[Extract from Thomas Cook, The Exile's Lamentation, North Sydney: Library of Australian History, 1978, pp. 43-44.]
[Report from a convict who spent time on the Phoenix Hulk in Sydney Harbour in 1836]
I was arraigned in the Quarter Sessions in May, 1836, and on of Guilty the plea of "Forgery" was sentenced to transportation to Norfolk Island for life.
I was accordingly removed to that floating Den of Infamy, the hulk Phoenix, until opportunity offered for the Shipment of a draft of re-convicted prisoners to that place.
During my stay on board, scenes of depravity which human nature shudders to contemplate were exhibited with apparent delight. Nor were the means as resorted to by the Keeper for the punishment of slight Offences, at all calculated to lessen the successful spread of so demoralizing a contagion. The men of the adjoining Cell to that in which I and 9 others were chained, had been smoking a Tobacco pipe one Evening, contrary to the Rules of the Establishment, when the Keeper came to our Cell and charged us as the Offenders.
He sent for 10 pairs of Handcuffs, took our shirts, Blankets and clothes away, and manacling each of our hands behind our backs, he reefed the legs, which were very heavily Ironed, to the upper part of the Iron Staunchions of the Cell by means of a Bar outside, with the whole weight of our chains and bodies pressing on our Shoulder blades for the night, in a state of perfect Nudity. By the following morning, and for two days afterwards, I could scarcely regain the use of my Arms.
I have also seen men in a similar position, with the additional torture of a gagging instrument to silence their Cries, and the throwing of Buckets of Water over them when in that state. Numerous complaints had been made to the Authorities, but the capabilities of the Keeper and his aidants were such, that no prisoner could withstand the case they would make out to render futile the complainants' assertions; and thus these Outrages upon humanity commissioned with impunity.
The Keeper's predecessor, Captain Murray, who had practised similar cruelties, died in a state of Mental derangement, and the one in question (Mr McKeig) laboured under a similar malady, brought on by the excessive use of Ardent Spirits and it is to be hoped the Almighty had received their Souls.
Showing posts with label Phoenix Hulk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phoenix Hulk. Show all posts
Phoenix Hulk
| The 589 ton Phoenix ship was built on the Thames. On 21 July 1824, the Phoenix arrived in Van Diemen's Land with a load of convicts from England. Under the command of Captain Robert White, the Phoenix picked up a pilot just outside Sydney Heads but on entering the harbour struck the Sow and Pigs Reef. The keel was found to be so damaged that it could not be repaired. The ship was sold to the NSW Colonial Government for ₤1000 and converted to a prison hulk for those awaiting secondary transportation to Norfolk Island and Moreton Bay. The Phoenix Hulk was usually moored in Lavender Bay in Sydney Harbour. By the end of 1837 it was described as being in a sinking state and was auctioned for ₤145, the prisoners being temporarily housed on Goat Island. |
Selected articles
The Sydney Gazette Thursday 23 June 1825 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2184169
We are happy to learn, that the Phoenix hulk is almost ready to receive prisoners. Under the inspection of Mr. Sleight, the vessel is fitting up in a superior and confortable style ; and it strikes us that those afloat will be much better off than their miserable associates in crime on shore. Cleanliness in a prison, or any where else in fact, is very desirable ; but where it is disregarded no compliment is due to those who neglect a quality which has ever been esteemed as secondary only to "godliness." We anticipate much lasting benefit to result from the judicious step exercised by our considerative Executive in the procurance of the Phoenix as a hulk :–it will have no small influence on the bush-ranging system, as escape will be impossible, unless it be effected when the prisoners are employed in the town.
The Sydney Gazette Thursday 30 June 1825 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2184178
His Excellency Sir THOMAS BRISBANE visited the Capital on Tuesday morning, for the customary Despatch of Public Business.
A COUNCIL was held at noon.
His EXCELLENCY inspected the Phoenix hulk in the afternoon.
