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103 chapters
NOTA BENE
NOTA BENE
In Person I solicit no subscription—in writing I hereby ask no favour from my reader. A book must stand or fall by the truth contained in it. What I wish to note is this: I was taught the English language by the Very Reverend W. Vincent Eyre, Vice Rector of the English College, Rome. It has cost me immense pains to rear my English up to the mark; but I could never master the language to perfection. Hence, now and then, probably to the annoyance of my Readers, I could not help the foreign idiom.
38 minute read
Chapter I.
Chapter I.
Favete Linguis. Mendacium sibi, sicut turbinis, viam augustam in urbe et orbe terrarum aperuit. Stultus dicit in corde suo, "non est Deus." Veritas vero lente passu passu sicut puer, tandem aliquando janunculat ad lucem. Tunc justus ut palma florescit.* [*Listen to me— The lie, like the whirlwind, clears itself a royal road, either in town or country, through the whole face of the earth. The fool in his heart says, "There is no God." The truth, however slow, step by step, like a little child,
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Chapter II.
Chapter II.
A Jove Principum. "Wanted a governor. Apply to the People of Victoria:" that was the extraordinary advertisement, a new chum in want of employment, did meet in the usual column of 'The Argus', December 1852. Many could afford to laugh at it, the intelligent however, who had immigrated here, permanently to better his condition, was forced to rip up in his memory a certain fable of Aesop. Who would have dared then to warn the fatted Melbourne frogs weltering in grog, their colonial glory, against
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Chapter III.
Chapter III.
Jupiter Tonans. One fine morning (Epiphany week), I was hard at work (excuse old chum, if I said hard: though my hand had been scores of times compelled in London to drop the quill through sheer fatigue, yet I never before handled a pick and shovel), I hear a rattling noise among the brush. My faithful dog, Bonaparte, would not keep under my control. "What's up?" "Your licence, mate." was the peremptory question from a six-foot fellow in blue shirt, thick boots, the face of a ruffian armed with
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Chapter IV.
Chapter IV.
Incipit Lamentatio. The search for licences, or "the traps are out to-day"—their name at the time—happened once a month. The strong population now on this gold-field had perhaps rendered it necessary twice a month. Only in October, I recollect they had come out three times. Yet, "the traps are out" was annoying, but not exasperating. Not exasperating, because John Bull, 'ab initio et ante secula', was born for law, order, and safe money-making on land and sea. They were annoying, because, said J
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Chapter V.
Chapter V.
Risum Teneatis Amici. I recollect towards this time I followed the mob to Magpie Gully. It was a digger's life. Hard work by day, blazing fire in the evening, and sound sleep by night at the music of drunken quarrels all around, far and near. I had marked my claim in accordance with the run of the ranges, and safe as the Bank of England I bottomed on gold. No search for licence ever took place. What's the matter? Oh, the diggers of Bendigo, by sheer moral force, in the shape of some ten thousand
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Chapter VI.
Chapter VI.
Sua Cuique Voluntas. I was really delighted to see the old spot once more; Easter, 1854. I do not mean any offence to my fellow-diggers elsewhere; it struck me very forcibly, however, that our Ballaarat men look by far more decent, and our storekeepers, or grog-sellers if you like, undoubtedly more respectable. Of a constitution not necessarily savage, I did not fail to observe that the fair ones had ventured now on a large scale to trust their virtue among us vagabonds, and on a hot-wind day, I
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Chapter VII.
Chapter VII.
Ludi Ballaaratenses. Eureka was advancing fast to glory. Each day, and not seldom twice a day, the gutter gammoned and humbugged all us 'vagabonds' so deucedly, that the rush to secure a claim "dead on it" rose to the standard of 'Eureka style,' that is, 'Ring, ring,' was the yell from some hundred human dogs, and soon hill and flat poured out all spare hands to thicken the "ring." By this time, two covies—one of them generally an Irishman had stripped to their middle, and were "shaping" for a r
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(ADDRESS)
(ADDRESS)
"To the Victorian Board of Small Beer, "Toorak (somewhere in Australasia, i.e., Australia Felix—inquire from the natives, reported to be of blackskin, at the southern end of the globe.) "Belgravia, First year of the royal projecting the Great Exhibition, Hyde Park. "LADY STARVESEMPSTRESS, great-grand-niece of His Grace the Duke Of CURRY-POWDER, begs to introduce to FORTYSHILLING TAKEHIMAWAY, Esquire, of Toorak, see address, her brother-in-law, POLLIPUSS, WATERLOOBOLTER, tenth son of the venerabl
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Chapter IX.
Chapter IX.
Abyssus, Abyssum Invocat. "Joe, Joe!" No one in the world can properly understand and describe this shouting of "Joe," unless he were on this El Dorado of Ballaarat at the time. It was a horrible day, plagued by the hot winds. A blast of the hurricane winding through gravel pits whirled towards the Eureka this shouting of "Joe." It was the howl of a wolf for the shepherds, who bolted at once towards the bush: it was the yell of bull-dogs for the fossikers who floundered among the deep holes, and
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Chapter X.
Chapter X.
Jam Non Estis Hospites Et Advenoe It is to the purpose to say a few words more on the licence-hunting, and have done with it. Light your pipe, good reader, you have to blow hard. Our red-tape, generally obtuse and arrogant, this once got rid of the usual conceit in all things, and had to acknowledge that the digger who remained quietly at his work, always possessed his licence. Hence the troopers were despatched like bloodhounds, in all directions, to beat the bush; and the traps who had a more
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Chapter XI.
Chapter XI.
Salvum Fac Populum Tuum Domine. The more the pity—I have not done yet with the accursed gold licence. I must prevail on myself to keep cooler and in good temper. Two questions will certainly be put to me:- 1st. Did the camp officials give out the licence to the digger at the place of his work, whenever required, without compelling him to leave off work, and renew his licence at the camp? 2nd. It was only one day in each month that there was a search for licences, was it not? Why therefore did no
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Chapter XII.
Chapter XII.
Sufficit Diei Sua Vexatio. Either this chapter must be very short, or I had better give it up without starting it at all. Up to the middle of September, 1854, the search for licences happened once a month; at most twice: perhaps once a week on the Gravel Pits, owing to the near neighbourhood of the Camp. Now, licence-hunting became the order of the day. Twice a week on every line; and the more the diggers felt annoyed at it, the more our Camp officials persisted in goading us, to render our yoke
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Chapter XIII.
Chapter XIII.
