Particulars of the physical appearance of convicts who arrived before this series begins are sometimes available in other series (e.g., the first three volumes of CON 13, and in CON 23). But from 1828 the following details are fairly regularly available: trade, height, age, colour of complexion, hair, whiskers, eyebrows and eyes, shape of head, visage, forehead, nose, mouth and chin; and information of tattoos, deformities, scars, speech impediments, pigmented spots, birthmarks, etc. Native place is also usually given.

These documents, which before 1841 are loose sheets bound together after the manuscript details have been entered against the printed headings, were compiled on board ship from individual examination before the convicts were disembarked; there is evidence that both male and female convicts were required to strip to the waist. After 1841 the details are entered into bound volumes.

The descriptions recorded in this and related series were used by the Convict Department to reduce the risk of confusion of identity: they were copied on the back of the parchment "characters" (see CON 12 and CON 70) and on such instruments as tickets-of-leave and pardons, and used in notices of absconders. Considerable care was taken to record unusual or unique features, such as tattoos and deformities.

Digital images of this record series are available to view online by clicking on the item links below to get to the Item Details pages. Copies may be made for private research/study but any other use requires permission from the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office.

The names of convicts are arranged alphabetically by initial of surname, according to ship, which are arranged alphabetically by initial (up to 1841) and chronologically (after 1841).