CUTLER. - William Steedman commenced business in Dunfermline as a cutler.
He was made a free burgess.  (Burgh Records, 11th Nov., 1732.)  This is the
first named Dunfermline "cutler, or whitler," on record.

1733. - FANNERS FOR THE HEUGH MILLS. - "John Durie, the town's sub-tennant
of the heugh mills complains to the town councill of the great loss he
sustains for 'want of wind' to dight his shealing, accasioned by 'the braes
of Shealing Hill being all planted at and by west of ye said milnes with
trees.'"  The Council agreed to contribute twenty-four pounds "to help John
to erect his fanners."  (Burgh Rec., Jan. 1733; see also An. Dunf. date
1729.)

BELL-HOLES SOUNDING-BOARDS. - "William Inglis and George Walls informed the
Councill that they had bought timber and put on the Sounding-boards on the
Steeple, and laid the loft above the bells.  Cost œ113. 9s. 8d. Scots."
(Burgh Records, 23d March, 1733.)

WHEAT was grown in this district at the Gellet.  (Vide Cham. Jour., No. 88,
Sept. 1835.)

TOWN OFFICERS' LIVERY. - "The councill agreed to furnish each of the Town
Officers with a big coat Bearing ornaments of Red and Whyte, being the
Town's Livery, And that the Officers put on the said Coatts at all times,
both Sabbath day and Week day; And if any of them shall be guilty of any
malverse, for which they shall be deprived of their office, that the Coatt
be immediately taken from him or them, and put upon such person as the
Council shall choice in room of the Trangressor."  (Burgh Rec., 28th March,
1733.)

GREAT SICKNESS prevailed in the town in June, July, and August this year,
and a large number, both young and old, were carried off by it."  (MS.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Sir Peter Halket of Pitfirrane was re-elected
Provost. (Burgh Records, 1st Oct. 1733.)

THE AULD KIRK CLOCK and New Crown Wheel. - "The councill considering that
the time aggreed with Robert Bonnar for keeping and taking care of the
Clock Expyred at Michaelmas last, They therefore call'd for Robert Bonnar
when he acquainted the councill it was proper there should be made a Crown
Wheel of brass for the Clock in order to make her go well.  Which, being
considered by the councill they aggreed with him to make the same and to
pay him twelve pounds scots therefor, and sett to him the keeping of the
Clock for six years to come at the old rent."  (Burgh Records, 13th Oct.
1733.)

GREAT THUNDER-STORM. - On the 27th October, 1733, a great thunder-storm
passed over the west of Fife.  "A wall of the old Abbey Choir, struck with
the lightning, fell; also a part of the old wall" (In-below-th'-Waa's).
(Old MS. Note, of date August, 1735; see also Sib. Hist. Fife.)

THE BAKERS' WHEAT-MILL BUILT. - This mill, now a ruin, stands on the west
side of the overflow of water on Heugh Mill Brae, 70 yards south-east of
the Palace wall.   On a stone near the foundation there is the date "1733."
The ancient Shilling or "Sheeling" Hill was on "the brae of the heugh," a
little to the east and north of this mill.

1734. - "IN-BELOW-TH'-WAA'S" was ordered to be cleansed and kept in proper
order. (Burgh Records.)  In the beginning of the 16th century, this passage
between the east end of May Gate and the New Row was a narrow, "ill-kept
foot-road," and had then the name of "the foul vennel."  Afterwards it was
known as "In-below-th'-Waa's" i.e., below, or at the foot of the north wall
of the Abbey Park.  It is now three times its former breadth, and dignified
with the name of "Canmore Street," which name was bestowed on it in 1811.

THE WEAVERS' FLAGS. - The flags belonging to the incorporation of Weavers
were woven in the loom by James Blake, damask-weaver, Dunfermline.  The
writer has in his possession one of these flags, it consists of a large
solid sheet of silk damask, on which perfectly different patterns are woven
on each side, and on this account considered a great curiosity in weaving.
On one side there is a reed, a sword of the lay, a rocking tree, two
shuttles, two temples, and four combs, with the words -

"FOR THE WEAVERS OF DUNFERMLINE. 1734"

and the Weavers' motto -

"TRUST WITH TRUTH"

and their ensign - a Boar's Head, with a Shuttle in its mouth.  On the
other side, in the centre of the sheet, is a Lion rampant, surrounded by a
border of Scotch Thistles, with a Crown at the head, and a St. Andrew's
Cross, with the motto -

"NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT."

CITY OF DUNFERMLINE. - Hope has appended to his "Minor Practicks" a copy of
Spotiswood's "Religious Houses," wherein Dunfermline is designated a city
(p. 436).  The "Account of Religious Houses" appears to have been first
published about the year 1680.  Hope's "Minor Practicks" was published this
year, 1734.  (See also Keith's Scottish Bishops, p. 402.)

PROVOSTS OF DUNFERMLINE. - "30th Sept., 1734: This day the councill Elected
and do hereby Elect Patrick Black, merchant, Dunfermline, to be Provost.
Same day Patrick Black demitted office, or rather would not accept it, upon
which the Councill unanimously Elected The Most Honourable John Marques of
Tweeddale to be Provost of this burgh till michaelmas nixt, And his
Lordship accepted of the character and office."  (Burgh Records, 30th
Sept., 1734.)

THE NETHER-GATE OF THE ABBEY. - "The council, by petition from the
inhabitants of the Nethertown, 'craving liberty to open the wicket at ye
nethergate of the Abbey Park for their convenience,' was granted, on the
condition that they should have a sufficient door on it or glacks and
uphold it," &c.  (Burgh Records, 23d Nov., 1734.)

JAMES YOUNG, MERCHANT, DUNFERMLINE, Tried by the Regality Court for
Manslaughter. - Fernie, in his History of Dunfermline, has the following
notice of this trial:- "James Young, merchant in Dunfermline, in December,
1734, was indicted for bruising and wounding Henry Wardlaw, son of
lieutenant Patrick Wardlaw, and being the occasion of the boy's death.  The
jury, consisting of fifteen, unanimously found the pannel not guilty.  The
depute bailies of regality on the trial were Arthur Forbes of Pittencrieff,
and Mr. Hugh Forbes, Advocate."  (Regality Rec. of Dunf. Dec. 1734.)

LITERATURE - "The Gospel Sonnets." - The first edition of this work was
published towards the end of the year 1734 by its author, the Rev. Ralph
Erskine, minister of the First Charge of Dunfermline Church.  It is
entitled "Gospel Sonnets, or Spiritial Songs, in Six Parts," &c.  This
celebrated work has gone through about thirty-two editions.

ABBEY WALL PARTLY REMOVED. - That part of the north wall of the Abbey,
which stood between Abbot and Canmore Streets, was removed in order "to get
a nearer road to the new Bleachfield."  (MS. Note.)

1735. - BLEACHFIELD CANALS. - The Council appointed several of their
members to oversee the building of "four canalls in the Bleachfield wt
stones on each syde and bottom, and that the same be fallen about as soon
as may be."  (Burgh Records, 7th March, 1735.)

