VPRS 117 Outward Letter Books, Immigration Branch (refer to digitised images available online)

Prior to March 1849, outward letters relating to immigration were transcribed in the Land Branch Outward Letter Books (see VPRS 74). In March 1849 a separate Immigration Branch registry was established and continued until April 1852. However, Immigration Branch outwards letters were transcribed into Lands Branch volumes from July 1851 (see VPRS 2884 Outward Letter Books and VPRS 122 Outwards Letter Books).This series contains copies of the outwards correspondence from the Immigration Branch of the Superintendent of the Port Phillip District to local recipients and official recipients in Sydney. Correspondence to Sydney is addressed to the Colonial Secretary, the Immigration Agent and includes minutes for the attention of the Governor. Subjects covered include the arrival of various immigrant ships, monthly returns of certificates for land and immigration deposits, Immigration Debentures, Dr Lang's Immigrant Ships as well as orphan and female immigration schemes.The second unit contains copies of correspondence to local government officials and private persons. The letters cover subjects such as the acknowledgment of the receipt of tenders, the payment of gratuities to ships' officers, information relating to the arrival of ships, requests for returns and estimates and the acknowledgment of payments relating to nominations for immigration.Unit 1 of the P consignment was formerly registered as VPRS 117 Outward Letter Book to Sydney and Unit 2 of the P consignment was formerly registered as VPRS 118 Outward Letter Book to Local.