FL661537

a few of the
Wellington tribe was taken one night by
surprise by some few of the Macquarie tribe &
one of the Wellington Blacks slain before he
could find time to defend himself. What
followed afterwards I could not fully ascertain
but I believe the Wellington tribe killed
again some of the Lower Macquarie tribe in
return. Thus you will observe
with what cruelty these savages carry out
their feuds. (We cannot perhaps much wonder
at it, as similar things have occurred
among more civilized nations, not many
centuries hence).
Now a few words about the condition of the
^ Polygamy
women among these savages. ^ Woman could scarce
be more degraded or live in a more slavish
condition than [word crossed out] these poor Black gins.
as they are commonly called. Frequently they
^or as very young girls
are betrothed in their infancy, ^ it mey be
to a man more than old enough to be their
father who if he lives till she arrives at
womanhood will take her to himself. There are