vi. Jan-March 1837
| Page | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.1.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-332
-----------------------------------------------------------
[Note] Rec’d Feb. 8/38
Rev W. Watson's Diary from 1st January to the 31st March 1837.
[1 January 1837]
Sund Jan 1st. Preached this morning from Jer. 28th ch.16th v.[23] This year thou shalt die. Felt something of the solemn importance of the text as applicable to my own soul. The Lord has in undeserved mercy brought us to the commencement of another year. But O in what manner shall be spent so much of it as He may graciously allot to us on earth? Shall we still be loiterers in the way, drones in the vineyard of God - cumberers of the ground, O Lord arise, help us and deliver us for thy name’s sake. Help us to renew our covenant with thee, to give up ourselves unreservedly to thy cause among them that still know thee not. O lead us guide us teach us and bless our charge for thou art able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. If this year shall be our last on earth, O that by thy blessing it may be our best, may we not have to say that the end for which thou gavest us our being, and brought us here has not been in any measure accomplished.
Several Natives who went through this settlement yesterday on a fighting expedition have returned, but did not come to church. Gungin and George also came but did not dare
[page] (1)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.2.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-333
-----------------------------------------------------------
to approach the mission house before dark. Having been running about in the Bush for a week they were afraid or ashamed to appear before us. They were both well clothed when they left us, and now they have nothing, having disposed of their clothes to Europeans. Thus have they commenced the new year. O when shall a new era commence among them? When shall the dayspring from on high visit them to give light to their benighted minds and to guide their feet into the way of peace. These youths were spoken to respecting the impropriety of their conduct, Jemmy Marshall was speechless.
[2 January 1837]
Mond 2nd The youths have set themselves to work today, perhaps thinking thereby to atone for their late misconduct.
[3 January 1837]
Tuesd 3rd Many natives came up this morning as they had heard that we last evening, slaughtered a Bullock. They will indeed go for miles when they know a Bullock has been slaughtered, and strange as it may appear they will not remain long with us although we bountifully supply all their temporal wants. Their eyes are indeed closed, and their hearts are hardened that they can neither perceive nor feel their guilt and danger. No doubt there is some hindrance in ourselves, something which prevents the Holy Spirit from convincing and converting those among whom we labour. We daily pray Search us O God and try us and see if there be any wicked way in us, and thoroughly purge us from all iniquity. We endeavour to look into our
[page] (2)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.3.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-334
-----------------------------------------------------------
hearts and we think that the most prominent desire there, is that God would glorify his name, and magnify his grace in the conversion of the heathens. Notwithstanding the humbling views which Divine grace hath given me of my nothingness in every respect, I count it a source of consolation that amidst all our discouragements in labour, I have never had a doubt of my call to make known unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
[8 January 1837]
Sund. 8th Twelve Natives at church to day. When I questioned those who do not live in the house with us, whether they understood what they had heard, one said he was poorly and so went asleep, another said he was thinking on something else. On conversing with them afterwards on the subject of their soul's salvation, Frederick said "O never mind being a christian, I shall go somewhere I do not know where, and sit down with some other parson. I know very well you want me to die, but I shall not die yet. I shall not die till I be old man, Black fellow wont believe you when Black fellow that hear you tell other Black fellows then they swear and say wont believe that, wont believe that. White fellow too swear when he wants Black woman and she wont go with him, he too say never mind parson and swears again, and says bad things of you, I cannot tell you what he says but I dare say you know." An old man in the company said that he did not know wither his soul would go at death, he believed that it would be buried with his body or else go somewhere and eat bread, let them put it into fire if they liked, he did
[page] (3)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.4.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-335
-----------------------------------------------------------
not care about Jesus Christ. One youth, J.M, who had said nothing, being much affected ran out of the house to hide his emotions.
