This is a copy of the Journal written by Sergeant William Henry JOHNSON over the period 1839-1873 which was kindly donated to the Port Phillip Pioneers Group by great, great Grandson Paul Anthony SMITH PPPG Member 1362.
NB – We would like to acknowledge and thank Susanne WHEELAHAN PPPG Member 1555 who recently transcribed the journal for our website. Susanne notes that “I have avoided making alterations to the text, trying to keep it as close as possible to the original … a few lines at the end of pages 14 and 15 are missing. For my own reference when trying to check my transcription, I started to mark the end of the pages like this “(end of Page 6)”in my transcription. The main change I have made is to put a heading on each incident he records, which hehas recorded in chronological order over 7 years up until the Border Police were disbanded in 1846 when he was 31 years of age.”
Sergeant Johnson drilled the first mounted police, the first native police, and the foot police before they wore uniforms also drilled some of the first cadets.
1839 – Arresting Aborigines in the Western Port District
In May 1839, I was appointed Corporal by Sir George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales, and took charge of six border police, and marched overland to Melbourne. Arrived on the 13th of June in the same year. We had some trouble in crossing rivers, there being no punts at the crossings. On arrival I reported to Captain William Lonsdale and was ordered to form my camp on the bank of the Yarra River where a paddock was being made for the police. We had to live in tents for a long time. I drilled the men and attended as orderly to Captain Lonsdale at Batman’s Hill until the arrival of Sir Charles Joseph Latrobe and the chief Commissioner of Crownlands. Then I was transferred to the Governor and acted as his mounted orderly at Batman’s Hill, my chief duty was to patrol the County for the protection of the squatters and their shepherds from the attacks of the murdering blacks. In November 1839, two blacks who had been brought over from Van Dieman’s Land by Mr Robinson, a “black protector” after being in camp in the Richmond paddock for some time in company with their lubras, took to the bush with firearms. They robbed, plundered and murdered. They bailed up several stations on the Western Port side and murdered two whalers who had been wrecked and cast adrift on the long beach between Cape Patterson and Wilson’s Promontory. When the news of this reached Melbourne, the Governor ordered me to proceed with two troopers and two black trackers under the command of F. A. Powlett chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, and Captain Danna to Cape Patterson. We visited all the places the blacks had robbed and got all the information possible, and when we came to Massey and Henderson’s station on the Bass River we were informed that the blacks had been there and robbed the station of the blankets, tea, sugar, and flour and had threatened to put the baby in the fire if they had not got all they wanted. The husbands were away looking for cattle at the time and the blacks threatened anyone who attempted to go after them. The females pointed out to us the way the blacks went, and our trackers soon picked up the trail, and we traced them across Cape Paterson ranges, and the inlets. We had been out 14 days, and on the next day we came in sight of the black’s fire. We then retired to some low ground to camp for the night, instructing our blacks to keep a good lookout and see that we were not observed. Next morning under the strictest silence we advanced, and when nearing the camp of the blacks, a dog gave the alarm. The blacks were camped beside a ti-tree swamp and at the alarm raised by the dog, they jumped from under their blankets and rushed into the scrub. They had some trouble making headway. I soon overtook the hind one, knocked him down with the butt end of my gun, and left him to be handcuffed by the men. I then followed the first one and just as he was getting clear of the scrub, I overtook him and knocked him down. I thought I had killed him, but it was not so. Handcuffing him also, we marched the prisoners to where the officers were standing. We then made the blacks show us where they had buried the bodies of the whalers. The blacks led the way to the beach, and at a little above high water mark, we discovered the bodies, reburied them about 3 feet deep in the sand and left them, having no means of bring them away. We then returned and marched to Melbourne via Cape Paterson, Bass River, Western Port Bay and Dandenong. The blacks were tried by Judge Willis and hanged for murder. For my brave and soldier like conduct in apprehending the blacks the Governor promoted me to sergeant and drill instructor.
1840 – Cutting the first track into Gippsland from Western Port Bay.
