COLLINS

[lorraussie]

COLLINS Edward b ? Arrived in Australia as convict 1791 ,wife elizabeth came out free but died in childbirth 1795. Tried at the old baily sept 10th 1788 for stealing a horse at Norwood Common. Can anyone help with further info?

[ChristineR]

Sorry to question you, but are you sure you have the arrival of the right Edward Collins?

Usually once a person is sentenced to death, then reprieved and given transportation instead, they would arrive in Australia fairly quickly. 1788 to 1791 seems far too large a time span.

Just a thought.

edited later - now on reflection this is early times - they didn't have ships going all the time. So 1791 we are talking the third fleet, the Edward Collins arriving then has been given 7 years.

[ChristineR]

Name: Edward Collins
Vessel: Atlantic, William and Ann, Britannia, Matilda, Salamander, Albemarle, Mary Ann, Barrington, Active
Fleet: Third
Convicted Date: 9 Sep 1789
Voyage Date: Jan 1791
Colony: New South Wales
Piece: HO 11/1
Place of Conviction: Middlesex
County of Conviction: Middlesex

[lorraussie]

The info is as recorded in our family book A Coloninal Brickmakers Family, George Morgan ,published in 1981 . I have been trying to check and gather more about the familys. According to this book it was reported that Collins was offered a pardon on condition of transportation ,1 year after being sentanced. His wife also came out , her name was Elizabeth. Lorraine

[ChristineR]

Have you seen the entry on the Old Bailey web site?

I see where he has been reprieved in 1789, but the case was heard in 1788 as you said. I opened my mouth without engaging my brain :) this was early days in the transportation system. He was lucky they were so slow at getting him hanged.