QSA847120 1884 Letter from Henry Chester to Colonial Secretary 21 April, In letter 84:3311 Colonial Secretarys Office In Letters DR77998

[in top left corner embossed stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE QUEENSLAND / No. 3311 / MAY 8 1884

[written at top] Benches Reporting Supposed Murder European (Louis) by. x.

16 - 84

P. M. Thursday Island

21st April 1884.

Sir

I have the honor to report that on 3rd. inst. the mainland natives employed by Mr. J. C. Butson ran away with two of his boats from Warrior Island, and are supposed to have killed the European in charge, name Louis, a native of Jersey.

One of the boats has been found on the mainland but no trace of Louis. Butson applied to me for police assistance, but I cannot spare men for such purposes. I submit if after the repeated instances that have happened, of murder, and running away with boats, men persist in trusting these mainland blacks they leave only themselves to blame.

I have the honor to be

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant

[signed] Henry M. Chester

P. M.

The Hon'ble

The Colonial Secretary

Brisbane

[written in left margin] Ack. [initialled] SWG 8757 84

[written below that] P.M. Thursday Is. 9.5.84 / 1425.