The Australian Thursday 25 August 1825 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37073970
On Saturday-last fifty-six prisoners were removed from the Sydney Gaol on board the Phoenix Hulk, preparatory to being transported to some penal settlement, in pursuance of their several sentences.
The Australian Thursday 8 September 1825 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37071463
We much, regret that a misapprehension should have existed in the mind of any one with, respect to the nature of the punishment which could legally be visited on the Prisoners confined on board the Phoenix Hulk. The only satisfaction to countervail our regret, is that the practice has not long existed ; and that it will, without, a doubt, now be discontinued, as it is discountenanced by the Grand Jury. The Hulk is a cheap, a wholesome, and in every point, of view a useful prison; and we should be sorry to find that by a permanent adherence to anything approximating to torture, its utility and advantages should be counteracted; As men, we raise our voices against torture ; as Britons, : we demand its annihilation throughout the Colony.
The Sydney Gazette Thursday 17 November 1825 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2184709
THE PHOENIX HULK.
In consequence of a letter, written by the Superintendent of the Hulk to the Judge, and communicated by him to the Governor, the latter requested the Magistrales to visit and report on the state of the hulk. The following Report was in consequence transmitted to the Governor :--
"To His Excellency Sir Thomas Brisbane K.C.
... The prisoners confined in the hulk appeared to have been sent from the gaol indiscriminately, and without any regard to classification with respect to crime or ultimate destination; some being destined to a penal settlement for life or years; others having only a few months to serve ; the consequence to individuals is sometimes unnecessarily hard, as prisoners confined in the hulk, are debarred from receiving such aid from friends as they might experience in gaol. The hulk is a very comfortable gaol. We conclude our Report with again respectfully drawing Your Excellency's attention to the necessity of an improved allowance of food and clothing to the prisoners, and the absolute necessity of the hulk being visited every other day, at least, by one or more Magistrates, until a legal authority is derogated to the Superintendent to punish minor offences.
We have the honour, &c. &c."
F. ROSSI, J. P. and Superintendent of Police.
The Sydney Gazette Wednesday 24 May 1826 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2185861
Goat Island, which lies at the entrance of the Parramatta River, and forms the commencement of the harbour to the west of Sydney Cove, is on the eve of being converted into a naval arsenal, and Mr. Nicholson, the Master Attendant, who seems highly delighted with the measure, is most anxious that the views of His EXCELLENCY may be promptly carried into the fullest effect. On the west side of the island, which forms a complete shelter from our southerly gales, there is depth of water to lay the largest vessel in the navy close to the shore. The Phoenix hulk is to be moored off this island, and the prisoners will be worked on shore.
The Monitor Friday 29 September 1826 p.4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31757862
A warrant for the execution of the following unhappy culprits, was received at the gaol on saturday last. Patrick Sullivan, James Moran, Matthew Craven and Thomas Cavenagh, bushrangers, convicted upon their own plea, of being guilty of diverse robberies, and John Griffiths, for cutting and maiming with intent to kill Hugh Carling on board the Phoenix Hulk. Monday morning is appointed for carrying the awful sentences into effect.
The Sydney Gazette Wednesday 11 October 1826 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2186699
Any one that may wish to be richly compensated for a short walk, has only to stroll as far as the private residence of the Master Attendant, or in its vicinity near Dawes' Point, and they will not only see the line of coast on the east side of Darling Harbour, with vessels here and there safely and conveniently moored, but also on the opposite shore, the Phoenix hulk, and, as the eye penetrates further up the river, large ships riding at anchor safe from every danger, and actually taking in timber close to.
The Sydney Gazette Friday 7 December 1827 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2189531
The Phoenix hulk, under the command of Capt. Murray, has recently undergone considerable improvement. There is an excellent school-room on board, and a place constructed for the reception of the sick, which is admirably ventilated. The utmost attention is paid to cleanliness, the importance of which to health, Capt. Murray, as a medical man, is well aware, wherefore his discipline in this respect, is exceedingly strict, but on many accounts, the prisoners, who are usually employed in teasing oakum, are better off than those in the gaol. The mode of punishment adopted towards refractory subjects is salutary without being severe.
