The First Fleeter's: The story of John Randall

By JC Reardon

The story of John Randall (often spelled "Ranall") is a fascinating tale of survival, resilience, and adaptation during one of the most pivotal periods in Australian history. He was an African American convict who was part of the First Fleet, the group of ships that transported convicts, settlers, and marines to establish the first European colony in Australia in 1788. Here's an overview of his life and experiences:

Early Life

John Randall was born around 1764, likely in America. He is believed to have been of African descent, possibly a former enslaved person who gained his freedom. By the time he arrived in England, Randall was living in poverty, which was common for many freed slaves in 18th-century Britain.

In 1785, Randall was convicted at the Old Bailey in London for stealing a watch. He was sentenced to transportation to the penal colony of New South Wales for seven years, a common punishment at the time for theft.

Journey on the First Fleet

Randall was one of the 11 ships of the First Fleet that set sail from Portsmouth, England, on May 13, 1787, under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip. The fleet carried approximately 1,400 people, including convicts, marines, and their families, along with supplies needed to establish a colony. Randall was aboard the convict transport ship Alexander.

The voyage was arduous, lasting over eight months. Conditions aboard the ships were cramped and unsanitary, leading to illness and death for some passengers. However, Randall survived the journey and arrived in Botany Bay in January 1788, before the fleet moved to Port Jackson to establish Sydney Cove.

Life in the Colony

Once in New South Wales, Randall became a notable figure due to his strength, skill, and resilience. He was assigned to the Marines as a laborer, which was unusual for a convict and indicates he was highly regarded by the colonial authorities. His military duties likely involved helping to defend the fledgling colony and maintaining order.

Randall's skill as a marksman and hunter earned him a degree of respect and recognition within the colony. He became proficient in hunting kangaroos, an essential skill for providing fresh meat to the struggling settlement. His contributions to the colony's survival during its early years were significant.

Marriage and Relationships

In 1790, Randall married Esther Howard, a fellow convict. Their marriage was one of the first recorded unions between convicts in the colony. Esther had her own challenging story, having been sentenced to transportation for theft.

Later Years

After completing his sentence, Randall was granted his freedom. He stayed in New South Wales, where he continued to work as a laborer and hunter. His life reflects the diverse backgrounds of those who contributed to the establishment of modern Australia.

Details about Randall's later years are sparse, but his story remains a remarkable example of survival and adaptation in the face of adversity. He was one of several African-descended individuals who played a role in the early history of Australia, helping to shape the diverse cultural fabric of the nation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DTTSH64S
• ISBN13: 9798307925188
• Release Date: January 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"