1 individual petition (the Reverend William Totton, Rector of Debden, Saffron Walden [Essex]) on behalf …

Description: 1 individual petition (the Reverend William Totton, Rector of Debden, Saffron Walden [Essex]) on behalf of Peter Richardson convicted at the Suffolk Summer Assizes in 1820 for theft of a lamb. A note requesting information from the governor of New South Wales and noting that if Richardson's conduct in the colony has been entirely satisfactory, his discharge will be authorised and he will have permission to return home. A further note stating that the prisoner is not a convict for 14 years as the minister supposed, but a life convict. Grounds for clemency: the magistrate committed the prisoner for trial with a co-accused who was less deserving than Richardson; reports indicate that he was worked to the complete satisfaction of his employer in New South Wales and is shortly to be given a ticket of leave; if he could be allowed to return home that would give much relief to his wife and children who have suffered greatly from his exile. Initial sentence: death. Annotation: nil; [Mr Peel] regrets that he would not think himself justified in recommending a free pardon to the convict who has been transported for life. GO 23.

Date: 10/09/1829 - 15/09/1829

Last import: September 11, 2017