QSA17980 1897 Letter from James Whiteford to James Lamond 30 May, Correspondence and papers relating to "The Queensland Aborigines", Home Secretarys Department In Letters, DR58319

Cook District, Musgrave Station 30th May 1897.

Sergeant Jas. Whiteford F 21 Reports that he left his Station on the morning of the 25th of the month (in company with Inspector Lamond and seven Trackers) taking a Bullock to kill for the blacks who had mustered up at the Five Mile Creek to meet the Inspector. On arriving at the Five Mile we were met by 150 blacks there was a much larger mob close by but they were shy and did not shew up.

The Sergeant by his Inspector's instructions shot the Bullock and the Blacks were not long in cutting same up and taking it away.

Inspector Lamond interviewed the Blacks and gave them some tobacco, the Inspector also promised the kings that he would get them a brass plate to be worn as a badge of kingship the trackers were allowed by the Inspector to have a friendly half hour's chat with the Blacks and when we were leaving the Blacks gave the Inspector three cheers in their own language to show him that they appreciated what is being done for them.

From the Five Mile the Sergeant escorted Inspector Lamond to Koolburra and at Koolburra the Inspector purchased some remounts and he gave the Sergeant six fine horses for the Musgrave. The Sergeant on his way back from Koolburra went down the Morehead and met a mob a 30 blacks

Inspector Lamond Police Station Cooktown.

blacks gave them some Tobacco and then patrolled through Bush and arrived at his station on the 29th instant.

(Sgd.) Jas. Whiteford. Sergeant Reg. No. 310