On the 2nd of February 1840 I took charge of six border police and two native police under the command of F.A. Powlett Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands and Captain Donna and cut the first track into Gippsland from Western Port Bay, and we came out near the head of the La Trobe River then called the Glengarie. We camped for 4 days at Mr Rayman’s station and then patrolled down the river to Port Albert camped 2 days at the Port. Coming nearer to the beach on the journey, we crossed the Tarwin River, Cape Patterson Ranges, the Bass River, Western Port Bay and reached Melbourne via Dandenong. That track was used for the mail for several years.
1841 August – on Patrol
In June 1841 the blacks killed 2 shepherds in Dutton and Darlow’s station on the Campaspe River. I was ordered to proceed with 2 police to the station. On arrival the owner informed me that the blacks who had committed the murder were camping on Axe Creek. I arranged with the Overseer and my men to attack the camp at daylight next morning. We did so and succeeded in capturing one of the murderers. They fought desperately for some time, but powder and ball soon made them run. The prisoner was brought to Melbourne in a cart. He was committed but died in goal before this trial came on.
In August 1841 I was ordered to proceed with 2 troopers to patrol the lower Campaspe River, the Gunbower, Lower Loddon, Lakes Bail Bail and Boort, Reedy Lake and Swan Hill district. The country west of the Lower Loddon as far as Swan Hill had just been taken up by Curlewis and Campbell of Sydney, and the blacks at this place were very troublesome, spearing cattle and killing sheep. We patrolled this part of the country and gave the blacks a severe thrashing which had the effect of keeping them quiet for a while.
1841 – 6th to 20th October- Bushmen exploring the Mallee Wimmera
At the end of September 1841, I received instructions from Governor Latrobe to prepare with packhorse to penetrate and make a journey through the Mallee scrub to travel the Murray down about 70 miles below Swan Hill and then make through the Mallee to North West of the Grampians if possible. I applied to the Governor for 2 more troopers and he sent two of the Cape Mounted rifles, who had been sent from Cape Town to Sydney, and thence on to Melbourne. On their arrival at Reedy Lake Station, preparations were made for the journey. We got a pack saddle horse, packed up 8 days rations for myself and 4 troopers and on 6th October 1841, we started on the way, taking a 5-gallon keg on the top of the pack saddle for water. We travelled 2 days down the Murray averaging 40 miles per day. On the evening of 7thOctober 1841, I had the keg filled with water and we took bearings S.W. by W. Travelled about 4 miles and came to a small water hole, where we camped for the night. Each man having a tomahawk, we were not long in making our mia-mia. The Cape riflemen were very clever in the bush and showed me how to construct a mia-mia, that would not let the rain through. This was done by turning the bough upside down, the effect of which caused the leaves to convey the water from the inside. We made the horses safe for the night, then turned in ourselves. It was a fine night. Next morning one of the troopers shifted the horses in their tether, and the rest of us prepared breakfast. At the spot where we were camped, we were getting out from the large timber. I asked one of the Kaffirs if he could climb a tree and he said he could do so. I then pointed out one that was on some rising ground. He soon scaled to the top of the tree, and having given him the bearings from my compass I asked him what the country was like. He said that for about 3 miles it was not all alike and looked quite even. We then completed our breakfast, watered the horses and continued our march. After 4 miles travelling, we entered the shrub in earnest. In some places we had to dismount and lead the horses. After we had gone about 12 miles we came to a small water hole, the water being good for the horses. We camped here for one hour, partook of some refreshments and then resumed our march. The scrub was not bad now. 15 miles further on we came to some sand hills and found some large pines growing. Climbing one of those I noticed that about 2 miles ahead and a little to the right of our course there was some water, but no signs of a change in the country. We travelled on to the water and then camped for the night. This water was a small lagoon about 100 yards by 30 yards and very shallow. There were some wild ducks on it, but no sign of any black camps in the vicinity. Next morning the 9th we made an early start. Our horse had a good night’s feeding, and we made fair headway for about 15 miles, zig zagging in and around the bushes of the Mallee. We then got into a desperate piece of scrub and had to dismount and lead our horses. We discovered the remains of fire in the park and noticed the scrub was broken down and some portions were lying across each other. Our progress was at the rate of about 1 mile per hour. Night came on and we were obliged to camp. Having chopped the scrub down to make an open place for the horses to stand (end of Page 5) and made a good shelter for ourselves as rain was threatening. During the night rain came down in torrents, accompanies with thunder and lightning and a very high wind lasting about 3 hours. With daylight came the promise of a fine morning, although the wind was still strong. A haze seemed to come over the scrub. After breakfast we made an early start for the sake of the horses, hoping to find water for them. We had travelled not more than 3 miles when the scrub began to open out a little and we came in sight of some more sand hills. We came upon a nice little water hole, which I believe had been filled by the thunderstorm. I instructed the men to camp although it was not more than mid-day. The horses got plenty of water and grass feed. I then took observations from