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 local Aboriginal people assisted in capturing bushrangers, receiving tomahawks and blankets, and noted their distrust of cattle. In 1827, Captain Patrick Logan reported an Aboriginal man shot while soldiers protected 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 Patrick Logan reported two men killed by Mulrobin clan Aboriginals while guarding a cornfield on the Brisbane River; one suspected killer was shot, another detained for trial. In February 1828, Captain Henry Smyth at Fort Wellington, Raffles Bay described a skirmish between five soldiers and Iwaidja people, including the capture of a child, intended to broker peace. Following Captain Collett Barker’s appointment, he reported deteriorated relations and submitted a confidential report and soldier depositions from the enquiry.

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

Correspondence relating 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. 

This series comprises letters concerning interactions between settlers, government officials, and the traditional owners of the land. The correspondence includes discussion of the recruitment of Aboriginal people to assist in apprehending bushrangers on Norfolk Island. It also records a report by Captain Logan regarding the loss of equipment and supplies from the lumber yard, attributed to local Aboriginal people in the region.

European Exploration

This series includes reports by botanical collectors and colonial botanists. Allan Cunningham documented 1827 and 1829 expeditions from Liverpool Plains and west/northwest of Moreton Bay to collect plants and seeds for England’s Kew Gardens. Colonial Botanist Charles Fraser reported on seeds sent to Port Essington and plants suited for a botanic garden at Brisbane.

Regular Vessels

Correspondence concerning cargo and passenger vessels transporting prisoners, supplies, and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. Vessels mentioned include the Amity, Waterloo, Isabella, Mary Elizabeth, Governor Philip, and the 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

This correspondence on the administration of the early Moreton Bay settlement includes cargo manifests, prisoner lists, petitions, behaviour complaints, and requests for tools and supplies. It records appointments of chaplains, hospital staff, marine pilots, boat builders, sawyers, and a government astronomer, with related salary and allowance discussions, as well as hospital construction plans. Letters note a proposed move from Redcliffe (Humpybong) due to water shortages, Colonial Botanist Charles Fraser’s request for additional land, and the 1825 relocation 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. 

This series contains letters on interactions between settlers, officials, and Aboriginal people. In October 1830, Captain Patrick Logan was killed exploring the upper Brisbane River; his duties passed to Captain James Clunie. The correspondence also reports Aboriginal attacks on runaway convicts and a fishing crew, and rewards given to Aboriginal men Ned Newton, Kangaroo Jack, and Corroborrie for assisting in convict apprehension.

European Exploration

Allan Cunningham, HM Botanical Collector, wrote regarding his return to the Kew Gardens with his collection of botanical specimens. He sought remuneration from His Majesty’s Government to cover expenses incurred during his explorations and tours

Regular Vessels

Much of the correspondence concerns cargo and passenger vessels transporting prisoners, supplies, and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. Vessels mentioned include the Governor Phillip, Mary Elizabeth, Isabella, Lucy Ann, 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
• 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 relates to administrative and operational matters at the Moreton Bay settlement. It includes cargo manifests, petitions requesting sentencing reviews, complaints regarding behaviour, lists of prisoners, and requests for tools and supplies, including cattle, horses, and maize. It also records concerns over the hardship caused by the mulct (tax) on freight and a riot by prisoners aboard the ship Eleanor.

Norfolk Island Penal Settlement

The correspondence also addresses the administration and management of Norfolk Island, including matters relating to ships, cargo, and prisoners. It records appointments to various government positions within 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. 

This series comprises letters concerning interactions between settlers, government officials, and the traditional owners they encountered. The correspondence includes multiple references to runaway convicts from Moreton Bay being located near Trial Bay by Aboriginal people and brought to Port Macquarie. It also notes that Aboriginal people from Trial Bay and Point Plomer were observed presenting with smallpox, which had been transmitted by a runaway convict from Moreton Bay.

