1854 Events.pdf - Gilburri

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FRONTIER CONFLICT AND THE NATIVE MOUNTED POLICE IN QUEENSLAND Events Events 30 matching entries Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Attack on stock - in vicinity before 16 1854 Attack on "The blacks are continually of Maryborough (before 16 November stock/property committing depredations here, November 1854) robbing the stores, gardens, and drays, on every opportunity. A few days ago, in the scrub, they killed a working bullock belonging to one of the Maryborough carriers." (Moreton Bay Courier, 2 December 1854, p2) Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Attack on stock - sheep in November? 1854 Attack on "In a communication a fortnight the vicinity of Hervey Bay (? stock/property ago, it was mentioned that Lieut. November 1854) Fortescue, N.P., had started after some sheep belonging to a Chinaman, that had been taken by the blacks. After the absence of a day and a half he returned with the sheep, only one or two of which were missing. The blacks had got the sheep away about 25 miles towards the southern part of Harvey's Bay. On the approach of the police the aborigines deserted the ock and ed." (Moreton Bay Courier, 16 December 1854, p2) Attack on Aboriginal people 9 February 1854 Attack on ‘On 4 February, MacCabe reported - Francis MacCabe's Aboriginal people that the Aborigines made it clear surveying camp, East Stowe that the surveyor¹s camp occupied (9 February 1854) ‘their ground’ but in this rst incident no ghting ensued. Charles Arthur, one of the survey team wrote in his diary: ‘Whilst we were away a lot of Blacks came in sight of our tents on the opposite side of the River and cooeying to our party it is supposed that they were some that have been at Auckland Point before as some of the party thought they were calling out ‘Mr Willmott’ a name which it was common for them to do whilst camped at Barney Pt so I expect there are some of our ‘old friends’ amongst them. I went over to the police and told them the circumstances and Sergeant Humphries and 2 troopers came over. We have commenced watching.’ (Arthur n.d., Saturday 4 February 1854). Four days later the Native Police Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event arrested and handcu ed four Aborigines in the vicinity of the camp at East Stowe. They were shot the next morning ‘while endeavouring to e ect their escape’ (MacCabe to Surveyor General, 6 March 1854, cited in McDonald 1988:17; Alfredson 1992:4). Arthur recorded: ‘8th February, The Sergeant (Humphries) took 4 Blacks somewhere in the neighbourhood of our Camp and has handcu ed them. 9th February The Blacks escaped from the Police in the night and when morning came they tracked them and shot the four before breakfast.’' (Chris Clarkson, Michael Williams, Sean Ulm and Ian Lilley 1998 Gooreng Gooreng Contemporary Social Landscapes: A report to AIATSIS:56) Attack on Europeans/others 3 March 1854 Attack on ‘On 3 March, MacCabe¹s camp was - Francis MacCabe's Europeans/others again attacked, probably as pay- surveying camp, East Stowe back for the murder of the four (3 March 1854) Aborigines in the previous month. About 20 Aborigines attacked the camp and one of MacCabe’s men, Sheriss, was speared through the leg and several things were taken from the camp.’ Arthur (n.d., original emphasis) writes: ‘We saw some blacks on the opposite side of the River about 9 am. About 10 am they appeared to have crossed and came on our side of the River. At about 1/4 past 10 am I was busy writing a letter in my tent when I suddenly heard a shout. I ran out and saw one Black over at the men’s tents. I immediately ran Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event over with my gun as fast as legs could carry me but the Darkie was no where to be seen: he speared one of our men in the thigh and that¹s what made him shout out: I had to pull the spear out and it was as much as I was able to do to get it out, a portion of it still was in his leg and Mr Murray cut it out in the evening when it was found to measure (7) seven inches, We could not see any part of it before the wound was cut open.’’ (Chris Clarkson, Michael Williams, Sean Ulm and Ian Lilley 1998 Gooreng Gooreng Contemporary Social Landscapes: A report to AIATSIS:56-57) ‘In one of the letters Mr MacCabe wrote, in detailing the particulars of an attack by the blacks on his camp, 'I have reason to believe, I wounded one.’’ (Illawarra Mercury 26 May 1859, p2) At top: “Government Resident Port Curtis” Forwarding copy of Proceedings in case under “Master & Servants Act” brought before him – relates to claim made against Surveyor MacCabe by one of his Party for compensation for losses sustained through attack by aboriginal natives on Surveyor’s Camp at Stowe 3rd March last. … Mr Charles Arthur duly sworn states as follows: On morning of 3rd March went to Complainant’s tent after Sherrick? wounded by natives – Mr MacCabe Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event had revolver ri e in hand, took guns from tent – Blacks were plundering tents when Mr MacCabe red shot 4 men available with 20 stand of arms loaded, 150-170 yards from tent, Asked Mr MacCabe to let him go to the tent which he refused – think he reasoned Blacks taking things from tent would keep them occupied until Police came up. [p 727] Cross examined by Defendant First time saw blacks they were on opposite side of river & opposite your tent – supposed they were going up river –“you were writing letters” & did not go out when told of blacks, supposed in a hurry with letter Police expected at Camp that morning – copying letter into letter book when Sherrick wounded – further details of their movements, mentions Groves, wounded man asked for spear to be pulled out, use of the rearms & swords with view to scaring blacks & alerting the Police – refers to rule made that guns not be red before sunrise or after sunset [p 728] Reason for rule was if Police heard ring they might come up – (Maurice O’Connell to Colonial Secretary 4 July 1854 plus enclosures, Letters relating to Moreton Bay & Queensland: A2 series – Reel A2.29, 715–723) "April 19th ... 