Catalogue description Prisoner name: Henry Loftus Wisker, aged 32. Court and Date of Trial: Central Criminal...

Prisoner name: Henry Loftus Wisker, aged 32.

Court and Date of Trial: Central Criminal Court, October 1841.

Crime: Forgery.

Initial sentence: Transportation for seven years.

Gaoler's Report: Character not known.

Outcome: Free pardon, 1845.

Petitions and letters: Petition from Matthias Wisker, the prisoner's brother, asking J H Lowther to use his influence with Sir Robert Peel to reduce his brother's sentence. With a covering letter from J H Lowther and a letter from Thomas [Prigg] Wisker, brother of the prisoner, to Lowther.

Petition from the prisoner aboard the Leviathan, 1843, pleading that he has completed two years 'probation' on the hulk and has heard that all prisoners who have not done so are to be transported when the hulk is discontinued. With an account of the crime claiming he was drunk.

Petition from Elizabeth Wisker, the prisoner's mother, 1845, pleading her son's good behavior on the Stirling Castle hulk. If released he would be a reformed character. With 12 supporting signatures and a supporting letter from Wm Musgrave.

Letter on behalf of the prisoner's mother, 1844, from William Garwood.

Letters from Lowther and Musgrave 1845.

Letter from the prisoner to J H Lowther, June 1845, pleading ill health endangering his life when he has completed 2 months beyond the time expected of men sentenced to seven years. Forwarding letter from Lowther to the Home Office.