Marked for Botany Bay : the Wicklow United Irishmen and the development of political transportation from Ireland, 1791-1806

Abstract

'Marked for Botany Bay' examines the Irish penal transportation system from its origins in the 1780s to its wide utilisation in the aftermath of the 1798 Rebellion. The selection of New South Wales as the principal site for the exile of political prisoners is placed in its proper context. Alternative modes of late Eighteenth century prisoner disposal are also considered in order to highlight the specific characteristics of rebel convictism and transportation policies. The large and militant Wicklow United Irish organization has been chosen as a case study group to chart the transportation process as it evolved in the face of the revolutionary challenges of the 1790s. Salient law and order issues such as Eighteenth century views on exemplary and summary justice are detailed to yield insights into the changing status of political prisoners from 1791-1805. Underused and new sources have been consulted to assess Government, convict, international and colonial perspectives on transportation from Ireland. This has generated a much fuller picture of the convict experience than hitherto available throwing fresh light on the mechanisms and nature of transportation. Matters arising from United Irish structures and their modus operandi at home and abroad are also discussed in depth to facilitate a fuller understanding of convict militancy in exile. Show more