The Forgotten Histories · Book Two

The Original Documents

Letters, petitions and official correspondence survive from the events behind The Theft of Truth. Here are some of the records that inspired the novel, presented for readers who wish to explore the evidence themselves.

These documents are discussed in the novel. You may prefer to explore this collection after finishing the book.

William Kean's Petition, 1820

A petition requesting a Ticket of Leave, bearing the signatures of William Kean and George Druitt.

William Kean’s handwritten 1820 petition for a Ticket of Leave, including William Kean’s signature and George Druitt’s endorsement at lower left — William Kean’s petition, with George Druitt’s endorsement at lower left. Click to enlarge.

Museums of History NSW – State Archives Collection. MHNSW-StAC: NRS-900 [4/1861] p. 41, William Kean per Daphne, 01/01/1820.

Catherine Keon's Memorial, 1824

Catherine Keon's appeal concerning her transported husband and the circumstances facing her family.

Extract from Catherine Keon's 1824 memorial to Henry Goulburn — Extract from Catherine Keon's 1824 petition. Click to enlarge.

National Archives of Ireland, CS/ORP/1824/1612. Reproduced by kind permission of the Director of the National Archives.

Correspondence from 1827

Letters concerning enquiries made about William Kean in New South Wales, including an account relayed through Colonel Murray.

Selected handwritten extract to be added

Museums of History NSW – State Archives Collection. MHNSW-StAC: NRS-905 [4/1959], Letter no. 27/11936.

The Newcastle Burial Enquiry, 1827

Official correspondence referring to a burial entry dated 2 January 1823, recording William Kean's age as 45.

Original correspondence image to be added

Museums of History NSW – State Archives Collection. MHNSW-StAC: NRS-905 [4/1959], Letter no. 27/11936.

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