88 Transactions. 



service, and pai-ticularly for the gallantry shown in the suppres- 

 sion of the late rebellion in Ireland, and for the very spiriterl 

 offer made by the regiment to extend their service to any part of 

 the world where His Majesty may choose to send thein. 



On the 13 til December, 179i, a meeting of the freeholders, 

 Justices of the Peace, and landowners of the County was held to 

 consider what was necessary for the defence of the County. It 

 was called by the Lord-Lieutenant and his deputies, to whom 

 belonged the duty of superintending preparations of this kind. 

 It was attended by 79 gentlemen, of whose descendants, as far as 

 I can ascertain, enly 14 now hold property in this County. 

 Apologies for absence were sent by 20 gentlemen, of Avhose 

 descendants there are now 6 in this County. 



In the absence of the Duke of Queensberry, the Lord- 

 Lif.utenant, the Duke of Buccleuch was called on to preside. 

 The resolutions proposed were as follows : — 



1. That, in the present state of this country, it is highly expedient and 

 proper for us to come forward and avow our loyalty and attachment to the 

 person and Government of His Majesty, our abhorrence of all attempts to 

 disturb the internal peace of the country, and our firm determination to 

 support its law and constitution, as the sources of that genuine liberty and 

 unexampled prosperity which all ranks of the people in it have so long 

 enjoyed. 



2. That we will cheerfully unite in supporting the Civil Magistrate, and 

 in making every loyal and constitutional exertion to suppress internal 

 tumult or sedition, and to repel the invasion of our foreign enemies. 



3. And that, for the promotion and accomplishment of these important 

 purjjoses, we will heartily co-operate with the Lord-Lieutenant of the 

 County and his deputies in whatever measure may, according to circum- 

 stances, be thought proper to adopt. 



A Committee of ten were afterwai^ds appointed to assist the 

 Deputy-Lieutenants. 



Early in 1795 the inhabitants of Dumfries raised a Volunteer 

 corps. We transcribe below the principal portion of a curious 

 document : — 



Offer of Service, by certain Loyal Inhabitants of the Town of Dumfries, 

 and Rules, Eegulations, and Bye-Laws framed for their Oovernment in 

 a Military Capacity. 

 We the subscribers, all inhabitants of the burgh and neighbourhood of 

 Dumfi-ies, within the county of Dumfries, do hereby declare our sincere 

 attachment to the person and government of His Majesty King George the 

 Third ; our respect for the happy constitution of Great Britain ; and our 