the top of some of the highest pine trees. I thought I could see in the distance something like mountains. They were a long way off but in the direction I wished to go. It was rather hazy, and I could not see much. We refreshed ourselves with rest, and made an early start the next morning the 10th. During parts of the day we were able to trot and I think we covered 30 miles that day. I would not halt for dinner and journeyed on till about 6 pm, when we came to some more sand hills. There was plenty of good grass for the horses, also water, so we camped for the night. Next morning I obtained a good view from the highest pine tree of two mountains which proved to be the Grampians and Pyrenees, but they were a long way off. These mountains were nearly south of me. I had been making a little too much to the west of Southwest. On the morning of the 11th we pursued the same course, with the scrub improving a little more open. At midday we halted for dinner. We could see the Grampians quite plain, but the course we were taking would lead us to quite 15 miles to the west of the mountains. Resuming our journey, we travelled until quite west of the Grampians, and having covered 40 miles that day, we camped for the night. We discovered plenty of water in the …. holes. This was the 5th day. The next morning 12th, I made the journey east, travelling along the south side of the Grampians, until I got to (end of Page 6) Dr Martin’s station, south of Mt Sturgeon. Here we camped for 2 days, greatly refreshing ourselves and our horses. On the 15th we commenced our journey to Melbourne, keeping east until we got to Maiden Hills, and camped at Hepburn’s Station. On the 16th we journeyed east along the Maiden Hills and camped at Captain Mc Lachlan’s, on a branch of the Loddon River. Next day we patrolled through Mollison’s ranges, then crossed the Coliban River and arrived at Mitchell’s station, where I found the Chief Commissioner. That evening I made up my journal and handed it to him, and explained the nature of the Mallee country, and the trouble we had experienced in some parts in making headway through the scrub. Next morning, the 18th, the Commissioner, myself and the troops marched to Gisborne and on the following day arrived in Melbourne. On the 20th my report was laid before the Governor who was very pleased and said I was the best bushman in the service. The lower Avoca and the south border of the Mallee country was taken up by squatters as soon as it was made known that I had travelled through the Mallee from the Murray River to the Grampians. The undernamed are officers who served in the Government from June 1839 to June 1846. Governor Latrobe, Captain Lonsdale, Captain Powlett, Captain Fyans, Captain Smythe, Captain Danna, Captain Tyers, Surveyor- General Hoddle, Surveyor Russell, Surveyor Captain Buckley and Surveyor Smythe ( a native of Sydney, 6 ft 4 inches tall). All the gentlemen have passed away, while I am living and have the honour of being a government servant.
February 1842 -Retrieving Mr. Clarke’s sheep
In the latter end of February 1842, I was on patrol with the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands and Captain Danna in charge of 4 border police and 2 native police. We were camping at De ‘Cameron’s station on the Wimmera River when news came to us that the blacks had robbed Mr. Clarke’s Lower Plains station of all the rations and had driven away 3000 of the sheep. They had not killed any of the men. We struck camp and went down the Wimmera to Mr. Clarke’s station, where we camped for the night. Next morning we went down to the Lower Plains station, from which the sheep had been driven away. The black trackers soon found the track (end of Page 7) of the sheep. We then packed up rations and blankets and with a pack horse and saddle started on the tracks of the sheep continuing on the track for 4 days. On the evening of the fourth day, we came in sight of the black’s fire. We retired to a creek nearby and set the trackers to watch and inform us if there were any signs of the blacks having observed us. Having satisfied ourselves that they had not done so we made preparation and camped for the night on some low ground by the creek. Next morning at dawn we advanced in silence, and when we came to within a short distance of their camp, we formed into a semi-circle and made a charge. There were 14 blacks, 4 Lubras and some picaninnies. As soon as we charged, the blacks manned their spears and fought desperately for half an hour. My horse was speared in the right nostril and Captain Danna was slightly wounded in the right arm. I was speared in the left leg. I believe but for the holster of my saddle the spear would have entered my body. In the midst of the fight I saw Mr. Powlett, the Chief commissioner, in great danger of being speared by a black who was rushing upon him with a large, jagged spear, stopped and his hand drawn back in the act of throwing. It was the work of a moment. I levelled my rifle and shot the man dead, for which Mr. Powlett and Captain Danna were profuse with their expressions of praise and thankfulness to me. As we afterwards discovered, the man I had killed was the chief of the Wimmera tribe. During the fight 3 other blacks were killed. The noise of our shouting and the reports of our rifles caused the sheep to scatter in all directions, and we had considerable trouble in rounding them up. We, however, accomplished the task and drove them to the station, where we were met by Mr. Clarke, who had arrived from Melbourne while we were away. Having been put in a sheep fold, the animals were counted when it was discovered that only twenty missing. At some of the places where the blacks had camped, we found some of the fore quarters with some with the skin on. It was therefore evident that the blacks had only eaten the hind quarters. Mr. Clark offered to reward us for the recovery of the sheep, but the Chief Commissioner would not allow it. (end of Page 8).
