Convict Ship Morley - 1829
Embarked: 200 men
Voyage: 114 days
Deaths: 0
Surgeon's Journal: yes
Tons 492
Crew: 40 men
Previous vessel: Lucy Davidson arrived 29 November 1829
Next vessel: Claudine arrived 6 December 1829
Captain Harrison William
Surgeon Richard Lewis
Prisoners and passengers of the Morley identified in the Hunter Valley
The Morley was built on the Thames in 1811. This was the last of four voyages bringing convicts to New South Wales, the others being in 1817, 1818, 1820 and 1828; and to Van Diemen's Land in 1820 and 1823.
Military Guard
The Military guard consisted of 29 rank and file of different corps under the command of Captain Storey of 20th regiment as well as five women and five children. They embarked at Deptford on Saturday 18th July 1829.Convicts
Convicts of the Morley were tried in towns and counties in England and Scotland - Kent, Middlesex, York, Hertford, Lincoln, Lancaster, Salop, Warwick, Derby, Chester, Surrey, Nottingham, Worcester, Bucks, Leicester, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. They had been held in prison hulks - some for many months.
Charles Fletcher and James Ward were tried at Nottingham on 16 April 1828 and admitted to the Retribution hulk with many others on 13 May 1828. They were transferred to the Morley on 27 July 1829 and so had already spent fourteen months on the hulk before they set sail. [6]
Three days later on 30 July 1829 one hundred prisoners held on the Dolphin Hulk were transferred to the Morley. [5]
Drawing of two convict hulks at quayside steps, one HMS Retribution.
Cabin Passengers
Passengers included Mrs. Storey and Lieut Tranton of 57th regiment and surveyor Felton Matthew.Felton Matthew embarked on the 3rd August at Sheerness. He recorded the event in his diary.....
The weather throughout the day stormy and tempestuous - with heavy rain at intervals - wind W.S.W. - my first day on board ship has certainly been a most unpropitious one. The variety of noises by which I was kept awake at night and disturbed early in the morning - the disagreeable smells the clanking chains of the convicts - with other sights and sounds far from agreeable tend to impress me with an idea of the inconveniences to which they who travel by sea must be subject. [1]
On 9th August they weighed anchor at 3.30p.m. with a strong wind from W.S.W. and had a fine view of Margate and Ramsgate and anchored off Deal [1]
Departure
The Morley departed England on 11th August 1829.In his diary Felton Matthew reveals his last views of England, a sight most of the convicts on board would never see again......
[11 AUG 1829] Tuesday 11th Augt At 1/4 past 5 A.M. weighed with a little light wind from N.W. after doubling the S Foreland it fell calm and continued so throughout the day - at 9 we were opposite Dover and continued in nearly the same position for several hours. Light air from S.E. but we made very little progress and at night were nearing Dungeness. Weather clear and beautiful The scenery along the coast is delightful - we sailed within about 2 miles of Dover and had a fine view of the town which appears neat and pretty. The Castle is a fine building and its situation most commanding. The French coast clearly visible - upwards of 30 sail vessels on our stern rounding the Foreland presented a very pretty appearance
[12 AUG 1829] Wednesday 12 Augt At 6 A.M. had made but little progress. light wind from S.E. - almost a calm - Weather clear and fine - at 2 P.M. Beachy Head W.N.W. of us - at 4 P.M. a fine breeze from W.S.W. sprang up which carried us rapidly on our course - passed successively Rye Winchelsea and Hastings - at the latter place I could distinctly observe the lovers Seat, The Conqueror's Table and other well known spots
[13 AUG 1829] Thursday 13th At 8 A.M. abreast of the Isle of Wight wind W.S.W. making way rapidly - towards night blew very fresh
[14 AUG 1829] Friday 14th Wind blowing hard from N.E. sailed in the night 10 knots an hour - Start Point in view - towards evening lost sight of land entirely - a very boisterous night
[15 AUG 1829] Saturday 15th Wind strong from N.E. towards noon moderated a little - in the evening exchanged colours with a Swedish man of war - Weather fine but cold
[16 AUG 1829] Sunday 16th Weather fine and warm - wind S.E. Latitude at noon 47° 22' N nothing can possibly be more monotonous than the scene around us not a solitary bird nor a fish nor any living thing to be seen. I think it must require a well regulated mind to sustain its equanimity during a long voyage by sea. Thrown entirely upon its own resources it must require considerable exertion to resist the encroachments of ennui. I am glad to perceive that some little deference is paid to this day. The morning service is read to the prisoners by the Doctor and to the guard by their officers and all the seamen make a point of appearing in their best and cleanest clothing [1]
Surgeon Richard Lewis
This was Richard Lewis' first voyage as surgeon superintendent on a convict ship. He kept a Medical Journal from 8 August to 14 December 1829........There were no deaths on the voyage. There were several cases of sea sickness early in the voyage and some long-lasting cases gave rise to fevers. At the end of the voyage diseases of debility became more prevalent and there were several cases of scurvy, only cured by arrival in port and a healthier diet. He described two cases of vesicular eruption, affecting the lower extremities which answered to the description given by Dr. Bateman of Rupia which is said to arise most commonly in the ill ventilated dwellings of the indigent in prisons and poor houses.
