Michael Kiernane

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Maureen Withey on 15th March 2021

The date the details of sentening were reported: Sydney Gazette, 25 Oct 1822.

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Maureen Withey on 15th March 2021

1828 Census Index. Michl. Kienane, Guildford 2, & year sentence, Port Macquarie. ---------------------------------------------------- MONDAY.—William Poole, Thomas Peacock, Robert Cammell, and Michael Clensey, were indicted for the commission of various felonies; and Hugh M'Cann, Henry Webb, and Michael Kanaun were arraigned as accessaries before and after the fact. From the evidence of John Wiseman, an approver, it appeared that the four prisoners, viz. Poole, Peacock, Cammell, and Clensey, with himself, were crown servants to various individuals, and were employed in and about the new discovered country, and Bathurst. Some time in May last, about the 21st, they absconded from their various masters, and took to the woods: this act being at the suggestion of the prisoner Poole, who had been for some weeks previous storing the minds of his follow prisoners with not only the probability, but also the possibility and certainty of making their way to Timor, through the trackless interior of New Holland; to which plausible tale they were the more readily induced lo give credence, from their knowledge of the prisoner Poole being a seaman, and consequently an active and clever fellow, and therefore well capacitated to conduct his little party to Timor, in which event they had the prospect of becoming altogether, though remotely, relieved from captivity. Poole told them this tale; it was believed; and preparations were for a length of time carried on with great secrecy. Horses were stolen, cattle slaughtered, and huts plundered, till they were (as was imagined) amplv provided for the expedition; in which they were assisted, as proved by the approver, and confirmed as far as actions and words couid possibly extend, by the other three prisoners at the bar, who were hut and stock-keepers to gentlemen in the interior. The party set out, and went on pretty rapidly, till a river, of which they had no previous conception, impeded their further progress. A consultation was called ; and it was pronounced impossible to overcome this enemy to their fondest expectation ; viz. that of reaching Timor. The only expedient that appeared to be left, as not the least hope was entertained of tracing the river, was to fell some trees, and thus effect a pass ; but, to accomplish this Herculean task, the adventurers possessed no implement ; and it was found requisite to return, after having gone 200 miles from Bathurst, for an axe! The horses that had been stolen having been missed, together with the amazing quantity of property that had been purloined, Wm. Lawson, Esq. the Magistrate at Bathurst, sent a party in quest of them, under the command of Mr. Blackman, district constable ; and, after several weeks fatigue, this persevering officer succeeded in falling in with a part of the discoverers, who had only just before separated from their companions, and were in the act of about becoming concentrated, to renew their march to Timor. This caption (for such it may well be called) took place about 30 miles from Bathurst. The other prisoners were shortly after taken into custody. Such were the principal features in this singular case; which, however, is not unprecedented in colonial annals. Many of our Readers may remember the expedition to China about 20 years since! As to the property that the prisoners had managed to get together, it was truly astonishing, as well for variety as comfort. To afford some idea of the quantity of property, the enumeration of the articles nearly filled a side of foolscap; and, among the number, the prisoners had provided themselves with a Bible ! Our limits will not permit us to say much more upon this trial. The defence of the prisoners went merely to weaken, and to endeavour to destroy, the testimony given by the approver; but that was too ably borne out to be shaken by unsupported assertion. The prisoners were found Guilty. Remanded. Sydney Gazette, 11 Oct 1822. ----------------------------------------------------- MONDAY.—This day, at one o'clock, the Court reassembled : and the various prisoners, who had been found Guilty during the sessions, but upon whom sentence had not been passed, were now brought up to receive judgment. ... William Poole, Thomas Peacock, Robert Cammell, Michael Clensey, ... severally received SENTENCE of DEATH ! Hugh McCann, — transportation for life. Henry Webb and Michael Kanim — 7 years transportation.

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Maureen Withey on 15th March 2021

Irish Convict Database, by Peter Mayberry. Michael Kiernane, age on arrival, 51, Guildford (2) 1816, Tried Limerick City, 1815, 7 years. DOB, 1765, native of Limerick, Trade, Labourer. ---------------------------------------------------- County and City of Limerick. Sergeant Johnston returned from Rathkeale to town Wednesday, and immediately opened the Sessions here, which adjourned to this day, for the trials of Michael Kinnane, who was found out by J. Browning, Esq in the night of 16th, and J. Hewitt for having concealed arms. Kinnane, after patient hearing, hearing, was unanimously convicted, by full bench of Justices, on the clearest testimony, and after suitable address, by Sergeant Johnston, he was sentenced to be transported for seven years, to Botany Bay. Immediately after conviction he was sent off, under military party to Cork. J. Hewitt, was also convicted and sentenced transported for seven years, but in consequence of his most excellent character, and it being proved that he resisted an attack made by insurgents, Serjeant Johnston, on part of the Justices, stated that he would recommend him to Government and was confident that his case would have every consideration, and under these peculiar circumstances his pardon was looked upon as certain. Dublin Evening Post, 26 Oct 1815. -------------------------------------------------- Colonial Secretary Index. KIERNANE, Michael. Per "Guildford", 1816 1822 Sep 23-Oct 21 - To be transported to Port Macquarie for seven years. In reports of prisoners tried at Court of Criminal Jurisdiction; appears as Kanaun (Reel 6023; X820 p.65) 1822 Oct 11 - On lists of prisoners transported to Port Macquarie per "Snapper" (Reel 6019; 4/3864 pp.13, 374-5) 1822 - Prisoner at Port Macquarie. Petition re error in his sentence; appears as Kenaum (Reel 6069; 4/1817 p.8) 1824 May 12, Jun 1 - Re mistake in list sent to Port Macquarie (Reel 6019; 4/3864 pp.132-3, 147)