I 
 
 ■ 
 
 ■ I 
 
 ■ 
 
PUBLICATIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY 
 
 VOLUME L 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BARON COURT 
 OF STITCHILL 
 
 October 1905 
 
RECORDS OF 
 THE BARON COURT OF 
 STITCHILL 
 
 1655-1807 
 
 Transcribed by the late 
 REV. GEORGE GUNN, M. A. 
 MINISTER OF STITCHILL AND HUME • 
 
 and edited by 
 
 CLEMENT B. GUNN, M.D. 
 
 EDINBURGH 
 
 Printed at the University Press by T. and A. Constable 
 for the Scottish History Society 
 1905 
 
DA 
 750 
 
 . S_a5 
 
 v. bO 
 
 ^OStOS COH.EQB SIBBAR* 
 
 OCT 21 1971 
 465043 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 INTRODUCTION, .... ix-xxxix 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE BARON COURT OF 
 
 STITCHILL, ....... 1-214 
 
 APPENDICES— 
 
 i. Crimes and Offences, . . . . .215 
 
 ii. Times of Meeting of the Baron's Court, . . 216 
 
 in. List of Proper Names occurring in the Records of the 
 
 Baron's Court, . . . . .217 
 
 iv. Some Archaic and Provincial Words occurring in the 
 
 foregoing Minutes, . . . . .219 
 
 v. Prices of Chief Articles, . . .221 
 
 vi. Barons, Ministers, and Schoolmasters during the Period 
 
 included in the Records, .... 223 
 
 vn. Some Notes on Members of the Pringle Family, . 224 
 
 vin. The original Manuscript of the Baron Court Records 
 
 and its Transcriber, .... 236 
 
 INDEX, ....... 239 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 These Minutes, begun two hundred and fifty years ago, 
 extend from the eighth day of January 1655 in unbroken 
 series to the twenty-first day of November 1807, a period 
 of one hundred and fifty-two years. When they began, 
 Cromwell was in his second year as Lord Protector of 
 the Commonwealth of Great Britain and Ireland : they 
 close just twelve years before the birth of Victoria, later 
 the monarch of these realms. In 1655 Scotland was little 
 better than a conquered province of England. The Lord 
 Protector had dispensed with the services and co-operation 
 of the Scots Parliament, of the Commission of Estates, and 
 in matters ecclesiastical, of the General Assembly of the 
 Church of Scotland. In the year previous to the opening 
 of the Minutes, the Supreme Council of the Common- 
 wealth of England had ratified its union with Scotland. 
 This union, although coming to an end with the restoration 
 of King Charles ii. in 1660, was not without some influence 
 upon the social system in the country ; for by its means the 
 feudal tyranny of the nobility was broken. The tenantry 
 and commons enjoyed more domestic peace and tranquillity 
 than had been their lot during the turbulent and disputa- 
 tious times of Charles i. Two contemporary opinions of 
 the state of Scotland during Cromwell's Protectorate are 
 worth quoting, — opinions from widely varied sources, yet 
 whose concurrent truthfulness may be accepted. Robert 
 Baillie, one of the most eminent and perhaps the most 
 moderate of all the Scottish Presbyterian clergy during the 
 Civil War, says : 6 Our State is in a very silent condition, 
 
X 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 strong garrisons over all the land, and a great army of horse 
 and foot, from 7000 to 9000 in number, for which there is 
 no service at all. Our nobles lying in prison and under for- 
 feitures or debts, private and public, are, for the most part, 
 either broken or breaking. 1 
 
 The other opinion is that of Cromwell himself, the chief 
 personage in the State. He had sent for both Houses of 
 Parliament to come to him in Whitehall to the Banqueting 
 House, and thus he addressed them : 8 And hath Scotland 
 been long settled ? Have not thev a like sense of poverty ? 
 I speak plainly. In good earnest I do think the Scots 
 nation have been under as great a suffering in point of 
 livelihood and subsistence outwardly as any people I have 
 yet named to you. I do think truly they are a very ruined 
 nation. And yet, in a way (I have spoken with some 
 gentlemen come from thence), hopeful enough ; it hath 
 pleased God to give that plentiful encouragement to the 
 meaner sort in Scotland. The meaner sort in Scotland live 
 as well, and are as likely to come into as thriving a condition 
 under your government as when thev were under their own 
 great lords who made them work for their living ' (Carlyle's 
 Cromwell, vol. iii. p. 342). 
 
 The foregoing brief glance at the political condition of 
 Scotland at the time when these records begin helps more 
 clearly to a realisation of the domestic condition of the 
 country — a condition which, however, is actually brought 
 before our very eyes in a singularly vivid manner by the 
 manuscript under consideration, viz. ' The Minutes of the 
 Baron Court holden at Stitchill Kirk bv the Right Worthy 
 Robert Pringle, of Stitchill, baron and heretable proprietor 
 of the lands, parochin and barony of Stitchill." 
 
 To regulate the administration of justice, Cromwell set on 
 foot a two-fold scheme. He appointed (1) a commission of 
 four English and three Scottish judges to take the place of 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xi 
 
 the Scots Court of Session, not only for hearing cases in 
 Edinburgh, but also for the holding of circuit courts in the 
 principal towns. With his second step this work is more 
 especially connected. (2) By Act of Parliament it was pro- 
 vided that in every parish each baron should resume his 
 former jurisdiction, and hold a court of justice, and take 
 cognisance of debts, promises, and trespass. The court 
 officials registered their transactions in Minute-books. Those 
 belonging to Stitchill have never previously been published. 
 One series of such records, viz. the Baron Court Book of Urie, 
 was published by the Scottish History Society a few years ago. 
 And now that work is supplemented with similar material 
 afforded by the Court Book of the Barony of Stitchill. Those 
 two reproductions, containing, as they do, the very essence of 
 parochial and village legislation in the seventeenth and 
 eighteenth centuries, the one in the north of Scotland in a 
 seaboard parish, and the other in the far south in the agri- 
 cultural midlands, supply between them accurate and interest- 
 ing glimpses of the everyday life of the Scots villager at the 
 extremes of the country, the former by sea and land, and 
 the latter purely pastoral and agricultural. 
 
 The jurisdiction of the Baron was powerful and wide- 
 spread, and formed an essential feature of the feudal 
 system. Introduced at an early period, feudalism flourished 
 in Scotland until the fourteenth century, when various causes 
 contributed to its decay ; and it received the death-blow by 
 the abolition of heritable jurisdiction consequent upon the 
 rising of 1745. The actual formula of the Baron's jurisdic- 
 tion contains a number of uncouth but archaic words : 6 Soc, 
 sac, pitt, gallows, toll, theme, infangthief, and outfangthief. , 
 'Soc' denotes the district included within the jurisdiction; 
 'sac' means the right of judging in litigious suits; 6 toll "* 
 implies exemption from duty, also the right to exact duty ; 
 4 theme 1 indicates the Baron's right of declaring who were 
 
xii 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 serfs and who were freemen ; 6 infangthief 1 means jurisdiction 
 over a thief within the Baron's soc ; 4 outfangthief 1 refers to 
 the right of extradition of a thief caught within the soc of 
 another; 'pit and gallows' — furca et fossa — is the power of 
 capital punishment, the pit being for the drowning of women, 
 and the gallows for the hanging of men. 
 
 Such was the parochial court re-established by the Lord 
 Protector, though with greatly limited powers and lessened 
 dignity. In fact it corresponded a good deal to the justice 
 of peace system in England administered bv the class whose 
 feudal authority had been suppressed (Hill Burton, vol. vii. 
 p. 320). 
 
 The Baron Court with which this volume is more par- 
 ticularly connected was that of the village, barony, and 
 parish of Stitchill in Roxburghshire, three miles to the north 
 of Kelso. The name Stitchill is the equivalent of uphill or 
 uphall, and indicates that the parish occupies part of an 
 upland slope, rising at last to eight hundred feet above the 
 sea-level, to which the ruined fortalice of Hume Castle forms 
 an imposing copestone. Its population and church member- 
 ship both appear to have continued very much the same as at 
 present during all those years. 
 
 Stitchill at that time was in the centre of a disturbed 
 district. It lies upon the highway to England, and midway 
 between the castles of Hume and Roxburgh, almost within 
 striking distance of Duns ; hence the villagers could not fail 
 to be well acquainted with the main features of the 
 Covenanting campaign. In fact, the religious tone of the 
 villagers if inspired from the mansion-house was Covenanting. 
 At Duns some had lain in arms for Christ's crown and 
 Covenant. At Kelso they had witnessed the inglorious and 
 disorderly retreat of Lord Holland and his troopers. Their 
 own broken soldier, Thomas Whyte, military representative 
 of Stitchill, returned to the village, wounded, from the battle 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xiii 
 
 of Dunbar. And in the sight of every one occurred the 
 very last act of the drama in which Hume Castle had a part 
 acted out to the end. It may be read to-day in Carlyle's 
 Cromwell, vol. ii. p. 244, thus: 'February 3rd, 1650. Letters 
 that Colonel Fenwick summoned Hume Castle to be sur- 
 rendered to General Cromwell. The Governor answered, 
 " I know not Cromwell ; and as for my castle, it is built 
 upon a rock." Whereupon Colonel Fenwick played upon 
 him a little while with the great guns. But the Governor 
 still would not yield ; nay, sent a letter couched in these 
 singular terms : — 
 
 " I, William of the Wastle, 
 Am now in my castle ; 
 And a' the dogs in the town 
 Shanna gar me go down." 
 
 This frolicking humour stood Willie Wastle in no good 
 stead. War is too tragic. So the mortars were opened 
 upon him, which " gar him gang down." 1 
 
 The population of Stitchill, as of other Lowland villages, 
 was purely agricultural and pastoral. Farmers, cottars, and 
 the small shopkeepers in the village held land from the laird 
 only, and paid their rents in the three ways — money, service, 
 kind. Farmers held their farms only from crop to crop. 
 There were no leases, and they might be removed at the 
 landlord^ will. In addition to the rents, the Baron sitting 
 in judgment decerned the parochial burdens for the ensuing- 
 half-year. One such order refers to the education rate of that 
 day. He statutes and ordains his haill tenants to pay pro- 
 portionally to James Lennox, schoolmaster, 20s. Scots money 
 during his service, and authorises his Baron officer to poind 
 and distrain any who fail therefor. Again, the assessment 
 is on behalf of the Beddall, the indispensable village tyrant, 
 to whom in those days minister, manse, and parish owed 
 some importance. For the ringing of the great bell at four 
 
xiv BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 hours in the morning and at eight at night, each big house 
 is to pay him twelvepence yearly. There is also a military 
 rate. It is found that four indwellers were liable in i?32 
 Scots money, 4 ilk ane of them for their own partes with the 
 interest of the principal sum for the out-reiking ane soldier 
 for the parish of Stitchill.' And as mentioned above, 
 when their soldier returned from Dunbar battle, the haill 
 tenants are stented in payment of £10 Scots money 4 for 
 relief of his wounds, being sent for the whole barony.' In 
 this connection one may note that it was one of Oliver 
 Cromwell's first acts to sweep away the feudal system in 
 Scotland which had entitled the territorial chiefs to the 
 military attendance of their vassals, 4 that all and every the 
 heritors and persons aforesaid and their heirs are and shall 
 be forever hereafter freed and discharged of and from all 
 military service and personal attendance upon any their 
 lords and superiors in expeditions or travels and of all 
 casualties of wards and lands formerly held by the king and 
 other superiors' (Hill Burton, pp. vii, lxxv, 316, 317, 
 318, Appendix, xxvii ; Bruce's Report on the Union, 
 p. ccx ; and in Scobell's Collection). Still, it is only fair to 
 the memory of James n. to state that in 1450 he permitted 
 lands to be let in feu without the obligation of military 
 service. This step of Cromwell's was one in the direction of 
 the policy pursued by him of allowing the people to carry 
 on their industries undisturbed and unmolested (Ross, 
 p. 121). This, however, is a digression begotten of those 
 examples of the monetary burdens, the education rate, and 
 the military rate. Other examples occur constantly through- 
 out the Records ; such, for instance, as the halfpenny rate 
 imposed upon every tenant at the meeting of the Baron 
 Court, etc. 
 
 The burden of payment in kind occurs most commonly in 
 that form of rent called kain or kayne, when the tenant con- 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 XV 
 
 tributed to the laird's pantry annually one or more fowls or 
 hens as part of his rent, a custom still maintained in that 
 part of the countrv. The payment of teinds or tithes was 
 another example, and one fruitful of perennial ill-feeling 
 between the parishioners and the minister or the laird. The 
 minister on his part might delay teinding until the weather 
 was breaking, with the crops lying out exposed to all risks. 
 The parishioner, on the other hand, with the skill of years of 
 practice, could so arrange that every tenth sheaf, by the most 
 curious mischance, proved to be the thinnest and poorest ! 
 Fruitful sources of irritation betwixt parson and parishioner. 
 How much more so when they happened to be Episcopalian 
 and Covenanter, or vice versa ! 
 
 The third burden upon the tenant was that of service ; 
 which service varied according to different purposes — to 
 furnish a sufficient worker day about for carrying out the 
 rubbish accumulated in the kirkvard, under a penaltv of £5 
 Scots : or it was the reparation of the kirk itself, and included 
 the furnishing of the barrows, riddles, and other necessaries 
 for the work. 
 
 But perhaps the burden most grievous of all, and one 
 fruitful of constant irritation to every one within the baronv. 
 was that of thirlage to a particular mill. This was called 
 the service of the suckcn. Every thirteenth peck of meal 
 ground at the mill went to the miller under the name of 
 multure, in addition to multure dues to the baron, and lesser 
 dues to the miller's man. under the name of knaveship. And 
 so great was the profit from those multures to the baron and 
 to the miller, that Act after Act was passed ordaining the 
 tenants to confine all their grinding to the mill of the 
 barony. The handmill of the cottar against the water-mill 
 of the landlord strove for centuries back, away before the 
 days even when the monks of St. Albans sallied forth and. 
 after capturing the handmills of their vassals, paved the rloor 
 
xvi 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 of their refectory with them. Here, for instance, is a refer- 
 ence in the beginning of the year of the Restoration : 
 6 The which day the said Judge taking into his serious con- 
 sideration what loss and prejudice the possessor of the Mill 
 of Stitchill entertains by the people of this Barony who buy 
 their bread for penny Bridals in the market, and do not 
 grind their bridal wheat at the said Mill, so that therby they 
 are partly unable to pay the tack duties yearly rent for the 
 said Mill use and wont. Therefore it is enacted and by these 
 presents statute and ordained, that all makers of common 
 Bridals, also Ale-brewers, as others within the Barony, shall 
 grind the haill wheat which they shall happen to make use 
 of at the said Bridal, at the Mill of Stitchill, and pay Mill- 
 duties therefor use and wont ; and that none within this 
 Barony buy bread in the market under the pain of i?10 for 
 each fault without modification.' 
 
 And later, the laird further decreed that no bride dwelling 
 within this barony shall make her bridal outside this parish 
 wheresoever the bridegroom shall happen to dwell, for the 
 benefit of the mill-duties on the malt and wheat, under a fine 
 of £%0. Poor James Macdowell ! His bride's taste for the 
 fancy bread of Kelso cost him ^10 to the laird and double 
 multure to the miller, or ten shillings. 
 
 Another curious feature of the sucken was the bringing 
 home of the millstones. In a parish where roads were few 
 and rough, this was an operation of danger and difficulty. 
 So the simplest arrangement was to thrust a young tree 
 through the hole of the millstone, and the parishioners in 
 turn wheeled it along upon its edge, so as to avoid injury to 
 the grinding surface. Even the widow of James Campbell 
 was ordered to pay £3 as her share of the expense. 
 
 Other burdens of service were ditching, diking, enclosing, 
 planting trees for the laird, and casting the mill-lade for the 
 common enemy the miller. The penalty for cutting a tree 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xvii 
 
 was £10, one half of which was to go to the poor. It came 
 
 rather hard, however, on the poor when the factor forgot this 
 
 recommendation and appropriated the whole of the £10, 
 
 which was George Hamilton's fine for cutting an ash-tree 
 
 belonging to the laird. One recalls the old rhyme : — 
 
 ( Oak, ash, and elm-tree, 
 The laird may hang for all the three ; 
 But for saugh, and bitterweed, 
 The laird may flyte, but mak naething by 't.' 
 
 — Rogers, ii. 46. 
 
 And with the tenants, so with the cottars. They too paid 
 their rents in money, kind, and service. Isobel Johnstone 
 paid in rent £3 and four kayne hens. Another cottar in 
 name of partial rent must bring ten loads of coal from 
 England to the laird and four to the lady dowager. For the 
 pasture of a horse on the Hall hill one load of coals must 
 be carried. And when the East Loch was drained, a call 
 was made upon the cottars to furnish the labour required. 
 The Baron Court Book contains many such references, of 
 which the foregoing are but examples. 
 
 And now, coming to consider the condition of agriculture 
 at this epoch of the Commonwealth and after ; where then 
 did the farmer's gains come from ? Hardly from the land. 
 The Border forays of the past centuries ; the frequent march- 
 ings of troops to and from English soil ; of Highlanders and 
 Lowlanders ; of English Independents and Scottish Presby- 
 terians ; of Border reivers and English mosstroopers, all 
 hindered agriculture from becoming a thriving branch of 
 industry. 
 
 One army destroyed the labour of many years. Farmers 
 had to be content if they succeeded in producing the house- 
 hold supply. The lands were wrought on the principle of 
 infield and outfield. Infield meant one-fourth of the farm 
 lying nearest the house ; this was fairly well fertilised. 
 Women carried everything that was required to the fields in 
 
 b 
 
xviii 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 creels, and indeed acted as pack-horses in carrying grain, hay, 
 and manure, often long distances. The outfield consisted of 
 the remaining three-fourths of the farm, which lay further 
 distant and yielded crops of inferior quality. After being 
 pastured for seven or eight years, it was then ploughed, and 
 a crop or two of oats taken off. In hard or clay soils eight 
 oxen were yoked together to drag a single wooden plough, 
 and from four to six persons were required to conduct it : two 
 led the oxen, one held the stilts, one cleared the mould-board, 
 and one regulated the breadth of the furrow by means of a 
 long pole attached to the plough by an iron hook. The 
 swing plough was introduced only in 1763. Generally 
 speaking, these were bad times, times of poor crops, wretched 
 weather, and prevailing dearth and poverty. Bere cost £20 
 Scots per boll, equal to £1, 13s. 4d. In 1657 the price was 
 £5 9 8s. 4d. Oats brought five merks per boll. The pint of 
 ale cost four or six shillings according to quality, equal to 
 fourpence or sixpence sterling. A boll of wheat, pease, or 
 rye contained ten pecks per boll. Oats and barley contained 
 fifteen pecks per boll. Oatmeal measured six bushels to the 
 boll, equal to 140 lbs. avoir. A ploughgate of land was 
 equal to 104 acres, which eight oxen could plough in one 
 year. It was similar to a hide or carucate in England, 
 which amounted to 120 acres. A davoch was equal to four 
 ploughgates. 
 
 With regard to the feeding of sheep and cows, there was 
 nothing to eke out the pasture; turnips, potatoes, and the better 
 kinds of grass being introduced and utilised a full hundred years 
 after this, in 1747. The sheep were small and their flesh 
 hard for those who had to eat it ; ' the mutton live to a 
 greater age than elsewhere by reason of the salubrity of the 
 air and the wholesome dry feeding, and are indeed the greatest 
 merchant-commodity that brings money to the place, with 
 their produce of lambs, wools, skins, butter, and cheese.'' 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xix 
 
 From the Baron Court Records one may get a good idea of 
 the purchasing power of £100 Scots: Alexander Lowrie 
 will sell six dinmonts and ewes for ^?8, 6s. 8d.; John Smith's 
 price for one ox is ^18, 10s. ; William Courtney's two cows 
 cost £31 ; Isobel Ormiston's calf cost «sf?ll, 14s. ; John Wood 
 bought a mare for £26 ; John Brattison will erect a peatstack 
 for £4t. The sum-total of the above amounts to all but £100 
 Scots or £8, 6s. 8d. sterling. 4 This country affordeth also store 
 of neat hide and sheep skins and great plenty of wool, which 
 is carried to foreign nations, so that the cold eastern countries 
 bless this happy soil, being warmed with the fleeces of their 
 sheep. It affordeth also great plenty of well-spun worset, 
 which is sold and carried for the most part to foreign nations ' 
 (Russell's Yarrow, p. 74). 
 
 The remaining lands and meadows of each district were 
 possessed and laboured in different parts by the poorer 
 cottars, under the authority of the laird or his bailie. They 
 had equal rights with one another to the woodlands, the 
 peat-mosses, the large ranges of common, and forest-land, 
 which furnished eldin or fuel to them gratis, where pigs and 
 geese might range, and the cows might feed, herded by the 
 small boys of the village. 
 
 In addition to the agricultural population, consisting of 
 farmers and cottars, there were the tradesmen necessary to 
 their existence : the blacksmith, to whom was paid a tax 
 called 6 sharping corn, 1 who kept the ploughshares and reap- 
 ing-hooks in order ; the joiner; the cordiner, who made shoes; 
 the brewer, who made and sold ale ; the carrier to Edinburgh 
 and the north of England ; and the general merchant. And, 
 in addition, the chapman, who traded by barter, accepting 
 poultry, butter, cheese, and eggs in return for the manu- 
 factured commodities of the town, was ever a welcome visitor 
 with his pack to tempt the goodwives, and his political gossip 
 for their husbands. 
 
XX 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 Their dwellings were of a temporary nature. As an Eng- 
 lish tourist related, 4 the houses are mouse-holes of mud, 
 covered in with heath and thatch which, when dry, makes 
 excellent fuel." There was but one apartment, with no 
 chimneys, with unglazed boles for windows, and a fire of 
 wood in the middle of the floor. 
 
 The usual dress of the working people was made of a plain 
 coarse woollen cloth called hodden grey. It had been spun 
 at home by the industrious wives from the washed but undyed 
 wool. The maud, or shepherd's plaid, and the blue bonnet 
 marked the peasant's dress. If he wore shoes, they were made 
 of neat's leather, fastened with brass buckles. In spite of the 
 prevailing 'poverty, the commons liked to dress well, especially 
 on Sundays. John Ray, the naturalist, was so struck by this 
 marked difference between the Lowland labourer in his work 
 and in his dress, that he wrote : ' They lay out most they are 
 worth in clothes, and a fellow that hath scarce ten groats 
 besides to help himself with, you shall see him come out of 
 his smoky cottage clad like a gentleman.' This love of dis- 
 play was prevalent. In the Complaynt of Scotland one may 
 read that, ' ane man is nocht repute for a gentleman in Scot- 
 land but gyf he mak mair expenses on his horse and doggis 
 nor he does on his wyfe and bairns' (Ross, p. 283). This fond- 
 ness for apparel attracted even the attention of Parliament 
 and of the General Assembly of the Church ; and those two 
 bodies tried in vain to regulate it, as indeed James n. had 
 attempted two hundred years earlier. Burgesses and peasantry, 
 men, their wives and daughters, were to be restrained in their 
 extravagance. Dress, coats, and cloaks were to be composed 
 of materials suited to the wearers' ranks. It was enacted 
 that nobles only were to wear golden or silver lacings, velvets, 
 satins, or silks ; no man of lower rank to do so except at 
 a penalty of i?1000 Scots. Servants were restricted to 
 fustian, canvas, or other stuffs produced within the kingdom. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxi 
 
 Scant grace was shown to weddings. One of the Stitchill 
 Records expressly certifies that neither bride nor bridegroom, 
 their friends nor guests, shall make above two changes on 
 that occasion, under a fine if they be craftsmen or servants, 
 not exceeding a hundred merks. Clothing was often made a 
 consideration in completing a bargain. Thomas Hoggarth 
 for his services got £11 9 4s. Scots, with a harden shirt of 
 coarse tweeled linen, a suit of old clothes, and two pairs of 
 hose. John Crottar for a half-year got £5 for fee, twelve 
 shillings for shoes, and twenty-four shillings for new hose. 
 Hose was a species of pantaloons fitting closely to the limbs, 
 and attached to the waistcoat by strings or laces tipped with 
 metal points. William Moffat is decerned to pay to James 
 Alexander for fee to his nephew, £4, 13s. 4d., with a pair of 
 old hose, or 8d. for the price. A woman's wage for the 
 summer months was £4t Scots, often with a bountith of a 
 pair of shoes and the privilege of sowing a little lint. Other 
 examples of wages are : three shillings for one day's thresh- 
 ing ; also one shilling and fourpence for a day's spinning. 
 One shilling Scots was equal to the modern penny ; £1 Scots 
 represented one shilling and eightpence of our money ; and 
 £100 Scots would mean £8, 6s. 8d. to-day. 
 
 Beef was sold at twopence per pound ; mutton at three 
 halfpence per pound of seventeen and a half ounces ; and 
 cheese brought only threepence or fourpence a pound of 
 twenty-four ounces. In general the common food was brose, 
 oatmeal moistened with hot water and seasoned with salt. 
 Each meal was the repetition of its predecessor, and the 
 cooking process was simple. 
 
 The greatest social evil in Scotland, and the keenest 
 reproach to her clergy, was the existence and prevalence of 
 the vagrant poor, without any corresponding and adequate 
 method of granting them relief. In vain did Parliament 
 order the arrest of all vagabonds, sturdy beggars, and gipsies, 
 
xxii 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 such as made themselves fools and bards, and such who sleep 
 all day and walk by night. In vain did the Church distri- 
 bute her sacramental monies and the contents of the poor- 
 box, distinguishing between the respectable, unfortunate poor, 
 and the profane, drunken, debauched sort. In vain did the 
 Baron forbid his tenants to relieve, to house, or give them 
 money, save at the risk of the burden of their continued 
 maintenance. The poor continued to exist throughout the 
 land. The gaberlunzie, the bluegown or the king's man, 
 such as Edie Ochiltree, whose figure must have been familiar 
 to the Stitchill wives and weans, ere he earned his repose in 
 the churchyard of Roxburgh, the village idiot and the village 
 poor, were loyally looked after. But the sturdy, vaguing 
 beggar who would neither work nor want was a constant 
 menace to the cottar and villager, and an unsolved problem 
 to the kirk-session and the Baron Court. 
 
 Concerning another phase of Border life, there were not 
 wanting in those days manifestations of the old daring spirit 
 of their marauding forebears, who, like the Graemes, found 
 the beeves that make their broth in Scotland and in 
 England both. The iron hand of Cromwell rested too 
 heavily upon the nobles to permit either of forays or of their 
 keeping the crown o' the causey, yet their tenantrv would 
 not be withheld from their love of sport and fairplav. The 
 old wild spirit still broke out at fairs and trysts, at New Year 
 time, and on Sabbath days when business or worship was 
 combined with the breaking of heads, and conviviality 
 mingled with the bruising of limbs. But there was a day 
 of reckoning ; not of the 4 rug and rive 1 kind, not with the 
 ready lance of the old reiver, but in a place where the blood 
 ran cooler, and where even-handed justice was meted out. 
 The Baron and his fine, the stocks and the jougs at the kirk 
 door, and the still more dreaded pit and gallows, wrought no 
 weak nor ineffective vindication. So when in the Stitchill 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxiii 
 
 Baron Court George French confessed that he ' committed 
 blood ' upon his servant Thomas Quhigginhall with only his 
 hand, and no military weapon, he was fined £21 Scots. 
 Again, when James Lambie and George French junior fell 
 out, as lads have a knack of doing, James had to pay a fine 
 of £5 or to go into the stocks at the kirk door during the 
 pleasure of the laird. Then for their riot and profanation 
 of the Sabbath, when two men in an inhuman and unchristian 
 manner beat and struck one another in several parts of the 
 body to the effusion of their blood in great quantity, they 
 had to pay £50, and find caution for a hundred merks for 
 their future good behaviour. Still, the calendar of crimes in 
 the Baron's Court was light during all those hundred and 
 fifty years. Small debt cases, trespass, and assaults comprise 
 most of it. A tendency to detraction prevailed throughout, 
 since this was the only weapon which the feeble might urge 
 against the strong. Kirk and kirk-session, Baron Courts and 
 Parliament, contended vigorously against it. For instance, 
 three women were decerned to pav to the kirk-session towards 
 pious uses, ilk ane of them, twenty shillings for slander. 
 Another confessed that a certain man did steal her hen and 
 make use of it, but could not sustain her charge by probation, 
 for which she was ordained to stand in the stocks and pay 
 unlaw by and attour the kirk censure. Isobel Turnbull may 
 scold for forty pence ; John Hoggarth's opprobrious speeches 
 cost him thirty shillings. John French, for scandalling of 
 James Dawson wrongously, in calling him thief and knave, 
 paid a fine of £5 by and attour the kirk censure. Such 
 were the crimes of lesser degree which characterised village life 
 in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. But during the 
 same period in Edinburgh, Leith, and other large towns, 
 crimes of great magnitude were rampant, for which * there 
 was daily scourging, hanging, nailing of lugs, and binding of 
 people at the Tron, and boring of tongues/ And curiously 
 
xxiv 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 enough, as regards drunkenness, the national vice, one may 
 read of two cases only in the Baron Court Minutes for one 
 hundred and fifty years ! There may, indeed must, have been 
 others, private tipplers who did not come to the front ; but 
 of these there is no proof. And one cannot but infer that 
 the extreme and rigorous discipline then prevailing in Stitchill 
 was an influence on the side of goodness and morality. And 
 the laird was not slow to let his power be felt. Talking 
 in the official language of the Acts of Parliament, on 
 August 18, 1655, one finds, 'The said Judge taking to his 
 serious consideration the great disorders and abuse within 
 this Barony by excessive drunkenness, scandal, sensuality, 
 mocking of piety, and such other heinous and God-provoking 
 sins and offences, therefore, conform to an Act of Parliament 
 made at Perth upon the 7th day of August 1645 years, and 
 ratified by another Act of Parliament, of date 13th February 
 1649 years, do statute, enact, decern, and ordain that none 
 within this Barony and Jurisdiction drink excessively, nor be 
 sensibly drunk, nor be known to be drunk, nor use filthy nor 
 scurrilous speeches, and that none mock at piety under the 
 pain of ten shillings Scots. It is statute that none curse, 
 swear, nor blaspheme, under the pain of ten shillings Scots." 
 4 Scotland was in bad enough condition, but it was not Pan- 
 demonium ; not a scene of rapine, hatred, and universal 
 anarchy. The great mass of the people went about their 
 daily work with more or less content. Fields were ploughed 
 and harvests gathered, crafts were followed, houses bought 
 and sold, churches, castles, and cottages were built, schools 
 quietly busy, knowledge spreading, religion deepening, and 
 intellectual culture ennobled life" (Ross, p. 291). 
 
 The Baron thus believed in keeping men sober by the 
 Acts of his Court ; and he indirectly strengthened those 
 efforts towards a stronger morality by an insistence on com- 
 pulsory education. In this he was much in advance of his 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 XXV 
 
 times, although he was but following in the policy of John 
 Knox of a hundred years earlier. The Baron put parents 
 under a ten-pound penalty who failed to educate their 
 children. He forbade a daughter to attend the sewing- 
 school until she had been two full years at the public 
 school. And on October 20, 1688, the judge, 6 sitting 
 in judgment anent a complaint given in by the school- 
 master, which the said judge taking into consideration, 
 enacts, statutes, and ordains the haill tenants within the 
 said barony, who have children capable to learn, to send 
 their children to the public school between this and Tuesday 
 next under the pain of ten pounds Scots for each failure. 
 And that none of the said tenants or cottars that have 
 daughters shall send them to any sewing-school within the 
 barony, until they have had two full years reading at the 
 said public school under the penalty foresaid of ten pounds.' 
 Towards the teaching of poor scholars, the Baron granted a 
 small additional fee to the schoolmaster. 
 
 Passing now from matters educational to those ecclesiastical, 
 it is found that the Baron in like manner supported the dis- 
 cipline of the Church. And this may have been all the more 
 public-spirited of him, seeing that the tradition of his 
 House was markedly Covenanting, while at the period under 
 consideration, the Church of Scotland was at the beginning 
 of her second Episcopacy. Although the Church was now 
 in possession of her highest power, and exercised an un- 
 limited authority over the religious practice and professions 
 of the community, still she owned a number of black sheep, 
 people who were recalcitrant and tried to evade her 
 discipline. 4 1660, November 26 : — The said Baron taking 
 into his serious consideration how great necessity church 
 discipline of this parish has of the assistance and concurrence 
 of the civil magistrate and help of his authority interponed 
 thereto, and how necessary the same is for the thriving of 
 
xxvi 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 religion within this parish ; therefore the said Baron hereby 
 judicially decerns and ordains his ordinary officer of the 
 barony to put into execution all acts and decrees of the kirk- 
 session against all persons whomsoever within this barony, 
 and poind for all penalties and fines to be imposed by them, 
 and take the extract of the kirk-session for his warrant/ 
 
 It would seem from the frequent repetition of such 
 minutes as those, that the minister and kirk-session, with the 
 assistance of the Baron, did their best to enforce the obser- 
 vance of the Decalogue. Their penitents underwent a 
 severe and rigid discipline which sounds nowadays harsh 
 and out of place. The Church had great faith in the power 
 of shame ; so the stocks and the jougs, the cutty-stool and 
 the fine, were the instruments employed for reforming the 
 manners of the age. * The Session decreed that if she so 
 offended a second time, her craig be put in the jougs. ' The 
 minister of Stitchill was quite abreast of the times, and did 
 not fall under the censure of the presbytery as did a neigh- 
 bouring one, neither having sackcloth in store for penitents, 
 nor yet an hour-glass to see that the sermon was of the 
 proper duration. At the invasion of Cromwell in 1650 his 
 soldiers beheld with surprise and disgust, Independent and 
 Puritan though they were, the degrading sentences inflicted 
 by the Church for offences which they deemed utterly 
 trivial ; and in a burst of rage they swept away repentance- 
 stools, jougs, and sackcloth habits. The kirk-session of Stow, 
 among others, resolved to pause in the exercise of discipline 
 till the latitudinarian strangers had returned to their 
 English homes. The Rev. David Starke was minister of 
 Stitchill at the time. One cannot tell now whether, in 
 the language of the time, he was a ' very gracious .young 
 man. 1 It is known, however, that when two years later 
 prelacy was introduced, he conformed and remained in office 
 as minister of Stitchill. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxvii 
 
 Rae, the English naturalist, describes the public worship 
 in the Church of Scotland in 1661. He says : 4 The minister 
 in Scotland in the public worship doth not shift places out 
 of the desk into the pulpit as in England ; but at the first 
 coming he ascends the pulpit. They commonly begin their 
 worship with a psalm before the minister comes in, who, 
 after the psalm is finished, prayeth, and then reads, and 
 expounds in some places, in some not ; then another psalm 
 is sung, and after that, their minister prays again, and 
 preacheth as in England.' The worshippers had stools and 
 chairs for their own use, which they removed or left at 
 pleasure. In some churches the women were forbidden to 
 sit upon the forms which men should occupy, and were made 
 to sit together. During sermon the people usually sat with 
 their hats on, and at times even applauded the preacher. 
 During prayers the congregation observed an outward 
 reverence ; kneeling being the common posture. After the 
 coup associated with Jenny Geddes, the clergy gave up the 
 habit of reading their prayers (1638). Twice a day the 
 Covenanting Army of 20,000 men, encamped on Duns 
 Law in 1639, knelt simultaneously at prayer. In the times 
 of which we are speaking, the extreme party, developing into 
 Protesters, were favoured by Cromwell, and by their spirit, 
 and also by the course they pursued, rent the Church in 
 pieces, and materially assisted the restoration of Episcopacy 
 in 1662, and drove many into conformity with it who had 
 previously imperilled life and fortune for its overthrow a 
 quarter of a century before. The Resolutioners were those 
 occupying the middle way, standing between Popish and 
 Prelatical polity ; and some of them, like Dickson and 
 Baillie, died of broken hearts as they perceived the one 
 extreme pave the way inevitably for the other (Sprot and 
 Leishman's Common Ordei-). 
 
 In connection with the church of such a parish as 
 
xxviii BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 Stitchill, there were two points which call for notice — the 
 stress laid upon the sermon as opposed to divine worship, 
 and the frequency of fast-days. Long sermons were then 
 in the heyday of their glory ; long prayers were more 
 notable for their doctrine than for their devotion. Bishop 
 Burnet, of a date a little later, probably with a spark of 
 exaggeration, says, 4 The grace before and after meat they 
 sometimes carried to the length of a whole hour/ In the 
 sermon, 6 all that passed in Church and State was freely can- 
 vassed. Men were as good as named, and either recom- 
 mended to, or complained of, to God, as they were, or were 
 not, of the same party as the preacher. The pulpit was 
 a scene of news and passion/ The sermons were really, 
 however, abreast of the times. In them the preacher gave 
 the latest intelligence, and criticised the actings of all in 
 power. The sermon took the place of the daily newspaper, 
 and the preacher the place of the leading article. The 
 technical name for it was 4 bearing testimony. 1 In Old 
 Mortality, Mause Headrigg exclaims, 'And I say that, wi 1 
 this auld breath o 1 mine, and it "s sair ta'en down wi 1 the 
 asthmatics and this rough trot, wi 1 this auld and brief 
 breath will I testify against the backslidings, defections, 
 defalcations, and declinings of the land, against the grievances 
 and causes 0' wrath. 1 Bearing testimony supplanted the 
 simple Gospel in those days. 
 
 The clergymen's influence, too, often tended to intensify 
 the divisive fervour of contention, rather than to promote 
 moderation or wise forbearance. When Cromwell was in 
 Glasgow in 1650, and went soberly to church, we read that 
 Mr. Zachary Boyd railed in his face from the pulpit of 
 the cathedral. Little wonder that the Protector did not 
 relish that pulpit style; that on September 9, 1650, he 
 wrote to the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, granting free 
 liberty to ministers to preach, * but not to rail, nor under 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxix 
 
 pretence thereof to overtop the civil power or debase it as 
 they please.'' 
 
 Fast-days afforded an outlet to the expression of the 
 religious feeling of that age. General Assemblies enjoined 
 their frequent observance ; and presbyteries and kirk-sessions 
 loyally multiplied them in their own bounds. A succes- 
 sion of stormy winters, of bad harvests, of dear provisions, 
 all on the one hand ; rapid defeats of their arms on 
 all sides, the overthrow of the General Assembly, and the 
 diminution of the power of the Church contrasted with 
 the conspicuous evils of the country at large, turned the 
 attention of men in extremity towards days of fasting, humilia- 
 tion, and prayer. ' Atheism and ignorance of God, His Word 
 and works ; looseness and horrible profanity in conversation ; 
 despising and slighting of Jesus Christ, His word and ordin- 
 ances ; neglect of family worship, covetousness, usury ; not 
 renewing the Covenant; defection from the Covenant; im- 
 penitency/ Such, in the exaggerated religious feeling of the 
 stricter party, were the national sins of the time. And on 
 their account fast-days were strictly enforced, as a nation's 
 crv to God to avert His righteous judgments. The people 
 had the heart and the honesty to acknowledge their crying 
 sins, and were terribly in earnest. The same perfervid 
 religious zeal which had led the grandsires of those men to 
 endow monasteries, and confer privileges and lands on the 
 monastic orders, that in turn led their fathers to the refor- 
 mation of the Church, still burned within their breasts, made 
 them 4 not vulgar ranters, or hollow hypocrites, but men 
 terribly in earnest, wrestling with God for the salvation of 
 their country and their Church. ' Names conspicuous for 
 their zeal in the merit-roll of the Covenanters in the thirty 
 years succeeding the opening of the Stitchill Records, show that 
 6 at this age of unparalleled corruption and moral depravitv, 
 lived men, heroic, religious, and devoted, who, in the words of 
 
XXX 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 their Covenant, endeavoured to be good examples to others in 
 all godliness, soberness, and righteousness, and of every duty 
 we owe to God and man. 1 The Kers, Pringles, Elliotts, Scotts, 
 Riddels, Inneses, all ancient and renowned Border names, were 
 in full sympathy with the principles of the Covenant, and 
 exerted an undying influence on those living upon their 
 estates. The memory of the heroic Henry Hall of Haugh- 
 head, of Sir Patrick Home of Polwarth and of Richard 
 Cameron, of Donald Cargill and of Alexander Peden amongst 
 the ministers, the memory of their patriotism, of their public 
 spirit and loyalty to their religious convictions, is what we 
 would not willingly let fade. But at the time of which these 
 Records treat, they were in the very flower of their lives, 
 exercising a powerful influence on the lives of the Border 
 people. A famous name associated not only with the con- 
 joined parishes of Stitchill and Hume at that time, but well 
 known also as far up Tweed as Peebles and on to Lanarkshire, 
 was that of William Veitch. For twenty years he was an 
 outcast, preaching, harried and hunted during all that time 
 from the Scottish to the English Border and vice versa. 
 About 1676 he is mentioned as meeting at Hume with the 
 field-preachers and country gentlemen, who were sentenced to 
 be fined heavily if they permitted conventicles to be held on 
 their estates. He frequently also conducted the celebrated 
 conventicle at the Blue Cairn, between the Gala and the 
 Leader, which after several years was removed to Fogo Moor. 
 But it proved to be both the first and the last day of having 
 a field meeting at that place, for on that very evening several 
 troops both of horse and foot, coming from Haddington through 
 the Lammermuirs, scoured the parishes of Gordon and Hume 
 in search of Veitch. He escaped at the time, although the 
 troopers passed the very place of his concealment, the house 
 of Queenscairn in Stitchill, where the dowager Lady of Stitchill 
 was residing. This brave Scots gentlewoman was the mother 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxxi 
 
 of that militant Covenanter, Walter Pringle of Greenknow, 
 second son of the laird of Stitchill, who shared the perils, the 
 fightings, and the persecutions of those killing times. The 
 tone of the lairds of Stitchill, when the Records open, was 
 markedly Covenanting ; it became a tradition of the family ; 
 and at a later date the head of the family originated the 
 Secession (1732) in the parish from the Church of 
 Scotland. 
 
 Among the farmers, tenantry, and cottars of the parish of 
 Stitchill one does not meet with any Covenanters, although 
 some there must have been who attended the conventicles. 
 Perhaps the spirit that induced their minister, Mr. Starke, to 
 conform to Episcopacy leavened them also, and they silently 
 accepted the new order in the Church. Perhaps, too, the 
 influence of the Earl of Home, a zealous royalist, the chief 
 territorial magnate of the district, eclipsed the natural in- 
 fluence of the Pringles of Stitchill, and prevented both minister 
 and people from acting otherwise than they did. One cannot 
 tell now ; but from the Records of that date one may infer 
 that the minister, whether as Presbyterian or Episcopalian, 
 satisfied the spiritual feeling and craving of the people by his 
 ministrations. 
 
 Passing now to lighter matters, how did the cottars pass 
 their leisure ? From the Record of the last day of January 
 1658 we learn that the great bell summoned them at four in 
 the morning, and that evidently in the depth of winter, and 
 again it rang them to rest at eight in the evening. This 
 latter was a survival of the evensong bell of the Roman 
 Catholic phase of the Church : — 
 
 f This battell began in Chyviot, 
 An hour before the none, 
 And when the evensong bell was rung-, 
 The battell was not half done.' 
 
 The following lines of a different character give an idea of 
 
xxxii 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 some of the methods in which the cottars of Stitchill passed 
 the time : — 
 
 • On a winter's night my grannum spinuiu' 
 To mak a web o' gude Scots linen, 
 Her stool being placed next to the chimley, 
 For she was auld and saw richt dimly. 
 My luckydad an honest Whig 
 Was telling tales of Both well Brig ; 
 He could not miss to mind th' attempt, 
 For he was sittin' pu'in' hemp. 
 My aunt, whom nane dare say has no grace, 
 Was readin' in the Pilgrim's Progress ; 
 The meikle tasker Davie Dallas 
 Was telling blads o' William Wallace. 
 My mither bade her second son say 
 What he'd by heart o' Davie Lindesay. 
 Our herd whom a' folk hate that knows him. 
 Was busy huntin' in his bosom. 
 The bairns and oyes are a' within doors, 
 The youngest o' us chewing cinders, 
 And all the auld anes telling wonders.' 
 
 Regarding the literature available to the commons of Scot- 
 land, a list has been left for our information bv the author of 
 the Complaynt of Scotland, referring to the period a century 
 previous to the opening of the Records of Stitchill. There 
 are fifty works in all, including the Chronicle* of the Lives of 
 the Saints, Chaucer, Barbour's Bruce, Blind Harry's Wallace, 
 Mandeville's Travels, Douglas's Palace of Honour, Dunbar's 
 Golden Targe, etc. The names of some of their songs are 
 also given, and include some known to ourselves and others 
 not now recognisable : 4 Pastance with gude companye,' said 
 to have been by King Henry vm., 4 Still under the lewis 
 grene,' * Cou then me the raschis grene,' 4 The Frog cam to the 
 mvl dur,* 4 0 lusty May with Flora quene,' and the 4 Battel 1 
 of Harlaw," now only extant in Ramsay's version of the 
 4 Huntes of Cheviot.* A few of their dance airs are enum- 
 erated, such as 4 All Christian Men's Dance,' the 4 North of 
 Scotland,' 4 Hunt's up,' 4 Robin Hood,* 4 Tom of Lyn," the 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxxiii 
 
 6 Gossip's Dance, 1 6 John Armstrong's Dance,' the 4 Schawman 
 Dance,' etc. And their musical instruments, on which these 
 melodies were played, were a drone bagpipe, a trump, a corn- 
 pipe, a recorder, a fiddle, a whistle, etc. (Ross, 261). 
 
 Athletic games among the rural tenantry were probably 
 not very popular. Football, handball, and archery may have 
 been the commonest. But regarding the last of these, its 
 practice had to be compulsorily insisted on by Act of Parlia- 
 ment ; and when such means even were not very successful, 
 the potency of ridicule and satire was attempted by the 
 poets of an earlier time, notably the kings James i. and v., in 
 such poems as 4 Peebles to the Play 1 and * Christ's Kirk on 
 the Green.' Large gatherings from wide distances frequented 
 their matches, indeed those were the means of collecting at 
 times a large army unobserved. Thus when Sir Robert Carey 
 was Warden of the Eastern Marches, he received information 
 of a football match at Kelso. He found that his restless 
 neighbour of the Middle Marches, Sir Robert Ker, was there 
 with the 6 chief raiders.' This was sufficient to excite his 
 suspicion, so by a timely alteration of his plans he saved the 
 lives of a number of his men and prevented much loss of pro- 
 perty. In the year 1600 Sir John Carmichael, Warden of 
 the Middle Marches, was killed by a band of Armstrongs on 
 their return from a football match. 
 
 During the Commonwealth, when these Records begin, all 
 manner of public festivals was severely discountenanced, 
 Christmas or Yule, Pasch or Easter, and the observance of 
 all saints' days was censured both by Parliament and by 
 the General Assembly. Marriages were happy blinks of 
 sunshine in the perpetual dreary round of fastings and days 
 of humiliation. And being so, they could not fail to attract 
 the attention of Parliament and the General Assembly. 
 Acts, ordinances, injunctions and recommendations against 
 both the merriment and the expense were launched one after 
 
 c 
 
xxxiv 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 another. The struggle was sharp and severe, and lasted 
 long ; but such ceremonies as riding the braes, described by 
 Burns, and creeling the bridegroom, lasted down almost to 
 the present day. But the spirit of those early Covenanting 
 times was against them all, and the Baron's Court had 
 up the offenders frequently before its outraged majesty. 
 Marriages, baptisms, and funerals were put under severe 
 restrictions. The baron ordained that those celebrations 
 were to be solemnised in a sober, decent manner, and that at 
 marriages, besides the marrying persons and their blood 
 relations, there shall not be present, nor meet on that 
 occasion, above four friends on either side. And neither the 
 bridegroom nor the bride, nor their parents nor relations, 
 tutors or curators, shall make above two changes of raiment 
 at that time. The penalties were : for landed persons one- 
 fourth of their annual rents ; those not landed were liable 
 in one-fourth of their moveables : burgesses were to be fined 
 not more than five hundred merks ; and persons of the 
 meaner sort one hundred merks. And if the number of 
 guests exceeded the limits mentioned above, the master of the 
 house was liable in five hundred merks. For baptisms four 
 outsiders only were permitted to be present. If the marriage 
 dues were not settled within three days, the schoolmaster, as 
 session clerk, was to receive other five pounds. And even so 
 late as 1702 there occurs a Minute of the Baron Court 
 anent supernumerary marriages, and entertaining more 
 guests thereat than the law allowed. The Minutes of the 
 Presbytery of Haddington and Dunbar, of date May 7, 1647, 
 asserted with regard to penny-weddings that ' the paving of 
 extravagant sums of twelve shillings for a man, and eight 
 shillings Scots for a woman, that is, one shilling and eightpence 
 sterling respectively, is the cause of great immoralities of 
 piping and dancing both before and after dinner and supper ; 
 moreover, loose speeches, singing of licentious songs, and 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 XXXV 
 
 profane minstrellings in time of dinner or supper tends to 
 great debauchery. Through all which causes pennv bridals, 
 in our judgment, become seminaries of all profanation/ 
 For piping at bridals, Adam Moffat, piper, was by the kirk- 
 session at Ashkirk, on November 16, 1638, ordained the 
 next Sabbath to stand at the kirk door with a pair of sheets 
 about him, barefoot, and bare-legged, and after the people 
 are in, to go to the place of repentance, and so to continue 
 Sabbathly, during their wills. The General Assembly in- 
 hibited also promiscuous dancing. 
 
 All over the Border district the rural population appears 
 to have delighted in song. Peeblesshire may have been the 
 exception, because Dr. Pennecuik, who practised in that 
 county, relates how one might journey long enough, and not 
 hear a ploughman whistling at his work, nor a dairymaid 
 singing at the milking. But the existence of the old ballads, 
 and of the old airs, recovered and preserved by Burns and 
 Allan Ramsay, proves the contrary for all the rest of the 
 Border country. Sang schools too had been in existence at 
 the time of the Baron Court Records for over a century ; 
 they were a revival of the sang schools of the Roman phase of 
 the Church of Scotland. These not only 6 stimulated the 
 study of music in Scotland, but secured greater efficiency in 
 congregational singing.* We find as many as two thousand 
 people singing the second version of the 124th Psalm to the 
 very music to which it is still sung, and able to do so with a 
 harmony of four parts. A negative proof of this love of 
 song is to be found also in certain Acts of Assembly, which 
 forbade under penalties the singing of profane, licentious 
 songs and ballads. In fact certain ministers, such as the 
 Wedderburns, made a well-intentioned effort to wed healthier 
 sentiments to those popular airs and choruses — 1 to turn the 
 tunes and tenour of them into godlv songs and hymns.* To 
 the popular melodies, new verses of a pious character were 
 
xxxvi BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 added. If they did not further piety, they have served this 
 end, that the obscene songs which they supplanted have 
 disappeared ; and their airs, low and debased as many of 
 them are, survive. And they do not permit us to forget 
 that love of song and music which made the Borderers 
 maintain their piper and their harper. Minstrel Burn was 
 the last of the latter ; and probably Sir Walter had him in 
 his mind when he composed The Lay of the Last Minstrel. 
 Sir William Alexander and Drummond of Hawthornden were 
 the poets of this period ; its prose writers, especially in the 
 domains of Church history and ecclesiastical subjects, being 
 Baillie, Spottiswoode, Burnet, Rutherford, Guthrie, and 
 Leighton. It must be kept in mind that in the Borders 
 during the Covenanting period, songs and ballads were fewer 
 than in the succeeding age. After the passing of the iron 
 rule of Cromwell, when the Restoration was accomplished, a 
 renaissance occurred, which attained supreme development in 
 the times following the risings of the Fifteen and the Forty- 
 five. The choicest ballads and melodies were then created. 
 Sung at happy gatherings, printed on broadsheets, picked 
 up by the children, crooned over by old carlines, happy in 
 their youthful audiences, these songs and ballads lived to the 
 times when Percy and Sir Walter Scott, and other collectors 
 of our floating minstrelsy, saved them from dropping for ever 
 into the quicksands of time. Most familiar then, and 
 certain to be chanted at the ingleneuk, were the exploits of 
 some neighbouring chief of the Douglas, the dead man that 
 won the field of Otterburn ; or that of Jamie Telfer o" the 
 fair Dodhead, in which the old wild spirit of the Border 
 foray is masterly portrayed ; or, again, that of the daring 
 rescue of Kinmont Willie from the castle of merry Carlisle 
 by the bold Buccleugh fifty years later. Songs of lighter 
 tone, like * Tamlane, 1 or others of melancholy cast, like the 
 4 Dowie Dens of Yarrow,' were heard within those lowly 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxxvii 
 
 cottage walls. Fairy-tales and superstitious stories were 
 enshrined within those beautiful ballads. Thomas the 
 Rhymer was the Merlin of that region. But higher up 
 Tweed, by Drumelzier haugh, Merlin Lailoken prophesied 
 himself Once again. The tales and ballads became Cymric, 
 not Border. The place-names, too, remind one that the 
 British tribes inhabiting that part of Strathclyde brought 
 with them their folklore and traditions of King Arthur, and 
 Merlin and their great chief Vortigern, and the great peace 
 apostle Kentigern. But this is a digression. 
 
 Saddest and most touching superstition of all was that of 
 witchcraft. Here in the Baron Court Records may be read 
 the reference to a man threatening to inform upon an old 
 woman, in order to procure her own death by burning, and 
 to consign her house to the flames. Within a mile or two 
 of Stitchill Manse the tree is still pointed out which grew 
 close to the site of the last witch-burning. On the road 
 to Nenthorn, on the opposite side from Stitchill glebe, is a 
 hollow on the roadside popularly spoken of as the Witc!^ 
 Hole. Suspected persons were thrown into those pits full 
 of water ; if the body floated, the person was guilty ; those 
 who sank were pronounced innocent, but allowed to drown. 
 In August 1661, John Rae mentions that during that month 
 one hundred and twenty women were burnt as witches ! For 
 the two hundred years during which a belief in witches pre- 
 vailed, nearly eight thousand persons were cruelly immolated. 
 Witches were charged with a variety of offences. They were 
 accused of stopping mills; as boulders, of impeding the plough; 
 of riding upon the wind and foundering fishing-boats ; of 
 transporting themselves through space upon broomsticks ; 
 of casting the evil eye or glamour over a person, leading to 
 illness, death, or misfortune ; and in general with an 
 intimacy with the evil one. The Church and the courts of 
 law unquestionably accepted witches and their craft as an 
 
xxxviii 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 existing evil and power ; and the Protestant Church of Scot- 
 land in this matter has its roll of martyrs as long or longer 
 than the Church had in its Romish phase. 
 
 There was also the belief in the return from the dead. 
 The Borderer could not bring himself to believe that the 
 grave formed a real break in the continuity of the essential 
 life of man. He passed only from the visible to the 
 invisible, and naturally might still take an interest in the 
 affairs of the world he had left. Now it was to expiate a 
 deadly sin ; or to recover a troth ; or on account of dis- 
 quietude with the voice of grievous mourning. Full of 
 pathos, of beautiful, exquisite poetry, are such scenes con- 
 ceived as may be read in such a ballad as the ' Wife of 
 Usher's Well/ 
 
 And in speaking of death, one is reminded from those 
 records how in Scotland a body must be wrapped in linen, 
 but in England in woollen, as the chief manufactures in the 
 respective countries. In the reign of Queen Anne, however, 
 it was decreed that every one should be buried in woollen ; 
 and ministers were appointed to attend the placing of the 
 body in its coffin, not specially for the purpose of com- 
 mitting it therein with a religious service, but in order to 
 see that the law in the above respect was carried out ! 
 
 Such are some of the manners, customs, and events 
 described in the records of the Baron Courts of so little 
 renowned a place as Stitchill. Yet they are full of interest 
 and charm, as signs of the progress made by our ancestors 
 to a nobler and fuller life, signs of the struggles, the 
 victories, and the defeats of our ancestors. They form no 
 trivial possession ; they afford us no puerile study, no 
 lifeless pursuit. Thev are traces of that past which has 
 made way for this present — traces of the men by whom we 
 live, of the ideas they held, and the work they performed ; 
 of men like us, worthy or unworthy their position in the 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxxix 
 
 history of the world, and in the destiny of mankind. Surelv 
 this whole field of study is full of interest in its bewilder- 
 ments, and confusions, its ceaseless strivings, foreboding 
 fears, and almost hopeless hopes ; full of interest in the 
 height of the attainment to which it shows we have 
 
 CD 
 
 attained, and in the vision of that higher and more 
 ennobling future which still holds our soul in rapt desire 
 and mighty endeavour. Such a past then is not dead and 
 buried, lifeless and annihilated : peopled by abstractions of 
 men, by ghosts ; but, using the forcible words of Carlyle, bv 
 1 men in buff or other coats and breeches, with colour in 
 their cheeks, with passions in their stomachs, and the idiom, 
 features, vitalities, of very men.' 
 
 GEORGE GUNN. 
 
THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 BAROX COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 The firste Court Barron holden at Stitchell upon the aught (i) 
 day of Janv. jajvi 0 and fyfty fyve yeires, be the Right l6s5 ' JaR ' 1 
 worthy Walter Pringle of Green Know, 1 In name of and 
 haveing full power and commissioun fra the Right worthy 
 Robert Pringle of Stitchell, 2 Barroun and heretable pro- 
 prietor of the Lands, Parochin, and Barrony of Stitchell. 
 Court lawfully fenced and affirmed. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenents and coatters within the 
 Barrony of Stitchell being all lawfully wairned and called, 
 compeired all personally and tuike Instruments of their 
 compeirance. 
 
 The qlk day also the said Judge [in compliance with the] 
 Act for holding of Barroun Courts in Scotland hes elected 
 and chosen fvfteen famous honest men of whois fidelity and 
 qualificatioun he has assurance to pass voyce upon Inquest or The inquest. 
 
 1 He was the second son of Robert, the first laird of Stitchill. The 
 elder son, John, predeceased his father, Robert, the first laird, leaving a 
 family of eight children. The eldest of these was Robert, the second 
 laird of Stitchill, and later, the first baronet (created 1683). Walter of 
 Greenknow, uncle of the young laird Robert, had been living for five years 
 at Stitchill House as curator of his deceased brother's children, ever since 
 the Battle of Dunbar, at which he had been present. He continued at Stitchill 
 House until November 1656, and thereafter went to Torwoodlee, the home of 
 his wife. He is known as the Covenanter, and left behind him a manuscript 
 memoir of his adventures and religious experiences for the use of his children, 
 published by the Wodrow Society in their volume of Select Biographies. 
 
 2 Second laird and first baronet, succeeded to Stitchill on the death of 
 his grandfather in 1649. He inherited Newhall in 1667, on the death of 
 Robert of Newhall ; was created baronet in 1683. His wife, Margaret Hope, 
 daughter of Lord Craighall, had nineteen children, of whom one was Sir 
 John, the second baronet, and her second became Sir Walter of Lochton, knight, 
 Lord Newhall. 
 
 A 
 
THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [i655 
 
 Bourlawmen. 
 
 Swine on 
 Commons. 
 
 Wounded 
 soldier from 
 Dunbar. 
 
 Jury in all matters questionable within the said Barrony, 
 viz.. Win. Haggeard, John Donaldsone, Adam Haggeard, 
 Robert Hamiltoune, John Lowry, Richeard Guttraw, James 
 Campbell, ab.. Thomas Lambe, ab., Alex. Lowry, Abhm. 
 Smvthe, Ede ffrenche, Andw. Nizbet, Wm. Haggeard, 
 Ed. Hamiltoune, James Lamb, ab. 
 
 The said fvfteen famous honest men compeired all person- 
 ally and gave thair aithes of verity for faithfull and lawfull 
 administratioun of thair office in all matters questionable 
 and debateable to the best of thair knowledge In all tyme 
 comeing without favor or haitred. The qlk day also Andro 
 Giffen, John Donaldsone, Adam Haggeard, Robert Hamil- 
 toune, John Lowry, Richeard Guttraw, Henry Hopper, 
 Thomas Hamiltoune, Thomas Lambe, are elected and chosen 
 to be Bourlawmen. And with advyse and consent of William 
 Nizbet factor of the said Barony to desyde all matters 
 questionable and debaitable among neybors and to impose 
 Stent and publick Impositions and to desyde the samyn 
 equally and proportionally without partiality conforme ilke 
 anes severall possessioun, with powr to any twa of them with 
 the said William Nizbet ffactor forsaid to convein, stent, 
 desyde and decerne efter mature deliberatioun. 1 
 
 The qlk day John Smvthe is elected Bourlaw Officer, his 
 aith de fidel'i administratione officii. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute and ordained that na swyne be seen 
 in any Comoun of the town fra the tent day of May untill the 
 first day of the teynding 2 be past yeirly under the paine of 
 twentie shillings and that non of them be seine or found on 
 the Commouns or growing corne betwixt the said dyets under 
 the paine of foure pundes. 
 
 Also the haill tenants are ordained to be stented be the said 
 
 1 The inquest or jury of fifteen men and the bourlawmen were elected by the 
 judge himself ; the former to administer that office in all matters questionable 
 and debateable ; and the latter, under supervision of the factor, to settle ques- 
 tions among the neighbours and to impose stent and other public assessments. 
 
 2 This was the ingathering, by the owner of the teinds or tithes, of every 
 tenth sheaf of grain as it stood in the stook on the completion of harvest, 
 and before leading-in began. Tenants were not allowed to remove the crop 
 till the teind-sheaves were drawn, and, as a further protection, swine were to 
 be kept off the commons between the completion of sowing and the teinding 
 of the reaped harvest. 
 
1655] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 3 
 
 aught stent maisters for payment to Thomas Quhyte 1 of Ten 
 punds Scots for his relieffe at the handes of Andro Pringle 
 for tym cumeing of his wounds received be him at Dunbar 
 Battell being putt furthe for the haill Barrony and the officer 
 is ordained to poynd the recusants and dissobeyors propor- 
 tionably. 
 
 The ffourthe Court Barroun 2 holden at Stitchell Kirke upon (2) 
 the twenty twa day of Marche jajvi c and fyfte fyve yeirs Be l655 ' M * 
 the said William Nizbet in name of the said Robert Pringle, 
 Barroun of the said Barrony. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Haggeart, is decerned Claims 
 to pay to Thomas Pearsone in Nenthorne Burne Brae that 
 haill apprysed corne 3 awand claimed be him efter the deposi- 
 tioun of the Bourlawmen in Nenthorne for clearing or verifie- 
 ing theirof, and thairefter ordaines the officer to poynd and 
 make payment accordingly and assolzies the defender off the 
 claim for eatten grasse. 
 
 Issobell Turnbull is decerned to pay to Edward Hogge for Fee. 
 fee awght punds three shillings with a paire of new hoase or 
 tua elles of plaid in, becaus verified by his oathe. 
 
 William Hoggeart is decerned to pay to James Lam be 
 fyfty three shillings. 
 
 The qlk day James Wood, younger is decerned to pay to Claims. 
 Robert Hamilton qlk was arrested in his hands for his father 
 nyne punds ten shillings for apprised grasse with three 
 firlotts of oates and foure fulle of aits destroyed eatten be 
 
 1 Thomas Quhyte had been sent forth to the Scots army as the representative 
 of the whole barony. He, like the laird's uncle, Walter, who was holding this 
 court, had been present at the Battle of Dunbar on September 3, 1650, and had 
 been wounded. This payment would correspond in the present day to a 
 commuted pension for all time coming. Note the error, eight stentmasters 
 being mentioned, while nine were elected. 
 
 2 This court, over which the factor as commissioner of the baron presided, 
 was held at the parish church, the predecessor of the present building (1905). 
 It is called the fourth court, but was probably the second, as it is not likely that 
 other two courts were held between 8th January and 22nd March, which is the 
 date of this minute. 
 
 3 Apprised corn was corn which, having been damaged by trespassing animals, 
 was now valued as to the loss incurred by its owner. Another claim, this time 
 for grass, eaten also by trespassers, had not been proved. Nenthorn is the 
 parish next to Stitchill, 
 
4 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 scandal, 20s. 
 
 himselfe with uther thre fullcs of aits the pryse of the haill 
 come be the Inquest is modified to be six punds sixteen 
 shillings. 1 
 
 James Blaikie is decerned to pay to William Hoggearth 
 twentie foure punds confest by the defender. 
 
 Barbara Learmount is decerned to pay to Jon Lowry 41ib. 
 William Lowry is decerned to pay to Barbara Learmount, 
 confest 50s. 
 
 Blasphemy and Thomas Bowtoun, Euphean Lambe, Margaret Muirehead, 
 George Smith, and Margaret Eliot are unlawed in ilke ane 
 twenty shillings Scots to be imployed ad pios usos for blas- 
 phemy and scandall. 
 
 Andro Giffen is decerned to pay to Robert Talzeor nyne 
 punds sixteen shillings and assoilzies the defender of the rest 
 of the claime. 
 
 (3) The Set and Barroun Court holden at Stitchell Kirke 
 
 1635, Aug. 18. on ^ e aW ght eeil Jay 0 f August 1655 yeare be William 
 Nisbet ffactor and Chamberlaind of the said Barroun and 
 having full power and commission fra the said Robert Pringle 
 of Stitchell Barroun foresaid for that effect. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants of the said barrouny being 
 called, compeared all personally. 
 Drunkenness, The qlk day the said ffactor and Judge takeing in his 
 serious consideratiouns the great disorders and abuse within 
 this Barrouny be excessive drunkenness, scandal, sensuality, 
 mocking of piety and such uther heynous and God-provoking 
 sinnes and offenses Thairfore conforme to ane Act of Parliament 
 made at Perth upon the 7th day of August 1645 years and 
 ratified be ane uther Act of Parliament of the dait the 13th 2 
 ffebruary 1649 yeares Doe statute enacte, and ordaine and 
 decerne that non within the Barrouny and Jurisdictioun drink 
 excessively nor be sensibly drunke nor known to be drunk 
 nor use filthy nor scurlus speiches and that non mock at 
 piety under the paine of Ten shillings Scots toties quoties. 5 
 
 1 ' Eatten be himselfe ' means that the oats had been eaten by his animals, in 
 addition to grass eaten by the animals belonging to his father. 
 
 2 The Acts of Parliament referred to are — 1645, c. 49 (vol. vi. pt. i. p. 458) 
 and 1649, c. 97 {ib. pt. ii. p. 174). 
 
 3 This minute is an example of the strictness of the morality insisted on under 
 
 tc 
 
i655] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 5 
 
 It is statute that non curse swear or blaspheme under the 
 paine of Ten shillings Scots toties quoties without modifi- 
 catioun. 
 
 The qhilk fynes and amercearnents and penaltyes is to Fines go to 
 be employed for their Table uses be the advyce of the Minister Kirk Session 
 and Members of Kirke-Session and by and attours thair 
 Kirkes cervice, and ordaines the said awght men to take 
 notice for observeing heirof. 
 
 The qlk day William Hogearth elder conforme to ane Act 
 of Kirke-Session produced is ordained to pay to the said 
 Session to be employed ad pios usos Three punds Scots. 
 
 Issobell Turnbull is ordained to pay ad pios usos for scold - Scolding, 
 ing 40s. 
 
 John Henreson is ordained to pay fourty shillings. 
 
 Margaret Muirehead is decerned to pay twenty shillings to 
 the Kirk Session to be imployed for the use of the poore 
 because the Act of the Kirk-Session was both instructed be 
 production of the Session Buikes and verified be the Elders, 
 thairfore the said ffactor ratifies and approves the said Act of 
 the Kirk-Session thairanent. 
 
 Crystan Scott is decerned to pay to Isobell Lowry and John claim. 
 Galbraith her spouse for his interest Twentyfour punds Scots 
 money becaus the said defender compeired judicially and con- 
 fessed the said claim. The Ground-maister being first payed. 
 
 The qlk day Andro Eiffen is decerned to give and delyver 
 to William Hoggearth fyfe bolles of sufficient beir Kelso- 
 measure unpayed of Twenty-ane Bolles conformed to his awin 
 subscrived tickett. 
 
 The Heid Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke the 27th (4) 
 day of November jajvi c and fyfty and fyve yeirs Be the said 1 j5 ' ° v ' ' 
 William Nisbett ffactor haveing full power fra the said Right 
 worthy Robert Pringle of Stitchell Barroun for that effect. 
 
 The qlk day Eupheam Lambe, Isobell Turnbull, and Janet slander 20s. 
 Johnstone, are decerned to pay to the Kirke-Session ad pios 
 
 the Commonwealth. The minister was the Rev. David Stark, M.A. He con- 
 formed to Episcopacy after the Restoration, and continued until 1683. The 
 fines were to be devoted to the church for table uses — i.e. communion elements— 
 also for pious uses, and for the use of the poor. Delinquents had to thole the 
 censure of the church in addition to the payment of those fines. 
 
6 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 Schoolmaster. 
 
 Accounts. 
 
 Ale. 
 
 usos ilk ane twenty shillings for slander conforme to the Act 
 of the Kirke-Session and recommends the modification thair- 
 of to the members of the Kirke-Session. 
 
 Also that the haill tenants within the Barrony are decerned 
 to pay proportionally to James Lennox schoolmaster in 
 Stitchell Twenty shillings Scots money yeirly during his 
 service in tyme comeing at the Teirme of Mertimas and 
 authorises his Barroun officer to poynd and distreinzie the 
 failziers thairfor towards of payment being first terme and 
 byepast. 
 
 James Blaikie is decerned to pay to Robert Bromfield tailour 
 in Home 1 for grazing seventeen punds twa fulles beir and a 
 full of peise and ordaines Henry Hopper Robert Lillie and 
 Richard Gottraw to take tryall thairof In respect of the 
 defender present seikness and continues the reste of his claime 
 to the nixt Court. 
 
 James Blaikie is decerned to pay to John Lowry Ten punds 
 and fyve shillings and ordains James Donaldson and Adam 
 Hoggart for to heir all compts cleared betwixt the Defender 
 and Issobel Pringle and ordains the Defender to pay to quit 
 his awdit and finds that the said auditors are appoynted to 
 clear whither James Blaikie be awand to James Wilson, 
 merchant threttean punds Scots money conforme to his lybell 
 with a bolle of kylle-dryed peis and efter thair report decret 
 to be extracted against the defender. 
 
 Alexander Lowry is decerned to pay to Anna Brommfield 
 fourteen punds for aill confest be the Defender the ground- 
 maister being satisfied first, her being payed efter. 
 
 (5) 
 
 1656, June 19. 
 
 The stocks 
 for unproved 
 
 case. 
 
 The fFyte Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon the 
 nynteen day of Junij jaj vi c and fyfty six yeirs forsaid be the said 
 William Nisbet ffactor in name of the said Robert Pringle 
 Barroun of the said Barrony. 
 
 The qlk day being ane Heid Court the haill tenants, 
 coatters in Stitchell being all called, compeared personally and 
 took Instruments. Agnes Blacke confest said Adam Lowry did 
 fell her hen and make use of it and could not sustaine the same 
 
 1 Home, three miles to the north-east of Stitchill, was united ecclesiastically 
 to Stitchill. It is pronounced Hume. 
 
1656] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 7 
 
 be probatioun or otherways, qrfore she is ordained to stand The Stocks, 
 in the Stockes and pay unlaw, by and attour the Kirke censure. 
 
 William Hoggearth is decerned to pay to Marioun Cossars Claim, 
 twalve punds sixteen shillings with a load of coalles efter just 
 compt and reckoning in presence of John Lowry and Richeard 
 Guttraw within fyfteen days next efter this Court. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche is decerned to pay to Agnes 
 Bairnesfather for fees aught punds Scots confest. 
 
 The Sixt Court Barroun halden by ye said ffactor in name (6) 
 of the said Laird and Barroun. 
 
 The qlk day Anna Clapertoune and Alexander Lowry re- 
 ferred and submitted themselves bothe to the Decreit Arbitrall 
 of Adam Hoggearth, Jon Donaldsoune, Robert Hamiltoune, 
 William Hogge, Arbiters, and William Nisbet, ffactor, Odsman, 
 anent claimes and matters questionable betwixt them. 
 
 James Blaikie is decerned to pay to Richeard Guttraw twenty Debt, 
 punds principall becaus called and not compearing is holden 
 as confest and the reality of the debt verified be witnesses. 
 
 James Donaldsone confest he comitted accidentally in his Assault ^10. 
 own defence blood fistulo upon John Smythe, Bourlaw Officer, 
 and submits himself in the will of the judge qrfor he is un- 
 lawed in ten punds without modificatioun. 
 
 That blood aledged by the Pror. ffiscal to be comitted be chancellor 
 Issobell Turnbull upon Bessy Aitchiesons is referred to the of Inc i uest - 
 Inquest and the Inquest being all inclosed did all in ane voyce 
 elect James Campbell, Chancellor of the said Inquest. 
 
 The said Chancellor and Inquest all in ane voyce without Assault ,£10. 
 variance or difference finds and decerns the said Issobell Turn- 
 bull to be guilty of committing the said blood accidentally, 
 but not by presumptioun nor certain knowledge qrfor the said 
 Issobell Turnbull is unlawed in ten punds without modificatioun. 
 
 Allisoune Hamiltoune and George Pattersoune her spouse 
 are absolved of that quey acclamed fra them be George 
 Hamiltoune hir father because the pursuers failzied in their 
 probatioun. 
 
 Ailisoune Hamiltoune and George Pattersone are decerned 
 to pay to George Hamiltoune hir father, cleared be this Inquest, 
 nyne punds. 
 
8 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1656 
 
 (6 continued) 
 1656, Nov. 13. 
 
 Harvest fee 
 and Bountitb. 
 
 Eaten corne. 
 
 Auditors. 
 
 Kiln. 
 
 Pundler. 
 
 (7) 
 
 [657, Feb. 9. 
 
 Lady Stichill. 
 
 Claims. 
 
 The Sixt Barroim Court holden at Stitchell Kirke upon the 
 thretteen day of November jajvi c and fyfty six years be ye 
 said ffactor in name of the said Barroun. 
 
 The qlk day James Blaikie is decerned to pay to Thomas 
 Ingles in Hume for harvest fee, and Bounteth, fourteen 
 punds, twa fulls beir and halfte a full of peis, and contineues 
 extract qle Henre Hoggeartli and Wm Scot heir the defender 
 of his just absence. The qlk day it is statute and ordained 
 that all eatten corne be the neighbour or others be persewed 
 within yeir and day after the date thairof with all expenses 
 bestowed in persewing thairof in tyme cumeing gif Justice be 
 not vaicand for the tyme or other way, persewers not to be 
 heard and all the expenses to be payed be the defender. The 
 qlk day John Lowry, Adam Hoggearth, and John Donaldsone, 
 are appointed to be auditors to the claimes given in be James 
 Wood against Robert Hamiltoune and James Blaikie and 
 others and they efter trew tryall to decerne against them 
 lyable and payable to the said perse wer as if it were done 
 judicially within fyfteen dayes. 
 
 The qlk day William Hopper is decerned to pay to Thomas 
 \ air for fee sixteen punds qrof to be deduced for fyreing of 
 his Kylle in his drunkennesse six punds so reste ten punds. 
 John Donaldsone is decerned to pay to Issobell Turnbull fyve 
 full of oats or fyve punds for the pryce thairof. The qlk day 
 James Hall is elected Pundler 1 or Bourlaw Officer, who deponed 
 his aith de fideli administratione officii and ilke lande in the 
 Nethertoune to pay to him yeirly a full of aits only. 
 
 Seventh Court Barroun holden at Stitchell Kirke upon the 
 nynt day of ffebruary 1657 yeirs be the said ffactor in name 
 of the Barroun foresaid. 
 
 The qlk day the haill persones lyable in payment of the 
 remains of the Castellwairds are decerned to pay conform to 
 the lybell given in be Robert Dickson servitor to the old 
 Laidy 2 and also these who are restand thair proportione of 
 fyfty foure punds are decerned to pay yr severall proportiones. 
 William Lowry is decerned to pay to Maissie Hunter 
 
 1 A distrainer or poinder. 
 
 2 This would be Katherine Hamilton, mother of Walter the Covenanter, and 
 grandmother to the laird Robert Pringle. 
 
1 647] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 9 
 
 confest 31ib. I6sh. William Nisbet is decerned to pay to 
 William Hoggearthe declaired be John Lowry elected be 
 51ibs. Id. Andro Giffen is decerned to pay to George Cran- 
 stoune in Nenthorne of the superplus of twa horse fyve punds 
 4<sh. verified by the mestres executioun with a dischairge for 
 fvfty merkes. William Hopper is decerned to pay to George 
 Smith for the pryce of foure bolles of here confest twenty 
 punds. James Blaikie is decerned to pay to Mathew Thomp- 
 sone conform to his Bond sixteen punds. James ffairbaime 
 is decerned to pay to George ffrenche for hirding. thre punds 
 with a cloacker. Alisoune Hamiltoune and George Cos>ar 
 her husband are absolved of a fulle of bier expenses in going 
 out of Barrony with thre punds for a queys food Sumer and 
 Wintar with some of his meir acclaimed to him cleared be the 
 said Alisounes oathe. George Smithe is decerned to pay to 
 James ffairbaime 41ibs. James ffairbaime is decerned to pay 
 to George ffrenche for a veirs maille of a house fourty 
 shillings with. . . . 
 
 Heid Court Barroun holden at Stitchell Kirke upon the (8) 
 eleventhe day of July jajvi c and fvfty and seaven yeirs, be the l6i7, ^ 
 said William Nisbet ffactor forsaid and in naime of the said 
 Robert Pringle Barroun above descrybed. The qlk day the 
 haill tenants and coatters being all lawfullv wairned to this 
 Heid Court called and compeared and tuike Instruments of 
 thair compeirance. 
 
 The qlk day the said ffactor and Judge haveing heard the Assault £ 
 clame and lybell given in by James Lennox, Pror. ffiscal of 
 this Court against George ffrenche and Thomas Quhiggen- 
 shail his servant for blood committed be them upon others 
 the said George ffrenche compearing confest the commited 
 blood upon the said Thomas with his hande without any 
 militar weapons less or mair he being provoked thairto be the 
 said Thomas as was clearly understood be the said Judge, 
 thair for the said George unlawed and amerciat in twentie (inlawed, 
 foure punds and the said Thomas called and not compear- 
 ing qrfore he is unlawed and amerciat in twelve punds for 
 blood wyte and wilfull absence. 
 
 The qlk day John and Thomas Henrysones are unlawed in 
 
10 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 Riot 
 
 40s. 
 
 Grass maill. 
 
 Mill-stone 
 
 silver. 
 
 Holding 
 plough. 
 
 Eaten 
 
 Fee. 
 
 Law Burrows. 
 
 fourty shillings for Ryot and straickes committed be thaim 
 upon Margaret Dicksone and the said Margaret is amerciat 
 in twenty shillings for provoking them thairto. George 
 ffrenche is decerned to pay to Marke Urmestoune in Smail- 
 holme 1 confest be the defender twelve punds 13s. 4d. of peise 
 and the Bolle yrof. 
 
 The qlk day James Wood now in Harlaw has willingly 
 enacted himselffe to compeare at next Barroun Court and 
 instance by the just pursuite of Robert Lillie smythe in 
 Stichill and bothe by the just decret thairof he being law- 
 fully wairned be the officer else to be holden as confest not- 
 withstanding he be moved out of the Barrouny. 
 
 George ffrenche is decerned to pay to James Wood in 
 Harlaw aught merkes for grass maill with twelve sh. and 8d. 
 for myllestane silver. Thomas Lambe is decerned to pay to 
 
 the said James Wood confest by himself foure merks. John 
 Welshe is decerned to pay to William Nisbet proven be wit- 
 nesses for holding of ye pleughe fourty shillings. 
 
 Adam Quhyte is decerned to pay to William Nisbet yearly 
 
 dureing that possessioun of that land possessed be him for a 
 
 soumes grass 40s. 
 
 James fFairbairne is decerned to pay to James Hamiltoune 
 
 proven be witnesses fyfty shillings. 
 
 William Hoggearth is decerned to pay to John Donald- 
 
 sone for his proportioun of eatten come twenty six shillings 
 
 8d. or the trew pay of a bolle of aits. 
 
 William Moffat is decerned to pay to James Alexander for 
 
 fee to his nephew foure punds 13s. 4d. with a pair of old hose 
 
 or 8d. for the pryce. 
 
 The qlk day George Hamiltoune is becum cautioner Sew- 
 
 ertye Law Burrows for Margaret Dicksone his just spouse that 
 
 John Henrysone his wife, Bairnes and others pertaining to 
 
 him that he be harmeless, skaithles of the said Margaret on 
 
 body gudes or name and the said John Henrysone is becum 
 
 acted and bunde that the said George his spouse and ye 
 
 1 One of the many branches of the Pringle family had been long settled at 
 Smailholm, about five miles west of Stitchill. John Pringle of Smailholme, 
 youngest son of David Pringle, slain at Flodden, married Margaret, daughter 
 of Sir James Gordon of Stitchill and Lochinvar. 
 
1658] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 11 
 
 foresaids shal be harrnles and skaithless of him or any of his 
 directly or indirectly in all tynie earning ntherwayes nor be 
 order of law and justice under the pane of twenty punds. It 
 is subscrybed George Hamiltoune. Tho Pearsone Noty. Pub. 
 
 Court Barroun holden at Stitchill Kirke upon the thyrd day g 
 of October jajvi c and fyfty seaven yeire be the said William l6 57. Oct. 
 Nisbet ffactor in name of the said Ryt Worthy Robert 
 Pringle of Stitchell Barroun forsaid. The qlk day it is statute, 
 enacted and ordained that all these fyfteen men elected for 
 the Inquest be all personally present at ilke Barroun Court, 
 and that non of them be absent without a lawful excuse given 
 be them twelve hours befor Court under the paine of twelve 
 shillings for ilke failzier. 
 
 George ffrenche is judiciallv absolved of that persuit be Absolved. 
 Thomas Quhigginshaw for releiving him of any unlaw or 
 amerciament becaus Robert Lillie and Thomas Lambe, as 
 witnesses for baithe parties being sworne and examined de- 
 poned they never heard the said George ffrenche promise to due. 
 
 The qlk day Richard Guttraw is decerned to pay to John 
 Thompsone, wobster be oathe of the persewer 80s. Scots. 
 
 Issobell Turnbull is decerned to pay to William Turnbull Fee £5. 10. 
 her manservant for bygane fee fyve punds lOsh. with a new 
 harden shirt. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute, enacted and ordained that all 
 persewers cause summoned and wairned the defenders within 
 this barrony the day befor the Court (unless they be strangers). 
 The qlk day Robert ffairbairne is elected ane of the Inquest 
 who gave his oathe dcjideli administratione officii. 
 
 Heid Barroun Court halden at Stichill Kirke upon the 19 (10) 
 day of Jany 1658 be the said William Nizbet ffactor in l6 ~ ;8 ' Jan> 
 name of the said Robert Pringle, Barroun. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and coatters within the 
 Barrony of Stitchill being all called and compeired personallv 
 and tuike instruments of their compeiring. 
 
 The qlk day Andro Giffen is absolved of that twelve lib. 
 acclaimed fra him be William Hopper for eatten corne becaus 
 the persewer failed next probatioun. 
 
12 THE MINUTES OF THE [1658 
 
 The qlk day the said Judge having heard the claim given in 
 be James Lowry against George Hamiltoune as Intromettor 
 with the guids and gear of the deceast Issobell Johnstoune for 
 Kayue hens. the payment of 31ib. with 4 kayne hens for the maill of a coatt 
 hous for a yeire set be the persewer, and possest be her. 
 The claim being verified by Robert Aimer and Issobell ffall- 
 syde who deponed on thair aithes of the treuthe of the samyn 
 qrfore the Judge decerned the said persewer to be payed con- 
 forme to the claime with fyve shillings for ilk hen of the 
 Readyest of her guids within this Barrouny, and ordained 
 to poynd and appryse the samyn and make the said persewer 
 to be completely payed of the said Coatt house maill and 
 kayne or pryce foresaid. 
 
 The qlk day Andro Giffen is decerned to pay to James 
 Eaten oats. Donaldsone eleven halffe fulles of eatten aits or 5lib. 10 
 shillings for the samyn. 
 
