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Memoranda by Convict Davis Servant to Mr Foster, Suprintt of Convicts, Norfolk Island - 1843 -
Relating principally to Macquarie Harbour.1Edited by Hamish Maxwell-Stewart
© all rights reserved
This narrative has been broken into 3 sections: I/II/III
Section II
Please note the main body of the text was written on the back and front of Commissariat order forms, however, some text is missing from the original copy. The section enclosed in {} is taken from the transcript of the original located on the same reel of film. Original spelling and punctuation has been adhered to throughout.
What would the good People of England think (they certainly would say that it was false) if they where told an officer in His Majestys service sent 5 women 35 miles from the settlement with no other protection than a old Musquet to be used by themselves (and no shelter but the trees and a blanket each) and several tribes of Natives known to be within a few miles of them.
the following sheets is my own unfortunate Adventures and observations during a 3 years residence at that Settlement. On 27th December 1823 I received [missing text] of 100 Lashes and 3 years to Mac [missing text] at which place we arrived on the [missing text] 1824 at 3 O'clock PM and was imm [missing text] by the commadant to be made a strict enquiry [missing text] our conduct on the passage of the Captain and Pilot as to our working the vessel after crossing the bar as the wind was foul and the [word appears to be missing] had to be kedged or warpt18 for 5 miles up a narrow and difficult channel they both gave us a good character and he then read us a long lecture as to our future conduct and then sent us on shore and gave us the remainder of the day we† where then put on the small island as that was to be our residence until the arrival of the next draft the number of men on the island was about 60 with our 15 addd to them a more starved ragged wretched looking crew cannot be imagined then there they where, with the exception of the Bedding of our party 9 whole Blankets and about 20 halves and quarters was all that they had those that had none slept on the floore in their cloths.
the rations was one pint of Flour and 1 pound of Beef or 9 1/2 of Pork to cook it was a most dreadful task as 2 Iron Pots of 10 Gallons each and three Frying Pans was all the cooking things that was allowed any that they men took down with them where destroyed so all the strongest men [missing text] [illeg] took the first use of them and it [missing text] dark at night before the cooking was [missing text] was all at home at 5 o'clock which [missing] the [illeg] many poor fellows I for one [missing text] mixed my pint of flour into a small cake and put it on the fire for a short time and then eat it and it scarcely warm though the Beef generally eat as it came from the store many of the men died of the scurvey others not able to walk I have seen several crawl on their hands and knees to and from work and after all fllogged for not doing work enough. On the 12 of the month long before day the Boats came to take all hands to the large Island a 12 Ton Launch to carry the men and a Whale Boat with 3 soilders and a picked crew as a guard they keeping Pistol shot distant to windward of the Launch so that to rush on them was impossible.19
when the sea ran heavy it caused a wash all round the Island and the launch was moord about 30 yards from the rocks and those that could not swim was hauled on board by a rope when all was on board we cut loose and made the best of our way to the Settlement Island where we arrive by break of day (this was a every day affair in bad weather) and where then landed and stoed ourselves away in the sawpits till daylight when the Bell rang and the whole turnd out to muster and join their gangs the Boats was unlockd and brought to the Jetty and the men searched into them in the strictest manner† a pin needle or 6 Inches of thread was taken a way and thrown into the sea when all was ready the Boats left each gang proceeding to their work at the Farm Kellys Basons Birch or Gordons Rivers the charcoal burners or Brickmakers as the case may be. the Boat from Kellys Bason if the wind was from the N.W. would not reach home until the middle of the night but if they where home one hour before it was time to turn out they whent to work as usual on my arrival the strength was Lieutenant Cuthbertson 48th Regt Commadant Dr Cracket a Searjant of the Detachment Acting as store keeper 30 soilders the Supt and Commadants clerk Both Prisoners and taking about 300 male and 7 Female Prisoners the Females when their conduct was good 3 lived as Housekeepers to the Commadant Pilot and Supt of convicts 1 as nurse in the Hospital 3 to wash the shirts for all hands but if seen in liquer or out at improper Hours or in suspicious places they was sent to the small Island to reside and to the main land to work Cutting Grass and carrying it to the Beach ready to be taken home at night -