Ubi Caro, Ibi Vultures. One morning, I woke all on a sudden.—What's up? A troop of horse galloping exactly towards my tent, and I could hear the tramping of a band of traps. I got out of the stretcher, and hastened out of my tent. All the neighbours, in night-caps and unmentionables, were groping round the tents, to inquire what was the matter. It was not yet day-light. There was a sly-grog seller at the top of the hill; close to his store he had a small tent, crammed with brandy cases and other
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Chapter XIV.
Chapter XIV.
Flagitur Vulcano Si Fulmina Parata. Here is a short resume of events which led to the popular demonstration on Tuesday, October 17th, 1854. Two men, old friends, named Scobie and Martin, after many years separation, happened to meet each other in Ballaarat. Joy at the meeting, led them to indulge in a wee drop for 'Auld lang Syne.' In this state of happy feeling, they call at the Eureka Hotel, on their way home, intending to have a finishing glass. They knock at the door, and are refused admitta
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Chapter XV.
Chapter XV.
Nam Tua Res Agitur, Paries Cum Proximus Ardet. The one pervading opinion among the multitude of miners and others who had been attracted thither, appeared to be that Bentley was the murderer; and loud were the cries, the hooting, and groans against him. It would appear that the Camp authorities contemplated some little disturbance, and consequently all the available force of police and mounted troopers were on guard at the hotel and made a very injudicious display of their strength. Not only did
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Chapter XVI.
Chapter XVI.
Loquar In Amaritudine Animoe. Meoe Now my peace of mind being destroyed, I had recourse to the free British press, for information, wishing to hear what they said in Melbourne. At this time the Morning Herald was in good demand; but the 'Geelong Advertiser' had the swayn on the goldfields. Geelong had a rattling correspondent on Ballaarat, who helped to hasten the movement fast enough. As I did not know this correspondent of the 'Geelong Advertiser' personally, so I can only guess at his frame o
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Chapter XVII.
Chapter XVII.
Arcane, Impenetrabili, Profunde, Son Le Vie Di Chi Die L'Esser Al Niente. When our southern sky is overloaded with huge, thick, dark masses, and claps of thunder warn us of the pending storm, then a gale of wind is roaring in space, doing battle with the bush, cowing down man and beast, sweeping away all manner of rottenness. This fury spares not, and desolation is the threat of the thunder. A kind Providence must be blessed even in the whirlwind. Big, big drops of rain fight their way through t
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500 POUNDS REWARD
500 POUNDS REWARD
increased by Government to for the apprehension and conviction of the robbers of the Bank of Victoria. A desperate deed was committed in broad mid-day; Monday, October 16th, in the Ballaarat township. Four men in the garb of diggers, wearing sou'-wester hats, and having crepe over their faces, entered the Bank of Victoria, and succeeded in carrying off property in notes and gold, to the amount of about 15,000 pounds. Who would have told me then, that soon I should be messmate to those unknown au
30 minute read
Chapter XIX.
Chapter XIX.
Una Scintilla, Sparasi La Bomba, Spalanca A Multitudini La Tomba. The following story was going the rounds of the Eureka. There was a licence-hunt; the servant of the Rev. P. Smyth, the priest of the Catholic church, Bakery-hill, went to a neighbouring tent to visit a sick man. While inside, a trooper comes galloping up at the tent-door, and shouts out, "Come out here, you d——d wretches! there's a good many like you on the diggings." The man came outside, and was asked if "he's got a licence?" T
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Chapter XX.
Chapter XX.
Public Meeting Held at the Catholic Chapel, Bakery-hill, Wednesday, October 25th. After a good deal of pretty intelligible talk about the 'helpless Armenian,' the trooper Lord, and our respected priest; Thomas Kennedy, pouncing on the thing of the day proposed:— "That it is the opinion of this meeting that the conduct of Mr. Commissioner Johnson towards the Rev. Mr. Smyth has been calculated to awaken the highest feeling of indignation on the part of his devoted flock: and to call upon the gover
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Chapter XXI.
Chapter XXI.
Public Meeting Held on Bakery-hill, November llth. Political changes contemplated by THE REFORM LEAGUE. 1. A full and fair representation.—Don't you wish you may get it? 2. Manhood suffrage.—Thanks to the Eureka-boys, it costs now one pound. Cheap! 3. No property qualification of members for the Legislative Council.—The identical thing for 'starring' on stumps to a fellow's heart's content. 4. Payment of members.—That's the accommodation! 5. Short duration of Parliament.—Increase the chances of
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Chapter XXII.
Chapter XXII.
Strike Off A Medal In Commemoration. We are on Bakery-hill, though, attention. Immediate objects of the Reform League. I. An immediate change in the management of the goldfields, by disbanding the Commissioners (undoubtedly the unanimous demand, or 'desire'—if the word suit better the well-affected—of all blue-shirts). Three cheers for Vern! Go it hearty! Fine fellow! Legs rather too long! Never mind. II. The total abolition of the diggers' and storekeeper's licence tax. (Ah! ah! prick John Bull
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Chapter XXIII.
Chapter XXIII.
Ortica ensis: Prima. Here is a plant of Cayenne pepper, growing in those days on Ballaarat: it withered some three months in limbo, but…oh yes, butt at it again. 'Ballaarat Times', November 18, 1854. "There is something strange, and to the government of this country, something not quite comprehensible, in this League. For the first time in the southern hemisphere, a Reform League is to be inaugurated. There is something ominous in this; the word 'League,' in a time of such feverish excitement as
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Chapter XXIV.
Chapter XXIV.
Ortica ensis: Secunda. Out came the 'Ballaarat Times', Saturday, November 25, 1854. Work was stopped at every hole: the miners left the deep and mobbed together round any reader of the full report of the— Trial of MR. AND MRS. BENTLEY, Hanse, and Farrel, FOR THE MURDER OF JAMES SCOBIE. —— Supreme Court, Melbourne. —— GUILTY! of Manslaughter. Mrs. Bentley scot-free. His Honour considered their conduct was wanton and reckless. He should mark his sense of the outrage of which they have been found g
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Chapter XXV.
Chapter XXV.
Epistolam Hanc Misi, Tunc Bene, Nunc Valde Ad Opus. Prepaid. To W. H. ARCHER, Esq. Acting Registrar General, Melbourne. Ballaarat Gold-fields, Eureka, November 30, 1854. My dear Mr. Archer, I was in some anxiety about you; not receiving any answer to my letter of the 17th October, and especially to that of the 22nd ditto. I was at Creswick's Creek, when I was informed that Father Smyth had a letter for me, and last Monday I returned to Ballaarat, where I received, through Messrs. Muir Brothers,
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Chapter XXVI.
Chapter XXVI.
