For those researching their convict roots - there is a wealth of information
available in the paperwork that was created at the time, two of these being
Tickets-of Leave and Convict Pardons.
A Ticket-of-Leave was evidence that a convict was allowed to work outside the
"assignment" system. Conditions applied - the convict was confined to a named
area, had to report regularly to authorities, and was supposed to attend divine
worship each Sunday. Minor offences could see a Ticket revoked by the
magistrates and the holder returned to Government service. Penalties for greater
offences were heavier than those for free persons.
A convict granted a Conditional Pardon was treated as a free person, subject
to remaining in the colony. Only an Absolute Pardon gave the full rights of a
free person, in and out of the colony.
This set of microfiche is a compilation of the convicts in New South Wales
that were granted a Ticket-of-Leave or a Pardon during 1810-1875. This index was compiled from documents in the Archives Office of New South Wales located at 4/4419, 4/4420, 4/4427, 4/4060-4/4234
