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• The Laird of Luce was great grandson of Archibald Douglas
of Dornock,
second son of the first Earl of Queensberry, and son of the last Laird
of Dornock by a daughter of Sir James Johnstone of Westerhall. His
father sold the estates of Dornock to the Duke of Queensberry, but
bought Castlemilk, which he sold in 1768. He was a madman, and dangerous
in his cups. Displeased with a ploughman, he immediately whipt off one
of his ears with a gullie which he happened to hold in his hand.
• 7 Sep 1795. The Circuit Court of Justiciary was opened at
Dumfries on Monday last, by the Right Hon. Lord Justice Clerk and Lord
Craig. The Court, at nine o'clock on Tuesday morning, proceeded to the
trial of William Douglas, Esq; late of Luce, accused of murdering
Archibald Little, farmer in Park. The Jury found the murder proven; but
found that, at that time, the said William Douglas was insane, and
deprived of reason. He was sentenced to be kept in prison all the days
of his life in the jail of Dumfries, unless some friend or other person
should find sufficient caution, to the extent of L. 1000, to keep him in
safe and sure custody, so as to prevent him from committing the like
crime in time coming.
• Business papers of Joseph Cauvin
WS.
Papers and accounts relating to the estate of William Douglas of
Luce, 1795-1817. Douglas had become bankrupt, and had then shot one of
his tenants. He escape the gallows on a plea of temporary insanity, but
was forced to spend the rest of his life in Dumfries lunatic asylum.
Cauvin was responsible for running his affairs for his trustees.
• William Douglas of Luce (1490-Dumfries) linked to William
Douglas (died 1810)
• There's a Headstone in Hoddom
Cemetery referring to the murder of Archibald Little.
•
William Douglas of Luce paid £2 Carriage and Horse tax on 27 Aug 1798.
Possibly a son of the murderer?
• 23 May 1810
died at Springfield, Captain William Douglas, late of Luce
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