Captain George Willis. Surgeon James Osborne

On the 13th February while under Dover Castle, the Palambam went ashore in a fog. There was reportedly no damage to the vessel and she finally set sail for Sydney Cove on 23rd March 1831, arriving there on the 31st July 1831 with 114 female prisoners. Two women died on the passage out -  Betsey Riley on 10th May and Mary Lyden on 23 May 1831.

James Osborne was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. This was his second voyage in that capacity.

This vessel also brought fifty girls from the Foundling Hospital of Cork, two matrons, their husbands, seven children, four females, wives of convicts living in the colony and six of their children. These people as well as the convict women were all reported by the surgeon to be extremely healthy on arrival.

A Convict Muster was held on board on 2nd August 1831.

Two of the free women who arrived on the Palambam were dreadfully injured while travelling to their place of service at Hunters River. The Sydney Herald reported: The women were bruised and injured in a shocking manner, by the upsetting of the dray and its contents upon them, the thigh bone of one was broken, and the flesh dreadfully lacerated. They were both expected to recover, however it was later reported that one had died.

The Sydney Herald reported in September that - 'The prisoner belles by the Palambam, begin already to show signs of unruliness, several of them since their assignment having been handed over to the maternal care of the factory matron.' (Matron at the Parramatta female factory at this time was Mrs. Ann Gordon.)

The Palambam was one of four convict ships bringing female prisoners to New South Wales in 1831, the others being the Kains, Hooghley and the Earl of Liverpool. A total of 504 female convicts arrived in the colony in 1831.

Surgeon James Osborne's Journal of the Palamban in 8th January 1831 - 13 August 1831

Convicts arriving on the Palambam in 1831

Parkfield 1839

The Parkfield departed Sheerness 15 May 1839 bringing 240 male prisoners under superintendence of Surgeon Alexander Neill. She arrived in Port Jackson 1st September 1839. Passengers included Captain Rice, Ensign Kelly, 29 rank and file of the 31st regiment., 6 women and 9 children.

The Sydney Herald reported that the convicts were inspected on Monday 2nd September by the Board of Health Officers, who were highly gratified at the cleanliness of the vessel and good order of every one on board. Mr. Neill, the surgeon was congratulated on his return to the Colony by his many respectable friends, all of whom were happy to hear of his arrival without the death of a single individual*. This is the gentleman who so politely volunteered his services on the occasion of the John Barry being placed in quarantine some years back, and was very near to losing his own life.

*While no passengers died on the voyage out, there was a serious outbreak of mumps amongst the prisoners.

On Saturday 7 September the convicts of the Parkfield were inspected by the Governor Sir George Gipps in Hyde Park Barracks. His Excellency told the second class men that it was impossible that he could do anything for them for two years after their arrival, but after that period all who behaved themselves well would receive the indulgence of being assigned to private service.

The first class men he said must remain in government employment for six months, after which they would be assigned out, if they deserved it. At their work they would be divided into gangs of ten or twelve men who would be made responsible for each others' conduct, so that if they have a bad man amongst them it would be in their interest to inform their superintendent of it, and the man would be removed. Willingness at their work he particularly impressed upon them, as being necessary if they wished to obtain any indulgence. Three men who attempted to escape from the ship after she arrived in harbour were placed in the second class. Among the prisoners were sixteen soldiers, for different offences, among whom are four soldiers of the 67th regiment, who were transported for manslaughter in killing a marine in a drunken dray at Chatham a short time since.

In an advertisement soon after arrival the Parkfield was said to be well known as one of the fastest sailing vessels carrying British Colours and could also stow a fair cargo. She could be chartered by contacting Captain Whiteside on board or agents Dunlop & Co. in Queen Street.

Surgeon Alexander Neill's Journal Parkfield 1st May 1839 - 7 September 1839

Convicts arriving on the Parkfield in 1839

The Parmelia arrived in Port Jackson from England on 16 November 1832 after a passage of thirteen weeks bringing 196 male prisoners.  Passengers included Assistant Surgeon Sliver R.N., and Lieut Williamson of 48th regiment

The Guard consisted of a detachment of 46th regt., and a small party of the 56th regt., Officers Lieut. Nepean and Ensign Bullevant. Passenger Rev. Youl

There was a severe outbreak of cholera in July. Many were ill and four people died: -

John Wilson, soldier died 2 July 1832

Thomas Hopkins, convict died 7 July 1832

Roger Sims died 24 August 1832

John Sullivan 30 August 1832

Richard Allen was also surgeon on the convict ship  James Laing 1834 (died on board the James Laing in 1834)

Convicts arriving on the Parmelia in 1832

Master James Gilbert.   Surgeon Anthony Donoghue

The Parmelia departed Cork on 29th October 1833 and arrived in Port Jackson on Sunday 2 March 1834. 

