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Transactions. 87 
the principles which have been attempted to be disseminated by 
wicked and designing men tending to destroy all government and 
introduce anarchy and confusion; that we will assist Government 
in repelling all foreign invaders, and will assist the Civil Magis- 
trate when called upon to do so for the purpose of repressing all 
riots or tumults that may arise in the County of Dumfries.” The 
same declaration was doubtless read in the other parish churches 
of Dumfriesshire ; but it would appear that at first it had not 
the desired effect. In the Dumfries Weekly Jowrnal of 12th 
September, 1793, it is said that designing persons had spread a 
report that the proposed enrolment of Volunteers was a plan to 
kidnap men into the regular service without the payment of a 
bounty, and an appeal is made to the people to discard these 
unfounded rumours and show themselves willing as loyal citizens 
to aid the Government. 
The first military force raised was the Dumfriesshire Fencible 
Cavalry. On the 23rd April, 1794, the proprietors of Dumfries- 
shire agreed to raise two troops of Fencible Cavalry, to be main- 
tained partly by subscription and partly by Government. In the 
Dumfries Weekly Journal of various dates subsequent to that of 
the meeting there is this advertisement :—“ Wanted, for the 
Dumfriesshire Fencible Cavalry, a hundred to a hundred and 
twenty horses. Those who are willing to contract for any 
number of these may apply to David Staig, provost, who will 
show a pattern horse. The horses are to be from 14} hands to 
15 hands 4 inches. From five years complete to seven years off 
—dark bays, browns, blacks, or chesnuts.” In 1795 both troops 
were augmented to consist of 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 71 
privates. Michael Stewart Maxwell, yr. of Springkell, com- 
manded one troop, and was Major-Commandant. The other 
troop was commanded by Sir Robert Grierson. These troops 
were stationed for a time in Dumfries and afterwards in York- 
shire, and subsequently served in Ireland in suppressing the 
rebellion. They were reduced in 1800, when the Commanding 
Officer received a letter from the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland 
expressing approbation of their services. The Commissioners of 
Supply, at a meeting held on 20th December, 1800, recorded 
their thanks to Colonel Maxwell, the officers, non-commissioned 
officers, and men of the Dumfries Fencible Cavalry for the 
honour they had done to the County during the period of its 
