Captain James Mackie

The brig Eagle arrived from Calcutta on 17 February 1811. As well as several convicts, she brought a valuable cargo of spirits and dry goods.

Captain Mackie gave notice in April that he was intending to leave the colony in the Eagle in the course of that month although they did not leave until May.

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Eagle 1811

Details of the voyage of the Earl Cornwallis are now on a separate page.

Select here to find out more about the voyage of the Earl Cornwallis

Captain James Talbot. Surgeon Superintendent William Evans

The Earl Grey was the next convict ship to leave Ireland after the departure of the female convict transport Pyramus the 27th August 1836.

William Evans kept a Medical Journal from 15 July 1836 to 5 January 1837 on the voyage from Deptford, Kingstown and Cove of Cork to Sydney.

William Evans joined the Earl Grey on 15 July 1836 at Deptford and on the 25th July, the soldiers of the Guard joined the vessel. Guard consisted of Lieut. Ronald McDonald 80th regt., Lieut. R. B. Hill, 41st regt., Quarter Master Potter 4th regt., Assistant Surgeon Graydon 50th regt., Assistant Surgeon Allman 4th regt., one Sergeant and 29 rank and file , 5 women and 7 children also 5 free boys. Other convict ships bringing detachments of the 80th regiment included the Lloyds, Bengal Merchant,  Asia, Lady Kennaway, Captain Cook, St. Vincent, John, Norfolk, Prince George, Mangles, Heber, Theresa, Calcutta and Eden.

Passengers included Mrs. Macdonald, Mrs. Allman and Mrs. Potter. There were also 45 sailors.

They sailed from Deptford on the 27th July and reached Kingstown on the 14th August. On 16th August, 91 convicts were received from the Essex Hulk and the following day they sailed for Cork arriving there on 21st August. On the 23 August, 192 convicts and 5 free boys, the sons of convicts in the colony were received. In total there were 384 people on board. They departed Cork on 27 August 1836.

Between Cork and the latitude of Madeira there were a few slight cases of fever arising from the damp, crowded dormitory. After passing the Cape Verde Islands the heat became oppressive and on entering the rainy regions thirteen men were suffering from scurvy. William Evans thought scurvy and scorbutic dysentery seemed to arise partly from the impurity of the water' but 'also from foul stagnant air between decks, combined with depression, anxiety of incarceration and sea diet'. The water had been taken on at Deptford with very little care and sometimes 'at improper times of the tide, though Government regulations were imperative on this head'.

On the evening of 1 October they crossed the equator with a fine breeze from south southeast and passed rapidly through the south east trades, reaching the Tropic of Capricorn in 11 days from the line. There were now 30 men suffering from scurvy and on 19th October William Evans recommended the master to call at the Cape for refreshment, experience having taught him that 'lime juice and nitrate of potash are mere prophylactics' and that fresh meat and vegetables were the only sure means of ensuring health for the rest of the voyage.

At 5pm on 4 November the Earl Grey anchored in Simon's Bay, where they remained for eight days. They received fresh beef, mutton and vegetables and took on board 5 live bullocks and 60 sheep. In less than a fortnight, 30 who had been bed ridden were convalescent and continued to improve in spite of the weather.

On 20 December, Cape Otway was sighted and soon after the north end of King's Island. The following day they passed through Bass Straits with a fine breeze from the westwards. On 31 December 1836 they reached Sydney after a voyage of 18 weeks from Cove of Cork. The weather was fine and by the time they reached Sydney there was not one of the 288 convicts who were landed who could not walk to the convict barracks to be inspected.

William Evans was also surgeon on the convict ships Sir William Bensley in 1817,  Bencoolen  in 1819,  Hindostan in 1821,  Sir Godfrey Webster in 1826 and the  Southworth 1834 (to VDL)

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Earl Grey 1836

Master James Talbot. Surgeon Superintendent Alexander Nisbett

Many of the prisoners of the Earl Grey had been held in prison hulks prior to embarkation.   Select here to read a Prison Hulk Report describing a typical week in the life of convicts incarcerated in the Hulks in 1838.

Alexander Nisbett kept a Medical Journal from 5 July 1838 to 28 November 1838. He  was well experienced on convict ships having already served on the vessels Minerva in 1824,  Grenada in 1827,  Hooghley in 1828 and the Asia in 1830

Alexander Nisbett considered the Earl Grey, to be a large roomy ship well suited to the service, but with 290 prisoners she was rather overcrowded. He set about organising sleeping arrangements for the men. There were 'standing berths' for 234, leaving 56 to be accommodated in hammocks in the centre of the prison. In the hot weather those sleeping on hammocks slept on the prison deck to ensure that air could circulate in all directions. There were regular inspections and only those who kept themselves clean were relieved of their irons. The prison deck was cleaned every day with sand or dry stones, never wet, and airing stoves were kept burning, even during the hot weather. Windsails were kept down each hatchway and the chloride of lime used every day. Nothing but the most indispensable utensils were kept in the prison. Half the convicts were on deck at a time, performing light duties for the ship or taking air and exercise, whenever the weather permitted. Those below were formed into classes for reading, writing and arithmetic, supervised by an officer. At sunset all prisoners were allowed on deck, and the surgeon had provided musical instruments for singing and dancing and there were theatricals as well.  Alexander Nisbet never had occasion to limit or regret this indulgence and found it provided excitement that all the men looked forward to. No corporal punishment was inflicted during the voyage, milder punishments proving adequate.

The convicts were generally healthy. Catarrh, diarrhoea and a few ulcers were present in the early part of the voyage. After crossing the equator and getting into the South easterly trade winds there were a few cases of mild fever and while running down the Easting between the Cape of Good Hope and New Holland the fevers became more numerous but remained mild. The winds became unfavourable as they reached the longitude of New Holland and the sick list rose to over thirty and scurvy began to affect the men. Sickness abated after about a week when the weather improved. In all there were only four days on which the convicts were entirely confined below deck because of bad weather

Two hundred and eighty-eight prisoners arrived, two men having died on the passage out - John Brow aged 54 died on 2nd November. He was lame from a club foot. Had been on the sick list for several weeks to enable him the hospital diet. The surgeon considered his death unexpected as he had been improving in health; and George Morris died on 19th November aged 36. His death was to have been expected, he had a cutaneous eruption and repeated attacks of diarrhoea with a voracious appetite, eating anything edible he could get. The immediate cause of his death was thought to be a relapse brought on by eating a large quantity of imperfectly boiled peas.

