Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Sir William Dixson - documents relating to Aboriginal Australians, 1816-1853

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The Ninth Annual Report of the Apsley Aboriginal Mission conducted by the Rev. W. Watson, Minister of the United Church of England and Ireland, Wellington, New South Wales. As it is now upwards of nine years since we commenced the Apsley Aboriginal Mission without any assistance from any quarter, it may be well for us to take a retrospective view of our labours, our expenses and our success. In September 1840 I wrote to Sir George Gipps then Governor of New South Wales, stating that it was my intention to form a Mission at some place a considerable distance from Wellington, on such a location as would bring the Aboriginal Natives of the Bogan – those of the Castlereagh, and those of the lower Macquarie (the worst of their race) under our immediate instruction, and requested to be informed whether I might expect any assistance from the Colonial Government, referring His Excellency to a published Despatch of Lord John Russell´s (which will be annexed) dated 31 Dec. 1839.
In reply to this, I was informed that the Governor exceedingly regretted that he could not render me any assistance. I therefore took on lease for five years a section of land at the rate of twenty pounds per Annum. The land was so thickly wooded with heavy timber that we had to clear it before we could cultivate a garden or erect a hut. Here we were visited by Sir George Gipps and Lady Gipps when were living in the open Wilderness. His Excellency and Lady Gipps examined the Aboriginal Natives, about thirty in number, and expressed themselves highly pleased with them. His Excellency was pleased to say that I had done more for Natives and especially for the children than any other missionary in the colony. On these premises we spent

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erected buildings and made other improvements to the value of above three hundred pounds, besides working day and night for a long time in order to clear the ground. Here we remained from 1840 to 1847. When my lease was nearly expired, I informed the Governor of this circumstance and requested permission to occupy two sections of Crown Lands for the purpose of my Mission. Sir George kindly directed Capt. Wright commissioner of Crown Lands at Wellington, to select lands for my use, stating that “Mr Watson is a very meritorious person and worthy of any favour that can be shown him.”
This was in 1844 But I was so poor, and the land was so thickly wooded with heavy timber, that I could not remove thither before the beginning of 1847. In July 1844 The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of this Diocease was pleased to appoint me to the chaplaincy of Wellington, the whole of the income arising from which has for five and a half years been devoted to the formation of this Mission establishment, and supporting the natives. On Buildings, Paddocks, & on this establishment I have expended little short of seven hundred pounds. During the nine years of this Mission we have had upwards of sixty natives under instruction, besides many Aboriginal visitors who remained for a longer or, a shorter period and during the whole of that time we have had on an average nearly thirty – fed clothed and lodged as Europeans on the establishment. At present we have nineteen Aboriginal and eleven half caste natives. Of these all can read, except four, two of which are blind. Most of them can write and several have made some proficiency in accounts. The females are taught sewing, washing &c and the males are trained in the general routine of agricultural labour, splitting, fencing, carpenters work &c. Of those that have been educated on the Mission some are married and reside with us and others are engaged in hired service. The married Natives on

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the establishment having had none but purely aboriginal children since their marriage, is an evidence that they have improved in their morals by religious instruction, for before they came to the Mission they had half caste children by Europeans, four of which are with us. Several of the Natives on the Mission have gardens of their own, neatly laid out and kept orderly and clean. The expence incurred by forming two Missionary establishments, and providing every requisite for supporting and training thirty natives for upwards of nine years, has been immence, and has kept us constantly involved in difficulties. During the eight years that I was in connexion with the Church Missionary Society at Wellington Valley I baptised seven, three of whom, pure Aborigines, died in the full assurance of faith and hope. Since the commencement of this Mission I have baptised twenty five Aborigines and half caste. The Lord Bishop of Sydney has been pleased to honour our Mission with three visits viz: In May 1841, in May 1845 and in December 1849, at all which times His Lordship expressed himself highly satisfied with the attainments of those under instruction. On His Lordship´s last visit to Wellington, one of them, a married woman, and mother of five purely Aboriginal children was received into the communion of Saints by the Apostolical rite of confirmation. I could greatly increase the number of my establishment but the very heavy expences I have incurred in forming and supporting the mission, and my present means require that I should rather reduce the establishment, even if I am not compelled to abandon the Mission altogether.
I have never received any pecuniary assistance from any society, and very little from any other quarter. For the last three years His Excellency Sir Charles A. Fitz Roy has kindly allowed me fifty pounds per annum. Thankful as I cannot but be for any, even the least aid towards supporting my Mission, I am bound to say that that sum will go but a very little way in clothing and feeding

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feeding so large a number of natives: and this is all that I have received from the Colonial Government since the commencement of the Mission. The current expences of the Mission would not be covered by two hundred pounds per annum, leaving remuneration for management and instruction entirely out of the question. The Church Missionary society were allowed five hundred pounds per annum besides the use of ten thousand acres of land, with Houses – paddocks &c already to their hands: and I think on a fair examination it will not be found that that Mission was more efficient than ours has been and is at the present time.
These remarks have been made in hope that Her Majesty´s Government will take this Mission in all its bearings into their favourable consideration, and will be kindly pleased to direct such compensation and assistance to be rendered me as the expences I have incurred, and my persevering labours among the Aborigines of New Holland may seem to merit, and in such mode as they may deem most eligible. William Watson
for eighteen years Missionary´
to the Aboriginal Natives
of New Holland Apsley Aboriginal Mission
Wellington
New South Wales
31st December 1849 Prepared for His Excellency Sir Charles Augustus Fitz Roy
Governor of New South Wales &c, &c, &c

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Appendix Copy of a Despach from Lord John Russell to the late Sir George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales, &c &c dated 31st December 1839. “You cannot overrate the solicitude of Her Majesty´s Government on the subject of the Aborigines of New Holland. It is impossible to contemplate the condition and prospects of that unfortunate race without the deepest commisseration. I am well aware of the many difficulties which oppose themselves to the effectual protection of these people: and especially of those which must originate from the exasperation of the settlers on account of aggressions on their property, which are not the less irritating, because they are nothing else than the natural result of the pernicious examples held out to the Aborigines, and of the many wrongs of which they have been the victims. Still it is impossible that the Government should forget that the original aggression was our own, and that we have never yet performed that sacred duty of making any systematic or considerable attempt to impart to the former occupiers of N.S.Wales the blessing of Christianity, or the Knowledge of the Arts and advantages of civilized life. It is, I know, superfluous to stimulate your zeal in this service, yet, I cannot be satisfied to quit this subject without commending it to your renewed attention. I am convinced you may confidentially reckon on the advice and co-operation of the Ministers of every Christian denomination, and you may calculate with the utmost confidence on the cordial support of the Crown, in every well directed effort for securing to the Aboriginal race of New Holland, protection against injustice, and the enjoyment of every social advantage which our superior wealth and knowledge at once confer on us the power, and impose on us the duty of imparting to them.”

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“For this purpose you will use every effort to afford instruction to their children and young men. You will seek out persons whose humanity leads them to be kind to the Natives, and you take means to reward the Missionaries who may engage in this good work.”
Remarks. 1 So far as regards myself and the Apsley Aboriginal Mission, these instructions do not appear to have been carried out; for what reason I have never leant: and I believe that my Mission is the only one in operation in the colony. If I shall be constrained to discontinue it, that will be not because I have no hope of success, but, because I have not the funds requisite for maintaining it.
2. The impropriety of the Aboriginal Natives of New Holland being allowed the use of fire arms is a subject well worth the serious consideration of Her Majesty´s Government. So expert are the Aborigines in warding off or evading injury attempted by their own weapons, that in all their wars few persons are killed; but by the use of fire arms many are destroyed, and if not prevented will speedily cause the extinction of the race. It is also to be seriously apprehended, that having become well accustomed to the use of fire arms, they will on a slight provocation turn them against Europeans. Wisdom is better than weapons of war. It is reported that within the last fortnight eight or ten Aborigines have been shot by their native foes in this neighbourhood, and it is not many months since several others were shot by an opposing party. And the Natives have repeatedly said to me “Governor and Magistrates won´t interfere with Black fellow; good while ago, not now.”
3 It seems to be highly desirable that civilized natives who are peaceably and faithfully performing the duties of hired service should be protected from assault and murder perpetrated by the aborigines, several

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instances have occurred in the past year of such murders having taken place. One was of an Aboriginal Youth formerly under my care at Wellington, but for the last ten years in hired service part of the time with James Kinghorn, Esq. who spoke of him, for his goodness, as being an exception to the general character of the natives: the remainder of the time with Saul Samuel Esq. J.P. who said that he had been several years in his service, and was one of the most peaceable and the best of the natives he had every known. This youth was driving one Team on the road, and an European another. One morning when he went to fetch up his Bullocks, he was barbourousely murdered by some Aboriginal Natives, and the European had to drive two teams homewards until he could engage a person to take the one that had been in the charge of the Native Youth.
William Watson

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Final Report of the Aboriginal Mission
Murrunggallang, Wellington. As the corresponding Committee of the Church Missionary Society have never communicated with me on any subject since May 1840, and as the letter from the Parent Society, stating that they had dissolved their connexion with me was received on the 26 July 1840, and all rations for myself and Native family were shortly afterwards refused from the Mission Stores at Wellington Valley, I consider my present independent Mission as commencing on the receipt of the Society´s letter above referred to.
In the beginning of 1836 an European who was going about the country accompanied by an aboriginal girl of about twelve of thirteen years of age, with whom he was living as his wife, came into the neighbourhood of Wellington Valley where meeting with another European he was beaten and the girl taken from him to be the companion of the victor. Two young men residing at the Mission house having become acquainted with the circumstances went to the hut where she was living and brought her to us, with whom she has been since that time. About six months after her arrival at our house she was delivered of a half cast infant but so helpless was the mother and so weakly the child that but for the unceasing care of Mrs Watson he must have died. He was christened and is still with us, and has become a fine strong healthy boy. Between one of the young men who brought her to us and this girl there was a strong and increasing attachment, notwithstanding attempts were made to destroy it; therefore as

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as their union was not a violation of any native law, they were married to each other in the beginning of October 1840. As neither of them were baptized they could not be married according to the prescribed form of the Church of England therefore, in the presence of respectable witnesses, the relative duties of the marriage state were explained they were respectively asked whether there was any other person that either of them wished to have and upon their stating that there was not, that they wished to have each other and to have nothing to do with any other so long as they both should live they entered into a written agreement signed with both their names, and the names of the witnesses. A few weeks after their marriage they were persuaded to leave us by high offers from a neighbouring establishment; but they afterwards returned expressing their sorrow for having gone away and with tears entreated that we would received them again into our establishment. We could not refuse, he had been connected with us for nearly eight years and she nearly five, they are now settled with us and a more kind tender and affectionate husband I have never known. He had long been persuaded that it is wrong to have more than one wife, and during their absence from us the effects of religious instruction on the woman´s mind, and her faithfulness to her husband were frequently put to the test by the solicitation of wicked Europeans, which I have reason to believe she invariably resisted. When her former manner of life was referred to and alleged as a reason why she need not be so very shy now she replied “I did not then know the Bible” and she was repeatedly told that the Bible had spoiled her. This information I received from several Europeans. The marriage of this couple has met with the approbation of the other natives, they consider the union as closer and more binding than that which subsisted between

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themselves and their wives, they have frequently when referring to it, said “that good very good – that all right belong altogether to one another”. The youth with the assistance of another native had split Iron Bark slabs and got all the materials ready for their own house, the want of a Dray to bring them in has prevented it being erected, he has however, put up a comfortable place for their present residence.
I should be sorry to learn that any system of civilization independent of religious instruction should be adopted because I conceive such a system would prove a failure and the expence incurred would be a waste of money. Because great numbers of natives have not located themselves and become cultivaters of the ground it is thought that Missionary efforts have been unsuccessful. It is well known that I can now have no personal interest in advocating either the cause of the aborigines, or that of Christian Missions among them. When I contrast the ignorant state of the Natives and – their superstitions and ferocity when the Mission was commenced at Wellington Valley, with their enlightened minds – mild quiet and peaceable manners now, I am constrained to infer that the gospel has done much for them: though not all that it will eventually effect. I have witnessed their superstitions gradually dying away and a knowledge of better things manifesting themselves in their stead. Since I commenced my Missionary labours I have witnessed the death of two boys about nine years of age, and of a girl about fifteen, under my charge, and I cannot but feel convinced that they all died in the faith of Jesus Christ. All fear of death, so common to the natives, was banished from their minds, and they expressed a desire to die and go to Jesus Christ in heaven. I have seen a native Youth so affected by the gospel, that, to hide his tears he had started up

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started up and run out. The peaceful state of Wellington District as regards the aborigines may I think be fairly attributed to the influence of Missionary exertion. During the last five or six years no depredation has been committed by Aborigines either on the persons or property of Europeans within forty or fifty miles of the Mission Station.
We left the Mission premises at Wellington Valley, being hurried away from our scene of labour for eight years on 27 October and took possession of our present place of residence. We had no Hut or place of shelter for either ourselves or native family during a most inclement night, but had to lay down upon the ground in the open air. Our first care was to erect a sleeping place for the boys, and another for the girls, these we covered in while the rain was descending in torrents. It was many weeks before our present dwelling house (a Bark Hut) was erected. With the assistance of our Native family alone, we fenced in and cultivated an acre of ground as a garden, and cleared from twenty to twenty five acres of thickly wooded land. With the aid of one European servant, who has been a few weeks only with us, we have sown half an acre of Lucerne – one acre of Barley and hoed in about seven acres of wheat; we intend to continue sowing wheat during the ensuing month, or till we shall have completed twenty acres.
The man who resides with us understands both agriculture and woodwork, so that having provided myself with carpenters tools, and implements of husbandry our boys and youths will have an opportunity of learning carpentering, and general farm work, while at the same time they will be under religious instruction. The girls beside being instructed in reading writing &c are taught needlework – washing and other domestic duties.

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That the females are capable of being made generally useful in household affairs may be seen by the fact that during the nine years we have been engaged in the Mission, Mrs Watson has invariably managed her domestic concerns by native girls, whom we took wild from the bush, and whom she herself has trained, without any assistance of European male or female, and we have had sometimes upwards of thirty to make – mend wash – cook for &c. It may be disputed but cannot be disproved that the natives in this District are in very many instances of essential service to the settlers. Many are engaged on written agreement and some without, but the generality of them fulfill their agreement. Although the elderly natives are not so easily brought to regular employment, many of them are useful to settlers, at sheep shearing and other seasons; but the youths may in general be said to be fast advancing in a state of civilization. The state of the natives of this District, as well as of others, is generally compared with that of persons whose ancestors have been civilized for many generations instead of being contrasted with that of such as have never intermingled with Europeans.
His Excellency Sir George Gipps did me the honor to visit our Mission Establishment in November 1840 and the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Australia honoured us with a visit on the 10 ultimo examined the Native children and His Lordship was pleased to express himself, highly satisfied with their appearance and attainment. The following is a statement of the children and others attached to our Establishment. I have several more children promised, but we have as many as we can at present provide for, as many elderly natives have frequently to be fed by us.

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One native man 23 years of age
One native woman wife to the above 18 years of age
One native youth 19 years
One do……………. 30 years
One native woman …………….. 30 years
One do……………. 18 years
Seven native boys………… from 6 to 9 years
One half caste boy 9 years
One native boy 12 years
Five native girls from 7 to 9 years
Two half caste girls ……. 8 years
Two half caste boys ……. 4 years
One half caste girl ……. 6 years
One do …….. 4 years
One half caste boy (with mother) 2 years
Two half caste boys (with their mother) 18 months.

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Annual Report upon the condition of the Aboriginal Natives inhabiting the Lachlan District during the year 1850. Question 1st Relating to the condition of the Natives The Aborigines of this District having hitherto resisted all efforts which have been made for their civilization I fear there is now but little prospect of improving their condition. The great source of mischief which mars the most benevolent designs of this nature arises from the inaptitude of the Natives to change their desultory habits. The existing impediment to their improvement might be partially removed by the establishment of schools at different points in the district with a reserve of Land to be cultivated by the Aborigines for their own benefit. I have no doubt much difficulty would be experienced in bringing the old Natives into any kind of discipline or restraint but the labor with the children would be much less particularly if kept constantly by themselves... I have seen many of the Natives employed as Stockmen, Shepherds, Bullock drivers, and farm laborers and have no doubt they would have become useful members provided the

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the tribe to which they belonged had not compelled them to rejoin them. I consider Aboriginal labor could have been procured upon a more extensive scale if the Settlers had in the first instance treated the Natives with more kindness and paid for the work performed. Question 2nd. Their numbers There are about Three hundred Aborigines belonging to this District Question 3rd Residence of any particular places The Natives have no fixed place of residence each Tribe occupies a certain portion of country over which they are continually wandering but they seldom remove far from the locality of their own particular ground except when called together by their Chiefs for the purpose of holding a jubilee with some neighboring Tribe or “what is more frequently the case” attacking them with an intention of stealing the gins or women during these excursions Many lives are lost and the females are frequently murdered by their own friends to prevent them from falling into the hands of the victorious party. During the

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the winter months the Natives form themselves into small parties and frequent the Settlers establishments on account of more readily obtaining food than in the bush but as soon as the summer sets in they again congregate and proceed to their favorite localities for hunting and fishing. Question 4th The Social condition of the Natives Both sexes mix indiscriminately in the same camp which is formed of Bark and boughs. The men generally possess more than one wife or Gin. The women are frequently used in the most cruel and barberous manner. The young and unmarried men are always compelled to form their camps at some considerable distance from those occupied by the old and married people, and they never remain more than a few days in the same camp Question 5th. The present state and prospects of the Natives I see no prospect of an improvement in the present or future states of the aborigines unless establishments are formed for their protection at which they should if necessary be compelled to reside until such time as they were

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were civilized and acquainted with some useful occupation So long as this is not the case the Elders will effectually prevent the instruction of the youth of their own Tribe and those among them who may feel inclined to adapt themselves to the European habits will be deterred from so doing through the fear of offending their Chiefs I have known many instances of Native children residing with Europeans for years and then return to the bush at the instigation of the Chiefs and it not infrequently happens that if they refuse to join their Tribes they are murdered by them. As the district becomes located and thickly populated the Aborigines gradually disappear and their numbers diminish which I attribute to their intercourse with the Europeans. Infanticide is also very common amongst the Natives. The Aborigines of this district are very quick and well conducted and have always been on amicable terms with the settlers. Edgar Beckham
c c Lands

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615
No.51/P.A. 12th Feby 1851 The Crown Commissioner Guydir. Letter Chief Commissioner reporting on Condition of the Aborigines of his District. Crown Lands Office
Guydir 28th January [indecipherable]

1851 Sir
In reporting on the condition of the Aborigines of this District during the past year I have not to record any material alteration in the general condition or conduct of these people since the date of my last Report.
2. Referring to the instructions conveyed by your Circular Letter No.209 of 16th February last I have the honor to state that none of the Native Reserves approved of in this District have as yet been brought into operation and that there is
The Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands

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is consequently as yet no actual use made of the land and no particular record of the Aborigines thereto In fact though the localities and areas of the several Reserves have been decided upon I am not aware that any more precise definition of the land to be so applied has been made nor would any object be gained by so doing until the precise method has been ascertained in which it may be intended to apply these Reserves for the moral improvement and physical support of the Aborigines –
3. I have in accordance with the instructions conveyed to

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to me by your letter of 3rd September 1850 No.1697 endeavoured to apprise the Aborigines that these Reserves have been set apart for their special use but without much success as it is difficult to make them understand the meaning of a special reservation of a square mile for their use.
4. Whenever the requisite steps can be taken for the distribution of provisions and the supply of medical assistance at these particular spots the Natives will very soon acquire an experimental appreciation of their advantages but it will be easily seen that an essentially vagabond race of savages can have no

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no very vivid sense of the advantage of a special reservation of a small tract for their use till it be accompanied by the collateral benefits which the benevolence of the Government intends for them –
5. No instance of aggression by the Aborigines of this District has come to my knowledge during the past year and I believe that I may safely state that these unfortunate people have been uniformly peaceable in their conduct both towards the persons and the property of the Settlers –
6. I regret to observe that the decrease in their numbers referred to in my Report of last year still

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still continues, and if there be any means of affording them speedy medical assistance the remarks then made by me on that subject are more applicable than ever – At present no medical man resides within a distance of one hundred and thirty miles from this place – Many deaths have occurred during the past year among the Aborigines within my own knowledge and scarcely any births have replaced those who have died – Acute and continued Rheumatism Syphilis and inflammation of the lungs seem to be among the most frequent causes of death
7. The survivors still continue

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survivors still continue to make themselves useful to the Settlers by a variety of services and I think that those who have tried the rather unusual experiment of giving them a sufficient remuneration for their labour have found no reason to complain of their diligence – For my own part I have found them useful and even valuable servants in those occupations for which they are adapted but I do not think that continued manual labour can be expected or obtained from them –
8. In accordance with your instructions I enclose a Return of the Number of

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Return of Aboriginal Tribes in the District of Guyra shewing the estimated number of Individuals in each Tribe according to the best information which can be at present obtained.