European Exploration

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

Regular Vessels

Correspondence concerning cargo and passenger vessels transporting prisoners, supplies, and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. Ships mentioned include the 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
• James Laidley, Commissariat Office, Sydney
• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary
• John Nicholson, Harbour Master Attendants Office

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement

Correspondence on the administration of Moreton Bay covers trials, pardons, and sentences by Captain James Clunie, prisoner transfers, management of the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum, transport and storage of supplies, clothing, and people, return of runaways, boat building, allocation of servants, and planning 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.

This series contains letters on interactions between settlers, officials, and Aboriginal people, including Richard Craig, a Moreton Bay runaway brought to Port Macquarie by Trial Bay people. It reports Aboriginal cattle killings near “Moorooya” (Moruya) and Europeans wounded or killed at Dunwich

European Exploration

This correspondence records natural history and resource activities in Moreton Bay, including James Ralfe’s 1831 limestone discovery, 1833 collection of bird skins and other specimens for English and Edinburgh museums, and assessments of local timber value.

Regular Vessels

Correspondence relating 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, the Regent Bird’ and 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
• 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

Correspondence on the administration of Moreton Bay covers prisoner petitions, ship movements, sentencing and transfers, official appointments and dismissals, crop failures, hospital returns, application of the English Vagrant Act, and 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. 

This series contains letters concerning interactions between settlers, government officials, and the traditional owners they encountered. The correspondence includes discussions by Captain James Clunie regarding relations with local Aboriginal people. It also records the murder of a prisoner at Dunwich (Goompi / Minjerribah), an attack on a guard at the Pilot’s quarters, and other incidents of violence within the settlement.

European Exploration

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

Regular Vessels

Correspondence concerning cargo and passenger vessels transporting prisoners, supplies, and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. Ships mentioned include the 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 Penal Settlement

Correspondence on the administration of Moreton Bay covers prisoner sentencing and transfer, ship movements, petitions, appointments and dismissals, runaway convicts, supply requests, and 1836 Brisbane River flood damage. In 1836, Captain Foster Fyans dispatched Lieutenant Otter and prisoners to search for the Stirling Castle crew, including the rescue of Mrs Eliza Fraser, her children, and some crew members from K'Gari. In 1837, Major Sydney Cotton succeeded Fyans as Commandant.

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. 

This series includes letters on interactions between settlers, officials, and Aboriginal people in the Moreton Bay settlement, including communication attempts and incidents of violence. Reverend John Handt reported on efforts to engage with Aboriginal communities, while Captain Foster Fyans noted rewards offered to “Bribey’s tribe” for bushranger information. The correspondence also records the search for two Duke of York seamen believed killed by Aboriginal people.

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

Correspondence concerning cargo and passenger vessels transporting prisoners, supplies, and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. Ships mentioned include the Isabella, Larkins, Gilford, Governor Phillip, Dart, Eliza, Glory, 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

This correspondence relates to the administration and winding down of the Moreton Bay penal settlement. It includes petitions for remission of sentences, movements of ships with manifests of cargo and passengers, recommendations and appointments to positions, provisioning and labour matters, and planning for the abandonment of Moreton Bay as a penal colony, including estimates of provisions and livestock. In September 1839, Lieutenant Owen Gorman provided a detailed list of prisoners remaining at Moreton Bay under colonial sentence.

Norfolk Island Penal Settlement

The correspondence also addresses the administration of Norfolk Island, including the movements of ships, cargo, and prisoners. Some prisoners were transferred to Norfolk Island as a result of the closure of the penal settlement 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.

This series comprises letters on interactions between settlers, officials, and Aboriginal people in the Moreton Bay settlement, including attempts at communication, provision of food and clothing, and gifts such as tomahawks and blankets. In 1837, John Dunmore Lang discussed establishing an Aboriginal mission; in 1838, German missionaries requested land at Nundah. In 1839, Lieutenant Owen Gorman reported on local tribes and the potential attachment of Aboriginal people to the Native Police

European Exploration

Coal samples from the Brisbane River at Limestone (Ipswich) were sent to Sydney for assessment. In December 1839, the Surveyor General’s Office reported tracing the river from Moreton Bay to the mountains and recommended delaying settlement until surveys were complete.

