Convict Guide - published 2006 - Manual / Resource - Page 192
Guide to New South Wales State archives relating to convicts and convict administration
Chapter 16: Van Diemen's Land
16.1
Background to the records
First settlement at
Risdon Cove
established 1803
In 1803 Governor King, concerned by rumours of a possible French
occupation, ordered Lieutenant John Bowen to head an expedition to
Van Diemen's Land where he established a settlement on the Derwent
River at Risdon Cove.
Sullivan’s Cove
established 1804
Colonel David Collins was later sent from England to found an outpost at
Port Phillip moved to the Derwent after deciding that his original
destination was unsuitable. In February 1804 he opened up Sullivan's
Cove later to become known as Hobart Town. (Robson, Tasmania,
pp.39ff, Tipping, Convicts Unbound, p.104). Both Bowen and Collins had
convicts under their charge.
Port Dalrymple
established 1804
In 1804 Governor King sent Lieutenant-Colonel William Paterson to Port
Dalrymple (near Georgetown). This settlement was transferred in 1806
to the site of present day Launceston. (Australian Encyclopaedia, 4th
ed., vol.10, p.7).
Convicts sent
directly to Van
Diemen’s Land from
England
At first, the settlements in the north and south were independent but a
Government and General Order, which made Port Dalrymple a
dependency of Hobart, united the two in 1812. During that year convicts
were sent directly from England for the first time.
Judicial system
established 1814
In 1814 the second Charter of Justice laid the foundations for the
judicial system in Van Diemen's Land. A Lieutenant Governor's court
was opened to hear civil matters when the sum in dispute was less than
fifty pounds. Cases which exceeded this amount and criminal matters
were sent to the Court of Criminal Jurisdiction in Sydney.
From 1821 to 1833 Macquarie Harbour was used as a penal settlement
for reconvicted persons. Its remoteness caused communication
problems and it was replaced by Port Arthur.
Van Diemen’s Land
became a separate
colony 1825
16.2
In 1825 by an Order in Council, Van Diemen's Land became a separate
colony.
Indexes to the records
16.3
Index to the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788–1825 *ARK and is
available on State Records' website
Colonial Secretary's Correspondence: Index to convicts and others,
1826–77 and ongoing. Compiled by Joan Reese
Colonial Secretary's Correspondence: Index to letters sent re
convicts, 1826–May 1855. Compiled by Joan Reese
Colonial Secretary's Correspondence: Index to letters sent to the
Sheriff, 1828-50. Compiled by Convict Connections
Contemporary Colonial Secretary's Indexes and Registers, 1826–
1900, NRS 922 available in State Records' reading rooms
Index to Colonial Convict Movements, 1827-1853. Compiled by the
Descendants of Convicts Group Inc. available in State Records'
reading rooms
The records
See also Appendix II: Chronological list of Convict Ships arriving at Van
Diemen's Land 1812–53, and list of papers relating to each vessel
State Records Authority of New South Wales
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