23.2.1774 The Collector reports on the emigration to the Americas. He says, "...with regard to the motives, one cause assigned is Heritors having raised the rents of their lands still higher...than they could well pay...tho' we do not find that many tenants who were in possession of lands have gone and believe that by much the greater part of the numbers who did go were people in low and despsrate circumstances who expected their condition would be better there than here..." "...some emigrants write enticing letters tp their friends at home to follow them, representing the great plenty of provisions, cheapness of living, low rents, goodness of soil and other flattering notices, perhaps exaggerated, as arguments to induce them to go..."

2.9.1775 The Board of Customs writes to the Collector: " We are informed from the Western Isles that there are two vessels lying at Gigha ready to take in emigrants for Cape Fare from Kantyre, Knapdale and the circumjacent islands. They are to set sail as soon as beds can be fitted which amount to 150 to each vessel. The people engaged to go over in these ships are in high spirits, and seem in no way intimidated on account of the many informations they receive concerning the Commotions in the British Colonies, and the danger of emigrating at this time. The Lord Advocate has thereupon represented to the Board that, though Government has not taken any coercive measures to prevent such emigration, it may be highly proper, from the present situation in America, to discourage, or even to prevent the same, as much as possible. You are therefore to postpone the clearing out ( i.e. giving Customs clearance to sail ) of such ships, and to use your best endeavours to prevent their sailing, conducting yourself in this important business in as private a manner as may be."

4.9.1775 Again from the Board to the Collector: " The Lord Advocate having acquainted us that he has been informed of many embarkations of His Majesty's subjects of this country for America, and some of them with money, arms and ammunition, and signified that if a check is not given thereto, it may afford aid and support to His Majesty's rebellious subjects in the several Colonies in America, that he is therefore determined, as far as lies in his power, to prevent the same and has desired that no vessel may be cleared from the Ports in Scotland for the Continent of America with more persons on board than their proper complement of men, and from the present state of the Colonies it appears to us highly necessary to prevent as much as possible emigration from this country. We direct you till further notice not to clear out any ship or vessel from your Port for the Colonies of America with more persons on board than their proper crews."

19.9.1775. In reporting the sailing from Gigha of the vessel "Jeanie" for North Carolina, the Collector gives details as, "88 men, 78 women and 79 children aboard." He also reports that the "Lord Dunluce" had lately sailed with 93 men, 94 women and 113 children.

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