The America under full sail
1853 The arrival of the America
1853 America passenger list
Note:
1. The family surname was written as "McLeoran"* in this New South Wales list. The Queensland list, transcribed from flood-damaged records after 1893, spells the name as "McLaren".
2. Malcolm and Jane had understated their ages by 10 years. Duncan was 17, not 13. Other ages are approximately correct.
3. Only Malcolm could both read and write.
* In the NSW records, this listing is under the name "McLeovan" - to keep searchers on their toes...
Note:
1. The family surname was written as "McLeoran"* in this New South Wales list. The Queensland list, transcribed from flood-damaged records after 1893, spells the name as "McLaren".
2. Malcolm and Jane had understated their ages by 10 years. Duncan was 17, not 13. Other ages are approximately correct.
3. Only Malcolm could both read and write.
* In the NSW records, this listing is under the name "McLeovan" - to keep searchers on their toes...
On board the America
There were seven members of the McLeoran family aboard the America, along with various other people who would also make their homes in Dalby. Their ability to survive the journey without loss of life demonstrates a family with a strong constitution - or resourcefulness.
Catherine certainly was undaunted by her experience aboard the America. Within some seven years, she had completed journeys totalling around 40,000 miles :
There is no record of any other family members ever going to sea again.
The following newspaper articles - somewhat lengthy, but they are full of details - below provide graphic descriptions of the voyage of the America.
There were seven members of the McLeoran family aboard the America, along with various other people who would also make their homes in Dalby. Their ability to survive the journey without loss of life demonstrates a family with a strong constitution - or resourcefulness.
Catherine certainly was undaunted by her experience aboard the America. Within some seven years, she had completed journeys totalling around 40,000 miles :
- 1852 - 1853 Liverpool to Moreton Bay
- 1854 Moreton Bay to Victoria
- c. 1857 Melbourne to UK
- 1859 UK to Moreton Bay
There is no record of any other family members ever going to sea again.
The following newspaper articles - somewhat lengthy, but they are full of details - below provide graphic descriptions of the voyage of the America.
1915 The voyage of the America recalled.
62 years after its arrival, the voyage of the America had not been forgotten. This short summary alludes to some of the terrible conditions experienced by the passengers.
23 May 1915 Truth
THE EARLY HISTORY OF QUEENSLAND. The Immigration Board was frequently called upon to investigate such charges as that in which the surgeon-superintendent of the ship America was charged with neglect and incapability of attending to duty. In the case named the charge was substantiated, and the Surgeon-superintendent fined half his salary. The forfeiture, amounted to £80. The owners of the America had chartered her to convey immigrants to Brisbane at £17 per head, or, as the immigration chronicles so quaintly put it, per "soul." The ship was unseaworthy, the provisions bad and scarce, the doctor old and feeble, mentally and physically. The boat was supposed to be victualled for 22 weeks, but the 300 persons on board had to make miserable shifts for food after a mast was shattered and the ship delayed in her passage.
62 years after its arrival, the voyage of the America had not been forgotten. This short summary alludes to some of the terrible conditions experienced by the passengers.
23 May 1915 Truth
THE EARLY HISTORY OF QUEENSLAND. The Immigration Board was frequently called upon to investigate such charges as that in which the surgeon-superintendent of the ship America was charged with neglect and incapability of attending to duty. In the case named the charge was substantiated, and the Surgeon-superintendent fined half his salary. The forfeiture, amounted to £80. The owners of the America had chartered her to convey immigrants to Brisbane at £17 per head, or, as the immigration chronicles so quaintly put it, per "soul." The ship was unseaworthy, the provisions bad and scarce, the doctor old and feeble, mentally and physically. The boat was supposed to be victualled for 22 weeks, but the 300 persons on board had to make miserable shifts for food after a mast was shattered and the ship delayed in her passage.
1 Jan 1853 The arrival of the America was eagerly awaited
1 Jan 1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE The steamer Jack came up from the bay yesterday morning and there were no arrivals then in sight. The America, with emigrants, is considerably overdue.
1 Jan 1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE The steamer Jack came up from the bay yesterday morning and there were no arrivals then in sight. The America, with emigrants, is considerably overdue.
