Читать книгу The Genesis of Queensland. - Henry Stuart Russell. - Страница 5

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Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong;

Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat;

Nor strong tower, nor walls of beaten brass,

Nor airless dungeons, nor strong links of iron,

Can be retentive to the strength of spirit.—

Shakespeare. (Julius Caesar.)

The year 1825 brought forth the triumphant cry, "Freedom of the Press." Hitherto there had been a mild censorship exercised by the Colonial Secretary; such surveillance was abolished and the papers of the day were jubilant. And good reason there was for gladness over the harvest of the past year: the new Charter of Justice: the formation of a Legislative Council: trial by jury: the liberty of the press: a quadruple alliance beginning to equip itself for an onward march. The sinews of war were beginning to stiffen in the young life: capital was turned towards us substantially: the Australian Agricultural Company was girding itself for the work of development: a new era was dawning. The Gazette affirmed that "Posterity will do every justice to the year that is gone."

On the 17th of March the vessel first mentioned as having been sent to Moreton Bay for the sole purpose of supplying it, returned in a leaky condition. Her name was the "Nancy". In the following May we have the Rev. Thomas Hobbes Scott on the scene, by the ship "Hercules", as our first Archdeacon, and holding his primary visitations in the Church of St. James on the 9th of June.

In the train of our civil enlargement follows the inevitable harlequin, Agitation.

The unwonted summons, the novel scene of empanelling a jury for the first time, on the 12th of last February, to dispose of a case (such cases having hitherto been disposed of in a very summary manner), such as that of "The King v. Robert Cooper", our great Australian distiller, in whose favour a verdict was recorded, may have been sensational enough to cause further fermentation. In August began the exciting claim for representative government: the question grew warmer as it proceeded through September into October. The Gazette shot out its leading articles with plenty of powder, and Governor Brisbane had publicly avowed that the time was come when such rights should be bestowed. Van Dieman's Land also now came to the front: was declared independent on the 8th December. Lieut.-General Ralph Darling was sworn in as its first Governor, who then resigned the reins into the hands of Lieut.-Governor Arthur.

But Moreton Bay had not been lost sight of in the turmoil of Sydney emotions. Major Lockyer, of the 57th Regiment (whose name, in the early days of Darling Downs, was a terror to the bullock drivers, in its adoption by the creek which stopped their way on the old road to Brisbane), had started off—for his shooting, maybe—on the 1st of September, by that constantly requisitioned craft, the cutter "Mermaid", in company with one of our pilots. Gray, to explore the river Brisbane to its source. Lockyer's journal, attached to these memoranda, can best speak for itself. His conclusions are interesting. One extract will amuse nowadays: "I think it very probable that the large swamp into which the river at Bathurst loses itself, occasionally overflows, and is the cause of the tremendous floods that at times take place in the Brisbane River." The first payment made for the new settlement at Moreton Bay by the Colonial Fund startles inquiry: "Paid, Oct. 6. 1825, P. Quigley for 48 razors, at 1s. 2½d. each, 11 Spanish dollars 60 cents"! The establishment does not appear to have been guilty of extravagance.

The monotonous routine of duty at the outlying penal settlements, at the beginning of the year 1826, had drawn attention to its evil influence upon the military detachments so stationed; for on the 2nd of January a general order was issued which betrayed some cause of fear as to the result of the distasteful duty of watching and guarding prisoners. There existed, indeed, an apprehension lest soldiers so isolated, and cut off from so much of social relaxation, should become inoculated with the virus of the atmosphere which they breathed, in functions exacted by such unmilitary demand for loyal service. (See Appendix.)

More stringent regulations were established also with respect to the Government vessels passing to and from the different settlements, as shown by the Government Order (appended) of February 13th, while another of the 21st instructed commandants "at the several stations and settlements, to keep a journal" of all proceedings of a public character. In March our old friend the "Amity" was busied in the conveyance of the relief company of the 40th regiment, under Captain Bishop, by one of the 57th, and another batch of fourteen prisoners, and in the same month the name of a young Australian, one since so much esteemed in the annals of Queensland, and not long since snatched from her public life, will lighten up our recollections of Maurice Charles O'Connell, the eldest son of Colonel O'Connell of the 73rd regiment, by his being gazetted as ensign in the same regiment, in his 15th year. His mother was the relict of Captain Patland, R.N., and daughter of our late Governor Bligh.

