Lesmahagow

For the endowments of her mind, they were answerable to the excellency of the cause, as being of a quick apprehension, strong judgement, a ready delivery, albeit she had a little haugh (hesitation) in her speech, which was so far from making it unpleasant, that is graced her words, and was very taking with those she conversed with. In a word, she was pious toward God, obedient to her parents, loving and submissive to her husband, and obliging to the meanest of her relations, indulgent towards her children, frugal in caring for her family, charitable to the poor, and courteous to all persons whatsoever. I leave it to the consideration of all the world, whether a person so handsome and so qualified, and not charms enough, upon first sight, to engage the affections of any man, as she did of this young gentleman, who, without farther ceremony, after supper, proposed to her his service, being then in her own and her sister's apartment, which, with a s little ceremony, she accepted with this provision, that he procured her parents' consent. This bargain begun, was happily finished thereafter, to the great satisfaction of all parties concerned.

Eight days after their stay at Corhouse, Cambusnethan and young Corhouse came back to Cambusnethan, having in company with them John Kennedie, brother-german to the Laird of Auchtifardell, old Corhouse's brother-in-law. This gentleman had been page to Major Bannatyne, and was with him all the time he lived, and was bred a soldier. There were sixteen of Captain Lockhart's troop belonging to Colonel Halkett's regiment quartered upon Cambusnethan lands, whereof twelve had taken up their lodging within the place, which happened to be the very night when these two young gentlemen and Lieutenant Kennedie came there, most of the rooms of the house being taken up with themselves and their "pedics" (attendants on foot), whereof they had not a few, and all the stables with their horses. While young Cambusnethan was dealing in fairness with some of the troopers, asking that they might remove a part of their horses to the office-houses without the court, that there might be room for the strangers' horses, and was like to prevail with them; young Corhouse unhappily quarrelled with one of them, and from words they went to their swords, whereupon the rest of the troopers dew theirs, which made Lieutenant Kennedie, Cambusnethan, and three of their servants quickly dismount. The court was narrow, and six horses standing in it, who, finding themselves at liberty, and affrighted with the noise and clashing of so many swords, ran madly up and down, and were like to tread the combatants under foot, so that the troopers, although stout fellows, were sorely put to. There had been but few blows passed before Lieutenant Kennedie was master of four of their swords, and two of them next the gate were forced out by the two young gentlemen, who having small swords, put such home thrusts that they were necessitated to retire, or to be nailed to the wall. This bickering might have been bloody enough, if old Cambusnethan, being at the time in the barns, hearing the noise and loud clamour of the women, had not quickly come in, whereupon the rest of the troopers, willingly of themselves, withdrew without the gate, out of respect to him, knowing he was an old soldier; and loved all such. Three of the troopers were wounded; the gardener of Cambusnethan, who came into help his young master, was deeply cut in the shoulder; two of the horses were injured, and young Corehouse's mandell coat, which he had on, was cut in five places, and his arm a little wounded. Young Cambusnethan having on a gray Dutch hat, had his head well preserved, and was little hurt. So soon as this business was composed, to pacify the soldiers, they were appointed to quarter upon the tenantrie nearest the place, and plenty of meat and drink sent to them, which made them dispense with the supposed affront they had met with in being put from their quarters.

Two days after this (as had been resolved upon by young Cambusnethan and his ladye love), young Corhouse begs liberty from Cambusnethan and his lady, that seeing their son had proffered his service to his youngest sister, they would be pleased to licence his going alongst with him so see his father, that he might be assured thereof from his own mouth. This they willingly condescended to, where upon these gentlemen with their servants set furth, having Lieutenant Kennedie for their companion and guide.

Corhouse had then his regiment of horse quartered in Angus. Upon the fifth day after they departed from Cambusnethan, these gentlemen came to this place, having made no great haste by the way, because they desired to see the country, as having never travelled that road before.

Corhouse received his son indifferntly, as one who, by appearance, he had no liking for during his life, and yet left him all at his death. As for young Cambusnethan and the Lieutenant, he made them very welcome to his quarters.

The second day after these gentlemen's coming to the Grange, young Cambusnethan took opportunity to acquaint Corhouse with the occasion that brought him there. He had been informed by his son (who was no good secretary), of the particulars, the night previous, so that it was no surprise to him. In a short compliment, he thanked the gentlemen for the honour he intended to put upon his family in proffering to match with it, but withal, he insinuated, the times were ill for marrying or giving in marriage. However, if there were any settlement in the country, he should advise with his wife, daughter, and other relations about the affair, which he hoped might take effect. Corhouse was a man of few words, and liked not those who had too many, therefore this gentlemen gave him only thanks for so obliging an answer.

After a fortnight's stay a this place, Corhouse goes to Court, which was then at St. Johnstoune's, and takes with him young Cambusnethan, fearing that in his absence his son and he might quarrel at their game, being both young and hasty, especial his son, whom he knew to be exceedingly quarrelsome upon slight occasions. Being come to Peth, Corhouse minded his business, and this gentlemen his recreations for some days, and then comes to take his leave of Corhouse, having a greater desire to be with his daughter than all the ladies about the Court. Corhouse knowing that so soon as this gentlemen came to the west, he would visit his family , therefore gives him letters to his lady and to other persons in that country with whom he had business, recommending the delivery to him, whereof he was very careful as well became him. That night before Cambusnethan parted from Court, Corhouse was somewhat pressing that he should drink heartily; but finding that he had a great aversion therefrom, he most civilly forbore to trouble him with any more than what the willingly took, the rest of the company upon Corhouse's account doing the same.