The Last of the Tasmanians/Chapter 6

by James Bonwick

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.

The Governor resolved to try the scheme, and directed the magistrate to make a selection as a trial. By the end of November four had been chosen. Three were ticket-of-leave men seeking emancipation—John Hopkins, Samuel May, and William Wakeman, all well acquainted with the native life in the Bush. The fourth was still in the primary class of bondage, John Danvers, a man of great ability and energy. One Reynolds, who had but six months to serve, and in order to obtain his liberty by efflux of time, volunteered to go, being fond of a life in the woods, and considered a capital shot. He stayed his six months, and then retired to freedom, demanding nothing for his labour.

Other persons were engaged elsewhere; as Messrs. Gilbert Robertson, John Batman, Jorgen Jorgenson, Nicholas Tortosa, James Hopkins, Mayhew Tattersall, John Eldon, W. Grant, R. Tyrrell, Peter Scott, W. Wilson, George James, W. Holmes, Alexander McKay, Surridge, Parish, Emmett, Brodribb, Gorringe, &c. Mr. Roberts took four Bruni Blacks after a Port Davey tribe. Mr. Tortosa was to receive one thousand acres, in addition to the five pounds bounty, if he caught twenty in twelve months. Mr. Fisher undertook to round some of them up in an angle of the roaring Shannon River. To some of these, perhaps, the remarks of Mr. Wedge may justly apply: "But they in vain laboured to capture the unfortunate Blacks. They, however, did succeed, I believe, in shooting a few of them, which could have no other effect than to increase the hostility of the survivors."

But little was really done until the energies and experience of Mr. Anstey were brought into requisition. In May, 1829, all leaders of parties were directed to make their monthly reports to him. It was at his suggestion that twelve men were placed under the authority of Mr. John Batman, six with Mr. Nicholas of Campbell Town, five with Mr. Sherwin of the Clyde, and five with Mr. Doran of New Norfolk. A man, named John Small, was promised a free pardon should he succeed in bringing in ten captives during the year of his engagement.

It was to enlist the utmost diligence in this service that the celebrated proclamation was made, guaranteeing five pounds for the capture of each adult, and two pounds for a child, belonging to the Natives. The more respectable of the leaders were baited with the prospect of grants of land.

Mr. Anstey entered heartily upon his work. Of a good family at home, a gentleman in bearing and character, he brought to his duties an uncompromising fidelity, a stern sense of justice, an unremitting energy, an acute sagacity, and much practical wisdom. In devotion to duty, he reminds one of an ancient Spartan. An anecdote is recorded of him that suggests the parting word of the Spartan mother—"Return a victor, or upon your shield." When his son, then out with the Line after the Blacks, suffering from the hardships of the Bush in an inclement season, wished to return home, Mr. Anstey forwarded this decided reply: "Stay till all is lawfully dismissed. If you return before, the house will be closed against you." He was of the true Wellington stamp, appreciating duty rather than glory.

His children were energetic and intelligent like himself. One son became an influential legislator in South Australia. Another (Chisholm Anstey) was well known as a prominent member of the British House of Commons.

His son George distinguished himself in the Black War. On the 27th of July, 1830, some Natives were heard prowling about the farm in the night. Heading a small number of servants, the lad, being then but sixteen, dashed after the enemy. Fortunately for the pursuers, the ground was covered with snow, and the track could readily be followed in the darkness. The tribe was gained, a charge was made, four were captured, and the rest fled in terror. Not a shot was fired. Among the spoils were fourteen dogs, fifteen blankets, and five spears. The colony rang with acclamations at the daring deed, and the courage of many a drooping Bush tracker revived. The Governor honoured the brave boy with a Gazette notice, and the gift of five hundred acres of land.

The sequel of the incident is soon told. Three of the four were of the weaker sex. When they were being led to Hobart Town by the constables, the man shammed illness in the wattle-perfumed valley of Bagdad. The constables were compelled to place the agonized fellow in a wheelbarrow, and trundle him to a hut for the night. Leaving him there to groan in peace, the guardians indulged in some sleep, being perfectly assured of the safety of the prisoner. The dark and subtle captive climbed the chimney in the silence of night, and regained his forest mates.

One part of Mr. Anstey's scheme, the employment of soldiers, was not so desirable. They were slow in movement, they needed Bush-craft, they ill sorted with civilians, they were soon demoralized, they stood little fatigue, they were often cruel, and their red coats were ready signals. A corporal with a party of the 40th earned no reputation by a most atrocious massacre of a large number of men, women, and children, upon whose camp-fires they came suddenly. At first, military parties had a liberal provision when out—viz. 14 lbs. of meat a week, besides flour, &c. Subsequently they were reduced to garrison allowance, to the disgust of the men, who saw themselves far worse fed than convicts. To add to their annoyance and diminish their zeal, the Commissariat directed that they should find their own shoes when travelling—an absurd arrangement, when the rocky, intricate character of the country is remembered. Of course, the soldiers moved very carefully, and at easy stages. They furthermore complained of the rust which exposure brought upon their regimental fire-arms when in the Bush. Altogether, the Government officer was right, who said, "Soldiers are unfit, in every respect to act with the civil power."

The difficulty which our troops have experienced while Bush-fighting with the Maories calls to mind a project brought forward in June, 1829, by Mr. Horace Rowcroft, and seconded by Major Gray, to introduce a number of New Zealanders into Van Diemen's Land. It was contended that, as they would sell slaves for a musket each, they would be quite willing to catch Black-fellows at the same rate. Their great intelligence, their crafty policy, and their warlike bearing, with the use of weapons better adapted than "Brown Bess" to forest contests, made the plan acceptable to many. Mr. Rowcroft added a plea of benevolence. The Maories were then regarded as about the most bloodthirsty savages and cannibals that the world could furnish; so, without reflecting upon the consequences of contact to the poor Tasmanians, he declared that "much good would result to the New Zealanders by their intercourse with us, and would probably sow the germ of civilization among an energetic and enterprising people." But the humane Colonel Arthur feared the massacre of his Black subjects, and rejected the proposal.

As money was not a plentiful article in that era of colonial progress, the offer of a reward for catching Blacks was so agreeable to the acquisitive faculty, that not a few were ready to dare danger for bright gold. A scheme was actually set on foot, though detected in time, to proceed to the Straits, capture the half-civilized women there, and claim the bounty. The Launceston Advertiser of March, 1830, sounded an alarm: "We understand a party of volunteers are busily employed man-catching in the neighbourhood; we hope they will not introduce any stranger from the islands to the main. Five pounds a-head is a tempting sum; but our accommodations in this quarter are rather too limited to furnish bread and lodging for these sable gentry."

