ix. July-Oct 1834
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Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.1.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-203
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[Note] recd Jany 3/35[83]
Rev. W. Watson's Journal from the 1st July to the Oct 1834 Inclusive.
[1 July 1834]
Tues. July 1st Several Natives came up from the other side of the river. Goongeen, who was mentioned as having gone over the river on the 3 June to fight, returned this morning and, as if conscious that he had done wrong, has been wandering about with uneasiness depicted on his countenance all the day. When the children were getting supper he came to the window and said "hy hy young fellows, you look our when dark, I will get hot water out of the men's hut and throw it on you altogether". I told him it was very wrong for him to speak in that way. He said "children wont cut bark for you and then you angry with me because I look out Black fellow fight". Many of the Natives have been working in the mission garden today.
[3 July 1834]
Thursd 3rd Nine Natives have been working in the garden again today. They were speaking respecting a child of one of the military which died yesterday. One said I believe it is in Heaven now. Another enquired how it would get into Heaven. Little Dickey Marshall said "there is a key to the door of Hell" referring probably to that passage in Revelations "I have the keys of Hell &c &c".[84] They all expressed a desire to attend the funeral, and having received clean shirts &c they went down to the barracks where they joined the procession walking two & two in due order and not speaking a word till they arrived at the grave where they united in responding the Lord's Prayer &c. This evening our young men were speaking of a Native youth who is ill. I observed that if he had not broken the law which forbids young men going near an espoused female he would not have caught the disease. One of the company said he never been ill that way and never should be. I told him that I knew a young man who once said the same and in a short time he was in that condition. The youth to whom I referred said "I believe you mean me", I said yes. He answered "no more I do that way". I told him that before he could leave off those wicked ways he must pray to God to give him a new heart.
[4 July 1834]
Frid 4th Goongeen has been at plough again today and several Natives working in the garden. This evening, as I was informed there were many Natives about two miles distant, I thought it
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.2.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-204
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[4 July 1834 cont]
my duty to go to them, several of the children wished to accompany me. On the road Goongeen directed my attention to a mound of earth where he said an old Native had been interred two years ago. He was drowned in the river while in the act of drawing water. One Native enquired "where is he now?", to which another replied "In Heaven is he not Mr Watson?". I asked (in order to avoid giving a direct answer) if the Natives had any parson to teach them &c. On their answering in the negative I enquired how he could go to Heaven if he did not know God and Jesus Christ. One of the boys observed "I believe all children go to Heaven". I said they are not baptised. He then remarked "What for all pikininny go to fire, no good that". Another of the boys said "It is devil, devil will not let them go to Heaven." They frequently ask questions which we do not think prudent to answer. We soon discovered the camp of the Natives by their fires of which there were twelve at some distance from each other. At each of these fires one family was sitting, except that belonging to the young men who all of that class were sitting together. I went round and spoke to them all on the subject of religion. Kobohn Billy was here, sometime ago he was exceedingly ill at Wellington for a long time, but recovered. One of his yeeners was deaf at the same time, I applied something to her ears and she soon went away so that I was surprised to find now that her hearing was perfectly restored. I enquired who had made Mary to hear Billy, in an emphatic manner replied "I know, God". He acknowledges that it was God who restored them both. When I came to Narrang Jackey's fire I asked what is that Warrahbin? I did not know her, she does not look clean and respectable as she did when she was living with mrs Watson. I said to Jackey you have thrown away God, you never say prayers or come to church. He replied O good many pikininnes sit down with you, you all say prayers in Gundee (house) I believe. I told him if he did not pray to God he would not go to Heaven when he died. He remarked "O you say prayers always in Gundee, that is good, Black fellow go about bush, that is good. Black fellow tell me too much I sit down with Parson." I told him that he ought not to mind what Black fellow said but what God said in order that he might go to Heaven. Another Native who had one yeener with
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.3.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-205
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[4 July 1834 cont]
him laughed when I asked where his other five were, as they are living with different white men in the neighbourhood. I had a long conversation with him but he trifled in a most awful manner. He said he did not care anything about what I was saying. I told him that he would acre when he came to die. He said "I shall die very soon, two moons I believe". As we were approaching an old man's company, one of my boys whispered "That old man never swears". Two of his yeeners are ill, he has promised to come up to the house in the morning. There were about 40 Natives at this place. When I had gone round the camp I asked Goongeen if he was going home with me. He said no, he should come in the morning. Our boys took fire sticks in their hands as the night was so dark. When we had got about half a mile on our way home our boys on looking back saw some fire at a distance on the road. They were much alarmed at it, saying they did not know what it was. I told them it was a Native coming. But they did not believe that was the case and they came round me apparently much alarmed. I proceeded towards the light. At this they became more terrified, saying "don't go Mr Watson, don't go Mr Watson, devil devil I believe". We soon found that it was Goongeen and another Native youth.
