George Beavor

51

Chris Ison on 8th December 2024

PIRACY AND MURDER AT NORFOLK ISLAND. As we are aware that many exaggerated statements will appear regarding the attack made on the Governor Philip at Norfolk Island, we hasten to give the following correct account:— As soon as it became known amongst the prisoners that the schooner Coquette was to touch at Norfolk Island, the boats' crew that assist in unloading the brig, determined to take her; this however was prevented by the precautions taken. The evening previous to her leaving the island (June 20,) the whole of the boat’s crew, consisting of twelve men, were taken on board the brig, in consequence of the boat being leaky and half filled; they were of course put into the prison on board. The following morning, the men were called at seven o’clock to get to work. The usual watch was on deck. Suddenly two of the prisoners rushed on one of the sentries, whose back was turned to them, and after a struggle disarmed him; three more made at the other, who presented his pistol and attempted to fire, but if flashed in the pan; he was then knocked down, and his head cut severely. The corporal and remaining two of the watch were thrown overboard, and one man drowned. At the same time, the second mate was knocked down, and severely beaten about the head; he however managed to get away from them, and down into the cabin, and informed Captain Boyle what was going on. The sergeant of the guard had got on deck, and succeeded in shooting a man named Kelly (who died almost immediately), when he was set upon by four of the prisoners, and so severely beaten on the head with an iron belay-pin, that he was not out of danger when the brig left. The deck was now in possession of the prisoners, they having forced the ship’s company into the boats. In the mean time Captain Boyle opened the communication with the cabin and the soldiers’ berth, and after a time succeeded in shooting one of the ringleaders, who was standing with another as guard over the cabin hatchway; on his falling, the others jumped into the boat. The captain, mate, and the soldiers, rushed on deck and retook the vessel, at which time three more of the prisoners were killed, and two wounded; making five killed and two wounded. We regret to say that the corporal of the guard was shot through the shoulder while coming on board at the time the firing commenced, and he now lays with little hope of his recovery. The seven remaining mutineers were fully committed to take their trials for piracy and murder, and will, it is supposed, be tried by a Special Commission. (Sydney Herald 15 Jul 1842, p. 3.) NORFOLK ISLAND. THE statement in yesterday's Herald at the attempt to capture the brig Governor Phillip, was so full and correct that further enquiry enables us to add little to it except the names of the parties. The unfortunate soldier who was thrown overboard and drowned, and for whose murder the scoundrels will be tried, was named Taylor, a private in the 96th regiment,. The names of the convicts who were shot were George Moss, per Argyle, to Van Dieman's Land, William M'Lean, per Florentia, Bartley Kelly, per June, James Say, per, Arab, to Van Dieman's Land, and Samuel Jones, per John. (Sydney Herald 16 Jul 1842, p. 2.) NORFOLK ISLAND MURDERS … At the opening of the Court, the prisoners from Norfolk Island were placed at the bar. … John Jones, Thomas Whelan, George Beaver [Beavor], Henry Sears, Nicholas Lewis, James Woolf, alias Mordecai, all late of Norfolk Inland, labourers, were indicted for, that they on the 21st June last, on board a certain brig or vessel, called the Governor Phillip, the property of our Sovereign Lady the Queen, at sea, about one mile from Norfolk Island, … being then in the act of committing the crime of piracy with respect to the said brig, did with malice aforethought, assault one Charles Whitehead, then being on board the said brig, with intent to murder him. … … The prisoners severally pleaded not guilty. (Sydney Morning Herald 20 Oct 1842, p. 2.) Executions.-The Executive Council sat on Saturday afternoon for the purpose, as was understood, of considering a petition which had been presented to the Governor in favour of the Norfolk Island convicts, but as no further intimation has been made, it is presumed that the prayer of the petition was not acceded to, and consequently, as previously ordered, to-morrow morning, George Beaver [Beavor], John Jones, Henry Sears, and Michael Lewis, for piracy, will be executed [execution carried out on 8 Nov 1842] … The other men who were under sentence of death, Thomas Whelan and James Woolf, for piracy,… have been reprieved , and will be transported for life. (Sydney Morning Herald 7 Nov 1842 p. 2.)