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thought all that is necessary. Wanlockhead is on the height of the 
County, between the east and the west coast, 47 miles south-west of Edin 
burgh, and about 30 miles north-east of Dumfries.—I have the honour to 
remain, my lord, your Lordship’s obedient servant, 
GILBERT Larne. 
The most memorable response to this appeal was a letter from 
Mr Miller of Dalswinton, which was read at a meeting of the 
Court of Lieutenancy held on the 24th August, 1803. 
Dalswinton, 24th August, 1803. 
Dear Sir,—Having expended in a long series of hazardous experiments 
ten thousand guineas with a view to benefit mankind, I am now perhaps 
not so rich as I was, but I am more careful of what I have, and am a great 
economist. As such, I wish to insure my property, my share in the 
British Constitution, my family, myself, and my religion against the 
French invasion. Asa premium, I offer to clothe and arm with pikes 100 
men, to be raised in this and any of the neighbouring parishes, and to 
furnish them with three light brass field pieces ready for service. This 
way of arming I consider as superior for infantry either for attack or 
defence to that now in use; but as to this Government must determine. I 
am too old and infirm to march with these men, but I will desire my eldest 
son to do so. He was ten years a soldier in the foot and horse service. 
In case of an invasion, I will be ready to furnish when requested 26 horses, 
16 carts, and 16 drivers, and Government may command all my crops of 
hay, straw, and grain, which I estimate at 16,700 stones of hay, 1400 
bushels of peas, 3000 bushels of oats, and 3080 bushels of barley. You will 
please to transmit my offer to the Lord-Lieutenant of the County. If the 
French are rash enough to land on our shores, they will find to their cost 
that riches acquired by useful and honourable means have not the effect to 
enervate a people. On the contrary, riches so obtained are a sure proof of 
a happy constitution and a mild government, to which all wise, good men 
must necessarily be attached. —I am, ever yours, &c., 
P. Miner. 
To David Staig, Esq., 
Deputy-Lieutenant, Dumfries. 
On the 31st August, the Deputy-Lieutenant proposed a scheme 
for a ballot of 213 men, being the quota of the Army of Reserve 
falling on the County of Dumfries. The total number liable to 
serve was stated to be 4803. The penalty for failure to appear 
in this levy was £20. In every case either a substitute was 
found, or the money was paid. On the 23rd November, 1803, the 
condition of this quota was reported as follows :—With the 26th 
Regiment, 104; with the 5th Battalion of Reserve, 30 ; with 
Captain Douglas at Dumfries, 3; volunteered for general service, 
7; number still required to complete complement, 69—total, 213. 
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