Difference between revisions of "Surprize"

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Built at Shoreham in 1770. 400 tons.

Greenland Whaling

1786 – Lloyd’s Register. Shoreham 1770. 400 tons. 3 decks. Sheathed 1782. Doubled 1785. Good repair in 1782. Repaired, 1783, 1785, 1786. Owned by Margetson. Master: W. Shastoe. Greenland. (LR 1786)

19 February 1787 – Registered. No.153/1787. Owner: James Margetson of Clements Lane, Lombard St., Merchant. Master: William Shastoe. Built at Shoreham in 1770. 3 decks, 3 masts. 116’ x 29’ x 5'8" between decks. 402 tons. Square sterned. Quarter deck. Figurehead of a duke. (BT107/8)

1788 Lloyds Register is missing from Guildhall Library.

1788-89 – Lloyd’s Register. Built at Shoreham in 1770. 400 tons, 3 decks. Sheathed 1782. Doubled 1785. Coppered 1789. Good repair in 1782. Repaired, 1783, 1785, 1786. New upper works in 1789. Owned by Calvert. Master: W. Shastoe, replaced by D. Trail. (Lloyd’s Register, 1789)

24 November 1788 – Greenwich Hospital tax paid on the Surprize, William Shastoe, from Greenland. 350 tons, 53 men. (ADM68/205)

Botany Bay and China

27 August 1789 – Contract awarded to (and signed with?) George Whitlock for the Lord North, Scarborough and Surprize. (Accounts and Papers, 10 & 26 March, 1792, 53ff)

Thomas Shelton’s accounts include a record of him having prepared a contract for the Second Fleet, with George Whitlock for the Neptune, the Scarborough and the Surprize. (An Account of Thomas Shelton relating to convicts transported on Guardian 20 July 1789’ and subsequent documents, No.2, Public Record Office AO3/291)

7 September 1789 – The Navy Board directed its officers to write to Mr Bowen to report whether the Scarborough, Surprize and Lord North were proper to carry convicts to NSW. (ADM106/2631)

9 September 1789 – Bowen to Navy Board. In obedience to their directions of the 7th, he had been on board the ships and found them in the following state:

The Surprize was lying in the ways, under repair, and was not in a state to be surveyed. Mr Calvert said she would be ready in a month, but he thought it would take longer. She and the Lord North could not be prepared to receive stores and provisions in less than a month and it would require great exertion to get them ready even in that time. (ADM106/243)

10 September 1789 – Navy Board to Treasury. The undermentioned ships had been tendered and would be ready in about six weeks:

  Scarborough			430 tons
  Surprize			430 tons
  Lord North			750 tons

As the terms of the contract allow for £20 per diem demurrage for every 1,000 tons of shipping, if detained more than 15 days, with 6d per head per day for each convict detained, it was their intention to forward the embarkation as much as possible. They proposed 30 men for one ship and 20 for each of the others for the guard proposed my Mr Nepean in his letter of 25 August. Another ship will be provided for the female convicts. (T1/672/217-8)

29 September 1789 – Bowen to the Board. The Neptune at Deptford and the Scarborough at Church Hole, Rotherhithe, would be ready to receive provisions on Friday 2 October. He provided details of the provisions to go on both. The Surprize would take the remainder but would not be ready for a fortnight. Mr Davison particularly wished all of his stores to go in the same ship. . . (ADM106/243)

- The Navy Board resolved to acquaint the Treasury that the Neptune which was engaged in place of the Lord North and the Scarborough would be ready to receive the provisions for NSW on Friday next the 2nd, and as they would be fit to receive the convicts on the 20th, they proposed their taking on board in the River no more than would leave room for those intended to be embarked at Portsmouth and Plymouth. And as the Surprize which was the last ship would not be ready for a fortnight after the others she could receive the remainder of them in the River.

But in order to enable them to prepare for the number to be embarked at the outports and avoid the risk of incurring demurrage at those ports, they asked to be informed as soon as possible of the number to be embarked at each place agreeable to their letter of the 11th of September to which they had had no answer. (ADM106/2631)

15 October 1789 – Navy Board directed Lieutenant Shapcote to order the Neptune to fall down to Woolwich to receive on board 35 soldiers and 127 male convicts and 80 female convicts from the Justitia hulk and then proceed to Plymouth where she was to receive on board 315 male convicts from the Dunkirk, and then to remain in readiness to join the Scarborough and Surprize on their appearance off that port. But in case the wind should be westerly when she received the convicts on board, she was to proceed to Spithead.

The Scarborough was to receive on board at Deptford 20 soldiers and 84 convicts and proceed to Portsmouth, where she would receive 176 convicts.

The Surprize was to go to Woolwich where she would receive 20 soldiers and 20 convicts from the county jails and then proceed to Portsmouth where she would receive 240 more convicts to join the Scarborough and then proceed to Plymouth to join the Neptune. They were then to proceed with all possible dispatch to ‘Port Jackson in Botany Bay’ and apply to Commodore Philips [sic] for further orders. (ADM106/2631)

- Navy Board to Bowen. That day they had directed Lieutenant Shapcote to order the Neptune to fall down to Woolwich and to receive on board 35 soldiers and 127 male convicts and 80 female convicts from the Justitia hulk and then proceed to Plymouth where she was to receive on board 315 male convicts from the Dunkirk, and then to remain in readiness to join the Scarborough and Surprize on their appearance off that port. But in case the wind should be westerly when she received the convicts on board, she was to proceed to Spithead.

The Scarborough was to receive on board at Deptford 20 soldiers and 84 convicts and proceed to Portsmouth, where she would receive 176 convicts.

The Surprize was to go to Woolwich where she would received 20 soldiers and 20 convicts from the county jails and then proceed to Portsmouth where she would receive 240 more convicts to join the Scarborough and then proceed to Plymouth to join the Neptune. They were then to proceed with all possible dispatch to ‘Port Jackson in Botany Bay’ (ADM106/2347/131 or 260; ADM106/2631)

- Navy Board to the storekeeper at Deptford, instructing him to put on board the ships the following number of beds and hammocks:

  Neptune			35
  Scarborough			20
  Surprize			20

And to Mr Slade, the purveyor at Deptford, to purchase and send on board the ships immediately a quantity of vinegar.

  Neptune			200 gallons
  Scarborough			100
  Surprize			100 (ADM106/2361; ADM106/2347/131a or 261)

- Middleton to [Nepean]

"Agreeable to your information of yesterday, I have put everything in train for receiving the convicts & dispatching the ships & you will have the goodness to see that the official orders are sent in due time. We shall also ask what orders are to be given to ye agent so that he may not be detained after the ships join to ye westward.

"A card will be sent to you in my name when the convicts can be received on board the two first ships so that the soldiers may embark the preceding day.

"The Neptune & Surprize will receive the soldiers & convicts at Woolwich & the Scarborough hers at Deptford. You will therefore note this in your paper & that the ships first ready will be the Neptune & Scarborough.

"Orders will be given to provide bedding for ye soldiers that embark at Deptford & Woolwich & which may be comprehended in the general order for those intended to go in the Gorgon.

"I can think of nothing more that is wanted for this service and am,

Yours very sincerely, Charles Middleton (CO201/4/155-156)

23 October 1789 – Registered. No.272 of 1789. Owners: Calvert and King, and Camden. Master: Donald Trail. Built at Shoreham in 1770. 3 decks, 3 masts. 116’ x 29’ x 6’3”. 402 tons. Square sterned ship with quarter & forecastle decks. No gallery. Figurehead of a duke. (BT107/8)

28 October 1789 – Mr Morton (of the EIC) to the Navy Board, desiring that the owners of the Neptune, Scarborough and Surprize or their agent attend the Court of Directors on Wednesday. Mr Margetson was to advise Mr Whitlock. (ADM106/2631 for 29 October)

29 October 1789 – Bowen to Navy Board. Pursuant to their directions of the 28th, he could not ascertain the exact tonnage of stores and provisions left out since the Scarborough and Surprize were not yet completed, but he judged it would be nearly as follows:

 Neptune

 271 casks of flour making				45 tons
 50 bales of clothing					20 do

 Scarbro

 91 casks of flour					15 do
 25 barrels of pork					  3 do

 Surprize

 250 barrels of pork					25 do
 12 barrels of flour					  2 do

 Guardian

 804 casks of flour					134 do
 						 Total	249 tons  (ADM106/243)

31 October 1789 – Scrope Bernard to Duncan Campbell naming 24 convicts:

"The several convicts mentioned in the margin being transported to New South Wales on board the Surprize, orders have been given to the gaolers in whose custody they now are to bring them up immediately and deliver them to your care and I have Mr Secretary Grenville’s directions to desire you will receive the said persons on board one of the hulks in the Thames and take charge of them until the Surprize is ready for their reception." (HO13/7/285)

2 November 1789 – Bowen issued a certificate stating that George Whitlock had caused the bulkheads and cabins to be fitted complete for the accommodation of 1,000 convicts to be transported in the Neptune, Scarborough and Surprize, by which he was entitled to his first imprest by his contract of 27 August. (ADM106/243)

4 November 1789 – The EIC Court of Directors, according to an order of 28 October, taking into consideration a report of the Committee of Shipping, resolved that the Neptune, Surprize and Scarborough be freighted by the Company to being home teas from China, provided on a further survey under the supercargoes in Canton, they were found tight and in good condition. They were freighted on the same terms as the Lady Juliana. (Minutes of the Court of Directors, 4 November 1789, IOR/B/110/765)

1789 – Measured by the EIC’s Master Attendant. 107’9” x 27’7”. 6 ports on the upper deck on each side. 37012/94 tons. (L/MAR/C/529)

6 November 1789 – Navigation Licence. No.8385. 402 tons, 6 guns. Donald Trail. 30/10 crew. To Botany Bay. (ADM7/108)

The EIC accepted her measured tonnage on this voyage as 400 tons. (IOR/L/MAR/C/325) She was coppered. (IOR/G/12/100, p.81)