1 Jan 1853 The America called in at Newcastle
12 January 1853 The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser
(A close encounter with disaster) PORT MACQUARIE. The ship America, 670 tons, Captain W. Gilks, from Liverpool to Moreton Bay, out 127 days, with 336 emigrants, all well, called here on Saturday, January 1, for provisions, having no meat, sugar, or flour.
Captain Gilks sent his own boat on shore, with five seamen, in charge of the chief officer, Mr. Williams, and was supplied with what was required by Messrs. Cohen and Co. On the chief officer going to the boat to go off to the ship, three of the seamen had deserted; he was therefore obliged to leave with the two men he had, which was about half-past five in the evening, the ship being about nine miles off. On the next morning (Sunday) the ship came into the bay and hoisted her colours, when Messrs. Cohen went to her in their whaleboat, and were surprised to learn that the boat, with provisions and men, had not been seen or heard of by Captain Gilks.
The ship remained off and on during the day, in the hope of picking up the lost men and boat; but up to sundown had not succeeded, when Mr. Cohen left the ship, having taken off some beef, etc, for the ship's use. It is supposed, as it was blowing fresh from north-east all day Sunday, that Mr. Williams will beach the boat and make for here again. He had a compass and chart in the boat with him, so that there is no doubt as to their safety, the boat being a very large life boat. The three seamen that deserted were apprehended six miles away, and sent on board the ship. It is now blowing from the north-east, and no doubt the ship will be to leeward of this port, and that she will again call here to look after the missing boat and men.
12 January 1853 The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser
(A close encounter with disaster) PORT MACQUARIE. The ship America, 670 tons, Captain W. Gilks, from Liverpool to Moreton Bay, out 127 days, with 336 emigrants, all well, called here on Saturday, January 1, for provisions, having no meat, sugar, or flour.
Captain Gilks sent his own boat on shore, with five seamen, in charge of the chief officer, Mr. Williams, and was supplied with what was required by Messrs. Cohen and Co. On the chief officer going to the boat to go off to the ship, three of the seamen had deserted; he was therefore obliged to leave with the two men he had, which was about half-past five in the evening, the ship being about nine miles off. On the next morning (Sunday) the ship came into the bay and hoisted her colours, when Messrs. Cohen went to her in their whaleboat, and were surprised to learn that the boat, with provisions and men, had not been seen or heard of by Captain Gilks.
The ship remained off and on during the day, in the hope of picking up the lost men and boat; but up to sundown had not succeeded, when Mr. Cohen left the ship, having taken off some beef, etc, for the ship's use. It is supposed, as it was blowing fresh from north-east all day Sunday, that Mr. Williams will beach the boat and make for here again. He had a compass and chart in the boat with him, so that there is no doubt as to their safety, the boat being a very large life boat. The three seamen that deserted were apprehended six miles away, and sent on board the ship. It is now blowing from the north-east, and no doubt the ship will be to leeward of this port, and that she will again call here to look after the missing boat and men.
11 Jan 1853 The arrival of the America
The long overdue arrival of the immigrant ship America on 11 Jan 1853, ended an ordeal lasting 135 days. The ship's voyage was covered in the Moreton Bay Courier, which glossed over some of the problems encountered:
15 Jan 1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
Jan 11 America, ship, 690 tons, W. Gilks, from Liverpool, 27th August. Passengers - Dr. Hector, Surgeon Superintendent, Mrs. Hector and two children, and 325 immigrants.
IMPORTS : 350 tons steam coal, 134 water casks, Wattenbach & Co.
The America left Liverpool on the 27th August, and has made a tedious passage of 135 days, during the latter part of which period she has been short of provisions. She had head winds during the first part of the passage, and since making this coast. She was supplied with provisions by the barque Cape Horn on the 21st inst, and subsequently by the schooner Primus. The Captain also sent into Port Macquarie for a supply, and here some of the seamen deserted, but were subsequently apprehended on the road to New England.
She brings 325 immigrants, of whom 63 couples are married, 20 male and 70 female adults are single, 96 are boys and girls between one and fourteen, and 13 are children under one year.
There were 12 births and 14 deaths on the passage, the latter consisting of five adults and 9 children. There had been several cases of diarrhea and of scarlatina on board, the last of the latter being three or four weeks ago. The Surgeon reports that there are no infectious or contagious cases of sickness now on board, and, considering that the provisions have been short, the passengers appear to be generally healthy and strong. It appears, however, that some of them have been very insubordinate towards the Captain of the ship.The Surgeon-Superintendent of this vessel has been suffering from indisposition, increased by the scarcity of provisions.