[5 July 1834]
Sat 5. The Natives have not come up as they promised to do, and several of our have gone with them. On yeener (Poll Buckley), mother to Goongeen, came up alone today. She said that she told Jemmy (her husband) that she would not go with him and his other yeener to Goboleon, but she would come up to Wellington. Goongeen and another youth have been cutting bark today but they would not come to the hut for their suppers because the mother of one of them was at a short distance, so it was taken round to them. This evening I said Nanny you must go with me to teach Poll Buckley her prayers. Goongeen said "What is that?" I said we must go and teach your mother to pray to God. You do not wish her to go to that bad place when she dies do you?
Goongeen: O'Black fellow die altogether, does not go anywhere.
Mr W: If Black fellow dies altogether, why are you afraid of going into the hut belonging to the man that was drowned?
Goongeen: O that soul, it goes somewhere, I do not know where.
Mr W: If the souls knows God and Jesus Christ it goes to Heaven, and if it be wicked it goes to hell.
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.4.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-206
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[5 July 1834 cont]
Goongeen: Who puts wicked souls into Hell?
Mr W: Satan.
Goongeen: Who puts good souls into Heaven?
Mr W: Angels who are good spirits.
Goongeen: Where Satan sit down?
Mr Watson: In the hearts of wicked men and all over where wicked people are.
Goongeen: Where is Heaven? In the clouds?
Mr W: No, beyond the sun and stars.
Goongeen: Have you ever seen something like stars fall? That always come down when Black fellow going to die.[85]
Mr W: Pshaw. not so I think.
Goongeen: Hy Hy Hy, you won't believe Black fellow, Black fellow won't believe you.
The conversation again turned on the subject of the soul.. I told him that it was Satan that made their souls blind and deaf and that hardened their hearts so that they did not feel any desire of knowing God and Jesus Christ, that Satan wished to keep them from God. He again asked "where Satan sit down?" I replied in the heart of wicked men. He observed "I don't see him, you don't see him I believe". One of the boys said "O yes, Mr Watson Doctor" (they suppose no one can see the devil but their doctors). I told them that it was not my being a doctor that made me acquainted with these things but the Bible, God's book. That the Natives could not know these things of themselves as they had no Bible, no minister to teach them, and as they only lives a short time, but God had always lived and knew everything, and that he had told good men what to write in their Bible. I told him that he ought to pray to God to cast Satan and all evil out of his heart. He said that he did pray to God, but that God had not done so. I told him that he prayed in a careless manner and did not feel a desire for God to do so. He said that a very very long time ago all Black fellows died. I enquired where the others came from then. He replied only one old man and an old woman sit down or lived. Nanny and I went to teach Poll Buckley. At first she was unwilling, saying she did not know it. I told her that we would say it and then she was to repeat, to which she assented, and she did so and said she understood a little
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.5.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-207
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[8 July 1834]
Tues July 8. Rode over to see a person who is confined to his bed in consequence of a compound fracture of the ankle. Goongeen accompanied me. As we proceeded on the road I asked him where all those trees were which he cut down some time ago in order to prevent our going into the bush (which occurred in January last). He said he had thrown them all away because he had done wrong. I told him that his doing so did not make me angry, but that it arose from the evil spirit in his heart. When we were returning home he asked, "What you have prayers there too". I said yes, we always pray with sick persons that God may restore them if He please, and if they die that He may take them to Heaven. We saw about twenty Natives. I remained conversing with them a long time. I asked King Bobby why he did not come to church now as he used to do. He said "Too much I look out Kangaroo". I told him that it was not good to look out Kangaroo on Sundays, that the great God gave them six days to go about but Sunday belonged altogether to Him. That my King always goes to church. He said "Aye Aye, your King, King of England, good I believe." I saw a Native female grinding some berries (the fruit of the Kurryjong tree) between two stones with water in the same manner as painters grind their paint. She afterwards made it into a cake and baked it.