The Sydney Gazette Tuesday 19 July 1831 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2201593
The ship Eleanor, recently arrived from England with the Machine-Breakers, is understood to have been taken up by Government to convey prisoners to the penal settlements,–no less than 200 being now in the Phoenix Hulk, besides a large number in gaol. The Eleanor, it is believed, will be soon ready for sea.
The Sydney Gazette Monday 26 September 1831 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12843539
–Escape from the Hulk.–On Monday morning, it was discovered that some prisoners had escaped from one of the cells on board the Phoenix Hulk; on a search being made, it was ascertained that the bars had been cut from the ports, through which Farrell, convicted of the Bank robbery; Smith, alias Sculthorpe, a runaway from Macquarie Harbour ; Thomas Williams, and James Tansley, had effected their escape. It is supposed to have been a planned thing and that a boat must have been in waiting at a short distance, to convey them ashore, and provide them with clothes, as they left their own behind. Four other men had their irons cut ready to accompany them. Their capture, it is expected, will not be effected without difficulty, as they are men of the most determined character.
The Sydney Herald Monday 28 November 1831 p.4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12843772
–Mr. McKaig, formerly Chief Mate of the Phoenix Hulk, has been appointed Superintendent of that vessel.–
-----------------------------------------
Report from a convict who spent time on the Phoenix Hulk in Sydney Harbour in 1836
Thomas Cook, The Exile's Lamentation, 1978, pp. 43-44.
I was arraigned in the Quarter Sessions in May, 1836, and on of Guilty the plea of "Forgery" was sentenced to transportation to Norfolk Island for life.
I was accordingly removed to that floating Den of Infamy, the hulk Phoenix, until opportunity offered for the Shipment of a draft of re-convicted prisoners to that place.
During my stay on board, scenes of depravity which human nature shudders to contemplate were exhibited with apparent delight. Nor were the means as resorted to by the Keeper for the punishment of slight Offences, at all calculated to lessen the successful spread of so demoralizing a contagion. The men of the adjoining Cell to that in which I and 9 others were chained, had been smoking a Tobacco pipe one Evening, contrary to the Rules of the Establishment, when the Keeper came to our Cell and charged us as the Offenders.
He sent for 10 pairs of Handcuffs, took our shirts, Blankets and clothes away, and manacling each of our hands behind our backs, he reefed the legs, which were very heavily Ironed, to the upper part of the Iron Staunchions of the Cell by means of a Bar outside, with the whole weight of our chains and bodies pressing on our Shoulder blades for the night, in a state of perfect Nudity. By the following morning, and for two days afterwards, I could scarcely regain the use of my Arms.
I have also seen men in a similar position, with the additional torture of a gagging instrument to silence their Cries, and the throwing of Buckets of Water over them when in that state. Numerous complaints had been made to the Authorities, but the capabilities of the Keeper and his aidants were such, that no prisoner could withstand the case they would make out to render futile the complainants' assertions; and thus these Outrages upon humanity commissioned with impunity.
The Keeper's predecessor, Captain Murray, who had practised similar cruelties, died in a state of Mental derangement, and the one in question (Mr McKeig) laboured under a similar malady, brought on by the excessive use of Ardent Spirits and it is to be hoped the Almighty had received their Souls.
The Sydney Herald Thursday 1 December 1836 p.3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12857782
Queries.–Is it true that the " Phoenix Hulk" is converted into a retail grog shop for the accommodation of the Convicts on board ? It cannot be true, because we are certain that no license was granted on the last licensing day.
Is it true that those Convicts who have money can purchase merchandise, slops, &c, on board the Hulk? This cannot be true, because it would be impossible to make the Hulk a retail store, without the knowledge of the superintendent.
