It is not clear why these papers were separated from the general correspondence of the period (cf. CSO 5, CSO 8, CSO 11, CSO 16 and CSO 22) the registration numbers of which many of them bear; probably, however, it was because they were needed together in some transaction, for most of them relate to matters arising from the change in convict administration from the assignment to the probation system (1841-42). For example, there are papers on the segregation of probation convicts from those under the old system and on corresponding measures to keep their records distinct; correspondence on the discontinuance of the Assignment Board and on the duties then to be performed by the Principal Superintendent of Convicts; applications from local authorities for probation parties; papers relating to convict finance, victualling, accommodation and to the movement of military guards. On pp. 181-3 there is a list of file references to correspondence in CSO 5 on the subject of the probation system. There is no index.

These records are part of the holdings of the Tasmanian Archives