Bob McConnell of New Zealand in a letter to Donald Alexander dated Dec 1, 1982 tells the story as related to him by Andrew Ramsey about Samuel McConnell and how he acquired some of his fortune.

“Samuel McConnell was a Waggoner; and once when delivering supplies to the goldfields in Otago Province, he was set upon by bushrangers who stole his money. They then set about helping themselves to the stores on the wagon. These included whiskey and this proved their downfall as they became drunk and went to sleep. Sam escaped in the wagon, taking the swag bag with him into which they had put his money . Later he discovered that not only was his own money there, but some more besides.”