and Inheritance As touching the Earls of Lennox themselves to omit those of more ancient and obscure times there was one Duncan Earl of Lennox in the Reign of Robert the Third who died and left none but Daughters behind him of whom one was married to Allan Stuart descended from Robert a younger Son of Walter the Second of that Name High Stewart of Scotland and Brother likewise to Alexander Stuart the Second from whom the noblest and Royal Race of Scotland hath been propagated This sirname Stuart was given unto that most noble Family in regard of the honourable Office of the Stewart-ship of the Kingdom as who had the Charge of the Kings Revenues The said Allan had Issue John Earl of Lennox and Robert Captain of that Company of Scottish men at Arms which Charles the Sixth King of France first instituted in lieu of some Recompence unto the Scottish Nation which by their Valour had deserved passing well of the Kingdom of France who also by the same Prince for his vertues sake was endowed with the Seigniory of Aubigny in Auvergne Iohn had a Son named Matthew Earl of Lennox who wedded the Daughter of James Hamilton by Marion Daughter to King James the Second on whom he begat John Earl of Lennox he taking Arms to deliver King James the Fifth out of the hands of the Dowglasses and the Hamiltons was slain by the Earl of Arran his Uncle on the Mothers side This John was Father to Matthew Earl of Lennox who having sustained sundry Troubles in France and Scotland found Fortune more friendly to him in England through the favour of King Henry the Eight considering that he bestowed upon him in marriage his Neice with fair Lands By the means of this happy Marriage were brought into the world Henry and Charles Henry by Mary Queen of Scots had Issue James the Sixth King of Brittain by the propitious Grace of the Eternal God born in a most auspicate and lucky Hour to knit and unite in one Body of an Empire the whole Island of Brittain divided as well in it self as it was heretofore from the rest of the World and to lay a most sure Foundation of an everlasting Security for our Heirs and the Posterity As for Charles he had Issue one only Daughter Arbella married to the Earl of Hertford in England who above her Sex so embraced the Studies of the best Literature that therein she profited and proceeded with singular Commendation and comparable with the excellent Ladies of old time When Charles was dead after that the Earldom of Lenox whereof he stood Enfeoffed was revoked by Parliamentary Authority in the year of our Lord 1579. and his Uncle by the Fathers side Robert Bishop of Caithness had some while enjoyed this Title in lieu whereof he received at the Kings hands the honour of the Earl of March. King James the Sixth conferred the honourable Title of Duke of Lennox upon Esme Stuart Son to Iohn Lord D' Aubigny younger Brother to Matthew aforesaid Earl of Lennox which Lodowick Esme his Son after him did enjoy For since the time of Charles the Sixth there were of this Line Lords of Aubigny in France the said Robert before named and Bernard or Eberdard under Charles the Eighth and Lewis the Twelfth who is commended with great praise unto Posterity by P. Jovius for his noble Acts most valourously exploited in the War of Naples a most firm and trusty Companion of King Henry the Seventh when he entered into England who used for his Emprese or Devise a Lyon between Buckles with this Motto Distantia Jungit for that by his Means the Kingdoms of France and of Scotland severed and dis-joined so far in distance were by a straighter League of friendship conjoyned likeas Robert Stuart Lord D' Aubigny of the same Race who was Marshal of France under King Lewis the Eleventh for the same cause used the royal Arms of France with Buckles Or in a border Gules which the Earls and Dukes of Lennox have ever since born quarterly with the Arms of Stuart The Dukes of Lennox were also heretably great Chamberlains of Scotland and High-Admirals and had several Regalities and the Baillerie of Glasgow The Race of the Earls and Dukes of Lennox aforesaid being extinct by the death of Charles Duke of Lennox and Richmond Ambassador for King Charles the Second in Denmark about the year 1672 his Estate in Scotland did fall to the King by Succession who bestowed it on his Son Charles by the Name of Charles Lennos Duke of Lennox about the year 1675 who enjoyeth that honour Lord George Dowglass one of the younger Sons of William Marquess of Dowglass Collonel of the Scottish Regiment and Mareschal of the Camp in France thereafter Lieuetenant General in Brittain was by King Charles the Second before the year 1677 created Earl of Dunbarton whose Son doth enjoy that Title CHAP. XVIII STIRLING UPon Lennox North-eastward bordereth the Territory of Stirling so named of the principle Town therein for fruitful Soll and numbers of Gentlemen in it second to no Province of Scotland Here is that narrow Land or Streight by which Dunbritton Firth and Edinburgh Firth piercing far into the Land out of the West and East Seas are divided asunder that they meet not one with the other Which thing Julius Agricola who marched hitherto and beyond first observed and fortified this Space between with Garisons so as all the part of Brittain on the east and south side was then in possession of the Romans and the Enemies removed and driven as it were into another Island in so much as Tacitus judged right truly There was no other bound or limit of Brittain to be sought for Neither verily in the time ensuing did either the Valour of Armies or the Glory of the Roman name which scarcely could be stayed set out the Marches of the Empire in this part of the World farther although with Inrodes they other whiles molested and endamnaged them But after this glorious Expedition of Agricola when himself was called back Brittain as saith Tacitus become for-let neither was the Possession kept still thus far for the Caledonian Brittains drave the Romans back as far as to the River Tine in so much as Hadrian who came into Brittain in person about the fortieth year after and reformed many things in it went no further forward but gave commandment that the God Terminus which was wont to give ground unto none should retire backward out of this place like as in the East on this side Euphrates Hence it is that S. Augustine wrot in this wise God Terminus who gave not place to Jupiter yielded unto the will of Hadrianus yielded to the rashness of Iulian yielded to the necessity of Jovian in so much as Hadrian had enough to do for to make a Wall of Turff between the Rivers Tine and Esk well near an hundred Miles southward on this side Edinburgh Firth
