Guide to the Correspondence of David Blackburn (as filmed by the AJCP), 1785-1796

Summary

Collection number:

M971

Creator:

Blackburn, David

Extent:

19 items

Language:

English

Preferred citation:

Acknowledgement of use of this material should refer to the location of the original material and to the Australian Joint Copying Project.

Items from this collection should include references to the location of the original material and to the AJCP nla.obj number, which serves as the online identifier for the digital copy.

Example: M Series: Journal of Capt. James Cook, 18 February-23 September 1770, British Library Add. MS 27885 (AJCP ref: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1234)

Availability:

Available

Access conditions:

Available for reference.

Background

Content Summary:

This collection includes correspondence with Margaret Blackburn, Captain A. Phillip and R. Harper. The correspondence details his naval experience, voyages, impressions of Australia and Blackburn's demise. Some of the letters are from others to Blackburn's mother and sister.

Biographical / Historical:

David Blackburn (1753-1795) was born in Newbury, Berkshire, the son of the Reverend John Blackburn. After his father's death in 1762, the family moved to Norwich. In 1779 he joined the Royal Navy with the rank of midshipman. By 1785 he was the master on HMS Flora, serving in the West Indies.

In April 1787 Blackburn was appointed master on the tender Supply, commanded by Lieutenant Henry Ball, bound for Botany Bay as part of the First Fleet. The ship arrived in Botany Bay on 18 January 1788 and a few days later Blackburn was in the party that explored Port Jackson. In February 1788 the Supply sailed to Norfolk Island to establish a penal settlement. Blackburn visited Norfolk Island again in September 1788 commanding the transport Golden Grove. In 1790 the Supply sailed to Batavia for provisions and, following its return to Sydney, Blackburn commanded it on two visits to Norfolk Island.

In May 1792 the Supply returned to England and Blackburn was discharged. He joined HMS Dictatorin 1793. He died at Haslar Naval Hospital.

The original letters written by David Blackburn to his sister, and the other papers filmed by the AJCP, were acquired by the State Library of New South Wales in 1999.

The letters were reproduced in Derick Neville. Blackburn's Isle (Lavenham UK, 1975).

Related

Existence and Location of Copies:

The original AJCP microfilm of the records filmed from this collection is available at the National Library of Australia [https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2175544] as well as other institutions holding AJCP microfilm.

Existence and Location of Originals:

Originally filmed at Private Residence of Mr. T. Grix, Norfolk, England.

The papers of the Blackburn Family were obtained by the State Library of New South Wales (SAFE/MLMSS 6937). (http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110038495?_ga=2.46649383.1236954481.1537243991-1132199829.1532646375)

Conditions Governing Access:

Available for access.

Conditions Governing Use:

Many of the records digitised as part of the AJCP are still in copyright. Readers wishing to publish or reproduce documents should seek permission, in the first instance, from the owner of the original material.

Preferred citation:

Acknowledgement of use of this material should refer to the location of the original material and to the Australian Joint Copying Project.

Items from this collection should include references to the location of the original material and to the AJCP nla.obj number, which serves as the online identifier for the digital copy.

Example: M Series: Journal of Capt. James Cook, 18 February-23 September 1770, British Library Add. MS 27885 (AJCP ref: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1234)

Location of this collection:

National Library of Australia

Parkes Place

Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

Contact:

Contact us