Mr. Tuckey was First-Lieutenant of H.M.S. ‘Calcutta’, which was selected, together with the ship ‘Ocean’, to convey Lieutenant-Governor David Collins and a party of some 400 strong, plus the officers and crews of the ships ‘Calcutta’ and ‘Ocean’ to ‘Bass’s Strait’.
Their mission: – to establish a settlement at Port Phillip.
They sailed from Portsmouth, England, on the 26th April 1803, and reached Port Phillip on the 10th October 1803. During the week following their arrival, Mr. Tuckey, with two boats, were directed to carefully a survey the port and report back to Captain Woodriffe. During this tour of discovery, Mr. Tuckey wrote in his work ‘Voyage to establish a Colony at Port Phillip’:
” . . . The N.W. side of the port, where a level plain extends to the northward as far as the horizon, appears to be by far the most populous; at this place, upwards of two hundred natives assembled round the surveying boats, and their obviously hostile intentions made the application of firearms absolutely necessary to repel them, by which one native was killed and two or three wounded. Previous to this time, several interviews had been held with separate parties, at different places, during which the most friendly intercourse was maintained, and endeavoured to be strengthened on our part by presents of blankets, beads, &c. At these interviews they appeared to have a perfect knowledge of the use of firearms; and as they seemed terrified even at the sight of them, they were kept entirely out of view. The last interview, which terminated so unexpectedly hostile, had at its commencement the same friendly appearance. Three natives, unarmed, came to the boats, and received fish, bread, and blankets. Feeling no apprehension from three naked and unarmed savages, the first lieutenant proceeded with one boat to continue the survey, while the other boat’s crew remained on shore to dress dinner and procure water. The moment the first boat disappeared, the three natives took leave, and in less than an hour returned with forty more, headed by a chief who seemed to possess much authority. Tin’s party immediately divided, some taking off the attention of the people who had charge of the tent (in which was Mr. Harris the surveyor of the colony) while the rest surrounded the boats, the oars, masts, and sails of which were used in erecting the tent. Their intention to plunder was immediately visible, and all the exertions of the boat’s crew were insufficient to prevent their possessing themselves of a tomahawk, an ax, and a saw. In this situation, as it was impossible to get the boat away, everything belonging to her being on shore, it was thought advisable to temporise, and wait the return of the other boat, without having recourse to firearms, if it could possibly be avoided; and, for this purpose, bread, meat, and blankets were given them. These condescensions, however, seemed only to increase their boldness, and their numbers having been augmented by the junction of two other parties, amounted to more than two hundred. At this critical time the other boat came in sight, and observing the crowd and tumult at the tent, pushed towards them with all possible despatch. Upon approaching the shore, the unusual warlike appearance of the natives was immediately observed, and as they seemed to have entire possession of the tent, serious apprehensions were entertained for Mr. Harris and two of the boat’s crew, who it was noticed were not at the boat. At the moment that the grapnel was hove out of the lieutenant’s boat, to prevent her taking the ground, one of the natives seized the master’s mate, who had charge of the other boat, and held him fast in his arms, a general cry of ‘Fire, sir; for God’s sake, fire !’ was now addressed from those on shore to the first lieutenant. Hoping the report only would sufficiently intimidate them, two muskets were fired over their heads; for a moment they seemed to pause, and a few retreated behind the trees, but immediately returned, clapping their hands, and shouting vehemently. Four muskets with buckshot, and the fowling-pieces of the gentlemen with small shot, were now fired among them, and from a general howl, very different from their former shouts, many were supposed to be struck. This discharge created a general panic, and leaving their cloaks behind, they flew in every direction among the trees. It was hoped the business would have terminated here, and orders were therefore given to strike the tent, and prepare to quit the territory of such disagreeable neighbours. While thus employed, a large party were seen again assembling behind a hill, at the foot of which was our tent: they advanced in a compact body to the brow of the hill, every individual armed with a spear, and some, who appeared to be the attendants of others, carrying bundles of them; when within a hundred yards of us they halted, and the chief, with one attendant, came down to the tent; and spoke with great vehemence, holding a very large war spear in a position for throwing. The first lieutenant, wishing to restore peace if possible, laid down his gun, and advancing to the chief, presented him with several cloaks, necklaces, and spears, which had been left behind on their retreat; the chief took his own cloak and necklace, and gave the others to his attendant. His countenance and gestures all this time betrayed more of anger than fear, and his spear appeared every moment upon the point of quitting his hand. When the cloaks were all given up, the body on the hill began to descend, shouting and flourishing their spears. Our people were immediately drawn up, and ordered to present their muskets loaded with ball, while a last attempt was made to convince the chief, that if his people continued to approach they would be immediately fired upon. These threats were either not properly understood, or were despised, and it was deemed absolutely necessary for our own safety, to prove the power of our firearms, before they came near enough to injure us with their spears; selecting one of the foremost, who appeared to be most violent, as a proper example, three muskets were fired at him, at fifty yards’ distance, two of which took effect, and he fell dead on the spot, the chief turning round at ‘the report saw him fall, and immediately fled among the trees; a general dispersion succeeded, and the dead body was left behind . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘Port Phillip Settlement’ by James Bonwick, F.R.G.S. – Published 1883
It is interesting to note that some 32 years later, John Batman would experience a totally friendly intercourse with these natives and agree to a treaty with them which was to become known as the infamous and controversial ‘Batman’s Treaty‘ . . .
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