disputed.

The slaughter of thirty aborigines, in 1838, at a remote station in New
Holland, instanced the cool deliberation with which they were too often
sacrificed. The deed was planned several days before, and the leisure of
the sabbath was employed for its perpetration. The seven murderers had
been all prisoners of the crown: a subscription was made for their
defence; but in spite of strong sympathy in their behalf, they were
sentenced to death, and ultimately executed. There had been no
provocation: being on horseback, they surrounded the natives, who were
reposing beside their evening fires. These ran to the hut of one of the
assassins, with whom they had lived on terms of amity. There they were
bound, and, amidst their groans, cries, and tears--men, and women with
children at the breast--they were led off to a spot selected for the
immolation. Great pains were taken to conceal the crime; but through a
fall of rain the day preceding, their tracks were visible, and birds of
prey attracted attention to the slaughter! The strongest suspicion
existed, that the murderers were the miserable agents of persons still
more guilty.]

[Footnote 15: The Aborigines' Committee observed, "that an opinion was
gaining ground in the colony, that small parties should be formed by the
settlers, for the extirpation of the blacks; an idea, which they
contemplated with horror." It was more than an opinion--it was a
terrible reality.]

[Footnote 16: _Hobart Town Courier._]

SECTION VI.

Efforts of conciliation, were made through the medium of three women,
captured by the police; and who, after being treated with kindness, were
permitted to return to their tribe, and to invite their submission. One
of these was seen in the journey, and slain, in error! After the absence
of a few weeks, the survivors prevailed on the chief, and nine other men
of the tribe, to accompany them to the residence of Mr. Batman: this
gentleman, and his family, assiduously cultivated their good will, being
one of the few who entertained a strong confidence in the power of
kindness; notwithstanding, after remaining nine days, they eloped, it is
said laden with plunder--displaying, in their progress, unmitigated
hostility. Two natives, who delivered themselves up to a shepherd, and
were lodged in the penitentiary at Launceston, after being supplied with
abundance of food and clothing, within a month effected their escape,
and were traced by their outrages.