Colonial Secretary's papers 1822-1877

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, Governor of New South Wales
• Frederick Goulbourn, Colonial Secretary
• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary,
• Captain Patrick Logan, Commandant, Moreton Bay Penal Settlement,

Many of the letters are requests from Commandants of the Moreton Bay Settlement for supplies; petitions for work from free men; transportation and management of prisoners, and the establishment of facilities to support the settlement.

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

The correspondence documents the daily activities of a penal settlement; supplying returns of prisoners, the nature of their employment; transfers and runaways; requests [petitions] of wives of prisoners to join their husbands; and possible employment for them along with their children. Plans for the establishment a gaol and hospital for the prisoners were drawn up and provisionally approved.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

In May 1826 Captain Bishop reported on the cooperation of the local people, who assisted with the capture of 'bushrangers' supplying them with tomahawks and blankets in payment; and mentioned their distrust of cattle.

The following year Captain Logan reported on the shooting death of an Aboriginal man, after sending a number of soldiers to protect a corn crop.

European Exploration

In July 1827 Allan Cunningham proposed an exploration and botanical collection expedition, of the Moreton Bay region, correspondence details his requests for supplies and a number of prisoners to accompany him. His successful journey included climbing to the top of Mt Dumaresq, near Maryvale, and the discovery of the pass now known as Cunningham's Gap.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Items in this series include correspondence to:

• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• General Sir Ralph Darling, Governor, New South Wales
• Captain Patrick Logan, Commandant, Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

As well as Commandants of penal settlements in Norfolk Island, and Port Macquarie.

This series of correspondence includes requests for supplies, petitions, requests for passage and reports from the Commandants of Penal Settlements. There are several items of special interest regarding the settlement at Western Port Bay in Victoria [23 January 1828], and an inquiry into relations with Aboriginal people.

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

Included in this series are several petitions from wives of prisoners at Moreton Bay, others begging mitigation of sentences. Captain Logan filed returns of prisoners held and returned, and requests for supplies and tools to continue the establishment of suitable facilities for his men and their charges.

Norfolk Island Penal Settlement

In June 1825 the Colonial Office reopened the penal settlement on Norfolk Island, initially in charge of Major Turton, a place to accommodate the worst offenders ; Captain Vance Young Donaldson arrived early in 1826 and reported his observations of the establishment, and requested supplies and additional staff. This position was later taken over by Captain Thomas Edward Wright.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

In January 1828, Captain Logan reported the deaths of two men who were killed by Aboriginals of the Mulrobin clan, while guarding a field of corn on the banks of the Brisbane River. One of the supposed killers was shot, another detained and taken into custody, to be tried for murder. [Cornfield raids]

In February 1828 Captain Henry Smyth, 39th Regiment, Commandant of the settlement at Fort Wellington, Raffles Bay, [Northern Territory] discussed a 'skirmish' which took place between 5 soldiers from the detachment & a large number of Iwaidja people, during which a child was captured, in a bid to broker peace. Following the appointment of Captain Collett Barker, as Commandant, he wrote a confidential report to the Governor regarding the incident including the names of the soldiers involved. An enquiry was held and the depositions of these men is also included. Barker reported that by the time he arrived, relations between the settlers and the Iwaidja people had deteriorated to a point of mutual fear and hostility.

European Exploration

In April 1828 Allan Cunningham, HM Botanical Collector requested passage to Moreton Bay to collect botanical specimens.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Includes extracts from Special Bundle No. 4, 1100.3 (Ships Manifests, 1827 and 1828)

Items in this series include correspondence to:

• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• General Sir Ralph Darling, Governor, New South Wales
• Captain Patrick Logan, Commandant, Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

As well as Commandants of other penal settlements under the direction of the Colonial Secretary NSW.

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

Included in this correspondence are several petitions from wives of prisoners at Moreton Bay, others begging mitigation of sentences. Captain Logan filed a Return of Prisoners held and returned, and requested supplies and tools to continue the establishment of suitable facilities for his men and their charges. There are also reports of works undertaken at Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

European Exploration

In December 1828 Colonial Botanical Collector, Alan Cunningham with Charles Fraser, Colonial Botanist, reported on their expedition to a region south west of the Moreton Bay settlement.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include: the Lucy Ann; Isabella; Mary Elizabeth; City of Edinburgh; Governor Philip; and the Alligator as well as HM prison hulk the Phoenix.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Items in this series include correspondence to:

• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• General Sir Ralph Darling, Governor, New South Wales
• Captain Patrick Logan, Commandant, Moreton Bay Penal Settlement
• John Burnett, Colonial Secretary, Van Diemen's Land

As well as Commandants of other penal settlements under the direction of the Colonial Secretary NSW including: Norfolk Island, Fort Wellington, Melville Island and Port Essington [Northern Territory].

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

Included in the correspondence are several petitions from prisoners at Moreton Bay, Captain Logan filed Returns of Prisoners held and returned, and requested  supplies, livestock and tools to support the settlement.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. Discussion is related to the recruitment of natives [native police?] to apprehend bushrangers on Norfolk Island. Captain Logan reported on the loss of equipment and supplies from the lumber yard by Aboriginal people of the region.

European Exploration

Botanical Collector, Allan Cunningham reported on two collection expeditions: 1827 from Liverpool Plains to Moreton Bay and, in 1829 west and north west of the penal settlement at Moreton Bay, with the intention of shipping plants and seeds to England for the King's Gardens at Kew.

Colonial Botanist, Charles Fraser reported on seeds sent to the settlement at Port Essington, and plants and trees suitable for a botanic garden at Brisbane.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include: the Amity; Waterloo; Isabella; Mary Elizabeth; Governor Philip; and hired ship HM Success.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Items in this series include correspondence to:

• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• General Sir Ralph Darling, Governor, New South Wales
• Captain Patrick Logan, Commandant, Moreton Bay Penal Settlement
• John Nicholson, Harbour Master Attendants Office
• Doctor James Murray, Assistant Surgeon, Moreton Bay

As well as Commandants of other penal settlements under the direction of the Colonial Secretary including: Captain Henry Smyth, Port Macquarie.

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

The correspondence includes cargo manifests, petitions requesting sentencing reviews, complaints of behaviour, lists of prisoners, requests for tools and supplies including hoes, spades, grain and cattle.

Appointments to the settlement include: chaplains, hospital staff, marine pilots, boat builders, sawyers and a government astronomer, with discussions of salaries and allowances ; plans and estimates for constructing further hospital accommodation are submitted.

Proposal to move the settlement from Redcliffe [Humpybong] due to the shortage of fresh water ; and Colonial Botanist, Charles Fraser seeks extra land.

In May 1825 the settlement was relocated to the north bank of the Brisbane River [Maiwar]

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. In October 1830 Captain Logan was killed by Aboriginals while exploring the upper reaches of the Brisbane River, and his duties transferred to Captain James Clunie, 17th Regiment ; runaway convicts were reportedly killed by Aboriginals who also attacked a fishing boat crew ; Aboriginals who apprehended runaway convicts named: Ned Newton, Kangaroo Jack and Corroborrie, were 'rewarded' for the efforts.

European Exploration

HM Botanical Collector Alan Cunningham wrote of his return to England's Kew Gardens with his collection of botanical specimens, and was seeking remuneration from His Majesty’s Government for expenses in relation to his exploration & tours.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include: HM Colonial ships: 'Governor Phillip', 'Mary Elizabeth', 'Isabella', 'Lucy Ann', the 'Waterloo' and 'Regent Bird'.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Items in this series include correspondence from: 

• Alexander McLeay, Colonial Secretary
• General Sir Ralph Darling, Governor, New South Wales
• General Sir Richard Bourke, Governor, New South Wales
• John Nicholson, Harbour Master Attendants Office
• James Laidley, Commissariat Office, Sydney
• Doctor Henry Cowper, Assistant Surgeon, Moreton Bay

As well as Commandants of other penal settlements including Captain Henry Smyth, Port Macquarie and Lieutenant Colonel James Morisset, Norfolk Island.  

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

The correspondence includes cargo manifests, petitions requesting sentencing reviews, complaints of behaviour, lists of prisoners, requests for tools and supplies including cattle and horses, an excess of maize and the hardship of mulct (tax) on freight and a riot of prisoners on the ship ‘Eleanor’. 

Appointments to the settlement include: John Mackaness to be Sheriff : William Richardson and George Busby as Assistant Surgeons : Rev. Daniel Power as Catholic Clergyman in place of Rev. Joseph Therry ; a new clerk to the Hospital ; and William Morris as Pilot at Amity Point. 

