Agnews of Lochnaw

1726.] COLONEL GARDINER. 525
tion), in his ministerial capacity, publicly reproved the Laird of
Dunskey for some misconduct, which the latter greatly resented.
So incensed was the laird, that he incited some of the people to
seize upon the communion plate, so as to prevent the minister
from administering the sacrament on the next regular occasion.
The feud was at its height ; the minister was determined to pro-
ceed with his ministrations, even if obliged to borrow the necessary
vessels ; and a disturbance was much apprehended, when, unex-
pectedly, a squadron of the Earl of Stair's dragoons (now the 6th,
or Enniskillens), marched into Portpatrick, and took up their
quarters in the barracks to await embarkation for Ireland.
The minister waited immediately on the commanding officer,
who proved to be no less than Colonel Gardiner, then Major of
the regiment ; who, on hearing his story, at once promised him
assistance. A non-commissioned officer's party shortly sought
out the parties who had abstracted the plate, which was im-
mediately restored ; and the following day patrols stopped any
disposition for disturbance, whilst the congregation were in-
creased by the presence of the whole squadron during the
service, after which the Major himself partook of the sacra-
ment, which, we need hardly say, the Laird of Dunskey made
no efforts to disturb.
Colonel Gardiner's published correspondence corroborates
this story, mentioning how much he had enjoyed a communion
Sunday at Portpatrick, and the pleasurable train of reflection
into which he fell later in the day, as he " took a walk upon the
mountains that are over against Ireland." 1
The young Sheriff gave a deputation to his kinsman, the Laird
of Wig, over the regality jurisdiction in the Machars. As is
entered —
" Head Court of the Bailliarie of Drummastoun holden by
"William Agnew of Castlewig, Baillie-Depute, Constituted by
Captain Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw, Sheriff, Heritable Baillie of
the said Bailliarie.
" At the Court Hill of Skeog upon the 24th day of August
: His letter is dated 25th. May 1725.