The Story of Black Caesar and Convict Transportation

This chapter humorously explores the history of Black Caesar, a young man convicted of stealing in 1786, and the harsh conditions faced by convicts being transported to Australia. It discusses the absurd beliefs of the wealthy attributing rising crime rates to individuals being born as criminals and the grim conditions onboard ships, including issues with food, disease, and proposed extreme solutions like dumping convicts on an island in Gambia. The chapter also touches on misunderstandings and interactions with the indigenous Eorman tribe upon arriving at Botany Bay in 1788.