to use the words of the Record is Directus totius Dominus that is The direct Lord of the whole Domain or Dominion and hath Royal Authority and Jurisdiction over all the States and Degrees as well Ecclesiastical as Lay or Temporal Next unto the King is his eldest Son who is called Prince of Scotland and by a peculiar Right Duke of Rothsay and Seneschal or Steward of Scotland But all the rest of the Kings Children are named simply Princes Among the Nobles the greatest and most honourable were in old time The Thanes that is those who were enobled only by the Office which they administred For the word in the ancient English Saxon Tongue signifieth The Kings Minister Of these they of the superior place were called Abthanes the inferior Vnder Thanes But these Names by little and little grew out of use ever since that King Malcolm the third conferred the Titles of Earls and Barons after the manner received from the English upon Noblemen of good good deâ—â—â—â—â— In process of time new Titles of Honours were much taken up and Scotland as well as England hath had Dukes Marquesses Earls Viscounts and Barons As for the Title of Duke the first that brought it into Scotland was King Robert the third about the year of Salvation 1400. Likeas the honourable Titles of Marquess and Viscount were first brought in by King JAMES the sixth These are counted Nobles of the higher degree and have both place and voice in the Parliament and by a special Name are called Lords likeas also the Bishops Among the Nobles of a lower degree in the first place are ranked Knights who verily are dubbed with greater solemnity than in any other place throughout all Europe by taking of an Oath and are proclaimed by the publick voice of an Herauld In the year 1621 was instituted the Hereditary Order of Knight Baronet for advancing the Plantation of Nova-Scotia in America with Precedency of all ordinary Knights Lesser Barons or Lairds Of which Order there is a great Number but the ancient Great Lairds Chiefs of Clans or Families have not generally yielded Precedency to them Of a second sort are they who are termed Lairds and Barons among whom none were reckoned in old time but such as held immediatly from the King Lands in Chief and had jus furcarum that is power to Hang c. In the third place are all such as being descended from worshipful Houses and not honoured with any special Dignity be termed Gentlemen All the rest as Citizens Merchants Artisans c. are reputed among the Commons CHAP. III. The Judicatories or Courts of Justice THe supreme Court as well for Dignity as Authority is accounted the Assembly of the States of the Kingdom which is called by the very same Name as it is in England A Parliament and hath the same very power as absolute It consisteth of three States of Lords Spiritual namely Bishops Abbots and Priors and of Lords Temporal to wit Dukes Marquesses Earls Viscounts and Barons and Commissioners for Cities and Burghs Unto whom were adjoyned not long since for every County or Shire also two Commissioners And by the 11th Act of the second Session of this current Parliament certain Shires and the Stewartrie of Kirkcudbright therein enumerat according to the largeness and extent of the Lands are allowed an additional Representation of Commissioners in Parliament whereby the greater Shires are allowed four some Shires three and in the Stewartrie of Kirkcudbright two Commissioners As will appear clearly by the List of Parliament subjoyned It is appointed and solemnly called by the King at his pleasure at a certain set time before it be holden When these States abovesaid are assembled and the causes of their assembly delivered by the King his Commissioner or Chancellor the Lords Spiritual chuse out apart by themselves eight of the Lords Temporal as also the Lords Temporal make choise of as many out of the Lords Spiritual then the same all joyntly together nominat eight of the Commissioners for the Counties and as many of the Commissioners for the free Burghs regal which make up in all the number of thirty two And then these Lords of the Articles so they are termed together with the Chancellor Treasurer Keeper of the Privy Seal Kings Secretary c. do admit or reject every Bill proposed unto the States after they have been first imparted unto the King or his Commissioner Being allowed by the whole Assembly of the States they are throughly weighed examined such of them as pass by the greater number of Voices are exhibited unto the King or his Commissioner who by touching them with the Scepter pronounceth that he either ratifieth approveth them or disableth and maketh the same void· But if any thing dislike the King it is razed out before This Method of the Lords of Articles is altered by the 3d. Act of the first Session of this current Parliament whereby the Committee of Parliament is abrogated and the Parliament to appoint Committees of what Number they please being alike of Noblemen Barons and Burgâ—sses to be chosen out of each Estate by it self for preparing all Motions and overtures first made in the House and that the Parliament may alter the said Committees at their pleasure or conclude upon matters proponed before them in plain Parliament without Committees and that in the Committes some of the Officers of State may be present by their Majesties or their Commissioners appointment who is freely to propose and debate allennerly but not to Vote By Act of Parliament 1617 the Officers of State are restricted to the number of Eight including the Master of Requests beside the Chancellor who by his Office is President of the Parliament Since the Restauration of King Ch. 2d there hath been no Master of Requests but frequently two Secretaries and there hath been also Debate amongst the lesser Officers of State and especially between the Thesaurer-Depute and the others concerning their Precedency but at present by Order the Thesaurer-Deput is ranked after the Advocat and before the Justice-Clerk The second Court or next unto the Parliament is the Colledge of Justice or Session which King James the fifth Parl. 5. Art 36. 40. and 41. anno 1532. instituted after the form of the parliament of Paris consisting of a President fourteen Senatours seven of the Clergy and as many of the Laitie unto whom is adjoyned the Lord Chancellor who being present is to have Vote and be Principal of the said Council And sickâ—ike other Lords as shall please the Kings Grace to injoyn to them of his great Council to have vote sicklike to the number of three or four By vertue whereof the King uses to adjoyn besides the Chancellor four of the Nobility or Lords of Parliament who are called Extraordinar Lords and are not counted of the Quorum of the Nine which must be of the Ordinar Lords The Distinction of half Spiritual half
after it hath passed as it were in a straight Channel by Drumelzier Castle by Peebles a Burgh Royal which had for the Sheriff thereof Baron Yester now Earl of Tweddale Lord high Chancellor who sold his Estate in that Shire and the Sheriff-ship to the Duke of Queensberry of whom afterwards in East-Lothian In this Shire the Laird of Traquair as a Baron Commissioner to the Parliament 1621 was by King Ch. the first created Lord Stuart of Traquair and in anno 1633 was made Earl his Predecessor was a Lord of Session in the year 1560 he himself was first Thesaurer-deput and afterwards Lord high Thesaurer and high Commissioner for the King whose Grand-child is Charles Earl of Traquair In this Shire also Sir Patrick Murray of Elibank was designed in the rescinded Parliament 1644 Lord Elibank whose Father Sir Gideon Murray Thesaurer-deput was admitted a Lord of the Session anno 1613 the great Grand-child is Alexander Lord Elibank Likeas Selkirk a Burgh Royal hard by hath another Sheriff out of the Family of Murray of Falahill an ancient Family designed of Philiphaugh James Murray now of Philiphaugh is one of the Lords of Session and Sheriff This place is famous by the Defeat of the Army of the great Marquess of Montrose By King Charles the first anno 1646 Lord William Dowglas second Son to the Marquess of Dowglas was created Earl of Selkirk was married to Anna Dutchess and Heiress of Hamilton and by King Charles the second after the Restauration created Duke of Hamilton he was Commissioner to two Sessions of this current Parliament and enjoyed many great and honourable Offices who in his Lifetime did convey and establish the Title and Dignity of