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Three handwritten letters, dating from the mid nineteenth century, regarding land and fishing rights in Scotland, specifically in Ayrshire and Stranraer. Three handwritten letters, dating from the mid nineteenth century, regarding land and fishing rights in Scotland.The earliest of these letters is dated 14th March 1839, and discusses the rights of ramblers to cross a field, and matters of land valuation. Addressed to Thomas Boyd esq. of Dalry, and sent by A.R.H. Bannatyne of Glasgow, it consists of three handwritten sides.Beginning 'Sir, we have received your claim of compensation' regarding 'three acres and 923 parts of an acre, impreial measure, of your grounds [.] and we are instructed to decline it'. He continues 'we undertake, however, to give you a surface crossing in the field, which we think will be found to answer the same purpose of a cattle arch'. Bannatyne discusses the further construction of a bridge in another field, measuring seven feet high, and eight across, and requests a quick answer 'accepting or refusing our offer'.Thomas Boyd of the parish of Dalry possessed a significant amount of land in the North Ayrshire region, with the Boyds first sold land in the area in 1532.The second letter, dated 14th January 1840, is from James Norton and addressed to George Guthrie of Stranraer. It covers a single page, and begins 'the sheriff has returned the cases against the Fishers a week earlier than I expected', stating that 'I doubt if you will ever recover anything from the defenders' and that he hopes there will be no more 'interference with the Salmon Fishing'.To the reverse of this letter is a single page passage titled '(Copy) Interlocutor in Process' and explains 'the Sheriffs great object was to discover whether the defenders were bona fide in their allegations, that they were impeded in their lawful calling of white fishing by being prevented from using those practices which lead to the occasional catching of salmon'. It goes on to observe that their defence is ill-founded, as 'the best place for taking white fish is in the deep sea, and not at all interfering with the salmon fishing'.The final letter, consisting of a single handwritten side, is also addressed to Guthrie, and is dated 31st January 1843. James Hope writes 'I shall be obliged to know if there is any ground for the enclosed account given in by a man at Ballantrae of the name of James McGrigor, against Mr. Hamilton [.] for protecting the water of [sic]'. He continues 'as far as I could ascertain, some such charge was once made some years ago against the late Mr. Hamilton, and I am informed that he refused to admit it at all'.Each letter features the recipients handwritten address.Three fascinating letters offering insight into land ownership and fishing disputes in mid nineteenth century Scotland. Unbound as issued. Three handwritten letters presented in three folding sheets. The first letter significantly age toned, with closed tears to folds, and small losses, resulting in losses to the text. Latter two letters clean and bright. Good.
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