ii October-December 1835
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Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.1.
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MS page no: 2-282
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[note] Rec. Nov. 28/36
10
Rev. W. Watson's Diary from October 1st to December 31st 1835 Inclusive.
[1 October 1835]
Thursday Oct. 1st As we have many natives here, I endeavoured to persuade some of them to plant some Maize Corn for themselves. Some replied "that it was too dry, there would be no rain this year and consequently it would not grow." Others said "they would plant it tomorrow." Any excuse to avoid labour for the present.
[3 October 1835]
Sat. 3rd This is our third anniversary in this lonely wild. A wild it was when we entered on it, and a wild it remains. No real improvement appears in the general conduct of the natives. They are as wicked in every point of view as they were before our arrival. Several have died during the year in the Bush, of whom who can say that they have gone to heaven? We have need indeed to humble ourselves deeply before our God. While the emissaries of Satan are successful at all points, we have too much reason to take up the lamentation of the prophet, and say "I have laboured in vain, and spent my strength for nought and in vain".[8] Several times when there appeared a breaking in the clouds, and we were hoping to see light arising out of darkness, suddenly the clouds became thicker and darker and we were left to bemoan our false calculations. Again and again this has been the case with us, so that now we are afraid to hope.
[4 October 1835]
Sund 4th Poor Biddy Buckley is extremely ill suffering from Phthisis Pulmonaris[?].[9] Her wicked husband has compelled her to accompany him from station to station for the sake of procuring provisions &c with which he knew he might be well supplied at the Mission house. This he has frequently done when she was scarcely able to walk. I endeavoured to set before her, her state as a sinner and to shew her the abundant mercy of God through Jesus Christ to save her; but though she appeared to listen to these subjects she seemed not to feel their importance. She has frequently heard them before.
[5 October 1835]
Mon 5 Most of the Native have gone away, only eight are remaining. Biddy asked Mrs Watson to allow her to be in the house, to which a cordial assent was given. I give her medicine and she has such food as is suitable to her debilitated state; but no hope of her recovery can be entertained.
[6 October 1835]
Tuesd 6 Kabbarrin went to Gobolion on Sunday and returned this evening with Sammy Marsden. Gungin this morning asked me to allow him to go into the Bush, as the Natives had told him. I said that he got no good in the Bush, but much evil. However as I knew that he would go
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.2.
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MS page no: 2-283
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I did not refuse his request. He said "you will not be angry then, I am going, now you will not be angry." They always say our speaking to them respecting their evil conduct, is being angry. Many times when I have been endeavouring to show them the danger of a sinful course, they have said "speak good" "speak good" "don't speak that way."
[7 October 1835]
Wed 7th Kabbarrin and Sammy Marsden have been assisting in the erection of a wool shed. A female who had eaten a large quantity of shell fish was seized with violent pain in the chest and in different parts of the body. I found her at the Camp weeping and screaming, believing that she was dying. A little medicine soon alleviated her sufferings.
[8 October 1835]
Thursd 8th The natives again working at the wool shed.
[10 October 1835]
Sat 10th Many natives came up to day. Duke Lims has been in this neighbourhood a fortnight. He came up this evening very ill with the measles;[10] I gave him some medicine, and some Tea and desired him to remain here till he should be well. Addressed the natives and had prayers with them at the Camp.
[11 October 1835]
Sund 11th No Natives at Church to day except the Boys and Girls; the others have gone a short distance into the Bush, Duke Lims has also gone. Our shepherd's hut was robbed to day while the hut keeper was at Church. Among other things, belonging to me was a fowling piece. Gungin was very vexed at the loss of that article as he is remarkably partial to shooting, and we are so teazed with the cockatoos; and crows that but for it we should not have had a crop of any thing.
[14 October 1835]
Wed. 14th We have had a delightful rain. The Duke came up this evening scarcely able to crawl, and trembling exceedingly. Bartharai brought a large sheet of bark to preserve him from the rain, and if he died as most thought he would, to serve him as a Coffin. I gave him a Quart of Tea and some medicine, and although he was scarcely likely to live over the night, the other natives would fain have taken the Tea from him, for themselves to drink. As it was very rainy I wished the Duke to sleep in an empty hut close by. He said and the natives echoed that he would die if he went in there, because a dead man was laid in it a short time ago. Kabbarrin said "one day not long ago he felt it when he was going by the hut." What he meant I could not understand. He is very unwell but when I began to address the natives, he usurped me, and talked to them
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.3.