Name of Tribe – Number of Individuals – Locality frequented

"Uabroy" – 40 – Reedy Creek, Mosquito Creek and Northern side of the Gwydir River near Warialda

"Guienbul" – 25 – Myall Creek and Gwydir River in its neighbourhood – Bundara on Upper Gwydir

"Ginnibul" – 25 – Myall Creek and Gwydir River in its neighbourhood – Bundara on Upper Gwydir

"Wouraferi" – 20 – Myall Creek and Gwydir River in its neighbourhood – Bundara on Upper Gwydir

"Peichamboul" – 120 – Macintyre River

"Camileroy" – 120 – Lower Gwydir River, Eastern bank of the "Barwon" and its tributary Creeks

Mooni and Weea Blacks – 60 – Scrubs between the "Barwon" and "Mooni"

Total – 410

[The following remarks refer to all the tribes listed above.]

Remarks

All these Tribes with the exception of that of the "Mooni" may be considered as perfectly peaceable and harmless. The latter I believe to be rather as collection of quasi outlaws from various Tribes than a distinct tribe, consisting of Natives who are afraid to come in to the Stations on account of aggressions formerly committed by them and of some few indomitable spirits who refuse all intercourse with the white man.

There is no peculiarity in the habits of the other Tribes all being alike, ready to perform that desultory sort of labour for which alone they seem fitted.

Crown Lands Office
Gwydir, 28th January 1851.

[Sgd.] Richard Bligh
Crown Lands

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of Aboriginal Tribes in this District with an Estimate of the number of individuals in each Tribe according to the best information that I have been able to obtain. Such Return can however only be regarded as an approximation to the truth, the migratory habits of the Natives rendering accuracy in this respect impossible, but whenever periodical distributions of food and clothing are made so as to collect the Natives at given spots there will be less difficulty in obtaining a more accurate knowledge of their number - I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient servant
Richard Bligh,
Commissioner

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Report on the Aborigines in the District of Wellington –
I have used every exertion to ascertain both the number of the tribes in the District, and the number of individuals in each tribe but, feeling satisfied that but little reliance can be placed on the correctness of my information that it is possible to obtain on either point, have set forth in the Return only a general observation of the Aborigines which

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which by the traits or circles to which they, for the most part, confirm their movements –
2. Beyond the ascertained fact that the Aborigines of Australia consist of distinct nations speaking a different language, or at least dialect, I have never been able to satisfy myself that we possess any real knowledge respecting their tuition as a people:-
that those nations have subdivisions corresponding to our ideas

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ideas of Provinces, &c. and that the inhabitants of these are split into what we call tribes, and these tribes with something analogous to families, is possible, very probable, but it is extremely difficult if not impossible to obtain correct information as to these subdivisions, if such exist:- this results from several causes of general, and from some of local and particular application of the former and the almost total deficiency of accurate

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accurate knowledge of the languages, laws, or customs of the Aborigines:- their inability to count:- the proneness of the savage to exaggeration in general which as regards numbers and strength, it may be suspected that a natural policy would include:- their wandering habits;- our occupation of their country having probably in many instances caused tribes or families wholly, or in part, to disappear, or to remove

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remove, and become incorporated in others:- the arbitrary, and I am convinced, often incorrect application of the names of localities as distinguishing particular tribes or families:- In addition to these I have heard it stated by one who has had long and extensive intercourse with the aborigines that they manifest a decided repugnance to any attempt at ascertaining their numbers:- whether this proceeds from a superstitious feeling

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feeling not uncommon among savages, or from a consciousness of weakness, and a natural desire to conceal it, it is not easy to say:- Of the
latter class of causes referred to it may suffice to mention that the Aborigines along the banks of the Lachlan, Barwen, and Macquarie Rivers, dividing this District respectively from the Lachlan Liverpool Plains and Bligh Districts are constantly passing to and fro and

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and cannot be particularly distinguished as belonging to one District more than to another – 3 – The general habits of all the Aborigines in this District are identical:- They subsist by hunting and fishing, and by procuring the wild honey, the manna, roots, and berries, to be found in the bush:- Where the country has been occupied by Europeans by obtaining in addition, milk, and the refuse and offal of animals slaughtered, and in cases of services

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services rendered meat, Bread or flour, Tea, Sugar, and tobacco:- They cover themselves with the skins of the Kangaroo and Opossum, and with Blankets and articles of clothing distributed by Government or given them by the settlers, or their servants:- Their aversion to continued labour or industry, and their addiction to the desultory habits of unsettled life, are unfortunate

:- Their disposition towards the European settlers

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settlers I consider to be friendly and peaceable, and, unless altered by some real or fancied injury, likely to continue so:- whenever occupation is for the first time extended, caution with them, as with all savages, is necessary –
4 – At some of the sheep stations in the District, a few of the Aborigines are employed, at time during the year, in shepherding, driving Bullocks and carrying out Rations:- At sheep washing at several of the

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the Establishments, a good number of them give their services:- for these services in addition to food and some articles of clothing, some small remuneration in money is given:- in some few cases they are formally hired, and receive regular wages and rations, but on a lower scale than Europeans:- I have seen one Aboriginal (who had been educated at the Mission Establishment at Wellington) shearing, and his employee informed me that he

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he considered him the most satisfactory shearer in his shed:- this man received for his labour the same rate as that paid to the other shearers:- Money received they very quickly expend, at the various stores, on food, Tobacco, or articles of clothing:- When in the vicinity of Public houses, although the law forbids supplying them with spirits, their money is, for the most part, spent, almost as soon as received in that

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that fatal indulgence:
With their improvident habits, and want of moral restraint, I am inclined to regard the acquisition of money as injurious to them both morally and physically:-
At most of the cattle stations in the District there is to be found one Aboriginal at least, who, for the most part, remains at it, being employed in various offices assisting the Stockmen and hut keeper, looking after and herding cattle on the run and

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Annual Return of the Aborigines in the District of Wellington

8th January 1851

Tribes – Numbers supposed to be in the several Tribes - Remarks

Lachlan – 200
Bell River – 50
Molong Creek & Boree – 50
Little River – 60

Remarks [referring to the above four Tribes]

The Aborigines of these several tracts do not appear to confine themselves strictly to one in particular, but are at times to be found partially in the others.

Upper Bogan – 250 – The above remark, with reference to the extreme Upper Bogan, in connection with the above tracts, is applicable.

Lower Bogan – 100
Barwen – 250
Lower Macquarie – 100

Remarks [referring to the above three Tribes]

The Aborigines of these several tracts do not appear to confine themselves strictly to one in particular but are at times to be found partially in the others.

Upper Macquarie – 150 – The Aborigines of the Upper Macquarie, Bell River, & Little River at times pass to and fro.

Total – 1110

[Sgs.] W.C. Mayne
Commr., Crown Lands

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Return of Aboriginal District of Wellington 1851

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and driving them on the road bringing up horses and Cows fetching water &c,&c:- Except in some few instances these receive merely their food, some articles of clothing, and Tobacco –
5 – Those who have been in contact with Europeans fully understand making bargains for their services, and are quick to detect and complain of any the slightest departure from even an implied condition – 6.

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6 – The Reserves in the District, set apart for the Aborigines have not yet been brought into use by the formation of any Establishments on them –
W.C. Mayne
Comm.r Crown Lands Crown Lands Office
Wellington –
1st January 1851-

[Page 43]

Report 1851

[Page 44]

12th Feb.r 1851
The Crown Commissioner of Liverpool Plains to the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands Transmitting Annual report on the state of the Aboriginees in the District of Liverpool Plains for the Year 1850- Crown Lands Office
Liverpool Plains
6th February 1851.
Sir,
In compliance with a request contained in your letter No.36 of 15th January.
I do myself the honor to transmit my report upon the state and prospects of the Aboriginees in this District –
1st The Aboriginees in this District as far as I have been able to ascertain The Chief Commissioner
of Crown Lands
Sydney

[Page 45]

ascertain amount in number to about 1,000 one thousand.
2nd It is with feelings of considerable gratification and pleasure that I have to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that since my appointment to this large District I have received no complaints of the Aborigineees having committed any aggressions on the person, or property of the White Population and consequently no collision has taken place between the two races.
3rd, I have also the greatest

[Page 46]

greatest satisfaction in reporting that one Gentleman in this District has had in his employ for the last eighteen months 10 ten Aboriginees with their (Gins or Wifes). They have been employed as Shepherds and have the usual agreements given to hired Servants and are receiving from 7 to 10 pounds wages per Annum and the usual rations – This Gentleman reports that they have behaved exceedingly well, their losses of Sheep have been considerably less than the White Shepherds altho they have had to contend with an unusual bad season occasioned by a very severe drought and a consequent scarcity of grass. They

[Page 47]

They are perfectly conversant with the nature of their Agreement and the value of money and occasionally ask for their wages to go to an adjoining Store to purchase Goods, &c, none of them have absconded from their duty during the term of their engagement but they occasionally ask leave for a day or so to attend some ceremony amongst their tribe. If they lose Sheep thro carelessness they are fined so much per head which they perfectly understand and which has the effect of making them more careful.
I shall carefully watch the future conduct of these

[Page 48]

these men which I trust may be so favourable as to enable me to make a pleasing report of them the ensuing year.
4th Considerable numbers are employed as assistant Bullock Drivers by Carriers travelling to and fro, but I am sadly afraid they are frequently ill used – A carrier induces an Aboriginal under a promise of a specified sum of Money to go a certain journey and at the expiration of the time refuses to pay him, The unfortunate aboriginal has no redress as his evidence would not be admitted in a Court of justice, and he is not disposed to seek further employment from the previous breach

[Page 49]

breach of faith committed against him by his employer.-
5th, The formation of a native police force has I believe been attended with the greatest success and fulfilled the most sanguine expectations, and at the same time proving a pleasing occupation for the Natives which is more suited to their habits than any other employment and I should be glad to see such a force on a large scale if it were for no other purpose than giving employment to a body of young men and by degrees accustoming them to the comforts of civilized life –
6th, Should Schools be formed for the education of

[Page 50]

of the Aboriginees as proposed by the Right Hon. the Secretary of State and the lads were drafted after a certain age into a Colonial Corps I should have great hopes of their eventually becoming a highly useful force to the Colony, and at the same time deriving themselves the greatest benefit from such an institution.-
7. The admirable and philanthropic plan as proposed by the Right Rev.d the Lord Bishops of Newcastle and New Zealand of taking a certain number of Aboriginal Youths from New South Wales and

[Page 51]

and educating them at the College in New Zealand and then returning them to their native Land to instruct their Brethren will I am of opinion be more useful and more condusive to the future Amelioration of the condition of this unfortunate race, both in a moral and physical sense than any place that has hitherto been suggested – and it is only to be regretted that it cannot be done on a larger scale.
8th It has been I believe clearly demonstrated by the teachers of the few

[Page 52]

few schools to whom Aboriginal children have been sent, that they are equally as apt to learn as children of our own race and I have always attributed the failure of the benevolent schemes which have been formed for their improvement to the unbounded influence which the Priests or old men in the different tribes possess over the younger branches – I conceive it unnecessary again to advert to my opinions as more fully expressed in my letter – No. 43 – of

[Page 53]

of 1st August 1849 respecting the expediency of removing the Youths of the several tribes resident in one District to Schools formed in another District, to obviate the influence that the tribe might have upon the Youth should they be allowed to have intercourse with them,
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your Most Obedient Servant
John H. Durbin,
CCM

[Page 54]

No.11/57 28th Feb1851 The Commissioner of Crown Lands Clarence River. To the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands reporting upon the State of the Aborigines in the Clarence District during the year 1850. Crown Lands Office
Clarence River
11th February 1851. Sirs, The projected scheme for the Amelioration of the Aborigines, not yet having been carried into execution, I am of course unable, in framing the Annual Report to furnish the amount of information required by your circular of the 15th February 1850 – I have however throughout the Colonial Secretary 25th Feby 51. The Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Sydney

[Page 55]

the past year endeavoured to make myself more familiar with their numbers, habits, and dispositions, with the view of ascertaining the extent to which the contemplated establishment are likely to be beneficial. 1 As regards their numbers, my utmost efforts have but enabled me to arrive at, what I can only consider as an approximation to the reality, their wandering habits, the unfrequency of their being assembled together, and the inextricable way in which the Tribes are mingled, render an exact enumeration particularly difficult, if

[Page 56]

if not completely impossible – The result however of my enquiries on this subject leads me to conclude, that their total number throughout this District may be computed at from Twelve to Thirteen hundred, of these I estimate, that about eight hundred occupy the Country in the vicinity of the Clarence, and of the various streams that flow into it, while I compute, that from four to five hundred find their homes on the banks of the Richmond, and its several tributaries. I have also remarked that they appear in a great measure to confine themselves

[Page 57]

themselves to the lower portions of these Rivers, where the vallies are more extensive, and the Country more open, and that the higher and mountainous parts, although much more abundant in the Animals upon which they subsist, are but thinly peopled, and rarely frequented except for purposes of concealment – While speaking of their numbers, it is gratifying to me to be able to observe, that no sensible diminution has taken place during the last nine years, indeed from the great proportion of children that may be

[Page 58]

be witnessed in their camps, it seems surprising that the aggregate should be so small, and it might be inferred that they were steadily on the increase, but war, and lawless love, the great natural checks to a barbarous population, do not come into operation until puberty has been attained.- 2. I am sorry to be constrained to say, that the more I reflect upon the Aboriginal character, the less sanguine, do I feel, that the contemplated establishments are likely to be productive of the wished for results.- I apprehend that the difficulty of seducing

[Page 59]

seducing them from a life of ultimate indolence and excitement (the passion for which is born with them, and is indeed part of their nature) educating them to industry, and inducing them to adopt fixed habitations, will be found obstacles too great to be overcome,- To any thing like steadiness, or sameness of labor, they evince the most unsuperable repugnance.- So long as the novelty lasts, an occasional effort may be obtained from them at almost any occupation, but when that wears off and the task by ceasing to be new ceases to interest, no remuneration will induce them to remain.- I am almost led

[Page 60]

led to fancy that apart from inclination there is a physical law which excludes them from Civilization, their nature is so opposed to it that I am persuaded the more sedentary of European occupations, would be to them a sentence of death, - I have observed that the same amount of confinement which a whiteman will undergo without visible effect reduces them to the verge of the grave, and for the more laborious employments, they are manifestly unfit, they are strong, but their strength is feline, and not that of a draught horse.- 3. This District is so

[Page 61]

so slightly agricultural, that there has been but little opportunity of testing their inclination for that description of employment.- I have not ascertained that they have been at all servicable in this respect, during the past year, but by the Boiling down Establishments they have been found exceedingly useful they have also on some stations performed almost the entire sheep washing, but although wages are rather high at present, and men scarce, I am not aware that there is a native shepherd or watchman through the entire District.- 4. On the subject of

[Page 62]

of their demeanour in relation to the Whites, tho´ the catalogue of their offences is not so serious as in former years, I lament to say, that the year 1850 has not passed over without their being charged with crimes of the darkest nature.- In the month of February a man named John Gray was murdered at a Sheep Station of Mr Smalls, for this offence an Aboriginal named Tommy was committed for trials, but the evidence was not conclusive, as there was no one at the Station when the murder took place. - In the same month a Sheep Station of

[Page 63]

of Mr Aitkens was robbed by a party of Seven Blacks, this offence was accompanied by a violent assault and Rape, committed upon the person of Elizabeth Bail who was in charge of the Hut.- For this outrage a native also named Tommy was committed. In addition to the above there were three other cases of Minor Theft and singular to remark all these offences occurred within a few miles of Grafton, where the Blacks might be expected to be most peaceable.- On the Richmond and throughout the

[Page 64]

the District generally, there have been several instances of Cattle Killing but this species of crime I believe to be very considerably on the decrease.- 5. In conclusion I would beg to say that whatever opinions may be entertained as to the possibility of Civilizing the Aborigines, humanity demands, that the advantages of Medical Science should be extended to to them.- From the whites they have acquired disease, to which they were previously strangers, and which their life of exposure renders particularly fatal

[Page 65]

fatal.- I am sure I do not exaggerate when I say that at least one third of the Adult Aboriginal population of this District is at this moment suffering from the worst form of Venereal, and should it be the intention of the Government to place the management of the contemplated reserves, under Medical Men I would most respectfully beg to suggest, that none but the properly qualified should be appointed.- Mercury is the Medicine they require most, but it should only be administered with due consideration to their Method of life. I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obt Servant
Oliver Fry

[Page 66]

19th March 1851 Comm.r Massie
Annual Report on the Aborigines Crown Lands Office
Armidale 6th March 1851. No.57/92 Sir
In reply to your letter of the 15th January I do myself the honor to forward now for the information of His Excellency the Governor my annual report on the prospects and conditions of the aboriginal tribes frequenting the district of New England, and at the same time I take the opportunity of observing that my report should have been forwarded earlier had I not misunderstood Colonial Secretary
21st March 51 To
The Chief Commissioner
Crown Lands
Sydney

[Page 67]

misunderstood the terms of the 12th paragraph of your circular letter of the 16th Feby 1850, from which I gathered that these annual reports were to be discontinued altogether, and were to be superseded by periodical reports giving a summary of the state of things at each reserve made in the district for the use and benefit of the aboriginal population, but as it has never been intimated to me whether such reserves have been made at all or if so what the locality of them is with the single exception of the “Race Course Reserve”
in this township, I have not been in a position to make any report. 2. I have the great gratification of observing that there is a very marked

