Thomas describes the topography of the Middle Marches. He says that
the Armstrongs hold both banks of Liddel as far south as "Kershope
foot" (the junction of the Kershope with the Liddel), and hold the
north side of the Liddel as far as its junction with the Esk. {103a}
Thus on crossing Liddel by the Ritterford, the Captain had at once to
pass through the hostile Armstrongs. Thereby also were Grahams with
whom the Musgraves of Bewcastle were in deadly feud. Farther down Esk,
west of Esk, dwelt Kinmont Willie, an Armstrong, "at a place called
Morton." If he did pass so far through Armstrongs, the Captain met
them again, farther north, on Tarras side, where Runyen Armstrong lived
at Thornythaite. Near him was Armstrong of Hollhouse, Musgrave's great
enemy. North of Tarras the Captain rode through Ewesdale; there he had
to deal with three hundred Armstrong men of the spear. {104a} When he
reached Ramscleuch (which he never could have done), the Colonel's map
makes the Captain ride past Ramscleuch, then farmed by the Grieves,
retainers of Buccleuch, who would warn Branksome.
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