Anthony Donaghue Esq., R.N., was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 18 September 1833 to 20 March 1834. Anthony Donaghue was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships City of Edinburgh 1832   Hive 1835 and Calcutta 1837

Two hundred and eighteen male prisoners arrived under a guard consisting of Major Anderson, Ensign Campbell and 29 rank and file of the 50th regiment. On Wednesday 5th March, the prisoners were mustered for the purpose of taking their descriptions prior to disembarkation and assignment. They were described in the newspapers as a healthy, robust set of men, mostly field labourers. The editors must have missed seeing Thomas Baldwin who was 62 years old and according to the surgeon, a perfect skeleton by the time he arrived. He was sent to the hospital to recover.

On Thursday 6th March the troops of the guard of the Parmelia were landed and immediately marched to Liverpool. The prisoners were landed at the Dock Yard in the early hours of Saturday morning the 8th March, and forwarded to Hyde Park Barracks for distribution.

....Distribution of 218 male convicts who arrived by the Parmelia. 203 assigned to private service; 3 sent to Mineral Surveyor's Dept; 1 to the Master Attendant Dept; 3 in hospital; 2 unfit for assignment; 4 sent to Port Macquarie (specials); 2 sent to Carter's Barracks. Two prisoners had died on the voyage out

Passengers, Thomas Anderson and 4 children, 8 women and 15 children

Convict John Tighe of Co. Sligo, later applied to have his family join him in New South Wales

Convicts arriving on the Parmelia in 1834

The Guard for the Pekoe consisted of 29 rank and file, 5 women and 11 children of 96th regiment under orders of Lieut. Curren and Ensign Kenny. They were received onto the Pekoe on the 3rd and 4th June 1840 and left Deptford for Ireland on the 7th June. On the 23rd June they anchored in Kingstown Harbour, Dublin and two days later 100 male prisoners were embarked. On the 27th June 81 more were received on board together with two little boys, sons of two of the prisoners. On the 29th June four of the prisoners previously embarked were taken on shore again and three others were sent in lieu of them, leaving on board 180 prisoners and the two free little boys.

They departed Dublin on the 10th July 1840 called at the Cape of Good Hope 20 September, and  arrived in Port Jackson on 7 November 1840.

They were mustered on board the vessel on Wednesday 11th November and landed on Thursday 12 November when they were marched to the Hyde Park Barracks. From there they were to be transferred to the service of settlers to supply the urgent demand for labour to assist in getting in the harvest.

Surgeon Superintendent Robert Bower kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 3 June to 12 November 1840

Convicts arriving on the Pekoe in 1840

Captain Thomas Weatherhead. Surgeon Evan Evans

The Phoenix arrived in Van Diemen's Land 20 May 1822 with 182 male convicts, two having died on the voyage. - Surgeon Superintendent, Dr. Evan Evans, R. N. -

The guard comprised a detachment of the 3rd Regiment (Old Buffs), under the orders of Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Cameron, and Ensign Pigot, of the same regiment.

From Surgeon Evan Evan's Journal: -

19 October 1821: Joined the ship at Deptford and reported to Captain Young, agent for transports.

27 October 1821: A detachment of the 3rd Regiment embarked on board as Guard over convicts.

4 November 1821: The ship dropped down from Deptford and arrived at Portsmouth on the 8th.

10 November 1821 at Portsmouth: Embarked 120 convicts from the Leviathan Hulk, and 64 from the York.

11 November 1821 at Spithead: Issued the bibles, testaments, prayer books etc to them [convicts] before the divine service.

30 November 1821 at Spithead: In consequence of the severity of the gale last night, the ship drove some distance, and this day the crew were employed in getting the anchors up and in working the ship to an anchorage at the motherbank which took up most of the day, consequently very few convicts permitted on deck

20 December 1821 at Motherbank: 9am the ship getting under weigh. The convicts with colds are nearly well today. The vaccination not having the least effect. 2pm working out of St Helens.

21 December 1821 in the Channel: 9am blowing very hard and has blown a hard gale all night, mostly from the SW. The prison very wet, leaking in every direction over the prison and most of the convicts very sea sick, bearing up for Dungeness. At 10am had the convicts with their wet things on deck, fire in the airing stove in prison, and had the prison well dried.

The Phoenix left Portsmouth on the 5th January (the day previously to the departure of the Mary Ann and Denmark Hill.)

They sailed by the Eastern passage, keeping very near the African shore, and in consequence had very long and constant calms near the line, and very warm weather. The death of one of the convicts at this time caused Evan Evans great worry that fever would spread throughout the vessel and he ensured that the decks were frequently fumigated with nitrous acid. They put into Rio de Janeiro where they stayed for six days.

The convicts were all very well behaved and all of them were taken out of irons a few days after departing Portsmouth and kept out of irons the whole of the voyage, with the exception of four days that the ship was at Rio De Janiero. The boys and men who could not read attended school daily. Evan Evans commented that the utmost harmony prevailed between himself and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Cameron and Captain Weatherhead.