[Page 68]

improvement visible in the spirit of the natives towards the white population, this has of course resulted in the total cessation of all hostile feeling on the part of settlers and both classes seem to have a thorough confidence established between each other; with the exception of occasionally spearing some stray cattle on stations situated near the Eastern falls of the tableland no outrage whatever has been committed by any of the aborigines, the life of no shepherd or stockman has been endangered, and so far from their offering any molestation to the settlers their services have been in very great repute as house servants, grooms, & shepherds, and in all cases coming directly under my own personal knowledge I can speak confidently

[Page 69]

as well of the civilized and orderly habits of the black servant, as I can of the good faith and kind conduct of the white master, and I can only trust that the work of civilization thus commenced may not be confined to one or two individuals, but continued upon a larger and more extensive scale until their peculiar habits and ideas the result of physical laws operating through successive generations but unintelligible to us may thoroughly and permanently be eradicated. 3. Amonst this larger proportion of the natives with the exception of the cases mentioned by me above, I regret to state that there is but little indication

[Page 70]

but little indication of any change for the better in either their social or moral conditions which appear to be entirely stationary and unprogressive, there is as I have stated in my previous reports, the same apathy and indifference to all useful arts, the same wandering and erratic habits, the same improvidence and thoughtlessness of the wants of tomorrow which are and ever will be the distinguishing feature in this wandering and nomadic race. 5. In number the population of the tribes is I should say strictly on the decrease and judging of the future from the past, we cannot be far wrong in anticipating that their diminution progressive but nomadic life certain, will eventually result

[Page 71]

in total extinction, unless some radical change should take place in the mode of intercourse with them, and in the principles which have guided us in all our previous attempts at civilization all founded judging from the effects of some enormous system. Apt as the aborigines are in some departments of knowledge, and minute in their observation of every thing passing round them, shrewd and intelligent, it appears almost impossible for them to fit beyond a certain point, and amidst the many difficulties which beset the subject, and the discordant opinions as to the methods that are best adapted for effecting the object proposed, it cannot be supposed that the Government can at once

[Page 72]

discern the proper path more clearly than others, the failure of one plan should only lead to the adoption of others, that experience and practice leads one to hope rather than expect may be the means of accomplishing our wishes, and gradually by leaving as far as practicable every known inducement to their barbarous habits and customs, and by substituting in their place a taste for European customs and patience and aptitude under European discipline, we may at least neutralize their wild and savage peculiarities so as to make them submissive to our laws, and by this means prevent them from injuring the property of others, and from the consequent

[Page 73]

retaliation and aggression on the part of the white populations.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your very obedient servant
[indecipherable]

[Page 74]

High Commissioner Merewether to the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands.
Annual Report on the state of the Aborigines in the District of the McLeay River, with one enclosure 17th April 1851
Crown Lands Office,
McLeay River, 6th March 1851. 8 April GB Colonial Secretary 14th April 51. [Margin notes]

to The Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Sydney Sir,
In compliance with the instructions conveyed in your circular letter of the 16th February 1850, I herewith submit a Return shewing the Aboriginal Tribes in this District the portions of Country they usually inhabit, and the number of Individuals in each tribe, according to the best information which I have been able to obtain. With regard to the numbers of the Natives inhabiting the banks of the Bellingen River and the sea coast in the vicinity of its mouth, I must observe that in consequence of that portion of the District being unlocated, my sources of information are limited and I have therefore returned them en masse

. I regret that it is not in my power to make the whole return more in detail, but, as I have pointed out in former reports, the but partial location of the District and the peculiar habits of the Natives themselves precludes the possibility of anything more than an approximation to their real numbers being arrived at. 2. With regard to the general habits of the Tribes of the upper McLeay I have few remarks to offer. They are wont in the summer months to proceed to New England

[Page 75]

England and, I believe, are there occasionally employed, but their intercourse with the settlers of the low country is very limited and they are rarely employed, partly because they evince no desire to be so, partly because the Stations on the Upper McLeay are Cattle Stations and the means and ways of employing them consequently few, and partly because the Stockman dislike having them about the stations in their wild state, as they find that their presence disturbs the cattle. A few individuals of the Tribes of the middle portion of the McLeay are employed at the Stations in the vicinity of their usual haunts, principally in assisting the stockmen in the management of the cattle: an occupation they like as upon it they can bring to bear many of their own natural gifts, the remuneration they receive consists of food and clothing. I am happy at having it in my power to report that the complaints of the depredations committed by the Natives of the above tribes have not been so frequent during the past as they were during the preceding year; altho´ the practice of spearing cattle is continued by them to such an extent as materially to affect the interests of the Proprietors of the Stations. 3._ With regard to the Natives of the tribes inhabiting the neighbourhood of the Police Station and the lower portions of the McLeay, I am glad to be able to give a somewhat better account. The “Wondingalong” Tribe numbers 12 males, of

[Page 76]

of these (3) three are permanently employed on the Police Station. One as tracker, receiving an allowance of money, clothes, with rations from the Government. Another by myself as Orderlie, receiving the pay and emoluments attached to the situation, and the third is in my own private service, receiving a weekly money wage, clothing and food. All of these men have been with me for a considerable time and live in a hut erected partly at their own expense, and furnished wholly by themselves out of their own means. Another native of the same tribe is in the service of the Chief Constable received a money wage, clothing and food. A Blacksmith residing on the Station is also in the habit of employing some of the same tribe, at intervals and remunerates them in a similar manner. Captain Briggs residing a few miles from the Station has another of the tribe regularly in his service and employs others as he can procure them, money as in the above instances forming a portion of the remuneration. Another Native of the tribe is engaged as a stockman in New England receiving regular wages and rations. Three out of the twelve males constituting the “Wondingalong” Tribe six are in regular employment. 4.Of the Kempsey Tribe Mr Warner of the “McLeay Rivers Steam Works” employs a few as he can procure them and when employed in the Boiling down he informs me that he finds them fully as efficient and

[Page 77]

and useful as his European servants. Mr Warner pays them with rations. Mr Smith a Publican residing at Kempsey employed six of the “Kempsey” and “Christmas Creek” Tribes for three months during the past year in clearing some Brush land, he informs me that the degree of perseverance shewn by them in the performance of this laborious work was very considerable. He paid them each a weekly money wage, furnished them with rations, and at the completion of the work they had undertaken to perform gave them each according to agreement certain articles of clothing. 5.Mr W.H. Chapman, a settler on the North bank of the McLeay River, regularly employs (9) nine natives of the “Christmas Creek” “Bowra” and the “Bellingen River” Tribes: three as Stockmen: two as woodcutters and four as Farm Servants. This gentleman does not speak so well as others of the perseverance shewn by them in the performance of their work, but attributes this in a measure to the circumstances of his station forming a rallying point to all the neighbouring tribes. He pays them with full rations and clothing, and at Christmas makes those in the habit of visiting his Station a present of a Bullock, tea, sugar and tobacco. 6. Mr Rakes also a settler on the north bank of the McLeay employs at certain seasons as many of the Natives as he can obtain in pulling and husking corn, stripping bark and other light occupations. He pays them in money and food, or clothes and food according to the nature of his agreement with them. Mr

[Page 78]

7.Mr John Verge, to whom I have alluded in a former report, and who by kindness and keeping faith with them, has succeeded in gaining the confidence of the Natives, informs me that both himself and his tenants continue to employ the natives of the “Trial Bay” Tribe; he speaks well of their usefulness and their perseverance in the performance of work undertaken by them more especially when money forms a portion of the remuneration they are to receive on the completion of it. He also adds that during the past year neither his own crops nor those of his tenants have suffered as they formerly did from the pilferings of the Natives. 8.Mr Charles Spencer, the lowest settler on the McLeay is also in the habit of employing the Natives of the “Bowra” and “Trial Bay” tribes, he pays them in food and tobacco and he informs me that at certain descriptions of work he finds them of considerable use. This gentleman from possessing a knowledge of the language spoken by the tribes in his neighbourhood exercises considerable influence over them. 9.I have no hesitation in saying that a disposition to work is decidedly increasing amongst the tribes of the lower McLeay, and this change I attribute in a great measure to the practice which has during the last two years obtained with the settlers of paying the natives for services rendered in money in addition to the ordinary remuneration of food and clothing, indeed as far as my own experience has gone I have never found the offer of money fail of inducing them to

[Page 79]

to work. The occupations in which they prove most useful are those of Stock Keeping and Horse breaking, at these they are apt and useful and as a general rule they prefer them to any others. Of continuous labour they are physically incapable, but at any work not requiring protracted exertion they are as far as my own experience serves persevering and considering that the instructions they receive are usually conveyed in a language of which they know but a few words, display in the performance of their work as much or even more intelligence than the lower classes of Europeans would under similar circumstances. 10.I regret to say that the numbers of the tribes are visibly decreasing, and the births amongst those that have intercourse with Europeans bear no sort of proportion to the deaths that occur. I cannot recollect having noticed since my arrival in the District any infant amongst them, the ages of the children ranging between two and ten years. During the past year (9) nine deaths have been at different times reported to me:- (5) five women (3) three men and (1) one child. From enquiries instituted by me I find that of the women (3) three died of consumption, and (2) two were killed by the men of their own tribe. Of the men (2) two were killed by some of their own race and one (1) died of old age. The child belonged to one of the women above mentioned and

[Page 80]

Return shewing the Aboriginal Tribes in the McLeay River District and the estimated number of Inhabitants in each Tribe on the 31st day of December 1850.

Name of tribe – Usual habitation – Estimated number of Individuals in each Tribe – Adults – Male – Female – Children under 12 years of age – Total – Remarks

Cunderang – Upper parts of the McLeay, Cunderang Creek, and the skirts of the Table Land – 25 – 20 – 8 – 53

Five-day Creek – Five-day, Upper and Lower George’s Creeks, and the skirts of the Table Land – 25 – 23 – 10 – 58

Wabbra and Innes’ Creek – Wabbra, Nullah Nullah and Hickey’s Creeks, and the Upper part of Dungee Creek – 12 – 5 – 3 – 20

Hill’s – Hickey’s, Nullah Nullah and Mungay Creeks, and the heads of Christmas Creek – 10 – 6 - - - 16

Dondingalong – Neighbourhood of Police Station – 12 – 4 – 2 – 18

Kempsey – Neighbourhood of Police Station and Kempsey – 14 – 5 – 3 – 22

Trial Bay – Sea Coast between Port Macquarie and Mouth of the McLeay – 40 – 20 – 20 – 80

Bowra – North branch of the Nambucca River and Christmas Creek – 20 – 17 – 7 – 44

Congarini – Nambucca River – South branch of the Nambucca River and Christmas Creek – 16 – 10 – 3 – 29

Bellingen River – Bellinger River and the Coast in the vicinity of the Mouth - - - - - - - 130

Total – 496

Crown Lands Office
McLeay River, 8th March 1851

Edward C. Merewether
Commissioner of Crown Lands

[Page 81]

and on her death was killed by the men of the tribe. 11.Towards the end of the year an Aboriginal named “Mogo” was executed for the murder at the Bellingen River of a Sawyer named Page. This native was born at the Clarence and was brought from thence to the McLeay by a Mr.Gard, who educated him and, as I am informed, had him baptized. When about 15 years of age “Mogo” left Mr Gard, who was then living at the Nambucca River, and joined the natives belonging to the Bellingen River, with whom he remained up to the time of his assisting in the perpetration of the murder for which he was executed. The circumstances of that murder are already before the Government and I do not consider it necessary to repeat them. 12.Three men of the “Bowra” Tribe assisted a white man in capturing the Native above mentioned and in escorting him to the lock up a distance of (50) fifty miles. For this I rewarded them with Rations, Tobacco and a Blanket each, and His Excellency the Governor upon the recommendation of the Bench of Magistrates of the District, has been pleased to direct that a brass plate, bearing an inscription setting forth the services for which it is given be presented to each of them. The plates have not yet been given but are in course of preparation and will be ready shortly. In

[Page 82]

13.In the distribution of the Blankets and other articles furnished to me by the Government, I have strictly adhered to the instructions contained in your circular letters. I have kept an account of the names of the Blacks to whom, and also of the nature of the services for which, they have been given. I have a small supply still in my Store. 14.I have pointed out to Mr Warke the Government Surveyor, the portion of land selected by me as a Reserve for the uses of the aborigines, but as the instructions contained in your letter of the 16th February 1850 (N:209) and the 5th September 1850 (N:1697), do not warrant me in incurring any expense, I have abstained from taking any other step than that specially pointed out by you in the letter of the last named date; namely making known to the Natives by all the means in my power that the track of land alluded to has been set aside for their special use. Up to this date they have not made any use of it. I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant.
Edward C. Merewether
Commrr. C. Land.

[Page 83]

Annual Report on the Aborigines in the District of Wellington.
I have much pleasure in stating that during the last 12 mths I have not had a single complaint made to me of any aggressions having been committed by the Aborigines in this district; and from observations I have been able to make I find there are now a much greater number of them employed at the distant stations than there used to be, this I attribute to the great scarcity of labour in the interior caused by the discovery of gold, the Settlers had no other resource (for a time) to fall back upon but the Aborigines, and therefore were very glad to obtain their services. They have in consequence been better and more kindly treated, and have proved most useful in looking after both sheep and cattle, on the lower Macquarie some of the sheep stations have scarce an European

[Page 84]

European Shepherd the sheep being followed by the Aborigines who are very careful and rarely if ever have any losses; In the more inhabited portions of the district they are also much employed, particularly during sheep washing and had it not been for their assistance this year several of the Establishments must have shorn the sheep in the grease. Since the discovery of the gold numbers of the Aborigines have attached themselves to the different diggings, and in some cases have been very successful but I regret to say it is has been of no advantage to them, for as soon as they obtain a little money it is all expended in drinking to which they are fatally attached, for although the Law has done all it can to prevent their being supplied with spirits yet they will if it is possible obtain it. With respect to the number of the Aborigines in this district, it is almost

[Page 85]

Annual Return of the number of Aborigines

1st January

Tribes – Number supposed to be in the different tribes

Lachlan – 150
Bell River – 50
Molong Creek & Boree – 50
Little River – 60
Upper Bogan – 125
Lower Bogan – 100
Barwen – 250
Lower Macquarie – 100
Upper Macquarie – 125

Total – 1,010

Crown Lands Office, Wellington

[Page 86]

Annual Report on the Reserves set apart for the use of the Aborigines in the District of Wellington

1st January 1853

Reserves – Where Situated - Extent

Mendadgery – At the junction of Mendadgery Ck. with the Lachlen River – 640 Acres – No Establishment formed. Visited in Novr. 1852.

Native Fishery – Barwen River – 640 Acres – No Establishment formed.

Mudall – Bogan River – 640 Acres – No Establishment formed.

Crown Lands Office, Wellington
W. Hall Palmer
E.C.L.

[Page 87]

Annual Return of the number of Aborigines in the District of Wellington

1st January 1853

Tribes – Number supposed to be in the different tribes – Remarks

Lachlan – 150
Bell River – 50
Molong Creek & Boree – 50
Little River – 66

Remarks [referring to the four tribes above]

The Aborigines of these several tracts do not appear to confine themselves to one in particular but are at times to be found partially in the others.

Upper bogan – 125 – The above remarks with reference to the extreme Upper Bogan in connexion with the above tracts are applicable.

Lower Bogan – 100
Barwen – 250
Lower Macquarie – 100

Remarks [referring to the three tribes above]

The Aborigines of these tracts do not appear to confine themselves to one in particular but are at times to be found partially in the others.

Upper Macquarie – 125 – The Aborigines of the Upper Macquarie, Bell River, & Little River at times pass to and fro.

Crown Lands Office, Wellington

W. Hall Palmer
E.C.L.

[Page 88]

almost impossible to arrive at a correct account as they do not confine themselves to any particular part but are always wandering backwards and forwards, when questioned on the subject of their number they seem to have a particular aversion to giving any information, they are evidently fast decreasing, very few children are now to be seen with the different tribes. In consequence of the late wet season I have been prevented from visiting all the reserves; as yet there have been no Establishments formed at any of them nor should I be inclined at present to recommend that there should be, for were any buildings to be erected on the reserves to which they, the Aborigines, principally resort for fishing and hunting, and for performing their various ceremonies, I think it would be a means of driving them away. W Hall Palmer
C.C.L.
Crown Lands Office
Wellington 1st January 1853.

[Page 89]

Return of Aboriginal Natives taken at Invermein in May and June 1833.

No. – English Name – Native Name – Probable Age – Number of Wives – Children – Males – Females – Designation of Tribe – Place or District of usual Resort - Remarks

1 – Kinge Peter – Terinal – 20 - - - - - - - Invermein – Dart Brook
2 – Wedensday – Umrotterdi – 22 – 1 - - - - - Invermein
3 – Jemmy – Coulan – 18 - - - - - - - Invermein
4 – Sandy – Woolory – 25 – 1 - - - - - Invermein
5 – Joe – Balralingin – 30 – 1 - - - 1 – Invermein
6 – Naddy – Moonell – 19 - - - - - - - Invermein
7 – Bob – Poulhiminda – 30 – 1 – 2 - - - Invermein
8 – Billy – Poorben – 26 – 1 - - - - - Invermein
9 – Billy – Tinabinary – 30 – 1 - - - - - Invermein
10 – Jackey – Yanah – 14 - - - - - - - Invermein
11 – Dickey – Taragera – 14 - - - - - - - Invermein
12 – Jemmy – Norinmill – 14 - - - - - - - Invermein
13 – Geordie – Morowby – 18 - - - - - - - Invermein
14 – Jackey – Bongra – 28 – 2 - - - - - Invermein
15 – Charlie – Teless – 20 – 1 - - - - - Invermein
16 – Jemmy – Woorubity – 25 – 1 - - - - - Invermein
17 – William – Crawich – 20 – 1 – 1 - - - Invermein
18 – Jemmy – Calarye – 20 – 1 – 1 - - - Invermein
19 – Billy Kongus – Delirani – 28 – 2 - - - 1 – Invermein
20 – Paddy – Wooroobon – 25 – 1 - - - - - Invermein
21 – King David – Not known – 26 – 1 – 1 - - - Segenhoe – Pages River
22 – Donald – Coulingah – 30 – 5 – 3 - - - Segenhoe
23 – Diamond – Teragaribin – 35 – 1 - - - 1 – Segenhoe
24 – Joe – Calamolingan – 30 – 1 – 2 – 1 – Segenhoe
25 – Bob – Werere – 20 – 1 - - - 1 – Segenhoe
26 – Dickey – Belin – 25 – 1 - - - - - - Segenhoe
27 – Donald – Wealdy – 28 – 1 - - - - - - Segenhoe
28 – Tommy – Kanga – 35 – 1 - - - 2 – Segenhoe
29 – Mickey – Coulawoorong – 20 – 1 - - - 1 – Segenhoe
30 – Pringah – Cobatoo – 30 – 1 - - - 1 – Segenhoe
31 – Pringah – Mericole – 26 – 1 – 1 - - - Segenhoe
32 – Peter – Kerow 30 – 2 – 1 - - - Segenhoe
33 – Tommy – Tyawing – 28 – 1 - 2 - - - Segenhoe
34 – William – Coumbil – 30 - - - - - 1 – Segenhoe
35 – Gerro – Kalumbabgumbry – 30 – 3 - 2 - - - Segenhoe
36 – Jemmy – Emilia – 21 – 1 - - - - - Segenhoe
37 – Bonaparte – Durindi – 28 – 2 – 1 - - - Segenhoe
38 – Paddy – Paryoukingau – 25 – 2 - - - 1 – Liverpool Plains – Liverpool Plains
39 – Diamond – Patowa – 22 – 3 - - - 1 – Liverpool Plains
40 – Jemmy – Woomayling – 26 – 2 - - - - - Liverpool Plains

[Page 90]

1833

Return of Aboriginal Natives taken at Wollongong on 30th July 1833

No. – English Name – Native Name – Probable Age – Number of Wives – Children – Male – Female – Designation of Tribe – Place or District of Usual resort.

