Correspondence with the Colonial Secretary's Office

to believe, under very suspicious circumstances on Hinchinbrook and Dunk Islands, and in the vicinity of the Johnstone River.

Having entered into a compact to "recruit" in company, upon arrival here they drafted those "boys" and gins after the manner of sheep, each captain casting lots for nine, (9), mixed sexes, without reference to the inclinations or feelings naturally induced by the filial or friendly instinct of the parties concerned, some of whom, I know, manifested a strong aversion to their separation.

Amongst those who fell to the lot of Captain Webb of the "Pride of the Logan" was a girl of 11 or perhaps 12 years old - a mere Child comparatively - who must have received shameful treatment on the voyage between Hinchinbrook and Cooktown, as one Steve Barry, who belonged to the "Reindeer" tender proceeded on board Webb's vessel, took forcible possession of this Child, claimed her as his own, and actually dragged her by the arm through the main thoroughfare of this town, despite my remonstrances, until he lodged or secreted her in a public house, incidently [sic] for very discreditable purposes.

[written lengthwise, in right margin] If the employment of girls by these fellows were prohibited the worst feature in the [remainder of text illegible]

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