Lot 1915

Description

Van Diemen's Land, letter dated 14 March 1849 from Roderick McDonald, in H.M. Gaol, Richmond, to Mr Young, Female Hiring Depot at Ross requesting that the recipient forward on his letter, in which he states he has been in prison for 16 weeks and is totally penniless and unable to pay the fine of ten pounds, together with a recommendation by Mr Young, the instigator of the charge against McDonald, that he be released from prison; also letter dated 20 March 1849 from said Mr Young to the Chief Police Magistrate, Hobart making such a recommendation for issuing an Order to Richmond Gaol for the release of Mr McDonald. Ragged edge on second letter where the page has been torn from a book, otherwise fine - very fine. (2 letters)

Roderick McDonald, born 1792, occupation Shepherd, was convicted at Inverness Court of Justiciary to 14 years for sheep stealing. He was transported on the Emily departing on 25 June 1842 and arriving at Van Diemen's Land on 24 November 1842. Mr McDonald was in Richmond Gaol as he was convicted for allowing a Prisoner of the Crown, obviously a female due to the connection with the Female Hiring Depot, to tipple (drink alcohol) at his house. After his release McGregor only lived for another two years dying in 1845 at the age of 53.