The Monster Meeting. Bakery-hill, Wednesday, November 29th. (Letter continued.) "All the diggings round about were deserted, and swelled the meeting, the greatest I ever witnessed in this Colony. At two o'clock there were about ten thousand men present! The Report of the Deputation appointed by the League to wait upon his Excellency, relative to the release of the three prisoners, M`Intyre, Fletcher, and Yorkie, was listened to with great anxiety." George Black was the man of the day, and was re
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Chapter XXVII.
Chapter XXVII.
Divide Et Impera. (Letter continued,) "Mr. Black explained the results of his mission by stating, that the Deputation was received by the Governor with much courtesy and urbanity, and that personally his Excellency had no objection to grant the public prayer. He further stated, that so far as he had an opportunity of judging of the Governor's disposition, his Excellency was in favour of the people, but that he was so surrounded by injudicious advisers, as to leave him entirely impotent in state
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Chapter XXVIII.
Chapter XXVIII.
L'Union Fait La Force. We had better proceed with the meeting first, and with the letter afterwards. Peter Lalor proposed the following resolution:- "That a meeting of the members of the Reform League be called at the Adelphi Theatre, on next Sunday, at 2 o'clock, to elect a Central Committee; and that each forty members have the power to elect one member for the Central Committee." Being an old acquaintance of Peter, I supported the above resolution. He gave me his hand and pulled me up on the
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Chapter XXIX.
Chapter XXIX.
Heu Mihi! Sermo Meus, Veritas. My friends had requested me to come forward at the meeting, and here is my speech according to notes I had previously taken in my tent. Gold-laced Webster, I challenge contradiction. I came from old Europe, 16,000 miles across two oceans, and I thought it a respectable distance from the hated Austrian rule. Why, then, this monster meeting to-day, at the antipodes? We wrote petitions, signed memorials, made remonstrances by dozens; no go: we are compelled to demand,
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Chapter XXX.
Chapter XXX.
The Reform League, Grappling With The Right 'Stars'. Monster Meeting continued:— Proposed and seconded by blather reformers; of course, Vern had his go:— "That this meeting being convinced that the obnoxious licence-fee is an imposition and an unjustifiable tax on free labour, pledges itself to take immediate steps to abolish the same by at once burning all their licences; that in the event of any party being arrested for having no licence, that the united people will, under all circumstances, d
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Chapter XXXI.
Chapter XXXI.
Si Cessi Il Pianto, L'Ira Si Gusti. Lo Schiavo Che Vuol Finir Le Sue Pene, Vendetta Gridando Al Dio De Giusti, Deve Schiantar Le Proprie Catene. Cuore! Si Vada, Vedasi, Si Vinca. (bis.) In Spite of all that, however, Timothy Hayes, the chairman—who by-the-bye, discharged the duties of the chair in that vast assemblage, with ability and tact, spoke like a man, as follows:— "Gentlemen, many a time I have seen large public meetings pass resolutions with as much earnestness and unanimity as you show
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Chapter XXXII.
Chapter XXXII.
Ecco Troncato Il Canto Per Ritornare Al Pianto. My letter to Mr. Archer continued:- Thanks be to God, the day passed 'unstained,' a glorious day for Victoria when the SOUTHERN CROSS was first unfolded on Ballaarat; gathering round itself all the oppressed of the world. The whole purpose of the meeting was, that a Reform League be formed and fully organised to carry out the clearance of all our grievances, on the old style of the Corn Law League in Great Britain. Next Sunday, we leaguers—( I took
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Chapter XXXIII.
Chapter XXXIII.
Mistero! S'Apre Mendacia, Violente Strada Maestra In Citta E Campagna: La Verita, Se Docile, Quadagna A Passo Lo Stradello Lentamente. (Translated in the text of my first chapter.) On Thursday morning, November 30th, at sunrise, I was at my work, as usual. I assert, as an eye-witness, that most of the hands on the Eureka came to their work, and worked as usual. Whilst having a 'blow,' we would talk over again about the monster meeting of yesterday, thus spinning a yarn in the usual colonial styl
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Chapter XXXIV.
Chapter XXXIV.
Quos Vult Perdere Deus Dementat. What's up? a licence hunt; old game. What's to be done? Peter Lalor was on the stump, his rifle in his hand, calling on volunteers to 'fall in' into ranks as fast as they rushed to Bakery-hill, from all quarters, with arms in their hands, just fetched from their tents. Alfred, George Black's brother, was taking down in a book the names of divisions in course of formation, and of their captains. I went up to Lalor, and the moment he saw me, he took me by the hand
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Chapter XXXV.
Chapter XXXV.
Ad Opus Concilium Statutum. Peter Lalor, at our request, called in all the captains of division, then present, and the chief persons who had taken part in the movement. We entered a room some twelve feet square, in Diamond's store. An old European fox for such occasions, I took the right sort of precautions, that no spy might creep in among us. Black bottles and tumblers were placed on the table, as a blind to any intruder; 'et nunc satis, profani vulgus causa,' we proceeded to business. Present
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Chapter XXXVI.
Chapter XXXVI.
Quousque Tandem Abutere, Toorak, Patientia Nostra? Lalor rose, and said: "Gentlemen, I find myself in the responsible position I now occupy, for this reason. The diggers, outraged at the unaccountable conduct of the Camp officials in such a wicked licence-hunt at the point of the bayonet, as the one of this morning, took it as an insult to their manhood, and a challenge to the determination come to at the monster meeting of yesterday. The diggers rushed to their tents for arms, and crowded on Ba
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Chapter XXXVII.
Chapter XXXVII.
Lalor Stump, Bakery-Hill. Brave LALOR— Was found 'all there,' With dauntless dare, His men inspiring; To wolf or bear, Defiance bidding, He made us swear, Be faithful to the Standard, ) For Victory or Death! ) (bis) ——- On that Thursday, November 30th, more memorable than the disgraced Sunday, December 3rd, the SUN was on its way towards the west: in vain some scattered clouds would hamper its splendour—the god in the firmament generously ornamented them with golden fringes, and thus patches of
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Chapter XXXVIII.
Chapter XXXVIII.
Un Bon Calcio, E La Canaglia, Stronga Va Come La Paglia. The drill afterwards was gone through with eagerness. Another scene, though of a different kind all together, was going on at a corner of the above picture. Judas Iscariot, 'Goodenough,' was among us, in the garb of a fossiker; he appeared to me, then, to be under the influence of drink; so Vandemonian-like were his shouts about standing up and fighting for rights and liberties; and burning down the camp in a blaze like the late Eureka Hot
58 minute read
Chapter XXXIX.
Chapter XXXIX.