 Reffers that blood alledged committed be Ailison Arm- 
 strong upon Joannet Johnsoune to the Inquest. 
 
 Claims. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Hoggeard is decerned to pay to Thomas 
 Hoggearth 201ib. at ane tyme and 201ib. at ane uther tyme 
 after Compt made befor John Donald soun and John Lowry 
 arbiters and Ro. Hamiltoune Oddsman within 15 days and 
 quhatsoever the arbiters decerns the persewers and de- 
 fenders are bund to obey and they have baith subscrybed 
 this judiciall submissioun with their hande. Se it is so sub- 
 scrybed, — Adam Hoggearth, Thomas Hoggearth. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggeard confest him to 
 be awand to the said Thomas Hoggearth 31 lib. qrfor the 
 defender is decerned to conform to his awn confessioun. 
 Trespass. The qlk day it is statute and ordained that none goe to the 
 
 Mylle thro the Mainrigg quheit under the paine of 2 shillings 
 Scots to be payed be ilke qho contravenes, and collected by 
 John Lowry officer and to be employed ad pios usos. The 
 said Ailisoun Armstrong is convict be the Inquest in comitting 
 the said blood upon Joanet Johnsoune, qherefor she is unlawed 
 and amerciat in lOlib. Scots. And the said Joanet is Blood- 
 wyte and is unlawed in 41ib. in the mercy of the Judge. 
 Bioodwyte. The qlk day Mungo Wady and Joannet Weddel are decerned 
 
 Vicarage teinds. ^ 0 jfafa proportionable pairts of the Vicarage for the 
 
1658] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 13 
 
 Vicarage Teinds 1 which their houses and lands awand unpaid 
 for all yeires be them and sikelike in tyme cumeing at the 
 sight of the 15 men of the Inquest. 
 
 Court Barroun holden at Stichill Kirke upon the penult day (n) 
 of January jajvi c and fyfty aught yeires be the said William 16581 -* an 
 Nizbet, Barroun-Bailzie in name of the said Robert Pringle 
 Barroun of the said Barony. 
 
 The qlk day these men of Inquest being all called, com- 
 peired personally. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute and ordained that ilke ricke house 
 within this Barony shall pay to Johne Underwood Beddell and Beadle, 
 to his successour for the ringing of the bell twelve pennyes Reii ringing 
 yeirly betwixt Mertinmes and Yuille beginning now presently 
 and sua furthe yeirly in tyme cumeing. Also it is statute 
 enacted and ordained with consent of the Inquest that ilke 
 husband-land in this pariche shall pay yeirly to John Under- 
 wood Beddell and to his successors for ringing of the Great 
 Bell at foure houres in the morning and at awght at nyt dayle 
 half a pecke of aits. And the said Bellman is ordained to ring 
 the said Bell in the Sumar and Winter after dait hereof pun- 
 chewally and is to begin his payment the firste of Marche 
 next tearme 1658 and sua furthe in Marche yeirly be and 
 attour his werk penny ten shillings therewith. 
 
 The qlk day also ilke Craftsman within this Barony is de- 
 cerned to pay to the said Bellman and his successors yeirly for 
 ringing of the said Bell twa shillings Scots money by and 
 attour Stent of the land possessed by them. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants in the Nether town are de- Quarters to a 
 cerned to pay and stent proportionably to William Hopper cor P oral - 
 for quarters to an Coupural 2 seventeen merkes and ordained 
 the Barroun Officer to stent the samyn equally and poynd 
 therefor proportionably. 
 
 1 These were the small teinds of calves, lint, hemp, eggs, etc., payable to the 
 vicar, as distinguished from the more valuable teinds of grain, payable to the 
 parson. Subsequent to the Reformation the vicarage teinds of Stitchill were 
 bestowed on the minister of the parish. See Early History of Stitchill, 
 pp. 9-11. 
 
 2 Here, a corporal, probably of the Sectarian army, was billeted upon the 
 villagers. 
 
14 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1658 
 
 Court Barroun hoi den at Stichill Kirke upon the nynteen 
 day of Aprylle jajvi c and fyfty awght yeires forsaid be the 
 said William Nizbet forsaid in name of the said Robert 
 Pringle. 
 
 The qlk day the said men of Inquest being all called com- 
 peired all personally. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche is decerned to pay to William 
 ffrenche for Service, resting of fee and Bountith confest foure 
 punds fvve shillings Scots. John Windrim is decerned to pay 
 to Robert Lilly smith 51ib. Scots compleit payment of ten 
 libs. James Hamiltoune fflescher is decerned to pay to James 
 Campbell in the My lie SOlibs. with 30 shillings of expenses 
 within fyftene days or else persewer to be in his first place as 
 they first agreed and gave the benefait of four fulles of aits 
 sowing. This soume at Mertinmes next to cum qrof there to 
 be deduced 28 shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Andro GiflPen is decerned to pay to Issobell 
 Pringle confest 91ib. 10 shillings. The qlk day James 
 Donaldsone is assoilzied of ten merkes acclaimed fra him be 
 Issobell Turnbull for a wendow. James ffairbairne is de- 
 cerned to pay to Andro Giffen confest be the defender 201ibs. 
 
 Court Barroun holden at Stichill upon the twenty thyrd 
 day of November 1658 be the said William Nizbet ffactor 
 forsaid. Court lawfully fensed. 
 
 The qlk day the samen men of Inquest being all called, 
 compeired all personally. 
 
 Thomas Henry son is decerned to pay to Johne Brattisone 
 in ffallsvdehill foure punds 40d. with halfe a pecke of Beir 
 for the prvce of a stacke of peits. The qlk dav James Pres- 
 toune is decerned to pay to John Gottal confest 50 merkes, 
 with 30 shillings for the byegane annualrents thereof 181ibs 
 pavable at Mertinmes last and fyfteen punds 6s. 8d. with the 
 said 30 shillings of annual rent at Candlemes jajvi c and fyfty 
 nyne yeires. 
 
 Cirstan Scot called and not compeiring is decerned to pav 
 to the said John Guttraw efter juste Compte and reckoning 20 
 libs. James Prestoune is absolved of that claime persewed be 
 Richard Peatt be the defender his aithe. Andro alias David 
 
1 659] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 15 
 
 Hoggeard is decerned to pay to Mark Wilson confest 151ib. 
 John Wood is decerned to pay to James Wilson confest 91ib. 
 4 shillings. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute, enacted and ordained that the Herdsmen, 
 haill tenants within this Barrony shall provyde themselves with 
 sufficient herdes for keiping of their Bestiall and saveing of 
 their come in tyme cumeing, and that they fee or hyre no 
 herds but only those who are sufficient and able, and they are 
 to produce their herds at the first Bourlaw Courts yeirly to be 
 holden to be approven be the fyfteen men of the Inquest. 
 And ilke ane qho fee ane insufficient and unable herd to pay 
 51ib. The qlk day the haill tenants are to attend within this 
 Barrouny Court and have obliged and enacted themselves to 
 pay their haill rents unpaid for Mertinmes last 1658 yeires R ents and 
 and all their byegane dewties for their yairdes and lands pre- 
 ceding, awand and unpaid within 15 days under the pain of 
 poynding, and hereto they have willingly enacted themselves 
 judicially. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute and ordained that all the eaters of Eaters of corn, 
 corne be admonished to heir and see the samen apprysed be- 
 fore the apprysing heirof, and the eater efter the samen is 
 proven verified or confest is decerned to pay for the Bourlaw 
 Drinke. Thomas Pearsone Notar pub. 
 
 Court Barroun holden at Stitchell Kirke upon the nynt day (14) 
 of January jajvi c and fyfty nyne yeirs. Be the said William l6s9 ' ^ an " 9 " 
 Nizbet factor forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and coatters within this Claims. 
 Barrony being all called at ane heid Court compeared all 
 personally. 
 
 The clames be John Thomsoun against Robert Hamiltoune 
 for nyne half fulle of aits is continued to the nixt Court. 
 
 Alexander Windrim couper in Stitchell is decerned to pay 
 to Thomas Ker Merchant in Kelso 36 punds Scots. 
 
 Andro Giffen is decerned to pay to James Campbell fyfty 
 shillings Scots in full of complete payment of the pryce of 
 Twenty Bolles of aits or any uther thing qlk any of them can 
 or may aske or clame fra uther for any caus or occasioun 
 begane. 
 
16 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1659 
 
 Andro Giffen is decerned to pay to Catherein Hamiltoune 
 Lady Stitchell eldest, 1 for the agreed pryce of foure Bolles of 
 Beir confest fourty merkes. 
 Lady Stitchiii. These tenants lyable in payment of Hoppers grass Maill to 
 the Laidv for bveganes confest are decerned conforme to the 
 claime. 
 
 Trespass. The qlk day it is statute, enacted and ordained that al 
 
 Beasts heirafter found or seene upon the comes of the Craigs 
 Steills or Humly Knows betwixt the two gaits at the eist end 
 of the Over toune without a hird on the come shall pay, ilke 
 nolt or horse two shillings Scots and ilke sheir without a hird 
 4d for ilke fault. 
 
 15 Upon the . . . yeires be the Rvt Worthy Robert Pringle 
 
 of Stitchell Barroun for said Barronv first Court halden be 
 himself being present and William Nizbet factor forsaid. 
 
 The qlk dav it is statute and ordained that non within the 
 Miller not to be Barronv sell their grinding cornes in the Mercat or uther ways 
 prejudiced. jn pre j„^ ce 0 f fl^ possessor of Stitchell My line. But that 
 thev bring their haill grinding come for the use of their 
 families to the Mylle and pay Mylle dewties 2 use and wont 
 therefor under the paine of fwe punds and that the said 
 Mvller keip the said Mylne in guid order and do thankfull 
 service to the people theirby, by serving them under the like 
 paine. 
 
 The qlk day the Laird himself being personally present of 
 new agane as before nominated and elected the said William 
 Nizbet factor forsaid to be his Balive and to contineu in 
 administratioun of justice as before in the Lairds absence as if 
 he w r ere personally present himselfe. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute and ordained that the possessors of 
 ilke six quarters of land in the Over toune shall keipe a suffi- 
 cient standing hirde yeirly and pav him proportionally, and 
 
 1 This is the aged dowager, grandmother of Robert Pringle the laird, and 
 mother of Walter the Covenanter. The designation 'eldest' would seem to 
 mean that now there was another Lady Stitchiii, wife of Robert the laird. 
 
 2 This minute deals with the vexed matter of thirlage. All the tenants of the 
 barony were bound or thirled to the barony mill. Corn was not allowed to be 
 sold out of the barony, ungTound, as thereby the miller would lose the duty 
 payable for grinding. 
 
1 659] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 17 
 
 stent conform to their severall possessions under the paine of 
 fyve merkes for ilke failzie by and attour the performeing of 
 this Act. 
 
 The qlk day John ffrenche in Over Stitchell is decerned to 
 pay to Bessie Thomson his sister twentie foure punds Scots 
 conforme to his Bond and judicially confest be him, at three 
 termes to witt aught punds presently, awght punds at Mer- 
 tinmes nigher 1660 yeires, and uther awght punds in compleit 
 payment of the said haill soume by Mertinmes 1661. 
 
 Bessie Jamieson is decerned to pay to Johne Wilsone con- 
 fest be the defender three punds Scots and the defender is 
 judicially assoilzied of the rest of the claime in all tyme 
 comeing. 
 
 Continews that claime be Andro Giffen against Johne Win- 
 drim couper for twentie punds to the nixt Court becaus of the 
 Defenders absence. Thomas Pearson Notar Publict. 
 
 Court Barroun holden 17 February 1659 place forsaid, be (16) 
 the said William Nizbet ffactor forsaid. Court lawfully l6s9, Feb> 17 
 fenced. 
 
 The qlk day William Hopper in Stichill is decerned to obey Claim 
 the Decreit Arbitrall to be pronnounced by the Arbiters already 
 chosen, Robeart Alexander, Croftar in Hume, and him and 
 Adam Hoggearth anent the claim persewed be the said Alex- 
 ander against the said William, and the said Arbiters are to 
 pronounce ther Sentence betwixt and the 5th day of Marche 
 next 1659, and ordains the ordnar officer of the Barrouny to 
 put the Decreit Arbitrall to execution against the said 
 defender. 
 
 David Hoggearth is decerned to pay to Isobel Charter- Harvest Fee, 
 house for harvest fee confest 71ib. ten shillings. 
 
 David and William Hoggearth are decerned to pay to Mar- Fee and Boun- 
 garet Trottar for fee and Bountith confest 161ib. 10 shillings etc " ^ l6 ' 
 with 3 ells and 3 quarters of harden. Thomas Lambe is 
 decerned to pay to George Smyth confest 261ib. George Acquitted, 
 ffrenche is absolved of foure punds acclaimed be Jean Blacke 
 becaus she refuseth to depone. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute and ordained that all within this Ale sellers. 
 Barrouny lvable in payment to Isabel Pringle or uther aill- 
 
18 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 sellers shall be decerned be the Bourlawmen if it be confest be 
 the pairty or verified be the persewer providing the claimes do 
 not exceed 50 shillings Scots. 
 
 James Hamiltoune is decerned to pav to William Welch e 
 for all bygane claimes or Compts qlk the said William can clame 
 fra the defender preceiding the dait heirof 31ibs. 14 shillings 
 Scots. Thomas Pearsone Notar Public. 
 
 Heid Barroun Court halden at Stichill Kirke upon the 28 
 January 1660 be the said William Xizbet ffactor in name of the 
 said Ryt Worthy Robert Pringle of Stitchill Barroun forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and cottars within this Bar- 
 rouny all compeared personally and tuike Instruments of their 
 compeiring. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw confest he committed blood upon 
 Richard Gothraw his younger brother being provoked swa to 
 do be the said Richeard wherefore he is unlawed and amerciat 
 in twenty punds Scots. 
 
 And the said Richeard confest him to be guilty of Blood wvt 
 wherefor he is unlawed in ten punds. 
 
 That clame be Andro GifFen against John Windrim Couper 
 for twenty punds is of new again as before continewed to the 
 next Court becaus of the Defenders absence. 
 
 Thomas Lambe is judicially decerned to pay to Robert 
 Lilly smyth in Stitchill aither 5 fulle of Beir or ten libs, for the 
 prvce therof with uther 30 shillings with 12 shillings of penalty 
 confest. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lilly smith in Stitchell as the Cautioner 
 of James Lilly smythe in Sproustone his brother is judiciall 
 decerned to pay to Kathrine Hamiltoune Lady Stitchell eldest, 
 confest and instructed be the Bond produced with the clame 
 oOlibs. Scots money principall awand of a greater soume with 
 the ordinar annual rent of the said fyfty punds for ane yeir 
 bygane with power to the said Defender Cautioner to persewe 
 the said principall for his relieffe. 
 
 Alexander Windrim couper is decerned to pay to Robert 
 Lyllie smythe confest nyne punds ten shillings. The Land 
 and ground maister being first payed. Thomas Pearsone 
 Notar Public elk. 
 
1666] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 19 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche is decerned to pay to Margaret Claim, 
 ffairbairne relict of the deceast Thomas Hamiltoune in Over 
 Stitchell being referred to the aithe of the defender 191ib. 
 16 shillings. 
 
 William Hoggearth alias Hvnde is decerned to pav as Cautioner. 
 Cautioner for Robert Gibesonein Lowest Gordoune to William 
 Nizbet ffactor to the Laird of Stitchel for his pryce of 6 fulle Beir^n per 
 of Beir at eleven pirnds the Boll 131bs. 4 shillings. 
 
 James Campbell is decerned to pay to Richeard Guttraw Claim, 
 confest for seaven halfe fulles of aits apprysed be the Bourlaw 
 men 41ib. 13sh. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche in Over Stitchill is judici- Lady Stitchill 
 ally decerned to pav to the Ryt Worthy Margaret Scot Ladv }0un ^' T ' 
 Stitchill younger lOOlibs. Scots money due to her for their 
 lands confest be him perteining to her in liferent for Martin- 
 mes last bypast 1659 veires, together with the haill bvegane 
 termes a wand bv him to her for all yeires trysts and termes 
 bygane and sik lvkes in tyme cumeing the tvmes of pavment 
 being first cum and by past. 
 
 Barroun Court holden at Stitchill Kirke upon the 26 Novem- W 
 ber 1660 yeires be the Right Worthy Robert Pringle of Stit- 
 chill Barroun and William Nizbet his Balive forsaid. 
 
 The qlk dav Henrv Hamiltoune in Queenscairn is judicially Claim, 
 decerned and confirmed in his ane confessioun to pav to Alex- 
 ander Hogge in Home aither eleven halfe fulles of aits or 
 10 merks for the pavment therof. 
 
 Andro alias David Haggeard is decerned to pay to Robert JJjjJf 
 Lillie smvthe for the pryce of 11 halfe fulles of peis at 13 punds 
 the Bolle, 14libs. 6 shillings or 36 shillings utherways etc. 
 
 The qlk dav Mungo Wady in Over Stitchill is decerned Payment at 
 conform to his ane confessioun to pay to George Bell thair, 
 181ib. 3 shillings at three tymes. to wit 61ib. 1 shilling at 
 Yuille only to cum. and sua furthe at the tyme of Yuille 
 yeirly, till the compleit payment of the principal sowme 
 because of the Defender his present poverty and inabilitv. 
 
 The qlk dav James Lowry is decerned to pav Kathren 
 Hamiltoun in Sproustone confest 201ibs. at Yuille to cum. 
 the Laird being first paid. 
 
20 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1660 
 
 Rent of houv? Alexander Windrim, couper is decerned to pay to Robert 
 Dickesoun Domestic servitor to the Laird for the maill of a 
 hous 6Hbs. That clairae be Agnes Pattersone against Alex- 
 ander Lowrv is continued to next Court. 
 
 iron girthe^. The qlk dav James Campbelle is judicially absolved to 6 
 libs for the ailed ged prvce of ane yron girthe for a mylle 
 acclamed be James Wood in Ednam Mylle becaus the said 
 cirthe was on the stain as a pairt of the mvll graithe at his 
 removing without qlk girthe the myll was not sufficient in 
 operation sua that of necessity it lay on the myll a yeir efter 
 the said Defender his entry and the said persewer his deceast 
 father found ane yron girthe in the said myll at his first entry 
 thairto, sua he ought and should leave ane uther. Neverthe- 
 less the said persewer without caus appealed and required 
 Instruments. 
 
 Claims. Bessv Bell is decerned to pay to William Huteson upon the 
 
 aithe of the persewer olib. 18 shillings. John Dickesoun is 
 decerned to pav to Adam Quhyte upon the Defender his oathe 
 that he was awand no money to the persewer his deceast 
 daughter six libs. 
 
 Mungo Wadv is decerned to pay to the said Adam Quhyte 
 4libs. qlk he borrowed fra his deceast daughter be her father's 
 knowledge befor her decease. James Hamiltoune is decerned 
 to pav to the Lady of Green Knowe 1 eonfest 31ib. 12 shillings. 
 The qlk dav Bessie Bell relict of the deceast William Wilson 
 is judiciallv decerned to William Hopper aither twa Bolles 
 outfield aits or else olibs. ilk Boll therof. 
 
 The qlk dav Janet Johnsoune and George Hope her spouse 
 for her interest are decerned to pay to Johne and Margaret 
 Dows Lawful Bairnes to the deceast John Dow in Nenthorn 
 and to ther tutors curators in ther name for ther behooves 
 olibs. intromitted with and be her uplifted fra Robert Hamil- 
 toune, James Campbell and David Hoggeard wherefor the 
 said three persons are absolved of the samyn becaus the said 
 Joanet grantit the receipt therof fra them. 
 Assoilzied. John Guttraw is judicially assoilzied of 4libs. acclamed fra 
 
 him be William Taillzier for land teilling becaus the said 
 
 1 Mother or wife of Walter the Covenanter. 
 
i66i] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 21 
 
 William failzied in probatioun. The qlk day Issobell Stevin- 
 son relict of the deceast James Donaldsone is decerned to pay 
 to Margaret Trotter her mother-in-law 91bs. 
 
 The qlk dav the haill tenants within this Barron v of Stit- Schooimaster 
 
 J ' and Precentor. 
 
 chill agree to pav to James Lennox schoolmaster and precentor 
 in Stitchill 401ibs. Scots monev proportionally amongst them, 
 ilk ane for ther awin pairts yeirly conforme to ther severall 
 possessiouns at twa teirmes of the yeir Mertinmes and Whitsun- 
 day for all teirmes to cum dureing his service and serving the 
 Cure of the said Kirke as a precentor and siclike for all yeires 
 and teirmes byegane restand awand and unpaid. 
 
 The qlk day the said Barroun takeing to his serious con- 1660, Nov. 26 
 sideratioun how great a necessity Church Discypline of this K^TsessioiL** 
 Paroch has of the assistance and concurrence of the Civil 
 Magistrat and helpe of his authority interponed thereto, and 
 how necessar the samvn is for the thryvening of religioune 
 within this Paroch, Thairfor the said Barroun heirby judicially 
 decernes and ordaines his ordnar officer of the Barroun to put 
 in execution all Acts and Sentences of the Kirke Sessioun 
 again all persouns whomsoever within this Barrouny and poynd 
 for all penalty and fvnes to be imposed be them and take the 
 Extract of the Kirke Session their Act for his Warrand. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants within this Barony lvable Grass-rent and 
 and dew for payment of Grass maill and m vile-stain silver at stone-sihw. 
 this term of Mertinmes instant 1660 yeirs are decerned to pay 
 the samyn proportionallv for the said term and all the uther 
 yeirs and teirmes preceding restand awand and unpaid. The 
 qlk day the haill tenants within this Barronv who are awand 
 their Entreis money are ordained to pay the annual rent therof Entry money, 
 for all yeires and teirmes bygane sen the daits of the severall 
 Bonds therfor : and also of all bygane inaills and dewties 
 restand awand and unpaid be them ilk ane for ther awn pairt. 
 
 The qlk day the said William Nyzbet ffactor and Balive Baihe. 
 forsaid is of new again commissiouned and auctorised be the 
 said Barroun judicially to continew Bailive in the Laird's 
 absence and to keip Courts as befor till he be discharged be 
 the said Laird. , , 
 
 Heid Barroun Court holden at Stitchill Kirke upon the 1S61. Jan. 8. 
 
22 THE MINUTES OF THE [1661 
 
 awght day of January jajvi c threscore ane yeires, be the said 
 William Nizbet Balive befor designed In name of the said 
 Right worthy Robert Pringle of Stitchill, Barroun. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and Coatters within the 
 Barrony of Stitchill compeared all personally and tuike In- 
 struments of ther compeirance at said Court. The qlk day 
 compeired James Campbell in Stitchill personally and confest 
 Assault ^24, judicially that he committed blood upon Thomas Hoggearth 
 Bloodw>te ^ I2 * his servant qrfor he is unlawed and amerciat in 241ibs. for 
 the said Blood and in 121ibs. for Blood wyte. 
 
 The qlk day also James Lambe younger in Over Stitchill 
 confest he committed Ryot and Straiks upon George fFrenche 
 yr, qrfor he is unlawed in five punds Scots, and ordained to 
 be put in the Stocks dureing the pleasure of the Laird and 
 Balive. 
 
 Riot ^"5 and 
 stocks. 
 
 Pease 12IU 
 
 2S. 
 
 Teirids. 
 
 Anent Bread 
 for Bridals. 
 
 Brides not to 
 have their 
 Bridals outside 
 the Barony. 
 
 The qlk day Andro Giffen is judicially decerned conforme 
 to his ane confessioun to pay to James Campbell and Robert 
 Lillie for peis 12libs. 2 shillings Scots. The qlk day John 
 Hoggearth alias Calsyend is decerned to pay to William 
 Aitchison in Teinds confest awght punds. 
 
 William Moffat in Over Stitchill is ordained to pay to 
 George Nizbet for meill 91ibs. Scots. The qlk day the said 
 Judge and Balive taiking to his serious consideratioun what 
 loss and prejudice the Possessor of the My lie of Stitchill 
 sustaines be the people of this Barrony who buyes their bread 
 for penny Bridells in the Mercat and does not grind the 
 Bridell quheit at the said Mylle sua that therby they are 
 partly unable to pay the tack dewties and yeirly rent for the 
 said Mylle used and wont, Therefor it is enacted and by these 
 presents statute and ordained that all Makers of Common 
 Bridells, also Aill Brewers, as uthers within this Barrony, 
 shall grind the haill quheit qlk they shall happen to make 
 use of at the said Brydell at the Mylle of Stitchill and pay 
 Mylle dewties therfor used and wont ; and that non within 
 this Barrony buy Bread in Mercat under the paine of Ten 
 punds for ilk failzie without modificatioun. 
 
 Also the same day it is statute and judicially decerned that 
 no Bryde dwelling within this Barrony at the tyme of her 
 
1662] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 marriage shall make her Brvdell out of this Parochin where- 
 soever the Bridegroom happen to dwell. But that the 
 Brvdell be made and keiped within this Barrony in all tvm 
 cumeing for the benefit of the Mvlle dewties of the Malt and 
 quheit to the Possessor of the said Mylle under the paine of 
 Twentie punds ; without lieving asked and granted of the 
 Laird and his successors. The qlk day Andro alias David 
 Hoggearth is judiciallv decerned to pay to Andro Watson 
 awght punds. 
 
 Ita est Attestor ego Thomas Pearsoune Xotarias Publicum 
 elk. 
 
 Ane Heid Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon *>) 
 the twenty third day of August jajvi c sixty and twa yeirs be ^ 2 g ^ 
 the forsaid Robert Pringle of Stitchell Baroun forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hoge in Over Stitchell, Cirstan Stot^°^^ tof 
 there and Margaret Muirehead there being all lawfullv 
 wairned to this Barroun Court oft times called, and not com- 
 peiring, therfor thev are ilk ane of them unlawed and amerciat 
 in fyve punds Scots money. The qlk day William Tailzieor Sccid-.r.g = 
 in Queenscairne is decerned to pay to the Kirke Treasurer to 
 be employed ad pios usos fyve merkes Scots for Nicholas 
 Wood her penalty for her former scolding and the like mis- 
 behaviour qlk was areisted in his hand as her debitor at the 
 instance of the Kirke Sessioun. And the said Nicolas has ^aoandBanisb- 
 enacted herselfe to live peaceably in all tyme cumeing under "-^^ 2ad 
 the paine of Twenty punds and Banishment furthe of this 
 Barrony. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffat is decerned to pay to George Claim. 
 Smythe confest judicially be the defender sixteen punds 
 principal with three punds Scots for the byegane annual rent 
 thereof. The qlk day James Campbell is decerned to pay to 
 Thomas Hoggearth for byegane fees eleven punds foure ".Vages. 
 shillings, twa pairs of hose, a new shirt with a suite of old 
 cloathes at the sight of John Lowry, Robert Hamiltoune. 
 Adam Hoggearth, John Donaldsone, Andro Nisbet. and 
 continews the Extract heirof qle the Defender be heard be 
 them becaus of his present absence and to be decerned be them 
 within fvfteen days. 
 
THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 Portionerat William Moffat is decerned to pay to Jeremy Crottar 
 
 portioner at Home confest thre punds awght shillings. 
 
 Richeard ffairbaire is decerned to pay to Issobell Charterhous 
 
 for byegane fee ten punds Scots. 
 Breaking a Thomas Henrysone is ordained to pay to Robert Lillie 
 
 smyth confest 51ib. The qlk day James Thompesone is un- 
 
 lawed for breaking up of a locked door brevi manu in 51ib. 
 
 And also to redeliver to Joanet Aitken aither a locke or 30 
 
 shillings for the worthe therof. 
 
 Contempt of The qlk day it is judicially statute and ordained that the 
 Bourlaw Court 
 
 and personal haill indwellers within this Barony shall obey the Sentences 
 punishment. an( j j) ecre ft s to be pronounced be the Bourlawmen in tym 
 cumeing and that non oppose them neither be word nor deid 
 nor scold, raille, nor outcry against ther proceedings in tym 
 cumeing utherwyas nor be order of Law and justice under 
 the paine of fyve punds and personall punishment at the 
 Lairds pleasure the nixb Barroun Court nixt efter their 
 dissobedience. 
 
 Wages. The qlk day William Hoggearth is decerned to pay to 
 
 James Thompesone for fee, foure punds six shillings with thre 
 ells of linen or else ten shillings with a pair of new hose or 
 else twelve shillings. 
 
 William Tailzieour in Queenscairne is decerned to pay to 
 Johne Thompesone for fee confest Thre punds twelve shillings. 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggearth for Blood committed be 
 him upon Thomas Lowry is unlawed and amerciat in the 
 sowme of Twenty foure punds at the Lairds mercy. 
 
 Swine in corn The qlk day John Lowry, James Campbell, David Hoggeard, 
 Richeard Guttraw, John Guttraw, Robert Hamiltoune and 
 George ffrenche for keiping of swyne in Corne and Lint in 
 Summar contrair to former Acts of Court as was clearly under- 
 stood be the said Barroun are unlawed ilke ane of them in 
 foure punds Scots. 
 Ita est Attestor ego Tho. Pearso?ie, Notarius Publicus elk. 
 
 (21) Ane Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon the 
 
 1662, Oct. 12. twelft day of October jajvi c and sixty twa yeires be the Right 
 Worthy Robert Pringle of Stitchell Barroun foresaid. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggearth, younger, is 
 
1663] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 decerned to pay to Issobell Thomson as Cautioner for Mark 
 Dods in Mellerstains nyne punds six shillings and continew the 
 Extract heirof till the said David be heard befor John Lowry 
 and John Donaldsone. 
 
 Adam and William Haggearth and Thomas Mylle are judici- 
 ally decerned to pay to Andro Giffen for eaten corne aughteen 
 shillings Scots for ilke 20 sheir of a hundred and forty sheir 
 extending to six punds ilk ane for ther awn pairts proportion- 
 ally conform to the number of their sheir, 41ibs. lOsh. 
 Richeard ffairbairne is judicially decerned to pay to Bessie Bell 
 for eaten aits 41ibs. lOsh. 
 
 The qlk day the said Barroun did judicially assoilzie and 
 absolve Robert Hopper herd for ane cow perteining to Adam 
 Hamiltoune aledged to be killed be him becaus the said cow 
 was drawn out of a dytch that same nyt wherein the said 
 Adam aledgeth the said herd bracke hir backe, as was made clear 
 appears to the said Barron wherfor the said herd is quyte fre 
 of the said blame forever. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Hamiltoune for hydeing and conceiling of Concealing 
 his cornes in the yaird unteynded is unlawed and amerciat in f-zo. 
 the sowme of SOlibs. Scots money at the Laird his mercy. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute, enacted and ordained that none Act anent un- 
 within this Barrony lead any of their cornes unteynded nor ein e °° rn ' 
 remove the samyn fra the ground where it grows unteynded, 
 nor hide nor conceal the samyn but that it be told and 
 teynded yeirly in all tym cumeing under the paine of lOlibs. 
 Scots money by and attour the said Teynd. 
 
 The qlk day all within this Barrony awand to Issobell Ale to be paid 
 Pringle for aill are ordained to make payment to her therof ot exceedin & 
 after the samyn is aither confest be the said Debitor or 
 verified and made appeare be her in presence of the Bourlaw 
 Court within 48 houres therof under the payne of poynding, 
 provyding her clame do not exceid three punds Scots. 
 
 Barroun Court holden at Stitchell Kirke upon the third day rr M 
 of January jaj vi c thre score and thre yeires, Be the said Robert 
 Pringle Barroun forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day the hail! tenants within this Barony who are Katharine 
 awand to Katherein Hamiltoune Lady Stitchell eldest the Lady Stitchell. 
 
26 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1663 
 
 pryce of their ferme Beir dew be them aither for the yeir or 
 crop 1661 yeirs and as yet unpaid are ordained to pay the 
 samyn to John Lowry as her ffactor for her use and behove 
 within fyfteen dayes under the paine of poynding. Lykeas 
 they are judicially decerned to pay to her ilke ane for their 
 ane pairts their grass-mailles dew to her unpayed for crop 1662 
 yeirs and what they are rightly aw and to her and as yet 
 unpayed for all uther yeires and teirmes preceiding efter nixt 
 Court and reckoning. 
 Margaret Scot, The qlk day George fFrenche in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 Lady Stitchell. ( j ecerne j ^ Q j. Q Margaret Scot Lady Stitchell, younger, his 
 Maille Teinds, tackes and dewes unpayed for crop 1662 yeirs 
 and for all uther yeirs and crops preceiding as yet unpayed by 
 him to her. 
 
 Again. The qlk day Jane Guttraw, Robert Hamiltoune, and Alex- 
 
 ander Hoggarth are judicially decerned to pay to Margaret 
 Scot, Laidy Stitchell younger their haill mailles, teinds and 
 tacke-dewties dew by any of them to her for the cropt and 
 yeir of God 1662 yeirs and for all these yeirs cropts and teinds 
 preceding. 
 
 Weaver. The qlk day James Thompson Wobster in Stitchill is 
 
 decerned to pay restore and redelyver backe againe to the 
 executors of the deceast Andro Essten in Runningburn ane 
 Gray Wobe taken wrongously be him brevi manu fra the 
 Waulker, they paying to him at their receipt therof twenty 
 ane shillings awght pennies disbursed be him for the samyn to 
 the Waulker. 
 
 Smith's Fees. The qlk day it is judicially statute and enacted and ordained 
 that the owner and maister of ilke pleuche within this Barony 
 shall pay yeirly to John and Robert Lillie, smythes in Stitchell 
 for their sharpeing-corne 1 and in lieu and place therof, ane 
 stoucke of sufficient outfield aits sicke as grown in ther ground 
 yeirly for ilke husband-land plewed be them whether of their 
 awn or hyred lands fra them with power to the fewars to seeke 
 ther releisse and make ther agreement for the hyred land swa 
 
 1 Sharping com was the price paid to the blacksmith by each owner of a plough 
 for sharpening the ploughshare and the sickles for cutting the corn. In this 
 case the price was one stook of outfield oats for each husbandman. 
 
1663] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 27 
 
 plewed be them for ther releiffe fra the awners therof propor- 
 tionally. 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggearth younger is decerned to pay 
 to Richeard Guttraw twelv punds Scots viz., six punds therof 
 at Witsonday 1663 and other six punds at Witsonday 1664. 
 
 Ita est Attestor ego Thomas Pearsone Notarius Publicus 
 elk. 
 
 Heid Barroun Court holden at Stitchell Kirke upon the (23) 
 seaventein day of January jajvi c thre scors and thre yeires be l66 °' ^ an ' I? ' 
 the befor designed Robert Pringle of Stitchell himself. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants within this Barrony of 
 Stitchell compeired all personally and tuike Instruments of 
 ther compeirance. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Crottar servant is ordained to enter to Broken engage- 
 Johne Stevisone in Humebyres his maisters service or els 
 to pay to his said Maister fyve punds for fee, twelve shillings 
 for shoes, and twenty foure for new hose. 
 
 The qlk day Patrick and Alexander Giffen lawful sons to A Father's 
 the deceast Andro Giffen in Rinenburne are decerned as Intro- e s " 
 mettors with ther deceast fathers guids to pay to James 
 Thomsone Wobster in Stitchell thretty six punds Scots at 
 thre tymes, viz. twelv punds therof at Mertinmas nigh to cum 
 in this present yeir of God 1663 yeires, and twelv punds at 
 Witsunday 1664 yeires and uther twelv punds in compleit 
 payment of the said haill sowme at Mertinmes nixt therafter 
 1664 yeires. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants within this Barony who are Rents and 
 awand their maill, fermes, and dewty for the cropt of yeires taxes ' 
 1662 and for all uther yeires and cropts preceiding com- 
 peired all judicially and enacted and obleist themselves 
 to make payment therof within fyftein days and are de- 
 cerned conform to ther ane confessioun to make payment 
 therof. 
 
 The qlk day James Wilson merchand in Stitchell is judici- A claim for 
 ally decerned to pay to Johne Lowry younger for a swyne swine ' 
 killed be him twa merkes and assoilzied fra the rest of the 
 claime. 
 
 _,. . . _ ... . . No swine after 
 
 Ihe qlk day the said Barron takeing into his serious con- May 15. 
 
£8 THE MINUTES OF THE [1663 
 
 sideratioun what great skaithe and damage this Barrony hath 
 sustained these diverse yeires byegane be destroying of ther 
 corne be keiping of swyne in the Summar tyme, Thairffoir it 
 is now statute and ordained with advyce and consent of the 
 famous men of the Inquest that no person whatsumever within 
 this Barrony shall keip ane swyne efter the fyftein day of May 
 untill the first teynding day yeirly in all tyme cumeing under 
 the paine of awght punds Scots money to be payed be ilke 
 transgressor and contravener of this Act without modifi- 
 catioun. 
 
 (24) 
 
 1663, Dec. 3. 
 
 Straike and 
 Riot. 
 
 Arbitration 
 anent a mare. 
 
 Maills and 
 Stent duties. 
 
 Ferme Beir. 
 Grass-maill. 
 
 Ane uther Court holden at Stitchell Kirke upon the threid 
 day of December be the said Right Worthy Robert Pringle of 
 Stitchell Barroun. 
 
 The qlk day John Lowry confest judicially that he 
 comitted Straike and Ryot upon James Campbell wherfor 
 he is unlawed and amerciat in the sowme of Ten punds Scots 
 money. 
 
 Thomas Henrisone Tailzieour is decerned to pay to Robert 
 Lillie smythe confest be the Defender fyve punds. The qlk 
 day Johne Stevisone in Humebyres judicially elected Robert 
 Hamiltoune, and Adam Hoggarth to be Arbitors for him ; 
 and John Lamb and Andro Watson nominat Henry Hamil- 
 toune and James Campbell for them, anent the difference of a 
 Meir bought be the said Johne fra them with warrandice ther- 
 of and in case of variance betwixt the said Arbitors John 
 Lowry is elected Odsman and both parties are decerned to 
 obey their Decreit Arbitrall. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants of this Barrony are judicially 
 decerned and ordained to pay their said Mailles and Stent- 
 dewties within Mertimas last bypast and sickelyke of their 
 haill Mailles and Termes awand be ilke ane of them pro- 
 portionally ilke ane for their awn pairtes and for all uther 
 yeires Cropts and yeires preceiding restand awand and un- 
 payed. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and possessors of the auld 
 Lady her lyferent-lands are decerned to pay to her ... of 
 her ferme Beir befFor the Cropt and yeir 1662, and their grass- 
 maill dewty to her for the yeire and cropt 1663. 
 
i66 3 ] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 29 
 
 Another Barroun Court holden within Stitchell Place 1 upon (25) 
 the 26 day of December forsaid 1663 yeires Be the said l66s ' De °' 2 
 Robert Pringle of Stitchell Barroun forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day the said Barron haveing heard the clame and 
 lybell given in by the Procurator ffiscal of this Barroun Court 
 against Andro Hoggeard for blood comitted be him upon Blood. 
 Alexander Lowry in Queenscairne, 2 The said Andro compeared 
 judicially and denyed the said blood. It was, in place of all 
 further probatioun referred to his aithe of verity and the said 
 Defender refused to depone, wherfor he is holden as confest Oath of Verity 
 and unlawed and amerciat in the sowme of fyfty punds at the refused - 
 Laird's mercy. Anent the said Blood- wyte bothe the pairties Bloodwyte. 
 denyed the samyn wherfor the said Barroun referred the 
 samyn to ane Inquest. So being all sworn and judicially 
 elected, Johne Donaldsoune is Chancellor therof, and the said 
 Chancellor and Inquest all in ane voyce finds the said Alex- 
 ander Lowry to be guilty of the said Blood-vvyte becaus the 
 said Andro first bedded the Kylle and the said Alexander 
 offered to stopt him and dispossess him and his rowme 3 at his 
 awn hand brevi manu wherfor the said Barroun unlawed and 
 amerciat the said Alexander for the said Blood-wyte in the 
 sowme of twenty fyve punds. 
 
 The qlk day the said Andro Hoggeard found Robert Law Burrows. 
 Hamiltoune in Stitchell, Caution, Surety and Law Burrows 
 for him ; and the said Alexander found James Campbell 
 
 1 Stitchill Place was the designation of the mansionhouse where this Court 
 was being held, instead of the church as heretofore. 
 
 2 Queenscairne is a farm upon Stitchill estate. It seems to have been a 
 dower-house at which old Lady Stitchell was residing. William Veitch, the noted 
 Covenanting preacher, was concealed there when the dragoons were actually 
 searching the place for him after the conventicle at Lauder Moor. The name 
 is thought traditionally to have been derived from the fact that the queen of 
 James II. was residing at the place with her son when the news was brought to 
 her that her husband, the king, had been killed at the siege of Roxburgh Castle, 
 a few miles distant. 
 
 3 This was one of the many petty annoyances inseparable from thirlage. 
 Each person bringing corn to be ground had to stand his rowme, i.e. wait his 
 turn at the mill. There was, of course, opportunity here for favouritism, 
 bullying, etc. The servant of the miller had much in his power also, according 
 to the amount of knaveship given to him. This was his allowance out of each 
 one's sack of corn. 
 
30 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1663 
 
 Caution for him that they and theirs shall be harmless and 
 skaithless of uthers in all tym coineing, otherways bv order of 
 law and justice, and the principals are bound to releeve ther 
 Cautioners. Thos. Pearsone, Notar Pub. elk. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche is judicially decerned to pay 
 ^argaret Lady to Margaret Scot Laidy Stitchell elder, ane hundredth punds 
 Maiils. Scots money for the Maill of these her lyferent lands confest 
 
 be him for the Teirme of Mertimas last by past 1663 yeires 
 within fyfteen days nixt efter he be charged therto Together 
 with thretten Bolles of Beir and thretten Bolls of aits meill of 
 the quantity and quality conteined in his Tack at Candlemas 
 nigh to cum in anno 1664 for the yeire and cropt 1663 
 veires. 
 
 (26) 
 
 1664, Jan. 
 
 Assault. 
 
 Bloodwvte. 
 
 Guilty 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Place within 
 the Gairden upon the fourthe day of January 1664 veires, be 
 the said Robert Pringle of Stitchell, Barroun foresaid. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day the said Barroun haveing heard the clame and 
 lvbell given in be the Procurator ffiscall of this Court upon 
 Edward Stevisone in Humebyres for Blood alledged comitted 
 be him upon John Donaldsone in Nether Stitchell, the said 
 Edward compeared personally and denyed judicially the said 
 Blood. 
 
 The said Johne Donaldsone also compeared and confest 
 Blood-wyte be first casting a cup at the said Edward and 
 becaus the said Edward denyed the said Blood theirfor the 
 said Barroun referred the samyn to the knawledg of ane 
 Inquest. 
 
 Inquisitio : — Robert Hamiltoune. Adam Haggeard, James 
 Campbell, Andro Nizbet, Rich ear d Guttraw, George ffrenche, 
 George Smythe, Robert Tailzieour, Robert Hogge, William 
 Watsone, Henry Hamiltoune, John Guttraw, Thomas Lam be. 
 John Smythe, Richeard ffairbairne. 
 
 The saids famous men of Inquest efter they were all solemnly 
 sworne being all inclosed nominate and elected the said 
 James Campbell as Chancellor of the said Inquest who all in 
 ane vovce efter mature deliberatioun tryall and examinatioun 
 finds and declares John Stevisone in Humebyres lawful brother 
 
1664] BARON COURT OF STTTCHILL 31 
 
 to the said Edward to have comitted the said Blood upon the 
 
 said John Donaldsone Theirfor the said Judge and Barroun 
 
 conform to the said Act and conviction, unlawed and amerciat 
 
 the said Johne Stevisone in the sowme of fyfty punds at the Blood £50. 
 
 Lairds mercy. And the said John Donaldsone for Blood-wyte 
 
 in twentyfyve punds and the said Edward for a Ryot and Bioodwyte £25. 
 
 Straicks in fy ve punds Scots. Rlot £s- 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lillie, smythe in Stitchell and Alex- 
 ander Ceddy are fand both guilty of Straicks and Ryot ilke 
 ane upon uthers, theirfor they are unlawed, in ilke ane fyve Riot ^5- 
 punds Scots. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw for his violent intromissions and 
 his illegal possessioun of a housse possessed be James Lowry illegal pos- 
 is unlawed in fyve punds and ordained to repossess the said sesslon 
 James Lowry therto aye and til he be lawfully removed and 
 legally ejected. 
 
 The qlk day Issobell Stevisone relict of the deceast Richeard Claim. 
 Guttraw younger, and James Lowry as her present spouse, 
 for his interest are decerned to give John Guttraw as uncle 
 on the fathers syde Tutor Administrator to Richeard Guttraw 
 his nephew and pupill sufficient moveables and pennyworthe 
 for twa hundredth and fourty merkes Scots money and the 
 said Johne is ordained to accept of the said Moveables and 
 give Bond of Security to his said nepphew therfor, and dis- 
 charges the said Issobell and her said spouse for his interest 
 therof and the said Moveables are to be apprysed beffour 
 neutrall men being twa for ilke pairty. 
 
 The qlk day James Lowry became Cautioner, Surety and Lawburrows. 
 Law Burrows for the said Edward Thomsone that the said 
 John Donaldsone and his shall be harmless and skaithless 
 of him and his in tym cumeing otherways be order of law and 
 justice under the pane of fyfty punds; and the said Principall 
 has willingly obliged and enacted himselfe for releiffe of the 
 said Cautioner sic subscribitur Edward Thomsone. 
 
 The qlk day John Lowry Barroun Officer is decerned pre- Boundary, 
 sently by Court to take the Bourlawmen with him and clear 
 that ditch-reach on the gait betwixt the lands possest be George 
 ffrenche and James Campbell and to regulate the passage therof 
 in all tym cumeing. Thomas Pearsone Notar Pub. cler. 
 
32 THE MINUTES OF THE [1664 
 
 (27) 
 
 1664, Ap. 28. 
 
 Servant's Fee, 
 
 Decreit to 
 Walter Pringle. 
 Margaret Lady 
 Stitchill. 
 
 Katharine 
 Lady Stitchell. 
 
 Silver- and 
 grass-maills. 
 
 Apprysing of 
 Eaten corn. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden be the beffor designed 
 Robert Pringle of Stitchell Barroun upon the twenty awght 
 day of Apprylle 1664 yeires. The qlk day Issobell Stevison 
 relict of the deceast Richeard Gottraw younger and James 
 Lowry now her present spouse for his interest are decerned to 
 pay to . . . Davidsone her lait servant for his fee confest be 
 the said Defenders 211ib. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw, Robert Hamiltoune, and Adam 
 Haggeard are decerned to pay to Walter Pringle secund law- 
 full brother to the Laird, as assignee, constitute be Margaret 
 Scot Laidy Stitchell younger 1 his mother, ther haill Maills and 
 fermes dew be them to her for her lyferent lands and possest 
 be them ilke ane for ther awn pairtes for the teirme of 
 Candlemas lait bypast 1664 yeires instant. 
 
 And the said Margaret Scot her haill uther tenants and 
 possessors of her said lyferent lands are judicially decerned to 
 pay to her ther haill Mailles and fermes for the said Teirme of 
 Candlemas last bypast restand awand and unpayed ilke ane 
 for ther awn pairtes. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and possessors of these lands 
 perteining in lyferent to Katherein Hamiltoune Laidy Stitchell 
 eldest, are decerned to make payment to her of ther silver 
 Mailles and grasse-Mailles restand awand and unpayed be 
 them for the cropt and yeir of God 1663 yeirs last bypast; 
 and also of ther haill Maills, fermes, kaynes, and yeirly dewtie 
 dew to her for all uther yeirs and Teirmes preceiding ilke ane 
 for ther awn pairtes. 
 
 Ita est Attestor ego Tho. Pearsone Notar. Pub. cler. 
 
 The qlk day the said Judge and Barroun takeing to his 
 serious consideratioun that diverse and sundry persouns within 
 this Barrony are persewed beffor this Barroun Court for comes 
 eatten be ther Bestialls and apprysed be their knowledge for 
 remeid whereof it is statute and ordained that all eatters of 
 
 1 This lady was the widow of John Pringle (father of Robert the laird), who 
 himself had not lived to succeed his father. She had two sons, Robert, the 
 present laird, and Walter, junior, later of Graycrook, advocate, mentioned by 
 Wodrow as ably pleading for the Covenanters taken after the Battle of Bothwell 
 Bridge in 1679. Katherine Hamilton, the eldest Lady Stitchill of all, was still 
 living, as is evident from the next paragraph but one. 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 33 
 
 come be first wairned beffor the samvn be urged be the 
 Barroun officer or Bourlaw officer and see it apprvsed qlk 
 wairning being made beffor witnesses the said apprysing shall 
 be sustained whether the Defender compeir to heir or see the 
 said apprysing or not. 
 
 Also it is statute and ordained that all eatten corne be 
 apprvsed in tvme cumeing be twa Bourlaw men onlv. 
 
 The qlk dav James Lennox schoolmaster called and not Schoolmaster's 
 compeiring is decerned to pay to Andro Xizbet in Stitchell ient and teinds - 
 Mylle for a yeires Mailles and Teinds of a Coatt house fwe 
 punds Scots with thre kayne hens or else rive shillings for ilke Kayne hens, 
 undelivered hen and contineus the Extract heirof for ten davs 
 till the Defender be heard be the Laird if he have anvthing to 
 object becaus of his present absence. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw is judicially absolved quvte and Absolved, 
 freed of those six ewes and -ix lambes persewed be Issobell 
 Stevisone, and also of the interest money for thre quarters of 
 ane Husbandland because he produced a Discharge ther for to 
 him be the deceast Richeard Guttraw younger his brother 
 and her umqhile husband beffor his decease. Tho. Pearsone 
 Xotar. Public, cler. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon .5 
 the nynteen dav of November jajvi 0 thre scoir and foure veires Nc ' 1 
 be the beffor designed Robert Pringle of Stitchell Barroun 
 forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day the said Judge and Barroun takeing to his Act supporting 
 serious consideratioun how necessar it is for advanceing the V ? Kirke 
 
 5 Session. 
 
 glorv of God the cherisheing and nourisheing of pietv and 
 vertew within this parochin and for punisheing of vice for 
 incouragement to weill doers and for terror to all those who 
 inclvne to doe evill within this Parochin. That the Ministers. 
 Elders and Kirke Sessioune have the concurrence and assist- 
 ance of the Civil Magistrat for corroborating of ther Acts to 
 be made be the said Kirke Sessioun and his auetority inter- 
 poned therto that sicke persons as shal be convict be them 
 may heirefter stand in aw to doe evill. Theirfor the said 
 Barroun has judiciallv statute and ordained that the Barroun 
 Officer of this Barronv and his successors in the said Office 
 
 c 
 
34 THE MINUTES OF THE [1664 
 
 shal put to full executioun be law all Acts of the Kirke 
 Sessioun against all persouns convict be them and to caus 
 payment of the penalties imposed be them to be made and to 
 poynd, arrest and use all legal executioun therefor and to take 
 the Extract of the Kirke Sessioun for his Warrand becaus 
 there was a desyre and lybell given in be Maister David 
 Starke Minister at Stitchell for that Office, qlk desyre the 
 Barroun thought reasonable. 
 
 Brewer. The qlk day John Guttraw ex consensu rei is decerned to 
 
 pay to Issobell Pringle, Brewer nyne punds ten shillings. 
 
 Crooked horse. The qlk day George ffrenche is absolved, assoilzied and 
 judiciallv quyte of payment of ten merkes acclamed be Robert 
 Lillie as Caution for Johne ffrenche his brother for cureing 
 of a cruiked horse becaus the said Robert to depone reserve- 
 ing actioun to the persewer to persew the Principall. 
 
 Negligence £5. The qlk day Johne Hamiltoune for his negligent intromis- 
 sioun with Agnes Cottersone her cornes and away takeing of 
 the samyn from the field instead of and in place of his awn 
 is unlawed and amerciat in fvve punds Scots. 
 
 Contempt £10. The qlk day James Prestoune being lawfully wairned not 
 compeiring is decerned to pay to John Lillie Ten punds. 
 
 Eaten corn. Patricke Giffen, James Lambe, and Johne Haggeard are 
 decerned to pay to Johne Donaldsone proportionally con- 
 forme to ther possessioune seaven halfe fulles of aits eatten 
 be ther Bestiall or else fvve merkes for the prvce of the Bolle 
 therof. 
 
 Carriage of The qlk dav James Lowrves (eister and wester) and James 
 Lambe are all three decerned to pav ilke ane of them for 
 bvgane Cairiages to Katherein Hamiltoune Laidy Stitchell 
 eldest 81ib. 
 
 Katharine The qlk day the haill tenants and possessours of the said 
 
 Lady Stitchell. ^ a ^ are j n her lvferent lands are decerned to pay to her ther 
 haill Mailles, fermes, kaynes and Cairiages 1 dew be them to her 
 at Mertimas instant 1664 yeires and also for all uther yeires 
 preceiding restand awand and unpaved. 
 Byegone duties, The qlk day the haill tenants within this Barrony are all 
 
 1 These are examples of three forms of payment, viz. : Rents in money, 
 fowls as rent, and several carryings of coals or other burdens as service. 
 
1665] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 35 
 
 judicially decerned and ordained to make payment of ther 
 haill Mailles, fermes, kaynes, cairaiges and grass-mailles dew 
 by ilke ane of them for ther awn pairtes conforme to ther 
 severall possessiouns for all yeires and Teirmes byegane restand 
 awand and unpayed within fyfteen days nixt efter they be 
 chairged therto under the paine of poynding. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche and Thomas Lambe obleist Lawburrows. 
 and inacted themselves judicially that non of them shall 
 trouble or molest each other in tym cumeing in body, guids 
 or name be word or deid utherways nor be order of Law and 
 Justice under the paine of Twenty punds Scots money for ilke 
 failzie. 
 
 The qlk day it is judicially statute and ordained that no The Laird's 
 person within this Barronv presume nor tacke upon themselves Teinds - 
 to leid, collect, or away take any of his Stocks of corne or 
 grass from wher it grows till the Laird his Teynds be first 
 collected and fully away taken both in the Nether town and 
 Barrony Except be particular liberty fra the Laird himself. 
 
 The qlk day John Lowry Barroun Officer is ordained to Riot, 
 conveine and bring before the Laird within awght days nixt 
 efter the dait heirof Robert and John Lillie and Margaret 
 Dickesoun and ther witnesses for cleareing of that Ryot and 
 Differences betwixt them under the paine of fourty shillings 
 Scots for ilke absence. 
 
 The qlk day Matthew Thompesone for Deforcement given Deforcement 
 be him both to the Barroun Officer and the Bourlawmen is ^ 5 
 unlawed in 51ib. And it is statute and ordained that non 
 within this Barrony giffe Deforcement neither to the Barroun 
 Officer nor Bourlawmen nor Bourlaw Officer in tym cumeing 
 under the lyke paine of fyve pund Scots without modifica- 
 tioun for ilke Deforcement. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon ( 29 ) 
 the 20th day of Apprylle 1665 be the beffor designed Ryt l665 ' Apnl 21 
 Worthy Robert Pringle of Stitchell Barroun forsaid him- 
 selfe. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and Coatters within the 
 Barrony of Stitchell compeired all personally and took 
 Instruments of ther Judiciall apeiring. 
 
36 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1665 
 
 Lady Stitchill 
 younger. 
 
 Riot 
 
 Kayne hens. 
 
 Bringing home 
 coals. 
 
 Margaret Scot 
 Lady Stitchell. 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Multure ab- 
 stracted ^5. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw is decerned ex consensu ret to 
 Walter Princrle as Assicmev lawfully constitute be the Laidv 
 Stitchell vounger his mother for Candlemas last bvpast 1665 
 instant fvftv punds. 
 
 The qlk day James Wilsone for Straickes and Ryot 
 comitted be him upone James Cranstoune his brother-in-law 
 is unlawed and amerciat in fwe punds. 
 
 The qlk day Mr. Robert Hopper is found to be dew and 
 decerned to pay to the Kaynes of Sweethope for crop 1664 
 six hens. Also Johne Donaldsone is decerned to pay the 
 twa pairtes of those kavne foulls dew for the land possest 
 be Issobell Stevisone for the said cropt 1664 and the 
 said Issobell Stevisone herselfe the third pairt therof Becaus 
 the haill moveables are swa pairted betwixt her and the 
 Minister. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute and ordained that all within this 
 Barronv who bring not in ther proportioun of coalles beffor 
 Lambes veirlv (being foure tymes lawfully wairned be the 
 Barroun Officer for that effect) shall efter the said Teirme of 
 Lambes als weill buy them upon ther awn expenses as bring 
 them home veirlv in all tym cumeing. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and possessors of these lands 
 pertaining to Margaret Scot Laidy Stitchell younger in 
 Lyferent are decerned to pay ther haill Mailles fermes and 
 dewty as dew be them ilke ane for ther awn pairtes for the 
 Teirme of Candlemas 1665 last bvpast. 
 
 The qlk day John Woode is decerned ex consensu ret to pay 
 Johne Aitken fourteen punds twelv shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Patrick Giffen is decerned to pay to Andro 
 Nisbet tx consensu rei viii lib. 6 shillings. 
 
 The said Patrick Giffen is also decerned to pay to Robert 
 Lillie smythe for Smydye werke Ten punds 12 shillings 5d. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche confest he abstracted his 
 multures fra Stitchell Mylle to the prejudice of the possessor 
 therof contrail* to former Acts of this Barroun Court wherfor 
 he is unlawed and amerciat in fyve punds and to pay to Andro 
 Nizbet Double Multure for a fulle of malt confest befor 
 be him. 
 
 The qlk day it is judicially statute and ordained that non 
 
1665] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 37 
 
 within this Barrony abstract ther Multures 1 Meall nor Malt 
 in tym cumeing fra Stitchell My lie. but that they bring ther 
 haill grinding come and malt therto to pay Mylle Dewties 
 used and wont therfor under the payne of fvve punds and 
 Double Multures to the possessor of the Mvlle for the corne 
 and malt so abstracted and that the possessor of the said 
 Mylle and his sub myllers keep the said Mylle in gud opera- 
 tioun and do gud and thankefull service to the people thirled 
 and therto resorting under the lyke paine. 
 
 The qlk dav James Macdowell and William Moffat for 5r.d^: Erez- 
 buying of bread to ther Brydall in prejudice of the possessour ~ 
 of Stitchell Mylle contrair to former Acts of this Barroun 
 Court are unlawed ane amerciat in ilke ane ten punds at the 
 Lairds mercy and the said James to pay the possessed r of 
 the Mylle for Double Multure of twa fulles quheat confest 
 abstracted be him six shillings 8d. and the said William 
 for a double Multure of a fulle of quheit abstracted be him 
 3 shillings 4d. 
 
 The qlk day George Hoppe is judicially elected Bourlaw 7 
 Officer or Pundler in Nether Stitchell who deponed his oathe 
 de fidel'i administratione officii without partiality favor hatred 
 or malice. Tho. Pearson Notar. Publ. cler. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court holden be the beffor desygned =■= 
 Ryt Worthy Robert Pringle of Stitchell at Stitchell Kirke 1665 % 
 upon the 9th day of December 1665 yeires. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw in Stitchell is judicially decerned Claims. 
 ex consensu rei to pay to William Swanstoune in Hume six- 
 teen punds Scots. 
 
 The qlk dav the said John Guttraw ex consensu rcl is 
 judicially decerned to pay to John Lillie. smvthe. 91ib. 5s. 
 lOd. ; Also William Hoggeard. wester, to the said Johne 
 Glib. 3s. 4d. ; also Adam Hoggeard to the said John Lillie. 
 5lib. 3 3s. 7d.: also John Hoggeard. alias Calseyend vii: lib..vi:i >.. 
 lOd. ; also George flrenche to the said John Lillie for Smydy 
 
 thirled, and sold it or sent it to be gram 
 to have defrauded the miller of his cut 
 imposed for what were called abstracted 
 
 his corn to the mill to which he was 
 1 at some other mill, he was considered 
 es. and became iiabie km the penalties 
 
38 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [t66 5 
 
 werke confest a wand 15s. with halfe a fulle of quheit. The 
 qlk day Thomas Henrysone in Stitchell is decerned to pay to 
 James Campbell malt man 4 lib. Thos. Pearsone Notar. Public, 
 cler. 
 
 Ox £18. ios. The qlk day James Lowry eister in Nether Stitchell is 
 judicially decerned ex consensu rei to pay to John Smythe in 
 Over Stitchell for the agreed pryce of ane ox bought and 
 receaved be the said James 181ib. 10s. 
 
 That Ryot and Straickes betwixt Issobell Turnbull and 
 John Henrysone is contineued till Tuesday nixt and John 
 Lowry Officer to convene the pairties beffor the Laird at 
 Stitchell Place that day. 
 
 Claims. The qlk day haveing heard the clame given in be James 
 
 Wilsone Mercheand against Alexander Eiston, the said Judge 
 did ordaine John Donaldsone and James Campbell to be 
 auditors to ther accompts,who efter mature deliberatioun found 
 the said Defender to be dew to the said persewer 71ib. 2s. 
 wherfor the said Judge decerned for the said sowme to be 
 payed be the said Defender. 
 
 Rents The qlk day the said James Wilsone Mercheand is decerned 
 
 to Margaret Scot Laidy Stitchell younger for the ferme of 
 that parcell of the Maynes lande possesst be him for the yeir 
 and cropt 1664 yeires Twelv punds 10 shillings. More for 
 grass Maille 61ib. made 18lib. 10s. 
 
 The qlk dav that Ryot betwixt George ffrenche and 
 James Lambe is continewed till Tuesday nixt to be examined 
 at Stitchell Place beffor the Laird. 
 
 The qlk day the Settling of that Act for cutting of trees 
 within this Barrony is continued till the nixt werke ai 
 Stitchell Place. 
 
 Assoilzied. The qlk day heaveing heard the clame given in be Thomas 
 
 Allane Tinckler against Alexander Low ry eldest lawful son 
 to the deceast Alexander Lowry his father acclaming fra him 
 thre punds ten shillings restand unpayed be him to his deceast 
 father Beffor his decease desyreing that as he as heir or owner 
 or intromittor titulo lucrativo, or be any passyve tytells myght 
 be decerned to mak payment therof The said Defender com- 
 peired judicially and denyed that he ever intromitted with 
 any of his deceast fathers guids geirs or moveables less or mair 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 39 
 
 titulo lucrative* qlk was clearly understood be the said Judge 
 wherfor he was judicially absolved, assoilzied, quyt and freed 
 fra the said clame fra ever. 
 
 Tho. Pearsone Notar. Public, cler. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon ( 3I ) 
 the secund day of January jajvi c threscoir and six yeires Be the l666, J an- 2 
 before designed Robert Pringill of Stitchell Barroun forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Elliot and Robert ffrenche confest Blood £50. 
 judicially that they bothe comitted Blood ilke ane upon 
 uther, wherfor they are unlawed and amerciat in ilke ane 
 fyfty punds at the Lairds mercy. 
 
 The qlk day Richeard ffairbairne, John Smythe, Joanet Arbiters. 
 Bogge have judicially submitted themselves to John Lowry 
 arbiter for the said Richeard and Johne Smythe and to James 
 Campbell Arbiter for the said Joanet Boge anent the nixt amic- 
 able divisioun of the guids and geir perteining to umqhile 
 Robert ffairbairne only sone to the said Richeard and spous to 
 the said Joanet Boge and anent all uther clames and differences 
 betwixt them for all causes and occasiouns bygane And the 
 said twa arbiters are to conveine, and pronounce their finall 
 Sentence theranent within fyfteen days. 
 
 The qlk day anent that clame given in be Adam Hogeard Assoilzied, 
 against Robert Guttersone acclaming fra him awght peckes 
 of ait meall for nuorisse, the Defender denved the said clame 
 qlk was referred to the persewers probatioun, whereintill the 
 said Adam failzied and succumbed, therfor the Defender is 
 judicially assoilzied absolved quyte and freed fra the said 
 clame fra ever. 
 
 Ane Heid Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon (32) 
 the 24 day of March jajvi c threescoir and six yeires be the 1666, Mar 
 Beffor desygned Ryt Worthy Robert Pringill of Stitchell 
 Barroun forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants and coatters within this 
 Barrony compeird all judicially and tuike Instruments of ther 
 compeiring. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Haggeard in Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned ex consensu rei to pay to James Pattersone in ffogo 
 
40 THE MINUTES OF THE [1666 
 
 Half year for fee and Bountith for halfe a yeires service awght punds 
 £8. 13s. thretein shillings. 
 
 Claims. Th e q]j^ j a y John Guttraw in Nether Stitch ell is decerned 
 
 ex consensu rei to pay to William Watsone gairdener seaven 
 punds 5s. 
 
 The qlk day the said Johne Guttraw is decerned conforme 
 to his awn confessioun to pay to Andro Nizbet in Stitchell 
 Mylle and William Nizbet his soune threten punds ten sh. 
 The qlk day James Campbell is judicially decerned to pay to 
 William Haggeard wester, for wheit be the oathe of said 
 Defender 61ib. 15sh. The qlk day James Wilson Mercheand 
 is decerned to pay to Johne Underwoode Beddell, thretty thre 
 punds and continew the Extract heirof till the penult of this 
 moneth till the Defender be heard be the Laird in his defence, 
 (if he has any becaus of his present absence) or else to be 
 extracted. 
 
 The qlk day James Lowrie eister, is decerned to pay to 
 Katherein Eastoun relict of the deceast Robert Lillie smyth in 
 Stitchell Ten punds seaven shillings ten pennyes. 
 Margaret Scot The qlk day Robert Hamiltoun in Nether Stitchell is 
 younger! ' judicially decerned ex consensu rei to pay to Walter Pringill 
 Rents. Advocat 1 as assigney constitute be Margaret Scot Laidy 
 
 Stitchell younger his mother for the Maill of that land 
 possesst be him perteining to her in lyferent for the yeir and 
 cropt 1665 yeires payable at Candlemas last 1666 yeires 
 instant Twentie fyve punds; also to pay to him the Maill 
 and dewty of the said land for all uther yeires and Teirmes 
 preceiding restand a wand and unpaid. 
 
 Also John Guttraw is decerned to pay to the said Walter 
 as assigney forsaid his Maille and dewty for the said lyferent 
 lands possest be him for the Teirme of Candlemas last 1666 
 yeires and for all uthers Teirmes preceiding unpayed. 
 
 The qlk day Richeard Guttraw, George Hamiltoune aUas 
 Hill, George Dickesoune, Adam Haggeard, Johne Donaldsone, 
 James Lowry, Johne Hamiltoune, Adam Hamiltoune, James 
 Wilsone are all judicially decerned ex consensu rei to pay to 
 
 1 Brother of Robert the laird, and counsel later for the Bothwell Bridge 
 Covenanters. 
 
1 666] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 41 
 
 Margaret Scot Laidy Stitchell younger their haill Mailles and 
 dewties dew be them for the said hyr lyferent lands possest be 
 him for the Teirme of Candlemas last by past jajvi c thre scoir 
 and six yeires and for all uther yeires and Teirmes preceiding 
 restand awand and unpayed ilke ane for ther awn pairtes. 
 
 The qlk day John Haggeard alias Calseyend is decerned Claim, 
 to pay to Johne Guttraw thre punds twa shillings reserveing 
 actioun to the defender to persew John Lyllie smythe younger 
 for his relieffe of 26 shillings therof. 
 
 Tho. Pearsone Notar. Public, cler. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon (33) 
 the twenty foure day of September jajvi c threscoir and six l666, Sep 24 ' 
 yeires be the Beffor desygned Right Worthy Robert Pringle 
 of Stitchell Barroun forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Johne frrenche in Over Stitchell is decerned Claims, 
 to pay to Thomas Gray in Smailholme fyftein punds sixtein 
 shillings principall with twenty shillings expenses viz., six lib. 
 therof at Mertimas nixt 1666, 31ib. therof at Mertimas 1667, 
 31ib. therof at Mertimas 1668, uther thre punds with the 
 expenses at Mertimas 1669 yeires. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute and ordained that ilke husband- Tax f or sharp- 
 land within this Barony shall pay a sufficient Stouke of outfield 
 aits 1 yeirly proportionally in tym cumeing for shairpeing 
 corne to Robert Lillie smythe ; and the former Act made in 
 favor of the smythe stand in force for tymes byegane. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Guttraw is decerned to pay to Walter Rent. 
 Pringle advocat for his Maill for the Teirme of Lambes last 
 bypast and uther tymes preceiding thre scoir twa punds 
 fourtein shillings 8d ex consensu re'i. 
 
 Also Robert Hamiltoune is decerned to pay to the said 
 Walter for Lambes last 1666 twenty fyve pundes. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Hageard, Richeard Guttraw, Johne Lady Stitchell, 
 Donaldsoune, James Lowry, Wylliam Gottersone, William >ounger ' 
 Hogeard, George Hamiltoune (hill) and Johne Hamiltoune are 
 all decerned to pay ther severall proportiounes of ther sowmes 
 
 1 One-fourth of the farm land lying next the farmhouse was more thoroughly 
 fertilised than the remainder, and was called infield. The remaining three- 
 fourths formed the outland or outfield. 
 
42 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1666 
 
 dew be them to the said Laidy Stitchell younger for the 
 
 Maynes for Lambes last 1666 yeires and for uther yeires and 
 
 times byegane restand awand and unpayed. 
 interest. The qlk day George fFrenche ex consensu rei is decerned to 
 
 pay for Interest Monv vet restand unpayed fyftein pundes. 
 Trespass. The qlk day it is judicially statute and ordained that the 
 
 Tennants in the Over Toune keipe their Cattell from the 
 
 ground grasse and pasture of Homebyres possest be Mr. 
 
 ffrancis Pringill Sommer and Winter under the paine of six 
 
 shillings Scots for ilke beast horse or nolt. 
 
 And the said Mr. ffrancis inact himselfe judicially that his 
 
 Cattell and Bestiall shall abstain fra the ground and pastures 
 
 of the Over Toune of Stitchell under the lyke paines. 
 Fee £3. The qlk dav Thomas Gray in Smailholme ex consensu rei 
 
 is decerned to pay to Margaret Dickesoune for fee 31ib. 
 Rents. The qlk day all within this Barony who are awand ther 
 
 rents, maills, and fermes for Mertimas last 1665 and for the 
 
 said Cropt judicially decerned to make payment therof. 
 
 (34) 
 
 1 666, Dec. 13. 
 
 Fee £j. 10s. 
 
 Bridal Bread. 
 
 Decree in 
 Absence. 
 
 Grassmaille. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon 
 the threttein day of December jajvi c threscoir six yeires be 
 the beffbr desvgned Ricrht Worthy Robert Pringill of Stitchell 
 Barroun forsaid. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk dav James Lowrv in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned ex consensu rei to pay to William Service for fee seven 
 punds ten shilling. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Haggeard for buying of 
 bread to his Brvdall contrair to former Acts of this Barroun 
 Court is unlawed in Ten punds at the judges mercy and he is also 
 decerned to pay to Andro Xizbet possessor of Stitchell My lie 
 for the Multure of that abstracted quheit ten shillings Scots. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffat lawfully cited ofttymes called 
 and not compeiring is holden as confest and decerned to pay 
 to George fFrenche in Over Stitchell Twenty seaven punds 
 twelv shillings Scots and continewes the extracting of this pntt 
 Decret till the twenty day of December instant that the De- 
 fender may be heard be the Laird becaus of his present absence. 
 
 The qlk day all within this Barrony and jurisdictioun lyable 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 43 
 
 in payment of grass-maille for the Teirme of Mertimas last 
 bypast jajvi c thre scoir and six yeires are decerned ex consensu 
 rei to make payment therof. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tennents of this Barony are decerned Schoolmaster, 
 to pay to Mr Thomas Halvburtoune Schoolmaister and pre- 
 centor at Stitchell fourtv pundes proportionally ilke ane for 
 ther awn pairtes conform to ther several possessiouns yeirly 
 dureino; his seryeing of the said Cure as Precentor and School 
 Maister at Stitchell Kirke proportionally in maimer used and 
 wont. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Tailzieor and Alexander Lowry in Herd s corn. 
 Queenscairne are decerned equally to pay to William Turne- 
 bull hird there fyve fulles of aits with twa pecks and a halfe 
 of humble corne. 
 
 The qlk dav it is statute and ordained that non within this Bridal Bread 
 Barronv who shall make Brvddell Bread herefter shall buy an " * e ' 
 their Brydell Aille and Drinke furthe of the Barrony but that 
 they buv their haill Aille for the use of the Brydell fra the 
 Brewers within the Barony provydeing the said Brewers make 
 their Aille also gud and sell it to them for also a reasonable 
 pryce as it is sold in the country and as they may buy it fra 
 uthers under the paine of Ten pundes Scots money for the 
 Aille bought out of the Barrony by and attour the satisfac- 
 tioun to the possessor of Stitchell Mylle for the Multures of 
 the Brydell malt together therewith. 
 
 Ane uther Heid Barroun Court holden at Stitchell Kirke (35) 
 upon the sixtein day of ffebruarv jajyi c thre scoir and seaven 1667 ' Feb " l6 ' 
 veires be the beffor desvomed Rvt Worthy Robert Pringill of 
 Stitchell Barroun forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day John Hoggeard alias Calsevend is decerned ex Claim. 
 consensu rei to pay to William Hoggeard wester in Nether 
 Stitchell twenty punds foure shillings. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw in Nether Stitchell is decerned Harvest fee 
 ex consensu rei to pay to James Grieve in Tofts for harveist I4 ' 
 fee seaventein punds fourtein shillings. 
 
 The qlk day the said John Guttraw is also decerned to pay Harvest fee £4. 
 to Henry ffairbairne in West Gordoun for harveist fee foure 
 punds. 
 
44 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1667 
 
 The qlk Robert Hoge absent is hold en pro confesso and 
 decerned to pay to George ffi-enche Thre punds 5 shillings 8d. 
 
 The qlk day John Gottraw in Nether Stitchell is decerned 
 to pay to Elizabeth Courtney 1 pntt spous to Mr David Starke 
 Minister at Stitchell for the modified pryce of twa corne 
 sackes lost be the defender as was clearly verified judiciallv be 
 the persewer fourty awght shillings. 
 
 Continew that claime James Campbell possessor of Stitchell 
 Mylle contra George ffrenche for abstracted Multures to the 
 Laird his farther deliberatioun. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hamiltoune is decerned to pay to 
 Thomas Wood confest for service thre punds fourtein shillings. 
 
 Ita est attestor ego Thomas Pearsone Xotarius Publicum cler. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Guttraw is judiciallv decerned to louse 
 that arreistment made be Johne Aitken in the hands of Robert 
 Lillie smythe and the said Johne Guttraw is decerned to 
 delvver the corne sold be him to the said Robert Ultie suf- 
 ficientlv dry conforme to ther first condition, and efter the 
 arreistment is loused ordaine the said Robert Lillie to pay to 
 the said Johne Guttraw the agreed pryce for the said corne 
 with all possible diligence efter the lousing of the said arreist- 
 ment. 
 
 The qlk dav Johne Donaldsone and Robert Hamiltoune are 
 judicially elected both be the judge and pairties to be auditors 
 to the haill accompts betwixt the said John Guttraw and the 
 said Robert Lillie and to give a perfect accompt of ther dili- 
 gence to the Laird theranent within fyftein days. 
 
 The qlk day James Wilsone is decerned to pay for the 
 ferme heir of that pairt of huppers lands possest be him for 
 the veir and cropt 1665 and James Campbell is decerned to 
 pav for the grass mailles of that land last possest be the said 
 James Wilsone for the yeire and cropt 1666 yeires last bypast. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenants within this Barrony are all 
 decerned to pay to Maister Thomas Halyburtoune School- 
 maister and Precentor at the Kirke of Stitchell fourty punds 
 veirly proportionally furthe of the said Barrony conform to 
 
 : Elizabeth Courtney, spouse to Mr. David Starke, minister. The suggestion 
 is here thrown out that this lady may have been the daughter of Mr. Starke's 
 predecessor, whose incumbency ceased in 16 13. 
 
1667] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 45 
 
 ther several 1 possessiouns ilke ane for their awn pairtes viz. for 
 a yeir preceiding the twenty ane day of Marche nigh to cum 
 and Teirmely in tvme cumeing at Witsunday and Mertimas 
 Begineing the first Teirmes payment for his secund veires 
 service at Mertimas nigh to cum in this pntt yeir of God 1667 
 yeires for the halfe yeir preceiding. 
 
 The qlk day James Lowry eister is decerned ex consensu ret Katharine 
 to pay to Katharein Hamiltoune Laidy Stitchell eldest for the Rent .£30. 
 Teirme of Mertimas last 1666 for that land possest be him 
 perteining to her in liferent thretty punds. 
 
 Also James Lowry wester is decerned to pav to her and to Rent unpaid, 
 her factors in hir name fourty shillings Scots mony resting 
 unpayed of the yeir and cropt 1665 thretty punds for the 
 maille of her lyferent lands possest bv him for the veir and 
 cropt 1666 last bvpast. 
 
 Also Alexander Giffen is decerned be his awn confessioun Ferme Beir. 
 to pay to the said Laidy Stitchell eldest for the ferme beir of 
 that pairt of her lyferent lands possest be him for the yeir and 
 cropt 1665 yeires Twelv punds twelv shillings. 
 
 The qlk day James Lambe. James Lowrves eister and wester Loads of Coais. 
 are decerned to bring some fourtietwa loads of bvegane coalls 
 in maner efter divyded viz.. To the Laird ilke ane Ten loads 
 therof ; and to the old Laidy herselfe be the said James Lambe 
 four loads therof ; be the said James Lowrv eister awght loads 
 therof ; and be the said James Lowrv wester uther Ten loads 
 of the said coalls. 
 
 The qlk day the said Judge and Barroun takeing to his Geese- 
 serious consideratioun the great hurt and skaithe done be 
 keiping of geisse within this Barrounv in Sumar in tvme 
 bvegane, Theirfor it is judicially enacted statute and ordained 
 that non within this Barrony keipe Geisse in tvme cumeing 
 from the first day of May untill the cornes be tevnded. and 
 teynds and stocks totally led home and inclosed in the Lairds, 
 yeirly in all tyme cumeing under the pane of twentv shillings 
 Scots for ilke failzier and attour payment of the skaithe to the 
 pairty damnified. 
 
 The qlk dav the said Judge and Barroun haveing heard the Anentthe 
 lybell and complaint given in be the haill tenants of this " 
 Barrony mentioning that the possessors of Stitchell Mylle and 
 
46 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 Myllers ther will not sutler them to cast on seids on their 
 beginning to grind their melder in maner used and wont both 
 in this Mylle and uther Mylles: qlk being heard and considered 
 by the said Barroun and he therwith being weill and ripely 
 advvsed did efter mature deliberatioun statute and ordain that 
 the owner of ilke Melder shall have liberty first to cast in a 
 Neiffefful of seeds bettor they grind their meill or sheillings. 
 Also it is statute and ordained that the owner of the corne 
 mak their awn sheilling in all tvme cumeing. 1 
 
 (36) Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon 
 
 i66 /f Jui> 13. ^ e threttein dav of Jullv jajvi 0 thre scoir seaven yeires be the 
 beffor desvgned Rvt Worthy Robert Pringle of Stitchell 
 heretable proprietor of the saids lands and Barony therof. 
 Curia legitime affirmata. 
 Damages. The qlk day James Campbell ex consensu rei is decerned to 
 
 pay to Robert Hamiltoune awghi punds 13s. 4d. destroyed be 
 his Bestiall apprysed be the Bourlawmen, and for thre halfe 
 fulles of aits eaten be his Bestiall and apprysed be the Bour- 
 lawmen twentyfoure shillings Scots. And the said Robert 
 offered to the said James to quvte him the said sow me con- 
 teined in the said Decreit if he wold do him no more hurt 
 nor skaithe in tvme cumeing and find him sufficient Cautious 
 for that effect anent his neyboirheid within awght days nixt 
 efter the dait heirof in tvme cumeing. 
 
 Whereupon James tuik Instruments and if the said Cautioun 
 be not found within awght davs the Decreit is to be extracted 
 and put to all legall Executioun. 
 
 Eodcm die the said James Campbell ex consc?isu rei is 
 Claims. decerned to pav to Richeard Guttraw foure pund 6sh. 8d. 
 
 The qlk dav Thomas Lambe is judicially decerned to pay 
 to Katharein Eastoune and Joanet Guttraw relicts of the 
 deceast Johne and Robert Li Hies lait smythes in Stitchell 
 equallv betwixt them twa for smvdy werke and drinke 
 threttein punds six shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Alexander GifFen is decerned to pay to the 
 
 1 The Black Dwarf * was two years at Broughton Mill, employed in stirring 
 the husks of oats, which were used for drying the corn on the kiln, and required 
 to be kept constantly in motion.*— Horae Subsccivac, II. 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 47 
 
 said Kathreen Eastoune and Joanet Guttraw instructed be 
 the saids deceast husbands their compt Book equally betwixt 
 them twa. awght punds Scots. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Wood, John Windrim couper being Bridal Bread, 
 absent is holden as confest, and James ffairbairne for buying 
 of quheit Bread to eomoun Brvdell contraire to former Acts 
 of this Barroun Court in prejudice to the Myller are unlawed 
 in ilke ane Ten punds at the Judges modificatioune and mercy. 
 
 Tho. Pearsone Notar. Publict, cler. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon , {? 7 \ 
 
 1 1667, Sept. £ 
 
 the fourtein day of September jajvi c threscoir and seaven 
 veires forsaid, Be the befFor designed Right Worthy Robert 
 Pringle of Stitchell heretable proprietor of the haill lauds and 
 Barron v thereof. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffat in Over Stitchell is judicially Claims, 
 decerned to pay to Andro Dickesone in Ednam ex consensu rei 
 Thre punds 16sh. Also James Lowrv wester is decerned to 
 pay to Andro Xisbet ex consensu rei for his victual! foure 
 punds. 
 
 The qlk day the said Judge and Barroun haveing heard the Great Riot. 
 Lvbell and clame given in be Johne Underwood Procurator 
 ffiscall of this Barroun Court against Thomas Bovde and 
 Robert Hoge in Over Stitchell mentioning that thev had 
 comitted Blood. Ryot and Straickes ilke ane upon uthers to 
 the effusion of Bothe their Bloods in great abundance and 
 great hazard of bothe their lives. 
 
 Also upon Andro Robesone and Johne Hoggeard for 
 Straickes and Ryot comitted be them upon Robert Lillie 
 smythe ; also upon Stephen Burne and James Lidgait minors 
 for Blood and Straicks comitted be them twa upon uthers : 
 also upon Johne Windrim for Blood and Straickes aledo-ed 
 comitted be him upon the said James Lidgait minor. 
 
 The qlk haill claimes being heard red, seine and considered inquest, 
 be the said Barroun he being weill and rvpelv advvsed, sub- 
 mitted and referred the saids Bloods and Rvots to fvfteen 
 famous men of Inqueist who being all solemnlv sworne and 
 thereafter inclosed, elected Andro Xizbet jun. Chancellor of 
 the said Inqueist. The said Chancellor be the mouthe of the 
 
48 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 said Inqueist efter mature deliberatioun doe all in ane voyce 
 convict and declare the saids Thomas Boyde and the said 
 Verdict. Robert Hogge ilke ane to be guilty of a Ryot and Straicke 
 
 upon uthers and the said Robert Hoge ilke ane to be guilty of 
 the Wyte of the said Ryot, and the said Robert his foalle did 
 provoke the said Ryot be eating of the said Thomas his corne 
 and the said Robert refused aither to amend or to be restricked 
 also the said Chancellor and Inqueist finds and declares 
 them bothe to be guilty of Blood as was clearly verified be 
 famous witnesses and referres their censures to the Laird and 
 Barron. 
 
 Also they convict and declare the said Andro Robesone and 
 the said John Hoggeard to be bothe guilty of Ryot upon the 
 said Robert Lillie smythe as was clearly verified be famous 
 witnesses and referrs their censures to the Laird and Judge. 
 
 Also the saids Inqueist finds the said Stephen Burne and 
 James Lidgait minors to have bothe comitted Blood ilke ane 
 of them uther conforme to their awn confessioun and referrs 
 their censures to the Laird and Judge. 
 
