Tobermory 7th September 1886
Transmitted to Crown Agent
1 Copy Petition
2 Declaration
3 Copy letter Henry Burrell Fort William to John Kirsop Kilchoan
4 Unpaid Hotel Bill contracted by Alexander Macdonald
5 Precognition
6 Inventory of Productions
7 Schedule

Retained by Procurator Fiscal, the carpet Bag containing:
1 Tweed jacket
1 pair Tweed trowsers
1 Black corded vest
1 Pair braces
1 pair laced boots
All the above were worn
Two tartan Shirts
8 Linen collars
6 pocket handkerchiefs
1 Pair Braces
1 neck tie

At Tobermory the Thirty first day of August Eighteen hundred and eighty six years.
In presence of C… Hugh MacLachlan Esquire, Advocate Sheriff Substitute of Argyllshire

Compeared a Prisoner and the charge of Theft against him having been read over and explained to him and he having been judicially admonished and examined thereanent Declares:
My name is Alexander McDonald. I am a Joiner to trade and I reside at Twenty eight Gardner Street, Glasgow. I am Twenty six years of age and unmarried. I went to Ardnamurchan four weeks ago today from Fort William to work for D. & J. McNab, Contractors, Fort William at a job at Kilchoan in course of erection for Mr Burn Murdoch. I did not steal any money belonging to John Kirsop from the house of John McPhail where he was lodging at Ormsaigmore. My expenses were advanced by John McNab, one of the Partners when I went from Fort William to Ardnamurchan. I got some shisky on credit at the Kilchoan Inn. I got no money from McNab since I went to Ardnamurchan and I paid no money to my Landlady since I went there. Kirsop left Ardnamurchan in the end of the week before last and returned last Friday. I changed a one pound note in the Inn at Kilchoan the day that Kirsop left and I changed other two in the same place on the following Monday. These Notes were either the British Linen or the Bank of Scotland, I am not sure which. I came to Tobermory this day week, I changed a pound note in the Royal Hotel there. I cannot say whether I changed or offered to change another pound note in the Mishnish Hotel there. I went in the afternoon of the same day by the Steamer Grenadier to Oban. Duncan Connell, a Plumber was in the Steamer along with me. I bought clothing - (a complete suit) in the shop of Dugald MacLachlan, Draper there, costing about Four pounds which I paid him partly in notes and partly in silver. I stayed in the George Hotel and I paid John McNeill Seven shillings and six pence and I owe him some money still. I did not tell anybody that I was robbed of money and a Pipe in a house in Oban. All this money was my own property and which I had saved from wages paid to me within the last eleven months by Mr McNab and McCallum and Son, Contractors, Fort William. I had Eleven pounds when I went to Ardnamurchan and I kept it in my Trunk in my Lodging house there. The lid of the Trunk was secured by two screw nails.
I got the worse of spirits in Oban all which I declare to be truth.
Alexander McDonald

The foregoing Declaration written on this and the four preceeding pages by Duncan MacKenzie, Sheriff Clerk Depute, Tobermory was of the date which it bears, freely and voluntarily admitted by the theirein designed Alexander McDonald while in his sound and sober senses and on being read over, was adhered to by him and was subscribed by him, and the said Sheriff substitute, before these witnesses: George Black Sproat, writer in Tobermory and the said Duncan MacKenzie
(signed)

Index
1 John Kirsop
2 Henry Burrell
3 Ronald McMillan
4 Mary MacKenzie or McPhail
5 Donald Cameron
6 Duncan Connell
7 Allan MacCallum
8 David Robb
9 Margaret McArthur or Black
10 John McNab
11 Hugh MacKenzie
12 Duncan MacLachlan
13 William MacLean
14 John Fletcher
15 Thomas Thomson
16 John McNeil(?)
17 George Raich
18 Archibald Heron
19 Patrick Stewart Annand
20 John Alexander Stott
21 John MacCallum
22 Charles McIntyre
23 Duncan McAlpine

