Summary
Personal Information
Crime
Transportation
James Smith was transported on the Speke, departing 13th Dec 1820 and arriving 18th May 1821 with 156 passengers.
Speke (generic)References
| Primary Source | Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 88, Class and Piece Number HO11/3, Page Number 425 (214) |
| 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
Absconded. James Smith, Speke, 32, Lamplighter, London, 5 feet 8½, black eyes, black hair, dark comp. From Razor Back. Sydney Gazette, 26 Dec 1832.
James Smith's trial at the Old Bailey was on 18th September 1820.
Old Bailey Online (DOB from here) 1000. ROBERT PLATT and JAMES SMITH were indicted for feloniously assaulting Abraham Simmons , on the King's highway, on the 20th of June , putting him in fear, and taking from his person, and against his will, one watch, value 12 l.; one chain, value 4 l.; two seals, value 2 l., and one key, value 10 s., his property , ABRAMAM SIMMONS. I am an army-clothier . On the 20th of June, about half-past eight o'clock in the evening, I was walking down the Strand , and just as I got to the corner of Round-court, I saw the prisoner, Platt, push me off the curb, and at that very moment Smith came in front of me, drew my watch from my fob, and ran up the court with it. I followed, calling Stop thief! we both fell down, and at that moment I endeavoured to lay hold of his hand which had the watch in it. Platt came up, struck me several blows, and said "What do you want with this man." They both got off. I am positive to their persons. I was merely pushed slightly off the curb. I saw them in custody about ten days after. Cross-examined by MR. ANDREWS. Q. Was it dark - No; I had frequently seen them both about the neighbourhood before, and knew them. WILLIAM JEFFERSON . I am an officer. I and Maidment apprehended Smith about the middle of July, and found two handkerchiefs, the cap of a watch, two watch keys, and a piece of crooked wire on him. I found a letter in his pocket. - (read.) Dear Friends. - "Mike and I am now in trouble through getting you away, and hope you will not forget me now I am there; all I ask of you is to get me a counsellor, and nothing else. I expect to suffer for it, but if I get counsel I may get off, as I am called Captain of the Gang. The watchman swears to my cutting his head, and getting you away." R. PLATT. SAMUEL LACK . I apprehended Platt. SMITH'S Defence. The letter cannot relate to this robbery, for no watchman was there. SMITH - GUILTY . Aged 21. PLATT - GUILTY . Aged 18. Of stealing from the person only. - Transported for Life . First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice Best.