 Also the saids Inqueist convict the said Johne Underwood 
 couper of Straikes and Ryot comitted be. him upon the said 
 James Lidgait minor and assoilzies and absolves him of the 
 Blood becaus swa verified be famous witnesses and referrs his 
 censure for the said Ryot to the Barroun and Judge. 
 Sentence. The qlk day the said Barron and Judge conforme to the 
 
 Act and Convictioun of the saids fyftein famous men of 
 Inqueist pronunced be the said Chancellor did judicially 
 unlaw and amerciat the said Robert Hoge and Thomas Boyd 
 for the said Bloods in ilke ane fyfty punds. And the said 
 Robert Hoge for Blood wyte in Twentyfyfe punds at the 
 Judge his mercy and modificatioun. The qlk day also the 
 saids Andro Robesone and Johne Hoggeard conforme to the 
 said Act of Convictioun are unlawed in ilke ane Ten punds. 
 
 Also the saids Stephen Burne and James Lidgait minors 
 conforme to the said Act of Convictioun are at the Lairds 
 mercy for what amerciament or personall punishment he 
 pleaseth for the said Blood becaus of their present minority 
 pupillarity and less age. 
 
 Also the said John Windrim couper conforme to the said 
 
1 667] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 49 
 
 Act of Convictioun for the said Ryot and Straickes comitted 
 be him upon the said James Lidgait minor is unlawed in Ten 
 punds Scots and judicially absolved assoilzied quyte and freed 
 fra the said Blood aledged comitted be him forever. 
 
 The qlk day all differences and matters questionable betwixt Judicial Sub- 
 Alexander Giffen and James Lambe are judicially referred and misslon - 
 submitted to Adam Hoggeard for the said Alexander his 
 pairt ; and to Johne Donaldsone for the pairt of the said 
 James Lambe as arbiters chosen be ilke pairty and to settle, 
 agree and reconce all them ; and what the saids twa arbiters 
 ordaines the saids twa pairties are judicially decerned to obey 
 and the saids pairties and arbiters are to convene for that 
 effect within awght dayes efter the dait heirof. 
 
 And the said Johne Donaldsone is also becumed Cautioner Cautioner and 
 for the said James Lambe; and Patrick GifFen eldest lawfull 
 Brother to the said Alexander is becum Cautioner, Surety 
 and Law Burrows for the said Alexander that the saids Twa 
 pairties, their wyfes, bairnes, servants, and families shall not 
 trouble, or molest uthers in Tyme cumeing be word nor deed 
 utherways nor be order of Law and Justice under the paine 
 and penalty of Twenty punds for ilke failzie, and the saids 
 Twa pairties have judicially inacted themselves to relieve their 
 saids Twa Cautioners of their said Cautionry. 
 
 The qlk day Alexander Lowry in Queenscairle and William Absolved. 
 Turnbull hird there, are both judicially absolved of a sheep 
 acclaimed fra them be William Thompson weaver be their 
 oathes of verity. 
 
 The qlk day the said Judge and Barroun takeing to his Act for Planting, 
 serious consideratioun the great prejudice that this Barrony 
 and Indwellers therein doe susteine for want of planting and 
 setting of young trees and how profitable and pleasant planting 
 is, and what detriment this Barroun susteines for want and 
 neglect therof, Therefoir the said Judge and Barroun hath 
 statute and ordained that ilke Tenant and Coatter in Nether 
 Stitchell shall plant in their severall yairds six guid Ashe 
 plants yeirly till their yairds be sufficiently planted. And to 
 begin to plant betwixt Mertimas and Yuil nixt, and swa furthe 
 betwixt the said two kinds yeirly till the saids yairds be 
 planted, and in place of ilke decreaseing plant to replant a 
 
 D 
 
50 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 Act anent 
 dykes. 
 
 Act anent 
 Dastrovers. 
 
 Act anent 
 trespass. 
 
 Service. 
 
 Absolvitor for 
 the Weavers. 
 
 new plant in place thereof under the paine of fyve punds for 
 ilke failzie. 
 
 The qlk day it is also statute and ordained that ilke Tenant 
 within this Barony make ther heid dycks sufficient and hird- 
 well for keiping the saids plants at all tymes in the yeir, and 
 for keiping of guid neyboirheid, and to begine within awght 
 days nixt efter the dait heirof to bige their saids heid dyckes 
 under the paine of fyve punds. 
 
 Also it is judicialy statute and ordained that the Breakers 
 and Destroyers of the said plants shall pay for ilke transgres- 
 sioun Ten punds by and attour personall punisshment at the 
 Lairds pleasure. 
 
 Also it is statute and ordained that non within this Barony 
 old nor young make Rods nor gaits threw their neybors yairds 
 nor breake doune their neybors dykes nor goe nor passe throw 
 their neybors yairds under the paine of Twelve shillings Scots 
 for ilke failzie. 
 
 The qlk day it is statute and ordained that the possessors 
 of ilke ane husband-land within this Barony lyable for Service 
 shall furnishe and put furthe ane able workeman for helpeing 
 to cast a ditche about the eister Louche proportionally, and 
 foure of them to be ready dayly for that effect course and 
 tyme about proportionally till the samyn be fully casten and 
 ditched. 
 
 The qlk day the haill weavers within this Barony being 
 complained upon be John Underwood Procurator fflscall of 
 this Barroun Court for makeing and weaveing Linen cloathe 
 vendible for Ten shillings or above within the breadth of ane 
 elle and twa inches contrair to the Act of Parliament made in 
 anno 1662 qlk. being referred to their oathe of verity they all 
 compeired personally and being all severally deeply sworne 
 they all deponed that they did not weave any Linnen cloathe 
 vendible for Ten shillings or above within ane elle and twa 
 inches of Breadth since November jajvi c sixty ane yeires ; 
 theirfoir the said Judge and Barroun assoilzied absolved 
 quyte and freed the said haill weavers within this Barrony 
 fra transgressing of the said Act of Parliament for all tyme 
 bygane. 
 
 Tho, Pearsone Notar. Public, cler. 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 51 
 
 Ane utber Barroun Court being ane Heid Court halden at (38) 
 Stitchell Kirke upon the first day of ffebruary jajvi c and sixty l668, Feb x * 
 awght yeires be the beffoir designed Right Worthy Robert 
 Pringill of Stitchell heretable proprietor of the haill lands 
 and Baron v thereof. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tennants and Coatters within the said 
 Barrouny compeired all personally and tuike Instruments 
 judicially of their compeirance. 
 
 The qlk day the said Barroun and J udge sitting in Judgment R iot £\o. 
 in ane fensed Court haveing heard the Lybell and complaint Blood ^ 50, 
 given in be Johne Underwood Procurator ffiscall of this Bar- 
 roun Court against James Campbell in Stitchell Mylle and 
 Andro Robesone his hynde mentioning that they not only 
 comitted Ryot and Straickes upon uthers with Staffes handes and 
 feet and uther weapons offensive dinging uther to the ground 
 most cruelly But also to the effusione of Bothe their Bloods in 
 great abundance and great hazard of bothe their lives The 
 said Judge efter mature deliberatioun, the saids pairties being 
 lawfully wairned ofttymes called, not compeiring therfor ilke 
 ane of the saids twa pairtyes are judicially unlawed and amer- 
 ciat for Ryot and Straickes in Ten pundes And the said James 
 Campbell for Blood comitted be him upon the said Andro 
 Robysone as was clairly understood be the said Judge is 
 unlawed in fyfty punds at the said Barroun his mercy. 
 
 The qlk day William Gottersone cordiner in Stitchell called Malt ^14. 
 not compeiring is halden as confest and decerned to pay to 
 Joanet Handyside in Kelso for malt fourtein pundes. 
 
 Also Jane Alexander in Over Stitchell called not compeiring Malt 16 Merks. 
 is halden as confest and decerned to pay to the said Joanet 
 Handyside for malt sixtein merkes. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffat in Over Stitchell also called Claims, 
 and not compeiring is holden as confest and decerned to pay 
 to David Cowan in Ednam Twenty thre punds 14 shillings. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw in Nether Stitchell ex consensu 
 rei is decerned to pay to Robert Hoggeard there twenty six 
 punds six shillings viz. the one halfe within fyftein days 
 and uther halfe at Mertimas nigh to cum 1668 yeires. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggeard is decerned ex Claims. 
 
52 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1668 
 
 consensu rei to pay to William Hoggeard eister mailler fyfe 
 punds ten shillings. 
 
 The qlk day also Patrick Giffen absent holden as confest is 
 decerned to pay to James Thompesone for weaver worke foure 
 punds 8 shillings. Also Alex Giffen is decerned to pay to the 
 said James thre punds. 
 
 Tho. Pearsone Notar. Public, cler. 
 
 (39) Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon 
 
 c ' 3I ' the last day of October jajvi c sixty eight yeires be the beffor 
 designed Right Worthy Robert Pringill of Stitchell heretable 
 proprietor of the haill Lands and Barrony thereof. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 TwoStots The qlk day Alexander Giffen in Nether Stitchell being 
 
 £*9- 4s. lawfully summoned personally, ofttymes called and not com- 
 peting is halden as confest and decerned to pay to Thomas 
 ffairbairne therfor the pryce of twa stots bought and receaved 
 be him fra the said persewer as was clearly verified Nyntein 
 punds foure shillings. 
 Claims. The qlk day George Hamiltoune (alias hill) in Nether Stit- 
 
 chell is decerned to pay to Jeane and Euphean Andersones 
 lawfull sisters to the deceast Issobell Andersone aequally, 
 and to Alexander Maisson pntt. spouse to the said Jeane 
 for his interest ex consensu rei Nyntein punds Scots mony 
 (they finding Cautioun to warrand him at the haill uthers 
 aires and executors of the said Issobell and all uther hands 
 qtsumevir). 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggeard is judicially 
 decerned to pay to Katreine Eastone relict of the deceast 
 Robert Lillie smythe in Stitchell confest eleven punds twelve 
 shillings confest. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Smythe is to be auditor and to examine 
 Richeard ffairbairne his smydy accompts and what is already 
 payed to Joannet Guttraw her daughter in law to be redely- 
 vered be her to the said Kathren Eastone. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche is decerned to pay to Richeard 
 ffairbairne for eaten corne fourty eight shillings. 
 Claims. The qlk day Alexander Giffen called, not compeiring is 
 
 decerned to pay to Johne Hageard nyntein punds six shillings. 
 
i668] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 53 
 
 The qlk day Johne Guttraw is decerned to pay to Andro 
 Burne for bygane fees Twelv punds six shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Hoggeard is decerned to make furthe 
 cumeing to Margaret Smythe, if Law will, foure sheip pntte in 
 his possessioun perteining to Robert Cromby and wreisted in 
 his hands till that Action depending betwixt Margaret Smythe 
 and Robert Cromby be legally discussed. 
 
 The qlk day James Campbell and Robert Hamiltoune are Arbiters, 
 decerned to be Arbiters for settleing of that Difference betwixt 
 William and Johne Hogeards anent exchanged Mares and in 
 cace of their variance the Laird is pleased to be Odman. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Hogeard is decerned to redelyver to 
 Thomas Hoggeard pnttly twa sheip of three and ordaine Johne 
 Lowry, Johne Donaldsoune and Robert Hamiltoune to [putte] 
 these foure sheip in the custody of Joanet Guttraw and if 
 one of them be found to belong to the said Thomas 
 the said Adam Stott Hoggeard is decerned to sattisfie the 
 said Joanet Guttraw therfor And the said sheip to be 
 delyvered to the said Thomas Hoggeard as his awin. 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggeard is decerned to pay to Johne 
 Haggeard younger ex consensu rei fourtein punds ten shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Hoggeard is decerned to redelyver to 
 James Leith herd aither two sheipe lost upon his default or 
 else three punds sevin shillings for the modified pryce therof. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Lowry and Robert Hamiltoune are 
 elected arbiters to meit and decide all differences betwixt 
 George Hamiltoune and William Hoggeard and what they 
 decerne the pairtyes are judicially decerned to obey. 
 
 John Lowry Barroun Officer of this Barrony is ordained T f r ^ ls ^ 1 ess ° rs 
 and authorized to poynd all transgressors of that Act made Act. 6 a " ' 1 
 anent planting and make the fynes and unlaws of the Trans- 
 gressors to be payed. 
 
 Also the said Barroun Officer is ordained to poynd William Militia. 
 Service for fyve punds for resetting of James Leitche in Dalcove 
 contrare to that Act made be the honorable Commissioners of 
 the Shy re anent the Militia. 1 
 
 1 James Leitche had been drawn to serve in the Militia, and had been hidden 
 by William Service, whose goods were now arrested to the value of five pounds. 
 
54 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 (40) Ane uther Barroun Court being ane Heid Court halden at 
 
 1669, April 10. stitchell Kirke upon the 10th day of Apprille 1669 Be the 
 
 beffor designed Right Worthy Robert Pringill of Stitchill 
 Barroun. 
 
 Blood £50. The qlk day James Campbell for Blood comitted be him 
 upon James Johnstoune as he confest is unlawed in fyfty 
 punds. 
 
 Opprobrious The qlk day Johne Hoggeard for opprobrious speaches to 
 peec es 30s. jj^g^ LiHj e sm ythe is unlawed in thretty shillings And the 
 Provocation said Robert Lillie for provoking of him be words and offering 
 5 ° s ' of Straicks and Ryot is unlawed in fyfty shillings. 
 
 Claims. The qlk day Johne Guttraw is decerned ex consensu rei 
 
 to pay to Johne Lowry seaven punds fyftein shillings. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffat in Over Stitchell called, not 
 compeiring is decerned to pay to James Dawsone in Hume 
 byres for oatts bought and already receaved be him fra the 
 persewer nyntein punds and continews the Extract heirof for 
 foure days till the Defender be heard be the Laird becaus of 
 his pntt absence. 
 
 The qlk day George Dickesoune in Nether Stitchell called, 
 not compeiring is judicially decerned to pay to James Cossar 
 portioner of Hassingtone six punds Scots mony. 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggeard confest and is decerned to 
 pay to James Dawsone foure punds foure shillings. 
 
 And Adam Hamiltoune is decerned to pay to the said 
 James 42 shillings. 
 Smithy work. The qlk day Adam Hoggeard in Nether Stitchell is de- 
 cerned to pay to Kathrein Eastoune relict of the deceast 
 Robert Lillie smythe there for smydy werke one pund eight 
 shillings. James Lowry wester to the said Kathrein llib. 
 10 shillings 4d. And Johne Hoggeard is to relieve the 
 said James Lowry of what pairt of the said sowmes he has 
 receaved from him already. Robert Hog to the said Kathrein 
 Eastoune confest . . . William Moffat to her 23 shillings. 
 David Hoggeard to her for smydy werke 13 shillings 4d. 
 And the said Johne Hoggeard and his spouse are decerned to 
 releive them at the hands of the said Kathrein of what he 
 or his said spouse has already receaved fra the defenders 
 therof if any be. 
 
1669] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw is judicially decerned to pay to Claims. 
 James Lowry eister confest foure punds with foure fulls of 
 aits or else four merkes for the pryce therof. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche is decerned to give to Issobell 
 Trottar 7 hirdbolls fyve fulls of aits with nyntein shillings 
 raony. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Hoggeard is decerned to pay to Thomas 
 Hoggeard confest eightein pounds. 
 Tho. Pearsone Notar. Public, cler. 
 
 The qlk day John Lowry Barroun Officer of this Barony is Transgressor* 
 decerned to poynd all transgressors of that Act made anent 
 Planting for the fynes and unlaws therein exprest. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Donaldsone, James Campbell and Johne Auditors. 
 S my the are to be auditors to revise the Compts and determine 
 therein betwixt Richeard ffairbairne, Joanet Guttraw and 
 Kathrein Eastoune her mother-in-law and ordaine the said 
 Kathrein Eastoune to give foure punds fyftein shillings of the 
 first end therof and what is not in the said Richeard his hands 
 therof to be payed to the said Kathrein be the said Joanet 
 41ib. 15 shillings. 
 
 The qlk day William Tailzieor in Queenscairne is decerned Fee ^3- 9. 6. 
 to pay to Cudbert Purveis tor fee unpayed thre punds nyne 
 shillings six penyes with a pair of sufficient new hose. 
 
 Ane uther Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon (41) 
 the 23rd day of October 1669 yeires be the beffor designed 16691 ° ct - 23 ' 
 Right Worthy Robert Pringill of Stitchell Barroun himself. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche in Over Stitchell and William Keeping Swine 
 Hoggeard wester in Nether Stitchell for keipeing swyne in 111 Summer - 
 Summar contraire to former Acts of this Barrony Court are 
 unlawed in ilke ane twenty shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Haggeard called, not compeiring is Rents, 
 halden as confest and decerned to pay to Mr. Francis Pringill 
 now of Rowingstoune 1 as assigney constitute be Margaret 
 
 J This is a brother of Robert the laird, and son of John Pringle who prede- 
 ceased his father, the first Robert. Three sons of John are now accounted 
 for : Robert the laird, Walter of Graycrook, and Francis of Rowingstoun. 
 There were at least five other children of John Pringle. 
 
56 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1669 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Claim, 
 
 Absolvitor. 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Riot £10. 
 
 Carriages. 
 
 Not Planting 
 12s. 
 
 Scot Laidy Stitchell his mother Twenty twa punds foure 
 shillings for his proportioune of Maille for that pairt of the 
 Maynes possest be him for the Teirmes of Candlemes and 
 Lambes jajvi c thre scoir and nyne yeires instant. 
 
 The qlk day the said Adam Haggeard called not compeir- 
 ing is halden as confest and decerned to pay to Robert Lillie 
 smythe for smyddy werke eleven punds eight shillings and ten 
 pennyes. 
 
 Tho. Pearsone Nottar. Publict, cler. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Lowry is decerned to pay and redelyver 
 backe againe to Robert Hogge qlk was layed in pand in his 
 hand fyfty foure shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Robert and Johne Hamiltoune being persewed 
 be the Procurator ffiscall for Ryot, Straickes and Blood 
 aledged comitted be ilke ane of them upon uthers they denyed 
 bothe and the said Procurator ffiscall succumbed and failzied 
 in his probatioun wherfor the said Defenders are judicially 
 absolved and assoilzied quyte and freed therfrae for ever. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttraw called and not compeiring is 
 halden as confest and decerned to pay to Alisone Lowry eight 
 punds Scots mony and continews the Extract heirof till the 
 Defender be heard befFor Johne Lowry and Johne Donaldsone 
 within eight dayes becaus of his present absence utherways the 
 Decreit to be extracted. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Lowry Barroun Officer for Ryot and 
 Straickes confest comitted be him upon James Campbell is 
 unlawed in Ten punds at the Laird his mercy. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Lowry is authorised and impowered 
 to stent and collect mony for paying bygane cairiages propor- 
 tionally ilke ane for their awin pairtes and to pay for all 
 Maylles and bygane Cairiages therwith. 
 
 The qlk day the haill Tennents in Queenescairne neglecting 
 to perfect their pairt of that Act made anent planting are 
 unlawed and amerciat in ilke ane of them Twelv shillings 
 Scots. 
 
 Tho. Pearsone Nottarius Publicus, cler. 
 
 (42) . 
 
 1670, Oct. 8. 
 
 Ane Heid Barroun Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon 
 the eight day of October jajvi c threscoir and ten yeires Be the 
 
1 670] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 57 
 
 beffor designed Right Worthy Robert Pringill of Stitchell 
 Barroun. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tenents and Coatters being all 
 lawfully wairned to this present day compeired all personally 
 and tuike Instruments of yr appearance. 
 
 The qlk day compeired Robert Hogge and William Hut- Riot £5. 
 sone in Over Stitchel and confest both judicially that they 
 comitted Ryot and Straickes ilke ane upon uthers wherfor 
 they are unlawed and amerciat ex consensu rei in ilke ane 
 fyve punds. 
 
 Also Matthew Thompesone Webster for deforcing of Johne Deforcing £5. 
 Lowry Barroun Officer in poynding and lawful administratioun 
 of his Office is unlawed in uther fyve punds. Also Richeard 
 Tailzeour for Ryot and Straickes comitted be him upon Riot ^5. 
 Thomas Wood ex consensu rei is unlawed in uther 5lib. And 
 the said Thomas Wood for provokeing the said Richeard to 
 comitt the said Ryot be calling him unjustly a theiffe is unlawed Defamation £3. 
 in the sowme of three punds by and attoure the Kirke Sessioune 
 and together therwith. 
 
 The qlk day William Courtney is judicially absolved and Assoilzied, 
 assoilzied quyte and freed of the sowme of nyntein punds Ten 
 shillings acclaimed frae him be Johne Thompesone in Home- 
 byres for the agreed pryce of certain strae bought frae the 
 said persewer be the oathes of the said Defender. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche being called and not compeir- Cow £17. 
 ing is halden as confest and decerned to redelyver backe to 
 William Courtney a Band made and subscrybed be the said per- 
 sewer to the said Defender for seaventein punds for the pryce 
 of a Kow bought be the said persewer frae the said Defender 
 to be cancelled and destroyed becaus the said Cow returned 
 to the said Defender and was disponed upon be him and to 
 pay to the persewer thretty shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Guttraw ex consensu rei is decerned to Cess, 
 pay to William Courtney six punds eight pennyes Cesse. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrenche called not compeiring is Eatten oats, 
 decerned to pay to James Dawsone in Homebyres for oats 
 eatten be his Bestiall and apprysed be the Bourlawmen Twelv 
 punds. 
 
 Also Robert Hog is decerned ex consensu rei to pay to Claim. 
 
58 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1670 
 
 Scandal ,£5. 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Absolvitor. 
 
 the said James Dausone for oats and utherways SOlib. 5 
 shillings. 
 
 The qlk day Johne ffrenche for scandalling of James 
 Dausone wrongously in calling him Theiffe and Knave is un- 
 lawed in fyve punds Scots by and attoure the Kirke Sessioun 
 and together therewith. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Guttraw ex consensu rei is decerned to 
 pay to Robert Hogge fourtein punds 14 shillings. 
 
 The qlk day James Dawson is judicially absolved and 
 assoilzied quyte and freed frae payment to Alexander Aitchy- 
 soune halfe a Bolle of aits sowing, and fodder aledged promitted 
 to him be umqhile James Dawsone elder his deceast father 
 becaus he succumbed and failzied improbando be famous 
 witnesses upon oathe. 
 Fee, etc. £5. 6s. The qlk day William Hoggearth wester is decerned to pay 
 to William Mylle for fee and utherways fyve punds six 
 shillings with a pair of sufficient shoes or else thretty shillings 
 for the pryce therof. 
 
 The qlk day John Wood in Stichell ex consensu rei to pay 
 to Johne ffairbairne in Newtowne Mylle for meille six punds 
 six shillings eight pennyes. 
 
 The qlk day George ffrench called not compeiring is halden 
 as confest and decerned to pay to James Campbell in Stichell 
 Mylle twenty eight punds two shillings Scots. 
 Absolvitor. The qlk day Adam Haggeard is absolved assoilzied quyte 
 
 and freed for ever of eightein punds acclaimed frae him be 
 Johne Hoggeard his nephew be oathe of the said Adam. 
 
 Robert Hog ex consensu rei is decerned to pay to Robert 
 Lillie smythe for smydy werke and utherways thre punds tvvelv 
 shillings twa pennyes. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Guttraw ex consensu rei is decerned 
 to pay to James ffairbairne for fee and utherways 91ib. 
 3 shillings 8d. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Donaldsone and Robert Hamiltoune are 
 to decyde and decern and settle that claim be James Thompe- 
 sone against Adam Haggeard for ane ew and a lamb aledged 
 lost upon his default and they to pronounce their ffinal 
 Sentence therein within fyftein dayes nixt efter the dait 
 heirof and the pairtyes are decerned to obey their Decreit. 
 
 Meal. 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Arbiters. 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 59 
 
 The qlk day Alexander Robysone Maltman in Stitchell is Arrears, 
 decerned to pay to Thomas Pearsone of Chairterhouse Nottar 
 Publict as Cautioner for Johne Robysone in Hassingtoune his 
 eldest brother conforme to their Band Ten punds Scots resting 
 unpayed of Thretty punds with arryieres Annual rent of the 
 said Thretty punds. 
 
 Ita est attestor ego Thomas Pearsone Notarius Pnblicus 
 cler. 
 
 Ane Heid Court halden at Stitchell upon the 9 dav of , ^) 
 
 .* . 1071, Dec. 9, 
 
 December jajvi c threiscore and eleven yeires be Robert Pringill 
 of Stitchell Barron of the Barronie thereof. 
 Curia leglttime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day John Haggard called Calsa End is judicially Claims, 
 decerned to content and pay to Johne Hoggeard ther the 
 sowme of Twenty eight shillings Scots mony as the pryce of a 
 Seek modified be the Judge : Ten shillings eight pennyes of 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Hoggard son to Adam Hoggeard is 
 judicially decerned to content and pay to Gustavus Young the 
 sowme of Threttein punds nyn shillings Scots mony adebted be 
 the said Johne to Richeard Allan flesher in Kelso for which 
 the said Gustavus became Cautioner and payed the samyn ex 
 confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day David Haggard in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to content and pay to Thomas Hoggard ther the sowme of 
 fortie shillings Scots mony borrowit be the said David from 
 him Two years since In respect of the persewers oath being 
 referred thereto be the Defender Ten shillings of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggeard wester is judicially decerned 
 to make payment of the pryce of a full of oats and assoilzies 
 the said William from fy ve pund Two shillings acclamed be Mare 2. 
 the said George from him as the pryce and worth of a Meer In 
 respect of the said William his oath being referred therto be 
 the said George that he accepted of the said Meer back again. 
 
 The qlk day John Wood in Stitchell is judicially decerned to Claim, 
 content and pay to Johne Marshalle in Home the sowme of 
 Thre pund Twelv shillings Scots mony as the pryce of certain 
 Peats bought be him frae the said Compleaner three yeares 
 
60 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 since ex confessione rei and assoilzies from the halfe pecke of 
 wheat ex consensu threttein shillings foure pennyes of ex- 
 penses. 
 
 The qlk day John Wood in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to content and pay to James Dason in Humebairs Twenty six 
 pund Scots mony as the price of a Meer bought and receaved 
 by him from the said Compleaner at Michallmiss last ex con- 
 fessione rei. Two merkes of expenses. 
 
 The qlk dav Robert Hog in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to Richard ffairbairne there Twentynyn 
 shillings Scots mony for leading of Timber from Genill Kirke 
 in Summer last, In respect of the persewers oath being 
 referred thereto six shillings eight pennyes of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Windrim younger, Cupper in Stitchell is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to William Courtney 
 there fortie shilling Scots mony for the losse of Aill letten 
 out be him pertaining to the Compleaner in respect of the 
 judges modificatioun six shilling eight pennyes of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Johne Gotrae in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to William Masson in Newton Mvlle the 
 sowme of foure punds sixtein shilling Scots mony as the 
 pryce and worth of certain Bestiall bought be him from the 
 said Compleaner two years since ex confessione rei 13sh. 4d. of 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day William Mackdowell in Over Stitchell is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Helen Duncan in 
 Mackerstoune And Johne Aitchisone her husband the sowme 
 of seven pund Scots monv Borrowit be him from the Com- 
 pleaner seven or eight years since In respect of John Aitchison 
 his oathe being referred therto. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to Andro Burn there four pund fyftein 
 shilling Scots mony for certain lies wrought be the said Com- 
 pleaner from the said John Gotrae four years since In respect 
 of the persewers oath being referred therto be the Defender 
 13sh. 4d. expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Haggard Calsay End and Alexander 
 GifFen is judicially decerned to make payment to Robert 
 Lillie smythe there the sowmes of mony underwritten to wit 
 
1672] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 61 
 
 the said John Haggard the sowme of fyve punds seaven shilling 
 ten penves Scots monv for certain smith werk wrought be the 
 Compleaner to him foure or fvve years since : the said Alex- 
 ander Giffend threttie sh. monev as the prvce of Aill and meall 
 receaved be him in harvest last. John Haggard threttein 
 shilling foure pennves of expenses : Alexander Giffend eight 
 shilling of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell and William 
 Courtney is judicially decerned to make payment to Andro 
 alias David Haggeard there the sowmes of mony under- 
 written to wit the said Robert Lillie eight pund threttein 
 shilling foure pennves adebted be Richeard Concurr in Dunce 
 to the said Compleaner and arreisted in Robert Lillie his hands: 
 AVilliam Courtney 58sh. Scots which the said Compleaner 
 was Cationer to James Richardson in Deceith for him Robert 
 Lillie 13sh. 4d. of expenses : William Courtney 6sh. 8d. of 
 expenses. 
 
 Ita est Jacobus Pr ingle Xotarius Publieus cler. Attestor. 
 
 The qlk day Thomas Lambe indweller in Over Stitchell is (44) 
 judicially decerned to make payment to William Moffat in- J^f™ 1 ** 28, 
 dweller there fvve pund ten shillings Scots monv as the agreed Two st ^s s ' 
 
 ' . r 0 J 0 grass ^5. 10. 
 
 prvce of Twa Staiggs grass 1 grassed be the persewer at Belton 
 day last in respect of his confession 12sh. Scots monv of 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffat indweller in Stitchell is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Thomas Lambe in- 
 dweller ther 41ib. 12sh. for hirding of his Bull and for monv 
 adebted be him and for keiping these Staiges five or six vears 
 since or therby In respect of the Defenders his confessioun 
 with 20sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Guttrae indweller in Stitchell is judicially Various. 
 
 1 A staig here means a young horse not yet broken for riding or work. 
 Compare an old proverb, 'Corn is not for staigs,' i.e. they were to have grass, 
 and not corn. Beltane is May-day or the first Monday of May, a relic of the 
 ancient worship of the sun ; and later, a term on which payments were made. 
 A naig, as opposed to staig, is a riding horse. Paske is Easter. Riv land 
 is land that has lain long unploughed. Lambes is Lammas Term in 
 August. 
 
62 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1672 
 
 One Nag = n 
 Fulls of Oats. 
 
 1 Full of pease 
 at 37s. 8d. 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Black Mare. 
 
 (Jl.iim as to 
 ploughing. 
 
 Fee. 
 
 decerned to make payment to Alexander Robesone in Altmuir 
 indweller there 201ib. lOsh. 8d. for certain particulars entered 
 in ane fitted accompt in respect of the Defenders null com- 
 peirance with 17sh. and 4d. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gutrae in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Robert Lillie smyth ther the 
 number of elevin fulls of oats as the pryce and worth of ane 
 Naig bought and receaved be him from the said Compleaner at 
 Mertimes last In respect of the Defender his confessioun. 
 
 The qlk day John Haggeard Calsay End is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Kathrein Eastoune relict of the 
 deceast Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell 37 shillings 8d. as the 
 pryce of ane full of peise bought be him from the said Com- 
 pleaner In respect of the Defenders oath being deferred therto 
 be the Compleaner 6sh. and 8d. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gottrae in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to John Aiken servitor to William Lawrie, 
 Officer 161ib. 15sh. Scots mony pairtlie as the pryce and werthe 
 of ane Boll of peise and pairtlie as the remainder of certain 
 fees awghtand be the Defender to the said Compleaner In 
 respect of the persewers oathe being deferred therto by the 
 Defender with 13sh. 4d. expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Haggard called Caisa End is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Andro alias David Haggard 
 there the sowme of Tlib. mony as the remainder of ane black 
 Meir bought and receaved be him from the said Compleaner 
 at Paske last in respect of the Defenders confessioun with 12sh. 
 of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Thomas Whyte in Over Stitchell 
 81ib. 18sh. mony which the Compleaner depurst for plowing 
 of Riv land, and the Defender did never plow the samyn nor 
 pay backe to him the said sowme In respect of the Defenders 
 confessioun with 20sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Thomas Haggard ther 51ib. lOsh. 
 money as the remainder of four yeares fee ex confessione ret 
 with 12sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 
1673] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 63 
 
 decerned to make payment to William Nizbet in Newtoun the Half year Fee 
 sowme of 71ib. Scots money for halfe a years fee with 26sh. 
 8d. as the prvce of a pair of shoes of bountith ex confes- 
 sione rei and assoilzies from six fulle of aits with 13sh. 4d. 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Alexander Giffane in Nether Stitchell is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Thomas Wood 
 there 4lib. Scots money as the prvce and worth of halfe Half Boil Beir 
 ane Boll of beir bought and receaved be him from the said _ ^ 4 ' 
 Compleaner at Lambes 1671 in respect of the Defenders not Claim, 
 compearance with lOsh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Haggard called Calsa End is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Robert Lillie smyth ther 48sh. 
 Scots money for certain smith work and drink in respect of 
 the Defenders not compearance with 6sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Thomas Haggard in Nether Stitchell is judi- Riot £5. 
 cially decerned to make payment to William Lawrie Procurator 
 ffiscall of the Court olib. Scots money for a Ryot comitted be 
 him upon John Gotraw Indweller in respect that there was 
 certain famous witnesses led in the said Action and did judi- 
 cially prove the samyn. 
 
 Ita est Jacobus Pringle Xotarius Publicus cler. Attestor. 
 
 1673 Jan. 28. The qlk day John Wilson called Sobber (45) 
 John is judicially decerned to make payment to William R 10 f 2 ot n ' 2S ' 
 Lawrie Procurator ffiscall of the said Court the sowme of 
 20s. Scots money for ane Ryot comitted be him upon James 
 Haggard in Nether Stitchell and for ane violent deforcement 
 and bereaving him of ane Tether ex confessionc rei. 
 
 The qlk day David Stark eldest lawfull son to Mr. David Blood £50. 
 Stark is judicially decerned to make payment to William 
 Lawrie Procurator ffiscall of the said Court the sowme of 
 fyftie punds Scots money for ane Blood comitted be him upon 
 Peter Purves servitor to James Camble in Nether Stitchell 
 In respect he confest and came in, will and decerns the said 
 Peter Purves in °,5lib. for the Blood wvte ex confessions ret. 
 
 The qlk day William Haggard wester is judicially decerned Drink, 
 to make payment to Alexander Robesone Maltman ther the 
 sowme of fyve punds sextein pennyes pairtlv borrowed and 
 
64 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 pairtlv for drink and four fulls of bear for four pund 16sh. 
 as the pryce and worth therof ex eonfessione re'i with 20sh. 
 of expenses. 
 
 Claim. The qlk day John Wilson in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 
 to make payment to George Nisbet ther of the sowme of 
 40sh. Scots money as the pryce and worth of a Seek borrowed 
 and receaved be the said Defender from the said Compleaner 
 at Whitsunday 1672 In respect of the Judges modificatioun. 
 
 Calumny £$■ The qlk day Margrat Atkin spous to Thomas Mill in 
 Stitchell is judicially decerned to make payment to William 
 Lawrie Procurator ffiscall fwe punds Scots money for calum- 
 niating of Robert Hamiltoun ane of the sworne apprysers and 
 calling him Mansworne and many other opprobrious words 
 which she confest and could not prove. 
 
 Scandal £?. The qlk day James Cambell in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to William Lawrie Procurator 
 ffiscall thrie punds Scots money for scandellizing Andro Burn 
 poundler ther in saying he did steill eightein harrow teeth 
 from him in respect the said James Cambell was lawfully 
 summoned to compear and did not and therfor was halden as 
 confest. 
 
 Blood £50. The qlk day James Hogge Litster in Stitchell Waulk Mill 
 i> judicially decerned to make payment to William Lawrie 
 Procurator ffiscall of the sowme of 501ib. Scots money for ane 
 Blood comitted be him upon James Lidgait servitor to Robert 
 Hammilton in Stitchell in respect the veritie therof being 
 referred to his oath refused to swear and decernes the said 
 James Lidgait to the said Procurator ffiscall 25libs. money 
 forsaid for the Blood wyte ex confessione ret. 
 
 Debts. The qlk day Agnes Lillie relict of the deceast Patrick 
 
 Giffane in Runningburne is judicially decerned to make pay- 
 ment to Walter Lawrie in Stitchell 521ib. 4sh. and 4d. Scots 
 money pairtlv borrowed and pairtlv for fie ane certain tyme 
 bvgane in respect the said Defender was lawfully sumoned to 
 compear and did not and therupon the Judge decerned in 
 manner forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Haggard elder in Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Walter Lawrie ther the sowme 
 of four punds Scots money borrowit and receaved be him 
 
1673] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 65 
 
 from the said Compleaner a certain tyme bygane in respect 
 the said Defender was lawfullie summoned and did not com- 
 pear with 6sh. of expenses. 
 
 Ita est Jacobus Pringle Notarius Publkus cler. Attestor. 
 
 1673 May 17. The qlk day William Moffat Indweller in (46) 
 Xether Stitchell and Henrie Hamiltoune Indweller ther is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Robert Lillie smith Claims, 
 there the particular sowms of mony and others under written 
 for the confest following ilke ane of them for their awn pairtes 
 as is efter divided To wit the said William Moffat two fulls of 
 oats with 20sh. of money for certain smith work wrought be 
 the said Compleaner to the said Defender with 12sh. expenses 
 and Henrie Hamiltoune 31ib. 19sh. 8d. also for smith worke 
 with lOsh. of expenses in respect of their not compearance. 
 
 The qlk day James Hogge Litster at the Walke Mille of £ ells plaining. 
 Stitchell is judicially decerned to make payment to John 42S * 
 Stewart servitor to the Laird of Stitchell 42sh. Scots money 
 as the pryce and worth of Three ells and ane halfe of small 
 plaiding delyvered be him to be littet and never redelyvered 
 back again In respect the Defender did not compear with 
 lOsh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Turner Schoolmaster in Stitchell is judi- School Wages, 
 cially decerned to make payment to Thomas Underwood ther 
 of Ten punds Scots money restand of school wages which should 
 have been payed at Mer times last ex confessione rei w r ith 
 lOsh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae indweller in Stitchell is judicially claims, 
 decerned to make payment to James Brown Merchand in Kelso 
 58sh. Scots given in earnest to the Defender for fetching home 
 of Key and for which he failed in respect of his non compeirance 
 with lOsh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day James Leithheid Indweller in Nether Stitchell Boots, 
 is judicially decerned to make payment to James Dickson 
 Cordinar in Ednam 26sh. 8d. Scots money as the remainder of 
 a pair of boots fitting in August last In respect of the Com- 
 pleaners oath being referred therto be the Defender with 
 6sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffat in Over Stitchell is judicially Cow. 
 
 E 
 
66 THE MINUTES OF THE [1673 
 
 decerned to make payment to John Dickson Indweller there 
 31ib. 8sh. Scots money as the remainder of the pryce of a Cow 
 bought and receaved be the said Defender from the said Com- 
 pleaner at Mertimes 1671 ex confessione rei with 8sh. money 
 of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffat in Over Stitchell and Culbert 
 Purves indweller ther is judicially decerned to make payment 
 to Alex Robesoun Maltman in Nether Stitchell the severall 
 sowmes of money underwritten for the confest following ilke 
 Mare. ane of them for their own pairtes as is efter divided. To wit 
 
 Aie. the said William Moffit six fulles and ane halfe and halfe a 
 
 pecke of bear as the pryce and worthe of ane Mear bought 
 and receaved be him from the said Compleaner in Harvest last 
 ex confessione rei with 20sh. of expenses; the said Culbert 
 Purves 30sh. and lOd. money for said for Ale in respect of his 
 absence with 4sh. of expenses. 
 Fee. The qlk day George ffrenche in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 
 Linen assoilzied from the sowme of six punds Scots money of fie, 
 
 20sh. as the pryce of Two ell of Linning, lOsh. as the pryce of 
 halfe ane ell of Whyte for bountith for a years fie and 
 bountith wrought be Margrat Magdowall in Macarstone to 
 him Nov. year and a halfe since in respect the persewer 
 George ffrenche compeared and craved compensatioun of the 
 lyke soume of teind in a Decreit obtaind at his instance against 
 the said Margrat Magdowall befor the Commissar of Peibles. 
 Debts. The qlk day Alexander Giffan indweller in Nether Stitchell 
 
 is judicially decerned to make payment to Cathrine Gaffine 
 relict of the deceast Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell the sowme 
 of 200 libs Scots money of Principall And hundredth and 
 eightein punds as the remainder of Ten years Annualrent 
 therof of conteind in a Band made and granted be the said 
 Defender to the Compleaners deceast husband of the dait the 
 second day of January 1663 years and assigned be him to 
 the said Compleaner upon the penult day of November 1665 
 years ex confessione rei with six punds of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Stitchell, William Haggard 
 wester ther, John Haggard called Calsa End ther, Thomas 
 Haggard, William fFord, and Adam ffairbairne is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to William Courtney and Margrat 
 
1673] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 67 
 
 Trumble his spouse the severall sowmes of money under 
 written for the causes following ilke ane of them for ther own 
 pairts as is efter devyded To wit the said John Gotrae the 
 sowme of 251ibs. 8d. Scots money pairtly borrowed pairtly for 
 harvest fies and other necessare ex confessione rei, William 
 Hoggard 41ib. lsh. money conforme to ane fettit account lOsh. 
 of expenses, William ffurd 2lib. 2sh. 6d. pairtly borrowid and 
 pairtly for Ail 6sh. of expenses Adam ffairbairne 2lib. 13sh. 
 of borrowid money 8sh. of expenses, John Hoggeard 81ib. and 
 6d. ex confessione rei with threttein shillings four pennyes of 
 expenses Thomas Hoggard four pund 17sh. 8d. money with 
 lOsh. of expenses. 
 
 Ita est Jacobus Pringle Notarius Publicus cler. Attestor. 
 
 1673 November 8. The qlk day Adam Hamiltoun in ( 47 ) 
 Stitchell is judicially decerned to make payment to Alexander 
 Brown, weaver ther the sowme of 12lib. Scots money as the 
 pryce and worthe of a Naig bought and receaved be the Nag £12. 
 Defender from the Compleaner at Mertimes last in respect of 
 the Defenders absence being lawfully summoned with 24sh. 
 of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Stitchell is judically decerned 2 Fulls of Kiln 
 to make payment to Adam Hendersone ther of the sowme of^ ec ^ s peas 
 31ib. 4sh. Scots money as the pryce and worth of Two fulls 
 of Kill-dryd pease bought and receaved be the Defender from 
 the Compleaner at Michaelmas was a year in respect of the 
 Defenders absence being lawfully summoned with 12sh. of 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hamiltoune in Nether Stitchell is Fee ,£9. 
 judicially decerned to make payment to James ffairbairne in thrashing 12s. 
 Over Stitchell and Elspeth Hoggard his spous the sowme of Mowing 3s. 
 nyne punds Scots money for a years fee wrought be her to the 
 Defender a certain tyme bygane : Twelve shilling for foure 
 dayes Threshing. Thrid shilling for mawing In respect of the 
 Compleaners oath being deferred therto be the Defender 
 with 2 merkes of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Haggard called Calsae End and Richard claims. 
 Taylor in Queenscairne is judicially decerned to make payment 
 to George Wood in Greenknow the severall sowmes of money 
 
68 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 underwritten for the causes following To witt the said John 
 Hoggard four punds fvftein shillings Scots money as the 
 remainder of certain ewes and lambes bought and receaved 
 from the said John Haggard from the said Compleaner at 
 Ternitie Monday 1672 Richard Taylor in Queenscairne 
 olib. losh. money forsaid. Also for the remainder of certain 
 ewes and lambes bought at the tyme forsaid In respect of the 
 Defenders absence being lawfully summoned with lOsh. for 
 ilke ane of the Defender's expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Agnes Lillie relict and executrix affirmed to 
 the deceist Patrick Giffan in Runningburne is judicially de- 
 cerned to make payment to Margrat Giffane in Stitchell the 
 sowme of Threscoir fourtein punds Scots money for certain 
 fees and bounteiths wrought be her to the said Defunct ex 
 confessione rei with 30sh. of expenses. 
 
 Calf £11. i 4 . The qlk day William Moffit in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Issobell Ormstone in Queens- 
 cairne the sowme of 11 lib. 14sh. Scots money and that as the 
 prvce and worthe of a Calfe bought and receaved be the said 
 Defender from the said Compleaner in the moneth of August 
 last ex confessione rei with 20sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Alexander Giffane in Stitchell and Agnes 
 Lillie Relict of the deceast Patrick Giffane in Runningburne 
 is judicially decerned to make payment to Christian Dickson 
 in Newton for her selfe and in name and behalfe of Dorritie 
 Service her mother the severall sowmes of money underwritten 
 for the causes following ilke ane of them for their own pairtes 
 
 Fee as is efter divvdit To wit the said Alexander Giffane 51ibs. 
 
 Scots money for certain fye wrought be the said Compleaners 
 to the said Defender ane certain tyme bygain. The 
 said Agnes Lillie 5libs. money forsaid. Also for certain 
 fves wrought be said Compleaners to the said Defenders 
 and her deceast husband also ane certain tyme bygain 
 ex confessione rei with ten sh. for ilke ane of the defenders 
 expenses. 
 
 Excise. The qlk day George Nisbet in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 
 to make payment to Alexander Robesone Maltman ther the 
 sowme of 31ibs. Scots money as the Excyse of ane Wedding 
 made be the Defender at Whitsunday 1671 and assoilzies said 
 
1673] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 Defender for another 40sh. money forsaid acclaimed ex con- 
 fessicme rei with lOsh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk dav Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell is judiciallv 
 decerned to make payment to George Nisbet ther 31ibs. Scot- 
 money the Excvse of certain Aill bought be the said Com- 
 pleaner from the said Defender ex ccmfezsionc rei with lOsh. 
 of expenses. 
 
 The qlk dav Agnes Lillie relict and executrix confirmed to 2_Ew« 
 the deceast Patrick Giffane in Runningburne is judicially" 
 assoilzied from 4lib. 2sh. Scots money as the pryce and worthe 
 of two veeld ewes alledcrit "iven in Grassing to the said 
 Defunct ane certain tvme by gain be Samuel Leithhead in 
 Stitchell In respect he referred to the said Defender her oath 
 of verity whether or not she or her deceist husband receaved 
 the said two ewes who being present deponed that neither she 
 nor her said deceist husband receaved the samyne and therfor 
 was assoilzied therfor. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffit in Stitchill Thomas Whyte 
 ther Alexander Lawrie ther. and Robert Hogge there is 
 judiciallv decerned to make pavment to Johne ffairbairce in 
 Xenthorne Mill the severall sowmes of money under written 
 for the causes following To wit the said William Moffit 9 libs. 
 Scots money as the pryce and worthe of 21 peckes of oat meal 2 ' : r — 
 bought be him from the said Compleaner at Whitsundav last: 
 Thomas Whyte 28sh. also for oat meal : Alex Lawrie °.8sh. 
 also for oat meal : Rob Hoge °.3sh. also for oat meal bought 
 be them from the said Compleaner at the tvme forsaid In 
 respect of ther null compearance with 40sh. money forsaid of 
 expenses equally to be divvded amongst them conform to ther 
 severall sowmes above written. 
 
 The qlk dav William Howard called Wester in Nether Boll of Eear 
 Stitchell is judicially decerned to make payment to Walter- 8 " 
 Lawrie ther the sowme of 8libs. Scots monev as the prvee and 
 worthe of a Bolle of bear bought and receaved be the said 
 Defender from the said Compleaner two vears since or therbv 
 In respect of the said Defender compearand personallie confest 
 the debt above awin with 8sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day James Leitheid in Nether Stitchell is judiciallv Cairns, 
 decerned to make payment to George Pringle Maltman in 
 
70 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1673 
 
 Kelso the sow me of 371ib. 16sh. Scots money as the pryce and 
 worthe of certain malt bought and receaved be the said 
 Defender from the said Compleaner ane certain tyme bygain 
 In respect the said Defender compeared personallie and confest 
 the sow me above written to be justly rest and awand to the 
 said Compleaner with 18sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hogge in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to James Walker in Linton Park 
 the sowme of 451ibs. 18sh. Scots money as the remainder of 
 the pryce and worthe of certain oats bought and receaved be 
 the said Defender from the said Compleaner at Midsumer 
 1672 years In respect of the verity of the Clame being referred 
 to the Defenders oath confest the haill sowme above written 
 except 40sh. money forsaid was justly adebted be him to 
 the said Compleaner and therfor the Judge deduced the said 
 40sh. for end of the said sowme with 40sh. of expenses. 
 Lint The qlk day Adam Hammiltoune weaver in Stitchell is 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to James Handisyde 
 Merchand in Kelso the sowme of Glib. 3sh. 8d. Scots money as 
 the remainder of the pryce of 2 ston four pounds of Lint 
 bought and receaved be the said Defender from the said 
 Compleaner in anno 1672 ex confessions rei with 16sh. of 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Thomas Henderson ther 32sh. 
 Scots money as the prvce and worthe of certain oat meall 
 bought and receaved be the said Defender from the said Com- 
 pleaner at Lambes 1672 In respect of the Defenders confessione 
 being present with 8sh. of expenses. 
 2 Fulls Pear The qlk day James Lawrie in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 s 6s to make payment to George Pringle Maltman in Kelso of the 
 
 sowme of 56sh. Scots money as the pryce and worthe of Two 
 fulls of bear bought and receaved be him from the said Com- 
 pleaner ane certain tyme bygain ex confessione ret with sex sh. 
 of expenses. 
 
 Harvest Fee The qlk day Agnes Lillie relict and executrix confirmed to 
 the deceast Patrick Gifrane in Rinningburne is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to William Lamb Indweller 
 in Neutone the sowme of 71ibs. Scots money for a harvest fie 
 
1 674] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 71 
 
 wrought be the said Compleaner to the said Defender with 
 halfe ane Bolle of bear and a pair of shoes of bountith ex con - 
 fessione rei with 2 merks of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hopper and Robert Hopper servitors 
 to Mr Robert Hopper The said Mr Robert Hammiltone 
 weaver in Stitchill and Andro alias David Hoggard ther is 
 judiciallv decerned to make payment to William Lawrie Pro- 
 curator ffiscall the severall sowmes of money under written for 
 the causes following ilk ane of them for ther awn pairts as is 
 efter divydit To wit the said Robert Hoppers the sowme of 
 50 punds Scots monev for ane Blood comitted be them upon Blood £50. 
 William Lawrie Officer in Stitchill and 251ib. for Blood wyte Blood wyte £25. 
 the said Mr Robert Hopper the sowme of 401ib. Scots for 
 refusing to give his carriadges being requyred therto be the 
 Officer The said Robert Hammiltone olib. money forsaid for 
 abstracting of Hummle Corne 1 from the Mill of Stitchill at Hummie Corn. 
 Lambes last contrair to the Acts of the Barron Court and 
 Double Dewties for ane firlot of Hummle Corn to John 
 Stewart farmer of the said Mill of Stitchill The said David 
 Hoggard lOlibs. money forsaid for ane Ryot comitted be him Riot £10. 
 upon James Cambell in Stitchill In respect ther haill lybells 
 were sufficiently proven be famous witne--e-. 
 
 Ita est Jacobus Pringle Xotar'uis Publicus clericus attestor. 
 
 The Barron Court halden at Stitchell be Robert Pringle of (48) 
 Stitchell heretable proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof l674, * uly ~°* 
 the 30 day of July 1674. 
 
 Curia legittime affirrnata. 
 
 The qlk day the said Robert Pringle of Stitchell sittand in Claim. 
 Judgment hes judiciallv decerned James Leithead in Stitchell 
 to make payment to James Ker Merchand in Kelso the sowme 
 of 48sh. Scots money borrowed and receaved be him from 
 Jenet Aldcorne spous to the said Compleaner upon the 10 day 
 of March 1672 ex confessione rei with lOsh. of expenses. ^ 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell is judicially ing 39s. iod. 
 
 1 In Roxburghshire, a lighter kind of grain, which falls from the rest when it 
 is fanned. In Berwickshire the term denoted three tolls of barley w ith one of 
 pease, made into meal. Stitchell is in the former ; Hume in the latter. 
 
72 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1674 
 
 decerned to make payment to Thomas Vair and Margrat 
 Richisone his spouse 39sh. and lOd. money forsaid for eight 
 days shearing and ane halfe wrought be them to Agnes Lillie 
 sister german to the said Robert and for which he promised 
 payment with 6sh. of expenses ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffit in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Marion Douglasse relict of the 
 deceist Gustavus Young 42sh. Scots money in compleit pay- 
 ment of 31ib. Scots acclamed for certain particulars conteind 
 in ane fettit accompt In respect the sani William Moffit de- 
 ferred the truth of the rest of the debt to the said persewers 
 oath who refused to depone and therfor assoilzied him from 
 the same with 6sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Euphan Lamb in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to delyver to Thomas Whyte ther half ane fulle of beare 
 eatten and destroyed be the defenders Bestialls or 12sh. as 
 the pryce therof ex confessione rei with 4sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hammiltone in Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to William Mill servitor to John 
 Donaldsone ther 6 punds lOsh. Scots money for the remainder 
 of thrie halfe vears fee wrought be the said Compleaner to the 
 said Defender foure vears since or therby ex confessione rei 
 with 13sh. and 4d. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make pavment to George Pringle Maltman flfewar 
 in Kelso Tlib. Scots money as the agreed pryce of ane Boll 
 of Beare bought be him be the Compleaner ane year since 
 with 8sh. as the anwelrent therof mair 28sh. as the pryce of 
 certain yron ex confessione rei with 20sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to Alexander Robe>one Maltman ther 121ib. 
 8sh. pairtly borrowed pairtlv for Aill and other particulars 
 conteind in ane accompt In respect the said persewar referred 
 the truth of the debt to the defender's oath who deferred the 
 samyn to the persewar's oath who deponed positive with 20sh. 
 of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggard wester in Stitchell is judi- 
 cially decerned to make pavment to William Trumbell 6 punds 
 6sh. 8d. Scots money as the pryce and worth of ane Boll of rye 
 
1674] BARON COURT OF STTTCHILL 
 
 73 
 
 bought be him from the said Compleaner two vears since ex 
 confessione rei with 12sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day James Smith herd in Queenscairne is judicially Ewe 5 merks. 
 decerned to make payment to James Purves in Ednem 5 merkes 
 Scots money as the modified pryce and worth of ane milk ewe 
 taken in herding from the Compleaner and did never delyver 
 back the samyn nor skin nor lambe therof ex confessione rei 
 with 12>h. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Hoggard called Calsa End is judicially Bear, 
 decerned to make payment to William Watsone gardner in 
 Stitchell 181ib. 15sh. Scots money as the pryce and worthe of 
 certain bear bought and receaved be him from the said Com- 
 pleaner two year and three monethe since Including the 
 anwelrent therof faithfullie promittit be him In respect he 
 did not compeare being lawfully summoned with 2 merkes 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hammiltone in Nether Stitchell is Fees, 
 judicially decerned to make payment to William Ramsay 
 servitor to James Hoggard ther 14 punds Scots money as 
 the remainder of certain ties wrought be him to the said 
 Defender Thrie years since or therby In respect of the per- 
 sewers referring the truth of the debt to the Defenders oath 
 who deferred the samvn backe to the persewars oath who 
 deponed positive with 14sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Tayler in Queenscairne is judicially Double 
 decerned to make payment to John Stewart in Stitchell Mill Mullure - 
 Dowble Multure of ane Boll of wheat and malt abstracted 
 from the Mill of Stitchell contrair to the Acts of Court ex 
 confessione rei with 6sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Alexander Lowrv in Nether Stitchell is Deforcing, etc. 
 judicially decerned to make payment to William Lowrie Pro- 
 curator ffiscall of the Court fvve punds Scots money for de- 
 
 forceing the Officer in executione of his office and disobeying to 
 © © 
 
 plough the Masters ground when he was requyred to doe the 
 samyn And also Robert Tayler is judicially decerned to make 
 payment to the said Procurator ffiscall of fyve punds Scots 
 money for abstracting of ane Boll of wheat and Malt frae the Abstracting 
 Mill of Stitchell contrair to the Acts of Court ex confessione wheaL 
 rei. 
 
74 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1674 
 
 Claims. 
 
 7 full oats, 
 £7- 4- 
 
 6 full oats 
 £7. 4. 
 
 6 full pease, 
 £7- 4- 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggard eister in Nether Stitchell 
 James Hoggard ther, Robert Hammiltone ther, Richard Tavler 
 in Queenscairne, Thomas Lamb in Over Stitchell and John 
 Gotrae in Nether Stitchell to make payment to Robert Lillie 
 smith in Stitchell the severall sowmes of money victyall and 
 others underwritten for the causes following ilke ane of them 
 for ther awn pairts as is efter divydit To witt the said William 
 Hoggard the number and quantity of seven fulle of oats or 
 71ib. 4sh. Scots money as the modified pryce therof mair SOsh. 
 and 8d. money for certain smith worke wrought be the said 
 Robert Lillie to him. Item James Hoggard 6 fulles of oats or 
 71ib. 4sh. as the modified pryce therof mair 56sh. 8d. for smith 
 worke. Robert Hammiltone 6 fulls of oats or 71ib. 4sh. as 
 the modyfied pryce therof Richard Tavler 31ib. 3sh. 8d. for 
 certain smith worke. Thomas Lamb 61ib. 8sh. money for 
 certain smith worke John Gotra 6 fulles of pease or 71ib. 
 4sh. as the modify ed pryce therof mair ane Boll of oats or 
 61ib. as the modifved pryce therof mair 81ib. 19sh. money for 
 certain smith worke wrought be the said Robert Lillie to him 
 And decerned the said William Hoggard. Ja Hoggard, and 
 Robert Hamiltone to pay to the said Robert Lillie ilk ane of 
 them of expenses of pley Richard Taylor and Thomas Lambe 
 ilk ane of them 8sh. of expenses of pley, John Gotrae 20sh. of 
 expenses of pley In respect the haill persones above writt com- 
 peared personallie and confessed the sowmes above written to 
 be justlie adebted to the said Compleaner except William 
 Hoggard who deferred the truth of his debt to the said Robert 
 Lillie his oath who deponed positive. 
 
 Ita est Jacobus Pringie Notar. publiciis cler. attestor. 
 
 (49) Ane Head Barron Court halden at Stitchell Kirk be Robert 
 
 1674, Dec 12. p r j n gi e Q f Stitchell Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and 
 
 Barronie therof upon the 12th day of December 1674. 
 Harvest fee £7. The qlk day Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to William Service ther 71ibs 
 Scots money for ane Harvest fie for the year 1673 in respect of 
 the defenders confessioun. 
 
 The qlk day Thomas Lamb in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to James Service the sowme of 
 
1 674] BARON COURT OF STTTCHILL 75 
 
 olib. 13sh. four pennves for halfe a years fie for the year 1672 Fee \ year 
 in respect the Defender has compeared and confest. ^ * 3 ' 
 
 The qlk dav James Leitheid and George Nisbett is judicially Shoes :s. 6d. 
 decerned to make payment to George Wood in Nether Stit- 
 chell the particular sowmes under mentioned the said James 
 Leitheid osh. 6cL as the pryee of shin, George Nisbet, 6sh. 
 also for shin in respect of the defenders confessions. 
 
 The qlk day William Moffit in Over Stitchell is judicially Naig. 
 decerned to make payment to George Murrie in Coldstream 
 lOlib. 18sh. Scots money as the remainder of the pryee of. a 
 black stonnid Naig bought and receaved be the Defender from 
 the said Compleaner at Pasch last year 1673 ex confesslone rei. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Stitchell is judicially decerned Peats4merk£. 
 to make payment to William Sked in Falsyde four merks 
 Scots money as the pryee and worth of a Stack and a half of 
 peats bought be the Defender from the Compleaner 3 years 
 since or therbv. In respect of the defenders absence. 
 
 The qlk dav the haill inhabitants within the Toun of House rent or 
 
 1 * tax 120. 
 
 Stitchell are judicially decerned to make payment to John 
 Underwood 12d. Scots each house hald yearly for the . . . years 
 in respect of the former Acts of the Court. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hogg in Stitchell is judicially decerned Fee \ yr. £4. 
 to make payment to Margrat Marshall in Facithill the sowme 
 of 4lib. Scots money for halfe a years fie wrought be the Com- 
 pleaner to the said Defender and that fra Whitsunday 1672 to 
 Mertimes 1673 In respect of the Defenders absence. 
 
 The qlk dav William fford servitor to James Hoggard in Fee \ >r. 40s. 
 Stitchell is judicially decerned to make payment to Andro 
 Robeson ther or at least to Alex Robeson his son 40sh. Scots 
 money for halfe a years fie wrought be the said Alexander 
 Robesone to the said Defender fra Mertims 1672 to Whit- 
 sunday 1673 in respect of the Defenders absence. 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggard now eister in Stitchell is Boll of Peas 
 judicially decerned to make payment to George Patersone in ^ IO " 
 Galloshealls and Mart Douglas his spous 1 Olib. Scots money 
 as the pryee and worthe of ane Boll of peat undelwered of 
 three Bolls qlk he should have delyvered about 4 vears or 
 therbv in respect of the persewars oath being deferred to be 
 the defender. 
 
76 THE MINUTES OF THE [1674 
 
 Shearing and The qlk day William Hoggard now eister in Stitchell is 
 horse hire j8s. j |M jj c j a j]j decerned to make payment to James Thomson 
 servitor to the Laidy Stitchel 38sh. Scots money for shearing 
 and draught of his Naig in harvest last 1673 ex confessione 
 rei. 
 
 Wood £9. The qlk day James Leitheid in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to George Nisbet ther Nyn punds 
 Scots money as the pryce and worth of certain dealls and 
 trees bought and receaved be the said defender from the said 
 Compleaner 2 years since or therby. 
 
 Oats £8 per The qlk dav James Smith and Alexander Lawrie in Queens- 
 cairn is judicially decerned to make payment to William 
 Taylor ther the number of 3 fulles of Muckitland oats eaten 
 and destroyed be the defenders bestiall and apprysed be the 
 sworn men or else 81ib. as the prvce and worth of the Boll 
 therof In respect of the pursuers oath being referred therto 
 be the defender. 
 
 Corn £9. 17. 6. The qlk day William Moffit in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make pavment to John Smith ther Nyn punds 
 17sh. 6d. Scots money as the pryce and worthe of certain 
 Come bought and receaved be the said Defender from the 
 said Compleaner 2 years since or therby ex confesswne rei. 
 
 Debt. The qlk day John Gotrae in Nether Stitchell is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to William Trumbell ther the 
 sowme of 4libs. Scots monev borrowed and receaved be the 
 said Defender from the said Compleaner the space of 6 years 
 since or therby <\r confession e rei. 
 
 Jta est Jacobus Pringle Xotarius publicus cler. attestor. 
 
 , <5°) Ane Court halden at Stitchell Kirke upon the last dav of 
 
 107;, I ul y 31. 1 
 
 July 1675 be Robert Pringle of Stitchell heretable proprietor 
 of the Lands and Barronie therof. 
 Curia legittime nffirmata. 
 Grass-rent £3. The qlk day Thomas Lamb in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make pavment to William Moffit ther the sowme 
 of 3 libs. Scots monev as the grass maill of ane Nolt which was 
 taken be the Defender from the said Compleaner in anno 1674 
 and which nolt he did not grass conform to his conditione In 
 respect of the persewars oath being deferred to be the Defender. 
 
1675] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 77 
 
 The qlk day John Hoggard Calsa End is judicially decerned l^^s^s^ 
 to make pavment to Alex Lowrie in Queenscairne the sowme 
 8Kb. 6sh. 8d. Scots money as the pryce and worthe of sex 
 Dunments and ewes bought and receaved be the Defender 
 from the Compleaner in anno 1673 ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk dav Robert Hopper in Over Stitchell is judicially Main and 
 decerned to make pavment to Margrat Scott 1 Lady of Queens- 
 cairne the sowme of lOlib. Scots money for ilk Boll, of sex 
 Bolls 3 fulls of beare compting fyve fulls for ilk Boll with 2 
 merks money as the pryce and worthe of ilk peck of three 
 Bolls with a full of oatmeall and quit for the maill and dewty 
 of the land possesst be him perteining to the persewer in 
 lyfrent for the crop 167-1 ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day Thomas Wood in Stitchell and Margrat 3 half fulls of 
 Underwood his spouse is judicially decerned to make payment oats 2 ' 
 to William Lawrie Officer ther three halfe fulls of oats eatten 
 and destroved be the Bestiall of Thomas Xeuton and John 
 Lamb in Neuton and for which the said defenders becam 
 Cautioner for them or else 31ib. 2sh. as the pryce and worthe 
 therof ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day James Campbell in Stitchell is judicially Fee^. 
 decerned to make payment to George Nisbett ther eleven 
 punds 17sh. 4d. Scots money as the remainder of fyve halfe 
 years fie and bountith wrought be the said Defender to the 
 said Compleaner 3 or 4 years since or therby In respect of the 
 defenders absence. 
 
 The qlk dav Richard Concurr in Dunse is judicially decerned Ale and Beer, 
 to make pavment to Alexander Robeson Malt man in Stitchell 
 the sowme of 50sh. Scots monev as the pryce of certain Aill 
 and Beer drunken be the said Defender conform to ane futtet 
 accompt maid betwixt them ane moneth since or therby in 
 respect of Margrat Johnstone spous to the Compleaner her 
 oath bein£ deferred therto be the defender. 
 
 Ita est Jacobus Prmgie Xotarius publicus cler. attestor. 
 
 1 She was widow of John Pringle, eldest son of Robert (the first laird) who 
 predeceased his father. It would be this old lady who concealed William 
 Veitch, the Covenanter, in Queenscairn, when the soldiers were seeking for him 
 all round the house after the Conventicle of Fogo Muir about 1676. 
 
78 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1675 
 
 (5i) 
 1675, Nov. 12. 
 1 Stack Peats 
 4 merks. 
 
 4 fulls of Oats 
 
 1 Boll kiln- 
 dried pease 
 £11. 
 
 Claims. 
 
 Muck 12s. 
 
 £8. 
 
 1 peck meal 
 35s- 
 
 The qlk day James Campbell in Stitchell is judicially de- 
 cerned to make payment to Robert Edgar in Rummeltonlaw 
 four merkes Scots money as the pryce and worth of a stack 
 of peats bought and receaved be him from the Compleaner at 
 Lambes last with 8sh. for mawing of grass ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day Agnes Lillie relict of umquhyle Patrick Giffane 
 in Runningburne is judicially decerned to make payment to 
 William Service in Stitchell the sowme of 41ib. Scots money 
 as the modifyed pryce of 4 fulls of oats as the remainder of 
 521ibs. money conteind in a Bond made and granted be the 
 said umquhyle Patrick Giffane to the Compleaner in July 1672 
 In respect of the defender compeared personally and confest. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to David Robesone gardener at Eist Rox- 
 burgh the sowme of lllib. Scots money as the true pryce 
 delyvered be the Compleaner to the Defender for ane Boll of 
 Kiln-dryed peis qlk he should have delyvered at Mertimes 
 last ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day John Gotrae in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to Alisone Hammiltone in Stitchell the 
 sowm of 12sh. Scots for muck with ane full and 3 capfulls of 
 oats for herding of the defenders bestiall ex confessione ret. 
 
 The qlk day John Smith at Park End Cautioner for William 
 Moffit in Stitchell is judicially decerned to make payment to 
 James Dasone in Harpertone the sowme of 51ibs. Scots money 
 as the remainder of certain corne bought be the said William 
 Moffit from the Compleaner a year and a half since ex con- 
 fessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day David Hoggard in Stitchell and Robert Hoge 
 in Stitchell are judicially decerned to make payment to Peter 
 Corbraith in Ednam the severall sowmes of money under- 
 written for the causes following To witt the said David Hog- 
 gard the sowme of eight pound as the pryce and worth of fyve 
 peckes of oatmeall bought and receaved be him from the said 
 Compleaner at Pasch last and the said Robert Hopper 35sh. 
 as the pryce of ane peik of meall bought and receaved fra the 
 said Compleaner at the tyme forsaid. 
 
 1676, Dec. 19. Ane Head Court halden at Stitchell Kirk upon the 19 day 
 
1 677] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 79 
 
 of December 1676 Be Robert Pringle of Stitchell Heretable 
 Proprietor of the Lands and Barronie thereof. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggard in Nether Stitchell Claims, 
 was judicially decerned to content and pay to George Pringle 
 Maltman ffewar in Kelso the sume of seven pounds 15sh. 2d. 
 Scots money as the pryce of certain iron and other merchand 
 goods bought and receaved be the said David Hogard from 
 the said Compleaner ane certain tyme bygain ex confessione 
 rei. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggard in Stitchell and 
 Robert Lillie smith ther is judicially decerned to content and 
 pay to Margrat Turnbull relict of umqhle William Courtney 
 Indweller ther the sumes of money underwritten for the causes 
 following To witt, The said David Hoggard the sum of 91ib. 
 17sh. Scots money conforme to ane particular futtit accompt 
 herewith produced In respect thereof David Hoggard com- 
 peared and denyed the said Compt which the said Margrat 
 instead of all farther probatioun referred the samyn to his oath 
 who deferred the samyn to her oath who deponed positive. 
 
 The qlk day James Campbell Indweller in Stitchell is judi- The Moss of 
 cially decerned to content and pay to John Wilson ther the Hume - 
 sume of 20sh. Scots money for not leiding of ten load of peits 
 from the Moss of Home to Stitchell with 5sh. Scots of the 
 damnage of a yard whether the defender had conditioned with 
 the Compleaner upon the Judges modificatioun. 
 
 Ane Head Court halden at Stitchell Kirk upon the 15th „ (53) 
 
 1 1677, Dec. ic 
 
 day of December 1677 be Robert Pringle of Stitchell heretable 
 proprietor of the Lands and Barronie therof. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day George Hamiltone son lawfull to Margrat 
 Dicksone in Nether Stitchell, George Hammiltone eister there, 
 Gavin Utterstone servitor to Bessie Turnbull ther, William 
 Ramsay indweller ther, Robert Hammiltone indweller ther, 
 Ritchard and Robert Taylors in Queenscairne, and Andro 
 Watson ther is judicially decerned to make payment to 
 William Lowrie Procurator ffiscall of the said Court the 
 several 1 sums underwritten for the causes following, ilk ane of 
 
80 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 them for their own pairts as is efter divydit To witt the said 
 George Hammiltone and the said George Hammiltone eister ilk 
 ane of them fyve pounds Scots money for ryots hinc inde upon 
 
 Riot £5. uthers, in respect being proven be famous witnesses. The said 
 George Hammiltone son to the said Margrat Dicksone the 
 
 Cutting Ash sum of lOlibs. Scots money for cutting of ane esh tree belong- 
 
 Tree £10. j. Q ^ e r jght honourable the Laird of Stitchell in respect 
 
 of his confessioun. The said Gavin Utterstone, and William 
 Ramsay ilk ane of them in fyve pounds Scots money for ryots 
 comitted be them hinc inde upon uthers in respect being 
 proven be famous witnesses. The said Robert Hammiltone 
 
 stealing pease 30sh. Scots money for steiling away takeing be himselfe and 
 Alexander Greenslae his servant of certain sheaves of peis 
 belonging to the Teynd. The said Ritchard and Robert 
 Taylors in Queenscairn and Andro Watsone ther, ilk ane of 
 
 Unteinded corn them fyve pounds Scots money for Leiding their cornes in 
 harvest last unteynded contrair to the Act of Court In respect 
 of their awn confessiouns being all personally pled wherfor the 
 Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 Kain Fowls. The qlk day anent ane Complaint given in to the Court 
 that the haill tennents of the Barronnie of Stitchell did not 
 thankfully pay in their Kain Foulls dew and lyable in payment 
 be them and ilk ane of them of the dew proportiouns of their 
 Kain Foulls in dew tyme Therfore the Judge present with 
 consent of the haill tennents being present for the tyme decernes 
 the haill tennents to pay and dely ver in the Kain Foulls to ther 
 Maister in dew tyme conform to their Tacks good and suffi- 
 cient to pleas the Lady of Stitchell or her order, or else to pay 
 for ever of Kain Foull the sume of 8sh. of Scots money in caus 
 of not delyverie Always at the said Lady her optione And this 
 Sentence and ordinance to stand in force in all tyme comming 
 and ordains the officer to put the samyn to dew executions. 
 
 Oats. The qlk day Robert Hammiltone in Nether Stitchell is 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Walter Gremslae ther 
 halfe ane Boll of oats yeirly conforme to the rate of the Mercat 
 ay and till the said Compleaner be fullie satisfied and payed 
 of the sowme of nyne pounds Scots money as the remainder of 
 certain fees wrought be Issobell Nisbett sister in law to the 
 
 Harden. said Compleaner with ane ell of harden or 4sh. as the pryce 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 81 
 
 therof. Ane ell and a halfe of plaiding or 12sh. as the pryce piaiding. 
 therof. And modifyed 30sh. for the 50sh. lybellie conteind 
 in the last Article of the lyble ex confessione rei with 20sh. 
 money of expenses. 
 
 The quilk day Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Walter Lowrie in Rinningburne 
 the sowme of 36sh. Scots money as the pryce and worthe of 
 three halfe fulles of oats whilk the said Robert should have 3 half fulies 
 delyvered to the said Compleaner as the remainder of a sowme ° ats 36s 
 of teynd in a Decreit obtained at the said Compleaners in- Teind. 
 stance against him ex confessione rei and assoilzies the said 
 Robert Lillie for the 20sh. lybeld as the pryce and worthe of 
 ane iron grape brought in be the said Walter Lowrie to the graip 20s. 
 said Robert Lillie his smiddy and not redelyvered In respect 
 the said Robert his oath of verity given theranent being 
 referred to the said Walter Lowrie with 6sh. 8d. of expenses of 
 pley. 
 
 The qlk day James Lamb in Stitchell is judicially decerned Bear 12s. 
 to make payment to James Lowrie ther the sowme of twelve 
 sh. Scots money as the pryce and worthe of the halfe of halfe 
 a full of bear and halfe a peck eatten and destroyed be the 
 said James Lamb his bestiall in Summer last ex confessione rei 
 with 4sh. of expenses and assoilzies the said James Lamb for 
 the full of oats lybeld in respect prescribed by the Act of 
 Court. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Rinningburne is judicially half year's fee 
 decerned to make payment to William Nisbett in Over Stit- 
 chell the sowme of thre punds Scots money for halfe a years 
 fie wrought be the said William Nisbett his sone to the said 
 Walter Lowrie ex confessione rei with lOsh. money of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Hogard in Nether Stitchell Service, 
 and Elspeth ffairbairne sometime indweller ther and now at 
 Neuton Mill for her interest is judicially decerned to make 
 payment to Adam Neill in Stitchell the sowme of three punds 
 Scots money adebted be the said Elspeith ffairbairne to the 
 said Compleaner in respect she fied William ffairbairne her 
 brother to serve him half ane yeirs tyme and that fra Candle- 
 mas last 1677 to Michaelmas last who entered home to his 
 service and remained about the space of 2 moneth or therby 
 
 F 
 
82 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 and thereafter deserted his said service wherfor the Judge 
 modifyed the said Elspeth ffairbairne and Andro alias David 
 Hogard in whose hands the said sowme of three punds was 
 arreisted to make the samyn furth cumming with 6sh. 8d. of 
 expenses in respect the said Elspeth ffairbairne compeared 
 and confest and the said Andro alias David Hoggard being 
 lawfully summoned ofttymes called and not compeired was 
 halden confest. 
 
 Schoolmaster. The qlk day Alexander Robesone Maltman in Stitchell is 
 judicially decerned to pay to John Turner Schoolmaster ther 
 the sum of 35sh. 6d. Scots money receaved be the said Alex- 
 ander Robesone — John Robesone his servitor from Thomas 
 Willobie Merchand in Berwick to be delyvered to the said 
 John Turner and which never was delyvered be them In 
 respect of the said Alexander Robesones confessioun of the 
 recept of the money but declared it was sent to him for ane 
 debt dew be the said Thomas Willobie to himselfe and the 
 truth wherof he referred to the said John Turners oath of 
 verity who deponed positive that the said 35sh. Scots money 
 was dew to himselfe and assoilzied the said Alexander Robe- 
 sone from the rest of the sowme of 6sh. 2d. sterling money 
 with 6sh. 8d. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lamb in Stitchell and John Gotrae 
 ther for his interest is judicially decerned to make furth cum- 
 ming payment to John Turner schoolmaster ther 23sh. 4d. 
 Scots money arreisted in the hands of the said Robert Lamb 
 debitor to the said John Gotrae at the Compleaners instance 
 about Whitsunday last for payment making to him of four 
 merkes ex coiifessume rei. 
 
 Eaten Oats. The qlk day anent ane Complaint given in be Bessie Turn- 
 bull relict of umqle James Hoggard in Stitchell against Robert 
 Lamb indweller ther, and that wherby the defenders bestiall 
 did eat and destroy to the said Compleiner the number and 
 quantity of Thrie fulls of oats apprysed be the sworn men in 
 harvest last And in respect the defender did compear personally 
 and denyed that his bestiall did eat the said oats and the 
 pundler also present could not clear the samyn neither could 
 the persewer prove the eatting therof but declared that the 
 said Robert Lamb his grass lay next ajacent to the said 
 
1678] BARON COURT OF STTTCHILL 83 
 
 Bessie Turnbull her cornes. And therfor alledged the ajacent 
 grass should keip the wins. And it being matter of neighbour- 
 hood and of ane weighty concernment amongst the tennents the 
 Judge present referred the matter debaittable to the decision 
 and knowledge of John Donaldsone, Robert Hamiltone, James 
 and John Lamb, James Campbell, and John Smith to report 
 who thought it just and reasonable that every persones grass 
 within the said Barronnie of Stitchell and possessoirs therof 
 should keip their neighbours ajacent wins without it be proven 
 that other beasts did eat the samvne and therfor the Judge 
 present with consent of the fornamed persons and tennents being 
 conveined for the tyme has decerned and inacted and be thir 
 pntts inacts and decernes for futur trouble in tyme cumming 
 that every persons grasse next ajacent to ther neighbours 
 corne shall keip the grasse without it be otherways proven that 
 others beasts eat and destroy the samvne and this Act to stand 
 in force in tyme cummeing. 
 
 Ane Heid Court halden at Stitchell Kirk be Robert Pringle (stJ 
 of Stitchell heretable proprietor of the lands and Barronnie lb?S ' De ^' 14 
 therof upon the 14 day of December 1678 years. 
 
 Curia legitt'ime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell is judiciallv Sugar loaves, 
 decerned to make payment and deliverance to John Stewart in 
 Stitchell Mylne the number and quantity of three suggar loaves 
 adebted and restand and awand be him to William Hopper 
 merchand in Stitchell. And grants the said John Stewart had 
 good and undoubted right be virtue of ane assignation granted 
 be the said William Hopper to him and intimatioun following 
 therupon. In respect the said Robert Lillie being personallv 
 pntt and confest the samvne to be in his custody and powr 
 wherfor the Judge decerned in manner forsaid with 12sh. of 
 expenses of pley. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Giftan in Stitchell is judiciallv decerned Fees, 
 to make payment to Alexander Stott servitor to Robert 
 Taylor in Queenscairne the soume of °.4sh. Scots monev as the 
 remainder of Tlib. 9sh. for certein feis wrought be the said 
 Compleiner to the said Defender about 3 years since. In 
 respect the Defender compeired personallv and confest the 
 
84 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1678 
 
 samyn to be restand awand wherfor the Judge decerned in 
 manner forsaid with 8sh. of expenses of pley. 
 
 (55) Ane Heid Court halden at Stitchell Kirk be Robert Pringle 
 
 1679, Dec. 20. . . . 
 
 of Stitchell heretable proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie 
 therof upon the 20th day of December 1679 years. 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 Half year s fee The qlk day Margrat Turnbull in Stitchell and Thomas 
 Courtney her sone are judicially decerned to make payment to 
 James Dicksone in Home the soume of 50sh. Scots money as 
 half ane yeirs fie wrought be the said Compleiners daughter to 
 the said defenders about seven years since or therby with lOsh. 
 
 1 eUhardeii'ios as ^ ne m °dified worthe and pryce of halfe ane elle of Linning 
 and ane ell of harden as bountith ex confessions rei with 6sh. 
 8d. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lilly smith in Stitchell is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to William Dickson in Ednim 
 the sowm of 4 merks Scots money as the pryce and worth 
 * of a wort-stain bought be the said defender from the Com- 
 
 Wort stam pleiner a certain tyme bygain ex confessione rei with 4sh. of 
 
 4 merks - expenses. 
 
 Debts. The qlk day David Haggard in Stitchell and William Hog- 
 
 gard eister ther are judicially decerned to make payment to 
 Margrat Turnbull in Stitchell the severall soumes of money 
 underwritten ilk ane of them for ther own pairts as is efter 
 divyded To witt the said David Hoggeard the sowme of 8 
 pounds 5sh. Scots money borrowed and receaved be him fra 
 the said Compleiner ane year since or therby ex confessione rei 
 with ... of expenses. 
 
 Weights. The qlk day Robert Giffan in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 
 to delyver to John Stewart indweller ther, ane half a stane 
 weight and two pound weight which was borrowed be him 
 from the said Compleaner and detained be the said defender 
 from the said Compleaner, and borrowit by defender, or els to 
 delyver to him the sowme of 50sh. Scots money as the pryce 
 and worth therof ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day James Ker at Stitchell Mylne is decerned to 
 make payment to John Stewart in Stitchell the sowme of 40sh. 
 
 Oats 40s! eS ° Scots money as the modified pryce and worth of seven halfe 
 
i68o] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 85 
 
 fulles of oats eatten and destroyed be the defender's bestiall in 
 summer last and apprised be William Lawrie and Robert 
 Hammiltone ordinar apprisers In respect the defender pntt con- 
 fest the samyn and therfor the Judge modified and decerned 
 in manner forsaid with 6sh. 8d. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Turner in Nether Stitchell and John Debts. 
 Wilsone at the Craig End is judicially decerned to make pay- 
 ment to James Lamb in Over Stitchell the severall soumes of 
 money underwritten ilk ane of them for their own pairts as is 
 efter divydit To witt the said John Turner the sowme of 40sh. 
 Scots money as the modified pryce and worth of two . . . of 
 hay eaten and distroyed by said defender's bestiall and which 
 was apprised be John Gotrae, John Smith, and Thomas Whyte 
 ordinar apprysers Item the said John Turner and John Wilson 
 the soume of 40sh. money forsaid equally to be payed betwixt 
 them ex confessione rei with 8sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Margrat Turnbull in Stitchell is judicially de- Malt, 
 cerned to make payment to George Pringle fewar in Kelso the 
 soume of 31ib. 9sh. Scots money as the remainder of certain 
 malt bought and receaved be her fra the said Compleiner three 
 yeares since or therby In respect of the perse wars oath being 
 referred to be the said defender who deponed positive with 
 expenses. 
 
 Ane Court halden at Stitchell Kirk be Robert Pringle of ro (56) 
 
 & m 1680, April 
 
 Stitchell heretable proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie 
 therof upon the nyntein day of Apryle 1680 years. 
 
 The qlk day Andro Geills in Home Byres and Andro Hud 
 indweller in Rummilton Law is judicially decerned to make 
 payment to William Lowrie Procurator ffiscall of the said 
 Court the soumes of money underwritten the said Andro Geills Blood /io. 
 the soume of ten pounds Scots money and that for a Blood 
 comitted be him upon the said Andro Hud upon the 9th 
 day of Apryle 1680 years in respect of . . . 
 
 The qlk day Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell is judicially Debt, 
 decerned to make payment to Margrat Turnbull in Nether 
 Stitchell the soume of 151ibs. Scots money borrowed and 
 receaved be the said defender from the said persewar about 
 three years since or therby In respect of the said Robert Lillie 
 
86 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1680 
 
 his own confessioun with 20sh. of expenses of pley wherfor the 
 Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 (57) Ane uther Court halden at Stitchell Kirke the 7th of August 
 
 1680, August 7. |ggQ y ears b e the Right worthv Robert Pringle of Stitchell 
 here table proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 Fine for steep- The qlk day the severall inhabitants within the town of 
 Stitchell are judicially decerned to make payment to William 
 Lowrie Procurator ffiscall the soume of . . . Scots money ilk 
 ane of them And therfor a fyne and amerciament imposed 
 upon them for laying in into the Water of Eden and uther 
 running waters ther Lint to the great prejudice of the Leidges 
 and killing the fishes contrair the Acts of Parliament and 
 Laudable Lawes of this Kingdom. 
 Riot ^5. The qlk day Robert Giffan in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 
 to make payment to William Laurie Procurator ffiscall the 
 soume of five pounds Scots money and that for ane Ryott 
 comitted be him upon Adam Hoggard indweller ther ex con- 
 fess'ione rei. 
 
