| Description | In two parts. Part I -Complaint from George Thom, Merchant against Andrew Mearns, Shipmaster of the Steep Lean of Stonehaven. Complaint alleges that Mearns threw ballast (gravel or other material) into the harbour. A crime that is "of a very reprehensible nature being very injurous to ships and vessels coming in...prohibited by the regulations of this harbour under the penalty of five shillings sterling for each transgression besides the expense of removing." Outcome: Mearns served "with a full double of the said complaint and of this deliverance; and appoint him to show cause why the desire thereof should not be granted by loding his answers and objections, if any has, through to within twenty four hours after intimation with certification." Part II- letter detailing how Mearns admitted to the crime and was fined 5 shillings signed by Baillies James Thomson and John Low. |