Summary
Personal Information
Voyage
Transportation
Thomas Brett was transported on the Mariner, departing 19th Jan 1827 and arriving 23rd May 1827 with 161 passengers.
The 1825 Journey. The ship Mariner, Captain Fotherley, arrived from Ireland with female prisoners, on Sunday evening. She left the Cove of Cork, the 12th of March, and brings 112 female prisoners, having lost only one on the passage. A few passengers also came per this opportunity. Surgeon Superintendent Dr. Cochrane, R. N. Sydney Gazette, 14 July 1825.
Mariner (generic)References
| Primary Source | NSW Gov Records. Irish Convicts. |
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Convict Notes
National Archives, Ireland. Ireland- Australia Transportation Database. Doc Ref 1: FS 1835 list 2. List of those whose application for their wives and families to be sent out to New South Wales to join them at the expense of Government are recommended to the Secretary of State for His Majestys Gracious allowance. Thomas Brett, tried at Co. Sligo, per ship Mariner. Wife’s Name, Nancy Brett.
SLIGO ASSIZES. Thomas Brett was placed at the bar, charged with the wilful murder of Patrick M'Donough, at Curry, is this county, on the 7th of February last. John Higgins, sworn.—Knew the deceased : -was coming with him and man named O’Hara through the village of Curry, on the 7th February last; a dog ran from a house and barked at them; raised a switch to strike him, the prisoner immediately rushed out, and asked, what rascal had struck his dog; he had a knife in his hand ; M'Donagh said in Irish, go in. Tom, no one here wants to molest you and your dog. Brett immediately after struck him in the side, and said,“take that ; I had it a long time for you;” ’twas duskish ; knew him, (Brett), before. Michael O’Hara corroborated the evidence of the preceding witness. The case for the prosecution having closed. M. Murphy, for the defence, swore that the prisoner’s dog was struck, and himself threatened, and beaten by deceased and party. A former witness (Higgins) was produced to confront him, who pointedly contradicted almost every word uttered. ... Drogheda Journal, 26 July 1826. Sligo Assizes, July 15. ... The Learned Baron then proceeded to charge the Jury in his usually lengthened, luminous, and impressive manner.—He reviewed the case, recapitulated the evidence, commenting, as he proceeded, on its different features, and drawing those lucid conclusions which have always distinguished his charges. He explained the law, and drew that line of distinction, which, in his eyes, separated manslaughter from murder. He observed that no previous malice appeared have existed in the prisoner’s mind; the melancholy act was committed in the heat of blood; this circumstance would be weighed carefully by the Gentlemen of the Jury, if a doubt existed their minds, the prisoner was entitled to the benefit of that doubt. The Jury retired, and shortly after returned with with verdict of Guilty. His Lordship then said, he had only a solemn and melancholy duly to perform—at all times melancholy, but doubly so on the present occasion, as he totally disagreed with the verdict which was returned. You,” said he, addressing himself to the prisoner, have submitted yourself to the law, and Jurors should be governed by the explanation of its spirit which they receive from the Bench. The Court considers you guilty of manslaughter—the Jury have thought otherwise and have taken it upon themselves to adjudge you guilty of murder. I have, therefore, only to pass the awful sentence of the law upon you.” He then passed sentence of death the prisoner. At the conclusion of this sentence, which was delivered in the most impressive manner, the prisoner fainted, and conveyed from the dock apparently in a lifeless state, by the gaoler and his assistant. - Southern Reporter, 29 July 1826.
Sligo July 22 —Thomas Brett, who was to have been hanged on Wednesday last, for the murder of M'Donogh, has been respited until the 29th instant. Cork Constitution, 29 July 1826.
169685 Brett Thomas - Mariner 1827. 1827 State Archives of NSW. Bound indents Microfiche 664. Age 30. Farmer's Labourer from Sligo. Married with two children. Tried 19 July 1826 and sentenced to transportation for life for murder. Assigned to the A.A. company on arrival. 31450 Brett Thomas - Mariner 1827. 1828 Port Stephens 1828 Census. Labourer. Assigned to Australian Agricultural Company.
Born - Sligo Ireland. Married 2 children.