Convict Ship Roslin Castle - 1833
Embarked: 195 men
Voyage: 120 days
Deaths: 1
Surgeon's Journal: yes
Tons: 450
Previous vessel: Fanny arrived 2 February 1833
Next vessel: Camden arrived 18 February 1833
Master William Richards
Surgeon George Imlay
Follow the Irish Convict Ship Trail
Prisoners and passengers of the Roslin Castle identified in the Hunter Valley
The Roslin Castle was built at Bristol in 1819. Convicts were transported to Australia on the Roslin Castle in 1828 (VDL), 1830, 1833, 1834 and 1836.[1]
Deptford
George Imlay kept a Medical Journal which began on the 10th August when the guard boarded the vessel at Deptford. [2]Military Guard
The Guard consisted of 30 rank and file of the 21st regiment accompanied by four women and four children under the command of Lieutenant Bayley. Other passengers included Mrs. Bayley and child and Lieutenant Pieter Laurenz Campbell of the 21st Fusiliers.Essex Hulk - Kingstown Harbour
The Roslin Castle left Deptford for Ireland two days later, however were obliged to put into Plymouth because of stormy weather, and did not arrived at Kingstown harbour until 7th September 1832.Cholera was still raging in Dublin and it was reported that two men had died on the Essex hulk.
According to Parliamentary Papers 1838, John Lamb, age 50 was the keeper on the Essex and had been employed there for 17 years at a salary of £184 12s 4d. per annum and therefore was keeper of the gaol in 1833. [1]
Convicts Embarked at Dublin
On 11th September one hundred and fifty-two prisoners and eight free settlers were embarked on the Roslin Castle. The vessel weighed anchor and put out to sea immediately to prevent communication between prisoners and their friends with the hope of lessening the chance of infection. After a stormy passage of five days when many of prisoners became ill with sea sickness and some showed signs of cholera, the vessel arrived at Cork Harbour. Seven men who were still ill were removed to the Surprise Hulk at Cork.Cork
The Roslin Castle sailed from Cork harbour on 8th October 1832 with 195 prisoners and five free settlers - Patrick Whalan, James Macgrogan, Patrick Neale, Terence Neale and James Slattery.Surgeon George Imlay
In the early days of the voyage George Imlay had to deal with dysentery, ophthalmia, and catarrh. Scurvy made an appearance amongst the men after only a month at sea. Nearly one third of the men were affected. Seventeen year old Lawrence Madden was the first case and seemed to be the most serious. He was put on the sick list on 11 November 1832 and discharged to hospital on 10 February 1833, five days after arrival in the colony. There was one death on the voyage, just one day of making land at Sydney.As on the Dunvegan Castle and the Eliza, a number of prisoners on the Roslin Castle had been found guilty of Whiteboy crimes..........The Whiteboys (Irish: Buachailli Bana) were a secret Irish agrarian organization in 18th-century Ireland which used violent tactics to defend tenant farmer land rights for subsistence farming. Their name derives from the white smocks the members wore in their nightly raids, but the Whiteboys were usually referred to at the time as Levellers by the authorities.
Port Jackson
The Roslin Castle arrived in Port Jackson on 5 February 1833.Convict Muster
A Muster was held on board by the Colonial Secretary on 8th February 1833. The indents reveal the name, age, education, religion, marital status, family, native place, occupation, crime, date and place of trial and physical description. Where and to whom the convicts were assigned on arrival in New South Wales is not revealed in the indents however many can be found in assignment lists in the Sydney Gazette.There were a number of very young convicts on this voyage. Six were 16 years old; one was 15; one 14; and four were only 13 years of age.
Disembarkation
The male prisoners who arrived on the Roslin Castle were landed immediately after the female prisoners of the Fanny. It was reported that the men appeared in a good state of health; as many of them were good farm labourers, it was thought they would be an acquisition to the settlers.About sixty of the Roslin Castle prisoners have been identified residing in the Hunter Valley region in following years. Select here to find out more about these men.
Departure
The Roslin Castle was laid on for Madras in March and was to convey the remainder of the 39th regiment.Prisoners of the Roslin Castle identified in the Hunter region
Armour, JamesCarpenter and joiner. Born in Co. Tyrone; age 38. Married with six children. Tried at Antrim 15 March 1832. Sentenced to transportation for life for burglary. Assigned to the Wollombi Bridge Party in April 1835 when he was sentenced to 50 lashes for being absent without leave. Resided at Patrick Plains in 1837.