[9 January 1837]
Mond 9th Several natives here to day. I read to them some accounts of the conversion of heathens in other countries, and then enquired when it would be said of these natives that they were converted to God. One of the youths very boldly replied "never". I asked, what never? Have not these natives souls? Cannot they think? he answered "O yes, they got souls, they can think, they be very good (clever) you know" I told them that though many of them might reject the Saviour and die in their sins, God would in his mercy make some of them holy and happy. J.M. was much affected but said nothing. One young man who is well known to us but has never been a resident at the Mission House though frequently here, said "Jemmy Umby and I say prayers every night, we kneel down and say Our Father &c and Gentle Jesus &c". Jemmy Umby was with us when a boy, but having been made a young man he has not been two nights here for the last two years, and we have heard him now take the lead in family prayers, which he remembered.
[10 January 1837]
Tuesd 10th. Had occasion to shut one of our girls up in a room, alone, today as a punishment for telling a falsehood, an evil of which the natives are all notoriously guilt. She knows the evil of it and when convicted acknowledged it; but converting grace alone can cure her.
[page] (4)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.5.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-336
-----------------------------------------------------------
[12 January 1837]
Thursd Jany 12th Had some serious conversation with one of our youths J.M. This evening,. I had a short time before, being reading part of Brown's History of Missions[24] to the natives, but all on a sudden they rose up and went out leaving me to read by myself. In the evening J M. was with me in the kitchen, and in the course of conversation he told m,e that a certain native whom he named was very ill with violent pains in his limbs, I said he is a very wicked man, he has many times been ill and has recovered after I have given him medicine; but he is always leaving his wives with Europeans and dare not now come here because he is ashamed or afraid to see me. He has been all his life among Europeans, but he has learnt nothing except wickedness. I said, Jemmy dont you think it is a sad thing for that native to live that way, and never to think about God and religion, and thus be prepared for nothing but misery after death? He said "yes I do" and when I brought the subject home to his own case, he was much affected, and confessed how wicked he was.
[13 January 1837]
Frid 13th Rode in company with J M. 24 miles into the Bush, and endeavoured to open to him the way of salvation by Jesus Christ; but he made very little reply.
[15 January 1837]
Sund 15th Twelve natives at Church to day. On asking them if they understood the sermon, Frederick said yes some, and J. M. said that I spoke too quick so that he could not understand
[page] (5)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.6.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-337
-----------------------------------------------------------
much, I then endeavoured to go over the principal parts, and afterwards read some accounts from the Missionary Register but without much apparent effect; however this is one way of communicating knowledge and if the happy results do not immediately appear, they may be seen after many days. It is so excessively hot that we can scarcely breathe. One of the natives was remarking, how hot it was, "yes", said Frederick, "this is Sun-day you know" evidently catching at the name to show that the sun might be expected to give more heat on that day. As far as I know the idea was original, for I had never before used or heard the expression in that way. Burrimal a native who has been at Goat Island for the last twelvemonths on suspicion of having been connected with the murder of Mr. Cunningham the Colonial Botanist, was brought up to this Establishment, under civil Escort to remain here. Several other natives had been confined at the same place, but the term of their punishment having expired, they were disposed of, and Burrimal has been forwarded to this place; but unless he be placed under the control of the military, I apprehend that he will not be here this day next month. He seems, according to his account, to have lived sumptuously and been in the practice of Fishing and shooting while
[page] (6)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.7.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-338
-----------------------------------------------------------
at Goat Island, which appears to have given him much pleasure.
[16 January 1837]
Mond. 16. In conversation with J M. this evening, he said that he was very miserable, that his heart was very wicked, and that he wanted to be better. I told him that all good people had been that way at first. That I was miserable once, and that all are born in sin, and that at first the mind was like midnight when there was no moon or stars, all dark, very dark, that nothing could be seen, but when the spirit of God shone into the mind it was like the Sun at first rising, when we see a little, and then more, so we see and feel our sins; but Jesus Christ died to take away our sins and to make us holy. He was very serious and manifested much trouble of mind; but his companions will probably soon have him into the Bush where he will see and hear nothing but wickedness. We can only commit him to God praying for his salvation. A Bullock Driver (a carrier) is very anxious to take J M down to Sydney because he would save him the expense of hiring a European; but we told both of them that we should not allow it, as he would see no good, and would be exposed to much evil. The Carrier though he is a very wicked man said that J M knew well enough how to avoid evil, and not to be influenced by others.
