Hi Folks, I recently reviewed the Colonial Office records from Britain (National Archives MG 11, C.O. 384 reel B-877) looking for information about the emigration of my McAlpine ancestors abroad the Mars of Glasgow in 1818. I found a letter dated 4 July 1818 written from Crinan Scotland. It reads:(this is a quick translation of the letter) Sir, The ?present(difficult to read) is only to inform you that some time ago, about twenty families from the parish of North Knapdale engaged with a Doctor McLACHLAN to go out to Canada North America, at the date of our engagement, we all agreed that the said Dr McLACHLAN should write to Lord Bathurst in order that we should on our arrival there be supplyed with Lands, but yesterday we were informed he received no answer from London. However, we are informed by a gentleman from ?Iverary or ?Tobermory that you are authorised by Government to make the ????? arrangment with us respecting lands and may us therefore request you may have the good??? to write us on receipt to Tobermory to the care of Mr Jno. SINCLAIR, postmaster, stating the encouragement Government gives on our arrival and the proper steps necessary to be persued by us to com??? that end, the ship we mean to go out with is the MARS which we expect here in a day or two - expecting your answer in Canada in ?remain. Sir your Ob ??? Dugald CAMPBELL, Donald MacALPINE, Malcolm LEITCH for the whole. My question is this: Does anyone know this Dr. McLACHLAN? Would he have been in Canada or in Scotland? It seems that something went amiss and my ancestors arrived in Canada without a guarentee of land. What would have been their next step? Where could I look for records? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Anne