The Earl Grey arrived in Port Jackson on 21st November and the prisoners were landed on Tuesday 27th November 1838.

Passengers included Mr. Laurie of the Ordnance Department, Captain Ainsworth, Ensigns Dowton and Skerry, 2 sergeants, 1 corporal and 29 rank and file of the 51st regiment, 10 women and 6 children. Members of the band of the 51st also arrived on the Earl Grey.  Members of the 51st regiment who received medical treatment from Alexander Nisbett - George Segar, John Kelly. William Robertson, William Yandall, John Young, William Rivett, William Greenwood, William Powell, John Mullins, John Pitt, George Webb and Arthur Skinner,

In December it was reported that the Earl Grey was expected to leave for China as soon as she discharged the iron water pipes she had brought out and loaded some ballast. She would have been delayed in getting under way however after a collision with the whaling vessel Pocklington in the harbour.

Select here to find out more about Bushranger John Reddish who arrived on the Earl Grey

Master William Mitchell. Surgeon D. McKenzie

The Earl Spencer was the next vessel to leave England for New South Wales after the departure of the Fortune in December 1812. The Earl Spencer departed Portsmouth on 2 June 1813, sailed via Madeira and arrived in Port Jackson on 9 October 1813

The Caledonia Mercury reported in June 1813 that among the convicts transported on the Earl Spencer were Capt. Davidson, Mr. Lindsay Crawford, several bankers' clerks, the men called Luddites and the smugglers of Christchurch who were convicted of aiding French prisoners to escape to France.  (Caledonia Mercury 10 June 1813) .

The Smugglers of Christchurch included John Childs alias John Giles, Francis Long and Jacob Martin. On arrival Jacob Martin was sent with thirty-four other men of the Earl Spencer up the river to Parramatta to work in the service of Rev. Marsden. In June 1824 he was sentenced to six months in the gaol gang on half rations for absconding from employment at the Barracks being sent up from Sydney. He died in 1860

James Torkington Richard Lowndes and John Henshall, Samuel Lees, Thomas Etchell, James Tomlinson, William Thompson, Edward Redfern and James Radcliffe were some of the Luddites who were transported on the Earl Spencer. They were all sentenced at a special assizes to seven years transportation.

In 1812 John Lindsay Crawford was sentenced to 14 years transportation for committing forgery in an attempt to make claim to an Estate. He arrived in Port Jackson on the Earl Spencer and later returned to England. After his death Crawford's heirs continued to make claims to the estate

Convict artist Richard Read also arrived on the Earl Spencer as did surgeon Henry Ravenscroft, school master Henry Wrensford and Jeremiah Butler who accompanied John Howe's expedition in 1820

Governor Lachlan Macquarie wrote in his journal on Saturday 9th October -  This forenoon The Earl Spencer Convict Transport Ship commanded by Capt. Wm. Mitchell anchored in the Harbour from England, from whence she sailed on the 2d. of June last, touching only at Madeira which she left 2d. of July. — She brings 196 male Convicts – wt. a Guard of one Subn. (Ensign Bicknell) & 38 men of the 73d., together wt. several Free Settlers, and one asst. Surgeon (Mr. Young) for the Colony. I have received Public Dispatches by the Earl Spencer, and also a great many Private Letters from my Friends at home, all of which contain good news. By this conveyance I am informed, tho' not officially, of the certainty of my being appointed a Major General in a large Brevet made by the Prince Regent on the 4th. of June last.

The free settlers mentioned in Governor Macquarie's journal included Mr. and Mrs. Young, Mr. John Dixon, Mr. John L. Nicholas, Mr. D. Miller, and four servants; Mr and Mrs. Pear and family; Mr and Mrs Kendall and family; Mr and Mrs Belvin and son and Mr and Mrs Hovel and family . Thomas Barker also arrived free on the Earl Spencer (CSI)

Those who died on the passage were John Robson, a youth, belonging to the ship; and John Hogg, William McLeod, Edward Whitford and Jarvis Copely, prisoners.

The prisoners were landed on Thursday 14th October and mustered in the presence of Governor Macquarie prior to their distribution to various employments. They were reported to be a healthy set of men; and appeared thoroughly sensible of the kind treatment they experienced from Captain Mitchell and his Officers during the passage. (Sydney Gazette)

When the Earl Spencer arrived in Sydney the colony was in the grip of a devastating drought. Crops had failed and livestock was depleted. Governor Macquarie issued a Government Order for an increase in the price of wheat for the season in consideration of the middling and lower class of settler who must be considerable sufferers by the great deficiency in their crops and he holds out this inducement to their going on with unremitting industry in cultivation and improvement of their farms and to alleviate their present distress. Under pressure to mount an expedition to discover a way across the Blue Mountains to what was believed would be fertile land beyond, Governor Macquarie commissioned Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson to attempt to find a passage. This they achieved in May and by November surveyor Evans had already been dispatched to follow in their tracks.

The Earl Spencer was preparing to depart the colony for Ceylon in November 1813. Three hundred and thirty four soldiers as well as seven Officers of the 73 regiment were to depart on her accompanied by 36 women and 70 children . The Officers were Major Gordon, Captain Smith, Captain Pike, Lieutenant Atkins, Lieutenant Murphy, Lieutenant Wentworth, and Ensign Pooke. Separate accommodation was provided for married couples and single men slept in hammocks.  Early in November Government Carpenters were employed in constructing the necessary berths, partitions and hammocks, and the decks intended for the troops were properly cleared and cleaned before the Government white washers proceeded on board to white wash the decks. Assistant Surgeon Martin was also intending to depart on the Earl Spencer(1)

Notes and Links:

Hunter Valley convicts of the Earl Spencer 1813

(1)New South Wales Government. Main series of letters received, 1788-1825. Series 897, Reels 6041-6064, 6071-6072. Item 4/3491, p. 618. State Records Authority of New South Wales. Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia.

Master Samuel Simpson.  Surgeon Superintendent John Johnston

Master Samuel Simpson. Surgeon Superintendent Patrick Hill

The Earl St. Vincent was next convict ship to leave England for New South Wales after the departure of the Mangles in April 1820.

Patrick Hill kept a Medical Journal from 20 February to 23 August 1820......He joined the ship on 25th February 1820. The Guard consisting of 31 men of the 48th regiment commanded by Captain Snow of the 67th regiment including five women and five children were embarked on the 9 March. Mr. J. Richardson, a free settler with his wife and two children were embarked on 15th March.

