Massacre at Telegraph Point, Wilson River

Date: 1 Jan 1824 – 31 Dec 1824
Place: Telegraph Point, Wilson River
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
In 1824, Mr Wilson set out in a boat with a detachment of soldiers on the Wilson River. According to Henry Wilson's memoir, provided by R Wilson, 'After leaving Prospect', (Hack's Ferry) the party 'came upon a blacks' camp [at Telegraph Point] and the natives threw spears at the men in the boat, and some of the soldiers were hurt, but not seriously. The boat was rowed over to the shore on the opposite side to the blacks, who were taught such a lesson at the hands of the party that they never forgot, and one which taught the natives to fear the men who were firing at them' (Wilson, 1941). Henry Wilson's memoir was earlier published in Port Macquarie News of Sept 14, 1889 when he was 72 years old (p8, Morris, 2005). It remains unclear whether the Mr Wilson referred to was the father of Henry Wilson, Mr William Wilson, Overseer of Public Works at Port Macquarie, or Lieutenant William Earle Bulwer Wilson who was Engineer and Inspector of Public Works. They were both in Port Macquarie at the time (pp17-28, Morris, 2005).
Notes:
CorroborationRating: *
LanguageGroup: Biripi
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 6

People involved

This data has not yet been gathered. Research work is ongoing. To help, please consider donating or contact us to volunteer or about setting up research projects in your area.

Sources

Event mentions

  • Massacre at Telegraph Point, Wilson River
    1 Jan 1824 – 31 Dec 1824 — Telegraph Point, Wilson River — massacre
    In 1824, Mr Wilson set out in a boat with a detachment of soldiers on the Wilson River. According to Henry Wilson's memoir, provided by R Wilson, 'After leaving Prospect', (Hack's Ferry) the party 'came upon a blacks' camp [at Telegraph Point] and the natives threw spears at the men in the boat, and some of the soldiers were hurt, but not seriously. The boat was rowed over to the shore on the opposite side to the blacks, who were taught such a lesson at the hands of the party that they never forgot, and one which taught the natives to fear the men who were firing at them' (Wilson, 1941). Henry Wilson's memoir was earlier published in Port Macquarie News of Sept 14, 1889 when he was 72 years old (p8, Morris, 2005). It remains unclear whether the Mr Wilson referred to was the father of Henry Wilson, Mr William Wilson, Overseer of Public Works at Port Macquarie, or Lieutenant William Earle Bulwer Wilson who was Engineer and Inspector of Public Works. They were both in Port Macquarie at the time (pp17-28, Morris, 2005).
    Source: Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer, September 16, 1941, p4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168515594; Morris, Graham P Son of Caledon Kilsyth: Graham P Morris, 2005.