THIRD GREAT BARON

OF THE BARONY OF

INCHBRAKIE AND ABERUTHVEN

1575 – 1635

Patrick, third Laird of the Barony, son of George Graeme and Marjorie Rollo, was a man full of interests and stirring spirit, much resembling his brother George, the Bishop, in character; left fatherless when a lad, and surrounded by a large circle of friends and relations, he came to the front, and took a more prominent part in the battle of life in his early manhood than as a rule falls to the lot of young men.

His relationships included those of stepson to John Graeme of Newraw (afterwards Graeme of Balgowan the progenitor of Lord Lynedoch) half brother to John Graeme, fiar of Balgowan (so beloved by the Bishop of Orkney) he was brother to the four ladies respectively, of Coltoquhey, Balloch, Faskally, and Gask, who all carried to those houses, a direct strain of the Montrose blood.

Through his sons he founded the braches of the Graemes of Monzie, Bucklyvie, and Pitcairns, which latter carried on (through marriage with its heiress) the family of Graemes of Orchill. As grandson of the Lady Glenurchy, yet further calls on his time were made, and he was often to be found a guest at that highland and hospitable board – while his position as Baron of Inchbrakie, and a close cousin to his chief the Earl of Montrose, entailed his interest in, and presence at, the events of the times.

Later, on the further extension of his ties, as owner of the acquired estates of Monzie and Invermay, and father in law to Sir James Oliphant of Newton, Toscheoch of Monzievaird, and McNab, added yet further to the interests of his life, both as regarded its joys and sorrows.

Patrick enjoyed his honours for sixty years, and was destined to see Scotland pass through some stirring events of history. During his boyhood the Scottish Court was beginning to feel the cultivated influence of the Stuarts, though every now and then the turbulence and rough and ready action of some of the Scottish nobles would still hold sway. He saw his Queen, Mary Queen of Scots, hunted down, imprisoned, and most heartlessly murdered; his country under the regency (in succession) of four of its most ambitious nobles, who, taking advantage of their king’s youth and inexperience, ruled him and the country to their own ends.

The raid of Ruthven and Gowrie conspiracy took place within an easy ride of his own castle, the latter causing no little stir at Inchbrakie and Balgowan owing to the part borne in it by John Graeme, who found the garter with which they had intended to strangle the king!

Queen Elizabeth paid the debt of nature during Patrick Graeme’s life, and he saw the Kingdoms of England and Scotland come under the rule of the Scottish King; and finally he saw Charles I ascend the throne, the monarch who was to find such faithful service given to him by Patrick’s son and grandson.

Soon after his father’s death his mother’s new home lay at Balgowan, not far from Inchbrakie, and it is quite possible that much of his time would be spent with her until the young laird was able to fend for himself, and take up his abode permanently at his own home, to which he brought his first bride, Nicholas Brown.

The year 1585, just ten years after his father’s death, we meet his name in the Records for the first time, when he acts as a surety on 19^th February, appearing as cautioner for Peter Cochrane of Pitfour, "that he shall appear before justice on 3^rd day of the Justice air where he dwells, or sooner, to underlie the crimes laid to Peter Cochrane’s charge". He had already stood bail for him.

An interesting old discharge of the same year, dated 10^th March, is among the family papers signed by the Commendator of Incheffray himself, for the sum of "50 punds money", from the hand of Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie, being the sum due for the tyndes of Foulis. Of the same sociable, large-hearted nature as the Bishop, though perhaps of –a sterner mould, we are sure to find him at most gatherings likely to draw friends and relations together, and in September of 1590 we find him in the highlands visiting at Glenurchy, where the marriage connection made by Patrick’s grandmother, the first Lady Inchbrakie, is still maintained with warm friendship. (Lady Margaret Stewart).

On the 18^th of September it is recorded in the household books that he is one of the guests of the "Laird & Ladye" in company with the Prior of Charterhouse (Bishop of Dunkeld) the Lairds of Abercairny and Tullibardine, the Tutor of Duncrub, and sundry other "comeris and gangeris." It may be noticed dthat the table of the Campbells of Glenurchy was as hospitable as it was highland. Salmon and trout from Loch Tay, herring from Loch Fyne, fresh and salt beef, mutton from the wedders on the braes of Balquidder, venison and brawn forming the pieces de resistance. Lighter trifles, such as capon geese and wild geese, succeeded by the quota from the moors of blackcock and "birsell fowls," with rabbits and partridges from the lower grounds, must have made the board groan, while "claret wyne", "quhite wyne", and "Spannis wyne", with almost incredible supplies of ale and beer, did not at any rate damp the mirthful weekly gatherings grouped round Glenurchy’s table.

