Fenian Diary

In 1867, Fenianism in Ireland was at its peak. The English, desperate to stem the tide of rebellion, banished convicted Fenians, along with thousands of common criminals, to exile in Australia. The Hougoumont, the last official convict ship to Australia, sailed in the autumn of 1867 with young Denis B. Cashman of Waterford on board. He was convicted of felony treason and sentenced to seven years' penal servitude. On the long journey, Cashman kept a diary where he shares in poignant detail his homesickness, wry humour, new friendships, adversity, and fear. -- Publisher description.