[18 January 1837]
Wednes 18th It has been very sultry the last three or four days; but this morning it has begun to rain, and is so cold that every person is shivering, and we are under the necessity of having a fire in the room. This sudden transition will be the occasion of
[page] (7)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.8.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-339
-----------------------------------------------------------
severe colds.
[21 January 1837]
Sat 21st The rain has continued with but little intermission for the last four days, and the weather is remarkably cold for the season. I overheard our natives, this evening, saying that Duke Lims (a native) had got another wife. He has been absent for some months, having left his wife and child to run about the bush. Had it been convenient for us we would have taken her in, and she wanted to remain with us. A long conversation then followed, on different topics, one of which was that these natives are going to muster all the force they can collect, in order to go and avenge a late quarrel on the Warwick natives who came up here to fight, a few months ago. I told them that under present circumstances if other natives came to kill them, they might defend themselves; but that it was very wrong for them to go and seek natives, for the purpose of killing them. They excused themselves on the ground that they had not offended the Warwick natives, nor even seen them before. I replied that was no excuse because whenever they engaged the neighbouring Tribes to espouse their quarrel, they would be sure to fight with some who had never injured them. They remarked, well, that was true but the Black fellows would go and fight, and then they would get all the females belonging to their enemies. I asked why they wanted so many wives? and said that several of them had three or four each, and seldom one with them, that they were generally living with Europeans, I instanced
[page] (8)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.9.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-340
-----------------------------------------------------------
one, King Bobby who had two or three before, and now he had taken a girl (who had been decoyed from us) a widow, when her husband had been dead only a few months, and according to one of their own laws, no widow is allowed to be taken to wife before her former husband has been dead twelve moons. At this the natives set up a loud laugh, J M. said, "O Bobby is stupid, he does not know" I replied yes he does know for I have many times spoken to him on the subject; moreover you know that he sometimes leaves his wives with Europeans, and sometimes he beats them for being with them, he then declared, that for a long time he had thought it wrong to have more than one wife, and very wicked not to keep her to himself. He is well acquainted with our views on the subject; but he has not yet been tried, he is at age to take a wife; however he is still single, and his present circumstances are viewed by us not without deep concern. He wishes to have one of our girls. He is not converted, and she is not converted, and to give her to him might be her eternal ruin, O that we may be Divinely directed in this as well as in all other matters.
[22 January 1837]
Sund Jan 22. Very rainy to day. Not many Europeans and but nine natives at church. In the afternoon preached to the natives from 146 Ps. 8 v.[25] During the time of my delivering this discourse one of the natives laughed, but he would not tell me why.
[page] (9)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.10.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-341
-----------------------------------------------------------
[25 January 1837]
Tuesd Jan 25th Our children while reading the account of the out pouring of the Holy Ghost, on the day of Pentecost, on the Apostles by which they were enabled to speak languages with which they were not previously acquainted, were so astonished that they voluntarily left reading and counted the different countries from which persons present on that occasion had come.
[28 January 1837]
Frid 28th Our young men have gone into the Bush, the father of J.M. having sent for him to collect honey. They promised to return tomorrow.
[30 January 1837]
Sund 30th Our youths have not returned, so only Fred, Burrimal, and our children at church.
[31 January 1837]
Mond 31 The only two European servants on this Establishment, left us this morning to proceed to Bathurst for supplies which were expected here last october. J M. was to have gone, and so have been the means of leaving one servant at home, but he had not returned from the Bush, however he came in the course of the day and is very much out of humour.
[1 February 1837]
Tuesd Feby 1st There are many natives wandering about in this neighbourhood at present; but they do not come near to us.
[4 February 1837]
Frid 4th One of our Boys (Ngalgan) was going for the milch cows this evening, as usual, unknown to me he was accompanied by another of our boys Henry, each of them had taken a Horse, Henry rode Turk a very powerful strong animal, which, when in company with other horses, is extremely difficult to be held in. It appears that Ngalgan had been going at a pretty quick pace, and Turk as usual being determined not to be left, Henry was not able to hold him, and fell,
[page] (10)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.11.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-342
-----------------------------------------------------------
his foot being entangled in the stirrup, he was dragged on the ground till providentially the girth became broken. The boy was taken up for dead, and brought home, but recovered in some measure. We thought that his jaw was broken, and a deep hole was cut under his chin; after being washed and his wounds dressed he went to sleep.
