Mary found herself, with many others, on the transport 'Charlotte', bound for Botany Bay. It sailed on the 13th of May 1787.
Also on the 'Charlotte', was William Bryant, a fisherman, who was convicted of "resisting revenue officers who had attempted to seize smuggler property that he had". He was originally sentenced to transportation to America for seven years, but in the aftermath of the war of independence, he was re-routed to New South Wales.
During the voyage, Mary Broad gave birth to a daughter, whom she named Charlotte Spence. On February 10 1788, four days after their landing in Australia, Mary married William Bryant.
Because of his fishing experience, Bryant was put in charge of the harbour fishing fleet, but a year later, he was charged with trafficking to his advantage with the catch, and was given 100 lashes. He kept his job, but was demoted.
By this time, the colonies food supply was at a dangerous level and much of the stores were unfit to eat. The summer harvest had only yielded enough for three weeks.
By January 1790, said one officer, "famine was approaching with gigantic strides and gloom and dejection over spread every countenance". Starving convicts began to die, and many were too weak to work. All except young children were strictly rationed, and even at the table of Governor Phillip, all visitors brought their own bread.
Many became desperate; the spectre of starvation loomed ever greater, and the convicts especially were moved to escape, a thought that was probably always in the back of their minds anyway. Some tried to walk overland, thinking that Australia was joined to Asia, and having no idea of the size of the country. Many died of exposure thirst and starvation, or were killed by the natives. Those who tried to escape in boats by sea simply disappeared.
During this time, Mary Bryant had given birth to a second child, Emmanuel, but her situation was so bleak that she was agreed with William Bryant, that they and seven others would attempt to escape from the colony by sea.
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