114 The Dumfries Post Office, 1642-1910. 



maben, where they lodged that Night with Mr Paterson, one of 

 the Bailies of Drumfries, Mr Hunter, Chierurgian and Mr John- 

 ston, Postmaster there, who had been sent out to reconnoitre 

 them. They treated their Prisoners civilly enough, and dismist 

 'em next Day, when the Town had set at Liberty three of their 

 Friends, who had been incarcerate there, as suspected Jaco- 

 bites. "5" 



He retained office until his death in 1737. 



James Gilchrist, 1737. 



James Gilchrist, merchant, would seem to have succeeded 

 John Johnston. We know at least that he was highly recom- 

 mended for the appointment, and, although we have been unable 

 to find any record of him as Postmaster, we have reason, as ex- 

 plained elsewhere, to believe that his appointment to that office 

 was duly confirmed. 



Like his predecessor in office, he also rendered valuable 

 public services, acting as Stentmaster in 1749 and again in 1757, 

 as well as several terms as Bailie. 



He was admitted a burgess of the Burgh on 13th June, 1717. 



He died 22nd April, 1772, and was interred in St. Michael's 

 Churchyard, Dumfries. 



William Gordon. Demitted 1804. 



William Gordon, probably a writer in Dumfries, appears to 

 have been the next Postmaster of the Burgh. 



Our only record of him as holder of that office is obtained 

 in the year in which he retired, but from the circumstance of his 

 nephew being a clerk in the post office in 1789 it seems probable 

 that at that period William Gordon would be in charge of the 

 local office. 



Robert Threshie, 1804-1836. 



Robert Threshie succeeded William Gordon in the office of 

 Postmaster. He was a man of humble birth and circumstances, 

 but it is said of him that being naturally plodding, aspiring, and 

 of more than average ability, he achieved a high position, rising 

 alike in opulence and social rank. From being a lawyer's 



54. Rae's History of the Rebellion, p. 252. 