from the great draught of water of the Launches the women truly to be pityed (when the Boat grounded every one had to jump out and wade a shore the water up to their hips, and in the winter round the water edge all Ice) they would Beg of the men to carry them on shore or at least into the shole water but their supplications genarly where in vain as the hardships they endured of flloggings Starvation bad Laying and hard work had so broke and soured their tempers that they where possed of the feelings of Devils and not men on my arrival iniquity was carrying on to a Great length it was common thing for a Overseer to knock a man down with a handspike and beat him with his stick when he was down take him to the office when they came home and get him 50 Lashes for Insolence and neglect of work their was 7 of us that intended to take to the Bush as soon as we could procure a few triffling things, such as fish hooks, lines tinder Box and knives but before we could get them it was requiset to make a friend of an overseer and for about 40 Pounds Sterling he conveyed over things worth about 40 Pence but they answered our purpose and all parties was satisfied as if he had been detected he would have got at least 100 lashes and six months in irons -
as we intended to make so short a stay we was Determined that we should not put up with any of their tricks to prevent which we gave them fairly to understand what they had to expect no matter which of us was illused as the others where resolved to punish the offender my Companion William Yates was the first and the last as the Commadant gave a order that no man should be struck by a overseer they Party was cutting timber in Gordons River when princepal Overseer Logan20 struck Yates with his stick and knockd him down I ran to assist Yates but before I could get to him he had stabbed Logan in the side and the Knife broke against his ribs we was taken home immediately tried and flogd the same day Yates 100 and six months in irons21 and me 100 Lashes I told the Commadant that we where determined not to Tyranized over by the overseers as they were Prisoners the same as ourselves and that if we committed any crime it was their duty to bring us before him for Judgement he said he perfectly coencieded with me in that respect and he would give an order to that effect which he did on that day but that did not pervent our sentence from being carried into effect though our being floggd delayed our going in the Bush as soon as we intended on the 6 of April we made a start and when we arrived at our stores we found it intirely destroyed by the Badgers or Native Bears
thinking dispare useless we struck through the Bush for the Main Beach and after walking 11 days we was picked up by a party of soilders and brough back to the settlement some of us allmost dead as we had never tasted food of any kind since we left we was taken in Hopital for 13 days and then received the usal sentence22 as soon as my back was well enough to travel I tried it a gain with similar success my third attempt was with a man of desparate character (who was ultimately sent to this Island23 and Executed for Murder at the first Mutiney) Black Gough24 and 2 others we took 3 soldiers by surprise at their fire in the dusk and took their Provisions and Arms they made their way to the settlement and the commadant dispatched a party in a whale Boat 75 Miles on the main Beach it intercept us at the Pyemans River they succeeded in taking 3 and that one dead25 on the 22 of December 1823 a new Schooner of 35 tons Broke from her Anchor and drifted a way she had no sails bent or rudder shipt and the commadant was fearful that she would drift on the rocks of Rum point the 13 oared Whale Boat was mand and sent to tow her clear of the point but she stove in her bow going along side and the men were forced to get on board and tow† the boat astern
a 6 oared Whale Boat was then sent with orders to follow the Vessel until she whent a shore on the other side of the Bay after watching her half an Hour the commadant became impatient to go him self he calld anderson an overseer (a man that had been Mate of a Whale ship and Master of a Slaver and a west Indeaman he left this Island a few months ago he was hear in the name of John Brown and a long time in the hospital with a swelling under his Jaw but a perfect master of his Business I have pulld some thousands of miles in Boats and I think he was the best Coxwain that ever I was in a Boat with) and told Him to pick out a Boat crew for the Bucephalus26 a new Whale Boat that had never been in the Water the commadant and a crew of 7 hands and Anderson27 as coxwain followed after the others the Schooner crossd the sands through Mountainess surf at the head of the Bay without any further accident and was thrown by the surf nearly high and dry the Commadant finding that not anything could be done until the Gale broke gave orders to return to the settlement the 13 oarded Boat being disabled her crew had to be carried in the two small boats each taking 7 when Revel28 the Comnt Coxwain begd him to go home in his† Boat as the one that he was in then was a new one and had never been tried and the sea ran very high and the Gale was increasing but he refused and said that he would go home with anderson that she had brought them safe out and he could not see that there was any danger as she would have to meet the sea in place of going before it and that he was fearful that the new boat would beat the old one
