File of documents arising from the suspicion in government circles that some female convicts have committed crimes in the hope of rejoining their husbands in New South Wales, [Australia]

File of documents arising from the suspicion in government circles that some female convicts have committed crimes in the hope of rejoining their husbands in New South Wales, [Australia]. Includes letters from Samuel March Phillipps, Whitehall, [London], to Francis Leveson Gower, Chief Secretary, requesting that an investigation be made into the claims and suggestions of Gen R Darling, Governor of New South Wales concerning the motivations of female convicts; stating that following a Navy investigation into the claims of Rev John Vincent, the Home Secretary has expressed dissatisfaction in the conduct of the officers of the convict ship ‘Elizabeth’ and recommending that Mr Hughes, surgeon superintendent, never be employed again onboard a convict ship. Also copy of covering letter from Horace Twiss, Downing Street, [London], to Phillipps, writing on behalf of Sir George Murray, transmitting copies of lists of the 30 female convicts transported onboard the ‘Elizabeth’ whose husbands are in the colony or are about to arrive in the colony; includes accompanying observations from Darling, suggesting that the wives of convicts be exempt from transportation, thereby preventing crime and providing an incentive for the good behaviour of the husbands. Includes annotations. [Contains list of names not given in this description] 5 items; 20pp