Beaghan, James
Farm servant aged 30 from Queens County. Tried 27 July 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for assault and levelling (white boy crimes). Assigned to George McKenzie at Williams River in April 1833. Killed by natives in the Upper Williams River district 13th May 1835
Boland, James
Farm servant aged 22 from Co. Clare. Tried in Galway 20 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for whiteboy crimes. Assigned to T.W.M. Winder at Windermere in April 1833. Granted Ticket of Leave for Patrick Plains February 1842. Application to marry Bridget Savage at East Maitland in 1844. Granted conditional pardon 15 February 1849. A daughter Eliza was born to James and Bridget in 1852
Bolger, Michael
Farm servant aged 20 from Queens Co. Single. Tried 27 July 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for assault and levelling (whiteboy crimes). Granted a Ticket of Leave for Invermein in 1837. Granted Ticket of Leave for Patrick Plains in February 1842. John Bolger age 42, a father of 10, was convicted of the same crime
Breen, John
Butcher and farm servant aged 33 from Queens Co. Sentenced to one week imprisonment and then transportation for 7 years in Queens County in April 1832 for malicious assault. Malachi Breen for the same offence sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour. Catherine Breen for the same assault sentenced to 3 months imprisonment, the first and last weeks in solitary
Burns, Lawrence
Shoemaker's apprentice from Dublin aged 16. Tried 27 July 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for cutting. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in August 1841.
Campbell, David
Brickmaker's labourer age 21 from Co. Tyrone. Tried at Antrim on 15 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for burglary. Assigned to George McKenzie at Williams River in April 1833. Sent to Norfolk Island for a colonial crime. Granted Conditional Pardon in November 1848.
Clarke, Henry
Farm servant aged 27 from Newry. Tried Co. Down in 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for receiving stolen goods. Sent to Newcastle gaol for six months in July 1842 for a breach of the Licensing Act.
Connolly, John
Porter from Limerick aged 21. Tried in Monaghan 2 March 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to T.W.M. Winder at Windermere in April 1833. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Maitland in March 1837.
Connor, Richard
Farm servant age 26 from King's County. Tried in Queens Co. 27 July 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for manslaughter. Granted a Ticket of Leave for the district of Cassilis in March 1841.
Daly, John
Indoor servant aged 30. Tried in Kings County and sentenced to 7 years transportation for pig stealing. Assigned to William Dangar at Neotsfield in April 1833. Granted at Ticket of Leave for Patrick Plains in March 1837.
Daley, Thady
Tin man aged 18 from Co. Roscommon. Tried in Longford 28 February 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing an ass. Assigned to P. Bloomfield at Maitland in 1837.
Dunne, Patrick
Miner aged 35 from Queens Co. Married with 5 children. Tried 27 July 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for assault and levelling (whiteboy crimes). Assigned to Robert Lethbridge at Patrick Plains in 1837. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Singleton in March 1841. Granted a Conditional Pardon in June 1848.
Foley, Edward
Farm servant aged 24 from Queens County. Tried 27 July 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for assault and levelling (whiteboy crimes). John Foley age 22 convict of the same crime. Edward Foley took part in one of the most infamous episodes in colonial history in 1838 - the Myall Creek Massacre. The perpetrators were admitted to Newcastle gaol in September 1838 and were executed for their crimes in Sydney in December 1838.
Foley, John
Farm servant aged 22 from Queens Co. Tried in Queens County in 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for assaulting a dwelling (whiteboy crime). Assigned to Thomas Pendergrass at Maitland in 1837. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in August 1841. Ticket of Leave cancelled in January 1843 for driving cattle from their run and extorting money from the owners.
Fortune, James
Butcher's boy aged 15 from Cork. Tried 27 April 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to Mr. Cameron at Invermein in 1837.
Gaven, John
Farm labourer aged 23 from Co. Meath. Married with 1 child. Tried 28 February 1832 at Longford and sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing money. Assigned to W.C. Wentworth at Merton in 1837.
Giraghty, Peter
Indoor servant, footman and valet aged 24 from Co. Meath. Tried in Dublin 19 June 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing boots or books. Assigned to James Bowman at Patrick Plains in 1837.
Hamilton, Robert
Pedlar from Co. Antrim aged 19. Tried 13 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for 7 years for house breaking. Assigned to William Sparke in 1833. Sentenced to 6 months in an iron gang for robbery in July 1833. Sentenced to 12 months in an iron gang for robbery at Maitland in September 1834; sentenced to 12 months in an iron gang at Maitland in July 1840 for theft. Committed for trial on a charge of highway robbery with bushranger Richard Hicks in December 1841.
