HAY, Francis of Logierieve ^{1 2 3}

   Cause of his death was revenge killing by Gordons.¹

   User ID: A368.

  General Notes:

"In June, 1612, Adam (Gordon) and his friend Francis Hay of Logierieve, who was to kill him three years later, and his brother Patrick Gordon, attacked Alexander Bannerman of Waterton and two of his servants 'to the effusion of thair blood in grite quantities' (Privy Council Register). Adam fought a friendly sword duel with his comrade Francis Hay (son of George Hay of Ardlethan, cousin-german to the Earl of Erroll). Hay was defeated, and in pique shot Gordon dead (Dec. 15, 1615). Three days later Hay was captured in the house of William Hay of Logierieve by George (the laird of Gight) and John and Alexander, the brothers of Adam. He was carried by them to their 'awne ludgeing,' the Bonnie Wife's Inn, in the Gallowgate of Aberdeen, and tried before a packed jury by a clansman, John Gordon of Clubsgoul, Sheriff of Aberdeen- The whole case is detailed at length, on account of its extraordinary lawlessness and ferocity, in the description of the next laird, the sixth, who took his brother Adam's death very much to heart."

from Gight




"In 1615, Logieruiffe was the property of William Hay of the Errol family. The following tragedy is connected with it. Francis Hay, son of the late George Hay of Ardlethen, cousin-german to the Earl of Errol, was on terms of the most friendly intimacy with Adam Gordon of Gight. One day when living familiarly together, a quarrel took place between them followed by single combat, in which Adam Gordon had the advantage of taking Hay's sword from him, but instantly returned it. Hay not being able to bear this affront challenged Gordon some time thereafter to renew the fight. Francis Hay came to Gordon's dwelling-place with a pair of pistols at his girdle, and finds Adam walking about in the fields with his sword about him. Francis Hay flies from his horse, and desires Adam Gordon to do him justice. They fought for a second time. Hay was overcome, but Gordon gave him his life. Francis Hay, disdaining to be thus twice overthrown, shoots Adam Gordon behind his back and kills him.

Gordon of Gight, being resolved to avenge his brother's death, came to the house of William Hay of Logieruiff, and there without any warrant seizes Francis Hay, whom he brought immediately to Aberdeen, and imprisoned him in his own lodging, called the 'Bonnie Wife's Inn,' in the Gallowgate, where he kept him for forty-eight hours without allowing him to see any of his friends. The Sheriff-Depute of Aberdeen was also a Gordon, and felt as a clansman regarding the transaction. He presided at an irregular trial to which Francis Hay was forthwith subjected, no one being allowed to appear for him. An advocate who offered to act as council was told that if he did so, he should scarcely be downstairs ere twenty whingers were put into him. Francis Hay was condemned to lose his head, and next morning was actually led out to a solitary spot, and there butchered by the swords of his enemies."

from Thanage of Fermartyn ^{1 3}