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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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