On the 21st March they sailed from Deptford to Gravesend and then to the Nore. On 23 March they sailed from the Nore to the Downs, and on the 26th arrived at the Motherbank. Surgeon Hill then reported to Lt. Cheeseman, agent for the transport, and went with him on board the Leviathan Hulk. He inspected 100 convicts from the Leviathan on 27th March. The ship then went into Spithead and 60 convicts were inspected on the Laurel at 1pm. The 160 convicts were then received on board the Earl St. Vincent. Twenty of them were boys under 18 years of age, who were accommodated in a separated prison in messes of six.  Their clothing consisted of one worsted frock, one shirt, one pair of trousers, one pair of stocking, one handkerchief, one hat and one pair of shoes.

On 29th March the stoves were lit and the convicts had free access on deck. They were formed into four division, each one to clean the prison in rotation. Soap was issued to convicts and the irons were examined on each man. John Jones, a carpenter was punished by having additional irons after it was discovered he had false rivets in his irons and intended to escape. Antonio Lewis was stripped and tied up to be flogged for insolence to the sentry, however the surgeon forgave him and he was let down without punishment.

On the 9th April Lt. Cheeseman brought dispatches for Governor Macquarie and J.T. Bigge and the Captain received sailing orders.  They got under weigh at 4pm on 12 April and anchored off south Yarmouth Isle of Wight and on 13th April got under weigh and went through the Needles.

By the end of April they were in warmer weather.  This usually brought its own set of health problems and the surgeon decided that the convicts should bathe each day. This began at 5am on 25 April. The had to strip and bathe and a bucket of water was thrown over them. This was to be done every morning while the warm weather continued. A barber was employed cutting hair and it was an order that every man should have short hair by the Sunday. Under a light wind and about 15 miles off, they passed by the Island of Palma on 27th April.

By early July, the weather was getting cold and wet and the prison became wet from water coming down the hatchways and from the privy, the pipe of the cistern being broken because of misuse by the convicts. By mid July, the weather began to improve, however the prison and hospital were still wet and dirty from the water having overflowed from the privies.

At 1am on 17th July, they made the Island of St. Paul's and on the 7th August they saw the Australian coast line for the first time. They came through Bass Straits at 8am on 8th August and saw Wilson's Promontory and at 9am Curtis Island. By the 16th August 1820 they were close to the entrance of Port Jackson and finally anchored in Sydney Cove at 8am. Captain Piper, naval officer came on board to collect the dispatches for Governor Macquarie.

Patrick Hill was also employed as surgeon on the convict ship Atlas in 1816

Hunter Valley convicts of the Earl St. Vincent 1820

Master Peter Reeves. Surgeon Superintendent Robert Tainsh

The Earl St. Vincent was the next convict ship to leave Ireland after the departure of the Recovery on 5th April 1823. The Earl St. Vincent departed Cork on 29 April 1823.

Surgeon Robert Tainsh wrote in his Medical journal - The Guard was received on Board the ship 25th January at Cove, consisting of one Ensign (Bute), one corporal and twenty nine privates with eight women and seven children of the 1st Royals. On their arrival on board one half complained, some the first hour, and a number the next morning. (They were) labouring under severe colds, caught on their march from Waterford, to join the St. Vincent. The weather was wet with snow and intense cold easterly winds. Private John McKerry and Private John Mullen, were apparently in the second stage of phthisis - coughs very troublesome, pain of the breast and oppressed breathing, cold chills and considerable prostration of strength with loss of appetite. The pulse fuller than from their wretched appearance I could possibly have expected. I was satisfied these two men should not have been sent as a guard over convicts, however I determined to attempt their care first and then make my representation afterwards.

On the arrival of the convicts at Cove from Dublin in a small brig, to the number of two hundred and thirty five, the weather was wet, cold and stormy, with snow. On the 5th March, we received on board the St. Vincent eighty men of various ages; above one half were complaining from exposure to the above causes. Some with pneumonia but in its early stage. The others with severe catarrhal symptom. In the first place after bathing particular cases with soap and warm water I filled every bed in the hospital, gave them clean shirts and well aired sheets and for the rest having plenty of room in the main prison, I appropriated a sufficient space as an additional hospital and as others became ill, I invariably separated them from those in health. I had also a number of cases of dysentery but by the above arrangements and devoted attention to their every comfort, I am happy to say that in a few weeks I had not a sick man in the list. I also cured about thirty ulcers.

I am satisfied that the depressing passions had a very considerable influence in producing debility in both accelerating the disease and retarding its cure. Many had parted with their relatives, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, and a great proportion perfectly persuaded from the energies of their friends that they would be discharged, being mostly whiteboys; but that unfortunate and outrageous attack in the Playhouse against the Laws seemed to determine their fate - at least I am of that opinion. However the mode of treatment in all was successful.

By the 15th May scurvy had appeared. Robert Tainsh at first treated the men with lemon juice and preserved meat, however by 20th June many were afflicted and he directed the captain to sail via Rio de Janeiro to procure fresh beef, vegetables and fruit for both convicts and Guard.

The Earl St. Vincent arrived at Port Jackson on 9 September 1823 with 156 male prisoners.

On 15th September His Excellency Sir Thomas Brisbane came to Town early and in the forenoon, the male convicts that were landed that morning from the ship Earl St. Vincent, were inspected by His Excellency and afterwards sent to their various assignments.

Robert Tainsh was also surgeon on the Hooghley in 1825

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Earl St. Vincent in 1823

Captain Mollison. Surgeon Superintendent Gilbert King

The Eden departed England on 3rd September 1837. 

The convicts suffered from sea sickness on the voyage causing scurvy to appear shortly after crossing the equator. The surgeon treated the men by diet, keeping them on deck as much as possible and promoting cheerfulness with singing and dancing, however scurvy became so prevalent as to make it absolutely necessary to call at Table Bay, Cape of Good Hope, for fresh provisions. They arrived there on 16th November. The stay at the Cape was short but of great benefit to the convicts and they improved so much that Gilbert King agreed to take an extra 22 convicts from the Cape.

They arrived at Hobart Town on 21 December 1836 and landed at that port and at Sydney, 299 prisoners.

Passengers arriving on the Eden included Captain West of 80th regiment., and Ensign Ewen of the 41st regiment. The Guard consisted of 30 rank and file of the 80th regiment. Other convict ships bringing detachments of the 80th regiment included the Lloyds, Bengal Merchant,  Asia, Lady Kennaway, Captain Cook, Earl Grey, St. Vincent, John, Norfolk, Prince George, Mangles, Heber, Theresa, and Calcutta.

