Page:Madras Journal of Literature and Science, series 1, volume 6 (1837).djvu/337

1837.] organ of acquisitiveness, and chastised them severely, whenever they discovered the theft. The natives, who appear to enjoy property in common, did not understand being punished for taking their neighbours' goods, and resented the insult. They attacked the houses of the settlers, generally of those living in isolated places, distant from the towns, plundered them, and sometimes murdered whomsoever they caught in the house. They also speared the cattle, and killed and carried away the sheep. In the rencontres which took place on these occasions, several black and eleven white men were killed, and a great many wounded. The government, anxious to put a stop to these atrocities, which endangered both life and property, offered a reward for the capture of Yagan, a supposed chief and ringleader. It was not long before this daring fellow, with two of his companions, were entrapped into a boat and made prisoners; they were sent to the island of CarmacCarnac [sic], with an instructor, and two soldiers as a guard, for the purpose of being taught our language to interpret with their countrymen. After three weeks confinement, they rose one night, while the party in charge of them were asleep, seized a boat, and regained the main land and liberty. They were now forgiven, and with the rest of their tribe, became again on friendly terms with the settlers. Their genius for thieving could not, however, remain quiet; they were soon again discovered attempting to rob a store at Freemantle which contained provisions: the proprietor being alarmed got out of bed, fired on them, and shot one dead. Their rule in such cases being the lex talionis, they watched an opportunity for revenge. In a few days they observed a cart laden with provisions, and accompanied by two men, proceeding into the country; they proceeded to a lonely place in the road, where the cart was to pass, and waited for it. On its arrival there, the men were attacked and both murdered. A gentleman rode up while they were in the act, fired two shots at them without effect, and identified the three principals, named Midgegoroo, Yagan and Monday. The government immediately offered a reward for their capture, dead or alive; but the miscreants evaded search for some time; at length Midgegoroo was made prisoner by Captain Ellis, superintendent of native tribes, and a party of the 63d regiment, brought in and placed in the jail of Perth on the 16th of May 1833. He was tried and found guilty soon after, and was shot on the 24th of the same month. Not long after Yagan was met by a lad, the servant of a gentleman up the country, who shot him dead. Mercy was extended to Monday, who still lives and is the most daring of his tribe.

The severe and merited punishment inflicted on these unhappy