John Kirsop says:
I am a Mason and reside at Clovullin, Ardgour in the shire of Argyll. I am at present residing at Ormsaigmore in the parish of Ardnamurchan and Shire aforesaid. I am Contractor for the Mason work of a new House in the course of erection for Mr Burn Murdoch at Kilchoan.
On Friday 20 August 1886 I paid my workmen in the Inn at Kilchoan between 7 & 8 p. m. The amount so paid to them was £36/3/9. I got that day day in a registered letter from Mr Burrell, architect, Fort William, £57 in single notes of the British Linen Company's Bank and the balance in notes which remained after paying the men and other small sums was £19. This sum I put into the Envelope of the Registered Letter and afterwards put it inside my time Book all of which I put into the inside oxter pocket of my coat. I had some drink at the Inn after the pay but I did not become the worse of it, and I got to my lodgings about ½ past 10 p. m. I went into my Bedroom and I am satisfied the money was there safe in my pocket. I lay down on the bed with my clothes on and slept. I can't say how long I slept but I wakened I think about an hour and I then undressed and went to bed. I had my clothes on a chair close to the side of the bed. John McNab, Joiner, is my mate and we slept together. I left him about the Inn and I did not feel him come to bed, but he was beside me when I wakened early next morning. I had to go to Fort William and I got up early about ¼ past 4 a.m. as I have to cross the Sound of Mull to overtake the Pioneer Steamer which leaves Tobermory daily at 8 a.m. I dressed hurriedly and didn't feel whether or not the book with the money was in my pocket. McNab wakened before I left the room and we exchanged words in parting. I crossed the Sound in a skiff and got on Board the steamer in the Bay of Tobermory after she had left the Pier. When I did get on board I put my hand into the pocket of my coat and found that the book and the money was missing. I went on by the steamer and landed at Ardgour. I returned to Ardnamurchan yesterday and told McNab of the theft of the money. He then handed me my Time Book which he said he found in the same state as he gave it to me now (in margin: 'lying on the floor after he got up on the morning I left') The envelope and money was not inside the Book. I suspect Alexander McDonald to have been the thief as I have been informed he has been both in Tobermory and Oban and spending money freely in both places having so far as known had no means prior to the day I left as aforesaid. Truth

Henry Burrell says:
I am an Architect and I reside at Achintore, Fort William. I am an Architect and am Employed at present in Building a House at Kilchoan for Archibald Burn Murdoch, Esq. W.S. Edinburgh. The Contractor for the House is John Kirsop, Mason, Clovullin, Ardgour, in the Parish of Kilmallie.
On 18th Aug. 1886 I sent with a Letter in an Envelope duly registered, £57.5/- The notes were from the British Linen Coys. Bank. The envelope was addressed to John Kirsop, Builder, Kilchoan.
I do not know Alexander McDonald, accused.
I produce copy letter of me to Mr Kirsop. Truth

Copy letter sent to Mr John Kirsop, Builder, Kilchoan, on 18th August 1886

Fort William 18 August 1886
Mr John Kirsop, Builder, Kilchoan
Dear Sir,
I inclose you per register letter Fifty seven pounds five shillings say £57.5/- sterling being the balance of your second instalment of contract for Kilchoan Lodge after deducting £40.4/- paid to Mrs Boyd to your order. Mr Murdoch informs me that you did not send him a stampt receipt and he wished to get a stampt receipt for the full amount of the two instalments in the manner I have drawn out which you can sign and forward to him in Edinburgh.
I wrote as requested to Dr. Campbell
Yours faithfully
Henry Burrell

Ronald McMillan, says:
I am 40 years of age.
I am a Carter and reside at Achosnich in the Parish of Ardnamurchan.
I saw Mr Kirsop paying his men on Friday evening 20th August 1886. About 7 o'clock and I saw him putting a bundle of notes into his pocket afterwards.
I am working with Mr Kirsop and I was paid my wages that evening in British Linen Bank notes. Truth