Gilbert King was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Marquis of Hastings in 1827 Lord Lyndoch in 1831 (VDL) and Moffatt in 1838 (VDL)

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Eden in 1837

Master Henry Naylor. Surgeon Superintendent George Ellery Forman

The Eden was the next vessel to leave England for New South Wales after the departure of the Maitland in March 1840. The Eden departed Sheerness on 10th July 1840.

George Ellery Forman was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Lady McNaughten in 1835, Platina in 1837 (VDL) and Pyramus in 1839 (VDL)

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Eden in 1840

Details of the voyage of the convict ship Edward are now on a separate page.

Select here to find out more about the voyage and the convicts of the Edward in 1829

Captain James Gilbert. Surgeon Superintendent William Thomas Bell

The Edward departed Cork on 17 October 1830.

The Guard consisted of Captain Duds and Ensign Irskine with 29 men, five women and seven children of the 17th regiment.

Other convict ships bringing detachments of the 17th regiment included the Lady Feversham, Forth, Mermaid, Lord Melville, Hercules, Royal Admiral, Burrell, York, Eliza, Nithsdale and the Adrian

Thomas Bell kept a Medical Journal from 23 August 1830 to 14 March 1831.......The diseases on board the Edward on the passage from Cove of Cork to New South Wales were principally dysentery, fever and two cases of cholera. For the first month they were all free from disease until they put into Porto Praya in St. Jago for a fresh supply of water. None of the convicts would have been allowed on shore, however the seamen and perhaps the surgeon and captain may have ventured out. Two years later in September 1832, Lieutenant Breton on his voyage to the colonies went on shore at Porto Praya - he described the scenery in his 1833 publication:

The surgeon reported that - Immediately after leaving Porto Praya almost all were attacked with disease of the bowels. On the slightest motion of the vessel all became immediately sea sick. And notwithstanding that the greatest cleanliness and ventilation was used during the voyage together with as much exercise as was possible to allow them, yet it was of no avail. The principal reason I can assign for the convicts being so easily affected is in consequence of their minds have been kept in since July last when some of the most evil disposed attempted to burn the Essex Hulk in consequence of which those who remained (after the full number of prisoners were sent on board the Hercules for New South Wales) were sent to the Surprise Hulk from which 121 cases on board the Edward. Although the burning did not succeed in Dublin, they again ventured three times to commit the same horrid act in Cove. Relative to the agitation of the minds of the prisoners and of which I have a spoken, I must remark that the greater number of them being born in a country place the scenes they passed through since they became prisoners not at all contributed to their peace of mind.

The Standard reported the incident on 17 June - The Essex Hulk stationed in Kingstown harbour is on fire and nearly consumed! A number of convicts are on board. The sloop of war Trincolo, and the revenue brig Shamrock, with some transports, have sent all their boats to the assistance of the unfortunate prisoners; and a strong force of horse and foot police from the city has been ordered off to Kingstown. The Essex was an American Frigate of 36 guns, and was taken during the late war at Valparaiso, by his Majesty's frigate Phoebe, of 36 guns commanded by Captain Hillier.

The Edward arrived in Port Jackson on 22 February 1831 with 153 male prisoners.

A muster was held on board on 26th February by the Colonial Secretary. One hundred and forty-eight prisoners were mustered, five were in hospital in Sydney and five men died on the voyage out. The indents include such information as name, age, religion, education, marital status, family, trade, offence, where and when convicted, sentence, previous convictions, physical descriptions, where and to whom assigned. There are also occasional notes concerning colonial sentences, deaths and Tickets of leave.

Peter Kilroy, James Moore and Patrick Carroll died at sea. William Armstrong and Richard Mooney died at the General Hospital Sydney soon after arrival.

There were possibly two different surgeon superintendents by the name of Thomas Bell. The signature on the medical journal of the Eliza,  Prince George in 1837 and Portsea in 1838 are all similar. The signature on the medical journal of the Thames in 1829 (VDL) and the Edward in 1831 seem to have been signed by a different Thomas Bell.

Thirty-six of the prisoners who arrived on the Edward in 1831 have so far been identified residing in the Hunter region in the following decades. Select here to find out more about them.

Notes and Links:

State Library of Victoria.....Contents/Summary: A) Journal kept on board convict ship Thames, 17 Jun-23 Nov. 1829, on a voyage from Deptford to Hobart -- B) 'Convict ship Edward. From Cove of Cork to New South Wales. Copy of Hulk and Sail List'. Signed by Thomas Bell, Surgeon Superintendent. Lists names of 158 convicts, with county of origin, age, physical appearance, date of trial, crime, sentence and character during the passage, with a second list giving names and character -- C) Journal kept on board the convict ship Edward 24 Aug 1830-16 Feb 1831. Although the first page is inscribed 'Cove of Cork to N.S.W., journal commences at Deptford and concludes while the ship is still at sea. Edward arrived in Sydney, 22 Feb 1831.......... Notes: Original held by Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales at ZML MSS 34.

Master Robert Cock. Surgeon Superintendent  John Stephenson

Surgeon John Stephenson joined the Eleanor at Deptford on the 8th January 1831. On the 20th the military guard Commanded by Lieutenant Stuart of the 46th regiment, four non-commissioned officers and 24 privates with four women and six children were embarked.

The prisoners to be embarked on the Eleanor were from the counties of Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire and took part in the agricultural protests that became known as the Captain Swing Riots in 1830 - 1831. After trial they were transferred from various county prisons to the Hulks moored in the Thames. Some of those tried at Reading on 27th December were admitted to the Hardy hulk late in January and transferred to the Eleanor after only one day on the hulk.  By the 10th February 140 prisoners had been embarked. This number was too great for the prisons and seven were returned to the York hulk.

The number of women was increased to six and the children to ten. Total number on the ship amounted to 205 persons.  The Rev. John Christian Simon Handt having been appointed Missionary to the Aborigines, embarked on the 10th of February 1831.
All of the prisoners embarked on the Eleanor in England had been convicted of machine breaking. Most of them were in their 20s and 30s with a few who were older. Thomas Whattey was the youngest at seventeen years of age. Many were married. They left behind friends and families devastated by their absence and communities decimated and wary after the swift turn of events.......

