Convict James Belbin's Pocket Book, Van Diemen's Land 1808-1810

Abstract

Pocket book of James Belbin, convict, detailing his departure from Norfolk Island, arrival in Hobart and events in Hobart. He noted the arrival and departures of ships including the arrival of Governor Bligh in the 'Porpoise'. Interspersed a bit haphazardly amongst these regular entries were personal memoranda, such as his arrest for support of Governor Bligh on the 24th April 1809. He was discharged by Rev. Knopwood and Mr. Lord the next day on condition he did not write letters to W. Bligh. The first entries, recording his arrival in 1808, are written on the back page, the regular entries of arrivals and departures of ships begin at the front of the volume. Inside the cover Belbin entered the dates of birth of himself and children and the death of his wife and a daughter at Norfolk Island. A few miscellaneous memoranda appear to have been entered at the back of the notebook or in any odd space, including the leather of the wallet containing the pocket book.