BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 341
and abusive language took place-bloody encounters ensued-and boats were captured on both
sides. It would require the pen of a Dnunmond (Hawthornden) to describe in a proper manner
the many bloody conflicts of these sons of Neptune, in which’as much enterprise and heroism
were frequently displayed as would have done honour to a more important cause. A scarcitg of
fish at first gave rise to these disputes ; but it would appear that the combatants afterwards fought
not so much for oysters as for victory. And indeed, what with vinegar on the one part, and pepper
on the other, the oysters, upon the whole, were highly seasoned.
‘‘ The Newhaven fishers contend that the community of Edinburgh, whose tacksmen they are,
have the sole right to the Green Scalp on the breast of Iuehkeith, and to the Beacon Grounds lying
off the Black Rocks. To instruct this right they produce a notarial copy of a charter from King
James VI., and likewise a charter from Charles I., 1636, whereinfihings are expressly mentioned.
There was also produced a charter in favour of Lady Greenwich,inwhichfihings are comprehended.
“On the other hand, the Prestonpans fishers contended that the Newhaven men have
encroached on the north shores belonging to the Earl of Morton and burgh of Burntisland, of
which they are tacksmen. They accordingly produced an instrument of seisin, dated Nov. 10,
1786, in virtue of which his lordship wm infeft, inter alia, in the oyster scalps in question.
They also condescended on a charter granted by King James VI., 1585, to the town of Burntisland,
which is on record, and which they say establishes their right. They further contend
that the Magistrates of Edinburgh have produced no proper titles to prove their exclusive right
to the scalps they have set in tack to the Newhaven fishermen. The charter of King James VI.
was resigned by the town in the reign of Charles I. ; and the new charter granted by the latter
in 1636 gives no right to the oyster scalps in dispute. The word Jshings, in general, is not
contained in the dispositive clause, but only occurs in the Tenendas, like hawkings, huntings,
or other words of style, which is of no signification.
“ After various representations to the Judge-Admiral, his lordship pronounced an interlocutor
ordaining both parties to produce their respective rights to these fishings, and prohibiting them
from dredging oysters in any of the scalps in dispute till the issue of the cause.
“A petition was presented to his lordship on the 6th January last [1790], by the Newhaven
fishers, stating that, by the late interdict, they find themselves deprived of the means of support
ing themselves and families, while the Prestonpans fishers are pursuing their usual employment
by dredging on other scalps than those in dispute ; and praying his lordship would recal or
modify said interdict. Which petition being served on the agent for the east-country fishers,
his lordship, by interlocutor of the 5th February last, allowed both parties to dredge oysters upon
the scalps they respectively pretended right to ; and before going to fish, to take with them any
of the six sworn pilots at Leith, to direct each party where they should fish, to prevent them
from encroaching on each other‘s scalps, or taking up the seedlings.’ ”
This cause was finally decided by the Judge-Admiral against the Prestonpans
fishermen ; but no damages were awarded, and each party had to pay their
own expenses.
On the breaking out of hostilities with France, the danger which threatened
the coast had the effect of diverting the attention of the Newhaven men from
their local quarrels ; and they were the first to offer their services as a marine
force to guard against the encroachments of the enemy. This well-timed
manifestation of public spirit was so highly appreciated, that on the 10th of
May 1796, the president of their Society, at a meeting convened fofthe purpose,
was presented with a handsome silver medal and chain, in presence of several
gentlemen, by the Duke of Buccleuch, who delivered an appropriate speech on
the occasion. On one side, the medal contained the following inscription:-
“ In testimony of the brave and patriotic offer of the fishermen of Newhaven
to defend the coasts against the enemy, this honorav mark of approbation was
voted by the county of Mid-Lothian, November 2, 1796.” On the reverse side