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"Alexander II, who in 1222, erected it into a free royal burgh with extensive privileges. Additional charters were granted by
succeeding monarchs, all of which were confirmed by James VI in 1609, and ratified by parliament in 1612. This charter grants
or confirms to the burgh considerable property in land and extensive fishings in the Leven and Clyde, it gives the town right to a free
port, in the same manner as Edinburgh has in Leith; and conveys a right to levy customs and dues on all Ships navigating the Clyde
between the mouth of the Kelvin Water, 3 miles below Glasgow, and the head of Loch Long. The rights and privileges of the burgh
were ratified by subsequent acts of parliament in 1641 and 1661. The right granted by the Charter of King James to levy
Customs and duties in the Clyde appears to have been of the most valuable kind. The town of Dumbarton is built principally
on a sort of peninsula, or promontory, on the east bank of the river Leven, a little above the point where the latter joins the Clyde. The
principal street called Main Street, forms a kind of semicircle, nearly concentric with the course of the river, and situated at a
short distance from the water edge. This street is intersected by the Cross-vennel and various other smaller streets. The Church
and public offices are situated in the outer part of the town. The principal manufacture in Dumbarton is that of glass, which,
however, has considerably fallen off within the last few years. By the act 3° and 4° William IV., the number of the Council is fixed
at 15 and consists of a provost, 2 bailies, a treasurer, and 11 councillors. The magistrates exercise the usual civil, and criminal
jurisdiction belonging to royal burghs. There are several printfields, and bleachfields on the banks of the Leven and in the town
of Dumbarton. Before the passing of the Municipal Reform Act, the abuses arising from the mismanagement of the
burgh-funds were very considerable," ("Fullartons Gazetteer,")