1 – Bundle – Woolmarry – 60 – 1 - - - 1 – Five Islands – Wollongong
2 – Bundle – timbery – 65 – 1 – 2 – 1 – Five Islands – Tom Thumb
3 – Fryingpan – Mooromble – 40 – 1 - - - 1 – Five Islands – Wollongong
4 – Doctor – Darrang – 25 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Tatepolly
5 – Philip – Moogelong – 40 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Euleah
6 – Puss – Mullangod – 20 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Thassmah
7 – Charley – Nunlight – 18 - - - - - - - Five Islands – Lake
8 – Billy – Weethat – 20 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Bumbarah
9 – Charley – Geroone – 30 – 1 - - - 1 – Five Islands – Unananderah
10 – Johny – Wingalong – 20 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Bumbarah
11 – Dary – Middangle – 32 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Moogamarah
12 – Tommy – Undelight – 20 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Moogamarah
13 – Billy – Wabene – 22 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Mangomero
14 – Billy – Berramah – 22 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Bambarah
15 – Billy – Terrennong – 23 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Unnendarrah
16 – Bill – Wollongalow – 24 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Tassmay
17 – Timothy – Goorangroun – 24 – 1 – 1 – 1 – Five Islands – Mugomero
18 – Josoph – Tommell – 22 – 1 - - - 1 – Five Islands – Tatepolly
19 – Chit Chat – Chit Chat – 24 – 1 - - - 1 – Five Islands – Mount Terry
20 – Chit Chat – Manby – 30 - - - - - - - Five Islands – Ebonora
21 – Jack – Brangy – 20 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Moogamarah
22 – Bill – Meaul – 35 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Tallambar
23 – Jemmy – Goodpally – 70 - - - 1 – 1 – Five Islands – Memamarrah
24 – Jack – Barrett – 50 – 1 - - - 1 – Five Islands – Tassmay
25 – Paddy – Gully – 50 – 3 – 1 – 1 – Five Islands – Yarramah
26 – Paddy – Nangle – 45 – 1 – 3 - - - Five Islands – Peterbourough
27 – Tall Boy – Illamago – 30 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Moogamarrah
28 – Tall Boy – Tallas – 50 - - - 3 – 2 – Five Islands – Wollongong
29 – Old Jack – Murrarang – 50 – 1 - - - - - Five Islands – Yarramah

[Page 91]

Sydney 17th October 1833 Sir
I have the honor to enclose a list received from ShoalHaven of the Aborigines generally residing about my Establishment in that district; and also the names of the Individuals who received the twenty four blankets sent by the Govt. for distribution.
This list shows a total of 198 souls but cannot be considered as complete from the wandering character of the people.
It is a singular circumstance that although six of the men have two wives yet the whole lot have a preponderance of Males over the Females nearly in the ratio of 3 to 2.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient
Alexr Berry.

[Page 92]

23/5922

Return of Aboriginal Natives taken at Shoal Haven, 17th Sept. 1833

No. – English Name – Native Name – Probable Age – Number of Wives – children – Male – Female – Designation of Tribe – Place in District of usual resort.

1 – Bodego – Bodjane – 35 – dead – 1 - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
2 – Long Charcoal – Nuraming – 40 – 1 – 3 - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
3 – Jackey – Nundagong – 22 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
4 – Joe – Nanjaroo9 – 20 – 1 - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
5 – Dumperby – Pedwha – 20 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
6 – Stewart – Denie – 17 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
7 – Lion – Cadune – 15 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
8 – Gandy Gandy – Gandy Gandy – 35 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
9 – Jerum – Jerum – 35 – dead - - - 2 – Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
10 – Packacorn – Peckacorn – 38 – 1 - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
11 – Charley Findle – Kendle – 15 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
12 – Charley – Ambie – 38 – 1 – 1 – 2 – Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
13 – Conduwhite – Conduwhite – 18 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
14 – Nungelong – Nungelong – 39 – 1 - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
15 – Tyger – Toonie – 25 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
16 – Dick – Bathrie – 30 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
17 – Kennedy – Kennandra – 20 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
18 – Armer – Armer – 38 – 1 - - - 2 – Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
19 – Monkey – Michael – 12 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
20 – Joey – tumble – 39 – 1 – 1 – 2 – Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
21 – Tattoo – Tattoo – 10 - - - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
22 – Blacksmith – Goodba – 45 – 1 - - - - - Shl. Haven - Shoal Haven
23 – Greenwell – Barundadale – 45 – 1 - - - - - Shl. Haven – Shoal Haven
24 – Old Munday – Wanerong – 70 – 1 – 1 – 1 – Wonegee – St. Vincent
25 – Old Yellowman – Corooboon – 60 – 1 – 3 – 1 – Wonegee – St. Vincent
26 – David Tindle – Jangaroon – 25 – 1 - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
27 – Dick – Warloal – 30 – 1 - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
28 – Billy – Niney – 15 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
29 – Old Paddygong – Nunjock – 55 – 2 – 4 – 5 – Wonegee – St. Vincent
30 – Wapping Joe – Calombine – 27 – 1 - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
31 – Tom Bailley – Waambine – 25 – 1 - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
32 – Old Paddy Bluet – Cattack – 55 – 1 – 2 – 3 – Wonegee – St. Vincent
33 – Young Joe – Nunjarook – 27 – 1 - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
34 – Old Uncle John – Yallool – 50 - - - 1 - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
35 – Old Neddy – Ullanarang – 60 – 1 – 5 - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
36 – Neddy – Tyrang – 40 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
37 – Tom – Nimba – 30 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
38 – Isaac – Carrack – 25 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
39 – Old Bryant – Gembagong – 55 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
40 – Old Necklace – Jackut – 55 – 1 - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
41 – Bobaro – Bobaro – 40 - 2 - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
42 – Paddygong – Wallongal – 20 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
43 – Crankey Billy – Tussance – 40 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
44 – Nelson – Nullringelly – 25 – 1 - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
45 – Jem Cotton – Ilbo – 30 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
46 – Jackey Jackey – Nurrenmut – 30 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
47 – Little Tom – Aubagul – 25 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
48 – Dick – Tangarita – 30 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
49 – Johnny – Barramung – 18 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
50 – Harry – Tallane – 15 - - - - - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
51 – Old Tom – Nungarong – 50 – 1 – 1 – 4 – Wonegee – St. Vincent
52 – Bob – Borrong – 45 – 2 – 2 – 1 – Wonegee – St. Vincent
53 – Charley – Namamba – 40 – 1 – 1 - - - Wonegee – St. Vincent
54 – Harry – Bongharry – 40 – 1 – 1 – 1 – Wonegee – St. Vincent
55 – Old Nimtyle – Nymbla – 50 – 1 - - - 2 – Wonegee – St. Vincent

P.T.O.

[Page 93]

Distribution of Blankets to the Aboriginal Natives at Shoal Haven

No. – English Name – Native Name – Probable age – Number of Wives – Children – Male – Female – Designation Tribe – Place or district of usual resort

1 – Wagin – Wagin – 35 – 1 - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
2 – Tommy Lettler – Pantilick – 28 – 2 - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
3 – Cobborn Mick – Nodroon – 30 – 1 - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
4 – Sam – Tookanboy – 29 – 1 – 1 - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
5 – Broughton – Namberry – 29 – 1 - - - 2 – Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
6 – Neildy – Nungari – 26 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
7 – Greedy boy – Tourang – 20 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
8 – Davey – Conjute – 26 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
9 – Dick – Woolool – 27 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
10 – Cobborn Jack – Yanulet – 28 – 1 - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
11 – Wentworth – Tucking – 16 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
12 – Charley – Water Water – 25 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
13 – Good Good – Good Good – 40 – 2 – 2 - 1 – Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
14 – Jack Waterman – Wonnoadrong – 35 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
15 – Bungaree – Bungaree – 40 – 2 – 1 – 1 – Shoal Haven - Shoal Haven
16 – Charcoal – Nunberry – 25 – 1 - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
17 – Darby Brook – Yacki – 35 – 2 – 4 - - - Broughton Ck. – Shoal Haven
18 – Sam – Coonburroo – 27 – 1 - - - - - Broughton Ck. – Shoal Haven
19 – Coorooboy – Coorooboy – 38 – Dead – 1 – 1 – Broughton Ck. – Shoal Haven
20 – Biddy – Irambrunall – 20 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
21 – Nury – Illawarra – 16 - - - - - - - Shoal Haven – Shoal Haven
22 – Joe The Sailor – Tyree – 30 – 1 – 3 - - - Wonegee – Shoal Haven
23 – Peter – Redalbrook – 30 – 1 – 1 - - - Wonegee – Shoal Haven
24 – Dan – Murlgally – 31 – 1 - - - - - Wonegee – Shoal Haven

Total 22 Men, 20 Women, 13 Male children, 5 Female Children

Total 55 Men, 30 Women, 27 Male children, 26 Female Children

77 Men, 50 Women, 40 Male children, 31 Female Children

[Page 94]

34/4989

1834

Return of Aboriginal Natives taken at Cassilis

No. – English Name – Native Name – Probable Age – Number of Wives – Children – Male – Female – Designation of Tribe – Place or district of usual resort

1 – Dickey – Pidundi – 29 – 1 - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
2 – Jamie – Purumbuta – 31 – 3 – 1 - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
3 – Simon – Gowry – 36 – 1 – 1 - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
4 – Tall boy – Woondilly – 26 – 1 - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
5 – Bobby – Guriguray – 34 – 1 – 1 – 1 – Nandowry – Cassilis
6 – Cabon Jackey – Dibia – 36 – 3 – 1 – 1 – Nandowry – Cassilis
7 – Black boy – Murruendi – 31 – 1 – 1 - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
8 – Peter – Taloombi – 31 – 1 - - - 1 – Nandowry - Cassilis
9 – Teapot – Gomah – 31 – 2 – 2 - - - Nandowry - Cassilis
10 – Mr. Piper – Calenddy – 21 – 1 – 1 - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
11 – Jackey – Booncumbiddy – 31 – 2 – 3 - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
12 – Joe – Tinuacoongoo – 41 - - - 1 – 1 – Nandowry – Cassilis
13 – Friday – Targonarie – 29 – 1 – 2 - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
14 – Mickey – Yenloonmalli – 19 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
15 – Jamie – Boondi – 19 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
16 – Dick – Doogoondilly – 17 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
17 – Harry – Podummoni – 21 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
18 – Rajah – Teramboi – 21 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
19 – Jamie – Ubawley – 16 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
20 – tommy – Nunga – 17 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
21 – Young Malony – Merah – 26 – 2 - - - 1 – Nandowry – Cassilis
22 – Harry – Willanglia – 23 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
23 – Tommy Taylor – Pobanga – 23 – 1 - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
24 – Charley – Mulgagoglia – 26 – 3 - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
25 – Friday – Wibidoway – 21 - - - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
26 – Joe – Poondidally – 24 – 2 - - - - - Nandowry – Cassilis
27 – Charley – Cowibbay – 36 – 3 – 2 – 2 – Nandowry – Cassilis

[Page 95]

No. – English Name – Native Name – Probable Age – Number of Wives – children – Male – Female – Designation of Tribe – Place or District of usual Resort

28 – Jamie – Neaduroo – 26 – 1 - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
29 – Charley – Mageraginga – 21 - - - 1 - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
30 – Jamie – Gooroondowie – 31 – 1 – 1 – 1 – Nandowra - Cassilis
31 – Eagle Hawk – Baboon – 21 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
32 – Charley – Yarilie – 23 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
33 – Harry – Boogingawindi – 23 – 1 - - - 1 - Nandowra – Cassilis
34 – Charlie – Thaloondool – 24 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
35 – Harry – Tagoonbooklia – 27 – 2 - - - 1 - Nandowra – Cassilis
36 – Geordie – Kelaglia – 20 - - - 1 - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
37 – Tommy – Bowringai – 25 – 1 - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
38 – Friday – Modibrie – 23 – 1 - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
39 – Mickey – Boonglialie – 22 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
40 – Brandy – Boliglia – 21 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
41 – Tommy – Nhulunaru – 19 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
42 – Saturday – Taniglia – 21 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
43 – Dickey – Uliduli – 21 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
44 – Jamie – Goiklia – 17 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
45 – Dan – Gowerh – 31 – 1 – 1 - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
46 – Michael – Wallummulongu – 19 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
47 – Tommy – Murryamilu – 17 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
48 – Jamie – Tallimmlgha – 17 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
49 – Jamie – Grugali – 19 - - - - - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
50 – Ben Kemall – Murramosil – 36 – 2 – 2 - - - Nandowra – Cassilis
51 – Jackey – Phuringalie – 25 – 1 - - - 2 – Bomerah – Talbrigar
52 – Barney – Thannui – 24 – 2 - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
53 – Peter – Taloongha – 26 – 4 – 1 - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
54 – Jamie – Kiraberiglia – 24 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
55 – Nobby – Pugilglia – 19 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
56 – Dicky Young – Pambormungia – 20 – 1 – 1 - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
57 – Captain Piper – Dinourir – 18 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
58 – Billy Whip – Doklia – 28 – 1 – 1 - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
59 – Jimmy Laugh – Yalbinglia – 28 – 3 – 1 - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar

[Page 96]

No. – English Name – Native Name – Probable Age – Number of Wives – Children – Male – female – Designation of Tribe – Place or District of usual Resort

60 – Charley – Waraglia – 22 - - - - - 1 – Bomerah - Talbrigar
61 – Tommy – Telialuloway – 27 – 1 – 2 - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
62 – Simon – Parabondu – 18 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
63 – Peter – Woorambilga – 26 – 1 – 1 - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
64 – Bobby – Pooba – 30 – 1 – 3 – 1 - Bomerah – Talbrigar
65 – Mickey – Pooiagliara – 20 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
66 – Sandy – Tacoi – 35 – 3 - - - 2 - Bomerah – Talbrigar
67 – Cobra bald – Polonda – 13 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
68 – Billy – Pimbooglia – 45 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
69 – Jackey Jackey – Boonglia – 28 – 1 – 1 - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
70 – Billy – Hurraglia – 17 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
71 – Charley – Gowill – 16 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
72 – Sandy – Tirrumubrie – 25 – 1 - - - 1 - Bomerah – Talbrigar
73 – Paddy – Tilangba – 35 – 3 – 1 - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar
74 – Joe – Pooblia – 21 - - - - - - - Bomerah – Talbrigar

Recapitulation of Numbers

Men – 74
Women – 62
Male Children – 34
Female Children -17

187

[Page 97]

Return of Aboriginal Natives, taken at Wollongong on the first May 1844.

No. – English Names – Native Names – Probable Age – Number of Wives – Children – Male – Female – Designation of Tribe – Place or District of usual resort.

44/3610

1 – Mary – Gloodbillory – 45 - - - 2 – 0 – Dapto – Dapto
2 – Mary – Buan – 47 - - - 0 – 0 – Dapto – Dapto
3 – Mary – Baddook – 40 - - - - - 1 – Wollongong – Wollongong
4 – Mary – Narron – 35 - - - 1 – 0 – Yalla – Yalla
5 – Sally Bundle – Yallonga – 35 - - - 0 – 1 – Wollongong – Wollongong
6 – Big Mary – Currongalong – 35 - - - 1 – 1 – Wollongong – Wollongong
7 – Old Nelly – Marrarra – 39 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Dapto – Dapto
8 – Marie Bundle – Bulgoo – 19 - - - 0 – 1 – Wollongong – Wollongong
9 – Polly – Moorut – 26 - - - 0 – 0 – Terrys River – Terrys River
10 – Lilly – Moogbun – 45 - - - 0 – 0 – Jamberoo – Jamberoo
11 – Cabbage – Cabbage – 28 - - - 1 – 0 – Wollongong – Wollongong
12 – Aback – Goongara – 27 - - - - - - - Jamberoo – Jamberoo
13 – Mary Flap – Banbara – 20 - - - - - - - Wollongong – Wollongong
14 – Polly – Bungane – 20 - - - - - - - Dapto – Dapto
15 – Jack – Wellenallylong – 4y6 – 1 – 0 – 2 – Wollongong – Wollongong
16 – Frying Pan – Woorroomar – 50 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Wollongong – Wollongong
17 – Billy – Tollinbar – 36 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Wollongong – Wollongong
18 – Mary – Coolory – 26 - - - 1 - - - Terrys River – Terrys River
19 – Alick – Molongarum – 28 - - - - - - - Yalla – Yalla
20 – Darby – Middangle – 28 - - - - - - - Dapto – Dapto

Police Office, Wollongong
first May 1844.

[Page 98]

44/4801

Return of Aboriginal Natives, taken at Cassilis on the 1st June 1844.

No. – English Names – Native Names – Probable Age – Number of Wives – Children – Male – Female – Designation of Tribe – Place or District of usual resort.

