98 Transactions. 
In the Dumfries Weekly Journal of various dates about this 
period there are records of enthusiastic meetings in the different 
parishes, at which the inhabitants cheerfully offered to act as 
Volunteers. On the 21st September, 1803, it was reported at 
the meeting of Deputy-Lieutenants that 3480 men had offered to 
serve as volunteers, or double the number limited by Government. 
The meeting then fixed the estal lishment of volunteers at 1704, 
as restricted by the official communication. This did not include 
52 men from Eskdale, who offered to serve on horseback ; the 
110 men from Wanlockhead who were willing to serve as pioneers; 
a company of artillery in Dumfries, which numbered 50, and a 
troop of Royal Dumfries Yeomanry, numbering 3 officers, 3 non- 
commissioned officers, and 84 privates. Dumfries was to furnish 
three companies, with 80 rank and file each. Annan two 
companies of the same strength, and Kirkmahoe, Tinwald, and 
Kirkmichael one also of 80 rank and file. The following were to 
have a company with 60 rank and _ file:—Johnstone and 
Wamphray ; Hutton and Applegarth; Lochmaben ; Dryfesdale 
and St. Mungo; Dunscore and Holywood; Sanquhar; Kirk. 
connel; Durisdeer and Penpont ; Glencairn ; Morton and Close- 
burn ; Tynron and Keir; Caerlaverock and Ruthwell; Cummer- 
trees and Dalton; Westerkirk, Ewes, and Eskdalemuir ; Langholm 
and Canonbie; Graitney, Dornock, Kirkpatrick-Fleming, and 
Half-Morton ; Torthorwald and Mouswald. The selection was 
made beginning with the youngest men and men unmarried, or 
men without children. Those whose service could not be accepted 
owing to the Government limitation were to be allowed to serve 
provided they furnished their own clothing and arms, and agreed 
to serve without pay. The Volunteer Infantry was divided into 
three battalions—the Dumfries and Annan Battalion, commanded 
by Col. De Peyster ; the Nithsdale Battalion, commanded by Col. 
Wight ; and the Eskdale Battalion, commanded by Col. Douglas. 
By an Act passed on 27th July, 1803, the Government had power 
conferred on them to make a levy en masse of the male population 
between 17 and 55 years of age, and for this purpose the Lords 
Lieutenants were required to make out lists of the men in the 
counties under three classes—(1) those who were 17 years of age 
and under 30 who were unmarried or had no children under ten; 
(2) those who were 30 years of age and under 50 who were 
‘similarly situated as regards family circumstances; (3) those who 