Revel said that was not the case but he had a bad opinion of her and could not help thinking some Accident would happen at the same time he said that Andersons skill could not be doubted the Comdt thankd him for his advice but laughd at his fears and then started having cleared the surf the men wished to try the Boats each one taking her own course but the old one was the fastest Pulling Boat having gained about 1/2 a Mile in four when they was met by a heavy squal (from the N.W.) with rain and fog the Commadant thought it would be better to run before it than to meet† it and desired Anderson to put a bout and make for Gordons River but he pointed out the danger of putting about in such a heavy sea with a boat load of men and said in all probability she would get filled but the Commadant was a soilder and no Seaman and he thought that she was sure to fill if they still held on their course and at last positive orders from him caused† them to try to go back but in endeavouring to put a bout she shipd a heavy sea which washed the men laying in her bottom to Leeward and over she whent as Anderson had Anticipated 2 men never rose again the others swam round her and righted her again the best swimmers collecting the oars the others† trying to bail her out but before she was light enough to pull she was again filled after an Hours labour and now sank
Anderson seeing it all useless unshipt the stern oar and placed it under his breast and whent before they wind and sea, the commadant and 10 men still sticking to the Boat some times in her or the top of her Bottom or swimming around her they were now fast approaching the surf and 3 more men was lost the rest being strong swimmers they was in great hopes that they should reach the shore if compelld to abandon the boat in the surf and when about 1 Mile from the shore they all left the Boat in high spirits except the Commadt and a seaman of the Name of Catter the Commadant complained of being cold when Catter gave him his pea jacket forgeting that they where drenched in water which caused a Laugh after endeavouring to prevail on them to leave the Boat (but it would appear that he was a doomed man as in that as well as every other instance from his leaving the Schooner he was Determined to have his own way) which he refused to do saying that she would take them ashore safe at the same time Asking Catter if he intended to leave him he said no those would go that choose but he would stick to him the others bid them good bye and struck out for the shore the Commadant and Catter was never seen Alive29 after the others made the Schooner safe when they found Anderson they succeeded in getting on board quite naked where they remained all Night without food or fire.
On the arrival of the first Boat at the settlement the coxwain said that his Boat was 1/2 a mile a head when the squall came in and said that he thought that the Comdt must have turned back and run before the wind for Gordons River as when it cleard off he could not see the Boat
the Supt ordered the Crew some Rum and desired them to go and get their supper as it was most likely that they would not return to the Settlement that Night as he wanted them to go up Gordons River with some things for the Commdt and take some bread and Rum to his Crew
he then went to Govt House to the Commadants Housekeeper and got some Blankets and such refreshments as she thought proper to send when all was ready the Bell was struck for the Boats crew when it was discerned that 3 out of the 6 was quite knoctup the Press Gang was out immediately to make up the Number me and 2 others where taken. I was compelled to go as I had [recently?] got in gail through refusing to go in the Commadants Boat as I had a sick Messmate at the time and did not wish to leave him we left the wharfe with 2 sails in the Boat and a fair wind and put a way for the river making shure to find him there as it was the last of any one thoughts that any accident had happened when we got up to some huts formely occupied by a falling gang but found no person in there we put a man Ashore to make a fire and then started Down the River thinking he had taken shelter in a Bay near the mouth of River after sweeping the Bay round we returned to the Huts it being then quite dark and a heavy surf on the Bar at the River mouth we remained at the huts all night and started at Day Break in the Morning and pulld round the Beaches as near as we could till we came to the Schooner where we heard the whole of the unfortunate Accident we gave them all the things intended for the Crew and the Commadant and took them in the Boat and [illeg] for hours after a heavy pull of 2 miles through a dreadful sea and surf† we got safe over the sands and arrived at home at 8 A.M. -
Every Boat was immediately mand from the 16 ton Launch down to the Commadants gig to sweep all the sights of the Bay to see if any had been fortunate enough to get on Shore after all returned in the morning (some of them had Very narrow escapes as the sea was still high) with the Bodys of four Men and the Boat with them Bottom stove in but no news of the Commadant†
