Risdon Cove 1803-1804

Store Keepers Hut remains at Risdon Cove totally overgrown and almost unrecognisable. The fence is 90% down and lost in the long grass and the remains of the fireplace can't be seen. If you didn't know it was there you wouldn't even be able to find it now. The signage that once told visitors who the store keeper was (Thomas Wilson) and what he did at the settlement once stood there, was then knocked down and left on the ground and can't be seen at all now so it's probably been taken away altogether now. So the monument, the store house site and the store keepers hut and the area zoned 'public access' is going to need cleaning up and brand new signage put up. Something we will pay for and just do ourselves in the coming weeks. Clearly nobody else is going to do it.

The authors of the soon to be released book 'Truth Telling at Risdon Cove' visited the site today and what a mess it is. Bowen's Monument is a disgrace, needs cleaning and minor repairs, the remains of Wilson's hut are so over grown you wouldn't even find them if you didn't know where to look, the fence around it is completely trashed and the signage gone. The landing stage steps are covered in mud and over grown and it won't be long now the support beams have been removed that it will soon fall into the creek. The creek is badly in need of dredging and the remains of the stone store house behind the monument are totally overgrown with long grass. The site is suppose to be open during daylight hours but the boom gates were closed? It is an interesting time now with truth telling and treaty being tabled.........food for thought.

Well........on the track of writing up the history of the first four convicts to die and be buried in VDL (at Risdon Cove) and after four emails, a phone call, and today, a visit, still no response from TMAG regarding sending me a copy of the report they hold on the convict skeletal remains found at Risdon Cove 100 years ago and still in their collection. As I said to the receptionist today (and no of course she is not to blame but) if I didn't get back to someone making enquiries for over a month where I work, I wouldn't have a job for long. It's not good enough. I certainly hope, for their sake, they address this issue in the next week.

Prof Lyndall Ryan is in for a shock when she see the new evidence regarding Risdon Cove......https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-16/aboriginal-people-genocidal-killings-massacre-map-nt-wa/100913106?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=facebook&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web&fbclid=IwAR2LPp8sJVgDj4XTs79LDLSYfj9M9lKQUPQ5IP5tjUBEB36Aj5p7LQ6cGPQ

Massacres of Aboriginal people carried out 'on an industrial scale', new research says A pattern of "brutal" reprisals and "genocidal killings" began to emerge in the late 19th and 20th centuries as thousands of Aboriginal people were murdered in colonial times, new research suggests.

'Truth Telling' is going to be an important topic in Tasmania this year, and in terms of European/Indigenous history it really begins with Risdon Cove, the site of the first British settlement. It is becoming alarmingly clear that the history of Risdon Cove is not understood, and there are even calls for the Bowen Bridge to be renamed because the understanding the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community appear to have is that Lt. John Bowen was responsible for the deaths of 50 or more Indigenous people, men, women and children, at Risdon Cove on May 3rd 1804. This version of history is completely false as Lt. John Bowen was not present at Risdon Cove, and was not aware of anything that took place until his return and there is absolutely no evidence beyond hearsay to account for the deaths of 50 or more Indigenous people. This incorrect history is being told to the general public now, as in this interview with Nala Mansell on ABC radio. There can be no truth telling based on lies.
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/hobart/programs/breakfast/nala-mansell-risdon-cove/13371624

It's our land but we have to retain the memorial to a man who led soldiers against us Nala Mansell shares some of the triumph and complexities of piyura kitina

From this early art work we get a good idea of what the stone storehouse actually looked like. Date unknown.

Remains of the stone storehouse behind the Bowen Monument. The remains of the brick floor are still there but are covered in storehouse rubble and long grass now. The bricks came to Risdon Cove from NSW as ballast on the ships Albion and Lady Nelson.

These are the various designs submitted for the Bowen Monument.

Flash Back #6 Postal history 2004, when the Govt. denied the history of Risdon Cove and decided Tasmania's history spanned 1804-2004, not 1803-2003.

