Name: John Irving
Ship: Alexander
Reason: I was charged with stealing a Silver Goblet from Frances Clark, a widow. Unfortunately it was just a student prank, as I was a medical student. However I received a sentence of seven years transportation to Australia anyway.
Ship Experience: On the voyage I quickly proved my worth, acting as assistant to the surgeon because of my medical training. However I was still a convict and life aboard the ship was hard, living conditions were cramped and we slept on hammocks. Some convicts were housed below decks on the prison deck and often confined behind bars also. In many cases the other convicts were restrained in chains and were only allowed on deck for fresh air and exercise. As I was helping the ships surgeon I was not restrained and was able to move around the ship with the surgeon, other than this I was granted no special privileges.
Fugitive sighting: Aye, detective I have heard rumours of this convict on the run. I don't believe he is on this ship as word spreads quickly amongst us convicts. maybe some other ships convicts have helped you fugitive. Sorry I couldn't be of further assistance.
The Future of John Irving: Having proved my worth on the ship by helping the surgeon I was allowed to continue as an assistant in the new colony. I was a model convict, always well behaved and never missing my 9pm curfew unless needed by the surgeon.
On the 22 of February 1790, I was sent by Governor Phillip to go to Norfolk Island, where I was to be the assistant surgeon to Dennis Considen. I did such a good job that I was granted an absolute pardon and did not have to serve any more of my sentence, this made me the first convict to become a free man in the new colony. King, in charge of Norfolk Island, had nothing but praise for me.
Upon my return to Port Jackson, I was given a grant of land of about 30 acres in Parramatta - Irving Street in Parramatta runs roughly through my grant. I worked as a Parramatta-based doctor until my death, which occurred just before I could receive the news of my appointment as assistant to the surgeon with a salary of fifty pounds per year, an official position in recognition of my valuable work.
Ship: Alexander
Reason: I was charged with stealing a Silver Goblet from Frances Clark, a widow. Unfortunately it was just a student prank, as I was a medical student. However I received a sentence of seven years transportation to Australia anyway.
Ship Experience: On the voyage I quickly proved my worth, acting as assistant to the surgeon because of my medical training. However I was still a convict and life aboard the ship was hard, living conditions were cramped and we slept on hammocks. Some convicts were housed below decks on the prison deck and often confined behind bars also. In many cases the other convicts were restrained in chains and were only allowed on deck for fresh air and exercise. As I was helping the ships surgeon I was not restrained and was able to move around the ship with the surgeon, other than this I was granted no special privileges.
Fugitive sighting: Aye, detective I have heard rumours of this convict on the run. I don't believe he is on this ship as word spreads quickly amongst us convicts. maybe some other ships convicts have helped you fugitive. Sorry I couldn't be of further assistance.
The Future of John Irving: Having proved my worth on the ship by helping the surgeon I was allowed to continue as an assistant in the new colony. I was a model convict, always well behaved and never missing my 9pm curfew unless needed by the surgeon.
On the 22 of February 1790, I was sent by Governor Phillip to go to Norfolk Island, where I was to be the assistant surgeon to Dennis Considen. I did such a good job that I was granted an absolute pardon and did not have to serve any more of my sentence, this made me the first convict to become a free man in the new colony. King, in charge of Norfolk Island, had nothing but praise for me.
Upon my return to Port Jackson, I was given a grant of land of about 30 acres in Parramatta - Irving Street in Parramatta runs roughly through my grant. I worked as a Parramatta-based doctor until my death, which occurred just before I could receive the news of my appointment as assistant to the surgeon with a salary of fifty pounds per year, an official position in recognition of my valuable work.