During the time the boats was away some high words took between the Doctor and Commisst officer respecting the Command but when the boats returned all Doubt was removed as to the Fate of the Commt. William Douglass Corporal in H.M. 48 Regt being the senior officer in the Settlement finding that the doctor and Commissariat Officer could not agree as to which should take Command stept in and told them not to trouble about it as he should take the command himself as he considered that two gentlemen that could not settle it without quarrelling was neither fit to command a Detatchment of Troops and a body of prisoners and Desired them to keep silence or he would confine them to their quarters unless they had to leave them offically and that should be in charge of a sentry He then came to the prisoners Barrack and made a short speach to the men telling them that he was intirely ignorant of Civil Law but that he had taken the Command and was determined that he would be obeyed and we must consider ourselves under Martial Law until he could hear from Head quarters and he did not doubt but that their was old soilders amongst us and he should be glad if they would tell the rest who might know what Martial law was he then went to his office and sent for his Boat builder and the Late Comts Coxwain and desired them to get the new Boat ready and a good crew to take the Despatch to head quarters
a free Emigrant who had recently arrived for 7 years for shooting his Govt Man was the person he selected to take charge of them and they left the same evening on the following day being the 24 December we sent for him asked him allow us the usual indulgence on Christmas day namely 1lb of flour and 1lb Beef - he said that he was aware that it was issued the year before but that he could not find any Document that would justify him to give it and if he gave a order on his own responsibility the Govt might make him pay for it and that would total ruin to him as it would take his pay for years to clear the debt but if we continued to behave well he would cause us to leave upwork at 1.00 o'clock each Day until he heard from the hobart town some of the men rather doubted his authoity to flog one man struck his overseer with a spade as it happened the blow was very slight but when he heard of it he brought the scourgers down to the point and sent for the Clerk and had the man tied up and sentenced him 100 Lashes after receiving 50 ordered him Down there my Friend said he you can tell your messmates that you have experienced what Martial Law is and that I have determined to stop all [2 illeg words] and if the cat will not do I shall try the Musket although I think he was faking about that for he did not flog any more while he held the command and strange to say there was no murder committed that [illeg] nor any man took the Bush.30
On the [first?] of Jany the Schooner Waterloo arrived with Lieut Wright 3 Regt or Buffs31 with a Detachment to relieve the Commadant and the soilders under his command and the news of him being Gazzetted for his Captaincy the Schooner came from Launceston† consequently they had not heard of the death of the Comdt the men of the 48th offered 10 pounds reward to any Boats crew that could find the Body as they might take it to headquarters with them But it was not found till the end of 9 week after he was drowned it was then found by Accident as all search was given up High and Dry on one of the beaches in a most dreadful state of Decomposition but it was brought home and buried on the large island with military Honours as far circumstances would permit. But the next Brig after the officers heard that he was found brought a Lead and Cedar coffin and he was disinterred and sent to Hobart Town and a monument errected to his memory by the Govt bearing a long Account of his Virtues32 but not one word of the many victims he had murdered by unnecessary oppression and Tyranny†.
Hamish Maxwell-Stewart, University of Tasmania, Australia. This narrative has been broken into 3 sections. You have just completed Section II. Continue with section III. Or return to section I. See also the introduction to this narrative and a discussion about the identity of Convict Davis by Hamish Maxwell-Stewart.
References
†18 // // {marked above the word Barracks}
†19 M {inserted above the}
20 (285) James Crawford per Prince Regent had been sentenced to 100 lashes and to be transported to Macquarie Harbour for the remainder of his sentence for: Going on board HM Cutter Mermaid on Sat night & stealing a hat the property of J Barnes & a silk handkerchief of Herman Grubbe. Crawford was employed in the Government Boat crew at the time. On 2 November 1822 Crawford was given 100 lashes and ordered to work in irons until further notice for: Insubordinate conduct towards his overseer refusing to work & attempting to murder him with a knife stabbing him on the head & cutting him on the neck. AOT Con 31
†21 Copied to this {added to the text above salt water in a different hand}
22 According to Commandant Butler, the fixed weekly ration for ganged prisoners at Macquarie harbour was 7lbs of wheat meal, which made about 10 lbs of bread. In addition convicts received 7lbs of salt beef and a daily allowance of 4 ozs of wheat meal, or the equivalent in oats or maize, with which to make gruel. Non-ganged convicts fared considerably better receiving in addition to the above 7lbs of flour weekly or a mixture of flour and potatoes. Captain Butler to John Burnett 30 June 1827 AOT CSO1/13/264.