Norfolk Island Penal Settlement

Correspondence also includes mention of the management of Norfolk Island, ships, cargo, prisoners and appointments to various government positions.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. Included are several mentions of runaways from Moreton Bay being located near Trial Bay by Aboriginal people and brought to Port Macquarie, as well as Aboriginals from Trial Bay and Point Plomer presenting with smallpox, caught from a runaway convict from Moreton Bay.

European Exploration

In August 1824 Thomas Brisbane, wrote to John Oxley, surveyor regarding an expedition tto Moreton Bay, the River and adjacent country with instructions to survey and explore the area.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include the ships: ‘Governor Philip’, ‘Isabella’, ‘Eleanora’, ‘Louisa’, ‘Regent Bird’ and ‘Phoenix’.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Items in this series include correspondence from:

• Captain James Clunie, Commandant Moreton Bay Penal Settlement
• Frederick Hely, Principal Superintendent of Convicts Office
• John Kinchela, Attorney General’s Office
• James Laidley, Commissariat Office, Sydney
• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• Thomas Macquoid, Sheriff of the Supreme Court of New South Wales
• John Nicholson, Harbour Master Attendants Office
• Benjamin Sullivan, Magistrate, Port Macquarie

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

This correspondence relates to trials and pardons, sentences passed by Captain Clunie, transfer of prisoners, the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum on Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), transportation of supplies, clothing and people, return of runaway prisoners, storage of supplies, and boat building.

There is correspondence relating to prisoners Vaux and Whall, from others asking not to be sent to Norfolk Island, and from women asking for their sentences to be commuted.

There are also letters from Captain Clunie regarding the administration of the Moreton Bay colony, allocation of servants, and planning for additional prisoner accommodation.

Norfolk Island Penal Settlement

Correspondence regarding the management of Norfolk Island and the movement of ships, cargo and prisoners.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. The include: Richard Craig a runaway from Moreton Bay with a knowledge of Aboriginal people and their language, was brought into the Port Macquarie settlement by Trial Bay people; issues were reported with Aboriginal people killing cattle around 'Moorooya' (presumably Moruya in southern NSW); Europeans were reportedly being wounded and killed by Aboriginal people at Dunwich (Goompi) on Stradbroke Island (Minjeriibah).

European Exploration

In December 1831 the discovery of limestone by surveyor James Ralfe was reported; April 1833 the collection of bird skins for a public museum in England, and other specimens for the Edinburgh Museum was undertaken ; comparative value of different timbers available in the Moreton Bay settlement.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include the ships: 'Caledonia', 'Governor Bourke', ‘Governor Philip’, ‘Isabella’, 'Jolly Rambler', 'Florentina’, 'Madeira', 'Maitland', ‘Regent Bird’ and ‘Phoenix’.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Items in this series include correspondence to:

• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales
• John Nicholson, Harbour Master
• Frederick Hely, Principal Superintendent of Convicts Office
• Stephen Owen, Deputy Commissary General

As well as Commandants of the Moreton Bay penal settlement including Captain James Clunie and Captain Foster Fyans.

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

The correspondence relates to petitions from prisoners, movements of ships (manifests of cargo and passengers), sentencing and transfer of prisoners, appointments and dismissals, failure of crops and hospital returns. There are also letters discussing the English Vagrant Act in relation to the Colony and proceedings of the Court of Enquiry held by Captain James Clunie.

Norfolk Island Penal Settlement

Correspondence also includes mention of the management of Norfolk Island and the movements of ships, cargo and prisoners.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include discussion by Captain James Clunie of relations with local Aboriginal people; the murder of a prisoner at Dunwich (Goompi) on Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah); an attack on a guard at the Pilot's quarters and other incidents of violence.

European Exploration

In 1835, John Parker, Superintendent of Agriculture, Eagle Farm, reported the number of acres under cultivation, and the number of sheep and cattle at Brisbane Town, Government Garden and Eagle Farm stations.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include the ships: ‘Governor Phillip’, ‘Isabella’, Mangles', 'Florentia’, 'England', 'Asia', 'Earl St Vincent' and ‘Phoenix’. 

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Items in this series include correspondence to:

• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales
• Thomas Harington, Assistant Colonial Secretary

As well as Commandants of other penal settlements including Colonel James Morisset, Norfolk Island and Captain Foster Fyans, Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

The correspondence relates to sentencing and transfer of prisoners, movement of ships (manifests of cargo and passengers), petitions from prisoners, appointments and dismissals from positions, the apprehension of runaways and bushrangers, requests for provisions and the damaged caused by the flooding of the Brisbane River in 1836.

In 1836, Captain Foster Fyans, sent Lieutenant Otter and a group of prisoners in search of the shipwrecked crew of 'Stirling Castle'. There are letters relating to the search expedition, recounts of the shipwreck of 'Stirling Castle' and the rescue of Mrs Eliza Fraser the captain's wife, her children and some members of the crew from K'Gari (Fraser Island). In 1837, Major Sydney Cotton replaced Captain Foster Fyans as Commandant Moreton Bay.

Norfolk Island Penal Settlement

Correspondence also includes mention of the management of Norfolk Island and the movements of ships, cargo and prisoners. In 1836, William Miller recommended a miller and storekeeper of agricultural produce to assist with problems storing grain.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include contact with Aboriginal people, attempts at communication, as well as incidents of violence. Reverend John Handt, from the Church Missionary Society for improvement of [Aboriginals] arrived in Moreton Bay, he reported meeting with Aboriginal people and his hopes to be able to communicate. Captain Foster Fyans, advised that Aboriginal people from 'Bribey’s tribe' with information regarding bushrangers, were offered a reward to assist in their apprehension. A search was undertaken for two lost seamen of the 'Duke of York' who had been apparently killed by Aboriginals.

European Exploration

In 1836, George Bennett, of the Australian Museum, requested prisoners from Moreton Bay and Norfolk Island be employed to collect specimens of natural history for the Australian Museum.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include the ships: 'Isabella', 'Larkins', 'Gilford', 'Governor Phillip', 'Dart', 'Eliza', 'Glory', 'Larkins', 'Bessy' [or 'Betsy'], 'Stirling Castle', 'Joseph Weller', 'Foster Fyans', 'Duke of York' and 'Jane'.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Items in this series include correspondence to:

• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales
• George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales
• Thomas Harington, Assistant Colonial Secretary

As well as Commandants of other penal settlements including Captain James Clunie, Major Sydney Cotton and Lieutenant Owen Gorman, Moreton Bay.

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

Correspondence relates to petitions for remission of sentences, movements of ships (manifests of cargo and passengers), recommendations and appointments to positions, provisions and labour and the abandonment of Moreton Bay as a penal settlement, including estimations of provisions and livestock. In September 1839 Lieutenant Gorman provided a detailed list of prisoners remaining at Moreton Bay under colonial sentence.

Between 1835 and 1840, the commandants of the Moreton Bay penal settlement included Captain James Clunie 1830-1835, Captain Foster Fyans 1835-1837, Major Sydney Cotton 1837-1839, Lieutenant George Gravatt 1839 and Lieutenant Owen Gorman 1839-1842. In 1839 the penal settlement began transitioning to a free settlement. Some prisoners remained to look after the work of the settlement and the area began to be surveyed.

Norfolk Island Penal Settlement

Correspondence also includes mention of the management of Norfolk Island and the movements of ships, cargo and prisoners, with some prisoners received at Norfolk Island due to the closure of the penal colony at Moreton Bay.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: contact with Aboriginal people including attempts at communication, furthering Christianity by supplying food and clothing, and offering articles, such as tomahawks and blankets, as presents when visiting.

In 1837 John Dunmore Lang, Presbyterian chaplain discussed establishment of an Aboriginal mission at Moreton Bay. In 1838, German missionaries requested a grant of land for buildings and cultivation at Moreton Bay [Nundah].

In 1839 Lieutenant Gorman, Commandant of Moreton Bay provided 'An Account of the Number of the Native Tribes within the limits of the Command at Moreton Bay' and discussed attaching Aboriginal people to the police force [Native Police].

European Exploration

Samples of coal found on the banks of the Brisbane River at Limestone [Ipswich] were sent to Sydney for assessment.

In December 1839, the Surveyor Generals Office advised that they had traced the Brisbane River from Moreton Bay to the foot of the mountains, and suggested deferring the opening up of the country to settlement until the survey was more advanced.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include the ships: 'Isabella', 'Foster Fyans', 'Speke', 'Champion', 'Mangles', 'Eliza', 'Atlas', 'John Barry', 'Governor Phillip', 'Asia' and 'Florentia'.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

[Includes Special Bundle No.4 (Penal Settlement Regulations)]

Items in this series include correspondence to:

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales
• Lieutenant Owen Gorman, Commandant Moreton Bay Penal Settlement
• William Miller, Deputy Commissary General
• Robert Dixon, Assistant Surveyor, Moreton Bay

Most of the correspondence covers the period 1839 to 1841, however there is a bundle of documents mostly from 1829 to 1832 which consist of regulations and blank forms used in the administration of the penal settlements.