[9 July 1834]
Wed 9. Some of the young men have submitted to learn to read for a few days past. In general it is very difficult to prevail on them to stay a lesson.
[10 July 1834]
Thurs. 10 Twelve Natives have been hoeing up weeds today in the paddock, and very hard they wrought. They have been of much service both in the garden and in the paddock.
[11 July 1834]
Frid 11. Two of our young men left us this morning to go to a neighbouring station. Perhaps tomorrow they will return. One of the boys went away with a stockman who had come to Wellington to look for some strayed cattle. I was afraid that some of the girls had also gone for I could not find them. I immediately went into the bush with one of the boys, and when I had got about a miles I saw the girls returning. They said that they had been after the boy who accompanied the stockman in order to bring back his blanket, but had not succeeded.
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.6.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-208
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Thus our minds are constantly exercised by night and by day. We have no claim on the children. At other places with Europeans they are under no moral restraint, subject to no discipline but uncontrolled and unreproved, they indulge in all their evil propensities. And all the kindness with which we have treated them has not attracted them to us.
[13 July 1834]
Sund 13. Only 9 Natives attended church and family worship today.
[14 July 1834]
Monday 14. Two adult Native men, a boy, a girl and four women came up to a short distance from the house today. I went to them and succeeded in persuading the boy (Baonaparte), who had been with us before, and the girl to come and stop with us at the mission house. In the evening I went to the different companies, spoke with them on religion and prayed with them. Some knelt down and repeated the prayers, others did not. There are 18 Natives here who are instructed, though imperfectly, on the doctrines and duties of the X'n religion. May the God of all grace open their understandings to receive the word of life.
[15 July 1834]
Tuesd 15. Spent most of this day in conversing with the Natives who came yesterday. When I was speaking of the Creation and had observed that God had made the sun, moon stars &c one of the old men added trees, grass, water &c. Among the things which he mentioned was snow. I enquired if he had seen snow, he said yes, in the clouds. A sick Native about 18 miles from here, I am told, has sent repeated messages by different Natives saying he wants to see me. I had not heard of it before this evening and I cannot go tomorrow.
[16 July 1834]
Wed 16. One of our young men asked me this morning to allow him to go cut some bark for a gentleman about 8 miles distant. I did not think it my duty to refuse. 4 or 5 more accompanied him. My boys have been putting a fence round a piece of ground for a garden for themselves. One of them was laid on the ground. He was not aware that I was near. I heard him repeat the words "Our Lord, Jesus Christ". I listened and found that he was repeating part of the church service, after which he began to sing a hymn.
[17 July 1834]
Thursd 17th Started in the gig accompanied by Goongeen on my journey to visit the sick Native. On our way we met a gentleman who said that the Native was not very ill, that he had left him by the door of his hut (as his men were at work in the bush) to watch it. When he perceived that I was bent on proceeding, he said the Native was a very wicked fellow, a notorious swearer &c. I replied that he needed instruction and admonition. when we came near the place we saw Kohbohn Jackey (the sick Native) and two yeeners, and as Goongeen, according to law, durst not approach the females, I had to go first and send them to a distance. With some difficulty we lifted Jackey into the gig, for
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.7.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-209
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he was unable to render himself any assistance. As may naturally be imagined his diseased and dirty condition of body rendered him a not very pleasant companion, but the Lord in such mercy enables us cheerfully to submit to those unpleasing circumstances in which through the calls of duty we are often placed. We were under the necessity of driving very slowly as Jackey could scarcely bear the motion of the gig. On our way home we saw two girls, who probably belong to us, tending sheep for a free man who resides near to the place. These are painful circumstances for there is scarcely a man within 40 miles of us, bond or free, who is not being in adultery with these unhappy females. No wonder then that they, like the interested persons in Ephesus, should use their utmost endeavours to prevent the Natives from believing and embracing the Gospel.
[18 July 1834]
Frid 18. We had a hut full of Natives at prayers this evening. They all appeared to pay great attention to the instructions delivered to them. The children are frequently overheard conversing on the subject of religion. O that it may please the most High to incline their tender minds to his fear and to faith in His Dear Son. Goongeen was much alarmed tonight on hearing that a large number of Natives had come within a few miles of this place to fight his father (who is a very wicked man). He wished me to lend him a horse to go and bring him up here, which I did.
