Eventually the law-abiding citizenry bowed to the authority of King and Parliament. The Border regiments of Dumfries, Selkirk and Roxburghshire had been combined in 1802 as the Dumfries Militia. The Militias took no active part in the wars, but had released the Regular Army for foreign duties. The Dumfries Militia were admired wherever they went for their superior discipline and exemplary conduct, and the Government for its part felt the need to maintain the Militias in the face of continued unrest after the war, although they were seldom called out for training. One such muster of about 400 men took place in June 1820.
From the Kelso Mail, 4th October 1821: “CAUTION TO MILITIAMEN - We formerly stated that six men were apprehended as deserters from the Dumfries-shire, c Militia: three of whom were a few days ago committed to the Jail of this place, for the period of twelve months, in terms of the Act of the 42nd Geo. III Cap. 91, viz: six months for having enlisted into the Regular Army since their engagement with the Militia, and six months for having absented themselves from the training of the regiment in June last. In addition to this they have to serve five years more in the Militia, and afterwards fulfil their engagements with the Regular Army. Two of the above were marched, as deserters, upwards of 400 miles. – Dumfries Journal." |