Mary MacKenzie or McPhail, wife of and residing with John McPhail, Tenant Farmer, Ormsaigmore, in the Parish of Ardnamurchan, Argyllshire, who says:
I am 24 years of age. John Kirsop the Contractor for the Mason Work & John McNab, Contractor for the Joiner work for the house presently in course of erection for Mr Burn Murdoch in Kilchoan, lodges with me. They occupy the same room one the lower floor and feed(?) together. Alexander McDonald the Accused also lodges with me but he occupies a room upstairs. I heard that Mr Kirsop paid his men on Friday 20th last. He had his dinner that day at 2 p.m. but I can't remember whether he was home for his Tea that evening or not. He came home that night about ½ past 10, accompanied by John McPhee(?) a Fisherman. He went to his won room and I stood speaking to him for a few minutes. He sat on the bedside while I was speaking to him and then lay down and I left him. McDonald at this time, along with McNab, my Brother and some others, were still in the Kitchen, drinking and singing.
When I left Mr Kirsop lying in bed, he had all his clothes on. About 12 o'clock I went again into Kirsop's room in order to get some clothing from the press. The door at the time was closed and when I opened it and I went into the room, I saw McDonald sitting on the bedside beside Kirsop. Kirsop's jacket was off. McDonald had some papers in his hand which I thought were pound notes and he was working with them as if counting them. Whenever he noticed me he put the papers hurriedly into his jacket pocket and I saw that he had a look of fear in his face. I did not speak to him. I went out immediately when I got the clothes and left McDonald in the room. He followed shortly afterwards to the Kitchen.
I went to bed about 1 o'clock and left the company sitting in the Kitchen. Next morning Saturday 21st August McDonald was saying he was ill and wanted us to go for whisky. He sent along Hugh McCallum to the Inn for a bottle of whisky and gave him a pound note to pay for it. McDonald left the house about midday (Saturday) and did not return till next day, when he came along with Donald Cameron. Both were very drunk, & McDonald wanted me to go for whisky but as it was Sunday I refused.
He left on Tuesday morning 24 August 1886 and did not return till the Friday following. He did not tell me that he was going, and when he returned I remarked to him that he was back. He said it was high time. I noted he had on a new suit of Clothes, new Boots, new Stockings, new Cap and new Shirt.
He has been lodging with me for about a month but he paid nothing to me for that time. I never saw money with him before at any time. I was always of the opinion that he was hard up. McNab, his master guaranteed me payment for his Lodgings.
His Trunk always lay on the floor of his room. There was no lock on it but the lid was partially secured by two screw nails driven half way down. Truth

Donald Cameron says:
I am 32 years of age. I am a Mason and reside at Lealnambreck, Moidart Inverness shire. I am presently working with Mr Kirsop at Kilchoan. Alexander McDonald the Accused, a Joiner, is also working at the same job but under a different master.
The men were paid by Mr Kirsop on Friday 20th August 1886, but I was not paid, having had an arrangement with Kirsop.
On Saturday afternoon 21st August, McDonald came to the house where I was staying, I was in bed at the time, when I came downstairs I saw that McDonald had a good drop on him. I saw two Bottles of Whisky with him, one standing on the Table and the other in his pocket, and he and I, David Robb and Hugh McKenzie who were both in the house at the time, drank the two bottles. When we finished this, McDonald wanted more and he asked me to go for another bottle. He took out a pound note. I can't say on what Bank. I asked him if he got his wages. He said 'Do you think I am without money, I have plenty of money of my own in my chest that no one knows of.' I did not go for the whisky as it was too late. He stayed with me that night. Next day (Sunday) he took out a pound note and wanted me again to go for Whisky, but I would not go.
On Monday we went to the job but did not do any work. McDonald gave me a dram and lent me a shilling for Whisky.
On Tuesday (the following day) I went to Tobermory with McDonald in a Skiff. There were 5 or 6 others in the boat also. After reaching Tobermory we all went to the Mishnish Hotel. McDonald ordered half a mutchkin of Whisky and tendered a pound note and got half a sovereign change back. In recollection I don't know whether it was the Mishnish or Royal Hotel we were in. He gave me 2/- in Tobermory that day. He went to Fletcher's shop and bought Joiner's Tools, I don't know if he paid for them. He and I went to James Mclaines, the Spirits Dealer and got 2 glasses of Whisky, McDonald paid for them. We afterwards went to Mr McIntyre's and got our dinner, he paying for both.
He wanted me to go to Oban with him but I refused as I had no money. He left by the 'Grenadier' at 4 p.m. and returned to Ardnamurchan last Friday. Truth.