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

In July 1839 Lieutenant Owen Gorman arrived at Moreton Bay to take up command during the transition to a free settlement. Prisoners under colonial sentence were replaced by ordinary prisoners of the Crown.

Correspondence in this series relates to prisoner transfer, issuing of certificates, remission of sentences, tickets of leave and indulgences. There are also letters concerned with the management of the settlement such as supplies, allowances, reimbursement of supplies provided to the German missionaries, as well as movements of ships (manifests of cargo and passengers) and appointments to positions.

There are requests from settlers on the Darling Downs for permission to send supplies and workers via Moreton Bay to their stations, and for permission to ship wool through the port.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: conflicts with Aboriginal people including the death of two members of a surveying party near Mount Lindsay; reports of Aboriginal people being shot by colonists and an incident with German missionaries firing on and wounding Aboriginal people for stealing food and provisions from their settlement.

European Exploration

Some of the correspondence relates to exploration outside of Moreton Bay including the journal of Lieutenant Gorman's journey from Moreton Bay to the Darling Downs via the crossing near Hayes Peak and returning by Cunningham's Pass, and a description by Samuel Perry, Deputy Surveyor General, of land portions measured for sale in Moreton Bay, the Clarence River and the left bank of the MacLeay River. Lieutenant Gorman also described the timber growing at Moreton Bay and advised that a box containing fourteen seed samples was sent on the schooner ‘Harlequin’ to Sydney.

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying prisoners, supplies and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. They include the ships: 'John', 'Curlew', 'Harlequin', 'Earl St Vincent', 'Andromeda', 'John Barry', 'Sophia Jane', and 'Captain Cook'.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• Edward Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales
• Lieutenant Owen Gorman, Commandant Moreton Bay Penal Settlement
• Campbell Riddell, Colonial Treasurer
• Stephen Simpson, Commissioner of Crown Lands

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

Letters in this series are mostly written during 1841-1842 and relate to the establishment of the District of Moreton Bay as a free settlement. The Colonial Secretary received several requests for access to Moreton Bay, from settlers on the Darling Downs, as well as requests for supplies, allocation of allowances, appointments to positions, reimbursement of supplies provided to the German missionaries and reports on the state of the colony.

Other letters discuss: the limitation of pastoral stations within 50 miles of the settlement of Moreton Bay; surveyor Henry Wade replaced Robert Dixon to conduct surveys prior to settlement being thrown open for colonisation; unlicensed squatters in the district; map of town allotments in Brisbane is produced by Henry Wade, and the plan for allotments at Eagle Farm was released.

Reports include: Return of the Settlements (Port Macquarie, Moreton Bay and Norfolk Island); Return of the Department/Establishment of Moreton Bay…’  Return of baptisms, marriages and burials at Moreton Bay’; Female prisoners (previously located at Moreton Bay) proposed to be released or assigned from the Female Factory at Parramatta; Abstract of register kept at Her Majesty's General Hospital Moreton Bay; Purchasers of town allotments (including North Brisbane and South Brisbane)  and Purchasers of sundry crown lands (including County of Stanley/ Parish of Toombul, Eagle Farm, Moreton Bay).

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters from settlers on the Darling Downs mention hostile interactions with Aboriginal people, including the stealing of sheep, as well as threatening and killing of station workers. There are also reports of Aboriginal people being shot, wounded and poisoned by settlers. Governor Gipps established Border Police, including recruiting returned runaways, David Bracewell and James Davis, who lived with Aboriginal people. Also included is a report to the Colonial Secretary by J.C.S. Handt, ‘Report of transactions relative to the condition of the Aborigines in the District of Moreton Bay for the year 1841'.

European Exploration

Some correspondence relates to the exploration of Northern Australia, including a proposal by Benjamin Singleton to explore country between Moreton Bay and the Gulf of Carpentaria, who advised he would meet costs but requested remuneration if successful, as well as Edward John Eyre offering services to undertake expeditions if expenses were met by government.

Regular vessels

Much of the correspondence relates to cargo and passenger vessels relaying supplies and passengers to and from Moreton Bay, including 'John', 'Edward', Piscator' and 'Shamrock'.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Includes:
Special Bundle 4/7203 (Commissioner of Crown Lands – Moreton Bay, Reports re Border Police 1843-6);
Special Bundle 4/7312 (NSW Civil Establishment, Returns of the Agent for Immigration, 1843-50 and 1852-6);
Special Bundle 4/7358 (NSW Civil Establishment, Returns of the Medical Establishment, 1829, 1831, 1833-35, 1837-48)

This series includes correspondence to and from:

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Sir George Gipps, Governor
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate
• Stephen Simpson, Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Campbell Riddell, Colonial Treasurer
• David Ballow, Assistant Surgeon Moreton Bay
• Christopher Rolleston, Commissioner of Crown Lands

Moreton Bay Settlement

Letters in this series relate to various issues including: the need for police constables as well as good, free labour in the colony; land sales in Brisbane; farming at Eagle Farm and failure of crops due to lack of water; land allocated for a government wharf at Kangaroo Point; and additional funding requested for maintaining a hospital.

Appointments include: Captain John Wickham, Police Magistrate ; Stephen Simpson, Commissioner of Crown Lands

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include reports of hostile interactions as the settlement expanded towards Ipswich, the Darling Downs and the Wide Bay region. They include a sheep stealing incident at Selby & King’s stations; the proposed formation of a 'Black Police'; and poisoning of Aboriginal people at a sheep station in the Wide Bay District.

European Exploration and settlement

These letters refer to locations away from the original settlement. They include: a coastal survey undertaken between Moreton Bay and the Clarence River (now NSW); sale of town allotments in Ipswich ; excursion to the Bunya country to find a site for the future residence of the German Mission (Durundur) ; Border Police on the Darling Downs ; expeditions north to procure plants and specimens of pine by Andrew Petrie and his son John.

Regular vessels

There is frequent mention of the conveyance of mail and passengers, for Moreton Bay via steamers 'Sovereign', 'Shamrock' and 'James Watt'.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

Includes extracts from Special Bundle No. 4, 7358 (NSW Civil Establishment, Returns of the Medical Establishment, 1829, 1831, 1833-35, 1837-48)

This series includes correspondence to and from:

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Sir George Gipps, Governor
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate
• Stephen Simpson, Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Campbell Riddell, Colonial Treasurer
• David Ballow, Assistant Surgeon, Moreton Bay
• Christopher Rolleston, Commissioner of Crown Lands

Moreton Bay Settlement

Letters in this series concern several issues facing the growing settlement. They include: maintaining law and order ; expense of supplies for Border Police at Darling Downs ; the lack of a Customs House officer in Brisbane - in relation to suspected smuggling of 'spiritous liquors' ;  payments for rations at the gaol and treatment expenses at the hospital.

There are also several reports (including the names of buyers) on the sale of Crown Land in Kangaroo Point, other areas of Brisbane and in Ipswich ; also letters from John McLean applying to lease the ferry and Edward King applying for position as ferryman. There is also an application from Evan Mackenzie to purchase land for a steam boat wharf at South Brisbane.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. In 1844, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Stephen Simpson reported on the “disturbed state of the district [of Moreton Bay]” from "incursions" of the local Aboriginal people, he described them as ‘very troublesome’ in the area towards the head of the Brisbane River.

The Border Police of the Darling Downs reported instances of conflict between Europeans and the Aboriginal people already inhabiting the land. Another report listed the names of white men murdered in the Darling Downs region. There was an inquiry into the poisoning of ‘Docto’, an Aboriginal man at Plough Station near Ipswich by a prisoner employed in the area; the Catholic mission at Dunwich (Goompi) on Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) requested blankets and clothing for the local Aboriginal people.

European Exploration and Surveys

Included in this correspondence are reports from Commissioner Stephen Simpson and later, Christopher Rolleston following their visits to the Logan River, Beaudesert, Grantham, Lockyer Creek and Kilcoy regions, and the Darling Downs. The reports name the people living in those areas, buildings, soil types and cultivation they encountered.

There is also mention of portions of Crown Land to be appropriated for religious purposes, namely burial grounds in Ipswich. There are separate appropriations for Episcopalian, Catholic, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Independents and Jew’s Burial Ground, as well as a "Burial Ground for the [Aboriginals]".

Shipping and Ferries

The vessels mentioned include the steamers 'Shamrock', 'Sovereign', 'Corsair', 'James Watt' and 'Thistle' responsible for the delivery of mail between Sydney and Moreton Bay ; as well as the 'Fly' and 'Bramble' that undertook a survey the coasts and reefs of the Colony and the 'Opsrey' which reported a new reef in Torres Strait ; the schooner 'Perseverance' was wrecked on Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) in February 1844.

