World Archives Project: New South Wales, Convict Indents, 1788-1842

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About this project Acting as a convict's 'Resume' these indents not only describe the trial ship and sentence, but are also annotated with information like physical description, to whom they were assigned, dates of tickets of leave, conditional and absolute pardons.  They also contain records for some of the Irish convicts.

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Project-specific sample images and form field help:

Choose a sample image from below to see the corresponding form field examples.
Capture
Convict List No Header
Convict List With Header

Capture

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There are a wide variety of images we want to capture but do not have information that fits the constraints of this project. We label them as capture because we want to provide them in our browse so customers can browse and explore the information on them. However, they do not have information we want to capture off of them, at this time.Among the images that should be classified as capture images, in frequency order, are: Chronological ship information lists, these forms only give information about the ships, such as names, tonagge, arrival date, number of male convicts, number of female convicts, etc. There is no genealogical information about people. · Title pages, there is one per microfiche with descriptions of the information contained on the microfiche. · Court papers relating to the transportation of convicts. Convicts are normally not listed within the court document but may be include on a separate list.· Miscellaneous papers, which can be just about anything. Some reference escapes, desertion, death, inquires/request for information, financial work sheets, etc.

Convict List No Header

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This form type should be selected when there is no descriptive text (header) that contains the name of a vessel, arrival date, and/or port of arrival, prior to a lists of convicts. The header will either appear at the top of the form, and/or can also appear in the middle of the form when the header information changes. If you see either of these types of situations you should select the Convict List With Header form to key the image. If the image has a column labeled Vessel or Vessels, you must use this form to classify and key the image. In general if there is not a header anywhere on the image, use this form type to key the image.

Indexes should also be keyed using this form.

Prefix

Key any titles before the Given name, such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr" or "Mrs", using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a prefix title does not appear in the dictionary then key the prefix title as seen. If "child of Peter Pan" appears, key the complete phrase into the prefix title field. The prefix title can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled. Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Given

Key the first name or initial and any middle names of the person to whom the record pertains, as the given name, using the provided dictionary for assistance. If a given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the given name as seen. The given name can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled. Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Surname

Key the surname of the person to whom the record pertains using the provided dictionary for assistance. If a surname does not appear in the dictionary then key the surname as seen. The surname can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled. Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Suffix

Key any titles, such as "Jr" or "III", following the surname, using the dictionary provided for assistance.  If a suffix title does not appear in the dictionary, key the suffix title as seen.  The suffix title can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form. 
See Example

Alias Given

Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the word "nee". Key the first name or initial and any middle names using the dictionary provided for assistance. If an alias given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the alias given name as seen.  The alias given name can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Alias Surname

Key any alias surnames which appear.  Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the word "nee". Key the alias surnames using the dictionary provided for assistance. If an alias surname does not appear in the dictionary then key the alias surname as seen.  The alias surname can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Place of Trial

Capture the place of trial from the record using the dictionary provided for assistance.  If a location is not found in the dictionary then key the location as seen.  The place of trial can be usually found in columns labeled Trial Where, Where Tried, When Convicted, or Where and When Sentenced.  Sometimes the place of trial will appear in a comment form and will have verbiage like "Tried at".  In other cases the place of trial will appear in a column labeled as County or as a heading with just the county name to separate the convicts for different counties.  When either of these happens key the county as the place of trial.In some cases the place of trial will be same for several entries.  This can be represented by using the word ditto, the abbreviation "Do", by the use of quotes marks, or by braces surrounding a group of entries.  When this happens ditto the information into all the records from the previous entry or group of entries.
See Example

Day of Trial

Capture the day of trial from the record. The day of trial can usually be found in a column labeled Trial When, When Tried or Where and When Sentenced.  In some cases the date of trial will say something like Summer 1819 or Lent 1820 when this happens simply record the year and leave the day and month blank.In some cases the date of trial will be same for several entries.  This can be represented by using the word ditto, the abbreviation "Do", by the use of quotes marks, or by braces surrounding a group of entries.  When this happens ditto the information into all the records from the previous entry or group of entries.
See Example

