Transactions. 33 



His Majesty probably saw a seeming unfairness in be- 

 stowing a gift on the Trades and yet giving the possession to 

 the Magistrates. But aware also of possible risk in placing 

 it elsewhere, he stamped upon it a word of caution that it 

 was in trust for the general benefit. It is much to be re- 

 gretted if the trust has not been preserved, by the alleged 

 disappearance of the original wheel carriage ; and still more 

 if the depreciatory style in which the gift has come to be 

 spoken of had its origin in this part of its history. 



In both towns now the gun medals are in excellent keep- 

 ing, and further enquiry may lead to information respecting 

 the other " Siller Gun." 



The Kirkcudbright Gun has been shot for on two occa- 

 sions in the present century — in 1830, when the Earl of 

 Selkirk attained his majority, and in 1838, on the occasion 

 of the Queen's coronation. 



The Dumfries Gun " was shot for several times in our 

 " recollection," says one of the Guide Books, " and the last 

 " time it figured in a public pageant was on the 25th Janu- 

 " ary, 1859, — the Burns Centenary, which was celebrated at 

 " Dumfries with extraordinary pomp and enthusiasm." 



I cannot conclude without expressing my acknowledg- 

 ments to Mr Martin and Mr M'Lellan for the readiness with 

 which they produced to me the guns in their charge. Such 

 frank and ready courtesy merits acknowledgment. It facili- 

 tates research and smoothes the way in investigations which 

 are apt to be regarded by some people as interfering with 

 business. My especial thanks are due to Mr Martin, who has 

 furnished me with copy excerpt from the Council records of 

 the minute passed by the Council on the occasion of the 

 Trades of Dumfries giving over the custody of the Gun to 

 the Town Council. 



P.S. — The Dumfries silver gun is now enshrined in an 

 oval frame in the Council Chamber. 