Disciplina, Suprema Lex In Bello. In the afternoon, our camp on the Eureka was enclosed in by slabs, near-handy thrown down at random. All diggers who had been able to procure fire-arms kept coming in, in right earnest, and formed new divisions. The pikemen grew stronger and stronger. Drilling was tolerably progressing. We were of all nations and colours. Lalor gave me his consent and order to direct all foreigners in their respective language, however little they knew of the English, to fall in
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Chapter XL.
Chapter XL.
Beati Qui Sunt Pacifici, Quoniam Filii Dei Vocabuntur. It was dark: myself took the light in the council room. Father P. Smyth and Mr. George Black were present; both looking serious and anxious. All of us were much concerned, and felt the responsibility of our position. By this time the diggers from all parts had swelled to the number of eight hundred. They were not clamorous, they wanted to know what was determined on by the leaders. Proposed by Black, seconded by Manning…That a deputation fro
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Chapter XLI.
Chapter XLI.
The Eureka Stockade. The Consequence Of Some Pirates Wanting On Quarter-Deck A Rebellion. At last the deputation was before King Rede, whose shadow by moonshine, as he held his arm a la Napoleon, actually inspired me with reverence; but behold! only a marionette was before us. Each of his words, each of his movements, was the vibration of the telegraphic wires directed from Toorak. He had not a wicked heart; some knew him for his benevolence, and he helped many an honest digger out of trouble. O
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Chapter XLII.
Chapter XLII.
Invanum Laboravimus. Mr. Black began, in plain and straightforward language, to make a truthful statement of the exasperated feelings of the diggers, courageously censuring the conduct of the Commissioner in his licence-hunt of the morning, reminding him of the determination with which the diggers had passed the resolutions at the monster meeting of yesterday. "To say the least, it was very imprudent of you, Mr. Rede, to challenge the diggers at the point of the bayonet. Englishmen will not put
4 minute read
Chapter XLIII.
Chapter XLIII.
La Volpe Cambia Il Pelo, Ma Non La Pelle; Cambia La Pelle Il Serpe, Non Il Veleno: Il Cane Non Abbaia Col Ventre Pieno; Vestesi Il Lupo In Pecora Tra Liagnelle. Antica Storia; Ma Senza Gloria. By this time, the main road was crowded. The men were anxiously waiting to know our success. Mr. Black calmed their excitement as kindly as circumstances admitted. We returned to our camp at the Eureka. Mr. Black rendered an account of our mission with that candour which characterises him as a gentleman. I
44 minute read
Chapter XLIV.
Chapter XLIV.
Accingere Gladio Tuo Super Femur Tuum. On Friday, December 1st, the sun rose as usual. The diggers came in armed, voluntarily, and from all directions: and soon they were under drill, as the day before. So far as I know, not one digger had turned to work. It may have happened, that certain Cornishmen, well known for their peculiar propensity, of which they make a boast to themselves, to pounce within an inch of their neighbour's shaft, were not allowed to indulge in 'encroaching.' This, however,
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Chapter XLV.
Chapter XLV.
Populus Ex Terra Crescit: Multitudo Hominum Est Populus; Ergo, Multitudo Hominum Ex Terra Crescit. Between four and five o'clock of same afternoon, we became aware of the silly blunder, which proved fatal to our cause. Some three or four hundred diggers arrived from Creswick-creek, a gold-field famous for its pennyweight fortunes—grubbed up through hard work, and squandered in dissipation among the swarm of sly-grog sellers in the district. We learned from this Creswick legion that two demagogue
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Chapter XLVI.
Chapter XLVI.
Non Irascimini. Saturday morning. The night had been very cold, we had kept watch for fear of being surprised; every hour the cry, was "The military are coming." Vern had enlarged the stockade across the Melbourne road, and down the Warrenheip Gully. Suppose, even that all diggers who had fire arms had been present and plucky, yet no man in his right senses will ever give Vern the credit for military tactics, if that gallant officer had thought that an acre of ground on the surface of a hill acc
43 minute read
Chapter XLVII.
Chapter XLVII.
Non Nobis, Non Nobis, Sed Pax Vobiscum. It was eight o'clock. Drilling was going on as on the previous day. Father Smyth came inside the stockade: it was my watch. He looked very earnest, a deep anxiety about the hopelessness of our struggle, must have grieved his Irish heart. He obtained permission from Lalor to speak to those under arms, who belonged to his Congregation. Vern consented, and Manning announced it to the men. Father Smyth told them, that the government Camp was under arms, some s
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Chapter XLVIII.
Chapter XLVIII.
The Things We Ardently Wish For In This Life, Either Never Come To Pass, Or If They Do It Is Too Late. Hence, 'Better Late Than Never.' The whole of the morning passed off as quietly as any well wisher to our cause could desire. Towards twelve o'clock it was our decision that licence-hunting was over, for the day any how, since no digger recollected a search for licence taking place on a Saturday afternoon. Our talk was of the coming meeting of the reform league at two o'clock on Sunday, at the
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Chapter XLVIX.
Chapter XLVIX.
Taedet Animam Meam Vitae Meae. The news of our private, though never acknowledged, disbandment must soon have reached the Camp. What a nonsense of mine to endeavour to swell up the Eureka stockade to the level of a Sebastopol!! Good reader, I have to relate the story of a shocking murder, a disgrace to the Christian name. I am a Catholic, and believe in the life everlasting. On the day of judgment it will go milder with the Emperor Nicholas, than with the man whoever he may be, that prompted and
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Chapter L
Chapter L
Narravere Patres Nostri Et Nos Narravimus Omnes. Was it then the long, long-looked for German Rifle Brigade? Here is it's four-horned name—I copy from a slip of paper I wrote in pencil on that very Saturday, as the name was too long and difficult for me to remember—'The Independent Californian Rangers' Revolver Brigade.' I should say they numbered a couple of hundred, looking Californian enough, armed with a Colt's revolver of large size, and many had a Mexican knife at the hip. Here is the very
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NOTICE
NOTICE
This day, Saturday, November 10th, 1855. A glorious day for Ballaarat: Peter Lalor, our late Commander-in-Chief, being elected by unanimous acclamation, Member of the Legislative Council for this 'El Dorado.' I spoke at the Camp face to face with James M`Gill. We shook hands with mutual respect and friendship. M`Gill, at my request, looked full in my eyes, and assured me, that the order old Waterloo speaks of, was to the effect of appointing officers for watch at the stockade, for 'out-posts' to
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Chapter LII.
Chapter LII.
