Richard Edwards

4

Sue Sutherland on 12th April 2018

Thank you, Robin Sharkey for your research which has confirmed that this Richard Edwards was indeed my GGG'father. The family have been trying to find a link between what we already knew of him since he became proprietor of Edwards Livery Stables in Sydney 1842, and the possibility he was this convict. The information mentions numerous letters and documents relating to his pleas for an Absolute Pardon and I would like to know where I can access these to support my research. And also - what prompted you to research Richard Edwards?? Do you know of others trying to research him?? With thanks S. Sutherland. (slsutherland@bigpond.com.au)

71

Robin Sharkey on 19th January 2018

Richard Edwards was sentenced to death which was then commuted to Lfe transportation for cutting and maiming one William Jenkins of Mold. He was tried at Cardigan Lent Assizes on 19 March 1834. He arrived on the “Henry Tanner” in 1834. (NOTE: Another Richard Edwards also arrived on “Henry Tanner’ in 1834. He was tried at Lancaster on 11 April 1833. Had a ten year sentence. Native of Montgomeryshire. See separate entry.) A petition for Edwards to have a commutation of sentence was put forward. He was recorded on the ship indent as Farm servant and groom, and in the petition as a Sergeant in Cardiganshire Militia His parents, per the petition, were James and Jane Edwards of Tanybwlch, Llanafan, Cardinganshire, farmer. 1842 return of Conditional Pardons Granted – 21 January 1841 Richard Edwards, tried 19 March 1834 Cardogan Assizes 1834, arrived per Henry Tanner, Life. His Actual Conditional Pardon signed by Governor George Gipps which gave him right to reside within the limits of this Government, says: Born Cardoganshire Farm servant and groom Offence cutting and maiming Henry Tanner, LIFE 5ft 7 in, Dark brown hair and brown eyes There is a lot of cross-writing on the personal details of the Conditional Pardon, which makes it extremely hard to read. Pursuant to a letter sent by His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for the colonies to me, the Governor do hereby grant until Richard Edwards that the within written pardon shall take effect in all parts of the world except only the United Kingdom of Greta Britain and Ireland, anything in the within connection to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. Granted under seal at Government House Sydney the 10th Novemebr 1849. Signed Charles A Fitzroy This further allowance to him to be able to go anywhere else in the world except Great Britain or Ireland itself may have come about because of petitions initiated by him and supported by NSW signatories. An earlier petition had been signed by 98 residents of Cardiganshire. Petition was sent to the Colonial Secretary and indexed in the Home Office records as follows: Prisoner name: Richard Edwards. Prisoner age: 23. Prisoner occupation: Sergeant in Cardiganshire Militia. Court and date of trial: Cardigan Lent Assizes, 19 March 1834. Crime: Cutting and maiming William Jenkins, excise officer, at a public house in Aberystwyth in October 1833. Initial sentence: [Death], commuted to transportation for life. Gaoler's report: Character good. Attempted to escape. Annotated (Outcome): Nil. Petitioner(s): The prisoner, undersigned by 98 inhabitants of Cardiganshire, testifying to his good character. James Edwards of Tanybwlch, Llanafan, Cardinganshire, farmer, and Jane Edwards, the prisoner's parents. Lord Middleton, 11 Montague Street, Portman Square. The prisoner, at Edward Livery Stables, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, with copy statements from ten inhabitants of Sydney, testifying to his good conduct. Grounds for clemency (Petition Details): First offence; good character; good conduct in New South Wales, including assistance at fire in Sydney. Other papers: *Letter from Lord Lisburne, Weymouth Street, in support of first petition. *Note from Home Secretary that this is 'a very bad case' and mitigation CANNOT be considered. Statement from William Cowper of Sydney, the prisoner's master in New South Wales, recommending mitigation of sentence. Covering letter for second petition from John B Williams, 11 Montague Street, Portman Square, domestic chaplain to Lord Middleton. Statements from W E Powell, Colonel Royal Cardigan Militia, and Lord Middleton, as to good conduct of prisoner. Letter from William Jenkins of Mold, the prosecutor, opposing petition as if the prisoner 'be allowed to return into this country my life will be in danger'. Letter from Downing Street reporting a conditional pardon issued to prisoner. Letter from the prisoner in Sydney, seeking assistance to gain an absolute pardon. Notice that petition for absolute pardon is denied. Additional Information: Prisoner native of Cardiganshire; held in Cardigan gaol then on board Justitia convict hulk. Arrived in Sydney on 26 October 1834 on ship Henry Tanner.