Convicts arriving on the Phoenix in 1822

The Convict ship Phoenix arrived in Sydney on Christmas Day 1826 having departed Kingston Harbour, Dublin on 29th August. 189 male prisoners arrived on the Phoenix

Joseph Cook R.N., was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 6 July 1826 to 12 January 1827. Joseph Cook was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships

Master Thomas Cuzens

The Phoenix departed Spithead on 7 March 1828 with 190 male English convicts, and arrived in Port Jackson on 14th July 1828. There were no deaths on the voyage and most of the illness was trivial. Nineteen year old George Williams spent an uncomfortable few days with a most excruciating headache which he attributed to having exposed himself to the sun for some time without his cap. He was put on the sick list on 25 April 1828 at sea and was well again after five days.

William Bell Carlisle was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 29 January to 30 July 1828. He considered that every individual of the convicts and Guard were landed at Sydney in a state fit for duty. Towards the latter end of the voyage a few additional ounces of lemon juice were given daily to 15 of the convicts who were discovered to have a scorbutic sponginess of the gums which yielded readily to the Lime Juice in eight or ten days. One natural labour a few nights before arrival in Sydney was the only additional incident Dr. Carlisle thought worth mentioning

The Guard consisted of Captain Barker, Lieutenant Moore and 30 men of the 39th regiment, together with four women and six children. They received their orders to embark on the Phoenix on 30 January 1828

A Muster was held on board the Phoenix on 18th July 1828 by the Hon. Alexander McLeay, Colonial Secretary and the Prisoners were landed on Monday 28th July. The Australian reported that with few exceptions they were an uncommonly healthy and robust body of men. Nearly the entire shipload had been assigned to the service of private individuals, many in Sydney.

Captain Pexton. Surgeon Charles Queade

The Pilot departed Cove of Cork 9th March, touched at Rio de Janeiro 5th May where she remained until 23rd May, arriving in Port Jackson 29 July 1817 with 117 male prisoners, all in excellent health. 

The military guard consisted of a serjeant and 30 privates of the 46th and 48th regt., under the orders of Lieut. Franklin of the 69th regiment.

The prisoners were landed on Friday morning 8th August and although it rained hard throughout the morning, Governor Macquarie carried out his usual inspection of the prisoners. The Governor extended his warmest thanks to Captain Pexton and Surgeon Charles Queade R.N., for the humane treatment which the prisoners gratefully avowed receiving throughout the voyage.

Charles Queade was also surgeon on the convict ships Minerva 1819  Minerva 1821 and Phoenix 1824 (VDL)

Convicts arriving on the Pilot in 1817

Convicts arriving on the Pitt in 1792

Captain R.L. Frazer

The Planter departed London 16th June and arrived 15 October 1832 with 200 male prisoners, none having died on the voyage out.

Surgeon Superintendent Alick Osborne.

Passengers, Lieuts. Bullin and Irvine of 38th regt., Mr. Busby and 28 rank and file of the 4th regt 1 serjeant of 39th; 3 women and 1 child

Surgeon's Journal Planter 1832

Convicts arriving on the Planter in 1832

Captain F.B. Manning. Surgeon Thomas Robertson

The Planter 367 tons, departed London 10 November 1838 with 171 female prisoners and 14 of their children all of whom had embarked at Woolwich. They arrived at Port Jackson on 9th March 1839, a voyage of 119 days.

Surgeon Superintendent Thomas Robertson kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 7 August 1838 - 16 March 1839

The women were in good health when they embarked however the surgeon remarked that when they neared the Cape of Good Hope, the aged females showed symptoms of debility and there was a general despondency running through the ship arising from the long passage. They put into Simon's Bay for refreshment and a change of scene. Needlework and dancing generally occupied most of the day.

One birth occurred on the Planter during the passage and there were no deaths.

Passengers included Mr. John Toms or Sonnes, Mr. William Young, Commissariat Clerks, five free emigrants and nine children.

The Planter brought with her the news of the vessel Juliana which had been bound for N.S.W. with emigrants and was wrecked at Table Bay at the Cape of Good Hope.

The Planter was one of five convict ships bringing female prisoners to New South Wales in 1839, the others being the Margaret, Whitby, Mary Ann and Minerva. A total of 727 female prisoners arrived in the colony in 1839..

Convicts arriving on the Planter in 1839

Joseph Cook was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. He kept a Journal from 21st October 1831 to 11 April 1832.

The Portland did not depart Spithead until 27 November 1832 and surgeon Cook reported that during that time the winds and weather were variable. Catarrh appeared as an epidemic during these days and continued to recur during the whole of the voyage, almost all on board having been affected with it more or less, but in the greater number of instances so slight as not to require confinement or medical treatment. The prisoners were also much affected with costiveness induced by sea sickness and change of diet but the general state of health on board during the voyage was good.

The Portland was off the coast of Brazil on 14th January 1832.