The Eleanor was the next vessel to leave England for New South Wales after the departure of the female transport Earl of Liverpool in December 1830. She departed England on 19th February 1831, called at the Cape of Good Hope; remained for six days and received three prisoners from that colony. .......1) Thomas Davis a soldier convicted of breaking into a warehouse. 2)George Smits (Smets) who was a merchant from Holland. He was convicted of receiving stolen iron. Smits was sent to Port Macquarie on arrival and died there on 7 July 1834. 3)Pierre (or Pierce) Tuite (Taite) born in Co. Kerry was a clerk and soldier convicted of embezzlement. John Stephenson kept a Medical Journal from 8 January to 14 July 1831. He wrote in his General Remarks at the end of the journal .......

(Extract) No set of men perhaps under similar circumstances ever suffered less from disease, the names of eleven convicts only appear in the general list of sick and of these several might with great propriety have been omitted. Among the Soldiers, women and children a great number of trifling complaints occurred such as catarrh, cynanche tonsillaris but only one case only of rheumatisms was worthy of notice. (The captain of the ship Robert Cock also caused the surgeon some concern. He had suffered for many years with urethral stricture......the urethra was so contracted in two or three places that none but the very smallest bougies could be introduced. He was subject to frequent and alarming attacks of retention of urine and in one instance the surgeon almost despaired of relieving him without puncturing the bladder.)

The weather from England to the Cape of Good Hope was in general very favourable, the heat at no time excessive, the thermometer never rising above 84. After leaving the Cape we were not quite so fortunate, as we got to the Southward the weather varied greatly, gales of wind, succeeded by light airs with dense fogs and rain frequently took place, but in general we had strong breezes with clear cold weather; this last was a fortunate circumstance as the vessel was very laboursome and shipped such quantities of water that it was frequently necessary even in a fresh breeze to have the hatches battened down for two or three days together, leaving only sufficient space for one person to pass up or down.

The means adopted for the preservation of health were the strictest attention to cleanliness, dryness and ventilation and as far as could be done the constant occupation of the prisoners, but what appears to me to have been more efficacious than all this was the delay of a week at the Cape during which the people had a liberal allowance of fresh beef and vegetables, and every mess was enabled to take to it a small stock of soft bread, potatoes, onions etc., to this together with a greater proportion of fine weather, I think we are mainly indebted for the excellent condition in which the prisoners were disembarked.

The Eleanor arrived in Sydney Cove on 26th June 1831. A muster was held on board by the Colonial Secretary on 1st July 1831. The convict indents include the name, age, education, religion, marital status, family, native place, trade, offence, when and where tried, sentenced, prior convictions, physical description, and where and to whom assigned.

The Sydney Gazette reported in July that - The male prisoners by the Eleanor who form part of those convicted for the late riots in England, were landed on Monday morning. 'As fine a body of men as ever set foot on Australian shores from a convict ship and were nearly all assigned to individuals up the country.

In August convicts to be transported to the penal settlement at Moreton Bay were embarked on the Eleanor. There was a disturbance on board as the ship lay in harbour and two prisoners were shot and killed in the resulting chaos. The Eleanor departed Sydney bound for Moreton Bay and Batavia later that month. She conveyed 165 prisoners to Moreton Bay.

John Stephenson was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Guildford in 1829,  Waterloo in 1833 and the  Neva in 1835

Captain Francis Hunt. Surgeon Superintendent James Marr Bryden R.N.,

The Eliza was built in Calcutta in 1806 and carried a crew of about 40 men. This was her first voyage bringing convicts to New South Wales. She was the next vessel to leave England for New South Wales after the departure of the Recovery in July 1819.

On the 9th October the ship took on water and provisions and on the 10th October sailed from Spithead and anchored at the Isle of Wight on 11th October, leaving there on the 12th October 1819

James Marr Bryden kept a Medical Journal from 15 September 1819 to 31 January 1820.

After a voyage of 98 days the Eliza came to anchor in Sydney Cove at 9am on 20 January 1820. Six days later Mr. Campbell, the Governor's Secretary and Mr. Hutchinson, Superintendent of Convicts came on board and inspected the prisoners, made note of their descriptions and enquired if there were any complaints about the passage out.  On this occasion several men made complaints of short rations of pork in the early part of the voyage.

Charles Tinkler had potential to make it through the next eight years and therefore receive his ticket of leave, but this was not to be. He was a miner by trade and soon after arrival volunteered to work at the coal mines at Newcastle where the work was arduous, food scarce and punishment for transgressions harsh. Although he had volunteered he fell foul of the law when he absconded from the settlement and was declared a bushranger. He was apprehended in January 1822 and sent to Port Macquarie penal settlement......Tinkler's horrific death was reported two years later in 1824 in the Sydney Gazette.....Foley, an aboriginal black native, was indicted for the wilful murder of one Charles Tinker, a crown servant at Port Macquarie, on the 28th March last. By the evidence it appeared, that the prisoner occasionally lived in the house with the deceased and two or three other white men, and that he was in the custom of going out with the deceased, to shoot ducks and other game; such being an indulgence extended by the Commandant to the deceased, on account of his good conduct. At the instigation of the prisoners, the deceased proceeded upon a fowling excursion, accompanied by the prisoners, two other blacks and the father of the prisoners. No tidings being obtained after 3 or 4 days absence a military party was sent out in search, who was found in a wounded state, a spear having entered the lungs, and still remaining in the body. The poor man was immersed in water, with his head reclining on a stump. At first he seemed insensible; but immediate attention being had to his pitiable condition he recovered sufficiently to give an account of what had happened to him. He was taken to the hospital at Port Macquarie and cared for there by Dr. Moran but died soon afterwards.

In September 1820 Captain Hunt, Mr. Hall, Chief Officer, Mr. Wallan, Second Officer , Mr. Manners, Third Officer and Thomas Grant, Boatswain all advertised their intention to depart on the Eliza within a few days.

Master James Hunt. Surgeon Superintendent William Rae

The Eliza was built in Calcutta in 1806. This was her second voyage bringing convicts to New South Wales. The Eliza was the next vessel to leave England for New South Wales after the departure of the Asia in April 1822.

The following morning, 20th July 1822, they weighed anchor and sailed for the Downs which they came to anchor at dusk. Most of the convicts and passengers were sea sick. Bibles, testaments and prayer books were distributed amongst the convicts and also a few books and writing implements from the surgeon's own store were given to the boys who soon made considerable improvement in their learning. The youngest prisoners were Thomas Ball (16); Murdock Chisholm (16); Benjamin Johnson (16); William McCoy (16); William McNicholl (16); William Redgate (15); James Statham (16); Matthew Sullivan(15); George Williams (14); and Joseph Windle (16).