The long overdue arrival of the immigrant ship America on 11 Jan 1853, ended an ordeal lasting 135 days. The ship's voyage was covered in the Moreton Bay Courier, which glossed over some of the problems encountered:
15 Jan 1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
Jan 11 America, ship, 690 tons, W. Gilks, from Liverpool, 27th August. Passengers - Dr. Hector, Surgeon Superintendent, Mrs. Hector and two children, and 325 immigrants.
IMPORTS : 350 tons steam coal, 134 water casks, Wattenbach & Co.
The America left Liverpool on the 27th August, and has made a tedious passage of 135 days, during the latter part of which period she has been short of provisions. She had head winds during the first part of the passage, and since making this coast. She was supplied with provisions by the barque Cape Horn on the 21st inst, and subsequently by the schooner Primus. The Captain also sent into Port Macquarie for a supply, and here some of the seamen deserted, but were subsequently apprehended on the road to New England.
She brings 325 immigrants, of whom 63 couples are married, 20 male and 70 female adults are single, 96 are boys and girls between one and fourteen, and 13 are children under one year.
There were 12 births and 14 deaths on the passage, the latter consisting of five adults and 9 children. There had been several cases of diarrhea and of scarlatina on board, the last of the latter being three or four weeks ago. The Surgeon reports that there are no infectious or contagious cases of sickness now on board, and, considering that the provisions have been short, the passengers appear to be generally healthy and strong. It appears, however, that some of them have been very insubordinate towards the Captain of the ship.The Surgeon-Superintendent of this vessel has been suffering from indisposition, increased by the scarcity of provisions.
29 Jan 1853 The inspection of the America
29 Jan 1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
The America. A Board of Survey having inspected this ship, we understand that her foremast has been condemned, and that she will have to go to Sydney, to get it replaced. Mr. Duncan, as Comptroller of Customs at this port, has preferred an information against the Captain, for not having been provided with sufficient provisions for his passengers, as required by the Passengers' Act; by which neglect he is liable to a penalty of not more than £50 nor less than £5. The hearing of the case stands postponed until Tuesday next, for the production of witnesses from the ship.
29 Jan 1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
The America. A Board of Survey having inspected this ship, we understand that her foremast has been condemned, and that she will have to go to Sydney, to get it replaced. Mr. Duncan, as Comptroller of Customs at this port, has preferred an information against the Captain, for not having been provided with sufficient provisions for his passengers, as required by the Passengers' Act; by which neglect he is liable to a penalty of not more than £50 nor less than £5. The hearing of the case stands postponed until Tuesday next, for the production of witnesses from the ship.
?? 1853 There were some satisfied America passengers
WE, the emigrants from the ship America, desire to express our sincere thanks to Captain William Gilks, for doing all in his power to supply our wants; having been short of provisions; and also endeavouring to obtain a quick and prosperous voyage to Moreton Bay. We who have prefixed our names are thoroughly satisfied with the conduct of the Captain, and believe he did all he could for our comfort. 'Tis true that there were some on board who were dissatisfied, but this arose entirely from the impossibility of the Captain's being enabled to supply their wants.
William Roberts John Iseton Martin Dowling
John Hannah John Fogarty Joseph Houston
Daniel McComb John McRae James Cowen
Roderick McRae Duncan McRae James Ryan
William Smith John Smith Henry Buxton
Joseph Thompson Lydia West Jane McNaughton
Mary Ann Bert Johanna Condon Margaret McRae
Cristina McRae
WE, the emigrants from the ship America, desire to express our sincere thanks to Captain William Gilks, for doing all in his power to supply our wants; having been short of provisions; and also endeavouring to obtain a quick and prosperous voyage to Moreton Bay. We who have prefixed our names are thoroughly satisfied with the conduct of the Captain, and believe he did all he could for our comfort. 'Tis true that there were some on board who were dissatisfied, but this arose entirely from the impossibility of the Captain's being enabled to supply their wants.
