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There is a problem with the pagination about here. The
last page was 179; this is numbered 182; the next pages are
numbered 183, 182, 183; and then in sequence 184 onwards.
The true number of the page is used in this
transcription.
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Page 180 (numbered 182):-
'Also it is agreed, that proclamation shall be made, that
all inhabitants within Tindale and Riddisdale in
Northumberland, Bewcastle-dale, Willgavy, the north part of
Gilsland, Eskdale, Ewsdale, and Annerdale in Scotland,
(saving noblemen and gentlemen unsuspected of felony and
theft, and not being of broken clans) and their household
servants, dwelling within those several places before
recited, shall put away all armour and weapons, as well
offensive as defensive, as jacks, spears, lances, swords,
daggers, steelcaps, hagbuts, pistols, plate-sleeves, and
such like; and shall not keep any horse, gelding, or mare,
above the price of fifty shillings Sterling, or thirty
pounds Scots, upon like pain of imprisonment.
'Item, That proclamation be made, that none of what
calling soever, within the countries lately called the
Borders, of either of the kingdoms, shall wear, carry, or
bear any pistols, hagbuts, or guns of any sort, but in his
Majesty's service.' &c.
Notwithstanding the taking away their weapons, some few
Scots continued to infest the county of Cumberland, who were
generally men so strong and swift of foot, that they could
not be taken by the watches: these Moss-troopers (as they
were called) were a terror to all; many schemes were devised
to suppress them, till at last an order was made for the
keeping of blood-hounds, to pursue them with hot-trod.
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slough dogs
hot trod
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The slough dogs were to pursue with hot-trod fragrant
delect with red-hand, (as the Scots term it) by hound,
and horn, and voice. The watchers found their great use, and
indeed their great use is found to this day; for I read in
the General Evening Post, that, in the beginning of March
1786, the Convent of Sion adjoining Switzerland was attacked
by 24 villains, who demanded the treasure thereof. The Monk
(treasurer) told them, that their rents were ill paid, and
that at present they had very little stock, but he would
shew them where it was; accordingly he shewed them up
stairs, where he pretended it lay, when opening a door where
the blood-hounds were, and giving them a word, they fell
instantly upon the villains and tore some of them to pieces.
The others attempting to fly, were (by hot-trod) pursued and
taken accordingly. These dogs are kept therefore for the
preservation of the Convent, and to find dead bodies in the
snow; for many perish in attempting to cross the Alps, whose
bodies are found by these dogs, and receive decent
interment.
I shall here set down the warrant sent out by the Justices,
being (I think) the shortest way of giving an idea of the
matter to the reader.
Warrant for Keeping Slough Dogs.
29th Sept. 1616.
Sir Wilfride Lawson, and Sir William Hutton, Knights, two of
his Majesty's commissioners for the government of the middle
shires of Great Britain, to John Musgrave the Provost
Marshall, and the rest of his Majesty's garrison of
Carlisle, send salutations:
Whereas upon due consideration of the increase of stealths,
daily growing, both in deed and report among you on the
borders, we formerly concluded and agreed, that, for
reformation therefor, watches should be set, and slough dogs
provided and kept, according to the contents of his
Majesty's directions to us in that behalf prescribed; and
for that, according to our agreement, Sir William Hutton, at
his last being in the country, did appoint how the watches
should be kept, when and where they should begin, and how
they might best and most fitly continue. And for the
bettering of his Majesty's service, and preventing further
danger that might ensue by the outlaws in resorting to the
houses of Thomas Routledge, alias Balihead, being near and
next adjoining to the Marches (he himself having also joined
them, as is reported,) order and direction was likewise
given, that some of the garrison should keep and reside in
his, the said Thomas Routledge's house; and there to remain
till further directions be given them, unless he the said
Thomas Routledge shall come
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in
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gazetteer links
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-- "Balihead" -- Baileyhead
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-- "Bewcastle Dale" -- Bewcastle
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