Five and twenty years after the establishment of New South Wales, a road had been found through the hitherto impenetrable barrier of the Blue Mountains—the dividing range. It was afterwards pierced by two other routes preferable to the first, and the western country began to be a sensational subject of conversation and inquiry this year. Bathurst and Liverpool Plains; the rivers Castlereagh and Peel opened large views of a probable future and profitable venture. Strange that the hankering after the eastern discharge for the whole water system thus being developed existed among our folks then, and continued to do so, until a precise knowledge of the sources of the river Brisbane so many years afterwards. There was the relic of the same adhesion to our sea-board, in the dragging away even of the Condamine to Wide Bay. There was evident hope in the moot question of this year—"Where do these streams go?" for again and again we were promised that if "these waters should unite in the Brisbane river recently discovered to fall into Moreton Bay, Liverpool Plains and the country through which all these streams hold their course will become of the utmost importance to the wealth and prosperity of the colony."

Notwithstanding Governor Brisbane's wish to withdraw the "banpenal", from Port Macquarie settlement three years ago, Governor Darling proclaimed it, with Moreton Bay and Norfolk Island, as a place to which offenders convicted in New South Wales "shall be sent", in August this year. (Appendix.)

The record that the "country was indebted" to a black native for what was "ranked amongst the most valuable of our late colonial discoveries," in the laying open to our view and use the fertile banks of the Macleay recently, was somewhat in contrast this year with the crimes imputed to those whose hunting-grounds we had usurped. In October, Captain Logan, commandant at Brisbane, had distinguished himself by adding another stream—to which he had given the name of "Darling"—to our coast waters in the southern nook of Moreton Bay; a name, however, which has been in this case superseded by that of "Logan". To our commandants, at least, if in any way within the scope of their inclinations or energies, the interesting work of exploration must have presented an agreeable distraction from the monotony of life, whatever may have been the effects of such seclusion upon their subordinates on these outposts. Captain Logan was pre-eminent in pursuits which came to an unhappy end only with his career in the public service. On this, the third of his efforts in that district, he set forth in a boat, and came to the mouth of the stream in question about fifty miles south of that of the Brisbane, and ascended it until stopped by trees lying across the channel. It was described as "infinitely superior in point of soil and water to that of the Brisbane"—in these days we may think such comparisons "odious". Its "situation is immediately under Mt. Warning," and the conclusion was justified in Sydney that we need not "yet despair of some inlet into the interior being found out that will solve the mysteries of these Australian water-sheds," when the matter was reported.

Hitherto, Stradbroke Island had been looked upon as part of the mainland, for we were suddenly told "that a passage for small vessels had been discovered between Mount (Point?) Danger and Amity Point which will in future prevent the necessity of rounding Amity Point, since the latter now proves only to be an island." *

[* Evidently in allusion to the "boat passage" between the southernmost end of Stradbroke Island and the mainland.]

The closing of the year 1826 was marked by the arrival of the first seventy-four that ever entered an Australian port, on the 19th of October: that of H.M.S. "Warspite", commanded by Sir James Brisbane, C.B., accompanied by Lady Brisbane and the two Misses Brisbane on their way from Trincomalee to South America. The mention of this occurrence cannot be impertinent to any group of events, in which interest in the name of Brisbane is prominent, especially when intensified by the following coincident announcement.

"Colonial Secretary's Office,

"December 19th, 1826.

"His Excellency the Governor announces with feelings of unfeigned regret the death of Commodore Sir James Brisbane, which took place this morning at ten o'clock.

"This event, which has deprived his country of a most distinguished officer, and the Service and Society in which he lived of an example deserving of imitation, will be deeply and sincerely lamented.

"His health had suffered from his exertions in conducting the Naval operations at Rangoon. When he arrived here his constitution was evidently in a state of great exhaustion, and he continued to decline until the moment of his final dissolution.