9 November 1789 – Bowen to Navy Board. The Surprize would be ready to receive her troops at Woolwich on Wednesday next (11th) and her proportion of convicts the day following. The Neptune, lying at Long Reach, and the Scarborough at Deptford, were awaiting their convicts. The Navy Board directed their officers to advice the Treasury that these ships would soon come on demurrage. (ADM106/243; ADM106/2631)

13 November 1789 – Embarked in the Surprize, 2 commissioned officers (1 Captain and 1 Ensign) and 30 men. (CO201/5/230 & 237)

14 November 1789 – Bowen signed a certificate stating that the Neptune, Scarborough and Surprize had received their provisions and were ready to receive their convicts. George Whitlock was therefore entitled to his second imprest, agreeable to the contract made on 27 August 1789. (ADM106/243)

16 November 1789 – Lieut. Shapcote to the Navy Board, advising that 101 convicts had been embarked on board the Surprize from the hulks at Woolwich, and asking whether he was to wait for the 23 convicts that were to be sent from the county gaols. The Navy Board advised the Treasury and sought approval for the Agent to board the convicts from the county gaols, as the ships were in a heavy demurrage. (ADM106/2631)

17 November 1789 – Shapcote sought approval to install two windsails and an Osbridges Machine on the Scarborough and Surprize at Portsmouth, and the Neptune with three windsails and a machine at Plymouth. The Navy Board gave orders to this effect. (ADM106/2631)

18 November 1789 – Lieut. Shapcote was directed to give orders to the Master of the Surprize in case the convicts from the county gaols do not arrive by the middle of the next week, to sail without them or as soon as they were on board if they arrived sooner. (ADM106/2631)

19 November 1789 – Donald Trail from the Surprize to Camden, Calvert & King:

"I am just now favoured with yours of this instant per the surgeon. He is come in time. The other has not made his appearance. A list of the convicts shall be sent you when those are come down which you mention from the hulks tomorrow. There are now on board two soldier officers, thirty soldiers, 7 soldiers’ women and 8 children. Those women & children ought to be regulated as to the number – I find Captain Hill, he that threatened to pull the contractors by the nose, goes by me. He acquainted me last night that when he come on board he should consider the convicts as his prisoners, and not under my regulation or command, that he should order them out of irons, or in irons, as he thought proper, and the keys of the hatches in his possession. My answer was that I had given bond for them, and that he should not have the keys of the hatches, except he took them by force, and that superior to mine, which he positively said he would, or the ship from me, if I opposed him. You had better have this point cleared up or you must expect the most serious consequence, for whilst I have a man to stand by me, I will maintain the command I suppose to be invested in me. As for the Navy Agent, he says he shall have nothing to do with the convicts. The boat is in a hurry to be gone." (T1/674/268)

20 November 1789 – Camden, Calvert and King wrote to the Navy Board, enclosing a letter just received from the commander of the Surprize. They asked for directions that would give the Captain full control of the ship ‘under the direction of Lieutenant Shapcote’. (T1/674/265; ADM106/2631)

Saturday 21 November 1789 – Lieutenant Shapcote minuted a conversation he had had with the Captain, who had complained of the conduct of Captain Hill. Hill had declared to the Master that he would have the ‘whole and sole direction of the ship and convicts’, and if refused, he would forcibly take away the key to the hatches. Hill declared that he would decide when the convicts would be out of irons, and he would place sentinels where he thought proper, even to prevent the Captain going into his apartment.

The Master said that he regarded the Naval Agent as one of his officers, who should obey his orders. Hill said that he knew nothing of the Naval Agent, and was not aware that the Navy Board had any role in the matter. It was in his power, he said, to hang any of the convicts without consulting anyone else. (T1/674/266)

- Shapcote sent a note to the Navy Board about these matters. (ADM106/2347/267)

21 November 1789 – Captain Hill to Scrope Bernard:

"I find the ship is more heavily laden by two or three Feet than when she was a Merchantman, so that she will be unsafe at Sea, for exclusive of Regimental Stores and Provisions for so great a number during so long a Voyage, the Agent has put on Board as many Stores for the Colony that the Deck is even crowded with large Casks that cannot be stowed away. My Men experience little less than suffocation at present from their circumscribed situation which is also filled with Stores so that they crawl almost on their Hands and Feet when under Deck – how deplorable then will their Situations be when under the Line, or in a warm Latitude – believe me Sir, I am not giving you too high a Colouring of their wretched Situations. . ." (T1/674/259-60)

There is a note across the corner of this letter, written by someone in the Home Office: "Lieut. Shapcot to report on every particular of this Complaint as soon as the Surprize arrives at Portsmo’".

23 November 1789 – Scrope Bernard forwarded a letter to the Treasury from Captain Hill, who was in charge of the detachment to be sent to NSW, relative to the accommodation on board the Surprize, "in order that such steps may be taken as the complaint may warrant ,and the lateness of the hour would admit". (T1/674/258; referred to in Treasury Minute, 25 November 1789, T29/61/207)

- Shapcote asked the Navy Board for permission to go to Portsmouth to join the Surprize and Scarborough. They had no objection but he must go at his own expense. (ADM106/2631)

- The Navy Board transmitted to the Treasury a letter from Camden, Calvert & King, with copies of three letters from Lieutenant Shapcote, and Donald Trail, Master of the Surprize, complaining of the conduct of Lieutenant Hill, and requesting Treasury to give orders to Hill as may be judged proper, to prevent him from interfering with the contract. (ADM106/2631; referred to in T29/61/207)

24 November 1789 – The Surprize, Trail, sailed from Gravesend. (LL, 27.11.89)

25 November 1789 – Treasury also considered Hill’s complaint about the accommodation on the Surprize, and forwarded it to the Navy Board. (T29/61/207)

- Concerning the letters from the owners and Master of the Surprize and those from Lieutenant Shapcote, Mr Steele advised the Treasury that he had waited on the Secretary at War upon the subject, who had given explicit directions to Captain Hill for his future conduct, and he hoped that this would prevent a repetition of any complaint against him. (T29/61/207)

30 November 1789 – Navy Board advised Shapcote at Portsmouth that they had received his letter of the previous day and advised him that the Neptune arrived at Plymouth on the 27th. They had requested the storekeeper at Portsmouth to supply the Surprize with ten beds and hammocks as requested. (ADM106/2631; ADM106/2347/135 or 268)

1 December 1789 – The Surprize, Trail, arrived at Portsmouth. (LL, 4.12.89)

2 December 1789 – George Yonge (War Office) to Major Grose:

"I have received a letter dated the 10th ult. signed by all the officers under your command, the impropriety of which mode of application, I am surprized you were not yourself immediately struck with. The Commanding Officer is the only person to represent whatever appears to him expedient for the good of those under his command & to be responsible for the contents of every such representation. The affixing of the names of the other officers has a tendency subversive of the first principles of discipline and subordination & I trust will never be repeated again in the Corps under your command.

"Upon the representation itself, I shall only observe that it has been made without the foundation; no encouragement of the idea of additional pay or gratuity to the Corps having been held out by this Office, or (as far as my knowledge extends) by any other branch of government." (WO4/845/40)

13 December 1789 – Neptune arrived at Portsmouth to find the Scarborough and the Surprize ready for sea. Soon after their arrival there, they learned that ‘Mr Gilbert’s conduct had displeased the owners of the ship, and the truth was soon assured by a Mr Trail being appointed in his room.’ (‘Some Early Records of the Macarthurs’, pp.6-7)

14 December 1789 – The Times reported the three ships at Plymouth and Spithead – 500 convicts were to go on the Neptune, 250 on the Scarborough and 250 on the Surprize. "The Gorgon is the only King’s ship that goes at present on the above voyage, and she is to make the best of her way without any regard to the transports." It was reported that the Gorgon carried about 300 of the ‘Botany Bay Rangers’ and her own complement of officers and seamen exceeded 190. (Times, 14 December 1789, p.3)

14 January 1790 – Navy Board to Shapcote on the Neptune. They noted his advice that they had had to put back due to the winds and that they were with the Surprize at the Mother Bank. They hoped he would sail soon. (ADM106/2632; ADM106/2347/136a or 271)

First Leg

17 January 1790 – Lloyd’s List reported the three ships sailed from Portsmouth. Now there was a blank against the Master of the Neptune and the Surprize. (LL, 19.1.90)

– Sailed with the Neptune from Cowes Harbour. (Hill to Wathen, quoting Hill to Wilberforce, 26 July 1790, CO201/5/281-283; HRNSW 1:2, 366)

Mid-February 1790 – When crossing the Line, Captain William Hill reported they encountered few calms and those that there were of short duration. (Hill to Wathen, quoting Hill to Wilberforce, 26 July 1790, CO201/5/281-283; HRNSW 1:2, 366)

22 February 1790 – At 2º 30’S, 22ºW. They had encountered a French ship and Shapcote wrote to the Navy Board, sending his message with this ship. The three transports were in company. He reported on the planned mutiny on the Scarborough. At this point, the Neptune had 4 dead, the Surprize 3, and the Scarborough 4. (T1/687/162; Accounts and Papers, 10 & 26 March, 1792, 65-6) [This letter that the Navy Board sent to the Treasury on 24 May and was read by the Treasury at its meeting on 5 June. See T29/62/64.]

- An officer on board (presumably Hill) wrote to someone in London by this ship, and complained about the poor state of the convicts.

"A vessel is just come in sight, which affords me an opportunity of giving you a few lines. We have fired a gun to bring her to, and imagine she is French.

"We are now becalmed, and are within a day’s sail of the Line. It is five weeks since we left Plymouth. For the first fortnight the sea was uncommonly tempestuous; but as we drew towards the southward, the weather cleared up, and was delightful, till we approached the Line, where calms generally prevail; and the heat is so excessive, that we can with difficulty breathe. We expect to be seven or eight weeks longer before we reach the Cape of Good Hope.

