Reading the Example Letter – Personal Observation

16/09/2020 – Lesson 3

Introducing the summative assessment for the topic the students were very excited to step into the shoes
of a convict they have been researching. Going through the assessment requirements the students had
some questions and we shared the expectations of the letter. To clarify their understanding, I read an
example of a convict letter that I had prepared earlier. I also projected it on the board for the students to
not only follow my voice but to read the words as well. When I was reading the students were silent and
fixated on the words I was saying. After I had finished reading the students remained silence for a minute
and then busted into a round of applause. I asked students to calm down and reflect on what I included in
the letter. After a minute I asked for some responses, these were included:

“It felt as if we were the family you were reading to” – CS2

“When you were reading the letter, I closed my eyes and imagined everything you were
saying in my head”

“I just felt sad for him”

“I know just by looking around that the words really touched us”

Students presented their responses with a high level of empathy. They reflected on the information and
put themselves in the convict’s position. I knew from the tone of the room and the expressions on their
faces that the students really did connect with my reading and the convict I brought to life for them. With
this foundation, I was able to effectively introduce the letter writing task which the students were eager to
begin writing.
Name – Thomas Tilley Sentence – 7 years transportation
Age – 41 Occupation – Labourer
Ship – Alexander Extra notes – Married Mary Abel 4th May 1788.
Crime – Robbery

To my dearest Mother,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and that conditions in Britain becomes a lot easier for you
and the family. The land here is not like that of Britain, it is not overcrowded but open with large
areas of space, yet I feel the most trapped I have ever felt in my life. More trapped in this country than
when I was cramped into the Hulks, in dark and dirty conditions I would never dream to have you
suffer in.

When the judge sentenced me to transportation for seven years, I knew I would never see you again.
Overwhelmed in my own sadness and worries for my future, I regret being involved with the robbery
that doomed me and I begin to wish for a different life for myself, one where I wouldn’t have to steal
to survive. Although it is these thoughts and choices that anger me, the feeling of loneliness
overcomes me as I know I will never hear your sweet voice again. It is the words in our letters that will
help me survive my long and hard days as a transported convict.

I write to you now from the shore of Botany Bay, where we have set up our camp. We arrived here on
the 26th of January 1787, although this new land is strange and very different to Britain, it was the
journey that presented true horror. Captain Arthur Phillip lead the 252-day journey across the seas. I
saw different places Rio De Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope, other than these times on shore, it
was a miserable time. The weather was hot and uncomfortable, we were kept below decks which were
filled with rats, lice, and cockroaches, it was unbearable.

It was the journey that brought us hope to arrive to the new land they call Terra Nullius. Although we
quickly learnt that we weren’t alone on this land. The land is home to Indigenous People. I don’t
understand their culture or their language, but I don’t think they understand ours either. My
assignment on this land is a labourer to a private landowner and I work long hours with my dinner
being served to me midday. I am thankful I am not a part of the iron-gangs where the working
conditions would be much worse. That’s for badly behaved convicts, but I have proven myself worthy
of an assignment.

Mother, I finish my note by telling you good news. I have met a girl on my journey, her name is Mary
Abel. All the loneliness of the fleet’s travels and the hardship that I faced in Britain may prove to hold
good fortune after all.

Your son,
Thomas.