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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Topic started by: cygnet75 on Tuesday 15 May 12 13:44 BST (UK)

Title: Convict Look up at the National Archives
Post by: cygnet75 on Tuesday 15 May 12 13:44 BST (UK)

Hello, I am looking for a volunteer (or volunteers) who would be willing to look at about 10 convict files at the National Archives in Edinburgh. All I need really is a copy of the declaration made by the convict at the end of the file. I have all the references needed and can pass them on. I am writing a book on convicts who lived in a township in Tasmania and about ten came from Scotland. It would be a vast help if I could access these declarations as they provide valuable background on the trials and convictions.
Thank you for anyone who would like to help.
David Coad (Paris).

Title: Re: Convict Look up at the National Archives
Post by: mosstrooper on Wednesday 23 May 12 23:38 BST (UK)

If they were still alive and living in Tasmania, it must have been quite a small misdemeanor, they were routinely
hanged for stealing a Loaf or Housebreaking.

You can make a start on these pages.

http://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/search.html

James.

Title: Re: Convict Look up at the National Archives
Post by: mosstrooper on Wednesday 23 May 12 23:45 BST (UK)

PS
As you will note from the readings I gave you, any declarations at the end were
usually made up by the reporter, for the good of the reader, make them feel justice had been done.

James.