And it was just as bad, if not worse, about this time in the Isle of Man, for the latter’s inhabitants consisted almost exclusively of smugglers and their families, some of whom had long since been outlawed from England and Ireland.  So rich and prosperous, indeed, had these Manxmen become by means of smuggling that they were recognised with a degree of importance which was almost ludicrous.  The two deemsters (or deputy-governors) of the island even countenanced and protected the men, who would often assemble together to scheme and drink to the damnation of His Britannic Majesty.  Unhindered in their nefarious work, able to obtain all the cargo they required from France and the Channel Isles; able, too, to run their contraband into the west of England, they waxed exceedingly independent and wealthy.  At Douglas they had built themselves a good quay for the shelter of their ships and for convenience in landing their cargoes, the only drawback being that the harbour dried out at low water.

It happened that on the 26th of June 1750, that Captain Dow, commanding H.M. cruiser Sincerity[6] was, according to the orders received from the Board of Customs, on duty in Douglas Roads.  A notorious Irish smuggling wherry came in from Ireland and ran under the Sincerity’s stern, while the smugglers “with opprobrious, treasonable, and abusive language abused His Majesty King George and all that belonged to or served under him.”  This, of course, was too much for any naval officer to endure, and Captain Dow immediately caused the ship to come alongside, and, after being rummaged, she was found to have concealed in a jar of butter-milk twenty-five English guineas tied up in a bag.  There were also papers on board which proved that this money was to be expended in the purchase of brandies and tea, &c., and that, having obtained these articles, she was then to return to Ireland.  The English captain therefore promptly seized both money and papers.

On the same day that this incident occurred a Dutch dogger[7] also came into Douglas Roads loaded with prohibited goods from Holland.  As soon as he had noticed her come to anchor Dow sent his boat to board her with his mate and six men, and to examine and see if she had the prohibited goods on board which were suspected.  If she had, then she was to be seized.  At the same time Dow had requested Mr. Sidebotham, his Majesty’s officer in the Isle of Man, to cast off the Sincerity’s headfast and sternfasts from the shore.  But thereupon a riotous and angry mob, fearing that the cruiser should be able to get under weigh and seize the Dutch dogger, refused to allow Sidebotham to let go the ropes.  Armed with bludgeons, muskets, swords, and stones they rushed down on to the quay, and did all they could to force the cruiser on shore by aiming showers of stones at the cruiser’s men and restraining Sidebotham in his endeavour to help the Sincerity.  They even carried the latter away by force, and beat and bruised him in the most brutal manner.