Description:

The Maxwell and Johnstone clans had long been locked in a bitter feud for dominance over the Scottish West March in Dumfriesshire. This rivalry came to a head at the Battle of Dryfe Sands near Lockerbie.

On December 6, 1593, Lord Maxwell led 2,000 horsemen toward the Johnstone stronghold, harassed along the way by small bands of Johnstones and their allies. The Johnstones struck the Maxwell vanguard before retreating, luring them into pursuit. Seizing the moment, the hidden main force of the Johnstones charged, throwing the Maxwell vanguard into chaos and crashing them into their own main body. In the confusion, the Johnstones pressed their attack, chasing the fleeing Maxwells through Lockerbie and completing the slaughter at Dryfe Sands.

Years later, in 1608, a carefully supervised reconciliation meeting was arranged between Sir James Johnstone and Lord Maxwell, son of the fallen chief. Each brought only one attendant, but during the meeting, Lord Maxwell suddenly drew a pistol and shot Johnstone in the back, killing him instantly. Fleeing to France, he was eventually captured, returned to Edinburgh, and publicly beheaded.