The Dumfries Post Office, 1642-1910. 43 



had lieen appointed Ijy the Commissioners of Royal Burghs to be 

 " thair common post."^ 



It was not until some years later that regular postal com- 

 munication, under Government control, was established in the 

 district. 



Under date 15 Feb., 1642, we read: — "The Lords of 

 Privie Counsell recommends to the Earle of Cassills, the Lord 

 Angus, Justice Clerk and shireff of Teviotdail, to thinke upon the 

 best waves and meanes for establisheing of posts betwix Portpat- 

 rik and Carlil, and to call before theme suche persons as know the 

 bounds and to try the most comodious places quhair the post 

 stages may be established and to report." 



At a later date it is recorded : — " The Lords of Privie Coun- 

 sell, for the good of his Majesties service and the better keeping 

 of intelligence betwix Ireland and this, and dispatche of pacquets, 

 thinks fit and ordans that post stages be provydit and established 

 at Blaikburne [ ? Broxburn], Hamilton, Newmilne, Air, Girvane, 

 Ballintrae, and Portpatrik, and that fiftie punds sterline be 

 allowed as a fee for everie post maister yeerlie, and that half a 

 yeeres fee be advanced to thame for furnisheing of horses, they 

 first findeing caution for keeping three sufficient and able post 

 horses for the service forsaid; and recommends to the Lord 

 Chancellor and Treasurer Deput to deale with Sir William Seaton 

 or anie other gentlemen in the bounds abone-written for setling 

 and establisheing the saids post-stages in the places abone-written 

 or at anie other places as sail be most convenient and make 

 speedieest dispatch for the service." 



In the case of the post stages between Carlisle and Port- 

 patrick the same arrangements also to take effect. 



Again in a Supplication, by the postmasters between Port- 

 patrik and Carlill, of date 27 Septr., 1642, we are informed: — 



" In the month of [ ] last order was given by the Parlia- 

 ment of England ' for establishing post stages betwix Edinburgh 



3. Haddington, 9 July, 1619. — Vnderstanding the abilitie and 

 qualificatioun of George Ramsaye and of his guid seruise done and 

 to be done be him to the saids commissioners of borrowis, thayrfore 

 they admitt and ressave the said George Ramsay to be thair 

 common post, and ordanis him to be imployit in making of all thair 

 warnings.— Records of the Convention of Royal Burghs of Scotland, 

 1615-1676; Vol. III., p. 9. 



