To the Editor of the Gazette
- Sir,
The following is a copy of the original draft of a letter which may be interesting to the public. I need not point out the importance to the Settlement of a river in the situation and of the magnitude described. Let an attempt be made and, let us see whether it exist or not.
Some have laughed at the idea of the natives, being taught to work. The whole of the timber, if I am correctly informed, for the building of the Bush Inn, was carried to the site by them. They carried in one day, 8,000 feet. I refer the skeptics to Mr. Butler of fresh water bay, for further information. But those who would have them to work, must treat them like men, not like brutes. The local Government ought to place them on a farm by themselves; and there get them instructed in the arts of civilized life, and, in what is of infinitely more importance to these poor savages, the principles of Christianity.
Spring Mount, March 4th, 1833.
To His Honor the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Sir,
You will probably desire to know how far the plan lately adopted with regard to the Native prisoners, promises to lead to any amelioration of the condition of the native tribes,
I am happy to be able to state for your information, that so far as the opportunity was afforded of carrying the plan into effect, it was attended with complete success. Up to the very evening on which they made their escape, the experiment was more and more satisfactory. The savageness of their disposition was modified; they were becoming cleanly in their persons, cheerful in their manners, and orderly in their habits; their health improved; they were rapidly acquiring a knowledge of English; their conduct at divine service was respectful; and, of the practicability of teaching them to work and maintain themselves by their own industry, no doubt could remain on the mind of the most skeptical. A few weeks longer and a treaty of peace might have been concluded through them, with all the native tribes; and, this accomplished, they would have become exceedingly useful in exploring the country. But the moral impression made upon them at Carnac, has, I am satisfied, rendered all this, and much more, attainable.
I have acquired a small portion of the native language, the geographical names of all places of any consequence within the Settlement; the names of the chiefs of all the tribes with whom we are more immediately connected; together with the boundaries of their respective districts.
I have also acquired some important geographical information, beyond the present boundaries of the Colony.
The country to the Southward has been partially explored. But of the countries to the North and the East, we are entirely ignorant. To these quarters I therefore directed my attention.
To the North is a stream called the Gyngoorda. It seems § to be the outlet to the lake into which Lennard s brook or the Boora, discharges itself; and the Boora seems § to be a continuation of the Avon, called in the native language the Gogulger. The Gyngoorda is probably Bannisters river.
To the North and next to the Gyngoorda, are the Bookal and the Mooler, which apparently unite after the manner of the Swan, and the Canning. Some of the government stock have found their way to the banks of the mooler. These rivers abound with fish; and the timber on their banks is said to be lofty.
To the West of the Mooler and almost adjoining the coast, is the Yardlegarro; a large sheet of water, described to be fresh, and very deep. Indeed the whole of the country, in the vicinity of the Bookal and the Mooler, appears to abound with lakes.
But the existence of a large river passing the Settlement on the East and the North, will be a discovery of the greatest importance. This river; which bears three different names, accordingly to the countries through which it passes, rises in Goodengora, under the name of the Wilgy. Passing Bargo, where there is a chief called Wulbabong, it assumes the name of the Gatta; and, after a circuitous course through a great extent of country, it takes the name of the Margyningara; after which, turning westward it falls into the ocean, some where to the North of the Mooler.
To the North of the Margyningara, is the Narnagootin, of which I know nothing beyond the name.
I am rather at a loss to form a correct estimate of their ideas of distance and magnitude. But after making all the allowances on this ground which I conceive to be necessary, I have reason to believe the information here communicated will be found to be perfectly correct.
Such are the results of one month's intercourse with the native prisoners, taken at Point Belcher. I mention this not from any feeling of vanity, but to demonstrate the practicability of acquiring the native language.
There is in fact no obstacle whatever to the civilizing of the native tribes; unless it be found in the backwardness of the local Government. But I trust the reins are in the hands of men, who will do honor to themselves and the country they serve A nigardly policy will not only sacrifice the peace. of the Settlement for years, but will cost the Government and the country an expense hereafter, of which they have no conception. Thirty thousand pounds, if I am correctly informed, will not cover the expenses of a sister colony, during the last three years only, in pacifying the natives—not to mention the great sacrifice of human life in the sanguinary conflicts which so repeatedly occurred between them and the settlers—and all in consequence of the unwise policy originally pursued.
I must not forget to observe, that the natives of this Country, are naturally possessed of all the finer feelings that, when cultivated, adorn the human character. I am therefore bound to contradict the statements that have gone abroad upon this subject On this point Colonel Hanson was in error. That gentleman must have received his information from those who knew nothing of them. Yagan, allowed by every one to be, of savages the most savage, wept with gratitude after I saved his life, and expressed his sense of the kindness shown to him in the strongest terms Yet this is the man who, in the midst of his guards, on a small island, where his life must have been the forfeit, could seize his spear; and, erect in all the pride of his native independence, determine to sell his life dearly, rather than submit even to an insult. Such are the men you have to deal with in the natives of Western Australia. I need not add, that your best policy is to make peace with them, before they get a knowledge of your manners and tactics.