THE WEAVERS' CALANDER HOUSE. - In the Burgh Records, 21st March, 1735, "the
Corporation of Weavers represent to the councill, that they having new
built yr calender in the new raw, and placed some windows on ye south
gavill yrof by east ye corner of John Donaldsons house," they therefore
crave the Councill to recognize these windows as their rights.  The
Council, in the meantime, refuse to sanction them in case Donaldson's heirs
might at some time enlarge his house by which the weavers' lights may be
stopped, &c.

ROTTENROW PORT. - The following appears to be the only notice on record of
the Rotten Row Port:- "3 May, 1735: The councill having several times
visited the foundation of the malt barn proposed to be built by Bailly
Lindsay on the north syde of ye Rottenraw, and having this day reasoned on
the same.  They allow the south east corner of the malt barn to be built
nine foot north from the South pillar of the Rottenraw port, and the south
wall to run therefrom in a straight line a foot by south the east corner of
James Thomson's byre, and that the stair on the south side shall be only
three foot and an half by south the syde wall, and the councill ordain
Bailley Lindsay to pay Matthew Keir, thesaurer, a guinea for behoof of the
community."  Such like payments, which were "very rife" in those days, do
not always appear to have benefited "the community."  This Port appears to
have stood on the street between the south end of North Chapel Street and
the north end of Randolph Street.  It is likely that it would be greatly
damaged by the "overwhelming fire of 1624," and afterwards re-built, or
"helped."  (For other Ports, see An. Dunf. dates 1327, 1488, 1585, 1752,
1780.)

LITERATURE. - "The Female Preacher; or the Woman of Samaria's Sermon to the
Men of the City, by Rev. Ralph Erskine; printed for David Duncan, foot of
the West Bow, 1735."  This production is a 16mo of 76pp.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - "27th Sept. 1735: Councill of the Burgh of
Dunfermline, Holden within the Tolbooth thereof by the Magistrates and
members of the councill.  Sederunt - The Most Honourable The Marquis of
Tweeddale, Lord Provost, presiding," &c., when "the councill elected the
most Honourable the Marques of Tweeddale Provost, and James Crawford and
David Morison, Baillies."  (Burgh Records.)

A COPPERSMITH. - Mungo Borland is mentioned in a MS. book, this year, as
being a coppersmith at the lower end of the Heugh Mills.  (Old Business
Account.)

1736. - AULD KIRK REPAIRS - "Rotten Laft," &c. - "The auld kirk was again
under repairs in 1736, when a timber roof or awning was erected along
nearly the whole length of the middle area of the kirk, a little above the
stone pillars."  This was done in order "to keep the minister's voice more
into the kirk, and to be better heard, and also to make the kirk more
comfortable and warm;"  the date, 1736, was cut into several of the
cross-beams.  The "laft" was removed in 1823; it had the name of the rotten
laft shortly after its erection, as the whole fabric of the laft was
constructed of ratten deals, &c., or undressed timber.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - It is not known who was Provost this year, the
Burgh Records for this date, and also for dates 1737, 1738, and 1739 having
been long missing.

METEOROLOGY. - According to a MS. Note, "the summer was extraordinarlie hot
and sulphry for above 3 months."

WEAVING. - David Mackie at thsi period "carried on the damask weaving trade
in Dunfermline, and had three looms employed, which was then reckoned a
large stock." - Mercer's Hist. Dunf. p. 164.

1737. - REV. RALPH ERSKINE, of Dunfermline, "first formally connected
himself with the Associate Synod," which was instituted in 1733.

PUBLIC RACES on the Carnock Road established this year, "and ordained to be
run there annually at June Fair."  (Burgh Records.)

METEOROLOGY. - On the fly-leaf of an old book there is a written note by
W.B., stating that "this summer, like last one, was extraordinarily warm in
Dunfermline, and that the lieges were greatly distressed for want of water,
for the Dam, the Back Burn, and Broomhead Burn, had been dry for many
weeks."

SACRAMENT SUNDAY, 10th July, 1737 - Extraordinary Number of Communicants,
Length of Service, &c. - Fraser, in his Life of Rev. Ralph Erskine,
extracts the following note from his Diary:- "Sabbath, July 10th, 1737 -
The sacrament was in Dunfermline, and I preached half an hour before the
action began, about half an hour before 8 in the morning, upon Mat. iii.
17.  The tables began to be served a little after 9 o'clock, and continued
till about 12 at night; betwixt four and five thousand communicants."
(Fraser's Life and Diary of the Rev. Ralph Erskine, p. 233.)  It would
appear that the above number and length of services were nothing uncommon;
such had happened yearly since about 1716, and continued so until the death
of Rev. Mr. Erskine in 1752.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Name not known.  Burgh Records for this date,
&c., lost.

1738. RELIGIOUS CONTENTION. - "Much religious contention in Dunfermline and
locality at the beginning of 1738, caused by the Secessionists and others."
(MS. Note.)

LITERATURE. - "A Paraphrase or Explicatory Poem upon the Song the Solomon,"
by Rev. Ralph Erskine, published.

TRANSCRIPT OF DUNFERMLINE ABBEY CHARTULARY. - Walter Macfarlane (of that
ilk), the eminent antiquary, during the year 1738, made a transcript of the
Chartulary (or Register) of Dunfermline Abbey, which is conisered to be a
faithful translation.  On the death of Macfarlane, in 1767, it was
purchased, along with other Abbey transcripts, by the Faculty of Advocates,
Edinburgh, and deposited in their library, where it may be consulted.  It
has been much referred to by antiquaries and others during the last hundred
years.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Name not known.  Burgh Records for this year
lost.

ABBEY WALL. - "A great part of the old Abbey wall, extending along the
north side of the Common Vennel (Priory Lane), fell in December, 1738.  It
had been long in a very ruinous condition."  (MS.)

1739. - SEVERE FROST. - According to an old MS. Note, the frost which "set
in about the middle of Decr. 1738," continued for 107 days, "for it did not
give way until March 29th this year."  Dunfermline was "distressed for want
of pure water.  The Dam and Clay acres loch on Pilmuir swarmed with
sliders, old and young, and Curling was brisk."

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR ERECTING A SECESSION KIRK. - An Old MS. Note informs us
that "great discontent and irritation prevailed in the town and parish in
1739, in consequence of the Rev. Ralph Erskine, one of their minsters,
being placed in such an uncomfortable and unsatisfactory position.  In the
month of March, this year, it was resolved, at a numerous meeting of his
adherents and kirk-session, that a new kirk should be built in case their
minister should be deposed at the then forthcoming meeting of the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland," and "to accomplish this, the town and
country was ordered to be canvassed for subscriptions to defray the
expenses of the building."

