Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

PLANTAXIOX OF TARISII CHURCHES, 1G02. cxlv
Border landlords. The kiiig signed this deed in token of his npprobatiou
and allowance of the premises. In tlie bond the signature "Johnstoun"
follows immediately after the signatures of the pri^y council, and takes
precedence of all the other signatures. The business of the council also in-
cluded matters which closely allected Sir James in his capacity as warden.
Lord Herries, Thomas Kirkpatrick of Glosebnrn, Johnstone of Newbie, and
others, were appointed assessors to him, by whose advice he was to direct
the whole affairs of his office of any importance.^ Sir James obliged him-
self to redress certain grievances, and generally to secure the good rule of
the country, so long as he continued in office.-
In addition to the redress of grievances, the subscribing of a general bond,
the appointment of assessors to the warden, the laying of stringent obligations
upon the warden, and other expedients adopted to procure the peace and good
rule of the "West March, the king, on the eve of departing from Dumfries,
sought further to procure these ends by promoting tlie spiritual well-being of
the people. This he did by a commission which he granted to Sir James
Johnstone for the plantation of certain parish churches irr Annandale. By
the terms of this commission tlie parit'li churches of Lochmaben, Dryfesdalc,
and. other places were to be rebuilt by tlie parishioners before 1st October
1 603. This commission v.-as granted upon the recommendation of the privy
council, who considered Sir James to be the special man of power and
authority in the bounds to move the parishioners to that effect.^
Orders were given by the council in December 1C02 for the renewal of
certain assurances between the Johnstones and Maxwells. Lord jMaxwcll,
who was warded in Edinburgh Castle, refused to assure Sir James Johnstone,
and was continued in ward and placed under certain restrictions, but he
escaped from his confinement there by stiatagem, and was intercommuned.
' Register of the Privy Council, vol. vi. House, 29th November 1C02, in Anuaudale
pp. 4GS-174, S25-S29. Charter-chest.
3 Dumfries, 19th October 1G02. Charters
- Extr.ict Act of Rrivy Council, HoljTood of tliis work, pp. 71, 72.
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