1854 ... Mr McCabe's Party was attacked a short time since, and a man speared, the Native Police followed them up, Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event and it is said, killed 23. Plunder is, of course, their object, but they will take the life of a white man whenever they can do it with Impunity. Hence a constant warfare, and Extermination will, of course, be the Result." (Capt John Coghlan Fitzgerald, Private Diary, 25 June 1853 to 16 June 1855, (File FIT/4), from Collections held by the National Maritime Museum London) Attack on property - 4 April 1854 Attack on "New South Wales To Wit. outstation on Cannindah (4 stock/property The information and complaint of April 1854) Patrick Mackay of Cannindah, Grazier, taken this sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & fty four before me James C. Mackay Esqr one of her Majesty's justices of the peace for the said colony who being duly sworn upon his oath saith that on the fourth day of April the shepherds hut at "Tiera Bong" was entered and robbed by Aboriginal blacks and the meat our tea & sugar carried away Patrick Mackay" Attack on Aboriginal people November 1854 Attack on '4. A case occurred in - Palmer's store, west? Aboriginal people Maryborough a few weeks ago, Maryborough (November which has created a very great 1854) sensation amongst the Aborigines, and will I greatly fear, lead to retaliation on their part. I allude to a case that I lately reported to you, of two Aborigines being poisoned from eating damper made out of our stolen from the store of Mr H. Palmer.' (QSA2969643 1855 Report from Arthur Halloran to the Chief Commissioner of Lands 1 Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event January, Correspondence of Colonial Secretary's Department, NSW, extracted from micro lm (Reel A2-32) held at State Library of Queensland) '... as for the surveyor, he is now twenty miles down the river in bush with three white men fearlessly pursuing his profession, although surrounded at this moment by some two or three hundred of these, same, "marauding savages," who have gone down there to deposit the remains of two of the nest young men of the tribe in their native forests. These men died by poison, by poisoned our; this much is proved, but as the matter is now undergoing judicial investigation, I will not enter into particulars. My belief, and the belief of many here, is, that a great crime has been committed, and that a most searching inquiry into all the circumstances connected with their death should take place, so that the survivors of the tribe may learn, that while we hold them subject to the pains and penalties of our law, they are also within the pale of its protection. B. F. LLOYD. Maryboro', 25th November, 1854.' (Sydney Morning Herald 15 December 1854, p4) Attack on Europeans/others May 1854 Attack on 'OUTRAGE BY THE NATIVES.—A - Robert Owen and son and Europeans/others Drayton correspondent of the Aboriginal worker, Empire writes,—"News has just Onnaberry, Upper Dawson arrived of another outrage (May 1854) committed by the aboriginals. In Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event the Upper Dawson, at the station of Mr. S. Owen, a ferocious attack was made on one of his sons, and a quiet black boy in his service. They were following the tracks of cattle through a scrub when a volley of spears and nullah nullahs was suddenly thrown at them. The black boy fell dead, trans xed by a spear. Young Owen, though struck in two or three places, clung to his horse and was carried home alive, but was found to be much hurt, and has been dangerously ill. It is just possible that the aggressors might have had amongst them some of the unpunished murderers of Mr. Kettle, as the two stations are both in the beat of that tribe."' (Hobarton Guardian, or, True Friend of Tasmania 31 May 1854, p3) 'On the 11th I proceeded to Onnaberry the station of Mr Owen, and made inquiries respecting the recent outrage there. Robert Owen being absent, I was obliged to postpone further enquiry from the want of evidence. ... On the 18th and 19th it rained very heavily, but on the 20th I proceeded to Onnaberry where, Robert Owen having returned, I took his a davit relative to the murder of Mr Scott’s Black boy, and the attack upon himself.' (QSA86141_1854_Letter from Francis Nicoll to George Fulford 15 May 1854) Attack on Europeans/others August 1854 Attack on ‘WRECK OF THE "NINGPOO," AND - William Tough, Mr Denty Europeans/others ATTACK OF THE NATIVES UPON and Alick, of the Ningpo Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools near Wide Bay (August month event 1854) PART OF THE CREW.—On Wednesday morning some of the native blacks, from the vicinity of Bribie's Island, arrived at Brisbane, bringing with them a seaman named William Tough, second o cer of the schooner Ningpoo, which had been wrecked upon Burns's Reef, in latitude 13°36 S., about six weeks ago. Tough had been severely beaten by the natives at Wide Bay; his right arm was broken, and his head and face cut in several places. He was removed to the Brisbane Hospital, and the following is his account of the wreck and its consequences: —"The Ningpoo, three-masted schooner, Captain William Billings, was bound from Hongkong to Melbourne, in ballast, having on board a Mr. Denty as a cabin passenger, a Chinese man and woman as steerage passengers, chief mate, second mate (William Tough), carpenter, steward, four other Europeans, and a number of Chinese seamen. About six weeks ago the vessel struck upon Burns's Reef, at night, in the latitude above mentioned, and somewhere about the longitude of New Caledonia. The vessel settled down on the reef, and the crew and passengers succeeded in getting on a neighbouring island, called Ewan's Island, and in saving some rice and a few casks of water. Here they remained for about three weeks, when having tted up the only boat they had—a small vessel only 13 feet long—it was resolved that Mr. Denty, together with the Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event second mate, and a seaman named Alick, should make for Moreton Bay, and endeavour to send o assistance. They did so, Mr. Denty acting as navigator. This gentleman was proceeding from Hongkong to Melbourne, to visit a brother residing there. They left the captain and the remainder of the crew and passengers—in all 18 persons—on the island. They had prepared an extempore copper machine, and had begun to distil fresh water from salt; and as there were plenty of turtle and birds to be had, it was thought that they would be able to hold out until assistance arrived. Mr. Denty steered for the coast, and at length made it in latitude 26°, near Wide Bay. All their fresh water being exhausted, they were anxious to land and procure a supply; and as some blacks swam o to them with friendly professions, o ering to show them where water could be had, they pulled in; but had scarcely reached the shore when a number of blacks seized the boat and dragged it up on the beach, and immediately attacked the unfortunate men with clubs, leaving them on the beach, wounded and insensible, and stripping them of everything they had on. When Tough recovered his consciousness he found himself lying half in and half out of the water, with his arm broken, his head cut open, and other severe injuries on his person. The blacks were gone, and he contrived to crawl to a water-hole and drink, Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event and nding a pot that had belonged to the boat, he brought water to his insensible companions. He succeeded in recovering Mr. Denty rst, but Alick was not restored to consciousness till next morning. They then proceeded