Agnews of Lochnaw

184 THE SIXTH HEREDITARY SHERIFF. [1559-
A document extant, of the year 1559, proves that even at
this date articles of luxury were occasionally imported into
Galloway. It also shows the difficulties against which com-
merce had to struggle. Before the merchant vessel referred to
was allowed to sail, the Laird of Lochinvar became bound, in
presence of the Sheriff, to the amount of a thousand pounds for
the good conduct of the captain.
This bond bears, that, " Forasmuch as the Begent has granted
to Patrick M'Blane, John M'Cracken, Alexander Hannay, John
Hannay, William Gordon, John M'Alnanche, and John Wauss,
burgess of Wigtown, a passport and testimonial that they are
true and obedient subjects to our Sovereign Lord and Lady, and
sua may saiflie pas to ye ports of France, and use leifful trafect
and busines but truble or impediment.
" Therefore me, John Gordon of Lochinvar, becomes caution
and security for the said persons, that they shall bring their
goods and merchandise which they shall happen to bring furth
of the realm of France, and the ship wherein the same beis
furit, 1 to the port and haven of Wigtoun, so that our Sove-
reign Lord and Lady's true and obedient subjects sail be furnesit
y r . w*. upone y r . expenss," and that the said persons shall not
traffic nor change any of their said goods with any persons that
have rebelled against our Sovereigns and their authority : Oblig-
ing me and my heirs " yat giff ye said persons doiss in ye contrar
of ye premiss," to pay to the said princes the sum of a thousand
pounds money of this realm.
" Before Patrick Agnew, Sheriff of Wigtoun ; Master Eobert
Stewart, and John Stewart, witnesses. At Edinburgh, the 13th
January 1559. (Sic. Sttbr.) Lochinwak."
In August 1560, Lochinvar being a lord of the Council, the
First Book of Discipline was drawn up. By desire of the Parlia-
ment also, in which the Laird of Garlies played a prominent
part, the Protestant Confession of Faith was formally adopted ;
1 Is carried. We have much abridged this letter, and generally modernised
the spelling.