Quadrupedante Putrem Sonitu Quatit Ungula Campum. The excitement was of Satan. It was reported, the whole of the Melbourne road was swarming with fresh reinforcements. The military would soon attack the stockade, but Vern would lead the diggers to death or glory. I went out to get positive information, and I did see some two hundred red-coats stationed under arms at the foot of Black hill. The general impression spread like wild-fire that the diggers would now all be slaughtered. I returned, and
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Chapter LIII.
Chapter LIII.
Turbatus Est A Furore Oculus Meus. The following is the scene, so characteristic of the times, as it was going on at the Prince Albert:— "Who's the landlord here?" was the growl from a sulky ruffian, some five feet high, with the head of a bull-dog, the eyes of a vulture, sunken in a mass of bones, neglected beard, sun-burnt, grog-worn, as dirty as a brute,—the known cast, as called here in this colony, of a 'Vandemonian,' made up of low, vulgar manners and hard talk, spiked at each word, with t
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Chapter LIV.
Chapter LIV.
In Vino Veritas. The Vandemonian was, of course, accompanied by nine more of his pals, all of them armed to the teeth with revolvers, swords, pikes, and knives. Carl Wiesenhavern, a man of noble character, and, therefore a man who hates knavery, and has no fear of a knave, answered with his peculiar German coolness, "Here I am, what do you want?" "Nobblers round," was the eager reply. "If that's what you want," replied Wiesenhavern, "you shall have it with pleasure." "We got no money." "I did no
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Chapter LV.
Chapter LV.
Non Sit Nobis Vanum, Mane Surgere Ante Lucem. I ran up to the stockade to remonstrate with Peter Lalor, for whom I had too much respect to think for one moment, that he had any hand, and much less that he had sanctioned, such suicidal proceedings. Thanks to the password; I entered within the stockade. It must have been not far from midnight. I found everything comparatively quiet; the majority were either asleep of warming themselves round the big fire. I spoke in German face to face, for the la
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Chapter LVI.
Chapter LVI.
Remember This Sabbath Day (December Third), To Keep It Holy. I awoke. Sunday morning. It was full dawn, not daylight. A discharge of musketry—then a round from the bugle—the command 'forward'—and another discharge of musketry was sharply kept on by the red-coats (some 300 strong) advancing on the gully west of the stockade, for a couple of minutes. The shots whizzed by my tent. I jumped out of the stretcher and rushed to my chimney facing the stockade. The forces within could not muster above 15
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Chapter LVII.
Chapter LVII.
Dirigat Dominus Reginum Nostram. The red-coats were now ordered to 'fall in;' their bloody work was over, and were marched off, dragging with them the 'Southern Cross.' Their dead, as far as I did see, were four, and a dozen wounded, including Captain Wise, the identical one, I think whom I speak of in relating the events of Tuesday evening, November 28. Dead and wounded had been fetched up in carts, waiting on the road, and all red-things hastened to Ballaarat. The following is for the edificat
57 minute read
Chapter LVIII.
Chapter LVIII.
Veritatem Dico Non Menitor. Here begins a foul deed, worthy of devils, and devils they were. The accursed troopers were now within the stockade. They dismounted, and pounced on firebrands from the large fire on the middle of the stockade, and deliberately set in a blaze all the tents round about. I did see with both eyes one of those devils, a tall, thick-shouldered, long-legged, fast Vandemonian-looking trooper, purposely striking a bundle of matches, and setting fire at the corner end, north o
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Chapter LIX.
Chapter LIX.
Quis Dabit Capiti Meo, Aquam Et Oculis Meis Fontem Lacrymarum Et Plorabo Die Ac Nocte! I hastened, and what a horrible sight! Old acquaintances crippled with shots, the gore protruding from the bayonet wounds, their clothes and flesh burning all the while. Poor Thonen had his mouth literally choked with bullets; my neighbour and mate Teddy More, stretched on the ground, both his thighs shot, asked me for a drop of water. Peter Lalor, who had been concealed under a heap of slabs, was in the agony
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Chapter LX.
Chapter LX.
The Southern Cross, In Digger's Gore Imbrued, Was Torn Away, And Left The Digger Mourning. The following Letter, from the able pen of the spirited correspondent of the 'Geelong Advertiser' who most undoubtedly must be a digger—that is, one of ourselves, from among ourselves,—is here transcribed as a document confirming the truths of this book:- THE EUREKA MASSACRE [From a Correspondent.] To the Editor of the 'Geelong Advertiser' and Intelligencer. Bakery-hill, December 3rd, 1854. Friday you know
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Chapter LXI.
Chapter LXI.
Ab Initio Usque Ad Finem Horribile Dictu. ——- Avanit Il Tuo Cospetto, Dio Potente! Grida Vendetta Il Sangue Innocente. I. Document. As I want to be believed, so I transcribed the following document from 'The Argus' of Friday, December 15th, 1854.—Gordon Evans, one of H.M. Captains in the Eureka massacre, now acts in the capacity of magistrate!— The deceased deposed to the following effect:—My name is Henry Powell, I am a digger residing at Creswick-creek. I left Creswick-creek about noon on Satu
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Chapter LXII.
Chapter LXII.
Tempora Nostra. The following documents are put in here as evidence of 'our times.' II. Document. BALLAARAT. THE STATEMENT OF FRANK ARTHUR HASLEHAM. (Now lying wounded at Ballaarat.) "Whereas I, Frank Arthur Hasleham, a native of the good town of Bedford, and son of a military officer, to wit, William Gale Hasleham, who bore His Majesty's commission in the 48th Foot at Talavera, and afterwards retired from the 6th veteran battallion: "Whereas I, the aforesaid, having, in my capacity of newspaper
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Chapter LXIII.
Chapter LXIII.
Et Scias Quia Nihil Impium Fecerim. It was now between eight and nine o'clock. A patrol of troopers and traps stopped before the London Hotel. Spy Goodenough, entered panting, a cocked pistol in his hand, looking as wild as a raven. He instantly pounced on me as his prey, and poking the pistol at my face, said in his rage, "I want you." "What for?" "None of your d——d nonsense, or I shoot you down like a rat." "My good fellow don't you see? I am assisting Dr. Carr to dress the wounds of my friend
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Chapter LXIV.
Chapter LXIV.
Sic Sinuerunt Fata. On reaching the Camp, I recognized there the identical American Kenworthy. I gave him a fearful look. I suspected my doom to be sealed. The soldiers were drinking 'ad libitum' from a pannikin which they dipped into a pail-bucket full of brandy. I shall not prostitute my hand, and write down the vile exultations of a mob of drunkards. It was of the ordinary colonial sort, whenever in a fight the 'ring' is over. Inspector Foster, commanded us to strip to the bare shirt. They di
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Chapter LXV.
