1837.Port of Launceston
(Van Diemens Land)
Passengers - Special Clearances
compiled and presented © Jenny Fawcett.2002 - 2004
At this time,and especially as Van Diemen's Land was essentially still a island penal centre, it was necessary for a ship's master to present to the Launceston Harbour Master a list of passengers and crew departing on the vessel. The ship was then inspected and cleared and readied for sail.Sometimes though, passengers applied at the list minute to board ship and they needed a special clearance from the local police.Also if convicts wanted to travel, even though freed by servitude, they still had to apply for a special clearance or be required to present their certificate to prove their freedom.
This list below covers April-Sept 1837, and is a list of those who were given such a special clearance. A greater majority cannot be confirmed that they actually travelled on the particular voyage nominated by them, some can be shown to travel shortly after on another vessel, and some are known soon after at their original destination, but it cannot be said conclusively that they travelled on their nominated vessel,though given that the fees were paid for each individual it is likely they did leave on their nominated vessel.
(Name) John Smith Free by Servitude
(Ship) Industry (ship of departure)
(Date): of the ship leaving
(Comments:) Arrived per Waterwitch to Sydney. (most have no comments)
(Fee:) Amount collected
All care taken in transcription but spelling errors may occur, or may have occurred at the time of the original entry.
