Field Meetings. ‘ 65 
levying 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 consideration 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 the Winter tyme is nowayes pasable at the beist dureing 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 the said Burgh, 
bot also to the haill Cuntrie neir the saime, 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 
the 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 weill of the said burgh and all that cuntrie. And, also seeing such a 
contribution will be unconsiderable for as great a work, therefor also 
eraveing ane certaine small custome to be payed at the said bridge for 
such years and aff such persones and goods as should be 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 within the space of two years. And haveing also con- 
sidered the report of the Commissioners of Parliament appointed for bills 
and tradeing (to whom the said mater was referred) thereanent, His 
Majestie, with advice and consent of the said Estates of Parliament, 
Have ordained and ordaines ane contribution and Voluntar collection to 
be made and ingathered within all paroches, both 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, Gentlemen, 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 work, 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 Majestie, 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 single 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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