For my conduct in saving his life Mr. Powlett recommended me to the Governor, who recognized my valuable service by raising my pay 2p per day.
June 1842 to June 1843 – on Patrol
In June of the same year I was ordered out with two troopers to patrol the Lower Goulburn, the Lower Campaspe, The Gunbower, Lower Loddon, and Lower Murray. We patrolled this part of the country until September, when I received orders to proceed to the Pyrenees. I started from Lake Bail-Bail, made southwards and a little west, and came out at Mt Whipprop, thence to Donald and Hamiliton’s station. I made this our headquarters. The blacks here were very troublesome. In November 1842, I received orders to proceed to the Wannon district. I patrolled this country and on to the head of the Glenelg to Mr. Robinson’s station. At this station a shepherd had been lost for 8 days. We with some of the station hands went out in the morning after our arrival and scoured the bush. About 10 am we succeeded in finding the man at a water hole, not more than 3 ½ miles from the had station. We had to send to the station for a horse and cart, as the shepherd was in a weak state, and could not travel any other way. If we had not found him, I believe he would have died that night. When we brought him to the station, Mr. Robinson provided every comfort for him and gave him wine and oatmeal to strengthen him. After a couple of days rest, we patrolled the grange from the grange to Neil Black’s , from Neil Black’s to Manifold’s Lake, then by Mount Gellibrand, the River Lee, the You-Yangs, The River Axe, and Salt Water River. A report from my diary and full particulars of our patrol duty, was given to the Chief Commissioner, and then to the Governor. He congratulated me on being the best bushman in the Country. In January 1843 I was ordered to again proceed to the Lower Loddon to Curlewis’ and Campbells Station. The blacks had killed a shepherd between the Loddon River and Reedy Lake. On arrival at the station Mr. Kerr, the superintendent informed me there was no person on the station who could identify the blacks. The man’s body was not found for 3 days after being missed, when it was discovered in a shallow lake with 5 spears in it, the face being downwards. The following day the Overseer, with 2 stock men accompanied me and my troopers (end of Page 9) scoured the country on the Lower Loddon and on the south side of the Murray River, near Swan Hill we came on a company of blacks and charging them drove them across the Murray. We then returned to the station. The next morning, we crossed the Loddon and I made one-arm Cooper’s station my headquarters. We kept on a constant patrol form the East Loddon to the Gunbower Mr. Rowan’s station. Mr Archibald Campbell’s station and down as far as the junction of the Murrumbidgee, and in June I was ordered back to Melbourne. The 2 troopers went into quarters, and I did orderly duty to the Governor and the chief Commissioner of Crown Lands at Batman’s hill.
