Bonded passenger to America
My immigrant ancestor, William Meetkerke, was sentenced to transportation to the colonies in America at the Westminster Sessions Apr 1773. I have found 4 records of his imprisonment at Newgate Prison on Ancestry. The final record dated 20 May 1773 is attached. This record shows him being delivered to transport, I believe it says the ship Hanover. I would like to find more information about this ship and that specific passage to America.
I like to know of what crime he was convicted but have been unable to find any information. Any suggestions or help in my pursuit of answers would be greatly appreciated.
Meg
Comments
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Looking at the Ancestry references, they refer to a book by Peter Wilson Coldham named English convicts in colonial America, specifically volume 2. The suggestion is that further information may be found there. Accessing this book may not be so easy however!
Checking the Family Search catalogue gives
But access is restricted.
Whether you can get copies of extracts via the look up service, I am not sure lacking a specific reference in the book. However, it is worth trying. See
An alternative is to try to find a library near you with a copy. Try WorldCat at
Also an Ancestry member, cierracheyenne, has him on her tree so you could try contacting her in case she has more information.
I hope that one or more of these works for you.
Regards
Graham Buckell
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