Referring to this matter, the Rev. Mr. Erskine has the following entry in
his Diary:- "April, 1739: About this time a libel and summons were put into
our hand from the Commission, to appear before the Assembly; and what
happened in this parish was very remarkable.  Some three weeks ago (end of
March, 1739), upon hearing of the libel, our Session, all except four or
five, met in order to contribute for a meeting-house, in case of the
Assembly's sentence of deposition; and then they went through the parish
for subscriptions, and the people generally and heartily subscribed, some
less and some more, according to their ability, and very quickly made a
considerable sum, which at present is going on, this being the 17th of
April, It is expected that at least four hundred pounds sterling will be
gathered in the parish, even amongst the poorer sort for the most part; and
many that have given declaring that, in case of need, they will give as
much again.  This collection by subscription is so universal that it is
surprising and astonishing both friends and enemies.  Great and wondrous
are thy works, Lord God Almighty; and what am I that such favour should be
expressed towards me in this place!  Lord, help rightly to improve this
providence."  (R. Erskine's MS. Diary, and Fraser's Life of Ralph Erskine,
pub. Edin. 1834, pp. 230, 231, &c.)

The sum ultimately collected does not appear to be on record.  It has been
said, however, that shortly before the end of the year 1739 the sum of
œ1060 was collected, and that a site was then purchased for the erection of
the new kirk.  (See An. Dunf. date 1740.)

A PREACHING TENT, erected for the Rev. Ralph Erskine, "in Clerk Wilson's
yard" (the ground now occupied by St. Andrew's Church, North Chapel
Street.)  Near at hand there was a large barn, in which worship was
frequently conducted in inclement weather until early in June, 1741, when
"the New Church" was opened for him.  (Fraser's LIfe of Rev. Ralph
Erskine.)

ITALIAN VIEW OF DUNFERMLINE. - An Italian View of Dunfermline from the
west, was published this year, entitled, "Ruine della Badia de Dunfermling,
in Scozia."  This is similar to the French View of 1730; we have a copy of
this print, now a very scarce one.

CAUSEWAYS TO BE REPAIRED. - The Maygate causeway ordered to be "re-caused
and raised;" and the causeway at the "East end of the toun," near the Town
Green, also ordered to be repaired.  (Burgh Rec.)

COLLIEROW MILLS. - The Council, seeing that "the Collierow Mills" were in
bad repair, and in want of slates, ordered Thomas Knox, their tenant, to
repair and put them in order at his own expense, and if he refused, to
prosecute him before the Regality Court. (Burgh Records, 4th August, 1739.)

WATER. - "6th Sept., 1739: This day the councill considering how profitable
it would be for all the inhabitants If clean water could be brought into ye
toun for serving ye Leidges, and yt it is probable water may be got on the
foresyde of ye grants bank, or the Witch Loan, order an inspection and
trial of these places."  (Burgh Records.)  The sites were tried without
coming on water.

SNUFF MILL. - According to an Old Note, "Andrew Paton erected machinery for
grinding snuff, in a house below the Corn Mill, on the west side of the
conduit and water fall."  This is supposed to have been the first snuff
mill in Dunfermline.

CHARLES, FIFTH EARL OF ELGIN, died in his 77th year, and was interred in
"Eastern or Psalter Churchyard" of Dunfermline.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Lord Charles Hay (of Blansh), elected Provost.
(Burgh Records, 1st Oct., 1739.)

DANGEROUS STATE OF THE ROTTEN ROW. - James Thomson and Alex. Wilson
complain that the great quantity of rubbish on both sides of this street
throws the water into the middle, and being frozen, makes the street
dangerous to pass on; ordered to be inspected.  (Burgh Records, 8th Oct.,
1739.)

1740. - GREAT SNOW STORMS. - An old MS. informs us that during "the whole
of the month of Januar in 1740, Dunfermline was visited by terrible storms
of snow, and that where it was drifted it was at least 24 feet deep."

THE PROVOSTSHIP. - "26th Jan., 1740: Which day was laid before the Councill
a letter to the Baillies and Council from Lord Charles Hay, Provost,
whereby his Ldp declares his cheerful acceptance of his office as Provost
of this Burgh. (Burgh Records.)

THE SECESSION KIRK FOUNDED. - Several notes inform us that "the new
Secession Kirk was founded in May, 1740, and that the site purchased for
its erection was in the south end of a field on the east side of School End
Street (now Bath Street), and that the front wall and entrance of the Kirk
reached close upon the Row, called the Back Syde" (now Queen Ann Street).
Another note adds that "the field purchased for the site extended to near
Pilmuir, which large purchase was for the purpose of having a tent erected
in it for the numerous hearers who attended on sacramental occasions."
(An. Dunf. 1741; also Fraser's Life of Rev. Ralph Erskine, p. 246.)

"ANCIENT SOCIETY OF WEAVERS." - The society called the Ancient Society of
Weavers was instituted early in 1740.  (Mercer's Hist. Dunf. p. 143.)  It
became a friendly society in 1793.

THE REV. RALPH ERSKINE, minister of the First Charge of Dunfermline Church,
was deposed on 12th of May, 1740, by the General Assembly.  (See An. Dunf.
date 1742.)

NEW TANWORK. - "20th Aug., 1740: Which day uppon application from Samuel
ford shoe maker, craving a tack of two roods of ground by east the baxters
mill In order to set down a tanwork yron; which was agreed to on certain
conditions, and the baillies warranted to sign the Tack on such terms."
(Burgh Records.)

ELECTION OF DEACONS OF THE INCORPORATED TRADES IN THE AULD KIRK - Fall of a
Gallery: Several People Hurt. - The following paragraph is extracted from
the Caledonian Mercury, 15th Sept., 1740:- "We hear from Dunfermline, that
the trades being met in the church, in order to elect their deacons, the
loft in which they sat was so crowded, that it fell down, whereby several
were crushed."  (See also An. Dunf. date 1678.)  The Auld Kirk appears to
have been a common place for holding meeting of the incorporated trades,
elections of deacons, &c.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - "29th Sept., 1740: The Councill Elected and
hereby Elect The Right Honourable Lord Charles Hay Provost."  (Burgh
Records.)

PITTENCRIEFF HOUSE. - This house, built about the year 1610, had a third
storey added to it in 1740.  According to several notes, this storey was
built with stones from the palace ruins; perhaps the entire house may have
been aided from the same source.  (An. Dunf. date 1610.)

THE CROSS "being in danger of falling down, the councill order it to be
repaired according to the Report made on it."  (Burgh Records, 11th Sept.,
1740.)

"BURGH OVER COAL." - "11th Oct., 1740: This day the Council, agreed to set
the over coal to five of the Colliers at half a crown each per week, and
Eight pence each of them more for paying the Coal Grieve."  (Burgh
Records.)

MEAL MARKET. - "25th October, 1740: Which day the Councill taking under
their consideration the great loss the inhabitants sustain threw ye want of
a meall mercat," &c., "the Councill for remedie thereof Resolved to build
or provide a proper place for a meall mercat."  (Burgh Records.)  "An
apartment in the lower floor of the tolbooth was taken for this purpose."

THE DEARTH. - A scarcity of provisions "began first to be felt in
Dunfermline about Nov.," 1740.  (Old MS.)

