled the charge ; since, as he affirmed, he had never tiilien the oath of allegiance to the King of Eng- land. Sentence of death was pronounced against him, and the sentence was executed on the 23rd of August 1305. Having dragged him in chains, at horses' tails through the streets, to a high gallows placed at the elms, in Smithfield, the myrmidons of the law, suspended him by the neck : but, whilst he was still living, they cut him down, and accord- ing to his cruel sentence, took out his bowels and burned them before his face. His head was placed on a pole on London bridge, and his mangled limbs were sent to different parts of Britain, to be exposed as spectacles to the public gaze.l Though few of this hero's exploits were -per- -1 Tytler Hailes, &c. 220 HISTORY formed in Galloway; yet tlie district was materially affected by tlie failure or success of his undertak- ing's. He was much in the vicinity of Ayr, and sometimes in Dumfries-shire. From his freqae»t intercourse with the inhabitants of the south of Scotland, they took a warm interest in his fate. After the execution of the brave Wallace, King Edward proceeded to make a final settlement of Scottish affairs. He appointed a lieutenant, a chancellor, a chamberlain, and a comptroller. For the administration of justice, he divided the king- dom into four districts, and nominated two justici- aries for each. Roger de Kirkpatrick, and Walter Burgheton, were appointed justiciaries of Gallo- way — one of the divisions of the kingdom ;1 and *'Thomas INIackulach," Sheriff of Wigtown-shire.- Thus after a protracted and obstinate contest was North Britain divested of its ancient independence, and reduced to the abject condition of an English province. Edward having ostensibly subdued Scotland, and made a final adjustment of its national affairs, considered his authority as permanently fi::^ed on the surest foundation. Within four short months, however, that system was overthrown, which fifteen years of fraud, craft, and violence, accompanied by a profuse waste of treasure and the effusion of rivers of blood, had, with difficulty, established. The cause of this surprising and unlooked for event was this. Dervorgille of Galloway had a son, John Baliol, and a daughter Marjory. John Comyn was the son of Marjory, and setting aside John Baliol, was 1 Kedpath's Border History, p.p. 225, &c, 2 Caledonia. OF GALLOWAY. 221 heir to Dervorgille's royal pretensions. Baliol having renounced his interest in the crown of Scotland, Comyn might be considered, by right of consanguinity, as entitled to the kingdom. Bruce's pretensions are well known. He was lineally de- scended from David, Earl of Himtingdon, brother of William the Lion. His grandfather had been one of the original competitors, but had acquiesced in the decision of Edward; and his father had served un- der the English monarch, though he possessed more spirit and ambition than his grandfather. Thus might a dormant competition for the crown of Scot- land be considered as still existing ;— thus might the ancient faction of Baliol and Bruce be said to have revived in the persons of the Earl of Car- rick and John Comyn. The kingdom, however, had first to be snatched from the tenacious gripe of Edward, either by secret or open means. The pride and restlessness of the people rendered them ripe for such an enterprise ; for they still sighed for independence. Both historyl and tradition narrate, that with a view to free their country from the thraldom of Edward, Bruce made the following proposal to his rival for royalty : " Support my title to the crown and I will give you my es- tate ; or give me your estate and 1 will support 1 Fordun.—Tytler Barbour's Life of Bruce. This writer •was nearly contemporary with Robert Bruce, and was either an eye witness of the events which he narrates, or received his information from those who were eye witnesses. His work is lield in high estimation. Archdeacon Nicolsoa goes on to mention in the Scottish Histo- rical Library, that " The memorable Life of Robert iho First (or the Bruce, as he's call'd) was written by a Person if good Knowledge and Learning^ John Barbour Archdeacon oi Aberdene ; who liv'd in the Reis,qi of David the Second. This Book is in Scottish mceter, and bears the Title of The Acts and Life of the most victorious Conqueror, Robert Bruce, JiCj/i^' o/ Scotland: wherein 222 HISTORY 3'^ours."l To the terms first proposed Comyn agreed ; and an instrument containing the condi- tions was sealed by both parties. They likewise took a mutual oath of secrecy ; but Comyn by letters revealed to Edward his rival's intention. At this time Bruce resided apparently in high favour at the English court. Edward questioned him, and was seemingly satisfied with his answers. He wished to conceal his suspicions until he could ensnare the brothers of Bruce, — for Bruce was considered by many, as the righteous heir of the crown of Scotland, — and thus annihilate a family whose claims and whose influence he dreaded. The King, it is said, having drunk too much wine, un- guardedly unfolded his design regarding Bruce and his brothers. The Earl of Gloucester, symbolically warned the Scottish baron of his danger, and in- sinuated the necessity of saving himself by flight. Bruce understood the message and set off" for Scot- land. On the road he met a person whose appear- ance roused his curiosity, and excited his suspicion. He seized him, and found letters upon his person from Comyn, addressed to the English King, strongly urging the expediency of putting Bruce to death. Having beheaded the messenger he hur- ried on to Lochmaben, at which place he arrived also are contain d the Martial Deeds of the Valiant Princes, Edward Bruce, 'Sir James Douglas, Earl Thomas Randal. Walter Steward, and sundry others. It has had a great many Editions, and is now commonly sold by the Booksellers of that Kingdom, This Historian or Poet (call him which you will, they were antientlv the same profession) liv'd, as we have already observed, near the time he accounts for ; and is therefore the more credible Reporter," Nicolson's Scottish Historical Library, London, 1702. 1 Winton says this conversation took place when the two ba. fons ' were ryding fra Strevylyn." OF GALLOWAY. 223 on the fifth day after his departure from London. Here he met his brother Edward, and informed him of the dangerous circumstances in which he was placed. 1 Bruce hastened to Dumfries, whither Comyn had repaired, to attend^ as a freehohler of the dis- trict, on the English justiciaries, who were then holding their courts in that town, and obtained an interview. They met in a church belonging to a convent of the Minorite friars. A warm alter- cation ensued, and they became more and more ir- ritated. With much vehemence and fury Bruce npbraided his rival with the despicable treachery of liis conduct. " You lie," exclaimed Comyn, wh^n Bruce drew his dagger and stabbed him. Hurry- ing from the sanctuary he called, " To horse." — ■ His attendants, James Lindsay and Roger Kirk- patrick, perceiving him pale and much agitated, in- quired how he was. " 111," replied Bruce, "I doubt I have slain Comyn," "Doubt," cried Kirkpatrick, " Pse mak sicker," andoverit: as midnight approached, however, their vigilance forsook the whole brotherhood, one aged father excepted, who heard a voice, wealc yet clear, resembling that of a wailing infantj ©■xclaim, 'How long. Lord, shall tliy vengeance be delayed'? to '';Vhoni a low and awful tone replied, * Endure with patience un. 224 HISTORY (lered Iiim obnoxious to tlie displeasure of the Pope, the hostility of Comyn's friends, and the fatal resentment of Edward. Forgiveness for so bold and outrageous an act of insubordi- nation was almost beyond the range of pos- sibility; and despair forced him on to open hosti- lity, — to a rash rebellion against the English mon- arch. Having assembled his followers, he seiz- ed the castle of Dumfries. The justiciaries, who were holding their court in a hall of the building when this strange assassination took place, were alarmed for their personal safety, and ordered the doors of the apartment in M'hicb they sat to be barri- caded. Bruce, with a bold and determined firmness, gave notice, that, if they persisted in holding out, lie would order the edifice to be set on fire, and consume them in its ruins. Alarmed at the impend- ing danger, they reluctantly surrendered ; and he permitted them to depart uninjured out of Scot- land. Such is the account given by Scottish historians of this fatal and momentous deed. The English writers narrate the transaction as attended by somewhat different circumstances ; but as the Scot- tish statement has never been invalidated, the pro- bability is, it does not deviate far from the limits of truth. This catastrophe happened on the 10th of February 1306. Bruce having renounced his allegiance to the powerful and vindictive Edward, had now no al- til the anniversary of tLis day shall return for the fifty second time.' On that very clay a Lindsay slew a Kirkpatrick in Caerlaveiock castle, and the slayer and tlie slain weie the sons of the two barons whose respective names they hore, and who had aided in the death of the Red Comyn." (Illustrations of Scott.) OF GALLOWAY. 225 tcrnatlve left but a coffin or a crown — a grave or a kingdom. As he had publicly thrown down the gauntlet before a successful monarch, contemned liis authority, and bid defiance to his power, the offender's only safety lay in the boldness of his measures, and the energy of his exertions. Few at first collected around him except his brothers, vassals, and immediate adherents; but he soon proceeded to prepare for vigorons war with bolder views and higher pretensions than any of his countrymen had ventured to do since Baliol's re- signation. Having summoned such barons and influential men as were known to be anxious for the inde- pendence of Scotland to meet him, he proceeded to Glasgow. On the road between the castle of Lochmaben and Glasgow, a young knight, well armed and mounted, met his retinue. On the approach of their chief, he threw himself from his horse, and, with bended knee, did homage to him as his Sovereign. This individual proved to be Sir James Douglas, afterwards called the Good Lord James, son of Lord Douglas, whose estate had been granted by Edward to Lord Clifford. — This youth, whose son became Lord of Galloway, was affectionately welcomed by Bruce ; and thus began a friendship which only death could termi- nate. From Glasgow Bruce rode to Scone, where he was invested with the insigns of royalty, and so- lemnly crowned King of Scotland. Every thing relating to the ceremony of his coronation was hurriedly arranged. Edward had carried off (he ancient regalia of the kingdom, and the famous Stone chair ; but a slender circlet of gold was used as 226 HISTORY a substitute for the crown. l The Earls of Fife en- joyed the distinguished privilege of placing the crown upon the head of each successive sovereign at his coronation ; but Duncan, at this time Earl, who remained faithful to the English monarch, de- clined to officiate.2 His sister Isabella, wife of the •Earl of Buchan, performed the dangerous duty, on the present emergency, in the place of her brother; and Bruce was acknowledged as King by the few patriotic barons who had attended him, and were attached to his party.3 J Hailes —Tytler, &c. 2 Scott's History of Scotland, &c. 3 Before the arrival of the Countess of Buchan, Bruce, it is- said, had been crowned, but tlie ceremony was repeated. OF GA.LLOWAY. 22T CHAP. VL yaOM THE COaONATlON OF ROBERT BRUCE IN 1306, TO HIS DEATH IN 1329. Before pursuing the course of this narrative it may not be uninteresting or uninstructive to take a cursory survey of the internal, or domestic state of Galloway, during the two centuries, immediately preceding this epoch of Scottish history. Galloway was still chequered by' extensive mar- shes, which filled the atmosphere with moisture, and emitted noxious exhalations. The face of the country yet continued much covered with wood ; and the numerous forests, with the animals of the chace which abounded in them, were sources of wealth to the proprietors of the soil. — When Edward over-ran Scotland, we find him constantly rewarding the services of his adherents by presents of oaks and stags from the royal forests.^ Already, however, many districts had been cleared and brought into a state of cultiva-- tion. It appears, that the art of agriculture was much better understood, or at least much better practised, within the bounds of Galloway, about the end of the 13th century, than during the lapse of the en-- !• Tytkr. — Rotuli Scotiuc, 228- HISTORY suing 300 years. Rude and restless as tlie natives then were, and little addicted to peaceable industry, they nevertheless enjoyed advantages under their native Lords, a continuation of which would have ultimately produced the happiest results, and ac- complished a great amelioration of thair moral con- dition. That they had made some astonishing advances on the path of agricultural knowledge, we have many and satisfactory proofs. In the year 1300, when Edward I. made his memorable campaign in Galloway, his numerous army, as we have seen, was supplied to a considerable extent with stores from the resources of the district. Besides, wheat was exported from the port of Kirkcudbright to Cumberland, and also to Ireland, to be manufac- tured into flour, from which places it was re-con- veyed to Scotland, for the purpose of victualling the castles of Ayr, Caerlaverock, Dumfries, and Lochmaben.^ Now the fact that wheat, — the most nutritive of all grain, and requiring both a good soil and a skilful mode of cultivation, — was raised in considerable quantities at this period, taken in con- nection with the admission of subsequent writers regarding the state of the country, fully proves that 1 Some have thought that tlio %vheat exported from Kirkcud- biight was not the produce cf the district. They suppose it had been previously imported, but from the want of mills, the same vessels that bronght it had to convey it back to Eng. land to be ground into flour. Edward, however, must liave been aware of the state of the country ; and if no wheat was to be obtained in it, he would have imported flour. At tbe present time large qnantities of this giain might be produced in Galloway; and though from the number of vessels employed by Edward, the quantity he exported may seem large, yet it must be remem- bered, that the vessels used at so early a period were biit of a diminutive size, aud could not carry heavy burdens. OF GALLOWAY 229 agriculture had declined afterwards in no ordinary detjree. This result may be attributed to the train of wars, both foreign and domestic, by which Galloway was distracted. The improved mode of agriculture, however, seems to have been confined solely to the southern parts of the kingdom. On the shores of Galloway, and through those parts of Scotland which were included in the Northumbrian kingdom, the Anglo-Saxon mode of cultivation was followed; but in other parts of North Britain,, except perhaps on the estates of the Clergy, the most awkward and unskilful practice prevailed. The higher portions of land were chosen for tillage; the plains and banks of rivers being too marshy, and too much exposed to sudden inundations, to be selected for this purpose by a people possessed of neither art nor industry to overcome natural diffi- culties, or remedy even trifling inconveniences. — We, accordingly, perceive traces of the plough in high and almost inaccessible situations, where no modern agriculturist would attempt cultivation. — Indeed, there are few hills in the lower part of the district, where cultivation was at all practicable, tlmt do not bear distinct marks of the plough ; and the depth of the furrows plainly indicates that this ancient tillage was not merely casual nor experi- mental, but regular and continuous. I The plough "1 About the year \blc, durlna: the reign of Malcolm the Second, n, Colpindach (or youug- Heifer) was Valued at Thirty Pence : the very same Price which was set on an Ox About 1134, Twenty-tive shillings was the price of six Cows, and lour.pence the worth of a Pair of Shoes, — In theieigu of Alex, ander III , 1159 a good Horse for the War was valued at twenty shillings ; a whole Carcase of JMutlon, the higiiest raki sixteen Pence, and the lowest eight Pence." Kicolson's Scottish Historical Library, London, 1702. " la the year 1300, wheat was sold for seven and eight 230 HISTORY which was yoked in spring was generally drawrv by no fewer than ten oxen. They were com- monly unsuitably matched and managed with difficulty. The plough itself was of such a con- struction as to be altogether unfit for removing impediments or penetrating deep into the ground. The spade was occasionally employed in such lo- calities as were inaccessible to the plough. Black oats, rye, and long bearded barley, constituted the ordinary crops. A bundle of thorns, fasten- ed to the tail of an animal, was dragged over tlie ground as a harrow; and the growing crop receiv- ed little or no care, but a partial protection from cattle. After being reaped, the corn was laid up in barns; and, when required, it was parched in small quantities and ground between two stones ; one of which was fitted with a handle which turned it; but a considerable quantity of the oats was made into malt and brewed into ale.l Be- shillings per qiifirter ; wheat-flour, at six shillings ; oats, at tliree and sixpence ; malt at three shillings and sixpence; beans, five and sixpence : Beer, per butt, from eight to sixteen shillings ;. carcasses of oxen, five shillings to six and eight-pence ; and hogs, from three shillings to three and nine pence each, The coin of Scotland was then three times the weight of our present standard, there heing only twenty.one shillings in a pound weight of silver, of which we now make sixty.three shillings." (Cale- donia.) History of Aberdeen. 1 The law respecting brewing at this early period is curious, " All women who brewes aill to be sauld shall brew conform to use all the yeare, whereing gif she failzies she shall be sus- pended fra her ofiice of brewing for ane yeare and ane day If she make evile aill and is convict thereof, she shall pay an un- law of aught shillings, or shall suffer the justice of the burgh, that is, she shall be put upon the cockstule, and the aill shall be distributed to the pure folk. And ilk biowster shall put forth a sign of her aill be the window or be the dure, that it may be' scene as common to all men, quilk gif she does not she shall pay, an unlaw of four pennies." Regiam Majestatem. p. 243. . OF GALLOWAY. 231 fore the end of this period, kilns and mills had been erected in many places ; but more particularly up- on the lands belonging to the King, the clergy, and some of the nobles. The husbandmen used little manure ; the soil in such places as had not been previously wrought being so rich in vegetable matter, as to require no foreign substance, and little culture to fertilize it. After two or three crops, they allowed a field to rest that it might recruit its wasted strength. At this time beans, pease, with different kinds of pot herbs, the leaves or roots of which yielded nourishment, were cultivated about the convents in the southern parts of Galloway.^ The fields, the mountains, and the forests were abundantly stocked with black cattle, sheep, goats, and swine; but pork formed the usual animal food of the lower class of society. The raiment of the inhabitants of the district was still extremely rude and simple : the skins of animals formed various parts of their dress. Wool, indeed, was spun into yarn by the female part of a family, and woven into coarse clotli, which was coloured by " dirty dyes." Portions of black and white wool in their natural state, were also mixed and manufactured into cloth, which afterwards was fashioned into uncouth garments. Flax grew in some places of Galloway, but linen was little used,, The feet generally remained bare, but rude shoes made of untanned, or ill tanned hides, were some- times worn. 1 " A sour cale continued long to be tbe only cabbage boiled in the pots of Scotland, and perhaps their common soup took its deuoiTiination from that rancid ingredient. Other greens were hardly known to the Scots, or extremely rare among them. Their principal root was the white parsnip." Wallace's- Ancient State of Scotland. — Edinburgh Edit. 1783, p. 39. 232 HISTORY The houses of the inhabitants continued, during this period, to be formed of rude materials, and to exhibit very simple workmanship. On the south- west side of the district, and along the shores, the walls of cottages were constructed of rude piles of wood, with branches interwoven between them, and covered on both sides with a tenacious mixture of clay and straw. The roof often consist- ed of heath and turf, or straw and turf. Both the cottagers and the cattle inhabited the same dwelling, and entered at the same door. In towns the houses were of three different kinds ; huts with walls of stone or wood, bedaubed with clay ; dwellings with the lower part of the walls composed of stone and mortar, and the upper part of squared wood ; and a few edifices built of stone and mortar, in a castel- lated form, which rose to a considerable height. — These various habitations were crowded together in narrow and unpaved streets, which were covered deep with mud, and formed receptacles for every kind of filthiness. Their walls had holes tliat served the double purpose of windows and chim- neys ; for these apertures in general had no glass ; and thus they freely transmitted smoke and ad- mitted light. Towns were frequently placed un- der the protection of castles or monasteries. Those built in the vicinity of castles were M^alled, while such as arose under the protection of the church remained defenceless ; being secure from the re- spect that was paid to whatever belonged to the ministers of religion, or received their support. A family cannot be comfortable without various articles of furniture. But our ancestors had almost none in their chambers ; and their kitchens were but poorly supplied with utensils. Their domestic OF GALLOWAY. 233 implements were alike rude in substance and con- struction : and the smallness of their number did not admit of that classification which both cleanliness and delicacy require, l Before the reij^n of Malcolm III., Scotland possessed no structures of sufficient magnitude and strength really to deserve the name of castles. — Tiiere were, indeed, in some places, round towers and fortified camps; but these fortifications Avere not united into one strong work, nor were the towers fitted up as convenient and commodious habita- tions. After the Norman conquest, William and his barons fortified themseh^es in spacious and massy edifices. Malcolm and his nobles, in their ware with England, saw the advantages of such buildings, and imitated the Norman castles. Isola- lated round towers were no longer erected, but a number of castles composed of square towers, or, built at least in somewhat of a square form, were raised in various situations. Their walls, some- times fourteen or fifteen feet thick, were composed of huge masses of rough or unhewn stone ; and the cement, or mortar, was prepared by burning shells collected on the sea shore : such buildings often rose to the height of three or four stories. The under story was set apart as a dungeon and receptacle of stores, and had a well underneath it ; the next story- served as barracks and a guard-room, which the common military force occupied ; the higher apart- ments were used as state rooms and lodgings for the principal persons within the castle. Around the walls, battlements crowned the summit of the build- ing. The floors of the difiJ'erent apartments gener- 1 Wallace's Ancient State of Scotlaiul, 23^ HISTORY ally consisted of wood, and the roofs were vaulted^, or strongly arclied over, and covered with stones or lead. The M'hole ground which the castle occupied, was surrounded by a strong wall, with a deep trench, beyond it, and the open space within the enclosure was known by the name of the " base court." The moat, or trench, was sometimes full of water and sometimes dry, and received protection from a rampart, or vallum, on the outside. The entrance to the castle was secured by several strong and. ponderous frames of iron, some of which did noi turn aside upon hinges, but were raised and lowered down, when necessary. A draw-bridge a- cross the moat afforded access to the castle from tlie adjacent country. Between the outer gate and tl>G draw-bridge stood the barbacan, or watch-tower. — Towards the end of this period, the form or ap- pearances of castles began to vary. New erections being added within the walls, the interior ao- commodations were enlarged and improved. The workmanship became more elegant ; but the great outline and general design of the whole remained nearly unchanged. Such castles, or fortalices, were erected on natural elevations, on the sides of hills, on mounds made in the midst of morasses, and on. artificial or natural islands in the centre of lakes. — During this period, it is probable, several castles were built, or at least rebuilt, in Galloway, namely, the ancient castle of Kenmure, — which stood upon a low eminence surrounded by the waters of Loch- Ken, south-west from the present one; the castles of Loch-Fergus, Raeberry, Terregles, Wraiths, Buittle, Dundeugh, Lochinvar, and Cardoness, in. tke Stewartry of Kirkcudbright; and the castles of OF GALLOWAY. 235 Dunskey, Kirkcolm, Garthlurul, Cruiglilaw, and Lochnaw, in the shire of Wi<<-to\vn. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the buiklings devoted to ck>rical purposes rapidly improved. As the clergy encreased in wealth, their intercourse with Rome and other foreign parts became more frequent, and hence the architectural style of every successive abbey, cathedral, or church, excellexl those which had preceded it. The clergy of Scot^ land, though less opulent than those of England, were not less solicitous to ornament their churches and beautify their dwellings. Before this period,, the churches were square or oblong, and had the rafters covered with wood, tiles, or straw. In imitation of military architecture, round towers were erected beside some of them ; both as or- namental, and as convenient for giving and re- ceiving signals, — as secure repositories, — as pe- nitentiary prisons, — and as belfries. A new form of churches was now introduced. The nave and the aisle, the church and the choir formed distinct portions of the sacred building ; the former repre- senting the Saviour's cross, and the latter relating respectively to the missal and musical parts of the service. The abbey or convent of this period was a church or chapel, with an assemblage of small apartments,, some large halls, and other places for domestic pur- poses. All these comprised one building, or one collection of buildings. The situations chosen for such edifices were the middle of fertile fields; the gentle declivity of some sheltering hill ; the tranquil retirement of a sequestered vale ; or the shady bank of a beautiful rivulet. Their gardens vere enclosed with good walls,, and had ample stores. 236 HISTORY of fruit-trees and vegetables, wlilcli tlie inmates cul- tivated with the spade. Tlie smaller convents differ- ed from the larger monastic institution only in de- gree, not in kind ; in the extent of their decorations, not in the general form or fashion of the building. To repair old edifices or erect new ones, — to procure superior workmen from foreign countries, — to ac- cumulate materials for future buildings, were now esteemed the most meritorious and laudable actions in which an abbot or a bishop could engage. The domestic employments of the inhabitants of Galloway at this period were rude and simple. As artisans, the men were lazy, awkward, and unskil- ful. On the women still devolved almost all the duties both of the house and of the field ; in short every task of mean and painful drudgery. War continued to be the universal trade ; and all who Lad not devoted themselves to the duties of religion, considered it as the principal business of their lives: all other duties were secondary or incidental. — Every chieftain's vassals held themselves in readi- ness, at the most unexpected summons, to rise in arms. Sentinels constantly kept watch on the bat- tlements of castles, and burghers often stood in rea- diness at the doors of their houses during the night The common warriors of Galloway wore as yet but little defensive armour and used few offensive weapons. Each man supplied himself with a wooden shield, covered v/ith the skin of an animal, a long pointed spear, and sometimes a battle-axe and small sword, or knife. When on a military expedition each horseman (and many of the Gahvegians rode on horseback,) guided the animal's head by a rope or thong: in lus other hand he held his lance or spear. An OF GALLOWAY. 237 "unshorn hide served him for a saddle, and he used no stirrups or spurs. The barons and knights wore secure defensive armour. A helmet secured the head, the neck and shoulders; a moveable vizor covered, or uncovered the eyes, at pleasure ; and a beaver, likewise moveable, protected the mouth. A crest rose above the crown of the head. Sometimes, however, the face was left bare, having only a protending bar to defend it. The body was covered by a coat of mail, either wrought of rings, or formed of plates, like the scales of fishes. The thighs were protected by a fabric formed of ringed plates, rising over one another ; and both legs and arms were defended by greaves; even the feet were covered with plates of iron. They also carried formidable offensive weapons : many v.arriors bore, a spear fifteen or twenty feet long, a mace by ^A•hich, in close combat, an enemy might be felled to the ground, a sword of considerable length, and a short dagger for oc- casional use. A sling, and a bow of yew or ash, ac- com.panied bj'^ a quiver full of arroM^s, each pointed with brass or steel, v/ere also used as instruments of war. Armies during the early part of this pe- riod w-ere composed of different kinds of troops, arranged in the following order. The archers and slingers were stationed on the v/ings, and fought at some distance from the enemy. The spearmen formed the centre of the army and pressed instantly into action. But the cavalry constituted the strength of the host; and, from being completely armed, were by far the most formidable part of it. Their might and velocity enabled them to surmount every obstacle, and soon S38 HISTORY break tlirough the opposing infantrj'-, how closely formed soever, or completely accoutred. Thus, however hostile armies might be arranged at the beginning of a battle, they were generally broken and dispersed as soon as the fight became general ; and the soldiers continued afterwards to contend in mingled and desultory combat. The mode of figh^- ing practised by the Galvv'egians was peculiarly fierce, but disorderly. The spoils obtained by a victory, or military expedition, were cattle, slaves, armour, and the valuable ornaments of the slain. Slavery still existed in Galloway, as well as in other parts of Scotland. Slaves, or bondmen, were either prisoners taken in war, or the posterity of the vanquished. They were often bought and sold with tlie land upon which they resided, but sometimes without it. Their master possessed the same right of property over their persons that he had over the cattle which belonged to his estate. They could not remove without his permission ; and his right of property continued attached to them wher- ever they went: he could reclaim them with as much facility as he could seize upon the animals which had strayed from his domain. The whole effects of slaves belonged to their masters. This degraded class of men were never allowed to arm ; and they could not hold any office. The laws of the country protected their lives ; but in every other respect they remained at the absolute disposal, and en- tirely in the mercy of their lords. Any freeman might liberate his slaves with che King's con- currence. A bondman also received his liberty after having possessed unquestioned freedom up- on any estate in the country for seven years; and within any burgh for a year and a day. — OF GALLOWAY. 239 This prescriptive freedom was equal to formal manumission. Slavery continued in full force in En >dies, and ordered them to retreat in three different directions, that he might perplex his enemies, who, in all probability, would not know which to pursue, in order to 1 Scott. 2 The Lord of Lorn had married an aunt of the Red Comjn.. (Tytler.) OF OALLOWAY. 25jl- captlire the object of their hostility. But when the blood-hound came to the place where the army of Bruce had separated, it pursued one of the divisions, and neglected the others. From this cdrcumstance it was inferred, that Bruce was with, this party, and Lorn pursued it with all his forces. The King, observing he was followed by a numer- ous body, caused his own division to disperse, that, if possible, he might escape from the pursuit. He thought, that by adopting this plan, his enemies would lose trace of him, and perhaps stop in their career. Bruce retained only one attendant, who was his foster-brother, the son of his nurse. When the blood-hound came to the spot where Robert's party had dispersed, it ran about for some' time snuffing, or smelling the ground, and, at last, out of the whole number, followed the track of twa individuals. John of Lorn knew one of these men must undoubtedly be the King ; and, accord- ingly, he sent five of his highlanders, most dis- tinguished for their swiftness of foot, either to kill or take him prisoner. The men ran so fast that they gained much upon Robert and his com-' panion, who at last turned upon the pursuers, and being better armed, and perhaps less exhausted,! slew all their antagonists. Although fatigued by such exertions, the fugitives durst not rest, for they were still pursued by theif enemies, led on by the hound. After running for a considerable time, they made for a wood, througlr the middle of which flowed a gentle rivulet. Bruce proposed to his companion, that they should proceed down its channel with their feet in the water, and thus bewilder the dog. They, accordingly, walked a great way in the stream, and went out oj^ 252' HISTORY tlie opposite side. Then concealing themselves- in the thickest part of the wood, they lay down^- to enjoy that rest, they so much required. — When the hound reached the rivulet, it was so completely puzzled, that the pursuers did not know in which direction to proceed: land John of Lorn gave up the chase and returned to join his forces to those of Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pem- broke. 2 Bat the dangers and difficulties of King Robert were not yet ended. Though he had obtained rest in the wood, he had received no food for a consider- able time, and he severely felt the cravings of hun- ger. He and his attendant, therefore, did not re- main long in concealment, but walked on in eager exJpectation of discovering some habitation where they could obtain the necessary supply of nourish- ment. At last they met with three men, one of whom was carrying a sheep; but, from the strangers being well armed, their appearance was con- sidered extremely suspicious. They respectfully saluted the King; who, after replying to their sa- lutation, inquired to what place they intended to proceed. The men immediately answered, they, were endeavouring to find out Robert Bruce, 1 Scott. — Barbour. The latter author also mentions, that, according to some accounts, the hound was shot, and by this- means the King escaped. 2 Mr Tytler, after narrating the event, says: " This was an age of chivalrous adventure ; the circumstances in which the King was placed, when related even in the simplest manner, par. take strongly of a deep and romantic interest ; and, renouncing every thing in the narrative of his almost contemporary bio. grapher, which looks like poetical embellishment, the historian must be careful to omit no event which is consistent with the testimony of authentic writers, with the acknowledged personal prowess of the King, and the character of the times in which he lived." vol. i. p. 260. OF GALLOWAY. 25S' for tliey intended to join his party. Robert re- plied, if they would accompany him, he could conduct them to the King. The man, who liad first spoken, seemed astonished and confused, and the colour of his countenance changed. Bruce, after narrowly observing him, began to suspect that the stranger knew his person and station. — He, therefore, concluded that the ruflBan liad a design against his life, in order to gain the reward that had been offered for his person, either dead or alive. Tiio King now proposed that the strangers should walk first, and lead the way. They obeyed his directions, and travelled on till they reached an old ruinous cottage. At this place they stopped, and proposed to cook some part of the sheep. — Robert joyfully acquiesced in this proposal ; for he stood very much in need of nourishment ; but he insisted that two fires should be kindled, one at each end of the house. The men agreed to this arrangement, and gave one leg of mutton to the King and his foster brother to be broiled on the one fire, and took a second to themselves to be prepar- ed on the other. There was neither bread.nor salt to be obtained ; but Bruce and his foster brother made a liearty repast. Notwithstanding the dangerous situation iu which the King considered himself placed, he felt irresistibly drowsy, and desired his attendant to M'atch whilst he slept ; for he had become extreme- ly suspicious of his new companions. He did not slumber long, however, until his attend-^ ant, overcome by his late fatigue, fell into a profound sleep. The villains, perceiving them both asleep, made signs to each other, and, ris- ing hurriedly, drew their swords with the in- 254 EISTORT tention of killing both. The King, who slept lightly, was awakened by the slight noise the traitors made in rising, and drawing his sword went to meet them. To rouse his attendant, Robert pushed him with his foot, but ere he could prepare himself for the contest, he was killed by the sword of one of the traitors, who had advanc- ed to slay the King. Robert was now left alone to contend with his three adversaries; but by superior skill, strength, and armour, he prevailed in the contest, and despatched the three villains, one after another. Afflicted for the loss of his faithful friend, he left the cottage, and proceeded to the spot, where, before their separation, he had desired his men to assemble. The appointed place of meeting was a farm house, which he boldly entered ; the mistress of it, a generous and high-minded woman, was sitting alone ; and, upon seeing a stranger enter, she inquired his name and business. — The King replied, he was a traveller proceeding through the country. " All travellers are wel- come," answered she, " for the sake of one." "And who is that one"? said the King. " It is our law- ful Sovereign, Robert the Bruce," answered the woman, " who is Lord of this country ; and, though his foes have now the ascendency, yet I hope soon to see him Lord and King over all Scotland.'* "Dame, do you love him really so sincerely"? he in*^ quired. "Yes," she replied, "as God is my witness.** " Then, it is Robert the Bruce who now addresses you." "Ah! Sir," she said in much surprise "where are your men, when you are thus alone" ? "I liave none near me at this time, therefore, I must travel alone." " This must not be the case, I have three sonSy gallant and faithful, they shall become yoisr OF GALLOW^AY. 255 trusty servants." They were absent at this tiraei but, upon their arrival, she made them promise fide- lity to the King ; and they afterwards, by their va- lour, became his favourites and rose high in his ser- vice. The woman now caused him to sit down and eat some food.l But he had not been long in the 1 Tradition states that this woman was a widow, and had her three sons by three different husbands. The names of the young men were M'Kie, Murdoch, and JM'Lurg. They were ab. sent when the King arrived, and as he was eating his humble meal came into the house. When he had finished, he asked them, what weapons they had, and how they could use them They told him, they were accustomed to use none but the bow and arrow. The King, wishing to see a specimen of their skill and dexterity, desired one of them to aim at two ravens which had perched on the summit of a rock near the house. The eldest let fly an arrow, and shot both through the head The King smiled, and said, he would not like to be shot at by such an archer. Murdoch, the second,, aimed an arrow at an. other raven, on the wing, and pierced it through the body ; but M'Lurg, the youngest, was not so successful; for he missed the object at which he aimed. When the English were expelled from Scotland, and the King was dividing what lands were at his disposal among his officers and men, according to their merit, he sent for the widow, and inquired wliat reward she expected for her sons. She answered, that she would not be extravagant in her expectations ; but if his Majesty would bestow upon them the "thirty pound lands of the Hassock and Comloddan," she would be very well satisfied. Robert cheerfully granted this request. The descendants of these individuals long possessed portions of the lands included in the royar grant. Murdoch had that part of the property which contained the farm of Risk, about two miles and a half from Newton- Stewart ; M'Kie had the Larg, near Kirouchtree ; and M'Lurg had, for his share, Machermore, about one mile below Newton-Stewart. (Symson.) Mi Train, who is particularly well acquainted with the loca. lity, has furnished us with the following valuable facts. There are no lands called Hassock in the grant made by the King. The oral tradition of the country is, that Annabel, the widow, solicited and received " the bit hassock of land that lies between the burn of Palnure and the burn of Penkill." This hassock of land is an isosceles triangle, the base of which runs for three miles along the Cree, and the sides formed by the streams of Palnure and Penkill, run five miles into the country. This speck of' land has been the birth place or 256 HISTORY house, when he lieard the trampling of horses' feet approaching the place. The young men concluded it was the English or some hostile party, and started up to defend the King. But Robert soon recognised the voices of his brother Edward, and James, Lord of Douglas, who were come according to previous appointment, with a hundred and fifty men in their company. Robert rejoiced to meet his friends, and they were glad to find him in safety : it was, indeed, a joyful meeting after a day so full of dangers. The heroes had not been long convened until Bruce began to lay plans for future adventures. residence of more distinguished individuals than, perhaps, any other rural spot of equal extent in Scotland. Macmillan, the founder of the sect that bear his name, was born at Barncachla. Murdoch, the last of the descendants of old Annabel, who was ■ settled in Kirouchtree, was famed over Europe for his knowledsfe of Botany. Dr William M'Gill, minister of Ayr, whose Essay on the death of Christ caused so much contro-versy near the dose of last century, received the greatest part of his education at the school of Minnigaff. Alexander Murray, late Professor of Oriental Languages in the College of Edinburgh, was born at Corwar ; Patrick Heron, whose Banking scheme ruined many gentlemen in Galloway and Ayrshire, occupied Kirouch. tree; and Lieutenant General Sir William Stewart, who fought so bravely under the Duke of Wellington, possessed the estate of Comloddan, all within the King's grant to AnnabeL Bruce is said to have gained a victory over the English soon after leaving the widow's house, at a place called Moss Raplocb, a pretty extensive flow, in the parish of Kells. There is a flat space nearly in the centre of the moss, a little higher than the suTTOuuding ground, upon which, in a stone, slill denominated the King's stone, the royal standard stood during the action. The three young men, sons of the widow previously mention- ed, having collected a considerable number of deer and goats, drove them to the top of the hill called Craigencallie. The English, in the confusion of the fight, and with tlie sun shining full in their faces, mistook them for an additional body of troops coming to the assistance of Bruce, and fled. The night before the battle the King slept in the house of Craigencallie ; of which there are still some remains known by the uame of " Bruce 'a "Waas," i. e. walls. OF GALLOWAY. 25V He, accordingly, proceeded to inquire if tliey knew where his pursuers had taken up their quarters for the niavt;r was granted by Aichibald Douglas, Earl of Galloway, to Sir Ale-xander of Gordon, Lord of Stichell, of the Forest of Glenketjs, within //ie Shire (f Dumf lies and Lordship of Gal. loway." (.In Arcliives oi' the laniily ol Kenmure (H). The trutk is, the Stewartry of Kirkcudbtiglit continued long to have a nominal territorial, though not a judicial connection with Duia. fjjes-shirc. 3 iSar^/Oar calls them " Crackys of war." 292 HISTORY non was first employed in North Britain at the siege of Stirling castle in the year 1340. The Gaelic language continued to be spoken (luring this reign, in the interior of Galloway, but in other parts of the district the Anglo Saxon pre- vailed in great purity ; and, hence, the most emi- nent minstrels generally emanated from this part of the country or the north of England. It appears that Robert I. visited Galloway dur- ing the last year of his life. Whilst in this part of his kingdom, he granted a charter to the city of Aberdeen, which is dated Galloway, the 16th of March, 1329.1 Some time prior to the demise of this So- vereign, he bestowed upon Alexander Bruce, ille- gitimate son of Edward Bruce, and Isabella, daughter of the Earl of Athole, the Lord- ship of Galloway, which had belonged to that prince. This young man, however, did not long- enjoy the fruits of his uncle's generosity. 1 History of Aberdeen. OF GALLOWAY. 293 CHAP. VII. FaoM THB Accession of David II., to the Assassination of William Douqlas, in the Castle of Stirling. Robert was succeeded on the Scottish throne by his son David, a minor ; and Randolph assumed the Regency of the kingdom. This ruler ad- ministered justice with stern impartiality. He held courts in different parts of the country; and sheriffs of counties were made responsible for property stolen in the open fields ; because it was their duty to protect it. On one occasion whilst he was dispensing justice in the town of Wigtown, a man stepped forward from the audience, and complained that a party of assassins were at that moment lying conceal- ed in a neighbouring forest, to murder him on his way home. Randolph immediately sent a number of his attendants to seize the villains, and bring them before him, - When they made their appearance in the court, he thus addressed them. " Is it vou who lie in wait to kill the Kinp;'s liege subjects ? To the gallowj with them in- stantly."! 1 Scott. — Buchanan, Book ix. ■ This " powerful gang of thieves who infested the country and robbed travellers," were, according to tradition overpowered 294 HISTORY But the Regent's active exertions to establish internal order, and promote honesty, industry, and harmony, were soon interrupted ; for Bruce's death proved the harbinger of new wars. The dis- inherited .Scottish barons, and many of the old pro- prietors, though allowed to retain their estates, still cherished ancient prejudices against the family of Bruce. At this time, the M'CuUochs of Galloway espoused the cause of Baliol and the interest of the English King. I The M'Dowalls, a power- ful family in Wigtownshire, remained at first firm in their allegiance to David, but they after- by superior force made prisoners, and all executed on the muir of Dranandow, in the parish of Minnigaff, where two standing stones, each nearly ei<;ht feet high and only a few yards apait^ called the Thieves to this day, mark the spot. I " Edward, on the 19th March, 1337-B, granted to Patrick Maculach a pension of 20/. yearly, for his good service, in Scot- laud. Rot. Scotise, i. 525. On the 15th of August, 1341, Edward issued an f.rder to pay 10/. to Patrick Maculach, John le Mareschal, and Thomas Bisset, knights. lb, 612. On the 20th of August, 1341, he gave a mandate to pay Gilbert Maculach nine pounds and fourteen pennies, for wages due liim-, in the king's service. lb. On the 2ad of June, 1342, he gave a mandate, for paying to Patrick Maculach a quaiter of a year's wage?, for himself, and two men at arms, serving with him ; and, also, 20/. in part payment, lb. 627. On the same day, ha gave a mandate for paying Gilbert Maculach 4/. 1 i s. being a quarter of a year's wages, in the king's service (the pay of a man at arms) and also 5/., as a gift, from the wool-money, lb. On the 17th of March, 1346-7, he gave a mandate, for paying to Patrick Maculach 20 marks ; and to Patrick, and John, his sons, to Michael Macuhich, to John Mareschal. &c. 5 marks each, in pait satisfaction of the debts, due to them by the king. lb. 69t>. Whena negociation was caiiying on with the English king, in 1350-1, for the reh a^e of David II , and for a permanent peaca with Scotland, Patrick Macuhich, William do Aldeburgh, anj John de Wiggiiiton, as commissioners, for Edward Baliol, made ■A representation and protestation, to Edward III., and hk council, against injuring the rights of Baliol, iu this treaty. Thii king accepted the protestation; and gave an assurance, to that effect, on the 4th of Mart4i, 1350-1, lb. 739.^' CALEroNU.. OF GALLOWAY. 295 wards joined the stronger partyJ Edward Baliol, assisted by some Eni^lish Lords, having mustered an army of about 4000 men,' came into Scotland to assert his ckiims to the crown of his ancestors, in right of his deceased' father. A battle was fought at Dupplirijon the 12th of August 1332, and the English gained a great and decided victory. In this battle, fell the Earl of Marr, wlio had succeeded Moray, as Regent, and the Earl of Carrick, brother to the Lord of Gallo- way. Baliol made an abject use of his suc- cess. He acknowledged the King of England as his superior Lord, and engaged lo become his follower in the continental wars. Edward on his part engaged to maintain Baliol on the Scottish throne. The new Sovereign, having repaired to Scone, assumed the diadem of royalty. After his coronation, he set out for the south of his kingdom, and soon arrived at Annan, to receive the homage of the nobility, who were so struck with the sudden change of fortune, that even David's cousin, the Lord of Galloway, submit- ted, though unwillingly and insincerely, to the conqueror. Whilst Baliol was living riotously in the delusive confidence of perfect security, he was suddenly attacked, on Christmas night, by John Randolph, Earl of Moray, and Archibald Douglas, Sir James's youngest brother, at the head of a thousand horse, by whom he was obliged to fly, half naked, to Carlisle, in England. Among l"In August, 1339, Edward IIL, received the renewed fealty of Duncan Macdoual, and pardoned him, for his late adherence tothe Scots, and for all his political crimes. Rot. Scotiae, i, 571." Caledonia, ■ 296 HISTORY tlie number who fell by this surprise was Henry Baliol, the vassal-King's brother ; and among the prisoners was Alexander Bruce, Lord of Galloway and Earl of CarrickJ This chief was pardoned, and again gave in his adherence to his royal relative. Immediately after the expulsion of Baliol, Edward III. threw off the mask, and made great prepara- tions to reinstate the Scottish exile in his degraded sovereignty. David's friends now chose Lord Archibald Douglas Regent, who immediately began to pro- vide the means of warding off the gathering storm. Another battle soon took place on Halidon-hill, in whicli the Scots were defeated. In this unfortu- nate conflict, many of the best and bravest nobility of Scotland fell, and amongst them Alexander Bruce, Lord of Galloway. The Lordship again reverted to the Crown. The Regent, Douglas, being severely wounded, was taken prisoner, and died of his wounds. Archibald Douglas, natural son of the renowned Sir James,2 also fell into the hands of the enemy. Edward, now traversed al- most the whole of Scotland, and found no enemy to oppose him. Five strong castles, however, still held out for David Bruce. John Thomson, a brave soldier, retained also a stronghold in Lochdoon-^ for his righteous Sovereign. He is perhaps the same individual who led back from Ireland, the slender remains of Edward Bruce's army, after the dis- astrous battle of Dundalk. On the 12th of June, 1334, Edward Baliol sur- 1 IVIaitland, 2 He is. called by Knighton " filius Jacobi Douglas ejus. (i. e, ejusdem.) or "James Douglas of Douglas." 3 See Appendix (H.) OF GALLOWAY. 297 rendered to the Kin- of EnglancUhe county of Dumfries, including the Stewartry of Kirkcud- brio-ht, with some other provinces in the south ot Scotland, and thus dismembered, to a considerable extent, his nominal kingdom.l Edward III. ap- pointed public officers for his new dominions.-- This disgraceful surrender was so precipitately and incautiously made, that the deed conveyed a right to Baliol's private property in Galloway.-- Edward III., however, issued a declaration exclud- ino- from the instrument of resignation, the lands of^Buittle, Kenmure, and Kirkandrews, as not be- lono-ing to the crown of Scotland, but to the he- rita^'o-e of Baliol's family.^ In November the Eng- lish^Kino- and Baliol entered Scotland by the way of Galloway, and ravaged the country as far as Glasgow.3 In August 1339, Duncan M'Dowal the chief of that clan, forsook the interest of David II., and joined the party which adhered to Edward Baliol, his opponent By the influence of Sir Mal- colm Fleming,measures were adopted for subduing M'Dowall ; who, in the spring of 1342, felt himself compelled by the threatening danger, to apply to Edward for assistance. It was easy to communicate with the shores of Galloway from England. Edward ordered provisions and other stores to be sent to M'Dovvall's castle, and he directed soldiers to as- semble on the shores of Cumberland and Lancaster, to be transported to the fortalice of Duncan M' Dowall, in Galloway. This fort stood on an island then called Eastholm, on the coast of Wigtown-- 1 IMaitlaiKl— Caledonia, 8;c. 2 CiileJonia. 3 Border History. 298 HISTORY shire. In December 13 12,, it still continued to KoM out; and in the same monih, Edward command- ed " six merchants to convey ten tons of wine, a hundred quarters of corn^ and two barrels of salt in a ship from Bristol to the island of Eastholm in- Galloway, in aid of Duncan M'Dowall and his men."l M'Dowall, however, was soon subdued and yielded to his lawful sovereign. For some time hostilities continued almost un- ceasingly, and with unmitigated asperity, between the rival parties of David Bruce and Edward Baliol, or rather between Scotland and England. Edward III., however, was much occupied in foreign warfare, and the cause of David Bruce gained the ascendency. The young King of Scotland, en- couraged liy Edward's absence on the continent, invaded England. The friends of the ex-King of Scotland now summoned their adherents, both English and Scotch, to repel the invasion ; and a body of 10,000 soldiers, who were in readiness to embark for France, received fresh orders, and soon joined Baliol's forces, which at last amounted to 30,000 men. The armies met near Durham, and the Scots were defeated. The English bow- men, as on former occasions, made great havoc."-^ 1 Rot. Scotioe, — Caledonia. 2 The Eiigli&k excelled in archery. " Never did armourer temper steel on stithy That made sure fence asi^ainst an English arrow ; A cobweb gossamer were guard as good Against a wa:-p-sting." •' The fatal hail-shower. The storm of England's wrath — sure, swift resistless,. "Which no mail.coat can brook. — Brave English hearts, . How close they shoot together ! as one eye Had aimed five thousand shafts — as if one hand Had loosed five thousand bow strings 1" Scott's Halidon Hili, OF GALLOWAYS 299 The King of Scotland was severely wounded by two arrows, and after defendinj^ himself for some time witli much bravery, was taken prisoner and committed to the tower of London. Among the . prisoners, were Sir Malcolm Fleming, Earl of Wigtown, I who afterwards made his escape; 1 Durinj the r2t]i century, vast numbers of the FlemiDg?, who were au enterprising people, niiirrated to England. On th« accession of Henry II , in 1 154, he banished them with all other foreigners from liis dominions. The Flemings, thus driven from. England, repaired to North Britain ; — and, haviiig assisted the Scottish monavc'.i in his wars, obtained settlements in that; country. This pi-ople, being farther advanced in civilization than the Gaelic inliabitants, were more addicted to industry; and they, therefore, resided chiefly in towns and villages, as traders or tishers. But in addition to the subordinate class of Flemings, many superior persons who had distinguished themselves in war, came with their followers into Scotland and obtained grants of land. Several Flemings settled in Ayrshire under the Earl ol Carrick ; and Baldwin, a distinguish- ed Flemish leader, obtained lands from David L, and settled with his followers at Biggar, in Clydesdale. Baldwin acted as sheriff of Lanarkshire, under both Malcolm IV. and William the Lion. He also obtained the barony of Inverkep, in Ren, frew-sliire. From this individual descended Sir JSLilcolm Fleming. In gratitude for the important services which he and his father, Sir Robert, had rendered to the Bruce?, David 11., in 1343, nominated him Earl of Wigtown with extraordinary ju- risdiction. It was undei the care of Sir Malcolm Fleming that David II. and his Queen received their education, and were sent into France as a place of safety dirring the ascendency of Baliol. In 1341, Sir ^lalcohn also conducted the King aud Queen home : he commanded in the battle of Halidou-hill, There are three sorts of barons mentioned in the distinction of ranks, — barons by tenxire — barons by writ — and barons by ere. ation, — the former merely possessing territorial dignity ; David II. granted a charter "in favour of Sir Malcolm Fleming, knight,, and of the heirs male of his body, for his homage and worthy services, of the lands of Forynes, Deall, Rijnos, and of the Burgh of Wiytoun, and their whole pertinents, and all the King's lands of the whole sheriffdom of Wtgtoiin, with the advocation of the churches and right of patronage of the monasteries and abbacies existing witliin the sheriiTdom, reserving to his Majesty the right of patronage of the Episcopal see of }Vhytehorn or Gallov 300 HISTORY Gilbert de Carrick, ancestor of the Earl of Cassills; John de Maxwell, of Caerlaverock, ancestor of the Earl of Nithsdale ; and John Stewart of Dalswin- ton, ancestor of the Earl of Galloway. ' This un- fortunate battle took place on the 17th of October, 1346. The captivity of David the II. brought upon Scotland still farther calamities. Edward Baliol, havino- now recovered the estates of his ancestors in Galloway, took up his residence in Buittle castle, the family seat.2 In January 134<6-7, having col- lected a numerous party of Galloway men,3 with the support of Henry Percy and Ralph Neville, who brought some men-at-arms and archers, he invaded Lothian and penetrated as far as Glasgow. When returning through Ayrshire and Nithsdale from this irruption, he wasted the country in the most destructive and ferocious manner.4 After his ar- way. And also because the said place of "VVigtoiin was lookt iipon as the principal manor of the whole sheriffdom; the King ordained that the said Malcolm and his heirs should for ever take the name of Earl, and be called the Earls of Wigtown. — Further, the said lands are erected into a free regality with power to judge upon the four articles of the crown. The said Earl and his heirs giving the service of five knights or soldiers to the King's army. Dated at Airth, 9th Noveml)er, 1343." Essays on Scottish Antiquities. For the most correct copy of the Latin deed, hy which this grant was made, see Robertson's Index. 