The "bounty five" was stopped by the order of June 5th, 1832, when the head hunters were informed by the Governor that the reward was no longer offered, because the "present tranquil state of the Colony had rendered it unnecessary."

When caught, the Natives were not easily held. A good smearing of opossum grease on their naked skins prevented a secure grasp. Thus, four were one day surrounded, and held for a time, at St. Paul's Plains; but three managed to wriggle themselves free. The ever-watchful Courier hastened to publish an infallible cure. "Some persons," quoth the paper, "adopt the plan of getting behind them, and thrusting the arms beneath the armpits of the Black, to bring the hands round behind the neck or head, and, being thus clasped, completely secure and overpower him."

Some independent parties were highly successful. Mr. Howell, of the Shannon, obtained a thousand acres for his exploits. Mr. James Parish, an Australian by birth, and a pilot, was said to have been the means of securing no less than twenty-two Aborigines, and a host of dogs, close to Swan Island, on which he managed to place them. Another person caught a Native, called Tommy Notoes, from having lost these useful members. One man escaped after being first secured, but was wounded by a shot in his retreat. He managed, however, to gain the shore, and attempted to swim away; but, soon exhausted, he was retaken, and his wound was dressed. Placed in a hut for security, he again escaped, and was not recovered. Two were caught by a shrewd fellow who exposed a sugar-bag in the Bush, and then hid himself till his victims were in the sweets.

The Natives were terribly harassed by the roving parties. Their sufferings were severe, especially from their fear to light a fire to warm their bodies, or to cook their food. Children and weak persons rapidly sunk from fatigue and want, or were hurried by violence to a grave that would shield them from their implacable foes. Opposing craft to force, the men of the woods concealed themselves in chosen retreats, kept up a vigilant lookout, and knew how, at fitting times, to silence their faithful and obedient dogs. They were accustomed to indicate their way through the pathless wilderness by the Indian mode of breaking branches, or of pointing sticks in the ground, so that their fellows might track them to the camp. But, pursued by the Whites, these sticks, as previously agreed upon, were placed right in some places, and wrong in others. Sharp points and sharp stones were left just above ground to wound the feet of those following them; as many of these wore home-made moccasins, a severe laming would attend a misfooting.

The guides of the parties were either white Bushmen, or Natives. The latter were not to be depended upon, and some acknowledged, when on Flinders Island, having brought the leaders near the sought-for tribe, and then refused to go further, or lead off in another direction. Black Jack, who was out with Mr. Gilbert Robertson, told Mr. Jorgenson, that after he had been beaten by that gentleman, for some supposed fault, he was often upon the track of his countrymen, but would not trace. Black Tom, captured by Mr. Robertson near Little Plains, acted so plausibly, as to be recommended by his captor to the Governor, December 22d, 1829, with this character: "I believe Black Tom to be perfectly sincere in his wish to further the views of Government toward his countrymen, and that he fully appreciates the benefits they would receive by embracing the proffered protection of His Excellency."

Mungo was an intelligent lad, and did good service. He was the son of an influential chieftain, and accompanied both Mr. Robertson and Mr. Batman, but early died of disease. Mr. Jorgenson had him under training, and sought to preserve his morals by keeping the men from using bad words in his presence. But he had little faith in native guides; saying, "I have not found one that I could recommend, or seem fit to be a negociator between us and his countrymen. Eumarra, Black Tom, and Black Jack, three of the guides, possess much cunning, but little manly sense, and they are otherwise corrupted."

As the wild people were caught, they were transferred to the nearest gaol. Some were at first taken to Mr. G. A. Robinson at Bruni; or, under his care, to the establishment at Newtown, a couple of miles out of Hobart Town. Mr. Stirling was in charge of the latter asylum, during the journey of his chief to Port Davey. Believing himself able to bring in some people by means of the women, whose good opinion he believed he had secured, he wrote on March 14th, 1830, offering his service: "I feel," said he, "a confidence on behalf of the females who would accompany me, to cancel any doubts or apprehensions as connected with my own personal safety." His offer was declined.

Such an establishment was soon found of little use, as numbers came in, and numbers went out again. An island home Was the desideratum. Long before, the English colonists had much trouble with the aboriginal Caribs of the West Indian St. Vincents. After a "Black War" there, a submission led to the project of banishment. Unwilling to forsake their own lovely native land, the Caribs again resisted; but in vain. Capture parties were appointed, and those secured were transported to the little island of Balisean, that had been meanwhile allotted for their reception. It is just possible that this scrap of Colonial History in the Olden times may have suggested the Tasmanian Island Depôt Scheme.

In spite of the success of some of the roving parties in capture, for 236 were secured by the end of 1832, it was felt that great destruction of life had taken place. Mr. Carr, manager then for the Van Diemen's Land Agricultural Company, calculated upon the effects of the "Five Pounds' Proclamation," as it was called, and said, "The Proclamation as usual will enjoin the sparing the defenceless, and that the people are not to be killed, but taken alive; and the "way in which it will be acted upon will be by killing nine for one taken." Some such feeling was evidently shared by the authorities; for a Government Notice, appearing on August 20th, 1830, bears upon the subject, and again utters a warning against cruelty.

"The Lieutenant-Governor," says the command, "has learned, with much regret that the Government Order of the 25th of February last, offering certain rewards for the capture of the Aborigines, appears in some recent instances to have been misapprehended; and, in order to remove the possibility of any future misunderstanding on this important subject, His Excellency has directed it to be distinctly notified, that nothing can be more opposed to the spirit of the above-named Order, and to all that of the different Proclamations and Orders which preceded it, than to offer any sort of violence or restraint to such of the aboriginal Natives as may approach the European inhabitants with friendly views:—the reward was offered for the capture of such Natives only as were committing aggressions on the inhabitants of the Settled Districts, from which it was the object of the Government to expel them with every degree of humanity that was practicable, when all efforts for their conciliation had proved abortive.

"It was His Excellency's most particular desire, and most peremptory Order to all persons employed under the Government, that no violence or restraint shall be offered to the inoffensive Natives of the remote and unsettled parts of the Territory, and that all such as may approach the Settled Districts, and offer to hold intercourse with the inhabitants in a friendly manner, may be encouraged to do so, and permitted to depart whenever they desire it; and if, after the promulgation of this Notice, any wanton attack or aggression against the Natives becomes known to the Government, the offenders will be immediately brought to justice and punishment."

