THE PRIVATE MEMOIRS
AND CONFESSIONS
OF A JUSTIFIED SINNER

WRITTEN BY HIMSELF

WITH A DETAIL OF CURIOUS TRADITIONARY FACTS, AND
OTHER EVIDENCE, BY THE EDITOR

By James Hogg




THE EDITOR'S NARRATIVE


It 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. 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 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. But, of the matter furnished by the latter of these powerful
monitors, I have no reason to complain: It has been handed down