I would strongly recommend exploring parties to the East and the North. And my services are at the command of the local Government for this purpose. Indeed I am desirous of going that I may have an opportunity of communicating with the native tribes in those quarters, before the country be contaminated with the visage of European immorality.
My vocabulary is ready to be presented to the the Council; and I shall be happy to read it, and answer any questions you may desire to ask of me.
- I have the honor to be Sir,
- Your obedient Servant
- I have the honor to be Sir,
LYON. P.S.
I am ready to join Captain Ellis and Mr. Norcott; and under proper arrangements, to prosecute the work of making peace with the natives, either on Melville water, the Canning, the Murray, Ellen's brook, or the Avon; or, for a time to go into exile on the Boora, the Gyngoorda, the Mooler, or the Margyningara, And I have no doubt, under the blessing of the Most High, that in the course of one twelve month, I shall be able to present one, if not more of the native tribes, at Perth on Sunday to attend divine service and benefit by the Ministerial labours of the Colonial Chaplain. In the mean time I earnestly intreat that a stop be put either by proclation or otherwise, to the wanton and unprovoked attacks made upon the native tribes at all convenient opportunities by our own people. The tribe of the quiet and inoffensive Yellowgonga, was lately fired upon while fishing on the river, driven into the bush and plundered of their fish. The cry of this deeply injured race must be heard by the judge of all the earth; and their blood will assuredly call for vengence. I would suggest that the proclamation strictly forbid them to be molested; while peaceably encamping, travelling, fishing, or hunting, They are called British subjects; and rewards ought to be offered for the apprehension of those who wantonly and wilfully murder them, without any provocation.
§ They approximate. I am not certain that in either case, there is a continuation.
Sir,
Finding it widely circulated, and, from my silence, very generally believed, that I had charge of the Native prisoners while I resided with them at Carnac, I feel it due to my own better to state, publicly, that the report is utterly incorrect. While at Carnac, I had neither appointment nor salary from the local Government, I merely obtained permission from His Honor the Lieutenant Governor, to go there for the purpose of acquiring the native language and of communicating to the Natives some knowledge of christianity; and this I did entirely at my own expense. I had therefore nothing to do with the custody of the prisoners; and consequently could not be charged with allowing them to make their escape.
March 4th, 1833,
FIRE AT POINT WALTER,
We have received information that either on Sunday night last or early on Monday morning, the House at point walter the property of Mr. Waylen, which was recently occupied by Mr. Smythers, was burnt to the ground it is supposed by the Natives. The natives were put across the river on Sunday morning by Mr Butler, and remained in the neighbourhood during the day, which leaves a natural inference, that they were the incendiaries, indeed we have heard that Jones Mr. Butler s servant, was passing on the Monday morning and saw the house in flames, with the natives dancing around it. Willis and Foulks went there for the purpose of fishing, but were driven away, and an attempt was made to seize the boat, which they repulsed. On Monday morning after the mischief was done, a party of the natives came down to Preston Point, and were ferried across by Mr. Weavell's men. The risk even from casual fires, of leaving premises situated as these were, at a distance of three or four miles from any other house, is very great, we are surprised therefore, that this properly was so neglected. We cannot agree with those who reproach the Government, for not offering sufficient protection to the property of settlers; in this case the charge is truly absurd; it will scarcely be asserted that Government are required to furnish a guard for every establishment, which circumstances may render it advisable to abandon for a period, as in this instance. We are not aware, whether the following report which has been communicated to us by our Fremantle Correspondent, has reached headquarters, but if authenticated, it calls for some measures to prevent the recurrence of these annoyances.
"It was but a short time ago" our correspondent observes "that the natives came into Fremantle, in considerable numbers, and passing the Cantonment, broke into Foulk's house, and took away all the provisions they could find. They entered by breaking down the door and to gratify their inherent propensity for mischief demolished some of the windows, and window frames. Persons resident at the outskirts of the town, who are compelled by their occupations to leave their houses during the day, may reasonably look for some protection from these attacks.
BOY TOM. A few days ago a woman known by the name of Boy Tom, was knocked down by her husband—by public Auction, without reserve and with all faults, for the small sum of Ten pounds. The fair bargain is said to be perfectly satisfied with her haltered situation. It may be as well to remark that this price is by no means to be taken as a criterion of the market, which has been indifferently well supplied; and females of first chop meet with ready purchasers at remunerating prices.
FOR SALE
That valuable Perth Allotment L. No. 39, next to the one occupied by Mr. Mews, Apply to
- William Lamb
- Fremantle
- William Lamb
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