Flash Back #5 - Postal history, when Risdon Cove was recognised as an historic site by Government.

A group of researchers says it has uncovered evidence “debunking”
claims that one of Australia’s worst Aboriginal massacres occurred at Hobart’s founding site.

History books have stated a massacre of 30-50 Aborigines occurred at Risdon Cove on May 3, 1804, in a bloody prelude to the Black Wars. Two British officials involved reported the deaths of three or four “natives”, but in 1830 an ex-convict, Edward White, told an inquiry into frontier conflict that he witnessed a “great many” deaths.

White’s “eyewitness” account has been used since to justify claims of up to 200 deaths or even the butchering of “a whole tribe”, as well as inclusion on historian Lyndall Ryan’s national massacre map.

However, a group of amateur and professional historians has conducted an exhaustive search of convict lists and other archival material and found no evidence for any Edward White being at Risdon Cove, or anywhere in Van Diemen’s Land, until many years later.

Researcher Scott Seymour said his group had discovered the Edward White identified as the eyewitness in a 2003 history of Risdon Cove by author Phillip Tardif could not have been – because he was dead.

“The Edward White that Tardif and other historians tell us about as having arrived on the ship Atlas and having been at Risdon Cove in fact didn’t survive the journey from Britain to NSW,” Mr Seymour said. “He died on the way.”

Every list of those present at Risdon Cove – including one relied on in the Tardif publication – contained no Edward White, Mr Seymour said.
Mr Tardif could not be contacted, but Professor Ryan said an absence of White from records did not mean he was not present.

“To claim that Edward White was not a witness to the massacre is
ridiculous,” she said.

“None of the 19th century historians … query White’s testimony. If White was a fake, he would have been exposed long ago.

“This is the latest in a long line of massacre deniers.”

All lists of convicts present in VDL from 1803 to 1805 contained no
Edward White, with the name not appearing in records until 1818.
Similarly, lists of first inhabitants at Risdon Cove and Hobart contained no Edward White.

An Edmund White, whom Mr Seymour said “fits the bill” as the 1830 committee witness – “Edmund” interchangeable for “Edward” did not appear in VDL records until 1811.

The researchers – who in April will publish a book detailing their findings believe the White who gave evidence to the 1830 inquiry, rather than being an eyewitness, was regurgitating stories circulated in the preceding 26 years.

“We’ve turned three or four people who were killed – a tragedy that
shouldn’t have happened – into a massacre of a whole tribe,” Mr Seymour said.
Aboriginal activist Michael Mansell agreed with Prof Ryan, saying those responsible for the killings – the basis of Risdon Cove being handed back to Aborigines in 1995 – had “plenty of reason to downplay their actions”.

“Observing White at the hearing, rather than reconstructing a tale 200 years later, the committee saw White as a credible witness,” Mr Mansell said.
“This (new) book seeks to reconstruct a convenient version of events, 200 years later. Credibility is the key issue here".

First Convict Deaths VDL.

When Colonel David Collins (later Lt. Gov. Collins) arrived at Risdon Cove in Feb.1804 he didn't stay long, just over night in fact, before making his way to the location chosen by Surveyor James Meehan as being most suitable for a settlement, Sullivan's Cove. Collins left behind a number of very sick convicts, under the care of Surgeon Jacob Mountgarrett, but four of these men would die and were buried at Rison Cove, making these the very first convict deaths and burials in VDL. The names of the four men were - Jonathon Spencer, Thomas Traherne, James Johnson and William Lewis.

Flash Back #4....

Flash Back #3 - 1904.

Flash Back #2 - September 1953.

Flash Back #1 - circa 1980. A guide to the historic site of Risdon Cove.

VDL First convicts escape.

Just six weeks after arriving in September 1803, seven convicts led by John Duce escaped from Risdon Cove. These men represent the very first convicts to escape from VDL.

