Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

Cxl SIR JAMES JOIXSTOXK OF JOHNSTONE, KNIGHT, 1587-1608.
made dependent upon the king's pleasure. It is apparent from the foregoing
act tliat tliere was to the last some probability f>f his lordsliip's continuing
lo hold the office. The very ue.xt entry in the Eegister of the Council to the
act about the Border, however, states that the king, M'ith advice of his council,
xmderstanding the good affection, and the long experience of Sir James John-
stone for administering the oflicc of wardenry, constituted him warden and
justice of the West March. His commipsiou was to endure till it was specially
discharged by the king.^ This was tlic second time that Sir James was
called to hold this important olilce, and on both occasions he succeeded
William, Lord Plei-ries. He now continued to hold the oflice until its abolition
in 1603, upon the succession of King James to the throne of England, and
during this period enjoyed the confidence and favour of the king. Sir James
Johnstone was thus t!ie last of the wardens of the West March.
The appointment of Johnstone to be warden on this occasion was by uo
means pleasing to the Maxwells, wlio from this time, with Lord Maxwell,
their chief, became more turbulent than ever. As there was thus a danger of
the Johnstone and Maxwell feud breaking out with renewed violence, the
king exacted assurances from both parties." An incident in wJiich Johnstone
was involved through his mother falls to be noticed here. The incident, which
illusti-ates the vigorous character of the lady, and shows the co-operation of
Sir James with his mother, relates to an attempt made by Alexander
Jardine of Applegirth to reduce a commission of justiciary obtained by Sir
James Johnstone at the instance of Dame Margaret Scott, Lady Johnstone,
his raotlier, and the mother-in-law of Jardine. A compdaint of Jardine to
the council which was directed against Lady Jolinstone rather than against
Sir James, sets forth that lier ladysliip, who was conjunct fiar of the barony
of Waudell, moved with "a gredie and unsatiable desyre" of the whole
rooms of the poor tenants in the barony, had endeavoured unsuccessfully,
' 1.3tli August IGOO. Regiater of the Privy Council, vol. vi. p. 155.
- Cliaiters of this work, yy. 70, 71. Kcgister of the Privy Council, vol. vi. j). 197.