Mrs Bowden was a key figure in the supervision of female convicts transported to Van Diemen’s Land. These three accounts differ greatly in their assessment of her management.
The first extract, from the Hobart Town Courier of October 29, 1844, gives a glowing report of the state of the women prisoners on board the convict hulk the Anson, moored in the Derwent River:
Hobart Town Courier, Tues 29 Oct 1844, p2, col. 4: “The Anson”
We had the pleasure a few days since to pay a visit, too long deferred, to the female penitentiary on board the Anson, under the superintendence of Dr and Mrs Bowden. As we ascended the ship ladder we were agreeably saluted by the singing of the prisoners, who are assembled on Wednesdays for afternoon service. The singing, as well as the general service, is conducted by the Rev Mr Giles, and with very great effect his congregation appearing to unite with him throughout. Through the politeness of Mrs Bowden, who appears desirous to afford strangers an opportunity of acquainting themselves with the system pursued by her, we were conducted through every part of the ship, and informed on every particular of our inquiries. We found that besides the necessary duties of the establishment in washing and cooking, the women were employed in various descriptions of needlework, in the manufacture of shoes, straw hats, door mats, etc., as far as the very limited means at Mrs Bowden’s command will allow. Every part of the ship exhibited remarkable cleanliness, and we could not have expected to witness such general health, and to find the ventilation so good, where so large a number are collected together in a limited space. But these physical appearances constitute the least recommendation of those who superintend the arrangements on board the Anson. We remarked with great satisfaction the subdued, respectful, and throughout proper deportment of the moment exhibiting a very striking contrast with what we have been too long accustomed to in similar establishments in this country. No one who is acquainted with the trying circumstances in which the best disposed are placed in service in this colony will expect too much of Mrs Bowden’s management when they are again turned into society but this reflects nothing upon the establishment, from which in more favourable circumstances the best results could not fail to arise. We only lament that one so well fitted for her sphere of duty, and actuated by principles so high, and distinguished by energy so great, should not find everything favourable to her permanent success. As a mistake – arising from the letter of the Colonial Secretary to the Bench of Magistrates – generally exists, that the depot at the Brickfields is peopled from the Anson, we may as well state that this is not the case at present, whatever may be contemplated by the Government.
Source: Gail Dodd: Tall Ships-Vessels
http://members.iinet.net.au/~dodd/gail/tallships/vessels.html
These female convicts were relocated to the Brickfields Hiring Depot (now the site of the North Hobart football oval) to await assignment to employers. Two magistrates appointed to assess the situation of the women at the Brickfield Depot delivered a damning report earlier the same month – October 4th, 1844 – with these comments:
The Visiting Magistrates could not acquit themselves of the full discharge of their duties if they did not report the lax & mischievous system of this Estabt. The Women do not work! They have no employment, a state of absolute Idleness. Of itself sufficient to engender vice & counteract reformation. The practise of Tobacco smoking (most strangely encouraged here) for females & more especially for young ones is filthy & disgusting. A habit which not only stupefies the faculties but renders the female mind callous to reproof & shame.
Source: Female Factory - Hiring Depots
http://www.femalefactory.com.au/FFRG/hiring.htm#Brickfields
The view from London was all pity for poor suffering Mrs Bowden, and quietly admiring of her industrious resourcefulness in teaching the women to plait hats from the abundant supply of straw in the island.
The Times, Tuesday, January 20th, 1846
Click on image for readable version
Straw hats 1880s (?) Archives Office of Tasmania Ref: 1013-1990c