The best criticism upon this extraordinary Order is found in the captures being nearly all made in the outlying districts, and that two months afterwards the Governor himself conducted an expedition against all the Natives in the settled districts.

 

Among the Leaders of Parties the name of John Batman stands out in relief.

Though only one of the ordinary Leaders of Parties after the Aborigines, yet, as the most prominent of these, the most esteemed by the Governor, and the most approved of by the Blacks, a separate notice might be given of his part in the war. There is an additional reason for bringing him thus to the front, because of the great work he was the means of accomplishing in 1835—the colonization of Port Phillip—and thus becoming the Founder of the prosperous Colony of Victoria.

John Batman was an Australian; being born at Parramatta, in New South Wales, and subsequently becoming a farmer under the shadow of Ben Lomond, in Tasmania. For particulars of his career, the reader is referred to the Author's works on "The Discovery and Settlement of Port Phillip," and "John Batman, the Founder of Victoria."

Of powerful frame, goodly stature, great activity, untiring energy, quick intelligence, and superior Bush-craft, he was fitted for leadership in the Black War. But, of agreeable manners, exuberant spirits, and genuine kindliness, he became the admired of men, and the favourite of women. Governor Arthur acknowledged the public efforts of Mr. Batman, and was pleased with his society, while the convict servants of his household, and the roving tribes of the island, alike felt the benevolence of his heart, and bowed before the force of his character.

That the writer be not supposed too partial toward him, other evidence will be produced. The Quaker Missionary, Mr. George Washington, often spoke to me of his interest in the man, and acknowledged the correctness of the Rev. John West, the historian of Tasmania, when he stated, "To Mr. Batman belongs the praise of mingling humanity with severity, of perceiving human affections he was commissioned to resist. He certainly began in the midst of conflict and bloodshed to try the softer influence of conciliation and charity,—being one of the few who entertained a strong confidence in the power of kindness." Mr. Melville, another colonial historian, asserts that he "proceeded not with the sword, but with the olive branch." Honest old Captain Robson, who was with him in an early trip to Port Phillip, gave me this testimony of his friend: "He was a brave, athletic, daring, resolute man, fearing nothing—neither wind nor weather. His perseverance was beyond anything I ever saw." The Hon. J. H. Wedge adds a strong recommendation of his ancient companion. Wm. Robertson, Esq. J.P., who knew him intimately, has this observation: "His character for veracity and probity cannot, with regard to the truth, be in the slightest degree impugned." Mr. Hamilton Hume, the veteran explorer, who walked overland from Sydney to the site of Geelong in 1824, was born in the same village as Mr. Batman, and was enthusiastic in writing to me of his good qualities, and Bush-abilities.

Mr. Batman was called from his home, and a fine family of daughters, to take the field after the marauding Natives. He had previously been, from love of adventure, not less than the patriotic impulse of a citizen, a chaser of flying Bushrangers, and the means of the capture of notable ruffians. Delighting in danger, and courting conflict, he was among the foremost to proffer his services to the Government in that perilous time. In his official letter, dated from his estate, Kingston, Ben Lomond, June 15th, 1829, he writes: "I have formed the determination, provided it meets with His Excellency's approbation, under certain conditions, of devoting some time, and all the exertion of which I am capable, toward bringing in alive some of that much injured and unfortunate race of beings."

This gives the key to his conduct. He regarded the Natives as injured—"much injured"—and his sympathies were called forth on behalf of the unfortunate people. They were being shot down by soldiers, constables, and settlers. They were hunted down as implacable and hungry beasts. They were unpitied and undefended. He was resolved to stand in the breach. Without assuming so much as Mr. G. A. Robinson, he was actuated by a similar spirit. Not making the Christian profession that the latter did, Batman's real desire to save the Blacks from destruction was as pure as his. The difference, and a striking difference between them was this—that while one took no weapons, the other did; though that was from the old feeling of insecurity, former habits of bandit-hunting, and the resolution to fight rather than run, when he failed to conciliate. Mr. Robinson fled from his native pursuers; but Mr. Batman would stand and face those to the death who rejected his proposed kindness, and sought his own destruction.

The Launceston Advertiser of August 24th, greeted his appointment with satisfaction, saying, "We learn from good authority that Mr. John Batman is to be employed for some time as Conductor of a party of ten Crown Prisoners, part of whom are to receive emancipation, and part tickets of leave, if they behave well. Their task is to capture all the Aborigines, or as many as they possibly can." Again, "Mr. John Batman is very well fitted for this office, from his knowledge of the Bush, from his early habits, and from his great capability of enduring fatigue and privation." Major Grey, his neighbour, a most energetic magistrate, was much interested in Mr. Batman's application, and a zealous co-operator in his subsequent movements. Great confidence was expressed; and, as one official wrote to the Colonial Secretary, "A thousand acres or two of land to such a person as Mr. Batman for such an undertaking would be no consideration."

At once he went to work; for we have his letter, dated Sept. 18th, giving a record of progress: "Seeing a number of Natives approaching toward us, I ordered the men to, lie down, and not to fire upon them, but, when I should whistle, to rush forward and seize them. When they approached within forty yards, I gave the signal. We all ran forward, and secured three women, two young children, three boys, and two young men." This was brave news for the settlers, as these captured ones belonged to a troublesome tribe. The capture took place between Break-o'-Day Plains and Oyster Bay, near the east coast. Seventeen large dogs were obtained, and a considerable quantity of stolen goods—blankets, knives, clothing, &c.—fell into hand.

Unfortunately, that same month in the following year was signalized by a sad affair, a solitary instance of real warfare between Mr. Batman and the Natives. He had been penetrating the intricate forest glens of Ben Lomond, when he suddenly found himself confronted by a well-armed mob of seventy, belonging to the most sanguinary tribes of the island. A flight of spears saluted him; and so determined an assault followed, that he was constrained to order a discharge of musketry. Although fifteen of the assailants paid the penalty of their attack, yet such was the valour of the Native warriors that only one woman and one child were made prisoners by the Europeans. The dogs, which had nobly stood beside their dark masters, shared in their fate, for twenty were shot. Among the spoil of the camp were thirty or forty spears, fifteen feet in length.

