Field Meetings. ' 65 



le^'7ing dues. The following is a copy of the Act, read by our 

 guide, and is of antiquarian interest : — 



"A.D.,1661. Act in favours of the Burgh of Sanquhar. Our Sovereign 

 Lord and Estates of Parliament, takeing to their cousideration a supplica- 

 tion presented to them by Johne Williamson, Commissioner for the Burgh 

 of Sanquhar, Shewing that the said Burgh of Sanquhar, being situat and 

 builded upon the water of Nyth, ane verie great considerable river, which 

 in tlie Winter tyme is nowayes pasable at the beist dureiug the time of 

 any raine or storme. The bridge which was thereupon being now totallie 

 down and ruined, which is very prejudiciall not only to tlie said Burgh, 

 bot also to the liaill Cuntrie neir the saimc, and all others who have occa- 

 sion to passe that way, who sumtyme will be forced to stay three or four 

 dayes ere they can passe over the said water. And the said burgh, thro 

 tlie calamities of the tyme and great sufferings they have had, are now- 

 redacted to such povertie as they are nowayes able to build up the said 

 bridge, which so much concernes the weill of the said burgh and the publict 

 good of that cuntrie. And, therefor, craveing ane recommendation to the 

 severall presbetries within this Kingdome upon this side of the fforth for 

 help and supplie for building up the said bridge, which so much concernes 

 the ^veill of the said burgh and all that cuntrie. And, also seeing such a 

 contribution will be unconsiderable for as great a work, therefor also 

 craveing ane certaine small custome to be payed at the said bridge for 

 such years and aff such persones and goods as should l)e thought fit. And, 

 having considered ane testificat of verie many Noblemen and Gentlemen in 

 the Shire and circumjacent bounds, Testifieing the necessity and con- 

 veniencie of the said bridge, and haveing heard the said Johne Williamson 

 thereanent, who, in name of the said burgh, had undertaken the building 

 of the same bridge w'ithin the space of two years. And haveing also con- 

 sidered the report of the Commissioners of Parliament appointed for bills 

 and tra< Icing (to wliom the said mater was referred) thereanent. His 

 Majestic, with advice and consent of the said Estates of Parliament, 

 Have ordained and ordaines ane contribution and Voluntar collection to 

 be made and ingatliered within all parodies, botli in burgh and landward, 

 on the South side of the water of fforth, for building of the said bridge. 

 And that either personally or parochially as the Magistrates of the said 

 burgh shall desire. And hereby Seriously Recommends to and require all 

 Noblemen, (lentlemen, Magistrats, and Ministers of the law and gospell, 

 within the said bounds, to be assisting to the said Magistrates of Sanquhar 

 for so good a w^ork, and for ane liberal contribution for that effect. And 

 seeing it is expected that the foresaid collection will not be as considerable 

 as to defray the charges of so great a work, Therefor His Majestic, with 

 advice and consent foresaid, hath given and granted, and hereby give and 

 grant to the said burgh, ane custome to be lifted by them, or any other 

 they shall appoint for uplifting thairof, for the space of twentie seven 

 years after the building thairof, at the rates following— viz. , for ilk foot- 

 man or woman, two pennies Scots ; for ilk nolt beast or smgle horse, four 

 pennies ; for ilk horse with his load or rydder, six pennies Scots ; And for 

 ilk sheip, two pennies Scots money. And ordaines all passengers what- 



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