Regular Vessels

Correspondence concerning cargo and passenger vessels transporting prisoners, supplies, and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. Ships mentioned include the 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 took command of Moreton Bay during its transition from a penal to a free settlement, replacing colonial prisoners with ordinary Crown prisoners. Correspondence covers prisoner transfers, certificates, remission of sentences, tickets of leave, settlement management, supplies, allowances, reimbursement to German missionaries, ship movements, and appointments, as well as Darling Downs settlers’ requests to send supplies, workers, and wool via 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 correspondence relates to exploration beyond Moreton Bay, including Lieutenant Owen Gorman’s journal of his journey to the Darling Downs via Hayes Peak and Cunningham’s Pass, Samuel Perry’s survey of land at Moreton Bay, the Clarence River, and the MacLeay River, and Gorman’s notes on local timber and the shipment of seed samples to Sydney on the schooner Harlequin.

Regular Vessels

Correspondence concerning cargo and passenger vessels transporting prisoners, supplies, and passengers to and from the Moreton Bay settlement. Ships mentioned include the 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 from 1841–1842 relating to the establishment of Moreton Bay as a free settlement, including requests from Darling Downs settlers, survey work by Henry Wade, limits on pastoral stations, town and allotment plans (Brisbane, Eagle Farm), and reports on settlements, church registers, female prisoners, hospital returns, and purchasers of town and 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 from Darling Downs settlers report conflicts with Aboriginal people, including sheep theft and attacks on station workers, and record Aboriginal people being shot, wounded, or poisoned by settlers. Governor George Gipps established the Border Police, recruiting returned runaways David Bracewell and James Davis. The series also includes J.C.S. Handt’s 1841 report on the condition of Aboriginal people in Moreton Bay.

European Exploration

Some correspondence relates to Northern Australia exploration, including proposals by Benjamin Singleton to explore between Moreton Bay and the Gulf of Carpentaria at his own cost, and Edward John Eyre offering expeditions if government expenses were covered.

Regular vessels

Correspondence relating to cargo and passenger vessels relaying supplies and passengers to and from Moreton Bay, including the 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

Letters concern locations beyond the original settlement, including a coastal survey from Moreton Bay to the Clarence River, Ipswich town allotment sales, a Bunya country excursion to select a site for the German Mission (Durundur), Border Police on the Darling Downs, and northward plant and pine specimen expeditions by Andrew and John Petrie.

Regular vessels

There is frequent mention of the conveyance of mail and passengers, for Moreton Bay via steamers the 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
• David Ballow, Assistant Surgeon, Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay Settlement

Letters address settlement issues including law and order, Border Police supply costs on the Darling Downs, the absence of a Brisbane Customs officer amid suspected liquor smuggling, gaol rations, and hospital expenses. They also report Crown Land sales in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, and Ipswich, and include applications from John McLean and Edward King for ferry operations, and Evan Mackenzie for a South Brisbane steam boat wharf.

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 concern settler, official, and Aboriginal relations. In 1844, Crown Lands Commissioner Stephen Simpson reported the “disturbed state” of Moreton Bay from Aboriginal incursions near the head of the Brisbane River. Border Police on the Darling Downs noted European–Aboriginal conflicts, including white men murdered in the region and the poisoning of ‘Docto’ at Plough Station near Ipswich. The Catholic mission at Dunwich requested blankets and clothing for local Aboriginal people.

European Exploration and Surveys

Correspondence includes reports by Commissioners Stephen Simpson and Christopher Rolleston on the Logan River, Beaudesert, Grantham, Lockyer Creek, Kilcoy, and the Darling Downs, noting inhabitants, buildings, soils, and cultivation. The letters also record Crown Land set aside for burial grounds in Ipswich for Episcopalian, Catholic, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Independent, Jewish, and Aboriginal use.

Shipping and Ferries

Vessels include steamers Shamrock, Sovereign, Corsair, James Watt, and Thistle delivering mail between Sydney and Moreton Bay; Fly and Bramble surveyed coasts and reefs; Osprey reported a new reef; schooner Perseverance wrecked on Moreton Island in February 1844. Letters also cover ferry approval from Kangaroo Point to North Brisbane, and applications by John McLean, Edward King, and Evan Mackenzie for ferry operations and a South Brisbane steam boat wharf.

