A Battle against the odds Chapter 12, part 2

 

Transcription of A Battle against the odds Chapter 12, part 2

A Close Thing
After he was condemned to death on the 3rd April, 1816, John Smith had to languish in Newgate Prison, dreading the moment when he would be taken outside the gates to the place of Public Execution. Great crowds used to gather in the square when executions took place. An inn still stands nearby where those with the money could reserve some rooms with an excellent view. Although there is no record of anyone interceding on John’s behalf he was reprieved on 8th June, 1816 and hi sentence was changed to Transportation for Life. He was young and healthy and this may have saved him. One might imagine the authorities reasoning thus:

“Why execute young healthy men when they can be put to work in the new Colony of New South Wales”

As John was originally from Essex (revealed many years later on his death certificate but probably obvious from his speech and general demeanour) he may have had farming experience which could have helped tip the scales in his favour. Sound reasoning from a practical establishment point of view. Very fortunate indeed for the many future Australians who would not have been born but for this favourable stroke of the pen, which saved poor John’s life and sent him to a far better place 12,000 miles away. One may consider the irony of the system of transportation which was designed as a harsh, severe form of punishment (which it was) for crimes, however small, eventually giving its victims the chance of a better life otherwise denied them.

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