50 The Dumfries Post Office, 1642-1910. 



wryte to the postmaister of Cairlyle or Bernard Ross at Sark brig 

 for sending in what news comes there weiklie and appoynts ttie 

 same to be sent to the thessi's Shop and him to pay weiklie yrfore 

 twentie four shillings Scots whilk shall be allowed in his accompts 

 and appoynts the news Ires to be red ilk counsell day att the 

 meeting yrof." 



" 9 March 1685. — The sd day the counsell ordaines the thess^ 

 to pay to Thomas Irving merd in name of Bernard Ross the 

 sowme of thritie pound Scots for news sent be him to the mag. 

 from Cairlyle and the same to be allowed in his accompts." 



"30 Aug. 1697. 



The qlk day the Counsell appoynts the above Comettee to 

 revyse Robert Johnstoune postmaster his accompts of the news 

 Letters and other letters relating to the toun and what is dew to 

 give precept therefore." 



" 6 Sept. 1697. 



The qlk day the Counsell having received in and considered 

 ane accompt of the post Letters dew to Robert Johnstoune post- 

 master for the soume of one pond sixteen shillings and four pence 

 sterling money ffinds the same just and dew." 



"27 Janry, 1701. 



The qlk day the counsell considering the lose they are at 

 throw not getting forraigne and domestick news dewlie and tyme- 

 ouslie sent ym and considering yr provost being at Edr can best 

 settle the same for the behoove of the burgh. Thairfore they 

 all in on voice recommend to the provost to agree wt the generall 

 post master for news lers forraign and domestick for ane year 

 after Candlemas nixt. Wheranent this act shall be ane sufficient 

 warrand and commissione as also to endeavour to get the post 

 dayes altered. And if possible to get the post to com of Edr 

 upon Saturday and be hear upon Munday so as he may goe away 

 upon Tuesday efternoon and what agreement the sd provost may 

 make that he gett in the bargain the newes packet free of postage 

 heir." 



The council's instructions were duly carried out and the 

 result of the negotiations is recorded in the Town Council 

 Minutes as follows : — 



"17 March, 1701. 



The qlk day the provost reported to the counsell that whyle 

 he was at Edr attending the parliat He had agreed with the 