September 1843 – Arresting a man for a murder near Buninyong
In September 1843 news came to Melbourne that a man named Simpson had been murdered near Buninyong by a man named Wain who had burned the body in a hollow log. I was at once ordered to repair to the scene of the atrocity and at Buninyong all necessary information together with a description of the murderer, and also a horse he had stolen after committing the deed. Next morning Trooper King arrived from Geelong (Corio) . We started in pursuit having good descriptions of the man and the horse, the latter which was a black mare. We travelled through the Pyrenees and up Mr. Clark’s station we received information that a man with a black horse had camped at the station but had gone down the Wimmera 3 days ahead of us. We pushed on to the Four Posts now Glenorchy and camped for the night. Here we got further information and making an early start the next morning we travelled as far as Major Firebrace’s outstation. There we saw a black horse in hobble answering our description. We were disguised and carried pistols in our belts, which were concealed under a loose guernsey or shirt. We rode up to a hut, wherein was a man, we asked for shelter for the night. The hut keeper told us that he had only one spare bed and that was engaged by a traveller who was on his way to Adelaide and that he was just then having a nap. I saw a double-barrelled gun with caps on the nipples. I took it down and removed the caps. The hutkeeper asked me why I did so, and I told him we wanted the man in the adjoining compartment as he was a murderer. Then requesting the man to open the bedroom door, which he did, I entered the room (end of Page 10), revolver in hand and accused Wain of the murder of Simpson cautioning him not to attempt to rise on peril of immediate death. Trooper King then followed me into the room and in a moment or two had the prisoner handcuffed. We found some of the murdered man’s clothing in Wain’s swag. He acknowledged his guilt. Next morning we started for Melbourne with our prisoner. En route we called at Buninyong where Wain was identified by Mrs. Jamieson, landlady of the hotel where Simpson and the prisoner had been drinking together. Wain was brought to Melbourne, committed, tried and found guilty of wilful murder and subsequently paid the penalty of his crime by being hanged.
November 1843 – catching an arsonist
In November 1843 news came to the Governor that a man had made his escape from the jail at Adelaide. He had been convicted of Arson. From private information received it appeared the man had engaged as hut keeper at Mr Allan’s station in the Pyrenees. The station was known as Allenvale. I was ordered to proceed there and capture the man. I started on my journey via Mt. Macedon and the Maiden Hills, on the evening of the third day I arrived at the head station, saw Mr. Allen, and informed him of my mission, giving him a description of the man I was in quest of. I was in disguise. Mr. Allen said he believed the man was at a station on the 9-mile creek. At the time a doctor was stopping at Mr. Allen’s station. Mr Allen informed me that the man suspected had a double-barrelled gun for shooting ducks. I then concocted a plan for capturing the man. I told Mr. Allen I would go round to the Wimmera, and it would appear as if I had been travelling from Mr. Clarke’s station to Allenvale, calling at the outstation, which was on the way. I carried out this plan. I rode up to the out station, at full speed, saw the man, telling him I was in a hurry and on my way to the station for the doctor. “I wish” said I “ you would be kind enough to get a bucket of water for my horse as I have 9 miles further to go, and my horse is quite jaded.” He proceeded to comply with my request. Taking the bucket, he hastened off to the creek. At the same time, I dismounted, slipped into the hut, took the caps off the gun, and waited at the door of the hut for his return. (end of Page 11) when he got within a few yards of the hut I drew my revolver and covering him with it, told him I had come to arrest him and dared him to move, or I should shoot him. I saw that he was very frightened. Throwing the handcuffs on the ground before him, I commanded him to pick them up and put them on, keeping him still under the cover of my revolver. The man put the handcuffs on. I then fastened the hut door and made a start for the head station. I had not gone far when I met Mr. Allen and the doctor, both of whom had been watching my movements from a distance. Mr. Allen asked me if it was my intention to march the prisoner to Melbourne single handed to which I replied I had no alternative except that the squatters were kind enough to lend a cart from one station to another. Mr. Allen proffered the use of a horse and cart and a man as far as Mr. Clark’s station on the Wimmera. I thanked him, and the doctor rode off, and sent a man with a horse and cart to meet me at the junction where the road turned to Mr. Clarke’s station, which I reached a little before sundown. I camped there for the night. Mr. Clarke’s overseer lent me similar assistance to that given by Mr. Allen to De Cameron’s station. De Cameron lent me a horse cart and driver to go as far as Parson Irwin’s station, and Mr. Irwin ditto to go as far as Mr. Hepburn’s station on the Maiden Hills. From their station the prisoner had to walk until we came to Sir W.I.H. Mitchell’s station on the Coliban River, where I obtained a conveyance to go to Melbourne, which we reached in the evening of the eighth day. The prisoner was lodged in Western lock up, where he remained until an opportunity offered to send him round to Adelaide. For the success achieved in this case, I received great praise form the Adelaide Government and also from Sir Charles Joseph Latrobe and the press.
