Collins NEWINGTON was baptised in 1774 Etchingham, Sussex. He married to Ethel CAMFIELD in 1796 at Speldhurst, Kent.
When he was about 46 he was convicted of defrauding his master and was removed from Westgate gaol, to the hulks at Sheerness, preparatory to his being conveyed to Botany Bay.
This is where it gets somewhat unclear.
The UK, Prison Hulk Registers and Letter Books, 1802-1849 note that Collins "...behaved remarkably well in gaol.." on the ship Bellerophon that was moored at Woolwich.
Another record notes he was convicted 8 Jan 1821 for 14 years. That he was discharged 14 Apr 1823 to the Retribution. That during his time on the Retribution he behaved well.
At one stage [no date provided] he was on the Hulk Euryalus.
This same document notes that he was issued a "free pardon 11 Jan 182?"
To date that is all the information I can find on him. Outstanding questions: Was Collins transported and if so on which ship and for how long; lastly what date was he given a free pardon and in which country was that free pardon received?
Westy