William Roberts John Iseton Martin Dowling
John Hannah John Fogarty Joseph Houston
Daniel McComb John McRae James Cowen
Roderick McRae Duncan McRae James Ryan
William Smith John Smith Henry Buxton
Joseph Thompson Lydia West Jane McNaughton
Mary Ann Bert Johanna Condon Margaret McRae
Cristina McRae
5 Feb 1853 The America controversy continued unabated
5 Feb1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
THE EMIGRANT SHIP AMERICA
The case of the emigrant ship America, recently arrived in this port, is one of those in which the most fatal disasters might have been looked upon as natural consequences, and their avoidance must be attributed to the mercy of Providence alone. We say nothing of the alleged unseaworthiness of the ship, for, with the exception of the defective mast, that has not been proved, and the case of the mast is one that might happen to any ship; but we chiefly allude to the scarcity of provisions, and to the apparent inability of the Surgeon-Superintendent to contend against the fearful consequences that might, have ensued. The ship was chartered to convey emigrants to this port, at the very liberal rate of more than £17 each, and the owners could well have afforded to put on board a proper supply of provisions.
The law required that the vessel should be fully victualled for a voyage of twenty-two weeks; instead of which we find that before the actual passage of a hundred and thirty-seven days was nearly concluded, not only the passengers but the crew also were reduced to the most miserable shifts for water and provisions. Some rain water, caught on the poop, was sparingly served out; the medical comforts were misappropriated to the use of those who could have consumed the ordinary food if they had it; and the sick and weakly portion of the passengers were thus deprived of the nourishment intended for them.
Having fortunately reached this coast, a few chance contributions to their destitute larder were picked up here and there as they came along, and they arrived in port when on the verge of starvation. Had the shattered mast not held its own, but gone over the side, it is most probable that the ship would at least have taken many days longer in making the Australian coast; and the wretched passengers, suffering from thirst and hunger, and with no one to look up to for help but a feeble old man, mentally and physically incapable of battling against such a condition of affairs, must have been assailed by disease, and become the inhabitants of a floating bazar house. Most providentially this dreadful catastrophe has been avoided; but, although it appears that the ship's officers did all they could for the best, the help of man had but small share in saving those three hundred people, whose lives have been placed in imminent jeopardy through the gross avarice of the owners of the ship.
Or does the Government come clear of blame in this matter. The superficial and hasty manner in which the provisions must have been inspected, and the mistake fully of committing all those people to the charge of a person hardly able to take care of himself, reflect but little credit upon the Emigration Commissioners and their officers.
It often happens that avarice, like over-caution, defeats itself. Examples of a similar kind are common. The unprincipled marauder, who, too idle to work, seeks to maintain himself by purloining the property of others, frequently reaps a long period of compulsory labour as the reward of his ingenuity. And so it is in this case. Instead of receiving extravagant percentage upon the fair profits of their contract, the owners have already been called upon to pay the penalty of £50 and costs. Their ship has been detained, at considerable loss to them; and we understand that the second half of their contract money, payable to them in England, is very likely to be withheld. True it is, according to the old saw, that fair dening is the most politic as well as the most creditable.
It is only an act of justice to state here, that the Captain of the ship and his officers appear perfectly clear from all blame in this matter. Those who made the voyage out in the America early in 1853, had an unfortunate experience and, on their arrival, told a sad story of a ship that was unseaworthy and very inadequately supplied with provisions. Even under the most favourable conditions, those who made the long voyage out to Australia in those days had inevitably to bear some hardships and privations for which, however, most of them found ample compensations in the pleasures of sea travel - so long as the weather was fine. But when a large number of men, women and children were crowded together in the 'tween decks of a sailing ship, without proper regard for sanitation, and without reasonable supplies of food and water, it can be imagined that their experience would be well-nigh unbearable.
It is pleasing to reflect, however, that although the case of the America did not stand out quite alone, similar instances in the Queensland immigrant service were exceedingly rare.
5 Feb1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
THE EMIGRANT SHIP AMERICA
The case of the emigrant ship America, recently arrived in this port, is one of those in which the most fatal disasters might have been looked upon as natural consequences, and their avoidance must be attributed to the mercy of Providence alone. We say nothing of the alleged unseaworthiness of the ship, for, with the exception of the defective mast, that has not been proved, and the case of the mast is one that might happen to any ship; but we chiefly allude to the scarcity of provisions, and to the apparent inability of the Surgeon-Superintendent to contend against the fearful consequences that might, have ensued. The ship was chartered to convey emigrants to this port, at the very liberal rate of more than £17 each, and the owners could well have afforded to put on board a proper supply of provisions.