A much more exciting episode claims his attention next. His brother George has lost his heart to young Marion Crichton and fears she will be wrested from his arms; for, as a younger son with little beyond his birth to recommend him to her guardians, his suit is not approved; and to make access to her more difficult, they have removed Marion to Harry Stirling of Ardoch’s house "for the learning of sic things as were most proper for a bairn of her estate" (marriage with the young cleric was clearly not one of these), "and lippying that nane sould have interrupted that her vertious education and upbringing." Marion’s brother, Robert Crichton of Clunie was her staunch champion on this occasion, and Patrick’s sympathies go with George; so these two fiery spirits rallying other young "bloods" round them, amongst others William Stewart (brother to Lord Innermeath), Walter Rollo (Patrick’s uncle and tutor to young Duncrub), Gavin the Laird of Dalyell’s brother, etc, with a convocation of forty liege men, all mounted and "boden in feir of weir" rode off on the 20^th June to Ardoch’s home.

This event and its termination has already been fully noticed, together with the many charges (all unproven) brought against the party of rescuers who were declared to have carried off not only Marion, but the greater part of Harry’s movables, also intending mischief to the girl (seeing her brother Robert would succeed to her property in the event of her death), or else to marry her to someone "nowise agreeable to her."

Brave little maid! Who in those far-away days, when women even of mature years scarcely dated to think for themselves, did not hesitate to face the natural wrath of her guardians, and on that June evening rode gaily off with her brother Robert and Patrick Graeme. We who have traced the Bishop’s wedded life know she did not require much "moving" towards the young lover George, who must have been so anxiously waiting to receive the bride his minister’s gown prevented him from w

inning himself.

At this time Patrick must have been a husband about two years, he married Nicholas Brown daughter of Brown of Fordell (which lies in Glen Carse), and had become a widower and the father of three or four children before 1600.

But few details or even particulars of his wedded life are known to us, or of the young bride who enjoyed her married life for scarcely ten years; before she died she had borne his heir George, and Marion the future wife of Sir James Oliphant of Newton – this is certain; and we believe was also the mother of the girls who afterwards married Tosheach, and Robertson of Lude. Nicholas Brown was the daughter of John, third Laird of Fordell, Co. Perth, and first Laird of Finmont, Co. Fife.

The Brownes though claiming no noble descent were an old family of good traditions, and hand intermarried well with various county families.

Nicholas’ mother (John Browne’s second wife) was Katherine, daughter of James Boswell of Glassmount by Elizabeth daughter of Sir John Moncrieff of that Ilk, and had brought her husband a dower of 1000 pounds – a large sum in those days.

Nicholas’ sister Isabell, married Patrick Murray (the son of Sir Andrew of Arngask, a neighbouring proprietor), the owner of Byn and Drumcairn, Co. perth, a grandson of the Earl of Montrose, and brother to David, Viscount Stormont, Bishop George’s great friend – thus the children of both sisters carried Montrose blood in their veins.

After the death of Patrick Murray, Isabell Browne, made a second brilliant marriage to Sir John Erskine of Innertiel, the Alchemist, and a Senator of the College of Justice, brother to the Earl of Keltie.

She left two co-heiresses – Anna who became the mother of the first Earl Melvill, and Mary who married Sir John Mackenzie of Tarbet and bore George, first Earl of Cromartie.

Inchbrakie’s wife would have the same tocher as her sister, 5000 merks, to be divided amongst the daughters at her death.

In 1592 the raid for Marion was still giving Patrick more or less trouble but he had four friends ready and willing to give him (and his allies in that matter) heavy bail, Patrick "Maxtowne" of Cultoquhey and William Graham of Panhoillis stand for 1000 pounds each, while John Graham of Balgowan and Andro Ramsay promise 500 merks each that he will produce Marion Crichton when required at the instance of the Stirlings; this bond is signed at Cultoquhey where all parties were assembled on 21^st September 1592.

The records of the Church registers give insight into the curious customs of this date, more especially as to the restrictions laid on the people regarding Sabbath breaking, and the penalties attached to it.

We find merchants fined for attending "St Ninians Mercat" on that day; and a butcher proved specially contumacious – being a "continuous sabbath-breaker" he was ordered to make public repentance on a certain Sunday, having refused to comply he is a month later condemned to be excommunicated the next Sunday; a few weeks later he has added to his former disobedience the offence that he has "vomit" forth not only "contempt" but "outrageous" and "ungodlie speeches," and the Bailies were ordered to place him in ward. This brought the turbulent gentleman to his senses, and he made submission to make his repentance the following Sunday – for which Patrick Oliphant stood his surety in 40 pounds.

This matter of Sabbath breaking appears to have kept the authorities of the Kirk constantly employed; besides the more important offences, there was that of "Polling and Ruffling", Mr George Ruthven, with others, is bound over, not to follow his trade of barber and chirurgeon; this signified that to those, who were solicitous about their appearance and dress, he was not to administer delicate washes and perfumes on Sunday; not to poll and trim their beards into fashionable shape, or assist them in muffling, that is, adjusting properly the large plaited ruffs worn round the neck at that period (and sometimes brought up in such a fashion as to conceal the face), which required the assistance of deft professional fingers to accomplish.

Even men and women whose livelihood was made by carrying the water from the river to the inhabitants, who at this period had to other means of obtaining this necessary article except through the medium of these "burnbearers" (the luxury of wells dispersed through the towns not yet being attained), were condemned as Sabbath breakers, except in the very early house of the morning.

