assembled. He was then recognized as one of the tribe. The news spread rapidly, and he was visited by large numbers of natives from different parts of the colony, who always showed great fear of him at first. The children especially would hide themselves from him, or call to their mothers to keep them from the Muuruup.
When ships visited the coast to get wood and water, Buckley never sought to make himself known to any of them. On several occasions ships were wrecked on the coast and all hands perished. From the wrecks Buckley and his tribe secured a large quantity of blankets, axes, and other articles, which he taught them how to use.
When Batman arrived at Geelong, Buckley was fishing in the river Barwon—in which pursuit he excelled—and the news was conveyed to him by a number of natives, who brought him several articles which they had received as presents from Batman and his friends, such as biscuits, sugar, bread, &c., which he at once recognized and partook of. He was asked by the tribe to take his fish (of which he had a large quantity) and all his war accoutrements, and go down to the "big ships." When he arrived he was met by Batman and "all the other big fellows," who were well pleased to see a white man among the natives. Buckley could not at first understand what they said, having completely forgotten his own language. He looked so puzzled while he was endeavouring to recall his mother tongue. Several days passed before he could converse with any freedom. Batman and his companions were not long in getting Buckley thoroughly washed and shaved, and in cutting his hair, which had grown to a prodigious length. When he was taken away in the ship the natives were much distressed at losing him, and when, some time after, they received a letter informing them of his marriage in Hobart Town, they lost all hope of his return to them, and grieved accordingly.
Buckley arrived at Port Phillip in 1802 as a convict, and in 1803 made his escape into the bush. After wandering about for one year he joined the aborigines, and lived with them till 1835. For thirty-two years he had not conversed with a white man. He had no children, and died in Tasmania in 1856.