"We have in company with us the Scarborough & Neptune; and what with soldiers, seamen & convicts, we have a vast number of souls.

"The condition of these unhappy convicts is miserable beyond description. Pent up in this close hold of a ship in this suffocating climate, the moisture streaming from even pore, crying out for water & very little water given, they exhibit the most melancholy scene of human sufferings that imagination can form. Their only enjoyment is increasing each other’s wretchedness, by every means that ill nature, malice, and revenge can suggest; a more lively idea of the torments the wicked are suffering in Tartarus, no state in this world can so strongly display.

"We are compelled to keep the most watchful eye over these miserable objects; for we have lately found out a most desperate plot on board the Scarborough transport a few days ago, when she had lost sight of our ship. The convicts had entered into an agreement to rise upon the ship’s crew, & put every man to death; and then to have sailed for the coast of America or the Brazils. Last Wednesday evening was the time appointed for the perpetration of this design; but fortunately our ship came in sight that afternoon, which frustrated their intention, for they said they did not regard the Neptune transport, but the Surprize they knew could overtake them." (Whitehall Evening Post, 8-10 June 1790)

The Cape

13 April 1790 – Arrived at False Bay. Hill reported that they anchored at False Bay due to the time of year.

We found the Dutch answer minutely the character given of them by travellers; a change of clime, which is generally believed to produce a change of constitution and disposition, has not abated one tittle of their propensity to avarice. Their governors are merchants, and monopolise the whole stock of the adjacent country, and will not supply the shipping but at an advance of five or six hundred per cent. Here I had some conversation with the unfortunate Mr Riou, of the Guardian; the loss of his ship will be severely felt by this colony [NSW], and I much fear the Dutch are taking every advantage of his situation, charging enormous sums for warehouse room and fresh provisions for the men, so that the cargo must, ere now, be insufficient to defray the cost. (Hill to Wathen, quoting Hill to Wilberforce, 26 July 1790, CO201/5/281-283; HRNSW 1:2, 366-7)

- William Waters, the surgeon on the Surprize, wrote to Shapcote, informing him of great numbers with scurvy and only fresh meat and vegetables would eradicate it. 30 convicts were dangerously sick with scurvy and needed an extra provision of fresh vegetables. (Accounts and Papers, 10 & 26 March, 1792, 66-7; Waters to Shapcote, 13 April, Public Record Office, CO201/5/247)

- John Harris, the surgeon’s mate of the soldiers, who sailed on the Surprize, wrote reporting on the health of the soldiers on the various ships. Many were afflicted with scurvy and were likely to be much more so on the remaining leg of the voyage. Since their stay at the Cape was likely to be brief, he hoped that Shapcote would order fresh provisions every day, and as many vegetables as could conveniently be procured. ‘I assure you, on my honour, it is the only means I know to prevent future dangerous diseases’. (Accounts and Papers, 10 & 26 March, 1792, 67; Harris to Shapcote, 13 April, Public Record Office, CO201/5/251)

At False Bay, Captain Hill was placed under arrest by Captain Nepean. (EM, p.493)

24 April 1790 – Shapcote wrote to the Navy Board. He reported that a great number of soldiers and convicts were sick with scurvy. In consequence of representations of the various surgeons and the surgeon’s mate of the troops, he had ordered fresh meat and vegetables every day. The dead:

Neptune – 45 males and 1 female Surprize – 8 males Scarborough – 15 males

(Accounts and Papers, 10 & 26 March, 1792, 68; ‘Letter by John Shapcote from Cape of Good Hope’, 24 April 1790, Public Record Office, CO201/5/245-253)

29 April 1790 – Shapcote wrote to the Navy Board. Lieutenant Riou had sent round from Table Bay 400 tierces of beef and 200 tierces of pork, along with 20 male convicts. The ships were just getting under way. (Accounts and Papers, 10 & 26 March, 1792, 69)

Second Leg

29 April 1790 – The three ships left the Cape. (Hill to Wathen, quoting Hill to Wilberforce, 26 July 1790, CO201/5/281-283; HRNSW 1:2, 367)

- The Surprize sailed with the Neptune and the Scarborough from the Cape, but they parted company en route. (David Collins)

Hill’s account:

Would I could draw an eternal shade over the remembrance of this miserable part of our voyage – miserable, not so much in itself, as rendered so by the villany, oppression, and shameful peculation of the masters of two of the transports. The bark I was on board of was, indeed, unfit, from her make and size, to be sent so great a distance; if it blew but the most trifling gale she was lost in the waters, of which she shipped so much; that, from the Cape, the unhappy wretches, the convicts, were considerably above their wastes in water, and the men of my company, whose berths were not so far forward, were nearly up to the middles. In this situation they were obliged, for the safety of the ship, to be pen’d down; but when the gales abated no means were used to purify the air by fumigations, no vinegar was applied to rectify the nauseous streams issuing from their miserable dungeon. (Hill to Wathen, quoting Hill to Wilberforce, 26 July 1790, CO201/5/281-283; HRNSW 1:2, 367)

Arrival

26 June 1790 – Arrived at Port Jackson. (Phillip to Navy Board, 6 August 1790, Accounts and Papers, 10 & 26 March, 1792, 69; Phillip to Nepean, 6 August 1790, CO201/5/200; Hill to Wathen, quoting Hill to Wilberforce, 26 July 1790, CO201/5/281-283; HRNSW 1:2, 366)

Easty records her arriving on the 26th of June, with 250 male convicts. (Easty, p.117)

David Collins:

Early in the morning of the 23rd, one of the men at the Lookout discerned a sail to the northward, but, the weather coming on thick, soon lost sight of it. The bad weather continuing, it was not seen again until the 25th, when word was brought up to the settlement, that a large ship, apparently under jury-masts, was seen in the offing; and on the following day the Surprise transport, Nicholas Anstis master (late chief mate of the Lady Penrhyn) anchored in the cove from England, having on board one captain, one lieutenant, one surgeon's mate, one serjeant, one corporal, one drummer, and twenty-three privates of the New South Wales corps; together with two hundred and eighteen male convicts. She sailed on the 19th of January from Portsmouth in company with two other transports, with whom she parted between the Cape of Good Hope and this place.

We had the mortification to learn, that the prisoners in this ship were very unhealthy, upwards of one hundred being now in the sick list on board. They had been very sickly also during the passage, and had buried forty-two of these unfortunate people. A portable hospital had fortunately been received by the Justinian, and there now appeared but too great a probability that we should soon have patients enough to fill it; for the signal was flying at the South Head for the other transports, and we were led to expect them in as unhealthy a state as that which had just arrived. . .

By the 19th, the Justinian was cleared of her cargo, excepting about five hundred casks of provisions, which were not to be taken out until she arrived at Norfolk Island; and both that ship and the Surprise were preparing with all expedition for sailing. . .

August. The Surprise transport sailed on the first of August for Norfolk Island, having on board thirty-five male and one hundred and fifty female convicts, two of the superintendants lately arrived, and one deputy commissary, Mr. Thomas Freeman, appointed such by the governor's warrant.

Phillip reported that the Second Fleet ships (including the Justinian, which arrived on the 20th) arrived on the 20th, 26th and 28th. (Phillip to Grenville, 13 July 1790, CO201/5/160)

26 July 1790 – William Hill wrote to Samuel Wathen about the voyage. ‘Humanity shudders to think that of nine hundred male convicts embarked in this fleet, three hundred and seventy are already dead, and four hundred and fifty are landed sick and so emaciated and helpless that very few, if any of them, can be saved by care or medicine, so that the sooner it pleases God to remove them the better it will be for this colony, which is not in a situation to bear any burden, as I imagine the medicine-chest to be nearly exhausted, and provisions are a scarce article.’ See full letter. (Hill to Wathen, quoting Hill to Wilberforce, 26 July 1790, CO201/5/281-283; HRNSW 1:2, 367)

NSW to China

1 August 1790 – Sailed for Norfolk Island, China and England. (Phillip to Navy Board(?), 6 August 1790, Accounts and Papers, 10 & 26 March, 1792, 69 and HRNSW 1:2, 390; Phillip to Nepean, 6 August 1790, CO201/5/200; Easty, p.118)

She sailed for Norfolk Island with 37 male and 157 female convicts. (Phillip to Nepean, 6 August 1790, CO201/5/200a)

8 August 1790 – Bradley reported her calling at Norfolk Island.

Elizabeth Macarthur wrote:

As all those ships were under contract to return by way of China, to take home tea for the East India Company, and there being at that time no ship stationed here, no way was left to convey a relief to the inhabitants of Norfolk Island but by ordering some of those ships to touchy there in their way to China. The Justinian and Surprize received orders for that purpose; re-embarked a certain proportion of provision for the island. (EM, p.495)

30 August 1790 – Sailed for China. (Bradley)

Anstis gave this account of their passage in a letter to CCK on 22 December from Whampoa:

. . . after a pleasant passage of fifty five days from Norfolk Island, to which place I was ordered by Govr Phillip, to land provisions & stores after landing the troops and convicts at Port Jackson, the particulars of which I will inform you of by the first English ship that sails on my arrival at Macao. I had the satisfaction to find that I was the first Botany Bay ship here, notwithstanding the Lady Juliana sail [sic] six weeks from P. Jackson before me & the Scarborough passed Norfolk Island twelve days before I sail’d from there, but all the Europe ships arrived before me except the Lord Wokingham, by which I was honor’d with your letter May the 4/90. (CO201/6/300-300a)

China

26 October 1790– The Surprize anchored at Whampoa. (IOR/G/12/99, p.81; IOR/G/12/98, p.69)

With the exception of the Lady Juliana, the Botany Bay ships had arrived unexpectedly, so that the committee of supercargoes had no documentation other than the charterparties and instructions brought by the Captains. In the absence of such documentation, they resolved to take them into service on the same terms as the First Fleet ships. (Committee to Court of Directors, 7 January 1791, IOR/G/12/98, pp.118-119)

The log of the Marquis of Lansdown reported that four ships from Botany Bay had anchored at Whampoa. (IOR/L/MAR/B/373B)

31 October 1790 – The Quan Che Fou measured the following ships:

Surprize Munqua is her security Justinian Puan khequa is her security Scarborough Chowqua is her security Lady Juliana Shykinqua is her security (IOR/G/12/98, p.72)

3 November 1790 – The ‘measurage’ of the Surprize, Justinian, Scarborough and Lady Juliana. The Surprize:

Broad – 23 Long – 61.9 Measurage – Tales 711,850 Present – Tales 1950,000

Security was provided by Munqua. (IOR/G/12/99, p.15)

Lloyd’s List of 21 May 1791 reported the following ships at China:

Surprize, Amstie Justinian, Maitland Scarborough, Marshal Lady Juliana, Aitkin Neptune, Trail (LL, 21.5.91)

12 November 1790 – The Canton supercargoes appointed Captains John Woolmore and Essex Henry Bond to survey the five Botany Bay ships:

‘To Captains John Woolmore & Henry Essex Bond (sic).

