In the Sydney Monitor, published on the 24th or next issue after the
occurrence, is the following paragraph: -
"The following conversation between two gentlemen took place in the
military barrack square, on Tuesday, just after the execution of the seven
murderers of the native blacks, and while General O'Connell was reviewing
the troops of the garrison.
"COUNTRY GENTLEMAN. - So I find they have hanged these men.
"TOWN GENTLEMAN. - They have."
"COUNTRY GENTLEMAN. - Ah! hem, we are going on a safer game now.
"TOWN GENTLEMAN. - Safer game! how do you mean?"
"COUNTRY GENTLEMAN. - Why, we are poisoning the blacks; which is much
better, and serve them right too!"
"We vouch for the truth of this conversation, and for the very words;
and will prove our statement, if public justice should, in our
opinion require it."
The following letter from His Honour the Superintendent of Port Philip
shews, that even in 1843, suspicions were entertained in the colony,
that this most horrible and inhuman cruelty towards the Aborigines had
lately been practised there.
"Melbourne, 17th March, 1843.
"SIR, - I have the honour to report, for his Excellency's information,
that in the month of December last, I received a letter from the Chief
Protector, enclosing a communication received from Dr. Wotton, the
gentleman in charge of the Aboriginal station at Mount Rouse, stating that
a rumour had reached him that a considerable number of Aborigines had
been poisoned at the station of Dr. Kilgour, near Port Fairy.
