This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: swresearch Surnames: Ralston Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.wig.general/1874/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The two Scots settlers recorded in the Colonial Office records as having purchased their own vessels in order to proceed to Australia in 1823 were both farmers-Robert Ralston of Wigtownshire and David Brodie of Hopeville in Caithness. Brodie's brig was valued at £4,000, and he and Ralston took out farm servants, stock, implements, and supplies. In writing to Wilmot Horton on Ralston's behalf, William Maxwell, the Member of Parliament for the shire of Wigtown, made a point of stressing that 'Mr. Ralston is not leaving through necessity, but thinking it a good speculation to improve his condition'. The same remark could have been applied to a good proportion of the Lowland farmers who settled in New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania), Australia. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.