along the beach southward, and after travelling for 3 days without food, fell in with some blacks, who gave them some shell sh, and accompanied them some three or four miles further. They afterwards came up with a black called "Moysey," who took them to his camp, gave them sh, and the next morning o ered to accompany them to Brisbane. This o er was accepted by Tough, but the other two declared themselves unable to go on, and remained at the camp. Moysey travelled with him for two days, and then delivered him over to other blacks, who brought him on to Brisbane, Moysey returning, as he said, for the other two, and stating that he would have res lighted along the beach, to attract the notice of any person who might be sent from Brisbane to bring up Mr. Denty and the seaman. The second mate is doing well in the hospital, and although he has su ered much hardship, is likely to be quite restored in a few days. He states that the other two, though very much cut and bruised, had no bones broken. The customs boat left Brisbane on Thursday morning in search of the two men left at the black's camp, and two policemen on horseback, Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event under the guidance of an aboriginal native, proceeded at the same time to search the scrubs northward of Brisbane, lest they should have come on by themselves, and wandered out of their way.—Moreton Bay Courier, 23rd September.’ (Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser 4 October 1854, p4) 'P.S. September 27th In consequence of the delay of the "Boomerang" I am enabled to inform you that the Customs' Boat returned last night, and I regret to state that, the remains of one of the unfortunate men were found about 30 miles north of Moreton Bay, in a very mutilated state, no doubt caused by Native Dogs as the traces of those animals are numerous near the place—the other person had, according to the account of the Natives, gone to Wide Bay, which was only about 35 miles distant. Tough is of opinion that, the remains found are those of the Cook, in consequence of his having been so severely wounded on the head by the Natives, on the rst day of landing, and the head of the body is described as having been much beaten. JCW' (QSL 1854 Letter from the Government Resident, Moreton Bay, to Colonial Secretary 21 September, NSW Colonial Secretary Letters Relating to Moreton Bay and Queensland 1822–1860, Reel A2.34) Attack on Europeans/others August 1854 Attack on ‘THE PROBABLE FATE OF MR. - Mr Denty from the Europeans/others DENTY—It will be recollected that schooner Ningpo, Wide Bay Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools (August 1854) month event when the Customs boat returned from the search for Mr. Denty and the seamen of the Ningpoo, left behind by the second mate, Mr Tough, they reported that they found the body of a man supposed to be the seaman, and that they had been told by the blacks that the other white man, supposed to be Mr. Denty, had proceeded to the boiling-house at Wide Bay. Information of this was transmitted by the Government Resident to the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Wide Bay; and we understand that a communication has been received from Mr. Halloran to the e ect that he had been informed by some blacks that a white man, whom he supposes must have been Mr. Denty, was proceeding towards Wide Bay, about the time mentioned, and that he was murdered by the blacks on the way. The non-appearance of Mr. Denty, we are sorry to say, renders this account only too probable. - Morton [sic] Bay Free Press. - November 7th.’ (Argus 21 November 1854, p4) ‘Some intelligence has been received of the fate of Mr. Denty, the passenger who was on board the shipwrecked Ning-Po; but it also rests on the authority of the blacks. It will be remembered that, on the arrival of the second mate of the above vessel, Mr. Tough, at Brisbane, the Customs' boat was despatched to bring o Mr. Denty and a seaman, who were left by Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Mr. Tough at a black encampment near the coast. Those on board of the boat found the body of a man supposed to be the seaman, and learned from the blacks that Mr. Denty had departed for Wide Bay. in consequence of this information, the authorities here wrote to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, at Wide Bay, requesting him to look out for Mr. Denty, and to question the blacks respecting him. An answer has just been received from the Commissioner, stating that some blacks had informed him that Mr. Denty was murdered on his journey by a party of aborigines. I am afraid that this report, although resting upon the doubtful testimony of the natives, is but too probable. The unfortunate gentleman must either have been murdered or died of fatigue and starvation, or he is detained a prisoner by the savages, and I am sadly afraid that the rst supposition is the most likely one. It is impossible not to regret that he did not wait a little longer on the spot at which he was left by Mr. Tough, as in that case assistance would have reached him from Brisbane. But no doubt the time appeared long to him, poor fellow! in his wretchedness and isolation and, besides, he must have considered it very problematical indeed whether Mr. Tough, in the state in which he was when he left, would ever reach his destination. The chance of making Wide Bay very likely appeared to Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event him by no means desperate, as he knew where it lay, and from the spot mentioned he could be distant from it scarcely thirty miles. How much misery and su ering, and how many lives would be saved, if it were possible to establish a line of stations at moderate distances along the coasts, the north-eastern coast more especially.’ (Sydney Morning Herald 14 November 1854, p4) ‘A correspondent of the same Journal writing from Wide Bay on the 11th ultimo, says:—"There Is no doubt concerning the fate of the unfortunate Mr. Dainty. About a fortnight ago his journal was brought in by the blacks, and given to E. B. Uhr, Esq, who has forwarded it by the Herculean to Sydney. About a week subsequently his hat was brought in. It had a hole In the crown. It has been ascertained, that when surrounded by the savages, he bent his head forward to protect his chest, when a spear was thrown and pierced the brain. His remains were afterwards covered with grass by an old gin. It is an undoubted fact that the aborigines are in possession of a quantity of money, rings, and articles of clothing. Not long since a black brought two half sovereigns to Palmers's store to purchase our. On being questioned he gave evasive answers, and whilst being taken over to Mr. Uhr's store, he bolted, Captain Prout, when going down the Bay on his trip to Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Sydney, got two sovereigns and two half crowns from a black on Fraser's Island. The