 Fee. The qlk day Robert Lillie, smith in Stitchell is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to Adam Hoggard ther the soume 
 of 81ibs. 6sh. Scots money as the remainder of ane years fie 
 wrought be Issobell Nisbett his spouse to the said Robert 
 Lillie about fyve years since or therby. 
 
 Debt. The qlk day John Gotrae in Over Stitchell is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to Thomas Courtney Chapman in 
 Stitchell the soume of 581ibs. Scots money adebted and restand 
 awand be him to umqle William Courtney father to the 
 said Compleiner and which is confirmed in her umqhle 
 fathers Testament And sichlyke Robert Hammiltone indweller 
 ther is decerned to pay to the said Compleiner the soume of 
 38libs. 4sh. money forsaid adebted restand awand be him to the 
 said umqhle William Courtney and contained in his confirmed 
 Testament ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day Alexander Robeson in Nether Stitchell is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Robert Lillie smith 
 ther the soume of 91ibs. Scots money and that for certain 
 work wrought be the said Compleiner to the said defender in 
 
i68o] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 87 
 
 respect of AVilliam Watson and James Pringle their determina- 
 tion to whom the business was referred ex consensu partis, 
 
 Ane Barron Court of Stitchell halden at Stitchell Kirk be , n (sf) 
 
 1680, Nov. 27. 
 
 Robert Pringle of Stitchell heretable proprietor of the Lands 
 and Barrony therof upon the 27 day of November 1680 years. 
 Curia legittime affirjnata. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hammiltone in Stitchell is judicially Fee £3. 6. 8. 
 decerned to make payment to James Hammilton weiver there 
 the sowme of six punds 4sh. Scots money for the causes follow- 
 ing To witt Three punds 6sh. 8d. for a harvest fie wrought be 
 the said Compleiners wyfe to the said defender about 3 years 
 since or therby with 6sh. as the pryce of 27 herring for supper 27 herring 65. 
 kitchen 1 and 31ibs. lsh. for work wrought be the said Com- 
 pleiner to the defender about a year since or therby In respect 
 the said defender compeired personally and confest the samyn 
 to be aworhtand deducing therof 12sh. for 3 fodder of corn 
 loading. 
 
 The qlk day Richard Taylor in Queenscairn is judicially Debt, 
 decerned to make payment to Alex Robeson malter in Stit- 
 chell the soume of 81ibs Scots money borrowed and receaved 
 be him fra the said Alexander Robesone about a year since 
 past at Lambes last ex confesswne rei. • 
 
 The qlk day Richard Taylor in Queenscairne is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Margrat Turnbull in Stitchell 
 four punds lOsh. Scots money pairtly borrowed and pairtly for 
 drink about four years since or therbv Being lawfully summoned 
 and not compeired was halden as confest. 
 
 The qlk day John Hoggard called Calsa End is judicially Absoivitur. 
 assoilzied fra the sowme of 31ibs. Scots money alledged adebted 
 and restand awand be him to James Ker in Stitchell Mylne 
 as the remainder of the pryce of a meir bought and receaved 
 be the said John Hoggard fra the said James Ker upon the 
 25 day of July last bypast. In respect the said James Ker 
 referred the truth therof to the said John Hoggard his oath 
 who being present deponed negative Wherfor the Judge 
 assoilzied. 
 
 The qlk day John Turner in Carchesters is judicially house rent £10. 
 decerned to make payment to William Purves in Stitchell and 
 
88 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1680 
 
 Margrat Richisone his spous the soume of ten punds Scots 
 money as the maill and duety of ane hous sett be the said 
 John Turner to the said William Purves at Whitsunday last 
 which hous was ruinous and therfor the said William could not 
 enter therto as also failzied to suffer the said William Purves 
 to plant three capfulls of Lint seid and halfe a full of peis and 
 half a pecke of beans wherfor the said Compleiner and his said 
 spous is damnified in the said sowme of ten present In respect 
 the said John Turner being lawfully summoned after tymes 
 called and not compeirand was halden as confest. 
 
 6g (5s 2 ) Ane Barron Court of Stitchell halden at Stitchell Kirk be 
 
 nr. 14. j^ o | 3er |. p r j n gj e G f Stitchell heretable proprietor of the Lands 
 and Barrony therof upon the 14th day of March 1681 years. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 Bringing home The qlk day Cathrein Turnbull relict of the deceist James 
 the millstone. Campbell in Nether Stitchell is judicially decerned to make 
 payment to John Stewart ther the sowme of three punds Scots 
 money as his proportionall pairt for bringing home the Mill- 
 stone 1 conform to the cast for the space of six years preceding 
 his decease In respect the saids pairties present the said 
 Cathrein Turnbull defender deferred to the said John Stewart 
 his oath who deponnid positive. 
 
 The qlk day Cathrein Turnbull, relict of the deceist James 
 Campbell in Nether Stitchell is judicially decerned to make 
 payment to Adam Hoggard ther the suim of 291ibs. 7sh. Scots 
 money counted and reckoned betwixt the Compleiner and 
 defender upon the 6 January last bypast as the remainder of 
 certain fies wrought be the said Compleiner to the Defender 
 Half year's fee preceiding the said day Item the sowme of 81ibs. money as 
 £8 and 4 pair half a yearg fie from Whitsunday 1680 to Mertimes 1680 
 
 last bypast with four pair of hose for the Compleiners use 
 and his wifes or 44sh. as the pryce and worth therof In 
 
 4 pair hose or respect the said defender compeired personally and confest the 
 
 44s. 
 
 samyn. 
 
 1 This was accomplished by inserting a young ash-tree through the aperture 
 of the millstone, and using it as an axle ; all the neighbours taking turns in 
 groups to trundle the millstone along the road without injuring the grinding 
 
 surfaces. 
 
i68i] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 89 
 
 Ane Heid Barron Court of Stitchell halden at Stitchell (59) 
 Kirke be Robert Pringle of Stitchell heretable proprietor of 
 the Lands and Barrony therof upon the 26 of November 
 1681. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day Cathrin Turnbull relict of the deceast James 3 fulls oats £3. 
 Cambell in Nether Stitchell is judicially decerned to make 
 payment to Robert Lillie smith ther the soume of 31ibs. Scots 
 money as the pryce and worthe of 3 fulles oats or else the said 
 3 fulls of oats with 15 sheaves of shairping corne In respect- of 
 her confessione. 
 
 The qlk day Thomas Milne in Stitchell is judicially decerned eaten Corn - 
 to make payment to Alexander Lowrie in Queenscairne the 
 soume of 15sh. Scots money and that for certain eatten corne 
 destroyed be the said Thomas Mylne his bestiall in harvest 
 last apprysed be the ordinar sworn men within the Barrony 
 wherfor the Judge modified in manner forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie is decerned to pay to William Fees. 
 Moffit in Nether Stitchell the soume of 4 merkes Scots money 
 for certain fies wrought be the said persewar to the said 
 defender In respect of the defenders awn confessione. 
 
 The qlk day John Hoggard called Calsay End is judicially Cordi ner's Shoes 
 decerned to make payment to John Dicksone cordiner in 38s ' 
 Stitchell the sowme of 38sh. Scots money as the pryce and 
 worth of certain shoes bought and receaved be him fra the 
 Compleiner In respect the said defender compeired personally 
 and confest the samyne. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Rinningburne is judicially Oats and 
 
 Mowin 
 
 decerned to make payment to John Hoggard called Calsay 
 End the sowme of 2Kb. 18sh. Scots for certain oats and mawing 
 In respect of his own confession. 
 
 The qlk day George Hammiltone in Stitchell is judicially 
 unlawed and amerciatt to pay to the Procurator ffiscall fyve 
 punds Scots money for taking out of some nolt beasts out of 
 George Miller at Stitchell Mill* his stable at his own hands 
 and brak up the said Compleiners stable door and took out Breaking Stable 
 the samyn at his own hands without any order efter they were -^ 5 ' 
 taken out be the Compleiners servands and found pasturing 
 on his grounds And the said George Hammiltone was assoilzied 
 
90 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1681 
 
 from the Ryot alledged committed be him upon the Com- 
 pleiners servands. 
 
 Ox. The qlk day Thomas Galbreath in Stitchell is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to Thomas Wood indweller ther 
 the sowme of Glib. I6sh. 8d. Scots money as the remainder 
 of the pryee of ane ox bought and receaved be the said 
 defender from the said Compleiner a year since or therby 
 In respect the said defender compeired personally and confest 
 the samvne. 
 
 • : _ Ane Barron Cour: 0: Stitchell halden a: Stitchell Kirk be 
 the Riorht Worthie Robert Pringle of Stitchell heretable 
 Proprietor of the Lands and Barronie thereof upon the 17 day 
 of January 16S2 years. 
 Curia legitthnr ajfirmata. 
 Decreit against The qlk day John Thomson weiver in Stitchell, William 
 the \\ea\eri. Thomson weiver ther. Alexander Hammiltoun weiver ther, 
 Alexander Brown weiver ther. John Hammilton weiver ther, 
 James Tiiomson weiver ther. Matthew Thomson weiver ther, 
 Adam Hammiltoun weiver ther. George Hamilton weiver ther. 
 Henry Cudbertson weiver ther, and James Aitchison weiver in 
 Queenscairne is judicially decerned to make payment to John 
 Underwood Procurator rBscall of the said Court the sonnies 
 of monev and others contained in the Acts of Parliament as 
 contraveiners therof in not weiving ther cloath ane ell and 
 inch broad as also in keiping of unsurficient weights and in 
 not trvincr the samvn with the weights of John Horsbruj^h of 
 the Sherefdom of Roxburgh In respect the haill defenders 
 compeired and confest that they were guilty of both the 
 Articles of the said Lvbell wherfor the Judge decerned in 
 manner forsaid. 
 
 Deforcing the The qlk day Thomas Galbraith in Stitchell is judicially 
 Bourlaw Officer jp^j^^j j- 0 ma ke payment to the Procurator rfiscall of the 
 said Court fyve punds Scots money for deforceing of the birlae 
 officers and ane Rvott committed be him in offering to kill 
 anv of them who povndit anv of his goods ttt confessione rW. 
 wherfor the Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 . - The qlk day Robert Lillie >mith in Stitchell is judicially 
 ;iV"si. decerned to make pavment to John Dickson cordiner ther the 
 
1 682] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 91 
 
 soume of 58sh. 8d. Scots money as the worth and pryce of two 
 pair of shoes bought and receaved be the said defender from 
 the said Compleiner about 2 years since or therby In respect 
 of his confession etc. 
 
 The qlk day John Wilsone caryer in Stitchell is judicially Carrier, 
 decerned to make payment to James Pringle servitor to the 
 Laird of Stitchell and William Lowrie in Nether Stitchell the 
 soume of 191ibs. lOsh. Scots money as the aggryed worth and 
 pryce of certain oats bought and receaved be the said John 
 Wilsone from the said Compleiner in January last ex con- 
 fessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day George Hammilton in the hill, and George Dick- Debts, 
 son in Stitchell is judicially decerned to make payment to Mark 
 Ker in Stitchell the severall soumes of money underwritten for 
 the causes following ilk ane of them for ther own pairts as is 
 efter devyded To witt the said George Hammilton the soume 
 of 71ib. Scots money for Aill and borrowed money borrowed 
 be him fra the Compleiners wyfe two years since or therby 
 In respect of his own confessioun. The said George Dickson 
 the sowme of fyve punds lOsh. Scots money as ane harvest fie Harvest Fee 
 wrought be the Compleiners servand to the said defender in IOS ' 
 harvest last In respect he being lawfully summoned oft and 
 dyvers tymes called and not compeirand was halden as 
 confest. 
 
 The qlk day Adam Hammilton weiver in Stitchell is judi- Timber ^4. 
 cially decerned to make payment to Thomas Underwood 
 wright ther the sowme of four punds Scots money and that for 
 certain timber work bought and receaved be the said defender 
 from the said Compleiner abuit Mertimes last In respect the 
 said defender being lawfully summoned oft tymes called and 
 not compeirand was halden as confest. 
 
 The qlk day William Hoggard eister is judicially de- Hay £4. 
 cerned to make payment to John Hoggard called Calsay 
 End the sowme of four punds Scots money as the pryce 
 and worth of some hay bought and receaved be the said 
 defender from the said Compleiner about Mertimes last 
 In respect the said defender being lawfully summoned oft 
 and dyvers tymes called and not compeirand was halden 
 as confest etc. 
 
92 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1683 
 
 M i 6l > Ane Heid Barron Court of Stitchell halden at Stitchell 
 
 1683, Jan. 13. 
 
 Kirk be the Right Worthie Robert Pringle of Stitchell here- 
 table Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof upon the 
 13 day of January 1683 years. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 Debts. The qlk day James Hoggard in Stitchell is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to William Service indweller ther 
 the soume of lOlib. 6sh. Scots money faithfully promitted be 
 him to the said Compleiner, Yeull gin a yr. or therby. Item 
 David Hoggard ther the soume of 51ib. 14sh. as the remainder 
 of a certain soume of money adebted be the said David 
 Hoggard to him, and as the remainder of certain cornes 
 bought and receaved be the said defender fra the said Com- 
 pleiner about the tyme forsaid. 
 
 Debts. Item Walter Lowrie in Runningburne the soume of 28sh. 
 
 for certain work wrought be him to the said defender 3 years 
 since or therby And decerns the said James Hogard to pay to 
 Compleiner 12sh. of expenses of pley, the said David Hoggard 
 8sh. Scots money of expenses, and the said Walter Lowry 4sh. 
 money forsaid of expenses of pley. In respect they compeired 
 all personally and confest the soumes of money above written 
 to be justly adebted be them to the said Compleiner wherfore 
 the Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hopper in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to Robert Brown in Eccles the soume 
 of 131ib. 5sh. Scots money as the remainder of the pryce of 
 certain bears bought and receaved be the defender from the 
 said Compleiner 7 years since or therby with 24sh. of expenses 
 of pley In respect the said defender his own confessione. 
 
 Fee The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggard in Stitchell is 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Andrew Robeson ther 
 the soume of 31ib. Scots money as the remainder of fyve half 
 yeirs fie wrought be the said Compleiner to the defender 
 about two years since or therby In respect of the defenders 
 own confession. 
 
 Tailor W ork. The qlk day Gavin Utterstone servitor to William Lowrie 
 in Stitchell and William Hoggard eister are judicially decerned 
 to make payment to George Jonstoun taylor ther the severall 
 soumes of money underwritten ilk ane of them for ther own 
 
1683] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 93 
 
 pairts as is efter divydit To witt the said Gavin Utterstone 
 the soume of 24sh. as the pryce and worth of ane fulle of oats 1 ful1 of 0ats 
 and that for certain taylor work wrought be the said Com- 
 pleiner to the defender ane certain tyme bygain with 4sh. of 
 expenses Item the said William Hoggard 18sh. as the pryce 1 Ml of Oats 
 and worth of ane other full of oats also for certain work In 
 respect of the said Gavin Utterstone being lawfully summoned 
 and not compeired was halden as confest and the said 
 William Hoggard his own confessione with 4sh. of expenses 
 of pley. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Runningburne is judicially Ewe ^3. 6s. 
 decerned to make payment to James Purves the soume of 
 3 punds 6sh. Scots money and that as the pryce and worth of 
 ane ew which was delyvered be the said compleiner to the said 
 defender in grassing and did pay for the grass therof and was 
 never restored back again to the said compleiner with 8sh. 
 of expenses of pley. In respect the verity of the said claim 
 being be the said defender referred to the persewars oath who 
 refused to depone wherfor the Judge decerned in manner 
 forsaid and assoilzied the said defender from the soume of 
 91ibs money forsaid In respect the defender deferred the 
 samyn to the persewars oath who refused to depone as said is, 
 Wherfor the Judge assoilzied in manner forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day William Dickson indweller in Stitchell is Leading Corn 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Margrat Turnbull I4S * 
 relict of the deceast William Courtney ther the soume of 14sh. 
 Scots money and that for leiding in of the compleiners comes 
 in the tyme of harvest for which she allowed him certain gras 
 for doing therof and assoilzied him wherfor the Compleiner 
 was damnified in the forsaid soume with 8sh. of expenses of 
 pley In respect of her own confessione wherfor the Judge 
 decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 Ane Heid Barron Court halden at Stitchell Kirke be the (62) 
 Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle 1 of Stitchell Barronnett l683, De °' 29 
 upon the 29 day of December 1683 yeares. 
 
 Curia leglttime affirmata. 
 
 Robert Pringle of Stitchill has now become a baronet. 
 
94 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 i^fuiie of pease r phe qlk day John Lamb in Stitchell is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to James Thomson weiver ther the soume of 
 16sh. Scots money and that as the modified prvce and worth of 
 ane full of peis eatten and destroyed be the Compleiners 
 bestiall in summer last and which was apprysed be the ordinar 
 sworne men within the Barronnie of Stitchell. 
 
 Beare^io. 9. The qlk day Richard Taylor in Queenscairne is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to James Service in Stitchell the 
 soume of lOlibs. 9sh. as the prvce and worth of certain beare 
 bought and receaved be the said defender from the compleiner 
 two years since or therby In respect the said defender com- 
 peired personally and confest the said sowme to be justly 
 adebted and restand a wand be him to the said perse war 
 wherfor the Judge decerns in manner forsaid. 
 
 3 pecks oatmeal The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Rinningburne is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to George Johnstone in Stitchell 
 the soume of 31ibs. Scots money and that as the agreed worth 
 and pryce of 3 pecks of oatmeall bought and receaved be the 
 said defender from the compleiner in harvest last in respect of 
 his own confession. 
 
 Weaving. The qlk day Robert Lillie smith in Stitchell is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to John Thomsone ther the soume 
 of 61bs. 18s. 8d. and that for weiving of certain cloath to the 
 said defender within this 3 years since or therby. 
 
 Cordiner. The qlk day George Hammilton called also of the Hill, is 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to John Dickson cordiner 
 ther the soume of 43sh. Scots money and that as the agreed 
 
 Meal. worth and prvce of certain meall bought and receaved be the 
 
 said defender from the said Compleiner ane year since or 
 therby ex confessione rein 
 
 Debt. The qlk day Robert Lilly smith in Stitchell, Andro alias 
 
 David Hoggard ther and Walter Lowrie in Runningburne ar 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Thomas Courtney in 
 Fogo the severall soumes of money underwritten for the 
 causses following ilk ane of them for ther own pairts as is 
 efter divydit To witt the said Robert Lilly the soume of 4lib. 
 7sh. Scots money and that as the remainder of certain iron 
 bought and receaved be the said defender from compleiner 
 ane year since or therby In respect the said Thomas Courtney 
 
1 684] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 95 
 
 and the said defender compeired personally and the said 
 persewar referred the verity of the said claime to the defender 
 his oath who deferred the samyn to the persewars oath who 
 depouned the said soume to be justly restand be him to the 
 defender. The said Andro alias David Hoggard the soume 
 of 5lib. lsh. Scots money and that also as the remainder of 
 certain iron bought and receaved be the defender from the 
 compleiner about the tyme forsaid ex confessione rei. The said 
 Walter Lowrie the soume of 31ib. 2sh. money also for certain 
 iron about the tyme forsaid In respect of his own confessione. 
 
 The qlk day the haill tennants within the Barronny of Stit- Dykes; 
 chell anent ane complaint given in be John Underwood Pro- Vlcara S eTeind 
 curator ffiscall against them and ilk ane of them for keipingof 
 insufficient dykes wherby ilk ane of them suffers their bestial 1 
 to eat and destroy their neighbours cornes to ther great hurt 
 and prejudice contrair to the Acts of Court and Dayly Practiqs 
 of this Kingdom wherfor the said Judge has decerned you 
 and ilk ane of you to keip and make your dykes sufficient in 
 tyme cumming and authorises the former Acts maid theranent 
 and also for not paying of Vicaradge at Mertimas yearly which 
 in tyme comming the Judge decerns them to pay punctually 
 at the said Term yearly under the paine of Doubling. 
 
 Ane Barron Court of Stitchill halden at Stitchill Kirk be (6 3 ) 
 the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Knight l684 ' Ma > 
 Barronnett heretable proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie 
 therof upon the 19 day of May 1684 yeares. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day George Hammilton in the Hill is judicially Debt, 
 decerned to make payment to Robert Giffan in Stitchill the 
 soume of 31ibs. Scots money pairtly for merchand goods and 
 pairtly borrowed money ane year since or ther by In respect of 
 the said defender compeired personally and denyed the said 
 claime which being be the Persewar referred to the defenders 
 oath was deferred be the defender to the persewars oath of 
 verity who deponnid positive and therfor the Judge decerned 
 in manner forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Stitchill is judicially 7 days work 
 decerned to make payment to George Johnstone ther the 2IS - 
 
96 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 soume of 21 sh. Scots money and that for 7 dayes work wrought 
 be the said compleiner to the defender in Aprylle last or 
 therby In respect the said defender compeired personally and 
 confest the said sowme to be justly restand awand be him to 
 the Persewar wherfor the Judge decerned and ordained in 
 manner forsaid. 
 
 Malt. The qlk day Marion Douglas in Stitchill is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to David Home indweller in Home 
 the soume of lOlib. 5sh. 8d. Scots money as the remainder of 
 the pryce of two Bolls and a halfe of Malt bought and 
 receaved be the said defender from the said Compleiner in the 
 moneth of March 1683 yeares. In respect the said defender 
 being lawfully summoned oft tymes called and not compeirand 
 was halden as confest. 
 
 Riot. The qlk day anent the claime given in be John Underwood 
 
 Procurator ffiscall against Robert Lillie smith in Stitchill and 
 Henry Sinclair Farrier ther making mention that wher upon 
 the 18 day of January 1684 years last by past they and either 
 of them did in ane most violent inhumane and unchristian 
 manner most maliciously and furiously hurt stryke and ding 
 ilk ane of them another in severall pairts of ther bodies to the 
 effusion of either of ther bloods in great quantity and therfor 
 they and ilk ane of them ought and should be punished in 
 ther body and goods conform to the Acts of Parliament and 
 davly Practice of this Kingdom to the terrore of others to 
 committ the lyke in Tyme cumming. The qlk claime being 
 heard red seen and considdered be the said Judge and the 
 said Robert Lillie compeirand personally and confest ane 
 Ryott efter probatioun given in be the said Henry Sinclair 
 and denyed the blood and severall famous witnesses being 
 adduced sworn and examined upon the poynts of that said Lybell 
 The said Judge did find the said witnesses did prove sufficiently 
 that the said Robert Lilly had committed ane blood wytte or 
 ryott upon the said Henry Sinclair wherfor the said Judge 
 
 Unlawed. onlawed and amerciat the said Robert Lilly in the said Blood 
 and Bloodwytt and Ryott conform to the Acts of Parliament. 
 
 Half year's Fee The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Rinningburne is judicially 
 
 £3- 6. decerned to make payment to John Brocky and Alisoun Brocky 
 
 his sister To witt to the said John Brocky the sowme of 31ib. 
 
BARON COURT OF ST1TCHLLL 
 
 97 
 
 6sh. Scots monev and that for halfe a years tie wrought be the 
 said Compleiner to the said defender To the said Alison Brocky Hamai Fee 
 the soume of olibs. lOsh. monev forsaid for ane harvest tie in 
 harvest last ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day anent the Lybell and Claime given in be John Sumptuary law 
 Underwood Procurator ffiseall against Richard Taylor in 
 Queenscairne William Thomsone in Stitchill Hector Turnbull 
 ther Robert Hammilton ther Robert Waitt ther Robert Waitt 
 mason ther John Wood ther Robert Lamb ther Walter Lowrie 
 in Rinningburne Mark Ker in Stitchill Marion Douglas ther 
 Jenett Mill ther Margrat Turnbull ther and George Hope in 
 Park End Mentioning that whereas our Soveraigne Lord with Marriages 
 advvce and consent of his Estaits of Parliament be Act of Parlia- Bunais" 
 ment of the daitt the threttein dav of September 1 681 years Con- 
 sidering the great hurt and prejudice arising to this Kingdome 
 be the superfluous expenses bestowed at Marriages. Baptisms, 
 and Burialls for repressing of which abuse in tyme cumming 
 His Majesty with advvce and consent of his Estaits of Parlia- 
 ment Does statute and ordaine that Marriages Baptisms and 
 Burialls shall be solemnizat and gone about in sobber and 
 decent manner and that at Marriadges besides the marrving 
 persones their parents children brothers and sisters and the 
 family wherein they live ther shall not be present at anv 
 Contract of Marriadge, mariage or infare 1 or meitt upon the 
 occasion therof above four friends on either syde with their 
 ordinary Domestick servants And neither Brydegroom nor 
 Bryde nor ther parents or relations tutors or curators for them 
 and to ther use shall make above two changes of ravment at 
 that tyme or upon that occasion Certifying such persons as 
 shall contraveine if they be Landit persones they shall be 
 lvable in the fourth pairt of ther yearly valued rents. And 
 these who are not Landit persones in the fourth pairt of ther 
 moveables. Burgesses according to ther condition and means 
 not exceiding 100 merkes Scots And mein craftsmen or 
 servants not exceeding 100 merkes And if ther shall be anv 
 greater number of persones ther aforesaid in any house within 
 
 An entertainment given upon the entry of a bride to her new home. 
 
 G 
 
98 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1684 
 
 Burgh or Suburbs therof or within two mylles of the samyne 
 wher Penny Weddings are maid that the Maister of the 
 house shall be fyned in the soume of 500 merks. And it is 
 statute and ordained that at Baptismes upon that occasione 
 besydes the parents children brothers and sisters there shall 
 not be present above four witnesses And trew it is that the 
 . . . haill fornamid persones has contraveinid the said Act of 
 Parliament wherfor they ought and should be unlawed and 
 amerciat conforme to the tennor therof as the said Lybell 
 bears which being callid and the haill fornamid persones .... 
 [Unfinished in MS.] 
 
 168' March 10 The Barron Court of Stitchill halden at Stitchill Kirk be 
 the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Barronnett heretable proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie 
 therof upon the 10th day of March 1685 years. 
 Curia legittime affinnata. 
 
 Debt - The qlk day Robert Giffan in Stitchill is judicially decerned 
 
 to make payment to Issobell Ormestoune in Queenscairne the 
 soum of 36sh. Scots money as the remainder of 10 punds as 
 the prvce and worth of certain meall bought and receaved be 
 the said defender and his wyfe about ten years since and the 
 remainder of ane harvest fie In respect the said defender com- 
 peired personally and confest the said soumes to be treuly 
 restand awand to the said Persewar wherfor the Judge decerned 
 in manner forsaid. 
 
 Two Nags. The qlk day Alison Gotrae relict of the deceast William 
 
 Hoggard in Stitchill is judicially decerned to redely ver to 
 Andro alias David Hoggard son to the said deceast William 
 Hoggard Two naigs which pertained to the said Compleiner 
 and was lent be him to his deceast father to be maid furth 
 dimming to the Compleiner when he should call for them 
 And which two naigs was bought be the said Compleiner from 
 Adam Hoggard wright in Stitchill and Robert Hoggard ther 
 about 3 years since or therby And accordingly payed for the 
 samyn to them and whilk was in the custody of the said 
 defender. In respect of the Depositions of severall famous 
 and the said Compleiner his own oath In respect wherof the 
 Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
1 686] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 99 
 
 The qlk day Alison Gotrae in Stitchill is judicially decerned Bill, 
 to make payment to William Lowrie in Stitchill the soume of 
 6 pounds lOsh. Scots money of Principal with 30sh. of expenses 
 contanid in a Ticket maid and granted be the deceast William 
 Howard husband to the said defender to the said William 
 Lowrie of the daitt the 20 day of December 1685 as als the 
 soume of 24sh. money forsaid as the pryce and worth of certain 
 strae bought and receaved be the said Defunct from the Coin- 
 pleiner ane year since or therby In respect of the Defenders 
 own confession and of the Ticket produced wherfor the Judge 
 decerns in manner forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Alison Gotrae relict and executor to the Redelivery of 
 deceast William Hoggard in Stitchill at least intromissatrix Cow - 
 with the said Defuncts goods and geares is judicially decerned 
 to redelyver to Robert Hoggard sone to the said Defunct ane 
 claik hackit cow which pertained to him and which was bought 
 be the compleiner from James Purves in Smailholm about 
 seven years since or therby and was lent be the said Com- 
 pleiner to the said Defunct to be maid furthcumming be him 
 when he should call for the samyn which cow was in the pos- 
 session of the said defender In respect of the persewars oath 
 who deponnid that he bought the said cow from the said 
 James Purves about the tyme forsaid with his own money and 
 was delyvered be him to his said deceast father to be maid 
 furthcumming when he should call for the samyn Wherfor the 
 Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 The Barron Court of Stitchill halden at Nether Stitchill be (6 5 ) 
 the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Knight 1686, January » 
 Barronnett Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronny 
 therof upon the 2nd day of January 1686 yeares. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowry in Runningburne is judicially 2 pecks oat- 
 decerned to make payment to William Mill in Stitchill the meal 44S ' 
 sowme of 44sh. Scots money as the pryce and worth of two 
 pecks of oat meill bought be the defender from the complainer 
 two years since or therby with 3sh. as ane dayes threshing In x d a y' st h res h. 
 respect the said defender compeired personally and referred the ing 3s. 
 truth therof to the defenders oath of verity who being all 
 
100 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1686 
 
 Mare and 
 Corn. 
 Trinity 
 Mondav. 
 
 present referred the samyn to the persewars oath who de- 
 ponnid positive wherfor the Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 Dowcat Mains. The qlk day Alison Gotrae in Stitchill is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to Thomas Welsh Dowcat Mains the sowme 
 of Glibs. Scots money pairtly for service and pairtly for oat- 
 meall bought and receaved be the defender from the said 
 complainer about 10 years or therby And likewyse assoilzies 
 the defender from the rest of the Lvbell and assoilzies William 
 Moffat in Stitchill from the haill payments of the Lvbell In 
 respect the persewar referred the truth therof to the defenders 
 oath of verity simpliciter and the said William Moffat de- 
 ponnid negative wherfor the Judge decerned and assoilzied in 
 manner forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Thomas Hoggard in Stitchill, Principal, and 
 John Hoggard called Calsay End his brother, cautioner for 
 him is judicially decerned to make payment to James Purves 
 in Smailholm the sowme of 12 pounds Scots money as the 
 remainder of the pryce of ane mear and corns bought be the 
 said Thomas Hoggard from the said Complainer at Trinity 
 Monday last. Ex confessione rei. In respect therof the Judge 
 decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 The qlk day Alison Gotrae in Stitchill is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to George Wood in Rummelton Law the 
 sowme of 4 merkes Scots money as the pryce and worth of ane 
 Stack of peitts bought and receaved be her umquhile husband 
 from the said Complainer about ane year since or therby with 
 jp,ckBear4s. halfe a peck of beare of bountith or 4sh. as the prvce and 
 worth therof ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggard in Stitchill is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to William Lawrie in- 
 dweller ther the sowme of 31ib. 15sh. Scots money as the 
 pryce and worth of halfe ane Boll of beare bought and 
 receaved be the said defender from the said Complainer about 
 5 years since or therby ex confessione rei wherfor the Judge 
 decerned in manner forsaid. 
 Minister. The qlk day Andro alias David Hoggard in Stitchill is 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Mr. Andrew Hammil- 
 tone minister of . . . and William Lowrie in Stitchill his 
 factor the sowme of 5 pounds 6sh. 8d. Scots money as the 
 
 Stack of peat 
 4 merks. 
 
 £ Boll Bear 
 £3- 15- 
 
1 686] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 101 
 
 remainder of the pryce of ane naig bought and receaved be Nag. 
 the said defender from the Complainer about 5 years since or 
 therby In respect of the said defender his own confession. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hopper in Stitchill is judicially de- 
 cerned to make payment to Alexander Small wright in Gallo- 
 shealls the sovvme of 31ib. Scots money In contentation and 
 satisfaction to him of Tlibs. money forsaid acclaimed be him 
 from the said defender as the pryce and worth of ane new wain Wagon Wheel 
 wheill bought and receaved be the said defender from the said 
 Complainer three years since or therby. 
 
 Ane Barron Court of Stitchill halden at Stitchill be the ( 66 ) 
 Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Knight l686, ^ an ' 2 ' 
 Barronnett Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barrony 
 therof upon the 2nd day of January 1686. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day in presence of the said Sir Robert Pringle of Act of 
 
 . . . Parliament 
 
 Stitchill sittand in judgement anent the thirty fourth Act of 
 the First Parliament of King James the Seventh halden at 
 Edinburgh the second day of January 1685 entituled Act 
 ordaining that Tennents be oblidged by their Tackes to live 
 regularly Quherin it is statute and ordained that all Masters 
 whether heretors lyferenters propper wodsetters tutors tacks- 
 men Donators of Wards or Lyferents shall in all tyme cum- 
 ming insert in all Tacks to be sett be them to ther Tennents 
 as weill in Burgh as Landwards ane expres claus wherby the 
 Tenant shall obleidge himselfe that he, his family, cottars 
 and servants shall live peaceably and regularly frie of all 
 faniticall disorders, under the pain of the Tennent cottar or 
 servant contraveining, ther loseing the halfe of their moveables 
 respective each for ther own fault ; And wher ther is no 
 written Tack that all the Tennents shall enact themselves in 
 the Masters Court-Book or in the Towns Court Books within 
 the Burgh, or give Bond to that effect, and in the tennor for- 
 said which enrollment of Court is to be subscribed by the 
 Tennent or if he cannot wrytt be the Clerk of the Court in 
 his name And if the Master or any of the persons forsaid 
 shall faill herein they shall pay ane years rent of the Lands 
 sett otherwyse, — a third part therof to the Discoverer if he 
 
102 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1686 
 
 prove the same, and two parts to the Kings Majesty ; and all 
 Masters and others forsaids who have Lands already sett in 
 Tacke without the said clause, are otherwyse ordained to 
 enroll the same and insert the said Clauses in them, betwixt 
 Whitsunday 1686 or to take ane oblidgement apairt from the 
 Tennent beiring these clauses otherways to remove summarily 
 such Tennents as refuse to accept them on the said conditions 
 notwithstanding of any former Tackes which in this caice are 
 theirby declared voyd and null And in caice the Tennents will 
 not immediately remove that the Master may committ them 
 to prison And it is heirby statute and ordained that if any 
 Tennent shall refuse to renew his Tack, enact himselfe or give 
 Bonds in terms forsaid he shall be lyable to pay to his Master 
 one years rent of the Lands sett to him And this but preju- 
 dice or derogation to all former Acts of Parliament wherby 
 Masters are obleidged for their tennents in the manner con- 
 cerning them respectively As the said Act of Parliament of 
 the daitt forsaid in itselfe more fully bears. Conforme to the 
 which Act of Parliament and in obedience therto compeired the 
 whole tennents 1 within the Barrony of Stitchill pertaining to 
 the said Sir Robert Pringle and does hereby enact bind and 
 obleidge them and ilk ane of them their airs and successors 
 they they ther families, cottars and servants shall live peaceably 
 Fanatical and regularly free of all faniticall disorders in tyme comming 
 under the paine and penalties containd in the said Act of Par- 
 liament maid theranent And that they and ilk ane of them 
 shall fulfill and obey the said Act of Parliament in the wholl 
 heads tenor and contents of the samyn in all poynts In witness 
 wherof they have subscrybed thir pntts with ther hands as 
 followes day, place and moneth and year of God above 
 The whole written : — Alexander Lowrie, Robert Taylor, John Dickson, 
 tenants. Robert Giffen, Waltour Hennry, Robert Smith, John Watson, 
 
 Adam Hogart, James Haggart, Robert Giffan, Robert Lillie, 
 Mark Ker, James Hamelton, Willi m Tomson, Adam Hender- 
 son, John Donaldson. 
 
 1 These number sixteen in all. A small tenantry to be commemorated in 
 Baron Court Minutes ! Some may not have come forward : others, perhaps, 
 could not write. 
 
1688] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 103 
 
 The Barron Court of Stitchill halden at Stitchill Kirk be £OQ < 6 7) u 
 
 1688. October 2 
 
 the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Barronnett Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie 
 therof upon the 20 day of October 1688 yeares. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day anent ane Complaint given in be Mr. William Marriage and 
 
 T ^ , , o • i »ii • x ta- 1 • Baptism dues. 
 
 Keith schoolmaster at Stitchill against James Dicksone m 
 
 Stitchill, James Steill ther, Robert Giffen ther, and John 
 
 Dickson ther, mentioning that conforme to the ancient 
 
 custome which in this said Barrony the haill inhabitants 
 
 therof wer in use to pay to the preceiding schoolmaster of the 
 
 said towne the Kirk Dewes for Baptismes and Marriadges within 
 
 the said Barrony And therfore humbly cravit that the for- 
 
 namid persons and ilk ane of them might be decerned to 
 
 content and pay to him as pntt schoolmaster of the said 
 
 towne ther respective proportions of the said Decreat for 
 
 Kirk, for Baptismes, and marriadges adebted be them and ilk 
 
 ane of them as the said Complaint beares Which being called 
 
 the said Judge sittand in judgment decerned and ordained 
 
 the fornamid persons and ilk ane of them to content and pay 
 
 to the said Mr. William Keith schoolmaster the said Kirk 
 
 Dewes for ther marriadges and Baptismes ilk ane of them for 
 
 ther own parts conform to use and wont in manner following 
 
 viz. — the said Ja Dickson for ane Baptisme the said James 
 
 Steill Robert Giffan, and John Dickson ilk ane of them for 
 
 ane marriadge to be payed betwixt and Tuesday nixt being 
 
 the 23rd October instant ilk persone under the pain of fyve 
 
 punds Scots and ordains the Barron Officer to put the samyn Penalty^. 
 
 to execution. 
 
 As also the said day the said Judge sittand in Judgment Compulsory 
 anent ane complaint given in be the said schoolmaster 1 which 
 the said Judge taking to his consideration inacts statutes and 
 ordaines the haill tennents within the said Barronnv who has 
 children capable to learn to send ther children to the publict 
 schooll betwixt and Tuesday nixt under the pain of ten pounds 
 Scots ilk failzie and that none of the said tennants or cottars 
 
 1 Here it is seen that in the parish of Stitchill during the 1 Killing Time ' there 
 was a system of compulsory education already established. 
 
104 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1688 
 
 that have daughters shall send them to any sewing school 
 Two full years' within the Barronny till they have been two full yeares reading 
 £ jo . a at the said publict schooll under the pain forsaid of ten 
 
 pounds for ilk failzie tot'ics quotics and ordaines the Officer to 
 
 put the said Act to executione. 
 
 Ita est Jacobus Pringle Xotarius Publicum cler. attestor. 
 
 (68) 
 1 691, Feb. 28. 
 
 Debt. 
 
 Calumny. 
 
 Peats 30s. 
 
 Absolvitor. 
 Eaten Oats. 
 
 \ peck oats 5s. 
 1 Capful pease 
 3s- 
 
 The Barron Court of Stitchill halden at Stitchill Kirk be 
 the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Barronnett heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie 
 therof upon the last day of February 1691 yeares. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day Margrat Turnbull in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to William Lowrie indweller ther 
 the soume of 16 pounds Scots money borrowid and receaved 
 be the said defender from the Complainer ane year since or 
 therby In respect the said defender being lawfully summoned 
 ofttvmes called and not compeired was halden as confest. 
 
 The qlk day John Robisone in Stitchill is unlawed and 
 amerciatt in ten pund Scots monev for calumniating of 
 Alexander Dicksone ther in his good name in saying he had 
 sworne wrongouslie being in ane fencit Court ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Rinningburne is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Manic Ackae in Home the 
 sowme of 50»h. Scots money as the pryce and worth of 
 certain peitts bought and receaved be the said defender from 
 the complainer in Summer last In respect the said defender 
 compeired personally and confest the same. 
 
 The qlk day John Hoggard Calsay End in Stitchill is 
 assoilzied from 32sh. Scots money acclaimed be Walter Lowrie 
 in Rinningburne for the pryce of certain oats alledged eatten 
 and destroyed be the defenders bestiall in respect not persewid 
 within a year and a day efter the alledged eatting therof. 
 
 As also the said John Haggart is decerned to make payment 
 to the said Walter Lowrie 20sh. Scots money as ane pairt of a 
 carriadge of wayne to Eyemouth 6 yeires since with lOsh. as a 
 pairt of the carriadge of a wayne to Coldstreame with 5sh. 
 money as the pryce of half a peck of oats and 3sh. for ane 
 capfull of peis borrowit and receaved be the defender from the 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 105 
 
 complainer within this fourtnight. Item Twenty shillings 
 
 money forsaid for the carriadge of a load of lyme from Stitchill lime 
 
 to Edinburgh within this Twelve moneth or therbv Item 4sh. 2 os. 
 
 money forsaid as the fourth pairt of a carriadge of twa horse 
 
 to Coldstream Item 50sh. money forsaid for twa Loades of 
 
 corne leading ex confessione rev. 
 
 Ane Head Barron Court halden at Stitchill Kirk Be the , (J?) 
 
 1691, Nov. 4. 
 
 Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof upon 
 the fourth day of November 1691 yeares. 
 Curia legittime affiimata. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Rinningburne is judicially Waulk mill, 
 decerned to make payment to Andro Wood at Sisterpath 
 Waulkmylne the soume of 50sh. Scots money in satisfaction 
 of 31ibs. money forsaid acclaimed be the said Andro Wood 
 from the said Walter Lowrie for halfe a yeirs fee wrought be £ year's fee 
 the Complainer to the defender 4 years since or therby ex con- 
 fessione rei, with 6sh. 8d. of expenses. 
 
 The said day Margrat Turnbull in Stitchill is judicially ^year's |ee 
 decerned to make payment to the said Andro Wood the 
 soume of 31ib. 13sh. 4d. Scots money for half a years fee 
 wrought be the said Complainer to the defender 4 years since 
 In respect she being lawfully and ofFttymes called and not 
 compearand is halden as confest 8sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Ritchart Taylor in Queenscairne is judicially Cow £16. 10. 
 decerned to make payment to Robert Sinclair in Home the 
 soum of 161ib. lOsh. Scots money as the pryce of ane cow r 
 bought and receaved be the said defender from the Complainer 
 eleven yeirs since or therby wherof the said defender within 
 this fourtnight promitted payment being lawfully and ofttvmes 
 called and not compeired was halden as confest with 20sh. of 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day John Hoggart in Stitchill and Magdalen Claim. 
 Hammiltone relict of the deceast James Hoggart ther are 
 decerned to make payment to Adam Hoggart wright the 
 soume of 50 merkes Scots money arreisted in ther hands 
 belonging and adebted be them to David Hoggart in Xeutoun 
 equally betwixt them ex confessione rei Superceiding Extract 
 
106 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1691 
 
 Deforcement 
 
 Taking use of 
 nag £$. 
 
 £ year's fee 
 
 Abstracting 
 grain £5. 
 
 Hummel corn. 
 
 of the said Decreit of Furthcomming against the said Magdalen 
 Hammilton for the equall halfe of the said 50 merkes till such 
 tyme as ther be executors confirmed to the deceast James 
 Hoggart her husband. 
 
 The qlk day James Johnstoun herd in Queenscairne and 
 Ritchart Taylor ther ilk ane of them are unlawed and 
 amerciat in 51ibs. Scots money for ane Deforcement comitted 
 be them upon the Bourlavv Officer when he was executing his 
 Office in taking violently from him certain poynds legally 
 poynded be him And ordaines them to make payment of the 
 said fyne within term of Law They being lawfully summoned 
 ofttymes called and not compeired war halden as confest. 
 
 The qlk day James Taylzeor in Stitchell is unlawed in 
 51ibs. Scots money for spuilzeing and away takeing of ane 
 Naig belonging to Robert Giffan ther off' the grounds and 
 lands of Stitchill when the samyn was pasturing for the tyme. 
 And ordaynes him to be pundet therfor ex confessione rei The 
 said persewar and defender transacting before Court for the 
 damnage sustayned in want of the said Naig during the said 
 space of 5 dayes the defender still made use of the same in 
 rydeing to severall places in the country with the same and 
 for his expenses in seiking of the said Naig 3sh. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie is decerned to content and pay 
 to James Turnbull his servitor the soum of 41ib. 18sh. Scots 
 money in contentation of 51ib. 16sh. money forsaid acclaimed 
 for ane halfe years fie wrought be the Complainer to the 
 defender two years since or therby In respect of the persewars 
 oath being deferred therto be the defender with 12sh. of 
 expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowry in Runningburne is decerned 
 and unlawed in 51ib. Scots for abstracting of his grist and 
 corn 1 from the Mill of Stitchill as also decerned to make 
 payment to George Johnstoun miller of double multure for 
 halfe a Boll of Hummel corn abstracted be him from the said 
 Mill In respect the verity therof being referred to his oath he 
 refused to depone. 
 
 1 This was the corn that a tenant was bound to have ground at the mill to 
 which he was thirled. 
 
1692] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 107 
 
 John Robesone is decerned the said day for payment to the Double 
 said George Johnstoun of double multure for 3 furlets 0 f multure - 
 Hummel come abstracted be him and unlawed in 51ib. for his 
 transgression In respect of his refusal to depone. 
 
 John Mein is decerned to make payment to the said George Hummel corn. 
 Johnstoun of double multure for 2 furlets of Hummel corne 
 abstracted be him from the said Mill of Stitchill and unlawed 
 in 51ibs. for his transgression all abstracted halfe a year since 
 or therby In respect of his refusing to depone. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Taylor in Queenscairne is decerned to Fee. 
 make payment to George Hammilton in the Hill fyftie three 
 shillings four pennyes Scots money as the remainder of a 
 harvest fie wrought be the Complainers wife Marion Purves 
 in harvest bygain a year Ofttymes called and not compeiring 
 was halden as confest. 
 
 Ane Barron Court halden at Stitchill Kirk be the Right (70) 
 Honourable Sir John Pringle 1 of Stitchill Knight Barronnett l6g2, Sep " 5 ' 
 heretable proprietor of the lands and Barronnie therof upon 
 the 5th day of September 1692 years. 
 
 Curia legittime affirrnata. 
 
 The qlk day anent ane Complaint given in be John Under- Service of 
 wood Procurator ffiscall of the said Court against the haill lah-d"^ l ° * e 
 tenants and cottars within said Barronnie of Stitchill makand 
 mention that wher they and ilk ane of them are obleidged to 
 make dew and thankful service to the right honourable the 
 Laird of Stitchill their Master conform to use and wont. And 
 trew it is and of verity that the said inhabitants within the 
 said Barronnie doe refuse to work the work of repairing of the 
 Kirk of Stitchill conform to use and wont. And therfor Repair of the 
 they and ilk ane of them ought and should not only be k,rk ' 
 decerned to make payment of such soums of money propor- 
 tionably amongst them as the Judge should think fitt to 
 modifie. But also inacted in tyme coming to work for repair- 
 ing of the said Kirk and all other necessary work to the Laird 
 of Stitchill therin when required as the said Complaint beares. 
 
 1 Observe here the name of the new laird, Sir John Pringle. The 
 last occasion on which Sir Robert presided at a Baron Court was on the 
 4th November 1691. 
 
108 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1692 
 
 Penalty £5. Which the said Judge taking to his consideration ratifyes and 
 approves the former Acts made theranent and unlaws the 
 haill persons transgressors who refused to work ilk person in 
 51ib. Scots money. As also ordayn the haill persons in tyme 
 coming proportionally and to furnish and bring with them 
 barrows, ridles and other necessaries for the said work as they 
 shall be callid out and required ilk person under the pain of 
 51ib. toties quoties and this Act to stand in force in all tyme 
 coming and to be put to dew and lawfull execution. 
 
 The qlk day Archibald Dickson in Stitchill is decerned to 
 make payment to George Hammiltone in the Hill the soum 
 of l°.lib. 5sh. 8d. Scots money resting of 131ib. 6sh. 8d. for ane 
 harvest fie wrought be the Complainer and Marion Purves his 
 64 Supper wyfe to the defender gain a year with 20sh. as the pryce of 
 hemng 20s. threescor and four supper herring ex confessione rei. 
 Act anent The qlk day John Hoggard and Magdalen Hammilton are 
 
 Barron g Court! S ane of them unlawed in lOlibs. Scots money for summond- 
 ing of Adam Hogart wright in Stitchill and insisting against 
 him before the Commissary Court contrair to the Acts of 
 Court ex confessione rei And ordavns that they and the rest 
 of the inhabitants within this Barronnie insist in tyme comeing 
 befor the Barron Court of Stitchill anent any action of 
 neighbourhood under the pain of 5lib. Scots toties quoties and 
 ratifies the former Acts made theranent. 
 
 (71! 
 
 Ane Head Barron Court halden at Stitchill Kirk be the 
 1692, Dec. 31. Right H onoura bie Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Barronnett heretable proprietor of the lands and Barronnie 
 therof upon the last day of December 1692 yeares. 
 Curia legittime afprmata. 
 Debt. The qlk day Mungo Archibald in Stitchill is decerned to 
 
 make payment to John ffairbairn in Bowes the soume of 
 lOlib. 18sh. Scots money Principall 13sh. 4d. of expenses of 
 pley conteind in a Decreit obtained at the Complainers 
 instance against the defender before the Baron Court of Eist 
 Gordon upon the 3rd of August 1689 In respect the said 
 defender compeired and alledged 41ib. Scots of the said soum 
 payed qlk he referred to the perse wars oath who deponnid 
 negative with 21 sh. of expenses. 
 
1692] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 109 
 
 The qlk day William Alexander in Stitchill is decerned to 
 pay to Nellie Edmistoun relict and executrix confirmed to the 
 deceist William Dicksone in Ednim the soume of 221ibs. Scots 2 Bolls Bear 
 money as the pryce and worth of two Bolls of beare bought ^ 22, 
 and receaved be the said defender from the said deceast 
 William Dicksone the Complainers husband about two yeires 
 and a halfe since or therby wherof the said defender oft and 
 dyvers tymes promitted payment In respect the said defender 
 being lawfullie summoned ofttymes called and not compeirand 
 was halden as confest 20sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Mungo Archibald is decerned to make pay- Debt, 
 ment to John Turten in Eist Gordoun the soume of 151ibs. 
 16sh. 8d. Scots money contained in a Decreit obtained at 
 the Complainers instance against the said Mungo Archibald 
 before the Court of Eist Gordoun upon the 3rd of August 
 1689 yeires In respect of the Decreit produced and the 
 defenders own confession. 
 
 The qlk day Mark Ker in Stitchill is decerned to pay to Debt. 
 John Lamb in Newtoun the soume of 121ib. 4sh. Scots money 
 as ane part of 131 ib. 6sh. restand of a greater soum adebted be 
 the said defender to the Complainer as the pryce of certain 
 beare bought and receaved be the said defender from the said 
 Complainer 4 years since or therby and assoilzied for the rest 
 ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day Ritchard Taylor in Queenscairne is decerned to Harvest fee 
 pay to George Hamilton in the Hill the soum of six pounds -£ 6 6s - 
 6 shillings Scots money as ane Harvest fie wrought be the 
 Complainer to the defender in harvest last with 24sh. money 2 4 s. uU Beare ' 
 forsaid as the pryce and worth of ane full of beare of bountith 
 ex confessione rei with 12sh. of expenses. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Runningburne is decerned 
 to pay to Robert Hamiltoune in Stitchill the soume of 22libs. 
 Scots money for the causes following viz. 181ibs. money forsaid 
 as the pryce of 9 fulles beare bought and receaved be the 
 defender from the Complainer 2 yeirs since or therby and 
 
 . . 9 Fulls Beare, 
 
 41ibs. money forsaid as the remainder of 4 fulles of peise bought £18. 
 and receaved by the defender from James Lamb father-in-law 
 to the Complainer and wherto the said Complainer has good 
 and undoubted right ex confessione rei. 
 
110 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1692 
 
 The qlk day Margrat Turnbull is decerned to pay to 
 Thomas Underwood wright the soume of 36sh. Scots money 
 as the pryce and worth of ane stone of oats eatten and 
 destroyed be the defenders bestiall two yeirs since or therbv 
 which was apprysed be the ordinar apprysers within this 
 Barronnie of Stitchill ex eonfessione rei. 
 
 Ane Barron Court halden at Stitchill be the Right Honour- 
 able Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight Barronnett heretable 
 Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof upon the 
 fourteen day of January 1693. 
 
 The qlk day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judgment 
 statutes and ordaynes the haill tennants and possessors of the 
 lands of the Barronnie of Stitchill to manure ther lands and 
 to keip the ordinar breaks with neighbour and others and to 
 sow the quantitie and qualitie of the said corne as fourmerlie 
 usit in all tyme coming and ryve out no pairts of ther said 
 lands nor they were in use to doe in all tyme comeing under 
 the pain of 401ib. Scots money to be payed be ilk person 
 contra veines toties quoties And lykewyse no person to have 
 the fourth cropt in the outfield or infield grounds 1 ilk person 
 under the payne forsaid and ordaynes this pntt Act to stand 
 in force in all tyme hereafter. 
 
 The qlk day Walter Lowrie in Rinningburne is decerned 
 to pay to Issobell Hoggart daughter to the deceast William 
 Hoggart wester in Stitchill the sowme of lOlib. lOsh. Scots 
 money for two harvest fies wrought be the Complainer to the 
 defender 3 years since or therbv with 7sh. money forsaid for 
 supper herring ex eonfessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day Ritchard Taylor in Queenscairne is decerned to 
 pay Ritchard Gotrae wright in Stitchill the sowme of 27sh. 6d. 
 Scots money for certain particulars contand in an accompt 
 produced, the defender being lawfullie cited ofttymes callid 
 and not compeirand was halden as confest. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Giffan in Stitchill and Walter Lowrie 
 for his interest are decerned to make furthcumeand payment 
 
 1 This means that the ground was to lie fallow every fourth year, and to have 
 no crop taken off it. 
 
1 694] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 111 
 
 and delyverance to William Moffat of the soume of lOlib. 
 Scots money adebted be him to the said Walter Lowrie and 
 arreisted in his hands at the instance of the said William 
 Moffat ex confessione rei. 
 
 As also the said day Robert Hamiltoun furthcumand pay- 
 ment and delyverance to the said William Moffat of three 
 half fulls of oats and a capful adebted be the said Robert 
 to Archibald Dickson in Stitchill and arreisted into his hands 
 upon the 4th of May instant or 36sh. Scots as the pryce and 
 worth therof ex confessione rei. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Hoggart in Stitchill is decerned and Housebreaking 
 unlawed in ten pounds Scots money for breaking up of ^ Assault 
 Andro Wilsons door under cloud and silence of night and 
 assaulting and invading the said Andro threatening to kill 
 him in his own hous In respect of the said Robert his own 
 confessione. 
 
 And the said Andro Wilson is unlawed and amerciat in Contumacy and 
 ten pounds for his contumacie in not compeiring to hear and Calumny » ia 
 see Decreit pronounced against him for scandelizing the said 
 Robert Hogart in his good name and reputation by saying 
 that he was ane knave and unhonest man and many other 
 opprobrious words and expressions he being lawfullie sumond 
 ofttymes called and not compeirand. 
 
 The qlk day Patrick Millar is unlawed in ten pounds for Contumacy 
 Contumacie he being lawfully summoned ofttymes callid and 
 not compeirand to have heard witnesses led and adduced against 
 him at the instance of the Procurator ffiscall for proving that 
 the said Patrick threatened to fell the said Barbara Wilson 
 spouse to Thomas Hendersone in Stitchill and to break her 
 back and invading her house and avowing that he would burn 
 the same and that he would burn her for ane witch. 1 Witch. 
 
 And that the said day Margrat Black spouse to the said Riot ^5. 
 Patrick Millar and the said Patrick Millar for his interest are 
 onlaid in 5lib. for ane Ryott committed be the said Margrat 
 Black upon Margrat Dicksone spouse to John Anderson in 
 Stitchill 20 days since or therby and was ordayned to pay 
 
 1 An example of a vindictive accusation too common in that age, whereby 
 many an innocent woman suffered martyrdom as a witch upon false accusation. 
 
112 THE MINUTES OF THE [1694 
 
 Corporal the same betwixt and the nixt Court day under the payn of 
 pums men . cor p ora u punishment 1 In respect the said Margrat Black com- 
 
 peired and confest the rvott. 
 Do. The said day the said Margrat Dickson and the said John 
 
 Anderson her husband for his interest are inlaid in 5 pounds 
 for ane Rvott comitted be the said Margrat Dickson upon the 
 said Margrat Black and ordavned to pay the same betwixt 
 and the nixt Court day under the payn of corporall punish- 
 ment ex confessione rei. 
 Harvest fee £5. The qlk day Ritchart Taylor in Queenscairn is decerned 
 to pay to Alex. Hopper in Stitchill olib. Scots money for ane 
 harvest fie wrought be him about -i years since or therby with 
 40sh. money forsaid restand of ane other harvest fie wrought be 
 Full of bear the Complainer to the said defender fyve years since 28sh. as the 
 Supper herrin^ pryce of ane full of beare of bountith 12sh. money forsaid for 
 I2S - supper herring the defender being lawfully summond ofttvmes 
 
 called and not compeirand was halden as confest. 
 Bringing home The qlk Judge ordayns the haill tennents within the Bar- 
 trees, rounnie of Stitchill to bring home betwixt and Saturday come 
 eight days the Mill-axetries lying at Aikwood under the payn 
 of °,01ibs. Scots and ordayns the officer to poynd and compryse 
 for the same immediately after refusal or delay whenever they 
 shall be required to doe the same be George Johnstoun miller. 
 
 (74I The Barron Court of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill 
 
 1694, No\ i,. pj a j c j en a j. Stitchill Kirk be the Right Honourable Sir John 
 Pringle of Stitchill Knight Barronnett upon the 17th day of 
 November 1694 y tares. 
 Curia legit tii ne affirmata. 
 Miller, his The qlk day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judgment 
 
 ta^Senrices, ratifies all former Acts maid in favor of the miller and anent 
 etc - the multures and other dewties and services dew and payable 
 
 at the said Mylne of Stitchill And statutes and ordaynes that 
 all the tennents and other Residenters within the Barronnie 
 of Stitchill shall grind their whole corns they shall make use 
 off for ther families at the Mill of Stitchill Discharging 
 
 1 This is rather an unusual sentence in Stitchill, and intimated to a woman 
 too : she may have been a hardened offender. So too with her opponent, who 
 was threatened also. 
 
1694] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 113 
 
 heirby for the tyme to come any person within the said 
 Barronnie to sell ther corne in Mercats and buy meall with the No corn to be 
 pryce therof for the sustenance of ther families under any sold in market> 
 pretence whatsoever With certification who shall contraveine 
 said Act shall be lyable in . . . multure to the miller besyds 
 the penulties containd in the former Acts and in which it 
 shall be thought fitt they should be amerciat in by the judge. 
 
 And sicklyke statutes and ordayncs the miller to keip good Good mill- 
 and sufficient Mill-stones and all other materials requisit in all genTce^ 
 tym comeing and lykewise ordaynes the miller to continew 
 such measures as hes been used and wont formerly and 
 ordaynes his servants and under millers to waitt punctually at 
 the mill and give all dew and thankfull service under the said 
 penalty and others as shall be thought fitt by the Judge. 1 
 
 The qlk day the said Judge ratifies and renews all former Acts anent 
 Acts maid in Stitchill anent the planting of tries and lykewise Planting trees - 
 statutes and ordaynes that every tennent plant six tries yearly Tenants 6 
 at ten foott distance till his whole yaird be filled and every J r ^^ ott ^ vs 
 cottar thrie tries yeirly at the said distance till the whole 
 yaird be filled. Beginning the first years Plantatione at the 
 same term of Mertimes 1694 yeires And ordayns that the 
 saids tries for this year be planted betwixt the daitt of this 
 Act and the 1st day of January nixt to come under the payne penalty 
 of 51ibs. Scots for ilk failzie The one half of it to be applved 
 to the use of the poor And appoynts Alexander Lowry and 
 Thomas Underwood to make intimation of this to the Kirk Kirk Session. 
 Sessione Giving power to William Lowry Officer to poynd 
 immediately for the said penalty when he shall be desyred to 
 do the same be the Session And appoynts vesitors to put the 
 said Act into executione viz. William Lowrie, Thomas Under- 
 wood, Jon. Donaldsone, and ordayns all the tennants and 
 cottars forsaid to keip ther yairds under sure fence against all 
 beasts for preventing of skaith either to themselves or ther 
 
 1 This Minute and its predecessor appear to indicate one of the periodical 
 outbreaks of the tenantry against the miller as the representative of the vexatious 
 thirlage. Mutual complaints had been raised ; hence the judgments of the 
 baron as to the inhabitants bringing home the mill-axletree from the Oakwood 
 when called upon to do so by the miller ; also the commands laid upon him and 
 his servants anent proper service, etc. 
 
 H 
 
114 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1694 
 
 neighbours Under certification forsaid And for incourad£inent 
 of the said tennants and cottars to put this Act into execu- 
 tione a grant is heirbv maid to them of everie sixt trie so 
 planted to be made use of at ther pleasure and cutt at the 
 
 K nd5ofTre?s. sight of the proprietor or any of his appoyntment The kynds 
 and species of tries are declared to be as follows Esh, Elm, 
 Allar, and Saugh according to the different nature of the 
 ground wher they are to be sett. And renews all former 
 
 Com to the Acts maid anent the bringing of good and sufficient drv come 
 to the mvller of Stitchill under such penulties containd in 
 the former Acts maid theranent. 
 
 Certifying lykewyse that if the corn rejected be the miller be 
 found to be good and sufficient he shall be obleidged to grind 
 the samyn corn multure free. 
 
 The qlk dav Andro Murdv servitor to George Johnstoune 
 miller at Stitchill Mylne or any uther servants at the said 
 mill ar ordayned in all tyme cumeing to give thankfull service 
 
 Thirled. Haif a- to the Tennant and uthers thirled to the said mill under the 
 
 crown penalty. pena j tv of halfe a mjm 1 f or flfc failz j e the Qne halfe to be 
 
 applved to the use of the Complainer. 
 Debt. The qlk day Robert Hoggart in Stitchill is decerned to pay 
 
 to Jannett Puntan ther the soume of 50sh. Scots money in 
 contentation of 4libs. money forsaid acclaimed be the said 
 persewar from the said defendar which was borrowid and 
 receaved be them fra the deceist Elspeth Johnston sister-in- 
 law to the Complainer. To which soume the said Complainer 
 obtained ane precept from William Johnstoun in Blakader 
 who had good and undoubted right therto upon the defender 
 ordering him to pay the samyn to the Complainer. The said 
 defender eompeiring and acknowledged the forsaid soume to 
 be restand awand but cravid compensation for his alledged 
 keeping and intertaining the said defunct at his house for the 
 space of twenty davs Which the said Judge sustayned In 
 respect of his oath being referred therto by the persewer and 
 modifved ex consensu half a crown for the same to be deduced 
 off the said foure punds acclaimed. 
 
 1 This fa the first indication of the supersession of the ancient Scots money by 
 the English money sterling. 
 
1695] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 115 
 
 The qlk day the haill tennants and cottars compeired and 
 took Instruments of ther said compeirance being lawfully 
 summoned and called at this heid Court. 
 
 As also the wholl Tennents and cottars wer onlaid and Green Lint in 
 amerciat ilk ane of them in 40sh. Scots money for contravein- Lochs - etc - 
 ing the Acts of Parliament made anent Laying in of Green 
 Lint in Lochs and Burns and Running Waters ex confessione ret. 
 
 The Courts of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill halden ( 75 j 
 at Stitchill Kirk be the Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of 
 Stitchill Barronnett heretable proprietor of the Lands and 
 Barronny of Stitchill and pertinents upon the 4th day of May 
 1695 yeares. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- pulling wool 
 ment upon ane Complaint given in be severall of the Tennants off Shee P- 
 within the said Barronny bearing that herds and others does to 
 ther great prejudice pull the woull of the sheep pasturing 
 upon the saids Lands of Stitchill which the Judge taking to 
 his consideratioun Dischairges herds and all uthers within 
 the said Barronny to pull the woull of the sheep pasturing 
 upon the grounds and Lands of Stitchill in tyme comeing 
 under the severall penalties both of ther persons and goods. 
 With respect certificatione that parents and masters of 
 families shall be lyable the parents for ther children within 
 ther own doors and the Masters for such herds and servants 
 as have no waidges. 
 
 And sicklyke Inacts statutes and ordaynes all these that Casting divots, 
 cast divots upon the said grounds and Lands of Stitchill or 
 upon any pairt within the Barronny therof to lead them away 
 with the first convenience certifying that if they be suffered to 
 lye so long as shall indammage the ground in which they are 
 casten or occasion the casting of new divots In that caice 
 the casters shall be lyable to the master of the ground in the 
 full value of the divotts and ordayns the Burlaeman to look 
 diligently to see the said Act put to deu executione with 
 certification, etc. 
 
 The qlk day Thomas Underwood, John Brunton, and 
 Patrick Miller are adjoyned to the present Burlaemen who 
 gave their oaths defideli admbiistratione officiorum. 
 
116 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1695 
 
 Absolvitor. 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Chest. 
 
 The which day James Turnbull in Stitchill is assoilzied 
 from seven sheaves of peas strae acclaimed from him be Patrick 
 Millar alledged furnished be the Complainer to the defenders 
 sheip the tym of the storm in winter last In respect of the 
 defenders oath being referred thereto by the Persewar. 
 
 The which day Ritchard Gotrae wright in Stitchill is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to James Matthew ther 
 the sowme 32sh. 6d. Scots money for certain cowan work 1 
 wrought be the Complainer to the defender in harvest last In 
 respect the Persewar and defender both compeired personally 
 and the defender alledged that the Persewar promised to 
 accept of four bed stoups in contentatioun of the soume 
 lybelled which he referred to his oath who deponnid negative. 
 
 The which day Mart Hamilton spouse to Robert Dickson 
 in Stitchill and the said Robert for his interest are judicially 
 decerned to pay to Adam Hoggart wright ther 44sh. Scots 
 money as the remaynder of the pryce of ane meikle Cheist 
 bought and receaved be the said defender Hamilton from the 
 Complainer 10 years since In respect the defender being law- 
 fullie summoned ofttymes callid and not compeirand was 
 halden as confest. 
 
 (76) 
 
 [695, Nov. 23. 
 
 Lint in 
 Stream ! 
 
 Worker for 
 Churchyard. 
 
 Ane uther Head Court of the Lands and Barronny of 
 Stitchill halden within the kirk therof be the Right Honour- 
 able Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Baronett upon the 23 day 
 of November 1695. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day compeired the wholl Tennants and cottars 
 within the said Barronny and took Instruments of their com- 
 peirance. 
 
 And also the forsaid day the wholl Tennants and Cottars 
 wer unlaid and amerciat conform to the Act of Parliament 
 each one of them for contraveining the Act of Parliament in 
 laying in of their Green Lint in Lochs, Burns and other 
 Running waters ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which day the haill Tennants and cottars within the 
 
 1 This seems to mean pruning or lopping off branches. It might also refer to 
 the building of dry-stone dykes. 
 
1695] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 117 
 
 said Barronny are ordayned to furnish a sufficient worker day 
 about for carving out the Rubbish lving in the Churchvaird 
 when they shall be required to doe the same. 
 
 And lykewyse he ordaynesand requires all the said Tennants Vicarage 
 and Cottars when they pay ther Rents at Mertimes to bring Teinds 
 in with them the respective Vicaradges 1 of ther Lands and 
 Coattvairds. This is ordavned to be extendit to the Castle 
 Wairck 
 
 And in like manner ordaynes the visiters appoynted in the planting. 
 Act anent Planting maid in November 1694 to take Inspection 
 how the same hes been observed and to report the nixt Court 
 day And ordaynes the same to be observid yearly In tym 
 cumeing till it have the designed effect. The qlk day 
 John Wilsone and James Robison are both inlaid and amer- 
 ciat each of them in olibs. Scots monev for iniust setting of £ h?a ]! n s at 
 
 . . Tending. 
 
 their Stoucks 2 of a design to prejudice the teynding in Harvest 
 last contraire to all Law and equitv and reason and Acts of 
 this Court In respect being lawfully summond for that 
 effect. 
 
 The Court of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill Halden ^^Dec. si. 
 within the Kirk therof be the Right Honourable Sir John 
 Pringle of Stitchill Barronnett heretable Proprietor of the 
 Lands and Barronnie therof upon the 21 dav of December 
 1695. 
 
 Curia Icglttime affinnata. 
 
 The qlk dav the said Sir John Pringle sittand in iudgment Meal to be 
 
 & . ground at 
 
 dischairges all residenters tennents as weill as coatters within Stitchill Mill, 
 the Barronny to vend anv meall of one sort or other within 
 the said Barronnie but what they shall grind at the Mill 
 themselves or buy from other residenters within the 
 Barronnie. 
 
 Item it is statute and ordayned that no execution o^mm^ott^bc 
 arreistment and poynding to be maid for anv grain lying at wrested 
 
 1 This means the vicarage teinds payable from the produce of the lands and 
 cot-yards. 
 
 2 These two men had so artfully arranged their stooks of corn that every 
 tenth stook would contain the thinnest and poorest corn, to the prejudice of the 
 laird or the minister when drawing their teinds. 
 
US 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 the Milln or against the millers for that effect but that the 
 same be personallie execute against those to whom the saids 
 grain pertains or at ther dwelling hous within the Barronny 
 of Stitchill for all tyme therafter. The which day James 
 10 Ells of Hogg weiver in Stitchill is iudiciallv decerned to make pav- 
 
 Cloth as varn eo J ' r * 
 
 £ s . ment to Elspeth ffairbairn spouse to John Robison In- 
 
 dweller ther and the said John for his interest the soumes of 
 money following for the Causes efter specified viz. — the soume 
 of olib. Scots money as the pryce of Ten elles of cloath 
 which was delyvered be the Complainer to the defender in 
 woollen yairne to be woven be him two years since or therby 
 and never redelivered Item the soume of 8Kb. 8sh. money 
 forsaid as the pryce and worth of ane parcell of scoured and 
 reilled vairnes delyvered be the Complainer to the defender 
 
 U vara °£8 j£ ane } ear s * nce wn i cn was sa ^ to be 14 elles of good and 
 sufficient cloath which cloath the defender refused to weave 
 and most wrongouslv detavnes the same from the Complainer 
 to her great prejudice The same being in hazard of rotting 
 In respect the said Defender being lawfully summoned to have 
 compeired this dav and place as was sufficiently verified be the 
 Officer at the Barr ofttymes called and not compeirand was 
 halden as confest Allowing to the Defender Liberty to redress 
 himself if he can instruct the Persewer has chairged him with 
 ane unreasonable value of the yairne. 
 
 Xa ? . The which day Hector Turnbull in Stitchill is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to Alexander Hislop wright ther 
 the soume of 10 pounds 8sh. Scots money as the remainder of 
 the prvce of a Naig bought and receaved be the said defender 
 from the said Complainer at Lambes last In respect of the 
 defenders confession. 
 
 Contumacy £$. The which day William Andersone weiver is unlaid and 
 amerciat in olibs. Scots money being contumacious in refusing 
 to depone as witness in ane Action persewed at the instance of 
 
 Waulk Mill. Mungo Archibald in Stitchill against James Watson waulker 
 at Stitchill Waulk Milne ther being no lawfull objection 
 against him. 
 
 ( 7 8) Ane uther Court of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill 
 
 1696, May 9. ^01^ within the Kirk therof be the Right Honourable Sir 
 
1696] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 119 
 
 John Pringle of Stitchill Knight Barronnett Heretable Pro- 
 prietor of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill, Queenscairne 
 and Pertinents upon the 9th day of May 1696 yeares. 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- Reparation of 
 ment enacts statutes and ordaynes all such persons as gets 
 money put into ther hands for making sufficient such houses 
 as they enter to at the nixt term of Whitsunday 1696 yeares 
 to bestow the money wholly upon the said houses betwixt and 
 the Term of Mertimes next to come as they will be answerable 
 at the sight of competent judges and workmen for that effect 
 under the payne of 51ib. Scots money each person contraveiner 
 of this pntt. Act by and attour the soumes requisit for making 
 the house sufficient and for the more effectual putting of this 
 in execution Appoynts William Lawrie with any two of the 
 Bourlaemen he shall pitch on to be joyned with Thomas Under- 
 wood, Thomas Watts and Adam Richison workmen to take in- 
 spection of the saids houses and report ther diligence herein at 
 the Head Court at Mertimes next And for that end ordayns 
 ane Extract to be given therin containing a List of the houses 
 and possessions comprehendit under the present Act. 
 
 The which day Robert Hoggart eister in Stitchill is Debt, 
 judicially decerned to content and pay to Thomas Underwood 
 wright ther the sowme of lOlib. lOsh. Scots money restand 
 of 161ibs. lOsh. money forsaid borrowed and receaved be the 
 defender from the Complainer 2 years or therby ex confessione 
 rei. 14sh. expenses. 
 
 The which day Elspeth Fairbairn spouse to John Robison Winter fee, 
 maltman in Stitchill and the said John for his interest ar £eii linen 0 *6s* 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Alison Alexander ^ or^pair 
 servitrix to Patrick Miller in Maynrigg the soum of 61ib. hose, or 1 en- 
 Scots money for halfe a years fee wrought be the Complainer plaiden " 
 to the defender from Mertimes 1694 to Whitsunday 1695 last 
 by past with lOsh. money forsaid as the pryce of an ell of 
 Linnen : 6sh. money forsaid as the pryce of ane ell of harden 
 with 8sh. as the pryce of a pair of hoze or an ell of plaiden In 
 respect the said defender compeired personallie and confest the 
 same lOsh. expenses. 
 
 The which day the said Judge sittand in judgment anent 
 
120 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1696 
 
 Cutting Whins, ane Complaint given in be Alexander Lowry in Queenscairne 
 and the rest of the Tennents ther with the concurrence of the 
 Procurator ffiscall of the said Court against the haill inhabi- 
 tants of the Barronnv of Stitchill makand mention That quher 
 contrair to the Acts and Statutes of this Court ther are 
 severall inhabitants within the Barronnv of Stitchill in use to 
 cutt whins upon the Complainers possession without either 
 license or allowance to ther great prejudice and therfor humbly 
 craved that they might not only be discharged to doe the lyke 
 in tym comeing but also unlaid therfor As the said Com- 
 plaint bears Which the Judge taking to his consideration dis- 
 charges all residenters in the Nethertown of Stitchill and 
 uthers to cutt any whins in tym comeing upon the Com- 
 plainers ground except these who hes a particular allowance 
 for that effect under the penaltv of twenty shillings Scots 
 money toties quoties the halfe of the said penalty to be 
 allowed to the apprehenders of the said persons Understanding 
 heirby that non of the saids residenters ar hindered to cutt 
 whins within their own possessions The said penalty to be 
 decerned for at the Burlae Court at any tym at the instance 
 of the said Complainer and execution to pass immediately 
 upon the Sentence of the Burlae Court for that effect The 
 other halfe of the penaltv to be disposed upon the Bourlae 
 Men as they shall think convenient. 
 
 (79) Ane Head Barron Court halden at Stitchill Kirke be the 
 
 1696, Dec. 5. Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Barronnett upon the 5 day of December 1696 years. 
 Curia kgittimc affirmata. 
 
 The which dav the wholl tennants and cottars compeired 
 personally and took Instruments upon their compeirance. 
 
 Green Lint. The which day the saids Tennents and cottars within the 
 Barronnie of Stitchill are unlaid and amerciat conform to the 
 Acts of Parliament for contraveining the Acts of Parliament 
 in laving in and steiping of Green Lint in Lochs, Burnes, and 
 other Running Waters as also the haill weivers in keiping of 
 
 Weights and insufficient weights and measures not tryed with the Standard 
 jugg of the heid Brugh of the Shire In respect of ther own 
 confessiones. 
 
1696] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 121 
 
 The which day John Robeson maltman in Stitchill and Debt. 
 Elspeth ffairbairn his spous are judicially decerned to content 
 and pay to Margrat Scott relict of the deceist William Lowrie 
 in Stitchill as executors and other ways haveing right from 
 her said deceist husband the soume of Ane hundred and 
 twelve pounds Scots money as the remainder of the pryce of 
 Twenty ane Bolls Beare bought and receaved be the said 
 defender from the Complainers deceist husband twa yeires 
 since or therby conform to ane fitted Accompt between the 
 Complainer and the Defender upon the 21 of October last. In 
 respect the said defender compeired personallie and confest the 
 forsaid sowm to be truly restand and the said persewar pro- 
 duced the said fitted accompt for instructing therof. 
 
 The which day John Richison son to Adam Richardson in Teinding. 
 Stitchill is unlaid and amerciat in lOlib. Scots money for leading 
 and away takeing of certain corns in tym of Teynding and not 
 attending upon the Teynding but leading his own cornes con- 
 trair to the Acts of Court and to the great hindrance and pre- 
 judice of the teynding In respect the said Lybell was sufficiently 
 instructed. 
 
 The qlk day Robert Waitt mason in Stitchill is judicially Debt, 
 decerned to make payment to Elspeth ffairbairn in Stitchill 
 and John Robeson her husband for his interest the sowme of 
 4lib. 17sh. Scots money compted betwixt the Complainer and 
 defender upon the 4 day of December instant ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which day George Aitchison merchand in Stitchill Claim 
 is judicially decerned to make payment to George Hamiltoun 
 in the Hill the sowm of 161ib. 7sh. Scots money restand of a 
 greater sume which was deu by James Steinsone merchand in 
 Kelso to the Complainer and for which the said defender 
 became debtor and undertook to pay to the Complainer halfe 
 a yeirs since or therby with 12sh. money forsaid as the pryce 
 of ane Ennle sheitt 1 which the defender promised to get up to 
 
 1 Enel-sheet ; literally an end-day sheet, a winding-sheet. 
 1 Forbye a dainty enel-sheet, 
 Twa cods, whilk on the b ouster meet, 
 An' slips anew to mak' complete 
 A beddin' o' the kin' O.'— Wat. Watson. 
 The enel-sheet was a double sheet of fine linen which thrifty females selected 
 
122 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1696 
 
 the Complainer from the said James Stevison and as yet never 
 performed ex confessione rex. 
 
 (80) 
 
 1696, Dec. 
 
 Compulsory 
 Kducation. 
 
 Chapman. 
 
 1 year's Fee 
 ^'5. 10. etc. 
 
 Ane uther Court of the Lands and Barronnie of Stitchill 
 halden at the Kirk therof be the Right Honourable Sir John 
 Pringle of Stitchill Knight Barronnett heretable proprietor of 
 the Lands and Barrounie therof upon the 12 day of the said 
 moneth of December 1696 yeares. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle statutes and 
 ordaynes and requires all persons and residenters within the 
 said Barronnie of Stitchill as are in a capacity That they putt 
 their children to the public Schooll within the said Barronnie 
 under the payne of Ten pounds Scots money each person con- 
 travening of this Act for ilk failzie toties quoties efter they 
 shall be required to doe the same allowing them from the daitt 
 heirof full six dayes that non may pretend ignorance and 
 ordayns summar executioun to pas against the offenders and 
 transgressors by poynding or otherways without necessity of 
 taking Decreits thereupon And ratifyes all former Acts made 
 anent the school. 
 
 The which day George Hammiltoune is judicially absolved 
 and assoilzied from ane Lybell and claim persewed at the 
 instance of George Aitchison chapman ther mentioning that 
 wher the said defender in June last obleidged him to have 
 procured from James Stevisone merchand in Kelso an Bond for 
 the soume of 241ibs. Scots money In favor of the Complainer 
 wherof the defender postpones and deferres to doe the same. 
 And the said defender compeired personally denycd the claim 
 which was be the said persewar referred to his oath who 
 depounid negative. In respect wherof the Judge assoilzied in 
 manner forsaid. 
 
 The which day Mungo Archibald in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to pay to William Crawfoord in Stitchill the soume 
 
 and carefully preserved in fold ready to be used as a covering for their dead body 
 before it was put in the coffin. It was a special requisite of a bride's outfit, and 
 decked her bed on the marriage night, after which it was carefully laid past to 
 be used again only as her last earthly covering. — Supp. Jci7niesoris Scot. Diet., 
 Donaldson. 
 
1696] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 123 
 
 of 51ib. lOsh. Scots money as ane years fee wrought be 
 Margaret Crawford the Complainers daughter fra Whitsunday 
 1695 to Whitsunday 1696 with six quarters of Linning or 8sh. 
 Scots as the modifyed pryce of the ell therof of bountith 
 Reserving actioun for ane ell of harden if they can instruct the 
 same ex confessione rei. The said persewar as having right from 
 his daughter being instructed. 
 
 The which day Adam Haggart wright in Stitchill and Abstracted 
 James Steill taylzeour there are judicially unlaid and amerciat Multures <£ 10, 
 each of them Ten pounds Scots money for abstracted Multures 
 since Mertimes last as also reserving action to the miller 
 against the defenders for multure and uther casualties dew to 
 him to be persewed at the millers pleasure and lykewyse 
 reservand to the defender all action for any just complaint 
 they may have against the millers ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which day John Smith at Stitchill Parkend Margrat Debt. 
 Scott relict of the deceist William Lawrie baillie in Stitchill 
 James Lamb elder ther and John Donaldson ther are judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Robert Gottrae indweller ther 
 the soume of 321ibs. Scots money advanced be the Complainer 
 to the defenders for outreicking of ane souldier 1 for the paroch Furnishing a 
 of Stitchill preceiding Whitsunday last ilk ane of them for 
 ther own pairts with the interest of the said Principall Soume 
 from the daitt of this Decreit In respect the defender Scott 
 compeired personally and confest and the rest of the defenders 
 being lawfully summoned ofttymes callid and not compeirand 
 wer halden as confest. 
 
 The which day Robert Liggaitt herd in Stitchill is judicially A Full of peas 
 decerned to make payment to Adam Hoggart wright ther the IO ' 
 soume of ane pound lOsh. Scots money of Principall as the 
 pryce modified of ane full of peis eatten and destroyed be the 
 defenders bestiall wherto he was herd by his neglect with 21sh. 
 money forsaid as the modified pryce and worth of 3 stoucks of 1^°°!^ of 
 strae also eatten and destroyed be the defenders bestiall in 
 
 1 This is now the reign of King William III. Those five persons had borrowed 
 money from Robert Gottrae in order to pay their costs towards furnishing a 
 soldier for Stitchell parish, which they were now ordered to pay, along with 
 interest due. 
 
1*4 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1696 
 
 harvest last In respect the said persewer compel red personallie 
 and produced ane nott of . . . be Jon Donaldson and James 
 Lamb and the said defenders own confessione. 
 
 1697. Januarys 
 
 Ane uther Barron Court halden at Stitchill Kirk be the 
 ' Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Barronnett 
 upon the 14 day of January 1697 yeares. 
 Curia fcg-ittirrw affirmata. 
 Act in favour of The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in Judg- 
 £xo penalty. ment anent ane complaint given in be James Watson waulker 
 at Stitchill Waulk Mvlne which the Judge takeing to his 
 consideratioun dischairges all persons within the Barronnie of 
 Stitchill either men or women masters servants or children 
 to agent for other waulkers in the country by doing ther 
 indeavours for procuring work to them within the Barronnie 
 of Stitchill in any manner of way directlie or indirectlie under 
 the pain of lOlib. Scots money each person toties quot'ies who 
 shall contraveine this Act. 1 
 
 The qlk day the said Judge sittand in judgment anent the 
 Lvbells persewed at the instance of Ritchard Gottrae and 
 George Aitchison both indwellers in Stitchill kmc hide against 
 others mentioning that wher they and ilk ane of them in ane 
 inhumane and unchristian manner upon Sabbath was eight 
 days being the sixth of January instant beatt and stryck each 
 of them others in severall pairts of ther body to the effusion 
 of ther bloods in great quantitie and particularly the said 
 Ritchard Gottrae by blooding the Complainer Aitchison in 
 his face bv giving him blowes therupon with his hands and 
 tether and rvvincr of his hair as the Lvbell bears. Which being 
 callid and the saids George Aitchison and Ritchard Gottrae 
 both compeiring personallie The said Ritchard Gottrae confest 
 he beatt the said George Aitchison and gripped him be the 
 hair of his head and tare the same And the said George 
 Aitchison confest that he beatt Gottrae and laid violent hands 
 upon him as also confest that he said if Gottrae did not quitt 
 
 Riot and 
 Sabbath pro- 
 fanation and 
 blood wyt £50. 
 