During the voyage the convicts were admitted on deck daily as much as the state of weather and other circumstances permitted, one half taking their meals on deck alternatively. Attention was paid to cleanliness and the between decks kept as dry as possible. The surgeon did not report heavy rain until off the coast of Australia when they also experienced westerly winds. The temperature occasionally reached 89° in the prison at nights while passing through the tropics.

The Portland  arrived in Port Jackson on 26th March 1832, a voyage of 133 days.

There had been no deaths on the voyage and 178 male convicts, the original number, were landed at Sydney on 6th April 1832. All except one, William Toll who had suffered scurvy, were fit for immediate employment.

Joseph Cook was also employed as Surgeon Superintendent on the convict ships Southworth 1822 Sir CharlesForbes 1825 (VDL)  Phoenix 1826  Louisa 1827  Mellish 1829 and Forth (11) 1830

Convicts arriving on the Portland in 1832

Master William Ascough. Surgeon  Charles Inches

On 28 December 1832, the Guard for the convicts embarked on the Portland at Deptford. The Guard consisted of 1 subaltern of the 26th regiment, one sergeant, one corporal and 27 rank and file of 21st Fusiliers accompanied by 5-6 women and 11 children under command of Captain Frazer of 26th regt., Passengers included Lieut. Wallace, D.A.C.G. Brackenbury, Mrs. Brackenbury, Miss Brackenbury and Miss Frazer.

Charles Inches, R.N., was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 18th December 1832 to 13 July 1833.

On the 1st January they dropped down the river to Gravesend, and another subaltern of the 16th regiment joined the ship. On the 3rd January 1833 they proceeded to the Cove of Cork, arriving there on 11th January. They remained at the Cove of Cork for six weeks while arrangements for the convicts were made.

On 2nd February 184 male convicts were embarked and on the 9th February eight more men were received on board. There was an unusual degree of sickness on the Portland, which the surgeon attributed to the convicts of Ireland being much inferior in health and vigour than the convicts in England. As well their clothes were worse, being more or less worn and thin. They had a very restricted allowance of food in their diet amounting to only 20 ounces a week per man.

The Portland departed Cork on 21st February 1833 with 193 male convicts and arrived in Port Jackson 26 June 1833 with 184 convicts.

The Portland had touched at Lisbon however in consequence of one man on board dying of cholera, on entering the Tagus, the ship was immediately ordered off. During the voyage two more deaths occurred from cholera. The last case of this appeared in March. Six persons also died from fever and other diseases.

On arrival at Port Jackson, in consequence of the illness on board, dispatching the mails that had arrived was delayed until an examination of the vessel had taken place.

The Portland was wrecked in October 1833.

Convicts arriving on the Portland in 1833

Thomas Bell Esq., R.N. was employed as surgeon superintendent on the Portsea. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 7 July to 22 December 1838. He was also surgeon on the convict ships Thames 1829  Edward 1831 Eliza 1832 and Prince George 1837

The Guard, consisting of Lieut. Donald McPhee of 28th Regiment, Ensign Gravatt, 28th regiment and 25 rank and file of the 28th, 50th, 51st and 80th regiments and Passengers Mrs. McPhee and the Misses Isabella and Euphemia McPhee, boarded the Portsea at Deptford on 7th July 1838.

They sailed immediately for Portsmouth, arriving there on 17 July. The surgeon, Thomas Bell, then examined the prisoners on the York and Leviathan hulks. He rejected several who had recently had small pox. On 19th July, 240 male convicts were embarked on the Portsea and spoken to on good conduct and punishment. Rules were posted in the prison, beds and utensils were distributed and the surgeon took charge of all valuables.

They received orders to sail on 26 July but unfavourable winds delayed their departure. They were afterwards driven into Plymouth and did not leave there until 8th August.

A school was established on board and convict H.N. Disney took over as schoolmaster. Many of the convicts 'did not know the Lord's Prayer, ten commandments; or how many commandments there were'. By the end of the voyage there were no more than 3 who did not know the church catechism.

The prisoners were formed into divisions and exercised each day, walking four miles round the long boat while the band played.  In the early part of the voyage, headaches, constipation and slight fevers, due to a change in diet, weather and sea life occurred. Later, as they approached the tropics, boils, prickly heat and ringworm prevailed.

The surgeon remarked that there were several cases of scurvy, mainly among the army deserters who had undergone punishment. They were treated with lime juice and nitre, 1 ounce of nitre to a pint and a few drops of oil of peppermint in wine with sugar to make it palatable. The mixture was diluted with water and given in doses of 3 or 4 ounces. As soon as symptoms of scurvy were detected, the sufferer was put on the special diet. - a pint of chocolate at 6am, with an ounce of lime juice and an ounce of sugar, and porridge, a pint of thick gruel with a gill of wine at midday, porridge again at 4pm, chocolate at 6pm and gruel with wine in it at 8pm.

