| Narrative | On 19 May 1840, Patrick Codd was killed at Mount Rouse Station by five Aborigines of the Kolorer gundidj clan, [Djab wurrung or Gai wurrung speakers?] led by Figara, alias Roger the Russian, in retaliation for the murder of the Aboriginal woman, Tuurap Warneen. Codd was overseer and bookkeeper for the Wedge Brothers at the Grange, Strathkellar, just above Hamilton. Five days before his death, Codd had "gone across" to Mount Rouse station to superintend the stock there during the projected absence of the overseer, James M. Brock. Charles Wedge reported what happened after the Aborigines had killed Codd: "On the following day or soon after Codd met his death, the squatters in the neighbourhood went in pursuit of the natives; but, owing to the wetness of the season, they did not succeed in revenging themselves so far as they intended; however, I believe three or four suffered.... They [the squatters] are determined to exterminate this hostile tribe, without such protection is given them as will enable of Wedge's sheep them to live in comparative security. (Cannon 1982: xxi). On 11 June 1840, Wedge and his party killed at least 5 Aborigines. On 29 April 1841, G.A. Robinson was told by Captain Campbell of Port Fairy that in revenge for Codd's death, 20 Aborigines had been shot. |