1741. - SHEELED BEAR BROTH. - "17th Jan., 1741: The councill considering
That several persons are demanding sheeled bear in order to make into
broth, they order that four or five bolls of the said bear be dried and
shealled, and then the councill will put a price on it."  (Burgh Records.)

THE REV. THOMAS GILLESPIE was ordained to the charge of the church of
Carnock on 22d January, 1741.  (See An. Dunf. date 1752; Mackelvie's Annals
and Stat., p. 175.)

THE DEARTH. - "25th April, 1741: The Councill considering that the scarcity
and dearth of victual continues, and that the Quantity of grain lately
Commissioned by the Guilderie and brought to this place will in all
probability soon be disposed off, The Council unanimouly agree to
commission one fouth part of a Loading of Victuall or yrby."  (Burgh
Records.)  The vessel called the "Success" arrived at Brucehaven on the 8th
June with the town's order of victual.

THE NEW SECESSION CHURCH Finished and Opened for Public Worship. - The new
Secession Kirk, "in the Backsyde" Row, according to several Notes, was
finished and opened for public worship in June, 1741.  "The kirk was about
80 feet in length, from east to west, 50 feet from north to south; 30 feet
in height in front wall; the gable ends from ground to peak of the roof, 50
feet; and had sittings for 1100 worshippers.  There were galleries round
three sides of the kirk," and "they came so close together that they
terminated within a few feet on each side of the pulpit in the south wall.
The roof was composed of close-set-together timber, which was thoroughly
covered all over with a deep layer of pitch.  On hot days the pitch
softened, and occasionally dropped down on the heads of the hearers, to
their great discomfort and annoyance.  At the west end there were
'loupin-on-staps' for the use of equestrians in leaping on their horses."

The following engraving represents a view of this kirk from the south-west,
reduced from one made under the direction of George Birrell, Esq.,
ex-Provost of the burgh, who in his youth worshipped in this celebrated
kirk, and who pronounces this view to be a correct representation of the
original kirk:-

The above view may be further described with the aid of our notanda, viz.:
"In the front, or south wall, were eight large oblong windows, arranged in
tow storeys, three circular ones in the upper storey, and three large
oblong entrance doors leading into passages.  A few feet within the middle
door, near the south end of the middle passage, stood the pulpit, which
fronted the north.  The passage was wide where the pulpit stood, the
worshippers passing along each side of the pulpit without inconvenience."
(Manuscripts.)  Above the lintel-stane of this door, figured the lettered
stane, a representation of which is shown in the engraving below.  "The
south or front wall of this kirk was built on ground about sixteen feet to
the south of the present iron entrance gates, while the north or back wall
stood a few feet to the north of Mr. Erskine's statue.  The west gable
(shown in view) reached within six feet of the west wall of School End
Street" (Bath Street).  "It had four large oblong windows, similar to those
in the front wall; also, arranged in two storeys, between the soles of the
lower ones, stood the loupin-on-staps.  At the north-west corner of this
gable there was a yett, which led into the tent park."  The only relic of
this structure in existence is the lettered-stone which was built into the
front wall over the lintel-stane of the middle door.  This stone had lain
long, "unheeded and unknown," amongst lumber in the lumber-place of the
present church.  It has recently been placed against the wall, inside of
the west door.  As it will be interesting to many of our readers, we give a
fac-simile engraving of it:-

Pasce foris sparsum,
provide Christe, Gregem.
IEHOVAH-JIREH.
Rodolphus Ereskin V.D.M.
MDCC.XL.

Probably this inscription was written by the Rev. Ralph Erskine, and may be
rendered -

"Feed and provide, O Christ, for thy flock scattered abroad.  THE LORD WILL
PROVIDE. Ralph Erskine, Minsiter of God's Word.  1740."
(See An. Dunf. dates 1741, 1742, and 1800.)

REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD IN DUNFERMLINE. - This celebrated "Methodist Divine"
preached his first sermon in Scotland from the pulpit of Ralph Erskine, in
Dunfermline, on 31st July, 1741.  Whitefield, in his Diary, referring to
this occasion, says:- "I went to Dunfermline yesterday, where dear Mr.
Ralph Erskine hath got a large and separate, or as it is commonly termed,
Seceding Meeting-House.  He received me very lovingly.  I preached to his
and the town's people - a very thronged assembly.  After I had done prayer,
and named my text, the rustling made by opening the bibles all at once
quite surprised me: a scene I never was witness to before," &c.  This
sermon would be preached in the then recently erected meeting-house.  On
the evening of August 1st, Mr. Whitefield returned to Dunfermline, and
preached in the "Orphan's-House Park" (extreme end of East Port Street.)
"Dear Mr. Erskine accompanied me.  I preached to many thousands in this
park.  The Lord was there.  Immediately after sermon a large company, among
whom were some of the nobility, came to salute me."  (Whitefield's Diary;
also Fraser's Life of the Rev. Ralph Erskine p. 328.)

MEETING OF THE "ASSOCIATE SYNOD" WITH THE REV. MR. WHITEFIELD. - This new
body met in the house of the Rev. Ralph Erskine (down a close, south side
of the High Street, leading down to the east end of the Maygate) by special
appointment, on the 5th August, 1741, to meet and confer with the Rev. Mr.
Whitefield respecting his religious views, &c.  The meeting took place.
Various versions have been given of this celebrated meeting; but there can
be no doubt that it "ended rather unpleasantly."  (Fraser's "Life of the
Rev. Ralph Erskine," pp. 329, 330.)

TIMBER STAIRS, &C. - "15th July, 1741: At a Councill meeting held this day,
Baillie Wilson yr stated that the whole or most part of ye houses in ye
town have had originally timber fore stairs, and some with auderys without
stone pillars below, and yr can no instance be given of any hereitor being
restricted from building as far out as their stone pillars, and yt in this
wise yr was not only stone pillars but a piece of side wall."  (Burgh
Records.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Lord Charles Hay, of Blansh, re-elected Provost.
(Burgh Records, 28th Sept, 1741.)

1742. - REV. JAMES WARDLAW, Minister of the Second Charge of the
Established Church, died at Dunfermline on the 2d May, 1742, in the
sixty-ninth year of his age, and 24th year of his ministry.  He lies near
the site of the old pulpit.  (Burgh Records.)

SCHOOL IN THE QUEEN'S HOUSE. - Mr. Francis Paterson had a School in one of
the rooms of Queen Ann of Denmark's House in 1742, which he taught with
ability and success.

THE REV. RALPH ERSKINE finally left off Preaching in the Auld Kirk. -
Although he was deposed by the General Assembly in May, 1740, yet, in
defiance of the act of deposition, he continued to preach once every Sunday
in the Auld Kirk, until 11th May, 1742, when he by eminent legal and other
advice, entirely "gave up preaching in his old pulpit."  Previous to this
period there had been some unseemly "clerical passages at arms, and it was
well for all parties that such clerical bickering had now ceased."  As
already mentioned, Mr. Erskine, besides preaching in the Auld Kirk every
Sunday after his deposition, "also conducted divine service every Sunday in
his tent, or in the barn, from 1739 to June, 1741.  After the later date,
till 11th May, 1742, he made use of his newly-erected Church, and continued
to do so till his death.  (See MS. by David Inglis Wright; Mercer's Hist.
Dunf. pp. 126-133; Fraser's Life of Ralph Erskine; see also An. Dunf. dates
1739, 1740, 1741, and 1752.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Lord Charles Hay of Blansh was re-elected
Provost.  (Burgh Records, 27th Sept., 1742.)