black gave them to understand that he had four pieces of money. A party went ashore, when he brought one sovereign and half a crown. Being asked for the other two, he brought them, saying, that they had been taken from some white follows who had been murdered. A Chinese ring, of rude manufacture, has been brought in. The blacks say that they could take a party to the spot where Dainty was murdered, in two days. It would require a strong party, as the blacks there are very daring. Denty was the name given in your paper, but In the journal the name Is Dainty. In one place he mentions its being his birth-day, and that he is 29 years of age. Lieutenant Fortescue arrived here with his detachment on the 14th, Yesterday, the 15th, a Chinese butcher, named Chamdya, lost a ock of 66 sheep. They were out in charge of the aboriginal. It is supposed the blacks have got them,. The police are out after the sheep and have not returned yet. The blacks are continually committing depredations here, robbing the stores, gardens, and drays, on every opportunity. A few days ago, in the scrub, they killed a working bullock belonging to one of the Maryborough carriers.’ (Empire 12 December 1854, p5) 'Para 3: Also learnt from aborigines that Mr Denty, Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event passenger aboard “Ningpoo” [as it is - “Ningpo” ?] when wrecked a short time ago & who, with part of crew of that vessel landed near Wide Bay, has been murdered by blacks whilst endeavouring to get to Maryborough – black fellow yesterday o ered 2 half sovereigns at a store for our, probably one of party who murdered Mr Denty – storekeeper attempted to arrest him without success' (Letter from Arthur E. Halloran to Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands 24 October 1854, Letters relating to Moreton Bay & Queensland: A2 series – Reel A2.30) Attack on Europeans/others 15 October 1854 Attack on 'RETURN OF THE KETCH VISION. - Frederick Strange, Mr Europeans/others ATTACK AND SUPPOSED MURDER Shinks, William Spurling and AT PERCY ISLAND. Henry Gittings, Middle This week it becomes our painful Percy Island (15 October duty to record another attack 1854) upon peaceful Europeans by the savage natives of an Island in this sea, and the supposed murder of four persons. It will be remembered that the ketch "Vision," chartered for the purpose of collecting specimens of Natural History, left Brisbane for the Northward on the 12th September last. Nothing further was heard of the vessel until last Tuesday, when it became known in town that she had returned to this port, after an attack upon her passengers, and the murder of some of them, by the natives of an island near New Caledonia. As Mr. Strange, one of the missing persons, had been long resident in the Moreton Bay district previously to his last visit to Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Europe, and was much respected here, additional interest was excited by this intelligence. An inquiry into the circumstances was held next day, before Capt. Wickham, and the following is the substance of the statements made on that occasion. George Elphinstone Vernon Maitland, being sworn, saith—-“I am master of the ketch "Vision," of Sydney. I left Sydney on the 4th September last, bound for Moreton Bay, and from thence to the northward for the purpose of collecting specimens of Natural History. I took charge at Moreton Bay. The crow consisted of William Spurling, mate; Geo rey Geary, ordinary seaman; William Vann, able seaman; Henry Gittings, Cook and steward. The passengers were, Mr. Fredrick Strange, Owner; Mr. Hill, Botanist; Mr. Shinks, Assistant to Mr Strange; and a native named Deliapy, whom we got at Moreton Island. On the 29th September last we left Moreton Bay, and proceeded to the northward. We called at a small island o Cape Capricorn, and then proceeded to the Percy lslands, to tho ship anchorage at the second Percy Island. We anchored there on the 14th October. In the evening Mr. Strange, Mr. Hill, Mr. Shinks, and the black went ashore. In about an hour they returned, with a canoe paddle. Mr. Strange said he was certain there were natives on the island, though he saw none, and that he should take the boat ashore next morning. On the Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event following morning Mr. Strange, Mr. Hill, Mr. Shinks, and the black, with Spurling and Gittings, went ashore at about half past 8. I saw nothing of the party until 10 o'clock that night, when Mr. Hill and the black brought the boat along side, and the black told me that the others were all killed on shore. It was dark when the boat returned, and I hailed when I heard her approaching. As I suspected something wrong, I had previously armed myself and the two men Vann and Geary. Mr. Hill said, when he came on board. "It has been a sad day's work! They are all killed on shore." Mr. Hill told me he had seen tho body of Spurling, stripped with his throat cut, but had not seen the bodies of the others; and that he had afterwards found the black hidden in the crevices of the rocks, and had joined him. The black told me that Mr. Strange had been speared in the thigh, and had then shot one of the natives, when the rest of Mr. Strange's party ran away, and the natives followed and "waddied" them. The black also said that before Mr. Strange was speared he had seen a gin bringing spears down close to the blacks, and hiding them in the mangroves; and that he then warned Mr. Strange and advised him to go on board, but he would not, (as I understood him.) Dellapy also told me that the natives, prior to this, had stolen some beef and pork and biscuit out of the boat. On the next morning I asked every one on Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event board if they would go on shore with me, to look after their shipmates. They said they thought it was useless and they would be only risking their lives by going. I got under way, at 10 o'clock, stood to the northward, through the passage, and reconnoitred about the anchorage for an hour. I hove round twice, and red several volleys of musketry. I saw neither natives nor any one else on shore. We were in sight of the island for three days, to the 18th. On that evening I saw res on the high land. On the 25th I returned to the former anchorage, in consequence of having carried away the bowsprit iron. I remained there until the 20th, and red volleys night, and morning during our stay; but I saw no natives' canoes, or res. No one landed from the vessel. Our anchorage was a mile and a quarter from the beach. I then sailed for Moreton Buy, where I arrived on the 13th November, and got into the river on the 14th. Walter Hill, on oath said ; I was a botanist with Mr. Strange, and sailed with him in the "Vision." On the 14th October, at about 5 in the afternoon, we anchored at Percy Island. Mr. Strange, Mr. Shinks, and the black went ashore and remained an hour, without