CHAP. IV - WAR

Summary

KELLY, in his boat expedition round Tasmania in 1815-16, was at Recherche Bay prevented from landing by a large body of natives giving his party a tremendous volley of stones and spears (p. 6). At Cape Grim he writes (p. 9): “We had just lighted a fire, when we perceived a large body of natives, at least fifty in number, standing on the edge of the bush, about fifty yards from us. They were all armed with spears and waddies. We immediately brought the arms from the boat, and put ourselves into a state of defence. They began to advance slowly towards us near the fire. We held up our pieces, and made signs to them not to come any closer. They held up their spears in return, accompanying their movements with loud laughing. They jeered at us, as if they thought we were afraid of their formidable band. We thought it desirable to retreat to the boat, when suddenly they laid down their weapons in the edge of the bush, and each holding up both hands as if they did not mean any mischief, at the same time making signs to us to lay down our arms, which we did to satisfy them; for if we had retreated quickly to the boat, it was probable they would have killed every one of us before we could have got out of range of their spears.