After 8 years as an assigned convict within the confines of the NSW Colony, Thomas Sweeney's Ticket of Leave allowed him to work for himself. His Ticket of Leave is dated the 31st of July, 1831. There is a notation on his Ticket of Leave butt dated 21st of March, 1834 which reads: ‘The holder of this Ticket is permitted to voyage between Illawarra & Sydney for trading purposes.’ It is signed, Alexander McLeay, Colonial Secretary’s Office. The Ticket of Leave ha a further notation in 1835: ‘Allowed by the Colonial Secretary’s letter No. 35/613 dated 9th November 1835, Trade between Manning River and Sydney but not allowed to cut cedar.’