Approval was sought to establish a ferry from Kangaroo Point to North Brisbane ; John McLean applied to lease the ferry and Edward King applied for position as ferryman ; application from Evan Mackenzie to purchase land for a steam boat wharf at South Brisbane.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:

• Edward Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales
• Charles Fitzroy, Governor of New South Wales
• Samuel Perry, Deputy Surveyor General
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane
• Stephen Simpson, Commissioner of Crown Lands
• William Lithgow, Auditor General

Moreton Bay Settlement

Letters in this series relate to the administration of the growing settlement. They include: licences for squatting, buildings and publicans (hotels), as well as occuping and building on Crown land ; establishing and keeping law and order ; establishment of Courts of Petty Sessions ; District constable at Ipswich ; construction and positioning of a wharf at South Brisbane ; proposed steamer between Brisbane and Ipswich and a coal mine on the bank of the river ; sale of land at Brisbane and Ipswich ; Census Return, District of Darling Downs, 1846 (with names and locations) ; provisions supplied to prisoners employed on roads at Moreton Bay.

New South Wales Colony

Some correspondence in this series relates to multiple districts in the New South Wales colony, including a series of memorandum from William Lithgow, Auditor General. Services and provision supplied include: provisions to Border Police ; conveyance of prisoners from Sydney to join Border Police ; supplies to public departments (boots, shoes, water buckets, clothing, bedding) ; Government Printing Office ; Constables on escort between Sydney and Brisbane ; stores between Sydney and Hunter River and Moreton Bay.

Other correspondence relates to: discontinuing the use of convicts in the Border Police, substituting with free men ; a sketch printed and published by E.D. Barlow showing the squatting districts in New South Wales (1844), returns from the Border Police ; disputes over depasturing licences ; licence fees and religious instruction and education.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: hostile interactions between settlers and Aboriginal people, including the dispersing and spearing of cattle ; threatening and killing of station workers ; reports of Aboriginal people being killed and poisoned. In 1845, Stephen Simpson, the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Darling Downs reported on the Aboriginal peoples of the Darling Downs and their interactions with settlers, he also mentioned visiting tribes from Severn, Richmond and Clarence Rivers, from Moreton Bay District and the River ‘Boyne’.  

Also mentioned is a proposal to visit to the Bunya Scrubs where German missionaries were forming a station at Noonga Creek (Durundur) ; concern regarding the withdrawal of a regiment from the Scrubs at the foot of the Dividing Range ; estimates of expenses of the Department of Border Police note convicts and Aboriginal people ‘not requiring pay’.  

European Exploration and Surveys

Captain Francis Blackwood, of the ‘Fly’, provided sailing directions for the Torres and Endeavour Straits for publication ; charts of the Torres Strait were produced to assist ships sailing to India. 

Shipping

The ships mentioned include the steamers 'Tamar', transporting a whale boat to Moreton Bay, the 'Thistle', transporting ammunition to Moreton Bay, and the 'Sovereign' delivering mail between Sydney and Moreton Bay.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to and from:

• Edward Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales
• Charles Fitzroy, Governor of New South Wales
• Samuel Perry, Deputy Surveyor General
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane
• Stephen Simpson, Christopher Rolleston, Commissioners of Crown Lands
• William Lithgow, Auditor General
• Campbell Riddell, Colonial Treasurer

Moreton Bay Settlement 

Letters in this series relate to the administration of the growing settlement and include: sale of Crown land in Brisbane and Ipswich ; management of a fresh water spring for supply of water to South Brisbane ; licences to cut timber and penalties ;  proposal to dig for coal near Bremer River between Brisbane and Ipswich ; funding for treatment of ‘pauper patients’ at Moreton Bay hospital ; Andrew Petrie, architect to occupying his current premises, and cost of lease ; nuisance dogs prowling streets of Brisbane ; proposed establishment of a post office at South Brisbane ; convicts for 'return' as their service no longer required (with names).

European Exploration and Settlement 

Letters in this series also address matters relating to the wider area, including the Darling Downs and Wide Bay district. They include: the conveyance of mail and travel routes to Darling Downs, Drayton, Limestone, and Cunningham’s Gap ; a search to be undertaken for Willliam Thompson's wife, said to be with an Aboriginal tribe in the Fraser Island (K'gari) area ; establishment of courts of Petty Sessions and the appointment of additional magistrates; extensive occupation of land to the north of Moreton Bay, including the Wide Bay area ; applications from settlers wishing to occupy land in several areas including Oakey Creek ; supplies for Border Police at Darling Downs ; complaints relating to Indian labourers ('coolies') at Tent Hill Station ; survey report of the coast between Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay by Burnett, including the reconnaissance of two rivers to the north ; and a survey of the River Boyne.  

Interactions with First Nations People 

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: Military Detachments on the roads to Darling Downs, to protect settlers from 'hostile' Aboriginal people ; “aggressions”, such as steeling of sheep, attacking shepherds and an attack on bullock drays on the road ; German missionaries from Prussia to “bring Christianity to Aboriginal natives” who despite acknowledging that the object of the mission had failed, wished to remain in the area.

Regular Vessels and Ferries 

Letters in this series include: mention of the steamers 'Shamrock', 'Sovereign', 'Tamar' and 'Thistle' carrying mail between Brisbane and Sydney ; expenses of the Department of the Harbour Master at Moreton Bay for provision of a Pilot and boat crews; building a residence for the Pilot; as well as leases of ferries between North and South Brisbane and between North Brisbane and Kangaroo Point, with the suggestion that leases should be fixed in Brisbane not in Sydney. 

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary 
• Charles Fitzroy, Governor of New South Wales 
• Thomas Ramsay Deputy Commissary General 
• William Miller, Deputy Commissary General 
• George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales 
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane 

Moreton Bay Settlement 

Letters in this series relate to the administration of the growing settlement and include: applications for licences - Queens Arms hotel, Ipswich and Harp of Erin hotel, South Brisbane ; postal service between Cressbrook [Brisbane Valley] and Ipswich ; Wesleyan Church buildings and allotments ; land sales in Moreton Bay (includes names) ; appointment of Doctor Keith Ballow as Coroner ; Court House allotment ; temporary Custom House erected ; land for German missionaries at Moreton Bay and financing of Mount Zion settlement ; as well as the first issue of the 'Moreton Bay Courier' newspaper. 

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: claim by Henry and William Hughes that shepherd William was murdered by Aboriginal people at Jondaryan; Commissioner Christopher Rolleston sought permission to distribute rations, including flour and tobacco for Aboriginal people at his station on the Darling Downs ; Rolleston also reported that in the north-western district the local Aboriginal tribes are numerous, savage and hostile ; the murder of three Aboriginal women and one child by unknown white men ; abstract of Rolleston’s “Report on the state of the Aborigines in the Darling Downs District for 1847”; and for the Moreton Bay District.

European Exploration and Settlement 

Letters in this series include matters relating to areas outside Moreton Bay, including: building and repair of police stations ; extra police constables in Ipswich, Cressbrook, Warwick and other Darling Downs locations ; wool store buildings be provided in the Wide Bay and Burnett area ; Census Return, Darling Downs (with names & locations) ; funding for buildings in Ipswich, which is likely to become a "place of some importance" ; maps and plans for the Districts of Wide Bay and Burnett ; licences for tradesmen establishing buildings and business at Drayton ; Ludwig Leichhardt requested ticket of leave prisoners be permitted to join his expedition across Australia to the Swan River, Western Australia.

Regular Vessels and Immigration 

Letters in this series cover topics including: mail sent from Sydney to Brisbane per the ship ‘Tamar’ ; the need to supply labourers for the settlement through immigration ; emigrants to sail to Moreton Bay on the ship ‘Artemisia’ in 1848 requiring accommodation ; equiptment and moorings for Harbour Master’s Department.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor of New South Wales
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane
• John Gibbes, Collector of Customs
• Merion Moriarty, Port Master, Sydney
• Edmund Blacket, Mortimer Lewis, Colonial Architect’s Office
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General

Moreton Bay Settlement

Letters in this series relate to the administration of the growing settlement and include: sale of land in Brisbane and Parishes of Ipswich, Goodna, Yeerongpilly & Woogoroo; plans, options and specifications for a Customs House in Moreton Bay ; Doctor David Ballow appointed Surgeon to HM Gaol, Moreton Bay ; converting the Female Factory at Moreton Bay into a Gaol; location for a Quarantine Station on Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) ; usefulness of the Old Windmill; request for land for a Catholic Church, school and Clergyman’s residence at Brisbane.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include reports of: violent interactions with Aboriginal people in the Wide Bay District ; applications for Native Police ;  Aboriginal people of Darling Downs district being numerous and hostile ;  that game, fish and bunyabunya fruit were plentiful, but that the cold is severe in winter and the distribution of flour, tobacco and clothing would be highly beneficial ;  violent conflict on John Balfour's stations ; the cessation of the German Mission to Aboriginals ; murder of a shepherd at Woolooga ; the destruction of working bullocks in the Maranoa District ; murder of Charles Gray at Bribie Island (Yarun).

