Abberton

The Abberton arrived on the 22nd of September 1844 from England. The captain of the ship was Captain Campbell. On board six people lost their lives. Mary Wheeler died while giving birth and her infant daughter died four days later. Three other small children died of unknown causes and 16 year old Thomas Waring died a painful death by inflammation of the brain. The Abberton was built at Ipswich in 1819 and belonged to the Marshall of London. The ship sailed from England to Cork before arriving in Australia. On the ship many people had seasickness because of the continuous rocking and the only cure was pea soup but by the end of the voyage everyone was so sick of pea soup that they couldn't look at the food without feeling nauseous. The Abberton was narrow in the beam. This caused damp and uncomfortable living conditions in the single men's quarter. When the immigrants arrived the men were made to sign a form stating that they had received proper treatment and praising the doctor, master and crew for their great kindness and attention.