Chapter LXV.
Ecce Homo. On Monday morning, the fresh air had restored me a little strength. We had an important arrival among us. It was the Editor of 'The Times' newspaper, arrested for sedition. All silver and gold lace, blue and red coats in the Camp rushed in to gaze on this wild elephant, whose trunk it was supposed, had stirred up the hell on Ballaarat. Henry Seekamp is a short, thick, rare sort of man, of quick and precise movements, sardonic countenance; and one look from his sharp round set of eyes,
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Chapter LXVI.
Chapter LXVI.
Then the following document was shown for our edification:- VICTORIA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY. (Published by Authority.) MARTIAL LAW DECLARED IN THE DISTRICT OF BUNINYONG PROCLAMATION By his Excellency Sir Charles Hotham, Knight-Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath Lieutenant—Governor of Victoria, &c., &c., &c. WHEREAS bodies of armed men have arrayed themselves against Her Majesty's forces and the constituted authorities, and have committed
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Chapter LXVII.
Chapter LXVII.
Ecce Amaritudo Mea Amarissima. We were frightened by the report that a gang of red-coats were sinking a large pit in the Camp. "Are they going to bury us alive without any flogging? That's not half so merciful as Haynau's rule in Austria;" was my observation to a mate prisoner—a shrewd Irishman. "Where did you read in history that the British Lion was ever merciful to a fallen foe?" was his sorrowfully earnest reply. Oh! days and nights of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th of December, 1854, your remem
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Chapter LXVIII.
Chapter LXVIII.
Condemn The Wicked, And Bring His Way Upon His Head, Oh, Lord God Of Israel! The first witness against me was such a rum sort of old colonial bird of the jackass tribe, and made such a fool of himself for Her Majesty's dear sake, about the monster meeting, where as it appeared, he had volunteered as reporter of the Camp; that now God has given him his reward. He is a gouty cripple, still on 'Her Majesty's fodder' at the Camp, Ballaarat. Who will sharpen my quill and poison my inkstand, that I ma
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Chapter LXIX.
Chapter LXIX.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei. In the course of the day (December 7th), in spite of all the bayonets and blunderbusses, the report reached us that the Melbourne people had had a Monster Meeting of their own, equal to ours of November 29th, and that Mr. Foster, the 'Jesuit,' had been dismissed from office. The tragical act on Ballaarat was over; the scenery changed; and the comedy now proceeded to end in the farce of the State Trials in Melbourne. Between Wednesday and Thursday, all the 160 prisoners were
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Chapter LXX.
Chapter LXX.
Audi Alteram Partem. 'Fair Play'. As I wish to be believed, so I transcribe the following from 'The Argus', Friday, December 15, 1854; The Lieutenant-Governor received a deputation from, with an address signed by, five hundred bankers, merchants, and other classes resident in Melbourne, placing themselves, their services, and their influence unreservedly at His Excellency's disposal, for the maintenance or order and upholding of the paramount authority of existing (!) law. His Excellency listene
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Chapter LXXI.
Chapter LXXI.
The State Prisoners. I Beg to say at once, that with the exception of Hayes and Manning, of the remaining ten, seven were perfect strangers to me; three I had simply met at work on the gold-fields; and I won't say anything further. Yes, though, MICHAEL TUHEY was the stoutest heart among us, an Irishman in word and deed, young, healthy, good-hearted chap, that hates all the ways of John Bull, he had been misled by honest George Black countenancing the two demagogues at Creswick-creek, and had has
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Chapter LXXIII.
Chapter LXXIII.
Amare Rimembranze. At four o'clock on Tuesday morning, we were commanded to fall in, dressed and hobbled as we were. Captain Thomas, with the tone and voice of a country parson, read to us his 'Order of the day,' to the effect that we were now under his charge for our transit to Melbourne; that if any of us stirred a finger, or moved a lip—especially across the diggings—his orders were that the transgressor should be shot on the spot. This arrangement, so Austrian-like, and therefore unworthy of
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Chapter LXXIV
Chapter LXXIV
Della Vita Lo Spello Dal Mondo Sciolto, Al Mondo Vivo Perche Non Son Sepolto. We were soon in Ballan. Good reader, please enter now within my mind. The lesson, if read, learned, and inwardly digested, will be of good use for the future. The troubles of this colony have begun. It is eight o'clock of a fine morning; the spring season is in its full: the sun in his splendour is all there on the blue sky. Nature all around is life. The landscape is superb. It reminded me 'della Bella Cara Itallia'.
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Chapter LXXV.
Chapter LXXV.
Petite, Sed Non Accipietis, Quia Petistis. The following document, which does honour and justice to its writer, J. Basson Humffray, to 4500 of our fellow-miners of Ballaarat, who signed it, to the state prisoners themselves, is now here transcribed as necessary to the purpose of this book. THE BALLAARAT DELEGATES, AND THEIR INTERVIEW WITH HIS EXCELLENCY SIR CHARLES HOTHAM, K.C.B., &c The public has already seen the written reply of His Excellency to the petition from Ballaarat, signed by
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Chapter LXXVI.
Chapter LXXVI.
Quid Sum Miser, Nunc Dicturus. At Bacchus Marsh we were thrown into a dark lockup, by far cleaner than the lousy one of Ballaarat. Captain Thomas, who must have acknowledged that we had behaved as men, sent us a gallon of porter, and plenty of damper; he had no occasion to shoot down any of us. I write now this his kindness with thanks. At last, after a long, long day, smothered with dust, burning with thirst, such that the man in the garb of a digger had compassion on us, and shouted a welcome
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KILLED.
KILLED.
1 JOHN HYNES, County Clare, Ireland. 2 PATRICK GITTINS, Kilkenny, do. 3—— MULLINS, Kilkenny, Limerick, Ireland. 4 SAMUEL GREEN, England. 5 JOHN ROBERTSON, Scotland. 6 EDWARD THONEN (lemonade man), Elbertfeldt, Prussia. 7 JOHN HAFELE, Wurtemberg. 8 JOHN DIAMOND, County Clare, Ireland. 9 THOMAS O'NEIL, Kilkenny, do. 10 GEORGE DONAGHEY, Muff, County Donegal, do. 11 EDWARD QUIN, County Cavan, do. 12 WILLIAM QUINLAN, Goulbourn, N.S.W. 13 and 14 Names unknown. One was usually known on Eureka as 'Happy
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WOUNDED AND SINCE RECOVERED.
WOUNDED AND SINCE RECOVERED.