1 – Timothy – Bungalie – 50 – 2 – 2 – 1 – Munmurra – Cassilis District
2 – Jemmy – Cuangalli – 48 - - - 2 - - - Munmurra
3 – Carbon Jackey – Tuni – 50 – 1 - - - 1 – Munmurra
4 – Jackey – Bangambichi – 48 – 2 – 2 - - - Munmurra
5 – Bobby – Puba – 45 – 1 – 2 - - - Munmurra
6 – Jemmy – Auliga – 40 – 1 – 1 - - - Munmurra
7 – Jemmy – Brumpetu – 48 – 1 – 1 - - - Munmurra
8 – Jackey – Burnga – 38 - - - 1 - - - Munmurra
9 – Peter – Dullumbi – 45 – 1 - - - 1 – Munmurra
10 – Old Mary – Therilla – 45 - - - - - - - Munmurra
11 – Nanny – Auda – 35 - - - - - - - Munmurra
12 – Mary – Auangara – 40 - - - - - - - Munmurra
13 – Betty – Maraga – 40 - - - - - - - Munmurra
14 – Martha – Yarrawma – 42 - - - - - - - Munmurra
15 – Mary – Marda – 36 - - - - - - - Munmurra
16 – Kitty – Mallaba – 30 - - - - - - - Munmurra
17 – Nanny – Auliga – 30 - - - - - - - Munmurra
18 – Mary – Muginda – 45 - - - - - - - Munmurra
19 – Jenny – Marrama – 25 - - - - - - - Munmurra
20 – Maria – Cundu – 20 - - - - - - - Munmurra
21 – Taby – Caramine – 18 - - - - - - - Munmurra
22 – Taby – Caiti – 18 - - - - - - - Munmurra
23 – Ellen – Polonga – 10 - - - - - - - Munmurra
24 – Mary – Marda – 28 - - - - - - - Munmurra
25 – Mary – Aulida – 30 - - - - - - - Munmurra
26 – Mary – Ephida – 25 - - - - - - - Munmurra
27 – Moloney – Targale – 30 – 2 – 1 – 1 – Munmurra
28 – Jemmy – Pundi – 30 – 1 - - - - - Munmurra
29 – Daneil – Quihi – 25 - - - - - - - Munmurra
30 – Black Baoy – Mida – 28 - - - - - - - Munmurra
31 – Dick – Ebida – 28 – 1 -1 - - - Munmurra
32 – July – Agadalli – 6 - - - - - - - Munmurra
33 – billy – Auri – 25 – 1 - - - 1 – Munmurra
34 – tom – Barangalie – 28 - - - - - - - Munmurra
35 – Charley – Marralinga – 26 – 1 - - - - - Munmurra
36 – Henry – Wilunga – 28 - - - - - - - Munmurra

[Sgd.] Allan Burby, J.P.
Cassilis, 4th June 1844

[Page 99]

To His Excellency
Sir George Gipps Knight Captain General. Governor and Commander in Chief of the Territory of New South Wales &c &c &c The humble Petition of Captain, Native Chief of the Caddie Tribe,
most humbly setteth forth Your Petitioner begs with humble submission to state that he was in the Reign of His Excellency the late Governor Macquarie made a Chief of the Caddie Tribe and as such has ever since remained. Your Petitioner begs also to state he has being two Voyages at sea in the Brig Elizabeth John Grono Master for the purpose of obtaining seal skins but in consequence of the difference of climate did not agree with him and was obliged to relinquish it. Your Petitioner begs further to state that he has been chiefly employed by the inhabitants of Pitt Town but their being no employment for him at the present moment is under the necessity of obtaining a very scanty livelihood in the best manner possible in an honest manner. Your Petitioner on hearing of your Excellency´s bountiful goodness in giving Boats to those Aborigines whose intentions are to gain their living in an honest and upright manner. Your Petitioner most fervently prays your Excellency will take his case into your humane consideration and to grant him the same indulgence and as a proof of his Character the House and Land holders have on the other side recommended him to your Excellency´s consideration.
And your Petitioner
will in duty bound
ever pray
Captain Chief of the Caddie Tribe

[Page 100]

We the undersigned Land and House holders of the District of Pitt Town have known Petitioner many years as an honest and Industrious Character and humbly beg to recommend him to your Excellency´s favourable consideration. Petitioner has been known to me from his childhood and I have always considered him to be honest and rather more industrious than the generality of his fellow countrymen. He labours hard during the harvest and I have known him in times past to act as a Shepherd. He was at sea three years in my employ during which time he conducted himself with propriety and submission and in one instance at New Zealand when a white Man was washed from the rocks by a surf and twelve Europeans standing by afraid or unable to render any assistance to the drowning man, Petitioner at the risk of his own life, plunged into the sea and rescued him from a watery grave.
John Grono. Petitioner I have known for twenty years and always found him an honest an industrious man
Caddie June 23rd Thos. Arndell Petitioner I have known for Twenty years and always considered him a well Behaved Man.
Pitt Town June 24 William Hall I beg lief to State that Petitioner as been none to me for a number of years and believe him worthy of anything with regard to [indecipherable] that is Excellency the Governor may

[Page 101]

be please to be stowan him.
Joseph Smith, Jnr. Petitioner I have known for twenty years and always found him a hard worthy man. Caddie 26 June.
David Roberts
Richard Roberts Memorilist. Black Captain, as been known to me Twenty Years and upwards, and at one time he had charge of a Flock of Sheep, he was considered our best and carefulest shepherd. I believe him to be honest and industrious,and well worthy of the Prayer in the Petition. Pitt Town, 26th June 1839. [indecipherable] McDonald

[Page 102]

Copy Joey alias Cudjenmoly and Jaco alias Currajomblay, both Aboriginal Blacks brought up charged with Murder. New South Wales To Wit: William Carr on oath saith I am a Stockman in the employ of Mr Wm Lee, and am his assigned Servant. I was on Friday week last the 1st of this month at a newly formed Station of a Mr Seeton the Bogan, there are eight men besides myself employed on the Station, four in Mr Joseph Moulders employ and the remainder in Mr Lees. Seven men were at their newly formed Station on the Bogan building a new Stock Yard. I and another man named Richard Price were following the cattle at about two hundred yards from where the

[Page 103]

Yard was building, this was about 3 o´clock in the afternoon of the above named first of October, two of the party Connelly and Sutton came running towards us and said, that all the men at the Drays were murdered; I immediately rode up towards the drays, and I saw John Butcher covered with blood and being pursued by six Blacks, who were armed with Wamerahs and spears, I galloped towards the Blacks and shouted to them they then fell back into a bush.
I then went with the wounded man Butcher to the Drays. I got a fowling piece and some ball cartridge, there were three of the party

[Page 104]

lying dead at the drays, one had an axe still sticking in his throat, another was cut across the back of his neck, and the third seemed to have been beaten to death about the head by clubs. There were about forty blacks standing about one Hundred Yards distant, they threw two Wamerahs at me. I then fired at them, upon which they drew back a short distance and advanced again, I had with me then a wounded man named George Flitcroft, I succeeded in getting him upon the horse I was on and rode away with him. I then went and found Butcher who had been wounded, I found him and placed him on the horse, and then made off for a station, the nearest was nearly 100 miles off on the morning of the second we fell

[Page 105]

fell in with the remainder of the men /three/ and we all searched a station of Mr Rauses on the Macquarie, the men killed might have been dead about an hour. I know four of the Blacks who were pursuing the wounded man, one of them threw a wamerah at him there was no provocation whatever given on our part to the Blacks.
Signed Wm.Carr
Sworn before me at Bathurst this 11 October 1861.
S.J.T.Morpeth, P.M. George Sutton for Royal admiral holding a Ticket of Leave, in the employ of Mr Wm Lee. on oath saith, on the first of October last, I was employed making a new Stockyard at a new formed Station of Mr Lee and Mr Moulders. I was with six other men, at work when about three o´clock in the afternoon

[Page 106]

just as we had fallen a tree, I saw between thirty and forty Blacks in the act of murdering the other men at a distance of about five rods. The men´s names were Roach Moreton and Fearnham, these men were in the act of stooping to cut off limbs from the trees to make the Yard, when I saw the blacks strike them down with their weapons upon which I made my escape through them with a cross cut saw. The Blacks were surrounding us. I ran towards the spot where the arms were about ten yards from where the men lay dead. The muskets were removed and I then said to Connolly who ran with me, that it was time to go as the firearms were taken away.
I then ran to the Stockman Carr, who was with the cattle and told him that all the men in the camp were murdered. Carr then

[Page 107]

got on his horse and rode away towards the camp.
I see two Blacks now in court one named Jaco and the other “Joey” both of whom I have seen before I saw Jaco when the murder was committed standing near them, but not assisting in the murder. The other Joey I also saw with a weapon they call a Duncoma in his hand, striking the men with it when they were down. He ran after me with it in his hand, and after William Connolly who was with me. The men the Black named “Joey” was striking were the men who were murdered was Robert Roach William Moreton, and Abraham Fearnham I was struck with a Nulla Nulla but not much hurt.
Sworn before me at Bathurst this 13th of November 1841.
George Sutton, His Mark
Witnessed Wm Curtin.
Sd J.T Morisset P.M.
Sd N.S. Nicholson, J.P.

[Page 108]

New South Wales
To Wit
George Flitcroft on oath saith I am an assigned Servant of Mr Joseph Moulders. I am employed on the Bogan River, building a Hut to form a New Station there, the Blacks came toward some white men and round them. I was at a little distance perhaps about five rods, felling trees when I first noticed that murder was going on I saw one of the men, William Moreton turn round and he said “Oh Lord, do they mean to murder me. I jumped in for a piece / a musket / during which I was knocked down when I got up I still endeavoured to get it. I said to a white man where are the pieces, he said they were gone, and that I was to follow him. I see the two Blacks now in Court.

[Page 109]

I have seen them before I never saw the taller prisoner before untill the day we were attacked. I saw the taller prisoner hold up a weapon and run after two white men but I did not see him strike them. The shorter Black at the Bar came round the white men when I went a second time to endeavour to frighten them away, and I saw him strike the deceased man Fearham with it a Nulla Nulla. Fearnham was not quite dead but struggling. I positively swear the shorter Black at the Bar is the man who struck Fearnham.
I received several wounds on my face, arm, and head, six of the white men escaped out of the nine, three were murdered. Sworn before me at
Bathurst 16th Nov.r 1841.
George Flitcroft
His X Mark
Witness W. Curtis.
Sd. John Piper J.P.
Sd. John Street J.P.

[Page 110]

New South Wales To Wit.
William Carr on oath saith I have heard my deposition read of the 18th of October last, and it is true. I have seen the two Blacks now in Court before. I saw them with four others in pursuit of the wounded man, John Butcher. I swear they are the same men the one named “Jaco” was with me down the Creek, about fifteen miles from the Station, the other is named “Joey”. I saw both of them throw their Wamerahs at John Butcher. The man named Joey had a spear in his hand but did not use it. Butcher was wounded, but is alive. The Native name of Joey is Cudjenmoly, that of the Black called “Jaco” is Currajamblay.
Sworn before me at Bathurst
this 18th of November 1841. Wm Carr
Sd J.T. Morisset P.M.
Sd W. S. Nicholson.

[Page 111]

New South Wales To Wit. Serjeant Riley of the Mounted Police on oath saith, I was in charge of a party of the Mounted Police sent down for the purpose of apprehending some Blacks who had committed murder, at a newly formed Station of Messrs Lee and Moulder. On the morning of the 24th of October last past, we fell in with a party of the Blacks on the Bogan, about seven miles from the station where the murder was committed.
The two Blacks now in Court were identified by a Stockman named “Carr as having been of the party who committed the murder. I then with the assistance of the other policemen took them in charge.
These two Blacks did not resist, but the remainder of the tribe did, They first began upon

[Page 112]

us and it was impossible to apprehend them without firing, I believe one of them was wounded. These two men tried to make their escape by running away. There were about Thirty or forty of them when I first saw them. Michael Reilly
His X Mark
Witness Wm Curtis Sworn before us at
Bathurst this 13th of November 1841.
Sd. J. T. Morisset, [indecipherable]
Sd. W.S. Nicholson J.P.

New South Wales
To Wit:-
Corporal Peter McEvoy of the Bathurst Mounted Police on oath saith, I was present with Serjeant Reilly, and have heard his deposition read and it is true, there were more

[Page 113]

of the Blacks wounded when we endeavoured to capture the two, now in Court, I saw four or five lying dead, and some wounded.
Sd Peter McAvoy
Sworn before us at Bathurst this 13th November 1841.
Sd. J.T. Morisset [indecipherable]

[Page 114]

by these Blacks. I was wounded myself in the face by a spear but not by either of these Blacks. I should know the man who wounded me if I saw him again. The shortest of the men, who goes by the name of Jaco was with the mob of Blacks at the time of the murder. Sworn before me at Bathurst
this 18th of November 1841. John Butcher, His X Mark
Witness Wm. Curtis.
Committed to take their Trial at such Court as Her Majesty´s attorney General Shall appoint, for Murder.
Bathurst,
November 18th 1841. Sd. J.T. Morisset [indecipherable]
Sd. Thos. J. Hawkins, J.P.

[Page 115]

New South Wales
To wit William Carr on oath saith I am a Stockman in the employ of Mr William Lee and his assigned servant, I was on Friday week last the 1st of this Month at a newly formed station of Mr Lees on the Bogan, there are eight men beside myself employed on this station four in Mr I Moulders employ and the remainder in Mr Lees, seven men were at this newly formed station on the Bogan, building a new StockYard, I and another man named Richard Price were following the cattle at about two hundred Yards from where the Yard was building, this was about two o´clock in the afternoon of the above named 1st of October two of the party Connolly and Sutton came running towards us and said that all the men at the drays were murdered. I immediately rode up towards the drays and I saw John Butcher covered

[Page 116]

with blood, and pursued by six Blacks who were armed with Womerahs and Spears, I galloped towards the Blacks and shouted to them they then fell back into a creek. I then went with the wounded man Butcher to the drays. I got a Fowling Piece and some Ball Cartridges. there were three of the men of the party lying dead at the drays one had an axe still sticking in his throat another was cut across the back of his neck, and the third seemed to have been beaten to death by clubs about the head. There were about forty Blacks standing about one hundred yards distant, they threw two Womerahs at me I then fired at them upon which they drew back a short distance and advanced again. I had with me then a wounded man named George Flitcroft I succeeded in getting him upon the horse I was on, and rode away

[Page 117]

with him, I then went and found Butcher who had been wounded and placed him also on the horse, and then made off for a Station, the nearest was almost 100 miles off; on the morning of the Second Octr we fell in with the remainder of the men /three/ and we all proceeded together untill we reached a Station of Mr Rouses on the Macquarie. The men killed might have been dead about an hour. I know four of the Blacks who were pursuing the wounded man, one of them threw a Womerah at him. There was no provocation whatever given our part to the Blacks. Sd Wm Carr
Sworn before me at Bathurst this 11 Oct 1841
[indecipherable]Morriset

[Page 118]

Commissioner of Crown Lands Office
Mt Arthur, Wellington.
November 5th 1841 Corporal Michael Reilly of the Bathurst Divison of Mounted Police being duly sworn states.- On the 11th of last month I was despatched from Bathurst in charge of a party of Mounted Police to endeavour to apprehend the natives who had murdered the three white men on the lower Bogan river. We were accompanied by Carr, the stockman who had escaped from the murder, by Mr Andrew Kerr and by Joseph Moulden of Bathurst untill we reached Mudall the last station but one on the Bogan. On leaving Mr William Lee´s farm it had been settled

[Page 119]

by the party that we were to go by Wellington, this was afterwards overruled by Mr Kerr who said it was better to get upon the Bogan at once and follow it down to the place where the murder was committed.- on reaching Mudall we found a number of natives there who seemed all quiet and the man Carr could not identify any of them; I subsequently was informed that there was another large encampment about 18 miles off at Darobel, the last station on the Bogan, which had just been abandoned by Mr A. Kerr´s men from fear of the natives.. one of the stockmen told me that from what he had learned from one of the men who had escaped

[Page 120]

miles from the spot we came upon a Tribe; this tribe Carr at once identified,- they had shirts, dogs and other things belonging to the murdered men. I ordered the party to gallop in upon them; Trooper McNally was immediately attacked by a Black and nearly knocked off his horse this native was shot. Glavin another trooper was also attacked by another native whom I shot to save the trooper; they attacked us in all directions and nearly surrounded us in the scrub. I was obliged to fire upon them indiscriminately for the safety of the party. I saw two natives shot dead and one wounded. Two were secured unhurt these were identified by Carr as having been at the murder

[Page 121]

the rest escaped in the scrub. We found wheat trowsers, coats pieces of blankets, a steel mill, &c,&c. in their possession all of which were identified by Carr. We afterwards went to the spot where the murder was committed and found the skeletons of the three men lying where they had been murdered. I had the remains buried.
Michael Reiley Sworn before us 5th November 1841.
LAllsman, JP.
Com.of Lands.
N.S.Nicholson JP Lt.M. Police Corporal Peter McEvoy of the Mounted Police having been duly sworn states.- On the 24th of October I was in company with Corporal Reilly

[Page 122]

and a party of Police. We came upon a tribe of Blacks about 7 miles from the spot where the murder was committed. They were at once identified by Carr; they attacked us, and Trooper McNallys horse was immediately struck:- they tried to get round us in front, the man who attacked McNally was shot, and another who had attacked Trooper Glavin I saw lying dead. Carr pointed out a tall native blind of one eye as the principle at the murder he and another attacked me, this man was shot by McNally as we could not take him alive. We were obliged to fire upon them indiscriminately for our own safety. This Tribe

[Page 123]

had everything belonging to the men that were murdered in their possession.- we succeeded in taking two prisoners who were identified by Carr.- Carr also identified two or three of the Blacks that were shot as having been at the murder.
Peter McAvoy
Sworn before us 5th November 1841.
L Allman, JP
Com-C-Lands.
N.T Nicholson JP
Lieut.M.Police.

[Page 124]

at the time of the murder, that he thought there were three or four of the murderers then at Darobel. I proceeded to that place, we found between one and two hundred natives there, who immediately took to their arms; I drew the men back and sent forward the Black who accompanied us to speak to them, they however continued to advance and nearly surrounded us being protected by a thick scrub. I order the men to fire some shots which was done. This appeared to frighten them and they went to the other side of the creek and laid down their arms. The Black we had with us

[Page 125]

spoke to them, most of the men dismounted with the exception of myself, the Black boy and the Stockman Carr we went amongst them but Carr did not know any of them. Shortly before I had given the order to fire the natives had commenced throwing several of their Boomerangs and Spears at us; I endeavoured to keep them back without shedding blood and on this occasion none of them were wounded. On the following day we proceeded down the Bogan accompanied by Carr and Moulder. The rest having returned, we again fell in with the same tribe and procured two natives to direct us to the scene of the murder. On the 24th of October when about 7 miles

[Page 126]

Bathurst November 9th 1841 Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that I returned yesterday to Bathurst in company with the party of Police which had been despatched before me, and which (in consequence of being misinformed as to the route they had taken) I did not fall in with until they were on their return about 15 miles from the place where the murder was committed. On meeting the party, I found that they To the Officer Commanding
The Mounted Police

[Page 127]

had apprehended two of the natives who are sworn to as having been concerned in the murder. From the statement made by the Corporal in command I find that Corporal Michael Reilly
these two were not secured without considerable difficulty and that the resistance was so great on the part of the Blacks that he found it necessary for the safety of his party to give the order to fire, which was attended with the death of several of the natives .. amongst those killed were two or three sworn to as having been present at the murder. The Party of Police was accompanied by a

[Page 128]

Wellington November 4th 1841 Corporal Michael Reilly of the Mounted Police being duly sworn states.- I was corporal in charge of a party of Mounted Police despatched on the 11th of last month from Bathurst to endeavour to apprehend the murderers of three men in the employ of Messrs Lee and Moulder who were farming a station on the river Bogan. I was accompanied by Carr, the stockman (who gave the information) Mr Andrew Kerr and Moulder until we reached Mudall the last station on the Bogan but one. On leaving Mr Lee´s farm it was arranged that we were to go by Wellington: this plan was afterwards overruled by Mr Kerr, who said it was better to get upon the Bogan at once and follow it

[Page 129]

down to the place where the murder was committed. On reaching Mudall I saw a great many natives there, but none of whom could be identified by the stockman Carr. I subsequently was informed that there was another large encampment about 18 miles distant at Darobel which had a short time before been abandoned by Mr Kerr´s men from fear of the Blacks. I also heard from a stockman of Mr Sutton´s (at Mudall) that he suspected three or four of the murdered were at Darobel. I proceeded there with my party. On riding up all the Blacks, amounting to between one and two hundred took to their arms. I drew the men back and sent the Black fellow that accompanied us to speak to them. They however continued advancing upon us and I ordered the men to fire a few shots, thinking it might have the effect of frightening

[Page 130]

them.. they retired and laid down their arms. The men then dismounted, with the exception of myself, the Black fellow and the stockman Carr. I then asked Carr if he saw any of the murdered, he said he did not; Carr then asked (through the Blackfellow) whether any of the tribe had seen the Blacks by whom the murder was committed; they said they had not. Shortly before my giving the order to fire in the direction of the Blacks they had thrown spears and Boomerangs, and I endeavoured to keep them back without taking their lives. None of them were wounded. On the following day I proceeded on my journey accompanied only by the Stockman and Moulder; we again fell in with the same tribe who gave us two guides to direct us to the spot where the murder was committed which was lower down on the Bogan. On the 24th of October when about seven miles from the spot we fell in with a tribe of Blacks in camp. On coming up with them

