An overview of the Exiles Scheme 1844 -1849 from records held at Public Record Office Victoria

1

• An overview of the Exiles Scheme 1844 -1849 from
  records held at Public Record Office Victoria

2
Who were the Exiles

• The Exiles were the only convicts transported
  directly to the Port Phillip Districts. They were
  prisoners of the Crown who, through meeting a
  number of pre-requisites, were offered Royal
  Pardons - conditional upon their accepting
  transportation to the Australian colonies.
• All the Exiles were selected from among the
  populations of Pentonville, Parkhurst and
  Millbank prisons. Their pardons took effect upon
  their disembarking in the colonies.

3
What was the Exiles Scheme

• Based on the 1838 scheme now referred to as the
  Parkhurst Boys (sent to WA NZ). The scheme was
  a way to continue transportation following NSW
  stopping transportation in 1842.
• Prisoners needed to be
• Under short sentence
• Undergo a period of exclusion intended for
  reflection about the evils of their former
  course
• Show good behaviour and potential for reform
• Receive training in trades deemed necessary in
  the colonies

4
The Pardons

• Prisoners were listed until a suitable number had
  been selected for the next ship
• The List was sent to the Queen for signature
  confirming the grant of pardon
• Conditions were that they accept transportation
  and that they not return to the United Kingdom
  until the expiration of their original sentence

5
How Many ?

• Between 1844 and 1849 9 ships
• 11 November 1842 Royal George (21 landed at
  Melbourne)
• 20 March 1845 Sir George Seymour (175 landed at
  Geelong)
• 27 January 1846 Stratheden (51 Landed at
  Melbourne)
• 9 November 1846 Maitland (291 Landed at
  Melbourne)
• 4 May 1847 Thomas Arbuthnot (288 Landed at
  Melbourne)
• 24 Sept 1847 Joseph Somes (248 Landed at
  Geelong)
• 25 January 1848 Marion (292 Landed at
  Melbourne)
• 22 June 1848 Anna Maria (163 Landed at Geelong)
• 4 February 1849 Eden (133 Landed at Portland
  65 at Geelong)
• A total of 1727 Exiles transported to Victoria
  over 5 years

6
The Process of Exile

• The ships also transported convicts and supplies
  for Hobart
• They then lay at anchor off Launceston until
  advised which colony would accept them
• Pardons issued prior to disembarking in
  destination colony

7
Government Commitment to the Exiles

• To provide hostel accommodation and food until
  suitably employed
• To assist with locating employment
• The exiles could also exit the ship to their own
  devices but would, as a result, relinquish all
  right to expect the government to provide the
  above.

8
An Alternative Plan

• Should none of the colonies nominate to accept
  the Exiles upon the arrival of a ship then
  arrangements were to be made to
• Establish a separate colony or work depot on the
  coast of New South Wales to act as a work depot
  (to be managed by an overseer)
• Provide necessary assistance to enable the
  construction of housing and development of
  self-sufficiency

9
An act of Wanton Injustice Public Opinion in
Victoria

• By 1845 public opinion was heavily weighted
  against the acceptance of further Exiles into
  Victoria. One writer called the Exile scheme an
  act of wanton injustice perpetrated upon three
  fourths of the colonies residents.
• Opposition increased until, in 1849, the first of
  an eventual four additional Exile ships were
  turned away from Victorian ports.

10
Types of records available

• Nominal and Disposal Lists (all nine of the
  Exiles ships are included in the on line Assisted
  Immigrants Index and microfiche listings)
• Additional material can be located throughout
• VPRS 19 The Chief Secretarys Correspondence
• VPRS 515 Male Prison Registers
• VPRS 2877 Correspondence from the Land Branch
  of the office of the Superintendent of the Port
  Phillip

11
David Gray per StrathedenPentridge prisoner
number 82994 August 1868 12 charges of
stealing wearing apparel (3 months)11
September1868 Robbery with Violence (10 years)
Born Sussex 1823
12
David Gray per StrathedenPentridge prisoner
number 8299
13
Case studies

• Henry Swindells Ballarat. Involved in agitating
  against the Miners Licence. Became a respected
  member of society and successful businessman.
• Patrick McEvor who deceived both the governments
  of South Australia and Victoria by posing as a
  constable and receiving into custody 3 escaped
  prisoners and subsequently freeing them.

14
Why was a new scheme for transportation of
convicts required ?