Thank you so much for all the suggestions. We have more or less identified, (we think), the location of the old Sparke estate where James Hicks served his initial 9 years of penal servitude, (somewhere apparently between Ironbank Creek & Thornton on the Newcastle to Maitland road), and are planning a visit to Maitland Gaol, and to Dungog. We're still trying to pin down where the Slater homestead was, but perhaps that will become clearer in time through somebody's kindness. So, jet-lag permitting, we are looking forward to what we hope will be a special experience. Please will you accept my thanks to all on the list who have taken time offering their advice. I have tried to respond to some in person, but have been rather overwhelmed by the kind response. Best wishes from a beautiful late summer day in southern England. Chris Ralph