Under the cover of darkness and knowing that Lt. Bowen had to leave the settlements only boat on the point due to bad weather, Duce along with William Esum, Joseph Culver, James Smith, John Harris, William Privet and Thomas Mullens, made their dash for freedom.

They managed to get as far as the Bass Strait islands where they fell in with sealers and whalers, many were never heard of again with John Harris eventually being captured and returned to VDL.

We have a more detailed report from Harris should anyone want to read it.

One of the earliest letters from Lt. Bowen to Gov. King after the settlement was officially named 'Hobart'. Most people simply do not know that the present day location of Hobart is not the first.

Surveyor James Meehan arrived to Risdon Cove in November 1803 to survey the settlement and surrounding areas. Using his survey notes the following map of the Risdon Cove settlement was made, it was once able to be viewed at the tourist/visitor centre on the site now long gone.. A short time later the settlement was officially named 'Hobart'.

List of people, stocks etc for Risdon Cove -

Lieut. John Bowen of the Royal Navy, - Commandant.
Mr. Jacob Mountgarrett - Surgeon.
(Appointed Magistrate)
Mr. Wilson, Storekeeper.

A Corporal and eight privates of the New South Wales Corps.
William Birt, a free settler from England.
Wm. Clark, free settler, reduced soldier of the N.S.W. Corps.

Twenty one male convicts. ten female convicts and two children.

Eight months provisions for the above number of people, with an
ample assortment of stores, Clothing and necessaries, divided
between the two vessels.
Nine cows.
One bull.
Twenty five ewes and two rams.

Instruction to Lt. Bowen from Gov. King prior to leaving for VDL.

Be careful respecting the people's provisions that they get their ration given clear, i.e., four pounds of pork and seven pounds of biscuit a week.

The whole must labour from daylight till sunset, allowing one hour to breakfast and two hours to dinner, except task work is found more eligible.

The slops are to be issued in December and June, i.e., a suit twice a year at those times. Regular returns of the state of the settlement—the same of stock and employment of people—must always be forwarded.

The storekeeper must give you weekly returns of the issue and remains of provisions in store, specifying the number of weeks it will last at the established ration.

Every attention must be paid, after you are secured, to get as much ground ready as possible for sowing wheat next year, i.e., about April, before which time seed wheat will be sent, with a further supply of provisions; but I would recommend your being as saving as possible, as accidents may prevent these supplies arriving in due time.

When I am informed of your present prospects, more ample instructions will be sent you. You must take especial care that the stores and establishment are never left without yourself, Mr.Mountgarrett, or Mr. Wilson being present, and at least four of the soldiers; and it will be advisable that the arms of absent soldiers, as well as the arms you are charged with, should be secured.

To remember that Capt. Bunker returns me the printed chart, including Basses Straits and Van Dieman's Land, and the book. The other of the Derwent River, etc., you may keep for your own use.

It will be a great object to search for coals.

If you take any shelled maize for the cattle on the passage, care should be taken to prevent it from heating, as the cattle will not eat it.

Two soldiers to be constantly on deck with a pistol and side arms. Birt may make the Sergeant. If boats are put off to catch fish every convict must be handcuffed and confined below until the boats return. Birt to issue provisions under Mr. Bowen's inspection. To search the convicts for knives, etc., on the passage and examine irons every morning.

You will not implicate yourself by promising any land.
You must take time to look around and see what is the most eligible situation for building's and fortifications hereafter, er****on of wind and water mills, etc.

There is no objection to your allotting small portions of ground, where your buildings are to be, to yourself, officers, and people for gardens; but they are to understand they can have no decided property in it whatever; nor shall I attend to any requests, either here or from your settlement, until I am furnished with your plans and report of ground, in which you will consult the formal instructions I have given you.

I have furnished you with a mainsail for a tent for yourself and to lodge the provisions and stores in until eligible places can be erected. I would have you, on first landing; appoint three or four men to erect tent-huts for the prisoners and officers.

