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.