Second Judicial Declaration of Andrew Ballantyne 1844

After testimonies had been heard from all of the witnesses, Andrew was interviewed again and asked for a second statement. Here is his version of events:

At Dingwall, the nineteenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and forty four years. In presence of George Cameron Esquire, Sheriff Substitute of Ross and Cromarty shires.

Compeared Andrew Ballantyne, present prison in the Jail of Dingwall and the declaration emitted by him at Dingwall upon the eleventh day of June current having been read over to him and he being interrogated, he declares that he adheres as truth.

Declares that the animal taken by him from Bottacks as mentioned in the said declaration was a small brown mare. Declares that he was in the habit of getting the loan or use of the said mare from the family of Kenneth Mcrae, the owner.

​Interrogated Declares that he did not offer the mare for sale on his way to or at Fort Augustus to John Fullerton or to any other person. Declares and adds that whenever he wanted the mare in course of his residence in Strathpeffer, he had only to go and take her and none objected to his doing so. All which he declares to be truth.”

The foregoing declaration, consisting of this and the previous page written by John Finlayson, Clerk to Sheriff James Cameron Procurator Fiscal at Dingwall, was freely and voluntarily emitted by the Declarant and the same having been read over to him he adhered thereto as truth in presence of John Finlayson. Writes hereof and Alexander MacPherson Sheriff Officer in Dingwall.

I have found George Cameron, Clerk to the Sheriff, in the 1861 Census information.