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

Moreton Bay Settlement

Letters cover administration of the growing settlement, including licences for squatting, buildings, and publicans; Crown land occupation; law and order; Courts of Petty Sessions; Ipswich district constable; South Brisbane wharf construction; proposed Brisbane–Ipswich steamer; a riverbank coal mine; land sales in Brisbane and Ipswich; 1846 Darling Downs census with names and locations; and provisions for prisoners working on Moreton Bay roads.

New South Wales Colony

Correspondence covers multiple New South Wales districts, including William Lithgow’s memoranda on provisions for Border Police, prisoner transport from Sydney, supplies to public departments (boots, clothing, bedding, water buckets), the Government Printing Office, constables escorting between Sydney and Brisbane, and stores between Sydney, Hunter River, and Moreton Bay. Other matters include replacing convicts with free men in the Border Police, E.D. Barlow’s 1844 squatting districts sketch, Border Police returns, depasturing licence disputes, licence fees, and religious instruction.

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 detail settler–Aboriginal relations, including hostile interactions, cattle dispersal and spearing, threats or killings of station workers, and Aboriginal deaths by shooting or poisoning. In 1845, Crown Lands Commissioner Stephen Simpson reported on Aboriginal peoples of the Darling Downs and visiting tribes from the Severn, Richmond, Clarence, Moreton Bay, and Boyne Rivers. Other matters include a proposed visit to the Bunya Scrubs for the German mission at Noonga Creek (Durundur), concern over withdrawal of a regiment from the Scrubs at the Dividing Range, and Border Police expense estimates noting 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
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane

Moreton Bay Settlement 

Letters cover settlement administration, including Crown Land sales in Brisbane and Ipswich; South Brisbane water supply management; timber licences and penalties; proposed coal mining near the Bremer River; funding for pauper patients at Moreton Bay Hospital; Andrew Petrie’s premises and lease costs; nuisance dogs in Brisbane; proposed South Brisbane post office; and convicts returned as their service was no longer required.

European Exploration and Settlement 

Letters cover the Darling Downs and Wide Bay districts, including mail and travel routes to Drayton, Limestone, and Cunningham’s Gap; a search for William Thompson’s wife near Fraser Island; establishment of Courts of Petty Sessions and appointment of magistrates; northern land occupation, including Wide Bay; settler applications for Oakey Creek and other areas; Border Police supplies at Darling Downs; complaints about Indian labourers at Tent Hill Station; coastal survey between Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay by Burnett, including reconnaissance of two northern rivers; and a survey of the Boyne River.

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 cover settler - Aboriginal relations, including military detachments on Darling Downs roads to protect settlers, Aboriginal “aggressions” such as sheep theft, attacks on shepherds, and bullock drays, and German missionaries from Prussia whose efforts to convert Aboriginal people largely failed but who chose to remain in the area.

Regular Vessels and Ferries 

Letters cover mail steamers Shamrock, Sovereign, Tamar, and Thistle; Harbour Master expenses at Moreton Bay for pilots and boat crews; construction of a pilot’s residence; and ferry leases between North and South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point, with leases proposed to be fixed locally rather than 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 
• William Miller, Deputy Commissary General 
• George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales 
• John Wickham, Police Magistrate, Brisbane 

Moreton Bay Settlement 

Letters cover settlement administration, including hotel licence applications (Queens Arms, Ipswich; Harp of Erin, South Brisbane), Cressbrook–Ipswich postal service, Wesleyan Church buildings and allotments, Moreton Bay land sales, appointment of Dr. Keith Ballow as Coroner, Court House allotment, temporary Custom House, land for German missionaries and Mount Zion financing, and the first issue of the Moreton Bay Courier.