It will be absolutely necessary for you to begin about a place immediately to secure the cattle and sheep, and take care it is sufficiently high and strong to prevent them from breaking out. It is my particular direction that every man, except a servant for yourself, one for the surgeon, one for the storekeeper, and one to carry wood and water for the guard, are kept employed at the public labour in securing the provisions and stores, and building huts for the people; nor can you or the surgeon expect to have more than one man each until you hear further from me.

Footage and historical storyline of the archaeological dig at Risdon Cove back in 79/80 by Angela McGowan and her team. A few historical errors in the narration (May 4th should have been May 3rd) but an interesting video nonetheless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ5d7KWpDJc

Impressions of a Colony (1979) Documents Tasmania's birth as a colony with early pictures of Hobart Town, including archaeological excavations at Bowen Park. Please be advised that this fo...

Lt. John Bowen's Passing Certificate details....

LIEUTENANT BOWEN TO GOVERNOR KING.
Risdon Cove, 20th September, 1803

After a passage of twelve days we arrived in the Derwent, ourselves all well, but the cattle very indifferent, the effects of a severe gale on the second day we left Port Jackson, which, notwithstanding Captain Bunker did everything in his power, even so far as heaving the ships to for their safety, bruised them so much that we lost one cow, three sheep, and four lambs. Much more stock was lost belonging to myself and the settlers. Upon the whole I have been the greatest sufferer.

On the Friday after we sailed, it being calm, Captain Bunker was fortunate enough to kill three s***m whales, and it being light unfavourable weather, we anchored three days successively about Oyster Island, and was baffled with light winds two days in Frederick Henry Bay; however, on Sunday the 12th, to my great satisfaction, I found the Lady Nelson in Risdon Cove, having been so fortunate to arrive five days before us.

As I have not had time enough even to form a general plan, I shall only relate my proceedings and opinion of the place since I have been here; there are so many fine spots on the borders of the river that I was a little puzzled to fix upon the best place, but there being a much better stream of fresh water falling into Risdon Cove than into any of the others, and very extensive valleys laying at the back of it, I judged it the most convenient, and accordingly disembarked all the men and stores, and have been since wholly employed in securing ourselves from the weather. We are situated on a hill commanding a perfect view of the river and the land, with the fresh water at the foot of it; the land excellent.

I have been up the river rather higher than Captain Flinders went and have examined Herdsman's Cove, which I am of opinion will be the best place for the settlers, the Derwent being perfectly fresh all above it. The banks are more like a Nobleman's Park in England than an uncultivated country; every part is beautifully green and very little trouble might clear every valley I have seen in a month; there are very few rocky spots except on the high hills, and in many places the plough might be used immediately, but our workmen are very few and very bad. I could with ease employ one hundred men upon the land about us; and with that number, some good men among them, we should soon be a flourishing colony.

The Soldiers I have got are very discontented and appear to have had too easy a life for their present employment. I have only one sentry in the day and two at night, which they call very hard duty, and give me some trouble to put them to rights.
I should wish, if any more persons come down, to see an officer or a very active, sergeant with them, as the present party will be of very little use even with my present establishment.

I have not seen a single native yet, but some of the people found them on our first arrival, but they appeared very shy and have since retired entirely from us; not apprehending they would be of any use to us I have not made any search after them, thinking myself well off if I never see them again.

Our provisions and stores are pretty correct, except a little damaged sugar and flour before it was landed, which I intend to send back in the Lady Nelson, who will sail from this in about a fortnight, by which time I shall have the returns ready and shall be able to furnish you with a plan of our settlement.

JOHN BOWEN.

1904. The 100th anniversary of first settlement should have been held in 1903, but due to a smallpox outbreak large public gatherings were banned. I think we can all relate to this now more so than ever.

On the 28th of August 1803, the Lady Nelson set sail for Risdon Cove, the Albion with the young Lt .Bowen on board sailed, two days later. The Porpoise, one of the ships first mentioned by Gov. King, was sent on other business and did not make the journey.