seeing any natives, but saw their tracks. Next morning, about half past 8 o'clock. Mr. Strange, Shinks, Spurling, Gittings, the black and I went ashore to get water. We were all unarmed excepting Mr Strange, who had a Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event single barrelled gun. We had to go a mile up a gully for water, and, after lling the casks, as we were returning we heard the natives shouting. We cooied. About nine natives came to meet us, unarmed except one, who had a knife in his hand. Mr. Strange advanced, and one of the blacks came to meet him laughing and dancing, with a piece of turtle in his hand. We thought it was an o ering of friendship. Mr. Strange gave him some sh-hooks and tobacco. We invited them to accompany us to the boat. They refused, and went up to the mountain again. On our return to the boat we found that the pro- visions had been taken away, and wishing to let them know we were not angry for what they had done, we cooied, and the same natives came to the boat. Mr. Strange explained to them about the provisions being stolen, but they did not appear to under- stand. Both parties then sat down for some time. We all thought, they were friendly blacks at this time. Mr. Strange o ered to give them presents if the would go o to the vessel with us in their own canoe, and they made signs that they would. Mr Strange, Shinks, and I, with three of the Island blacks, went for a walk, leaving William Spurling, Gittings, and the black in charge of the boat. As soon as the tide rose they were to pull the boat round the beach to meet us. The six natives remained with them. When crossing one of the ridges I told Mr. Strange I Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event would like to go to the top of the mountain. He said I had better take a native with me. None of them were willing. I went alone, and was absent about one hour. I returned to the place where the boat was to have met us. The tide had not risen, and, not nding the boat, I returned to where we had left it. When within' fty yards of it I observed a naked person lying amongst the mangroves. On examining, I found it to be the body of William Spurling. His throat was cut, under the ear, and he was quite dead. I then went to search for Mr. Strange, and after spending some time without nding him, made my way to the beach, abreast of the schooner, where I found the black, making signs by waving his shirt, towards the vessel. He came to meet me, and held up four ngers, shaking with fear all the time. I concluded he meant that they were all killed. I then inquired after Mr. Strange, and he told me the native blacks had speared him. He (the black, Deliapy,) was trembling and crying for some time, and appeared very much frightened. He said that the blacks had speared Mr. Strange, who pulled out the spear and shot one of them, and then that the natives "waddied" Shink and the cook (Gittings.) He told me that he saw Mr. Strange shoot the native after being speared, and that one black threw a spear at himself (Deliapy,) upon which he ran away. I came to the conclusion that they had all su ered the fate of William Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Spurling. [The witness here mentioned that when they had met the nine natives they had observed a large party about a half a mile o , in the mountains.] I and the black now made signs to the schooner wishing them to launch the other boat, and relieve us. We remained on the beach until after sunset, when we gave up all hopes of getting assistance from the vessel, We then went to where the boat was, and nding her a oat, we pulled to the vessel. I inquired when on board why they did not hoist the boat out in answer to our signals, and the master answered that he could not get her out. I then told them what happened. We kept watch all night, and next morning the question was put, "Who's going ashore ?" The master said he would go. The others would not. From all I ascertained from the black, Deliapy, I have not the least doubt that the whole four-Strange, Spurling, Shinks, and Gittings, were murdered by the natives, as they were near the boat, and had a much better chance of escape than I had. We left the Island next morning, and after encountering a strong gale, in which the bowsprit-iron was carried away, we returned to the anchorage. I wished to go ashore then, but they were afraid to land. We remained there for three or four days, but saw no signs of natives, or of our missing companions and so returned to Moreton Bay, where we arrived on the 13th instant." Such is the Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event substance of the account given of this most melancholy and disastrous a air. The black, Deliapy, left the vessel on her arrival here, and has no doubt rejoined his tribe. Not withstanding that the very worst may be conjectured from the foregoing narrative, still it is to be hoped, that the search will not thus be given up, while there is the remotest chance of some of the missing men being found alive. It is impossible to read this account, without a feeling of disgust for the pusillanimity of those who refused, although no doubt having the means of fully arming themselves, to go on shore and resume the search on the morning after the supposed murder.' (Moreton Bay Courier, 18 November 1854, p2) "SEARCH FOR MR STRANGE AND HIS COMPANIONS. Report of the Proceedings of H.M. steam-vessel Torch. Sydney, 12 March, 1855. Sir,—I have the honour to lay before you an account of my proceedings while carrying out the orders of the senior naval o cer, at the request of the Colonial Government, to ascertain the fate of Mr. Strange and his companions. The unfortunate gentleman and his three associates were savagely murdered by the blacks on second Percy Island, and their bodies taken to sea in a canoe, and thrown overboard, with the exception of Mr Spurling, the Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event remains of whose body we found in a 'mangrove swamp, and which were nally interred in the burial ground at Port Curtis, with due respect and solemnity. This is the result of the object for which I was sent. I will now endeavour to detail, day by day, my proceedings, in order to show my reasons for coming to the above conclusion. I was unavoidably detained ten days, at Moreton Bay for coals, and failed in my endeavour to obtain information and interpreters, consequent on the absence of the British representative. Therefore, I was compelled to call at Port Curtis for the latter, and succeeded in obtaining, through Captain O'Connell's willingness and in uence, two, one of which could speak Port Bowen, the other English. I was detained in this port ve days by strong S.E. gales, but succeeded in anchoring at No. 2 Percy Island on the afternoon of the 19th of January, on tie same spot occupied by the Vision. I immediately sent an armed party, under the orders of Mr. Hixson, to