Convicts Transported to New South Wales, 1788–1791

Second Fleet – arriving New South Wales 1790

Another six ships left England - Guardian, Justinian, Lady Juliana, Surprize, Neptune, Scarborough. The Guardian struck ice, and was unable to complete the voyage. She was stocked with provisions. Only 48 people died in the first group of ships, but this time 278 died during the voyage. This time transporting the convicts was in the hands of private contractors.

From the "SYDNEY COVE CHRONICLE", 30th June, 1790

At last the transports are here DIABOLICAL CONDITION OF THE CONVICTS THEREON 278 died on the fearsome journey to Sydney Cove

…" The landing of those who remained alive despite their misuse upon the recent voyage, could not fail to horrify those who watched. As they came on shore, these wretched people were hardly able to move hand or foot. Such as could not carry themselves upon their legs, crawled upon all fours. Those, who, through their afflictions, were not able to move, were thrown over the side of the ships; as sacks of flour would be thrown, into the small boats. Some expired in the boats; others as they reached the shore. Some fainted and were carried by those who fared better. More had not the opportunity even to leave their ocean prisons for as they came upon the decks, the fresh air only hastened their demise. A sight most outrageous to our eyes were the marks of leg irons upon the convicts, some so deep that one could nigh on see the bones. … … We learn that several children have been borne to women upon the Lady Juliana, the cause for which were the crews aboard African slave ships which met up with the transport at Santa Cruz.--- " …-" So the Guardian is lost and with it our provisions. What, in the name of Heaven, is to become of us ? … "

A LIST OF THE CONVICTS WHO SET SAIL FROM OLD ENGLAND'S SHORES Hereunder our Readers will find the names of convicts who were to have sailed, or did sail, in the transports Neptune, Surprize, Scarborough and Lady Juliana. The information was compiled by our Correspondent in London and is complete in so far as it lists all the convicts who were recently landed upon our shores. It also, howso ever, gives the names of convicts who, for various reasons of death &c., did not travel with the Fleet to New South Wales. Unhappily, we find ourselves at this time unable to indicate who sailed and who did not. We look to our Readers for their indulgence to involuntary errors, though will find no omissions, and trust general attention will secure us from trespassing on their kindness too often.

1,193 names

Third Fleet – arriving New South Wales 1791

The third fleet of 11 ships arrived in 1791, with over 2000 convicts. The newspaper report states that 194 male convicts and 4 female convicts died during the voyage, and that though conditions on board ship weren't as "diabolical" as the previous year, they were still outrageous. The convicts from Ireland who arrived on board the "Queen" are not included in the newspaper lists. As before, the list was compiled in London as so there is no way of knowing which people died on the voyage out, or did not leave England for any reason.

From the "NEW HOLLAND MORNING POST", 18th October, 1791

A list of criminals who have come to our shores in recent months

Our readers will find hereunder a List of Persons transported as Criminals to New South Wales in the Ships as following, via: Atlantic, William and Ann, Britannia, Matilda, Salamander, Albemarle, Mary Anne, Admiral Barrington, Active and Gorgon.

1,879 names