From Limerick to Campbell Town to Detroit, Tasmanian historian Dr Meredith Hodgson guides us through the remarkable life of Eliza Williams, the convict letter writer. 

In 1851 Eliza Williams was found guilty of theft. The punishment was transportation to Van Diemen’s Land for seven years. She was despatched to serve with the other convicts at Rosedale, John Leake’s magnificent estate near Campbell Town. There she lived and worked: cleaning, washing, polishing, sewing and answering the bell when the mistress rang. 

Three decades later Eliza was on the other side of the world and at the other end of the social scale. She corresponded with the Leakes over many years from Detroit and her letters tell an extraordinary tale of a convict woman’s journey to prosperity, status and wealth.