Summary
Personal Information
Voyage
Transportation
James Mackay was transported on the James Laing, departing 16th Feb 1834 and arriving 29th Jun 1834 with 142 passengers.
James Laing (generic)References
| Primary Source | New South Wales, Australia, Convict Indents, 1788-1842 Bound Indentures 1833-1835 |
Claims
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Convict Notes
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 19 Oct 1844 Page 4 VAN DIEMEN'S LAND EXTRACTS. TWELVE CONSTABLES PUNISHED AND DISMISSED. - Information having been received that six men had absconded from Port Arthur, viz. :-James Woolf, Joseph Taylor, William Delaney, James McKay, William Scrimshaw, and George Britton, twelve of the Hobart Town Police were despatched with a view to their capture, along with a corporal and four soldiers of the 96th. On the party arriving at Port Sorrel, it was found that the absconders were already in custody, having been previously apprehended by the constabulary of the district. They were then marched off on their way to Her Majesty's Gaol at Hobart Town, in handcuffs, escorted by the twelve constables, and the corporal and four soldiers of the 96th. Notwithstanding this strong guard of civil and military power, one of the prisoners, George Britton, who was under charge of having escaped from Port Arthur, and committed a felony, was allowed to escape. This fellow, almost immediately after, burglariously entered the house of Mr. Wood, of Providence Valley, and stole therein a large proportion of that gentleman's wearing apparel, his watch, several trinkets, and other property. The other five persons, Woolf, Taylor, Delaney, M'Kay, and Scrimshaw, were brought safe to Hobart Town. On the following day (under the direction of the Chief Police authorities), a charge was preferred, before Mr. Price, against the twelve police constables, for gross neglect or duty, in suffering the absconded offender Britton to escape from their custody under the circumstances related. - It came out in evidence that the constables had taken off the handcuffs from the prisoners at Mr. Ramsay Williamson's, Glenorchy, this being a gross dereliction of duty, and which, as if by connivance, enabled Britton to " cut his stick," as was expressed by one of the witnesses. The Courier (Hobart, Tas. : 1840 - 1859) Thu 30 Jan 1845 Page 2 HOBART TOWN SUPREME COURT. James Wolf, William Delany, James Taylor, William Scrimshaw, James McKay, and George Britton, robbery and putting in bodily fear. Sentence of death was recorded against the prisoners. His Honor observed that he could not hold out hopes of mercy being extended to all the prisoners. The crime of which they had been convicted would, a few years back, have cost them their lives. Wolf was especially culpable, in as much as his life had been spared before, on conviction for piracy ; but His Honor had no doubt, under the present lenient administration, their lives might be spared, and they would be sent to Norfolk Island. His Honor concluded by impressively imploring the prisoners to avail themselves of their escape from capital punishment by amended conduct, pointing out that it was still in their power, by good behaviour, to ameliorate their condition.
Tasmania Libraries Online 23/6/1841 Was sent to Tasmania port Arthur Penal Station for life for having arms in his possession, robbery with fire arms and being a bushranger 16/1/1843 12 months hard labour for insubordination. 10/10/1845 robbery with violence trial 4/12/1845 misconduct 14 days solitary 4/3/1846 obscene language 14 days solitary 7/3/1846 36 lashes insolence Had an extra 4yrs added to his sentence. Continued punishments per Tasmania Libraries online record up to 1856. May have spent some time on Norfolk Island. In 1854 he was described as A person of very bad character , he is to be placed under careful supervision.
New South Wales, Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930 for James Mackey Darlinghurst 1831-1849 30/8/1834 H P Barracks Iron gang 9 months to the hulk 22/4/1841 For bush ranging. He was in the service of Mr Hartly. Same time Peter Keenan per William Jardine (transported for life as well) and Francis Bayley per Marquis of Huntly 10 yrs P S for horse stealing 13/7/1841 Bathurst quarter sessions transported for his natural life to Cockatoo Island.
From Belfast Ireland. Single catholic who could read and write. Convicted on 9/7/1833. Three previous offences 2 x 6 months and 12 months. 5' 5" Ruddy and pock pitted brow hair and blue eyes