January 1844 Beveridge Murder and capture of murderers – a cunning plan, an attack repulsed and a rescue
In January 1844 the blacks on the Lower Murray were reported to have murdered a Mr. Beveridge, a squatter about 25 miles below the junction of the Murrumbidgee River. Mr. Beveridge was engaged unpacking some cases outside the house when he was speared right through (end of Page 12). A man named Thos. Riley was in the house at the time and seeing his master thus murdered by the blacks he crawled under a sofa, which had a valance in front, and thus escaped being seen by the blacks who plundered and robbed the station of all rations and blankets. When night came on Riley cleared out and went as fast as he could to Mr. George Coghill’s cattle station, 12 miles up the Murray, where he stopped for the night. Next morning he was provided with a horse, and started for Melbourne, calling at Beveridge to give the bad news to old Mr. and Mrs. Beveridge concerning the murder of their son by the blacks. Riley then proceeded to Melbourne and gave information to the Governor.
I was ordered to repair with two troopers and the man Riley to the Lower Murray, and there apprehend the blacks, if possible, Riley stating he was able to identify those who had committed the murder. Next morning we proceeded by way of Mt. Macedon, Mt. Alexander, Buller’s Creek and the Serpentine Creek; down the Lower Loddon; there we crossed the river and went to Reedy Lake Station where we camped to formulate a plan how to capture the blacks. We camped for 2 days at the Reedy Lake station. In the meantime, I had sent two stockmen down to Mr. George Coghill’s station to ascertain if possible, from a civilized aboriginal the whereabouts of the blacks. On the third morning we started on our journey and met the two stockmen at Swan Hill in their return. They informed me that so far as they had learned the blacks were camping on the north side of the Murrumbidgee River. We continued our journey intending to pass the junction after dark, which we did, and reached Mr. Coghill’s cattle station about eleven o’clock that night. Mr. Bryly, the overseer, was pleased to see me. Our horses were put into a paddock, and we camped for the night, having put all our swords and equipment away, so as not to be seen by the blacks on the station. In the morning after breakfast, I concocted a plan to capture the blacks. (end of Page 13) I would not allow the man Riley to be seen by any of the aboriginals. I then advised the overseer to send the civilized blackfellow to the junction of the two rivers, and inform the blacks camped there that there were two gentlemen at the station who wanted some blackfellows to strip bark and peel saplings to build a house or two and also to tell them that they would get new tomahawks. They were to bring their lubras and picaninnies with them, and they would get as much to eat as they could, and they were to be at the station next morning as early as they could. The blackfellow returned and said the two tribes would be down next morning.
I asked the overseer if he had much flour and sugar, and he told me he had a ton of flour and 6 bags of sugar. I then made known my plans to him, and we had a tree felled, cut about 12 feet of the end and adzed out 12 feet, making a large trough. I brought one bag of flour and a bag of sugar next morning. I began with a large boiler, and mixed flour and sugar together, and boiled it. About 10 o’clock some lubras and picaninnies made their appearance. I instructed one of my men who was disguised, to take a bucket full of flour and sugar and put it into the trough. He did so and placed the lubras and picaninnies by the tough and they began to eat. It was very nice. I called it “Bubble, Bubble” and they could see it bubbling up in the pot. One of the lubras went away and in about 10 minutes about twenty blacks came, and I sat them down, five at a time, and gave them as much as they could eat.