That there was some justification for the colonial terror, and some need for armed parties to restrain attack, where unable to make peaceable terms, a letter of Mr. Batman's may afford evidence. It was written officially from Ben Lomond, and says: "I have just time to say that the Natives last Thursday week murdered two men at Oyster Bay, and the next day they beat a sawyer about to death. On Sunday after they murdered a soldier. On last Wednesday they attacked the house of Mr. Boultby, when he was absent; and if it had not been for a soldier who happened to be there, they would have murdered Mrs. Boultby and all the children. On Friday last they murdered three men at a hut belonging to Major Grey, and left a fourth for dead."

Mr. Batman was the first to employ native women as spies and guides. Mr. Robinson afterwards followed out the same plan with signal advantage. These brought intelligence of the wanderers, and, from sympathy with the benevolent views of these two leaders, induced their country people to accept of the proffered protection. They were made to understand the intentions of the Governor to remove them from the bad and cruel Whites to good hunting-grounds, which their enemies could never approach.

Three of Mr. Batman's native females succeeded on one occasion in prevailing upon nine men to come to Kingston. It so happened that the gentleman was from home, and Mrs. Batman and her daughters were much terrified at the visit She sent over for her neighbour, Mr. Simeon Lord, who gave me a graphic account of this irruption of barbarians. He found the new comers about as wild a collection as the country could furnish. They were all armed, and were prying most curiously, but good-humouredly, about the premises. Some were enjoying the mysteries of the mirror, and laughing at each other's transferred features. One had a girl's cap on his greasy pate, and another mounted a larger article of feminine wardrobe. They stalked about in Native costume of perfect undress, and made free with what pleased them, but carefully abstained from liberties with the household. As hungry as hunters, they made such havoc as to lead Mr. Batman afterwards to write: "Their appetite is enormous, devouring everything they meet They are particularly fond of half-roasted eggs of every description, geese, ducks, and hens; it is all one—so much so, that Mrs. Batman's poultry-yard will cut but a sorry figure after the company."

The master arrived home at sundown, to the great relief of the family. He gave the party a hearty welcome, but took no measures to force them into confinement The consequence was, that the gentry departed in the night, though returning on a subsequent day. Six having been on another occasion taken to Launceston, the Commandant, not knowing what to do with them, would have let them free, had not Mr. Batman convinced him that the poor creatures would be shot if released.

But in spite of the good service rendered by the women, Mr. Batman believed that they were not fully to be relied upon in an emergency; for, although conscious of the honest intentions of Government toward their race, they would at times relax in their efforts, and spread false reports, from a natural feeling of unwillingness to see them taken prisoners.

Mr. Batman, as an old ranger in the forests of New South Wales, had experience of the fine tracking powers of the New Holland Aborigines, and wished to have such auxiliaries with him in his present work. Addressing the Governor upon the subject, on March 18th, 1830, he distinguished the kind he required: "They should be got from the interior, as those about the town of Sydney are accustomed to the drinking of spirits, and have in a great measure lost their natural gift of tracking."

Colonel Arthur approved of the suggestion. Accordingly, Pigeon and Crook were procured, and continued for several years attached to Mr. Batman's person, and companions in his wonderful adventures. Years after, they and one of his old English servants went across with him to the establishment of a settlement at Port Phillip, where they discovered Buckley, the Wild White man, who had been living with the Port Phillip Blacks for thirty-two years. Such was the estimation in which the efforts of these so-called Sydney Natives were held, that, in 1831, others were sent for by the authorities, "to be employed," said the Courier of September, "as instruments, under the direction of properly-qualified persons, to conciliate and civilize the Natives of our own island."

Pigeon and Crook were despatched for the new men, who stipulated for a dollar a day, a suit of clothes, and a medal. The names of the guides were John Pigeon, John Crook, John Waterman, William Sawyers, John Peter, and John Radley. Their native appellations were respectively Warroba, Jonninbia, Monowara, Nombardo, Bollo'-bolong, and Terro'mallee.

Their conduct, real or alleged, provoked much discussion at the time. It was said they would be bloodthirsty destroyers of the poor Tasmanians, and that, instead of ameliorating their social condition, they would introduce fresh vices, and incite them to worse hostilities. The dreadful deeds of Mosquito, the Sydney monster, were paraded to the injury of the reputation of the imported guides. Perhaps no one more violently objected to their continued engagement than Mr. G. A. Robinson. Some asserted that his opposition was from spleen at their success; but he affirmed that they were untrustworthy servants, that they corrupted the Native women, and that they were drunken reprobates.

After skirmishing for a long time, the two leaders came to open rupture about the strangers. Mr. Robinson having officially complained of them, and reminded the Governor that they were from Mosquito's own part of the country, Mr. Batman combated for them. He gave instances of their good deeds, and related cases in which they had stood by him in great straits, and had one time helped him successfully to capture, without bloodshed, a mob of thirteen Aborigines. He defended their conduct at home, which had been assailed by the Conciliator, and declared, "In no instance, in New South Wales, have they been known to join the runaways." Warming at last beyond patience or prudence, he proceeded to personalities, and circulated a slander before raised. "I cannot think," wrote he, "of any other motive Mr. Robinson could possibly have for this assertion than his knowledge that the Sydney Blacks were acquainted with all his proceedings while in the Bush."

Mr. Batman, though directed to co-operate with Major Gray, was ordered to consult the magistrate at Campbell Town, James Simpson, Esq.; to whom I am much indebted for information about the early times of both Tasmania and Victoria, and who was a warm friend to poor John Batman. These two gentlemen were favourable in their reports, as may be seen from the following Government Notice of Sept. 9, 1830: "Mr. John Batman, having served the period of twelve months in pursuit of the Aborigines, the Lieutenant-Governor, placing every confidence in the certificates of James Simpson and William Gray, Esquires, J. P., as to the zeal which he has manifested, has directed a grant of two thousand acres of land to be made to him."

"The following rewards are also to be extended to the men who have served under Mr. Batman's orders during that period. To James York (Juliana), a conditional pardon; James Clark (Phœnix), ticket-of-leave; Howell Baxter (Prince of Orange), ditto; James Gumm (Arab), ditto; William Gould (Arab), ditto."