 1 The effect of this Act by the baron was to thirl the inhabitants of the 
 Barony to the waulk-nrill just as they were also thirled to the corn- 
 mill. 
 
1697] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 125 
 
 with the tether he wold cutt it through with his knyfe and 
 denyed the other expressions lybelled. Which Lybells and 
 confessions of the fornamid pairties the Judge takeing to his 
 consideratioun and finding be their own acknowledgements 
 and confessions concurring with other unquestionable evidences 
 and presumptions that they are guilty each of them of a Ryott 
 and profanation of the Sabbath day blood and bloodwytt 
 Therfor unlaes and amerciats thesaids persons each of them in 
 ffvfty pounds Scots money And remits to the Burlaemen to 
 consider whether or not George Aitchisons horse was upon 
 the uthers skaith And in that caice whether or nott Ritchard 
 Gottrae could lawfullie take ane tether for a poynd and to 
 determine according as they shall see causes in other points 
 of neighbourhead By ordayning reparation of damnage fyning 
 or any other manner of way they shall find fitt. 
 
 The qlk day the Judge ordayns both pairties to witt George £^ t ^ rks 
 Aitchison and Ritchard Gotrae to enact themselves to keip 
 the publict peace under the payn of 100 merks that they 
 abstain from anything that may be prejudiciall to others in 
 ther bodies goods and possessions And that they shall not 
 threatten others with injurious words and expressions under 
 the said penalty of 100 merks the halfe to be applyed to the 
 use of the pairty damnified and ordayns the officer to see this 
 Act put into execution and ane Act to be extended therupon 
 in ample form and both pairties to subscrybe the said Act. 
 
 The which day Robert Hammiltoune, John Watson, Adam New Buriae- 
 Hoggart wright, James Service, Thomas Simm younger, John 
 Younger and George Wilsone are added to the number of the 
 Burlaemen formerly mentioned who gave their oath de fideli 
 administ ratio ne officioruni and appoynts fyve to be a quorum 
 of which Alexander Lowrv always to make ane. Robert 
 Hammiltoune, John Watsone, Adam Hoggart, James Service, 
 John Younger, Thomas Simm declairs he cannot writt. 
 
 The which day Thomas Underwood wright in Stitchill is *Jj*jj P er 
 judiciall} 7 decerned to content and pay to William Maisone 
 in Neuton Mylne the soume of 181ib. Scots money as the 
 remainder of the pryce of ane Boll and a halfe of Malte 
 bought and receaved be the defender from the Complainer at 
 Lambes last at 161ib. the Boll ex confessione rei. 
 
126 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1697 
 
 Ita est Gulielmus Pringle, Notarius Publicus acpraedict. curiae 
 clericus testam. his me'is signo et subscription manualibus. 
 
 (82) 
 
 [697, January 23. 
 
 Claim. 
 
 Deforcing a 
 Sheriff Officer. 
 
 Recovering a 
 Cow. 
 
 Assault. 
 
 Ane uther Barron Court holden at Stitchill Kirk be the 
 Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Barronnett heretable proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie 
 therof upon the 23 January 1697 yeares. 
 
 The which day Adam Hoggard in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to John Scougall servitor to Jon 
 Brunton smith ther the soume of 181ibs. Scots money borrowed 
 and receaved be the said Defender from the said Complainer 
 twa yeires since or ther by In respect the said defender being 
 lawfullie summoned ofttymes called and not compeirand was 
 halden as confest wherfor the Judge decerned in manner for- 
 said expenses 20sh. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- 
 ment anent the Lybell persewed at the instance of George 
 Taylzeour gardiner att Berwick and George Patterson Com- 
 missary Officer in Kelso with concurrence of the Procurator 
 ffiscall against Agnes Lamb spous to Thomas Underwood 
 wright in Stitchill and the said Thomas for his interest and 
 Marion Hogart and Joan Hill indweller ther Makand mention 
 that wher upon the 22nd day of January instant the said 
 Complainer with the said George Patterson Officer be virtue of 
 ane Decreit obtained before the Commissar of Peibles against 
 the said Thomas Underwood of the daitt the . . . day of j m vi c 
 and nynty . . . yeares was offering to poynd the said Thomas 
 Underwood his goods and gears and that for payment making 
 to the said Complainer of the soumes of money both Principall 
 and expenses therin contained and trew it is that the saids 
 defenders and ilk ane of them did most masterfully deforce 
 spuillzie and away take from the said George Patterson officer 
 ane cow which was in his possessione and had poyndit the 
 same and contrair to all Law and in high and in manifest con- 
 tempt of all authoritie did most masterfully bereave the said 
 cow from the Complainer. As also the said defender Agnes 
 Lamb most furiously did gripp and ry ve the said George Patter- 
 son his hair out of his head and threatened to ryve the heart 
 
i6gy] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 127 
 
 from the said Complainer rather then he had gotten a beast out 
 of doors. And therfor cravid that the saids defenders and ilk ane 
 of them might be unlaid and amerciat conforme to the Acts of 
 Parliament and . . lastly punished in ther bodies and goods to 
 the terror of others to committ the like. Which being callid 
 and the said persewers and defenders both compeirand person- 
 allie the judge having taken to consideration the forsaid lyble 
 with ane uther Lyble persewed at the instance of the said 
 Agnes Lamb against the said George Taylzeor by beatting her 
 throwing her to the ground and tramping upon her And having 
 examined severall witnesses on both sydes for proving therof 
 the cryme contained in the saids Lybles ffinds only proven 
 by the saids Depositions that there was a Strangling betwixt 
 the said George Taylzeour and Agnes Lamb with which she 
 fell to the ground And finds sufficiently proven and instructed 
 by the saids Depositions that the said Agnes Lamb did imped 
 the officer in doing of his diligence and stop him from dryving 
 his poynd. Upon all the Judge efter mature deliberatioun 
 assoilzies and absolves the said George Taylzeour from the 
 Ryott lybelled against him In respect the said Agnes Lamb 
 did violently attempt the deforceing of the Officer and that it 
 may be justlye and lawfullie constructed the other did not lay 
 maliciouslie violent hands on her but that his strangling with 
 her and throwing of her as is proven was only with intent to 
 imped her in her said designe of the deforceing the Officer. 
 The Judge takeing to consideratioun the latter pairt of the 
 lyble finds not proven and therfor assoilzies the defender Lamb 
 therfor. 
 
 The Judge upon the haill premises interprets the tumultuous Deforcing, 
 meiting of the rest of the women contanid in the Lyble to and ^ IO> 
 have ... a design to deforce the Officer and amerciat each 
 of them in lOsh. Scots as lyking . . . the said Agnes Lamb 
 whose attempt upon that accompt was sufficiently instructed 
 from her own confession and deposition of the witnesses in 
 lOlibs Scots. 
 
 Ane uther Court of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill (83) 
 holden at the Kirk therof be the Right Honourable Sir John l697, May 
 Pringle of Stitchill Knight Barronnett Heretable Proprietor 
 
128 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 of the Lands and Barronny therof upon the 1st day of May 
 1697 years. 
 
 Curia legittime affinnata. 
 
 The which day Petter Purvess in Stitchill and Margaret 
 Marshall his spouse and Jean Purvess his daughter ar judicially 
 Rent of cot 30s. decerned to make payment to Thomas Linnen ther the soums 
 eack^Spinning °f mone V following, viz, — The soum of 30sh. Scots money as 
 i6d. per day. the ren t G f ane Coat house thrie Kayn Hens or fyve shillings 
 as the prvce of each of them with 16d. money forsaid for each 
 day of 5 days spynning. 
 Debt;. The which day Adam and Andro Haggarts in Stitchill are 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to John Younger miller 
 at Stitchill Miln the soums of money following ilk ane for ther 
 own pairts as is efter divydit To witt the said Adam Haggart 
 the soume of 141ib. 6sh. Scots money pairtly of borrowed money 
 and pairtly as the prvce of certain meall bought and receaved 
 halfe a year since or therby The said Andro Haggart 22libs. 
 lOsh. pairtly as the remainder of the prvce of certain sheip 
 and pairtly for oats and oatmeall bought and receaved be the 
 said defender from the Complainer within this two years or 
 therby cx confessione rei. 
 
 The which day Adam Haggart in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Andro Giff'en ther the soums 
 of monev following for the causes efter specified viz, — 11 lib. 
 Yule. lOsh. Scots money of borrowed money at Yeuill last with 
 
 severall other articles of theLyble extending to 231ib. 7sh. 6d. 
 Scots money efter compts betwixt them was adjusted being 
 referred to thrie honest men to hear the saids pairties compts 
 and reckon who gave in their reports in manner forsaid. 
 Mare ,£22. The which day Ritchard Gotrae in Stitchill is judicially 
 
 decerned to accept and receave from Thomas Yeanian coupper 
 ther ane Meir sold to the defender be the Persewer upon 
 Wednesday last and to pay to the Complainer 221ibs. money 
 forsaid as the agreyed worth and pryce therof upon receipt of 
 the said Meare. 
 
 Debt. The which day Robert Hoggart in Stitchill is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to George Hammilton ther the 
 soum of 121ib. 9sh. Scots money as the agreyed prvce and 
 worth of certain oatts bought and receaved be the defender 
 
1 697] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 129 
 
 from the Complainer ane year since or therby ex confessione 
 rei. 
 
 The qlk day Andro Marshall in Stitchill is judicially Riot ^ic 
 decerned to make payment to the Procurator ffiscall the 
 soume of lOlibs. Scots money as ane fyne and amerciament 
 imposed upon him for ane Ryott committed be him upon 
 Jon Russell servitor to William Maison in Neuton Lees upon 
 Monday wes eight days ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which dav Adam Hammiltoun weiver in Stitchill and * peck meal 30s. 
 William Taylor there are decerned and ordained to content 
 and pay to Adam Richardson ther the soumes of money 
 following ilk ane of them for his own pairts as is efter divydit. 
 To witt the said Adam Hammiltoun the soum of 30sh. Scots 
 money as the pryce and worth of ane peik of oatmeall bought 
 and receaved be the said defender from the Complainer halfe 
 a yeir since or therby the said William Taylor 40sh. Scots 
 money forsaid borrowed and receaved be him from the Com- 
 plainer at Trinity Monday last. In respect the saids defenders 
 being lawfullie summoned ofttymes callid and not compeirand 
 was halden as confest. 
 
 The which day David Brown sklaitter in Stitchill is judici- Wool £8 per 
 ally decerned to make payment to John Sinclair in Haryheuch stone ' 
 the soume of foure pounds Scots money as the pryce and 
 worth of halfe ane stain of wooll bought and receaved be the 
 defender from the Complainer with ane cheise, two years since 
 or therby In respect the said defender compeired and confest 
 the said soum to be justlie resting. 
 
 Ita est Gulielmus Pringle, Notarius Publkus ac praedict. Curiae 
 clericus. 
 
 Ane Head Barron Court holden at Stitchill Kirk be the (84 ) 
 Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Barronnett l6 97. Nov. 13. 
 Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronny thereof upon 
 the 13 day of November 1697 years. 
 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 The which day John Donaldson in Stitchill is judicially 1 peck beans 
 decerned to make payment to Joan Trotter relict of the f* s 1 J| ^pSs 
 deceist John Burn in Ednim the soums of money efter speci- lint ^^ 2 J^ ts 
 fled for the causes following To witt threttein shilling Scots 4° ai p an s 
 
130 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1697 
 
 money as the pryce of half a peck of beans item twentyfoure 
 shillings money forsaid as the pryce of ane peck of peis item 
 twentysix shillings money forsaid as the pryce of thrie capfuls 
 and a half of lint-seid, item four shilling money forsaid as the 
 pryce of half ane hunder bou kaill plants all sawen be the 
 Complainer upon the defenders yaird which with ane hous 
 was sett be the said defender to the persewer from Whitsun- 
 day 1697 to Whitsunday 1698 which the said Complainer was 
 frustratt of and did not attain to the possession of the same. 
 In respect the said defender compeired personallie and confest 
 the said yaird to be sawen with the Complainers seid and also 
 the pryce therof forsaids Wherfor the Judge decerned and 
 ordained in manner forsaid. 
 3 ells linen ios. Th which jay Robert Waitt in Stitchill is judicially decerned 
 
 per ell. 3 ells J t ... . 
 
 harden 5s. per to make payment to Archibald ffairbairn miller at Ednim and 
 Margaret ffairbairn his daughter the soum of ten shillings 
 Scots money as the agryed pryce of thre ilk ells of Linning 
 and fyve shillings money forsaid for each ell of thrie ells of 
 harden of bountith cloath for thre halfe years service w rought 
 be the said Margaret to the defender four years since or therby 
 In respect the said defender being lawfully summoned ofttymes 
 callid and not compeirand was halden as confest. 
 
 Earner to Edin. xhe which day the said Sir John Pringle Barronnet sittand 
 in judgment hes decerned and ordayned and decerns and 
 ordayns Adam Hoggart caryer in Stitchill to content and pay 
 to James Hoggard in Maynrigg the soum of 24 shillings Scots 
 money pairtlv for the remainder of ane cariadge from Stitchill 
 to Dalkeith in Summer last and pairtlv for a thrave of oatt 
 strae bought and receaved be the defender from the Complainer 
 in Winter last In respect the said defender being lawfully 
 summoned ofttymes callid and not compeiring was halden as 
 confest. 
 
 The which day Issobell Hoggart servitor to James Lamb in 
 Runningburne is judicially decerned to make payment to John 
 One Quarter Underwood in Stitchill 18sh. Scots money as the pryce of six 
 quarters of Linning bought and receaved be the said defender 
 from the Complainer three yeares since or therby. In respect 
 of absence the defender being lawfully cited to have compeired 
 this day and plais, was holden as confest. 
 
 linen 3s. 
 
1698] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 131 
 
 The which day the said Judge statutes inacts and ordaynes Furnishing cot- 
 Alexander Lowrie, John Donald son, Robert Hammiltone, James divots. 
 Service, and George Wilson to meitt together at any tyme and 
 form some overtures amongst themselves for furnishing the 
 coatt-houses most conveniently with divotts and ordaynes them 
 to present the saids overtures again the nixt Court day Allow- 
 ing any residenters within the Barronnie of Stitchill to waitt 
 upon the meetings of the saids persons and give in what pro- 
 posals theranent as they shall think fitt. 
 
 As also the said day it is statute ordayned and declared Tilling, 
 that the pryce of teilling halfe a quarter of land in the Maynes 
 to be 81ib. Scots money conform to use and wont as lykewyse 
 the teilling of halfe a fourth aiker to be 51ib. money forsaid 
 Declairing that payment for the said work be not maid 
 betwixt Mertimes and Candlemes The persons hyring their 
 ploughs may have liberty to stop or take any just method 
 competent for ther satisfactione and this but prejudice for the 
 pairties to aggree on what days they please betwixt the saids 
 terms. 
 
 Lykewyse it is statute and ordayned and declaired that Lifting Com. 
 whatever portioner in the Mayns shall be convicted of having 
 lifted come off ther neighbours rigg either by mistake or other 
 ways shall be lyable for whatsoever corns ar missing through 
 the wholl Maynes The persons persewing giving sufficient 
 evidence either by oath or otherways of the corns that ar 
 awanting and this Act to stand in force in all tyme comeing. 
 
 The Courts of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill halden (85) 
 at the Kirk therof be the Right Honourable Sir John Pringle l6 9 8 J anuai T 22 - 
 of Stitchill Barronnett heretable proprietor of the Lands and 
 Barronny therof upon the 22 day of January 1698 years. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The qlk day George Hammilton in the Hill is judicially 1 Boll Oats 
 decerned to make payment to Andrew Walker in Kaimflatt ^ IO ' 9 ' 
 the soume of 22lib. 7sh. Scots money as the remainder of the 
 pryce of 3 bolls and ane full of oatts at lOlib. 9sh. Scots money 
 per boll bought and receaved be the defender from the Corn- 
 plainer at Candlemes last bypast. In respect the said defender 
 compeired personallie and confest the forsaid soum to be justly 
 
132 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1698 
 
 resting owing Reserving actione to the persewar against Andro 
 Giffan weiver in Stitchill alledsed cautioner for the defender. 
 The Principall not paying or not being solvends And lykewyse 
 allowing the Cautioner to retain in his own handes his security 
 against the Principall till the persewar be satisfied for the 
 Decreit lybelled with °.4sh. money forsaid of expenses of pley 
 extracted. 
 
 Debt. The which day William Thomsone weiver in Stitchill is 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Margarat Scott relict 
 of the Deceist William Lowrie in Stitchill the soume of 5lib. 
 4sh. Scots money restand of 11 lib. 8sh. money forsaid borrowed 
 and receaved be the defender from the Complainers deceist 
 husband in Summar bygone a year wherto the said Corn- 
 plainer hes good and undoubted right In respect the said 
 defender being lawfullie summoned ofttymes callid and not 
 compeired was holden as confest with 12sh. money forsaid of 
 expenses of pley extracted. 
 
 The which day Robert Hoggart in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Alexander Heislope wright in 
 Stitchill and Adam Chairteris there equally betwixt them the 
 sowms of money following for the causes efter specified viz, — 
 The soum of 10 pounds six shillings Scots money as the re- 
 
 Cow mainder of the pryce of a cow bought and receaved be the 
 
 defender from the Complainer at Mertimes last bypast. Item, 
 Twenty eight shillings money forsaid as the remainder of the 
 
 \wmr pryce of ane almery bought and receaved be the defender from 
 
 the Complainer Alexander Hyslope four years since or therby 
 In respect the said defender compeired personallie and confest 
 the forsaid sowms to be justly resting owing with sixteen 
 shillings money forsaid of expenses. 
 
 Deforcement The which day Adam Hoggard in Stitchill meilmaker is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to the Procurator ffiscall 
 the soume of fyve pounds Scots money as ane fyne imposed 
 upon him for deforceing the Officer in execution of his office 
 when he was poynding the defender at the instance of James 
 Hoggart in Maynrigg be vertue of a Decreitt obtaind at 
 his instance against said Adam Hoggard and violently be- 
 reaved from the said Officer ane pott which he had poyndit. 
 Ex confesskme. 
 
1698] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 133 
 
 Ane Court of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill halden (86) 
 at Stitchill Kirk be the right honourable Sir John Pringle of 16981 May28 ' 
 Stitchill Barronnett Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and 
 Barronnie therof upon the 28th of May 1698 yeires. 
 
 The which day Ritchard Gottrae wright in Stitchill, Beatrix 
 Trotter in Queenscairne relict of the deceast Robert Hopper 
 in Stitchill ar judicially decerned to make payment to John 
 Younger at Stitchill milne the sowms of money following ilk 
 ane of them for ther own pairts as is efter divydit To witt 
 the said Ritchard Gottrae the soum of 24sh. Scots money as the 
 pryce of ane seek borrowed and receaved be the said defender 1 sack 24s. 
 from the said Complainer ane certain tym bygaine and never 
 redely vered Item the said Beatrix Trotter and John Hopper 
 her sone conjunctly and equally the soume of 5lib. 5sh. money 
 forsaid as the pryce of halfe a boll of peis bought and receaved 
 be the said defunct from the Complainer in March bygon a 1 Boll peas 
 year In respect the said Richard Gottrae confest. And the said ^ IO ' I0 ' 
 Trotter and Hopper being lawfullie summoned ofttymes called 
 and not compeiring was holden as confest. And the said 
 Robert Hoggart 121ibs. money forsaid for certain oatt meall 
 bought and receaved be him from the Complainer at Mertimes 
 last ex confesswne rei. 
 
 The which day the said Ritchard Gottrae and Robert Oats £7.4. per 
 Giffane in Stitchill are judiciallie decerned to make payment BolL 
 to William Johnstoun tennant in Overmayns the soum of 931ib. 
 12sh. Scots money equally betwixt them as the aggryd pryce 
 of certain bolls of oatts bought and receaved be him from the 
 Complainer in winter last at 71ib. 4sh. per Boll In respect they 
 both compeired and confest the same but denyed ane con- 
 junct bargain which was be the defender deferred to the per- 
 sewars oath who refused to depone wherfor they wer assoilzied 
 from the said conjunct bargaine. 
 
 The which day James Lamb younger in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned ex consensu to make payment to Robert Lidgaitt 
 ther the soume of 131ib. Scots money as ane harvest fie Harvest Fee 
 wrought be the Complainer and his spous to the defender in £ 13 ' 
 harvest last Item 51ib. money forsaid for halfe a yeires fie Half year's fee 
 wrought be the Complainers sone Robert Lidgaitt to the said lad 
 defender 2 years since or therby. 
 
134 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1698 
 
 The which day John Younger milner is decerned to pay to 
 John Gillespy in Maynrigg the soum of 24sh. Scots money as 
 the pryce of ane seek intromitted with be the said defender 
 perteining to the Complainer which seek was lying at the Myln 
 allowing the said defender his relief from Ritchard Gottrae 
 who receaved the said seek from him ex confessione ret. 
 Debt - The which day John Adam, Ritchard Taylor, in Queens- 
 
 cairne is judicially decerned to make payment to John Adam 
 James and Hellen Hendersons lawfull children to the deceist 
 Adam Henderson in Nether Stitchill the soume of 341ibs. 12sh. 
 Scots money in full satisfaction to the Complainers and 
 Alexander Alexander spous to the said Hellen for his interest 
 of the Principall soum of 441ibs. money forsaid and of the 
 annual rents therof preceiding from Whitsunday last bypast 
 1698 and of the termly penulties therin contained in ane 
 Bond granted be the said defender Richard to the said de- 
 funct of the daitt the 1st day of December 1693 yeares. Ex 
 confessione. 
 
 The which day Robert Hoggart in Stitchill and John 
 Robison ther ar decerned to make payment to Thomas Sklait- 
 ter at Newton mylne the soums of money following viz. the 
 said Robert Hoggart the soume of 20sh. Scots money as the 
 remainder of the pryce of a cow bought and receaved be 
 the defender from the Complainer 4 years since ex confessione 
 ret. 
 
 Oatmeal 25s. The said John Robison is decerned for 25sh. money forsaid 
 per peck. ag ^ e p rvce Q f a p ec k of oatmeall bought and receaved be the 
 defender from the Complainer in Harvest last Being lawfully 
 summoned ofttymes callid and not compeiring was holden as 
 confest. 
 
 Four Boils The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- 
 
 ° at s^39-4. ment hes decerned and ordayned Robert Hoggard in Stitchill 
 and Agnes Hoggart his spous to make payment to Jannett 
 Inglis in Lochtoune 1 the soume of 291ibs. 4d. Scots money 
 
 1 This was the estate of the brother of the baron, Sir Walter of Lochtoun. 
 He was admitted an advocate 10th December 1687 ; constituted a Lord of 
 Session, as Lord Newhall, 6th June 17 18 ; at the same time appointed a Lord of 
 Justiciary and knighted. He died 14th December 1736. Hamilton of Bangour 
 composed an epitaph on Lord Newhall. 
 
1698] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 185 
 
 only resting of 391ib. 4sh. money forsaid as the aggryed pryce 
 of 4 bolls of oatts bought and receaved be the defender from 
 the complainer ane year since ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which day John Smith in Stitchill for ane Ryott com- Riot and Con- 
 mitted be him upon Ritchard Gottrae in the face of the ° ° urt 
 Bourlae Court is unlaid and amerciat in lOlibs. Scots money 
 the cryme being aggravated by the aforesaid circumstance by 
 beatting the said Richard upon his face in the said oppen 
 Bourlae Court ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which day George Ridpeith servitor to John Bruntoun 
 smith in Stitchill anent the claime persewed at his instance 
 against Patrick Millar in Sweithope the said Patrick is 
 decerned ex confessione to make payment to the said George 
 Redpeith 48sh. Scots money as the pryce of a full of beare of i full of Bear 
 bountith for a harvest lie wrought in harvest last. 
 
 The which day James Mather in Stitchill is decerned to pay 
 to Robert Giffane ther the soume of 43sh. Scots money as the 
 remaynder of a grass maill in Summer last ex confessione and Grass-maiii. 
 assoilzies fra the rest of the soume ly belled. 
 
 The said day Richard Gottrae is decerned to pay to James Yule. 
 Donaldson in Ednim lllib. 9sh. 6d. Scots money as the re- 
 maynder of the pryce of certain oatts bought and receaved 
 at Yeuill last ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which day in the Actioun and Cause persewed be Mr. Schoolmaster. 
 William Wilson schoolmaster of Stitchill against Robert 
 Giffan ther, anent a peice of ground in a pairt of the Mayns 
 formerly possesst be James Lamb debaittable betwixt the said 
 Mr. William and the said Robert Giffane the Judge refers to 
 the Burlaemen to consider more fully and determine therin 
 and to make report nixt Court day. 
 
 The which day Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Barronnett Act anent 
 sittand in judgment dischairges all residenters within the Beggars ' 
 Barronny of Stitchill here efter to resett harbour intertain or £ 10 penalty, 
 give almes any manner of way to any poor people whatsoever 
 that goe from place to place for charity except these allenerly 
 that shall be listed as poor within the Barronny of Stitchill 
 by the Heretor and Elders at their meitting conforme to the 
 many Acts of Parliament and Counsell for that effect under 
 the payn of ten pounds Scots money for every tyme that it 
 
136 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1698 
 
 shall be discovered the saids Residenters have entertained 
 or given alrnes to any poor but such as ar properly to be 
 alimented by the paroich and ordayns all within the Barronnie 
 of Stitchill to give ther assistance to ane another for expel- 
 ling such poor people and bringing them to condigne punish- 
 ment when they shall be apprehend it giving occasion of 
 creating any trouble or disorder within the paroch upon ther 
 refusing of almes. Declairing that such as refuse ther assist- 
 ance to ther neighbours in this manner shall be lvable in the 
 certificatioun forsaid and lvkewvse declairing that in both 
 caices the Informer against the contraveiner of this Act shall 
 have the one halfe of the said penalty and ordayns this pntt. 
 Act to be put to dew and lawful! executioun with all rigor. 1 
 1 rear s grass As also the said day the said Judge statutes and ordayns all 
 coal from°Eng- Coatters and other residenters within this Barronnie of 
 Stitchill to pay for every horse they gras upon the Hall-hill a 
 load of coalls from England when thev shall be required to 
 bring in the same with certification And lykewyse ordayns 
 such persons as gras upon the said hill in Summar 1697 to 
 bring in a load of coalls for that year's gras and in all tyme 
 comeing so long as thev take the benefit of the said gras when- 
 ever they shall be required to perform the same under the 
 certification forsaid and heirbv expressly dischairges the other 
 residenters to put anv beasts upon the said hill at any tym of 
 the year whatsoever But declairs it shall be reserved allenerly 
 for the use of such of the coatters that have a mynd to grass 
 Greai tenants ther horse theron In which the great Tennents ar no ways 
 comprehendit who ar to have no benefits of the same any 
 manner of way and this Act to stand in force in all tym 
 comeing. 
 
 W) Ane Head Barron Court halden at Stitchill Kirk be the 
 
 1698. Nov 5. night Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Barronnett 
 Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronny therof upon 
 the fifth day of November 1698. 
 
 The which day compeired the wholl Tennents and coatters 
 
 1 This act anent the poor would not include such privileged beggars as 
 Edie Ochiltree the Blue" own, who travelled this district. 
 
1698] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 137 
 
 within the said Barronny and took Instruments upon ther 
 compeirance. 
 
 The qlk day Thomas Underwood wright in Stitchill is 6 fulls malt 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Patrick Miller in £ BoU^. i6. 
 Dunse the soum of 14lib. 14sh. Scots money as the pryce of 6 
 fulls of malt bought and receaved be the Defender from the 
 Com plainer at Pasche last at 91ib. 16sh. the boll In respect the Pasche. 
 said defender compeired personallie and confest the same 
 wherfor the Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 The which day Ritchard Taylor in Queenscairn is judicially Debt, 
 decerned to make payment to Jannett Lamb in Stitchill the 
 soum of Ten pounds Scots money borrowed and receaved be 
 the said defender from Robert Hammiltoun the Complainers 
 husband fourteen years since or therby In respect the said 
 defender being lawfullie summond ofttymes called and not 
 compeiring was halden as confest with 16sh. of expenses of 
 pley. 
 
 The which day John Robeson in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to George Wilson Maltman ther 
 the soum of 11 lib. 5sh. Scots money as the remainder of the 
 pryce of certain malt bought and receaved from the Corn- 
 plainer a year since or therby. In respect the said defender 
 compeired personally and confest the same with 16sh. money 
 forsaid for expenses of pley. 
 
 The which day James Mather in Stitchill is judicially 6 fulls Oats 
 decerned to content and pay to George Dickson in Kenlaes ^ Ilm 3 ' 2 * 
 11 lib. 3sh. 2d. Scots money as the aggryed pryce of 6 fulls of 
 oats bought and receaved be the defender from the Complainer 
 a year bygone at oatt-seid-tym last In respect of the De- 
 fenders confession with 16sh. of expenses. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- 
 ment hes decerned and ordayned Thomas Galbreath in Stit- 
 chill and Margaret Thomsone his spouse to content and pay 
 to Thomas Henderson tailzeour in Stitchill tutor nominal to 
 the deceist Adam Henderson and Hellen Thomsone ther 
 children the soum of 14libs. Scots money as the agreed pryce Cow/i 4 . 
 and worth of a cow bought and receaved be the said Margaret 
 Thomsone for herselfe and in name of her husband from the 
 said complainer Alexander Alexander in Stitchill in name of 
 
138 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1698 
 
 the said pupills at Candlemes bygone a year in respect of the 
 defenders confessione Reserving action for the interest of the 
 money and allowing the complainer to cite the said Thomas 
 Galbreaths wyfe the nixt Court day. 
 
 The which day John Hopper servant to Margrat Scott in 
 Stitchill and William Thomsone weiver ther is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Thomas Henderson in ffairnie- 
 rigg the soums of money following ilk ane of them for ther 
 own pairts as is efter divydit viz., The said John Hopper the 
 7 bolls oats soum of 471ibs. 12sh. Scots money as the agryed pryce and 
 ^ 47 ' 12 worth of 7 bolls of oatts bought and receaved be the said 
 
 Yule. defender from the complainer at Yeull last. Item, 30sh. 
 
 money forsaid as the remainder of the pryce of a boll of oatts 
 bought and receaved be the said defender his deceast father ane 
 year since Item 50sh. money forsaid as the remainder of 5 bolls 
 of oatts bought and receaved be him fra the complainer a year 
 since. The said William Thomsone 51ib. 17sh. money forsaid 
 as the remainder of twa bolls of oatts bought and receaved be 
 him fra the complainer at Harvest bygain a year In respect the 
 said defenders being lawfully summoned ofttymes called and 
 not compeired was holden as confest Allowing to the defender 
 Thomsone action against Robert Hoggart for any pairt of the 
 said oatts that the said Robert Hoggart got conform to the 
 defense given in be said defenders wyfe. 
 
 The which day David Brown in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to George Aitchison merchant in 
 Stitchill 59sh. 6d. Scots money for certain merchandise goods 
 bought and receaved be the defender from the complainer two 
 years since. 
 
 Aie. As also is decerned to make payment to Margrat Wood 
 
 relict of the deceast William Mitchell in Neutoun 45sh. money 
 forsaid for aill furnished be the complainer thrie years since In 
 absence he being lawfully citted. 
 Act in favour of Act discharging all Residenters within the Barronny of 
 theWauiker. gfl^u to f urn i sn anv ot her Waulker in the country with 
 master. And to reserve it for the Waulker in Stitchill 
 allenarly Upon condition always that the said waulker in 
 Stitchill shall give such qualificatiouns that ar usually given 
 by the waulkers. 
 
1698] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 139 
 
 Item, the saids residenters within the Barronny of Stitchill ^rled. ^ 5 
 are dischairged to cary ther work to anyother Mylne but to 
 Stitchill Wakemiln to which they are heirby expressly thirled 
 during the tym of ther residence in Stitchill under the payne 
 of 5 pounds Scots for each failzie. Declairing always that if 
 any of the said persons have ground of complaint for insufficient 
 work either Litting or waking or for ther wakers detayning 
 ther cloath longer than the dew reasonable tym the waker shall 
 be obleidged to repair the complainer in all damnage that they 
 have therby suffered And lykewyse shall be fynned in the soum 
 of 51ib. Scots for each failzie the one halfe to be given to the 
 complainer besyd his reparatioun of damnage forsaid. 
 
 Lykewyse declairing that if it can be sufficiently instructed 
 by any of the saids persons that the waker refused ther work 
 at reasonable pryce which is heirby declared to be the ordinar 
 pryce of other workmen in the country they shall have liberty 
 to imply uther and cary the work to uther mylnes. 
 
 The walker is ordayned to go through the Paroich and cary 
 away the cloath and bring it back again. 
 
 The qlk day the following Acts and Statutes made by the Acts for regulat- 
 Burlaemen of Stitchill for the better regulating the affairs of ^ on B ^ irs 
 the Barronnie ar heirby ratifyed and approven be the said 
 Judge and Barron and ordayned to take effect and be put in 
 execution in all tyme comeing. 
 
 1st. That no Residenter within the Paroich of Stitchill als Trespass in 
 weill thos that possess land or such as ar only cottars or sub- the Mayns 
 cottars be sein within the Maynes ground or fourth aiker in 
 harvest tyme or leeding tyme before the Maynes herd goes out 
 in the morning with the catell to ther pasture Nor efter the 
 said herd returns at night from the pasture with the cattle 
 under certificatione the contraveiners of this Act shall be 
 fynned in one pound Scots and that rigorously exacted. 
 
 2nd. That whosoever lifts any of his neighbours cornes Lifting corn, 
 within the ground of the Maynes or fourt aiker through mis- 
 take or other ways shall be lyable for the wholl loss in the 
 saids grounds to the Complainers they instructing ther loss by 
 oath or any other sufficient document by and attour the certi- 
 fication of the person that shall lift the corn through mistake 
 shall restore thriefold or if they shall lift it by theft and can 
 
140 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1698 
 
 Stocks. be proven they shallrestor thriefold and lye in the Stocks 24 
 
 hours. 
 
 Dyke-breaking 3rd. That the Dyck that is at the eist end of Thomas 
 Hoggarts yaird be built up by Thomas Hoggart at his own 
 expense (by reason his ground lies nierest the said dyck) and 
 if any shall be found to break down the dyke herafter he is 
 to pay 12sh. Scots. The one halfe is to be payed to the Corn- 
 plainer or any that shall suffer prejudice therby and the other 
 halfe to be disposed upon at the Burlaemens pleasure attested 
 by ther subscriptions sic subscribitur John Younger, John 
 Brunton, John Donaldsone. 
 
 Ita esse attestor ego Gulielmus Pringle Notarius Publlcus 
 praedict. curiae clericus testam. his meis signo et subscriptione 
 manualibus. 
 
 The Court of the Lands and Barronnie of Stitchill holden 
 at the Kirke therof be the Right Honourable Sir John Pringle 
 Barronnett upon the thretten day of May 1699 years. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- 
 ment hes decerned and ordayned and decerns and ordayns 
 John Robison maltman in Stitchill to content and pay to 
 John Younger miller at Stitchell mylne the soume of money 
 following for the causes efter specifyed To witt 31ib. 8sh. 
 Scots money as the aggryed pryce of ane full of meall bought 
 and receaved be the defender from the complainer in July last. 
 Item 32sh. money forsaid resting of the pryce of 5 capfulls of 
 oatmeall at 36sh. the peck bought and receaved ane year since 
 ex confessione rei with 14sh. of expenses. 
 
 The which day Ritchard Taylor in Queenscairn is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Alexander Hyslop wright in 
 Stitchill the soumes of money following for the causes efter 
 specified viz., the soume of 41ib. lOsh. Scots money wherof 
 31ib. as the remainder of ane harvest fie wrought be the said 
 defender to the complainer 7 years since Item 30sh. therof as 
 the remainder of the pryce of halfe a boll of oatts bought and 
 receaved at the tyme forsaid by the defender from the Com- 
 plainer ex confessione rei. 
 
 The winch day Robert Giffane caryer in Stitchill is judici- 
 
 (88) 
 1699, May 13. 
 
 1 full Meall 
 £3- 8. 
 
 1 peck 36s. 
 Debts. 
 
 Carrier. 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 141 
 
 ally decerned to make payment to Mungo Archibald in Stit- 
 chill and Jean Wilson his spouse the soum of 151ib. 16sh. lOd. 
 Scots money restand of the prvce of certain oatmeall bought 
 and receaved be the said defender from the complainer at 
 Candlemes last at 30sh. the peck In respect the said defender 
 compeired personally and confest the same and alyk decernes 
 for 20sh. of expenses of pley. 
 
 The which day Robert Giffan caryer in Stitchell is judicially Harvest fee for 
 decerned to make payment to George Hammiltoun in the Hill two 
 of the soume of 91ib. Scots, money as ane harvest fie wrought 
 be the said complainer and his spous to Patrick Millar in 
 Sueitup in harvest last and which soume the said complainer 
 accepted of the said defender as debiterwho promised payment 
 and entered in payment therof. Ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which day William Cuthbertson weiver in Stitchill is claim, 
 judicially decerned to make payment to Agnes Lee spouse to 
 Alexander Marshell in Home the 71ib. 5sh. Scots money as 
 the ballance of a compt betwixt them In respect of the 
 Persewar and the defender compeired personallie and the said 
 defender denyed the claime which the Persewar referred to his 
 oath at leist the said defender proposed ane exception of com- 
 pensation which exception the said defender for proving 
 therof referred the same to the perse wars oath who deferred 
 the samvn to the defenders oath who being solemnly sworne 
 upon his oath acknowledged the soums lybelled but alledged 
 the samyn ought to be compensed with his werk having 
 wrought to the Persewar Therfor twa elle of cloath at ane sh. 
 Scots the ell and that ther is a capfull of Beare meall or 6sh. 
 for the pryce of bountith yet restand which alledgeances and 
 depositions of the defender being considered by the said Judge 
 And he being weill and regularly advysed therupon Decerned 
 and ordavned in manner forsaid The said defender being 
 therby payed of threscore twa ells of cloath weiving with 14sh. 
 of expenses of pley. 
 
 The which day Ritchard Gottrae in Stitchill is unlawed and Blood ^50. 
 amerciat in 501ib. Scots money for ane Blood committed be 
 him upon John Wilson in Stitchill in Aprylle last ordayning 
 the defender to pay to the said John Wilson pairtly offered 
 30sh. Scots money therof and decerns the said defender 
 
142 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1699 
 
 Gottrae to pay to the Procurator ffiscall of the said Court the 
 remaynder therof and assoilzied Wilson from the Lyble at the 
 ffiscalls instance against him In respect of his oath. 
 
 i6 (89) Ane Head Court holden at Stitchill Kirk be the Right 
 
 1699.N0v.it. honourable gj r j onn Pringle of Stitchill Knight Barronnett 
 
 Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronny therof upon 
 
 the 11th day of November 1699 years. 
 Curia legittvme affirmata. 
 
 The which day the haill Tennents and cottars compeired 
 all personally and took Instruments upon ther compeirance. 
 Hume. The which day James Haggart in Maynrigg is judicially 
 
 decerned to content and pay to Bessie Swanstone in Home 
 the soume of 40sh. Scots money which was adebted be Agnes 
 Sounnis servant to the said Defender and wherof the Defender 
 promised payment to the Complainer as having right therto 
 and entered in payment therof In respect the said Defender 
 compeired personally and confest the same. 
 Debt. The qlk day Thomas Underwood wright in Stitchill is 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to John Hutson merchant 
 in Kelso the soume of 31ib. 6sh. 8d. Scots money contained in 
 a Ticket granted be the said Defender to the Complainer 
 daited the 19 day of July 1698 years In respect ane day being 
 given to the Defender to give in his defences In respect he 
 was not personally citted with certification if he failzied to 
 prove in dew form against him and Extract Decreit which day 
 being elapsed and the Defender not giving in his Defences was 
 holden as confest and the Terme circumducted against him. 
 
 The which day William Thomson weiver in Stitchill is 
 judicially decerned to make payment to William Alexander the 
 soume of 33sh. 4d. Scots money as the ballance of ane Compt 
 dew be the Defender to the Complainer Ex confessions ret. 
 
 Act ratifying the Act anent the Poor in the haill heads 
 therof daited the 28 May 1698. December 2 1699. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Bar- 
 ronnett sittand in judgment hes inacted and farther inacts 
 statutes and ordayns that no Residenter within the Barronnie 
 of Stitchill receave into the Coatthouses such persons either 
 
 (90) 
 
 1699, Dec. 2. 
 
 Act anent the 
 Poor. 
 
1700] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 143 
 
 single or by families who are incapable of subsisting bv them- 
 selves or have subsisted by charitv in other paroiches either in 
 wholl or in pairt Declairing that from the daitt of this present 
 Act any of the Residenters above mentioned who sett their 
 houses to such persons shall have the wholl burden upon them 
 mentayning the saids persons and that thev shall be obleidged 
 to releave all ther neghbours within the said Barronny of all 
 burden and charge upon that accompt. Declairing neverthe- 
 less that this Act sail not be extendit to such persons to 
 whom houses have been sett when they were in a condition of 
 subsvstingr bv themselves and have according^ subsvsted 
 without being a charge to others for sume considerable tyme 
 from the tyme of ther Entry but efterwards have fallen poor 
 through age or infirmity or unforeseen accidents who therfor 
 upon that accompt may justlie expect the compassion and 
 charity of ther neghbours as residenters within the Barronny 
 lykewvse commanding and requiring the said Residenters to 
 remove all persons from ther Coatt houses betwixt and the 
 10th day of this month who have been receaved since Lambes 
 last and who have no visible imployment and are knowen to 
 be accustomed in vaiging and begging up and down the 
 countrv And lvkewyse requiring and commanding the said 
 residenters to remove from ther houses betwixt the daitt 
 of this Act and Whitsunday nixt all such persons who are not 
 in a condition to subsist without the help of the neghbours 
 who have not been thrie years residenters within the said 
 Barronny for the Term of Whitsunday last backward conform 
 to the Act of Parliament and Counsell made theranent Com- 
 manding and requiring all residing within the said Barronny 
 to give exact obedience to the said Act and haill heads therof 
 under the pavn and certificatione contained in the same Act 
 so often as thev shall be found to contraveine the same. 
 
 Ita est Gulielmus Pringle Xotarlus Publicus ac praedict. 
 Curiae Clericustestam. his mels sigiio et subscript ione jnanuaUbus. 
 
 The Court of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill halden (91) 
 at the Kirk therof be the Right Honourable Sir John Pringle I7 °° , Apr 
 of Stitchill Barronnett upon the 20 day of Aprvlle 1700 vears. 
 
 Curia Jegittime affirmata. 
 
144 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1700 
 
 Claim for loss. The qlk day Adam Chairteris and Alexander Hyslope 
 indwellers in Stitchill are judicially decerned to make payment 
 to Andro Hoggart caryer ther the soume of Tlib. 3sh. and 8d. 
 Scots money wherein the said Persewer was damnified by the 
 defenders their being deficient in not making up ane certain 
 quantity of beare sold be the said Persewer to Andro Peirie in 
 Prestounpans at Mertimes last by the said Defenders order and 
 commission and not carying it in dew tyme In respect the 
 said defenders compeired and denyed the condition lybelled 
 which was referred be the said Persewer to ther oath of verity 
 simpliciter who deferred the samvn to the persewers oath And 
 the said Persewer compeiring personallie being solemnly sworne 
 upon his oath deponnid affirmative that the said defenders did 
 condition to him to make up ther proportion of the Beare 
 lybelled and to cary the same in dew tyme And lykewyse 
 deponnid that there being deficient and not carying it in dew 
 tyme the deponent was loser in 81ib. Scots which was detayned 
 be the said Andro Peiry to whom he sold the said Beare with 
 ane certain quantity of the said Persewers own beare off the 
 forend of the pryce therof And lykewyse deponnid that he 
 was adebted to the said merchant 7 pints of aill at 2sh. 4d. 
 the pynt and therfor by his said oath restricted his claime 
 to 71ibs. 3sh. 8d. money forsaid In respect wherof the Judge 
 decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 Harvest fee The which day John Wilson in Stitchill is judicially 
 
 £a- 15 decerned to make payment to Henry Hammilton in Queenscairn 
 
 and Jennett Mill his spouse of the soume of 41ib. 15sh. Scots 
 money as ane harvest fie wrought be the said Jennett Mill to 
 the said Defender in Harvest last In respect the said defender 
 compeired personally and confest the same. 
 
 ;' ; stack peats The which day Robert Giftan in Stitchill is judicially 
 I4> decerned to make payment to John Sinclair in Haryheuch the 
 
 soum of 31ib. 14sh. Scots money as the aggryed pryce of halfe a 
 stack of peitts bought and receaved be the said defender from 
 the complainer at the latter end of October last In respect the 
 said defender being lawfullie summoned ofttymes called and 
 not compeiring was holden as confest. 
 
 Claini The which day James Haggart in Maynrigg is judicially 
 
 decerned to make payment to Adam Richisonc in Stitchill the 
 
i/oo] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 145 
 
 soum of lOlibs. Scots money for certain service done by the 
 Complainer to the said defender 3 years since or therbv Ex 
 confessione rei. 
 
 Item Alexander Alexander in Stitchill the soum of 41ib. 2sh. Nag. 
 money forsaid as the remainder of the pryce of a naig bought 
 be the defender from the Complainer at St Bosuall Fair last. 
 Ex confessione rei. 
 
 Item Robert Taylor in Queenscairn the soume of 9sh. money Faiding. 
 forsaid as the remaynder of certain faiding 8 years since In 
 absence, etc. 
 
 The which day John Watson in Queenscairne is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Alexander Lowry ther the soum 
 of 34 pounds lOsh. Scots money for twa house maills and a Rents, 
 halfe for the space of 3 years at lllib. 2sh. yearly. The 
 persewer always delyvering to the defender 3 thrave of straw 
 which the persewer condescendit to give him. In respect the 
 samyn was verified be the defenders oath being referred therto 
 be the said persewer. 
 
 As lykewvse assoilzies the Persewer from all alledgeance 
 proponnid by the Defender that the Persewer ought to reim- 
 burse him of the halfe of the charges bestowed upon the barne 
 which alledgeance being referred be the said Defender to the 
 Persewers oath for probation and the said persewer being 
 solemnly sworn upon his great oath deponnid that the defender 
 took these houses of him with this expres condition that the 
 defender should be at the wholl coast and charges belonging 
 to these houses during his possession therof and that the 
 houses was sett by the defendant and taken bv the Defender 
 in the expres conditions and terms befor mentioned In 
 respect wherof assoilzies the Persewer from the alledged 
 compensation and decerned against the defender in manner 
 forsaid. 
 
 The which day Michael Bingall and William Taylor In- R ; ot r- 
 dwellers in Stitchill are unlaid and amerciat as follows viz. 
 the said Michael Bingall in olib. Scots money for ane Rvot 
 committed be him upon the said William Taylor and thrust- 
 ing him to the door and calling him Knaive and raskeil In 
 respect the said Michael acknowledged his calling Taylor 
 Knave and Raskeil and thrusting him to the door but denved 
 
146 THE MINUTES OF THE [1700 
 
 the beatting of him which was referred by the Procurator 
 ffiscall to his oath who refused to depon wherfor he was unlaid 
 50s. fine. as said is. The said William Taylor in 50sh. Scots in respect 
 of his acknowledgment that he did tair Bingalls hair and 
 returning him abusive language. 
 
 1700, April 20. Anent a Regulation for the Sowmes in the Maynes : — 
 
 That whereas it is allowed to the Possessors in the said 
 Maynes to put thereon a certain Stent of the sheip to the end 
 that the said stent may be nowayes prejudiciall to the said 
 ground and possessors therof And especially to the cow pasture 
 in the ground the following Regulations are hereby statuted 
 and ordayned to take effect from the Term of Whitsunday 
 1700 viz. — That no Tennent in the Mains put more sheip 
 upon his possession than what amounts to the halfe of his 
 Sowmes conform to the Stent and number of sheip for each 
 Soum that is aggryed to by the severall possessors therof Item 
 that wher any possessed but one Soum in the Mayns that Soum 
 shall absolutely be a Kow or Oxe and not a sheip and that the 
 possessor in that caice shall not bring sheip of his own nor 
 sheip pertayning to others Item that during the wholl Summer 
 ther shall be keiped different pastures for the sheip and Kowes 
 and Oxen If it be so resolved on by the plurality of the 
 possessors but in this they ar left to ther own convenience. 
 And for the better effecting of this, the herd is heirby dis- 
 charged to feed his own Kowes apairt from the rest of the 
 cattle under the severest payns and all concerned ar ordayned 
 to observe this present Regulation in all its poynts Certifying 
 such as have more sheip upon the ground than falls to their 
 share in the forsaid terms the Overstent shall be forfeited the 
 one halfe to the informers and the other halfe to the use of 
 the poor within the paroch. 
 
 (9 2 ) Ane Court of the Lands and Barronnie of Stitchill holden at 
 
 the Kirk therof by the Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of 
 Stitchill Knight Barronnett Heretable Proprietor of the Lands 
 and Barronnie therof upon the 6th day of June 1702 years. 
 Curia leg it time affirmata. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- 
 
1702] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 147 
 
 ment anent the Lybell persewed at the instance of the Pro- 
 curator ffiscall to the said Court against the wholl Tenents 
 and cottars within the Barronnie of Stitchill mentioning that 
 wher by the 13th Act of the 18th Parliament of our Sovereign 
 Lord King James the Sixth of blessed memorie holden at 
 Perth the 9th day of July jajvi c and sex years Entituled Act 
 anent Laying of Lint in Burns and Lochs wherby our Sovereign Lint. 
 Lord and Estates of Parliament finding that the Laying of 
 Lint in Lochs and Burns is not only hurtfull to all fyshe bred 
 within the samyn and bestiall that drink therof But also the 
 haill waters of the said Lochs and Burns therby being infected 
 is maid verie unprofitable for the use of man and very noisome 
 to all the peoples lyving therabout Therfor statute and ordayned 
 that no person nor persons in Tym cumeing laying in Lochs 
 and Running Burnes any Grass Lint under the payn of 40sh. 
 Scots money toties quoties for ilk tym they shall contraveine 
 and confiscation of the Lint as in the said Act at more Lenth 
 is containd And also upon the wholl meill-makers within the Meaimakers. 
 said Barronnie of Stitchill for vending and selling of meall and 
 not weighing the same by weight contrair to the Act of Parlia- 
 ment daited 25 September 1696 and lykewyse upon the wholl 
 weivers within the said Barronnie for weaving of Linen cloath Weavers, 
 vendible at the pryce of lOsh. Scots the ell or above under the 
 breadth of 1 ell 2 in. expressly contrair to the Act of Parlia- 
 ment And for keiping of unsufficient weights and measures as 
 also for making of Supernumerary manages and intertaining Marriage 
 mor persons therat than is allowed be the Act of Parliament P arties - 
 As also upon the Merchants within the said Barronnie for im- 
 porting of prohibit goods from England to Scotland and siclyke Smuggling, 
 for fishing, hunting, and gunning in forbidden tyme and trew Poaching, 
 it is and of veritie that the fornamid persons have contraveined 
 the said Acts of Parliament and that therfore they and ilk ane 
 of them ought and should be unlaid and amerciat conform to 
 the said Acts of Parliament in example of others not to committ 
 the lyke in all tym coming Which Lyble being called the said 
 Judge continued the same till the next Court day and ordayned 
 the wholl tenants and cottars to compear the nixt Court dav 
 with certification And accordingly upon the 4th day of July 
 thereafter being the nixt Court day the wholl defenders com- 
 
148 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1702 
 
 peared in ane fencit Court and confest guilty of contraveining 
 the said Acts of Parliament made anent steiping of green 
 Lint in Lochs and Burns wherfor the Judge onlaid ilk ane of 
 them in 40sh. Scots money for ilk transgression. And holds the 
 meel-makers as confest and unlaes ilk of them and ilk ane of 
 the weavers in the termes and under the penalties contained in 
 all the saids Acts of Parliament And likewyse continews the 
 action against George Aitchison upon the penall Statutes 
 and particularly for importing of prohibit goods from England 
 till he be farder insisted against at the nixt Court In regard 
 of his absence this day upon his necessary affair who accord- 
 ingly upon the 21 day of November 1702 in ane uther lawful 
 fencit Court compeared and denyed the said Lyble wherfor the 
 said Judge assoilzied him therfra in respect of his oath who 
 deponnid negative. 
 
 Act impowering the Barron Bailie to use Summar poynding 
 and diligence for all debts not exceiding the soume of 30sh. 
 Scots upon the complaint of any party and the debtors 
 acknowledging the debt. 
 
 The Courts of the Lands and Barronnie of Stitchill halden 
 at the Kirk therof be the Right Honourable Sir John Pringle 
 of Stitchill Knight Barronnett upon 29 May 1703. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day James Hogart in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Robert Pringle merchand in 
 Home the soume of 41ib. 5sh. Scots money resting of ane 
 Compt for merchandise goods bought and receaved be the 
 Defender from the Complainer within these twa yeires or 
 therby ex confessione rei with 14sh. money forsaid of expenses 
 of pley. 
 
 The which day anent the claime persewed at the instance of 
 Agnes Lamb relict of the deceast Thomas Underwood wright 
 in Stitchill Mentioning that wher James Hogart ther is just lie 
 adebted to her the soume of 31ib. Scots money which was payd 
 by the complainer and her deceast husband to Thomas Si mm 
 for plewing of ther land which the Defender entered to in 
 March 1700 years Item 16sh. money forsaid for certain ail] and 
 
1703] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 149 
 
 other particulars furnished be the complainer to the defender 
 
 3 years since or therby which being called and the said 
 
 defender compeared personally who confest the first article 
 
 but alledged compensation and lykewyse confest the second 
 
 article which the Judge taking to consideration finds the 
 
 defender lvable to pay what the Complainer expended upon 
 
 labouring the ground and lykewyse decerned for the 16sh. 
 
 ex confessions And referred some other Artickles of the said 
 
 Lyble to the Burlae Court to be discust ther conform to the Buriae Court. 
 
 use and practice of the Barronnie And ordayns the said Burlae 
 
 Court to hold this day eight days for that effect. 
 
 Ita est attestor ego Gulielmus Pringle Notarius Publicus 
 cler. 
 
 Ane Barron Head Court halden at Stitchill Kirk be the (95) 
 Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight Bar- I7 ° 3 ' Um ' I3 " 
 ronnett Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronny 
 therof upon the 13th November 1703. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The whilk day the wholl tenants and cotars being called 
 compeired all personally and took Instruments upon their com- 
 pearance. 
 
 The which day John Currie in Stitchill is judicially decerned 
 to make payment to David Hogart ther the soum of 301ib. 
 19sh. Scots money as the pryce of ane mear bought and receaved Mare- 
 be the said defender from the said complainer at Midsummer 
 last and partly of borrowed money at the Tym forsaid. Item 
 the soum of 81ib. lsh. 6d. money forsaid as the aggrved pryce of 
 IT ells of Linning cloath sold and delyvered be Elspeth Hog- Linen, 
 gart the complainers daughter to the Defender at Midsummer 
 last In respect the said defender being lawfully summoned to 
 have compeired this day and place as was sufficiently verified 
 be the officer at the barr oft tvmes called and not compeiring 
 wherfor the Judge decerned in manner forsaid and for 3sh. of 
 expenses. 
 
 The which day anent the claim persewed at the instance of Debt. 
 John Lamb Tennent in Maidenhall against Thomas Galbreath 
 in Stitchill makand mention That wher in May last the said 
 complainer granted to the said defender to ane certan soum of 
 
150 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 money for which the Defender promised to pay to the eom- 
 plainer 121ib. Scots money for granting the said assignation at 
 Lambmes therefter And albeit it be of veritie that the said 
 defender has ofttvmes since syn promitted payment and . . . 
 As the Lyble bears which being called and the said Persewer 
 and defender both compeirand personallie The defender 
 alledged not lvable in the soume lybelled unless he receaved 
 the soume assigned from the debitor which was referred be the 
 persewer to his oath who deponnid positive and lykewyse 
 depones that the persewer promised never to demand the 20sh. 
 lvbelled and likewyse depones that he never receaved anv 
 money containd in the assignation either in haill or in part 
 And this is the truth as he shall answer to God which the 
 Judge takeing to his consideration ordayns the defender to 
 use diligence upon the assignation against the Debiter betwixt 
 and Lambes nixt and for that effect to procure ane rovin 
 instruction otherways is decerned for the other 20sh. And 
 that the persewer shall have acces to the defenders goods bv 
 poynding without any further decreit. 
 
 Ita est attestor ego Gulichnus Pringlc Xotarius Publicus 
 ac praedict. curiae clericus. 
 
 Ane uther Barron Court halden at Stitchill Kirk be Sir 
 1704, June 3. John Pringle of Stitchill Knight and Barronnett Heretable 
 Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof upon the 3rd 
 day of June 1704 years. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day anent the Lyble persewed at the instance of 
 the Procurator ffiscall against Thomas Galbreath and John 
 Scandal ffairbairne Tennents in Stitchill Mentioning that wher at 
 
 Bouriae Court. Whitsunday last in ane publict Bourlae Court the saids 
 Defenders scandalized each of them others in ther good names 
 by calling others Knaves to the Loss of ther credits and par- 
 ticularly the said Thomas Galbreath affirmed that he wold 
 prove the said John ffairbairne ane knave in face of the said 
 Bourlae Court the wholl neghbourhood being conveined for 
 the tyme and therefor craves that they and ilk ane of them 
 shall be unlaid and amerciat for the said scandells in example 
 of others to committ the lyke And lykewyse that your Lord- 
 
1704] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 151 
 
 ship will be pleisit to inact statute and ordayne that in all 
 Tyme coming whoever of the Tennents and others within the 
 Barronny of Stitchill shall offer abusive language to others 
 that your Lordships officer may be allowed to poynd the 
 Transgressors immediately therefter for such penalties as your 
 Lordship shall think fitt. 
 
 Which being called and the said defender compeiring 
 personally and denyed the Lyble which the ffiscall offered to 
 prove Another nixt Court day being assigned for proveing 
 therof several famous witnesses being led and adduced for 
 that effect The said Judge and Barron found the said Lyble 
 sufficiently proven against the said Defender Galbreath and Fine £3. 
 therfore amerciats him in 31ibs. Scots money In respect of the 
 Depositions of severall famous witnesses and finds the Lyble 
 not proven against ffairbairn and therfor assoilzies him therfra. 
 Act impowering the Bourlae men to punish all disorders that Act anentron- 
 shall be committed at ther Court either be the members tempt 0 
 therof or others according to the circumstances of the cryme 
 and persons (declairing always that this shall not extend to 
 blood) either by fynning or by corporall punishment as they Corporal 
 shall think fitt and ordayns present execution to pas upon P unlshment * 
 their Sentence. 
 
 The which day Andro alias David Hoggart in Stitchill Carrier. 
 Andro Hoggart caryer ther and Thomas Hoggart ther ar 
 judicially decerned to content and pay to James Wilson 
 servitor to Alexander Lowrie tennent in Queenscairne the 
 soume of 5lib. Scots money adebted be James Hogart late in 
 Stitchill to the complainer and which was arreisted in ther 
 hands as ane debt dew by them to the said James Hoggart 
 wherof the Defender promist payment to the complainer In 
 respect the said defender David Hoggart compeired and confest 
 the promise wherfor the Judp;e decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 The which day Thomas Galbreath in Stitchill is decerned Chest £3. 
 to pay to Adam Hoggart wright ther the soum of 31ib. Scots 
 money as the pryce of ane Chist bought and receaved be John 
 Henderson in Stitchill from the Complainer at Pasch last wherof 
 the said Defender promist payment In respect the Defender com- 
 peired personallie and confest the said promise of payment. 
 
 Gulielmus Pringle Notarius Publicus cler. 
 
152 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1704 
 
 (97) 
 
 [704, Nov. 18. 
 
 Thatch and 
 Divots for the 
 Mill. 
 
 House-rent. 
 
 Weaver-work 
 32s. 
 
 Ane Head Barron Court holden at Stitchill Kirk be the 
 Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Barronnett upon the eighteenth day of November 1704. 
 
 Curia legitime affirmata. 
 
 The which day anent the Action and Cause intended and 
 persewed at the instance of John Younger tacksman of the 
 Corne milne of Stitchill against the wholl Tennants within 
 the said Barronnie of Stitchill making mention that wher the 
 Tennents was in use formerly to repair and maintain the 
 corne milne of Stitchill in thatch and divott both in the com- 
 plainers and his predecessors tym Wherfor the complainer 
 humbly craved that your Lordship will ordayne the said 
 Tennents to furnish thatch and divotts for repairing the said 
 milne in Tyme cumeing As your Lordship assigns as do the 
 said Lyble or petition bears. Which being called and John 
 Donaldsone one of the Tennents in Stitchill compeired for 
 himself and in name of the rest of the Tennants and denyed 
 the claime Wherfore the said Judge Barron continued the 
 said Action till the nixt Court day and in the mean tym for 
 the present use and exigencies of the mill ordaynes the miller 
 to lead himself the one halfe of the thatch as also to cast and 
 lead the one halfe of the said divotts and ordayns the Tennents 
 to lead and cast the other halfe that the said affair may be 
 considered and a fixt rule made for it in all tym comeing And 
 ordaynes for that end the miller to meitt on Saturday nixt 
 with Alexander Lowrie John Donaldsone John Brunton 
 Robert Giffan and any others of the Tennants in Stitchill 
 they think fitt to require to make Tryall if they can fall upon 
 any expedient for fixing a rule and method for furnishing the 
 milne with Thatch and divot in all Tym comeing. 
 
 The which day Adam Hoggart carver in Stitchill is judici- 
 ally decerned to pay to Alexander Wilson Tennent ther the 
 soume of fyfty four shillings Scots money as the remaynder of 
 ane house-maill possesst be the Defender pertayning to Janet 
 Lamb spouse to the Complainer four years since and continued 
 the rest of the soum acclaimed till the nixt Court day that 
 Janet Lamb compeir. Ex confesswue. 
 
 The which day Margrat Galbreath in Stitchill spouse to 
 John Currie ther is judicially decerned and the said John for 
 
1705] BARON COURT OF STTTCHILL 
 
 153 
 
 his interest to make payment to John Mather weaver in 
 Kelso the soume of 32sh. Scots money for certain weaver work 
 wrought be the Complainer to the Defender 2 years since In 
 respect of the said persewers oath theranent. 
 
 The which dav Robert ffairbairn sone to John ffairbairn Disobeying 
 
 . : . _. . _ Baron- Bailie 
 
 tennent m stitchill is judicially decerned to pay to the Pro- ^5. 
 curator ffiscall the soume of 5lib. Scots money as ane fyne 
 imposed upon him for disobeying the Baron Bailies order in 
 refuseing to goe to the Barronnv of the Hirsell with some Hirseii. 
 other of the Tennants anent some urgent affair of your Lord- 
 ship when he was required therto Wherfore the Judge onlaid 
 and amerciat in manner forsaid. 
 
 Act ordavning the Tennants and coatters to be carefull of Young Trees, 
 the young tries that ar planted in their yairds and declairing 
 that every Tennant and coatter shall be lyable in 12sh. 
 Scots for each trie that shall be broken and eatten with 
 beasts. 
 
 Curia legitime affirmata. 
 
 The which dav Andro alias David Hogart elder in Stitchill (9$) 
 Andro Hogart carver ther Thomas Hogart Calsevend are Debt, 
 judiciallv decerned to pav to John Brunton smith ther the 
 soume of 51ib. Scots money which is adebted be James 
 Hogart sometyme in Stitchill to the Complainer wherof 
 they promist payment ilk ane for ther own pairts. Ex 
 confessione rei. 
 
 The which dav Andro Watson and Andro Hogart Tennants 
 in Stitchill ar judicially decerned to pay to James Dickson 
 Tennant at Park End the soums of money following for the 
 causes efter specified vizt. — The said Andro Watsone the soum Xag^3o. 
 of 301ib. Scots money as the aggryed pryce of ane naig bought 
 and receaved be him from the complainer ane year since The 
 said Andro Hogart 161ib. lOsh. money forsaid as the rest of 6 
 bolls oats bought and receaved be him from the complainer and 
 Robert Giffan in Sweithope equally betwixt them twa yeirs since 
 In respect the Defender Watson compeired personallie and 
 confest the same and the Defender Hogart being lawfullv 
 summoned ofttymes called and not compeiring was holden as 
 confest. 
 
154 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 (99) Ane Head Court holden at Stitchill Kirk be the Right 
 
 1705,1 o\.io. Honorable gj r j 0 hn Prinze of Stitchill Knight Barronnett 
 Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof upon 
 the 10 day of November 1705. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 Smaiihoim. The which day Adam Hogart in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to pay to Thomas Lawrie in Smailholme Spitle the 
 soume of 31ib. I9sh. Scots money restand of a greater soum 
 dew be him to the Complainer conform to his Bond E.r confes- 
 sione rei with 12sh. of expenses of plev. 
 
 The which day Margrat Thomson relict of the deceast 
 Thomas Galbreath in Stitchill is judicially decerned to pay to 
 John Smith smith ther She as executor or at least intro- 
 missatrix with her deceast husbands goods and p-eare the 
 2 Boils Reare soume of 131ibs. Scots money as the pryce of two bolls Beare 
 ^ I3> bought and receaved be the said defunct from the Complainer 
 
 three years since in respect the said defender being lawfully 
 summoned ofttymes called and not compeiring was holden as 
 confest. 
 
 The which day John Curry in Stitchill is decerned to pay to 
 
 Hume. Robert Pringle merchant in Home the soume of 31ib. 18sh. 
 
 Scots money conform to any produce receaved. In respect the 
 said defender compeared personallv and confest the same with 
 12sh. money forsaid for expenses of pley. 
 20 merks. The which day Ritchard Taylor in Queenscairn is judicially 
 decerned to pay to John Younger Tennent at Stitchill Milne 
 the soume of 20 merks Scots money as the aggryed pryce of 
 ane naig bought and receaved be the said Defender from the 
 Complainer within these six vears or therby In respect the 
 said defender being lawfully summoned ofttymes called and not 
 compeiring was holden as confest. 
 
 Hume. The which dav James Marjoribanks wright in Stitchill is 
 
 judicially decerned to pav to George Gib in Home the soum 
 
 Mare/ia. ios. of 12lib. 10sh. Scots money as the cost of ane mear bought 
 and receaved be the said defender from the complainer ane 
 year since In respect the said defender compeared personally 
 and confest the same with 24sh. of expenses. 
 
 The which day the said James Marjoribanks is judicially 
 
 Milierstain. decerned to pay to John Meilke in Mellerstayn the soum of 
 
1706] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 155 
 
 Glib. Scots money as the pryce of half ane boll of oat meal 1 h Boll Meal £6. 
 bought and receaved be the said defender from the said corn- 
 plainer on Whitsunday last (the term of payment being first 
 come and bygone being Mertimes 1705) Ex confessione rei. 
 Gulielmus Pr ingle Xotarhis Publicus cler. 
 
 The which day John Curry in Stitchill is judicially absolved i load of meal 
 from the Lyble persued at the instance of Margrat Black in ^ 27 ' 
 Stitchill against him wherby she acclaimed from the Defender 
 271ib. Scots monev as the pryce of ane load of meall which 
 belonged to her and to Patrick Millar her deceast husband 
 with which the defender being then the complainers servant 
 was entrusted to sell at Edinburgh and to be comptable to the 
 complainer and her said deceast husband 6 years since or 
 therbv And trew it is that without any order from the com- 
 plainer or her husband the Defender trusted the said meall 
 and has never compted nor paved the same, and therfor ought 
 to be decerned to make payment therof as the Lyble bears. 
 Which being called and the said defender compeared and 
 denyed which was referred be the said persewer to her oath of 
 verity simpliciter who being solemnly sworn upon his great 
 oath deponnid negative to the haill points of the Lyble and 
 that he had compted for the meall lybelled and that he was 
 owing nothing to the complainer nor her deceast husband and 
 this is the truth as he shall answer to God sic subscribitur John 
 Currie In respect therof the said Judge assoilzied in manner 
 forsaid. 
 
 The whilk day the wholl Tennents and Cottars in Stitchill Decreit against 
 are judicially decerned for the annual rents of rents due by Tenants ' 
 them after the term of Mertimes this present year 1705. 
 
 Allowing the possessors of fourth parts in the Maynes to Act anent the 
 put on sheip upon their grass in place of a cow according to Mayns - 
 the Common Stent if thev think fit. 
 
 Ane other Barron Court holden at Stitchill Kirk be Sir John (ioo) 
 Pringle of Stitchill Knight Baronet Heretable Proprietor of 1/0 ' * ° % ' 1 
 the Lands and Baronnv of Stitchill upon the 16 day of 
 November 1706. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day Adam Chairtris in Stitchill and Andro Debts. 
 
156 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1706 
 
 Hogart caryer ther are judicially decerned to pay to Andro 
 alias David Hogart younger either the soums of money under- 
 written for the causes efter specified ilk ane of them for their 
 own pairts as is efter divydit To witt the said Adam Charteris 
 the soum of 51ib. 6sh. 8d. Scots money as the remainder of the 
 pryce of ane bargain of oats which was instructed by the 
 defender to be sold at Dalkeith and which was disposed upon 
 by him at Lambmes bygone a year. In respect it was alledged 
 by the persewer that the Defender Chairteris undertook for 
 his payment of the said proportion for probation referred the 
 same to the defenders oath which he deferred to the persewers 
 oath who being solemnly sworn upon oath deponed that the 
 Defender Charteris expresly promist payment of the soum 
 lybelled Wherfor the Judge decerned in manner forsaid with- 
 out allowance of any expenses except what was expressly paid 
 out at selling the oats Item the said Andro Hogart the soume 
 of 59sh. 4d. Scots money borrowed and receaved be the 
 defender Hogart 4 years since ex confessione rei And was 
 assoilzied from the remaynder of the soum lybelled In respect 
 of the persewers refusal to give her oath upon ane exception 
 of payment proponned be the defender. 
 
 The which day John Brown Tenant in Stitchill is judicially 
 decerned to make payment to Andro Johnstone servitor to 
 John ffairbairn in Rowes the soum of 161ib. Scots money as 
 the agryed pryce of certain beare and oats which grew at 
 Sweethope. Sweithope sold and delivered be the persewer to the defender 
 cropt 1705 which should bein payed the first of May last In 
 respect the said defender being lawfully summoned oft tymes 
 called and not compearing was halden as confest. 
 
 The which day John ffairbairn Tennent in Stitchill is 
 judicially decerned to pay to William Dickson ther the soum 
 of 34sh. and a farthing Scots money as the ballance of ane 
 Accompt dew be the persewer with 6d. of expenses. 
 
 Gulielmus Pringle Notarius Publicus cler. 
 
 (101) Ane other Court holden at Stitchill Kirk be the Right 
 
 1707, January Honourable sir j ohn p r i ng le of Stitchill Knight Barronnett 
 upon the 11th day of January 1707 years. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 157 
 
 The which day anent the Lyble persewed at the instance 
 of Alexander Scott servitor to John Lawrie in Stitchill with 
 concurrence of Procurator ffiscall against Walter Scott in 
 Stitchill Making mentione that when about 20 days since or 
 therby the said defender in ane furious manner scandelized the Scandal £10. 
 said Janet Puntem in her good name and reputation by 
 threatening the complainer and calling her banisht bitch and 
 desyred to her to come out that he might draw blood of her 
 about the eyes wherby he has comitted ane manifest scandall 
 and ryot and therfor the said defender ought and should not 
 only be unlaid and amerciat conform to the Acts of Parlia- 
 ment but also punyshed in his body to the terror of others to 
 commit the lyke in tym comeing And also to make satisfaction 
 as accords As the Lyble more fully bears Which being called 
 the said defender compeared personally and denyed, which the 
 persewer referred to his oath, who refused to purge himself by 
 oath and therfor amerciats him in ten pounds Scots money 
 Decerning to Janet Puntan the party wronged Thrie pound 
 therof for which she is allowed to poynd his goods and doe 
 any other diligence wherein she has a mynd. Also requires 
 Alexander Lowrie to give all concurrence and assistance to 
 the party wrongid in case she have a mind to persew the said 
 scandall before the Kirk Session or any other competent Kirk Session, 
 judicatory for reparation of her good name. 
 
 The which day Alexander Scott in Stitchill is amerciat in seizure of pot. 
 51ib. Scots money for ane spuilzie committed be him in offering Spu n z i e ^ 5> 
 to take ane pott out of the said Alexander Scott his brothers 
 house forcibly. Ex confessione rei. 
 
 The which day John Brunton smith in Stitchill and Adam 
 Charteris ther ar ilk ane of them amerciat in 51ib. Scots for Riots £5. 
 ryots committed ilk ane of them upon others in tyme of 
 Teynding and stopping therof. Teinding. 
 
 The which day Andro Watson in Stitchill is judicially Debt, 
 decerned to pay to John Younger miller at Stitchill milne the 
 soum of 51ib. 4sh. 6d. Scots money resting of a greater soum 
 conform to ane fitted accompt this day betwixt the Persewer 
 and defender In respect of the defenders own confession with 
 lOsh. money forsaid of expenses. 
 
 Act discharging all possessors of ground in the Mayne 
 
158 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1707 
 
 Bourlae Court. 
 
 Green pease in fourth aikers or any other ground within the Barronny of 
 penaUy^io. Stitchill not exceiding ane quarter of ane husband-land to 
 putt green peise in all tyme comeing under the pain of lOlib. 
 halfe therof to be given to the Informer. The foresaid Act 
 is referred to a Bourlae Court that it may be considered by 
 the possessors themselves how far it may be convenient or 
 inconvenient for them, and ordains a Bourlae Court to be 
 halden for this purpose the first Saturday of May nixt. 
 
 The which day the w r holl Tennants and possessors within 
 the Barronnie of Stitchill ar judicially decerned for ther rents 
 resting unpayed at Mertimes last and annual rents of the same 
 from the said term so long as they are unpayed. 
 
 Rents and 
 interest. 
 
 (102) The which day David Hogart in Stitchill is decerned to 
 
 s'eUs Sacking pay to John Paterson weaver ther lOsh. 8d. Scots money for 
 ios. 8d. g e j| s Q £ sac ki n g- c loth wrought be the complainer to the de- 
 
 fender 2 years since at Candlemes last. 
 
 The which day anent the claim persewed by James Service 
 Alexander Hislop, James Turnbull, and Adam Hogart Ten- 
 nents in Stitchill against John Richison dyker ther Men- 
 tioning that wher in March last the saids complainers for 
 themselves and in name of the rest of the nighborhead im- 
 Folds. ployed the defender to build four folds which the defender 
 
 undertook to mount in of the said faulds for serving their 
 sheep immediately efter the said conditione which he has not 
 yet performid and therefor he ought and should be decerned 
 to make payment to the complainers the soum of . . . for 
 Bourlae Court, coast, skaith and damnage. Which the said Barron and Judge 
 taking to consideration referred the matter to the decision 
 of the Bourlae Court. 
 
 (103) The which day Anent ane petition given in by John 
 
 1707, Nov. 8. Dickson taylor in Kelso and Agnes Hamilton his spous, shewing 
 Headstones. that whereas George Hamilton in Smailholm Spitle having at 
 his own hands about 5 years since or therby causid lift twa 
 heids which belongid the petitioner Agnes Hamilton her 
 deceist father and brother and lies disposed upon the same 
 And therefor the Petitioners humbly cravid that the said 
 Barron and Judge will be pleasid to appoint such persons as 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 159 
 
 his lordship should think fitt to take try all of the same and 
 report. 
 
 Gulielmus Pr ingle Xotariu.s Publicum cler. 
 
 And that the said twa Heid stanes may be restored back to 
 the petitioners and set up in the places thev were formerly takin 
 from And vour lordships authority etc. Which petition the 
 Judge taking to consideration ordavns Alexander Lowrv with 
 assistance of Adam Hogart wright, John Underwood beddell, 
 George Hamilton Tennant John Donaldson and Richard 
 Givan to take under ther consideration the contents of the 
 said petitione and to make report of the same instantly as 
 betwixt and this dav eight davs Who having instantlv viewed 
 the ground reports that according to ther best knowledge and 
 judgment the headston that was sett at George Hamilton 
 wright his grave doth still remain ther. And lvkewvse that it 
 is not consistant with ther knowledge that the said George 
 Hamilton his sone had a headston at his grave nor that the 
 within-designed George Hamilton had removed anv head- 
 stones during his residence at Stitchill or since. And ordavns 
 extracts heirof to be given to the parties if they think fitt 
 The forsaid report sic subscribitur Alexander Lowrie John 
 Donaldson. Robert Givan. Adam Hogart. George Hamilton. 
 John Underwood. 
 
 Ane Barronny Court holden at Stitchill Kirk Be the Right ^ j C ~ 
 Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight Barronnett 
 Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof upon 
 the forsaid 31st January 1708. 
 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 The which day Anent the Lyble persewed at the instance Burial in Linen 
 of John Underwood Procurator ffiscall of this said Court forbldden - 
 against John Brunton smith in Stitchill James Sheill ther. 
 Peter Grigor ther, John Anderson ther. James Dods ther. 
 John Smith ther, John Brown ther, James Steinson in Hume 
 Byres Mentioning that wher be Act of Parliament of date the 
 25th day of March 1707 years All the leidges and subjects 
 within this Kingdom ar expressly prohibit and dischairged 
 to wind ther deid in Linnen cloth and trew it is that the 
 fornamid persons and ilk ane of them have contraveined the 
 
160 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 To^be Buried in said Act of Parliament in not burying their deid in woollen 1 
 viz.. — The said John Brunton for his mother-in-law. James 
 Steill for his child, Peter Grigor for his child, John Anderson 
 for his sone, James Dods for his child, John Smyth for his 
 wyfe Agnes Dicksone, John Brown for his wyfe Margaret 
 Cockburn, James Steinson for his child, And therfor they ought 
 and should be decerned ilk ane of them in the soum of 200 
 
 Penalty ^200. pounds Scots money and the halfe therof to be applyed to the 
 use of the poor conform to the Acts of Parliament thereanent 
 as the Lyble bears. Which being called and the defenders 
 being lawfully summoned oft tymes called and not compeiring 
 was holden as confest except the said defender John Brunton 
 being necessarily absent and in regard it was credibly attested 
 by several] persons that his mother in law died before the 
 dates of the Act and lykewyse attested be the Defenders own 
 wyfe Wherfor the Judge and Barron assoilzied the said 
 defender Brunton in manner forsaid and decerns against the 
 rest of the absents And the rest in the Lyble compearing in 
 the said soume of 200libs. money forsaid and ordaines the 
 halfe therof to be applied to the use of the poor conform 
 to the Acts of Parliament theranent. In respect the saids 
 persons compearing confest they had contraveined the said 
 Act of Parliament anent burying in woollen. 
 
 Lands out of The which day anent ane Complaint given in be Robert 
 
 rotation. Wax servant to the said Sir John Pringle against Adam 
 Charteris and Alexander Hyslop Tennants in Stitchill shewing 
 that wher the fornamid persons contrair to neighbourhead and 
 practices of the Barronnie put their lands out of the ordinary 
 breaks and therfor they ought and should be decerned to 
 make payment to the said persewer as ffactor forsaid to the 
 said Sir John Pringle of the soum of ... as cost, skaith and 
 damnage as the said Complaint bears Which being called and 
 the said Judge and Barron rinding that the defender Hysloppe 
 by his own confession has prejudged the ground he possest in 
 
 1 This Act of Parliament was passed with the object of encouraging the 
 woollen trade in the kingdom. And ministers of religion were enjoined to see 
 it carried into practice ; hence the rural Scots custom of having the clergyman 
 present when a body was chested or placed within the coffin. 
 
i;o8] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 161 
 
 plowing up Lie ground which had only lyne for one yeare 
 And therfor decerns against him in Ten pounds Scots for 
 making up of the loss and damnage yearly And ordayns such 
 effects as the said Adam Charteris hes within the Barronnie yet 
 remayning to be socneid and arreisted till he satisfye for the Socneid. 
 damnage done be him in manner forsaid. 
 
 The which day Agnes Lamb in Stitchill is decerned to pay Land-tilling, 
 to James Turnbull tennent there the soume of 30sh. Scots 
 money in compleat payment of 30sh. money forsaid acclaimed 
 be the persewer fra the said defender as the remayn of the 
 pryce of certain land-tilling within these 3 years or therby In 
 respect the persewer refused to give his oath upon the verity 
 of the Lyble efter the same was deferred therto. 
 
 The which, day the said Judge and Barron sitting in judg- Unpaid Rents, 
 ment decerns against the haill tenants and cottars who have 
 not yet payed in their rents dew at Mertimes 1707 or who 
 shall not pay them betwixt and the third of the nixt moneth 
 for the saids rents and the current interest therof from the 
 said term of Mertimes so long as they remayn unpayed. 
 
 Gulielmus Pringle Not arms Publicus cler. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day Alison Hogart in Stitchill is inlaid in one (105) 
 shilling sterling for breaking of a Firr tree branch at her own I7 ° 8, May 8 ' 
 hands without liberty given to her for that effect. 
 
 As also the said day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in Rents and 
 judgment decernes against the Tennants within the Barronny inlerest - 
 of Stitchill as shall failzie in payment of ther rents at Whit- 
 sunday nixt for the annualrents therof from the said term of 
 payment. 
 
 The which day Thomas Watson in Stitchill is decerned to Eaten Oats 
 pay to Robert Gottrae ther the quantity of seven halfe fulles and Bear " 
 of oats and one peck with halfe peck of beare eatten and 
 destroyed be the Defenders Bestiall in harvest last conform to 
 note of apprysing submitted be Alexander Lawrie John 
 Donaldson and Alexander Wilsone ordinar comprisers within 
 the Barronnie produced in process as the pryce therof of the 1 Boll Oats 
 said oats at 4Kb. lOsh. the Boll and the beare at the rate of IOS * 
 51ib. lOsh. the Boll at the option of the Defender either to 
 
 L 
 
162 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1708 
 
 pay that value or corn in specie conform to the said quantity 
 lvbelled and that within 8 days otherways to be lyable for the 
 value in money. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmaia. 
 ^(106) Which day compeared the wholl tenants of the said 
 
 Barronnie being lawfully warned and called to that effect. 
 Two horses to The said day Robert Weir in Stitchill is decerned to pay to 
 Shyster. George Hamilton in the Hill ther the soums of money follow- 
 ing for the causes efter specified viz. — The soume of 4sh. 
 sterling as the prvce of Two horse cariages to Dalkeith or 
 any other part round within that distance or to lend the 
 persewar twa horse to Dalkeith or to any other part round 
 within that distance and that within 21 hours advertisement 
 with this certificatione that if the complainer doe not require 
 the saids horses- betwixt and the term of Whitsunday nixt as 
 otherwavs shall have no farther claim to them and lvkewyse 
 the soum of 20sh. Scots money for two horse cariages to him 
 to Hundalee in the same maner in Summer last both as to the 
 tvme of performance with 9sh. money forsaid for muck leid- 
 ing with 16d. for twa leids of oats carying to the mylne Item 
 ane grot for 2 reists Ejc confessione rei. 
 
 (107) The Court of the Lands and Barronnie of Stitchill haldtn 
 
 170:., April 23. afc the Kirk t h ero f be the Right Honourable Sir John Pringle 
 of Stitchill Knight Barronnett Heretable Proprietor of the 
 Lands and Barronnie therof upon the forsaid day moneth and 
 year above written. 
 
 Curia legittime ajfirmata. 
 Lint in lochs The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- 
 etc. 40s. ment anent the complaint given in be John Underwood Pro- 
 
 curator ffiscall against the Tennants and Cottars within the 
 Barronny of Stitchill for transgressing the Acts of Parliament 
 made against steiping of green Lints in Loches or burns to 
 the prejudice of the fishes therin and bestiall that drinks of the 
 waters therof The said Judge fyned the Tennants and Cottars 
 Contumacy compearing ilk ane of them in 40sh. Scots money in respect of 
 <£ ia ther confessions and ilk ane of the absents in lOlibs. money 
 
 forsaid for contumacy In respect they were lawfully cited to have 
 
17 io] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 163 
 
 compeired that day and place ofttymes called and not compet- 
 ing wherfor the Judge unlaid in manner forsaid and ordayns the 
 absents to be cited to the nixt Court day with certification. 
 
