Hi Janine This list has a generic landing page (as do all Rootsweb lists). You may find it here: http://lists.rootsweb.ancestry.com/index/intl/AUS/AUS-PT-JACKSON-CONVICTS.html It has a link to the search facility at: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/search?path=AUS-PT-JACKSON-CONVICTS Entering the word "Tattoos" in Suject brings up 33 entries. You may have to try variations like tatoos, tatts, markings, "cross on left arm" as the search is fairly sensitive. Maye this is what you recall? http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/aus-pt-jackson-convicts/2010-12/1292233887 Go to the foot of the message and you can follow the thread. Another way is to use Google using the site: modifier. Enter the following into Google (or Scroogle https://ssl.scroogle.org/cgi-bin/nbbwssl.cgi if you prefer to filter out the Google adds/spying stuff): Site:archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/aus-pt-jackson-convicts/ tattoos And up pops a selection list. Hopes this helps: On 12 August 2011 14:12, Janine H <[email protected]> wrote: ... explanation about tattoos. but if someone would direct me to the archive where > this was discussed I'd appreciate it.