There are references to convicts and early conditions in VDL in The Narrative of "George Russell of Golfhill" with Russellania and selected papers. edited by P L Brown. Contains early letters of settlers and otheritems of interest eg. Pass For Drovers dated The Esk March 28 1835. To whom it may concern: Permit the bearer and other two men to pass on to George Town with 69 head of cattle branded on the near shoulder. signed by James Aitkin The men were James Harrison, John Dick and John Frederick. Note below the pass states. "George Town was notorious as the special haunt of bad characters. Cattle stealing was a common practice in Tasmania at this time." Also I mention The Clyde Company Papers for the list. Shirley in East Gippsland -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.15 - Release Date: 22-05-2005