Is it true that mechanics are allowed to work at their several trades on board the Hulk, such as cabinetmakers, shoemakers, tailors, picture frame makers, &c. ? This must be incorrect, as the noise which the above occupations would create, must necessarily excite suspicion, and be immediately suppressed.
Is it true that new articles of every description are constantly being conveyed in the boats belonging to the Hulk, to Sydney for sale ? This must be false, because no boat is allowed to leave the Hulk before it
has been inspected by the superintendent or his assistant.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2213842
The old hulk Phoenix being now in a sinking state, an order has been given by the Government to have her sent on shore and sold by auction. Colonial shipbuilders would do well to examine this vessel and take a model of her, as the old Phoenix was well known to be one of the fastest sailing frigates that ever sailed from England.
The Sydney Gazette Saturday 8 December 1838 p.2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2551190
CORONER'S INQUEST.–On Thursday an inquest was held at the " Bunch of Grapes," King-street, on the body of Daniel Burke, an old man lying at the General Hospital. The deceased had formerly been a scourger on board the Phoenix hulk, but had latterly resided at Botany. A few days ago he was found in a hut there in a deplorable state, and removed to the Hospital. He was said to have been a very intemperate man, and the surgeon was of opinion that that circumstance accelerated his death. The jury returned a verdict to that effect.
Illustrated Sydney News Saturday 22 October 1853 p.4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63613597
OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.
DANIEL EGAN, ESQ.
Among other important works which were executed under his supervision, may be mentioned the Phoenix Hulk, formerly the receptacle for prisoners belonging to the colony. For the manner in which he had effected the completion of this work, he received a complimentary letter from Major Ovens, at that time Private Secretary to his Excellency Sir Thomas Brisbane.
Francis MacNamara Timeline
 |
| Robert Russell c 1837: Phoenix Hulk moored at entrance Billy Blue's Bay [Lavender Bay] Courtesy National Library of Australia |
- 1811 Francis MacNamara born in Cashel Tipperary ( or Wicklow, or Cork) in the first half of the year.
- 14 January 1832 sentenced to 7 years transportation
- 18 January 1832 MacNamara's use of poetry in court reported in the Kilkenny Journal
- 10 May 1832, age 21, sailed from Cork on the prison ship Eliza II, trade described as Miner. Among his fellow prisoners for the journey were 43 Whiteboys
- 18 June 12 Lashes - 'Poet on the Eliza' Bob Reece
- 8 September 1832 arrived in Sydney, assigned as servant to John Jones of Sydney
- 3 January 1833 sentenced to 6 months gaol served in an ironed-gang on Goat Island in Sydney Harbour
- 17 June 1833 Macnamara Francis, Eliza, from Ditto 'Runaways Apprehended' (Sydney Gazette p. 1.)