Earl of Selkirk on Charles his second Son now Earl of Selkirk his Lady Anna Dutchess of Hamilton and James Earl of Arran doth survive Tweed also receiveth Lawder a Riverat upon which is situat a Royal Burgh and seat of a Bailliary belonging to the Family of Lawderdale within the Sheriffdom of Berwick near to which stands Thirlestane Castle a very fair House of Sir John Maitlands sometime Chancellor of Scotland whom for his singular Wisdom King Ja. the sixth created Baron of Thirlstane Sir Richard Maitland of Lethingtoun was his father who is marked in the Book of Sederunt of the Lords of Session 1553 amongst the Lords being then an extraordinary Lord In the Sederunt 1561 he is admitted an ordinar Lord and his eldest Son William then Secretary is admitted Extraordinar and thereafter Ordinar in place of Sir Robert Carnagie deceased it being Customary at that time first to be entered Extraordinar and then Ordinar This Sir Richard was Privy Seal to Queen Mary and continued an Ordinar Lord till his old Age when he demitted the eleventh of July 1584 in favours of Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice-Clerk upon the Kings Letter bearing Lethingtoun to have served his Grand-sir Good-sir Good-dame his Mother and himself faithfully in many publick Offices and now greatly disabled by Age he had demitted in favours c. Reserving all Profits to himself during his Life which notwithstanding of his Dimission he enjoyed till his death anno 1586. The said Mr. John Maitland of Thirlstane his second Son was in April 1581 admitted Lord of the Session and about the year 1584 Secretary and in the 1586 Vice Chancellor and thereafter Chancellor and in the 1592 designed Lord Thirlstane Chancellor whose Son John was created Viscount of Lauderdale by King Ja. sixth and is so marked in the Rolls of Parliament 1617 and in June 1618 under the Designation of Viscount of Lauderdale he is admitted an ordinar Lord of Session and thereafter created Earl of Lauderdale by King Ja. thessixth about the year 1624 whose Son John Earl of Lauderdale was Secretary to King Ch. the second by him created Duke of Lauderdale in the year 1672 he was high Commissioner to the hail Sessions of the second Parliament King Ch. the second Convention of Estates 1678 and enjoyed many other honourable Offices and upon his decease without Heirs-male of his Body his brother Charles Maitland of Haltoun Thesaurer-deput and a Lord of the Session succeeded to him in his Dignity of Earl of Lauderdale the Title of Duke being extinct with himself whose Son is Richard Earl of Lauderdale Then Tweed beneath Roxburgh augmented with the River of Teviot resorting unto him watereth the Sheriffdom of Berwick throughout a great part whereof is possessed by the Humes wherein the chief man of that Family exerciseth the Jurisdiction of a Sheriff so passes under Berwick the strongest Town of Britain where he is exceeding full of Salmons and so falleth into the Sea CHAP. VI. MERCHIA MERCH or MERSâ— MERCH which is next and so named because it is a March Countrey lyeth wholly upon the German Sea In this first Hume Castle sheweth it self the ancient Possession of the Lords of Home or Hume who being descended from the family of the Earls of Merch are grown to be a noble and fair spred Family Out of which Alexander Hume who before was the first Baron of Scotland Sheriff of Berwicks was about the 1604 advanced by James the 6. the first King or Great Britain to the Title of Earl of Hume to whom Charles now Earl of Hume succeeds Sir James Dowglas Brother to the first Marquess of Douglas married the Heiress of Oliphant and in her Right had the Precedency of the Lords of Oliphant with the Dignity of Mordingtoun whose Grand-child is presently Lord Mordingtoun Near unto Hume Castle lyeth Kelso famous sometime for the Monastery which with thirteen others King David the first of that Name built out of the ground for the propagation of Gods glory but to the great empairing of the Crown-Land Then is to be seen Coldingham which Bede calleth the City Coldana and the City of Coludum haply Colania mentioned by Ptolomy a place consecrated many ages since unto professed Virgins or Nuns whose chastity is recorded in ancient Books For that they together with Ebba their Prioress cut off their own Noses and Lips choosing rather to preserve their Virginity from the Danes than their Beauty and Favour and yet for all that the Danes burnt their Monastry and them withal Hard by is Fast-Castle a Castle of the Lord Humes so called for the firmness and Strength thereof at the Promontory of the said Saint Ebbe who being the Daughter of Edilfrid King of Northumberland when her Father was taken prisoner got hold of a Boat in Humber and passing along the raging Ocean landed here in safety became renowned for her Sanctimony and left her Name unto the place But this Merch is mentioned in the Historiographers a great deal more for the Earls thereof than for any places therein who for Martial Prowesse were highly renowned and descended from Gospatrick Earl of Northumberland whom after he had fled from William Conquerer of England Malcom Canmor that is
being removed from that Office in the year 1681 was by Their Majesties restored to be President of the Session in the year 1689. And in anno 1690 was created Viscount of Stair whose eldest Son John Master of Stair also an eminent Lawyer after he had been honoured with several publick Employments was constitute one of the principal Secretaries of State anno 1691. In this Country are the Crawfords and Campbels of Cessnock and others of these Sirnames all Families of good Note The chief Messuage of the Stewartry of Kyle was Dundonald purchased by Sir William Cochran of Cowdoun who was by King Charles the First created Lord Cochran in the year 1648. And by King Charles the Second appointed one of the Commissioners to the Thesaury and by him created Earl of Dundonald about the year 1669. His great Grand-child is William Earl of Dundonald The Government of this Jurisdiction belonged anciently to the Lairds of Lowdoun as hereditary Sheriffs who had many Lands in Kyle albeit their chief Residence was on the other side of the River of Irwine at Lowdoun in Cunninghame from which they wer designed CHAP. XIV CUNNINGHAME CVnninghame adjoyning to Kyle on the east-side and on the north butteth upon the same Firth so close that it restraineth the breadth thereof which hitherto lay out and spread at large The Name if one interpret it is as much as the Kings Habitation by which a man may guess how commodious and pleasant it is This Territory is watered with Irwine that divideth it from Kyle at the Spring-head well near whereof standeth Lowdoun the ancient dwelling place of the Crawfords which by the Marriage of Sir Duncan Campbel of the Family of Lochaw in Argyle Shire with the Heiress the Campbels did enjoy that Estate with the Sheriff-ship of Air or Kings Kyle annexed to it as said is Sir Hugh Campbel of Lowdoun Sheriff of Air was by King James the Sixth about the year 1604 created Lord Lowdoun whose Grand-child Lady Margaret Campbel being married to Sir John Campbel of Lawers had the Title of Earl of Lowdoun from King Charles the First anno 1633. and was made Lord Chancellor anno 1641 in which Office he continued until the year 1651 Earl James his Son died in Holland and the Grand-child is Hugh now Earl of Lowdoun King Charles the First did redeem the Sheriff-ship from John Earl of Lowdoun which together with the Stuartry is conferred by Their Majesties on Sir George Campbel of Cessnock The