The name of Sir James Brisbane will be associated with an event which forms an interesting epoch in the annals of this colony: the arrival of the first line of battle ship in the harbour of Port Jackson, and will be handed down with it as a record to posterity.

"His Excellency has been pleased to order that arrangements be immediately made for the funeral, which is to take place to-morrow afternoon, at five o'clock.

"By His Excellency's command,

"Alexander McLeay."

In the procession were two hundred men of the Royal Marines, the 3rd Regiment of Foot, accompanied by the band of the 3rd and 57th Regiments. The Governor and Lieutenant Brisbane were chief mourners.

The dilemma as to the water-shed—say to the eastward of the meridian 135°—necessarily perplexing at that time, must be still interesting. At the end of this year it was thought by some that the river lately discovered by Captain Logan, fifty miles to the "southward of Moreton Bay," and immediately "under Mount Warning" designated the "Darling", was the same as that of which the late Mr. Uniacke speaks in Field's compiled work on this colony. Uniacke accompanied Oxley in a tour to Moreton Bay, and "it appears," said one report, "they fell in with a bay or river to the south of Moreton Bay, to which the name of 'Tweed' was given, but we cannot bring ourselves to believe that the 'Tweed' and the 'Darling' are one and the same, since Mr. Oxley would never have omitted to mention so pre-eminently valuable a discovery: for Mr. Uniacke does not pretend to give anything like the account that Captain Logan has furnished, neither is it advanced that they penetrated one hundred miles to discover the source of the 'Tweed'. We think that the 'Tweed' must either be a branch of the Darling River, or that the latter is entirely distinct from the 'Tweed', and consequently a new discovery. We hope, however, that the present Government will not be long before they cause the solution of this mystery; though, with our present information we are satisfied that Mr. Oxley never encountered the new river."

The new year—1827—began with the sound intent to advance! On its first day the first weekly came out as the first daily newspaper in these colonies: still, however, as the Sydney Gazette.

Information had reached the Government lately that laxity of discipline had crept into the organization of the penal status of the country, which portended evil, perhaps alarming consequences. A "Government Order" [in Appendix], dated March 16th, is worth considering.

June introduced Captain Logan again, not as a boating man but as a pedestrian: it seems unjust and improper to omit any portion of his own handwriting; his sad fate consecrates his work. The following extract from his letter, addressed to the Colonial Secretary, Alexander McLeay, was dated July 25, 1827:

"I proceeded up the Brisbane on the 7th of June—as will appear by my journal—with the view of heading the river lately discovered;" [named by him 'Darling', now known as the 'Logan',] "reaching Mount Warning, and from thence taking the most direct route to the Tweed. However, I found it impossible, notwithstanding every exertion, to get through the thick scrubs which cover the mountain in that direction. I was, in consequence, obliged to return to the settlement without accomplishing the object of my journey. However, I have much satisfaction in reporting that the country through which I travelled exceeded my most sanguine expectations and is everywhere exceedingly well watered; and I have no doubt, whenever it may suit the views of Government to open it for settlers, it will be found the most desirable district for that purpose hitherto found in the colony. After the sailing of the 'Wellington', I will take an opportunity of proceeding to the spot from whence I saw what I supposed to be the Tweed, and from thence endeavour to make a direct route. The distance did not seem to me to exceed fifty miles."

Captain Logan's journal:

"June 7. Left the settlement at four o'clock in the morning: proceeded up the Brisbane, and arrived at the Limestone Hills on the left branch at ten o'clock at night: distance fifty-seven miles.

"June 8. Sent the boat back to the settlement and proceeded overland: directed my course S.S.W. in the direction of Mount Dumaresq: the country very fine: black vegetable mould on a limestone bottom: the timber consisted of eucalyptus, viz., ironbark, blue gum, box, apple-tree, and a variety I have not hitherto seen. Men being very much fatigued halted for the night: distance thirteen miles. Resumed at eight next morning: country superior, for eight miles, to yesterday's: shot two beautiful parrots—a new species—not hitherto found in the colony: came to a large swamp, several miles in extent: skirted it for some miles and then crossed it: came again on the Brisbane" (Bremer?) "running N.E., crossed it, and proceeded up the left bank: approached Mount Dumaresq towards evening: the country now exceeded in beauty and fertility anything I had before seen: in the bed of the river I found small specimens of coal and crystal: distance twenty miles.

