1828 : John Pluck and William Pluckrose, Transported Convicts

1828 : Tasmania Convicts Monies Due Index

Source: Jenny Fawcett's website
Index created and provided by ŠJ.Fawcett 2003-2005

The following is taken from an index to those convicts who had money deposited with the Principal Superintendent of Convicts (Tasmania) as of the 8th of September 1828.

The list was compiled at the request of the Lieutenant-Governor as part of an enquiry into allegations of missing sums of money within the Convict Department. The list was compiled by John Lakeland (Principal Superintendent of Convicts) who forwarded a return of the sums due to the convicts to Afleck Moodie (Assistant Commissary-General.

The original information is held at the Archives Office of Tasmania, but further information can also be obtained from Jenny Fawcett. The usual information given is:

Name: George Willis
Ship: Bengal Merchant
Amount: 10 shillings, 8 pence.

The monies belonged to the individual convicts at the time they were transported to Tasmania, and given up to the Convict department by the Surgeon Superintendent of the individual transport ships, upon arrival at Hobart.

Surname
Forename
Ship
. . .    
Pluck John Bengal Merchant
Pluckrose William Marmion
. . .    

Historical background to convict bank accounts

Prior to Commissioner Bigge's Report on Convicts (printed in 1822) taking effect, convicts could retain the money they brought with them for their own use. This money could often 'purchase' a more comfortable life during their period of servitude.

One of Commissioner Bigge's recommendations concerned the care of convicts' property (including their money) on their arrival in the colony: 'It is recommended .. that their Clothes and Bedding should be taken care of on their Landing and that the Money belonging to Individuals should be taken and deposited.....and not allowed to be held by the Superintendent or any other person.'

Following the implementation of the Bigge Report, the Surgeon-Superintendents of the ships on which the convicts were transported were entrusted with convict monies during the voyage out (some lists may be found in CGS 1155 Musters and other papers) and these funds were then deposited in the Savings Bank on arrival.

In addition to these arrangements, friends or relations could deposit money to be held in trust for a convict or a convict could earn money for extra work or duties performed. The convict could not access the money until proof of reformation could be shown such as having received a ticket of leave, pardon or on completion of sentence. Extenuating circumstances such as the money being required to pay for defence in a court trial were also taken into consideration. Application could be made to access the sums held to their credit and if approved a warrant was issued which authorised the money to be withdrawn.

John Pluck [PL40 Tree 7] was transported for poaching.   William Pluckrose was transported for pocket picking.

 

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