[19 July 1834]
Sat.19 Three sick Europeans here remaining for medical assistance. Two of them scarcely able to rise from their beds. Besides several sick Natives, and we have not a man at home belonging to the mission to render any assistance.
[20 July 1834]
Sun 20 Some of the Natives who left us a few days ago to cut bark for a gentleman in the neighbourhood returned today. I enquired of them, do you know what day this is. To which they answered No! Alas, they have no Lord's days, and no wonder when Europeans on all hands of them have not. They seem to have no idea of computing time by weeks. Only by moons and winters.
[21 July 1834]
Mon 21. Two of the Native youths wait on the sick man. Goongeen and the boys assist in milking.
[22 July 1834]
Tues 22. The weather is exceedingly rainy. I am often up to my knees in mire in looking after the cattle &c.
[26 July 1834]
Sat 26. Goongeen wished to go the mountains to look for a Wallaroo (a large animal of the Kangaroo species). I told him that he got sufficient food here and that I did not want him to go about like other Natives, but always to remain with me. He replied "I want to go take a walk. Tomorrow Sunday you know, not go about
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.8.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-210
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at all tomorrow, sit down all day." However, as the weather cleared up Mr Handt started for Bathurst for the purpose of procuring a female servant and Goongeen accompanied him. So he got a long ride instead of a walk and I am sure he preferred it.
[27 July 1834]
Sund 27 Very many Natives here today. We had more of them at church than generally. Many females also attended. They sat on the right side of the reading desk. In the midst of the service a Native youth came to in very softly, shut the door and passed by the reading desk, not opening his eyes till he came close up to the females, on seeing which he immediately turned round and ran out of the church with the greatest possible haste. I endeavoured to instruct all the Natives after dinner as usual.
[29 July 1834]
Tues. 29 When speaking to the Natives this evening on the subject of religion, one of them asked "What for you speak much about God and devil and dying. No other white fellow no other master talk that way." It seems strange to them, and well it may, that we should be always speaking with them on those subjects which persons even of respectability never mention in their hearing.
[30 July 1834]
Wed 30. The boys have been working in their garden. I gave them some turnips &c which they have planted.
[31 July 1834]
Thursd 31. Mrs Watson is again confined to her bed by indisposition.
[3 August 1834]
Sund. 3 Had no service today as Mrs Watson is ill and Mrs Handt also. Mr Handt from home and no Europeans to attend except two soldiers at the barracks. Mr Handt and a female servant and Goongeen returned from Bathurst this evening.
[5 August 1834]
Tues 5th Some of our Natives appear to pay more attention to our instructions than they formerly did. May the Holy Ghost become their teacher, then they will learn to purpose. I have not been able to ascertain whether they have any sense of guilt or uneasiness of mind on account of their conduct. Their frequent sighing when we speak on religion and their constant fear of death would lead us to imagine that they felt all was not right. Kobohn Jackey is nearly well, so far restored indeed as to be able to go a mile into the bush for grubs (which they find in old decayed trees) though he is well supplied with milk at the mission house. Indeed milk and vegetables are all that we have either for our own food or for the Natives, as we are under the necessity of reserving the wheat in store for the military and we have no men to slaughter a Bullock.
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.9.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-211
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[8 August 1834]
Frid 8. On going to the camp of the elder Natives this evening I found Kobohn Jackey very ill, scarcely able to draw his breathe, and complaining of violent pain all over his body. I laboured hard to persuade some of the Native men to assist him up to the mission house, but none would move. They said "In the morning, I believe". I had reason to fear from appearances that he would not be alive in the morning unless immediate relief was obtained. At length two females assisted him. When he arrived I immediately let him blood, formented him[87] for two hours and applied a blister to his chest. Two or three Natives were present but they would render no assistance. I was under the necessity of washing his legs &c by myself.
[9 August 1834]
Sat 9. Jackey is much easier this morning. He is laid at full length before the only fire at which Mrs Watson has to cook &c and he makes the place exceedingly dirty for he will not rise to do anything. Mr Handt has now taken charge of the boys.
[11 August 1834]
Mond 11. When I was sitting in the kitchen with my children today not conversing on any subject, I was writing, one of them said "Mr Watson, what does that mean, 40 years long was I grieved with this generation". I, by way of explanation, gave them a brief account of the deliverance of the Israelites &c. The girl had remembered this from hearing it at church.