Earls of Lowdoun carries the Arms of the Crawfords quartered with their own Below Lawdoun on the River Irwine lyeth Kilmarnock the Habitation of the Lord Boyds of whom in the Reign of K. James 3d Robert by a prosperous gale of Court-favour was advanced to the Authority of Regent or Vice-roy Thomas his Son to the Dignity of Earl of Arran and marriage with the Kings Sister But soon after when the said gale came about and blew contrary they were judged Enemies to the State Thomas also had his Wife taken from him and given unto James Lord Hamilton their Goods were confiscate Fortune made a game of them and when they had lost all they died in Exile This is the received History but the Family of Hamilton doth contravert many of the Circumstances thereof Howbeit the Posterity of the Lord Boyd recovered the ancient honour of Barons and honourably enjoy it at this day This Family was dignified with the Title of Earl of Kilmarnock by King Charles the Second about the year 1661 and William now Earl of Kilmarnock is the third Earl At the mouth of this River standeth Irwine with an Haven so barred up with Shelves of Sand and so shallow withall that it can bear none other Vessels but small Barks and Boats James Brother to the Earl of Argyle was created Lord Kintyre and then Earl of Irwine by King Charles the First The former Dignity being extinct Arthur Ingram an English man was created Viscount of Irwine by King Charles the Second about the year 1661. Ardrossan also a Pile belonging to the Montgomeries more above standeth higher over the Creek this is a very ancient and famous family as any other who have to shew for witness of their warlike prowesse Ioununy a Fort built with the ransome money of Sir Henry Percie sirnamed Hot-spur whom J. Montgomerie with his own hand took prisoner in the Battle at Otterburn and led away captive Not far from Ardrossan is Largis embrued with the Blood of the Norwegians by King Alexander the Third From whence as you follow the shore bending and giving in you meet with Eglington a fair Castle which was the Possession of certain Gentlemen highly descended of the same sirname from whom it came by Marriage unto the Montgomeries who thereby received the Title of Earls of Eglington Of this ancient Family of the Montgomeries is descended Alexander now Earl Eglington heretable Baillie of Cuninghame and Lord of the Regality of Kilwinning formerly an Abbacie But whence the said sirname should come a man can hardly tell this I know that out of Normandy it came into England and that divers Families there were of the same name but that in Essex from which Sir Thomas Montgomerie Knight of the Order of the Garter descended in the Reign of Edward the Fourth gave Arms a little different from these This noble Linage is fair and far spread and out of those of Gevan was that Gabriel de Lorges called Earl of Montgomerie Captain of the Guard of Scots which Charles the Fifth King of France instituted for defence of his own person and his Successors in testimony of their fidelity and his love toward them who in running at Tilt slew Henry the Second King of France by occasion that a broken splint of his Spear where the Helmet chanced to be open entred at his Eye and pierced into his Brain and afterwards in that Civil War wherein all France was in a broil whiles he took part with the Protestants he was apprehended and beheaded But the Cunninghames in this Tract were counted to be the greater and more numerous Family the Chief whereof enjoying the honour of Earl of Glencairn in Dumfreis-Shire Dwelt at Kilmaurs in Cunninghame and fetcheth his Descent out of England and from an English Gentleman who together with others killed Thomas Arch-bishop of Canterbury the chief of which Family was first created Lord Kilmaurs and afterward Earl of Glencairn John Son to William Earl of Glencairn late Chancellor of Scotland is now Earl How true this Descent is I know not but they ground it happily upon a probable Conjecture taken from an Arch-bishops Pall which the Cuninghames give in their Coat of Arms. CHAP. XV. ISLE GLOTTA OR ARRAN WIthin the sight of Cunninghame among sundry other Islands Glotta the Isle mentioned by Antonine the Emperour beareth up his head in the very Forth and Salt-water of the River Glotin or Cluyd called at this
Sheriffs who being descended from the Grays of Chillingham in the Country of Northumberland came into Scotland with King James the First at his return out of England of whom is descended Patrick now Lord Gray upon the first of whom named Andrew the King of his bounteous liberality bestowed the Segniory of Foulis together with Helen Mortimer in Marriage for his Advancement Ashtoun an English Gentleman was created Lord Forfar about the year 1633 by King Charles the First and Archibald second Son to the Earl of Angus and Brother to James Marquess of Dowglass was by King Charles the Second created Earl of Forfar about the year 1651. Hard by the mouth of Tay is situat Dundee sometimes called Alectum others term it in Latine Taodunum a Town verily of great resort and Trade and the Constable whereof by a special priviledge was Standard bearer to the King of Scots Hector Boetius who was here born expounded this name Dundee by way of allusion to Donum Dei that is Gods gift This Hector in the reflourishing time of Learning wrote the Scottish History elegantly and that out of such hidden and far fetched Monuments of Antiquity that Paulus Jovius wondered in his Writings there should be Records extant for above a thousand years of these remote parts of the World Scotland the Hebrids and the Orcads considering that Italy the Nurse of fine Wits for so many Ages after the Goths were cast out was defective of Writers and Records The ancient Family of the Scrymsours of Dudup Constables of Dundee was first created by King Charles the first Viscount of Dudup and by King Charles the Second Earl of Dundee and by gift of last Heir and Recognition being carried to Charles Maitland of Haltoun came afterwards to be at the Kings disposal who gifted the same to Collonel John Graham of Claverhouse who by King James the Seventh was created Viscount of Dundee and opposing their Majesties in Arms was killed at Gillichrankie in Athol in July 1689 and both he and his Brother David also present at that Action were forefaulted in Parliament 1690. From hence standeth within sight Brochty-Craig which being a good Fortress was with the English Garison Souldiers manfully defended made good for many Months together what time as in their affectionat love to a perpetual peace they desired and wished for a Marriage between Mary Heir apparent of Scotland and Edw. the 6th K. of England and upon promise thereof demanded it by force of Arms and in the end of their own accord abandoned the said place Then there lyeth full against the open Ocean Aberbroth short Arbroth a place endowed with ample Revenues and by King William dedicated in old time to Religion in honour of Thomas of Canterbury beside which the Red-head shooteth into the deep Sea and is to be seen a far of Hard by Southesk voideth it self into the Ocean which River flowing amain out of a Lake passeth by Finnevin Castle well known by reason of the Lindseys Earls of Crawford keeping Residence there of whom is already written And downward on the same River standeth Kinnaird the Inheritance of the Carnagies who amongst other Families by being Members of the Colledge of Justice have raised their Fortunes and advanced into great Honours Robert Carnagy of Kinnaird in the year 1553 is marked in the