They sailed close by the island of St. Pauls on 25 October and on 22 November 1822 reached Port Jackson. 160 male prisoners were landed in good health on 26th November 1822. They had been on board for 147 days and the voyage had taken 125 days. After landing, the convicts were assigned to various settlers and public works at Windsor, Upper Minto, Airds, Penrith, Emu Plains and Bathurst.  Twenty one men of the Eliza have been identified residing in the Hunter Valley region in later years. Select HERE to find out more about these men.

This was William Rae's first voyage as surgeon superintendent on a convict ship. He was given an allowance of £50 for the return voyage to England and was later employed as surgeon on the convict ships Isabella in 1823,  Marquis of Huntley in 1826,  Prince Regent in 1827 and the Marquis of Hastings in 1828

The Eliza departed for Batavia in January 1823.  1st Officer Mr. Hustwick; 2nd Officer Mr. Faith; 3rd Officer Mr. Robinson. Passengers John Spain, Joseph Hall, Richard Rexworthy and Joseph Brown.

Master Daniel Leary (3). Surgeon Superintendent George Shaw Rutherford

The Eliza was built in India in 1806. This was her first voyage bringing convict to New South Wales.  She was the next convict ship to leave Ireland bound for New South Wales after the departure of the Cambridge in June 1827. The Eliza departed Cork on 19 July 1827.

Convict Henry Huston was discharged to the hospital on arrival. He was suffering with a serious case of scurvy.

The Eliza arrived in Port Jackson on 8th November 1827, a voyage of 112 days.

Bryan Roveen was one of the passengers on the Eliza. In January 1835 his wife and child were recommended for a free passage to New South Wales and embarked on the convict ship Neva. They perished when the Neva was wrecked the following May.(2)

George Shaw Rutherford was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Prince of Orange in 1821,  Shipley in 1822, Marquis of Hastings in 1826,  Lord Melville in 1829, Royal Admiral in 1830 and the China in 1846 (to Norfolk Island)

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Eliza in 1827

(2) Convict Ship Musters and Related Records. (Ancestry)

(3) Lieutenant Daniel Leary died at Crowlink, Sussex on 24th August 1839

Captain William Douty (Doutty). Surgeon Superintendent James Patton

The Eliza was made of teak and built in Java in 1815. This was her first voyage bringing convicts to New South Wales. She was the next vessel to leave England for New South Wales after the departure of the Albion on 1st June 1828.

James Patton R.N. commenced a Medical Journal on 10 June 1828. On 16th June 1828 fifty eight prisoners were received from the Justitia Hulk at Woolwich.

The first patient on the surgeon's sick list was Private John Campbell of the 63rd regiment who was treated on 11 June for an injury he received to his leg on the march from Chatham to Woolwich. Private George Eggleton was taken ill on 20th June.

The Eliza was one of seventeen ships bringing convicts to New South Wales in 1828. She departed  England on Private James Duguin of the 63rd was treated by the surgeon when the vessel was in the Channel on 3rd July 1828. The first death was that of John Palmer who died on 20th July 1828.

Between the 12 October and 8th November there were over 40 cases of dysentery (all convicts). The illness was so violent that it caused the death of several men in the short space of four days. Deaths mentioned in the indents include........John Oakes died 24 October;  John Story died on 24th October;  James Coulter died 31st October;  John Egan and George Ainsley died on 16th November ; George Whittaker died on 19th November.  James Patton attributed the high number of dysenteric cases to several causes, the unusual length of the voyage, 143 days on salt provisions and the ship sailing very indifferently; and from the cold, damp and rain.

The Eliza arrived in Port Jackson on 18th November 1828 with 150 male prisoners. The convicts were mustered by the Colonial Secretary Alexander McLeay on 20th November 1828. A total of eight prisoners had died on the voyage out and another four were sent to the Hospital on arrival in Sydney. (William Baker, Samuel Clay, William Johns and James Scholes). Edward Burke one of the soldiers on board was sent to the Military hospital in Sydney.  The indents include the name, age, religion, education, marital status, family, native place, offence, occupation, place and date of trial, sentence, prior convictions, physical description and where and to whom assigned on arrival. There is also occasional information regarding relatives in the colony, deaths and colonial crimes. The indents reveal the names of the juvenile offenders. The youngest was Charles Pennycard who was only 10 years old. Robert Edwards and William Telford were both 14 and John Roach and Thomas Storer were both fifteen. All these boys were sent to the Carter's Barracks on arrival. Select here to read John Thoms Bigge's description of the Carter's Barracks written c. 1820. There were also two other fifteen year olds who were assigned to settlers -  James Wilson and Ellis Walsh.

The Guard consisted of 30 men of the 63rd regiment, accompanied by 3 women and 6 children under the orders of Major Sholto Douglas and Ensign Church. Lieutenant William Thomas Napier Champ also arrived on the Eliza. On Wednesday 19th November they were landed and marched up the town to their quarters to the beat of the drum and fife.

James Patton was also employed as surgeon on the convict ship Persian to VDL in 1827

Twenty-six of the convicts arriving on the Eliza have been identified residing in the Hunter region in the following decades. Select HERE to find out more about these men.

The Eliza sailed for London direct in December 1828

Captain William Nicholas. Surgeon Superintendent  James McTernan

The Eliza was built in India in 1806. This was her second voyage as a convict ship.

The Eliza was the next vessel to leave Ireland bound for New South Wales after the departure of the Edward in January 1829. One prisoner, Thomas Kickery was disembarked prior to leaving Ireland and the Eliza departed from Cork 2nd March 1829 with 170 male prisoners

James McTernan was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Ocean in 1823, Sir Charles Forbes in 1827 (VDL), Asia in 1828,  Lady Harewood in 1831,  John Barry in 1836 and the Sara in 1837 (VDL)

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Eliza in 1829

John S. Groves. Surgeon Superintendent Thomas Bell

The Eliza was built in India in 1806. This was her fourth voyage bringing convicts to Australia.

Thomas Bell kept a Medical Journal from 19th March to 18th September 1832...."We sailed from Cork", he wrote, "on the 10th May 1832 with a light and favourable breeze. The weather continuing fine for ten days, all hands soon became accustomed to their new residence without suffering much from sea sickness which might have been expected as most of the party had never seen the sea before. "

Captain William Ostler. Surgeon Superintendent Caryer Vickery

The convicts of the Elizabeth had been tried in various counties and cities in England - Chichester, Chiswick, Essex, Wiltshire, Leicester, Nottingham and London etc., Several had been tried at the Old Bailey on 13th September 1815 and were transferred to the hulk Laurel by the following January. They remained there until being embarked on the Elizabeth on 14th May 1816. The Elizabeth departed England on 4th June 1816.