There were two births, both natural and of short duration. One was to Mary Donovan, wife of Serjeant Donovan on 13 October and the other to Bridget Hands, wife of Private Hands on 3rd November.
Two patients sustained fractures, the second being so close to the head of the bond of the arm that splints could not be used and a wedge shaped pad was improvised and placed in the axilla. [3]
Port Jackson
The Morley arrived at Port Jackson on 3rd December 1829.Convict Muster
A muster was held on board by the Colonial Secretary Alexander McLeay on 5th December 1829. The convict indents include the name, age, education, religion, marital status, family, native place, trade, offence, date and place of trial, sentence, prior conviction, physical description and where assigned to on arrival.The Sydney Gazette reported that the prisoners were landed on Monday 14th December and marched to Hyde Park Barracks. A number of them had the appearance of respectability. [2]
Departure from Sydney
The Morley was to sail for China in January 1830.Convicts of the Morley identified in the Hunter Valley -
Anscomb, RichardAge 20 on arrival. Labourer, milks, shears. Native place Kent. Tried at Kent 17 March 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing rabbits. Assigned to William Millar at Hunter River on arrival. Executed with David Pegg for Bushranging in October 1831.
Atkinson, James
Age 34. Wheelwright from Cumberland. Tried at York 21 March 1829 and sentenced to 14 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to the Dept. of Public works on arrival. Assigned to Edward Close at Morpeth in June 1832. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in March 1838. Ticket cancelled and sentenced to 12 months in irons in May 1838. Absconded from Harpers Hill Stockade in May 1840. Sent to Newcastle Gaol and Hyde Park Barracks on February 1843
Barton, William
Age 36. Ploughs, reaps, gardener. Native place Hertfordshire. Married with 4 children. Tried at Hertford 5 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for sheep stealing. Assigned to James Thomas Lamb at Hunter River on arrival. Absconded from service of J. Davis at Patrick Plains in February 1837. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Cassilis in 1843
Booth, John
Age 27. Grocer and spirit dealer from Aberdeenshire. Tried at Aberdeen 20 April 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing scale beams. Assigned to George Barber at Argyle on arrival. Sent to Newcastle Gaol from Maitland under suspicion of being illegally at large in November 1843. Forwarded to Hyde Park Barracks
Boyden, William
Age 22. Stableman from London. Tried in London 10 April 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing a cart. Assigned to James McClymont at Newcastle on arrival
Bragg, Robert
Age 20. Stableman from Birmingham. Tried at Warwick 14 July 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for swindling. Assigned to John Single at Hunter River on arrival
Clough, George
Age 25. Cotton spinner from Lancashire. Tried Lancaster 20 August 1828. Sentenced to transportation for life for burglary. Assigned to J. Underwood in Sydney on arrival. Ticket of Leave cancelled for being absent from his district (Maitland) in June 1844
Colefax, Abraham
Age 22. Flax dresser from Huddersfield. Tried at Kingstone 21 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for house breaking. Assigned to J. Underwood at Elderslie on arrival. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in January 1839. Applied to marry Martha Chesworth at Maitland in May 1840
Connor, Edward
Age 24. Cart driver from Leeds. Tried at York 21 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for shop lifting. Assigned to Charles Throsby at Glenfield on arrival. Granted Ticket of Leave for Port Stephens in August 1840
Cook, Edward
Age 25. Wine porter from London. Tried in London 29 March 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to J. Bettington in Sydney on arrival. Sent to Newcastle Gaol from Maitland in July 1835. To be forwarded to Hyde Park Barracks for identification
Cooke, Thomas
Age 13. Factory boy from Lancashire. Tried at Preston 14 January 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for stealing shoes. Two prior convictions. Assigned to Carter's Barracks on arrival. Assigned to H. P. Dutton at Hunter River in December 1832. Sent to Newcastle Gaol from Patrick Plains under sentence of 14 days in the cells. Returned to his master at Patrick Plains 13 January 1835
