To D’Arcy Wentworth Esq ? S of Police, and the
Worshipful Bench of Magistrates: the humble petition of George
Onslow
Most respectfully herewith
That Petioioner arrived in the colony in the Indostan Capt
Williamson, a prisoner for life, and was assigned to William
Con(?) Esq J.V. and on account of the good behaviour whilst in his
service, he transferred him (as an indulgence) to Mr Hickey, who
was, as Petitioner supposed, a friend of his. In the first
instance, to the great astonishment of the petitioner, Mr Hickey
insisted upon the payment of thirty pounds per Ann. In lieu of his
services which he afterwards reduced to twenty, on
petitioner stating to Mr Hickey that he was unable to pay the
above mentioned sum – and moreover he threatened petitioner with
corporal punishment, if he did not accede to the last mentioned
terms. Moreover the petitioner was compelled to pay the Govt money
in addition to the twenty pounds, by Mr Hickey. Petitioners master
at that time received ten pounds in advance which he holds his
receipts. And petitioner has since paid the half years govt money.
The time being nearly expired, petitioner expecte a repitition of
the same demands which he is unable to comply with. Petitioner
humbly implores the worshipful bench to take his case into
consideration, that he may be taken from Mr Hickey, and assigned
to some other individual to whom his services (alone) may be
useful
And petitoner as is duty bound will ever pray
George Onslow
Thursday 15th May 1823
Comment Les Rowley: This looks a pretty desparate action. Mr
Hickey's treatment would be harsh if it failed. Poor George,
his next assignmrnt seems to have been to a sixteen year old
girkl, and that had its problems too.