Page 74 - Fenning_Scoland

1697 - The Burgh Post of Linlithgow

Linlithgow, like many Scottish Burghs, appointed special messengers to convey letters on
the business of the council, particularly between the town and Edinburgh.

These documents, authorising payments to two Burgh Post messengers, are signed by
the provost, Walter Stewart. Although most Burgh Post messengers travelled on foot, the
document concerning James Thomsone provides direct evidence that some messengers
carried letters on horseback.
Walter Stewart was educated at Unlithgow Grammar School and at Glasgow University.
He was Provost of Linlithgow from 1689-90, 1695-97 and 1702-04. He represented the
town as Commissioner to Parliament in 1700-02 and 1703-07, voting against the Union of
1707. He also frequently represented Linlithgow at Conventions of Burghs.

Warrant to pay a Burgh Post messenger - 1697

pay to James Hutchinson carrier twelve sh(ilfings) Scots money for carrying some letters
on the town's account to the city of Edinburgh and this is your waffant at Lithgow 8
February 1697.
for the Thesr of Lithgow The Good Toun of Llnllthgow debit to James Thomsone
Walter Stewart pro(vost)
To postage of Letters to Provost Stewart for the Toun's Account £1 - 16s- Od
3 July 1697 hay for 1hors2 nights to Mr Kavers 0- 12- o
1 perk oats o - 14 - o £1 - 6s - Od
26 July hay for 1 hors 2 nights to Mr Simple o - 12 - o
1 perk oats Is o - 14 - o £1 - 6s - Od
Summa £4 - 8s - Od
4 September 1697 The council approves this sum and appoints the Thesr to pay the
same being £4 - 8s Scots.
Walter Stewart Pro(vost)