Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

cxvi SIR JAMES J0HXST0>'K OF JOIIXSTOXK, KNICHT, 1587-1608.
\'isit to Dumfries, and while tlicre mnde several changes. One of these was
the appointment of John. Earl of Morton, Loi-d j\Iax\vcll, to be warden and
justice of the West Jlarch, tlie ofli?e being demitted by Sir John Carmichael
of that ilk, who was made captain of the king's guard. It was on the 1 1th
July that these changes were made. On the following day, also at Dumfries,
Sir James Johnstone became caution for j\Iuugo Johnstone of Lockarbie,
Johu Johnstone of Craigoburne, and two others, in two thousand merks each,
to enter into ward in St. Andrews within six days and until the king's will
•was declared regarding their confessed reset and intercommuning with
Francis Stewart, Earl of iSothwell, and his accomplices.
Meanwhile the king's mind had already been declared regarding those for
whom Sir James thus pledged himself: Two days previous to the date of
his becoming caution for them, their escheats were forfeited for their com-
plicity with J'.othwell. The mother of Sir James was one of the beneficiaries
by the forfeiture. On 10th July 1-592, Sir Eobert Melvill, as treasurer to
the king, made an assignation of the escheat of James Johnstone of Loch-
house, Mungo Johnstone of Lockarbie, John Johnstone of Craighopburne,
and forty-five others, Johnstoues, Grahams, Moffats, and Irvings forfeited, as
explained, to Dame Margaret Scott, Lady Johnstone, as his factor to uplift
the same, the one half to the king's and his treasurer's use, and the other
half to her own use.^
While Sir James Johnstone was becoming cautioner for several persons of
the name of Johnstone, as above related, Eobert Douglas of Cashogill was
taking steps to be released as cautioner for Sir James. As the result of a
petition from him, the privy council ordered the clerk keeper of the Eegister
Books concerning the Borders to delete the Act where Douglas became
cautioner for Johnstone that he would make his men and tenants answerable
to justice.- It does not appear from this order why Douglas desired to
' Original Assignation in Aunantlalt- Cliarter-clie.st.
* Extract Act, ilated at Dumfncs 12tli July 1592, Hid.