"A Cargo of Women" is a book that highlights the plight of women in the 1800's. How resourceful they needed to be to place food on the table, and in many cases this was in vain as the children were too weak and succumbed anyway. Then they were hauled before a magistrate because they were only trying to feed their family - and the punishment was unbelievable. Tear them away from their families and load them on a ship bound for a colony that was in its infancy. How would you have coped?
For stealing a loaf of bread you were "in service" for 14 years in another country. You weren't allowed any money so could not even write a letter home - and in many cases very small children were left behind. You only had to look the wrong way, say a wrong word, or have a tone that implied you were insolent and you could be locked away for a period of time - and have your hair cut off!!
Reading this book made me feel so grateful for my life today.
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