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on the subject of religion in a manner that truly astonished me.
[15 October 1835]
Thursd. 15th The Duke is considerably better this morning. He says it is being in this neighbourhood that has made him ill, as he was not ill before he came. Poor Biddy is rapidly declining, and it is but seldom that she will take any medicine. She scarcely makes any reply to my questions as to the state of her mind.
[16 October 1835]
Frid. 16th Most of the natives have gone away. Duke also, as he is able to walk. A widow, Mary Anne, whose husband died here the last quarter, has also been enticed away. It was only a few days ago she told Mrs Watson that she would always stop with her.
[17 October 1835]
Sat 17th Rode about 20 miles into the Bush to day and found the natives who left us yesterday. Duke is fatigued with his journey, and seems not so well as when he left us. Some of the natives were ashamed and would not come near me. They have some more superstitious prophecies afloat among them. They say that shortly there will be a general flood and all the mountains will fall down because Neddy has died (a native noticed in the last quarter Diary). Had some conversation with the natives here this evening; as usual Kabbarrin was the chief speaker. He said that when he sees a shooting star it is the departing Spirit of some native, (others say it is an omen of the death of some native) that the soul also makes a buzzing noise when it first leaves the body. He said many curious and superstitious things which nothing but a knowledge of the gospel will eradicate. Gungin is sadly out of order to night. For several days he has been running about, and knowing this was wrong he seldom came into the house for his supper, so when I was at the Camp this evening he asked in a very improper manner "why don't you give me something to eat?" "Why are you sulky with me? You give to all Black fellows, but me." I asked him when he was refused meat if he came for it, and if the natives said all Europeans were sulky with them if they did not offer them food? I remarked that he was running about all the day, not doing any thing for us, nor under any instruction. He replied in a very fiery manner. What do you want here? What do you come here for? Why do you not go to your own country? I told him that I came here to instruct him and other natives in the way to heaven. This youth has been with us more than any other and consequently has experienced more kindness but every now and again under like circumstances he treats us in this way.
[18 October 1835]
Sunday 18th Only 2 Boys and our 2 Girls of the Natives at Church to day. Though the others were well supplied with food they went to look for Grubs - Oppossums &c. I spoke to them this evening on the impropriety of their conduct but they made no reply. Several have had the measles here; but having submitted to medical instructions they are all recovered. Poor Biddy lingers on, her body is reduced to a mere skeleton and her mind remains
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.4.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/22
MS page no: 2-285
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unenlightened, and of course unimpressed with the importance of Divine truths.
[19 October 1835]
Monday 19th All the Natives have gone away except our Boys and Girls, they say that they are offended at my telling them last evening that it was wrong to violate the Sabbath. Kabbarrin is so far recovered as to be able to go away, and has taken his departure with the rest.
[20 October 1835]
Tuesd 20th All the natives who went away yesterday have returned. Gungin has lost his choler, and is satisfied to remain for a season.
[22 October 1835]
Thursd. 22 An Old man came up to day very ill for the purpose of receiving some medicine. It is well, that in their sicknesses they will resort here as it is sometimes through the Divine blessing a means of saving life, and as it is affords an opportunity of directing their minds to them who alone can heal their maladies, both of body and soul.
[24 October 1835]
Sat 24th Kabbarrin has left us, to go to Murrumbirdthirri; he says the natives are going to beat the "Wild Blacks" for slaughtering cattle.
[25 October 1835]
Sund 25th Mrs Watson has been confined to bed for 3 or 4 days suffering from violent pain in the head, through mercy she is somewhat easier this evening
[27 October 1835]
Tues 27th Poor Biddy died in the night, a most tempestuous night indeed it was for any sick person to be exposed to; but she preferred being out, nor could we persuade her to remain in the house, though she at first desired it. I have attempted to instruct her in the truths of religion, but yesterday, when I enquired where would her soul go at death, she faintly said she did not know. It is painful to witness the death of a native, where no evidence of a change of heart is afforded. This was a fine looking young female her features were more of a European cast than any other of pure blood that I have seen. She was not more than 19 or 20 years of age; and had borne several half cast children, all of whom she cruelly murdered. "O that our God would remember the covenant, for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty."[11] Several of the natives have lately been affected with the dysentery; but all have recovered.
