In 1778 Dr Donald Smith went to America as assistant surgeon of 42nd Highlanders.

The contents are as follows.

(i) Historical and antiquarian notes with Latin, English and Gaelic expressions. (Folio 1 recto.)

(ii) Humorous verses in Latin, English and Gaelic headed: “In St Johns, 1767. Every person admitted to drink the Governor’s health, at supper, on his departure for Europe, was obliged to make a verse on some of the company; this gave rise to the following, over the bottle, on the 25th Octr. Dies, quem simper honoratum, &c”. Gaelic verses are as follows. (Folio 30 recto.)

(i) ‘Shuid deoch ort, a Sheamuish’, 1 stanza. (Folio 30 recto, line 14.)

(ii) “‘Tra huimsa an Tighe an’ Oile”, 1 stanza. (Bottom of folio 30 recto.)

(iii) “For Dr Adair’s perusal, & not another’s”. (Folio 30 verso.)