Month of Trial

Capture the month of trial from the record. The month of trial can usually be found in a column labeled Trial When, When Tried or Where and When Sentenced.  In some cases the date of trial will say something like Summer 1819 or Lent 1820 when this happens simply record the year and leave the day and month blank. Key the name of the month in full, even if abbreviated on the record.In some cases the date of trial will be same for several entries.  This can be represented by using the word ditto, the abbreviation "Do", by the use of quotes marks, or by braces surrounding a group of entries.  When this happens ditto the information into all the records from the previous entry or group of entries.
See Example

Year of Trial

Capture the year of trial from the record. The year of trial can usually be found in a column labeled Trial When, When Tried or Where and When Sentenced.  In some cases the date of trial will say something like Summer 1819 or Lent 1820 when this happens simply record the year and leave the day and month blank.If a two digit year appears please key it as a four digit year using the following instructions.  For 00-44 precede the two digits with 18.  For all others precede the two digits with 17. In some cases the date of trial will be same for several entries.  This can be represented by using the word ditto, the abbreviation "Do", by the use of quotes marks, or by braces surrounding a group of entries.  When this happens ditto the information into all the records from the previous entry or group of entries.
See Example

Age

The age can be found in the column labeled Age, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Age column is usually to the right of the column labeled Name or Names when it is present.
See Example

Vessel

Capture the vessel name on each record using the dictionary provided for assistance.  If a vessel is not found in the dictionary then key the vessel name as seen.  Most lists of convicts are preceded by a header or descriptive text at the beginning of the list.  If the Vessel is listed, it will normally appear in this header.  The phrases by the Ship or Ship, usually precedes the name of the vessel within this text.  In some cases the name of the vessel will begin this descriptive text.  The name of the vessel is usually formatted slightly differently to help set it apart.  This formatting could including bolding, italicization, proper casing, etc.  In some cases the vessel name will appear at the top of the left page and the ship captain will appear at the top of the right page.  When this happens there might not be any special formatting to indicate that the vessel name is the one on the left page.  In cases like this, key the vessel name from the left page on the image. If the form you are keying does not list the vessel at the record level and does not have a header from which to key the vessel name, do not worry about keying this field.  However, if either condition is true, vessel names appear at the record level, or appears in the current header or the previous image in your image set, please copy down the vessel name.   
See Example

Ticket of Leave

Capture the ticket of leave information using the simple Yes/No dictionary provided.   The ticket of leave can usually be found in a column labeled No of T. of L, T. L. or Ticket of Exemption/Leave.  The tickets of leave are a separate document that can provide additional information about a convict.  There are few instances where the column heading for this field does not repeat on some forms.  This field will be a really narrow column and the third to last field on the far right of the image, when it is present.
See Example

Pardon

Capture the pardon information using the simple Yes/No dictionary provided.   The pardon can usually be found in a column labeled No of Condl P, C. P. or Pardon Conditional/Absolute/Colonial.  The pardons are a separate document that can provide additional information about a convict.  There are few instances where the column heading for this field does not repeat on some forms.  This field will be a really narrow column and the second to last field on the far right of the image, when it is present. In some instances, there may simply be the word "pardon" written in the margin.
See Example

Certificate of Freedom

Capture the certificate of freedom information using the simple Yes/No dictionary provided.   The certificate of freedom can usually be found in a column labeled No of Absolute P, A. P. or Certificate of Freedom.  The certificates of freedom are a separate document that can provide additional information about a convict.  There are few instances where the column heading for this field does not repeat on some forms.  This field will be a really narrow column on the far right side of the form when it is present.
See Example

Convict List With Header

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This form type should be selected when there is descriptive text prior to a lists on convicts that meets certain criteria.  In order to qualify as a header the descriptive text needs to include at least one of the following: (1) the name of a vessel, (2) arrival date, and/or (3) port of arrival.  This form type should also be selected in any circumstances where the header information changes part way through the form and a new header appears.  When this occurs the image will need to have a header associated with any preceding lists, on the image and a new section with the new header.  The navigation button should be used on the first header to indicate it is Continued from Previous when this happens.Please be aware, on some of the forms in this collection the vessel name appear at the record level associated with each convict listed, these forms should not be keyed using this form type.  If there is a column labeled Vessel make sure that you use the Convict List No Header form when keying those records.

