the private memoirs and confessions of a justified sinner by james hogg

It is well known, that the Reformation principles had long before that time taken a powerful hold of the hearts and affections of the people of Scotland, although the feeling was by no means general, or in equal degrees and it so happened that this married couple felt completely at variance on the subject.

This proved a conjunction any thing but agreeable to the parties contracting. 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. But of the matter furnished by the latter of these powerful mo nitors, 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 before perfectly well informed. 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. That family was supposed to have been a branch of the ancient family of Colquhoun, and it is certain that from it spring the Cowans that spread towards the Border. I t 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.

The private memoirs and confessions of a justified sinner by james hogg