Duncan Connell, Plumber and residing at Dunody in the Parish of Kilmore and Killredy(?) says:
I am 22 years of age. I was working with Duncan Livingston, Plumber in Tobermory for six weeks and I finished with him on Tuesday 24th August last. About 11 a.m. of that day I met the accused Alexander Macdonald and a man, Donald Cameron, a Mason in Tobermory. Macdonald told me that he was over for the day from Kilchoan and that he was going back that same afternoon. We went into the West End Tavern and had some drink for which Macdonald paid a shilling, I left him there and about 3 p.m. I went to the Pier to wait for the Grenadier by which I ws travelling for Oban. I was followed by both Macdonald and Cameron and both the worse of drink. We went into the Royal Hotel and I ordered some drink for which Macdonald paid. When the steamer arrived, I stepped on board and Macdonald followed me. He told me he was going to Oban, and I asked him if he had as much money as would pay his fare and he said he had. We had some drink on board for which he paid. We also had our dinner for which Macdonald also paid.
Before we had our dinner, the accused took a new pocket book out of his inside coat pocket and took a bundle of one pound notes out of it and flung them on the table.
The steward picked them up and at the request of the accused, counted them, there were ten one pound notes but I can't say which Bank they were. I told him to be a little more careful with his money but he only gave me and evasive answer, and caught the notes and crushed them together to put them into the pocket book, but the steward arranged tehm for him and put them into his Book which the accused put into his pocket. Prior to his taking the money our of his pocket book he changed a pound note on board the steamer. Before we had dinner and while on deck the accused told me that all the money was his own earnings, which he had saved but that he had not got his wages for the present job from McNab, his master. After arriving in Oban we went into the George Hotel where we had a dram, for which I paid, and I left him there.
I saw him the following day but merely passed a remark and walked on.
On Thursday (26th Aug) I met him at the Pier at Oban. I saw that he had a new suit of clothes on. He asked me if I had any money to stand him a drink. I said I had and we had some together. I asked him if all his own money was done and he said it was. He said that he had been on the pier the whole time he was in Oban, I asked him what had become of his money and he said that he had spent it all on clothes and drink. During the time I was with him he was very free with his money and spent a considerable lot in drink. I left him that afternoon in Stafford Street about 6 p.m. and I have not seen him since. Truth.

Allan McCallum, Ormsaigmore, says:
I am 13 years of age. I am son of and residing with Hugh McCallum, Crofter, Ormsaigmore aforesaid.
I remember about 10 days ago a Joiner whose name I don't know, but who resides in Ormsaigmore Farm House, asking me to go for a bottle of Whisky to the Inn and giving me a pound for payment and to bring back the change. I told Mrs Black who the Whisky was for. She gave me the Whisky and retained the pound but did not give me any change back. Truth

David Robb says:
I am 35 years of age, I am a Labourer and reside at Kilchoan aforesaid.
Donald Cameron, foreman of the Masons, lodges with me. I remember McDonald coming to my house on Saturday 21st August about 1 o'clock asking for Cameron. He sat in the Kitchen until Cameron came downstairs. He produced a bottle of Whisky which was drunk. He and Cameron were drinking all the evening. I was taking a walk next day (Sunday). I met McDonald and 2 Joiners. McDonald asked me for Godsake to go for a bottle of Whisky and produced a pound note which was new but I can't say on what bank. I refused. He asked the other three, they all refused, and he passed on himself to the Inn. Truth

Margaret McArthur or Black, says:
I am 30 years of age. I am wife of and reside with Dugald Black, Innkeeper, Kilchoan.
I remember on Saturday morning 21st August 1886 a little boy named McCallum came to the Hotel for a Bottle of Whisky. He tendered a pound note on the British Linen Bank in payment. I thought it was for the boy's Father or Mother, and I told him as I hadn't change to keep the pound in the meantime. He told me it ws for the Joiner in Ormsaigmore, which I knew to be McDonald. When I heard this I kept the pound as I had some money to get from McDonald, which he was owing me for spirits which he got from me on credit.
About 8 o'clock p.m. McDonald came to the Hotel along with Hugh and Donald McKenzie. McDonald ordered some Whisky. He went out tot he Post Office and returned immediately afterwards. I gave him the change for the pound which the boy gave me, after keeping out of it the money he owed me.
I never saw a pound note with him. He wanted credit for Whisky often and on the Friday (20th) he wanted Whisky on credit which I refused. Truth.