Strict attention was paid to cleanliness and when the weather permitted the prisoners bathed every day and were afterwards rubbed dry with a towel, which each man who had money was made to buy before leaving port. The prisons were also cleaned and kept dry and ventilated. The constabulary force under H N Disney was active and impartial. The ship was obliged to call at Hobart by a shortage of water and strong winds from the west making it likely that arrival at Sydney would be delayed.

 They left Hobart Town on 11 December and arrived at Sydney 18 December 1838. On 22 December 239 prisoners were landed, one having died on the passage out (George Carter). It had been 164 days since the embarkation of the guard. The Colonial Secretary and  the principal superintendent of convicts, were pleased at the health of the convicts and the orderly way in which they landed.

Convicts arriving on the Portsea in 1838

Captain Adolphus Holton. Thomas Bell

The Prince George arrived on 8th May 1837, having departed Torbay 14th January 1837.   244 male prisoners arrived under the superintendence of Dr. Thomas Bell. R.N., six having died on the passage out.

The guard consisted of 29 rank and file of the 80the regiment under command of Lieut. Baxter and Ensign Foster. 8 women + 3 children on board

Leaving Lincolnshire - In Chains written by David J. Porter tells the compelling tale of his ancestor, Lincolnshire farm labourer John Porter, who was accused of killing a sheep belonging to the local curate. John Porter was promptly convicted, on farcical evidence, and transported to Australia for life, leaving his wife and four young sons to manage without the breadwinner. John Porter was one of 244 convicts who arrived on the convict transport Prince George in May 1837.

Leaving Lincolnshire - In Chains contains Dr. Bell's report of the voyage revealing much on the lives of convicts under his care. During the voyage of the Prince George over 200 of the convicts and many of the guard of the 80th regiment required medical treatment.  Author David J. Porter has the full set of records left by Dr. Bell, which includes the name and age of the convict, illness, when each was taken off the sick list and the outcome of each case.

Master Thomas Silk

The convict ship Prince of Orange arrived in Port Jackson on Monday 12 February 1821 from England. She left the Downs 8th October and brought 135 men in good health - one died on the passage out.

Surgeon Superintendent Dr. George Shaw Rutherford R.N., kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 1 September 1820 to 17 February 1821

The guard consisted of a detachment of the 34th Regiment under orders of Lieut. Clewnie of the 17th foot

Prince of Orange 1821 - Surgeon George Shaw Rutherford

Convicts arriving on the Prince of Orange in 1821

Captain William Anderson.  Surgeon James Hunter

The Prince Regent  departed England on 3 October 1819 and arrived on Thursday 27th January 1820 with 160 male prisoners. 

James Hunter R.N. was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 1 September 1819 to 28 February 1820. James Hunter was also surgeon on the convict ships Minerva 1818 and Princess Royal 1823

Governor Lachlan Macquarie recorded in his Journal that the Guard consisted of 31 Soldiers of the 48th. Regt., commanded by Cornet Chambers of the 21st. Light Dragoons. The Convicts and Guard arrived in good Health – none of either having died on the Passage out.  The Rev. George Middleton, Asst. Chaplain for the Colony, his Child and Servant, the wife & 3 children of Cornet Chambers, and a Chelsea Pensioner have come out Passengers in the Prince Regent.

Convicts arriving on the Prince Regent in 1820

Surgeon Superintendent on the Prince Regent, Alexander Taylor R.N., kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 21 June 1820 to 17 January 1821

He joined the Prince Regent on 21 June 1820 at Deptford and sailed to Cork to pick up convicts.

On the 13th July 1820 a detachment of the 1st Royal Scots under orders of Lieut. Lewis, arrived as guards and on the 20th August 1820, twenty-eight convicts were received on board from Dublin by the transport brig Atlas. The following day another 104 convicts were received from the Cork depot. Another five were received 25-31 August. In total 144 prisoners were embarked.

They weighed anchor at 5am on 19 September 1820. Trinidad was sighted on the 3rd November 1820.

There was some fighting amongst prisoners on the voyage out.  Surgeon Taylor punished the offenders by putting them in handcuffs. Several men were also insolent and critical of the rations that were provided however there is no mention of any harsher punishments and Alexander Taylor delivered all 144 prisoners in a healthy state when the vessel arrived in Sydney on 9 January 1821. The voyage took 112 days.

On Monday 15th January the prisoners were mustered and inspected by the Colonial Secretary and on Tuesday 16th January, the prisoners were all up and had a complete suit of clothing issued to each of them by an Officer from the Deputy commissary General Department. On the 17th the men were all disembarked early in the morning. They were inspected by the Governor at 10am.

Convicts arriving on the Prince Regent in 1821

Master Alexander Wales. Surgeon Thomas B. Wilson

The Prince Regent departed Cork on 13th February 1824 and arrived in Port Jackson 15 July 1824 with 177 male convicts. 

Surgeon Superintendent Thomas B. Wilson kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 1 December 1823 to 21 July 1824. Three convicts died on the passage out.

