Seizure of Geneva
From the Fifeshire Journal, Thurs. 1 July 1841.
On Monday week the tide surveyor at Dundee received information that a quantity of Geneva had been landed at Newport early that morning by the crew of a foreign vessel. Accordingly, he set out with his crew to ascertain the facts; and, on arrival, proceeded to a small apartment separated from the dwelling house of Mrs. Brand, warehouse-keeper, and found concealed under the servant's bed two casks containing 18.5 gallons. Immediately thereafter the officers proceeded to the warehouse under the charge of said lady, and found two casks containing 32 gallons; which, along with the other two, were conveyed across the river and secured in the Queen's warehouse. It appears that the Geneva in question had been landed from the schooner City of Rotterdam, by the master and part of the crew. The vessel was placed under arrest, and the master and three of the crew were sent by warrant of the Justices of the Peace to gaol to await the directions of the Honourable Board of Customs. On Monday last they were brought before the justices, Cobb and Thoms Esq., and having acknowledged the offence, they were convicted in the penalty of £100 each. The crew appear to have been ignorant of the gin being on board, or in the barrels, and will consequently be relieved from the penalties. The judgement of the Honourable Board of Customs will not be known for some days. Meanwhile, the captain and seamen have been sent back to gaol. The vessel has, we believe, been relieved.
Source: Original on microfilm at Cupar Library.
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