[Page 131]

Carr immediately identified them as being the same tribe who had been at the murder from their having in their possession, the shirts, trousers, dogs &c&c belonging to the murdered men. I ordered the party to gallop in upon them when trooper McNally was immediately attacked and nearly knocked off his horse, this Black was shot, Trooper Glavin was also nearly struck by a spear...this man I shot myself to save the Trooper. We were attacked in all directions and nearly surrounded by the Blacks, and for the safety of the party, I found it necessary to order the men to fire upon them indiscriminately. I saw two of the Blacks shot dead and one wounded. Notwithstanding the resistance which was made, I succeeded in securing two of the Blacks unhurt who are sworn to by Carr as having been present at the murder. The rest escaped in the scrub. We afterwards proceeded to the place where the

[Page 132]

the murder was committed and found the skeletons of the three men lying where they had been murdered. I had the remains buried.—
Corporal Reiley M.police Corporal Peter McAvoy of the Mounted Police having been sworn states.- I was on the 24th of last month in company with Corporal Reilly and a party of Mounted Police. we came upon a tribe of Blacks about 7 miles from the place where the murder happened. They were immediately identified by Carr as having been present at the murder of the white men. On the party riding up the Blacks stood to their arms, and Trooper McNally´s mare was struck by one of their weapons; soon after there was a Boomerang thrown at Trooper Glavin. I saw the first black shot and the other I afterwards saw dead on the ground. Two of the

[Page 133]

natives were secured unhurt, these two were sworn to by Carr as having been present at the murder. He also pointed out a tall black who he said was one of the principles at the murder; this man, with another attacked me both with spears and boomerangs – he was shot.- For our own safety we were obliged to fire indiscriminately upon them.- I saw five lying dead and one wounded. This Tribe had in possession the things belonging to the murdered men, and sworn to by Carr. Carr on examining the bodies of those shot swore to two or three who had been at the murder. By the orders of Corporal Reilly, I afterwards with one more trooper buried the remains of the three white men, which we found on the spot where they had been murdered...
Peter McAvoy
Corporal M. Police

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stockman named Carr who first brought information of the murder and who swears positively to the two now in custody. I have the honour to forward for your information the statements of Corporals Reilly and McEvoy giving the details of this case.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Yr Obn Servant
W.S. Nicholson
LtComm. 1st Div. M. Police

[Page 135]

Court House Morton
4th April 1839 Depositions taken before Edward Denny Day Police Magistrate and William Ogilvie and John Pike Esquires of the District of Morton, in an investigation ordered to be instituted into the circumstances attending the death of certain Aboriginal natives, in a collision with the Mounted Police under the command of Major Nunn –
Major J.W. Nunn Commandant of the Mounted Police being duly sworn, deposes about the 19th of December 1837. Colonel Snodgrass, the Acting Governor sent for me to go to Government House – on arriving there I found Mr Thomson the Colonial Secretary with Colonel Snodgrass – The substance of a report made by Mr Paterson the Commissioner of Crown Lands in the Liverpool Plains District, was made known to me – a copy of this report, which was given to me then, or afterwards, I now produce – It contains a statement of murders and other outrages committed by the Blacks on the Namoi, Gwydir and Big River – Colonel Snodgrass ordered me to proceed in consequence of that report to the scene of these outrages with a party of Mounted Police. I asked Colonel Snodgrass if he had any orders or instructions to give me – He said, you must lose no time “in proceeding; you are to act according to your “own judgement; and use your utmost
“exertion to suppress these outrages. There are

[Page 136]

“a thousand Blacks there, and if they are
“not stopped, we may have them presently
“within the boundaries”
or words to the same effect.
In consequence of these instructions I gave immediate orders to assemble a party at Jerry´s Plains, from which place I proceeded on or about the 29th of the same Month (December) with a detachment consisting of one Subaltern, two Serjeants, and twenty troopers. I marched direct for the Namoi. On my arrival there, I heard very distressing accounts from the stockmen in the neighbourhood of the outrages committed by the Blacks – On the evening of my arrival I sent Serjeant McNally to Mr. Baldwin´s station to ascertain of the people there if these reports were correct – He returned shortly after in a great hurry and informed me that the reports were quite correct; and that the Blacks were at that time assembled in great numbers at a place lower down the River Namoi. I immediately ordered the party to mount and guided by Mr Baldwin´s stockman proceeded at once towards the place mentioned. After marching all night, we came upon a tribe of blacks on the river bank. After disposing of my men so as to prevent the escape of the blacks and giving them orders not to fire at all, but if necessary to defend themselves with their swords, I succeeded in

[Page 137]

capturing the whole tribe without any violence – With the assistance of a black boy who went with us, I communicated to the tribe that they were charged with murder spearing cattle and all manner of outrages, and demanded that the actual perpetrators of these acts of violence should be delivered up to me – On this fifteen men of the tribe were pointed out to me by their comrades as the guilty parties. These were taken into custody, and the rest of this tribe, amounting to about an hundred persons, were set at large and treated kindly by me so much so, that they remained with the party until evening – Amongst the fifteen prisoners two men pointed out to me by the tribe as the murderers of Mr Hall´s man some time before – About two hours before sunset I returned to my former camp with the fifteen prisoners, the two men charged with murder were secured by handcuffs and placed in charge of two sentries – it was my intention to leave these two men under a Guard until Mr Hall could see them and identify them, but I regret to say that they succeeded in slipping their handcuffs after night fall and attempted to escape in which one succeeded, but the other was shot by the sentry while in the act of running away, it is however satisfactory to know that the tribe admitted

[Page 138]

=mitted that the man who was shot was the actual murderer of Mr Hall´s servant. the other thirteen prisoners were subsequently liberated, all except one, who I retained with me as a guide – from this camp I proceeded to Mr Bell´s station on the Gwydir. Mr. Bell was at the station, and begged of me to remain a few days at the station for their protection, and was in a state of great alarm from the depredations the blacks had been committing. I remained there two days and then proceeded to Mr Cobb´s station where I was very anxious to arrive in consequence of the reports I had received of the outrages of the black natives in that direction. On arriving there I found everything in the greatest confusion, the Shepherds and people all afraid to leave the vicinity of their huts, and the sheep all crowded round about and not a man could be induced to take them out to pasture until I had sent parties out to scour the country and ascertain that the blacks were not in the neighbourhood. Lam the superintendent at the Station informed me of the particulars of the murder of the two men by the blacks at their station, and told me that after the murder the blacks had taken off eight and twenty sheep and some articles from the station. On hearing this information, I considered it to be my duty to pursue the tribe who had committed these

[Page 139]

outrages and having provisioned the party for fifteen days, I began my march. On the fourth day after leaving Marshall´s Station, which was then the lowest station on the Big River, I came upon a native black asleep under a tree, against which I saw four spears leaning. The black man got up the tree but we succeeded in getting him down. After explaining to him through our black boy, that we did not intend to hurt him- he told us that his party consisted of four more black men, their women and some children- these blacks we found the same day. They were all brought to me to the camp. From these people I obtained all the information relative to the murder of Mr. Cobb´s men. They confessed that they had been present at it with the rest of their tribe and had partaken of the Sheep that had been driven off. They offered to remain with us and conduct us to the tribe. The next morning under the guidance of the blacks, the direction of our march was quite changed. We were led by them for two days. About noon of the second day I was riding in the rear of the party when I heard on a sudden the words “black fellows” in the front. I was perhaps about fifty yards in the rear at the time. I rode up immediately, and the first thing I noticed was Corporal Hannan returning

[Page 140]

=ning from the front speared through the leg. He appeared to be in very great agony, and cried out “I am speared, I am speared.” At the same moment I heard several shots fired in rapid succession. Mr Cobbans was in front at the time. The men charged and separated in such a manner that I was perfectly unable to collect them at the moment. I did so as soon as possible and we succeeded in extracting with the assistance of a black man the spear from Hannan´s leg- the wound was a very bad one, and, I apprehended that mortification would ensue from the very great heat of the weather at the time. I am quite satisfied Hannan was wounded before a shot was fired, and that, if he had not been wounded, not a shot would have been fired. I certainly never gave my men any orders that could warrant their firing upon the blacks, unless in self-defence. After the firing ceased I rode through the wood and saw four or five dead bodies of the blacks. I am positive that I saw four. Lamb recognised a Tomahawk and knife, which were found in the black´s camp as some of the articles that were taken from his Master´s station, when the two men were murdered there. From this and other circumstances I have no

[Page 141]

no doubt whatever of this tribe having been guilty of the outrages at Mr. Cobb´s Station. My guides remained with me after the collision, and showed me a more direct way back- on quitting me afterwards, I rewarded them with presents I had taken with me from Sydney for the purpose. I explained to them that our intentions towards them were friendly, and that the loss the tribe had suffered had not been intended- that our object in coming had been to take the parties, who had been guilty of murders and other outrages against the whites. The guides left me perfectly satisfied with my treatment to them. I am sure they perfectly understood the explanation I gave them of our motive in coming. Signed I. W. Nunn
Major Comt.
M. Police Sworn before us at Merton this fourth day of April 1839
Signed Edwd. D. Day W.
Willm. Ogilvie W
J. Pike W.

[Page 142]

John Lee, Serjeant in the Mounted Police, being duly sworn deposes
I belonged to the party that went with Major Nunn to the Namoi and Big Rivers. I marched with them from Invermein (my station) on the 2nd January 1838. I was present when the five prisoners were given up by their tribe to Major Nunn as the persons who had been guilty of outrages against the whites. There were fifteen of them – two were pointed out as the murderers of Mr Hall´s man...These two were handcuffed they both attempted to escape that night, one of them who was called “Docherly” was shot by one of the sentries while in the act of escaping – we buried the body the following day by Major Nunn´s orders. I was present when Hannan was speared by the black, I was about a hundred yards from him. My attention was drawn towards him by his crying out. I looked at him and saw the spear sticking in his leg – it was quite through the calf of the left leg. I saw Hannan break the spear in two – I saw the black who wounded him he was in the act of throwing a second spear at myself, on which I fired at him and shot him the

[Page 143]

the spear was levelled at me at the time I fired – the first shot was fired by me, it was fired in self defence and without orders. If I had not fired the instant I did I must have been speared as the blacks throw their spears with great precision, and I was not more than nine yards from him when he aimed the spear at me – The firing was then taken up by the rest of the men and continued for some time. The blacks fled from their camp and we pursued them they were overtaken in about an hour when some more were shot. Mr Cobb was with the party [Margin note: See below A]

when the last were shot – Major Nunn was not present with us at the time. I did not see Major Nunn until I returned to the place where Hannan was wounded – the confusion was so great and the scrub so thick, that I had enough to do to take care of myself and my horse – I could not see all that was done - It was impossible for the party to act in a body; every man had in fact to act for himself – the men had spread out so much that it was impossible for any one person to put a stop to the firing at once. From what I saw myself I should say that from forty to fifty blacks were

[Page 144]

were killed when the second firing took place. The troopers were very much exasperated when Hannan was speared, they scattered as soon as it was done and after that it was quite impossible to restrain the firing – I do not think that a shot would have been fired, but for that circumstance I am certain the men would not have fired without orders had it not taken place. In all our previous communication with the blacks, Major Nunn had been extremely kind to them – I was senior Serjeant of the party and the orders I received from Major Nunn and gave to the detachment, were that they were not in any case to fire upon the blacks unless it was necessary for their own defense – this was a standing order with the party – [Margin note: A]

There was no remission of the pursuit from the time the firing began until it ceased altogether. We followed them about a mile and a half from where it began. Two iron bolts and a tin dish were found in the blacks camp which I heard Lamb say were taken from Mr Cobb´s station when the men were murdered. The black boy Jacky our interpreter told me their Guides who were with us

[Page 145]

us, understood to lead us to the tribe that murdered Mr Cobb´s men – Sworn before us
at Merton this
fourth day of April 1839 Signed John X his mark Lee Signed Edwd. D Day JP
Willm Ogilvie JP
I Pike JP

[Page 146]

Corporal Patrick Hannan of the Mounted Police being duly sworn deposes – I belonged to the party that went out with Major Nunn to the Gwyder and Namoi Rivers in the beginning of last year – After leaving Mr Marshall´s station, we met with four blacks, who understood to lead us to the tribe that murdered Mr Cobb´s men - about two days after we came upon them near a Creek, I rode through the scrub and attempted to apprehend the five black men I saw, when I came near, before I could take hold of him, he turned suddenly round and thrust a spear through the calf of my leg, I was quite close to him at the time. I turned round and saw Serjeant Lee coming up. I called to him that I was speared, I heard a shot immediately after, but the pain of my wound was so great that I cannot speak of anything that occurred – My horse sprang on one side when I received the wound and the spear was hanging from my leg, it must have been seen by the other men – I saw that the black who wounded me had another spear – I could easily have shot him before he wounded me, but I wanted to capture him as our orders from Major Nunn were to take prisoners, but not to fire unless in self defense – I saw Major Nunn very soon after I was speared, he assisted me in getting

[Page 147]

getting the spear out of the wound – I heard firing after, which appeared [indecipherable] from me, as if the men were in pursuit – I am certain no shot was fired before I was speared. Sworn before us Signed Patrick Hannan
at Merton this
fourth day of April 1839 Signed Edwd. D. Day JP
Willm Ogilvie JP
I Pike, JP

[Page 148]

Major Fitton being duly sworn deposes
I am a stockman in Mr Hall´s service, I have been employed at the Big River. I accompanied Major Nunn last January twelve month in pursuit of a tribe of Blacks, who were stated to have murdered two men at Mr Cobb´s station – I was with the pack horses, when the troopers went after the blacks, after Hannan had been wounded – up to that time the blacks in that part of the country had been very troublesome. Five stockmen and shepherds had been murdered by them about the same time, and a great many cattle had been killed and speared and sheep also. These outrages caused a very hostile feeling against them in fact no one considered it safe to go about, spears and boomerangs were constantly thrown at us – The black guides promised to take us to the tribe who had murdered Mr Cobb´s men, and I heard Major Nunn order the Police to take the tribe prisoners, but they were not to fire upon them. Some articles taken from Mr Cobb´s station by the tribe that murdered Mr Cobb´s men, were found in the black´s camp among these was a tin dish and a Tomahawk and a knife, also pieces of shorts and half a blanket, and a bullocks tail was also found

[Page 149]

in their camp. Sworn before us
at Merton this
fourth day of April 1839. Signed Major Fitton Signed Edwd D. Day, JP
Willm Ogilvie JP
I Pike JP

[Page 150]

Court House Merton
17th May 1839 Lieutenant George Geddes McKenzie Coblian of the 50th Regt attached to the Mounted Police being duly sworn deposes – In the month of December 1837 I was commanding the Mounted Police in this district and stationed at Jerry´s Plains on the 29th of that month I left the station with a party of Mounted Police for the Big River under the command of Major Nunn I understood that the object of this expedition was to drive away certain tribes of Blacks who were murdering some white people and committing outrages on their runs spearing the cattle and driving away sheep in that part of the country. On reaching the Namoi we encamped there at a station called Green hatches when several stockman came riding in

[Page 151]

in and reported to Major Nunn in my presence that some wild blacks had the day before crossed their runs and speared several cattle, I think they said eight or nine head; They further said that they were the same blacks who had some time before murdered a man of Mr Hale´s and attacked the hut – Mr Hales Stockman who had himself been wounded in that attack by the blacks stated this information to Major Nunn. They also reported that they could guide the party to the place where the wild blacks were encamped with a tame tribe, whom they had gone to visit. We marched from Green hatches that night about nine o´clock with the men surrounding the wild tribe at daylight on the next morning before they dispersed in search of food. We saw the blacks fire about daylight the next morning. they were encamped on the banks of the River Namoi with a deep beach in front and a brush at some distance in the rear. We walked the horses quietly along

[Page 152]

by my orders (Major Nunn being then a little in the rear) My orders were to ride quietly on until we should be observed, and then to charge in upon them so as to capture the whole tribe – some troopers had been before that but across the river to prevent their escape if they should take to the water in front and swim across. Major Nunn had before that given orders to the party on no account to use fire arms but if necessary in self defence to use their swords – The impression on my mind is that the men were to use fire arms if absolutely necessary for the protection of their lives and also for the purpose of securing any prisoners they may be sent to apprehend and for preventing the escape of any person who may have been captured. This is the principle on which the Mounted Police have always acted as far as I am aware when sent on duty the greater part of the blacks were surrounded and taken but some few got into the water who were afterwards taken too: They came out by a great deal of persuasion and some were dragged out by one of the men who swam his horse in. There were one or two shots fired on this occasion

[Page 153]

but no life was lost, nor was any person wounded. The shots were fired to intimidate the blacks, who had got into the river and to frighten them out of it, after we got all the blacks together one of the tame ones who had been at Mr Hales´ station when the man was murdered there, pointed out the man who had been concerned in the murder. He also said that all the other wild blacks had been guilty of spearing cattle as the Stockmen had represented to us at Green hatches, we took all those who were pointed out to us by the same blacks as having committed depredations to the whites back to encamp at Green hatches the same night. The man who was said to have murdered Mr Hale´s man showed great fear and uneasiness and made several attempts to escape on the way. After the blacks were given over in charge to the sentries at the camp they made an attempt to escape. The murderer was the first to rush. He ran past me towards the bed of the River, which was full of swamp oaks. I started after him but while pursuing him two other prisoners who were handcuffed together ran nearer to me and I turned after them they fell in the flight and it being nearly dark

[Page 154]

I tumbled over them. One of them immediately fastened his teeth in one of my arms, the other clung with all his force to one of my legs and caught my boot with his teeth – I kept hold of them however by their hair until they were secured again. Major Nunn and myself first became aware of this attempt of escape by hearing the sentry fire. After the two blacks whom I caught were secured one of the men stumbled on the body of the man who was accused of murder. He was lying dead in the bed of the river with a wound in his back which he must have received in the act of running away – The Black boy who acted as interpreter told me that the Black present knew the blacks of the Big River who had been committing the murders in that neighbourhood and this country and I suggested to Major Nunn that it would be desirable to take one of them with us as a guide and let the others go as the death of the man who had been shot may deter them from committing further

[Page 155]

outrages on the Whites – a guide was accordingly kept and the others having first received some food and presents were let go. We then proceeded towards the Big River in making Mr Bill´s cattle station, we received further complaints against the blacks. We were told that they were continually spearing the cattle and intimidating the shepherds one of the Shepherds then told us that he had met the blacks the day before on his way from on the station – That they stopped him and would have killed him if he had not told them that the soldiers (as the blacks call the Mounted Police) were on their way up. They brandished their tomahawks and spears about his head and searched all his pockets – when they let him go they said they did not care for the Soldiers that they were not afraid of them. I was ordered out by Major Nunn to look for these blacks and I searched all that night for them first and all the next day when I got upon their tracks and traced them to a gully

[Page 156]