1743. - HORSE-STEALERS IMPRISONED IN THE TOLBOOTH - One of them Hangs
Himself in his Cell. - The following is a note regarding the
circumstances:-

"James Hay and William Gordon, natives of Aberdeenshire, were apprehended
at Torrie, near Dunfermline, on a charge of Horse Stealing.  They had two
horses in their possession when taken.  Hay and Gordon were lodged in the
tolbooth of Dunfermline.  They were put into separate cells, and examined
separately.  Both said that they had bought the horses, but gave different
accounts of the circumstances.  Next Sunday (1st Feby.) the Jailor of
Dunfermline tolbooth, on returning from the church, found that Gordon had
hanged himself in his cell.  Shortly afterwards Hay was conveyed to
Cupar-Fife, where he was tried for his crime; was found guilty, and
Executed pursuant to Sentence passed by the Court."  On the examination of
Hay, "compeared Alexander Richardson, jaylar in Dunfermling, witnes, aged
Sixty and upwards - married.  Purged of all partiall councill, Solemnly
Sworn and interogat, depones that upon the twenty-eight of January last the
pannell and William Gordon were committed prisoners in the tolbooth of
Dunfermline, by warrand from Sir George Preston, Justice of Peace, for
Horse Stealing; that they were put in seperate rooms in the prison, and
upon Sunday thereafter, the deponent having gone into the prison in the
morning, saw Gordon well, and haveing again gone into prison after Sermons,
found that he had strangled himselfe causa scietiae patet; and this is the
truth, as he shall swear to God."  (Extract from Minutes of the Trial
before the Sheriff of Fife at Cupar; see also Rec. Reg. Court Dunf. date
1743.)  It is probable that Hay was executed at Cupar-Fife.

POTATOES PLANTED IN FIELDS AT FOD, near Dunfermline. - An Old MS. states
that "potatoes were first planted in the open fields, in the West of Fife,
at a farm called Fod, near Dunfermline."  The Fods are about two miles east
of Dunfermline.

THE NORTH WALL OF THE ABBEY, &C. - "7th March, 1743: This day the Coucill,
after considering the many complaints of the walls of the under side of the
north wall of the monastery of Dunfermline (Canmore Street), being
insufficient, some part yrof already fallen, and other parts yrof hanging
over, so that it is dangerous for passengers and travellers: Ordered that
the heritors and possessors of land there to make the wall sufficient."
(Burgh Rec.)  It would appear that what was done to the wall was a
make-shift. (An. Dunf. date 1744.)

THE REV. JAMES THOMSON, for 14 years a minister to the 26th Regiment of
Foot, was admitted Minister of the First Charge of the Established Church,
Dunfermline, on May 4, 1743. (An. Dunf. 1790.)

EXCESSIVE USE OF TEA AND FOREIGN SPIRITS. - "9th July, 1743: Which day
there was laid before the Council by John Wilson, Commissioner to the
Royall burrows, a printed paper signed by William fforbes, Clerk to the
Royal Burrows, anent the preventing the Universal and Excessive Use of tea
and fforeign spirits in order to obtain their oppinion anent the samen,"
&c.  The Council ordered the bailies, on 31st August, to write to "the
Clerk of the burrows, that it is the Councills mind and opinion that the
putting a stop to the use of tea and fforeign spirits as mentd in yr act is
for the interest of the country if proper methods can be fallen upon to
prevent the same."  (Burgh Records.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Lord Charles Hay of Blansh was re-elected
Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

KEEPING OF THE TOWN CLOCK. - "15 Dec.: The councill ordered the treasurer
to pay to Rot Bonnar, wright, thirteen pounds ten shillings Scots for his
attending and rectifying the toun clock yearly."  (Bur. Rec.)

1744. - THE BLEACHFIELD. - "18 Feb. 1744: Which day the Councill taking to
yr serious consideration the hazard that the bleachfield is in, throu the
proprietors of houses on the west side of the new raw yr having an entry or
door on the east dyek of the bleatchfield (Abbey Wall); And that the
masters or possessors of ye sd tenements cant account or answer for their
servants their fidelity.  Ordered all doors at the back of such houses to
be closed up by the 1st April next," &c.  (Burgh Records.)

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF DUNFERMLINE, by Mr. Alex. Livingstone - MS. in
Advocates' Library, Edinburgh: The following are a few notes extracted from
this MS.:-

"The Parish of Dunfermline, in the Shire of Fife, is bounded on the West by
the parish of Torryburn, on the north-west by the parish of Carnock, on the
north by the parish of Saline, on the north-east by the parish of Cleish,
on the east by the parish of Beath, on the south-east by the parish of
Dalgetie, and on the south by some points to the east, by the parish of
Inverkething," &c.

"About a quarter of a mile from the Church, south side of the Town, is the
Line Burn, from whence the name of the Town in Latin, viz., "Dunum
Fermilinum," is thought by some to have taken its arise.  The fountain from
whence it springs is Moss Morrovine, three miles east of the Town, and
falls into the Forth at the Iron Miln three miles south-west of the church.

"About a large mile north of the church is the Town Loch, about a mile in
circumference, which produces some few Perches.  About two large miles
north-east of the Town is Lochfitty, about two miles in circumference,
which produces Pikes and Perches.  About two miles north of the Town is
Lochend, which produces Perches (about a mile in circumference.)  About two
and a half miles north of the Town is Dunduff, which produces a few Pikes
and Perches (of a quarter or little more in circumference.)  About six
miles north-east of the Town is Lochgloe, which produces plenty of Pikes
and Perches, and is about a mile in circumference," &c.

"About a large stone-cast west of the Church is the Tower-hill, commonly
called 'King Malcolm's Tower,' or his dwelling-place at Dumfermline.  It is
nearly surrounded with a little water, called the back-burn, which takes
its rise from the Town Loch, about a large mile north of the Church, and
falleth in with the Line-burn about a quarter of a mile south of the Town.
Over it is a Bridge of two arches, which leadeth into the Town from West to
East," &c.  (Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS., vol. i.,
Advocates' Library, Edinburgh; Fernie's Hist Dunf. p. 182-187.)  (The most
of Livingstone's description is taken up with distances of places from
Dunfermline, and the relative bearings of "gentlemen's houses within the
Parish.")

ADDRESS TO THE KING - Threatened Invasion - Royal Marriage and Birth. -
"10th April: The councill order and appoint the baillies to form and sign
an address to his majesty the King on the late threatened invasion: The
marriage of princess Mary to the prince Royall of Denmark, and the Birth of
the prince of Wales's third son: And to transmit the same to the honorble
Mr. James Erskine, our member of parliat, to be presented to his Majesty
accordingly."  (Burgh Records.)

