Hi Peggy, To be transported for life meant that you were to be removed from the British Isles never to return. By the 1820's the usual place the convicts were sent was one of the Australian Colonies. Transportation for 7 years again meant to be removed from the British Isles but the sentence was for only the 7 years so the convict, technically, could return after this time. However, the government did not supply return fares so once a convict had completed their sentence they had to find their own way back. Most found it easier to remain in the colonies as there was work and land available that would not have been available at home. Those most likely to return home were those who could sign on as sailors to work their passage home. There would be few families in Australia who have been here since prior to 1900 who can't find at least one convict in their past. A lifer could receive a conditional pardon which basically made him or her a free person in the colonies but the condition of the pardon was that they could not return home. The convict transportation process is quite complex with changes to operation over the years, but the basic procedure was that convicts were sentenced for 7 years, 14 years or life. Transported to the colony, they either went into service for the government or a settler, for several years. If they behaved they would be issued a ticket of leave which entitled them to work for a wage and live independently, but they had to remain in a designated area. A few years later they may receive a conditional pardon or a full pardon, or on the completion of their sentence a certificate of freedom. These gave increasing levels of independence and the ability to travel as they liked but for many an emancipated convict they were never truly seen as being part of free society. A website that has a lot of interesting information and links on convicts, especially those from Ireland is http://members.pcug.org.au/~ppmay/ Bye Karlena, >From Launceston, Tasmania, Australia -----Original Message----- From: countycork-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:countycork-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Peggy Keating-Butler Sent: Tuesday, 24 November 2009 3:25 AM To: countycork@rootsweb.com Cc: IRL-CORK-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [CO CORK] Cork Assizes September 1822 Hi Dennis-- What an eye-opener! I have no in-depth historical knowledge of the times related and so am interested in knowing what is meant by "to be transported for life." Does this mean a "life sentence"? Likewise, I see "seven years transportation." What is the significance of the term "transported" or "transportation" associated with these jail sentences? Thanks! Peggy (aka "Georgia Anne Butler," author of the trilogy Of the Wing). http://www.ofthewing.com No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.77/2520 - Release Date: 11/24/09 06:45:00