A little explanation may here be necessary. The men attached to Mr. Batman's party were convicts. As such, they were supposed dead to the law, holding no property, constantly amenable to punishment, and subject to removal at any time to any place. If placed in service, they were to all intents and purposes slaves to their masters, who could get them flogged for disobedience or negligence, and to whose engagement they were bound for a fixed period. I have had both male and female assigned servants in Tasmania, who were not permitted to be off my premises after sundown without my written pass, to show any constable who may have stopped them. According to the length of sentence, so was the period of colonial bondage. If the party behaved well, a Ticket-of-Leave was granted. This gave a status of freedom. The man was free of engagement to a master—could, within a certain limited district, seek for employment, making his own bargain—could own property, be sued or sue, and be at liberty to marry. Although a man could not take a wife till possessed of a ticket, a prisoner woman might be married, having especial licence from the authorities. At any moment the ticket man was liable to have his privilege removed, should he be found out of bounds, drunk, disorderly, away from periodical muster, or transgressing one of the many police regulations. But once favoured with a Conditional Pardon, all restraints were removed, and he was practically a free man in the colony. He could live in any district he pleased, or reside in another colony, but never proceed to Great Britain and Ireland. A Free Pardon only allowed of return to the mother country. A lad whom I took from the ship as my servant had been transported for robbing his master at home. He proved a worthy fellow, and I was able successively to procure his ticket-of-leave, conditional pardon, and free pardon; and then he returned to his mother in England. Against the name, for instance, of James Gumm the word Arab is in brackets. This was the name of the convict-ship by which he arrived. All persons were recognised in the police records by their name and ship.

Mr. Batman was not indifferent to the reward of his Sydney guides. Ten pounds were presented to each. But at the end of the first year, he recommended that Pigeon and Crook should be made Bush constables, and put on the police staff. He suggested, also, that the same power should be granted to Black Bill, a Tasmanian guide. He procured better rations for them.

Anxious for home and rest, he retired awhile in October 1830, transferring his Sydney Blacks to his friend Mr. Cottrell. The Governor, in his despatch of November 20th, is pleased to refer to his labours thus: "Mr. Batman treated the savages with the utmost kindness, distributing to them clothing and food. They were placed under no restraint, but all the indulgence that had been pledged was manifested toward them. Mr. Batman, who has taken the most lively interest in conciliating these wretched people, and has been one of the few who supposed that they might be influenced by kindness, was, with his family, most assiduous in cultivating the best understanding."

But he never lost his interest in the work. His year of success was that in which Mr. Robinson had been able to accomplish little. After this, the operations were left in the hands of the latter, though the Ben Lomond squatter actively laboured for the good of the unhappy race. He objected to the system of clearing the island of all of them without exception, and pleaded hard for the retention of youth educated by settlers, and devoted to their service. This brought him into collision with Mr. Robinson, who was ever jealous of his intimacy with Colonel Arthur and the higher officials, and who formally complained of his keeping two Native lads on his farm near Ben Lomond, for he would not return them at the mission leader's orders.

A passage-at-arms occurred. Mr. Robinson was backed by the Aborigines' Committee of Hobart Town, while his rival had the ear of officialdom. Mr. Batman declared that he was not obstructive, but that he acted as the guardian of the boys, because their mothers, on being forwarded to Flinders Island, refused to take the lads from the kind care of the Blacks' friend. The Committee wrote to Ben Lomond, urging the removal of the two, stating that Mr. Robinson had intimated the clamour among the exiles at their absence. Lieutenant Darling, the beloved Commandant at Flinders, espoused the side of Batman, and addressed a letter to him, March 25th, 1834, declaring that the mother of Jackey had told him, in answer to his question: "No—no—no! let him stay at Mr. Batman's, till he gets a long fellow." Mr. Darling continues: "I have seen Jackey (then ten years old), driving the plough at your farm, and have expressed to you my admiration of his shrewdness and intelligence, and my hope that under the care and kindness with which both he and little Benny are evidently treated by your family, they would one day become useful members of society." He wished that all the children at Flinders were similarly placed. Ultimately Mr. Robinson gained his end.

I have in my possession, through the favour of Mr. Weire, Town Clerk of Geelong, who married Mr. Batman's daughter Eliza, the little memorandum book in which the leader of the roving party kept his Journal, from March 3d to September 29th, 1830. Outside, it is directed from his farm, Kingston.

A slight analysis of this Journal will illustrate the labours of the man. The scene is laid about Ben Lomond.

This grand pile of rocks lies toward the north-eastern comer of Tasmania, and is the source of the North Esk and South Esk, whose waters unite at Launceston. The district is one of great interest to the geologist. It is about twenty-six years ago since I had the pleasure of travelling through it on my way to the East Coast. Leaving the neighbouring farm to that where Mr. Batman lived in the olden times, I traversed the carboniferous and silurian county of Fingal, crossing several creeks that had cut through the bituminous coal, and glancing at the quartz veins of the palaeozoic rocks from which the gold is now extracted The granite succeeds, and carries one on to the shore. Overflowing these various formations, and presenting most fantastic appearances when prismatic, there is the greenstone. This ancient igneous rock constitutes the huge bulk of Ben Lomond, which I found to be a table nearly eight miles in extent, with an elevation of five thousand feet. The whole neighbourhood of Ben Lomond is a vast forest, varied by scrub and huge boulders. Lofty isolated hills of carboniferous order, as Mount Nicholas, are to be observed with remarkable caps of greenstone, telling the old story of denudation. It was amidst such a region that our leader and his party spent the winter and spring, watching for the Aborigines.

A little story of the author's Bush experience may afford the reader further insight into the nature of the place, and the characters one might have met in the period. The time of my visit was some seven years only after the departure of Mr. Batman for residence in Port Phillip.

I started from near Kingston, under the guidance of a convict shepherd, who carried the swag, and led the way. He entertained me with narratives of bushranging and native hunting, to lighten my toilsome march. After travelling for about ten hours over very rough ground, the sun was setting before the welcome sound of a dog broke the silence of the mountain solitude, and guided us to the lonely hut of old Boco, the one-eyed tenant of Ben Lomond. He was lord of the wastes, the supposed shepherd of a flock feeding on the sparse vegetation of the rocky slopes.

He received me heartily, and proclaimed his ample store of mutton, damper, and tea, for my entertainment, objecting to the opening of the haversack which my companion carried. The hut was of slabs of unhewn timber, rudely plastered with clay. The floor was of mother earth. The huge fireplace opened into the hut; and, being unprovided with a chimney, furnished the inmates with a sight of the stars, or a sensation of rain, according to the weather. The billy was swung, the tea was made, the chops were fried, the damper was brought, and the weary wanderers were soon at ease.