THE REV. THOMAS FERNIE admitted Minister of the Second Charge of the Church
of Dunfermline, on 19th April, 1744.  (Ses. Records, see An. Dunf. 1788.)

ONE OF THE BAILIES "HORRIDLY INSULTED." - "15th Sept.: Which day Baillie
Scotland laid before the Councill a written complaint agt Robert Meldrum,
town officer, complaining of a horrid insult and indignity made and offered
by sd Rot Meldrum agt the sd Baillie Scotland on wednesday night last, when
the baillie went civilly to the tolbooth to curb some disturbance that he
heard was among the prisoners."  Meldrum was dismissed from his office, and
ordered to be prosecuted.  (Burgh Records.)

ABBEY WALLS IN A DANGEROUS STATE. - "22nd Sept.: Which day on a complaint
from some of the burgesses, that no person can come or go from the Maygeat
to ye Newraw without great hazard of their lives by the abbay wall falling"
: the Council ordered that the wall be inspected and "the faulty parts
taken down."  (Bur. Records.)  The Abbey wall, all along "in below the
walls" (Canmore Street), had been much shaken by the great thunderstorm in
1733.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Lord Charles Hay of Blansh was re-elected
Provost. (Burgh Records.)

THE TOWN CONSTABLES' ANNUAL DINNER. - "20th Oct., 1744: This day the
council taking to yr consideration the inconveniencys attending ye
constables of this burgh having it in yr power to go to any house they
please to spend money in use to be given to them by the town for a dinner;
some of them wanting it to one house and some to another.  The councill
yrfor to prevent any dispute yt may arise for the future yranent, Statute
and ordained yt in all time coming the Constables shall spend ye money that
ye toun gives ym after michaelmas, yearly in any house in this place qr the
Council pleases, and shall appoint ym to go to, otherways the transgressors
to get no money off ye toun."  (Burgh Records.)

1745. - STEEL MILLS. - "6th Feb., 1745: Which day Baillie Scotland informed
the Councill that William Bruce, tenant of the Heugh Mills, acquainted him
that the Corporation of Weavers intended this day to sell their two Steel
Mills, presently standing in the Coalliaraw Mill at a public roup, and
desired the baillie in his name to beg the favour of the Council to buy the
sd two Steel Mills for his use of the tack.  The Council agreed to send
some one to the said roup to bid to the extent of three pounds ten
shillings, sterg for ye sd mills."  (Burgh Records.)

LITERATURE. - "Faith no Fancy; or a Treatise on Mental Images, Discovering
the Vain Philosophy and Vile Divinity of a late Pamphlet, entitled 'Mr.
Robe's Fourth Letter to Mr. Fisher'; and showing that an Imaginary Idea of
Christ as Man (when supposed to belong to Saving Faith, whether in its act
or object) imports nothing but Ignorance, Atheism, Idolatry, Great
Falsehood, and Gross Delusion.  By RALPH ERSKINE, A.M., Minister of the
Gospel at Dunfermline, who was very confidently, but ignorantly, charged
with Blasphemy and Heresy in the said Pamphlet for condemning that
imaginary Doctrine; with an Appendix relating to part of the late Writings
of the Reverend Messr. Williams and Currie, especially touching some points
of Gospel Doctrine, injured by their Defence of the Act of General
Assembly, 1722, &c. 'Nunquam periclitatur religio nisi inter
Reverendissimos.' - Luth.  Edinburgh: Printed by W. & T. Ruddimans, &c.
M.D.CCXLV."  This now very scarce work is an 8vo volume of 372 pp., with an
appendix of 40 pp.  "This is esteemed the most philosophical and learned of
all Ralph Erskine's works - a quotation would not suffice to give an
estimate of the work, it must be read through," &c.

WEIGHT OF BREAD, &C. - For some time previous to this year, many complaints
had been sent to the Magistrates regarding the light weight of Bread; on
June 17th, 1745, the Magistrates and Council issued the following Table of
Weights and Prices:-

                                White or      Wheaten         Household
                                ffinest    or Second sort.   or Third sort.
Weight.
                            ounces. drams.  ounces. drams.   ounces. drams.
                                 6      3        9      4        12      5
                                12      6       18      8        24     11

                            pence.  farth.  pence.  farth.   pence.  farth.
2lb wgt                         2       2       1       3
4 pound wgt                     5               3       2        2       3
6 pound wgt                     7       2       5       1        4
8 pound wgt                    10               7                5       1

SIR PETER HALKET, who was so frequently elected Provost of Dunfermline
between 1705 and 1733, died in the year 1745, at the advanced age of
eighty-seven years.

A NEW TOWN OR KIRK CLOCK ORDERED. - The following minute of the Town
Council relates to the ordering of a new Town or Kirk Clock:-

"26th June, 1745: Which day the baillies informed the Councill that Mr.
Andrew Dickie, watchmaker in Edin., was come over to this place as he was
desired by the Councill, anent a new clock to the Kirk Steeple of this
burgh; And that after the baillie, &c., some of the members of council had
gone up wt sd Mr. Dickie to the present Clock in sd steeple, which is
reckond quit useless and takes more expence to uphold the same than will go
a good way to get a new clock,  The baillies and these members heard Mr.
Dickie yranent.  And Mr. Dickie offered to furnish a sufficient new clock
to sd steeple, the two big wheels yrof to be fourteen inches in diameter
and very nigh an inch thick, and these wheels and ye oyr wheels to be of
brass, and ye rest of ye wheels to be in proportion to ye two big wheels,
To go for about thirty hours, and a minute hand wtin, All for forty pounds
(sterg.); And that he declaird he could do the thing cheaper but could not
attest a cheaper clock; Which being considered by the Councill, They
appoint, warrand and impowr the two baillies and dean of gild in name of
the town to contract wt sd Mr. Dickie for a new clock to the Steeple at sd
forty pounds sterling of price, and if the baillies and dean of gild think
fit to agree wt Mr. Dickie for a minute hand to the outside, altho the town
should pay a guinea more for ye sd minute hand or so.  And whatsoever the
baillies and dean of gild shall so contract, The councill engadges to
relieve ym yrof.  And they enjoin the sd baillies and dean of gild to agree
wt Mr. Dickie to make ye sd clock to have an hour hand to the West, And the
north broad or plate to have an hour and minute hand together, And allow ym
to contract wt Mr. Dickie in ye cheapest way for ye west hand also; And the
whole price Not to exceed forty three pounds Sterling."  (Burgh Records.)

It would appear from this that the Council were anxious to have a dial with
an hour-hand on it, to point out the hours on the west side of the steeple,
and thus show the time to those on the west road, which then went by way of
Tower Hill to Urquhart Bridge, but this was abandoned in consequence of
"the difficulty there would be in piercing a hole through the thick wall of
the Steeple."

