| Barque
Georgiana, Geelong, Nov. 9, 1852
Gentlemen
- I have to advise you of the safe arrival at Port Phillip Heads,
on the 12th of October, of the Georgiana, under my command, where
we had to remain for four days wind-bound, and waiting for a pilot.
On Saturday, the 16th October, we moored at Geelong, where I found
every ship deserted by officers and crew. On my application to
the harbour master for protection, I was told it was no use my
applying for any, as there was not sufficient police to protect
the town, far less me.
We had a most remarkable fine passage, all on board being both
healthy and contented, and on our arrival here were highly complimented
for the general cleanliness and comfort of the ship and passengers.
The crew and officers have behaved well during the passage. Acting
up to Captain Temperley's instructions, I used every precaution
to keep my crew on board by taking all the boats on board and
filling them with lumber, &c., so as to prevent surprise -
myself and officers only keeping watch by day and night. From
the general conduct of the men, I had not the slightest suspicion
of the occurrence which I will now describe.
About one
p.m, Sunday, the 17th of October, the emigrants being at dinner,
eighteen of the crew, headed by the cook and boatswain, came aft
and demanded a boat to go to the diggings, asking me to go with
them - all standing with their hands behind their backs. I refused.
They then said, 'We will take her by force'. Nearly every one
then showed some deadly weapons, such as knives, pistols, &c.
At this critical juncture I asked the doctor and mate's advice,
and then went forward and asked the passengers' assistance. I
then went among the men and remonstrated with them upon the folly
of their conduct, and begging them not to leave me in distress,
pointing out to them how I was bound down to execute a certain
character under a penalty, and at the same time offering to increase
their pay, but in return received nothing but curses and abuse,
for, as they said, go to the diggings they would, as it was now
their time to make their fortune, and if I would dare to prevent
them taking the boat they would do for me - pistols at that time
being pointed at me, and knives and daggers flourished before
me.
I told them they need not think to intimidate me, as I was determined
to protect the property placed under my charge, and warned them
that the first man who dared to hook a tackle to that boat, for
the purpose of taking her away, and leave the ship in distress,
I would shoot, the cook, with a heavy oath, hooked on the after
tackle and then pulled on the fall, and encouraged the rest to
do the same.
The doctor and myself warned them a second time of the consequences;
but he put me at utter defiance. I then pulled a pistol from my
brEast and fired. He fell. The sailmaker then fired at me, and
put a second pistol to my ear, which snapped. He then pointed
at the doctor, his pistol again snapping.
We were then all overpowered, myself being thrown face downwards
on the deck, when I was most brutally kicked and stabbed, and
lashed hand and foot up to the wheel chains, and left for dead.
They then put the boat over the side, taking their clothes, &c.,
with them, and pulled for the shore. I got a passage on shore
by another ship's boat, and immediately acquainted the authorities
of the whole affair. As I have instructed Messrs. Thorne, Sparks,
and Co. to forward newspapers to you, you will be able to glean
from them what has since happened, more than I can by letter communicate.
I did not get clear
of all the emigrants till the expiring of the 14 lay days, as
they were very cautious and dilatory in accepting engagements.
I have all my lists and certificates made out and very satisfactorily
signed here in triplicate, and forwarded to Melbourne for the
counter-signature of the Governor. I have landed the greater part
of the surplus stores, which I feel confident will realise a handsome
profit. You will see by the newspaper that seven of the crew are
apprehended, and committed for trial the 21st December, and that
I and the first and second officers are bound over to prosecute
at that date.
"I am, &c.,
"R. Carter and
Co." "R.MURRAY
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