High and low, rich and poor, came under the strict surveillance of the Kirk session, invalids even not being free from their reprimands.

Lady Endernyte is warned to compear before session for not duly attending church, and one of the Town Bailies appears for her to say, that by reason of her sickness "specially gout", she cannot attend; while Henry Adamson, Dean of Guild, is censured for riding on horseback on that day.

At this period, Inchbrakie must have been keenly interested in a duel, or as it was called in those days, "Ane Combat" in which the Earl of Montrose himself, took the part of avenging the death of a connection.

John Graeme of Halyards, whose death was the matter of dispute, was a leading light in the legal profession. Advocate in 1579, we find him Judge Depute in 1580, and transferred to Deputy keeper of the Great Seal in 1582.

He first comes before our notice at the former date, when he appears as advocate for Mrs Janet Murray, relict of Lord Torphichen, producting a "horning" to dislodge the Earl of Morton from "her house of Halyard" the matter is referred to "Judges competent", and we hear no more of the name Halyards until November 11^th of the same (?) year; when John Graeme, now styled "of Halyeards," produces a letter from King James commanding all his servants during his absence to receive orders from the Duke of Lennox.

Mr John had received this letter from Mungo Graeme, Master of the King’s household, and "in respect that Mungo is now depairted this lyffe," desires that the tenor of the letter may be signified to the King’s officers and servants.

In January 1592 a caution had to be provided by the Earl of Menteith to the tune of 10,000 merks; that he shall do no harm to Leckie of Lecky in the "deadlie feud standing between them." Graeme of Knockdoliane, Graeme of Thornik and dBlair of that Ilk provide it – almost directly after this caution is transferred to the shoulders of John, Earl of Montrose, the master of Montrose, William Graeme of Claverhouse, John Graeme of Halyeards and others.

No reason is assigned for this change, nor is any given for the tragedy which befell John of Halyeards by Sir James Sandilands in 1594, while he was a Judge of the Court of Session.

The act, however, is not allowed to pass by the young chief of the dead man. The proud blood of the Graemes took fire, and the "Master of Montrose" or "young Earl," as he is variously styled, quickly throws his challenge, and on January 19^th 1595, meets Sir James in "Ane Combat" at the "salt Trone of Edinburgh" thinking to have revengit the slaughter of his "cousine, Mr John Graeme."

Whether Sir J. Sandilands paid the penalty with his life, or that honour was revenged by drawing blood we cannot say; for with the curious finality of these old records the matter is left in the words quoted above!

At this date Nicholas Graeme is still alive, as is proved by the following release.

Patrick finds the yearly payments in meal to Glenurchy, of this part of his grandmother’s (the Lady Marget Stewart’s) jointure, a constant source of petty harassment, and he, and young Glenurchy decide to compound it by a capital payment.

This is accordingly done, and we have the deed before us.

"Ane honorable man, Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie, and Nicholas Brown, his spouse," being bound yarly to pay 15 bolls of victuals to Campbell and "his Aires" are to have the same remitted so soon as they pay down 600 pounds.

The same is to be paid within the parish Church of Crieff, or at the dwelling place for the time; or within "our parish Church of Incharden – and the Deed is signed by Glenurchy on October 3^rd, 1595.

We wish it were known where and how the money changed hands. Probably it was the occasion of entertaining and hospitality at Inchbrakie, when Glenurchy would ride over the drawbridge into the beech-swept grass court of the castle.

At this period our Laird was a rich and prosperous man. His name is security for large amounts in the way of cautions, and for the above-mentioned Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurchy he alone is security for 20,000 pounds, a large sum then, and the bond is witnessed at Drymen by young Campbell of Lawers.

It may be as well to explain the nature of the "cautions" which are being constantly mentioned in these pages.

At this period the law of caution had been revised and definitely settled.

His Majesty James VI, by "advice of his nobility and states," convened for the "Better observation of the gude rule and quietness on the Borders and Hyelands and Yles," ordains all landlords with perties lying in these districts in which dwell "broken men" to find sufficient caution that these keep the King’s peace and good rule in the country, under the following penalties: An earl, 20,000 pounds; a lord, 10,000 pounds: a great baron, 10,000 pounds Scots; a small baron, 5000 pounds; and others at discretion of the Council.

Among those who had to find one of the largest penalties was Patrick’s connection, Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurchy, and Patrick stands surety for 20,000 merks, which establishes the fact that he ranked as one of the great barons, and took the place of a peer of the realm in matters of any state importance.

This will explain the reason why we constantly see various barons and landed gentleman cautioning themselves not to harm each other. It was not personal feuds which caused wuch action to be taken. They were simply acting in accordance with the new law, holding themselves responsible for the maintenance of order on their estates, and promising that none of their tenants or others on their lands should forage or raid into neighbouring properties. They were in reality entrusted with the duty of causing the maintenance of order to become a law, and were a great power in their own districts.

We find Mr Thomas Rollo (a first cousin) acting as our laird’s man of business in this matter.

As cautioner for many friends, we find Patrick Graeme moving here and there, shown by the date of place, usually appended to the signature. Drymen, Falkland and Drynie are all visited in turn, while Abercairny, Aldie and Cultoquhey receive many visits from him, and in 1596 he is in Edinburgh signing as cautioner for his wife’s cousin, David Brown of Finmont.