Gully where I found them perched upon ledges and rocks quite inaccessible to us – They shouted out defiance at us as I understood – but we could not get near them at all. When all our efforts to take these people failed, I followed Major Nunn and the rest of the party according to his orders to Mr Cobb´s station on the Big River, on arriving there I found all the people at the station in the greatest alarm from the blacks – The shepherds were afraid to move out of sight of the hut and the sheep were in a wretched state for want of food. We refreshed the horses here for one or two days and was made acquainted with all the particulars of the brutal murder of Mr Cobbs two men at that station some time before – the direction the blacks took after committing the murder was pointed out and we found that the story of the black guide was correct in this aspect. We proceeded in the direction and after two or three days journey we came on old traces where they had been. We followed up those marks for four or five days –

[Page 157]

The marks were permanent from the nature of the country and from some rain having fallen when the Blacks escaped over it – by this time we came on fire marks made a day or two before – I kept in front of the party with the black boy (our interpreter) and the guide we brought from Green hatches. – We followed up these marks until they led to a spot where the guide pointed out some spears leaning against a tree – A black fellow had been lying asleep under the same tree, he ran up the tree on our coming up, in great alarm, he was got down with great difficulty. This man was one of a small party of three or four for whom I was ordered to search by Major Nunn the old black man who had been found with the Spears and the black boy went with me while looking out he told me through the interpreter that he could guide us to the rest of his party, who were out getting honey – we got them one by one with much trouble – I took the four to Major Nunn the same night, we questioned them about the tribe who had committed the murder and asked them where they were

[Page 158]

They pointed to a Creek at some distance for which we started early the next morning and reached it the same night – There we found marks of the blacks having been lately encamped – These marks were quite fresh - the blacks were not found that night. We started next morning at day break and followed the tracks of a very numerous tribe for some distance until we saw smoke ahead. I was then in front and passed the word to the men that we were close upon them and ordered them to prepare. On reaching the smoke nearer we found it to be from a burning log and concluded from it that the blacks were still a days journey ahead of us. We were consequently thrown off our guard but on proceeding a few hundred yards farther, and in turning an angle of the Creek, we came suddenly on a great number of blacks apparently encamped on opposite side from us, with a large body of water in between us and them and a thick scrub close behind them, for which they made instantly on observing us – The five or six men who were in front with me were the best mounted in the party – and I ordered them to return a little distance with

[Page 159]

with me to a crossing place, where we crossed, on crossing we opened out and drew our swords and galloped into the scrub. We entered the scrub in a direction to cut off the retreat of the blacks and drive them back on the water, where they would be placed between my men and those on the opposite side, who had not crossed. The scrub was extremely thick at this place – we encountered the blacks face to face before we saw each other, we were quite close. They had each two spears, I made an attempt to ride down one who was immediately in front of me. He stooped so late that I went over him and turned short to the right into a thick bush while I was wheeling my horse around, I heard the next man, who was a little on my right say “take care, sir, he is spearing you” – he fired a pistol shot at the same moment – The black man – about the same moment I heard a cry to my left from one man – I heard the man say D...n them they have speared Hannan (one of the troopers) and others said they have also speared the officer. The scrub was so thick there that I could not see what was going on. Each man was acting for himself

[Page 160]

The firing then became general. I am quite positive that no shot was fired before I heard the caution from the man who was near me on my right, and Hannan was said to have been speared from which, at the time, I understood that he had been killed, and I heard from the men around me afterwards that this was the impression on their minds at the time – This shewed me that our swords were no protection against spears, after this I heard some more shots fired but did not see any more blacks in the scrub and only one of the Troopers who kept close to me, about the same time and a little after I heard firing on the left I suppose from the rest of the party who were in the clear– I rode about the scrub for some time but did not see any more Blacks. the firing at this time lasted but a very short time

[Page 161]

not many minutes, Major Nunn & myself rode around the scrub, to see what number had been killed I certainly did not see more than four or five if so many, after this some blacks Gins were found in various hiding places, & on questioning them through the interpreter we found the party we had fallen in with was only a smal detachment of the tribe & they told us that the rest of the tribe which was very numerous was at a short distance from us on the same creek, and they undertook to guide us to them. Our interpreter seemed in great alarm from the formidable account of the tribe – their great number & the manner in which they were armed, after refreshing the horses for an hour or two we proceeded down the Creek. After we had gone a short distance I proposed to Major Nunn to send a small party on the opposite side of the creek to cut off their retreat on that side

[Page 162]

which was done & they were ordered to proceed in a direction parallel to the creek, but at some distance from it and to fire a shot as the signal if they saw the blacks. after this, we had proceeded but a short distance when we heard a shot from the opposite side, I immediately Galloped down the Creek accompanied by one man expecting the Blacks would retreat from the party on the other side, and to cover as much ground as possible, in hope of surrounding the Blacks the rest of the party following, after galloping some distance two Blacks sprang up in front of us & we tried to take them but they jumped into the Creek which was deep with steep banks, myself and the Trooper who was with me fired at them but did not hit them, while we were reloading some of the other troopers came up & commenced firing, but I desired them to stop & ride into the Scrub to drive the

[Page 163]

Blacks into the Creek, as I considered that if we got them there we could secure them. The two Blacks who got into the Creek I cannot say whether were shot or not. The chief part of the party rode into the scrub and I with the rest, rode down the side of the creek to cooperate with them in going down the Creek Sergeant Deane came upon their camp and found a great number of spears and other weapons. I should suppose three or four hundred in all and fortunately secured them, I had ridden past the camp without noticing the arms, but on hearing a firing behind me in the camp I returned & Serjeant
Dean informed me that while securing the arms a body of Blacks came upon him to seize the arms when he fired on them & they retreated, while I was with Dean I heard a stragling fire to the right at a considerable distance in the brush from the party I had sent in that direction. I also heard some firing down the Creek from the party that had proceeded in that direction when

[Page 164]

I returned to Sargeant Dean, when I rejoined this party I was informed they had shot one or two Blacks who had attempted to escape through the Creek, I afterwards understood that the party on the opposite side of the Creek did not fall in with any of the blacks, except when they fired the shot which gave us warning. The firing was very desultory, the party being very much scattered, this being a shot fired now and then. there was nothing like a regular firing. I cannot say what precise time occurred between the first and last shot. I cannot say positively how many were killed and wounded, I only saw three or four bodies although I rode over a great deal of ground it appears that when we first met the Blacks we were placed between them and the camp where their arms were, which I consider the chief cause of the firing and I am satisfied if we had not been fortunate enough to discover their arms a number of our people would

[Page 165]

have been killed, it was nearly dark when this affray terminated and I considered the Blacks so formidable that it was necessary to look for a secure position and to take precaution for the safety of the people during the night which was done, the appearance of the black´s camp indicated a much larger number of men than I had ever seen together before – Sworn before us at
Merton 17th May 1839. Signed [indecipherable]Cobban
Signed Edw. D. Day
W.Ogilvie Mr. A true copy [indecipherable]
J.Pike JP [indecipherable]
Day
Magistrate

[Page 166]

(Copy) A Timbercolli
Enquiry touching the cause Macintyre River
of Death of “Bootha” 26th August 1846
an aboriginal Female
of the “Tuchamboul”
tribe Before Richard Bligh Esqr J.P.
Acting Coroner Mr Jonathan Young of Timbercolli being duly sworn deposes
I am Superintendent for Mr John Brown of Singleton and reside at this place – on the night of Saturday the 10th of June last a party of the natives were encamped in my paddock at a distance of about eighty yards from my door. They were peaceable natives under my protection who had been in the habit of living with me and acting as Stock Keepers and Shepherds for the last two years. About three o´clock on the morning of the 11th (Whitsunday) I and my household were aroused by the sound of a gunshot

[Page 167]

gunshot. We then heard other shots to the number of I think at least thirty I got up immediately and went to the corner of my house nearest to the place whence the sounds came – I saw the guns flashing – When the firing ceased I heard persons taking down the sliprails of the paddock – It was a light night but not moonlight I saw two or three men come into the paddock and go to the camp of the Natives. I heard them breaking up the spears and utensils of the natives – They appeared to be dressed in large topcoats I could see them when they came between me and the fire – I called out “Who is there? What are you doing?” but I received no answer – I heard them talking together but could not hear what they said – I was afraid to approach them for fear they should take my own life – They remained at the camp

[Page 168]

camp for a minute or two and I could see them throwing the nets and opossum cloaks and other property of the natives upon the camp fires. I then heard one of them say “That´ll do” – I then heard the men put up the slip rails and leave the paddock. In two or three minutes afterwards I heard the tramp of several horses going towards the road to ‘Minimee´ station of Messrs Campbell and Smith – I then smelt the burning opossum cloaks and nets – I ran to the camp and pulled the burning articles off the fire. I then went out at the slip rails and in so doing I fell over the dead body of a native female – I looked at the body and from the paint on the face I knew it to be ‘Bootha´ the deceased. I then called out for two native boys ‘Jimmy´ and ‘Yaggai´ who had always been living in the house with me but were sleeping a short distance from the camp that night

[Page 169]

night. After a short time they answered me and came to me – They told me they had seen all that happened having been concealed in the bush about one hundred and twenty yards from the camp. Next morning I examined the body of the deceased I saw no gunshot wounds. Her skull was beaten in apparently by a blow of some heavy instrument – It seemed from the position that she had been killed as she was creeping under the slip rails to make her escape. I have assisted today in disinterring a human body. That body is that of the deceased “Bootha” – When the body was taken up I saw that the skull was broken into six or seven pieces – I think it must have taken several blows to do it unless they were given with a sledge hammer. I looked carefully to see whether I could find the weapon with which she had been killed but could find nothing. I then rolled her in an opossum cloak and put her upon

[Page 170]

upon the dray in order that she might be taken away and buried – I then went to look for the tracks of the horses belonging to the persons whom I had seen in the night I found the tracks of five horses near a little scrub a short distance from the camp I found their tracks hitherwards running along the side of the road from ‘Minimee” and returning in the same direction – I followed the tracks for about two miles about half a mile from my House I found a ramrod lying on the track. It appeared to be the ramrod of a short fowling piece or carbine – it seemed about eighteen inches long. It was a home made ramrod very roughly made. That ramrod was destroyed by one of my men William Traill who is now down the country. He destroyed it in his passion at the attack upon the natives with whom he was on good terms The Blacks had all taken to flight upon the

[Page 171]

the first shots being fired. The next day they began to return – I missed another ‘gin´ named ‘Mary´ who had shepherded for me for eighteen months past and with her husband ‘Ben” or ‘Marve´ had lived with me as one of my family – About seven or eight days afterwards one of my shepherds John Wilson found her dead body in the bush. It was so much gnawed and disfigured by the dogs that I could not tell what had caused her death. She was at the camp that night and I am convinced that she died either from a gunshot wound received at the camp or that she perished from the inclemency of the weather the night having been intensely cold and she and the others having taken to flight in a state of nudity leaving their cloaks in the camp I swear that I know none of the white persons who committed this outrage I suspect certain persons and the Natives also charge

[Page 172]

charge those persons with being concerned in the attack upon them but I am unable to charge any one in particular as the guilty parties I have been in great danger and alarm from the Natives ever since this outrage although I was formerly on the best possible terms. They are now spearing my cattle which they never did to my knowledge before – On the 2nd July last I send a letter to Mr Commissioner Bligh apprising him of what had occurred. My brother Richard Chapman carried the letter to ‘Merrawa´ Mr Howes Station and delivered it to Crampton his stockman I have been informed that that letter never reached its destination. A new opossum cloak and a worsted comforter which I had given to the deceased ‘gin´ Mary´ were missing from the camp and I am convinced they were taken by the attacking party. They could not

[Page 173]

not have been burnt as I threw all the things off the fire before they could have been consumed. I am unable to state anything further which may tend to the discovery of the guilty persons. Sworn before me signed Jonathan Young
this 26th day of August 1848.
Signed Richard Bligh J.P. True copy
Richard Bligh J.P.

[Page 174]

Margaret the Wife of Jonathan Young the last witness being duly sworn deposes. I have heard the evidence of my husband. I was sleeping in this house with him on the night of the attack upon the Natives. What he has stated is true and correct as regards what occurred in and was heard from the house I cannot speak as to what my husband did outside as I was afraid to leave the house. My husband gave me the same account of what had happened as he has now given. One bullock driver William Trail was in the house, he is now down the country with his team. I observed that one of the guns had a much louder report than the rest, it roared terribly. The deceased “Bootha” and the other gin “Mary” were I believe the only natives killed. Two of the male Natives, who were

[Page 175]

were nearly blind were a good deal injured by running against the trees in their escape. I cannot charge anyone with having been concerned in the attack.
(Signed) Margaret Young. Sworn before me
this 26th day of August 1848.
(Signed) Richard Bligh JP. “Old Man” ‘Ibbi´ and “Ben” three of the Natives who were fired upon state that the persons who attacked them were Scotchie alias Alexander, McLean Bill Jones alias ‘Monday´ John Reardon alias Jack the Headsman [indecipherable]stockman at Chapman and Welchs station and James Mark of Goodar “ stockholder. Ben states also that Scotchie called him by name saying “Come here Ben Come here” Signed Richard Bligh JP
(Witness) “ James [indecipherable]

Having examined the remains of the deceased and heard the

[Page 176]

above evidence and statement I find that the deceased “Bootha” was wilfully murdered by certain white persons to me unknown. (Signed) Richard Bligh, JP True copy
Richard Bligh JP.

[Page 177]

Clarendons
Thursday morning 9 A.M.
February 1816 Sir, I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys Letters of the 12th Inst. and on Saturday last I went to Captn Forrests Farm to get a place for Serg. Broadfoots party to sleep in case they came that evening. They arrived there in about an hour after I left & crossed the River to examine Hearns premises but finding they aforded no shelter they went to the left Bank of the Grove and have now a position a little below Mr Halls in an empty House that commands the Ridge leading to the roads North and West as well as the Grove.
Your Excellencys Instructions with respect to distressed settlers being put on the store for payment in January next shall be duly attended to. It is an unpleasant task as I shall refuse many more than I can think of recommending for relief & which of course will be demanded by them Hand on hand in [indecipherable]
I have known the Lands here dry .. shows after a Flood, & Horse cannot yet work in my low lands. Nor have I yet been able to sow an item on them since the last Floods. The Lands on the front of the River are much dryer than those at the back, we got a few days drying winds when it rains again so as to keep it to wet to chip the seed in with Hoes.

[Page 178]

The Timber Carriage I wish to remain at Sydney until I see if the chains on are Complete for it, after which if Your Excellency will send it to Parramatta I will take charge of it then, Lewis left this on Saturday last and I am not to expect his return for 3 or 4 weeks as he intends going to Bathurst before he returns, we have brought one of the Boats to the Fish River to get the Provisions cargo, and there are six of the Bathurst Men at Work on the Roads west of the Mountains.

I have now the Honor of Reporting to Your Excellency that I found a party on Saturday last to go in quest of the Hostile Natives and sent two Constables & two friendly natives (Coleby & [indecipherable]Jamie) as guides cross the River to Crowleys on Sunday and on Monday Morning they were joined by Mr Luttrell & seven other Men making 12 in number & I agreed to cross the River on Tuesday or Wednesday to meet them. On that day they proceeded by the track towards Singletons Hill and in the evening information was brought to Mr Halls that the Natives had been to Joseph Hobsons Farm and murdered him (it is the first farm in the range of the [indecipherable]. I received this information at one o´clock on Tuesday Morning and after directing Sergt Hays to send three [Watermen?] down the

[Page 179]

River to Philip Robert´s the Constables Farm until further orders. I went across the River to Mr Bales, when I found Serg. Broadfoots party all ready for Marching. On Mr Luttrells party hearing of the murder of Hobson they returned to Mr Halls in the night and on Tuesday Morning two Hours before I got there they had again marched for Hobsons Farm to get the Track of the Natives. I went the same Road with the Sergt some soldiers 2 young men knowing the country & a native to track them, the party had left the deceased´s Farm before we got there but as we could not learn whether they had crossed the Grose & gone up the River or taken the range of hills down the River I deemed it prudent to drop the pursuit & crossed the country to Singletons Hill who had not seen their own party or the Natives, we left two soldiers with Singleton & returned to Mr Halls before dusk. On Wednesday morning the Coroners Inquest sat on the body when I attended and explained Your Excellencys determination as to the four Natives by name and gave them direction who to give the alarm to in case they saw or heard of any Natives. I also settled my Plan with the Sergt who appears just the sort of man for such a Duty and crossed the River at 5 last crossing just as I was getting into the Boat a stockman gave information that 4 natives had crossed the river two hours before near Singletons Hill.

[Page 180]

I immediately sent two young Men who I had ready (Carver & Blackmans sons) with a Native across the River to Mr Halls with directions for them to find the Serg on the track where these 4 natives were seen at day light this morning and if they found it to pursue it. The Natives here appear so determined on Mischief that very prompt Measures are necessary or the settlers & stock will get Murdered in [indecipherable] and if neither of the parties from out are fortunate enough to give in with them I will wait on Your Excellency on Monday or Tuesday night to make some other arrangements. Hobson was a very Hard Working quiet Honest Man & was always on the best of terms with the Natives. His death wound was in the Heart and he was also stripped quite naked he had [indecipherable] his family after the murder of the 2 stockman to the front of the River and went out Monday Morning to sow a little barley. I have the Honor to Remain
Your Excellency´s
very obedient servant
Wm Cox. To His Excellency Govn Macquarie
& & &
Sydney

[Page 181]

[Page duplicated]

[Page 182]

On H.M. Service Hostile Natives! His Excellency Governor Macquarie
& & & Sydney. Rec.d 12 July 18
Answ.d 13 do do
11 July
10 A.M. WC.

[Page 183]

Memorandums Friday 19 July 1816 1. Mr Cox recommends that the 3 Military Parties intended to be stationed for some time in the Districts of the Hawkesbury should be posted as follows, so as to afford security to the Settlers. [indecipherable]

First. – The 1st Party with the Sergt at the Grose.
Second.- The 2nd Party at the Town of Windsor.
Third.- The 3rd Party to be at Portland Head.-
N.B. Each Party to consist of at least 1 Noncom.d Offr. & Six Privates.-

[Page 184]

Memorandums rec.d from Wm Cox Esqu.
J.P – on Frid.y 19 July 1816

[Page 185]

First - It appears to us that no friendship or good points existing between the Natives & settlers protect the latter from Revenge or Murder whenever the former are insulted or find themselves agrieved by any White people.
Secondly – That the determined spirit of Revenge they have lately
championed in committing so many & similar call for a strong arm to suppress them & protect the settlers.
Thirdly – That the country between the Warrajambie and the lower
branches of the Hawkesbury a distance of at least fifty miles is so extremely mountainous and broken that it is very difficult to track them
and almost impossible to come up with them unobtrusively.
Fourthly – That it is our opinion the Natives from long habits cannot Subsist
at the season of the Year without getting Provisions from the settlers, and that they chiefly live by plundering them of Maize, Pumkins &c. &c.
Fifthly – That to put a stop to such an Evil we think at least three parties of soldiers of ten each should be stationed in the aforesaid track of country with a constable of local knowledge attached to each party as also a friendly Native as a guide to track the HostileTribes when found.
Sixthly – That to strengthen the Lands of this force we would propose that two parties of six determined convicts having local knowledge of the country under

[Page 186]

under the direction of a Constable with a Native guide should scan the Country and for their rewards should receive an Emancipation for viewing such Natives as Your Excellency should proscribe by Name, and that a pecuniary reward should be given to any Free Person taking or killing the proscribed Natives.
Seventhly - That the Natives should be officially informed of Your Excellencys determination, and that no person will be granted them, until such proscribed Natives are secured & given up to the civil power. It is also necessary that some instructions should be adopted with regards to the friendly natives now at Windsor.
Also this no settler whatever should harbour or conceal any native or give him foods until such proscribed Natives are given up under a severe penalty, but on doing any of them give the earliest possible Notice to the nearest District Constable.