Passenger on the Prince Regent -  Newcastle merchant Frederick Boucher

Thomas B. Wilson was also surgeon on the convict ships Mangles 1826,  Governor Ready 1829, John 1830 (VDL,)  Moffatt 1834 (VDL) and Strathfieldsaye 1836

Captain William Richards. Surgeon William Rae

The Prince Regent departed London on 11 June 1827. She passed nearby Cape Finestere on 20 June; near Madeira 25 June; called at Teneriffe 2nd July; Canary Island 5th July, and arrived Port Jackson on 27 September 1827, a voyage of 108 days. 180 male prisoners arrived on the Prince Regent.

William Rae was employed as Surgeon Superintendent, his fourth voyage in that capacity. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 1 May to 15 October 1827

At the end of the voyage he wrote in the General Remarks of his Journal: -The prisoners generally conducted themselves well and by due enforcement of the rules and regulations laid down for their governance at the commencement of the voyage little trouble occurred to me during the remaining part of it. The provisions were all of the best quality. The Master of the ship was kind and humane and whilst in his power supplied me with milk, daily for one of my worst patients. From him and his Officers I received every support and assistance in the execution of my duty.

The Guard comprised a detachment of 57th regiment under orders of Lieut. Campbell. 

Passengers included Ensign Darling 57th regiment, nephew to His Excellency, Governor Darling; Major Mitchell with his wife and family; Lieut. Hughes; P Elliott assistant surveyor

William Rae was also employed as surgeon on the convict ships Eliza 1822  Isabella 1823  Marquis of Huntley 1826 and Marquis of Hastings 1828

Captain Daniel Stephenson. Surgeon Charles Cameron

It was reported on 10th February 1827 that the Princess Charlotte was being fitted up in the Thames River in preparation for taking female prisoners to New South Wales.

The prisoners began to come on board on 5 March 1827. On that day 40 women and four children were embarked from Newgate. The rest of the prisoners arrived over the next two weeks including several women from Scotland who did not embark until 17th March.

The Princess Charlotte departed Woolwich on 31 March 1827. Surgeon Superintendent Charles Cameron kept a Medical Journal from 9th February to 24th August 1827

Some of those treated by the surgeon in the next few months included 10 month old William Murphy who died before the ship left port. Julia Kane, Hannah Fox, Louisa Jones, Euphemia Barnet, Susan McGilp . Margaret Henderson who was returned to Durham jail on 28 March, having been subject to fits, Elizabeth Smith, Harriett Nicholson, Ann Hutchinson, Margaret Flinn, Elizabeth Carter, Catherine Parmenter, Susan Wilson, Sarah Atkinson, Elizabeth Douglas, Catherine Murphy, Jane Weldon, Maria Coutts (died) Catherine Hanley, Mary Eddison, Ellen Green, Mary Walker, Catherine Kelly, Clara Sutton, Mary Ann Grayson, Susan Jenkins, Mary Keefe, Frances Patrick, Susan Jarvis and Helen Walker

After departing Woolwich the Princess Charlotte anchored in the Downs on the 3rd April. Many of the women became sea sickness on the way to the Downs. Elizabeth Smith suffered a serious accident on the 5th April : - Her neck between her shoulder and down her back as far as the lumbar region was scalded by a tub of soup just out of the coppers, which fell down the hatchway onto the back of her neck. In two places the skin immediately peeled off and the inflammation of her neck and back appeared considerable and extensive. Instantaneous diarrhoea came on, which the surgeon attributed to the alarm. Being almost on the spot, alcohol and spirit (oil) of turpentine were alternatively and immediately applied for some time and afterwards kept constantly wet with cold vinegar and water. A few days later the surgeon reported that she had much improved, considerably better than he anticipated.

On 6th April they were at the Isle of Wight and had fine weather with south westerly winds which caused considerable motion of the ship. On 9th April the winds were moderate and the weather fine however many of the women were still experiencing sea sickness. A week later on 16th April, they were Off Cape Finisterre with fine weather and south west winds however by the 18th strong south westerly winds, heavy rain and heavy seas were experienced. Adding to the misery of sea sickness, the ship became wet and very uncomfortable.

Three days later on the19th April, the rain abated, however strong breezes from the south west which helped to dry the decks and prison also caused the sea sickness to continue and the surgeon was unable to convince the women that the headache and giddiness which many of them suffered from were occasioned by the motion of the ship. Despite this he always encouraged them to come to him with the most trifling complaints although in the case of Elizabeth Lloyd who was Welsh, and could not speak nor understand English, he was frustrated. He had a nurse on board who also attended to the patients. She had 'a tolerable good knowledge in the duties of attending the sick having been some time a nurse in one of the wards in St. Bartholomew Hospital. She was popular with all the patients and the surgeon praised her highly in his journal.