But it was necessary that the barons should be themselves protected from having to redeem these heavy cautions, and they were allowed to obtain sureties from their tenants of 50 pounds Scots, and minor or larger sums, which, if the promise of order was broken, they had the right to claim, by seizing on the personal possessions or "plenishing" of the defaulter.

But to return to the domestic events of our baron’s life. The years are passing by, and somewhere about this period his young wife, Nicholas, is taken by the Great Reaper from her family and home; and Patrick and his little ones are left bereaved of wife and mother. It is a loneliness his nature cannot endure, and before very long we find him seeking another bride.

Before this, however, we may mention two or three calls on him as kinsman to attend various gatherings of his connections and relations.

1586 must have found him at Ballechin and in the Highlands of Perthshire, when Mary Crichton, sister to the Bishop’s wife, was married to Sir James Stewart of Ballechin. The marriage contract is dated in February of that year, and the event takes place at Blair Atholl, the house of the bridegroom’s chief.

What a snowy ride our baron takes for friendship’s sake. He would hardly at that season venture to take the shorter cut by Glenalmond, and so on past Aberfeldy and Fincastle; but riding by Dunkeld, would pass on up the long valley of the Tummel and Garry, guided, perhaps by the house of Baledmund, known then, as now, by the expressive name of "Star of Atholl."

Many a long traveller must have thankfully taken his bearing as he came in sight of it at Guay, showing clear and white against its dark pine wood, with Benyvraikie towering behind it. On again through the lonely pass of Killiecrankie, which just one hundred years later was to become historic to all succeeding generations by the glorious death of his kinsman. Just before entering the pass, however, he would no doubt be entertained hospitably by his brother-in-law, Robertson, at Faskally, while his sister Anne would proudly play the hostess to her brother the Laird of Inchbrakie! And thus on the Blair, little recking as he rode past Lude on his right that a grand-daughter would settle there; while far away on his left beyond the Tummel lay the dark woods and moors of Struan, the home of a second grand-daughter.

Once again, eleven years later, was Sir James Stewart to play the bridegroom and Patrick be there to see him in 1597 – this time to a first cousin of our Laird’s, Elizabeth Rollo of Duncrub, but the ride to it was shorter and easier this time, just across the Strath to Duncrub! This year two more ceremonies of a widely different character claim his attendance. The first, a funeral ceremonial which he must attend, for the Dowager Countess of Montrose, the Lady Jean Drummond, is dead, and is borne to the family vault Aberuthven. The body being conveyed there through Perth.

The vault in the foreground belongs to the

Duke of Montrose (Chief of the Clan Graeme

Note: The vault behind with the bell tower

Is the Graeme family vault (the Graeme’s of

Inchbrakie and Aberuthven (Photo by

Joy Baxter Australia) 1985)

Then follows a short period of excitement and reveling in Perth for the "Duek of Holstein," brother to the Queen, has arrived in the Fair City, and by the King’s desire receives a banquet from the town worthies, after which he is "conwayt bee 100 horsemen of the town to Abruven and received by Tullibardine."

The year closes with a small addition to his estate by the purchase from David Murray of Letterbonachtie, and his wife, Agnes Moncrieff, of the lands of Drumphingallie in Strathearn.

Then comes a pause in events; Patrick’s name is not found in the Public Records, and he is probably mourning, in retirement, the death of Nicholas Brown; this is broken by the storm in 1600 of the Gowrie conspiracy referred to at more length in our previous Sketch, when John Graeme of Balgowan, at 50 years of age, makes his declaration, stating that "having heard the King make his report, that Maister Alexander Ruthven pressed to have bound His Hiness hand and ane gartane," he now deposes that he found "ane gartane at cheik of the round dure, among the bent."

So soon as Balgowan shewed it to the King, his Highness declared it to be "the very same gartane," on hearing which "Sir Thomas Erskine grippet to the same gartane, and said he would keep it; and has it now in his keeping."

Following closely on this, comes the wooing by Patrick, of his second wife, the middle aged and wealthy widow of his late neighbour, Drummond of Carnock, daughter and heiress of Scott of Monzie, a branch of the Scotts of Balweerie.

The exact date of this marriage is not known, but that it was already contracted is certain, for in this year "Margaret Scott, Lady Carnock, and Graeme of Inchbrakie, now her spouse," with Walter Mallock of Carnie (probably a large tenant) take action against the Camerons (for whom Patrick Drummond of Milnab and others had been sureties) for raiding and thieving from the Lady forty-four kye.

This branch of the Scotts had held the Lands of Monzie for a long period.

In 1544 Patrick Scott of Monzie (Lady Inchbrakie’s father) sells part of it to Campbell of Lawers and his wife Isabel Hay; the confirmation of which is witnessed by Antonio, brother-german to Scott of Monzie.

