In September the convicts at Newcastle were moved from their old barracks into new accommodation that had been converted under the directions of Duncan Forbes Mackay. The new barracks had previously been used as a carpenters and wheelwrights shop and adjoined the lumber yard with a gate opening directly onto the beach. The upper room was fitted with sleeping arrangements and the lower room was used as a mess room. Although they were now housed in dry conditions the convicts were still  without blankets and were compelled to sleep on the hard boards as no hammocks had been sent.Close me.