Gentlemen,

We request that you will repair on board the ships, Lady Juliana, Justinian, Scarborough, Surprize and Neptune, taking with you your carpenters & caulkers, and after holding a survey on the said ships, report to us your opinion whether they are in a proper state to receive cargoes for Europe on account of the Hon’ble Company.’ (IOR/G/12/98, pp.83-84)

17 November 1790 – The supercargoes read a letter from Woolmore and Bond:

The Scarborough is the only ship as yet in condition to receive the Hon’ble Company’s cargo. The Surprize was not ready for our survey, the Justinian, Lady Juliana and Neptune’s lower decks, waterways, spirketings, mast wedges etc not being sufficiently well caulked, are not yet in condition.’ (IOR/G/12/98, p.85)

30 November 1790 – Woolmore and Bond wrote to the supercargoes again. The Surprize and the Lady Juliana were now in condition to receive the Company’s cargo. (IOR/G/12/98, p.92)

Throughout the period when these ships were at Canton, there were ongoing disputes with the Chinese merchants over the quality of the tea being supplied.

4 December 1790 – Shipped Chinaware for the Surprize. (IOR/G/12/98, p.97)

5 December 1790 – Nicholas Anstis’s journal for the return voyage opened. Received 60 half chests of Chinaware. (Anstis – IOR/L/MAR/B/447B & 447C – the second is a copy of the first)

7 December 1790 – 100 whole and 60 half chests of Bohea packed at Chowqua’s for the Surprize. The first mention of tea for the Surprize. (IOR/G/12/99, p.40)

- Received 300 mats for dunnage. (Anstis)

10 December 1790– Received 100 whole and 60 half chests of Bohea. (Anstis)

13 December 1790 – Sent 10 tons of ballast on shore. (Anstis)

15 December 1790 – Sent 2 boats of ballast on board the Talbot. (Anstis)

19 December 1790 – 60 half chests of Chinaware packed at Exchins for the Surprize. (IOR/G/12/99, p.51)

21 December 1790 – No shipping off this day due to a great festival with the Chinese. (IOR/G/12/98, p.109)

22 December 1790 – Nicholas Anstis wrote to Camden, Calvert & King. The letter read, in part:

As it is not known when the first fleet of China ships sail on account of the Spanish disturbance, and the Constitution, French ship sails tomorrow from this port, I embrace the opportunity to inform you of our arrival here all well, after a pleasant passage of fifty five days from Norfolk Island, to which place I was ordered by Govr Phillip, to land provisions & stores after landing the troops and convicts at Port Jackson, the particulars of which I will inform you of by the first English ship that sails on my arrival at Macao. I had the satisfaction to find that I was the first Botany Bay ship here, notwithstanding the Lady Juliana sail [sic] six weeks from P. Jackson before me & the Scarborough passed Norfolk Island twelve days before I sail’d from there, but all the Europe ships arrived before me except the Lord Wokingham, by which I was honor’d with your letter May the 4/90. I have got part of the cargo on board but cannot learn when I am to have the rest, as the Company ships are to be fitted 1st that arrived before me. However, I am in hopes to get away by the 15 Jany if the war do not stop us, which we have some faint acct of here. All the receipts of the cargo & convicts I have ready to send by the first English ship that sails with a farther account of our passage out. As Capt. Trail is here in the Neptune I have no occasion to say anything concerning her but that she has likewise part of his cargo on board. (CO201/6/300-300a)

2 January 1791 – Received 46 chests of Congo and 25 chests of Bohea. (Anstis)

6 January 1791 – Ran from the ship Patrick Fleming, John Roberts, Alexander McCarmond(?), Alexander Snowdon, Thomas Whitecross, Peter Anderson, Charles Hagerty(?) and John Randall, seamen. (Anstis)

13 January 1791 – Received a long boat of staves from the Neptune. (Anstis)

14 January 1791 – Received 1214 quarter chests of Best Bohea. Shipped Andrew McDonald, seaman. (Anstis)

20 January 1791 – Received 422 quarter chests of Best Bohea. (Anstis)

22 January 1791 – 6am: Found the kedge, ‘and was stole in the night by Chinamen’. (Anstis)

23 January 1791 – Ran from the ship, Henry Arnott, boy. (Anstis)

24 January 1791 – The Committee came to the resolution to send on board the Lord Walsingham, Surprize, Justinian, Scarborough and Lady Juliana, 100 chests of Bohea tea & 200 on the Neptune. They were concerned from the great scarcity of Congo that they should be under the necessity of loading the Henry Dundas exclusively with Bohea. (IOR/G/12/98, p.132)

26 January 1791 – Received Nicholas Anstis’s private trade – 161 chests of Hyson. (Anstis)

28 January 1791 – Sent the pinnace to the 2nd Bar with letters. (Anstis)

31 January 1791 – Minerva, Barwell, Francis, Marquis of Lansdown, Royal Charlotte, Belmont, Hillsborough, Royal Admiral, Osterly, Triton, Hindoostan and Admiral Sir Edward Hughes sailed. (IOR/G/12/98, p.135)

3 February 1791 – Sailed from the 2nd Bar, 12 sail of Indiamen for Europe. (Anstis)

6 February 1791 – The trade opened again this day (possibly after Chinese New Year) and it was appointed the last shipping day in private trade for: Surprise, Justinian, Scarborough and Lady Juliana. For the Neptune, it was to be the 20th. (IOR/G/12/98, p.152)

7 February 1791 – Received 100 whole chests of Bohea. (Anstis)

10 February 1791 – Receiving water. Shipped two men. (Anstis)

11 February 1791 – Received 424 quarter casks of Best Bohea. (Anstis)

17 February 1791 – Received 448 chests of Hyson. (Anstis)

18 February 1791 – No shipping due to a Chinese festival. (IOR/G/12/98, p.154)

- Received 100 whole and 482 quarter chests of Bohea. (Anstis)

20 February 1791 – Received 200 whole chests of Bohea. (Anstis)

23 February 1791 – Captain Anstis informed the Committee that the Surprize required 1,200 chests of Singlo tea to complete her loading. (IOR/G/12/98, p.157)

24 February 1791 – Arrived at Macau HMS Leopard and Thames. (Anstis)

25 February 1791 – Received 1200 chests of Singlo. (Anstis)

26 February 1791 – The Surprize, Scarborough, Lady Juliana and Neptune were loaded. (IOR/G/12/98, p.161)

2 March 1791 – Pilot came on board to take the ship to the 2nd Bar. (Anstis)

4 March 1791 – Came to sail in company with the Scarborough. At noon, passed the 1st Bar. (Anstis)

5 March 1791 – Anchored at the 2nd Bar. (Anstis)

10 March 1791 – Weighed and came to sail with the Neptune. At 4, passed the Bocca Tiger. At 8, weighed in company with the Neptune. (Anstis)

12 March 1791 – At 7am, the supercargoes dispatched the following ships: Lord Thurlow, Woodcot, Earl Talbot, Earl of Abergavenny, Ceres, Belvedere, Surprize, Justinian, Scarborough, Lady Juliana, Lord Walsingham, Neptune, Henry Dundas. (IOR/G/12/98, p.165; IOR/G/12/99, p.191)

The Surprize carried:

60 chests of Chinaware 3,142 peculs of black tea 1,333 peculs of green tea, altogether worth Tales 75,911,313.

The teas were:

Bohea – 1,459,95 peculs Best Bohea – 1,645,45 peculs Congo – 490,52 peculs Singlo – 959,89 peculs. (IOR/G/12/99, pp.153 & 160-161)

16 March 1791 – At 8am, the Leopard made the signal to weigh. Came to sail in company with Neptune & Scarborough. (Anstis)

17 March 1791 – Anchored in Macau Roads. (Anstis)

The Surprize would be paid for 400 measured tons at £10 per ton and 140 surplus tons at £5 per ton. (IOR/L/MAR/C/325)

China to England

20 March 1791 – The Surprize sailed with: HMS Leopard and Thames, Abergavenny, Belvedere, Walsingham, Ceres, Henry Dundas, Neptune, Justinian, Woodcot, Talbot, Juliana, Scarborough and Lord Thurlo. (Anstis)

21 March 1791 – The five Botany Bay ships sailed in a convoy with the Earl of Abergavenny, Lord Thurlow, Ceres, Earl Talbot, Woodcot, Henry Dundas, Lord Walsingham, Belvedere, under the protection of HMS Leopard, 50 guns, and HMS Thames, 32 guns. (LL, 19.8.91)

22 March 1791 – Set the royals. (Anstis)

1 April 1791 – Sent an officer on board the Leopard to get the boults [sic] of the cathead and main chanes [sic] repaired. (Anstis)

2 April 1791 – ASM: The Lord Thurlo took the Lady Juliana in tow. (Anstis)

4 April 1791 – The Woodcot took the Scarborough in tow. (Anstis)

5 April 1791 – Abergavenny took the Neptune in tow. (Anstis)

14 April 1791 – 7am: The Commodore made the signal to anchor. The convoy at anchor next Pulo Ling. (Anstis)

[Over the next few days, they anchored and made sail a number of times – the reasons are not clear.]

