379 WILLIAM SMITH - ARRIVED ABOARD "WILLIAM JARDINE" in November 1844; sentenced to 7 years Transportation. In the present 3-sided official record or "copy" document (circa 1855) Smith is charged with "misconduct in making a false statement of and insolence to Mr Assistant Overseer Turner" to which he pleaded Not Guilty. Several witnesses are called and provide details of finding him asleep in bed instead of performing his guard duties. Not a good look for a convict trustee. "Verdict: Guilty. Sentenced 10 days solitary confinement." $500–750 ❖ 380 THE SAGA OF THE SLEEPING NIGHTWATCHMAN CONTINUES: John Williams, Henry Turner, William Boyd and Constable Boyle continue their arguments before Mr Bedford. On this occasion the prisoner is Acquitted. (3 mss pages). $400–600 ❖ 381 MR TURNER LIED: In September 1856 the final chapter in the sleeping nightwatchman episode is played out, returning to court for the third time. 3 page mss record of the new evidence and the decision. $200–300 ❖ 382 Victorian Parliamentary Papers: August 1856 "TRANSPORTATION: Despatch from Major-General Macarthur to the Secretary of State, Relaive to Transporation."; December 1858 "EXECUTION OF CRIMINALS. Report of the Sheriff, relative to recent executions at Her Majesty’s Gaol, Melbourne."; October 1859 "PENAL DEPARTMENT. Report of the Inspector-General."; August 1883 "Deportation to Australia of Approvers at the trials for certain murders in Phoenix Park, Dublin." (4 items). $200–300 ❖ 383 A PETITION FROM THE MEDICAL OFFICER AT PORT ARTHUR: March 1856 mss letter from Thomas BROWNELL, Medical Superintendent at Port Arthur, to James BOYD, Civil Commandant at Port Arthur, requesting that the troops stationed at the convict settlement should be required to salute him, just as they did their military officers. It appears that Boyd thought it a good idea but covered himself by forwarding the correspondence to William Nairn, Principal Superintendent of Convicts, who had other ideas. Boyd’s concurrence is noted and signed on the final page of the four which make up this fascinating document in 3 different hands. Brownell’s story makes fascinating reading; a copy and analysis of his diary accompanies his letter. $600–800 384 PLEASE HAVE MY WIFE REMOVED TO THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND.....SHE’S RUINING ME: March 1856 letter from one George Smith of Hobart Town to the Comptroller General, William Nairn. His words speak for themselves: "I am compelled to bring under your notice the conduct of my wife who I am sorry to say is a common prostitute. I am a licensed hawker and I am compelled to visit the Country Districts in order to obtain an honest livelyhood. During my absence she is prostituting her body with the lowest of the low and making away with my property. I humbly trust Sir you will kindly issue an order to have her removed to the North side of the Island. Hwe name is Susan Fletcher per "Stately" Ticket of Leave; by doing this you will save me from ruin." Susan Fletcher had been found guilty of stealing a silver watch in May 1848; transported for 14 years, she arrived in Van Diemen’s Land in September 1849 aboard "Stately" and is first recorded at the Cascades Female Factory. $500–750 ❖ 385 A DRUNKEN WIFE AND 2 MISSING BOTTLES OF RUM. IS THERE A CONNECTION? A group of three sworn statements (March 1856) concerning the intriguing goings-on at Port Sorell, at Mrs Ile’s Public House, at the Duke of Clarence Public House and in William Yoeman’s hut. William YOEMANS (a Probation Pass Holder) and Jeremiah PHELAN (also a Probation Pass Holder) provide us with most of the information about the inebriated "Mrs Doctor"; Thomas HOLLAND, Police Clerk at Sorell, brings some sober reflections to the matter. How did it end? $300–500 386 PLEASE IGNORE MY LAST LETTER!: 31 July 1856 follow-up mss letter from George SMITH regarding his wife, Susan FLETCHER, who he had asked the Comptroller General to send "to the North of the Island". On this occasion he writes "You were kind enough to grant her leave to remain in Hobart Town for ten days in consequence of having a bad foot. She is very sorry for her former conduct and if you will be kind enough to cancel the order and allow her to remain in Hobart Town as my occupation would be of no use to me if I went into the country with her..." A notation signed by W.E.Nairn reads only "approved". $200–300 ❖ 383 385 388 58