"June 10. Commenced this day's journey at half-past eight o'clock: crossed a beautiful plain two miles in width, and about three in length, very lightly timbered, no preparation necessary for the ploughshare: at half-past nine entered a thick scrub at the foot of Mount Dumaresq, which continues to the summit; found several turkeys, and a remarkable large pigeon upwards of three pounds weight: gained the top of the mountain at three o'clock: had a grand and extensive prospect: the Limestone Hills bore N.N.E. I had traversed the valley of the Brisbane thirty-six miles, and it appeared about the same in breadth: I may safely rely that there is in this beautiful vale at least half a million of acres excellently watered, and fit for any purpose to which it may be applied. I could likewise distinctly see the windings of the 'Logan' through an extensive and beautiful country eastward from Mount Dumaresq, and only separated from the valley I had quitted by moderately elevated ground. In descending the mountain on the southern side, had to encounter a difficult scrub which I could not clear before sunset: luckily found water in a ravine, when I stopped for the night: distance this day, twelve miles.

"June 11. Resumed my descent through the scrub at eight o'clock: after much difficulty cleared it at ten o'clock: found a branch of the Logan at the base, running northward: the river here passed through a large swampy plain well adapted to graze cattle: saw a large flock of emus, the first seen in the vicinity of Moreton Bay; the course of the river making a detour to the west, left its bank, having changed my course to south, in the direction of Mount Shadforth, and after a few miles' walk recrossed the Logan, which flowed through a large plain; the grass thereon being on fire obliged me again to cross the river; proceeded up the left bank for some miles; the mountains towering on each other on every side reminded me of a Pyrenæan valley; at four o'clock killed a large kangaroo, which was very acceptable to the men; distance twenty-five miles.

"June 12. Continued my route to the south; the river branched into several streams; we were evidently near its source; walked for some hours over a hilly country admirably adapted for grazing sheep; came to a creek at the foot of Mount Shadforth, and shot an emu on the bank: ascended the mountain, which was the most fatiguing part of the journey: it unfortunately began to rain on my reaching the summit, accompanied by a thick fog which prevented me from having so extensive a prospect as I expected. I was surrounded by mountains on all sides, but I could not get a view of Mount Warning: to continue my route to the southward would have been very difficult and would have protracted the journey beyond the time intended. I therefore determined to steer eastward, and gain the low country: descended the mountain to the eastward, and halted for the night in a natives' encampment: distance fifteen miles.

"June 13. Continued my route eastward over a very difficult and mountainous country: at length perceived Mt. Warning, direct in my course: on approaching the base found the principal branch of the Logan: the stream was so rapid I had some difficulty in passing: encamped on the right bank, and immediately commenced to ascend in hope of reaching the summit, but could only gain a peak not more than half way to the top: all attempts appeared to be hopeless at the east and north sides, and it would have detained me two days longer to have made a detour to the westward, probably with as little chance of success. I therefore returned to the encampment with the intention of proceeding on my journey in the morning: distance fourteen miles.

"June 14. Made another attempt to ascend the mountain on the north side: had a very extensive view: found Limestone Hills bore due north: recommenced my journey to the east: proceeded for some miles without much difficulty: crossed another river which washed the S.E. side of the mountain, and united with another a few miles below: crossed some beautiful valleys well watered with mountain streams: got into an extensive scrub, which prevented me making way to the east: towards evening made a detour to north to clear the scrub: and got into an open forest country before sunset: distance twenty miles.

"June 15. Started at sunrise, proceeded east: passed through a fine hilly country covered with most luxuriant grass to the top of the hills: the soil principally a black vegetable mould: this part of the country is the best I have seen either for sheep or cattle, and is most abundantly watered, each valley possessing a most beautiful rivulet: passed several considerable streams which unite with the Logan: towards evening my route eastward was completely terminated by mountains covered with pine scrubs to the summits: perceiving a stream running north, I determined to follow the course for a few miles, for the purpose of finding a more even way to cross the mountains to the sea coast: distance twenty-five miles.