John McNab says:
I am 40 years of age. I am a Joiner Contractor and presently reside in Ormsaigmore, Ardnamurchan. My home residence is in Fort William. My Brother and I contracted for the Joiner Work of the house in course of erection at Kilchoan for Mr Burn Murdoch. John Kirsop, the Contractor for the Mason Work, and I lodge in the house at Ormsaigmore occupied by John McPhail and we sleep in the same bed.
Alexander McDonald the Accused, one of my Joiners, also lodges in the same house and he slept in a different room upstairs.
Mr Kirsop paid his men on Friday 20th August 1886. The accused was working at the job here for about a month.
On Friday 20th August 1886 about ½ past 10 or 11 o'clock at night, I was sitting in the McPhails' Kitchen along with McDonald and a few others whom I don't know, when I was told by John McPhee, a Fisherman, who came into the Kitchen at this time, that Kirsop had gone to his own room. I paid no attention to the remark. We were drinking rather freely. I had a good drop, but had all my senses about me. McDonald was not so bad as I was. We sat in the Kitchen a long time, drinking and singing songs. I went to bed sometime after midnight, I can't exactly say the hour. I found Kirsop in bed before me and asleep. Early in the morning Kirsop got up and told me that he was going to Fort William. He dressed and asked me if I was going. I said 'No' and fell asleep again. I wakened about 10 o'clock and found McDonald lying beside me in bed with his clothes on. I don't know how or when he came in. He told me that he wasn't in bed all night. On turning around I saw a pocket time book which I knew belonged to Mr Kirsop, lying on a chair at the Bedside. I opened it and found no money in it but a few business papers. I said to McDonald, 'this is Kirsop's book, it would have fallen out of his pocket.' McDonald made no remark to this.
McDonald has been working for me since the month of October last. I have been paying him monthly since at the rate of (?) an hour. Without reference to my book I can't say how much it would average monthly as he had a lot of broken time. When coming here from Oban I had to pay him his fare from Oban to Tobermory as he told me he hadn't a fraction. He got no wages or money from me since he came to Ardnamurchan.
On the Saturday morning that Kirsop's Pocket Book was found, I felt very sick and told McDonald so. He offered to go to the Inn and get a bottle of Whisky. I asked him how he could get the Whisky when he had no money. He said that he had some in his chest and left to go upstairs to his room. He got the money. I didn't see him again until Sunday afternoon when he came to the house along with Donald Cameron, a Mason, both very drunk.
I heard that McDonald was drinking in the Inn on Saturday and that he changed a pound there. Mrs McPhail told me so.
McDonald left Ardnamurchan on the Tuesday after the money was missing and came back on the Friday afterwards. Truth

Hugh McKenzie, says:
I am 30 years of age, I am a Fisherman and reside with my Sister, Mary McKenzie or McPhail at Ormsaigmore.
On Saturday 21st August 1886 I was alone with the Accused in Kilchoan Inn. He ordered some Whisky and Mrs Black gave him some 13/- of change.
On Sunday forenoon 22 Aug., I saw him in the house, I saw that he had been drinking. He wanted me to go for Whisky and took out a blue pound note and gave it to me. I asked him what he did with the 13/- of change that he got on Saturday at the Inn. He said that he spent it all. I took the pound note from him and went out to the skiff(?). I did not go for the Whisky but when I returned in the evening I lewd him to understand that I went to the Inn and would not get whisky as it was Sunday. I gave him back the pound.
He was drunk both Saturday and Sunday. He did not come near the house on Saturday night at all. Truth.

Duncan McLachlan says:
I am 35 years of age. I keep the Mishnish Hotel, Tobermory and reside there.
I identify the accused Alexander McDonald. I saw him in Tobermory on Tuesday 24 August 1886 and he came several times to my Bar on that day and had drink. He would spend 3/- or 4/-. In payment of one of his orders he laid a single pound on the Counter but on looking into my drawer I found that I hadn't sufficient change and he then took a handful of silver from his pocket in which I saw half a sovereign and he paid me from the silver. I remarked to him that it was odd, his changing a pound when he had so much silver and his answer was that he wanted more silver. There was a Mason from Ardnamurchan along with him and he asked me not to tell him that he had money as if to thro up(?) that he would ask him to spend it. He was quite sober. I can't say what Bank the note was of. Truth

Norman McLean says:
I am 40 years of age. I keep the Royal Hotel in Tobermory in the combined parish of Kilninian & Kilmore and shire of Argyll. I identify the accused Alexander McDonald. I saw him on Tuesday 24 August 1886 at the door of the Mishnish Hotel which adjoins mine. I don't remember of his being in my house on that day. He came into the bar of my house on Friday last, the 27th August 1886 and had some drink, for which, so far as I remember, he paid in silver, but I have a single pound note of the British Linen Company in the drawer of the week(?). I do not remember whether I got that note from him but he might have been in the house on the previous Tuesday without my seeing him. He told me that he had been in Oban and that he had been on the spree there. He said farther that he had £8 or £9 to get as wages from his Employer in Ardnamurchan and that he had friends abroad who had sent him some money tho he didn't say how much. He didn't tell me that it was with this money that he got on the spree, but I inferred from his talk that it was. I observed that he wore a better and a different suit of clothes than that which he had on on Tuesday but he did not say when or where he had got the suit. Truth

