QSA861248 1861 Letter from Colonial Secretary to Police Magistrate Port Denison 27 May, Letterbook of Letters to Other Departments, DR127330

onslaught upon Natives in the vicinity of Messrs Denison and Hope's Station and I am to inform you that the explanation of the matter afforded by you is satisfactory.

I would request that the letter of Mr. Walker may be returned to his Office at your earliest convenience.

I have &c (Sgd) A.N. Manning

Colonial Secretary's Office. Brisbane, 24^th May, 1861

61/600

Sir,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 24^th and 28^th ultimo, the former announcing the safe arrival of the Expedition under your charge at Port Denison—the latter reporting the desertion of four of [sic] Native Police troopers, and the threatened hostility of the Blacks. In reference to the first matter, I am to convey to you again the congratulations of the Government upon the happy termination of your undertaking and their satisfaction at the able manner in which you have performed the arduous and very responsible duties devolving upon you as a leader. It is indeed the hope, and well grounded expectation of the Executive, that the young Colony now founded under your command will ere long make itself an honorable name as one of the most important, if not the most important dependency of the Colony of Queensland. It would appear, from very interesting details furnished by you, to possess resources of the highest character which cannot fail to draw to it those whose occupations will tend still more to enrich our all ready [sic] flourishing Colony.

It is with regret that I turn to the less satisfactory details afforded in your letter of the 28^th April. Still, it must be admitted that circumstanced as you and your companions are at present, it would be unreasonable to expect to be allowed quietly to occupy Country hitherto untrod save by the savage. It is matter of sincere gratulation [sic] that hitherto no serious collison has taken place with the Natives and it is yet hoped that a prudent but firm exercise of controlling powers may before long open the way to the most friendly intercourse with the original possessors of the soil. It is to be regretted that any portion of your police should have deceived you but steps will at once be taken not only to supply their place but in addition so to augment your force as to enable you to afford ample protection.

The Police Magistrate, Port Denison

protection to the Settlement itself, and to the more scattered population. It is intended to forward instructions for the immediate despatch of another troop of Native Police, and in order the more promptly to afford you assistance, it is intended that a portion of these shall proceed by sea, with the arms and ammunition, while the remainder proceed overland with all the horses.

I am happy to be able to inform you that a Contract has been entered into for monthly communication with Port Denison by water. The services of the Ben Bolt have for the present been accepted for the conveyance of a regular Mail. My next communication will be forwarded by the Mail but the present is intended to be delivered by the Presto which it is understood will sail on the arrival of the Steamer at Rockhampton.

Steps will be taken to secure for the protection of the settlement such a gun as was on board the Jeannie Dove. It would have been well if you had retained that gun, as I understood Captain McDermott was willing to dispose of it.

In conclusion I am directed to request that you will have the goodness to convey to the gentlemen accompanying you on your overland route, the cordial thanks of the Government for their ready cooperation on every occasion.

I have &c (Sgd) A.W. Manning

Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane, 28^th May, 1861

61/661

Gentlemen,

Acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 7^th Instant requesting to be supplied with Forms of Information and Summons to Defendant, and with an apportion of Stationery, I have the honor to inform you that I have this day forwarded to your address in care of Messrs Walter Gray & Co, Ipswich, a parcel containing your requirements so far as the same can at present be met.

Messrs M Gray & Co. have been requested to forward the parcel by first oportunity.

I have &c (Sgd) A.N. Manning Principal Under Secretary

The Bench of Magistrates Condamine