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 cover settler - Aboriginal relations, including the alleged murder of shepherd William at Jondaryan by Aboriginal people; Commissioner Christopher Rolleston’s distribution of rations (flour, tobacco) to Aboriginal people on the Darling Downs; reports of numerous, hostile tribes in the north-western district; the murder of three Aboriginal women and a child by unknown whites; and abstracts of Rolleston’s 1847 reports on Aboriginal peoples in the Darling Downs and Moreton Bay districts.

European Exploration and Settlement 

Letters cover areas beyond Moreton Bay, including police station construction and repairs; additional constables at Ipswich, Cressbrook, Warwick, and other Darling Downs sites; wool store buildings in Wide Bay and Burnett; Darling Downs Census returns; funding for Ipswich buildings; maps and plans for Wide Bay and Burnett; trade licences at Drayton; and Ludwig Leichhardt’s request for ticket-of-leave prisoners to join his Swan River expedition.

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 ; equipment and moorings for the 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
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands
• Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General

Moreton Bay Settlement

Letters cover settlement administration, including land sales in Brisbane and the parishes of Ipswich, Goodna, Yeerongpilly, and Woogoroo; plans and specifications for a Moreton Bay Customs House; appointment of Dr. David Ballow as Surgeon to HM Gaol; conversion of the Female Factory into a gaol; site selection for a Quarantine Station on Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah); the use of the Old Windmill; and land requests for a Catholic Church, school, and clergyman’s residence in 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 detail settler - Aboriginal relations, including violent incidents in Wide Bay and Maranoa, hostile Aboriginal groups on the Darling Downs, Native Police applications, cessation of the German mission, the murder of a shepherd at Woolooga, the killing of Charles Gray at Bribie Island (Yarun), conflicts on John Balfour’s stations, and reports that game, fish, and bunya bunya fruit were plentiful, but harsh winters made distribution of flour, tobacco, and clothing beneficial.

European Exploration and Settlement

Letters cover areas beyond Moreton Bay, including surveys for Maryborough, land for a Presbyterian Church in Ipswich, a cemetery site at Drayton, Andrew Petrie’s deteriorating eyesight, Ipswich opposition to sending convicts to Moreton Bay, labour shortages on the Darling Downs, and a Wide Bay petition on forwarding emigrants to Maryborough.

Immigration and Shipping

Letters cover Moreton Bay navigation buoys, arrival and settlement of immigrants on the ship Sea, Moreton Bay as a warehousing port, shipping supplies (including sheep) for Kennedy’s Cape York expedition on the schooner Coquette, instructions for convicts on Mount Stuart Elphinstone, and the arrival of 45 convicts on Hashemy and 45 ticket-of-leave holders via 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 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 Aboriginal 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 is serving a sentence on Cockatoo Island. There are also reports of sales of crown land in Brisbane, Eagle Farm and Cleveland.

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

Money was requested for the cleaning of drains and construction of flood gates in North Brisbane, noting that the existing drains did 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 - between Elizabeth Street and the Brisbane River - the water collected there as "injurious to health". The tender for the work from John Petrie was accepted. 

Petition from residents requesting repair of the road between South Brisbane and Eagle Farm which was 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.  

Letters in this series relate to relationships between settlers, government officials and the traditional owners they encountered.

They include: Discussion of 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; an Aboriginal man “Make a Light”, who was convicted of murder being released and returned to Wide Bay; as well as 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; 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; the appointment of Hannibal Hawkins McArthur as magistrate in Ipswich; also swearing in of magistrates in other districts, including Christopher Rolleston of Darling Downs; Recommendation 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; Petition from inhabitants of northern districts requesting a new District be opened north of Wide Bay and Burnett Districts.

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. The government approved the entry of European workers for specialised fields in which skilled British labour was not available. (eg wine, olives, silk) to address the problem of labour shortages. 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 included are:

• 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
• John Wickham, Government Resident, Brisbane
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands

Moreton Bay Settlement 

The correspondence relates to a range of administrative matters within the settlement, including licensing, sentencing, land sales, invoicing, payment of staff salaries, applications for wage increases, and the appointment of magistrates, justices of the peace, and returning officers.

