That little lad, Fred, scurried up the gangway with baby brother, Nico, red-faced and panting behind. Fred’s tiny, joyous person provided such sharp contrast to the sullen, disorderly convicts and brutish soldiers, I laughed aloud! Their father, Mr G., hurried after his sons, while Mrs G. and their little girls, stepped carefully in his wake. We were all free passengers on the Francis and Eliza when she sailed from England in 1814. I looked forward to their company in the months ahead. Cork, Ireland After many delays, we set sail but soon encountered wild weather and sea sickness. “At least we’re underway”, we sighed, as we clung to ropes strung across the deck. Not for long, we weren't. We reached Cork and were delayed for four months! Provisioning was slowed by constant disputes and mutinies among the soldiers and crew and female convicts were brought in small groups from all over Ireland. We watched despondently as the wretched women boarded. “What we...
growing older, work, ageism, health, family history