William Blake

National Archives. Criminal Petitions. HO 17/43/121. 1838 Oct - 1838 Nov Prisoner name: William Blake. Prisoner age: Age 28. Prisoner occupation: Private, 11th Regiment of Foot. Court and date of trial: Fredericton, New Brunswick [Canada], Court Martial, July 1838. Crime: Desertion. Initial sentence: 14 years transportation. Annotated: Nil. Petitioner(s): The prisoner's father John Blake of Waterford [Ireland], undersigned by 60 supporters including dignitaries of Waterford, supporting the petitioner's good character. Grounds for clemency: The prisoner's father served in the army for 20 years and the prisoner's actions has caused him great sorrow. Other papers: Letter from Sir Henry Winston Barron, transmitting the petition to the Home Office. Letter from Lord Fitzroy Somerset, Horse Guards, against clemency, stating that although the prisoner's father is deserving of consideration, the crime of the prisoner is too serious for mitigation; he also states Lord Hill's views. Additional Information: Prisoner sent to the Leviathan hulk. The prisoner's father, John Blake, was a sergeant in the 8th Regiment of Foot and had high testimonials for 'gallantry, diligence, probity and exemplary conduct'. The prisoner is one of three brothers. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Tasmanian Conduct Record: https://stors.tas.gov.au/CON33-1-1$init=CON33-1-1P34 See Record for details.