Monday 24 March 1788, a day described as foggy until 9 a.m., then clear, easterly winds with the temperature reaching 72°.  One this day, four weddings took place, and Susannah Blanchard (sic), a convict, was buried.

At the Surrey Lent Assizes 1787, which commenced on Monday 2 April 1787 at Kingston upon Thames before Sir Henry Gould Kent, Susannah Blanchet was tried for burglary on 29 December 1786.  Her occupation was given as servant, with an age of either 23 or 25 years.

The crime “… that Susannah Blanchet (sic) late of the parish of Epsom in the co. of surrey Spinster … the dwelling house of Philip O’Kelly Esq. feloniously did break and enter and .. two cotton Gowns of the value of 30s. one stuff Petticoat of the value of 7s one Cap trimmed with thread lace of the value of 1s. four other caps of the value of 4s. eight linen Handkerchiefs of the value of 8s. one muslin Apron of the value of 9s. one lawn Apron of the value of 4s. one Kenting Apron of the value of 1s. one check Apron of the value of 6d. one linen shift of the value of 2s. one cloth Cloak of the value of 4s. one black silk Hat of the value of 3s. one pair of women’s leather shoes of the value of 2s. two pair of linen Gloves of the value of 1s. of the goods and chattels of Jane Goodwin spinster … feloniously did steal ..”

Susannah was found not guilty of breaking and entering, but was found Guilty of stealing goods, value 39s and sentenced to be transported beyond the seas for seven years.

On the 28 April 1787 Susannah was ordered to Newgate from the New Gaol, Southwark, for transportation by wagon, where on 3 May she was embarked on the Prince of Wales.

Susannah having survived her trial, prison time and the long sea voyage, was a very early casualty in the new colony at Sydney Cove.

Artist impression of Susannah Blanchet
(Phillip Lock)

References
Cobley, John, The Crimes of the First Fleet Convicts
Cobley, John, Sydney Cove 1788
Gillen Mollie, the Founders of Australia, A Biographical Dictionary of the First Fleet