John Basford

John Basford was transported on the Sir George Seymour, departing 4th Nov 1844 and arriving 27th Feb 1845 with 345 passengers.

Built c 1840. Wood ship of 580 Tons. THE 'EXILES' PER SIR GEORGE SEYMOUR'. The accounts given in the Hobart Town papers of the conduct, during the voyage, of the "Exiles" by the above ship, and of the cleanliness which pervaded the vessel on her arrival, are very flattering to all those concerned. The annexed is from the COURIER, of the 4th instant: 'The men, too, are of a very superior order, and the greatest credit is due to Dr. Hampton, the Surgeon-Superintendent, for the excellent arrangements which are discoverable in their comfort and classification. The vessel proceeds to Port Phillip the latter end of the present week with that portion of the prisoners who have obtained conditional pardons. The remainder, by far the larger portion, ticket-of-leave men and pass-holders, remain in the Colony. The Government have rented Mr. Solomon's house in Argyle-street, as a hiring depot for those latter men who are well clad, and present, altogether, a very different appearance from the ordinary class of convicts. Several of the men, we under stand, have been already engaged, at wages varying from ten to twelve pounds a year; and every facility is afforded by the Surgeon-Superintendent to those who, for the purpose of engaging servants, visit this vessel. It is necessary, however, to be provided with an order from the Colonial Secretary to go on board the ship." The Australian, 20 March 1845.