- 27 May 1833 returned to Hyde Park Barracks
- June 1833 absconded and recaptured and sentenced to flogging, on 24 June received 50 lashes
- 1 July 1833 sentenced to a month on the treadmill for disobedience
- Absconded again recaptured and on 24 August 1833 was sentenced to 12 month in irons
- 3 September 1833 sent to Phoenix Hulk on Sydney Harbour to serve his sentence
- 1 February 1834 flogged with 25 lashes for having a stolen shirt
- 3 March 1834 75 lashes for insubordinate conduct
- 25 August returned to Hyde Park Barracks
- 26 January 1835 3 days in the cells (solitary confinement) for being absent from duty
- 18 February 1835 25 lashes for disobeying orders
- 9 March 1835 100 lashes for obscene language
- 16 April 1835 12 months in irons
- 16 May 1835 36 lashes for insolence
- 8 June 1835 50 lashes for threatening language
- 8 August 1835 75 lashes for destroying a government cart
- 14 December 1835 50 lashes for refusing to work
- 16 March 1836 sent to Phoenix Hulk
- 25 March 1836 25 lashes for neglect of work
- 15 August 1836 10 days in the cells for being found drunk
- March 1837 2 months on treadmill for absconding
- 25 March 1837 refused to mount treadmill 50 lashes
- May 1837 returns to Phoenix Hulk
- 31 December 1837 presence on Phoenix recorded in muster for the census
- 1838 assigned to Australian Agricultural Company as shepherd on the Peel River and then Stroud till October 1839
- 23 October 1839 Trimingham manuscript written containing 4 poems: A Convict's Tour To Hell, A Petition from the Chain Gang at Newcastle, A Petition in Behalf of the Flocks and For the Company Underground
- 1 November 1839 Newcastle Gaol - sentenced 12 months in an Ironed Gang
- 9 November 1839 Forwarded to Sydney
- 5 December 1839 Discharged from Wooloomooloo Stockade sent to Parramatta Gaol
- 7 December 1839 Disposed of to Stockade Parramatta
- 4 January 1840 50 lashes for mutinous conduct
- 8 February 1840 A Dialogue Between Two Hibernians in Botany Bay published in the Sydney Gazette under the name Francis MacNamara
- 30 May 1842 captured by sergeant Michael Doyle at the foot of Razorback: Francis McNamara, per Elisa; John Jones, per Lady Macnaughton; Edward Allen, per Asia; William Thomson, per do; William Eastwood, per Patriot. Capture of Bushrangers reported in Sydney Gazette 2 June
- 6 June 1842 Admitted to Sydney Gaol
- 8 July 1842 tried at Assizes of Sydney for being at large with fire arms on his person and sentenced to be transported to Van Diemen's Land for Life
- 11 July 1842 three month stay on Cockatoo Island awaiting transportation to Van Diemen's Land
- 14 October 1842 departs Sydney with 24 other prisoners for Van Diemen's Land
- 29 Oct 1842 arrival in Hobart per Waterlily
- 25 December 1842 meets bushranger Martin Cash in Port Arthur, entertains prisoners with his verse beginning with his introductory "crow"
- 25 Sept 1843 seven days solitary confinement for disobeying orders
- January 1847 receives ticket-of-leave
- September 1847 receives conditional pardon
- 1 January 1848 name appears in Launceston Census?
- 21 July 1849 gains Certificate of Freedom
- 8 September 1853 reported in the Sydney Morning Herald as working with a party of gold miners at Tambaroora, Hill End NSW
- 1 March 1861 calligraphic work on Calf Family Record near Mudgee NSW
- 29 August 1861 death in Mudgee NSW
- 18 June 1862 Article with local stories about Frank the Poet at Meroo in the Bathurst Free Press
- 7 October 1865 Article about Frank the Poet extemporising verse in 1835 in Sydney Police Court in the Bunyip
- 24 December 1881 attribution of "Travellers Welcome"song to Frank the Poet in the South Australian Weekly Chronicle
- Frank the Poet mentioned by Owen Suffolk in his autobiography Days of Crime and Years of Suffering serialised in the Australasian newspaper (1867) reprinted by the Gippsland Times (1898)
- 1885 First publication of 'A Convict's Tour to Hell', in a booklet titled 'The Song of Ninian Melville' a poem by Henry Kendall
- 27 December 1900 A Convict's Tour to Hell: published in the Cumberland Times
- 1 January 1892 Victoria Museum - Frank the Poet exhibit, an example of his penmanship
- 28 January 1893 Convict's Tour to Hell: cited by Telemachus in the Oakleigh Leader
- 7 September 1900 in the Western Champion (Parkes, NSW)
- 12 December 1900 "Martin Cash" play includes Frank the poet as a character.
- 22 August 1903 attribution of 'The Poor Exile from the Shamrock Shore' in the Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal
A Lauriate
Article by "Dolphin"
Published in the Launceston Examiner 10 September 1885 under the heading "Old Time History"
Frank McNamara, the convict poet, was a clever fellow and a great favourite at Port Arthur. He was originally sent out to Sydney, and was for some time confined on board the hulk Phoenix, where, upon the occasion of some meat which was unfit for human food being given to the convicts to eat, he achieved fame by the following composition:
"Oh, bull, oh, bull, what brought you here ?
