Kirkpatrick of Closeburn

OF CLOSEBURX. 47
his assistance in searching for Whigs in his woods. The woods and heights and linns
and cottages of Closeburn furnished shelter for many a wanderer, and afforded ample
scope for the strolling soldiery, who spread themselves abroad in quest of those who
sought to maintain the privilege of worshipping God according to the dictates of
their own consciences. Sir Thomas was obliged to comply with the demand, and
accompanied the soldiers into the woods. In proceeding to the different localities,
which were supposed to be resorted to as hiding places by the Covenanters, Sir
Thomas pursued the nearer routes by the narrow footpaths that led through the
woods, while the horsemen were obliged to take the more circuitous roads. In
winding his way among the thick trees, Sir Thomas came upon a man fast asleep by
the side of his path. The man was obviously one of the individuals whom the soldiers
had come to seek, but the gentleman in whose way Providence had there placed him,
had too much humanity to publish his discovery. Near the place where the man was
sleeping on his grassy bed, under the guardianship of Him who never slumbers nor
sleeps, was a quantity of newly cut brackens, which Sir Thomas turned over with his
staff to cover the sleeping man from the prying eyes of the troopers. The action was
observed by one of the horsemen, who cried out that the guide was doing something
suspicious, but before any of the party had time to dismount and investigate the
matter, Sir Thomas turned round, and in an indignant tone asked, if he could not be
permitted to turn over the loose brackens and withered leaves of his own forest
without their permission, and so the matter ended and the man remained undiscovered.
This anecdote (Simpson adds) shews the power which the military at that time
assumed, and their insolence even to their superiors. Gentlemen and Commoners
were treated alike by the lawless troopers who were let loose on an oppressed
country.
Sir Thomas had a confidential domestic servant, whom he employed to give
warning to the Covenanters seeking shelter on his property, and for the protection
thus afforded by the family they were endeared to the whole country side. It is
easy therefore to understand how, notwithstanding their attachment for the Stuart
Dynasty, and their little sympathy with the excesses of the fanatics, they would shrink
from abetting any attack on the reformed religion.