William Etherington
William Etherington, a Brickmaker, (date of birth unknown) was engaged by the Clarkson brothers but he did not sign his Indenture before departing on the Tranby on Wednesday, 9th of September 1829.
Problems came to a head on the ships arrival at Cape Town in December.
Problems came to a head on the ships arrival at Cape Town in December.
Did not arrive at Fremantle
From the Journal of George Johnson, written in Cape Town, during December 1829:
"Messrs M. & J. S. Clarkson and self went to the Colonial office to lodge a complaint against Wm. Etherington, one of their servants, who was engaged in Haste and unfortunately did not sign his Indenture before he came on board, and when called upon set Mr C at defiance. We did not see the Governor, were recommended by his agent to Baron Lorenze, the head of Police, waited upon him at the Court House; He did not interfere with the case but recommended us to Mr Cadagan, an Attorney, who said it would be perfectly safe to discharge the man and leave him at the Cape, which was thought to be better policy than compelling him to go forward."
"Messrs M. & J. S. Clarkson and self went to the Colonial office to lodge a complaint against Wm. Etherington, one of their servants, who was engaged in Haste and unfortunately did not sign his Indenture before he came on board, and when called upon set Mr C at defiance. We did not see the Governor, were recommended by his agent to Baron Lorenze, the head of Police, waited upon him at the Court House; He did not interfere with the case but recommended us to Mr Cadagan, an Attorney, who said it would be perfectly safe to discharge the man and leave him at the Cape, which was thought to be better policy than compelling him to go forward."
18 December 1829: "W. Etherington, the man who refused to sign his indenture or be in any way under the control of Mr Clarkson, who's orders were on the day we landed that he should not leave the Ship till he had proper leave given, the mate also was ordered not to allow him to go on shore, he however prevailed upon some boat men to take him off slyly and take him on shore where he remained without offering to return to the ship. A few days before our departure the Police were sent out after him, who I suppose frightened him out of Cape Town - another man was engaged in his room who I hope will answer Messes C's purpose much better than Etherington"
Williams fate in South Africa has not been followed.
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