23 At least 15 convict women were retransported to Macquarie Harbour in the early years of the settlement where they were used to staff the hospital and to provide servants for the officers. See I. Schaffer, The Forgotten Women Convicts of Macquarie Harbour, Tasmanian Ancestry, 18, 2 (1997), pp.94-98.
24 To warp is to haul a ship by rope attached to a fixed point. To kedge is to move a ship by means of a hawser attached to an anchor.
†25 X X X {written over dotted underlined}
26 Commandant Butler reported that he always sent a boat with at least two soldiers in it over with the gang boat to the Small Island so that they could cover the loading and the unloading of prisoners onto the Island and prevent the gang boat being seized and carried off. Captain Butler to John Burnett 30 June 1827 AOT CSO1/13/264.
†27 Copied to this line {inserted in different hand}.
28 (126) Malcolm Loggins or Logan per Coromandel. Logan was a volunteer who had gone to Macquarie Harbour with the original cutting out party on the understanding that he would receive an indulgence for his services to the Government. On returning to Hobart Town he was appointed to the field police where he was murdered by a bushranger named Henry Williams who had been a convict at Macquarie Harbour in the early 1820s and would have known Logan well. See Hobart Town Gazette 2 February 1828.
29 (26) William Yates per Lord Hungerford a farm labourer from Walsall who had been sentenced to life transportation in March 1821. On 28 December 1822, while assigned to Mr Wade at Pittwater, Yates was sentenced to receive 100 lashes and to be transported to Macquarie Harbour for three years for Stealing a quantity of wheat the property of his Master. He was sentenced four times while at Macquarie Harbour. On 11 March 1823 he was given 100 lashes and sentenced to six months in irons for absconding into the woods. On 6 October he was given two days solitary confinement for making use of disrespectful language to a constable. On 6 November 1824 he was tried for obtaining provisions under false pretences but acquitted. Finally, on 16 December 1824 he was awarded 25 lashes for Designedly driving a broken bolt into the irons of a prisoner. Thus, according to the official record, the event in recounted in Davis narrative appears to have never occurred
30 Three returned absconders were sentenced to receive 100 lashes and to work in irons until further notice on 11 April 1823. They were (92) James McKinney, (460) Thomas Wilson and (26) William Yates. William Yates is the convict referred to in the narrative as my Companion.
31 This Island, that is Norfolk Island.
32 At least 15 convict women were retransported to Macquarie Harbour in the early years of the settlement where they were used to staff the hospital and to provide servants for the officers. See I. Schaffer, The Forgotten Women Convicts of Macquarie Harbour, Tasmanian Ancestry, 18, 2 (1997), pp.94-98.
without any further enquiry he ordered a whale boat to be mand into which was put 7 days Flour and Beef for 5 women 5 blankets 1 iron pot 1 axe to cut fire wood 2 shovles 2 rakes some Canvas Bags 1 Musket and 20 rounds of ball cartridge to protect themselves should the Natives attack them the Coxswain was then ordered to take the 5 women into the Boat and proceed to the Long Beach which was 10 Miles outside the Heads and there leave them for 1 week at the end of which he told them he should send the large launch a 15 ton boat and if they had not a load of oyster shells ready they was to be left for a week longer but the unfortunate beings completed the task and contrary to every-ones expectations returned safe
What would the good People of England think (they certainly would say that it was false) if they where told an officer in His Majestys service sent 5 women 35 miles from the settlement with no other protection than a old Musquet to be used by themselves (and no shelter but the trees and a blanket each) and several tribes of Natives known to be within a few miles of them.