1 PETER LALOR, Queen's County, Ireland. 2 Name unknown, England. 3 PATRICK HANAFIN, County Kerry, Ireland. 4 MICHAEL HANLY, County Tipperary, do. 5 MICHAL O'NEIL, County Clare, do. 6 THOMAS CALLANAN, do. do. 7 PATRICK CALLANAN, do. do. 8 FRANK SYMMONs, England. 9 JAMES WARNER, County Cork, Ireland. 10 LUKE SHEEHAN, County Galway, do. 11 MICHAEL MORRISON, County Galway, do. 12 DENNIS DYNAN, County Clare, do. (Signed) PETER LALOR, Commander-in-Chief. What has become of GEORGE BLACK, was, and is st
28 minute read
Chapter LXXVIII.
Chapter LXXVIII.
Homo Natus De Muliere, Brevi Vivens Tempore Repletur Multis Miseriis. Qui Quasi Flos Conterritur Et Egreditur; Postea Velut Umbra Disperditur. It is not the purpose of this book, to begin a lamentation about my four long, long months in the gaol. My health was ruined for ever: if that be a consolation to any one; let him enjoy it. To say more is disgusting to me and would prove so to any one, whose motto is 'Fair-play.' A dish of 'hominy' (Indian meal), now and then fattened with grubs, was my b
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Chapter LXXIX.
Chapter LXXIX.
'Souvenirs' De Melbourne. Five things I wish to register: the first for shame; the second for encouragement; the third for duty; the fourth for information; the fifth for record. 1. We were one afternoon taken by surprise by the whole gang of turnkeys, ordered to strip, and subjected to an ignominious search. The very private parts were discovered and touched. 'Veritatem dico, non mentior.' 2. Manning felt very much the want of a chew of tobacco. He and Tuhey would make me strike up some favouri
2 minute read
Chapter LXXX.
Chapter LXXX.
The State Prisoners. (From 'The Age', February 14th, 1855.) The following is the copy of a letter addressed by the state prisoners now awaiting their trial in the Melbourne Gaol, to the Sheriff, complaining of the treatment they have received:- Her Majesty's Gaol, Melbourne, February 6th, 1855. To the Sheriff of the Colony of Victoria:- Sir—As the chief officer of the government, regulating prison discipline in Victoria, we, the undersigned Ballaarat state prisoners, respectfully beg to acquaint
3 minute read
Chapter LXXXI.
Chapter LXXXI.
Quem Patronem Rogaturus. The brave people of Melbourne remembered the state prisoners, forgotten by the Ballaarat diggers, who now that the storm was over, considered themselves luckily cunning to have got off safe; and therefore could afford to 'joe' again; the red-streak near Golden-point, having put every one in the good old spirits of the good old times. Yourself devoting to the public cause, You ask the people if they be 'there' to die: Yes, yes hurrah the thund'ring applause, Too soon, ala
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Chapter LXXXII.
Chapter LXXXII.
Victoria's 'Southern Cross'. Tune—The 'Standard Bearer' WHEN Ballaarat unfurled the 'Southern Cross,' Of joy a shout ascended to the heavens; The bearer was Toronto's Captain Ross; And frightened into fits red-taped ravens. Chorus. For brave Lalor— Was found 'all there,' With dauntless dare: His men inspiring: To wolf or bear, Defiance bidding, He made them swear— Be faithful to the Standard, for victory or death. (Bis.) Blood-hounds were soon let
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TO THE POINT.
TO THE POINT.
Gay is the early bloom of life's first dawn, But darker colours tinge maturer years; Our days as they advance grow more forlorn, Hope's brightest dreams dissolve away in tears Which were the best, to be or not to have been? The question may be asked, no answer can be seen. On earth we live, within our thoughts—the slaves, Of our conceptions in each varied mood, Gay or melancholy;—it is the waves Of our imaginings, become the food The spirit preys upon; and laughs or raves With madness or with pl
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SONNET.
SONNET.
He who never did eat his bread in tears; Who never passed a dreary bitter night, And in his bed of sorrow, the hard fight Of pending troubles saw, with anxious fears: Who never an exile forlorn for years, And never wept with Israel 'at the sight Of the waters of Babylon' (Psalm 137), the might Of Heaven's word is unknown to his ears. IS THERE A MORTAL EYE THAT NEVER WEPT? WITH tears the child begins his wants to show In tears the man out of the earth is swept. Whether we bless or grumble here be
37 minute read
Chapter LXXXIV.
Chapter LXXXIV.
Judica Me Deus, Et Discarne Causam Meam De Gente Non Sancta; Ab Homine Iniquo Et Doloso Erue Me. SUPREME COURT Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Felix, Wednesday, March 21st, 1855. (Before his Honour Mr. Justice Barry.) MY STATE TRIAL His HONOUR took his seat shortly after ten o'clock. The prisoner, that is myself, was placed in the dock, and the following Jury sworn (after the usual challenging):- PHILLIP BRAGG, Gore-street, Farmer, ALEXANDER BARTHOLOMEW, Brighton-road, Joiner, JAMES BLACK, Grevil
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Chapter LXXXV.
Chapter LXXXV.
Sunt Miserie In Vita Hominus, Viro Probo Dolosis Circumdari! Nulla Miseria Pejor. MY TRIAL proceeded, before the British Jury aforesaid. Vandemonians: HENRY GOODENOUGH, Spy-Major. ANDREW PETERS, Sub-Spy. As an honest man, I scorn to say anything of either of you; but address myself to my God, the Lord God of Israel, in the words of Solomon:- 'If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house: 'Then he
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Chapter LXXXVI.
Chapter LXXXVI.
Coglione, Il Lazzarone In Paragone. CHARLES HENRY HACKETT, police magistrate, cross examined by Mr. Ireland:- "There was a deputation admitted to an interview with Mr. Rede, on Thursday night, November 30th. The prisoner was one of the deputation. I think Black was the principal party in the deputation. The deputatation as well as I remember, said, that they thought in case Mr. Rede would give an assurance that he would not go out again with the police and military to collect licences, they coul
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Chapter LXXXVII.
Chapter LXXXVII.
Viri Probi, Spes Mea In Vobis; Nam Fides Nostra In Deo Optimo Maximo. To be serious. I am a Catholic, born of an old Roman family, whose honour never was questioned; I hereby assert before God and man, that previous to my being under arrest at the Camp, I never had seen the face of 1, Gore, 2, Synnot, 3, Donnelly, 4, Concritt, 5, Dogherty, 6, Badcock, 7, Hagartey, and 8, Tully. I CHALLENGE CONTRADICTION from any 'bona fide' digger, who was present at the stockade during the massacre on the morni
42 minute read
Chapter LXXXVIII.
Chapter LXXXVIII.