On May 4th there was fine weather and rather pleasant conditions on deck, the sky being generally cloudy and the wind easterly and pretty strong. The surgeon remarked that they were then about the same situation where the sickness commenced on his last voyage to New South Wales (the Midas in 1825). He advised the prisoners to keep out of the sun, to keep their heads always covered while on deck, and to come forward immediately at the slightest illness. He wrote: This last they generally do for they appear very fond of using medicine, more particularly to have a little blood taken from their arm. I always however encourage them to complain to me if they have the slightest feeling of illness. In one department I have had very much practice (extracting teeth). Considering the number of persons on board, I believe it would be incredible if I had kept an account of the teeth I have extracted since we sailed. I am however informed by them, which may account for the circumstance in part, that the surgeons of the prisons in general do not condescend to extract teeth.

On May 16th., the winds were south-easterly. Strong gales and much and uneasy motion of the ship prevailed. It was rather close below in the prison on account of the scuttles being necessarily kept shut but  not nearly so hot as previously, consequently few were added to the sick list and those affected with fever improved.

From almost the beginning of his duties he had been attending Maria Coutts with kindness and patience. She knew she was dying and her one wish was to reach land before she passed away, however despite all the surgeon's care, she did not realise her wish, and passed away at 5am on 12th June during a severe gale. There were several prisoners who required almost constant treatment from the surgeon and seemed to be often in the hospital, and by the5th July with over three weeks of the voyage still to go, all of them had signs of scurvy.

The Princess Charlotte arrived in Port Jackson on 6th August 1827 with ninety female prisoners. The voyage had taken 128 days.

The Princess Charlotte was one of five convict ships bringing female prisoners to New South Wales in 1827, the others being the Grenada, Harmony, Louisa, and Brothers. Over five hundred female prisoners arrived in the colony in 1827.

Charles Cameron was also surgeon on the convict ships Midas 1825  Ferguson 1829 and David Lyon 1830 (VDL)

Convicts arriving in the Princess Charlotte in 1827

James Hunter was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. He was also surgeon on the convict ships Minerva 1818 and Prince Regent 1820 

Convicts arriving on the Princess Royal in 1823

Captain Henry Sherwood. Surgeon Andrew Douglas Wilson

The convict ship Princess Royal departed London 6th January and arrived in Sydney 9th May 1829 with 100 female prisoners. There were no deaths and most of the illnesses were trivial.

Surgeon Superintendent Andrew Douglas Wilson. R.N., kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 30 September 1828 to 24 May 1829.

He became ill at the end of the voyage:

I might properly be deemed guilty of negligence in not forwarding to the Board a fair copy of this journal but I am sure I shall be fairly exonerated from any such charge when I explain that I have in a great measure been confined to my bed ever since leaving Sydney (a period of 12 days) and that I am at this moment a fit patient for one of their Majesty's Hospitals. At the same time I take leave to remark that few of the cases would appear of much importance, even by selection, although all were of consequence on the spot. The case of epilepsy was attended with some anomalous symptoms and excited anxiety. At last I found out is was caused in that particular convict by her drinking rum to excess which was stolen and given her by some of the sailors. On two or three occasions the fits were really alarming and from their occurrence in the most unaccountable way and at the most unexpected times, I was at a loss what to think of the case. There were appearances of inebriation but no reasonable grounds for such a conclusion, as the attainment of spirits was considered impossible. Ultimately however a sharp look out and a little jealousy among the convicts themselves brought this fact to light. The patient was a heartless woman, gave much trouble and in that was most ungrateful but such are female convicts generally. They expect as a matter of right to be waited upon as ladies and nursed like children, otherwise the surgeon may anticipate being threatened with a complaint against him to Mr. Capper or Governor Darling.

Passengers arriving on the Princess Royal included Stephen Owen, and Mr. Baldy of Commissariat; G.C. Stapleton of surveyors dept and Tabitha Buckman

On the 21st May 1829, Andrew D. Wilson reported that all the convicts had been disembarked early that morning. The women were all assigned with the exception of Sarah Piper and Sarah Clarke who from the bad state of their health, were sent to the Factory at Parramatta.

The Princess Royal was one of twenty-one convict ships arriving in New South Wales in 1829. Four of these carried female prisoners the Princess Royal, Edward,  Lucy Davidson and the Sovereign. A total of 492 women arrived as convicts in 1829.

Select here to find Hunter Valley convicts arriving on the Princess Royal in 1829

A cargo of women: Susannah Watson and the convicts of the Princess Royal By Babette Smith

Convicts arriving on the Princess Victoria in 1834

Master Andrew Barclay. Surgeon Richard Hughes

The convict ship Providence received prisoners at the Cove of Cork and departed from Falmouth 21st January.  She arrived Rio 23rd March and Port Jackson 2nd July 1811. Three male prisoners died on the passage out and two females.

The guard consisted of two subaltern officers, and thirty six soldiers of the 73rd regiment under orders of Major Geils.

