QSA846922 1874 Letter from Edward Ramsay to David Seymour 27 January, In letter 74:303, Colonial Secretarys Office In Letters Part 2 DR63535

Hon W.H. Walsh Esq[?] Brisbane

Cardwell Jan 31 – 1874

My dear Mr Walsh

By this Post I have written to Mr Seymour asking for assistance from the native Police, as I find the Blacks are both numerous & hostile on the Johnstone River north our[?] land party is very small[?] and I am afraid I shall have to aban -don the Expedition unless I get some protection. I was going up to see these Rivers in flood time[?] that I may ???? the height to note the[?] rise which will be very

valuable information to the Govmt [sic] as well as to myself I am quite willing to call in at the Daintree or any other rivers and make any observations the Govmt [sic] may require but having only 3 men for a land party & I cannot get reliable men here I thought perhaps, it would not be out of place to ask the Commssr [sic] of Police for assistance from the Native Troopers 3 or 4 men & an officer would be all that I should require; We have plenty of horses and Rations in the Cutter for all hands – If you would kindly bring your influence to bear on this matter for me I should feel greatly indebted. I am quite willing to make any observations on behalf of the Govmt [sic] & to give them every information I may obtain during the Expedition

I remain my dear Sir Yours truly [signed] Edward P. Ramsay

I hope his request for assistance or protection can be sanctioned

And I am Yours Truly [signed] Wm Henry Walsh

Hon. A. Macalister

Edward P. Ramsay. Maryboro

assistance of N. Police in exploring Country – Johnstone River

all papers to be returned here HMM

BC Commissioner of Police to be attached to subsequent papers. on the] same subject from Mr Ramsay HMM 30/1/74

Cardwell Jan 27th 1874

[overwritten at top of page] E.P. Ramsay

Police assistance – Whilst exploring Country between Cardwell & Princess Charlotte Bay.

To D.T. Seymour Esq. Commissioner of Police Brisbane

Sir

I have the honor to inform you that I am about to leave Cardwell for the northern rivers with a view of further exploring the creeks and tributaries between this Port and Princess Charlotte's Bay – and we have purchased a Cutter and fitted her out for that purpose, but finding the Blacks both numerous and hostile and any land party only consisting of two men I am afraid I shall have to abandon the enterprise unless I be fortunate enought in obtaining the favor of assistance from the Native Police I should only require an Officer and 4 or 5 of the Black Boys who accompanied the late Expedition and I should consider ourselves highly favoured if you would comply with our request.

My brothers & myself are about to open up new Sugar Plantations in this district, & and have already a large Plant just landed here– and are only awaiting a suitable place for its erection

I feel convinced by assisting us in this undertaking you will be conferring a benefit on the Public – The Cutter is well found & provisioned and supplied