Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 16 September 1868, page 5


THE FOUNDERS OF THE COLONY.

TO THE EDIIOIl OP THE AKQUS.

Sir,—In reply to Mr. J. S. Rudkin's letter in this day's paper, I beg leave to correct

some of his errors.

I was living in Launceston from 1819 up to July, 1835. I never heard of any settler go-ing over to Port Phillip to settle until 1834, when one or more of the Hentys, who had a whaling station at Portland Bay, took sheep over to that locality. But I am positive that

no one settled near Melbourne until I landed my people and stock there. In fact, Mr. J. Holder Wedge, Government surveyor at Tas-mania, one of the Batman party, in his report acknowledged that he found my schooner up the Yarra when Batman's party came up from Indented Head, where Batman fixed his party at first. Gellibrand and Hesse did not find Buckley ; he came to Batman's party at Indented Head long before Gellibrand came over. Buckley did not run away from New South Wales ; he came out in the Calcutta, Governor David Collins, and ran away into the bush, with three others, on Christmas eve, 1803. He was not 6ft. 6in., but 6ft. 4½in. high, as measured and recorded. How is it that Mr. Rudkin does not give the name, of the men from Launceston who settled in the county of Bourke? I give the names and dates. If he is so anxious about this matter he ought to be correct, and also particular in his details.

I am, Sir, a lover of truth,

JOHN P. FAWKNER.

Sept. 15.