"June 16. Started N.E. over a hilly country somewhat inferior to yesterday, but well adapted to pasturage: distance fifteen miles.

"June 17. Ascended a ridge of mountains: could see nothing but mountains to the eastward covered with pine scrubs: provisions were nearly exhausted and the men's shoes worn out: determined to steer northward and join the settlement: proceeded down the banks of a river through a rich tract of country: saw several kangaroos, but the dogs were so weak they could not run them down: fortunately before sunset killed one: stopped for the night: distance twenty miles.

"June 18. Continued my route: passed through a rich valley: towards midday left the valley on my right: my route now lay over some rocky ridges: the worst country I have passed through: the men greatly fatigued: distance sixteen miles.

"June 19. Continued north the first part of the day: country was very good: much improved in appearance to that traversed yesterday: towards noon it became swampy: at two o'clock arrived at the Logan, not fordable: stopped for the night: distance twenty miles.

"June 20. Made several unsuccessful attempts to cross the river: moved up the bank about eight miles.

"June 21. Proceeded up the river about two miles: crossed at a ledge of rocks: steered north for the settlement: timbered with finest oak: considerable number of swamps: distance twenty-two miles.

"June 22. Recommenced my route for Brisbane Town for a few miles through a swampy country: towards midday arrived at Cooper's Plains, and crossed Canoe Creek: reached the Brisbane opposite the settlement at four o'clock."

Following in the wake of worthy work, Palmam qui meruit ferat does the following Government Order proclaim to the public on July 16th:—

"His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to direct that the Island forming the southern boundary of the eastern channel into Moreton Bay shall lie designated the "Isle of Stradbroke" in compliment to the Honourable J.H. Rous, commanding H.M. Ship 'Rainbow'—the first ship of war which entered Moreton Bay.

"The point of land in the Isle of Stradbroke (which is intended as the site of a Public Establishment) [Quarantine] opposite to Peel's Island is named 'Dunwich': and the anchorage where the 'Rainbow' lay, 'Rainbow Reach'. The channel between the Isle of Stradbroke and Moreton Island is named 'Rous Channel'.

"2nd. The Governor has been further pleased to name the river recently discovered at Moreton Bay—immediately to the southward of the Brisbane—the 'Logan', as a record of his Excellency's approbation of the zeal which Captain Logan, the commandant of Moreton Bay, has evinced in adding to the important discovery made by Mr. Oxley, the Surveyor-General, of the river Brisbane in the year 1823.

"By His Excellency's Command, Alexander McLeay."

No violence will be done to date-disciplined thoughts in taking up awhile a publication which appeared at this time, which tells of a coast survey by Captain Philip King, commenced so far back as 1818, in that well-worn and worked cutter, the "Mermaid". The following is an outline:—

"Captain Philip King—son of the late Governor King of N.S. Wales—sailed from Port Jackson in 1818, with Mr. Cunningham, the botanist, and 'Boongaree' * the native who had accompanied Flinders. He touched at Twofold Bay and passed through Bass' Straits to King George's Sound, where he stayed some time; and thence to North-west Cape, carefully surveying and laying down the coast the whole way. He then proceeded northwards to Rowley's Shoals, Goulburn Islands, and Raffles Bay, in which he met with a Malay fleet. At Port Essington he was attacked by the natives in Knocker's Bay, where, as well as on the most of the northern coast, they were found particularly hostile and troublesome. Having inspected Van Dieman's Gulf, Melville Island, Sir George Hope's Islands, and Alligator River, he crossed to Coepang in Timor, of which there is an interesting description. The inhabitants called the New Hollanders on the opposite coast 'Maregas' from their treacherous and savage disposition towards them when fishing, for trespassing on their shores. After seven months' absence Captain King returned to Sydney with a valuable collection of plants, seeds, insects and minerals; then made a trip of two months to Van Dieman's Land, and surveyed particularly the Derwent and Macquarie Harbour. The trees at Pine Cove are described as being well adapted to nautical purposes.

[* Last chief of the Port Jackson blacks, buried at Rose Bay.]

