In 1785 a Commissioner was sent by Government to inquire into the state of the fisheries in the Hebrides, and in his report to a committee of the House of Commons, on being asked 'whether he thought it would be benefit to the lower classes of people if any of the tacksmen or others were debarred by law from entering into a contract with these people for obtaining the pre-Emption of their fish, etc.
"Second Shetland Truck System Report"
William Guthrie
No fact developed by this examination has appeared so surprising to the mind of the register and receiver as that there were no pre-Emption settlers on the "Soscol."
"Personal Reminiscences of Early Days in California with Other Sketches; To Which Is Added the Story of His Attempted Assassination by a Former Associate on the Supreme Bench of the State"
Stephen Field; George C. Gorham
We have no hesitation in pronouncing, from the evidence, that these are not settlers within the spirit of the pre-Emption laws, but are mere speculators, desirous of getting the improvements of another to sell and to make money.
"Personal Reminiscences of Early Days in California with Other Sketches; To Which Is Added the Story of His Attempted Assassination by a Former Associate on the Supreme Bench of the State"
Stephen Field; George C. Gorham