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A seaman went mad after witnessing cruelty; a woman died aft...

Date 07 November 1974
Track ID 82719
Part 1

Track Information

Original Track ID

SA1974.219.A3; SA1974.219.A4

Original Tape ID

SA1974.219

Summary

A seaman went mad after witnessing cruelty; a woman died after he spat on her.

Magnus Tait was on a ship that was ice-bound coming home from northern waters. As the food ran low, two likely mutineers were left on the ice and Magnie, who went quite mad in later years, could never forget the expressions on their faces. Magnie became so restless and dangerous that he was restrained by having two millstones tied round his neck. He spat on a pregnant woman, who grew ill and died soon after childbirth.

Dr Albert Hunter remembers her daughter as a little old woman. He speculates as to the woman's condition, which probably had a strong psychological element. He heard the story from three old people in Aith.

Item Subject/Person

Tait, Magnus

Language

English, Scots

Collection

SoSS

Source Type

Reel to reel

Audio Quality

Good