An unstable mind triggered by unstable weather may have been too much for Donald McCloud.

Donald McCloud was born in Scotland about 1823. Information regarding his birth, parentage and siblings is not available. Also missing is the date of his arrival in Santa Cruz County. Since he does not appear on the 1860 census his residency in the county was likely of a short duration. McCloud indicated that he was a jeweler on his enlistment forms. Those same records described him as being about five feet nine inches in height, dark complexioned, with hazel colored eyes and dark hair.

Donald McCloud enlisted in Company L of the 2nd California Cavalry on September 15, 1861, and accompanied them to Camp Alert in San Francisco for basic training on September 27.

During the torrential rains and accompanying flooding during the winter of 1861-62 McCloud is reported to have had a nervous breakdown and on March 11, 1862, was given a disability discharge. He was sent to the Insane Asylum in Stockton where he is believed to have died.

(CMWR, Pg. 286; MAHL; SCSn November 12, 1972)