Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

cliv SIR JAMES JOHNSTONE OF JOHNSTONE, KNKIilT, 1687-1608.
Both in the letters of horning raised against Lord Maxwell and in
his indictnreut the bullets with which ho shot Johnstone are stated to have
been poisoned. The former says Lord Maxwell "schott him in at his
riclit Echoulder with baith the saidis twa po)"sonit bnllettis, quhairof the
ane remanit in his body, and the other was cutLit out at Iiis right pape."
Besides the birllets alleged by the crown authorities to have been* poisoned,
the evidence also points out that Lord Maxwell and his confederate had
their pistols cocked and ready for use liidden under their cloaks.^ Such was
the tragic end of Sir Jaraes Johnstone of Dunskellie, knight.
Spottibwoode, Avho epitomised the character of John, eighth Lord Maxwell,
and stated the feeling which was entertained by many regarding his death at
Dryfesands, thus both chronicles the character of Sir James Johnstone, his
rival, and the public reprobation of tlie crime which deprived him of his life,
and drops an expression of pity over his untimely end. He says, "The fact
was detested by all honest men, and the gentleman's misfortune sore lamented;
for he was a man full of wisdom and courage, and every way well inclined,
and to have been by his too much confidence in this sort treaclierously cut
of)', was a thing most pitiful." ^
TJie treacherous murder of Sir James Johnstone as stated in Spottiswoode,
created a great sensation, and swift and rigorous retribution was demanded
upon the murderer. Proclamation was at once made against him, and as
it was rumoured that he purposed to retire out of the kingdom, precautions
were taken to prevent his escape by sea. Another proclamation was made
' rJepositions of Sir Hobcrt Maxwell of of Kirkbe.au ami .=te-\vartry of Kiikcudbriglit.
Spottis, aud of William JoLDstoiie of Lock- Tlie charter, v.-bieh is uow at C.".rruchaD,
erUie. [Pitcairn's Criminal Trials, vol. iii. states that the lauds are given for a certain
pp. 43-17. The Book of Carlaveruek, vol. i. sura of money, and also for good, faithful
pp. 310-313. Register of the Privy Council, and gr.atuitous services rendered and to be
vol. viii. pp. 769-773.] Charles Maxwell re- rendered to him by the grantee. [The Book
ceivcd from his lordship on the day of the of Carlaverock, vol. i. p. 313.]
assassinatiou the five pound laud of Nam- - Spotliswoode's Historj-, vol. iii. pp. 191,
bellie in the provostrj- of Lincludeu, parish 192.