20 To this appeal from Port Phillip there came a prompt and favour able reply from Governor Arthur. “ Van Diemen’s Land, “ Colonial Secretary’s Office, ' “ 25th August, 1835. “ Sir,—Having submitted to the Lieutenant-Governor your letter of the 9th of July last, enclosing a Petition from William Buckley, a runaway convict recently discovered at Port Phiilip, after having been for some years domesticated with the natives of that part of the Coast of New Holland ; and His Excellency having considered the subject of your representation of this man’s conduct and the services he has rendered in promoting a friendly disposition between the Aborigines with whom he has been so long time associated, and the whites who have recently visited the coast of New Holland, I am directed to aequaint you, that the Lieutenant-Governor is doubt ful how far he is authorised to grant a free pardon to William Buckley, as he is not within the jurisdiction of this government, but His Excellency has notwithstanding acquiesced in the preparation of the usual instrument, in the hope, that from considerations of policy, the indulgence will be acceded to by His Majesty’s govern ment. “Iam further desired to inform you that the Lieutenant-Governor’s compliance with your request in this case, is founded upon a desire to prevent bloodshed, and with a view to remove any inducement on Buckley’s part to make common cause with the natives in the commission of any outrages upon the White Immigrants, which might lay the foundation of a war of extermination, and His Excellency also entertains the sanguine expectation, that if this man's energies and influence be well directed, the Aborigines may be so thoroughly conciliated as to ensure a lasting amity between them and the present or any future Immigrants to that part of the coast of New Holland. “Iam further to signify the desire of His Excellency, tnat it may be distinctly understood, that the reasons stated in this letter, form the only grounds for the present concession which must not be