search the vicinity of the landing and watering places, and also a large shing party to attract the natives. They returned at sunset, after an unsuccessful search, and not even seeing the traces of a blackfellow. I hoisted Dutch colours, to lull suspicion as much as possible. That night I made my Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event preparations, and issued orders for a general search to be made throughout the island by thirty armed men, under the orders of Mr. Wilds. However, to my astonishment, at daylight, eight blacks appeared on the beach, armed with spears waddies, and boomerangs. This number answered exactly to that given by the survivors, nine blacks having attacked them, one of whom was shot by Mr. Strange, eight remaining. This circumstance altered all my previous night's plan, and I now saw that by stratagem alone could we gain any information: I therefore issued the orders marked No. 3 I had during the day the satisfaction of seeing our people mix freely with them, give them pipes, tobacco, sh-hooks, and other presents; and nally one came o to the ship. He was clothed, loaded with presents, and allowed to go on shore again, when he wished to do so, it was a strange characteristic of their truly savage state, not knowing the use of pipes or tobacco. During the time that these boats were diverting them, I thought it a good opportunity to proceed up the creek to the scene of the late brutal murder ; but they no sooner saw my movements than they all left the shing party and joined mine, proving something there they did not wish me to see in their absence ; however, the water being too high, I could not land. Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event The only questions I put to this black fellow were, If he had ever seen a ship or white men ? to both of which he replied in the negative. On his reaching the shore, they all suddenly went over the hills. I do not know any place more suitable for carrying on their murderous practices than this creek; at high water you ascend in your boat, carrying 10, 12, and 14 feet water; but, on your return, it is a dry mud at, with a sandy bar, high rocks on either side form a narrow escape, and here a few natives could make dreadful havock on a party unarmed, and it was here poor Strange and his party met their horrible fates. They had now evidently suspected the intention of our visit. That evening I sent an armed party to search a few bark huts, about three miles in the interior : they returned unsuccessful, having only found the neck of a black glass bottle. I visited the small islets in the o ng myself, and found traces of their having visited them by their res, remains of turtle, shells, &c. This showed me they had canoes belonging to them. On the last day of the month, I sent all hands to search the mangrove swamp, at dead low water, to endeavour to pick up any traces of our murdered countrymen. The natives suspected something of this sort, for they did not appear all day. At sunset the party returned, having found among the mangroves, half buried in mud, Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event the remains of the body of poor Spurling. I issued a memorandum to Doctor Macdonald to acquaint me with his opinion on this subject, and the result you will see marked No. 6. A canoe was also taken and brought o . His death must have been an awful one, as his skull shews: lower jaw broken on one side, right aide of skull entirely smashed, left leg altogether gone. Another canoe was espied before dark, with a paddle in it, evidently intended by its position for an escape during the night ; it was seized, brought o , and destroyed. Having now clear evidence of the murder of these unfortunate persons, I knew what my plans must be. I had carried out my orders in ascertaining they were murdered ; but I could not leave this horde of mur-derers without an attempt to capture them, and bring them to justice. I therefore issued my orders, marked No. 6, and, under Mr. Hixson's directions placed twenty- ve armed men, to carry them out. The result you will see, No. 7. From the women I obtained su cient information to condemn every black on the island. The men were sulky, and would hardly answer a question ; when they did, it was not the truth, in many instances. A sheet, containing the examination of all these people questions and answers—you will nd marked No. 8. The European articles found at their huts were Sleeve of a white Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event shirt, and button; several pieces of black bottle ; loom of an oar ; an iron alice, sharpened ; an iron splitting wedge. From this it will be seen that about four months since a " gondole" (ship) arrived, and the crew pro- ceeded up the creek in a boat for water ; that for some reason (as yet unknown—except Mr. Strange shooting the black fellow,) they rst knocked them down with boomerangs and spears, then nished them with the waddy ; that, fearing detection, they took them out in a canoe, clothes, musket, and every thing belonging to them, and threw them overboard, except the body of Spurling, which was too much trouble, having got in among the mangrove swamp, and mud ; they burned his clothes. The bodies of the two blacks killed by Mr. Strange (as they say), were eaten by their friends and buried. One woman says, "they burned their clothes in a heap." The day after this search, ve blacks appeared on the beach, and I sent the interpreters with one gin (woman), to talk to them, and tell them if they did not come o and confer with me, I would send men with muskets and bring them o ; but all the persuasions, with the addition of presents, were of no avail, and did not like to shoot them, hoping I maybe able to take them alive ; shooting was too good a death for them, and no example would follow. The next day I sent all the gins Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event (women), with their children and interpreters, on the beach, as well as the shing party, guarded by a guard-boat, but they would not even speak, although near at hand in the bush. One of the prisoners now attempted an escape, casting his lashings adrift and jumping overboard ; two ri es with small shot were red at him, but did not stop him, and a boat picked him up; he was so much exhausted that his recovery was some time doubtful. This was the man who confessed having speared one "white fellow." In the meantime one of the others was caught by the heel in endeavouring to jump overboard, and the third made an attempt to cast the seizings of his friend o . They were then all e ectually secured in irons. The weather, which had for some time been beautifully ne, now changed to north winds with thunder, lightning, and rains ; and knowing that even now I had exceeded my time, I made my nal arrangements, determining, as I had commenced this work, if possible to complete it, and rid this picturesque and