This was that Quarter of Monzie which continued in possession of the Campbells up to the date of their purchase of Monzie a century later – for in 1576 we find her resigning to her son Patrick Drummond, son of Robert Drummond of Carnock (her late husband), three-quarters of the lands of Monzie, viz., Macnab’s quarter, Keltie’s quarter, and Dalpatrick’s quarter – as eldest daughter and heiress of the late Patrick Scott of Monzie.

According to the MSS pedigree of William Drummond of Hawthornden, which is however often incorrectly interpolated (by a Mr Mylne, in whose possession it was, previous to its becoming the property of the Advocate’s Library), it is stated this family of Drummond of Carnock is descended from the seventh Thane of Lennox (eldest son of Malcolm beg Drummond) by marriage with the heiress of Carnock, and became extinct in 1680 with Margaret Scott’s great grandson.

In 1576 then, Margaret Scott was a wife and mother; in 1587 she proves her busband’s (Drummond of Carnock) will; it was made on the 13^th August, and he dies on the 16^th; in it he styles himself "of Monzie," and "Fiar of Carnock," shewing that his father was still alive; he speaks of his sons and daughters, but does not mention their names.

This will was not given in for confirmation until 1593, and by 1600 she had married for the second time, and was "spouse of Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie"; a little later on we shall find them purchasing Monzie for their son James.

But to return to this case of reeving on the lady’s farms; we obtain the additional information that the defendants did not appear to answer to the charge, so they were ordered to pay the damages, Charles Graham being the Laird’s procurator.

This raid and trespass had really occurred in 1595 (previous to the marriage), so lengthy were legal matters in those days, and even now it is not concluded; for as far on as 1609 we find Lady Carnock in company with her second son James Drummond, still pursuing these persons who, besides the forty-four kye, are charged with stealing "plenishing of the place of Monzie to the value of 1000 pounds –20,000 merks of ready gold; 6 stands of Linen napery and other goods," and they are now ordered to be apprehended; so "these persons" were well known; what we shall never know is, whether Margaret saw her money or her plenishing again, or (what was probably more to her) those six stands of linen napery; which her own fair fingers, and those of her family, must have spent so many hours in spinning.

These legal delays must have been very tedious to those who considered they had lost large sums of money, etc; and in public affairs they were equally tedious as shown in the next incident in our Laird’s life.

The Duke of Lennox and Earl of Mar think they have reason to complain of delay in the sending in the complete sum of 2000,000 merks "King’s Taxes" by the Stewart of Strathearn, and his deputies, Inchbrakie, Milnab and Balloch.

There is a small sum 780 merks demanded of them; as being detained for "frivolous purposes" this affair is, at the end of six years, only so far advanced, as to be referred to the Commissioner of Taxes.

Inchbrakie gives a tack of Chamber Strathie this year to a tenant; and he adds another small property to the lands with which he is increasing so steadily the extent and importance of his Barony; he and the next Laird are the last who will do aught but lose or disperse the acres which they receive into their charge for their heirs; some are lost in the cause of loyalty (a matter of conscience). Brolich is the name of the lands purchased this year, from John Henry, son and heir of John Henry, Baron of Foulis in Stewartry of Strathearn.

Again Patrick is concerned with the Campbells of Glenurchy: on March 29^th there is an "inquest" as to the Estates of the Laird of Glenurchy, and Inchbrakie’s name is mentioned as being on it.

There is some business to be arranged for the cousins up at Drynie, Patrick’s uncle the Venerable Archdeacon is dead, and our Laird and his brother, the embryo Bishop, see to the securities for the maintenance of the younger members of that family, and they pronounce in their joint names a decreet arbitral on young George of Drynie, the Archdeacon’s elder son; and he executes a deed of this year’s date which settles "forty bolls of victuals" on his younger brothers and sisters.

The year 1604 is again noticeable for a further addition to the estate.

The beautiful little Barony of Invermay, including lands of Steelhaugh and Haillheugh, is the property in which we find our Baron installed by the consent of John, Duke of Atholl, Lord of Invermay, on an annual payment of 2 pound a year. The precept of Sasines is registered by David Rollo, notary at Perth and registered 12^th October.

It is also a red letter year in the annals of Perth, or St Johnstones as it is so often called.

On July 3^rd, John Earl of Montrose (the father of the great Marquis), holds a parliament there as Viceroy, and in the great procession many nobles carry the various emblems of sovereignty. Amongst them we find Argyle carrying the sceptre. How strange a coincidence to find the two men acting together in harmony, little knowing that forty years hence, their sons were to be sworn enemies; and that both of them were to die the bitter death of the scaffold! The nobles all attended this pageant in their "robbis of rede scarlet with quhite furris" – the Bishops wearing black. Patrick and his brother George must have been present.

This is the year of Lilias Graeme’s second marriage, and Patrick is most fully interested in drawing up his sister’s settlements, as the young widow of Mr Colville of Condie is now about the become Mrs Oliphant of Gask – and he receives in trust for her, the sum of money the sale of Condie brought when sold by Colville to an Oliphant – a cousin of the Gasks. There are two long legal documents with many specifications as to date and payment of principal and interest – one of these is signed at Duplin on March 28^th 1606, and the other at Perth on 10^th June, the same year; the latter is specially interesting as bearing the signature of Lilias, her second husband, the Bishop, Patrick, the two Johns of Balgowan, and Garvock.