The law required that the vessel should be fully victualled for a voyage of twenty-two weeks; instead of which we find that before the actual passage of a hundred and thirty-seven days was nearly concluded, not only the passengers but the crew also were reduced to the most miserable shifts for water and provisions. Some rain water, caught on the poop, was sparingly served out; the medical comforts were misappropriated to the use of those who could have consumed the ordinary food if they had it; and the sick and weakly portion of the passengers were thus deprived of the nourishment intended for them.
Having fortunately reached this coast, a few chance contributions to their destitute larder were picked up here and there as they came along, and they arrived in port when on the verge of starvation. Had the shattered mast not held its own, but gone over the side, it is most probable that the ship would at least have taken many days longer in making the Australian coast; and the wretched passengers, suffering from thirst and hunger, and with no one to look up to for help but a feeble old man, mentally and physically incapable of battling against such a condition of affairs, must have been assailed by disease, and become the inhabitants of a floating bazar house. Most providentially this dreadful catastrophe has been avoided; but, although it appears that the ship's officers did all they could for the best, the help of man had but small share in saving those three hundred people, whose lives have been placed in imminent jeopardy through the gross avarice of the owners of the ship.
Or does the Government come clear of blame in this matter. The superficial and hasty manner in which the provisions must have been inspected, and the mistake fully of committing all those people to the charge of a person hardly able to take care of himself, reflect but little credit upon the Emigration Commissioners and their officers.
It often happens that avarice, like over-caution, defeats itself. Examples of a similar kind are common. The unprincipled marauder, who, too idle to work, seeks to maintain himself by purloining the property of others, frequently reaps a long period of compulsory labour as the reward of his ingenuity. And so it is in this case. Instead of receiving extravagant percentage upon the fair profits of their contract, the owners have already been called upon to pay the penalty of £50 and costs. Their ship has been detained, at considerable loss to them; and we understand that the second half of their contract money, payable to them in England, is very likely to be withheld. True it is, according to the old saw, that fair dening is the most politic as well as the most creditable.
It is only an act of justice to state here, that the Captain of the ship and his officers appear perfectly clear from all blame in this matter. Those who made the voyage out in the America early in 1853, had an unfortunate experience and, on their arrival, told a sad story of a ship that was unseaworthy and very inadequately supplied with provisions. Even under the most favourable conditions, those who made the long voyage out to Australia in those days had inevitably to bear some hardships and privations for which, however, most of them found ample compensations in the pleasures of sea travel - so long as the weather was fine. But when a large number of men, women and children were crowded together in the 'tween decks of a sailing ship, without proper regard for sanitation, and without reasonable supplies of food and water, it can be imagined that their experience would be well-nigh unbearable.
It is pleasing to reflect, however, that although the case of the America did not stand out quite alone, similar instances in the Queensland immigrant service were exceedingly rare.
5 Mar 1853 A scathing letter to the Editor by J. Riley
5 Mar 1853 Moreton Bay Courier
To the Editor of the Moreton Bay Courier. THE SHIP AMERICA.
Sir, (log extracts) The particulars of our treatment in the ship America were so many that to give a correct account of all the cases of cruelty that were indured would be impossible.
A Mr Hugh Mahoney, who is now with his children in the depot, had his bed and bedclothes taken away by the Doctor as soon as he came on board the ship. The doctor put them into the hospital. Other clothes for the births were in the births before he came and had been slept in for about a week. These beds were afterwards found to be in a filthy condition. They were thrown overboard. Mr Mahoney had an altercation with the Captain about these beds, and ever afterwards on the passage Mahoney suffered from an odium he did not deserve.
About Sept 17th Mrs Mahoney was taken in childbirth. She informed the Doctor that she expected to be immediately confined, when the Doctor told her that if she was not confined in ten minutes after her admission she should be locked up until morning. She was not delivered, but was locked up - no one to attend her. The husband walked the deck all night - could not render her any assistance. The child was born, and lived a few hours. When it was dying, the doctor came & bathed it; but alas it was dead, as everyone knew. Through the ill effects of her confinement, this poor unfortunate woman, died of pure want. The medical comforts were denied her. The husband, now a widower with 7 children, is left to make his way as best he can in a strange country. In consequence of the loss of the bed, which was thrown overboard, he had to sleep 11 weeks on a bed 11 inches wide, from which he fell several times owing to the pitching of the vessel.