One hundred and fifty five male prisoners were embarked on the Elizabeth, two were re-landed and two died on the voyage out. John Powell died 4th September 1816 and James McCarley died 26th September 1816. (House of Commons papers)

The Military Guard consisted of a serjeant and 32 privates of the 46th Regiment under command of Captain Humphrey.  The Headquarters of the 46th regiment commanded by Lieut-Col George James Molle arrived on the Windham in 1814 and other detachments arrived on the Three Bees, Larkins, General Hewitt, Guildford, Surry, Shipley, Ocean Bencoolen.

The Elizabeth arrived in Port Jackson on 5th October 1816, five days before the Mariner.

Judge-Advocate John Wylde arrived on the Elizabeth with his family including his brother-in-law and clerk Joshua John Moore and his father Thomas Wylde whom he recommended as Clerk of the Peace. The Sydney Gazette reported that Judge Wylde was to land on the 9th October at twelve noon. The Governor's barge was taken alongside the Elizabeth to receive him and convey him to the Landing place on the Governor's Wharf. He was accompanied by Mr. Secretary Campbell, Captain Ostler, Surgeon Caryer Vickery, military personnel as well as private friends. A Salute of thirteen Guns was fired from Dawe's Battery immediately on the Judge Advocate's leaving the Elizabeth in Honor of his safe arrival at Sydney and a like salute was fired from the Elizabeth. On landing at the Governor's Stairs, the Judge Advocate was received by the Magistrates, the Provost Marshal and other Officers of the Colony and taken to one of the Magistrates houses for refreshments. In the afternoon when the Judge Advocate was again returning from on board with his Lady, the prisoners who arrived in the vessel took the opportunity of joining the ship's company in manning the yards, and cheering as his boat left the ship.

Colonial Secretary Mr. Campbell mustered the convicts on board. He found that .......

'with the exception of convalescents from scurvy they were in good health and generally fresh looking, active men. The cases of lameness or permanent bodily disabilities were much fewer than usual, whilst at the same time the serviceable description of mechanics such as carpenters, masons, bricklayers and those whose trades conduce to the forwarding of buildings are still fewer being more deficient than in any other case within my recollection. Without exception every prisoners expressed gratefulness to the kind and humane attention of the Captain and Surgeon during the passage'

The prisoners of the Elizabeth were landed on Friday 11 October in a healthy state and mustered in the presence of His Excellency the Governor who was afterwards pleased to give instructions for their distribution to the various situations assigned them. Select HERE to read the procedure recorded by John Thomas Bigge of the disembarkation of prisoners.

Forty-three men who arrived on the Elizabeth were under the age of 21 years. The youngest were John Burton (14); Michael Haggerty (14); George Edwards (13); John Stokes (13); John Dent (12); and William Cadell (10).

Esther Ames wife of convict Robert Ames arrived free on the Elizabeth

Convict Thomas Till arrived on the Elizabeth. He was executed in 1822.

The Elizabeth was engaged to convey troops to India on her departure from New South Wales

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Elizabeth in 1816

Select here to find out more about the voyage and convicts of the Elizabeth

Master William Ostler. Surgeon Superintendent Andrew Montgomery.

Details of the voyage of the Elizabeth are now on a separate page.

Select here to find out more about the voyage and convicts of the Elizabeth in 1828

Details of the voyage of the Elizabeth are now on a separate page.

Select here to find out more about the voyage and convicts of the Elizabeth in 1836

Captain Thomas Fremlin. Surgeon Superintendent Alick Osborne

The Elphinstone was the next convict ship to leave Ireland for New South Wales after the departure of the Margaret on 1st September 1838. Two hundred and fifty five prisoners were originally embarked on the Elphinstone, however 23 were re-landed before sailing.

The Elphinstone departed Dublin on 8th September 1838

Alick Osborne kept a Medical Journal from 22 July 1838 to 5 January 1839. He noted in his journal that the convicts were received in good health at Dublin and that the vessel sailed at a favourable period of the year. The scorbutic (scurvy) cases were noticed promptly and quickly yielded to his treatment of nitre and vinegar. He administered this remedy to all patients with boils, ulcers, or eruptions with good effect.

On the 18th November the Elphinstone was in latitude 48° south, longitude 30° east and on the 22nd November in latitude 25° south, longitude 36° east. She arrived in Port Jackson on 29 December 1838, a voyage of 112 days.

The prisoners were landed on Saturday 5th January 1839.

Cabin Passengers included Captain Parker; Quarter Master William Kerr, Mrs. Kerr and two daughters and in Steerage were the rank and file of the 18th 50th 51st regiments

The Elphinstone arrived at the hottest time of the year, but there was little sympathy for newly arrived convicts and they were put to work as soon as possible. John Gannon, aged 55, did not survive long after arrival. Just ten days after landing, on 15th January, the hottest day of the year, he was working in the streets when he was taken ill. He was removed to the prisoner barracks and then to the hospital but died soon afterwards A coroner's inquest found that he had died to exposure to the sun and exhaustion.

Alick Osborne was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Lonach in 1825, Speke in 1826,  Sophia in 1829,  Sarah in 1829,   Planter in 1832,  Fairlie in 1834 and the Marquis of Huntley  in 1835.

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Elphinstone in 1838

Master Giles Wade. Surgeon Superintendent Robert Wylie

Chief officer of the Emma Eugenia was Mr. Pritchard. Two of the seamen were John Hamilton and George Field

Two hundred prisoners were embarked on the Emma Eugenia from the Hulks at Portsmouth in October 1837. Most were Englishmen from various parts of the country and had been convicted of many different crimes including stealing, receiving, robbery, forgery and bigamy. James Edwards, originally from Derby was sentenced to 14 years transportation in Malta for attempting to shoot his sergeant-major. Robert McMurray from Cork was sentenced to transportation for life for striking his drum-major. Carleton William Roche, solicitor and clerk was sentenced to 7 years transportation for embezzlement.

Robert Wylie R.N. kept a Medical Journal from 7 October 1837 to 24 February 1838.

The Emma Eugenia was the next convict ship to leave England after the departure of the Waterloo in October 1837.

The Emma Eugenia departed London on 6th November 1837 and arrived in Port Jackson on Friday 9th February 1838, a voyage of 95 days. The surgeon reported that the passage through the tropics was favourable. Scurvy appeared by January, however according to the surgeon the disease was checked with lemon juice and sugar. Nitre in vinegar was tried also but found not as effective as lemon juice.  Forty seven years old Thomas Whipps died on 8th February, leaving one hundred and ninety nine male convicts. Two more died shortly after arrival - James Day and George Burls both died on 20th February 1838 in Sydney hospital.