[12 August 1834]
Tues 12. A Native about 40 years of age has been a short time absent from this establishment. A few days ago he returned bringing with him a female. He has now given her to Kobohn Jackey rather than quarrel with him, though Jackey had one before. I spoke to them all on the impropriety of such conduct.
[14 August 1834]
Thurs 14. Jackey has given the yeener back to the man today.
[18 August 1834]
Mon 18. Mr Handt's family was increased this morning at 5 O'Clock by the addition of a fine daughter. May she be the Lords.
[19 August 1834]
Tues 19. Out two servant men returned from Bathurst today with a supply of flour, having been absent 5 weeks, during which we have experienced great scarcity off provisions. I was engaged in the stores this evening when a young man who once resided with us came up and said that a gentleman at the front of the house wished to speak with me. I enquired who he was and was told that he was Lord Lascelles and that he was on his way to the Hunter (a river of that name). I went up to him when he very unceremoniously asked "Can I remain here tonight?"
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.10.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-212
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I answered in the affirmative as it was very late and there was no other place where he could be accommodated. He was accompanied by three persons as servants on foot. He took some refreshment , after which he attended family worship. He entered at large into the nature and prospect of our mission, means of support, the habits of the Natives &c. He professed to be perfectly acquainted with the customs &c of the Natives of Van Dieman's Land. He said that religion in England was nothing but hypocrisy and dissimulation. I, however, differed from him in opinion on this point and I told him that notwithstanding abounding wickedness I believed that there never was a period when there was more vital goodness in England than at present. He expatiated at length on the British Parliament and animadrected on the conduct of His Excellency the Governor and the Legislative Council of this Colony. I knew that it was my duty "not to speak evil of dignities” and on this principle I conducted myself. I said that I considered it more profitable to study the politics of the kingdom of Heaven than those of earthly potentates.
[20 August 1834]
Wed 20. One of the men who accompanied Lord Lascelles has reported to the sergeant here that he is an impostor. He has been examined and is now taken into custody.
[21 August 1834]
Thurs 21st His Lordship has left the establishment in charge of a soldier who will escort them to the Bench of Magistrates at Bathurst.
[24 August 1834]
Sunday 24th. I took part of an old number of the Missionary Register into the hut this evening. One of the young men requested me to give it to him. I did so, feeling anxious to know what he would do with it. He read one of its columns, though it was small print and he had to spell every word.
[25 August 1834]
Mond 25. The weather is extremely rainy, the water is from 10 to 14 inches deep in our hut.
[26 August 1834]
Tues 26. This morning the river had risen so much that the adjoining lands are covered and have the appearance of a sea. A great part of our wheat crop is under water. I and Goongeen were riding through one of the paddocks which are flooded, my mare got into a hole and fell down. I kept my seat thinking that she would recover herself, however she gave two or three plunges and then laid down on the water. In an instant Goongeen was off his horse standing in the water and his arms round my waist attempting to lift me on his horse, which is much higher than my mare.
People in WellPro Directory: Bourke, Governor Sir Richard
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.11.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-213
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[27 August 1834]
Wed 27. The water has subsided. The wheat is not all covered at present. I was observing to the Natives this morning that the Lord was very kind to us in causing the water to go away so soon. One of them enquired "What for God let water come up all over wheat?" I told them that we had an opportunity of seeing how soon God could destroy everything and leave us without anything to eat. The Natives who went away on Friday have returned.
[30 August 1834]
Sat 30. Another of our boys has gone away to Goboleon where he will receive a cordial welcome. Our neighbours, even those who attend Divine service here are always ready to receive boys who go away from us.
[31 August 1834]
Sun 31. Several Native females at church today. One who had not been above once before, talked much during prayers although her daughter (one of our little girls) frequently tapped her on the shoulder and told her to be silent. Kohbohn Billy came up a short time before service this morning. I told him that he must go to church, at which he only laughed and said something about Peter (some white man in the neighbourhood). I said never mind Peter. You know that some time ago you were very ill here, near dying, and God made you well. Now you ought to thank God and come to church, but he went away. Two of our boys went very early this morning to take a gentleman in one of their bark canoes across the river. When they returned Mrs Watson asked them if they has said prayers in the morning. "No". If they had said grace, "No". Kohbohn Billy returned this evening. He has walked more than twenty miles today on an errand for some European. If I had asked him to go three miles for me he would not have gone. They are taught that we have a right to give them all they think proper to request without working or doing anything. Two females, the wives of one man, had been fighting last night, one of them has come up to have her arm dressed.
