| Narrative | According to a statement made by Mr Robinson, following an encounter the previous day in which 15 Aboriginal people were killed or wounded an overland expedition travelling from Gundagai to South Australia were looking for a place to cross the Rufus River. On the other side they were met by a party that had come out from Adelaide to assist them. Aboriginal scouts sent by Mr Moorhouse warned that a large group were approaching 'full of wrath'. The overland party on the east side of the river drove the large Aboriginal group into the river where '... from 30 to 40 were killed, and as many wounded; and one man, a boy, and two women, taken prisoners.' (Inquirer, August 24, 1842, p 6)
According to Burke et al 2016, p.152, on 27 August 1841, an 'official party, including police, three Aboriginal people' and Aboriginal Protector, Matthew Moorhouse, arrived at Rufus River, with the view of protecting an overlanding party en route to Adelaide, led by William Robinson.' Robinson's party had been attacked 'further east on the previous day. Five Aboriginal men had been killed, and 10 wounded, but there was no loss of European life. In the hours following, Moorhouse and two others encountered a large party of Aboriginal men and women near Lake Victoria, who immediately ran towards them and a second clash ensued, despite Moorhouse's attempts to negotiate through interpreters. In the ensuing gunfire "nearly 30" Aboriginal people were killed (although at the subsequent enquiry Moorhouse acknowledged that he had only seen 21 bodies), "about 10" wounded and four captured.' Robinson was wounded. A subsequent enquiry, concluded that 'the conduct of both European parties was justifiable' (Burke et al 2016, p.153) |