 Curia legiU'ime qffirmata. 
 
 The whilk day being ane Head Court the wholl tennants and ( io s) 
 cottars compeiring being lawfully warned for that effect and I7 °9- Nov - 5- 
 took Instruments of their compearance and were unlaid for 
 transgressing the forsaid Act of Parliament conform to the 
 Termes therof. 
 
 Act ordaining all within the Barronnie of Stitchill to make payment of 
 punctuall payment to the Schoolmaster of the quarters fees schoolmaster, 
 at ther Entrees Declaring that efter any has begun a quarter 
 and removes ther children from the school befor the said 
 quarters be finished they shall have no allowance of what shall 
 be wanting of the said quarter nor shall be allowed to count 
 the same upon the beginning of ane other quarter Nor shall be 
 allowed any single days that are intermitted in a quarter 
 Excepting from this Act the cause of sickness only for which 
 allowance may be claimed. 
 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 The which day Agnes Lamb relict of the deceast Thomas (109) 
 Underwood wright in Stitchill and Robert Weir tennant in ay 
 Park End ar judicially decerned to pay to Robert Pringle 
 merchand in Home the soumes of money following ilk ane of Debts, 
 them for ther own pairts as is efter divyded viz. — The said 
 Agnes Lamb the soum of 31ib. 7sh. Scots money as the re- 
 mainder of certain Lint bought and receaved be her fra the 
 complainer 5 years since ; The said Robert Weir 51ib. 9sh. 
 money forsaid for certain iron bought and receaved be him fra 
 the complainer a year since In respect the said defender Lamb 
 and Robert Weir his wyfe compeared both personally and 
 confest the forsaid soums to be justly resting wherfor the 
 Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 The which day Peter McGregor in Stitchill is decerned to Waulk mill, 
 pay to John Watson at Stitchill walk mylne the soumes of 
 money following for the causes specified, viz. — The soum of Milling and 
 28sh. Scots money for milling and dressing of 14 ells of gray ssfper eif. ray 
 
164 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 at 2sh. per ell Item 17d. for cloath milled and prest at the 
 29th June last extending to °,lib. 5sh. money forsaid. 
 Nag. The which day the said Peter McGregor is decerned to pay 
 
 to John Currie in Stitchill the soume of 91ib. lOsh. Scots 
 money resting of the pryce of ane naig bought and receaved 
 be the defender fra the complainer at Mertimes last as the 
 pryce of a cappfull of meall bought and receaved at the tym 
 forsaid In respect the persewers oath being deferred therto by 
 the defender. 
 
 4 fulls horse The which day the said Peter McGregor is decerned to pay 
 to James Manderstone in Harlae the soume of fourty fyve 
 shillings Scots money as the pryce of four fulls horse corn 
 bought and receaved at Chalamas 1 last. E.r confessione rei 
 with ten shillings of expenses. 
 
 The which dav Issabell Pringle in Stitchill spouse to James 
 Wilson in Kelso is decerned to pay to Robert Wood taylor in 
 Stitchill the soum of 91ib. Scots monev resting of the soum of 
 161ib. money forsaid promitted be him in name of prentice 
 fee with her son James Wilson In respect the defender being 
 lawfully summoned ofttymes called and not compearing was 
 holden as confest. 
 
 Cow /2 4 . ii. 6. The which day Thomas Donaldson in Stitchill is decerned 
 to pay to Alexander Hislop tennent ther the soum of 24lib. 
 llsh. 6d. Scots money as the pryce of ane Cow bought and 
 receaved be the defender fra the complainer ane moneth 
 since In respect of the persewers oath. 
 Teinding The which day the said Judge and Barron sitting in judg- 
 
 and^s.^stg! ment statutes and ordavns in all tyme comeing the small 
 possessors in the toun of Stitchill attend the Teynding upon 
 the first wairning and upon ther negligence and faillzency 
 herein impowers the officer within the Harronnie to poynd 
 summarily and immediately to the value of lsh. sterling and 
 this for delaying to come out but if they be absent the wholl 
 tym to the value of osh. sterling and this to proceed upon 
 summer poynd ing. 
 
 Expiry of Act Declairing that when any of the small possessors in the 
 
 Mavnes and acres of Stitchill give over ther possessions at the 
 
 1 Candlemas. February 2. 
 
1712] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 16-5 
 
 term of Mertimes as is customary with severally They shall be 
 obleidged to refound the value of the gras they possessed the 
 year before without any deduction or allowance for herds fee 
 or other expenses and lykewyse declairs that any of the saids 
 possessors giving over in manner above exprest shall have no 
 right to the fail of that years cropt nor any fuill mad about 
 ther house but shall leave it to the next possessor of the 
 ground without any payment on that accompt or con- 
 sideration therfor. 
 
 The forsaid dav William Watson George Aitchison James Be- - ^ 
 Turnbull David Hocrart Alexander Hamilton and John 
 
 o 
 
 Watson were admitted Bourlaemen who gave ther oath de fideli 
 ad m i n isirat'ione. 
 
 The which day Robert Haliday in Stitchill is decerned to 
 pay to Alexander Hislop ther the soum of 14lib. Scots as the ' '~' 
 
 pryce of ane Xaig bought and receaved be the Defender fra 
 the Complainer at Kelso Fair last In respect the said defender 
 being lawfully summoned oft tymes called and not compearing 
 was holden as confest. 
 
 The which day James Turnbull in Stitchill is assoilzied Riot -^wiri^, 
 from ane Ryot and Blood alledged comitted be him upon 
 Thomas Pearson ther In respect of the defenders oath being 
 referred therto by the perse wer. 
 
 The which dav anent the claim persewed at the instance of 
 Alexander Hislops against Andro Watsone and Thomas Hog- 
 <jart being referred to James Dicksone and John Younger Thev 
 ordained the said Andro Watsone and Thomas Hoggart con- 
 form to ther severall propositions to pay to the said Alexander 
 Hislop Tlib. lOsh. Scots monev which is ordained. This Sentence 
 to be extracted with expenses conforme. 
 
 Guliehnus Pringle Xotarius Publicus cler. 
 
 Curia legittime affimata. 
 
 The which day Andro Hogart carver in Stitchill is judi- (no») 
 ciallie decerned to pav to Adam Hogart carver ther the soums 1 ' 12 "'""*" ~" 
 of money following for the causes efter specified viz.. — 42sb. EVebts 
 Scots money borrowed ane year since Item 20sh. monev forsaid 
 as ane Cariadore of meal to Edinburgh the tvm forsaid Item 
 
166 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1712 
 
 Relief of Cau- 
 tionry. 
 
 Hume. 
 
 31ib. 15sh. money forsaid uplifted be the defender in name of 
 the Complainer from ane person in Edinburgh for which he 
 made no Compt to the Complainer extending to six pounds 
 seventeen shillings money forsaid In respect the said defender 
 being lawfully summoned oft tymes called and not compeiring 
 was holden as confest. 
 
 The which day anent the Lyble persewed at the instance of 
 George Aitchison merchand in Stitchill against James Turn- 
 bull tennent ther Mentioning that wher about 16 years since 
 or therby the said defender became cautioner for the Com- 
 plainer for payment to the deceast Adam Turnbull sometym 
 indweller in Home brother to the defender of the soum of 
 lOlib. sterling money principall with annual rents and ex- 
 penses contained in a Bond granted be the said Defender as 
 principall and the Complainer and Andro Walker in Kaimflat 
 conjunctlie and severallie as cautioners for the said defender 
 to the said deceast Adam Turnbull And trew it is that Turn- 
 bull hes raised ane Writt against the Complainer and intends 
 to apprehend and secure hes person and effects in England aye 
 and till payment be made of the said debt as the Complainer 
 is certainly informed Therfore humbly craves your Lordship 
 will decern and ordayn the said defender to release the Coin- 
 plainer from his said cautionry and of all damnage and expenses 
 he may incur ther through As the Lyble bears which the said 
 Judge and Barron taking to consideration decerns conform to 
 the Lyble and ordains extract hereof when ever the Complainer 
 shall instruct and document that he has been distrest for the 
 debt above mentioned and payed the same. 
 
 (in) 
 
 171 2, Nov. 8. 
 
 5 capfuls meal 
 10s. 
 
 Ane Head Barron Court holden at Stitchill Kirk by the 
 Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight Bar* 
 ronnett Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barron me 
 therof upon the eighth of November 1712. 
 
 ( 'uria legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day Andro Hogart in Stitchill is decerned to 
 pay to Elspeth Paterson ther eight shillings Scots as the 
 remainder of weaverwork wrought be the deceast John Pater- 
 son the complainers father to the defender ane year since 
 Item lOsh. money forsaid as the pryce of 5 cap fulls of meal] of 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 167 
 
 bountith Item seven pence as the pryce of half a peck of oatmeal half peek -i. 
 ex confesslone. 
 
 The which day Alexander Gardiner weaver in Stitchill is Blood and riot 
 unlaid in oOlib. Scots for ane Blood and ryot comitted be him ~- :c - 
 upon Adam Hvslop residenter in Lothian within Margaret 
 Clarkes house. 
 
 The which dav James Stevenson tenant in Home Byres is Removing a 
 amerciat in lOlib. Scots money for violently at his own hand" - e ~ I_ 
 takins: ane horse out of ane draught belon^incr to Robert 
 Pringle merchant in Home the last Spring In respect of his 
 own confession. 
 
 The which dav George Hammilton in Stitchill and Patrick 5 : ^ 7 e^e 
 Glasgow ther ar unlaid ilk ane of them in ane shilling sterling lIV.' 3 ' 
 
 o ... Taking away a 
 
 the said George Hammilton in refusing to take a pledge and poyndodhofse 
 the other for taking away his horse at his own hands efter it 
 was poyndit according to their own confessions. 
 
 Gidielmus Pringle Xotarius Publlcus clcr prardict. curiae. 
 
 Curia hgittime affirmata. 
 
 The whilk day William Watson in Stitchill is judicially 112 
 decerned to pav to John Lindores in Home the soum of Twentv 
 
 » » - Hume, 
 
 four pounds Scots money seven shillings and six pennies as ane r v? . r 
 
 years fee wrought be the defender to the Complainer three ^' 2 +- 7- 
 
 years since In respect of the defendars confession allowing 
 
 detention in the defendars hand for seven davs work till ye 
 
 next Court day. 
 
 The which day Sir John Pringle Knight and Baronet sitting Ar>: 
 in judgment hes absolved William Hope herd to John Younger 
 miller at Stitchill from the claime persewed. at James Watsons 
 walker his instance against him for twenty six shillings Scots 
 apprysed be the Bourlae men for alledged damnage sustavned 
 be the said James Watsone bv the said William Hopes neglect 
 conform to ane note of apprysing produced In respect of the 
 persewers refusal to depone being deferred thereto by the 
 defender. 
 
 The which day Thomas Hogart in Stitchill is judicially Debt, 
 decerned to pay to John Mack Tennant in Gordon Mains the 
 soum of Ten pounds Scots monev as the remains of the prvce 
 of certain sheep bought and receaved be the defender from the 
 
16S 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 complainer 3 years since In respect of the perse wers oath 
 being deterred therto by the defender. 
 
 The which day William Blackie Tennant in Parkend is 
 decerned to pay to Robert Hopper Tennant in Idenmith the 
 soum of 24lib. lsh. Scots money as the remainder of the pryce 
 of a meer boj^ht and receaved be the defender from the corn- 
 plainer at St. James Fair last which should have been paved 
 at Mertimes last In respect the said defender being lawfully 
 summoned to have compeared this day and place oft tymes 
 called and not compeiring was holden as confest. 
 z*zz. The which day John Underwood w right in Stitchill is 
 
 judicially decerned to pay to Robert Thomson servant to John 
 Younger tennent in Stitchill the soum of 91ibs. Scots money 
 borrowed and receaved be the said defender from the corn- 
 plainer 2 years since In respect the defender being lawfullie 
 summoned oft tymes called and not compeiring was holden as 
 confest. 
 
 . The which day Patrick Grigor in Stitchill and David Broune 
 
 sklaiter ther is judicially decerned to pay to Robert Pringle 
 merchant in Home the soums of money following for the causes 
 ef:er ^pec:^ed To witt the said Patrick Grigor the soum of 
 24sh. 6d. Scots monev which the defender became debitor to the 
 complainer for Margaret Black 8 yeirs >ince Item 16sh. money 
 1 r: forsaid as ve remainder of the pryce of Lint seid comptid and 
 
 reckoned betwixt the complainer and defender this day The 
 said David Brown 28sh. money forsaid for merchandise goods 
 six vears since In respect the said defender being lawfullie 
 summoned oft tymes called and not compeiring was holden as 
 confest. 
 
 Mare £3. The which day William Blackie Tennent in Park End is 
 
 decerned to pay to Alexander Hislop Tennant in Stitchill 
 3libs. Scots money as the cost of ane mear which was payable 
 at St. James Fair last In respect of absence being lawfullie 
 summoned for that effect. 
 is- , - =. The which day John Browne cowan in Stitchill is judicially 
 
 dyker. decerned to pay to John Smith smith ther the soums of money 
 
 following for the efter causes specified To witt 31ibs. Scots 
 monev as ye pryce of halfe a bflilc bear boogbt and receaved 
 be ye defender from ye complainer 6 years since Item 56sh. 
 
17 1 3] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 169 
 
 Scots money forsaid as the pryce of halfe a boll of oats bought £ boll oats 56s. 
 and receaved at the Time forsaid Item 161ibs. money forsaid 
 .as ye pryce of 10 pks of oatmeall bought and receaved 4 years 1? pecks meal 
 since In respect of absence being lawfullie cited. 
 GuUelmus Pringle Notarius PubUcus cler. 
 
 Ane Head Court halden at Stitchill Kirk Be the Right ("3 
 
 1713, Nov. 14. 
 
 Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight Baronnett 
 Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie therof upon 
 the 14th day of November 1713 years. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day Robert Haliday in Stitchill is judicially Plowing £3. 
 decerned to pay to Alexander Hamilton in Maynrig the 
 so ume of Slibs. Scots money resting for plowing of certain 
 lands possest be the defender 3 years since In respect of 
 the defenders acknowledgement that the soum lybelled is 
 owing. 
 
 The which day George Aitchison elder merchant in Stitchill Riot £10. 
 is unlaid in lOlibs. Scots monev for ane Rvot comitted be him 
 upon Josua Locke gardener at Neuton and his brother ex con- 
 J'essione and is assoilzied from the Blood in regard not proven 
 as also James and George Aitchison younger ar unlaid in Ten contumacy 
 pounds Scots for contumacy and ordavned to be cited to the £ 1Q - 
 nixt Court day. 
 
 The which day Adam Hogart caryer in Stitchill is judicially Debt, 
 decerned to pay to Mr. John Dicksone Minister at Lantrive 
 the soume of 32 pounds 6sh. Scots monev as the pryce and 
 worth of certain victual bought and receaved be him from 
 the Complainers father 17 years since or therbv In respect the 
 said defender being lawfully summoned to have compeared this 
 day and place oft tymes called and not compeiring was hoklen 
 as confest. 
 
 The which day it is statute and ordavned that in all tyme Actanentthe 
 •comeing the mylne but not the houses belonging to it be MaL 
 furnished with strae be the Tennants proportionally to the 
 husband lands within the Barronnie ordaining them to carry 
 the said strae according to their proportions to the Mill, and 
 that the said Mill be furnished with divots proportional ly 
 thrcT the Barronnie conform to the husband lands. But 
 
170 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE [1713, 
 
 ordayning that the Millar both cast and lead the saids divotts 
 upon his own charges. 
 
 Act anent furnishing of divots to the coat houses Manses 
 and houses belonging to it Mill and Tevnd barne Malt barne 
 and kiln and generally other houses within the Barronnie that 
 may neid reparation. 
 
 Item it is statute and ordained that the Burlaemen meit 
 twice in the yeare viz. the first Saturday of March and the first 
 Saturday of October at which Courts of the Bourlaemen any 
 possessors of the houses above written may give in accompt of 
 what divots they need for repairing their houses and the 
 Bourlaemen are ordered to divyde and proportion the same 
 in the most convenient and equal manner to all concerned 
 amongst the several! husbandlands of the Barronnie including 
 therein Queenscairne Sweithope and the Park End but not the 
 inclosures of the Craigend. 
 
 Act ordaining all such as put any horse or other beast- 
 upon the Hall hill to concurr in fencing it so as it adjoins 
 to the fourth aikers Including therein that part of the 
 fourt Aiker presentlie possest be John Younger and ordain- 
 ing the wholl residenters within the Baronie to concur for 
 mending of ways digging of wells or any other thing of 
 that kind. 
 
 Gidielmus Pringle Xotarius PubUcws cJer. 
 
 The which day David Brown sklaiter in Stitchilland Issobell] 
 Edmonstoun his spouse is decerned to pay to Margaret Clark 
 ther 41ib. 5sh. Scots money for drink furnished be the corn- 
 plainer to the defender a year since In respect of absence being 
 lawfully summoned. 
 
 Ane uther Head Barron Court halden at Stitchill Kirk Be 
 the Right Honourable Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 Barronet Heretable Proprietor of the Lands and Barronnie 
 ther upon the 6th day of November 1714. 
 
 Curia legitt'nne afpnnnta. 
 
 The which day Agnes Lamb relict of the deceast Thomas 
 Underwood wright in Stitchill is judicially decerned to pay 
 to Margaret Black in Stitchill the soume of 3sh. sterling 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 171 
 
 for aill furnished to her 3 years since In respect to the 
 persewers oath being deferred therto he the defender. 
 
 The which day Issobell Pringle in Stitchill and James Debt. 
 Wilson her husband for his interest is decerned to pay to 
 Robert Givan Tennent in Sweethope the soum of 61ib. 
 6sh. 8d. Scots money for certain oats bought and receaved by 
 the defender fra the complainer 3 years since In respect the 
 defender being lawfully summoned oft tymes called and not 
 compeiring was holden as confest. 
 
 The which day George Hammiltoun in the Hill is decerned to Wool, 
 pay to . . . Whyte skinner in Kelso 43sh. and a farthing Scots 
 money for wool bought and receaved be him from the com- 
 plainer ane year since In respect of the Defenders confession. 
 Payed at the barr. 
 
 The which day all Acts are renewed anent of keiping of ye Swine, 
 swine and furder dischairges keiping of swyne at any rate 
 excepting within crooves and clos houses. 
 
 Stitchill Aprylle last 1715. (n6) 
 Curia legittime affinnata. 
 
 The which day Sir John Pringle of Stitchill Knight and Bar- Debt, 
 ronnett sittand in judgment hes decerned and ordained John 
 Brown in Stitchill to pay to Robert Thompson ther the soume 
 of six libs. Scots money borrowed and receaved be the defender 
 from the complainer 6 years since or therby In respect the said 
 defender being lawfully summoned oft tymes called and not 
 compearing was holden as confest. 
 
 The which day Andro Watson Margaret Lithgow Alexander Whins. 
 Johnstoun Jainet Airmstrang Margaret Hopper Agnes Ker 
 Robert Purves and Issobell Phaup cotars in Stitchill are ilk 
 ane of them amerciat in six pence a [piece]. In respect they 
 being conveined at the instance of the Procurator ffiscall for 
 cutting of whins in the whinnie park efter they were dis- 
 charged and the defenders being all lawfully summoned to 
 have compeared this day and place oft tymes called and not 
 compeiring wherfor the Judge decerned in manner forsaid. 
 
 As also the said day George Wilson and John Millar in Not proven. 
 Stitchill ar judicially absolved from the forsaid Lyble and 
 complaint in respect not proven that they had taken away any 
 
172 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 Baron Bailie. 
 
 whins after the prohibition. The which day John Lowrie in 
 Queenscairne is appointed to be barron-baillie. 
 
 , Dec. 
 
 White Nag 
 
 E-.ve Hog 4csh. 
 
 Riving out 
 balks. 
 
 Meal. 
 
 Bo v la men. 
 
 The Court of the Lands and Barronnie of etc. upon the 
 10 December 1715. Curia I. aff. etc. 
 
 The which dav John Millar in Stitchill is judicially decerned 
 to content and pay to Alexander Hislop tennant ther the 
 soume of 241ib. Scots money as the pryce of ane whyte naig 
 bought and receaved be the defender from the complainer at 
 Candlemas last which should have been payed at first day of 
 May last wherof he refused payment In respect the defender 
 being lawfullie summoned oft tymes called and not compeiring 
 was holden as confest. 
 
 The which day Thomas Bosuall herd in Queenscairne is 
 judicially decerned to pay to Alison Lawrie ther the soum of 
 40sh. Scots monev as the value of ane eu hog lost be the de- 
 fender pertayning to the complainer which was delyvered to 
 the defender to be herded In respect of the defenders confessione. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- 
 ment apoynts and enacts that herafter no Tennent or possessor 
 of Land rive out baulks or any part of them or any peice of 
 gras ground t na t hath not been in use to be tilled befor As 
 also that no po-sessor of Land herefter mow down the stubble 
 of ther corne land efter the corns ar reaped with the hook and 
 especially that none mow the stubble of ther pies of ground 
 whether shorn or unshorn under pretence that the crop failled 
 and that the same was overgrown with grase under the penalty 
 of 401ib. Scots to be payed be the transgressors such as to this 
 and the artickle above of riving out balks. 
 
 The said day Issobell Pringle in Stitchill is decerned to pay 
 to William Dickson Tennent in Oxmoor 31ib. Scots money as 
 ve remainder of the prvce of a stone of meall In respect of 
 absence. 
 
 The which dav John Millar John Thompson Andrew Sheill 
 Patrick Gla-gow and Peter Grigor was addit burlamen who 
 gave ther oathe cle jideli. 
 
 In8) 
 1716, May 12. 
 
 May 12 1716. 
 
 The said day George Brown in Hare heuch was appointed 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 173 
 
 officer for that part of the Barronnie of Stitchill which lies 
 within the sherifdome of Berwick. 
 
 The Court of the Barronnie of Stitchill being ane Head 
 Court etc. upon the 3rd day of November 1716 Curia etc. 
 
 The which day the said Sir John Pringle sittand in judg- Carriage o 
 ment hes appointed and enacted as follows : — Wheras frequent ^ P 
 complaints hath been made by such as use to hire ther horses 
 for money that they ar not able to cary divots from the 
 remotest marches wher they are usually casten to the coat 
 houses in the toun of Stitchill at the old and accustomed rate NV*rate-. 
 of llib. Scots the 1000; Therfor for ease and remedy hereof 
 it is appointed and enacted that in all tyme comeing so long 
 as this Act stands unrescinded the manner of affording divots 
 upon the respective tenements shall be determined as follows 
 viz., for Queenscairn all along the south side of the hill from 
 the west end of it to the east syde of infield including little 
 muire lying upon the east syde of the said infield and no 
 farther Item for Runningburn to the east end of Brewers acre Brewer's a 
 and no farther Item for Fleemrigg to the east end of the bog 
 lving upon the south side of the Eister Loch called Paddon Paddon L 
 Loch Item for the Main rig from the west end of the wester 
 meadow up and down and no farther except the . . . mvlne 
 to which divots may be led from the remotest part of the 
 Mainrig. 
 
 Item for the Park End anywher within the eastmost division Gaiaiaw. 
 of the Galalaw Enclosures and no farder. With this provision 
 alwavs that the Tennents possessors of these respective roums 
 shall have it in ther choyce when the cast of the divots is made 
 to order it in the bounds above mentioned or in the remotest 
 marches ar anywher else without the said bounds or if thev 
 choyse this last that the burden of carving the divots either in 
 wholl or in part shall ly upon themselves at the old rate of 
 lib. per 1000 but if they keep to the bounds above prescribed 
 thev shall not be lvable to the burden of leading: them but 
 that shall fall upon the small possessors of the town who have 
 horses and ar in use to let them out for hyre. The Croftheads. 
 bamvard and Mayns are not here mentioned becaus the leading 
 them from the remotest parts of these roums is easy enough. 
 
174 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1716 
 
 Hnmebyres. 
 
 Smailholm. 
 
 3 pecks meal 
 45 s - 
 
 Debt. 
 
 Service to the 
 Barony. 
 
 Riot £5. 
 
 Blood 50s. 
 Bound over. 
 
 Penalty 
 
 The which day John Millar in Stitchill is judicially decerned 
 to content and pay to John Lamb servitor to John Stevenson 
 Tennent in Homebvres for leading stones at Smailholm bog 
 at the late work ther at Lambes byegane a yeare being employed 
 be the Defender wherof he promised payment ex confessione ret. 
 Extracted 21 sh. of expenses of pley. 
 
 The which day Peter McGregor is decerned to pay to George 
 Dickson under miller at Stitchill milne the soume of 45sh. 
 Scots money as the aggryed pryce of three pecks oat meall 
 bought and receaved be the defender from the complainer two 
 years since In respect he was lawfully summoned oft tymes 
 called and not compearing was hoi den as confest. 
 
 As also David Broun sklaiter is decerned to pay to the said 
 George Dickson the soum of 33sh. money forsaid as the pryce 
 of certain meall resting 4 or 5 years since In absence being 
 lawfully summoned to this day for that effect. 
 
 The which day all the Tenants and cottars ar ordained to 
 meit on Monday nixt at 8 in the morning with John Younger 
 for adjusting his claime annent his service done to the 
 Barronnie last year and appoynts intimation hereof at the 
 Church Door under the penalty of 51i. for each absent. 
 
 The which day John Miller Tennant in Stitchill and 
 Margaret Turnbull his spous ar amcrciat in olib. Scots money 
 for ane Ryot committed be them on John Donaldson com- 
 plainer his son and his spouse as also the said Margaret 
 Turnbull is amerciat 50sh. Scots for ane blood comitted be her 
 upon Issobell Haitly complainers wyfe. Ex eonfessione rei. 
 
 And both parties John Millar and John Donaldson per- 
 sewers and defenders are judicially enacted kmc hide to keip 
 the peace and good behaviour ane with another in tyme 
 comeing that they, ther wyves children families and the goods 
 geares and possessions shall be harmless and skaithless at one 
 anothers hands under the paine of 51ib. Scots money for 
 each transgression herof they their wyves children families 
 servants shall be found guilty by and attour reparation of 
 damnages. 
 
 The which day William Turner and Agnes Younger his 
 spouse and John Miller and Margaret Turnbull his spouse ar 
 judicially enacted kmc 'vide to keip the peace and good 
 
i7i/] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 175 
 
 behaviour ane with another in tyme comeing That they their 
 wyves children families and other goods geares and possessions 
 shall be harmless and skaithless at one anothers hands under 
 the pain of 51ib. Scots money for each transgression herof that 
 they their wyves children families or servants shall be found 
 guilty by and attour reparation of the damnages. 
 
 November 10 1716. Court lawfully fenced. (120) 
 
 The which day Issobell Hoggart in Stitchill is amerciat in I?l6 ' Nov ' IO ' 
 5libs. Scots money for certain scandalous expressions against Scandal £5. 
 Barbara Wilson and Issobell Henderson her daughter In 
 respect of her confession. 
 
 And lykewyse the said day Issobell Henderson spous to 
 Alexander Hislop in Stitchill is amerciat in 5lib. Scots money 
 for scandelizing the said Issobell Hogart in her good name 
 by calling her ane Common hour and affirming that she had 
 parted with bairne ane twelve months since and severall other 
 opprobrious expressions and imprecations In respect the Lyble 
 was sufficiently proven by famous witnesses. 
 
 The whilk day the said Issobell Hagart is ordained to find Find caution 
 caution for her good behaviour with her nighbors in tyme penalty ^ s " 
 comeing under the penalty of 51ib. for each transgression. 
 
 And lykewyse Inacts the 2 Issobell Hendersons and Alex- 
 ander Hislop her husband for his interest to keep the peace 
 and good behaviour with ther nighbours under the pain of 
 5 lib. Scots for ilk transgression. 
 
 The which day Jennot Rutherford spous to James Wilson Debts, 
 is judicially decerned to pay Margaret Broune daughter to the 
 <leceast John Brown in Stitchill the soum of 21ib. lOsh. 8d. 
 Scots for the causes contained in the said decreit In respect 
 the defender being lawfully summoned oft tymes called and 
 not compearing was holden as confest. 
 
 The which day Simeon Marjoribanks wright in Stitchill is Contumacy 
 amerciat in llib. lOsh. Scots for speaking in Issobell Hogarts ^ Xm IO * 
 cause efter he was discharged. 
 
 May 8 1717. (121) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. Mciy 8 " 
 
 The whilk day William Hop herd to John Younger Tennent 
 
176 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [I/I7 
 
 Riot Deforce- 
 ment fio. 
 
 Scandal ^"io. 
 
 in Stitehill and Issobell Purves spous to Robert Hogart ther 
 it ilk ane of them amerciat in lOlib. Scots monev viz. the said 
 William Hope for ane Ryot and the said Issobell Purves for 
 ane deforcement committed upon John Lawrv Barron Officer 
 Ex confess'wne ret. 
 
 The which day Issobell Purves above designed being persued 
 at the instance of Issobell Learmont spous to Robert Purves 
 in Stitehill with concurrence of the Procurator ffiscall for ane 
 scandall in calling the persewer whoor theif and loun was 
 amerciat in lOlibs Scots monev for contumacv. 
 
 (122) 
 
 [717, Nov. 2. 
 
 Assoilzied. 
 
 Going over 
 
 Modified to v 
 stg. 5d. to 
 informer. 
 
 Scandal ,£10. 
 
 The Court of the Lands and Barronnie of Stitehill etc. upon 
 the 2nd day of November 1717. Curia etc. 
 
 The which day anent the Lyble of scandal persued befor the 
 said Judge at the instance of William Watson Tennent in 
 Stitehill with concurrence of the Procurator ffiscall against 
 James Turnbull Tennant their Mentioning that when in 
 August last the Defender most unchristianlv slandered the 
 complainer in his good name and reputation by saying and 
 affirming that the complainer did remove sum march stons and 
 encroached upon his possessions wherby the defender lias 
 comited ane slander upon the complainer and therefor ought 
 to be amerciat for the said slanderous expressions And for 
 proving therof the persewer adduced severall famous witnesses 
 who being solemnlv sworne and purged of malice and partial 1 
 councell deponnid negative wherfor the Judge assoilzied the 
 Defender in respect the Lyble was not proven. 
 
 The which day Joan Innes spouse to Peter Grigor in 
 Stitehill is unlaid in olib. Scots money for going over the 
 Hedge at Craig End Park In respect of her refusal to depone 
 being referred be the ffiscall of the Court to her oatli Modified 
 to on sh. sterling besides 6d. to the informer, and 2sh. 8d. for 
 the Lyble. 
 
 The which day Joan Haliday relict of Alexander Lowry in 
 Queenscairne Issabell Cramont servant to John Lowrie ther 
 and Issobell Brown ar ilk ane of them amerciat in lOlib. Scots 
 monev and ordains them to be recited again the nixt Court 
 day In respect they were lawfully summoned to this day to bear 
 witness in the action of scandall persewed be Issobell Learmont 
 
i7i 8] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 177 
 
 with concurrence of the ffiscall against Issobell Purves and not 
 compearing which thrie fynes are modifyed to halfe a crown. 
 
 The Court of the Lands and Barronnie of Stitchill etc. (1251 
 upon the 10th day of May 1718. Curia etc. 17181 May ia 
 
 The which day Andro Aitcheson Cottar in Stitchill is Debt, 
 judicially decerned to pay to William Maison Tennant in 
 Xeuton milne the soume of 43sh. Scots money as the remainder 
 of certain victuall bought and receaved be the Defender from 
 the complainer ane certain tym bvgon In respect of the said 
 defender being lawfullie summoned oft tvmes called and not 
 compearing is holden as confest. 
 
 The which day John Millar in Stitchill is decerned to pay Cow\ 
 to Alexander Gardiner weaver ther the soum of 61ib. 14>h. 
 Scots money as the remainder of the pryce of cow bought 
 and receaved be the said defender from the complainer at 
 Mertimes last Item 5 grots as the remainder of the pryce of 
 certain work with ane peck of hummel come or 8d. as the 1 peck hummel 
 pryce therof In respect of the persewers oath being referred ccrn 
 therto be the defender. 
 
 The which day Patrick Millar in Stitchill is decerned and Loss of Seme 
 ordained either to re-enter to Alexander Gardiner weaver in *** 
 Stitchill his service otherways to pay the soum of 121ib. Scots 
 money to the complainer as damnage lybelled sustained bv the 
 complainer if it shall be found reasonable. 
 
 The which day Issobell Purves in Stitchill is fvned of new Contumacy 
 again in lOlib. Scots for contumacy she being lawfully sum- ~ ra 
 moned to have compeared this day in the action of scandall 
 persewed be Issobell Learmont spouse to Robert Purves in 
 Stitchill with concurrence of the Procurator ffiscall against 
 her and is ordained to be cited to the nixt Court day. 
 
 Ita est attestor ego Guliehnus Pr'ingle Xotarius PubUcus 
 predict, curia? cler. 
 
 14 June 1718 Curia legittime affirmata. (124) 
 The which day Robert Pringle fiar of Stitchill in absence Sbm FHiSr 
 of and as having commission from Sir John Pringle of Fiar - 
 Stitchill his father, sitting in judgement anent the Lvable 
 persewed at the instance of Ninian Gardiner elder and 
 
 M 
 
178 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [171S 
 
 younger in Stitchill with concurrence of the Procurator 
 ffiscall against John Millar Tennant ther, Margaret Turn- 
 bull his spouse and Margaret Black his mother for bloods 
 and ryots committed be them upon complainer and damnage 
 sustained be the said Ninian Gardiner elder for want of his 
 bees and certaine imprecations uttered be the said Defenders 
 against the complainers which being called and the saids 
 defenders and ilk ane of them being lawfully summoned oft 
 tymes called and not compearing Wherfor the Judge unlaid 
 
 Contumacy and amerciat ilk ane of them in lOlib. Scots for contumacy 
 and ordained them to be cited to the nixt Court day. 
 
 The which day the said Judge sittand in judgment Anent 
 the Lyble persewed at the instance of the Procurator ffiscall 
 against the said Ninian Gardiner elder, Alexander and Ninian 
 Gardiner his sones and John Millar Tennent in Stitchill for 
 
 Blood and ryots certain bloods and ryots committed be them and ilk ane of 
 them hmc hide upon others and particularly the said Ninian 
 Gardiner ther for throwing down the said John Millar and 
 beatting him most cruelly to the effusion of his blood as the 
 Lyble bears And the said defender Ninian Gardiner younger 
 compearing personally who confest he was guilty of ane blood 
 and ryot committed be him upon the said John Millar 
 Wherfor the Judge amerciat him in 50lib. Scots money And 
 fyne the said John Millar of new again for contumacy and 
 absolves the saids Ninian Gardiner and Alexander Gardiner 
 his sone in respect of ther denyall and no probation against 
 them. 
 
 (125) The Court of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill holden 
 
 i/i8, ov. 15. ^ ^ e Kirk ther be Sir John Pringle etc. upon the 15 day of 
 November 1718. 
 Curia etc. 
 
 3 stooks The whilk day anent the Lyble persewed at the instance of 
 
 John Dickson taylor in Stitchill against Peter Grigor Tennant 
 ther mentioning that when in Harvest last the said Defender 
 most wrongously lifted off the ground posest be the per sewer 
 thrie stoucks of the complainers oats and therefor ought to be 
 decerned to delyver back to the complainer the said stoucks 
 of oats in the defenders possession or else shew ane cause to 
 
i;i8] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 179 
 
 the contrair Which being called and the defender compearing 
 personally confest that he took up the corn lybelled out 
 of mistake but alledged the complainer had ane equivalent 
 <juantitie of his for it The veritie of which assertion he 
 referred to the complainers oath who deferred it to the 
 defenders and the defender having sworn upon the assertion 
 above he is therupon assoilzied. 
 
 The which day John Cairncrose herd at Queenscairne is Darnchesters. 
 judicially decerned to pay to Joan Atkine spouse to Robert 
 Whytlie in Darnchesters in name of Jennet Aitken her sister 
 the soum of 3sh. sterling as the remainder of ane fee wrought 
 be the said Jennet Atkine to the defender 3 years since with Shoes 2s. stg, 
 ane pair of shoes or 2sh. sterling as the pryce thereof ane ell s C o l ts harden 4S ' 
 of harden or four shillings Scots as the pryce therof with ane 
 pund of butter for greising the said Jennet her wooll or 4sh. ilb. Butter 4s. 
 as the pryce thereof In respect the Defender being lawfully 
 summoned oft tymes called and not compeiring was holden as 
 confest. 
 
 The which day James Turnbull Tennant in Stitchill is Shoeing, 
 decerned to pay to John Smith ther the soumes of money etc*™^ 
 following for the causes efter specified viz., the soum of 
 71ib. 12sh. Scots money as the remayn of the pryce of a cow 
 bought and receaved be the defender from the complainer 6 
 years since Item 41ib. money forsaid for shoeing ane pair of 
 cairt wheels to the defender and mounting the rest of the 
 furnitur belonging to the cairt Item 8d. for iron payed to 
 Andro Inglis upon the Defenders accompt Item for ane harle 
 and a brandon making in respect of the persewers oath being 
 referred therto by the defender and assoilzies from the rest of 
 the articles lybelled. 
 
 1718 December 20 Curia legittime affirmata. (126) 
 The which day anent the Lyble persewed at the instance of 17l8 » Dec " 2 °* 
 the Procurator ffiscall against William Japhrae Tennant in greyinarc^s. 
 Homebyres Alexander Knox his servant and John Wait his 
 last servant and now to John Steinson tennant ther Making: 
 mention that wher the said defender or ane or other of them 
 spuilzied and away took off the lands of Homebyres ane grey 
 mair when the same was pasturing upon the stuble belonging 
 
180 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1718 
 
 to Richard Archer in Home and did ryde thereon to Midle- 
 stott being 7 miles distant wherby they have committed ane 
 spuilzie and therfor ought to be unlaid aud amerciat and 
 otherways punished for the said transgression Which being 
 called before the said Judge and the said defender Waitt com- 
 peiring confest the fact In respect wherof the Judge fyned him 
 in 51ibs. Scots for the spuilzie and injury comitted be him. 
 And assoilzies William Japhrae and the rest of his servants in 
 regard the said defender Wait freed them of having any 
 accession to it and ther was no proof otherwavs against them 
 And that but prejudice to the ouners claim wherever he may 
 perseu the same. 
 
 Casting Turf. The which day the said Sir John Pringle 1 of Stitchill 
 sittand in judgment appoints and enacts that in all tyme 
 comeinj; no Tennent or Possessor within the Barronv of 
 Stitchill cast TurfF for fewell upon ground carving grass tho* 
 never so coarse such as that called Syke ground or ground fit 
 for affording fail and divot for houses becaus of the prejudice 
 that is therby done to the gras and also that such ground 
 ought to be reserved and as much spared as possible for the 
 furnisshing of fail and divot allenerly for the use of the 
 houses within the Barronny as well in building new ones as 
 repairing the old and that under the penalty of 51ib. Scots to 
 the transgressors of this Act toties quotles but prejudice 
 alwavs to the Tennents and possessors forsaid To make use of 
 the Muire ground within ther respective possessions for fewell 
 and but prejudice to the Tennents of the Outsteads to 
 make use of green Turff or faill that may be necessary for 
 maintaining ther dykes but this no ways to be extended to the 
 yards and dvkes of the town nor even such of the Outsteads 
 wher stones can be easily had. And therfor discharges the 
 doing any such work till the same be viewed and permission 
 obtained for that end And this likewyse to be observed under 
 the forsaid penalty of 51ib. Scots but this Act noways to be 
 extended against such as shall cast up green turff upon their 
 
 1 This is the last occasion on which he is mentioned as presiding at the Baron 
 Court. He had begun presiding on 5th September 1692. His successor was 
 Sir Robert (the second). He begins on 8th November 1721. 
 
1726] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 181 
 
 grounds in order to the manuring the same and making them 
 the more fitt for bearing corne. 
 
 Act ordaining all that keip swine to be careful to keep Keeping Swine, 
 them off ther nighbours skaith under the pain of Triple 
 damnages. 
 
 The Court of the Lands and Barronny of Stitchill etc. upon (127) 
 the 6 day of June 1719 yeares. Curia etc. i7i9ijune6. 
 
 The which day Peter McGregor is decerned in absence to Hume, 
 content and pay to Walter . . . Meillmaker in Home the 
 soum of 10Kb. lOsh. Scots money as the remayn of the pryce of 
 ane cow bought and receaved be the defender from the corn- 
 plainer at Kelso Summer Fair last in respect he being lawfully 
 summoned oft tymes called and not compeiring was holden as 
 confest. 
 
 The which day Thomas Smith herd in Stitchill is judicially Loss of cow 
 decerned to pay to Andro Brownlees Tennant ther the soumes ^ IO ' 
 of lOlib. Scots money of damnage sustained by the complainer 
 through the Loss of ane cow pertaining to the said complainer 
 by the said defenders negligence which was comprysed by the 
 Bourlaemen which being referred to the Defenders oath 
 whether he had thrown ane stone at the cow or not who 
 refused to depone and therfor the Judge decerned in manner 
 forsaid. 
 
 The which day Alexander Gardiner weaver in Stitchill is Bees £3. 
 decerned to pay to George Maison tennant at Neuton miln 
 31ibs. Scots money or the value of the bees and work lybelled 
 which came off from Neuton milne to ane skep belonging to 
 the said defenders upon the first of June instant. 
 
 Act discharging the use of the old road betwixt Croftheads Trespass, 
 and Queenscairn ground as a parcell of ground marching with 
 Queenscairn upon the eist syde of Croftheads is enclosed that 
 severall persons doe pas thro"' the saids grounds upon pretence 
 of the said Road Therfor the Judge dischairges any passing 
 ther in all tyme coming under penalty of fyve pounds Scots 
 for each transgression toties quot'ies. 
 
 The Courts of the Lands and Barronnie of Stitchill etc. upon (^8) 
 the 18 day of May 1720. Curia etc. t?2 ?' May l8 ' 
 
182 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1720 
 
 Riot and De- 
 forcement. 
 
 Penalty £10. 
 modified to 5 
 groats and 50s. 
 
 Contravention 
 of Arrestment 
 
 Whins. 
 
 The which day anent the Lyble exhibited the last Court 
 day at the ffiscalls instance against William Lawrie and 
 Alexander Garner of a Ryott comitted by them and some 
 others on which the probation was laid and the same being 
 delayed in respect to the said Lawrie and Garner and being 
 reconsidered finds the saids persons guilty of fighting baiting 
 one of other by the deposition of John Younger finds Alex- 
 ander Garner guiltie of baiteing the saids William Lawrie 
 deposition of James Turnbull and by the said deposition 
 William Lawrie guiltie of ciseing of the constables staff 
 traileing him with itt and pulling it out of his hand which 
 facts being laid together finds the deposition prove the Ryot 
 in general against them. Therefor amerciats them each in 
 lOlib. Scots money modified the said fyne as to William 
 Lawrie to 5 groats and as to Alexander Garner to 50sh. Scots. 
 
 The which day John Millar Tennent in Stitchill acknow- 
 ledged the arrestment by the officer and likewise his contra- 
 vention but pretended he was ignorant of the haizard therof 
 having corne lving in the mylne for one halfe in the kill and 
 the other halfe in the barne repets this his defence and the 
 fact being proven bv his own confession amerciats him in Ten 
 pounds Scots. 
 
 The which day William Lawrie gave in a syned accompt of 
 severall artickles extending to 51ib. 12sh. Scots which being 
 referred to his oath of verity he therupon deponed and owned 
 that in the articles about sheveing he owned to the Per- 
 sewer Alexander Garner halfe ane years service takes of lOsh. 
 Scots of the account and attour the rest of the articles to corn- 
 pence with the claime above written and therfore assoilzies 
 the defender from the same. 
 
 Act dischairging all persons within the Barronny of Stitchill 
 to cutt or pull whinns upon the grounds of Homebyres or 
 generally any other places within the said Barronnie without 
 the Tennent's libertie under the paine of 5libs. Scots toticx 
 quotiet and allows the Tennents to take at ther ain hands 
 from the cutters any instruments they may have with them 
 for tli at end. 
 
 (120) 
 
 1721, Nov. 8. 
 
 The Court of the Lands and Baron v of Stitchill holden 
 
1722] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 183 
 
 within the Kirk therof be Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchell 
 Knight Barronet upon the 8th day of November jajvij 0 and 
 twenty one yeares. 
 
 Curia legitime qffirmata. 
 
 The which day John Ker tennent in Stitchill is decerned to Sendee, 
 pay to Thomas Robertson the sum of three pounds Scots as 
 sine half vears service which was made to him by the said 
 complainers daughter. 
 
 The which day anent the Lyble persewed at the instance of Dyer- 
 William Muirhead servitor to John Scot Dyster in Stitchill 
 absolves the defender in respect of his denyall and noe pro- 
 batioun against him. 
 
 January ye 26th 1722. :;: 
 
 The Courts of ye Lands and Barony of Stitchill holden 1-22 J*—«y** 
 
 within ye kirk therof be Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Knight 
 
 Baronet upon ye 26th day of Januarv 1722. 
 Curia hgittime qffirmata. 
 
 The which day John Brown is decerned either to take back Apprentice. 
 Thomas Pearson his apprentice and fullrill his Indentures [or 
 to repay] ye ten pounds Scots to Thomas Pearson his father 
 which he got as part payment of ye Prentice Fee. 
 
 The which day Jasper Atchison workman in Stitchill is Andrew Whale, 
 decerned to make payment to Mr. Andrew Whale 1 School- 
 master there the sum of one pound twelve shillings Scots 
 money as ye remainder of a greater sum borrowed bv ve 
 defender and was holden as confest in respect of his not com- 
 pearing. 
 
 The which day John Scot dyster in Stitchill Mill is per- ~g 
 sonally decerned to make payment to Issobell Baillie widow of *' nd H *' y 
 ve deceast John Donaldson tenant in Stitchill the sum of 
 thirteen pounds four shillings Scots money and that for coals 
 leading and Hay brought from ye complainer in respect of 
 
 1 Son of Andrew Whale, farmer, Yetholm Mains. Born 1604, died 175^. 
 Became schoolmaster of Earlston about 1750. 
 
 Lancelot, his son, became rector of the grammar-school at Kelso, and 
 schoolmaster to "Walter Scott. Robert Whale, son of Lancelot, became 
 surgeon in the Army. He died and is buried at Lyne, where his father was 
 then schoolmaster. 
 
184 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1722 
 
 » his being lawfully summoned called and not compearing was 
 
 holden as confest. 
 
 5k th to coat The which John Scot dyster in Stitchill is decerned to pay 
 to John Hamilton meall-maker ther the sum of one shilling 
 sterling for cost skaith and damnage sustained by ye persewer 
 and is referred to ye nixt Court day for a Ryot committed be 
 ye defender. 
 
 131) July 26 1722. 
 
 The which day George Hamilton and George Atchison 
 Tennents and merchants in Stitchill is amerciat each of them 
 
 br°"kin^d vkes m one s ^^ n g sterling for pulling and cutting of rottins and 
 breaking down of dykes. 
 
 Whins. Act anent Whins : — Notwithstanding of former Acts That 
 
 whatever person or persons shall cut or pull whins within ye 
 parish of Stitchill they are to pay for each backfull one halfe 
 pennie and for each horse load two shilling Scots toties quoties 
 and that from ye first of November to ye first of August and 
 if without ye said space they doe cut or pull they are to be 
 lvbell for the fine which is statute and ordained in ye former 
 Acts. 
 
 1-2 ( Feb 18 February 18 1723. 
 
 The Court of ye lands and Barony of Stitchill holden 
 within ye Kirk therof be Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill 
 Knight and Bart and day and date above. 
 
 Funeral debts. The which day John Scott dyster in Stitchill walk-mill is 
 decerned and ordained to pay to George Atchison merchant 
 in Stitchill the sum of three pounds eight shillings Scots 
 money for goods receaved for ye use of ye defenders mothers 
 funeral 1. 
 
 d0 The which day John Scot dyster in Stitchill walk-mill is 
 
 judicially decerned to make payment to John Underwood 
 wright in Stitchill two pound eighteen shillings and eight 
 pennies Scots money for an coffine, Bell, 1 graft-making. 
 
 1 This means ringing the dead-bell to announce the death of a person ; pro- 
 bably the small hand-bell, not the church bell. 
 
1723] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 185 
 
 February 21, 1723. (m) 
 
 1723, Feb. 21. 
 
 The Court of ye Lands of ye Barony of Stitchill holden 
 within ye kirk therof be Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill. 
 
 The which day anent ye claim persewed be John Scott Riot £10. 
 dyster in Stitchill mill against John Lawrie tenent in Stitchill 
 for a ryot committed by him. The defender was allowed this 
 day to aduce witnesses for his exculpation The persewer 
 being called, ye complainer John Scott being absent is sup- 
 posed to have deserted ye dyet against ye defender therfor 
 assoilzies him from any claim of damn ages he may pretend to 
 by being beat by ye defender but ye defender confessing ye 
 beating of ye persewer and being found guilty is decerned to 
 pay ten pound Scots of fine. 
 
 The which day anent the claim persewed be William Muir- Half year s 
 head servant to John Hamilton Dyster in Ednam against serwce -£ 24 ' 
 John Scot Dyster in Stitchill for twenty four pounds Scots as 
 wages for ane halfe years service wrought for be said com- 
 plainer and finding the said defender to have an account upon 
 the said persewer consisting of severall articles and there being- 
 only made appear to be due to the said persewer the sum of 
 fifteen pounds ten shillings Scots the Judge ordained him to 
 be poinded for the same and in regard the defender alledged Poinded, 
 that he could aduce witnesses to prove the rest of the articles 
 contained in his charge reserves action to him for that effect 
 as accords. 
 
 May 17 1723. ( I34 ) 
 The which day Alexander Gardiner weaver in Stitchill g-J|' May 1/1 
 complainer anent the claim persewed against Patrick Millar 
 merchant ther is decerned and ordained to make payment to 
 the said complainer the sum of eight pounds Scot money by 
 Bills drawn upon and accepted by him. 
 
 The which day anent the claim persewed by the Procurator Whins, 
 ffiscall against Rodger Dickson, Janet Dods, Henry Gill, 
 Agnes Cuthbertson, Lilly Fairbairn, John Richardson, Issobell 
 Tait, John Halloe, Alison Halie, Issobell Hagger, Margaret 
 Wood, Alexander Gray, Robert Waddell, Gideon Davidson, 
 Andrew Watson, Margaret Tayler, Janet Smith, John Browne, 
 Agnes Madder, Margaret Donaldson, and Margaret Scott, for 
 
186 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1723 
 
 pulling and cutting of whins which being against the Acts of 
 the Baron Courts each of the above persons is decerned in 
 twelve shillings Scots and likewise amerciat in twelve shillings 
 Scots money forsaid for Contumacie. 
 
 Meal. The which day Jean Greig indweller in Stitchill and William 
 
 Muirhead for his interest is decerned and ordained that they 
 make payment to John Miller ther the sum of five pound 
 eighteen shillings Scots for meal bought from the complainer 
 and receaved by the defender. 
 
 Lin seed. The which day John Scott Dyester in Stitchill is ordained 
 
 to make payment to James Litel merchant in Hume the sum 
 of two pound Scots for Lintseed. 
 
 ScandalL The which day anent the Lybell persewed by Jean Gray 
 
 against Janet Armstrong for scandall and in regard the per- 
 sewer could not prove the same assoilzies the Defender. 
 
 1723 November 30. 
 
 The which day Sir Robert Pringle sitting in judgment 
 decerned and ordained James Broomfield and Thomas Ander- 
 son servants in Homebyres for a ryot committed on each other 
 in fifty pounds Scots. 
 
 1724 May 19. 
 
 The which day anent the claim pursued by Thomas Trotter 
 servant to Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill against James 
 Aitchison there for six pounds six shillings Scots as the pryce 
 of a certain quantity of meal due to the pursuer by the de- 
 fender and the said defender being lawfully summoned and not 
 compearing decerns him to make payment of the above charge. 
 
 The which day Jasper Atchison in Stitchill is decerned and 
 ordained to make payment to Will Wilson servant to John 
 Given tennent in Sweethope the sum of seventeen pound 
 fourteen shill. Scots money as the remainder of the price 
 of the pursuers growing. 
 
 1724? November 7. 
 
 The which day Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill sitting 
 in Judgment and no Lybell being brought in before him 
 adjourned till next term. 
 
 1135) 
 
 1723, Nov. 30. 
 Riot .£50. 
 
 1724, May 19. 
 Claims. 
 
 (137) 
 1724, Nov. 7. 
 No lybel. 
 
1725] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 187 
 
 1725 May 18. (\3?) 
 
 . * I7 2 5. May 18. 
 
 The which day Jasper Atchison in Stitchill pursued George Resurrection 
 Hamilton younger there for scandal in speaking publickly lsts ^' 
 that he had helped up with the dead 1 whilk being called and 
 purged of malice and partial counsell viz. Andrew Burn in- 
 dweller in Stitchill and John Watson there, and Robert Scott 
 there, and not proveing the same as whereof the defender. . . . 
 
 The which day anent the Lybell pursued by Alexander Estate of 
 Gardiner weaver in Stitchill and eldest lawfull son to the 
 deceast Ninian Gardiner weaver there, with concurrence of his 
 sister upon Ninian Gardiner lawfull brother to the pursuer 
 that whereas the effects of the deceast Ninian are yet in the 
 hands of the Defender requires that an equal division may be 
 made of the effects the Defender craves another day to adjust 
 his accounts the Judge finding the same relevant granted it 
 and allowed them the next Court day. 
 
 The which day George Hamilton, David Hogarth, John Non-payment 
 Miller, James Aitchison, John Richardson, Simon Marjori- Ios . penalty, 
 banks, Joan Innes, and Alexander Hyslop indwellers in 
 Stitchill were decerned and ordained to make payment to 
 Andrew Whale schoolmaster there, of their several sallaries 
 and likewise were amerciat each in the sum of ten shillings 
 Scots for not due payment of the same as is enacted in the 
 Barony Court Books. 
 
 1725 May 18. (*») o 
 
 I7°5 £1 V I O 
 
 The which day anent the Lybell pursued by Jasper Atchi- Removing 
 son in Stitchill against John Stevenson wright there for march stones - 
 removing of some March stones that were sett by the Burlaw- 
 men betwixt their yards the Judge remits the complaint to 
 the said Burlawmen and ordains them to inspect the ground 
 and to make a report the next Court day. 
 
 The which day anent the claim pursued by John Stevenson Keep the peace 
 wright in Stitchill against James Atchison there, for swearing ^ IO 
 that he would put a pen-knife in him, the same being proven 
 against the defender by Margaret fFairbairn in Stitchill and 
 Margaret Henderson there, they being purged of malice and 
 
 1 This appears to be an allusion to the trade of the resurrectionist, or possibly 
 to some form of summoning the spirit of the dead. 
 
188 THE MINUTES OF THE [1725 
 
 partial counsell, decerned the Defender in Ten pounds Scots 
 and likewise ordains him to enact himself in the Baron Court 
 Books of Stitchill to keep the peace with the com plainer John 
 Stevenson and that him and his family shall be keep skaithless 
 by him and any of his familv fact and deed and this under the 
 penalty of fifty pound Scots. 
 
 {J 1? 6 Stit chill November 6. 
 
 □eric. John Lawrie Tennent in Queenscairn sitting Judge. There 
 
 was introduced bv Charles Potts Nottar in Kelso ane Commis- 
 sion from Sir Robert Prino-le of Stitchill to be Clerk of said 
 Barony which was read and he gave his oath dejideli. Charles 
 Potts; John Lawrie. 
 
 Officer. Thereafter John Underwood wright in Stitchill was nominat 
 
 Officer of ye said Baron v who being present accepted thereof 
 and gave his oath de jideh. John Underwood ; John Lawrie. 
 
 Adjourned. Thereafter the Court lawfully fenced and affirmed in the 
 
 usuall manner and all actions were called find them adjourned 
 to the next lawfull wairning. John Lawrie. 
 
 Commission to Followes the Commission granted to the said Charles 
 
 Charles Potts, ._ 
 
 Stitchill 8th November 1727. 
 
 Haveing occasion for ane Clerk to the Barrony of Stitchill 
 and haveing y e experience of vour qualifications for exerceing 
 that office ; These ar therefore authorising and impowering 
 you Charles Potts Nottar in Kelso to be Clerk of ye said 
 Barrony of Stitchill with all priviledges thereto belonging and 
 to execute and exerce the said Office of Clerkship from this 
 date with the usuall priviledges as any former Clerk did or 
 might have done and the emoluments and perquisites whereto 
 belonging to apply to your own propper use and this to con- 
 tinue dureing my pleasure for doeing whereof This I declair to 
 he ane sufficient warrant and Commission from (signed Robert 
 Pringle) to Charles Potts, Nottar in Kelso. 
 
 Stitchill 14th November 1727 Court for ye Penall Statutes 
 
 i/27, - o . 14. other Actions called. 
 
 The forty The Account of the Fourtv Husband-lands in Stitchel con- 
 
 form to the several Divisions thereof enacted in the vear 1715: — 
 
1727] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 189 
 
 Queenscairn four lands. 
 Runningburn, two lands one quarter. 
 
 Fleemrig or Soutb Quarter, two lauds one quarter and an 
 half. 
 
 The Mains, three lands and an half. 
 The Fourth Acres, one land and an half. 
 Three Akers of Kirk Land lying within the ground of the 
 said half. 
 
 Fourth Akers of land being one quarter of land. 
 
 A piece of farm land lying between the carter gate and 
 Orchard road one quarter and a fourth part of a quarter. 
 
 Croftheads, one land and a half. 
 
 The Croke Quarter, two lands and a half. 
 
 That piece of Outfield called the Eighteen Rigs, half a 
 quarter, and the fourth part of a quarter. 
 
 The Kirklands with Caldron Brae, three quarters ; the said 
 Caldron Brae being estimate an aker, of the said three 
 quarters. 
 
 The Westend of the Fourteen Lands, of which that piece 
 of Smithy land called the Long Riggs makes one land. 
 
 Croft Hilly, broad acres and grass riggs one quarter and a 
 half. 
 
 Amers Knows, lying within the said west end, half one 
 land. 
 
 Likewise lying in the said west end in the Ten Lands above 
 mentioned are comprehended the two husband lands and a 
 half of the Main Rigg and three quarters of the Miln. 
 
 The Over town of Stitchill ten lands which are included in 
 the inclosers of the Park End, of the Craig End, and others 
 about the House of Stitchill with the East Craig and a small 
 piece of the East Craig End set into the Croftheads as also 
 Sweethope. 
 
 Conform to this Division the several Tenements as pos- Schoolmaster's 
 sessed at present pay of the Schoolmasters Salary as follows Salary rate 
 at the rate of one pound Scots upon each husbandland : — 
 Queenscairn four lands . . . 4 00 00 
 
 One quarter and a half of the Overtown Eastrig 0 0T 06 
 
 4 07 06 
 
190 THE MINUTES OF THE [1727 
 
 Runningburn, 
 
 Flemrig and 
 South Quarter. 
 
 Infield Croke. 
 
 Carter Gate 
 and Orchard 
 Road. 
 
 Croft heads. 
 
 Runningburn, Merlaw Bank two lands and ane 
 
 quarter . 
 Eighteen Rigs and half quarter and fourth part 
 
 of ane quarter .... 
 Fourth part of one acre in the Croke 
 The half of the Croke outfield half one land 
 The Kirklands three quarters wanting an acre . 
 
 Runningburn, sum 
 
 Flemrig and South Quarter, two lands one 
 quarter and half, .... 
 
 Half of the Croke outfield, 
 
 An acre of Kirklands called Caldron Brae 
 
 A piece of the Croke infield called ye Bulle, 
 estimate to an acre 
 
 The half of that piece of the Croke infield lying 
 upon the west end of Oatrig 
 
 Fiemrig, sum, 
 
 Infield Croke, quarter one husband land one 
 
 quarter and half a quarter, sum, 
 Mains, three lands and a half, sum, 
 Ten half fourth acres at 2 shill. per half, 
 Two acres within the said half fourth acres pos- 
 sessed at present by Adam Henderson and 
 George Hamilton, sum 
 
 Land lying between the Carter gate and Orchard 
 road one quarter and one fourth part of a 
 quarter, possessed by John Underwood, one 
 acre ..... 
 
 By John Brunton the rest, 
 
 This ground, sum 
 
 Croftheads one land and ail half 
 With one half quarter of the overtown east 
 craig and near half an acre of the craigend 
 
 Croftheads, sum . 
 
 0 
 A 
 
 At; 
 
 U 
 
 0 
 
 03 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 0 
 
 13 
 
 04 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 11 
 
 0 
 
 07 
 
 06 
 
 n 
 u 
 
 1U 
 
 uu 
 
 0 
 
 01 
 
 08 
 
 0 
 
 01 
 
 08 
 
 c\ 
 V 
 
 UU 
 
 
 3 
 
 01 
 
 08 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 11 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 1 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 0 
 
 03 
 
 04 
 
 0 
 
 01 
 
 08 
 
 0 
 
 04 
 
 07 
 
 00 
 
 06 
 
 03 
 
 01 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 03 
 
 06 
 
 01 
 
 1:5 
 
 06 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 191 
 
 A Parcel of ground in the West End of Nether 
 
 C 1 * L 1 1 11 IT ' 
 
 btitcnei called .Longngs 
 
 01 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 Bailies knowe or Barn yards five lands three 
 
 
 
 
 quarters west end of nether Stitchill 
 
 05 
 
 15 
 
 00 
 
 Amors Knows half of ane land . 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 Afiln land with a narppl in vp Ancrrv Cvnft an 
 
 A-fXUll IU11U tt 1 til Cv ^JCJLL V/V^l 111 * *~ © *^ 1 u 1 L dll 
 
 
 
 
 quarter and a half .... 
 
 00 
 
 07 
 
 06 
 
 Six half fourth acres with an acre among them . 
 
 00 
 
 13 
 
 08 
 
 Three quarters of an land in the west and east 
 
 
 
 
 into the Miln .... 
 
 00 
 
 15 
 
 00 
 
 Bailis Know, sum 
 
 08 
 
 01 
 
 02 
 
 Mainrig two lands and an half in the west end 
 of Nether Stitchill. Mainrig sum, 
 
 Parkend being part of the ten lands in the Over- 
 town being an husband land and an half a 
 quarter and an half quarter 
 
 Sweethope two lands, sum, . . . 02 00 00 
 
 The inclosures lying east from Stitchill hill being the rest of injures, 
 the ten lands in the Overtown, Oxcroft, the east Craig, and 
 the small parcel above mentioned ; at present let into 
 Queenscairn and Croftheads, 
 
 Inclosures, Craigend, sum, . . .5116 
 
 Mainrig. 
 
 0 10 00 
 
 Park End. 
 
 01 17 06 
 
 1735 May 13. (i 42 ) 
 William Atchison, Runningburn, Alexander Sim, John I735 ' May 13 
 
 Hamilton, Robert Heymers in Stitchill were added to the 
 
 number of Birlymen and gave their oath dejideli. 
 
 1735 Stitchill October 9. (l43) 
 The qlk day and place there was an Court of the 9th day x /35. Oct. 9 . 
 
 in the Baronv of Stitchill holden by Sir Robert Priiio-le 
 
 heritable proprietor of the said Barronv. 
 
 The which day Ninian Gardiner weaver in Stitchill was at Order to 
 
 the instance of the Procurator ffiscall indicted of several remove - 
 
 theftuous actions said to be committed by him at several 
 
192 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1/35 
 
 times and different places anent which several witnesses being 
 examined the further consideration therof was referred to the 
 next Court And in the meantime he was ordained to find 
 caution for his good behaviour till "Whitsunday next qlk time 
 he is ordered to remove himself and family out of the 
 Barrony. The qlk day also Mr. John Beveridge present 
 schoolmaster in Stitchill was chosen Clerk of Court. 
 
 1735 Stitchill November 8. 
 
 The which day and place there was a Head Court of the 
 Barrony of Stitchill holden by John Laurie tennent in Queens- 
 cairn Bailie of the said Barronny. Curia legittime ciffirmata. 
 
 The which day Matthew Short servant to John Smith in 
 Caldron Brae is judicially decerned to pay to John Dickson in 
 Stichell the sum of two shillings sterling. 
 
 Anent Ninian Gardiners affair he is ordained to have a Bond 
 of Cautionry for his good behaviour ready within a fortnight. 
 
 1735 Stitchill November 22. 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 Ninian Gardiner is decerned and fined in ten pounds Scots 
 for being guilty of a riot and beating Margaret Henderson 
 spouse to James Leithead, tavlor in Stichell to the effusion of 
 blood e.r confesslone rei. Thomas Hamilton in Mainridge is 
 decerned to pay two pound two shillings Scots to Thomas 
 PeirsoD weaver in Stitchel being the remainder of a Bill 
 granted to him by ye said Thomas Hamilton. 
 
 As to the Lybell pursued by Margaret Henderson spouse to 
 James Leithead in Stitchill against Ninian Gardiner weaver 
 there, Importing that the said Ninian has six Slyes of her 
 yarn in his possession which he refuses to deliver, the Defender 
 promises to give up the said varn if two tradesmen may be 
 set to value linen web which he formerly wrought which he 
 agreed to and John Brown and Robert Waddell weavers in 
 Stitchill added to the Birlvmen for that purpose and gave 
 their oaths deJideU. 
 
 Robert Taylor servant to John Millar in Stitchill Miln i> 
 decerned to pay six pounds ten shillings Scots to Margaret 
 Haitly in Hume. 
 
1737] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 193 
 
 James Richardson servant to Mr. Walter Scot in Bailly assoilzied. 
 Know is assoilzied from the complaint of Robert Bruntfield in 
 Hume who pursued him for fourteen pound 18 shillings Scots in 
 regard he deponed in the negative therof when it was referred 
 to the Court. 
 
 1736 May 15th. (i 4 6) 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. 17361 May I5 ' 
 
 Anent the Complaint given in by Mr. John Beveridge Baiilie Know, 
 schoolmaster and William Donaldson indweller in Stitchill 
 against Mr. Walter Scot tennant in Baiilie Know for eating 
 their cornes in winter last by his sheep the same is referred to 
 the next Court day. 
 
 Robert Wilson indweller in Stichill is decerned to pay two 
 pounds eleven shillings Scots to William Marshall in Stichill 
 as also one peck of oats and eight fathom of ropes all which Oats and ropes, 
 upon his own confession is due. 
 
 As also William Marshall is assoilzied from a complaint of assoilzied, 
 the above Wilson in regard to the Pursuer refuses to give his 
 oath upon the verity of the complaint only three lib. weight of 
 iron which said complainer charges and is referred to two men. 
 
 1736 November 6. (147) 
 Curia legittime affimiata. 17361 Nov ' 
 Mr. Walter Scot in Bailly Know is decerned to pay Skaith. 
 
 Mr. John Beveridge and William Donaldson for the skaith 
 receaved by his sheep yet superseding the extract of said 
 decreet till next Court against which time Mr. Scot is allowed 
 to prove that other peoples sheep were in that skaith as well 
 as his He having desired time for that effect. 
 
 1737 Stitchill March 14. (l48) 
 Curia legittime affirmata, r 737. March 14. 
 The which day in consideration that Arthur Sim late Fugitive. 
 
 indweller in Stichill is fled and absconded and that he is rest- 
 ing several sums of money to different persons in the Bounds. 
 Therefore the several persons putting in and proving their 
 respective claims The effects left be the said Arthur Sim are 
 ordered to be rouped and the money raised from their sale roup. 
 
 N 
 
194 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1737 
 
 applied to the payment of the said debts by the Bailie of the 
 Barrony. 
 
 1737 May 12 Stitchill. 
 
 Curia legUHme qffirmata. 
 
 Anent the cause betwixt Mr. John Beveridge and William 
 Donaldson pursuers and Mr. Walter Scot defendant the said 
 Mr. Scot failzies to prove that any sheep besides his own were 
 in their skaith the pursuers are allowed to extract their 
 decreet and put it into execution. 
 
 John Davidson servant to John Laurie in Queenscairn is 
 decerned to pay Mrs. Inglis in Kelso the sum of nine shillings 
 and six pence sterling as the remains of an account due by 
 him to his by his own confession. 
 
 Catherine and Issobell Gotterstons, Alison Hoggart, Will 
 Wilson, and Robert Thomson all indwellers in Stichill are 
 decerned to pay to Mr. John Beveridge the following sum of 
 school pav or wages due to him for teaching their children 
 viz., — Catherine Gotterstone four lib. thirteen shillings four 
 pennies Scots ; Isobell Gotterstone six lib. thirteen shillings 
 four pennies ; Alison Hoggart four lib. ; Will Wilson two lib. 
 thirteen shillings four pennies ; Rob Thomson one lib. six 
 shillings eight pennies. 
 
 Mr. Walter Scot in Bailly Know is decerned to pay to John 
 Brown weaver in Stitchill the sum of one lib. fourteen shillings 
 Scots of an apprisement of Kail destroyed to the complainer 
 by ye defenders sheep. 
 
 Mr. Walter Scott in Bailly Know complains upon John 
 Cairnscroft his late servant in ten particulars, the considera- 
 tion therof is referred to the 14th current. 
 
 1737 Stitchill May 14. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 Anent the complaint exhibited last Court day by Mr. Scot 
 against John Cairncroft witnesses being examined upon the 
 several particulars which being considered together with the 
 defenders acknowledgments he the defender is decerned to pay 
 to the pursuer fourteen lib. thirteen shillings Scots in lieu of 
 all damnages and so is assoilzied upon his payment. 
 
1738] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 195 
 
 John Davidson servant to John Laurie in Queenseairn is 
 decerned to pay to Mr. Scot in Baillv Know the price of his 
 two Bolls four fyrlots oats ten capful of harlv of an apprise- 
 ment and two hogs lost by him to ye said Mr. Scot. 
 
 1737 Stitchill November 8. 151 
 Curia legittime affirmata. I737 " A °*" 
 
 The several Vassals and tennents being called compeared in 
 the Court themselves or proxies. 
 
 1737 December 24. z V . 
 The qlk day the effects belonging to the deceast Janet 
 
 Armstrong were exposed to publick roup at the instance 01 
 the Barrony of Stitchill for the use and behoof of Jame> 
 Currie her grandson being under age The Barronny having a 
 right to her effects in regard she had been sometime main- 
 tained at their charge as one of their poor. • 
 
 1738 Stitchill May 13. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. VlT : - : 
 
 John Dickson and Thomas Hyslop both in Stitchill are scandalous 
 amerciat the first in ten pound the other in five lib. Scots 
 with Modification as the Judge shall think fit for scandalous 
 language used to one another. 
 
 1738 Stitchill May 27. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. ~~ 7 27 
 
 Thos Hyslop is decerned to pay to John Dickson three 
 shillings six pennies sterling. 
 
 1738 Stitchill November 11. 
 
 Curia legittime affinnata. 
 
 John Millar milner in Stitchill Miln as executor to William 
 Millar his brother late tenant in Henderside is appointed to 
 pay the general persons following their fees as having been 
 servants to his deceast brother viz. Robert Thomson in Stitchill. 
 George Lad la in Ednani. Robert Alexander in Kemfiat, Alex- 
 ander Hyslop in Stitchill is ordained to pay six pounds Scots 
 as the remains of a Bill due to John Dason tenant in Harper- 
 town. 
 
196 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1739 
 
 (156) 1739 Stitchill May 10. 
 1739, Md y 10. Curia legittime ajfirmata. 
 
 Robert Aymers in Stitchill is ordained to pay twenty 
 pence to Will Donaldson Hassingden, John Millar in Stitchill 
 Miln is also ordained to pay fifteen lib. Scots to Ralph Cannon- 
 head in Edenmouth as fees due to him by Will Millar late in 
 Henderside brother to the said Millar. Also the said John 
 Millar ordained to pay six lib. four shillings Scots to And. 
 Swanston in Hume upon the same account. 
 Debts. James Hall in Stitchill is decerned to pay three shillings 
 
 six pennies Scots to Will Donaldson in Hassingden and Alison 
 Scot in Stitchill ten shillings six pennies Scots, and Alexander 
 Hog there one lib. twelve shillings Scots to ye said Will 
 Donaldson. 
 
 (157) 1739 Stitchill November 10. 
 1739, TC * Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 Ane Head Barron Court holden at Stitchill be ye Right 
 Honourable Sir Robert Pringle Baronet heritable proprietor 
 of the lands and Barrony of Stitchill compeared the whole 
 tennants and cottars within the said Barrony and took Instru- 
 ments upon their compearance. 
 
 (15 8) 1739 Stitchill November 13. 
 
 1739. Nov. 13. Ane l aw f u ll y fenced Court John Lamb indweller in Stitchill 
 is decerned to pay Will Johnstone indweller in Hume, the 
 sum of two pounds Scots principall and eight pence of 
 expenses of pley. 
 
 Teinding. There was also a complaint by John Lawrie against John 
 
 Underwood and Alexander Linen setting forth that when 
 they were teinding the pease Harvest last, Peter Glasgow, 
 Alexander Sim, and James Thomson refused to lead away 
 some of said teind that was already drawn which the de- 
 fenders acknowledged alledgeing for their excuse that every 
 one of them had led more than their share Which defense 
 was repelled, in regard that there was neither draughts upon 
 the field at that time, and that they are allowed to act as 
 accords against any of the Town that had not sufficient 
 
1745] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 197 
 
 draughts for leading away 
 and each of the three are 
 crown to be applied for the 
 highways etc. 
 
 their proportion of Teinds 
 therefore amerciat in half a 
 use of the Town in repairing 
 
 1740 Stitchill November. (159) 
 The which day and place ane Head Court of the lands and I74 °' 
 
 Barrony of Stitchill was holden by the Honourable Sir Robert 
 
 Pringle. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The said day John Smith Schoolmaster at Stitchill was 
 appointed clerk of the Barron Court. 
 
 1740 Stitchill November 8. (160) 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court holden in the 174 °' 1 ° v ' 
 
 Chamber of Nether Stitchill by George Laurie the Barron 
 
 Bayllie of the place. 
 
 ' 1744 Stitchill November 10. ^ 
 The which day was holden an Head Barron Court in the 
 Chamber of Nether Stitchill by the Honourable Sir Robert 
 Pringle. 
 
 The which day the Barron appointed George Laurie tenant 
 in Queenscairn to be Barron Bailie in room of the deceast 
 John Laurie late Bailie of Stitchill. 
 
 1744 Stitchill November 10. (161*) 
 
 1744, 
 
 Lint. 
 
 The which day the said Sir Robert Pringle sitting in judg- l/ 
 
 ment discharges Act anent all Residenters in the Barrony of 
 Stitchill to dress Lint themselves or by others either by beat- 
 ing, rubbing, swingleing, drawing or heckling with candle- 
 light (dressing) and likewise the drying of it at the fire by day 
 or night under the penalty of twenty lib. Scots toties quoties 
 if they shall transgress as above. 
 
 1745 Stitchill November 23. (162) 
 
 • • ^745> -Nov. 23. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden in the 
 Chamber of Nether Stitchill by the Honourable Sir Robert 
 
19S 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [i/45 
 
 Pringle of Stitchill Knight Barronet Heritable Proprietor of 
 the Lands and Barrony of Stitchill. 
 
 The which day James Brown and John Sniitton tennents 
 in Stitchill were chosen Burlawmen of the said Barrony 
 and gave their oath de Jideli. James Brown : John Smitton 
 his mark. 
 
 . vi 174S Stitchill January 5. 
 
 At a Barron Court held here this dav Agnes Laidlaw 
 claimed a chest from Alexander Gray that belonged to her 
 deceast mother in which was something of her own and her 
 Mother's Which chest the said Alexander Grav detained till 
 he should be payed a certain part of the wages due by James 
 Ap-rt--. :t Fer Laidley her son a- app re n tice fee lor the said Mother btring 
 cautioner in the Indentures. Parties being fullv heard and 
 the affair delayed to another Court dav George Dickson 
 offered to be caution to Alexander Grav for the ten shillings 
 sterling claimed as above providing the said Agnes Laidley 
 might have the chest above mentioned Which the said Alex- 
 ander Gray accepted of and accordingly by appointment of 
 the said Honourable Sir Robert Pringle sitting Judge, the 
 said George Dickson enacted himself in the Court Book to 
 pay the above claim of ten shillings sterling to Alexander 
 Gray in case the same shall be found due and accordingly 
 the chest was ordained to be given up to the said Agnes 
 Laidley and the Indentures delivered to said George 
 Dickson. 
 
 . (itn) 1745 Stitchill November 9. 1 
 
 When a compearance was made bv the whole hou>eholder> 
 or their procurators at their Barron Court. 
 
 1 This was the first court held after important modifications had been made 
 upon the jurisdiction of Baron Courts. By an Act passed in the reign of 
 George U. it was enacted that, from and after the 25th March 174S no heritor 
 of lands in Scotland, erected into a Barony, or granted with lower jurisdiction, or 
 their Bailies, shall have any jurisdiction in capital cases : and no such Baron or 
 other heritor infeft cum curus, or their Bailies, shall have any jurisdiction in 
 any criminal cause, other than assaults, batteries, or smaller crimes, for which 
 :hc . er : r. txzti I a fine of one : •ur.d -:er!:rg. or letting in the 
 
 stocks in the daytime ; which fine shall be recovered by poinding or by imprison- 
 ment not exceeding one month. The Baron was also to enter into a l^ook, to 
 
1750] 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 199 
 
 Robert Brown schoolmaster in Stitchill was appointed 
 Clerk of the said Barrony. 
 
 In regard of the scarcity of half pennies it was enacted that Hstff 
 none of the tenents or householders shall for the future be aCaTCe " 
 obliged to pay more than one halfpenny for their compearance 
 or Instrument money. 
 
 It is further enacted that none within the Barrony cast any 
 divots for houses which they put up themselves. 
 
 1749 Stitchill Mav 10. f^g 
 
 1743 -* ia 7 
 
 This day George Linin gardener in Stitchill was appointed 
 clerk to the Barron Court and Thomas Underwood wright in 
 Stitchill producing a Commission from Sir Robert Pringle to 
 be Officer thereof the same was admitted. 
 
 1749 Stitchill November 11. ^ 
 Sir Robert Pringle sitting himself present appointed David 
 
 Forrest Clerk of this Barron Court. 
 
 It is appointed that this Barron Court be observed hence- 
 forth upon the Saturday immediately preceding the Terms of 
 Whitsunday and Martinmas without anv further intimation. 
 
 1750 Stitchill May 12. - 
 Baron Court held. Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 Sir Robert Pringle himself being present. Thomas Under- 
 wood wright in Stitchill and John Hay weaver there were 
 nominated and appointed Burlawmen in this Barronv having 
 taken the oath de fideli adminlrtratione officii. 
 
 1750 Stitchill May 25. 1 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. ' : " z=m 
 
 The which dav Nathaniel Middlemost was discerned his Se -.testation, 
 crops and other household furniture sequestrate and put into 
 
 be kepi by the sheriff clerk of the CDuttty, the house or place he is lo mike use cf 
 for a prison, and that every such prison shall have windows or grates open to 
 inspection from without, to facilitate visits :': nt frier-is. As recarts t: i. causes, 
 it was not to be lawful for the baron to judge in causes where the debt or 
 damages exceeded forty shillings sterling, ether than to the effect of recovering 
 rents, multures, or services from his vassals and tenants (20 Geo. II. c 43 V 
 
200 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1750 
 
 the hand of Sir Robert Pringle Bart, of Stitchill for payment 
 of his rents legal formalities having been observed. By George 
 Laurie Bayllie. 
 
 (169) 1750 Stitchill November 10. 
 
 1750, Nov. 10. rp^ e d a y there was an Head Barron Court holden by 
 
 George Laurie Bavllie of said Barron v in name of Sir Robert 
 Pringle. 
 
 (170) 1751 Stitchill May 11. 
 
 1751, May iii „ . 7 .... ™ . 
 
 Curia legittnne affirmata. 
 
 The which day there was an Head Barron Court holden by 
 George Laurie Bayllie in name of Sir Robert Pringle of 
 Stitchill Bart. 
 
 (171) 1751 Stitchill November 9. 
 
 17 ; 1 , Nov. 9» 
 
 Curia legittlme affirmata. 
 Buriawmen. The which day there was holden an Head Barron Court by 
 George Laurie Bavllie whereat John Watson in Stitchill 
 Mi In Adam Hyslop and Patrick Wilson Tenents were ap- 
 pointed Buriawmen in this Barrony having given their oath 
 dc fideli. 
 
 John Watson ; Adam Hyslop (A. H., his mark) ; Patrick 
 Wilson ( x his mark). 
 
 (172) 1752 Stitchill May 9. 
 
 The which day there was a Head Ban-on Court holden by 
 George Laurie Bailie of said Barrony in name of Sir Robert 
 Pringle Bart. 
 
 (173) 1752 Stitchill November 18. 
 Curia Icg'ittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day Sir Robert Pringle being present appointed 
 James Dickson Clerk of this Barron Court. 
 
 (174) 1753 Stitchill May 19. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day there was held a Head Court by George 
 Laurie Baillie of said Barrony in name of Sir Robert Pringle 
 Bart. 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 201 
 
 1753 Stitchill November IT. (175) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day was held a Barron Court (head) by the 
 Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle Barronet. 
 
 1754 Stitchill May 25. (176) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which dav a Head Barron Court was held by George 
 Laurie Bailiie in name of Sir Robert Pringle. 
 
 1754 Stitchill November 16. (177) 
 Curia legittime affinnata. 
 
 The which day was held a Head Barron Court by George 
 Laurie Bailiie in the name of Sir Robert Pringle Bart. 
 
 1755 Stitchill May 24. (178) 
 The which day was held a Head Barron Court by George 
 
 Laurie Bailiie in the name of Sir Robert Pringle. 
 
 1755 November 15 Stitchill. ( x 79) 
 The which dav a Head Barron Court was held at Stitchill 
 
 bv George Laurie Bailiie of said Barronv in name of the Right 
 Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Bart 
 
 1756 Stitehill May 26. (180) 
 The which day a Head Barron Court was held at Stitchill 
 
 by George Laurie Tennent in Queenscairn Bailiie of said 
 Barronv in name of the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle 
 of Stitchill Bart. 
 
 1756 Stitchill November 20. 1181) 
 Curia legittime ajfirmata. 
 
 The which day a Head Barron Court was held at Stitchill 
 bv George Laurie Bailiie in name of the Right Honourable 
 Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Bart. 
 
 1757 Stitchill May 21. 1S2 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which dav a Head Barron Court was held at Stitchill 
 
202 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1757 
 
 by George Laurie Baillie in name of the Right Honourable 
 Sir Robert Prinze of Stitchill Bart. 
 
 o 
 
 (183) 1757 Stitchill November 19. 
 
 The which day was held a Head Barron Court bv George 
 Laurie in name of Sir Robert Pringle Bart. 
 
 1758 Stitchill November 20. 
 Curia legittime ajfirrnata. 
 
 The which day George Laurie Baillie of the Barrony of 
 Stitchill sitting in judgment decerned and ordained Simon 
 Marjori banks indweller in Stitchill to pay to Sir Robert 
 Pringle of Stitchill the sum of fifteen shillings sterling as the 
 three years rent of the house possessed presently by him and 
 in the meantime ordered the Officer of the Barrony to poynd 
 and arrest his effects wherever they were to be found within 
 the Barrony. 
 
 The same dav the householders made their compearance 
 and took Instruments. 
 
 (185) 1759 Stitchill May 19. 
 Curia legittime affinnata. 
 
 Biriayman. The which dav a Head Barron Court was holden at Stitchill 
 
 by the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Bart, 
 when James Hay weaver in Stitchill, William White weaver 
 there, and Robert Heymer junior smith there were appointed 
 Birlavmen in this Barronv having given their oath de Jideli. 
 
 (186) 1760 Stitchill May 24. 
 Curia kgitiimt affinnata. 
 
 The which dav John Main wright in Stitchill is decerned to 
 pav to William White weaver there the sum of four shillings 
 sterling due by the said John Main being proven by the pur- 
 suer's oath as also to have his sheep grass till Whitsunday 
 1761 at which time he is to remove without any further 
 wairning. 
 
