Three manuscript versions of this journal are known to exist. They are held at the National Library of Australia (believed to be the original version); and the British Library (fair copy). The Mitchell Library version is believed to be a fair copy.

Photocopy available on open access in the Mitchell Library Reading Room at CY Safe 1/15
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The 25 watercolour illustrations had previously been folded and tipped-in to the journal with sealing wax. In 1988 the illustrations were removed and flattened. In 1992 the volume was rebound by Artlab as part of a project sponsored by Reader's Digest.

This journal has been published in transcription: Paul Fidlon and R.J. Ryan (eds), The journal of Arthur Bowes-Smyth: Surgeon, Lady Penrhyn 1787-1789 (Sydney: Australian Documents Library, 1979. Extracts have been published in Historical records of New South Wales, vol. 2 (Sydney: Government Printer, 1893).

Purchased from Dymocks for 275 pounds, in 1915.

Possessed : an exhibition of treasures

Nelson Meers Foundation Heritage Collection

UNESCO Six

Arthur Bowes Smyth (1750-1790), known as Bowes while in the colony, sailed with the First Fleet as Surgeon on board the Lady Penrhyn. He was responsible for the women convicts. The Mitchell Library and British Library versions of Bowes Smyth's journal include the names of women convicts on the Lady Penrhyn, and the names of children. The Mitchell L...