You've ranged these hills for many a year.
You've ranged these hills with sore abuse
And now you're here for poor Frank's use."
He was afterwards sent to Port Arthur, where he behaved well, and was sent north as an assigned servant, subsequently obtaining his freedom. Prior to leaving Launceston for Victoria he scraped the mud off his boots upon the wharf, and took anything but a tender farewell of the island. I believe he afterwards obtained work upon a newspaper at Geelong, but I have not heard of him since.
Notes
Published in the Launceston Examiner 10 September 1885 under the heading "Old Time History"
Frank McNamara, the convict poet, was a clever fellow and a great favourite at Port Arthur. He was originally sent out to Sydney, and was for some time confined on board the hulk Phoenix, where, upon the occasion of some meat which was unfit for human food being given to the convicts to eat, he achieved fame by the following composition:
"Oh, bull, oh, bull, what brought you here ?
You've ranged these hills for many a year.
You've ranged these hills with sore abuse
And now you're here for poor Frank's use."
He was afterwards sent to Port Arthur, where he behaved well, and was sent north as an assigned servant, subsequently obtaining his freedom. Prior to leaving Launceston for Victoria he scraped the mud off his boots upon the wharf, and took anything but a tender farewell of the island. I believe he afterwards obtained work upon a newspaper at Geelong, but I have not heard of him since.
Notes
Dolphin, a ex-convict himself, begins this column discussing shipbuilding and and cites 'the brig Cypress' built by convicts at the 'Gates of Hell' the Van Diemen's Land Macquarie Harbour penal station. Appropriately this ship was the one successfully commandeered by other convicts and sailed to China three years later. Francis MacNamara is credited with writing a memorial to this escape 'The Seizure of the Cyprus Brig in Recherche Bay'.
A Convict's Tour to Hell
 |
| Convict on the hulk Success, Port Phillip Bay |
Nor can the foremost of the sons of men
Escape my ribald and licentious pen
Swift
Composed and written October 23rd day, Anno 1839
A Poem by Francis MacNamara
You prisoners all of New South Wales,
A story to you I will tell
'Tis of a convict's tour to hell.
Whose valour had for years been tried
On the highway before he died
At length he fell to death a prey
To him it proved a happy day
Downwards he bent his course I'm told
Like one destined for Satan's fold
And no refreshment would he take
'Till he approached the Stygian lake
A tent he then began to fix
Continuous to the River Styx
Thinking that no one could molest him
He leaped when Charon thus addressed him,
Stranger I say from whence art thou,
And thy own name, pray tell me now,
Kind sir I come from Sydney gaol
My name I don't mean to conceal
And since you seem anxious to know it
On earth I was called Frank the Poet
Are you that person? Charon cried
I'll carry you to the other side
So stranger do not troubled be
For you shall have a passage free
Five or sixpence I mostly charge
For the like passage in my barge
So stranger do not troubled be
For you shall have a passage free
Frank seeing no other succour nigh
With the invitation did comply
And having a fair wind and tide
They soon arrived at the other side
And leaving Charon at the ferry
 |
| Pope Pius VII |
And rapping loudly at the gate
Of Limbo, or the Middle State
Pope Pius the 7th soon appeared
With gown, beads, crucifix and beard
And gazing at the Poet the while
Accosts him in the following style
Stranger art thou a friend or foe
Your business here I fain would know
Quoth the Poet for Heaven I'm not fitted
And here I hope to be admitted
Pius rejoined, vain are your hopes
This place was made for Priests and Popes
'Tis a world of our own invention
But friend I've not the least intention
To admit such a foolish elf
Who scarce knows how to bless himself
Quoth Frank were you mad or insane
When first you made this world of pain?
