The four Friendship convicts who did not survive the journey were Jane Brown and Martha Thatcher – both tried at Middlesex, Ann Beal – tried at Northampton, and Sarah Blower – tried at Warwick.
A little information has been found for the unfortunate Jane Brown. Her plight is reflected in petitions she sent to the Bank of England authorities prior to the Friendship’s departure, and the circumstances of her untimely end were reported in both the colonial and ‘home’ newspapers.
Martha Thatcher boarded the Friendship with three children who apparently all arrived safely at Port Jackson. It is possible that research on the colonial life of one of these children has revealed some further clues about Martha and her family.
At this stage practically nothing is known about Ann Beal, and not much more about Sarah Blower.
MIDDLESEX
Jane Brown
Date of Trial: 18 September 1816
Where Tried: Middlesex Gaol Delivery
Crime: Having in possession forged bank notes
Sentence: 14 years
Est YOB: 1795
Native Place:
Occupation:
Alias/AKA:
Surgeon’s Remarks: A most insolent and mutinous prostitute. “Drowned”
Martha Thatcher
Date of Trial: 16 April 1817
Where Tried: Middlesex Gaol Delivery
Crime: Having forged bank notes
Sentence: 14 years
Est YOB: 1782
Native Place:
Occupation:
Alias/AKA:
Surgeon’s Remarks: Quiet woman. Dead
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Ann Beal
Date of Trial: 17 July 1816
Where Tried: Northampton, Liberty of Peterborough Quarter Session Oyer and Terminal Gaol
Crime: Uttering forged notes
Sentence: 14 years
Est YOB:
Native Place:
Occupation:
Alias/AKA:
Surgeon’s Remarks: Prostitute regardless of remonstrance. “Dead”
WARWICKSHIRE
Sarah Blower
Date of Trial: 1 April 1817
Where Tried: Warwick Assizes
Crime: Larceny
Sentence: 7 years
Est YOB:
Native Place:
Occupation:
Alias/AKA:
Surgeon’s Remarks: Quiet. Dead
Convicts
New South Wales Contingent
Van Diemen’s Land Contingent