the following sheets is my own unfortunate Adventures and observations during a 3 years residence at that Settlement. On 27th December 1823 I received [missing text] of 100 Lashes and 3 years to Mac [missing text] at which place we arrived on the [missing text] 1824 at 3 O'clock PM and was imm [missing text] by the commadant to be made a strict enquiry [missing text] our conduct on the passage of the Captain and Pilot as to our working the vessel after crossing the bar as the wind was foul and the [word appears to be missing] had to be kedged or warpt** To warp is to haul a ship by rope attached to a fixed point. To kedge is to move a ship by means of a hawser attached to an anchor.
for 5 miles up a narrow and difficult channel they both gave us a good character and he then read us a long lecture as to our future conduct and then sent us on shore and gave us the remainder of the day we†† X X X {written over dotted underlined}
where then put on the small island as that was to be our residence until the arrival of the next draft the number of men on the island was about 60 with our 15 addd to them a more starved ragged wretched looking crew cannot be imagined then there they where, with the exception of the Bedding of our party 9 whole Blankets and about 20 halves and quarters was all that they had those that had none slept on the floore in their cloths. the rations was one pint of Flour and 1 pound of Beef or 9 1/2 of Pork to cook it was a most dreadful task as 2 Iron Pots of 10 Gallons each and three Frying Pans was all the cooking things that was allowed any that they men took down with them where destroyed so all the strongest men [missing text] [illeg] took the first use of them and it [missing text] dark at night before the cooking was [missing text] was all at home at 5 o'clock which [missing] the [illeg] many poor fellows I for one [missing text] mixed my pint of flour into a small cake and put it on the fire for a short time and then eat it and it scarcely warm though the Beef generally eat as it came from the store many of the men died of the scurvey others not able to walk I have seen several crawl on their hands and knees to and from work and after all fllogged for not doing work enough. On the 12 of the month long before day the Boats came to take all hands to the large Island a 12 Ton Launch to carry the men and a Whale Boat with 3 soilders and a picked crew as a guard they keeping Pistol shot distant to windward of the Launch so that to rush on them was impossible.** Commandant Butler reported that he always sent a boat with at least two soldiers in it over with the gang boat to the Small Island so that they could cover the loading and the unloading of prisoners onto the Island and prevent the gang boat being seized and carried off. Captain Butler to John Burnett 30 June 1827 AOT CSO1/13/264.
when the sea ran heavy it caused a wash all round the Island and the launch was moord about 30 yards from the rocks and those that could not swim was hauled on board by a rope when all was on board we cut loose and made the best of our way to the Settlement Island where we arrive by break of day (this was a every day affair in bad weather) and where then landed and stoed ourselves away in the sawpits till daylight when the Bell rang and the whole turnd out to muster and join their gangs the Boats was unlockd and brought to the Jetty and the men searched into them in the strictest manner†† Copied to this line {inserted in different hand}.
a pin needle or 6 Inches of thread was taken a way and thrown into the sea when all was ready the Boats left each gang proceeding to their work at the Farm Kellys Basons Birch or Gordons Rivers the charcoal burners or Brickmakers as the case may be. the Boat from Kellys Bason if the wind was from the N.W. would not reach home until the middle of the night but if they where home one hour before it was time to turn out they whent to work as usual on my arrival the strength was Lieutenant Cuthbertson 48th Regt Commadant Dr Cracket a Searjant of the Detachment Acting as store keeper 30 soilders the Supt and Commadants clerk Both Prisoners and taking about 300 male and 7 Female Prisoners the Females when their conduct was good 3 lived as Housekeepers to the Commadant Pilot and Supt of convicts 1 as nurse in the Hospital 3 to wash the shirts for all hands but if seen in liquer or out at improper Hours or in suspicious places they was sent to the small Island to reside and to the main land to work Cutting Grass and carrying it to the Beach ready to be taken home at night - from the great draught of water of the Launches the women truly to be pityed (when the Boat grounded every one had to jump out and wade a shore the water up to their hips, and in the winter round the water edge all Ice) they would Beg of the men to carry them on shore or at least into the shole water but their supplications genarly where in vain as the hardships they endured of flloggings Starvation bad Laying and hard work had so broke and soured their tempers that they where possed of the feelings of Devils and not men on my arrival iniquity was carrying on to a Great length it was common thing for a Overseer to knock a man down with a handspike and beat him with his stick when he was down take him to the office when they came home and get him 50 Lashes for Insolence and neglect of work their was 7 of us that intended to take to the Bush as soon as we could procure a few triffling things, such as fish hooks, lines tinder Box and knives but before we could get them it was requiset to make a friend of an overseer and for about 40 Pounds Sterling he conveyed over things worth about 40 Pence but they answered our purpose and all parties was satisfied as if he had been detected he would have got at least 100 lashes and six months in irons -
