Houser oF THE MAXWELLS OF NITHSDALE. 189 
manded to deliver them up and to remove themselves and their 
servants forth thereof within twenty-four hours after being sum- 
moned. 
An army intended at this time to march on Dumfries against 
Lord Maxwell was dispersed on account of an outbreak of the 
plague. 
In 1585 an Act of Indemnity was passed in favour of Lord 
Maxwell ; but the same year he again offended. | On Christmas 
Eve, collecting his followers at his Castle of Dumfries, they 
marched in procession to Lincluden College, where mass was 
celebrated in ancient form. For this act, the age being intolerant, 
he was put in ward, but shortly liberated. Again, in 1588, Lord 
Maxwell mustered his forces to act in concert with the Spanish 
Armada, when it should arrive, he having advised that the attack 
on England should be made through Scotland. Of this his 
cousin, Lord Herries, having warned King James VI., Maxwell 
was summoned to appear before him, who defiantly replied by 
arming his castles. King James assembled such forces as he 
could suddenly bring together, and hastened to Dumfries. Lord 
Maxwell, who was in his house, received warning of the King’s 
advance only an hour before, and was almost surprised by the 
royal troops. The gate, however, was held until he had escaped 
by a postern. Ultimately taken and imprisoned, he was liberated 
and restored the following year. | Lord Maxwell was too able and 
powerful to remain long in disgrace, and condonation followed 
every transgression on his part. 
A bitter feud existed between the Maxwells and the John- 
stones, and the latter clan, having raided the Crichtons of San- 
quhar, who complained to the King, Lord Maxwell, as Warden 
of the Marches, was commanded to see justice done. This con- 
genial task he undertook, and having assembled his friends, 
marched from Dumfries against the Johnstones, who, being 
warned, had also made preparation. The clans met in battle on 
Dryfe Sands, 6th December, 1593, when the Maxwells suffered 
defeat, and their chief, Lord Maxwell, Earl of Morton, was slain, 
to the great grief of his followers. He was buried in a vault pre- 
pared for him in Lincluden College. The remains of it stand in 
the middle of the chancel. 
This eighth lord is characterised in “The Book of Caer- 
laverock ’’ as a nobleman of great spirit, humane, courteous, and 