1 Hailes. 2 Caledonia. 3 " In 1347, Edwar-d Baliol, and many others, were engaged to serve the King of England. The daily pay of Baliol was sixteen shillings ; of a banneret, four shillings ; of a knight, two shillings; of an esquire, one shilling; and of an archer on horse, back, four pence. The Earl of Angus (Umfraville), and the other chief commanders, had the daily pay of eight shillings Twenty-eight days were reckoned to the month, and ninety dayS' to the quarter." Hailes' Annals, 4 Forduu. OF GALLOWAY. 301 rival in Galloway, be continued to domineer in this part of the kingdom until the year 1353.1 It appears that David, during his captivity, had betrayed his country; for there are yet extant, in the chapter-house at Westminster, two in- struments in which he acknowledges the King of England as Lord Paramount of Scotland, and agrees to take the oath of homage. William Douglas, the Knight of Liddesdale, was likewise a prisoner in England, and agreed to purchase his liberty at the expense of his honour. Both the King and he en- deavoured to seduce the Scottish barons from their duty to their country ; but these high spirited men declared, that no consideration would induce them to renounce their independence. Lord William Douglas, in particular, used every effort to avert such a calamity: he broke into Galloway with a considerable force and compelled the wavering or hostile chiefs of this warlike and unsettled province, to forsake the English interest, and take the oath of allegiance to the Scottish King. Both Duncan JM'Dowall, — the hereditary enemy of the Bruces, — and some of the M'Cullochs, submitted to David's authority. For thus yielding to a power which 1 It is probable Baliol had English cavalry stationed at this time on an island in the Carlingwark Loch, There is an isle at the south end of the lake which seems to have been surrounded bv a stone rampart. A road which had been formed of oaken piles and stones led from it to the. land, and an opening appeared !k^ if it had been made for a draw-bridge. It contained the re. mains of a forge ; and some horse shoes of a peculiar make have been found in the rand. Mr Chalmers thinks that these facts evince, that there had been here a barrack i'or English cavalry. When the loch was partially drained, a dam was discovered which appeared to have been designed for deepening the lake. Another dam for the same purpose was also discovered near Castle Douglas. 302 HISTORY M'Dowall could not resist, the English Govern- ment ordered his own and his wife's estates to be confiscated. Roger Kirkpatrick seized, at the same time, the castles of Caerlaverock and Dalswinton, and thus preserved Nithsdale in a state of tranquil- lity ; whilst the Steward of Scotland, now appoint- ed Regent, assisted by his son Robert, afterwards King, repaired to Annandale, the focus of rebellioi^, and overawed the disaffected by the presence of his army. Thus were the traitorous intrigues of the Knight of Liddesdale entirely frustrated, and his unprincipled schemes defeated. When all the at- tempts of Edward III. to gain permanently the Scottish crown substantially for himself, though ostensibly for Baliol, had proved abortive, this phantom of royalty surrendered, at the request of Edward, his nominal kingdom and his private estates to the English Sovereign, in consideration of 5000 marks in hand, and £2000 a year until his death. 1 This surrender was of no solid advantage to the English King ; for though he could over-run their country he could not subdue the patriotism of the Scottish people. In the year 1357, he, therefore, liberated David upon the promise of a large ran- som, and made peace with him. Baliol sunk into obscurity, and soon after died childless.-^ To reward the Douglasses for their important and valuable services to the crown, David now bestow- ed upon Sir William Douglas, the son of Archibald Douglas, youngest brother of good Sir James, a peerage, the first in the family. On the 18th of 1 This surrender was made in two separate deeds. For the singular deed by which Baliol divested himself of loyalty, Se»-* Appendix (1) 2Ty.tler. r OF GALLOTTAY. '^ 303 September, 1369, he granted to Sir Archibald Douglasl the Grim, natural son of the good Sir 1 " A narrative of the famous battle between the French and the EngUsh, in the vincyarrls of Maupertuis near Poictiers, does not fall within ihe plan of the present work, but it is worthy of notice on account of an amusiu'^ anecdote rel ited by Fordun, and which Lord Hailes admits has ' the appearance of truth.'— In this battle, fought on the 19lh of September 135G, there were a considerable number of Scottish soldiers, who, during a mo- mentary tranquillity at home, crowded to the standard of the French monarch King John. Lord Douglas odercd his sei vices, and was received wUh distinguished honours. The French were defeated, and great carnage was made of the Scots. Lord Douglas was wounded, and forced off the fudd l)y his surviving companions, but one of his followers, Archibald Douglas, the illegitimate son of the celebrated Sir James Douglas, slain in Granada by the Saracens, fell into the hands of the English. This gentleman happened to be ai rayed in armour more sumptuous than the other Scottish piisoners of rank, and it was supposed by the English that he was a powerful nobleman.— Late in the evening^lfter the batll-, when the victors wore a- bout to strip him of his armour, Sir William Ramsay of Coi. lUthie, also a prisoner, happened to be present. Fixing his eyes on Archib;dd Dou;;las, and affecting to hi in a furious passion, he exclaimed—" You cursed, damnable murderer, how comes it, in the name of mischief, that you are thus proudly decked out in your master's armour ? Come hither, and pul! off my boots 1" Douglas, who understood the project, approached in a trembling attitude, knelt, and pulled off one of Ramsay's boots, and tho knight immediately taking it up, boat the pretended lacijuoy with it in a violent manner. The English bystanders, astonished at Ramsay's conduct, interposed and rescued Dougla?, and asked the former how he dared to maltreat a nobleman of rank? — ' What,' exclaimed l:amsay, 'he a nobleman! Why, he is a scullion and a base knave, and I suppose has killed his master. Go, you villain, to the field of battle, search for the body of my cousin, your master, and when you have found it come back, that I may at least give him a decent burial.' He then offered a ransom of forty shillings for the feigned manservant, which was accepted, and after again cuffing liirn severely, he cried,— • Get you gone; fly.' Douglas carried on the deceit, and was allowed to depart on the pretended search for his master's body. He was soon be- yond the reach of his captors." Tales of thr Scottish Wars. Mothers frightened their childrea with the name of the Black Douglasses. 304 HISTORY James, Uhat part of Galloway, which lies between the Nith and the Cree, now the Stewartry of Kirk- cudbright. This individual, it is said, had married the Lord of Bothwell's daughter, by whom he ob- tained that Lordship.2 In 1371, the same am- bitious personage acquired from Thomas Fleming, grandson of Sir Malcolm, for £500 sterling, the earldom of Wigtown, though he did not assume the title.3 Thus did Archibald Douglas obtain the su-- periority of the whole extent of Galloway^ 1 Fordun Winton — Froissart — Hailes — Tytler — Caledonia. The origin of the Douglas family, according to tradition, was this, Donald Bane after having gained possession of the Hebrides, aspired also to the crown of Scotland. He landed on the main land with a considerable army. Donald had almost defeated the King's army which gave him battle, when a certain individual accompanied by his sons and followers, made so ter- rible an onset upon the victorious rebels that he soon turned the tide of battle and gained a complete victory. Donald's army fled, and he himself was slain. The King after the battle in. quired at one of his generals, who the individual was that had been the leader of the courageous and conquering party, and was answered in the Irish tongue, " Sholto Du glasse," i. e. Behold yonder "black-gray man," pointing to him with his finger. The King considering his service, and delighted with his appropriate designation, rewarded him with many lands, and bestowed upon him the name of Douglas. Kerr says, " Thcobaldus Flamaticus, or Theobald the Fleming, for certain services which are not explained, performed by him to Arnold, who was abbot of Kelso, from 1147 to 1160, received from that prelate, a grant of some lands on Douglas Water, in Lanarkshire, to himself and heirs; and some other lands on the same stream were granted by a subsequent abbot of Kelso to the descendants of Theobald. From this obscure person the family originated. 2 Hume. Murray says ho married Dervorgille Comyn. 3 Thomas Fleming assigns as a reason for disposing of the Earldom, the feuds that existed in Wigtovmshire, between him and the native chiefs. A charter is granted by Thomas Fleming, Earl of Wigtown,- "to Archibald Douglas, Knight of Galloway, whereby he dispones the said Earldom of Wigtown with the pertinents, to the said Archibald, for the sum of X300 sterling. This charter ^as OF GALLOWAY. 306 David II., died in Edinburoh castle, on tlie22nd of February 1370-1, in the 4Tth year of his age and 42nd of his reign. He, like his father, pro- fusely rewarded his friends by grants of land.l coiifinned by Robort, King of Scotland, 8th Febniary, 1371 — AfU'i- this alieimtion of the earidom of Wigtown,^ Thomas Fhiniiiiir was no longer cous^idored an Earl. Essays ON Scottish Anthjuities, Edinhmgh. 1746, p. 77. 1 At this time land was continually passing into the possession of now proprietors by forfeiture, exchange, and resiguatiou. charters granted BV DAVID H. "To Dowijall M'Dow^all, of the lands of Twinhame, with the lands of Worg, [Borgue] ia Galloway.— Con. to the Abbacy of Gleuluce, then- haill lands.— To the Abbacy of Tungland, of the advocation of the kirk of Sanaigh, within the diocese of Gallo- way To the Abbacy of Dundrenan, of the lands of Culyn, Davach, and Runsjistoun,— To Margaret M'Dowgall, of the lands of Culken, Keltoun, Bowbey, [Bombie,] &c., with many mae.— To Dougall M'Dougall, of the lands of Sannacks, Twin, hame, Kiltown— To Fergus IM'Dougall, of the Constabulary of Kirkuhry, [the jurisdiction within the castle of Kirkcudbright and its 'precincts,] with ane three merk land — To Gilbert Kennedy, of the lands of Crogiltoun and Polltoun, in Wig- town, twa Bruchtounes, and Kythreull, Wigtoun.— Con. to the Abbacy ofGlenluce, of ane 5 merk land of the earldom of Wigtoun, and ane 5 merk land of Carmole. — To Malcolm Earl of Wigtoun, of the 5 merk land of Carmole and Knoelucbirvan. To^Nicoll Strivelin?, of the lands of Stockertoun. — To Allan Stewart, father to John Stewart of Dernly, of the lands of Cj-ossewell, Drochdre?, 8 part of Glongary, called commonly Knokill, in Rinns of Galloway, &c.— To Gilbert Carrick, of the lands of Kenmore.— To Robert Corbet, the lands of Barchar, [Barwhar] quhilk John Barkar forisfecit,— To Lachlan Edzear, of the lands of Bomby, whilk were Lindsay's. — To Fergus M' Dowgall, of the lands of Borgis, [Borgue] whilk John Mowbray forisfecit To the monastery of Dnndrenan, the lauds of Dun- gernok, on the water of Dee in Galkway. — To the Bishop of Galloway, of the lands of Dermore, in the Rius, within the town of Inuermcasan.—To Thomas Crawford, of the ten merk lands of TwintfhamG —To Andro Buthergask, of the half lands of Ure To Roger Chalmer, of the lands of Dalruscoun, on Deo. To James Boyd, of the lands of Gauylistoun, [Gelston] in Gallo- way, quhilk John Gauylistoun foristecit — To Walter Durrand, of the lauds of Maybie' in Galloway — -Given by John Ranulph Earl of Murray, to Walter Stewart, Knight, father to John 806 HISTORY " When we acknowledge David II.," says Lord Hailes, " to have been courteous and affable, and possessed of personal intrepidity, we complete the catalogue of his praiseworthy qualities. But the defects in his character were many, and all of them were prejudicial to the public ; he was weak and capricious, violent in his resentments, and ha- bitually under the dominion of women." In the early part of this reign, Galloway and other quarters of Scotland were visited by a griev- ous famine, originating in the devastations of war and the unsettled state of the country. Many died of want ; some endeavoured to support life by eating grass and other herbs;! and numbers abandoned their native land, to seek sustenance in foreign countries. During this reign, and about the year 1349, the great pestilence which had spread desolation an the continent, reached Galloway. Historians speak of it with horror ; for it took a wider range and made more appalling havoc than any similar ca- Stewart of Dalswintoun, of the lands of Gaileyis, [Garlies] Glen. mannache, Corssoclie, and Kirkormock To Gilbert Kerr, of the lands of Kenmore. — To Laurence Gillibrand, the lands of Southaiks [Southvvick] — To John Stewart, son of John Stewart, of the 40s. land of Warekewry, in the barony of Colven, — To Andrew Buthergask, of the lands of Sannak, Culven, and KeL toun To Gilbert Carrik, of the lands of Kenmore,- — To Laurence Gilliebrand, of the lands of Suthayk — Anent the Clan of Cleuconnan, and w'lo should be captain thereof. — Anent the Clan of Kenelman. — To John Herice, of the barony of Traueri- glis, f Terregles] by resignation of Thomas Earl of Marr.— To Archibald Douglas, of the earldom of Galloway To Joha Hereice, of the lands of Kirkunying, [Kirkgunzeon] with the place where the monastrieof Holme stude." The lands of Kirk- guazeon and the barony of Terregles passed afterwards by mar- liag© to the Maxwells of Nithsdale. 1 Hailes.— Fordun, OF GALLOWAY. 807 lamity that is recorded in the annals of the world. It generally proved fatal in forty-ei^ht hours, the bodies of the affected liavino- swelled to an enormous size. In 1360, the pestilence again broke out with aw- ful and redoubled violence. In this general devas- tation, about one third of the inhabitants of Scot- land perished, and many of them people of dis- tinction. To avoid the terrific visitation, the King, with many of his courtiers, withdrew into the northern, or more sequestered parts of the Island. ^ In this reign, John Carpenter, a friar,'-^ belong- ing to the monastery of Kirkcudbright, fortified the castle of Dumbarton, for which service he was allowed by the King an annuity of twenty pounds sterling. It is said he was an excellent engineer, and " dexterous at contriving all instru- ments of war." ROBERT ir. David dying childless, was succeeded by his nephew Robert Stewart, son of Walter, the Lord High Steward of Scotland, and Marjory Bruce. — • daughter of Robert Bruce. Walter was the sixlh in his family who had enjoyed this high office, and consequently had taken the surname of Stewart. Robert Stewart did not ascend the throne with- out opposition, for William, Earl of Douglas, was 1 Hailes, &c. 2 Caledonia Murray. — Carpeuter ' was a Franciscan or Grey Friar, The Fraticiscan Friars received their name from St Fraiicis, an Italian, who formed the order in 1 198. They were called Grey Friars from the colour of their dress. Friari were accounted ditferent from monks in this respect; Friars weie allowed to preach any where and to beg, but monks wera not. The names, however, were fi'e([uenLly confounded^ Monk was derived from the Greek word riivnos, alone; and friar, from f later a brother. 3t)8 HISTORY also a claimant. 1 The family of Douglas had now risen to such a degree of power and greatness, that it possessed almost sovereign authority in the south of Scotland. William Douglas viewed with jealousy and dislike the elevation to the throne of an individual who had lately been his fellow sub- ject. But the marriage of Douglas's son, with the daughter of the new king, induced this nobleman to depart from his claim, and allovv Stewart to be crowned without farther opposition. England and Scotland were now at peace ; but two events soon occurred which endangered its continuance. The first was, Scotland entered into a treaty of amity with France, in which it was stipulated, that in consequence of the wrongs sus- tained by both countries from England, they should become mutually bound to assist each other against the aggressions of that power. Archibald"^ Douglas, Lord of Galloway, went as one of the ambassadors to France to conclude the treaty. — The other event clearly evinced the latent hosti- lity of England. Edward refused to bestow upon Robert his titles, as King of Scotland. Notwithstanding the threatening aspect of pub- lic affairs, a nominal peace continued for some years ; and this period was employed by Robert in ameliorating the internal state of his king- dom. The feudal system, however, now existed in Scotland in full vigour. The power of the barons had materially encreased since the days of Robert I.; and they now claimed the right of avenging their own wrongs by engaging in private warfare^ 1 Balfour Scott. — Maitland. OF GALLOWAY. ^09 Thus a spark of personal hostility, or of secret en- mity, between two border chiefs, would often kindle the conflii^ration of a general war. The petty quar- rels of the nobility, proved extensively injurious to the best interests of both England and Scotland ; but the influence of royalty was too insignificant to repress the desire of plunder and the passion for military adventure which actuated the nobility. At length matters got into such a state that the two nations could hardly be said to be either at peace or war; for border incursions had much encreased. In 1378, the Earl of Northumber- land, with the Earl of Nottingham and Sir Thomas Musgrave, invaded the south of Scotland. Sir Archibald Douglas, Lord of Galloway, advanc- ed against the enemy, but finding his forces unable to cope with the English army, he retired. Mus- grave, as probably had been anticipated, pushed on to Melrose with one of the divisions, where he sud- denly found himself in the presence of Douglas's army. Before the encounter, Douglas knighted two of the King's sons who were under his command. After a short and desperate engagement, in which the slaughter was prodigious, the English were de- feated. Froissart states, that it was the custom of Sir Archibald Douglas, when the combat became hot, to dismount and fight with a large two handed sword. On the present occasion, so furious was his attack that it became altogether irresistible. — The English sustained a complete defeat, Mus- grave and his son, with many knights, being made prisoners. Douglas, however, did not venture to encounter the main body under Percy and Notting- liam, but withdrew his forces to Edinburgh. These violent border hostilities continued for a consider- $10 HISTORY able time,but at length John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster,' at the head of a powerful army ap- proached the confines af Scotland w ith the avowed intention of establishing peace and order between the two nations. The Lord of Cialloway,2 along" with several others, being appointed commissioners to renew the truce, a cessation of hostilities followed, and Lancaster disbanded his army. The truce was to last for three years. A popular insurrection soon broke out in England, and the Duke of Lancaster, accused by his enemies of being accessory to it, asked permission from the Scottish King to reside in Scotland until the storm shoukl blow over. — This request being courteously granted, the Abbey of Holyrood was prepared for his recep- tion; and the Lord of Galloway, with the Earl of Douglas, and a brilliant retinue attended him thither. Whilst this prince remained in Scot- land, the nobles vied with each other in acts of kindness to their distinguished guest. Such cour- tesies ought to have been the prelude to a stable peace; but, before the expiry of the truce, the haughty aristocracy of Scotland involved their country in a negociation with France, which ultimately produced a costly and bloody war.S The fundamental articles of this treaty contain- ed a project for the invasion of England. The Scottish nobles were to receive a large sum of money, with a thousand suits of armour ; and a thousand men at arms were to be sent into Scot- land. As soon as the truce had expired, war again cora- 1 Uncle of Richard IL, King of England. 2 Maitland. 3 Tytler. OF GALLOWAY. 311 mencefl with fresh rancour. The Lord of Gallo- way seized Lochmaben castle, which had remained in the possession of the English. The Duke of Lancaster invaded Scotland, but was afterwards obliged to retreat. His army plundered the estates of the border barons, and spread devastation through the whole country where they passed. To retaliate the injuries which their estates had sustained, the Earls of Douglas and Marr, with the Lord of Galloway, raised an army of 15,000 men, mounted on light and active horses ; and breaking into the northern counties of England, they laid waste the country in a cruel manner, and retired with much booty and multitudes of prisoners.! A part of Tiviotdale, which the English had possessed since the battle of Durham, was now recovered by the Earl of Douglas.2 France at this time resolved to fulfil the stipu- lations of the late treaty, and meet the English on their own ground. For this purpose two thousand chosen warriors were sent into Scotland under the command of John de Vienne, admiral of France. He took along with him a large quantit)"^ of gold,3 and fourteen hundred suits of armour, as presents to the Scottish knights. 1 Froissart. — "VValsingham — Tytler. 2 Wiiiton. 3 " The proportion" says Mr Tytler, " in which the French money was distributed amongst the Scottish nobles, gives us a pretty correct idea of the comparative consequence and power of the various members of the Scottish aristocracy. See Rymer vol, vii. p. 484, " This money was distributed as follows, viz. to Robert, to recruit and remount the French troops lately amved from France with the aforesaid admiral, six thousand livres ; to the cardinal of Scotland, six hundred; to the earl of Carrick, Robot's eldest son, five thousand five hundred ; to Robert's second son the Earl of Fife, three thousand j to his cousin the earl of 312 HISTORY Tlie French auxiliaries were joyfully received by the Scottish barons, but the people viewed the overbearing conduct of these haughty foreigners with extreme aversion, and sometimes cut off their straggling parties. As soon as the King, M'ho had been absent from the capital, arrived in Edinburgh, a council of the knights and barons of both nations assembled, to consult respecting an immediate in- vasion of England. The King was averse to such a measure,! but at last his repugnance being over- come, an army of 30,000 horse assembled in a field near the metropolis. In the meantime, the young King of England collected a larger and better equipped army than had marched against Scotland for a considerable time. The English host moved slowly through the border counties; and, destroying every thing in their progress, left the country a melancholy desert. Richard pushed on to the capital, and on his bar- Douglas, seven thousand five hundred ; to the earl of March, four thousand; to the earl of Murray, one thousand; to Archibald DouQLAS, Lord of Galloway, five thousand five hundred; to James Lindsay, two thousand ; to David Lindsay, five hundred; to INIalcolm Drummond, four hundred; to Thomas Hay, four hundred ; and to William Kierby, seven hundred ; to Henry Douglas, three hundred ; to John Johnston, three hundred; to William Stuart, one hundred; to Henry Preston, knt. eixty; to Thomas Erskine, fivcliundred; to William Lind. say, five hundred; to William Cunningham, five hundred; to Robert Grant, ten ; to Mrs Mace Glandaublin, ten ; to John Gray, ten. The rest was distributed amongst the friends of the admiral, viz. to John Blaissey, Gerard de Bourbon, Eustace Bondenay, John de Fountaines, and Michael de la Fostre, five hundred each, as overseers of the distribution." Maitland's Historj' of Scotland, 1 " He was," says Froissart, whose information regarding this expedition is minute and curious, " a comely tall man, but •with eyes so bloodshot, that they looked as if they were lined with scarlet ; and it soon became evident that he himself prefer, red a quiet life to war ; yet he had nine sons who loved arms.' OT GALLOWAY. 3^3 %aroiis marcli consigned to tlie "flames tlie beauti- ful abbeys of Meh-ose and Dryburgli. Edinburgh also was plundered and burned, and they spared no- thing- but the abbey of Ilolyrood, which had afforded the Duke of Lancaster an asylum during his short exile. He was present with his nephew, Richard II., and earnestly solicited him to save it from the general ruin. Provisions at length became scarce in the English camp ; and a retreat by the same route in which the army had advanced, was resolved upon and com- menced. Thnt selfish spirit of revenge and indis- criminate destruction of property, conspicuous in this invasion, now began to recoil upon the authors of so much human misery. Before the Enp^lish could effect their retreat, the combined armies of Scotland and France, having joined the forces of Sir Archibald Douglas, Lord of Galloway, entered England, and ravaged the country with unparallel- ed ferocity, as a just retaliation for the dreadful cruelties, committed by the English invadino- force. In their desolating course, they plundered and raz- ed to the ground, villages, manors, and hamlets ;1 and drove along crowds of prisoners, herds of cattle, waggons, and horses laden with the riches of burgliers and yeomen. The mansions, pleasure-grounds, and parks of the border barons, were completely swept of their wealth, and totally destroyed. After this merciless havoc, the united armies made an assault upon Carlisle ;^ but, being repulsed, they returned 1 " And leave behind Where once some pleasant hamlet stood A mass of ashes slaked with blood." Scott's Lady of the Lake, 2 Winton. O 314 HISTORY to Scotland. The Frencli auxiliaries now Iiastened home ; but the war continued with encreasing vigour. Robert, Earl of Fife, the King's second son, — afterwards the celebrated Regent Albany, — along with the Earl of Douglas and the Lord of Galloway, at the head of 30,000 light troops, en- tered the portion of Westmoreland which includes Cockermouth and the adjacent country, and, for three days, plundered that rich and beautiful district. As this quarter had not been visited by any hostile party since the time of Robert Bruce, and the soldiers met with no interruption, they returned loaded with spoil. Soon after this inroad, another enterprise took place of a more difficult and dangerous nature. Sir William Douglas, the illegitimate son of the X/Ord of Galloway, made a descent upon Ireland.l This young Kniglit's form and strength were almost gigantic ; and his modesty, gentleness, and courtesy added a charm to his appearance : he was as amiable as brave, and no less beloved by his friends, than terrible to his enemies. His many estimable qualities procured him the love and liand of Egidia, the King's daughter, a lady of such exquisite beauty, that wherever she appeared, she commanded the admiration, and riveted the af- fection of every beholder. The monarch of France became enamoured of her from description ; and he sent a painter into Scotland to bring him a picture of the princess ; but upon his arrival, ho found she had given her heart and hand to another. The 1 At the present peiiod, the line of demarcation betweon legitimate and illegitimate progeny, Irad been nearly effaced. Childrcu, of whatever denomination, took their status in society from their father's rank. OP GALLOWAY. 315 King bestowed upon his son-in-law the Lordship ■of NiUisdale.l The piracies of the Irish on the coast of Gallo- way liad roused the indignation of Sir Arehibakl Douglas, who despatched his brave son William, and Sir Robert Stewart of Diiris(leer,2 with 500 lancers, to chastise the robbers. Having land- ed at Carlingford, he assaulted the town with only a part of his force; for he had been un- able, from a deficiency of small boats, to land the whole. Before Douglas could seize the outworks, the citizens induced him, by the promise of a large sum of money, to accede to an armistice ; whilst under the cover of night, they sent a messenger to Dundalk, who, by representing the inconsiderable number of the Scots, and the facility of overpower- ing them, obtained assistance. Young Douglas, being a man of an honourable and unsuspicious temper, placed implicit reliance on the sincerity of the citizens' professions, and retired to the shore, that he might superintend the lading of his vessels with provisions. When thus engaged, he was sur- prised by the approach of a body of 800 men-at- arms. With difficulty could he form his little party into regular military order, before he was attacked by the enemy's cavalry, aided by a sally of the inhabi- tants from the town. The treachery of the Irish ob- tained its just reward; for although the Galwe^jians were out-numbered, yet, by their skill, disciplinej and prowess, they succeeded in breaking and dis- persing their enemies. After storming and burning the town of Carlingford, and demolishing the castle, with its works, they seized in the bays and 1 Fordun Boethius, — Tytler. — Hume of Godscroft's His- tory of tlie Douglasses. 2 Holliashed. — Hume. 316 HISTORY harbours about sixty sliips, fifteen of whicli tliey loaded with booty, and sailed to the Isle of Man : the rest they destroyed. Having laid waste that island, they proceeded to Scotland, and landed at Loch-Ryan, in Galloway. 1 Douolas immediately joined his father, who, with the Earl of Fife, was again engaged in an expedition against the western parts of England.2 Whilst the Earl of Fife and the Lord of Gallo- way were thus employed, a chivalrous battle^ was fought at Otterburn, on the 19th of August, 1388, in which the Scots proved victorious. It was peculiarly disastrous, however, to the leaders on both sides. Henry Percy — from his fiery valour, denomina- ted Hotspur, — with his brother Ralph, was made prisoner ; and, indeed, few of note in the English army escaped death or captivity. The Scots also suffered severely. The Earl of Douglas, having- fearlessly rushed into the thickest of the enemy, fell, at length, under three mortal wounds : he was interred at Melrose Abbey.4 The great historian Froissart states, that, one battle only excepted, this was the best fought action ot that wavlike age. By the fall of James, Earl of Douglas, in the battle of 1 Biiclianan. 2 Hollinshed Hume. 3 Hume For dun. — Winton. — Maitland. 4 Froissart says, " Tlii? batayle was lyke tlie batayle of Becherell, the which was valiauntlyc fougl t and endured. The issue of the conflict is well known : Percy was mado prisoner, hnd the Scots wen the day, dearly purchased by the death of their gallant general, the Earl of Douglas, who was slain in the action. He was buried at Melrose beneath the Itigh altar. His obseqiieye was done reverently, and on his body layde a torabo of stone, and his baner hangyng over hym." " Full many a scutcheon and banner, riven, Shook to the cold night-wind of heaven. OF galloway: 317' Otterburn,! the title became extinct. Arcliibakl Doug-las, liowever, Lord of Galloway, laid claim to the hi^h honours and hereditary estates of the House of Douiilas, and the weakness of Robert II. con- Strained him to errant this request.2 But Douglas did not use his authority and exaltation with much moderation. Having now become the most powerful baron in Scotland, he likewise became the most tyrannical. He built a strong fortalice called the Castle of Thrieve, on an island in the river Dee. In the same place once stood a fortlet possessed by the ancient Lords of Gal- loway. Thrieve continued the monument of the Douglasses' pride, and the engine of their oppres- sion during- their galling ascendency. It is as- serted, though perhaps erroneously, that Archibald the Grim destroyed the charters of the Galloway proprietors,-^ and forced them to acknowledge, that they held their lands from him; but the fact is, many Galloway proprietors had not yet obtain- ed charters for their possessions. It has been said, he also exacted money from them annually, and made each parish in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, contribute a fat cow, every year, for his larder. — All who refused the contribution were seized and Arouiul the screened altar's pale ; And there the dyin^ lamps did burn, Before thy low and lonely urn, O gallant Chief of Otterburnc, And thine dark Knight of Liddesdale! O fading lionours of the dead! O high ambition, lowly laid !" Lay of the Last Minstrei,. 1 This battle is known also by the name of Chevy Chaset 2 Caledonia. 3 Nisbct's Heraldry. 318 mSTORY imprisonerl until they complied with the demandi*^ In the following year, the Earl of Fife and the Lord of Galloway conducted an army into England; hnt the Earl Marshal, to whom they sent a chal- lenge, refusing to abandon a strong position in which his army was entrenched, they returned to Scotland. Robert 11. died at Dundonald castle, in Ayr- shire, on the 19th of April, 1390, in the seventy- fifth year of his age. His reign of nineteen years was more fortunate than that of his predecessors David 11.2 BOEERT in. John Stewart, Earl of Carrick, now ascended the throne, and it was agreed that his name should be changed to that of Robert III. The pride and ambition of Archibald, Earl of Douglas and Lord of Galloway, afterwards in- duced him to procure the marriage of his daugh- ter to the Duke of Rothsay, heir apparent to the crown. The prince had been engaged to the daughter of the Earl of March ; but Douglas offer- ed with his daughter Marjory a larger dowery, and she was preferred. The marriage took place ; but the prince gave offence by his levity of 1 NisLet's Heraldry. THE FOLLOWING CHARTERS WERE GRANTED BY ROBERT II. 2 A charter "to James de Lindsey, of the New Forest in Gallo. ■way, which Walter Lesley resigned." — Another "confirminsr a charter bv Archihaid de Doug-las Dominus of Galloway, with consent of Walter Bishop of Glasgow, founding a hospital and chapel : and for the support of the same, endowing them with the lands of Crosmychell and Tregvere." — A charter ''to John do Maxwell, of the New Forest in Gallflway, by resignation of James de Lindsey, the King's sister's son." OF GALLOWAY 319 conduct, and Douglas became Rothsay's enemy. This unfortunate youth was at last consigned to the care of his uncle, the Earl of Fife, now created Duke of Albany, and his father-in-law, who treated him with much cruelty. Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway, and Earl of Douglas, died in the castle of Thrieve, on the 3rd of February, ltOO-1, at a very advanced age. The character of the Lord of Galloway is thus drawn by a writer^ of that period, who was fifteen years of age when Douglas died. " In 1400, died the Lord Archibald, first of that name, Earl of Douglas, surnamed the Grim, who surpassed all the Scotsmen of his age in civil wis- dom, prov/ess, and hardy enterprise, in the extent of his acquaintance, and in wealth. Most upright was he in judgment, yet severe, faithful to his promise : he had always a numerous retinue of valiant men. He showed high reverence to the ecclesiastical order."2 In 1372, Archibald Douglas founded an hospital at the monastery of Holywood, and granted the lands of Troqueer and Crossmichael for its support: Robert II. confirmed the foundation, as we have seen in a preceding note.3 This Lord sometime be- 1 Bowmaker Hailes' Annals. 2 "Obiit Domiuus Arcbibaldus primus hoc nomine, Comes de Douglas, dictus Gnjm, sive terribilis, qui in terrena pi'udentia, fortitudine, et audacia, conquaesta, et divitiis, caeteros sue tempore quasi antecessit, iEquissiinus etiam erat in judiciis, eed et rig-orosus : Firmus etiam in promissis, et ubique maxima comitiva militum et virorum tbrtium sufFultus : Ministros eccle- siae in maxima veneratione habebat," (Bowmaker.) Hailes Annals. 3 Caledonia. Hospitals were erected either for the receptioD 320 HISTORT fore his death, expelled from tlieir convent the Be- nedictine, or Black Nuns of Lincluden, and convert- ed the establishment into a collegiate church, or provostr5^l The alleged irregularities of the sister- hood2 afforded him an excuse for the commission of this arbitrary act; but perhaps the real induce- ment was, that the college might better provide for his numerous dependants. The establishment consisted of a provost and twelve canons. 3 Be- fore its dissolution the nunnery had possessed many lands in Galloway. Archibald Douglas also erect- ed here a monument to his father. He likewise founded a collegiate church at Bothwell. This nobleman seems to have exercised supreme authority in his extensive dominions. As Lord of Galloway, he considered the Steward of Kirk- cudbright his own officer. He established ordi- nances of war for the western borders, of which he was Warden, and his successors continued to en- force such ordinances. By them the Steward was enjoined to kindle fires on various hills in East Galloway, to give notice of the approach of an enemy.4 The Earl of Douglas and Lord of Galloway was succeeded by his son Archibald, who married the daughter of Robert H L Her name was Margaret. of strangers, or for the maintenance of tbe poor and infirm.— They were governed by a superior who was calleil Magister. (Hope's iNIinor Practics.) 1 The head of a collegiate church, or college, was termed prceposiius, or provost. 2 Pennant's Tour. — Murray. 3 " Collegiate churches were instituted for performing Divine services, and the saying of masses lor the souls of the founders and patrons, or their friends." Hope's Minor Practigs. 4 " Certain lands ia Eastern Galloway were taxed to support OF GALLOWAY. 321 This nobleman seems to have been accessory to the eruel death of his brother-in-law, the Duke of Rothsay,! who was thrown into a dunjjeon at the castle of Falkland, belonging to his uncle, and starved to death. The Earl of March, incensed at the slight which his family had received, retired into Northumber- land, and made numerous attacks upon the bor- der counties of Scotland. Dishonoured and in exile, his fury knew no bounds; and his hostile in- cursions were so unceasing, that, assisted by the Percies, and particularly the impetuous Hotspur, he became truly formidable to the Scottish barons. Douglas, possessing more power in Scotland than any other individual, the Duke of Albany ex- cepted, became desirous to signalize his valour by un- "SVatch and Ward in Annandale; also "The house of Annand [was appoiiitcd] to he keepod with anc honest man and wife, he to be the Warden Depute and to hold with liim XVI well horsed men and this to be called the household. Fur tlieir sustcutatiun every- one of them to have 100 AL and 4 Nilhisdale bolls of horse corne, this money to be taken up at Dundrennnn, and the hoise corne out of tiie Mains of Loclunaben." The house of Ilovvdam to be keeped by ane wise stout man, and to have with him four well horsed men and thir to have two staik footmen to keep their Iwjrsps. Thir men to have horse.meat and their owne meat in the pLice bonestly and every ane of them to have 10 lib of feall to keep their clailhs." " In the time of warfare the beaken to be keeped on the house-head, and in the weir the beaken in the hrepan to be keeped and never faill burning so long as the Englishmen remaia in Scotland, and with ane bell to be on the head of the firepan which shall ring when ever the fray is, and whosoever bydes fra the fray or tun s again so long as the beaken burns or the bell rings shall be holden as partakers of the enemies and used as traitor:^." " Tiie Laird of Newbie to be the Warden Depute and there- fore to have 50 M. given him yearlie of Drumdanane as their tacks speciliub this present." Leges Mauchiarum, London Edit. 1767. p.p. 134. 140,. I Tytler. 322; HISTORY dertaking'some ^rand enterprize against the English, The young nobility vied with each other in their eagerness to join his standard in this great expedi- tion, which had received the cordial approbation of the King, and the ardent support of his brother, the Duke of Albany. The Lord of Galloway, ac- cordingly, placed himself at the head of ten thou- sand men, comprising the greater part of the chi- valrj'-^ or flower of the country, and advanced in a propitious and exulting career as far as New- castle, loading his followers with spoil, l But he was waylaid on his return by a numerous army of the English. When the Scots had reached the Tillage of Homildon, they beheld with surprise an English force ready to intercept them on their march, and took their ground on an emi- nence in the vicinity. The English were filled with unbounded rage at the sight of their plunderers; and the Earl of March could scarcely prevent the fiery Hotspur from leading his men to attack with their spears, the Scots upon the heights. The English, however, were prevailed upon only to use their long bows, and thus from a distance gall their enemies, who had closely formed on the hill. The effect these archers produced was terrible and destructive. Many of tlie bravest Scots being mortally wounded, fell down on the spot where 1 " The Earls of Murray and Angus, Fergus Macdowall, •with his fierce and half-arniod Galwei^ians, the heads of the jiolile houses of Erskine, Grahame, Montgomery, Seaton Sinclair, Lesley, the Stewarts of Angus, Lorn, and Durisdeer, and many other knights and esquires, embracing the greater part of the chivalry of Scotland, assembled under the command of the Earl of Douglas ; and, confident in their strength, and eager for revenge, pushed on, without meeting an enemy, to the gates of Newcastle," Tytler. OF GALLOWAY. 3O3 they stood, without having had an opportunity of once using' their weapons. The horses, madden- ed by the showers of arrows, pluug-ed and reared; whilst tiie dense masses of spearmen and "half naked Gal\ve<>ians,"l to use the words of a contem- porary writer, " presented the appearance of a hedgehog-, bristled over with a thousand shafts, whose feathers were red with blood." But the Scots felt uuvvilling' to lose the advantage of their situation and descend into the plain. At length Sir John Swinton'^^ and Adam Gordon of Gordon, 3 with a hundred followers, rushed down the declivity and made terrible havoc among the enemy I but these brave men were at last all slain. After their fall, the Scottish army, being totally discomfited, fled : the slaughter was dreadful. Douglas and a great many barons were taken prisoners. Not- withstanding the armour which the Earl wore on this fatal day, was of the most admirable workman- ship and temper, and had occupied the unremitting labours of an artist during the long period of three years, the unfortunate commander was wounded in five places and taken prisoner : he lost an eye in this encounter. The immense border estates of Douglas, in all probability, were now seized by the Earl of Northumberland. This battle took place on the 14th of September, 1402.4 1 Tytlei-; 2 "He is noted The wisest wariior 'twixt tlie Tweed and Solwiiy." Scott's Poetical Works. 3 " Yet 'tis a name which ne'er hath been dishonoured. And never will, 1 trust — most surely never," Ibid. 4 " The number of the slain, was verj great ; and mul- titudes of the Fugitives — it is said nearly fifteen hundred ■were drowned in a vain attempt to ford the Tweed. Amongst S24. HISTORY After tins conflicf, Dou2:las was conveyed a prisoner to Nortlmmberland ; but the Pereies, hav- ing taken up arms ao-ainst their Sovereig-n, en- deavoured to ijain the assistance of their captive by grantino- hiin his liberty. Douolas went to Scotland to collect a band of his vassals to aid in the impending contest.^ A memorable engagfement took place near Shrews- bury. Henry IV. of England, was personally pre- sent ; and Douglas determined that the King should fall by his hand that day. Henry, perhaps aware of his resolution, dressed several champions in royal apparel. Douglas killed no fewer than three of these counterfeit Sovereigns ; but when the real one appeared, he exclaimed with astonishment " Where the devil do all these kings come from ?"^ Douglas t,. countered Henry with so much fury, that he overthrew the royal banner, killed Sir Thomas Blunt, who carried it, and would have slain tliose who fell, besides Swiiiton and Gordon, were Sir John Livingston of Calendar, Sir Alexander Rams-ay of Dalhousie^ Sir Roger Gordon, Sir Walter Scott, and Sir Walter Sinclair, with many other knights and esquires, whose f611owers mostly perished with their masters. Besides the' leaders, Douglas and Lord Murdoch, eighty knights were taken prisoners, and a crowd of esquires and pages, whose names and numbers are not ascer. tained. Among the first were three French knights. Sir Piers de Essais, Sir James de Helaey, and Sir John Darni; Sir Robert Erskine of Alva, Lord Montgomery, Sir James Douglas Master of Dalkeith, Sir William Abernethy of Salton, Sir John Stewart of Lorn, Sir John Seaton, Sir George Lesly of Rothes, Sir Adam Forrester of Corstorfin, Sir Walter Bickerton of Luffness, Sir Robert Stewart of Durisdeer, Sir William Sinclair of ricrmanston, Sir Alexander Home of Dunglas, Sir Patrick Dunbar of Bele, Sir Robert I/Ogan of Restalrig, Sir Lawrence Ramsay, Sir Helias Kinmont, Sir John Ker, and Fergus Mac- dowall of Garthland, in Galloway, with many others whose names- Lave not been ascertained." (Balfour.) Tytlee. 1 Hume's History of the Dousflasses. 2 Scott. OF GALLOWAY 325 the Kin:^ also, had not the Prince of Wales, with a niiml)er of brave M'arriors, come to his assistance.! Hotspur was killed by an unknown hand, and his followers gave way and fled."^ Douglas also re- luctantly condescended to fly; but his horse stum- bled and fell, when he himself was wounded and made prisoner.^ This celebrated warrior was kind- ly treated by King Henry, who sent him rich pre- sents and honoured him for his valour.4 Robert III., aware of the ambitious views of his brother, the Duke of Albany, became alarmed for the safety of his surviving- son James, then about fourteen years of age. He resolved, therefore, to send the young Prince to France, ostensibly for the purpose of receiving such an education as would fit him for swaying the sceptre v/ith superior ability. Though the two nations were at peace, an Englisli vessel intercepted and captured that in which the Prince sailed ; who was immediately conveyed to London, and detained in close confine- ment in the tower. This new calamity had such an effect upon Robert, now born down with years, misforUmes, and infirmities, that he died in the course of the following year ; and his brother the Duke of Albany, as Regent, continued to hold the: reins of governnient.-^ 1 Humo, &c. 2 Tytler. 3 Hume Scott. 4 HoUiiishcd. — Hume. THE FOLLOWING CHARTERS V.'ERE GRANTED BY ROBERT HI. 3 A. charter was conilrmed by Robert, which was " g-iven by Archibald Douglas, Lord of Galloway and Bothwell. to the col. lege of Boluwell, of the lands of Osbarnystouii, iu the barony of Bothwell iu Lanark." — Another was granted "to David Duke of Rothsay, aud Mary Douglas, daughter to the Earl of Douglas,, 326 mSTCRY Not long before tlie King's death, negociatlonshad commenced for the restoration of Douglas to his native countrj^ The English King wonld not allow this powerfid baron to revisit Scotland, until thirteen hostages, selected from the best families of the land, had been delivered, as a guarantee for his return at a specified time: he also extorted from the Earl, a ransom of a thousand marks. Among the hostages, were Douglas's eldest son, and James his brother, James the son of James Douglas, Lord of Dal- keith, Sir William Douglas of Nithsdale, Sir John Herries of Terregles, and Sir Herbert Maxwell of Caerlaverock. The Earl of March, who had remain- ed true to Henry, having obtained a pardon for his treason,! through the intercession of Douglas, to whom he had rendered many good offices during their residence in England, afterwards returned into Scotland. The immense estates of March, which Douglas had either seized or legally obtain- ed after his departure, were restored ; Douglas being permitted, however, to retain the Lordship of Annandale and the castle of Lochmuhen. As soon as the truce with England had expired, the borderers commenced hostilities by reducing the castle of Jedburgh, which had been retained by the English since the battle of Durham. A strong re- monstrance was soon after made to Albany, Re- gent of Scotland, by the English King, against the conduct of the Earl of Douglas, in delaying to return to his captivity in England at the appointed of ane annual furth of the burrowis be south Forth." A charter " to the Earl of Dowglas, for the keeping of the marches, with ane taillie." — Another " to William Douglas of Niddisdal«, o£ the west part of the town of Dumfieiss." 1 Hume. OF GALLOWAY. 327 time. Henry tlireatened to treat his hostages ac- cording to the usages of war, and to pursue the Earl, as a perjured rebel, if he did not deliver him- self up in the course of a month. The business, however, was amicably settled ; for Douglas pur- chased his liberty by a very Iiigh ransom, and was allowed to return permanently to Scotland. On the 3rd of September, U\9, the Duke of Albany died, and his son Murdoch assumed the Regency, a man alike devoitl of ennobling virtues and debasing vices. I The French had often assisted the Scots against the English, and to repay the obligation, the Scots now sent a body of men to aid Charles, King of France, who seemed on the point of being expelled from his dominions by Henry V. of England. The Scottish army, under the command of Sir John Stewart, Earl of Buchan, — second son of the late Regent, — and the Earl of Wi:j;town, Douglas's son, who had assumed or obtained that title, consisted of about 7,000 men. They gained an important victory over the English at liauge, and were re- warded and caressed by the French King. Douglas, Earl of Wigtown, obtained the Lord- ship of Longueville in France. The Lord of Gallo- way, excited by the renown which his countrymen had acquired in that kingdom, raised a little army of 10,000 men,'-^ which contained the noblest indivi- duals and the best warriors in the south of Scotland. Such as were prevented by circumstances from going, sent their sons and brothers on this favourite expedition. The Earl of Douglas was joyfully re- ceived in France, and the King created him Duke 1 Rymer Foedera. 2 Holiinshed. 328 HISTORY ofTourainel and a French marshal. The Duke of Bedford, who then commanded the English army, sent Douo:las a message, on the I'Tth of August, 1424, that he intended to come and dine withhira. The Earl understood the notice, and prepared for battle. The allied army, instead of remaining in their position as Douglas advised, advanced to meet the English, when a bloody battle en- sued, in which Douglas, and by far the greater part of the Scottish auxiliaries were slain. The remains of the Scots that survived the battle of Vaneuil, were admitted by the French King as a lifeguard, an establishment which lasted long in that country. Douglas was buried in the church of Tours, on the 20th of August, 1424, dnd his coat of arms remain- ed for many years on the gates of that city. It has been asserted that he was called Tine-man ["Lose- man"] from losing battles and men. This Lord of Galloway is allowed by all to have possessed unli- mited personal courage; but some writers affirm, he was devoid of prudence and unskilful in war. They do not, however, state any particular errors that he committed in his battles. It is true he was un- successful, biit many well conducted armies have been vanquished, and many well laid plans have proved abortive. The biographer of the Douglasses thinks that his bad fortune should not diminish his praise or ecliiise his glory; and that he was not in- ferior to his predecessors because he was less pros- perous. His abilities, he adds, shone forth through the clouds of adversity, which surrounded him; whereas, theirs were gilded by the beams of almost 1 Hume's History of the Douglasses, OF GALLOWAY S29 uninterrupted prosperity.^ Tins Lord possessed within his own dominions almost unlimited autho- rity ; like an independent Sovereign, he issued writs and made them returnable at his castle of Thrieve."^ Douglas was succeeded by his eldest son, like- wise called Archibald, being the third Lord of Gal- loway of th;it name. Margaret, daughter of Robert IlL, after tile death of her husband, the Earl of Douglas, appears to have possessed the superi- ority of the whole of Galloway as a life estate, whilst her son held the Lordship in fee. It had 1 Hume. 2 " In 1403, Alexanrlcr Gordon was sewed heir of his father, Roger, in the lands of Kenmore, in pursuance of a writ, which had been Issued, by the second Archihald. Lord of Galloway, to the steward of Kirkcudbright, returnable to the said lurd oi Gal- loway, at his castle of Tiiricve : On tlie •24th of January 1403 4 the lord of Galloway issued his precept, " Senescallo nostra, et Balivis suis, de Kii'kcudbright," for investing Gordon, as heir of Keumoro: And, thereupon, Thomas Herts, [Kirk] Senescallus de Kirkcudbright issued bis precept, commanding his bailies, to give Gordon saisin of his lands.— Original writs of the family of Kenmore " His charters were granted " Apud castrum nos. trura de Treve." Among the charters which he granted, was one to "Thomas Macdoual, in 1414, of the lands of Goirachlmjnc (a name vul2-arized to Garthland) Lonchanys, and of Zoryan, and Ellyrig, [Eldrig] in Wigtonshire ; the grantee rendering for the same, "owe suit at the earl's court, at Wigtown. (Macfarlane's MS. Notes from Richard Hay's Col. where there is a copJ% froin the autograph, which was probably taken by Hay, when his antiquary learning was appealed to, by the Alacdougals.) As this charter to Garthland comprehends the lands of Logan: so, the family of Logan must be a cadet of Garthland. As to the pretensions of IMacdoual ol Freuch, which his genealogist derives, by an unknown series, from Gilbert, the eldest son of Fergus, the lord of Galloway, who died, in 1 161 ; it is sullicient to answer, that Gilbert, the supposed piogenitor of Freuch, was not the yo\mgest son of Fergus, bui the assassin of Uchtred, the eldest son. He likewise constituted Sir Alexander Gordon of Loch- iavar bailie of Earlston. The person who exercised a regality jurisdictiou was termed a bailie." Caledonia. §30' HISTORY been settled on lier for life by her husband; and her brother, James L, afterwards confirmed the grant. She survived her consort at least twenty-five years i and, during that period, as Lady Superior, granted charters to several vassals in Wigtown- shire, either confirming their possessions, or sanc- tioning transfers of land. I The exact time of her death cannot be ascertained, though it is certain she was buried in the church of Lincluden, where an elegant tomb was erected to her memory.2 In the meantime, the Regent and people of Scot- 1 " During the reiun of James T., ■\Vllliam Douglas of Les- walt, %vas slierifF of Wigton, and constable of the castle of Loch- naw : In IMarch, 1424, \Villiam Douglas, Vicecomes de Wigton, witnessed a charter of Aichibald, Earl of Douglas, and Lord of Galloway, to the bishop of Galloway. In 1426, Andrew Agnew acquired from William Douglas of Leswalt, the ofBce of constable of the castle of Lochnaw, with the four mark lands of Gleuquhir, in the barony of Leswalt ; and this grant was confirmed, by a charter of the superior, Margaret, the Duchess of Turenne, on the !Oth of November, 1426; where- in she calls Agnew. " dilecto scutifero raco :" This was further confirmed, by the king. Andrew Agnew, also, acquired the mill of In-zernessan, in Wigton-shire, with some tofts belonging to it ; and of this he obtained a confirmation of the king, in February, 14H0-1. Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw, the son of the said scutifer of the Duchess, was scutifer to James II., who, in 1451, granted to him the office of sheriff of Wigtonshire, on the 25th of May 1451. He died, between 1460, and 1470; and was succeeded, by his son, Quiatou Agnew of Lochuaw, who was sheriff' of this shire, during a gieat part of the reign of James III., and the first half of the reign of James IV. He married jNIariot, the daughter of Vaus of Barnbarrow, which was the first connec. tion between these families. This inferior family of the Douglases seems to have ended, at the beginning of tlie reign of James III. In October, 1463, Mary, the queen. dowager, obtained a grant of the lands, revenues, &c. which pertained to the king, by the decease of the late George Douglas of Leswalt. Regist. Mag. Sig. B. vi. 106 129. This Douglas was, probably, of a bastard family ." Caledonia. 