Transportation to Australia King George IV DS 1828.
London: 1828. A manuscript Royal pardon signed by King George IV dated St. James's Place, May 14, 1828 for David Phillip/s, whose death sentence for stealing sheep was commuted to life in Australia. "Whereas David Phillips was at the last Great Sessions holden for the County of Pembroke tried and convicted of Sheep Stealing and had Sentence of Death passed upon him for the same. We in consideration of some circumstances humbly represented unto us, are graciously pleased to extend our Peace and Mercy unto him and to Grant him our Pardon for his said crime, on condition of his being transported to New South Wales or Van Diemans Land or some one or other of the Islands adjacent for and during the term of his natural life. Our will and pleasure therefore is, that you do give the necessary directions accordingly: and for so doing this shall be your warrant. Given at our Court at St. James's the 14th day of May 1828, in the Ninth year of Our Reign." Addressed "To Our
trusty & Welbeloved Our Justices of Gaol Delivery for the Carmarthan Circuit; the High Sheriff of the County of Pembrokeshire, and all others whom it may concern." Signed also by Sir Robert Peel as Home Secretary With seal of King George IV.
According to the "British Convict transportation register" made available online by the State Library of Queensland, "David Phillip" was convicted at Pembroke Great Session to a life term, departed on the ship York on 30th April 1829, arriving in Van Diemen's Land 28th August, traveling with 191 other convicts. This "pardon", was issued 14th May 1828. One can assume that he spent the intervening year on a convict hulk.
According to a well-researched family tree on Ancestry.com from user Robyn Pearce, Phillips was born abt 1801 in Meline, Pembrokeshire, Wales and died 19 Apr 1865 in Orielton, Tasmania. He married Charlotte Rowland 6 Dec 1827 in Morvil, Wales. One daughter, Sarah was born there in 1828. On 5 Apr 1828 he was convicted. His wife and child were living near Haverfordwest. His family followed him to Australia, and their subsequent children were mostly born in Sorell & Orielton,Tasmania. He was given Conditional Pardon #3163 in August 1841. He also resided at Brighton & Herdsman Cove. He died 19 Apr 1865 at Orielton and is buried at St. George's Church in Sorell on 22 Apr 1865.
4 pp, 8 x 12.5" folded, original folds, some slits in folds, seal clean and crisp. Fine. Item #26372
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