European Exploration and Settlement

Letters in this series include matters relating to areas outside Moreton Bay. They included: survey for the town of Maryborough ; land for a Presbyterian Church in Ipswich ; land at Drayton as a site for a cemetery ; Andrew Petrie, expeditioner, architect now almost blind, his eyesight having suffered due to constant sun exposure ; inhabitants of Ipswich against sending convicts to Moreton Bay, concerned for property and possible effects on voluntary immigration of labour and capital ; scarcity of labour in Darling Downs region; petition from inhabitants of Wide Bay district regarding forwarding of emigrants to Maryborough.

Immigration and Shipping

Letters in this series cover topics including: buoys in the North Channel into Moreton Bay; arrival of the ship ‘Sea’ and disposal of immigrants ; act to constitute Moreton Bay a Warehousing Port; supplies (including sheep) for Mr Kennedy’s exploring party to be shipped on the schooner ‘Coquette’ for conveyance to Cape York ; Instructions for dealing with convicts on the ‘Mount Stuart Elphinstone’ ; 45 convicts on board ‘Hashemy’ to Moreton Bay and 45 Ticket of Leave holders arriving by the steamer ‘Tamar’

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• Campbell Riddell, Colonial Treasurer
• Governor Sir Charles Augustus FitzRoy
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate
• Frederick Walker, Commandant Native Police
• John Plunkett, Attorney General
• Christopher Rolleston, Commissioner of Crown Lands
• John Barney, Surveyor General

Moreton Bay Settlement 

This series includes many letters relating to expanding the settlement. They include: requests for money to build roads and bridges beyond the settled districts of the Colony, the region referred to as “Cooksland” ; requests for money and land to build churches ; proposed growing of ‘tropical produce’ such as sugar and cotton ; the sale of Crown land in Moreton Bay, and the Parish of Bulimba ; applications to purchase land on the Bremer River near Ipswich ; repairs to Brisbane hospital, ; quarantine stations in Moreton Bay ; the appointment of Doctor Ballow as Health Officer ; and reserving a ward of the Brisbane Hospital for the use of the Military. 

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: expanding the settlement to areas away from Moreton Bay, north to Maryborough, east to Cleveland and west to the Darling Downs and Goondoowindi areas, leading to many clashes with the the original inhabitants. There were calls for Native Police to be sent to several areas following ; reports of cases of theft of sheep and cattle ; there are also reports of many deaths, including at Broomfield Station and in the Burnett and Wide Bay districts.

European Exploration and Settlement

This series includes letters relating to surveying the town of Warwick - building licenses being granted ; applications from tradesmen desiring to settle ; request for a General Publicans license ; proposal to establish a courthouse and lockup in Warwick, with provision for the horses required by the police ; discovery of gold in the area.  

Other topics include the design for the town of Maryborough ; requests to survey land near Ipswich ; the need for a courthouse and lockup at Drayton; the design for the town of Cleveland to provide a more suitable seaport to export produce ; the grazing of sheep and cattle in various locations.

Regular Vessels and Immigration 

This series includes much correspondence relating to the arrival of the ‘Fortitude’, the first of John Dunmore Lang’s immigrant ships to arrive in Moreton Bay. The immigrants spent time in quarantine on Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) before returning to Brisbane where they had been promised land. Unfortunately, no such arrangement existed and many letters discuss the difficulties of arranging lodgings, employment, supplies and land available for sale to the new arrivals. 

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary 
• Charles Fitzroy, Governor of New South Wales 
• Henry Gregory Gregory, Vicar General and Catholic Priest 
• Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, Colonial Surveyor General 
• Gilbert Eliott, Sheriff, Sydney 
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane 

Moreton Bay Settlement 

Letters in this series relate to the administration of the growth of the region as a free settlement and include:  arrival and distribution of convicts on the 'Bangalore', the great demand for labour in the settlement ; arrangements for free settlers and agents to board convict ships and select servants ; regulations in regard to Ticket of Leave arrivals ; withdrawal of the 11th Regiment from the Settlement and subsequent requests for an increased police force ; proposal to establish of a quarantine station at Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) ; plans for establishing the Brisbane School of Arts and Sciences, a Hall and Library ; costs incurred by the Colonial Secretary’s office, Moreton Bay Hospital and Brisbane Gaol ; relationships between Church and government ; appointment of officials and applications for employment. 

Management of penal activities including trials, sentencing, and petitions from many convicts and prisoners ; the execution by hanging of Jacob Wagner and Patrick Fitzgerald, sentenced for the murder of James Marsden ; Brisbane Circuit Court jurisdiction limits ; Passports for convict exiles advertised.

Interactions with First Nations People 

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.  

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: a dispute involving Wanigull [or Warngull, or Wamgull] and two other Aboriginals who were injured by police at Kangaroo Point, and the sentencing of one of the police officers involved ; extracts from Commissioner MacDonald's report on the Aboriginal people in the Lower Darling district including, population and tribal groups, food sources and relations with European settlers; blankets supplied to the elderly and infirm women and men of tribes visiting Brisbane.

European Exploration and Settlement 

Letters in this series relate to matters outside Moreton Bay, including: bridge building at Little Ipswich and Three Mile Creek ; Catholic and Presbyterian Churches seeking land grants ; land sales throughout the Colony and town allotments in Brisbane ; cemetery at Warwick (with plans) ; decommissioning of police buildings and sale of land at Cressbrook ; mail run between Yulgulba [Yalculba] and Drayton; dissolution of first Sugarcane Growing Company.

Regular vessels and Immigration 

Letters in this series cover topics including: order to improve conditions onboard passenger ships travelling from the UK to British colonies ; Moreton Bay Customs activities and the construction of Custom House, Queen’s Wharf, and Sufferance Wharf (privately owned). The Chasely arrived in Brisbane carrying emigrants promised land grants by Reverend John Dunmore Lang.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor of New South Wales
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Maurice O'Connell, Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane
• Francis Merewether, Immigration Agent

Moreton Bay Settlement

Letters in this series relate to the administration of the growing settlement and include: establishment of a market at North Brisbane ; the difficulty of acquiring sand for making bricks for new buildings ; funds required for repair of roads, from Court House to Breakfast Creek and Eagle Farm, Brisbane to Ipswich and North Brisbane to Moggill Creek ; an attempt made by prisoners to escape from the Gaol led to an investigation which deemed the current Gaol insufficient ; details of proposed construction of the Catholic Church of St Stephen ; land at North Brisbane for the Church of England ; sale of land allotments in North Brisbane and South Brisbane ; also extended leave for Police Magistrate John Wickham due to his wife's ill health.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: Letters in this series include requests from white settles for protection by Native Police following 'loss of sheep' and cases of violent 'outrages' ; reports from Frederick Walker, Commandant, Native Police in the Wide Bay and Burnett area of several incidents of violent interactions with local Aboriginal people.

European Exploration and Settlement

Letters in this series include matters relating to areas outside Moreton Bay, including: land sales in Maryborough fetching higher prices than expected due to the probability of the town becoming a shipping port of some importance ; expenses for dray, oxen and gear for Assistant Surveyor Robert Bagot and his surveying party in Surat District ; government allowance to assist Ipswich School of Arts and Sciences ; application from George Leslie of Canning Downs for free passages for wives and families of convicts ; land for a church, school and parsonage at Warwick ; letters of complaint and petitions from residents of several districts, including Maranoa and Darling Downs for funding and improvement of the postal service including the salary for postmasters.

Immigration and Shipping

Letters in this series cover topics including: passengers travelling by coastal vessels, the Schooner 'Emma' and the Brig 'Jack' ; applications made to import 'Continental Labourers' and the bounty paid per head in order to gain immigrant labourers with skills not held by men from England, including frequent requests for 'Vinedressers'.

The ship 'Emigrant' arrived from England having seen eighteen deaths due to typhus. The remaining passengers were quarantined at Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) where a further twenty-six people died and were buried in the local cemetery.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received and papers filed with them

This series include correspondence to:

• Charles Fitzroy, Governor of New South Wales; 
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane; 
• Stephen Simpson, Commissioner Crown Lands; 
• George and Patrick Leslie, Pastoralists, Graziers and Politicians; 
• Gilbert Eliott, Sheriff, Sydney; 
• Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, Colonial Surveyor General; 
• James McMahon, prisoner, Darlinghurst Gaol. 