Sederunt of the Lords of Session And about the year 1561 under the designation of Sir Robert Carnagy of Kinnaird admitted Ordinary Lord of Session Mr. David Carnagy of Coluthy I suppose his second Son was a Lord of the Session and one of the Octavians he dyed in the year 1598 his Son Sir David Carnagy of Kinnaird succeeded of whom frequent mention is made in the Acts of Parliament of King James the Sixth he was by that King created Lord Carnagy after the Lord Binnie and is so ranked in the Rolls of Parliament 1617. In the Books of Sederunt July 5th 1616 David Lord Carnagy is admitted an Ordinary Lord of Session in the year 1633 by King Charles the First he was created Earl of Southesk his great Grand-child is Charles Earl of Southesk Sir John Carnegie of Ethie younger Son to the before named Mr. David Carnagie of Colluthy and Brother to David Earl of Southesk was by King Charles the First created Lord Lour and thereafter by that same King Earl of Ethie his eldest Son David exchanged the said Titles with these of Earl of Northesk and Lord Rosehill as being more agreeable to the Title of Earl of Southesk the Chief of the Family David Earl of Northesk is great Grand-child to the first Earl Then upon the said River standeth Brechin which King David the First adorned with a Bishops See Patrick Maul of Panmure of the Bed-chamber of an ancient Family was created by King Charles the First about the year 1646 Earl of Panmure Lord Maul and Brechin immediatly before the Earls of Selkirk Tweeddale and Northesk whose Grand-child is James Earl of Panmure And at the very mouth thereof standeth Montross as one would say the Mount of Roses a Town in times past called Celurca risen by the fall of another Town bearing the same name which is seated between the two Esks and imparteth the Title of Marquess to the Family of the Grahams Not far from hence is Boschain belonging to the Barons of Ogilvy of very antient Nobility lineally descended from Alexander Sheriff of Angus who was slain in the Bloody Battle at Harlaw against the Mac-Donald of the out Isles In this Shire is also Airlie which was the first Designation of the Lord Ogilvie of Airlie Andrew Lord Ogilvie was created by King Charles the first anno 1633 Earl of Airlie whose Son is James Earl of Airlie As touching the Earls of Angus Gilchrist of Angus renowned for his brave exploits under King Malcolm the fourth was the first Earl of Angus that we read of About the year 1241 John Cummin was Earl of Angus who died in France and his Widow haply inheritrix to the Earldom was married to Sir Gilbert Vmfranvill an Englishman For both he and his Heirs successively after him were summoned to the Parliament in England until the third year of King Richard the second by the Title of Earls of Angus Howbeit the Lawyers of England refused in their Brieves and Instruments to acknowledge him Earl for that Angus was not within the Kingdom of England until he had brought forth openly in the face of the Court the Kings Writ and Warrant wherein he was summoned to the Parliament by the name of Earl of Angus In the reign of David Bruce Thomas Stuart was Earl of Angus who by a sudden surprise won Berwick and straightways lost it yea and within a while after died miserably in Prison at Dunbritton But the Douglasses Men of invincible Hearts from the time of King Robert the second when VVilliam first E. of Douglas married
raised a stately Statue of King Charles the second on Horse-Back in Brass And to the South-west on a rising Ground is a curious and large Hospital built with the Money left by George Heriot Gold-smith which doth entertain above an hundred young Boys Children of decayed Burgesses This City is well watered with five large Fountains on the high and broad Street thereof In this City also by King James the sixth an University was founded over which within a large Park riseth an Hill with two Heads called of Arthur the Britaine Arthurs Chair On the West side a most steep Rock mounteth up aloft to a stately hight every way save only where it looketh toward the City On which is placed a Castle with many a Tower in it so strong that is counted impregnable which the Britains called Castle Myned Agned the Scots The Maidens Castle and the Virgins Castle of certain young Maidens of the Picts royal Blood who were kept there in old time and which may seem in truth to have been that Castrum Alatum or Castle with a Wing abovesaid John Bothwel Commendator of Holy-rud-house who being one of these Honourable persons who attended King James the sixth to England in the year 1603 was by him created a temporal Lord of Holy-rud-house in the year 1607 which Honour is now extinct he was a Lord of the Session as also was his father Adam Bishop of Orkney who excambed that Bishoprick with Robert Stuart for the Abbacie of Holy-rud-house and the Heir of the one became Earl of Orkney and the Heir of the other Lord Holy-rud-house In the Institution of the Colledge of Justice Mr. Richard and Francis Bothwels were nominated two of the Lords of Session Near to Edinburgh is Brughtoun which belonged to the Family of the Ballendens and Sir William Ballenden being Thesaurer Deput to King Charles the second was by him made Lord Ballenden of Brughtoun about the year 1661 whose Honour was conveyed to John Ker now Lord Ballenden Uncle to the present Earl of Roxburgh who carries the Name and Arms of Ballenden Of this Family were Sir John Ballenden of Auchinnoul Justice Clerk and one of the ordinar Lords of Session in the Reign of Queen Mary and King James the sixth and Sir Lewis Ballenden also of Auchinnoul Justice Clerk and an ordinar Lord of the Session in the Reign of King James the sixth by Cnarter under the Great Seal Sir John Ballenden foresaid had the Heretable Office of Usher to the Exchequer which is transmitted to the Lord Ballenden and is exerced by a Deput named by him Fairfax an English Gentlemen was created Lord Cameron who is in the Rolls of Parliament 1633 his Successor Thomas Lord Fairfax is a Member of the House of Commons for the County of York in this current Parliament Richardson an English Gentleman was created Lord Cramond About the same time Lord Forrester of Corstorphine was created by King Charles the first anno 1633. George Lord Forrester of Corstorphine is one of the Commissioners for the holding of the Parliament 1633 and yet in the Rolls of the same Parliament he is marked Sir George Forrester for the Shire of Edinburgh so that he hath been Nobilitat after he was chosen for the Shire and before the sitting of the Parliment his Grand-child is William Lord Forrester How Edinburgh in the alternative Fortune of Wars was subject one while to the Scots and another while to the English who inhabited this East part of Scotland until it became wholly under the Scots Dominion about the year of our Salvation 960 what time the English Empire sore shaken with the Danish Wars lay as it were gasping and dying How also as an old Book of the Division of Scotland in the Library of the right honourable Lord Burghly sometime high Thesaurer of England sheweth Whiles Indulph reigned the Town of Eden was voided and abandoned to the Scots unto this present day as what variable Changes of reciprocal Fortune it hath felt from time to time the Historiographers do relate and out of them ye are to be informed A Mile from hence lyeth Leith a most commodious Haven hard upon the River Leith which when Dessey the Frenchman for the security of Edinburgh had fortified by reason of many men repairing thither within a short time from a