[29 October 1835]
Thursd. 29 News have reached us that the natives who left here to go to Murrumbirdthirri, instead of punishing the "Wild Blacks" for stealing, and slaughtering cattle, have been fighting among themselves, and that some of them are severely wounded.
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.5.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/22
MS page no: 2-286
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[1 November 1835]
Sund Nov. 1 No natives at Church to day but our children. A boy who was here with his father some months ago, and who went away with him and his mother to a Shepherd's Station, to which they were invited when sitting down with us, is dead, as is also a stout native named Hoogley Jackey. They disappear like snow beneath a burning sun. And though we constantly refer to these circumstances in our addresses to the natives, they always find a put off.
[16 November 1835]
Monday 16th Several who lately came up have gone away, but not before they had treated us with all the contempt and scorn they could muster, after having had their daily wants regularly supplied. I would not regard their contempt and scorn - their presenting disposition - yea let Satan rage with all his fury, and mingle early and skies against us, could we but perceive that the Holy Spirit was moving upon the hearts, and awakening the consciences of some poor Aboriginal natives to a sense of their guilt and danger.
[21 November 1835]
Sat 21st Two native youths came up to day in company with a Gentleman (who lives 14 miles from here) to borrow two Bushels of wheat; when it was ready for them, it appeared that one of the youths had gone over to another station, the other took his 60 pounds on his head, and walked away with it; thus he could be easily persuaded to carry that weight 14 miles for a settler, and he would not go 4 miles for a missionary.
[23 November 1835]
Mon 23rd Old Nelly gave me very satisfactory answers to several questions which I put to her to day in reference to subjects which are connected with religion. She has been very ill for the last week but is recovering. As she is the only native female here that sleeps outside, I wished her, during the rain, to sleep in the house, but she would not. Old Bobbagul is once more well and strong, his recovery is almost miraculous.
[25 November 1835]
Wed 25th About 30 Natives came up to day and passed on to the river, King Bobby alone came to the stock yards for a Bullock's head, as we were slaughtering. Kabbarrin has generally been cutting Bark, for our Barn, the last week. I rode 20 miles in the Bush to day; at one station where sheep were being shorn, I was shocked to find no less than five or six native girls in a Tent close adjoining the wool shed. These are the circumstances which cut us to the quick, when we behold persons placed in situations high and respectable, if not themselves guilty, yet winking at those connected with them who are guilty of practices degrading to any human being and more so to any who have ever trod the shores of Britain. In a hut belonging to the same "Firm" were two native females living in adultery with the Shepherd and his hut keeper. This practice is general, and the consequence, at least one consequence, is that men are sick and dying in every direction. I heard to day, that the native Boy Sammy Marsden was buried yesterday, having died of the measles, about 9 miles from Wellington.
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.6.
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MS page no: 2-287
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After my return home, I went to the Native's camp and addressed them; some laughed, others were silent and apparently attentive. A European servant was there, who had Warrabin (Nancy) once belonging to us living with him. I spoke to him on the impropriety of his conduct; but he denied his guilt. He said that he had no where to sleep but in the bush, as he is going home in the morning. About 4 months ago I found him in the same situation and advised him to go and sleep in our men's hut; he did so, and in the night, he and two of our men went to the camp to the females, (one of them unhappy man!) has died in consequence of his misconduct.
[27 November 1835]
Frid 27 Nov.
Several of the natives came up this morning for milk. They were supplied. I also delivered an address to them, after which they dispersed, some going in one direction and some in another.
[28 November 1835]
Sat. 28th
Henry and Gungin lately came up to the Establishment; but as Gungin went into the Bush without leave he has been ashamed of seeing me; however he came this evening for his supper.
[29 November 1835]
Sun 29th
No native at church but our 2 girls. Geanil (Nanny) can now find both the Lessons and the Text; she has recovered from the stupor: into which her yielding to our unprincipled servant man had brought her. She now attends to her lessons with accustomed diligence and improves in her acquaintance with the Scriptures of truth.[12]
[1 December 1835]
Tues Dec. 1st
Lieutenant Zouch Superintendant of Police and 12 of his men arrived to day, on their way home from the Bush where they have been in search of the Natives who lately murdered Mr Cunningham the Colonial Botanist. They brought with them one prisoner, two others had made their escape. In the evening I went to converse with the native, and found that he could speak very little English, however I was able to speak with him in the Aboriginal language. He denied being the murderer, or having had any thing to do in the perpetration of the deed. He gave the names of the two murderers Father and Son who he says knocked Mr Cunningham on the head with a Club like weapon (named utha* by the natives). That when they first saw him they could not understand him - That he buried him and went into the Bush; and on his return found him disinterred and partly eaten, and that he then interred his bones. The Police say that he did not hesitate a moment shewing them where the bones were.
