I am researching some of the issues surrounding the conditions aboard the William Metcalfe Queenstown-Botany Bay 1844. . Immigration papers have indicated a single Adult death (Consumption) on board and 2 Children under 7yrs ( Remitting Fever). That at least two of these were from the same family aboard a vessel that had reported Diarrhoea and Remitting Fever as the only medical issues of any significance cause be to suspect thatsome details may have been overlooked. The vagueness of the diagnoses of "remitting fever" alone would suggest a prevalence greater than that implied by the (mortality figues indicated above) ( Nineteeth Century medical refs equate the Term with conditions from Yellow fever to Malaria and regularly cite Putrification of Water/air as a calylyst). Similarly I find it a little Odd that one in an apparent advanced stage of "Consumption" as the East Anglian gardener,John Rivett would have been aboard a migrant vessel ex Cork. (conceding of course that the passage commenced in the middle of the northern Winter).. I would love to hear from anyone with specific knowledge of this vessel and voyage. Regards, John -- John Whitehand West Footscray 3012 Australia http://www.vicnet.net.au/~whitehaj/welcome.htm "Competion destroys ~ 'tis Co-operation that achieves"