"In May, 1819, he again sailed, accompanied by Lieutenant Oxley, in the brig 'Lady Nelson', to survey the east coast. The 'Mermaid' then proceeded northward, discovering Rodd's Bay, visiting Percy Island, and entered Endeavour river. The natives at that place had shields in the shape of crescents made of the coral tree. The river soon becomes shallow, and is fresh nine miles from the mouth; the banks are low and covered with mangroves. The track of the 'Investigator' through Torres Straits was then followed. Liverpool river on the north coast was discovered and examined. It forms a good port, and is four miles wide at the mouth, but decreasing to half a mile ten miles up. It swarms with fish, egrets, and white cockatoos. Alligators about twelve feet long are also very common. At Cape Londonderry they were again attacked by the natives, who were uniformly hostile. Touching at the Isle of Suva, the 'Mermaid' then returned to Sydney.

"The vessel was there put under water to destroy the myriads of rats and cockroaches; but the eggs of the latter were speedily hatched on re-entering the tropics. The voyage in 1820 was nearly over the former ground.

"In May, 1821, the 'Mermaid' being found unseaworthy the 'Bathurst', of 170 tons, was fitted out for a fourth voyage. Captain King sailed along the eastern and northern coasts. Several affrays occurred with the natives. At one place was found a remarkable cavern cut into regular galleries and ornamented with drawings in red ochre of various animals, clubs and plants. Prince Regent's River, on the north coast was explored. It contains a magnificent cascade, 150 feet high. Alligators and other fish were numerous, and a curious amphibious animal about nine inches long, called a mud-fish. It buries itself in an instant in the mud, and on land uses the pectoral fins as legs. At Hanover Bay, Mr. Montgomery, the surgeon, was severely wounded by the natives. The 'Bathurst' then visited the Isle of France, and returned thence to King George's Sound. The natives there are peaceable, eat raw seal flesh, and wear cloaks of kangaroo skins. On the west coast optical delusions frequently occurred, representing land and trees where none existed. The vegetation of the islands on the coast was usually very different from that of the mainland. In May, 1822, Captain King returned to Sydney and sailed for England. The botanical collection is cultivated by Mr. Alton, at Kew Gardens, and a herbarium of five hundred specimens is in the hands of Mr. Lambert, the botanist.

"Captain King is now surveying the southern coasts of America, and is to make an attempt to reach the South Pole, which from Captain Weddell's late discoveries, it is thought, may be done."

The name of Thomas de la Condamine is too familiar to a Queenslander's ear to be passed by without saluting it, as one perpetuated by the waters of Darling Downs. His appointment this year as Clerk of the Executive and Legislative Council appeared with that of Henry Grattan Douglas, as Commissioner of the Court of Requests, in a Government Order dated the 8th September.

The battle of Waterloo and all its glory had not died out yet, for on its anniversary—18th June—the "Amity" expedition to Port Essington had taken possession of a bay * adjoining that place, and called it "Wellington" under a royal salute. The British flag had been hoisted and the spot dubbed a "fort". The "Mary Elizabeth" which, laden with agricultural implements had left Sydney with the practical means of making Port Essington a tropical garden, had been seen struggling on for Torres Straits: and on Friday, October 5, in a service ever relieving, but never relieved from weariness and ennui, Lieutenant Bainbridge went to Moreton Bay to release Lieutenant Innes, who then returned to Port Macquarie; at the same time that the Rev. Charles P.N. Wilton, M.A., supplied refreshment to the studious inquirer, by his publication—of which he was also the author—of the Australian Quarterly Journal of Theology, Literature, and Science.

[* Raffles Bay.]

October brought to light a token of the strength of the ruling passion, which makes Strafford's motto, "Thorough", that of all of the British birthright who will it: it was but a scrap of paper found in a cave about seventy miles from Bathurst in the western country. So much as the following was deciphered: "In this cave the undersigned poor individual retreated, in order to examine in hermitical retirement the botanical treasures discovered by him on the 23rd April, 1817: journeying to the western coast. Allan Cunningham, H.B.M.'s Botanist. 3 o'clock p.m. Therm. Fahr. 60 deg."