2 The late Tliomas Johnston of Jamaica, Esq., a zealous anti- quary, opened the tomb, but no remains were found in it. OF GALLOWAY. 331 land beffan to wish for the return of their So- vereign, who had long lingered in useless captivity. An embassy was despatched into England to ne- gociate for the releasement of James, and they succeeded in obtaining his liberation. A splendid train of the highest barons and gentry of his king- dom, amounting to three hundred, met him at Durham. At the head of this brilliant cortege ap- peared the Earl of Wigtown, who was appointed one of the conservators of the truce concluded at that place. On entering his kingdom, James proceeded to the capital and held the festival of Easter ; and, oa the 21st of May, 142t, both he and his Queen- were crowned at Scone. A parliament was speedily assembled, by which many wise laws were made. JAMES I. The family of Douglas had now risen to a pitch of greatness, hitherto unattained by any subject. The present chief took the titles of Earl of Wig- town and Douglas, Lord of Galloway, Bothwell, Eskdale,and Annandale; Duke of Touraine, Lord of Longueville, and Marshal of France. Soon after James's return he became jealous of his nephew, the Earl of Douglas, and, on the ninth day after the second parliament had met at Perth, threw him into prison, together with William Dou- glas, Earl of Angus, I Herbert Maxwell of Caerla- verock, Herbert Herries of Terregles, and several 1 The Countess of Angus married ■William, first Earl of Douglas, by whom she had a son, Sir George Douglas, who in- herited ills' mother's title : she was the Earl of Douglas's £iecoii(l wife. By this marriaee the title passed into the family of Douglas. (Crawfurd's Peerage.) 832 HISTORY others who were confined for some time. Murdoch, the late Regent, son of the first Duke of Albany, with Lord Alexander Stewart, Murdoch's youngest son, was also arrested: his eldest son Walter had been previously imprisoned. Murdoch himself was conveyed to the castle of Caerlaverock, and there confined. I Walter Stewart, being brought to trial on the 24th of May, 1425, was found guilty and condemned to death. The King in royat robes presided as supreme judge. The Earl of Douglas and Sir Herbert Herries, having been restored to liberty, acted as two of the jurors. He was beheaded on an eminence near the castle of Stirling on the same day. Next day, Albany himself and his second son were brought to trial, and convicted by the same jury. Sentence of death being immediately passed upon them, they both publicly suffered on the same fatal hill. — These acts of severity were much reprobated. In James's third parliament, an amusing provision was made, entitled, " Anent hostillaris in villagis and burowyis." "It informs us that hostlers; or innkeepers, had made very grievous complaints to the- king against a villanous practice of his lieges, who, in their travel from one part of the country to another, were in the practice of taking up their residence with their acquaintances and friends, instead of going to the regular inns and hostelries ; whereupon the sovereign, with counsel and consent of the three Estates, prohibits all tra- vellers on foot or horseback from rendezvousing at any station except the established hostelry of the 1 A tower iu Caerkveroclc castle is still called IMurdoch's tower. Tradilio'.i says, with its usual iuaccuracy, that tho Duke of xUbany was murdered there. OF GALLO^yAY. 333 !)urgli or village, and interdicts all burgesses or villagers from extending to them their hosj)itality, under the penalty of forty shillings. The higher ranks of the nobles and the gentry woidd, however, have considered this as an infringement upon their liberty, and it is accordingly declared, that all per- sons whose estate permits them to travel with a large retinue in company, are permitted to quarter themselves upon their friends, under the condition that they send their attendants and horses to be lodged at the common hostelries."' Douglas continued for some time in royal favour, and assisted, with other great barons, at tiie baptism of the King's twin children, Alexander and James. Among the gracious acts of royalty which James exhibited on that joyous occasion, was the confer- ring of tlie honour of knighthood upon Vvllliam, the son and apparent heir of the Lord of G.illovv^ay. But these festivities could not remove the mutual jea- lousy which subsisted between the King and his subjects, or restore that confidence and cordiality which his severity to the greater barons had era- dicated. In the following year, he sent the Lord of Galloway into confinement; but at the meet- ing of Parliament, in the month of October, he again set him at liberty and became fully reconciled to this dreaded nobleman. After this reconciliation, Douglas, afraid lest his Sovereign's WTath might be again kindled and prove fatal to him, asked permis- sion to remove to France, that he mi^;ht take pos- session of the Duchy of Touraine, which had been bestowed upon his father by Charles Yli. James, who only wanted a plausible pretext for cutting off 1 Tytlcr. S34 HISTORY this potent baron, cheerfully granted liim permis- sion to go into what the Sovereign considered an honourable exile, where he could no longer overawe the royal authority, or neutralize the effects of those measures, which James had in con- templation for enlarging the prerogatives, the wealth, and the influence of the crown. The King considered that, in the absence of Douglas, many occasions would arise, when he would have it in liis power to diminish the accumulated jurisdiction which this chief had acquired, and even to curtail his estates and detach his adherents. JAMES II. James I. being assassinated at Perth, on the 21st of P'ebruary 1437, was succeeded by his only son James II., a boy in the 7th year of his age. — The convention of estates, afterwards appointed Sir Alexander Livingston of Calendar, governor, or guardian of the King's person;! and to his care the tuition of the young prince was encrusted: they nominated Sir William Crichton chancellor. No sooner had Archibald Douglas heard of the death of a monarch whom he respected, dreaded, and hated, than he hurried from France to assume the first place among the nobles of the land, and either direct or overawe the operations of the Go- vernment. The powerful House of Douglas had now reached the summit of its greatness ; for the Lord of Galloway possessed almost all the south of Scotland; and the inferior barons and gentry look- ing np to him as their patron, and acknowledged liim as their Lord. His vassals and their dependants, from their vicinity to England, and the constant wars in which they had been engaged, were better 1 Balfour Scott, &c. OP GALLOWAY. 335 disciplined and more accustomed to arms than the inhabitants of any other district of Scotland. Be- sides, the Douglasses were formidable, not only from their vast territories and numerous warlike depen- dants, but also from their own matchless military ta- lents, which seemed to be hereditary in the family. Their superior talents, however, were unfortu- nately accompanied by boundless ambition and arrogant presumption; and their chief succeeded in obtaining the high office of Lieutenant-Generahl The Douglasses seemed now to lay claim to the rank of independent princes, considering them- selves beyond the power of the laws of their coun- try, and above the allegiance due to the Sovereign. It was no uncommon thing for x\rchibald, Earl of Douglas, to ride about with a retinue of one thous- and retainers,^ or even two thousand, on particular occasions, amongst whom were many of the most noted desperadoes of the borders.-^ Crichton and Livingston, by tlieir ambitious contentions and private eiimity, weakened both the energy and the efficiency of the Government.'* Douglas, now decidedly the most powerful and opulent man in the whole kingdom, despised them botli,5 and though solicited to interfere^ left them 1 Tytler. 2 Hume. 8 Redpath's Bolder Histoiy. 4 Balibur Hume, 5 Balfour Scott Tytler. 6 Lindsay of Pitscottiy. — Ilis answer was, " It is bot litle skaith I tliink for me, albeit »ick mischeivous traytouris as Sir William Ciiclitoun and Alexander Livingstoun, whom yea call governour, mouo warres contrair otlicris, and als it becometh not the honorable estait of noblemen to help any of them, albeit ilk anc of thamo wraick vtlieris, so that thair war not sick ane thing as any meruorle of thame heiraftcr to our posteritie. As 336 HISTORY to waste their power and influence, by harassing, and, consequently, weakening each other.l Feuds, bloodshed, and devastation prevailed in many parts of Scotland, which the Government, "divided a- gainst itself," had no power to restrain. Douglas, we are told, even countenanced disaffection, en- couraged disorder, and protected depredators. — Lindsay of Pitscottie asserts, that he issued a pro- clamation prohibiting any man within his domi- nions, under pain of death, from obeying the King's officers; alleging that he had the sole juris- diction, or supreme judicial authority, vrithin the ample limits of his own territories. This public distraction almost entirely suspended the operations of trade and agriculture. Famine, consequently, again ensued, and after it an appalling pestilence, the virulence of which was so great, that those whom it seized generally expired within twenty-four hours. This scourge, which happened in the year 1439, greatly depopulated the country.2 In the middle of these disorders, Archibald Douglas, Lord of Galloway, was carried off, not inopportunely for the contending rulers, by an to myselff, tliair is nothing more pleasant than to hear of warre and discord Ijetixt them tua vnhappie tyrrantis ; and namlie, quhair the beginning of thair diisensioiie is not groinidit vpoun ane guid cans, hot vpoun ane schamfnll and wicked ground, wold God I might sie ane miserable mischeif to befall thame both, seeing they have deserved the same condignlie throw Ihair awin ambitione, falshood, pryd, and bight. For I knaw it is the just judgment of God, that deceitful tyrrantis, setting thair whoU purpos and intent to wraik otheris, accord, ing to thair demeritcs, sould be punisched in the sight of the world : and speciallie, they have so oft offended noblemen and simple men of guid lyffe and conversatioun." Lindsay's Chronicles of Scotland. 1 Tytler. 2 Lindsay of Pitscottie 's Chronicles, OF GAL^OWAY 33T Inflamatory fever, at Rastalrig, on the 26th of June, 1439, and was buried in the church of Douirhis, called St Bride's church,! « leaving to his son," as Mr Tytler says, " an immense and dangerous inheritance of power and pride." His conduct to Lord Keniiedy is adduced as a proof of his forgiving and generous disposition. This nobleman had injured and offended him to such a degree, that he published his intention of giving the lands of Stewarton to any individual who would bring Kennedy's head to him. When Lord Kennedy became aware of this offer, he was fully ■convinced he could not escape the danger arising from the declared hostility of so powerful a man ; and he resolved, as a species of prevention, to present his own head to his enemy. He accordingly went privately to Wigtownshire, and found Douglas in the church of St Ninian, at his devotion. Imme- diately after Divine service, he offered his head to the Earl, and claimed the revvard. Douglas as- tonished at his resolution and confidence, forgave him his former faults and made him his friend : he also bestowed upon him the lands of Stewarton^ which his descendants, the Earls of Cassilis, con- tinued to enjoy .3 1 Hume. — The following inscription was placed upon hie tomb. " Hie jacet Doraimis Archibaldus Douglas, Dux Turonise, Comes de Douglas et Longiiuville, Dominus Gallovidise, et "VVigton, et Annandiaj, Locum teneiis Regis Scotise. Obiit2t). die Mensis Junii. Anno Domini millesimo quadringentesiine tricesimo octavo." 2 Hume. 3 " The Kennedies are of Irish origin; but, it is quite un- *«ertain, when they emigrated to this island. Tlie first, in re. • inations and robberies of his de- pendants, he would be no less acceptable to his Soverei<^n than he had formerly been, and that the late transactions would be altogether forgotten.^ The Earl himself afterwards arrived; and, upon promising to regulate every t^iug within the limits of his aulhoiity according to the King's pleasure, he appeared to regain all his former ascendency over the royal mind.^ His castles and strongholds were delivered up to him, and he was again appoint- ed Lieutenant-General, or Justiciary, oftheking- dom,4 and Warden of the west and middle marches of Scotland.5 Douglas, however, could not now place implicit confidence in the monarch's frienship or professions. He perceived that an inordinate jea- lousy of him had been raised in the breast of James, and he was afraid it could never be fully or per- jnanently suppressed. VViththe King's knowledge and permission he, therefore, repaired to England for the assigned purpose of afterwards visiting the continent, but really, as many then considered, with the culpable design of holding treasonable inter- course with one of the English factions.^ This im- 1 Lindsay. 2 Lindsay. 3 Tytlur. 4 Tytler — " At the same time." Mr Tytler says on the an- thority of Boece, " an entail was executed, by which the Earl, doras of Doughis and Wigton were settled upon Lira and his descendants for ever; whom failing, to his brothers James, Archibald, Hugh, aud John de Douglas in successioa." 5 Lindsay. 6 Tytler. 358 HISTORY prudent conduct again awakened the King's strong suspicions, and inflamed his resentmcnt.l Again Douglas submissively returned, and again, at the intercession of the Queen and many of the nobles, he was forgiven. But James would not be complete- ly reconciled to his former favourite; for Parliament having deprived him of his high offices, the King commanded him to return into privacy within his own domains. The Earl of Orkney and Sir William Crichton were appointed to fill the offices of which he had been deprived ; and this appoint- ment gave great offence to the Earl of Douglas l for he considered them as his deadly enemies. He understood, indeed, that Crichton had said openly among his friends, that the King did not conduct himself like an independent and spirited prince in allowing Douglas to escape with his life ; and, also, after his rebellious acts, in being so often reconcil- ed to him. He had, likewise, added, the Earl was told, that it would have been well for Scotland if the family of Douglas, with all their friends, had been long ago rooted out from the land ; and tha* until this was done, the King's power would never be firmly established, nor his subjects live in peace.2 Incensed by this information, and by the determined, undisguised hostility of Crichton to his person, he resolved on the assassination of this avowed enemy, at the first opportuntity. At last he received information, that the chancellor was to pass between his own castle and Edinburgh, upon a particular day. A party of Douglas's adherents iay in ambush at the appointed time to attack him, 1 Lindsay. — Tytler. 2 Lindsay. — Hume. OF GALLOWAY. 359 when on the road. An encounter took place, and the old man, with his brave companions, madje so vigorous a resistance, that some of the assailants were slain, whilst Sir William safely and honour- ably retired to his own castle. Crichton's friends could not brook this murderous assault. They collected in considerable numbers, and compelled the Earl of Douglas, who was on a visit to Edin- burgh with a small number of followers, to flee in disgrace to his own territories.! Douglas for the aggrandizement of his power and his own protection, now formed or renewed a league offensive and defensive with the Earls of Crawford and Ross, who were masters of the great- er part of Scotland ; and by means of this agreement he hoped to cancel the influence of the chan- cellor, and even bid defiance to the power of James himself. The chiefs of this contederacy, it is said, could have brought, on the shortest notice, forty thousand men into the field ;2 and they held Crich- ton and all the individuals who were in favour at court, in the utmost detestation. Sir William re- 1 Lindsay. 2 " When a chieftain designed to summon Lis clan, upon any sudden or impoitant emergency, he slew a goat, and making a CI OSS of any light wood, seared its extremities in the fire, and extinguished tliem in the blood of the animal. This was called the Fiery Cross, also Crean Tariyh, or the Cross of Shame, be- cause disobedience to what the symbol implied, interred infamy. It was delivered to a swift and trusty messenger, who ran full speed with it to the riext hamlet, where he presented it to the principal person, with a single word, implying the place of ren- dezvous. He who received the symbol was bound to send it for- wards with equal despatch to the next village; and thus it passed with incredible celerity through all the district which owed aL legiance to the chief, and also among his allies and neighbours if the danger was common to them. At sight of the Fiery Cross, every man, from sixteen years old to sixty, capable of 360 HISTORY presented this leag-ue to the Kin^, as a conspiracy ag-ainst the crown, and dangerous to the monarchy. Douglas, now considering- himself fortified at all points, began to oppose the execution of the laws more openly and more insolently than he had pre- viously done. All within the limits of his autho- rity, who exhibited any signs of loyalty or obedi- ence to the royal will, were looked upon as the enemies of his House, and persecuted with every species of exterminating violence. Sir John Herries of Terregles, a person much attached to King James, having claimed compensation for the robberies which had been committed on his lands by the dependants of Douglas, but without success, collected his vassals, and made an inroad into the territories of the Earl, that he might retaliate the injuries, and if possible remunerate his people for the losses they had sustained. Herries was unsuc- cessful in this attempt, his party being completely routed, and he himself taken prisoner. Douglas caused him to be put in irons, and afterwards exe- cuted, though the King had sent the most positive injunctions by a herald, that the person of Herries was not to be injured.l Soon after this transaction, Sir Patrick Thornton, a dependant of the House of Douglas, audaciously slew Sir John Sandilands of Calder, the King's kinsman, along with two knights of the name of Stewart, both of whom enjoyed the favour and close friendship of their Prince.*^ tearing arm?, was obliged instantly to repair, in his best arms and accoutrements, to the place of rendezvous. He who failed to appear, suffen-d the extremities of fire and sword, which were emblematically denounced to the disobedient by the bloody and burned marks npon this warlike signal.'' Lady of the Laks, J Tvtler. — Lind.sav. 2 Balfour Tyllei-. OF GALLOWAY- 361 A still more flagrant violation of the laws of the country, and insolent defiance of the authority of the Sovereign, took place in the case of Maclellan, Tutor of Bombie, as he was called, ancestor of the noble family of Kirkcudbright.! Maclellan had secretly aided Herries in his late feud with the Lord of Galloway, and had remained faithful to the King, notwithstanding his lands lay in the middle of Douglas's possessions in Galloway. The threats and entreaties of his potent neighbour were alike unavailing: he positively refused to join against his Sovereign, or engage in any trai- torous conspiracy to overthrow the legal Govern- ment of the state. The Earl became highly incens- ed at Maclellan's stubborn fidelity to the King, and disregard of his own power ; but his indignation was roused into fury, when he understood that the Tutor of Bombie had killed one of the servants be-^ longing to his family. Accordingly, he suddenly assaulted the castle of Raeberry, the Tutor of Bombie's principal residence ; and having either carried it by storm, or obtained admission by treachery, he took its owner prisoner, and con- veyed him to the strong castle of Thrieve,2 where he kept him in close confinement. Sir Patrick Gray, Maclellan's uncle by the mother's side, hav- 1 The Maclellans are considered to Lave been of Irish origin. The clan became so numerous and respectable that fourteen knights of the name, are said to have existed in Galloway at one time. The Knights, according to tradition, of the name of Mac- lellan, were the proprietors of Gelston, llaveuston, Kilcruickie, Sorbie, Glenshinnock, Troquhain, Barholm, Kirkconnel, Kirk. cormock, Kirkgunzeon, Borgue, Barscobe, Bardrockwood. Colvend. 2 Hume — Scott. — Caledonia. Thrieve castle stood ov. r>r island of twenty acres in e."^tent in the river Dee. Q 362 HISTORY ing received intelligence of this outrage, was mucli distressed at the dangerous situation in which his relative was placed. Being commander of the royal guard, and, consequently, much at the palace, he possessed both the favour and confidence of his Sovereign. He, therefore, entreated the King to interfere in Maclellan's behalf; and James took a warm interest in his loyal and spirited subject's safety. To prevent him from sharing the fate of Herries, the King wrote a kind and soothing letter to the potentate of Galloway, requesting him as a favour, rather than a right, to deliver up the per- son of his prisoner into the hands of Sir Patrick Gray, that the offender might be conveyed to Edinburgh and put upon his trial. 1 Sir Patrick, himself, went with the Sovereign's letter to the Castle of Thrieve, and Douglas, with whom he was distantly connected, received him just as the family were leaving the dinner table. Having inquired if Gray had dined, and being answered in the negative, he politely declined entering upon the subject of the mission, until Sir Patrick had got something to eat, saying '.^It was ill talking between a full man and a fasting." But this civilitv w-as sliovvn only for the purpose of gaining time to pufe his wicked design into execution. Suspecting the purport of the present extraordinary visit, he gave secret orders for his victim's execution, before his guest had finished the repast, or he had opened the King's letter. During the time of Sir Patrick's dinner, the Tutor of Bombie was beheaded in the court of the castle ;'- and after removing the head 1 Lindsay.. — -Tytler. — Balfoui Buchanan. 2 Scolt Hume. — Bulfour. — Buchanan. Crawford in hit; or GALT.OWAY. 363 to some distance, the executioners covered the body with a white cloth. When Sir Patrick Gray's dinner was finished, the royal communication was presented, which Peerage makes the followinoj statomeiit. " Sir Patrick Maclol'.an was iiitc^rr'd in the Abbey Church of Dundrenan, under a Monument of Free. stone." The Death of this Cenlloman, Sir Patrick Maclellan, was so deeply resented by his lleliitions of the Sirname of Maclellan, that they committed great Depredations upon the Douglases Lands within the bounds of Galloway, without any Warrant or Authority ; for which Action, tlie Laird of Bombie himself, and most of his Friends who were engaged in that Enterprise weie forfaulted in the Reign of King James IL The Barony of Bom. ?)ie was again recovered by the Maclellans, as the Tradition goes after this Manner. In the same Reign, «iys an Author of no small Credit, (Sir George Mackenzie in his Baronage MS.) it happened that a Company of Saracens or Gipsies from Iieland, infested the Country of Galloway ; whereupon the King emitted a Proclamation, bearing. That whoever should disperse them, and bring in their Captain dead or alive, should have the Barony of Bombie for his Reward. So it chanced that a brave young Gen- tleman the Laird of Bombie's Son fortun'd to kill the Person for which the Reward was promised, and he bi ought his Head on the point of his Sword to the King, and thereupon he was immediate. ]y seized in the IJarony of Bombie; and to perpetuate the Memo, ry of that brave and remarkable Action, he took for his Crest a Moor's Head on the point of a Swoid, and THINK ON for his Motto." Cii.\wf.)Rd's Peerage. The tradition of the country respecting tlie capture of this Gipsy Chief, named Morrow,— probably a corruption of Moor, — who from his swarthy comple.Kioa was called iJlack Morrow is briefly thus. His giant strength and ferocity made him the terror of the Stewartry, but as his chief residence was in the wood near Kirk- cudbright, called to this day the "Black Morrow," (at tliat time forming part of the Barony of Bombie,) the lower and more wealthy part of the district suffered most liy his depredations. Young Maclellan, son of the former Laird of Bombie, anxious to recover his fathers land, l)ut not daring to attack Black Mor. row personally, filled a v/aW beside his cave in the wood with •spirits, of which the outlaw drank so freely that he soon fell a., sleep, which Maclellan perceiving sprang from his hiding place and at one blow severed the head of Black Morrow from his 'Jsody, and with it proceeded to the King, thus regaining hLs father'.* Jarge domains. 3G4. HISTORY Douglas received and perused with tlie most pro- found bnmiiity and counterfeited respect. He then politely thanked Gray for his trouble and care in bringing so friendly and gracious a letter from his Prince ; and he added, — "The King's demand shall be instantly granted, and the rather for your sake." Douglas, taking Sir Patrick by the hand, led him to the green plot where the headless body of his nephew lay. " Sir Patrick," said he, as the servants removed the bloody cloth, "here is your sister's son — though without the head, — the body, however, is at your disposah" " My Lord," replied Gray, suppressing his grief and indignation, *' since you have taken his head you may take the body also."l He then called for his horse, and having mounted it and cleared the draw-bridge, to which the Earl had accompanied him, he reigned up the noble animal, — for he coukl repress his indignation no longer, — and shaking his mailed glove, defied Douglas as a blood thirsty coward, and upbraided him as a disgrace to knighthood. 2 " If 1 live," he added, " you shall dearly pay for this day's work." Having given vent to this ebulli- tion of feeling, he galloped otf. " To horse an d pursue him," exclaimed the enraged Douglas wiih much vehemence; and if he had not been mounted on a strong and fleet horse, he would Iiave undoubtedly met the fate of his nephew ; for he was closely pursued to the neighbourhood of Kdiu burgh, a distance of nearly sixty Scottish miies.S The King now plainly saw that some strong 1 Lindsay, — Scott. — Tytler. 2 Tytler. 3 Scott. OF GALLOWAYo 365 measure must be adopted to clieck tlie growth of a power, which, if neglected, would soon overthrow the Scottish throne : but what was proper to be done at this eventful period, he could not discover. Open- ly to contend with the potent Earl of Douglas and his numerous friends, would, he perceived, be hazardous in the extreme, and would, in all pro- bability, terminate both the Sovereign's life and reign; since the confederate Lords couhl, at this time, assemble a force far superior to any i rmy which the crown could raise. After many per- plexing doubts and distracting fears, James de- termined at length to have recourse to the deep and artful policy of his father's reign, or even, if necessary, to adopt the dark and bloody counsels of the subtle Crichton, that he might relieve himself of an enemy so much to be dreaded — of a subject so turbulent and contemptuously rebelli- ous.! Douglas was, therefore, courteously invited to attend the royal court, then at Stirling, that an ami- cable conference might take place, and an adjust- ment be effected."-^ Lest the presence of Crichton should be disagreeable to the despotic Lord of Galloway, James promised to remove him from the court.3 The Earl, however, hesitated to accept the invitation.-t Letters of pardon and protection which bore the royal signature, were granted under the King's great seal,^ to remove any apprehensions which he might entertain of his 1 Hume. 2 Scott. — Tytler Lindsay. — Bucbanaa, 8 Hume. 4 Lindsay. — Hume. 5 Scott, &c. gG€- HISTORY personal safety, from putting himself in the power of a monarch whom he had so grievously and auda- ciously offended. Some writers add, — and there seems no good reason to doubt their accuracy, — that many of the nobles also sent a written com- munication, binding themselves to protect the Earl of Douglas, provided the King should evince any inclination to break his sacred promise. 1 Douglas thus assured that he might repair to his Sovereign's presence, and again return to his own castle, with- out in any degree compromising his safety or in- dependence, set off for Stirling with a princely train of attendants.2 The Galwegian chieftain arrived at Stirling on the 19th of February, 1452; and he found the King lodged in the castle, which stands up- on a rock, rising abruptly from the plain,, and is only accessible by one strongly defended gate. Having placed his followers in the town, Douglas himself instantly repaired to the castle, and was received with every demonstration of friendship ; being invited to dine with the King next day. At the appointed hour, he entered the fort, but his followers were excluded. Sir James Ha- milton of Cadyov/, head of the House of Hamil- ton, one of Douglas's confidential companions and powerful allies, pressed forward to follow the Earl as he entered the gate of Stirling castle; but Livingston, who was in the castle with the King, though his near relative, struck him upon the face,, and when he rushed upon his assailant with his 1 MS. Chronicle in the Library of the University of Edin. tjurgh. A. C. c. 2(). Tytler*, 2 Hume. — jNIaitJaad. OF GALLOWAY. 30'7 drawn sword, he was repulsed by a lance, until the gates were shut ag-ainst him. Hamilton was much enraged at the time, on account of this usage, but he afterwards perceived that Livingston, in excluding him from the castle, was also excludins: him from the danger into which bis noble friend was rushing. 1 The King received Douglas most cordially, and he dined at the royal table. Supper also was pre- sented at seven o'clock. After this entertainment, at which nothing but kindness and friendship seem- ed to prevail, James conducted his powerful sub- ject into a private apartment, and there, in the re- cess of a window, entered into conversation with him about public aifairs. The King talked with much mildness and forbearance of the recent measures of Douglas ; and when the subject of the bond, which had been entered into by the three Earls and their friends, was introduced, James earnestly, though calmly, expostulated with his noble guest on the pernicious nature of such a confederacy.^ He pointed out to Doughxs that such a league, being clearly against the laws of the country, seta bad example to his subjects, and induced them to believe they were a people without law, and that every man might act as he pleased. The King, therefore, urged him most fervently to abandon it, 1 Scott, 2 Tlie tenor of tlie bond was, that " they Were never to desett each other during life ; that injuries done to any one of them should be considered as done to all, and be a common quarrel ; neither should they desist, to the utmost of their abilities, from revenging them ; that they should concur and use force indiffer- ently against whatever persons, within or without the realm, and (spend their lives, goods, and fortunes, in defence of their debates ' and differeaces," Tales of the Scottish Wars. 368 HISTORY as inconsistent with his allegiance, and subversive of the peace and welfare of the nation. I Douglas returned a haughty answer ;^ and, upon being still farther pressed, absolutely refused to cancel the illegal bond, accusing his Sovereign, at the same time, of mal-administration of public affairs, and mis-government of the kingdom. James, notwithstanding this haughty answer, still as- tonishingly restrained his anger, and ardently en- treated Douglas not deliberately to do anything derogatory to the honour of his ancestors; for if he persevered in the course he had begun, he "would deserve to be deprived of life, lands, and goods; to have his name abolished; and his ho- nours extinguished for ever. Still the proud chief remained unmoved, and at last angrily replied, that he had it not in his power to dissolve the league, particularly without the consent of the Earls o£ Ross and Crawford, the other principal contracting parties, and if he had, he so little regarded the name of traitor, with which he had been branded, that he would be sorry to break faith with his best friends to gratify the ''boyish caprices" of any of his enemies. "^ The insulted monarch, suddenly burst- ing into a fit of ungovernable rage at his stubborn obstinacy and insolent defiance, exclaimed ; " By Heaven, my Lord, if you will not break the bond this shall." So saying, he plunged a dagger, first into the Earl's throat, and then wounded him in the lower part of his body. Sir Patrick Gray, 1 '• MS. Chronicle in the University liibrary, Edinburgh, Hawthorden's Hist. p.p. 85 86. Tytler. 2 Tytler — Buchanan. 3 Tytler, — llunie. We have inserted the conversation ai full length iu the Appendix. (L) OF GALLOWAY. 369 I)ouglas's sworn enemy, who along with some others had listened to the altercation either in the chamber or at the door of it,l rushed upon the dying- man and dispatched him by a blow on the head with his pole-axe : the Earl died with- out uttering a single word.2 Others of the King's attendants showed their zeal by wounding even the dead body.3 Thus fell, on the 20th day of February, 1452, the imperious, powerful, and turbulent Lord of Galloway, the victim of his own rashness and credulity.-^ The bloody and mangled corpse of this haughty nobleman was thrown from the window at which the King and he had stood, into a piece of ground on the north side of the castle5 called the Nether Bailery.(> It is thought the body did not receive Christian burial ; for some years ago, a skeleton was found interred below the fatal window, which was conjectured to be the re- mains of the mighty Earl of Douglas, who fell so treacherously by his Sovereign's hand.7 The room where the murder was committed still bears the name of " Douglas's Room." This Lord of Galloway, upon an emergency, could have brought fifteen thousand men into the field, and his revenue was at least equal to the King's, or perhaps much superior. William who had enjoyed the Earldom o: 1 Humo. 2 Scott. 3 Huino. — Lindsay, 4 Scott, — Lindsay. — Balfour's Annals. — Buchanan. 5 Gray's !MS, Chronicle Advocates' Library Auchinlecfi Chronicle, p, 47, — MS, Chronicle iu the Uniyevsity Lilrai v, Edinburgh, ^ TyiLER, " 6 History of Stii'lingshire. 7 Scott, &c. 370. HISTORY Douglas and Lordsliip of Galloway for the space *>f nine years, left behind him no children. 1 1 "William, Earl Douglas, and lord of Galloway, granted^ — - 'dilecto armigero suo Roberto Vaus,' the lands of Barnglass, and Barnbarracli, &c. in AVig-ton. shire : And his charter was con. firmed, by a grant, from the king, on the 13th of August, 1432. [Nisbet's Heraldry, ii. App. 251.] This family acquired ad- ditional property and some consequence, in the reign of James VI. ; but, they do not appear to have spread much in tliis shire. Tlie name has been changed from Vaus to Vans, a change which is peculiar to this shire. They appear to have been a good deal connected, by intermarriage, with the family of Agnew ; and the two families of Vans,, in Wigtnn-shire, have taken the ■ surname of Agnew, in addition to Vans ; as Vans Agnew of Bambarrow, and Vaus Agnew of Sheuchan. The family of Vaus, in Wigton.shire, claim their descent, flora a younger son of the family of Vaus of Dirlton, who had' the honour of sitting in the great parliament of Brigham, 1290. This claim is supported, by the armorial bearings of the two families being the same.* The first person of the name of Vaus, who appeared, in "Wigton-shirc, was Alexander Vaus, who was- bishop of Galloway, in 1426 ; aud continued, in this high sta- tion, till his resignation, in 145 J." Caledonia. * " During the crusades, many coats of arms were introduced, being painted on the shields of the leaders, to distinguish them in battle, as they were generally cased in armour. Richard I.. adopted as his emblem, three lions passant, which are still on the royal shield of England." Lnce's Outllnes of English History. ()F GALLOWAY. 371 CHAP. VIIT. From the Death of William, Lord of Galloway, DNTIL THE END OF THE ReIGN OF JaMES V. The Earl's party in the town of Stirling, were soon apprized of his death. F'our of his brothers had accompanied him on this fatal visit. The ad- herents of his House in a paroxysm of frenzy, im- mediately ran to arms ; but, after the first bairst of anger had evaporated, they went to their lodgings and there remained during the night. Next day they assembled and held a consultation, I when they declared James, the eldest of the four, his brother's lawful successor in the titles and property of the principal fomily.2 James now with much vehemence of lanofuao-c'^ inveighed against the treachery of the King, and ad- vised his attendants to lay instant siege to Stirling castle.4 " Send," said he, "for your friends and followers from all quarters, and let us draw out of their lurking holes those men who are only valiant in perfidiousness, while they are still perplexed and irresolute, and troubled with the guiltiness of 1 Hume. 2 l?alt'our — Scott — Lindsay. — Hume.. 3 Buchanan, — Balfour. — Hume, 4 Lindsay. ■^-f2' HISTORY so horrible a deed."l As they had come unpre- pared for any warlike undertaking, they resolved to abstain from the siege and return home to col- lect their followers.^ This interval was of much service to the King ; for the Douglasses and their friends did not return until the end of March, when the odiousness of the murder was in some measure effaced from the public mind, and the boisterous irritation occasioned by it, had in a great degree subsided into a calm. As the insurgents passed through the various towns and villages on the way to Stirling, James Hamilton caused the King's Writ of Safety to be dragged at the tail of an old lean horse, with the great seal suspended from it.S Notwithstanding the length of lime which the in- surgents had allowed to elapse without any active measures, still James felt himself but ill prepared for their reception. As soon as they had arrived at Stirling, with the sound of four hundred horns and trumpets, they proclaimed the King, then in the castle, abase and perjured traitor, and annexed to his name every opprobrious epithet that virulence could devise.4 They afterwards pillaged the town, but the fortress defied all their exertions ; and, after this ostentatious display of rebellion, they again re- tired, ostensibly for the purpose of collecting a stronger reinforcement. They, however, sent back Hamilton of Cadyow, to burn the town of Stirling to the ground.5 After this empty show of heroism, 1 Buchanan — Hume. 2 Scott. — Bnclmnan. 3 Hume. — Buchanan. — Scott. 4 Scott. Hume. According to some accounts, this procla-- ^nation was made at the gate of the castle, and m the hearing of James on the day after the murder. 5 Lindsay. — Scott Hume. OF GALLOWAY. 373 they proceeded to Dalkeith ; for there was none of their adversaries against whom their anger burned with more unbounded fury than against the Lord of Dalkeith, who was descended from one of the branches of the family of Douglas. They ravaged his lauds and laid siege to his castle ; but all their efforts proved abortive; for after wasting much time before it, they were at last obliged to depart with- out effecting their purpose.! The flame of rebellion now spread far and wide, and so many great barons were in alliance with Douglas, that the King was much perplexed what line of conduct topursue.2 At one time, it is said, that rather than await a conflict where defeat seem- ed inevitable, he determined to withdraw to France,^ and leave the vacant throne for the pos- session of his antagonist. In this season of difficulty and doubt, James Kennedy, Bishop of St Andrews, and son of the sister of James's father, stepped forward to animate his Sovereign by his counsel and assistance."* Kennedy gave his advice in a symbolical manner : he took a bunch of arrows tied together by a leathern thong, and asked James to break them. — The King replied, " that this was beyond his strength." "That may be the case," said Kennedy, " while they are bound together, but unloose them, and you will easily break them one by one. In this manner, my Liege, you ought to deal with your insurgent barons. Attack them while they are united in one great design, and they will be too 1 Lindsay. — Hume. 2 Scott. S Hume Hollinshed. i HoUiushed Tyller.. 3f4 HISTORY powerful for your strength. If you can devise any means of separating them, you may as easily overcome them, one after another, as you could break the arrows when taken singly:" l Acting upon this hint, by gracious representa- tions through his secret agents, by large pro- mises of lands, treasures, and honours to those who would desert the cause of the Douglasses and sup- port their Sovereign in the present crisis, James allured to his side, many who had withdrawn their allegiance, rather through fear of his enemies, than attachment to their cause.- Thus was the kingdom harassed by internal com- motion, and embroiled in all the misery of a civil war. Douglas and some of his vassals, were order- ed to appear and take their trials, under pain of forfeitui'e ; and failing to obey the summons, they were declared outlaws and robbers, and the loyal subjects of the King enjoined to resist and pursue the partisans of the faction, as enemies of the state. In the month of May, 14-52, the Earl of Huntly rose in arms for the purpose of aiding the King, and the Earl of Crawford assembled his vassals in behalf of Douglas. A battle ensued, and the Tyger- Earl of Crawford was defeated with great loss.3 The news of Huntly's success inspired the King's party with fresh spirit in the south ; for it seemed to augur no good fortune to the cause of the rebels. But for some time both parties dreaded a pitched battle and confined their hostility to menaces and^ 1 Scott,.j— Martial Achievements of Scotland, 2 Scott.' a Tytler.— Balfour,— Hollinshed, OF GALLOAVAY. 375 ravages. The adherents of Douglas plundered the lands of the King and of the King's subjects, while the loyal party wasted the possessions of Douglas in Galloway, Annandale, and Selkirk forest. This state of petty and harassing warfare continued for some time; and, in consequence of it, another famine, followed by an infectious distemper, widely prevail- ed. In this distressing state of the country, many of the friends of Douglas entreated him to throw him- self on the King's mercy, who had often shown himself to be a prince of a placable disposition, and not ruin, by undue pertinacity, an ancient family ; nor sacrifice the lives of brave men who had ad- hered to his fortunes, whether in prosperity or ad- versity. But Douglas haughtily replied ; " That he M'ould never trust himself in the power of the murderer of his brother — a man who was restrain- ed by laws neither human nor divine."! This re- ply was received in various ways — by different individuals with approbation or disapprobation. — ■ The more daring applauded the greatness of soul which it displayed; the more prudent condemned it as rash, — as pushing things to a dangerous extremity, — and again entreated the Earl to seize the present favourable opportunity of effecting a reconciliation with his Sovereign, whilst his party was undimished, and his friends still adhered to him in his hazardous course. The royal cause had. now evidently gained ground, and the King summoned a parliament to convene at Edinburgh on the I2ih of June^ 1452. During the night before the meeting, a placard was affixed to the door of the Parlia- 1 Hume. — Lindsay.— Buchanan. 376 HISTORY ment house, signed by Douglas and liis three brothers, with Lord Hamilton, their near relation, renouncing their allegiance to James, as a perjured, lawless, and tyrannical murderer, and declaring their determination never to obey bim as their prince. Parliament by a solemn deed unanimously pronounced the assassination of Douglas a legal act. Archibald Douglas, Earl of i^ loray, was for- feited, and the Earldom bestowed upon Sir James Crichton, eldest son of the chancellor. The loyal barons received rewards of lands and honours ; but, as many of the grants did not obtain the sanction of Parliament, they were considered illegal. 1 About the same time Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw, was appointed Sheriff of Wigtownshire.^ Numerous circumstances now combined to weaken the power of the once formidable family of the Douglasses. Immediately after the termi- nation of the Parliamentary labours, the King summoned an army, and soon found himself at the head of 30,000 men, well equipped, and animated with one spirit of loyalty.3 With this powerful force, he proceeded in person against Douglas. Having directed his march through Peebles-shire, Selkirk forest, and Dumfries-shire, he penetrated into Galloway. On the subsequent appearance of this large army before Douglas's castle, the 1 Tytler. 2 "Regist Ma;?. Sig. B. iv. 201. In the abstract of the charters, in the great Seal Register, a MS. m the writers to the signet's library, the date of this charter is 25th Jlay, 1451 : And the same date is given, in Sir Robert Douglas's MS, Notes, from tlie Register; But Xesbitt's Heraldry, i. 16.'). says that, the cliarter, which remained in possession of the family, was dated the 29th July, 1452." Calesoma, 3 Auchialcck Chronicle. Tytler. OF GALLOWAY. 3T7 hauglity cliief found himself compelled to submit, and humbly implore forgiveness. The conse- quence of this overture was, an immediate nego- tiation, in which the King, perhaps conscious of his provoking aggression, consented, upon certain rigorous terms, to extend pardon to the still potent rebel and his adherents. The conditions were enu- merated in a written document which is still pre- served. This humiliating bond was executed at Douglas, on the 23th of August, 1452; and the Earl gave hi^i solemn ouih ujioii the " haiy ovaugilli-^, '^ that he would duly perform the conditions it contained.' James now desirous fully to convert the Karl of Douglas from a discontented and dangerous enemy, into a peaceable and loyal subject, not only pro- mised to grant him possession of the Earldom of Wigtown and the lands of Stewarton, but en- gaged to apply to the Pope for a dispensation to enable him to enter into a marriage with the Countess of Galloway, the youthful widow of his deceased brother, by which union he would ac- quire her large unentailed estates. The dispensa- tion was procured and the marriage took place ;2 thouo-h much ay-ainst the inclination of the lovely heiress.3 1 See Appcnrlix (Page 21 ) 2 Tytler, — Litidbay — Caledonia, 3 "As the fair mai'il of Galloway wns only twelve years old vhen the dispensation was giantcd, for her marriage witii Earl William, in 1444, she muJl have been horn in 14-32,_and she was nearly twenty. one when she married Earl James, in 1453. By neither of iho=e mariiages had she any issue; and they were both retfarded, as illegal. After the forfeiture of Earl James, and duiing his life, she was married to John Stewart, Earl of Athol, the uterine brother of James II.; by whom she iad two daughteis." Caledonia. ST8" HISTORY There is every reason to believe, tlmt at the very moment when James Douglas was thus experienc- ing the lenity, and even kin^lness of his Sovereign, he was acting an insincere and treacherous part. — At least, it is beyond a doubt, that a short time after this hollow submission, he entered into a cor- respondence with the English ministers, the object of which was, to overturn the established govern- ment of Scotland, and remove the royal family from the throne. The King now undertook an expedition to the north. 1 The Earl of Crawford, having grown weary of internal discord, was among the first to forsake his ill-fated ally.'^ Being deserted by a part ©f hrs friends, and suspicious of others, he reflected, that if he continued in arms, all chance of pardon Vvould be for ever lost, and that nothing but a speedy submission could effect a reconciliation. Having seized this opportunity of the royal presence, he clothed himself in a mean garb, calculated to ex- cite commiseration, and, with his hands and feet bare, threw himself, along with some of his adher- ents, as a penitent suppliant at the feet of his Sovereign, when passing through Angus. In this manner he ingenuously confessed his for- mer off'ences and entreated forgiveness, declaring that whatever he might hereafter enjoy, would be entirely derived from the clemency and bounty of his royal master. All present were deeply affected by his words and his tears ; and, though grieve 1 at his late treasons, they felt unwilling that this illustrious and ancient family should en- 1 Tytler. &c. 2 Scott Hu-rae. OF GALLOWAY. Z7& tlTely peiish, and seconded liis plea of mercy.^ — The monarcli himself, perceiving his broken and contrite spirit, was moved to compassion, and re- tored him to his former estate and honours, Tlie King-, who had taken an oath that he would destroy the Earl's castle of Finliaven, and make the highest stone of the buikliiij^ the lowest, partly accomplish- ed his vow, in a literal sense, by paying the Earl a visit, and ascending to the battlements of the castle, where he found a loose stone which he threw nto the moat, and thus satisfied his conscience.2 Crawford, during the brief remainder of his life, endeavoured to evince his gratitude to the King by all the means in his power. By this well judged act of clemency, the enmity of many of the rebellions nobles was annihilated, and they wished to enter into terms of perfect reconciliation with the Governments During the year 1454, Douglas carried on a treasonable correspondence with England, and made preparations for vising in arms against his Prince. The traitorous designs of the Earl at length transpired, and the King, who had grad- ually weakened the power of Douglas by detach- ing his friends, became bolder in his measures. — The traitors perceived that all their hopes rested on foreign support ; and, accordingly, they despatch- ed Lord Hamilton ta London, to solicit the assistr- ance of the English Government.3 This messen- ger returned with an answer, that the ruling party would espouse their cause on no other condition than that Douglas and all his friends should acknow- 1 Lindsay .—Hume Tytler Scott — Balfour, 2 Hume, &c. 3 Tytler,_numG. 380 HISTORY ledge themselves tlie subjects of Eno-land, and take the oath of allegiance to the English crown.l Many of the faction, however, refused to accede to such terms. All hopes of external assistance having now vanished, Hamilton advised Douglas not to allow his party to be weakened by in- trigue and delay, but boldly to try the fate of a battle. Roused by this representation, the GalwG- gian chief summoned the whole military strength which his family and friends could collect, amount^ ing to nearly 40,000 men, and advanced to raise the siege of Abercorn castle, situated between Stirling and Edinburgh, by far the strongest and best fortified of all the strongholds belonging to the Douglasses. The King, who had assembled his forces principally from the northern counties, ad- vanced to meet him, at the head of an army, su- perior in numbers, but inferior in discipline.2 When the two armies came within sight of each other at the river Carron, the friends of the Earl, who observed some indecision on the part of their leader, advised him either to gain renown by achiev- ing a victory, or free himself from misery and con- tempt by an honourable death. But when all was in readiness for the important contest which was to decide whether James Stewart or James Douglas should wear the crown of Scotland, the King, to paralyse the courage or destroy the ardour of the hostile army, commanded, by his heralds, Douglas and his followers to lay down their arms, and quietly depart to their own homes, under the pain of death and forfeiture. He then proclaimed an amnesty 1 Tytlcr.— Douglas, himself, it is said, would have agreed to,- the proposal. 2 Scott, &c. OF GALLOWAY. 381 •of past oiFences to all such as should obey this in- junction, and forsake the banners of rebellion. Douglas heard the summons with apparent deri- sion, and, orderinp^ the trumpets to sound, advanced to tiie conflict. The proclamation, however, had produced a visible effect upon his troops, and he still farther damped their spirit and courage by exhibiting symptoms of irresolution. This warlike display ended in Douglas's leading them back to the camp with the intention of protracting the war.l By this action his officers were dis- gusted and alarmed; for they plainly discover- ed tliat their commander had neither energy nor discernment to enable him to meet the danger- ous exigency of the momentous occasion.2 No sooner had the Earl of Douglas returned to his tent than Sir James Hamilton, ashamed of his timidity, visited him for the purpose of ex- postulating with him on his vacillating conduct, and discovering whether he intended to fight or not. Sir James assured him, that every hour di- minished the chance of success ; for the longer he postponed the battle, the fewer men he would have to contend on his side.3 Douglas replied with a haughty air, that " if he was afraid to stay, he was welcome to go home." Hamilton took him at his word, and leaving the rebel camp, with all his brave and well disciplined followers, about 300 cavalry, and as many infantry, joined the King's army that very night.4 This example was so generally followed, that, in the morning, scarcely a 1 Scott. — Lindsay Hume. 2 Hume. — Scott. 3 Lindsay. 4 Scott Tytler.— Balfour.— HoUinshed. •382 HISTORY hundred warriors, — except the immediate followers of Douglas, — remained in the silent camp.l In this deserted condition, he was obliged to fly. The castle of Abercorn was afterwards stormed, and some of the garrison hanged or put to the sword. It was then half demolished and left as a monu- ment of the victory. The Earl lurked in Annandale and Galloway during the winter; and in spring, his three brothers, the Earls of Moray and Ormond, and Sir John Douglas of Balv^eny, with their followers, were attacked and routed at Arkinholme by the Earl of Angus, who was descended from the House of Douglas, and nearly related to the present Earl. Archibald, Earl of Moray was killed ; and Hugh, Earl of Ormond, being severely wounded, fell into the hands of the royal party. After he had re- covered from his wounds, he was sent to the King and executed as a traitor. James Douglas himself and his brother John, escaped through a wood and fled ; the former to the territories of his ally, the Earl of Ross, and the latter to England,2 where James himself, afterwards, also found a retreat and received an annual pension of £500.3 The King called a parliament to meet at Edin- burgh on the 9th of June, 1455. Next day James, Earl of Douglas, was condemned and his property forfeited. Three days afterwards, Beatrix, his mother, and his deceased brother, Archibald, Eafl of Moray, with Sir John Douglas of Balveny, were .also found guilty of treason, and their estates confis- 2 Hume — Scott. — Lindsay.. 2 Tytler Scott. .0 Tytler. OF GALLOWAY. ,383 cated. The Earl of Ormond's forfeiture had already- been fixed by his condemnation and execution.'^ Their domains were annexed to the crown by act of Parliament.- This act may be considered as the dawn of freedom to Galloway, which had so long groaned under the oppressive tyranny of an ambi- tious and imperious family. James about this time marched into Galloway,3 which opposed little resistance to his legitimate authority. On this expedition he visited the town of Kirkcudbright, and afterwards laid siege to Thrieve castle'* — the last place which held out for 1 Tytler — Buclianan. — Balfour. — Scott.-^Hume. 2 Balfour. — Hume. " Eodem anno Comes Moravise frater Comilis (le Dowglas cum fratre suo Comite de Ormont, et Johannes Douglas eorundem fratre intraverunt Anandeidaill et illam depredati sunt ; et spolia ad matrem in Karleil portarunt, presentantes, Quibus (dominus) de Jolinston cum ducentis occurrit, ct acriter inter illos pugnatura est. In quo conflictu dominus Comes Moravise occiditur. et caput ejus regi Jacobo prescntabatur, sed rex animositatem viri commendabat, licet caput ignorabat. Occisus etiam fuit Comes de Ormont. Tunc convocato Parliamento annexae erant illorum terrse, Coronze regiae, viz. Ettrick forest, tola Galvaia, Ballincreiff, GifFord, cum aliis multis dominiis Eorundem." "The manuscript from which this extract is taken, and which has never liccn printed, is preserved ju the Library of the Uni- versity of Edinburgh. A. C. 26." Tytleb, 3 Caledonia. 