Henry Laing: Part 2 From Scotland to Australia

On the 27 December 1817, Henry, Robert and Archibald McQuharrie (tried and convicted on the same date) were transfered from the Old Tolbooth prision to the Thames River prision hulk "Justitia", moored off Woolwich, England. This was their home until April 1818 when they were boarded upon the "Isabella" at Spithead near Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Prison Hulk said to be the "Justitia"

The "Isabella" was a brand new ship, having been built on the Thames in 1818. She departed England on 3rd April, called at Rio where she left the Tottenham on 2nd July.

The journey to Australia was not without incident. Two prisoners died on the passage and another drowned. Archibald McQuarrie was shot above the knee by a pistol and had to have his leg amputated. Medical records show Henry spent several days in the infirmary with a hot, dry fever, headache & bitter taste in the mouth. With a strong and full pulse of 90, Henry soon joined the other convicts.


Five months, and 11 days at sea came to an end on 14th September 1818 when Henry and 226 other male prisoners aboard the "Isabella" arrived in Port Jackson.

"North and South Head's on Port Jackson", by Joseph Lycett, 1818.