he
instigation of M'Kenzie then bishop of Murray, he was obliged about
Sept. 1664, to leave this family. He then returned home to his father
then dwelling at Lanerk, being ejected from his own parish by the
prelates: in which time he fell acquainted with one Marion Fairlie, whom
he married; and being a woman eminent for religion, she proved a great
blessing to him afterwards.

In the year 1666 he was solicited and prevailed upon by Mr. John Welch
to join that party who were so oppressed by the inhuman cruelties of Sir
James Turner and his forces then lying at Dumfries. Accordingly, after
the Galloway forces had taken Sir James, Mr. Vetch and major Lermont
went west and joined them on a hill above Galston. Next day, they sent
him with 40 or 50 horse to take up quarters in the town of Ayr.

After some respite, they marched up the water of Ayr towards Douglas,
and from thence to Lanerk; Dalziel and his forces having come as far as
Strathaven in quest of them; but hearing they were at Lanerk, turned his
march after them. In the mean time, the honest party being above 1500
horse and foot, it was thought proper that both the national and solemn
league and covenant should be by them renewed; which they did with great
solemnity: and hearing that Dalziel approached, they concluded it would
be best to abide some time there, as the heavy rains had made Clyde
impassable for him except by boat, (and that being broken) until the
water decreased; and that 50 of their number might be able to stop his
passage at the river; which might be both a dash upon the enemy, and
encouraging to friends to join them at that place. But unhappily a
letter came at that juncture from Sir James Stuart (after the
revolution, advocate) to Messrs. Welch and Semple, to come as near
Edinburgh as possible, where they would get men and other necessaries.
This made them break their resolution, and march for Bathgate, where,
both night and snow coming on, they concluded to go forward to
Collington.

Having taken up their quarters, they consulted how they should do in
answer to Mr. Stuart's letter; and at last voted Mr. Vetch to go to
Edinburgh, and converse with him anent the promised supply. This,
against his own mind at the importunity of col. Wallace, he
undertook.--And having disguised himself with a baggage horse, an old
hat and cloke, Mr. M'Cormick conveyed him a little way, minding him of
several things to communicate to James Stuart. He had but gone a