John Fletcher says:
I am a Merchant in Tobermory aforesaid, aged 40. I identify the accused Alexander McDonald. He came into my shop on Tuesday 24 Aug. 1886 and bought 3 files for which he paid me 1/- or 1/1. It was in silver the payment was made, so far as I remember. Truth

Thomas Thomson, Steward, S.S. Grenadier, says:
I am 35 years of age. On Tuesday 24th August last, two men came on board the Steamer at Tobermory and came to the forecabin. They were both tradesmen. Drink was called for by one of them for which the accused (whom I can identify) wanted to pay, but as the other paid for it the accused got very indignant, and said 'Do you think I have no money?' He then took a pocket book out of his inside coat pocket and took a bundle of one pound notes from it which he scattered on the table. I said that it was very careless to throw his money about like that, he asked me then to pick the money up and count the notes to see how many there was, which I did and counted ten one pound notes which I folded together and put back into his pocket book, which he put back into his pocket. I can't say to which Bank the notes belonged. I asked the man who was along with him if he was a friend of his but he said no, that he was a joiner and merely an acquaintance.
They had some meat and the accused gave me half a sovereign and paid for both. They left the boat at Oban and I have not seen either since. I will identify the accused. Truth

John McNeil says:
I am tenant of the George Hotel in Oban.
The accused, Alexander MacDonald came to my house on Tuesday 24th August last and asked for a bed. He was alone at the time and the worse of drink. He had on his working clothes. Later in the evening he came to the house accompanied by a Plumber named Connell, they had some drink and he gave me a one pound note in payment of the drink and I returned the change. I don't know what Bank it was of. The bill I now see has not been paid as he said he had no money, but he said he would leave his luggage and that his Master would pay the bill. He asked me to put three shillings down for breakages in the bill, which I did. This was to book his luggage through after he had paid the money due me. He paid me his bill for Tuesday night and the bill produced is for Wednesday which he did not pay. He told me when he was leaving that he had got the loan of ten shillings from some person in town on Wednesday. I saw that he had a new suit of clothes but I did not pay much attention to him. The bag he left I now produce and ma..(?) as relative herto(?) and hand to Inspector McIntyre, Oban. Truth

George Riach says:
I am 42 years of age. I am a Plasterer and reside in the Burgh of Oban. I am presently engaged in plastering the house being built at Kilchoan for Mr Burn Murdoch. I came to the job her last Friday (27 Aug) from Oban.
I Know McDonald the Accused well. On Tuesday evening 24 August 1886, I met him in George Street, Oban, I didn't speak to him. He had the appearance of drink. I saw him again in the George Hotel that same evening about 9 o'clock. We went upstairs. There was a young lad along with us who I think was in the employment of Mr MacLachlan, Draper, Oban. MacDonald stood us a drink there. At this time he took out a new Pocket book from his inside jacket pocket. He took the elastic carelessly off and took out of it four pounds in notes and from his trowsers pocket he took 16/- in silver and threw them on the table. He said, 'People think I have no money but I went to the bottom of my Chest which no man had even seen, and I got the money there.' He told me that he had bought a travelling bag, a tie, collars, hat, pair of socks and a suit of clothes. He did not say where but I understand it to be in McLachlan the Draper shop. He also told me about a Meerschaum Pipe and that he paid 7/- for it. He stood us a lot of drink at this time.
I saw him again on Wednesday (25) about midday. He told me that he was going to Kilchoan that evening. I said I couldn't get that day but that I had a letter to send to Mr McNab which he said he would take. I left him then and in the evening I looked for him in order to send the letter and went to the George Hotel but he had not been seen there since morning.
Next day (Thursday) I met him in the street and his first remark to me was 'I'm b grd up. I have been up in a house and have lost money, purse, pipe and everything. I told him to go up for the pipe, he went and got only the case. He told me that the woman's name was Mrs Fodringham (marginal note - the woman can't be traced) and that her husband worked on the railway. He also said that the woman told him there was only 2/- in the purse but that she would not give it to him.
When I saw him the first time on Tuesday in Oban he had on his working clothes, but when I saw him again at night in the Hotel he had on a new suit of clothes. Truth.

