Allusion having been made often, in the course of these memoirs, to the
process of "serving oneself heir" to an estate, in Scotland: the
following document,[424] shewing the form of such a process, may not be
deemed uninteresting.
Claim for William Maxwell, Esq. of Carruchan, who served heir-male
in general of Robert, Fourth Earl of Nithisdale.
"Honourable persons and good men of Inquest: I, William Maxwell, of
Carruchan, who was son of Captain Maxwell of Carruchan, who was son
of Alexander Maxwell, of Yark and Terraughty, who was son of the
Honourable James Maxwell, of Breckonside, immediate younger brother
of John, third Earl of Nithisdale, who was father of Robert, fourth
Earl of Nithisdale, say unto your wisdoms, that the said Maxwell of
Nithisdale, nephews of my great-great-great-grandfather, died in the
faith and peace of our Sovereign Lord the King then reigning, and
that I am nearest and lawful heir male in general to the said
Robert, fourth Earl of Nithisdale, the nephew of my
great-great-great-grandfather, and that I am of lawful age.
Therefore I beseech your wisdoms to serve and cognesce me nearest
and lawful heir male in general to the said deceased Robert, fourth
Earl of Nithisdale, and cause your clerk of the Court to return my
service to your Majesty's Chancery. Under my seal,
"According to justice and your wisdom's answer, &c. &c."