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I Cook Cooktown July 6th 1887
[Stamp: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE 04,777. QUEENSLAND 19.JUL. 87]
Inspector Murray Cooktown
Sir,
I have the honour to report that in accordance with your in-structions I left Cooktown on the twentyfifth of June in the cutter Eileen calling at Cape Bedford Mission Station in order to obtain an interpreter and from thence sailed for the Three Islands [in margin: 22 miles Nth Cooktown] where we anchored for the night.
On the 26th June we sailed up coast searching for remains of boat taken by blacks. Self and troopers landed and walked to Murdock Point reaching there [in margin: 70 miles Nth Cooktown] on the 28th Left there on the 29th for Browns point got wood and water and anchored for night.
On the 30th Self and troopers again landed instructing the captain of the Eileen to wait at Noble Island. [in margin: 80 miles Nth Cooktown] We came on the blacks who stole the boat camped in the mangroves the blacks retreated into the scrub leaving firearms and ammunition belonging to murdered man in camp On the following day we again proceeded up the coast and found the missing boat ashore The boat not being injured we went on board and set sail for
[In margin stamp: COMMISSIONER POLICE 331/87 O COOKTOWN]
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Noble Island and from thence proceeded to Cooktown reaching that place on the 5th July at 12 p.m.
I have the honour to be Sir your obedient servant (signed) Jocelyn Brooke 2/c S.I.
List of property recovered from blacks
1. boat and sails complete 1. Snider Rifle and ammunition 1. Revolver and ammunition 1. Purse containing 2s/8d 1. Chart 1. Razor Clothing &c.
The Commissioner of Police For your information all property recovered except clothing is property of owner of the Boat Fred. J. Murray Insp 1/c Cooktown 11 July 1887.
B.C. 235/87