Healey, Thomas
Farm servant aged 31 from Tipperary. Tried 23 March 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for pig stealing. Absconded from James McDougall at Patrick Plains in July 1839. Application to marry Ann Broe (ship Margaret 1839) at Patrick Plains in 1840.
Hennessey, Patrick
Farm servant aged 22 from King's Co., Tried 9 January 1832 and sentenced to transportation for 7 years for grievous assault. Employed at Newcastle gaol in 1837.
Humphries, Thomas
Farm servant aged 21 from Queens Co. Tried 25 May 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for having fire arms (whiteboy crimes). Assigned to John Blaxland at Hunter River in April 1833. Admitted to Newcastle gaol in May 1835. Bad conduct in gaol. Committed for trial at Maitland Quarter Sessions. Sent to Cockatoo Island for 12 months and later to Nobbys Island for 12 months.
Hurnan, John
Horse breaker aged 26 from Monaghan. Tried 2 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for horse stealing. Absconded from No. 3 Stockade (Nobbys) in August 1836. May have been sent to Norfolk Island
Kegsbury, James
Indoor servant and groom aged 23. Tried in Dublin 19 June 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to Alexander Park at Lewinsbrook in April 1833.
Kelly, William
Farm servant aged 21 from Queens County. Tried 27 July 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for assault and levelling (whiteboy crimes). Ticket Leave for the Dungog district cancelled in April 1846 as he was unable to support himself. Granted Conditional Pardon in July 1850.
Lawless, Patrick
Dealer aged 50 from Co. Carlow. Married with 7 children. Tried in Dublin 27 June 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for receiving stolen goods. Assigned to Helenus Scott at Patrick Plains in 1837.
Long, James
Shop boy aged 16 from Dublin. Tried 27 July 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing a basket. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Merton in June 1839
Macnamara, John
Clerk aged 24 from Cork. Convicted of stealing a hat and sentenced to 7 years transportation. Admitted to Newcastle gaol from Dungog on a charge of forgery in April 1842
Makesey, Patrick
Farm servant aged 24 from Queens Co. Widower. Tried in Dublin 11 April 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for cow stealing. Assigned to Rev. Wilton at Newcastle in April 1833.
McCartney, Patrick
Errand boy aged 14 from Co. Antrim. Tried in Armagh 15 July 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for street robbery. Sentenced to 25 lashes for insolence towards his master Rev. Wilton in October 1835. Assigned to Rev. Wilton at Newcastle in November 1835 when he gave evidence in court against two other prisoners. Assigned to Rev. Wilton at Newcastle in February 1836 when a charge of harbouring a prisoner was dropped.
McDonald, Arthur
Miner aged 21 from Co. Kilkenny. Tried in Queens Co. 25 May 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for having fire arms in his possession (whiteboy crime). Assigned to Government service in Sydney in 1837. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in August 1841.
McDonald, Martin
Farm servant aged 22 from Co. Kilkenny. Tried 27 July 1832 in Queens Co. and sentenced to transportation for life for highway robbery.
McGowan, James
Pot boy aged 17 from Longford. Tried 28 February 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for burglary. Absconded from No. 14 road party at Patrick Plains on 17 March 1834 and again in April. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Singleton in April 1841.
McIlvane, James
Farm labourer aged 18 from Co. Antrim. Tried 15 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for cow stealing. Farm servant assigned to J.M. Davis in April 1833. Absconded from J.M. Davis at Patrick Plains in March 1839. Apprehended after absconding from J.M. Davis in April 1839.
Mills, James
Tinsmith age 20 from Co. Down. Sentenced to transportation for stealing a horse. Application to marry Mary Ann Rogers at Paterson in September 1843 - Sent to Newcastle gaol from Paterson in May 1844 charged with being absent and general bad conduct. Sentenced to 2 months on the treadmill and return to government service. His wife Mary Ann admitted to the gaol at the same time.