4 Tradition says tint the artillery which the King brought for the reduction of Thrieve castle, produced little effect upon itd thick and strong walls. A great number of people from the surrounding country had assembled to witness the warlike oper. ations, and among them a blacksmith of the name of M'Kim, or M'Mian, and his sons, Wlien old M'Kim perceived the in. efficiency of the royal ordinance, he told one of the officers that, a lai'ger cannon should be obtained. The officer replied, that ho did not think there was a larger one in the kingdom* — M'Kim said, after observing the way in which the guns had been manufactured, that if he was furnished with materials, each of his sons vvould form a part, and he would soon gird the pieces ^together, and thus produce a large gun. This proposal was agreed to, aud the lamous piece of ordiuauce, uow known by the naiae 384 HISTORY its fugitive owner, -wliich was quickly taken. Tlie citizens of Kirkcudbright seem to have afforded some assistance in this difficult undertaking. This oppressive castle was afterwards garrisoned by the King's troops, who contributed their aid in esta- of Mons Meg, was made, the inhabitants of Kirkcudbright hav- ing furnished the iron. The first shot, it is said, very much disconcerted the party in the castle, and the second went through the strong walls. The castle then surrendered. Different fa. milies of Ihe name of ^M'Kim, or M'Minn, (for the appellations must have been originally the same,) have continued from time immemorial, Ijlacksmiths in the lower district of Galloway. Some years ago, when labourers were engaged in making the great military road at Carliugwaik, they came to a large mound on the line, which, when the surface of earth was removed, turned out to be a mass of ashes or cinders, such as are gener- ally left from a forge. Amongst the ashes was found an ancient silver spoon. This is supposed by many to be the place where Mons Meg was manufactured. " Popular as Mons Meg has been amongst the Scottish antu quaries of the nineteenth century, her celebrity, when she was earned by James the Fourth, July 10, 1489, to the siege of Dumbarton, if we may judge from some of the items in the treasurer's books, was of no inferior description. Thus under that date we have this entry : — * Item given to the gunners to drink-silver wheu they carit IMonss, by the King's command, 18 shillings." Mons. however, from her enormous size and weight, proved exceedingly unmanageable ; and, after having been brought back from Dumbarton to Edinburgh, she enjoyed an interval of eight years' inglorious repose. Wheu James, how- ever, in 1497, sat down before Norham, the great gun was, with infinite labour and expense, conveyed to the siege, and some of the items regarding her transport are amusing. The construc- tion of a new cradle or carriage for her seems to have been a woik of great labour. Thus, on July 24, 1497, we have, 'Item to pvnouris te here ye trees to be Mons new cradill to her at St Leonards quhare scho lay, iii sh. vid :' and again, July 28. ' Item for xiii stane of irne to mak graith to IVIonsis new cradill, and gevlokkis to ga with her, xxxs, iiiid." ' Item to vii wrightis for twa dayis and a half ya maid IMonsis cradill, xxiii sh. iiiid.' ' Item for xyiiii li of talloun [tallow] to Mons.' ' Item lor viii olne of canwas to be Mons claiths to cover her.' ' Item for mare talloun to Mons.' ' Item to Sir Thomas Galbraith for paynting Monsis claiths, xiiii sh,' ' Item to the Minstralis that ,playit before Mous doune the gait xiiii sh.' The name of tki« Ot' GALLOWAY. 885 blisliin? the power of th6 law. Lochrutton castle, anotlu.:- srroiiy;hold of the Don«f1asses whilst they possessed Galloway, was committed to the keeping of Herries of Tevreg-les, who conveyed it to Lord Maxwell. 1 After the act had passed on the 4.th of August 14-56, which annexed the Lordship of Galloway to the crbwn, it was consigned to the care of a cham- berlain, who was empowered to collect the rents and feu-duties ; and for this office he received a salary of £120 scots.2 The King now obtained the extensive patronage which had belonged to the Lords of GalU>\A'ay, and appointed his own officers in the district fur the execution of every act of legal authority. The steward of Kirkcudbright now became the servant of the King.^ Before the fall of the Douglasses, Kirkcud^ bright remained a burgh of regality under their de- tested sway ; but after this event, it was created a royal burgh by a charter, dated at Perth, the 26 th of October, 1435,4 the chief magistrate being celebrated gun, as stated iu the treasurer's accounts, is simply Mons. Drummond of Hawtliornden is tlie first author who calls lier Mons Meg. For these curious particulars I am indebted to the manuscript notes of the Rev. Mr Macgregor Stirling." Tytlf.k. For an able and interesting historical account of Mojis Mog, prepared for tliis work by Mr Train, see Appendix [M.] 1 Caledonia. 2 " This salary was increased to 220Z. Scots, in 1633. The rental of the lordship, in 1522, and IGOl, amounted to 4345/. Scots : but before 1667 it was reduced, by suppressions, re- missions, and grants, to little more than 1600/. Scots, Mr iSolicitor General Purvis's MS." Caledonia. 8 Caledonia. By this change the land.holders who had been Tasaals of the Douglasses, became tenants in capite of the King, Nor was Galloway ever again granted to subjects superior. 4 Statistical Account, — Caledonia. 336 HISTORY styled alderman. The Maclellans of Bomble had long the principal influence in this burgh, and frequently held the office of first magistrate.! This act of kindness on the part of James excited the jealousy of the town of Dumfries, and a contest regarding their respective privileges, took place between the rival burghs. Their disputes were referred to Parliament, and subsequently to the King's Council. 2 The fall of the great family of Douglas produced the elevation of other Scottish Houses. The King distributed many cf the im- mense forfeited estates of the rebel lords, amongst those who had afforded him assistance in sup- pressing their dangerous and overgrown power. In this distribution, the Earl of Angus came in for the Lordship of Douglas, and by far the largest share of the disposable property; such a share, indeed, as enabled his family to pursue, in some respects, the same ambitious career that their kinsmen belonging to the elder branch had done ; though they neither .ascended so high, nor sunk so low as the original family.3 Sir James Hamilton also rose into power, on the ruins of the Lord of Galloway. The desertion of his kinsman's cause at Abercorn, being grate- fully remembered by his Sovereign, he was reward- ed by extensive grants of land. The hand of the Kino's eldest daughter was also promised to him in marriage. 4 On Sir David Scott cf Kirkurd and Buccleuch were likewise bestowed great gifts of land for his 1 Caledonia. 2 Caledonia. 3 Tytler.—Scott. 4 Martial Achievements of Scotland Scott. OF GALLOWAY. 387 services at the battle of Arkinholme. Now com- menced that course of aggrandizement which rais- ed his family to ducal honours.! In Annandale and Galloway, Johnston and Maxwell were en- riched by the liberal distribution of the spoils of the forfeited nobles. The Lord of Galloway after his defeat, having applied for support to the Earl of Ross, one of the parties in the fatal league, repaired to England. — Ross, dissatisfied and insecure, was easily incited to war. His forces, consisting of 5,000 men under the Lord of Isla, first burst forth upon the ad- joining country belonging to the King, and spared neither the lives nor property of loyal subjects. — ■ They next visited, with unrelenting cruelty, Argyle and Arran, and returned home loaded with booty. The English, likewise, took advantage of the distracted state of the country and made inroads in- to Scotland, both destroying and carrying off much property. Many of the Scots were slain in defence of their possessions. 2 In the year 1456, Margaret, wife of the two last Earls of Douglas, seeing nothing but ruin be- 1 Scott. 2 "Galloway was well protected against sudden invasion from the Enulish borders, by the defensive state of the town of Dum. fries. Tlie wall, or fortification, of the town of Dumfries com- menced at the emineuco called the Moat, which overlooks the Nith at the north-western extremity of the town. Here stood the north port, from which the wall was continued in an almost straight line to the site of Christie's, or the Old Chapel, where it formed a somewhat acute angle, and afiei wards described near- ly an oval, until it reached St Michael's church, a little to the eastward of which, it turned by a sudden bend towards the Nith^ and terminated on the batiks of the rivei-, a little to the wesU ward of the place where the Infirmary now stands. Near to St Michael's church stood the south port which communicated with the Castledykes and Caerlaverock ; and a short way soutlx 388 HISTORY fore her family, fled to the King and craved mercy for her offences. She laid the whole blame of her improper conduct upon James Douglas, her last husband, and his wicked counsellors, flatterers, and followers, who had not only advised her to contract that illegal marriage, but had also con- strained her to take such a step. She represented to the King, that heartily repenting of her ungodly life, she had taken the first favourable opportunity, presented by the Earl's absence, to seek her Sove- reign's forgiveness and protection; solemnly declar- ing, she had erred rather through necessity than choice. The King, having acceded to her request, received her into favour, and married her to John, Earl of Athole, his uterine brother.l He also be- stowed upon her the Lordship of Balveny.2 The wife of the Earl of Ross, and Lord of the Isles, followed her example.3 Not long after, Henry Percy, Earl of Nor- thumberland, and James Douglas, the exile, en^ tered the Scottish borders, with an army com- posed of both Scots and English, and wasted ward from Christie's chapel, stood the east port, which, to- gether with the northern entrance, communicated with the whole country to the north and east. On the opposite side, tlift town was sufficientiy defended hy the river, although it was then much shallower than at present ; so much so, indeed, that a paved ford which made a communication between the castle of Dumfries an^ the House of Tenegles, ran through it to the west- ward, and was at all times passable excepting when the river vias more than usually swollen with rain. (Bumside MS. ap. Dumfries Magazine, vol. iii. pp. 476. 477." 1 " She had no children by her two first husbands ; but by her third marriage she had two daughters : Lady Janet, married to Alexander, Earl of Huntly ; and Lady Catherine, to John, sixth Lord Forbes." Tytleb. 2 Lindsay. 3 Boethius. — Tytler. OF GALLOWAY. 389 the country. At Inst the Earl of Angus col- lected a chosen party of his countrymen ; and, attacking- the plunderers, drove them back in dis- order upon their own borders. A general engage- ment ensued, but while the fortune of the day was yet doubtful, and the conflict hung in suspense, a party of the English, afraid of losing the valuable booty they had obtained, quitted the field and left the others unsupported. Thus the Earl of Anguff gained an easy, though not a bloodless victory ; the numbers slain on both sides being nearly equal, but many of the English were taken prisoners. This success cheered the King and disheartened .John, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles,! who continu- ed still in a state of rebellion against his Sovereign. This " Ocean Prince" now sent messengers to im- plore the royal clemency.2 The King returned a doubtful answer, neither granting Ross a pardon, nor yet excluding all hopes of forgiveness. He said, as the Earl had given no evidence of a change of a disposition, he would allow him and his associates time to prove the sincerity of their professions by their loyal conduct. He assured them, in the meantime, of his protection; and declared that their happiness or misery for the future, depend- ed entirely upon themselves.3 James thus relieved from intestine commotion, turned his whole attention toward England. This country was distracted by domestic dissensions; tlie Houses of York and Lancaster contending for the superiority. Both parties applied to James for 1 Scott Balfour. Tytler, &c, The Earl of Ross is called Douald by Lindsay, 2 Tytler. S Tytler. 390 mSTORT assistance, but he temporized with them, probably with the intention of taking advantage of the eivil broils in England, for the purpose of re- covering some fortresses which had been ungener- ously torn from Scotland, during a state of internal distraction. Ke, accordingly, in 1430, laid siege to Roxburgh castle. The walls being peculiarly strong, a battery was erected on the north side of the river Tweed. The Kino^ commanded the ar- tillery to fire upon the castle, and he stood near to mark the eft'ect of the shot. I The cannons of that period, instead of being formed out of one solid piece and bored, were made of bars of iron fasten- ed together by hoops like a barrel, and made tight by wedges formed of oak. One of these awkwardly manufactured guns burst in going off, and a wedge, or fraofment of it, struck James on the thig-h and killed him on the spot. He died in the 30th year of his age. 2 JAMES m. After the death of James, the Queen continu- ed the siege, and, to animate the army, brought her son James III., a boy of about seven years of age, into the camp. The nobles persevered and reduced the castle, which was levelled with the ground.3 The court then removed to the capital, and the King's remains were deposited in the se- pulchre of Holyrood Abbey. At this period, England was convulsed by the " wars of York and Lancaster." Henry VI. was now in captivity, but his indomitable Queen. Margaret, with her son, had escaped into Scotland. 1 Lindsay Balfour Scott.—Tytler. n- Balfour. 3 Bolfour. — Scott..- Lindsay. OF GALLOWAY- 39I Immediately after the royal funeral, intelligence reached Edinburgh, that the fugitive princess, after passing through Dumfries, where she was joyfully welcomed, had fixed her residence in the mo- nastery of Lincluden. Upon receiving this infor- mation, the Queen-mother, together with the young King and suite, proceeded to that place. A con- ference of twelve days took place. Encouraged by the promise of cordial support and warlike co-oper- ation, the energetic consort of the feeble Henry returned to York; where, in a council of her friends, she formed the daring resolution of attacking Lon- don and liberating her imprisoned husband. At Wakefield she routed the army of the Duke of York, and thus fixed for a time the ascendency of the House of Lancaster. I The chief management of Scottish affairs de- volved, at this time, on Kennedy, Bishop of St Andrews ; and the care of the Privy Seal being entrusted to James Lindsay, Provost of Linclu- den, he was admitted into the most secret councils of the Queen and Government.^ The Lancasterian cause did not continue long- triumphant. In little more than two short months, Henry was defeated in the decisive battle of Touton, and obliged to forsake the kingdom. Kirkcudbright now afforded shelter to the unfor- tunate monarch, who, with his high minded lady and diminutive court, fled hither. Henry resided here until his heroic consort visited the Scottish Queen at Edinburgh, in order to concert measures with the Government, for regaining to her bus* 1 Auchinlcck Chronicle. — Tytler. 2 Tytler. — Crawibrd. — Rymer, 392 HISTORY band the crown of England. She was received in. the metropolis with the most distinguished kind- ness and respect, and the Queen-mother, as well as the ministers of the young King, expressed the warmest sympathy for her misfortunes. Various conferences were held respecting the measures that should be adopted, for the restoration of the exiled monarch to his hereditary throne. But numerous difficulties presented themselves in the prosecution of this design. Edward IV. had already commenced liis intrigues in the Highlands and Isles with two powerful barons, John, Earl of Ross, and Donald Ballock, Lord of Isla. To meet the representatives, or ambassadors, of these potent chieftains, who as- sumed royal state, Edward despatched the Earl of Douglas and his brother Lord Balveny, now be- come English subjects. Differences still remained unsettled between the Governments of Norway and Scotland, and a war with England, on the part of the latter country, might produce serious misfor- fortunes, and could yield few permanent or solid advantages. Margaret, however, offered to in- demnify Scotland for the sacrifices she might make, by instantly delivering up the two valuable frontier towns of Carlisle and Berwick. 1 The prize being too alluring to be rejected, a treaty was concluded, Edward, on beholding the conduct of Scotland, determined to invade that country, and, by the as- sistance of the expatriated Douglasses, to expel the reigning dynasty from the throne. In the event of the subjugation of Scotland, it was stipulated that Douglas, Ross, and the Lord of Isla, were to re- ceive equal portions of the district beyond the 1 Parliamentary Roll*. — Tytl^r.. OF GALLOWAY. 393 Ti'ritli of Forth ; whilst Douglas was to be put in possession of all his former estates in the south of Scotland. The treaty is dated at London on the 13th of February, 1462.1 At this period, the powerful Earl of Angus, induced by the promise of an English Dukedom, engaged to assist the exiled monarch in the recovery of his hereditary domi- nions.2 In the following year, Margaret, with a convoy of four Scottish ships, sailed from Kirkcud- bright to Bretngne, in France :3 not long after, Henry returned to England in disguise.4 The minority of James the III. was rather pros- perous. At an early age, he married Margaret, Princess of Denmark, and obtained, as a marriage portion, the islands of Orkney and Shetland. This fortunate state of affairs was interrupt- ed by the death of Bishop Kennedy, in the year 1466.5 James soon showed that he was devoid of talents necessary for government ; and, in the line of his general conduct, some marks of a feeble and undiscriminating mind became visible. The King was possessed of a somewhat timorous disposition, and this constitutional timidity made him afraid of the nobility, and even of his own brothers, 1 Rotuli Scotiae. — Tj-tler. 2 Hume of Goilscroft, vol, ii. pp. 21, 42, quotes from the original treaty, wiiich he had seen, " And so the treaty was sealed and sulisciibed with a Henry as long as the whole sheet of parchment ; the worst shapeu letters, and the worst put together, that I ever saw." 3 Caledonia.— Tytler. 4 "William of Wyrcestcr, 492. 30th August, 1461. ' The Kyng Herry is at Kirkowluie, with four men, and a childe : — Queen Margaret is, at Edinhurtrh, with her son.' Paston Letters, i. ^48, On the l6th of April, 1462, Margaret sailed, from Kirkcudbright, to Bretagne. la 1463, Heary returned to England in disguise." Caledonia. i Koitb. ^94 HISTORY the Duke of Albany and Earl of Marr. Avaricious, likewise, to an inordinate degree, he became both hated and despised by the aristocracy. With the concurrence of Parliament, James granted to his Queen the whole Lordship of Gallo- way, with the customs and '[firms" of the burghs of Kirkcudbright and Wigtown, as well as the castle of ThrieveJ This grant was ratified and renewed after the King had attained the fuil age of twenty five years.2 In the summer of 1474, Queen ISIargaret visited Galloway, and made a pilgrimage to the church of St Ninian, at Whithorn, attended by six ladies of her bed chamber, who got six new livery gowns on the occasion. Among other ar- ticles furnished at the same time, according to the Treasurer's accounts, were four panniers to the Queen, charged eight shillings, or two shillings each. 3 Previous to this reign, the ministers of state and royal favourites had generally been selected from amongst the nobility; but James, who was fond of scientific information, found men more congenial to 1 "111 1471. the lords-auditors of causes, in parliameut or. dered letters to be written to the stewart of Kirkcudbright, to ascertain certain facts, and to carry into effect their lordships' decision, concerning some lauds in that stewartry. Acta Au- ditorum, p. 16. On the ^Sth October 1477, Robert, the se- cond son of John, Lord Carlisle, obtained a grant of the oiEce of Stewart of Kirkcudbrii^ht, with the keeping of the castle of Thrieve, the fortlet of Earl Douglas, in Galloway. Great Seal Regist. B. viii. 49, 50." Caledonia. In 1470. Quentin Agnew of Lochnaw, succeeded to the office of Sheriff of Wigtownshire. Five years afterwards James III. granted a commission of lieutenancy to John, Earl of Len- nox, within the Sheriffdom of Wigton. Regist. Mag. Sig. B. viii. 3521. 2 Caledonia. 3 Fragment of the Treasurer's Accounts of that Date. — Among the articles furnished, for the q^ueen's pilgi Imaje, there OF GALLOWAY. SO,* liis mind In a lower rank of society. He, accordingly, made Cochrane, an architect, Rogers, a musician, Leonard, a smith, Hommel, a tailor, and Torpichen, a fencing master, ids constant comparnons;! and conferred upon men, whom the haughty barons called masons and fiddlers, every mark of royal fa- vour. Such conduct excited the indignation of the nobility, who began to make comparisons be- tween the King and his brothers, the Duke of Albany and the Earl of JNIarr, — young men more like the aristocracy of Scotland in manners, and more resembling their father in spirit, than their elder brother. They both excelled in military ex- ercises and personal accomplishments, which, in those times, were accounted indispensibly necessary in men of rank. To James's companions the two princes were peculiarly odious ; and the princes, on the other hand, viewed them vt'ith contempt, and scorned the arts by which they had gained the royal favour. James, at first, saw with uneasiness and jealousy, the hold which his brothers had gain- ed on the alfections of his sidijects ; and the private insinuations of his favourites soon changed tiiat jealousy into deadly hatred. The weak minded monarch at last erased from his breast every impres- sion of fraternal attachment, and gave up his mind to the dark and bloody designs of an eastern are the following charges in the Treasurer's accounts : For panzell crelis [panniers] to the queen at her passage to St Ninian's 8sh. Item for a pair of Bidgis, ]Osh. Item for a cover to the queen's cop, ]2sh. Item, to Andro Balfour, 2()th of August, 1474, for livery gowns to six ladies of the Queen's chamber, at her passing to Quhytehorn, 21 ells of giay fia David Gill, price L.iO, 10s. Scots. CCaledonia. — Weber's Flodden Field.) 1 Scott. 396' HISTORY despot. The absurdities of astrology and sorcery had never taken a stronger hold on the human understanding than at this period ;1 and Jameses studies were not of a nature to preserve him from the baneful influence of superstition. Aware of this weakness, his unworthy favourites filled his mind with apprehensions of dangers that were to arise from the hostile designs of his brothers. They informed the timid and credulous James, that a witch had been consulted by the Earl of Marr, con- cerning tlie King's death, and that she had answer- ed, he would fall by means of his nearest relations. They brought also a pretended astrologer, who pre- dicted, that a lion in Scotland should be killed by his own whelps. Impressed by the companions of his private hours, with the probability of approaching dansj^er, and at last confirmed in his suspicions by their unfounded representations, he formed the cruel purpose of removing by death his royal brothers, and, with much seeming kindness, invited them to visit Lim at Edinburgh. Albany, having received secret intelligence of the King's fatal designs against him, refused the invitation, and fortified himself in his own castle of Dunbar. Marr, unapprised of the dano-er, obeyed the royal mandate, and was secretly put to death, it has been said, by the orders of his brother.2 Despairing of safety in Scotland, Al- bany fled from Dunbar into England, and ulti- mately to France.3 In the meantime, James became more and more the creature of his favourites. He elevated Coch- 1 Tytler. 2 Druramond, — Scott. The death of MajT ie still inrolved. in mystery. 3 Tytler. OF GALLOWAT. 39T rane, his principal favourite, to the peerage, and bestowed upon him the Earklom of Marr, lately possessed by the King's brother. Rogers was raised to the honours of knighthood ; and the nobi- lity were not only excluded from the governmen* of the country, but even from the royal presence. To redress the national grievances, the barons had recourse to a mode of proceeding entirely in accordance with their characteristic ferocity. Edward IV. of England now made preparations to invade Scotland, with troops under the command of the Duke of Gloucester, assisted by the Duke of Albany and Earl of Douglas,! and the Scottish Parliament unanimously declared war against that nation. At the Borough-moor of Edinburgh, an army of fifty thousand men was assembled, which marched to Lauder and encamped between the river and the town. The great barons who were present, being anxious to correct the abuses of the administration, now secretly met in the church of Lauder. Much was said respecting the insolence and corruption of Cochrane and his as- sociates. To put an end to useless discussion. Lord Gray directed their attention to the following fable ; " The mice," said he, " being much an- noyed by the persecution of the cat, resolved that a bell should be suspended from the animal's neck to give notice of her approach. But, though the measure was agreed on in a full council, it could not be carried into effect; because no mouse had courage to undertake the office of tying the bell f o the neck of this formidable enemy." Archibald, Earl of Angus, head of the second family of Dou- 1 Tytfer, 398 HISTORY glas, a man of ofiorantic strenq^th, unfllncliin^ reso- lution, and invincible courage, instantly started up- and vehemently exclaimed ; "I am he who will bell the cat," from which expression he continued to be distino^nished by the homely appellation of Archibald Bell-the-cat.' While the barons were engaged in treasonable deliberation, a loud and peremptory knocking was- heard at the door of the church. This announced the arrival of Cochrane, magnificently attended by a guard dressed in his gaudy livery. His owa personal appearance corresponded with the splen- dour of his retinue. He was attired in an elegant riding suite of black velvet ; and a massy chain of pure gold encircled his neck ; whilst a bugle-horn, tipped, mounted, and ornamented with gold, hung by his side. His helmet, inlaid with the same pre- cious metal, was borne before him. Having heard thct the nobility were assembled in council, he had come to learn their proceedings, and thus knocked with furious impatience at the door of the church. Sir Robert Douglas of Lochleven, who kept it, inquired who was there ; and Cochrane answered the " Earl of Marr." As the unfortu- nate victim entered the church, Angus, to fulfil his promise, tore the gold chain from his neck, and told him, " a halter would become him better ;" whilst Sir Robert Douglas snatched away the horn, saying; " Thou hast too long been a hunter of mischief." He felt doubtful at first whether this treatment was in jest or earnest. But his doubts were quickly removed ; for. while some of the barons went to the royal pavilion to secure the other favourites, he was> 1 Tytler Scott. OF GALLOWAY. 399 bound with a hempen cord. It does not appear that any resistance was made to these violent pro- ceedings. Cochrane, however, did not lose his courage ; and he requested to be tied with a silken cord, which could be furnished from his own tent. But to make his death as ignominious as possible, bis enemies were at seme trouble to procure a hair halter ; and, with this they hanged him over the bridge of Lauder, his fellow minions being suspend- ed on each side of him. They, afterwards, con- ducted the King to Edinburgh, and placed him in the castle,! under a gentle and respectful degree of restraint. After this event, the army returned home and dlspersed.2 The Duke of Gloucester, accompanied by Al- bany wdio aspired to the crown, now penetrated in- to Scotland, and the Scottish army again assembled at Haddington to expel the enemy. A truce, how- ever, was concluded by the mediation of the Duke of Albany ; but Berwick was surrendered to the English, on the 26th day of August, 1482, never more to be possessed by the Scots. James was soon nominally set at liberty, and be- came apparently reconciled to his brother ;3 but his former suspicions were awakened by his own friends and the Duke's enemies, who represented Albany as having designs upon the crown. This proved no unfounded averment ; for the Earl of Ano-us and other friends of the Duke, had conclud- ed a secret treaty with England, by which the King of that country bound himself to assist Al- bany in the conquest of the whole kingdom of Scot- 1 Pinkerton. 2 Tytler. 3 Scott. 400 HISTORY land, upon his assuming^ tlie crown of his ancestors; and Albany enj-jag-ed to restore to the exiled Earl of Douglas, al! his lands and di^iiities.l In the meantime, the most powerful of the con- spirators, or supporters of the Duke, were deprived of their offices and honours. An:i-us was compelled to abandon his office of great Justiciary " on the south half of the water of Forth," to lose his Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, his Sheriffdom of Lanark, and h^s "command of the castle of Trief,"2 whilst John of DoU;j:las, another of Albany's asso- ciates, lost his SheritTdom of Edinburgh. Warned by his friends of the danger in which he himself was placed, the Duke of Albany secretly withdrew into England, and delivered his ovvn castle of Dunbar into the hands of Edward. 3 In his absence, he was condemned for having conspired against his country, and the King's life.4 Partial hostilities having again commenced be- tween the two nations, the Duke of Albany and the Earl of Douglas, both in exile, were desirous of as- certaining the true state of their countrymen's feelings towards them. They, therefore, collect- ed together a party of five hundred Scottish and English cavalry, with some infantry to assist ihem in case of need, and vowed they would present their offering on the high altar of Loch- maben on St iSIagdalene's day, when a great 1 Tytler. 2 Tytler. Mr Tytler gives for his authority, " Indentura inter Jacobum Tertium et Ducera Albauias Alexaadrum ejus fratrem. 16th March, 1482. MS. Gen. Register House, Ediu^ burgh," 8 Balfour. 4 Acts of Parliament of Sootland.— Tytlor. OF GALLOWAY. 40^ fair was to be held at that place. ^ As soon as they reached Lochmaben, they were encountered witli g-reat courage by the people of the district, wiio considered phmder the object of the invaders. The English infantry fled at the first appearance of opposition, but the cavalry fought with much bravery until the evening. The result of the com- bat continued long' doubtful ; but, at last, a body of the King's troops arrived, and victory de- clared in favour of the Scots. The Duke escaped by fiight; but the Earl of Douglas, being now far advanced in years, surrendered hinjsclf to a brother of Kirkpatrick of Close burn, who had once been his vassal. Kirkpatrick shed tears at seeing his old master, the great and powerful Earl of Douglas and Lord of Galloway, in such a forlorn condition, and offered to set him at liberty, or even fly with him into England ;"-2 but Douglas refused to comply, " 1 am tired" said he " of exile ; I have contended long enough against misfortunes ; and since I must die, since there is a reward offered for my head, I had rather that you my old servant, who always re- mained true to me while I remained true to myself, should obtain it than any other. Take me, there- fore, and by delivering me to the King, receive the reward promised in the proclamation." Kirk- patrick, liowever, acted with much kindness and generosity to his aged prisoner; for, after having secretly conveyed him to a retired and safe abode, he went to the King and procured the promise of his captive's life.3 The Earl, being brought before 1 Tytler. 2 Hume. S. Hume. 402 HISTORY his Sovereign, was ordained to be put into con- finement in the Abbey of Lindores.l When he heard this sentence he calmly observed ; " He that may no better be must be a monk."2 James ful- filled liis promise by bestovvinj^ upon Kirkpatrick the lands of Kirkmichael.3 This event happened in the year 1484. Stirling- castle was the favourite residence of James I III, and he founded there a collegiate church vvdiich he endowed liberally, and to which he appointed a nuv.ierous train of ecclesiastics and musicians. Tht deanery, or provostship, of this chapel was annexed to the Bishopric of Galloway, the Bishops of \vhich were called deans of the King's cliapel, and were appointed confessors to the Queen. George Vaus happened to be the first who was elevated to this dignity, being Bishop of Galloway at the time of its erection. As the expenses necessarily incurred in the maintenance of the officers of this institution were very con- siderable, the King annexed to it the revenues of the rich priory of Coldingham, i for which proceed- ing he obtained the sanction of the Pope. This annexation powerfully contributed to ac- complish the ruin of the unfortunate monarch. — The priory had been long held by individuals of the family of Hume, who keenly opposed the a- lienation of its property. The Humes were enrag- ed at the completion of the measure, and obtained the aid of the Hepburns, another powerful clan in the neighbourhood, for the purpose of restoring 1 Tytler, &c. 2 Tytlcr.—Hume. S Hiiine. i Lindsay, — Tytler. OF GALLOWAY. 4t)3 it. Both families engaged to assist each other, and not to sutfer the revenues to be enjoyed by any person unconnected with either the one House or the other. The two families, accordingly, began to concert a newconspiracy against their Sovereign;! and there were many, wiio, from ancient and deep rooted dis- affection or personal resentment, were too ready to embark in any undertaking against the Govern- ment. Ahnost all the barons in tlie south and west that had been dependants on the House of Douglas, viewed the King's supremacy with dislike, and would have gladly lent their aid to effect any change. Angus, likewise, with such other Lords as had been engaged in the rebellious acts at Lauder-bridge, still entertained apprehensions, that the King w^ould, at some period, findasuitable opportunity for avenging the death of his favourites, and pujiishing the seditious nobles for his deprivation of personal li- berty. James had also disgusted, not only the no- bilty, but the people by his avarice.2 The conspira- tors, accordingly, concerted measures for imme- diately making themselves masters of his royal person. James was soon informed of their de- 1 Scott. 2 " The King's lovo of money grew, as is often the case, more excessive as he advanced in years. He would hardfy grant any tliinj,', whether as a matter of favour or of right, without reccivinif some gift or gratuity. By this means he accumulated a quantity of treasure, which, considering the poverty of his kingdom, is ahsolutely marvellous. His ' black chest,' as his strong-box was pojiularly called, was brimful of gold and silver coins, besides quantities of plate and jewels. But while he hoarded these treasures, he was augmenting; the discontent of both the nobility and people ; and amid the universal sense of the King's weakness, and hatred of his avarice, a general re- bellion was at length excited against him." Scott. i04 HISTORT signs and hostile demonstrations ; for the lords of the whole south of Scotland, — who could as- semble their forces with unparalleled rapidity, — ■ had taken the field and were ready for action. He immediately summoned them by his herald, to lay down their arms, and present themselves for triaL But his letters were destroyed with every mark of contumely, his heralds insulted or abused, his power unceremoniously despised, and his authority openly defied. After these re- bellious proceedhigs, the insurgents advanced with the intention of ultimately laying sieg*e to the castle of Stirling, in which James resided ; but as the King had not a sufficient number of his friends around him, nor such forces at hand, as could certainly defend him from the vindictive attacks of his rebellious subjects, he determined to retire to the northern division of his kingdom, where the strength of his party wholly lay. Surrounded at this crisis with many difficulties, James displayed more vigour and prudence than his enemies expected. He instantly reinforced the garrison and provided a considerable supply of addi- tional stores. He appointed James S'law of Fin- trie,! a man in whom he placed much confidence, to command it, and committed to the care of this individual his only son James,2 in the six- teenth year of his age, charging the governor not to allow any person, either to enter or leave the fortress, and to keep a strict eye upon the Prince, with whom the conspirators had already tampered.3 From Stirling, the King proceed- 1 Lindsay. — Scott. Mr Tytler calls him Shaw of Sauchie. 2. Scott, — Lindsay, 8 Tytler. OP GALLOWAY. 405 ^d to Edinburgh castle, wliere he deposited his vast treasures, and after augmenting tl>e garrison and procuring fresli stores, entrusted the fortress to the custodv of a man who enjoyed much of his esteem. From Edinburgh castle he hurried to Leith, where Sir Andrew Wood had a vessel ready to receive him. Here his e'jemies expected to seize his per- son, but they were disappointed; for, before their arrival, he hnn hastily embarked. A part of his baarsrasre and money, however, fell into their hands. ^ Having reached the opposite sliore, he landed in safety. VV bile passing through Fife, he visited the Earl of Douglas in the abbey of Lindores. James made him some tempting oSvrs, if he would leave his retirement and withdraw such of the ancient vassals of his family as still remembered his forxiier greatness, from the ranks of the rebel peers. But the Earl, loaded with years and infirmities, and tired of the vanities of the v\'or!d, replied ; " x\h ! Sir, you have kept me and your black coffer too long shut up ; neither of us can now do you any good : I, because my friends and followers have forsaken me, and have betaken themselves to other masters, and your black cliesf2 is coo far from you, and your enemies are between you and it."3 Application was also made to Douglas by the insurgent nobility to espouse their cause, but with the same success.4 1 Lindsay Tytler, 2 Alludinjj to the chest ia vrhica he had kept the most precious part of his treasure. 3 Hume Scott. 4 Balfour, It is stated Ly this writer that " lu the begin- niug of tliis zeire, 1488, the nobilitcy deall with the Earle of Douglas, now a shorne mounke in Londors ahey, quherin he was as in a piisson, (by the King condeniid during lyffe) to cast off iiis couU, and come out of his cell, aud joyne with them to sup- 406 HISTORY From Fife he proceeded northward, and found all his subjects loyal and zealous in his cause. At the head of an army amounting to nearly thirty thousand men, he proceeded towards Stirling. During his absence, Angus, Hume, Bothwell, and others of the insurgent nobility, in order to impart to tlieir proceedings the colour of authority, were extremely desirous to gain posses- sion of the person of the young Prince. They, ac- cordingly, bribed Shaw with a very considerable sum of money, who delivered up his important chargel and espoused their cause. When they had obtained possession of the royal youth, they issued a pro- clamation in his name, declaring that the King was leagued with foreigners to destroy the liberty of Scotland, and ought, therefore, to be dethroued.2 With a force of about eighteen thousand men, as- sembled principally out of Galloway and the an- cient domains of the House of Douglas, — the bravest and best disciplined soldiers of Scotland — the insurgent barons directed their march towards Stirling, at which place they expected to meet the royal army. When James reached Stirling with his numerous forces, he repaired to the gate of the castle, and being ignorant of the governor's treason, de- manded admission, which was instantly refused. The King then eagerly requested the restitution presse so wicked and insolent a King (as they called him,) and they wold againe restore him to all his former dignities and Teuenewes -, hot he being hrokiu with age, and weiry of the world, denayed ther sute, and exhorted them to peace and concord, bot one no tearmes wold aney more tray his auen hard fortune," 1 Scott — Lindsay. 2 Lindsay Scott, OF GALLOWAY. 40T of his son ; but the treacherous governor replied, that the lords had removed him from the castle "without his consent.! The poor Sovereign was confounded at this information, and furiously ex- claimed ; " False villain, thou hast betrayed me, and if I live, thou shalt be punished according to thy deserts !"2 If the King had possessed the castle, he might have delayed the battle until a still larger body of troops had assembled, and thus overcome the rebel lords, as his father did at Aber- corn without much bloodshed. For the night, the King, with his army, remain- ed at Stirling. The rebel force had reached the farther side of the river Carron. Early in the morning, James, confident in the superiority of his numbers, with much firmness proceeded to meet and encounter his rebellious subjects in deadly combat. Sir David Lindsay encouraged the King, and riding up to him on a fleet and fiery grey horse, alighted and entreated his Sovereign's ac- ceptance of it, remarking at the same time, that the noble animal, whether his Grace was advanc- ing or retreating, would outstrip any horse in Scotland, provided he could keep his seat. — The King returned his grateful thanks for so va- luable a present at so important a period. At this time some overtures of reconciliation seem to have been made, but they led to no favourable or permanent results.3 1 Lindsay. 2 Scott. 3 Lindsay. Mr Tytler states, that, before matters were brought to a crisis, a short and hollow pacification was effect- ed, and that the King; deceived by his opponents' professions, partially disbanded his army which, he alniost immediately foucd 408 EISTOBT The royal army was drawn up in tliree'TInes, df nearly 8,000 men each; the King having the command of the van. Against this array, the in- surgent troops, advancing from Torwoocl, formed themselves into three divisions of about; 6,000 men each ; mostly cavalry. The first was compos- ed of East-Lothian and Merse spearmen, under the command of Lord Hailes and the master of Hume,l whose discontent had arisen principally from the annexation of the revenues of the priory of Coldirsjiham, to the Chapel-Royal at Stirling. The second line was made up of the fierce inhabi- tants of Galloway,2 and the hardy borderers of Liddesdale and Annandale, led on by Lord Gray, The Prince luul the nominal command of the main body, though he was entirely under the direction of Angus and those about him. The two armies met on a tract of ground, now known by the name of Little Canglar, on the east side of a small brook called Sauchie Burn, about two miles south of Stirling, and one mile from the famous field of Bannockburn, where Bruce achieved the independence of Scotland. The King rode a little in advance, and from an eminence surveyed the hostile army. But when he saw his own banner displayed against him, and thus knew that his son was undoubtedly in the ranks of the rebels, his artificial courage began to decline. He then remembered the predictions, that the King was to fall by the nearest of his kin, and the words of the astrologer, that the Scottish himself under tlie necessity of reassembling as numerously »i ^possible. The rebel forces did not disperse, 1 Niuimo's History of Stirlingshire, 2 Tytler. OF GALLOWAY, 409 lion would be strangled by his own whelps. Agi- tated by these childish reminiscences, his heart com- pletely failed him in this eventful hour. I His idle fears were apparent to all his attendants, and they entreated him to retire from the field.2 While he continued thus irresolute, the battle commenced, by showers of arrows from both sides ; and the borderers, excellint^ in archer)'', from their constant wars with the English, disordered the cavalry in the Kijig's vanguard. The Humes and the Hep- burns tlien attacked this body, but \vere driven back by volleys of arrows from the Highlanders. On this repulse, the second division of the rebel army, who used longer spears than the rest of the troops, charging with wild and furious cries, bore down the royal forces opposed to them, and drove back both the first and second lines upon the third. In the midst of such an unusual and appalling scene, the remains of James's slender stock of courage and self possession completely forsook him; and, setting an example of the most dastardly covv'- ardice to his army, he turned his horse's head and fled towards Stirling, probably with the intention of getting on board of Wood's fleet, which lay within sight of the field of battle. But he was un- able to manage the spirited animal on which he had mounted — the valuable present of Lord Gray. The horse, taking the bit between his teeth, gallop- ed furiously towards ;\ 'itlle hamlet, about a milp from the scene of co > lict. As the King was about to cross the Bannock, a woman who was drawing water, observed a man in armour galloping at full 1 Scott. 2 Lindsay Scott, 410 HISTORY speed towards her ; and, leaving* her pitcher, she ran off in the utmost akirm for her safety. The horse, starting at this sudden sight, threw his rider, who was so bruised and stunned by the fall and weight of his armour, that he fainted away. As the accident happened within a few yards of a mill, called Beaton's Mill, the miller and his wife carried the unfortunate stranger into their habitation,' and, though ignorant of his rank, treated him with much humanity. When he had a little recovered, he re- quested the assistance of a priest, to whom, as a (lying man, he might make confession. Being ask- ked by the woman, who he was; he imprudently re- plied, "I was your King this morning."^ With si- milar imprudence, the kind hearted female ran to the door, exclaiming to some individuals who were passing; " If there is a priest amongst you, will he stop and confess the King ?" "I am a priest," said one of them, " lead me to him." Being introduc- ed, he found James lying on a bed in a corner of the house, covered with a coarse cloth. He ap- proached him kneeling; and, with much apparent respect and concern, inquired, if he thought he would recover with proper attention. James re- plied, that he hoped his hurts were not mortal, if properly attended to : but, in the meantime, he said, he wished to be prepared for the worst, by making confession and having his sins pardoned by a priest. "This shall give thee pardon !" exclaimed tliC assassin, and pulling out a d.iggcr, stabbed him several times to the heart, and removed his corpse, 110 one knew whither.3 1 Tytler. 2 Li'iidsay.— Scott. 3 The house ia which this atrocious deed was coDimitted, is OF GALLOV.'AY. 411 The name of the person who committed this despicable murder is not certainly known. Three individuals, Lord Graj'-, Stirling; of Kier, and one Borthwick, a priest, were observed to leave the field in pursuit of the King;, and it is believed that one of them committed the diabolical deed.^ It is rather a singular coincidence, that Gray was the son of that Sir Patrick, who assisted James's father to assassinate Douglas in Stirling- castle. After the flight of James, the battle did not con- tinue long;; for the royal armj^, disheartened and disunited by the pusillanimity of their leader, made scarcely any farther resistance. The King had set an example of cowardice- which many w-ere disposed to follow ; at least, the royal combatants considered it vain to defend a cause which was be- trayed by its patron, and the contending- armies now shrunk from the unprofitable horrors of mutual slaughter. After the engagement, the royal party retreated to Stirling, and the victors returned to still standing, and is supposed to have received its name from the individual who then occupied it. It is said to have been originally a mill, and to have been converted into a dvvellinaf house when more commodious mills vjere erected near tlie same place. \Vhen last at Stirlinjr, we visited the house. The lower portions of the walls, which are very thick, still remain, and bear evident marks of antiquity. The upper parts of the building have been lenev.ed, probably with the intention of perpetuating the reraembiance of so tragical an event. The corner in which the unfortunate monaich lay is pointed out, and at the date of our visit, was occupied by a chest of drawers. Tradition seems to have been careful in preserving particulars ; for the account given byihe inhabitants of the place completely corresponds with ■ the narrations of our best historians. 1 Scott. 2 Mr Tytler, as well as Abercromby, exhibits the King's con» duct in a more favourable light than other historians have done Both state, that the royal army was less numerous than that, of their opponents. 4.12 HISTORY their camp. This battle was fought in June, 1468. James died in the thirty-fifth year of his age. At last his corpse was discovered and buried in Cam- buskenneth abbey, near his Queen, who had died sometime before.! 1 Ferrerius Lesley's History. — Tytler. The following grants wejie made by James HI. To Janet, or Joan, the repudiated wife, or widow, of William, late Earl of Douglas and I^ord of Galloway, Jatnes s^ave two grants of land during her life, in lieu of the teice of her husband's estate. (MS. collections concerning the family of Douglas.) One of the grants was made on the l^th of October, 1472, and the other on the 22nd of January, 1472 3. (Heg. Mag. Sig.) In February, 1460, John Maclellaii, of the family of Bombie, obtained a charter of the lands of Bahnaclellan. and gave hia name to the parish and village of Balraaclellau. (Reg. Mag. SijJ.) Alexander Gordon, soa and heir apparent of John Gordon of Lochiuvar had a charter dated 23d RIarch, 1487, of the lands of B;ilmaclellan with the superiority of the same, then in the hands of the crown which, with the lands ofKenmuieand Laij- gan, were erected intT a free Barony: this grant was renewed on the 4th October, 1512. Mag. Sig. L.x, N. 135. L. xii. N.80. ap. Wood's Peerage. William Macge of Balmage, who appeared in a cause before the Lords Auditors of Parliament, in 1478, acquired from James III., on the 14th of August, 1484, a charter of his lands. The Maghies of Balmaghie. obtained new charters from James IV. and James V.; and, in 1606, Alexander Macghie of Balmaa-hie, received a charter of the lands of Livingston and Slonarie. This family retained possession of their patrimonial estate until the year 1730, when it became the property of a gentleman of the name of Gordon, in whose family it stil! remains. We find that " Michael Macge" was one of the landholders of Galloway, who subinicled to Edward III. in .1339. (Rot. Scotise.) Mr Chalmers makes tte following statements. " On the 1-7 til of Octo'oer, 1488, the lords auditors gave a decree, that Quinten Agnew, the sheriff of Wigton. should restore to William Adare of Kinhilt and Archibald Mac(^ulloch of Ardwell, 23 oxen, 88 sheep, 4 horses, and other goods, the va- lues of ail which are speciiied. Acta Auditorum, p. 118. — lii July, 1494, George, bishop of Galloway, was complained of to the lords of the council, for opposing the king's authority, in "Wigtoashire, in th'j person of the sheriff, in the execution of his OF GALLOWAY. 413 James IV. The confederate Lords endeavoured to make atonement for treachery to the father by loyalty to the sou. They instantly placed him upon the throne, and procured from Parliament an in- demnity for their proceedings. The national coun- cil at this time was entirely under the influence of the leaders of the insurrection; and by it, Hepburn, Lord Hailes, afterwards created Earl of Bothwell, was appointed ruler of the Stewartry of Kirkcud- bright and Wigtownshire,! and keeper of Tiirieve castle, until the King should attain the age of office: The lords upon hear in. Wiithorn. (Balfour.) OF GALLOWAY. 417 ways made offerinofs in <]ie churches, at the altars, and at the relics of St Ninian : and he o^ave dona- tions to the priests, minstrels, and pils^rims, whom he found there. His almoner also liberally dis- tributed alms to the poor of the town. In addition to these j^^ifts, he made offerings to various churches, both on his piissasj^e to Whithorn, and on his re- turn home. During" his journeys, he lodged in the convents, as the most commodious habitations.! 'i'o particularize his various visits to this cele- brated place of resort, would be tedious : we shall, therefore, take notice of only a very few of them. In September, 1497, the King set out from Edinburj^h, on a pilgrimage to Whithorn. He proceeded by his usual route past Biggar, through upper Clydesdale, to Durisdeer. From that place Be passed across Nithsdale to St John's Kirk at Dairy; where he presented donations to the priest and to the " pure folk" there ;'2 then leaving this mountainous country, he travelled through lower Galloway to Wigtown,3 and afterwards to Whit- horn ; making offerings and giving alms on his j-ourney.4 After returning through Ayrshire and Glasgow, he repaired to Stirling. 1 Caledonia. 2 Treasurer's Accounts. 8 •' The friars of NVigton received frequent gratuities from James IV., on his many pilgrimages to St Ninian's : On such occasions, the King, usually lodged at their convent, as tlie most commodious inn. Tlic same king, on the 1st of Januarv 1505.6 granted to Roiinld JMakbretun, clarschawner [harper] six marks worth of hiiid of Knockau, in 'Wigton-shire, for his fee [as one of the kind's musicians] during his life; he paying six bolls of meal, yearly, to the preaching friars of Wigton. They had, in perpetuity, a fishery, consisting of the south half of the little river Bladenoch, which falls into the sea, at Wigtown." C.\LED0N1A. 4 The Treasurers Books of James IV's Reign. 418 HISTORY During the spring of 1501, the town of Kirk- cudbright was honoured by a royal visit from James, who diverged thither in one of liis many pilgrimages to the shrine of St Ninian. With liis usual munificence to the clergy, he gave on this occasion twenty shillings to the priests ; and to the friars, £5 10s. to buy an Eucharist i Sir John Dunbar of Mochrum, on the 12thof Sep- 1 " He arrived, at Wliithern, on the 22d of April; and on the same night, he made his offerings, at the town, at the reliques, at the high altar, at the rood altar, and at the chapel on the hill, 5 French crowns [3/. 10s.] He gave a French crown, [14s7i.] lo the prior's lutcr [the player on the lute.] He returned through Ayr and Glasgow, to Stirling. 1501 June, The king made another pilgrimage to Whithera, wheie he performed the same oLlations, with the same ineffici- ent purposes. 1502 August, The king made a pilgrimage to Whithern, where he made the same oblations, distributed the same do- nations: On this occasion, the prior of Whithera presented a horse to the king, which repaid his majesty for his attentions to Whithern. On passing through Wigton, the king gave 14sA. to the pipers of that town, who usually had such gratuities, for their music. 1503 April 6th, The king was again at Whithern. April 8th. At Wigton, on his return, he received intelligence Tjy expi-ess, of the death of his brother, John Earl of Marr; when he charged the priests of Wigton to perform "a dirge and soul. mass," for his brother, and paid them 40s/j. for their pains. May 6th, The king performed another pilgrimage to Whit- hern : And going, by Dumfries, on the 7lh of May, he made his offering of 14sA., in our Lady's chapel, at the end of the town. On setting out from Edinburgh, he dispatched a courier, to br-ing the, relique of St Ninian, which was kept at Stirling, to meet the king with it, at Whithern. 1504 June 26, The king was at Whithern ; and he bought there for 4sA, some tokens of St Ninian. June 29, on his re. turn, he met, and gave alms to some poor people, from Tayn, in Ross-shire, going on a pilgrimage to Whithern. In July 1505, and in April, and August 1506, The king performed the same sirperstitious fooleries, at AVirithern : and while, at that seat of superstition, he gave au unicorn [ISsA.J to two tale tellers." Caledonia. OF GALLOWAY. 419 tember, 1502, obtained for himself and his heirs a nine year's grant of the office of steward of Kirk- cudbriglit, and keeper of Thrieve castle, With this building he acquired the lands of Thrieve Grange, the fisheries of the river Dee, and the duties or revenues belonging to the castle, for which he engaged to pay the King £100 yearly, and to keep the fortlet at his own expense.! In the following year, he was killed by Alexander Gordon, younger of Lochinvar, who fled. John Dunbar of Alochrum,- his son and heir, succeeded him in his offices. This assassination produced a vexatious feud between the Gordons and Dunbars, and the father of the assassin obtained an exemp- tion from the crown on the 4th of September, 1508, for himself, friends, tenants, and depen- dants from the jurisdiction of the Steward and his deputes. 3 James by annexing, in 1501-, the deanery of the Chapel Royal of Stirling to the revenues of the See of Galloway,'! which were but small, greatly augmented the rental of the Bishopric. Some years afterwards, he likewise added the abbey of Tong- land to the same See.5 In March 1503-4, James, 1 Privy Seal, Ili>s-. ii. 96. Caledonia. 2 " Mochrumcastlo, which is called the Old Place of Moch. rum, stands at the northern end of Mochrum loch. The wails, which are almost entire, are very strong'. It was in former times, the stroii:^ hold of the Dunbars of JMochrum. About the year 1730, tiic castle, with the contiguous estate, passed, from that family, to the Earl of Dumfries." Caledonia. 8 Privy Seal, Reg. iii. 185. Caledonia. 4 The diocese of Galloway comprehended part of the Stew. artry of Kiikcudbright, all Wigtownshire, and, according to some accounts, part of Dumfries-shire. The district lying between the Urr and the Nith belonged to the Bishopric of Glasgow. 5 " The amount of the rental of the bishopric of Galloway including- the abbey of Tungland, as they were reported to gov. 430 HISTORY who devoted much time to the study of alchymy and medicine,! nominated an Italian, that had come to this country as an alchymist and physician, 2 to the chair of the abbey of Tongland. This fanciful theorist seems to have been a man of questionable reputation : he probably commenced his career as an impostor, and became at last an enthusiast. Having publicly asserted his pretensions to the art of flying, he made wings, and undertook to ascend from the battlements of Stirling castle, in the presence of the Iling and his cour- tiers. The Scottish ambassadors were to leave Stirling for France at the same time; and he boast- ed he would arrive in that country before them. This foolish undertaking, as might have been fore- erntnent, in 1562.3, was, in money, 1226?. lish.; in bear. 8 chald. 7 bolls ; meal, IGchald, 7 bolls; malt, 8 bolls ; 268 sal- mon, with geese, poultry, cheese, and peats, which were not specified. In anew rental of this bishopric, which was reported to Sir "William Murray, the queen's comptroller, on the 8th of Sep. tember, 1566, the value, in money, was thus stated :" £ s. d. Summa of the whole temporality . . 605 4 2 Ditto of the spirituality . _ 752 £1357 4 Rental Book MS." Caledonia. 1 James IV. %vas celebrated for his knowledge of medicine. 