William Briggs

Convict Indent. Wm Briggs, Deserted from Fifeshire fencibles, sentence for life. -------------------------------------------- 18th century regiments were sometimes formed by wealthy individuals, who then named the regiment after themselves, so Durham's Regiment (not the Durham Regiment) was that set up by General James Durham of Largo (Fife). It is thought Durham's Fencibles also known as the Fife Fencibles, (Fifeshire Fencible Infantry) was raised in 1795 as this appears to be the earliest attestation date and were taken to Londonderry in 1796. They served in Strabane, Londonderry, etc. It seems that their main duties were in the Irish Rebellion. The company was disembodied in 1803. -------------------------------------------------- Colonial Secretary Index. BRIGGS, William. Per "Friendship", 1800. 1824 Oct 13 Of Hunter's River. Affidavit re loss of his ticket of leave (Reel 6027; 4/1716.1 pp.233-234) -------------------------------------------------- NSW Convict Index. William Briggs, per Friendship 1800, Ticket of Leave, 24/438. District, Hunter River; Born Surrey 1796; Trade, Gardener; Tried – not in indent. -------------------------------------------------- Affadavit. Wm. Briggs residing at Hunters River being sworn deposeth that he received a Ticket of Leave from the Colonial Secretary’s Office about sixteen years since, which said Ticket of Leave was stolen from him with other articles last February twelve month, and saith that he made no improper use of same. Wm Briggs, his mark X. Sworn before me this 13 day of Oct 1824, ??, Supt of Police. -------------------------------------------------- This may be him in 1828 NSW Census Index. 1828 Census Index. William Briggs, age 70, T.L. arrived 1799, protestant, Employment-James Philips, residence, Bona Vista, Patersons Plains. Sent as a deserter from the 102 Regt.