Escape from the Swan River Colony

Marcia Watson has written this teaser to the story of the life of convict No. 589, John Godderd who was transported to WA on the Pyrenees in 1851.

John Godderd, 589, Pyrenees

 “My name is John Gothard. I am 27 years of age, and a native of Birmingham, England. I am an escaped Convict. I was transported for house breaking, about six years and seven months ago, to Swan River, Australia. I made my escape, and got off, concealed on board of the Steamer “Emu”, and landed at Point de Galle, about twelve weeks ago. I came to Colombo about eleven weeks ago and have been in the Pettah Hospital for about nine weeks. I am now well. I cannot get any employment; I am starving; and I come and give myself up to Mr Dalziel the Magistrate. I was sentenced to be transported for ten years, by Mr Hill, the Recorder of Birmingham. I am willing to return to Swan River to serve out the term of my sentence.”

See his story at:  http://waconvicts.fhwa.org.au/g0/p24.htm#i589