Monaghan, John
Farm servant aged 20 from Co. Meath. Tried 3 March and sentenced to transportation for life for shooting. Assigned to Henry Grounds at Wollombi in April 1833
Moore, Maurice
Farm servant aged 21 from Tipperary. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing sheep. Assigned to John Hannan at Maitland in April 1833
O'Halloran, Joseph
Labourer aged 19 from Dublin. Tried 25 June 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing money. Admitted to Newcastle gaol for misconduct in December 1842. Sent to Hyde Park Barracks. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in February 1844
O'Heir, Patrick
Farm servant aged 26 from Co. Down. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing money. Application to marry Eliza Madden at Newcastle in February 1843. In February 1843 charged with violently assaulting corporal Scott of the 99th regiment. Sent to Newcastle gaol
Oliver, George
Farm servant aged 21 from Co. Armagh. Tried in Monaghan 2 March 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for grievous assault. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Maitland April 1837
Regan, Daniel
Farm labourer aged 22 from Co. Westmeath. Tried 28 February 1833 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for having fire arms in his possession (whiteboy crimes). Assigned to Peter Grant Ogilvie at Maitland in 1836/1837. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Maitland in March 1837
Reilly, Peter
Farm labourer aged 24 from Co. Cavan. Tried Longford 28 February 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for pig stealing. Assigned to Peter Grant Ogilvie at Maitland. Sent to Newcastle gaol from Maitland in June 1835 under sentence of 14 days solitary confinement. Still assigned to Ogilvie in 1837.
Ross, John
Tailor aged 25 from Dublin. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing a bridle. Assigned to Laurence Myles at Brisbane Water in 1837
Rourke, William
Soldier's servant and groom aged 29 from Dublin. Tried in Glasgow 16 December 1831 and sentenced to 14 years transportation for desertion. ; Absconded from the Police Establishment at Maitland in October 1841
Rowan, Peter
Indoor servant aged 20 from Co. Clare. Sentenced to 7 years transportation in Dublin for stealing clothes. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in March 1837
Sexton, James
Farm servant aged 28 from Tipperary. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing a pig. Assigned to Francis Mitchell at Paterson in 1837
Sinnott, John
Errand boy aged 17 from Co. Wicklow. Tried in Dublin and sentenced to 7 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to J.M. Davis in April 1833
Smith, Charles
Soldier and farm labourer aged 23 from Warwick. Tried in Cork 30 April 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for shop robbery. Assigned to John Elliott at Maitland in April 1833. In December 1838, still assigned to John Elliott sentenced to 50 lashes for disorderly conduct after being found drunk with Ann Floyd in his hut at Newcastle
Stanley, Thomas
Soldier and labourer from Lancashire. Court martial in Dublin 16 June 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for desertion. Absconded from James McDougall at Patrick Plains in January 1838; apprehended in March 1838 and admitted to Newcastle gaol. Absconded and apprehended again in August 1839. Punished with 50 lashes and sentenced to a further 7 days in the cells
Sullivan, Daniel
French polisher aged 20 from Cork. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house robbery. Assigned to Henry Grounds at Wollombi
Travers, Patrick
Labourer aged 22 from Co. Kildare. Tried 17 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for highway robbery. Assigned to Captain Hudson in April 1833. Assigned to Mr. Hudson at Paterson in 1837. Absconded from Beresford Hudson at Maitland in March 1842. Took part in Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell's expedition into the interior in 1848. Granted a Conditional Pardon in September 1848
Tumilly, William
Seaman and stable boy aged 18 from Co. Down. Tried 21 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for burglary. Assigned to John Hannan at Maitland in April 1833.
Tunsill, Anthony
Gardener aged 22 from Co. Wicklow. Tried in Dublin 11 April 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for cow stealing. Assigned to John Edward Stacy at Port Stephens in April 1833. Granted Conditional Pardon in February 1852.
Ward, Patrick
Farm servant aged 23 from Co. Monaghan. Married with 1 child. Tried 5 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for life for manslaughter. Assigned to Francis Mitchell at Paterson in 1837. Granted Ticket of Leave for Paterson in February 1842. Ticket cancelled and sent to Newcastle gaol for disobedience in march 1843 for neglect of duty. Granted Ticket of Leave for Paterson in July 1846. Granted a Conditional Pardon 3 September 1850
Wheelahan, Francis
Farm servant aged 34 from Queens Co. Tried 27 July 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for embezzlement. Assigned to John Buckland at Brisbane Water in 1837.
White, John
Whitesmith aged 20 from Wexford. Tried 21 March 1832 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing a hat. Assigned to James Cornish at Maitland in April 1833. Assigned to Col. Henry Dumaresq at New England in 1837
Woods, Patrick
Farm servant aged 27. Tried at Monaghan 5 March 1832 and sentenced to transportation for 7 years for horse stealing. Notice re lost Certificate of Freedom in December 1845.
Notes and Links
1). Political Prisoners2). Convict Edward Foley who came from Queens County was hanged in 1838 after being found guilty of the murder of natives at Myall Creek (Myall Creek Massacre)
3). Convict Patrick Travers who came from Co. Kildare and was sentenced to transportation for life for highway robbery, accompanied Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell's Expedition in 1848.
