|
This Report appeared in the Sydney Gazette of 15th May 1803:
“On Tuesday the Resource government vessel came in with coals and cedar from Hunter’s River. She brought accounts of the Fly colonial vessel, on Monday, the 2nd instant, with the loss of three of her crew out of five, who were murdered by the coast natives at Bateman’s Bay a few days before. The Fly sailed from thence for Kangaroo Island some weeks since; but being overtaken by bad weather and contrary winds, was obliged to take shelter in Bateman’s Bay, and to send on shore for water. Three unfortunate persons whose fate it was to fall under the barbarity of the natives, were sent on there with a cask, having previously arranged a mode of receiving an alarm from the vessel, in case of obvious danger, by the discharge of a musket. Shortly after they landed, a body of natives assembled about the boat, and a musket was accordingly discharged from the vessel - the unfortunate men returned precipitately to their boat, without any obstruction from the natives, but had no sooner put off from the shore than a flight of spears was thrown, which was continued until the three fell from their oars. The savages immediately took and manned the boat, and with a number of canoes prepared to attack the vessel; which narrowly escaped their fury by cutting the cable, and standing out to sea. The names of the murdered men were, Charles Freeman, Thomas Bly, and Robert Goodlet.”
|
