THE SCOT IN ULSTER

THE SCOT IN COUNTY DOWN

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prise to a relative, Thomas Montgomery of Blackston, who was owner of a sloop which sometimes traded with Carrickfergus. The said Thomas proceeded to make love to the daughter of the keeper of Carrickfergus Castle, and became a great favourite with the household; and, like a generous fellow as he was, he at all times was ready to give the guard as much drink as they cared for. So it came to pass that love-making and wine somewhat discomposed the discipline of Carrickfergus Castle--even to this day the discipline of Irish jails is said to be somewhat loose. Con was furnished with a rope by which he let himself out of his window, found Thomas Montgomery's sloop waiting for him, and himself in the good house of Braidstane, within a few hours. To Thomas's honour it must be recorded that he did really marry the jailer's daughter, "called Annas Dobbin, whom I have often seen and spoken with, for she lived in Newtown till anno 1664."

Arrived at Braidstane, Con entered into an agreement by which he ceded half his lands in Clanna-boye to Montgomery, on condition that the latter obtained a free pardon from King James for all his offences, and got him admitted to kiss the King's hand. This indenture was believed to have been "fully indorsed and registered in the Town Councill book of the royal burgh of Air or Irvine." [1] The entry, however, has never been discovered in the Town Council records of these burghs. Mont-...continue reading »

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[1] Montgomery MSS., p. 28.

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Page 9

The Scot in Ulster:
Sketch of the History of the Scottish Population of Ulster

by John Harrison

1888