2 Murray — Caledonia. " He appears to have come to Scot, land in 1501, and was made abbot of Tungland, in March 1503.4. In the Tieasurer's Accounts he is called "Maister John, the French Leich," and " Maister John, the Freneh Me- dtctnor;" and" Abbot of Tuugland," after he obtained that ap. gointment. He acquired a great deal of money from the kin?, by his quackery, alchemy, gambling, and borrowing money, which he never repaid. See tlie Treasurer's Accounts, from 1501 to 1513. passim. In the licence, which he received to "-o- aLrcad, in 1508, he is called '^ Damiane, Abbot of Tuugland." Calluo.ma,. OF GALLOWAY. 421 seen, completolv failed : he instantly fell to the ground and broke his thigh bone. William Dun- bar, the Scottish poet, ' ridiculed the absurd at- tempt in a satirical poem, entitled " The Fenzied Frier of Ttmfjla7id," in which he represents the feathered inhabitants of the air as attacking- him for invadin,^ their dominions, and ultimately rejoicing at his misfortune.-^ 1 William Dunbar was autlior of the allegorical poems of the Thistle and the Rose, The Golden Tcrge, &c. 2 "This misadventure took place in 1507. Lesley, 345.5. In the (ollowinLT year, he appeal 3 to have gone abroad. On the 8lh of September, 1508, the kiiig granted a licence to " Dam. iane Abbot of Tungland," to pass out of the realm, and remain in what place he pleases, at study, or any other lawful occupa- tion, for five years, without auv injury to his abbey of Tung- land. Privy Seal Regist. iii. 187. He returned agam to Scot, land, long before the time that thisllcence elapsed." Caledonia, We cannot refrain from giving a specimen of the poem. The Myttaine and Saint Martynis fowle Wend he had bene the hornit howle, Thay set upon him with a yowlC; And gaif him dyiit for dynt. The golk, the gormaw, and the gled, Beft him with buffets quhill he bled ; The spar.hawk to the spring him sped Als fers as fyre of flynt. The tarsall gaif him tug for tug, A stanchellhang in ilka lug. The pyot furth his pennis did rug. The btork straik ay but stint: The bissart bissy but rebuik, Scho wai so cleverus of her cluik, His lugs he raicht notlanger brukj, Scho held thame at ane hint. Thik was the clud of kayis and crawls, Of marlcyonis, mittauis, and ofmawis, That bikkrit at his herd withblawis, Li battoll jiim about. Thay nybbillit him with noyis and cry. The rerd of thame raise to the sky, And evir he cryit on Fortoun, Fy,, His lyfc was into dowt. 422 HISTORY In March, 1506-7, in order to procure the re- covery of the Queen, who was in rather a pre- carious situation after the birth of her first son, the Scottish monarch made a pilgrimage from Edin- burgh to Whithorn on foot.l The Queen got better, and, for her happy recovery, St Ninian and the King got the sole credit. On his journey James was attended by four Italian minstrels, who appear to have been so completely fatigued and ex- hausted by walking to Whithorn, that he was oblig- ed to hire horses to carry them back to Tongland.2 To show the royal gratitude to their saint, in the following July, both the King and Queen under- took a new pilgrimage to Whithorn. This visit was conducted on a most magnificent scale. The Queen travelled in what is sometimes called a litter, and sometimes a chariot,^ and had seventeen horses employed in conveying her luggage. The King's wardrobe was borne by three additional horses. One horse was employed in carrying the King's ^'chapel geir ;" and the Queen's chapel graith M'as carried with it in two coffers. This journey lasted thirty-one days.4 1 '• The historian Hawthornden says, that James IV., upon his Queen being- dangerously ill in childbed, in 1307, went a pil. grimage on foot to St Ninians, at Whithorn, in Galloway In this journey he fell in love with lady Jane Kennedy, a daughter of the Earl of Cassilis ; and he confined the Earl of Angus, for some time, to the island of Arran, for carrying her away." Weber. This lady Jane Kennedy had a son by King James : she was afterwards third wife to Bell.the-Cat. The Eai 1 of Angus a short time before his death, visited the shrine of St Ninian. 2 Caledonia. 3 In the Treasurer's books it is called the Queen's chariot or litter. 4 Caledonia. They visited Glenluce Abbey, and the King made a present of four shillings to the gardener* OF GALLOWAY. 423 Prior to tins period the Scots liad been rulers of the Isle of Man, and had held the native inhabitants in a state of oppressive thraldom. As soon as the Islanders were relieved from a foreign yoke, the insular Lejrishiture enacted, "that all Scottish- men do avoide tlie laud of Manx, by the next ves- sel that iroeth to Scotland, upon paine of forfei- ture of their goods, and bodyes to prison."! This law remained unrepealed until the year 1736, when the House of AthoU succeeded to the sovereignty of the island. For the purpose of gratifying the hostile feelings of his subjects towards their Galwegian neigh- bours, Thomas, Earl of Derby, a young, fiery, and warlike chief, at the head of a formidable body of Manxmen, in 1507, made a furious descent upon the coast of Galloway, and nearly destroyed the town of Kirkcudbright. For several years after- wards, many of the houses in the burgh remained uninhabited and in ruins. This successful assault was so skilfully directed, and so bravely executed, that it called forth the most enthusiastic strains of the Manx bards, in praise of the " Earl with the golden crupper,"— as they termed their young sovereign, — and his heroic followers. But how gratifying soever this successful ex- pedition might be at first to the inhabitants of Man, it afterwards proved to them the source of much suffering. Cutlar MacCuUoch, the chief of a powerful clan in the south of Scotland, being a brave and adventurous seaman, speedily equipped a predatory flotilla, and made repeated descents 1 Stat. Anno 1422.. 1429. Lex Scripta of Man. pp. 13. 27. Note furnished by Jlr Train to Peveril of the Peak vii cap. viii 424 HISTORY on tins little kingdom. The people were kept in such a state of perpetual alarm, that tbey " eat the sodden betore they took the broth," lest they should be deprived of the more substantial portion of their dinner by their unwelcome visitants, if they allowed It to remain for the second course. 1 From a deposition made at Peel custle, on the 2nd of November, 1508, by John INIachariotie, of Ramsay, it appears that this daring' adventurer carried off " every thing that was not too hot or too heary for removal," thereby giving the in- habitants of Man, ample cause to repent of the ravages committed by their warriors in the Stew- artry of Kirkcudbright. James again visited the town of Kirkcudbright in 1508, and was hospitably entertained there. It was on this visit, that he gave to the burgh his first grant of the castle of Kirkcudbright and its lands.2 This grant was confirmed by another char- ter in the following year, dated at Eiiinburgh, the 26tli of February. The gift was made on account of certain aids afforded to James II., his grand- father, when that monarch was engaged in the re- duction of Thrieve castle, as well as for more recent services to James himself.3 In May 1511, 1 Challerson pa. 47. London. Edit 1653. "taken by Coll. ard Mac Culloch and his men by wrongous spoilation five box beddes and avkin burdcs, ic lathe, a fcder bowster, a cote of Mailzie, a mele burde, two kestis, five barrels, a gyle fat, xs pipe, two gunys, three holies of malt, a querene of rosate of vi stanes, certine petes, (peats) extending to ic load, rJii bolls threchet come, xii nnthtaschin, andxi knowte." 2 Resist. Mag. Sig. B. xv. 167 — Caledonia. 3 When Galloway was subdued by Edward Bruce, Robert I. granted the castle of Kirkcudbright to his victorious brother, and at his death it reverted to the crown. Iti 1369, David II. grant- ed it to Archibald Douglas. It vcmainad in the hands of the OF GALLOVv AY. 425 James granted a charter to the prior and canons of Whithorn, constitutino^ the town a royal burgh, with the usual privileges : they had often pre- viously experienced the liberality of the Scottish monarchs. Durir.gthis season of tranquillity, the King, with his parliament, enacted many wise laws for the im- ])rovement of the country. A legislative act was passed which permitted the nobles and baron* to let their lands for money or grain. This mea- sure tended, not only to the improvement of agri- culture, but also to the domestic tranquillity of the nation. The burghs were now enjoined to send re- presentatives to parliament, that they might give their advice as one of the three estates of the realm ;. and the altendance of the lesser barons was dispens- ed with. At this time the important and civilizing art of printing was introduced into Scotland, under the auspices of Walter Chapman, one of the royal household. He obtained from the King a royal patent " to exercise his mystery." Notwithstanding all the energy, wisdom, and vigilance of James's government, feuds of a serious and pernicious nature often broke out among the fierce and vindictive chiefs of Scotland. About this time, the dependants of Maxwell of Caerlaver- ock, andCrichton of Sanquhar, after a long dura- tion of enmity, and a series of petty injuries mu- tually inflicted, met in arms on the sands of Duni- Douglasses until their foiTciturc, when it was again annexed to the crown. Though the cnsth; has been alienated, yet the lands that belonged to it have continued subject to a burgage tenure. When, ill 1582. a modern castle was built in the town of Kirk, cudbright, on the site of the Fransiscan Friary, by Sir Thomas Maclellan of Bombie, the stones of the ancient edifice, it is said, were employed in its erection. None of the ruius now remain. 436 HISTORY fries, and fought with unabated fury until the two parties had almost totally destroyed each other. — Maxwell's friends gained a bloody and a joyless victory. 1 The period had now arrived M'hen the country was not destined to remain long in a state of na- tional peace and internal improvement. While Henry VI I. lived, his great penetration enabl- ed him to remove all the petty causes of dis- sension which arose, at intervals, between the two neighbouring kingdoms. But when this wise and cautious monarch expired, he was succeeded by a prince of a haughty and unyielding temper, which made him unwilling to purchase peace at the expense of even the most trifling concession. — James and he resembled each other too closely in tlieir tempers to remain long in terms of sincere or intimate friendship. Henry VIH. cf England, having inherited his father's crown, but not his father's wisdom, wished to distinguish his name by splendid pursuits of policy and war. Possessed of high notions of the unlimited nature of his wealth and power, and impressed with an extravagant idea of the superiority of his intellectual attainments, personal accomplishments, and military skill, he became impatient of contradiction and control, and wished to exalt that feudal authority which his father had left him, into an absolute despotism. But his ambitious disposition led him to attempt the re-conquest of those provinces in France, which had been wrested from the English, as his first important undertaking. The French saw the ap- proaching storm, and began to prepare for it. — 1 Balfour Heron. OF GALLOWAY. 4,2f They sent an embassy into Scotland with large presents of money to the King and his counsellors. This liberality, in conjunction with some real or supposed insults offered by the King of England, liad the desired effect, and James resolved upon hostilities ^\■ith his royal brother-in-law. Henry sailed to France, in 1513, with a gallant army , and James sent his principal herald into that country lo dechire war against him.l Without waiting for the return of the herald, the Scottish King summoned an army, i)rovided with, every necessary for forty days service, to meet in the Borough-moor of Edinburgh, With this army he intended to invade England. Though the war was by no means popular, yet out of personal at- tachment to the King, "2 a vast host assembled at the appointed place of rendezvous, and amongst other warriors, a very considerable number of the inhabitants of Galloway. In the middle of this ^vide common, the royal standard was displayed from a large stone called the Hare-stone. 1 James's letter conveyina: this declaration accused Henry ''of refusing a safe conduct to his anihassador (a proceeding worthy Oiily ot' an infidel power :) it upbraided hiiu with a want of com- mon j ustice and affection in withholding from his sister, the Queen of Scotland, the jewels and the legacy which had been left her by her fatlier ; it asserted that the conduct ol Enc;land, in a late nieetin,:^ of the commissioners of the two countries on the IxH-d'T;^, had been deficient in honor and good faith; that Heron, the Murderer of a Scottish baron, very dear to the king, w;ts protected in that country ; that Scottish subjects in a time of peace had been carried off in fetteis across the border ; tliat Andrew Barton had licen slaughtered and his ships unjust- ly captured by Henrv's Admiral ; whilst that prince not only refused all redress, but showed the contempt with which he treated the demand by declaring war against James's relative, the Duke of Gueldres, and now invading the dominions ot his triend and allv the King ot Fianee." Tytler. 2 " There was gr eat love," says a Scottish historian, " betwixt 428 HISTORY Various artifices addressed to tlie King's super- stition were em]iloyed to div^ert kirn from this im- politic and unjust expedition. While he wixs employed in his evening' devo- tions in the church adjacent to the palace, at Lin- lithgow, an old venera'ole looking man, with thin bright yellow hair flowing over his shoulders, and clothed in a long azure coloured robe, girt about the middle with a lirien girdle, and sandals on his feet, suddenly entered the cathedral. He pressed through the crowd to the place where the King knelt, and without exhibiting any signs of respect for the royal personage, said with emphatic sim- plicity; — " 1 am sent to warn thee against pro- ceeding in thy present undertaking : and if thou neglectest this admonition, it will not fare well with thee, or those who may accompany thee." — After he had likewise warned him against the so- ciety and counsel of women, he suddenly disappear- ed from among the courtiers and could no where be found. I Some at the time believed him to be a spirit, others, an enthusiast, and a great many, an impostor, employed by the Queen and the English faction. the subjects and tlioir sovereign, for the King was free from the vice of avarice, wliich was his father's failing-. Neither wouhi he endure flatterers, cowarJs, or sycophants about his person, but ruled by the counsel of the most eminent nobk's, and thus won the hearts of all men. He often went disgni>ed among the common people, and asked them question* about the Kintf and his measures, and thus learned the opinion which was entertain, ed of him by liis subject." Scott. 1 Buchanan. — Pinkerton. Sir David Lindsay and Sir James Inglis stood close beside the King when the mysterious stranger addressed him ; and L'uchanan, who received his information from Sir David Lindsay himself, says, " If 1 had not received^ OF GALLOWAY. 429 Several historians also mention, that a proclama- tion was heard at the Market-Cross of Edinburgh, about midnight, citing tlie King by his name and titles, and many of his nobles to appear in another world, before the tribunal of Pluto, within the space of forty days. This has likewise every ap- this story from him as a certain truth I had omitted it as a romance of the vulgar." I too was there, and sooth to telL, Bedeafened with the jangling knell, Waa watching where the sunbeams fell, Throngh the stained casement gleaming,' But while I marked what next befel, It seemed as I were dreaming. Stepped from the crowd a ghostly wight. In azr.re gown, with cincture white. His forehead bald, his head '.vas bare, Down hung at length his yellow hair — He stepped before the Monarch's ciiair, And stood with rustic plainness there, And little reverence made : Nor head, nor body, bowed nor bent, But on the desk his arm he leant, And words like these he said, In alow voice, but never tone So thrilled through vein, and nerve, and bone, ' My mother sent me from afar, Sir King, to warn thee not to war, Woe waits on thine array ; If war thou wilt, of woman fair, Her witching wiles and wanton snare. James Stuart, doubly warned, beware , God keep thee as he may.' The wondering monarch seemed to seek For answer, and found none; And when he raised his head to speak. The monitor was gone. The marshal and myself had cast To stop him, as he outward past ; But lighter th;in the whirlwind's blast He vauish'd from our eyes ; Like sunbeam on the billow cast. That glances but, and dies. Scott's Marmios. 430 nisTor.Y pearance of a device to rouse the King's supersti- tion, and deter him from his rash enterprise, — Lindsay of Pitscottie, in his Chronicles of Scothind, says, he received the particulars of this strange oc- currence from an individual who w^as in the town at the time when the proclamation was made. But he adds, whether the summons proceeded from men or spirits, it is impossible to determine. I But nothing could deter James from this un- happy expedition. With his large host, amount- ing, in whole, to a hundred thousand men, he entered England, and wasted much valuable time, not only in taking castles and collecting booty, but even in mere thoughtless inactivity. An English army at length advanced against him, commanded by the Earl of Surrey, who had received, as he passed through Durham, the sacred banner of St Cuthbert. The provisions of the Scottish troops be- ing almost entirely consumed, some returned home to deposite their booty in safety, and procure a fresh supply of the necessaries of life. Enormous mul- titudes, from day to day, follov/ed the example which their companions in arms had thus set them; and James's splendid array in a short time became much diminished. The Earl of Surrey, by various reinforcements, liaving ultimately assembled an army superior in numbers to the Scots, found some difficulty in supporting his troops in a barren dis- trict, and during a season of almost incessant rains. 1 His words are, " But wMdder this summondis was pro.- ciaimed be vaine pei-sones, night walkeris, for thair pastyme, or if it was ane spirit, I cannot tell." It was commonly believed that all who were called, fell in the battle of Flodden, except one man that lived opposite the cross, who, upon hearing his name pronounced, threw down a. crown ;aiid said, he appealed to the mercy of God, OF GALLOWAY. 431 He, therefore, felt anxious Immediately to engage the enemy, and bring matters to an Issue before his troops should be worn out by fatigue, famine, and hardships. On Sunday the 4th of September, he, •accordingly, sent a herald to offer battle on the fol- lowing Friday ; and the Lord High Admiral ad- ded a message, that he was now ready to give the Scottish King satisfaction for the personal share he had talcen in the death of Andrew Barton. I To this message of defiance, the King replied, that he was so desirous of encountering the Eng- lish In a pitched battle, that If the message had reached him In Edinburgh, he would have laid aside all other business and advanced to meet him."-^ The Earl of Angus, known by the sou- briquet of Rell-the-cat, and some others remon- strated with James, alleging that the English army consisted of men of mean rank, whereas the Scot- tish troops wera composed entirely of the flower of the nobility and gentry. Incensed at this op- position, James haughtily replied ; "Angus, if you are afraid, you may go home."-* The old Earl; justly offended at the Insulting language, took his depar- ture from the camp that night, but he left behind 1 Andrew Barton, with his two brothers, Robert and John, received letters ofiepiisal from James IV., that they niij^ht re- veng'e the death of their father, a renowned sea captain, wl o was slain by the Portuguese in the leiyu of James 111. Much suc- cess attended the enterprise, but when they were returning home, they were attacked by two English ships of war, and Andrew Barton fell in the engagement ; his vessels being captured, were retained as prizes. Scotland and England were then at peac^ and James comp'.ained loudly of this insult to his flag. In No- .vember, 1513, Juhn, the youngest brother, sailed with a squadron. for France, but having taken sick at sea, he was landed at Firjf,- , cudbright, where he died. (Weber.) 2 Halle's Chronicle of England. 1 Historical Tales of the Scottish Wars, &c^ 432 HISTORY him his two sons, who fell in the fatal battle, with two hundred of the name of Douglas. The aged nobleman immediately retired to a monastery, and died broken-hearted about a year after the dis- astrous conflict. On the 6th of September, James, aware of the in- feriority of his army, removed to an advantageous situation on the hill of Flodden, near Ford castle, which stood on the other side of the Till. The ascent to the top of this eminence from the river which flowed at the foot of it, was about half a mile, and at the base of the declivity stood a bridge protected by artillery. On the south of the hill lay a level plain. The nearest advance that the English could make to Flodden, was through this plain, but on their approach they would be exposed to the full view of the enemy on every part of it ; and the ground, besides, was of a hollow and marshy nature, with a deep river running between the two hostile armies. The flanks of the Scottish lines were sufficiently protected. Sensible of the superior advantages possessed by the Scots, and distressed for want of provisions, Surrey, who had encamped at Wooler-haugh, dis- patched a herald to King James, on the 7th, to provoke him, if possible, to descend to the plain, and on the following day, meet the English army on equal terms. 1 James refused to see the herald, but sent one of his own attendants to state, that he trusted to no advantages of ground, and would use no sinister means to gain the victory.2 The Eng- 1 Halle. 2 Halle. — The words are " Woulde vse no sorcery nor had no trust of anv prrounde." OF GALLOWAY. 4^3 lisli commander, now clespairinj^ of enticing the Scots from their strong position, perceived that he must either immediately bring them to action or retire. He had recourse, therefore, to a bold and an apparently desperate measure. He crossed the Till, and proceeded along some rugged ground, on the east side of the river, to Barm oor- Wood. At this place he passed the night, about two miles from the Scottish army. During this skilful movement, the Euglishl were screened from ob- servation by an eminence on the east of Ford castle. Early on the morning of the 9t!i, Surrey left Barmoor-Wood; and marching in a north-west direction, almost to the confluence of the Till and Tweed, he suddenly wheeled to the eastward, and recrossed the former river, — the vanguard and artillery by Twisel-bridge, which is still standing under a splendid Gothic pile, called Tvvisel castle, and the rearguard by a ford about a mile farther up the stream. Surrey now had an easy ascent to the hill of Modden, and he proceeded leisurely to form his whole line in the rear of the enemy, and between James and his native country. — The Scottish King- suffered him to make these manoeuvres without opposition, though there were 1 Marmaduke ConstaLle, ancestor of Marmai^uke Constable Maxwell Esq., the present proprietor of Terregles, commanded in the English army. Several of Mr Maxwell's forefathers were also commanders iu the Scottish host. 2 It appeared as if coming events had cast their shadows be- fore them ; for the King, with the Lords of the Host then pre. aent at Twlsclhaugh in Nortliumherhiinl, shortly before the battle of Flodden, enacted, "That it any man be slain or hurt to death by the enemy, or die in the Kings host during the time of its ■service, his heir shall have liis ward and relief and marriage of the King free." Acts of James IV. Cap 102 — page 194. 434 HISTORY frequent opportunities for an advantageous attack. AVhile the English were passing the bridge of Twisel, Borthvvick, the master of the artillery, fall- ing upon his knees, earnestly requested permission from the King to fire upon the columns — which he could have done with the most destructive effect; — but James replied, " I shall hang thee, quarter thee, and draw thee, if thou fire one shot ; I am determined I shall have them all before me on a plain fieldj and see what they can do."i 1 The following admirable lines descriptive of tliis event are from the pen of Scott. jEven so it was — from Flodden ridge The Scots beheld the English host Leave Barmoor-Wood, theii evening post, And heedful watched them as they cross'd The Till by Twisel Bridge. Hi'^U sight it is, and hanghty, while They dive into the deep dehle ; Beneath the caveriied clitf they fall. Beneath the castle's airy wall. By rock, by oak, by hawthorn tree, Troop after troop is disappearinj; : Troop after troop their banners rearing. Upon the eastern bank you see, Still pouring dov^-n the rocky dea Where flows the sullen Till. And rising from the dim. wood glen, Stan'^ards on standards, men on men, In slow succession still, And bending o'er the Gothic arch. And pressing on in ceaseless march, To gain the opposing hill. And why stands Scotland idly now, Daik Flodden ! on thy airy brow. Since England gains the pass the while. And struggles through the deep defile? What checks the fiery soul of James ? Why sits that champion of the dames Inactive on his steed ; And sees between liim and his land Between him and Tweed's southern strand. OF GALLOWAY. 435 The English now advanced in full array, against the rear of the enemy, their army being- formed in two divisions ; each division having two wings. James, on becoming aware of this demonstration, set fire to the soldiers' temporary huts, and descended the hill with the intention, it is said, of taking posses- sion of an eminence near tlie village of Brankston, which might have been useful to the English. The clouds of smoke that proceeded from the burning camp, mutually concealed the two armies, ^ so that, when the smoke had disappeared, the hostile troops found themselves within a quarter of a mile of each other. The right wing of the Scots, which was com- posed of the flower of their soldiery, began the battle, and their onset was irresistible. On the left, the state of matters was reversed, and the Scots were all either slain or scattered with terrible destruction. The central divisions of the two armies had now joined in close and deadly conflict. The King of Scotland fouo-ht on foot in the front rank. Though the English were far more nu- ■merous, James exhibited the most determined and His host Lord Surrey lead ? What 'vails tho vain knight errant's brand ? O Douglas for thy leading wand? Fierce Randolph, for tliy speed ! O for one hour of Wallace wight, Or well skilled Bruce to rule the fight, And cry — " St Andrew and our right !" Another sight had seeu that morn From Fate's dark book a leaf been torn And Flodden had been Bannockburn ! The precious hour has passed in vain. And England's liost has gained the plain j Wheeling their march and circling still. Around the base of Flodden Hill, I Hollioshed. 436 HISTORY romantic valour; whilst the young nobles around him vied with each other in desperate daring. — The Scots were completely surrounded by the enemy; but, forming themselves into compact order, they resolved to sell their lives as dear as possible, and accept no quarter. In the energy of despair, they made dreadful havock with their spears ex- tended on every side, and almost penetrated through the English host. James fell at this in- stant.' Being twice wounded by arrows, he was at last despatched by a bill, a species of we.r.jon that made a dreadful and ghastly wound. ^ Night ar- rived and the Scottish centre still kept their ground; but, during the hours of darkness, or rather to- wards day break, they drew off from the bloody scene in which they left their brave King and their choicest warriors. This disastrous battle was fought on the 9th of September, 1513. The victors lost nearly five thousand men, and the vanquished about twice that number; but on the side of tlie English, very i'ew men of distinction fell. The Scots left on the field of slaughter, besides their heroic King, two bishops, two mitred abbots, twelve earls, thirteen lords, and five eldest sons of peers. The num- ber of gentlemen slain in this dreadful battle, was almost beyond calculation ; for there was scarcely a family of note that did not lose a relation.-^ Many 1 Ilolliuslied, 2 Scott. 3 " No event," says an eloquent writer, " more immediately calamitous than the defeat at Flodden darkens the Scottish an- nals. Shrieks of despair resounded thtou<^h the kingdom Wives, mothers, daughters, rushed into the Streets and high, ways, tearing their hair, indulging in ail the distraction of sor- row ; while each invoked some favourite name, a husband, a eon. OF GALLOWAY. 437 men of consequence connected with, or from Gallo- way, perished at Flodden ; and among them were the Earls of Cassillis,! Bothvvell, and Morton; John, Lord JMaxwel!, with his four brothers; Rol)err5 Lord Hcrrics, with Andrew his brother ; Sir Alex- ander Stewart of Garlies ; Sir William Douglas of Drumlanrig, husband of Elizabeth Gordon of Lochinviir, whose son was provost of Lincluden ? Charles M'Dowall of Logan, then a potent chief, in Wigtownshire; Sir David Dunbar of Mochrum,2 Steward of Kirkcudbright; and Sir William Mac- lellan of Bombie. His father's assassin, Alexander Gordon, son and heir of Sir John Gordon of Loch- invar, met his death on the same bloody field. 3 a father, a Ijrotlier, a lover, now blended in one bloody mass of destruction. While the pleasing labours of harvest were aban- doned, while an awful silence reig'ned in thefoimer scenes of rural mirtli, the castle and the cower echoed to the lamentations of noble matrons and virgins; the churches and chapels were filled with melancholy processions to deprecate the divine vengeance, and to cliaunt witli funeral music masses for the slain. Nor, amid the pangs of private distress, was the monarch forgotten— u the valiant, the alfable, the great, the good, who in an evil hour had sacrificed to precipitation a reign of virtues, who in the vigour of his life had fallen in a foreign land, and whose laaih- gled body was the prey of his enemies." 1 David, Lord Kennedy, was created Earl of Cassillis in 1509: he was heritable Bailie of Penuinghame in the county of Wig. town. — Caledonia. 2 The first Dunbar of Mochrum, was second son of Patrick, ninth Earl of ^larcii. 3 Weber's Flodden Field Halle's Chronicle. — Lindsay. — Buchanan. — Scott. — Tytler.^Tales of the Scottish Wars. — Crawford's Peerage I\Iaitland, &c. The following lines of Home are peculiarly applicable to this' " event. A river here, there an ideal line By ffincy drawn, divides the sister kingdoms. On each side dwells a people similar As twins are to each other, valiant both. Both for their valour famous tlirough the world • > Gallant in strife, and noble in their ire, 438 HISTORY James Hepburn, who began life as Rector of Dairy, afterwards of Parton, and who ultimately became Bishop of the Isles, as well as Lord High The battle is their pastime. They go forth Gay in the morninir, as to summer sport : When evening- comes, the glory of the morn, The voiithful warrior, is a clod of claj'. Thus fall the prime of either hapless land; And such the fruits of Scots and English wars." CHARTERS GRANTED BY JAMES IV. In 1504. James erected Meitou in the parish of Mochrum, into a burgh of barony. This grant was made in favour of M'CuUoch of IMerton. The burgh has been long extinct, and Maxwell of Monreith's seat is now on the ancient site of the village. The Abbot of Glenluce received a charter on the 23rd of January 1496 7, constituting the village cf Ballinclach, in the barony of Glenluce, a. burgh of barony, but the burgh has not prospered. (Regist. Mag. Sig.) In 1.510, Loid Herries re. ceived a new charter for his l-inds. By this chnrter the village of Terregles was made a burgh of barony by the name of Her. ries. (Mag. Sig.) The village now retains its ancient name. William IMaclellan of Borabie had a charter of Lochfergus and other lands, 14th I\Iay 1471. Donald JNlaclellan of Gyliston had a charter of the lands of Kirkcormac, 27th Kovember 1475. Several chaitcrs to the Maclellan's of Gyliston or Gilston occur in the recoids. Thomas IMaclellan of Borabie. had charters of a tenement in Kirkcudbright, 22nd jNIarch 1 490 ; of the liberty of the water called the Kirkburn, with the power of building mills, 20th February 1401 ; of part of Lochfergus, of Bardrochwood, Corsby, Chapletoun, and Borfalgyk, 5th February, 1492-3; of Garcrogo, 18th August 1495 ; and he died about 1504. He married Agnes, daughter of Sir William Dunbar of jNIochtum, by whom he had three sons, viz : — 1st. Sir William, 2nd Gilbert, ancestor of the present Lord Kirkcudbright, 3rd. John IMaclellan of Auch. lane, whose male line becoming extinct, his estates returned to his family. Sir William Marlellau of Bombie, the eldest son, had a charter of the lands of Polmady, 12th December 1505. he fell at the battle of Flodden, 9th September 1513, leaving by Elizabeth Mure, his wile, a son and successor." Wood's Peerage. The Gordons and Maxwells received several charters in this OF GALLOWAY. 439 Treasurer of Scotlarul, also fell in tLe^battlc of Flodden.l " ^ JAMKS V, Upon the death of James IV., Marg^aret, Queen Dowao^er, became Ketrent of kScotland and guar- dian of the youn:*- KiuLT, a cliihl of scarcely two years of age. She was enjoined by Parliament to use the counsel of Beaton, 2 archbishop of St. Andrews, in conjunction with the advice of the Karls of Angus and Huiitly. Some of the no- bility disapproved of committing the chief place in the government to a female, particularly the sister of Henry, King of England, and privately- sent a message to the Duke of Albanj', next heir to the crown, to repair to Scotland and assume the oflBce of regent. In the beginning of this reign, Robert, Lord Maxwell, procured from the Queen, the Stewardship of Kirkcudbright for the period of nineteen years, and the keeping of Thrieve castle, with all the lands, feu-duties, and fishings.^ 1 Crawfurd's Lives of Officers of State, p.p. 3G8.9. Tbe following cxtrart fiom Pitcairu's Ciimitial Trials, evinces the state of society in Galloway during the reign of James IV. la 1508, IS'inian IM'CiiIloch came in the King's will for tlie oppression of Elizabeth Lennox, reeving 1500 sheep, lier lialf of the effects of James M'Cnllfich of Caidoness. Spiilzie of her tierce of the baronv of CarJoness and Kirkmabieek. Stouthrief of the rents, corn, and honsehold goods." 2 James Beaton, Archb'.shop of St. Andrews, was youngest Fon of John Bethunc or Beaton of Balfour in Fife. Some time antecedent to 1504, he was prior of Whitiiorn, and was after- wards elected Bisiiop of Galloway, but before his consecration he obtained the archbishopric of Glasgow. 3 The monks of Newabbey, with their tenants, now craved and obtained the protection of Lord JMaxwell : and in February 1544-, the abbot and monks feued the barony of Lochpatrick, to the second son of Lord Max'weli, for 117 marks 8s. 8d. scots, in consideration of services done by this powerful family to the abbey. (MS. Adv. Lib. Caledonia.) 440 HIETCEY His Lordsliip, in 1526, obtained another charter of those offices which continued hereditary in his family. P'or the support of Thrieve castle, the keepers had the lands of Thrieve-Grange, with the fishings in the Dee. They, likewise, annually re- ceived a fat cow from each parish within the Stewartry of Ivirl:cudbri^ht.l There were at this period coroners in every shire of Scotland, who seem not to hav^e been very efficient public officers. In the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright there were two, one for the western division, between the Cree and the Dee, and another for the eastern division, between the Dee and the Nith. The coronerships of those portions of Galloway became hereditary in the families of M'Dowall of Machermore, and M' Dowall of of Spot.2 Wigtownshire had one coro- ner; and the Dunbars of Mochrum obtained the office.3 Gavin Dunbar, prior of Whithorn, son of John Dunbar of Mochrum, and Janet, daughter of Sir Alexander Stewart of Garlics,* was se- lected as a suitable person to conduct the educa- [ 1 Caledonia.— Great Seal Reg Privy Seal Reg. M. ' 2 Privy Seal Reg.—CakHlonia. 3 Dougl. Baronetage — Caledonia. 4 Sir Alexander Stewart of Garlies, who succeeded this lady's father after the hattle of Flodden, according to Crawford, ''was much favoured by King James V., of whose Privy Council he was. He married first Catherine, daughter of Sir James Crichton of Cranston. riddel, 2ndly Margaret, daughter of Patrick Dunbar of Clugston, by whom he had two sons, Alexander, and John Stewart, Parson of Kirkmahoe, progenitor of John Stewart of Phisgill, ia Vicecomitatu de Wigtoun. His third wife was Catherine daughter to William Stewart of Barely, by whom he had William, first of the House of Clarie, and Robert, who, ia the year 15G1, piocured the lands of Cardouald in Renfrew shire by the marriage of Mary, daughter aud co-heiress of James OF GALLOWAY. 4^1 tion of the young King.i This duty he per- formed so judiciously, that he instructed his royal pupil with ease and pleasure in all the branches of knowledge, necessary for a prince to acquire in his tender years. In the meantime, the Queen married the Earl of Angus, grandson of old Bell- the-cat, a young man possessed of many attrac- tive qualities ; but rash, inexperienced, and am- bitious; and this connection, by the terms of her late husband's will, put an end to her regency. The desire for the Duke of Albany's presence in Scotland now became almost universal, and the sentence of forfeiture against his family was re- called by Parliament.'^ After some delay, he re- paired to Scotland and landed at Ayr.3 Being received with much joy, he was installed in the office of regent.4 Albany found much difficulty in conducting the government of Scotland. He was supported by the middle classes, and, indeed, by the great body of the nation ; but his exertions were paralysed by the clergy, and an arrogant aristocracy. Every species of outrage at tins time prevailed ; and a total dissolution of society seemed to be at hand. Parties of English marauders took advantage of the internal disordcis of Scotland, and, breaking across Stewart of Cardonald, and Helon, married to William Gordon of Murefade, in Vicecomitatu de Wigton." 1 The modi^ in which Dunbar discharged this important trust gave much satisfaction to the rulers of the kingdom. Tiie tie between the preceptor and pupil was never dissolved, and James took every opportunity of evincing bis gratitude to his early benefactor. 2 His father »vas that Duke of Albany, who, with Douglas--, invaded Galloway. 8 Balfour. 4 Rymer, — Tytler. 442 HISTORY the marches, ravaged the country with boldness and impunity. In this state of difficulties, the Regent looked to France for support as a counterpoise to the deceitful conduct and insidious attacks of England. But he soon discovered that his expectations were vain, for the policy of that country had undergone a change. He, therefore, with much earnestness, requested permission from Parliament, to visit the French King, having some expectations of advan- tage from a personal interview with that monarch. Leave of absoice was granted him for four months ; but the country was so convulsed by opposing fac- tions during that period, that he preferred the tranquillity of France to the insecurity of Scotland, and wrote to the Queen Dov/ager to resume her former station in the government. After five years' residence abroad, this nobleman, at the solicitation of the Queen's party, again sailed from France, and, according to Balfour, land- ed in Galloway.' This event, for a time, re-united the discordant factions, and gave some prospects of a strong and permanent government. In 1522, the Duke of Albany assembled a Par- liament at Edinburgh, and a war with England was instantly resolved upon ; but the Queen, with that fickleness of conduct which was remarkable in her character, betrayed the interest of the Re- gent and the policy of government to the Eng- lish warden, and became an advocate for peace. — Hostilities commenced, and the Scottish force ad- vanced as far as Carlisle ; but a truce quickly^ followed. The Duke having dismissed his army, returned to 1 Mr Tyller asserts, that he landed in Lennox. OF GALLOWAY. 4,43 Edinburgh and resumed the kbours of liis liigh office. The Queen, liovvever, continued to thwart his exertions in the discharge of his duty, by re- vealing his secrets, and sowing dissension among the nobility. Albany again became desirous of repairing to France, that he might hold a confer- ence Vith Francis I.; and, upon his arrival, he was received with kindness and respect. During the absence of the Regent, notwithstand ing the hollow professions of Henry, war began to rage upon the borders. Albany, upon receiving this intelligence, was much incensed, and deter- mined to make a last effort to save his country. He embarked, at Brest, in a " fleet of eighty seven small vessels and a force of four thousand foot, to which were added five hundred men at arms, a thousand hagbutteers, six hundred horse, of which one hundred were barbed, and a fine camp of ar- tillery." Having escaped the English fleet v/hich lay in wait for him, he landed at Kirkcudbright on the 7th of October, 1523.1 On his arrival, the patriotic Regent found the state of affairs in Scotland by no means encourag- ing. The Queen was treacherous and hostile ; the nobles were unreasonable, refractory, rebellious, and vindictive ; and the Regent, having in vain endeavoured to appease internal feuds, and render the kingdom either respected, or independent of England, took leave of a distracted country, in 1524, and retired to France, from which kingdom he never returned to the dominions of his ancestors.- Owing to the translation of Archbishop JameS' 1 Balfour, &c. 2 Tytler Balfour. 444 HISTORY Beaton to the primacy of Scotland at this time, Gavin Dunbar, prior of Whithorn, and preceptor to the King, was appointed to the Archbishopric of Glasgow.' On the 3rd of August of the following year, in conjunction with the EarL of Angus and some others, this ecclesiastical dignitary proceeded to meet the commissioners of England, for the pur- pose of effectii)g a peace, and suppressing the dis- orders on the borders. In 1526, he was nominated one of the " Kingis counsale," and along with the Bishops of Galloway and Aberdeen, was selected by the King himself, to be of his secret council for spiritual affairs. Pie was also one of the Lords of the articles for the clergy.2 During the turbulent period which siicceeded the departure of Albany, a feud of a serious nature occurred between Maclellan of Bombie, and Gordon of Lochinvar. These barons having gone to Edinburgh, in November 1526, to attend Par- liament, an encounter took place at the door of St. Giles's church, when the Laird of Bombie was slain by the Lairds of Lochinvar and Drumlanrig, with their followers. The Earl of Angus, who now ruled the kingdom, afforded the culprits his protec- tion, and they were never brought to trial for the aggravated outrage. A remission was granted, on the 20th of July, 1526, to James Gordon of Lochinvar,3 James Douglas of Drumlanrig, with 1 CrawfuriVs Lives of th? OSirevs of State. 2 Acta Pari. The Lor()s of the ariiclns formed a committee of Parliament to prepare Kusinoss for tlie general body. No measure could be submitted to tlie national council, without their concurrence. They seym to have baen nomieated by the Sovereign. 3 "Sir James Gordon of Lochinvar, had Charters of Hard. OF GALLOWAY. 445 thirty seven accompHces, for the slaughter^ of Thomas IVrClelhrn of Bombie. This remission, which is still in the possession of herd Kenmure, bore the royal signature. Another ren.is-.ion under the great seal, confirmatory of the former, wag granted in 1529.1 land?, Monelioyo, &c , lUh July 1539, nnrl of Arcc, 14th July 1541, aH'in the Stev/artry of Kirkcudbright; had the ap- pointment of the King's Chiimlcilaia loi the Lordship of Gslloway, for five years, by writ, dated Kith Jlaii-h 1528, and Ly anotlier writ, dated 1st April 1537, he was constituted Go. vernor of the Town and Castle of DiimbartoM, and Chamberlain of that Lordship, then in the Ciown by firfeitiire;— Sir James Gordon, with Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig, and thirty- seven others, had a remission for the slaughter of Tliomas Mac- lellan of Bombie, committed on the street of Edinburgh, dated 1529. He was one of those beh-cted to accompany King James V. on his matrimonial expedition to France, 15oG; and on that occasion, he obtained a writ of privy.ssal from the King, taking Lis friends and followeis under the immediate care of the Go. vernment, and exempting them from answering to Courts for any misdemeanour whatever till his return to Scotland. He married Margaret, daughter and sole heiiess of Robert Crichton of Kilpatvick. She had a Charter to her in liferent, remainder to William Gordon, her son, of the lands of Culreock in the county of Wigton, 19th October 1542, They had issue." " 1st. May 1544. Letters of Slaius, were granted by Thomas M'Lellan oi Bombie, son and heir to the said Thomas M'Lellan deceased to the said James Gordon of Lochinvar, and his assist- ers of the said slaughter." (Extract fiom the list of charters, &c. in possession of the family of Kenmure.) 1 The following extract may be taken as au indication of the state of society in" this district, during the reign of James V. " In 1513, Gilchrist M'Kenzie in Killas, compcuuded for the stouthrief of six cows and oxen furlh of Kirkmabreek, from the t«nari'.8 of the Laird of Ardwall. Felony done to Andrew M' Culloch of Ardwall ia searching for his slaughter. In 1538, Alexander M'Culloch of Cardincss, came in the King's will (at same time) for oppression to Archibald Cairns, and Henry his son, coming upon thera with arms within the Sanctuary of the parish church of Anwoth, to the effusion of his blood. Item, for robbing Gilbert Ryal, furth of his sat of the lands of Drummocklock, 120 bolls of oati, during the last three years. 446 HISTORY James, in the seventeenth year of his age, was delivered from the thraldom of the Dou- glasses, and invested with supreme authority. — This once powerful, but now degraded faction were prohibited from appearing at court, or approaching tlie capital ; — and the proclamation issued by the King, declared it a treasonable offence to hold communication with the Earl of Angus, or any of his adherents. Gavin Dunbar, archbishop of Glas- gow, acquired at this time, the importai^t appoint- ment of Lord High Chancellor;! and Lord Max- well, Steward of Kirkcudbright, received the com- mand of the metropolis, with the office of Provost.2 Instead of endeavouring by loyalty and submis- sion to conciliate the youthful Sovereign, Angus immediately fortified his castles and collected his The said Alexander came in will for stoutlirief of GO sheep, 5 cows and a mare, furlh of Ardwall, a black horse, a mare, furth of Kirkmabreck, Item, from Sir Adam Stark's chaplain, seven head of cattle fuith Cam tray. Item, for felony and oppression and Hamesncken, done to John M'CuUoch in his lands of Auchenlerie, and for stouthrief of eight oxen and one cow from his lands. Item, Gilbert Kerr of a horse. Item, for oppression of John M'CuUoch, breaking his plough,- wounding his servants, &c., &c. Sureties ;• — James Kennedy of Blairquhau, and the Tutor of Bombie." Error of Assize. "Alexander Stewart of Garlies, and Mr Murray of Broughton, twice for acquitting the said Alexander ?.rCulIocIi of CardinesSj, for the mutilation of Henry Cairns, of forethought felony. — Lord Maxwell fined £40 for their non-appearance." Pitcairn's Criminal Trials. 1 The word " chancellor" is supposed to be derived from the Latin canccUare, to cancel, because this great officer of state U'id the power of cancelling any writs presented to the great Sial, containing objectionable clauses. 2 Holliushcd. OF GALLOWAY. 447 vassals. An act of attainder was subsequently pass- ed against the Douglasses, who proceeded, in con- tempt of the royal authority, to destroy the villages of Cranston and Cowsland.l Angus's lands were now divided among James's loyal friends ; Maxwell and Bothv.ell participated in the division. The rehellious Earl was, at last, compelled to fly into England, from which asylum he did not return till after the demise of James V. Each baron in Scotland had long enjoyed an heri- table jurisdiction ajid the privilege of holding his own courts. Notwithstanding an appeal lay to the King and council, mucli oppression, injustice, and partiality, accompanied the decisions of these power- ful localjudges. To prevent, in some measure, the perversion of law and the complaints of litigants, James, by the advice of his Chancellor, Dunbar, and with the concurrence of Parliament, instituted the College of Justice. This court was fixed to consist of fourteen members, styled Senators of the College of Justice, one half to be chosen from the spiritual, and the olher from the temporal estate, with a pre- sident who was always to be a clergyman. By the statute which established the College of Justice, the chancellor was appointed to have " volt and be [)rincipale of the said counsale," and the King might add an indefinite number of judges, who had the same power of sitting and voting that belono-- ed to the other members. The first session com- menced in the presence of the King and the Lord Chancellor, on the 27th of May 1532.2 William, 1 Acts of the Parliament of Scotland. — Tytler, 2 Historical account of the College of Justice. lelrose." College of Justice. Keith says, he was bishop of Galloway from 1516 to 1540 and styles him "bishop of Galloway and his majesty's chaplaiu at Stirling." p. 278. 1 Letham was out; of the nine advocates appointed at its institu- tion topiactise before the court. Kirkchrist was in the diocese of Galloway and Steuartry of Kirkcudbright. It now forms a portion of the parish of Twyuholm. The church of Kirkchrist Beems to have been small. 450 HISTORY love. A family of the nnme of Gordon, predeces- sors of the Gordons of Earlston, not only becaaie converts, but afforded the advocates of religious re- form every protection, and even received them into their house. A copy of the New Testament was obtained by this pious family, and secret meetings were held in the woods for reading it. The sentiments of the reformers, having thus been adopted by one of the richest and most influ- ential landholders of the district, soon spread through the greater part of it; and even before the martyrdom of Patrick Hamilton, who was brought to the stake at St. Andrews in 1528, the inhabitants of the district had at least se- cretly abjured the Catholic Faith. 1 Thus Gal- loway may be considered the cradle of the infant Reformation in Scotland. James, in 1536, formed the romantic project of visiting France, disguised as a private gentleman, in searcli of a consort ; and, v\'itli a small retinue, comprising Lord Maxwell, embarked in a vessel, which immediately put to sea. 'J'lie vessel en- countered a storm and sailed back to Scotland. The King landed at Whithorn, and afterwards I Murray. — Vroclrow. ' It may here witli propriety Le stat- ed, that the family of Gordi'ii of Eailstoii, then of Airds, a branch of the house of Lochiiivar, had become coin(>rts to the principles of Wickl.ifc, and that they jeceived into their house some of his disciples who had itinerated to Scotland to propa- gate the truth, and afford them protection. They had in their possession a copy of the New Testament in the vulirar tongue, which was read at secret meetings, held in the wood of Airds; for the law at that time regarded the possession of a copy of the sacred volume as a high crime and misdemeanour, — and a much higher crime it would liave been reckoned, to communicate a knowledge of it to others." Dr. T. Murray's note to ths HEAVENLY SPEECHES OF LoRD KENMURE. OF GALLOWAY 451 proceeded to Stirling : tluis Galloway had another, and an une.xpocted visit of royjiltyJ James, however, was not to be diverted from his undertaking-, but made instant preparations to ex- ecute his design with due delibenition and dignity. Having nominated a regencv which included Bea- ton, Archbishop of St. Andrews, Dunbar, Arch- bishop of Glasgow, and Lord Maxwell, Steward of Kirkcudbright, he sailed from Leith, with a mag- nificent suite of nobility and clergy. On New- years'-day, he married Magdalene, only daughter of the King of France, a beautiful, though delicate girl of sixteen: seven cardinals attended the mar- riage. After spending nearly nine months in France, the Scottish Sovereign and his interesting bride arrived at Leith on the 19th of May 1537. The King had not long resumed the administra- tion of the government, until his youthful Queen sunk under the infiuence of consumption, a disease which had given strong proofs of its insidious ]")rogress, even before the royal marriage. Both James and the nation were plunged in grief ;2 but he soon evinced the firmness of his matrimonial purpose, by despatching Lord Maxwell, in com- pany with David Beaton, afterwards the celebrated cardinal, and the Master of Glencairn, on an em- bassy to France, where a negotiation ot marriage between the King of Scotland and Mary of the House of Guise was immediatelv concluded. Lord Maxwell espoused the lady in his royal 1 Scotica Miscellcnca, vol, 3. — Hollinshed. 2 l\Iourniiig dresses were now first usod; but it was sometime before they became gcaeraL 452 HISTORY master's name, and conducted her in safety to Scotland. His conduct j^ave great satisfaction to the Kina:, who, in lev/ard of his important services, confirmed to him the possession of his vast estates.l James's connexion with France made him dis- inclined to any chan2;e in the national Church. — Both Francis Land the Duke of Guise, were proud ambitious men, and bigoted supporters of the Ro- mish Faith. Their opinions and their wishes had considerable influence over James's mind. Be- sides, Dunbar, Archbishop of Glasgow, Beaton Archbishop of St. Andrews, and his nephew, after- wards cardinal Beaton, stood at this time high in the King's favour; and they, likewise, alongst with other clergymen, used every exertion to prevent him from following the footsteps of his uncle, Henry VHI. in religious matters. The Popish ministers and counsellors of the Sovereign had recourse to un- just and violent measures in order to counteract the tendency of the people to a religious change. — Many were seized, tried, and committed to the flames, now kindled by intolerance and bigotry. — 1 " The King, in reward of liis faitliful services, confirm, ed to him the lands of Ensdale, Eskdale, and Wachopdale, by a charter under the Great Seal, (Chart, in publ. arcliiv.) ha was possessed of an immense estate, and had no less than four, teen charters from the King, of different lands and baronies, inter 1530, et 1540, (ihid) in one charter there are confirmed to him the lands of ?(laxwell in Roxburgh-shire, Cacrlaverock in Dnm. fries-shire, Springkell in Annandale, with the office of Stewart thereof, and of Kirkcudbright, the lands of Garnsalloch, Dui-s. guheu, and Balmacruth, in Perthshire, Gordonstou and Grenaa in Kirkcudbriixht, with the lands and baronies of jMearns and Nether Pollock in Renfrewshire ,&c., &c., (ibidet Chart, ia archiv. torn de Nithsdale,) this charter proceeds upon a narra. tiTe of his faithful services in the King's mino-ity, as warden of the marches, kc, Sec, is dated I9ih July \5o~." MS. Account of the Family of Maxwell. OF GALLOWAY. 45S Others were compelled to seek security in exile ; for the inquisitions of the clergy, ur^ed en by their jealousies and their fears, were dreadfully rigorous. The Kin^ of England, having robbed the Church of much of its wealth, dreaded the machinations and hostile designs of the Papists both at home and abroad. He, therefore, wished to diminish the danger and lessen the odium of his heretical con- duct, as it was called, by persuading his nephew of Scotland to follow the example which he had set, and thus enrich himself at the expense of the Church. For this purpose, Henry sent Lord William Howard and the Bishop of St. David's, in- to Scotland, who invited .Tames to meet their Sove- reign at York, in order to hold a conference on the state of the two nations. They promised in their master's name, that if James complied with their request, every thing which an opulent and pro- digal monarch could do, should be accomplished to render the visit both pleasant and profitable, — James, flattered by this attention from so great a monarch, — the brother of his mother,— and perhaps not altogether indifterent to an accession of wealth, no matter from what source it proceeded, consented at first to the proposed interview, and dismissed the ambassadors with much seeming sincerity and friendship. When the news of the King's intend- ed visit to England transpired, the favourers of the Reformation exulted in the prospect of li- berty of conscience, and the termination of reli- gious persecution : while the ecclesiastics began to tremble for the authority of their order and the fate of their extensive possessions. To avert the impending danger, the clergy promised James an 454 HISTORY annuity of fifty thousand crowns,! and held out some prosjDects from the property of condemned heretics, if he would remain firm to his religious tenets, and abandon the intended visit to York. — James, being poor and avaricious, could not with- stand the representations, promises, and solicita- tions of his friends and advisers. He, therefore, accepted the offers of the clergy, and refused to visit Henry, though that haughty monarch had al- ready repaired to the appointed place of meeting, and had remained at York six days. Henry's soul was fired with ungovernable fury at this insulting neglect; and, having prepared for instant war, he commenced hostilities by ravaging the con- fines of the Scottish territories. James assembl- ed the array of his kingdom, and proceeded as far as Fala, on his march to the border, where he re- ceived information that the hostile general had retired within the English frontier. Upon gain- ing this intelligence, the nobles who had joined the royal standard, being generally favourable to the Reformation and hostile to the priests, inti- mated to the King their intention of advancing no farther. They stated to their Sovereign, that they had taken up arms to repel invasion ; but, as the war was an impolitic one, they would not become the aggressors. James, finding himself thus desert- ed, repaired to Edinburgh : the army followed his example, and having dispersed, returned home. The King was inexpressibly indignant at the disobedience of his barons ; but, by the advice of Lord Maxwell, he made afresh attempt at invasion, and mustered from the south-west counties an-r I Maitland. OF GALLOWAY. 