Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

APPOINTKU WARDEN OF THE -WEST >[AROn, 159C. cxxxi
the Sixtli found it again uecessavy to intervene between the I\Iax\volls and
tlie Jolmstoues. This lie did in a seiics of measures extending over several
months, uhich fall uow to be described. The king and council, with advice
and consent of Sir James Johnstone, V'.ho was present, set free all prisoners
taken by him and Iris followers at any of the late conflicts between them and
the Maxwells, and discharged all bonds or other securities made by ihear to
Sir James.^ In addition to this, and as a measure of precaution apparently,
Lord llerries, Drumlanrig, and Johnstone were warded in Edinburgh Castle.
In t]]e end of December, Sir Joini Carmichael was appoiuted warden of the West
Marcli. In the beginning of January Johnstone was set at liberty,- but he
had to give a bond for £10,000 that he would appear before the king and
council when required.* He had also to give pledges for good rule of the
several " gangs" under his jurisdiction, bind himself that the pledges entered
in ward who escaped should be returned again under a penalt}' of £1000 for
each pledge, and find caution to redress all wrongs" committed by those for
whom he v.'as liable since the respite granted to him on •2ith December 1594.
Besides these measures, assurances were exacted from the Maxwells,
Jolmstones, and otliers. William, Lord llerries, who subscribed an assrrr-
ance. to Sir James Johnstone of Dunskellie, afterwards protested that althougli
lie had subscribed it at the express command of the king, he could not answer
for the Maxwells in Clydesilale and Kcnfrewsliire, and various other persons.'*
But tlie m.ost interesting and surprising of all the measures adopted
by King James for suppression of feuds and establishing good rule on
the Borders is now to be related. The king, \villi consent of his council,
granted a commission to Sir James Jolinstone, appointing him to be warden
and justice within the bounds of the West March, including Annaudale,
Eskdalc, Ewesdale, Nitlisdale, and Gallov>-ay. The commission was to endure
1 Kegister of the Privy Covincil, vol. v. ' 2il January 1595-G. Kegister of the
p. 24C, 1 1th December 1595. Pris-y Council, vol. v. p. 73S.
- Thorjje's Cilend.-ir, vol. ii. pp. 702, 703. * 8th March 151)5-0. Hiid. p. 230.