A Sentence of Indenture, 1775. Like Australia, many American colonists who came here came here as a sentence. Here is an example of how Laurence Kennedy had his death sentence commuted in return for his being sent to America. Other related documents show the arrangements the mayor ma de for Kennedy's transportation to Liverpool and on to the Colonies. The mayor and the ship's captain both made a profit off the deal.

At the Crownmote Court of our Lord the King for
the County of the City of Chester held at the Common Hall
of Pleas of and in the said City by Adjournment-
upon Wednesday the nineteenth day of April in the-
fifteenth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord-
George the third by the Grace of God King of Great-
Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith-
and so forth Before Joseph Dyson Esquire Mayor
of the said City.-
Whereas Lawrence Kenneday (sic) the younger was at the-
Crownmote Court of our Lord the King for the County of the-
said City of Chester held at the Common Hall of Pleas-
of and in the said City upon Monday the 22.d day of August-
last past Before Sir Wathin Williams Wynn Baronet-
Mayor of the said City convicted of felony and did receive
sentence of Death for the same And Whereas some
Favourable Circumstances having been humbly represented
unto his Majesty in his Behalf his Majesty hath-
signified his Will and Pleasure that the said Laurence Kennedy
the Younger be transported to one of his Majesty's
Colonies or Plantations in America for and during the
Term of his Natural Life And this Court doth impower
the said Joseph Dyson Esquire Mayor and Thomas-
Cotgreave Esquire Alderman two of his Majestys(sic)-
Justices of the Peace for the said City to contract with any-
person or persons whom they shall think fit for the-
Transportation of the said Laurence Kennedy the Younger
for and during the Term of his Natural Life according to-
the Statute in such case provided-
By the Court-
Brock

  

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