The native is a youth of about 25 years of age, of a free open intelligent countenance but at this time evidently full of fearful apprehension of losing his life. He asked me many times over, "if they would hang him?" and said I believe you send book (or
People in WellPro Directory: Cunningham, Richard | Zouch, Lt
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.7.
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Letter) to Governor to tell him not to hang me." I endeavoured to direct his mind to the concerns of his soul; he appeared somewhat surprised at my conversation; but he was so afraid that he would be hanged that he could think on no other subject. He had probably never before heard of the Great Creator of mankind - nor of his own sin and danger nor of the blessings purchased for him by Jesus Christ, nor had he any disposition or desire to hear of them. His only enquiry was "will they hang me?" "Yes I believe so." "no I believe not." He was constrained to believe they would, and yet anxious to believe that they would not. I gave him a Blanket with which he seemed pleased.
[2 December 1835]
Wednes. 2 I visited the native again this morning before the Police left Wellington Valley with him. He seemed more tranquil in his mind. Our girls had made him a cake which we took with us as well as some Beef for which he appeared thankful. Our little girl Eliza seemed determined to force it home upon him that he was one of the murderers; but he positively denied it. I was very thankful to hear our children talk so much to him about God and about his soul. As these were new subjects to him he could not comprehend them. He charged two Native youths present to warn the other native not to kill any more cattle, for if they did the soldiers would take them all to Sydney. The Tribes in the neighbourhood from which he comes are remarkably wild and ferocious. The dialect spoken at Wellington Valley is spoken also by them.
[6 December 1835]
Sund. 6 Our natives are once more settled and quiet with us; but though they are daily receiving religious instruction in conversation &c we cannot prevail on them to learn to read. It is very rarely that any young man will attempt to say a Lesson. We sometimes think some of them are uneasy respecting the state of their souls; but they do not confess it.
[8 December 1835]
Tuesd. 8th Kabon Bartharai has come up to warn the natives that another Messenger will soon arrive to summon them to sing to Baiami, who it is said has given them another (annual) revelation to which they (in general) consider themselves bound to attend. They all, old and young - male and female must appear at the anticipated "Waggangnidyal" or native dance with Murrugian (a bone through the cartilage of the nose) or Baiami will inflict the punishment of death on the delinquent.[13]
[13 December 1835]
Sund 13th More natives at Church to day than usual, though some were absent whom we desired to attend. While addressing the natives this evening on their unfitness for Heaven, and the necessity of a change of heart, one of them who is usually very careless, seemed thoughtful and attentive, and acknowledged that he was not right. However only a few of them united in prayer with me.
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.8.
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[16 December 1835]
Wednesd. Dec 16th A large number of natives came up to day. They are assembling from all quarters to be ready for the new revelation. O when shall they assemble from all quarters anxious to hear of the Revelation of mercy and grace through our Lord Jesus Christ! In a moment - in the twinkling of an eye Almighty grace can constrain them. Without it all efforts are and must for ever be abortive.
[17 December 1835]
Thursd 17th Duke Lims came smiling into my study to day. When he last left us he was slowly recovering from the measles; he is now strong and healthy. I asked him why he had not a bone through his nose as the others had. He replied "O I don't believe that, it is all nonsense." However I cannot say that I thought more favourably of him on that account. For as Dr Paley says (in some respects however) "Any religion is better than no religion." If the Duke had by instruction in the Christian religion been led to see and disown the superstition and fallacy of the ideas of his brethren I should have rejoiced greatly; but I am more alarmed at infidelity than of superstitions.
[19 December 1835]
Sat 19th I rode about 24 miles in the Bush to day, found a Native very ill but he either could not or would not come in to Wellington. My pockets ought to be like Saddle Bags that I might always take medicine with me, for I never go out without meeting with some sick. Found a native female living with a European, a short time ago she was with us for 2 or 3 months successively, she had then a half cast infant which she promised to give to Mrs Watson now she says it died of the measles. As she had previously murdered 2 of the same cast it is not easy to be believed that it has died a natural death. The native who is said to be her husband has another wife a girl of about 14 years of age who is living with a shepherd; indeed there is scarcely a station to be found where a native female is not living in adultery with a European. Our girls are evidently uneasy at what the natives say will be the consequence of their not having bones through their noses, and not associating with them in their "Wagganna." Hence we frequently detect them feeling at the cartilage of the nose or probably endeavouring to make a hole through it with the nails of their finger and thumb. They would be content and happy with us if the other natives would let them alone; but we never have an influx of natives without an increase of anxiety, for at such times plots are continually laid to effect the escape of the girls. If they themselves were opposed to it we should be more at ease; but with all the superior comforts they enjoy here, they have a predilection for their native habits. We find it necessary to tell them plainly that they shall never go into the Bush.
