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Searching for Stowaways, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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Searching for Stowaways, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Searching for Stowaways, 1850. Sailors looking for stowaways on a British ship leaving for the colonies: United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand. They are...sometimes brought on board concealed in trunks or chests, with air-holes to prevent suffocation. Sometimes they are brought in barrels, packed up to their chins in salt, or biscuits...to the imminent hazard of their lives. At other times they take the chance of hiding about the ship, under the bedding, amid the confused luggage of the other passengers, and in all sorts of dark nooks and corners between decks. Hence, it becoming expedient to make a thorough search of the vessel before the steam-tug has left her, in order, that, if any of these unhappy intruders be discovered, they may be taken back to port and brought before the magistrate, to be punished for the fraud which they have attempted'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36200602
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Searching for Stowaways, 1850: A Glimpse into Maritime Emigration This evocative image, titled 'Searching for Stowaways', was published in the Illustrated London News in 1850. The photograph captures a pivotal moment aboard a British ship preparing to embark on a long voyage to the colonies, including the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. The sailors in the image are seen meticulously searching the ship for stowaways, individuals who had concealed themselves on board to illegally emigrate. These stowaways often hid in trunks or chests, with air-holes to prevent suffocation, or in barrels filled with salt or biscuits, risking their lives for a chance at a new beginning. At other times, they would hide among the ship's passengers, under bedding, or in dark, hidden corners between decks. To prevent such intruders from going undetected, it was necessary to conduct a thorough search of the vessel before departure. The scene is illuminated by candles and lanterns, casting an eerie glow over the ship's dark, cavernous spaces. The sailors' determined expressions and the tense atmosphere convey the urgency of their task. This historic photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and risks associated with maritime transportation during the 19th century. The image, from the Illustrated London News archive, is a testament to the rich history of emigration and the lengths people went to in pursuit of a new life. It also highlights the importance of thorough searches to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and crew aboard these historic vessels.
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