The Australian Emigrant/Preface

by George Henry Haydon

PREFACE.

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One of the early writers on New South Wales, then better known as Botany Bay, relates an amusing anecdote of a certain colonist, who during a journey in a stage coach, happened to mention that he had lately returned from Sydney. His fellow passengers, who had previously been very agreeable and communicative, became on the instant taciturn, buttoned up their breeches pockets, and shunned any further intercourse with the stranger who was sufficiently hardened to admit a residence in so suspicious a locality. When I state that the substance of the following "rambling story" was gathered in the Bush of Australia, I trust my readers will not consider the example cited above worthy their imitation.

The permanent settlement of the part of New Holland with which we have more particularly to deal took place in the year 1835, when Mr. John Batman and a small Company of enterprising Colonists from Van Dieman's Land found on some of the verdant hills about Port Phillip, depasturing ground for their flocks and herds.

The unrivaled position which Australia Felix has attained, lends an almost historical interest to the names of the first settlers, which are here appended:—J. Batman, C. Swanston, J. T. Collicott, J. and W. Robertson, J. T. Gellibrand, M. Connolly, J. Sinclair, T. Bannister, A. Cottrell, H. Arthur, H. Wedge, G. Mercer, and W. G. Sams.

These pioneers endeavoured to establish a right to the land by purchase from the natives, and the following is an exact copy of the original treaty between Mr. Batman, on behalf of the first settlers, "of the one part" and the Aboriginal Native Chiefs of Port Phillip and Geelong "of the other part," for the purchase of certain territory described in the deed.

"Know all Men, that we, three brothers, Jaga Jaga, Jaga Jaga, Jaga Jaga, being the principal Chiefs, and also Cooloolook, Bungarie, Yanyan, Moowhip, and Mommarmalar, being the Chiefs of a certain tribe called Dutigallar, situate at and near Port Phillip, called by us, the above mentioned Chiefs, Iramoo and Geelong, being possessed of the tract of land hereinafter mentioned, for and in consideration of twenty pair of blankets, thirty knives, twelve tomahawks, ten looking glasses, twelve pair of scissors, fifty handkerchiefs, twelve red shirts, four flannel jackets, four suits of clothes, and fifty pounds of flour, delivered to us by John Batman, residing in Van Dieman's Land, Esquire, but at present sojourning with us and our tribe, do, for ourselves, our heirs, and successors, give, grant, enfeoff, and confirm unto the said John Batman, his heirs and assigns, all that tract of country situate and being in the bay of Port Phillip, known by the name of Indented Head, but called by us Geelong, extending across from Geelong Harbour, about due south for ten miles, more or less, to the head of Port Phillip, taking in the whole neck or tract of land, containing about one hundred thousand acres, as the same hath been before the execution of these presents delineated and marked out by us, according to the custom of our tribe, by certain marks made upon the trees growing along the boundaries of the said tract of land, with all advantages belonging thereto unto and to the use of the said John Batman, his heirs and assigns, to the meaning and intent that the said John Batman, his heirs and assigns, may occupy and possess the said tract of land, and place thereon sheep and cattle, yielding and delivering to us, and our heirs and successors, the yearly rent or tribute of fifty pair of blankets, fifty knives, fifty tomahawks, fifty pair of scissors, fifty looking glasses, twenty suits of slops or clothing, and two tons of flour. In witness whereof we, Jaga Jaga, Jaga Jaga, Jaga Jaga, the three principal chiefs, and also Cooloolook, Bungarie, Yanyan, Moowhip, and Mommarmala, the chiefs of the said tribe, have hereunto affixed our seals to these presents, and have signed the same. Dated according to the Christian Era, this sixth day of June, 1835.

" Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of us, the same having been fully and properly interpreted and explained to the said Chief.

	Jaga Jaga,	his x mark.
	Jaga Jaga,	his x mark.
	Jaga Jaga,	his x mark.
	Cooloolook,	his x mark.
John Batman.	Bungarie,	his x mark.
James Gumm.	Yanyan,	his x mark.
Wm. Todd.	Momarmallar,	his x mark.

" Be it remembered, that on the day and year within written, possession and delivery of the tract of land within mentioned was made by the within named Jaga Jaga, Jaga Jaga, Cooloolook, Bungarie, Yanyan, Momarmalar, and Moowhip, Chiefs of the tribes of natives called Dutigaller and Geelong, to the within named John Batman, by the said Chiefs taking up part of the soil and delivering the same to the said John Batman in the name of the whole.

Jaga Jaga,	his x mark.
Jaga Jaga,	his x mark.
Jaga Jaga,	his x mark.
Cooloolook,	his x mark.
Bungarie,	his x mark.
Yanyan,	his x mark.
Moowhip,	his x mark.
Momarmalar,	his x mark.

Signed in the presence of

James Gumm.
Alexander Thompson.
Wm. Todd."

It is not my intention to enter further upon the History of Port Phillip; my task is of a lighter nature. To those who may be seeking more solid information upon Australian affairs than falls within the scope of a story, a perusal of the various works of John Sidney, particularly his "Hand Book" and "Three Colonies" will completely suffice. The writings of this intelligent author evince such a practical and extensive knowledge of the subjects treated on, that if read with attention, they cannot fail to impress the reader with their worth, nor to impart just and enlightened views upon colonial matters.

Since the first portion of the following pages were in the printer's hands, unavoidable delays have occurred. The arduous duties of a public office must plead as some excuse for errors, which no doubt will be apparent to the critical reader. If I am fortunate enough to amuse some and instruct others, however slightly, my highest hopes will be realized.

London, May, 1854.