In consequence of these orders, every one was busily employed for two days packing up and preparing for the remove to Melbourne; then only known as a town by its marked trees, and other simple signs of such like early progress. Having put all our baggage on board, I explained to the natives where we were going to, and having so done I once more trod the deck of a ship, with feelings impossible to be explained. My sable friends were not at all pleased at our leaving, thinking we might be going away altogether; and their thoughts still being upon plunder, they did not by any means like the idea of its probable escape.
In the trip up we were unfortunate, for the wind was contrary; so we had to beat about the bay two days, but in the end reached our destination, and immediately commenced unlading the cargo—the mechanics commencing temporary workshops and dwelling-houses for the people.
Whilst thus occupied, we were visited by two of the tribes I have already mentioned, the Putnaroo and the Wainworras—the savages who murdered the two ship-wrecked mariners when crossing the Yarra River. They mustered about two hundred strong, men, women, and children. I had great difficulty in keeping these people from exercising their thievish inclinations, thereby bringing on difficulties between the settlers and the blacks; and I had enough to do, so as to keep myself from the suspicion of intending wrong either to one or the other party. During all the time we were landing the cargo and storing it, sentries were mounted day and
