John Kent

343

Maureen Withey on 5th February 2024

Irish Convict Database, by Peter Mayberry. John Kent, per Isabella I (1823), Tried at Cork Co., 1823, 7 years, Died at sea, of scurvy, 1823. ------------------------------------------------------- ADM 101/36/3 . Medical and surgical journal of the Isabella Convict Ship, for the 4 July to 24 December 1823 by Mr William Rae, Surgeon and Superintendent, during which time the said ship was employed in a voyage to Port Jackson, New South Wales. Folios 11-12: John Kent, aged 30, Convict; disease or hurt, scurvy, sallow countenance, somewhat bloated, gums dark, spongy and bleed upon pressure, breath fetid and knees discoloured and covered with spots like flea bites. Put on sick list, 15 September 1823. Died, 25 November 1823. Described as of a weak, indolent and dirty habit, had been convalescent from fever but from filthiness, want of spirit and exertion had not recovered as fast as others. Three other cases died but this was the worst, the scorbutic diathesis being more exaggerated. Folios 13-15: Observations. Comments on the poor state of the convicts when embarked from the Surprise Hulk at Cove of Cork. One man having only a blanket for clothing and another only one leg to his trousers. The state of their clothing and the severity of the weather giving rise to a number of catarrhal complaints. Wine was issued very early in the voyage to lift their spirits. Fever soon appeared and some prisoners had suffered before joining the hulk. The cause must have been either latent in their systems or attached to the clothing they were supplied on leaving the hulk. Amongst other possible causes is the 'system of terror, robbery and plunder' that a gang had practiced on board the hulk and the plans of that gang to seize the ship, murdering anyone who stood in their way. The treatment of the fever is discussed along with methods of isolating the sufferers and fumigating their clothing in a barrel modified for the purpose. At the first opportunity, 4th October, the hospital was emptied and entirely cleaned and fumigated with nitre, sulphur and gunpowder. About this time the plan to mutiny and seize the ship was discovered and most of the convicts were replaced in irons and their liberty on deck curtailed. Just before this incident scurvy had appeared. The Surgeon's method of treatment is described in the case of John Kent. It's early appearance may be attributable to the prisoners having been previously in crowded conditions for some time in the hulk. After the lemon juice was used up, oatmeal pottage and porter proved very beneficial. It was decided it was unnecessary to touch at the Cape of Good Hope to pick up fresh provisions because there were enough provisions remaining and also to land the prisoners as soon as possible. The provisions supplied are sufficient for a healthy ship but in the case of sickness, some of the medical items are not in sufficient quantity. The salted meat and flour they were given was of very poor quality. Oatmeal pottage with sugar molasses was a very nutritious substitute. Potatoes could also be kept if supplied in baskets and occasionally aired upon deck. Beer would be more nutritious and antiseptic than the wine currently supplied. Signed, William Rea, Surgeon Superintendent of the Isabella To, The Commissioners for Victualling His Majesty's Navy etc.

338

Penny-Lyn Beale on 8th January 2021

UK, Royal Navy Medical Journals, Ship: Isabella Name; John Kent Age; 30 Date; 15 Nov 1823 Notes; Of a weak insolent and dirty habit, a convalescent from fever from some time ... Discharged; This morning, Death released him from a horrid state of misery. DIED 25 Nov 1823. --------------

338

Penny-Lyn Beale on 8th January 2021

New South Wales, Australia, Convict Indents, Bound Indentures No; 14 Name; John Kent No details Remarks; Hospital Warrants of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Offence; Insurrection Trial; 7 years. 7 May 1823 - Cork Co Age; 30 Height; 5 ft 9 in Eyes; Grey Hair; Fair Complexion; Fair