CHAPTER VI.
CAPTURE PARTIES.
The reader, being now acquainted with the general features of the Black War, together with the official proclamations and orders connected therewith, will be introduced more particularly to the parties employed in the capture of the Aborigines.
It was from the very perplexity of affairs that Colonel Arthur sought the advice as well as co-operation of the most experienced and intelligent of the settlers. The leading magistrates were addressed by circular. In reply, James Simpson, Esq. J. P. of Campbell Town, wrote, Nov. 18th, 1828, recommending the following up of one particular tribe, with all available strength, night and day, till fairly run down and secured. He thought the engagement of native women of service, from, says he, "their hopes of advantage, or fear of ill-treatment, inducing them to betray their friends." While transcribing Mr. Simpson's letter, I read on the turned-down corner, in the handwriting of the upright Colonel Arthur: "The expedient of taking some of the women may be attempted—in fact, anything founded in prudence, and prosecuted with humanity and firmness, I shall approve."
Thomas Anstey, Esq. J. P., of Oatlands, near the centre of the island, took the most active part. Among his suggestions, forwarded Nov. 14th, 1828, were these: That parties should be organized, under suitable leaders, to be in pursuit, and that a few active men should be selected to look after Native fires at day, lie in ambush near, and make their capture in the cold morning twilight. "To rid the country of this scourge," he adds, "a considerable number of troops will be required." It was his opinion that the employment of prisoners, or at least of men seeking an extension of freedom, would be most advantageous, as these would struggle to obtain a free pardon by their labours.
