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Experiences of men, women and children on the First Fleet voyage
"The number and contents of those in the vessel I was embarked in, frequently surprised me very much; ... their constant language was, an apprehension of the impracticability of returning home, the dread of a sickly passage, and the fearful prospect of a distant and barbarous country."
Watkin Tench, May 1787
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The Fleet
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Ports of call
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Passengers
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Breakdown of convicts
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Travelling conditions
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Ports of call
(Good for medical cases, adventure)
(Good for medical cases, adventure)
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​Accommodation
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Medical events during voyage
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Medicine
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Daily routine
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Treatment of convicts
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Behaviour of convicts
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Travel and adventure
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Natural wonders
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Attempt to seize ship
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Drunkenness
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Christmas 1787
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New Holland comes into view
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Arrival at Botany Bay
John White Esq
(Best for medical cases)
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Health of the convicts
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A 'sporatic' disease
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Foiled mutiny
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​Escape attempt
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Keeping fleet ship-shape
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Luminous sea
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Noxious effluvia
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Forged coins
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Reward for good behaviour
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Fraternising with convicts
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Men overboard
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Birth of a baby
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Dysentery
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Port Jackson
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​Onboard discipline and governance
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Foiled mutiny
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Feelings about the venture
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Escape attempt
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Death and illness
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Travelling conditions, weather
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Prosperous course
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Irish convict James Martin​
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Mary Broad (nee Talbot)
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1788 letter, author unknown
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Who was on board
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Feelings as the fleet departed
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Treatment of convicts
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Conditions on the voyage
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Arrival at Botany Bay
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Survival / survivors
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Personal items bought for voyage
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His wage
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​Travel and adventure
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Praise for Governor Arthur Phillip
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Humane treatment of convicts
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Likens to Noah's Ark with livestock
Please click the links below to discover the primary sources of evidence
Lieut. David Blackburn