Dowd, Michael
Age 40. Occupation slater, ploughs and reaps. Native place Athlone. Tried at Chester 9 April 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for passing forged notes. Assigned to Ewbank Simpson at Maitland on arrival. Note - right leg had been broken
Gloster, James
Age 57. Groom, servant and marine. Tried at Kent 16 August 1827. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing clothes. Assigned to John McIntyre at Hunter River on arrival
Grant, George
George Grant alias Armstrong, aged 28. Shoemaker from Dumfries. Tried at Aberdeen 20 April 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing linen. Assigned to Donald McIntyre at Hunter River on arrival. Granted a Ticket of Leave for the district of Invermein 26 May 1834. Became free 2 April 1837
Haigh, John
Age 36. Wool comber from Yorkshire. Tried at Pontefract 22 April 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for stealing worsted looms. Assigned to James Bowman in Sydney on arrival. Married Hannah Shields at Newcastle in April 1835. Assigned to James Bowman at Patrick Plains in 1837. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Patrick Plains in 1838
Haigh, Peter
Age 16. Errand boy from Welling. Tried at Pontefract 22 April 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for stealing cotton. Sent to Carter's Barracks on arrival. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Invermein in December 1842
Haw, Robert
Age 33. Shepherd, ploughs and reaps. Native place Lincolnshire. Married with 3 children. Tried at Lincoln 14 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for house breaking. Assigned to William McLean on arrival. Assigned to Houston Mitchell at Maitland in 1836. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Maitland in 1838
Hawley, John
Age 20. Potter from Staffordshire. Tried at Derby 24 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for street robbery. Assigned to John Single at Nepean on arrival. Absconded from John Single at Invermein in April 1837
Hosie, John
Coal miner aged 30 from Lanark. Tried at Glasgow 3 April 1829 and sentenced to transportation for life for assault and robbery. Assigned to Sydney Water Works on arrival. Sent to Newcastle gaol in March 1842 for being out after hours. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Newcastle in 1844
Inman, William
Spinner and weaver from Liverpool. Tried at Liverpool 4 May 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for stealing watches. Assigned to James Bowman in Sydney on arrival. Sent to Newcastle Gaol from Dulwich in September 1831. Forwarded to Sydney for trial in the criminal court. Absconded No. 9 road gang in 9 April 1832
Jackson, James
Age 21. Brickmaker and boatman from Lincoln. Tried at Lincoln 14 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for highway robbery. Assigned to Public Works Dept. on arrival. Assigned to Robert Scott at Patrick Plains in 1836. Granted Ticket of Leave for Singleton district in 1841
Marshall, Robert
Age 20. Seaman from Kingston upon Hull. Tried Kingston upon Hull 17 April 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing cloth. Assigned to William Cox junior at Richmond on arrival. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Invermein in 1834
Milner, William
Alias Booth. Age 35. Sawyer and carpenter from Yorkshire. Tried at Pontefract 27 April 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for stealing linen. Assigned to Peter McIntyre at Bolwarra on arrival. Absconded from Peter McIntyre in August 1837 Granted Ticket of Leave for Invermein in 1839. Sent to Newcastle Gaol from Sydney via Scone in August 1842 Sent to Hyde Park Barracks and ticket cancelled for being out of his district without a pass
Morland, James
Age 23. Groom from Middlesex. Tried in London 29 March 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing in a dwelling house. Assigned to George Allen in Sydney on arrival. Assigned to Rev. William Pinkerton at Luskintyre in August 1832. Note - spent 12 months in an iron gang
Oldfield, James
