Catalogue description Prisoner name: John Buchan. Prisoner occupation: Weaver. Court and date of trial: High...

Prisoner name: John Buchan.

Prisoner occupation: Weaver.

Court and date of trial: High Court of Judiciary, Perth [Perthshire], 12 March 1828.

Crime: Assault on David Cuthbert, miller of Innerbuist [Perth].

Initial sentence: 18 months imprisonment.

Annotated: Remission prepared 3 January 1829.

Petitioner(s): Catherine Crighton or Katherine Crighton, wife of William Crighton, weaver, Cross Causie, Perth, the prisoner's mother.

Grounds for clemency: The prisoner has been in gaol for many months; his wife and two young children are destitute; his sight is greatly impaired in prison; the victim asks for clemency.

Other papers: Certificate from War Office confirming death in 1814 of Sergeant James Buchan, the prisoner's father. Certificate from David Cuthbert, the victim, requesting clemency. Certificate signed by 30 people testifying to the prisoner's previous good character. Certificate from John Simpson, Gaoler of Perth Gaol, testifying to the prisoner's good conduct in prison. Certificate from [John Matthew], elder, testifying to the destitute state of the prisoner's wife and children. Covering letter from D Boyle, Lord Justice Clerk, recommending remission of the remainder of the sentence.

Additional Information: The prisoner was tried for robbery and assault along with Douglas McIntyre and Andrew Watson, the latter being outlawed for non appearance. The charge of robbery was not proven, McIntyre pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced to seven years transportation.