2-i Transactions. 



may mention the name of John Richardson, a very active and 

 intelligent sheriff's officer of this date. On one occasion he was 

 sent in pursuit of David Haggart, who murdered the jailer of the 

 prison where he was confined and made his escape. John is said 

 to have been in close proximity to Haggart in Comlongon woods 

 without discovering him. The latter made for the shore of the 

 Solway, near Seafield, and when Richardson, who was hard 

 behind him, arrived on the beach, Haggart was far out in the 

 Firth in a boat on his way to Cumberland. He was afterwards 

 captured, and hanged at Dumfries, an event which I well remem- 

 ber though I did not witness it. 



In the period of which I write the supply of water to the 

 burgh by pipes in the houses must have been very limited, if, 

 indeed, it was conveyed in that manner at all. Pumps and open 

 wells were the principal sources of supply, and one named the 

 Dock Well was a favourite resort for that purpose. Carts with 

 large water barrels also daily perambulated the streets, disposing 

 of their contents to those who required it. Wlien empty, they 

 were filled again from the Nith in a most primitive manner, our 

 worthy foroears not having apparently any fear of bacteria or 

 other vermin, which modern science has discovered to abound in 

 what we eat and drink and in the very air we breathe. I do not 

 know that the citizens suffered in consequence of their ignorance, 

 and although I do not say that in this instance, "where ignorance 

 is bliss 'tis folly to be wise," at all events the tranquility of life 

 was not disturbed by apprehensions of having swallowed what 

 might be injurious to health. 



Another old fashion occurs to my remembrance in the form of 

 " sedan chairs," one of which at least existed in the burgh, 

 owned probably by Robert M'Clumpha, or M'Clumphy, as he 

 was always applied to when it was required, and acted as the 

 principal bearer. I once had the honour of riding in a " sedan " 

 with my grandmother. Externally it was a rather dismal sentry 

 box looking machine, being covered with black leather, but 

 inside it was comfortable enough, and the motion was not un- 

 pleasant as it jogged along at a semi-trot pace, supported on long 

 poles, with a bearer in front and another behind. Tlie " sedan " 

 was convenient in this respect, that it could be carried inside the 

 house for the reception of the intended occupant, who afterwards 

 stepped out in full costume for an evening party at the place of 

 destination. I am rather surprised that it should have fallen 



