Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

AGRREMKNT WITH LOUD MAXWKLL, 1592-3. cxvii
bu I'flicved as cautiouer f(jr Sir James. ]Uil. an entry in the Privy Council
Eegister supplies Avhat is probably the explanation. On 11th August 1591,
Douglas coiupLuucd to the council that he had been illegally charged with
certain payments, as surety for Sir James Johnstone, in respect of a
considerable number of sheep, each valued at 2Gs. 8d., .stolen by Joh)istoncs
and others whom he alleged wore not Sir James's men nor tenants. The
council decided against Douglas, and hence liis present action.''
After the formal deed of concord wliich they entered into iu the year
1592, mentioned iu the previous chapter, Sir James Johnstone and John
Lord Maxwell continued in outward appearance on friendly relations for a
brief period. They entered into a now contract in the following spring
whereby either bound himself not to traffic or agree with Sir James Douglas
of Drumlaurig, without the consent of the otlier ; and in case either party
should liavc an action at lav.' against Douglas, the otlier contracting party
engaged to assist against him.^
Only nine clays after tlie date of this new treaty of anaity with Maxwell,
Johnstone was summoned to attend a meeting of the king and tlie p>rivy
council anent quietness and good rule on the Borders. For some reason not
stat-ed Sir James did not appear and lie wiis denounced rebel.^ He was at
Lochwood on 22d April when he granted the liferent of Polmoody to his
spouse, Lady Sara Maxwell, for the affection which he had for hei-, and for
money paid to him with her by her mother, Lady Agues Herries.^ But
shortly afterward?, Johnstone was warded in Edinburgh Castle, probably
owing to his not appearing before the king and council on the 2L'd of i\Iarch,
for we learn that on 3d j\lay James T^edy of Drummelzier became caution
for him that he would answer for all attempts by liim and those for
' Register of the Privy Council, vol. iv. ^ 2i?cl March 1592-3; Register of the
pp. 80G, SOT. Privy Council, vol. v. p. 55.
2 13th March 1592-3, Charters of this work, * Original Charter in Aimantl.ale Chai-ter-
pp. 68, 59. chest.