Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

clvi SIK JAMrS JOUXSTOXK OF JOIIXSTONE, KNIGHT, 15S7-IC0S.
claination was made ofleviug a coiiiligu rcwavd to the lasting weal of tlieui,
and their po^^tolit}•, who should accomplish it. Tiuding himself tlius pressed,
Lord Maxwell looked to Sweden for an asylum. His kinsman, George
Sinclair, Earl of Gaitlmess, ofiered him tlie protection of his home, and
with a deep sense of gratitude ho turned tldther. The earl, however, with
great baseness, in order to purchase court favour, treacherously appre-
hended his imsuspecting ward, after first getting him to leave his castle.
His apprehension took place in July, and by the instructions of government,
he was in September brought by sea to Leith, and lodged in the tolbooth of
Edinburgh, wliere two persons were to remain witli him by day and by night.^
So soon as Lord Maxwell was in custody, James Johnstone of Jolnistone,
only son of Sir James, and also Sara Maxwell, the widow, and Margaret
Scott, the mother of Sir James, petitioned to have the death sentence pro-
nounced against him put into execution. Upon instructions from the king,
the council wrote to the petitioners to appear before them, and on 2Sth April
1613, James Johnstone, the son, his mother, Sara Maxwell, andEobert John-
stone of Eaecleuch, tutor of Johnstone, appeared personally and in repl}' to
the council insisted upon the execution of Lord Maxwell for tlie slaughter
of Sir James Johnstone. Margaret Scott, Lady Johnstone elder, excused
herself from being present on account of di.sease and sickness, and craved a
commission to receive her declaration. A commission having been sent to
her, she also insisted in terms of her petition.-
The council reported what tliey had done to the Idng. Tl cir letter, which
is dated I|8th April 1G13, is subscribed by the chancellor and seven members
of the council, and is as follows :
—
' Most gracious Souekaxe,—According to youre Maiesties directioun, wc
wrj-te for the laird of Johunstoun, his modcr and goode-dame to vnderstand of
thame gif thay wald persist in the persute of that petitioun exhibite vnto your
' Book of Carlaverock, vol. i. pji. 312, .320. Register of the Pii\-y Council, vol. ix. pp. 359,
3G0, JGl, 744. 2 UU!. vol. .x. p. 29.