Dear Lesley and all I am trying to assist a friend with this convict and there are a few questions I am hoping someone may be able to answer. John Smith was transported on the Mariner (3) in 1827 for the crime of Burglary, however, his trial was in the Cape of Good Hope in 1826, I have never come across this before. He was a native of Northampton, married with 2 children, then this trial is in South Africa and then a year later he leaves from Cork, Ireland on the Mariner (3). Does anyone know how I can get records of the trial and why would it have been there rather than England. Apparently he applied for permission to marry Ann Wells but it was denied because he was already married, however they ended up at Richmond and had several children. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has information on this convict or anything about his family, such a common name makes things difficult as well, thanks Regards Julie Webb Gold Coast