Moreton Bay Settlement 

Letters in this series relate to the administration of the growth of the region as a free settlement and include: conditions in the HM Gaol Brisbane (includes names of prisoners) ; inmates and escapees from Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum (Gladesville Mental Hospital, Sydney) ; proposed construction of a lighthouse at Cape Moreton ; German missionaries and others applying for denization and certificates of naturalisation; petitions seeking - financial aid, rations, housing, and transportation for government employees, new arrivals, and unemployed individuals and families ; army personnel seeking pensions in the form of ship passage to Tasmania or New Zealand, along with land and funds to build housing. 

Also included are: letters from individuals seeking employment ; applications regarding city planning - including requests to designate areas along the river, and River Quays for recreational use and a marketplace ; Court and magistrate proceedings detailing accusations, defenses, and sentencing, such as mail robbery and illegal still ownership ; Governor Fitzroy's correspondence rejecting a Downing Street proposal to reintroduce convicts and the Colony becoming a penal colony again ; electoral list preparation for districts and appointment of Census collectors ; Brisbane Hospital staff, conditions, facilities, costs, patients, and convict and ticket of leave holder admissions and medical cost reimbursements ; works begin on the construction on the Library and Hall for the Brisbane School of Arts.

Interactions with First Nations People 

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered. They include: Aboriginal outrages in the Gayndah district, reports of the murder of two shepherds and theft of two large flocks of sheep by Aboribinal groups in the Dawson River region ; Bunya Bunya, an area where Aboriginal people gathered for the traditional gatthering and Bunya nut harvest ; the delayed arrival of Native Police in the Maranoa district - incidents of killing a man and large numbers of bullocks, cattle, and sheep being targeted ; altercations with Aboriginal people in the Chinchilla and Condamine regions, along with requests for a permanent presence of Native Police. 

Also noted is a report on the drowning of harbour pilot James Hexton near Moreton Island, and the rescue of his boat crew by an Aboriginal man who was onboard ; medical practitioners willing to provide care for Aboriginal people in the district ; proposal to establish reserves for Aboriginal people in areas with water and traditional food supplies.

European Exploration and Settlement 

Letters in this series include matters relating to areas outside Moreton Bay, including: tender providers, including Thomas Alford and Robert Cribb, supplying goods and services for Native Policing in growing settlements such as Drayton, Toowoomba, and Moreton Bay ; petition from local graziers and landholders in the Southern District Darling Downs requesting funds to repair and improve the road between Warwick and Ipswich via Spicer's Peak ; sale of Crown Lands allotments in Ipswich, with the Police Act extended to this region ; Ticket of Leave holders prohibited from residing in Ipswich, as in Brisbane.

Also included are surveys, Deeds of Title, and related documentation on the sale of Crown Lands in Moreton Bay and surrounding districts ; planning and approval of townships throughout the colony with the ongoing sale of land allotments ; supply or lack of infrastructure, goods and services in the developing townships ; development details of the Warwick Boiling Establishment for Canning Downs stock, including stockyards, a slaughterhouse, boiling house, dwellings, stores, cooperage, tallow shed, packing shed, servants' accommodation, huts, and fellmongery buildings.

Regular Vessels and Immigration

Letters in this series discuss The Steam Navigation Bill before the Council, detailing jurisdictional limits and the establishment of Boards ; the Immigration Office notified of a fever outbreak among passengers aboard the ship 'Emigrant' ; an inquiry undertaken regarding Matron Theresa Agnes Boyes of the orphan ship 'William and Mary', accused of irregularities during the voyage from Ireland to Australia, resulting in withheld payment for her services.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received and papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Sir Charles FitzRoy, Governor of New South Wales
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane
• Merion Moriarty, Harbour Master 

Moreton Bay Settlement

This series includes correspondence relating to matters in the Moreton Bay settlement including a letter from Surgeon, Frederick James Barton seeking government employment and an appeal from Clara Walker for assistance to provide for herself and three children as her husband was convicted of a crime and is serving a sentence on Cockatoo Island. There are also reports of sales of crown land in Brisbane, Eagle Farm and Cleveland.

A letter from Edmund Uhr complained about the conduct of Mr Frederick Walker, Commandant of the Native Police. In turn, letters from Mr Walker and Mr Leith-Hay complained of obstruction to their duty by Mr Uhr.

A request was made for money for the cleaning of drains and construction of flood gates in North Brisbane, claiming that the work was required as a more permanent solution given that the existing drains do not correspond with streets as set out in the Town Map. The Health Officer reported the area as a swamp which was below the level of the river at high tide. The area in question is described as between Elizabeth Street and the river and the water collected there is "injurious to health". The tender for the work from John Petrie was accepted. 

A petition from residents was sent requesting repair of the road between South Brisbane and Eagle Farm which is scarcely passable and dangerous after heavy rain.

Interactions with First Nations People 

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.  

Correspondence includes: 

• A letter of February 1852 discussing vaccination of Aboriginal people in the Wide Bay district to prevent the spread of disease and questioning power of the government to adopt such a measure. 
• The matter of Aboriginal man “Make a Light”, who was convicted of murder. The recommendation of Justice Therry was that he be sent to Wide Bay and discharged from prison to make his way back to his home lands.  Another man, “Moggy Moggy” was also tried for murder and subsequently pardoned due to doubts about his identity was also sent to Wide Bay. 

• Petitions from stockholders for increases in Native Police to protect their cattle from Aboriginal people.  

• Reports from Frederick Walker, Commandant of Native Police dated 1851 on activities of Native Police and their interactions with Aboriginal people including the killing of several men. 

• Reports of attempts by Native Police to recover items stolen by Aboriginal people in the Maryborough area, noting that Aboriginal people took refuge on Fraser’s Island [K'Gari / Fraser Island] and the schooner 'Margaret and Mary’ was engaged to assist in locating the people and recovering the stolen items. 

European Exploration and Settlement 

This series includes correspondence relating to matters in areas outside the Moreton Bay settlement. The matters raised include:

• The discovery of gold in the Gayndah / Burnett region. 

• Request for instructions for the erection of police buildings at Surat, the most eligible site for the Court of Petty Sessions and the need for a lockup to also be built.  

• Letters about the appointment and swearing in of Hannibal Hawkins McArthur as magistrate in Ipswich; also swearing in of magistrates in other districts, including Christopher Rolleston of Darling Downs.   

• Recommendation by John Wickham, Police Magistrate in Brisbane that a survey be done to determine the best line for a road between Brisbane and Ipswich to replace the existing track.  

• Details of lease holders of “Runs” (farmland) in several districts. Includes names of properties and lease holders. There is also mention of Illegal land tenure in some areas.  

• Petition from inhabitants of northern districts requesting a new District be opened north of Wide Bay and Burnett Districts, mentioning beautiful country suitable for sheep farming.  

• Petition from inhabitants of Warwick asking for a scientific geologist to be sent to assist in establishing a gold field in the area. 

Immigration 

This series includes much concern over the lack of suitable labour. The discovery of gold in other parts of Australia has attracted many men away from the area. 

To address the problem of labour shortages, the government approved the entry of European workers for specialised fields in which skilled British labour was not available. (eg wine, olives, silk) There are letters requesting permission to import German Emigrants.

The Immigration Office received several lists of names of people willing to pay a bounty for Continental labourers. The lists include the names of the applicants and the amount of bounty payable.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received and papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Sir Charles FitzRoy, Governor of New South Wales
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• Patrick Leslie JP, Warwick
• Merion Moriarty, Harbour Master 
• John Gibbes, Collector of Customs, Sydney
• William Duncan, Sub-Collector of Customs, Brisbane

Moreton Bay Settlement

This series includes correspondence relating to matters in the Moreton Bay settlement. Many letters relate to issues of law and order and the increasing problem of retaining labourers due to the attraction of the gold fields in southern districts. Also:

• Printed copies of correspondence and memorials addressed by residents of Brisbane to the Colonial Secretary and others, as tabled in Parliament in London in 1851. Much of the contents involves the Collector of Customs and the Sub-Collector of Customs and relates to Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane. 
• A request for repair to the windlass of the well near Victoria Barracks which was the water supply for the troops. 
• A letter from Matthew Marsh in favour of separation of northern districts from New South Wales. He claims that as distances are great and communication is difficult, “being represented in Sydney is absurd”. 
• Letters from George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands relating to payments of rent and fines relating to pastoral “runs” in various locations. 
• A recommendation for a Police boat at Moreton Bay to assist with the apprehension of runaway seamen. 
• A letter recommending the appointment of a Superintendent of Roads to Moreton Bay District.

Interactions with First Nations People 

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.  

