Broadside report concerning a tragic boating accident on the River Tweed between Muiross and Gallowshiels (probably Melrose and Galashiels)

Commentary

This report begins: 'A true and full ACCOUNT Of the sad and deplorable Accident that happened at Muiross, where a whole Boat full of People were drowned, consisting of near 40 Men and Women, and several Horses, by the impetuousness of the Wind.' Unfortunately, no publication details are included on the sheet.

This broadside tells the tragic story of the terrible fate that befell passengers on an overloaded boat, during a journey on the River Tweed between Muiross (Melrose) and Gallowshiels (Galashiels). It seems that a lethal combination of an overloaded boat and adverse weather conditions led to the boat's capsizing, and the consequent loss of 40 lives. The writer blames the boatman's covetousness for causing this tragedy, and comments that the boatman should not have taken on so many passengers. Its seems that the passengers were on their way to Muiross to enjoy the visiting Fair. A strong religious tone runs through this report, revealing much about the nature of Scottish society at this time.

Broadsides are single sheets of paper, printed on one side, to be read unfolded. They carried public information such as proclamations as well as ballads and news of the day. Cheaply available, they were sold on the streets by pedlars and chapmen. Broadsides offer a valuable insight into many aspects of the society they were published in, and the National Library of Scotland holds over 250,000 of them.

previous