Richard Perkins arrived in Australia on 26 July 1799 aboard the ship the Hillsborough as a convict. The Hillsborough had the dubious distinction of being one of the convict transports with the greatest loss of life during the voyage. See The Horror Voyage of the Hillsborough for more information.
In November 1800 he, along with three accomplices, stole a boat in the Hunters River and sailed from what was then known as Coal River, but was later named Newcastle. Whatever became of them during that voyage must have been sobering, because when they gave themselves up and were tried and found guilty, although they were sentenced to death, they were granted a pardon because of their sufferings during the voyage. See Shipnicking on the Hunter for more information.
The following notice appeared in the Sydney Gazette on Sunday 28 December 1806:
"27 December 1806, Secretary's office
The undermentioned persons have obtained his Excellency's permission to depart
the Colony, (..etc) viz the Brig Elizabeth:
Mr R Walker, Mr Wm Shelly, John Birbeck, Charles Handcock, John Haywood, Antoni
Catoni, George Currey, James McNelly, Henry Shaffrey, David Clarke, Richard
Perkins, Thomas Lee, Charles Savage, Jacob Williams, Roger White.
All claims or demands on the abovementioned person s are to be forthwith presaented
in writing to this office.
By command of his excellency
E. GRIFFIN Sec."
It is unclear how the above notice relates to Richard Perkins, especially as he had not then received his pardon.
This does not seemed to have dimmed Richard's enthusiasm for boats because in 1817, when he made a Petition for mitigation of sentence, he is recorded as a "Master of Vessel". On 10 Feb 1817 he again Petitioned the governor for permission to proceed to Port Dalrymple (Davenport, Tasmania) in Mr Satler's schooner.
In 1819 he again makes a petition as an emancipated seaman, seeking permission for a voyage of speculation on the coast. He does not appear in the 1822 Muster, although his wife and children are listed as living in Sydney. Neither Richard nor his children appear in the 1828 Muster.
Click here to view the descendant tree of Richard Perkins.
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