5
Upon the fifth of March, 1792, being at Hare-head, baptizing the shepherd's child, I came off at sun-setting, or a little after, and near William White's march, the Laird of Cool came up with me as formerly; and after his first salutation, bade me not be afraid. I told him I was not in the least afraid, in the name of GOD, and Christ my Saviour, that he would do me the least harm; for I know that he in whom I trusted was stronger, than all they put together; and if any of them should attempt to do, even to the horse that I ride upon, as you have done to Dr. Menzie's man, if it be true that is said, and generally believed about Dumfries, I have free access to complain to my Lord and Master, to the lash of whose resentment you are liable now as before*.
COOL. You need not multiply words upon that head, for you are as safe with me, and safer, if safer can be, than when I was alive.
OGIL. Well, then, Cool, let me have a peaceable and easy conversation with you for
* What I know concerning the matter is this: The servant of Doctor Menzie, Physician at Dumfries, told his master and many others, that the Laird of Cool, lately dead, appeared to him, rode him down, and killed his horse. That he appointed him to meet him some time after at such a place; which he promised to do; but Mr Paton (then Minister of Dumfries) advised him to break that promise. Mr Ogilvie, (then Minister of Innerwick, near Dunbar,) on hearing this, blamed Mr Paton much, saying, Had he been there, he would not only have advised him to keep his promise, but would have gone with him. JAMES HAMILTON.
Dunbar, May 26, 1784. Armin. Mag. 1785.