Legal matters again pursue Patrick in the matter of that 389 pounds said to be due by the Earl of Perth and his sheriff deputes, who are again sued by Lennox and Mar – but no mention is made of any payment taking place.

A merry Christmas indeed in the halls of Inchbrakie; for one of the daughters of the house is being married to James Oliphant of Muirhouse (eldest son of Sir William of Newton), she takes with her a dower of seven thousand merks – the discharge for which will be more fully commented on in another sketch; and Margaret Scott, Lady Inchbrakie, happy in owning a baby son in the nursery, will do all in her power to make her step-daughter’s wedding day a success.

It is specially refreshing in the midst of legal harassments and the cares entailed by family business to find a family incident, and one which reminds us that Patrick was not only concerned for his estates and family, but was a warm friend also.

I quote the letter in full that my readers may work out the solution of it for themselves. Lord Maderties’ son is writing in haste and earnestly requesting Patrick’s presence, and his newly arrived father does not appear to be over pleasant in demeanour.

To my loving friend

The Laird of Inchbrakie.

LOVING FRIEND – it will plais you wel yat my lord my father is come home this nicht for this caus amongst all the paines ye have taken I will request you now tak the pains to be heir efter the reset heir of, yat we may have some period to all our pains or els to tak some other cours leslie (?) is heir and I think my fayer meikit alarm in his behavious I wat not quhat he meens; come I pray you and be ratycyeant of all no fard for as ye left me I sall remain till death your ever loving

Frend to honeur and serve you and yours

Drummond.

Ineffray this Saterday sex. 1608

These two are evidently staunch friends, and Drummond relies thoroughly on Patrick, whatever the matter in hand may have been.

Patrick is acting chief Commissioner this year, and amongst the cases brought before him are those of person charged with resetting the clan McGregor, those fiery, turbulent Celts whose hand every man was against; often as not, without reason; for they acted as the scapegoats for every lawless man throughout the country who chose to raid the reeve, trusting that the blame would fall on the McGregor.

In 1612 he and Sir William Stewart of Grandtully are attending Parliament, representing Perthshire.

Sir Alexander Drummond of Carnock, Mrs Graeme’s eldest son by her first marriage, made up his mind this year to dispose of Monzie to his stepfather, Graeme of Inchbrakie, and all the early part of the year out laird is occupied with the various business details concerning its purchase.

The many legal forms were all compiled with; the contract of Alientation and the Prœrie of Resignation, followed by the Instrument of Resignation, all duly signed by Sir Alexander, of the whole Barony of Monzie, in Stewartry of Strathearn and Sheriffdom of Perth, together with certain portions of the Estate of Carnock, and all and haill "the lands of Bannockburn in Sheriff of Stirlingshire," in favour of Patrick Graeme, and Mr George, his son, and were followed in due order by a Precept of Sasine and a Charter under the Great Seal of these lands to them.

As far as Patrick and his family are concerned the matter is not yet concluded, for in the following November year, and again in 1619, there are various Precepts, Sasines and Charters showing that young George makes over to his father and stepmother for their life or longest liver of them, and to his brother James for ever (unless he has no heirs, when it is to be returned to George), all his rights to the Barony of Monzie, and it is made into a Charter under the Great Seal, to James, on 26^th August 1619, who thus becomes the owner of the picturesque little estate lying in peaceful shelter under its wooded heights by the shores of the lake, and is the progenitor of the Graemes of Bucklivie, and Pitcairns who carry on the line of Orchill to the present day.

A somewhat romantic episode concerning young Miss Helen Graham of Knockdolian occurs at this period.

Sir John Graham, her father, was dead; his wife had predeceased him, and his orphan daughter had been lefat to the care of Sir John’s friends.

Helen was at this time "past the age" of her legal majority, being we are told "about the hinder end of hir fourteen yeir of hir aig!"

The poor little orphan appears to have been no longer welcome to the "Friends" to whose care Sir John had left her, and it is stated before the Lords "disagreement had arisen" betwist them and some friends of Helen’s as to the custody of her person: "Seho has bene coupit fra’ hand to hand betwist theme, and twyse exhibite before the Lordis of Secrite Counsale."

These weighty but not very discerning gentlemen seem to have taken little interest in the care of comfort of the friendless girl, and they delivered her to the charge of a certain John Muirhead of Brydanhill. This gentleman’s behaviour towards his ward was, if as stated, reprehensible! No sooner had she been placed under his care than he and his brother, James Muirhead of Lachop, ploat to marry her to the illegitimate son of the latter, and there appears to have been a comfortable dower for Helen; she strenuously resisted their endeavours to make her a child wife, and in June 1614 obtained a promise that she should be sent to the house of her brother-in-law, George Campbell of Kellok, instead of which she was sent under the obnoxious escort of her would-be bridegroom to his father’s house; after being detained there for a short time, she was again prevailed on under specious promises to start on (as she thought) a journey with a desirable destination, only to find that she was being rapidly carried off to the border, there to be "married by some Priest or other Kirkman."

