"The secession of the United States nearly brought him to ruin but he offset this by taking on the contract to house and transport convicts. His prison hulks became notorious but they kept him in business. He is said to have been the contractor for the voyage of the first convict settlers to Australia in 1788 - 'the First Fleet' - and to have cheated on the deal."
1805 - 22nd Apr 1887
Born into slavery in Carriacou, Grenada, Malvina Wells became a lady's maid in Edinburgh and a trusted family friend to her employers.
Document comprises 4 parts, written recto and verso across 5 folios: 1. An inventory and valuation of enslaved persons at Windsor Estate, St Elizabeth parish, Jamaica, 1814. 2. An inventory and valuation of enslaved persons at Williamsfield settlement, St Elisabeth parish, Jamaica, 1814. 3. An inventory of animals at Windsor Estate, St Elizabeth parish, Jamaica, 1814. 4. A cover note outlining the contents of the document.
