Diary of Gilbert Purser on the convict ship Duchess of Northumberland

This file contains the personal diary of Gilbert James Inglis, the purser on a female convict ship, Duchess of Northumberland, London to Hobart, 16 November 1852–12 April 1853. The journal describes the voyage of some 200 female convicts and 34 children from Millbank Penitentiary, their enthusiasm on coming on board, sea sickness, various punishments and deaths. The journal stops abruptly on 12 April, while still at sea. The corresponding Surgeon’s journal for this voyage is held at The National Archives (ADM 101/254/1C). This shows the voyage ended on 27 April. As convict transportation to Tasmania ended in 1853, this was presumably one of the last voyages.