Agnews of Lochnaw

152 THE FIFTH HEREDITARY SHERIFF. [1526.
of Drumlanrig, were promenading the street, attended, according
to the unfortunate fashion of the times, by a train of ser-
vants, all armed to the teeth. As they sauntered along they
met, face to face, a rival band of Galloway lairds, with Sir Thomas
M'Clellan of Bomby at their head. Between M'Clellan and the
Laird of Lochinvar there was a feud of old standing ; both
must needs keep " the crown of the causeway," and a savage
encounter ensued, ended only by the death of the Laird of
Bomby, who was killed at the door of St. Giles's Church.
These violent doings occasioned a great sensation ; but, strange
to say, in this latter case, a respite was at once granted to the
principal parties concerned, and no legal proceedings were ever
taken against them ; and long after the king issued a formal
" remission to James Gordon of Lochinvar ; William Gordon of
Craichlaw ; Andrew Agnew, Sheriff of Galloway ; James
Douglas of Drumlanrig ; John Gordon, called John of Quhit-
horne ; William Cairns, young laird of Orchardtoun, etc., for art
and part of the slaughter of Thomas M'Clellane of Bomby,
committed eleven years lately past in the burgh of Edinburgh," \
13 Jan. 1538.
We may here be allowed to anticipate, and give a pleasant
sequel to this tale of blood. The son and heir of poor M'Clellan
fell in love with the daughter of the Laird of Lochinvar ; his
suit was not discouraged by her family ; the lady consented ; old
Lochinvar invited the Sheriff, and other relatives on both sides,
including nearly all the principals engaged in the fatal fray in
Edinburgh, to the wedding-feast ; and thus the tomahawk was
buried.
As a curious appendage to the marriage-settlement, " Letters
of Slains" were formally granted by " Thomas M'Clellan of
Bombie, son and heir to Thomas M'Clellan of Bombie, deceased,
to his father-in-law, Sir James Gordon of Lochinvar, and all his
assisters, in the slaughter foresaid."
The Sheriff thus became connected with the family of Bomby,
and not many years after his own son and heir married a younger
1 Great Seal Register.