Arrival Day

Capture the arrival day from the arrival date.  Most lists of convicts are preceded by a header or descriptive text at the beginning of each list.  If the arrival date is given, it will normally appear in the header following the arrival port.  For some of the pre-printed forms, the arrival date appears to the right of the port of departure which appears to the right of the phrase Arrived from.
See Example

Arrival Month

Capture the arrival month from the arrival date.  Key the month out in full, even if abbreviated on the image. Most lists of convicts are preceded by a header or descriptive text at the beginning of each list.  If the arrival date is given, it will normally appear in the header following the arrival port.  For some of the pre-printed forms, the arrival date appears to the right of the port of departure which appears to the right of the phrase Arrived from.
See Example

Arrival Year

Capture the arrival year from the arrival date.  Most lists of convicts are preceded by a header or descriptive text at the beginning of each list.  If the arrival date is given, it will normally appear in the header following the arrival port.  For some of the pre-printed forms, the arrival date appears to the right of the port of departure which appears to the right of the phrase Arrived from.If a two digit year appears please key it as a four digit year using the following instructions.  For 00-44 precede the two digits with 18.  For all others precede the two digits with 17.
See Example

Arrival Port

Capture the arrival port using the dictionary provided for assistance.  If an arrival port is not found in the dictionary then key the arrival port as seen.  Most lists of convicts are preceded by a header or descriptive text at the beginning of the list.  If the arrival port is listed, it will normally appear in this header. The phrases arrived at or arrived in, usually precedes the name of the arrival port within this text. 
See Example

Navigation

There are three selections in the dictionary for this field: Complete on this image; Continued from previous image; and, Continues on to next image.  This field can only be used in the following circumstances.It is clear that an image in the image set you are working on is a continuation of a previous header, because that previous header is also included in your image set.  When this happens, select Continued from previous image.The image that you are working on has a header that begins in the middle of the page, and the material that appears prior to the header is composed of convict records.  In this instance select Continued from previous image to indicate you know these records are associated with a different header.  You will need to create a new section starting at the header that appears on your image.
See Example

Vessel

Capture the vessel name on each record using the dictionary provided for assistance.  If a vessel is not found in the dictionary then key the vessel name as seen.  Most lists of convicts are preceded by a header or descriptive text at the beginning of the list.  If the Vessel is listed, it will normally appear in this header.  The phrases by the Ship or Ship, usually precedes the name of the vessel within this text.  In some cases the name of the vessel will begin this descriptive text.  The name of the vessel is usually formatted slightly differently to help set it apart.  This formatting could including bolding, italicization, proper casing, etc.  In some cases the vessel name will appear at the top of the left page and the ship captain will appear at the top of the right page.  When this happens there might not be any special formatting to indicate that the vessel name is the one on the left page.  In cases like this, key the vessel name from the left page on the image.If the form you are keying does not list the vessel at the record level and does not have a header from which to key the vessel name, do not worry about keying this field.  However, if either condition is true, vessel names appear at the record level, or appears in the current header or the previous image in your image set, please copy down the vessel name.   
See Example

Prefix

Key any titles before the Given name, such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr" or "Mrs", using the dictionary provided for assistance.  If a prefix title does not appear in the dictionary then key the prefix title as seen.  If "child of Peter Pan" appears, key the complete phrase into the prefix title field.  The prefix title can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Given

Key the first name or initial and any middle names of the person to whom the record pertains, as the given name, using the provided dictionary for assistance. If a given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the given name as seen.  The given name can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Surname

Key the surname of the person to whom the record pertains using the provided dictionary for assistance. If a surname does not appear in the dictionary then key the surname as seen.  The surname can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Suffix

Key any titles, such as "Jr" or "III", following the surname, using the dictionary provided for assistance.  If a suffix title does not appear in the dictionary, key the suffix title as seen.  The suffix title can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form. 
See Example

Alias Given

Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the word "nee". Key the first name or initial and any middle names using the dictionary provided for assistance. If an alias given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the alias given name as seen.  The alias given name can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Alias Surname

