FIRST FLEET:
Conditions on Board of convicts.
Transported convicts were handed over to the master of a ship at the beginning of the voyage and formally transferred into the custody of the Governor of the colony who was receiving them.
Convicts were housed below decks on the prison deck and often further confined behind bars. In many cases they were restrained in chains and were only allowed on deck for fresh air and exercise. Conditions were cramped and they slept on hammocks.
Conditions on Board for free immigrants.
Others were more free to move around any time without any restrains. They were treated more humanly and given better food.They also had access to water for bathing and doing their laundry.
Shipping Routes:
Another point of confusion that often arises with convict voyages is the route they took. The convict shipping lists indicate if a ship traveled via other ports. That was especially so in the early days when ships were smaller, took longer and had to put in for supplies and repairs along the way.
Transported convicts were handed over to the master of a ship at the beginning of the voyage and formally transferred into the custody of the Governor of the colony who was receiving them.
Convicts were housed below decks on the prison deck and often further confined behind bars. In many cases they were restrained in chains and were only allowed on deck for fresh air and exercise. Conditions were cramped and they slept on hammocks.
Conditions on Board for free immigrants.
Others were more free to move around any time without any restrains. They were treated more humanly and given better food.They also had access to water for bathing and doing their laundry.
Shipping Routes:
Another point of confusion that often arises with convict voyages is the route they took. The convict shipping lists indicate if a ship traveled via other ports. That was especially so in the early days when ships were smaller, took longer and had to put in for supplies and repairs along the way.