[1661/1/245]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
Our sovereign lord and estates of parliament, taking to their consideration a supplication presented to them by John Williamson, commissioner for the burgh of Sanquhar, in name and on behalf of the said burgh, showing that the said burgh of Sanquhar, being situated and built upon the Water of Nith, a very great and considerable river, which, in the winter time, is in no way passable, at the least during the time of any rain or storm, the bridge which was thereupon being now totally fallen down and ruined, which is very prejudicial, not only to the said burgh but also to the whole country near the same and all others who have occasion to pass that way, who sometime will be forced to stay three or four days before they can pass over the said water, and the said burgh, through the calamities of the time and great sufferings they have had, are now reduced to such poverty as they are in no way able to build up the said bridge which so much concerns the well of the said burgh and the public good of that country; and therefore, craving a recommendation to the several presbyteries within this kingdom upon this side of the Forth for help and supply for building up of the said bridge which so much concerns the well of the said burgh and all that country, and also seeing such a contribution will be inconsiderable for so great a work, therefore, also craving a certain small custom to be paid at the said bridge for such years and of such persons and goods as should be thought fit, and having considered a testimonial of very many noblemen and gentlemen in the shire and circumjacent bounds, testifying the necessity and conveniency of the said bridge, and having heard the said John Williamson thereupon who, in name of the said burgh, had undertaken the building of the same bridge within the space of two years, and having also considered the report of the commissioners of parliament appointed for bills and trading (to whom the said matter was referred) thereupon, his majesty, with advice and consent of the said estates of parliament, have ordained and ordains a contribution and voluntary collection to be made and gathered in within all parishes, both in burgh and landward, on the south side of the water of Forth for building of the said bridge, and that either personally or parochially as the magistrates of the said burgh shall desire, and hereby seriously recommends to and require all noblemen, gentlemen, magistrates and ministers of the law and Gospel within the said bounds to be assisting to the said magistrates of Sanquhar for so good a work, and for a liberal contribution for that effect. And seeing it is expected that the foresaid collection will not be so considerable as to defray the charges of so great a work, therefore, his majesty, with advice and consent foresaid, has given and granted and hereby give and grant to the said burgh a custom to be lifted by them or any other they shall appoint for uplifting thereof for the space of twenty-seven years after the building thereof, at the rates following, namely for each footman or woman 2d Scots, for each nolt, beast or single horse 4d, for each horse with his load or rider 6d Scots, and for each sheep 2d Scots money, and ordains all passengers whatsoever to answer, obey and make payment of the said custom at the rates above-written to the said burgh and their collectors thereof during the space above-mentioned, without any obstacle or objection whatsoever, with power to the said magistrates to put this act to due execution conforming to the tenor thereof in all points.