94 Transactions. 
may mention the name of John Richardson, a very active and 
intelligent sheriff’s officer of this date. On one occasion he was 
sent in pursuit of David Haggart, who murdered the jailer of the 
prison where he was confined and made his escape. John is said 
to have been in close proximity to Haggart in Comlongon woods 
without discovering him. The latter made for the shore of the 
Solway, near Seafield, and when Richardson, who was hard 
behind him, arrived on the beach, Haggart was far out in the 
Firth in a boat on his way to Cumberland. He was afterwards 
captured, and hanged at Dumfries, an event which I well remem- 
ber though I did not witness it. 
In the period of which I write the supply of water to the 
burgh by pipes in the houses must have been very limited, if, 
indeed, it was conveyed in that manner at all. Pumps and open 
wells were the principal sources of supply, and one named the 
Dock Well was a favourite resort for that purpose. Carts with 
Jarge water barrels also daily perambulated the streets, disposing 
of their contents to those who required it. When empty, they 
were filled again from the Nith in a most primitive manner, our 
worthy fornears not having apparently any fear of bacteria or 
other vermin, which modern science has discovered to abound in 
what we eat and drink and in the very air we breathe. I do not 
know that the citizens suffered in consequence of their ignorance, 
and although I do not say that in this instance, “where ignorance 
is bliss ’tis folly to be wise,” at all events the tranquility of life 
was not disturbed by apprehensions of having swallowed what 
might be injurious to health. 
Another old fashion occurs to my remembrance in the form of 
‘sedan chairs,’ one of which at least existed in the burgh, 
owned probably by Robert M‘Clumpha, or M‘Clumphy, as he 
was always applied to when it was required, and acted as the 
principal bearer. I once had the honour of riding in a “sedan ” 
with my grandmother. Externally it was a rather dismal sentry 
box looking machine, being covered with black leather, but 
inside it was comfortable enough, and the motion was not un- 
pleasant as it jogged along at a semi-trot pace, supported on long 
poles, with a bearer in front and another behind. The “sedan ” 
was convenient in this respect, that it could be carried inside the 
house for the reception of the intended occupant, who afterwards 
stepped out in full costume for an evening party at the place of 
destination. I am rather surprised that it should have fallen 
