|
Although clever and active as he proved
himself to be on many occasions, Macdonald had more
than his match in his nephew, a sister's son - a man
well known in those times. Mr. Kenneth Campbell was
tacksman of Scalpay in Harris and followed a seafaring
life for a long time. He was master and owner of several
vessels with which he traded to foreign parts; he was
also concerned in many trades from which he derived
ample profit, among which was the buying of kelp. One
year, Campbell bought a sloop's cargo of kelp from his
uncle and another gentleman in Uist, on the agreement
that Campbell would pay the highest price given for
kelp in Uist that season. lie gave his uncle a letter
to that effect, loaded the kelp and sailed for Ireland,
where it was sold.
But there came a man from the east coast of Scotland
with a vessel to Uist for a cargo of kelp on freight
and after loading all the kelp assigned to him, he still
had room for six more tons to complete his cargo. So
the master, rather than leave for home with an incomplete
load, bought six tons of kelp from MacNeil, at Lochmaddy
in Uist, at a large increase in the price. Macdonald,
on hearing what a high price MacNeil had got for his
kelp, went to him and got his note of hand to certify
the fact. Shortly afterwards, Kenneth Campbell returned
and went to Uist to settle with his uncle and the other
man for their kelp. These three gentlemen were enjoying
themselves in Macdonald's house, when Campbell said
he now wished to settle for the kelp. Said Macdonald:
"What price do you mean to give us?" And he
went on: "But I need not ask that question, for
here is a note of the price that was given for kelp
in Uist this season and you know we have your letter
binding you to pay the highest price." Campbell
replied: "But the price given by this man for a
few tons of kelp to make up his cargo is no rule for
me, nor precedent for the price of Uist kelp."
The uncle maintained that Campbell would have to pay
the highest price, in consequence of his own letter
and he pulled it out of his pocket and passed it around
for all to read.
|