18 April 1791 – 3pm: Commodore made signal to anchor. Signal to the Surprize to pass within hail. Sent a boat on board with an officer. (Anstis)

25 April 1791 – Set the royals. (Anstis)

29 April 1791 – AM: Anchored at Angra (or Angree) Point. Watering. (Anstis)

30 April 1791 – Completed watering. (Anstis)

2 May 1791 – Signal to officers to repair on board their ships. (Anstis)

3 May 1791 – Made sail. (Anstis)

4 May 1791 – Straits of Sunda. (Anstis)

5 May 1791 – Saw Princes Island. (Anstis)

6 May 1791 – The Royal Navy vessels parted company from the fleet. (LL, 19.8.91)

- PM: Parted company with the Leopard and Thames. Captain Thompson of the Lord Thurlo was now Commodore. (Anstis)

- AM: Thompson signalled for an officer from each ship. (Anstis)

16 May 1791 – AM: Saw a strange sail. (Anstis)

17 May 1791 – PM: The strange sail was the Carnatic from London.

- AM: Thompson made the signal for all commanders. Based on information from the Carnatic, the different ships of the convoy were to make the best of their way to St Helena. (Anstis)

18 May 1791 – AM: 8 sail in sight. (Anstis)

- 11am: Last sight of Neptune and Scarborough. (Anstis)

19 May 1791 – In the royals. (Anstis)

20 May 1791 – In the royals. (Anstis)

- AM: Lost sight of the Justinian to the east. (Anstis)

22 May 1791 – Departed this life, Luke Rose, seaman. (Anstis)

30 May to 2 June 1791 – In the royals. (Anstis)

5 June 1791 – Very dark and cloudy. Squalls. Lightning. The ship pitching a great deal. (Anstis)

11 June 1791 – PM: Spoke to a Dutch ship bound from Batavia to the Cape. (Anstis)

12 June 1791 – Strong gales. (Anstis)

13 June 1791 – Sprung the mizzen mast and problems with the rigging. (Anstis)

15-16 June 1791 – Strong gales. (Anstis)

21 June 1791 – Cape of Good Hope, 10 or 11 leagues. (Anstis)

21-23 June 1791 – Strong gales. (Anstis)

5-7 July 1791 – In the royals. (Anstis)

7 July 1791 – AM: Saw St Helena. (Anstis)

8 July 1791 – AM: Captain went on shore to meet the Governor. (Anstis)

9 July 1791 – Completed watering. Sailed the Earl Talbot for London. Received bread from the Bellisarius and beef, potatoes and arrack from on shore. (Anstis)

10 July 1791 – Sailed. (Anstis)

25 July 1791 – Spoke to the Fries (Tries?) from Liverpool to the Coast of Guinea. (Anstis)

27 July 1791 – AM: Spoke to the King Gray from Liverpool to the Coast of Guinea. (Anstis)

7 August 1791 – All sails set. (Anstis)

31 August 1791 – PM: Spoke to a cutter from Dover. (Anstis)

- 10pm: Saw a light, supposed to be St Agnes Light. (Anstis)

- AM: Strong gales. (Anstis)

1 September 1791 – PM: Saw the Lizard. (Anstis)

2 September 1791 – PM: Anchored and signalled for a pilot. Sent the pilot boat on shore for water. (Anstis)

3 September 1791 – AM: Dungeness. (Anstis)

- Sent packets on shore in company of the surgeon. (Anstis)

4 September 1791 – Mr Richards, pilot, came on board and took charge of the ship. (Anstis)

5 September 1791 – AM: Put George Green in confinement for drunkenness and insolence and refusing to do his duty. And William Sewin for striking the Captain. (Anstis)

6 September 1791 – The Surprize, Anster, arrived at Gravesend. (LL, 9.9.91)

- AM: Received a kedge and towline from Mr Calvert’s yard. (Anstis)

7 September 1791 – The East India Company reported a letter from Captain N. Anstis of the Surprize off Dover on the 3rd instant. (IOR/B/113/392)

- Anchored at Gravesend. Received fresh beef, bread and a cask of small beer. (Anstis)

8 September 1791 – Opened the hatches for the Company inspector. (Anstis)

9 September 1791 – Started delivering teas to the lighter. (Anstis)

9 September 1791 – Greenwich Hospital tax was paid for the China charter of the Surprize, Nicholas Anstis. 400 tons, 25 men. (ADM68/206)

13 September 1791 – 10am: Unmoored. At 11, weighed and came to sail. (Anstis)

14 September 1791 – 4pm: Blackwall. Delivered more teas. (Anstis)

15 September 1791 – Paid off part of the ship’s company. (Anstis)

21 September 1791 – Still discharging teas. Fresh beef. (Anstis)

27 September 1791 – Last of the tea and Chinaware delivered. Surveyor came on board. Log closed. (Anstis)

Slave Trade

October-November 1791 – The Surprize undertook a voyage to Ostend, to purchase spirits as part of her cargo for Africa. On 24 December, she struck the pier, stove in her larboard side and sank in shallow water. Calvert came across on his yacht to attend to her. (Woodman, Neptune’s Trident, pp.207-208) So it was Thomas Morton who was responsible for her being driven onto the pier and sinking!

5 December 1791 – Navigation Licence. No.1649. 402 tons. Thomas Morton. 20/6 crew. To Africa and West Indies. (ADM7/110)

13 December 1791 – The Surprize, Morton, sailed from Gravesend for Africa. (Public Advertiser, 15 December 1791) (The Slave Trade Database says that the Master’s name was J. Martin, but the registration papers make it clear that this should read T. Morton.) She never made it to Africa.

15 December 1791 – Thomas Morton endorsed as Master in place of Trail. (BT107/8 at 23.10.89)

5 December 1791 – Navigation Licence. No.1649. 402 tons. Thomas Morton. 20/6 crew. To Africa and West Indies. (ADM7/110)

December 1791 to June 1792 – The ship was repaired at Ostend.

1792 Lloyds Register – Ship of 400 tons. 3 decks. Built at Shoreham in 1770. Good repair in 1782. New upper works and good repair in 1789. Sheathed and coppered in 1789. Owners: Calvert & Co. Master: J. Martin (sic). Crew of 16. London to Botany Bay.

5 September 1792 – The Surprize, Capt Curry, arrived at Cape Coast from London. (Arrivals and Departures, August-September 1792, T70/1565)

1793 Lloyds Register – As for 1792.

29 March 1793 – Letter of this date from the Governor and Council at Cape Coast Castle to African Committee, carried by the Surprize, Campbell. (T70/33/373) Received 4 July 1793.

31 March 1793 – The Surprize, Campbell, sailed from Cape Coast Castle for the West Indies. Number of slaves unstated. (Arrivals & Departures, Jan to March 1793, T70/1568)

2 July 1793 – Lloyds List reported the Surprize, Campbell and the Mary Ann, Wilkinson, at Jamaica from St Kitts. (Lloyds List, 2 July 1793)

The slaves were sold at Kingston by Shaw & Inglis. (Behrendt Factors Database)

8 July 1793 – The African Committee read a dispatch from the Coast by the Surprize. (T70/147/91) [This was brought back from the West Indies by another ship.]

4 October 1793 – The Surprize, Campbell, arrived at Spithead with the Lively, Palmer, from the West Indies. (General Evening Post, 5 October 1793)

11 October 1793 – The Surprize, Campbell, arrived at Gravesend with the Lively, Palmer, from Jamaica. (Star, 14 October 1793)

Botany Bay and China

9 January 1794 – The Navy Board minutes recorded that they had that day agreed with Camden, Calvert & King for the hire of the Surprize, 400 tons or thereabouts, at 17/6 per ton per month, to be discharged after the delivery of the convicts and government provisions at Port Jackson or Norfolk Island. She was to enter into pay on the day that the Deptford Officers reported her ready. Messrs Camden, Calvert & King further agreed that the ship would be manned and filled within seven days of that time. They were to have £100 extra in case she should be ordered to Norfolk Island, and they were to give the usual security for landing the convicts. The Board also agreed to build the cabins, bulkheads etc, and to have them finished that day sennight and paid for the same on the valuation of the Deptford Officers. (ADM106/2649)

[This followed the rejection of another ship, the Canada, which had been initially taken up in response to the call for tenders.]

- This is also the date when the Ship’s Ledger records her being taken into pay. (ADM108/148/330)

- Hammond, of the Navy Board, wrote to King advising that they had agreed with Mr Calvert for the ship Surprize of 400 tons to carry out 130 convicts and 200 tons of provisions and stores. She would be ready to receive the convicts within 10 days. A footnote added that Mr Brown and Mr Calvert were the bearers of this letter. (CO201/11/116)

- The contract was signed with Camden, Calvert and King. (T1/740/73; HRNSW 2:221)

10 January 1794 – The Navy Board advised the Victualling Board that they had taken up the Surprize to carry 130 convicts to NSW, and desired that they would provide 8 months provisions and beef and pork for 6 months after landing. As the ship could carry an additional 150 tons of provisions to the colony, in addition to the above, they had written to Treasury for directions. (ADM106/2649)

- Deptford Officers to Navy Board. In obedience to their instructions of the previous day, they had surveyed the Surprize, tendered to carry 100 convicts and upwards, and provisions, to NSW, and found her a very proper ship in all respects for that service. They intended to measure her tomorrow and survey her stores as she was reported ready to enter into pay. (ADM106/3366/92; ADM106/3409)

11 January 1794 – Deptford Officers to Navy Board. In obedience to their directions of the 9th, they had surveyed and measured the Surprize and found her proper to carry convicts and provisions to NSW. They had also computed her tonnage. Surprize, Master Patrick Campbell. Tonnage 42984/94. 23 years old. 6’8” x 6’9” x 6’11”. Built at Shoreham. Sheathed and coppered. She was last repaired in 1792 and had lately been refitted on the owner’s ways. (ADM106/3366; ADM106/3409)

