Aborigines of Van Diemen's Land, 1830-1840 - Page 178
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[Page 178]
of Oyster Bay". Mosquito killed the poor creature in the Government paddock. At the time (1821) the native tribes used to visit Hobart Town, where they were liberally supplied with Blankets, Bread, Tobacco, etc. The artful Knave Mosquito would go round the town begging bread for the Blacks, and then exchange it for Tobacco, which he again sold for rum. He was a great drunkard. Tom Birch, as he is called, joined Mosquito in 1822, was captured and transported to Macquarie harbour for his natural life for sheep stealing. He soon effected his escape and aga joined the Big River tribe, then in his restless disposition he went to join his own mob at Abyssinia. He then again joined Mosquito, but succeeded in keeping himself out of the way of the whites. At length he was taken by either Mr Batman or Mr Robertson, when he was finally attached to the Conciliatory Mission and died in May 1832 of a dysentery at Emue Bay. When "Black Jack" was sentenced by the Chief Justice to death and he said "you will send me to Macquarie Harbour, I will soon run away." On the morning of execution the Revd. Wm Bedford requested him to pray; he replied "you pray yourself, I am too b---y frightened to pray."
Sworn before me
the 16 March 1830
Ths Anstey