455 Other army, whicli advanced into Annandale, and onwards to the pUice where the Esk becomes tlic line of demarcation between Scotland and England. — The Kh)g himself remained at Caerlaverock, and awaited with intense anxiety the result of the invasion. Scarcely had the Scottish forces, amount- ing to 10,000 men, entered the English territories, until a royal commission was read, appointing Oliver Sinclair, a private gentleman, but one of the King's principal favourites, generalissimo of the little army. This injudicious appointment, which was much deprecated, seems to have been intended as a reprimand to the nobility, who de- clared, that to serve under such a leader would be truly degrading; whilst their retainers participated in their feelings. Lord Maxwell and some other loyal peers, by arguments, entreiities, and even threats, endeavoured to remove their antipathy ; but the whole army soon became agitated by jarring discussion, and resembled more a disorderly mob than a military body. At this crisis, a reconnoitring party of three hundred horse approached the Scot- tish camp, and perceiving the confusion of their ene- mies, seized the opportunity, charged in a compact body, and, in the panic of the moment, put the Scots to flight. A thousand prisoners fell into the hands of the English at Solway-Moss. The Earl of Cas- sillis and Lord Maxwell v/ere among the captives The latter, by the aid of his numerous followers,! might have escaped ; but, knowing his master's vin- dictive disposition, he declared it was better to be a prisoner in England, than be hanged at the cross of Edinburgh. 1 The following is the copy of r. bond of Man rent, given hy 456 HISTORY James received the news of this defeat, at Caer- laverock castle,! and instantly departed, passing first to Edinbnrgh and then to Falkland. His strong contending passions threw him into a fever; for, in addition to his present misfortunes, he had lately lost two sons. The news that the Queen had been safely delivered of a daughter at Linlithgow, instead of alleviating, seemed to embitter his an- guish ; and, after a very fevv- days suffering, he ex- pired. Had he not been the dupe of a dominant and selfish party; had his own intelligence kept pace with the intelligence of his people ; and had he looked upon their interests and his own as insepar- ably united, he might have enjoyed a long and prosperous reign. - Kirkpatrick of Closeburn, to Lorel Maxwell about tliis time. " Be itkenrl till all men, be ihir present lettres me Thomas Kirkpatrick of Closburn to be bundiu and oblisit, and be the Tenor, heir of bindis and oblissis me, be the faith and treuth of my body, in manrent and service to ane nobil and mychty Lord Robert Lord Maxwell, induring all the days of my lyfe, and byndis and oblissis me, as said is, to be leill and trew man and servand to the said Robeit Lord Maxwell^ my maister and sail nowthir heir ncr se his skaith but sal let the samyn at my uter power and warn him Iheirof and I sal conceill it that the said lord schawis to me, and sal gif liim agaue the best leill and trew counsale that I can quhen he ony askis at me, and that I sal i yde with my kin, freyndis, servandis and allies that will do for me, or to gang with the said lord : and do to him aefauld trew and thankful service, and take aefauld playne part with the said lord, my maister iu all and sindry his actionis causis quarrelis leful and honest movit or to be movit be him, or ajanis him baith in peace and weir coatrair or agauis all thue that leitfes my (alle- geant to our Souveran Ladye the Quenis Grace her Tutor and Governor allanerly pxcep) and thir my lettres of manrent for all the dayis of my life foresaid to indure, all dissimulations, fraud, or gyle secludit and away put. In witness, &c., &c. This deed is signed at Edinburgh, 3d February, 1542." 1 Tytler. 2 During this reign, Archibald Dunbar, through the influence •f his brother, the Archbishop of Glasgow, obtained the lands of OF GALLOWAY. 45-7 James died in the tliirty first year of Ins age and tlie twenty ninth of his reign; leaving- a nuni!-er of natural children, but only one legitimate dauo-h- ter to inherit his crown. He was an accomplished prince, and excelled in all the athletic and military exercises peculiar to the rude age in which he lived. Baldoon ami other j)ossessions ia WigtowiisLiro. He was pro voBt of Glasgow ill 1658. '• Thomas MacleUan of Bombic, liad a charier of the laiius of Bhickir.ark and others, Uth November 1521 He was killed ou the Hi^^h street of Edinburgh, 11th July 1526, by the barons of Drumlanrig and Lochiuvar, his potent neighbours, with whom he had a feud." Wood's Peluage. Jan. 13 1538.9 — "Remission to James Gordounc of Loch- invar, William G. of Crauchlew, Andrew Agnew Sheriff of Wigtouae, George M'Culloch of Torhonse, David Gordoune, John G. called John of Quhithorne, William C^rnis, young Laird of Orchardtoune, and twelve others, for art and part of the slaughter of Thomas MacClcUan of Boniby, committed el. even years last by-past, in the burgh of Edinburgh." PiTCAlRN. Pitcairn's Criminal Trials abound in particulars, and are both interesting in themselves, and highly illustrative of the in. ternal state of Galloway, They commence in the year 1488, and end in 1624. We intended to give such of them as are most applicable to Galloway, in notes, as we proceeded, and inoie particularly at the teimination of every reign ; but we found hey would swell our notes to an inconvenient extent, and there- ore we have placed all in the appendix that are not necessary to elucidate some public historical event. For t!ie particulai- trials, &.C. -wevious to this period See Appendix. (N) 458 HISTORY CHAP. IX. PROM THE ACCESSION OF MARY STEWART, UNTIL HER FLIGHT INTO ENGLAND. Mary Stewart was born on the 7tb of Decem- ber, 1542, and, inafewdays afterwards, became, by her father's death, the Queen of adistracted country.^ Two parties now began a struggle for obtaining the supreme power, namely, the Queen Dowager, sup- ported by Cardinal Beaton and the clergy, and the Earl of Arran, backed by the numerous promoters of the Reformation. The nobility were, conse- quently, summoned to meet in Edinburgh for settl- ing the government of the country; and Beaton's faction beingoutnumbered, Arran was invested with all the powers and honours of the regency. The English party having now prevailed, all the exiles and captives returned home from Eng- land, pledged to support the interests and views of Henry; and they left hostages for their fidelity to 1 Soon after the death of the King, Oliver Sinclair shared th« common fate of royal favourites, being' called to account for the defeat at SoKvay Moss. The following entry appears in Pit- oairn's Criminal Trials. " Apr. 21, 1543, {upud Paladum S. Crucis.) — Gilbert, Earl of Cassillii?, became surety to enter Oliuere Sync lake of Pet- rARNE before the Governor, Lords of Council, or Justiciar, svlieiiever he sliall be required, on premonition of xv days, to inderly the law lor certain crimes to be imputed to iuw." Pi''. t:AlBN S CRIMI.VAL TRIALS. OF GALLOWAY. 459 England.! An ambassador was sent into Scotland to effectatreaty of marriage between the infant Queen of Scotland, and Edward, son of Henry VIII., and heir apparent to the crown. It was also proposed that the person of Mary should be committed to Henry's care, that she might be educated at his court. The Scottish Parliament, with the Recent at its head, which met in 1543, agreed to give their Queen in marriage to Prince Edward, and to conduct her, when she had attained the age of ten years, to the court of England. Even this modified agreement excited the fears and jealousy of many, lest Henry, under the pretence of a union by marriage, should effect the utter subjugation of the kingdom. In this Parliament the first legislative step to- wards the final overthrow of the Roman Catholic Religion was taken. A motion was made by Lord Maxwell, the purport of which was, that the Bible should be allowed to be read in the vernacular tongae.2 This overture just in itself and honourable to him who made it, was op- posed by Archbishop Dunbar, — a native of Gallo- way, as we have seen, — and many others; but after much discussion it was carried. From this decision, which tended to undermine the whole fabric of 1 The Scottish prisoners were not kept in close confiiiement; they were consigned to the custody of sever;il Englishmen of dis- tinction, in whose houses they lodged. Lord Maxwell was coru- niittod to the euro of Sir Anthony Brown, and the Eaii of Cas- siUis to the charge of the Archbishop of Canterbury. (Lodge's •lUustratious.) 2 " That it should be lawful for every one who could read, to ■nse the English translation of the Bible, until the Prelates should publish one more correct." Stevenson's History or THE CHUECH and StAT£ OF SCOTLAND, vol. i. p. 49. 460 HISTORY Popish superstition "all the Prelates of the realm" thought proper to dissent. 1 The Kin^ of France became alarmed at the in- fluence which Henry had attained in the Scottish counsels, and st ni the young Earl of Lennox as a secret rival to the Regent, or at least as a nobleman who might have some influence over his determinations. The Earl of Arran, timid and flckle, now began to conclude that he had acted an impolitic part. Chiefly by the representations of his brother, the Abbot of Paisley, a change of opinion was effected respecting the reformed re- ligion, and the feeble minded Regent evinced a disposition to abandon the cause he had espoused vvlth so much eagerness and warmth. During the period that the Regent professed the principles of the reformers, he maintained two Protestant preach- ers in his family, Williams and Rough, or Row, whose hostility to the Church of Rome he daily en- couraged. Rough afterwards became connected with Galloway. It was this individual who called the celebrated John Knox to the holy ministry.2 Arran 1 Jlaitlnnd.— History ofihc rollcge of Justice?. '2 Rough, having concluded a sermon in the castle of St. Aiidrpw?, tuffleu sncklenly to Knos who vias present — " Brother," said he, " I charge you in the name of God, iu the name of his Son, and in the name of this congregation, who now fall upon you by my monih, that you take upon you the office ofpreachiug, and refuse not this vocation, as you would avoid God's heavy displeasure.' The address was solemn, and totally tinexpected by Knox, who, confused and agitated, in vain at- tempted to reply, but bursting into tears, retired i'rom the as- sembly. After a few days of great conflict and distress of mind he accepted tlie invitation ; and without any further ceremony or ordination than tiiat already received previous to his adop- tion of the relorraed opinions, he assumed the public ofSce of a preacher. Tlie reformer was then in tiia forty fiist year of his aee." (M'Crie's Life of Knox ) Tytlek OF GALLO^YAY. 461 thus swayed by minds superior to his own, at last embraced the friendship of Beaton, renounced the alliance of Henrj^, and devoted himself to the service of Rome and France. The treaty which the Re- gent had ratified and subscribed a fortnight before was now cancelled and a final stop put to the proposed marriage. David Painter, or Panther,! Prior of St. Mary's Isle, and principal Secretary of state, was sent as ambassador to the French court, where he remained for the perioil of seven years.2 The Earl of Cassillis, in consequence of this sudden change, considered h"mself bound in honour to return to England, where he had left two brothers as hostages for his faithful behaviour. — Henry praised the conduct of the young nobleman, and, having loaded him with gifts, set him at perfect liberty.3 The English King, incensed at the Regent's duplicity and deceit, determined on immediate war. Inroads of the most wasteful description were made on the Scottish borders by the English troops. Li one invasion, which lasted only for fifteen days, they burned or razed to the ground, one hundred and ninety two towers, or fortified houses, seven mo- nasteries, five market towns, two hundred and' forty villages, thirteen mills, and three hospitalsr Four hundred Scots were also slain, and eight hundred made prisoners ; Vv'liilst 10,000 cattle,; 12,000 sheep, and 1,000 horses were driven away, from their proprietors.^ 1 David P.inther was a learned man and an elegant writer: his official letters are much admired. His sisjuature which we have seen ia an old deed, is " David Painter," 2 Murray. 3 Buchanan. 4 Tytler Scott, &c. 4G2 HISTORY The reiterated and destructive incursions of the English, in which the estates of even their Scottish adherents had not been spared, created a general irritation. The people flew to arms to avenge the devastation of their country, and the English were defeated at Anerum-moor witli considerable loss, an occurrence which highly incensed their haughty Sovereign.! The Earl of Lennox, who still adhered to the English interest, felt himself compelled to seeksafety in the court of Henry, where he married Lady Margaret Douglas, daughter of the Queen of James IV., by her second husband, Douglas, Earl of Angus. On the 16th of September, Lord Maxwell, Gordon of Lochinvar, and Johnston, with about four hundred followers, as a just re- taliation for the injury they had sustained, attempted to invade England ; but they were suddenly attack- ed in a disadvantageous situation and completely routed. Nearly one hundred prisoners fell into the hands of the English. Lord Maxwell's son, when making an inroad into the English territories about the same time, was likewise taken prisoner.2 To obtain possession of the three strong castles of Caerlaverock, Lochmaben, and Thrieve, which belonged to Lord Maxwell, now ardently engag- ed the attention of Henry. He wished to use them as rallying points for his adherents. But Maxwell's conduct had been so vacillating and de- ceitful, having neither devoted himself entirely to the service of his country, nor the interests of England, that he could not be trusted by either of the parties now engaged in the war. Early in 1 Scott, &c. 2 HoUinshed.— Balfour. OF GALLOWAY. 463 November, therefore, the Scottish Regent stormed the castles of this nobleman, who, beinua<>"e in the discharoje of his clerical duty. With this talented and acute theologian the youthful Queen rashly entered into disputation; and, when she found herself baffled and defeated in argument, she said ; " Ye ar over sair for me, hot and if they wer heirquhom I have hard, they wald answer you. Madam, quoth the iither, wald to ' God that the most learned Papist in Europe, and he that ye wald best beleve, wer present with your Grace to susteyne the Argument; and that ye wald abyde patiently to heir the Matter reasoned to the End ; for then, I dout not, Madame bot that ye sould heir the vanity of the Papisticall Re- ligioun, and how little Ground it hath within the Word of God." After this interview, Mr Knox, being asked by some of his friends what he thought of the Queen, replied ; " If there be not in her a proud mind, a crafty art, and an obdurate heart 490 HISTORY against God and his truth, my judgment failetb me." In 1562, John Knox was appointed by the Ge- neral Assembly, commissioner to visit the churches in Galloway and Kyle. When in these districts, he had conferences on matters of great import- ance with the Master of Maxwell and many individuals of rank. Quintin Kennedy, of the House of Cassillis, Prior of Whithorn and Abbot of Crossragueljl oifered a public conference, or dis- putation, with the Reformer. This offer was in- stantly accepted, and the discussion lasted for the space of three days at Maybole. The subject of discussion was principally confined to the mass, and Knox acquitted himself, to the admiration of every impartial person, who either witnessed the dispu- tation, or afterwards read the arguments, which were printed. In the beginning of 1563, John Hamilton, Archbishop of St. Andrews, was arraigned and committed to Edinburgh castle, " for saying and hearing mass," in defiance of a royal proclamation. The Prior of Whithorn would have undergone the same punishment if he could have been appre- heuded.'2 1 Knox's History of tbe Reformation. 2 Maitland's History. The subjoined extract is from Pitcairn. Celebrating tbe Jiass, — Attempting to restore Popery, at Kirkoswald, 3Iayboll, and Paisley, &c — Convocation &c. May 19, 1563, Jobn Arcbiebiscbop of Sanctandrois,* and * Jobn Hamilton natural son of James, first Eail of Arran well known as the author of a catechism printed at St. Andrews, 1552, after the battle of Laugside from which he vainly at- tempted to dissuade tbe Queen, tied to Dumbarton castle. He afterwards fell into the regent Moray's bands, on the castle be- insf sm-prised and taken ; and was hanged at Stirling, April 1st, 1570 OF GALLOWAY. 49I In May, 15G3, Mary liekl her first Parliament after her arrival from France. Knox, with other Protestant leaders, used every exertion to induce the Estates explicitly to confirm the Reformed Re- ligion ; but all that could be obtained was an act of indemnity since March 1558. The Earl of Morton, and the Commeiuhitor of St. Mary's Isle, vvitli eighteen others, were appointed commission- forty seven others charged for the crimes after specified. Roll or list of tho rest of the persons on paiincl. Sir John Hamilton, vicar of Paslay; Maisler Johnc Ilamiltone Subchatitoiir of Glasgow ; Malcuni [Quintiu] prior of Quhithorne ; Hew Kennedy of Blairquhynnequhy, ilaister Robert Crychtone Parsone uf Sanchar, Jhone Gordone of Barsheocht : Dene Gilbert Kennedy; Sir Jamea Keiineily, Sir Thomas IMure, Gabriel! Max- wel of Stanlie, with 28 others; The Assyse fylis and conuictis the saidis Kennedy orBlairquhynnerjuhy, Iilalcolm Commendator of Quhithorne ; David Keuuedy ; Sir Thomas Montgomery ; and Sir William Telzefeir of the controuentioun of our souerane ladeis Act and Proclamntioune, chargeing all her leigis, that euery ane of thame, suid contene thaim selffis in quietnes, i^eip peas and ciuile societie aniaugis thaim selffis, and that nane of thaim tak vpone hand pnuatlie or openlie to male ony altera. tioun or iunouatioun of the stait of Religioun, or attempt onv thing ai^auis the forme quliilk her grace fand publictlie and uniuersallie standing at hir arryvvell within tliis realme : that is to say, the said Hew Kennedy and Dauid Kennedy, be making of Couuocatioun of oiir souerane ladeis liegis to the nowmcr of twa hundretli personis, bodin in feir of weir with jakkis, speris, gunnis and vtheris wapnis inuasiue of thair causing, commanding forteleing, and ratihabitatioun, vpone the audit, tent and elev. int dayis of Apryil last by past, cumand to the parroche Kirk of Kirkoswell and College of JMayboill, respectiue, and thair opin. lie maid Alteratioun and Inmuatioun of the said stait of Re. ligioun, quhilt oui souerane ladie fand proclamit and vniuersal. lie standing and profesit at hir anyvel within this realme, min. straind and abusand oa thair pretendit maner, irreverentlie and iudccentlie, the Sacramentis of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, vtherwyisand efter ane vther maner nor I lie pub- lict and fjenerall ordour of this realm : and the said JMalcum Commendaiour of Quhithorn, Schir Thomas Montgomerv, and Schir William Tailzefeir, niiuistrand and abusand on thair pre- tendit maner, irreuerentlie and indccentlie, in the uionetli of Apryil foil said, in the place of Congiltoun, the Sacramemis ol 492 HISTORY ers to consider who should be admitted to the pvivi- lege of enjoying itJ la a sermon, Mr Knox ve- hemently expressed liis opinion on this matter, and likewise stated his utter abhorrence of the Queen's marriao;e with a Papist, which was much dreaded by the Protestants. For this liberty he re- ceived a summons to appear before Mary. Her rage was unbounded, and she shed many tears.2 She anxiously wished to have him punished ; but, by the advice of some aboui her, she was prevailed upon to desist. The General Assembly, which sat in EdinburtJ:h during the summer of 1564, made a request to the Queen, that she would grant the Friars' Church at Kirkcudbright to the magistrates, to be used as a parish church. This request she acceded to, and Haly Kirk of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus, vtherwyis aud in sne vtlier nianer nor the publict and generall ordour of this realme resafit, and professit at our souerane ladies arrywell, conteiiit in the said Proclamatioune, and that in retpect of thair confessioun of the samyn in jucjeinent. Sentence. — Thairfoir the saidis Malciim, prior of Quhithornft Sir Thomas Montiroraeiy and Sir AVilliam Tailzefeir, were adiugit to be put in ward within the castle of Dumbartane. aud the said Hew Kennedy and Dauid Kennedy, to be put iu ward within the Castell of Edinburg, thair to lemain during the will and plesour of our souerane lady. Assise. Jhone Maxwell of Terrisflis, knight. Andro Lorde Stewarta of Vchiltry, ihe Tjard of Lochinvar, the Lard of Glengarnack, the Lard of Caprintoun, zounger, the scheriff of Air, the Laid Cunnynghameheid, Hui^'h Wallace of Carnell, the Lard of Crawfurdland, Mr Jo FuUertoune of Dreghorne, the Lard of Rowallane, Hew Ounnynhamo of Watterstoun, James Chalmer of Gaitgirth, Jhon Dumbar of Mochruine, Gawane Dumbar ot Baldone. Pitcairn's Criminal Trials. 1 Balfour Commendators were laymen who obtaJntid po». session of an ecclesiaslical beuefice. 2 For the particLiksrs of t!iij iatervievr, see Knox's History p. 331. OF GALLOWAY. 493 the church became a place of worship for a Pro- testant congrca^ation.l At tliis time Mary received many flattering offers of marriage ; but she fixed her affections upon Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley,2 son of the Earl of Lennox. Youn[^ Darnley was tall, hand- some, and prepossessing in his appearance; but unfortunately he was destitute of prudence, sa- gacity, and steadiness of character. He had ac- quired many external and showy accomplishments : his mind, however, M-as uncultivated and his courage doubtful. His passions were violent; and being altogether without experience in the 1 Statistical Account. — Keith. Before tlie Reformation, there were six places of worship in the rnodiM-u parish of Kirkcudbrig-ht, namely, the churches of Dunrod, GaUwav, St. Cuthhert, St. Ivlarj-'s Isle, St. Andrews, and the Friars' Church The first four were in the country. St. Cuthbert's stood at the distance of about a quarter of a mile to the east of the toWn. Its church-yard is still used as the prin. cipal cemetery of the parish. Kear it are two knolls called the Angel-Hill and the Boll-Hill. On the latter eminence was rung the bell used for assembling the congregation. This was probably a hand bell, for such Ijells at the time we Speak of, were often used at churches. "When James IV. passed through Penninghame, on a pilgrimage to Whithorn, in March, 1506-7, he bestowed 9s. upon the men that " bore St. Niiiian's bell." — Near the old church of Penninghame, is also a small eminence, still known by the name of tlio " bell knowe," on which the bellman stood, when engaged in his avocation. St. Andrews church was within the town, and in the situation now occupied by the new jail. It possessed a burying ground ; for within the last fifty years human bones have been iound in the gardens near the site of the ancient building. There was also in the northern extremity of the present parish of Kirk- cudbright, a chapel dedicated to St. Bridget. The farm on which it stood is called KJikbride. 2 The ancestors of Darnley were landholders in Galloway It will be remembered that Corscwell and other lands in Wig. lownshire, were granted to Sir Alexander Stewart. The Earl of Cassillls and Loid Fleming approved of the marriage, bu4 many objected to the lelJgioa of Muiy's iulcuded cousort. 494 HISTORY affairs of life, he might with both truth and propriety be called " a great boy." Mary, how- ever, was endowed with considerable talents and experience; and if he had possessed sense or gratitude, she might have soon refined his taste, and cultivated his understanding. Being her relation, a dispensation was obtained from the Pope ; and the ill fated marriage took place on the 29th of July, 1565, at five o'clock in the morning. Morton, Cassillis, and Sir Alexander Stewart of Garlics, were at the nuptials. She bestowed upon Daniiey the title of King. Among those who were displeased with Mary's marriage was her brother, now elevated to the peerage by the title of Earl of Murray, who soon felt himself under the necessity of flying to England. Mary's state of connubial felicity did not con- tinue long. Her headstrong husband soon be- haved to her with great disrespect, and indulged, not only in constant intoxication, but in every mean and degrading vice. Not satisfied with the influ- ence and numerous honours which she had grant- ed, he wished to absorb the v/hole power of the state by obtaining the crown matrimonial, or a full participation in the Queen's sovereignty. But Mary, perhaps, on account of his years and incapa- city, — for he was yet but nineteen, — was unwilling to bestow upon him this important trust, at least, without the advice of Parliament. With childish impatience he perceived his claim to substantial royalty declined, or delayed ; and his fury was di- rected against Rizzio, her private seeretar3% With Morton and a few confederates, Darnley repaired to the Queen's apartment, where this band of OF GALLOWAY. 495 barbarians assassinated her favourite, almost in tUe royal presence. Mr Knox was desired by the General Assem- bly, in 1565, to write a consolatory letter, encourag- in'r the ministers of religion to continue in their clSrcres, which many of them were under great temptation to leave for want of subsistence.— He was also directed to visit, preach, and plant kirks in the south of Scotland till next assembly. ^ There is little doubt that, during- this period, he was much in Galloway. On the 19th day of June, 1566, the Queen was safely delivered of a son in Edinburgh Castle.— When h.or husband wished to see her, she spoke and acted in such a manner, that both he and her attendants plainly perceived, his visits were unwel- come and his presence disagreeable. The Earl of Bothwell appeared at this time her principal fa- vourite. James Hepburn alone managed every kind of business, and all applications that were not made through him, had no chance of success.2 The offices which Mary's partiality had conferred upon him, gave him nearly unlimited power in the south of Scotland. This nobleman, indeed, had displayed great zeal in the service of the Queen ; but it was thought that she admitted a man of so profligate a character to too great intimacy.— The public voice accused the Queen of being fonder of Bothwell than prudence dictated, con- 1 Knox's History. i j » ■) " Upon the 3Uth day of December, the Queen liad return- ed"to Stirling. Next day she went to TuUibardine whero g'heL^ranteda dmrter for the benefice and parsonai^e o. Kirk- cudbri-bt, to Adam Murray, servant to tbe Earl ot Lothwell... (Goodall.) Bothwell was one of Mary's privy council. 496 HISTORY sidering that she was a married woman, and he a married man. In the meantime Darnley behaved with the way- ward sullenness of a spoiled chikl, and this conducfc made him tlie more contemptible. Mary's son was baptised at Stirling accordiog to the rites of the Catholic Church, and the Prior of Whithorn assisted at the solemnity ; but her hus- band was not present, though much pomp and fes- tivity accompanied the ceremony. After the royal baptism, the Queen appeared extremely generous to all who had any favours to solicit ; and among her liberal acts, she subscribed a deed authorising a grant from the revenues of the ancient Church, for the maintenance of the Protestant clergy. This writ- ing, being procured by Gordon, Bishop of Gallo- way,! -vvas presented to the General Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh, on the 25th of December 1566. Some of the ministers were disposed to de- cline the allowance, and to depend entirely upon their flocks for support. The Assembly, however, decided that the Queen's bounty should not be re- fused, and they appointed the Bishop of Galloway, with the superintendent of Lothian and Mr John Rough, to bring the matter to a conclusion. 2 1 During this year the Bishop of Galloway, with some eminent contemporaries, was selected to collect the ancient laws of Scot, laud into a code. (Murray, &c.) 2 We have been fortiinate enough to procure a document which contains the names and the incomes of the various mi- nisters, 8sc., in Galloway about this time. We give it verbatim. MINISTERS, EXHORTERS, AND REIDARS WITHIN THE BOUNDIS OF GALLOWAY, AND THAIR STJPENDIS AS FOLLOW! S. QuHYTHEaNE. John Banoun minister, ije I rneikis, Ci niilmei OF GALLOWAY. 497 As the Queen's intimacy with Bothwell encreas- ed, she assumed from time to time the appearance of returning, and encreasing, atUichment to her hus- 1567,— dcpartit this lif 15G8. Adam Fleiijyn reidar, the thryd of the ponsionarie, xvj lib. xiij s. iiij d. sen beltym 1572, Mr RoL^er Gordon minister, jc xxxiij li. vj s. viij d. beityrn 1572. Glassartoun, Jahu Kay reidar, x merkis, November 1570. KiRSMiDiN IN Rodolphe'Peirsouu reidar, the thryd of his vienr. Faieness. age extending to vij li, xj s. j d. — (Died 15C9.J in his rowrae. George Sieinstoun reidar, xx merkis, beltym, 1569 SoREiE, John Makcaill reidar xx merkis. Crugvltoun, William Tailzefeir reidar, the thryd of his vicar- age extending to v lib vj s. viij d. and xij merkis mair sen November 15()7. WiGTOUN, Mr Robert Bliudscheill minister, and to minister the ?acramentis to the kirkis following— iiij xx lib. Pesynghame John Craufurd extorter, in absence of the minister at uther kiikis, 1 merkis. James Falconer reidar, xvj lib. beltym 1573. KiRKENNER, Mychell Duigalson reidar, 1 merkis. LoNGCASTEa Lewis Frasei^-eidar, x:i lib. (Traiislatit to Mock, rem.) William Vause reidar, xx merkis 1568. Penynghame, Mr Mertin Gib leidar, the thryd of his vicarage extending to v lib vj s. viij d. and xij merki» mair sen beltym 1570. Glenluce, Johnn Sanderson exhoitcr xl. merkis, KlRKCOWAN, John Flemyn leidar, xx lib. 1507 Stann-vkihk, John Gibson exhorter, xl mirkis. CLA.SCHAU1, James Law reidar, xvj lib. Lambmes 1571. TostjUARTouN Mychaellllathoine reidar, xvj lib. Lambmes 1571. Kirk Wadin in rvnnis. Saulsett, James Thomsone reidar, xx merlds. KiRKCOWM, Alexander Hunter reidar, xx lib. Inche, Cuthbert Adair exhoiter, xl merkis, — {Translatit to Dairy beltym \b"Q.) iuhisroum. Thomas Makalexander exhorter, xl merkis, bel. tym 1570. LnsvfALT, Thomas Makalexander reidar, xx lib. 1567. {T/aiislatit to the Inch.') Adam Thomsone reidar, xx merkis. beltym 1571. Kirkmadryne Johnn Dunbar reidar, vj lib. xiij s. iiij d. 156P. MocHftEM, Lewis Freser exhorter, xx lib, 1567, and tea> 498 HISTORY band. Darnley, being seized at Glasgow! by a languishing distemper, — now known to have been the small pox, but then thought the effect of slow poison administered to him through Both- well's instrumentality, — she pretended to be much interested in his recovery, and advised him to merkis mair sen beltym 1572. JIoNYGOFF, Jolum Stewart exhorter, 1 merkis. KiEKDAiLL, Thomas Regnall reidar and vicare, x lib. with the thryd of the vicarage extending to 1567- KiRKMAKBEEK, Joliu Moffett exhorter, xx lib. 1567. Anweth, Alexander Young reidar, xx lib beltym 1570 {Translatit to Timjneim sen beltym 1572.) Mr JMalcome M'Cullo vicare and reidar, xij lib. with the thryd of the vicarage extending to xij lib. sen beltym 1572, GiBTHTOUN, Robert Ivluir exhorter, xx lib. 1567. KiRKCANDEis, Joliun Makclellaue reidar, xx merkis BoRG, Williame Strugtoune reidar, xx merkis, 1567. Dalry, James Doddis minister, iiij xx lib. (Translatit to Kirkcuthbrycht in 1569.} Cuthbert Adair exhorter, xl meikis, 1570, and ten merkis mair sen beltym, 1571. Balmaclellane, Elise Makculloch reidar, xx lib. Kellis. Donald Mure vicare and reidar, x merkis, 1567. TotiNGLAND, Wiiliam Scharpro exhorter, xl mei-kis, 1567. Partoun, James Carruders exhorter, xx merkis, 1570. Crosmychaell, Thomas Makclune exhorter, xx lib. November 1537. KiRKCHEiST. Thomas Andersoue exhorter, xx merkis, 1567, 1 568, ( Translatit to Kirkcuthbrycht sen beltym 1569.) — in his rowme. Thomas Makculture reidar, xx merkis, 1569 TwYNEiM, James ]\Iair reidar, xj lib. ij s. ij d. 1567. (Died at beltym 1568.^ Alexander Younj; reidar, xxij lib. iiij s. beltvm 1572. B.\LiiAGHE, Robert Chapman reidar, xx lib. — to be payit be Halyrudlious. DuNDEANANE, William Cutlair reidar at Dundranane, his sti- pend XX lib. to be payit out of the third of the Abbay of Dundrenane. DuNROD, Wiiiiame Makcleliane reidar, xx merkis, 1570. 1 Lindsay of Dunrod, was provost of Glasgow at this time. OF GALLOWAY. 499 remove with her to Edinburgh, that he might be near herself and her princijial physician. He was lodged in a religious house called " Kirk of Field," a little beyond the walls of the city ; whilst the child and his mother resided in the pa- Gllstocn, Cuthbcrt Duu rcidar, xvj lib. bellym 1573. KiuKcOTHBRYCHT, Jumcs Doddis raiuister, iiij xxlib. November Ib&X TLoinas Andersone reidar.xx nierkis, beltym !569 :uul uov/ at Snnct JMiiry lie sen beltym 1570. SvNCT Mary 111', Thomas AudHrsoue, exhorter, xx lib. beltym 1570. KiRKCOiiMOK, Mychaell Dun exboiter, xx mcikis, with the thryd of his vicarage extendiug to viij raerkis, 1567. Keltoun, James Pane rcidar, xx merlds. BuTHiLL, James Patker exhorter, xx lib. 15G7. Sainnek, Donald IMakiallane reidar, XX merkis, 1567. TiiACQOEiu, Chailcs Home exhorter, xl merkis, beltym 1568. John Halyday reider, x lib, November 1570. Terreglis, William Thomson reidar, xx merkis, beltym 1567 KiRKPATRicK- Patrick Quhithcid exhortei% xx meikis. Irongraye, Andro riiychell exhorter, xx lib, 1567. Newabbay, Palrik Oowll reidar, xlib. (Died 1570.) JohnnLoganc reidar, xx raeikis, beltym 1570. K.IRK3EANE, Joliu Clerk leidar. xx merkis, beltym 1571. Sl'ddik, George Olllcir exhorter, xx merkis, with the thryd of his vicarage extendand to and leu merkis mair sen beltym 1572. KowHEN, John Logane reidar, XX merkis, — beltvm 1567 (Trumlatit to Newabbay sen beltym 1570.) LocHRUTToUN John Littill exhorter, xx lib. beltym 1567, and ten mair sen beltym 1572. AVr. or Orr, John Browne reidar, xxj lib. ij s. ij d. and ten lib. mair sen beltym 1572. Kiukgunyeane, Patrik Loche reidar, XX lib. beltym 1567. KiRKi'ATRiK OF ^^jyo Edgar rciJar, xxiiij meikis. 1567, THE MUni. EXTRACTS FROM THE " BUIK OF ASSIGNATIONS OS" THE MINISTERIS AND REIDARIS STJPENDIS." FOR THE YEAR 1576. LocHRUTTOUN, Jlr Archibald Sinclair minister, his stipend j c XX lib. to be payit as followis,, viz. his awin be. 500 HISTORY lace. The reason assigned for not taking Darnley to the royal mansion, was the clanger of the in- fant's catching the distemper. Mary showed much attention to her husband ; and to all appearance they had never been on better terms. She watched over him with much seeming anxiety, and even sometimes slept in the same house. On the even- ing of the 9th of February, 1567-8, about eleven o'clock, she departed for the palace. Two hours after midnight, the house in which he lodged was blown up ; and the lifeless body of the King was found in an orchard at a little distance. The murder of the unhappy Darnley created tlie strongest excitement through the country, and the general voice pronounced Bothwell the per- petrator of th'.' guilty deed. Lennox, the father of the murdered monarch, was urged to become the ac- cuser of this powerful Earl, and to demand a public nefice of Suddik, quhilk is tlie chancellarie of the chapell ilyall by tlio kirk of Kingaii th in Bute, kc. Johnn Litill reidar at Lochrutton, his stipend xx lib. with the Kirkland, to be p^yit as followis, kc. KiRKPATRiK- Johnne Broun minister, liis stipend Ix lib. to be Irngray. payit as followis, &c. Michaell Wichtman reidar at Kirkpatrik-Irngray, his stipend xx lib. with the Kiikland, &c. ToUNGLAND, William Scharpro minister, his stipend Ixlib. &c. Eduard Hering reidar at Touugland, his stipend XX mcrkis, &c. WiGTOUN, Johnne Young minister, his stipend Ixxx lib. &c. James Falconar reidar at Wigtoun, his stipend xvj lib. iiij s. v d. with the kirkland, &c. Claschant, Michaell Hawthorn minister, his stipend liiij lib. vj s viij d. &c. James Law reidar at Clashant, his stipend xx merkis, with the kirkland, &c. KiRKMADiN Jo'iine Quheit reidar at Kirkmadyn in Rynnis, his IN Eynnis. stipend xx merkis, with the kirklaud Sec OF GALLOWAY. 501 investigation. The demand could not be evaded or refused by liis daughter-in-law, and the 12th of April was fixed as the day of trial. At the ap- pointed time the court assembled. The Earl of Cassillis, Lord Merries, and Gordon of Lochinvar, sat in the jury. The Earl of Cassillis declined at first to act as a juryman ; but was compelled by the direct interference of Mary herself. Lennox, through timidity, failing to appear as Bothwell's prosecutor, and no evidence being led, the accused v/as declared "not guilty." In proceeding to the court he was numerously attended. Two hundred musketeers kept close by his side; and when at the bar they guarded the doors, that none of his enemies might enter the apartment. Having brought his affairs to a happy conclusion, by effecting the death of Darnley and procuring a separation from his wife, Janet Gordon, daughter of the Earl of Huntly, Bothwell now prepared for his union v.ith the Queen. He accordingly invit- ed to his house the most powerful of the nobility and clergy, with the intention of inducing or com- pelling them to subscribe a bond declaratory of his innocence of the King's murder, and recommend- ing him as a suitable match for the royal widow. ^ 1 The following is the substance of this deed. " That in case the earl was afterwards calumniated for the mur» der of tlie liing, they bound themselves to defend him with all their power. Moreover, considering the time present, that the queen is destitute of a husband, which want the commonweal can„ not admit of, they, in case her majesty vvouid humble herself 80 far as to many the earl of Bothwell, bound themselves 'not only to forward it by word aud deed, at such time as her majesty shall think it convenient, and as soon as the laws shall leave it (the ■words of the original) to be done, but iu case any shall either directly or indirectly, upon whatever cause presume toptevent it, these we promise to look upon as our enemies, and to spenij 502 HISTORY As soon as the proposed marriage became gener- ally known, Lord Herries, perhaps regretting his pusillanimity in signing the infamous bond, re- paired to Edinburgh, with fifty horse, and entreated her Majesty upon his knees, to give up all thoughts of the intended alliance, as it would indelibly dis- honour herself, and endanger the life of her son. — The Queen seemed astonished that such a report prevailed, and, with much duplicity, assured him, it was altogether unfounded ; for nothing was farther from her intention. Having got this answer he returned home. I On the 15th of May, the Queen, with fatal in- discretion, married the man whom all looked upon as the murderer of her husband ; having previous- ly created him Duke of Orkney. This singular and criminal marriage gave great offence to the nation. A number of the nobility took up arms to remove Bothwell from his usurped authority. The Queen and her husband raised an army, and advanced from Dunbir to meet the confederate Lords. Mary's troops were stationed on an eminence, called Carberry-Hill, but they seemed dispirited and unwilling to engage. Both the Queen and Bothwell endeavoured to rouse and encourage them, but without effect, for many of the combatants were already leaving the field. Mary saw that no chance of victory remained, and she ad- our lives and fortunes in support of that business, against all that live or die", Edinburgh, April 19. 1567." The subscribers are, St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Galloway, Dumblain, Brechin, Ross, Isles, Orkney, Huntley, Argyle, Mor. ton, Cassils, Sutherland, Errol, Crawfurd, Caithness, Rothes, the lords Boyd, Glammis, Ruthven, Semple, Herris, James lord Ogilvv. and Fleming. Vide Keith, p. 382, 383. Maitland. J Maitlctiul. OF GALLOWAY, 503 vised Bothwell to seek safety in flight. She then delivered herself up to the confederate Lords, who, after conducting- her to Edinburgh, sent her a pri- soner to Lochleven castle. Bothwell fled to the islands of Orkney and Shetland, and, having be- come a pirate, was taken by a Danish ship of war. Being thrown into a dungeon in the castle of Malmay, he, after a number of years' imprisonment, died in merited wretchedness. His lands in Gal- loway and other parts of the country were for- feited.! Whilst in Lochleven castle, Mary was compelled to resign her crown unto her son, and to appoint her brother, the Earl of Murray, regent during the Prince's minority. A bond was enter- ed into by the Regent and many of the nobility, barons, and representatives of burghs, for support- ing the young King's authority.2 I The estate of Earlston belonged to Bothwell, and the castle is thought to have lieeii built, by him. We subjoin the following excerpt from a letter which we lately received from Mr Barbour, Bogue, a gentleman who is well acf[uainted with the district. " On the eastern bank of the Ken, still stands, in tolerable repair, tlie castle of Earlston. The famous Hep. bum, Earl of Bothwell, the favourite and future husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, is said to have been the founder of Earlston castle. There is much probability in this. He was permitted to Imnt, in the Royal Forest of Glenkens, (part of winch still re. mains on the western side of tlie Ken) and as there was no build- ing at the foot of the Kells Rhynns, fit to accommodate Earl Bothwell and his train, he very naturally reared a hunting seat for himself." 2 This bond, dated 1567, was subscribed by the following GaL loway proprietors. The Earl of Morton, Alexander Gordon, Bi. shop of Galloway, Kennedy of Blairwhan, Dunbar of Mochrum, Douglas of Drumlanrig, James Dalrymple of Stair, predecessor of the Earl of Stair, Stewart of Gairlies, Thomas MacdowalJ, Charles Murray of Cockpool, afterwards Viscount of Annan and Earl of Annandale. Gordon of Lochinvar, Maclellan of Bombie, James Ri'j-, Provost of Di-.mfries, James Wallace in Dumfries, M'Culloch of Caidouess, John Gordon younger of Craighlaw, John Cathcart of Cailetou, the laird of Myretoun, Murray of 504 HISTORY Gordon, bishop of Galloway, having been ap- pointed commissioner of the district bj^ the General Assembly, was called before that reverend body and accused of neglecting his duty, in not having visited the "liirks" under his superintendence for the space of three years. Other charges were made a- gainst him, to all of which he pleaded guilty. Hig commission, however, was still continued, being only admonished by the Assembly to be more dili- gent and exemplary for the future.* Brougliton, Alexander Crichton of Nevvhall, with his hand afc the pen, (Alexander Hay, notary.) Patiick M'Kie of Larg, Jloger Grierson of Lag, Vaus or Vai:s of Barnbarroch, Williana Kirkpatrick of Kirkniichael, with his hand at the pen. See Appendix to Crawfurd's Officei s of State. — Anderson's Collec. tions, vol. 2. ap. Wallace's Nature and Descent of Ancient Peerages. Edinburgh Edit. 1785 — page 409. A very old copy of the bond and signatuies, with MS. and printed Records of the Scottish Parliament, was purchased by the publisher, at the sale of the late Sir Alexander Gordon of Culvennan's library. Sir Alexander was an enthusiastic an- tiquary. J It is remarked by Dr Murray ; " That the hoUownesa of Gordon's pretensions was first detected and exposed by the Queen herself. ' 1 understand, said she, (in an interview with Knox in 1563,) that ye ar appoynted to go to Dumfrese for the election of a superintendent, to be established in these couutrys. Yes, said he those quarters have gritt need and sum of the gentlemen so requyre. But I heir, said sche, that the bischope of Athenis wald be superintendent. He is one, said the uther, madam, that is put in election. If ye knew him, ■aid sche, as v/eall as 1 do, ye would never promote him to that office, nor yet to any uther within your kirk. Quliat ho has bein; said he, madam, I nyther know, nor yet will I inquire ; for in tyme of darkness, quhat culd we do, but grope and go wrong, even as darkness caryed us? Bot yf he feir not God, ha deceaved mony mo than me. • Weall, sayes sche, do as ye will<, but that man is a dangerous man. And thaiiuntill,' continues Knox, 'was not the queen deceaved; for he had corrupted the maist ,pairt of the gentelmen not only to nominal him, bot also to elect ,iiim.' In consequence of this discovery, the appointment did 3jot take place, but soon afterwards he was created, by the gen- eral assembly, visitor, or commissioner of Galloway ."Mubbay's JIJTEBAEy mSTOBY OF GALLOWAY, 505 On the 2nd of May 1568, Mary effected her escape, and was soon surrounded by a powerful confederacy of earls, bishops, lairds, and gentle- men ; for many, now forgetting her errors, pitied lier misfortunes. At this period of internal commotion, Edward Maxwell, Abbot of Dundrennan, Alexander Gor- don, Bishop of Galloway, Lord Herries, Lord Maxwell, Gordon of Lochinvar, Maclellan of Bombie, the Abbots of Gleiduce and Saulscat, along with many other individuals connected with the district, signed a deed binding themselves to protect and defend their unfortunate Sovereign ; and an army of 6,000 men M^as immediately mustered in her behalf. The Queen's troops mov- ed westward with the intention of placing her in Dumbarton Castle, as a place of perfect security. This cattle, accounted impregnable, was held for her by Lord Fleming. Murray, who occupied Glasgow with an inferior force, — his army amount- ing only to 4,000 men, — had such confidence in his own superior military skill and the valour of his men, that he drew out his troops on Langside- hill, with the intention of intercepting Mary's progress, that she might not reach Dumbarton and protract the war. The Queen's forces came up, and the battle commenced. 1 The Harniltons impru- dently rushed forward and closed with the Regent's 1 In the Queen's arm}' were t!ie Earl of Cassillis, Lord Herries, Lord Maxwell, Lord Sani]uliai-, tlie Sherilf of Ayr, &r., and th» Regent's troops contained the Earl of Morton', the Laird of Drumlanrig, &c. Loid Oihiltree was wounded in ibe neck by Lord Herries, who conducted himself with uinch gallantly dttiu. lag tk« engagement. 506 HISTORY yan, commanrled by the Earl of Morton. Fresh troops being ordered to attack the flank of the assaihmts while they were tiius engaged, the Queer/s army was completely defeated. This fcattle was fought on the 13ih of May, 1568, eleven days after herescnpe from confinement. Mary beheld from a distance, with unutterable ano-uish, the destruction of the army on which she Lad placed her whole dependence. In a state o.f great perturbation, she sought safety in flight, and, having reached the Glenkens, tnivelled along the west side of the river. Here Lord Herries point- ed out to her Earlslon castle, which had been tlie occasional residence of Bothwell, when she be- came much agitated, and burst into tears. So great was her alarm after her defeat, that she rode, attended by this nobleman and his Galwegians,! as far as a hill, now called Queenshill, in the parish of Toiighind, at the head of the beauti- ful valley of Tarff, without once stopping to rest or partcd;e of anv refresliment. Mere she was prevailed upon to eat a crust of bread, and drink a little water from a neighbouring spring. She then prossed the Dee by a wooden bridge, supposed to Jiave been erected by the llomans.'-^ After the 1 The Galloway inen are accuse'l of seiznig tliRhoises of their xompanions i_p. arms and setting off with ilie Queen, We shall oive Balfour's worils. " Shoe seing herselue (l(»priued of the dav fleies with the JNIaster of Maxsvveii, and his companey of Galloway men, quho escaped one iher fellows horsses that had .endured the bi uiit of the baiell." Another writer says. " In thK midbt of the batlell, the Qiieine, despairiu'T of ye victory, fled, accoinpaiiied with the Maister of Maxwell, and his company of Galloway men, (jiiho tooke away ther fellows horses yat as zet Ciidure.l the hnint of tlm battell. Ther wes taken prisoners one the King's syde, Lorde Settono shriff'; of Aire, laird of Trabone, laird of Innerweike." 2 The bridge stood about a mile above the vilhi^e of Tong- OF GALLOWAY. 507 beautiful and unfortunate Queen had effected the passage of this river, she entered a neii^hbouring cottage'* where she renia'ined (hiring the time her attendants were engaged in breaking down the bridge, to ))revent or retard pursuit. She then resumed her journey and was conducted by Lord Herries to his mansion at Corra,- in Kirk- gunzeon, where she slept during the night. — Next morning s'.ie is said to liave breakfasted at Terregles, probably on her way to England by the west marches ; for we find that Lord Herries wrote to the Deputy-Gov^enior of Carlisle, to in- quire if he would allow " his mistress a safe retreat if she should pass the borders."^ From informa- tion which she received at Terregles, where she passed the night of the 14th, she musthav^e changed land, at a narrow part of the river; some traces of the path at each end of it are yet obserrahle. Ilserertion must have takea place at a very eaily period ; for it is known to have existed in 4300, at the lime of Edward's celebrated campai^-n in Gallowair, About forty years ago, a lar^e ! earn of oak, which, from its ap. pearance, must have belonged to the bridge, was raised from the bottom of the river, opposite ihe CasUedykes. It had beea long covered witli clay or sand ; but the strength of the stream kad probably at this time laid a small portion of one of the ends bare. At this plac«, it was usual to draw a net for salmon, and it becaine entangled on the wood. By much exertion the beam was raised, which was found to bo in a state of perfect pre. eervation ; some furniture, snuff lioxes, &c. being made of it. A large block of it was long used as a press at the paper mill of Tongland. The publisher of this work has still some of it iu his possession. 1 The walls of the cottage long remained on the farm of Cul. doach ; they were called Dun's Wa's ; pjobably Duu was the individual who then inhabited the liousc. 2 I.iord Itjriies built the Coira house. It was both a larga and strong edifice. He also built Moscrops Tower at Ter- regles. (Statistical Account.) An oaken bedstead, said to ba that on whicli Queen Mary lay is shown iu Corra bouse at tb« present day. 3 Maitlaud, &c. 508 HISTvORY her purpose before an answer could have been re- ceived, and retreated towards tlie southern coast of (jalloway. On the 15th she arrived at Hazle- field, which belonged to a gentU^man of the name of MaxvveU. Here she partook of their evening repast, and remained diiriri*;^ tlie night. — - To acknowledge the kindness with which she had been treated, tdie ])resented the family with a small rii-.g containing a rubyJ From this hos- 1 We have conversed with some of the desrendants of the fa- mil v, who have seen thi* r'uM, and the ta'ile cloth which was used on the occasion. These relics have now, however, passed into other hands. The chair on which she sat is also in existence. We give two extracls from a little work on Diindrennan Ahbey,"lalelv pulili^hed. The author's views on this suhject coincide with onr own. " An imp)es;!on has long been erroneously cherished that her last sad sojourn on the shoies of a couiitry which she never re- visited except in dieams (when fancy, wakiiiir and wandering while reason sleeps, sets the strongest bolts and bari* at defiance) was passed undei the roof of the Abbey. The monks, no doubt, bore her true fealty but they peihaps dreaded the vengeance of her pursuers in the shape of fine or confiscation ; and, from whatever motive, a lodging was provided in a piivate house, which at the period alluded to, was occupied by the ancestor of .the late Mrs .Anderson of Stioquhan. In the family the Queen observed a fine little boy, who attracted her attention to such a degree, that she requested he might be allowed to sleep with her duiing the night; and it wai; his lot to share the caresses of Majesty and beauty united, unconscious as he might be of the honour thus acquired. After great personal fatigue and distress of mind, the unfortunate Mary passed a comfoitable night, as was obvious from her looks when the monks waited upon her in tliemoining; but before departing for the creek fiora which she embarked, she acknowledged her sense of the kindness re- ceived by leaving behind a valuable ring and rich damask table cloth, which formed part of her slender luggage, both of which bore the royal arms. These relics, after remaining for years in the family, were gifted by the grandmother of the lady whose name we have mentioned to a house of consideiable distinction in this county, where in all probability, they still remain. The tibove anecdote, so far as we know, never appeared in print be. fore, and the reader may rest assured that it is not hazarded oji dight authority," OF GALLOWAY. 509 pitable mansion sho proceedcMl to the ahlicy of Dundrennan, at the distance of tuo milcs,l where " The Abbey of Duiiilrpnan," to use tlic words of the same publiciition, " is sitimtcd in the pari-h of llerwiik, witliiti a few miles of the town of Kit kcuil!irii,d\r. Of relij^ioiis houses it is the "oldest in tli;' soiitliof ScDtl.md ol wh'ch any remnins are standing; for of Ciindidu C.isa, VVhithoni, scarcely a single vestige now I6- maiiis. Wiieu in its prime. D'lndrennan was a niagniliceiit build- ing; the Church ati ached to the Monastery was in the foim of a cross, and llie space over the inleisectioii of the !)ody and the traVisept. was surm.. anted by a spiie, 200 feet in height. The body of the building was 120 feet in length, and ilivided into three aisles by seven clustered cidumns, supporting arches oa each side. The transept mei;siired troni north to south 120 leet, and from east to we.-t 46 feet. On the soulli side of the church were cloisters containing a square atea of 94 feet, with grass plots in the centre, and adjoining these were the lodgings and diifereiit offices of the monastery, occupying a space of nearly 200 feet square ; and to the western side of these buildings stood a small project! 'g erection in the shape of a cioss, exactly simL kr to the Church, but inverted in these parts which fronted the east iu one case, and the west in the other.'' Hution's lIisrouY of Dunduennan Aebey. The King app)inted tlie Abliots of Dundrennun. for it was one of the .Monasteries of which the Pope h d not the nomina- tion of the Superiors By one of the Alibots of this place, jjart of the Chronicles of ilelrose is thought to have been written. At the end of the Chronicles is il.is note — " Hicc est veia copia An. tiquse Chronicie de .\lelross iu Scotia, inchoata per Abbatcm de Dundranan ab Anno 7^^, tontinuata per varios ad Annum 1270." (Murray ) The Abbot of Dundrennun attended the femous council held at liasil in 1431. The income of liie Abbey exclusive of that derived fiom its landed property amounted to £300 Tlie Abbot and monks of Dundrennaii had a rtgality over their land The Lords Max- well were the heritable bailies and received as a fee the hve pound lands of Mullock and lleston. (Symsou's Desciiption of Gallo-vvay.) — Caledonia, 8:c., 1 That Mary was three davs in Galloway after her defeat, and did not leinain stationary while there, may be seen fiom her first letter to Elizabeth after lier arrival in the English territories Mary's letter thus proceeds. "But being informed that they [the Regent's party] were re- solved either to retake me, or all die in the attempt, I began to march towards Dumbarton, my nobility keeping between me and the enemy. This when they saw, they posted themselves in lb* £10 HISTORY she was kindly welcomed by the Abbot, Edward Maxwell, of the noble family of that name.l Mary must have experienced much fatigue from her protracted exertion, for the distance she rode oa the first day of her flight, is nearly ninety Eng- lish miles. The fugitive Queen had already formed the fatal determination of passing into England, and com- mitting herself to the doubtful protection of an en- vious female and a rival Queen. Before her departure from Dundrennan, Lord Herries and way of mv forces, in ovdei to catcTi me. Ptly troops, being iiri- tated to be thus iiitertnptcd on their niarcli, attacked llieni, but without order. Tlius, thou'^h I hud twice tlieir numb^r^ God permitted me to be di^comfitted. Many were killed in the fields many cruelly in the retreat, aud many were made prisoners. But breaking- off the pursuit, in order to take me either dead or a. live, I hasted first to Dumbarton ; but soou changing my course, God, of his infinite goodness, preserved me, to fly into your country, being well assuted that I, my lord Merris, and the oth- er nobles who attend me, will n it only find a s.ife protectioa from their cruelty m your natural goodness,. but assistance ta recover my kingdom, aud reciniimendation to other sovereigns. I beg you will ^end immediately for me, as I am in a conditioa not even suitiuii- a simple gentlewoman, having saved nothing from the enemy; to escape whom, I was obliged to riile sixty miles the first day across the country, never having dared since then to travel but by night. But as 1 hope soon to narrate ta you, if vou compassionate my misfortunes, the whole of their proceedings, I will not at present importune you witli a longer narrative ; but end with mv prayers to God for gooil health and long life to you, aud to me patience and consolation, which I expect from you, to whom I humbly recommend myself. Workington, May 17, lo'oS." (Cuntinuatlon o/'Maitland's History.) 