Aborigines of Van Diemen's Land, 1830-1840 - Page 113
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[Page 113]
The greatest act of treachery on the part of the Blacks was perpetrated on Captain Bartholomew Boyle Thomas (the brother of Jocylin Thomas Esqr Colonial Treasury), and Mr Parker his overseer who were barbarously murdered in 1831. Captain Thomas and Mr Parker had heartily entered into the scheme of the Government for conciliating the Aborigines. All the armed bands had by this time been disbanded so as not to exasperate the Blacks further by harrassing them in all directions. Captain Thomas had several interviews with the Sorell tribe, and he had every reason to believe that they were friendly inclined. He assisted them in every possible way. At length when they found a favorable opportunity, in the midst of a friendly negotiation the Blacks suddenly fell upon Captain Thomas Parker, and Mr Parker, and killed them. This out of treachery and ingratitude by the Aborigines made an unusual sensation throughout the Colony. An inquisition was held upon the bodies before Wm.Lyttleton Esqr. - Verdict given - "We find that Bartholomew Thomas and James Parker have been