beautiful island of as dangerous and murderous a set of blacks as could possibly inhabit it, and render it accessible for further visitors ; I therefore intended to weigh at daylight on the morning of the 5th. The morning being ne, I landed 33 armed men, and proceeded myself in the ship round the island to pick them up, and also to draw Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event o the attention of the natives from them. At noon I anchored in a snug and spacious bay in 7 fathoms, within two cables length of the beach, without seeing a black. The party returned, having scoured the island ; the blacks having escaped by swimming to other islands. It was a satisfaction to know there was not a living person on the island. Having now been a week among the Islands, and daily endeavouring to capture every one who participated in these murders, but without e ect, I sailed, having done everything that it was in my power to do, without incurring further delay. I had now secured three black fellows, three women who knew the whole story, and their children. That these three men participated in the murder I am convinced, for these reasons:—The survivors say they were attacked by nine men, and one was ahot by Mr. Strange ; on the day after our arrival, eight appeared on the beach; on the day we took the prisoners, after having secured them, nine people were seen by the returning party, two of whom were children, and one woman—there were therefore six men; one of these was afterwards brought o , and ve were left there, which, with the three prisoners, made the remaining number eight, and these were the only men on the island. This is what we ourselves saw—the natives corroborate it. The man, who appeared to be the Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event chief, was in reality a savage. I could not get him without shoot- ing. He had lost all his front teeth, perhaps from a blow. I arrived at Port Curtis on the 7th February, to return the interpreters, and I thought it a good opportunity to make an impressive ceremony of interring the remains of poor Spurling in the Christian burying ground. I therefore addressed a letter to Captain O'Connell, begging his assistance in this cause to collect the blacks, and order in the native mounted police to join the funeral. My letter to him and his reply you will nd enclosed. This is another of the many instances in which the Government Resident cheerfully assisted me in forwarding my views to carry out my orders. Another was his getting six cords of wood cut by some of the very few available hands at his dispose, to enable me to steam to Moreton Bay, my coals having been nearly expended. Thus concludes my, narrative of the search of the unfortunate four persons, and I now await directions for the disposal of the prisoners—three men, three women, and four children ; and, in concluding, I have only to hope that the service has been performed to the satisfaction of the colonial Government. I have, &c., WILLIAM CHIMMO, Lieutenant Commanding. To the Honorable the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales." (Sydney Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Morning Herald, 19 October 1855, p2). ""Lieutenant W. Chimmo, in command of H.M. Steamer Torch, landed on No. 2 Percy Isle in February 1855, and took prisoners nine of the murderers of Mr. Strange, the Government geologist, who, with three of his companions, were murdered while obtaining fresh water. One of the bodies was found, the other three had been taken out into deep water and thrown overboard. This treacherous act was perpetrated by natives from the main-land, who had landed at this island to sh; and the circumstance is mentioned as a warning to future visitors" ( Yule 1864:117). Attack on stock/property - January? 1854 Attack on "4. In the Widgee Widgee District Wilgei Wulgei/Widgee stock/property the Blacks are also committing Widgee (January? 1854) serious depredations spearing cattle and stealing sheep notwithstanding there is a section of the Native Police stationed at Yabba to keep them in order." (QSA86138 1854 Letter from Arthur Halloran to Chief Commissioner Crown Lands 7 February, Papers re work of Native Police in the Waller District including Maryborough, M lm Z2433) Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Attack on Europeans/others 5 February 1854 Attack on "‘3. On Sunday last a female was - unnamed woman, East Europeans/others assaulted by a Black at East Maryborough (5 February Maryborough, and the garden of a 1854) person named Clary was on the same day robbed to a considerable extent." (QSA86138 1854 Letter from Arthur Halloran to Chief Commissioner Crown Lands 7 February, Papers re work of Native Police in the Waller District including Maryborough, M lm Z2433) Attack on Europeans/others Between 1854 Attack on "since then, a traveller has been - unnamed traveller, near 10 and 22 Europeans/others murdered within a mile and a half Gin Gin (between 10 and 22 August of Mr. Brown's station. What August 1854) makes this deed more noticeable (and this must be our apology for mentioning it at all) than most previous ones of the kind is, that the natives separated the man's arms, legs, &c., from the rest of his body, and actually went to the trouble of burning parts of them. We expect to hear of more murders directly, and unless they occur too quickly on each other, I shall not fail to let you hear of them.— Moreton Bay Free Press, Aug. 22." (Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 16 September 1854, p4) Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Attack on Europeans/others Early 1854 Attack on "only the other day. Mr. Buchanan - Surveyor Buchanan, August Europeans/others himself, when walking through Maryborough (early Maryborough, narrowly escaped August? 1854) being speared." (Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 16 September 1854, p4) "A few nights ago a gentleman narrowly escaped being speared as he was walking from one part of the town to the other. The spear evidently fell shorter than its hurlers wished" (Sydney Morning Herald, 10 November 1854, p2) Attack on Aboriginal people May 1854 Attack on "I found were [sic] blacks were - between the heads of Aboriginal people rushing and killing cattle near the Yuleba and Bungil Creeks heads of the Yulebar and Bungil (May 1854) creeks, a collision ensued and two blacks where [sic] shot by the Police. I returned on the 25th May." (QSA86141 1854 Letter from George Fulford to Commandant 18 July, Papers re work of Native Police in Darling Downs, Lower Condamine and Maranoa Districts, Wondai Gumbal 1849-1857, M lm Z2433) Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Attack on Europeans/others October 1854 Attack on ‘At top: “Commandant Native - Charles Moreton and Europeans/others Police” Letter re murder of Charles George Page, Burrandowan Moreton & George Page in (October? 