This sentence was later commuted to fourteen years and
transportation to the American colonies. That plan fell
through with the independence of the United States. In the
meantime, in Norwich Castle Jail, Susannah met and fell in
love with Henry, a fellow convict. In 1787 she was picked to
be transported to the new convict colony in Australia with
the first fleet heading there. But Henry was not. By this time
Susannah and Henry had a young son, also called Henry.
This decision meant the family was to be separated.
Susannah was moved to a prison boat moored on the
Thames, but the word got out about this wrenching event
and reached the ears of a philanthropist, Lady Cadogan.
Lady Cadogan organized a successful campaign to reunite
the Cables. Now they were both to be transported with
young Henry to Australia. Lady Cadogan also raised £20 to
purchase goods for them, which they would receive in
Australia. They sailed on the Alexander , but when they
arrived in Botany Bay, the parcel of goods had vanished, or
at least that is what Captain Sinclair claimed.
What could the Cables do? Not much, according to
English or British law. Even though in 1787, Britain had
inclusive political and economic institutions, this
inclusiveness did not extend to convicts, who had
practically no rights. They could not own property. They
could certainly not sue anyone in court. In fact, they could
not even give evidence in court. Sinclair knew this and
probably stole the parcel. Though he would never admit it,
he did boast that he could not be sued by the Cables. He
was right according to British law. And in Britain the whole
affair would have ended there. But not in Australia. A writ
was issued to David Collins, the judge advocate there, as
follows:
Whereas Henry Cable and his wife, new
settlers of this place, had before they left
England a certain parcel shipped on board
the Alexander transport Duncan Sinclair
Master, consisting of cloaths and several
other articles suitable for their present
situation, which were collected and bought at
the expence of many charitable disposed
persons for the use of the said Henry Cable,