Escape of Fenian Convicts from Fremantle, West Australia.

Engraving showing the escaped Fenians in a whaleboat rowing to the Catalpa, the Aberican whaler, moored offshore.

From 1865 to 1867 British authorities, after becoming increasingly concerned with republican demonstrations, began arresting supporters of the Irish Republican Brotherhood commonly called the Fenians. The Fenians had supporters in America known as the Fenian Brotherhood. Sixty two were transported to the penal colony at Fremantle, landing there in January 1868. Among this group was John Boyle O’Reilly who managed to escaped while working in a convict gang near Bunbury. He was helped by an Irish settler who arranged a passage for him on an American whaler the Vigilant in February 1869. He was unsuccessful in getting on that vessel but finally escaped on another whaler, the Gazelle, a few days later. While in America O’Reilly with the help of the Fenian Brotherhood arranged a rescue of the remaining Fenians in Fremantle goal. The whaling ship the Catalpa was bought with funds raised by the Fenian Brotherhood and departed for Western Australia on 29 April 1875. An advance party posing as a businessmen was sent to coordinate with the prisoners. The scene shows the escaped Fenians in a whaleboat attempting to reach the ship while being pursued by the water police and the British steamer the Georgette. The British were reluctant to use force as the Catalpa was in international waters and allowed her to sail away. On its arrival in New York it was greeted with scenes of jubilation from the large crowds.

From the original edition of the Australasian Sketcher.

Collections:
Australian Maritime Museum: Object No:00006197