[6 February 1837]
Sund 16th Fourteen natives at Church to day. Spent the afternoon, as usual, in teaching and conversing with them.
[8 February 1837]
Tuesd 8th We have increasing evidence of the removal, or dying away of some of the superstitions of our natives. On our arrival here not a single native would attend the funeral of a European, now they go of their own accord. In the most tempestuous weather they would not go into or near a Hut where any person had lately died. An old man died here a few days ago, under very painful circumstances, and Frederick has been wearing his coat every day since his death, and this night at ten o'clock he went alone into the hut, and took an old opossum cloak with which the old man was covered after his death, and he says that he shall sleep on it. In times past we have found it impossible to persuade them to wear or even to receive any thing belonging to a person who was dead.
[10 February 1837]
Thursd 10th One of our native youths has hired himself to a settler at a few miles distant from this place, but I suppose he will not long remain; however there is a disposition to hire themselves prevailing among the native youths.
[page] (11)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.12.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-343
-----------------------------------------------------------
[19 February 1837]
Sund Feby 19th Last night Jane, the native girl that has a child, had been gone to bed, in a room where she and her child sleep by themselves, about an hour, when Mrs Watson heard some person call her several times by name. On going into the room she found the girl dressed - sitting on a box and trembling exceedingly. On enquiry being made what was the matter with her, she replied, "I want to believe in Jesus Christ, my heart is very sick, I want to believe in Jesus Christ, I am afraid I shall go to that bad place". On my going in, she spoke much to the same purpose, and seemed very much alarmed. After speaking with her for some time and praying, I gave her some medicine and she went to bed, but we heard her afterwards engaged in prayer. She has been very dull and gloomy all the day, but has said very little. She has been living with us about ten months. In reference to this circumstance I can only say, that whether or not these impressions shall terminate in true conversion, there is encouragement to persevere in our labours among the natives, inasmuch as it is evident, that in the hour of apprehended danger, this girl was alive to her guilt and misery. She knew and felt that she was a sinner, and was afraid of being condemned to suffer the eternal consequences of her transgressions. She knew where the remedy was to be found, hence she wanted to believe in Jesus Christ. Such convictions may attend dying natives, in the Bush, who have been instructed here, and they may find mercy.
[page] (12)
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.13.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-344
-----------------------------------------------------------
[26 February 1837]
Sund Feb 26. Had a large congregation at church today. About sixty natives have been here for several days. We have received into our house three more native children, two boys, and one half cast girl about six years of age, for which we had to give Blankets &c but after all the respective mothers of the children wanted to have them again.
[27 February 1837]
Mond 27. The mothers of our new come children are continually teasing us to give them up; but knowing that if let alone the dear little creatures will be happy enough, we shall not easily surrender them.
[28 February 1837]
Tuesd 28th Burrimal the aboriginal native, that was brought up here six weeks ago, has this evening made his escape from the military at this place. During his short stay, our natives have repeatedly taken him away to stations at three, four and five miles off, in spite of all my remonstrances. He has been very busy lately in providing himself with spears &c, and having heard his conversation with other natives, in which he said, among other things, that if the Police should go after the natives any more, they would set fire to all the Huts of the Europeans, and retreat to a place where the Police could not follow them, I thought it my duty to give him in charge to the Detachment here; but he had not been there an hour before he made his escape with all his weapons.
[5 March 1837]
Sund March 5th As we had a large congregation of natives at church, I read prayers, and preached in their own language.
[page] (13)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.14.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-345
-----------------------------------------------------------
[8 March 1837]
Wednes March 8th Anxious to use every probable means of inducing the native youths to remain with us, I a short time ago hired Frederick, and this evening hired J M. to be stockkeeper.
[9 February 1837]
Thursd 9th J M. has been wandering about all the day as usual, so that my hiring him has availed nothing.
