168 BonsHAW TOWER. 
which lasted to the end of the century. Notwithstanding the 
strong opposition as it would unite two such powerful clans, 
Christopher Edward Irving’s eldest son married Margaret, eldest 
daughter of the Laird of Johnston. Marriage contract signed 
11th September, 1566 (the contract, which is in my possession, 
is very curious). Bonshaw took Queen Mary’s side and suffered 
accordingly. In 1584-5 Maxwell attacked Johnston with an 
army and took Lochwood Castle and Lochhouse and burnt them 
both. 
Johnston, thus overpowered, sought refuge with his relations, 
the Irvings of Bonshaw. Maxwell pursued him there and laid 
siege to Bonshaw, which, however, was able to hold out till Max- 
well, despairing of taking it, agreed to terms of peace, which 
were settled at Bonshaw. 
In 1593 Maxwell, who was again Warden of the Marches, 
assembled an army to attack and apprehend Johnston. Johnston, 
' who was supported by his allies the Irvings, Grahams, Carlyles, 
and Scotts, prepared for the encounter. Though young and inex- 
perienced himself he had the experienced assistance of Edward 
Irving of Bonshaw, a veteran in Border warfare, who with his four 
sons and clan had come to his aid. Johnston’s army was ad- 
mirably posted on a gentle eminence across the river Dryfe, which 
Maxwell had to pass, and was commanded with great military 
skill. On the 7th December, 1593, the armies met at Dryfe- 
sands. Johnston’s Light Horsemen succeeded in disarranging 
Maxwell’s rank by feint attacks, so that when the main bodies met 
the Maxwells were encountered at a disadvantage. After a 
bloody conflict the Johnston army was victorious. Maxwell and 
700 of his men perished in the battle and pursuit. Maxwell’s 
body was found with the hand cut off. This was owing to Max- 
well having offered a reward to whoever would bring him the 
hand or head of Johnston. Johnston retaliated with a like offer. 
Lord Herries was appointed Warden, and in 1595 raised an 
army and again attacked Johnston. Another pitched battle was 
fought, in which the Johnston faction was again victorious. The 
King then appointed Johnston Warden of the Marches. In 1608 
Maxwell treacherously murdered Johnston, and in 1613 was 
executed at the High Cross at Edinburgh for it. William Irving 
of Bonshaw, who succeeded his grandfather Edward in 1605, saw 
the fall of the power of the Border chieftains through the loss of 