The records also refer to a government competition for the best sample of cotton grown in New South Wales; the management of the Brisbane Gaol; works associated with the Cleveland Jetty; and matters concerning 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.   

The correspondence records that H. H. Brown was acting as surgeon to Aboriginal people in the Burnett District. It also notes a report by Dr Palmer concerning Aboriginal people at Maryborough who were described as being “attacked with measles,” the illness having been brought to the district by persons arriving aboard the vessels Tom Tough and Spitfire.

In addition, the series includes references to resources and supplies requested for use by the Native Police in the district.

European exploration and settlement  

This series comprises correspondence concerning land sales, infrastructure, and resource investigations in colonial Queensland. It addresses the sale of Crown land at Warwick and Maryborough, and the development of the settlement at Port Curtis (Gladstone).

The letters discuss road construction and maintenance, including the road between Brisbane and Drayton via Rosewood Scrub, and the marking of a route from Sydney through Gayndah to Port Curtis.

Additionally, the correspondence includes reports on the investigation of coal fields along the Brisbane River and Bremer River, as well as on the geological and mineralogical structure of the colony of New South Wales during 1853–1854.

Immigration and Shipping 

The correspondence references the following vessels: Queen of the South, Jenny Lind, brig Jack, schooner Zone, Bella Vista, steamer Shamrock, schooner Tom Tough, Spitfire, and Hester.

It also includes applications seeking permission to import German vinedressers for work in the colony.

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
• 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.

The letters address matters including land sales; the appropriation of an allotment at South Brisbane for use as burial grounds; and difficulties in securing labour for the road between Brisbane and Drayton, resulting in the need to recruit workers from Sydney.

The correspondence also records appointments to official positions such as returning officers, justices of the peace, and collectors of electoral lists; petitions from constables in Brisbane and Ipswich seeking salary increases; and representations calling for the construction of a bridge over Norman Creek.

Additional returns detail the number of cases of public drunkenness and licensed public houses, and document 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 contains reports submitted by the Native Police and settlers concerning interactions with local Aboriginal peoples.

Matters addressed include the sentencing of “Davy,” an Aboriginal man, for the murder of Adolphus Henry Trevethan; an attack on Thomas Anderson and Joseph Gold while travelling to Bribie Island; and the assault on James McLaren and two shepherds at Kinnoul station. The correspondence also records the appointment of Jonathan Labatt as Surgeon to Aborigines in the district of the Darling Downs.

A report dated 1854 by Frederick Walker, Commandant of the Native Police, notes detachments stationed in the Port Curtis, Traylan, Rannes, Lower Burnett, Maryborough, Yabber, Clarence, Wandai Gumbal and Callandoon districts.

European exploration and settlement

This series comprises correspondence relating to matters in the Darling Downs, Wide Bay, Gladstone, and Port Curtis (Rockhampton) regions.

The letters refer to the establishment of the Port Curtis and Gladstone settlements; applications by the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church for grants of land; a petition seeking the appointment of a police magistrate at Drayton; and land sales in the Maryborough and Gladstone districts.

The series also includes the survey document titled 14th report on geological & mineralogical survey of the colony of New South Wales.

Immigration and Shipping 

This series comprises correspondence relating to immigration and maritime activity.

The letters refer to the arrival and movement of the following vessels: Rajahgopaul, Monsoon, Genghis Khan, John Fielden, Fortitude, Florentina, Lady Elgin, Madras, Bramble, Harp, and Tom Tough.

The correspondence also highlights navigational difficulties encountered by ships entering Moreton Bay harbour, particularly the disappearance of buoys marking the entrance channel. It records the purchase of the vessel Pearl for use as a buoy boat in Moreton Bay and notes the need to deepen the channel at the mouth of the Brisbane River.

Additionally, it was reported that several immigrants arriving on the Rajahgopaul were affected by typhus fever while at Ipswich and required medical attention.

