s of the
crown were freely given to persons, of whatever class, who exemplified
courage and humanity. Mr. Anstey, a young gentleman of the interior, was
rewarded with five hundred acres. He had surprised and taken several,
and the skill of his arrangements prevented the effusion of blood. In a
few instances, the natives voluntarily surrendered. Mr. Charles Headlam
saw two approaching, holding up their hands--thus indicating the absence
of their spears: he was standing on the threshold when he remarked the
signal, and immediately lowered his gun. These unfortunate beings were
admitted into the house, and supplied with food; and finally conducted
to a place of safety.

These feelings were occasionally damped by acts of atrocity, committed
by the blacks. It is not to be supposed, however, that provocation
ceased, or that the impulse given by four years conflict, could be
simultaneously paralysed. The tribes frequenting the Tamar and the
Forth, were represented as becoming increasingly mischievous. The fate
of Mrs. M'Alister was deeply affecting: when wounded, she ran bleeding
from her dwelling: her servants carried off the children to a place of
safety. The unhappy mother concealed herself, for a time, in a field of
corn: unable longer to suppress her anxiety, she rushed from her hiding
place, crying out for her children. She was seen by the blacks, and
slain! The relater of this catastrophe concludes--"Let the sentence of
extermination in their hearts, be firmly sent forth on our parts." If we
shudder at such sentiments, they scarcely awaken surprise, when closing
a narrative like this.

The murder of Captain Thomas and Mr. Parker, by the Big River tribe,
renewed the exasperation. His servants, who had landed some provisions,
gave a small portion to the natives. He was told by three of the blacks,
that many were in the woods, and he resolved to follow them. Parker, who
accompanied him, advised him to take his gun. As they were walking, a
native snatched it away: they became alarmed and ran, and were pierced
with spears. This case seemed to indicate a hopeless spirit of innate
malice: Captain Thomas was known to be humane, and his object was to
conciliate. The natives had, however, experienced great cruelties from
the servants and others. A coroner's jury brought in a verdict of wilful
murder: those charged were arrested, and committed to gaol; afterwards,
they were removed to Flinders. As the vessel rounded the coast, th