To Henry Dundas
This burgess ticket, issued in 1793, grants the freedom of the burgh of Dumfries upon Henry Dundas for his efforts in removing a tax on coal. The ticket was contained within a silver Freedom Box.
The ticket explains that the freedom was granted 'for the service he hath rendered to his native country in general and to this town in particular in obtaining a repeal of the law imposing a duty upon water-borne coal'.
Dundas was given honours by many Scoittish burghs in thanks for removing a tax on coal, and boosting local economies. He thought cheaper fuel would reduce civil unrest.
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