On the 31st August of the same year, the Town Council received a letter
from Mr. Dickie, which will be understood by the following minute of
Council:- "31 August: Which day the baillie laid before the councill a
letter from Mr. Dickie, of the 28th current, relative to the Clock,
signifying that it will be a troublesome job to peirce the hole in the west
side of the Steeple, and to put up the broad on the west side thereof; and,
wishing that the councill would let it alone and he'll discount a guinea of
the price: Which being considered by the Councill, They unanimously resolve
and agree that there shall be no hand nor broad to the west side of the
Steeple, And appoints the baillies or any one of them to write to Mr.
Dickie accordingly, and also to desire Mr. Dickie to provide a sufficient
dyall-broad of good fir, and six foot in diameter, and to cause
sufficiently paint the same, with gold leaf of large figures for the hour
hand and the minute figures in proportion."  (Burgh Records.)

THE TOLBOOTH PORT. - This port is mentioned in a minute in the Burgh
Records, under date July 2d, 1745, as follows: "Which day on application
from Robert Bryce and John Adie, tacksmen of the town's landwart flesh
stands, the Councill authorized and impowered the sd tacksmen on yr own
expence to fix and place two trees and an overtree for the benefit of the
landwart fleshers yt bring flesh to this burgh, and yt at the east end of
the stone shop near ye tolbooth port to Adam Walker's heirs, wt kleeks on
ye sd trees."

According to several aged inhabitants of Dunfermline with whom the writer
in early life held frequent converse on "the days of old, the years of
ancient times," and who, in their "boyhood days," had often passed through
this port, all agreed in their statements regarding it, viz.: In front of
the Old Tolbooth, removed in 1769, there projected out into the street an
immense fan-formed stone stair, which led up to the Council Chamber in the
second storey.  The stair was about ten feet in breadth at the top landing,
and widened out as it came down to the street, so much so that the lower
steps that rested on the street were at least twenty feet in length.  The
upper steps of this stair, and the stone landing at the top, rested on an
arch-way or pend of about ten feet in height, eight feet in width, and the
road through this arch, below the big stair, was about twelve feet in
length.  This roadway connected the Kirkgate with the Collieraw (now Bruce
Street).  A gate hung on the northern exit of the arch or pend, and served
as the Tolbooth port, which in ancient times was closed each night with the
rest of the ports.  Such are all the details known regarding "the Tolbooth
Port." (For the other ports, see An. Dunf. 1327, 1488, 1585, 1735, 1752,
and 1780.)  Also, for view of this remarkable stair, see the view of it in
Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p. 4, which was supplied by the writer.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Lord Charles Hay of Blansh was re-elected
Provost; 30th Sept., 1745. (Burgh Records.)

THE REBELLION, AND PRINCE CHARLES'S DEMANDS ON THE BURGH. - In the Burgh
Records, between October 4 and December 27, 1745, there are five minutes of
meetings of the Council of the Burgh regarding "Prince Charlie's demands on
them."  As the minutes are interesting, we shall give them in full:-

4th Oct., 1745. - The said day the letter from Mr. Murray of Broughton, by
command of his prince, was again read this day as it was on munday last,
before the councill, the tenor qrof follows:-

"Holyrood House, 28th Sept., 1745.

"Sir, - You are hereby orderd upon receipt of this to repair to the
Secretary's Office at the Palace of Holyrood-house, there to have the
contribution to be pay'd by your toun of Dunfermline for his Highness use
ascertained, which shall be done according and in proportion to the duty's
of excyse arising out of the sd toun of Dunfermline ffor the repayment of
which contribution the sd duty shall be assigned.  This you are orderd upon
pain of rebellion forth wt to obey. - By his Highness command,

"Sign'd J. MURRAY."

Directed on the back "To the Provost or Magistrates of the burgh of
Dunfermline."

Whereupon Baillie Adie and Baillie Crawford, verbally commissioned by the
Council on munday to goe over to Edr. in name of the toun in obedience to
the above forced commission or letter, Reported that they went to Edr. and
met with Mr. Murray's under Secretary's, as they called ymselves, viz.,
messieurs Stuart and Lumsdean, who demanded eighty pounds Sterling as the
lowest contribution to be pay'd by this burgh, and to be pay'd to-morrow at
furthest, and that for the touns repayment a proper assignment is to be
given.  The councill yrfor, before they proceed to give judgment in the
above affair, recommend to and appoint the dean of gild to meet his
brethren and each deacon of croft to meet and assemble yr seall crofts for
advice how the sd contribution is to be pay'd, or by whom in the meantime.
The saids Baillies Adie and Crawford also reported that on payment of the
anl contribution no more in name of excyse on that score was to be pay'd by
this burgh for near six months.  And the councill appoints ye dean of gild
and deacons to report this day by 12 midday. - Councill of the Burgh of
Dunfermline held wtin ye writing chamber on friday the 4th October, 1745.

Council of the burgh of Dunfermline, held wtin ye writing chamber on friday
ye 4 October, 1745, at 12 midday, by adjourment.

Sederunt, &c.
Alexander Miller, Bailies.              Jas. Crawford.
David Adie, Bailies.                    Robert Wilson.
John Lindsay, dean of gild.             John Walker.
Andr. Dickie, treasr.                   Alexr. Coventry.
John Black.                             Wm. Walker.
Thos. Scotland.                         Wm. Anderson.
Wm. Hutton.                             John Kerr.
David Sands.                            John Pierson.
George Kellock.                         George Meldrum.
John Knox.

The dean of gild an deacons of Crofts, In consequence of the appointment
this day made the following reports, viz.:- The dean of gild reported yt he
met his brethren and yt they are unanimously of opinion that the
contribution should be payd off the touns common good rather than the toun
be plundered, but delayed giving yr judgement how much they will contribut
for ye touns help or assistance till afterwards.  And the whole deacons
reported that it is the mind of their seall trades that the contribution
should by payd by ye toun off the touns common good; And in case that the
toun shall not recover it, or get repayment from the brewars and those
lyable in excyse, that in yt case that they will severally contribut
conform to yr abilities, save ye corporation of Weavers and Taylors, who
declined giving any advice in ye matter. - Which reports being considered
by the councill, and they considering that other royall burrows have payd
yr contribution money, The councill yrfor agree to the said eighty pounds
sterling of contribution money.  And the councill having askt John Knox,
treasr, what money is in his hands of ye toune, at the time, who declares
yt he has only twenty-two pounds sterling. - Whereupon the council appoint,
warrand, and authorize John Knox, late trear, in name of ye toun and on the
touns credite, to borrow the remaining fifty-eight pounds Sterling, and
when borrowed, also appoints him, ye sd John Knox, to send the sd eighty
pounds Sterling wt Robert Meldrum, one of the touns officers, to Edr., and
Robert Meldrum to give it to Mr. fflockart, the touns agent, to pay the
same accordingly, and also warrand ye baillies to sign a conjunct bill or
bills from ye persons one or more from whom ye sd œ50 Str. is to be
borrowed.
Signd. ALEX. MILLER."

