James Bennett

Level 28

Christopher Jackson on 8th October 2018

Father - George Bennett, Publican, Macclesfield. Parents living at Macclesfield. Father is a publican. Prisoner has three sisters younger than him. Attended the National school for about three years. Was at other schools for short periods. Learnt to read and write. Went to church regularly from school. Left school about 12 years old and was then apprenticed to an ironmonger. After being there nine months he was apprehended for obtaining Spirits under false pretences and in his master's name - was imprisoned one calendar month. After that prisoner's mother would not allow him to return to the same place. His master wished to compel him to serve the rest of his indentures, so he ran away from home. Did not try to get any more work but joined several other boys and went about the country stealing. Alter the lapse of four months he was taken up again for being out of night. Again imprisoned for a month. Attended school in the prison every day. After his second release from prison his parents sent him to a Silk Weaver to learn to make velvets. Remained about six weeks in that place, was then apprehended on suspicion of stealing some mutton. Was six weeks in prison before trial. Was then aquitted. Went off with other boys immediately to Northwich. Stole some books from a shop there and was proceeding out of town with them when he was met by a policeman who searched and apprehended him. He was tried at Knutsford sessions,convicted and Sentenced to seven years transportation. Behaviour at Parkhurst aged 14. Oct 21 1844. Confined 24 hours - Whistling in dormitory early in the morning. Sept 6 1845 - Confined 2 days and 3 Misconduct Class - Insolence in school Feb 24 1846. Confined 48 hours - Disorderly, impertinent and sullen behaviour March 12 1846 - Confined 36 hours - Not eating bread and water ordered him for previous misconduct April 27 1846 - Dark cell 24 hours and Misconduct Class 3 days - refusal to have his hair cut when ordered and riotous conduct when about to be confined. May 4 1846 - Confined 48 hours and Misconduct Class 5 days - sullen disobedience at drill, stubborn and insolent. June 15 1846. Dark cell 20 hours and Misconduct Class 3 days - disobedience in the hayfield and subsequent riotous conduct July 24 1846. Misconduct Class 4 days · making an insolent reply to an officer from the ranks July 29 1846. Whipped 30 stripes - sullen and insolent at hard labour Nov 5 1846 - Misconduct Class 5 days - general misconduct in his Ward. Sept 17 1847. Embarked on board the ship "Marion' for Port Phillip

Level 28

Christopher Jackson on 5th October 2018

Father - George Bennett, Publican, Macclesfield. Parents living at Macclesfield. Father is a publican. Prisoner has three sisters younger than him. Attended the National school for about three years. Was at other schools for short periods. Learnt to read and write. Went to church regularly from school. Left school about 12 years old and was then apprenticed to an ironmonger. After being there nine months he was apprehended for obtaining Spirits under false pretences and in his master's name - was imprisoned one calendar month. After that prisoner's mother would not allow him to return to the same place. His master wished to compel him to serve the rest of his indentures, so he ran away from home. Did not try to get any more work but joined several other boys and went about the country stealing. Alter the lapse of four months he was taken up again for being out of night. Again imprisoned for a month. Attended school in the prison every day. After his second release from prison his parents sent him to a Silk Weaver to learn to make velvets. Remained about six weeks in that place, was then apprehended on suspicion of stealing some mutton. Was six weeks in prison before trial. Was then aquitted. Went off with other boys immediately to Northwich. Stole some books from a shop there and was proceeding out of town with them when he was met by a policeman who searched and apprehended him. He was tried at Knutsford sessions, Conduct at Parkhurst before transportation Oct 21 1844. Confined 24 hours - Whistling in dormitory early in the morning. Sept 6 1845 - Confined 2 days and 3 Misconduct Class - Insolence in school Feb 24 1846. Confined 48 hours - Disorderly, impertinent and sullen behaviour March 12 1846 - Confined 36 hours - Not eating bread and water ordered him for previous misconduct April 27 1846 - Dark cell 24 hours and Misconduct Class 3 days - refusal to have his hair cut when ordered and riotous conduct when about to be confined. May 4 1846 - Confined 48 hours and Misconduct Class 5 days - sullen disobedience at drill, stubborn and insolent. June 15 1846. Dark cell 20 hours and Misconduct Class 3 days - disobedience in the hayfield and subsequent riotous conduct July 24 1846. Misconduct Class 4 days · making an insolent reply to an officer from the ranks July 29 1846. Whipped 30 stripes - sullen and insolent at hard labour Nov 5 1846 - Misconduct Class 5 days - general misconduct in his ward