unmarried Robert Jones, whose hut stands upon the banks of the Jordan, and not five hundred yards from the farmhouse of the married Robert Jones, although on opposite banks of the river; Michael and John Jones residing at the Sideling Hill, and also on the banks of the Jordan; and Mr. John Jones, nearer Jericho, on the Jordan."
The last native family known to be out, consisting of an old man and an old woman, three elder children, and a little boy,—the last of his race,—were captured near the Arthur River, on the north-west coast. A reward of 50l. had been offered for their persons. The native female companion of a leader accomplished the feat by artfully representing to the affrighted creatures that she could conduct them to fine hunting-grounds, where no Whites could molest them. Once in the boat, and tossed on the western waters, they became helplessly sea-sick, and, in that condition, were taken to a British establishment at Woolnorth, near Cape Grim.
The Committee, who had never wholly approved of the roving parties, and had believed the too frequent charges brought against them of shooting the Natives, which they considered in no other light than that of murder, took action in recommending their withdrawal from the field. On February 2d, 1830, even, they wrote to the Governor that "they were unanimously of opinion that martial law should be suspended during the period of Mr. Robinson's Peaceful Mission; and they are further of opinion that more missions of a similar nature could be employed with advantage, provided proper persons can be employed to take charge of the parties." They suggested the propriety of calling in the roving parties till the success of Mr. Robinson be known. Though that was not done, and the said parties continued to be usefully engaged some time longer, they all gradually withdrew as Robinson advanced, as the bright stars retire before the rising sun, and left the crowning work, and crowning glory, to that distinguished leader.