Oct 22. Myself and 3 others went to tho doctor and said that Mr Wilson desired us to ask if he could be admitted into the hospital, as he was very sick and his wife was suspicious of his being in a fever. Doctor said "How does she know? I am not going to be imposed upon by such dirty, filthy“ etc etc. “But,” says Brown, (one of the party), “he is very sick and feverish.” Doctor - “Who says he is sick? He has no fever, none whatever. He shall not come into the hospital, or if he does he shall be put on bread and water (hospital diet).” After a pause, the Doctor tells us the hospital is not for such as him, but for those who had fever, malignant fever. “I am much worse than he is just now,” says the Doctor. We go away and report to Wilson the Doctor’s decision, blessing our stars for being out of his hands. Wilson’s tongue was at that time very brown and dry; his pulse beat quickly and he had a hot and dry skin and every symptom of fever.
24th. A man named Millar had 2 children taken sick. They were next berth to Wilson’s. When the doctor attended he said “I blame that Wilson for all this” and that he had to pronounce a case of typhoid fever.
Doctor says “The girl is in a dangerous state - doubtful.” In the evening she is dead! What we thought about the doctor’s skill in Wilson’s case was strengthened now, and only confirms us in the opinion that all who come under his hands will go over the side, as 11 have already done.
Dec 24th Wilson’s wife was taken into the hospital in a state of insanity, brought about with weakness and want. A corded network was made over her berth, in order to let her have air in her confinement, as well as to keep her in. I was present, and assisted in making this cage as the Doctor named it. The poor imbecile rose in her berth; the doctor then thrust in his hand, seized the poor woman by the throat, and so unmercifully. Pressed her down upon the pillow that by ruffling his hand about her face he burst the gums, and the blood started from her nostrils.
The Captain had the remaining butter taken into the cabin on the Friday the 12 weeks out. I helped others to take into the cabin 20 cans of preserved meat, which were carefully used for the cabin. The Captain regarded us as paupers, and in fact told us we were now better fed than we were before in our lives. In this particular noted as he believed. As a substitute for butter, he (27th Dec) ordered some suet that was very raw to be boiled down, and with it was put quantities of "slush" - the fat that was destined for tallow merchant. This mixture we took and, with dry biscuit put into the oven and warmed, was for a long time the best meal emigrants partook of - save when we saw a ship, bark, brig, or cobble, that we could beg anything of: for we were now on this coast.
The captain oft said we were too well treated, and that if he were the Doctor we should not be so well off as we were. The last honourable deed the Captain ordered and executed was the taking away from us the mess utensils, namely - baking dishes, coffee pots buckets, water barrels, and butter dishes (the most of them no worse for the wear). He said it was his order when he left Liverpool, but we knew it was specified on the sheets placed between decks, that they would be given to us at the end of the passage, if good behaved. About this there was no complaint so that we considered ourselves fairly done.
These are a few of the particulars, which others might furnish you with as well, as I that live within this paper's circulation.
J. RILEY
5 Mar 1853 Moreton Bay Courier
To the Editor of the Moreton Bay Courier. THE SHIP AMERICA.
Sir, (log extracts) The particulars of our treatment in the ship America were so many that to give a correct account of all the cases of cruelty that were indured would be impossible.
A Mr Hugh Mahoney, who is now with his children in the depot, had his bed and bedclothes taken away by the Doctor as soon as he came on board the ship. The doctor put them into the hospital. Other clothes for the births were in the births before he came and had been slept in for about a week. These beds were afterwards found to be in a filthy condition. They were thrown overboard. Mr Mahoney had an altercation with the Captain about these beds, and ever afterwards on the passage Mahoney suffered from an odium he did not deserve.
About Sept 17th Mrs Mahoney was taken in childbirth. She informed the Doctor that she expected to be immediately confined, when the Doctor told her that if she was not confined in ten minutes after her admission she should be locked up until morning. She was not delivered, but was locked up - no one to attend her. The husband walked the deck all night - could not render her any assistance. The child was born, and lived a few hours. When it was dying, the doctor came & bathed it; but alas it was dead, as everyone knew. Through the ill effects of her confinement, this poor unfortunate woman, died of pure want. The medical comforts were denied her. The husband, now a widower with 7 children, is left to make his way as best he can in a strange country. In consequence of the loss of the bed, which was thrown overboard, he had to sleep 11 weeks on a bed 11 inches wide, from which he fell several times owing to the pitching of the vessel.