This series includes: 

• A letter from Harvey Whitty, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Surat, applying for ‘50pairs of blankets’ for distribution to Aboriginal people.  
• A letter requesting a whale boat to be gifted to local Aboriginal people in return for saving the lives of persons from a boat upset in Moreton Bay. The capsized boat belonged to the immigrant ship ‘Argyle’ and was carrying people across the bay to visit the Quarantine Ground. No suitable boat was available and the request to purchase one in Sydney was approved. 
• A detailed letter, and also a printed copy, from Frederick Walker, Commandant of the Native Police to the Colonial Secretary explaining “the causes of difference between me and some of the northern settlers”. Walker goes on to detail the situation between the local Aboriginal people and the white settlers, giving some examples and explanations of his actions. He finishes by saying “It is rather too bad that ... the unfortunate [Aboriginal people] should be expelled from their own fatherland.”; but also “ ... everything in my power for the protection of the settlers will be done by me.” 

European Exploration and Settlement 

This series includes correspondence relating to matters in areas outside the Moreton Bay settlement. The matters raised include:

• Request from squatters in the District of Moreton to be allowed leases of the runs occupied by them and which are proposed to be brought within the ‘Settled Lands’. Includes names of signatories. 
• Letter giving a detailed report on the state of Police affairs at Ipswich 
• Request from residents of Logan and Albert Rivers for improvement of roads. Includes names of signatories.  
• Letters requesting money for the repair of roads and bridges in the Darling Downs district. 
• Much correspondence following a letter from Mr J D Walker complaining of the conduct of Mr Jamison, Clerk of Petty Sessions, Maryborough. 
• Letter from St George Gore complaining of Patrick Leslie’s conduct as Justice of the Peace at the Court of Petty Sessions, Warwick; and following correspondence relating to their dispute. 
• Proclamation of land for sale in Ipswich, including details of town and country lots. 

Immigration

This series includes correspondence relating to

• A letter from Hutchinson Browne, Immigration Office concerning the advance of 500 pounds to the Police Magistrate in Moreton Bay enabling him to meet the expenses of two emigrant ships expected to arrive. He also requests a further 150 pounds in relation to a third ship since despatched from England with emigrants for Moreton Bay. 
• Printed copy of a letter from H. H. Browne, Agent for Immigration listing the ships ‘Maria Somes’ (6 July), ‘Argyle’ (19 July), ‘Meridian’ (10 August) and ‘Rajah-go-paul' (10 September) which arrived in Moreton Bay in the last 6 months of 1852 and the number of immigrants on each.  
• Mention is also made of Chinese labourers in various districts, often following their arrest for various crimes. 

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received and papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary 
• Merion Moriarty, Port Master 
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor 
• Hutchinson Browne, Immigration Agent 
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Sydney 
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General 
• William Mayne, Inspector General of Police, Sydney 
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane 
• Frederick Walker, Commandant, Native Police 

Moreton Bay Settlement 

This series includes correspondence relating to the Moreton Bay settlement. Much of the content relates to financing essential works, land sales and the necessary preparations for immigrants. Included are:

• Form showing an estimate of probable expenses of the Department of the Gaol, Brisbane for 1853.
• Printed forms headed ‘Report of the sale of Land’ in Brisbane including the location and the names of purchasers. Also reports of sales at North Brisbane, Town of Cleveland and the Parishes of Toombul, Enoggera and Moggill. 
• List of ‘Candidates for the Magistracy’, including the names of candidates and who recommended them. Also several following letters relating to the candidates
• Letters about the need for repairs to Brisbane Gaol and tender for the work from Mr [Andrew] Petrie. 
• Report and probable estimate for repairs to buildings at the Quarantine Station at Stradbroke Island. Also letters about the need for accommodation for the large number of immigrants expected to arrive.
• Letters about laying buoys in ship channel, Moreton Bay. One mention of a light at Cape Moreton [The Cape Moreton Lighthouse, the first to be built in Queensland began operation in 1857.] 
• Petition to reduce the ferry toll for foot passengers between the north and south banks of the Brisbane River from 2 pence to one halfpenny. 

Interactions with First Nations People 

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.  

This series includes:

• Letters sent from Police districts in response to a ‘Circular to Benches in the Northern Districts’ requesting reports on the number of murders committed by Aboriginal people on the white population. 
• Letters about the selection of a site for the town of Gayndah claim that the local Aboriginal name for the locality is ‘Gayndah’, hence the proposal of that name for the township.  
• Letter from Frederick Walker, Commandant of Native Police about recruiting troopers which also discusses opposition to the recruiting of Aboriginal men already employed by white settlers. There is also a long letter about an Aboriginal man called ‘Bungaree’ who had been educated in Sydney, and was currently in the service of Mr Wilkie of the Darling Downs. 
• List of recruits to the Native Police. 

European Exploration and Settlement  

This series includes correspondence relating to matters in areas outside the Moreton Bay settlement. The matters raised include:

• Printed forms ‘Report of the sale of Land’ in Maryborough and Ipswich including the location and the names of purchasers. Also other reports of land sales in Warwick and Ipswich and Maryborough. 
• Petition signed by 90 inhabitant householders in southern portion of New England praying for severance of Northern Districts from New South Wales and that the Northern Colony be a place to which convicts may be sent. 
• Large number of papers relating to the selection of a site for the township of Gayndah. Commissioner O’Connell is quoted as saying Gayndah is ‘only to be a small village, immaterial where it is placed’. However, there was much comment on which areas are considered swamps and subject to flooding, the difficulty of moving a town later if the wrong location is chosen and the need to survey the streets and land allotments in the town and pastoral runs in the district. Includes a sketch map showing rivers and creeks in the district.  
• Letters from Districts reporting on numbers of registered electors in their District. 
• Letters about the proposed village at Cabbage Tree Head, Moreton Bay to be called Sandgate. Mention of the survey of land with a view to establish a ‘watering place at easy distance from Brisbane by land’. 
• New arrangements to be made following death of John Bidwill, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wide Bay area.

Immigration and Shipping 

This series includes much correspondence about immigration. Including:

• Statements regarding immigrants on board the ship ‘Rajahgopaul’ and reports on various incidents and the conduct of those on board. Several immigrants complained of the conduct of the Captain and Surgeon-Superintendent against whom they made charges of immorality and unkindly treatment of the sick during the passage.
• Reports from Police Magistrate John Wickham and Health Officer J Meade Swift regarding sickness and deaths of immigrants from ‘Rajahgopaul’
• Request for the barque ‘Hermione’, sailing under American colours to proceed to Wide Bay to take on cargo of wool for Sydney. 
• Payment of bounty to German immigrants who arrived on the ship 'Peter Godeffroy'.
• Arrival of ship ‘Maria Somes’ from London with 280 immigrants. 
• List of German immigrants from the ship ‘Johann Caesar’.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to: 

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Sydney -- Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• William Mayne, Inspector General of Police, Sydney
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane
• Frederick Walker, Commandant, Native Police

Moreton Bay Settlement

This series includes correspondence relating to matters, often including law and order, land and health in the Moreton Bay settlement.

These letters advise of land sales in Brisbane; the need for road work on Elizabeth Street in Brisbane city; an outline of cost estimates for the building of a watch house; and irregularities on the part of Dr Swift, the Health Officer at Brisbane. Other letters advise that Brisbane is the only Port where a Local Steam Navigation Board is necessary, and that a pilot vessel is needed for Moreton Bay. 

Interactions with First Nations People

 Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

This series includes reports on dealings with Aboriginal people in the district. Included are: a letter from Edmund Uhr in the Wide Bay area about a Chinese servant ‘murdered by Aboriginal’ people; correspondence from the Medical Advisor to Government about payments to cover the costs of medical treatments for Aboriginal people; a letter from Mr Cleary in Maryborough about an annual issue of blankets for Aboriginal people; and letters from Frederick Walker seeking funds for the Native Police.

European Exploration and Settlement

This series includes correspondence relating to matters outside the Moreton Bay settlement in areas of the Darling Downs and Wide Bay regions.

Included are letters about: the siting of the town of Gladstone as proposed by Surveyor-General George Barney; the approval of a design for a town at Canal Creek on the Darling Downs to be called Leyburn; requests from Mr Leslie about the need for new towns near Warwick on the roads towards Ipswich and Gayndah; and selecting land for a racecourse at Ipswich.

Immigration and Shipping

This series includes mention of several ships arriving in Moreton Bay.

Includes: a report of an investigation into the immigrant ship ‘Agricola’; advice that the American steam ship ‘New Orleans’ is endeavouring to capture Norfolk Island runaways; and a report from the Immigration Board about irregularities on board the ship ‘Florentia’. 