[10 February 1837]
Frid 10th On going to the garden to day I found, under a peach tree, a bunch of feathers which I knew belonged to one of the young men, and in the evening gave it to one of our boys saying, "give that to J M, perhaps he will know to whom it belongs" J M. overheard me and immediately said "yes, that is mine, I went into the garden last night and got some Peaches; I was coming by and thought I would have some, I never got any before, and I will not get any more".
[13 February 1837]
Mond 13th About fifty natives came up today. They are on their way to extirpate the Kobbara natives who, it is said has been singing about them. The principal occasion of the quarrel however appears to be this; sometime ago the wife of one of the Kobbara natives ran away from her husband and has since that, been living with Doctor Charley one of the Wellington natives, on which account war has been the subject of conversation, and the Kobbara natives have been expected
[page] (14)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.15.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-346
-----------------------------------------------------------
at this place for a long time. So changeable are the natives that many of those whom the Wellington natives a short time ago were going to destroy, are now their allies against the Kobbara Natives. When I spoke with the newly arrived natives, some of them said that they were not going to fight, whilst others laughed at the idea of its being wrong, some of them listened with attention, but others did not seem to know what to make of the instruction I attempted to give them.
[14 February 1837]
Tuesd 14th The natives came up this morning like a swarm of Bees, demanding Beef - Wheat - Tobacco and Pipes. One native whose little girl is living with us said, "I have many Black fellows belonging to me, you must give me for all".
[15 February 1837]
Wednes 15th Many more natives have come up, they seem to be bent on war and are expecting to be joined by many others. We attempt to sow the seeds of divine truth, may the Lord cause it to take root spring up and bear fruit to His glory.
[16 February 1837]
Thursd 16 We have had reason to believe for the last three days that the natives had an intention of forcibly taking away our girls. This evening after family worship, Frederick said to me "When will you give me bed?" I replied, it will be of no use to you as you do not always sleep in the kitchen. He said "well well, I will build a house for myself, and then
[page] (15)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.16.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-347
-----------------------------------------------------------
go to Badda,[26] you know what for." As he had said several times that he would go to that place for a wife, I answered, yes I know what for.
Frederick, you will not give me one of your girls.
Mr W. No, they are too young.
Fred. no they are old enough, they are old enough, if I get wild woman, she will directly look out whitefellow.
Mr W. No, if you are determined not to allow her to go, she very likely will not go, as she does not know much of Europeans, and if you take one of our girls she will soon leave you and go among them.
Fred. O no, I will always leave her here at home.
Mr W. You cannot do that, because the other ,natives will tease you saying, why do you not bring your yinnar with you? Why do you leave her with Mrs Watson? that is like sitting down in Jail, and then you will come to us saying what for you keep my yinnar always here? Black fellow want to see her, other women want to speak with her, I must take her, she belongs too me.
Fred. No, Black fellow wont say that to me, he never talk that way. (He had told me in former conversations that the natives said stopping with us was like being in Jail).
Mr W. Yes I know they will because they are opposed to any natives remaining with us.
Fred. Well well you will see by and by, you will be very miserable
[page] (16)
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.17.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-348
-----------------------------------------------------------
by and by, Black fellow will come up and take away all your girls.
Mr W. Well if they do I cannot help it, but I am not afraid of them.
Fred. Well well you will see, good many Black fellow come up soon, got plenty muskets, other white fellows not like you, they always lend musket to Black fellow, and you will be very sorry soon, I know you will.
Mr W. Well Frederick you know that you have not yet got a new heart, you are not a christian, and these girls are not christians, and if you take one of them, she will soon be as wicked as any other female in the Bush.
Fred. Dont I tell you I will always leave her at home with you, what for wont you believe me? I believe you are very stupid. What for you want so many girls? you got good many.
In this way he went on for a long time, and in a very angry mood; but we can only be awake to the danger, and use every means to prevent the natives from taking our girls away.
[17 March 1837]
Frid March 17th The natives took their departure from the camp this morning without coming up to the house. J M was very anxious to accompany the other natives, but knowing or thinking that I should object to it, he dared not to ask; however he ventured to ask Mrs Watson but would not go without my leave, I said "well you may
[page] (17)
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.18.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-349
-----------------------------------------------------------
go" to which he replied "yes that way you always say, you never want me to go". I asked "How can I want you to go and fight with natives? they will be killing you, and what then will become of your soul? you are not prepared to die, you are not ready for heaven". He answered "O no, natives will not kill me" and then went away, but apparently with a heavy heart.
