Notepad
Transportation to New South Wales
R. Fred Roberts
Convicts being sent to Australia
Ships of the second convict fleet were met on their arrival at Botany Bay in 1792 by, among others, the Rev. Richard Johnson. He went on board the ship Surprise and was so affected by the dreadful conditions under which these felons were held as to write the following account:
I beheld a sight truly shocking to the feelings of humanity, a great number of them lying, some half and others nearly naked without bed or bedding, unable to turn or help themselves.
Spoke to them as I passed along but the smell was so offensive I could scarcely bear it.
He then went on to say that he had intended to visit the ship Neptune but he knew her to be still more wretched. He goes on to describe the disembarkation of these pitiful people.
The landing of these people was truly affecting and shocking, great numbers were not able to walk nor move a hand or foot; such were slung over the ship's side in the same manner as they would sling a cask; a box or anything of that nature.
Upon being brought up to the open air some fainted, some died upon the deck and others in the boat before they reach the shore. When come on shore many were not able to walk, to stand or to stir themselves in the least, hence some were led by others. Some crept upon their hands and knees and some were carried on the backs of others.
All were in an indescibably filthy state, covered with their own nastiness, their heads, bodies, clothes, blankets all full of filth and lice.