But the company—it is time they were introduced. Old Boco, who had passed through some singular passages of history, and whose hut was, perhaps slanderously, supposed the receptacle of curiosities, surreptitiously conveyed there from the regions below, was of most forbidding aspect, torn and rent by years and usage, like the mountain of which he seemed the genius. He was not alone. A number of friends had dropped in. Two shepherds were seeking lost animals. Three men were out kangarooing. Three were servants sent to cut posts and rails for fencing. Two were constables on the search. All were of the convict class. Even these were not unattended. Every man seemed to have a dog; and the noise these creatures made through the night would have disturbed the rest of any but Bushmen. A new-comer, when informed of the character of his associates, might have felt uncomfortable.

The supper over, the chat commenced vigorously. An unnecessary apology was made to the gentleman for the absence of grog. It had been all drunk, and Boco had nothing but good Ben Lomond ale (water) to offer. A very dirty pack of cards gave amusement to one party, some indulged in a song, while others smoked before the blazing logs. Being all early risers, there were speedy arrangements for bed. My guide had an opossum rug for me, which he disposed on one of the three side bunks of rough slabs. As soon as I had settled myself, a peculiarly odorous splitter enveloped himself in a filthy blanket, retaining his boots, and occupied the spare place beside me. The rest folded their rugs or blankets around them, and coiled about on the mud and moistened floor.

Some were not ready for sleep, and called upon a scholarly mate to give them some literature. He produced a disreputable looking book, and brought the light near him, as he lay upon the floor. The candlestick was a disabled tin pannikin. The tallow was the fat of the chops poured off from the hissing pan. The wick was a piece of Old Boco's well-worn shirt, and gave a flickering and smoky flame. In a monotonous manner, Jack read a very characteristic work, considering the country and company—"The Wonderful Escapes of Jack Sheppard!"

Some such associations, with the addition of native society, probably surrounded the rude hut erected for the Ben Lomond sojourn of Mr. Batman.

To return to the Journal. The entries are very brief, often roughly and incorrectly written, but evidently made honestly on the days in question. The only thing noticed outside of his work was the eclipse of the moon on March 9th, when "not one bit of her was to be seen." The Governor took much notice of his proceedings, and Mr. Batman rode occasionally to Launceston or Hobart Town to confer with His Excellency. We read: "Had a long talk with His Excellency;" "Had a long conversation respecting my expedition against the Aborigines." Having some trouble to get a couple of women out from gaol at Launceston, he had to see the Governor before securing their liberty. Colonel Arthur promised Pigeon "a great deal, if he could succeed in bringing in a tribe on friendly terms."

Mr. Batman, after several long and painful journeys, with fruitless return, was obliged to have a substantial hut made as a depôt for provisions, as well as a home for the party. From this centre he despatched his people on search, though often enough there is the entry, "No sight of the Natives." He would send the men by themselves, or with the native women. Thus we have, "The women left this morning with Gunner, Pigeon, Crook, and Black Bill, to scour the country." For reasons not explained the women "expressed a wish to go away by themselves." They promised to bring in the tribe if permitted to travel alone, and the leader started them from the east end of Ben Lomond. He gave them complete supplies, besides "three dogs, knives, pipes, &c., to carry with them." Three men took the burden some considerable distance for them. His faith was strong in their intentions, for we have him writing: "I have every hope of the women bringing in their tribe." His confidence was not misplaced. When he sent either his European or Sydney men with them, he would not permit them to take fire-arms. Mr. Robinson was not alone in his belief in moral suasion.

Occasionally he was directed to go in pursuit of some murderous gang. He came too late to catch the murderers of three men at Major Gray's. Hearing of a mob attacking Mr. Hooper's place, he rode hastily off. His day's record says: "The house surrounded by Natives. I galloped down, and the whole of them fled. The first thing we saw was the dead body of Mr. Hooper, and a great number of goods lying outside the house."

He was quite ready to acknowledge something to the credit of the foes of the settlers. Ordered off to another reported scene of outrage, where it was said that Mr. Newland's man had been killed, he arrived, "and found the whole of it to be false. The man (who originated the story) was a cripple, or I should have taken him before a magistrate." Another notice evidences his good feeling: "They went also into a house where a woman was, took one blanket, and did not hurt her. This shows they do not commit murders when they might." After another ride, upon a report, he returned, as he wrote, "without seeing the least trace of the Natives, and think the whole of the reports to be false."

Among the walking feats, we have noticed fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five miles a day. The wet and cold sorely tried them, but the snow, three or four feet thick for a week at a time, shut them up in their secluded mountain hut, or detained them on the lower plains.

There was under the rough exterior of this powerful Bushman no small share of the tenderness belonging more to the other sex. Several entries in his Journal prove this. He was very fond of children, and very gentle to women. His notice of April 6th is: "The women here all day. This evening, the young child, belonging to one of the women, that sucked at the breast, died. I put it in a box, and buried it at the top of the garden. She seemed much affected at the loss of the child, and cried much." The next day's entry commences, "This morning I found the woman, that lost her child, over the grave, and crying much."

As John Batman had no fluency in writing, and confined himself to the fewest possible sentences in his official reports, as well as the most barren statements in his journal, it is pleasing to notice this evidence of his natural good feeling. Even while out, his care for the black women was conspicuous. Such entries as the following are worthy of record: "The black women could not walk well." "Caught a kangaroo for the women." "The women much tired: made them some tea, and gave them bread and mutton." "The black women arrived here about twelve o'clock: made them tea, gave them bread, &c." He was evidently very uneasy about the long absence of the women on two occasions. For a whole fortnight we have the entry of "No signs of the women." When he heard that in their search after their countrymen they had been snowed up, he was much concerned about sending them relief. Then, upon their return, he would not for several days permit them to leave the hut, because of the snow.

 

Mr. Gilbert Robertson, one time chief constable at Richmond, a man of powerful frame, possessed qualities admirably fitting him for a leader. Thoroughly educated, of independent character, with a relish for public life, he occupied a prominent position in political affairs at a time when it was indiscreet to speak, and dangerous to write. He had the boldness to expose evils, and the temerity to confront authority. He was prepared to vindicate his views in the presence of His Excellency, as well as expound them through the press before citizens. A little time-serving would have saved him much loss, if it had not led to better fortune. Co-operating with Messrs. Gregson and Melville, he earnestly contended for the emancipation of colonists, and the end of irresponsible government, content to suffer with others the odium of their opposition, and the penalty of obnoxious laws.

It is fitting that the men who now enjoy such extension of franchise in Australia should cast a grateful glance on the memory of those who bled in their purse, and ached in their imprisoned bodies, that British settlers might possess British rights. At this moment, one of the worthy fathers of the colonial press, and one of the fathers of colonial freedom, wanders through London a too-forgotten and neglected man. In the feebleness of advanced age, with the pressure of impecunious circumstances, he can stand forth as a man who, with all the strength of conscious intellect, and the resolution of an unquailing will, could endure the confiscation of fortune, and the indignity of a gaol, while battling against the despotic régime of the past, and helping to usher in a brighter and a better day.