[1 September 1834]
Mon Sept.1. There was a muster of our Natives this morning. It appears that Kohbohn Billy told them last evening that a large number of wild Natives (with whom our's are not on very friendly terms) were coming to Wellington Valley.
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.12.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-214
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Our Natives went away to muster all their forces in order to meet their enemies. When they came up to breakfast I enquired if they were going away, and they said "No". But no dependence can be placed on their word. The Boys say "I will never go away Mr Watson, no, never" and in the course of a day or two days they will be gone. I went to the camp after breakfast and found an old Native making a shield. I enquired if they were going to fight. He said no, but "good many Blackfellows come up tomorrow". I said that I was very glad of that, I wished them to come as all the Natives belonged to us, and we wanted to speak to them about God. He replied "Hy Hy, but them wild fellows, they ask you give blanket, give flour, pipes, tobacco". I answered "Very well". He asked "will you give it them?" I told him that it was very probable that I should. At this he was far from being pleased. The females who have been with us for two or three months evince some degree of modesty now which certainly is one point gained and perhaps not a very small one. One of our children today asked Mrs Watson when Mr Watson would Baptise Mr Handt's babe, which shows that they think about that ordinance.
[2 September 1834]
Tues Sept 2. A gentleman came up to our house this morning to request that a Native might be allowed to put him across the river (in a canoe). When they were gone the following conversation was started by one of our girls.
Geanil: Who is that white master Mr Watson, is he an Englishman?
Mr W: No.
Geanil: O. He is an Irishman then?
Mr W: No. He is a Scotchman. He comes from another country, but it also belongs to my King.
Geanil: All about master belong to your King, King William. You always pray at church every Sunday for King William. Is he a good man?
Mr W: Yes, he always goes to church and reads his Bible and prays to God.
Geanil: Adelaide. Who is Adelaide?
Mr W: She is Queen, the wife of King William.
Geanil: Queen Adelaide. Gracious Queen Adelaide. Is she a good woman?
Mr W: O yes. She prays to God, reads the Bible &c &c.
Geanil: Black fellow don't pray for King. Always go about Bush.
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.13.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-215
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This conversation was succeeded by the following.
Oomby: Sheep mutton sit down at Sergeants.
Mr W: Yes, the flesh of sheep is called mutton.
Oomby: Who made mutton?
Mr W: God makes sheep, and when killed they are called mutton.
Oomby: First time I believe. (That is, God made sheep at the first).
Geanil: Always God make it, make it all about. First man God make was Adam, then he did eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Mr W; Yes, Satan tempted him to eat of that tree which God had told him not to eat of.
Geanil: No weeds sit down there. Did Adam then die?
Dickey Marshal: No, God came down from Heaven and turned him out of the garden with a sword which went this way (having a piece of wood in his hand he moved it quickly over his head).
Geanil: Is Adam in Heaven?
Mr W: Yes. God told him that by and by Jesus Christ would come down from Heaven and die for sinners. Adam was very sorry that he had done wrong and God forgave him.
Geanil: Then he went to Heaven when he died.
Mr W: Yes.
Geanil: Eve too?
Mr W: Yes.
Dickey M: Enoch too went to Heaven.
Geanil: Enoch did not die.
Dickey M: Abel too went to Heaven. Not Cain.
Geanil: Why did not Cain go to Heaven?
Dickey M: Because he was a wicked man. He killed his brother, Abel.
[3 September 1834]
Wed 3. Several strangers (Natives) came up today. They could not wait to hear any word respecting religion, they were going with dispatches.
[4 September 1834]
Thurs 4. All the Natives have returned today. The messengers informed them that they had no reason to fear. That instead of being treated as enemies they were requested to co-operate with those who had lately come up as allies. There are more than thirty Natives here.
[5 September 1834]
Frid 5. Several more Natives came up this morning. I spoke to them for a long time, especially to King Bobby and Prince Geordie, his brother. I told them that formerly they came to church, but now they did not make their appearance there at all. That they had cast off all thought of God &c, to which they said O no. I told them that it was so indeed and that when wicked white men spoke that which was not good they were quick of hearing and immediately them, but when we spoke about God and Jesus Christ they were deaf.