13 January 1794 – Navy Board directed the Deptford Office to provide a firehearth for the Surprize, of the size used on ships of 360 tons, and charge against the ship. If they had any returned ones suitable for dressing the provisions for 130 men, which although old, was in good condition, it would answer. (ADM106/2649)

- Camden, Calvert & King advised the Board that the Surprize would be ready to receive the convicts on Thursday next. (ADM106/2649)

- Deptford Officers to Navy Board. They had surveyed the Surprize and found her completely fitted, stored and manned on the owner’s part, except for a firehearth and kettle for the convicts, which he did not feel himself enjoined to provide. It was ready to enter into pay on the 11th of January. (ADM106/3366; ADM106/3409)

14 January 1794 – The Board advised the Treasury that the Surprize would now not have all the provisions on board and be ready to receive the convicts on Thursday, and they would give them the earliest information when she was ready. (ADM106/2649)

18 January 1794 – M. Lewis (War Office) to Sir Hew Dalrymple, etc etc etc, Chatham Barracks.

I am directed to acqt you that six prisoners transferred to the NSW Corps are ordered to be put on board the Surprize at Deptford on Monday next, under the escort of a detachment of Lt Gds which will proceed with the vessel to Gravesend, & remain on board until relieved by the Sergt, Corpl & 12 privates of the NSW Corps. You will accordingly cause the latter to embark, on receiving notice of the vessel’s arrival off Gravesend. (WO4/845/94)

- M. Lewis to John King.

I am directed to acqt you, for the information of Mr Secy Dundas, that the 6 prisoners transferred to the NSW Corps are ordered to be put on board the Surprize at Deptford on Monday next, under the escort of a detachment of Lt Gds, which will proceed with the vessel to Gravesend & remain on board until relieved by the detachment of the NSW Corps.

The Master of the Surprize should send immediate notice to Chatham Bks, of his arrival off Gravesend. (WO4/845/95)

19 January 1794 – King to Long, enclosing a letter from the Deputy Secretary at War, respecting the guard for the Surprize, ‘consisting of a detachment of the New South Wales Corps, and of six prisoners transferred to that corps. (HO36/8/186)

20 January 1794 – Letter of Marque issued. Patrick Campbell. 402 tons. 20 x 6 and 4 pounders. 6 swivel guns. 24 men. (ADM7/328)

22 January 1794 – Camden, Calvert & King tendered the Surprize, Patrick Campbell, to the EIC - about 450 tons, engaged to carry convicts and stores to NSW, for the purpose of bringing a cargo of sugar from Bengal at £15 a ton. The Court of Directors referred the letter to the Committee of Shipping. (IOR/B/118/692; IOR/L/MAR/C/531, p.624)

- The EIC Committee of Shipping recommended that she be employed on the following conditions:

• The ship be coppered and fitted out under the inspection of the Company’s officers • If she arrived on or before 1 January 1795, she would be taken up for sugar, saltpetre or other goods to the extent of her chartered tonnage and as much more as she could conveniently and safely carry at £12 per ton. 5/8 at least of the chartered tonnage was to consist of sugar and saltpetre. • The Company were not obliged to take her up until she was reported fit • If she arrived by 1 January 1795, then if not loaded within 50 days, she would come on demurrage of 6d per ton per day • The owners would be answerable for 1/3 damages • She was to be manned with not less than 8 men and 2 boys per 100 tons • The usual conditions on weighable goods etc • The usual conditions if she did not arrive by 1 January 1795 (IOR/L/MAR/C/531, p.625)

29 January 1794 – The Court of Directors resolved that the Surprize, of about 450 tons, be engaged to bring home cargo from Bengal on these conditions:

- That she was coppered and fitted out under the inspection of the Company’s officers; - That if she arrived in Bengal by 1 January 1795, she be taken up for sugar, saltpetre or other goods the Government of Bengal may think proper at £12 per ton, five-eights at least of the chartered tonnage to consist of sugar and saltpetre; - That the Company not be obliged to lade any goods until she was reported fit to receive her cargo by the Company’s officers; - That if the cargo was not loaded and dispatched within 50 days after being reported fit, she would incur demurrage at 6d per ton per day; - That the owners be answerable to the amount of one-third of the freight and earnings for any damage to the cargo while on board; - That the ship be manned at the time of sailing with 8 men and 2 boys per hundred tons chartered; - That the freight on weighable goods was to be paid on the net weight delivered into the Company’s warehouses and on other goods according to measurement; - That if the ship was not in Bengal on or before 1 January 1795, the Company would be at liberty to decline accepting her for the season, but in case the owners chose the ship to remain in India at their own charge until the ensuing season, the Company would give her a lading on the above terms and dispatch as early in the season as possible. (IOR/B/118/707-709; IOR/L/MAR/C/531, pp.626-7)

30 January 1794 – Following a letter from Camden, Calvert & King, the Board directed the Deptford Officers to go on board the Surprize to survey the several works, and report whether the charge was reasonable. Also the apartments directed to be put up by the contractors for the female convicts, which were now in the great cabin. (ADM106/2649)

1 February 1794 – The Navy Board advised the Victualling Board that the Surprize could not take any more provisions and they desired those now alongside to be placed in store. (ADM106/2649)

3 February 1794 – Navigation Licence. No.4733. 402 tons, 20 guns. Patrick Campbell. 7/19 crew. Botany Bay & East Indies. (ADM7/112)

4 February 1794 – When issued with her Letter of Marque, she was said to have a crew of 24 men. 20 carriage guns of 4, 6, 8 and 12 pounds and six swivel guns. 24 small arms and 24 cutlasses. 150 rounds of great shot and 5 hundredweight of small shot. Victualled for 6 months. (HCA26/83) [Unclear why there are two dates for the Letter of Marque.]

5 February 1794 – Camden, Calvert & King to the Court of Directors asking for an extension of the time for landing in Bengal from 1 January to 15 January, as the ship might be detained some time longer before she could quit England, and the voyage was considerably long for the time allowed to perform it in. (IOR/L/MAR/C/531, Appendix No.1441, p.804)

- The EIC Court of Directors considered a letter from Camden, Calvert & King of this date requesting that the time for arrival in Calcutta be extended to 20 January and that a demurrage proportionate to that given the Indispensable be allowed. The Court referred this to the Committee of Shipping. (IOR/B/118/735; IOR/L/MAR/C/531, p.628)

6 February 1794 – Deptford Officers to Navy Board. They had examined the works performed by Messrs Camden, Calvert & King on the Surprize, and were of the opinion, the charge of £137.6.0 for the same was reasonable. (ADM106/3409)

- Navy Board to Lieut. Uzuld, advising him that the Surprize was to be turned down to Blackwall or Woolwich where she was to take in the convicts, and she was not to be allowed to remain any longer at Deptford on account of the cabins, otherwise she would miss the convoy. (ADM106/2649)

8 February 1794 – Dundas to Patrick Campbell to receive the 60 female convicts. (HO13/9/394)

- Patrick Campbell was paid £210 for the convicts brought on board this day. (ADM18/120/420)

10 February 1794 – 56 women were sent from Newgate and possibly four from the Clink. (Flynn, xxviii)

- Long to King, advising that the Surprize had fallen down the River to Woolwich and was in all respects ready to receive the convicts on board. (HO35/14)

11 February 1794 – 19 male convicts were embarked from the Prudentia and the Stanislaus. A male convict from Oxford was embarked about the same time. (Flynn, xxviii)

13 February 1794 – King to Peter Campbell (sic), Master of the Surprize, directing him to take on board four female convicts. If there was no room for them, he was to deliver three named male convicts to the overseer of the hulks in Langston Harbour. (HO13/9/400)

3 March 1794 – Campbell to Navy Board from Spithead, transmitting a list of the names of the male and female convicts, amounting to 23 men, 60 women and three children. In addition to the convicts, there was the husband of one of the women, Joseph Gower, and the wife of a man, Ann Somerville. There were six deserters of the NSW Corps, one sergeant, one corporal, 12 privates and Ensign Patillo, who had come with his wife the day before, Mr Baker, the superintendent, Mr Thomson the surgeon and his wife, Mr Boston, a settler, his wife and three children and Mr Pearce, another settler, and his wife. (List of names of convicts attached.) (HO35/14)

18 March 1794 – She was off Spithead. (HRNSW 2:851)

First Leg

2 May 1794 – The Surprize sailed with 82 convicts. She joined a convoy bound for Rio de Janeiro. (Flynn, xxxi)

30 June 1794 – The Surprize and several other ships parted company with the Suffolk and most of the East India ships. (HRNSW 2:856)

Rio de Janeiro

2 July 1794 – The Surprize arrived at Rio de Janeiro in company with the Swift. (HRNSW 2:856)

4 July 1794 – The Surprize anchored at Rio de Janeiro with the HMS Fly, and the Boddam, Essex and Contractor, East Indiamen. (CO201/11/204-204a)

5 July 1794 – The Portuguese authorities report the arrival of the Suprido, William Kent, needing water and provisions. (Codice 76, No.5, 5/14)

4 August 1794 – The Surprize was leaving Rio de Janeiro. (CO201/11/204-204a) Arrival

25 October 1794 – The Surprize arrived at Sydney Cove. All of the 82 convicts survived the voyage. (Collins 1, p.330)

3 December 1794 – Patrick Campbell was granted a hundred acres in the District of the Field of Mars by Francis Grose, at 2/- quit rent commencing after 5 years. (New South Wales, Australia, Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825, (NRS 898) Special bundles, 1794-1825, Item 9/2731, p.40; Registers of Land Grants and Leases; Series: NRS 13836; Item: 7/444; Reel: 2560) He also purchased 30 acres adjoining on the same day.

