Page:The Native Tribes of South Australia (1879).djvu/32

 xxii INTRODUCTION. persons has been committed by the natives within the limits of South Australia. About nine months after the murders at Maria Creek, a party coming overland with sheep were attacked by the Rufus tribe of blacks, in the neighbourhood of the north-west bend of the River Murray. Mr. Inman, who was in charge, and two others, were dangerously wounded, the whites dispersed, and all the sheep, about 7000, captured by the blacks. An expedition, under the command of Major O’Halloran, was sent against them; but, after being absent for several days, it was recalled, and returned without having seen any of the tribes. The recall took place in consequence of the censures which had been passed upon the Governor on account of the execution of the two Milemnura natives for the Maria Creek murders. Immediately on their return, a volunteer party was formed under the command of Lieut. Field, R. N., to endeavour to recover some of the stolen property. After an arduous journey of nine days, they came upon a body of natives between 200 and 300 strong. The natives immediately attacked them, advancing on in a sort of half-moon, and trying to surround the small party. The white people got away with difficulty, but not until some of the blacks (eight it is stated) had been shot. Three of the horses were speared, and one was killed. A third expedition was then organised, consisting of mounted police, volunteers, &c. The new Governor, Captain Grey, only permitted the volunteers to go as special constables, and the leader of the party was instructed "not to levy war, nor to exercise any belligerent actions" against the offenders. After travelling three weeks, a white man met them. He was one of the survivors of a fresh party of travelers which had been attacked, and their cattle (700) stolen. Three of his companions had been killed, and the person in charge badly wounded. The bodies were afterwards found; one of them horribly mutilated. The head had been battered to pieces, the body had been opened, and all the viscera, with the kidney-fat, * purpose is not known.
 * The natives smear themselves over with this substance, though for what