The Charlotte was one of six convict transport ships in the First Fleet. The First Fleet carried the convicts and soldiers to Australia to start a penal colony. This was the start of European settlement of Australia. The Charlotte was built on the Thames about 1785, was a ship of 345 tons.[1] She was under the command of Thomas Gilbert.[2] She was 105 ft (32 m) long and 28 ft (9 m) wide.[3] The ship had a contract with the British Government to carry convicts. The owners were paid at a rate of 10 shillings per ton per month. They had to agree to keep the prisoners secure and safe.[2] She carried 88 male and 20 female convicts. After transporting the convicts to New South Wales, the Charlotte was under contract to work for the East India Company.
- ↑ Alan, Frost (2011). The First Fleet: the real story. Collingwood, Victoria: Black Inc. p. 91. ISBN 9781863955294.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "First Fleet". Australian Encyclopaedia. Vol. IV. Angus and Robertson. 1958. pp. 72–76.
- ↑ Crago, Tony (2004). The First Fleet and year of Settlement. Woollahra Sales and Imports. ISBN 1876553286.