For I can see nought but fire
A share of which I can't desire
Here I see weeping wailing gnashing
And torments of the newest fashion
Therefore I call you silly elf
Who made a rod to whip yourself
And may you like all honest neighbours
Enjoy the fruit of all your labours
Frank then bid the Pope farewell
And hurried to that place called Hell
And having found the gloomy gate
Frank rapped aloud to know his fate
He louder knocked and louder still
When the Devil came, pray what's your will?
Alas cried the Poet I've come to dwell
With you and share your fate in Hell
Says Satan that can't be, I'm sure
For I detest and hate the poor
And none shall in my kingdom stand
Except the grandees of the land.
But Frank I think you are going astray
For convicts never come this way
But soar to Heaven in droves and legions
A place so called in the upper regions
So Frank I think with an empty purse
You shall go further and fare worse
Well cried the Poet since 'tis so
One thing of you I'd like to know
As I'm at present in no hurry
Have you one here called Captain Murray?
Yes Murray is within this place
Would you said Satan see his face?
May God forbid that I should view him
For on board the Phoenix Hulk I knew him
 |
| Captain Logan |
Who on fire and brimstone seems to graze?
'Tis Captain Logan of Moreton Bay
And Williams who was killed the other day
He was overseer at Grosse Farm
And done poor convicts no little harm
Cook who discovered New South Wales
And he that first invented gaols
Are both tied to a fiery stake
Which stands in yonder boiling lake
Hark do you hear this dreadful yelling
It issues from Doctor Wardell's dwelling
And all those fiery seats and chairs
Are fitted up for Dukes and Mayors
And nobles of Judicial orders
Barristers, Lawyers and Recorders
Here I beheld legions of traitors
Hangmen gaolers and flagellators
Commandants, Constables and Spies
Informers and Overseers likewise
In flames of brimstone they were toiling
 |
| Dr Wardell - St James Church Sydney South Wall |
Hell did resound with their fierce yelling
Alas how dismal was their dwelling
Then Major Morriset I espied
And Captain Cluney by his side
With a fiery belt they were lashed together
As tight as soles to upper leather
Their situation was most horrid
For they were tyrants down at the Norrid
Postrate I beheld a petitioner
It was the Company's Commissioner
Satan said he my days are ended
For many years I've superintended
The An. Company's affairs
And I punctually paid all arrears
Sir should you doubt the hopping Colonel
At Carrington you'll find my journal
Legibly penned in black and white
To prove that my accounts were right
And since I've done your will on earth
I hope you'll put me in a berth
Then I saw old Sergeant Flood
In Vulcan's hottest forge he stood
He gazed at me his eyes with ire
Appeared like burning coals of fire
In fiery garments he was arrayed
And like an Arabian horse he brayed
He on a bloody cutlass leaned
And to a lamp-post he was chained
He loudly called out for assistance
Or begged me to end his existence
Cheer up said I be not afraid
Remember No. Three Stockade
In the course of time you may do well
If you behave yourself in Hell
Your heart on earth was fraught with malice
Which oft drove convicts to the gallows
But you'll now atone for all the blood
Of prisoners shed by Sergeant Flood.
Then I beheld that well known Trapman
The Police Runner called Izzy Chapman
Here he was standing on his head
In a river of melted boiling lead.