The Lady Nelson arrived off Storm Bay in the afternoon of September 4th and moored in Risdon Cove in the afternoon of the 8th. The Albion did not anchor there until the morning of the 11th.

Bowen had little choice concerning the site of the settlement, following the strict reading of Governor King's instructions, he was ordered to fix "on a proper place about Risdon's Cove."

Arriving at Risdon Cove with Bowen and his mistress Martha Hayes, were forty seven other people.

Jacob Mountgarrett (Surgeon), Thomas Wilson, one Lance-Sergeant, and seven privates, William (called Aaron by Collins) Birt, and his wife.

William Clark (called Richard Clarke by Collins), and his wife, Thomas Smith (an overseer from Grose farm at Sydney),
twenty one male convicts and three female convicts, one with a child; three women and four children accompanied the N.S.W. Corps.

GOVERNOR KING'S INSTRUCTIONS TO LIEUTENANT BOWEN.
28th March, 1803.

Instructions for John Bowen, Esq're, Commandant and Superintendent of the settlement to be formed in the River Derwent, on Van Diemen’s Land.

With these Instructions you will receive my appointment for commanding and superintending the settlement intended to be formed at the River Derwent on Van Diemen's Land; and to obey all such orders as you shall from time to time receive from me, His Majesty's Governor-in-Chief and Captain-General of the territory of New South Wales and its dependencies, or from the Lieutenant-Governor in my absence, or other officer administering the Government for the time being.

You are, therefore, to proceed in His Majesty's armed vessel Porpoise, or Lady Nelson, tender, whose commanders have my orders to receive you, with the men, women, stores, and provisions necessary for forming the intended settlement; and, having fixed on a proper place about Risdon's Cove, you are to take upon you
the ex*****on of the trust reposed in you, causing my appointment to be publicly read.

Lt. William Moore - arrived in Port Jackson on the 11th of February, 1796, on the ship Marquis Cornwallis as ensign of a detachment of the New South Wales Corps. He had experience of the difficulties of colonial administration on the outward voyage in an attempted insurrection of the convicts, assisted by some of the military. In New South Wales, he was stationed at Parramatta and Sydney, and in 1802 was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. In1801, he obtained a land grant from Governor King, and participated in the discussions after the duel between John Macarthur and his commanding officer, William Paterson.

In October, 1803, he was sent to Risdon Cove in charge of the second detachment of military and convicts for the settlement.

Jacob Mountgarrett - (1773-1828), colonial surgeon. He was admitted as a member of the Company of Surgeons, London, on 17 May 1798, and thus qualified as a naval surgeon third rate, for he had been in the navy since 1790, and had seen service in the Mediterranean and at Cape St Vincent. After being paid off in 1802, he joined H.M.S.Glatton carrying convicts to New South Wales, as surgeon. He arrived in March 1803 and was immediately appointed surgeon to the new settlement proposed at the Derwent.

Lt. John Bowen RN - (1780-1827), naval officer and superintendent, was baptized on 14 February 1780 at Ilfracombe, Devon, England, the son of James Bowen (1751-1835), a master in the navy and later rear admiral, and his wife Elizabeth.

He began his naval career in March 1794 and served in several ships before February 1798 when he graduated from the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, and as a midshipman joined the Argo, which was commanded by his father.

Except for a brief period from June to December 1801 Bowen remained with the Argo until April 1802 when as a lieutenant he joined the Lancaster, Sir Roger Curtis's flagship on the Cape of Good Hope Station. His next appointment was in H.M.S.Glatton, carrying convicts to New South Wales. He arrived at Port Jackson on 11 March 1803 and Governor Philip Gidley King soon appointed him to relieve Joseph Foveaux at Norfolk Island.

This appointment was cancelled a few days later, and Bowen offered his services to form the settlement which King had previously decided to establish at Risdon Cove, Van Diemen's Land.

Welcome to Risdon Cove 1803-1804. The historical information you will find here has been gathered from archives around the world over the last decade. The research is likely to continue for at least the remainder of 2022.