mean Village it grew to be a big Town Again when Francis the second King of France had taken to Wife Mary the Queen of Scots the Frenchmen who in Hope and Conceit had already devoured Scotland and began now to gape for England in the year 1560 sttengthned it with more Fortifications But Elizabeth Queen of England solicited by the Nobles of Scotland that embraced the reformed Religion to side with them by her Puissance and Wisdom effected that both they returned into France and these their Fortifications were laid level with the Ground and Scotland ever since hath been freed from the French As also near this place is New-Haven from which an English Gentleman of the Name of Cheney being by K. Charles the second anno 1681 created Viscount got the Designation of Viscount of New-Haven Where this Forth groweth more and more narrow it had in the midst of it the City Caer Guidi as Bede noteth which now may seem to be the Island named Inchkeith Whether this were that Victoria which Ptolomy mentioneth I will not stand to prove although a man may believe that the Romans turned this Guidh into Victoria as well as the Isle Guith or Wight into Victesies or Vecta truely seing both these Islands be dissevered from the shore the same Reason of the Name will hold in both Languages For Ninius hath taught us that Guith in the British Tongue betokeneth a separation In West-Lothian the first remarkable place in the same Forth is the Burgh of Queens-Ferry supposed to be called from Saint Margaret Queen to King Malcom Canmore as the shortest and easiest Passage over the River of Forth to Dumfermling where she did much reside and began to found that Monastry Upon the same Forth is situat Abercorn in Bedes time a famous Monastry which by the gracious favour of King James the sixth gave unto James Hamilton eldest Son to Claud Hamilton first Commendator and then Lord of Pasley youngest Son to the Duke of Chattelrault the Title of Lord of Pasley in Renfrew he is ranked after the Lord Torphichen â—nd before the Lord Newbottle James his said Son was created Lord Abercorn about the year 1603 and is ranked after the Lord Kinloss and before Balmerinoch and in the year 1606 was created Earl of Abercorn which Title is enjoyed by Hamilton Lord Straband an Irish Peer descended of the first Earls of Abercorn And fast beside it standeth Blackness Castle and beneath it Southward the anctient City Lindum whereof Ptolomy maketh mention which the better learned as yet call Linlithgow commonly Lithgow beautified and set out with a
Johnstoun by King Charles the first anno 1633 and by the same King made Earl of Hartfield and so designed in the rescinded Parliament 1644 and by King Charles the second after the Restauration the Title of Earl of Hartfield was changed into that of the Earl of Annandale the Dignity of Annandale Murray being extinct and William the present Earl is a Privy Counsellor and extraordinar Lord of Session and now Hereditary Stewart of Annandale CHAP. X. NIDISDALE CLose unto Annandale on the West-side lyeth Nidisdale sufficiently furnished with Corn-fields and Pastures so named of the River Nid which in Ptolomy is wrongly written Nobius for Nodius or Nidius of which Name there be other Rivers in Britain full of shallow Foords and muddy Shelves like as this Nid is also It springeth out of the Lake Logh-Cure by which flowrished Corda a Town of the Selgovae He taketh his course first by Sanquher a Town and Castle of the Creightons who a long time kept a great Port as enjoying the Dignity of the Barons of Sanquher and the Authority besides of Hereditary Sheriffs of Nidisdale Afterwards by King james the sixth anno 1622 was created William Viscount of Air and by K. Cbarles the first anno 1633 Earl of Dumfreis whose great Grand-child is Penelope Countess of Dumfreis then by Morton which gave Title of Earl to some of the Family of Dowglas out of which others of that Sirname have their Mansion and Abiding at Drumlanrig The Laird of Drumlanrig was one of the Commissioners to the Parliament 1617 for the Shire of Dumfreis and being a Baron of a great Estate was at his first Promotion created Viscount of Drumlanrig after the Viscount of Air and is so Ranked in the Rolls of Parliament 1633 and in the same year was created Earl of Queensberry whose Grandchild William Earl of Queensberry was first created Marquess thereafter Duke of Queensberry by King Charles the second and was Lord high Thesaurer of Scotland and Commissioner to the Parliament anno 1685 and did enjoy other great Offices and Honours The Lordship of Sanquhar and Sheriff-ship of Dumfreis was purchased by the Earl of Queensberry from the Earl of Dumfreis whose Residence since hath been at Leifnoris near Cumnock a Regality belonging to them in Kingskyle in the Shire of Air The Duke of Queensberries eldest Son is James Earl of Drumlanrig who besides other Offices enjoyed by him is one of the Commissioners of the Thesaury and by a special Commission did represent the Lord High Thesaurer in the last Session of this current parliament I cannot pass over in silence his Uncle James Dowglas of Scraling second Son to James the second Earl of Queensberry who being an expert Captain and Lieutenant General was joyned with the Duke of Schomberg in the first Expedition into Ireland 1689 where he continued that year and the next until he went with the Army into Flanders in the year 1691 where he died leaving Children by his Wife Anna Hamilton Daughter to the Laird of Red-house of the Family of Haddingtoun Also a Natural Son of the Regent Mortons was created by King James the sixth Lord Tothorwald it seems betwixt the year 1585 at which time the natural Children of the said Earl were restored and the year 1592 Tothorwald being ranked in the Rolls of Parliament 1612 before the Lord Thirlestane albeit omitted out of the Decreet of Ranking 1606 his Honours are now extinct but many considerable Persons are descended of him his Lands being purchased by the Family of Queensberry is one of the Titles of the present Duke By the same River near unto the Mouth whereof standeth Dumfreis between two Hills the most flourishing Town of this Tract which hath to shew also an old Castle in it famous for making of Woollen Clothes and remarkable for the Murder of John Commin the mightiest man for Manred and Retinew in all Scotland whom Robert Brus for fear he should fore-close his way to the Kingdom ran quite through with his Sword in the Church soon obtained his Pardon from the Pope for committing that Murder in a Sacred place Near unto the Mouth is Solway a little Village which retaineth still somewhat of the old Name of Selgovae Upon the very mouth is situat Caer-Laverock which Ptolomy I suppose called Carbantorigum accounted an impregnable Fort when King Edward the first accompanied with the floure of English Nobility besieged and hardly won it but now it is a weak Dwelling-house of the Barons of Maxwel who being men of an ancient and noble Linage were a long time Wardens of these West Marches and of late advanced by Marriage with the Daughter of one of the Heirs of the Earl of Morton whereby John Lord Maxwel was declared Earl of Morton upon the Forfaulture of the Regent Morton and is designed John Earl of Morton in the Parliament 1581 and the Dowglasses being restored to the Dignity of Earl of Morton in the Parliament 1585 the E. of Angus Nephew to the Regent was first vested with that Earldom Thereafter it came to the Laird of Loch-Leven of which Family was William E. of Morton Thesaurer to K. Ch. the first and James now