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.14.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-216
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I reminded Geordie that one of his yeeners (Sally) had laid down lame a long time, but I gave her medicine and she soon recovered, and he had taken her and another of his yeeners (Rachel) from us and lent them to a white man, that this was very wrong and he knew it to be so. Bobby said it was "stupid white fellow always want yeener", that he "good many times say it was wrong". Geordie said "well never mind, don't you care about it." I told him that I did care very much, that I was very sorry when they did wrong. Geordie has left Rachal with us. Most of the Natives have gone. Only fourteen are remaining here.
[7 September 1834]
Sund 7. All our Natives, fourteen in number, attended church today. After service many of those who went away on Friday returned. About 32 here tonight. I went to the camp and found them busy cooking their opossums of which they had got a large supply. I expressed my regret that they should go about on Sundays. One of them said "Black fellow not got Sunday". I pointed to the moon, which had just risen, and asked "Who made the moon?". One said "I do not Know" and another said "I do not know". I knew this was false and therefore addressing one of them I said "What Neddy, do you not know?" Immediately pointing to the Heavens he said "God". When we address them on the important subject of religion they appear to be as indifferent as stones, but if we show them a pipe, piece of tobacco or a piece of bread they are all life and agility. So profound is the spiritual sleep in which they are sunk. But we cannot allow them to sleep on without making repeated efforts to rouse them, praying that the Holy Spirit may bless our feeble endeavours. It was pleasing to find that Rachal had not forgotten the morning hymn, for she sang at church and urged the other girls to sing.
[8 September 1834]
Mond 8. More Natives have come up, we have about 40 here. This evening they had made their fires on a rising ground at some distance in the bush which gave them a pleasing appearance. I asked them when they would erect huts and form gardens for themselves and have sheep &c &c like white men. But they have no desire for such comforts. I have made many attempts to induce them to build a hut and have a garden. Hitherto, I have not succeeded.
[9 September 1834]
Tues 9. Many of the Natives have gone a hunting for a few days. They have left their yeeners here which shows that their prejudices against us are giving way. Oombejoong, one of my boys, requested leave
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.15.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-217
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to accompany the other Natives. I was well convinced that he would go and that if I did not give my consent, conscious that he had done wrong, he would be ashamed and afraid to return.
[11 September 1834]
Thurs 11. Five more Natives came up today.
[13 September 1834]
Sat 13. All the Natives have returned. More than 40 here. Oombejoong looks very dull and gloomy, he says he will go no more into the bush. We dare not believe him. I have prevailed on another boy to remain with us. He will probably be soon made a young man. Formerly the Natives, when in this immediate neighbourhood, camped near the river for the sake of the water, but for the last 3 or 4 months they have encamped in the neighbourhood of a spring which we opened last year not far from the mission house.
[14 September 1834]
Sun 14. This has been a very interesting day to us, although we cannot say that any of the Natives have derived spiritual benefit. As we know that the young men would refuse coming to church if there were any yeeners present, we arranged that all the females should sit behind the pulpit at one end, the men and children in the middle and the young men at the other end with our servants &c. However, not more than 4 young men attended. There were present more than 30 Natives. I am sure several of them understand part of what they hear, and their frequent sighing would lead us to hope that they feel all is not right with them. Until it shall please the Holy Ghost to move upon their hearts our labours will be ineffectual. But He is promised and in the Lord's good time we are persuaded He will be imparted. We plow in hope and sow in hope, though our hope is mingled with groans and sighs and tears. Warrahbin (who had been for many months absent from the establishment) came in after all the others had dined. But previously to her taking dinner she said grace of her own accord and curtsied at the name of Jesus Christ. In the afternoon and evening I visited all the Natives at the camp and conversed with them. They say that a small snake made the first fire and that a bird flew away with it and gave it to the Natives.
[16 September 1834]
Tues 16. I was much pleased, on going to the camp this evening, to find that the young men had been saying prayers by themselves.
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.16.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-218
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[19 September 1834]
Frid 19th. This evening a man who was not able to cross the river with his dray came to the establishment to get his supper. During family worship he enticed one of the yeeners to a short distance from the hut. Mrs Watson was not in at prayers, she called her to return, at the same time mentioning the man's name, but the female still went on. When we came out of the church Mr Handt and I went to look for them. The man had gone and the yeener was returning.
[20 September 1834]
Sat 20. Several more Natives came up today. The female appears to be ashamed, not for her conduct I fear, but that we had become acquainted with it. A Bullock driver, in attempting to cross the river today, had a narrow escape from being drowned. One of his Bullocks was drown'd.
