Wiradjuri Nation: Massacres cont., P.7

Hand prints near The Drip, Hands on the Rock, Casillis, Mudgee

May 1824

Before July 1824

Four stockmen killed on William Lawson’s holdings, Upper Station on the Campbell River at Bathurst.
 
Also before July 1824, 15kms north east of Rockley, possibly on Captain Kings Creek on Kings Plains on the Campbell River, two stockmen belonging to William Lawson’s crew killed, their faces ripped apart in an attempt to scalp them.
Shepherds abandoned their herds around the region in large numOral tradition says 60 to 70 Wiradjuri were killed in retribution for this incident, but official sources put the number at five.
 
Brigadier General Sir Thomas Brisbane (Governor Macquarie’s replacement) issued the proclamation of martial law on 14 August 1824.f martial law on 14 August 1824.

MARTIAL LAW IS DECLARED August 14, 1824

WHEREAS the Aboriginal natives of Bathurst, have for many weeks past, carried on a series of indiscriminate attacks on the Stock Stations there; putting some of the keepers to cruel deaths, wounding others and dispersing and plundering the flocks and herds, themselves not escaping sanguinary retaliation:-
 
AND WHEREAS the ordinary powers of the Civil Magistrates (although most anxiously exertered) have failed to protect the lives of His Majesty’s subjects, and every conciliatory measure has been pursued in vain; and the slaughter of black women and children and unoffending white men, as well as the lawless objects of terror, continue to threaten the before mentioned districts:-

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Windradyne’s grave on the Suttor property at Sofala.