1 In I'eply to a letter which we took the libeity of writing to- Marmaduke Constable Maxwell, Esq., of Terre;,'-les, tliis gentle- man states '• 1 have no authentic records regarding the subject to wliich you allude; but it has always been the belief of the family, that Queen Mary slept both here and at Con a on her way to Dutidreniiaii, previotis to her leaving Scotland for Eng. land. There is an old bed in which tradition says, she slept when here; I have also a prayer book, she was supposed to have left."^ OF GALLOWAY. 511 some of her wiser atteiiflants, kiieollii^ in her pre- sence, with the utmost eariicstiic.ss on treated her to desist from pursuing- so (ijii^eroiis a course; since the abbey couUl afford her a temporary re- treat ; and, on the approach of (hinder, slie nii->^ht sail to France, where slie woidd meet with a fa- vourable reception ; yet she would not be diverted from her rash purpose ; and, accordingly, she sailed, in an open boat, accompanied by a few friends, from a creek, now called Port Mary, in the parish of Rerwick, and landed on the opposite coast of the Solway Frith, in the county of Cumberland, at a place which received from her the name of Mary-Port, on the IGth of May, 1568. 512 HISTORY CHAP. X. FaOU THE FLIGHT OF MAUY UNTIL THE UNION OP THE CEOWNfl. Immediately after the battle of Langside, the Regent sent a party to summon the castle of Ilam- iltoii, which surreuilered next day. Oji the ISth of May, 1568, lie issued a proclamation commanding the inhabitants of several of the midland counties to meet him at Biggar, on the 10th of June, with provisions for fifteen days, that he might chastise tlie numerous friends of the unfortunate Mary in the south of Scotland. The Regent left Edinburgh on the 11th of June, and proceeded to Biggar, where an army of 4,000 well-mounted cavalry and 1,000 infantry, with numerous attendants, had as- sembled. After taking and garrisoning several castles, he reached St John's Clauchan, in the parish of Dairy, on the iStli. Here the troops re- mained until the next day, in expectation of Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar's arrival and submis- sion. Finding that he did not make his appear- ance, they marched to Kenmure castle, M'hich they burned or destroyed: I they also destroyed the house of one of his friends.- From Kenmure castle the army advanced to " a strong house on the 1 Maitland. S Tkought to be Shirmers Castle. OF GALLOWAY. 513 Water of Urr," — prol>al)!y Netlier Plice, — where several i^-entlemeii wlio liisd bt'lon^ed to Mary's forces, siibiJiitti'il to tin' Uf^^ont and were par- doned. Haviii;*- suilicieiuly |)iuils!ic'd Galloway, Murray, on the IStliofJune, marcIuMl to Dum- fries, when a castle in t'le middle of the town belonoin^- to I^ord Maxwi-li surrendered. Here many of the adviTse party ij;"ave in their adlierencCj which was accejjted. Two days previous to the Regent's arrival at this place, Lord Maxwell and the Barons of Lochinvar, Jolinston, and Couhill, had been in Dumfries, with a tlious.md men under their command, but haviniJ" consumed all their provi- sions, it was supposed Maxwell, their leader, would have yielded to the Regent, h d not the others ob- jected to sueli a step. From Dumfries the army proceeded to HodJam castle, wl'.ich belong^ed to Lord Ilerries. About one thousauil of the Queen's friends assembled to protect this mansion, and an encounter, or skirmish, followed, but without any serious result. Iloddam castle, havino- capitulat- ed next day, was committed to the keeping of Douglas of Druuilanrig. It was so strong that many were surprised it did not hold out much longer. The Regent now endeavoured to draw the enemy into an engagement. He despatched the Earl of Morton, with a thousand men, who, after coming in sight of the hostile body, feigned a re- treat for the j)urpo:va of inducing a pursuit; but they would neitiier engage nor follow their adver- saries. The Regent, having taken Annat), seiz- ed the castle of Lochmaben and apjjointed the Baron of Drum'anrig governor of it; but, after the army had departed, some of Maxwell's men, who were concealed in secret parts of the building-, 514 HISTORY rushed out upon the possessors and as^aln captured the castleJ The Regent's army, which now became distressed for want of the necessary supplies, re- turned to Edinburgh on the 25th ot the same month.- Mary, on the day after her landing in Cumber- land, wrote from Workington to Elizabeth, who ordered Lady Scroop, then in the north of England, and some other ladies instantly to repair to the Scottish Queen. She also commanded Lord Scroop and Sir Francis Knollis to hasten to Car- lisle, with letters of condolence and assurances of her favour and friendship. Upon their arrival, as Elizabeth did not invite the fugitive princess to London, she despatched Lord Fleming to France, and Lord Herries to the English court, with an- other letter to the Queen : she also wrote to Cecil beof^in'J- his kind offices.^ Elizabeth who viewed Mary's youth, beauty, and accomplishments with envy, considered her, not as a sister queen and friend in distress, but a* a rival and enemy, and determined to retain her in captivity. The unfortunate Princess was surround- ed by English guards, and removed to a greater distance from Scotland. Upon the Queen's flight, the Regent, to excuse himself for the part he had taken in encouraging' rebellion against his lawful Sovereign, sent a letter to Elizabeth, accusing his sister of being accessory to the murder of her husband, that she might be 1 Hollinshed. 2 Thomas Campbell, the last Abbot of Holyvvootl, was prose, cuted for assistiiiir Queen Mary in her flight after the battle of Langside, and forf-ited 19Lh Au.nist, 156^. Ad. Pari. iii. 54. 3 Aadersoa Maitlaud's History. OF GALLOWAY. 515 at liberty to rmrrv her paramour, tlie iinwortliy Earl of Botliwell. Eli/:ihetii, therefore, peremp- torily refused to arlmit her cousiu to her presence, until she Ind cleared herself of this serious accu- sation. Mary immediately undertook to estaldish her innocence of the crime laid to her charge by her subjects, to the complete satisfaction of the Queen of Knuland. Elizabeth now pretend- ed to consider herself called upon to act as umpire between Mary and her accusers. The Queen of EM'>land appointed commission- ers to meet at York, on the 4rh day of October, to consider the evidence that was to be led by both parties. Murray, in conjunction with some others, appeared as his sister's accuser. Lord Herries, 8ir ,Iohn Gordon of Lochiuvar, Gavin, Hamilton, and a t'^i^v more of her friends, were eni" powered by Mary to act on her behalf. The investigation commenced, and proceeded for some time ; but at length Mary and her com- missioners, having observed a strong bias in Eliza- beth's mind against her cause, artfully delayed farther proceedings, by throwing obstacles in the way. At the end of five months, the Queen of Eng- land declared that she had seen nothing to affect the honour or integrity of tlie Earl of Murray, though he had failed to prove the criminal charges brought against his Sovereign. She would, there- fore, leave the affairs of Scotland as she had found them.2 The Regent returned to Scotland, and Mary was retained a prisoner by her relation. The convent belonging to the Franciscans, or 1 Balfour, &c, 2 Scott. §16 HISTORY Grey Friars, at Kirkci.i(iiini»ljf;, having^ been almost ruined by the Reform;) tion. Sir Thomas Mat-lellan of Bombie, in 1569, obtained the site of the buikl- ino-g, with the orchards and Q^ardens belonijinor to them. He erected for hi:s resilience a c;\stle in the same situation, bearinjr the date 1S82, tlie walls of which remain almost entire. The Regent ?vlunay now considered his power as firmly establi<;!ipd, but his career of eminence was suddenly cut short by the Ijand of an assas- sin. As he passed alonsif the street of Linlith- gow, Hamilton of Bothweii-liauL^h,! to avenge his own wrongs and the wronrs of his ro3^al mistress, laid his proud adversary low by a mu-ket shot from a balcony, and then made his escape. The death of the Regent seemed to be the signal for Mary's partisans to rise in arms, and assert the rights of their imprisoned Queen. In the following year, Elizabeth, wishing to punish and overawe the adherents of her unfortu- nate rival, serjt troops, comnianded by tlie Earl of Sussex au'l Lord Scroop, to invade and ravage part of Galloway and Annandale. But as the attack was principally directed against Galloway, the in- habitants of Annandale, vviio sufiVred much in de- fending, not merely their own property, but also that of their western neighbours, expected to be recom- pensed for their important services. Their claims of remuneration, however, were rejected, and they plundered Galloway to reimburse themselves.2 1 Ilamilton dipil in 1594: ho Inft two daui^liters, the elder of •whom was marripi! to Gavin ITamiUon, subsequently Bishop of Gallowav. (Tales of the Srottish Wars ) 2 " Robeit GoTil >;), elJest son of Sir John Gordon of Loch- iQvar, was oae of tk;i strongest and mnst active mea oi Uis tinae, . 0? C.VLLOWAY. 617 After the flentli of Miirn^y, the Earl of Lennox was raised to iho r.\',>':>cy .-t' .^i-oiL;ri.l. r'r<,j)(>sals of accominodr.rion t.,.:..-.M-:i Mary i-.-l her su!)ject9 beino- now :r:a(io Uy rlie (;i.Of:i vr i'Jn^hiKl, com- missioners w.no :-j);>()iutiMl to {'ori.-liulo ;i negotia- tion foj tlie tv"!i.-a-e, ii-iier cef!:ji'i <-.)iit!ifK)Hs, of the royal pri>;)ni.'r. Matv j.:>:)u'(1 as jirr «or:;:.';is?ioners the Bishop, of Gi.lle-vuy and U.w>, '.villi Lord Livingston ; but Elizabetli broke oft' the negotia- tion. Betw^-en ihe rr.rtics of rlie King and Queen, hostilities nov,- rr..-;v([ wi^h *'!jveMo;:K'(l rancour.— Marv's friends, .'ir.iDn^ic \tboin \viis Lord tierries, assembled a co:;:-:(I'T.;b!e force and obtained the command boi!» (^f the rasile iuul city of Edinburgh.^ They convened a Tiiiiliment of iheir own adher- ents, which declared the Queen to be the only law ful soviM-^i.;n. The :ninis:ers of religion, having refused to pr.iv for the Queen, fleil, and Knox re- g-acl cave many instanrcs of liis valour ia rlefonce of llie Gallovi- dians against f' e iiiliajilaiils of Aunandal.!, who, whsu they lost cattle bv the JiicuiJ-u-ns of the English, weie in the use of sup. plyino- their losses hy plnnilcriiii; ihi-ir ivoi^hhoiirs. In one of the?e°encounto?s his luetid and fullDwer, Joliu Gordon ot Loch- inkitt, l.tinit t!i.! lioitsi^s of Gratney, Wamphray, ! ochorhy, &c., killed' ilichard irvin',' of Giatucy, and took several prisoners. — Kin;^ James VI sriuliiicr out a strong party to apprehend him, he dt'forccd his Majesty's officers, makinE^ the principal eat tho warrant. However, his father and friends interceding: for him, he obtained an ample remission, came to couit, and was appoint, ed one of the prentlcmen of the' bed chamber to tho King — At a tournament proclaimed by his Majesty, SirRubert Gordou was one of the thiee snccessful champions, to whom prizes were delivered by the Princess Elisabeth." HlSToiilCAL account 0? THE HODSE OF KLNMURt. I The Queen's party had received both money and ammuni. tion from France, and we are lohl, that on tlie 4lli day of March, 1571, men land-d from Fiance in support of the Popish religion. (Memorials of Richard Baanaatyne, Secretary to John Knox.) 518 HISTORY pairer! to St Andrews. Ills pulpit, in the mean- time, was occupied by Alexander Gordon, Bishop of Galloway, whose sermons l were more accept- able to the occupiers of the metropolis. Lennox, beiii;^ slain in a party combat in Stir- ling, was succeeded by tiie Earl of Marr. Marr's health, however, soon wave way under the accu- mulated anxieties of his office, and after languish- ing for some time in a settled ideied as his own property, inso. much that when he was dyintf, in the year 1576, he made a re- signation thereof, by consent of the queen, to his own son John Gordon, by Baibaia LoLjie his wile, who was then in France pursuing liis studies ; | 7?tff)rc^s ; item, Chaita penes R. S. da Bultrees,^ which was afterwards confirmed to this son along with the Abbey of Tungland, by a charter under the great se.il. Thus went the ecclesiastical benefices in that period." Keith. His son subsequently obtained from James VI. the Deanery of Salisbury. Another sou, Laurence, obtained the Abbacy of Clealuce. OF GALLOW.VY. 518 sum out of the revenues for their Episcopal main- tenance, l Morton, as Reorent, possessed a dojjree of favour and security which none of iiis ])ro(U'cessors had acquired, hut lie did not conduct liimsolf with jus- tice or moderation. He oppressed those whom he disliked, though men of sterlino^ worth and unim- peachah/e integrity ; and heaped favours and riches on the basest arul most dishonest of his party. The course of his actions proclaimed him not only the tyrant, hut also the devoted creature of England. The nobles, at length, began to exhibit symptoms of discontent ; and even the more zealous of the Protestants, whose cause he had ardently espous- ed, were disposed to look upon him with dis- like, or even abhorrence. Deeply rooted as his authority appeared, yet a storm approached which was destined to destroy it. The King had now arrived at the age when he might exercise that power in his own person which Morton abused in his name. A council assembled and declared the King to have assumed the reins of Government, whilst Morton was compelled to resign, or surrender, the Regency with all the insignia of his authority, and to return, amidst the exulting ma- ledictions of the people, into the humiliation of pri- vate life. Unhappy in his obscurity, Morton made another effort to regain his previous ascendency; and he succeeded in almost acquiring his former power ; for he held the King a kind of prisoner in I " These were called Tulchan Bi^liops a very proper name for Ihem, as Tulolian in llie Scotti^h language sicfiiifio the skie of a calf stuffed with straw, and set up beside tlie cow to make her give milk to her ownei." (Stevenson's Ilistojy of Chuich a&d State, p. 135. History of Glasgow, p. 25. 520 HISTORY Stirlinof castle. TTis triivmpli, however, proved of short (luriition: Ir.s iuevirable ruin was at hand, his hours were nurnhrsed. About th s time, Esine Stewart, a relationl of the young liui^-, arrived from France. He was handsome, aiiii;il)le, aiivl aj)pari>ni!y accomplished. With this ycuiii' man Jasnes entered into terms of the fondest ititimacy and M'armest friendship. ■ Stewart possessed the Soverei^-n's confulence so completely, th;it almost every measure of govern- ment v/as jii--:titi(ted hy his sii^^esiion ; and Jamea soon created hiai Duke of Lennox. The sudden* elevation of a foreigner aiid a supposed Papist, created alarm i-i the miuds of the i^-otestants. It was currently re])()rted, that he had been sent over from France to corrupt the morals and pervert the religioii of the young- Ring. The people la- mented tlie countenance given to Pa])ists at court, and the dangers to which both King and country were exposed through iheir secret machinations. This stale of alfiirs was the chief cause of that memorable tran-uictiou which occurred in 1580 and the subsequent year, namely, the swearing to, and subscription of, the national coveniint. It v/as drawn up by John Craig, and consisted of a most solemn and e.\j)licit abjuration of the various ar- ticles of the Popish system, and an engagement to defend the doctrines and discipline of the Reformed Church in Scotland. This bond was first subscribed by the King and his household, and afterwards, — in obedience to an order of the Privy Council and an act of the General Assembly, — by all ranlvs of 1 He was nephew to the E.irl of Lennox, the King's graud- father. OF GALLOWAY. 521 persons tliroii2:liout ihe kinf^flom. The minlstcrg of Galloway eagerly promoted the subscription of it in their respective parishes. The rumours which Morton liad zealously circu- lated against Lennox provoked retaliation, and a report was si)read that the late lleay castle, wliere Mary «'as confined. — When summoned before this tribunal, she de- clined its jurisdiction but at the same time assert- ed her innocence ol the ciime laid to her cliarge. Tlie iui\\, however, jtrocecded, and lasted two days j and after some delay, the commissioners, in ac- cordance with the wishes of Elizabeth, pronounced her guilty. The EnL^lish Parliament had the cruelty and meanness not only to sanction and pprove of these proceedings, Imt also to press for the execution of the nniustlv coiulemned Queen. James made some sincere, though vain, efforts to avert his mother's fate, 'ihe exertions of the King of France proved also abortive. The Scottish clergy exulted in the sentence: for they both feared and hated Mary as the enemy of their religion. — When James learned that his mother was con- demned, he ordered the ministers thus to mention her in their public prayers. " May it please God to illuminate her with the light of truth, and save her from aj)parent danger," hut with one exception tliey disregarded the injunction.! Elizabeth, anxious to evade the odium of putting a sister Queen to death, secretly wished to be re lieved of her prisoner by private assassination. The ministers of the crown, therefore, were employed to write to Mary's keepers, insinuating that her death would be of much benefit both to the Queen of England and the Protestant religion. But these tiubending guardians were not sutiiciently base, or il AjonaJs of Ediuburgh, p. 71* 526 HISTORY servilely unprincipled, to perpetrate so atrocious a deed. At last the fatal mandate was sig^ned by the Queen and issued, The Earls of Shrewsbury and Kent were sent to see it put into speedy execution. Mary met her death with becoming fortitude and pious resi^^nation. She was behead- ed on the Stli day of February, 1537, in the forty- sixth year of her a^fe, after a captivity of more than eighteen years. Often must this u:'.fortunate and unhappy woman have lamented, with bitter anguish, the fatal determiii itiou which she had formed in Galloway, of trusting her life and liberty to the generosity of a jealous and selfish rival. Although the larger portion of church-lands had been seized by the voracious nobles, i or erected The subjoined evincps the unwarrantaWe means which tha nohles resorted to, for the ptirposf of obtaining church property, 1 '• In August, 1370, Allau Stewart, ccmmendator of the abbacy of Cio>siag;uel, in Ayrshire, was prevailed on to visit the Eail of Cassilis, who conveyed lum partly against his will, to a lonely tower which overliangs the s>ea, called the Black Vault of Denure, the ruins of which are yet visible. He was treated for some time kindly ; but as his arms and servants were removed from him, he soon saw reason to consider himself less as a friendly guest than as a prisoner, to whom some foul play was intended At length, the Earl conveyed his guest into a private chamber, in which there was no furnituie of any kind excepting a huge i-lumsy iion grate, or gridiron, beneath which wa.-< a tire of charcoal. 'And now my loid abbot,' said the Earl of Cassilis, 'will you be pleased to sign these deeds?' And so sayin? he laid before him Icasr s and other papers, transferring the whole lands of the abbacy of Crossraguel to the Earl himself. The commendalor rel'used to yield up the property or to sub- scribe the deeds. A party of ruffians then entered, and seizing the unhappy man, stripped him of his dothes and forcibly stretch. cd him on the iron bars, wliere he lay sci.iched by the tire be. neath, while they basted him with oil. as a cook bastes the joint of meat which she roasts upon a spit. The agony of such tor. ture was not to be euduri'u. The poor man cried pitifully, beg. ging they would put him to instant death, rather than subject htm to tiiis lingering misery, and offered his purse with the mo. OF GALLOWAY. 527 into temporal lordships by the Abhots, Priors, and other (li^iiitarios ; yet a considerable part of them, either still remained uiialienated, or had been granted only during the pleasnre of the JSovereig^n. At this time all snch Lmds were annexed to the crown by act of Parliament, the King being empowered to a})ply the rents in support of the government. For some time before the death of Mary, Philip, Sovereig"!! of ^pain, the Netherlands, extensive territories in Italy, and an immense empire in the New World, had been making- preparations to invade England, and effect the liberation of the Scottish QiieeMi from her unjust captivity. In consequence of the vast extent of his do- minions, the great outline of sea-coast which they contained, and the commercial advantages by which they M'ere enriched, Philip possessed by far the largest and most powerful naval force in Europe. His army was not disproportioned to his navy. — Though ru)vv too late to rescue the unfortunate Mary from her unjust c(Mifinement, yet he was determin- ed to avenge, not merely her cruel death, but his ney it contniiicd, to any wlio wrnlil in mercy shoot him through the head. At length he was obliged to promise to subset ile ^vhat. "ver the Earl wished, r.ather than endure the excessive torture any longer. The letters and leases beiny; then presented to him he signed them ivitii his halt' roasted haiid, while the Earl all the wtiile exclaimed, with the most impudent liypocrisy, • Bencdi- cite'i vou are the mo>t obslinale man 1 ever saw, to oblige me to use you llius; 1 never tiiought to have treated any one as your stubbornness has made n-e treat you.' The conimendator was afterwards delivered by a party eomnjanded by Hamilton of Bargany, who ntlacked the iJlack Vault of Denure for the pur- pose of his lilieralion. But ihe wild, savage, and ferocious con- duct of the Earl shows in what manner tlie nobk's obtained grants of the chnith iiuids iiom tliose wiio had possession of them for tlie time." Scon's iales of a GnANDrATHEa. fi28 HISTORY own wrongs. He Lad at this time nearly fitted out a stiJi)eiidons tleet; ajida vast number of troops for hfid sers'ice v\'ere ready to embark. Philip eagerly courted the friendship and co-operation of James; and a faction existed in Scotland, that openly espoused the cause of the Spanish monarch. At this time, James took active measures to sup- press an insurrection in the south of Scotland. — Lord Maxwell, who had been commanded to go abroad, repaired, as we have seen, to Spain, where lie resided for several months, during the prepa- rations for the invasion of England. As it was understood the Spanish fleet would steer for the port of Kirkcudbright, or, at least, for some harbour in the south or west of Galloway, where the forces might disem!>ark in safetj^, and, along with the numerous disafl'ected in that quarter, enter England, Lortl Maxwell returned home to arm his followers' and landed at Kirkcudbright. Many of the warlike, tlie necessitous, and unruly, collect- ed around him on his arrival, and his adherents encreased so fast, that Lord Herries,2 the warden of the marches, finding himself unable to suppress this alarming insurrection, wrote to the King, who instantly ordered Maxwell to appear before him and answer for his conduct. 1 he noble culprit, in- stead of obeying the royal mandate, proceeded 1 Robertson, &c. 2 A littlu before tbis time the General Assembly complained to tbe King, tbat Loid Hciries had expelled the ProtestanI clergy from Dumfries, and celebrated the mass there. Jamea, therefore, deteimined to proceed against him in person; bul Herries, being informed of the royal intention, repaired to court; and his accusers having failed tosnl'stanliate the charge, he vvat dismiss on promising to attend the established church, and prevent mass fiom being said wilhin the limits of his autbo. ■xitf. OF GALLOWAY. 529 to fortify the castles in liis possession. Tliis con- duct so irritated his Miijesty, ihat he collected what troops he could procure, and immediately set out for Dumfries, where he arrived so unex- pectedly', that he almost surprised Lord Maxwell in the town. Some slii^ht resistance, however, be- ing made, the rebel Lord was so fortunate as to seize the opportunity thus offered^ and effect his escape. Next day the castles of Thrieve,! Caer- laverock, and Lanly, despatched Sir Peter You no-, Commendator of Wig-town, 1 who had been one of his tutors, and 'cir P.ilrick Vans of Barnbarroch, Rector of Wiutown,2 to the court of Denmark, in order that they might have sufficient opportunities of observing the appearance, man- ners, and qualifications of the Danish princesses; and if their report should prove favoural)le, James determined to despatch afterwards a more honour- able, or formal embassage. Colonel Stewart soon followed, having instructions to enter into a nego- tiation with Frederick II. about the royal marriage; and all these confidential messengers returned to Scotland highly delighted v^dth their reception, and profuse in their enthusiastic praises of the Danish Ireland into England, by wliicli means the English, not knowing wbeie chiefly to niiike a head, andbein^ wllhal divided, we with vour foices may be better enabled to over-run tha island. For a farther declatation we recommend you to colonel Semple, so praying God to give you a full accomplishmeut of all your holy €ute>prizes, we take our leave." The proposed landing was to take place at Kirkcudbright, (Calderwood.) 1 New Statistical Account, — Murray. 2 " Sir Patrick was much courted during the ciril wars by both parties, as appears by letters in the pos>es^il)n of his descen. dants, addressed to him liy queen Mary, James VL, the different Regents during his minority, aud other persons of eminence He attached himself to the kings party, aud was named of the privy council and exchequer. On the llih of January 157(), in pre. sence of the Regent's grace, ' Maister P.itrick Wans uf Barnbar. roch, peisoiine of Wigloune,' was appointed an Ouliu.iry Lord on the spiritual side, iu tlie place of Robert Maitland, Dene of Aberdene, which was dechired * vacand be his iuhabilitie.' He ie for some years designed, * Wigtoune — and Rector of Wigtouno," in the books of Sederunt.'' Collf.qu of Justjc* .532 HISTORY princesses. James, intent upon matrimony, sent another embassy to hasten the maieli. In the meantime Du Bartas the celebrated French poet, upon the Kind's invitation, arrived in Scot- land. Henry IV., Kinj^ of Navarre, had given Lim secret instructions thiit Jie should endeavour to effect an alliance between the Scottish monarch and one of Henry's sisters. James, highly gratified by the attention of this l)rother sovereii^ii, and pleased with the flattery of the poet, acceded to the pro- posal, and sent William Melville,' Commendator of Tongland, — who from being- a lord of session, was commonly known by the designation of "Lord Tiingland,"" — to, France, for the purpose of seeing 1 Dr. T. Murray — Of Melville this autlmr thus speaks. " lie was decifierlly hostile to the existence ot pic^byt' ry in Scotland; and we find him often employed by the Scottish monarch as his commissioner. in the ecclesiastical courts. In 1593, along with Macgill of Cranston Riddel, he appealed before the presbytery of Hadiiiu>:Lon with a complaint lion i the king against the fa. moHs John Davidson, minister of Prestonpans, for his resistance to the royal will at the last General Assembly, and for protest, ing against the proceedings and enactmenis of the two former Assemblies. In the year atter that just mentioned. Sir Patrick Murray and Melville were appointed to attend the synod of Fife, and not to allow tlie measures of the late Assemblies to be altered or annulled. The synod, hiwever, showed no dispo. sitiou of the kind. Melville died in IGL-'. He was subservient to every wish of his sovereign, and showed not much respect to the civil riirhts and religious privileges of his countrymen." 2 The Abbey of Tongiand stood on the west bank of the Dee, contiguous to the site of tlie old parish church. The northern wall of the church, indeed, was part of the ruined Abbey. The . situation is pleasant and the scenery picturesque. A little to •the south of the edifice, the Dee forms a fine cascade, which is .described by Captain Montgomery, author of the "' Cherry and the Slae," who resided at this time in Cumpston castlo. But as I lukit niyne alane, 1 saw a river riu jOutovvre asteipie lock of stane, Syiie lichtit in a lin. OF GALLOWAY. 533 the Princess of Navarre, and reporting liis opinion of her. The maniane did not take pUice, owuig to tiie attachment, of the Princess to the Comte de Soissons. When the King of Denmark re- ceived informalioa of this transaction— having been Will, tnnibliim and rumbling aman- the roches round, ■ Devalliii;,' and lalliii-, into a pit prolouud. Throw rowliiig of the river rang, The i.ches somiding like a sang, Quhiir deskaiit did ••.bound ; With triple, tenor, counter, mein, • And Ecclu.e blew a bass betvveae. In diapas-on sound, ■• Sibbald's Chuonicle of Scottish PoETaY, Allan Cunningham, Esq., passes the following eulogium on the poet Montgomery. , . • i " Montgomery deserves more notice than he has obtained ; he was long spoken of, but seldom read : and I am willing to be. lieve that ibe fortunate abuse ot Pinkeiton contributed to hif fame by arming in his btlialf all the lovers ol old Scottish song. The cast of his genius is lyricil— there is a sweetness and a liquid motion about even his mo.t elaboiate productions, and one cannot easily avoid chanting many passages on perusal.— His thoughts are' readv, his images at liand, and his illustrations natuial and apt. His" language is ever flowing, felicitous, and abundant. His faults aie the faults ot the times. The monks of Tongland were of the Premonstratensian order, snd came ori:hops of this see enjoyed the whole revenues, and patronage, till episcopacy was finally abolished, in 1689-, when the whole returned to the king. These notices show the giievous changes of factions and fanatical times. The ruins of this monastei y evince, that the house had been of consideiable extent : But the country people having undermined the building, for the freestone, the whole fell into ruins " (Caledonia.) Many of the stones of the abbey were used for building a biidge over the Pee iu 1730, and for erecting the paper mill, &c. The kirks which belonged to IVIelville, were those of Girthon, Minnigaff, Troqueer, Inch, Leswalt, &c» I " He ' upon the suddautie, ai his Hienes request,' accom- panied him to Norway in the end of 1589, and witnessed the solemnization of his marriage at Upslo. "While there, upon the 30lh November 1589, a charter of lands and of the patronage of the churches of Wigtoun, Kirkyniier, Kirkconnell, and Colmon. ell, was granted to him. In December 1589 he was directed by his Majesty to return to Scotland, and was one of the privy council appointed to manage the affairs of the kingdom during thejoyal absence. In 1592 Sir Patrick was elected one of the Lords of the Articles, and on the first of June that }-ear received a pension of two hundred pounds yearly, to be deducted out of the feu-duties payable by him to the crown for the lands held in feu. These charters were ratified in Parliament on the 6th of that month, the king 'remembering and acknawledging tha ernest favour, guid will, and affectioun ever borne' to him by Sir Patrick. He was again chosen on the Articles on the 18th July 1593, and was of the same date appointed a Commissioner J OF GALLOWAY. 535 and several otlier individuals, repaired to Nor- way to brini^ her home. The char38, the parishes of Wigton shire were divided into two piesbyteiies. The eierhl parishes, in the west of Wigton s'.iire, with the parishes of ]\lin- nigaff, and Kirkmabreck, in the west of Kiikcudbrigiit, were for. med into a preslivtery the seat whereof was- at \V'igtou. Tho nine parishes in the west of Wigton.sliire, with the parishes of Ballantrae and Culmonel, were formed into a pre>bytery, tha «eat whereof was Stranraer; And these two presbyteries, with that of Kirkcuilliri.ilit, loiinedthe synod of G.illoway. Such are the ecclesiastical arrangements wliich continue at the preseni time." Caledonia. 2 Calderwood. 638 HISTORY fact accounts for James's deep rooted antipathy to the established clergy; for the coalition between James and the Church was apparent and not real. Had it been otherwise, and had a sincere friend- ship steadily subsisted between them, the bene- ficial effects resulting from it, would have been incalculable. It would have rendered his Majesty happy at home and respected abroad. But the want of perfect harmony between the King and clergy, entailed on James much uneasiness and embarrassment to the end of his reign, and exposed the country to some alarming convulsions. The hereditary feud between the Maxwells and Johnstons was renewed in 1593, on the following occasion. Johnston of Wampliray, with a few of his friends, having committed some depre- dation on the lands of Crichton, was hanged by the enraged chief. William Johnston of Kirkhill, who had attended his uncle, the Laird of Wam- phray, made his escape, raised a powerful party, and, passing over to Nithsdale, ravaged the country. Crichton and Douglas of Drumlanrig collected their followers, and, by way of retaliation, attack- ed the Johnstons, but were completely defeated. The vanquished chiefs now resolved to apply to Lord Maxwell for his powerful protection and support.! This nobleman, having been reconciled to the ancient enemies of his house, felt unwilling to renew the feud, and refused to embrace their cause. The applicants, however, at last over- came his reluctance by entering into bonds of man-rent, and thus became his followers and " leige men." A number of other families of the 1 The Maxwells at this time arc salil to have hnrne the sway from the EngVijli border to the western oUore of Galloway, OF GALLOWAY. 539 district put themselves, at tlie same time, under the protection of Lord Maxwell. Tlie Johnstons heard of the bond, and prepared for hostilities. Having- acquired the aid of JScott of Buccleuch's friends and clan,l the bravest of the border tribes, they unexpectedly attacked a party of Maxwell's men at Loclimaben, who find- infr themselves an unequal match, retired into the church and defended themselves for a considerable time with mucli bravery. The Johnstons collect- ed a laro;e quantity of hay and straw, which they set on fire, and burned the church of Lochmaben, ■with all that were in it, as a just punishment for the destruction of the castle of Lochwood. Lord Maxwell vvas hij^hly incensed at this out- rage, and at the head of 2,000 men — many of them from Galloway- — entered Annandale, determined to destroy or raze the houses of Lochwood and Lockerby. A desperate conflict took place at 1 " A tradition, preserved by Scott of Satchells, who publish- ed in 17^8 ; " A tiue History of the Right Honourable name of Scott," gives the ioHowiiig romantic origin of that name. Two brethren, natives of Galloway, having been banished from that country for a riot, or insurrection, came to llaiikelbiini, in Ett. ricke Forest, where the keeper whose name was Brydone, leceiv- ed them joyfully, on account of their skill in winding the horn, and in the other mysteries of the chase. Kenneth MacAlpin, then King of Scotland, came soon after to hunt in the royal forest and pursued a buck from Ettrickeheuch to the glen now called Buccleuch. about two miles above the junction of Rankelburn with the Ettricke. Here the stag stood at bay ; and the king and his attendants, who followed on horseback, were thrown out by the steepness of the hill and the morass. John, one of the breth- ren from Galloway, had followed the chase on loot ; and now coming in, seized the buck by the horns, and being a man of great strength and activity, thiew him on his back, and run with this burden about a mile up the feteep hill, to a place called Craeia Cross, wheie Kenneth had halted, and laid the buck at the Sove. reign's feet. Lay of thk last Minstrel. '2 Cuuningbam. 540 HISTORY Dryfe Sands, not far from Lockerby, in wlilcli the Johnstons gained the victory ; and Lord Maxwell, after displaying many acts of consummate v^alour, fell, it is said, by the hand of William Johnston of Kirkhlll, who, came behind liim, and after striking him from his horse, ran him throng;!! the body. The ricrht hand, wliich the vanquished nobleman held up for quarter, was irdiumanly cut off by Jiis unforgiv- ing enem3%l Seven humlred of Maxwell's follow- ers were -slain in this memorable encounter. The fleetness of their horses enabled the Barons of I "Tlins far history;" but fa'nily tradition adtls the follow. iag circumstance : The Lady of I.ockerby, had witnessed from the battlements of her tower, the approach of the Laird of John- stone, and assoftnas the enemy withdiew from the lilockade of the fortress, had sent to the assistance of her chief the few •ervants wlio hud assisted in tlie defence. After this she heard the tumnlt of battle, but as she could not from the tower see tho place where it was fou;^!it, she remained in an agony of sus. pens?, until, as the noise seemed to puss away in a westerly di- rection, she could endure the uncertainty no longer, but sallied oirt from the tower, with only one female attendant, to see how the day had gone. As a measure of precaution, she locked th3 strong oaken door and the iron grate with which a Border for- tress was comraonlv' secured, aiid knitting the large keys on a thong, took th'jm witli her, hanging on her arm. When the Lady of Lockerby entered on tlie field of battle, sha found all the relics of a bloody fight; the little valley was cover- ed with slain men and horses, and broken armour, besides many wounded, who were incapalile of further effort for saving them, selves. Amongst others, siie saw lying beneath a thorn. tree a tall, grey haired, noble looking man, arrayed in bright armour, but bareheaded, and bleeding to death from the loss of his right hand. He askeil her for mercy and help with a faltering voice ; but the idea of deadly feud in that tirue ami country closed all access to compassion even in the (emale bosom. She saw befora her the only enemy of her clan, and the cause of her father's cap- tivity and death ; and raising tne poudeious keys wljich she bore along with her, the Lady of Lockerby is comni'inly reported to hare dashed out the brains ofllie vancjuished i.ord Maxwell." ScottsTales of a Grandfatheb. OF GALLOWAY. 541 Drumlanrig, Closeburn, and Lagg, to make their escape. 1 Maxwell was much lamented : being brave, hu- mane, well-educated, and powerful, he was much respected by his countrymen in every rank of life. He was succeeded by his eldest son John, who married a daughter of the Marquis of Hamilton. The K'\nj: received the iutelligenco of this out- rage with much indignation; but, from the state of liis aftairs, he could not proceed to take vengeance on the aggressors. lie, however, commanded Lord Herries, Stewart of Garlics, Gordon of Loch- invar, Douglas of Druudanrig, and some other barons, to examine into the cause of the disturb- ances, protect the town of Dumfries, and prevent farther commotions.- In the year 1595, Galloway, with the rest of Scotland, experienced all the horrors of famine. — In the following May, a boll of oatmeal Avas sold in the district, at the exorbicjint price of between six and seven pounds of our present mone5\ The clergy now gave great offence to the King, by railing in their sermons against the rvders of the land ami many of the public measures. James became anxious to curtail this liberty — which the preachers considered as the privilege of their spi- ritual order,^ — and if possil)le to bring the clergy virtually in subjection to the civil power. His Majesty, who saw that it would be vain to make any direct proposal to re-introduce Episcopacy, chose a diso-uised plan of accom[)lishiiig his object. It had been complained in former Assemblies, that per- 1 M'Viiic's Battle of Dryf'e 5?an(ls Maitland. 2 Maklaud. — llistoiical Tales of Scotlaud. 8 Robertson, &c. 5^1,2 HISTORY sons possessed of the temporalities of bishoprics, ab- bacies, &c., voted in Piir!i;uneiit in the name of the Church, without any authority from it; and advan- tage being taken of this coaipUiint, it was proposed by the Government, that the clergy should have re- presentatives in the national council. The weight of the court and the promises of the King prevailed ; and an act was passed in 1597, ordaining "That such pastors as his Majesty should invest with the office of Bishop, Abbot, or other Prelate, should have the same right to vote in Parliament as ecclesi- astics had possessed in former times, and that bisho- prics should be given to actual preachers or minis- ters." This act was represented as being passed for the benefit of the clergy, as a means of raising them to respectability and comfort. In July of this year, Sir Thomas Maclellan of Bombie died, and his remains were deposited in a vault near his castle. I A General Assembly being called in 1598, the proposal referring to the clergy was introduced by a speech from the King, in which he enu- merated the services he had done to the Church, and mentioned his great anxiety to restore her patrimony. I mind not said he, "to bring in Papistical or Anglican bishops, but only to have 1 The late chuirli of Kirkcudbrislit stood above the vault, and the old aisle oFlhe building enclosed a monument which had been erected to his memory with this inscription. The arms oi tie KiikcudLiight family are above the monument. Hie Dorninus t^itus est T. McClellanus et uxor, D. Gris^sfdl Shixvel: marmor ulrumqne tegit. His Geiiitus R. D. Kirkcudbrius ecce Sepulchrum Posuit hoc, Cburi patris houore sui. Hie obiit anil Dom. 1597. See Appendix (O.) OF GALLOWAY. 543 tlie wisest and best of the ministry appointed by the General Assembly, to have phice in council to deliberate on their own affairs, and not to stand al- ways at the door like poor supplicants despised and disregardt'd." 'Hie measure was carried by a ma- jority of ten. Fifty-one clergymen were to be ad- mitted to Pi-rliament, nearly the same number that Lad a right to sit under the Papal hierarchy ; and tbey were to be chosen partly by the King and partly by the Church. The power to be entrust- ed to the representative and all minor consider- ations were to be referred to the inferior eccle- siastical judicatories, whose suggestions were after- wards to be considered by the King and three commissioners from each provincial synod. The church courts diifered in opinion, and matters were a^ain referred to the General Assembly for an ul- timate adjustment. By act of parliament, the year 1600 commenced on the 1st of January, instead of the 25th of March, which had been antecedently reckoned new year's day. ^The General Assembly met this year at Montrose, and after much discussion it was finally agreed on the 15th of Islarch, that this reverend body should nominate six miiiiisters for every vacant prelacy, out of which number the King^ was allowed to choose one, who was to have a seat in Parliament, under the name of commissioner; but his jiowers were much restricted, and he was to be responsible to the Church for hijj public and private conduct, and removeable at the pleasure of the Assembly. — • The King sanctioned the regulations made by the clergy, but he nev^r intended to observe them ; and, accordingly, he soon after clandestinely filled 544s HISTORY the l)is]ioprics of Ross, Caitliness, and Aberdeen, and invested tlie incumbents with the title of bishop. On the 24th day of JNIarch, 1003, Elizabeth died, in the 70th year of her age ; and, on the same day, the King of Scots was proclaimed in London King of England. He received the news of his accession with composure, and immediately pre- pared to take possession of his new kingdom. On Tuesday the 5th day of April, James set out on his journey, having selected Gavin Hamilton, minister of Hamilton, and Andrew Lamb, both afterwards bishops of Galloway, with a number of noblemen, prelates, and gentlemen to accompany him. The King reached London on the 7th of May, and entered the metropolis of England, amidst the acclamations of an immense multitude of his new subjects. The government of Scotland was entrusted by the Sovereign to a Privy Coun- cii.l 1 Some Charters granted by James, previous to his removal from Scotlaiid, 111 1588, Sir Alexander Stewart obtained from the King a grant of the lands of Coitland. " Patrick Agnew, tha sheriff of Wigton, obtained, from James VL, a grant of the church lands of the parish of Criiggleton ia January. 15Sl. Regist. Mag. Sig. B. xxxv, 516. He obtained, also, from the same king, various other lands in Wigtonshire, in May, 1587. lb xxxvii. 220. He was sheiiifof Wigton, in ' 1597- See the ' Certain Matteis of Scotland." Caledonia. "Sir Robert Gordon of Glen, son aud heir of Sir John GordoQ of Lochinvar, had a charter of the lands of Kiikandre^vs, &c. — 31st January, 1597-8." CHistorical Account of the House of Kenmure ) END OF VOL. I. Jo MtHOLSON, PfliNTJEft. APPENDIX. Note A, — Vol. i. — PacxE 68. An epitaph on Queen Anne, [wife of James VI,] by Patrick Hannay. " Power to do ill, and practise only good, Humblest in heart, highest in place and blood, Fairest, and fre'st from loose desires in thought, Pleasures to tempt, yet not disdained in ought : With anxious care, in courage ne're dejected. Though cause of joy, with no vain joy affected, Know, reader, whensoe're these lines you scan. Such, (and none such but she) was our Queen Anne," According to the Old Statistical Account, a battle was fought between the Scots and English, in 1150, on Glenquicken-moor, in which the Scot- tish general fell, when the bishop of Whithorn seized his sword, to lead on the Scots to victory,-- and was also killed. The patriotic bishop, it is said, was buried by his countrymen, under the Holy-cairn, in Mr Hannay's lands. We^ know, however, there was no such battle fought in that fi , APPENDIX, Note B.— Vol. i. Page 99. " My attention was for several years occasionally- occupied in tracing the vast rampart called " the Deil's Dyke" through Galloway and Nithsdale. — It commences at Lochryan in the farm of Beoch, near the site of the ancient city of Rerig-onium, where Agricola, the Roman general, had a station.* Thence it extends through the farms of Braid, Auchenvane, Kirnearven, and Kilfedder. From Kilfedder, it takes an easterly direction to the form of Derry, and passes by the north end of Loch- Maberrie. It passed the old Kirk-yard of Kirk- calla ; but about the commencement of the present century, the stones were carried away to make Biiig Fences in the neighbourhood. In the ad- joining farm of Ochiltree, this ancient structure runs from the east side of the loch to the summit of the hill, where there are the remains of a .watch-tower made of very large stones. Along the whole line of the Deil's Dyke, there is no other place from which a sentinel could have had such a commanding view of the surrounding country. From the hill of Ochiltree, ^he dyke extends along the farm of Glenvernoch. Immedi- ately above Glendochart, the line is interrupted by a circular stone wall one hundred and ninety-two yards diameter. This is evidently a hill-fort of large dimensions. " In the farm of Knockvill which adjoins that of Glendochart, the dyke runs into the Loch of Cree From the opposite side of the Loch, it passes through the Camberwood, and appears again in Cardorkin, in the parish of Minnigaff; thenee stretches along the hill of Blair, iji the farm of "" * I 1 ave sffii tlie lirad of a Reman spear wliifh was found there, in the ytaj: 1825; it was in the possession of Mr Mac- kenzie, of Stranraer. APPENDIX. 3 Terresjan, and across the moor of Dranandow, be- tween the standing stones called " the Thieves" and the Nappers. As it passes from Terre^an to Dranandow, it runs throuo-U a bo::^, and is only per- ceptible by the heather growiii;^ long- and close on the top ofit; whereas on each side of it the soil only produces rushes and moss. Near the centre of the bog, 1 caused the peat to be cleared away close to the dyke, and thereby found the fonnilu- ation to be several feet below tlie surface, which appeared to me an indication of its great antiqui- ty. " From the Craw Stane of Dranandow, the dyke passes along the south side of the hill of the Gar- lick, through the farm of Auchinleck, over the south side of Dregmorn, by the foot of Tonderghie. It crosses the burn of Palnure, and appears again on the south side of Talnotrie. It goes up Craig- nelder, in the farm of Cor war, passes to Craigen- callie, and is very entire in the Garrary, Clanry, Duckieston, Largrave, and Knockreach. " Near the old bridge of Deuch, it appears again, and continues through the farms of Moonkaig, Aiichinskinnock, and hill-end of Keroch. It passes through Glencairn, Tynron, and Pentpont, and is nearly entire in the farm of Southmains, in the parish of Sanquhar. " Keeping the course of the great dyke, South- mains is upwards of fifty miles from Lochryan. — In this distance, there are so many connecting links as to leave no doubt of this vast ruin having been originally conjoined. Where there is any. breach in it, I was fortunate enough, in almost every instance, to find old people who remembered the stones having been cai-ried away from thai part of the dyke, to make enclosures in the neigh- bourhood. " From Southmains, it is said to have taken an 4 APPENDIX. easterly direction till it joined the large dyke, yet sojentire at Thornithwaite, and at Hightae Flow, in the parish of Loehmaben. Thence it extended to Brittoti Wall, in the parish of Annan, and ran into the Solway Frith, nearly opposite Bowness, in Cumberland, where the great wall of Adrian com- menced. " Dr Clapperton of Annan, the father of the ce- lebrated traveller of that name, traced the Deil's Dyke far to the westward of Hightae Flow ; but I am afraid the details of his survey are lost, which is to be regretted, as, in Dumfries-shire, agriculture Las made larger inroads on this old structure, than in Galloway, where the greater part of the lands through which it passes, are less susceptible of being disturbed by the plough. "This ancient fence is invariably eight feet broad at the base, with a fosse on the north or inland side, and seemingly, as far as stones could be pro- cured conveniently, it is built of blocks of common moor-stone, which bear no mark of either chisel or hammer. As it recedes from the stony district, it is built of an admixture of stones and earth, or wholly of earth as at Hightae Flov/. " The builders of this vast rampart, have not taken advantage of natural barriers, such as lochs, rivers, and glens, to strengthen its position as a line of defence. In Galloway it uniformly includes the fertile land to the south of it, from which circum- stance, and from the fosse being on the opposite side, it appears to have been built by a people in- habiting the lower and more southern part of the district. " The era and use of all the other great walls in the kingdom being well known, it is singular that a work of such magnitude as the Deil's Dyke should have been overlooked by historians : conse- quently every thing connected with its erection is mvoived in the darkest obscurity. APPENDIX. 5 " It Is not mentioned in the charter of any of the lands through which it passes, so far as I have been al)le to ascertain. Mr. Chalmers^ the author of " Caledonia," in a letter which 1 received from him, dated 16th April, 1820, says, "I wish you to understand, my good Sir, that there are ques- tions which arise out of your communications, which justify the observation of Mr. Hume, that ' there are questions in history as dilficult of solu-. tion as any in the sciences.' Sucli is the DiePs Dyke. Considering all its circumstances, it is ex- tremely difficult to assign its age, its object, or its builders. In Ireland, there is nothing like the Diel's Dyke ; the inference is, that it was not made by Irish hands. I am disposed to think that tliis work is several centuries older than the arrival - of the Irish Cruithne or Picts in Galloway." In Caledonia, vol. iii. p. 237, referring to the same subject, he adds, " It is obviously a very ancient work, and was probably formed by the Romanized Brito'ns after the departure of the Roman armies." " The name of this ancient structure is an addi- tional proof of its great antiquity, as, down to a late period in Scotland, any work of unknown origin v/hich seemed to exceed the ordinary limits of human exertion, was commonly ascribed either to the Picts, to Michael Scott the Wizard, or to the Master Fiend himself." Note C— Vol. i.— Page 140. St. Cuthbert was originally a shepherd; but withdrew from his mountains, in consequence of a dream or supposed vision. He imagined he be- held the soul of Aidan, the first bishop of Lindis- farne, ascending into heaven, surrounded by a nu- merous host of attending angels. Being received into the community of the monastery of old Mel* Q APPENDIX. rose, this young man became cllstinguished for Iils sanctity and rigour of life. In course of time he was appointed prior, and, like other devotees, wrought pretended miracles. He was subsequently elected bishop of Hexham ; but, in the following year, he exchanged that see for the bishopric of Lindisfarne. He now withdrew almost entirely from the world, and remained in solitude for three years on the small island of Fame, on the coast of Northumberland. At length worn out with self-inflictions, he died in the prime of life. [We intended to copy from Chambers's Journal the curious and well told posthumous history of St. Cuthbert, but our limits will not allow us to give the whole.] " According to his ov/n request, the body of the holy bishop was immediately wrapped in a linen cloth, which had been given to him for a winding- sheet by a pious abbess named Verca, and then, indued in his robes of office, he was placed in a coffin, with the sacramental elements on his breast, and sandals upon his feet. He was then con- veyed to the church of Lindisfarne, and buried on the right-hand side of the altar. Here Cuthbert ivould have probably lain for ever, and been soon forgotten, like so many other devout men of his own time, if it had not been, that, eleven years after, a resolution was formed to make him the patron-saint of the church in which he was buried. In consequence of this resolution, his body was raised from the grave, that it might be plac- ed in some conspicuous situation above ground ; when, wonderful to relate, it was found to have suffered not the least decay, the flesh being still soft and fair to look upon, and the joints flexible; so that nothing but the soul seemed wanting to make it once more live and breathe, while even the cerements and robes were as fresh as on the APPENDIX. 7 day of their deposition in tlie grave. Such at least is the account which has been handed down ; of its probability the reader will afterwards be enabled to jndi^e. The body was now placed in a wooden coffin, and set up in a shrine, to which the story of its miraculous incorruption, with the reputation of the great sanctity manifested by the bishop in life, caused multitudes of pilgrims to re- sort, to the great enrichment of the church. From 699, when first set up, till 875, it remained in this situation. The monks of Lindisfarne, bein^ then forced by the Danes to desert their church, took the body of St. Cuthbert along with them, and, proceeding to the neighbouring mainland, commenced a wandering life, which lasted several years. Wherever they went they carried the body of the saint, drawn on a small curricle ; and every where thej"^ were favourably received, some giving them food, others clothing, and others mo- ney. At this period, the famous Alfred, while skulking from his enemies in the marshes of Somersetshire, was asked for alms one day by an aged beggar, to whom he readily gave a portion of what food he happened to possess. This beg- gar, he afterwards believed to be St. Cuthbert in a bodily shape, for that evening the saint appeared to him in a vision, and promised him a speedy vic- tory over his enemies. He soon after gained an important victory, which, it may be readily be- lieved, was the means of adding not a little to the reputation of our saint. Wherever the body of Cuthbert was carried, it performed miracles, and a great number of the places where it temporarily rested, became the sites of churches, which were built in his honour. These are chiefly to be found in Northumberland, Durham, and York; but there are some also in Cumbeiland and Lan- cashire, and even in Scotland. There is a tradi- 8 APPENDIX. tion that the body was on one occasion floated down the Tweed from Melrose to Tillmouth, in a boat shaped coffin of stone, the remains of which are still to be seen at the latter place. At one time, tired of their wanderings, and despairing of a shelter in England, a portion of the train re- solved to go to Ireland with the body, leaving the rest asleep on the shore. They set sail at the mouth of the Dervvent in Cumberland, but had not gone fur from land, when a storm arose, and compelled them to return In the confusion, they dropped overboard a precious copy of the gospels, which had belonged to Cuthbert, and was covered with gold and jewels. I'he book disap- peared ; but, observing that the wind blew to the land, they did not despair of its being driven ashore. They immediately began to wander along the beach in search of it, and, according to the story, they actually did find it, many days after, on the shore at Whithorn in Galloway. This remarkable volume was afterwards kept as an object of veneration in the church of Lindis- fame till the Reformation, after which it passed through private hands, until it came to the British Museum, where it still exists in tolerable preser- vation. At length the body of Cuthbert found a temporary rest in 882 at Chester-le-Street, where a cathedral was built for its reception, and where, in the course of a few years, its train of monks increased immensely in wealth." [After several migrations the body of the saint was placed in a new shrine in the present magni- ficent cathedral of Durham, in August, 1104, to which it proved the source of much gain.] " At length came the Reformation, when all the glory of this Anglo-Saxon Saint was at once to cease. In 1540, when the priory of Durham was dissolved, three visitors c.arae to that proud minsterj APPENDIX. 