The guard consisted of Ensign Love, 28th regiment., Lieut. Rice, 52nd regiment., Serjeant Bernard Turley, Corporal Dickinson, 29 rank and file of the 28th, 50th, 52nd and 80 regiment., and their wives and families

Robert Wylie was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Henry Wellesley in 1836 and the  Barossa in 1839.

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Emma Eugenia in 1838

Details of the voyage of the convict ship England is now on a separate page.

Select here to find out more about the voyage and convicts of the England in 1826

Captain Thomas Bacon. Surgeon Superintendent Obadiah Pineo

Some of the convicts arriving on the England  had been tried and convicted at the Old Bailey and imprisoned at Newgate before being sent to the hulks. Select here to find out what it may have been like to be imprisoned in Newgate in 1835.

The England  was the next convict ship to leave England after the departure of the Mary in April 1835. The England departed Portsmouth 8th June 1835 with 230 male prisoners under the care of Obadiah Pineo R.N. A Medical Journal was kept from 12th May 1835 to 20 October 1835.

The England arrived in Port Jackson on 28 September 1835

Passengers D.A.C.G. Smith, Captain Crummer, Mrs Crummer and 3 children, Ensign Ewen 29 rank and five of the 28th regt., 9 women and 7 children. Other convict ships bringing detachments of the 28th regiment included the Marquis of Huntley, Westmoreland, Norfolk, Backwell, John Barry, Susan, Waterloo, Lady McNaughten, Moffatt, Strathfieldsaye and Portsea.

Soldiers of the 28th regiment stationed in Newcastle & Maitland 1836 -37 included.......

Obadiah Pineo was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Pyramus in 1836 and the Lord Lyndoch in 1838.

Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the England in 1835

Captain Daniel Warren. Surgeon Superintendent William Conborough Watt

The Exmouth  was the next convict ship to leave England for New South Wales after the departure of the Eleanor in February 1831. The Exmouth departed Plymouth on 26th March 1831 and arrived in Port Jackson on 28th July 1831.

Two hundred and eighty nine male prisoners arrived on the Exmouth, one man Richard Beard having died at sea on the 28th May from Pythisis.

The Guard consisted of 3 sergeants, 46 rank and file with their wives and families of the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers under command of Captain Moore and Lieutenants Irwin and Middlemore

William Conborough Watt kept a Medical Journal from 11 January to 18 August 1831. He began treating convicts while still at Sheerness in February. Two young men James Burnes and Thomas Knowles, both aged 15 suffered from catarrh and ophthalmia, occasioned they thought by being put to watch the swinging stoves while on the Euralysis hulk.

The convicts suffered from many complaints on the voyage, ranging from rashes and eruptions to tonsillitis, headache and melancholia. On 25th April sixteen year old Peter Pollen suffered serious burns to his back and shoulder when a bucket of hot liquid was spilt over him as he lay in his bunk. He was kept in the hospital for a month. In all eighteen men suffered from scurvy and according to the surgeon all but three were cured with a solution of nitre and vinegar.

William Conborough Watt was also employed as Surgeon Superintendent on the convict ships Edward in 1829, the Roslin Castle in 1830  and the Mary in 1833.

The Exmouth departed Sydney for Calcutta in September, however returned to port in consequence of adverse winds experienced while attempting to pass through Torres Strait. They left Sydney again in October.

Sixteen convict ships arrived in New South Wales in 1831. Many of the prisoners arriving on these vessels would have witnessed the bonfires in Sydney on 2nd December 1831, set alight to celebrate the arrival of the new Governor Sir Richard Bourke.

Of the 289 men who arrived on the Exmouth, 112 have been identified as residing in the Hunter region in the following decades. Quite a few were sent to work for the Australian Agricultural Company in their Coal Mines at Newcastle. Others such as John Cook who was assigned to William Dumaresq were sent far up the valley, perhaps to tend flocks or be employed in other agricultural work. James Souter was attached to Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell's expedition in the capacity of assistant surgeon.

The punishment meted out to William Smith for drunkenness and resisting arrest was probably fairly typical of that other convicts experienced for committing minor transgressions of the law. Bushranger Henry Hughes who touched hand with some of the most notorious convicts in the colony, received a much harsher penalty and was transported to a penal colony for life.  

George Palliser achieved infamy and narrowly escaped being hanged when he became part of what is known as the Myall Creek Massacre. Bushranger Herbert Owen may have been another who escaped the penalty of the law. Although his named was printed in the wanted lists for years, there is no record of his fate.

Select here to find out more about other convicts who arrived on the Exmouth in 1831

Details of the voyage of the Experiment are now on a separate page.

Select here to fine out more about the convicts and the voyage of the Experiment

Details of the voyage of the Experiment are now on a separate page.

Select here to fine out more about the convicts and voyage of the Experiment in 1809

Resources used to compile Convict Ship pages:

Sydney Gazette, The Australian, The Monitor, The Maitland Mercury and other publications available via Australia Trove

UK, Prison Hulk Registers and Letter Books, 1802-1849 - Ancestry

Various 19th Century British Library Newspapers available via National Library of Australia eResourses ( see Cora Num's site for instructions to access)

Lesley Uebel's Port Jackson Convict Anthology

Surgeon's Journals at National Archives

Surgeon's Journals at Ancestry

Publications available at Google Books

Historical Records of New South Wales Vols. 1 - VII

Historical Records of Australia Series 1

The Convict Ships - Charles Bateson

Martin Cash: His personal narrative as a bushranger in Van Diemens Land

Free Settler or Felon Database

Journeys In Time 1809 - 1822 - The Journals of Lachlan and Elizabeth Macquarie

The Proceedings of the Old Bailey Online

North to Matsumae, Australian Whalers to Japan by Noreen Jones.

Bound For Botany Bay: Narrative of a voyage in 1798 Aboard the Death Ship Hillsborough - Frank Clune

A Narrative of a Voyage to New South Wales, in the year 1816, in the ship Mariner, describing the Nature of the Accommodations, Stores, Diet &c., together with an account of the Medical Treatment &c." by John Haslam in John Croaker: convict Embezzler: John Booker and Russell Craig.

Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825 [database on-line].

Australian Town and Country Journal 3 January 1891 - Arrivals of vessels at Port Jackson and Departures of same up to 1817