Summary
Personal Information
Crime
Voyage
Transportation
Robert Eley was transported on the Scindian, departing 27th Feb 1850 and arriving 1st Jun 1850 with 77 passengers.
Scindian (generic)References
| Primary Source | Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 92, Class and Piece Number HO11/16, Page Number 175 (89) The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News 1850 Jul 26 p/4: List of convicts per Scindian given Ticket of Leave |
| Source Description | This record is one of the entries in the British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database compiled by State Library of Queensland from British Home Office (HO) records which are available on microfilm as part of the Australian Joint Copying Pro |
| Original Source | Great Britain. Home Office |
| Compiled By | State Library of Queensland |
| Database Source | British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database |
Claims
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Photos
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Convict Notes
IN WA: From his Fremantle jail record: ELEY, Robert; inmate #14, arrived 1 Jun 1850 per Scindian Date of Birth: 23 Dec 1827 Marital Status: Unmarried Occupation: Sailor Literacy: Semiliterate Sentence Date: 25 Feb 1848 [court record says 28 Feb] Sentence Place: Durham, Durham, England Crime: Stealing a copper funnel Sentence Period: 14 years Previous Convictions: Yes Ticket Leave Date: 29 Apr 1851 Conditional Pardon Date: 10 May 1856 (https://fremantleprison.com.au/). —00—
NEWSPAPER REPORT OF THE SHIP’S ARRIVAL: 7 June, 1850: “Arrival of the ‘Scindian’ with Convicts. The arrival of the Scindian with the first batch of convicts and the staff of officers for the formation of the Penal Establishment, took place on Saturday last, the 22nd anniversary of the foundation of the colony-a curious coincidence and a very fit day for the commencement of the new order of things. She has had a quick passage of 88 days from Portsmouth, which she left on the 4th March. The number of passengers is 277, of which seven are cabin, including Dr. Gibson, R.N., Surgeon Superintendent, Capt. Henderson, R.E., Superintendent of the Convict Establishment, lady and child, Mr. and Mrs. Dickson and two children. Mr. and Mrs. Manning and two children; steerage, 75 convicts, 54 pensioners with wives and families and 14 emigrant young women. The Scindian is the first of four vessels taken up by the Home Government for the conveyance of convicts hither, one to sail each month during the three following months… On Tuesday His Excellency proceeded to Fremantle, for the purpose of arranging, in concert with Capt. Henderson [Superintendent of the Convict Establishment], for locating the prisoners, and an agreement was made with Capt. Scott to take his premises upon lease for five years, at a rental of £250 per annum, to expend £1,000 in improvements for which interest at the rate of 4 per cent is to be allowed out of the rent. We understand, that after the erection of their own buildings, the first public work proceeded with will, in all probability, be the erection of a Pier to run out from Arthur’s Head, for the protection of Gage’s Roads. We also hear that the Scindian has on board 400 tons of Government stores, including tools, iron-work, and everything the establishment is likely to require for the erection of gaols, carrying on works, &c.” (The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News, p2 at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3171648). —00—
SCINDIAN TO WA: THE FIRST CONVICTS: 1 June, 1850: “On this day in 1850, the first convict transport ship Scindian arrived in Fremantle to great surprise, as she had managed to overtake the ship carrying news of her arrival. There was no prison capable of holding the convicts, so a local warehouse was rented and quickly converted into a temporary prison. Convicts remained there for five years, whilst building their new home, The Convict Establishment, later renamed Fremantle Prison.” (https://www.facebook.com/fremantleprison) —0—
TRIAL: 28 February, 1848: Durham County Sessions -- Robert Eley was convicted and sentenced to 14 years' transportation for "larceny [stealing a copper funnel] and before convicted of felony". He was 20 years old (England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892 for Robert Eley; England; Durham; 1848). --00--
Correction: First court appearance was 23 July, 1846. --0--
Correction: Typo for first court appearance. He was 19 years old. --0--
4 January, 1847: Durham County Sessions -- larceny from the person, 6 months' jail; 19 years old, illiterate (England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892 for Robert Eley; England; Durham; 1847). --0--
PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS: 23 July, 1847: Durham -- larceny; 3 months jail; aged 21 and illiterate (England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892 for Robert Eley; England; Durham; 1846). --0--