[18 March 1837]
Sat 18th Many of the natives returned, without fighting, and passed through the settlement on their way home. None of the Wellington natives have returned.
[19 March 1837]
Sund 19th During the past week I have been suffering severely from inflammation of the lungs which has prevented me from officiating in public to day; however, I could not rest without catechising our children, which affected me very much.
[20 March 1837]
Mond 20th Having to attend a funeral late this evening, I found the cold damp air affect me considerably. The man at whose interment I attended had been ill only a few hours, yet on my going to the Burial ground where the men were digging the grave, I found the wife of the deceased sitting upon his coffin and smoking a pipe. O what unthinking beings are Europeans in general in this colony. Received seventy five volumes of Books from the Religious Tract Society as a present to the Mission family at this station. No sooner was the parcel opened, than our children flocked round the table with joy sparkling in their eyes, and pleasure beaming in their countenances; but as the Books are for the Mission family I dare not lend them to any native children; however I can read them in their
[page] (18)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.19.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-350
-----------------------------------------------------------
hearing, and this will be to them a source of delight. There is nothing with which these little dear creatures are so much pleased as with a new Book, and if it contains any narrative relative to the Black people it is doubly valued. This present is highly gratifying to ourselves both in reference to the pleasure and benefit we and others may derive from it; and also from the delightful idea that we who are separated from all christian fellowship, and have to spend all our days in these regions of moral darkness, where Satan has his seat, are remembered by our dear christian Brethren at home; and are interested in their prayers - their Sympathies and their benevolence.
[21 March 1837]
Tues 21st JM. returned late during the night, it seems that he could not remain long absent from us. O that he would give up himself to the Saviour at once, poor youth, how unhappy he is, and satan keeps him back from enjoying true peace. I feel myself very low and poorly; but feel desirous that the Lord should do with me what seemeth Him good, whether for life or death. I fear, that, if He be pleased to take me out of the world, all our dear children would be taken away, and henceforth be exposed to all the moral horrors of a Bush life. But why should I fear this? Will he not vindicate his own cause? He needs not the services of a sinful helpless worm to execute his wise and gracious purposes among the heathen.
[23 March 1837]
Thursd 23rd Our youths are more steady now, being engaged in thrashing &c.
[page] (19)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.20.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-351
-----------------------------------------------------------
This has been a gloomy day with us, my dear wife scarcely able to raise her head from the pillow, and myself so very poorly, with a dozen children under the same roof who, poor little creatures, cannot be expected to be very quiet; however we are not without divine support, and many of God's dear children have been in more painful circumstances.
[24 March 1837]
Frid 24th Crucifixion day. Attempted to read to our children for a short time to day but the effect on my lungs was very distressing, so I must endeavour to be silent, which indeed is no small self denial. Our children being always under our eye, and we, anxious to embrace the opportunity afforded by what they may be reading; or what may be occurring to give instruction, are generally talking, and with all their depravity, they never seem unwilling to hear, but rather otherwise.
[25 March 1837]
Sat 25th Last evening as two drays had come up from Sydney to Goboleon, and I expected some medicine by one of them, J M and Frederick asked me to allow them a couple of horses that they might go over to the place, which I did. Frederick returned about seven oclock, and been asked where Jemmy was he said "he has gone to Merrits’ Dray". As I expected there was rum on that Dray and knowing how pleased such wicked persons are when they can make a native drunk, I felt very anxious. About nine Oclock we heard some person shouting for a considerable time, at length J M made his appearance calling out Fred, Fred. he came up shortly after in a state of intoxication, and using very improper language. On going to the fire of the natives he lifted up a native boy, and would have put him on the fire had I not interfered.