The name of Mr. Gilbert Robertson shines in the annals of the "Black War," and will be often recognised in these pages. It was after his engagement with Government that his career as a politician began. Strong-headed and impulsive as he was, too unbending in opinion, too unrelenting in attack, he was not unpossessed of geniality, and had a warm interest in the Natives from his sympathy with the rights of man. Such a person was not likely to find favour with the advocates of Imperialism. It is to be regretted, however, that when he sought the recommendation of his chief, Mr. Anstey, on behalf of some indulgences for his men, his application was rather surlily refused.

In his address to Colonel Arthur on November 17th, 1828, his energetic and sanguine nature led him to exclaim: "In that time (a year) I think I could manage to catch every one in the Settled Districts." He stipulated, upon engagement, December 25, 1828, that he should receive a salary of 150l., with rations, and a grant of land, if successful; but that, in the event of any casualty occurring to himself, his wife should receive a grant of land, and be provided with the means of returning to Scotland.

His engagement extended to March 24th, 1830. As may be imagined, the restlessness of his spirit did not render him submissive to the stern rule of the Superintendent, Mr. Anstey, who complained of his irregularity of reports, and his impracticability with other leaders. He felt himself exposed to the array of fortune-hunters, G. A. Robinson, John Batman, Jorgen Jorgenson, &c. He denounced their complicity with unconstitutional measures, their truckling for favour, their immoral intercourse with female guides, and their persistent thwarting of his own operations. He sought a conference of leaders, that a better plan might be adopted than the desultory one pursued, urging: "I really think that all our efforts have been too much at random." He fell foul, especially, with the astute, Anstey-shadow Jorgenson; resenting the employment of a man in the position of leader who had not escaped the barrier of penal bondage, and who was addicted to drunkenness. The other, a ready writer, and not too scrupulous an opponent, felt himself backed in the antagonism by the moral support of authority. Mr. Anstey, meantime, amused himself with writing about "the rival chieftains."

When his term of twelve months had expired, during which his success had been neither according to his expectations, nor equal to his exertions, Mr. Robertson wrote to the Colonial Secretary. He frankly states the case: "Unfortunately I have been able to do so little good for the expense which I have cost the Government, that I do not expect His Excellency will consider it expedient to require an extension of my services beyond the present year, though I do not think my health could stand another year of the hardships which I have undergone." Again, he says: "I do not wish nor expect any remuneration for whatever extra duty I may have to perform in pursuit of the Natives at any time, or to any place, where His Excellency may be pleased to order me, if it is his pleasure that I shall return to my office of Chief District Constable of Richmond after the 1st of January."

But he had not been unsuccessful, if even the capture of the bold chief Eumarra had been his sole performance. This man and four others were taken in October 1829. It was said by some that the cudgel and musket were necessary to their submission. One thing is certain, that Eumarra became the friend and helpmate of Mr. Robertson. Upon his retirement from service, the leader secured a thousand acres of land.

Mr. Anthony Cottrell was a valuable leader. In December 1831, he laid hold of two men and a woman, and made such good use of them as to gain their assistance to secure the rest of their tribe toward the north-east; though we find Colonel Arthur writing: "I am very apprehensive that Mr. Cottrell may lose the Natives he has already taken." In the following November he made an excellent haul. His advocacy of the principles of the Conciliatory Mission may be gathered from his official report, in which he was proud to say: "There was not the least force used toward the people that joined us on this occasion, and they were allowed to retain their spears, &c., and to do as they pleased."

He subsequently went to the west coast, and followed after the Arthur River tribe that had speared a Sydney Native, and had forced Mr. G. A. Robinson to run for his life. Two of his men were unhappily drowned near the mouth of Pieman's River. On January 10th, 1833, he fell in with the tribe of twenty-six, some thirty miles from the Macquarie Harbour Heads, and would have met with a favourable response to his appeals, but for the vindictive jealousy of Edick. They had agreed to submit, and stayed one night and part of a day with him; but afterwards, when passing through a dense scrub, Edick persuaded the party to leave their white friends. Mr. Cottrell could not detain them, as he was unprovided with trinkets and provisions to induce them to remain.

However, he gallantly pressed forward in pursuit, and saw them, at length, on the opposite shore, at the mouth of the Arthur River. Rapidly constructing a raft, with the assistance of Mr. Robinson's son, then with him, he attempted to cross; but the frail vessel struck against a bar, and was wrecked. Nothing daunted, Stewart, one of his men, manufactured a rude canoe. In the meantime, Mr. Cottrell saw some on the other bank ready to join if they could get over. As the exploit would be one demanding not merely courage, but good swimming qualities, a Sydney Black of the party undertook the work. One by one did he succeed in securing the voluntary prisoners. There were five men, two women, and a child. The last time of crossing, Edick observed the treason, and rushed down to the shore with his spearmen. The Sydney man lightened the bark, by leaping into the water, leaving his last rescued to paddle more swiftly and safely to the other bank. Rapidly came the storm of spears; but, instead of blindly swimming onward, the wary New Hollander watched the progress of a spear, dived, and swam under the surface, rose for a breath, and dived again before the next missile could reach the spot of his last appearance. The brave fellow gained the shelter of his friends, but as thoroughly exhausted with his effort. Mr. Cottrell took the eight who came to him on the 5th of February, and placed them for temporary safety on Grummet's Island, Macquarie Harbour. When his superior, Mr. Robinson, returned to the camp, and was told of the success, he was not so disinterested in his patriotism as to rejoice at the event.

Mr. M'Geary was an unlettered man, but one of great experience in Bush-craft and acquaintance with the Natives, whose language he spoke with much fluency. He was associated with Mr. Robinson, and once, when that gentleman was absent, he fell in with a tribe near Gape Portland. There he brought his tact to bear so well, and so convinced the Aborigines of their peril in falling in the hands of the remorseless Red-coats, that they agreed to go with him. Accompanied by their forty-two dogs, they followed him to Swan Island depôt.

