QSA847127 1884 Telegram from M Joseph to David Seymour 1 August, In letter 84:5406 Colonial Secretarys Office In Letters DR78016

Electric Telegraph Queensland

Wds 91

Amt 7/9 OHMS

From Cooktown 1 h 40 m

Dated 1 8 1884

Message for Commr Police BNE

Man named Steve Barry engaged fishing on island thirty (30) miles north Cooktown missing since twenty fifth ulto on this date he left his station in the cutter Ruby for a reef ten miles distant with crew of seven 7 blackboys leaving his mate Captain Johnston & one blackboy on island Cutter & dingy joined ashore three 3 miles south Cooktown thirtieth 30th ulto

abandoned strong suspicion that Barry has been murdered by his crew as there are marks of blood on tarpaulin & deck of boat & no trace of him can be found

M Joseph

pro Inspr