Oct 22. Myself and 3 others went to tho doctor and said that Mr Wilson desired us to ask if he could be admitted into the hospital, as he was very sick and his wife was suspicious of his being in a fever. Doctor said "How does she know? I am not going to be imposed upon by such dirty, filthy“ etc etc. “But,” says Brown, (one of the party), “he is very sick and feverish.” Doctor - “Who says he is sick? He has no fever, none whatever. He shall not come into the hospital, or if he does he shall be put on bread and water (hospital diet).” After a pause, the Doctor tells us the hospital is not for such as him, but for those who had fever, malignant fever. “I am much worse than he is just now,” says the Doctor. We go away and report to Wilson the Doctor’s decision, blessing our stars for being out of his hands. Wilson’s tongue was at that time very brown and dry; his pulse beat quickly and he had a hot and dry skin and every symptom of fever.
24th. A man named Millar had 2 children taken sick. They were next berth to Wilson’s. When the doctor attended he said “I blame that Wilson for all this” and that he had to pronounce a case of typhoid fever.
Doctor says “The girl is in a dangerous state - doubtful.” In the evening she is dead! What we thought about the doctor’s skill in Wilson’s case was strengthened now, and only confirms us in the opinion that all who come under his hands will go over the side, as 11 have already done.
Dec 24th Wilson’s wife was taken into the hospital in a state of insanity, brought about with weakness and want. A corded network was made over her berth, in order to let her have air in her confinement, as well as to keep her in. I was present, and assisted in making this cage as the Doctor named it. The poor imbecile rose in her berth; the doctor then thrust in his hand, seized the poor woman by the throat, and so unmercifully. Pressed her down upon the pillow that by ruffling his hand about her face he burst the gums, and the blood started from her nostrils.
The Captain had the remaining butter taken into the cabin on the Friday the 12 weeks out. I helped others to take into the cabin 20 cans of preserved meat, which were carefully used for the cabin. The Captain regarded us as paupers, and in fact told us we were now better fed than we were before in our lives. In this particular noted as he believed. As a substitute for butter, he (27th Dec) ordered some suet that was very raw to be boiled down, and with it was put quantities of "slush" - the fat that was destined for tallow merchant. This mixture we took and, with dry biscuit put into the oven and warmed, was for a long time the best meal emigrants partook of - save when we saw a ship, bark, brig, or cobble, that we could beg anything of: for we were now on this coast.
The captain oft said we were too well treated, and that if he were the Doctor we should not be so well off as we were. The last honourable deed the Captain ordered and executed was the taking away from us the mess utensils, namely - baking dishes, coffee pots buckets, water barrels, and butter dishes (the most of them no worse for the wear). He said it was his order when he left Liverpool, but we knew it was specified on the sheets placed between decks, that they would be given to us at the end of the passage, if good behaved. About this there was no complaint so that we considered ourselves fairly done.
These are a few of the particulars, which others might furnish you with as well, as I that live within this paper's circulation.
J. RILEY
13 Mar 1853 The death of the America's doctor
19 Mar 1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
DIED, At South Brisbane; on the 13th inst, aged 62 years, Dr. Robert Hector, late Surgeon-Superintendent of the ship America.
19 Mar 1853 The Moreton Bay Courier
DIED, At South Brisbane; on the 13th inst, aged 62 years, Dr. Robert Hector, late Surgeon-Superintendent of the ship America.
1853 Some America passenger lists
Some passengers lived in Dalby 50 years after the arrival of the America:
Some passengers lived in Dalby 50 years after the arrival of the America:
Amos Family
Yule Family
John Yule - "A fine Scotsman - one of nature's gentlemen" 6 May 1922 Courier Mail - Dalby recollections
John Yule - "A fine Scotsman - one of nature's gentlemen" 6 May 1922 Courier Mail - Dalby recollections
Malcolm and Jane McLaran - detailed view
1906 Darling Downs Gazette - the connection of the Amos, Yule, McLaran and Milford families