On Thursday three persons who left the Cove with three others in a whaleboat: about three weeks ago for King’s Island under the direction of Mr. Joseph Murrell, came in overland from
Botany Bay with the unpleasant information of the crew being assaulted by the natives at Jervis Bay, and Mr. Murrell dangerously wounded in the back by a spear.
The account given by these people is as follows; That everywhere along the coast the natives wore a menacing appearance, and manifested a wish to attack them: that upon making Two-fold Bay they perceived a small group round a fire, who greeted them in a very friendly tone; trusting in which they landed, and proceeded with buckets towards a watering place, but before they reached which, a flight of spears was thrown without mischief; but being speedily succeeded by a second, one of the weapons, most dangerously barbed, lodged in Mr, Murrell’s side, which was transpierced; and as the whole of the barb appeared, it was broken off and readily extracted. They made to the boat, leaving their inhuman assailants to express their joy of the barbarous event by re-echoed peals of mirth, were soon out of their reach. The travelers next set down on a small neighboring island.
The morning following, four natives visited them, and having begged a jacket or two, left four boys as the hostage of their return with fish; but heedless of its consequence, these wretches soon returned accompanied by a vast number of others armed in their canoes, and a determination was formed to resist their landing. The blacks in consequence commenced a new assault with their spears, which were answered with muskets, and at length retreated with the loss of two killed, besides several being wounded. They returned the same day from the back of the island unperceived; and in increased numbers taking the little party by surprise, they were obliged to take precipitately to their boat as the only means of preservation : but leaving their provision and necessaries, upon which they left their adversaries voraciously regaling. Unable to proceed for their destination they reversed their course, but could only reach Botany Bay, on account of contrary wind, and have there received from the owner every comfort and assistance.
“SYDNEY.” The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW: 1803 – 1842) 27 Oct 1805