The necessity for such a journey to find a priest is accounted for by the fact that three ministers had apparently refused to perform the ceremony, for a deposition is produced at the trial by them stating she had been carried back and forward to Edinburgh, and it is evident they refused to perform the marriage, and the only method left to secure her fortune was to carry her to England and marry her there by stealth.

Helen’s rank shielded her from any more rough or illegal method of obtaining her money. As it is, matters have been carried further than could be done without drawing (at least) attention to the manner in which she is being treated; distress of mind and fatigue of body have reduced the poor child to a pitiable condition, and then it is that John Graham of Killearn come to her air, gathers his evidence, and appears on her behalf before the Lords whose action have placed her in so wretched a position.

He pleads that the Muirheads have no claim to guardianship being "not kin" either on "father’s or mother’s side," and that when some Justices of the Peace, hearing of the attempted raid to England, came to her relief, and removing her from James Muirhead sent her back to Brydanhill, that she was kept there in close confinement, and refused permission to hold conference with anyone who "profisis her good will."

It must have been this culminating action that aroused John Grahame of Killearn’s ire, and determined his championship of the child; how he managed to get her into his own keeping we are not told, but our laird must have borne him out fully and given his consent to John’s plans, who urges her brother-in-law, George Campbell, to "appear" for Helen, and comes forward himself as her "kinsman," admitting that she was in his house "in safety," but that it is impossible to bring her into court she is so ill and weak; he produces the testimony of the three ministers, and, playing his trump card by stating he is bound in duty as well as by the advice of her chief the Earl of Montrose to "foirsee the best occasion for her weel," makes so strong a case, that their lordships see they must consent so far to meet him, as to permit him to keep young Helen in his care; and as he appears to them, "to be ane gentleman of any honest and upricht disposition," he can continue ato do so, until, "she chooses hir ain curators," and they think it "verie expedient that Helen for her weile" should make choice of Patrick Graeme of Inchbrakie, John Graham of Killearne, and the two Muirheids, and they appoint the 15^th July for her to make her final choice – thus sticking with a persistency worthy of a better cause to their own ill-advised selection on a former occasion.

But John Graham has gained all he wishes; John Muirhead, not appearing to answer to the charges brought against him, is pronounced "a rebel," and Kilearne leaves the court readily promising that he and Inchbrakie will be there on the day appointed, and completely satisfied with the result of his action.

How much we would like to know the outline at least of Helen’s future life. We can leave her, however, happily to the care of Killearne and Inchbrakie, quite certain that when she makes choice of her curators the names of Muirheads will not be found amongst them. It may be interesting to mention here a letter received by the Laird of Inchbrakie at this period from the Earl of Montrose; it is dated 26^th April, and is written from New Montrose, addressed to "My cousin the Laird of Inchbrakie" and commences,

"Loving Cousin." In it the Earl refers to the visit of a certain "Master Thomas Pollok," and goes on to refer to a former letter, and does not doubt but that Patrick has already attended to the wishes therein stated; he has now to inform him that he has appointed Thursday, May the 2^nd, for taking inventory both of the "gier within the house of Orchill and the gudes and gier without." He desires Patrick to be present, and has written his brother the Bishop to the same effect, thinking he may be in Edinburgh at this time.

After mentioning various details of business, showing that these three are joint trustees, he says, "As for the Ladye" (Orchill’s mother) he thinks it best that "order" be taken with her the same day. He understands her son had made her a yearly allowance; the writ for this should be seen, and she will no doubt show it readily to Patrick. The Earl is anxious that "everie thing wer done in good order as becomes," and concludes with, "Only cusine I hope ye will discharge that luffing dewty that appertaines you; and wreat to me what is done therein."

Your very loving Chieff,

Montrose.

It is evident the Laird of Orchill is dead, and the young Laird a minor (as he did not succeed until four years later), and his cousins are acting as executors. Again the Earl writes for Patrick’s assistance from New Montrose, June 7^th. This time it is regarding the "Bairne of the Umq Robert Graham of Cairdney." Lord Kildrymmie is pressing Tullibardine for a sum of 5000 merks, the property of the child; Montrose asks our Laird to stand security for this sum whether it be "in Tullibardine’s hands or not," and begs him to go and see Lord Kildrymmie, deliver the band to him, and assure him that the "Erle" is fully sensible of his "honorable and loving intentions towards the child."

Here is another letter requiring Patrick’s intercession for an old friend. Our Laird has plenty of these, and his heart and hand seem ever ready to help.

The letter is from Lord Madertie, and gives us a possible clue to the one a few pages back which was written ten years ago. This one is dated from Bordeaux, 2^nd April 1617, addressed to "his right assured friend the Laird of Inchbrakie." Lady Madertie, the wife of the writer, has evidently not been a personæ grata to her father-in-law, and though it is not very clearly stated what Inchbrakie is to do, the tenor of the husband’s letter is that unless his father, Lord Madertie, will accept the lady warmly as his daughter, the son will not come home, and to no one but Inchbrakie will he appeal to influence the old Lord. Here are a few extracts:-

"Loving friend God forbid I sould forget the great travail and pain ye have taken to me in tyme by past quhaerfore I give you hairtie thanks and it please the Etirnell I may be some good deed recompense the same."