Alas he cried behold me stranger
I've captured many a bold bushranger
And for the same I'm suffering here
But lo, now yonder snakes draw near
On turning round I saw slow worms
And snakes of various kinds and forms
All entering at his mouth and nose
To devour his entrails as I suppose
Then turning round to go away
Bold Lucifer bade me to stay
Saying Frank by no means go man
Till you see your old friend Dr Bowman
'Yonder he tumbles groans and gnashes
He gave you many a thousand lashes
And for the same he does bewail
For Osker with an iron flail
Thrashes him well you may depend
And will till the world comes to an end
Just as I spoke a coach and four
 |
| Governor Darling |
And about six feet of mortal sin
Without leave or licence trudged in
At his arrival three cheers were given
Which rend I'm sure the highest Heaven
And all the inhabitants of Hell
With one consent rang the great bell
Which never was heard to sound or ring
Since Judas sold our Heavenly King
Drums were beating flags were hoisting
There never before was such rejoicing
Dancing singing joy or mirth
In Heaven above or on the earth
Straightway to Lucifer I went
To know what these rejoicings meant
Of sense cried Lucifer I'm deprived
Since Governor Darling has arrived
With fire and brimstone I've ordained him
And Vulcan has already chained him
And I'm going to fix an abode
For Captain Rossi, he's on the road
Frank don't go 'till you see the novice
The magistrate from the Police Office
Oh said the Poet I'm satisfied
To hear that he is to be tied
And burned in this world of fire
I think 'tis high time to retire
And having travelled many days
O'er fiery hills and boiling seas
At length I found that happy place
Where all the woes of mortals cease
And rapping loudly at the wicket
Cried Peter, where's your certificate
 |
| John Jenkins |
Pray who in Heaven do you know?
Well I know Brave Donohue
Young Troy and Jenkins too
And many others whom floggers mangled
And lastly were by Jack Ketch strangled
Peter, says Jesus, let Frank in
For he is thoroughly purged from sin
And although in convict's habit dressed
Here he shall be a welcome guest
Isaiah go with him to Job
And put on him a scarlet robe
St Paul go to the flock straightway
And kill the fatted calf today
And go tell Abraham and Abel
In Haste now to prepare the table
For we shall have a grand repast
Since Frank the Poet has come at last
Then came Moses and Elias
John the Baptist and Mathias
With many saints from foreign lands
And with the Poet they all join hands
Thro' Heaven's Concave their rejoicings range
And hymns of praise to God they sang
And as they praised his glorious name
I woke and found 'twas but a dream.
Notes:
It's hard not to imagine the shear pleasure convicts would have enjoyed on hearing this great poem, and hear it they did, and memorised it or parts of it well enough for 19th century collectors to copy down and piece together.
There is an interesting doubling up of lines early in the poem that suggest this was a copy from another manuscript:
So stranger do not troubled be
For you shall have a passage free
Five or sixpence I mostly charge
For the like passage in my barge
So stranger do not troubled be
For you shall have a passage free
There is an interesting doubling up of lines early in the poem that suggest this was a copy from another manuscript:
So stranger do not troubled be
For you shall have a passage free
Five or sixpence I mostly charge
For the like passage in my barge
So stranger do not troubled be
For you shall have a passage free
MacNamara mentions a number of bushrangers he knows to be in heaven and one of them is John Jenkins who in November 1834 was publicly hanged for the murder of Dr Wardell. According to the Sydney Herald of 13 November 1834, 'the neighbourhood of the gaol was crowded to a degree never before observed on any similar occasion', because Jenkins's truculent behaviour to court had aroused the expectation that he would make a particularly spirited exit from the world. His speech from the drop began with the words:
Well, good bye my lads, I have not time to say much to you. I acknowledge I shot the Doctor, but it was not for gain, it was for the sake of my fellow prisoners because he was a tyrant and I have one thing to recommend you as a friend, if any of you take the bush, shoot every tyrant you come across, and there are several now in the yard who ought to be served so.
If Jenkins was in Heaven the man he murdered, Dr Wardell, was discovered by the poet in Hell
Hark do you hear this dreadful yelling
It issues from Doctor Wardell's dwelling
Interestingly we have portraits of both men, Wardell has a marble plaque on the southern wall of the St James' Church in Sydney, and a court reporter drew a likeness of Jenkins during his trial.
Interestingly we have portraits of both men, Wardell has a marble plaque on the southern wall of the St James' Church in Sydney, and a court reporter drew a likeness of Jenkins during his trial.
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| From Trimingham Mss. Year of composition 1839 |
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