******************************************************************************************************************************************************* This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************* 1863 Mar 6 Reports by John R Forbes ground officer on emigrants (nos refer to crofts) "No. 139 John McDonald Wr. Helmsdale - Intending to Emigrate to the Cape of Good hope John McDonald aged 39 - & his wife 40 - has a Lot of 4 acres - 2 of which is new land rent £4 1 4 full vallue The dwelling House is good altho out of repair inside - he was a widower with 2 of a famly [sic] & She the widow of the former Tenant had 2 Children they have one of ther Own, which makes a famly of 5 - 3 Girls & 2 Boys The Eldest is 13 & the Youngest One yr. They are allways hard up & unable to pay there rent at the proper time. There House is poorly furnished & they have but one cow & no horse. They are all Strong and Healthy & likely to do well" "No. 108 Alex Bannerman Wr. Helmsdale Intending to Emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope This man Pays £4 1 4 former rent £2 Extent of land 3½ acres - 2 of which is new partly improved by himself the rest by the Father, who came from Ulbisdale Strath of Kildonan, & was one of the old Sutherland Fencibles - died in 1847 - his son married in 1848 a daughter of the late Gilbert Gunn's Inchkep Rogard they have 8 of a famly 7 Boys and one Girl from 14 years old to one year - he is a labourer or Carter by trade, but never Can get Steady Employment & Altho poor is a very active intiligent [sic] & hard working man and a thorough Loyal Subject being the nearly first who Entered his name in the Hl. V. A [Helmsdale Volunteer Artillery] - he has been for some time in Charge of the wood in the Strath The Lot is at full value & the Houses are old & worthless, his Stock is an old Horse & cow. There is an Elder Sister of His who lives on the premises & does not go with them. His age 39 yrs her Ae 32" Weeks later transpired that there was a lack of colonial funds: severe drought, crops suffered, revenue short. Emigrants must remain for present. [Not known if ever emigrated.]