Archibald Heron says:
I am a Shopman with Dugald MacLellan, Draper, Oban. I am 22 yars of age.
Tuesday 24th August last the accused Alexander Macdonald came into the Shop about 5 p.m. and asked for a pair of Sunday boots. I took him into the back shop and after trying a pair on he bought them. He asked me if I could give him a suit of clothes, and he fitted one and bought it. He paid me 15/6 for the books and £2.13/- for the suit in the back shop. He gave me four one pound notes, I gave him one back and he gave me 10/6 in silver to make up the price. I came into the front shop to make up the parcel and he then asked me for some ties and I sold him two at 9d each. He also bought nine linen collars at 6d each and a cap at 2/6d and two pair of socks at 2/11d a pair. The whole were put up in one parcel, and he paid me for the latter purchases with a pound note and I gave him six shillings back. I addressed the parcel to him to the George Hotel. He left the shop and returned in about ten minutes and asked me for two woollen shirts which I had Shewn him before and he bought them at six shillings each. I put them in a parcel and sent them along with the other to the George Hotel.
He told me that he was working at Kilchoan with a man McNab from Fort William and that he and the foreman mason had come that day to Tobermory, and that the Mason had no money but that he had money in the Bank there and that he had drawn ten pounds, that he had gone on the spree and had come on to Oban.
After he had gone out of the Shop the first time after paying for the boots and suit I saw he had five one pound notes and some silver remaining from the money he paid me and what I saw in his possession I think he would have about £9.
When he came into the Shop the first time he was under the influence of drink.
He returned to the Shop again about 9 p.m. and bought two silk handkerchiefs for which he paid 2/6d each and half a dozen common handkerchiefs for which he paid 2/-. He was very much under the influence of drink and I refused to sell him anything but he demanded them and I was forced to do it. I saw Macdonald in the Police Cells yesterday evening and I recognised him. Truth.

Patrick Stewart Annand says:
I am Accountant in the North of Scotland Bank, Tobermory.
There is no entry in the Books that a person of the name of Alexander Macdonald Joiner had drawn or received any money from the Bank between the 18th and 24th of August 1886. The accused has no account with the Bank. Truth.

John Alexander Stott says:
I am 30 years of age. I am an accountant in the Clydesdale Bank and reside in Tobermory aforesaid.
There are two Branch Banks in Tobermory , that of the Clydesdale and the North of Scotland. There is no entry in the Books that a person of the name of Alexander Macdonald Joiner had drawn or received any money from the branch between the 18th and 24th of August 1886. Such person had no account with the Bank. Truth.

John McCallum says:
I am a Joiner and Contractor and reside in Fortwilliam in the Parish of Kilmallie and County of Inverness.
I know accused Alexander Macdonald. He wrought for some time for a firm, Messrs. M. McCallum & Sons Joinery Manufacts(?), Fortwilliam. He was with the firm from 29th September 1885 to 5 Dec. 1885. His wages were 30/- p. week. He was a good, steady tradesman and at leaving he was entitled to £6.10/- which I paid to him. He afterwards went to work to John Mcnab & Donald McNab Joiners, Fortwilliam. I saw him working for them at Sallachan, Ardgour. When he left our service I thought the money I gave him would be all he had, but of course he may have had money unknown to me, and he may have saved money since, even to the extent of £20 or more. Truth.

Charles McIntyre, Inspector of Police and residing in the Burgh of Oban, says:
I went to the George Hotel and recovered from John McNeil, a witness, the Carpet Bag left by the accused, Alexander Macdonald. It contained the following articles, viz.
Worn
1 Tweed jacket
1 Pair Tweed trowsers
1 Black corded vest
1 Tweed cap
1 Pair Socks
1 Pair braces
1 pair laced boots
New
Two Tartan Shirts
Eight linen collars
Six pocket handkerchiefs
1 Pair braces
One neck tie
All which I have retained for productions. Truth

Duncan McAlpine says:
I am a Police Constable and reside at Bunessan in the Parish of Kilfinian and Kilvickon(?), Argyll
I apprehended the Accused Alexander McDonald on Monday 30th August 1886 at Kilchoan on a charge of Theft. He made no remarks as to the charge. I searched his Lodgings and particularly his Trunk but found no money. Truth

[There is not indication of the verdict in this case. The only notes made by the P.F.'s office were 'That he had a bank account …….. 2 banknotes produced. Different accounts of how got money.'] JD