Sunt Leges: Vis Ultima Lex: Tunc Aut Libertas Aut Servitudo; Mors Enim Benedicta. On the reassembling of the Court, at three o'clock, Mr. Ireland rose to address the Jury for the defence. The learned Counsel spent a heap of dry yabber-yabber on the law of high-treason, to show its absurdity and how its interpretation had ever proved a vexation even to lawyers, then he tackled with some more tangible solids. The British law, the boast of 'urbis et orbis terrarum', delivered a traitor to be practi
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Chapter LXXXIX.
Chapter LXXXIX.
Melior Nunc Lingua Favere. Document I. SUPREME COURT (Before his Honour the Chief Justice,) "The prisoner, Raffaello, on his trial being postponed, wished to address His Honour. He said that he was a native of Rome, and hoped that the same good feeling would be shown towards him in this colony as in old England. If his witnesses were there, he would be able to leave the dock at that moment. He hoped that His Honour would protect him by seeing that his witnesses were served with subpoenas. "His H
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Chapter XC.
Chapter XC.
Peccator Videbit Et Irascetur; Dentibus Suis Fremet Et Tabescet: Desiderium Peccatorum Peribit. AT the end of Mr. Aspinall's able oration, the jury appeared to me, to be decidedly willing to let me go, with an admonition to sin no more: because Mr. Aspinall took the same line of defence as Mr. Michie, the counsel in the trial of John Manning; that is, he confessed to the riot, but laughed at the treason. However rashly the diggers had acted in taking up arms, however higgledy-piggledy had been t
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Chapter XCI.
Chapter XCI.
Accidenti Alle Spie. I WAS soon at the portal of the Supreme Court, a free man. I thought the people would have smothered me in their demonstrations of joy. Requesting silence, I stretched forth my right hand towards heaven, and with the earnestness of a Christian did pray as follows:—I hereby transcribe the prayer as written in pencil on paper whilst in gaol in the lower cell, No. 33. "LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, our Father in Heaven! we acknowledge our transgressions since we came into this our adopte
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Chapter XCII. & XCIII.
Chapter XCII. & XCIII.
TO LET, No. 33, LOWER CRIBS, IN WINTLE'S HOTEL, NORTH MELBOURNE. See 'Geelong Advertiser', November 18th. MACKAY v. HARRISON. 'Merci bien, je sors d'en prendre.' The pair of chapters will see darkness 'SINE DIE'; that is, if under another flag, also in another language. 'Hesperia! Quando Ego te Auspiciam? Quandoque Licebit Nunc Veterum Libris, Nunc Somno Et Inertibus Horis, Ducere Solicitae Licunda Oblivia Vitae.'...
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Chapter XCIV.
Chapter XCIV.
EXPLANATION, TO BE SUBMITTED TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA, LONDON, AND TO HIS HOLINESS PIUS IX., PONTIFEX MAXIMUS, ROME. BY MY BROTHER DON ANTONIO CARBONI, D.D., Head-master of the Grammar School, Coriano, Romagna. ——- 'Homo Sum, Nil Humani a me Alienum Puto.' How do I explain, that I allowed one full year to pass away before publishing my story, whilst many, soon after my acquittal, heard me in person, corroborate, not indeed boastingly, the impression that I was the identical br
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ELECTION. OLD SPOT, BAKERY-HILL, BALLAARAT.
ELECTION. OLD SPOT, BAKERY-HILL, BALLAARAT.
According to notice, a Public Meeting was held on Saturday, July 14th, 1855, for the election of nine fit and proper men to act as Members of the Local Court—the offspring of the Eureka Stockade. The Resident Warden in the Chair. Names of the Members elected for the FIRST LOCAL COURT, Ballaarat:- I. JAMES RYCE, elected Unanimously. II. ROBERT DONALD, elected Unanimously. III. CARBONI RAFFAELLO, elected Unanimously. IV. JOHN YATES, elected Unanimously. V. WILLIAM GREEN, elected Unanimously. VI. E
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Chapter XCVI.
Chapter XCVI.
Est Modus In Rebus: Sunt Certi Denique Fines, Quos Ultrae, Citraque Nequit Consistere Rectum. Have I anything more to say? Oh! yes, mate; a string of the realities of the things of this world. Some one who had been spouting, stumping, and blathering—known as moral-force 'starring'—in 'urbe et argo', for the benefit of the state prisoners, had for myself personally not humanity enough to attend to a simple request. He could afford to ride 'on coachey,' I had to tramp my way to Ballaarat. I wished
58 minute read
Chapter XCVII.
Chapter XCVII.
The End Of Men Whose Word Is Their Bond. (Per favour of 'The Times'.) "On the disgraced Sunday morning, December 3rd, whilst attending the wounded diggers at the London Hotel, I was arrested by seven troopers, handcuffed, and dragged to the Camp. On my arrival there, I was commanded to strip to the bare shirt; whilst so doing I was kicked, knocked about, and at last thrown into the lock-up by half-drunken troopers and soldiers. My money, clothes, and watertight boots, which were quite new, could
5 minute read
Chapter XCVIII.
Chapter XCVIII.
Sunt Tempora Nostra! That Is The Following From Toorak. Colonial Secretary's Office, Melbourne, October 8th, 1855. Sir,—Advertising to your correspondence (September 30th), in reply to my letter of the 20th ultimo, I am directed by His Excellency to state that government are compelled to adhere to fixed rules—THEY BY NO MEANS DOUBT THE VERACITY OF YOUR STATEMENT, but they have a duty to the public to perform, which imposes the necessity of never granting money in compensation, except when the cl
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Chapter XCIX.
Chapter XCIX.
Suppose I give now the kind (!) answer from Police-inspector HENRY FOSTER! it will give general satisfaction, I think:- Police Department, Ballaarat, Nov. 2, 1854. Sir,—In reply to your communication, dated 26th ultimo, on the subject of your having been deprived of your clothing during your arrest at this Camp, in December, 1855 [I think, Mr. Foster, it was in 1854] I have the honour to inform you, that to the best of my recollection, the clothing you wore when you were brought to the Camp cons
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Chapter C.
Chapter C.
WANTED—Stuff, Anyhow, For The Last Chapter. If 'The Age', always foremost in the cause of the digger, never mind his language or colour; if 'The Argus' would drop the appending 'a foreigner' to my name, and extend even unto me the old motto 'fair-play;' if 'The Herald' would set up the pedestal for me whom it has erected as a 'MONUMENT OF GRATITUDE;' I say, if the gentlemen Editors of the Melbourne Press, on the score of my being an old Collaborateur of the European Press, would for once give a
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