The nineteen crimes for which people could be sentenced to transportation were a wide range of offenses committed during the 18th and 19th centuries. These crimes were deemed serious enough to warrant punishment by being sent to the far reaches of the British Empire, particularly Australia. The list of crimes included theft, fraud, assault, and even minor offenses like stealing clothes from a washing line.
Each label of the 19 Crimes wine collection features the portrait of one of these convicts who were transported to Australia. These labels serve as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by these individuals and the struggles they endured in a new and unfamiliar land.
To provide a more detailed understanding of the nineteen crimes, let's delve into some specific examples:
1. Grand Larceny: This term refers to the theft of valuable items or property. In the context of the 18th and 19th centuries, it could include stealing money, jewelry, or other prized possessions.
2. Petty Theft: This crime involved the theft of less valuable items or smaller amounts of money. It could range from stealing food to pilfering from market stalls.
3. Highway Robbery: As the name suggests, this crime involved robbing travelers on the highways. Highwaymen would ambush unsuspecting victims, demanding their valuables or money at gunpoint.
4. Forgery: This offense involved creating counterfeit documents, such as fake banknotes or forged signatures, with the intention of deceiving others for financial gain.
5. Counterfeiting: Similar to forgery, counterfeiting involved creating fake currency or coins to pass off as genuine legal tender.
6. Manslaughter: This crime referred to the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation or malice aforethought. It could result from a heated argument or a reckless act causing someone's death.
7. Arson: The act of intentionally setting fire to property, whether it be buildings, crops, or other structures, was considered a serious crime punishable by transportation.
8. Burglary: This crime involved breaking into and entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft. It often resulted in the theft of valuable items and personal belongings.
9. Treason: Considered one of the most severe crimes, treason involved betraying one's country or monarch. This could include plotting against the government, assisting enemy forces, or participating in rebellions.
10. Poaching: While it may seem relatively minor compared to other crimes on this list, poaching was taken seriously in the 18th and 19th centuries. It involved illegally hunting or fishing on land that did not belong to the perpetrator.
These are just a few examples of the crimes that led to transportation during this period. The list was extensive, covering a wide range of offenses. It is important to note that the severity of the punishment did not always align with the severity of the crime. Some individuals faced transportation for relatively minor offenses, while others committed more heinous crimes but escaped the punishment of transportation.
The inclusion of these crimes on the 19 Crimes wine labels serves as a reminder of the convict history of Australia and the hardships endured by those who were transported. It is a way to honor and remember their stories, as well as to recognize the impact they had on shaping the nation's history.