OS1/21/2/61

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 61
County of Lanark--Parish of Avondale

Examiners comments:-
"On Sunday the 1st June 1679, the Covenanters had assembled for devine service at Drumclog, to the number of about 300 armed men. That they might not be suprised by a sudden attack, they placed a watch on "Loudoun Hill". Captain Graham of Claverhouse, afterwards Viscount of Dundee, being apprised of the meeting, marched the morning of the same day, from Hamilton with his Cavalry. They were spied by the watch shortly after they passed Strathaven, who ran and informed their brothers of the approach of the enemy. After prayer, by the minister Mr William Hamilton, who acted likewise as commanding officer, they drew up in order, took their stations, and gave the soldiers a reception very different from what they expected.
Thirty of them were killed, Captain Graham had his horse shot under him, and made a very narrow escape. The Covenanters lost only a few men. Their horses were a great incumbrance to the dragoons, the place of action being almost surrounded with "swampy ground". Had the Covenanters pursued their advantage, they might have cut the whole party to pieces." Old S. [Statistical] Accts [Accounts]