There is also mention that the ship ‘John Fielden’ arrived with 405 immigrants in a healthy state. However, the settlement has a lack of respectable employment for the many single females among them.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor
• Campbell Riddell, Colonial Treasurer
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Sydney
• Merion Moriarty, Port Master, Sydney
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane
• Frederick Walker, Commandant, Native Police
• John Gibbes, Collector of Customs

Moreton Bay Settlement

The correspondence relates to administrative matters of the settlement including selling of crown land ; forecasting of expenses ; judicial matters including warrants, sentencing and certificates ; appointments to government positions ; administration of pastoral runs ; certificates of naturalization and maintenance of government buildings. Also, pastoralists express concern about the inadequate supply of labour to the region, requesting more frequent immigrant ships with a greater proportion of single men, subscriptions received for the Brisbane Hospital and discussion about the site for a Custom House at Brisbane.

Norkfolk Island Penal Settlement

Includes papers relating to the escape of 9 convicts from Norfolk Island and their recapture in Moreton Bay.

Interactions with First Nations People

 Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive. 

This series reports on the dealings between the police and local Aboriginal peoples, including the escape of ‘Sippy’, an Aboriginal man, from the Brisbane jail, the death of an Aboriginal man ‘Dickey Nerang’ during a raid by police to apprehend Aboriginal people who 'plundered' the huts of sawyers on Pine Mountain, the assistance of Aboriginal people in the capture of convicts and the appointment in 1853 of Dr Jonathon Labatt to undertake medical charge of Aboriginal peoples in the Darling Downs.

European Exploration and Settlement

Correspondence includes: reports on the geological and mineralogical structure of New South Wales and the geology of the Condamine River ; letters relating to the survey party to Port Curtis to mark out a site for the future township, construction of a dam across the Bremer River and selling of land allotments in Gayndah, Ipswich (with subdivisions to prevent a monopoly of land containing coal) and Cleveland.

Immigration and Shipping

Letters in this series include mention of the immigrant ships ‘Rajah-go-paul [Rajahgopaul]’, ‘Caroline’, ‘Emigrant’, 'Duchess of Northumberland', 'Mount Stuart Elphinstone' and 'Bangalore', as well as a charter of 'Queen of the South' for a survey of Port Curtis. Concerns are raised about the difficulties of immigrant ships entering the Port of Moreton Bay and inadequate facilities at the Depot for arriving passengers. Also, papers relating to the 'Survey of Moreton Bay and Brisbane River, and to the Harbour Masters department, Moreton Bay' (1846-1853) are included.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Francis Merewether, Acting Colonial Secretary
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Sydney
• John Wickham, Government Resident, Brisbane
• Hutchinson Browne, Immigration Agent
• John Thompson, Acting Surveyor General

Moreton Bay Settlement 

This series includes correspondence relating to the Moreton Bay settlement. The matters raised include: the need for a safe river crossing in the form of a punt suitable for passengers, goods and cattle; the sale of crown lands in the town of Brisbane and in Ipswich; the appointment of a shipping master for Moreton Bay as the increasing number of ships require an additional Pilot. 

Interactions with First Nations People 

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.   

This series includes reports on dealings with Aboriginal people in the district. Includes letters about an Aboriginal boy called Sippy who was accused of thefts in Callandoon area, and requests for blankets and clothing for Aboriginal people employed in the Brisbane area for the coming winter.  

Also included is a letter reporting continued peaceable conduct of Aboriginal people in Moreton Bay and Darling Downs districts. There are also mentions of problems arising from ‘indulgence in spirituous liquors’ and diminishing numbers of Aboriginal people due to the spread of Influenza. There is also a report on First Nations people from the Wide Bay district as well as several letters from Frederick Walker about requirements for the Native Police. 

European exploration and settlement  

This series includes correspondence relating to matters outside the Moreton Bay settlement, much of which relates to law and order and requirements for the local police. Also includes: mention of land surveyed and put up for sale in Gayndah and a detailed report from the Geological Surveyor.

Immigration and Shipping 

This series includes correspondence relating to immigration and mentions several ships arriving in Moreton Bay including ‘Maria Somes’, ‘Argyle’, ‘Meridian’, and ‘Rajahgopaul’. 

Other letters explain that Moreton Bay and surrounding districts have the need for single male labourers as many have left for the gold fields in the south. However, the settlement can't afford to support families or female domestic servants who have little chance of employment. There are also applications for permission to import German ‘vinedressers’. 

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor
• Campbell Riddell, Colonial Treasurer
• Campbell Riddell, Acting Colonial Secretary
• John Wickham, Government Resident, Brisbane
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands

Moreton Bay Settlement 

The correspondence relates to administrative matters of the settlement including licencing, sentencing, land sales, invoicing, payment of staff, requests for increases to wages, appointments of magistrates, justices of the peace and returning officers. Also includes references to a government competition for best sample of cotton grown in New South Wales, management of the Brisbane Goal, the Cleveland jetty and the Brisbane School of Arts and Sciences.

Interactions with First Nations People 

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.   

Correspondence mentions H. H. Brown acting as surgeon to Aboriginal people in the Burnett District, Dr Palmer reporting Aboriginal peoples at Maryborough 'attacked with measles' which were brought to this place by persons aboard 'Tom Tough' and 'Spitfire' and resources and supplies requested by the Native Police.

European exploration and settlement  

This series includes correspondence relating to the sale of crown land at Warwick and Maryborough, development of the settlement at Port Curtis (Gladstone), development of roads between Brisbane and Drayton (via Rosewood Scrub) and advises that a road has been marked out from Sydney via Gayndah to Port Curtis. There are also reports on the investigation of coal fields along the banks of the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers, and on the geological & mineralogical structure of the colony of New South Wales (1853-1854).

Immigration and Shipping 

Ships mentioned in the correspondence include: 'Queen of the South', 'Jenny Lind', brig 'Jack', schooner 'Zone', 'Bella Vista', 'Shamrock' steamer, schooner 'Tom Tough', 'Spitfire' and 'Hester'.

There are also applications for permission to import German ‘vinedressers’. 

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• Cambell Riddell, Acting Colonial Secretary
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor
• John Wickham, Government Resident, Brisbane
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Sydney
• Maurice Charles O'Connell, Government Resident, Port Curtis

Moreton Bay Settlement 

This series includes correspondence relating to the administration of the Moreton Bay settlement. These letters discuss land sales ; an allotment of land at South Brisbane appropriated for burial grounds ; the inability to find men to work on the road between Brisbane and Drayton and the need to hire from Sydney ; the appointment of roles including returning officers, justices of the peace, and collectors of electoral lists ; petitions for pay rises by constables of Brisbane and Ipswich, and for a bridge over Norman Creek ; returns of number of cases of public drunkenness and public houses, and the establishment of the Moreton Bay Savings Bank.

Interactions with First Nations People

Language used in these letters reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which they were written and is now considered inappropriate or offensive.

This series includes reports by the Native Police and settlers on interactions with local Aboriginal peoples. Some matters include: the sentencing of ‘Davy’, an Aboriginal man, for murdering Adolphus Henry Trevethan, an attack by Aboriginal people on Thomas Anderson and Joseph Gold, en route to Bribie Island, the attack on James McLaren and two shepherds at Kinnoul station, and the appointment of Dr Jonathan Labatt to be Surgeon to Aborigines in the district of the Darling Downs. In 1854, a report by Frederick Walker, Commandant Native Police, refers to the Native Police being stationed in the Port Curtis, Traylan, Rannes, Lower Burnett, Maryborough, Yabber, Clarence, Wandai Gumbal and Callandoon areas.

European exploration and settlement

This series includes correspondence relating to matters associated with the Darling Downs, Wide Bay, Gladstone and Port Curtis [Rockhampton] regions. These letters refer to the establishment of of the Port Curtis and Gladstone settlements, requests by the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church for land, a petition for a police magistrate in Drayton and land sales in Maryborough and Gladstone areas. Also included is the survey report, ‘14th report on geological & mineralogical survey of the colony of New South Wales’.

Immigration and Shipping 

This series includes correspondence related to immigration and mentions the following ships: ‘Rajahgopaul’, ‘Monsoon’, ‘Genghis Khan’, ‘John Fielden’, ‘Fortitude’, ‘Florentina’, ‘Lady Elgin’, ‘Madras’, ‘Bramble’, ‘Harp’, and ‘Tom Tough’.

Also mentioned in the correspondence are the challenges faced by ships entering Moreton Bay harbour due to the disappearance of buoys that mark the entrance, the purchase of ‘Pearl’ as a buoy boat for Moreton Bay and the need to deepen the channel at the mouth of Brisbane River. It was noted that some immigrants from ‘Rajahgopaul’ were affected with typus fever at Ipswich and required medical attention.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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Letters received & papers filed with them

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