I had Riley inside peeping through a hole in the slabs so that he could recognise the murderers when they came. I set two men to work making hangman’s knots, on the three short pieces of rope. I also arranged that the overseer, one of the troopers and myself were to catch the three blacks identified by Riley (end of Page 14) by throwing slip nooses over their heads when I got the three aboriginals sitting down at the trough feeding away at the “bubble, bubble”. I showed them the tomahawks they were to have and explained that the short pieces of rope were to tie up the small saplings in bundles. We decided between the three of us, that I would count three and at the word “three” the ropes were to be passed over the blackfellow’s heads and drawn tight so as to nearly choke them. I had also arranged that four men who were concealed in the hut with instructions to listen for the signal, should then rush out with drawn swords and revolvers and fire the others off and at the same time shout as loud as they could. I only allowed as many blacks in the yard as could be accommodated at the trough; the others were outside the fence. It was some time before I could give the signal agreed upon. I had to watch for the three fellows to put down their spoons together. At last, they did so, and the ropes went over their heads. At the same time the men rushed out of the huts discharging their firearms and the blacks outside the yard and the lubras and picaninnies screamed and ran down the Murray and swam across. In five minutes, there was not one of them to be seen. Riley made his appearance to the prisoners, and they knew him at once and he them. I had the prisoners handcuffed to a bullock chain and fastened to under the ground sleepers of the hut. Now I had them safe, the difficulty arose how to get them away. It was by this time 11 o’clock. I called for a volunteer to go to Reedy Lake Station for reinforcements, and a young man named Kirby a relation of Beveridge’s instantly jumped on a black mare and galloped off at the rate of about 20 miles an hour. It was 35 miles to where he had to go. He secures four volunteers and a fresh horse and was back at 10 pm. (end of Page 15) We were on watch at the time. After sending the messenger for reinforcements I asked the overseer to send the civilized black and ascertain the movements of the blacks. He returned in about 2 hours and stating that the blacks were signalling by fire for the Murrumbidgee Tribe to come down, and the two tribes were to attack at daylight and kill every one of us. I then consulted with the overseer respecting ammunition. He said he had plenty of powder and shot and produced 4 cannisters of the former and about 28 lbs of the latter. I and the two troopers had ten rounds of cartridges each. I then matched my bullet moulds with the firearms of the place, and happily found they were large enough. Then getting an old iron pot, I melted the shot and made bullets; with them and the powder made cartridges until we had about 20 rounds each. I gave each man his share and when the four men from Reedy Lake arrived, they were also supplied. I then told off the watch, barricaded the hut, and watched until daylight. One of the troopers felt drowsy, and he opened the door to get some water to douche over his face. There happened to be some in the bush basin at the door. Daylight was just peeping through and the moment the door opened there came a yell from the blacks and they rushed from the scrub close by in scores, jumped on to the hut, chopped the green hides that held the riders, and began to get down the chimney. I cautioned the men to be steady, and make sure of their mark before firing. Young Beveridge was at the chimney, and down rolled an aboriginal into the fire, while another one hung by his legs from the top of the chimney. Our man was firing through the roof in all directions, and by this time it was getting light. I saw a powerfully built black man with his spear shipped for throwing …………. enable young Kirby to shoot him I had to hold it very firmly. Kirby fired, resting his gun on my shoulder, through an aperture about an inch and a half wide. The shot took effect for the big fellow fell down dead. As he did so a terrible yell was uttered by the whole tribe and they scrambled off the hut to the ground and ran as fast as they could down to the River Murray, jumped into the river and swam across. This big fellow, it appears, was the chief of the Murrumbidgee tribe. I then ordered all our men out to search the scrub in the hope of finding some of the wounded blacks. We noticed blood on the sandbanks where the blacks had run down to the river; but that is all. On our return to the hut, we saw the horses galloping away with spears sticking into them. Some of the blacks who had run away from the hut had speared the horses in the swamp. Two of the police horses were missing- my horse as well as Trooper Dollards’s was dead. I forgot to mention that Mr. French, one of the volunteers from Reedy Lake, met with a mishap in the hut. When so many of us were firing at the same time. He, in the excitement, thought his pistol had gone off. He had recapped it, and while loading it went off, the ramrod passing through his hand. The overseer and I paid all attention to the wounded man, who suffered great pain. We washed the wound in warm water and bound the hand up in clean calico and oil, and then we arranged to start with the three prisoners and one wounded man. I obtained a spring cart from the overseer of the station took the prisoners out of the hut; had two holes cut in the bottom of the cart. Passed the chain through and under the axle, and up again; handcuffed the prisoners and prepared for a start, four going in advance, the driver, myself and four others forming the guard ( end of Page 17) We started at a pretty good trot, and when nearing the junction of the two rivers, we saw a number of blacks in canoes making towards the bank of the Murray river. Calling on the advanced guard to halt, I waited until the blacks got within range and then gave the order to fire. We fired and they got nine bullets. Out of their canoes they tumbled, diving like porpoises, and when they rose again, we fired another volley at them. There were also a few blacks on the north side of the river, but they took to their heels and bolted out of sight. We resumed our march, and soon got out to open country, and reached Reedy Lake station a little after sundown. Here the wounded man got well attended to, and all the party got a good night’s rest excepting the guard who watched the prisoners.