Age 24. Married with 3 children. Born in Yorkshire c. 1803. Occupation Wool comber. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to Timothy Nowlan on arrival. Spouse Mary McDonald. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Paterson in 1836
Oldfield, Thomas
Age 25. Miner from Yorkshire. Tried at Pontefract 27 April 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for highway robbery. Assigned to the Sydney Water Works on arrival. Charged with disorderly conduct at Newcastle in October 1837. Sent to an iron gang for 12 months 27 January 1834; sent to an iron gang for 2 years 27 April 1835. Sent to Newcastle Gaol for disobedience of orders, sentenced to 7 days in the cells March 1840. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Newcastle in 1843 and again in 1845
Pallett, John
Age 19. Brass founder from Birmingham. Tried at Warwick 4 April 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for burglary. Assigned to John Street at Bathurst on arrival. Assigned to J. B. Bettington at Merton in 1836Granted Ticket of Leave for Merton in 1839. Applied to marry Aurella Sarah Kelly at Scone in July 1842
Palmer, Robert
Age 20. Brush maker from London. London Gaol Delivery 15 January 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to Thomas Collings at Airds on arrival. Assigned to the A. A. Company at Port Stephens in 1836. Granted Ticket of Leave for Port Stephens in 1840
Popplewell, Benjamin
Age 20. Wool card maker from Leeds. Tried at Leeds 4 May 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for stealing books. Assigned to Carters Barracks on arrival. Absconded from William Cox at Mulgoa in 1840. Apprehended in Sydney and sent to Newcastle Gaol. To be dealt with by the Bench at Muswellbrook
Potter, Samuel
Age 34. Spinner from Lancashire. Tried at Manchester 4 May 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for stealing cotton. Assigned to Henry Baldwin at Wilberforce on arrival. Note - three fingers only on right hand. Absconded from Patrick Plains on 13 June 1834. Assigned to Otto Baldwin at Patrick Plains in 1836. Absconded from Otto Baldwin at New England in August 1839. Granted Ticket of Leave for Patrick Plains in 1843
Riley, Michael
Age 25. Weaver from Kilkenny. Tried at Manchester 4 May 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for street robbery. Assigned to A. Wattiers at Lower Branch on arrival. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in May 1836. Sent to Newcastle Gaol from Maitland in December 1836. Recommendation that ticket of leave be cancelled. Granted Ticket of Leave for Maitland in 1838
Sales, George
Age 21. Brass finisher, born in Liverpool c. 1805. Tried in London 21 February 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing meat. Assigned to Dept. of Public Works on arrival. Spouse Mary McDaniel. Granted Ticket of Leave for Paterson in 1834
Shaw, John
Age 26. Waiter and weaver from London. Tried at Manchester 21 April 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to T. W. M. Winder at Hunter River on arrival
Smith, John
Age 25. Ploughs, milks and reaps. Native place Lincolnshire. Tried at Lincolnshire 14 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for stealing a pony. Assigned to James Bowman in Sydney on arrival. Absconded from Patrick Plains in November 1839
Sparrow, John
Age 24. Labourer and reaps. Born on board a ship. Married with 1 child. Tried in Lincolnshire 14 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for house breaking. Assigned to Robert Williams at Richmond on arrival. Assigned to R. Williams at Namoi River in 1836. Granted Ticket of Leave for Patrick Plains in 1838
Spong, George
Age 28. Ploughs, milks, reaps. Native place Lincolnshire. Tried 14 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for highway robbery. Assigned to George Barker at Argyle on arrival. Assigned to George Mosman at Williams River in 1836. Absconded from George Mosman in the Upper Williams district while on a pass to Raymond Terrace in November 1840
Squiere, Jacob
Age 27. Gardener and milks; servant. Native place Gainsboro. Tried Newark on Trent 21 May 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for stealing an oven. Assigned to the Botanical Gardens in Sydney on arrival. Assigned to Alexander McDougall in 1836
Stevens, Thomas