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 

Moreton Bay Settlement 

This series includes correspondence relating to the administration of the Moreton Bay settlement. These letters discuss land sales; road construction and maintenance; cost forecasting of the Botanic Gardens, Steam Navigation Board, and Government Resident for 1856; the appointment of roles, including returning officers, magistrates, and justices of the peace; a punt for ferrying between North and South Brisbane; and complaints raised about the conduct of pilots on 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.

The correspondence includes material relating to the execution of Dundalli, convicted of the murder of William Boller; and the removal of a group of Aboriginal Australians from the Percy Isles by Lieutenant George Chimmo of HMS Torch, following the killings of Frederick Strange and members of his crew.

Letters also refer to Aboriginal men known as “Micky” and “Bobby,” who served as interpreters on an expedition and were recommended for reward in recognition of their assistance; concerns in Port Curtis regarding possible retaliation; and the dismissal of Frederick Walker as Commissioner of Native Police.

In the Maryborough district, the records further note the provision of clothing for Aboriginal men entering the township, considered necessary for what officials described as “public decency.”

European exploration and settlement

Correspondence in this series documents preparations for the 1855 expedition to Northern Australia led by Augustus Gregory. 

The records also address matters concerning the new settlement at Port Curtis, including the establishment of a Government Resident, shortages of essential resources, reliance on the arrival of supplies by ship, water availability, concerns regarding timber collection, and reports of illness and deaths among members of the Native Police Force.

Additional correspondence relates to the maintenance and funding of the road between Ipswich and Drayton, as well as the administration of pastoral leases and timber-cutting licences.

Immigration and Shipping 

This series comprises correspondence relating to shipping and immigration. The letters reference the arrival and movement of the following vessels: Juno, Tom Tough, Torch, Argo, Queen of the South, William Miskin, Pearl, William Miles, Genghis Khan, General Hewitt, and Monsoon.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:

• Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary
• George Barney, Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Sydney
• Campbell Riddell, Acting Colonial Secretary
• Maurice Charles O'Connell, Government Resident, Port Curtis
• Alexander Macleay, Colonial Treasurer
• Charles FitzRoy, Governor
• William Denison, Governor

Moreton Bay Settlement 

This series includes correspondence relating to the administration of the Moreton Bay settlement. These letters discuss land sales (town, suburban, and rural allotments), government appointments, the admission of patients to asylums, certificates of naturalisation, and returns of convictions and sentences.

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 provides accounts of interactions and relations with Aboriginal Australians. Correspondence includes requests by settlers in the Wide Bay, Port Curtis, Leichhardt, and Burnett districts for an increased presence of Native Police due to concerns about potential violence by Aboriginal peoples; instances of frontier violence between settlers and the Native Police with Aboriginal peoples at Rannes and Tinana Creek near Maryborough; references to the ‘Ningi Ningi’ people of the region from Bribie Island to Wide Bay; and the release of a group of Aboriginal people in the Port Curtis area after they were taken from the Percy Isles to Sydney for trial.

European exploration and settlement

This series includes correspondence relating to matters in areas outside the Moreton Bay settlement. These letters mention the development and administration of Port Curtis including land sales, suitability of the harbour, and tracings of Auckland and Lord Streets and Auckland Inlet. The Fitzroy region was noted for having land well-suited for pastoral and agricultural purposes with squatter establishments beginning to operate in the region. In 1855, the Moreton Bay settlement was requested to provide stock and other resources for the North Australian Exploring Expedition headed by Augustus Gregory.

Immigration and Shipping 

This series includes correspondence related to shipping and immigration and refers to the following immigration ships arriving at Moreton Bay: ‘Conrad’, ‘Ramillies’, ‘Sabrina’ (which was placed in quarantine), and ‘Fortune’. Other ships mentioned include HMS ‘Torch’, ‘Tom Tough’, ‘Albion’, ‘Sable Chief’, and ‘William Miskin’, which was noted as making regular trips to Port Curtis.

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail [part 1]

Refer to the Index for further detail [part 2]

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail [part 1]

Refer to the Index for further detail [part 2]

Letters received & papers filed with them

This series includes correspondence to:  

Moreton Bay 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.

European exploration and settlement

Immigration and Shipping

Refer to the Index for further detail