The Ikvings of Hoddom, 183 



the active assistance rendered to Buccleugh by the Johnstones 

 and Irvings, and the friendly neutrality of the Grahams, who 

 were not to be seen in the Debateable Land that memorable 

 nig-ht, 13th April, 1595. The Johnstones lay at Sfcanwix and 

 formed a rearguard for Buccleugh, and the Irvings were stationed 

 further back to give all needful assistance if Scrope and his men 

 ventured across the Eden. 



In the year 1581 we find offers by Edward Irving of 

 Bonshaw, George Graharae of Renpatrick, and John Irving of 

 Knockhill, made to the Laird of Johnstone "and to the wyif and 

 bayrnies" of the late William Johnstone in Hayhill, their kin, &c., 

 for the offerers, their kin, &c., " for being on the field at the 

 unhappe slauchtter of the said unqihile Williame,'" which they 

 " sayrlie repent." 



First. They offer full repentance in their hearts, " beseiking 

 God of his infintle gudenes that we be newar on the feyld quhare 

 ewar siclyike offensis be committit, and ernistle cravis forgevness 

 for Godis sake." 



Secondly. They offer " to try our inuocens and to acquite ws 

 and all ouris that nane of ws schot that unhappie schot quhareby 

 the said William was slayne ; not bare the said William no 

 rankour in our harttis, and that be sic sufficient men as the 

 Layrd of Johnstonn will appoint that we ar able to get or will do 

 for us." 



Thirdly. They offer George Irving, son to Edward, and 

 " Christe the Grahame," sou to George Graham, " to be enterit 

 in the hous of the Lochwode to the Layrd of Johnstonn and 

 thaire to byide sic tryale as the layrd will appoint that nane schot 

 the sayde schot," and if either of these be found guilty of shoot- 

 ing the said William the offerers consent to their punishment 

 without any prejudice to this offer. 



Fourthly. They offer to attend at any place appointed by the 

 Laird and " his wyise freynds " and there in their linen clothes to 

 kneel and ask forgiveness, and in token of homage and repent- 

 ance take their naked swords by the points in their hands and 

 offer them to the Laird, bairns and friends of the said William 

 " in maner of sufferage " as may please them. 



Fifthly. They offer " to be bound as husband and father to 

 the saidis wyif and bairnes " in all their affairs, and to take part 

 with them against all who would do them wrong, except the 