Mr. M'Kay was, also, a very useful man in this important sphere of action. In 1830, assisted by M'Geary, he was able to capture thirteen at one time, and twelve at another. He was successful in catching four of the renowned Big River tribe. The Aborigines' Committee recommended on November 21st, 1831, that he be retained to follow the tribe, and attempt to conciliate them, or "capture them unhurt." They thought that if he fell in with Mr. Robinson he should place himself under his orders. It was M'Kay who, when on one occasion attached to Mr. Robinson's Conciliatory Mission, was severely treated by some rough Blacks, that thought to complete their work by dashing his brains out with waddies. But the Bushman had secreted, against orders, certain weapons, of so unmistakeable a power, that four of his antagonists were dropped, and the rest departed in haste.

Mr. Surridge, when coxswain of a boat at Waterhouse Point, to the north-east, made a fortunate capture of several Natives; and, with the help of some sailors, obtained others. In October 1830, he placed three males and two females on Gun Carriage Island. In November, with the aid of native women, he obtained eight men and two women near the Forster's river to the north-east. Three had yielded with the Stony Creek tribe, but had run away from Mr. Robinson. Seventeen spears were presented to the Launceston Commandant. After this, near C. Portland, he got another man; this Native had previously yielded to Mr. Robinson, and then escaped. Honourable mention of Mr. Surridge was made by the Lieutenant-Governor.

Mr. Jorgen Jorgenson must next be presented. This extraordinary man was an adventurer of no ordinary kind. Nearly five-and-thirty years ago, he wrote his life for one of the Hobart Town Almanacks. A native of Denmark, and a sailor, he came over to England in early manhood. He was with the expedition that settled Hobart Town in 1804. After various vicissitudes, he came under the cognizance of the British Police Authorities. Delivering himself from their grasp, he reappeared on another scene. With a few adventurers, he landed upon the out-of-the-world isle of Iceland, made glowing speeches upon grievances of which the people had no previous knowledge, proclaimed himself their deliverer from the thraldom of Denmark, and actually succeeded in placing himself at the head of the Government of that island of volcanic heat and glacial cold. The untimely arrival of a small vessel from Denmark suggested unpleasant remarks, and led to his speedy exit from the throne. He again visited London, again fell into old habits, again was recognised as an old offender, and, with complaints from Denmark, secured a free passage to Van Diemen's Land.

Yet, though simply a convict, his fertility of resources, energy of character, and absence of bashfulness, brought him into notice. A good penman, a diligent worker, a compliant servant, he attracted the attention of Mr. Anstey, and secured his favour. When, therefore, the Roving Parties were appointed, the Dane made himself so useful as a handy man of all work to the police magistrate, that he was eventually promoted to the command of a party himself. He proudly styles himself the only prisoner of the Crown entrusted with such a commission. He was allowed an extra shilling a day when out. In his acknowledgment to Mr. Anstey, August 11, 1829, he modestly says, "I hope you will do me the justice to believe that, had I any other means to supply my wants than by the bounty of Government, I would most cheerfully do so."

He set out with a determination to make himself famous, to feed his love of applause, to satisfy his ambition. He pleased Mr. Anstey, and therefore the Government, no less by the regularity and voluminous nature of his reports, than by his dashing activity. A clever, shrewd, but calculating old man, he secured the approval of a few, but earned the indifference or dislike of many. Mr. Robinson in vain endeavoured to dislodge him from the confidence of Mr. Anstey. Others stormed and threatened. He still held on in triumph. But when useful no longer, he was suffered to sink into obscurity, whither his old habits of intemperance had been gradually leading him. An article in a paper would now and then sparkle with his old fire, and amuse by its eccentricity.

After his return from his Native hunting, he prepared a record of his own experience in the Bush, detailing circumstances connected with the "Black War." This manuscript he presented to Dr. Braim, afterwards the learned and much esteemed Archdeacon of Portland, in the colony of Victoria, who very generously gave it to me, in order to assist me with some materials for the present work.

Mr. Jorgenson from the first took a correct view of the disorderly movements of the Roving Parties. These were driving the Natives hither and thither, without any settled and united plan of action. As he properly observed, when addressing his patron, Mr. Anstey, "We should never drive an enemy (unless we absolutely want to get rid of him) from the place where we know him to be, to places where we cannot easily trace him, much less from such a district as Swanport into the interior, where the Natives, if attacked or defeated, might take the selection whether they would fly to the eastward or westward." He proposed the adoption of the Fabian system, "slow and cautious;" knowing that the Government, in doing so, "must bear the taunts of disaffected squatters, and the gloomy ill-will of assigned servants." Both masters and men had been sufficiently tried by their troubles with the Aborigines, and wanted a prompt and certain cure applied.

In a well-written paper he unfolds the various causes of the want of success in the existing arrangements. He thus describes them:—

"1st. Want of a plan of combined operations.

"2d. A total absence of discipline.

"3d. Inveterate laziness, which induces the parties to proceed over the best ground they can find from one place to another; and the Natives, thus knowing their customary haunts, can easily avoid them.

"4th. That the men forming the parties have been promised indulgence at the expiration of a certain time, without the additional condition that none would be granted unless the Natives were fallen in with, captured, or otherwise disposed of.

"5th. The imposition and deceit practised by prisoner leaders, wishing to stand well, and be called good fellows by their fellow-prisoners, and thus indulge the parties in idleness, and stifle all complaints.

"6th. (But which I advance with great caution.) Black Tom and the other Blacks accompanying the expedition not being willing to bring the parties to where the Natives would be likely to be.

"7th. The imposition practised, to screen idleness, to hold out that the Aborigines are men of superior cunning, and amazingly swift runners, whereas the facts show to the contrary."

The enemies of Jorgenson, who admitted his facility of composition, and his ability to find fault with others, pointed triumphantly to the meagre results of such lofty talk and great promise of achievements. He could reprove others for their absurd methods, but failed in catching the Blacks himself. He is descriptive to prosiness of his own performances, and tells his chief how he got through a dense scrub. "My little band of fifteen," says he, "now entered a thick and sometimes nearly an impervious scrub. We were now obliged to march one after the other, taking the lead in succession, clearing away the scrub before us, and thus preserved our strength."

Occasionally the dulness of ordinary reports is relieved by a play of pleasantry in the pages of Jorgenson. In a certain part of the Bush, on the banks of the Jordan, he seems to have fallen upon a Welsh colony, as he thought. Surely the worthy Welshman, who wrote to prove the origin of the Hebrews from his own ancestors, would have felt an interest in the following geographical discovery by the Danish leader:—

"Within a very narrow circumference all the farmers and settlers are named 'Jones,' although of different families, and not related to each other; viz, the married Jones, residing in Four Square Gallows, whose Christian name is Robert; the 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.