[page] (20)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.21.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-352
-----------------------------------------------------------
On looking round and seeing Mrs Watson, he said "Mrs Watson Mrs Watson you go in and go to bed I am not going to kick up a row, those stupid white fellows gave me rum". I came into the study and prepared some medicine, which is said to cure intoxication immediately; and having taken it to him, returned. He then began to call out "Mr Watson - Mr Watson, where is Mr Watson? He is angry with me for swearing. I know he is, I am very sorry very sorry, I will never swear any more". He then came into my study asking "Are you very ill?" I told him that I was, and that my heart was very grieved to see and hear him go on that way. He replied "I am very sorry Mr Watson. I will not swear again, those stupid white fellows gave me rum". I told him that his heart was very wicked and that made him swear. He went away to the fire, and taking up a dog belonging to me caressed it very fondly saying "poor Blackey, you are Mr Watson's dog, you belong to Mr Watson". after having taken another dose of medicine, he laid down, went to sleep and was as quite as possible. This morning he went to the river, and did not return before evening when I asked him if his head ached. he said "yes and my heart is very, very sick".
[26 March 1837]
Sund 26th I am still a prisoner, having been much worse yesterday and to day. Dr Hathorne called on me to day but he said that I was far too weak to be bled,[27] however I have continued a blister, on the region of the parts affected, for several days,
[page] (21)
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.22.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-353
-----------------------------------------------------------
and hope I shall derive some benefit from it.
[27 March 1837]
Mon 27th Rode out, in the single horse chaise, with Mrs Watson, and took all our children in a light cart, driven by a native boy about nine years of age, and felt somewhat refreshed by the ride.
[28 March 1837]
Tuesd 28th One instance may be recorded here of the instability of the native mind, such instances are daily occurring, Frederick had received during the day, everything that he needed; but because he was not allowed to be in the room among the girls when Mrs Watson was about to leave them for a short time, he became almost frantic with rage, walking about and shouting, "I cannot stop here, I cannot stop here, I must go away, I will go away in the morning, yes I will go away I cannot stop in this place". As we had learnt from experience that it was the best way not too take any notice of him, we let him proceed. This morning he and J M. of their own accord brought up five Bullocks, yoked them and fetched a large Dray load of fire wood: after which J M rode out with Mrs Watson and Frederick took a horse and rode over to the sheep station, about a mile from our house, to bring a slaughtered sheep: however as one of the shepherds was coming over, he took the horse and brought the sheep and poor Frederick had to walk home, not a little vexed, to think that the shepherd imagined he was not capable of bringing a dead sheep: nor did his trouble end here, for after I had given him the sheep's head for his
[page] (22)
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.23.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-354
-----------------------------------------------------------
supper, while he was taking his cloaths into the house, a dog ran away with it, and he could not find it, he got over it by saying "never mind it I don't want it". But had he found the dog, or known which it was that had taken it, his death would have most certainly ensued. I gave him some wheat which he immediately ground, and he is now baking pancakes in the kitchen. One of our girls was very stubborn this morning, and as a punishment I confined her in a room by herself, allowing her the privilege of having a book. This evening I went and spoke with her on the impropriety of her conduct, and the wickedness of her heart, she said that she always prayed after she went to bed, as well as before, I spoke on the ineficacy [sic]of the prayers of the wicked, and remarked that it is the prayer of the humble penitent which God hears and answers, I then knelt down and prayed with her, and she appeared to be much softened. Another girl had been very careless at her sewing, which with the other's misconduct prevented them from being indulged with a ride this evening, which they seemed to feel very keenly. I took occasion to speak to them on the good things which sin kept them from possessing and enjoying, and remarked that if they felt this trifling disappointment so much, what would they feel if they were so unhappy as to go to misery at death, and seeing many native children in heaven, would have the mortification of knowing that they might have been there also. This is given as a specimen of our daily attempts to lead our children in the way of heaven.
[page] (23)
Diary 6: January-March 1837, p.24.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/26
MS page no: 2-355
-----------------------------------------------------------
[29 March 1837]
Wed 29 March. Felt better during the day, but am very low and poorly this evening. Mrs Watson too is far from being well, O may we be enabled to cast all our care upon Him who careth for us.
[Signed] Wm Watson
[Note] Rev. W Watson’s Journal Jan, to March 37
[page] (24)
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs