Prisoner name: Samuel Smedley and John Collier (or John Collyer). Prisoner age: Smedley...

Prisoner name: Samuel Smedley and John Collier (or John Collyer).

Prisoner age: Smedley aged 22. Collier aged 22.

Prisoner occupation: Smedley a painter.

Court and date of trial: Derby Lent Assizes [Derbyshire] 1829.

Crime: Maliciously killing several sheep at King's Newton [Derbyshire], the property of a farmer named Nicholson (or Nicklinson) of Melbourne, Derbyshire on 2 December 1827. Prosecutors: William Nicklinson, Joseph Scott and Jonathan Briggs.

Initial sentence: Transportation for life.

Gaoler's report: Bore a good character previous to this offence.

Annotated: Nil. Smedley to be pardoned if he has behaved well in the Colony (1837). John Collier: conditional pardon 22 November 1844.

Petitioner(s): 77 people. Three petitions from William Young of Melbourn, brother-in-law of Smedley. Two petitions from James Collyer father of John. 112 people of Melbourne, Derbyshire including the prosecutors. The prosecutors: Nicklinson, Briggs and Scott. 11 people including the prosecutors.

Grounds for clemency: They were intoxicated at the time; sons of respectable parents; previous good character; no previous offence; no malicious intent; they are truly contrite and realise the enormity of their crime; Collyer has a wife and small child; Smedley has received a free pardon.

Other papers: A letter to the Colonial Office outlining the case and explaining that Smedley is living with William Lee in Bathurst, New South Wales and John Collyer is with Captain Piper. A letter from William Young to Lord John Russell thanking him for showing mercy to Smedley. A letter from James Collyer and Hannah Collyer hoping that their son might be pardoned given that Smedley has been. Note from Lord Melbourne transmitting letters to Mr Phillipps. A letter from Lord Melbourne. A letter from H J Fox supporting the case of Collier. A letter from Lord Melbourne stating nothing is known about Collyer in the Colony. A note from Lord Melbourne concerning a conditional pardon for John Collier in New South Wales. A note that sentences should not be mitigated 'without a colonial recommendation.'