Michael McDonnell 63rd regiment of Foot deserter

[clancam37]

Searching for information re Michael McDonnell (alias McDonald) deserted from the Army and transported to Sydney,Australia about 1799. 
Did he remain in Australia, perhaps in VDL (Tasmania)? And did he have any family.
Kind regards
clancam37

[majm]

Have you eliminated the Michael MCDONALD who arrived per  "Atlas", 1802 ?  I think his trial was at Dublin in June 1800 (7 years transportation)

I assume this thread is associated with your other current threads?
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=683623.0
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=682754.0
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=682235.0

I see on another of your threads that you regularly (twice weekly) visit the Hobart City Archives for a genealogist friend.   

It is my understanding that the holdings there are thorough and that would be where I would expect you should find the best set of extant records for that early British Penal Colonial era.    Altnernatively the NSW Col Sec's papers 1788-1825.  would likely be second best next option.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=672269.msg5173734#msg5173734

Cheers,  JM

[majm]

Where was the 63rd regiment when he deserted?   It had a tour of duty in Australia in the late 1820s early 1830s

http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~garter1/63rdin%20Australia.htm

"In 1796, the 63rd formed part of General Sir Ralph Abercromby’s force in the West Indies and was frequently under fire. The same year it proceeded to Jamaica whence it sent detachments to various islands, etc. In 1798 one of these detachments successfully defended the colony of Honduras against an attack made on it by a Spanish force of 2,600 men. In 1799 (the well-known Harry Calvert being Lieut – Colonel) the regiment returned to England, “a mere skeleton, counting only 150 rank and file.” Having, however, been rapidly brought up to the strength of 900 rank and file, it joined the expedition of Sir Ralph Abercromby to Holland, in 1799, and was engaged in the landing at the Helder, action of Zuyp, attack on Schagen- Burg, and all the other actions, including that on the advance to Bergen-op-Zoom, where the enemy was routed and pursued, in a charge gallantly led by Major McLeroth of the 63rd who was specially thanked by the Commander-in-Chief for his gallantry and conduct. At Egmont-op-Zee the regiment displayed great gallantry and steadiness. After this the corps returned home. The following year it took part in the Ferrol Expedition, where Sergeant-Major Nugent performed a gallant exploit and was in consequence promoted. In 1801 the regiment proceeded to Gibraltar  and in 1802 to Malta..."