THE INTRO AND

THE EDITOR’S NARRATIVE

IT APPEARS FROM TRADITION, as well as some parish registers still extant, that the lands of Dalcastle (or Dalchastel, as it is often spelled) were possessed by a family of the name of Colwan, about one hundred and fifty years ago, and for at least a century previous to that period.  That family was supposed to have been a branch of the ancient family of Colquhoun, and it is certain that from it sprang the Cowans that spread towards the Border.  I find, that in the year 1687, George Colwan succeeded his uncle of the same name, in the lands of Dalchastel and Balgrennan ; and this being all I can gather of the family from history, to tradition I must appeal  for the remainder of the motley adventures of that house.  But of the matter furnished by the latter of these powerful monitors, I have no reason to complain :  It has been handed down to the world in unlimited abundance ; and I am certain, that in recording the hideous events which follow, I am only relating to the greater part of the inhabitants of at least four counties of Scotland, matters of which they were perfectly well informed.

     This George was a rich man, or supposed to be so, and was married, when considerably advanced in life, to the sole heiress and reputed daughter of a Baillie Orde, of Glasgow.  This proved a conjunction any thing but agreeable to the parties contracting. 

 

James Hogg:  The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner (1824).