Key any alias surnames which appear.  Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the word "nee". Key the alias surnames using the dictionary provided for assistance. If an alias surname does not appear in the dictionary then key the alias surname as seen.  The alias surname can be found in the column labeled Name or Names, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Name or Names column is usually the left most column on the form.
See Example

Age

The age can be found in the column labeled Age, if the column on the form is labeled.  Even though the order of the fields varies for this form, the Age column is usually to the right of the column labeled Name or Names when it is present.
See Example

Place of Trial

Capture the place of trial from the record using the dictionary provided for assistance.  If a location is not found in the dictionary then key the location as seen.  The place of trial can be usually found in columns labeled Trial Where, Where Tried, When Convicted, or Where and When Sentenced.  Sometimes the place of trial will appear in a comment form and will have verbiage like "Tried at".  In other cases the place of trial will appear in a column labeled as County or as a heading with just the county name to separate the convicts for different counties.  When either of these happens key the county as the place of trial.In some cases the place of trial will be same for several entries.  This can be represented by using the word ditto, the abbreviation "Do", by the use of quotes marks, or by braces surrounding a group of entries.  When this happens ditto the information into all the records from the previous entry or group of entries.
See Example

Day of Trial

Capture the day of trial from the record. The day of trial can usually be found in a column labeled Trial When, When Tried or Where and When Sentenced.  In some cases the date of trial will say something like Summer 1819 or Lent 1820 when this happens simply record the year and leave the day and month blank.In some cases the date of trial will be same for several entries.  This can be represented by using the word ditto, the abbreviation "Do", by the use of quotes marks, or by braces surrounding a group of entries.  When this happens ditto the information into all the records from the previous entry or group of entries.
See Example

Month of Trial

Capture the month of trial from the record. The month of trial can usually be found in a column labeled Trial When, When Tried or Where and When Sentenced.  In some cases the date of trial will say something like Summer 1819 or Lent 1820 when this happens simply record the year and leave the day and month blank. Key the name of the month in full, even if abbreviated on the record.In some cases the date of trial will be same for several entries.  This can be represented by using the word ditto, the abbreviation "Do", by the use of quotes marks, or by braces surrounding a group of entries.  When this happens ditto the information into all the records from the previous entry or group of entries.
See Example

Year of Trial

Capture the year of trial from the record. The year of trial can usually be found in a column labeled Trial When, When Tried or Where and When Sentenced.  In some cases the date of trial will say something like Summer 1819 or Lent 1820 when this happens simply record the year and leave the day and month blank.If a two digit year appears please key it as a four digit year using the following instructions.  For 00-44 precede the two digits with 18.  For all others precede the two digits with 17.In some cases the date of trial will be same for several entries.  This can be represented by using the word ditto, the abbreviation "Do", by the use of quotes marks, or by braces surrounding a group of entries.  When this happens ditto the information into all the records from the previous entry or group of entries.
See Example

Ticket of Leave

Capture the ticket of leave information using the simple Yes/No dictionary provided.   The ticket of leave can usually be found in a column labeled No of T. of L, T. L. or Ticket of Exemption/Leave.  The tickets of leave are a separate document that can provide additional information about a convict.  There are few instances where the column heading for this field does not repeat on some forms.  This field will be a really narrow column and the third to last field on the far right of the image, when it is present.
See Example

Pardon

Capture the pardon information using the simple Yes/No dictionary provided.   The pardon can usually be found in a column labeled No of Condl P, C. P. or Pardon Conditional/Absolute/Colonial.  The pardons are a separate document that can provide additional information about a convict.  There are few instances where the column heading for this field does not repeat on some forms.  This field will be a really narrow column and the second to last field on the far right of the image, when it is present.  In some instances, there may simply be the word "pardon" written in the margin.
See Example

Certificate of Freedom

Capture the certificate of freedom information using the simple Yes/No dictionary provided.   The certificate of freedom can usually be found in a column labeled No of Absolute P, A. P. or Certificate of Freedom.  The certificates of freedom are a separate document that can provide additional information about a convict.  There are few instances where the column heading for this field does not repeat on some forms.  This field will be a really narrow column on the far right side of the form when it is present.
See Example