1847
In Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) Jack Sinkler was awarded a merit for apprehending two absconding prisoners.
Jack was carrying out his duties as a “Watchman”, a kind of quasi-police force drawn from the ranks of the convicts themselves. In theory, the authorities would give this responsibility to the better-behaved convicts who could hopefully be trusted. However, some Watchmen were caught accepting bribes to look the other way, helping their mates to get away.
In convict slang, known as “Flash language”, a Watchman was called a “Charley”.
Main Image – Hobart Town from The New Town Road by John Skinner Prout (1846)