[William Raven sold this 130 acres to John Macarthur on Campbell’s behalf on 24 August 1799. (Hordern’s ‘Colonial Papers’ 2009 Catalogue in Raven file) John Macarthur was Campbell’s agent in the settlement. (24 August 1799 indenture as above)]

12 December 1794 – Commissary Palmer drew a bill on Treasury in favour of Campbell for £629/6/-. (T27/49/423)

15 December 1794 – Grose gave Campbell a certificate with the names of 17 people whom he was permitted to carry away from NSW. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 31 August 1795)

Collins:

Mr. Campbell, being in want of hands, was allowed to receive on board sixteen men. He had shipped a greater number; but some, regardless of their own situation, and of the effect such an act might have on others, had been detected in the act of robbing the ship, and were turned on shore. Mr. Campbell at his departure expressed his determination of trying his passage to Bengal by the south cape of this country. (Collins 1)

NSW to Bengal

17 December 1794 – She left Sydney for Bengal.

5 June 1795 – The Surprize called at Malacca en route. An account in the Bombay Courier stated:

The commander of a Botany Bay ship that had arrived at Malacca about the 5th of June, mentions having met with a Malay prow off Java that had been plundered by two French frigates. (Bombay Courier, 19 September 1795)

This is a slow voyage – almost six months from NSW to Malacca. Something happened on this voyage to detain her.

The Surprize also touched at Penang (or Prince of Wales Island), and carried two prisoners from there to Calcutta. These were a Malay murderer (with a name similar to Chedtumh) and a sepoy who had struck a sentry at his post, and found to be insane (named Gungaram). (IOR/G/34/7, at pp.363, 403, 405, and IOR/P/156/20, Consultations of 31 August 1795)

It is probable that she also collected two Portuguese passengers – J. Eoquet(?) and J. Daniel. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 31 August 1795)

In early September, not long after the Surprize travelled through these waters, the Sybille and the Prudente were cruising off Penang and took a number of ships. (IOR/G/34/7, at pp.418-423)

Bengal

18 August 1795 – The Surprize arrived in the Hughli River. (Calcutta Gazette, 20 August 1795, p.1)

19 August 1795 – The Board of Trade wrote to the Governor General in Council advising that the Surprize had arrived. The season was now so far advanced that she could not be dispatched with a cargo until after 20 October. Consistent with the option in page 16 of the charter party, they proposed to load her with goods of little value and dispatch her without convoy as soon a possible.

If they approved, it would be necessary for the Master to make his election immediately which, conformably to the charter party he proposed to return the ship in ballast to England or to keep her unemployed until 20 October, when if she was in proper condition, she may be laden on account of the Company. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 24 August)

20 August 1795 – The Calcutta Gazette reported her arrival, adding that ‘she has long been expected’.

She is the last of the sugar ships of the season: we have not been able to learn whether she had brought any intelligence, or the cause of her long voyage. (Calcutta Gazette, 20 August 1795, p.1)

Edward Hay, the Secretary to the Government, wrote to Campbell seeking to know whether he would prefer to return in ballast or remain unemployed until 20 October. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 24 August 1795)

21 August 1795 – Campbell’s journal opens in the harbour of Calcutta. (Campbell – IOR/L/MAR/B/447D)

- Campbell replied to Hay that he did not wish to return the ship in ballast but remain for a cargo. Should the Governor General in Council be pleased to load sooner than the time hinted by the charter party, he could get the ship ready in a few days, or to send her with dispatches. She sailed remarkably fast. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 24 August)

23 August 1795 – Campbell to the Master Attendant, Cuthbert Thornhill, enclosing a list of the crew and passengers and a certificate from the Lieutenant Governor of NSW, for receiving 17 people from that place. Thirteen only of these 17 people had arrived, the others having died or left the ship earlier (presumably at Penang, or perhaps at NSW). He asked for this certificate to be returned, since he needed to present it to the Navy Board. He also asked to be given an order to send for the two prisoners he had brought from Penang. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 31 August 1795)

List of Persons Who Came on the Books

John Burnish [Burnett] - 1st Officer John Turner - 2nd Officer Hugh Mecham - 3rd Officer Samuel Lightfoot - Doctor John Dougal - Boatswain Robert Haltran(?) - Purser Richard Graham - Carpenter John Shaw - Ship’s Steward Robert Brown - Captain’s Steward William Clark - Armourer John Summers - Captain’s Servant Charles Bertie - Cooper

Plus 9 able seamen, 3 ordinary seamen, 2 boys and 4 landsmen

Charles Stokes - Joiner Timothy O’Brien - Servant Thomas Jones - Blacksmith Chedtumh - A Malay, prisoner from Pulo Penang Gungaram - A Bengal, prisoner from Pulo Penang

Passengers

Mr J. Eoquet(?) – Portuguese Mr J. Daniel – Portuguese Wm Yates, son of Mr Yates of Corringa [Coringa in India?] Mr S. Burt [or Bart] for London Eyre Jackson for London

The Certificate – see the list above under 15 December 1794.

Charles Stokes, Timothy O’Brien and Thomas Jones wanted to stay in Calcutta if they could get places. One of the landsmen, Thomas Simpson, wanted to stay at Calcutta, as did Joseph Gower, though he had come from London. Another Landsman, Benjamin Ambler, had already gone ashore to stay in Calcutta.

24 August 1795 – The Governor General in Council considered the correspondence concerning the Surprize and approved of the actions taken by the Board of Trade and the Secretary to the Government. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 24 August 1795)

- The Governor General directed that the mayor place a sufficient guard on the Surprize to receive charge of the prisoners and that Captain Campbell be instructed to deliver them accordingly. (IOR/G/34/7, p.405) [Campbell’s journal makes no mention of the prisoners.]

- Cuthbert Thornhill, the Master Attendant wrote to Hay, enclosing the list of the crew and passengers on the Surprize and the certificate of people from NSW. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 31 August 1795)

27 August 1795 – Noon: Got abreast of Customs House. (Campbell)

28 August 1795 – Sent all the sails on shore to be overhauled. (Campbell)

31 August 1795 – The Governor General in Council considered Campbell’s letter. He was told that none of the people had permission to remain and he was expected to take them with him on his return, and was answerable for so doing. The Council directed that a copy of the list of names be sent to the Justices of the Peace. (IOR/P/156/20, under Consultations of 31 August 1795)

5 September 1795 – Clearing the ‘tween decks. The Master Attendant came on board and found the ship ready for cargo. (Campbell)

10 September 1795 – According to the Board of Trade, the ship was surveyed on this date. (IOR/P/156/21, under Consultations of 9 November 1795)

11 September 1795 – Started receiving bags of sugar. (Campbell)

16 September 1795 – Edward Hay, the Secretary of the Bengal Government wrote to the Secretary of Fort St George, by express, advising that the Governor General in Council had resolved to sent the Surprize with a packet and cargo for Europe. He asked for any dispatches they were desirous of sending to Europe to arrive at the Presidency by 15 October when the ship would be ready to sail, of which he had only learned this morning. (IOR/P/156/21, under Consultations of 18 September 1795)

23 September 1795 (for example) – Received 540 bags. (Campbell)

24 September 1795 – Received 650 bags. (Campbell)

29 September 1795 – Started receiving bales of hemp (25 bales on this day). (Campbell)

8 October 1795 – Started receiving indigo. (62 boxes on this day). (Campbell)

2 November 1795 – Received the last of the cargo. (Campbell)

5 November 1795 – The Calcutta Gazette reported that the Surprize was expected to be dispatched in the course of this or early the following week. (Calcutta Gazette, 5 November 1795, p.4)

7 November 1795 – Received 7 packets for the Company. (Campbell)

9 November 1795 – Board of Trade: For the purpose of enabling the Company’s officers in England to settle the demurrage, the ship arrived off Calcutta on 20 August and it was left to the Commander to make his election as to whether he remained until 20 October or returned in ballast, which he did. A survey was conducted on 10 September. (IOR/P/156/21, under Consultations of 9 November 1795)

15 November 1795 – Pilot on board. (Campbell)

Bengal to England

16 November 1795 – 6am: Dropped down below Fort William. (Campbell)

- The Surprize left Bengal with the EIC fleet. (Calcutta Gazette, 19 November 1795, p.4)

17 November 1795 – Received another packet for the Company. (Campbell)

19 November 1795 – 8am: Received four prisoners as charter party passengers. (Campbell)

21 November 1795 – Came on board as passengers for Europe: Captain Wm Rattray and Miss Sarah Rattray, Captain Halkett, Lieut. B. Johnson, Lt. L. Ferrier (Farrier), Miss Ann and Master Lewis Mordaunt, Master James Barton. (Campbell)

22 November 1795 – Received another EIC packet. (Campbell)

25 November 1795 – Sailed.

Officer’s and Ship’s Company

Commander: Patrick Campbell 1st Mate: John Burnet 2md Mate: John Turner (Pressed at Cork) 3rd Mate – Hugh Mechan Boatswain: John Dougal Ship’s Steward: John Shaw Captain’s Steward: Robert Brown Carpenter: Richard Graham (Died 18 April 1796) Carpenter’s Mate: Charles Stokes (from Port Jackson with Governor’s permission) Cooper: Charles Bertie Captain’s Servant: John Summers (from Port Jackson with Governor’s permission)

9 able seamen (one of these, John Williams, was from Port Jackson with the Governor’s permission) 17 ordinary seamen

Cabin Passengers

Captain William Rattray Captain Halkett Lieut. Johnson Lieut. Farrier Miss Sarah Rattray Miss Ann Mordaunt Master Lewis Mordaunt Master James Barton

Steerage Passengers

Mr Vincent Swift Mr Samuel Burt Mr Moffatt (returned to Bengal 26 November 1795 with pilot)

Charter Party Passengers

Samuel Thorp, an invalid John Rogers, prisoner John Truman, prisoner - Botham, prisoner Mark Giulliani, prisoner William Foster, a servant (Campbell)

11 December 1795 – Hard squalls. (Campbell)

22-24 January 1796 – Strong gales. (Campbell)

28 January 1796 – Squally with thunder. The ship straining and labouring very much and making more water than usual. (Campbell)