Earl of Morton is his Grandchild The Lord Maxwel was created by King James the sixth Earl of Nithsdale with the same precedency he would have had when created E. of Morton which Dignity his Successor William now E. of Nithsdale doth enjoy As also by the Daughter and Heir of Lord Hereis of Taregles whom J. a younger Son of the Family of Maxwel took to Wise and obtained by her the Title of Baron Hereis The Heirs of the eldest Son of the Earl of Nithsdale failing in the Reign of King Charles the second the Lord Hereis succeeded to be Earl of Nithsdale and so the lesser Dignity of Hereis is swallowed up in the greater of the Earl Nithsdale and is now in the person of the present Earl Moreover in this Vale by the Lake side lyeth Glencairn whence the Cunninghams of whom I am to write more in place convenient bare a long time the Title of Earl This Nithsdale together with Annandale nourisheth a War-like kind of Men who have been infamous for Robberies and Depredations for they dwell upon Solway Frith a foordable Arm of the Sea at Low-waters through which they made many times Out-rodes into England for to fetch in Booties and in which the Inhabitants thereabout on both sides with pleasant Pastime and delightful Sight on Horse-back with Spears hunt Salmons whereof there is abundance What manner of Cattel-stealers these be that inhabite these Vales in the Marches of both Kingdoms John Lesly Bishop of Ross will tell you in these Words They go forth in the Night by Troops out of their own Borders through desart by-ways and many winding Crankies All the day time they refresh their Horses and recreat their own Strength in lurking places appointed before
Lake by which standeth Berogomum a Castle in which sometime was kept the Court of Justice or Session and not far from it Dunstaffage that is Stephens Mount the Kings House in times past above which Logh Aher a Lake insinuating it self from out of the Western Sea windeth it self so far within Land that it had conflowed together with Ness another Lake running into the East Sea but that certain Mountains between kept them with a very little Partition asunder The chiefest Place of Name in this Tract is Tarbar in Loch Kinkeran where King James the fourth ordained a Justice and Sheriff to administer Justice unto the Inhabitants of the out Islands but now the Shires of Argile and Tarbat are joyned in one These Countries and those beyond them in the year of our Lords Incarnation 655. the Picts held whom Beda calleth the Northern Picts where he reporteth that in the said year Columbane a Priest and Abbot famous for his Monkish profession and life came out of Ireland into Brittain to instruct these in Christian Religion that by means of the high rough Ridges of the Mountains were sequestred from the Southern Countries of the Picts and that they in lieu of a Reward allowed unto him the Island Hii over against them now called I-Comb-Kill a famous Monastry and Nursery of the Christian Religion over Britain The Lord of Lorna in the age aforegoing were the Stuarts but now by reason of a Female their Heir the Earls of Argile use this Title in their Honourable Designation CHAP. XXV BRAID ALBIN OR ALBANY MOre inwardly where the uninhabitable lofty and rugged Ridges of the Mountain Grampius begin a little to slope and settle downward is seated Braid-Albin that is The highest part of Scotland for they that are the true and right Scots indeed call Scotland in their Mother Tongue Albin like as that part where it mounteth up highest Drum Albin that is the Ridge of Scotland But in an old Book it is read Brun Albin where we find this Written Fergus filius Eric c. That is Fergus the Son of Eric was the first of the Seed or line of Chonare that entred upon the Kingdom of Albanie from Brun-Albain unto the Irish Sea and Inch-Gall And after him the Kings descended from the Seed or Race of Fergus Reigned in Brun-Albain or Brunhere unto Alpin the Son of Eochall But this Albanie is better known for the Dukes thereof than for any good Gifts that the Soil yieldeth The first Duke of Albanie was Robert Earl of Fife whom his Brother King Robert the third of that Name advanced to that honour yet he ungrateful person that he was pricked on with the spirit of ambition famished to Death his Son David that was Heir to the Crown But the punishment due for this wicked Fact which himself by the long sufferance of God self not his Son Mordac the second Duke of Albanie first designed in his Fathers time Sir Murdac Stuart of Kinclevin suffered most grievously being condemned for Treason and beheaded when he had seen his two Sons the day before executed in the same manner The third Duke of Albanie was Alexander second Son to King James the second who was also designed Earl of March Marr and Garioth Lord of Annandale and of Man was by his own Brother King James the third outlawed and after he had been turmoiled with many Troubles in the end as he stood by to behold at Justs and Tourneament in Paris chanced to be wounded with a piece of shattered Launce so died His Son John the fourth Duke of Albanie was called home made Regent and Tutor to King James the fifth taking contentment in the pleasant Delights of the French Court after he had Wedded there the Daughter and one of the Heirs of John Earl of Anverne and Lauragveze died there without Issue Whom in respective reverence to the Blood Royal of the Scots Francis the first King of France gave thus much honour unto as that he allowed him place between the Archbishop of Langres and the Duke of Alenson Peers of France After his death there was no Duke of Albanie until that Queen Mary conferred this Title upon Henry Lord Darnly whom within some few days after she made her Husband likeas King James the sixth granted the same unto his own second son Charles being an Infant during the lifetime of Prince Henry his elder Brother to whom he succeeded as Prince and Steward of Scotland and to his Father as King of Great-Britain and first of the Name of Charles King James the seventh did enjoy the Title of Duke of Albany during the lifetime of his elder Brother There inhabit these Regions a kind of People rude warlike ready to fight quarrellous and mischievous they be commonly termed Highlandmen who being indeed the right Progeny of the antient Scots speak Irish and call themselves Albinich their bodies be firmly made and well compact able withal and strong nimble of Foot high minded inbread and nuzzeled in warlike exercises or Robberies rather and upon a deadly feud and hatred most forward and desperat to take revenge They go attired Irish-like in stript or streaked Mantles of divers colours wearing thick and long Glibes of Hair living by hunting fishing fowling and stealing In the War their Armour is an Head-piece or Morion of Iron and an Habergeon or Coat of Mail their Weapons be Bows barbed or hooked Arrows and broad Back Swords and being divided by certain Families or Kindreds which they term Clans they commit such cruel Outrages what with Robbing Spoilling and Killing that their Savage Cruelty hath forced a Law to be enacted whereby it is lawful That if any person out of any one Clan or Kindred of theirs hath trespassed ought and done harm whosoever of that Clan or Linage chance to be taken he shall either make amends for the harms or else suffer Death for it when as the whole Clan commonly beareth Feud for any hurt received by any one Member thereof by execution of Laws order of Justice or otherwise Sir John Camphel of Glenurchie Baronet an antient and powerful Cadet of Argile descended of one of the Heiresses of Stuart Lord Lorn of whose Lands he enjoyes a part and their Arms quartered and of other great Families and from whom many Noblemen and Barons derive their Pedegree was by King Charles the second about the year 1677. Created Earl of Brade Albine and is one of the present Commissioners of their Majesties Thesaury he is Hereditary Baillie of Broad Albine CHAP. XXVI PERTHIA OR PERTH Sheriffdom OUt of the very bosome of the Mountains of Albany Tau the greatest River of all Scotland issueth and first runreth amain through the Fields until that spreading broad into a Lake full of Islands he restraineth and keepeth in his course Then gathering himself narrow within his Banks into a Channel and Watering Perth a large plentiful and rich Countrey he taketh in unto him Amond a