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.9.
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MS page no: 2-290
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Sat. 19th Dec(continued).
In conversation with our natives this evening, I asked them if Baiami [was] not angry when they committed wickedness? Kabbarrin answered "O he does notice nothing”. (though he sometimes says Baiami sees everything). I enquired how he could make everything, if he did not see everything? He replied “O yes he makes everything, and when he wants to eat fish he commands the water to go away, which it immediately does, and leaves the fish at his feet”. I remarked that the great Spirit whom we name God was the maker of all things. He enquired "What God?” I believe white man made the Bible and then put down God in it." "O Baiami is a great Doctor, parson is no Doctor." I endeavoured to shew him that the great God loved all men, and desired their happiness; that He had directed pious and holy men to write the Sacred Scriptures, and that all His laws were there. Kabbarrin remarked "there is no Bible in Wirradhurei". (the natives Dialect) I told him that a long time ago all people Knew the will of God: but that many of them did not wish to retain God in their minds, therefore they gave over praying to him and did not teach their children to Know Him: and so those children when they became the heads of families not Knowing, or regarding the will of God did not teach their children and this was the reason that the heathen did not understand anything respecting Him. Kabbarrin said Burrambin was son to Baiami; I enquired How? He said "Baiami spoke them Burrambin came into existence". Sometimes they say Burrambin never had a father.
[20 December 1835]
Sund 20th Though there are many natives (about 60) here very few attended church; I addressed them at the camp in the evening and prayed with them. A very sick girl after much persuasion accompanied us home for the purpose of having medical assistance. It is truly deplorable to see so many young females whose bodies are emaciated with disease through the general licentiousness of men of both Classes.
[21 December 1835]
Mond 21st The girl is some little recruited in her spirits, and has returned to the camp, saying that she should die if she remained here. At the Camp the natives said yes, and no to my expostulations and instructions; and that is all we can get from them.
[22 December 1835]
Tuesd. 22nd About 70 natives here at present. To day we gave them a Bullock weighing 500 pounds to themselves, and this evening some of them came up and said that they had not got any. A report has reached them that the soldiers are going to do something with the men, and to take all the females and give them to Europeans. I argued with them for an hour on the falsity of the Report; but could not
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.10.
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persuade them to believe it was not true. I referred them to many such reports which had been spread and which at the time I told them were false, and they had proved to be so. But it was to no avail. They said that they were all going to live at Mount Harris (about 200 miles NW.) I said very well I also will go and live there. "But there is no wood, only stone." Well I will build a house of stone. "But you cannot get over the river it is very deep, the cart will sink." Well then we will make a Boat of Dried Hides. "But those boats will not be good." Never mind, let us try them when you go.
[23 December 1835]
Wed 23rd The natives all say they are very hungry and want some more Beef.
[24 December 1835]
Thursd. 24th More natives have arrived which affords us an opportunity of conversing with them on the subject of religion. Young man Neddy (whom I found at Boggabil in September nearly dead and who was restored through the medicine I administered) came up to day cheerful in mind and well in health. I said O Neddy you are not sick now. He answered "No, no it is all gone away." I enquired, who made you well? He replied - God. It was something for him to merely acknowledge this without being prompted to it.
[25 December 1835]
Friday 25th Anniversary of the Nativity of our Lord. All the natives promised to come to Church this morning; but not one appeared there, though they were standing around the door when we went in. However Mr Handt who was not at Church preached to some of the females before his house. It appears that the men had dispersed. I preached to them at the camp in the evening and taught them prayers.
[27 December 1835]
Sunday 27th We succeeded in getting some of the natives to Church this morning, and so at the close of the English Service I addressed about 35 of them in their own language. Some of them were afterwards speaking in the Kitchen respecting some points of the sermon which shews they paid attention and understood it. At the camp this evening I asked Warrabin (Nancy) why she didn't come to Church? She said "I was afraid of your preaching". It is to be hoped that she has not forgotten all she learnt with us; though she is as wretched as the rest she seems to feel ashamed occasionally when we speak of the evil and danger of sin.
