Penobscot River
1848 Communication of Benjamin Shaw, Fish Warden, relating to fishing
on the Penobscot River
"G.P. Sewal, Esquire
Old Town, 7th of July, 1848
Dear Sir,
The fish wardens of the Penobscot waters have ascertained that in order
to preserve and perpetuate the Salmon, Shad and Elwives in the River that
section of the Fish Law that provides for the exemption of Penobscot Bay
and several of its tributary streams from the operation of the Law thereby
giving exclusive privileges to some which are denied to others. Its unequal
operation renders the Law unpopular and the Fishermen are not much disposed
to observe the Law from respect to it. Permit me here to say that Laws suitable
to command the respect of New England Live Yankies or Penobscot Fishermen
must be tinctured a little with Justice and Equalities to command quiet
and ready submission.
I now say repeal that section of the Fish Laws that provides for exemptions
of certain places from its operation. This will remove causes of complaint
and the River will again Swarm with fish as of Old. I say do this and you
give the Fish Law that principle of justice and equality that every American
admires. This done, not only the fishermen but the more opulent dealers
that furnish amd supply them will cheerfully combine in supporting the Law
for their preservation and all concerned will be more likely to treat the
authority of the Fish Wardens with more Respect. I have stated my views
on the importance of repealing this section of the Law, which is so unequal
in its operation thereby removing all cause of discontent. Their seems to
be a necessity of doing what I have proposed or abandon protection of Fish.
The run of Fish this present season is so great that the people acquainted
with their condition are anxious to give all possible protection. And many
now think with proper Management they may be increased nearly to their original
condition. This is decidedly my own opinion judging by the abundance now
known to be in the River. And already on their spawning ground there has
been more Fish taken at the foot of Grand falls this year than at any one
place on the River, and what were taken were small compared with the quantitys
known to be there. It is supposed by those most experienced in Fishing that
there is Salmon and Shad suficient at their journeys end to bring in next
year an old fashioned Run provided the Laws are good and Equal and well
enforced.
The quantities of Elwives is much less in proportion as they are not as
strong and less able to perform the long journey. They frequented the lower
branches of the River where their favourite places of resort are now wholly
closed and they are shut out. This is the reason of their falling off. I
am impatient to have liberty to open Mr. Blackman's Stream in Bradley which
should never have been closed; and bid welcome the finney Millions to return
as of old to the great joy of themselves and the Inhabitants of the Region
roundabout. I am informed that Elwives have been seen lingering round below
that dam every year since the Law gave leave to close it against them. A
good Fishway may be made cheap and be profitable to the owner and all the
Country roundabout.
Two important points more I desire to bring to your notice. On the subject
of the Penobscot Fisheries to which I ask your patience and consideration;
the three years labour as Fishwarden have convinced me beyond a doubt that
good laws suitably enforced may bring back the Fish in all their Original
Glory and Grandeur without any Detriment to any other of the great interests
of the River, but rather a benefit to all others. One other important point
is the very great bodies of water held back for the purpose of driving logs
and the addition of the Allagash have now a tendency greatly to improve
the river during the journey of the fish, of which nearly or quite balances
the obstructions caused by the Mills and lumbering.
Again the Fish and actual Settlers have always gone together. The presence
of the Fish always has induced Agriculturists to settle in their neighborhood.
If they continue to go as they have this year we may expect many Farmers
to turn their attention that way. If the Fish fall off the Farmers clear
out South.
I have given you this sketch of my views designed equally for your consideration
and Friend Richardson together our Friend Stubs intends being at Augusta
toward the close of the Session for the purpose of recommending one section
of the Fish Law repealed and I respectfully request you to assist him it
being very important. All well good growing weather but little news here.
I remain Gentlemen very respectfully yours,
Hon. H. Richardson
and Brother G.T. Sewal
Benjamin Shaw"
Source: Maine State Archives. Legislative GY. Box 195. File 5.
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