“These Dutch fishermen wanted to leave Holland, which thanks to Napoleon was at this time no longer an independent state, but part of the French Empire, and suffering economic troubles as a result of the Continental Blockade. Their motives in wanting to settle in Britain might not have been as honest as this article suggests, as we now know that they were involved in the illicit transport of goods and passengers between this country and theirs.
Upwards of eight hundred Dutch Fishermen have recently made application to the British Government to be taken under its protection, and have solicited to be allowed to settle on some part of the eastern coast of Scotland. The situation of these poor men is truly pitiable, the unsettled state of the Continent having deprived them, for a long time past, of the means of pursuing their peaceful occupations with either safety or success. We are glad to learn that Government are now devising measures for procuring a permanent settlement for these useful and industrious people on some part of that coast; and it is understood that the late visit of the Governors of the Merchant Maiden Hospital of Edinburgh to the town of Peterhead was connected with this object. To any one acquainted with the inoffensive disposition and frugal industrious habits of the Dutch fishermen, it is needless to point out the incalculable advantages which such an acquisition will be to that quarter of the island. They are infinitely better acquainted with the fishing banks and stations upon the coast than our own fishermen, and the patient labor and economy with which they pursue their occupation, must render them valuable members of any community. The great body of these fishermen have already arrived at Heligoland, and many others on various parts of the Dutch coast are prepared to follow their example.”
The Stamford Mercury, 16th August, 1811.