[Page 187]

The 4 Most Notorious offenders in the District are,
Miles
Warren
Larbone Jack (alias Lurringie)
Norany Jack
The following four Natives were also at the Murder of Lewis Trifs & the stockmen.
Bunduck
Congeatt (or Kaneate)
Wastten
Pachiak The four Natives who were killed are
Lockey
Butta Butta
Jack Straws
[indecipherable]Head Jamie.
Windsor Mr Cox. J.P.
Rob´t Cartwright JP
15 July JMitcham, JP
1816

[Page 188]

Distribution of parties 14th Septr 1816 Sergt Broadfoot. 5 privates, 3 White Guides, 2 Black Guides - - 11.
this party takes the East side of the Hawkesbury River with a boat to attend them. Corp. Milner. 5 privates 3 White Guides 2 Black guides - - - 11.
this party take the West side of the River and cooperate with the Sergt party between the Branches. Corp. [indecipherable] 5 privates, 3 White Guides, 2 Black guides - - 11.
these [indecipherable] at Mr Halls to range the country between the Grose & Upper Branch. Corp.Macanally 5 privates, 3 White Guides, 2 Black Guides - - 11.
this party [indecipherable]between [indecipherable] & Mr I. Blaxlands only range between Wrights Farm, the Warragambi & down towards Sir John Jamiesons. Constable McLaughlin 3 constables, 6 White Men and 1 Black Man, tracing the Natives from the Grose, more to the N.W. than the Branches.- - 11. The Sergt party & Milner. [indecipherable]a fortnight, from the 13th Inst. Corp. Wolstencroft´s party [indecipherable] 14 Dy from the 14th Inst.
Corp. Macanally do do 14 Dy from the 17th. Twelve Natives take this time of Duty, viz:

1 Charles [indecipherable].3 Branch Jack. 5 [indecipherable].7 Coleboy. 9 Bobby. 11. Joe

2. [indecipherable].– 4 Iron Bark Jack 6. Simon & Mary Mary 10. Simon 12. James

[Page 189]

List of Six Free Men Guides.
----------------
- Johnston, son of Mr Andr Johnston. Distr Constable Port Head
Wm Carver – son of Mr Carver, Distr Constable Richmond.
Wm Stubbs – son in Law of Mr Painter, Free Settler. Port Head
Jos McLaughlin } McLoughlin to receive 50 acres! [indecipherable]

[Page 190]

White Guides
Names.

[Page 191]

20th Septr
all the parties returned two White Men, two soldiers and 2 Natives last up from Accident in [indecipherable]

The five parties reduced to four from this point, the White Men with the soldiers parties filled up with those of Constable McLaughlins party. Two of the four soldiers parties are under Serg Broadfoots direction & it would be much more desirable if the other two had also a Sergt to command them, the officer or Magistrates would then only have to consult with the two sarjeants & a constable from each party once a fortnight or often if necessary. One Serg & one corporal would make the four parties complete according to this plan.

[Page 192]

Memorandums
of
Parties employed
in pursuit of the Hostile Natives.
Rec.d from W. Cox Esqu. on 8 Oct 1816.
L.M.

[Page 193]

Sir Clarendons
15 Nov.r 1816 The Constant Plan we have had since Wednesday last has prevented the Natives going to Sydney it appears taking up again & I am sending this to Mr Howe to direct him to send them down tomorrow so as to be with Your Excellency on Monday night, I have directed the two constables McFadden & McLoughlin who were white guides to go with them. Mary-Mary told me yesterday if Your Excellency wished it he would send his young girl to the School. I told him it would please you & desired him to take it down. It is a half cast child and a very Interesting One, between 2 & 3 years of Age. The Creek Natives seem to be under some apprehension of punishment from the Natives low down the River joined by some from towards [Kissing?]Point. Should Your Excellency see [Bidjan Bidjan?] while Creek Jamie is at Sydney it may be prevented & it should be if possible. I have the Honor to Remain
Your Excellency´s
very obed. serv.
Wm Cox.

[Page 194]

On Service His Excellency
Gov´r Macquarie
&c.&c.&c.
Sydney By Creek Jamie
In South Creek
Chief

[Page 195]

Inverary Park Argyll 17 January 1827 Sir We have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th which came to hand to day about 1 o´clock PM informing us that His Excellency the Governor is afraid that the late unfortunate occurrence may lead to acts of revenge on the part of the Natives. We can only say that in this quarter the Natives are perfectly quiet and instead of their feeling for the Black who was killed they all say they are glad that he was shot as he was a troublesome character but it is impossible for us to say what may be eventually their feeling – we sent away the dispatches to Government on Tuesday the 9th and cannot account for the Governors not having received them on Sunday as Mr Ellyard said he should be down in Sydney as soon as our letters could be there – your contemplated disposition of the horse-police in showing them in different parts of the Country will in our opinion be of great service in case the Natives should show any hostile feeling and also in deterring Bush-rangers from resorting

[Page 196]

to this quarter – The Natives have occasionally asked what was to be done with the Black now in the jail at Sydney but lately they have made no enquiries – we have no doubt on our minds that he was the very principal person in the Murder that was committed but if the evidence already sent to the late Attorney General is not considered as sufficient for his conviction we would recommend that he should be set at liberty as we do not see that his longer detention can answer any good purpose We feel indignant at the conduct of the Constable and will give him the option of resigning his situation when he returns here. We are not aware that any of the Constables who have gone from this have neglected to call at Glenfield as they have always had orders to do so but we will enforce them in future. To the Honble We have the Honour to be
Charles Throsby Sir
&c &C &c Your most obed´t humble servants
David Reid JP
Robert Futter JP

[Page 197]

27/1788 [indecipherable]

Sutton Forest Argyle Jan´y 19th 1827 Sir I have the honour to state for the information of His Excellency the Governor that I arrived here on Monday evening last. On the following morning I communicated with the Magistrates Messrs Reid and Futter by letter, of which the enclosed is a copy, their answer I also enclose (to account for its mutilated state) I was on horseback when I received it, on opening it the horse started suddenly, which caused me from having hold of it with both hands to tear it asunder) by that it will be seen the natives in the interior are perfectly quiet. I am not surprised at their saying they are glad the unfortunate man was shot, as they will all say any thing, that appears to satisfy questions put to them but no dependence is to be placed on such a position as it is a well known fact the unfortunate man was very quiet, good tempered native and a great favourite with his tribe, some of whom I am in hopes to see in the course of tomorrow, having despatched two natives youths to find out where they are. I have seen several of another tribe, and hope through them to prevent further violence. Yet under all the circumstances it is impossible to say what may be the result [indecipherable]

at a remote period.
On my arrival here I learned that after Mr Jamisons servant was found, the report was

[Page 198]

was circulated that one of Mr Dixons men was missing and it was said he must be the man murdered however he returned in a day or two thereafter no person is missing and clearly no white man has been killed, the story of the bones also appears to me very doubtfull.
I am prevented sending in different directions for want of constables two having been dismisssed when Mgsts Read and McAlister was here, on the eight of the present month, and Sgt Wild, the only one remaining being sent away. During my nephew's absence at Mr Reads with a runaway to Mr Joseph John Moores station about fifty miles into the country, and the Constable Fisher belonging to Inverary station, who was intrusted with a letter from since nearly a fortnight since not having returned or I would have detained him in service. As soon as Wild returns I propose to set out through the country towards Burraa-gar-ang in hopes to find him of the tribe to which the man belonged who was shot.
I enclose the copy of instructions I thought proper to be put to most of the intelligent inhabitants of this District, the answer of those that have been obtained I also enclose. The others shall also be forwarded as soon as they are received and I feel convinced if questions to the like purpose were put to every intelligent man in the colony, very few, if any, would seriously affirm they believe much less offences that they know the natives of N.S. Wales to be cannibals.
His Excellency being desirous to ascertain the feelings of the natives respecting Burbon, who is now in Sydney gaol I thought it right in my communication with the two Magistrates to take their opinions, which will be

[Page 199]

seen in their reply to my letter. My opinion is, there is nothing to fear from his being set at large, yet if he could be kept until some of the tribe to which he belonged or some of the tribes of that or this neighbourhood was prevailed on to go to Sydney to receive him, it would have a good effect, there and several very intelligent natives amongst them who might be made sensible of the atrocity of the crime which he is suspected of having committed and of the determination to punish any outrage which with the examples he has seen made, of white persons for like offences would I have no doubt be the means of preventing them from repeating their accustomed revengeful acts – I have no doubt some of them could be prevailed on to go to Sydney in a short time for that purpose. The mounted police are not yet arrived. I intend when they do, and as soon as their horses have rested a day or two, to send them with a proper guide to take a tour through the out station, by short daily journeys, by which it will be shown them is a fence in the neighbourhood, and I have every hope it will have the effect to keep the natives quiet for the present and prevent several irregularities. The different establishments in this country being much extended it will be almost impossible for any one station to act as a security for the whole, but I am of opinion, in the event of His Excellency approving of the station I propose for the force now coming up the particulars of which I will explain when I return, that the same number of mounted police stationed near to the Magistrates about Inverary, that is on the nearest township reservation, the police constable being also stationed at

[Page 200]

at the same place, they would be sufficient to keep in place and security the whole country, not only from attacks of the blacks, but also from bushrangers and thieves = The Mounted Police stationed near Inverary might occasionally visit in a body Goulburn Plains, Lake Bathurst, Lake George and the country about Naa - roo - ko and occasionally meet the party to be stationed in this neighbourhood who might visit the Wollondilli country [indecipherable]&c. and occasionally patrole the road from their station as far as Bargo and adjacent country towards the cowpastures, the non-commissioned officer of each, having authority to investigate all persons driving cattle sheep &c would also be the means of preventing many thefts and detecting cattle stealers. Stables can be erected and a small paddock at each place enclosed at a trifling expense, and one convict to work stations would cultivate ground sufficient to supply the horses with what green food they would want which appears more difficult to get from the inhabitants than corn, it, and provisions for the men, there is no difficulty about. I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient
Humble Servant
Chas Throsby The Honble
Alex ‘r McLeay, Esq
Colonial Secretary
&c &c &c

[Page 201]

Bells Station Manilla River
6th December 1837 Sir,
I avail myself of the opportunity of a Stockman going from here to Invermein to state for the information of His Excellency the Governor that I proceeded on another survey of my District on the 28th of October last and traced the Namoi down taking returns of Inhabitants, Stock and fire arms, and I will immediately on my return forward to you in Duplicate my Itinerary and Census.
On my route I heard of many outrages committed by the Natives on Stock at a number of the Stations and also of them having murdered five men and I made it my business to make every inquiry to find out the cause of this increasing evil.
This evil is not confined to the stock actually killed by the Blacks, but a herd of cattle that has been harassed and speared by them wander away in all directions from their run, and tho´ the pasture is most luxuriant the Cattle are invariably in poor condition wherever this evil exists.
On the Namoi River the stations below Sir John Jamison´s run are more or less subject to these depredations and at [indecipherable] which is the farthest down station the Blacks are so numerous and daring that the men have all quitted the station from fear and left the Cattle to their fate.

[Page 202]

It was when on this River that I heard of the Blacks murdering two men belonging to Mr Bowman and five of Mr Cobb´s men.
Mr Bowman´s station is situated on a creek about 60 miles from the Namoi called Bowman´s creek, and Mr Cobbs station 60 miles from it on a river call the Big River into which the Guider empties itself.
Although this part does not belong to my District still I thought that information that could be depended on respecting these outrages and their probable cause would be acceptable to His Excellency the Governor. I therefore proceeded then across the country and arrived at Bowman´s at 10 o´clock at night of the day of the second day after leaving the Namoi.
The whole of this country is of the richest description almost free of timber of any sort abounding with wild carrot and thistle, in short, if it was better watered, it would be the finest grazing country land in the world. It is however sadly deficient in this necessary article as we travelled from 6 in the morning till 10 at night before we fell in with it, all the creeks in the intermediate space being dry.
At Bowman´s station two out of the three men that were there had newly arrived so they could give no account of the Natives. The other man stated that previous to the murder of the Natives had not been there for four months but before then they were frequently in the habit of coming to the hut, and that the

[Page 203]

the men were always kind to them. The same account was given by Cobb´s men and they were seemingly on such friendly terms that they apprehended no danger even after the murder of Bowman´s men.
When at Mr Cobb´s hut and whilst I was making these enquiries, and at the time one of the men was shewing me boomerangs and spears he had picked up when the men were murdered, another man took up a musket saying “this is the sort of spear” and shot the other man through the breast. The ball entered the left breast and lodged in the back close to the back bone near the surface.
The harassing and killing of cattle is even greater here than on the Namoi and seems getting worse every day. The remains of six bullocks have been found at one of these encampments used at one feast. On another occasion when a party went in pursuit of them after they had murdered Mr Cobb´s men they found the remains of 28 sheep, at the place where they had encamped the first night after the murder. It was a black boy belonging to the tribe that traced them. They found 250 fires and the boy said there might be four at each fire. There is little doubt that it is most imprudent in men to harbour and encourage the natives about the stations, and I have no doubt part of the present evils existing can be attributed to this cause.
The main cause however I imagine to

[Page 204]

to arise from white men being with them urging them on to these outrages.
The Black boy who traced them says that there are three white men with them painted like the Blacks and this statement is corroborated, by his taking the party to a hut in the mountains constructed evidently by white men. The wall plates were morticed and pegged down, the bark put on with green hide, the door hung with hide hinges and berths for sleeping in put up.
If Government mean to take any steps to suppress these outrages it would be a material point to secure the black boy above alluded to. He is staying at a Mr Fleming´s station the lowest but one on the Big River he is intelligent and can make himself understood and says he has no wish to join his tribe again as they would kill him.
I have &c
(Signed) Alexr Paterson

[Page 205]

Original Letter from E. D. Day
to Colonial Secretary
9 April 1839 About collision between the Mounted
Police and the blacks on the Big River Withdrawn for listing
July 1968

[Page 206]

Courthouse Morton
9th April 1839 Collision between Mounted Police under Major Nunn & the Blacks on the Big River Sir In compliance with the desire of His Excellency the Governor communicated to us in the letters we had the honor to receive from you, that we should enquire into the circumstances relative to the collision between the Mounted Police under the command of Major Nunn and the Black Natives on the Namoi and Gwydir rivers, wherein some of the latter were unfortunately killed in the month of January 1838 – We attended at the Court House for that purpose on Thursday the 4th Inst. and took depositions and examinations The Hon.ble
The Colonial Secretary
[From Dixson Library. Colonial Secretary in letters no.7]

[Page 207]

of all the parties presented to us for that purpose namely
Major Nunn
Serjeant Lee
and Corporal Hannon of the Mounted Police and “Major Titton” a Stockman of Mr Hall´s – copies of which we have now the honor to enclose
We have the honor to be
Sir
Your Most Obedient
Humble Servants
[indecipherable]Day
[indecipherable]
[indecipherable]

[Page 208]

Inform Mr Allman, that I coincide with him in the view which he appears to have taken of this matter and of the steps which it will be proper (if the alleged facts be true) for him to take: I need scarcely warn him that he must be careful to have those facts well established
G.S. June 28 30 June, 1840
Head quarter
Wellington 20th June 1840.
Outrages committed on Blacks
Sir,
I conceive that I should be wanting in my duty were I not immediately to bring under Your Excellency´s personal notice, a subject which I am aware will receive the most serious consideration on the part of the Government;
Owing to the great areas into which the official documents connected with my appointment have fallen, I have as yet been unable to proceed to the more distant and scattered parts of my District
To His Excellency
Sir George Gipps, [indecipherable]&c.&c.&c.

[Page 209]

during my stay here however and also while visiting the stations within a distance of fifty miles I ascertained that many of the aborigines have come up to the more settled parts from the Neighbourhood of “Howard Harris” which is nearly 220 miles from this place:-
Hearing a most lamentable description of the drought and scarcity of water in that neighbourhood I made enquiry and as far as the report of some very respectable parties can be relied upon I find that these Blacks

[Page 210]

have been forcibly driven away from the only one or two holes that afford Water for miles in the neighbourhood of Mount Harris – by some of the stockmen, in order that the Water might be preserved for the cattle – that they have been threatened and terrified and have been actually seen by some gentlemen gasping for water – the names of the parties concerned I have not learnt:-
The greatest difficulty at present exists I believe of procuring Water for a large party in the country alluded to sometimes for forty and fifty miles but as there has been latterly a

[Page 211]

a slight fall of rain I purpose directly that I can prepare even three Horses for such a journey proceeding to the spot and enquiring into such a monstrous piece of cruelty and injustice – and in the interior I should most respectfully submit to your Excellency “ “ should I find these reports verified on examination the expediency of my at once dispossessing the parties whoever they may be of their stations of expelling them that locality and of driving all the stock away from the neighbourhood –
I have the Honor to be, Sir,
Your excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant,
S Allman, JP
Comm. of Lands

[Page 212]

41/10682 these proceedings were written by me with a pencil on a sheet of paper I had with me, the more detailed enquiry touching the shooting of the Blacks, I was of course obliged to take at my own station, I thought it unnecessary to take the remainder of the men out of the [indecipherable] having examined the only man cognizant of the murder, and established the manner of the death of the man. It remains but for me to assure the Governor that this charge was made by me under the full persuasion that it was in the due course of official business.

[Page 213]

and that had I for the moment imagined otherwise, the consideration of the same due to me would never have permitted me to submit it. It is a matter of much regret to me that His Excellency has deemed it inexpedient to sanction the leave of absence asked for by me, as I would fain believe that I could explain to the Governor personally the whole of these proceedings much more satisfactorily than it would appear I have been enabled to do in my official

[Page 214]

official correspondence
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your Most Obedt Servant
S Allman pp CCL

[Page 215]

Juandah

August 6th 1849

Sir The Blacks have been so troublesome for the last few months in this neighbourhood that it is with the greatest danger we continue in protection of our stations. They have recently taken a flock of sheep from Mr Campbells station and murdered his shepherd but only a few days ago they [indecipherable] in Mr Roche´s shepherd and took away a flock of sheep killing a great number of them before they were recovered.

[Page 216]

I have within these last few months bought sixteen hundred head of cattle on this run which have been [indecipherable] and driven away by the Blacks and many of them speared, my men have been frequently driven in by them. Mr Taylors huts burnt and station abandoned; the men having to come up here for protection – Mr Winkeyey´s Wool burnt. Hearing of your arrival on the Condamine on your way to Wide Bay I hope you can make it convenient to visit our stations previous to your departure

[Page 217]

for the lower end of our district. I have written with the concurrence and at the request of Messrs Roche and Campbell
I am sir
Your Obedient Servant
P [indecipherable] F Stephens To Walker Esqr.

[Page 218]

Walker Esq Commandant of the Native Police

[Page 219]

Report on the W [indecipherable] District of Wellington

[Transcribed by June Pettit, Judy Gimbert for the State Library of New South Wales]