The same day also, John Knox, late treasr, represented that as it is
reported yt the highlanders are by force to levy and uplift the land cess
tomorrow or very soon, So he wanted the councill's judgement how to behave.
That is, whether he should pay ye touns land cess to ym or not.  Which
being considered by the councill, they are of opinion and agree that the sd
John Knox pay the land cess as in case other gentlemen pay theirs to them.
(Signed) ALEXD. MILLER.

THE EARL OF KELLIE and a small party of Highlanders come to Dunfermline
demanding money.  The Council meet to consider it along with former
demands, viz.:-

Councill of the Burgh of Dunfermline holden wtin the Writing Chamber on
Saturday the 5th October, 1745, at 10 o'Clock before noon.

Sederunt, &c.-
Alexander Miller, baillies.             Wm. Hutton.
David Adie, baillies.                   John Black.
John Lindsay, dean of gild.             James Crawford.
Andr. Dickie, treasr.                   John Kerr.
David Sands.                            John Walker.
George Kellock.                         Wm. Anderson.
John Know.                              William Walker.
Thos. Scotland.

Which day the baillies acquainted the councill that yesterday they and John
Knox, in consequence of the council act of yesterday, borrowed thirty-four
pounds sterling from Baillie Scotland, and fourteen pounds sterling from
Crawford, and ten pounds money for sd from Robert Adie, making in whole the
œ58 str., which was, st the 22 œ str. in sd John Knox's hands, sent to Edr.
wt Rot. Meldrum, offr, in terms of yesterdays order.  All which the
Councill approves off.

The same day also, Baillie Adie represented to the Councill that this
morning he was sent for, and went to the Earl of Kellie and a party of
highlanders who are just now in the place, and that they demanded from him
in name of the toun, the toun's cess or supply in use to be payd to the
generall receiver.  And yt they threaten, if it is not payd immediately,
military execution and plundering, and this beside the touns land cess.
The Councill delays the consideration of this matter to three o'Clock this
day in the afternoon, to which time the Councill adjourned, and the
councill were warand apud acta to attendtm.

Councill held wtin the Writing Chamber on Saturday, the 5th Oct., 1745, at
3 o'Clock afternoon, by the magistrates and toun councill as mentnd in the
forenoon's Sederunt.  Baillie Miller, Dean of gild Lindsay, and the Clerk
verbally appointed by the Councill in the forenoon to meet wt some of the
prinll persons on the highland party to make and get matters as easy for
the toun as possible.  Reported that before they went to ym they met wt
Clerk Walker in Innerkeithing, who told ym yt he saw the toun of Kinghorn
pay them yr toun's cess or supply, and yt Innerkeithing had also payd their
cess to ym.  And yt after meeting wt Mr. Seton, commonly calld Coll. Seton,
yt Mr. Seton proposd on the touns paying about twenty pounds sterling,
presently, in part payment of the toun's by gone cess or supply.  That he
would do what he can to delay the payment of the rest for sometime.  Which
being considered by the councill, They warrand and appoint John Knox, late
treasr, in name of the toun to pay ym any sum not exceeding twenty pounds
sterling, to acct of ye touns supply.

Court of the burgh of Dunfermline, held wtin the house of Baillie David
Adie, on munday the 16th Decr., 1745.

Sederunt -
Alexander Miller, baillies.             John Knox.
David Adie, baillies.                   David Sands.
John Lindsay, dean of gild.             James Anderson.
Andr. Dickie, treasr.                   Wm. Walker.
George Kellock.                         Wm. Anderson.
Thomas Scotland.                        John Pierson.
Wm. Hutton.                             John Ker.
James Crawford.                         George Meldrum.
John Black.

Which day the baillies informed the councill that Mr. Douglas and a party
of the highland army are here just (now), demanding the touns cess under
pain of military execution.  The council considering the force, They
appoint the treasr. to pay the touns land cess to him on rectt.

THE HIGHLANDERS. - A large party of "Heelander Sogers" from the Highland
army arrived in Dunfermline, demanding the town cess, &c. (Burgh Records.)
Their trumpeter lodged in the garret of a house in St. Catherine's Wynd,
which house was long known as "the Trumpeter's Land."  (MS.)  The following
is the minute of Council, convened to consider the matter:-

Councill of the burgh of Dunfermline, held wtin Baillie Millar's house, on
friday, the 27th Dec., 1745.

Sederunt, &c. -
Alexr. Miller, baillies.                John Black.
David Adie, baillies.                   James Crawford.
John Lindsay, dean of gild.             James Anderson.
Andr. Dickie, treasr.                   Wm. Anderson.
Thomas Scotland.                        Wm. Walker.
David Sands.                            Robt. Wilson.
George Kellock.                         John Ker.
John Knox.                              John Pierson.

Which day John Knox, late treasr, informed the councill that A great party
of the highland army came yesterday to raise the cess, excyse, &c; And yt
in consequence of the councill's act of the 16th current, he went to pay
the touns land cess, but that they want and demand not only the touns land
cess, but the touns supply or cess, under the pain of military execution,
&c. - All which being considered by the councill, They warrand and impowr
John Knox, late treasr, to pay not only the touns land cess, but their
supply, providing yt the supply do not exceed Sixteen pounds Sterling, Adn
yt to Mr. Douglas, who is just now in town wt the sd party demanding ye
same as said is.
(Signed) ALEXR. MILLER.

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE PROVOST BEING SHOT. - An old MS. notifies that, " a
few days after a party of the Highland army had left Dunfermline, Lord
Charles Hay, of the Tweeddale family, Provost of the town, and an officer
in the King's army, was taking a view of the surrouding country from the
lofty station of the Church Steeple, when a Highlander, who had remained
behind as a spy, aimed a pistol at his Lordship, and to the amazement of
all who saw the action, shot away one of the ear-curls of his military
peruke" -Dec. 30th, 1745.  (Chambers' Pict. Scot. 1834, vol. ii. pp. 160,
161.)

DISTAFF SPINNING AND THE SPINNING WHEEL. - An account of these arts was
sent to the writer about forty years ago, by the late Mr. Laurence Wilson,
of Midmill, near Dunfermline.  We shall condense a few of his items of
information.  Mr. Wilson observes that "Distaff Spinning, which had so long
been practised in Dunfermline, had begun to decline as early as 1730, and
that by 1745, scarcely a Distaff was to be seen, having become superseded
by the Spinning Wheel.  The wheel kept its place in Dunfermline till so
late a period as 1820."  Mr. Wilson adds, that "the distaff was a simple
concern, consisting of a long stick or staff, mounted on the top with lint
or tow, which was kept fast to the spinner's side by her left arm, and by
drawing off the lint and twisting it as it came off the rock, thread was
produced.  The wheel employed both feet and hands, and did the work much
more rapidly."  (See An. Dunf. date 1820.)  "In 1745, and for many years
afterwards, the north side of the Tower Hill, and part of St. Catherine's
Yard, were used as Bleaching-greens by the Spinners."
 
FROM THE EDITORS

Whether or not we carry on with the annals will depend on the interest shown.
 
 

INDEX