Governor Macquarie wrote in a dispatch to Lord Liverpool in October 1811 -   "I have to inform your Lordship that I have, on all arrivals of convicts ships, ordered a muster to be immediately taken of the convicts on ship board by my Secretary and the Acting Commissary, and I afterwards take a muster of them myself so soon as landed, in order to ascertain the manner they have been treated during the voyage, and whether they have any complaints to prefer against the commander or surgeon of the ship in which they came. By the previous muster I also acquire a knowledge of the trades or professions of the convicts, which enables me to appropriate them afterwards in the most advantageous way for Government, and at the same time most easy for themselves. I have much satisfaction in reporting to your Lordship that the convicts arrived by the four ships Indian, Providence, Admiral Gambier and Friends were in general in good health, having been well treated on board, and had no complains to make against either the commanders or the surgeons. (HR NSW Vol. VII)

The following February (1812) Commissary William Broughton gave notice that the convicts of the prisoners of the Providence who were employed at Government labour were entitled to the summer issue of clothing only. This consisted for the men of One duck frock, one pair duck trousers, one cotton shirt, one pair of shoes and one leather cap; and for the women, one linen cloth jacket, one shift, one pair of shoes, one straw bonnet.

 James Connolly who became Principal overseer of Macquarie Pier construction at  Newcastle arrived prisoner on the Providence

Convicts arriving on the Providence in 1811

Master James Herd. Surgeon David Reid

The Providence departed England on 13th June and touched at Port Praya and Rio De Janeiro before arriving in Hobart.

She arrived in Port Jackson from Hobart on Monday night 7th January 1822 and brought 60 female prisoners in good health, having left about forty women in Hobart.

Settler John Laurio Platt and family as well as Mrs. Halloran, Miss Laura Halloran, Misses Anna Mary, Margaret, and Eliza Magill and Mr. & Mrs. James Robertson and family also arrived on the Providence II.

David Reid was employed as Surgeon Superintendent

Convicts arriving on the Providence in 1822

Captain Alexander Wilson. Surgeon James Rutherford

James Rutherford was employed as Surgeon Superintendent. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 16 September 1831 to 16 March 1832

The number of female convicts originally embarked on the Pyramus at Woolwich was 149; they were received at different periods from 15th to 29th September 1831, in separate batches from forty different prisons of England and Wales. Two women were returned as the surgeon James Rutherford considered them totally unfit for embarkation. The women sent to the Pyramus were accompanied by certificates from the respective surgeons of the prisons, stating that the prisoners so forwarded for transportation were in good health, however James Rutherford considered that surgeons connected with the prison establishments would naturally wish the more speedy removal of those who were likely to be the more troublesome inmates.

The Pyramus departed London on 10th October 1831 with 147 prisoners and seven of their children. One of the children, already ill with Tabes Mesenterica, died on the passage out.

They arrived in Port Jackson on 5th March 1832 .

Passengers arriving on the Pyramus included Robert Nichol, Mrs. Ann Nichol, Miss E. Willis, Miss Isabella Willis.

The Pyramus was one of three convict ships bringing female prisoners to New South Wales in 1832, the others being the Southworth and the Burrell. A total of 381 female convicts arrived in the colony in 1832

Convicts arriving on the Pyramus in 1832

Captain George N. Livesay. Surgeon Obadiah Pinio

The Pyramus 362 tons, departed Cork on 20th August 1836 with 121 female prisoners and 31 children together with eight free women and 21 children

The voyage took 116 days and they arrived in Port Jackson on 14th December 1836.

Surgeon superintendent on the Pyramus was Obadiah Pinio, on his second voyage in that capacity. He kept a Medical and Surgical Journal from 23 July 1836 to 29 December 1836. Obediah Pineo was also surgeon on the convict ships England 1835 and  Lord Lyndoch 1838

He referred to the females on the Pyramus as exceedingly troublesome, but not half so hardened as many of the Englishwomen brought out.  He was kept busy in preventing the women from quarrelling and in maintaining their health. Most of them were young and healthy, some were middle aged but none were old. One of the infants accompanying its convict mother, died and another was born on the voyage. The women were kept on deck all day with the exception of the two schools which the children were encouraged to attend. Pineo thought that the Irish learned quickly and 'much may be done with them by way of management and a little coercion' and were less hardened in crime than the English or Scottish.

There was not even one case of scurvy.  Keeping the prisoners on deck all day and using chloride of lime and alternately vinegar was considered useful in keeping the women in good health'.

The women were landed on Monday morning 26th December, and assigned to the various applicants. Thirty one women were forwarded on the Steamer Tamar to Newcastle.

The Pyramus was one of five convict ships transporting female prisoners to New South Wales in the year 1836, the others being the Roslin Castle, Thomas Harrison, Elizabeth and Henry Wellesley. A total of 668 female prisoners arrived in the colony in 1836

Convicts arriving on the Pyramus in 1836

The Queen departed from Cork in 1791 and arrived in Port Jackson on 26 September 1791.

The first Irish convicts arrive on the Queen -  126 male convicts and 21 female convicts.

The Queen and the Active brought part of the Guardian's cargo and detachments from the New South Wales corps.

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