Next morning we made another start, taking fresh horses. This day we travelled 40 miles and reached Donald Campbell’s, but on the road when about 30 miles of plains had been travelled without reaching water, I called a halt to refresh ourselves at the creek. I loosened the chains from the cart and sent the prisoners with one trooper down to the water. The banks were very steep and on going down myself my sword sheath tilted, and my sword fell out and slid down the banks quicker than I could go. One of the blacks, before I could recover myself from rushing after my sword, struck me a fearful blow on the head; but at the same moment the trooper struck the blackfellow with the butt end of his gun on the head, and the blow, knocking him down, he rolled into the water dragging the other prisoners with him. We had some trouble getting them out and making a fresh start. The fellow that struck me I chained behind the cart and made him walk the rest of the way to Campbell’s, about ten miles. (end of Page 18) Next day we travelled to Sir William Mitchell’s on the Collumbine river. At this place I found the Chief Commissioner and reported to him my successful efforts to capture the murderers. We camped at Sir William’s station for the night and next day journeyed to Gisborne, and on the following day arrived at Melbourne and lodged the prisoners in the Western lockup. Next day they were committed for trial, and in a week two of them were tried and found guilty and subsequently hanged. The third was not executed but kept in goal until the others were hanged. He saw them hanged and was then set at liberty to go back and tell the tribes what he had seen. For this capture I was greatly praised by the country and the press.
I forgot to mention that I escorted Sir John and Lady Franklin through Victoria, taking one trooper to drive the van. We started from Melbourne and proceeded via Gisborne, Mount Macedon, Jim Crow Hills, Mount Greenock, and the Maiden Hills. We camped at Hepburn’s station. Lady Franklin zig-zagged Mount Hepburn and took sketches of various scenes in the landscape during the two days we remained there. We then continued our travels south to Lake Learmouth thence to Lake Colac; thence by Mount Gellibrand, the Lee River, into Corio district, thence via the Little River, the Axe, and into Melbourne. Sir John Franklin and Governor Latrobe complimented me as a bushman, and said I was the best in the colony, and I don’t think a man can be found in either of the colonies who has done so much for the settlement of a country or who has so repeatedly risked his life in trying to make this a home for hundreds of thousands of people. I was twice wounded during my experiences of service under Government. I claim to be the first white man who ever discovered coal on the surface at Cape Patterson. (end of Page 19) and brought specimens into Melbourne and gave them to Governor Latrobe at Batman’s Hill in the year 1839.
I also forgot to mention that the Sydney Government, on my recommendation, presented Mr. French, the man who lost his hand in defending the prisoners captured for the murder of Mr. Beveridge, with the sum of Pounds 500 (maybe 50).At that affair I lost my horse, a valuable animal, and was twice wounded and got nothing.
At the end of 1846 the Border Police was disbanded and the native police force reduced in number, there being only a few retained as trackers. My chief officer, Mr. F. A. Powlett, retired from the service, and went home to England; I resigned and left the Government service.
In 1853 I joined the first volunteer artillery corps established here under the captaincy of Mr. Rodan Green. I drilled some of the first cadets at Essendon. In the service I remained until 1862, when I entered the public works department as overseer in the construction of bridges on the Yarra track, under Mr. Clement Wilks, chief engineer. I continued in the Public Works department until 1866, when, in consequence of the deadlock during the regime of the Mc Culloch administration, I retired. In 1869 I entered the service of O’ Grady, Layett and Noonan, as overseer on the North Eastern railway. And in 1871 I re-entered the Public Works Department under Mr. George Burnley, chief inspector of the department at Williamstown, and I remained at this until 1873, when I was appointed one of the first foresters, and took charge of the Victoria State Forest on the 1st of October 1873 having held this appointment until the present.
Signed W.H. Johnson (end of document)