Also, "It is not unknown to you quhat fachait we both had to make ane sound agreement betwixt my Lord my ffather and my wyf" (surely this is the subject of the letter ten years previously!) "which never effectuallie could be gotten doune"………………… "maid me be somq hardly thought of which was ane part the occasion of my way coming."

"I have written to my Lord my father and earnestlie hev prayd his L’d that his long cauld affection towards my wyf may now be convirted into fatherlie love"…………………… "if it cannot be, I am resolvit to byde the uttermost and never see Scotland"……………… "for I will never come to put my son in such hazard."

"I must yet trouble you, in expecting you to continue your solid love towards me in asking your witts how to get this solid agreement maid"………………… "if your wisdom and discretion compose not this mater I know none can do it" ……………… "I will nayther trouble my Lord of Montrose nor my Lord of Perth thereament but will write them generallie."

He concludes in the old-fashioned manner of theperiod, asking to be remembered to Patrick’s "bed fellow and sonne and sall continue in the old form your trew friend to his entir power." "J.Madertie".

On the 3^rd of August a memorandum letter is written to the Laird from Perth. The writer initials his signature only "F.G." It may be from a relation, a man of business, or a friend. The letter is addressed to the Right Honble. The Laird of Inchbrakie, acknowledges a letter of commands which the writer has obeyed at all points, and is doing all in his power to alter the condition of William Cathrew, which would move any man who was willing to amend; but the writer has little hopes of him!

The interest of this letter to us lies in the postcript, in which it is stated that the "laird’s son" went with the writer to the Tolbooth, and that there they met Col. John Alexander Powis, who took the boy to his house and entertained him.

On April 15 Patrick has to don a mourning suit and attend his young chief to Aberuthven Churchyard, where Elizabeth, Countess of Montrose (Lord Ruthven’s daughter) is to be buried. A sad summer follows for our Laird, and once again, in garb of woe, with bowed head, and a heart torn between tender sympathy for the widowed daughter and bitter fury at those who have robbed that daughter of her boy (so near the age of his own James at home), he crosses the strath, and so follows the young Tosheoch to his last home, the bright boyish life thus cut off by the hand of a murderer.

Another letter to the Laird from his "loving Chief," dated 23^rd July 1618 from Invermay. He writes that he has had a visit from Lord Fleming, desiring him to go to Cumberland at once. He therefore intends to be in …………… upon Tuesday, and asks Inchbrakie to meet him at the …………… at four in the afternoon, when several other friends will also be there, and "having no further occasion for the pen," he concludes.

We may draw notice to an interesting custom of this date and onwards of the officers of Mackay’s horse and Munroe’s Highland Regiments. These gentlemen, when on foreign service, usually wore handsome silver buttons which had come down to them in long descent, and were worn in order that decent burial might be given them in event of their falling in battle a long distance from friends and country. They also wore a gold chain round their neck, to secure the owner (in event of their being taken prisoner) good treatment, and to provide payment for their future ransom.

Time rolls on, but with the exception of two weddings we find nothing in our Laird’s records to mark the flight of years.

The new interests of his properties of Invermay and Monzie must be fully occupying his time and thoughts, added as they are to the cares of his already large estates, yet it is not likely that both these festive occasions would be allowed to pass without his bright presence among the guests!

Two daughters of his old friend and kinsman, Campbell of Glenurchy, are being married; and it is recorded that on these occasions in December and June of ’21 and ’26 respectively, there are great festivities and large gatherings of guests – Irvine of Drum and Gordon of Buckie being the bridegrooms.

But this latter year closes with a great loss to our Laird, for his "loving Chieff" is smitten by the unsparing hand of death! And how keenly Patrick must feel the loss of a contemporary as every man does, when the Great Reaper appears to them to do little else but mow their friends down who have been regarded like themselves, imbued still with the vigour of life, and too green to be touched by that far reaching scythe!

The boy who is to be the "Great Marquis" claims Patrick’s thoughts and aid, and chooses Inchbrakie, Claverhouse (Sir William and Sir Robert of Morphie), Fintry, Orchill and Balgowan for his curators.

Soon after these gentlemen resolved to deu out to the tenants then in possession parts of the old Barony of Mugdock and other lands belonging to the young Earl, thereby much increasing his annual rent roll.

And with this last active record of his life my sketch must close.

Nothing is found to give a clue to the events of the last nine years of his stirring life. And though we would like to have traced him to the end, it is some compensation to leave him in our memory, untouched by the hand of weakness or ill-health, but hale and active in mind and body, fit to be chosen without hesitation as a Curator for Montrose though bordering on his seventieth year.

And in 1635 his life closes. His descendants should regard him with a special reverence and honour as the Baron whose great pride had been to treasure his acres and nurse them; adding to them from time to time until his Barony spread north and south, east and west, on the bosom of the fair vale of Strathearn, leaping over its border and gathering unto itself that field of Bannockburn where the great Bruce had fought!

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