9 to deface and cast down all the objects peculiarly associated with the ancient mode of worship. The shrine of St. Cuthbert sufiered among the rest, and the tomb of the saint was irreverently broken up. If we are to believe the contem- porary accounts, the body was found in as incor- rupt a state as ever ; probably ihe inspectors were only deceived, as formerly, by the appearance of entireness given to it by the swaddlings in which it was enfolded. "The next appearance of this wonderful saint before the eyes of men, was in what may be called our otcn day. In May 1827, eleven hundred and thirty-nine years after the death of the bishop on Fame island, nine hundred and fifty-two from the removal of his body from Lindisfarne, eight hun- dred and thirty- two from its establishment at Durham, and two hundred and eighty-five from its last burial, it was once more exhumed in the presence of Messrs. Darnell, Gilly, Leybourn, and Fairclough, dignified clergymen of the cathe- dral, besides several other persons. On this occasion they found in an inner coffin, *'a dark substance of the length of a human body, which, after a mom.ent's investigation, proved to be a skeleton, lying with its feet to the east, swathed apparently in one or more shrouds of linen or silk, through which there projected, in their respective places, the brow of the skull, and the lower part of the leg bones. The bones of the feet were dis- jointed and fallen flat. The whole was perfectly dry, and no offensive smell was perceptible. " From all the appearances, it was plain that the swathings had been wrapped round a dry ske- leton, and not round a complete body, for not only was there no space left between the swathing and the bones, but not the least trace of the decompo- sition of flesh was to be found. The bone of the 10 APPENDIX. forehead bore traces of a fillet of gold wliicli had been burnished upon it, and, what put the practice of imposture beyond ail doubt, the sockets of the eyes were filled with a whitish composition, so as to give to the exterior cloth an appearance of pro- minence, as if from the existence of eyes under- neath. The skull, on being closely examined, was found to be rather small, the forehead low, narrow, and retreating, and the hinder portion most largely developed. The nose-bone was short, and strangely curled up, the chin deep and prominent, and the space between the top of the nose and the upper jaw-bone unusually small, 60 that it is not conceive able that the holy Cuthbert could have been at all handsome. The length of the skeleton was five feet eight inches. "The bones of St Cuthbert still exist in Dur- ham cathedral.'"* Note Z).— Vol. i.— Page 183. " Certa Dei ratio totum componderat orbera Et varies fines diveiso munere ditans Non omnes uni dat opes, non omnibus unum. Ditat lana Seres, ebur Iiidos, thus Sabathaeos, Argentum Assyrios, electiurn Discones, aurum Chaldaeos, gummi Sabaeos, jaspis Achivos, Gemma Viennenses, seges Afros, vina Latinos. — . Francia Pipinis, Brabantia milite signi, Aaglia Richardo, Galwidia gaudet Alano. Cuique terrae suum bonitas diviua valoi-era Indidit et nullam voluit, sic esse priorem, Quin et posterior essst, vel sic raeliorem, Quit! et deteiior. Quarum Galwidia pene Pauperior, nimium deserta, parumque diserta; Nee vino, nee fruge ferax, nee gente, nee armis Bellica, ncc censu, nee cerere praedita : cuuctis • Foi- a fuller account, see Chambers's Journal, part 84, No. 385. APPENDIX. 11 Subjlcltur terns. Sed mira redemptio 1 si quern Defectum palitur Galwidia, suppkt Alanus." Note JS.—Vol. i.— Page 257. "Tradition informs us that Bruce retreated to the head of Loch Trool, a wihl, romantic, and beautiful lake in the parish of Minnigaif. Bruce, like a wary and experienced general, saw at a single glance the advantages he might reap from his present position, and determined to avail him- self of them to the uttermost. The path that wound up the margin of the lake was so narrow, that two men could not walk, much less ride a- breast, while a steep hill (in several places preci- pitous) arose from the very margin of the water, and skirted it for nearly a mile ; about the centre of this path the hill pushes forward a precipitous abutment, called still by the inhabitants of this se- questered glen, "the Steps of Trool," the pathway here is about twenty feet perpendicular above the surface of the water, while the hill above is almost the same for a few hundred yards, and very steep for a quarter of a mile higher. It was this spot that Bruce fixed on for the scene of his operations. His slender body of troops consisted of a few hardy tried veterans, xA\o had stood by him in many a well contested field, — who had braved every vi- cdssitude of season, and suffered every privation ■ with their undaunted leader. The rest were a body of half armed and undisciplined peasantry, wbo had been induced to join him in his hasty marches through the country ; and whilst they add- ed to his numerical force, were often a drawback on his slender resources, and even impeded the rapidity of the forcevl marches, which his frequent defeats rendered necessary. Fully aware that the Eiiglish would follow, he sent his peasants up the 12 APPENDIX. hill, with orders to loosen as many of tlie detached blocks of granite, as they were able to do during the night, and to hurl them down on the enemy at a preconcerted signal, which was to be three blasts on his bugle, should they attempt the pass. — The reversion of his little -band, he drew up in a strong position, at the head of the lake, and hav- ing completed his arrangements, he took one or two of his most confidential warriors, and ascend- ed a small eminence on the opposite side of the lake, to watch the success of his plans. All night his friends laboured with unabated vigour, and in solemn silence, — so that, by the aid of levers and crow-bars at the earliest dawn, he was delighted with a view of the formidable reception they had prepared for his enemies; and his eye kindled with pleasure at sight of the huge fragments, lika the ruins of a wall, extending along the face of the hill, for almost half a mile in length, and his men on the alert, and waiting for the signal ; a glance down the lake, shewed him the English army in full march up the defile; a body of choice cavalry led the van, — a division of heavy armed billmen followed to support them, and the face of the hill was covered v»nth a cloud of archers to pro- tect their flanks, Onwards they came in single files ; the leading horseman had reached the fatal step, wdien, hark! a prolonged note from the bugle, awakens the mountain echoes, and arouses the slumbering boar from his leafy bed ; hark ! again, it is followed by another blast, louder and shriller than the first ; again it sounds, deep — loud — and portentous, like the first note of the coming tem- pest, as it hurtles through the sky ; a moment be- fore this, the hill lay smiling in all the soft repose of a summer morning, and in another, it seemed to have been rent asunder by the surge of a vol- cano, and its entrails tossed in shapeless masses. APPENDIX. J3 into the dell beneath. Down — Down ! the dread- ful avalanche descends, leaping^ and boundino-, and tearing up, and breaking down every thing that obstructs its fatal progress ,• but woe to the predes- tined wretches that were penned up for slaughter in the pathway beneath. In vain were tlieir screams for mercy, where no mercy could be shewn them ; let us not spin out a tale of horror, nor gloat over the wreck of the human race. The M-hole of the English vanguard are said to have perished in the defile, and the rest to have become so intimidated that they retired beyond the Cree, into the county of Wigtown, to await a reinforce- ment before they resumed offensive operations." Note i^.—Vol. i.— Page 257. " Douglas returns, and sudden bends his way To Cariick's coast, whcie still the Monarch lay; Since the late wond'rous act the loyal bands Increasiua^ daily from the neighbouring lands. Then all at once decamp the royal war. And to Glentrool's thick woody shades repair. And now from Carlisle on the Southron coast, Pembroke, and Vanes, and ClifFord lead their host. Swift to Glentiool the squadrons shape their way And fifteen hundred shields reflect the day. Approached the South'ron troops, and quickly found The Scots dispos'd along the hii-her ground. Just where a woody mountain's rugged brow, Threat'iiiiig, o'erhung a steepy vale below. The spies advanc'd to view the royal force. And found th it steep impassable to horse. Soon they return, and to the leaders show The ground, and strait cncampmeut of the foe. Then Pembruke — ' Useless here our cavalry, And if we strive on foot to force our way ; The Scuts advantag'd by the craggy height, dBhou'd mock our labour, and defeat our might, B 14 APPENDIX. Long hath the Bruce in martial arts been skill'd, And long yon legions harden'd to the field. Then let us, cautious, shun the plain debate, Act by surprize, and conquer by deceit. Poorly ariay'd a woman first shall go, And, unsuspected, shall decoy the foe ; Slyly expose the weakness of our train, And draw the Scots, incautious, to the plain. eantime oui troops, unseen, from yonder wood. Shall secretly surround the hostile crowd.' The chiefs approve. The woman takes her way, A staff supports her up the rugged bay. Straight to the King the beggar.traitress came. And ask'd an alms in good St. Andrew's name ; So might that Saint still shield him from all harm, And grant due success to his righteous arms. Not far encamp'd, she told, on level ground Sir Aymer lay, below the craggy mound. But his raw troops undisciplin'd appear, Green to the field, and novices in war. ^ Wou'd he descend, soon might he rout the foe. Look them to flight, and gain without a blow. Full on her face, the Monarch fix'd his eye, And gaz'd, suspicious, on the the beggar.spy. His yeomen calls, — out springs a nimble band, And sudden seize the mendicant in hand. Afraid of death, the trembling traitress kneels. Her crime confesses, and the truth reveals: Informs the King the Soutb'ron were at hand. And Pemhroke, Vanes, and Clifford led the band. The Monarch heard, and soon the war array'd. And his bioad tanner in the field display'd. "Wedged in close ranks the firm battalions stood. And now the foe advances from the wood. A bow already bent the Monarch drew, "VVhiz'd the swift arrow from the twanging engh. Quite thro' the foremost's gullet glanc'd the flane. The wounded warrior, falling, bites the plain. Fierce on the ranks the hardy Edward goes. And Hatj and Douglas pour upon their foes. With their bold cliiefs advanc'd th' inferior war, And to the ground the South'ron vanguard bore. Succeeding lines disheartened with the sight. Back thro' the wood precipitate their flight. APPENDIX. 15 The haughty chiefs, ashani'd at the defeat, Industrious haste to stop the foul retreat : Now threaten, now exhort the coward traia. But still they threaten and exhort in vain. The hardy Scots th' astonish'd foe pursu'd, And heaps of death lay scatter'd thro' tlie wood, The South'ron rear beheld the routed van, And down the rocks in wild disorder ran. The gen'rals fled, confounded and asham'd, And every chief his fellow leader blani'd. Thus Bruce with twice two hundred ia his train, Diove Sfteen hundred South'rons fiom the plain." Note G.— Vol. i.— Page 289. About the year 1306, Robert Bruce often wandered through the wilds of Galloway with only a few attendants. One morning", according to tradition, he was attiicked by Sir Walter Selby, and a small party of the iiinolish near the Urr. The contest was hcrce and doubtful until the comba- tants were reduced to three on each side, who were severely woundtd. The sound of battle reached the ears of a woman — wife of Mark Sprotte — who was preparing her husband's breakfast, in a house at no great distance. She approached the scene of coutiict, anil beheld several warriors lying wounded, and t^vo knights with their vizors closed, contending in mortal strife. One of them at last had no alternative but to yield himself a prisoner to his more powerful antagonist. Having washed their bloody hands in the Urr, they accompanied tlie woman to her cottage. " Bring some food," said the Scottish Knight; "I have not tasted fo3d for nearly two days, else Sir Walter Selby, re- nowned in arms as he is, had not resisted Robert Bruce so long. The dame now placed before the Kino- a small oaken table, and filled a large wooden \)Q\y\^ — said to be still preserved by her descend- 1,6 APPENDIX. ants, — with tlie favourite brealifast at tliat time of the sons of Caledonia, and put one spoon beside it. "Brinjjf another spoon," said the Kino;, " and let this oentle Knii^ht partake with me." " I should be no true subject," answered she, " if I feasted our mortal foe ; I have vowed that a Southron S'lall never cat within my door in my presence." — " To reward thy loyalty" said Bruce, " I make thee lady of as much land around thy cottage as thou canst encompass by runnin»', whilst I take my breakfast." As the King lifted first the spoon to his mouth, she flew from the door. Robert and his late antagonist laid aside their helmets and took alternate spoonfuls of the hot and homely fare. — After running round the hill, — now called the King's Mount, — and encompassing the holm, the King and Selby heard her thus communing with, herself as she entered the house " I shall be call- ed the lady of the Mount, and my husband shall he called the lord on't. We shall, nae doubt, be called the Sprontes of the Mount of Urr, while- Dalbeattie wood grows, and while Urr runs. — Our sons and our daughters will be given in. marriage to the mighty ones of the land, and to wed one of the Sprottes of Urr may be the toast of ba- rons. We shall grow honoured and great, and the tenure by which our heritage shall be held, will be tJie presenting of butter brose in a lordly dish to the kings of Scotland, when they happen to pass the Urr." ••« On thy own terms," said King Robert, " so loyally and characteristically spoken, my heroic diime of Cialiovvay, shall the Sprottes of Urr hold this heritage. 'i his mount shall be called the King's Mount; and v»hen the king's of Scotland pass the Urr, they shall partake of brose from King Robert Bruce's bowl, and from no other — presented by the fair and loyal hands of a Sprotte. APPENDIX. 17 Be wise, be valiant, be loyal and faithful, and possess this land free of paying- plack or penny till the name of Bruce perish in tale, in son^, and in history : antl so 1 render it to thee." [The tradition is given at length in Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, vol. iv. p.p. 3bT — 388, by one of the descendants of Dame Sprotte, who says,] " And thus in one short morning did my ances- tress win the lands which have given sustenance and dignity to her descendants for more than live hundred years." Note H. — Vol. i. — Page 296. Locii-DoON is a beautiful sheet of clear water, about seven miles in length, and one mile in breadth, possessing a gravelly bottom and beach — bounded nearly half of its length, on the east, by the j)arish of Carsphairn, and the remaining part, on the west, by the parish of Dalmellington, in Ayrshire, and the parish of Slraiton, in the same county. It is surrounded by lofty hills, both on the Galloway and Carrick sides, those upon the Galloway side being green and beautiful, and those on the Carrick side heathy and rocky. About half way betwixt the Galloway and Carrick sides, are the remains of an old castle, built in the octagonal form, and situated upon a rock which is surround- ed by the deep waters of the lake. This ruin is still the remnant of a strong fort, which from its situatioti must have been impregnable before the use of gunpowder was known. It belonged to the Lords ot Carrick, the ancestors of King Robert the Bruce. There is a hill near it, still named the Brucean hill, where tradition relates that the hold- ers of the castle encountered and defeated the Knglibh. " In the year 1306, Sir Christopher de Seaton, w APPENDIX. who had marrlefl a sister of Kin^ Robert Bruce, and had rendered essential service to the Kinc^, took refuge in his own castle of Loch Doon ; but it, was pusiUanimously given up to the Eng- lish by Sir Gilbert de Corrie, the hereditary keeper or the fortress, and Scatoii being obnoxious to Kir."" Edward, on account of his having been present at tlie death of Coniyn, was inimediately carried to Dumfries and executed. {1'ytler's His- tory of Scotland, vol. i.) Tradition states, that when the English in 1319, beseiged the castle of Loch Doon, being unable to take it by fetorm, they raised- an embankment of earth and stone, lined with raw hides to prevent the water from oozing through the rampart, across the place where the lake discharges itself; hoping there- by to inundate the castle. 'J"he work was finish- ed ; and the water rising rapidly, one of the soldiers named TvI'Nab, volunteered to destroy the caul, and being a good swimmer, he took the water at midnigl.t, vvith a large Bonnet Sicord, folded in bis cap, with which he succeeded in cutting several lar'J-e holes in the hides through which the water ruslicd with such force, sweeping away every thing in its course, that he was carried down in the cur- rent, an.d consequently lost his life in saving his companions ; but in gratitude for the service he had rendered his country, a grant of land was con- ferred on his son, which bears the name of Mack- uabton to this day. In the dry summer of 1S26, some fishing parties from Dalmellingtoii discovered nine canoes in the deep water of the lake near to the castle : three of them were lifted entire; they were each formed of one oak tree ; and must have been the boats used at one time by the inmates of the castle. — The largest of them is now in the museum of Glas- gow, the others are sunk iii a place made for them APPENDIX. 19 at the foot of tlic loeh, where they are placed for the gratification of the curious. In one of the ca- noes were found a battle-axe, and the sole and upper part of a lady's shoe ; the sole was entire, the upper part which had been sewed to the sole by fine thongs seemed much decayed. [^This is- in the possession of ]Mr Train.] Note /.—Vol. i. Page 302. Batiol, by a separate deed, made over to King Edward all his paternal dominions in Scot- land, England, the Isles, and province of Galloway, "with their appurtenances. But, not satisfied with resigning his all, he endeavoured to destroy his reputation, by putting the following reasons for di- vesting himself of his royalty and paternal domi- nions, into a formal deed under his hand and seal. " That considering the great risk men run, in regard to their precious and immortal souls, by the great ravages, depredations, and slaughters committed by them, occasioned by the frequent and obstinate rebellions of the Scots ; who, at the instigation of the devil, had so often revolted against the King of England, their superior lord; and, in- stead of assisting himself, [Baliol,] as in duty bound, that many of the nobility, his own relations, had made leagues and associations against him, attack- ed his person, and endeavoured his ruin, notwith- standing his propensity to peace and quietness, wliich he had never been able to accomplish ; nor could he now hope, by reason of his great age and weakness of body, to compass those desirable ends. But as he dreaded that, after his demise, new troubles would arise concerning the succession to the crown, since it was well known that the Brucean family had no right to it, he thought that his cousin and superior lord, Edward King- of Eng- 20 APPENDIX. land, by his s^reat power, was the fittest person to subdue the rebels, and by his clemency to protect the good, which he himself had experienced by the gracious acceptance of his homai^-e for the kingdom of Scotland, when he might liave taken it into his own hands ; and that ever since he had conferred on him good offices, without number ; and as, by an union of the kingdoms of England and Scotland, he would be enabled to reduce his enemies both at home and abroad ; he, for that renson, had m.ude over to him the crown, kingdom, and islands of Scotlasid. Dated at Roxburgh, the 30th of January, 1356." Note i:.— Vol. i.— Page 353. Parliamentary Enactments. I. Protection to the "Haly Kirk." II. Peace to be established throughout the realm ; and that all persons shall be permitted to travel in security without "having assurance one of another." Ill; Against Rebellion. IV. " It is declared to be ordained for the safety and favour of the poor people who labour the ground, tliat they, and all others who have taken or shall take lands in any time to come from lords, according to a lease which is to run for a certain term of years, shall remain on the lands protected by their lease till the expiry of the same, paying all along the same yearly rent ; and this notwith- standing the lands should pass by sale, or by alie- nation, into dift'orent hands from those by whom they were first given in lease to the tenant." V, Against invading property. VI. Against " sorners, outlayers, masterful beg- gars, fools, bards, and runners about." U such be discovered they are to be put in prison, and de- APPENDIX. 21 t-iined as lon^ as tlicy liave substance to maintain themselves. But if they have nothiao;- to live up- on, it is ordained that " their ears are to be naiKnl to the Tron, or to any other tree, and then cut off, and they theins'elves banished the country, to which if they return aj^ain, they are, upon their first apprehension, to be handed." VII. Ad^aiust buying- provisions, and hoarding tliem up till seasons of dearth. VIII. Against treason, such as laying- violent hands upon the Sovereign's person ; assailing any fortress in which the King may happen to be ; holding out castles against the King's forces ; or supplying the castles of traitors with stores. IX. Against carrying money out of the realm. Appoyntement betwixt James ii., and James Earle Douglas. (From Tytlefs History (f Scotland.) " Be it kend till all men be thyr present letters, me James Earle of Douglas, to be halden and' obleisi, and be thir present letters, and the faith in my ! ody lelie and truelie binds and obliges me till our sovercane Lord James, be the Grace of God, King of Scotland, that I shall fulfill, keep, and observe all and sundrie articles, and conde- ciones, and poyntis underwrittin, that is to say — in the first, I bind and oblige me till our said soverayne lord, that I shall never follow nor per- sew, dii telly nor intiirectly, be law, or any other maner of ivay, any enlriein the lands of the earle- dome of Wigtone, with the pairtinents or any part of them, untill the tyme that I may obtaine speciall favour and leicence of our soverayne Ladv JVIaryj be the grace of God, Queen of Scotland, be letter and seal to be given and maid be hir to me thairupon. And in the samen wise, I bind and obliss me to our soverayne lord, that 1 shall 22 APPENDIX. never persew nor follow, directly nor indirectlie, the Itiuds of the lordship of Stewartoun, with the pertinents, or any pairt of them, the whilk were whilum the Dutches of Turinies,. until the time that I may obtaine our soverayne lord's special li- cence, grace, and favour of entrie in the said lands ; and alswa, I bind and oblidge me till our sover- ayne lord, to rem.it and forgive, and be thir present letters fullie remitts and forgives for evermair, for me, my brother, and the Lord Hamiltone, and our (enverdance,) all maner of rancour of heart, ma- lice, fede, mitlgre, and invy the quhilk I or any of us had, hes, or may have in tyme to come, till any of our said soverane lord's lieges, for any ac- tions, causes, or querrels by gane, and specialie till all them that had arte or parte of the slaughter or (leid of whyhim William, Earl of Douglas, my brother, and siiall take thay personnes in heartli- nes and frieiulship at tlie ordinance and advyce of our said soverayne lord. " And outter, 1 bind and obliss me till our said soverayne lord, that all the tenants and maillers being within my lands quatsomever, sail remane with thair tacks and mailing quhile Whitsonday come a year, except them that occupies the grangis and steids whilk war in the Imnd of the said Earle William, my brother, for his own proper goods ihe tyme of his decease, and yet thay personcs to remain with thyr tacks, at our said soverayne lords will, of the said granges and steids while Whitson- day next to come ; and alswa I bind and oblige me to our said soverayne lord to revock, and be thir present letters revocks, all leaguis and bands, if any hes been made be me in any t} me by gane, contrare to our said soverayne lord ; and binds and obliss me, thut 1 shiill make na band, na ligg in tyme coming, quhilk sail be contrar till his hienes. Alswa 1 bind and obliss me till our said soverayne APPENDIX. 23 lord, to remitt and forgive, and be tliir present letters remitts and forgives till liis hienesall maner of maills, g'oods spendit, taken, sould, or analied be him or his intromitters, in any maner of wayes before the xxii day of the moneth of July last by- past, before the makings of thir present letters. — And if any thinj^ be tane of the good of Galloway, I put me thairof, to our said soveraigne lady, the Queen's will. Alswa I bind and oblige me to our said soveraigne lord, that I shall maintaine, sup- plie, and defend the borders and the bordarers, and keep the trewes taken, or to be taken, at all miy guidly power, and in als far as I aught to do as wardane or liegeman till him. Alswa I bind and oblidge me to doe to our said soverane lord, honor and wovschip in als far as lyes in my power, I havand sic sovertie as 1 can be content of reasoun for safety of my life. Item, 1 oblige me that all harmes done, and guides taken under assurance be mandit and restored. In witness of the M'hilk thing, in fulfilling and keepin all and sundrie ar- ticles, poynts, and conditiones before written in all manier of forme, force, and effect, as is afore- said, all fraud and guile away put, 1 the said .Tames, for me, my brotlier, and the Lord Hamiltone, and all our pairts, (averdance,) to ther present letters sett my seall, and for the mair sickerness the haly evangillis twichit, hes given our bodily oath, and subscryved with my own hand at Dou- glas, the xxviii day of the month of Augst, the year of our Lord jm. four hundredth and feftie- twa years. Sic subscrlbitur, James, Earle Douglas. James, Loud Hamiltone." " As this authentic and interesting document," says Mr Tytler, " has never been published, \% may properly be included amongst the Pieces 24 APPENDIX. Justicatives of this history. It is taken from the manuscript volume preserved in the Library of the Faculty of Advocates at Edinburgh, entitled, Sir Lewis Stewart's Collections, a. 4. 7. p. 19." Note Z.— Vol. i.— Page 368. " For your Grace's favours I ought and will most certainly strive with all earnestness to obtain tliem. Your Grace knows that as I have the ho- nour to command many who obey me, I know well how to render dutiful obedience to my Sovereign. None of your subjects, Sir, enjoy more lands and honours than I do, and there is not one who would more willingly engage life and fortune in your de- fence and honour. Those who lay snares for my life are now your Grace's constant attendants, and I dare not trust myself in your presence without a letter of safe conduct, and well attended by my friends. For the wrongs committed by my follow- ers and vassals I am ready to give every requisite gatisfaction. As to the bond of mutual friendship between sundry noblemen and myself, I can assure your Grace that we would have adhered together without any written obligation. We were driven to this bond for our own safety, not to offer vio- lence to, but, to defend ourselves from our ene- mies." " Deeds, and not words," said the King, «' make the affection and submission of a subject known, and there can be no greater security for him than to rely on the laws of the commonwealth and the country, especially in a country where the laws and not faction ought to predominate. Such men as you, my Lord, raise tiiese factions to "the sub- version of all laws and authority. Is it to be tol- erated for a moment that any subjects, of what- ever rank and condition, are to make offensive APPENDIX. '^£ and defensive leagues against all persons? This is to disclaim all government, to do what they please without control, to commit treason in the Lig-hest (leo-roe, to make your own swords influence and justify your proceedings, and to conceal the progress of your career until you openly demand the crown itself. I insist upon it, therefore, that this confederacy of yours be instantly broken, and thus you will receive wonted clemency instead of deserved justice." " The bond," replied Douglas, " being drawn up by the common consent of certain noblemen and gentlemen, and subscribed, it cannot be re- nounced without mutual consent. Your Grace must in consequence see that we must all meet and consult before it can bs cancelled." *• Nay." said James vehemently, " you shall begin first, to show a good'example. No man shall in my pre- sence disavow and disclaim my authority. You stir not from this room till you solemnly, sincerely, and deliberately, sign your withdrawal from this treasonable bond." Your Grace will recollect," replied Douglas, " that I came hither upon a pub- lic assurance of safe-conduct." No public assur- ance," rejoined James, " can protect any man from •the consequences of a private misdemeanour * Note M.—Yo\. i. — Page 385. Incidental Notices ot Th reave CastlE AND MoNs Meg. " It is known to the readers of vScottish history, ■that King David II., in the. year 1369, conferred the Lordship of Galloway, on Archibald, common'- ly called the Grim, Earl of Douglas, to be held by him and his heirs for ever. " The residence of Alan, the last native Prince of Galloway, was built on tin islet of twenty sta^ e ■ 26 APPENDIX. tute acres, formed by the Dee, ten miles above the estuary of that river. (Grose's Antiquities of Scot- land, vol. i. p. 175.) On the site of that ancient fortalice, Black Douglas built the stronghold of Threave, which in ancient British signifies the liomestead, or dwelling. (Sir John Sinclair's Sta- tistical Account of Scotland, vol. xiii. p. 651.) " Threave Castle, is yet a stately massive pile, the walls being nearly seventy feet in height, and in thickness, eight feet, forming an oblong square built of common moor stone, with an admixture of freestone grick, strongly cemented with shell lime. The dungeon, arsenal, and larder, occupied the lowest story of the castle. On the second floor was the barrack of the soldiers on duty.— The third floor contained the apartments of state, where the Baron lodged his friends, or feasted his vassals. A few loop-holes and arrow slits, only admitted a dim light to the arsenal and barrack , but the upper apartments were lighted by small Gothic windows. '^ The castle was surrounded by a barbacan, flanked at each angle by a circular tower, secured in front by a deep fosse and vallum. After pas- sing a draw-bridge, the only entrance to the castl« was by a door, placed so high in the wall, that the threshold is on a level with the second floor. — This door was secured by a portcullis, so construct- ed, as to slide in a groove of solid stone work when moved by the warder under the direction of the castellian, as the safety or convenience of the gar- rison required. " Archibald, Earl of DouglaSj and lord of Gal- loway, died in his castle of Threave, on 3d Febru- ary, 1400. Several charters of his son and suc- cessor, who becam.e Duke of Turenne, in France, were granted. Apitd castrum nortrnm de Treve,. /Chambers' Caledonia, vol. iii. p. 269.) APPENDIX. aT' " Sif Alexander Gortlou of Locliinvar was iii- feft in the lantls of Kenmure, on a precept of sa- sine, obtaiiied from Arciiil>.il;l, Lord of Ci-allou'-a}'', tlated at his castle of Threave, 2itli January, 1 103. (Ryiner Foed. viii. 539.) " Margaret, daug-hter of King Robert III., was ifiarried to Archibald, Lord of Galloivay, and at his death received Threave castle and tlie castel- lany domains as her dovvery, whence she dated hor charters, ' and mitigated the rigours of her hus- band and his father.' (Caledonia, voL iii.) " The historian of Scotland, from the accessioa of the house of Stewart, to that of Mary, mistaken- ly called this well known castle of the Douglasses Criefand has thereby vitiated his histor3^ (His- tory of Scotland, vol. i. p. 23 L) " By the forfeiture of the Lord of Galloway, in 1455, the strong fortress of Threave, with the lands and customs pertiiining thereto, reverted to the crown, ' never to be settled or bestowed either in fee or franctenure, upon any subject whatever, except by the solemn advice of the whole parliament.' it was consequently hence- forth garrisoned by the King's troops, (Acta Pari. ii. p. 889. Regist. Mag. Sig. C. vii. 64.)— but was victualled upon the feudal principles of the act James II., Parliament xii. cap. 55, which 'sta- tued and ordained that the sheriff's tax and return men's avails for bearing the expense of the gar- risons on the Borders and in Galloway.' " The supply received by the casllo of Threave under this act, was a Lardner mart Cow, that is a fat cow in such condition as to be lit for killing ai^ salting at Martinmas for winter provisions, from each of the twenty-eight parishes, comprising the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. (Lord l*ountainhali*s Decisions, vol. i. p. 688.) " King James IIL, with the assent of Parlia- 38 APPENDIX. ment, on llfli October, 1473, settled on his queen^. Margaret of Denmark, as part of her dower, ' the customs and y?n»s of the Castle ofTreve,' which grant was renewed in 1477. (Acta Pari. ii. 189. 192.) " On 28th October, 1477, Robert, son of John, Lord Carlisle, obtained a grant of the office of Stewart of Kirkcudbright, and Keeper of the Castle of Threave. (Great Seal Register, B. viii* 49. 50. " Immediately after the surrender of Berwick to the English, in 1482, the Earl of Angus was compelled to abandon his office of Great Justiciary,. *to lose his office of Stewart of Kirkcudbright, and Lis command of the castle of Trief.' ( M S. General Register House, ap. Ty tier's History of Scotland., vol. iv. cap. iv.) " In 1502, Sir John Dunbar of Mochrum ob- tained a grant to himself and his heirs for nine years of the office of Stewart of Kirkcudbright,, and Keeper of the Castle of Threave. By this -grant which was dated 12th September, he acquir- ed the twenty marklands, called the Grange of Threave, with the fishing of the Dee, and the Lardner marts before mentioned, for which he en- gaged to pay the King a yearly rent of £100, and: to keep the garrison at his own charges. (Privy Seal Keg. iL 96.) " In the beginning of the reign of James V. Lord Maxwell obtained from Queen Margaret, as tutor of her son, a grant for nineteen years of the office of Stewart of Kirkcudbright, and Keeper of ^ Treve Castle,' vvith tlie usual perquisites, duties, and lands pertaining thereto. And by a charter dated 16th November, 1526, his Lordship obtain- ed a grant mfte firm to himself ami his heirs of these offices, with their pertinents hereditary in hig family. (Great Seal Register, xxi. 9. Privy Seal Register, vii. 46. )y APPENDIX. 20 " The sons of Lord INIaxwell held tin's fortress in 1545, wlien it was stormed and taken by the troops of the Ref^ent and Cardinal Beaton. — (Tytler's Hist, of Scotland, vol. v. cap. vi.) But on the forfeiture of Lord Maxwell, in 158T, the castle of Th reave was taken possession of by the King-'s troops. " During the troubles in the reign of Charles I., the Earl of Nithsdale held the castle of Thrcave for the King, and armed, paid, and victualled,^ a garrison of eighty men, beside officers at his own expense, till at length his Majesty, unable to se"nd him any asjiistance, directed him on 15th Septem- ber, 1640, to make the best conditions he could for himself. (Grose's Antiquities of Scotland, vol. i. Forsyth's Beauties oi Scotland, vol. ii. 394.) "In ViOl, William, the last Earl of Niths- dale sold the fishings which pertained to Threave Castle, but retained the fortress and the righ4; of the Lardner marts, and as these were not demanded after his attainder in 1716, William Maxwell representative of the Nithsdale family, at the abolition of heritable Juridictions in Scot- land, in the year 1747, made a claim for parting with this superiority held by his forefatliers over the lands of Threave Grange, and yearly supply of fat cattle levied for the support of Threave castle: but it was not sustained. (Speaal Inquest ap. Caledonia, vol. iii.) " While the Douglasses maintained their pov/er in Galloway, Threave castle continued the place of their pride, and the engine of their tyrann}', some circumstances of which invest it with fearful interest. William VllL, Earl of Douglas, and Lord of Galloway, themost pompous of his haugh- ty race, kept a retinue of one thousand armed men in Threave castle. (Caledonia;, vol. iii. — Picture of Scotland vol. i. p. 2^2.) 50; APPENDIX. " As Warden of the Avestern marches in 1452, lie caused Herrles, of Terregles, a gentleman of ancient family, and of large possessions in the vStewartry of Kirkcudbright, to be apprehended for striving to recover part of his property of which he had been plundered by the partizans of Doug- las. When brought before the haughty noble, he scoffingly said to Ilerries, ' Your little block- house of Terrciiles, in common v/ith the other for talices and manor places of the petty barons of Galloway, is only occasionally decked with a dang- ling villain, whereas the gallows knob of Threave, has not been without a tassel these fifty years, and that it may not want one now, I have ordered your haunchman who has hung the lisual time, to be removed to make room for his master •' then in contempt of an ex[)ress maiidate from the King, solemnly delivered by a herald, he ordered him to be instantly lianged. (Armstrong's Notices of Scottish History, p* 47. — Tytler's History of Scotland, vol. iv. cap. i.) " The Gallows Knob, or Hanging Stone, as it is yet called, is a large granite block, projecting from the front wall of the castle, immediately over the main gate- way. Lest the barbarous emblem of feudal power should have been without its usual decoration, when putrifaction became offensive be- fore the corpse was cut down, if a malefactor was not in custody to be tucked up, it was replenished with some unoffending vassal. " The charnel into which these victims were thrown, is to this day called the Gallows Slot^ which signifies the Gallows Pit, and notwith- standing the time that has elapsed since the down- fall of the House of Douglas, in Galloway, human bones in abundance were turned up there when the bed of the present highway was making through it in the year 1800. APPENDIX. 3X " Sir Patrick Maclellan, Tutor of Bombie, sheriff" of Riikciblbri^ljt, and the chief of a power- ful chm, possessing; the peiiinsuhi, iMniiiilod l>v the Solway and the Dee; having takc-n part with Herries, of Teire^Ies, who was his kinsman, a- gainst some of (he partizans of Douojas, thereby so excited the indignation of tiie imperious oppres- sor, that he commenced open hostility against him, by attacking- Uaeberry castle, his chief residence; but finding it impregnable, he seduced one of the warders of that stronghold, to leave a wicket of the sally port unbolted, on a certain niglit, by which Douglas himself, at the head of a chosen baud entered, and taking Sir Patrick prisoner, carried him off to the dungeon of Threave, there to suffer under the pov/er of hereditary jurisdic- tion. " A ladle full of gold was the stipulated reward of the warder's treachery ; but when the miscreant appeared at Threave to receive the proffered boon, the metal was molten by the command of Douglas, and poured down his throat; and thus he received both his reward and merited punishment at the same time. " Sir Patrick Gray, of loulis, — uncle of the Tutor of Bombie, commandant of the body-guard of James II., obtained from that Prince a warrant, requiring from tho Earl of Douglas, the body of the prisoner. When Gray appeared, within the portal of Threave Castle, the Earl suspected his errand ;' You have not dined,' said he without suffering him to open his commission ;" it is ill talking between a full man and a fasting." — While Gray was at meat, the unfortunate prisoner was by Douglas's command led forth to the court- yard, and beheaded. When the repast was finish- ed, the King's letter was presented and opened. — * Sir Patrick,' says Douglas, leading Gray to the §2 APPENDIX. court, * right glad had I been to honour the King's messenger; but you have come too h\te; yonder Kes your sister's son without the head : you are welcome to his body ;' Gray having mounted his horse, as soon as he had passed the daawbridge, turned to the Earl, and expressing his wrath in a deadly oath, that he \vould requite the injury with Douglas's hearts blood. ' To horse, cried the haughty baron, and the messenger of his prince was ptu'sued till within a few miles of Edinburgh. Gray, however, had an op- portunity of keeping his vow, for being on guard in the King's ante-chamber, at Stirling, when James incensed at the insolence of the Ear!, struck him with his dagger. Sir Patrick rushed in and despatched him with his pole-axe. ( Pitscot- tie's Plistory, p.p. 62. 63. 64. Balfour's Annak, vol. i. p. 180.) " Goaded almost to madness by this cruel out- rage against their clan ; the Maclellan's strove by every means in their power to avenge the death of their chief. The act of forfeiture passed by Parliament in 1455, gave them an opportunity un- der the protection of Government, of openly throw- ing off the iron yoke of the Douglasses, under which Galloway had groaned for upwards of eighty years. (Caledonia, vol. iii. — Crawfurd's Peerage, p. 237.) " The Castle of Threave being the last strong- hold of the Douglasses that held out for that re- bellious farnil3% (Pinkerton's History, Appendix, vol i. p. 486.) King James II., resolved to con- duct the seige in person. For that purpose he marched into Galloway, at the head of a numerous army, and took up a position at the Three Thorns of the Carlingwark, near the place where the town of Casile-Douglas now stands. While the King was preparing for the seige of Threave, a number APPENDIX. 33 ®f the principal inhabitants of Kirkcudbright, to a- venge the death of the Tutor of JJonihie, and to shew their loyalty to his Majesty, contributed each a. gaud, or bar of iron, towards making- a great gun, for the purpose of battering down the last slrong- liold of the tyrannical Lords of Galloway. (Cap- tain Denniston'8 Introduction to the 13atiie of Craignilder, p. 15.) " The construction of this piece of ordnance was carried on at the Buchan Croft, in the immedi- ate neighbourhood of the Three Tliornsofthe Car- lingwnrk. (Sir John Sinclair's Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vii'. p. 306.) by a person named Brawny Kim, who, assisted by his seven sons, soon built a gun of the bars, in the way a cooper makes a cask with staves and hoops, so large that the chamber was nearly two feet tiiameter. (Scot's Magazine, vol. x\i. p. 202.) While the cannon was constructing at the Buchan Croft, another party was employed making balls of granite, ou the summit of Bennan Hill, and as each ball vvas finished, the workmen rolled it down the declivity lacing Threave castle. " The first charge of Kim's cannon is said to. have consisted of a peck of powder and a stone ball, the weight of a Carsephairn cow. The emi- nence from which this great gun was first discharg- ed, was from that circumstance called Krtockcannon^ which name has continued to the present day, and \\\ the end of the castle of Threave, facing Knock- cannon, there is an aperture in the wall still called tlic Cannon Hole. A more commanding position than Knockcannon, could not have been taken to rake with shot, the very centre of the castle, and so unerring was the aim, that the first ball discharged from Kim's gun, carried awjy the hand of the Fair Maid of Galloway, as she sat at table with- in the banqueting room, and was about to raisa tlie wine cup to her lips. 34, APPENDIX. " The destructive powers of this extraorclinarj weapon of war, pleased the Kin^ so well, that be- fore leavinu^ Galloway, he erected the town of Kirkcudbright into a royal burgh, (Regist. Mag. Sig. B, XV. 1G9,) and granted the forfeited lands of MoUance to Brawny Kim as a reward for the service he had rendered liis country by construc- ting such a noble piece of ordnance. Asa farther reward to the inhabitants of Kirkcudbright, for their service to King James II, at the Siege of Threave, James IV on 26tlv February 1309, grant- ed the Castle of Kirkcudbright, and the lands belonging it, to the Corporation of that town. (Caledonia, vol. iii.) " Ic is still customary in Galloway as well as in other parts of Scotland, to call persons by the name of the land they possess, heiice the Soubri- quet of Brawny Kim, after he had taken possession of the King's grant became Mollance, and the cannon being named after him, with the addition of Meg in compliment to his wife, v/ho it is said had a most stentorian voice. Thus the original name of the gun was Mollance Meg, which in tke course of time has been contracted into Mons Meg. Drummond of Hawthornden who was not born till nearly a century and a half after the construc- tion of this cannon is the first author who uses this contraction or rather corruption of the word Mollance, (See Drummond's Macaronies — Sicuti Mons Megga crackasbet.—Ty tier's History of Scotland, vol, iv. p. 4^:3.) which has since led others unaquainted with the History of Galloway erroneously to suppose this gun to have been forged at Mons in Flanders, but no proof whatever has been as yet adduced to that effect, whereas the evidence of its having been constructed in Gallo- way is seemingly quite conclusive. " The circumstance of the ball first fired from APPENDIX. 35 Mons Mcof, Laving carried away the hanri of the Fair Maid of Galloway, has tended more than any otiier, to brinjj; down to the present time all the particulars connected with the fall of the Doug- lases in Galloway. Old people say that the ven- geance of the Almii;hty was evidently manifested in destroying' the hand which had been given in wedlock to two brothers, and that even while the lawful spouse of one of them was alive. (Caledo- nia, vol. iii ) This ball is still preserved by a gentleman in the neighbourhood, and corresponds exactly in size and quality with those shewn in the castle of Edinburgh, as appertaining to the cele- brated Meg which are evidently of Galloway gra- nite, the component parts of which, as Geologists are aware, dift'er in several particulars from all other granite found in Scotland. " Early in the present century Threave Castle was partially repaired under the superintendence of Sir Alexander Gordon, Sheriff of the county, for the purpose of making it a barrack for French prisoners. " On clearing out some rubbish, one of the workmen discovered a massive gold ring, which the inscriptior. shewed to have once belonged to " Margaret de Douglas," the Fair Maid of Gallo- way. This singular relic which is supposed to have been on her hand when blown away at the giege of the Castle, was carefully preserved by Sir Alexander Gordon, and has, 1 daresa}^, now become an heirloom in his family. In addition to what is before stated, Symson in his work here re-printed, see page 41 says ' the common report also goes in that country, that in the Isle of the Threave the great iron gun in the Castle of Edinburgh, commonly called Mount Megg, was wrought and made.' This statement written nearly a hundred and sixty years ago^ .should of itself set the question at rest. 36 APPEM)1X. " Mons Meg Laving effected such destruction at Tlireave, was taken by order of James IV., from Edinburgh Castle on 10th July 1489, to be employed at the siege of Dumbarton. If we may jadge from the items, her celebrity on that occa- sion was not of an inferior description ; on that date in the Treasurers books, there is an entry of ' 18 shillings given in drink money to the gunners.' • " Meg was also used by King James IV., at the «iege of Norham. Thus on 24th July 1497, there are separate charges in the Treasurers books for *' a new Cradill covering and gavilokis to ga with her, and also for the Minstrales that playit before Mons down the gait." (Ty tier's History of Scot- land, vol. iv. see Note &c.,) " In 1548 at the nuptials of Queen Mary, and the Dauphin of France, the guns of Edinburgh Castle sent forth their tributary thunders, as ap- pears from the Treasurers books for that year, in which is entered a charge of ten shillings paid to " certain pyonaris for their labours in raising Monss forth of her lair, and for finding and carry- ing her bullet, after she was shote, frae Waldie Muir back to the Castle of Edinburgh," a distance of two miles. (DalzelPs Cursory Remarks, p. 32.) (Queen Mary's Castles by Charles M'Kie.) " In May 1640, Lord Etricke then Governor of Edinburgh Castle, '* with greate ordinance begude to thunder on the toune. (Balfour's Annals of Scotland.) " When the Castle of Edinburgh on 1 9th December 1650, capitulated to the parliamentary troops in the list of ordnance delivered by the Governor to Colonel Monc-ke, is specially men- tioned, '■the great iron murderer, called Muckle MeggJ { H ussel's Life of Oliver Cromwell, vol, ii. pp. 323, 324.) " h\ 16S2, in firing a salute in honour of James, APPENDIX, 37 Duke of York, Meg-, unfortunately sustained some damage, (Stevenson's Annals of Edinbnri^li, p. 113.) which is thus referred to by Robert Feigus- son, in his poem, entitled the King's birth day in Edinburgh. " Oil willawins I Mons Meg for you, 'Twas firing crack'd thy imicklo niou." " To the great grief of the inhabitants of Edin- burgh, this gigantic piece of ordnance was on the 19th April, 1754-, removed from Edinburgh castle to Leith, on its way to the tower of London.) Scots Magazine, vol. xvi. p. 202. — Annals of Edinburo-h, p. 137.) Her loss is thus again recorded by the poet Fer= gusson, " Right seldom am I gi'en to bannin, But by my saul she was a cannon, Cou'd hit a man had he been stannin In shire of Fife ; Sax lang Scots miles ayont Clackmannan, An' tack his life." " When King George IV., visited Edinburgh castle, on 22d August, 1822, Sir Walter Scott pointed out to him the spot on the chief bastion of the old fortress, formerly occupied by Mons Meo- and earnestly requested that she might ao-ain be placed there, to which his Majesty readily as- sented. ^ But through petty obstacles, stated by the official guardians of Meg, that object was not effected for nearly seven years afterwards. (Lock- hart's Life of Sir Walter Scott, vol. v. cap. ix.) " On 9th March, 1829, she was, however, brought in solemn procession, to re-occupy her ancient site on the Argyle battery, escorted by the 73d. regiment, a detachment of artillery men, and two troops of dragoons, with thirty gentlemen, in full Highland costume, at the head of whom was Sir VValter Scott, accompanied by the great." D 38 APPENDIX. er part of tlie inhabitants of Edinburgh, (Lock- iiart's Life ot Sir Walter Scott, vol. vii. c. v.) " This prodigious cannon weighs six and a-half tons, and the carriage, furnished by the Board of Ordnance, in 1836, when Sir R. H. Vivian was Master General, as stated on the carriage, weighs three and a-half tons. " Mr Lockhart is of opinion, that the pursuit of Sir Patrick Gray, from Threave castle to near Edinburgh, suggested the scene between Archi= bald Bell the Cat, and Lord Marmion, as describ- ed in the celebrated poem of Marmion. — Canto v. stanza xiv. — (Note to Sir Walter Scott's Poetical Works, vol ii. p. 147.) " A Melo Drama founded on the result of that outrageous transaction, was, in 1837, brough-t upon the stage and well received by the public,* and several small poetical pieces of considerable merit chiefly by bards, natives of Galloway, have b^en composed, in commemoration of events of which Threave Castle has been the ^ scene. Its present appearance is thus described by my friend Mr Robert Chambers. " It is a huge roofless tower, which in the bleakness of its gaunt and terrible majesty, suggests the idea of an armed ^eleton, in whose facial apertures lies the dark- ness of death and decay." (Picture of Scotland, vol. i. Galloway.) Note N.—Yo\. L— Page 457 - " 1488,-Remissione to (Sir) Alexander M'Culloch ofMertoun. acd xxlx olheiis pcrsonis, for art arnd^ parte of Birnyng and Refiog of DuDskey and Ardwell, in company with tbe_^Laid of • It was written by Mr William Train. We have seen the Drama performed, and were much pleased with the justness ^f lh« eeiitiment, and the elegance of the language. APPENDIX. 39 Garthland, ami all other actlouis done be thame vuto the dafce hereof. " January 20th, 1498, a lettre of reraitt and forgevinnesse to Johnne of Dumbur, soiie and aperaud are to Johnne of Dumbar of Mochrum, and to his seruitoris. Wilzam Flemyn, and James Makcowlochs, and Johnne Core, quhilk war with Elizabeth Ken. nt>dy that time scho tuilc away certain money, extending to the Bowme of xliij. li. gold and silusr, a siluer sele, and other small gere, had be hir in keping of a (Reverend) fader in God (George Vans) Bishop of Galloway, &c., "23tt February 1498-9 Remission to Thorn Huchonson, and John Carynis in the Copwod. for arte and parte of the Byrnyng of Lochfefguse belangand to the Laird of liomby. "February 15th 14934, Remission to Johne Heireis of Bercly, for the refe of certain halkis out of Dundranane, and binding the men kepand thaim &c , (Apud Kirkcudbrycht ) [" This offence was always punished Vilh severity. All the princes of the Stuart family were passionately fond of the spoils of the field, and from numerous entries in the Treasurers' ac- counts, it appears that hawks of fine breeds boie a very high price, which were deemed of sufficient value to be presented to Kiqgs and princes."] "October 19lh 1308 John Magge (M'Ghie) of Plomioune convicted of art and part of convocation of the lieges, in com. pany with the Laiid of Bomby, during the time of the court, at the Standande stane, in Drumdranan, held by the said L.iiid iu the yeai 1504 : Item of art and part of the oppression done to Sir William Shankis, monk, casting him down from his horse during the time of the said court. And of art and part of the oppression done to Andrew Denis, officer of the Abbot of Dun. dranan, taking and detaining him against his will, until ihe coii. duaion of the said court. Fined vj. merks. — the Laird of Bom- by, and the said James for hiipself, conjunctly and severally, became surety to the King and party. ' liij. li.' A!an arid John Makclellan, in Kirkcudbright, were fined x meiks each for the same crime Peter Muir, of Balinagachane, William' Levinax, younger of Caly, Alexander Porter, brother of the Laird of Lagg, Peter Levingstoune, and nine others were like- wise fined iiij- merks each, excepting Peter Muir, who was de. livered gratis to the Sheriff. The Laird of Bomby, became surety along with themselves, to the King and parly. " 1508, John Makclellan in Kirkcudbryght, convicted of ?.rl 4iO: APPENDIX. and part of tbe stouthrief of two 'hoghedis' of Gasgony wine- from Patrick Forster ; and of the oppression done to the said John at the same time — The Laird of Bomby surety for the King and party. ' " September 1st 1509, (Die Sabboti.) Patrick M'Clellane of Gilstoune, Alexander Legait, Thomas M'Clellan ia Wigtoune, John M'Lyn miller, and James M'Culloche were denounced rebels, and put to the horn by public proclamation, &c., as fugi- tives from the law for art and part of the cruel slaughter, of George Freie, and for not entering to underly the law, for the said slaughter, and oth&r crimes to ba imputed to him. And this was done by warrant of the King, under his sign.manuel following : Rex. "Mestr. James Henrisoun, we charge you that incontinent efler the sycht of this precep, that ze put Patryk Maclellane and his complices to be put to oure home, efter the tenor of our dowm gyfin upon hime, into our towbytht of Edynbrycht ; Ande this ze lifF nocht ondon, as ze wyl ansure to ws, James (R.) "September 3d. (Die Lune.) they were of new denounced rebels, at the market cross of Edinburgh. &c. "November 4lh 15-10, (Die Lune.) Patrick Agnew Sheriff of "NVigtoun, came in the King's will for art and part of usurping his authority, without commission for that effect, by putting Thomas Porter to the knowledge of an assise and accusing him ' per coloratum justificatam,' for tlie slaughter of John M'myane, committed by the said Thomas ; And for taking ' feyis' and money to purge the said Thomas of the said slaughter, he being guilty thereof. And 'per coloratum justificatam,' purging him of the said crime. Fined 5 raerks. " Norembei Glh, Patrick Jl'Clellane of Gilstoune, convicted of art and part of the stouthrief of x.^c oxen from Patrick Agnew ehcriff of Wigtoune, and his servants under silence of night,— - Beheaded. "January IGth, letfre of relrabilitatioune to Patrick M'Clellan of Gilestoune, sayand, that the Kingis grace rehabillis the said Patrick to his v/arldly honouris, diu'^niteis and vthcr priuileges, and lauchfiiily to succeed to his fader and vtheris his preJeces- souiis uochtwithstanding the dome eevin that the said Patrickis hede su'd be striken fra his body, for the reif and stouth of xx oxen anil ky frae Patrick Agnew Shcreff of Wigoune, and his seruandij, vnder silence of nycht, &c. "October loth, 1511, precept of remission to Mr William L^evenax.of CiUy, for invading and hurting Roger Goidoune, APPENDIX. 4J sliferiffia that part, who came with the Ivingis lettress to cito' him. Apud (Edinburghe.) " 1513, Patrick Agnew, SherifF of Wigtouno and Alexander Makmechane, dwelling with him, permitted te compound for' the oppression done to Thomas Makdowall and Roger M'croch- at, in causing them to build his dykes with their petis, and fco plough and harrow his lands in the years 1504, 1505, 150G, 1507, and 1508, and for common oppression thereby done to them. Item, for the same oppressions done to James Keunydv, Moriata Mukl %ii3AINn-2ftV so ,^0FCAIIF0% '"^omm^^ >i. 71 i 1 ^OJIIVJ-JO"*^ -4 ^OKAllFOff^^ 8n# "^^^AHViiaiH^ ^WfUNIVER% ^lOSAHCElfx^ %a3AiNamv vvlOSANCElfj> %J13AINn:3WV A^tllBRARYGr^ -^HIBRARYQ. ^ilfOJIlVOJO'^ ^.i/OJITVOJO'^ .^jOFCAllFO^ ^OFCAllFOff.^. ^OAHvaan-^v^'^ ARYQ<^ -s>^llIBRARY(9/^ Hi Will 115^ i(Je ,o UldKAKTC^, Wm'^ %a3AINft3W DIVERS'//- Sf o vvlOSANCElfj-;* ^OF-CAllFOff/^ ^OFCAUFO% University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 305 De Neve Drive - Parking Lot 17 • Box 951388 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388 Return this material to the library from which It was borrowed. '/A ^ ^f^lA ^ Tk \ S ^ V