Aborigines of Van Diemen's Land, 1830-1840 - Page 233
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[Page 233]
(both Vessels attached to the mission) and Dr McLachlan, went to the rocks to see what had become of the poor Blacks. They were found in a sate of starvation, having been five days without food. The Aborigines stated that White had put them there to keep them out of the way, so that he might enjoy their women. There does not appear to have been the slightest foundation for charging them with having formed a plan to massacre the whites on Great Island. The Blacks were all removed to the depot on the same day that McGeary went to see them.
White was removed ordered to town and Lieutenant Darling was appointed commandant of Great Island, who proved himself to be a gentleman of humanity, and in every respect well qualified for the situation to which he was appointed. White's conduct was so much more inexcusable, as he was at the time sixty six years of age.
In the same year six blacks were taken at West point, five at Mount Cameron, and four at the Surrey Hills. The whole number amounted to 236, and it was supposed that the mission had successfully closed its labours, but several depravations in 1833 and 1834 would indicate that there were some small straggling parties left. Mr G. A Robinson jun: