The Times 1821 - 1830 Nov 09 1824 Ingenious Whiskey Smuggler

Nov 09 1824 Ingenious Whiskey Smuggler

The Times, Tuesday, Nov 09, 1824; pg. 3; Issue 12493; col E Seizures of smuggled whisky, in Carlisle and its neighbourhood, have lately become matters of such every-day occurrence, as to excite but little attention. We have sometimes, however, been led to notice the ingenuity or dexterity made use of by some of the smugglers for the purpose of evading the vigilance of the excisemen. The following incident occurred one day last week, in the vicinity of Rockliff, which, for dexterity and good management, will perhaps bear comparison with any we have yet placed on record. A smuggler, returning from the North, laden with the dew of the mountain, which he carried in bladders, and accompanied by his faithful dog, was pursuing an unfrequented path along the banks of the Eden, leading towards this city, when the enemy, who had been on the look out, suddenly made his appearance at a short distance. To save his whisky by flight was impossible; he therefore tied the bladders fast round the neck of the dog, and sent him into the river. The canine culprit just entered the stream in time to evade the rage of his pursuer; he forded the river in safety, and faithfully deposited the cargo on the opposite bank, where it was received by a "trusty brother of the trade," who had been waiting for the purpose. During the time the dog was crossing the river, the smuggler himself made his escape, leaving the excisemen fairly "outwitted." - Carlisle Patriot.

 

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