Folio 26: A nosological synopsis of the sick book kept during the period of this...

ADM 101/74/4/2

1841

Folio 26: A nosological synopsis of the sick book kept during the period of this journal, in conformity with the 30th article of the Surgeon's instructions.

Folio 27: A list of men who have received wounds or hurts during the period of the journal. Henry Anderson, aged 36, Private of the 96th Regiment; no pension certificate granted; concussion of brain by falling into main hold at Deptford, 6 May 1841. Joseph Wilson, aged 20, Convict; no pension certificate granted; fractured thigh bone by a fall at sea, 23 July 1841.

Folios 27-28: Surgeon's general remarks. The health of all on board, 294 persons in all, was good during the 112 day voyage. Henry Anderson was doing well on board after his accident but the surgeon thought it prudent to send him to hospital. Many of the soldiers suffered rigors from exposure to the rain on their march from Chatham to Gravesend and from being in a barge with no shelter. In particular, cases 2 and 3, Thomas Collins and Joseph Asby, suffered severely from quotidian intermittent. The ship was detained at Sheerness about a week after the prisoners embarked and from varying temperatures a few slight catarrhs appeared. A few days before leaving Samuel Chadwick complained. The surgeon comments on the cruelty of making a man so ill go on such a long voyage. On the Fortitude hulk he had unsuccessfully asked for [medical] advice almost daily. The surgeon suggests inspection of prisoners should be similar to that of men for a ship of war and involve total stripping rather than just the inspection of bare arms and legs. Chadwick, described as a tall thin man, was unlikely to survive the voyage. After six weeks in bed he was able to walk about for a week or so but then relapsed, dying within a month of completing the voyage. On 26 May 1841, the wife of one of the sergeants of the guard was safely delivered of a female child. At the end of June Thomas Stopford and William Richards became ill. Stopford, with confirmed phthisis in a broken down constitution, rapidly sunk in 14 days of illness. The case of opthalmia tarsi, William Richards, was most effectively treated with scarifications and purgatives, as well as fresh diet and lime juice. Considering the pitching and rolling of the ship, Joseph Wilson's fracture did very well. The rheumatic case, Charles Dunn, yielded to calomel and Dover's powder. James Locket was 'an elderly convict' and, although his ascites was palliated by purgatives and diuretics, was ultimately transferred to the hospital. The only trace of scurvy on board was a very slight taint in Thomas Connor, who rapidly recovered from both the scurvy and his phlogosis in hospital. The surgeon comments on the excellent effects of the lime juice and says it cannot be too soon issued and every man must be seen to drink his allowance. Wine mixed with the lime juice is 'a most valuable and salutary beverage', it was first issued at the equator. Combined with the rules and regulations appended to the journal [folios 29 and 30], the lime juice was of great benefit. The rules, particularly rule 2, were aimed at promoting exercise and cleanliness, dryness and ventilation in the prisons and frequent fumigation in the hospital. Next to the limejuice the best anti-scorbutic was having men at work early in the morning and diversions such as dancing, leaping and gymnastics in the evening. The boxing gloves were particularly useful in livening up 'a listless frame'. The prisoners were on the whole well behaved and obedient and saw the benefit of following preservatives of health such as exercise and cleanliness. The voyage was healthy so it was unnecessary to touch anywhere and the weather was generally fine, except for one or two gales beyond the Cape. Within the tropics it was necessary to increase the water from 6 to 8 pints. The provisions were good and the convicts took to all of them except the chocolate, which no more than 30 of them could keep down, although its quality was excellent. After a month they begged it be discontinued and that they should be allowed to divide their ration of tea to have some in the morning. The surgeon suggests oatmeal would be a good substitute. Cool clothing was worn in warm weather and on the return to colder latitudes, warm clothing was returned to, with the addition of flannel shirts. This helped ward off pulmonic and other complaints. The prisoners were cheerful and healthy from the Cape to Van Diemen's Land, the guards, their families and the ship's company too. There were some slight cases of boils on knees and arms, obstipatio and some slight anorexia, pyrosis etc, which caused some expenditure of medical supplies. The vaccine matter was unsuccessful in every case. There were two cases of corporal punishment: one for insurrection and one for breaking rule 13 and concealing a large knife in the prison.

Folio 29: Abstract of the state of weather. Table showing date, latitude, longitude, barometer, thermometer, winds and state of weather from 1 May to 20 September 1841.

Folios 29-30: Rules and regulations to be observed for the promotion of good order by the convicts on board the Westmoreland convict ship. 16 rules setting out the daily routine for rising, cleaning decks eating, the weekly routines for shaving and washing clothes and behaviour of the prisoners.

Public Record(s)

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