 (184) 
 
 Rent of house 
 5S- 
 
 1760 Stitchill November 15. 
 Curia legittime affinnata. 
 
 The which dav a Head Barron Court was held at Stitchill 
 
i;6j] BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL 
 
 203 
 
 by George Laurie Baillie of said Barrony in name of Sir 
 Robert Pringle Bart. 
 
 The which dav the householders made their compearance 
 by themselves or proctors at this Court. 
 
 1761 Stitchill May 23. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day was held ane Head Barron Court at Stitchill 
 bv the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill 
 Bart, when Thomas Sudden and Alexander Wylie indwellers 
 in Stitchill were appointed Birlawmen in this Barrony having . 
 given the oath de fideli. 
 
 1761 Stitchill November 21. (189) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden at 
 Stitchill by George Laurie Baillie of the Barrony in roume of 
 Sir Robert" Pringle of Stitchill Bart. 
 
 The which day the householders within this Barrony made 
 their compearance by themselves or procurators and took In- 
 struments of said compearance. 
 
 1762 Stitchill May. (■*») 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden at 
 Stitchill by George I^urie Baillie of said Barrony. 
 
 1762 Stitchill November. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden by 
 George Laurie Baillie of said Barronv when the tennents and 
 cottars by themselves or procurators made their appearance 
 and took Instruments accordinglv in the clerk's hands. 
 
 1763 Stitchill May 21. (152) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden at 
 Stitchill by George Laurie Baillie of said Barrony. 
 
204 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 <*93) 1763 Stitchill November 19. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden at 
 Stitchill by the Right Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of 
 Stitchill Bart. 
 
 BeefiSd. The which day Robert Guthrie tennent in Stichill is 
 
 decerned to make payment to Margaret Charteris of the sum 
 of eighteen pence as the remainder of the price of a side of 
 beef bought by him from said Charteris as also of sixpence as 
 the expenses of said Process. 
 
 Grass 4s. stg. The which day Isobel Brown relict of the deceast Thomas 
 Hislop is decerned to pay to Margaret Charteris the sum of 
 four shillings sterling as the rent of a Summer's grass in the 
 Mains and the sum of six pence as the expence of this Process. 
 
 Oatmeal 10s. 3. The which day Jasper Aitchison indweller in Stichill is 
 decerned to make payment to John Watson tenant in Stichill 
 Miln of the sum of ten shillings and three pence sterling as 
 the price of oat meal bought from him as also of the sum of 
 eight pence as expenses of plea. 
 
 (194) Stitchill 1764 May 19. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden at 
 Stitchill by George Laurie Bailie of said Barony. 
 
 (195) 1764 Stitchill Nov. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day an Head Barron Court was holden by George 
 Laurie Baillie of said Barrony when the tenents and cottars 
 made their usual appearance and took Instruments accordingly. 
 
 (196) 1765 Stitchill November 16. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden by George 
 Laurie Bailie of said Barrony when the tenents and cottars 
 compeared and took Instruments of said compearance in the 
 clerk's hands. 
 
 (197) 1766 Stitchill May 24. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden by George 
 Laurie Bailie of said Barrony. 
 
i;6g] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 205 
 
 1766 Stitchill November 15. (198) 
 Curia legittime qffirmata. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden at 
 Stitchill by George Laurie Bailie of said Barrony when all 
 the tenents and cottars took Instruments of their compear- 
 ance in the Clerk's hands. 
 
 1767 Stitchill May 23. (199) 
 An Head Barron Court was holden this day at Stitchill by 
 
 George Laurie Bailie of said Barronv but there being no 
 business before the Court it was adjourned till next Court 
 day. 
 
 1767 Stitchill November 21. (200) 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden at 
 
 Stitchill by George Laurie Bailie of said Barrony when the 
 tenants and cottars compeared as usual and took Instruments. 
 
 1768 Stitchill May 21. ( 2 oi) 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden at 
 
 Stitchill by George Laurie Baillie of said Barrony. 
 
 1768 Stitchill November 19. (202) 
 At an Head Court holden this dav at Stitchill bv George 
 
 Laurie Bailie of said Barrony compeared all the tenents and 
 cottars and paid their fine for the penal statutes as usual. 
 
 1769 Stitchill May 20. (203) 
 The which day the Court was holden as usual but as there 
 
 was no business to manage, the Bailie appointed the next 
 Court day to be on the Saturday before the Term of Mar- 
 tinmas except when any business comes before them and this 
 to take place in all time coming. 
 
 1769 Stitchill November 18. (204 > 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court was holden by 
 George Laurie Bailie of said Barrony when the tenants and 
 cottars compeared and took Instruments in the Clerk's 
 hands. 
 
206 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1770 
 
 (205) 1770 Stitchill November 19. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day ane Head Barron Court holden by George 
 Laurie compeared the tenants and cottars and took Instru- 
 ments of said compearance in the Clerks hands. 
 
 (206) 1771 Stitchill November 16. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 This day there was holden a Head Barron Court at Stitchill 
 by George Laurie Bailie of said Barrony when the tenants 
 and cottars compeared and took Instruments as usual in the 
 Clerk's hands. 
 
 (207) 1772 Stitchill November 15. 
 
 On which day there was holden as usual a Head Ban-on 
 Court at Stitchill by George Laurie Bailie of said Barrony 
 when the tenants and cottars compeared and took Instruments. 
 
 ( 2 ° 8 ) 1773 Stitchill November 20. 
 
 At an Head Barron Court holden at Stitchill bv George 
 Laurie Bailie of said Barrony compeared the tenants and 
 cottars and took Instruments in the hands of the Clerk. 
 
 (209) 1774 Stitchill November 19. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day William Wilson tennent in Bailie Knowe 
 was appointed Bailie of the Barrony of Stitchill by the Bight 
 Honourable Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill Bart. 1 
 
 The which day also the tenants and cottars of the Barrony 
 compeared and took Instruments of their compearance in the 
 hands of the Clerk. 
 
 (210) 1775 Stitchill November 18. 
 
 At an Head Barron Court held this day at Stitchill by 
 William Wilson Bailie of said Barrony all the tennents and 
 cottars by themselves or procurators compeared and took In- 
 struments in the Clerk's hands of said compearance. 
 
 1 Last appearance of Sir Robert Pringle. He began presiding on 8th 
 November 1721. 
 
I78i] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 207 
 
 1776 Stitchill November 16. ( a „) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 This day ane Head Barron Court was held at Stitchill by 
 William Wilson Bailie of said Barrony in which compeared 
 the tennents and cottars as usual and took Instrument in the 
 Clerk's hands of their compearance. 
 
 1777 Stitchill May 24. 
 
 The which day an Head Barron Court was held at Stitchill Biriaymen. 
 by William Wilson Bailie of said Barrony when Richard 
 Hewatt tenant in Queenscairn William Landreth tennant in 
 Sweethope and John Dickson tenant in Stichell Mill were 
 appointed Biriaymen in this Barrony and gave their oaths 
 de fideli. 
 
 1777 Stitchill November 15. . ( 2I3 ) 
 
 Compeared this day the tenents and cottars at a Head 
 
 Baron Court held by William Wilson Bailie of said Barrony 
 
 and as usual took Instruments in the Clerk's hands. 
 
 (214) 
 
 1778 Stitchill November 21. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 This day ane Head Barron Court was held at Stitchill by 
 
 William Wilson Bailie of said Barrony when the cottars and 
 tenants compeared and took Instruments in the Clerk's hands. 
 
 1779 Stitchill November 20. (2is) 
 The which day was holden a Head Baron Court at Stitchill 
 
 by William Wilson Bailie of said Barrony at which compeared 
 all the tennants and cottars and took Instruments in the 
 Clerk's hands. 
 
 1781 Stitchill November 17. (2l6) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day Richard Hewatt tenant in Queenscairn was sir James 
 appointed Bailie of the Barrony of Stitchill by Sir James Pnngle - 
 Pringle of Stitchill Bart. 1 when the tenants and cottars com- 
 
 1 Sir James Pringle now presides. Sir Robert last presided upon 19th 
 November 1774. 
 
208 THE MINUTES OF THE [1781 
 
 peared and took Instruments of said compearance in the 
 Clerk's hands. 
 
 (217) 1782 Stitchill November 16. 
 
 There was held this day ane Head Barron Court at Stitchill 
 by Richard Hewatt Bailie of said Barrony at which compeared 
 all the tenants either by themselves or procurators and took 
 instruments in the Clerk's hands. 
 
 (218) 1783 Stitchill January 5. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 Calumny ios. The which day Richard Hewatt Bailie of the Barrony of 
 Stitchill sitting in Judgment having heard a complaint given in 
 by William Fair tenant in Stitchill Miln against Jasper Aitchi- 
 son in the Barley Mill and Adam Spiers servant to Mr. James 
 Hogarth tennent in Bailie Knowe for charging him with 
 keeping the Mill in bad order Which the Judge considering 
 found that the Charge was groundless and malicious and 
 therefore fined them both in the sum of ten shillings sterling 
 each. 
 
 (219) 1783 Stitchill November 15. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day there was held a Head Baron Court at 
 Stitchill by Richard Hewatt Bailie of said Barrony when James 
 Guthrie was appointed Baron Officer when all the tenants and 
 cottars compeared and paid their fines for the penal statutes, 
 riot and throw- John Hislop tenant in Stitchill is decerned and fined in the 
 ios. stg. 6 6 sum of ten shillings sterling money for a riot and for throwing 
 Mary Tain his servant into the fire ex confessione rei. 
 
 (220) 1784 Stitchill November 20. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day the tenants and cottars compeared at a 
 Head Baron Court and took Instruments as usual in the 
 Clerk's hands. 
 
 (221) 
 
 1785 Stitchill November 19. 
 
 The which day at a Head Baron Court compeared the 
 
1 79 1] BARON COURT OF STITCHTLL 
 
 209 
 
 tenants and cottars as usual before Richard Hewatt Bailie of 
 said Barrony and took Instruments of said compearance. 
 
 The which day it was enacted that if any person should be 
 found breaking through enclosures carrying off pailing, pull- 
 ing or destroying turnips, they shall be liable to whatever fine 
 the Judge shall think proper to impose and this Act to be in 
 force in all time coming. 
 
 1786 Stitchill November 18 (222) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day at a Head Baron Court held before Richard 
 Hewatt Bailie of said Barrony the tenants and cottars took 
 Instruments of their compearance in the Clerk's hands. 
 
 1787 Stitchill November 19. (223) 
 The which day a Head Baron Court was holden at Stitchill 
 
 by Richard Hewatt Bailie of said Barrony at which the tenants 
 and cottars compeared and took Instruments of said com- 
 pearance as usual in the Clerk's hands. 
 
 1788 Stitchill November 15. (224) 
 At a Head Court held by Richard Hewatt Bailie of said 
 
 Barrony the tenants and cottars compeared and paid their 
 fines for the penal statutes. 
 
 1789 Stitchill November 21. (225) 
 The which day was held a Head Baron Court as usual 
 
 when the tenants and cottars paid their fines for the penal 
 statutes. 
 
 1790 Stitchill November 20. (226) 
 At a Baron Court held this day the tenants and cottars 
 
 compeared and took instruments in the Clerk's hands of said 
 compearance. 
 
 1791 Stitchill November 19. (227) 
 A Baron Court being held here this day by Richard Hewatt 
 
 Baron Bailie the tenants and cottars compeared and paid their 
 fines for the penal statutes. 
 
 o 
 
2J0 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 (228) 1792 Stitchill November 19. 
 
 At a Head Baron Court held this day by Richard Hewatt 
 Baron Bailie of the Barony the tenants and cottars compeared 
 as usual and took Instruments of said compearance in the 
 Clerk's hands. 
 
 (229) 1793 Stitchill January 19. 
 
 The which day at a Court holden by Sir James Pringle 
 Bart, of Stitchill Mr. Alexander Linen was appointed Bailie of 
 said Barony and gave his oath defideli administratione as also 
 John Dods tenant was appointed Baron Officer and gave his 
 oath in due form. 
 
 (230 1793 Stitchill April 20. 
 
 The which day Mr. Alexander Linen sitting in judgment de- 
 cerned and ordained William Kennedy residing in Hareheught 
 to make payment to Mr. George Mill tenant in Sweethope of 
 the sum of one pound one shilling sterling being due to the 
 complainant conform to an account given in by him and the 
 said William Kennedy having paid the same is hereby 
 assoilzied. 
 
 Snuff-mill. The same day also Thomas Haig in Stitchill Snuff-Mi II is 
 decerned to pay to William Immery inn-keeper in Stitchill 
 the sum of >ix shillings and eight pence due to him for several 
 articles bought from him at different times with a fifth part 
 more as expenses of Process. 
 
 (231) 1793 Stitchill November lb*. 
 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 Fines for non- The which day the Bailie having called a Head Baron Court 
 according to custom for all the tenants and cottars within the 
 Barrony of Stitchill to pay to the Clerk of Court the sum of one 
 halfpenny sterling for each householder in said Barrony But 
 in respect the persons after named had failed to appear and 
 pay the same the Bailie hereby decerns against each of them 
 in the payment of one halfpenny viz., — James Hogarth, tenant 
 in Baillie Kno we, George Mill, tenant in Sweethope, Alexander 
 Smith, tenant in Legars, George Boyd, tenant in Stitchill Last 
 Mains, Thomas Waugh, tenant in Caldron Brae, and Peter 
 
1796] BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 211 
 
 Simson, tenant in Parkend, and amerciats the said James 
 Hogarth, George Mill, Alexander Smith, George Boyd, 
 Thomas Waugh and Peter Simson and each of them in the 
 sum of two shillings and sixpence sterling, for their contempt 
 and disobedience in not attending said Court, and orders the 
 Officer to poynd accordingly. 
 
 The which day John Hislop residenter in Stitchill is de- 
 cerned to make payment to Robert Trotter wright in Hume 
 the sum of one pound four shillings and six pence as the price 
 of a pair of cart wheels furnished at Lammas 1785 and interest 
 thereon since the same fell due with a fifth part more of ex- 
 penses of Process. 
 
 1794 Stitchill November 15. (232) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day a Head Barron Court was held by Alexander 
 Linen Bailie of the Barony when most of the tenants and all 
 the cottars appeared and paid one halfpenny to the Clerk 
 being their usual fine for the penal statutes and there being 
 no other business the Court was adjourned till next Court 
 day. 
 
 1795 Stitchill November 21. (233) 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day a Head Baron Court was held by Alexander 
 Linen Bailie of the Barony when the tenants and cottars 
 appeared and paid their usual fines for the penal statutes. 
 
 The same day George Boyd tenant in Eastfield was decerned corn destroyed 
 to pay to William Downie tenant in Running Burn the sum of I2 * stg " 
 one pound twelve shillings sterling for corn damaged and 
 destroyed by his cattle in September and October last bypast 
 Also William Downie was decerned to pay to George Boyd 
 the sum of twelve shillings sterling for corns also destroyed by 
 his cattle in September last. 
 
 1796 Stitchill November 19. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day a Head Baron Court was held by Alexander 
 Linen Bailie of the Barony when all the tenants and house- 
 
 (234) 
 
212 
 
 THE MINUTES OF THE 
 
 [1796 
 
 holders by themselves or others in their name compeared and 
 paid their fine for the penal statutes and there being no other 
 business before the Court it was adjourned till next Court 
 day. 
 
 (235) 1797 Stitchill November 18. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day a Head Baron Court was held by Alexander 
 Linen Bailie of the Barony at which all tenants and house- 
 holders bv themselves or others in their name compeared and 
 paid their fine for the penal statutes and as there was no 
 other business before the Court it was adjourned till next 
 Court day. 
 
 (236) 1798 Stitchill House November 16. 
 
 The which day James Heymer smith in Stitchill was 
 appointed Birlayman of the Barony of Stitchill by Sir James 
 Pringle of Stitchill Bart, and gave his oath de fidcU adminis- 
 tratione. 
 
 (237) 1798 Stitchill November 17. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which day a Baron Court was holden at Stitchill 
 by Alexander Linen Bailie of said Barony when all the 
 tenants and cottars and householders paid their fine for the 
 penal statutes and there being no other business the Court was 
 adjourned till next Court day. 
 
 (238) 1799 Stitchill November 16. 
 Curia legittime affirmata, 
 
 The which day ft Baron Court was held at Stitchill bv Alex- 
 ander Linen Bailie of said Barony when all the tenants cottars 
 and householders paid their fines for the penal statutes and 
 there being no other business the Court was adjourned till next- 
 Court day. 
 
 (239) 
 
 1800 Stitchill November 15. 
 Curia legittime affirmata. 
 
 The which dav a Baron Court was held by Alexander Linen 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 213 
 
 Bailie of said Barony when Mr. Thomas Douglas Schoolmaster 
 of Stitchill was by Sir James Pringle appointed Clerk of this 
 Court. 
 
 The tenants, cottars and householders paid their fine for 
 the penal statutes as usual and as there was no other business 
 the Court was adjourned till next Court day. 
 
 1801 Stitchill November 21. (240) 
 The which day a Baron Court was held by Alexander Linen 
 
 Bailie of said Barony when the usual business being finished 
 the Court was adjourned till next Court day. 
 
 1802 Stitchill November 21. 1241) 
 The which day a Baron Court was held by Alexander Linen 
 
 Bailie of said Barony when the usual business being finished 
 the Court was adjourned till next Court day. 
 
 1803 Stitchill November 19. (242) 
 The which day a Baron Court was held by Alexander 
 
 Linen Bailie of said Barony when the usual business being 
 finished the Court was adjourned till next Court day. 
 
 1804 Stitchill November 17. (243) 
 The which day a Baron Court was holden by Alexander 
 
 Linen Bailie of said Barony when the usual business being- 
 finished the Court was adjourned till next Court day. 
 
 1805 Stitchill November 16. (244) 
 Which day a Head Court was held. Messrs Peter John- Fi »es for non- 
 
 cittcndeincG 
 
 stone, Sweethope, George Johnstone, Eastfield, James Hogarth, 
 Baillie Knowe, were attending their duty as yeomen which 
 was sustained as a sufficient reason for their being absent but 
 Messrs Henry Scott, Hardie's Mill Place, James Maclaurin, 
 Parkend, Alexander Smith, Legars, Richard Hewatt, Queens- 
 cairn, and William Downie, Runningburn, failing to appear 
 or any person for them, were ordered to pay the sum of two 
 shillings and six pence sterling each for contempt of said 
 Court Which sums the Baron Officer is to collect immedi- 
 ately. The other tenants, cottars, and householders, took 
 
214 MINUTES OF BARONY OF STITCH ILL [1805-7 
 
 Instruments in the Clerk's hands of their appearance and the 
 Baron Officer was ordered in time coming to intimate to the 
 several tenants of this Barony and residing in this village of 
 Stitchill when the Head Court is to be holden at least one 
 week before it takes place. There being no other business before 
 the Court it was adjourned till next Court day. 
 
 1806 Stitchill November 15. 
 
 Which day a Head Court was holden when Messrs 
 Scott, Hardie's Mill Place, Maclaurin, Parkend, Hewit, 
 Queenscairn, Downie, Runningburn, Johnstone, Eastfield, and 
 Johnstone, Sweethope, failing to appear or any for them 
 were ordered to be fined the sums of half a crown each. 
 
 The rest of the tenants and cottars having appeared and 
 paid their fines the Court was dismissed till next Court dav. 
 
 (246) 1807 Stitchill November 21. 
 
 This day a Head Court was held when the tenants and 
 householders appeared and paid their fines and there being no 
 other business before the Court it was adjourned till next 
 Court day. 
 
 (245) 
 
 Fines for non- 
 attendance. 
 
APP. I.] 
 
 CRIMES AND OFFENCES 
 
 215 
 
 APPENDIX I 
 
 CRIMES AND OFFENCES 
 
 The following is a list of the crimes and offences brought before 
 the Baron Court during the one hundred and fifty years covered 
 by the Records. In a pastoral country abstracted multures were 
 very common. These were the fees in kind which the miller 
 ought to have received for grinding the corn of tenants thirled to 
 his mill, but by the tenant's going elsewhere with his corn, the 
 fees were lost to the miller of the barony. One instance occurs 
 of the contravention of an arrestment laid upon a man's corn. 
 Several times bridegrooms were fined for obtaining their bridal 
 bread and their bridal ale from dealers outside the barony to the 
 loss of the miller. Bridegrooms were fined in addition, if more 
 guests than the law allows were present at the weddings, or if 
 unnecessary changes of raiment were made at the celebration. 
 For the baptism of his children, he might be fined for having too 
 many guests, and for neglecting to pay the dues of the session- 
 clerk. The same also at burials, and if the dead were shrouded 
 in linen and not in woollen. Compulsory education was insisted 
 on, and defaulting parents were fined. Corn eaten by trespassing 
 animals had to be paid for ; corn removed from the fields before 
 paying teind or tithe had to pay its teind, in addition to its owner 
 being fined. Sharping corn had to be paid to the blacksmith as a 
 fee for sharpening implements, else a fine was exacted. Con- 
 tempt of Court was not a rare occurrence ; nor was the cutting 
 of trees ; and at times the stealing of corn from one's neigh- 
 bour's rig. 
 
 There are but two references to drunkenness, which is curious ; 
 and a great many to the deforcing of the barony officers, 
 and one only to the desertion of service by a servant. Kayn 
 fowls had to be paid as rent in kind to the lady of the mansion ; 
 geese must not be trespassers ; and herds must not herd their 
 own animals apart from those under their charge. 
 
 Of housebreaking there is but one case. 
 
216 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL [app. I. 
 
 Regarding the relationship of the kirk session with the Baron's 
 Court, more than one intimation was made that the Baron would 
 compel the observance of the decisions of the kirk session. Of 
 being bound over to preserve the peace, two instances are given ; 
 and several of lawburrows being demanded. Lint must not be 
 steeped in lochs and burns, nor exposed while being dressed to 
 risk of catching fire, and for contravention of these orders fines 
 were exacted. The Sumptuary Laws must be observed. Muck 
 must be properly carried to the land. The millstone-silver must 
 be paid ; so also the share of the expense in bringing home the 
 millstones. Thirlage both to the corn-mill and to the waulk or 
 fulling mill was the source of much irritation, and its infringe- 
 ment was always punished by severe fines. Orders to remove 
 were given to undesirables ; and opprobrious speeches promptly 
 fined. A man might clear himself from a charge by taking the 
 oath of verity, whereby he was purged from the offence alleged. 
 Only once were a pauper's effects sold. Three references only are 
 found relating to corporal punishment ; and a few to poinding 
 goods, poaching, keeping the peace, profanation of the Sabbath ; 
 and several to riots and assaults to the effusion of blood. Once only 
 was a man accused 'that he had helped up with the dead/ and 
 that seemingly falsely. Sensuality, swearing, scolding, and 
 scandal were all punishable ; and for these, mention is made of 
 the stocks twice. Trespass both of man and beast was fineable ; 
 so also for the improper tilling of the land ; the cutting of whins ; 
 etc. The old Scots term for fining was being ' unlawed and 
 amerciat,' and this was the commonest punishment for most 
 offences. Witchcraft was dying out, as there is one reference 
 only to a witch. Such were the offences and crimes brought 
 before the Baron's Court of Stitchill in the seventeenth and 
 eighteenth centuries. 
 
 APPENDIX II 
 
 TIMES OF MEETING OF THE BARON'S COURT 
 In l6&5 the Court met four times ; in 1().">() twice; in 1657 
 thrice; in 1658 thrice; in 1659 twice; in lo'6'0 twice; in l(i()l 
 once; in 1662 twice; in 1663 four times; in 1664 thrice; in 
 1665 twice; in l6()b' four times; in 1667 thrice; in 1668 twice; 
 in 1669 twice; in 1670, 1()71, and l6r2 once in each year; in 
 
APR iil] PROPER NAMES IN THE RECORDS 217 
 
 1673 thrice ; in 1674 twice; in 1675 twice; in 1676, 1677, 1678, 
 and 1679 once only in each year; in 1680 thrice; in 1681 twice; 
 in 1682 once; in 1683 twice; in 1684, 1685, and 1686 once only 
 in each year ; there is no record of a meeting in 1687 or in 1689 ; 
 or in 1690. There were two meetings in 1691 and 1692; one in 
 1693; two in 1694; two in 1695 ; four in 1696 ; four in 1697 ; 
 three in 1698; three in 1699; and one in 1700. There was no 
 meeting in 1701 ; there were two in 1702 ; two in 1703 ; two in 
 1704; two in 1705; one in 1706; two in 1707; three in 1708 ; 
 one in 1709; one in 1710; one in 1711; two in 1712; two in 
 1713; two in 1714; two in 1715; three in 1 7 1 6 ; two in 1717; 
 three in 1718; one in 1719; one in 1720; one in 1721 ; two in 
 1722; three in 1723; one in 1724; one in 1725 ; none in 1726 ; 
 and two in 1727. ... A blank of eight years occurs at this point. 
 In 1735 there were four meetings; two in 1736; five in 1737; 
 three in 1738 ; three in 1739 ; one in 1740. ... A blank again 
 occurs. There were two meetings in 1744; and one in 1745 ; 
 and one in 1746. . . . Another blank occurs. In 1748 there was 
 one meeting; in 1749 three; in 1750 three; in 1751 two; in 
 1752 two. There were two yearly after this date until 1758 and 
 1759, in each of which there was but one. In 1760 to 1764 there 
 were two in each year. In 1756 there was one. In 1766 to 1769 
 there were two in each year. From 1770 till 1776 there was but 
 ■one in each year. In 1777 there were two. In 1778 one; in 
 1779 one; in 1780 none; in 1781 one; in 1782 two; in 1783 
 •one ; in 1784 one; and one in each year till 1793 in which year 
 there were three. Until 1797 there was one meeting in each 
 year; and in 1798 there were two; and one annually thereafter 
 .until the end in 1807. 
 
 APPENDIX III 
 
 LIST OF PROPER NAMES OCCURRING IN THE 
 RECORDS OF THE BARON'S COURT 
 
 Armstrong, Alexander, Aitchison, Aitken, Allane, Anderson, 
 Aldcorne, Ackae, Archibald, Adam, Archer, Aymers. 
 
 Blaikie, Blackie, Bromfild, Bowtoun, Black, Bairnsfather, Bell, 
 Bogge, Boyd, Burne, Brown, Brocky, Brunton, Bougall, 
 Bosuall, Brownlies, Baillie, Beveridge, Bruntfield. 
 
218 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL [app. III. 
 
 Campbell, Cossars, Clapperton, Charterhouse, Crottar, Ceddy,. 
 Cottersone, Cranstoun, Courtney, Cowan, Cromby, Concurr r 
 Corbraith, Cudbertson, Cuthbertson, Crawford, Charteris, 
 Currie, Clarke, Cramont, Cairncross, Cairncroft, Cannon- 
 heid. 
 
 Donaldson, Dickson, Dows, Dodds, Dawson, Duncan, Douglas,. 
 Davidson, Dasen, Downie, Dowglas. 
 
 Elliot, Eiston, Eixton, Easton, Eliot, Edgar, Edmiston. 
 
 ffrenche, ffairbairne, ffrothem, ffoord, fforrest, ffair. 
 
 Given, Guttraw, Galbraith, Gibson, Greenknowe, Giffen, Gutter- 
 sone, Gray, Grieve, Gottrae, Gaffine, Giffan, Gremslie, Geills r 
 Galbrath, Gillespy, Gib, Gregor, Gardiner, Glasgow, Givan, 
 Gardner, Garner, Gill, Greig, Guthrie. 
 
 Hamilton, Hoggeard, Hogge, Hall, Henrison, Hopper, Hunter,. 
 Hute, Hope, Hoggearth, Halyburtone, Handyside, Hutsone 
 Hendersone, Herd, Hammiltoune, Hennry, Hislop, Hill, 
 Haliday, Hoggeart, Hagger, Hallie, Hyslop, Heymers, 
 Hairly, Hay, Hewatt, Haig. 
 
 Inglis, Innes, Ingles, Immeny. 
 
 Jamieson, Johnston, Japhrae. 
 
 Ker, Keith, Knox, Kennedy. 
 
 Lowry, Lamb, Lennox, Learmont, Lillie, Lambe, Lidgait, Leith, 
 Leithheid, Lirmen, Lee, Litel, Lindores, Locke, Lithgow, 
 Lathead, Ladla, Linen, Laidley, Landreth, Lawson, 
 Linning. 
 
 Muirhead, Moffat, Mylle, Macdowell, Maisson, Marshall, Mag- 
 dowall, Mill, Mein, Millar, Murdy, Matthew, Mather, Mit- 
 chell, Marjoribanks, Meikle, Macgregor, Manders, Mack, 
 Madder, Middlemost, Main, Maclaurin. 
 
 Nizbet, Nissbet, Newton, Neill. 
 
 Ormiston. 
 
 Pringle, Pearson, Patterson, Prestoune, Pringill, Purves, Pearsone, 
 
 Pattersone, Puntan, Phaup, Potts, Peirson. 
 Quhvte, Quhiggenshall. 
 
 Robesone, Richisone, Ramsay, Reidpath, Rutherfoord, Robertson, 
 Richardson. 
 
 Smythe, Smith, Stevison, Stott, Scott, Starke, Swanston, Service, 
 Stewart, Sked, Sinclair, Small, Steill, Steinson, Scougall, 
 Simm, Sklaitter, Sheill, Sim, Short, Scot, Smitton, Simson. 
 
 Turnbull, Tailzieour, Trottar, Thomsone, Turner, Turten, Taylor, 
 Tain. 
 
APP. IV.] 
 
 ARCHAIC WORDS 
 
 219 
 
 Urmiston, Under wood, Utterstone. 
 Vair. 
 
 Windrim, Wilson, Wood, Welshe, Wady, Weddel, Watsone, 
 Whyte, Walker, Willobie, Waitt, Watts, War, Weir, Whytlie 
 Waitt, Whale, Waddell, Waugh. 
 
 Young, Younger, Yeaman. 
 
 APPENDIX IV 
 
 SOME ARCHAIC AND PROVINCIAL WORDS OCCUR- 
 RING IN THE FOREGOING MINUTES 
 
 Allenarly. Only, solely. 
 Amerciaments. Fines. 
 
 Attour. Over, beyond ; ' by and attour,' 'over and above.' 
 Axetries. Axle-trees, axles. 
 
 Barroun, bairoun, baron. The word in the sense in which it is 
 applied to the owner of Stitchill estate does not necessarily 
 mean a nobleman. The original meaning of the word is here 
 used, such as a strong man, one who can bear (from Gothic, 
 beran, to bear). Such a baron held land by honourable 
 service, and was a baron by tenure, not by nobility, nor by 
 patent. He presided over the court of his barony; and in 
 earlier times had power of pit for drowning women, and 
 gallows for hanging men, including the lesser punishments 
 for crimes of lower degree. 
 
 Bailive, bailzie, balive. The bailie or bailiff who administered 
 the decrees of the baron, and held courts in his absence. 
 
 Baulk. A ridge or strip of land left unploughed, separating two 
 ploughed portions. 
 
 Bedded the kiln. Either spread the grain in proper position to 
 be dried, or spread the fuel properly for combustion. 
 
 Beir, bear, bere. Barley having four rows of grain. 
 
 Bloodwyte. A fine for the shedding of blood. 
 
 Boll. A dry measure whose quantity varied in different districts. 
 A boll of oats, barley, or potatoes contains six bushels. A 
 boll of meal is equal to 140 pounds avoir. The boll is 
 divided into four firlots. 
 
 Bountith, bounty. Something given to a servant over and above 
 legal wages. 
 
220 BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL [app IV. 
 
 Bourlawmen, birlaymen. The petty officers of a burgh of barony, 
 
 parish arbiters, referees, petty jurymen. 
 Boukail. Cabbage. 
 
 Cairiages, carriadges. The carryings of loads by the tenant, as 
 part of his service to the laird. They might be borne either 
 by horse or by cart. 
 
 Calsayend. One of the tenants was thus distinguished from other 
 tenants of the same name, as living at the end of the cause- 
 way. A causeway was either paved or laid with cobble stones. 
 In the south country, some of the vestiges of the Roman road 
 show these causeways to this day. 
 
 Capful. The fourth part of a peck, a forpit, a lippie. 
 
 Claik hackit cow. A cow besmeared and rugged. 
 
 Couper, coupper, cowper. A cooper for making ale barrels ; also 
 a dealer in horses. 
 
 Cowan. An irregular mason who has not undergone an 
 apprenticeship. 
 
 Coupurall. A corporal in the army or militia. 
 
 Dunments, dinmonts. Wed tiers from the first to the second 
 shearing. 
 
 Ennle sheitt. A sheet provided by a bride for the occasion of her 
 
 marriage, and used at the last as a shroud. 
 Entreis money ; also gersoume. A sum paid by a tenant to a 
 
 landlord at the entry to a lease. 
 Ferme beir. Bere or barley paid as part of rent or ferme. 
 Fulle. A firlot or bushel of grain. 
 
 Girst, grist. Grain that is bound to be ground at the mill to 
 
 which the land is thirled. 
 Hirsell. A flock of sheep ; but in the text the name of a Border 
 
 estate. 
 
 Husbandland. About twenty-six acres of land ; as much as might 
 be tilled by a plough, or mowed by a scythe. 
 
 Hummle-corn. Grain wanting the beard, such as pease ; also three 
 bolls barley and one of pease made into meal ; also a lighter 
 grain that falls from the rest when it is fanned. 
 
 Hynde, hind. A cotter who works the land. 
 
 jajvi c . jaj is a corrupted form of 1 in, for one mille, one thousand ; 
 vi stands for six ; and the small c for centum. This was a 
 cumbersome method of stating the sixteenth century : the 
 number of the year had yet to be added to the century. 
 Kain, kayne. Fowls, generally hens, paid to the landlord as 
 
APP. V.] 
 
 PRICES OF CHIEF ARTICLES 
 
 221 
 
 rent in kind. It is still paid in Peeblesshire and other 
 districts. 
 
 Kitchen. Anything eaten along with bread — herrings, for instance, 
 
 as in the text. 
 Littet, dyed. Litster, dyer. 
 
 Master. Fermenting liquid used in fulling cloth. 
 Maynes, mains. The farm attached to a mansion-house, a home- 
 farm. 
 
 Melder. The quantity of meal ground at once. 6 bushels = 1 bow, 
 
 10-30 bows=l melder. 
 Merk. A coin equal to 13s. 4d. Scots ; or 13 pence and a third stg. 
 Myllestane-silver. Money paid by tenants either toward' the 
 
 cost of a mill-stone, or as payment of a substitute to assist in 
 
 bringing home the mill-stone. 
 Pundler, poundler. A bourlaw-officer, a distrainer, a poynder. 
 Rowme. A possession in land ; also accommodation in the mill ; 
 
 one's turn while waiting to have one's corn ground. 
 Sheilling. Grain from which the shell or husk has been removed 
 
 in grinding — the husk thus removed being known as schillin- 
 
 seed. 
 
 Socneid. The right of a baron to hold court in his own domain. 
 Swingleing. Separating flax from the pith or stalk by beating. 
 Thrave. Twenty-four sheaves of corn, equal to two shocks or 
 stooks. 
 
 Wins. The quantity of standing corn that reapers can take before 
 
 them. 
 
 APPENDIX V 
 
 PRICES OF CHIEF ARTICLES 
 
 1 Boll, 10 merks. 
 
 Beir. 
 
 Beans. 
 1 peck, 26sh. 
 
 4 Bolls, £20. 
 1 Boll, £11. 
 1 Boll, £8. 
 1 Boll, £7. 
 1 Boll, £3. 15 
 
 Two and a half Bolls, £10. 5s. 8d. 
 
 1 Boll, £9. 16. 
 6 fulls, £14. 14. 
 
 Malt. 
 
 2 Fulls of Beir, 56sh. 
 
 Oats. 
 
 1 peck, 8sh. 
 
 1 Boll, 5 merks. 
 
ooo 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 [ap.p. 
 
 1 Boll, £6, £10. 9s. £9. l6s. 
 
 £6. 10s. £4. 10s. 
 7 fulls, £7. 14s. 
 1 peck, 10s. 
 
 Oatmeal. 
 
 2 1 pecks, £9. 
 
 5 pecks. £S. 
 
 1 peck, 30sh. 
 
 3 pecks, £3. 
 
 3 pecks, 44sh. 
 
 1 peck, 36sh. 
 
 half peck, 7 pence. 
 
 1 full, £3. Ssh. 
 
 1 boll. £12. 
 
 1 load, £57. 
 
 Peas. 
 1 Bcfll, £13. 
 1 Boll, £11. 
 1 Boll, £10. 10s. 
 3 caps. 3 shillings. 
 
 1 peck, 24sh. 
 
 6 fulls, £7. 4sh. 
 
 2 fulls, £3. 4sh. 
 
 ftp; 
 
 1 Boll, £6. 6. 8d. 
 
 Shoes. 
 
 3 Ssh. 
 
 -2 pairs 5Ssh. Sd. 
 
 FINES 
 
 Blood and Bloodtn/te. 
 £4, £10, £12, £«4, £35, £50. 
 
 Riots. 
 40sh. 
 
 £5 and Stocks. 
 £10. 
 
 20sh. 
 
 £0 and corporal punishment. 
 £10 (riot deforcement). 
 
 J'arious. 
 Scolding. 40 pence, £.5. 
 Blasphemy and Scandal, 20sh. 
 
 Provocation, osh. 20sh. oOsh. 
 
 L'nteinded corn or peas, £10. 
 
 Absence from Court. £5. 
 
 Breaking lock, £0, £10. 
 
 Contempt of Court, £5 and cor- 
 poral punishment. 
 
 Deforcement, £5. 
 
 Opprobrious speeches, 30s. 
 
 Calling names, £3, £.50, £10, 
 and kirk session. 
 
 Refusal of service, £40. 
 
 Cutting ash-tree, £10. 
 
 Cutting fir-tree, 1 sh. 
 
 RENTS 
 
 Cothouse, £3 with four kayne 30sh. with three hens, or 15sh. 
 hens. £:> with three hens. with 5 days' spinning. 
 
 1 day's threshing, 3sh. 
 1 day's spinning, lsh. 
 pence. 
 
 WAGES 
 
 Harvest, £14 with 2 fulls Beir 
 and 4 and half full peas. 
 
 woman £7. 10. : man. 
 
app. vi.] BARONS, MINISTERS, SCHOOLMASTERS 223 
 
 £17. 4. ; man and wife, 
 £12. osh.Sd. with20sh. 
 or 64 herring. 
 
 Herd, £3 and a cloacker. 
 
 Manservant, £5 and harden shirt. 
 
 £11. 4sh. with 2 hose, 
 shirt and old clothes. 
 £5 with 12sh. for shoes, 
 and 24sh. for hose. 
 
 Summer fee for women, £4. 
 
 Winter for boy, 40sh. 
 
 Winter fee for woman, £6 with 
 one ell of linen, harden and 
 plaid en. 
 
 Beadle and Bell-ringer paid by 
 fees. 
 
 Schoolmaster paid by fees and 
 salary. 
 
 Shearing eight and a half days, 
 man and wife, 39sh. and 10 
 pence. 
 
 Apprentice fee to tailor, £l6. 
 
 VARIOUS PRICES FOR VARIOUS ARTICLES 
 
 Peat. 
 
 1 stack, £4. 40 pence with half 
 
 peck of beir. 
 1 and a half stack, 4 merks. 
 1 stack, 4 merks. 
 Half stack, £3. 14. 
 Carriage of peats, £l per 1000. 
 
 00 kail plants, 4sh. 
 
 1 year's grass equals 1 load of 
 coal from England. 
 
 7 pints ale, 2s. 4 pence. 
 
 1 peck humnile corn, 8 pence. 
 
 1 pound butter, 4sh. 
 
 Cornsacks 48sh., 2Ssh., 40sh. 
 
 1 ell sacking, lsh. 4d. 
 
 Ox, £18. 10. 
 
 Cow, £17; £16. 10.; £14; 
 
 £24. 11. 6. 
 Calf, £11. 14. 
 
 Dinmont ewes, £l. 7. 9- 
 
 Ewe hogg, 40sh. 
 
 Meer, £5. 2. ; £26. 
 
 Hire of 2 horses to Dalkeith, 4sh. 
 
 Iron-graip, 20sh. 
 
 Wain-wheel, £7. 
 
 1 load lime from Edin., 20sh. 
 
 3 and a half ells small plaiding, 
 
 42sh. 
 1 ell harden, 4sh. 
 1 and a half ell plaiding, 12sh., 
 
 also 8sh. 
 1 ell of grey milled and pressed 
 
 for 2sh. 
 1 Qr linen, osh. 
 1 ell linen, lOsh. 
 Hose, llsh. ; Ssh. 
 Coffin, grave, and bell, £2, 18, Sd. 
 
 APPENDIX VI 
 
 BARONS, MINISTERS, AND SCHOOLMASTERS DURING 
 THE PERIOD INCLUDED IN THE RECORDS 
 
 1600, January S. Walter Pringle of Greenknow, uncle of the 
 
 young laird, and acting for him. 
 l659, undated, Robert Pringle. (' ffirste Courte halden be himselfe.') 
 
224 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL [apf. TO. 
 
 16SS, December 29. The Baron styled Sir Robert for the first time. 
 
 16.Q2, September 5. Sir John Pringle, 2nd Baronet. 
 
 1718, June 14. Robert Prinze, fiar of Stitchill havinsr commission 
 
 from his father. Sir John. 
 1718, November 15. Sir John Pringle as formerly. 
 1721, November 8. Sir Robert Pringle, 3rd Baronet. 
 1774, November 19. Last mention of Sir Robert. 
 1781, November 17. Sir James, 4th Baronet. 
 
 MINISTERS 
 
 David Starke, A.M., 164S. John Glen, 1719- 
 
 Andrew Darling, A.M.. 1683. Alexander Home, 1734. 
 John Glen, 1691. George Redpath. 1743. 
 
 Andrew Scott, 1773. 
 
 SCHOOLMASTERS 
 
 James Lennox, November 27, Andrew Whale, January 26, 
 
 1655. 1722. 
 
 Thomas Halyburtone. December John Beveridge, May 15, 1736. 
 
 13, 1666. John Smith, November 1740. 
 
 John Turner, May 17, 1673. Robert Brown, November 8, 
 
 Thomas Underwood. 1746. 
 
 William Keith, October 20, Thomas Douglas, November 15, 
 
 1688. 1800. 
 William Wilson. Mav 28, I69S. 
 
 APPENDIX VII 
 
 SOME NOTES ON MEMBERS OF THE PRINGLE 
 - ■ FAMILY 
 
 Walter Pringle of Greenknow : Covenanter. 
 
 He was the second son of Robert Pringle the first laird of 
 Stitchill. 
 
 He was born in the year 1625, probably at Stitchill Hall. One 
 of his childish recollections was finding himself very much drawn 
 toward God at the north-east end of the Hall before there was any 
 new building or garden there. 
 
 From the age of seven or eight until twelve or thirteen he was 
 kept under convictions, the love and fear of God ruling his heart in 
 
APP. vil] THE PRINGLE FAMILY 
 
 225 
 
 some measure. At the age of eleven, his ' precious brother ' went 
 with him to Stirling, where he was taught for a year or two by the 
 eminent and pious minister Mr. James Lockie, who had no church 
 at the time as he would not conform to Episcopacy. And though 
 making no progress in learning after the death of this worthy 
 tutor, yet he was kept in the love of powerful preaching. And at 
 Lilliesleaf he was wont to feel refreshed by the preaching of his 
 next teacher, Mr. Thomas Wilkie, minister there, who ofttimes shed 
 tears while preaching. At that time, when he was about thirteen, 
 nine or ten other young people bound themselves together in a 
 bond of brotherhood and love, as well as engaged themselves 
 to the National Covenant. But in 1639, when at Leith school, 
 youthful lusts and corruptions began to prevail over him, being 
 stronger than the grace of God. 
 
 Two years at Edinburgh College followed ; then five more years, 
 partly spent at home and in the Civil War. After two years spent 
 in France, Walter Pringle returned home, being now about twenty- 
 three years old. During all the time of his i fearful going astray,' 
 he had a love to the godly, and a high esteem for his worthy 
 brother John, whose memory ever remained sweet to him. The 
 brothers had a loving parting when Walter set out for France ; and 
 within a year thereafter he was stricken with grief at the death 
 of this beloved elder brother. It was in the month of June 1648 
 when Walter returned from the Continent that his father, Robert 
 Pringle, pressed him to marry. He was now twenty-three. He 
 first saw the lady who was destined to become his wife at the house 
 of Blackhaugh, where she was staying with her brother-in-law 
 Pringle of Whitebank, and his affections went out to her. Walter 
 had been at Edinburgh along with his father, who hearing that his 
 brother of Newhall was sick, sent his son Walter to Newhall to 
 inquire after his health. Pringle of Whitebank coming to New- 
 hall, brought young Walter away with him to his house of Black- 
 haugh, where the lady was dwelling at the time. In all which 
 Walter saw the hand of Providence. 
 
 Notwithstanding the fears of the anxious lover, the Laird of 
 Stitchill did not oppose the choice of this his younger son. He 
 journeyed to the capital on account of this and other business ; but 
 before the laird had even met with any of the young lady's 
 friends, he was seized with illness, from which he died within 
 fourteen days, in May 1649. 
 
 Walter was thus left bereaved of his elder brother and now of 
 
 p 
 
226 BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL [app. vii. 
 
 his father, at the aire of twenty-four having the care of his 
 brother's eight children and his sister's son. 
 
 Five months after the death of his father, Walter proceeded in 
 the matter of his marriage. During that period, he had passed 
 through a Communion season of three days at Lauder, during which, 
 although the young lady was present also (the last Communion 
 that Mr. James Guthrie was to hold there), the young enthusiast 
 gave little thought to her ! Mr. Guthrie had inquired at his young 
 friend whether there had been any work of grace in the young 
 lady's heart ; and this was revealed during an illness through 
 which she now passed, in which she spoke freely of her soul's 
 concernments, whereby the working of the Lord did fully appear 
 to Walter, and the last of his scruples was removed. 
 
 In November 1649, Walter Pringle married this lady Janet, 
 second daughter of James Pringle of Torwoodlee. The ceremony 
 took place at Stow, Mr. James Guthrie being the celebrant. His 
 wife remained at Torwoodlee about six months and thereafter 
 came home to Stitchill, where the couple remained five years with 
 his mother Katharine Hamilton, widow of the first laird. Five 
 of his brother's children were under their care; one of them, 
 Eliza, having gone to her own mother, and two younger sons 
 having been removed by death. Mr. James Aird, probably their 
 tutor, was also of the household at Stitchill. During this time 
 they had 'a very loving, sweet and peaceable society.' Until the 
 English Army came into Scotland, Walter Pringle was greatly 
 taken up with lawsuits on behalf of his pupils, he being always 
 defender, and consequently much away from home. After the 
 English came in, he joined the army, leaving his mother, wife 
 and children at Edinburgh. He seems to have been present at 
 the Battle of Dunbar, where also another Stitchill man was pre- 
 sent ; and after that defeat, he brought the ladies and children 
 home to Stitchill. He remained at Stitchill with his wife until 
 their eldest child Katharine was born on November 10, 166*6. On 
 the following day a party of English came in and occupied all 
 that part of the country, whereupon Walter Pringle went and 
 remained for about eight days at Torwoodlee. 
 
 One night he returned to Stitchill along with the laird of Tor- 
 woodlee in order to see his wife, and on the way back they en- 
 countered an Englishman upon horseback. The man did not sue 
 for quarter, and there being some difficulty in carrying him 
 prisoner to the Scottish army, Walter killed him. ' But what of 
 rashness was herein, I believe assuredly that the Lord my God 
 hath pardoned it.' 
 
APP. vil] THE PRINGLE FAMILY 
 
 227 
 
 He went to Glasgow and consulted his worthy friend Colonel 
 Gilbert Ker and continued his journey to St. Johnstoun. He 
 took advice also at Stirling from Mr. James Guthrie as to his own 
 and his pupils' affairs. He had hardly been eight days at 
 St. Johnstoun when news arrived of the total defeat of Colonel 
 Ker's forces at Hamilton. But he remained there until Edinburgh 
 Castle was to be surrendered to the English when he departed 
 for Edinburgh, his own and his pupils' writs being secured in the 
 Castle. He then returned to Stitchill, but the English having 
 been informed as to his whereabouts, Pringle went over the 
 Border into Northumberland, remaining for a few days in the 
 house of his cousin Major Pringle. 
 
 The man whom Walter had slain had many friends who vowed 
 to be avenged on his slayer. Accordingly a troop of horse came 
 and took him prisoner and kept him for the first night at Darnick. 
 Reading the Hundredth Psalm brought him much joy and peace. 
 His mother-in-law came to see him next day ere he was carried to 
 Selkirk and examined by Major Robertson, to whose regiment the 
 slain man belonged. His plea was defence of his country from 
 the invasion. Afterwards he was liberated on bail of £2000 
 sterling given by Torwoodlee and Whitebank. All this time 
 Mr. James Aird was most solicitous for his safety, and journeyed 
 many miles soliciting the chief officers on his account. Yet 
 with little assurance, even Lord Warristoun advising him not to 
 compear. 
 
 At last the chief officers consented to refer the matter to the 
 captain of the slain man's troop, to whom Walter's mother paid 
 <£150 sterling, as she thought for the man's friends. Mr. Aird 
 was the agent in the business at Torwoodlee, Walter remaining 
 passive, being assured spiritually that all would go well. 
 
 He seems now to have enjoyed a certain amount of freedom, 
 and in 1 651 became a constant hearer of 'that lively man' Mr. 
 John Livingstone, going every Sabbath day from Stitchill to 
 Ancrum, having many a sweet hour by the way. (In 1663 
 Mr. Livingstone was banished from the kingdom by the Lords of 
 the Council.) Walter was debtor more than he could express 
 to this worthy man, having sweet fellowship with him and ever 
 delighting in his company. But coming from Stitchill to remain 
 at Greenknow, in March 1655, he was no more a hearer of him. 
 
 An interval elapses during which one must suppose that Walter 
 Pringle along with his wife and growing family were dwelling at 
 the Tower of Greenknow. On the 26th September 1660 he was 
 
228 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCH ILL [app. VII. 
 
 a prisoner in the Castle of Edinburgh along with Sir Andrew Ker 
 of Greenhead. At first he was scarcely able to endure imprison- 
 ment even for a few days, but God trained him up from one step 
 to another. The next step was his being detained prisoner within 
 the parish of Gordon : thereafter within the Tolbooth of Edin- 
 burgh, and finally at Elgin. 
 
 On the second day of August 1662 he began to write his 
 Memoirs for the information and spiritual edification of his 
 children. In them he passes over his sufferings and persecutions 
 but lightly, enlarging, however, at length upon the spiritual experi- 
 ences through which he was passing amid them all. They were 
 begun at Greenknow. On Tuesday the 10th of March, his seventh 
 child, Walter, was born ; and to him his father addresses some 
 remarks upon the meaning of his Christian name, in High Dutch 
 signifying a pilgrim. In October of the same year, it was a great 
 joy to him that his eldest child Katharine, aged thirteen, was 
 permitted to make her first Communion at Westruther. Her 
 aunt Lady Haining had not been spared to see this early Com- 
 munion of her niece as she passed away on the 28th September 
 previous. But ' blessed forever be my God, who of his rich free 
 grace hath so shined upon the families of Torwoodlee and 
 Stitchill.' In the end of November another aunt of the children's 
 died, Walter's sister Craigie, who also was able to express 
 her assurance of mercy and salvation through Jesus Christ. 
 Another sister of Walter's had become ill on the 15th March 
 1663, the day of young Walter's baptism, and she passed away 
 after a year's illness, on the 11th March 1664. She had endured 
 violent pain most patiently, and for years previously had lived 
 separated from worldly concerns. A son of hers, Alexander, had 
 caused her spiritual joy by dying in the Lord ; and during her last 
 illness she made her son John engage to seek also to become the 
 Lord's, else he was no son of hers. 
 
 This brings this Memoir to the lf)th July 1664, on which day he 
 was summoned to attend the High Commission Court for declar- 
 ing that he could not own Mr James Straiton for his minister, nor 
 conjoin in prayers read by the Header, nor in singing the Conclu- 
 sion then introduced. On the 21st July, he received sentence 
 from the Court. He attended the Bishop of Edinburgh on the 
 8th September, 1 but could not take the oath as he tendered it, 
 viz. without any explanation but the words as they stand.' After 
 receiving his summons and before compearance (having left the 
 company he was with upon the Winistraw Law), he prayed 
 
APP. VII.] 
 
 THE PRINGLE FAMILY 
 
 229 
 
 earnestly, and then opening the Bible at random selected the first 
 verse which Providence cast up to him. which happened to be, 
 ' And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know 
 that we have the petitions that we desired of him.' This 
 encouraged him a good deal. The Court of High Commission 
 imposed a fine upon him. On the 24th of November he was taken 
 from Greenknow by three of the Life-guards and a messenger-at- 
 arms, and was conveyed to Channelkirk for the night, thence on 
 the morrow to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh. On the following 
 Thursday the second Court of High Commission, without his 
 compearing before them, ordered him to find bond that he would 
 enter himself before the magistrates of Elgin before the Lst of 
 January following, and to abide within its bounds during the 
 king's pleasure. And if the fine imposed by the first Court were 
 not paid by Candlemas, he was to enter within the Tolbooth of 
 Elgin. Although he had more friends this time than the last, the 
 bishops carried all before them. He was enabled to bear all this 
 by an assurance given to him on the 22nd October, during his im- 
 prisonment at his own home, when walking and meditating in the 
 fields in the afternoon, that God would take his wife and children 
 off his hands and care for them during any further imprisonment 
 that might befall them. On the 22nd December 1664, he set 
 forth to go to Elgin, but before reaching Edinburgh, his brother, 
 Torwoodlee, gave in a petition to the Lords of Council in 
 Walter's name, who granted him until the last day of the 
 year, recommending the High Commission to grant him a longer 
 time. 
 
 These remissions were given on account of the delicate health 
 of his wife : and upon the 30th January 1665 his daughter Anne 
 was born. On 23rd February the ordinary reading at family 
 - worship was Psalm Fifty-five. They sang Psalm Seven from the 
 ninth verse to the end, and read the eleventh chapter of Ezekiel. 
 And he considered the sixteenth and seventeenth verses of the 
 eleventh of Ezekiel specially suitable to their circumstances. 
 
 On the following day, 24th February, Walter Pringle left Green- 
 know and his aged mother, dear wife and children for Elgin. 
 The weather north of Aberdeen was severe, and he did not reach 
 Elgin until the 10th March. His prayer on entering was that he 
 might not go out until God carried him out without sin. 
 
 He lay in Elgin Tolbooth until April 6th when another prisoner 
 was put in beside him, which caused him such discomfort, that on 
 the morrow the town council without communicating with him 
 
230 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL [app. vn. 
 
 removed Pringle to the house whence his meals had come from. 
 Although he was now free to worship in his new quarters, yet the 
 ventilation was not so good, a condition that he blamed as 
 causing soreness of the eyes. 
 
 On the 10th of May, his nephew Walter brought the good 
 news that the prisoner might enjoy liberty within a mile about 
 the town. This boon having been obtained through the efforts of 
 the laird of Stitchill and the laird of Haining. 
 
 He addresses his children regarding their spiritual concerns 
 upon the 20th July, and again upon the 31st of the same month. 
 And on August 3 1st he tells them that for some weeks past he had 
 been entertaining himself with the hopes of getting home. Six 
 days together he was assured by several that liberty was granted ; 
 but letters arriving on the Saturday previous to writing showed 
 him the contrary. 
 
 On the 21st November 1665, Walter Pringle directed a letter 
 from Elgin to his household at Greenknow. And on the 30th of 
 the same month there parted from him a pious minister deposed 
 for not conforming. He had come from Ross to see other friends 
 and Pringle. And some one who had come with him said on the 
 Sabbath that those who had met with so much lenity (no doubt 
 meaning Walter Pringle) as to be merely confined, when a hard 
 sentence might have been inflicted, would surely not abuse that 
 lenity by frequenting the companies of seditious persons, and 
 meddling with those who were given to changes. 'Thus am I 
 the scorn of those who are at ease, and the contempt of the proud, 
 who count it lenity to be a prisoner 124 miles from my family/ 
 
 So Walter continued at Elgin, consoling himself by addressing 
 his children indirectly in his Memoirs. The year 1666 began. 
 On the 6th of January he wrote that on the previous Tuesday, 
 during the night, the house opposite his dwelling was consumed 
 by fire. Several times the wind had directed the flames against 
 his own house, so that it too caught, but did not greatly suffer. 
 In this, too, Walter saw the hand of God. 
 
 At the end of January he was greatly cheered by a letter from his 
 wife announcing that a good work had begun in their son Robert. 
 
 1 Upon the 6th of February my friends, by their affectionate 
 pains, without my knowledge, did procure from the High Com- 
 mission, the change of my confinement from Elgin to mine own 
 house, and three miles about, for the payment of £200 sterling, 
 and a Bond by Stitchill and Tersons, for my peaceable and 
 inoffensive behaviour.' 
 
APP. VII.] 
 
 THE PRINGLE FAMILY 
 
 231 
 
 ' The order came to my hand on the 20th day of February, and 
 I came from Elgin on the 23rd, and to this place (Greenknow) 
 on Tuesday last the 6th of March.' 
 
 And these things were written at Greenknow on 10th March 
 1666. 
 
 Robert Pringle of Stitchill (First Laird). 
 
 He was the second son of George Pringle of Newhall. He 
 was first designed Pringle of Bartingbush, and was a Writer to 
 the Signet. Having realised a large fortune from his profession, 
 he acquired first of all the lands of Templehall in Berwickshire ; 
 and in 1628 he purchased from Sir John Gordon of Lochmvar 
 (first Viscount Kenmure) the estate of Stitchill in Roxburghshire. 
 He died in 1649, six years before the Records of the Baron Court 
 begin. Walter of Greenknow referred to above was his second 
 son. His eldest son, John, predeceased him, leaving behind 
 him several children, one of whom became Robert, the first 
 Baronet of Stitchill. Another was Walter of Graycrook, called to 
 the Bar in 1664, who ably defended the Covenanters in 1 679 after 
 the Battle of Bothwell Brig. This Walter of Graycrook must 
 not be confounded with Walter of Greenknow, also a Covenanter, 
 referred to antea, who was his uncle. 
 
 Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill (Second Laird ; First Baronet). 
 
 He succeeded his grandfather in 1649; and in 1667, on the 
 death of Robert Pringle of Newhall, he inherited Newhall also. 
 In his youth he was brought up at Stitchill House under the care 
 of his uncle, Walter Pringle of Greenknow, and in 1683 he was 
 created a Baronet. He married Margaret, daughter of Sir John 
 Hope, a Lord of Session, designated Lord Craighall, and had 
 nineteen children, one of w^hom (1) John succeeded him. 
 
 He had also (2) Sir Walter Pringle of Lochton, admitted advo- 
 cate in 1687. He became a Lord of Session, as Lord Newhall, in 
 1718, and was knighted. He died in 1736, when all the other 
 judges attended his funeral in their robes as a mark of respect. 
 Sir Robert Dundas of Arniston wrote his eulogy, which was 
 appointed to be engrossed in the Minutes of the Faculty of 
 Advocates. Hamiltoun of Bangour also composed an epitaph on 
 Lord Newhall. (3) The Right Honourable Robert Pringle was 
 another son of Sir Robert. He was appointed Secretary at War 
 in 1718. (4) Thomas Pringle, Writer to the Signet, was ancestor 
 
2:32 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL [app. vil 
 
 of the PrinHes of Edgefield and the Pringles of Weens. His son 
 was sheriff depute of Banffshire in 174S, and became a Lord of 
 Session, with the title Lord Edgefield, in 1754. He died in 1764. 
 
 Sir John Pringle of Stitchill (Third Laird; Second Baronet). 
 
 He was the eldest son of Sir Robert Pringle. He married 
 Magdalen, daughter of Sir William Gilbert Elliot of Stobbs. and 
 had four sons and two daughters. (1) Sir Robert the third 
 baronet. (2) Gilbert an officer in Dragoons. He married Mar- 
 garet., daughter and heiress of John Pringle of Torsonce. (3) 
 Walter, sheriff of Roxburghshire. He succeeded to Torsonce on 
 the death of his brother and never married. (4) Sir John Pringle 
 the celebrated surgeon. 
 
 Sir Robert Pringle (Fourth Laird : Third Baronet). 
 
 He was the eldest son of Sir John Pringle. He married 
 Katharine, daughter of James Pringle of Torwoodlee. and died 
 aged eighty-eight. 
 
 Sir James Pringle (Fifth Laird ; Fourth Baronet). 
 
 He was the eldest son of Sir Robert Pringle. He served first 
 of all in the Fusiliers, and later commanded the 59th Regiment. 
 Later, he was colonel of the Southern Fencibles ; and after 1797 
 commanded the Roxburghshire Yeomanry Cavalry. He was 
 Master of Works in Scotland ; and M.P. for Berwickshire in four 
 Parliaments. He became also captain of the Royal Archers, the 
 king's bodyguard in Scotland ; and his portrait as an archer 
 hangs in Archers' Hall, Edinburgh. He died in 1809. He 
 married Elizabeth, daughter of Norman Macleod of Macleod, by 
 whom he had three sons and three daughters. (1) Robert pre- 
 deceased his father. (2) John who succeeded as fifth baronet. 
 (3) Norman, major of the 21st North British Fusiliers; and later, 
 British Consul at Stockholm. He purchased Torsonce from his 
 father : but later sold it. 
 
 Sir John Pringle (Sixth Laird ; Fifth Baronet). 
 
 He was born in 17S4,and was second son of Sir James Pringle. 
 He served for ten years in the 12th Light Dragoons. He married, 
 first, his cousin Emilia Anne, second daughter of General Macleod 
 
APP. vil] THE PRINGLE FAMILY 
 
 238 
 
 of Macleod, and had three sons and five daughters. And married 
 again, Lady Elizabeth Maitland Campbell; daughter of the first 
 Marquis of Breadalbane, who had two daughters. — the elder of 
 whom married the tenth Earl of Haddington. His heir was James 
 his eldest son. His second son Norman was accidentally drowned 
 in the Thames. Sir John was the last of the Pringles to reside 
 at Stitchill. 
 
 Sir John Privgle. Baronet. 
 
 He was not one of the lairds of Stitchill, but was the youngest 
 son of Sir John Pringle, the second baronet, and Magdalen Elliot. 
 He was born, however, at Stitchill House, on the 10th April 1707, 
 during the period covered by the Baron Court Records. He was 
 trained for the profession of medicine at St Andrews, Edinburgh 
 and Leyden; graduating as M.D. at the last, in 1730. After 
 studying also at Paris he settled in Edinburgh as a physician. 
 
 In 1734 he was appointed assistant and successor to Professor 
 Scott in the Chair of Moral Philosophy. In 1742 he was nomi- 
 nated physician to the Earl of Stair, Commander-in-Chief of the 
 British Army : and also physician to the military hospital in 
 Flanders. He was present at the Battle of Dettingen on 26th June 
 1743. He became physician-general to the army of the Nether- 
 lands, whereupon he resigned his appointment in the University 
 of Edinburgh. During the Scottish Campaign of 1745 and 1746 
 he was attached to the Royal Forces, and spent the two follow- 
 ing years with the army on the Continent. After the peace of 
 1748 he returned to Britain and settled in London, where he was 
 a member of the Royal Society, and became physician to the 
 Duke of Cumberland. 
 
 He now published the results of his researches in the domain 
 of medicine, such as those upon antiseptic and septic substances : 
 hospital or jail fever : diseases of the army, etc. 
 
 In 1763 he became physician extraordinary to the queen ; and 
 was created a baronet in 1766. He was appointed physician 
 extraordinary to the king in 1774 : and was a member of many 
 scientific and medical societies. His health began to fail, neces- 
 sitating his return to Edinburgh. But the rigour of the climate 
 compelled him to go back to London, where he died in 17S2 
 aged seventy-five. A monument to his memory was erected in 
 Westminster Abbey. The baronetcy became extinct at his 
 death. 
 
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236 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL [app. viii. 
 
 APPENDIX VIII 
 
 THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT OF THE BARON COURT 
 RECORDS AND ITS TRANSCRIBER 
 
 It is greatly to be regretted that the original Manuscript from 
 which the foregoing Records have been transcribed has been lost 
 within recent years, which circumstance renders the preservation 
 of its contents in the present volume all the more essential and 
 valuable. 
 
 The book occupied a place in the library of Stitchill House. 
 Sir John Pringle was the last of his family to occupy the former 
 mansion, which he left about 1840. Thereafter Lord John Scott 
 became tenant until 1853. The estate then came into the market 
 and was bought for Mr. David Baird, who was succeeded later by 
 his brother Mr. George Baird. A new mansion-house in the Scots 
 baronial style was erected near the site of its predecessor, and 
 several years later Stitchill village was rebuilt by his widow. Her 
 only son, George, did not hold the family possessions long, as he 
 died at New Orleans in 1893. All the estates were then sold, 
 and that of Stitchill passed into the hands of Mr. James Deuchar. 
 
 At this period the Manuscript disappeared. The present owner 
 states that he never had it in his possession ; nor has any trace of it 
 been found in connection with the sale of the library and furniture. 
 But it is to be hoped that the loss is not irrecoverable. 
 
 In the year 1878 the Rev. George Gunn, M.A., succeeded the 
 Rev. Dugald Macalister as minister of the united parishes of 
 Stitchill and Hume. It was within a very few years of his settle- 
 ment that his attention was directed to the old records of the 
 Baron Courts held within the church by the Pringles. He obtained 
 permission from Mrs. Baird and her son George for their tran- 
 scription and publication ; and it is from Mr. Gunn's Manuscript 
 that the present volume has been prepared by Dr. Gunn, one of 
 his brothers, with consent of the executor, Mr. Thomas Gunn, 
 advocate. Mr. Robert Renwick, the eminent palaeographist, 
 has contributed valuable assistance in revising all the proofs, to 
 whom grateful thanks are due. Mr. Gunn passed away on 
 the 12th of January 1.900, at the early age of forty-eight. He 
 had been president, and was at the time hon. secretary, of the 
 
app. viil] THE MS. AND ITS TRANSCRIBER 237 
 
 Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, and he was becoming a recognised 
 authority in the sciences of botany and geology. Among his 
 papers were found the results of considerable archaeological re- 
 search, from among which a selection was published in a memorial 
 volume, containing notably, the ' Early History of Stitchill,' also 
 the ' Church of Hume.' 
 
 That he never forgot his true vocation — the ministry of the 
 Gospel — is evident from the address delivered by the Border 
 litterateur Sir George Douglas when he unveiled a Celtic cross to 
 his memory in Stitchill, the tribute of George Gunn's scientific 
 friends : — 
 
 ' For twenty-one years the Reverend George Gunn lived and 
 laboured in our midst, in blamelessness, cheerfulness, unselfish- 
 ness ; thoughtful of others, without thought for himself ; those 
 know it who were of his flock ; we know it who were of his friends ; 
 helpful, a brother to his fellowman ; a faithful serv ant of the 
 Highest : a type and pattern of the village priest in this God- 
 fearing land. 
 
 * We would not that a memory, pure and bright, entwined with 
 associations kindly and inspiring, should perish from among us. 
 And therefore with reverence, with affection, with regret — flowers 
 of the chaplet laid upon their graves who, victors in life's conflict, 
 now sleep w r ell — I unveil this memorial of the dead. 
 
 The Cross, the sign and emblem of the Christian life, com- 
 memorates him fitly. 
 
 c May his example live among ourselves, live among those who 
 shall come after us; may it long endure, and bountifully bring 
 forth fruit ! ' 
 
INDEX 
 
 Absentees fined, 42, 44, 47. 
 Abstracted multures, 42, 44, 73, 123, 
 215. 
 
 Ackae, Manie, in Home, 104. 
 Agriculture in Scotland during the 
 
 Commonwealth, xvii. 
 Aimer, Robert, 12. 
 Aird, James, 226, 227. 
 Aitchison (Aitchysoune), Alexander, 
 
 Bessy, 7. 
 
 George, chapman, 122. 
 
 fined for Sabbath profanation 
 
 and bloodwyt, 124-125 ; fined for 
 
 cutting rottins, 184. 
 merchant, fined for a riot, 
 
 169. 
 
 younger, fined for con- 
 tumacy, 169. 
 
 James, weaver, 90 ; fined for con- 
 tumacy, 169; fined for threatening, 
 187. 
 
 Jasper, 186, 187, 204; fined for 
 
 calumny, 208. 
 
 John, 60. 
 
 Aitken, John, 36, 44, 62. 
 
 Margrat, fined for opprobrious 
 
 words, 64. 
 Aldcorne, Jenet, 71. 
 Ale, xviii, 17, 25, 144; regulation as 
 
 to the purchase of bridal ale, 43. 
 Alexander, James, 10. 
 
 Jane, 51. 
 
 Robert, in Hume, 17. 
 
 in Kempflat, 195. 
 
 William, 109. 
 
 Allan, Richard, flesher in Kelso, 59. 
 
 Thomas, tinckler, 38. 
 
 Amers Knows, 189. 
 Anderson, Euphean, 52. 
 
 Issobell, 52. 
 
 James, fined for a riot, 186. 
 
 Jeane, 52. 
 
 William, fined for contumacy, 
 
 118. 
 
 Angry Croft, 191. 
 
 I Apprentices' indentures, 183, 198. 
 Apprised corn or oats, 3 and «, 32-34, 
 46, 57, 76, 77, 81, 82, 84, 85, 89, 
 
 IO4, IIO, l6l, I93, 211, 215. 
 Arbitration, 39, 49, 53, 58. 
 Archibald, Mungo, 108, 109, 118, 122, 
 
 141. 
 
 Armstrong, Ailison, fined for assault, 
 12. 
 
 Janet, scandal, 186 ; roup of her 
 
 effects, 195. 
 
 Assaults, xxiii, 7, 9, 12, 18, 22, 24, 
 28-31, 36, 38, 39, 47-49, 51, 54, 
 56, 57, 63, 64, 71, 86, 96, in, 124, 
 129, 135, Hi, H5, 165, 167, 169, 
 174, 178, 185, 186, 192, 208. See 
 also Riots. 
 
 Aymers, Robert, 196. 
 
 Baillik Knowe, 191. 
 Bairds of Stitchill, 236. 
 Bairnesfather, Agnes, 7. 
 Baptismal dues, 103, 215. 
 Baptisms, sumptuary laws relating to, 
 97- 
 
 Baron Court of Stitchill, jurisdiction, 
 x-xi, 198 n ; history of the MS., 236 ; 
 list of proper names in the Records, 
 217 ; archaic and provincial words, 
 219 ; crimes and offences dealt with, 
 215 ; compulsory education, xxiv ; 
 to support the kirk-session, xxvi ; 
 marriage regulations, xvi, xxxiv, 22, 
 215; election of jurymen and bour- 
 lawmen, 1-2 and 115, 125, 165, 
 172, 191, 192, 198, 199; election of 
 chancellor of inquest, 7 ; election of 
 pundlers, 8 and 37 ; absent jury- 
 men to be fined, II, 210, 213, 214 ; 
 to enforce kirk-session sentences, 21, 
 33 ; regulation as to the keeping of 
 geese, 45 ; act anent planting of trees, 
 49, 50, 113; ordinance as to kayne 
 fowls, 80 ; act anent tenants' service 
 to the laird, 107; manuring, rotation 
 of crops, etc., no; multures, 112- 
 
INDEX 
 
 239 
 
 113 and «; laying lint in running 
 water forbidden, 115, 116, 120, 147 ; 
 act anent beggars, 135-136 and n ; 
 the poor, 142 ; acts relating to meal- 
 makers, weavers, etc., 147. 
 
 Beans, 130. 
 
 Beef, 204. 
 
 Bees, 181. 
 
 Beggars, act relating to, 1 35- 136 and u. 
 Bell, Bessie, 20, 25. 
 George, 19. 
 
 Bell-ringing regulations, 13, 184 and n. 
 Beltane, 61 and n. 
 
 Bere, xviii, 14, 16, 18, 19, 26, 28, 44, 
 45. 63, 69, 70, 72, 81, 94, 100, 109, 
 112, 154, 16S. 
 
 Beveridge, John, schoolmaster, 192- 
 194, 224. 
 
 Bingall, Michael, fined for a riot, 145. 
 
 Black, Agnes, in the stocks for an un- 
 proved charge, 6. 
 
 Margaret, fined for assault, 1 1 1 ; 
 
 for contumacy, 178. 
 
 Blackie, William, in Parkend, 168. 
 
 Blaikie, James, 4, 6-9. 
 
 Blasphemy, fines for, 4, 5. 
 
 Bloodwyt. See Assaults. 
 
 Bogge, Joanet, 39. 
 
 Boots, 65. 
 
 Bosuall, Thomas, herd, 172. 
 Boundaries, 31. 
 
 Bourlawmen. election of. See under 
 Baron Court. 
 
 Bowtoun, Thomas, fined for blas- 
 phemy, 4. 
 
 Boyd, George, in East Mains, 210, 
 211. 
 
 Thoma*, fined for rioting and 
 
 assault, 47-48. 
 Brattisone, Johne, in Fallsydehill, 14. 
 Bread for penny bridals, 22, 215. 
 Breaking a locked door, 24. 
 Brewer's Acre, 173. 
 Brocky, Alisoun, 96, 97. 
 
 John, 96. 
 
 Bromfield, Anna, 6. 
 
 Broomfield, Tames, fined for a riot, 
 
 186. 
 
 Robert, tailour, in Home, 6 
 
 and n. 
 
 Brown, Alexander, weaver, 90. 
 
 David, sklaitter, 129, 170. 
 
 George, in Hare Heuch, 172. 
 
 Issobell, fined for contempt of I 
 
 court, 176. 
 
 John, weaver, 192, 194. 
 
 Robert, schoolmaster, 199, 224. | 
 
 Brownlees, Andro, 181. 
 Bruntfield, Robert, in Hume, 193. 
 
 Brunton, John, 115, 126, 159; fined 
 
 for riot, 157. 
 Burials, bell-ringing at, 184 and n ; 
 
 burial in linen forbidden, 159 ; 
 
 sumptuary laws relating to funerals, 
 
 97- 
 
 Burn, Andro, pundler, 60, 64. 
 
 John, in Ednim, 129. 
 
 Stephen, charged with assault, 
 
 47-48. 
 Butter, 179. 
 
 Cairncrose, John, in Queenscairne, 
 179. 
 
 Caldron Brae, 189, 190. 
 Calf, price of, 68. 
 Calumny, 64, 104, III, 208. 
 Campbell, Lady Elizabeth Maitland, 
 
 wife of sir John Pringle, 6th of 
 
 Stitchill, 233. 
 James, 2, 7, *4> I5> 19. 20, 44; 
 
 fined for assault, 22, 51, 54 ; fined for 
 
 keeping swine in summer, 24 ; fined 
 
 for scandal, 64. 
 Cannonhead, Ralph, in Edenmouth, 
 
 196. 
 
 Carey, sir Robert, warden of the Eastern 
 
 Marches, xxxiii. 
 Carmichael, sir John, warden of the 
 
 Middle Marches, xxxiii. 
 Carriage of goods, etc., 34 and n, 35, 
 
 56, 60, 71, 79, 104, 105, 162, 165, 
 
 173, 220. 
 
 Ceddy, Alexander, fined for straiks and 
 
 riot, 31. 
 Cess, 57. 
 
 Charteris, Adam, 144, 155, 156, 160; 
 
 fined for a riot, 157. 
 
 Margaret, 204. 
 
 Church of Scotland and its mode of 
 
 worship, xxvii. 
 Churchyard, tenants to supply a worker 
 
 for removing rubbish in, xv, 116- 
 
 117. 
 
 Clappertoune, Anna, 7. 
 Coals, 36, 45. 
 Cockburn, Margaret, 160. 
 Compulsory education, xxiv, 103 and 
 «, 122. 
 
 Concurr, Richard, in Dunse, 61, 77. 
 Contempt of court, 23, 34, 135, 150, 
 
 151, 162, 176, 211. 
 Contravention of arrestment, 182. 
 Contumacy, III, 118, 169, 175, I77» 
 
 178. 
 
 Corbraith, Peter, in Ednam, 78. 
 Corn, 25, 164. 
 
 Corporal punishment, 112 and «, 151. 
 Cossar, George, 9. 
 
BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 Cossar, James, portioner in Hassing- 
 
 tone, 54. 
 Cossars, Marioun, 7. 
 Cot-houses to be furnished with divots, 
 
 131- 
 
 Cottersone, Agnes. 34. 
 Courtney. Elizabeth, 44 and n. 
 
 Thomas, S4. 
 
 in Fogo, 94. 
 
 chapman, 86. 
 
 William, 57, 60, 61, 66, 93. 
 
 Cowan, David, in Ednam, 51. 
 
 work, 1 16 and n. 
 
 Cows, price of, 57, 105, 132, 134, 137, 
 
 164, 179. 1S1. 
 Cramont, Issabell, fined for contempt 
 
 of court, 176. 
 Cranstoune, George, in Xenthorne, 9. 
 
 James, 36. 
 
 Crawford, Margaret, 123. 
 William, 122. 
 
 Crimes and offences dealt with in 
 
 Baron Courts, xxii, 215. 
 Croftheads, 1S9, 190. 
 Croft Hilly, 189. 
 Croke Quarter, 1S9. 
 Cromby, Robert, 53. 
 Crottar, Jeremy, portioner at Home, 
 
 24. 
 
 John, 27. 
 
 Currie, James, 195. 
 
 John, 149, 154, 155. 
 
 Cuthbertson (Cudbertson), Henry, 
 
 weaver, 90. 
 William, weaver, 141. 
 
 Darling, Andrew, 224. 
 Dawson (Dasone), James, in. Harper- 
 town, 78. 
 
 in Hume, 54, 57, 60. 
 
 John, in Harpertown, 195. 
 
 Defamation, 57. 
 
 Deforcement, 35, 57, 73, 90, 106, 126, 
 
 132, 176, 1S2, 215. 
 Deuchar, Tames, proprietor of Stitchill, 
 
 236. 
 
 Dickson, Archd., 10S, III. 
 
 Christian, 68. 
 
 George, 54, 137- 
 
 Tames, clerk of court, 200. 
 
 in Home, 84. 
 
 cordiner in Ednam, 65. 
 
 in Park End, 153. 
 
 Tohn, minister at Lantrive, 
 
 169." 
 
 cordiner, 89, 90, 94. 
 
 tailor in Kelso, 158. 
 
 fined for scandalous language, 
 
 195- 
 
 Dickson, Margaret, 35, 42 : fined for 
 assault, 10. 112. 
 
 Robert, S, 20. 
 
 William, in Ednim, S4, 109. 
 
 in Oxmoor, 172. 
 
 Dinmonts, price of, 77. 
 Dods, James, 159. 
 
 Tohn, baron court officer, 210. 
 
 Mark, 25. 
 
 Donaldson, James, 6, 14, 21 ; fined for 
 
 assault; 7. 
 
 in Ednam, 135. 
 
 John, 2, 10, 12. 
 
 fined for blood wyte, 31. 
 
 Will., in Hassingden, 196. 
 
 Double multure, 73. 
 Douglas, Marion, 72, 96, 97. 
 
 Thomas, schoolmaster, 213, 224. 
 
 Dow, John, in Nenthorn, 20. 
 
 Margaret, 20. 
 
 Dowcat Mains, 100. 
 
 Downie, William, in Runningburn, 
 
 211, 213, 214. 
 Dress of the common people, xx. 
 Drunkenness, act against, 4 and n. 
 Duncan, Helen, 60. 
 Dundas, sir Robert, of Arniston, 231. 
 Dykes, act anent making dykes, 50. 
 
 penalty for breaking, 140, 184. 
 
 repair of, 95. 
 
 Easton (Eiston), Alexander, 38. 
 
 Andro, in Runningburn, 26. 
 
 Katherein, 40, 46, 47, 52, 54, 55, 62. 
 
 Edgar, Robert, in Rummeltonlaw, 78. 
 Edmonstoun, Issobell, 170. 
 Nellie, 109. 
 
 Education compulsory, xxiv. 103 and 
 «, 122. 
 
 Elliot, Magdalen, wife of sir John 
 Pringle of Stitchill, 231. 
 
 Margaret, fined for scandal, 4. 
 
 Walter, fined for assault, 39. 
 
 Ennle-sheitt, 121 and ». 
 
 Ewes, price of, 69, 73, 77, 93, 172 
 
 Fairbairn, Archibald, miller at 
 Ednim, 130. 
 
 Elspeth, 81, 118, 121. 
 
 James, 9, 10, 14 ; fined for buying 
 
 bridal bread, 47. 
 
 John, in Bowes, 108. 
 
 charged with scandal, 150. 
 
 Margaret, 19. 
 
 Richard, 24, 25, 52. 
 
 Robert, II, 39; fined for dis- 
 obeying the baron bailie, 153. 
 
 Thomas, 52. 
 
 Fallsyde, Issobell, 12. 
 
INDEX 
 
 241 
 
 Fast-days, xxix. 
 
 Fees. See Wages. 
 
 Feudalism in Scotland, xi, xrr. 
 
 Fines for drunkenness, etc, to be 
 handed over to the kirk-session, 5 
 and n ; list of, 222. See also under 
 separate entries, as Assaults, Deforce- 
 ment, etc 
 
 Fleemrigg, 173, 189, 190. 
 
 Ford, William. 75. 
 
 Forrest, Davie, clerk of court, 199. 
 
 French, Ede., juryman, 2. 
 
 George, 7, 10, 11, 14, 19, 22, 26, 
 
 34, 35 ; fined for assault, xxiii, 9 ; 
 fined for keepirg swine in summer. 
 24, 55 ; fined for abstracting mul- 
 tures, 36. 
 
 Johne, 17, 34, 41 ; fined for 
 
 defamation, xiii, 5S. 
 
 Robert, fined for assault, 39. 
 
 William, 14. 
 
 Gala law, 173. 
 Galbraith, John. 5. 
 Margfat, 152. 
 
 Thomas. 90, 137, 149 : fined for 
 
 deforcement, 00 ; fined for scandal. 
 150. 
 
 Gardiner, Alex., weaver. 177, 181, 
 1S7 ; fined for assault. 167, 182. 
 
 Ninian, 187 ; fined for assault, 
 
 178, 192. 
 
 Geese, regulation anent the keeping of, 
 45- 
 
 Geills, Andro, in Home Byres. 85. 
 Gib, George, in Home. 1 54. 
 Gibesone, Robert, 19. 
 Giffen. Alexander. 27, 45. 46, 49, 52, 
 6a 
 
 Andro, 2, 4, 5, 9, II, 12, 14-lS. 
 
 _ passim. 
 Margra:. 68. 
 
 Patrick, 27. 34, 36, 49, 52, 64. 
 
 Robert, S3. 84, oS, 14a 141, 153. 
 
 171 ; fined for assault. 86. 
 Gillespy, John, in Maynrigg. 134. 
 Glasgow, Patrick, 172. 196 ; fined for 
 
 removing a poinded horse, 167. 
 Glen, John, minister, 224. 
 Gordon, sir John, of Lochia var, sells 
 
 Stitchill to'Pringle, 231. 
 Gottal, 14. 
 
 Gotterstone or Guttersone, Catherine. 
 
 Robert, 39. 
 
 William, 41, 51. 
 
 Gottraw. See Guthrie. 
 Graip, Si. 
 
 Grass maiil, 10, 21, 26, 28, 32, 35, 38, 
 
 42, 44- 76, iSSr 204. 
 
 Gray, Thomas, in Smaflbolme, 41, 
 42. 
 
 Greenslae. Alexander. 80. 
 
 Walter, 80. 
 
 Grieve, lames, in Tofts, 43. 
 Grigor, Peter. See M'Gregor. 
 Gunn,rev. George, minister of Stitchill, 
 236. 
 
 Guthrie iGotrae, Guttraw , Alison. c>. 
 99, 100. 
 
 James, minister, 226, 227. 
 
 Jane, 26. 
 
