Surprize (ship)

The British Surprize was one of the ships of the notorious Second Fleet to Port Jackson in Australia. With 400 tonnes, it was the smallest ship in the fleet and is an inappropriate for such a long journey vehicle that was entering already at something bad weather water. In rough seas and strong winds the convicts were according to a report of the commander of the guard " considerably above the hips in the water". She had been chartered for the return of the British East India Company to load tea in Canton.

Together with the Neptune and Scarborough she ran out with 254 male convicts on board in England on 19 January 1790. Her captain was Nicholas Anstis, the first mate on the Lady Penrhyn during the journey of the First Fleet, ship's doctor was William Waters. She arrived on 13 April 1790 at the Cape of Good Hope, where she spent 16 days in order to take over provisions. It was separated into heavy weather of the other two ships and met on 23 June in Port Jackson a. But contrary winds they blew out again to the sea, so that they reached the port until 26 June, after a total 158tägiger travel. During this trip, 36 (14%) of the convicts died, another 121 (48%) were sick when landing.

On August 1, 1790 put the Surprize with D' Arcy Wentworth and Catherine Crowley from Norfolk to Iceland. Before the Surpize arrived in August to Norfolk Iceland, and their son William Charles Wentworth was born, one of the discoverers of the crossing of the Blue Mountains. Wentworth took on the island to work as a doctor.