Robert Hansler

51

Chris Ison on 4th December 2024

PIRATICAL SEIZURE OF A GOVERNMENT BOAT, BY CONVICTS, AT NORFOLK ISLAND We have gathered the, following particulars of the seizure of a Government Boat at Norfolk Island, by a band of desperate characters, under Colonial sentence to that Settlement. On the 29th May last, the Government Colonial Vessels Isabella and Governor Phillip were lying to off the Island, discharging their cargoes, when, about 3 o'clock, P.M., a boat returning laden from the latter vessel, was met by the launch belonging to the Settlement, going off empty, with the exception of a cask of water, for the use of the schooner Isabella. Previous to their meeting, the prisoners in the launch, to the number of eight, had forcibly taken her from the Coxswain, and three or four free men, who had charge of her. On coming in contact with the laden boat, the prisoners in possession of the launch, took on board the crew of the former, and also a quantity of maize, which they stowed away; they then commenced cutting up the canvas bags in which it had been shipped, to make sails for the launch; they then transferred the Coxswain and his men from the launch to the other boat, disclaiming the intention of doing personal injury to any one, and then left them to carry the news of their exploit to the island. There being a perfect calm at the time, the fugitives, sixteen in number, double banked their oars, and pulled away to the eastward, in sight of the two Government vessels, who had not the means to prevent them. The following is a correct list of the runaways, but it must be observed, in justice to two of the number, viz, William Woods and John Bailey, that they were pressed against their will; the former whose term of banishment to Norfolk Island, has nearly expired, being a sail maker, and his services therefore, considered indispensable, and the latter from his known usefulness as an experienced seaman. We have also been informed that China, who was within 3 weeks of being free, was pressed against his will:- John Thompson, William Woods, Thomas Hughes, James Banks, John Hiatt, Daniel Byrne, William China, John Lomas, John Gambler, James Dingle, Robert Hanslin, William Green, James Hopkins, John Bailey, George Haycraft, James Ward. Three cheers were given by the runaways when they became masters of the boat. … (The Australian 19 Jul 1833, p. 2.)