Prisoner name: Henry Miller, Thomas Miller, John Spray [or Thomas Spray] and Edward...

Prisoner name: Henry Miller, Thomas Miller, John Spray [or Thomas Spray] and Edward Shoesmith.

Prisoner occupation: Agricultural labourers.

Court and date of trial: Old Bailey 10 April 1828.

Crime: Assisting as tub carriers in landing un-customed goods at Bexhill [Sussex] on 3 January 1828. Thomas Miller and John Spray were further indicted for a similar offence committed at Eastbourne [Sussex] on 23 January 1828.

Initial sentence: Death recorded and commuted to transportation for life.

Annotated: 'Nil May 16 1828'.

Petitioner(s): Thomas Baker (Vicar of Bexhill) undersigned by two churchwardens, two overseers and 17 inhabitants of Bexhill. A second petition from the convicts and 12 others on behalf of Henry Miller. Thomas Miller (father of Henry Miller) in favour of his son. Thomas Spray (one of the convicts). Edward Shoesmith (one of the convicts). Thomas Miller (one of the convicts). Henry Miller (one of the convicts).

Grounds for clemency: Agricultural labourers earn very low wages and are easily tempted by the higher pay offered by smugglers; previous good character; true penitence.

Other papers: A character in favour of Henry Miller and John Spray from Thomas Christmas (their employer). A character in favour of Henry Miller from Arthur Brook (former employer).

Additional Information: Henry Miller was still on board the hulks at Devonport [Plymouth] in November 1833. William Plumb was also convicted and transported.