4). Colonial Military Officers
5). County Antrim - Transportation of Convicts - On Monday last, the following convicts were forwarded from Carrickfergus Jail under the charge of two of Mr. Erskine's Assistants, and a guard of soldiers, to Kingstown, for transportation to New South Wales. Their clean and comfortable appearance and the great decorum and regularity observed by the entire party on their departure ( not a murmur or complaint having been uttered, but expressions of thanks) reflect the highest credit on the attention and discipline of the governor of the Establishment. Patrick Mullan, aged 28, John Stewart aged 22, Alexander Geary aged 13 convicted of larceny at the Belfast Sessions to be transported, each, seven years. Francis Skimmins aged 33, Peter Boorman, aged 16 convicted of horse stealing at Spring Assizes, to be transported for life. James Armour, age 37, Robert Boyd aged 36, David Campbell, aged 20, Thomas Connolly aged 28 (a band of daring house robbers*) convicted of burglary at spring Assizes, to be transported for life - Samuel McClelland, aged 22, James McIlvane, age 18, William Duffin aged 21, William Geston aged 30, convicted of cow stealing at Spring Assizes to be transported each seven years. John K Henry aged 21 convicted of sheep stealing at Spring Assizes, to be transported seven years. Thomas Gilmore, aged 54, convicted of cattle stealing at Spring Assizes, to be transported seven years. Patrick Spelman aged 38 convicted of pig stealing at Spring Assizes, to be transported seven years - Robert Hamilton, aged 17, John Magill aged 24, John Loughran aged 15 convicted of larceny at Spring Assizes to be transported seven years. William McCafferty, aged 21, Robert Gilmore aged 60, James Cadden aged 28, convicted of malicious assault at Spring Assizes to be transported seven years. Daniel O'Lynn aged 27, convicted of obtaining money under false presences at the Belfast Sessions to be transported seven years. Archibald Miskimmin convicted at the last Assizes of returning from transportation before the expiration of his sentence to transported for life *These four men belonged to the party of burglars and highwaymen who were the terror of the Counties of Down and Antrim for a length of time Armour was well calculated for such purposes; he is six feet high, well proportioned and of fierce disposition. When arrested, in Ballymacrrell he fought six policemen, until he received twenty two very severe wounds. - Belfast Newsletter 10 August 1832
6). Convict ships bringing detachments of the 21st regiment (Royal Scotch Fusiliers) and Officer in command of the Guard....
Mary departed London 4 September 1832 - Captain Daniels 21st regt.,
Roslin Castle departed Cork 8 October 1832 - Lieuts. Bayley and Pieter L. Campbell. 21st
Andromeda departed Portsmouth 17 November 1832 - Lieuts. Lonsdale and Armstrong 21st regt.,
Mangles departed London 14 December 1832 London
Asia departed the Downs 21 February 1833 - Lieuts. Kelly and Wilson of 6th regt.,
Lord Lyndoch departed Sheerness June 1833 - Lieut-Col. Leahy. Headquarters of 21st
Royal Admiral departed Dublin 4 June 1833 - Lieut. Ainslie 21st regt.,
Aurora departed Portsmouth 4 July 1833 Major Delisle 4th regt.,
Java departed Cork 24 July 1833 - Lieut. Wrixon, 21st regt.,
Neva departed Plymouth 29 July 1833- Lieut. McEdwin 1st or Queens Own regt.,
Lloyds departed the Downs 25 August 1833 - Lieut. McKnight 21st regt.,
Fairlie departed England 27 October 1833
Bengal Merchant departed 28 March 1838 - Lieut. Dear of 21st regt.,
7). Prisoners sent to the Hunter Valley region -
James Armour - Carpenter and joiner. Born in Co. Tyrone age 38. Married with six children.. Tried at Antrim 15 March 1832. Sentenced to transportation for life for burglary. Assigned to the Wollombi Bridge Party in April 1835 when he was sentenced to 50 lashes for being absent without leave. Resided at Patrick Plains in 1837.
References
[1] Parliamentary Papers[2] Bateson, Charles, Library of Australian History (1983). The convict ships, 1787-1868 (Australian ed). Library of Australian History, Sydney, pp.350-351, 387
[3] Journal of George Imlay - Ancestry.com. UK, Royal Navy Medical Journals, 1817-1857 Original data: The National Archives. Kew, Richmond, Surrey.
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