Because Maxwell had numerous vassals and friends, it was thought necessary to send two bands of mercenaries to support Johnstone.

Some of the most powerful families in Dumfriesshire therefore became vassals of the house of Maxwell, including: Kirkpatrick of Closeburn, Douglas of Drumlanrig (ancestor of the Duke of Queensberry), Crichton of Sanquhar (ancestor of the Earl of Dumfries), Stuart of Castlemilk, Stuart of Garlies (ancestor of the Earl of Galloway), the Murrays, Lord Annandale, Grierson of Lag, Gordon of Lochmaben, and many others in the south-west of Scotland, all binding themselves as vassals of Maxwell.

[9] Johnstone was subsequently informed that Crichton, Douglas, and a number of others had put themselves under the protection of Maxwell and the warfare between the rival clans was instantly renewed.

Johnstone having been reinforced, he surprised and cut to pieces a party of Maxwells who were stationed at Lochmaben.

Among the slain was Robert Maxwell, brother of the chief, who had burnt Johnstone's castle at Lochwood.

[9] Lord Maxwell, highly incensed by this outrage, entered into Annandale with 2,000 men, including all of the barons of Nithsdale and also some Royal troops.

[5] Some who escaped are said to have had "Lockerbie licks" on their faces, caused by being slashed by the swords of pursuing horsemen.

[11] However, it is likely that Johnstone's losses were also heavy as in 1594 he obtained a respite from the King for himself and just eight score (160) surviving followers.

[10] Douglas of Drumlanrig could not forgive the defeat at Dryfe Sands, and on 13 July 1597 attacked Johnstone with his "assisters" but failed to capture two rebel Armstrongs.

As a result of this fight, Johnstone was deprived of the Wardenship, but it was given to his ally, Sir John Carmichael.

[8] Between 1591 and 1594 the peace in Scotland was disturbed on several occasions by the activities of Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell.