The Dumfries Post Office, 1642-1910. 5i> 



The rebellion of 1715 helped to awaken the public mind to 

 the necessity for improved postal facilities, and we have evidence 

 to show that in Dumfriesshire and Galloway the matter received 

 careful consideration. 



In the Records of the Convention of Royal Burghs it is 

 recordedi9 : — " Edinburgh, 10 July, 1717. — The convention upon 

 a memorial from Sir Robert Adair, baronet, craving that the con- 

 vention would concur with severall of the noblemen of the king- 

 dom in their requeist to the commissioners of the general post 

 office for settling of five stages betwixt Dumfries and Port Patrick 

 for establishing a correspondence betwixt Brittain and Ireland 

 the convention granted their concurrance to the said request in so 

 far as the same was not prejudicial to any of the posts already 

 settled." 



About this time also, the Government, probably as a result 

 of this request, evinced great concern about the Irish correspon- 

 dence and ordered Mr Anderson, Deputy Postmaster General of 

 Scotland, to visit Port Patrick, and examine the harbours, with 

 a view to selecting the one most convenient for the Mail Packets. 



In the beginning of 1737 John Johnston, Postmaster at Dum- 

 fries, died, and steps were immediately taken by the Council to 

 secure a competent successor. 



We learn from the Council Minutes of date 21st Feby., 

 1737, that " The Said Day the Magistrats and Councill Con- 

 sidering that the office of Postmaster of this Burgh is become 

 Vacant by the death of John Johnstone late Baily formerly Post- 

 master, and that it is of very considerable moment for the Burgh 

 and Country that the said office be suplyed with a Sufficient, 

 well-qualified person, And haveing full proof of the fidelity and 

 ability of James Gilchrist one of the present Bailys for Discharge- 

 ing that trust They Appoint the Provest to Avrite in yr name to the 



stocke means to be above 1000 m. and below 5000 ni." " Janet 

 Glessell Relict of Robt Johnstone Mercht for the forestaire to the 

 tenet in Lochmabengate sometime Rott Glessells 9 0. for the 

 Step nixt to the Street to the Sd Stair in Augmentation 2 0." 

 Ibid (circa 1709) " John Johnstone post master his houses where he 

 dwells 36 lib. his house in Lochmabengate 50 lib and his barn and 

 yeard yr 10 lib." Vide also "Council Minutes of 3rd June, 1799, 

 anent Ruinous Houses." 

 19. Vol. v., p. 182. 



