69 THE ASSOCIATION AND GOVERNMENT. On the return of Batman to Van Diemen’s Land, he forwarded a report of his voyage and doings, with a map of the country he had hastily observed. It thus commences.—“ It occurred to myself and some gentlemen who were associated with me, that inasmuch as the Sydney natives who were living with me had become well acquainted with the English language and manners, and had acquired habits of industry and agricultural pursuits, they might, therefore, be considered partially civilized; and as the available lands in this colony were oc cupied by flocks of sheep, and fully stocked, it would be a favourable opportunity of opening a direct friendly intercourse with the tribes in the neighbourhood of Port Phillip, and by obtaining from them a grant of a portion of that territory, on equitable principles, not only might the sources of this colony be considerably extended, but the object of civilization be established ; and which in process of time would lead to the civilization of a large portion of the aborigines of that ex tensive country. Here we see the William Penn principle imitated The English Government may claim a sovereign right over a region, hut some deference should be paid to the moral rights of the native in habitants, however degraded soever they may be. The Association recognized the duty of colonists to elevate and bless the ancient lords of the soil. The letter thus enters into particulars of the first meeting with the natives, as previously detailed by us. The conclusion of the report we give entire, because of its reference to the celebrated treaty, and the moral basis of the contemplated establishment. “ I have the honor of enclosing herewith a copy of each of the deeds executed by the natives to me, which I confidently trust will most clearly manifest that I have proceeded upon an equitable principle; that my object has not been possession and expulsion, or, what is worse, extermination, but possession and civilization ; and the reserva tion of the annual tribute to those who are owners of the soil, will afford evidence of the sincerity of my professions, in wishing to pro tect and civilize these tribes of benighted but intelligent people ; and I confidently trust that the British Government wLl duly appreciate the treaty which I have made with these tribes, and will not in any manner molest the arrangements I have made, but that I shall receive