 Joanet, 46, 47, 5* 55 
 
 John, 14, 20, 33, 34. 37, 43, 44, 
 
 51; nned f:r assaulting his er, 
 18 ; fined for keeping swine in 
 summer, 24: fined for illegal posses- 
 sion of a house, 31. 
 
 Richard, 2, 6, 7, II, 19; fined 
 
 for ' blood wyl/ 18 ; fined for keeping 
 swine in summer, 24 ; fined for 
 Sabbath nrithnahin ltd I'.iocwy:, 
 124: fined for assault, 141. 
 
 Guttersor.e. See Getter-one. 
 
 Haggart. See Hogarth. 
 Haig, Thomas, in Stitchill snnn-mi"', 
 210. 
 
 Haining, lady. 22S. 
 Haitly, Margaret, 192. 
 Half-crown penalties, 114 and m. 
 j Half-pennies, scarcity of, 190. 
 Haliday, Joan, fined for contempt of 
 court, 176. 
 
 Robert, 165. 
 
 Hail, James, bocriaw oincer, 8. 
 Halyburtone, Thomas, schoolmaster, 
 
 43, 44, 224- 
 
 Hamilton. Adam. 7c : hne-d fir cm- 
 cealing unteindee com, 25. 
 
 Alexander, in Mi";:;. :fc. 
 
 weaver, 90. 
 
 Alisoune, 9. 7, ~S. 
 
 Andro. minister, IOQ. 
 
 Ed., 2. 
 
 George, 7, 10. 12, 52. 15S : fined 
 
 :*:r riots. So : hnei t:r drea Vr g 
 stable. $9 ; fined for breaking dykes, 
 1S4. 
 
 Henry. :n ^ieen?iu:— . :c. 
 
 James, 10, 14, iS, 87. 
 
 John, 56, 90, 1S4: fined for 
 
 negligence. ?4- 
 Ka-Jierine. lady Sutchti:. S and 
 
 «, 16. iS. 25. 2$. 32 and ■;. 54, 35. 
 
 Magdalen. 105. raft 
 
 Robert. 2. "12. 15. id. iO. 51 : 
 
242 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 fined for keeping swine in summer, 
 24 ; fined for abstracting hummle 
 corn, 71 ; fined for stealing pease, 
 80. 
 
 Hamilton Thomas, 2. 
 Handyside, Joanet, in Kelso, 51. 
 Harden, 130, 179. 
 
 Harvest fees, 8, 17, 43, 70, 74, 84, 87, 
 
 91, 96-98, 107-110, 112, 119, 133, 
 
 135, 141, 144. 
 Hay, James, weaver, 202. 
 
 John, weaver, 199. 
 
 Headstones, removal of, 158. 
 Henderson, Adam, 67. 
 or Henryson, Issobell, fined for 
 
 scandal, 175. 
 John, 5, 38 ; fined for assault, 9, 
 
 10. 
 
 Margaret, 192. 
 
 Thomas, 14, 24, 28, 38, 137, 138 ; 
 
 fined for assault, 9, 10, 
 Herd's fee, 43. 
 
 Herdsmen, regulations for, 15, 16. 
 Heritable jurisdictions, abolition of, xi, 
 xiv. 
 
 Herring, 87, 108. 
 
 Hewatt, Richard, in Queenscairn, 207- 
 
 210. 213, 214. 
 Heymer, James, 212. 
 
 Robert, 191, 202. 
 
 Hill, Joan, fined for deforcement, 
 
 126. 
 
 Hislop (Heislope, Hyslop), Alexander, 
 118, 132, 140, 144, 160, 164. 
 
 John, fined for throwing his ser- 
 vant into the fire, 208. 
 
 Thomas, fined for scandalous 
 
 language, 195. 
 
 Hog or Hogge, Alexander, in Home, 19. 
 
 Edward, 3. 
 
 James, litster, 65 ; fined for 
 
 assault, 64. 
 
 weaver, 118. 
 
 Robert, 56, 58 ; fined for con- 
 tempt of court, 23 : fined for rioting 
 and assault, 47-48, 57. 
 
 Hogarth (Haggeard, Hoggart), Adam, 
 2, 6, 7, 12, 17, 39, 49, 56, 58, 130, 
 152, 165, 169; fined for abstracted 
 multures, 123 ; fined for deforce- 
 ment, 132. 
 
 Agnes, 134. 
 
 Alexander, 26. 
 
 Alison, 194 ; fined for breaking a 
 
 fir, 161. 
 
 Andro, 14, 17, 19, 20, 24, 51, 52, 
 
 144, 151. 153, 156, 165; fined for 
 assault, 29 ; fined for buying bridal 
 bread, 42. 
 
 Hogarth, David, fined for keeping 
 swine in summer, 24 ; fined for a 
 riot, 71. 
 
 Issobell, fined for scandal, 175. 
 
 James, in Bailie Knowe, 208, 
 
 210,213. 
 
 in Maynrigg, 130, 132, 142, 
 
 144- 
 
 John, 22, 41, 43, 53; fined for 
 
 assault, 47-48 ; fined for opprobious 
 speeches, 54. 
 
 Marion, fined for deforcement, 
 
 126. 
 
 Robert, 132 ; fined for house- 
 breaking and assault, in. 
 
 Thomas, 12, 22, 23, 53, 55 ; fined 
 
 for assault, 63. 
 
 William, 2-4, 7, 9, 10, 17, 19, 
 
 2 4» 43> 58 ; fined for assault, 24 ; 
 fined for keeping swine in summer, 
 55- 
 
 Home, 6 and n. 
 
 Alexander, minister, 224. 
 
 David, in Home, 96. 
 
 Homebyres, 42. 
 Hope, George, 20, 37. 
 
 in Park End, 97. 
 
 Margaret, wife of Robert Pringle 
 
 of Stitchill, 1 «, 231. 
 
 William, 167 ; fined for a riot, 
 
 176. 
 
 Hopper, Alex., 112. 
 
 Henry, 2, 6, 8. 
 
 John, 138. 
 
 Robert, 25, 36, 101, 133, 168; 
 
 fined for blood wyte, 71. 
 
 William, 9, II, 17, 20, 83. 
 
 Horsburgh, John, 90. 
 Horses, 61 «, 62, 67, 75, 118, 
 153, 154, 164, 165, 172. Sm also 
 Mares. 
 Hose, 88. 
 
 House-breaking, ill. 
 House rent, 20, 87, 145, 152, 202. 
 Hud, Andro, in Rummilton Law, 85. 
 Humly Knows, 16. 
 
 Hummle corn, 71 and «, 106, 107, 177, 
 
 220. 
 Hundalee, 162. 
 Hunter, Maissie, 8. 
 Hutson, John, merchant in Kelso, 
 142. 
 
 William, 20 ; fined for riot and 
 
 straickes, 57. 
 
 Illegal possession, 31. 
 Immery, William, inn-keeper, 210. 
 Infield Croke, 190. 
 Inglis, Jannett, in Lochtoune, 134. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Inglis, Thomas, in Hume, 8. 
 
 Innes, Joan, fined for going over a 
 
 hedge, 176. 
 Iron girth, 20. 
 
 Jamiesox, Bessie, 17. 
 
 Japhrae, William, in Homebyres, 179. 
 
 Johnstone, Elspeth, in Blakader, 114. 
 
 George, 94, 116. 
 
 in Eastfield, 213, 214. 
 
 James, 54 ; in Queenscairne, fined 
 
 for deforcing the bourlaw officer, 
 
 106. 
 
 Janet, 12, 20; fined for slander, 
 
 5- 
 
 Peter, in Sweethope, 213, 214. 
 
 William, in Overmayns, 133. 
 
 Jurymen, election of, 2 and n ; fined 
 for absence, 11. 
 
 Kaill plaxts, 130. 
 
 Kayne fowls, xiv, 12, 33, 34 and n, 
 
 36, 80, 128, 215, 220. 
 Kaynes of Sweethope, 36. 
 Keith, William, schoolmaster, 103, 
 
 224. 
 
 Kennedy, William, in Hareheught, 
 210. 
 
 Ker, sir Andrew, of Greenhead, a 
 prisoner in Edinburgh castle, 228. 
 
 col. Gilbert, 227. 
 
 James, merchand in Kelso, 71. 
 
 at Stitchill mylne, 84, 87. 
 
 ■ Mark, 91, 97, 109. 
 
 sir Robert, xxxiii. 
 
 Thomas, 15. 
 
 Kiln, setting fire to, 8. 
 
 Kirk-sessions, discipline of, xxvi ; sen- 
 tences to be enforced by the baron 
 court, 21, 33. 
 
 Laidley, Agxes, 198. 
 
 (Ladla), George, in Ednam, 195. 
 
 Lamb, Agnes, 161, 163 ; fined for 
 
 deforcing a sheriff-officer, 126. 
 Euphan, 72 ; fined for scandal, 
 
 4, 5- 
 
 James, 2, 81. 
 
 yr. in Over Stitchill, fined 
 
 for assault, xxiii, 22. 
 
 Janet, 137, 152. 
 
 John, in Maidenhall, 149. 
 
 Robert, 82. 
 
 Thomas, 2, 10, 11, 18. 
 
 Landreth, William, in Sweethope, 
 
 207. 
 
 Laurie (Lowry), Alex., 2, 6, 7, 20, 29, 
 43,49,77,89; fined for deforcement, 
 73- 
 
 Laurie, Alisone, 56, 172. 
 
 George, in Queenscairn, 197, 
 
 200-206. 
 Issobell, 5. 
 
 James, 12, 19, 31, 32, 34, 192. 
 
 John, 4, 6, 7, 9, 27, 35, 172, 
 
 188 ; fined for keeping swine in 
 
 summer, 24 ; fined for assault, 28, 
 
 56, 185. 
 
 Thomas, 24, 63, 154. 
 
 Walter, in Rinningburne, 81, 89, 
 
 93. 94, 96, 97, 99, 104, 105, 109; 
 
 fined for abstracting grain, 106. 
 William, procurator fiscal, 8, 71, 
 
 73, 79, 85, 86. 
 Learmount, Barbara, 4. 
 Lee, Agnes, 141. 
 Leitche, James, 53. 
 Leith, James, herd, 53. 
 Leithheid, James, 65, 69, 71, 75, 76. 
 Samuel, 69. 
 
 Lennox, James, procurator-fiscal, 9. 
 
 schoolmaster, xiii, 6, 21, 33, 
 
 224. 
 
 Lidgait, James, 47-49, 64. 
 Liggaitt, Robert, 123, 133. 
 Lillie, Agnes, 64, 68-70, 78. 
 James, 18. 
 
 John, smith in Stitchill, 26, 34, 
 
 35, 37, 40, 46 passim. 
 Robert, smith in Stitchill, 6, 10, 
 
 14, 18, 19, 24, 26, 28, 34 passim ; 
 
 fined for assault, 31, 96. 
 Lindores, John, in Home, 167. 
 Linen, 66, 84, 119, 130, 149. 
 
 Alexander, 196, 210-213. 
 
 George, gardener, 199. 
 
 Lint, 70, 120, 168, 197 ; placing of 
 
 lint in lochs, etc., forbidden, 86, 
 
 115, 116, 147, 148, 162. 
 Lint seed, 130, 186. 
 Livingstone, John, minister at Ancrum, 
 
 227. 
 
 Lochtoune, 134 and n. 
 Locke, Josua, gardener at Neuton, 
 169. 
 
 Lockie, James, minister in Stirling, 
 225. 
 
 Long Riggs, 189, 191. 
 
 Macdowell, James, fined for buying 
 bridal bread, xvi, 37. 
 
 Margrat, 66. 
 
 William, 60. 
 
 McGregor, Peter, 159, 163, 164, 168, 
 
 172, 174, 178, 181. 
 Mack, John, in Gordon Mains, 167. 
 Maclaurin, James, in Parkend, 213, 
 
 214. 
 
£44 
 
 BARON COURT OF STITCHILL 
 
 Macleod, Elizabeth, wife of sir James 
 
 Pringle of Stitchill, 232. 
 Emilia Anne, wife of sir John 
 
 Pringle of Stitchill, 232. 
 Maills, 28, 30, 34 and n, 40. See also 
 
 Grass Maills. 
 Main, John, 202. 
 
 Maison, George, at Neuton miln, 
 181. 
 
 William, 60, 125. 
 
 Maisson, Alexander, 52. 
 
 Malt, 96, 125, 137. 
 
 Manderstone, James, in Harlae, 164. 
 
 March stones, removal of, 1S7. 
 
 Mares, prices of, 2S, 59, 60, 62, 66, 87, 
 
 128, 149, 154, 16S. 
 Marjoribanks, James, wright, 154. 
 Simon, 202 ; fined for contumacy, 
 
 1/5- 
 
 Marshall, Alexander, in Home, 141. 
 
 Andro, fined for assault, 129. 
 
 Johne, in Home, 59. 
 
 Margaret, 75, 128. 
 
 Mather, James, 135, 137. 
 
 John, weaver in Kelso, 1 53. 
 
 Matthew, James, 116. 
 
 Meal, xvii'i, 69, 78, 94, 99, 129, 134, 
 
 140, 155, 166, 169, 172, 174, 
 
 204. 
 
 Mealmakers, 147, 148. 
 
 Meilke, John, in Mellerstayn, 154. 
 
 Mein, John, fined for abstraction of 
 
 grain, 107. 
 Middlemost, Nathaniel, sequestration 
 
 of, 199. 
 
 Militia act, breach of, 53 and n. 
 
 Mill regulations, 16 and «, 22, 23 ; 
 thirlage, xv, 16 and n, 29 and n ; 
 abstracted multures, 36-37 and «, 
 42-44, 73» 106 and n, 107, 112- 
 113 and «, 123; complaint against 
 the Stitchill miller, 46 ; conveyance 
 of millstones, xvi, SS and // ; tenants 
 to bring home mill axle-trees, 112, 
 113 u ; divots and thatch to be 
 provided by tenants, 152, 169. 
 
 George, in Sweethope, 210. 
 
 Tenett, 97, 144. 
 
 (Mylle), Thomas, 25, 89. 
 
 William, 58, 72, 99. 
 
 Miller, George, at Stitchill mill, 89. 
 
 John, fined for assault, 174 ; fined 
 
 for contumacy, 178; fined for con- 
 travention of arrestment, 182. 
 
 Patrick, 1 15; fined for con- 
 tumacy, III. 
 
 in Dunse, 137. 
 
 in Sweethope, 135, 141, 
 
 155- 
 
 Miller, William, in Henderside, 195, 
 196. 
 
 Mill-stone silver, 10, 21, 221. 
 
 Ministers, list of, 224. 
 
 Moffat, Adam, fined for piping at 
 
 bridals, xxxv, 
 William, 10, 22-24, 4^, 54> 01 5 
 
 fined for buying bridal bread, 37. 
 Muck, price of, 78. 
 Muckitland oats, 76. 
 Muirehead, Margaret, fined for scandal, 
 
 4, 5 ; fined for contempt of court, 
 
 ! 23. 
 
 Multure. See Mill. 
 
 Murdy, Andro, 114. 
 
 Murrie, George, in Coldstream, 75. 
 
 Mylle. See Mill. 
 
 Naigs. See Horses. 
 Neffl, Adam, 81. 
 Nenthorne, 3 and tt. 
 Newhall, I n, 231. 
 Nisbet, Andro, 2, 40, 42. 
 
 George, 22, 64, 75-77. 
 
 Issobell, 80, 86. 
 
 William, 2-5, 7, 9, II, 14 passim. 
 
 Oatmeal. See Meal. 
 Oat rig, 190. 
 
 Oats (Aits), xviii,,iq, 20, 25, 74, 76, 
 
 78, 81, 89, 91, 104, 131, 133, 137, 
 
 138, 153, 161, 169. 
 Opprobrious speeches, 54, 64. See 
 
 also Defamation : Scandal. 
 Ormestoune, Issobell, in Queenscairne, 
 
 68, 98. 
 Oxcroft, 191. 
 Oxen, 38, 90. 
 
 Paddon Loch, 173. 
 Patersone, Agnes, 20. 
 
 Elspeth, 166. 
 
 George, 7. 
 
 commissary officer, Kelso, 
 
 , 126. 
 
 in Galloshealls, 75. 
 
 James, in Fogo, 39. 
 
 John, weaver, 158. 
 
 Pearsone, Johne, in Hassingtoune, 59. 
 
 Thomas, notary public, 15, 17, 
 
 IS, 23, 27, passim. 
 
 in Nenthorne Burne Brae, 
 
 3- 
 
 Pease, 19, 22, 62, 67, 74, 75, 78, 94» 
 
 123, 130, 133, 158. 
 Peats, 14, 59, 75, 78, 79, ico, 104, 
 
 144. 
 
 Peatt, Richard, 14. 
 
 Peirie, Andro, in Prestounpans, 144. 
 
INDEX 
 
 245 
 
 Penny bridals. See Weddings. 
 Plaiding, 65, 81. 
 Ploughing, 62, 148. 
 Poaching, 147. 
 
 Potts, Charles, nottar in Kelso, 188. 
 
 Precentors salary, 21. 
 
 Prestoune, James, 14 ; fined for con- 
 tempt of court, 34. 
 
 Prices of chief anicles mentioned in 
 the records, 221, 223. 
 
 Pringle, Andro, 3. 
 
 Anne, daughter of Walter Pringle 
 
 of Greenknow, 229. 
 
 Francis, of Homebyres, 42. 
 
 of Rowingstoune, 55 and 
 
 n. 
 
 George, of Xewhall, 231. 
 
 in Kelso, 85. 
 
 mailman, 69, 70, 72, 79. 
 
 Gilbert, son of sir John of 
 
 Stitchill, 231. 
 
 Issobel, 6, 14, 17, 25, 34. 
 
 spouse to James Wilson in 
 
 Kelso, 164. 
 
 sir James, of Stitch:!!, 207 and », 
 
 . 210, 224, 232. 
 
 James, notary public, 67, 71, 74, 
 
 77- 
 
 Janet, wife of Walter Pringle of 
 
 Greenknow, 20 and «, 226. 
 
 sir John, 3rd of Stitchill, 107 and 
 
 «, 108, 180 and n, 224, 232. 
 
 sir John, 6th of Stitchill, note on, 
 
 232. 
 
 sir John, ban., M.D., note on, 
 
 232, 233. 
 
 John, of Smatlholme, 10 «. 
 
 Katharine, daughter of Pringle of 
 
 Tor wood lee, 232. 
 daughter of Walter Pringle 
 
 of Greenknow, 226, 22S. 
 Margaret, daughter of Pringle of 
 
 Torsonce, 231. 
 
 Norman, 233. 
 
 Robert, of Newhall, 231. 
 
 Robert, 1st of S archill, 1 and », 
 
 231- 
 
 sir Robert, 2nd of Stitchill. 1 and 
 
 m, 16, 23-2S passim, 93 and rt, 107 
 w, 206 and «, 223. 224. 231. 
 
 4th of Sritrhril, note on, 
 
 1 So «, 1S3, 224, 232. 
 
 Rt. Hon. Robert, secretary for 
 
 war, 231. 
 
 Robert, merchant in Home, 14S, 
 
 154. 163, 16S. 
 
 Thomas, W.S., 231. 
 
 Walter, of Greenknow, xxxi, 1 
 
 and », 3 n, 223, 224, 231. 
 
 Pringle, Walter, of Graycrook, advo- 
 cate, 32 and «, 55 n, 231. 
 
 sir Walter, of Loch ton, 1 n, 134 
 
 n, 231. 
 
 Walter, of Torsonce, sheriff of 
 
 Roxburghshire, 232. 
 
 Waiter, advocate, 40 and «, 41. 
 
 of Whitebank, 225. 
 
 Pringles of Stitchill, genealogy of, 
 
 234- 
 
 Provocation, fines for, 54, 57. 
 Pundlers, 8 and *r, 37. 
 Pun tan. Tanner:, 114, 157. 
 Purves, Colbert, 66. 
 
 Issobel 1, fined for deforcement and 
 
 scandal, 176. 
 
 James, 93, 99, IOO. 
 
 'ear, 125. 
 
 "Margaret, 1 07, 10S. 
 
 Peter, 63, 12S. 
 
 William, in Stitchill, 87. 
 
 Queenscairne, 29 and «, 173, 189. 
 Quhiggenshall, Thomas, nned - for 
 
 assault, 9, II. 
 Quhyte. See Whyte. 
 
 Ramsay, William, fined for riots, 
 80, 
 
 Red path, George, minister, 224. 
 
 servitor, 135. 
 
 Rentals, 38, 40, 45, 56, 75, 87, 145, 
 202. 
 
 Richardson Richisone , Adam, 144. 
 James, 61. 
 
 John, dned for removing unrein cei 
 
 corn, 121. 
 
 Margrat, 72, 88. 
 
 Riots, 22, 35, 36, 47, 48, 51, 71 , So, 
 
 90, 96, in, 112, 157. See also 
 
 Assaults. 
 Riv land, 61 *, 62. 
 
 Robertson (Robysone), Alexander, 59, 
 
 62, 66, 77, S7. 
 Andro, fined for assault, 47, 4S, 
 
 David, gardener, 78. 
 
 James, fined for cheating at teind- 
 
 ing, 117 and n. 
 
 John, i2i, 140; fined for cal- 
 umny, 104. 
 
 Rottins, 1S4. 
 
 Rurmingburn, 173, 1S0. 190. 
 Rye, 72. 
 
 Sabbath Profanation, xxiii, 124. 
 Sack, 133, 134. 
 * Sacking cloth, 15S. 
 sch :-:ls. xxi>:v. 
 
246 
 
 BARON COURT 
 
 OF STITCHILL 
 
 Scandal, 58, 64, 157, 175, 176, 186, 
 187, 195. 
 
 Schoolmaster's salary, 6, 21, 33, 43, 
 
 44, 82, 103, 163, 187, 189, 194. 
 Schoolmasters, list of, 224. 
 Scolding, 5, 23. 
 
 Scotland under Cromwell, ix-x, xiv ; 
 literature of the common people, 
 xxxii ; games, xxxiii ; songs and 
 ballads, xxxv ; witchcraft, xxxvii. 
 
 Scott, Alexander, fined for a spuilzie, 
 157. 
 
 Andrew, minister, 224. 
 
 Cirstan, 5, 14. 
 
 John, dyster, 183, 184, 185, 186. 
 
 Margaret, wife of John Pringle of 
 
 Stitchill, 19, 26, 30, 32 and n, 36, 
 
 38, 40, 41, 56. 
 
 of Queenscairne, 77, and n. 
 
 Walter, in Baillie Know, 193, 194, 
 
 195 ; fined for scandal, 157. 
 Scougall, John, 126. 
 Service, Dorritie, 68. 
 
 James, 74, 94. 
 
 William, 42, 74, 78, 92 ; fined 
 
 for hiding a militiaman, 53. 
 Shearing, 72, 76. 
 
 Sheep, 53 ; pulling wool off sheep, 1 1 5. 
 Sheep-folds, 158. 
 Sheill, Andrew, 172. 
 
 James, 159. 
 
 Shoes, 75, 89, 91, 179. 
 Silver maills, 32. 
 Sim, Alexander, 196. 
 
 Arthur, an absconding debtor, 
 
 193- 
 
 Simm, Thomas, 125, 148. 
 Simson, Peter, in Parkend, 211. 
 Sinclair, Henry, charged with assault, 
 96. 
 
 John, in Haryheuch, 129, 144. 
 
 Robert, in Home, 105. 
 
 Sked, William, in Falsyde, 75, 
 Sklaitter, Thomas, at Newton mylne, 
 134. 
 
 Slander, xxiii, 6. 
 
 Smailholme, 10 and n. 
 
 Small, Alexander, wright, 101. 
 
 Smith (Smythe), Abhm., juryman, 2. 
 
 Alexander, in Legars, 210, 213. 
 
 George, 9, 23 ; fined for blas- 
 phemy, 4. 
 
 John, schoolmaster, 197, 224. 
 
 at Park End, 78. 
 
 fined for assault and con- 
 tempt of court, 135. 
 
 Margaret, 53. 
 
 Smithy fees, 26 and n, 56, 58, 65, 74. 
 Smitton, John, burlawman, 198. 
 
 Smuggling, 147, 148. 
 Snuff-mill, 210. 
 
 Soldiers' billeting, 13 and w, 123 and ;;. 
 
 Sounnis, Agnes, 142. 
 
 Spiers, Adam, fined for calumny, 208. 
 
 Spinning, 128. 
 
 Stable breaking, 89. 
 
 Staigs' grass, 61 and n. 
 
 Starke, rev. David, minister at Stitchill, 
 xxvi, 5 n, 34, 44 and w, 224. 
 
 David, fined for assault, 63. 
 
 Steill, James, 103 ; fined for abstracted 
 multures, 123. 
 
 Stevisone, Edward, in Humebyres, fined 
 for assault, 30. 
 
 Issobell, 21, 31-33, 36. 
 
 James, in Hume Byres, 159; 
 
 fined for removing a horse, 167. 
 
 Johne, in Humebyres, 27. 
 
 Stewart, John, in Stitchill mill, 73, 83. 
 
 Stitchill, description of, xii ; proprie- 
 tors and tenants of Stitchill house, 
 231, 236. 
 
 Place, 29 and «, 30. 
 
 lady. See Hamilton, Katherine. 
 
 lady, younger. See Scot, Mar- 
 garet. 
 
 Stots, price of, 52. 
 
 Stott, Alexander, 83. 
 
 Cirstan, hned for contempt of 
 
 court, 23. 
 
 Straiton, James, minister, 228. 
 
 Sudden, Thomas, 203. 
 
 Sugar loaves, 83. 
 
 Sumptuary laws, xx, 97. 
 
 Swanston, And., in Hume, 196. 
 
 Bessie, in Home, 142. 
 
 William, in Hume, 37. 
 
 Swearing, fines for, 4, 5. 
 
 Sweethope, 189, 191. 
 
 Swine, acts relating to, 1 7 1 ; fines for 
 keeping swine in summer, 2 and «, 
 24, 28, 55, 181. 
 
 Taylor (Taylzeour), George, gar- 
 dener at Berwick, 126. 
 
 James, fined for the spulzie of a 
 
 naig, 106. 
 
 Richard, in Queenscairne, 68, 74, 
 
 87,94,97, no, 112, 137, 140, 154; 
 fined for a riot, 57 ; fined lor lead- 
 ing unteinded corn, 80 ; fined for 
 deforcing the bourlaw officer, 106. 
 
 Robert, in Queenscairne, 4, 43, 
 
 73, 83, 145 ; fined for leading un- 
 teinded corn, 80. 
 
 William, in Queenscairne, 20, 23, 
 
 24, 55 : fined for assault, 145. 
 
 Teinds, xv, 2 and «, 22, 26, 35, 81, 95, 
 
INDEX 
 
 247 
 
 196, 215 ; concealing unteinded corn, 
 
 25 ; unteinded corn, 80, 121 ; teind 
 
 frauds, 117 and n. 
 Templehall, Berwickshire, 231. 
 Tenants, act of parliament anent, 101- 
 
 102 ; service to the laird, 107. See 
 
 also under Mill. 
 Thirlage, xv, 16 and «, 29 and », 36- 
 
 37 and n. 
 Thomson, Bessie, 17. 
 Issobell, 25. 
 
 James, 24, 26, 27, 52, 90, 94, 
 
 196. 
 
 John, 15, 57, 90. 
 
 Mathew, 9, 90 ; fined for deforce- 
 ment, 35, 57. 
 
 William, 49, 90, 132, 142. 
 
 Threshing, payment for, 67, 99. 
 
 Tilling, cost of, 131, 16 1. 
 
 Trees, cutting of, xvi, 38, 50, 80. 
 
 planting of, 49, 50, 53, 55, 56, 
 
 113. 
 
 Trespassing, 12, 16, 42, 46, 50, 139, 
 
 181. See also Apprised corn. 
 Trotter, Beatrix, 133. 
 
 Issobell, 55. 
 
 Joan, 129. 
 
 Margaret, 17, 21. 
 
 Robert, in Hume, 211. 
 
 Turnbull, Adam, in Home, 166. 
 
 Bessie, 82. 
 
 Cathrein, 88, 89. 
 
 Hector, 97, 118. 
 
 Issobell, 3, 11, 14, 38; fined for 
 
 scolding, 5 ; fined for assault, 7. 
 
 Tames, 165, 176. 
 
 (Trumble), Margrat, 66, 79, 84, 
 
 85, 87, 93, 97, 105, 1 10 ; fined for 
 
 assault, 174. 
 
 William, II, 49, 76. 
 
 Turner, John, schoolmaster, 65, 81, 
 
 224. 
 
 in Carchesters, 87. 
 
 in Nether Stitchill, 85. 
 
 William, 174. 
 
 Turten, John, in Eist Gordoun, 109. 
 
 Underwood, Tohne, 13, 40, 47, 50, 
 
 51, 56, 90, 188. 
 Margrat, 77. 
 
 Thomas, 91, no, 126, 142, 199; 
 
 fined for deforcing a sheriff officer, 
 126. 
 
 schoolmaster, 224. 
 
 Urmestoune, Marke, in Smailholme, 10. 
 Utterstone, Gavin, fined for riot, 79, 80. 
 
 Vair, Thomas, 8, 72. 
 
 Veitch, William, covenanter, xxx, 29 n. 
 
 Vicarage teinds, 12-13 an< * 95, 1 17 
 and n. 
 
 Waddell, Robert, weaver, 192. 
 
 Wady, Mungo, 12, 19, 20. 
 
 Wages, xxi, 3, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 23, 
 24, 32, 40, 42, 44, 53, 55, 58, 62, 63, 
 66, 67, 75, 77, 78, 80, 81, 83, 84, 86- 
 89, 95, 105, 106, 119, 122, 133, 167, 
 183, 185. See also Harvest fees. 
 
 Wain, carriage of, 104. 
 
 Waitt, John, fined for taking away a 
 grey mare, 179. 
 
 Robert, 97, 121. 
 
 Walker, Andrew, in Kaimflatt, 131, 
 166. 
 
 James, in Linton Park, 70. • 
 
 Watson, Andro, in Queenscairne, fined 
 for leading unteinded corn, 80. 
 
 James, waulker, 118, 124. 
 
 John, in Queenscairne, 145. 
 
 in Stitchill miln, 204. 
 
 William, gardener, 40, 73. 
 
 Waugh, Thomas, in Caldron Brae, 210. 
 
 Waulk mill charges, 163 ; act relating 
 to the waulk mill, 124 and n, 138. 
 
 Weavers, 50, 90, 147, 148 ; fined for 
 keeping untried weights and mea- 
 sures, 120. 
 
 Weaving, 94. 
 
 Weddel, Joannet, 12. 
 
 Wedding regulations, xvi, xxxiv, 22, 
 37, 42, 43, 47, 215; sumptuary 
 laws, 97 ; dues, 103. 
 
 Weights and measures. 84, 120, 147. 
 
 Weir, Robert, in Park End, 162, 163. 
 
 Welsh, John, 10. 
 
 Thomas, in Dowcatt Mains, 100. 
 
 William, 18. 
 
 Whale, Andrew, schoolmaster, 183 and 
 
 n, 187, 224. 
 Whins, cutting of, 120, 171, 182, 184, 
 
 185. 
 
 White (Quhyte), Adam, 10, 20. 
 
 Thomas, soldier, pensioned for 
 
 wounds received at Dunbar, xii, 3 
 
 and n. 
 
 in Over Stitchill, 62, 72. 
 
 William, weaver, 202. 
 
 Whytlie, Robert, in Darnchesters. 179. 
 Wilkie, Thomas, minister at Lilliesleaf, 
 225. 
 
 Willobie, Thomas, merchand in Ber- 
 wick, 82. 
 
 Wilson, Andro. fined for contumacy 
 and calumny, in. 
 
 Barbara, ill. 
 
 George, maltman, 137. 
 
 James, 6, 15, 27, 36, 38, 164. 
 
248 BARON COURT 
 
 Wilson, Johne, 17, 91. 
 
 in Craig End, 85. 
 
 called ' Sobber John,' fined 
 
 for assault, 63. 
 fined for cheating at teinding, 
 
 117 and n. 
 Mark, 15. 
 
 William, schoolmaster of Stitchill, 
 
 135. 224. 
 
 in Bailie Knowe, 206, 207. 
 
 Windrim, Alexander, 15, 18, 20. 
 John, 14, 17, 18, 47, 60; fined 
 
 for assault, 48. 
 Witchcraft, xxxvii, ill and n. 
 Wood, Andro, at Sisterpath waulk- 
 
 mylne, 105. 
 
 George, in Greenknow, 67. 
 
 in Rummelton Law, 100. 
 
 OF STITCHILL 
 
 Wood, James, 3, 8, 10, 20. 
 
 John, 14. 36, 58. 
 
 Nicholas, fined for scolding, 
 
 23- 
 
 Thomas, fined for defamation, 57, 
 
 I 63. 
 
 Wool, 129 ; not to be pulled off sheep, 
 
 I W 
 
 I Wort-stain, 84. 
 Wylie, Alexander, 203. 
 
 I Yarn, 118. 
 
 I Yeaman, Thomas, 129. 
 
 Young, Gustavus, 59, 72. 
 
 Younger, Agnes, 174. 
 
 John, 125, 128, 133, 134, 140, 
 
 152, 154, 157. 
 
 Printed by T. and A. Constable, Printers to His Majesty 
 at the Edinburgh University Press 
 
£>cottt0t) i^tstorp £>octetp 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS 
 1904-1905 
 
LIST OF .MEMBERS 
 
 Adam. Sir Charles E., Bart.. 5 New Square, Lincoln's Inn, 
 London. 
 
 Adam, Thomas. Hazel Bank, Uddingston. 
 
 Agnew, Alex., Procurator-Fiscal, Court-House Buildings. 
 Dundee. 
 
 Aikman, W. Keith, LL.B.. W.S., 6 Drumsheugh Gardens, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Aitken, Alfred N. G., S.S.C., 12 Queen Street, Edinburgh. 
 Aitken, James H., Gartcows, Falkirk. 
 Allan, George, Advocate, 33 Albyn Place, Aberdeen. 
 Allan, James, Redtower, Helensburgh. 
 Anderson, Archibald. 30 Oxford Square, London, W. 
 10 Anderson, J. X., Provost of Stornoway. 
 
 Andrew, Thomas, Balkerach, Doune, Perthshire. 
 Armstrong, Robert Bruce, 6 Randolph Cliff, Edinburgh. 
 Arnot, James, M.A., .57 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Atholl, The Duke of, Blair Castle. 
 Ayling, John, J. P., 22 Inverleith Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Baillie, Ronald, Advocate, Jedbank, Jedburgh. 
 Bain, Walter. Derclach, Ayr. 
 Baird, J. G. A., M.P., Wellwood, Muirkirk. 
 Baird, William. Clydesdale Bank, Portobello. 
 20 Balfour, C. B., M.P.. Newton Don, Kelso. 
 
 Balfour, Hon. J. M., 6 Rothesay Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Ballingall, Hugh, Ardarroch, Dundee. 
 
 Bannerman, W. Bruce, The Lindens, Sydenham Road, Croydon, 
 Surrey. 
 
 Barclay, George, 17 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 Barclay, R., Bury Hill, Dorking. 
 
 Barron, Rev. Douglas Gordon, Dunnottar Manse, Stonehaven. 
 Bartholomew, John, LL.B., Advocate, 60 Castle Street, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Begg. Ferdinand Faithful], 24 Lansdowne Road, London, W. 
 
LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 3 
 
 Begg, Peter, Dunrona, 5 Hermitage Drive. Edinburgh. 
 30 Bell, A. Beatson, Advocate. 17 Lansdowne Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Bell, Joseph, F.R.C.S., 2 Melville Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Bell, Captain Laurence A., R.X., 1 Eton Terrace. Edinburgh. 
 
 Bell, Robert Fitzroy, Advocate, Temple Hall, Coldingham. 
 
 Berry, William, Advocate, 4 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Beveridge, Erskine, LL.D., St. Leonard's Hill, Dunfermline. 
 
 Black, Alex. W., M.P., W.S., 5 Learmonth Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 
 Black, James Tait, 33 Palace Court, Bayswater Hill, London, W. 
 
 Black, John S., LL.D., 6 Oxford Terrace. Edinburgh. 
 
 Blaikie, Walter B., 6 Belgrave Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 40 Blair, Patrick J., Sheriff-Substitute of Dumbartonshire, Rock 
 End, Helensburgh. 
 
 Bonar, Horatius, W.S., 3 St. Margaret's Road, Edinburgh. 
 
 Broun-Morison, J. B.. of Finderlie, Harrow-on-the-Hill. 
 
 Brown, Professor Alex. Crum, 8 Belgrave Crescent. Edinburgh. 
 
 Brown, J. A. Harvie, Dunipace House, Larbert, Stirlingshire. 
 
 Brown, Prof. P. Hume, LL.D.. 20 Corrennie Gardens. Edin- 
 burgh. 
 
 Brown, William, 26 Princes Street, Edinburgh. 
 Brownlie, James R., 220 West George Street, Glasgow. 
 Bruce, Alex., Clyne House, Sutherland Avenue, Pollokshields. 
 Bruce, James, W.S., 59 Great King Street, Edinburgh. 
 50 Bryce, Right Hon. James, M.P., LL.D., 54 Portland Place, 
 London, W. 
 
 Bryce, William Moir, Dunedin, Blackford Road, Edinburgh. 
 Buchan, William, Town Clerk, Peebles. 
 Buchanan, A. W. Gray, Parkhill, Polmont, N.B. 
 Burns. Alan, B.A., Advocate, Cumbernauld House, Cumber- 
 nauld, Glasgow. 
 Bums, Captain John William, Kilmahew, Cardross. 
 Burns, Rev. Thomas, Croston Lodge, Chalmers Cres., Edinburgh. 
 Burnside, W. 3 The Croft, Bromley Road, Catford. 
 Bute, The Marquis of, Mountstuart, Isle of Bute. 
 
 Caldwell. James, Craigielea Place, Paisley. 
 00 Cameron, Dr. J. A., Firhall, Nairn. 
 
4 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 Cameron. Richard. 1 South St. David Street. Edinburgh. 
 Cameron-Swan, D., Craig Bhan, May field Road, Sanderstead, 
 Surrey. 
 
 Campbell, A. B., W.S., 12 Lansdowne Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 Campbell, Rt. Hon. Lord Archibald. Coombe Hill Farm, 
 
 Kingston-on-Thames. 
 Campbell, General B., of Blythswood. Renfrew. 
 Campbell, D. S., 1S6 High Street, Montrose. 
 Campbell, J., of Kilberry, Argyllshire. 
 
 Campbell, Rev. James, D. D., the Manse, Balmerino,Wormit, Fife. 
 Campbell, Rt. Hon. James A., P.C., M.P., Stracathro, Brechin. 
 70 Campbell, P. W., W.S., 25 Moray Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Campbell, William, K.C., 12 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 Carmichael, Sir Thomas D. Gibson, Bart., Castlecraig, Dol- 
 phinton, N.B. 
 
 Carne-Ross, Joseph, M.D.. 19 Palatine Road, Withington, 
 Manchester. 
 
 Carrick, J. Stewart, 19^ St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. 
 Chambers, W. & R., 339 High Street, Edinburgh. 
 Chiene, Professor, C.B., 26 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. 
 Christie, Thomas Craig, of Bedlay, Chryston, Glasgow. 
 Clark, James, Advocate, 10 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh. 
 Clark, J. T, Crear Villa, Ferry Road. Edinburgh. Hon. Treasurer. 
 80 Clarke, Rev. T. E. S., Saltoun Manse, East Lothian. 
 
 Clouston, T. S., M.D., Tipperlinn House, Momingside Place, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Constable, Archibald, LL.D., 11 Thistle Street, Edinburgh. 
 Cormack, Donald Stewart, Daily Record Office, Edinburgh. 
 Cowan, George, 1 Gillsland Road, Edinburgh. 
 Cowan, J. J., 38 West Register Street, Edinburgh. 
 Cowan, John, W.S., St. Roque, Grange Loan, Edinburgh. 
 Cowan, William, 47 Braid Avenue, Edinburgh. 
 Craig, William, Town Clerk, County Buildings. Dumbarton. 
 Crawford, Donald, K.C., 35 Chester Street, Edinburgh. 
 90 Crockett, S. R., Penicuik. 
 
 Crole, Gerard L., Advocate, 1 Royal Circus, Edinburgh. 
 Cross, Robert, 13 Moray Place, Edinburgh. 
 
LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 5 
 
 Cunningham, Captain, Leithen Lodge, Innerleithen. 
 Cunningham, George, Advocate, 21 Royal Circus. Edinburgh. 
 Curie, Alex. Ormiston, B.A., W.S., 8 S. Learmonth Gardens. 
 
 Edinburgh. 
 Curie, James, W.S., Priorwood, Melrose. 
 Currie, W. R., Lochiel, Bearsden, Dumbartonshire. 
 Cuthbert, Alex. A., 11 Alexandra Place, St. Andrews. 
 
 Dalgleish, John J., Brankston Grange, Bogside Station, 
 Stirling. 
 
 100 Dalrymple, Hon. Hew, Lochinch, Castle Kennedy, Wigtown- 
 shire. 
 
 Dalton, C, 32 West Cromwell Road, London, S.W. 
 Davidson, Hugh, Braedale, Lanark. 
 Davidson, J., Solicitor, Kirriemuir. 
 
 Davidson, Rev. Thomas, 8 Rillbank Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Davies, J. Mair, C.A., Sheiling, Pollokshields, Glasgow. 
 Dickson, Walter S., Advocate, 3 Royal Circus, Edinburgh. 
 Dickson, William K., Advocate, 8 Gloucester Place, Edinburgh. 
 Dickson, Win. Traquair, W.S., 11 Hill Street, Edinburgh. 
 Dixon, John H., Dundarach, Pitlochry. 
 110 Doak, Rev. Andrew, M.A., 15 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. 
 Dodds, Rev. James, D.D., The Manse, Corstorphine. 
 Donaldson, James, LL.D., Principal, St. Andrews University. 
 Douglas, David, 10 Castle Street, Edinburgh. 
 Dowden, Right Rev. John, D.D., LL.D., Bishop of Edinburgh, 
 
 13 Learmonth Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Duff, T. Gordon, Drummuir, Keith. 
 Duncan, John, 8 Lynedoch Place, Edinburgh. 
 Dundas, Ralph, C.S., 28 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh. 
 Dunn, Robert Hunter, -± Crown Terrace, Glasgow, W. 
 
 Easton, Walter, 69 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. 
 120 Elliot, George H., 17 Princes Street, Edinburgh. 
 
 Faulds, A. Wilson, Knockbuckle, Beith, Ayrshire. 
 Ferguson, James, K.C., 10 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh. 
 Ferguson, Rev. John, The Manse, Aberdalgie, Perthshire. 
 
6 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 Ferguson, R. C. Munro, Raith, Kirkcaldy. 
 Findlay. John R., 27 Drumsheugh Gardens. Edinburgh. 
 Findlay. Rev. Wm., 17 Comiston Drive, Edinburgh. 
 Firth. Prof. Charles Harding, LL.D., 2 Northmoor Rd.. Oxford. 
 Fleming. D. Hay, LL.D., 4 Chamberlain Road, Edinburgh. 
 Fleming. J. A., K.C., 33 Melville Street, Edinburgh. 
 130 Fleming, Mrs., 12 Beaufort Gardens, London, S.W. 
 
 Flint. Robert, D.D., LL.D., 1 Mountjoy Terrace, Mussel- 
 burgh. 
 
 Forbes, The Hon. Mrs. Atholl, Brux Lodge, Alford. 
 Forrest, James R. P., 32 Broughton Place, Edinburgh. 
 Foulis, T. X., 27 Cluny Gardens, Edinburgh. 
 Fraser, Professor A. Campbell, D.C.L., LL.D., Gorton 
 
 House, Hawthornden. 
 Fraser, Hugh, Littlesilver, High Bickington, North Devon. 
 
 Gairdner, C. D.. 2 Redlands Road, Kelvinside, Glasgow. 
 Galletly, Edwin G., 71 Braid Avenue, Edinburgh. 
 Gardner, Alexander, 7 Gilmour Street, Paisley. 
 14-0 Garson, William, W.S., 60 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh. 
 Gartshore, Miss Murray, Ravelston, Blackhall, Edinburgh. 
 Geddie, John, l6 Ann Street, Edinburgh. 
 Geikie, Sir Archibald. LL.D.. 10 Chester Terrace, Regent's 
 
 Park Road, London, X.W. 
 Geikie, Prof. J.. LL.D., Kilmorie, Colinton Road, Edinburgh. 
 Gibson, Andrew, 1 Hamilton Street, Govan. 
 Gibson, J. C, c o James Forbes, S Bruce Street, Hillhead, 
 Glasgow. 
 
 Gibson, James T., LL.B., W.S.. 14 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Giles, Arthur, 107 Princes Street, Edinburgh. 
 Gillespie, Mrs. G. R., 5 Darnaway Street, Edinburgh. 
 150 Gilmour, Major, The Inch, Liberton. 
 
 Gladstone, Sir John R., Fasque, Laurencekirk. 
 Goudie, Gilbert, F.S.A. Scot., 31 Great King Street, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Gourlay, Robert. LL.D., Marlborough Terrace, Kelvinside, 
 Glasgow. 
 
LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 7 
 
 Gow, Leonard, Hayston, Kelvinside, Glasgow. 
 Graeme, Lieut. -Col. Laurence, Foothill, Shaldon, Teignmouth, 
 Devon. 
 
 Graeme, Lieut. -Col. R. C, Naval and Military Club, <H Picca- 
 dilly, London. 
 
 Grant, Rev. A. C. Thomson. The lied House. Wemyss Castle, 
 Fife. 
 
 Grant, Alex., Tranby. Salford Road, Telford Avenue, 
 
 Streatham, London, S.W. 
 Grant, Francis J., W.S., 106 Thirlestane Road, Edinburgh. 
 160 Grant, Frank L., 75 Limerston St., Chelsea, London, S.W. 
 Grant, J. Macpherson, Old Milton. Kingussie. 
 Grant. William G. L.. Woodside. East Newport, Fife. 
 Gray, George, Clerk of the Peace, Glasgow. 
 Green, Charles E., 18 St. Giles Street, Edinburgh. 
 Greig, Andrew, 36 Belmont Gardens, Hillhead, Glasgow. 
 Guthrie, Charles J., K.C., 1.3 Royal Circus, Edinburgh. 
 Guy, Robert, 120 West Regent Street, Glasgow. 
 
 Halkett, Miss Katherixe E., 24 Holland St., Campden Hill, 
 London, W. 
 
 Hamilton, Col. the Hon. North Dalrymple, Bargany, Girvan. 
 170 Harrison, John, S St Andrew Square, Edinburgh. 
 
 Hay, W. J., John Knox's House, Edinburgh. 
 
 Hedderwick, A. W. H., 79 St. George's Place. Glasgow. 
 
 Henderson, J. G. B., Nether Parkley, Linlithgow. 
 
 Henderson, Joseph, 1 1 Blythswood Square, Glasgow. 
 
 Henry, David, Estherville, St. Andrews, Fife. 
 
 Hewison, Rev. J. King, D.D., The Manse, Rothesay. 
 
 Hill, William H., LL.D., Barlanark, Shettleston, Glasgow. 
 
 Home. The Earl of, The Hirsel. Coldstream. 
 
 Hope, H. W., of LufFness, Aberladv. 
 180 Howden, Charles R. A., Advocate, 25 Melville St., Edinburgh. 
 
 Howden, J. M., C.A., 11 Eton Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 
 Hughes-Hunter, Colonel, F.R.S., of Plas Coch, Llanfairpwll, 
 Anglesey. 
 
 Hutcheson, Alexander, Herschel House, Brought} Ferry. 
 
8 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 Hutchison, George A. Clark, 34 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edin. 
 Hutton, Rev. W. Holden, The Great House, Burford, Oxford. 
 
 Ixglis, John A., Advocate, 2 Rothesay Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Jameson, J. EL, W.S., 16 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 Jamieson, J. Auldjo, W.S., 14 Buckingham Ter., Edinburgh. 
 Johnston, D., 14- Xetherby Road, Leith. 
 190 Johnston, David, 24 Huntly Gardens, Kelvinside, Glasgow. 
 Johnston, George Harvey, 22 Garscube Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Johnston, George P., 33 George Street, Edinburgh. 
 Johnston, Col., M.D., C.B., of Newton Dee, Murtle, Aberdeen- 
 shire. 
 
 Johnstone, David, 24 Dundonald Street, Edinburgh. 
 Johnstone, James F. Kellas, 12 Osborne Terr., London, S.W. 
 
 Kemp, D. William, Ivy Lodge, Laverockbank Rd., Trinity, Edin. 
 Kincairney, The Hon. Lord, 6 Heriot Row, Edinburgh. 
 Kinloch, Miss Marjory G., 32 Drummond Place, Edinburgh. 
 Kinnear, The Rt. Hon. Lord, 2 Moray Place, Edinburgh. 
 200 Kippen, W. J., Advocate, 7 Walker Street, Edinburgh. 
 
 Kirkpatrick, Prof. John, LL.D. . Advocate, 21 Succoth Place, 
 
 Murrayfield, Edinburgh. 
 Kirkpatrick, Robert, 1 Queen Square, Strathbungo, Glasgow. 
 
 Laidlaw, Lieut. -Col. David, Polmont House, Polmont. 
 Lang, James, 9 Crown Gardens, Dowanhill, Glasgow. 
 Langwill, Robert B., 7 St. Leonard's Bank, Perth. 
 Laurie, S. S., LL.D., 22 George Square, Edinburgh. 
 Leadbetter,Thomas Greenshields.Swinton House, Coldstream. 
 Leslie, Colonel, of Kininvie, Dufftown, Banffshire. 
 Lindsay, Rev. John, St. John's Manse, Bathgate. 
 210 Livingstone, M., 32 Hermitage Gardens, Edinburgh. 
 Lodge, Professor, 25 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Logan, Sir Charles B., LL.D., 12 Rothesay Place, Edinburgh. 
 Lorimer, George, Durrisdeer, Gillsland Road, Edinburgh. 
 Low, William, Tighnamuir, Monifieth. 
 Lowe, W. D., W.S., 1.5 Lynedoch Place, Edinburgh. 
 
LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 9 
 
 Macadam. J. H., 37 Shoe Lane, London, E C. 
 MBain, J. M., British Linen Bank, Arbroath. 
 Macbrayne, David, 17 Royal Exchange Square. Glasgow. 
 M-'Candlish, Captain P. D., 31 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. 
 220 MacDonald, James, W.S., 4 Whitehouse Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Macdonald, J. R. M., Largie Castle, Tayinloan, Argyllshire. 
 MacDonald, Kenneth, Town House, Inverness. 
 Macdonald, W. K., Windmill House. Arbroath. 
 Macdonald, W. Rae, Neidpath, Wester Coates Avenue, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Macdougall, Jas. Patten, Advocate, 39 Heriot Row. Edinburgh. 
 M'Ewen, W. C, W.S., 9 South Charlotte Street, Edinburgh. 
 Macgeorge, B. B., 19 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. 
 Macgregor, Alex. R., Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute. 
 MacGregor, John, W.S., 57 Grange Loan, Edinburgh. 
 230 MacGregor, Sir Malcolm, Bart., of MacGregor, Edinchip. 
 Balquhidder. 
 
 Macintyre, P. M., Advocate, 12 India Street, Edinburgh. 
 
 Mackay, .Eneas J. G., K.C., LL.D., 7 Albyn Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Mackay, Eneas, 43 Murray Place, Stirling. 
 
 Mackay, Rev. G. S., M.A., U.F. Church Manse, Doune. 
 
 Mackay, James F., W.S., Whitehouse. Cramond. 
 
 Mackay, James R., 24 Blacket Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Mackay, Thomas, 14 Wetherby Place, South Kensington, 
 
 London, S.W. 
 Mackay, Thomas A., 22 Clarence Street, Edinburgh. 
 Mackay, William, Solicitor, Inverness. 
 -240 Mackenzie, A. R., 7 Gilmour Street, Paisley. 
 
 Mackenzie, Thomas, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow. 
 Mackenzie, Thomas, M.A., Sheriff-Substitute of Ross. Tain. 
 MacKillop, J., junr., Polmont Park, Stirlingshire. 
 Mackinlay, James Murray, The Lee, Merchiston, Edinburgh. 
 Mackinnon, Professor, 1 5 Corrennie Gardens, Edinburgh. 
 Mackintosh, W. F., 107 High Street, Arbroath. 
 Maclachlan, John, W.S., 48 Castle Street, Edinburgh. 
 Maclagan, Robert Craig, M.D.. .5 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 Maclauchlan, John, Albert Institute, Dundee. 
 
10 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 250 MacLehose, James J.. 01 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. 
 
 MacLeod, Rev. Walter, 112 Thirlestane Road. Edinburgh. 
 Macmath, William, 16' St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh. 
 Macmillan, Malcolm, 74 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Macphail, J. R. X., Advocate, ST Great King St., Edinburgh. 
 Macray, Rev. W. D., Bodleian Library, Oxford. 
 Main, W. D., 69 Renfield Street, Glasgow. 
 Mar and Kellie, Earl of, Alloa. 
 
 Marshall, John, Caldergrove, Newton, Lanarkshire. 
 
 Martin, Francis John. W.S., 17 Rothesay Place, Edinburgh. 
 260 Marwick, Sir J. D., LL.D., 19 Woodside Terrace, Glasgow. 
 
 Masson, David, LL.D.. 2 Lockharton Gardens, Edinburgh. 
 
 Maxwell, W. J. H., M.P., Munches, Dalbeattie. 
 
 Melles, J. W.j Gruline, Aros, Isle of Mull. 
 
 Melville, Rev. Dr., Earnbank, Comrie, Perthshire. 
 
 Menzies, John R., 3 Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Methuen, Miss, 6 Stirling Road, Trinity. 
 
 Mill, Alex., 9 Dalhousie Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 
 Millar, Alexander H., Rosslyn House, Clepington Rd., Dundee. 
 
 Miller, John C, 70 Union Street. Glasgow. 
 270 Miller, Rev. W.. C.I. E.,D.D., LL.D., Burgo Park, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Milne, A. & R., Union Street. Aberdeen. 
 
 Minto, The Earl of, Minto House, Hawick. 
 
 Mitchell, Sir Arthur, K.C.B., M.D., LL.D., 34 Drummond 
 Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Mitchell, James, 222 Darnley Street, Pollokshields, Glasgow. 
 
 Moffatt, Alexander, 23 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Moffatt, Sheriff, Falkirk. 
 
 Moncrieff, Lieut. -Colonel G. Kenneth Scott, CLE. (Royal 
 Engineers), Newhalls, The Scores, St. Andrews. 
 
 Moncrieff, Sheriff W. G. Scott, Lanark. 
 
 Morries-Stirling, J. M., Gogar House, Stirling. 
 280 Morrison, Hew, LL.D., Torrisdale, Corrennie Gardens^ 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Muirhead, James, 2 Bowmont Gardens, Kelvinside, Glasgow. 
 
 Munro, H. T., Drum Leys, Kirriemuir. 
 
 Murdoch, Rev. A. D., All Saints' Parsonage, Edinburgh. 
 
LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 11 
 
 Murray, David, LL.D., 169 West George Street, Glasgow. 
 Murray, William, of Murray thwaite, Advocate, Ecclefechan. 
 
 Nicolson, A. B., W T .S., Glenbervie House, Fordoun. 
 Norfor, Robert T., C.A., 35 Lauder Road, Edinburgh. 
 
 Ogilvv, Henry T. N. Hamilton, of Belhaven and Dirleton, 
 
 Biel, East Lothian. 
 Ogilvy, Sir Reginald H. A., Bart., of Inverquharty, Bal- 
 dovan, Dundee. 
 2.90 Oliver, James, Thornwood, Hawick. 
 
 Orrock, Archibald, 17 St. Catherine's Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Paton, Henry, M.A., 120 Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Paton, Victor A. Noel, W.S., 11 N. Learmonth Gardens, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Patrick, David, LL.D., 339 High Street, Edinburgh. 
 Patrick, N. J. Kennedy Cochran, Advocate, 34- Heriot Row, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Paul, G. M., D.K.S., 9 Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Paul, Sir James Balfour, Advocate, Lyon King of Arms, 30 
 
 Heriot Row, Edinburgh. 
 Paul, Rev. Robert, F.S.A. Scot., Dollar. 
 Paulin, David, 6 Forres Street, Edinburgh. 
 300 Penney, Scott MoncriefF, Advocate, 5 Heriot Row, Edinburgh. 
 Pentland, Young J., 8 Bruntsfield Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Pickering, R. Y., Conheath, Dumfries. 
 Pillans, Hugh H., 12 Dryden Place, Edinburgh. 
 Porter, Rev. William Henry, Manse of Cults, Pitlessie, Fife. 
 Prentice, A. R., Newark Lodge, 28 Newark Street, Greenock. 
 Pullar, Sir Robert, Tayside, Perth. 
 
 Rait, Robert S., New College, Oxford. 
 Ramsay, Mrs., Kildalton, Islay. 
 Ramsay, William, 32 Frederick Street, Edinburgh. 
 310 Rankin, W T . B., W.S., 9 Lansdowne Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Rankine, Prof. John, K.C., LL.D., 23 Ainslie Place, Edinburgh. 
 Reichel, H. R., Principal, Univ. Coll., Bangor, North Wales. 
 
12 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 Reid, John Alexander, Advocate, 11 Royal Circus, Edinburgh. 
 
 Renwick, Robert, Depute Town-Clerk, City Chambers, Glasgow. 
 
 Richard, John M. M., 20 Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Richardson, Ralph, W.S., Commissary Office, 2 Parliament 
 Square, Edinburgh. 
 
 Ritchie, David, Hopeville, Dowanhill Gardens, Glasgow. 
 
 Roberton, James D., 1 Park Terrace East, Glasgow. 
 
 Robertson, A. Ireland, Brae Park, Cramond Bridge, Mid- 
 lothian. 
 
 320 Robertson, John, Elmslea, Dundee. 
 
 Robson, William, Marchholm, Gillsland Road, Edinburgh. 
 Romanes, Charles S., C.A., 3 Abbotsford Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 Rosebery, The Earl of, K.G., Dalmeny Park, Linlithgowshire. 
 
 Sanderson, Kenneth, W.S., 5 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh. 
 Scott, Rev. Archibald, D.D., 16 Rothesay Place, Edinburgh. 
 Scott, Miss Jean Macfarlane, 7 Murton Street, Sunderland. 
 Scott, Rev. Robert, Craig Manse, Montrose. 
 Shaw, David, W.S., 1 Thistle Court, Edinburgh. 
 Shaw, Thomas, M.P., K.C., 17 Abercromby Place, Edin- 
 burgh. 
 
 330 Sheriff, George, c/o Hugh Hopkins, 17 W. Regent Street, 
 Glasgow. 
 
 Shiells, Robert, National Bank of Neenah, Neenah, Wisconsin. 
 Sime, David, 27 Dundas Street, Edinburgh. 
 Simpson, Prof. A. R., 52 Queen Street, Edinburgh. 
 Simson, D. J., Advocate, 3 Glenfinlas Street, Edinburgh. 
 Sinclair, ex-Bailie Alexander, Ajmere Lodge, Langside, 
 Glasgow. 
 
 Smail, Adam, 13 Cornwall Street, Edinburgh. 
 
 Smart, Prof. William, LL.D., Nunholm, Dowanhill, Glasgow. 
 
 Smith, Mrs., Broompark, Lanark. 
 
 Smith, John Lamb, S.S.C., 58 Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 340 Smith, G. Gregory, M.A., 16 Murrayfield Avenue, Edinburgh. 
 Smith, J. K., 4 East Hermitage Place, Leith. 
 Smith, Rev. R. Nimmo, LL.D., Manse of the First Charge 
 Haddington. 
 
LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 IS 
 
 Smith, Robert, 9 Ward Road, Dundee. 
 Smythe, Col. David M., Methven Castle, Perth. 
 Sorley, William, Viewfield House, Partick, N.B. 
 Sprott, Rev. George W., D.D., North Berwick. 
 Steuart, A. Francis, Advocate, 79 Gt. King St., Edinburgh. 
 Stevenson, J. H., Advocate, 9 Oxford Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Stevenson, Rev. Robert, M.A., The Abbey, Dunfermline. 
 350 Stewart, Major-General Shaw-, 7 Inverness Ter., London, W. 
 Stewart, R. K., Murdostoun Castle, Newmains, Lanarkshire. 
 Stewart, Miss Grainger, 15 Royal Circus, Edinburgh. 
 Strathallan, Lady, Machany House, Perthshire. 
 Strathcona and Mount Royal, Lord, Invercoe, Argyllshire. 
 Strathern, Robert, W.S., 12 South Charlotte St., Edinburgh. 
 Sturrock, James S., W.S., 21 Rutland Street, Edinburgh. 
 Sturrock, Rev. J., 12 Argyle Place, Edinburgh. 
 Sutherland, James B., S.S.C., 10 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Swinton, A. C. Campbell, Kimmerghame, Duns, Berwick- 
 shire. 
 
 S60 Taylor, Benjamin, 10 Derby Crescent, Kelvinside, Glasgow. 
 
 Taylor, James Pringle, W.S., 19 Young Street, Edinburgh. 
 
 Taylor, Rev. Malcolm C, D.D., Professor of Church History, 
 6 Greenhill Park, Edinburgh. 
 
 Telford, Rev. W. H., Reston, Berwickshire. 
 
 Tennant, Sir Charles, Bart., The Glen, Innerleithen. 
 
 Terry, Professor C. Sanford, Sirhowy, Cults, Aberdeenshire. 
 
 Thin, George, 7 Mayfield Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 
 Thomson, John Maitland, LL.D., Advocate, 3 Grosvenor 
 Gardens, Edinburgh. 
 
 Thomson, T. S., 9 Manor Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Thomson, Col., St. James's Club, Piccadilly, London, S.W. 
 370 Tod, Henry, W.S., 47 Manor Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Trail, John A., LL.D., W.S., 14 Belgrave Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Trayner, The Hon. Lord, LL.D., 27 Moray Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Tuke, Sir John Batty, M.D., M.P., 20 Charlotte Square, Edin- 
 burgh. 
 
14 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS 
 
 Tulloch, Major-General Sir Alexander B., K.C.B., 24 Brechin 
 
 Place, London, S.W. 
 Tweedale, Mrs., Balquholly, Turriff. 
 
 Tweeddale, The Marquis of, Yester, Gifford, Haddington. 
 Underhill, Charles E., M.D., 8 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 Veitch, G. Seton, Friarshall, Paisley. 
 
 Walker, Louson, Westhorpe, Greenock. 
 380 Walker, Robert, M.A., Tillydrone House, Old Aberdeen. 
 
 Warrender, Miss, 50 Wilton Crescent, London. 
 
 Waterston, George, 10 Claremont Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Watson, R. W. Seton, Ayton, Abernethy. 
 
 Watson, The Hon. William, B.A., LL.B., 31 Abercromby 
 Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Waugh, Alexander, National Bank, Newton-Stewart, N.B. 
 
 Whamond, David, Edinburgh. 
 
 Williamson, Charles, 4 Bayview Road, Aberdeen. 
 
 Wilson, Very Rev. Dean, 17 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Wilson, Robert Dobie, 38 Upper Brook Street, London, W. 
 390 Wilson, W. B., W.S., 46 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Wilson, William James, 32 Berkeley Terrace, Glasgow. W. 
 
 Wood, Alexander, Thornly, Saltcoats. 
 
 Wood, Miss, Woodburn, Galashiels. 
 
 Wood, J. P.,LL.D.,W.S., 16 Buckingham Terrace, Edinburgh. 
 Wood, W. A., C.A., 11 Clarendon Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 Wordie, John, 75 West Nile Street, Glasgow. 
 
 Young, A. J., Advocate, 60 Great King Street, Edinburgh. 
 Young, James A., Wallace Bank, Paisley. 
 Young, William Laurence, Solicitor, Auchterarder. 
 400 Yule, Miss Amy Frances, F.S.A. Scot, Tarradale, Ross-shire. 
 
LIST OF LIBRARIES 
 
 Aberdeen Free Public Library. 
 
 Aberdeen University Library. 
 
 All Souls College, Oxford. 
 
 Antiquaries, Society of, Edinburgh. 
 
 Athenaeum, The, London, S.YY. 
 
 Baillie's Institution Free Library, Glasgow. 
 
 Belfast 'Library, Donegall Square North, Belfast, Ireland. 
 
 Berlin Royal Library. 
 
 Birmingham Free Library. 
 10 Bodleian Library, Oxford. 
 
 Boston Athenaeum. Mass. 
 
 Boston Public Library, Mass. 
 
 Buifalo Public Library. 
 
 California University Library. 
 
 Cambridge University Library. 
 
 Cardiff Free Public Library. 
 
 Carnegie Public Library, Ayr. 
 
 Chicago University Library. 
 
 Church of Scotland Library, Edinburgh. 
 20 Congress, Library of, Washington. 
 
 Copenhagen (Bibliotheque Royale). 
 
 Cornell University, Ithaca, Michigan. 
 
 Dollar Institution. 
 
 Dresden Public Library. 
 
 Dundee Free Library. 
 
 Edinburgh Public Library. 
 
 Edinburgh University Library. 
 
 Gladstone Memorial Library, Scottish Liberal Club. 
 Glasgow University Library. 
 30 Gray's Inn, Hon. Society of, London. 
 Halifax Public Library. 
 
 Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass. 
 Inverness Free Library. 
 John Rylands Library, The, Manchester. 
 Kilmarnock Public Library. 
 Leeds Library. 
 Liverpool Public Library. 
 London Corporation Library, Guildhall. 
 London Library, St. James Square. 
 4-0 Manchester Public Free Library. 
 
16 
 
 LIST OF LIBRARIES 
 
 Mitchell Library, Glasgow. 
 
 Montrose Public Library. 
 
 Nairn Literary Institute. 
 
 National Liberal Club. London. 
 
 National Library of Ireland. 
 
 Netherlands Royal Library. 
 
 Newcastle-upon-Tyne Public Library 
 
 New College Settlement. 4S Pleasance, Edinburgh 
 
 New South Wales Public Library. Sydney. 
 50 New York Public Library. 
 
 New York State Library. 
 
 Nottingham Free Public Library. 
 
 Ottawa Parliamentary Library. 
 
 Paisley Philosophical Institution. 
 
 Peabody Institute, Baltimore. 
 
 Pennsylvania Historical Society. 
 
 Philosophical Institution, Edinburgh. 
 
 Procurators. Faculty of. Glasgow. 
 
 Protestant Institute of Scotland. 
 60 Public Record Office. 
 
 Reform Club, Pall Mall. London, S.W. 
 
 Roval College of Physicians. Edinburgh. 
 
 Royal Institution, London, W. 
 
 Roval Library. Stockholm. 
 
 Sandeman Public Library, Perth. 
 
 St. Andrews University Library. 
 
 Sheffield Free Public Library. 
 
 Signet Library. Edinburgh. 
 
 Solicitors before the Supreme Court, Society of, Edinburgh. 
 70 Speculative Society, Edinburgh. 
 
 Stonvhurst College. Blackburn, Lancashire. 
 Stornoway Public Library. 
 Toronto Public Library. 
 
 United Free Church College Library, Glasgow. 
 Victoria Public Library. Melbourne. 
 Vienna, Library of the R. I. University. 
 Westminster College Library, Cambridge. 
 Wigan Free Public Library. 
 Wisconsin State Historical Society. 
 SO Worcester (Mass.) Free Public Library. 
 Yale University Library. 
 
£>cotttst) l^tstorp t>octetp 
 
 THE EXECUTIVE. 
 1904-1905. 
 President. 
 
 The Earl of Rosebery, K.G., K.T., LL.D. 
 
 Chairman of Council. 
 David Masson, LL.D., Historiographer Royal for Scotland. 
 
 Council. 
 
 Rev. Alexander D. Murdoch. 
 
 Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.C.B., M.D., LED. 
 
 A. Francis Steuart, Advocate. 
 
 Sir Thomas Gibson Carmichael, Bart. 
 
 John Rankine, K.C., LL.D., Professor of Scots Law in the 
 
 University of Edinburgh. 
 Sir James Balfour Paul, Lyon King of Arms. 
 The Rev. Robert Flint, D.D. 
 
 P. Hume Brown, M.A., LL.D., Professor of Ancient History 
 
 and Palaeography in the L'niversity of Edinburgh. 
 Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D.. Bishop of Edinburgh. 
 Charles J. Guthrie, K.C. 
 John A. Trail, LL.D.. W.S. 
 
 J. Maitland Thomson, Advocate, Keeper of the Historical 
 Department, ELM. Register House. 
 
 Corresponding Members of the Council. 
 
 Prof. C. H. Firth. LL.D., Oxford ; Rev. W. D. Macray. Oxford ; 
 Prof. C. Sanford Terry, Aberdeen. 
 
 Hon. Treasurer. 
 J. T. Clark. Keeper of the Advocates Library. 
 
 Int. Hon. Secretary. 
 J. T. Clark. Keeper of the Advocates' Library. 
 
RULES 
 
 1. The object of the Society is the discovery and printing, 
 under selected editorship, of unpublished documents illus- 
 trative of the civil, religious, and social history of Scotland. 
 The Society will also undertake, in exceptional cases, to issue 
 translations of printed works of a similar nature, which have 
 not hitherto been accessible in English. 
 
 2. The number of Members of the Society shall be limited 
 to 400. 
 
 3. The affairs of the Society shall be managed by a Council, 
 consisting of a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and twelve 
 elected Members, five to make a quorum. Three of the twelve 
 elected Members shall retire annually by ballot, but they shall 
 be eligible for re-election. 
 
 4. The Annual Subscription to the Society shall be One 
 Guinea. The publications of the Society shall not be delivered 
 to anv Member whose Subscription is in arrear, and no 
 Member shall be permitted to receive more than one copv of 
 the Societv's publications. 
 
 5. The Societv will undertake the issue of its own publica- 
 tions, i.e. without the intervention of a publisher or any other 
 paid agent. 
 
 6. The Society will issue yearly two octavo volumes of about 
 320 pages each. 
 
 7. An Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held 
 at the end of October, or at an approximate date to be 
 determined by the Council. 
 
 8. Two stated Meetings of the Council shall be held each 
 vear, one on the last Tuesday of May, the other on the Tues- 
 dav preceding the day upon which the Annual General Meeting 
 shall be held. The Secretary, on the request of three Members 
 of the Council, shall call a special meeting of the Council. 
 
 9. Editors shall receive 20 copies of each volume they edit 
 for the Society. 
 
 10. The owners of Manuscripts published by the Society w ill 
 also be presented with a certain number of copies. 
 
 11. The Annual Balance-Sheet, Rules, and List of Members 
 shall be printed. 
 
 12. No alteration shall be made in these Rules except at ;i 
 General Meeting of the Societ v. A fortnight's notice of anv 
 alteration to be proposed shall be given to the Members of the 
 Council. 
 
PUBLICATIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY 
 
 For the year 1886-1887. 
 
 1. Bishop Pococke's Tours in Scotland, 174-7-1 Tb'O. Edited by 
 D. W. Kemp. 
 
 2. Diary and Account Book of William Cunningham of Craig- 
 ends, 1673-1680. Edited by the Rev. James Dodds. D.D. 
 
 For the year 1887-1888. 
 
 3. Grameidos libri sex : an heroic poem on the Campaign of 
 
 1689, by James Philip of Almerieclose. Translated and 
 Edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch. 
 
 4-. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part I. 
 1559-1582. Edited by D. Hay Fleming. 
 
 For the year 1888-1889. 
 
 5. Diary of the Rev. John Mill, Minister in Shetland. 1740- 
 
 1803. Edited by Gilbert Goudie. 
 
 6. Narrative of Mr. James Nimmo, a Covenanter, 1654-1709. 
 Edited by W. G. Scott-Moncrieff. 
 
 7. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part ii. 
 
 1583-1600. Edited by D. Hay Fleming. 
 
 For the year 1889-1890. 
 
 8. A List of Persons concerned in the Rebellion (1745). With 
 a Preface by the Earl of Rosebery. 
 
 Presented to the Society by the Earl of Rosebery. 
 
 9. Glamis Papers: The ' Book of Record/ a Diary written by 
 Patrick, first Earl of Strathmore, and other documents 
 (1684-89). Edited by A. H. Millar. 
 
 10. John Major's History of Greater Britain (1 521). Trans- 
 lated and edited by Archibald Constable. 
 
4 
 
 PUBLICATIONS 
 
 For the year 1890-1891. 
 
 11. The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies, 
 
 164-6-47. Edited by the Rev. Professor Mitchell, D.D.. and 
 the Rev. James Christie. D.D. 
 
 12. Court-Book of the Barony of Urie, 1604-1747. Edited 
 by the Rev. D. G. Barron. 
 
 For the year 1891-1892. 
 IS. Memoirs of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, Baronet. Ex- 
 tracted by himself from his own Journals, 1676-1755. Edited 
 by John M. Gray. 
 
 14. Diary of Col. the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, 1683- 
 
 16S7. Edited by the Rev. Walter Macleod. 
 
 For the year 1892-1893. 
 
 15. Miscellany of the Scottish History Society, First Volume — 
 The Library of James n. 3 1573-85. Edited by G. F. Warner. — 
 
 Documents illustrating Catholic Policy, 1596-98. T. G. Law. 
 — Letters of Sir Thomas Hope, 1627-46. Rev. R. Paul. — Civil 
 War Tapers, 1643-60. H. F. Morland Simpson. — Lauderdale 
 Correspondence, 1660-77. Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D. — 
 Turnbull's Diary, 1657-1704. Rev. R. Paul. — Masterton 
 Papers, 1660-1719. A'. A. Xoel Paton. — Accompt of Expenses 
 in Edinburgh, 1715. A. H. Millar. — Rebellion Papers, 1715 
 and 1745. H. Paton. 
 
 16. Account Book of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston (1671-1707). 
 Edited by the Rev. A. W. Cornelius Hallen. 
 
 For the year 1893-1894. 
 
 17. Letters and Papers illustrating the Relations between 
 Charles ii. and Scotland in 1650. Edited by Samuel 
 Rawson Gardiner, D.C.L., etc. 
 
 18. Scotland and the Commonwealth. Letters and Papers 
 relating to the military government of scotland. aug. 
 1651— Dec 1653. Edited by C. H. Firth, M.A. 
 
 For the year 1894-1895. 
 
 19. The Jacobite Attempt of 1719- Letters of James, second 
 
 Duke of Ormonde. Edited by W. K. Dickson. 
 
 20. 21. The Lyon in Mourning, or a Collection of Speeches, 
 
 Letters, Journals, etc.. relative to the Affairs of Prince 
 Charles Edward Stuart, by Bishop Forbes. 1746-1775. 
 Edited by Henry Paton. Vols. 1. and 11. 
 
PUBLICATIONS 
 
 5 
 
 For the year 1895-1896. 
 
 22. The Lyon in Mourning. Vol. in. 
 
 23. Itinerary of Prince Charles Edward (Supplement to the 
 Lyon in Mourning). Compiled by W. B. Blaikie. 
 
 24. Extracts from the Presbytery Records of Inverness and 
 Dingwall from 1638 to 1688. Edited by William Mackay. 
 
 25. Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies 
 {continued) for the years 1648 and 1649. Edited by the Rev. 
 Professor Mitchell, D.D., and Rev. James Christie, D.D. 
 
 For the year 1896-1897. 
 
 26. Wariston's Diary and other Papers — 
 
 Johnston of Wariston's Diary, 1639. Edited by G. M. Paul. — 
 The Honours of Scotland, 1651-52. C. R. A. Howden. — The 
 Earl of Mar's Legacies, 1722, 1726. Hon. S. Erskine. — Letters 
 by Mrs. Grant of Laggan. J. R. N. Macphail. 
 
 Presented to the Society by Messrs. T. and A. Constable. 
 
 27. Memorials of John Murray of Broughton, 1740-1747. 
 Edited by R. Fitzroy Bell. 
 
 28. The Compt Buik of David Wedderburne, Merchant of 
 
 Dundee, 1587-1630. Edited by A. H. Millar. 
 
 For the year 1897-1898. 
 
 29. 30. The Correspondence of De Montereul and the brothers 
 
 De Bellievre, French Ambassadors in England and Scot- 
 land, 1645-1648. Edited, with Translation, by J. G. 
 
 FoTHERINGH AM. 2 Vols. 
 
 For the year 1898-1899. 
 
 31. Scotland and the Protectorate. Letters and Papers 
 relating to the military government of scotland, from 
 January 1654 to June 1659. Edited by C. H. Firth, M.A. 
 
 32. Papers illustrating the History of the Scots Brigade in 
 the Service of the United Netherlands, 1572-1782. 
 Edited by James Ferguson, Vol. i. 1572-1697. 
 
 33. 34. Macfarlane's Genealogical Collections concerning 
 Families in Scotland ; Manuscripts in the Advocates' Library. 
 2 vols. Edited by J. T. Clark, Keeper of the Library. 
 
 Presented to the Society by the Trustees of the late Sir William Fraser, K.C.B. 
 
6 
 
 PUBLICATIONS 
 
 For the year 1899-1900. 
 
 35. Papers on the Scots Brigade in Holland, 1572-1782. 
 Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. ii. 16*98-1782. (Nov. 1899-) 
 
 36. Journal of a Foreign Tour in l66'5 and 1666, and Portions of 
 
 other Journals, by Sir John Lauder, Lord Fountainhall. 
 Edited by Donald Crawford. (May 1900.) 
 
 37. Papal Negotiations with Mary Queen of Scots during her 
 Reign in Scotland. Chiefly from the Vatican Archives. 
 Edited by the Rev. J. Hungerford Pollen, S.J. (Nov. 1901.) 
 
 For the year 1900-1901. 
 
 38. Papers on the Scots Brigade in Holland, 1572-1782 
 Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. in. 1. Rotterdam Papers: 
 2. The Remembrance, a Metrical Account of the War in 
 Flanders, 1701-12, by John Scot, Soldier. (July 1901.) 
 
 39. The Diary of Andrew Hay of Craignethan, 1659-60. 
 Edited by A. G. Reid, F.S.A.Scot. (Nov. 1901.) 
 
 For the year 1901-1902. 
 
 40. Negotiations for the Union of England and Scotland in 
 
 1651-53. Edited by C. Sanford Terry. (March 1902.) 
 
 41. The Loyall Dissuasive. Memorial to the Laird of Cluny in 
 Badenoch. Written in 1703, by Sir .Eneas Macpherson. 
 Edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch. (July 1902.) 
 
 For the year 1902-1903. 
 
 42. The Chartulary of Lindores, 1195-1479- Edited from the 
 original MS. at Caprington Castle, Kilmarnock, by the Right 
 Rev. John Dowden, D.D., Bishop of Edinburgh. (July 1903.) 
 
 43. A Letter from Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Guise, 
 Jan. 1562. Reproduced in Facsimile from the Original MS. in 
 the possession of the late John Scott, of Halkshill, Esq., C.B. 
 Edited, with historical Introduction and Appendix of original 
 illustrative Documents, by the Rev. J. Hungerford Pollen, 
 S.J. (Jan. 1904.) 
 
 Presented to the Society by the family 0/ the late Mr. Scott, <>/ Halkshill. 
 
PUBLICATIONS 
 
 7 
 
 44. Miscellany of the Scottish History Society, Second Volume — 
 
 The Scottish King's Household, 14th Century. Edited by Mary 
 Bateson. — The Scottish Nation in the University of Orleans, 
 1336-1538. John Kirkpatrick, LL.D. — The French Garrison 
 at Dunbar, 1563. Roberts. Rait. — De Antiquitate Religionis 
 apud Scotos, 1594. Henry D. G. Law. — Apology for William 
 Maitland of Lethington, 1610. Andrew Lang-. — Letters of 
 Bishop George Graeme, 1602-38. L. G. Graeme. — A Scottish 
 Journie, 1641. C. H. Firth. — Narratives illustrating the Duke 
 of Hamilton's Expedition to England, 1648. C. H. Firth. — 
 Burnet-Leighton Papers, 1648-168-. H. C. Foxcroft. — Papers 
 of Robert Erskine; Physician to Peter the Great, 1677-1720. 
 Rev. Robert Paul. — Will of the Duchess of Albany, 1789. 
 A. Francis Steuart. (Feb. 1904.) 
 
 45. Letters of John Cockburn of Ormistoun to his Gardener, 
 
 1727-1743. Edited by James Colville, D.Sc. (March 1904.) 
 
 For the year 1903-1904. 
 
 46. Minute Book of the Managers of the New Mills Cloth 
 Manufactory, 1681-1690. Edited by W. R. Scott, Lecturer 
 on Political Economy in St. Andrews University. (Jan. 1905.) 
 
 47. Chronicles of the Frasers ; being the Wardlaw Manuscript 
 entitled e Polichronicon seu Policratica Temporum, or, the 
 true Genealogy of the Frasers.' By Master James Fraser. 
 Edited, from the original MS. in possession of the Trustees of 
 the late Sir Wm. Augustus Fraser, Bart., by William Mackay, 
 Inverness. (Feb. 1905.) 
 
 48. The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Court 
 from 1661 to 1678. Vol. 1. 1661-1669. Edited, from the 
 MS. in possession of Mr. John W. Weston, by Sheriff Scott- 
 Moncrieff. (July 1905.) 
 
 For the year 1904-1905. 
 
 49. The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Court 
 from 1661 to 1678. Vol. 11. 1669-1678. Edited, from the 
 MS. in possession of Mr. John W. Weston, by Sheriff Scott- 
 Moncrieff. (Oct. 1905.) 
 
 50. Records of the Baron Court of Stitchill, 1655-1807. Tran- 
 scribed from the original in Stitchill House, Roxburghshire, 
 by the late Rev. George Gunn, Minister of Stitchill. Edited 
 by Clement B. Gunn, M.D., Peebles. (Oct. 1905.) 
 
 51. Macfarlane's Topographical Collections. Vol. 1. Edited, 
 from the MS. in the Advocates' Library, by Sir Arthur 
 Mitchell, K.C.B, 
 
8 
 
 PUBLICATIONS 
 
 In preparation. 
 Macfarlane's Topographical Collections. Vol. n. 
 Statuta Ecclesle Scotican.e, 1225-1556. 2 Vols. Edited, with 
 
 Translation and Notes, by David Patrick, LL.D. 
 The House Books of Accompts, Ochtertyre, 1737-39- Edited, 
 
 from the original MS., in possession of Sir Patrick Keith 
 
 Murray, by James Colville. D.Sc. 
 Sir Thomas Craig's De Unions Regnorum Britannia Edited, 
 
 with an English Translation, by David Masson, LL.D. 
 Records relating to the Scottish Armies from 1638 to 1650. 
 
 Edited by C. Sanford Terry. 
 The Charters of the Abbey of Inchaffray. Edited by W. A. 
 
 Lindsay, K.C., and the Right Rev. Bishop Dowden, D.D. 
 Analytical Catalogue of the Wodrow Collection of Manu- 
 scripts in the Advocates' Library. Edited by the Keeper 
 
 of the Library. 
 
 Charters and Documents relating to the Grey Friars and 
 the Cistercian Nunnery of Haddington. — Register of the 
 Monastery of Inchcolm. Edited by J. G. Wallace- 
 James, M.B. 
 
 Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies (con- 
 tinued), for the years 1650-53. Edited by the Rev. James 
 Christie, D.D. 
 
 Register of the Consultations of the Ministers of Edinburgh, 
 and some other brethren of the ministry since the 
 interruption of the assembly 1653, with other papers of 
 
 PUBLIC CONCERNMENT, 1 653-1 660. 
 
 Papers relating to the Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, with other 
 documents from the Municipal Archives of the City of Perth. 
 
 A Selection of the Forfeited Estates Papers preserved in 
 H.M. General Register House and elsewhere. Edited by 
 A. H. Millar. 
 
 A Translation of the Historia Abbatum de Kynlos of 
 
 Ferrerius, together with some inedited Letters of the 
 
 Author. By Archibald Constable. LL.D. 
 Rentale Sancti Andrea. The Household Book of Cardinal 
 
 Beaton, 1539-1545. Edited, from the MS. in the Advocates' 
 
 Library, by D. Hay Fleming, LL.D. 
 
DA — 
 
 75>0 Scottia Ms&tfry rg&Q$&$y! 0 
 
 •S25 ftiitibui&mmk 
 
 Bapst Library 
 
 Boston College 
 Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02167