Derangement of the Public
The Royal Court were not very happy about privateering. They were probably quite happy to see it bringing money into the island – indeed, it was not unknown for the Jurats themselves to be very heavily involved in privateering activities.
What the Court was concerned about was the disruption caused when local vessels returned to port. On 30 April 1779 the Court ordered that ‘the inconvenience caused by demonstrations in the public marketplace and the derangement of the public in general’ should cease. Returning vessels had caused great excitement and been welcomed by the flying of flags cheering crowds and ringing bells, the beating of drums, firing of guns as salutes
It is not clear whether the Court’s orders were followed but only a week later legislation was enacted to ban arriving privateers from firing their cannons on the grounds that the people were frightened and thought the island was under attack.
It seems more likely that islanders knew exactly who was coming, but the Court did not want its proceedings interrupted by the noise.
Further legislation was needed in 1793, when the States introduced a fine of 100 livres for anyone firing a cannon on the arrival or departure of a privateer.