1854) Leichhardt District–informs his arrangement mentioned in letter 25th ult No 54/23 addressed probability of Dawson blacks approaching station where this murder was committed by black called Talleyed Jemmy [also spelt Walleyed Jemmy], a fellow servant of the murdered men with whom he was sheep herding & lambing – comes from Darling Downs, was sent to Dawson by Mr Sandeman at whose station crime was committed’ (Frederick Walker to Colonial Secretary 21 October 1854, Letters relating to Moreton Bay & Queensland: A2 series – Reel A2.30: 563 – 564) ‘Dawson River.—Some time ago it was stated in the local papers that two men belonging to Mr. Sandeman had been killed by the native blacks. We are informed that from inquiries since made, it appears that the murders were not committed by the blacks of the Dawson, but by a Darling Downs black called "Talley-eyed-Jemmy," who had come over to that part of the country with the two murdered men, in charge of some sheep. The murderer made his escape, and has not since been captured.’ (Moreton Bay Courier 25 November 1854, p2) Attack on NMP detachment 10 January 1854 Attack on NMP 'We learn that intelligence has - Johnny Reid, Sgt Bungaree detachment been received from Lieutenant and Richard at Liffy Creek, Murray, the o cer in command of between Traylan and Port Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools Curtis (10 January 1854) month event the detachment at Port Curtis, that a sergeant and two troopers of the Native Police, who had been despatched to complete a marked tree line between Port Curtis and Traylan, were attacked by native blacks on the 10th ultimo, while encamped and asleep, and had considerable di culty in beating o their assailants. The Sergeant and one of the troopers were severely cut on their heads, and the other trooper received a spear wound in the chest. The men had returned to Port Curtis, and were rapidly recovering. It is believed that the blacks who made the attack were not aware of the quality of their opponents, but supposed them to be a travelling party of whites.' (Moreton Bay Courier, 25 February 1854, p2; Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 18 March 1854, p4) 'The three Native Police went to sleep in their camp on the evening of 10 January 1854. As no tracks of Aborigines nor smoke from res had been visible, they had not the slightest reason to suppose Aborigines were in the neighbourhood. Consequently no watch was kept. During the night, a large body of Aborigines attacked the camp. Bungaree awoke with three Aborigines on top of him. One gave him a hard blow on the head with a nulla nulla. Bungaree grappled with him and received a severe bite on the left hand. Trooper John Reid also received a Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event severe cut on the head and trooper Richard a spear in his chest.' (Skinner 1975:129–130; see QSA86137 Native Police Work Port Curtis Deposition of John Bungaree) Attack on Europeans/others 10 October 1854 Attack on "About a fortnight ago Joseph Gold - Thomas Anderson and Europeans/others and Thomas Anderson, two Joseph Gold, en route to boatmen belonging to the Harbour Bribie Island (10 October Master's department, arrived in 1854) Brisbane from Moreton Island, for provisions for the Pilot station there. Having procured their supplies, they left Brisbane again last Tuesday week, with a crew of six blacks belonging to Bribie's Island ; but up to the present time nothing further has been heard of the boat or the men. Mr. Watson, the pilot, took for granted, as so much delay occurred, that they would go down in the brig Brothers, as that vessel went to Sydney; but when he went out of the bay, and he was informed that the men had been so long absent, he despatched a boat, manned by blacks, to Brisbane, with a note to Lieut. Geary, the Harbour Master, informing him that the missing men had not arrived. Lieut. Geary has despatched a boat to the southern part of the bay, and the Customs Boat has been sent to the northward, to search. In the meantime all is conjecture as to the fate of Gold and Anderson, both of whom are married men and had left their families at the station on Moreton Island. Some of the blacks near Brisbane express their belief that the Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Bribie's Island crew had behaved treacherously, and one native spoke rather con dently of the men having been murdered and the boat burnt; but it would be quite premature to give credence to such conjectures until further search has been made, and it is to be hoped that no pains will be spared for this purpose" (Moreton Bay Courier, 21 October 1854, p2) "On the 10th instant, two men belonging to the har-bour master's department, named Joseph Gold and Thomas Anderson, left Brisbane in a boat with supplies for the Pilot's station on Moreton Island, having on board a crew of six blacks, all belonging, we believe, to Bribie's Island. As the mend did not arrive at they destination after the lapse of far more than the required time for their doing so, apprehensions began to be entertained for their safety, and on Friday the Custom House boat was despatched to the northward of the bay in order to endeavour to learn something of their fate, Captain Geary having also sent a boat to the southward for the same purpose. The mounted troops of the Brlsbane police were also despatched to Cabbage-Tree Creek to search the bush in that direction. The Custom House boat returned about 10 o'clock last night, having succeeded in nding the boat on Bribie's Island, and learning from the blacks there that the two unfortunate men wore thrown Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event over board between that place and Fishermen's Island.— Moreton Bay Free Press, October 24." (Empire, 30 October 1854, p4) "On the 10th instant, two men belonging to the Harbour-master's department, named Joseph Gold, and Thomas Anderson, left Brisbane in a boat with supplies for the pilot's station on Moreton Island, having on board a crew of six blacks, all be-longing, we believe, to Bribie's Island. As the men did not arrive at their destination after the lapse of far more than the requisite time for their doing so, apprehension began to be entertained for their safety, and on Friday the Custom House boat was des-patched to the northward of the bay in order to endeavour to learn something of their fate, Captain Geary having also sent a boat to the southward for the same purpose. The mounted troops of the Brisbane police were also despatched to Cabbage-tree Creek, to search the bush in that direction. The Customs-house boat returned about 10 o'clock last night, having succeeded in nding the boat on Bribie's Island, and learning from the blacks there that the two unfortunate men were thrown overboard be-tween that place and Fishermen's Island. — Moreton Bay Free Press, October 21." (Sydney Morning Herald, 30 October 1854, p4) "BRISBANE, OCTOBER 25. —