1. An overview of the Exiles Scheme 1844 -1849 from records held at Public Record Office Victoria

2. Who were the Exiles
The Exiles were the only convicts transported directly to the Port Phillip Districts. They were prisoners of the Crown who, through meeting a number of pre-requisites, were offered Royal Pardons - conditional upon their accepting transportation to the Australian colonies.
All the Exiles were selected from among the populations of Pentonville, Parkhurst and Millbank prisons. Their pardons took effect upon their disembarking in the colonies.

3. What was the Exiles Scheme
Based on the 1838 scheme now referred to as the Parkhurst Boys (sent to WA & NZ). The scheme was a way to continue transportation following NSW stopping transportation in 1842.
Prisoners needed to be:
Under short sentence
Undergo a period of exclusion intended for reflection about “the evils of their former course”
Show good behaviour and potential for reform
Receive training in trades deemed necessary in the colonies
May 1842 – Proposal made to Sir George Gipps (Governor NSW) by Downing Street to send Exiles to Australia under a similar scheme). Victoria suggested as potential destination [VPRS 19 P0 Unit 37 File 42/2057]

4. The Pardons
Prisoners were listed until a suitable number had been selected for the next ship
The List was sent to the Queen for signature confirming the grant of pardon
Conditions were that they accept transportation and that they not return to the United Kingdom until the expiration of their original sentence

5. How Many ? Between 1844 and 1849 – 9 ships
11 November 1842 – Royal George (21 landed at Melbourne)
20 March 1845 – Sir George Seymour (175 landed at Geelong)
27 January 1846 – Stratheden (51 Landed at Melbourne)
9 November 1846 – Maitland (291 Landed at Melbourne)
4 May 1847 – Thomas Arbuthnot (288 Landed at Melbourne)
24 Sept 1847 – Joseph Somes (248 Landed at Geelong)
25 January 1848 – Marion (292 Landed at Melbourne)
22 June 1848 – Anna Maria (163 Landed at Geelong)
4 February 1849 – Eden (133 Landed at Portland & 65 at Geelong)
A total of 1727 Exiles transported to Victoria over 5 years

6. The Process of Exile
The ships also transported convicts and supplies for Hobart
They then lay at anchor off Launceston until advised which colony would accept them
Pardons issued prior to disembarking in destination colony

7. Government Commitment to the Exiles
To provide hostel accommodation and food until suitably employed
To assist with locating employment
The exiles could also exit the ship to their own devices but would, as a result, relinquish all right to expect the government to provide the above.

8. An Alternative Plan
Should none of the colonies nominate to accept the Exiles upon the arrival of a ship then arrangements were to be made to:
Establish a separate colony or work depot on the coast of New South Wales to act as a work depot (to be managed by an overseer)
Provide necessary assistance to enable the construction of housing and development of self-sufficiency

9. “An act of Wanton Injustice” – Public Opinion in Victoria
By 1845 public opinion was heavily weighted against the acceptance of further Exiles into Victoria. One writer called the Exile scheme an act of wanton injustice perpetrated upon three fourths of the colonies residents.
Opposition increased until, in 1849, the first of an eventual four additional Exile ships were turned away from Victorian ports.

10. Types of records available
Nominal and Disposal Lists (all nine of the Exiles ships are included in the on line Assisted Immigrants Index and microfiche listings)
Additional material can be located throughout
VPRS 19 – The Chief Secretary’s Correspondence
VPRS 515 – Male Prison Registers
VPRS 2877 – Correspondence from the Land Branch of the office of the Superintendent of the Port Phillip

11. David Gray per Stratheden Pentridge prisoner number August 1868 – 12 charges of stealing wearing apparel (3 months) 11 September1868 – Robbery with Violence (10 years)
Born: Sussex 1823

12. David Gray per Stratheden Pentridge prisoner number 8299

13. Case studies
Henry Swindells – Ballarat. Involved in agitating against the Miner’s Licence. Became a respected member of society and successful businessman.
Patrick McEvor who deceived both the governments of South Australia and Victoria by posing as a constable and receiving into custody 3 escaped prisoners and subsequently freeing them.

14. Why was a new scheme for transportation of convicts required ?