Age 17. Boot closer from London. Tried in London 5 April 1827. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing in a dwelling house. Assigned to Michael Hyam in Sydney on arrival. Admitted to Newcastle Gaol from Maitland having been withdrawn from the service of James Pawsey in September 1836. Assigned to Newcastle gaol in 1836-37
Strain, Oliver
Age 22. Shepherd, milks and reaps. Native place Hereford. Tried at Warwick 4 April 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to James Smith at Maitland on arrival. Sent to Newcastle Gaol in 1832 under sentence of 3 years to a penal settlement. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Paterson in 1841
Taylor, George
Age 31. Shepherd, ploughs and milks. Navigator. Native place Lincolnshire. Tried at Pomfret 14 April 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to James Adair at Patterson Plains on arrival. Sent to Newcastle gaol from Maitland in March 1848. Acquitted at trial. Granted ticket of leave for Paterson in 1834
Ward, William
Age 28. Shoemaker and gardener from Birmingham. Tried at Derby 2 August 1828. Sentenced to transportation for life for house breaking. Assigned to Robert Scott at Hunter River on arrival. Assigned to Helenus Scott at Patrick Plains in 1836-37. Granted a ticket of leave for Patrick Plains in March 1839. Died at Port Macquarie hospital 17 September 1839
Wilmer, William
Age 22. Widower with 1 child. Occupation ploughs, shears and milks. Tried at Bucks 7 March 1829. Sentenced to transportation for life for house breaking. Assigned to J. Marshall in Sydney on arrival. Assigned to George Napier at Newcastle in 1836. Granted ticket of leave for Illawarra in 1838
Wright, Richard
Age 20. Butcher from Lincolnshire. Tried at Lincoln 14 March 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for sheep stealing. Assigned to Robert Fitzgerald at Windsor on arrival. Granted at Ticket of Leave for Cassilis in 1837
Notes and Links
1. Bushranger Richard Anscomb arrived on the Morley. He was executed in 18312. An old man named James Gloucester (Gloster), was fully committed for stealing a tongue, the property of his employer Mr. Jobbins - Sydney Gazette 31 May 1832.
3. Return of Convicts of the Morley assigned between 1st January 1832 and 31st March 1832 (Sydney Gazette 14 June 1832; 28 June 1832; 5 July 1832).....
James Atkinson, Wheelwright. Assigned to Edward C. Close at Morpeth
James Benn, Blacksmith. Assigned to Duncan MacFarlane at Argyle
Edward Mason, Saddler assigned to Berry and Co., Sydney
Samuel Payne, Bricklayer assigned to James Walker at Wallalang
4. National Archives: Reference: ADM 101/55/7 Description: Medical and surgical journal of the convict ship Morley for 8 August to 14 December 1829 by Richard Lewis, Surgeon, during which time the said ship was employed on a passage to Port Jackson, New South Wales, having on board 200 male convicts.
References
[1] Diary of Felton Matthew - The Diary of Felton Mathew: A government surveyor in colonial New South Wales Originals held in the manuscript collection of the National Library of Australia, Canberra. Transcribed, edited and published by Bruce Jones.[2] Sydney Gazette 15 December 1829
[3] Ancestry.com. UK, Royal Navy Medical Journals, 1817-1857 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Medical Journals (ADM 101, 804 bundles and volumes). Records of Medical and Prisoner of War Departments. Records of the Admiralty, Naval Forces, Royal Marines, Coastguard, and related bodies. The National Archives. Kew, Richmond, Surrey.
[4] Bateson, Charles Library of Australian History (1983). The convict ships, 1787-1868 (Australian ed). Library of Australian History, Sydney : pp.348-349, 386
[5] A list of one hundred convicts embarked on board the Morley for New South Wales from the Dolphin hulk at Chatham. [manuscript] : this 29th day of July 1829 pursuant to the Right Honourable Robert Peels' Order of the 15th day of July 1829 National Library of Australia Catalogue
[6] Convict Prison Hulks: Registers and Letter Books; Class: HO9; Piece: 4 Source Information Ancestry.com. UK, Prison Hulk Registers and Letter Books, 1802-1849 Original data: Home Office: Convict Prison Hulks: Registers and Letter Books, 1802-1849. Microfilm, HO9, 5 rolls. The National Archives, Kew, England.
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