JOHNSTON, Marquis of ANNANDALE.--The modern _Motto_ is "Nunquam non paratus;" but in the original _Motto_ there is History, which connects with other parts of the Bearing. The _Crest_ is "A winged Spur," and one of the _Supporters_ is "A Horse furnished." The _Crest_ was taken, because the _Johnstons_ were often Wardens of the West Borders, and active in suppressing Thieves and Plunderers, who infested them during the Wars between England and Scotland; whence was derived the original _Motto_, "Alight Thieves all;" commanding, either by their authority or prowess, those Thieves to surrender. The _Horse_ as a _Supporter_ alludes to the same circumstance, or might be considered as a Bearing of Conquest, from a _Horse_ taken from some famous Marauder[306]. [306] Peerage of Scotland, 1767, octavo. The Johnstons of Westrow, or Westerhall, have a different principal Bearing in their Arms; _viz._ "A Man's Heart, ensigned with an Imperial Crown proper, in base," being part of the Arms of Douglas, in memory of the apprehension of Douglas Earl of Ormond, when in rebellion against James II.[307] [307] Nisbet's Heraldry, p. 146. * * * * * HAMILTON, Duke of HAMILTON.--Motto, "Through." This Motto is older than the Nobility of the Family, if my conjecture be true; as it seems to have originated from a circumstance which happened in the Reign of the Scottish King, Robert I. in England, at the Court of our King Edward II. Battles, sieges, &c. had been maintained, with various success, between the two Kings, for a long time. During these animosities Sir Gilbert Hamilton, an Englishman, happening to speak in praise of the intrepidity of Robert I. King of Scots, one of the De Spencers (John, Mr. Crawfurd says,) who was of King Edward's Bed-chamber, drew his falchion, and wounded him. Sir Gilbert, more concerned at the contumely than at the wound, and being prevented at the moment from resenting it; yet when he met his antagonist the next day in the same place, ran him _through_ the body. On this he immediately fled for protection to the King of Scots, who gave him lands and honours for this bold vindication of his valour[308]. [308] Crawfurd's Peerage, in Duke of Hamilton. Buchanan, vol. I. p. 332, 333. Dr. Abercrombie, however, gives us reasons to doubt that this was the first introduction of the name of Hamilton into Scotland: though that is not material, if it was the occasion which introduced the _Motto_. This has no apparent connexion with the Crest or Arms, and is therefore, more conclusive. Query as to the Crest? * * * * *