The Charlotte was one of six convict transport ships in the First Fleet. The First Fleet carried the convicts and soldiers to Australia to start a penal colony. This was the start of European settlement of Australia. The "Charlotte" was built on the Thames about 1785, was a ship of 345 tons. She was under the command of Thomas Gilbert. She was long and wide. The ship had a contract with the British Government to carry convicts. The owners were paid at a rate of 10 shillings per ton per month. They had to agree to keep the prisoners secure and safe. She carried 88 male and 20 female convicts. After transporting the convicts to New South Wales, the "Charlotte" was under contract to work for the East India Company.