[28 December 1835]
Mond. 28th I preached to nearly 40 natives this morning before my study window, after which most them went and worked in the Garden. Went to the Camp in the evening as usual. The men had been collecting honey and had brought a large quantity. Their manner of finding it is rather remarkable. They search for the bees which are generally flying about, and having found one they stick a small feather, or a little down to its feet which the honey causes to adhere, they then follow it with their eye to its nest and possess themselves of the fruit of its industry. They put the honey with
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.11.
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the comb into a vessel made of Bark and having filled it with water they took small [pieces] of grass - or shells and drank the liquor. A few days ago we got in 21 head of cattle in from the Bush and Gungin promised to look after them during the day until we got a Paddock formed. He received a pair of New Trousers and for 3 days attended to his promise. This morning he went to look for honey and the cattle are left. He came up to the Camp while I was there, Knowing that he had done wrong, he was prepared to give very abusive language if I should say any thing on the subject. However I saw fire in his rolling eyes and rage pictured on his countenance.
As I was going in to family prayers last evening I heard a loud shouting at the Camp, all was quiet when we came out or I should have gone to ascertain the cause, it appears two native men had been fighting about some honey. Kobon Jackey an elderly native was wounded in the head.
[29 December 1835]
Tuesd 29th Kobon Jackey came up this morning to have his wounded head dressed. It was indeed severely cut. I washed it, put on some salve and bound it up and he went to the Camp after he had been supplied with a small quantity of Tea and Sugar, which he begged me to give him. The natives say that Tharrarwirgal (one of their Divinities who lives in the N.W. and who is said to be the author of the Small Pox) is not angry with them now that he will never send the Small Pox again because he has now got a Tomahawk which he formerly wanted. I was sorry to hear that a native youth, who has lately taken a wife, allowed her to sleep at a house on this Establishment during the whole of Sunday night. I spoke to him this morning on the subject, he denied it, so far it appeared that he was either ashamed or afraid of its being known by me. He charged me with taking females from natives and Keeping them altogether. I told him that one of the girls was thrown away by her husband, and had long been living with a European before she was given to us, and that the other was given by her mother to us, and that however anxious the natives might be to get them away, we should never allow them to go to mingle with the wretched natives, and imitate their vices, this gave rise to much conversation, which had a tendency to enlighten their minds in reference to better things; as several were present I was pleased they would argue at all. At his going away the youth said "you are not angry I believe." I told him that I was not angry at anything but sin. Just as I was leaving home to go to the Camp this evening Kabbarrin came up and asked for a marrow bone (a part to which they are all particularly partial) I told him that I had given them all to the females, and passed on, knowing that sufficient had been given to him. After I had taught the females I went to the Camp of the males, as I drew near Kabbarrin accosted me with "what do you want here?" I said that I came to teach him and the other natives. He replied "I do not want you here you did not give me good meat this morning it was all bone. I chucked it away it was dog's meat" (He was satisfied with it in the morning)
Diary 2: October-December 1835, p.12.
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[I asked him] how much I had given to him the preceding night (no small quantity indeed) which [he] could not eat but would save till today? He replied "O I gave that to Black fellows." [How much] did you get for breakfast? I then asked. He said Ah! Ah! you call that breakfast. I don't call it breakfast, that was dog's meat (though it was quite fresh) you like yinars too much" What do they do for you? I said they had been working. O! O! working have they! what do you want with Black yinars? (wives or females). Why don't you go to Sydney? plenty white yinars sit down there. Yes yes you get plenty of children by and by. I asked him if he thought what he was saying was true? If he believed it to be so? He made no reply to that but all the other natives set up a loud laugh. He said the most provoking things which I cannot name. - It is our Divine Master that assists us to bear for his sake such contradiction of sinners as is indeed extremely trying and painful to our nation, and considered more painful from the consideration that it is only echoing what Europeans have told them to say, and what Europeans (to serve as an apology for their own vices) would be extremely anxious to be believed. While I was speaking to them of their sinful practices and of what would be the consequence if they did not repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one of them asked what fire? Where fire sit down? Black fellow got plenty of fire.
William Watson
J.C.S. Handt
Jany 19/36
Rev W. Watson's Journal