Cliff I am currently transcribing prison records for the early nineteenth century and have found that quite a few people were sentenced to death, reprieved to be transported and then given the King's mercy to be sent to the armed forces (possibly a worse option than transportation at that time) or given hard labour instead. It would be worth checking whether the prison records still exist in Hampshire for the period concerned as they should state where he went after the prison. If he was sent to the Hulks he probably was transported unless he died on them (which many did)..a few people were freed from the Hulks but not many. Kind regards Maddy Duke Dorset -----Original Message----- From: aus-convicts-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:aus-convicts-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of CLIFFORD WHEELER Sent: 17 February 2009 23:34 To: aus-convicts@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-CON] ARE THE TRANSPORTATION RECORDS INFALABLE Hello,   I have recently found the conviction records for my great x4 grandfather who was sentenced to 7 years transportation in 1816 from Hampshire Uk, for stealing bacon from the Lord of The Manor at Brockenhurst. Despite the kind efforts of a researcher in NSW, he cannot be traced. We know that he was back home with his family in 1826. Do you think that the lack of a record is absolute proof that he was not transported to Australia, Thanks Cliff Wheeler  Barton on Sea, Hampshire ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to AUS-CONVICTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message