29 January 1796 – A very high running sea. (Campbell)

3 February 1796 – AM: Strange sail after them. Made the private signals, but received no answer. (Campbell)

4 February 1796 – PM: The Surprize outsailed her. The other ship hoisted colours but by then Campbell was too far away to see them. (Campbell)

- AM: Heavy swell. (Campbell)

15 February 1796 – Made St Helena. (Campbell)

The Surprise, Campbell, (a Botany Bay ship) and Eliza, __, & John, __, are arrived safe at St Helena. (Evening Mail, 13 April 1796)

16 February 1796 – AM: Saluted the fort with 13 guns. (Campbell)

18 February 1796 – The Governor decided to take part of the hemp to lighten the Surprize so she had a quicker passage. Received 1 bullock for the ship’s company. (Campbell)

19 February 1796 – Arrived the Kitty, southern whaler, Captain Swain from the coast of Brazil. (Campbell)

24 February 1796 – 4pm: Got under way. Saluted the fort with 13 guns. (Campbell)

26 March 1796 – AM: Came on a very severe typhoon, which lasted nearly an hour ‘with unabated violence before we could get the sails taken in – a main and mizzen topsail were fairly blown off the bolt ropes of which we saved very little’. (Campbell)

29 March 1796 – 5.30am: A strange sail ‘under her topsails with her head to the eastward’. At 6, he altered his course and stood after the, but could not come up with the Surprize and hauled to windward. (Campbell)

31 March 1796 – Strong gales. Shipping a great deal of water so as to stop one of the pumps working. (Campbell)

1 April 1796 – PM: Strong gales. (Campbell)

2 April 1796 – 8am: Saw a schooner in NE quarter. Lost sight of her. (Campbell)

3 April 1796 – 9am: Saw a brig in the E. quarter standing to windward. By 10 they had lost sight of her. (Campbell)

5 April 1796 – Strong gales. (Campbell)

6 April 1796 – Ship rolling and labouring very much. (Campbell)

8 April 1796 – 5.30am: Saw a sail in the NE quarter. Bore up and spoke to her. The Almera of Portland from Charleston to Cowes. (Campbell)

9 April 1796 – Strange sail. (Campbell)

10 April 1796 – 2pm: Lost sight of the strange sail. (Campbell)

12 April 1796 – AM: Strange sail in the SW quarter. (Campbell)

13 April 1796 – 6am: Sail in SE quarter. Spoke to her – a brig from Dartmouth to Newfoundland. (Campbell)

14 April 1796 – 6pm: Strange sail to the NW.

- 7pm: Strange sail to the SE. (Campbell)

15 April 1796 – 10am: Spoke to the Warren, Captain Skeen, from Savannah. (Campbell)

16 April 1796 – 3pm: Strange sail – a large ship to the SE – ‘had much the appearance of a frigate’.

- 5pm: Observed her tack and stand toward us.

- 8pm: Lost sight of her. (Campbell)

17 April 1796 – 6am: Two sail in the SE quarter. (Campbell)

18 April 1796 – 5pm: Two small sloops in the SE quarter. (Campbell)

- 10am: Departed this life, Richard Graham, carpenter. (Campbell)

19 April 1796 – 11am: Strange sail in the E. quarter ‘bearing down on us’. Made sail.

- 11.30am: Saw another very large ship in the NE quarter standing to the east. ‘Both had the appearance of large frigates.’

- He fired a gun and hoist a private signal, which they answered with flags Campbell did not know. ‘We then hauled to the westward with both in chase of us.’ (Campbell)

20 April 1796 – PM: Light breezes. Ar 5pm: Came on hazy weather and lost sight of both ships.

- 9pm: Saw one of them astern still in chase.

- 10pm: Lost sight of her. (Campbell)

- 5.30am: Saw a brig and a cutter in the East quarter.

- 6am: Made the old head at Kinsale.

- 9am: The cutter bore down on them – the Unicorn frigate and a King’s brig.

- 10am: Got a pilot on board and hauled to Cork. (Campbell)

21 April 1796 – 6am: Came to anchor in the Cove of Cork. (Campbell)

22 April 1796 – She called at Cork. (LL, 26.4.95)

- Sent the EIC packets to Cork to be forwarded to London. (Campbell)

23 April 1796 – Arrived HM frigates Magnanime, Apollo and Darius and __, sloop of war from a cruise. (Campbell)

25 April 1796 – HMS Polyphemus, 64 guns, the Commodore’s ship, signalled for sailing. (Campbell)

27 April 1796 – Captain Campbell wrote to the EIC from Cork. (IOR/B/123/73)

28 April 1796 – The pilot came on board. At 9am, the Commodore sailed the gun and loosed his main top sail. (Campbell)

Whilst at Cork, the 2nd Mate, John Turner, was pressed. (Campbell)

30 April 1796 – Strange sail in sight. (Campbell)

2 May 1796 – 2am: Alarmed by the report and flashes of a number of guns in the SE quarter. The Commodore made sail. Saw a number of strange ships and brigs beating to windward up the Channel. (Campbell)

- 10am: Saw the Lizard. (Campbell)

3 May 1796 – 5pm: Saw two frigates steering to the westward, commanded by Sir James Wallace with a fleet of five brigs and ship bound for Newfoundland. Plus a number of other ships, brigs, etc. (Campbell)

6 May 1796 – The Commodore hauled in for Plymouth. The Surprize and ten other sail kept their course for eastward up the Channel. (Campbell)

7 May 1796 – 5am: Got in through the Needles. (Campbell)

8 May 1796 – AM: Sailed again. (Campbell)

9 May 1796 – 7pm: Came in to Margate Roads. (Campbell)

14 May 1796 – She docked at Greenhithe on the Thames.

- 2pm: Got underway with a pilot and at 5pm came to a little above Greenhithe. (Campbell)

15 May 1796 – At Gravesend. (LL, 17.5.95)

– The Surprize, Campbell, from Bengal was at Gravesend. (Daily Advertiser, 17 May 1796)

20 May 1796 – Limehouse. (Campbell)

21 May 1796 – Started delivering her cargo. Some of the first articles off appear to have been the private trade.

Marks Pat Tui Chests of tumerick 46 Bags of ditto 158 RCB Chests of Barisset(?) Vert 6 BV Maj Pat Bales of Munjut 6 Messrs Camden & Co Cases, contents unknown 2 (Campbell)

2 June 1796 – Inspectors came on board and cleared the ship. There is another list of the crew and passengers, and the log closes. (Campbell)

Bengal

[The Surprize was then taken up for Bengal under a secret contract organised by Henry Dundas and the Deputy Chairman of the East India Company, David Scott, through a rather controversial merchant, Robert Charnock. One of the merchants that Charnock turned to was Anthony Calvert, who had used his services when he lived at Ostend.]

1 July 1796 – Re-registered. Owners: Calvert and King with Camden. Master: Samuel Moore. Built at Shoreham in 1770. 2 decks, 3 masts. 116’ x 29’5” x 6’3”. 402 tons. Square-sterned ship with quarter & forecastle decks. No gallery. No figurehead. (BT107/10 185/1796)

2 July 1796 – Navigation Licence. No.7667. 402 tons, 12 guns. Samuel Moore. 8/24 crew. To East Indies. (ADM7/114)

25 July 1796 – The Surprize, Moore, remained at Deal for Bengal. (True Briton, 27 July 1796)

29 July 1796 – The Surprize, Moore, supplied a quarter of fresh beef for the Fame, Liddell. (Log of the Fame, IOR/L/MAR/B/242A)

12 August 1796 – The Surprize, Moore, sailed from Portsmouth for the East Indies with the Ranger, Campbell. (Lloyds List, 12 August 1796)

4 September 1796 – The Ranger, Campbell, the Fame, Liddell, the Alexander, Wallace, the Friendship, Fry, the Triumph, Anderson and the Surprize, Moore, agreed to keep company on the passage to India. To this stage, they had been sailing with a large convoy. (Log of the Fame, IOR/L/MAR/B/242A)

21 September 1796 – The Surprize fell behind the other ships in the convoy. (Log of the Fame, IOR/L/MAR/B/242A)

13 February 1796 – The Surprize, Moore arrived at Calcutta. (Log of the Fame, IOR/L/MAR/B/242A)

1796 – Calcutta on 3rd voyage. Surveyed and found unseaworthy and sold for breaking up. (Hackman, p.244)

1797 Lloyds Register – Ship, 400 tons. 3 decks. Built at Shoreham in 1770. Good repair in 1782. New upper works and good repair in 1789. Total repair in 1792. Owners: Calvert & Co. Master: S. Moore. Crew of 16. London to East Indies.

1798 Lloyds Register – Ship of 402 tons. 3 decks. Built at Shoreham in 1770. Sheathed and coppered in 1772. Good repairs in 1782. New upper works and good repairs in 1789. Damage and total repairs in 1792. Repair in 1796. Owner: Calvert & Co. Master: S. Moore. Crew of 16. 12 six pounders. London to India.

1799 Lloyds Register - Ship of 402 tons. 3 decks. Built at Shoreham in 1770. Sheathed and coppered in 1772. Good repairs in 1782. New upper works and good repairs in 1789. Damage and total repairs in 1792. Repair in 1796. Owner: Calvert & Co. Master: S. Moore. Crew of 16. 12 six pounders. London to India.

31 July 1799 – The London Packet or New Lloyds Evening Post reported the Surprize, Moore, taken in the Bay of Bengal by La Forte, frigate. (London Packet or New Lloyds Evening Post, 31 July 1799)

1800 Lloyds Register – Ship of 402 tons. Built at Shoreham. 3 decks. Good repair in 1782. New upper works in 1789. Captured in 1792. (?) Damage and total repair in 1792. Repair in 1796. illegible number of six pounders. Master: S. Moore. Owners: Calvert & Co. London to India. (Underwriters)

1801 Lloyds Register – Not listed.

1802 Lloyds Register – Not listed.