[21 September 1834]
Sund 21. After breakfast and prayers this morning, one of the Natives that came up yesterday had got his weapons in hand and was about to start for the feast of the Bullock that was drowned yesterday. I told him he must not go today as it was Sunday, but he must come to church. He suggested many excuses, however, he laid down his weapons and at the time, with about 20 others, came to church. I was much pleased with the attention which the children and others paid to my instructions in the afternoon in the hut. In the course of conversation with the Natives at the camp I asked a yeener who made her.
Yeener: I do not know. Mother I believe.
Mr W: The Great God made you and everybody and everything.
Yeener: Hy Hy.
Mr W: To what place will you go when you die?
Yeener: To the clouds.
Mr W: Who told you that?
Yeener: I do not know.
Mr W: What will you do in the clouds?
Yeener. I do not know.
Mr W: There is nothing but water in the clouds. You cannot live in water.
Yeener: I believe not.
Mr W: Where do wicked people go at death?
Yeener: To a very great fire I believe.
Mr W: That is very bad and it is not to be trifled with.
Yeener: O yes, fir very good, very good.
Mr W: Would you like to sit down in fire always?
Yeener: You give me pipe.
Mr W: The Great God does not wish you to go to fire. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, from Heaven to die for you that you might not go to fire, but to a place of happiness when you die.
Yeener: Hy, Hy, you give me a pipe. I want a pipe.
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.17.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-219
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[22 September 1834]
Mon Sept 22. Many of the Natives have gone away to feast on the Bullock that was drowned on Saturday. I had 12 Natives with me in the mission garden today where, while they were resting in the shade, I read a part of the beginning of Genesis and it produced a conversation among themselves, but their manner of speaking being so remarkably quick I could not understand them. Only 14 Natives now here.
[24 September 1834]
Wed 24. The Natives have returned from the feast of the Bullock and a few strangers with them. I visited them at the camp as usual.
[25 September 1834]
Thurs 25. More Natives have come up today. Our number is increasing. A Native of a district in the south came up today. I embraced the opportunity thus afforded of obtaining a few Native words of a dialect apparently quite different from this. He was very shy and so I obtained not more than 20.
[26 September 1834]
Frid 26. Several of our Natives have been cutting bark for us today. Goongeen said he was ill, he could not go. In the afternoon I was sent for to see a Native youth who is frequently here. I found him very ill, scarcely sensible and trembling exceedingly. A yeener (mother to Goongeen) was sitting beside him weeping. I gave him some medicine. In the evening Goongeen came to our window saying Mr Watson, I want some medicine, I am very ill, i want to go into kitchen. I said very well, there are no females there. I went and gave him some medicine.
[27 September 1834]
Sat 27. The sick young men are both recovered. It appears that they had been eating some grubs which had been dead for a day or two days. They generally eat them alive as they pick them up out of old decayed trees. [87] Poll Buckley, one of our females, is taken exceedingly ill with trembling all over, a violent cough and pain in her chest and limbs. Her husband came up today and seem'd to be very much affected, but he went away again. One of our girls is also very ill.
[28 September 1834]
Sund 28. Only 12 Natives at church today. Mrs Watson asked the girl who is sick if she was going to church. She said no, so she did not get dressed, but no sooner had we commenced singing than she made her appearance. Some young men went away from the establishment this morning who, I feel persuaded, know that it is wrong to do so. I know that they will say as an excuse that "Too many yeeners sit down" but how to act we know not, so as to
People in WellPro Directory: Watson, Mrs
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.18.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-220
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meet these difficulties.
Hoogley Jackey came this morning to take his yeener away. She seemed very unwilling to go and begged that we would ask Jackey to let her remain with us. We used our endeavour with him but he said he wanted to "look out old man father belonging to him." Formerly we could not prevail on an adult female to remain with us, but now we generally have several. I have no doubt Jacket would have left this one if we had given him a shirt, but with our limited means we did not feel authorised to do so. However, during the time she has been here considerable pains have been taken to instruct her as well as the others in the principles of X'ty. We have twenty Natives with us now.
[Signed] W. Watson
[Signed] J.C.S. Handt
Journal 9: July-October 1834, p.19.
Class Mark: C N/O 92/17b
MS page no: 2-221
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[Note] Rev. W. Watson’s Journal
fr. April 1st to Octr 1st 1834