Stuart Heiress and Countess of Angus of which marriage was George Douglas Earl of Angus who married King Robert the Thirds Daughter have been Earls of Angus and reputed the chief and principal Earls of Scotland and to whom this Office belongeth to carry the Regal Crown before the Kings at the solemn Assembly of the Kingdom The sixth Earl of Angus out of this stock was Archibald who espoused Margaret Daughter to Henry the seventh King of England and Mother to James the fifth King of Scots by whom he had Issue Margaret Wife to Matthew Stuart Earl of Lennox who after her Brothers decease that died Childless willingly resigned up her Right and Interest in this Earldom unto Sir David Douglass of Pittindreich her Uncles Son by the Fathers side and that with consent of her Husband and Sons to the end that she might bind the surer unto her self by the link also of a beneficial demerit that Family which otherwise in Blood was most near what time Henry her Son went about to Wed Mary the Queen by which Marriage King James the sixth the mighty Monarch of Great-Britain was happily born to the good of all Britain and from these Earls of Angus Douglass the Marquess of Douglass is lineally descended From an Abbacy in this Shire James Elphingstoun second Son to Secretary Elphingstoun Lord Balmerinoch was created by King James the sixth Lord Couper but dying without Issue the Title and Dignity is confounded in the person of the now Lord Balmerinoch The Sheriffship of this Shire being at the Kings disposal Patrick Earl of Strathmore is Sheriff CHAP. XXVIII MERNIS OR Shire of KINCARDIN THese Regions were in Ptolomy's time inhabited by the Vernicones the same perhaps that the Vecturiones mentioned by Marcellinus But this their name is now quite gone unless we would imagine some little piece thereof to remain in Mernis For many times in common speech of the British Tongue V. turneth into M. This small Province Mernis lying on the North-side of the North-Water of Esk abutting upon the German Ocean and of a Rich and fertile Soil lieth very well as a plain and level Champion But the most memorable place therein is Dunnotyr a Castle advanced upon an high and unaccessible Rock whence it looketh down to the underflowing Sea well fensed with strong Walls and Turrets which hath been a long time the habitation of the Keiths of an antient and very noble Stock who by the guidance of their Vertue became Hereditary Earls Mareschals of the Kingdom of Scotland in the Reign of King Robert Bruce and Sheriffs of this Province of whom is descended William now Earl Mareschal In a Porch or Gallery here is to be seen that antient Inscription formerly mentioned of a Company belonging to the twentieth Legion the Letters whereof the right Noble and Honourable Earl George Commissioner to the Parliament 1609 a great lover of Antiquity caused to be Guilded Somewhat further from the Sea standeth Fordon graced in some sort and commendable in regard of John de Fordon who being born here diligently and with great pains Compiled Scoti Chronicon that is The Scottish Chronicle unto whose laborious studies the Scottish Historiographers are very much indebted but more glorious and renowned in old time for the Reliques of St. Palladius bestowed and shrined sometime as is verily thought in this place who in the year 431 was by Pope Coelestinas appointed the Apostle of the Scottish Nation In this Shire the Laird of Arbuthnet of that lik of an antient Family was created Viscount Arbuthnet by King Charles the first about the year 1641 whose Great Grand-Child is Robert Viscount of Arbuthnet As also Sir Alexander Falconer one of the Lords of Session was by King Charles the first anno 1648 Created Lord Halcartoun whose Grand-Child is now Lord Halcartoun Also Lieutenant-General Middletoun of an antient Family designed by that Surname was by K. Charles the second appointed Commissioner for holding the Parliament 1661 and Created at that time Earl of Middletoun his Son is Charles Earl of Middletoun who was first Secretary of Scotland and then of England to King Charles the second and King James the seventh In this Shire is Inverbervie a Burgh-Royal In the antient times the Countrey Horestia did comprehend both Angus and Mernis in this matter I must be allowed to differ from the Learned Author who places the Horesti in the Countrey of Eskdale a small and inconsiderable Countrey surrounded with others and not bordering on the Sea whereas Tacitus in the Life of Agricola Describing his War in our part of Britain saith The third year of the War Agricola discovered new Nations which he conquered even to the River Tau And after this he adds Agricola having beat Galgacus near to the Grampian Hills brought back the Roman Army to the boders of the Horesti and having received Hostages from them he ordered the Commanders of the Roman Fleet to sail about the Isle The chief part of this quotation is on the Margin in the words of the Author which is only applicable to the Mouth and Firth of Tay and the Countrey of Angus and Mernis situat thereupon where the Roman Navy hath Landed their Men and in the which station remained to receive them at the end of the expedition and from this Port to the Grampian Hills through the large Countrey of Strathmore they have marched their Army and Carriages and by the same Way returned them to their Ships of which great ways there are certain Vestiges remaining but there is no direct continued way betwixt the Grampian Hills and Eskdale nor could any army with such great Carriages march betwixt these places nor thereafter be Embarked at Eskdale See more of this in Sir George Mckenzies Answer to St. Asaph CHAP. XXIX MARRIA OR MAR. FRom the Sea in the Mediterranean or In-landparts above Mernis Mar enlargeth it self and runneth forward threescore Miles or thereabout where it lieth broadest VVest-wards it swelleth up with Mountains unless it be where the Rivers Dee which Ptolomy calleth Diva and Don make way for themselves and infertile the Fields Upon the Bank of Don Kildrummy standeth as a fair Ornament to the Countrey being the antient Seat of the Earls of Mar and not far distant from it the Habitation of the Barons Forbois who being issued from a Noble and Antient Stock assumed this Surname whereas before time they were called Bois after that the Heir of that Family had manfully killed a Savage and Cruel Bare of whom is Descended William now Lord Forbes But at the very Mouth of this River there be two Towns that give greater Ornament which of the said Mouth that in the British Tongue they call Aber borrowing one Name are divided asunder by one little Field lying between the hithermost of them which standeth nearer to Dee Mouth is much ennobled by an Episcopal Dignity which King David