13th May 1787 England

Today we left England forever. I do not ever remember being so sad, lost and scared in my life. To see the faces of my family and friends for the last time will haunt me forever. My dear wife Hannah and three children; Elizabeth, Thomas and baby John were the world to me but now they are lost forever.

This ship (The Charlotte) holds mostly men, about 88 and a few women, around 20. The cells are cramped and I can already smell things that are too foul to mention. I don't know when we will be fed, I am not expecting it to be any time soon, although they will have to give us some food it we are to stay alive throughout this journey.

I want to remain optimistic about this journey but it pains me too much to even think about anything other than my family, but it pains me more to even picture them. How will they survive? Elizabeth is only 10, Thomas 8 and baby John but 3 months old. They are much to young to work, who knows what will happen to them if they were out on the streets alone, yet if they do not work how will they eat? Oh dear, oh dear. How did I get into this mess. If only I had not stolen that material for Hannah!

The officers just announced meal time.

Until next time,

Samuel Barsby