as we intended to make so short a stay we was Determined that we should not put up with any of their tricks to prevent which we gave them fairly to understand what they had to expect no matter which of us was illused as the others where resolved to punish the offender my Companion William Yates was the first and the last as the Commadant gave a order that no man should be struck by a overseer they Party was cutting timber in Gordons River when princepal Overseer Logan** (126) Malcolm Loggins or Logan per Coromandel. Logan was a volunteer who had gone to Macquarie Harbour with the original cutting out party on the understanding that he would receive an indulgence for his services to the Government. On returning to Hobart Town he was appointed to the field police where he was murdered by a bushranger named Henry Williams who had been a convict at Macquarie Harbour in the early 1820s and would have known Logan well. See Hobart Town Gazette 2 February 1828.
struck Yates with his stick and knockd him down I ran to assist Yates but before I could get to him he had stabbed Logan in the side and the Knife broke against his ribs we was taken home immediately tried and flogd the same day Yates 100 and six months in irons** (26) William Yates per Lord Hungerford a farm labourer from Walsall who had been sentenced to life transportation in March 1821. On 28 December 1822, while assigned to Mr Wade at Pittwater, Yates was sentenced to receive 100 lashes and to be transported to Macquarie Harbour for three years for Stealing a quantity of wheat the property of his Master. He was sentenced four times while at Macquarie Harbour. On 11 March 1823 he was given 100 lashes and sentenced to six months in irons for absconding into the woods. On 6 October he was given two days solitary confinement for making use of disrespectful language to a constable. On 6 November 1824 he was tried for obtaining provisions under false pretences but acquitted. Finally, on 16 December 1824 he was awarded 25 lashes for Designedly driving a broken bolt into the irons of a prisoner. Thus, according to the official record, the event in recounted in Davis narrative appears to have never occurred
and me 100 Lashes I told the Commadant that we where determined not to Tyranized over by the overseers as they were Prisoners the same as ourselves and that if we committed any crime it was their duty to bring us before him for Judgement he said he perfectly coencieded with me in that respect and he would give an order to that effect which he did on that day but that did not pervent our sentence from being carried into effect though our being floggd delayed our going in the Bush as soon as we intended on the 6 of April we made a start and when we arrived at our stores we found it intirely destroyed by the Badgers or Native Bears thinking dispare useless we struck through the Bush for the Main Beach and after walking 11 days we was picked up by a party of soilders and brough back to the settlement some of us allmost dead as we had never tasted food of any kind since we left we was taken in Hopital for 13 days and then received the usal sentence** Three returned absconders were sentenced to receive 100 lashes and to work in irons until further notice on 11 April 1823. They were (92) James McKinney, (460) Thomas Wilson and (26) William Yates. William Yates is the convict referred to in the narrative as my Companion.
as soon as my back was well enough to travel I tried it a gain with similar success my third attempt was with a man of desparate character (who was ultimately sent to this Island** This Island, that is Norfolk Island.
and Executed for Murder at the first Mutiney) Black Gough** (297) John Gough or Goff per Marquis of Wellington. For an account of Goughs career and in particular his role in the first Norfolk Island uprising see I. Duffield The Life and Death of Black John Goff: Aspects of the Black Convict Contribution to Resistance Patterns During the Transportation Era in Eastern Australia, Australian Journal of Politics and History, 33, 1 (1987), pp. 30-44.
This narrative has been broken into 3 sections. You have just completed Section II. Continue with section III. Or return to section I. See also the introduction to this narrative and a discussion about the identity of Convict Davis by Hamish Maxwell-Stewart.
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